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Realme GT Neo 6 SE With 16GB RAM Surfaces On Geekbench Ahead Of Launch

Realme has started teasing key details of the GT Neo 6 SE smartphone in China. We have already got an official look at the upcoming offering along with some display specifications. It is set to debut in the country later this month, although the exact launch date remains unknown at this point. Now, the smartphone has surfaced on the Geekbench benchmarking platform revealing its performance scores and hardware details. 

Realme GT Neo 6 SE appears on Geekbench

The Realme GT Neo 6 SE carries the model number RMX 3850 on the Geekbench benchmarking platform. It is listed with a motherboard codenamed pineapple and it comprises three cores clocked at 1.9GHz, four cores at 2.61GHz, and a primary core at 2.8GHz. The chipset powering the device is the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 is already confirmed. It was announced a few weeks ago. As per the benchmarking database, the smartphone will pack a whooping 16GB RAM and we can expect more options at launch. It will ship with pre-installed Android 14 OS out of the box. 

The Realme GT Neo 6 SE scores 1,889 and 5,102 points in the Geekbench’s single-core and multi-core tests results respectively. The benchmarking listing does not reveal any additional details of the smartphone. 

A front design of the smartphone revealed that the Realme GT Neo 6 SE will have very thin, almost negligible bezels surrounding the display. It will have slightly curved edges and is confirmed to feature a BOE 8T LTPO panel with 6,000 nits peak brightness and 1.5K resolution. Meanwhile, the device is confirmed to be available in the Silver Knight color option. There are two protruding camera rings placed under the rectangular finish on the top panel.  

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EU may force Apple to let users delete the Photos app

Apple‘s iPhones could be in for a major overhaul if the European Union (EU) gets its way. The bloc is pushing Apple to further comply with the Digital Markets Act (DMA), a regulation that fosters a more open and competitive app ecosystem.

Apple

EU Demands Uninstallable Photos App, Raising Security Concerns

At the heart of the dispute is Apple’s Photos app. According to a report by Daring Fireball’s John Gruber, EC Executive Vice President Margrethe Vestager highlighted that Apple should enable users to uninstall any app, including system-level ones like Photos.

This requirement has sparked debate as the Photos app is deeply integrated with iOS, granting access control to other apps and functioning as the camera roll. It also interacts with iCloud for storage and sharing.

Vestager believes Apple should allow third-party apps to act as the system image library. However, experts like Gruber point out the complexity of such a change, potentially requiring a significant iOS overhaul.

Apple has made some changes to comply with DMA, such as offering alternative app store options. However, the European Commission (EC) feels this isn’t enough. They are particularly concerned about Apple’s “anti-steering” measures and fees associated with alternate app stores.

While Vestager’s comments mention the Photos app specifically, it’s unclear if the EC will enforce this strictly. Some argue that the ability to uninstall Photos might be more trouble than it’s worth, potentially leading to accidental data loss.

The EU has also expressed dissatisfaction with Apple’s current browser choice screen, implemented to comply with DMA. Vestager suggests it doesn’t provide users with a fully informed decision. This could be due to the randomized list showing only the top 11 downloaded browsers alongside Safari.

The back-and-forth between the EU and Apple regarding DMA compliance is likely to continue. While the EU pushes for a more open ecosystem, concerns remain about the potential impact on user experience and data security.

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Huawei completes major transactions related to sale of Honor

Huawei revealed in its annual report that it has fulfilled its contractual rights and obligations associated with the supplementary agreement for the sale of the Honor business. Huawei signed this supplementary agreement with Honor’s buyer in 2023.

In line with previous announcements, the report confirms that Huawei has sold off its Honor business and server business-related subsidiaries. Huawei’s 2023 Annual Report adds that the sale consideration is received in installments, but the final amount of the sale is uncertain.

The Annual Report revealed that the financial instruments related to sales were measured at fair value and not market price. Furthermore, cash receipts related to these financial instruments are presented within investing activities in the consolidated statement of cash flows. The report highlights that the fair value change of financial instruments formed by the disposal of subsidiaries and businesses in 2023 amounted to a significant sum of 55.853 billion yuan.

Background information provided in the report traces back to November 2020 when Shenzhen Zhixin New Information Technology Co., Ltd. completed the comprehensive acquisition of business assets related to the Honor brand. This acquisition, jointly invested in and established by Shenzhen Smart City Technology Development Group and more than 30 Honor agents and distributors, saw Huawei relinquishing its shares in the new Honor company.

