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Tecno Pova 6 Pro India launch date finally revealed

Tecno has officially revealed the launch date for its highly anticipated Pova 6 Pro smartphone model in India. The smartphone was first unveiled at the MWC 2024 global event and now it is arriving in the Indian market. So here are all the details.

Tecno Pova 6 Pro India Launch

Tecno Pova 6 Pro

The smartphone brand has officially confirmed that the upcoming device is set to launch in the region on 29th March 2024. For those unaware, this launch arrives in collaboration with Playground Season 3, which is a series on Amazon miniTV. The company will even share the very first unboxing of this handset during the premiere of this show. To recall, the Pova 6 Pro was unveiled as a mid-range smartphone that features semi semi-transparent design with a lithography precision texture.

Furthermore, the back also features LED light strips, similar to the Nothing Phone lineup. As per official notes, there are 210 mini LEDs on the back that offer nine lighting modes. The back also features a 108-megapixel dual camera setup. Meanwhile, the front sports a tall 6.78-inch AMOLED display that has a Full HD+ resolution, a 32-megapixel selfie shooter, and a 120Hz refresh rate.

Under the hood, this smartphone is equipped with the MediaTek Dimensity 6080 SoC that is paired with up to 12GB of RAM with virtual RAM expansion support and 256GB of internal storage. A massive 6,000mAh battery pack powers this device, which supports 70W wired fast charging and 10W wireless reverse charging. This device is available in two color options, namely Meteorite Grey and Comet Green. So stick around for more, as we will be covering the launch next week.

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Vivo T3 launches in India with 120Hz AMOLED display, dual speakers, 44W charging, and more

As scheduled, the Vivo T3 goes official in India today. The latest budget smartphone from the company is almost identical to the recently released iQOO Z9. The only difference is that it arrives with three rear cameras instead of two.

The Vivo T3 succeeds the Vivo T2 from last year. For the unaware, the T2 was again nearly identical to iQOO Z7x.

Vivo T3 5G

Vivo T3 Specifications

The Vivo T3 features a plastic build like its predecessor and most other devices in the segment. It has a flat frame and the triple rear cameras are placed on a slightly raised rectangular island.

The handset is built around a 6.67-inch centered punch-hole AMOLED display. This panel comes with a resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels,394 PPI, and a 120Hz refresh rate. The screen can reach up to 1800 nits peak brightness level.

Under the hood, the phone houses a MediaTek Dimesnity 7200 chip paired with LPDDR4x RAM and UFS 2.2 storage. It draws energy from a 5,000mAh battery and supports 44W wired charging.

The device’s triple camera setup consists of an OIS-assisted Sony IMX882 primary sensor, a 2MP depth sensor, and a flicker sensor. On the front, it has a 16MP shooter.

Further, the smartphone arrives with dual stereo speakers, an in-screen fingerprint sensor, a MicroSD card slot, and an IP54 rating. On the connectivity front, it offers dual SIM, 5G, WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, GNSS, and USB Type-C.

Last but not least, the handset boots Funtouch OS 14 based on Android 14.

Vivo T3 Price in India

The Vivo T3 carries the following price tags in India.

  • 8GB + 128GB – ₹19,999 (~$240)
  • 8GB + 256GB – ₹21,999 (~$265)

It comes in two color options, namely Cosmic Blue and Crystal Flake.

The product will be available for purchase starting at 12 PM IST on March 27. It will be sold via Vivo.com, Flipkart, and retail stores across the country.

Buyers can avail of a ₹2,000 instant discount on transactions made through credit cards issued by HDFC Bank and SBI.

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Xiaomi announces launch date for new Mijia Smart Audio Glasses: March 25th

Xiaomi Smart Ecosystem officially announced its new Mijia smart audio glasses will be launched on March 25. The official poster contains an image of a glass note “Mirror Enjoy Listening” (translated from Chinese). So, it appears that the product is going to have some notable audio features.

Xiaomi’s new Mijia Smart Audio Glass

Features offered by last year’s Mijia Smart Audio Glasses

Xiaomi launched its Mijia Smart Audio Glasses last year for a price tag of 799 Yuan (~$110) with support for a noise reduction feature during calls. It was available in a total of five frame and sunglass styles including a square half-frame style, a full frame style.

