Future Android version may give carriers ability to hide signal strength from users

As some of you may probably know, current Android versions give you the ability to access network signal strength by heading to the SIM Status menu in Settings. But now it looks like the information may be made optional in future. A recent piece of code committed to the Android Open Source Project reveals there are plans to give carriers the ability to hide the signal strength information. Reports say the feature was requested by carriers, and Google agreed to their demand. There's, however, no information on exactly why carriers want such a feature (which would presumably come into...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/future_android_version_may_give_carriers_ability_to_hide_signal_strength_from_users-news-28855.php

BlackBerry giving away a free Keyone Black Edition phone

If you are a BlackBerry fan, and have been planning to purchase a Keyone Black Edition smartphone, you'll be glad to know the company is giving away a unit for free. Of course, we're talking about a contest here, and it's reasonable to assume a lot of people will be giving it a try. But still, you stand a chance. All you have to do is to comment on the following post, detailing something you love about the phone. Also, follow the company's Instagram profile and tag three of your friends. 👉 Enter now! You can win a BlackBerry #KEYone Black Edition How to Enter: ✅...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/blackberry_giving_away_a_free_keyone_black_edition_phone-news-28857.php

Google looking into Pixel 2 WiFi disconnect issue on mesh networks

Yet another Google Pixel 2 issue has come to light. It's related to random WiFi disconnects, with most reports mentioning the problem occurs while the device is on a mesh network setup. The problem seems to be affecting both first and second gen Pixels running Oreo. On the network side, those with Netgear's Orbi routers seem to be affected the most. There's even a dedicated forum thread related to this on the official Netgear forum where users say Android 8.x crashes their router. For its part, Google is asking for bug reports as well as some additional information. Source 1 2 3...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/google_looking_into_pixel_2_wifi_disconnect_issue_on_mesh_networks-news-28854.php

Merry Christmas!

It is the season to be jolly with Christmas upon us. On this blessed day we would like to thank you all for being an integral part of the website. Keeping you entertained and informed is what makes us feel good and seeing all your feedback puts a smile on our faces. It's the most wonderful time of the year and we wish you, your family and friends lots of beautiful moments. May happiness and luck follow you on your every step through the next year as well. Merry Christmas and thank you for being around! The GSMArena team

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/merry_christmas_to_everyone-news-28841.php

OnePlus 5 to get the Face Unlock feature from the 5T

The OnePlus 5 will be getting the Face Unlock feature from the OnePlus 5T in a software update. This information was relayed by OnePlus co-founder Carl Pei on Twitter, who said the feature is being added to the OnePlus 5 by popular demand. Due to popular demand, Face Unlock is coming for the OnePlus 5. Thanks for the feedback, and merry Christmas! 🎅🎄🎁— Carl Pei (@getpeid) December 24, 2017 Currently, OnePlus' Face Unlock feature is only available on their flagship OnePlus 5T. It's a much simpler version of the technology used on the iPhone X as it uses just...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/oneplus_5_to_get_the_face_unlock_feature_from_the_5t-news-28853.php

Android 8.0 Oreo update now rolling out to the OnePlus 5

OnePlus has finally started rolling out the Android 8.0 Oreo update for the OnePlus 5. This comes as a part of the OxygenOS 5.0 update. OnePlus has provided the full list of changes on its forum but to summarize them, you are getting all the new Oreo features, along with improvements to the launcher, updated Camera app UI, optimizations to image quality, beauty effect for Portrait Mode, Parallel Apps feature, new design for Quick Settings, new design for lift-up display and more. Also added is the Android December security patch. The update is now rolling to all the countries,...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/android_80_oreo_update_now_rolling_out_to_the_oneplus_5-news-28852.php