Huawei sold off its Honor brand in 2020

source: wikipedia

Huawei sold its Honor smartphone business to a consortium comprising over 30 companies, including agents, dealers, Shenzhen government-backed entities, and e-commerce platform Sunning.com Group. Notable among the buyers is China Telling Telecom, a distributor for major smartphone brands like Huawei, Samsung, and Apple. 

While selling the business, Huawei acknowledged the challenges faced by its budget brand Honor in maintaining access to crucial components amid the U.S. crackdown. By spinning off Honor into an independent entity, Huawei wanted to navigate restrictions imposed by the U.S. government on its global suppliers. This strategic move was intended to safeguard Honor’s operations independently and ensure that Honor would have access to vital supplies, amidst the sanctions and restrictions imposed by Washington. 

Samsung Galaxy M55 5G: Here are top 5 standout features

Leaks have revealed that the Samsung Galaxy M55 5G may arrive with a starting price of Rs 26,999 (~$325). This means that the device will face competition from smartphones of different brands in the same price category. The specifications of the smartphone are no secret, as it is already available for purchase in some markets, like Brazil. Previously, it was thought that the M55 could be a rebranded or tweaked version of the Galaxy A55. However, it is quite different from the A55, which is priced at around Rs 40,000 (~$480) in India.

On April 8, India will see the launch of the Galaxy M55 alongside the Galaxy M15. Are you looking forward to purchasing it? If yes, this list of the top 5 standout features of the M55 might help you.

1. 120Hz AMOLED display

Samsung Galaxy M55
Samsung Galaxy M55 5G

The Galaxy M55 mid-range phone flaunts a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED+ display flanked by slim bezels. The screen offers FHD+ resolution and 48Hz to 120Hz adaptive refresh rate support.

With a maximum brightness of 1,000 nits, will be capable of delivering vibrant and stunning visuals even in bright outdoor environments.

2. Big battery with 45W fast charging

Galaxy M55 supports 45W charging

Last year, the Galaxy M54 came with a massive 6,000mAh battery that carried support for 25W fast charging. This time around, Samsung has reduced the battery size to 5,000mAh on the M55, but increased the fast-charging support to 45W.

According to the brand, the M55 can charge from 0 to 70 percent in just 30 minutes. However, like the recent Samsung, the M55 may not come with an in-box charger.

3. Longer software support

The Galaxy M55 will ship with One UI 6 based on Android 14. To recall, the Galaxy M54 model is eligible for four years of Android OS upgrades and five years of security updates.

It’s likely Galaxy M55 owners will enjoy the same generous software update policy, making it one of the longest-supported smartphones on the market.

4. Decent 4nm Snapdragon 7-series chip

Snapdragon 7 Gen 1

The Galaxy M55 is powered by the 4nm Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 chipset, which debuted in May 2022. The Honor 90 is the only other phone available in India equipped with the same chip.

The leaked prices of the M55 suggest that it will compete with the likes of Snapdragon 7s Gen 2-powered phones, such as the Redmi Note 13 Pro and the Realme 12 Pro+. For those who don’t know, the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 is quite similar to the older Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chip.

In terms of performance, the Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 may work similarly to the SD7sGen2 if not slightly better. Additionally, reports suggest that the device will come equipped with up to 12 GB of RAM and 256 GB of built-in storage.

5. Versatile camera setup

Samsung Galaxy M55 camera setup

The M54 offered a 32-megapixel front camera and a 108-megapixel (OIS) + 8-megapixel (ultra-wide) + 2-megapixel (macro) triple camera unit.

The Galaxy M55, on the other hand, has an OIS-assisted 50-megapixel main camera and the same ultra-wide and macro cameras on the back. On the front, the M55 flaunts a 50-megapixel selfie camera, which means the phone will be good for people who prefer blogging and snapping selfies.

Overall, the Galaxy M55 seems like a solid mid-range contender. Its vibrant display, ample battery with faster charging, generous software support, capable processor, and versatile camera system make it an attractive option. However, it remains to be seen how it fares in real-world performance and compares to its competitors when it officially launches in India.

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Former head of developer relations at OpenAI, Logan Kilpatrick, now joins Google to improve Google AI

Logan Kilpatrick has been leading developer relations at OpenAI for the past one and a half years. He has supported developers building products with OpenAI API and ChatGPT for his time at OpenAI.

Google is aiming to build the best AI developer-centric team in the world

Logan Kilpatrick was invited to join Google by its executives including Sundar Pichai, Jeff Dean, Vice President of Product Mat Velloso, and Google Vice President Josh Woodward.

Now Logan has announced on Twitter / X that he has left OpenAI and joined Google to lead the product for Google AI Studio and support the Gemini API. “I’m not going to settle for anything less,” he noted.

