OnePlus Watch with two wrist strap options spotted in new design patents

OnePlus will finally enter the smartwatch market with its first product launching this year. As confirmed by Pete Lau back in December, the OnePlus Watch would officially launch by early 2021. While it is just speculation, the company could introduce it alongside the upcoming OnePlus 9 series in March.

We’ve seen multiple leaks and rumors around the OnePlus Watch in the past including some watch faces via the OnePlus Health app that leaked right before the launch with the OnePlus Band in January. A fresh set of leaked patent images (via Techniknews) have now made their way to the internet re-confirming that the watch will indeed feature a round design with lugs on either side to attach the wrist straps. Speaking of which, we could see at least two versions of the watch with different straps. If you remember, a couple of photos of a Cyberpunk 2077 themed wrist strap were also seen last year hinting that there could be a special variant of the watch.

 

According to the design patents registered on German Patent and Trademark Office (GPTO), the OnePlus Watch could come in a sports version with a silicone strap for those who are into fitness. The second strap option could be made out of leather with a clasp at the end to secure it on the wrist. It is also noteworthy that both the straps come with a quick-release mechanism so swapping them should be not very difficult.  Both models also seem to have two buttons on the side and of course sensors at the bottom (heart rate, blood pressure) including some pins for charging.

As of now, there is no confirmation whether OnePlus would be using Google’s WearOS for its upcoming smartwatch. From what we last heard, the company was considering using its own proprietary software, possibly similar to the Vivo Watch. This could be a bit of concern as it limits the support for third-party apps unless OnePlus has already thought this through. We are expecting more information around the OnePlus Watch to leak in the coming days, so stay tuned.

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Twitter now lets you send voice messages in DMs in a few regions

Twitter has started testing a new feature that will let users record and send voice messages in DMs. The feature has already started rolling out to some users in India, Brazil, and Japan, and here’s how it works:

As you can see in the attached tweet, the feature lets you record a voice clip by tapping on the new “voice” button next to the text field. Tapping on the button plays a short animation and replaces the text field with a new bar, which indicates that the app is recording audio. Since the feature only supports 140s long voice messages, the bar also shows the amount of time you have left.

test,test: Starting today, you’ll be able to record and send voice messages in DMs Here’s how

PS. The experiment will be rolled out in phases. pic.twitter.com/aqQM6h9sof

— Twitter India (@TwitterIndia) February 17, 2021

Once you’re done, you can tap on the stop button next to the bar to stop recording. This replaces the bar with a new “Play audio” button that you can tap on to listen to your voice message before sharing it. In case you don’t like your voice message for whatever reason, you can also tap on the “Cancel” button to delete your recording and start over. While the process is the same on both the iOS and Android versions of the app, iOS users can also press-and-hold the voice button to start recording and then swipe up and release to immediately send the voice message.

As mentioned earlier, the feature is currently only available for a handful of users in India, Brazil, and Japan. It wasn’t available on any of my devices at the time of writing. However, Twitter has confirmed that the feature is rolling out in a phased manner, and it should reach more users in the coming days. It’s worth mentioning that the feature will only roll out to Twitter for iOS and Android, and desktop users will only be able to listen to incoming messages.

Voice messages in DMs isn’t the first voice-based feature that Twitter has tested on the platform. Back in June last year, the company released a feature that allowed iOS users to share audio clips as tweets. Although this feature doesn’t seem to have taken off, the company is now testing Spaces — a Clubhouse-like voice chat service that’s expected to roll out later this year.

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Realme 7 Pro and Realme 7i are now one step closer to receiving Realme UI 2.0 based on Android 11

Smartphones made by Realme run Realme UI, an Android skin that emphasizes on customization. Over the years, the company has made progress and managed to establish a loyal fan base for Realme UI away from the initial perception about it being entirely based on OPPO’s ColorOS. In September 2020, Realme announced Realme UI 2.0 based on Android 11 for its smartphones, focusing on theming, privacy, and performance improvements. Since then, the update has already made its way to a number of devices via “Early Access” or “Open Beta” channels and should soon be rolling out to the Realme 7 Pro and the Realme 7i in India.

Realme 7 Pro XDA Forums || Realme 7i XDA Forums

As per a recent post on the official Realme community, the company has opened applications for the first batch of Realme UI 2.0 testers for the Realme 7i. Users who are interested in taking part in the beta test can apply for the trial software by heading to the Software Update section on their device and tap on the Trial Version option. The application is currently limited to a select few users, so you might not be able to successfully apply for the beta tests, but we hope the OEM has plans to start an Open Beta initiative soon.

The Realme 7 Pro users, on the other hand, can apply for an Open Beta build of Realme UI 2.0. Both regular users and existing early access participants should be able update to the beta version and experience Android 11 right now. To do so, you’ll first need to update your phone to the latest stable software available.

In case you manage to join the trials, you should note that the beta version of the software tends to be unstable and you might encounter some bugs. You can report any problems you face in the Realme Community app to ensure that they’re ironed out in time for the stable release.

