Facebook Decides to Integrate WhatsApp into Its Android Application

Ever since Facebook acquired WhatsApp, both companies have announced loud and clear that they have no intention to mix their main mobile applications and that WhatsApp Messenger will remain independent even after this takeover.

Well, it seems that one year after the acquisition things are about to change if we are to take into consideration that latest changes Facebook has implemented into its Android application. The folks over at Geektime have been recently tipped on a new feature that might seem minor at first glance, but with deep implications when it comes to the interdependence of WhatsApp Messenger and Facebook applications. It looks like Facebook for Android version 31.0.0.7.13, which is not yet available to everyone, has a new feature that allows users to share their status updates via WhatsApp Messenger.

Those using Facebook for Android frequently probably know that you can share your status updates or anything from the application by clicking the Share button. This allows you to share Facebook info through several social networks, email, Bluetooth and others.

The new feature seems to be available for select Android users

However, this particular version of Facebook for Android has a dedicated button that allows you to share your posts, status and anything else directly through WhatsApp. The change does not show on everyone's application yet, so Facebook might test this new feature with a select group of users. While this isn't necessarily a bad change, it remains to be seen what other additions Facebook plans to include into its Android application that has something to do with WhatsApp. One thing is clear though, Facebook is actively looking for ways to implement WhatsApp services into its Android application. It may be possible for WhatsApp to get a few Facebook features in the process? Only time will tell how deep this integration will go for WhatsApp and Facebook users.

Facebook for Android before and after WhatsApp integration

Facebook for Android with WhatsApp integration
Image credits to Geektime

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Sony Xperia Z4 Leaks Again in Live Pictures

Good news of Sony fans, as we might be very close to the release of the next flagship smartphone the Japanese company teased us in the last couple of weeks.

The first press renders of the Xperia Z4 leaked online less than three weeks ago. According to the source of that leak, the device in the pictures might not be the final product, but a very close version. Today, a few more pictures of the alleged Sony Xperia Z4 leaked online via Greek blog in2mobile. The live pictures show a large part of the phone's display and the main camera on the back side of the smartphone. One of the pictures also confirms the smartphone's model number, E6553 and the fact that it's equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon MSM8994 chipset. Since the smartphone has been spotted in GFXBench last month, we already know some of the specs of the Xperia Z4. However, Sony probably has a few prototypes in the wild, so the hardware specification may not be final.

We do know that Sony Xperia Z4 will ship with Android 5.0 Lollipop operating system out of the box, or perhaps Lollipop 5.1.

The Xperia Z4 has already been certified

Today's pictures also confirms that Sony's flagship smartphone will pack a 20.7-megapixel photo snapper on the back. The phone's 64-bit octa-core Snapdragon 810 processor will be clocked at 1.9GHz and will be complemented by an Adreno 430 graphics processing unit and 3GB of RAM. We also know that the smartphone will be packed with 32GB of internal memory and microSD card slot for memory expansion (up to 128GB). As for the screen, Sony has decided to not go for a Quad HD display, instead the Xperia Z4 will be equipped with a 5.1-inch full HD (1080p) capacitive touchscreen display. In the front, the smartphone is said to sport a 5-megapixel camera for video calls and selfies. We also know the Xperia Z4 will be IP68 certified and that it will be powered by a 3400 mAh non-removable battery.

Sony Xperia Z4 display

Sony Xperia Z4 camera

Sony Xperia Z4 model number
Images credits to in2mobile.gr

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OnePlus Finally Releases OxygenOS Based on Android 5.0 Lollipop

OnePlus One owners that have been waiting for their promised OxygenOS upgrade will be pleased to know that the Chinese company has just released the update.

Initially slated for a March 27 launch, OxygenOS has been delayed due to “extra quality control” and OnePlus stated that it will offer daily news updates on the status of the upgrade. Along with the delay of the update OnePlus offered five 64GB OnePlus One smartphone to 5 lucky winners chosen from their forum users, as compensation for postponing OxygenOS. One week after the delay, the Chinese company came forward with an announcement confirming the release of the highly anticipated OxygenOS for OnePlus One. The new OS is based on Android 5.0 Lollipop operating system and brings lots of new features and improvements to OnePlus One owners.

However, OxygenOS is fully created by OnePlus, so they “can quickly respond to user feedback and make it easier for you to continue playing a fundamental role in the future of OnePlus.”

“Subtle and meaningful” changes instead of gimmicks and bloated features

In that regard, OnePlus claims all the features included in OxygenOS aren't there just for the sake of differentiation. Those who developer this ROM have decided to put things like performance and battery life over other gimmicks and bloated features. According to OnePlus, they have added lots of important features, which are subtle and meaningful. That seems to be the Chinese company's philosophy behind its OxygenOS. Keep in mind that OxygenOS is not delivered OTA (over the air), instead you will have to head over to oneplus.net/oxygenos and download it from there. OnePlus also offers instructions on how to flash OxygenOS on the OnePlus One smartphone. In other news, those who own OnePlus One smartphones powered by CyanogenMod will have to wait a little longer for their update, which is now going through certification.

OxygenOS
Image credits to OnePlus

OxygenOS Top Features
Video credits to OnePlus

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Xiaomi and AOKP Partner Up for MIUI 7

If you follow the mobile industry, you’re probably well aware that Android ROM developers like Cyanogen and Paranoid Android have been partnering with hardware manufacturers to bring to life atypical phones.

Well, AOKP doesn’t want to be left behind, so today the team has announced they partnered up with none other than Xiaomi to produce the next MIUI 7. The new iteration of MIUI will be based on the current Android 5.1 version and will be making its debut on the upcoming Xiaomi Mi5 flagship, as stated by AOKP. The new ROM is referred to internally as MiKangy and is expected to offer all the features that are available in Cyanogen, Paranoid Android and AOKP. MIUI 7 is made to sound pretty fantastic. The ROM will be designed to evolve side by side with the users and will allow each Mi 5 owner to have a unique experience with their phone.

Word on the street has it that the Xiaomi Mi 5 will arrive with a 5.2-inch display with QHD resolution (1440 x 2560 pixels) and a Snapdragon 805 under the hood. The phone will probably be rolled out during the fourth quarter of the year, so we still have some time to wait before it goes official.

Xiaomi and AOKP now have a partnership going
Image credits to Xiaomi/AOKP

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