When the HP Chromebase was introduced, it was an instant contender for the title of best Chromebox. This all-in-one tower features a rotating 21.5-inch touchscreen, and includes everything that you would need to set up a Chrome OS-powered workstation at home.
For Black Friday, we saw a pretty great deal on the entry-level model, but Intel's Pentium chipset is a bit long in the tooth making this deal for the Core i3 model even more intriguing. But the best part about all of this is that you can save $70, as HP has dropped the price down to its lowest ever for this configuration.
Included with this specific configuration is the aforementioned Core i3 processor, 16GB of RAM, 256GB of storage, along with a matching Chrome OS mouse and keyboard. Found in the cone-shaped base is a built-in speaker system that honestly, gets quite a bit louder than you might expect.
If you're looking for an all-in-one solution powered by Chrome OS, it doesn't get much better than the HP Chromebase. This specific model features an Intel Core i3 chipset, 16GB of RAM, and 256GB of SSD storage, providing more than enough power to handle everything you would need.
The Chromebase has a unique, yet classy design, and there aren't very many compromises to be found. You will find a 3.5mm headphone and microphone jack, two USB-C ports, along with two USB-A ports, ensuring that you'll be able to connect everything that you need to with ease.
Even in this configuration, you won't be able to do heavy-gaming, but you will enjoy a better experience than the entry-level model, especially with the additional RAM. And if you need to use this for content creation then the Chromebase is well-equipped to help you edit those photos and videos faster than ever on a Chrome OS device.
When you have young members in your household, you'll likely want some form of control over the types of media they access. On PS5, Sony lets you set parental controls to restrict the age ratings of games and DVDs for your children. Because many of the best PS5 games are rated T or M, it's wise to familiarize yourself with these settings. So let's get started.
How to set up parental controls on PS5
Go to Settings.
Select Family and Parental Controls.
Select PS5 Console Restrictions.
Enter the restriction passcode (defaults to 0000).
From here, you can change the restrictions for creating new accounts, access parental controls for new users, temporarily disable restrictions, and change the passcode. It's important to note that parental controls will be applied to new users and guests who have not signed in to the PlayStation Network.
Since you're likely most concerned about setting content limits, you'll want to select Parental Controls for New Users. This is where you'll be able to set the age rating for playable PS5 and PS4 games set the age limit for Blu-rays and DVDs, restrict web browsing, and restrict PSVR use. If you're curious about ESRB age ratings, you can learn more at the ESRB's website.
Things like a monthly spending limit and restrictions on communicating with other players can also be changed after adding a family member by selecting Family Management on the earlier Family and Parental Controls screen.
You can buy a PS5 right now (if you can find one) — Sony's most powerful console to date with a super-fast SSD, 3.5GHz CPU, and 10.28 TFLOP GPU. If you're looking to buy a PS5 for your kids, be sure to set up parental controls, so they don't play games rated for teens or mature audiences.
Apple is doing all the right things in China, but its Android rivals will catch up soon.
Samsung and Apple dominate phone sales charts in North America, but that's not the case in other global markets. For instance, Samsung has less than a 1% market share in China, with the South Korean giant overshadowed by its Chinese counterparts. Apple fares slightly better, with the iPhone manufacturer amassing a 13% market share in Q3 2021 — a year-on-year increase of 48%.
Apple ended Q3 as the fifth-largest phone brand in China, but the introduction of the iPhone 13 turned the momentum in its favor; in October, it became the largest phone brand in the country, overtaking the best Android phones from Xiaomi, Honor, OPPO, and Vivo. October sales figures from Counterpoint show the scale of this achievement, with Apple going from a 13% share to 22% in the course of a month.
The launch of the iPhone 13 was the catalyst for the turnaround, but that alone isn't the reason. To find out more, I talked to Ivan Lam, a Senior Research Analyst at Counterpoint Research, to understand what's going on. Lam attributes the uptick in iPhone sales to three factors: a retail strategy that's finally taking off, Huawei's decline, and most of all, aggressive pricing.
Huawei's decline combined with aggressive pricing for the iPhone 13 allowed Apple to thrive in China.
