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Google Rolls Out Android 15 February 2025 Update for Pixel Devices: Everything to Know

News

5 February 2025

Google has begun rolling out the Android 15 February 2025 update for Pixel devices which brings a couple of fixes, nothing more. Google is also rolling out the February 2025 update for Google Play Services which brings a Quick Share new feature for all Android users and here’s everything to know about it.

The Android 15 February 2025 update with this month’s security patch is rolling out for the Pixel 6, 6 Pro, 6a, 7, 7 Pro, 7a, Pixel Tablet, Fold, 8, 8 Pro, 8a, 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, and 9 Pro Fold. The February 2025 update includes bug fixes and improvements for Pixel users, which includes:

Audio

Fix for issue with audio output in Android Auto under certain conditions

Bluetooth

Fix for issue occasionally preventing connection with certain Bluetooth devices or accessories

The Audio bug fix is for all Pixel devices while the Bluetooth bug is being solved for the Pixel 9 series devices.

As for the Quick Share feature that’s being made available for all Android devices is where users can continue their Quick Share transfers over Wi-Fi or Mobile Data even if the sender or receiver loses direct connection. This makes it convenient for users to resume data transfer in case it fails rather than the process beginning from 0%. This feature is being rolled out in phases with the Google Play Services v25.04 (2025-02-03) update. The full changelog for this update includes:

Google Play services v25.04 (2025-02-03)

Account Management

[Phone] With the new entry point for Family Link in Google Settings, you can now manage your family group more easily.

Developer Services

[Auto] New developer features for Google and third party App developers to support Machine Learning & AI related processes in their apps.

Device Connectivity

[Auto, Phone, TV, Wear] Bug fixes for Device Connections related services.
[Phone] With this new feature, you can continue your Quick Share transfers over Wi-Fi or mobile data even if the sender or receiver loses direct connection.

Utilities

[Phone] New developer features for Google and third party app developers to support Utilities related processes in their apps.

Google Play Store v44.8 (2025-02-03)

[Phone] With this new feature, you’ll get UI updates when you create a Play Games profile.
[Phone] Tablet pQuality version 3 updates the system to evaluate the app quality on tablets and ChromeOS devices.

Apple Launches Apple Invites: What is it, How to Use on Android?

News

Abhishek Malhotra

5 February 2025

Apple Launches Apple Invites: What is it, How to Use on Android?

Apple has introduced Apple Invites, a new app for iPhone that helps users create custom invitations to gather friends and family for any occasion. With Apple Invites, users can create and easily share invitations, RSVP, contribute to Shared Albums, and engage with Apple Music playlists.

On iPhones and iPads, one can download the app from the App store and can then choose an image from their photo library or from the app’s gallery of backgrounds — a curated collection of images representing different occasions and event themes. Integrations with Maps and Weather give guests directions to the event and the forecast for that day.

Additionally, participants can easily contribute photos and videos to a dedicated Shared Album within each invite to help preserve memories and relive the event. And collaborative playlists allow Apple Music subscribers to create a curated event soundtrack that guests can access right from Apple Invites.

Next, with Apple Intelligence, users can create a unique event invitation where they can tap in to the built-in Image Playground experience to produce original images using concepts, descriptions, and people from their photo library. And when composing invitations, users can use Writing Tools to help create a concise yet appealing piece.

As for how one can manage and join events, Hosts get full control of their invite experience: They can easily view and manage their events, share invitations with a link, review RSVPs, and choose the details they want included in the preview, like the event background or a home address.

Guests can view and respond to an invitation using the new iPhone app or on the web without needing an iCloud+ subscription or an Apple Account. Attendees control how their details show up to others, and have the ability to leave or report an event at any time.

iCloud+ subscribers also get the ability to create events in the Apple Invites app. Apple Invites is available today as a free download from the App Store for all iPhone models running iOS 18 or later, and can be accessed on the web at icloud.com/invites.

Apple Invites: How to Use on Android?

As Apple hasn’t released an Android counterpart of Appl Invites, the only way for Android users to use the service is through the web. As 9to5Google reports, there are some drawbacks, though, when using the web version. For instance, you can’t use or even view photos without an iCloud account. While an iCloud account is free to make and use, it could be inconvenient for Android users to login each time if they get logged out. Aside from that, most of the other features of the iOS app are supported on the web as well which means that in a way, Android users get full access to the service also.

