Menodgetry; An Update Came Riding...

Android updated to version 14... aka "Upside Down Cake". The Gopika came with Android 12, "Snow Cone", and upgraded to 13, "Tiramisu", only at the beginning of this year. I had not really explored it that much before this one came through on Saturday. Most of what is in the coding remains hidden from user view insofar as it pertains to improved security and solid-state operation. 

However, I have to say there are some very snazzy interface updates. Starting at the lock screen - the bit I can't screenshot, so this image is from the Android website.

I've stopped this demo on the clock face I have chosen. I have selected shortcuts of torch and wallet on the lock screen, too. Changing from PIN to pattern for unlock is also an improvement for me, and the whole thing seems a lot more intuitive. The weather app got a makeover; I love it!

The other bit that interested me most was the upgrade to the camera app. Aside from adjusting to the fact that operations have been switched right to left or left to right (no obvious benefit, so one of those done-for-the-sake-of-it 'improvements'), there are aspects available that were not before and make it a stronger tool, competing even more with a stand-alone item such as my Hisstix. There's a Long Exposure, Night Sight, Active Pan, Panorama... as well as more robust on-unit editing. My first go with the panorama shows I need to keep more level. It's not a tool I have ever used a lot but can be handy for landscape.

I wanted to see what difference the Night Sight would make over standard photo setting, and flash setting - here are three in a row, then; standard, flash and NS.

I like it! (It's very slightly fuzzy, which I take to be that I need to keep a bit more steady and less hasty to finish the shot.) There are times when flash is the better option, but for something like this, the more natural appearance with the NS option is quite pleasing. Previously, I would have to go into manual and fiddle a bit to bring the exposure up to something similar, so am happy with the one-stop shot.

I am still taking photos with the Hisstix, but significantly less, it must be admitted. The one thing it wins shutters down on is when zoom shots are required. The phone still lacks significant zoom capability, and that is a hardware, not software, limitation.

Now - here's your one-week warning that we are yet again approaching Final Friday!!!