Android 12 adds a new device search API for third-party launchers

Google released the second Android 12 Developer Preview last month, and it gave us a glimpse of several upcoming features. Among these was a new Search widget for the Pixel Launcher that would let users search for apps, contacts, settings, and more on their device. It now seems like this functionality won’t be limited to the Pixel Launcher on Android 12.

The developers behind Niagara Launcher, a popular third-party home screen replacement app, have found new evidence in the Android 12 preview documentation, which suggests that Google is adding a new device search API in Android 12 that will let third-party launchers offer a similar universal search feature. As you can see in the attached tweet, the feature will give third-party launchers “access to the centralized AppSearch index maintained by the system.”

I stumbled upon this in Android 12’s preview documentation. Android 12 might allow all launchers to integrate a universal search like spotlight pic.twitter.com/gkucmPZtNb

— Niagara Launcher – Now out of Beta (@NiagaraLauncher) April 3, 2021

It further highlights that the AppSearch index is a search library for managing structured data featuring:

• A fully offline on-device solution
• A set of APIs for applications to index documents and retrieve them via full-text search
• APIs for applications to allow the System to display their content on the system UI surfaces
• Similarly, APIs for applications to allow the System to share their content with other specified applications.

This feature will essentially provide a native alternative to universal search apps like Sesame, giving users the option to search for almost anything on their device in an instant. While we have no further information about this integration at the moment, we expect to learn more in the upcoming Android 12 Developer Previews. We’ll update this post as soon as we have more information about the integration.

It’s worth mentioning that OnePlus already offers a similar universal search feature on its native launcher app. However, it’s restricted to a specific region. With the new Android 12 device search API, it may make its way to other regions as well.

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Featured image: New Search widget for the Pixel Launcher

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LG may still deliver Android 12 updates to some devices

LG’s smartphone business hasn’t been doing too hot these last few years, so it came as no surprise earlier tonight when the company announced it’s shutting down its mobile division. For distant observers and those of us in the media, we recognize how much the company has brought to the table and how the industry has just lost a key innovator. For customers, though, the shutdown will be felt more closely, as it means they’ll have to eventually move on from their existing smartphones. Fortunately, LG doesn’t want its existing customers to feel inconvenienced by the news, so they’ve announced they’ll continue to provide software updates. As it turns out, the company may even provide updates to Google’s latest OS: Android 12.

In a press release, LG said that it will “provide service support and software updates for customers of existing mobile products for a period of time which will vary by region.” For those of you who own an LG phone, you know that the company takes its sweet time to roll out software updates worldwide, so you probably won’t be surprised to hear about the company’s inconsistent post-shutdown support plan. Over on the company’s Korean website, though, they’ve elaborated a bit further on their software update plans.

Essentially, the company says that it will continue to roll out the Android 11 OS update for supported models as previously announced. What’s more, they’re even planning to roll out an update to Android 12 for some devices. However, they warn that their OS upgrade plans may be adjusted based on Google’s distribution schedule and the performance of each device while testing the update. Should there be any major issues with the Android 12 update during testing, there’s a chance that LG will drop plans to release the update. We hope that’s not the case, but if it is, we hope the bootloader-unlockable models will see some love from independent developers on our forums.

To date, LG has rolled out the Android 11 update to a handful of its devices, including the Velvet, V60 ThinQ, and most recently, the G7 One. Other phones expected to get the update later this year include the G8X, G8S, Velvet 4G, Wing, K52, and K42. If the company does actually manage to roll out an Android 12 update, then expect it to land only on its flagship phones that launched with Android 10, such as the Velvet, V60 ThinQ, and Wing.

H/T @Kuma_Sleepy

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It’s official: LG Electronics is exiting the smartphone business

LG has officially pulled out of the smartphone business. There have been multiple reports in the last two weeks hinting at LG bidding adieu to the smartphone space once and for all, and that has indeed turned out to be the case.

