Tech Zone

  The   Zenfone 8   announced   in May with Android 11 already got a couple of Android 12 beta builds, but those didn't include any additional software features from Asus. However, just ahead of Android 12's stable rollout, Asus has started recruiting testers for the Zenfone 8's Android 12 beta update, which will come with Asus' ZenUI 8 custom Android skin. After Google has released the stable build of Android 12, it will be a while before other OEMs, including Asus, manage to deliver Android 12's final build for their phones. So, if you are a Zenfone 8 user and can't wait to get a taste of Android 12, you have until October 13 to participate in the Android 12 beta program by going to your phone's  Settings  >  System  >  System update  menu, clicking on the gear icon in the upper-right corner, and then clicking on "Enroll in the Beta Test Program." If your application is accepted, you will be informed by Asus through an email. But...

Following the launch of Android 12, Realme announced the arrival of its Realme UI 3.0, which is based on the new version of the Google OS. We can expect the first OTA updates to start flying in on October 13 and Realme says it will be one of the first OEMs to upgrade its phones to Google's latest OS. The Realme UI 3.0 will arrive to  Realme GT 5G  first while the recently announced  Realme GT Neo2  will ship with it out of the box as evidenced by these images we received. We are talking about the European and Indian variants as the Chinese model already launched with Realme UI 2.0. The third major iteration of Realme's custom platform should brings a lot of design changes to the icons, wallpapers, layouts and also introduce new features related to media output and navigation. The photos below will give you a hint of what to expect.       Realme UI 3.0 running on GT Neo2 We expect to see an update roadmap in the following weeks, detailing when each phon...

  OnePlus releases OxygenOS 12 Open Beta for the OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro The  OnePlus 9  and 9 Pro have already received a couple of  Android 12 Developer Preview builds  in the past few months, but today the two phones are in for a different kind of treat. OnePlus is releasing the first OxygenOS 12 Open Beta build for them. As the name implies, this is based on Android 12 as well, but unlike the prior DP builds, OnePlus is integrating the new Android 12 codebase with its OxygenOS skin. Speaking of codebase integrations, one of those also occurred between OxygenOS 12 and ColorOS 12, and this, the company promises, will result in "delivering a fully upgraded experience on a more stable and power-saving system with solid backend support", while still keeping the OxygenOS "fast and smooth DNA". OxygenOS 12 comes with "a refreshed new UI", that "enhances ease of use and instills power through resilient design", whatever that means. OnePlus says it's ...

  Microsoft announces Windows 11 with updated UI and Android app support Microsoft today officially announced Windows 11, the next major version of the company's perennial desktop operating system. The new version brings with it several improvements, including a redesigned UI, updated window management features, and even support for Android applications. Right off the bat, the first thing you'd notice is the redesigned taskbar and Start menu. Windows 11 has a macOS style centered taskbar icon placement, eschewing the age-old left-aligned layout of all previous Windows installments. It still keeps the miscellaneous items such as the clocks and icons on the right, which does leave the left side feeling all empty. Front and very much center of this design is the new Start menu, which drops right in the middle with a completely redesigned UI. The new menu has the search bar at the top, along with pinned apps and then a whole bunch of recommended items below. You can still change yo...

  Oppo Band Style Review Oppo is mainly known as a smartphone brand, but the company's product portfolio includes wireless earphones, smart TVs, and smartwatches as well. Oppo also launched its first smartband last year, called the Oppo Band, followed by a facelift version called the Oppo Band Style. The Oppo Band Style is basically the regular Band coming with an extra strap in the box, with the rest of its highlights including an AMOLED panel, real-time heart rate monitoring, and the usual set of features you find on any other fitness band in this price range. Alongside the extra strap, the feature that sets the Band Style apart from most other wearables in its category is the continuous SpO2 monitoring. But is that enough to make it a worthy buy? We try to find that out with this review. Oppo Band Style specifications Display:  1.1", 126x294 pixel AMOLED color touchscreen, 2.5D Curved Glass, 100% DCI-P3 gamut Straps:  Detachable straps, 14mm width, 130-205mm ...