Itel Icon 2 smartwatch with 1.83″ HD display, Bluetooth calling & 100 sports modes launched for INR 1,099 ($13)

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Mar 5, 2024

Instagram, Facebook, Messenger, and Threads, all under the Meta umbrella, are in the spotlight due to technical issues. According to incoming information, there are accessibility problems across all Meta platforms. When accessing Instagram, we observe that posts cannot be loaded, and the feed cannot be refreshed. Similarly, the Facebook application is not opening, and some users are getting logged out. In Threads, encountering a problem message is reported when opening the application. Here are the details…

Instagram, Facebook, Messenger, and Threads Struggle with Accessibility

Some Instagram, Facebook, and Threads users have started providing feedback that the feed cannot be refreshed on the main page and sharing cannot be done. It seems that the access issue is being experienced globally. Users have begun flocking to Downdetector, an online platform that provides real-time information about the status of websites and services when they notice this problem. So what can you do to fix the Instagram problem?

Actually, initially, there’s not much you can do. The issue is related to Meta, and until the platform fixes it, there’s nothing you can do. However, if it’s a problem related to you, there are various methods you can try to resolve errors on the widely-used social media app. Here are some reasons why you might be unable to access your Instagram account:

Your account may be blocked.
You might have no internet connection.
Instagram servers may be down.
Your device’s clock settings could be incorrect.
You may have entered your username or password incorrectly.
Other reasons related to the image-based social media platform.

Here are solutions to troubleshoot Instagram login issues:

Double-check your account credentials.
Verify your internet connection.
Restart your phone.
Clear Instagram’s cache and data.
Check your device’s date and time settings.
Update the Instagram app.
Reset your account password.
Uninstall and reinstall the Instagram app.
Reset your phone.

updating…

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Samsung Galaxy A55’s Spec Sheet & Official Images Revealed by Belgian Telecom Company

By

Anubhav

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Mar 5, 2024

A Belgian telecom company has accidentally revealed the full specifications of the upcoming Samsung Galaxy A55, scheduled for an official unveiling on March 11th. This leak, which includes spec details and official images, confirms earlier rumors and gives us a clear picture of what to expect from the new phone. Let’s have a look!

The leak confirms most previous rumors surrounding the Galaxy A55

The A55 will be powered by the Exynos 1480 SoC, a capable processor for everyday use and multimedia. While the leak confirms 6GB of RAM, previous reports suggested potential variants with up to 12GB for smoother multitasking. Storage starts at 128GB, but a microSD card slot allows for expansion up to 1TB, providing ample space for data.

The display takes a step up from the A54, offering a larger 6.6-inch OLED panel for vibrant visuals and wide viewing angles. A centered punch-hole houses the selfie camera, maintaining a clean aesthetic.

The camera setup remains unchanged from the A54, featuring a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 5MP macro lens, catering to various photography needs. The front-facing camera boasts 32MP for selfies and video calls.

The A55 retains the reliable 5,000 mAh battery from previous A-series phones, ensuring long battery life. Software takes a leap forward, ditching Android 13 for the latest Android 14, offering access to new features and potentially longer software support from Samsung.

While the leak reveals most details, pricing remains unknown. We expect Samsung to unveil official pricing during the March 11th event, allowing potential buyers to make informed decisions. This leak, however, provides valuable information for those interested in the A55’s capabilities and whether it aligns with their needs and budget.

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Google’s Pixel Feature Drop for March – Upgrades to Call Screening, Fitness Apps and More

By

Anubhav

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Mar 5, 2024

Google’s latest Pixel Feature Drop for March brings a wave of improvements designed to enhance productivity and health tracking across Pixel phones, the first-generation Pixel Watch, and the broader Pixel ecosystem. Let’s have a look at the most important changes introduced in the new update.

Users can now also post 10-bit HDR videos directly to Instagram Reels

Pixel phone users will experience an upgrade to Call Screening. When a screened call remains silent, a new “hello” prompt will encourage the caller to speak, revealing their reason for contacting you. Additionally, Google Assistant can now inform callers to wait a bit longer if you choose not to answer immediately.

Sharing stunning visuals becomes easier with the ability to capture and share vivid 10-bit HDR videos directly on Instagram Reels, while beautiful Ultra HDR photos can now be uploaded and shared on your Instagram feed directly from your Pixel phone.