His previous username on the platform was “Logan.GPT”. Not to mention, it has now been replaced by his name. The funny thing is that a user suggested “Logan Gemini” as a more relevant username.

As the Senior Developer Advocate at OpenAI, Logan has helped thousands of developers bring amazing products to reality. People like him are expected to prove to be a valuable addition to Google AI.

Notably, Google isn’t stopping here. They are looking for new talents to enrich their teams across many teams. Kilpatrick notes in one of his tweets “If you want to build cool stuff for devs, be on the edge, and support millions of developers, please ping me. We are hiring across many teams (eng, product, etc).” He is willing to have conversations with developers who are building something cool and interesting “If you’re working on something cool and want to chat, my DMs are open.”

The average reaction from people on Logan Joining Google is that Google AI should benefit from this addition. Brain Solis, the Head of Global Innovation at ServiceNow (a cloud computing platform that helps companies automate and digitize processes) congrats him saying it is a “Big win for Google”.

Head of Global Innovation at ServiceNow

Before his time at OpenAI, Logan was an intern at NASA for more than 3 years, doing software data analysis research internships, Space Academy projects, and software engineering internships. He also worked at Apple for 1 year and 8 months as a software engineer and applied machine learning engineer.

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Get $50 OFF on Vivo X Fold 3 Premium Foldable Phone at GeekWills

Vivo X Fold 3, is the latest premium foldable smartphone from Vivo. Crafted for tech savvies, this device redefines the smartphone landscape with its foldable design and cutting-edge features. You can now buy Vivo X Fold 3 at a $50 discount for $1149 at GeekWills. Please note that this price applies to the base variant only. 

WHERE TO BUY
Vivo X Fold 3 at $1149 @GeekWills

The vivo X Fold 3 boasts an ultra-thin profile, measuring just 4.7mm unfolded, and weighing a mere 219g, making it the thinnest and lightest book-style foldable to date. Its sleek design is tailored for those who value both style and substance.

Experience stunning visuals on the 8.03-inch Foldable LTPO AMOLED display with a resolution of 2200×2480 pixels. The 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision support ensure an immersive viewing experience, complemented by the 6.53-inch cover display for added convenience on the go.

Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset and coupled with up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage, the vivo X Fold 3 delivers seamless multitasking and ample storage for all your needs, whether it’s gaming, productivity, or multimedia consumption.

Capture every moment in stunning detail with the triple camera setup featuring 50MP sensors. With Zeiss optics and T* lens coating, the vivo X Fold 3 ensures that every shot is a masterpiece, whether it’s landscapes, portraits, or ultra-wide-angle shots.

Stay connected longer with the robust 5500mAh battery and 80W wired charging support. The dual-battery design ensures efficient power management, keeping you powered up throughout the day.

Immerse yourself in high-quality sound with stereo speakers delivering 24-bit/192kHz Hi-Res audio. Snapdragon Sound technology further enhances the audio experience, ensuring crisp and clear sound reproduction.

Stay connected and secure with Wi-Fi 6/7, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, and an infrared port. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor and facial recognition technology provide convenient and secure unlocking methods.

Vivo X Fold 3 is more than just a smartphone; it’s a statement of luxury and technological prowess. With its innovative features, elegant design, and powerful performance, the vivo X Fold 3 is perfect for tech enthusiasts.

Redmi 13: Xiaomi’s latest HyperOS phone spotted with speedy 33W charging & large battery

Xiaomi is working on a brand-new HyperOS powered smartphone from its sub brand Redmi. The device in question is the Redmi 13, which recently surfaced on major certification platforms that revealed some of its key features. So here’s everything you need to know.

Redmi 13 visits the FCC & IMEI database

Redmi 13

The Chinese tech giant’s upcoming smartphone was spotted on the FCC and IMEI certifications. It was seen carrying the 24049RN28L model number on both platforms, while the IMEI listing confirmed its official Redmi 13 moniker. Based on the FCC certification, the Redmi 13 will also run on the brand’s newly unveiled HyperOS 1.0 custom skin, which is based on the Android 14 OS.

Redmi 13

Furthermore, the Redmi 13 smartphone is set to debut with the Bluetooth 5.3 standard. It is listed with a 4,930mAh rated battery capacity that will likely have a 5,000mAh typical capacity. This battery pack was certified with support for 33W wired fast charging. Unfortunately, the two certifications did not reveal any other finer details regarding this smartphone like its specifications and design. But based on its name we can expect it to be a direct successor to the Redmi 12 that launched back in 2023.

