It looks like we could soon have a Coca-Cola smartphone to add to the growing number of Android crossovers we didn’t know we needed.
A number of Twitter accounts have been sharing an apparent press render of a Coca-Cola smartphone, but the earliest appears to be from prolific leaker @UniverseIce. While looking very much like a vinyl skin applied to an existing device, it appears that Coca-Cola is partnering for the first time on a smartphone project.
Over the years we’ve seen some truly high-profile partnerships between brands including the likes of the impressive Cyberpunk 2077 OnePlus 8T, a Dragon Ball Z Realme GT NEO 3, Pokemon-themed Galaxy Z Flips, plus tons more that offer something truly unique. Coca-Cola is an institution, so to see the branding on a smartphone would be similarly interesting.
Here comes your very first look at the totally new #ColaPhone! Maybe Coca-Cola will cooperate with a top smartphone brand. Can you guess which brand it will be? pic.twitter.com/6ieXvVTTH0
It’s unclear just which Android smartphone maker is responsible for this Coca-Cola collaboration. However, eagled-eyed replies to the original hint that this could be a rebranded Realme 10 Pro, which is a decidedly mid-range phone. This includes a 6.7-inch 120Hz IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 695 processor, 6/8/12GB RAM, 108MP main camera, plus a 5,000mAh battery.
We know that the Realme 10 series launched with Android 13 pre-installed, and if they are behind the Coca-Cola smartphone, then we would hope it will come with system tweaks to solidify this brand partnership. That said, if it is the Realme 10 Pro, then this is a budget phone in almost every regard. Just how much it’ll cost is unknown, but it might quench the thirst of potential buyers looking for a cheap Android smartphone — hopefully very soon.
Apple on Monday released iOS 16.3, macOS Ventura 13.2, and other software updates to the public. The new versions of the company’s operating systems come with new features but also bring multiple security patches. Not only that, but Apple also released updates with security patches for users running iOS 15. Read on as we detail what has been patched with the updates.
Security patches available with iOS 16.3
According to Apple’s website, both iOS 16.3 and iPadOS 16.3 fix two security exploits found in previous versions of the operating system. This includes patches in areas such as AppleMobileFileIntegrity, ImageIO, Kernel, Mail, Maps, Safari, and WebKit.
For instance, an exploit found in the Weather app could allow other apps to bypass Privacy preferences. In another security exploit related to WebKit, which is the engine for Safari and other web browsers on iOS, Apple has fixed two exploits that could lead to the arbitrary execution of malicious code. You can check some of the details below:
WebKit
Available for: iPhone 8 and later, iPad Pro (all models), iPad Air 3rd generation and later, iPad 5th generation and later, and iPad mini 5th generation and later
Impact: Processing maliciously crafted web content may lead to arbitrary code execution
Description: The issue was addressed with improved checks.
WebKit
Available for: iPhone 8 and later, iPad Pro (all models), iPad Air 3rd generation and later, iPad 5th generation and later, and iPad mini 5th generation and later
Impact: Processing maliciously crafted web content may lead to arbitrary code execution
Description: The issue was addressed with improved memory handling.
Most of these patches are also available for Mac users with macOS Ventura 13.2, Apple TV users with tvOS 16.3, and Apple Watch users with watchOS 9.3. It’s worth noting that Apple has also released iOS 15.7.3, macOS Monterey 12.6.3, and macOS Big Sur 11.7.3 with the same patches for users who haven’t (or can’t) update their devices to the latest versions of the operating systems.
There’s even an update available for iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, and other devices that are stuck on iOS 12. It’s worth noting that Apple is letting all users stay on iOS 15.7 while still receiving security patches instead of being forced to update to iOS 16. However, it’s unclear whether the company has plans to maintain support for iOS 15 for long.
The Pixel 7 series is no stranger to network issues here and there. While it’s a small issue that can be addressed, how does it get fixed? This guide will take you through a couple of steps you can take to fix your Pixel 7 connection issues when they arise.
The Pixel 7 series has a ton to offer. With its Tensor G2 chip, fantastic camera array, and well-integrated Google Assistant features, Google’s latest device lineup is one we highly recommend. Of course, it’s not a perfect device. One of the issues that tend to crop up is the tendency for the phone to drop its connection, especially when relying on a cellular network.
When this happens, the Pixel 7 will display the connection strength. Sometimes, it’s as strong as it can be, though it still has no internet access, displaying a small exclamation mark next to the signal symbol. This indicates you’re having network issues on your Pixel 7. When that happens, there are a couple of steps you can take to replenish your internet connection.
