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Showing posts with label Lollipop. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lollipop. Show all posts
New Galaxy S5 Lollipop update brings back silent mode
Here's some very good news for people who own a Galaxy S5 and hate Google's Interruptions system in Android 5.0 Lollipop. Samsung has just released a new software update for the S5 which makes Interruptions go away and brings back the trusty old Silent mode.
Interruptions was clearly thought of by Google's engineers as a superior alternative for the Silent mode that's been on every phone in the world for years. However, it turns out some people really hate the fact that the 'No Interruptions' setting silences alarms too. What's more, Interruptions isn't really easy to understand at first, which adds to the confusion.
Silent mode in new Lollipop firmware for Samsung Galaxy S5
Thankfully though, Samsung has been listening to its customers, and with the latest Lollipop firmware for the Galaxy S5 it's replaced Interruptions with Silent mode - as is obvious from the screenshots above.
They portray the Android 5.0 software for the G900F variant of the Galaxy S5, the main Snapdragon-based international model. The new build is G900FXXU1BOB7, and the underlying system is still Android 5.0.
For now, the new update is only out for unlocked devices meant for the UK, but it will surely spread throughout Europe pretty soon. If you are in the UK and have bought your handset SIM-free from an official source, make sure to check for the update in Settings - or, alternatively, use Samsung's Kies desktop software.
Lollipop update for OnePlus One will only be out in March
OnePlus will break the promise it made to its customers last year when Google launched Android 5.0 Lollipop - namely that within three months from that point it would release an official update for the Onesmartphone. This is the company's first major Android update, and it hasn't handled things in a way that can please many people.
Through Carl Pei, its co-founder, OnePlus has today made it clear - Lollipop for the One will only come in March. The reasons for the delay are unclear.
This is true for the company's own ROM, called Oxygen OS, as well as CyanogenMod 12S. Both of these are based on Google's latest release, and they've both been delayed until next month.
Because Cyanogen, Inc. won't support OnePlus One devices sold in India with software updates, OnePlus has decided to create its own ROM for international markets - it will be available in parallel with CM12S, which will land as a consequence of the promise of two-year support made by Cyanogen for the One.
It's all rather confusing, but the short version is this: in March (if there aren't any more delays), you'll be able to update your One to CM12S from within CM11S, or try Oxygen OS if you so wish - though in that case you'll need to wipe your device and start fresh. An alpha build of Oxygen OS has been out for a while, but that's obviously not recommended for average users. Nor are CM12 nightlies, which have been available for the OnePlus One too.
LG G3 for Verizon gets Android 5.0.1 Lollipop
LG G3 for Verizon Wireless is the latest version of the Korean company’s flagship smartphone to receive Android 5.0.1 Lollipop. The new OS build has the software version number VS98523A.
Verizon is the third major carrier to begin seeding Android 5.0 to LG G3 users. Sprint Wireless andAT&T released the update to their variants of the smartphone already.
Android Lollipop brings a host of improvements to the LG G3. They include new UI design language, new security features, as well as a brand new Android ART runtime. You can find out more details about the changes in the device’s performance and battery life in our blog posts.
Lollipop update for I9506 Galaxy S4 LTE-A comes to more countries
The Android 5.0 Lollipop for the Snapdragon 800-poweredGalaxy S4 LTE-A got a limited release in Europe (Germany, Slovakia and the Czech Republic), but has now expanded to Scandinavia - Sweden, Norway, Finland. Austria is getting it too.
All these countries are receiving the same update, Android 5.0.1. You can check for an OTA update from the About screen in the settings menu. Bear in mind it's a large update (over 1GB) so best to be on Wi-Fi when you download it.
If you live outside those countries and are okay with flashing, you can download the update file from the source link. Make sure to backup your stuff and proceed at your own risk. And keep in mind that this is only for the Samsung I9506 Galaxy S4 LTE-A.
The I9500 (Exynos) was updated to Lollipop earlier. As for the I9505 (Snapdragon 600), only its Google Play edition was updated, while the TouchWiz version is still waiting. The update seems to be in the works though.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S 10.5 expected to get Android 5.0 Lollipop update by April
Samsung has commenced the roll out of the Android 5.0 Lollipop version updates for its Galaxy smartphones across the globe. Recently, Galaxy Tab S 8.4 with Lollipop update was pictured as well.
According to SamMobile, Samsung is testing the Android 5.0.2 Lollipop update for its premium Galaxy Tab S 10.5 tablet with large Super AMOLED display. This update is expected to arrive either in March or April. Meanwhile, Google paces the development by hitting the Android 5.2 milestone.
Samsung has eased on the TouchWiz UI with the Lollipop update for its premium Galaxy smartphones. Now it would be interesting to see if any changes are made in the Magazine UX with Lollipop update for the powerful Tab S series tablets.