Redmi 13

Back in December 2023, Xiaomi had also unveiled the Redmi 13C model in the Indian market. This model launched with the Dimensity 6100 SoC, 6.74-inch 90Hz HD+ display, 50MP primary camera, and more; while the Redmi 12 offered Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (5G variant), 50MP triple cameras, and 6.79-inch 90Hz FHD+ display. So we can expect the Redmi 13 to offer similar hardware with some improvements.

Note that we have a story on HyperOS update availability for all your Xiaomi, Poco devices in case you are wondering if your device is the update.

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Red Magic 9 Pro Plus Bumblebee Limited Edition is now available on GeekWills

Red Magic 9 Pro Plus Bumblebee Edition, is a gaming smartphone engineered to elevate your gaming experience. The Bumblebee Edition features a sleek carbon fiber texture finish, adding an extra touch of style. Plus, it proudly showcases a Bumblebee logo alongside the Red Magic emblem, giving it a unique and distinctive look. The phone comes in custom packaging, complete with Bumblebee’s codenames, adding to its exclusivity. 

WHERE TO BUY
Red Magic 9 Pro Plus at $1189 @GeekWills

With themed elements throughout, including on the back of the phone, the striking black and yellow color scheme truly makes it stand out. This limited edition release promises to make a statement wherever you go. You can now buy the Red Magic 9 Pro Plus Bumblebee Edition for $1189 at GeekWills

With its Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 octa-core processor running at 3.2GHz, paired with the Adreno 750 GPU, the Red Magic 9 Pro Plus guarantees blazing-fast performance and seamless multitasking prowess. 

Dive headfirst into the gaming action with the Red Magic 9 Pro Plus’s mesmerizing 6.8-inch AMOLED display. Sporting a 120Hz screen refresh rate and a 960Hz touch refresh rate, alongside 10-bit color depth and a peak brightness of 1300 nits, this display promises vivid, crystal-clear visuals for an unparalleled gaming immersion.

Never miss a moment with the Red Magic 9 Pro Plus’s dual 50MP rear cameras. Whether you’re capturing breathtaking snapshots or shooting high-quality videos, these cameras guarantee exceptional results, allowing you to immortalize your gaming adventures effortlessly.

Keep your cool in the heat of battle with the Red Magic 9 Pro Plus’s advanced ICE 12.0 liquid-cooling technology. Featuring a nine-layer cooling system, including an ultra-light nano-centrifugal fan and superconducting copper foil, this technology ensures optimal device performance even during marathon gaming sessions.

Stay powered up and ready for action with the Red Magic 9 Pro Plus’s massive 6000mAh battery. With support for 80W fast charging, you can replenish your device’s battery in just 35 minutes, ensuring you never miss a moment of gaming excitement.

Elevate your gaming prowess with the Red Magic 9 Pro Plus’s lightning-fast 520Hz touch shoulder keys. Equipped with a dual IC touch gaming shoulder key solution, these keys provide smooth, responsive multi-finger control, empowering you to outmaneuver your rivals effortlessly.

Immerse yourself in the gaming universe with the Red Magic 9 Pro Plus’s dual stereo speakers. Backed by Snapdragon sound technology, 96kHz lossless audio, and a 48ms low latency, these speakers deliver crisp, immersive soundscapes for a gaming experience like no other.

The Red Magic 9 Pro Plus Bumblebee Edition is perfect for gaming enthusiasts. With its unmatched performance, stunning display, cutting-edge cooling capabilities, and immersive audio immersion. It’s a must-have companion for gamers everywhere.

Taiwan earthquake disrupts TSMC chip production, prices likely to rise

A powerful earthquake in Taiwan has rattled nerves in the tech industry, raising concerns about potential disruptions to global chip production. The 7.4-magnitude tremor, the strongest to hit the island nation in decades, forced major chipmaker Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) to evacuate some factory personnel.

TSMC
Credit: Benzinga

Chip Shortage Fears Rise After Taiwan Earthquake

While TSMC assures its workers are safe and initial inspections revealed no major damage, a full assessment is still underway. The company’s safety protocols triggered evacuations, potentially causing production delays.

This news comes at a time when the world is already grappling with a chip shortage. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in the global supply chain, leading to a scarcity of semiconductors used in everything from smartphones to supercomputers. Any production hiccups at TSMC, the world’s largest contract chipmaker, could further strain the already stretched supply chain.

The impact on major tech companies like Apple and NVIDIA, who rely on TSMC for their chips, remains to be seen. However, a prolonged disruption could lead to price hikes for consumers as chip scarcity worsens.

The earthquake also highlights the risk of overreliance on a single region for chip production. Taiwan’s geographical location on a major fault line makes it susceptible to frequent earthquakes. Calls for diversification of manufacturing locations have been growing in recent years, especially in light of the ongoing tensions between Taiwan and China.