"Huawei is continuing to lose ground in the high-end market, and while OPPO and Xiaomi are starting to focus on the high-end segment, they haven't made much headway," said Lam. For some context, Huawei was the outright leader in China's phone segment in Q3 2020 with a 30% market share, and that figure now stands at a meager 8%. The U.S. trade ban has effectively killed off Huawei's business even in its home market, with the brand unable to access the latest technology.
Kiranjeet Kaur, an Associate Research Director at IDC APAC, notes that Apple positioned itself ideally to fill the void left by Huawei as it has a better brand image in the premium segment (over $600) than its Android rivals. "In other words, there is lesser competition for iPhone 13 series this year," said Kaur.
Kaur said that another change this year is a "favorable pricing strategy" for the iPhone 13 that included launching the phone at a lower price point than the iPhone 12, invigorating sales. The groundwork for this move was laid last year, when Apple started allowing iPhones to be sold at online storefronts, giving e-commerce stores the ability to heavily subsidize the iPhone 12 for this year's holiday sale season. Enticing discounts for the iPhone 12 combined with aggressive pricing for the iPhone 13 created the ideal situation for Apple in China.
Counterpoint's Lam points to a maturing market with an increasing average selling price (ASP), which once again benefits Apple. The ASP in Q3 2020 was $314, but it has shot up to $383 in Q1 2021 and has held steady throughout the year. Android manufacturers are shifting their focus to the mid-range and high-end segments to better cater to the shifting demand, but they still don't have the cachet that Apple enjoys. That allows the iPhone maker to pull out ahead of its Android rivals, says Lam.
The global chip shortage also contributed to lower-than-normal sales for the likes of Vivo, OPPO, and Xiaomi, with Android manufacturers, in general, struggling to meet demand in the mid-tier and high-end segments. Lam says Apple managed to weather the shortages much better because of its scale, which has played a part in the sales increase in October.
Android brands should regain momentum with 2022 flagships.
Kaur is bullish on Apple's short-term strategy, pointing to its retail presence and brand recognition as a definite advantage. "We believe Apple's advantage in the premium market will continue in the short term, as other Android brands have yet to establish their own premium brand image. The wide online and retail presence — including its own Apple Stores — in the market has allowed Apple to reach large and small towns in the China market."
But can Apple continue the momentum going into 2022? Lam says iPhones should sell well for the next two quarters as they're virtually unchallenged at the moment, but with OPPO, Vivo, and Xiaomi set to launch their 2022 flagships in the coming months, that dynamic will change. What they lack in brand awareness in this category, they're looking to make up in value, with the flagships slated to undercut the iPhone 13 while offering better hardware.
OPPO and Vivo, in particular, can use their existing offline distribution network to go on the offensive. These two brands control over 70% of the offline market, and they can leverage that to their advantage, much like what Samsung does in other markets. Xiaomi is also making inroads into the offline segment, but Lam notes that it isn't quite on the same level as its BBK rivals. As for the now standalone Honor, Lam says its offerings are too similar to what's already available in the market, and it will struggle to differentiate itself in 2022.
According to Bloomberg, Apple is already slashing estimates as it sees a decrease in demand for the holiday season. That brings us to the bigger problem for the Chinese phone market: an overall sales slowdown. The 75 million sales figure in Q2 2021 was the lowest in a decade, and that situation isn't likely to change. "The entire market is plateauing; 5G is too costly, with plans starting at $20, and the 4G market is fully saturated," said Lam. "Chinese customers are also holding on to their phones for longer, with upgrade cycles now averaging two years."
IDC's estimates suggest the Chinese market contracted by 0.6% this year, with the PC and tablet category seeing more demand. "The pandemic drove more demand for PCs and tablets than smartphones as smartphone penetration in China is already quite high," said Kaur.
With the market getting saturated, it will be difficult for brands to differentiate their products. For its part, Apple did a brilliant job seizing vital market share from Huawei, but with Chinese manufacturers redoubling their efforts in the high-end segment, they should regain momentum in the coming quarters.
Samsung's new co-CEO Kyehyun Kyung will head the device solutions (DS) division.
What you need to know
Samsung has merged its mobile and consumer electronics businesses.
The newly merged unit will be headed by new co-CEO and vice chairman Jong-Hee (JH) Han.
Kyehyun Kyung has also been named co-CEO of Samsung Electronics will lead its device solutions business.
