Niagara Launcher adds a beautiful weather widget and more in version 1.1

After a successful beta run, third-party home screen replacement app Niagara Launcher launched on the stable channel early last month. However, the app’s developers didn’t include any new features in the first stable release to ensure a smooth transition. To make up for the lack of new features, the developers are now rolling out Niagara Launcher v1.1, which includes an updated weather widget, new animations, and more.

As per a recent post about the latest Niagara Launcher update, the revamped weather widget brings support for 30-minute rain and snow forecast, shorter refresh intervals of 30 to 60 minutes, a longer forecast range of 8 days, and other subtle tweaks. The new 30-minute rain forecast feature is supported in most regions, except Africa, and it provides minutely forecast data to help you avoid getting stuck in rain or snow.

30-minute rain forecast

The shorter refresh intervals, on the other hand, update the forecast dynamically every  30 to 60 minutes based on current weather conditions to increase accuracy. Despite the shorter update interval, Niagara Launcher never wakes up your phone from standby and doesn’t have any significant impact on your phone’s battery. The longer forecast range lets you check the weather forecast for the next seven days and the hourly forecast now also includes weather conditions for the next day.

Longer forecast range

Furthermore, the Niagara Launcher weather widget now shows sunrise and sunset timers on the hourly weather forecast, it includes daily weather descriptions and additional weather icons for a more precise forecast, and it has a new option to automatically choose a fixed location for more accurate results.

New app close animations

Along with the updated weather widget, Niagara Launcher v1.1 brings new close app animations, a battery charge indicator, a new widget settings sheet, and a transparent screenshot feature that lets you take screenshots of the launcher without the wallpaper.

If you’re interested in trying out all these new features, you can download the latest Niagara Launcher update by following this link. It’s worth noting that the update isn’t available on the Google Play Store at the moment and it may be a bit unstable. So, if you’re an inexperienced user, you may want to proceed with caution.

Niagara Launcher fresh & clean (Free⁺, Google Play) →

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OnePlus Nord gets OxygenOS Open Beta 4 with February 2021 patches and multiple bug fixes

Last month, OnePlus rolled out the OxygenOS Open Beta 3 for the OnePlus Nord, featuring several improvements centered around the system and camera experience. The company is now following up with the fourth beta build of OxygenOS 11 based on Android 11 for the OnePlus Nord which brings several more improvements.

The latest OxygenOS Open Beta 4 has started rolling out to users and it addresses many of the annoying bugs reported by beta users in the previous builds. These include fixes for Work-Life Balance not showing full information in Quick Settings, documents randomly disappearing in the Lockbox, glitches related to Calculator UI, and more. Notably, the new update also bumps the Android security patch level to February 2021.

Here’s the full OxygenOS 11 Open Beta 4 changelog for the OnePlus Nord:

• System
  • Fixed the issue where Work-Life Balance does not display full information in the Quick Settings
  • Fixed the flashback issue with the Quick Settings when enabling the Location
  • Fixed the small probability issue that the documents in the Lockbox may disappear
  • Fixed the issue that the Privacy Policy page is displayed abnormally if the device is in Dark Mode
  • Fixed the issue that the fast charging sound is too loud
  • Fixed the issue with the Calculator that the UI where results are showed is displayed abnormally
  • Fixed the issue with the abnormal display of Calculator button size
  • Updated Android Security Patch to 2021.02
  • Improved system stability
• File Manager
  • Fixed the issue that the File Manager may crash when stopping the unzipping process
• OnePlus Community
  • Fixed the small probability flashback issue with the OnePlus Community when entering the Profile page

If you’re already on OxygenOS Open Beta 3, you will receive the new update as an OTA. If you don’t want to wait, you can also manually flash the OxygenOS Open Beta 4 on your OnePlus Nord by following the links given below.  To do so, download an appropriate OTA package corresponding to your variant and sideload it using the “Local Update” option within the System Update menu.

OnePlus Nord XDA Forums

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Download Links

Europe:

• Incremental OTA from OxygenOS Beta 3
• Full OTA

Global:

• Incremental OTA from OxygenOS Beta 3
• Full OTA

India:

• Incremental OTA from OxygenOS Beta 3
• Full OTA

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Thanks to XDA Senior Member Some_Random_Username for the download links!

