Samsung to expand One UI 3.0 beta to Galaxy Z Fold 2, Z Flip 5G, S10, and Note 10 series

After rolling out One UI 3.0 public beta builds for the Galaxy S20 series early last month, Samsung extended the One UI 3.0 beta program to the Galaxy Note 20 series. While these devices are yet to receive their first stable One UI 3.0 build based on Android 11, Samsung has now announced that it will be expanding the One UI 3.0 beta program to include a few more devices.

According to recent posts on Samsung Korea’s community forums, the One UI 3.0 beta program will soon be available for the company’s latest foldable devices — the Galaxy Z Fold 2 and Galaxy Z Flip 5G. Although the posts don’t mention an exact date for the same, we expect the One UI 3.0 beta update for the devices to roll out sometime in the coming weeks.

Along with the Galaxy Z Fold 2 and Galaxy Z Flip 5G, Samsung is also extending the One UI 3.0 beta to some of its older flagships, including the Galaxy S10 series and the Galaxy Note 10 series. The company has shared similar posts announcing the beta release for these devices and, they too, don’t mention a release date.

Once the One UI 3.0 beta update rolls out for these devices, you should see a banner announcing the release in the Samsung Members app. You can tap on the banner to register for the beta program and then tap on the enroll button on the following page. The app will then take a few minutes to process your enrollment, after which you should receive the One UI 3.0 beta update on your device.

Samsung is expected to set up One UI 3.0 update threads for each of these devices on its forums, where beta testers will be able to share their feedback on the open beta release. We will share the links for the threads as soon as the beta update goes live for all of the devices mentioned above.

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Google will enable DSDS support with 5G in a future update for the Pixel 5 and Pixel 4a 5G

One of the more under-appreciated features of the Pixel 5 and Pixel 4a 5G is support for Dual SIM Dual Standby (DSDS). The feature allow users to use two SIMs (one physical and one eSIM) to make calls and texts through one carrier and use data-only on the other. Unfortunately, the devices are limited to 4G networks when both SIMs are enabled, but that is apparently about to change.

Google’s own support page explains that the Pixel 4a 5G and Pixel 5 only support 4G connectivity when both SIMs are provisioned.

Important: Pixel 5 and Pixel 4a (5G) phones with two SIMs in use will fall back to 4G networks. To connect to 5G networks, temporarily turn off the SIM that isn’t set to use data.

However, a code change posted to the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) suggests Google is configuring both devices to support DSDS and 5G networks. AOSP is open source and allows contributions from all developers, but the change came from Google’s own team and has been merged.

The commit description specifically refers to changing the device configuration for “Bramble,” which is the codename for the Pixel 4a 5G. However, the code that’s being changed is under the device tree for “Redbull,” which is the codename for the shared device tree for the Pixel 5 (codename “Redfin”) and Pixel 4a 5G. So, it’s likely both devices will support DSDS and 5G networks whenever the change ends up in a public build.

This commit was just merged, so we don’t know when exactly this will be enabled on the Pixel 5 and Pixel 4a 5G. But it could happen when Google rolls out a security update in December.

Google Pixel 4a 5G Forums ||| Google Pixel 5 Forums

DSDS capabilities have been supported by Google devices since the Pixel 3a. But supporting DSDS and 5G networks simultaneously would be new territory for the company.

Thanks to XDA Recognized Developer luca020400 for the tip!

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Best Google Pixel 4a 5G deals: Where to pre-order Google’s new affordable 5G phone

The Google Pixel 4a 5G has been officially unveiled by Google, and it is impressive. Costing only $499 and releasing November 19, Google’s latest in the cheaper Pixel ‘a’ line gives people an affordable solution to getting on a 5G network. The Pixel 4a 5G isn’t just inexpensive; it’s a great smartphone, too. With a Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G, a 3,885mAh battery, and sporting Android 11 out of the box, those that want an upgrade but can’t afford to shell out $1,000 (or more!) on leading flagships can find a great compromise here.

$499 is a pretty reasonable price for this phone, but there are always Google Pixel 4a 5G deals and promotions to take advantage of, especially before the device’s release. We’ve rounded up the best pre-order deals below!

Where to Buy the Google Pixel 4a

If you want an unlock Google Pixel 4a 5G, you can go with Amazon, Best Buy, or the Google Store. For carriers, you can go with Verizon or AT&T.

Best Unlocked Google Pixel 4a 5G Deals

Looking for an unlocked Google Pixel 4a 5G? You can pick one up from Best Buy or Amazon, or go straight to the Google Store!

Amazon

You could go with other retailers, but you can’t beat that Amazon ease. Pre-order your Pixel 4a 5G from Amazon to get it right on release day. No fuss! If you pre-order now and Amazon puts the phone on sale before release, their Pre-Order Guarantee assures that you’ll automatically get that discount as well, without needing to cancel and re-order. If you have an Amazon Prime Rewards Visa, you can also pay $41.67 a month for 12 months, interest-free.