Samsung Electronics has merged its mobile and consumer electronics business units to "strengthen its business competitiveness." The newly merged "SET" division will be headed by Jong-Hee (JH) Han, who has been promoted to vice chairman and co-CEO of Samsung Electronics.
JH Han has played a key role in helping Samsung maintain its top position in the global TV market for over a decade. As the new CEO of Samsung Electronics, Han is "expected to strengthen synergies among the different businesses in the SET division and help drive new businesses and technologies." He will also continue to head Samsung's visual display business.
Despite rising competition from rivals, Samsung's mobile communications division continued to post solid revenue growth in Q3 2021, mainly due to strong demand for its best foldable phones.
President Kyehyun Kyung, who has been serving as the CEO of Samsung Electro-Mechanics, has also been named co-CEO and will lead the device solutions (DS) division. Samsung's device solutions unit includes the semiconductor and component businesses.
Kyung is an expert in semiconductor design and has led Samsung's flash product and technology and DRAM design teams in the past. As the new head of the device solutions unit, Kyung is "expected to help maintain the company's semiconductor leadership and lead innovation in the components business."
Samsung's semiconductor business has been one of the biggest contributors to its revenue for several years now. To maintain its leadership in the semiconductor market, Samsung is building a $17 billion chip-making plant in Texas. The new plant will be built in Taylor, 30 miles from the company's existing plant in Austin.
Samsung has also announced that Hark Kyu Park, who was previously head of the DS division's corporate management office, has been named its new chief financial officer.
Personalized profiles won't be coming to your Google TV screens just yet, but ambient mode is here.
What you need to know
Google TV's personalized profiles have been delayed.
The feature is now expected to arrive in the coming months.
Fortunately, the ambient mode cards are rolling out as scheduled.
Google TV was supposed to get personalized profiles in November, but that feature never arrived last month. The search engine giant has now reportedly confirmed that Google TV's much-anticipated feature has been postponed.
A Google representative told 9to5Google that profiles will be available in the coming months. Individual profiles are likely to arrive on many of the best Android TVs sometime next year, according to that vague timeline.
It's not clear why the feature has been pushed back, but another highly anticipated feature is now rolling out to some users. Google TV's ambient mode is apparently showing up for a small percentage of users in the United States for the time being, with a wider release expected in the next few weeks or months.
Ambient mode displays contextual information based on your profile, such as images from Google Photos, weather reports, content recommendations, and more. These are displayed in the form of glanceable cards, which you can cycle through to access the content.
When personalized profiles are available, Chromecast with Google TV users will have their own home screen layout with recommendations that match their content preferences. That means that other family members in a multi-user household won't be able to spoil your movie recommendations with their viewing habits.
That being said, you'll have to wait a little longer for now. So, if you live with family members who don't share your taste in movies and TV shows, it appears that your content recommendations will be erratic for the time being.
Chromecast with Google TV is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for the best smart TV experience. You can get smart content recommendations and hands-free access to your favorite shows, movies, and apps thanks to Google Assistant and Google's AI prowess.
Forget about Bluetooth or NFC, Samsung phones have a faster and easier way to share images and videos in a jiffy. As long as your Galaxy phone runs Android 10/One UI 2.0 or above, you can share files using Quick Share. The feature uses Bluetooth and Wi-Fi technology to find the nearest Galaxy device and then initiates a transfer, like AirDrop on iPhones. Here's how to use Samsung's Quick Share feature to send files from one Galaxy phone to another.
Open the Gallery app on your Samsung Galaxy phone.
Press and hold the file(s) to select it.
Tap the Share option in the bottom left corner of your screen.
Select Remove location data if you want to strip the location info of the file(s).
Tap Quick Share.
Tap the three vertical dots in the upper right corner of your screen.
Tap Settings.
Make sure Quick Share is toggled On.
Select who can share files with you. Choose Everyone if the reciever is not added to your Samsung Social account.
Go back and select the device you want to share your file(s) with.
Once you've set up your Quick Share settings, it'll be easier the next time. You won't have to go into the feature's settings after the first time around. Regular Galaxy devices that you interact with will automatically be saved and appear under the share options. Sharing a single file or a bunch of them in one go will be a matter of a few seconds.