Last year’s Mijia smart audio glass uses “open sound field technology” and is able to offer a 360-degree surround sound effect. This smart glass product comes with a dual-mic AI call noise reduction function and also supports intelligent enhancement for calls. In addition to that, it supports dual device connection and a 30mm long touchpad on both sides which enables seamless implementation of tough gesture functions. It also comes with an IP54 dust and water resistance rating, which means protection from normal environmental dust and more importantly, protection from water splashes.

In terms of battery life, this smart glass can reportedly last 1 week on standby, more than 22 hours in regular usage, and more than 10 hours with continuous music listening or more than 7 hours of calling. Not to mention, the successor to this product, which is just four days away from launch at this point, is expected to perform with even better power efficiency.

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Galaxy S22 owners may get Galaxy AI after all

Samsung introduced a range of AI features on the Galaxy S24 series as a part of the Galaxy AI umbrella. These features will also be included in the One UI 6.1 update for owners of the Galaxy S23 series, Galaxy S23 FE, Fold 5, Flip 5, and Tab S9 series.

But there were rumors that the Galaxy S22 series, Samsung’s 2022 flagship lineup, wouldn’t receive this AI upgrade. However, recent statements from Samsung executives suggest that there might still be hope for the S22 family.

TM Roh, President of Samsung’s Mobile Division, mentioned during a general shareholders’ meeting that the company is actively exploring ways to bring Galaxy AI to older devices.

Galaxy S22 Galaxy AI

The challenge seems to lie in the fact that while some Galaxy AI features depend on cloud processing, others rely on on-device processing. And the Galaxy S22 series might lack the necessary hardware capabilities to support these AI features.

However, despite sharing the same chipsets as the S22, the S23 FE is expected to receive Galaxy AI features with the One Ui 6.1 update. So chipset shouldn’t specifically be an issue for the Galaxy S22 series, although Roh didn’t delve into the specifics.

Still Roh emphasized that overcoming these limitations will require “a lot of effort,” but Samsung is committed to investing resources to make it happen.

Whether the Galaxy S22 series will eventually gain these AI features remains uncertain. But learning that Samsung is not ruling out the hope entirely is certainly promising.

In another interesting development, TM Roh also confirmed that Samsung is working on its innovative foldable and rollable devices. 

Roh’s statements suggest that Samsung is evaluating the commercial viability of such form factors and working to secure necessary patents for their development to progress.

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Oppo A60 camera, battery size, fast charging details emerge, launch imminent

The Oppo A60 could be the next A-series phone from the brand. The device bearing the model number CPH2631 has received approval from different certification platforms, such as Thailand’s NBTC, Indonesia’s SDPPI and TKDN, and the UAE’s TDRA. In addition, it has also emerged in the databases of TUV Rheinland and Camera FV-5.

Oppo A60 first details emerge

The Oppo A60’s certifications (via MySmartPrice) in Thailand, Indonesia, and the UAE only confirm its name and model number. The TUV certification of the device suggests that it may pack a 5,000mAh battery with 45W fast charging support.

The Camera FV-5 listing reveals that it may arrive with a 50-megapixel primary camera and an 8-megapixel front-facing camera. Both cameras appear to support EIS stabilization. The other details of the device remain a mystery.

The moniker of the device suggests that it will succeed the Oppo A59, which debuted in 2023. To recall, the device featured a 6.56-inch LCD panel that offers an FHD+ resolution and a 90Hz refresh rate. It came with a 13-megapixel dual-camera system and an 8-megapixel front camera. It came preloaded with Android 13 and ColorOS 13.1.

The A59 has the Dimensity 6020 chipset, 4 GB of RAM, 128 GB of storage, and a 5,000mAh battery with 33W fast charging. For security, it has a side-facing fingerprint reader. The device came with other features, such as dual 5G SIM support, a microSD card slot, dual stereo speakers, a 3.5mm audio jack, a side-facing fingerprint scanner, and an IP54-rated chassis.

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Flying Taxi now available for online purchase in China

In a groundbreaking move, EHang, the Chinese manufacturer of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicles, has announced the launch of its EH216-S flying taxi on Alibaba’s online shopping platform, the Taobao marketplace. With a price tag of 2.39 million yuan (US$332,000), the EH216-S is set to revolutionize urban transportation and mark a significant milestone in the era of autonomous passenger-carrying aircraft.

source: Ehang

EHang’s EH216-S has garnered immense attention and acclaim, having completed over 42,000 successful test flights across more than 14 countries. Notably, it became the world’s first recipient of a Type Certificate and Standard Airworthiness Certificate for pilotless eVTOLs from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), underscoring its safety and reliability.

