Google has been working on the latest Android 12 mobile operating system and last week, the tech giant released the fifth and the final beta build of the new OS which means that the stable version should be rolled out in a few weeks.

While the search engine giant hasn’t revealed the exact launch date for the stable version of the Android 12 operating system, a new report from XDA-Developers claims that the Android 12 could be officially released for the Pixel smartphones on 4th October.

Google is expected to publish the source code for the Android 12 operating system on 4th October on the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) Gerrit. If Google sticks with its tradition, then the latest Android version should be rolled out to its own Pixel series smartphones on the same day.

Do note that this is a tentative launch date for Android 12 and it could get changed as Google has not officially announced it. Going by history, Google is a bit late in releasing the stable build of the Android operating system. It’s likely that the development schedule was affected due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The delay could be because Google wants to ensure that everything works properly and is taking more time in testing. Unlike the previous updates, this one comes with significant updates and several new additions, including revamped user interface and more security-focused features keeping user privacy in check. A detailed look at key features in the newer mobile operating system is available here.

The Android 12 Beta is already available for Google’s own Pixel lineup and a number of other smartphones from brands like Xiaomi, Realme, OPPO, OnePlus, ASUS, and Samsung. You can check the full list of eligible devices from this article.

Google is also reportedly working on a new minor update for the Android operating system and interestingly, it appears that it will be a version update. This means that the next update from the company will be Android 12.1 and not Android 13 and is expected to be rolled out pretty soon after the launch of Pixel 6 series phones. It’s noteworthy that the last point update was Android 8.1 Oreo and since then, there haven’t been point updates from Google for the Android operating system.

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• New Google Tensor details surface, reveals it will have dual Cortex-X1 super cores

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Samsung unveiled the Galaxy Gear smartwatch in 2013 as an Android-based smartwatch. The Korean tech giant later switched to its own Tizen OS but still retained the Galaxy Gear on Android. As the company prepares to switch back to Android with the Wear OS, it has advised Galaxy Gear owners to upgrade to Tizen OS by August 5 to continue having access to the Galaxy Store.

Samsung will switch to the Android operating system for its smartwatches later this year. The Wear OS will power the Galaxy Watch 4 and the Galaxy Watch 4 Active instead of Tizen OS. The Android-based Wear OS means that the devices will have wider access to apps via the Galaxy Store, unlike Tizen OS. Samsung is also saying that there will be no switch from Tizen to Wear OS for smartwatches that the Tizen OS currently powers.

Although there are likely only a few Gear watch owners, the fact that Samsung is making the announcement indicates their presence. Existing Galaxy Gear watch owners can only continue to enjoy support from Samsung if they upgrade to Tizen OS by the August 5 date (Korean Standard Time). In order not to encounter a total loss of saved data in the form of videos, images, and other content, Gear watch owners are encouraged to back up their data before upgrading to Tizen OS. The Gear watch device will be reset upon completion of the upgrade, and all pre-upgrade data will be wiped off.

However, it seems counter-intuitive that the Gear watch OS is being upgraded from Android to Tizen, while Samsung is already switching back to Android via the Wear OS. The upgraded Samsung Galaxy Watch will only have access to a limited number of apps compared with the Android-based smartwatches.

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More details continue to emerge concerning Huawei‘s self-developed smartphone operating system. The operating system reportedly going by the name Hongmeng OS (or ARK OS) will come as an alternative to Google’s Android OS.

According to a report by China’s Global Times, Huawei is reportedly intensively the testing process of the HongMeng operating system (OS) HongMeng with internet giants and domestic smartphone vendors. The new OS is expected to be launched in the next few months, the report reveals.

The source of the report wasn’t mentioned and so, this news could be regarded as being a part of the ongoing PR drive to get the US government to capitulate on its ban of the company from using US technology. The report cites a source close to a major Chinese carrier to have hinted that Huawei is working closely with technology giant Tencent, as well as smartphone makers Xiaomi, Oppo and Vivo to push forward the release of HongMeng OS.

EDITOR’S PICK: Chinese media say Huawei’s PC business isn’t facing issues, new model coming next month

The report creates an atmosphere of anticipation as to what the future holds for Google’s Android. While it is still believed that creating a market-ready alternative to Android is near impossible, the report says otherwise. It is even rumoured that tests show the HongMeng OS is 60% faster than Google’s Android. This is even more difficult to believe.

