Google Camera and its post-processing algorithms have unquestionably altered the game in terms of what we expect from smartphone cameras, lifting the Google Pixels to some of the best Android phones for photography. That is precisely why Google Camera ports for non-Google devices are in such great demand. You may use Google’s improved HDR+ enhancement and Portrait Mode on practically any smartphone that supports the Camera2API with the appropriate ported Google Camera app.
Besides the Camera2 API, Google Camera also requires Google Play Services to run. The app will crash if you try to run it on a phone without Google Apps. You can, however, use MicroG or Gcam Services Provider to spoof Google’s proprietary libraries.
Download the most compatible APK file of the ported Google Camera from the next section and install it.
Either use one of the suggested versions for your device or pick one of the generic mods.
You may need to install additional XML configuration files.
Restart the app.
Success!
Devices with working Google Camera Ports
This article contains a list of devices with at least one working Google Camera Port from various OEMs. We looked for the most stable and user-recommended versions. There may be “better” versions available, but for the most part, the ports described here should suffice.
Please keep in mind that the devices listed below are arranged alphabetically by name. It’s possible that some of the linked threads aren’t from the device forum. This isn’t an oversight, as many of the ports are compatible with multiple devices. We just provided a link to a forum where you may get the APK.
A smartphone makes it easy to snap photos in your daily life. However, some of those moments are fleeting. We’ll show you the fastest way to launch the camera on your Android phone. Never miss a shot again.
Most people put the camera app shortcut in an easy spot for quick launching from the home screen. This is a good practice, but your Android phone probably has two methods for launching the camera even faster.
Launch from the Lock Screen
We’ll start with the slightly faster method. A lot of Android devices have a shortcut to the camera directly on the lock screen. You can launch straight to the camera without fully unlocking the device.
For example, here’s what it looks like on a Samsung Galaxy smartphone. The camera shortcut is in the bottom-right corner.
Simply slide the camera icon to the left, and the camera app will fly in from the right side.
That’s it! You can skip the step of unlocking and get to the camera a little faster.
Launch with the Power Button
This works from anywhere. You can be using a different app, or it can be locked in your pocket. Just double-press the power button and the camera will launch. Simple as that.
There’s nothing worse than missing a moment because you couldn’t get your camera out fast enough. Hopefully, these tips can help you be faster and never miss capturing a special shot again.
Google has started disclosing Android fragmentation statistics on a yearly basis since 2018. The official Android OS distribution list was just posted as we near the end of 2021.
The story is the same every time: Since its formal debut, iOS 15 has been installed on the majority of iPhones, but Android 12 is only on 0.1 percent of Android phones. The update procedure, on the other hand, is somewhat different. After all, Apple is in charge of both hardware and software development, in contrast to Android, where each manufacturer develops their own bespoke software and hardware.
That doesn’t make looking at Google’s operating system’s distribution stats any less painful. Previously, the corporation published this information on a monthly basis, but since 2018, the list has been updated only once a year. Only versions with a distribution of more than 0.1 percent appear in it. Furthermore, the data is based on the number of Android devices that entered the Google Play Store in the previous month’s seven days.
So it is possible that there are thousands of Android devices running older versions than Android 4.1, but these have a share of less than 0.1% and did not make it into this list. Also, it is worth mentioning that since September 27, Google started preventing logins on older versions of Android. This change affected versions before 2.3.7.
Android version
API level
Distribution
Android 4.1 Jelly Bean
16
0.2%
Android 4.2 Jelly Bean
17
0.3%
Android 4.3 Jelly Bean
18
0.1%
Android 4.4 KitKat
19
1.4%
Android 5.0 Lollipop
21
0.7%
Android 5.1 Lollipop
22
3.2%
Android 6.0 Marshmallow
23
5.1%
Android 7.0 Nougat
24
3.4%
Android 7.1 Nougat
25
2.9%
Android 8.0 Oreo
26
4.0%
Android 8.1 Oreo
27
9.7%
Android 9 Pie
28
18.2%
Android 10 Q
29
26.5%
Android 11 R
30
24.3%
Android 12 Snow cone
31
–
The most popular official version of Google’s OS, as seen above, is Android 10 Q, which was released in 2019 and looks to be installed on 26.5 percent of active Android devices. Then there’s Android 11 R, which will be available in 2020 and is already used by 24.3 percent of active phones. Meanwhile, Android 9 Pie, which was released in 2018, is in third place with an 18.2 percent share, followed by Android 8.1 Oreo, which was released in 2017 and has a 9.7 percent share. My trusty calculator informs me that Android 9 or older is installed on 49.2% of all Android phones. In 2018, Pie was released.
