LineageOS 21 is here! It's based on Android 14 QPR1 and brings major improvements to several Lineage apps. The Aperture camera app is getting new video features added in newer CameraX API releases, while apps like Jelly, Dialer, Contacts, Messaging, LatinIME, and Calculator are getting full Material You redesigns. There's also a brand new gallery app!
Here's a highlight of some of the new features:
* Glimpse: Replaces Gallery2 starting from LineageOS 21.
* Aperture: HDR video recording, configurable volume button gestures, UI rotation support, improved QR scanner, support for Assistant voice actions, and lots more
* Jelly: Added Brave as a search engine and suggestions provider, added per-website location permissions
* Material You: Aperture, Calculator, Contacts, Dialer, Eleven, Jelly, LatinIME, and Messaging have received varying degrees of design changes.
* The side pop-out expanding volume panel has been improved.
* The Lineage Updater app now installs A/B updates much faster thanks to improvements Google made.
* A global Quick Settings light mode has been added.
(Read the full blog post on the LineageOS website for all the details!)
The Lineage team has made several improvements to streamline updates, including overhauling their merge scripts to simplify merging monthly Android security patches, updating their extract utilities to extract files from OTA/factory images directly when possible, creating SoC-specific common kernels for several Qualcomm Snapdragon chips, and commonizing shims/compatibility layers.
LineageOS 21 builds are available for >100 models from several brands, like Google, LG, Motorola, OnePlus, Samsung, and Xiaomi. While 19.1 builds are being retired, 18.1 builds will still be made, as otherwise support for many legacy devices would have to be dropped. Meanwhile, >70 new models were added to the LOS 20 build roster. If you want to try LineageOS for your device, head over to the project's website and THOROUGHLY read the wiki page for your specific model before installing anything!
Here's a highlight of some of the new features:
* Glimpse: Replaces Gallery2 starting from LineageOS 21.
* Aperture: HDR video recording, configurable volume button gestures, UI rotation support, improved QR scanner, support for Assistant voice actions, and lots more
* Jelly: Added Brave as a search engine and suggestions provider, added per-website location permissions
* Material You: Aperture, Calculator, Contacts, Dialer, Eleven, Jelly, LatinIME, and Messaging have received varying degrees of design changes.
* The side pop-out expanding volume panel has been improved.
* The Lineage Updater app now installs A/B updates much faster thanks to improvements Google made.
* A global Quick Settings light mode has been added.
(Read the full blog post on the LineageOS website for all the details!)
The Lineage team has made several improvements to streamline updates, including overhauling their merge scripts to simplify merging monthly Android security patches, updating their extract utilities to extract files from OTA/factory images directly when possible, creating SoC-specific common kernels for several Qualcomm Snapdragon chips, and commonizing shims/compatibility layers.
LineageOS 21 builds are available for >100 models from several brands, like Google, LG, Motorola, OnePlus, Samsung, and Xiaomi. While 19.1 builds are being retired, 18.1 builds will still be made, as otherwise support for many legacy devices would have to be dropped. Meanwhile, >70 new models were added to the LOS 20 build roster. If you want to try LineageOS for your device, head over to the project's website and THOROUGHLY read the wiki page for your specific model before installing anything!
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Google is testing a "Talk to a Live Representative" feature that calls a company's customer service line on your behalf and waits on hold until a representative picks up. This sounds like the Pixel's Hold for Me feature but available on non-Pixel devices.
You can enable this in the Google App by tapping on the "Search Labs" button in the top left. Then a "request a call" button will appear for specific customer service search results. Not all businesses are supported, but several airlines, carriers, retailers, and other companies are.
H/T GreenShades9 on Twitter
You can enable this in the Google App by tapping on the "Search Labs" button in the top left. Then a "request a call" button will appear for specific customer service search results. Not all businesses are supported, but several airlines, carriers, retailers, and other companies are.
H/T GreenShades9 on Twitter
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TIL that the screenshots you get from Wear OS 4's new screenshot gesture (holding down the power button and action button) are lower resolution than the ones you get through the companion app.
