[Update: Official] WhatsApp is increasing the group voice and video call limits to 8 users

Update (4/28/20 @ 2:20 PM ET): 8 member video and voice calls are now rolling out to WhatsApp Stable.

WhatsApp’s group audio and video calling feature, which was released all the way back in 2018, is finally getting a much-needed upgrade. According to a recent report from WABetaInfo, the latest beta release of the popular messaging app increases the limit of participants in group audio and video calls, allowing users to connect with up to 7 more users at the same time. Previously, group calls were limited to a maximum of 4 participants but with the latest beta update (v2.20.133), you will now be able to add up to 7 of your friends to a group call.

 

News about the increased limit first surfaced online just a couple of days ago, when WABetaInfo spotted strings of code regarding the update in WhatsApp beta for Android (v2.2.128). The increased limit is finally rolling out in the latest beta release and, following the update, users will be able to add up to 7 other contacts to any given group audio or video call. In order to add more than 4 participants to a group call, you will have to head over to the Call tab and then tap on the New Group Call option (see attached screenshot). In the following menu, you’ll be able to choose up to 7 more people in your contacts list to connect with on a group audio or video call. It’s worth noting that the feature will only work if all participants are on the latest beta release for WhatsApp.

On top of that, WhatsApp has also made some minor changes to the way the call button works within groups. The button will now let you directly start a call with group members in case you’re in a group with 4 members (or less) and all participants will be added to the call. In cases where there are more than 4 members in a group, the call button will bring up a list of all the group members and you’ll be able to choose the people you wish to add to the group call. To try out the new features, you can sign up for the WhatsApp beta program by following this link and then download the latest update from the Play Store link below.

WhatsApp Messenger (Free, Google Play) →

Source: WABetaInfo

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Update: Official

WhatsApp Beta increased the maximum number of users in voice and video calls to 8 earlier this month. Now, the feature has been officially announced and it’s rolling out to the stable channel. The previous limit was only 4 people. All participants in the call need to be on the latest version of WhatsApp for the 8 person limit to be supported.

Source: WhatsApp

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Developer ports One UI 2.1 and Samsung Galaxy S20 features to the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy Note 9

One UI 2.1 is the latest iteration of Samsung’s Android 10-based skin that debuted on the Galaxy Z Flip and the Galaxy S20 series of smartphones. Samsung later rolled out the One UI 2.1 update to the Galaxy S10, Galaxy Note 10, Galaxy Fold, Galaxy S10 Lite, Galaxy Note 10 Lite, and the Galaxy Tab S6. Although Samsung has yet to officially roll out the update to the Galaxy Note 9 or Galaxy S9, owners of these devices can enjoy all the goodness of One UI 2.1 thanks to the work of XDA Recognized Developer AlexisXDA.

Samsung Galaxy S9 Forums ||| Samsung Galaxy S9+ Forums ||| Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Forums 

The developer has ported One UI 2.1 to the international Exynos versions of the Galaxy S9, Galaxy S9+, and Galaxy Note 9 since those models can be bootloader unlocked. The developer decided to incorporate a slew of Galaxy S20-specific features (like Pro mode in video recording) and the whole Good Lock 2020 suite in the packages. Best of all, the TWRP-flashable zips come with an integrated AROMA installer, allowing end-users the freedom to customize each and every aspect of the installation.

Download One UI 2.1 port: Galaxy S9/S9+ ||| Galaxy Note 9

The complete list of features in these ported ROMs includes the following:

• Disabled RMM Lock
• Google Pay working (Hide it with Magisk)
• Secure Folder working
• A lot of S20 apps ported
• Share Live from S20
• Pro Video Mode from S20
• Single Take fully working
• Night mode on front camera
• New Live Focus with new backgrounds
• New Photo Editor
• Enabled Dolby on Game
• Option to put apps on deep sleep (will save a lot of battery)
• Music Share working (you have to enable it with Activity Launcher)
• Power key in notification panel
• Samsung App Lock
• iOS 13.2 Emoji’s selectable in aroma
• S10 Multiple Wallpapers
• New Good Lock 2020 selectable in aroma
• Dual SIM/SD tray lock fix

There have been conflicting reports about whether Samsung will officially bring One UI 2.1 to the Galaxy S9 or Galaxy Note 9. A Korean Samsung community moderator stated the two phones will get the update, but we haven’t heard the same from the company through any of their official channels yet. For reference, the Galaxy S9 debuted with Samsung Experience 9.0 based on Android 8.0 Oreo while the Galaxy Note 9 debuted with Samsung Experience 9.5 based on Android 8.1 Oreo. Thus, when both the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy Note 9 received One UI 2.0 based on Android 10, they both secured their second major Android OS update, so there’s no guarantee they’ll get further major software updates.