Samsung Galaxy S21 Series Monthly Updates Discontinued, Switched to Quarterly Schedule

News

Abhishek Malhotra

4 February 2025

Samsung Galaxy S21 Series Monthly Updates Discontinued, Switched to Quarterly Schedule

Samsung Galaxy S21 series debuted in 2021 and the devices have been receiving monthly updates until now, when Samsung has discontinued providing updates on such a schedule. The Galaxy S21 series will now receive updates on a quarterly basis. However, the S21 FE is still set to receive monthly updates.

Samsung has updated its Security Updates Work Scope page, stating that the Galaxy S21 series monthly updates schedule has been switched to a quarterly schedule. This means that, going forward, the Galaxy S21, S21+, and S21 Ultra will only receive updates four times a year. The Galaxy S21 FE is still reported to get monthly updates, likely because it launched months after the Galaxy S21 series debuted.

The change is nothing out of the ordinary as the brand regularly demotes older models to a less frequent update cycle. The Galaxy S21 series should get One UI 7 as their last major update due to their update cycle reaching its EOL.

Meanwhile, beginning with the Galaxy S24 series, the Galaxy flagships are all set to receive updates up to 7 years, which includes both security patches and major Android OS updates.

In related news to Samsung, the Galaxy S25 series launched with One UI 7 while the older models, including the Galaxy S24 series, should begin to get their One UI 7 update starting later this month. One UI 7 comes packed with a whole new set of AI features as well as revamped animations across the system.

One UI 7 comes with Now Bar which seamlessly integrates your everyday actions and most-used apps into your lock screen. Samsung created a Personal Data Engine for Galaxy users, which a powerful privacy advancement that ensures on-device, cross-app personal data protection. Personalized data of users is stored in a secure space, safeguarded by an Encryption key that’s managed by Knox Vault. That’s the same trusted platform used to secure the most sensitive information on your smartphone, such as your biometric data.

Realme P3 Series India Launch Teased; Realme P3 Pro 5G to Come With GT Boost Gaming Technology

News

Abhishek Malhotra

4 February 2025

Realme P3 Series India Launch Teased; Realme P3 Pro 5G to Come With GT Boost Gaming Technology

Realme P3 series India launch has been teased and the device should launch later this month. However, an exact date remains unconfirmed as of now. The Pro model in the series has also been confirmed to sport GT Boost gaming technology which is said to utilise AI to enhance the gaming experience on Realme phones.

Realme P3 series India launch was teased through a Flipkart microsite, also confirming of the devices’ availability through the e-commerce platform. The smartphone are said to deliver a high and stable frame rate along with precise touch accuracy for an enhanced gaming experience. Additionally, it is rumored to feature optimized temperature control, reliable network connectivity, and efficient battery performance.

An X post from Realme India claims that the Pro version of the handset will be equipped with GT Boost, which is claimed to offer high speed, “ultra-smooth” performance, and is said to provide “optimised Battlegrounds Mobile India performance.” Realme partnered with Krafton, the BGMI developer, to set six tournament benchmarks after 40,000 minutes of testing over 60 days, including “smoother gameplay, high frame rate support, optimised battery efficiency, advanced cooling, stable connectivity, and ultra-responsive touch controls.”

GT Boost will begin rolling out to Realme GT 7 Pro users in India starting this month while the Realme P3 Pro will come pre-equipped with it.

The P3 Pro is rumored to debut in the third week of this month, featuring 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. Meanwhile, the standard P3 is expected to come with a 6,000 mAh battery supporting 45W wired charging, a 50MP main camera, and a 16MP selfie camera. It will be available in three RAM and storage configurations: GB/128GB, 8GB/128GB, and 8GB/256GB and offered in Nebula Pink, Comet Grey, and Space Silver colour options.

