Android
LineageOS 17.1 support is now available for Samsung Galaxy S20 (Snapdragon variants)
LineageOS is a custom operating system for smartphones and tablets which is based on Android. It is the successor to the custom ROM CyanogenMod. The latest version of this custom OS is LineageOS 17.1 which is based on Android 10.
LineageOS offers plenty of features that the Android Open Source Project does not carry including button customization, custom quick-setting tiles, live display, lock screen customization, system profiles, custom pattern sizes, and much more exciting features.
We know that Samsung Galaxy S20 series smartphones come packed with Exynos 990 chipsets in all smartphone markets except for some countries including the U.S. and China. In the U.S., Samsung installs Qualcomm’s Snapdragon SoC.
READ MORE: Is your Samsung Galaxy device getting Android 11-based One UI 3.0? Check here
On the basis of the terms and policies of Qualcomm, it is too tough to unlock the bootloader of the Snapdragon variants. However, a Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra user succeed to unlock the bootloader of his smartphone in the U.S. that is powered by Snapdragon SoC.
Now, you can unofficially unlock the bootloader of your Samsung Galaxy S20 smartphones and experience the latest LineageOS with its impressive features.
- Samsung Galaxy S20 – (code-name “x1q”)
- Samsung Galaxy S20+ (code-name “y2q”)
- Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra (code-name “z3q”)
Requirements to install a custom ROM:
- Unlock your device’s bootloader
- Custom recovery installed
- Android 10 based firmware installed because of compatibility reasons
* If you are running on Android 11 based One UI 3.0 beta then you have to downgrade to One UI 2.X Android 10
Things to keep in mind before installation:
- LineageOS is a source-built ROM and not a Generic System Image (GSI)
- The ROM doesn’t bring Google apps built-in
* You’ve to install it separately if needed - You might face some bugs, errors, and issues because it is not an official ROM
Here you can get the TWRP for Samsung Galaxy S20, S20+, and S20 Ultra
Team Win Recovery Project 3.4.0
Follow the link given below to download the ZIP file of LineageOS 17.1 for your Samsung Galaxy S20 series smartphone.
Download LineageOS 17.1 for Samsung Galaxy S20, S20+, and S20 Ultra
//Source
Google has kicked off the Developer Preview for Android 16, arriving earlier than expected. Usually, these previews begin in February, but Android 16 DP1 is launching three months ahead of schedule this year.
The earlier release of the DP1 is because Google has moved the official Android 16 release from the third quarter to the second quarter of 2025. It aims to ensure that more devices get access to the major Android updates sooner.
Android 16 DP1 is available for several Pixel devices, including the pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6a, Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7a, Pixel Tablet, Pixel Fold, Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 8a, Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel Pro Fold, as well as the Android Emulator. It can be identified through version BP21.241018.009.
The Android 16 Developer Preview brings new features for app developers. It brings a system photo picker that will help apps give users a smoother, more integrated way to select photos without needing extra permissions.
Another new feature is Health Connect, which lets apps access and manage medical records in FHIR format, but only with user permission. The update also includes the latest version of the Privacy Sandbox for privacy protection.
This preview program runs from November 2024 until the final public release next year. Android 16 Beta Program will begin in January, with the final stable release expected in Q2 of 2025. Stay tuned for more updates.
Android 16 to make Quick Settings access easier with one-finger swipe
Google has released the first beta of Android 15 QPR2 for Pixel users. The update can be identified via build version BP11.241025.006. However, users are also waiting for the stable release of Android 15 QPR1 in December this year.
Android 15 QPR2 Beta 1 update comes with the November 2024 security patch. It is available for a wide range of Pixel devices, including Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6a, Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7a, Pixel Tablet, Pixel Fold, Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 8a, Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold, as well as the Android Emulator.
Quarterly Platform Releases are updates that bring more noticeable changes and new features compared to the usual monthly bug fixes. These updates are perfect for testing out bigger UI changes or new features that don’t need to wait for a full Android version release.
The QPR2 Beta 1 is the second major update for Android 15, with the final version expected to launch in March 2025 (via 9to5Google). This update brings the usual bug fixes, security enhancements, and new features to test.
Users participating in the beta program are advised to report any issues via the Android Beta Feedback app, easily accessible through the app drawer or Quick Settings. Install the update now to get an enhanced experience.
Android 16 to make Quick Settings access easier with one-finger swipe
Google is reportedly going to bring an interesting change with Android 16, which will no longer require two fingers to pull down the Quick Settings panel. Previously, there were concerns that users would need to swipe down with two fingers to bring up the Quick Settings. Fortunately, Google has decided to simplify this process.
With Android 16, accessing the Quick Settings will only require a single-finger swipe down on the right half of the status bar. The one-finger swipe access aligns it more closely similar to other Android manufacturers, like OnePlus and Samsung, have designed their systems.
Several users didn’t like the idea of needing two fingers to swipe down, as it felt more awkward and less convenient. By switching to a single-finger swipe for Android 16, Google will make it easier for users to manage their settings with less effort. A well-known tipster Mishaal Rahman (via Android Authority) spotted the code for this Quick Settings change.
However, the new design still lacks the ability to swipe seamlessly between the notifications and Quick Settings panels. Hopefully, Google will add this feature before the official release.
In addition to the swipe change, Android 16 will introduce resizable Quick Settings tiles and better categorization to help users find specific settings more easily.
However, these features are still being worked on and may not be fully ready in the current beta. They are expected to roll out in the final Android 16 release, which is expected in mid-2025.