This feature is particularly interesting because it could potentially merge VoIP calls from across the Android platform into a single log. This would include calls made through apps like Skype, Signal, Viber, etc. It’s important to note that rumors about this integration have been circulating for quite some time.

Last Year, a Reddit User Also Spotted a WhatsApp Call in the Phone App

Last year, a Reddit post seemingly showcased the very same thing. The user noticed one of their WhatsApp calls recorded in the Phone app. This could have been an early beta test version that Google rolled out for a limited time to a select group of people, or more likely, an accident.

Google has not yet commented on when they plan to release the update that integrates WhatsApp calls into the Dialer app. However, based on what has surfaced online, it appears Google is actively working on bringing this update to consumers.

Regarding the feature itself, calls made through the Google Phone app typically display the SIM name you’re using for the call. However, for VoIP calls, like those from WhatsApp, the app name appears below the number.

VoIP Integration May Not Affect ‘ALL’ Android Phones

It’s important to understand that this feature may not be available on all Android smartphones. It will only work on devices using the Google Phone app. Phones from manufacturers like Xiaomi, Samsung, and OnePlus typically come with their own proprietary dialer apps, and so they might not see the same integration, at least based on what we know now.

This is all we know for now, but rest assured that we will keep you updated as new information becomes available.

The post Google Dialer May Soon Show WhatsApp Call Logs in the Phone App appeared first on Appuals.

Nothing Phone (2a) — Reviews

Reviewers have had differing takes on what this phone represents and where it stands in the market. Here’s what they had to say:

The Verge touched upon the feature set and the price point that Nothing had chosen, and how both of these could be (2a)’s strong suits.

…$349 is an extremely reasonable asking price. Sure, the outer frame and back panel are plastic, it’s only splash-resistant, and the Glyph Interface is still mostly a curiosity, but it’s only $349. It’s easier to understand why certain features like a more robust IP rating aren’t here.

That price tag also makes it easier to appreciate what is here: the Glyph Interface feels like a fun extra, and the informative always-on display is one of my favorites on any phone.

The Guardian also appreciated the price discrepancy between the (2a) and Nothing’s previous phones. It also talked about how this could be a great mid-range killer.

I’m in love with everything I see on paper with the Nothing Phone 2a, including how it retains the brand’s identity with its peculiar design and iconic Glyph Interface. In a sea of slates, its design is a refreshing one made better by the fact it’s under that $500 threshold of what most consumers deem as budget phones.

Frankly, the Google Pixel 7a and iPhone SE (2022) — two phones I’ve spent a great deal of time using as my daily drivers — should be afraid.

Engadget made a case for how Nothing Phone (2a) was more than just an ordinary midrange device.

Nothing also pays attention to small details like the phone’s crunchy pseudo-analog sound effects that help marry its distinctive design with its custom UX and dot-matrix-inspired widgets.

PCMag highlighted the other side on how the Glyphs did more harm than good.

I like the idea of the Glyph system since it encourages you to turn your phone over and focus on whoever or whatever is in front of you. But, in practice, I find Glyphs unnecessary and sometimes more distracting than a regular banner notification. You also have to remember what each notification pattern means for the system to be useful.

Ratings

Here’s how the reviewers rate Nothing’s first budget smartphone, the Nothing Phone (2a):

Videos

Here’s what some of YouTube’s top tech creators had to say about the phone.

1. Mrwhosetheboss

2. MKBHD

3. Tech Spurt

4. ORBIT

The post Nothing Phone (2a) Review Roundup: What Does the Community Think? appeared first on Appuals.

According to a recent YouTube video by Everything Android, a new tool called APatchLite provides a much quicker and shorter approach to rooting your Android device. This new tool simplifies the procedure, particularly for people who are rooting their phones for the first time.

The video author was able to install the software and root his phone in just 3 minutes, as opposed to the previous lengthy process. While the software has received little feedback due to its recent launch, it is an open-source project built on KernelSU that is accessible for download on GitHub. 

How to Root Your Phone Using APatchLite?

Before you see the steps, if you’re new to rooting entirely then there are other things you need to do before following this procedure. This guide assumes you’re aware of the basics and have already extracted your boot.img, along with having installed a custom recovery like TWRP.

1. Make sure the option to install apps from unknown sources in enabled in Settings. This will be different depending on what you use to download the APK.
   