How to fix connection issues on the Pixel 7
While there is a myriad of issues that can appear, the listed approaches are very much blanket solutions. Without knowing the exact issue, it’s impossible to be specific. With that being the case, the following options do well to solve the issue most of the time, in our experience.
Reset your network
In our experience, the first method listed in this guide works about 99% of the time. That method is hitting the network reset toggle, located in the settings. Button was introduced back in Android 12 and has been a fantastic addition to the OS.
On the Pixel 7, head to your settings.
In Network & internet, tap Internet.
At the top, locate and tap the network reset button.
Note: The button looks like a small wrench mixed with a refresh icon.
After hitting the network reset function, you’ll see the page refresh, notifying you that your phone is restarting its internet connection. Most of the time, this button will work flawlessly. You’ll know that’s the case if your cellular network icon no longer has an exclamation mark beside it. Of course, you can always test this by trying to access the internet in some form or fashion.
Restart the Pixel 7
If the above method doesn’t work, the next thing worth trying is restarting the Pixel 7 in order to fix network issues; doing so will allow the device to start over and establish fresh connections. While a fresh reboot doesn’t solve everything, this is a case where it can certainly help.
On the Pixel 7, tap the power button and volume up button at the same time.
In the menu that appears, tap Restart.
If you don’t have this shortcut active, you can also access the power menu by swiping down in Android 13. After swiping down in the homescreen twice (or with two fingers), you will see a power icon. Tap it to access the power menu.
If neither of the above methods works for you, you might need to contact your carrier. There could be an issue with your SIM or even the Pixel 7 itself. The two methods listed above work for general connection issues; anything past that might require very a very specific approach.
All users can now enable iCloud Advanced Data Protection, an opt-in feature to get end-to-end encryption for almost all data stored in iCloud, including messages, photos, and device backups.
The feature is activatable once users upgrade to iOS 16.3, currently in developer beta, with a public release of the new software update expected to arrive next week.
Under the default setup, Apple retains the keys to decrypt your iCloud data on their servers. This is required to support account recovery and other features.
But for users wanting ultimate data protection, iCloud Advanced Data Protection allows users to encrypt their iCloud data with their own device passcode so that Apple doesn’t have a key. This means that even if Apple’s servers were hacked, the intruders would not be able to read your personal data without knowing your passcode.
iCloud Advanced Data Protection rolled out at the end of last year with iOS 16.2 in the United States. Apple said it would make the feature available around the world in 2023. iOS 16.3 delivers on that promise.
If you want to enable iCloud Advanced Data Protection, open Settings -> [your name] -> iCloud -> Advanced Data Protection and follow the steps to turn it on. When iCloud Advanced Data Protection is enabled, it is critically important to remember your password. However, the phone will guide you to set up account recovery provisions, in case you do lose access to your account, like a trusted contact or printable recovery key.
Law enforcement groups heavily rely on iCloud for data collection as part of an investigation, by simply sending a search warrant or subpoena for Apple to retrieve a suspect’s iCloud backups. With iCloud Advanced Data Protection enabled, this is no longer possible as Apple cannot simply decrypt the information.
It remains to be seen whether governments in certain regions will push back against Apple’s rollout of end-to-end encryption. If end-to-end encryption becomes illegal in certain markets, Apple would be forced to comply and make iCloud Advanced Data Protection unavailable to those users.
Available in China since last December, the Xiaomi 12 Series just got its launch outside of China. The global variant of the range-topping Xiaomi 12 Pro has been keeping us company for a while now and here it is in its full glory.
And Xiaomi does take its portfolio ranking seriously. While the Xiaomi 12 Pro does come with a competent trio of 50MP cameras (a new main one, an ultrawide, and a short tele), it stops short of offering the biggest and best in the imaging department – clearly not an Ultra this one.
It’s got the latest top-end Snapdragon at the helm, as is the norm, and it features an LTPO OLED display from Samsung that is all sorts of great. Charging should be class-leading thanks to the 120W support, which is a most welcome sight given the relatively modest battery capacity for the high-end hardware.
You can read some hand-picked numbers and features below. Don’t miss the infrared emitter that Xiaomi keeps fitting on its handsets in 2022, much to the delight of owners of legacy non-connected tech.
High-end Xiaomi Pros and Ultras get special treatment when it comes to packaging and are shipped in black boxes as opposed to the white livery of lesser models.