Even after months of testing, the most recent version of the operating system, in this case, Android 12, has yet to arrive on a significant number of handsets.
Unfortunately, Android fragmentation has long been the Achilles heel of the world’s most popular mobile operating system. Google’s initiatives, on the other hand, appear to be making an impact. Previously, much older versions were the ones who got the biggest piece of the fragmentation cake. Most devices today, at least, run on newer versions.
Also, security patches offer a longer life for phones bought more than three years ago, which makes Android 10’s high distribution less surprising. The same, however, cannot be said for the 5.1% share of Android 6.0 Marshmallow, announced in 2015!
The OnePlus 10 Pro, which will successor the OnePlus 9 Pro, will be one of the most interesting Android phones of next year. Many of the device’s internal specifications have now been revealed by rumors, allowing us to adjust our expectations accordingly.
The OnePlus 10 Pro is up against some stiff competition. The device’s expectations have been raised by its predecessor’s exceptional performance, which currently holds the title of “best gaming android phone” in our rankings.
This is an incredible achievement, given that the Android device competes with niche gaming smartphones such as the ASUS ROG Phone 5 and yet manages to win, owing to its low price and well-balanced collection of features. According to the fresh information released by OnLeaks (via 91mobiles), we can already envisage what the future battle for flagship supremacy will look like.
The OnePlus 10 Pro that is expected to launch globally by April, is going to feature a wide set of specs that already place it at the top of the phone food chain. According to the leak the device is coming with a huge, 5000mAh battery, a Snapdragon 8 Gen1 by Qualcomm, and a high refresh rate, QHD+ 120Hz screen at 6.7 inches.
According to reports, the device will be available in two memory/storage configurations: 8GB/128GB and 12GB/256GB. The memory will be combined with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen1 processor, which will be released soon (on November 30th) and marks a significant shift in Qualcomm’s naming strategy.
Speculating further, the OnePlus 10 Pro is said to have a 48MP primary shooter, a 50MP ultra-wide and, an 8MP telephoto with 3.3x zoom on a square camera bump. On the selfie side, we expect to see a 32MP camera inside the typical punch-hole cutout that we have been seeing for a few years now on devices.
Some extra information points to a 125W charging capacity, but details about the fast charging capabilities are not yet known, but the OnePlus 10 Pro will be IP68 rated for that provides a little extra protection for this massive battery.
Foldable cellphones will become a popular trend by 2021. The upcoming Oppo Find N was teased in a recent blog post by Pete Lau, Oppo’s head of product and CEO of OnePlus. It will be Oppo’s first foldable phone, and it will be released on December 15, 2021.
Oppo’s new foldable smartphone will be unveiled on the second day of next week’s “Inno Day” event. Pete Lau admits in his blog post that Oppo is late to the foldable market. However, he also mentions that lack of services, limited durability, and user experience have all been issues with foldable cellphones thus far. Oppo first debuted its prototype in 2019 and has been working on it ever since to finally release the first gadget.
Although a handful of other brands have already launched foldable devices to the market, barriers such as utility, durability, and user experience continue to prevent foldable devices from becoming a more feasible daily driver for most people.
A single display surrounded the smartphone in the first prototype. The new Find N, on the other hand, is rumored to have a huge screen on the inside and a little smaller display on the back. As a result, Oppo appears to be working on a rival to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 3. Oppo’s goal, according to Lau, is to create a smartphone that is not only beautiful to look at and feel nice in the hand, but also simple to operate.
Find N to be released soon
Oppo has produced six further prototypes after revealing its debut in 2018. This procedure is thought to culminate with the Find N. According to Lau, the quality of a gadget is more essential to Oppo than following every trend. As a result, he said, development has been put on hold, albeit the Find N is expected to provide users with a unique experience.
At the Inno Days event, Oppo will be unveiling other products apart from the Find N. Among other things, the Oppo X 2021, AR glasses and a smartphone with a retractable camera will be presented. We’ll be bringing you all the essential info about Inno Day on Droid Tools, so be sure to check it out!
Motorola has a second-generation Motorola Edge phone with some of the most up-to-date flagship features at a great price. With a 108MP camera that captures incredible detail, this Nebula Blue phone places a heavy emphasis on photography. The display, which has a 144Hz refresh rate, is another important feature of this device. On this phone, your media will look ultra-smooth, making it an excellent choice for mobile gamers.
