Software

Xiaomi has now launched the Buds 4 Pro, new flagship TWS earbuds finished in two-tone gold or black so as to match the new Mix Fold 2. They improve on their previous generations in terms of noise-reduction, connectivity and battery life specs. They raise the new peripherals' price far above the US$100 mark, however.

Newly-posted renders show a total of 6 smartwatch variants, some of which have a square Apple Watch-like face and some of which do not. However, they will all reportedly launch as the same device: the OnePlus Nord Watch. Accordingly, a potential buyer is now thought to have multiple design and size options to choose from when ordering one.

If you own an MSI gaming laptop with an OLED display, then this latest update will make switching between different color profiles a lot easier. Previous versions had no option to set AdobeRGB or P3 color spaces even if the panel could support them.

Although the update for the mobile version is still at least a few days away, Vivaldi 5.4 for desktop users is now available with custom rocker gestures, the ability to turn off sound in web panels, as well as multiple under-the-hood optimizations for Vivaldi Mail, Calendar, and Feed Reader.

Samsung has commented on many of the changes it has made to One UI, shortly after releasing the first One UI 5 beta build for the Galaxy S22, Galaxy S22+ and Galaxy S22 Ultra. Based on Android 13, One UI 5 should reach millions of Samsung smartphones and tablets in a few months, including the forthcoming Galaxy Z Flip4 and Galaxy Z Fold4.

Apple has just released the fifth beta version of iOS 16, likely one of the last beta builds before the release of the iPhone 14 series next month. Also due for distribution to millions of iPhones in September, iOS 16 brings back one of the most missed features from older iPhones before Apple adopted notched displays.

Google has revised its Bedtime mode functionality as part of its upcoming Android 13 update. The improved Bedtime mode adds practical features that should make Android smartphones more pleasant to use at night. Rolling out in a new version of Digital Wellbeing, the new features include wallpaper dimming, among other things.

The upcoming Windows 10 22H2 release will be getting Windows 11's Universal Print and other printing-focused enhancements. Additionally, Windows 10 22H2 will also be getting an improved Focus Assist mode similar to Windows 11 that allows important notifications to pass through. Windows 10 22H2 is currently in the Release Preview phase and will be rolled out gradually in the coming months.

Garmin has presented a new beta software update for the Instinct 2 and Instinct 2S. Arriving only a few days after Beta version 9.13, Beta version 9.15 is a Release Candidate build. Garmin hopes to push the bill unchanged to all Instinct 2 series smartwatches unchanged as a public update soon too.

OnePlus' next wearable is said to launch as the Nord Watch, thereby becoming a wrist-borne extension of the brand's growing sub-flagship ecosystem in the near future. It is also now touted as geared toward fitness features, and is now also most recently rumored to come with a minimum of 2 color SKUs and "solid" runtimes between charges.

Nokia has updated the ultra-budget 110 4G it sells in India for 2022. Apart from an updated design and new colors, it seems to have much the same specs as its immediate predecessor. For something even more renewed and with extra retro charm, the 8210 4G has now been unleashed alongside it.

Geometry is a relatively new electric vehicle (EV) brand on the Chinese market. However, its next car will come with software made by a name much more familiar to its audience: Huawei. The two companies have struck an agreement to make the upcoming vehicle part of the HarmonyOS smart-device ecosystem.

Samsung has announced the One UI 5 beta program, its custom version of Android 13. Currently available on the Galaxy S22, Galaxy S22 Plus and the Galaxy S22 Ultra, One UI 5 beta appears to only contain minor aesthetic changes from stable One UI 4 builds.

Ulefone touts its upcoming Armor 15 as the latest mobile device of the type that doubles as a charging case for TWS earbuds. On top of that, it is rated to ship with IP68/IP69K ratings and Android 12 out of the box - not to mention dual front-facing speakers and a >6,000mAh battery. The OEM will debut the rugged smartphone via Kickstarter shortly in August 2022.

Lenovo has launched the latest update to its OS for mobile devices from the Chinese market, ZUI 14. It is intended for smartphones and tablets, and is now slated to debut on the Legion Y70 and Xiaoxin Pad Pro 2022 respectively. The OEM touts it as extensively customizable yet user-friendly, with a bright, up-to-date style.

A new update for the Watch 3 has brought new features and bug fixes to Huawei's high-end smartwatch. Rolling out as HarmonyOS 2.1.0.239, the update builds on HarmonyOS 2.1.0.237 that arrived last month. This month's update has reached Chinese variants first and should eventually reach other markets in one form or another.

Realme has indicated that it is working on a major software upgrade for its newest flagship mobile devices with the launch of an "Early Access" program for owners of the GT 2 Pro. Those who enter it will be able to test the latest version of Realme UI ahead of its official launch and issue feedback that might inform the final version of the software.

