Thursday, 6 August 2020

Galaxy Note 20 series gets first software update before it’s even out the door

Welcome to the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 update hub! Here you’ll find all the latest information about software updates for the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 and Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra. We’ll list the current software version for each phone and also regularly update this hub when new updates roll out.

Samsung usually does an excellent job of rolling out important updates simultaneously for all versions of its flagships. However, keep in mind that different versions of the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 might receive updates at different times. So you might see a discrepancy in updates for unlocked and carrier-branded versions of the phones.

Are you looking to buy a Samsung Galaxy Note 20 or Galaxy Note 20 Ultra? Check out the deals below. Head further down the page for the information on each Galaxy Note 20 update.

Samsung Galaxy Note 20 A "cheaper" Note

Samsung's Galaxy Note line has always been for the power users, and this year's models are no different. The standard Galaxy Note 20 has some trade-offs to hit a lower price point, but it should still satisfy many Note users.

Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra Bigger, better, and pricier

Samsung's Galaxy Note line has always been for the power users, and this year's models are no different — especially the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra. This new ultra-premium phone is Samsung's most refined device yet.

Samsung Galaxy Note 20, Note 20 Ultra updates

Current stable version: Android 10
When will Galaxy Note 20, Note 20 Ultra get Android 11?: Q4 2020 (Estimated)
How many updates will Galaxy Note 20, Note 20 Ultra receive?: Three major software updates

Samsung launched the Galaxy Note 20 and Note 20 Ultra on August 5. Pre-orders for the two 2020 Note flagships went live on August 6. Both phones will be available via carriers and retailers starting August 21. The Galaxy Note 20 and Note 20 Ultra both feature Android 10-based One UI 2.5 out of the box.

Samsung has already opened the beta program for One UI 3.0 based on Android 11, so you can expect the Galaxy Note 20 duo to get the new software by the end of 2020. The company has also promised three major Android versions for the phones, so you’re all set till Android 13.

Also read: Samsung Galaxy Note 20 and Note 20 Ultra: What you need to know

The Galaxy Note 20 and Note 20 Ultra are now receiving their first software update even before they hit store shelves. So anyone who buys the new Notes will have this first update waiting for them.

As spotted by SamMobile, the first software update for the Galaxy Note 20 series brings stability and performance improvements. It also squashes some bugs and adds new features, but Samsung hasn’t gone into the details in the changelog. The update is almost 500MB in size and also carries the August security patches for the phones.

Here are the current stable versions of all Galaxy Note 20 and Galaxy Note 20 Ultra models.

Samsung Galaxy Note 20, Note 20 Ultra	Android 10	Android 11
AT&T	Yes	TBA
Verizon	Yes	TBA
T-Mobile	Yes	TBA
US Cellular	Yes	TBA
International unlocked	Yes	TBA

Let us know which Samsung Galaxy Note 20 update you are rocking when you get your phone. Tip us if you’ve spotted an OTA that we haven’t.

Are you looking for more device updates? Check out our Android 10 update tracker.

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It’s official: Microsoft is in talks to acquire TikTok’s US operations (Update)

Update: August 7, 2020 (2:15AM ET): Advancing talks between ByteDance and Microsoft could now see the latter grab TikTok’s global operations, a Financial Times report reveals.

The US company initially set its sights on TikTok’s business in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the US, but now it reportedly wants a much bigger stake. As per the report, Microsoft is now interested in striking a deal that would include TikTok’s business in all countries in which it operates, including the likes of India.

Talks remain ongoing but the deadline for the deal is nearing. President Donald Trump late on Thursday (August 6) signed an order banning TikTok from the US unless a deal is struck before September 20.

Original article: August 3, 2020 (5:03AM ET): We heard murmurings last week, but now Microsoft has indeed confirmed that it’s in talks to buy TikTok’s US business. The news comes shortly after President Donald Trump threatened to ban the short video service, citing national security concerns.

“Microsoft fully appreciates the importance of addressing the President’s concerns. It is committed to acquiring TikTok subject to a complete security review and providing proper economic benefits to the United States, including the United States Treasury,” the Redmond company said in a blog post.

In other words, it certainly sounds like Microsoft acquiring TikTok’s US unit is a foregone conclusion at this point. However, the firm insists that the talks are early and that there’s no guarantee of a deal. The tech colossus nevertheless confirmed that it aims to complete discussions to acquire the service’s US operations “no later than September 15, 2020.”

