Google has started to send out emails to developers whose apps request broad access to device storage. The email tells developers that, starting May 5th, they must inform Google why their app requests broad storage access or they won’t be allowed to publish updates that target Android 11.
Prior to Android 11, apps could request broad access to a device’s storage by declaring the READ_EXTERNAL_STORAGE permission in their Manifest and asking the user to grant it. Many apps that had no legitimate need to read all the files stored on the device’s storage were requesting this permission, causing Google to narrow storage access permissions with Android 11’s “Scoped Storage” changes. However, for apps that legitimately need broader storage access, such as file managers, Google encouraged them to continue to target Android 10 (API level 29) and to request “legacy” storage access by declaring requestLegacyExternalStorage=true in their Manifest.
Legacy access allows apps to have broad access to the device’s storage without being subjected to Scoped Storage restrictions. However, all apps that target Android 11 (API level 30) and above are subject to Scoped Storage restrictions and cannot request legacy access to device storage. Instead, they must request a new permission called MANAGE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE (shown to the user as “All Files Access”) to be given broad storage access (excluding a handful of directories like /Android/data or /Android/obb).
Starting November of 2021, all apps and app updates submitted to Google Play must target Android 11, meaning that file manager apps and other apps that need broader storage access must eventually switch to the Scoped Storage model and request the All Files Access permission. The only problem is that Google currently doesn’t allow developers to request the “All Files Access” permission. Google earlier said it wants developers to sign a Declaration Form before the app will be allowed on Google Play. This Declaration Form is intended to allow Google to weed out apps that have no need for “All Files Access”, much like how Google restricts access to the SMS, Call Log, and the QUERY_ALL_PACKAGES permissions.
Although Google announced their intention to make developers sign a Declaration Form all the way back in November of 2019, they still haven’t made those Declaration Forms actually available. The company cited workforce challenges stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic as to why they were deferring allowing apps targeting Android 11 and requesting “All Files Access” to be uploaded to Google Play. Google set the unspecified date of “early 2021” for when they would open up the Declaration Form.
Now finally, Google has started to inform developers when apps can actually request the “All Files Access” permission. The email sent to developers is confusingly worded, but a newly published support page adds some clarity. According to the support page, apps that target Android 11 and request “All Files Access” can finally be uploaded to Google Play starting May 2021, which is presumably when the Declaration Form goes live. For a list of permitted uses, exceptions, and invalid uses of “All Files Access”, as well as suggested alternative APIs, visit Google’s support page.
The rollout of the RCS standard to replace SMS has been… well, rough, for lack of a better word. Google has been the main force behind broadening RCS adoption by including the feature inside their Messages app, cutting the middlemen (carriers) so everyone can get RCS with a simple toggle from their app, and making deals with OEMs, so the app comes preloaded on a lot of Android phones, but everyone also wants to do things their own way while others insist on proprietary messaging platforms for cold, hard cash (I’m looking at you, Apple). The result? Things are currently a mess, although they have improved a lot. Nonetheless, among those interested in RCS adoption are the 3 major U.S. carriers: Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T. And their joint RCS initiative, the Cross Carrier Messaging Initiative, was apparently axed according to a report from Light Reading (via: The Verge).
The CCMI was announced back in 2019 as a joint effort from all carriers to bring carrier-agnostic RCS support to all users in the United States. While the death of this initiative might seem like bad news at first, we have to remember that some parts of that initiative didn’t sit too well with users, particularly the part where these carriers were going to build their own app for handling RCS messages instead of using Google’s or another solution, and if there’s one thing we don’t need is more carrier bloatware, especially if it’s yet another messaging app. Google, as the biggest booster of this standard, was also not part of that announcement, further adding fuel to the fire.
This initiative has probably been dead for a long time, though: Sprint spearheaded the effort, and Sprint got swallowed by T-Mobile. And last month, T-Mobile announced a deal with Google that included officially supporting the Google Messages app, and their RCS feature, on all T-Mobile Android smartphones. So with Sprint now a part of T-Mobile and T-Mobile pretty much moving on from the CCMI, that initiative was already dead in the water: we just lacked a formal announcement.
