Announcing the Official XDA-Developers Telegram Group

Last month, we launched the official XDA-Developers Discord server. It's a great place to go for announcements, Android news, development, device help, and just general off-topic chat. However, we're aware that not everyone uses Discord. We told you a Telegram group would be coming soon and today is the big day. The official XDA-Developers discussion groups are open for business on the platform.

If you're unfamiliar with Telegram, it's quite a bit different than Discord. They have mobile apps, desktop apps, and web apps for just about every platform you can imagine—Android and Chrome included. The XDA hub channel has links to groups for all the major OEMs and a general discussion group as well. If you're a Telegram user, this will be the place to go for Android development, help, and discussion.

If you are interested in joining the group, then first head on over to the XDA-Developers Hub where you'll find all links to join the other groups that you might be interested in. We recommend joining the General group and the group for the OEM of your choice.

Join the XDA-Developers Telegram Group

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Latest WhatsApp Beta lets you export your data in compliance with GDPR

In recent months, the technology industry has started a long-overdue focus on user privacy. We have had headlining news stories about privacy on social networks. In the EU, stronger data protection laws will come into effect soon. The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) was adopted back in April 2016, and it will go into application from May 25th, 2018 after a two year transition period. We have explained the implications of GDPR for developers.

The General Data Protection Regulation stipulates that companies must allow users to download a report of their account information. Instagram, which is owned by Facebook, has already released a tool which allows users to download their account data. Now, Facebook-owned WhatsApp, the world's most popular IP-based messaging app, is also preparing to add a new tool to export user account data in compliance with GDPR. It's worth noting that WhatsApp has a daily active user base of 1 billion users, which makes GDPR compliance even more important.

WhatsApp beta for Android 2.18.128: the GDPR option is available. You can request your report now! pic.twitter.com/KpaUSR9UTU

— WABetaInfo (@WABetaInfo) April 27, 2018

WABetaInfo found that WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.18.128 contains an option to create a report of users' WhatsApp account information and settings, which they can access or port to another app. The company nnotes that the report will not include users' messages.

Users can request a report for their WhatsApp account by going to Settings > Account > Request account info, and the company states that the report will be ready in 1-3 days. Consumers will have "a few weeks" to download their report before it's deleted, and they can't cancel their request unless they delete their account. The report contains user data such as group names, contacts, profile photos, etc.

Right now, the create report option is only available in the latest WhatsApp beta for Android. Users can expect it to arrive in the stable version of WhatsApp in the coming weeks, which will ensure that the company complies with the EU's most robust data protection law yet.

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Pixel Launcher’s “At A Glance” Widget Now Available In the Latest Google App Beta

The Google Pixel launcher that comes pre-installed on Google's devices brings some unique features that usually are ported to other launchers. One of the features called "At a glance" can now be enabled on every Android device via latest beta of Google app.

"At a glance" is a useful widget that shows the date and current weather. It also reminds you of upcoming events from your calendar. The Pixel Launcher version even shows how much time is left to a certain event, but the version provided by the Google app lacks this function. Nevertheless, an updated beta that started to roll out this morning adds an option to enable the "At a glance" widget on every Android device.

At the moment we can't confirm whether or not Google plans to roll out this feature via the stable channel. We can only assume that probability is high. What do we know about the widget? It's 4/5 x 1 and does not offer any form of resizing. It is also nearly identical to the one available on the landing page of the Pixel Launcher. We highly recommend comparing both versions. You can learn more about rootless Pixel Launcher from an article we published earlier this year.

There are some applications available that already offer "At a glance" experience on Android devices. "Another Widget" does a good job of replicating the look. If they don't pass the quality test for you, head over to Play Store and opt-in to become a beta tester for Google app. Please keep in mind that beta availability differs in some regions. While an update is available for some, the rest might have to wait a day or two.

Google (Free, Google Play) →

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Source: 9to5Google

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Essential web store now open in the UK, France, Canada, and Japan

Despite the shortcomings Essential has come across as they launched the Essential Phone, they've attempted to make amends by the way of improvements to their services with many software updates. Beta testing Android Oreo across multiple releases is an example of how the company wants to make things right and get things done properly the first time around. Essential is one of the only manufacturers to bring Project Treble supported to an already released phone, for example. The Essential Phone's launch certainly wasn't smooth, but now the company is aiming to sell the device to a lot more markets than before through its website – namely the UK, France, Canada, and Japan.

A number of conclusions can be drawn from the expansion of Essential's target markets, all of which spells good news for the company's future. If it's expanding then that means it still sees a future in which it can compete and thrive. Not only that, it also means that they are likely clearing stock in preparation for the launch of a future device. Both are good for the Android ecosystem, and with the Essential Phone turning out to be a pretty good phone in terms of support, hopefully, the company can continue its upward trajectory going into the launch of their second phone.

It appears it's not all doom and gloom for the company, even though it appeared as such at the phone's initial launch. With the arrival of new modifications and what looks to be a new phone on the horizon, things can only get better from here. If you live in one of the newly launched regions you can grab an Essential Phone while stocks last over on their website. With this news, it may also well be viable to wait for the second phone in their lineup and pick that up instead.

