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Showing posts with the label android

{Disarmed} Android 2.3.7 Gingerbread: Google finally ends support for old Android smartphones

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As part of its ongoing efforts to ensure user safety, Google will no longer allow logins on Android devices with Android 2.3.7 or older from September 27, 2021. If you want to log in to your device after September 27th, you will see an error message about your username or password. Android Gingerbread was officially launched in December 2010. So now it has more than 1 decade under its belt. There were several versions from Android 2.3 to 2.3.7. So now the support is finally over. But it shouldn't really be surprising, because there has to be an end at some point. How many users are still using Android 2.3.7 cannot really be said, there should still be a few, but probably not here in Germany. In the meantime, there are practically no apps that still actively support such an old software generation. There should have been problems in the last few months because apps could no longer be updated. But what is still possible, you can still make calls with the phone - oh, what a ...

Android 12.1 will be different: Google is realigning itself

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What's coming after Android 12? First looks are already directed towards the next update to the mobile operating system. With Android 12.1, Google could no longer concentrate on normal smartphones. Instead, the focus is on folding cell phones. Android 12.1: Google has its sights on folding cell phones It won't be long before Google officially introduces and releases Android 12. After the pre-release versions, we can already draw a fairly accurate picture of what has changed compared to Android 11. Now the first glimpses are already directed towards the future. Even before Android 13 in 2022, an intermediate version should apparently provide new functions . If the experts from XDA Developers have their way, then Google will focus primarily on larger foldable cell phones with Android 12.1. A few improvements can be expected here with Android 12, but the next Android version will not be in full swing. A new taskbar will be introduced with Android 12.1, which will simplify m...

{Disarmed} Android 12.1: Early build shows optimizations for foldables

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The xda-developers have now published an in-depth look at an early version of Android 12.1 that contains numerous optimizations by Google for foldable phones. The mid-cycle update is codenamed "Snowcone v2" and since Android 12 also uses the codename "Snowcone", it can be assumed that the 12.1 update will bring minor changes for normal phones, while foldable phones will see most of the changes will. Android 12.1's lock screen takes a two-part approach with notifications, battery info, and status on the right, while the left is reserved for the time and date. The unlock icon is in the middle between the two windows and appears to be quite large, which makes it easy to unlock the screen with a swipe gesture. If you have stored a PIN or a password, it will appear on the page to which you swiped when you unlocked the screen. Android 12.1 Lockscreen | : xda-developers A main feature of Android 12.1 seems to be the taskbar, which has also been seen in previ...

Hide photos on Android: Google provides more protection

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More privacy with all Android smartphones: What was previously reserved for Pixel phones will soon also be available for all other phones with the Google operating system. Photos and videos that are not intended for strangers can be collected in locked folders. Locked Folders: Locked folders for all Android phones In May 2021, Google introduced a useful function with Locked Folders, but this was only available on the in-house cell phones of the Pixel series. Users can collect photos and videos that are particularly worth protecting in locked folders. Before access, Android asks for a passcode or fingerprint . According to Google, this prevents unauthorized access. As it now turns out, Google wants to make the function available to all owners of Android smartphones via the Photos app, as long as at least Android 6 is installed on the phones. Google has not yet given an exact date, but the blocked folders should be ready "soon" (source: The Verge). Of course, users can de...

Android 12: Finally the camera and microphone indicator

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This time the iPhone was faster, but now Android 12 is following suit: With the new operating system, the user finally gets indicators for camera and microphone access. Now he can finally see when an app or a service switches it on without you having to initiate it yourself. A lot is happening with the new Android in terms of privacy. You can now completely block access to the camera and microphone in Android 12. If you don't always think about it, there is another new level of security: A small message on the display shows you when the camera and microphone are being accessed. Camera and microphone indicator - how does it work? Nobody wants apps and services in the background to access the camera or microphone without them knowing. While showering, many have already thought about whether the lying cell phone can now film them. In theory, this is actually possible. If a corresponding malware app has reached your cell phone, it can not only be used to log keystrokes and take scre...

New Android tablet: legendary manufacturer returns

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Lenovo wants to bring a new Android tablet to the market under the Motorola brand. According to initial information, it will be quite cheap, but this is also noticeable in the equipment. A pure Android without adjustments is to be expected. Moto Tab 8: New, old Android tablet is coming We'll soon see a new Android tablet called the Moto Tab 8, which is actually not that new. According to preliminary reports, it is a relaunched Lenovo Tab M8 (FHD) from 2019, which differs from the original tablet only in the software. A pure version of Android 11 is to be expected here, i.e. without Lenovo's own apps and adjustments. The Moto Tab 8 with a metal housing apparently has an LC display that has a diagonal of 8 inches and has a resolution of 1,920 x 1,080 pixels. For the processor, the MediaTek Helio P22T was again chosen, which is supported by 4 GB of RAM in the tablet. Those interested in permanent storage can choose between 32 and 64 GB. In addition to a WLAN variant, there sh...