The inside of the thick cardboard box greets you with a sleeve that holds a clear silicone case – not the most premium protection option, but you can’t argue with a free case. It’s hard to complain about a bundled 120W adapter either, but we’re pros at complaining, so we can’t help but mention that it’s way too heavy and bulky to leave the house. There’s also a USB-A-to-C cable to go with it, and you’ll need both proprietary peripherals to get the fastest charging speeds.
Competition
The global model of the Xiaomi 12 Pro, which we have here, has a starting price of €1000 for an 8GB/256GB version, and that’s steep enough to put it in a tight spot.
A similarly specced Galaxy S22+ will set you back €1100 nominally, but buyback schemes or carrier subsidies can dramatically change that number. But even at MSRP, the Galaxy can defend the modest 10% premium, plus you could shave €50 off of its price if you go for the 128GB version (we wouldn’t, though).
The S22+ will get you an IP68 rating and significantly longer battery life, and these two alone are worth the extra spending, we reckon. Other small advantages like the slightly brighter display and barely longer tele camera contribute just a little, and OneUI may very well have gotten better than MIUI (plus it has the Android 12 novelties).
The Xiaomi 12 Pro has a couple of things going for it, like the blazing fast charging (let’s not get into Samsung’s fast charging attempts), which can potentially be a habit-changing feature. Ther also the infrared emitter, but that’s about as niche a differentiator as they come.
An iPhone 13 Pro can be had for €1150 for a base 128GB storage configuration, and that too serves you a similar trade-off – you pay a higher price for dust and water protection, longer battery life, and a slightly brighter display and more zoom reach. The iPhone has another advantage in that its ultrawide has autofocusing capability. The ecosystem divide stands, of course. There’s also a size argument here, and the Xiaomi‘s larger display area will be an advantage to some while other mays prefer the more compact 13 Pro. Matching the Xiaomi’s screen size in the Apple world, on the other hand, would make the price difference a cool 25% and that’s a bit too much.
The Oppo Find X5 is conveniently priced at the Xiaomi 12 Pro’s level. We have yet to review that one, so we’re going with a specs-based comparison, and there isn’t a clear winner. The Xiaomi appears to have the better display, and it does win with its next-gen chipset (overheating as it may be), but the Oppo has a way more interesting ultrawide camera (larger sensor, AF), and potential for superior battery life (without lagging that far behind in terms of charging).
Another option comes from Huawei, with its own pros and cons. The P50 Pro is the only one here to offer memory expansion, and it matches the Xiaomi in having an IR blaster; plus it does carry an IP68 rating. The Huawei also has the longest telephoto of this bunch, its periscope standing at 3.5x zoom, plus its ultrawide has AF too. And that’s in addition to the handset’s dedicated monochrome camera. Overall, perhaps this is the photography enthusiast’s better option. They will have to settle for a Google-less experience, however, even worse battery life than on the Xiaomi and last year’s chipset (no 5G either).
Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 5G • Apple iPhone 13 Pro • Oppo Find X5 • Huawei P50 Pro
Verdict
The Xiaomi 12 Pro is not without its flaws. Perhaps most significant among those is the battery life, where key competitors have it beat. The lack of dust and water protection also raises eyebrows on a phone at this level. Top-tier chipsets tend to suffer under peak load, and so does the Snapdragon in the Xiaomi 12 Pro, but this one throttles especially aggressively. And for all its camera goodness, the missing autofocus on the ultrawide module and the relatively short reach of the tele limit its potential as a cameraphone.
Not everyone needs ultra-grade cameras, however, and the 12 Pro offers a respectable level of picture-taking capabilities, front and back, day and night. Small missteps in the video color science could perhaps be forgiven (also may be fixed over time). The 12 Pro has one of the best displays on this side of Galaxy flagship or an iPhone and, to help offset that less than praiseworthy battery longevity, it charges faster than almost any other phone on the market.
We understand that paying a little extra will get you more elsewhere, and we might argue that a more complete package at a price just a fraction higher would be the right way to go. However, paying as much as Xiaomi charges for this one comes with trade-offs that may or may not be justified depending on whom you ask. So while we wouldn’t straight up recommend the Xiaomi 12 Pro, we’d say it’s well worth considering – even more so if a discount of any sort comes its way at some point.
Pros
Thoroughly excellent display.
Class-leading charging speed.
Very competent camera system.
Cons
No formal IP rating.
Non-competitive battery life.
The chipset throttles fast and hard.