The convenient “Circle to Search” feature, allowing you to search anything on your device without switching apps, is expanding to Pixel 7 and 7 Pro. Simply long-press the home button or navigation bar and interact with the desired content (text, image, or video) to get search results instantly.

The first-generation Pixel Watch receives a fitness boost with features previously exclusive to the second generation. Train for a specific pace with Pace Training, monitor your heart rate zones with Heart Zone Training, and benefit from a redesigned user interface for easier workout data visualization.

Find moments of peace with the Fitbit Relax app, now available on the first-gen Pixel Watch. This app guides you through breathing exercises directly on your wrist, allowing you to track your mindfulness progress over time.

Navigate your city with ease using Google Maps on your Pixel Watch. Get real-time departure times, explore different transit options, and receive guidance through a compass-enabled map view.

The Pixel portfolio receives several enhancements as well. Share only specific app content during video calls on your Pixel Tablet, Pixel Fold, or Pixel 5a (and newer phones) with app screen sharing. This allows you to maintain privacy while showcasing relevant information.

Connecting previously used devices with your new Pixel phone or tablet becomes simpler through the “Connected Devices” settings page. Fast Pair further assists in establishing connections with Bluetooth accessories.

Mark up documents and assignments directly on your Pixel device using your finger or stylus with Google Docs markups. This feature provides various tools like pen colors and highlighters, offering a flexible way for individual and collaborative work. Also, the new Gboard voice toolbar on your Pixel Tablet minimizes the keyboard into a toolbar when activated, maximizing screen space and facilitating multitasking.

These updates are rolling out to Pixel devices throughout the next few weeks.

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Skullcandy Launches New EcoBuds True Wireless Earbuds with 8 Hours of Single-charge Playback

By

Anubhav

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Mar 5, 2024

Skullcandy has stepped into the eco-conscious audio market with its new EcoBuds True Wireless earbuds. These earbuds prioritize sustainability, boasting 65% certified recycled plastics, 57% less heavy metals, and a 50% lower carbon footprint compared to competitors.

The earbuds are made from 65% recycled plastics, Skullcandy claims

However, this eco-friendly approach comes with a trade-off. To minimize environmental impact, Skullcandy ditched the traditional charging case that typically accompanies wireless earbuds. These lithium-ion battery packs contribute significantly to the environmental footprint of such devices.

Despite the lack of a dedicated case, the EcoBuds offer eight hours of playback on a single charge and can be recharged using a smartphone, USB-C port, or any standard outlet.

Staying true to its budget-friendly reputation, Skullcandy prices the EcoBuds at a competitive $40. Currently available in a “Glacier” colorway (a mix of white and blue), it’s unclear if more color options will be added in the future. Steps like these set waypoints for other companies to follow and adopt strategies that will shape the state of our market in due time. With major issues surrounding disposing of electronics and tech waste, Skullcandy’s attempt comes as a refreshing change, especially if their earbuds can deliver on the same fronts as other popular TWS earbuds (which are nearly not as cheap either).

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Apple and Oppo Battle for Survival in China while Huawei and Honor Dominate Smartphone Market

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Mar 5, 2024

Competition in the smartphone market has never been as intense as it is now. Nowadays numerous brands are engaged in a fierce battle to survive and gain market share in a saturated environment. Moreover, economic challenges such as inflation, felt worldwide, are making their business endeavors more difficult.

A recent market research study highlights this situation vividly. According to Counterpoint, smartphone sales in China saw a 7% year-over-year drop in the first six weeks of 2024, and Apple and Oppo is facing competition challenges with more than 24% decline. Here are the details…

Apple’s 24% Plunge in the Chinese Smartphone Market

In China, smartphone sales during the first six weeks of 2024 dropped by 7% compared to the same period last year. Leading brands such as Apple, OPPO, and vivo experienced double-digit declines. According to the report, overall smartphone sales in China decreased by 7% in the first six weeks of 2024 compared to the previous year.

During this period, Apple faced the most challenges, as the company had been experiencing similar issues in various markets for some time. However, Huawei’s resurgence and the design similarity between the iPhone 15 series and the iPhone 14 series contributed to Apple’s difficulties in the Chinese market.