In a public statement, LG confirmed the closure of its mobile division, stating that it will no longer produce and sell new smartphones. The decision was approved by the company’s board of directors on Monday, citing the division’s long slump and stiff competition. Since Q2 2015, LG’s mobile division has been continuously reporting losses. In 2020, the mobile division registered a loss of ~$751 (USD) million.

Earlier reports cited Google, Facebook, Volkwagen, and Vietnam’s Bin Group as potential buyers of LG’s smartphone division. However, talks never reached a conclusion, leaving LG no choice but to withdraw from the market completely. The first reports of the company’s possible departure from the smartphone space surfaced in January. At the time, the company said it was “reviewing the direction of its mobile business with all possibilities open.”

It’s unclear what will happen to the company’s first rollable phone, which has been in the works for a long time. Previously, a spokesperson had said that the company will be launching the phone later this year.

As for current inventory, the company says its existing units will continue to be available for sale and that service and software support will continue for a period of time depending on the region. The winding down of the company’s mobile phone business is expected to be completed by July 31, 2021, but inventory of existing devices may still be available following that date.

LG may not have enjoyed a grand financial success in the smartphone space, but its contribution to the smartphone industry will certainly be not forgotten. LG’s Android journey began in 2009 with the LG GW620, running Android 1.5 Cupcake out-of-the-box, and is seemingly ending with the LG Wing, which was one of the most innovative smartphones of 2020. If there’s one thing that stood out about LG as a company, it’s that they were never afraid to try something different and bold and kept on experimenting with new concepts and form factors.

LG was the first OEM to introduce an ultra-wide-angle camera on a mobile phone (LG G5) and one of the few OEMs that catered to audio enthusiasts with features like Quad DAC and powerful stereo speakers. During its journey, LG also teamed up with Google to produce some of the most iconic smartphones of our time, such as the Nexus 4, Nexus 5, and Nexus 5X. LG also made Google’s Pixel 2 XL.

This is a developing story. Check back for more information.

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Would you be sad if LG no longer makes phones?

With piling losses, Korean company LG is set to exit the smartphone business. While many of the people aware of the financial state of the company’s smartphone business predicted this for a while, a recent report suggests the company will formally announce its departure from the smartphone industry on April 5th. As a pillar of smartphone innovation in the previous decades, would you miss LG if it no longer makes phones?

While the global pandemic was kind to no smartphone company, LG’s smartphone business has been suffering for much longer. The specific division has incurred recurring losses since 2015, even though the company has been doing well as a whole. While LG phones are still fairly common in its domestic South Korean market, the company had previously reported “sluggish sales in the overseas market with a sales decrease of mass-tier products in North America” regarding its smartphone business.

This lack of interest in LG’s products has prevailed despite its exciting and innovative products, such as the second-screen attachment for phones like the LG G8X or Velvet or the T-shaped Wing. In the past decade, LG has created some unique phones such as the slightly curved G Flex (or Flex 2) or the distinctive Optimus. Not to forget, the 2000s also witnessed some more interesting phones from LG, including the Chocolate series, surely as tempting as its eponym.

The news of LG shutting its smartphone business is disappointing for fans, and it also puts the future of its rollable display phone in the dark. The company had previously announced the phone with a rollable display will arrive next year.

The company had previously quashed rumors about exiting the smartphone business. Even more so, the company’s new CEO had promised to make its smartphone business profitable by 2021. However, repeated indications suggest LG may finally pull the plug to prevent excessive losses due to the awry smartphone arm.

The Korean company’s exit from the smartphone business will create a void for innovation, as in gems like the LG Wing. Do you agree? Let us know in the comments below!

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Xiaomi’s wallpapers for the Mi 11 Ultra and Mi MIX Fold are here for download

Xiaomi revealed a slew of new products last month, including the long-awaited Mi 11 Ultra and Mi MIX Fold. Of course, the best part of any new phone launch is waiting for someone to extract the included wallpapers. Thankfully, all the wallpapers for both phones are now available to download, courtesy of XDA Member kacskrz.

Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra Wallpapers

The Mi 11 Ultra comes with six groups of static wallpapers, each with a resolution of 1440 x 3200 (20:9 ratio) — more than large enough to look great on any smartphone. They are divided into Natural Texture (7), Geometry (4), Dynamic Nebula (3), Minimalist Scenery (7), Black and White (4), and Mars (4). There’s also the default wallpaper, bringing the total to 30 images. All of them are available in their original, uncompressed versions at the link below.

Download Mi 11 Ultra wallpapers

Xiaomi Mi MIX Fold Wallpapers

The backgrounds on the Mi MIX Fold are also divided into distinct categories, including PC Mode (5 static images), Natural Texture (7 static images), Musubi (4 static images), Dynamic Nebula (3 live wallpapers), Minimalist Scenery (7 static images), and Mars (7 static images). Some have a resolution of 2480×1860 (3:4 ratio), while others are 2520×2520 (1:1). You can get the full-resolution versions from the link below.

Download Mi MIX Fold wallpapers

I’m definitely a fan of nature backgrounds, and the ones included with the Mi Mix Fold and Mi 11 Ultra look fantastic. The Mars ones are also a nice inclusion, especially after the recent landing of NASA’s Perseverance rover on the red planet.

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Are you looking forward to Google’s custom chip for the Pixel 6?

Google’s Pixel 6 — and other future Pixel devices — will reportedly come equipped with the GS101 silicon, the company’s custom system on a chip (SoC). If true, it could shake up the status quo and further threaten Qualcomm’s dominance in the mobile market. We think it’s an exciting prospect, but we wanted to know: Are you looking forward to Google’s custom chip for the Pixel 6?

Using a custom SoC is likely cheaper than buying a chip from Qualcomm or Samsung, which could result in lower prices for 2021 Pixels. Having more tightly integrated software and hardware could elevate the speed, performance, and battery life of Google’s Pixel devices. Most importantly, it could also mean longer software support as Google — and not another silicon vendor — would have control over updating drivers. Apple’s lineup of iPhones, iPads, and Macs is a prime example of what can be achieved with more tightly integrated software and hardware.

Introducing a custom SoC could also allow Google to integrate its Titan M security chip and Visual Core, the latter of which allows for more advanced camera capabilities. Google’s Pixel lineup has always leaned on its camera prowess, and the potential for an even more powerful experience would surely bring attention away from Google’s more popular competitors.

The launch of GS101 could be the first step toward a future where all of Google’s Pixel smartphones are powered by a custom chip. Eventually, Google’s custom chips could power its own Chromebooks, too. As we mentioned, Apple has already been creating custom chips for its iPhones, iPads, and Macs. Soon, the Cupertino company’s entire Mac lineup will ditch Intel for its M-series chips.

At this point, the mounting evidence suggests it’ll be a matter of when, not if, Google introduces its own custom SoC. When that happens, what are you hoping to see? For those who have never owned a Pixel device, would a Pixel 6 equipped with the GS101 chip make you consider Google’s next smartphone? Why or why not? Let us know in the comments below.

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Best Cheap Cases for the Galaxy S21 Ultra: Olixar, Spigen, and more!

The Galaxy S21 Ultra is Samsung’s latest flagship Android smartphone, offering a gigantic 6.8-inch display, a 120Hz refresh rate, a large 5000mAh battery, a powerful Snapdragon 888 processor, a 108-megapixel primary camera, a premium glass and aluminum design, and lots more.

For anyone who wants the best Android smartphone currently on the market, the Galaxy S21 Ultra is hard to beat as it offers so many amazing features. But considering that the handset is made mostly from glass, it’s fragile and could easily get damaged when left out of a protective case.

If you’ve just bought a Galaxy S21 Ultra or are thinking of getting one, you’ll definitely want to put it in a case. This will protect it against scratches, bumps, and other types of damage. And because cases come in all colors, patterns, and shapes, they’ll enable you to personalize your brand new Galaxy S21 Ultra. To help you choose one, we’ve rounded up the best cheap cases for the Galaxy S21 Ultra.