Huawei is yet to reveal when the new OS will be released and that could be another joker in the US/Cina trade war. In a situation where the US goes ahead to enforce the ban after the expiration of the 90 days extension, we could hear a surprise announcement from Huawei. However, there are speculations that the new OS will drop with the Mate 30 in the last quarter of the year. Global Times quotes some industry sources to have hinted that the new OS could come on the Huawei P40, expected in the first quarter of 2020.

UP NEXT: Samsung patents phone with a 4-sided curved display

(source)

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With Android smartphones getting popular every day, a lot of people prefer to have Android as the operating system of their PC. Chromebooks with Chrome OS are a perfect alternative to Windows 10 as it can run Android apps thanks to the Play Store support, but they do not run Android. An Indian company has just announced a new laptop which runs Prime OS, an operating system based on Android. It is not the only PC which can run Android, but it will surely be among the most affordable ones. The laptop is called Primebook and it has been showcased in Hong Kong.

Given that it is a laptop, it runs a custom Windows-like user interface which makes comfortable to use the PC with a mouse and a keyboard. It has a Windows-like desktop, an app launcher, and even the multi-window feature which allows opening several apps on the same screen. It is also possible to re-size every single window, just like Windows 10 does. Primebook also supports games: they can be played by using the mouse or the keyboard instead of the touchscreen, even if they do not support the input from external peripherals. Indeed, it is possible to assign the touch screen input to single keys or the mouse.

RELATED: Xiaomi Mi Gaming Laptop Announced: Core i7, GTX 1060 At A Competitive Price

Even though Android P is coming soon, PrimeOS is an operating system still based on Android Nougat, but according to the company developers are already working on an update to Android Oreo. The main specs of the Primebook include the presence of a 13-inch display showing images at a resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels. On the hardware side, there is a mid-range Rockchip RK3288 chipset paired with 2 GB of RAM and 64 GB of internal storage. The notebook also features a big 10.000 mAh battery. The connectivity side includes a micro SD reader, an HDMI port, two USB 3.0 ports and a 3.5 mm jack. There is still no info about its launch in the market and its listing price, but given its components, it will surely be a cheap device.

via

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Google‘s monthly Android platform distribution chart has just been updated and it shows some promising results. One of the good news is that Google’s first mobile OS, Android 2.2 Froyo launched in May 2010 is almost extinct, as it is not listed on the chart. What this means is that the maiden Google OS is presently installed in less than 0.1% of devices globally.

Apparently, some persons are still stuck in the past as Google’s earlier second and third gen operating system, Gingerbread and Ice Cream Sandwich still posted 1.0% and 1.1% in the distribution chart. The figures are declining, though, as they were both at 1.2% in December.

Read More: Nokia to Launch Viki Voice Assistant to Rival Siri, Google Assistant?

Amdroid 5.1 Lolipop still tops the chart with a total of 33.3% on the distribution chart, this is closely followed by Android Marshmallow with 29.6%. Android KitKat comes in at the third position with 22.6%, while Android Jelly Bean completes the top 4 with 11.6%. Google’s latest  mobile OS, Android 7.0 Nougat is still at its lowest ebb, with a 0.7% distribution figure four months after it was released. That figure is expected to spike this year anyway, as more and more Android smartphones adopt or get upgrades to Android Nougat.

(source)

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According to PCWorld website, Google Android smart phone loses the control of the user interface, but in the face of wearable devices, Android TV equipment and Android Auto platform, Google will not repeat the mistakes of the smartphone.

In an interview with Ars Technica, Google engineering director David Burke said, Android Wear, Android Auto and Android TV’s user interface and the software code Google will control the manufacturer, this mean the third party manufacturer cannot modified the Android interface.

Burke noted that “in Android Wear, Android Auto and Android TV, the user interface is part of the product, and we hope that these platforms have a consistent for better user experience, if a user in both chambers have different manufacturers Android TV equipment, we want them to work the same and look the same.”

Burke pointed out, Google will directly manage Android Wear, Android Auto and Android TV equipment, so that all devices can receive the new version of the software to synchronize the end part of the equipment, so you need to wait for a few months for a new version.

Google apparently thinks all new Android device should adopt a consistent design, the idea that simple as what Apple is doig with iOS. Burke said, “device manufacturers can not use their own brand of software platforms, they can bundle their services in which other aspects of the same platform.

Android Auto, and Android TV will be available later this year. Samsung and LG will be on sale the Android Wear smartwatch in early July, while  Motorola plans to release Moto 360 smartwatch in late summer.