While many brands are experiencing a similar decline, Oppo finds itself in an even worse situation than Apple. The company witnessed a 29% decrease compared to the first six weeks of 2023. Xiaomi saw a 7% decline, and vivo experienced a 15% drop. On the other hand, two old friends, Huawei and Honor, are doing well.

Huawei increased its sales by 64% during this period, while Honor grew by 2%. Looking at the bigger picture, Honor and vivo emerge as the only duo with larger market shares compared to the previous year.

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OnePlus Open February 2024 security update is live with performance improvements

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Mar 5, 2024

The OnePlus Open, the first foldable phone from OnePlus, is getting an update in India. This new software, called OxygenOS 14.0.0.501, includes the February 2024 Android security patch and makes a few improvements to the device.

This update is rolling out to OnePlus Open users in India and comes with the firmware version CPH2551_14.0.0.501(EX01). It aims to make the phone more stable and perform better. Also, it enhances how users can view weather details and adds a new feature in the settings to switch between viewing dates by year, month, and day.

Changelog

System

Integrates the February 2024 Android security patch to enhance system security.
Improves system stability and performance.

Apps

Improves the experience of viewing weather details.
Adds a switch for year/month/day views in Settings.

Some users in India might have already received this update. Those who haven’t will get it soon as the rollout continues. If you encounter any bugs or issues with the update, you can give feedback through a pop-up that shows up when you dial “*#800#” on the Google Dialer app.

In related news, a recent schematic of the upcoming OnePlus Ace 3V has emerged online revealing a design overhaul. This smartphone is expected to be the first one to come with the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 processor. After its debut in China, we can expect it to arrive in other global markets rebranded as the OnePlus Nord 5.

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Former Twitter CEO Sue Elon Musk for $128 Million, Adding to Post-Acquisition Scandals

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Mar 5, 2024

After Elon Musk’s acquisition of Twitter, a string of scandals continues to unfold. The company has already changed its name and logo, introduced a paid subscription model, strained relations with major advertisers like Apple, faced accusations of antisemitism, entered financial distress leading to legal actions, and is now hit with a blow from former Twitter executives. Four ex-company executives are suing Elon Musk for $128 million, claiming unpaid severance following widespread layoffs. Here are the details…

Former Twitter CEO and Executives Sue Elon Musk for $128 Million in Unpaid Severance

When Elon Musk acquired Twitter, one of his first actions was to cut costs. The company parted ways with numerous employees at various levels for this purpose. However, this decision turned out to be a headache for Musk because four former Twitter (X) executives filed a lawsuit claiming over $128 million in unpaid compensation against the company and its owner, Elon Musk.

Notably, one of these individuals is the former CEO of the company. In the lawsuit filed on Monday in the California federal court, Parag Agrawal, the former CEO of X, along with CFO Ned Segal, Chief Legal Officer Vijaya Gadde, and General Counsel Sean Edgett, alleged that Musk deliberately failed to fulfill their compensation rights.

Since Elon Musk acquired Twitter for $44 billion in 2022, it’s just one of the many lawsuits that have been filed against the eccentric billionaire. It seems that no matter what the crazy billionaire does, he can’t escape legal action. Moreover, these are quite serious allegations.

For instance, the unpaid $10 million compensation could turn into a much larger penalty for Musk as a result of the lawsuit. When these and similar situations are combined with the already dwindling market value of Twitter, it could potentially drop the billionaire businessperson much lower in the list of the world’s richest.

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Vivo T3 5G smartphone key specs & launch timeline tipped

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Mar 5, 2024

The Vivo T3 5G is making its way to the market soon, as recent listings on Bluetooth SIG and India’s BIS certification websites suggest. While Vivo hasn’t officially announced the launch date yet, rumors from @heyitsyogesh on the X platform indicate that we might see the Vivo T3 5G by the end of March.

According to leaks, the Vivo T3 5G could come equipped with the MediaTek Dimensity 7200 SoC and might run on the new Android 14 OS. It’s also rumored to have an AMOLED display with a 120 Hz refresh rate, which means smoother scrolling and better viewing experiences. For photography enthusiasts, the device is expected to feature a Sony IMX882 primary camera, enhancing photo quality.

The smartphone is said to support the latest Bluetooth 5.3, offering better connectivity options. While details are still limited, the Vivo T3 5G is expected to improve upon its predecessor, the Vivo T2 5G, with better features and performance.