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Google Stadia is adding PUBG, games from EA and Square Enix, and 2 new “First on Stadia” exclusives

Stadia is Google’s first attempt to create a cloud gaming platform. Since it was announced last year, there have been concerns about the number of games (or lack thereof) that would be available and if it was worth investing in the platform. Stadia has gradually added more games to its library and today it’s getting several new titles, including the mega-popular PUBG.

During today’s Stadia Connect live stream, Google announced a bunch of new games that will make their way to Stadia either today or later this year. The first and most interesting is PUBG. PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds is now available on Stadia for $29.99 or $39.99 with the Season Pass. If you have Stadia Pro, which all Stadia members do until the end of May, it’s free and includes the Season Pass. Any PUBG player on Stadia will also get a Stadia exclusive skin. Another game you can get on Stadia today is Monopoly. It cost $40, but it’s also available for $10 for Stadia Pro members right now. Get Packed, which is the first “First on Stadia,” game is also available today for $20. The Square Enix game Octopath Traveller is also available on Stadia starting today for $59.99.

Along with the announcement of PUBG, Google said they are working with EA to bring Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, Madden NFL, and FIFA to Stadia this year. Google confirmed that five EA games will be released on Stadia this year, but only those three were mentioned by name. Along with this EA partnership, Google announced that they are working with Square Enix on getting more of their games on Stadia. Most recently announced is Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris.

Besides the games mentioned above, Google announced two other “First on Stadia” exclusives. These are timed exclusives where the games will launch on Stadia before other platforms. The first is Crayta. It’s an interesting game that lets you build and play games in the game. The second is Ember, which is a game about being bad firefighters. Ember will be available in early access starting on May 21st.

If you have Stadia Pro, there are a few great games coming as part of your subscription in May. Google announced Zombie Army 4: Dead War, SteamWorld Heist, and The Turning Test would all be available to Stadia Pro members on May 1st. Once claimed, these games will be available to you for the duration of your Stadia Pro subscription.

As a Stadia Pro subscriber, I’m really excited for all these new games. It really makes Stadia feel like a platform Google isn’t going to just drop and shut down. The new games will bring more players and really help grow Stadia. Stadia Pro is free for everyone until the end of May, so if you’re interested in checking out any games, it doesn’t hurt to try them now. Any games you buy during this free trial will stick with you once the trial ends, but any claimed Stadia Pro games will be removed.

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Via: 9to5Google

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Nokia 6.2 and Black Shark 2 receive stable Android 10 update

Ever since Google rolled out the first stable Android 10 build for its Pixel devices back in September last year, several OEMs have followed suit and released the update to some of their devices. HMD Global’s Nokia has been doing a great job of sticking to its Android 10 update roadmap so far and has released the update for several of its devices. However, since the company offers a vast variety of devices across different price brackets, it’s still in the process of releasing the update for some of its budget and mid-range devices. In the last few weeks, HMD Global has rolled out the Android 10 update for the Nokia 7.2, Nokia 3.2, Nokia 4.2, Nokia 8 Sirocco, and the Nokia 2.3. And now, the company is rolling out the update for the Nokia 6.2.

Nokia 6.2 just got upgraded to Android 10! Step up to more with many brand-new functionalities and fun features! Check here for more details and the availability in different countries https://t.co/mMDpCF5IEh #Android10 #Nokia6dot2 @Nokiamobile pic.twitter.com/2GrUqBWhwV

— Juho Sarvikas (@sarvikas) April 28, 2020

The company’s Chief Product Officer, Juho Sarvikar, recently announced the rollout for the Nokia 6.2 on Twitter and several users on the platform have confirmed that they’ve started receiving the update on their devices. As with previous releases, the update brings all the new features introduced in Android 10 and the Android security patches for April 2020. According to a post on the Nokia community forums, the update is initially being rolled out to just 10% of Nokia 6.2 users across 43 regions. If the rollout goes as planned, the update should reach 50% users by May 1st and 100% users by May 3rd.

