The Lava Blaze Curve is set to launch in India soon. But just ahead of its release, the device surfaced on multiple certification platforms, which offered us a look at its front design and even revealed some of its key specifications. So let’s have a look.
Lava Blaze Curve visits GeekBench, BIS, & Google Play Console
The company is gearing up to unveil the Blaze Curve in India on March 5. Now, the device was spotted on the BIS certification (Bureau of Indian Standards) carrying the model number LXX505. This model number also surfaced on the Google Play Console listing, which also featured an image of the Lava Blaze Curve’s front side.
As the name suggests, we can see the upcoming smartphone features a curved AMOLED display on the front. The curved screen is for the sides, while the selfie camera is housed in a center aligned punch hole cutout. The Google Play Console listed the device with the MT6877 processor, which is a MediaTek processor.
This refers to the Dimensity 7050 SoC that was confirmed for the Blaze Curve. Furthermore, the database showed 8GB of RAM and Android 13 OS for the device. The display is set to offer a 2400 x 1080 resolution for its screen along with 480 PPI pixel density. Looking at the GeekBench results, we can see that the device scored 1,102 points and 2,654 points in the single core and multi core tests.
The benchmarking platform also confirms the MediaTek Dimensity 7050 SoC along with 8GB of RAM and the Android 13 operating system. It was recently confirmed that the Lava Blaze Curve will offer 256GB of internal storage as well. So stay tuned for more updates as we will be covering the launch event next month.
The Nokia G42 5G went official in September 2023 in India. At that time, it was introduced in 8GB+128GB configuration with a price tag of Rs 12,599 (~$152). Later, the brand introduced the 8GB+256GB edition with a price tag of Rs 16,999 (~$205). Now, the G42’s new 4 GB RAM variant has been announced for India.
Nokia G42 5G 4GB RAM variant launched
Nokia G42’s new 4GB RAM variant launched in India
The Nokia G42 5G’s latest 4 GB RAM variant comes with 2 GB of virtual RAM and 128 GB of built-in storage. With a price tag of Rs 9,999 (~$120), it is one of the most affordable 5G phones in the Indian market.
The new variant comes in So Purple and So Grey color options. It is set to go on sale on March 8 in India via Amazon. Here’s a look at the other specs of the phone.
Nokia G42 5G specifications
The Nokia G42 5G has a 6.56-inch IPS LCD panel that offers an HD+ resolution and a 90Hz refresh rate. It runs on Android 13 and has a side-facing fingerprint scanner. The device has already received the Android 14 OS upgrade and is expected to get the Android 15 upgrade in the coming year. In addition, the device is confirmed to receive upgrades and three years of security updates.
The G42 has the Snapdragon 480 Plus chipset under the hood. It ships with LPDDR4x RAM, UFS 2.2 storage, and a 5,000mAh battery with 20W fast charging.
The G42 has a 50-megapixel + 2-megapixel (macro) + 2-megapixel (depth) triple camera unit. On the front, it has an 8-megapixel selfie camera. The device is equipped with other features, such as a microSD card, up to 5 GB of virtual RAM, face unlock, NFC, a USB-C port, and a 3.5mm audio jack, and OZO playback-enabled dual speakers.
Qualcomm introduced the Snapdragon X Elite processor in October 2023, with plans for it to power upcoming Windows laptops in 2024. This processor boasts the custom-designed Qualcomm Oryon CPU, promising better performance compared to its competitors.
However, recent benchmarks of a Lenovo laptop featuring this chip reveal performance scores that fall short of Qualcomm’s initial claims.
In the Geekbench 6.2 tests, the Snapdragon X Elite scored 1,628 points in single-core performance and 11,392 points in multi-core. These scores are notably lower than Qualcomm’s own benchmark results (2,777/14,056 at 23 Watts, 2,966/15,239 at 80 Watts).
The specific wattage at which this chip operates isn’t specified, but the configuration confirms an 8+4 CPU core setup.
The cause of this underperformance isn’t clear, but the benchmark results point towards inconsistent clock speeds, indicating that the chip might be a pre-production sample in need of optimization.