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Apple discontinues iMac Pro; base variant to be available till supplies last

Just days after we learned that a new iMac model is currently in the works, Apple has reportedly discontinued the current generation iMac Pro. You can no longer opt for the made-to-order option for the model on the Apple Store, and while you may be able to get other configurations from certain third-party resellers, the base configuration is the only variant that you can purchase directly from Apple till supplies last.

9to5Mac first spotted this change and the publication makes an interesting point about how Apple never disclosed any information about iMac Pro sales. The report notes that since the iMac Pro is a niche product, due to its premium $4,999 price tag, the existence of the regular iMac for casual users, and the more powerful Mac Pro tower for professionals, it may not have done well in terms of sales. This could’ve been the reason behind Apple’s decision to discontinue it before the new model is unveiled. We can confirm that this change has hit both Apple stores in the US and India.

Apple is expected to launch a new version of the iMac later this year and a new refresh for the Pro variant could also be on the cards. According to leaked information from YouTuber Jon Prosser, Apple is revisiting the iconic iMac G3 from 1998 for the upcoming iMac’s design. The upcoming models will reportedly come in various colors that will likely be similar to what we saw on the iPad Air 2020. This means that we can expect colors like Silver, Space Gray, Green, Sky Blue, and Rose Gold. For those of you who don’t know, the iMac G3 was an iconic product from Apple that came with a unique translucent back panel available in five colors: lime, strawberry, blueberry, grape, and tangerine. The upcoming iMac models will most likely be powered by an upgraded version of Apple’s ARM-based M1 silicon chips.

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The ASUS ROG Phone 5 will pack up to a whopping 18GB of LPDDR5 RAM

How much RAM does a smartphone really need? If you’re an Asian phone brand making gaming phones, the answer is “as much as technically and humanly possible.” That’s the approach ASUS is taking with the ROG Phone 5, which will pack up to 18GB of RAM.

The 18GB LPDDR5 mobile DRAM module comes from SK Hynix, a semi-conductor based out of Seoul, South Korea. In a statement released today, SK Hynix said the new chip runs at a maximum of 6,400Mbps, which is around 20% faster than previous LPDDR5 DRAMs on the market. The release also says SK Hynix has officially begun mass production of the chips, and the first batch is making its way to ASUS’ ROG Phone 5.

The ROG Phone 5, which is scheduled for unveiling on March 10, is expected to be powered by all the latest, highest-end specs, including a Snapdragon 888, high-refresh OLED display, and of course, that 18GB of RAM in the top end variants. The device is also likely to sport a back design with dot-matrix technology built-in. The beloved shoulder trigger buttons are expected to return as well.

We here at XDA loved the ROG Phone 3, so this direct sequel (the brand skipped the number 4 due to Chinese superstitions) has a lot to live up to. We know it won’t be lacking in memory, that’s for sure. SK Hynix’s statement also added the chip is designed for “premium smartphones to support an optimal environment for games with high-resolution image and also high-quality videos,” and the ROG Phone 5 definitely will make use of this.

Recent leaks also suggest that ASUS will bring back the 3.5mm headphone jack with the ROG Phone 5 and it could sport 65W fast wired charging. The device will likely run a near-stock build of Android 11 out of the box, with a couple of gaming-related additions from ASUS. We’ll let you know as soon as we learn more about the ROG Phone 5.

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Instagram prepares for Clubhouse-like audio rooms and end-to-end encryption in chats

The recent surge in Clubhouse’s popularity shows voice-based interactions are the future of social networking. Clubhouse is currently limited to iOS and you can only access it if another user invites you. Seeing this as a potential opportunity, social media giants including Facebook and Twitter are working on their own adaptations for a wider audience. While Twitter Spaces is already being tested, we have learned that Facebook is also working to bring live audio rooms to the Instagram app. Besides audio rooms, Instagram is also working to enable end-to-end encryption (E2EE) in chats.