While the immediate impact of the earthquake appears to be minimal, the tech industry is watching closely as TSMC assesses the situation. Any production delays could exacerbate the existing chip shortage and have a ripple effect on consumers worldwide.

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OnePlus Ace 3V is now available at Giztop for $399

OnePlus Ace 3V the latest phone from OnePlus is now available at Giztop. The phone comes in purple and Grey color variants and can be bought for a starting price of $399 only. For gamers on a budget or those seeking long-lasting performance without breaking the bank, this phone with its Qualcomm Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 chipset, packs more than enough power. It’s an ideal choice for those who prioritize affordability and sustainability in their devices.

WHERE TO BUY
OnePlus Ace 3V at $399 @Giztop

Boasting a stunning 6.78-inch 120Hz AMOLED display, this device offers a vivid and smooth viewing experience perfect for both work and play. With ColorOS 14 and Dark Mode 2.0, staying connected and productive has never been easier, as it supports more apps than ever before.

Under the hood, the OnePlus Ace 3V is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 chipset, delivering outstanding performance and efficiency. Paired with 12GB or 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM, this smartphone ensures smooth multitasking, gaming, and app usage. Choose from ample internal storage options ranging from 256GB to a whopping 1TB, thanks to the lightning-fast UFS 4.0 technology.

Capture every moment in stunning detail with the OnePlus Ace 3V’s versatile camera system. The rear triple-camera setup features a 50MP Sony IMX890 primary sensor with OIS, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, and a 2MP macro camera, while the 16MP selfie camera guarantees crisp and clear self-portraits and video calls.

You won’t have to worry about running out of juice with the massive 5500mAh battery, supported by a blazing-fast 100W Super Warp charging technology. Topped with TÜV Rheinland certification for safe fast charging, you can power up your device in no time and stay connected throughout the day.

Unlock your device swiftly and securely with the in-display fingerprint scanner, ensuring your data remains protected at all times. With dual SIM support, 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, GPS, NFC, and dual stereo speakers, the OnePlus Ace 3V offers everything you need for a seamless mobile experience.

Whether you’re a multitasking professional or a casual gamer, the OnePlus Ace 3V combines cutting-edge features with a sleek design to elevate your smartphone experience to new heights. 

Moto Edge 50 Pro launches in India with blazing fast 125W fast charging: Starts from Rs 31,999

Motorola has officially unveiled the new Edge 50 Pro in India. This device is a new upper mid-range model that features some capable specs and features that are often found in more expensive flagship-grade devices. So let’s have a look at its pricing, hardware, sale date, and more.

Moto Edge 50 Pro Specs

The company’s latest Edge series device sports a tall 6.7-inch curved pOLED display that offers a 144Hz refresh rate, HDR10+, Full HD+ resolution, and 2,000 nits of peak brightness. Under the hood, it is equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 SoC that is paired with up to 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage. A 4,500mAh battery pack powers the Edge 50 Pro, which features an impressive 125W TurboPower wired fast charging as well as 50W wireless fast charging.

Motorola Edge 50 Pro

The rear features a 50-megapixel primary camera that offers OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) that is paired with a 10-megapixel telephoto lens that supports 3x optical zoom, and a 13-megapixel ultra wide angle lens that doubles as a macro and depth sensor. Motorola claims that the main sensor is the world’s first AI powered Pro-grade camera. Other notable features include IP68 water and dust resistance, in-display fingerprint scanner, dual stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos, silicone vegan leather design, and Android 14 OS out of the box with guaranteed updates till Android 17.

Moto Edge 50 Pro Pricing and Availability

Motorola’s new Edge 50 Pro has a starting price tag of 31,999 INR for the base 8GB + 256GB configuration. Although, this variant only supports 68W wired fast charging. The 125W variant with 12GB + 256GB storage is priced at 35,999 INR. The first sale is set to go live on 9th April 2024 via Flipkart. It is listed in multiple color options, namely Black Beauty, Luxe Lavender, and Moonlight Pearl. This model is expected to launch in Europe soon, with its pricing for the region recently being leaked.

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Xiaomi Motors is improving its supply chain to ramp up SU7 production

According to reports, Xiaomi is going through “capacity bottlenecks” or supply chain issues regarding the production of its first EV, the Xiaomi SU7. However, besides testing the car, the company is also taking measures to mitigate the supply chain issues and ramp up production to its best.

Xiaomi is taking measures to ramp up the production of Xiaomi SU7

On April 3, the company held the first batch delivery ceremony of the Xiaomi SU7 at one of the Xiaomi Automobile production facilities located in Yizhuang, Beijing. Chinese publication Securities Times (translated) reported that the company is “going all out to increase production capacity, fully mobilize supply chain partners to ensure supply, and steadily promote the early delivery of existing and future orders.”

