Google steals Maintenance Mode from Samsung smartphones

The stable version of Android 14 was expected to be released this month, but Google postponed the release to line it up with the Pixel launch event in October. However, Google released the first Android 14 QPR1 Beta 1 update to compatible Pixel smartphones, and it appears the company has copied Samsung’s Maintenance Mode feature.

Google’s Repair Mode in Android 14 is inspired by Samsung’s Maintenance Mode

The first beta version of Android 14 QPR1 includes Repair Mode. It can be used when handing your smartphone over at a service center for repair and maintenance. However, it appears to work differently than Samsung’s Maintenance Mode. Android Authority notes (via Mishaal Rahman) that Google could be using the DSU (Dynamic System Updates) feature, which was introduced with Android 10. DSU can boot a GSI (Generic System Image), which is a new and empty copy of the operating system, so your personal data remains safe.

It wasn’t possible to use the DSU feature in this way. However, Google may have been inspired by Samsung’s Maintenance Mode and used DSU to create Repair Mode. Once activated, it presents a clean version of the operating system to whoever uses the phone for repair. A device owner can lock the phone in Repair Mode, which means their personal data is safe from unwanted people.

Repair Mode may be added to all Android smartphones in the future. On Samsung phones, the Maintenance Mode is available on phones that are running Android 13 or newer. In the past, Google copied several software features from Samsung’s smartphones and tablets, which shows that Samsung stays ahead of the game most of the time.


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Microsoft’s Surface Duo smartphones get late March firmware update

A Surface Duo running Minecraft Dungeons using Xbox Cloud Gaming with controls on the bottom screen

Microsoft has released a late monthly firmware update for the original Surface Duo and its successor. Like the previous update, the March 2023 release brings no new features, changes, or visible improvements, and all users get this month are Android security patches.

What is new in March 2023 firmware update for Surface Duo?

Here are the official details and changelogs from Microsoft:

Surface Duo Surface Duo 2
Software Version 2022.825.15 2022.825.33
Update Info Addresses scenarios outlined in the Android Security Bulletin – March 2023.
Extra Steps The update does not require additional steps before or after installation.
Known Bugs No known bugs in these updates.

The first-gen Surface Duo was undoubtedly a rough device ruined by multiple software issues, but the company eventually fixed the situation using monthly firmware updates. Now you can snag the original Surface Duo for as low as $399 (128GB) or $499 (256GB), and these prices make the smartphone a compelling alternative to mainstream devices. Besides, you can experiment with replacing Android with Windows 11 or 10, thus giving the Surface Duo a new life.

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Google is Building eSIM Transfer Even Less difficult on Android Smartphones

One of the best matters about contemporary-working day smartphones is the simple fact that you are finding eSIM capabilities. This makes sure that you under no circumstances seriously have to use a bodily SIM in your smartphone and keep on using your cellular phone with full protection with no any issues. Nonetheless, there are some problems when it comes to shifting your device because you are unable to just transfer your present eSIM to a new mobile phone every time you upgrade. Effectively, Google is bringing a alter to Android that will make matters much better and far more uncomplicated.

Google’s new eSIM transfer attribute is coming to all Android telephones later on this calendar year, with Deutsche Telekom currently being the initial provider to support it

This is not the initially time we listened to about this. A month ago, it was found that Google is doing work on a function that will permit you transfer your eSIM from your aged Android cellular phone to a newer one particular. While at that time, we failed to know if it will at any time see the gentle of working day, Google has eventually long gone in advance and announced the new function at MWC 2023.

Nonetheless, Google has also stated that this attribute will be coming out later this 12 months, most likely with the launch of Android 14. But what is actually extra essential is that this will also require to be enabled on your carrier’s aspect. The research motor large has mentioned that the eSIM transfer characteristic will be supplied by Deutsche Telekom as the initially corporation. After the aspect starts rolling out to far more carriers, you will have a lot less difficult time transferring your eSIM from an more mature cell phone to a new phone.

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Google previews Android 14 for Pixel smartphones and issues release schedule

Google has released the first preview of Android 14 and an accompanying release schedule. As the image below shows, Google is only issuing Developer Previews for now, with Beta Releases likely landing in mid-March or early April. Google also hopes that Android 14 will reach Platform Stability in June before a stable release in August or September.

In other words, Android 14 will follow the same release schedule as Android 12 and Android 13. Currently, Google restricts Android 14 Developer Preview 1 (DP1) to Pixel devices, with the Pixel 4a 5G through Pixel 7 Pro eligible for an early look at Android 13’s successor. It is worth noting that Developer Previews give developers a chance to adapt apps to new APIS and behaviour changes. As such, Android 14 DP1 adds hardly any new user-facing features.

Instead, Google is likely to use this year’s Google I/O conference to showcase how Android 14 differs from Android 13. Typically, the company hosts I/O in May, although it has not confirmed I/O 2023 dates yet. For the time being, Google has outlined that Android 14 will focus on optimising the OS for large displays, which started with Android 12L and continued with Android 13. This year’s OS update should also contain more accessibility features, as well as reduced response times and associated battery life improvements. You can find more details about Android 14 DP1 and how to install it on Google’s dedicated developer portal

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10 Suggestions To Increase Your Smartphone’s Battery Life

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ten Ideas To Increase Your Smartphone’s Battery Life

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