Tag: android 10

Why I’m not upgrading my S9 to Android 10

Android 10 for Galaxy flagships is a trending topic right now, with the stable update having been released for Note10, S10, and now Note9, with the S9 stable update not too far away. However, I have not installed the beta, and will not be installing the stable either. Here’s why.

In November 2018, Samsung announced Linux on DeX, a feature for DeX users to be able to run Linux images and programs. It was initially exclusive to the Note9 and Tab S4. But in April 2019, support for the S10, S9, and Tab S5e on Android Pie was implemented. We were all expecting for Samsung to support the Note10 and Tab S5 (which actually turned out to be the Tab S6) with Linux on DeX when these devices were released. But they didn’t.

In November 2019, Samsung announced that the Linux on DeX beta program has come to an end and that the app would not run on any devices running Android 10. Linux on DeX will continue to work on compatible devices on Android 9.

I’ve been using Linux on DeX on my S9 since support was added for it. I enjoy using it as it opens my device up to more program options as I can now use Linux programs too. However, when I found out that Linux on DeX wouldn’t support Android 10, I knew I couldn’t lose this functionality.

Android 10 for Samsung devices isn’t as big an update as Android 9 was. Android 9 brought the new OneUI which changed the user interface a lot. Although Android 10 does have some cool new features, Android 9 is still perfectly adequate and still works with Linux on DeX.

How long I’ll hold out on upgrading is unknown for now. If Samsung announce that Linux on DeX will be released as stable for Android 10 later on I’ll consider upgrading, but for now I’m staying on Android 9. Linux on DeX is crucial functionality for me and I don’t want to lose it.

Support for the original Pixel and Pixel XL coming to an end after three years

Three years ago on the 4th October, Google launched the original Pixel and Pixel XL. Three years later, Google are now bringing support to an end for these phones.

The original Pixel and Pixel XL may have unexpectedly received the Android 10 update but did not receive the November 2019 security patch this month while the Pixel 2 and later did. The official Google support page states that update support will end after October 2019. That time has come and so the original Pixel and Pixel XL will no longer receive software updates.

It was not expected for the original Pixel and Pixel XL to even receive Android 10 but Google decided to support the 2016 lineup in Android 10.

It should be possible to download the source for the latest available Android build for the original Pixel lineup and then manually backport the changes into it if willing to put in the effort, but this is not for the inexperienced and one wrong move during backporting could cause noticeable instability on your device.

Custom ROMs are available for the original Pixel lineup and at some point they will contain newer security patches then what the latest stock firmware provides. When Android 11 is released, custom ROMs will be the only way to get it on the original lineup and also will continue support for the device and introduce you to the world of tinkering with your Android device.

Currently, LineageOS are providing official nightly support for the original Pixel lineup for LineageOS 16.0, based on Android Pie. Although it isn’t Android 10, it’s still worth checking out if you want to learn about ROMs and LineageOS 17.0 is only around the corner if you want to get used to what may be your new ROM if you want continued support.

What Android device do you currently use and is it still receiving updates? Tell me down below in the comments!

-Chas 😎

Galaxy S10 Android 10 beta now available in select regions

Samsung have launched the Galaxy S10 Android 10 beta, or ‘OneUI 2.0’ in select regions.They have currently launched the beta in Germany but the US and South Korea are sure to follow. The beta includes features such as Google’s new gesture based navigation feature, a redesigned camera UI, and a built-in screen recorder.

It is currently only available in Germany, but more countries are likely to follow soon. It isn’t a massive software update, not as big as Android Pie/OneUI 1.0 was.

To sign up for the beta, sign up through the notice in the Samsung Members app and then check for updates. Be aware that the update may take a little while to show up in Settings.

Enjoy!

-Chas 😎

Google to require all devices launched after 31st January 2020 to run Android 10

Soon, Google will stop approving new devices running Android 9 or earlier to have Google services preloaded on them

After the 31st of January next year, Google have confirmed that they will stop ‘approving’ new devices running Android 9 or earlier and only approve Android 10 devices.

In order to have Google services on it, a phone must be ‘approved’ by Google. Take the recent Huawei Mate 30 for example. That wasn’t approved and therefore Huawei are finding ways to build their own ecosystem without letting US company restrictions for working with them standing in their way.

So basically, after 31st January 2020, Google will stop allowing new devices running Android 9 or earlier to have Google services such as the Play Store and Photos preloaded.

It was noted on XDA that manufacturers could get past this and launch a device running Android 9 or earlier after the deadline by submitting the approval application for the device before the deadline and then launching it after the deadline. This is probably how Samsung released the Galaxy M10, M20, and M30 which ran Android 8.1 Oreo despite being released after the approval deadline for 8.1 Oreo and they still managed to include Google services.

Please note that this will not affect old devices released before 31st January 2020 that are stuck on Oreo and still being manufactured. This only applies for new devices announced before 31st January 2020.

What Android did your device come preloaded with and currently runs? Are you satisfied with it? Tell me down in the comments below.

-Chas 😎