Tag: android 11

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Mobile Syrup

OG Google Pixel gets new lease on life with Android 11 via LineageOS

If you’re still clinging desperately to the original (and in many ways, best) Google Pixel, you may be able to give it a new lease on life.

That is, if you’re willing to dabble with custom Android ROMs.

Google stopped officially supporting the original Pixel and Pixel XL back in 2019 after rolling out the Android 10 update. However, the team behind LineageOS — a free, open-source, Android-based mobile operating system — has brought Android 11 to the OG Pixel with LineageOS version 18.1.

Spotted by XDA Developers (via Android Police), official LineageOS builds are now available for the Pixel and Pixel XL, bringing both phones into the long list of devices supported by LineageOS. Those who want to extend the longevity of their Pixel or Pixel XL can use Lineage to get on a more up-to-date version of Android with new security fixes.

Of course, with custom Android ROMs, nothing is ever that simple. To install LineageOS, you’ll need to unlock your devices’ bootloader, install a custom recovery, and load the custom ROM file. Plus, LineageOS doesn’t ship with Google apps like the Play Store, so you’ll need to install a ‘GApps’ package if you want Google services.

I haven’t done anything like that for years, so I feel a bit out of my element writing about it. That said, there are plenty of guides and how-tos available online (XDA links to a couple if you want to try). As always, make sure you back up your data first so you don’t lose anything, and be aware there are risks with installing custom software like this.

Ultimately, it’s neat to see the OG Pixel live on with custom software. While not a perfect phone, I really appreciated the look and feel of it back when I used one as my daily driver. Plus, I still think the slight wedge shape that allowed the Pixel to not have a camera bump was a great design choice (one I would love to see return to Google’s Pixel line, although I doubt it ever will).

For those who don’t use an OG Pixel, LineageOS does support a wide range of devices from manufacturers including OnePlus, Razer, Sony, Asus, Xiaomi, Lenovo, and more. It remains a solid choice for people with older phones no longer receiving official support.

The LineageOS team is working on version 19 based on Android 12, although Android Police notes it won’t arrive anytime soon.

You can learn more about LineageOS here.

Source: XDA Developers Via: Android Police

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Mobile Syrup

Original Surface Duo finally gets promised Android 11 update

Earlier this month, Microsoft said the original Surface Duo’s long-awaited Android 11 update would arrive in a “few weeks.” Well, that time has passed and, thankfully the update is (finally) rolling out.

As spotted by 9to5Google, a Microsoft support page for the update notes that it’s rolling out to unlocked Duos in North America and Europe. That includes Canada — I was able to start downloading the update on my Duo. Those with locked or unlocked AT&T Surface Duos, however, will need to wait a little longer.

The support page also lists the new features included with the update, which clocks in at a whopping 2.38GB. There are a ton, so we picked out some of the highlights. For the full list, click here.

  • Updated to Android 11 and Android Security Bulletin – January 2022.
  • New options for answering phone calls when device is folded.
  • New options for setting apps to automatically open across both screens.
  • Updated app drawer and folder design with improved drag-and-drop support.
  • New dual-screen experience for viewing and editing photos in OneDrive.
  • Xbox Game Pass: play games from the cloud with an on-screen controller.

With the update, the original Duo should now be on par with the Duo 2, at least in terms of software. Now, the wait for Android 12 begins, both for the Duo and Duo 2.

However, previous reports indicated that Microsoft planned to skip Android 12 and go straight to Android 12L. Google’s testing the Android 12L update now — it’s set to bring several improvements for devices with large screens or even multiple screens, like the Duo line.

Source: Microsoft Via: 9to5Google

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Mobile Syrup

Nvidia updates its Shield TV to support Android 11

Nvidia has been testing Android TV 11 support for Nvidia Shield TV as part of a closed Beta program for a while now. Now the company has started rolling out its Software Experience Upgrade 9.0 to all Nvidia Shield TVs, including the original 2015-released model, which brings Android TV 11 capabilities to the masses.

Later released 2017 and 2019 models will also get the update and enjoy the quality of life changes along with Android’s September 2021 security patch.

The new OS includes an updated Gboard app, Google Assistant voice search in all search boxes across the platform, and one-time app permissions that allow you to grant access to something like your location just once, during the initial setup. Further, if you’ve got an aptX compatible Bluetooth headphones, you can now start using them with the Nvidia Shield TV.

Other key updates part of the Software Experience Upgrade 9 include power saving options like automatic Bluetooth disconnection when your device goes to sleep and an energy-saving setting for power customization. Additionally, you can now set up Playstation, Xbox, or Nvidia controllers with pressable logo buttons to start Stadia when you push them along with support for the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller over Bluetooth and USB and Steam Controller over USB.

Lastly, Nvidia’s GeForce Now subscribers can now add additional Bluetooth peripherals to their device along with support for Twitch to stream high-quality live streams while you’re in-game.

For users in the United States, Nvidia is offering six months of NBCUniversal’s Peacock Premium for free with the purchase of a new Shield TV.

Learn more about Nvidia’s Software Experience Upgrade 9.0 here.

Image credit: Nvidia

Source: Nvidia

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Mobile Syrup

Microsoft says original Surface Duo Android 11 update coming in a ‘few weeks’

After Microsoft failed to meet its promise to roll out the Android 11 update to the original Surface Duo by the end of 2021, the company now says the update will arrive “in the next few weeks.”

In a statement to Windows Central, Microsoft confirmed it’s “finalizing” the update and plans to start rolling it out soon, starting with unlocked phones:

“We’re finalizing the validation and certification for Android 11. We originally planned to deploy Android 11 as an update for Surface Duo in December, but we needed a few more weeks to ensure a great experience for Surface Duo customers. We expect to begin Android 11 rollout in the next few weeks, beginning with unlocked devices.”

While it’s good to see that the update will arrive soon, it’s certainly been a long time coming. The Duo launched with Android 10 and hasn’t seen a major upgrade since, even after the Duo 2 launched with Android 11.

Windows Central adds that its sources claim the update has been ready for weeks but was delayed in part due to the holiday break. Additionally, the update still needs validation and certification from partners including Google and U.S. carrier AT&T.

Moreover, the publication notes that Microsft plans to skip Android 12 and go straight to the Android 12L upgrade for the Duo line. Assuming Microsoft can work faster on the 12L update, that should be good news for Duo owners — Google’s work on Android 12L should make the mobile OS play nicer on foldables and dual-screen devices.

Source: Windows Central