In separate tests where the chip was evaluated individually, it performed better, achieving a single-core score of 2,574 and a multi-core score of 12,562. This suggests that the Lenovo laptop used for the initial benchmarks may require further optimization.
The tested Lenovo laptop also features an unnamed Adreno GPU, which similarly exhibited subpar performance in benchmarks, likely again due to the pre-production state of the chip. The GPU scored just 10 points in the Geekbench OpenCL benchmark.
The laptop comes equipped with 32GB of RAM and runs on a Windows 11 Pro Insider Preview build.
While the Snapdragon X Elite holds potential for Windows laptops, the initial benchmark results indicate that Qualcomm has some optimization work to do before the chip is ready for market release.
Huawei is gearing up to unveil its latest Huawei P70 series of flagship smartphones in China soon. But while there is no official word regarding its announcement, a new report has revealed more details regarding its primary camera on the rear. So here are all the details.
Huawei P70’s main camera is a 50MP OmniVision sensor
For those unaware, Huawei’s P series are high end devices that focus on offering top notch camera performance. Now, sources from within the supply chain have revealed the primary camera on the base P70 model. The Chinese tech giant is apparently planning to outfit the premium grade handset with a OmniVision OV50H sensor for its primary camera. This is a 50-megapixel image sensor that has a 1/1.3-inch sensor size and single pixel measures 1.2μm.
This is in line with one of our previous reports as tipster Digital Chat Station was the first to claim OmniVision OV50H being the main sensor on the rear. He later added that the P70 would pack a 50-megapixel triple camera setup. The OV50H sensor will be paired with a 50-megapixel ultra wide angle lens and a 50-megapixel periscope telephoto shooter that offers 4x optical zoom and take macro shots as well.
DCS also revealed more details regarding the display of the upcoming smartphone as well. The device is rumored to sport a tall 6.7-inch quad-curved display, which is expected to be an OLED panel that is supplied by local manufacturers like BOE, CSOT, Visionox, and Tianma.
In January, Samsung unveiled the Galaxy S24, S24+, and S24 Ultra in different markets. The lineup is also expected to include a fourth model dubbed the Galaxy S24 FE, which will arrive as a successor to the Galaxy S23 FE from last year. While there is no official confirmation of the existence of the S24 FE, it is expected to go official in October of this year, as the S23 FE was unveiled in October 2023. Well ahead of the expected launch, tipster Connor has leaked the first details of the device.
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE key specifications (rumored)
According to the tipster, the Galaxy S24 FE will have 12 GB of LPDDR5x RAM. It will arrive in two storage options, such as 218 GB (UFS 3.1) and 256 GB (UFS 4.0). The device will pack a 4,500mAh battery. While the leak does not say about the charging capabilities, it is expected to offer 25W wired charging and 15W wireless charging like its predecessor.
It goes without saying that the Galaxy S24 FE will have an AMOLED display, but the leaker is unsure about the size. The other details of the smartphone are under wraps.
The S23 FE was released with the Exynos 2200 and Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipsets in different markets. However, another X post from the tipster suggests that the S24 FE will have an Exynos chip for the global market.
He has also claimed Samsung’s Z series of foldable phones will feature Snapdragon chipsets, whereas the S-series will only have Exynos chipsets onboard. As far as future Galaxy A-series phones are concerned, the tipster claims that they will have MediaTek and Exynos chipsets. It appears that this is also applicable to M-series and F-series phones, which are nothing but tweaked versions of A-series phones.
It seems like Poco is gearing up to introduce a new smartphone called the C61 in India and other markets. The smartphone’s presence on both Bluetooth SIG and BIS certifications strongly indicates an imminent launch.
The Bluetooth SIG listing reveals the model number of the smartphone as 2312BPC51H and confirms its name as Poco C61. Interestingly, the model number bears a resemblance to that of the Redmi A3 (23129RN51H), suggesting that the Poco C61 could be a rebranded version of the same phone.
Bluetooh SIG certification.BIS certification.
Furthermore, the listing reveals that the Poco C61 will support Bluetooth 5.4 and will come with Android 14 pre-installed. The smartphone has also received BIS certification under the same model number hinting that the device will also launch in India.