Our top equipment picks
Quick Share is available on Samsung Galaxy devices exclusively. However, that doesn't necessarily mean it's restricted to phones. It's there on some Galaxy tablets as well. We used the Galaxy Note 10+ for this guide, but you can just as easily use Quick Share on the Tab S7 or the Z Flip 3. Just make sure your Galaxy phone or tablet is running One UI 2.0 or above.
The Samsung Galaxy Note 10+ may be old, but it still packs one helluva punch. Whet your appetite for a drop-dead gorgeous flagship with banging internal hardware with this phone. Your eyes will never tire of that captivating Dynamic AMOLED display or the fun and functional S Pen.
If you couldn't grab the swankiest new Android phone this Black Friday or Cyber Monday, consider upgrading to an older flagship instead. The Samsung Galaxy Note 10+ is an extremely powerful phone, and it is absolutely breathtaking. You'll be more than happy with the superb S Pen it hides neatly in its luxurious body. The hardware combo is upper-tier and delivers unwaveringly good performance even by today's standards.
Additional Equipment
Quick Share is handy for impromptu image and video transfers to a certain extent. However, if you're planning on exchanging substantial amounts of data, consider grabbing a USB Type-C flash drive for your phone. It's also a great idea to use a microSD card to copy them to your computer, assuming your phone supports expandable storage.
Gain the portability and ease of access offered only by a good old-fashioned thumb drive. Samsung's Duo Plus Flash Drive comes with a USB-C port, so it'll plug right into your Android phone.
Expand your Android phone's internal storage with the SAMSUNG EVO Select Plus microSD Card. Sporting a robust build, this card features read/write speeds of up to 130MB/s.
The update has reached a few users already, and a broader rollout is expected to begin in a few days.
What you need to know
OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro are now receiving the stable Oxygen OS 12 update.
The update brings a revamped UI design, new quality of life features, an updated Gallery app, and more.
While some users appear to have received the update already, it may take a few weeks for the rollout to be completed.
OnePlus has started rolling out the stable Android 12-based OxygenOS 12 update to its best Android phones of 2021. The company announced the rollout in a post on its official Community forums.
OxygenOS 12 introduces a refreshed UI design that is "inspired by brand-new materials." OnePlus has also added a bunch of new Shelf card styles, new Canvas AOD styles, and three adjustable Dark mode levels.
Additionally, the update enables the Work-Life Balance feature for everyone, which means you can now easily switch between Work and Life modes. The Gallery app has been updated as well and now lets users switch between different layouts using a two-finger pinch gesture.
Here's the full changelog:
System
Optimized desktop icons with improved textures, by using a design inspired by brand-new materials and uniting lights and layers
Dark mode
Dark mode now supports three adjustable levels, bringing a more personalized and comfortable user experience
Shelf
New additional style options for Cards, making data contents more visual and easier to read
Newly added Earphone Control Card with Bluetooth earphone one-click adjustment
Newly added access to OnePlus Scout in Shelf, allowing you to search multiple contents on your phone, including Apps, Settings, Media Data, etc
Newly added OnePlus Watch Card in Shelf, to easily glance at your health stats
Work-Life Balance
Work-Life Balance feature is now available to all users, allowing you to effortlessly switch between Work and Life mode via quick settings
WLB 2.0 now supports automatic Work/Life mode switching, based on specific locations, Wi-Fi network, and time, also bringing customized App notification profiles according to the personalization
Gallery
Gallery now allows you to switch between different layouts with a two-finger pinch gesture, intelligently recognizing the best-quality pictures, and cropping the thumbnail based on the content, making the gallery layout more pleasing
Canvas AOD
Canvas AOD brings you new diverse styles of lines and colors, for a more personalized lock screen experience with inspiring visuals
Newly added multiple brushes and strokes and support for color adjustment
Optimized software algorithm and improved face recognition to better identify the features and skin color of different figures
The first stable Android 12 update for the OnePlus 9 series has arrived nearly two months after the company launched the OxygenOS 12 Open Beta program. As confirmed by OnePlus earlier this year, OxygenOS 12 is the final OxygenOS update.
