Google Android O releasing August 21: Roundup of top features, full list of compatible devices

 

Top 7 biggest features of Android O

Google is all set to launch its highly-anticipated mobile operating system 'Android O' aka 'Android 8.0' at a media event in New York City on Monday, August 21.

The Android O launch event will coincide with the equally exciting total solar eclipse in the US. Google has scheduled the live streaming of the event to kick off precisely at 2:40pm EST or 12:10am IST.

Google Android O releasing August 21:
 Roundup of top features,
full list of compatible devicesGoogle

There has been a spate of leaks and rumours surrounding the possible nickname for Google's most eagerly-awaited Android update in recent times, which has been widely touted as 'Android Oreo' after the popular dessert name. Rumour mongers are even contemplating names such as 'Octopus' and 'Oatmeal Cookie' based on the recently leaked filenames from Google's Android O launch reveal video.

Prolific tipster Evan Blass has tipped that Android O will indeed be nicknamed as Android Oreo in his recent tweet. However, we need to wait and see if Google sticks to its traditional naming convention that's based on sweet names.

With so much being talked about Android O, we bring you the consolidated list of confirmed features that you will see in the final version. Some of the key improvements include enhanced notifications, better audio and connectivity, improved battery life, faster boot time, and smarter text selection.

Here is the roundup of the exciting new features, device compatibility and more:

Android O: Roundup of top features

Adaptive and redesigned icons

Users can enjoy better customisation options built into the user interface for creating icons in different shapes to suit their taste, thanks to adaptive and redesigned icons in Android O.

Rounded square-shaped icons have substituted the Cylinder-shaped ones to give a better feel and look to the interface. One can also add specific animated actions for each icon to represent an action.

Better audio and connectivity

Android O offers advanced level of Bluetooth audio codecs for enhanced performance even with low-latency audio, such as the LDAC Codec and the native AAudio technology.

Picture in Picture (PiP) mode

Enjoy superior multitasking capability using the PiP mode which enables you to watch some YouTube video while simultaneously working on an app.

You can even minimise the app window after resizing the video window using the PiP feature or keep the video paused until you have finished working with the app and then resume the playback with a simple click on it. That's quite a convenient option for power-hungry users.

Background app usage limits

This feature works on eliminating the usage of data and battery resources by background apps. Thus, it helps in conserving the battery life for extended periods of time.

Typical examples include location updates and background services that consume unnecessary resources of your phone and drain the battery quickly. Just disable background apps and processes to fix this problem.

Enhanced notification interface

All unread notifications will appear as a dot on the individual app icons whenever there is a new notification that needs your undivided attention. Just tap and hold on the notification message to get a pop-up interface, which will reveal the details.

New emojis

Explore a whole new bunch of new emojis with Android O release, which have been redesigned along the lines of iOS to give you more rounded faces instead of blob faces. Check out some new options such as mermaid, fairy, wizard and giraffe to suit your taste.

Faster boot time

Enjoy the privilege of faster boot times regardless of the hardware configuration installed on your handset as Google has optimised the boot times in Android O. So, you will invariably experience faster app load times, smoother operation and fewer lags than ever while working on resource-hungry apps.

Android O availability

Android O is expected to make its debut release on Google Pixel and Nexus devices, followed by the OEM release on third-party devices. Here is the full list of devices that are destined to receive the Android O update later this summer:

Full list of Android O compatible devices

Google Pixel and Nexus devices

• Google Pixel
• Google Pixel XL
• Nexus 5X
• Nexus 6P
• Pixel 2

Motorola

• Moto Z-Droid
• Moto Z Play
• Moto Z
• Moto Z Play Droid
• Z2 Play
• Moto Z2 Force
• Moto G4
• Moto G5 Plus
• Moto G5
• Moto G4 Plus

Sony

• Sony Xperia X Performance
• Sony Xperia XZ
• Sony Xperia XZs
• Sony Xperia XZ Premium
• Sony Xperia X
• Sony Xperia X Compact
• Sony Xperia XA1
• Sony Xperia XA1 Ultra
• Sony Xperia L1

Samsung

As PC-Tablet reports, here is the tentative list of smartphones along with their model numbers that are likely to receive Android 8.0 Oreo later this year.