Redmi A3
To recall, the Redmi A3 has a large 6.7-inch LCD screen with HD+ resolution and a smooth 90Hz refresh rate. Inside, it runs on a MediaTek Helio G36 chipset along with up to 6GB of LPDDR4x RAM and 128GB of eMMC 5.1 storage.
In terms of software, it runs on Android 13 with MIUI 14. The phone sports an 8MP rear camera along with a 0.08MP secondary sensor, and a 5MP selfie camera on the front.
Just like many budget smartphones, it includes a 3.5mm headphone jack and a dedicated MicroSD card slot. Additionally, it features a side-mounted fingerprint sensor and a USB Type-C port.
For connectivity, it offers dual SIM support, 4G, dual-band WiFi, Bluetooth 5.3, and GNSS. Last but not least, keeping the lights on is a 5,000mAh battery and supports 10W charging.
Vivo has just released the Vivo S18 model in a new Diamond Purple color option. This new variant was rumored to be in the works earlier this month and was later officially confirmed via a teaser. So here are all the details like pricing, specs, and launch offers regarding the Vivo S18 Diamond Purple.
Vivo S18 Diamond Purple Pricing & Offers
The Chinese brand previously listed the new S18 model for pre-orders. Now, it is offering the Diamond Purple color option in four storage configurations:
8GB + 256GB – 2,299 Yuan (roughly 320 US Dollars)
12GB + 256GB – 2,599 Yuan (roughly 360 US Dollars)
12GB + 512GB – 2,799 Yuan (roughly 390 US Dollars)
16GB + 512GB – 2,999 Yuan (roughly 415 US Dollars)
As a part of its launch offer, the company will be selling the base 8GB + 256GB variant for a discounted price tag of 2,099 Yuan (roughly 290 US Dollars). Keep in mind that this is a limited time deal that is exclusive to the base variant.
Vivo S18 Diamond Purple Design & Specs
To recall, the Vivo S18 was unveiled in three colors with a glass back. So this is the fourth variant that feature purple hue and a leather panel. It features a three dimensional diamond pattern on the rear as well, which was first introduced with the Vivo X Flip clamshell foldable smartphone last year.
Talking about its specs, the S18 sports a tall 6.78-inch curved OLED display that offers a 120Hz refresh rate and Full HD+ resolution. Under the hood, it is equipped with the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 SoC and is powered by a large 5,000mA battery pack that supports 80W wired fast charging. The back features a 50-megapixel dual camera setup as well.
iQOO Pad Air was announced as iQOO’s second tablet for the Chinese market earlier this week. The device, which has been available for pre-orders in the home market, is now listed on the official website with its specifications and price. Here is a look at what the tablet offers.
iQOO Pad Air specifications and features
iQOO Pad Air
The iQOO Pad Air features an 11.5-inch LCD screen that offers a 3:2 aspect ratio, a resolution of 2800×1840, up to 144Hz refresh rate, up to 500 nits of brightness, and HDR10. Under the hood, the tablet is equipped with the Snapdragon 870 chipset, 8 GB / 12 GB of RAM, and 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB of UFS 3.1 storage.
iQOO Pad Air
The iQOO Pad Air is equipped with an 8500mAh battery supporting 44W flash charging via USB-C interface. On the front, it has a 5-megapixel camera, and its back panel has an 8-megapixel camera, which is capable of various shooting modes and 1080p video recording.
iQOO Pad Air
The Pad Air features a super linear quad-speaker system and offers connectivity options, such as dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.2, NFC, and USB 3.2 Gen 1. The tablet runs on the OriginOS 3 for Pad-based Android 13 and comes with support for accessories, such as iQOO Pencil and iQOO Keyboard Air. Lastly, the tablet measures 259.743 x 176 x 6.67mm and weighs 530 grams.
iQOO Pad Air price in China
The iQOO Pad Air is priced at 1,799 Yuan (~$249) for the 8GB+128GB variant, 1,999 Yuan (~$277) for the 8GB+256GB model, 2,299 Yuan (~$319) for the 12GB+256GB edition, and 2,599 Yuan (~$361) for the 12GB+512GB variant. It comes in shades, such as Gray Crystal and Lan Ting (blue).