When you order this phone from the Motorola website, you can save $100 with the current price. When the discount is applied, the total amounts to $599.99. This makes it a very affordable phone when compared to phones with similar specifications. This phone provides a fantastic opportunity for users to get their hands on some of the most cutting-edge smartphone capabilities without having to pay $1,000 or more for a flagship phone.
6.8-inch “Max Vision” LCDFull HD+ resolutionUp to 144Hz refresh rate
SoC
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G
RAM & Storage
6/8GB RAM128/256GB storage
Battery & Charging
5000mAh30W wired charging
Rear Camera(s)
Sensors108MP Ultra Pixel camera8MP ultra wide-angle camera2MP depth sensor; f/2.4 aperture; 1.75μm pixel sizeVideoUp to 4K resolution at 30fpsUp to 720p resolution at 960fps Super Slow Motion
Front Camera(s)
32MP with Quad Pixel technologyHDR in portrait mode
Connectivity
Wi-Fi 6EBluetooth 5.2NFC
Software
Android 11 out of the box
On the Motorola Edge 2021 edition, the main camera is a 108MP sensor. Capture photographs that are true to life in terms of detail and clarity. Utilize the ultrawide lens to obtain 4x more content in your photo, or use the macro capability to get close-up shots of little items. The depth sensor allows you to customize the amount of background blur in your shots, resulting in some stunning bokeh.
The main camera arrangement consists of three sensors, but the selfie camera is equally excellent. The front-facing 32MP camera employs Quad Pixel technology to create detailed photographs in low light. A built-in Face Beauty mode will help you take the perfect selfie while also smoothing out wrinkles and imperfections that are typically accentuated by smartphone cameras.
Video can be captured in 4K while using plenty of different camera modes to get the perfect shot. The Super Slow Mo feature will let you capture footage at 960FPS, creating amazing video. Check out the video below to see it in action.
The Motorola Edge boasts a huge 6.8-inch display with a 1080×2460 resolution. While the resolution is typical for phones in this price range, the refresh rate elevates the display to a new level. The Android operating system is shown to you in a way you may not have seen before, thanks to 144Hz of buttery smooth images. On the Motorola edge, scrolling through apps, playing games, and watching videos all look fantastic. When you combine the 144Hz refresh rate with HDR10 support, you’ve got one of the greatest smartphone displays available in 2021.
Performace
In order for you to get the most out of this phone’s amazing display, Motorola has fitted it with the specifications you’ll need for optimal performance. 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage are standard with the Snapdragon 778G 5G. You’ll be able to keep a lot of media and apps on your device while still having great performance.
Enjoy elite gaming and up to 55% faster graphics and processing with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G Mobile Platform. Connect with 5G1 networks for superfast downloading and streaming, plus enjoy 3x faster speeds with Wi-Fi 6.
Motorola
Discount:
Take advantage of the $100 discount on the 2021 motorola edge, and order one today from the official website here.
Not only is there a boatload of sales available today, but I also have a few standouts worth highlighting. First up is Hook, a fantastic minimal puzzler that’s currently free. Next, I have Peace Death, a quirky arcade simulator that’s perfect for killing time. Last but not least is Slaughter 2: Prison Assault, a slick shooter that offers fantastic graphics. As always, I’ve highlighted all of the interesting titles in bold in order to make discovery easier. So without further ado, here are temporarily free and on-sale apps and games for the beginning of the week.
We have a plump list of sales today, including some noteworthy games. First up is Florence, a well-reviewed casual story-rich adventure game. Next, I have 911 Operator, a popular 911 simulation game where you fill the role of a 911 operator. Last but not least is Dungeon Warfare, an older but still enjoyable tower defense game. As always, I’ve highlighted all of the interesting titles in bold in order to make discovery easier. So without further ado, here are 26 temporarily free and 52 on-sale apps and games for the beginning of the week.
The 2 XL’s update end-of-life date was in December of last year, just a few months after Google introduced Android 11. Even though they’re getting on in years, these phones are still adequate for basic day-to-day use. If you have a Pixel 2 XL and want to try Android 12 out, you can do so right now if you’re ready to take matters into your own hands. The first Android 12-based custom ROM for the Pixel has been launched, and it includes all of the important new features such as Material You, a redesigned Quick Settings panel, new system animations, and privacy improvements.
