Software

The Mi Mix 3 5G was stuck on MIUI 10 for ages but has now risen from the ashes in spectacular style, with Xiaomi finally sending out the MIUI 12 update to owners of the phone in Europe. The update does not bring Android 10, however.

Oppo appears to be taking a proactive approach to Android 11. The phone maker will reportedly start testing a beta version of its Android 11-based ColorOS ROM on phones including the Find X2 and Reno3, starting on September 7th.

Skullcandy has announced the latest addition to the Crusher series of personal audio products. The Evo headphones are equipped with Haptic Bass, which reinforces this range with physical feedback. They also offer the option of building an Audiododo personalized audio profile, which may tailor the headphones' sound delivery to each individual user.

TCL has launched its second-gen AiPQ Engine at IFA 2020. It is a platform rated to enhance this OEM's big-screen TVs, particularly those made with mini-LED or quantum-dot LED (QLED). The Engine allows for "real-time audiovisual optimization" based on the content to be reproduced. It is rated to distinguish between different types of AV media thanks to its machine-learned features.

TCL has unveiled its latest form of display technology as part of its IFA Special Edition 2020 presentation. NXTPAPER is an alternative to e-ink that, as its maker claims, "repurposes natural light" to prevent eye-strain while still producing a convincing range of colors. These panels are also touted to improve on contrast, power-efficiency and thickness compared to more conventional screen materials.

Zhiyun is known as a maker of smartphone-videography aids. The Smooth XS is the latest product in this line. It, like its recently-launch DJI counterpart, is a motorized gimbal with an optional tripod. However, unlike the OM 4, the XS has a telescopic arm for selfies and also costs under US$100.

The Redmi Note 9 Pro remains on MIUI 11 but not for much longer. An official source at Xiaomi Indonesia has finally cleared the air on when the MIUI 12 update will arrive for Xiaomi's current Pro mid-range phone. Variants like the Redmi Note 9 Pro Max and Redmi Note 9S should also get the update at the same time.

The fourth-generation iPad Air has been linked to a new design that would leave it looking more like its Pro sibling. SvetApple has posted new renders based on its latest leaks. They include support for Touch ID, which is found embedded in the slate's power button. The images also depict a sizeable camera hump despite the presence of just one lens, as well as a USB type C port.

The One UI 2.5 update is making its way to Galaxy S10 and Galaxy Note 10 phones in Germany. It adds new functions to Pro Video Mode, Single Take Mode, and Samsung Keyboard. Users can also wirelessly cast their phones to select smart TVs via Wireless DeX. Its global rollout is expected to commence soon.

MIUI 12 is still yet to arrive for the Pocophone F1, months after Xiaomi started rolling out the OS upgrade to numerous devices. Apparently, the reason for the delay centres on overheating issues, which occur even during simple tasks like recording a 4K video or running the screen at full brightness.

Active noise cancellation (ANC) has been found to be of interest for 71% of consumers planning to buy true wireless stereo (TWS) earbuds. However, the feature does require physical seals and a fit that some users may find less tolerable over time. Qualcomm claims that its new Adaptive ANC solves these problems.

The LG V40 ThinQ has been upgraded to Android 10 in at least seven new countries. At least devices in Germany, Greece, Hungary, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain and the UK have started receiving LG UX 9.0 following equivalent rollouts for US carrier-locked devices earlier this year. Reports of the V40 ThinQ receiving Android 10 in India are false, though.

Samsung owners tend to like their Google Camera ports a lot due to the significant improvement in camera performance they offer. That may be in jeopardy now, however, as the new One UI 2.5 appears to be killing Google Camera functionality, starting with the Galaxy S20 series.

Asus' Intel 11th-gen Core-based notebook line-up contains a ZenBook Flip S, for the first time in quite a while. This new variant (the UX371) features the new OLED NanoEdge PANTONE-validated panel as many of its new siblings. It also has Thunderbolt 4 and stands out with a premium build and an accented colorway.

Asus has launched its new Ampere-based cards. They are based on the RTX 3090, 3080 and 3070 GPUs, which are distributed across new additions to the ROG Strix and TUF Gaming lines. Both are described as composed of "top-shelf" components for durability and performance.

Released earlier today, War Thunder "Raining Fire" comes after the major update that was labeled 1.99 and is labeled 1.101 instead of 2.01 as many were expecting. The list of changes includes over 30 war machines across most nations already in the game, naval mines, new maps, as well as various fixes and improvements.