For those who don’t know, the iQOO Pad Air is nothing but a rebranded version of the Vivo Pad Air, which was announced last year in China.
Meizu has unveiled a special edition 50W air-cooled wireless charger, part of their accessories brand, PANDAER. This charger is designed specifically for the Meizu 20 Prosmartphone, ensuring rapid wireless charging. So let’s get into the details here.
Meizu PANDAER 50W air-cooled charger Specs
The Meizu 50W air-cooled wireless charger leverages the Meizu 20 Pro’s 50W Super Wireless mCharge protocol, allowing it to charge the phone in a mere 45 minutes fully.
While the company hasn’t specifically stated it, it’s likely that the charger will also work with their latest Meizu 21 Pro smartphone, which also supports 50W wireless charging.
Moreover, the charger is compatible with older models like the Meizu 18 Pro and 17 Pro. With the 17 Pro, you’ll get a charging speed of 27W, while for the Meizu 18 Pro and 18s Pro smartphones, you can enjoy 40W charging speed. Plus, for broader compatibility, the charger follows the standard Qi wireless charging protocol making it compatible for iPhones as well.
Aesthetically, the charger features a subtle ambient night light tucked into the lower corner with a metallic finish. This light creates a soft, translucent glow when activated. A white indicator light strip spans the length of the charger, visually syncing with the overall design.
To combat heat buildup during fast charging, Meizu has used a high-speed silent fan and a 3D cooling air duct into the design.
According to Meizu, this improves heat dissipation by over 50%. The charger includes a low-noise charging mode for quieter operation. Finally, the charger has dual coils within, which allows for convenient horizontal placement of the phone ideal for watching videos while the device charges.
Price and Availability
The Meizu PANDAER 50W air-cooled charger is priced at 289 yuan (approximately $42 USD) and will be available for purchase starting March 5th.
Lenovo showcased the Motorola Adaptive Display Concept smartphone at MWC 2024, showing its innovative approach to flexible display technology. Originally debuted in October 2023, the concept device has now been publicly displayed, shedding light on its unique features and capabilities.
This concept phone can wrap around the wrist for a wearable smartwatch-like experience
Motorola Adaptive Display Concept
The device boasts an FHD+ pOLED display that can be bent and shaped into various forms to suit users’ needs, furthering the advancements in display and mechanical technologies seen in foldable and rollable devices.
One of the standout features of the Motorola Adaptive Display Concept is its ability to adapt to different usage scenarios seamlessly. The device can transition from a standard flat smartphone experience to being wrapped around the wrist for a wearable smartwatch-like experience. Additionally, it can be positioned in various stand modes, providing versatility and flexibility in usage. When laid flat, the 6.9-inch display offers a full Android experience, while in the upright position, it transforms into a more compact form with a 4.6-inch display, suitable for self-standing operations.
The concept device’s display technology enables dynamic adjustments based on its shape and orientation. For instance, when bent and worn as a smartwatch, the interface automatically switches to a smartwatch layout, optimizing the user experience for wrist-mounted use. This adaptability enhances user convenience and functionality, making the device versatile for different tasks and activities.
Behind the scenes, the Motorola Adaptive Display Concept incorporates innovative battery technology to power its flexible design. The device features a series of small batteries arranged within its frame elements, linked to the hinge mechanism that enables its flexibility. However, details regarding the total battery capacity remain undisclosed.
While the Motorola Adaptive Display Concept has made significant strides in development, Lenovo emphasizes that it is still an early-stage project and not yet ready for mass production. As such, it may take several years for Lenovo to bring a retail version of the device to market, if it decides to do so. Nonetheless, the concept device represents a promising glimpse into the future of flexible display technology, offering a glimpse of the possibilities that lie ahead in the smartphone industry.