With iPadOS 16, Apple has finally brought new multitasking features to the iPad, albeit only with certain models. iPadOS 16 should deliver superior external monitor support too, among other features. Unfortunately, while iOS 16 remains on track for a September release, iPadOS 16's new features are currently causing so many problems that Apple is rumoured to have postponed the update's rollout.

OnePlus took the opportunity to introduce the impending upgrade to its OxygenOS smartphone UI, based on Android 13, during its major global product event of today (August 3, 2022). It is touted as "smooth, stable and seamless", even if it seems to have more features ported from its brand's parent corporation OPPO than ever before. Despite the 10T's launch today, it will not ship with this updated software out of the box.

Valve has started rolling out new features and changes for the Steam Deck with SteamOS 3.3. According to Valve, the latest update provides more stable 5 GHz Wi-Fi connectivity, as well as allowing you to scale the Steam Deck UI on external displays, among other changes.

LG has finally announced US pricing and availability for its 2022 CineBeam projectors. The series consists of 2 ultra-short-throw DLP units rated to cast a 4K UHD window of 120 inches in size from less than 20 centimeters (cm) from a wall. They also feature up-to-3,700 lumen brightness, HDMI with eARC and integrated 40W speakers.

iQOO has launched its 9T today (August 2, 2022). However, there are still a few days before it actually starts selling via its new dedicated Amazon.in page. The buyer will get a Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 SoC in an updated, racing-inspired chassis with a 6.78-inch 120Hz FHD+ E5 AMOLED display, up to 12GB of RAM, a 50MP ISOCELL GN1 main camera and 120W charging in this refreshed flagship package.

You may have heard of local dimming, but what about local refresh rate? Samsung has reportedly filed a patent that suggests this will become a possibility for the next generation of its displays. It outlines a method for creating a single panel split into multiple zones with different refresh rates, the current high-end 120Hz standard included.

Google has opened the Android 13 Beta program to the Pixel 6a, its latest smartphone. Available to download now, the Pixel 6a has skipped all versions of Android 13 Beta until Beta 4.1. Android 13 Beta 4.1 is available to install manually on the Pixel 6a or through the Android Beta Program.

Fitbit has released new watch faces for the Charge 5 and Luxe, two of its most recent fitness trackers. Arriving after software version 1.171.50 for both devices, the new watch faces should provide a fresh touch of colour for both more than a year after their releases.

It seems unfair that CAD packages are all prohibitively expensive. After all, how are you to know if it's worth spending money on learning the skill without knowing whether or not you're any good at it? Fortunately, there are are a few free CAD packages you can try your hand at before you spend.

Made available to the public yesterday, Linux Mint 21 "Vanessa" arrived more than two years after its predecessor. Just as expected, it is available in three versions, namely Cinnamon, Xfce, and MATE. Linux Mint 21 is a long-term support release that will receive updates until 2027.

The latest addition to the Amazfit T-Rex series of smartwatches was rated for real-time navigation and the ability to pre-load routes (thanks to its advanced GPS specs) at its launch. However, the OEM also admitted that those features would only appear on the wearable after shipping. They were to be added as part of a promised OTA update - which has just been released.

Garmin has released a new beta update for the Instinct 2 and Instinct 2S, bringing the pair up to Beta version 9.13. Arriving as the first beta update since v8.64, Beta version 9.13 includes 40 changes, including 13 new features and plenty of bug fixes. Beta version 9.13 should be available to download now on all Instinct 2 series smartwatches enrolled in Garmin's Beta Program.

Garmin has rolled out a new beta update to Fenix 6, Enduro, Tactix and MARQ series smartwatches, following the release of five alpha updates. Beta version 22.80 contains several changes from Beta version 22.10 and a few differences from Alpha version 22.76. Beta version 22.80 is rolling out now and should arrive as an over-the-air (OTA) update.

OnePlus India has delivered on its hype campaign for the first-ever pair of TWS earbuds branded to match Nord CE smartphones today (August 1, 2022). These "Dynamic Bass" earphones have now also been officially revealed as lightweight wearables that also support a "Sound Master Equalizer", Bluetooth 5.2 and "AI noise cancellation", albeit just for calls.

Nothing continues to improve the experience with the Phone (1), its much anticipated first smartphone. Now on Nothing OS 1.1.2, the update builds on Nothing OS 1.1.0 that Nothing released last month. Rolling out now, Nothing OS 1.1.2 brings a few changes to the Nothing Phone (1), along with a few bug fixes.