Nokia 6.2 XDA Forums

Along with the Nokia 6.2, the global variant of Xiaomi’s Black Shark 2 gaming phone has also started receiving its Android 10 update. Unlike near-stock Nokia’s release, however, the Android 10 update for the Black Shark 2 features a heavily skinned user interface called JoyUI 11. The update (build no. SKYW2004221OS00MQ0) is 1883.1 MB in size and is rolling out to a handful of users right now.

Finallywhat everyone have been asking for months is here, JOYUI11. Today we will push the 1st wave to certain Black Shark 2 devices and from 30th April, the Black Shark pro. This will be the initial test pushing. From 6th May we will start to push the OTA for everyone. pic.twitter.com/OKOqsEh0J2

— Black Shark (@blckshrk_global) April 28, 2020

A tweet from the company announcing the Joy UI 11 release, reveals that the company is currently testing the build with a small subset of users and plans to push the OTA to more devices starting May 6th. It’s worth noting that JoyUI 11 packs in a number of extra features over the ones Google released with Android 10, including new Black Shark themes, a new file manager, Mi Share, Shark Space 3.0, and more. In case you don’t wish to wait for the OTA update, you can manually flash the JoyUI 11 build on your Black Shark 2 by following the forum link below.

JoyUI 11 Full OTA and Boot Image for Xiaomi Black Shark 2 || Xiaomi Black Shark 2 XDA Forums

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Broadcom aims to settle EU antitrust probe with offer to scrap exclusivity deals

U.S. chipmaker Broadcom, one of the biggest suppliers of Wi-Fi/Bluetooth modems and SoCs for TVs around the world, has offered to scrap its exclusivity deals with TV and modem makers in an attempt to settle an ongoing EU antitrust investigation against the company. The European Commission kicked off the antitrust probe back in June last year in response to Broadcom’s deals with six companies to buy chips exclusively or almost exclusively from it. At the time, the EU competition enforcer had ordered the company to stop such deals until the end of the probe.

According to a recent report from Reuters, Broadcom is now pledging not to offer any incentives to TV and modem makers to encourage them to purchase more than 50% of their chips and modems from the company for their global operations. Broadcom claims that its offer addresses the EU’s concerns and expects the Commission to close the investigation before the end of the year.  In a statement regarding the matter, the company said, “In these uncertain times, we welcome the opportunity to avoid protracted litigation and to resolve the investigation without recognition of liability or the imposition of a fine.”

The report further adds that the European Commission is now seeking feedback before deciding whether to accept Broadcom’s offer, which would be valid for five years and without a finding of infringement by the company. In case the EU decides to continue with the antitrust probe and finds Broadcom guilty of breaching EU rules, the company could face a fine of up to 10% of its global turnover. It’s also worth noting that Broadcom had previously defended its practices at a closed-door hearing in August last year, which was attended by representatives from Intel, MediaTek, Quantenna, a unit of ON Semiconductor and Humax. We’ll keep you updated as the matter progresses.

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Source: Reuters

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Download the MIUI 12 Closed Beta for Xiaomi and Redmi devices

The latest version of Xiaomi’s custom Android skin – MIUI 12 – is finally here. The company has dropped the curtain yesterday, alongside the Mi 10 Youth Edition launch event in China. Compared to MIUI 11, the stable version of which was released less than six months ago, MIUI 12 brings in a slew of improvements, visual overhauls, and many new features. We have already extracted the new wallpapers, and now we are presenting the downloading links of the first set of MIUI 12 beta firmware packages for a bunch of Xiaomi and Redmi devices.