Earlier this week, iQOO unveiled the iQOO Pad Air and iQOO TWS 2 devices in China. Both devices have been available for pre-orders since the announcement, and today they are finally available for purchase. The official listings of these devices have confirmed their prices and specifications.
iQOO TWS 2 specifications and features
Each earbud of the iQOO TWS 2 weighs approximately 4.8 ± 0.3 grams, with a total weight of about 42.5 ± 0.3 grams for the entire set. Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon S3 Gen 2 audio platform, the TWS 2 offers a 12.2mm ultra-wideband speaker with a frequency range of 16Hz to 48kHz. Supported audio decoding includes LDAC, APTX adaptive, AAC, and SBC.
The TWS 2 incorporates the DeepX 3.0 stereo sound effects, ear-customized sound effects, adaptive EQ, and Monster Sound e-sports sound effects. For noise reduction, it offers features like active noise reduction and call noise reduction technologies, achieving a depth of up to 55dB/5000Hz ultra-wideband noise reduction. The TWS 2 has a 540mAh battery and features a USB-C charging interface, offering a battery life of up to 11 hours per earbud and up to 45 hours with the charging box.
The iQOO TWS 2 also supports wireless recording, Vlog 3D binaural recording, and 44ms low latency for gaming. It comes with support for Bluetooth 5.4 and offers other features such as quick pairing, interactive control through pressure-sensitive operations, real-time translation, and incoming call broadcasts. Lastly, it offers IP54-rated water resistance.
iQOO TWS 2 price in China
The iQOO TWS 2 has two color options: Phantom Yellow and Electric White. It is priced at 399 Yuan (~$55). It is speculated that the same device may get rebranded as the Vivo TWS 4 after a few weeks in China.
iQOO is all set to announce the iQOO Z9 5G on March 12 in India. The said device is different from the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3-powered Z9 that is expected to be released in China. The brand recently confirmed that the Z9, equipped with the Dimensity 7200 chip, will be the fastest phone in its segment. The company has been teasing the green variant of the device for the past couple of days. Today, the company released the below poster to confirm the two color variants of the device.
iQOO Z9 5G color options
iQOO Z9 5G color options
The poster confirms that the iQOO Z9 5G will be available in Brushed Green and Graphene Blue color options. In addition, iQOO has also confirmed the key specifications of the device. Both color variants have an attractive pattern on the back and a contrasting black camera module.
iQOO Z9 5G specifications
The brand has confirmed that the iQOO Z9 will have a bright AMOLED panel that offers up to 1800 nits of peak brightness. While the screen size is not known yet, the Z9’s display will offer a 120Hz refresh rate and a 300Hz touch sampling rate. For audiophiles, the device is equipped with a dual speaker setup.
The device will pack a 5,000mAh battery and still sport a slim profile of 7.83mm. For photography, the device will feature the Sony IMX882 50-megapixel primary camera with OIS support. The rest of its specs are under wraps.
According to reports, the Dimensity 7200-powered smartphone will have a 16-megapixel front-facing camera, and it will run on FunTouch OS 14-based Android 14. It will have an in-screen fingerprint scanner, 8 GB of RAM, and 128 GB or 256 GB of storage. As far as price is concerned, the Z9 could be priced under Rs 20,000 (~$240) in the country.
Motorola is shifting into high gear with the tease of its newest phone, the Moto X50 Ultra. Taking inspiration from the adrenaline-filled world of Formula 1, the teaser is not just about high speeds on the track; it’s about the high-powered AI packed inside this device.
The reveal is expected to arrive around 21 April, right around F1 China Grand Prix
The teaser doesn’t reveal much but shows enough to get us talking—a stylish leatherette back and a camera that promises to capture the essence of speed. The Weibo post, cryptic as it is, links the phone to the F1 China Grand Prix, hinting at a big reveal around the April 21 race date.
This is the first time Motorola is adding an ‘Ultra’ to its X-series lineup. Until now, we’ve seen the likes of the Moto X30 Pro transform into the global Moto Edge 30 Ultra with a few upgrades. But the X50 Ultra is a whole new beast, rumored to come with a robust 4,500mAh battery, super-fast 125W wired charging, and a 50W wireless charge-up that leaves its predecessors in the dust.