The introduction of the EH216-S on Taobao signifies EHang’s strategic move to tap into the burgeoning market for urban air mobility solutions. With a suggested retail price of US$410,000 for international buyers, slated to commence on April 1st, EHang is poised for global expansion.

Hu Huazhi, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of EHang, expressed profound confidence in the EH216-S, highlighting the transformative impact of receiving airworthiness certification. This achievement has fueled a surge in demand and propelled revenue growth, with fourth-quarter earnings soaring by 260.9% compared to the same period in 2022.

Key specifications of the EH216-S include a top speed of 130 kilometers per hour, a cruising speed of 100 kilometers per hour, and a maximum altitude of 3,000 meters. With a range of 30 kilometers and a flight time of 25 minutes, coupled with a recharge time of 120 minutes, the EH216-S promises unparalleled efficiency and convenience for urban commuters.

EHang envisions diverse applications for the EH216-S, ranging from air taxi services and aerial tourism to airport shuttles and cross-island transport. The company has inked strategic partnerships with various municipal governments, to bolster the development of low-altitude economy ecosystems.

The commercialization of flying taxis on Taobao heralds a new era of accessible urban air mobility, aligning with China’s strategic vision for emerging industries. With about 20 provinces prioritizing the development of the low-altitude economy, EHang’s EH216-S is now standing at the forefront of innovation, poised to reshape the future of transportation.

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iQOO Neo 9 Pro’s new variant goes on sale India, continues to be most affordable Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 phone

On Feb. 22, iQOO unveiled the iQOO Neo 9 Pro in India. While the company unveiled the phone in three configurations, it only sold its 8GB+256GB and 12GB+256GB variants. Starting today, the 8GB+128GB edition of the device is available for purchase in the country.

iQOO Neo 9 Pro’s new variant goes on sale in India

iQOO Neo 9 Pro’s new variant

The price of the 8GB+128GB variant of the iQOO Neo 9 Pro is Rs 35,999 (~$433). Buyers can benefit from offers like up to Rs 2,000 (~$24) discount using an ICICI credit card or an exchange bonus of up to Rs 4,000 (~$48). The phone can be bought in two shades, such as Fiery Red and Conqueror Black. The new variant is available for purchase through Amazon and iQOO India’s e-store.

iQOO Neo 9 Pro specifications

The iQOO Neo 9 Pro has a 6.78-inch AMOLED display that offers a 1.5K resolution and a 144Hz refresh rate. Under the hood, the device has the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, LPDDR5x RAM, and UFS 4.0 storage. It houses a 5,160mAh battery with 120W fat charging support.

The Neo 9 Pro has a 16-megapixel camera for selfies and video calls. The back panel of the device has an OIS-enabled 50-megapixel Sony IMX920 main camera and an 8-megapixel ultra-wide lens.

The device runs on FunTouch OS 14-based Android 14. It is confirmed to receive three Android OS upgrades and four years of security updates. It has some other exciting features, such as dual speakers, an in-screen fingerprint sensor, an x-axis linear motor, an IR blaster, and a 6K VC liquid-cooled 3D heat dissipation system. It measures 7.99mm in thickness and weighs around 190 grams.

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Realme GT Neo 6 SE may feature 100W fast charging

The Realme GT Neo 6 SE is expected to launch in China sometime in late March or April. The upcoming smartphone has now been spotted on the 3C certification site, revealing some details about its features. 

While it’s not officially confirmed, the device with model number RMX3850 is strongly believed to be the Realme GT Neo 6 SE.

The RMX3850 listing reveals it will use a SUPERVOOC charger with the model number VCBAOBCH. This confirms that the GT Neo 6 SE will support 100W wired charging technology. 

Moreover, aside from supporting 5G connectivity, the certification doesn’t reveal any further specifications for the device.

However, the company has confirmed that the smartphone will run on the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 chipset. Qualcomm was expected to unveil this SoC alongside the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, but that didn’t happen. So we could directly see the chip in action in the upcoming smartphones. 

The Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 (SM7675) is said to feature a core cluster comprising 1 x 2.9 GHz Cortex-X4 + 4 x 2.6GHz Cortex-A720 + 3 + 1.9GHz Cortex-A520. For graphics, it comes with the Adreno 732 GPU.