According to the initial production schedule, monthly production is anticipated to surpass 3,000 vehicles in March of this year, increase to between 4,000 and 5,000 vehicles in April, and then stabilize at 6,000 vehicles by year-end. Not Xiaomi Motors has reportedly asked suppliers to increase production capacity to a total of 10,000 units per month.

Xiaomi SU7 (Image: automachi)

It’s reportedly the high-end Max version of the SU7 that requires a focus on ramping up production. The recent sales of the SU7 models have also reportedly exceeded the company’s expectations. Notably, in December last year, Lei Jun noted that he definitely has expectations regarding the success of the Xiaomi car, but he also emphasizes the possibility of the product not checking all the boxes when it comes to user preferences. Surprisingly, the new product is doing fairly well in this regard.

In today’s delivery ceremony just after a few days from the launch in China, Lei Jun said that more than 100,000 people have already chosen their EV. Xiaomi Motors has officially stated that they are currently in a state of “overwhelming orders”.

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iQOO 12 Anniversary Edition India launch: Powerful specs & fresh new color for Rs 52,999

iQOO recently celebrated its 4th year anniversary in the Indian market. To commemorate this, the company also announced the upcoming launch of a new iQOO 12 Anniversary Edition smartphone. Now, this model has finally been unveiled in the region, so here’s everything you need to know regarding its specs, pricing, and special launch offers.

iQOO 12 Anniversary Edition Pricing and Availability

The iQOO 12 Desert Red Anniversary Edition was teased earlier this week and we finally have its pricing details. It has a starting price tag of 52,999 INR for the 12GB + 256GB variant and goes up to 57,999 INR for the 16GB + 512GB variant. This model will be available for purchase via Amazon and iQOO’s official website. First sales will kick off on 9th April 2024 and the brand is even offering an instant 3,000 INR discount to HDFC and ICICI Bank card holders along with no-cost EMI options. At this price point, the Desert Red costs the same as the Legend and Alpha color options.

iQOO 12 Desert Red

iQOO 12 Anniversary Edition Specs

To recall, the iQOO 12 Anniversary Edition is basically the same as the iQOO 12, which launched back in December 2023. The only notable aspect regarding this special edition is the fresh Desert Red color. For those unaware, the Red color option with a vegan leather finish was exclusive to the Chinese market till now. The flagship phone sports a tall 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED display with FHD+ resolution, a 144Hz refresh rate, HDR10+, and 3,000 nits of peak brightness.

Under the hood, it is equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC and is powered by a large 5,000mAh battery pack that supports 120W wired fast charging. The rear features a 50-megapixel triple camera setup, while the front houses a 16-megapixel shooter for selfies and video calls. This model runs on the Android 14 OS based OriginOS 4 custom skin out of the box.

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Samsung Galaxy Time watch faces launched, shows the time of all planets in solar system

Samsung Galaxy Watch users will now be able to tell the time of not just Earth but all the planets in the solar system. Samsung has partnered with the European Space Agency (ESA) to develop a new range of watch faces, one for each planet, to display real-time data of that particular planet.

Galaxy Time watch face launched

Galaxy Time watch face

The new watch face, Galaxy Time, is available on WearOS-powered Galaxy smartwatches. This means it is available on all Samsung smartwatches, including the Galaxy Watch Series 4 and those after it.

Owners of the eligible smartwatch models can download the watch face directly from the Google PlayStore. The Galaxy Time was made public on March 31, as announced by Samsung Germany. That said, its availability may be affected by users’ regions.

There are eight different Galaxy Time watch faces to match the number of planets in the solar system. Each planet has a unique clock system, as time runs slower and faster based on different factors. The time on each planet is calculated by meticulously observing its speed of rotation around its axis and its orbit around the sun. Given the complexity of these calculations, Samsung has partnered with the European Space Agency to ensure the quality of the time data used in Galaxy Time.

In addition to time, the new watch face can provide other helpful insights, including the distance of planets from the Sun and Earth, the number of their moons, and their real-time position and corresponding season. Samsung credits Leo Burnett (Germany), with whom they previously collaborated on the Samsung Galaxy S8 product campaign, with the original concept for the Galaxy Time.

As stated earlier, data about planets’ rotation and revolution are provided by the European Space Agency (ESA). Metadesign, a Berlin-based brand agency, finalized the design for the Galaxy Time watch faces.

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Xiaomi to release their smallest 120W charger ever

Most of the Xiaomi’s smartphones now come with super fast charging support, so much so that 67W charging has become the standard for Xiaomi’s midrange devices. However, the charging adapters that come in Xiaomi phone boxes are generally a bit chunky.