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Essential's website

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Chrome OS will soon support closing overview windows with a swipe gesture

We've been talking a lot about Chrome OS being optimized for touchscreens lately. Tablet mode is getting a full-screen launcher, which has been optimized for touch. The floating keyboard will make it easier to type on a tablet. The next touch optimization involves the Overview Mode. Users will be able to close open windows with a swipe gesture.

If you're not familiar with Overview Mode in Chrome OS, think of it like the Recent Apps screen on Android. It shows all of the open windows/apps in an exploded view. Most Chromebooks have a dedicated button on the keyboard to open Overview Mode, but you can also use a gesture. Google recently updated Overview Mode with some subtle changes. The info bar is easier to read with larger text and app icons. The wallpaper is now blurred and the animations have been tweaked for better performance.

With touchscreens in mind, Google is making it possible to close windows with a swipe, similar to how it works on Android. A new commit in Chromium Gerrit mentions "swipe to close" for Overview. Users will be able to drag or fling the window up to close. Here is the full description:

With the Acer Chromebook tablet launching next month, all of these small touch optimizations will be important. Ready or not, Chrome OS on tablets is about to be ready for prime time. Most people will still use Chromebooks with keyboards, but we expect to see more full touchscreen devices this year. Are you interested in a tablet Chrome OS device?

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Source: Chromium Gerrit

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LG G6 Android Oreo update coming Monday, V20 and G5 updates coming soon

Companies always make promises when it comes to Android updates and very seldom do they actually meet them. When LG opened its Software Update Center, their main goal was to bring Android Oreo to the LG G6 by the end of April. Many would deem this claim ambitious, given the length of time it has been since Android Oreo launched and how late they're opening the software update center. Well, not only are they going to meet that deadline by releasing Android Oreo on Monday for the LG G6 in South Korea, but the LG V20 and LG G5 will also be receiving Android Oreo soon after.

Currently, there is no timeline provided for when the update will be available outside of South Korea, but it's a great start and shouldn't be too long after. Android Oreo brings a number of system-wide improvements including battery gains, performance gains, security improvements, new features like Picture in Picture mode and a whole lot more. The LG G6 launched with Android Nougat in February of 2017 at Mobile World Congress. The LG V20 and the LG G5 are even older, so the promises made for these devices to be updated is even more impressive. Admittedly, it is likely these phones will all receive updates in South Korea first.

As for LG's other devices, no dates or timeframes have been given. With LG's reduced focus on putting out phones on a yearly release cycle, it may be that redirecting their efforts to providing a better experience rather than more hardware has proved profitable. Either way, LG appears to be undergoing a number of structural changes in recent months. When other devices will receive the updates to Android Oreo nobody can say, but the fact that two-year-old devices from LG are getting updated is already a very good sign of what's to come in the future.

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Source: LG Newsroom Via: PhoneArena

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Luis Suárez becomes Brand Ambassador for Tronsmart- the brand taking athletes by storm.

Tronsmart is a tech brand that has grown rapidly in America, Europe, Middle East & many Asian countries. Their portable chargers, cables & audio products have been well received throughout the world. Tronsmart claims to be one of the world's most innovative consumer electronic providers offering their customers high-quality products with a premium finish.

Suárez has been deemed "the perfect fit" for this company due to shared values and motivations. Tronsmart has a diverse line of products equipped with top-notch features that enrich the lives of their customers. The 2018 FIFA World Cup is a great challenge ahead for Luis Suarez and his team. Tronsmart has been able to overcome many challenges and deliver impeccable products for all consumers. Suárez is very excited to be a part of this journey with Tronsmart & together they hope to power their fans & customers ahead.

This new collaboration is also a great opportunity for Tronsmart to display their new products.

The Element Mega is fresh on the market & selling fast. This 40W Bluetooth Speaker is portable & extremely loud. The Element Mega is the Champion of Bluetooth Speakers & will sound great while watching Suárez take the World Cup this year.  

Geekbuying.com is holding a giveaway game to celebrate Luis Suarez joining the Tronsmart team. Simply log in to Geekbuying and start playing the Suarez play to win the giveaway! You can win a football signed by Luis Suarez and other Tronsmart prizes. Don't miss this!

Win Autographed Suarez and Tronsmart Gear!

Suárez has always associated with companies that have a vision of making the world a better place. These same standards are shared by Tronsmart as they strive to make people's lives easier with their products. Suárez's is a fierce competitor and works hard to achieve great success. Tronsmart has also put years of hard work into their products to ensure the best quality possible for their customers. In terms of showcasing Tronsmart's high-performance product line, Suárez is the perfect man for the job.

2018 is a big year for both tech consumers & FIFA fans. Suárez & Tronsmart are looking forward to providing people everywhere a means of entertainment, and together they will always be "Powering you ahead!"

We thank Geekbuying for sponsoring this post. Our sponsors help us pay for the many costs associated with running XDA, including server costs, full time developers, news writers, and much more. While you might see sponsored content (which will always be labeled as such) alongside Portal content, the Portal team is in no way responsible for these posts. Sponsored content, advertising and XDA Depot are managed by a separate team entirely. XDA will never compromise its journalistic integrity by accepting money to write favorably about a company, or alter our opinions or views in any way. Our opinion cannot be bought.

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