The Vivo T2 5G, which debuted in April last year, featured a 6.38-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, offering vibrant images at 2400×1080 pixels resolution and a high brightness of 1300nits. It was powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 SoC coupled with an Adreno 619GB GPU. Available in configurations of 6GB or 8GB RAM and 128GB storage (expandable via microSD card), the T2 5G ran on Funtouch OS based on Android 13.

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Vivo Y200 Pro 5G Surfaces On Google Play Console Certification

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Mar 5, 2024

Vivo recently launched the Y200e 5G smartphone in India. Now, the brand is reportedly working on a new model in the Y200 series that also includes the Y200 5G. The device is expected to be the Y200 Pro 5G. It has surfaced on the Google Play Console certification website. The listing reveals key specifications and also a render of the smartphone.

Vivo Y200 Pro 5G listed on Google Play Console

The Vivo Y200 Pro carries a model number V2303 on the Google Play Console certification. The listing confirms the moniker of the device. As per the render of the phone, it has a centre-aligned punch-hole cutout display with curved edges. The back panel has a dual-tone design with two camera rings. The phone is seen in Light Blue color option. The design is quite similar to the Vivo V29e that launched last August.

The Google Play Console listing reveals that the Vivo Y200 Pro 5G has a 1,080 x 2,400 display resolution and a 440 DPI screen density. The certification website mentions the SM6375 system on chip. It comprises two Cortex-A78 cores at 2.2GHz and six Cortex-A55 cores at 1.8GHz. There is Adreno 619 GPU onboard. This suggests that the device will be powered by a Snapdragon 695 SoC. The listing also reveals that the device packs 8GB RAM onboard. We can expect more options at launch. The smartphone runs on Android 14 OS out of the box.

This is everything the Google Play Console listing reveals about the Vivo Y200 Pro 5G. We can expect the device to bag more certifications in the coming weeks that should hopefully reveal more details.

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Electric Vehicle price war intensifies in China amidst declining sales

By

Joane

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Mar 5, 2024

To revive the dwindling sales figures in China’s electric vehicle (EV) sector, leading manufacturers BYD and Xpeng have ignited a fierce price war. February saw both companies grappling with substantial sales slumps, with BYD’s sales plummeting nearly 40% month-on-month and Xpeng experiencing a decline of almost 45%.

BYD, headquartered in Shenzhen and backed by Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway, took an aggressive stance by slashing the price of its refreshed Yuan Plus SUV to 119,800 yuan, marking an 11.8% reduction compared to its predecessor. This move follows a series of price cuts implemented by BYD over the past weeks, indicating a determined effort to stimulate sales amidst a challenging market landscape.

Meanwhile, Xpeng, based in Guangzhou, extended its 20,000-yuan discount on its popular G6 SUV until the month’s end. The entry-level G6, now priced at 189,900 yuan, witnessed a significant reduction from its earlier tag of 209,900 yuan. This extension comes in response to persisting low deliveries and aims to entice hesitant buyers into the market.

Observers and industry analysts foresee an escalation in the ongoing price war, with more manufacturers likely to join in to safeguard their market shares. Experts have emphasized on the risk of losing market share for competitors who fail to adjust their pricing strategies in line with the prevailing market dynamics. Several factors contribute to the faltering demand for EVs in China, including a lack of confidence in the economic outlook, ongoing issues in the property sector, and the cessation of subsidies totaling about 12,000 yuan on EV purchases.

In response to its significant sales slump in February, BYD initiated a wave of price reductions across its Dolphin, Han, Tang, Song, and Seal series to maintain competitiveness. The most notable reduction was in the revamped Qin Plus DM-i plug-in hybrid, priced 20% below its previous iteration at 79,800 yuan.

The repercussions of BYD’s pricing strategy reverberated across the industry, with three other carmakers, including a General Motors joint venture, following suit by pricing their bestselling battery-powered cars below the 100,000-yuan threshold, thus intensifying the price war.

Xpeng also felt the sting of declining deliveries in February, experiencing a 44.9% drop month-on-month to 4,545 units, the lowest since March 2021. In response to the market dynamics, Tesla, a dominant player in China’s premium EV segment, announced a subsidy of 8,000 yuan for buyers purchasing car insurance from its partners, valid until the end of March.