Ultrawide camera lacks autofocus, telephoto has just 2x zoom.
Asus has a very limited presence in the mobile space as a whole. So when a new model comes out once or twice a year, it’s an occasion – especially when it is a Republic of Gamers phone. It’s that time of year again, and now the new ROG Phone 6 is a reality.
Despite its extremely limited lineup as a whole, Asus tends to overcomplicate the different variants of the ROG Phone. Last year the ROG Phone 5 was quickly succeeded by the ROG Phone 5s mostly due to timing around Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 888+ chipset. The situation was complicated further by introducing Pro and Ultimate SKUs to the mix and some regional market differences in specs.
This time around, it appears Asus and Qualcomm managed to coordinate a bit better. The ROG Phone 6 is coming out slightly past its due date but has the latest and greatest Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 under the hood. Hopefully, this means no “s” variants in a couple of months, and as an added bonus, this makes the ROG Phone 6 more interesting for us since it is one of the first production devices with the chip to come by the office.
Asus ROG Phone 6 Pro specs at a glance:
Body: 173.0 x 77.0 x10.3 mm, 239g; Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), glass back (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame; IPX4 water resistant, PMOLED display (on the back), Pressure sensitive zones (Gaming triggers).
What we have for review at the office is actually the ROG Phone 6 Pro. As far as we can understand, the current lineup consists of a Pro and a vanilla ROG Phone 6, which share almost all of their internal specs, except maximum RAM. The vanilla tops out at 16GB of RAM while the Pro gets 18GB. Both use the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 and are otherwise nearly identical in terms of features. Well, sans the slightly different back design with the ROG Vision secondary display, which is reserved for the Pro.
Left to right: ROG Phone 3 • ROG Phone 5 Pro • ROG Phone 6 Pro
The ROG Phone 6 and ROG Phone 6 Pro come with dual Nano-SIM slots. Asus reps also confirmed that there would be potential differences market to market, which you do have to check with your local store. These are likely to mostly be limited to memory configurations, but we can’t rule out some color options popping up here and there differently.
As far as we currently know, the ROG Phone 6 will be available in either Phantom Black or the frosted Storm White finish. Whereas the Pro will only be available in white, like the one, we have.
Asus previously had white reserved for its Ultimate skew but decided to make it widely available this year due to fan interest in the color. Last but not least, concerning models and configurations, we believe both the vanilla and Pro models are going global this year.
Circling back to the ROG Phone 6 as a whole, just like last year, it represents an iterative rather than a major upgrade over the previous generation. Asus has successfully homed in on the gaming formula, or at least its take on it, and has been tweaking it and keeping it fresh and current for some time now. No fault in that approach since there are few devices out there quite as “tricked out” as the ROG Phone in almost every aspect.
This year, the AeroActive cooler is arguably the bit that has received the most attention and a major overhaul. Now it even sports an active Peltier element for improved cooling. But, we’re getting ahead of ourselves.
Unboxing
Before we really dive into the ROG Phone 6 Pro, let’s start with its retail box contents. In keeping with ROG tradition, it is a real treat. The whole thing is shaped like a trapezoidal prism and features a very nifty slide-out mechanism. Once that is engaged, magnets hold an inner segment of the case closed as a sort of “flap” to cover the cradle that holds the phone itself snugly in place.
The cradle slides out to reveal the bottom compartment, charger, and cable. The HyperCharge charger is an extremely compact and surprisingly light unit with up to 65W of Power Delivery output over a Type-C port. Asus relies on entirely standard PD + PPS to do its fast charging, which is a real treat to see. It is rated for 5V/9V/12V/15V @ up to 3A, 20V @ up to 3.25A and PPS 3.3-11V@3A, 3.3-21V@3.25A for a max of 65W. This versatile charger can easily be used to even power some modern laptops. You also get a nice black braided USB Type-C to Type-C cable in the box.
There is also an Aero Case included with our unit, which according to Asus, should be part of the retail package. Check with your local store for details on that, though.
In case you are wondering, you don’t get the AeroActive cooler in the standard bundle. That needs to be purchased separately and comes with its own compatible case in the box.
The only other thing you get in the retail box is an oddly-shaped plastic card that you have to scan as part of the ROG AR initial activation experience for the phone.
Competition
The ROG Phone line is a lot of things to different people, but it has never been cheap and affordable. To be fair, pricing, especially including optional accessorizing within the now significantly smaller ecosystem, has been coming down to more reasonable levels. Still, the ROG Phone 6 and ROG Phone 6 Pro are very much luxury products.