Xiaomi 120W GaN charger

Xiaomi introduced a compact 67W charging brick a few months ago, which boasts a compact design and can juice the all Xiaomi phones supporting 67W charging.

Now, Xiaomi is preparing to introduce a compact 120W charging adapter, with the help of GaN (Gallium Nitride) technology, providing 120W power in such a small size.

While Xiaomi has not yet unveiled the 120W compact charger, the first image was shared by an account named “Harvey_浩浩” on Weibo. Xiaomi has not officially announced the new 120W GaN charging adapter yet, but according to Harvey, it will be unveiled at a special event in China.

Xiaomi previously introduced a 67W GaN charger, successfully reducing the size of the adapter significantly. Here are both adapters for you to understand the difference.

If the image shared by Harvey reveals the final design of Xiaomi’s 120W GaN charger, we might expect a similar size reduction as seen with the 67W GaN charger. It’s truly fascinating to see a power brick capable of delivering 120W in such a small form factor. Xiaomi will initially release this adapter in China.

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Realme GT Neo 6 SE looks sleek, desirable in silver variant, teaser video released

Yesterday, Realme released a poster to reveal the front design of the Realme GT Neo 6 SE. A few days ago, a Chinese leaker released a leaked render of the phone’s green variant. Today, the brand released a new image to officially confirm the rear design of the phone.

Realme GT Neo 6 SE silver variant revealed

Realme GT Neo 6 SE silver
Realme GT Neo 6 SE silver variant

The above image gives a first look at the rear design of the Liquid Silver Knight color variant of the GT Neo 6 SE. The image shows that the camera section on the back of the GT Neo 6 SE has a shiny finish, whereas the rest of the back is matte. It features dual camera rings housing two cameras and alongside that is a dual-LED flash unit.

The above image, which was released yesterday by Realme, revealed that the Realme GT Neo 6 SE has a punch-hole screen with slightly curved edges and ultra-thin bezels. According to the brand, the GT Neo 6 SE is equipped with an all-new 8T LTPO BOE OLED panel that supports up to 6,000 nits of peak brightness, a 120Hz refresh rate, and a 2160Hz PWM dimming. The rest of its specifications are yet to be revealed. Here is a look at the teaser video of the device.

Realme GT Neo 6 SE specifications

According to reports, the Realme GT Neo 6 SE has a 6.78-inch OLED screen that offers a 1.5K resolution. It features the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 chipset, up to 16 GB of RAM, up to 1 TB of storage, and a 5,500mAh battery with 100W fast charging. It is said to feature a 50-megapixel Sony camera with OIS support on the back, and it is expected to run on Realme UI 5-based Android 14.

Realme is still silent about the launch date of the Realme GT Neo 6 SE. The device may likely go official in the coming week in China. As per reports, it may get rebadged as the Realme GT 6 in markets outside of China.

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Vivo Y200 Pro 5G receive BIS, Bluetooth SIG certifications, launch imminent

Vivo unveiled the Vivo Y200 5G smartphone in October last year. In February of this year, the brand announced the Vivo Y200e 5G in the country. Now, a new development reveals that the country will soon receive another Y200-series phone called the Vivo Y200 Pro 5G.

Vivo Y200 Pro 5G BIS certified

Vivo Y200 Pro 5G BIS certification
Vivo Y200 Pro 5g Bluetooth SIG

The BIS authority in India has approved a new Vivo phone with model number V2401, as shown in the screenshot above. The same phone is listed with the Vivo Y200 Pro 5G branding in the Google Play Supported Devices list and Bluetooth SIG certification, as shown below.

Interestingly, apart from V2401, the model number V2303 is also associated with the Vivo Y200 Pro 5G. Last month, the Y200 Pro 5G was spotted in the Google Play Console database. The listing revealed an image and a few specifications for the device. For those who don’t know, the V2303 model number originally belongs to the Vivo V29e, which debuted in Q3 2023.

Therefore, it appears that the Vivo Y200 Pro 5G could be based on the Vivo V29e. To recall, the device came with a 6.78-inch AMOLED curve-edge screen, which offers an FHD+ resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. The device is equipped with an in-screen fingerprint sensor for security.

Under the hood, the Vivo Y200 Pro 5G features the Snapdragon 695 chip, 8 GB of RAM, and a 5,000mAh battery with 44W fast charging support. It comes in 128 GB and 256 GB storage options.

For selfies, the Vivo Y29e has a 50-megapixel front-facing camera with autofocus support. On the back, the device features a 64-megapixel (main, with OIS) + 8-megapixel (ultra-wide) dual-camera system. Now that the Y200 Pro 5G has received BIS certification, it appears that it may go official later this month or in May.