As speculation swirls around whether the Moto X50 Ultra will serve as the muse for the Edge 50 Pro, one thing’s for sure—Motorola is not just in the race; they’re looking to lead it. With AI as the driving factor, the X50 Ultra is set to be a tech powerhouse that’s as smart as it is fast. Will the Moto X50 Ultra take the checkered flag and become the next big smartphone? We’ll have to wait and see.
Chinese scientists are harnessing the capabilities of the science satellite SDGSAT-1 to tackle the growing issue of light pollution in urban settings. A recent study by the Aerospace Information Research Institute under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, which made it to the International Journal of Digital Earth, highlights the innovative use of this satellite.
The satellite provides high-res nighttime light data to combat light pollution.
The study points out the shift towards LED lighting in the quest for decarbonization. While LEDs are energy-efficient, they also introduce a new problem—blue light pollution. This has necessitated the development of a tool that can quickly and accurately identify different types of light sources on a large scale.
Image Credits: NASA
SDGSAT-1 is stepping up to meet this need. It’s not just another satellite; it’s providing high-resolution, multispectral nighttime light data that other sources don’t offer.
Taking Beijing as a testbed, scientists demonstrated the satellite’s prowess with a stunning 92 percent accuracy in pinpointing artificial light at night and a 95 percent hit rate for streetlights. The satellite’s imagery lays bare the patterns of light across the city, especially along the 5th Ring Road, offering a new perspective on how light pollution varies in different parts of the urban jungle.
The findings are more than just a map of bright spots; they show significant differences in lighting across various road types and streetlights. This points to the impact that urban design and infrastructure have on the adoption of lighting technologies.
The SDGSAT-1 isn’t just a one-trick pony. Launched on November 5, 2021, it has the distinction of being the first space science satellite dedicated to aiding the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Its mission is to keep an eye from the sky on how humans, nature, and sustainable development interact.
Last September, SDGSAT-1’s contribution to our understanding of urban growth and sustainability was underscored when it provided the first-ever global atlas of urban nighttime light remote-sensing data. This atlas isn’t just a collection of pretty night-time city pictures; it’s a comprehensive 10-meter resolution dataset covering 147 cities in 105 countries, a treasure trove for researchers devoted to sustainable urban development.
Chrome is rolling out updates to make your search experience smoother and more intuitive. Now, before you even start typing in the search box, Chrome will display query suggestions related to your past searches. So, if you’ve been looking up home decor like curtains, expect to see visual suggestions for other home decor items like furniture, art and more, the next time you’re wondering what to search for.
Google has been experimenting with a similar feature for a while now
While this might seem like a fresh addition, Google has been experimenting with a similar “People also search for” feature since 2020. This is just a more refined, better-developed iteration of the previous feature, something that feels way more personalized than what Google was experimenting with before.
And don’t worry about spotty Wi-Fi. Chrome’s got you covered with improved on-device capabilities that ensure search suggestions pop up even when your connection is lagging. This works by downloading a compact, read-only model of popular search suggestions, tailored to your locale. This model is stored directly on your device, ready to jump into action when needed, like when your network is slow or if you’re browsing in Incognito mode.
That’s right, even in Incognito mode, where typically no suggestions are offered, you’ll still get the benefit of this feature without compromising your privacy, thanks to the locally stored data model. So next time you’re in a pinch for search inspiration or you’re on a sluggish connection, Chrome’s new updates have your back.
LG Electronics USA has launched its OLED evo G4 and C4 series TVs for 2024, now open for pre-order on LG’s website with shipments starting by the end of March. Early buyers can enjoy special offers including a free LG Smart Cam, cashback rewards, and complimentary setup services.
The G4 series comes in sizes up to 97 inches, and the C4 series introduces a compact 42-inch model among its options. Additionally, LG is offering a discount on new soundbars when bundled with these OLED TVs for an enhanced audio experience.
The 2024 models feature improvements like the α (Alpha) 11 AI processor in the G4 series for better picture and sound quality, along with Brightness Booster Max technology for displays up to 150% brighter. The C4 series, equipped with the α9 AI Processor Gen7, also delivers enhanced picture quality and brightness.