Left to right: ROG Phone 3 • ROG Phone 6 Pro • ROG Phone 5 Pro
The ROG Phone 6 start at €999 in Europe for the base 12GB plus 256GB configuration. The ROG Phone 6 Pro will be only available in one configuration – the 18GB/512GB white model we are reviewing with an MSRP of €1299 (w/ VAT).
If you find yourself considering the ROG Phone 6 Pro, we can already assume that (1) you are after a gaming phone and that (2) money is no object. Well, holding on to the second assumption, let’s look into other gaming alternatives starting with the Xiaomi Black Shark 5 Pro. Some of its important highlights include a 6.67-inch, 10-bit, 144Hz, HDR10+ OLED display, Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset with up to 16GB of RAM and 512GB of NVMe SSD storage, stereo speakers, a potent 108MP main camera and slide-out magnetic physical triggers for game mapping. It costs a lot less than the ROG Phone 6 Pro, but you could also save a bit more and get most of the same experience with the vanilla Black Shark 5 too.
Xiaomi Black Shark 5 Pro • ZTE nubia Red Magic 7 • Lenovo Legion Y90
Another big name in gaming is ZTE’s gaming brand Nubia. Currently, its headliner is the Red Magic 7, which despite its lower price and relative market position, honestly looks like a better deal than the Red Magic 7 Pro. Compared to its sibling, it has a faster 165Hz, 6.8-inch, 10-bit AMOLED display and better battery endurance, despite its smaller battery. Other than that, it is also rocking a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset with up to 18GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, stereo speakers, programmable gaming capacitive triggers, and an internal fan.
Lenovo has a challenger in the ring as well in the Legion Y90. The Legion line is a bit newer to the market and still lacks the kind of pedigree some of its rivals have, but that shouldn’t reflect poorly on the device itself. We haven’t reviewed the Y90, though, so we don’t have any first-hand experience to share.
Our verdict
Not a lot has changed going from the ROG Phone 5s to the new ROG Phone 6 and ROG Phone 6 Pro. There is the mandated chipset change to the latest and greatest Qualcomm has to offer and a few specs touch-ups here and there, plus a newfound IPX4 ingress protection rating. Fundamentally, the core formula hasn’t changed, and that’s arguably a good thing.
Even with stiffening competition in the realm, we maintain that ASUS remains king of the mobile gaming hill. Granted, the once fantastic accessory ecosystem is but a shadow of its former glory, but other than that, the sheer laser focus on gaming is ever so impressive.
The ROG Phone 6 Pro leverages some of the best possible hardware in a unique way, optimizing everything from low-level integration to high-level software for the best possible gaming experience. The flexibility and number of tuning options on offer are still unmatched, and so is the versatility of the in-depth control mapping and macro system.
Honestly, the ROG Phone 6 Pro has very few shortcomings. There is the arguably inferior thermal management compared to previous generations that sort of necessitates the additional purchase of the AeroActive Cooler 6. And then there is also the modest camera setup compared to any 2022 flagship.
And that leads us to price. Starting at €999 for a base ROG Phone 6 and €1299 for the ROG Phone 6 Pro, we are looking at a device that rubs shoulders with the best of them. Luckily, beyond its gaming prowess, the ROG Phone 6 Pro is also a very well-rounded device with one of the best displays and audio setups around and a truly amazing battery life. In that sense, maybe it can even compete with the Galaxy S22’s and iPhone 13’s of the world. Whether or not that’s a fair competition in your view is an entirely personal stance. As it currently stands, the ROG Phone 6 Pro gets two thumbs up from us, and we’ll leave it at that.
Pros
Toned-down, but still ROG-inspired gamer’s design with great build quality. White variant now widely available.
IPX4 certified body – first on a gaming phone.
AirTigger 6 ultrasonic touch sensors remain industry-leading, are very precise and versatile. Motion controls are extended and improved from last gen.
Simplified side port is now just a regular Type-C port – major durability improvement over last gen.
Industry-leading stereo speaker performance, complete with gaming-specific sound tweaks.
One of the best around 10-bit, HDR10+, AMOLED screen, 165Hz refresh rate.
Amazing battery life, even at full 165Hz. Rich battery health prolonging options. Very fast charging (65W charger bundled).
Fastest-available Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset.
Great Android implementation, an unparalleled number of game tweaks, control-mapping and performance options.
Solid daylight photos, as well as low-light images. Impressive selfie quality.