It is worth mentioning that these closed beta builds (compiled on April 27) are meant for the Chinese variants, as Xiaomi suspended the rollout of MIUI global beta since last year. As a consequence, you have to flash these recovery ROMs using TWRP to bypass the MIUI beta account whitelisting. Do not expect Google Play Services or any pre-installed Google apps in them. Language options are likely limited to English and Chinese only, too. The beta MIUI 12 builds listed below are based on either Android Pie or Android 10, depending on the device.

Download: MIUI 12

You can download the initial beta (20.4.27) of MIUI 12 for your device from the links below. You can also visit our linked forums in case you need further assistance. While all of these download links are directly from Xiaomi, users are advised to proceed at their own risk. We warn you once again, this is not intended for the average consumer and is recommended only for users comfortable with flashing ROMs.

Sr. No.	Device, Device Codename, XDA Forum Link	Android Version	Download Link
1.	Redmi Note 8 Pro (begonia)	Android 10	Download
2.	Mi 9 (cepheus)	Android 10	Download
3.	Mi Mix 2 (chiron)	Android 9	Download
4.	Mi 10 Pro (cmi)	Android 10	Download
5.	Mi 9 Pro 5G (crux)	Android 10	Download
6.	Redmi K20/Mi 9T (davinci)	Android 10	Download
7.	Mi 8 (dipper)	Android 10	Download
8.	Mi 8 Pro (equuleus)	Android 10	Download
9.	Mi 9 SE (grus)	Android 10	Download
10.	Mi Note 3 (jason)	Android 9	Download
11.	Redmi Note 7/7S (lavender)	Android 10	Download
12.	Mi Max 3 (nitrogen)	Android 10	Download
13.	Mi Mix 3 (perseus)	Android 10	Download
14.	Redmi K30 5G (picasso)	Android 10	Download
15.	Mi 8 Lite (platina)	Android 10	Download
16.	POCO X2/Redmi K30 4G (phoenix)	Android 10	Download
17.	Mi Mix 2S (polaris)	Android 10	Download
18.	Mi 9 Lite/Mi CC9 (pyxis)	Android 10	Download
19.	Redmi K20 Pro/Mi 9T Pro (raphael)	Android 10	Download
20.	Mi 6 (sagit)	Android 9	Download
21.	Mi 8 SE (sirius)	Android 10	Download
22.	Mi Note 10/Mi CC9 Pro (tucana)	Android 10	Download
23.	Mi 10 (umi)	Android 10	Download
24.	Mi 8 Explorer Edition (ursa)	Android 10	Download
25.	Mi CC9 Meitu Edition (vela)	Android 10	Download
26.	Redmi Note 7 Pro (violet)	Android 10	Download
27.	Mi 6X (wayne)	Android 9	Download
28.	Redmi Note 5/Redmi Note 5 Pro (whyred)	Android 9	Download

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Changelog

The full changelog for MIUI 12 beta, when updating from MIUI 11, is as follows:

• Highlights
  • MIUI 12. Yours alone.
• System animations
  • New: All-new physically-based animation engine with advanced architecture will refresh your device’s look.
  • New: Dynamic window technology takes switching screen orientation to a new level.
• System visuals
  • Brand new visual design works for all types of content and languages.
  • Magazine-level layouts bring important things into the spotlight and make the content structure clear.
• Privacy protection
  • New: MIUI 12 is the first Android-based mobile OS that went through the rigorous enhanced privacy protection testing.
  • New: Reset your device ID and control how it’s used based on virtual ID technology.
  • New: Grant permissions that will be used only while you’re using an app.
  • New: You can also grant permissions just once, and decide again next time a permission is required.
  • New: Restrict access to telephony to third party apps.
  • New: Return blank messages to the apps that require personal information.
  • New: Receive notifications whenever apps record audio, use camera, or access your location.
  • New: Use secure sharing to control what additional data is sent along with shared items.
  • New: Get comprehensive stats on how apps use permissions in app behavior history.
  • New: Visit privacy.miui.com to learn how MIUI protects your privacy.
  • Optimization: Apps aren’t allowed to launch other apps in the background now.
• AI Call Assistant
  • New: Mi AI can answer your calls now!
  • New: You can record a customized greeting that will be played to the other person during AI calls.
  • New: Customized greetings are also supported for outgoing calls.
• Xiaomi Health
  • New: All-new Xiaomi Health gives you more options and makes your health stats more accurate.
  • New: Put your device next to you before falling asleep to analyze your sleep cycle and record talking and snoring.
  • New: You can sync data with supported wearable and smart home devices.
  • New: Xiaomi Health can remind you to stand up and move when it detects that you’ve been sitting down for too long.
  • New: The app also analyzes your stats and gives you simple health advice.
• Control center
  • New: Swipe down from the upper right corner of your screen to open Control center.
  • New: Animated icons are a joy to look at!
• Accessibility
  • New: Mi Ditto combines dictation and speech output, making mobile devices more convenient for people who have difficulties using conventionally designed smartphones.
• Trips
  • New: Traffic and suggested routes to airports and train stations.
  • New: You can track your previous trips now.
  • New: Checklists for trips.
  • New: Alarms for train arrivals.
• Mi Carrier Services
  • New: View your SIM balance and mobile data usage stats.
  • New: Save frequently used phone numbers to top up balance and buy mobile data later.
  • New: Buy SIM cards and services.
• Messaging
  • New: Promotional messages are grouped according to their content now.
• Status bar, Notification shade
  • New: All-new design.
• Weather
  • New: New animations bring the weather from outside directly to your screen.
• Settings
  • New: Security introduces new comprehensive privacy protection mechanisms.
  • New: Lite mode simplifies your device and brings essential features up front.
• File Manager
  • New: Use the floating shortcut to filter and sort items, as well as switch view.
• Calendar
  • New: New layout tailored for landscape orientation is available now.
  • New: We added lots of fresh animations that will accompany your actions.
  • New: Calendar cards will remind you about important events and anniversaries.
• Notes
  • New: You can create folders with notes now.
  • New: New dynamic backgrounds look gorgeous!
  • New: Tasks are completed with a satisfying animation now.
  • New: Checklists of subtasks make managing your agenda much simpler.
• Security
  • New: New animations feel natural and refreshing.
  • New: Keep your home safe with smart home device alerts.
  • New: Binging your favorite shows will be more convenient with our new video toolbox.
• Xiaomi Cloud
  • New: Shared family storage plan is available now.

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Thanks to XDA Recognized Developer yshalsager for providing these download links!

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LG Velvet specifications confirmed ahead of next month’s launch

Last month, we learned that LG might bid farewell to the flagship LG G series and could introduce a mid-range smartphone under a new branding. LG later confirmed its plan to replace the G series with a new brand and gave us our first look at the LG Velvet, the first phone in the Velvet lineup. This was followed by a teaser video that showcased the phone in its entirety and gave us a closer look at the design language. LG isn’t stopping here as it has now gone ahead and confirmed some of the key specifications of the LG Velvet.

According to LG Korea, the LG Velvet will feature a 6.8-inch curved display with a 20.5:9 aspect ratio and centered U-shaped notch. It’s unclear whether it will be an LCD or AMOLED and we also don’t know if it will support a high refresh rate. As rumored and later confirmed by LG in the teaser, the phone will indeed be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 756 SoC.

Coming to the camera, the triple camera setup is comprised of a 48MP primary camera, 8MP ultra-wide camera, and 5MP depth sensor. The LG Velvet will also support LG Dual Screen attachment – just like the LG V60 ThinQ – as well as LG Stylus Pen – both of which will be available as optional accessories.

Much like the G series, the LG Velvet will continue to put a strong emphasis on audio, and as such, it will pack stereo speakers along with “Artificial Intelligent Sound” which automatically analyzes and tunes the audio based on the content being played. Other audio features of the LG Velvet include: “Voice Out Focus” that lets users filter out the background noises when shooting a video and ASMR recording which maximizes the sensitivity of two microphones.

Lastly, the LG Velvet will feature a 4,300 mAh battery and will support 10W wireless charging — as confirmed by a listing on the Wireless Power Consortium.

The LG Velvet is set to be unveiled on May 7th in South Korea and will go on sale starting May 15th on 3 Korean carriers. We don’t know when LG plans to bring the phone to other markets but we expect to learn more about this in the coming weeks.

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Source: LG Korea

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