Google Pixel 4a 5G

At Amazon, you can pre-order the Google Pixel 4a 5G hassle-free! Grab one today and enjoy release date delivery and Amazon's Pre-Order Guarantee.

Buy at Amazon

Best Buy

Right now at Best Buy, you can pick up the Pixel 4a 5G unlocked or with Verizon. If you go with the unlocked phone, you can save $50 by activating today! Unfortunately, you don’t save by going with Verizon, but the option is there if you want a hassle-free time.

Google Pixel 4a 5G

Head over to Best Buy and activate your Google Pixel 4a 5G today and save $50! You can also go with a Verizon carrier phone, but you will have to pay full price.

save $50 at Best Buy

Google Store

Sometimes you can’t beat going directly to the source for your Pixel 4a 5G! The Google Store offers a 24-month, 0% APR payment plan, so you can pay $20.79 a month. Also, you can trade-in your phone, even if it’s from another company, to help bring down the cost even more. You’ll also get three free months of Google One with your new phone, which is a necessity if you’re engrained in the Google ecosystem.

Google Pixel 4a 5G

Pick up your Google Pixel 4a 5G from the Google Store, and you can pay $20.79 a month for 24 months. Also, get three months of Google One for free!

$20.79/mo at Google Store

Best Carrier Google Pixel 4a 5G Deals

Right now, the Google Pixel 4a 5G is available at Verizon and AT&T. Check back here later on for more carrier deals!

Verizon

If you go with Verizon, you’ll be able to get the Google Pixel 4a 5G UW! You’ll have to pay more for the UWB and mmWave support, with the MSRP being $600. As for promotions, if you buy the phone online, you’ll get half off your activation fee, and you can opt-in to save $150 on an Android tablet.

Google Pixel 4a 5G UW

At Verizon, you can pick up the Google Pixel 4a 5G UW for $600! This version of the Pixel 5 has UWD and mmWave support. You can also buy the phone and save $150 on an Android tablet!

$600 at Verizon

AT&T

Are you a fan of AT&T? You can grab your Google Pixel 4a 5G there! For a limited time, you can pay $10 a month for 30 month on their payment plan. If you have an eligible trade-in, you can get that price down to $5 a month! Finally, if you think you’ll want to upgrade before the 30 months are up, you can sign up for the Next Up program. This allows you to turn in your phone once you’ve paid for half of the phone.

Google Pixel 4a 5G

Sign up for AT&T's 30 month payment plan to save! If you have an eligible device to trade in, you can pay only $5 a month. Also, you can sign up for AT&T's Next Up program, which will allow you to turn in your phone for an upgrade when it's 50% paid for.

Starting at $5/mo at AT&T

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Google’s Personal Safety app for Pixel phones will let you send status updates during emergencies

Google’s Personal Safety app, which is available exclusively for Pixel phones, has introduced a new section called “Emergency Sharing.” In that new section is a settings page called “Status updates,” which will alert emergency contacts when a certain action is taken.

For example, you can alert an emergency contact when a phone call is made, when an emergency phone call is made, and when your battery dips below 15%. Real-time location sharing is turned on by default, because it’s the core purpose of the Personal Safety app.

For anyone who used the outgoing Trusted Contacts app, the new features in the Personal Safety app will sound familiar. Google’s Trusted Contacts app contained a lot of neat features, including the ability to schedule location alerts. Google ultimately announced it would discontinue Trusted Contacts, with the location tracking feature being integrated into Google Maps.

The images are via Android Police.

In addition to features like real-time location sharing and safety checks, the Personal Safety app also features notifications for natural disasters and public emergencies, and can detect when you’ve been in a car crash. You can also input medical info that could be helpful to first responders. While we’re happy to see the Personal Safety app receive more updates, we’re a little upset they’re exclusive to Pixel devices, especially when the Trusted Contacts app could be downloaded by many other Android phones.

Even still, the new status updates are a great way for friends and family to keep in touch, especially with winter approaching. You might not have plans to travel this holiday season, but you can still keep a close eye on someone from across the country and take appropriate action thanks to these new alerts.

The new status updates are arriving following a recent update, so you might not need to do anything in order to see the new features.

Personal Safety (Free, Google Play) →

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Android Auto 5.8 prepares to let you change the wallpaper and tests Google Assistant shortcuts

Android Auto currently doesn’t allow users to change the system’s wallpaper, and the only way to do so is to have root access. That’s not exactly the most accessible solution for most users, which is why we’re happy to report there will soon be a much easier way.

An APK teardown can often predict features that may arrive in a future update of an application, but it is possible that any of the features we mention here may not make it in a future release. This is because these features are currently unimplemented in the live build and may be pulled at any time by the developers in a future build.