Samsung Releases Home Up Version 16.0 With Full Animation Customisation

News

Abhishek Malhotra

4 February 2025

Samsung Releases Home Up Version 16.0 With Full Animation Customisation

Samsung, through its Good Lock unit, announced a while back that it will be bringing a new version of the Home Up module that will be tuned for One UI 7 and will contain a lot of exciting animation-related features and the time has come when users can finally experience it. Samsung has now released the Home Up version 16.0 with full animation customisation.

The Home Up version 16.0 comes with support for One UI 7 and is now available for devices running the software, which would be the Galaxy S24 series and the Galaxy S25 series. The update won’t appear in the Good Lock App on the Galaxy S25 as Home Up has now been integrated within the stock One UI home launcher on the latest One UI version. To install, you’ll have to wait for the update to show up within the Galaxy Store.

Once installed, you’ll now see a “More Customisations” button at the bottom of the One UI Home settings where you can go to by tapping and holding on the home screen and then tap on “Settings.” Once you click on “More Customisations”, Home Up will open with a new user interface over the previous version we saw in One UI 6.1. In the Home screen settings, there’s a new DIY Home Screen feature allowing you to add stickers on your home screen to decorate it the way you like.

There’s also a Large folder option that allows you to enlarge any folder on your home screen and open apps on the front page without opening the folder every time. “Gesture Settings” is where the goldmine lies for those who want to experience the full animation customisation.

Once you enable it, there’s an option called ‘Home gesture animation tuning’ where you can choose from some of the preset options or go into detailed settings to completely overhaul the animations. Your options include Damping, Friction, Stiffness, Interpolator, icon scale, tracking position, and everything else you could imagine. However, it is advised that one should carefully customise each aspect to tune it as per their needs. One may change each value and check the result individually to check how that particular function is affecting the overall animation.

Samsung has long been criticised for its One UI animations and as a result, the company has now given full control in the hands of the users.

You Can Now Access Gemini Extensions from the Android Lock Screen

News

Abhishek Malhotra

4 February 2025

You Can Now Access Gemini Extensions from the Android Lock Screen

A new update that was revealed last Friday by Google but is now being widely rolled out allows users to access Gemini Extensions from the Android lock screen itself. This joins the ability to make calls and messages through Gemini from the lock screen which was rolled out in December last year.

“Gemini extensions are now accessible directly from your Android mobile device’s lockscreen! This means some of your most frequently used interactions with Gemini can now be executed without having to unlock your device,” said Google through a Support page announcement.

If you’re a previous Assistant on Lockscreen user, or a previous Gemini on Lockscreen user, Extensions on Lockscreen should be working by default. If not, Open Gemini > Tap the avatar > Settings > Gemini on lock screen > Turn on “Use Gemini without unlocking”. You can access Gemini Extensions from the Android lock screen by invoking Gemini through either the ‘Hey Google’ hotword or by long-pressing the power button (if you have it enabled). Some example prompts of what you can try saying to Gemini from the lock screen include:

“I’m planning a date night tonight, remind me to pick up some chocolates, strawberries and roses”
“What time does the nearest Starbucks close at, and how long would it take me to get there?”

Google notes that Gemini will still require you to unlock for some actions, for example when responses contain your personal content from apps (such as calendar events). The full list of tasks you can tell Gemini to carry out while your phone is locked includes:

Get answers to general questions
Make calls or answer text messages
Handle some personal requests, like creating a reminder
Control most smart devices, like Smart Displays or a smart thermostat
Set, stop, and snooze alarms
Set and stop timers
Control media, like pause a song
Control some phone features, like turn on the flashlight and change the volume

Samsung Expedites Galaxy S25 Series Deliveries in India

News

The Mobile Indian Network

3 February 2025

Samsung Expedites Galaxy S25 Series Deliveries in India

Samsung today commenced early Galaxy S25 series deliveries for customers who had pre-ordered the devices in India. The official sale date of the Galaxy S25 series in India is February 07, 2025. Samsung had started accepting pre-orders for Galaxy S25 series on January 23, 2025 on Samsung.com, as well as across leading online and offline retail stores.

Samsung announced that customers who pre-ordered Galaxy S25 series will receive their smartphones beginning today, February 3, starting 3 PM IST. While announcing the expedited Galaxy S25 deliveries in the country, the company said, “Samsung is committed to bringing utmost delight to its customers by delivering its latest flagship smartphone to early bird customers.”