The Xiaomi Mi 8 SE and Mi 10 Lite have received the call to MIUI 12. Both updates are rolling out as OTAs. The one for the Mi 10 Lite brings the global version of the device into line with the European variant, which Xiaomi upgraded to MIUI 12 in July.

The Xperia 1 II and Xperia 5 II will be the first Sony smartphones to receive three OS upgrades, according to a new report. This would mean that the devices will be upgraded through to Android 13. By contrast, software support for older devices like the Xperia 1, Xperia 5, Xperia 10 II will cease as of Android 11. The Xperia XZ3 and other older handsets will remain stuck on Android 10, too.

Samsung appears to have confirmed an impending successor for the Galaxy S10 Lite. A device with a name to match this description has appeared alongside existing devices on development websites for the US and German divisions of the OEM. They suggest the upcoming phone will run Android 10, at least.

Today (September 2, 2020), Sony has announced that it has implemented a new series for cameras of the pro film- and documentary-capable variety. Known as the Cinema Line, it now encompasses existing products such as the VENICE and FX units. Its next new addition is projected to appear by the end of 2020.

The latest version of iOS, released today, includes a new system for tracking and notifying users that have been exposed to COVID-19. iOS 13.7 now drops the need for public health officials to maintain an app for exposure tracking. Instead, the system is baked directly into iOS 13.7.

Xiaomi has begun issuing MIUI 12 to the global editions of the Mi Note 10, Mi Note 10 Pro and Mi Note 10 Lite. The updates are available as OTAs and should be rolling out now to handsets.

Dell has announced its new Alienware gaming monitors. This series has 25- and 27-inch flat variants, although its flagship is a 38-inch curved option. Dell asserts that this "best-in-class gaming monitor" will enhance immersion and quality, with the latest certifications from NVIDIA and VESA to boot.

Today (September 1, 2020), Samsung has launched the Galaxy Z Fold2 5G for a number of markets worldwide, Germany included. This means we finally get to find out how the premium device is priced in various different regions. The new foldable has a recommended price of over €1900, in one European country at least.

Huawei has updated its EMUI 10.1 upgrade plans in eight regions. The company now claims to have finished rolling out its latest OS in Canada and Western Europe following its completion in Japan. Other regions like Africa, Central Asia, North-Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Russia are not far behind either. The rollout in Latin America is a similar story, also.

A supposed list of Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones in connection with the Android 11 update has recently been altered. Now, the Redmi Note 9, Redmi Note 9 Pro (global), and Redmi 9A are reportedly at the internal testing phase. There are also status changes for the Redmi 9 Prime, Redmi 9 India, and Xiaomi Mi Note 10 (Mi CC9 Pro).

Samsung has captivated some tech enthusiasts with its Galaxy Z Flip neo-clamshell phone, the second of its kind to be foldable. Now, a different mobile device company, OPPO, has designed one much like it, but in reverse. Its screen is on the outside, with a sensor that detects the angle at which it is unfolded.

The Xiaomi Mi A2 has received a new update. The new update, called V11.0.13.0.QDIMIXM, upgrades the device to the August 2020 set of security patches. There are complaints of Android 10 still be a buggy experience for the Mi A2, though.

mmWave is a sub-type of 5G associated with the potential for ultra-high speeds. However, it is also lumbered with a perception of being unreliable due to weak reception. Qualcomm, Ericsson and Casa Systems seek to change that with its latest claim of a data call using these bands conducted over a distance of nearly 4 kilometers (km).

Xiaomi has what appear to be a Pro variant of its Mi True Wireless Earphones 2 in the works. This has been confirmed overtly by the certification of products going by this name by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG). This is a strong indication they will be introduced to the market soon.

Samsung Pay users in South Korea just got a new physical card that can be used for multiple tasks and comes with discounts that can reach 5 percent. This move comes not long after the introduction of similar cards in the United States and the United Kingdom.

While Battle for Azeroth requires a fast HDD with at least 70 GB of free space, the upcoming expansion of Blizzard's World of Warcraft — Shadowlands — apparently needs an SSD with 100 GB of free space or more. The eight major installment in the World of Warcraft series is expected to arrive at the end of October on all continents.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 9, Galaxy S9, and Galaxy S9+ smartphones are likely to receive a cut-down version of the One UI 2.5 Android skin when it becomes available, due to hardware constraints. Samsung has been praised for offering the software update to older Galaxy models in its lineup though.