Moreover, other manufacturers, such as Hangzhou-based Leapmotor, adjusted pricing for their vehicles lower than initially planned. Leapmotor’s new SUV C10 now starts at 128,800 yuan, reflecting a 17.3% reduction from its presale price in January.

Industry experts predict that most carmakers will resort to offering discounts and engaging in price wars to retain market share in 2024. Despite the slowdown in EV sales growth forecasted by Fitch Ratings, government stimulus measures and favorable policies from manufacturers like Tesla are expected to fuel rapid growth in the car trade-in sector in the coming months.

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CMF Neckband Pro, CMF Buds With ANC Launched In India

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Mar 5, 2024

Alongside the launch of the Nothing Phone (2a), the company has also announced two audio products under its sub-brand, thereby expanding its portfolio. These are the CMF Neckband Pro and CMF Buds. The latter seems to be a stripped-down version of the CMF Buds Pro that debuted last September. The Neckband Pro and Buds are quite similar to each other apart from the obvious different design.

CMF Neckband Pro and CMF Buds specifications

As the name suggests, the CMF Neckband Pro is a neckband-styled Bluetooth wireless earphone. It is IP55-certified dust and water-resistant. There is a smart dial for a 3-in-1 intuitive sound control. The earbuds can be magnetically attached to each other when not in use.

On the audio front, the Neckband Pro features 50dB hybrid active noise cancellation. It is equipped with a 13.6mm custom dynamic driver. There are five mics with AI noise cancellation for clear quality on calls. The audio device also has environment-adaptive ANC that adjusts to ambient noise with three intensity settings. The wireless earphones have ultra bass technology allowing users to adjust five bass levels in the Nothing X app. The Neckband Pro features a Spatial Audio effect and are designed to deliver a 360-degree listening experience. There is also wind noise reduction.

The CMF Neckband Pro are rated to offer 37 and 23 hours of battery with ANC on and off respectively. A 10-minute charge is said to offer 18 hours of usage.

Meanwhile, the CMF Buds have the same in-ear design with a stem and silicone ear tips as the Buds Pro. These are IP54-rated against dust and water-resistant. The TWS earphones come in a square-shaped case that also has the brand’s aluminum alloy dial for attaching it to various lanyards.

The CMF Buds have a 12.4mm bio-fiber and custom TPU driver. There is 42dB ANC along with transparency mode. There are four microphones for clear quality on calls. The TWS earphones feature HD audio tuned by Dirac. They also have wind noise reduction. The CMF Buds are claimed to have 8 and 5.6 hours of usage with ANC enabled and disabled. They pack a total of 35 hours of battery life with the charging case.

Both the CMF Neckband Pro and Buds come with Bluetooth 5.3 and dual-device connectivity. They have Google Fast Pair and Microsoft Swift Pair.

The CMF Neckband Pro is priced at Rs 1,999. The CMF Buds cost Rs 2,499. Both devices are offered in Black, White, and Orange colors. Both audio devices will be available for purchase from Flipkart and Myntra.

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Nothing Phone (2a) Launches As The Company’s Mid-ranger But Still Packs A Punch

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Mar 5, 2024

Nothing has launched its third smartphone today. This time a mid-range offering called the Nothing Phone (2a). It is slightly different from the company’s flagship devices, especially in the design department. The Phone (2a) still packs some premium core specifications. It also carries an mid-range price tag.

Nothing Phone (2a) specifications and features

Right off the bat, the Nothing Phone (2a) looks like a compact device with a boxy form factor. It retains the brand’s transparent design showing internal components like screws and rubber cables. The device has a circular island housing two horizontal cameras. It is surrounded by three Glyph LED strips. The phone is IP54-certified dust and water-resistant.

On the front, the Nothing Phone (2a) features a flat OLED display measuring 6.7 inches and bearing an FHD+ resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. There is 1,300 nits peak brightness and HDR10 support. The screen is surrounded by thin bezels and there is a centre-aligned punch-hole cutout housing a 32MP selfie snapper. There is also an in-display fingerprint scanner.

In the photography department, the Nothing Phone (2a) comes with a 50MP OIS-enabled main sensor with support for OIS. It is paired with a 50MP ultra-wide-angle camera. The device packs various features like UltraXDR, Motion Capture, Night Mode, Action Mode, and Portrait Optimizer.