The starting price for the 12GB/256GB version of Galaxy S25 is Rs 80,999 while Galaxy S25+ starts at Rs 99,999 and Galaxy S25 Ultra starts at Rs 1,29,999. Galaxy S25 is available in colours such as Icyblue, Silver Shadow, Navy and Mint. Galaxy S25+ is available in Navy and Silver Shadow while Galaxy S25 Ultra comes in Titanium Silverblue, Titanium Gray, Titanium Whitesilver and Titanium Black.

Consumers buying Galaxy S25 Ultra through Samsung.com will also get the option of choosing from three exclusive colours – Titanium Jadegreen, Titanium Jetblack & Titanium Pinkgold. Those buying Galaxy S25 and Galaxy S25+ from Samsung.com will also get the option of three exclusive colours – Blueblack, Coralred & Pinkgold.

Customers pre-ordering Galaxy S25 Ultra will get pre-order benefits worth INR 21000. This includes a storage upgrade worth INR 12000 wherein customers will be able to get 12GB 512GB variant at the price of the 12GB 256GB variant; along with an INR 9000 upgrade bonus.

Customers pre-ordering Galaxy S25+ will get benefits worth INR 12000 as they will get 12GB 512GB variant at the price of 12GB 256GB variant. Meanwhile, customers pre-ordering Galaxy S25 will get benefits worth INR 11000 as an upgrade bonus. Additionally, Galaxy S25 and Galaxy S25+ consumers seeking enhanced affordability can take advantage of the convenient 24 months no-cost EMI offer starting at INR 3375 per month.

Kia Syros: Features & Variant-Wise Price List

News

Abhishek Malhotra

3 February 2025

Kia Syros: Features & Variant-Wise Price List

First unveiled at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025, the Kia Syros has now officially launched in India, with introductory ex-showroom prices ranging from Rs 9 lakh to Rs 17.80 lakh (pan-India). Bookings are already open, and deliveries are set to begin in mid-February. Available in six broad variants, the Syros comes with both turbo-petrol and diesel engine options. Here’s everything the car has to offer.

Kia Syros: Variant-wise Price List

Kia Syros Petrol Variants (Ex-Showroom Prices):

• HTK MT – ₹9 lakh
• HTK (O) MT – ₹10 lakh
• HTK+ MT – ₹11.50 lakh
• HTX MT – ₹13.30 lakh
• HTK+ AT – ₹12.80 lakh
• HTX AT – ₹14.60 lakh
• HTK+ AT – ₹16 lakh
• HTX+ (ADAS) AT – ₹16.80 lakh

Kia Syros Diesel Variants (Ex-Showroom Prices):

• HTK (O) – ₹11 lakh
• HTK+ – ₹12.50 lakh
• HTX – ₹14.30 lakh
• HTX+ AT – ₹17 lakh
• HTX+ (ADAS) AT – ₹17.80 lakh

Kia Syros: Features & Safety

The Kia Syros is equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a digital driver display, along with a 5-inch climate control display featuring automatic AC. Other highlights include a wireless phone charger, panoramic sunroof, an 8-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, ventilated front and rear seats, a 4-way powered driver seat, push-button start/stop, and 64-color ambient lighting.

On the safety front, it comes with six airbags as standard, electronic stability control (ESC), a reversing camera, and ISOFIX child seat anchorages. Additionally, it offers ADAS Level 2 features, including lane keep assist and blind spot monitoring, as well as front parking Sensors and a 360-degree camera.

Kia Syros: Engine Options

The Syros is available with two engine choices:

A 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine (120 PS/172 Nm), paired with either a 6-speed manual transmission (MT) or a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT).
A 1.5-litre diesel engine (116 PS/250 Nm), available with a 6-speed manual (MT) or a 6-speed automatic transmission (AT).

Apple PowerBeats Pro 2 Could Launch Next Week; What Else to Expect From Apple This Spring?

News

Abhishek Malhotra

3 February 2025

Apple PowerBeats Pro 2 Could Launch Next Week; What Else to Expect From Apple This Spring?

