Samsung rolls out the Android 11 update with One UI 3.1 to the Galaxy Tab S7

Back in August 2020, Samsung launched the Galaxy Tab S7 (our review). With the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 Plus SoC, a fluid 120Hz display, and up to 8GB of RAM, the Galaxy Tab S7 lineup was, and still is, the most powerful Android tablet offering from the Korean OEM. The Galaxy Tab S7 series launched with Samsung’s One UI 2.5 skin on top of Android 10, but now, the update to Android 11 is rolling out. Surprisingly, the update also brings the latest One UI 3.1 software with a plethora of new features.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 / S7 Plus XDA Forums

As reported by SamMobile, the update is rolling out for the Korean Galaxy Tab S7 LTE (SM-T875), S7 Plus LTE (SM-T975N), and the S7 Plus 5G (SM-T976N) units. The software version of the new build is TxxxNKOU1BUA8, and it ships with the January 2021 Android Security Patch Level.

Thanks to Samsung Korea Community Member Paul for the screenshot!

Samsung’s first Android 11-based software release was One UI 3.0, but as you can see, it has been skipped over for the Galaxy Tab S7 in favor of One UI 3.1. The minor revision is still based on Android 11 just like the One UI 3.0 update that rolled out for many other Galaxy devices, but it includes some of the latest changes made by Samsung as it’s the latest version of the software that shipped with the newly launched Galaxy S21 series.

The full changelog for the aforementioned update is available here (in Korean), which highlights the refreshed UI design, stock app improvements, memory allocation enhancement, and more. This update also brings the promised Second Screen functionality that Samsung announced during the launch event. This feature lets you use the tablet as a secondary monitor for your Windows PC.

In case you have the Korean variant of the Galaxy Tab S7 but haven’t received the update notification yet, you can head over to the Software Update section in the Settings app to check if the OTA prompt is available for your device or not. Considering the recent trends, Samsung might release the update in other regions over the next few weeks.

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Broadcom’s BCM4389 debuts in Samsung’s Galaxy S21 Ultra, bringing WiFi 6E support

To kick off the New Year, the WiFi Alliance announced that it has begun to certify products for WiFi 6E. Now, Broadcom has revealed that the company’s BCM4389 chip will enable WiFi 6E in the Galaxy S21 Ultra.

The news means Samsung’s newest flagship is the first (and so far only) smartphone to feature WiFi 6E, and will allow the device to achieve WiFi speeds over 2Gbps. Unfortunately, it doesn’t appear the Galaxy S21 or Galaxy S21 Plus include the Broadcom BCM4389 chip.

According to Broadcom, the chip also features a multi-radio Bluetooth 5 architecture that supports a premium audio experience with Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro, and Tri-Band Simultaneous (TBS) connectivity that improves WiFi and Bluetooth performance and battery utilization.

In addition to WiFi 6E, Broadcom BCM4389’s TBS connectivity architecture brings better WiFi QoS, more precise indoor location accuracy and five times better battery utilization compared to current audio headsets even in heavily congested locations like subway stations.

WiFi 6E is expected to become more widely available in 2021 with smartphones, PCs, laptops, and TVs expected to support the technology. As we previously explained, the arrival of WiFi 6E (WiFi at 6GHz) should feel like expanding a two-lane highway into an eight-lane highway, which should ease the transition of working from home.

Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra Forums

In addition to the Galaxy S21 Ultra supporting WiFi 6E, a number of new routers were announced at CES 2021 that will also launch with WiFi 6E support. So far, countries like the U.S., U.K., Europe, Chile, and South Korea have begun to license the use of the 6GHz band, while other countries are on a similar path toward approval.