According to new strings in Android Auto version 5.8.604354, it looks like Google is preparing to introduce a small amount of customization. Users will seemingly have the option to choose from a handful of pre-made wallpapers, which it must be said all look fantastic. It’s unclear if Google plans to allow users to be able to set a custom background, like a picture from their phone, in the future.

Here are the strings hinting at this feature:

<string name="custom_wallpaper_selection_title">Wallpaper selection</string>
<string name="settings_choose_wallpaper">Choose wallpaper</string>
<string name="wallpaper_title_black">Black</string>
<string name="wallpaper_title_blobs">Blobs</string>
<string name="wallpaper_title_default">Mountains</string>
<string name="wallpaper_title_droplets">Droplets</string>
<string name="wallpaper_title_dusk">Dusk</string>
<string name="wallpaper_title_warp">Warp</string>
<string name="wallpaper_title_wave">Wave</string>

Many of the options are dark and moody, conveying an abstract aesthetic that goes well with Android Auto’s design. They don’t have the most creative names, but you get the idea. My personal favorite is “Blobs,” and I also really like “Dusk.”

While the backgrounds add a bit of color, you should still be able to see app icons, media controls, and more just fine, but now there will be an added layer of style. Apple recently added wallpapers to its CarPlay platform, allowing users to choose from a handful of pre-made options.

With evidence suggesting Google is preparing to add new wallpapers to Android Auto, hopefully, we’ll see an update with the option soon. For now, you can see the wallpapers yourself down below and decide which one you want to use once the feature is finally available.

The addition of wallpapers isn’t the only new feature seemingly coming to Android Auto. Earlier, we analyzed Android Auto version 5.7 and found that Google was preparing to add support for letting you add a shortcut to a Google Assistant command in Android Auto. In Android Auto version 5.8, we managed to get this feature working.

In Settings > Customize launcher, we surfaced a new “Add a shortcut to the launcher” option up top that lets you add a shortcut to call a contact or trigger an Assistant action. These shortcuts will appear in the head unit launcher alongside the other Android Auto-compatible apps. The feature adds convenience to Android Auto and makes the platform feel a little more like an extension of your smartphone, rather than a completely different system.

Android Auto - Google Maps, Media & Messaging (Free, Google Play) →

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Apple shifts from Intel to ARM with the M1 SoC in the new MacBook Air, MacBook Pro 13, and Mac Mini

As promised, Apple at its ‘One More Thing’ event has officially launched its custom ARM-based chipset for its Mac lineup. The new M1 is the first Apple Silicon system-on-chip (SoC) that is designed based on the company’s successful ARM-based mobile chips seen on the iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch. Apple had first spoken about its plans to launch its custom silicon during the WWDC 2020 event back in June and they had promised that the first Mac product would be launched by the end of this year. Today, the company unveiled the first three products powered by its new silicon. Apple has announced that the new MacBook Air, MacBook Pro 13, and the Mac mini are the first to feature the new M1 chipset.

Apple’s M1 SoC

Before we talk about the new products, let’s take a look at the new M1 chip. It is fabricated on a 5nm process and includes an 8-core CPU that includes four performance cores and four efficiency cores. Apple claims that the M1 is capable of 11 trillion operations per second (TOPS). The chip also comes with its own Neural Engine for machine learning (ML) tasks, offering 15x faster performance. This would help in giving a boost in tasks like video analysis, voice recognition, and image processing. As for graphics processing, the M1 features an 8-core GPU with 128 execution units capable of handling up to 24,576 concurrent threads for 2.6 teraflops of performance. This means that one can expect smooth playback of multiple 4K video streams as well as improved gaming performance. As for power consumption, Apple says the new M1 chip offers better performance at a much lower power consumption rate; for comparison, Apple claims that one can expect improved performance compared to current generation laptop chips at one-fourth of the power.

New MacBook Air, MacBook Pro 13, and Mac Mini

The new M1 chip is the beginning of Apple’s transition from Intel to ARM. Apple has begun the process by announcing three products that will now be powered by the company’s new custom chipset. The first is the MacBook Air, which is exactly the same as the existing Intel-powered variant but with the new SoC. According to Apple, the transition to the new chip assures a huge uplift in performance, making it the most powerful MacBook Air that you can buy. The best part is that it will continue to start at $999. The new MacBook Air will now offer 3.5x faster CPU performance than the previous generation and up to 5x faster graphics performance. As for machine learning workloads, the new Air will be 9x faster. Thanks to the new storage controller, Apple assures 2x faster SSD performance. Despite having a fanless design, it is said to remain cool in most operations. Customers can expect some obvious improvements in battery life as well. Apple’s numbers claim 15 hours of wireless web browsing and up to 18 hours of video playback. Other updates include an improved ISP (image signal processor) for the webcam, support for P3 wide color, USB 4/Thunderbolt ports, and Wi-Fi 6.