Xiaomi has surprised fans by releasing MIUI 13.1, a short stop-over before it presents MIUI 14. Currently in beta, MIUI 13.1 has reached the Xiaomi 12 and Xiaomi 12 Pro so far. MIUI 13.1 is the first time that Xiaomi has based its in-house OS on Android 13, too.

Meta, formerly known as Facebook, is a global conglomerate that has patently thrown its weight behind virtual reality as the next social media of big-tech industry concerns. However, the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has taken issue with what it sees as the company's crusade to "buy its way" to metaverse dominance, and has legal objections to its latest attempted merger in the space.

Milling, engraving and 3D printing - the Artisan 3-in-1 is designed to do it all. Snapmaker has built on its Kickstarter success of 2019 with this new machine touted to support multiple types of fabrication hobby in one package. The start-up claims that the machine can deliver its CNC mode at up to 200W, a "high-power" 10W module and an up-to-300°C dual extrusion system.

Are you holding off on getting your Android smartphone fixed for fear of the personal data on it going to the repair shop with it? Samsung has come up with a new way to allay such fears with its new Repair Mode, a new option for Galaxy-series smartphones that locks all potentially sensitive information behind an unlocking method.

Xiaomi's very public dream of being a company that makes electric vehicles (EVs) as well as most popular consumer devices and gadgets has reportedly lost its initial momentum as of late. The current breakneck speed of the Chinese automotive industry has thrown a regulatory roadblock in the leading OEM's path to officially becoming an auto-maker in its own country.

Sony's second-gen virtual reality (VR) headset for the PlayStation (or PS VR2) is still on the road to launch at the moment. However, the Japanese hardware giant has taken pity on its fans with a new preview of what the accessory should be capable of on its debut. They include a See-Through View mode, the ability to record gameplay and play-area mapping.

Garmin has released update for Epix 2, Fenix 7 and Quatix 7 series smartwatches, having released Alpha version 9.22 earlier this week. This time, the company has issued Beta version 9.24, which replaces v8.37. Available to download now, Beta version 9.24 should arrive automatically for smartwatch's already enrolled on Garmin's Public Beta program.

Google has rolled out a Day 1 patch for the Pixel 6a, its latest mid-range smartphone. Equipped with a Google Tensor chipset, the Pixel 6a features the same SoC as the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro. Google has also confirmed when the Pixel 6a should be eligible for Android 13 Beta builds.

AMD has released the Adrenaline 22.7.1 driver update for eligible systems. The update is a big one, bringing with it AMD Noise Suppression, Radeon Super Resolution to more notebook GPUs, Radeon Boost to more titles, and an incredible bump in OpenGL performance.

The third version of HarmonyOS has arrived, Huawei's in-house operating system. Developed following US sanctions, HarmonyOS departs from Android and relies on Huawei Mobile Services (HMS), not Google Mobile Services (GMS). HarmonyOS 3 launches with new versions of the MatePad Pro 11 and Watch 3 Pro, among other devices.

Sony has announced a new beta update for the PlayStation 5. It lets the console run natively at 1440p, lets players create lists of up to 100 games, and adds the ability to add stickers/voice notes via instant message.

Garmin has released another Alpha software update for Fenix 6, Enduro, Tactix and MARQ series smartwatches. Available as Alpha version 22.76, the update enables HRV status widget glance, among other changes. Alpha version 22.76 can be downloaded now but must be installed manually.

Skyline, a new in-development Nintendo Switch emulator for Android devices, is already compatible with several Switch games. While Skyline will likely need years of further development, Super Mario Odyssey actually runs on the latest build, albeit at a low framerate.

Expected to hit the market in Take-Two's 2024 fiscal year (April 2023 to March 2024), the next installment in the Grand Theft Auto franchise promises to bring the first playable female protagonist of the series in an open world environment that promises to move beyond what GTA 5 has to offer. However, nothing is official yet.

The Pixel 6a is Google's latest smartphone, and is thus only just now getting into the hands of YouTube reviewers. Two of these channels have found that their experience with the device has been marred by a strange and possibly severe bug. Their units' in-display fingerprint scanners allegedly unlock their screens in response to the detection of fingers that were never registered in their UIs.

While most Xiaomi users are still waiting for the MIUI 13.5 update, the first bits of information on MIUI 14 show up. The latest early beta version comes with anti-fraud protection, the ability to recognize text on images in the Gallery app, as well as multiple visual changes that suggest the use of a new approach to interface design.

OnePlus is said to have an inaugural smartwatch to add to its sub-flagship Nord series of devices soon. Now, a famous leaker purports to have dug up more evidence to that effect, which consist of screens pertaining to the wearable's dedicated app. It also seems the new SpO2-tracking accessory is headed to the Indian market.