After a really long wait of a few months (MIUI 8 was announced back in May), Xiaomi finally started rolling out the MIUI 8 Stable update from August 23. We are definitely happy to get the new update, which brings lots of visual changes (mostly good) along with new features. In case you want to check ou the features of the Xiaomi’s MIUI 8 update, just read this article.

So, how’s the update so far? Is everything working smooth?

One question that we all have is what Android version is running on the Xiaomi models updated with MIUI 8. There are a few models which are scheduled to get the MIUI version based on Android M soon (Redmi Note 3 users read this article if you haven’t already). However, most of the models, especially the old ones are stuck on Android Lollipop or even Kitkat! 

READ MORE: Amazing MIUI 8 Upcoming Feature: Lost Mobile Tracking Without SIM

So, I just wanted to check out what Android version is your Xiaomi model running after the MIUI 8 update. I know there are a few old models like the Redmi Note 4G who are surprisingly still on Android 4.4.4 Kitkat.

You can vote the version on your phone (running MIUI 8) in the poll given below.

The post Xiaomi MIUI 8 Update Is Already Out! Which Android Version Are You Stuck On? appeared first on Gizmochina.

Google updated their Android Distribution Data for the month of March. The latest Android v6.0(Marshmallow) has some how managed to crawl past 2%, although it is growing, but not as expected.

According to the data Android v6.0(Marshmallow) is now running on 2.3% active Android devices. Interestingly, the level of distribution has doubled up from the February’s figure of 1.2%.

Finally, Android Lollipop v5.X’s market has managed to top the chart after 16 months of its initial release. Android Lollipop holds total share of  around 36.1%(Android 5.0 and 5.1 Lollipop running on 16.9% and 19.2% respectively). While, the devices running Android KitKat v4.4 have dropped down to 34.3% this month from 35.5% last month.

The Android 4.1.x – 4.3 (Jelly Bean) has now combined share of 22.3% compared to 23.9% last month and Android ICS v4.0.x  has around 2.3% with 0.2% decrease from last month’s data.

Honeycomb has no place in the list, Android Gingerbread v2.3.3-2.3.3 and Android Froyo v2.2 has distribution shares around 2.6% and 0.1% respectively.

It is worth mentioning that Android 6.0 version market share is surely going to level up as numerous OEM’s releasing Android 6.0 updates. But, Google will be demonstrating Android 7.0 at Google I/O developer conference, which is expected to happen soon. With this, some manufacturers may not follow v6.0, which is not a good practice.

The post March Android distribution numbers: Lollipop tops the chart, Marshmallow reaches 2% mark appeared first on Gizmochina.

LiquidSmooth is a firmware based on the Android Open Source Project like most of the custom ROM. Today I shall describe the procedure to safely flash LiquidSmooth v4 for HTC Nexus 9 aka flounder. This ROM is based on Android v5.0.2 Lollipop so your Nexus 9 will be running this version of Android with stock like interface but enhanced in customizations.

HTC Nexus 9 is powered by a 2.3GHz Dual Core Denver processor with Nvidia Tegra K1 chipset. It has 2GB of RAM and comes in two variants 16GB (Wi-Fi) and 32GB (LTE). The tablet is on the top of the shelves for Nexus lovers. It has 8.9-inches Quad HD display with 1536 x 2048 pixels resolution which is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3.

Also Read – HTC Nexus 9 Full Specification.

Pre-requisites

1. You must have a custom recovery installed on your tablet. I would recommend TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) or CWM (ClockWorkMod) recovery for this procedure.
2. Make sure you have battery left on your Nexus 9 before proceeding further
3. A USB cable to transfer file in the internal storage of your HTC Nexus 9.
4. This tutorial is only for Nexus 9, flashing LiquidSmooth from this article to any other device except Nexus 9 can harm your device. So don’t test is on Nexus 7 or Nexus smartphones.
5. Your Nexus 9 must be unlocked.

Disclaimer

If you are proceeding further then I will assume that you have successfully installed a custom recovery on your Nexus 9 tablet. You are also well aware of the consequence of flashing a custom ROM. It will void your tablets warranty so proceed with caution. If any mishap happen you can not/ will not blame GizmoChina or me for any kind of potential damage to you and to your tablet. Procedure is simple so I don’t think you will face any problem while flashing LiquidSmooth v4 for Nexus 9.

Tip

Backup all your essential stuff like photos, videos, documents, and music. Please don’t blame me latest if you lose your Temple Run’s high score.

Install LiquidSmooth v4 for Nexus 9 (LTE/Wi-Fi) aka Flounder

1. Download the latest ROM for Wi-Fi or LTE variant, and also download Google Application from the links below.
2. LiquidSmooth v4 for Nexus 9, LTE variant Click here. Wi-Fi Variant Click here. Download Lollipop GApps. Click here.
3. After Downloading the respective ROM files and Gapps, transfer the file to root directory of your tablet’s internal.
4. Now boot into recovery mode. To boot into recovery mode first of all turn off the device. Then press and hold Volume Down and Power key simultaneously and release both the buttons when you see the fast boot menu. Use volume rockers to change the start text to recovery mode. Press power key to enter into recovery mode.
5. Backup your current ROM, if case you dislike interface or encounter bugs.
6. After backup, Wipe Cache, Dalvik Cache, User Data and System.
7. Then click Install and Browse the ROM file you transferred in the above procedure. Flash it.
8. Now flash Google Application for Lollipop.
9. Clear Cache and Dalvik Cache (Optional).
10. Reboot to System.