LG OLED evo C4
These TVs come packed with AI enhancements for sharper images, more accurate colors, and clearer dialogue, directly from the built-in speakers. Gamers will appreciate the support for a 4K 144Hz refresh rate and compatibility with NVIDIA G-SYNC and AMD FreeSync, offering a smoother gaming experience.
LG OLED evo G4
LG’s updated webOS platform allows for personalized user profiles and voice recognition, providing tailored recommendations and easy access to content. The webOS Re:New program extends the life of these smart TVs with a five-year upgrade plan, ensuring they stay current. These TVs are compatible with smart home devices, and they also offer support for Apple AirPlay and Google Chromecast.
Pricing & availability
The 2024 LG OLED evo C4 and 2024 LG OLED evo G4 TVs are scheduled for release on March 17th. The availability date for the LG evo B4 OLED TV is yet to be determined. Prices are mentioned below.
Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile is launching worldwide on March 21st, 2024. This follows a phase where the game was available to a limited number of players to gather feedback and make improvements. Now, with over 50 million players having pre-registered, the game is ready for its global audience.
At the time of launch, the game will feature two main battle maps: Verdansk and Rebirth Island. Verdansk offers a large-scale Battle Royale experience for up to 120 players. The game also features the original Verdansk Gulag, giving players a chance for redemption and re-entry into the match.
Verdansk
Rebirth Island, on the other hand, presents a more compact, action-packed setting for 48 players. Additionally, players can dive into various multiplayer maps and modes, including fan favorites like Shipment and Shoot House.
Rebirth Island
One of the key features of Warzone Mobile is its shared progression with Call Warzone Mobile extends the Call of Duty ecosystem by allowing shared progression with Modern Warfare III and Warzone. This cross-platform feature means that player XP, weapon levels, and Battle Pass progression are synchronized across mobile, console, and PC. Players logging in with their Activision ID will find their achievements and unlocks available across platforms.
For those who pre-registered, rewards like exclusive weapon blueprints and operator skins will be available at launch as a token of appreciation for their early support.
The game focuses on making sure players can set it up how they like. With customizable controls and settings, players can adjust the game to fit their playing style. Social features are also a big part of Warzone Mobile, so the devs have included shared friends lists and chat channels making it easy to stay connected. Proximity chats and Death chats have also been included in the game.
As announced earlier, Oppo has officially launched the Oppo Watch X in Malaysia. The smartwatch is identical to the OnePlus Watch 2 which made its debut at MWC 2024. Here are more details about it.
Oppo Watch X specs & features:
The Oppo Watch X has a circular design and a polished stainless steel case. The watch features a 1.43-inch AMOLED display which is protected by Sapphire Crystal Glass to avoid scratches and damage. The display has a 466×466 pixels resolution peak brightness of 1000 nits. It also supports the Always-on Display feature. There is a protrusion on the right side housing a rotating dial and a physical button. The smartwatch is also military-grade MIL-STD 810H certified for durability. It is IP68-rated water-resistant up to 50 meters.
The smartwatch is powered by a Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 processor that promises high performance with battery efficiency. The processor is paired with 2GB RAM and 32GB onboard storage. As for software, the smartwatch comes with Wear OS 4, which gives users access to Google Play and third-party applications. The Oppo Watch X has access to features like Google Assistant, Google Wallet, Google Maps, Calendar, phone and message notifications, Bluetooth calling, compass, and much more.
Moving to the health and wellness features, the watch offers comprehensive health monitoring that includes heart rate tracking, blood oxygen, and stress monitoring. It also offers all-day sleep recording, which tracks deep sleep, light sleep, and REM, giving users an overall sleep score depending on the sleep quality. The watch also features Sleep Snoring Risk Assessment.
The Oppo Watch X has a wide range of workout modes, offering more than 100 sports options. It automatically recognizes activities like Running, Walking, Cycling, Swimming, Rowing machine, and Elliptical machine. For running enthusiasts, it provides detailed analyses, including aerobic training effect, cardiorespiratory capacity, recovery time, heart rate recovery rate, running posture, and a special playground running mode. The Oppo Watch X is designed for various sports, featuring dedicated modes for activities like Skiing, Tennis, Badminton, Rope skipping, Mountain climbing, and more.