Instagram Live is already a popular means for creators to interact with their followers. Adding to that, Instagram rolled out Live Rooms recently, allowing anyone going live to add up to three more users. In line with this, Instagram also appears to be working on live audio rooms wherein a host can add a bunch of other users during the live audio session. App Researcher Alessandro Paluzzi shared screenshots of the under-development Instagram feature on their Twitter account.

#Instagram is working on audio rooms pic.twitter.com/5TI6YzLi9A

— Alessandro Paluzzi (@alex193a) March 6, 2021

In one of the screenshots, we see a microphone icon beside the regular camcorder icon that usually appears during live video sessions. Paluzzi did not share any details about the functionality of Instagram’s live audio rooms but, the placement of the microphone icon right next to the camera icon suggests Instagram could integrate audio and video live rooms.

Facebook’s intention to clone Clubhouse was first reported last month. In its announcement of Live Rooms, Instagram also confirmed it is “exploring more interactive tools such as offering moderator controls and audio features that will be available in the coming months.” While the functionality of the audio room is relatively new, the app is also set to get a feature that was reportedly first commissioned at least two years ago.

Facebook started unifying chats from Instagram and Messenger last year, allowing users to use either of the two apps to connect with contacts on the other. The said unification was first ordered by Facebook chief Mark Zuckerberg in January 2019. Alongside this plan to integrate chats from Facebook Messenger, Instagram, and WhatsApp into a single messaging platform, Zuckerberg also asserted the need to implement end-to-end encryption across all of its messaging apps — a feature that is limited to WhatsApp at present.

Although Facebook introduced disappearing messaging under the recently-announced Vanish mode for the sake of privacy, end-to-end encryption adds a layer of security to chats and prevents anyone other than the users to interpret the communications even if they are intercepted. This feature is suggested to be under development by App Researcher Alessandro Paluzzi who did not share more information about the same.

#Instagram is working on end-to-end encrypted (E2EE) chats pic.twitter.com/XSb4DqHtU6

— Alessandro Paluzzi (@alex193a) March 6, 2021

The features are currently under development and not available to users. We shall add more details when we learn about them.

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OnePlus confirms the OnePlus 9 will come with a charger

OnePlus is all set to unveil its upcoming OnePlus 9 series later this month and although it would appear there’s nothing left to the imagination anymore at this point, new details keep pouring in. The latest update comes from OnePlus’ CEO Pete Lau, who has officially confirmed that the OnePlus 9 series will ship with a charger in the box.

In a recent comment on the OnePlus Community forums, Lau revealed that the OnePlus 9 series will not be following the footsteps of its competitors and will ship with a charger inside the box. “Don’t worry about it. We have the charger inside the box”, said Pete while responding to a OnePlus forum member’s concern about whether the company will too join the latest trend of ditching the in-box charger. Although rumors so far have unanimously claimed that the OnePlus 9 series would come with a charger inside the box, an official confirmation from the company itself is always nice.

This is newsworthy since Apple and Samsung both no longer offer a charger in the box for their respective flagships. Xiaomi also doesn’t offer a charger in the box of the Chinese Mi 11 but does offer a charger with European models.

As for what we’re expecting from OnePlus at its launch event, the OnePlus 9 and OnePlus 9 Pro will most certainly be there and we might also see a third device in the form of the OnePlus 9R. The standard OnePlus 9 is expected to feature a flat 6.55-inch full HD+ AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate screen, Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset, 8GB RAM, 128GB UFS 3.1 storage, two 48MP cameras along with a third unspecified sensor, and a 4,500mAh battery with a 65W fast charging support.

The OnePlus 9 Pro, on the other hand, is rumored to feature a curved 6.7-inch LTPO AMOLED display with Quad HD+ resolution and a 120Hz screen refresh rate. On the inside, it’s expected to feature the same Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset, but supposedly with more RAM and storage. Additionally, OnePlus has also partnered up with Swedish camera legend Hasselblad to optimize the camera system of the OnePlus 9 series, in the hope to finally bring the camera performance in-line with other flagships.

Not much is known about the rumored OnePlus 9R but it’s believed to pack the Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 chipset and is expected to be the cheapest of the trio. With the official launch taking place on March 23, we will not have to wait too long to find out more about the new lineup.