The company is set to switch to a "unified" OS that will merge Color OS and OxygenOS. The all-new OS is expected to debut with the OnePlus 10 series in the first half of 2022.
The OnePlus 9 is a solid value flagship with a gorgeous 120Hz AMOLED display, capable cameras, and a great software experience. What's more, the phone is guaranteed to receive three Android OS updates and four years of security updates.
With its high price tag and nearly all-glass construction, you're going to want to get one of the best Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 cases around. However, even with its unique form factor and build, there are still some ways to add some protection to your device. So here are the best Galaxy Fold 2 cases available right now.
Best of both worlds
Spigen Ultra Hybrid
Staff Pick
The Spigen Ultra Hybrid case brings two fantastic features together. First, it provides all-around protection without being too thick. The case offers excellent protection for your phone's front and back by utilizing a dual-layer system with a hard outer shell surrounding a shock-absorbing TPU inner layer. There are also raised bezels that help keep the screen and camera up off surfaces.
The Galaxy Z Fold 2 is a device with a luxurious price tag and feel, so it should have a case that matches. Made from high-quality genuine leather, this cover offers an unmatched feel to your phone's back. It has a raised bezel to help protect your camera, and the cover also wraps the back corners of your phone for added protection. It's also available in three colors so that you can give your new opulent phone a lush feel.
If you want to give your Galaxy Z Fold 2 the maximum amount of durability, the Spigen Tough Armor case is the way to go. While you won't get water or dust resistance from the case, you do get a certified military-grade MIL-STD 810G-516.6 level of drop protection. On top of getting raised bezels to help protect the front screen and the rear camera, there's protection for the hinge, which makes Spigen the best Samsung Galaxy Fold 2 case.
Spigen Thin Fit Designed for Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2
If you're looking to give your Galaxy Z Fold 2 some added protection without putting much bulk onto it, look no further than the Spigen Thin Fit case. This two-piece case includes a backplate with a raised bezel for the camera and a frame to protect the front. The frame brings drop protection to the corners in addition to the raised bezel to keep your phone safe from small drops.
Closer to the price tag you'd typically pay for a phone case, the Ringke Slim two-piece case is made of polycarbonate and comes in black or clear, depending on your preferences. You won't get the same fall protection as with a pricier case, and some users have complained that the design makes it difficult to access the front screen's edge menu. Despite that, this budget case offers solid protection without costing too much.
Keep your Galaxy X Fold 2 tethered to your hip with this case that comes with a custom belt hip holster with a ratchet clip so you can turn and lock the phone in different positions. It also doubles as a stand when watching videos, reviewing documents, and more. It's finished in a choice of seven colors with a textured grid pattern that allows for a secure grip in your hand.
If you're looking for the most protective case for your Galaxy Z Fold 2, you'll be hard-pressed to find something better than the Spigen Slim Armor Pro. This case features Spigen's all-new foam technology for added shock protection, along with open buttons for easy access. You'll also have the added benefit of having your hinge protected at all times, which you won't find in many other cases.
When the Galaxy Z Fold 2, the Samsung Aramid Standing Case was the easiest case to acquire, and for good reason. It's great to have an aramid material protecting your Z Fold 2, but the included kickstand feels a little bit too flimsy. The Standing Case will do a fine job most of the time, but be wary of accidentally bumping the table, forcing your Fold to fall over.
Those who want a case with plenty of protection along with a sturdy kickstand will enjoy the VRS Design Damda QuickStand. This case simply snaps onto the front and back screens and is thin enough to still be compatible with your favorite wireless chargers.
The Galaxy Z Fold 2 is one of the most versatile Android phones out there, and the CENMASO Leather Wallet Case takes it up a notch. On the inside flap, you'll find two card slots along with a pocket for some cash. But the case itself actually detaches from the outer cover, so you can slim things down when you want to.
Although Samsung didn't really introduce any crazy colors with the Z Fold 2, it's still a gorgeous device. And with the Araree Nukin Ultra Thin Clear Case, you can be reminded of how awesome your phone looks while keeping it protected.
Having a kickstand on your Z Fold 2 is one thing, but the DOOTOO Ring Holder Cover actually makes this behemoth easier to hold. On the back of the case, there's a built-in ring holder that doubles as a kickstand. And there are five different colors to choose from, including rose gold, green, silver, and more.