   

2. Download APatchLite as an APK from GitHub.
3. Tap on it to install it, allow all necessary permissions if it asks.
4. Open the app after installation where you will see the option “Patch.”
   

   

5. Find the boot.img file in your phone and tap on it. The example picture is using a MIUI-based custom ROM which has its boot image in the Documents folder:
   

   

   Wait for the patch to be complete. Before the next steps, make sure your APatchLite is properly Installed!
6. Now go to your custom recovery and tap on Install.
   

   

7. Select Downloads from the list.
   

   

8. Tap on Install Image in the bottom-right.
   

   

9. Select partition as Boot, and Swipe to confirm flash.
   

   

   Select Boot as the partition
10. After a few seconds the flash will be successful.
    

    

11. Reboot your device and enjoy.

After following the above-given directions, you will easily be able to grant root access to apps that require them. You can install apps like “MRepo” to grant root access and successfully use your rooted phone without any problem.

As seen by the steps, the process was really simple and straightforward. This new app is genuinely a marvelous feat after the lengthy process of Magisk and similar software. Do let us know what you think about APatchLite in the comments below.

The post APatchLite: How You Root Your Android Without Magisk in 2024 appeared first on Appuals.

Qualcomm’s Next Flagship Mobile SoC Could Match Clock Speeds to that of its High-Performance Laptop Processor

This transition to in-house cores grants Qualcomm greater flexibility in fine-tuning the chip’s performance and efficiency. While initial rumors suggested the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 might be the first mobile SoC to break the 4GHz barrier, newer rumors hint at the possibility of it reaching a staggering 4.3GHz clock speed, which is notably on par with Qualcomm’s high-performance laptop processor, the Snapdragon X Elite.

In a previous report, we highlighted that due to Qualcomm’s decision to abandon low-power efficiency cores, it could potentially result in a TDP of nearly 14W, with each of the two L-cores (large cores) consuming up to 5.47W. This time, it is projected that each of these L-cores could escalate to 10W.

A Jump to 4.3GHz Would Likely Push TDP Numbers Through the Roof

Taking a step back and comparing this to the last-generation Gen 3 SoC, which operated at 12.7W, the 8 Gen 4 would elevate the TDP to a whopping 24-25W, marking a whole 100% increase in power consumption, draining the efficiency numbers right through the ground.

While an ideal scenario might involve heavily cooled custom water-loop setups in flagship phones from every manufacturer, the reality is that such solutions are highly unlikely and would require substantial investment in R&D. While we saw some cooling advancements in flagships like the Samsung Galaxy S24U, it’s still insufficient to consistently handle such high power demands.

Therefore, Qualcomm will likely need to significantly reduce the frequency of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4. The ideal number being discussed within the community is 3.8GHz, which aligns with the default clock speed of the Snapdragon X Elite and the maximum boost clock of the Apple A17 Pro.

This is all we know for now, but rest assured that we will keep you updated as new information becomes available.

via: Nguyen Phi Hung on X

The post Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 Could Reach a Whopping 4.3GHz on Each Big Core, Likely Won’t Happen Due to Efficiency Constraints appeared first on Appuals.

However, the animations lack the smooth and buttery feel the flagship phones have. Several users have also shown their disappointment about Samsung’s mid-range phones falling behind the competition. Additionally, users have also said that the animations look the same as in 2020 and there aren’t any major improvements for newer generations.

While Samsung intends to make their mid-range phone experience similar to their flagship phones, from the first looks it’s safe to say that the experience is close but definitely not the same. That’s all we have for now, let us know your thoughts in the comments down below about the Galaxy A55 animations.

The post First Hands-on Video of Galaxy A55 Animations Seem To Be All Show No Go appeared first on Appuals.

The tablet has been spotted on multiple certifications, confirming its imminent launch. Today, we are exclusively sharing details regarding the storage, color options, and price of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2024) for the European markets.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2024) Color, Storage Options and Price:

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2024) will be available in Chiffon Pink and Oxford Gray color options, consistent with previous Galaxy Tab S6 Lite models. In addition to these two colors, Samsung will launch the tablet in a Light Green colorway. The tablet will be offered in both Wi-Fi only and LTE network configurations.