The MacBook Pro 13 also features the M1 and is said to be 2.8x faster than the previous generation model. The GPU offers 5x faster performance for improved graphics while designing a graphics-intensive game or a new product. The new Neural Engine offers up to 11x faster machine learning operations. Apple claims, thanks to the new M1 chipset, the MacBook Pro 13 is up to 3x faster than the best-selling Windows laptop in its class. In terms of battery life, one can expect up to 17 hours of wireless web browsing and up to 20 hours of video playback. Those numbers do sound pretty steep, so we would wait for reviews to be the judge of that. As for the design, it looks just like the existing 13-inch MacBook Pro, however, you do get new studio-quality mics for clearer recordings and calls, a new ISP just like the new MacBook Air, and two Thunderbolt ports with USB 4 support that now supports Apple’s Pro Display XDR in full 6K resolution. Pricing starts at $1,299 or $1,199 for students.

Lastly, Apple has taken its M1 chip to the Mac mini. It includes an advanced thermal design to sustain performance while staying silent and cool. The M1 on the new Mac mini offers 3x faster performance than the previous generation, while the 8-core GPU delivers up to a 6x increase in performance. Customers can expect 3x faster compilation of code in Xcode and up to 6x faster rendering of a complex timeline in Final Cut Pro. Apple claims that compared to the best-selling Windows desktop in its price range, the Mac mini can deliver up to 5x faster performance despite being one-tenth the size. The PC also comes with two Thunderbolt ports with USB 4, and yes, you can hook up a Pro Display XDR in full 6K resolution. The Mac mini is priced at $699, which is $100 less than the previous-generation quad-core model.

Additionally, Apple announced that macOS Big Sur will be available for users starting November 12. This means that all the supported Mac products should start receiving the update on Thursday.

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Aukey’s early Black Friday deals has you saving big on chargers, keyboards, and more

Aukey may be one of my favorite budget brands. I’m always pleased with whatever I get from them, and a lot of my tech accessories happen to be from them! From battery packs to earbuds to keyboards, everything I have from them is of great quality, and they have the nice side effect of not emptying my bank account, unlike other brands.

There is another thing that’s pretty great about Aukey, too–their items tend to be on sale. A lot. If you see an Aukey item you want to pick up, if it’s not already on sale, it’ll be on sale soon. Right now, Aukey has started their early Black Friday deals, and by clipping a few coupons and entering some codes, you can save big on all sorts of items!

First up, Aukey’s 10,000 mAh portable charger. This isn’t my most recommended portable charger, but it’s pretty great regardless. This charger can charge low-current devices easily and is small and easy to slip in a bag. By clipping the $5 coupon and using the code WZX7G3LT, you’ll get this for just $15.

Aukey 10,000mAh Portable Charger

Charge your smartphones easily with this compact 10,000mAh charger! Clip the coupon and use the code WZX7G3LTfor the maximum discount.

Buy at Amazon

Need to be able to charge your phone in your car? The Aukey Black Friday deals include this compact car charger! Designed to fit in your cigarette lighter port (who smokes in their car nowadays anyway), this little charger will always be there when you need it. Clip the 10% off coupon and use code 7XB6XNH7 to get this item for $14.

Aukey Car Charger

It should be easy to charge your phone in your car. With this compact Aukey car charger, you'll never need to worry about that battery running low again! Clip the coupon on the store page and apply code 7XB6XNH7at checkout to get the best discount.

Buy at Amazon

Maybe you’re in the market for a new keyboard instead? The Aukey Sakura Pink keyboard is also on sale! I’ve tried their black keyboard in the past, and it’s a great beginner’s mechanical keyboard. You can get all the clickiness and tactile feel without having to pay over S100! Right now, use the code XW3AK636 to get this pretty pink keyboard for just $40.

Aukey Mechanical Keyboard (Sakura Pink)

Pink accessories are always awesome, but they're even better when they don't cost a lot! Grab this Sakura Pink keyboard for just $40 by using the code XW3AK636at checkout.

Buy at Amazon

If you’re grabbing a new keyboard, you might as well get an oversized mousepad, while you’re at it. A big mousepad can stop your keyboard from sliding around your desk, and the RGB flair can add another lighting touch to your setup. As part of the Aukey Black Friday early sale, using the code 66CSOJOE will let you get this 31-inch mousepad for $17.

Aukey RGB Mousepad (31-inch)

Light up your mousepad with this 31-inch mousepad from Aukey! Use the code 66CSOJOEat checkout for the maximum discount.

Buy at Amazon

These deals will be live until November 14th, but some of these items may sell out before then. Don’t wait too long on something you want!

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