Very good video quality, impressive EIS.
Cons
Available accessory ecosystem is not as wide as for older models.
AeroActive Cooler 6 does not come bundled.
Thermal management is not as good as on the older ROG Phone 5/5s. AeroActive Cooler 6 is now required to make the most of the available hardware.
Rather basic camera setup, compared to typical 2022 flagships. 8K video recording is capped at 24fps.
iOS 16.3 is set to be released next week, according to Apple. This update first entered beta testing in December and includes a handful of changes and features, though it’s a minor update in comparison to other updates from Apple over the last few months.
What’s new in iOS 16.3?
Apple confirmed iOS 16.3’s release date in a press release announcing a number of ways the company is celebrating Black History Month this year. The initiatives include a new Unity wallpaper for iPhone as well as a Unity face for your Apple Watch.
Apple says that both of these things require that your Apple Watch is running watchOS 9.3 and your iPhone is running iOS 16.3. Again, these updates are currently in beta testing, but Apple says everything will be available for update sometime “next week.”
The Unity 2023 watch face will be available next week and requires Apple Watch Series 4 or later running watchOS 9.3, and iPhone 8 or later and iPhone SE (2nd generation) or later running iOS 16.3.
The new Unity iPhone wallpaper for the lock screen will also be available next week and requires iPhone 8 or later running iOS 16.3.
Aside from the new watch face and wallpaper for Black History Month, iOS 16.3 also includes a few other changes and features. Here’s a quick rundown:
Security Keys for Apple ID: You can now use a physical hardware security key to serve as the second layer of authentication for your Apple ID.
Changes to how “Call with Hold” for Emergency SOS works: iPhone will now wait until you release the buttons to call emergency services, even after the countdown.
iOS 16.3 beta guides users on how to use Handoff from iPhone to HomePod
As you can see, this is a relatively minor release without too many changes or new features for iPhone users. That’s not necessarily surprising, given that the update hasn’t been in beta testing as long as usual.
Once iOS 16.3 is released, we expect iOS 16.4 beta testing to begin almost immediately after. We’re still waiting on a number of already announced features from Apple: Apple Card Savings Account, Apple Pay Later, Apple Music Classical, and Advanced Data Protection for iCloud outside of the United States.
After the launch announcement earlier in the month, the Android 13-based LineageOS 20 is already adding extra support for a small pool of devices including the Poco X3 plus more Xiaomi handsets.
Arguably the biggest and most well-known third-party ROM, LineageOS 20 offers a different take on Android 13 for devices that might not ordinarily be able to run Google’s latest mobile operating system. One of the biggest changes is the addition of an overhauled default camera app called “Aperture.”
The full changelog includes the December 2022 security patch, which is just the tip of the iceberg. Given the similarities between Android 12 and Android 13, this isn’t a huge departure. That is part of the reason why LineageOS 20 was able to be released so quickly after the AOSP build of Android 13 was made available to developers.
Owners of the excellent Poco X3 alongside the Xiaomi Mi 6, Xiaomi Mi Mix 2, and SHIFT SHIFT6mq can now flash LineageOS 20 and get a full taste of Android 13 right now (via XDA). As with any third-party ROM, this is not something we would suggest just anyone sideload. However, this could give your aging device a new lease on life without any added cost.
When flashing LineageOS 20 on your Poco X3 or other Xiaomi devices, it’s important to note that you will need to manually flash the Google apps (or GApps) package to get access to the Play Store and other Google services — as these files do not come with the ROM. If you’d like to get started, you can find direct links and downloadable files for each of the newly added devices below:
LineageOS 20 based upon Android 13 officially launches w/ new camera app, more
In the world of third-party Android ROMs, LineageOS is among the most popular. Months after Android 13 was officially released for Pixel phones, LineageOS 20 has arrived based upon the latest mobile OS.
Announced in a lengthy blog post by the Lineage team, LineageOS 20 has been in the works since October 2022 but is now ready for a sizable pool of devices. Because much of the hard work has already been done and the simple “bring-up requirements” for Android 13, this has been an easier process for the Lineage team.
This build includes a substantial overhaul to the default camera application bundled with LineageOS 20. Renamed “Aperture,” this has been written by developer SebaUbuntu, LuK1337, and luca020400 with a look and feel closer to the Google Camera app found on Pixel phones. It utilizes the CameraX API, with even more precise options for the camera on your device including video frame rate control, full EIS and OIS settings, plus an image orientation level that works like the Gcam spirit level functionality.