On the one hand, Google has been doing a pretty good job getting RCS on people’s phones, even on a worldwide scale, and carriers just joining Google’s efforts instead of trying to make their own solutions is probably the better course of action. On the other hand, we don’t know what Verizon and AT&T will be doing going forward, although Verizon’s statement to Light Reading and an almost identical one from AT&T says that they remain committed to growing RCS:
The owners of the Cross Carrier Messaging Initiative decided to end the joint venture effort. However, the owners remain committed to enhancing the messaging experience for customers including growing the availability of RCS.
Whatever they do going forward, though, let’s just hope that it doesn’t include a proprietary app.
Apple will reportedly launch an iPhone with a Face ID system that sits below the display. The feature is expected to hit the iPhone lineup by 2023 alongside other notable features, including a periscope-style telephoto lens.
According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo in a new inventory note reported by 9to5Mac, Apple’s iPhone 2023 (not the final name) will move the components of Face ID beneath the display. As a result, the device won’t have a notch, allowing the display to stretch from edge to edge.
In the meantime, Apple is allegedly working to shrink the iPhone’s notch as soon as this year. Ever since the iPhone X was released, the notch has been a topic of heated debate. Some people don’t mind it, while others find it unsightly. Many of Apple’s biggest competitors have adopted hole-punch displays as an alternative — a design Apple could use next year.
Kuo also reports the iPhone 2023 will include a periscope-style telephone lens. Unfortunately, Kuo didn’t elaborate on his prediction, but there have been previous reports about Apple working on a periscope lens. The technology has already been seen in devices like the Huawei P30 Pro and allows for improved optical zoom capabilities. If true, it would be a significant upgrade to the iPhone lineup.
The iPhone 2023 is still a long way off, and things can change between now and then. In the meantime, Apple is said to be preparing updates for this year’s iPhone lineup. Previous reports suggested the device could feature an Always-On display with a 120Hz refresh rate, smaller notch, and the usual camera improvements.
Apple is also said to be testing an in-display Touch ID sensor, but it’s unclear if the technology will be included in this year’s release. An in-display option would make it easier for those who are wearing a mask to unlock the iPhone.
Google Assistant is all about making our lives easier, and it’s continuing that mission in a new update. The search giant on Wednesday announced five new ways the technology can lend a helping hand, including the ability to make ordering takeout even easier.
When ordering takeout and delivery on Google, Assistant will make the process easier powered by Duplex on the web. Google said to use the feature you need to search for a restaurant on the Google App for Android and select “Order Online” or “Order Pickup.” Once you hit check out, Google Assistant can intervene help fill out your contact and payment details saved in Google Pay and synced to Chrome Autofill.
Google said the feature only works with certain partners right now, but more restaurants and chains will be added across the U.S. this year. The autofill features only works with pickup options for now, with deliveries apparently coming soon.
Images: Google
Additionally, Google Assistant users can also tell their Nest speaker or display to find their lost phone, including iPhones. Google said iPhone owners will need to opt in to receive notifications and critical alerts from the Google Home app. Once that option is enabled, your phone can get critical notifications and even play a custom ringing sound when your device is on silent or Do Not Disturb.
Meanwhile, Google Assistant is making it easier to find new Routines with a dedicated section in “Ready-Made Routines.” Google is hoping these pre-made routines will inspire users to take advantage of the feature, which can automate actions based on a key phrase. Google said users can also add a shortcut icon to their Android home screen for their favorite Routines.
Speaking of Routines, Google is making sunrise and sunset Routines available globally. These Routines will automatically perform certain actions depending on the time of day. For example, you can automatically turn on your living room lights and play a relaxing playlist when the sun goes down.