• Samsung Galaxy S8 (G950F, G950W)
• Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus (G955, G955FD)
• Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge (G935F, G935FD, G935W8)
• Samsung Galaxy S7 (G930FD, G930F, G930, G930W8)
• Samsung Galaxy Note FE.Galaxy A3 (2017)(A320F)
• Samsung Galaxy A5 (2017)(A520F)
• Samsung Galaxy A7 (2017)(A720F, A720DS)
• Samsung Galaxy A8 (2017) (A810F, A810DS)
• Samsung Galaxy C9 Pro Samsung Galaxy J7v
• Samsung Galaxy J7 Max (2017)
• Samsung Galaxy J7 Pro (2017)
• Samsung Galaxy J7 Prime
• Samsung Galaxy A9 (2016)(SM-A9100)
• Samsung Galaxy A7 (2016)(A710F, A710DS)
• Samsung Galaxy A5 (2016)(A510F, A510F)
• Samsung Galaxy A8 (2016)(A810F, A810DS)

Oneplus

• OnePlus 5
• OnePlus 3T
• OnePlus 3

Asus

• Zenfone 4
• Zenfone 4 Pro
• Zenfone 4 Selfie
• Zenfone 4 Selfie Pro
• Zenfone 4 Max
• Zenfone 4 Max
• Zenfone 3 5.2-inch (ZE520KL)
• Zenfone 3 5.5-inch (ZE552KL)
• Zenfone 3 Ultra
• Zenfone 3 Deluxe
• Zenfone 3 Max
• Zenfone 3s Max
• Zenfone 3 Laser
• Zenfone 3 Zoom aka Zoom S (in Asia)
• Zenfone AR

5 Coolest Smartphone Accessories You Must Have!

Dear smartphone users, here are the 5 best and the coolest tech accessories for your android or iPhone. These gadgets are extremely cool and are very new to the market.

Here are a few that are worth mentioning.

1. Best Portable Charger: Lumina 15000 mAh Ultra Compact Portable Charger
2. 
   

Nothing’s worse than a low battery when you’re trying to meet up with friends or navigate to a new place. Luckily, if you have a Lumina power bank, you’ll never have to worry about hitting the red zone again.

1. Best Camera Lenses: Amir 3-in-1
2. 
   

The Amir 3-in-1 will add versatility to your smartphone photography. The kit comes with three solid aluminum lenses that use a sturdy black plastic clip to fit securely onto your smartphone’s camera.

1. Best Keyboard: 1byone Foldable Bluetooth Keyboard

Smartphones have gotten so powerful that for many people they serve as a primary computer. The only problem with that is typing. Touch-based keyboards are getting better, but some people still prefer the tactile familiarity of a physical keyboard. For those folks, there’s an increasingly diverse line of Bluetooth keyboards compatible with Android devices.

1. Best Waterproof Case: OCASE Waterproof Phone Case
2. 
   

Whether you are spending the day at the beach, by the pool or just out in the elements, it’s important to keep your smartphone protected. The OCASE Waterproof Phone Case is a waterproof pouch with a universal fit for devices up to 5.7 inches. The design is minimalist and consists of touch sensitive, ultra-clear windows set inside a black or white frame with a simple clasp that locks your smartphone in safely.

1. Best Cyclist Mount: Taotronics Universal Cradle Clamp
2. 
   

Cyclists tend to be pretty serious about cycling. For those long 10- or 15-mile rides, it helps to have a way to keep track of your location. Why not use your phone? There are plenty of mounts and cradles for your phone, but not all of them are well made. The Taotronics Universal Cradle features a non-slip rubber grip and can rotate 360°. It’s compatible with any device as wide as 1.97-3.94 inches, which means pretty much any phone on the market—even with the protective case on.

Toilet Ek Prem Katha box office collection day 9: Akshay Kumar's TEPK continues to fare better than BKB on Saturday

Toilet: Ek Prem Katha (TEPK) continued to fare well on at the domestic box office on its ninth day. The Akshay Kumar-starrer has led the race, beating new release Bareilly Ki Barfi (BKB) on its second Saturday.

Toilet: Ek Prem Katha received a fantastic imgponse and collected Rs 96.05 crore net at the domestic box office in the first week. Trade experts predicted that its collection would be halted by new release Bareilly Ki Barfi. As predicted, the Akshay Kumar starrer witnessed steep decline of 70 per cent on its second Friday, when compared to its opening day business (Rs 13.1 crore net).