A screenshot through the gesture on my Pixel Watch 2 is 271x271. A screenshot through the "take screen shot on watch" button in the Watch app is 384x384. There is a slight difference in quality, but it's not that noticeable. However, the screenshots you get through the gesture are cropped to a circle, whereas the ones you get through the app are square (so you have to manually crop them).
I wonder why screenshots are resized when you take them via the gesture. They still look great when put in a frame, though!
A screenshot through the gesture on my Pixel Watch 2 is 271x271. A screenshot through the "take screen shot on watch" button in the Watch app is 384x384. There is a slight difference in quality, but it's not that noticeable. However, the screenshots you get through the gesture are cropped to a circle, whereas the ones you get through the app are square (so you have to manually crop them).
I wonder why screenshots are resized when you take them via the gesture. They still look great when put in a frame, though!
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Android 15 Developer Preview 1 is HERE! Google is giving us an early look at the next major Android version set to release this fall. Here’s what Google says is new in Android 15 DP1:
- Android 15 ships with the latest version of the AdServices module, which houses the Privacy Sandbox on Android APIs. Specifically, it incorporates SDK Extension version 10.
- Android 15 also ships the latest version of the Android Health module, which houses the Health Connect by Android feature. SDK Extension version 10 adds support for new data types across fitness, nutrition, and more.
- The FileIntegrityManager class is adding new APIs that are backed by the Linux kernel’s fs-verity feature. The new setupFsVerity(java.io.File) method lets apps protect files with custom cryptographic signatures which can be checked via the new getFsVerityDigest(java.io.File) method to ensure they haven’t been tampered with or corrupted. This improves security by protecting against unauthorized file modifications that could compromise app functionality or data.
- Partial screen sharing lets users share or record just an app window rather than the entire device screen. This feature is already live as of Android 14 QPR2 on Pixel but will be more broadly available on other devices with Android 15. Developers can customize the partial screen sharing experience through media projection callback methods.
- Android 15 adds a new Camera2 API that lets apps boost the brightness of the camera preview (CameraCharacteristics#CONTROL_LOW_LIGHT_BOOST_INFO_LUMINANCE_RANGE). It also enables precise control of flash intensity in both SINGLE (CameraCharacteristics#FLASH_SINGLE_STRENGTH_DEFAULT_LEVEL) and TORCH (CameraCharacteristics#FLASH_TORCH_STRENGTH_DEFAULT_LEVEL) modes when capturing images
- Android 15 extends Universal Midi Packages (UMP) support to virtual MIDI apps, enabling composition apps to control synthesizer apps as a virtual MIDI 2.0 device.
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- Android 15 ships with the latest version of the AdServices module, which houses the Privacy Sandbox on Android APIs. Specifically, it incorporates SDK Extension version 10.
- Android 15 also ships the latest version of the Android Health module, which houses the Health Connect by Android feature. SDK Extension version 10 adds support for new data types across fitness, nutrition, and more.
- The FileIntegrityManager class is adding new APIs that are backed by the Linux kernel’s fs-verity feature. The new setupFsVerity(java.io.File) method lets apps protect files with custom cryptographic signatures which can be checked via the new getFsVerityDigest(java.io.File) method to ensure they haven’t been tampered with or corrupted. This improves security by protecting against unauthorized file modifications that could compromise app functionality or data.
- Partial screen sharing lets users share or record just an app window rather than the entire device screen. This feature is already live as of Android 14 QPR2 on Pixel but will be more broadly available on other devices with Android 15. Developers can customize the partial screen sharing experience through media projection callback methods.
- Android 15 adds a new Camera2 API that lets apps boost the brightness of the camera preview (CameraCharacteristics#CONTROL_LOW_LIGHT_BOOST_INFO_LUMINANCE_RANGE). It also enables precise control of flash intensity in both SINGLE (CameraCharacteristics#FLASH_SINGLE_STRENGTH_DEFAULT_LEVEL) and TORCH (CameraCharacteristics#FLASH_TORCH_STRENGTH_DEFAULT_LEVEL) modes when capturing images
- Android 15 extends Universal Midi Packages (UMP) support to virtual MIDI apps, enabling composition apps to control synthesizer apps as a virtual MIDI 2.0 device.