Android 12: Quickly block camera and microphone access

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After Android 12 has received a camera and microphone indicator that shows when an app is accessing it, the whole thing is supported by a cool security function: You can block the camera and microphone in the quick settings of Android 12. xiaomist shows you how to do it. In agent films one can see again and again how someone accesses a cell phone from the outside and sees everything through the built-in camera, while the microphone transmits all conversations. Some want to avert this danger with masked cameras, but that doesn't help against eavesdropping. Now Android 12 finally has the answer: You can pull two switches to the quick settings to block the camera and microphone for all apps or services at any time. Android 12 brings a lot of interesting innovations, especially with regard to privacy: Android 12: lock the camera, switch off the microphone - how does it work? Of course you can mask off the cameras and any microphone inputs as well, but that is definitely a bit too c...

Android 12: Activate one-handed mode - that s how it works

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Android 12 comes with a one-handed mode that can make large cell phones much easier to use. However, it has to be activated first because not everyone needs it. xiaomist shows you how to activate and configure the Android 12 one-handed mode and how you can turn on a button if the swiping gesture causes problems. The one-handed mode in Android 12 is an aid for all those who have a large display but only have one hand free: With a swiping gesture (or optionally a small button on the edge of the screen), the upper half of the current window is simply pulled down. At the same time, the lower half disappears from the picture. This allows you, for example, to tap apps that are in the upper half and that you would otherwise not be able to reach with your thumb. Android 12 brings a lot of new things: Activate one-handed mode: Android 12 settings To use the one-handed mode in Android 12, swipe the home button down with a finger or thumb. Alternatively, you can activate a small "switch...

Soon at Aldi: special Android tablet with LTE, pen and keyboard

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If you want to buy a new Android tablet, you should take a look at Aldi. An all-in-one package will soon be sold there. This consists of a 10.1-inch Android tablet, a keyboard and a pen. But there are a few points that you should consider before buying. Aldi sells Android tablets with a pen and keyboard Aldi will be offering the Medion Lifetab Education P10912 at a price of 249 euros from September 30th (see Aldi delivers). It is a 10.1-inch tablet with the Android 11 operating system. The performance should be okay with the octa-core processor, 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of internal storage. Why the Aldi tablet is being marketed as an "education" device, that is, as an educational tablet , is not entirely clear. It does come with a keyboard and stylus, but that doesn't automatically make it an educational device. This usually includes special software that isn't mentioned here. A special feature of the Aldi tablet is the LTE modem. This means that you can be connecte...

{Disarmed} Android 12.1 brings further adjustments for foldable smartphones, Greetings from Pixel Fold

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The xda-developers discovered some interesting information about Android 12.1. Google's first "interim update" for Android in years should be aimed at improving foldable phones. It's also possible that this is a step in preparation for the Pixel Fold's release. A docked taskbar has now been spotted in previous beta versions of Android 12, and a tutorial was found along with some strings of code indicating how the taskbar would behave. And that should only really make sense with foldable phones. By default, the dock remains open on the start screen or in a split-screen view and is hidden as soon as an app is opened in full-screen mode. This taskbar is designed for devices with large screens, such as tablets, whose screens are better suited for multitasking. : xda-developers The system's code describes optimized animations when the screen is folded in and out and shows an image of an opened phone that presents the taskbar. What is interesting is that...

{Disarmed} These 59 Android apps, games, icon packs & live wallpapers are available for free today

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In the Google Play Store today you can again dust off a whole range of apps, icon packs and wallpapers for free. There should definitely be something for you. The apps are those that are temporarily free, i.e. those that otherwise cost something and that have a rating of at least 3 stars in the store. Most of the time, you see such free offers much too late, as Google does not even offer an overview of discounted or temporarily free apps in the Play Store. Android apps Clipboard Pro (Free, Google Play) → Rapid Launcher XP (Free, Google Play) → Star Launcher Prime Customize, Fresh, Clean (Free, Google Play) → Milky Launcher Pro Beautiful, Clean, Fresh (Free, Google Play) → Pro Music Player - Mp3 Player - Qamp (Free, Google Play) → Numberwiz (Free, Google Play) → Voice Recorder - Voice Recorder (Free, Google Play) → 80s Music Radio Pro (Free, Google Play) → 90s Music Radio Pro (Free, Google Play) → Video Speed ​​Controller Pro (Free, Google Play) → AFinance (Free, G...

These 59 Android apps, games, icon packs & live wallpapers are available for free today

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In the Google Play Store you can find a whole range of apps, icon packs and wallpapers for ... The entry These 59 Android Apps, Games, Icon Packs & Live Wallpaper are available for free today first appeared on xiaomist's blog .