Earlier this week, schematics of the smartphone have also surfaced online, revealing a design akin to its predecessor. Upfront, it’s rumored to flaunt an 8T LTPO AMOLED display. And the phone is said to have a 5500mAh battery, with support for 100W charging. 

Apart from the Neo 6 SE, Realme is also working on the GT Neo 6, which is rumored to be powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chip. 

As details of the Realme GT Neo 6 series are starting to surface, more information is expected to become available in the coming days. Realme should also announce the launch date of the devices pretty soon.

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Xiaomi Civi 4 Pro is officially confirmed to equip bionic dual front cameras enriched with AI features

The Xiaomi Civi 4 Pro will be released at 14:00 PM in China today. Just hours before the launch, the company teased the 32MP dual front camera setup of this device. Xiaomi notes that these two cameras have different fields of view – one comes with a 78-degree FOV while the other offers a wider 100-degree FOV.

Xiaomi Civi 4 Pro “bionic dual main camera”

A 32MP dual front camera setup with AI features

A special feature of the front cameras of this phone is going to be the AI GAN 4.0 AI neck wrinkle removal. Notably, Neck wrinkles, also known as necklines, are a common sign of aging that appear as horizontal creases on the neck. This, if done right, could be one of the notable applications of AI in photography so far.

There are some other AI features associated with the imaging capabilities of this device as well, such as the skin tone unification or the ‘AI white teeth and bright eyes’. The phone reportedly offers the “Master Portrait function of the Xiaomi 14 Ultra.

We previously reported that the lenses for the Xiaomi Civi 4 Pro’s cameras are jointly developed in collaboration with Leica, a German company that specializes in camera lens manufacturing. The rear main camera comes with a wide f/1.63 aperture and an OmniVision Light Hunter 800 sensor behind the custom-made lenses.

The Light Hunter 800 sensor supports a dynamic range of 13.2 EV. For context, the Sony a7S III has a maximum dynamic range of 14 stops (13.91 EV) at its lowest ISO settings. This Light Hunter 800 was previously used in the Redmi K70 Pro, which was released towards the end of last year.

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Vivo V2359A clears certification with 120W fast charging, likely the Vivo X100s

Vivo is gearing up to introduce its latest products in China this week, including the Vivo X Fold 3 series, a new tablet, and a TWS. However, there’s more in the pipeline from Vivo. Rumors suggest that the company is also working on new smartphones under the X100 series.

A new Vivo smartphone, possibly the Vivo X100s, has now received certification from the 3C certification website. The device carries the model number V2359A and will support 120W fast charging.

Apart from this detail, there isn’t much information available about the Vivo X100s from the certification.

If indeed it’s the Vivo X100s, tipster Digital Chat Station has been consistently sharing specifications of the upcoming device for several months now.

The insider has revealed that the device will come in Black, White, Green, and Titanium color options. 

Vivo X100 Pro

It’s rumored to sport a flat OLED display on the front, with minimal bezels, and a 1.5K resolution. The smartphone’s frame is expected to be flat and made of metal, while the back will feature a glass panel.

As for the processor, the X100S might be powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 9300 Plus SoC manufactured on a 4nm process. The notable difference between the regular Dimensity 9300 and the Plus model could be faster clock speeds.

For reference, the 9300 has one Cortex-X4 core clocked at 3.25GHz, three Cortex-X4 cores at 2.85GHz, four Cortex-A720 cores at 2.0GHz, and a Mali-G720 Immortalis MP12 GPU.

The upcoming flagship from Vivo is rumored to debut in China later this month. However, the company has yet to officially confirm any details about the smartphone’s release to date, making a March launch seem unlikely.

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Realme Narzo 70 Pro 5G sales skyrocket by 338% in early bird offer

Earlier this week, Realme unveiled the Realme Narzo 70 Pro 5G in India. While the first sale of the smartphone is scheduled for tomorrow (March 22) in the country, it was made available for an early bird sale on the launch day (March 19) at 6pm for a limited period. Today, the brand rolled out a press release to confirm the sales figure it achieved through the early bird sale.

Realme Narzo 70 Pro 5G’s first sale report

Realme-Narzo-70-Pro-5G-first-sale report

Realme confirmed that it sold over 300 units of the Narzo 70 Pro 5G per minute during the early bird sale. It further said that sales of the device skyrocketed by 338 percent as compared to the Narzo 60 Pro 5G from last year.