Apple could debute the new PowerBeats Pro 2 earbuds as soon as next week and ahead of that, Apple plans to introduce a new iCloud-based service dubbed “Confetti” internally. The service could launch this week itself. Further, Apple also has other products in the pipeline with a Spring launch timeframe for all of them.

As reported by Bloomberg, for months, the PowerBeats Pro 2 are debuting publicly on February 11. Apple’s Beats unit has been teasing the PowerBeats Pro 2 and even had athletes wearing them around publicly. The new model, which will cost $250 as per Mark Gurman of Bloomberg, feature the same H2 chip as the AirPods, better noise cancelation, and new colors, including an impressive orange. The product also has heart-rate monitoring support — a first from Apple in a non-watch wearable product.

Gurman further adds that the “confetti” iCloud service is also coming soon. The festive codename implies, the service offers a new way to invite people to parties, functions and meetings. “For years, Apple has been seeking to revamp its calendar app — and this new initiative could be the beginning of a broader effort. The release is tied to iOS 18.3, which just started rolling out last Monday,” he said.

Aside from the PowerBeats Pro 2, one can expect a range of other devices to launch during this Spring, likely next month. Leaks suggest that the iPhone SE 4 is coming in March, and the model will have an A18 chip (in line with the iPhone 16), a fairly advanced camera system and the updated sensor for facial recognition. It will have a design similar to that of the iPhone 14 if leaks are to be believed.

Apple will launch a new baseline iPad, likely called iPad 11th Gen. The base iPad lineup will receive an refreshed a model for the first time in last two years. Rumors currently suggest that it will pack the A17 Pro chip, similar to the iPad mini. This chip originally debuted in iPhone 15 Pro in 2023.

A new MacBook Air is supposedly also coming, packed with the latest M4 chip. Aside from that, the rest of the hardware should remain the same as the M3 MacBook Air. The iPad Air on the other hand, could be upgraded with the M3 chip under the hood this Spring.

Finally, Apple’s first AI Smart Display may also debut in March. A lot of details about this product have already leaked in the past. the device as soon as March 2025, positioning it as a central hub for home management. Code-named J490, the product will also showcase the new Apple Intelligence AI platform. As per leaks, the device features a roughly 6-inch display, resembling a square-shaped iPad, about the size of two iPhones side by side, with a thick bezel around the screen. It includes a front-facing camera, a built-in rechargeable battery, and internal speakers, and will be available in silver and black. The product’s touch interface combines elements of the Apple Watch OS and the recently introduced StandBy mode from the iPhone.

Boult Drift Max Smartwatch Launched in India

News

The Mobile Indian Network

3 February 2025

Boult Drift Max Smartwatch Launched in India

The Boult Drift Max smartwatch has launched in India sporting an ultra-wide 2.01″ HD screen, complemented by a fully functional rotating crown for easy navigation, an array of over 250 watch faces, and much more. Here’s everything to know about the newly launched Boult Drift Max.

Boult Drift Max: Price, Availability

The Pure Black variant with a silicone strap costs Rs 1,099 while the Coal Black and Silver models with a Stainless Steel strap cost Rs 1,199. They are available on Flipkart, Amazon, and Boult’s website. The company is also offering an exclusive launch discount of over 25% on the Silicon Strap and Stainless Steel variants.

Boult Drift Max: Specifications

The Boult Drift Max offers 120+ sports modes and features a 2.01-inch HD screen. Fitness lovers can keep their health in check with 24×7 heart rate monitoring, blood pressure tracking, SpO2 measurement, stress monitoring, and dedicated menstrual health tracking. With sleep, and calorie tracking, users can maintain a balanced and healthy lifestyle. Additionally, the smartwatch provides smart alerts for hydration and movement.

The Drift Max ensures seamless connectivity with Bluetooth 5.2 technology, offering 2x battery efficiency for uninterrupted performance. Its IP68 water and dust resistance makes it highly durable and ideal for all-weather use. The smartwatch also integrates Google Assistant and Siri for hands-free control.

For uninterrupted communication, the Drift Max comes with Bluetooth calling, enabling users to take calls directly through the built-in speaker and microphone. Additional smart productivity tools include notification management, remote camera control, weather updates, Find My Phone, and a built-in calculator, ensuring users stay organized and efficient throughout their day.

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