While you can always install the GSI build of Android 12 on your Pixel, the experience isn’t stable enough for everyday use because it’s designed for developers. This is where ProtonAOSP comes in, since it provides a relatively stable option for Pixel 2 XL owners to try out the latest Android update on their aging hardware. The ProtonAOSP Android 12 ROM is currently only available for the Pixel 2 XL, but a build for the smaller Pixel 2 is on the way.
Installing the ProtonAOSP’s Android 12 release is different from other ROMs as it is available as a factory image (see how over at XDA Developers). You’ll need to unlock the bootloader on your Pixel 2 and use the bundled flash-all script to install the ROM. If the installation fails, you may need to repartition and allocate more storage to various system partitions.
If you do install the ProtonAOSP ROM on your Pixel 2 XL, be prepared to run into some bugs and occasional performance issues. The major ones are non-functional Wi-Fi and Permissive SELinux permission in the current build. There are likely other issues as well that haven’t been reported yet. Nonetheless, if you want to try out Android 12 on your Pixel 2 XL, this is your best bet right now.
Manual install ProtonAOSP
This is a guide for installing ProtonAOSP manually, using the command line. The web installer is recommended if you don’t have a specific need for this. Check the list of common misconceptions if you’re not sure.
You can only use a Windows, macOS, or Linux computer for this manual installation; use the web installer if you want to install from a Chromebook or another phone.
Download a build
Download the build you want to install in factory images format.
Prepare your phone
Put your device into bootloader mode by restarting it and holding the volume down button until you see a red warning sign or green Android robot.
Once your device is in bootloader mode, plug it into the computer or device you’re installing from. Make sure you use a high-quality USB cable, as many cables will cause issues. Avoid USB hubs if possible.
Your USB cable needs to be able to copy files. Charging-only cables won’t work.
If you’re switching from the stock OS or another ROM, make sure all your important data is backed up. You’ll need to wipe all your data in order to use ProtonAOSP.
Prepare your system
First, open the “Command Prompt” app from the Start menu.
Next, download the Android SDK Platform Tools and extract them. Navigate to the extracted platform-tools folder in the terminal by typing cd (with the space at the end) and dragging the folder into Command Prompt. Then run the following command:
set PATH=%CD%;%PATH%
If it’s your first time installing from this computer, you also need to install drivers:
Open Settings → Windows Update
Click “Check for updates” and wait
Click “View optional updates”
Select the “Android Bootloader Interface” update (ignore the brand name; it doesn’t matter)
Click “Download and install” and wait for it to finish
If you’re switching from the stock OS or another ROM, you need to wipe all data before installing ProtonAOSP:
fastboot -w
Otherwise, ProtonAOSP won’t boot and your phone will get stuck on the boot animation after the installation.
DANGER
All data on your phone will be lost, so make sure your important files are backed up before doing this.
Install the build
Factory images
Extract factory images
Extract the downloaded factory images package (e.g. proton-aosp_redfin-factory_11.5.0.zip). Navigate to the new folder (e.g. redfin-rq2a.210505.003) by typing cd (with the space at the end) and dragging the folder into your terminal.
Flash factory images
Run the following command to flash the factory images:
Windows
macOS
Linux
./flash-all.sh
Copy
Don’t touch, unplug, or press any buttons on your device during the install. Your phone will restart several times, but don’t touch it. It will automatically boot into ProtonAOSP once the installation process completes.
Finish
You can now delete the factory images package, but don’t delete the platform tools — you’ll need them for updating in the future.
For security, you may also wish to re-lock the bootloader to enforce verified boot, which improves physical security and resistance against persistent attacks.
It’s no secret that for many Pixel 6 and 6 Pro owners the fingerprint reading experience is not one to be savored, if the sensor isn’t ignoring your input it could disable itself if the phone’s battery goes flat. It isn’t helped that some screen protectors cause further issues in the accuracy stakes, so much so that Google has taken the step to announce a list of “Made for Google-certified” products for the Pixel 6 series.
“If your fingerprint won’t scan, it might be because of your screen protector. Make sure you’re using a screen protector that is Made for Google certified. “
Google
Google’s help website for unlocking the Pixel phone with a fingerprint, as uncovered by 9to5Google, offers a number of screen protectors that are now “Made for Google-certified.” The following accessory manufacturers offer these certified products:
Zagg
Otterbox
Panzerglass
There are a few well-known screen protector businesses that aren’t on the approved list; it’s unclear whether this is because they refuse to pay the license price to Google in order to be included or because Google hasn’t had time to evaluate their goods yet.
If you’re having trouble getting the fingerprint sensor to read your finger, keep in mind that Google claims it requires more direct contact than other companies’ sensors.