The new camera app is just the tip of the iceberg as this ROM includes a ton more changes that you can check out via the changelog below. It’s also worth noting that all security patches from April 2022 right through to December 2022 have also been merged to LineageOS 17.1 through to LineageOS 20.
LineageOS 20 full changelog
Security patches from April 2022 to December 2022 have been merged to LineageOS 17.1 through 20.
ohmagoditfinallyhappened – LineageOS now has an awesome new camera app called Aperture! It is based on Google’s (mostly) awesome CameraX library and provides a much closer “to stock” camera app experience on many devices. Massive kudos to developers SebaUbuntu, LuK1337, and luca020400 who developed this initially, designer Vazguard, and to the entire team for working to integrate it into LineageOS and adapt it to our massive array of supported devices!
WebView has been updated to Chromium 108.0.5359.79.
We have introduced a completely redone volume panel in Android 13 and have further developed our side pop-out expanding panel.
We now support GKI and Linux 5.10 builds with full out-of-tree module support to match new AOSP conventions.
Our fork of the AOSP Gallery app has seen many fixes and improvements.
Our Updater app has seen many bug fixes and improvements, as well as now has a fancy new Android TV layout!
Our web browser, Jelly has seen several bug fixes and improvements!
We have contributed even more changes and improvements back upstream to the FOSS Etar calendar app we integrated some time back!
We have contributed even more changes and improvements back upstream to the Seedvault backup app.
Our Recorder app has been adapted to account for Android’s built-in features, while still providing the features you expect from LineageOS.
The app was rearchitected heavily.
Material You support has been added.
The high quality recorder (WAV format) now supports stereo and there has been several threading fixes.
Android TV builds now ship with an ad-free Android TV launcher, unlike Google’s ad-enabled launcher – we also support Google TV-style builds and are evaluating moving to it on supported devices in the future.
Multiple Google TV features, such as the much more appealing looking Two-Panel Settings application have been ported to LineageOS Android TV builds.
Our adb_root service is no longer tied to the build type property, which allows greater compatibility with many third-party root systems.
Our merge scripts have been largely overhauled, greatly simplifying the Android Security Bulletin merge process, as well as making supporting devices like Pixel devices that have full source releases much more streamlined.
LLVM has been fully embraced, with builds now defaulting to using LLVM bin-utils and optionally, the LLVM integrated assembler. For those of you with older kernels, worry not, you can always opt out.
A global Quick Settings light mode has been developed so that this UI element matches the device’s theme.
Our Setup Wizard has seen adaptation for Android 13, with new styling, and more seamless transitions/user experience.
At present, the build roster does not yet include Tensor-powered Pixel devices. However, the Pixel 4a through to the Pixel 5a are able to flash LineageOS 20 and get an even more flexible build of Android 13 running. Over 30 devices can now be updated with the full list found below:
Evidence continues to mount that the Apple Watch will switch to the latest-generation display technology starting in 2025. According to reliable analyst Ross Young, LG has started building a small production line for micro-LED displays ahead of Apple’s transition away from OLED. This also plays into Apple’s plans to start making its own displays for Apple Watch and iPhone in-house…
We published in our November Capex Report that LGD is building a small line for microLED backplanes for the Apple Watch. It doesn't start production till 2H'24. It is this small line that will likely assemble microLEDs from Apple for '25 launch. Apple won't do the full process.
Today’s report from Young follows a report from Bloomberg earlier this week. In that report, Mark Gurman explained that Apple is reducing its reliance on companies like Samsung and LG and will start designing its own screens for products like the Apple Watch and iPhone. Bloomberg noted, however, that Apple will still rely on those companies for mass production.
Young’s new report today largely corroborates what was reported earlier this week. The analyst explains that Apple “won’t do the full process” when it transitions display technologies. For the micro-LED display expected to be used first in the Apple Watch Ultra, Young says that Apple will work closely with LG.
LG is reportedly now in the process of “building a small line” for micro-LED display backplanes for the Apple Watch. “It is this small line that will likely assemble micro-LEDs from Apple,” Young explains. He says that production isn’t expected to start until the second half of 2024 and that the first Apple Watch with micro-LED will launch in 2025.
Both reports this week are essentially saying the same thing. Apple will start designing its own displays, starting with the Apple Watch and eventually the iPhone and other mobile devices. Currently, the company relies entirely on displays from companies like Samsung and LG.
