author

Upcoming Android Update Anticipated to Undo Disputed Google Choices

The newest Android Canary build has unveiled a range of exciting features that indicate notable enhancements in the usability and interface of the operating system. One of the most striking modifications is the possible reinstatement of distinct Wi-Fi and mobile data toggles. This change would enable users to control their internet connections with greater ease, returning to a straightforward one-step method that existed until Android 11, prior to the toggles being consolidated into a single Internet toggle.

Moreover, the Canary build hints at the addition of app bubbles, a feature that would allow users to launch apps in floating windows. This capability, akin to picture-in-picture mode, offers more flexible access to apps and could improve multitasking functionalities. Users can trigger app bubbles by long-pressing an app icon and opting for the bubble choice, which can then be repositioned on the screen or removed as necessary.

Another noteworthy improvement is the native App Lock function, permitting users to protect their apps with a PIN, pattern, password, or fingerprint. This capability would remove the reliance on third-party solutions, delivering a more cohesive and secure method to safeguard sensitive applications.

The build also features various UI adjustments, such as enhanced blur effects across the system, a revamped long press menu for app icons, and revised layouts for screen recording and permission dialogs. These modifications aim to boost the aesthetic appeal and efficiency of the Android interface.

It is crucial to remember that these features are presently in the testing stage and can be accessed via the Canary build, which necessitates manual installation using the Android Flash Tool. Users keen on trying out these updates should recognize that installing Canary builds might lead to data loss on their devices.

Samsung’s One UI 8.5 Anticipated to Arrive Shortly on Galaxy S24 and FE Devices

Early server configurations indicate that the One UI 8.5 beta is nearing its launch.

What you should know:
– Samsung is broadening the One UI 8.5 beta to include the Galaxy S24 series, foldables, and FE models for the first time.
– Initial beta builds observed imply that Samsung might soon expand the One UI 8.5 initiative to additional devices.
– One UI 8.5, built on Android 16, introduces customizable quick settings and innovative AI-driven features.

Samsung introduced One UI 8.5 alongside the Galaxy S26 series. The company has been evaluating the beta version on the Galaxy S25 series and several foldable devices, and it now seems Samsung could extend the program to the Galaxy S24 lineup and, for the first time, certain FE models.

As noted by Tarun Vats on X, preliminary One UI 8.5 beta builds have emerged for the Galaxy S24 series, S24 FE, S25 FE, and even foldables released in 2024, including the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6. These early versions indicate that Samsung may soon broaden the beta program to these devices.

Samsung has previously followed a similar rollout pattern, suggesting that the One UI 8.5 beta program will open to more devices shortly. Notably, this time features the inclusion of Fan Edition models in the beta.

In the past, Samsung hasn’t incorporated Fan Edition phones in the One UI public beta program, instead directly releasing stable updates. This time, however, it seems that Samsung is integrating these mid-range devices into the beta program.

Once the program launches, beta builds are anticipated to be available in regions such as the U.S., India, South Korea, and selected European markets. Users should be able to participate via the Samsung Members app, although no confirmed timeline for the rollout has been provided.

One UI 8.5 introduces several new functionalities to Galaxy smartphones. As it is based on the newest version of Android 16, it features customizable quick settings allowing users to resize and rearrange tiles, along with new AI tools such as an enhanced photo assist feature supporting multiple edits without the need to save each version.

Additionally, there is a Storage Share feature that enables users to access files from other Galaxy devices directly through the ‘My Files’ app, as well as a (considerably) more customizable lock screen.

Android Central’s Perspective:
It’s encouraging to see Samsung giving greater attention to its mid-range devices in conjunction with its flagship models. Such steps enhance the alignment of the Fan Edition lineup with its name.

u-blox JODY-W6: Tri-Band Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.4 LE Audio Modules with NXP IW623/AW693

u blox JODY W6 tri band Wi Fi 6E module for industrial IoT

u-blox has expanded its JODY family of modules with the NXP IW623/AW693-based JODY-W6 series that adds tri-band Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.4 (including LE Audio) in a single package. There are seven product variants across five main series models, mainly based on NXP’s IW623 chipset for professional use and the AW692/AW693 for automotive use. The modules are optimized for the parallel operation of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth and target high-throughput, low-latency, and secure connectivity use cases such as industrial automation, healthcare systems, smart buildings, network infrastructure, and in-vehicle infotainment and telematics systems. It has a 15.6 × 19.8 mm LGA form factor, and it’s designed for easy migration within the JODY family. u-blox JODY-W6 specifications Wireless SoC NXP IW623 (Professional grade – JODY-W672, JODY-W673 ) NXP AW692 / AW693 (Automotive grade 2 – JODY-W682, JODY-W683, JODY-W663 ) Connectivity Wi-Fi Standards – Wi-Fi 6E IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax Frequencies – 2.4 GHz (1-13), 5 […]

The post u-blox JODY-W6 – NXP IW623/AW693 tri-band Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.4 LE audio modules appeared first on CNX Software – Embedded Systems News.

Easily Enable MediaTek M7902 WiFi and Bluetooth Drivers on Ubuntu 24.04

Mediatek MT7902 Linux

Last month, we noted that Mediatek MT7902 WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.x chipset finally got drivers in mainline Linux, and should be part of the Linux 7.0 release. MT7902 wireless modules are used in many Windows laptops, but users have been asking for the Linux drivers for almost two years now. One method is to wait for the drivers to find their way into your distribution, but “hmtheyboy154” didn’t feel like waiting and backported the drivers to Linux 6.6 to 6.19. Since I own one of those laptops, namely the ASUS Vivobook 16, I gave it a try on Ubuntu 24.04, but it should work on other Linux distributions as well. Note that this method only works with the PCIe driver, so if you own an SDIO module, you’d need to work out another solution. My Ubuntu 24.04 laptop is indeed using an MT7902 PCIe module (AW-XB552NF): [crayon-69bcfc03ea687982468770/] I could […]

The post Enabling MediaTek M7902 WiFi and Bluetooth drivers on Ubuntu 24.04 the easy way appeared first on CNX Software – Embedded Systems News.

8-inch ESP32-P4 Touch Display Features WiFi 6, BLE, 802.15.4, with Optional 4G LTE and LoRaWAN Connectivity

reTerminal D1001

Seeed Studio’s reTerminal D1001 is an 8-inch capacitive touch display powered by an ESP32-P4 RISC-V microcontroller and equipped with an ESP32-C6 wireless module, a camera, a dual-microphone array, and a speaker. The reTerminal D1001 is a fully enclosed solution designed for HMI applications such as control panels, vision-enabled IoT terminals, video intercoms, and smart dashboards. One highlight compared to other ESP32-P4 displays is optional support for 4G LTE cellular connectivity using an mPCIe module and SIM card slot, as well as LoRaWAN using a Stamp module. reTerminal D1001 specifications: SoC – Espressif Systems ESP32-P4NRW32 CPU Dual-core 32-bit RISC-V HP (High-performance) CPU @ up to 400 MHz with AI instructions extension and single-precision FPU Single-RISC-V LP (Low-power) MCU core @ up to 40 MHz Memory 768 KB HP L2MEM (for dual-core CPU), 32 KB LP SRAM, 8 KB TCM (for LP MCU core) 32MB PSRAM Storage – 128 KB HP ROM, 16 […]

The post 8-inch ESP32-P4 touch display offers WiFi 6, BLE, 802.15.4 connectivity, optional 4G LTE and LoRaWAN appeared first on CNX Software – Embedded Systems News.