Here are some of the Broadcom HCM4389’s key highlights:

• Seven Wi-Fi and Bluetooth radios
• Support for 2 streams of Wi-Fi 6E
• Multi-Radio Bluetooth 5 with antenna beamforming
• Tri-Band Simultaneous (TBS) architecture including a dedicated background scan radio for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
• Simultaneous dual-band operation
• 2.63 Gbps PHY rate
• Operation in 2.4 GHz and 5.1-7.125 GHz unlicensed bands
• 160 MHz channel bandwidth
• 1024-QAM modulation
• OFDMA
• MU-MIMO

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Samsung’s SmartThings is now integrated with Android Auto

Update 1 (01/19/2021 @ 12:13 PM ET): The latest version of the SmartThings app has added Android Auto support. Click here for more information. The article as published on January 14, 2021, is preserved below.

Samsung and Google on Thursday jointly announced that Samsung’s SmartThings service will be integrated into Android Auto beginning next week. The integration will allow Android Auto users to control compatible SmartThings smart home devices right from their car’s display.

The announcement follows today’s major Galaxy S21 launch, which also included the Galaxy Buds Pro and Galaxy SmartTag, a Tile-like tracker that will make it easy for users to see the location of what the accessory is attached to.

During its presentation on Thursday, Samsung briefly showed off what SmartThings integration will look like in Android Auto. With the SmartThings app pulled up, users will see shortcuts to quickly control smart home devices that are connected to Samsung’s platform. In one image, Samsung showed off a few routines along with access to things like a smart thermostat, robot vacuum cleaner, and smart washer.

The image also shows off a “Locations” button, but we’re not entirely sure what that’s in reference to. Perhaps it’s for people who have multiple residences with different smart home products. It’s also unclear if the new integration can be controlled via Google Assistant on Android Auto.

Samsung’s SmartThings platform is essentially a brand name that encompasses hardware and software. The platform provides users with a hub where they can control a multitude of compatible smart home devices, from security cameras to lights. It’s not the only hub for controlling smart home devices, but as Samsung is one of the biggest companies in the world, it’s certainly one of the most widely available.

Today’s news comes on the heels of an announcement from December that saw Google reveal that Nest devices will work with Samsung’s platform beginning January 2021. That means if you own a Nest Hub or other Nest smart home device, you can easily control it through SmartThings right from Android Auto (or your Samsung Galaxy S21).

Google said the new integration will be available beginning next week, so you can’t access the feature just yet. But we’ll be sure to let you know when it’s finally available.

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Update: SmartThings integration with Android Auto rolls out

As promised, you can now add shortcuts to your favorite SmartThings devices in Android Auto. Android Auto support is rolling out now with version 1.7.59.23 of the SmartThings app on Android. According to users on Reddit, you can pick up to 6 different things to control from within Android Auto. If you’ve added Google Nest devices, then those devices can also be added, though it seems you can’t interact with Nest Cams or Nest Thermostats if added this way.

If you’re having trouble setting this up, simply open the SmartThings app on your phone, tap the hamburger menu icon, tap the settings button, and scroll down to “Android Auto.” Once in the Android Auto menu, select up to 6 items from your home. Finally, open the app launcher in Android Auto (on your car’s head unit, not on your phone) and find SmartThings.

SmartThings (Free, Google Play) →

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India asks WhatsApp to revert its controversial privacy policy changes

WhatsApp recently announced a new privacy policy to clarify how the company collects and uses data when a user messages a business. However, because of WhatsApp’s failure to properly educate users on the changes, implications of data sharing with Facebook, a healthy dose of skepticism, and social media being social media, millions of users were up in arms about the changes, with many fleeing to alternative apps like Telegram and Signal. Now, WhatsApp is now being asked to withdraw its new privacy policy by the Indian government.

In a letter written to WhatsApp head Will Cathcart, the IT ministry has pointed out that the changes raise “grave concerns” when it comes to the implication for choice and autonomy of Indian citizens. The government has also said that users in India are being subjected to differential treatment when compared to users in Europe.

“The privacy policy offered by WhatsApp to its European users specifically prohibits the use of any information shared with a Facebook company for that companies’ own purposes, while this Clause is not present in the privacy policy offered to Indian users. This differential and discriminatory treatment of Indian and European users is attracting serious criticism and betrays a lack of respect for the rights and interest of Indian citizens, who form a substantial portion of WhatsApp’s user base.”