Dell is refreshing its mainstream Inspiron laptop range with a new 13-inch, 14-inch, 15-inch, and 16-inch model for content creators. All the new laptops feature the latest 11th-gen Intel Tiger Lake-H processors, which means you can expect better performance compared to the regular Tiger Lake CPUs. The company is bringing its new Inspiron range with the new Core i5-11300H and Core i7-11370H, although the base models featuring the Core i3-1115G4 and the i3-1125G4 are based on the Tiger Lake-U design which meant for thin-and-light laptops.
Starting with the 13-inch Dell Inspiron 5310, you get a 16:10 aspect ratio display with the option of either Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels) or Quad HD+ (2560 x 1600 pixels) resolutions, both panels having 300-nits of peak brightness. It will be configurable with up to an 11th-gen Intel Core i7-11370H CPU, NVIDIA GeForce MX450 GPU, 16GB of LPDDR4x RAM, and up to 2TB of M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD. The memory is not user upgradable since it is soldered onto the board. Like most recent laptops, this one also comes with Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1 support, while I/O connectivity options include an HDMI port, a USB Type-A 3.2 Gen 1 port, two Thunderbolt 4 ports, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.
Dell Inspiron 13 5310
The Dell Inspiron 14 (5410) and Inspiron 15 (5510) have similar specifications apart from the screens. The Inspiron 14 comes with a 14-inch Full HD (1920 x 1,080 pixels) resolution display, while the Inspiron 15 comes with a 15.6-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels) resolution display, with the panels featuring 250-nits and 300-nits of peak brightness respectively. They will be available with up to an 11th-gen Intel Core i7-11370H CPU, NVIDIA GeForce MX450 GPU, 32GB of DDR4 RAM, and up to 1TB of M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD for storage. Connectivity options include an HDMI port, a Thunderbolt 4 port, a USB Type-C 3.2 Gen2 port, two USB Type-A 3.2 Gen1 ports, an SD card reader, a 3.5mm headphone/microphone combo jack, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.0.
Dell also introduced a new 16-inch model called the Inspiron 16 Plus (7610). This one comes with a 16-inch 3K (3072 x 1920 pixels) resolution display with 300-nits of peak brightness. Dell doesn’t specify the model, but we are assuming that it will be available with up to an 11th-gen Intel Core i7 processor with graphics options going up to an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060. It will be offered with up to 32GB of DDR4 RAM and 2TB of M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD. Connectivity options on the laptop include an HDMI port, a Thunderbolt 4 port, two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, an SD card reader, and a 3.5mm headphone/microphone combo jack. For wireless connectivity, this model also supports both Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0. Other features include up to an 86Whr battery, stereo speakers tuned by Waves MaxxAudio Pro, and an optional fingerprint reader.
When it comes to pricing and availability, the new Dell Inspiron 13 starts at $599 and will be available starting April 12, while the Inspiron 14 and Inspiron 15 will be available starting May 4 at $549. The larger Dell Inspiron 16 Plus starts at $949 and will go on sale from June 3.
After announcing the TCL 20 5G and TCL 20 SE earlier in January at CES, TCL is back again with three new smartphones in the TCL 20 lineup. The company just announced the TCL 20 Pro 5G, TCL 20L, and TCL 20L+, succeeding last year’s TCL 10 Pro and TCL 10L, respectively. Alongside these run-of-the-mill smartphones, TCL also showcased a cool new concept phone that combines a foldable and rollable display into a single package.
The TCL 20 Pro 5G is a direct successor to the TCL 10 Pro. The phone features a 6.67-inch curved AMOLED FHD+ display with the standard 60Hz refresh rate, Pixelworks’ i6 display processor, and HDR10+ support. Powering the device is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G SoC paired with 6GB RAM and 256GB of storage. The cameras consist of a 48MP Sony IMX582 primary sensor, a 16MP ultra-wide shooter, a 5MP macro lens, and a 2MP depth sensor. A 4,500mAh battery keeps the phone running.