The Realme Narzo 70 Pro 5G is an impressive device, packing many good features at an affordable price. The 8GB+128GB and 8GB+256GB editions of the device are priced at Rs 19,999 (~$240) and Rs 21,999 (~$265), respectively. You can purchase the device in Glass Green and Glass Gold editions.

Realme Narzo 70 Pro 5G specifications

The Realme Narzo 70 Pro 5G has a 6.67-inch AMOLED display that offers an FHD+ resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, a rainwater smart touch feature, and an in-screen fingerprint sensor. The device runs on Realme UI 5-based Android 14. It is confirmed to receive two Android OS upgrades and three years of security updates.

The Narzo 70 Pro 5G has the Dimensity 7050 chip, 8 GB of LPDDR4x RAM, 8 GB of virtual RAM, 128 GB / 256 GB of UFS 3.1 storage, and a 5,000mAh battery with 67W fast charging. It has a 16-megapixel front camera, a 50-megapixel (Sony IMX890, OIS) + 8-megapixel (ultra-wide) + 2-megapixel (macro) triple camera unit.

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Infinix Note 40 Pro 5G series launching in India soon, timeframe appears on Flipkart

Recently, Infinix held a global launch event in Malaysia to announce the Infinix Note 40 series of smartphones. The company unveiled multiple devices, such as the Note 40 series of smartphones, the XBuds 3 WE, and the XWatch 3 WE smartwatch. Today, the brand officially confirmed the imminent release of the Note 40 Pro 5G series in India.

As can be seen in the above screenshot taken from a landing page that has appeared on Flipkart, the Infinix Note 40 Pro 5G series will be launching in April in India. The Note 40 lineup has four models, such as the Note 40, Note 40 Pro, Note 40 Pro 5G, and Note 40 Pro+ 5G. However, it seems that the country will only release the 5G variants. Here is a look at the specifications of both phones.

Infinix Note 40 Pro+ 5G, Note 40 Pro 5G specifications

Infinix Note 40 series April launch
Infinix Note 40 series April launch

The Infinix Note 40 Pro+ 5G has a 6.78-inch AMOLED display with curved edges. It offers a Full HD+ resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, and an in-screen fingerprint sensor. It features the Dimensity 7020 chip, 12 GB of RAM, 256 GB of storage, and a 4,600mAh battery. The phone supports 100W wired charging and 20W MagCharge magnetic wireless charging.

The Note 40 Pro+ 5G has a 108-megapixel (main, with OIS) + 2-megapixel + 2-megapixel triple camera unit with quad-LED flash on the back and a 32-megapixel front-facing camera. It comes preloaded with XOS 14-based Android 14.

The Note 40 Pro 5G packs the same specs as the Pro+ variant, but differs in departments, such as battery size, wired charging, and RAM. The device ships with 8 GB of RAM and a 5,000mAh battery with 45W charging. The company has confirmed that it will receive two Android OS upgrades and three years of security updates.

Both devices should cost well under Rs 25,000 (~$300) in India. It is speculated that the smartwatch and buds will also make it to the Indian market.

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Opinion: Realme Narzo 70 Pro 5G is the best budget smartphone since Redmi Note 10 Pro

The sub-20K INR price segment (~$250) continues to be the hottest category in the Indian smartphone market in terms of sales. However, the products aren’t as interesting to tech enthusiasts as they used to be earlier.

The Redmi Notes were once the de facto option for no matter who. While the Realme numbers were an alternative.

With an increase in prices, these product lineups left a big shoe to fill in for others. But that never happened until now

Recently, Realme Narzo 70 Pro 5G went official in India. Historically, Narzo phones have offered better value than their cousin Realme number series.

That’s no different this time either. In fact, I would say the Narzo series has one-upped its game.

In my opinion, Realme Narzo 70 Pro 5G is the first interesting sub-20K INR smartphone after the hugely popular Redmi Note 10 Pro from 2021. Here’s why I think this way.

1. What made Redmi Note 10 Pro special?

Redmi Note 10 Pro

Most premium smartphones are best at everything the brand can offer. On the other hand, in the budget category, phones shine in one or a few categories.

Therefore, you get lots of options as each device caters to a different audience. But once in a while, there are some products that excel in almost everything in their segment. The Redmi Note 10 Pro was one of those handsets.

It not only just had an AMOLED display but one with a 120Hz refresh rate, 1200 nits peak brightness level, and HDR10+ support. The device was powered by the most powerful 4G-only Qualcomm mid-range chipset — Snapdragon 732G.