Earlier this month, users were alerted with an in-app notification where WhatsApp had asked users to agree to its new privacy policy and terms and conditions. Initially, users were asked to comply with the policy changes by February 8 if they wished to continue using the messaging service. However, WhatsApp recently deferred the date of enforcing the proposed policy to May 15.

“This ‘all-or-nothing’ approach takes away any meaningful choice from Indian users. This approach leverages the social significance of WhatsApp to force users into a bargain, which may infringe on their interests in relation to informational privacy and information security,” said the ministry in the letter.

India currently has the largest number of WhatsApp users around the globe. In an effort to debunk rumors and speculations surrounding the new policy changes, WhatsApp ran front-page ads on several newspapers in India. However, it seems that the attempt was not very successful. Indian IT and Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad has been tweeting against the new policy changes today saying, “Be it WhatsApp, be it Facebook, be it any digital platform. You are free to do business in India but do it in a manner without impinging upon the rights of Indians who operate there.”

Be it WhatsApp, Facebook or any other digital platform they are free to do business in India but it should be done in a manner without impinging upon the rights of Indians who operate it. The sanctity of personal communications needs to be maintained: @rsprasad at #15IDS pic.twitter.com/p33qynU6Ur

— RSPrasad Office (@OfficeOfRSP) January 19, 2021

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Get fit in the new year with Apple Fitness Plus, free courtesy of Best Buy

It really sucks not being able to go to the gym. I get it, really. Unless you have the money and space for a home gym, it’s pretty upsetting losing what is a healthy escape. Granted, it’s for the best, and while we wait for it to be safe again, we can find alternate means to work out from our home. It comes as no surprise that fitness apps are all the rage, either, with people needing motivation not only in the new year, but in general. Apple is taking a shot at the market with Apple Fitness Plus, hoping to cut through the chaff and offer the workout experience you want.

Apple Fitness Plus is a premium service, and it’s typically $10 a month for a variety of workouts. That’s not too bad a price on its own (especially with the money freed up for not paying for gym memberships), but with Best Buy, you can get a few months for free!

First, if you’re a My Best Buy member, you can get two months of Apple Fitness Plus for free. My Best Buy is the retailer’s free rewards program, and you’re probably already part of it! Yep, that’s really it!

But, hold on–you can get six months free as well! Both offers are only open to new subscribers, so choose wisely before taking one offer or the other.

If you’re planning on buying an Apple Watch, grabbing your smartwatch from Best Buy will get you six months of Apple Fitness Plus for free! While the Apple Watch isn’t required to use the app, smartwatch stats are heavily integrated. Based on how hard you work out, what you do, and other statistics, Fitness Plus can recommend new workouts and push you to exercise even harder. The Apple Watch adds a whole new layer to your workouts, and it working perfectly with Fitness Plus is perfect for the fitness data nerds out there.

Apple Watch

Get fit, track your health, and more with the Apple Watch! Any Apple Watch purchase at Best Buy will net you six free months of Apple Fitness Plus.

Buy at Best Buy

Apple Fitness+

Whether you're getting two months or six months free, you can see Best Buy's offer on the app here!

View at Best Buy

The only other thing you need is an Apple device that can run the Apple Fitness Plus app. No Android functionality here! If you’re reading this, you’re probably already ingrained in the Apple ecosystem in some way, but just in case… the iPad Air is still at its lowest price yet at Amazon! It’s an immensely useful tablet to boot, so you’ll definitely get your money’s worth.

iPad Air

The iPad Air is an awesome tablet, and it's still on sale at Amazon for its lowest price yet, depending on what color you want.

Buy at Amazon

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Qualcomm unveils the Snapdragon 870, a souped-up version of the Snapdragon 865

Owing to the rising demand for affordable flagship smartphones, Qualcomm today unveiled the new Snapdragon 870 chipset. The latest Snapdragon 8 series chip from the company is a souped-up version of the Snapdragon 865 from last year that features an enhanced Kryo 585 CPU prime core clocked at up to 3.2GHz.