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FlyMe OS is the one of Android custom ROM that developed by Meizu and now that custom ROM has been update which uses Android 4.4 KitKat operating system, since the KitKat is the newer Android version for now.

The Meizu MX3 and MX2 user is now ready to get FlyMe OS that uses Android 4.4 based OS, unfortunately, the new FlyMe OS version is only available for those Meizu series for a while now. The main reason is the Meizu MX3 is the one of popular smartphone from Chinese manufacturer.

The new FlyMe OS that uses Android 4.4 based OS is running more smoother than older version, so the user can install the stable version with a lots of new features.

Back on few months ago, Meizu founder, J. Woong has been said that FlyMe OS is also ready to available in other device, while for now there is no information about the release date but seems Meizu is following the Xiaomi that also launch the MIUI interface for other device rather than Xiaomi devices.

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Android continues to dominate the smartphone market. And in the third quarter of 2013, a total of 81.3 % of the Android smartphone to beat other mobile platforms such as iOS , BlackBerry or Windows Phone .

Android OS users increased by 14.3 percent compared to the third quarter of 2012. In the past year, Android smartphone users in the world to reach the portion of 75 percent. And Strategy Analytics estimates that by the end of September last, Android users managed to exceed the 80 percent.

Number of Android smartphone that successfully marketed also has increased very dramatically. If this time last year there were as many as 129.6 million Android smartphones were successfully marketed, then the number has now reached 204.4 million units.

Meanwhile Apple’s iOS still comfortably perched in second place with a market share of as much as 13.4 percent. Meanwhile his Microsoft with Windows Phone is now pretty much left the BlackBerry in fourth place with a difference of market share reached 3.1 percent.

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The next version of new Google mobile OS is called KitKat or also known as Android 4.4 OS. Google’s SVP Sundar Pichai says; “It’s our goal with Android KitKat to make an amazing Android experience available for everybody.”

At the same time, Google also said that the Android OS has now reached a record $ 1 billion activation. The number also has exceeded 900 million activation announced by Google in May.

Regarding the naming KitKat, Director of Android Global Partnerships, John Lagerling also gave a statement. He said it initially was considering using the name of the Key Lime Pie for Android after Jelly Bean. However, it was thought that only a few people know how to taste key lime pie.

Trademark issues? Not to worry, as Google got Nestle’s blessing to use the “Kit Kat” trademark (albeit without the space), but with a twist. John Lagerling, director of Android global partnerships, explained to the BBC that “this is not a money-changing-hands kind of deal,” but instead, they wanted do something “fun and unexpected.”

Following one conference call with Nestle back in end of November, the deal was sealed just 24 hours later. And after finalising the details secretly at MWC, the chocolate snack is now doing a joint promotion with Google to give away some Nexus 7s and Google Play credit in the US and the UK. The BBC reports that there will be more than 50 million Kit Kats promoting the Android mascot in 19 markets (including Brazil, India, Japan and Russia), but it’s not clear whether the giveaway promotion will make its way to those countries as well.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=sMJ5APvE6uU

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According to an internal sources, the upcoming release of Android 4.3 system is also built on the core system application interface has been updated. And the insiders said, Android 4.3 version of the system will be the most stable of all kind, can be run on most devices, but there is still no exact release date.

It is reported that the system built-core applications, the camera is the biggest change in the process. The new camera interface of the biggest changes from the Settings menu, button style has not changed, the mode selection menu and setup menu is more closer to the center. One of the biggest changes from the menu, Android 4.2 on the menu in Android 4.3 on the prototype into a fan-shaped, one-hand selection is simpler than Android 4.2, and can also be carried out through the recovery of gestures back operation.

Each imaged, Android 4.3 camera interface adds new animated pictures, photos will be reduced to the upper left, then click on photo location can quickly preview, if you do not point, then pictures will automatically disappear. Android 4.3 camera and gallery are still together, by sliding the switch, a photo can slide up gesture to delete, use habits operation is extremely smoothly.

In addition, there are other media found Android 4.3 features a new Notification Center has become more powerful, for third-party accessories to provide a new interface, coming to Google eyewear and watches, and other smart devices, led by third-party wearable devices will work with Android 4.3 system has a tighter integration.

In the latest Android 4.3 system, the media found a product called “Notification listeners” application, consumers can directly set – shortcuts – Setting Shortcut Notification Center found in the newly opened these changes can be found on the page . To cope with the introduction of third-party accessory manufacturers, it tends to push the Android platform for new applications tailored to match, and in the Android 4.3 system more powerful Western notice more convenient to read, or even cancel the activation of three parts, for example, detect the heartbeat before using equipment such as health, often need to open the application to operate, and now the user only needs to click in the notification center will be able to proceed.