Internally, the Nothing Phone (2a) is equipped with a MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Pro processor. It packs up to 12GB RAM and 256GB storage. The smartphone draws its power from a 5,000mAh battery unit with support for 45W fast charging. The device runs on Nothing OS 2.5 based on Android 14 out of the box. It is confirmed to get three years of OS updates and four years of security patches.

Connectivity options on the Nothing Phone (2a) include WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, dual 5G, and NFC.

The Nothing Phone (2a) comes in White and Black colors. It starts at Rs 23,999 for the base 8GB + 128GB variant whereas the 8GB + 256GB configuration carries a price tag of Rs 25,999. The higher 12GB + 256GB configuration carries a price tag of Rs 27,999. The smartphone is available in only 8GB + 128GB and 12GB + 256GB variants priced at £329 and £379 in the UK and €329 and €379 in Europe. In India, HDFC Bank cardholders can avail instant discount worth Rs 2,000. First sale begins March 12 on Flipkart.

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OnePlus 10 Pro & 10R get OxygenOS 14.0.0.500 update with February 2024 security patch & bug fixes

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Mar 5, 2024

OnePlus is updating its OnePlus 10 Pro and 10R phones in India with the latest OxygenOS software, focusing on security and better performance.

OnePlus 10 Pro OxygenOS 14.0.0.500

The OnePlus 10 Pro’s update, known as OxygenOS 14.0.0.500, brings the February 2024 Android security patch to improve the phone’s protection against vulnerabilities. It also fixes some bugs that caused apps to crash and addresses issues with the NFC function. Users will notice improvements in the weather app and photo albums, along with a new feature in settings that lets them change how dates are displayed. This update is identified by firmware version NE2211_14.0.0.500(EX01). You can check the complete changelog below.

Changelog

System

Integrates the February 2024 Android security patch to enhance system security.
Improves system stability and performance.
Fixes an issue that might cause some apps to crash.

Connections

Fixes an issue where NFC access cards might not work in certain scenarios.

Apps

Improves the experience of viewing weather details.
Adds a switch for year/month/day views in Settings.
Fixes an issue where photos might not be displayed when you open your albums.
Fixes an issue where the “Default” and “Adjust” buttons for the in-game floating keyboard are not displayed.

OnePlus 10R OxygenOS 14.0.0.500 update

The OnePlus 10R is getting a similar OxygenOS 14.0.0.500 update. There are two versions of this update: one for the Endurance edition (CPH2411_14.0.0.500(EX01)) and another for the standard model (CPH2423_14.0.0.500(EX01)). This update also includes the February 2024 Android security patch, a new option for showing the screen recording indicator, and removes the Background stream feature from Smart Sidebar. Like the 10 Pro update, it introduces a way to adjust date views in the settings. You can check the complete changelog below.

Changelog

System

You can now choose to show the screen recording indicator in a floating window or in the status bar.
Integrates the February 2024 Android security patch to enhance system security.
The Background stream feature in Smart Sidebar has been removed.

Apps

Adds a switch for year/month/day views in Settings.

OnePlus is rolling out these updates gradually. They’ve started with a small group of users and will expand to more people in the next few days. If anyone runs into issues after updating, OnePlus has provided a way to report problems by dialing *#800# on the Google Dialer.

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China’s Shenzhen City unleashes bold plan to support Huawei’s HarmonyOS Apps

By

Joane

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Mar 5, 2024

Shenzhen, renowned as the birthplace of Huawei Technologies and the burgeoning hub for technological innovation in China, has unveiled its annual blueprint to bolster the development of native applications for HarmonyOS, the operating system championed by the Chinese tech giant.

In a bid to fortify the ecosystem surrounding HarmonyOS, Shenzhen authorities have outlined a comprehensive strategy aimed at enhancing the supply capacity of HarmonyOS apps, fostering the clustering of HarmonyOS-original app industries, and refining the overall HarmonyOS app industry ecosystem. This ambitious plan, unveiled on March 2nd, underscores the city’s commitment to supporting Huawei’s endeavors in the realm of software development.

The latest iteration of HarmonyOS Next, announced by Huawei on January 18th, marks a significant stride towards independence by severing ties with apps developed for Google’s Android platform. This move has spurred a surge in the development of HarmonyOS-native apps, with nearly half of China’s top 200 apps already diving into and accelerating their efforts in this direction.