Android 12: Restrict apps to approximate device location

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Many apps require access to the location transmission, although this would not be necessary. To limit this snooping, you can use an "approximate device location" in Android 12. xiaomist shows you how this works and why you should activate it. For some incomprehensible reason, at some point in Android every app had to be allowed to transmit its location as soon as it wanted to use Bluetooth. It's absurd and a bit creepy when you suddenly have to activate GPS to access an electric toothbrush via Bluetooth with the app. But from Android 12 onwards there is at least a "less precise location transmission" with which the sniffer apps can no longer position you so precisely. The video shows you which new features Android 12 has on board: Android 12 offers imprecise location per app You can increase the GPS accuracy in Android in older versions of the operating system or switch it to be less precise. What is new in Android 12 is that you can now do this individually...

Currently free of charge instead of 4.19 euros: This Android app simply belongs on the smartphone

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There is currently a free Android app in the Google Play Store, which otherwise costs 4.19 euros. With "Weather App Pro" you not only get the latest weather information, but you can also access the weather radar and get a precise preview of the upcoming weather. Free Android app: "Weather App Pro" for free instead of 4.19 euros The weather in Germany is currently somewhat unpredictable. One day the sun is shining and it's warm, the next day it's pouring rain and suddenly it's much colder. It is all the more important to have a weather app on your smartphone that provides information about every dangerous weather situation . The weather report on the radio or TV is nice, but the forecasts are not always that reliable. If a look out of the window is not enough, you can currently download the "Weather App Pro" for Android free of charge. This means that you always stay up to date and receive many additional parameters that are missing in oth...

Android 12: This date has to be remembered by smartphone users

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When will Android 12 be released? A well-known journalist is now shedding light on the darkness. Smartphone users no longer have to be patient for too long, it should be ready in just a few weeks. Android 12 is one of the biggest updates in recent years. Google has left no stone unturned and has fundamentally revised the mobile operating system for smartphones and tablets. After an extensive beta phase, it now seems that the date on which Google will release the final version of Android 12 has been set. Android 12: Final version should be released on October 4th That should happen on October 4th , according to XDA editor-in-chief Mishaal Rahman, who relies on an internal Google document for his prediction. On this day, the publication of the AOSP (Android Open Source Program) should be due, it is said. In recent years, the latest Android version has always been distributed to Pixel users on the day of the AOSP release. So anyone using a Google phone will get the latest version of ...

Android smartwatches are getting better: How Google wants to solve the app problem

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Google is making the app developers responsible: the search engine provider wants to use stricter guidelines to ensure high-quality apps for Android smartwatches. If there is an innovation, however, there are doubts as to its usefulness. After years of stagnation, something is happening again in the world of Android smartwatches. Wear OS 3, which was jointly developed by Google and Samsung, has breathed new life into the almost dead platform. So that the new beginning is also visible in the Play Store, Google has now revised the guidelines for Wear OS apps. Android smartwatches: Google publishes stricter guidelines for Wear OS apps In the future, there will be three different levels of apps for Android smartwatches : basic, better, best . (Source: Android Developers via Android Central). The first category includes apps that support basic Wear OS functions, but do not include a standalone smartwatch app. Messenger apps such as WhatsApp are an example, which make it possible to rep...

{Disarmed} These 77 Android apps, games, icon packs & live wallpapers are available for free today

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In the Google Play Store today you can again dust off a whole range of apps, icon packs and wallpapers for free. There should definitely be something for you. The apps are those that are temporarily free, i.e. those that otherwise cost something and that have a rating of at least 3 stars in the store. Most of the time, you see such free offers much too late, as Google does not even offer an overview of discounted or temporarily free apps in the Play Store. Android apps Bookmark Manager - Website favorites manager (Free, Google Play) → Hue Melodi - Philips Hue lights dancing to music (Free, Google Play) → Volume Slider Like Android P Volume Control (Free, Google Play) → Delete and Enter keyboard (Free, Google Play) → Convert text to audio: offline tts (€ 1.00, Google Play) → Home Training Gym Pro (No Ads) (Free + , Google Play) → Word Resume Creator Pro (€ 0.59, Google Play) → Word Resume Builder Pro (€ 0.59, Google Play) → Manual camera: DSLR Camera Professional (€ 4...

{Disarmed} These 67 Android apps, games, icon packs & live wallpapers are available for free today

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In the Google Play Store today you can again dust off a whole range of apps, icon packs and wallpapers for free. There should definitely be something for you. The apps are those that are temporarily free, i.e. those that otherwise cost something and that have a rating of at least 3 stars in the store. Most of the time, you see such free offers much too late, as Google does not even offer an overview of discounted or temporarily free apps in the Play Store. Android apps Voice Recorder - Voice Recorder (Free, Google Play) → Home Training Gym Pro (No Ads) (Free + , Google Play) → English for everyone! Pro (Free, Google Play) → Hue Melodi - Philips Hue lights dancing to music (Free, Google Play) → Volume Slider Like Android P Volume Control (Free, Google Play) → Nav Aid Pro (Free, Google Play) → Bookmark Manager - Website favorites manager (Free, Google Play) → Delete and Enter keyboard (Free, Google Play) → Android Games SIIMI (To be announced, Google Play) → Offline ...