The prices we have obtained are from a European source, and as always, the price may vary in each country depending on local taxes. However, we can be confident that the tablet will be priced within the same range. Here are the prices for all variants of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2024):

Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2024) Specifications:

The source confirms that the tablet will feature a 10.4-inch display. Recent certification findings have revealed key details about the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2024). The tablet will utilize Samsung’s in-house Exynos 1280 processor and run on Android 14 with the One UI 6 platform. It will be equipped with a 6840mAh (minimum) battery and support 15W wired charging. Other connectivity options include Bluetooth 5.3, dual-band Wi-Fi, 2G GSM, 3G UMTS, and 4G LTE.

Aside from these specifications, no other details were revealed about the tablet. We anticipate the device to feature specifications and a design similar to the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2022), as Samsung has previously been known to retain specifications and designs for refreshed models.

The post EXCLUSIVE: Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2024) Price Tipped for Europe appeared first on Appuals.

Xiaomi’s Background Music feature was a workaround to this restriction by YouTube and worked perfectly to play videos while your phone screen was off. However, it seems that the feature has been removed following a post from a User on r/PocoPhones. A lot of the comments also state similar problems and it has been suggested this was done due to compliance issues with YouTube

In case you forgot, YouTube is fighting adblockers. If the platform detects an attempt to block adverts, it will now prohibit users from playing videos. Additionally, YouTube has acknowledged that users of adblockers may encounter buffering or slow playback.

A YouTube Premium subscription is another perk that the Google-owned corporation is offering. Google may have forced Xiaomi into disabling the background streaming feature on all of their devices because of YouTube’s demands. Since all of Xiaomi’s smartphones are built on MIUI, this move will impact Poco devices as well as Mi and Redmi models.

OPPO Has Also Removed this Feature

Similarly, OPPO has also stated that all of its smartphones will have the background stream capability disabled with future over-the-air upgrades.

The news broke on OPPO’s Community, where the company said that in order to comply with regulations, they will be removing the Smart Sidebar’s background stream feature. All devices will be updated immediately.

OPPO has no plans to roll out a new update that disables the feature. Rather, the company will fix the same feature over time through over-the-air upgrades. Users have also received an apology from OPPO for the trouble this has created.

Even though neither Google nor YouTube have spoken out about it, OPPO’s claim that it deleted the feature to comply with regulations implies that it was pressured by outside sources to do so. Lately, YouTube has also been very stringent in enforcing its TOS.

How to Fix this Problem?

Not all users are willing to pay a monthly subscription amount to Google for removing ads and enabling background video playback. Thankfully, there are a few solutions still present that do the work. We have listed them below and you can use these services to still access these features without paying a premium fee.

• YouTube Revanced
• GrayJay App
• Brave Browser

Some users have also shared a solution (For Xiaomi Phones Only). This might work for other brands but try it in your own risk.

• Uninstall Security App Updates
• Go to Settings
• Go to System Apps
• Disable Security Updates by pressing “ignore“

This solution might do the work for you, atleast until YouTube enforces it some other way.

This is all we know for now. Do let us know what you think about these restrictions in the comments below.

The post Xiaomi Poco Phones Remove Background Music Option in YouTube appeared first on Appuals.

Realme has already revealed key specs of the Realme 12+ 5G; however, the specs of the Realme 12 5G are still under wraps. Today, through our exclusive source at Appuals, we are sharing the key specs of the Realme 12 5G. Additionally, we are providing details on the storage and color options available for the Realme 12 5G and Realme 12+ 5G in India.

Realme 12 Series Storage and Color Options:

Starting with the Realme 12 5G, the phone will launch in India with 6GB+128GB and 8GB+128GB storage options. It will be available in Woodland Green and Twilight Purple colors. Whereas the Realme 12+ 5G model will debut in 6GB+128GB, 8GB+128GB, and 8GB+256GB storage configurations. Color options for the Realme 12+ 5G include Navigator Beige and Pioneer Green.

Realme 12 Series Specifications:

The Realme 12 5G will be powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ processor. The phone will use an IPS LCD panel that will boast 950nits of peak brightness. It will feature a dual camera setup with a 108MP Samsung sensor from the ISOCELL HM series for its main camera with 3X Zoom support. For selfies, it will utilize a single 8MP lens. The phone will be backed by a 5000mAh battery and will support 45W wired charging over a USB-C port. On the software side, the phone will run Android 14 based on Realme UI 5.0. A side mounted fingerprint scanner will be used for security.