	Qualcomm Snapdragon 870	Qualcomm Snapdragon 865
CPU	1 x Kryo 585 (ARM Cortex A77-based) Prime core @3.2GHz, 1x 512KB pL2 cache 3x Kryo 585 (ARM Cortex A77-based) Performance cores @ 2.4GHz, 3x 256KB pL2 cache 4x Kryo 385 (ARM Cortex A55-based) Efficiency cores @ 1.8GHz, 4x 128KB pL2 cache 4MB sL3 cache	1x Kryo 585 (ARM Cortex A77-based) Prime core @ 2.84GHz, 1x 512KB pL2 cache 3x Kryo 585 (ARM Cortex A77-based) Performance cores @ 2.4GHz, 3x 256KB pL2 cache 4x Kryo 385 (ARM Cortex A55-based) Efficiency cores @ 1.8GHz, 4x 128KB pL2 cache 4MB sL3 cache
GPU	Adreno 650 Vulkan 1.1 Full suite Snapdragon Elite Gaming Features Video playback: H.264 (AVC), H.265 (HEVC), VP8, VP9, 4K HDR10, HLG, HDR10+, Dolby Vision	Adreno 650 Vulkan 1.1 Snapdragon Elite Gaming with new Desktop Forward Rendering, Game Color Plus, updatable GPU drivers Video playback: H.264 (AVC), H.265 (HEVC), VP8, VP9, 4K HDR10, HLG, HDR10+, Dolby Vision
Display	Maximum On-Device Display Support: UHD @ 60Hz, QHD+ @ 144Hz Maximum External Display Support: UHD @ 60Hz DisplayPort over USB Type-C support	Maximum On-Device Display Support: UHD @ 60Hz, QHD+ @ 144Hz Maximum External Display Support: UHD @ 60Hz HDR support DisplayPort over USB Type-C support
AI	Hexagon 698 with Hexagon Vector eXtensions and new Hexagon Tensor Accelerator 5th generation AI Engine Qualcomm Sensing Hub 15 TOPS	Hexagon 698 with Hexagon Vector eXtensions and new Hexagon Tensor Accelerator 5th generation AI Engine Qualcomm Sensing Hub 15 TOPS
Memory	4 x 16-bit LPDDR4x @ 2133MHz, 16GB LPDDR5 @ 2750MHz	4 x 16-bit LPDDR4 @ 2133MHz, 16GB LPDDR5 @ 2750MHz 3MB system level cache
ISP	Dual 14-bit Spectra 480 ISP Single camera: Up to 64MP with ZSL; Up to 200MP Dual camera: Up to 25MP with ZSL Video capture: 4K HDR @ 60fps + 64MP burst images; 4K @ 120fps; 8K @ 30fps; Slow motion up to 720p@960fps (unlimited); HDR10, HDR10+, HLG, Dolby Vision	Dual 14-bit Spectra 480 ISP Single camera: Up to 64MP with ZSL; Up to 200MP Dual camera: Up to 25MP with ZSL Video capture: 4K HDR @ 60 fps + 64MP burst images; 4K @ 120 fps; 8K @ 30 fps; Slow motion up to 720p@960 fps (unlimited); HDR10, HDR10+, HLG, Dolby Vision
Modem	Snapdragon X55 4G LTE and 5G multimode modem Downlink: Up to 7.5Gbps Uplink: Up to 3Gbps Modes: NSA, SA, TDD, FDD mmWave: 800Mhz bandwidth, 8 carriers, 2×2 MIMO sub-6 GHz: 200MHz bandwidth, 4×4 MIMO	Snapdragon X55 4G LTE and 5G multimode modem Downlink: 7.5Gbps (5G), 2.5Gbps (4G LTE) Uplink: 3Gbps, 316Mbps (4G LTE) Modes: NSA, SA, TDD, FDD mmWave: 800MHz bandwidth, 8 carriers, 2×2 MIMO sub-6 GHz: 200MHz bandwidth, 4×4 MIMO
Charging	Qualcomm Quick Charge 4+ Qualcomm Quick Charge AI	Qualcomm Quick Charge 4+ Qualcomm Quick Charge AI
Connectivity	Location: Beidou, Galileo, GLONASS, GPS, QZSS, NavIC, SBAS, Dual Frequency support Wi-Fi: Qualcomm FastConnect 6800; Wi-Fi 6 certified; 2.4/5GHz Bands; 20/40/80 MHz Channels; DBS, TWT, WPA3, 8×8 MU-MIMO, OFDMA, 1024 QAM Bluetooth: Version 5.2, aptX TWS, aptX Adaptive, and aptX Voice	Location: Beidou, Galileo, GLONASS, GPS, QZSS, SBAS, Dual Frequency support Wi-Fi: Qualcomm FastConnect 6800; Wi-Fi 6 certified; 2.4/5GHz Bands; 20/40/80 MHz Channels; DBS, TWT, WPA3, 8×8 MU-MIMO, OFDMA, 1024QAM Bluetooth: Version 5.1, aptX TWS, aptX Adaptive, and aptX Voice
Manufacturing Process	7nm	7nm (TSMC’s N7P)

