Android 11 could force all smartphone OEMs to adopt seamless updates

New Android 11 phones could make the software update process way more efficient and secure. According to evidence discovered by an XDA recognized developer, Google could make it mandatory for all new Android 11 phones to feature Seamless Updates. What are Seamless Updates? Seamless updates were introduced by Google on Android Nougat. They ensure that a workable booting system remains on the disk during an OTA update by creating virtual A/B partition structures.

Controversial Apple CSAM photo-scanning delayed

Eric Zeman / Android Authority TL;DR The Apple CSAM photo-scanning feature announced a month ago will be delayed. Apple says it needs “to take additional time over the coming months” to polish the feature. The policy would see user photos algorithmically “scanned” for evidence of child abuse. At the beginning of August, Apple announced a very controversial new policy. In an effort to curb child exploitation, the company said it would start securely scanning every single photo people upload to iCloud.

Hands-on with all the new OxygenOS 11 features

Google released Android 11 earlier this week and — in a welcome change — a whole host of smartphones are compatible with beta versions of the update. OnePlus announced an Android 11 developer preview earlier in the month but has now joined the party with an open beta for Oxygen OS 11 for the OnePlus 8 and 8 Pro. I’ve been running the beta for the past week on a OnePlus 8.

Is your plan in the list?

Jimmy Westenberg / Android Authority TL;DR Spotify is increasing the prices for its plans across the US, Europe, and the UK. US subscribers will see an increase in the prices of Spotify’s Family plan. Subscribers in the UK and Europe will see a price hike across all Spotify plans. Music streaming service Spotify is increasing its prices after the company warned of doing so last year. Many subscribers will be affected by Spotify’s price increase and some have already started receiving emails notifying them of the changes.

Netflix's take on the gritty, revisionist superhero yarn

With Jupiter’s Legacy, Netflix continues to expand its role in the superhero arena. Now that its partnership with Marvel on shows like Daredevil, Jessica Jones, The Punisher, and more is over, the mega streamer has been building up its catalog with titles like The Umbrella Academy, She-Ra, Warrior Nun — now Jupiter’s Legacy. Netflix seems to have its own in-house version of every buzzy genre under the sun. Ozark, Shadow and Bone, The Crown, BoJack Horseman, and other Netflix original series tend to tap into the zeitgeist.

Samsung Galaxy M10, Galaxy M20 wallpapers now available to download

The Samsung Galaxy M10 and Galaxy M20 haven’t been fully revealed yet, but the wallpapers have already made their way onto the internet. Unlike the Galaxy flagships’ color swirls, the Galaxy M images are largely mountain-themed (with a desert option too). These images, coming in at 2340 x 2340, don’t seem to offer much in the way of OLED-friendly blacks either. Nevertheless, they seem like a vibrant departure from the usual colors.

Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Plus Star Wars Special Edition is now available

Update, December 13, 2019 (3AM ET): The Galaxy Note 10 Plus Star Wars Special Edition release day has arrived, a week after pre-orders first kicked off. Yes, the special edition Galaxy Note flagship can be purchased for $1,300 via Amazon.com, Best Buy, Samsung.com, and Samsung experience stores from today. The Galaxy Note 10 Plus Star Wars Edition features a black and red color scheme, a light saber-themed S-Pen, and a custom set of Galaxy Buds.

Sprint to shut down Virgin Mobile USA, migrate customers to Boost Mobile

This comes as no surprise to us. Last July, we got word that Dish was planning to swoop in and purchase some of Sprint’s spectrum after the merger to make the proposal pass more easily. That sale would include both Boost Mobile and Virgin Mobile USA properties, so this early migration is most likely preemptive action to make that process run smoother. With Virgin Mobile USA consolidating into Boost Mobile, now Sprint, T-Mobile, and Dish are all one step closer to a happy ending.

The latest budget Nokia phone doesn't have an in-box charger

HMD Global TL;DR The budget-focused Nokia X20 doesn’t come with an in-box charger. It’s unclear if this is a decision for specific markets or all regions. HMD confirmed that the new Nokia X series smartphones would be getting three years of Android version updates, much like we saw with Samsung’s phones. But it turns out that HMD is hopping on another recent trend with this series. TechDroider (h/t: XDA-Developers) noticed that HMD isn’t including a charger in the box for the Nokia X20 phone.

The TicWatch Pro S is a 2021 smartwatch with a 2016 chip

TL;DR Mobvoi has unveiled the TicWatch Pro S, an update to last year’s TicWatch Pro. You’ll find better durability, VO2 Max tracking, and swimming support. However, it’s also selling for $259.99 with a Snapdragon Wear 2100 from 2016. Mobvoi is giving last year’s TicWatch Pro a (mostly) welcome update. The company has introduced the TicWatch Pro S, a refresh to improve health and fitness features. The Wear OS device is available now in the US, UK, and Europe from Mobvoi’s site and Amazon for $259.