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This week’s top stories: Google’s 3D animals, new OnePlus logo wallpapers, One UI 2.1 for S10, more

In this week’s top stories: Google’s 3D animals in AR become social media trend, OnePlus shows off its new logo with a collection of wallpapers, OneUI 2.1 arrives for older Samsung phones including the Galaxy S10, and more.

As we all work hard at finding ways to keep entertained and sane while staying at home, a new trend emerged as the world collectively remembered that last year Google launched the ability to use their augmented reality know-how to put animals into your room. In particular, parents seemed particularly enthusiastic about Google’s 3D animals, as it created a fun time killer while their kids are stuck at home, out of school.

Unfortunately, many discovered this week that their Android phones are not able to work with Google’s AR technology. Only phones that can install the “Google Play Services for AR” app are able to use the “View in your space” option. The full list of supported devices includes most phones from the biggest Android OEMs, as well as many recent iPhones.


Last month, OnePlus took the wraps off their newly redesigned, but still familiar-looking logo. This week, the company took to Twitter to share a mini collection of wallpapers that boldly showcase the new logo. Unfortunately, by solely sharing the wallpapers on Twitter, you may see a bit more visual compression than an official on-device wallpaper.

Known for low-poly and more abstract wallpapers, OnePlus has decided that celebrating the new logo and branding is a call for some updated backdrops to freshen up your “flagship killer” — or any other smartphone, for that matter.

In the past, OnePlus has enlisted the help of Swedish artist and designer Hampus Olsson to create selections of minimal wallpapers, but it’s not clear who is responsible for this brand-new selection.


In other OnePlus news, the company has been rolling out the latest update for their OnePlus 7 series phones, bringing them up to the March 2020 Android security patch. With the update, OnePlus 7 owners will find that recording slow-mo will be more consistent, and that photos should no longer disappear from the gallery.

This latest update comes shortly after the OxygenOS Open Beta 11 update brought similar tweaks, the March 2020 patch, and performance enhancements a few days ago. For those not willing to run experimental software, it’s great news that the stable OxygenOS 10.3.2 update should be rolling out to your devices right now.


Similarly, this week, Samsung has begun rolling out an update in the US for the Galaxy S10, S9, Note 10, and Note 9 series phones that brings their One UI 2.1, first seen on the Galaxy S20. That said, the biggest improvements found in One UI 2.1 are fairly targeted toward the new hardware features of the Galaxy S20 and Galaxy Z Flip.

After rolling out for Exynos devices first, those of you with the S10 and Note 10 in the United States can rejoice, as you’ll be getting a ton of Galaxy S20 features starting from April 3. Samsung confirmed that the US rollout will commence from tomorrow in an official blog post. Expect to get carrier updates and OTA notifications over the coming days, before enjoying Single Take mode, Night Hyperlapse plus tons more on top.


The rest of this week’s top stories follow:

Android |

Apps & Updates |

Chrome / OS |

Coronavirus |

Google |

Google Stadia |

Samsung |

Videos |

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Avatar for Kyle Bradshaw Kyle Bradshaw

Kyle is an author and researcher for 9to5Google, with special interests in Made by Google products, Fuchsia, and uncovering new features.

Got a tip or want to chat? Twitter or Email. Kyle@9to5mac.com