Part of owning a device that resembles something straight out of a sci-fi movie is dealing with the cost associated with it. As we explained in our Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 review, this foldable phone brings impressive specs, features, and a peek into the future of phones. If you're the kind of person who just has to be a part of that vision, you'll want to protect that investment: you need the best Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 case to protect the best foldable phone of the year.
With most phones, there are tons of options available when it comes to finding a case. However, since this phone isn't your ordinary device, it takes a bit more effort from case companies to produce a quality case.
One that offers front-to-back protection without making a thick phone thicker is the Spigen Ultra Hybrid. Aside from not being overly bulky, the dual-layer design gives solid protection and a great feel in hand. If you prefer a bit more of a supple feel to your cases, you'll love the Samsung Leather Case. It is a high-quality leather back cover that provides you some protection while also feeling fantastic.
OxygenOS 12 is here with tighter ColorOS integration and Android 12.
Software is a big part of why OnePlus' devices are considered the best Android phones. OnePlus has turned OxygenOS into one of the best software interfaces around, delivering a clean layout with plenty of customizability and timely updates.
There's a new dimension to that narrative in 2021. OnePlus is now using ColorOS as the foundation for OxygenOS in a bid to streamline resources between the two entities, and that means there are changes afoot. We got an early look at the integration with OxygenOS 11.3 on the Nord 2, and with the stable OxygenOS 12 build based on Android 12 now rolling out, we're getting a clearer picture of what this merger has to offer.
The OxygenOS 12 stable release is now making its way to the OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro, and should be making its way to other devices in the coming months. As I revealed earlier in the year, OxygenOS 12 gets a lot of features from ColorOS, a new UI that makes it a bit more modern, and updates to fan favorites like Work Life Balance and Zen Mode.
OxygenOS 12 stable build is now rolling out
The first OxygenOS 12 public beta for the OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro went live on October 4, and after two months of testing, the stable build is now stating to make its way to these devices. On December 7, OnePlus announced it is delivering the stable OxygenOS 12 build to the OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro, and as always, it is rolled out in phases.
Users in India are the first to get their hands on the OxygenOS 12 stable build, and even then, it is only going out to select units for now. I don't see it on the devices that I have just yet, but it should be widely available by the end of December.
Now, the first two OxygenOS 12 releases have been very buggy, with stability issues and missing features. These have been fixed in the later builds, and with the stable release now rolling out, OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro users will be able to start using all the new features that Android 12 has to offer.
OxygenOS 12 gets a new design and AOD styles
OxygenOS 12 is getting a subtle design refresh that makes it look more modern. There's less information density in the menus and other elements, and you'll find bolder text throughout the interface that makes it easier to read. The icons have also received a refresh and are based on neumorphism, with subtle shadows and gradients.
The UI changes are consistent across various languages — making it more inclusive to global users — and the interface feels polished. The Canvas AOD style is also getting an update with new brush strokes and color adjustments. As for the aesthetic itself, OxygenOS 12 doesn't use Google's new Material You design, instead retaining the design language from ColorOS.
OxygenOS mainstays like accent color customization and off-screen gestures are intact, and the ColorOS additions should make the UI that much more customizable. The settings page is getting a category reshuffle that makes it more straightforward to find connectivity options, and some of these changes went live in OxygenOS 11.3. The switch to ColorOS means you'll need to set up a 6-digit passcode (instead of the usual 4-digit PIN) before you can configure biometric authentication.
There's a customizable dark mode in OxygenOS 12
OxygenOS 12 picks up a lot of features that have been ported over from ColorOS. First up is customizable dark mode that lets you adjust between three levels — Gentle, Medium, and Enhanced. We saw this last year with ColorOS 11, and the gradients as well as the labels are now carried over to OxygenOS 12. With customizable dark mode, you can switch between light and dark grey or a black scheme, and it works just as well as ColorOS.
Shelf gets a new coat of paint in OxygenOS 12
The Shelf is a core OxygenOS feature, and in OxygenOS 12, it is getting a redesign with a card layout and a new Health card that lets you view additional metrics like calories and distance covered. If you're using the OnePlus Watch, you will be able to see your activity data directly within Shelf. Oh, and the Scout feature that launched in India is now making its way globally, with the search feature integrated into the Shelf.