Further, it came with a 108MP primary camera and a 5MP telemacro camera. Both these sensors were unheard of in this segment.  It also housed Doldby Atmo-supported dual stereo speakers and a large 5,020mAh battery with support for 33W wired charging.

Finally, it had a premium look and feel with a frosted glass back build.

2. Realme Narzo 70 Pro 5G is similar to Redmi Note 10 Pro in many ways

Realme Narzo 70 Pro 5G

What we said about the Redmi Note 10 Pro also applies to Realme Narzo 70 Pro 5G to a great extent. Simply put, we can consider Narzo as the 5G version of Note.

The Narzo 70 Pro 5G has the brightest display in its segment with 2000 nits local peak brightness level. The screen-to-body ratio is not the best but not so far behind at 92.65% compared to Redmi Note 13’s 93.3%.

The handset’s primary highlights are its design and cameras. It is one of the few phones in the segment with a glass back and that too with a dual-tone finish (matte and glossy).

Most importantly, it has a flagship-grade Sony IMX890 primary camera with OIS. It is the first and the only device in its segment to feature this sensor.

The handset is powered by a Dimensity 7050 chip, which is only slower than the Dimensity 7200 SoC present inside its direct competitor iQOO Z9 5G. While in other departments, Narzo aces over iQOO with features like 67W wired charging and others mentioned above.

In other words, just like the Redmi Note 10 Pro, the Realme Narzo 70 Pro 5G caters to all types of consumers, including enthusiasts.

3. But there’s one notable difference

The Redmi Note 10 Pro was a multi-channel product. In simpler words, it was available widely across both offline and online channels. Thus, it not only had more reach but also several financing options to make it approachable to more consumers.

Whereas the Realme Narzo 70 Pro 5G is an online-esclusive product. It is only sold through Realme.com and Amazon. Thus, its reach is about half as that of Redmi Note 10 Pro.

Therefore, I don’t think that the Realme smartphone will be as popular as Redmi despite being the best product in the sub-20K INR price segment

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OnePlus Ace 3V pricing & configurations leak ahead of launch

OnePlus is gearing up to launch its latest smartphone, the OnePlus Ace 3V, in China on March 21, 2024. The phone was recently revealed to feature an IP65 rating, which will make it dust and water-resistant. The brand also confirmed that the device will come with Android 14 out of the box and will get 3 major updates and 4 years of software support.

Now, a new leak has surfaced revealing how much it will cost. As per a post on X (formerly Twitter) by @ZionsAnvin, the OnePlus Ace 3V will come in three variants: 12GB+256GB, 12GB+512GB, and 16GB+512GB. 12GB+256GB model might be priced around ¥2299 ($320), the 12GB+512GB version could go for about ¥2699 ($375), and the highest-end version, the 16GB+512GB, might cost around ¥2899 (~$400). These prices aren’t confirmed yet, so it’s best to take them with a grain of salt until the official launch.

OnePlus Ace 3V

OnePlus has confirmed some features for the Ace 3V. It will have an OLED display with a 1.5K resolution and 2160Hz PWM dimming, which is great for people who want a screen that’s easier on the eyes. The phone is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 chipset, has LPDDR5x RAM, and offers 512GB of UFS 4.0 storage. Lastly, it is said to feature a 5000mAh battery and 100W wired fast charging. More details will be announced later today, so stay tuned.

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Realme 12X with 6.67″ 120Hz display & Dimensity 6100+ SoC launched in China

Realme has recently launched the Realme 12X, a new member of its Realme 12 series, initially available in its home country with plans to bring it to more markets.

Realme 12X

Realme 12X specs:

This smartphone comes with a 6.67-inch LCD screen, offering a smooth experience thanks to its 120Hz refresh rate. It’s designed to be easy on the eyes and can shine bright with a peak brightness of 625 nits. The Realme 12X is also pretty slim at 7.89mm thick and lightweight, weighing in at 190g.

Performance-wise, it’s equipped with the MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ processor and has a generous 12GB+12GB (Virtual RAM) setup for multitasking. It runs on Realme UI 5.0, which is based on Android 14, providing a fresh and responsive user interface. Battery life is solid with a 5000mAh capacity and 15W fast charging for quick power-ups.

Realme 12X

For photos and videos, there’s a 50-megapixel main camera at the back and an 8-megapixel selfie camera at the front. The Realme 12X is also IP54 certified, meaning it’s resistant to splashes and dust. A side-mounted fingerprint scanner makes unlocking easy and quick.