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Mishaal's Android News Feed
Android 15 Developer Preview 1 is HERE! Google is giving us an early look at the next major Android version set to release this fall. Here’s what Google says is new in Android 15 DP1: - Android 15 ships with the latest version of the AdServices module, which…
- Android 15 improves the Android Dynamic Performance Framework (APDF) by adding a new power-efficiency mode that lets apps hint that their associated threads should prefer power saving over performance, reporting GPU and CPU work durations to allow the system to adjust frequencies together, and thermal headroom thresholds to interpret possible thermal throttling status based on headroom prediction.
- Finally, Android 15 adds new OpenJDK APIs related to NIO buffers, streams, security, and more. These APIs will be available on Android 12+ devices through a Google Play System Update to the ART Mainline module.
That’s everything Google mentioned in their press release! There’s of course a lot more that’s new, so keep an eye out for my upcoming posts - I work hard to be your best source for Android OS news and won’t let you down this year as well!
(In case you’re curious: The internal dessert name for Android 15 is Vanilla Ice Cream!)
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- Finally, Android 15 adds new OpenJDK APIs related to NIO buffers, streams, security, and more. These APIs will be available on Android 12+ devices through a Google Play System Update to the ART Mainline module.
That’s everything Google mentioned in their press release! There’s of course a lot more that’s new, so keep an eye out for my upcoming posts - I work hard to be your best source for Android OS news and won’t let you down this year as well!
(In case you’re curious: The internal dessert name for Android 15 is Vanilla Ice Cream!)
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Want to download Android 15 Developer Preview 1? Here’s what you should know:
- Builds are available only for the Pixel 6, 7, or 8 series device as well as for the Pixel Fold and Pixel Tablet.
- You have to manually install these builds, and they’re intended for DEVELOPERS ONLY.
- Once you’ve manually installed a build, you’ll automatically get future Android 15 updates over-the-air.
- If you’re on the Android 14 QPR beta and want to try the Android 15 DP without wiping your device, you should migrate now. Otherwise, there may come a time where an Android 14 QPR beta has a newer build date than the most recent Android 15 DP, forcing you to wipe data before you can migrate.
- If you don’t have a supported Pixel, you can also try Android 15 DP1 with the Android Emulator in Android Studio.
Google recommends using the latest preview of Android Studio Jellyfish for the best development experience. Also, if you discover any issues testing the new features and APIs, leave some feedback on the Issue Tracker.
- Builds are available only for the Pixel 6, 7, or 8 series device as well as for the Pixel Fold and Pixel Tablet.
- You have to manually install these builds, and they’re intended for DEVELOPERS ONLY.
- Once you’ve manually installed a build, you’ll automatically get future Android 15 updates over-the-air.
- If you’re on the Android 14 QPR beta and want to try the Android 15 DP without wiping your device, you should migrate now. Otherwise, there may come a time where an Android 14 QPR beta has a newer build date than the most recent Android 15 DP, forcing you to wipe data before you can migrate.
- If you don’t have a supported Pixel, you can also try Android 15 DP1 with the Android Emulator in Android Studio.
Google recommends using the latest preview of Android Studio Jellyfish for the best development experience. Also, if you discover any issues testing the new features and APIs, leave some feedback on the Issue Tracker.
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Here’s the current release schedule for Android 15:
- Developer Preview 1 (today)
- Developer Preview 2 (March)
- Beta 1 (April)
- Beta 2 (May)
- Beta 3 (June)
- Beta 4 (July)
- Final Release (TBD)
Android 15 will reach Platform Stability with Beta 3 in June 2024. Platform Stability is when SDK/NDK APIs, internal APIs, and app-facing system behaviors are finalized.