Toilet: Ek Prem Katha collected Rs 4 crore net at the Indian box office on its eighth day, but it was successful in beating Bareilly Ki Barfi, which minted Rs 2.42 crore on its opening day. The movie also crossed Rs 100 crore mark and become the eighth film for Akshay Kumar to achieve this feat.

The Shree Narayan Singh-directed social drama showed over 60 per cent growth on its second Saturday. Toilet: Ek Prem Katha has collected Rs 6.75 crore net at the domestic box office on its ninth day, while Bareilly Ki Barfi raked in Rs 3.85 crore on its second day. Its total collection has reached Rs 106.8 crore nett in the domestic market and the movie has become eighth highest grosser for Akshay Kumar.

The early trends show that Toilet: Ek Prem Katha will beat the lifetime record of Akshay Kumar's Housefull 3. In the coming days, it will also beat the records of Housefull 2, Jolly LLB 2 and Holiday and become the fourth highest grossing movie for the actors. It should be seen whether it will beat the records of Rowdy Rathode, Airlift and Rustom.

Here is the list of top 10 highest-grossing movies of Akshay Kumar. All the figuimg are in Rs and crore.

Rank	Movie	Release	Collection
1	Rowdy Rathode	1-Jun-2012	134.00
2	Airlift	23-Jan-2016	128.50
3	Rustom	12-Aug-2016	127.13
4	Housefull 2	6-Apr-2012	116.00
5	Jolly LLB 2	10-Feb-2017	115.50
6	Holiday	6-Jun-2014	113.00
7	Housefull 3	6-Jun-2016	109.10
8	Toilet: Ek Prem Katha	11-Aug-2017	106.80
9	Baby	23-Jan-2015	95.50
10	Singh Is Bliing	02-Oct-2015	92.00

 

Mahadev actress Puja Banerjee gets engaged to Kunal Verma; Anita, Adaa and others attend event [PHOTOS]

Puja Banerjee and Kunal Vermainstagram

 Television stars Puja Banerjee and Kunal Verma get engaged on Wednesday, August 16, at a posh club in Andheri, Mumbai.

Puja, who is widely recognised as Parvati in Devon Ke Dev Mahadev, has been in a relationship with Kunal for the past nine years. The duo met on the show Tujh Sang Preet Lagayi Sajna.

It was a Rajasthani themed engagement ceremony and the much-in-love couple danced to some hit Bollywood numbers. Puja looked gorgeous in a Rohit Verma outfit while Kunal looked dapper in a green sherwani.

The ceremony was a star-studded one and was attended by several celebrities from the telly world including Bharti Singh, Pooja Gor, Adaa Khan, Shashank Vyas, Anita Hassanandani amongst others.

Calling her relationship with Kunal a roller-coaster ride, Puja told the Times of India: "My relationship with Kunal is like a roller-coaster ride full of ups and downs. Every relationship goes through it. But the best part is that we are still together and we will always be."

Puja Banerjee and Kunal Vermainstagram

Puja and Kunal have not yet finalised the wedding date but will most probably get married by the end of this year or early next year.

Meanwhile, Naagin 2 actress Aashka Goradia, who got engaged to her American beau Brent Globe last year, is gearing up for her wedding on December 3.

iPhone 7 Plus look-alike Coolpad Cool M7 launched: Price, specs and everything else

Top smartphones launched in India in July 2017

Coolpad has just launched the Cool M7 in China, which is an iPhone 7 Plus look-alike featuring the design elements of the flagship Apple handset. However, there is still no word about the phone's international availability from the Chinese company. 

iPhone 7 Plus look-alike Coolpad Cool M7 launched:
Price, specs and everything elseCoolpad

The Chinese smartphone mimics the iPhone 7 Plus in many ways with the sole exception of the dual camera setup. The iPhone 7 Plus sports a dual rear camera while the Cool M7 features a single 12MP rear camera with autofocus and LED flash, besides a 13MP fixed-focus front-facing selfie camera.

Coming to the design language, the Coolpad Cool M7 flaunts tapered and rounded edges on a metal unibody structure for a premium feel as well as looks. The smartphone is one of the sleekest in the market measuring just 6.9mm in thickness and weighing barely 152g.