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Source: Realme Community (1, 2)

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iOS 14.5 beta 2 rolls out with 200 new emojis, shortcut actions and more

Apple has started seeding a new beta update for iOS 14.5 as well as iPadOS 14.5. The latest update brings some new features to the table over the previous beta that was released at the beginning of this month. Some of the most notable features include new actions to the Shortcuts app, new updates to the music app, and some smaller changes here all around.

The new update is said to bring over 200 new emojis including a new AirPods Max-inspired headphone design (via 9to5Mac).

iOS 14.5 beta 2 also brings new shortcut actions (via 9to5Mac), including the “Take Screenshot” action that quickly takes a screenshot, “Orientation Lock,” where the Shortcuts app sets the screen orientation lock to ‘on’ or ‘off’, and “Voice & Data mode” action to switch default network between 5G, 5G Auto, 4G, or 3G depending on your iPhone model.

For music lovers, the Apple Music app now offers new swipe gestures so you can quickly add songs to your queue along with new pop-over menus for other controls. In the previous beta update, Apple had added support for setting third-party music streaming services like Spotify and YouTube Music as your default music player for Siri. The final version of the iOS 14.5 is expected to bring this feature to all users which means that users of the HomePod and HomePod mini will also be able to stream music from their choice of provider.

The previous beta had also introduced the ability to unlock your iPhone using an Apple Watch making it easier if you are wearing a face mask. The new iOS 14.5 beta 2 along with WatchOS 7.4 beta now brings a new animation to the Apple Watch when you are trying to unlock your iPhone.

#watchOS7

in #watchOS 7.4 beta 2 the screen animation on #AppleWatch, related to unlocking your #iPhone (FaceID) with Apple Watch while wearing a face mask has been slightly redesigned https://t.co/HagE4WMEiM pic.twitter.com/eTUJzrcpxW

— AR7 (@AR72014) February 16, 2021

As per a Reddit thread, the new beta also brings a fix for green tint issues affecting certain iPhone owners while the Settings app Software Update wording has been changed again and no longer includes a green checkmark. Lastly, the new iPadOS 14.5 beta 2 now mutes the microphone when using and closing the Smart Folio cover on the iPad (8th generation), iPad Air (4th generation), iPad Pro 11-inch (2nd generation), or iPad Pro 12.9-inch (4th generation).

iOS 14.5 beta 2 with build number 18E5154f is available for users and developers who have opted for the beta program via an over-the-air update that can be accessed through the Settings app. You can sign-up for the iOS beta program over here. Let us know if you are using the new beta and have managed to bump into some new features.

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Google Pay and Samsung Pay will soon let you pay with Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies

You’ll soon be able to make payments using your cryptocurrency funds via Google Pay and Samsung Pay, according to a recent announcement from cryptocurrency payments provider BitPay. Just a few days ago, the company announced Apple Pay support for its BitPay Card, allowing users to make payments using Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies on the platform. It now plans to bring similar functionality to Google Pay and Samsung Pay.

In its official Apple Pay support announcement, BitPay revealed that it’s planning to bring Google Pay and Samsung Pay support later this quarter. Once it officially rolls out, users will be able to add their BitPay Card to both Google Pay and Samsung Pay and make payments using their cryptocurrency funds. The service will automatically convert supported cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ether, USDC, GUSD, PAX, and BUSD, into fiat currency for the payments. The service will be supported everywhere you can use a traditional Mastercard debit card.

In a statement about the same, BitPay’s CEO Stephen Pair, said, “We have thousands of BitPay Wallet app customers using the BitPay Card who are always looking for new places and ways to spend their crypto. Adding Apple Pay and soon Google and Samsung Pay makes it easy and convenient to use the BitPay Card in more places from day-to-day items to luxury purchases.”

As of now, BitPay hasn’t shared an exact release date for Google Pay and Samsung Pay support. But since it’s already available on Apple Pay, it shouldn’t be long before it rolls out to Android users. As Android Authority points out, this isn’t the first cryptocurrency service to offer integration with a major mobile payments platform. Popular cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase announced similar functionality for its Coinbase Card in March last year, allowing users to pay with cryptocurrencies via Google Pay.

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These are the best screen protectors for the Galaxy S21 Plus in February 2021

Congratulations on your new Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus! A hefty $1,000 purchase definitely deserves some accessories that offer some protection for your delicate yet very expensive new smartphone. The last thing you’d want is your keyring accidentally scraping the screen of your Galaxy S21 Plus and marring the screen! So, we’ve rounded up some of the best Galaxy S21 Plus screen protectors you can get right now, so you don’t need to risk another second without protection. From tempered glass to privacy protectors to blue light blocking accessories, we have something for nearly everybody on this list!