Micromax announces Lollipop update for its Canvas phones
Micromax has announced that it will updating its Canvas range of Android smartphones in India to Android 5.0 Lollipop update in the coming weeks.
The first phone in the Canvas series to get the Lollipop update will be the Canvas Xpress A99, which is a budget smartphone.
Company Spokesperson, Micromax Informatics Ltd. said, “As a brand, we are committed to keep our customers delighted with best in class technologies and experience. Riding on the same thought, we are today rolling out the Android L update with Canvas Xpress, making the overall user experience more efficient and seamless.”
The update will be available as an OTA to the Canvas phones. Meanwhile, still no sign of Lollipop update on the Android One smartphones from Google, or the YU Yureka, which runs on Cyanogen OS.
BenQ F52 packs Snapdragon 810 SoC and Android 5.0
The Taiwanese manufacturer BenQ partnered up with Cheetah Mobile to unveil the F52 smartphone with Android 5.0 Lollipop. The handset will be on display during the upcoming MWC in Barcelona.
BenQ F52 packs 64-bit Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 SoC with octa-core CPU. A 5.2” 1080p display, 13MP main camera, and 8MP front-facing snapper are also among the known specifications. The full list is yet to be known
As you can see in the image above, the device’s Android 5.0 Lollipop build will be heavily customized. Preloaded apps will include Clean Master, GP Security and GP Battery Doctor.
Two more devices by BenQ will debut alongside the F52 - the B50 and B502. They are likely to be mid-range offerings.
Xperia Z3 has its Lollipop update certified, may roll out soon
The Sony Xperia Z3 running Android 5.0 Lollipop has been certified by the Wi-Fi Alliance. The handset obviously already had been certified over there while running previous versions of the software - so this means we could see Lollipop rolling out to Xperia Z3 units worldwide soon.
You can see the certification notes in the screenshot below, which also reveals that the Xperia Z3 with Lollipop got the all clear just a couple of days ago.
A release of Android 5.0 for the Z3 in a short while would make sense especially as the Japanese company itself promised this would happen in February. We're now past the half point of this month, and Sony's competitors have been faster with getting Lollipop to their flagship devices, so the company really needs to act sooner, rather than later.
The good news is that, slow as it may be, Sony's Lollipop rollout is set to include the entire Z line of tablets and smartphones. So if you own one of those, be convinced that an update is in the works - it may just take a while for it to actually be released, as it turns out.
Original Moto G to receive Lollipop in the coming weeks
In keeping with the company's policy to provide updates for its smartphones, Motorola is working on an Android Lollipop firmware for the first generation Moto G, released in 2013. Evidence for the update comes from owners of the device, who have started receiving a notification, prompting them to upgrade to the latest version of Motorola Update Services, in order to be notified of the update itself.
It has become common practice for manufacturers to support their high-end lines, or release updates for current generations only. Motorola, on the other hand, has had an exemplary track record, and is updating flagships and budget devices alike, both new and old. It could be argued that the company has it easy, because of its choice to stick close to stock Android, while heavier overlays undeniably require more time-consuming work.
We recently informed you of the Lollipop updates rolling out for the Moto E and Moto Maxx. However, if you own a different Motorola smartphone, you can refer to our earlier article for the complete list of planned upgrades.
Galaxy Note Edge getting Lollipop 5.0.1 OTA in Australia
Samsung has been working hard pushing Lollipop updates lately with more and more handsets are now getting the latest available Android.
The Galaxy Note 4 phablet finally saw a major European Lollipop rollout last week and today new information has surfaced that the curved Galaxy Note Edge is joining in on the fun. The handset is already receiving update notifications in Australia, which smells like a soak test. If everything goes smooth we should be seeing a major rollout in a few weeks or maybe even sooner.
Below are the details of the new update package:
- Model SM-N915G
- Model name GALAXY Note Edge
- Country Australia
- Version Android 5.0.1
- Changelist 4144270
- Build date Fri, 13 Feb 2015 23:58:14 +0000
- Product code XSA
- PDA N915GXXU1BOB7
- CSC N915GXSA1BOB7
- MODEM N915GXXU1BOB7
The Galaxy Note Edge is almost identical to the Galaxy Note 4 in terms of internals so it was only natural that the curvy smartphone follow closely with Android Lollipop support. The extra screen does pose a lot of software challenges so patience may be necessary to fine tune the new OS to the odd new host.
So if you are on a Samsung Galaxy Note Edge in Australia be sure to check for that update package regularly as the Lollipop goodness should be waiting for you. And be sure to come back with any impressions and interesting finds.