According to experts, Shenzhen’s action plan is poised to drive substantial improvements in the HarmonyOS software ecosystem. The plan not only aims to facilitate the development of HarmonyOS-native apps but also seeks to explore new application scenarios, overcome technical barriers, and ensure the security of Chinese data and industries.

Shenzhen’s ambitions are backed by concrete goals for HarmonyOS development this year. These include increasing the number of HarmonyOS-native apps to over 10% of China’s total, achieving full coverage across major domains, and nurturing a pool of qualified HarmonyOS developers that accounts for over 15% of the country’s total. Moreover, the city aims to establish two or more professional industrial parks dedicated to HarmonyOS-native software development and application, along with accrediting over 1,000 software firms with HarmonyOS development qualifications.

To incentivize and support these efforts, Shenzhen plans to reward relevant software companies, facilitate the launch of HarmonyOS-native apps by public service systems and state-owned enterprises, and encourage the deployment of such apps in emerging terminal areas like aerospace satellites, smart homes, and intelligent vehicles. Financial institutions are also encouraged to provide services to HarmonyOS-native app firms, while universities stand to receive subsidies for nurturing HarmonyOS engineers and talents.

Market projections paint a promising picture for HarmonyOS, with Tech Insights forecasting its ascent to become the second-largest operating system in the Chinese smartphone market, trailing only behind Android. This prediction underscores the growing momentum behind Huawei’s push for HarmonyOS adoption and signals a shifting landscape in China’s tech ecosystem.

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Apple MacBook Air M2 Gets Price Cut, 15-inch M2 Surprisingly Discontinued

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Mar 5, 2024

Apple launched the latest generation MacBook Air with the M3 processor and some additional improvements. It’s usual for the company to discount the older generation model when the new one gets announced. This means that the MacBook Air M2 is now cheaper. There’s also unfortunate news as the Cupertino-based tech giant has surprisingly discontinued the 15-inch Air M3 along with the aging M1 Air.

MacBook Air M2 gets price cut, two models discontinued

Apple has permanently slashed the prices of the 13-inch MacBook Air M2 across the world. Thanks to the release of the M3 variant, the previous generation now starts at $999 instead of $1,099 in the US. This means that the device is now cheaper by $100. In India, the M2 Air now carries a starting price tag of Rs 99,900 which is down by Rs 14,000 from Rs 1,14,900. The new prices are already reflected on Apple’s official website. It’s worth noting that all the RAM and storage configurations of the MacBook Air M2 have received a price cut.

The MacBook Air M2 comes in 13 and 15-inch options. The former launched in 2022 whereas the latter arrived at last year’s WWDC. Aside from the discounted price, Apple has made a surprising move by axing the 15-inch MacBook Air which is not even a year old. The device is not listed on the Cupertino-based tech giant’s official website. Apple did not make an official statement on this matter.

The aging MacBook Air M1 that debuted way back in 2020 is also discontinued. It was one of the first laptops powered by the company’s first-generation silicon.

The 15-inch MacBook Air M2 and Air M1 could still be available on e-commerce platforms and authorized resellers until stocks last.

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Infinix XBuds 3 WE gets Bluetooth SIG certified, could launch soon

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Mar 5, 2024

Infinix is gearing up to introduce the Infinix XBuds 3 WE earbuds to its lineup, following recent sightings on certification websites. Previously, the Infinix XBuds 3 WE was spotted on the SDPPI certification site last month. Now, these earbuds have also appeared on the Bluetooth SIG certification website, identified by the model number XE29.

According to the listings, the upcoming earbuds will feature Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, enhancing wireless performance and stability. While further details remain scarce, the certification process suggests that more information may soon be available.

In addition to the earbuds, Infinix has been active in other areas of the tech market. The company recently launched the Smart 8 Plus smartphone in India. Rumors also point towards the imminent launch of the Note 40 series, with the Note 40, Note 40 Pro, and Note 40 Pro+ appearing on various certification sites.

Additionally, the Infinix GT 20 Pro could also launch soon as it was recently certified on TUV Rheinland as well as on Geekbench. This device is expected to be quite powerful, featuring a Dimensity 8200. Stay tuned for more updates on these devices.

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(via: TheTechOutlook)

Microsoft Teams Up with SpongeBob SquarePants for Limited Edition Xbox Series X

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