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Apple collabs with Alo Yoga for special edition Beats Fit Pro

Beats has teamed up with Alo Yoga to bring out a new version of the Beats Fit Pro wireless earbuds. This special edition comes in a Black Sparkle color, with a shiny chrome look inside the charging case, and features the Alo logo and a shiny Beats logo on the earbuds themselves.

These earbuds are designed to stay put during workouts, thanks to their winged tips. They offer features like spatial audio with head tracking and active noise cancellation, along with a “Transparency” mode to keep you aware of your surroundings. They’re powered by Apple’s H1 chip, making them a top choice for both Apple and Android users.

Battery life is pretty solid with up to 7 hours of playback, or 6 hours if you have noise cancellation on. With the charging case, you can get up to 30 hours of use. If you’re in a hurry, a quick 5-minute charge gives you an hour of playback. While they don’t support wireless charging, they are IPX4-rated, so they’re resistant to water and sweat.

Priced at $200/€250/£220, these new Beats Fit Pro earbuds will be available from April 4. You can buy them online through Apple and Alo Yoga, or at some Apple stores.

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This Smart Door Lock in China uses Vein Technology for Biometric Authentication

The S6 Max-H Dual-Camera Smart Door Lock recently went on sale in China and utilizes advanced vein recognition technology to protect your home and businesses.

At the core of the S6 Max-H lies revolutionary vein recognition technology, a biometric authentication method that analyzes patterns of blood vessels beneath the skin’s surface. By utilizing dual cameras and 3D structured light, the S6 Max-H effectively records and processes these patterns, enabling swift and accurate authentication within a fraction of a second. Unlike conventional methods such as fingerprint scanners, vein recognition is highly reliable and virtually impossible to forge or spoof, making it an ideal choice for security.

S6 Max-H Dual-Camera Smart Door Lock offers nine door opening methods, including face unlocking, password unlocking, and Bluetooth unlock, ensuring flexibility and convenience for users. Equipped with a built-in 4.7-inch screen and powered by a robust 5000 mAh battery, the device helps you to keep your house safe and secure.

How does the Vein Recognition Technology work?

Vein recognition technology captures infrared light absorbed by hemoglobin in blood vessels, creating distinct patterns that are unique to each individual.  Blood vessels absorb more infrared light, resulting in darker patterns in the images. This color difference helps the system to create precise biometric references for accurate identification. 

Vein recognition technology has been present for a while, with China and Japan at the forefront of making it accessible to everyday consumers. The technology can be traced back to the 1980s, pioneered by Joe Rice, and has been commercially developed by Hitachi since 1997. It was at first used by organizations like Japanese financial institutions and gained popularity for its dependability.

China has been using Vein Technology for Years

Vein recognition technology has been used in China for years and plays an important role in the AI and robotics market. It is widely used in access control, autonomous vending, and public transport. For instance, DeepBlue’s Panda Bus allows ticketless boarding via palm scanning. 

Currently, palm vein recognition trials are going on for metro payments in cities like Shanghai. Tencent has also joined this sector by introducing palm payments in Beijing’s airport express line offering WeChat users an alternative to facial recognition. All these advancements signify a leap in biometric payment systems within China’s transport networks. 

With strong government backing and a vision for practical applications, Chinese companies are leading the push in realizing the potential of vein identification technology.

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Logitech’s New Signature Slim K950 hits Indian Market with Seamless Device Switching & Silent Typing

Logitech recently unveiled its Signature Slim Combo K950 in the US, EU, and UK last week. Now, this wireless keyboard and mouse combo has also arrived in the Indian market. The main attraction of these peripherals is their ability to connect to multiple devices and allow effortless switching between them.

Both the keyboard and mouse are made to be quiet, so you can work without noisy distractions. The keyboard is thin and offers keys that feel like those on a laptop, and the mouse has a special scrolling wheel for quick and accurate scrolling.

The keyboard and mouse boast long battery lives of 36 and 24 months, respectively, facilitated by included non-rechargeable batteries. The mouse features Logitech Advanced Optical Sensor Technology with adjustable DPI settings (400-4000).

Logitech has also focused on making these products with the environment in mind. They use recycled plastic and come in packaging from responsibly managed forests.

Pricing & availability

The Signature Slim K950 Keyboard alone is priced at Rs. 10,290, and the whole combo, including the mouse, costs Rs. 13,995. Logitech is also selling them in different colors, including an off-white variant. For a short time, you can get the combo for a reduced price of Rs. 10,447 on Amazon India.

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