Huawei has been rumored to release the first phone with HarmonyOS - its contingency against the loss of access to Android - out of the box by the end of 2020. However, the CEO of its Consumer Business Group has reportedly confirmed that this will not be the case. Speaking at a Chinese conference, the executive indicated that this plan might be implemented in 2021 instead.

Apple had warned that it might terminate the developer account page on its Store for Epic Games. The studio is currently involved in action that challenges the Cupertino giant's app-revenue model. Now, this threat has come to fruition, meaning that access to all of Epic's apps on iOS or iPadOS has been revoked.

HyperAccessory is a start-up that purports to pack the advantages of on-the-go storage with top-end data transfers into a form-factor with the footprint of the average bank-card. This skyBOX also features Wi-Fi 6, alongside capacities of up to 4TB. It has already well exceeded its crowdfunding goal on its ongoing Indiegogo campaign.

The smartwatch market continued to flourish in the first 6 months of 2020 (1H2020), with Apple, Garmin and Huawei as its new top 3 brands. This growth was seen worldwide, albeit particularly in India, the US and Europe. The demand for these wearables is linked to the increased regard for personal health in a new report from Counterpoint Research.

Ricoh has announced limited-editions of its PENTAX flagship, the K-1 Mark II. It has been joined by new versions of the D FA* 70-200mm f/2.8, 50mm f/1.4 and 85mm f/1.4 lenses in the same silver color. All 4 will be available in limited runs from September 2020.

D-Link has released its latest AX5400 mesh router on Amazon. This device is rated for up to 6 continuous 4K content streams. Its maker claims that its speeds and bandwidth is due to its "prosumer" build and 160MHz channel.

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro has received a fresh MIUI 12 update, following the recent rollout to the European variant of the device. Xiaomi is issuing the update as an OTA, but it can also be downloaded and installed manually.

Hachi's Infinite M1 is an AI-powered projector that can throw a working interface onto the desk or wall in front of it. Its maker originally launched it at CES 2020, and is now prepared to ship it from Amazon or its own website. It works thanks to a Snapdragon SoC and a version of Android 9.0.

The number of "workplace-style" headsets shipped worldwide might exceed 65 million over the next 6 years, compared to a figure of 22.9 million from 2019. This may correspond to a market value of US$2.94 billion in 2026. This growth is associated with the shift in trends to virtual and online meeting types, as well as the rise of remote work in 2020.

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 and Mi 8 Pro (UD) have received new MIUI 12 updates. The updates are rolling out now as OTAs and bring yet more handsets onto Xiaomi's latest OS.

Facebook claims that Apple blocked an update that would have informed users of Apple's practice of taking 30% of all in-app purchases. The update, which introduces a tool allowing businesses to sell tickets to online events, originally notified users of Apple's policy. The update was only allowed on the App Store after that wording was removed.

A new announcement trailer for Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition has been shared as part of the Gamescom event. The remastered game now boasts of 4K graphics and features two additional civilizations for RTS fans to get to grips with. Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition will be released on October 15 priced at US$19.99/£14.99/€19.99.

Sunglasses that also act as personal audio devices are a rapidly expanding category of tech. The start-up SND RAY has put its take on this concept up for crowd-funding on Indiegogo. It claims that this product has improved audio quality compared to its rivals in this space.

GeForce NOW is NVIDIA's solution for online cloud gaming. It famously adds titles every Thursday, for the benefit of players who own them already but do not have a high-powered PC to hand. Today, this list includes Control, as well as games that have also become free on the Epic Games Store today.

The Mi Mix 2S and Mi Mix 3 have received new MIUI 12 updates. Xiaomi has now started bringing the global versions of the handsets onto its latest OS, following equivalent rollouts on other branches of MIUI.

The Redmi Note 8 Pro and Mi Mix 2S have received new MIUI 12 updates. Now, the European edition of the Redmi Note 8 Pro can be upgraded to Xiaomi's latest OS, following equivalent updates for other variants. In the same vein, MIUI 12 has reached all but the global version of the Mi Mix 2S.

In response to the often harsh realities of the peri-Covid-19 world from the enterprise perspective, Qualcomm implemented the Small Business Accelerator Program to help firms of that description during this time. It exists to donate specific kinds of support and device from the OEM's partners in this initiative. The first round of successful applicants has now been announced.