Make sure you get the right screen protector for your phone! The Galaxy S21, Galaxy S21 Plus, and Galaxy S21 Ultra are all slightly different sizes, so each set of screen protectors will only work with that one particular model of the Galaxy S21. The recommendations below are for the Galaxy S21 Plus screen protectors – we have other guides for the standard Galaxy S21 screen protectors and Galaxy S21 Ultra screen protectors if you’re buying those phones.

QITAYO Galaxy S21 Plus Screen Protector

Protect with UV light

QITYAO's screen protector is a little bit unique! You have the protector harden with a UV light that's included in the box, so you'll get tough, superior protection without the hassle of a tempered glass application.

Buy at Amazon

Galaxy S21 Plus Tempered Glass Screen Protector

Protecting the bezel

Sometimes, you want to protect the bezel around your phone screen as well. This tempered glass screen protector will give both the screen and bezel some much-needed protection, while still being compatible with phone cases.

Buy at Amazon

LELANG Tempered Glass Privacy Screen Protector

Protect your screen and data

Worried about your data when you access your smartphone in public places? Grab a screen protector that protects your privacy too! You'll be able to keep your personal information safe with this privacy screen.

Buy at Amazon

ESR Liquid Skin Screen Protector

Ultra-Thin Protection

Not a fan of tempered glass protectors? Then ESR's Liquid Skin S21 Plus screen protector is the one you'll want to go for. It's easy to apply and provides near-invisible protection against scratches and dings. It feels great, too!

Buy at Amazon

Spigen NeoFlex Screen Protector

Easy To Apply & Invisible

An alternative to the ESR screen protector, you can grab Spigen's NeoFlex screen protector! This soft screen protector goes on easy and will give you protection that doesn't interfere with your touch screen.

Buy at Amazon

GlassFusion VisionGuard+ with D3O

Block Blue Light

If you're looking for premium protection, you can't go wrong with ZAGG's GlassFusion VisionGuard+. This screen protector blocks blue light without discoloration and is advertised to be unbreakable. It's a bit more expensive, but isn't your phone worth it?

$60 at ZAGG

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You may be looking at the list and wondering, well, what’s the absolute best Galaxy S21 screen protector to get? Well, in short, it really depends on your lifestyle! Personally, I’m not too fond of the feel of tempered glass, so I like the ESR Liquid Skin screen protector. I have the brand on my phone, and it works wonderfully without catching too many fingerprints! However, the LELANG Privacy Screen Protector is also a great idea, as you never know who might be looking over your shoulder. If you’re commuting via public transportation a lot, there’s a lot of merit in grabbing this protector! Finally, while you may be able to adjust blue light with application and software settings, having an anti-blue light screen protector stops you from having to fiddle with those settings constantly.

It all depends on your preferences, though! Which screen protector are you eyeing for your Galaxy S21 Plus? Let us know in the comments!

Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus

The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus is the mid-range of the new S21 series--more powerful than the standard S21, but not overkill like the Ultra. Grab yours today!

Buy from Samsung.com

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Fuchsia could natively run Android and Linux apps

Fuchsia has always come across as a somewhat mysterious thing ever since its inception. Google has been secretly working on it since 2016, but it was only in May 2019 that the search giant acknowledged its existence, stating it’s nothing more than an experiment. Unlike Android and Chrome OS, which rely on the Linux kernel, Fuchsia uses a new microkernel called Zircon. Google describes Fuchsia as an open-source OS that’s “secure, updatable, inclusive, and pragmatic”.

Multiple theories are floating around what Google plans to accomplish with Fuchsia, with one of the most popular being Fuchsia eventually replacing both Android and Chrome OS. Seeing how this OS is still in its infancy compared to the established Android platform, that’s unlikely to happen anytime soon, though. However, if a new Google proposal (via Thurrott) is anything to go by, it appears that Fuchsia could add support for running native Android and Linux apps.

The document submitted on Fuchsia Gerrit proposes a compatibility layer called Starnix, which can “translate requests from the Linux client program to the Fuchsia subsystems”, essentially allowing native Android and Linux apps to run on the platform without having to resort to virtual machines or emulators.

As we expand the universe of software we wish to run on Fuchsia, we are encountering software that we wish to run on Fuchsia that we do not have the ability to recompile. For example, Android applications contain native code modules that have been compiled for Linux. To run this software on Fuchsia, we need to be able to run binaries without modifying them.

The proposal further notes that the intention of this compatibility layer “is to create an implementation of the Linux interface that can run existing, unmodified Linux binaries.” If you’re interested in the technical side of things, you can read through the proposal document here.

The ability to run native Android and Linux apps on Fuchsia sounds exciting. However, it’s worth noting that this is just a proposal — and not the actual documentation of the finalized feature — and could very well not make it to the final code.

Although not much is known about Fuchsia’s end goal at this stage, its development has been going on at a steady pace as of late. Google recently expanded Fuschsia’s open-source model to allow public contributions. The company set up new mailing lists for project-related discussions, added a governance model, and also opened up the issue tracker for the public contributors.

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