OxygenOS 12 gets Private Safe and new Zen Mode
On the subject of security, ColorOS' Private Safe mode is coming to OxygenOS, and you can hide sensitive documents and photos behind a password. Zen Mode is also getting a refresh with new styles, and it is one of few features that have stayed intact following the ColorOS integration.
Work Life Balance is launching globally with OxygenOS 12
Work Life Balance is another feature that was exclusive to users in India, and with OxygenOS 12, it is making its way globally. The feature makes it easier to cut out distractions by creating work and personal profiles, and you get the ability to tailor notification access and whitelist services that can run in each mode. With Work Life Balance 2.0, there's now the option to launch a particular mode when you connect to a Wi-Fi network or based on a location.
Here's the full OxygenOS 12 changelog
That's an early look at all the features live in OxygenOS 12 public beta. For a detailed rundown of what's new, here's the full changelog:
System
Optimized desktop icons with improved textures, by using a design inspired by brand-new materials and uniting lights and layers
Dark mode
Dark mode now supports three adjustable levels, bringing a more personalized and comfortable user experience
Shelf
New additional style options for Cards, making data contents more visual and easier to read
Newly added Earphone Control Card with Bluetooth earphone one-click adjustment
Newly added access to OnePlus Scout in Shelf, allowing you to search multiple contents on your phone, including Apps, Settings, Media Data, etc
Newly added OnePlus Watch Card in Shelf, to easily glance at your health stats
Work Life Balance
Work Life Balance feature is now available to all users, allowing you to effortlessly switch between Work and Life mode via quick settings
WLB 2.0 now supports automatic Work/Life mode switching, based on specific locations, Wi-Fi network, and time, also bringing customized App notification profiles according to the personalization
Gallery
Gallery now allows you to switch between different layouts with a two-finger pinch gesture, intelligently recognizing the best-quality pictures, and cropping the thumbnail based on the content, making the gallery layout more pleasing
Canvas AOD
Canvas AOD brings you new diverse styles of lines and colors, for a more personalized lock screen experience with inspiring visuals
Newly added multiple brushes and strokes and support for color adjustment
Optimized software algorithm and face recognition to better identify the features and skin color of different figures
OxygenOS 12 is coming to these phones
OnePlus has confirmed that most devices launched in the last two years will be updated to OxygenOS 12. OnePlus has finished rolling out the Android 11-based OxygenOS 11 build to the OnePlus 6 and 6T, so when it comes to OxygenOS 12, we're looking at the OnePlus 7 and above.
Of course, that list doesn't include the Nord N series of devices; the N10 and N100 will only get one update to Android 11, so they will miss out. Here's the list of OnePlus phones that will be updated to OxygenOS 12:
OnePlus 7
OnePlus 7 Pro / 7 Pro 5G
OnePlus 7T
OnePlus 7T Pro / 7T Pro McLaren
OnePlus 7T
OnePlus 8
OnePlus 8 Pro
OnePlus 8T
OnePlus 9
OnePlus 9 Pro
OnePlus 9R
OnePlus Nord
OnePlus Nord CE
OnePlus Nord 2
OnePlus Nord N200
OnePlus hasn't outlined a schedule for when older devices will make the switch to OxygenOS 12, only noting that it will be sometime in the first half of 2022. For now, the OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro are the only devices to get the Android 12 build, and I'll update this post once we have more information on rest of the devices on the list.
The OnePlus 9 combines the latest internal hardware with a vibrant 120Hz AMOLED screen, great cameras, and all-day battery with 65W fast charging. With three Android updates and a clean interface with excellent customizability, you're getting a good value.
Only the Pixel 6 Pro can support every feature in the December Pixel Drop.
What you need to know
New Pixel feature and security updates will arrive on eligible phones next week.
Along with digital car key support and new wallpapers, you'll also be able to customize your Google Assistant shortcut press time or back tap to snap photos.
Google also announced improvements to Now Playing and Nearby Share.
You can download the factory images or OTAs now.
Google announced a double-whammy of Pixel updates on Monday, with its December Pixel Drop and Security patch arriving to close out 2021. The new Pixel updates, which will arrive next week, will add everything from digital car key support to new shortcuts for Google Assistant and Camera, plus some snazzy new wallpapers.