The Android 14 QPR program is still running but will conclude with QPR3’s stable release in June.
- Developer Preview 1 (today)
- Developer Preview 2 (March)
- Beta 1 (April)
- Beta 2 (May)
- Beta 3 (June)
- Beta 4 (July)
- Final Release (TBD)
Android 15 will reach Platform Stability with Beta 3 in June 2024. Platform Stability is when SDK/NDK APIs, internal APIs, and app-facing system behaviors are finalized.
The Android 14 QPR program is still running but will conclude with QPR3’s stable release in June.
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Android 15 DP1 has added the "notification cooldown" feature I first revealed in the Android 14 QPR2 beta for Android Police. This feature "gradually lower[s] the notification volume when you get many successive notifications from the same app."
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Here's a first look at the new "swipe up to continue" feature coming to the Pixel Fold!
Android 15 DP1 brought back the "continue using apps on fold" setting that lets you choose when to transition apps from the inner screen to the cover screen after folding your phone.
DP1 by default lists these 3 options:
* Always - Front display turns on when you fold your device
* Only games, videos and more - Front display turns on for apps that stop your screen going idle
* Never - front display locks when you fold your device
However, Google is testing a "swipe up to continue" option that replaces "only games, videos and more." As I previously reported for Android Police, this mode lets you continue apps on the cover screen by swiping up on the lock screen after you fold your device.
I don't actually have a real Pixel Fold, though, so sadly I can't show this feature off. However, it'll likely look similar to how the OnePlus Open does it.
Android 15 DP1 brought back the "continue using apps on fold" setting that lets you choose when to transition apps from the inner screen to the cover screen after folding your phone.
DP1 by default lists these 3 options:
* Always - Front display turns on when you fold your device
* Only games, videos and more - Front display turns on for apps that stop your screen going idle
* Never - front display locks when you fold your device
However, Google is testing a "swipe up to continue" option that replaces "only games, videos and more." As I previously reported for Android Police, this mode lets you continue apps on the cover screen by swiping up on the lock screen after you fold your device.
I don't actually have a real Pixel Fold, though, so sadly I can't show this feature off. However, it'll likely look similar to how the OnePlus Open does it.
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Google is preparing a new security feature in Android 15 that marks notifications with OTP codes as sensitive so only system apps can read them.
This could stop malicious apps from stealing the OTP codes for your online accounts.
You can read more about this upcoming feature on Android Authority.
This could stop malicious apps from stealing the OTP codes for your online accounts.
You can read more about this upcoming feature on Android Authority.
Android Authority
Android 15 could protect your most sensitive notifications from scammers
Android 15 is preparing to add a new feature that will protect your SMS or email 2FA codes from ending up in the hands of malicious apps.
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Android 15 DP1 has a minor, yet welcome change: The OS now pins the system WebView to memory, which could help apps that use it load web pages more quickly.
More details over on Android Police.
More details over on Android Police.
Android Police
Android 15 could help apps load webpages faster
Android 15 could pin the system WebView to memory, helping apps to load web pages more quickly
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The Google Play Store is A/B testing a new feature that uses AI to generate "App Highlights". Here are screenshots courtesy of Telegram user SparkRadar.
(This was first reported on by user AssembleDebug, who also received a tip from SparkRadar.)
(This was first reported on by user AssembleDebug, who also received a tip from SparkRadar.)
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Mishaal's Android News Feed
The Google Play Store is A/B testing a new feature that uses AI to generate "App Highlights". Here are screenshots courtesy of Telegram user SparkRadar. (This was first reported on by user AssembleDebug, who also received a tip from SparkRadar.)
The Google Play Store is also A/B testing a new "App FAQs" section that gives you AI-generated answers to frequently asked questions.
(Thanks to Arseniy Graur and Leonardo on my Telegram group for the tip, and to Leonardo for the screenshots!)
(Thanks to Arseniy Graur and Leonardo on my Telegram group for the tip, and to Leonardo for the screenshots!)
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