Software

PUBG 5.2 is now up and running for both PC and console players, and the most important change is the introduction of PUBG Labs, defined as "a new destination for where you can try our latest game modes and help us refine them into greatness." The Public Test Server is free for anyone who already owns a copy of the game.

Oppo's Android 10 fork is here in the form of ColorOS 7. It brings forth a host of cosmetic and performance improvements and will be available to eligible devices starting November 25th.

A One UI 2.0 beta may have just spoiled Samsung's big next-gen display spec reveal. The leaker Ice Universe has reported that a user has found references to a 120 hertz (Hz) display setting in this version of the OS. This feature, called Best Display in the ROM, could be destined for the Galaxy S11 at the earliest.

A phone called the Huawei OXF-AN10 has appeared on the Geekbench 4 website. Despite the first part of this model number, it has been linked to the upcoming Honor V30 series. It is listed as running Android 10, has 8GB of RAM and may furthermore be a 5G device.

AT&T now maintains specific bands for internet of things (IoT) devices and other low-power 4G/LTE applications. To this end, the carrier has just validated the new 9205 modem for these kinds of networks and ecosystems. This Qualcomm SoC is designed to be half as big as its predecessor, while using 70% less power and 40% fewer resources.

The Android-x86 project has now released its first Android 9.0 Pie-based release candidate, bringing the OS to x86 systems for the first time. The new build should offer better compatibility, performance and stability than older versions of Android-x86 too. It is not ready for the prime time yet, though.

A recent blog post by Diablo IV's lead systems designer, David Kim, confirms that the game will support elective mode-style skill selection and will also feature Keyed Dungeons. Kim also detailed itemization, endgame progression, power sources, and concluded by urging the members of the community to get involved by sharing their ideas.

Few Android OEMs update their devices for as long as OnePlus does. Released in 2016, the OnePlus 3 and 3T have received three major OS updates bringing them from Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow up to Android 9.0 Pie. However, both handsets have now started receiving their final software updates, as we wave goodbye to the devices that brought OnePlus into the mainstream.

The security research group Checkmarx has claimed to have identified a vulnerability that could have allowed hackers to bypass Android permission restrictions to remotely open and control device cameras without their owners' knowledge. This issue, which apparently affected Google and Samsung apps, has reportedly been addressed in recent software updates.

Dripp Audio is a new company that has put its interestingly-named true-wireless earbuds on Indiegogo. The "Dropps" are described as the cheapest products in their category to have Qualcomm aptX and cVc noise-cancelling tech. They also have Bluetooth 5.0 and IP5X ingress protection, and start at US$39.

The MatePad Pro is rumored to be the name of an upcoming tablet from Huawei. It is thought to have premium specs, including the Kirin 990 processor and 5G variants. A new Geekbench listing appears to agree with the first of these, if not the second.

The Geekbench 4 database has added several new sets of results for the Redmi Note 8 Pro, which differ from existing ones in only 1 important respect: they list the phones' OS as Android 10 rather than Android 9.0 (Pie). This suggests an imminent update to MIUI 11 for the device.

Websites are capable of asking to send notifications in a number of browsers, Chrome included. In this case, they may be particularly capable of disrupting the app's experience as they are markedly large and obtrusive, especially on mobile devices. The latest update to Chrome Canary for Android adds options to restrict or block them.

Mobvoi has released the 4G/LTE version of its TicWatch Pro to the European region. It costs €329.99 (about US$365) in its new market. However, its SIM functions can only be activated in Germany through this country's Vodafone division.

The Redmi 4 - or 4X in some markets - is a 2017 phone thought to have been all but abandoned by its maker Xiaomi in software-update terms. Despite this, some users of the device in India have reported being able to install a new upgrade conferring the OEM's latest OS, MIUI 11. However, it seems this version is not based on Android 10, and has other drawbacks besides.

The Samsung Galaxy A80 is a phone containing one of the most innovative notch- or pop-up alternatives in recent times. It is available in a number of regional markets, including China. It must be popular in the latter, as TENAA has certified a new variant with double the normal fixed storage.

Sony started selling its first consumer-grade robot puppy, aibo, quite some time ago. Therefore, you'd think the OEM would have also released advanced development tools so that the more tech-savvy of this product's owners could have really made it their own by now. However, this has only happened with the latest app update for this device.