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Featured image: OnePlus Warp Charge 30 charger

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OnePlus 9 series with new Hasselblad camera system to launch on March 23rd

Over the past several weeks, we’ve seen plenty of leaks and rumors about the upcoming OnePlus 9 series. While the leaks have revealed quite a lot about OnePlus’ next-gen flagships, there are still quite a few things that we don’t know about the OnePlus 9, OnePlus 9 Pro, and OnePlus 9R/Lite. However, we won’t have to wait too long to learn these details, as OnePlus has now officially announced that it will be unveiling the devices in just a few weeks.

OnePlus has confirmed that it will lift the covers off the OnePlus 9 series on March 23rd. The new devices will be launched at 10:00 AM EDT, 14:00 PM GMT, and 19:30 PM IST. Along with the launch announcement, OnePlus has finally confirmed that it has partnered with Hasselblad to develop the camera system on the devices. The company has revealed that it plans to invest over USD 150 million over the next three years to further enhance its mobile imaging capabilities in partnership with Hasselblad. This means that we can expect to see a Hasselblad-branded camera system on future OnePlus devices as well.

Talking about the partnership, the company’s Founder and CEO, Pete Lau, said, “OnePlus has always prioritized a premium user experience over everything else. Beginning in 2021, we are making a concerted effort to significantly improve the smartphone camera experience for our users, with the expertise of a truly legendary partner in Hasselblad. With OnePlus’ top-of-the-line hardware and computational photography and Hasselblad’s rich aesthetic knowledge in traditional photography, I am confident that the OnePlus 9 Series will be a major leap forward in our ability to deliver a premium, flagship camera.”

As part of the partnership, OnePlus will work with Hasselblad on various camera improvements. The two companies are currently working on software optimizations, like color tuning and sensor calibration, and they plan to extend to more dimensions in the future. The results of the partnership will be evident on the upcoming OnePlus 9 series, which will feature a new color solution, called Natural Color Calibration with Hasselblad. OnePlus claims that this color solution will result in more perceptually accurate and natural-looking colors to photos taken with OnePlus flagship cameras. It will also serve as OnePlus’ new standard for color calibration for its future smartphone cameras.

Along with the new color calibration profile, the OnePlus 9 series will come with a new Hasselblad Pro Mode. The new mode will bring class-leading sensor calibration to a smartphone for the first time, and OnePlus claims that it will result in “incredibly accurate and natural color for a solid foundation for post-editing.” The new Hasselblad Pro Mode will also feature a bunch of UI changes based on Hasselblad’s image processing software that will give users an authentic Hasselblad look and feel. Furthermore, the mode will provide an unprecedented amount of control for professional photographers, allowing them to adjust ISO, focus, exposure times, white balance, and more. It will also feature a 12-bit RAW format for richer color and higher dynamic range.

Over the next three years, OnePlus plans to bring several more camera improvements to its devices in partnership with Hasselblad. To that end, the company will develop four major research and development labs around the world, including two innovative labs based in the US and Japan. It will also pioneer “new areas of smartphone imaging technology for future OnePlus camera systems, such as panoramic camera with a 14-degree field of view, T-lens technology for lightning-fast focus in the front-facing camera, and a freeform lens — to be the first introduced on the OnePlus 9 Series — that practically eliminates edge distortion in ultra-wide photos.”

Additionally, the company has revealed that the OnePlus 9 series will feature a custom Sony IMX789 sensor for the “largest and most advanced main camera sensor ever on a OnePlus device.” Thanks to 12-bit RAW support, the camera will be up to 64-times more colorful than previous generations, and it will deliver more dynamic and vibrant colors in pictures. It will also give professional photographers more leeway for editing in post. The Hasselblad camera on the device will also offer improved HDR recording, support for 4K 120fps video, and 8K 30fps video

Historically, OnePlus devices have lagged behind the competition on the camera front. So, we’re excited to see if OnePlus finally manages to offer flagship-grade camera performance on the OnePlus 9 series in partnership with Hasselblad. For more details, you can tune into the OnePlus 9 series launch stream, which will kick off on March 23rd on OnePlus’ website.

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