Sprint LG G3 in US now getting Lollipop OTA
News has come today that Sprint has started seeding Android 5.0 to its own LG G3 units. This is definitely good news for eager US users, as Lollipop has been around for the handset in Europe since December last year.
This new update comes only days after AT&T updated their own units. The package is already being seeded and according to Sprint will bring the following benefits to the handset:
- Material Design for fluid animation, multicolored themes and 3D views
- More efficient battery use
- Android™ TV support
- Notifications on the lock screen and customizable options with prioritized notifications for events, reminders, messages and calls
- Updated Lock Screen features allow users to quickly access notifications and active apps
- Enhanced low vision and color blind capabilities for added Accessibility
- Integrated location menu enables users to easily activate GPS, Wi-Fi and mobile networks, while simultaneously checking the battery usage of apps running location service capabilities
- Enhanced Messaging with Google Hangouts™ support for SMS and MMS and a larger assortment of updated Emoji icons
- Upgraded Google Mobile Service™ apps automatically back up photos and video and can open, view, rename and share Google Docs and files
We have already had a chance to play around with Lollipop on the G3 and found that like many other smartphones the LG also behaves quite differently in performance benchmarks. If you are interested in what potential gains the OTA can bring you, take a quick look at our extensive post on the matter, as well as our equally thorough investigation of battery life with the new version.
For anyone on Sprint still not getting the update notification, check for it through the settings menu.
Lenovo plans to upgrade 7 phones to Lollipop in Q2
While other mobile device makers have been busy updating their products to Android 5.0 Lollipop for many weeks now, Lenovo has just announced which of its handsets will eventually run the latest version of the OS. And it's not a long list. In fact there are only seven phones on it. Sure, the company may add more in the future, but for now these are the only Lenovo devices confirmed to get Lollipop.
We're talking about the A5000, A6000, P70, S90, Vibe X2, Vibe Z2, and Vibe Z2 Pro. That's it.
The updates to Android 5.0 Lollipop for these smartphones are still far out, though, with Lenovo only committing to releasing them sometime during the second quarter of this year.
That could be at any point between April 1 and June 30, so if you own one of these you're still looking at quite a wait. But at least in this case you know your particular Lenovo handset will taste Lollipop. If you have another device made by the company, things aren't looking good.
Report says Android Lollipop is more stable than Apple’s iOS 8
Android Lollipop experiences less application crashes when compared to Apple’s iOS 8, according to a latest report from app performance management company Crittercism. While app crash rate on Lollipop is 2%, that on iOS 8 is 2.2%.
Not only this, the data also reveals that even iOS 7 is better than iOS 8 in terms of app crashes, having only a 1.9% rate. On the other hand, Lollipop is better than the previous Android versions, with both KitKat and Ice Cream Sandwich having an application crash rate of 2.6%.
It’s worth noting that apps can crash due to various reasons, including OS issues, device specific issues, and of course, issues with apps themselves so take this study with a healthy dose of skepticism.
HTC Zoe gains Lollipop support and new highlight engine
Yesterday HTC has decided to issue an update to its Zoe app. This has been available in the Google Play Store for non-HTC Android devices since last summer. The update, which is already up for grabs in Google’s app store, brings with it support for Android 5.0 Lollipop, as well as the Motorola Nexus 6 and the HTC Nexus 9.
So if you own one of those you can now use Zoe, HTC’s social network wannabe based around video highlights. Or if you have another device that runs Lollipop already. This isn’t the only new feature, however.
HTC has added an entirely new highlight engine, which enables new themes, effects, and transitions, as well as higher quality videos. The Discovery Feed has been revamped, and now delivers popular local content. Finally, you’re now able to download and save your HD Zoes to your smartphone or tablet. Of course the usual performance improvements and bug fixes are in too.
Samsung Galaxy Note 4 boards the Lollipop train in Europe
Samsung's latest phablet flagship is finally getting the Lollipop treatment. The version to go first is the SM-N910F, which is the European Snapdragon version of the handset. The update saw some delay due to problems with Gear VR support.
However Android 5.0 for the Exynos-powered variant of the phablet is already well under way and isavailable in its native South Korean market and also as a soak test in Poland. This is the first time we are seeing an official Lollipop ROM for the Snapdragon-powered Note 4, which is the most widely-spread one.
Today's update comes along with a Lollipop build for the Galaxy Note 4's extremely popular predecessor - the Galaxy Note 3. Interestingly enough the two updates are starting to seed simultaneously which might hint that Samsung intentionally held back the Galaxy Note 3 package to avoid the inevitable backlash when an older device is updated before the new one.
Despite the chaotic update schedule Samsung seems to mean well enough when it comes to delivering Lollipop. The rather odd Samsung Galaxy S4 support is also complimented by an equally impressive news that the Korean tech giant intends to bring Android 5.0 to the rather aging, but still capable Galaxy Note II as well.