Pricing & availability

Regarding pricing & configurations, there are two storage versions available: 12GB+256GB and 12GB+512GB. It comes in two colors: bluebird and black jade. The 256GB variant is priced at ¥1399, down from ¥1499, and the 512GB option is ¥1599, reduced from ¥1799. The Realme 12X will be officially on sale in China from April 1st, 2024.

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Vivo X Fold 3 Pro price leaks ahead of launch, could cost north of $1900

Vivo is set to launch its new X Fold 3 series, including the TWS 4 buds and Vivo Pad 3 Pro, on March 26. Details about the Vivo X Fold 3 Pro, including its price and specs have leaked ahead of this date.

Vivo X Fold 3 Pro price leak

As per a promo poster image shared by Whylabs, the Vivo X Fold 3 Pro will debut in two RAM and storage configurations: 16GB + 512GB and 16GB + 1TB. The 512GB storage variant will cost 13,999 Yuan, which is about $1,945, while the 1TB model will cost 14,999 Yuan, which converts to around $2,085. These prices suggest that the Vivo X Fold 3 Pro is aiming for the premium end of the market. Currently, it is unclear if or when the brand plans to bring these foldables over to the global market.

The Vivo X Fold Pro is said to feature a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor. So far, there are no other foldable with this chip retailing on the market. Recent teasers have also revealed that the device will be quite light, weighing just 221 grams. It will feature a large 8.03-inch main screen and a cover screen that measures 6.53 inches. Both of these displays will be using a Samsung-supplied E7 AMOLED panel.

In addition to the impressive processor and display, the device will also have a powerful camera setup, which will include a 50MP primary camera, a 50MP ultrawide camera, and a 64MP zoom camera. On the front, the device is expected to feature a 32MP selfie snapper. The device is expected to offer ample run time thanks to a 5700mAh battery, that supports 120W wired and 50W wireless charging. Finer details are expected to be revealed as we get closer to the March 26 launch date, so stay tuned.

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We are Reportedly Getting a New Nikkor Z 28-400mm Zoom Lens from Nikon Next Week

Japanese photography brand Nikon is rumored to be launching a new Nikkor Z 28-400mm f/3.5-6.3 zoom lens on March 26th or 27th, according to NikonRumors. This exciting addition to the Nikon Z lineup will provide impressive versatility in a surprisingly compact and lightweight design.

The lens is expected to be at a good balance of affordability and capability.

While exact specifications remain under wraps, one thing’s clear: this new lens won’t belong to Nikon’s high-performance S series. This suggests a price point balance between affordability and capability, making it a potential all-rounder for many photographers’ lens bags.

Nikon

But what exactly is a telephoto lens? Unlike standard lenses, telephoto lenses use clever optics to magnify distant objects, bringing them closer in your frame. Imagine capturing stunning wildlife shots from afar, or zooming in for tight portrait compositions without needing to physically get closer to your subject. Telephoto lenses excel at these tasks, making them ideal for nature photography, sports photography, and portraiture.

Nikon already boasts a range of well-received zoom lenses, like the Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR. This new 28-400mm offering promises even more reach, allowing you to capture everything from wide landscapes to telephoto close-ups with a single lens. With more information expected to be revealed on March 26th or 27th, stay tuned as we provide coverage about the exciting new Nikkor Z lens and its potential to level up your photography.

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Neuralink Patient Successfully Plays Chess and Civilization with Only His Thoughts!

The future of human-computer interaction just got a whole lot more mind-blowing. Neuralink, Elon Musk‘s brain-computer interface (BCI) company, live-streamed a groundbreaking achievement – a quadriplegic man named Noland Arbaugh successfully playing games like chess and Civilization using only his thoughts!

The Neuralink technology translates thought patterns into digital signals

Noland’s experience was nothing short of incredible. During the live broadcast, he guided the chess pieces on the screen with his mind, leaving viewers in awe. “If you can all see the cursor moving, yes, that’s me (operating),” he announced with a hint of justifiable excitement. “This is very interesting. Cool, right?”

Neuralink

So, how exactly did Noland achieve this feat? Neuralink’s technology works by implanting a chip into the brain that translates thought patterns into digital signals. In the live broadcast, Noland explained his training process: “I would try to move my right hand, left, right, forward, backward, and then, from there, imagine the cursor moving.” This in itself tells us about the connection Neuralink is making between the human mind and digital commands.