Earlier, a Motorola Razr 2019 leak suggested that it would be priced at up to €1500 on its European launch. Now, a new rumor indicates that it will in fact cost the equivalent of €1680 when it is released to the Swedish market in January 2020. For context, the Galaxy Fold costs about €2160 in this country.

The Samsung Camera app's latest update reportedly contains references to what next-generation premium phones from this OEM may be capable of. Its APK allegedly contains strings indicating the potential for 8K recording and a 20:9 aspect ratio. As others also mention 108M pixel counts, this may pertain to a Galaxy S10 or Note 10 successor.

Huawei has now beaten Samsung to the punch, as the Chinese OEM is currently sending out the Android 10-based EMUI 10 update to its flagships around the world. The list of devices to have received the update include the Mate 20, Mate 20 Pro, Mate 20 X, P30, P30 Pro, and a few others.

Microsoft unveiled the first gameplay trailer for Age of Empires IV today at the X019 event. The trailer offered a snapshot of two in-game civilizations: The English and the Mongols. At only a minute long, though, it raises more questions than it answers.

Lenovo has launched the Smart Display 7, which, like its predecessors, is a smart speaker with an in-built touchscreen. This new version has its display above its speakers this time, although they are still 10-watt (W) drivers. It also has Google Assistant, Wi-Fi 802.11ac and an ambient color sensor.

Sony has now released its official Android 10 update roadmap. The Xperia 1 and Xperia 5 will receive the OS update before the year runs out, while other phones will follow next year. Sadly, the Xperia XZ1 phones are missing from the list, which means they've been abandoned after getting just one OS update, and that's a shame.

Ten of the mainline Final Fantasy games are coming to Microsoft's Xbox Game Pass subscription service. Every main Final Fantasy game since Final Fantasy VII, save for the two MMORPGs (Final Fantasy XI and Final Fantasy XIV), will be released for Xbox Game Pass throughout 2020.

Google will begin rolling out RCS support to all Android devices today. The rollout will happen in stages. Additionally, RCS will only be available through Google's Messages app. However, the rollout will eventually come to all Android devices, replacing the outdated SMS system currently employed.

Brave, a Chromium-based browser designed around user privacy and anonymity, has finally released version 1.0 after four years in development. The browser has a unique method for upending the traditional ad-revenue basis of websites built around blockchain technologies and anonymity.

DJI has introduced its Remote ID, which allows a drone to "beam" its identity and other prevalent information to any smartphone on the ground via Wi-Fi. The company has developed this modality, which can be used through an app, in accordance with government recommendations for safety and compliance while flying personal aerial robots.

A new study of wearable uptake in the US shows that 56% of its participants own such a device. Furthermore, another 13% of this group reported considering the purchase of one by 2020. This study's publication also contained some recommendation for Google's next moves in this game following its Fitbit acquisition.

Google has reportedly set up partnerships, or at least talks for partnerships, with various US banks and credit unions to offer a new kind of checking account linked to the Pay service. This may help it battle Apple, not to mention other bodies such as AliPay and Samsung Pay.

Microsoft has let it be known that checking for updates on Windows 10 PCs that run the stable-channel 1903 version may result in the ability to download its successor, 1909. This November 2019 replacement for that build can also now be accessed by business users and server maintainers.

Huawei launched the EMUI 10 beta a while ago, and has now started sending out the full, stable Android 10-based EMUI 10 update to its current-gen flagship device, the P30 Pro. The OTA comes in as a heavy 4.99 GB download, though.

NVIDIA is offering a free copy of the latest Call of Duty PC game with every purchase of an RTX graphics card, desktop or notebook. However, this deal's window is shrinking: it is only available until November 18, 2019. The GPUs must be bought from nvidia.com or its official partners for the promotion to apply.

The Galaxy A51 will probably be one of Samsung's new phones for 2020. It has attracted its first 360-degree set of renders (from OnLeaks), which incorporate rumors and theories about the phone such as that it will have quad rear cameras. The phone is also now depicted as having a punch-hole camera in its display.