To me, this sounds very similar to how Apple works with TSMC on the Apple Silicon processors used across all of its products. Apple designs the chips in-house but then works closely with TSMC for production and fabrication of those chips. Apple also invests heavily in TSMC to help the company upgrade its factories to support the latest fabrication processes.
Additionally, there are multiple different components that go into the displays used on iPhone and Apple Watch. As Young explains today, Apple can design most of the display in-house, then rely on LG, Samsung, and others for the “off-the-shelf” parts such as backplanes.
Even if Apple can’t completely ditch Samsung and LG, this will still allow it to significantly reduce its reliance on those companies. As Young and Bloomberg both say, however, it will be a complex process, and we might not see the first results of Apple’s work until 2025.
As smartphones continue to balloon in size, be that in terms of dimensions or smaller screen bezels, utilizing the split-screen mode makes it easier to manage. The split-screen process has been altered slightly in Android 13, but we’re going to show you just how to master this extra mode.
This feature was first introduced back in older versions of Android and back then, the method was relatively simple thanks to the three-button navigation method. As OEMs and Android have moved on from on-screen buttons to free-form gestures, there have been several core changes that — annoyingly — make entering split-screen when running Android 11 through Android 13 just a little more cumbersome.
Android Nougat allowed you to simply enter your recent app switcher and drag-and-drop apps to the top and bottom of your display to have them running simultaneously. Since Android Pie, the recent app switcher now uses swipes to dismiss or close any running applications — which is an important reason why this split-screen method has changed since Pie through Android 13.
Those with smaller displays might not find this particularly useful; heck, you might not use the feature at all. That said, a prime example when split-screen apps are useful is if you want to watch a video and browse the web simultaneously. The split-screen mode in Android is actually a really great way to properly multitask on your smartphone, especially if you have a big phone like the Galaxy S22 Ultra or even the Pixel 7 Pro.
Launch the first app that you want to use in split-screen multitasking — this is not necessary if you have recently opened the app you want to use.
Now enter the recent apps screen.
Swipe up from the home bar in Android 13 when using gestures.
Swipe up from the pill-button if using 2-button navigation (often disabled in Android 12+).
Tap the recents (square) button if using 3-button navigation.
Navigate to the app you want to have at the top of your display in split-screen.
Tap the kebab menu (three dots) within the Recents app switcher or hold the app icon on some devices to activate the mini menu.
Now tap “Split-top” on Pixel phones or “Split-screen” on some other Android phones.
On Samsung Galaxy phones the process is streamlined further. Pressing and holding the app icon within the Recents menu in One UI 5.0 (Android 13) allows you to place at either side of your screen with a pop-up menu section letting you select a second app for a split-screen view.
Now you can select the secondary app either from the recent app view or pick an app from your home screen or app drawer.
The secondary app will now appear in the lower half of your display.
In landscape, apps will be held on the left and right halves of your display.
This will only work when viewing applications in portrait rather than landscape, though. Some apps may also not allow you to put them into split-screen — such as Pokemon Go and many other games. You may see a black or blank screen in a portion of your display if an app does not support split-screen mode on Android 13.
How to exit split-screen mode in Android 13
There are a number of ways to exit split-screen mode on your device. This makes it easier to choose between closing the dual app view and even lets you quickly return courtesy of the Recents app menu and “App pairs” functionality.
When two apps are running side-by-side, simply drag the middle-positioned black bar to scrub down or up to open the corresponding application in full-screen mode.
Alternatively, if using the gesture navigation method, swipe upward to exit to your home screen. Reopening the Recents app menu will preserve the split-screen apps as an “App pair” that you can return to or dismiss.
How to resize apps when in split-screen view
You can resize each split-screen app slice on Android Pie right through to Android 12, but Android 13 takes things a step further, as you can double-tap the separating line or bar and this will switch the positions of any apps you currently have open. Here’s how to do it:
With two apps open in split-screen view tap and hold the black bar separating both app instances. Drag up or down to resize to suit your preferences.
Dragging the separating bar to the bottom of your screen will open the upper application in full screen. Conversely, dragging upward to the edge of your screen will open the bottom application.
This method works when in split-screen landscape mode, but may differ on your specific Android 13 device.
To switch the positions of each application, double-tap the separating bar and in most cases a smooth transition will move the application. On Samsung phones, you may see a dual-arrow icon after double-tapping that you can press to switch positions quickly.
You can also “save” your favorite app pairings by tapping the “star” icon to quickly launch two of your favorite apps into split-screen mode on Galaxy devices.