Previously, we have seen an increase on the Android 4.3 system will automatically search for Wi-Fi backstage, low-power Bluetooth, adjust the default font changes, I believe that with the approaching release of the new system, there will be more and more about Android 4.3 New features in succession by the media and developers announced.

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Android phone users who use Jelly Bean version is increase. Even in the latest data, the number of users of Android Jelly Bean are now able to exceed the Ice Cream Sandwich.

According to the latest Data, Google revealed that there are now 28.4 percent of Android users is running Jelly Bean OS. That number has increased compared to the previous month which has 25 percent.

On the other hand, users of Android Ice Cream Sandwich has decreased. If the last month there were 29.3 percent of users, now that number dropped to 27.5 percent.

In the first place, of course Android Gingerbread still earn a percentage of 38.5 percent. This amount also decreased compared to the previous month’s 39.8 percent gain percentage.

Google is preparing the latest version of Android, and ready to be introduced this year. There are rumors that Google will continue to use the name Jelly Bean, but there is also revealed that Google will introduce Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie.

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After we’ve covered the news about the new HTC Sense UI 5.0, is now we have a couple of leaked screenshot picture of another HTC Sense UI 5.0 which filled in the new HTC M7 Android smartphone.

This leaked picture is taken from HTC M7 smartphone, the HTC Sense UI 5.0 is looking good and cofortable for user since this new HTC Sense UI using white color as the dominant in white and black color, while the taskbar is look more transparent.

But for some people, this color is different with fomerly HTC Sense UI color themese because much people want to using black and darker color for their smartphone.

So what do you think?

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In early 2013, the Android operating system is starting to show the changes. Android Gingerbread OS as the mose popular Android OS began to decline. If before reaching the percentage is 50 percent, that number has now dropped to 47.4 percent.

And the reason for this decline in the use of Android Gingerbread is Android Ice Cream Sandwich and Android Jelly Bean. The users of Android ICS currently for 29.1 percent percent. The amount is an increase from the prior period percentage of 27.5 percent gain.

Similar increase also occurred in Jelly Bean Android OS 4.1 and 4.2. Jelly Bean Android 4.1 users increased from 5.9 percent towards to 9 percent. Meanwhile, Android 4.2 Jelly Bean rose from 0.8 percent to 1.2 percent rate. And, when combined as a whole, the owners of Android 4.x devices in the world now reached 39.1 percent.

With more and more Android devices and ICS Jelly Bean released every day, it is possible for Gingerbread would abdicate. And now, some manufacturers also provide ICS update and Jelly Bean to its customers.

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Baidu CEO Robin Li to make a public statement on the Google Ali cloud OS, called “Baidu easy” operating system is in the Android infrastructure development, 100% compatible with Android operating system.

Ali cloud OS is completely different. Robin Li said, the basic architecture and design has been done well before, Baidu totally did not necessarily need to be changed, but Baidu will make it easier for Chinese users improved at the applications level. Robin Li, the first time on the matter to make a public statement.

Previously, Google with Ali cloud OS disturbance caused widespread concern in the outside world. Ali cloud moves in this storm is not brilliant. Google anger to Ali Cloud OS and does not admit that Android camp division; Android application can not be completely compatible with Android ecosystem, will likely lead to a lot of pirated applications; Ali cloud application store.

Lin Bin, former Google China Engineering Research Institute, the Android Chinese district spokesperson also said that “even in the interests of the manufacturer or the company point of view, compatible is also very important to consider the user experience.” Xiaomi also has a mobile OS based on Android system – MIUI.  As Xiaomi president, Lin Bin said MIUI great emphasis on the compatibility of the Android system.

“Lin Bin disclose, the” MIUI does the Android system layers to be modified, but the changes will first consider compatibility. Example, the SDK can increase can not be reduced, otherwise it will lead to some applications can not run. ”

Robin Li, the mobile Internet is very important, Li also revealed that, in addition to talking about the “Baidu easy” operating system, although mobile services account for less than 10% of the company’s revenue, but Baidu or about 25% of the R & D funding to this area.

“As mobile services when Baidu’s main revenue source, I do not know, in no hurry to figure out, because we know that mobile services have much room to grow.” Li said: “For us to find a suitable mobile Internet business model very important, we know that users love mobile Internet, so we need to develop the tools that needed by the user.”

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