As you can see in the spec sheet above, the new Snapdragon 870 isn’t a whole lot different from the Snapdragon 865. Other than the faster prime core, the only obvious difference between the two SoCs is the supported Bluetooth version. While the Snapdragon 865 featured Bluetooth 5.1 support, the Snapdragon 870 offers Bluetooth 5.2 support. Follow this link to learn more about the new Snapdragon 8 series chipset.

The new Snapdragon 870 will power a new generation of flagship devices from several prominent OEMs, including Motorola, iQOO, OnePlus, OPPO, and Xiaomi. Devices featuring the chipset are expected to be announced in the first quarter of 2021.

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Vivo Y20G with MediaTek Helio G80, Android 11 launched in India

Vivo today launched a new budget smartphone, called Vivo Y20G, in India. This is the sixth entry in Vivo’s Y20 series which contains devices like the Vivo Y20, Y20i, Y20s, Y20 2021. The main upgrade on the Vivo Y20G comes in the form of the MediaTek Helio G80 chipset. The rest of the spec sheet is all too familiar, with the device still offering the same 6.51-inch HD+ display with a resolution of 1600 x 720 and the age-old MicroUSB port.

Vivo Y20G: Specifications

Specification	Vivo Y20G
Dimensions and Weight	164.41×76.32×8.41mm 192g
Display & Build	6.51-inch IPS LCD 1600 x 720 (HD+) Plastic body
SoC	MediaTek Helio G80 octa-core chipset 2x Arm Cortex-A75 @ 2GHz 6x Arm Cortex-A55 @ 1.8GHz Arm Mali-G52 MC2 GPU
RAM and Storage	6GB RAM 128GB flash storage MicroSD card support
Battery & Charging	5,000 mAh battery 18W fast charger (inside the box)
Rear Camera	Primary: 13MP f/2.2 Secondary: 2MP f/2.4 macro Tertiary: 2MP f/2.4 bokeh
Front Camera	8MP f/1.8
Ports	MicroUSB port 3.5mm headphone jack
Connectivity	4G LTE Micro USB (USB 2.0) Bluetooth 4.2 WiFi 802.11.b/g/n/ac (2.4GHz + 5GHz)
Security	Rear-mounted fingerprint reader
Software	Android 11 with FunTouchOS 11

On the back, the Vivo Y20G sports a triple camera setup consisting of a 13MP primary sensor, flanked by 2MP macro and depth sensors. Meanwhile, there’s an 8MP shooter on the front for selfie needs. The phone is powered by MediaTek Helio G80 SoC, paired with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of flash storage. The phone packs a 5,000mAh battery and comes with an 18W fast charger. On the software side, the Vivo Y20G runs the latest Android 11 with the company’s Funtouch OS 11 on top.

Pricing & Availability

The Vivo Y20G comes in two colors: Obsidian Black and Purist Blue. It’s priced at ₹14,990 (~$204.89) and comes in only one variant (6GB/128GB). The phone is already available for purchase across India from both online and offline retailers including Amazon India, Flipkart, Tata Cliq, Paytm, and Vivo India E-store.

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