Read: 10 best TikTok alternatives and apps for Android

Microsoft also noted that the discussions come on the back of a preliminary proposal to buy TikTok in the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, with Microsoft operating the service in these markets. This suggests that the TikTok US talks will form part of a wider deal involving the operations of more countries. Although you have to assume that the service could still be operated by current owner ByteDance in most markets not mentioned here.

The Redmond company adds in its blog post that TikTok would gain “world-class security, privacy, and digital safety protections” as part of the deal. It also claims that TikTok would be more transparent for users, while also offering “appropriate security oversight by governments” in these proposed markets.

One of these measures includes transferring data belonging to TikTok’s US users to the US itself, then deleting the data from servers outside the country.

A successful acquisition means Microsoft would have two major social platforms under its umbrella, with the firm buying LinkedIn for $26 billion back in 2016. A similar deal for TikTok could also theoretically be a possibility in India, as the app has been banned there due to Sino-Indian tensions. However, this solution hasn’t been mooted in the market just yet.

Next: Our guide to all the phone accessories you’ll ever need

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Trump issues orders vs TikTok, WeChat

The American government continued its bold move targeting Chinese companies as US President Donald Trump issued executive orders against TikTok and WeChat.

TikTok, WeChat face US government's ire

US government continues crackdown against Chinese tech firms

After several political threats, Trump finally issued his orders versus China's video-sharing social media app TikTok and messaging app WeChat.

Citing security concerns, the orders could prevent the said firms from dealing with businesses in the US.

This data collection threatens to allow the Chinese Communist Party access to Americans’ personal and proprietary information—potentially allowing China to track the locations of Federal employees and contractors, build dossiers of personal information for blackmail, and conduct corporate espionage, the TikTok order reads.

The orders would be effective in 45 days, barring US companies and individuals to transact with TikTok's parent firm ByteDance and WeChat. The banned transactions, however, were not specified in the orders.

Reports said TikTok and WeChat may no longer appear on Apple's App Store or Google's Play Store in the US.

But TikTok may be saved if Microsoft or other US firm decides to acquire the former before the effectivity of the order.

Source: The Washington Post

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Cherry releases Multi-function Disinfection Box with 10W Wireless Charging

Cherry Mobile announced that its new Multi-function Disinfection Box is now available through the company's official Shopee and Lazada stores.

You can get this Cherry disinfection box for PHP 1.5K

A Multi-function Disinfection Box

A disinfection box with wireless charging? Yes, please!

The different functions you get

This is a great addition to your COVID-19 prevention kit. We are always using our phones throughout the day and it is also exposed to different germs and bacteria. The Cherry Multi-function Disinfection Box uses 2 UVC Focus Lamp to cleanse your device.

You can either choose a 5-minute or 10-minute duration as well. It can also serve as an aromatherapy device as it emits fresh smelling scent.

In addition to the disinfecting functionality, it also sports a 10W Wireless Charging. You just need to place your device with wireless charging on top of the lid and it will start charging. It charger via USB-C port.

It measures at 196 x 136.5 x 30.2mm and weighs in at 337 grams making it a compact device that you can bring anywhere.

Price and availability

You can check it out in Shopee and Lazada. You can get for only PHP 1,500.

What do you guys think?

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Facebook outs "Favorites" to let you see posts you only want to see

Facebook has a little-known feature that lets you bookmark apps, pages, groups with a new feature called Favorites.

You can now sort your close friends from acquaintances

Promote more engagement among close Facebook friends

Social media platform Facebook has been testing this feature since November 2019. This will be an option for users to share their Facebook and Messenger Stories with smaller, selected groups of friends.

How Favorites feature works

App researcher Jane Manchun Wong confirmed that this feature is still in the testing phase. Wong said on her tweet that Favorites has a similar style with the "Close Friends" feature that Instagram rolled out last year. However, unlike Instagram, Facebook says the feature isn’t a way of restricting who sees your actual Facebook Story.

This feature appears to be aligned more with the broader usage of Stories as a more private option. This idea is said to come from Snapchat's format wherein the focus is communication with your close-knit contacts. The option could provide a way to share with a few, chosen friends that may result in more engagement with them.

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg explained that is part of their attempts to pivot the company’s social networks into a more privacy-focused communications platform that’s the digital equivalent of a living room rather than a town square. He explained further,

Many people prefer the intimacy of communicating one-on-one or with just a few friends. Facebook can’t just be the general-purpose catch-all social network we occasionally check for acquaintances’ broadcasted life updates. To survive another 15 years, it must be where people come back each day to get real with their dearest friends. Less can be more.

Facebook rolled out this feature to its selected users and will likely bring the official version after testing.

Do you think this feature is necessary? What are your thoughts?

Via: The Verge, TechCrunch

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