The circular shaped physical Home button is placed on the front (along with an integrated fingerprint scanner) just below the 5.5-inch full HD display that features the 2.5D curved glass protection on top.

Apart from the camera and LED flash, the M7's rear panel sports the company's trademark 'Cool' logo. Under its hood, the Cool M7 is powered by an Octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 processor clocked at 2GHz and paired with 4GB of RAM. The Coolpad phone features just 64GB of internal storage without any microSD option for expansion.

Powered by Cool UI 8.0, the handset runs Android 7.0 Nougat out-of-the-box and is fuelled by a 3,000mAh battery. The new UI brings a unique Dock bar to the phone alongside a plethora of interesting features.

On the connectivity front, the Cool M7 offers hyvbrid dual SIM, GPS, 4G/LTE, Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n, USB type C port and Bluetooth 4.1.

The Coolpad Cool M7 will be available in two colour variants at launch namely, black and blue. The device is expected to go on sale for 2,699 Yuan (Rs. 26,000 approx) in its home country starting August 26. Prospective buyers may go ahead and pre-register for the Cool M7 right away.

Coolpad Cool Play 6 Smartphone To Be Available Online From Sep 4

The 6GB RAM Coolpad Cool Play 6 smartphone launched for the Indian market at Rs 14,999 will be available exclusively on Amazon from September 4, the company has said.

The phone unveiled here on Sunday at an event comes in a metal body and sports a bezel display. It has a 5.5-inch Full HD display with 1080 x 1980 pixels screen resolution.

Powered by 1.95GHz Octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 653 processor Cool Play 6 would be the most affordable 6GB RAM smartphone in India. It also has a fingerprint sensor.

India and the US have now become two of the largest markets for Coolpad overseas.

"We have always believed in launching products that start a trend in the market and Cool Play 6 is yet another winner from Coolpad," James Du, Global CEO, Coolpad Group, told reporters.

"We are also coming with exclusive Coolpad services centres in India with plan to have these in at least five cities in the next six months," Du said.

The phone will be available exclusively on Amazon.in from September 4, in two colour variants -- gold and black, Coolpad announced.

The phone offers 64GB of internal storage and packs 13 MP + 13 MP dual primary camera and a 8 MP front shooter for selfies.

It has 4000 mAh, non-removable Li-Po battery with a standby time up to 300 hours, with support for USB Type-C reversible connector and Dual SIM (Nano), the company said.

The phone runs on Android 7.1.1. The Android 8.0 OTA update will be provided by December, Coolpad said.

"In the last couple of years Coolpad has done well and we have beaten even our own estimates. Year 2017 has been a game changer for Coolpad in India and we continue to put our resources in the country with a plan to achieve 50 per cent growth to extend our market share to six per cent of the total market in India," Syed Tajuddin, CEO, Coolpad India, said.

"We already have offline presence in eight states with a reach in 3,000 multi-brand outlets and have plans to expand it to a total number of 18 states in the next one year," Tajuddin said.

"Coolpad smartphones have a 25 per cent market share on Amazon in the Rs 8,000 category," he added.

IANS

WhatsApp Tests Facebook-Style Coloured Text Status Feature: Report

Late last year, Facebook started rolling out coloured statuses on its Android app that allowed users to write their status update with a colourful background, font, and emoji combination. Now, the same feature has been spotted on WhatsApp as well, and while currently it's in beta, it can be expected to arrive for all users soon.

Android Police was first tipped about this feature, and it is showing up in Android beta version 2.17.291. The report states that even though you might be on this latest version on the WhatsApp Android beta app, it is possible that you may not see this feature. It is presumably a server side switch from WhatsApp's end, so only select users are seeing it now even in beta. We can't see it either. In any case, few users are now seeing a floating pen icon in the Status tab at the bottom of the screen, right above the camera icon. Clicking on the pen icon brings up the option to type a status, choose a font, emoji, and the background colour as well.

When you're done writing the status and making the necessary changes, you can then hit the green arrow key to send the text status, just like how you send media content now. The status will then be published on WhatsApp for all your contacts to see.

The revamped WhatsApp Status feature was launched in February, and has managed to achieve more than 250 million daily active users in such a short span, much more than what Snapchat itself enjoys currently.

You can check if you're seeing this coloured text status feature by enrolling yourself for the Android beta program, and updating to the latest version. Alternatively, you can download the latest APK Mirror from here.