Screenshots

Voila you can successfully installed LiquidSmooth v4 on Nexus 9. Now you can enjoy the simplicity of stock Android and customizations of LiquidSmooth.

The post How To Install LiquidSmooth v4 For Nexus 9 aka Flounder appeared first on Gizmochina.

Oppo Find 7 was the flagship smartphone for the company previous year. The smartphone was launched with other variants Find 7a, both the smartphones in this flagship series were highly acclaimed for the top-notch hardware packed inside. Some of the highlights are 3GB/2GB of RAM respectively on Find 7 and 7a respectively, powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processor clocked at 2.3GHz. A 13MP rear camera and 5MP front-facing camera for video conferencing.

For in-depth specifications visit Find 7

Now CyanogenMod 12 (CM12) is available for Oppo Find 7 which brings close to stock user interface on your smartphone. If you want to try something different than Color OS on your Find 7 then CyanogenMod 12 is the perfect alternative for you to test.

Pre-requisites

1. You must have a custom recovery installed on your smartphone. I suggest TWRP and CWM (ClockworkMod) but I recommend TWRP.
2. Make sure your phone has enough juice left on your Find 7 till the process finishes. 70% charge should be enough.
3. USB Cable to transfer files or Wi-Fi direct or you can directly download them on your smartphone.
4. You must have Oppo Find 7, this guide is not for smartphone other than Find 7.

Disclaimer

If you are proceeding further then I will assume that you know the consequences of flashing custom ROMs. Beyond this point, the warranty of your smartphone is VOID so proceed with extreme caution. You can not/will not blame GIZMOCHINA or me for any kind of potential damage to you and your smartphone. Be safe and enjoy CM12 for Find 7. If you haven’t heard about terms like Flashing, Custom Roms, and Recoveries then you must leave the website.

Pro-Tip

Backup all your personal stuff, like pictures, videos, contacts and call logs. We are advising you to backup because the procedure mentioned below will erase all the data stored on the internal storage.

Installing CyanogenMod 12 (CM12) Android Lollipop on Oppo Find 7

1. Download the latest CM12 nightly and Android Lollipop Google applications from the link below.
2. Download CM12 for Oppo Find 7. Click here.
   Download Google Application for Lollipop. Click here.
3. Transfer these files to the root directory of your smartphone.
4. Now reboot your smartphone into recovery mode by powering it on while holding Volume Up and Power key simultaneously.
5. Inside recovery first Backup your current ROM in case you want to move back to Color OS or previous ROM.
6. After creating a Backup, Wipe Cache, Dalvik Cache, User Data, System and Internal Storage (Optional).
7. Now select Install zip and then browse the CyanogenMod 12 file you transferred on your smartphone.
8. Flash it.
9. Then via above step flash Google Applications.
10. Wipe Cache/Dalvik Cache.
11. Reboot to System.

First boot generally takes some time so wait for few minutes and be patient.

The post How to Install CyanogenMod 12 (CM12) Android Lollipop on Oppo Find 7 appeared first on Gizmochina.

While Android Lollipop update have already started rolling out to a number of flagship smartphones this year, Meizu is yet to update its devices like the MX4 Pro and the Meizu MX4 to the new Android version. The company has been developing its Flyme version based on Android lollipop since November last year, but up till now, there were no signs of an official roll out by the company.

Now, Yang Yan, the chief designer of Meizu’s Flyme OS has said that the company will try hard to release the new Flyme version based on Android 5.0 Lollipop by the end of March. However, the exact date of release will depend upon the progress of development. This is definitely good news for the MX4 users who have been patiently waiting for the phones to be updated to the new Android version. The latest OS brings a ton of improvements, including better battery life on Android devices, so its not surprising that everyone wants the update as soon as possible.

We will let you know when the company starts rolling out the new Flyme version with Android lollipop on MX4 and MX4 Pro smartphones.

The post Meizu to roll out Android Lollipop update later this month appeared first on Gizmochina.

Do you guys Remember The Brand VAIO.?? Sony sold this brand & its PC business to Japan Industrial Partners (JIP) to solely concentrate on their mobiles and tablets.

There is always news floating around through leaks and benchmarks there is a phone in making under the brand Vaio. Apparently the company has announced now the new phone Model number JCI VA-10J will be launched on March 12.

According to benchmark the phone comes with 5” HD display, snapdragon 410 processor, 2gb Ram and 16Gb of internal memory, 13 MP rear with HDR, FULL HD video recording and 5 MP front cam. It comes with Android 5.0. Its touted that the device may make an appearance in MCW too.

Source 1 & 2

The post VAIO to launch a smartphone With Android 5.0 appeared first on Gizmochina.

Landvo is not widely known smartphone maker neither in China nor worldwide. They are actually better known for making clone devices. This time around we can see that the manufacturer has decided to produce on the popular phablets.

From the design perspective we can see that the device looks very similar to the Huawei Ascend Mate 7 as it has all metal body, fingerprint scanner on the back along with the 13mp camera on the back (with dingle LED flash). Also, it has a rear loud-speaker and some stripes for better reception. What is more, the device is being run by the 64-bit chip (the manufacturer of the chip is not yet disclosed), has dual SIM stand-by functionality, it supports 4G LTE-FDD network. What is even more interesting, that the manufacturer promises a Android Lollipop update soon.

All in all, it seems to be pretty decent device, because it should offer a decent build quality, great specs at a bargain price.

Source: Landvo

The post Huawei Mate 7 Clone from Landvo with Fingerprint Scanner and Android Lollipop appeared first on Gizmochina.