Nothing here is as vital as the fingerprint scanner fix from last month, but these are all nice-to-have features that Google has been advertising for Android 12 for months. And the security update will nip some dangerous vulnerabilities in the bud.
Pixel security updates
According to the latest Android Security Bulletin, a December 1 security patch caught 3 critical, 11 high, and 2 moderate threats to the system or memory, some of which could happen locally "with no privileges or user interaction required."
A second December 5 patch caught 25 issues with Qualcomm components and 2 with MediaTek components, among others.
These security patches will arrive next week, but you can use the Pixel factory images or Pixel OTAs available now if you want a head start.
Software and bug fixes
Among the many Pixel fixes coming in the December monthly update, the first is a fix for the phantom calling issue, which caused Assistant to "unintentionally start a phone call in certain conditions." And another is for "general improvements for fingerprint sensor stability & performance," which we previously saw patched in the mid-November update.
You'll also find a long list of other updates for general improvements to audio, "battery & thermal performance," camera "image quality improvements," "network connection stability & performance" fixes that'll hopefully improve the Pixel's slow 5G performance, and dozens of UI fixes.
New Pixel shortcuts
Currently, you can configure your settings to press and hold the power button to call Google Assistant. Now, Pixel 3 phones and up will have the option to change the "Press & Hold Duration" in the Settings from Short to Long, with nine different options. Short will let you access Assistant much faster, while Long will prevent any mix-ups.
Pixels will also debut a new shortcut called Quick Tap to Snap, which lets you double-tap your Pixel back to take a Snapchat photo. Unfortunately for older Pixel phone owners, only the Pixel 4a 5G or newer will receive this feature.
Given that the Pixel-Snapchat partnership allegedly propelled Pixel 6 sales, many users could find this shortcut handy. Assuming, of course, they aren't using a case that thwarts the shortcut from working.
Google also plans to bring a "new Pixel-exclusive Lens – Pixel Face – to your Snaps." We have no idea what "Pixel Face" will do to our faces, but it's meant to arrive this month, so we'll find out soon.
Digital car keys and ultra-wideband
Google announced last week that digital BMW car keys would come to Pixel and Galaxy S21 phones this month. Now, we know the feature will arrive on the Pixel 6 next week.
Your Pixel 6 or Pixel 6 Pro will unlock 2020 or 2022 BMW cars by tapping your phone against the door handle. The Pro model's ultra-wideband (UWB) chip also can unlock your car automatically as you approach.
The Pixel 6 Pro will also have improved Nearby Share, using UWB to rapidly share content with other UWB phones or devices nearby. It's usefulness will depend on how many of your friends or family members have flagship phones with the proper tech, but it's future-proofed to work with more phones over time.
Dropping (or upping) the bass
If you own Pixel Buds A-Series and any Pixel phone from 3 onwards, you'll now have the option to change the bass levels of your music in the Pixel Buds app from -1 to +4.
Before now, you could use Bass Boost to give your music some extra oomph. But this gives you "twice the bass range" as before, including quieter if you prefer.
Wallpapers and miscellaneous
To celebrate International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Google will offer charming new wallpapers from artist Dana Kearley on Pixels 3 and up. You'll find them in Styles & Wallpapers starting next week.
Google has expanded its car crash detection tool to more countries. It will come to France, Italy, and Taiwan; it's already available in Australia, Ireland, Japan, Spain, Singapore, the U.K., and the U.S.
In addition, the recorder app has added three new transcription languages: Japanese, French, and German.
Lastly, the Now Playing tool for automatically identifying nearby music has gotten a useful tweak. On the Pixel 4 or newer, you can now manually trigger a search for a nearby song, then favorite it.
If you're unclear on which of these new features will work on your Pixel, Google helpfully provided a chart showing which phone supports which new tool. Only the Pixel 6 Pro supports all of them.
Pixel Drop features are often limited to the newest Pixel generations. If you want the best software experience Google has to offer, the Pixel 6 Pro is your best bet. With 12GB of RAM, a 6.7-inch 1440p LTPO OLED display, amazing cameras and solid battery life, it's an amazing phone.