So if you are on a Snapdragon Note 4 be sure to check for that update package regularly as the Lollipop goodness is here.
Samsung Galaxy Note 3 N9005 receiving Lollipop OTA in Europe
Samsung's last generation phablet flagship finally received the much anticipated Lollipop treatment it was promised. And before the comment section goes up in flames about the on-going soak test in Russia the new ROM is intended for the most wide-spread Snapdragon 800-based version of the device (N9005) and not the Exynos one.
The Galaxy Note 3 was supposed to be first in line for Android 5.0 after the current generation Galaxy S5 and Note 4, but interestingly enough it was overtook by the Galaxy S4 LTE-A (I9506).
It seems that with recent developments around Samsung and their own in-house Exynos SoC taking center stage in future devices instead of Qualcomm chips the Korean tech giant is naturally focusing on their own architecture and pushing updates along much faster on Exynos devices. This might just be a marketing trick but it is still a fact that Samsung seems to be taking care of that limited line of devices first and then moving on to Snapdragon.
Regardless is seems the long wait is finally over for Note 3 users as the package is already available on major carriers in the UK, Austria, Germany, Poland, Switzerland, Hungary and a few other countries. You can keep a close eye on the OTA seeding progress here.
So if you are on a Snapdragon Note 3 be sure to check for that update package regularly as the Lollipop goodness is here.
Moto E and Moto Maxx getting Lollipop for real
Soak test over, now the Motorola Moto E is getting Lollipop for real. Joining the entry level handset is the flagship Motorola Moto Maxx. The Moto E update got a quick soak test in Brazil and India, while the Moto Maxx was tested in Brazil again and in Mexico.
Motorola hasn’t opened the floodgates though, the updates are continuing to roll out slowly to small test groups at first. If everything goes well, the update will expand to more users.
Moto E users should check that the Motorola Update Services on their phone is the latest version. It's on the Play Store so go do that while you wait for Android 5.0 Lollipop to come around.
Both Moto G generations have already received the update, as has the second-gen Moto X. The original Moto X is still waiting though, it turns out that unique chipset is slowing things down.
Samsung Galaxy Note 4 gets Lollipop update in South Korea
Samsung has started rolling out the Android 5.0 Lollipop update for the Galaxy Note 4 in South Korea.
The update is currently available only for the Exynos variant of the Note 4 on the SK Telecom network, but it should be available on other carriers shortly.
The update can be downloaded right now from Samsung Kies desktop application, with the OTA download arriving later.
The Note 4 Lollipop update started rolling out yesterday, with Poland being the first country to get it. It should be rolling out in other regions shortly.
Android 5.0 Lollipop update confirmed for the Galaxy Note II
Samsung has confirmed that the Galaxy Note II will also get the Android 5.0 Lollipop update, although it hasn't yet confirmed the date.
The announcement was made by Samsung Poland via a tweet. It is worth noting that the South Korean company usually updates it flagship devices for around 1.5 years, but the Note II seems to be an exception as it has been more than two years since the device was launched.
The news comes just a day after the Galaxy Note 4 started receiving the Lollipop update in Poland.
Exynos Galaxy Note 4 is getting Lollipop OTA in Poland
With the Lollipop update frenzy at full speed manufacturers are pushing hard to update their device lineups as quick as possible. Naturally major players, such as Motorola, HTC and especially Samsung are under tremendous pressure to deliver the improved Google experience to their vast user base.
Just a few hours ago new information has surfaced, regarding Android 5.0 on the Galaxy Note 4 phablet. Apparently users in Poland are already receiving the OTA, but there are a couple of conditions.
The software package is only seeding to SM-N910C devices, which is the Exynos variant of the handset and only the ones using CSC XEO (Open Europe). If you are a lucky owner of such a unit then the update is now live so be sure to grab it while it's hot.
As a matter of fact Android Lollipop has been on the roadmap for Galaxy Note 4 and Galaxy Note Edge for quite some time now. Initial speculations hinted at Android 5.0.1 as the build under development, which coincides with the version of the new Polish OTA.
If other rumors are to be believed Samsung took such a long time to push Lollipop on the two current gen devices mainly because of Gear VR compatibility which was holding pack progress. Whether or not this is true is beside the point, what is important is that the Galaxy Note 4 update was postponed to the point of aggravation seeing how the Galaxy Note 3 is already undergoing a Lollipop soak test in Russia.
From the looks of things it also seems Samsung has opted to bring the new OS package to their own Exynos SoC devices first and then move on to the Snapdragon models. Judging from user manuals, leaked last month the whole Note 4 model family will be getting Lollipop and hopefully pretty soon.
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