The TCL 20 Pro 5G goes on sale across the UK, Italy, and Portugal starting tomorrow at €549. It will be launching in more markets in the coming weeks. Color options include Marine Blue and Moondust Gray.
TCL 20L and TCL 20L+: Specifications
Specification
TCL 20L and TCL 20L+
Dimensions and Weight
166.2 x 76.9 x 9.1mm
199g
Display
6.67-inch LCD
Full HD+ resolution (2400×1080)
500nits peak
Centered hole-punch display
SoC
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662:
4 x performance and 4 x efficiency Kryo 260 CPU cores (Up to 2.0GHz)
Android 11 with TCL UI with 1 OS upgrade guaranteed
The TCL 20L and 20L+ are the more budget-friendly offerings in the lineup. Barring few differences like the primary camera sensor, RAM, and color options, both devices are identical to one another in terms of the hardware specifications. On both phones, you get a 6.67-inch LCD, Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 662 SoC, a 5,000mAh battery, a side-mounted fingerprint scanner, and Android 11.
In terms of cameras, the TCL 20L has a 48MP primary sensor, while on the TCL 20L+, you get a 64MP shooter. The rest of the sensors are similar on both phones, including an 8MP ultra-wide shooter, a 2MP macro lens, a 2MP depth sensor, and a 16MP selfie shooter.
The TCL 20L and 20L+ will be available in the UK, Italy, and Portugal starting tomorrow at €229 and €269, respectively. Both phones will be launching in more markets soon. The TCL 20L comes in Eclipse Black and Luna Blue colors, while the TCL 20L+ comes in either Milky Way Gray or North Star Blue.
TCL Fold ‘n Roll
TCL is no stranger to the concept of rollable and foldable tech, having previously showcased its knack for unconventional form factors in the TCL Rollable Display concept phone and the tri-folding Concept phone.
Alongside the three new TCL 20 series devices, TCL showed off another new concept phone that’s unlike anything we have seen before. While we have seen our fair share of foldable and rollable concepts before, this new TCL concept phone, dubbed Fold ‘n Roll, combines both form factors into one package, allowing the device to become a phone, phablet, and tablet on the fly.
The concept phone utilizes a flexible display developed by their partly-owned display-making subsidiary, CSOT. It uses a wraparound display similar to the Huawei Mate X with a Butterfly Hinge that we saw on the TCL tri-folding phone. Unlike the Galaxy Z Fold 2, which folds more like a book, the entire display on TCL’s concept phone is exposed. In the folded state, you get a 6.87-inch display which can be transformed into an 8.87-inch display by unfolding the panel. This can be further extended to a 10-inch panel with a press of a button. You can see how the device transforms from a phone to phablet and then into a tablet in the demo embedded below.
A lot of Android enthusiasts here at XDA not only want major version updates as quickly as possible, but they also want to receive those monthly security updates as soon as they are announced. However, there’s another segment of the community — people who are not particularly fond of Android’s OTA updates and have actually become afraid of them due to a bad incident in the past. Depending on which side of the fence you fall on, you may or may not be excited to hear that the T-Mobile variant of the OnePlus 7 Pro and the OnePlus 7T are finally getting their updates to Android 11 with OxygenOS 11.
If you own a T-Mobile OnePlus 7 Pro or 7T, be prepared for the OTA notification in the coming days. As it’s usually the case with staggered rollouts, it might take some time for the update to reach all devices. You can also check for the new build manually by heading to Settings > System > System Updates.
In general, the Android 11 rollout for the OnePlus 7/7T series has been slow. The unlocked global models of the OnePlus 7T lineup first started receiving the update on March 22. The regular 7 series picked up the stable OxygenOS 11 update a few days later. Unsurprisingly, carrier models in the US have been lagging far behind. Although the T-Mobile variant of the OnePlus 7 Pro and 7T have now secured the update, but the OnePlus 7T Pro McLaren Edition from the same carrier is still awaiting Android 11.