Wouier Hybrid Armor Case

Maximum protection

Designed to provide maximum protection, the Hybrid Armor sports a silicone inner layer that’ll protect your Galaxy S21 Ultra from shocks and drops. There’s also an outer layer of polycarbonate, a kickstand, and precise cutouts for all ports and buttons. You can buy it in black, red, blue and other colors.

Buy at Amazon

DagoRoo Armor Case

Shockproof protection

Made from TPU silicone and polycarbonate, the DagoRoo Armor is highly durable and offers robust protection for the Galaxy S21 Ultra. It sports a four-corner anti-drop bumper, a ring buckle for a secure grip, raised edges to protect the screen and camera, and a magnetic patch.

Buy at Amazon

Kowauri Wallet Case

Save space in your bag or pocket

This wallet case from Kowauri, made out of high-quality PU leather, offers three card slots, a cash pocket, kickstand functionality, precise cutouts for all buttons and ports, a magnetic closure, and wireless charger support. You can get it in black, khaki, red, and more colors.

Buy at Amazon

Olixar Ultra-Thin Case

Keep things simple

If you don’t want to cover up the Galaxy S21 Ultra’s stunning design with a bulky case, you should check out Olixar’s Ultra-Thin case. It’s a transparent, gel-based case that will show off your Galaxy S21’s original color and offer an extra layer of protection. There’s a raised bezel to protect the display and precise cutouts, too.

Buy at Amazon

Spigen Ultra Hybrid S Case

A streaming-friendly case

Spigen is well-known for making high-quality cases, and the Ultra-Hybrid S is no exception. It’s a transparent case made of a strong TPU material and a polycarbonate panel. Another great thing about this case is that it provides a built-in kickstand, which is perfect for video conferencing and streaming.

Buy at Amazon

Zizo Revolve Series Thin Ring Case

Never drop your S21 Ultra

The Zizo Revolve sports a compact, lightweight design that offers protection from scratches, bumps, and everything else life throws at your Galaxy S21 Ultra. What’s more, it features a ring that provides a secure grip and works as a kickstand. You can buy it in rose or black.

Buy at Amazon

Hekodonk Bling Clear Case

Sleek and stylish

This clear silicon case is the right blend of being affordable, providing protection, and adding a small bit of style to your Galaxy S21 Ultra with its sparkling appearance. It also has reinforced corners and cutouts for all ports and the camera.

Buy at Amazon

Olixar Soft Silicone Case

A soft and light touch

Slim and lightweight in design, Olixar’s Soft Silicone Case provides ample protection for the Galaxy S21 Ultra. It sports a non-slip coating, a raised bezel to protect the screen, and precise cutouts. You can get it in black, blue, pink, and green.

Buy at Amazon

Olixar NovaShield Bumper Case

A robust bumper

Olixar also offers a great bumper case for the Galaxy S21 Ultra, and it's called NovaShield. The case features a dual-layered shock-proof design, a robust bumper, precise cutouts for all ports, easy-to-use buttons, and wireless charging support.

Buy at Amazon

Should you be willing to splash out $1,199 on the Galaxy S21 Ultra, you’ll no doubt want to protect your hefty investment. But there are luckily loads of cases available for the Galaxy S21 Ultra, and many of them won’t break the bank.

So which should you choose? Most people will be happy with a simple option like the Olixar Ultra-Thin or the Olixar Soft Silicone. However, for maximum protection, we’d recommend the Wouier Hybrid Armor. Meanwhile, the Kowauri Wallet Case will be great if you want to save room in your bag or pocket.

Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra

The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra is the ultimate overkill in the new 2021 flagship series, packing in a flagship SoC, a premium build, a great display, and an amazing camera setup, as well as all the extras expected on a premium flagship.

Buy from Samsung

If you’re looking for even more options, and budget is not a constraint, then we have even more options listed on our Best Galaxy S21 Ultra cases roundup. That roundup takes some more liberty with the pricing and includes some official options from Samsung as well.

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