The Honor V30 and V30 Pro are now scheduled for launch on November 26, 2019 in Beijing. This new series has also officially been confirmed to support 5G. It is also now linked to 90-hertz displays and a new alogrithm called Camera Matrix.

The European "responsible vulnerability disclosure" specialists Swascan claim to have discovered that the popular virtual conference service GoToMeeting may be subject to various common weakness enumerations (or CWEs). They may affect the ability to set up meetings with the privacy normally expected of these online events.

Google's Stadia game streaming service is coming November 19. The service will initially launch with 12 games (listed below) and will eventually gain 14 more before the end of the year. Only those that purchased a Stadia Founder's Edition bundle will be able to access the service on November 19.

XDA contributors have found that Google has included code that supports its long-touted "Lift to Talk" setting for Assistant in its app. This feature allows the voice-activated AI in question to be prepared to answer queries whenever a user holds a given device up to their face. However, the researchers have found this option is still buggy when enabled.

Samsung is now rolling a new software update out to the Galaxy A70s. The OTA package adds the ability to use Link to Windows, as well as USB type C headphones. It also contains general stability upgrades and the October 2019 security patches.

The Amazfit Sports Watch 3 was released in China recently. However, its series is also marketed internationally as the Stratos line of sports-focused wearables. Its 3rd generation is now set for launch across multiple European countries later in November 2019.

YouTube will update its terms of service to more clearly point out that the website can shut down channels that are deemed unprofitable. While this has sparked passionate debate among users and content creators, the law concerning a website's control over its posted content is nuanced and complex. As it stands, it looks like YouTube is well within its rights to shut down channels that it deems conflict with its terms of service.

Samsung is bringing a few Galaxy Note 10-exclusive features to the Galaxy S10 line. The update improves system-wide and picture-specific search and an Auto Hotspot feature that can automate connecting a device with a Samsung account to a Galaxy S10's hotspot. The update is rolling out, though the release timeline varies based on country.

Samsung has sneaked a 3D form of Face Unlock into the 5G version of the Galaxy S10 with its latest update. It works on this variant only as it has a time-of-flight (TOF) sensor in its front-facing punch-hole. Therefore, this phone's facial recognition may now approach iPhone-like levels of security and accuracy.

Asus is currently inviting those who own the ROG Phone II to join its Android 10 beta program for this device. However, this only appears to apply to the ZS660KL model, the 12GB/512GB international variant. Those who wish to get this update need to join the OEM's mobile device forum, have an Asus Member's account and be prepared to submit a lot of sensitive info about the phone in question.

Canon USA has unveiled its inaugural 8K broadcast lenses, the UHD-DIGISUPER 51 and 7x10.7 KAS S attachments. The company is pitching them at the capture of live TV in this UHD resolution. They also have an image format size that could become standard for the same.

Apple release iOS 13.2.2 this week, bringing a fix to the RAM management bug introduced in iOS 13.2. There are a few other bug fixes and patches. Considering Apple's terrible track record with iOS 13, it may be prudent to wait a few days to update your iPhone or iPad.

Home theaters brought in a total of US$7.7 billion last year. However, this market value is thought to be capable of growing by up to $5.7 billion more over the next 6 years. The sound bar sector may grow at the greatest rate over this period.

Pokémon GO remains one of the world's most popular augmented-reality (AR) mobile games. However, it has a persistent discrepancy as a title in this ecosystem, which is a lack of Pokéstops, particularly in more isolated regions. Therefore, its maker Niantic is about to launch a more global method of taking user suggestions for additional such item-sources in the future.

The Galaxy Tab S6 is Samsung's latest premium slate. The OEM has just demonstrated it is committed to keeping it that way with a new software update containing the latest Android security patch level. This upgrade has also reached Galaxy Note 10- and S10-series phones.

3 new Blade-series phones are now live on the ZTE website. 2 of these - the Blade 10 Prime and A7 Prime - are available through the carrier Visible. The Blade 10, on the other hand, is an unlocked device sold by the OEM itself.

OnePlus is now rolling OxygenOS 10.0.5 out for 7T users on this OEM's 'stable' update channel. There is also an Open Beta analog for the same. Those who own the 7 or 7 Pro and participate in this program also have a new build to try out.