As for the Realme 12+ 5G, we pretty much know all the specs of the phone through earlier leaks. It will feature a 6.7″ AMOLED display with FHD+ resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7050 processor, it will come with LPDDR4x RAM and UFS 2.2 ROM. For photography, it will sport a 50MP Sony LYT-600 sensor with OIS, an 8MP ultra wide lens, and a 2MP macro lens, along with a 16MP selfie camera.

The device will be equipped with a 5000mAh battery and support 67W charging. It will run on Android 14 with Realme UI 5.0. Other features include support for dual speakers, a 3.5mm jack, a microSD slot, Wi-Fi 5, and Bluetooth 5.2.

The post Exclusive: Realme 12 5G Key Specs Tipped Before India Launch appeared first on Appuals.

Samsung Goes Flat with the Fold 6

The renders don’t show any major design changes, except for the fact that the sides and the hinges are completely flat now. The phone opens up to a full flat surface, not just on the inside, but on the outside too. This “boxier” design also minimizes the panel gap between the two halves when folded.

On the flip side, however, there is nothing much else. The camera layout, outer design, and aspect ratio are more or less the same. There were some expectations that Samsung may adopt a similar design to that of, say OnePlus Open or the upcoming Pixel Fold 2, but it didn’t.

That is not to say that there are no changes in the overall dimensions. The inner screen measures 7.6″ diagonally at 153.5 x 132.5 x 6.1 mm, 1.4 mm shorter and 2.6 mm wider than the Z Fold 5. Meanwhile, the outer display maintains its predecessor’s size at 6.2 inches.

The Hardware

At this point, there are only a few credible sources that share the internals of this device. We can, however, predict that it’ll use the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, 12 or 16 GB of RAM, and up to 1 TB of UFS 4.0 storage.

Samsung has also promised 7 years of OS updates for the S24 series, so it is highly likely that the same pattern will flow here too. Not only that, but at the second Unpacked of this year, there is a huge possibility that the Galaxy Ring will also be released alongside Samsung’s foldable lineup.

This is all we know for now, but rest assured that we will keep you updated as new information becomes available.

via: Smartprix

The post First Galaxy Z Fold 6 Render Reveals a Boxier Frame, Retaining the Same Overall Design appeared first on Appuals.

The Pixel 8 Pro Theoretically Supports AV1 Encoding, But Doesn’t Use It

One major reason for Google’s popularity in the mobile industry is its software support. However, the company doesn’t claim a lot of hardware victories. Interestingly, Mishaal Rahman recently revealed that the Tensor G3 chip, found in the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro, supports AV1 encoding at 4K 60fps, something that isn’t present on any other SoC.

If implemented in smartphones, AV1 encoding can lead to better data compression, which means that files would be stored more efficiently and would take less size, retaining the same amount of visual quality. This is especially beneficial for areas where things like storage space and streaming is concerned.

For a bit of a reference, a 1 minute 4K 60fps video recorded on the Pixel 8 Pro will take approximately 500MB to 700MB of storage space. With longer video durations, the storage consumption can quickly escalate to tens of gigabytes per video. AV1 could potentially halve this storage requirement, significantly reducing the storage burden.

The Issue with AV1 (Right Now)…

Most mobile phones rely on the H.265 or H.264 codec, but recently, with AV1, things could take a step up for the better. The issue, however, with Tensor G3 supporting AV1, is that the encoder isn’t supported by any application on Android. In fact, the Pixel Camera itself doesn’t support AV1 encoding.

At this point, out of the major three SoCs, namely the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, Exynos 2400, and Dimensity 9300, none of them support AV1 encoding at 4K 60fps. Apple’s A17 Pro, however does support AV1, but only for decoding.

The main benefit you’d find with AV1 is its versatility and flexibility compared to the H.264 or H.265 codecs. This is why most phones tend to stick to them. If Google really wants to make meaningful use of this hardware, it will need to tweak the Pixel Camera app to support AV1 at 4K 60fps; otherwise, the hardware is essentially useless.

This is all we know for now, but rest assured that we will keep you updated as new information becomes available.

The post Tensor G3 Becomes the First SoC to Support AV1 Encoding at 4K 60FPS appeared first on Appuals.