This demonstration is a significant leap forward in BCI technology. Noland’s success paves the way for a future where individuals with paralysis or other neurological conditions can regain control and independence through the power of their thoughts. Neuralink aptly named their first product “Telepathy,” reflecting its ambition to create a seamless mind-machine connection.

Neuralink isn’t the first to explore BCI technology. Back in 2021, they showcased a macaque monkey named Pager playing a video game using its mind. However, Noland’s live demonstration takes things a crucial step further, showcasing the potential of this technology in real-world human applications.

One thing is certain: the boundaries between human and machine are blurring. And we’re all here for it (for the most part).

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Google’s AI Takes a Huge Bite Out of Global Flood Risk, Providing Forecasts to over 460 Million People

Imagine living in constant fear of floods, with nowhere to turn for reliable warnings. For nearly 1.5 billion people around the world, this isn’t a hypothetical scenario – it’s a harsh reality. Floods, the most common natural disaster, leave a trail of devastation, displacing communities and costing billions in damages each year.

Google first started with a pilot project in Patna, India

Traditionally, accurate flood forecasting was a luxury limited to areas with extensive monitoring infrastructure. This left developing nations and underserved communities particularly vulnerable. But Google is changing the game with the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Google’s journey began with a pilot project in India‘s flood-prone Patna region. Here, they built flood forecasting models using real-time data and historical information. While this approach delivered hyper-local accuracy, it wasn’t scalable. The answer, they realized, lay in machine learning‘s ability to crunch vast datasets.

Google Research

By 2019, Google had expanded its reach 12-fold, sending out vital flood alerts to affected communities. Recognizing the potential of Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks in AI, they partnered with researchers to develop a global flood forecasting platform. This ambitious project aimed to deliver reliable information even in data-scarce regions.

Initial success in India and Bangladesh covered 360 million people, but local data limitations hampered further expansion. Google’s solution? A global AI model trained on vast datasets, enabling flood prediction even without local streamflow measurements.

This innovation led to the launch of the Flood Hub platform in 2022. Today, it provides real-time flood forecasts to over 460 million people in 80 countries, including previously underserved regions in Africa. Now, access to flood forecasting in Africa rivals that of Europe.

Google understands that scientific progress thrives on collaboration. They actively partner with academic institutions, local governments, and international organizations like the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) to support early warning systems. Additionally, initiatives like the “Caravan Project” focus on standardizing and aggregating existing flood data sets. The company seems to be committed to newer research and technology to expand coverage, tackle new flood types like flash floods, and explore AI solutions for broader climate adaptation challenges. This is an ongoing journey, with the ultimate goal of protecting vulnerable communities worldwide. It’s one of the scattered examples where big tech is using AI to actually make a change, and it’s good to see that.

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Blackview Mega 1 launches as a budget-friendly tablet with 120Hz refresh and Widevine

The Blackview Mega 1 tablet has been launched and it comes with a larger display than its predecessor. The new Blackview tablet also has a 120Hz display refresh rate and Widevine certification.

Blackview Mega 1

The Blackview Mega 1 is an Android tablet that supports high-resolution content playback via its Widevine certification. It can be used to stream high-resolution video content from streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, and DisneyPlus. The maximum brightness of the tablet is 400 nits. The new Blackview Mega 1 is neither large nor comes with above-average computing power, hence its Mega moniker could be confusing. The model however comes with a larger-than-normal refresh rate of 120Hz.

The new Blackview tablet has a diagonal screen length of 11.5 inches and the screen has a 2.4k resolution. There are four speakers on the device and this will guarantee a decent sound output. The model is powered by the MediaTek Helio G99 processor with either 8GB or 12GB of RAM. The internal storage of the tablet is 256GB and this can be expanded via a memory card in all the model options. The Blackview Mega 1 has dimensions of 268.7 x 169 x 7.6 mm and it weighs about 528g. Some of the supported navigation options on the tablet are GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and Beidou. It also supports 4G bands.

Blackview Mega 1

Pricing & Availability

The Blackview Mega 1 tablet is available for purchase from online platforms like AliExpress at a retail price of $199. It is noted that the Blackview Mega 1 is orderable from several countries but it is unclear whether it will be available in Germany. Additional costs may be incurred due to shipping rates in some markets. More details about the Mega 1 could be obtained from the Blackview official website.

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