The Oppo Watch X boasts a 500mAh battery, which lasts up to 100 hours in standard Smart mode. With heavy use, the watch claims around 48 hours of battery life. There is also a power saver mode that extends battery life to 12 days. Fast charging enables 24 hours of use with just a 10-minute charge, and the Watch VOOC Flash Charge ensures a full charge in 60 minutes.
The Watch X uses Bluetooth 5.0 LE for connectivity, as well as WIFI 5G/2.4G. It also has a precision dual-frequency GPS onboard, and it also offers support for beidou, Galileo, GLONASS and QZSS navigation. The smartwatch can be paired with smartphones running Android 8.0 and above. Lastly, the watch also supports NFC.
Pricing & availability
The official Oppo Malaysia X account has announced the pricing of the smartwatch at RM 1,399 (~$295). During the initial sale, buyers can avail themselves of a RM 100 cashback offer and purchase a stylish watch strap for only RM 1. It is currently unclear which markets other than Malaysia the brand intends to launch this smartwatch in. Although a previous 3C certification hints that the smartwatch could launch in China sometime in March.
Infinix is gearing up to introduce the Infinix Smart 8 Plus in India on March 1, with Flipkart hosting a dedicated page revealing its specifications and features. This upcoming device is aimed toward customers on a budget as the phone is projected to be below Rs 7,000 at launch.
Ahead of the launch, Infinix has confirmed a bunch of details about the Smart 8 Plus smartphone. As per the latest teasers, the Infinix Smart 8 Plus is set to feature a 6.6-inch HD+ LCD screen that supports a 90Hz refresh rate and 500nits of brightness. It has an Apple Dynamic Island-inspired Magic Ring feature, which uses a pop-up window around the front camera to show important notifications such as battery level and charge status.
Under the hood, the Smart 8 Plus will be powered by the MediaTek Helio G36 processor, coupled with 4GB of RAM and an additional 4GB of virtual RAM. The device offers 128GB of internal storage, expandable up to 2TB via a microSD card.
The phone will be running on XOS 13, based on the Android 13 (Go Edition), which is a smart choice considering the device only offers 4GB RAM. As for optics, it has a dual-camera setup on the back featuring a 50MP main sensor complemented by a quad-LED flash. An 8MP front camera caters to selfie and video call needs. For audio, the phone will offer DTS tuned speaker.
The phone has a 6000mAh battery with 18W USB Type-C fast charging support. Security features include a side-mounted fingerprint scanner and face unlock. Lastly, the phone will launch in four color options: Crystal Green, Shiny Gold, Timber Black, and Galaxy White.
Today, Oppo unveiled its latest mid-range smartphone offering in India, the F25 Pro 5G. This device arrives with an intriguing set of features, aiming to make its mark in the competitive Rs 20,000 (~$240) to Rs 25,000 (~$300) smartphone market. Last year, Oppo released only the F23, and there was no Pro model. This time it has launched the Pro version in the F25 series, hinting that there could be a standard F23 in the future. I have been using the F25 Pro 5G for the past few days, and here are my first impressions.
OPPO F25 Pro 5G design
The Oppo F25 Pro 5G’s design stands out as one of its most striking aspects. With a thickness of only 7.54mm and a weight of just 177 grams, the F25 Pro 5G is a slim and lightweight device that feels comfortable in the hand. The phone comes in two colors: Ocean Blue and Lava Red.
I have the latter, which has a textured feel and a distinctive shimmering effect when light hits it. The polycarbonate back showcases various shades of red, ranging from wine red to rich red to a blackish tint when viewed from different angles.
Adding to its appeal, the F25 Pro 5G boasts an IP65 rating for dust and water resistance. This level of protection is typically found in more expensive flagship devices, such as the OnePlus 12, making its inclusion here a welcome surprise. With thin bezels surrounding the screen, the device’s front side is equally attractive. The company claims that twice-reinforced Panda Glass protects the F25 Pro’s display.
Oppo F25 Pro 5G specifications and features
As compared to its predecessor, the F25 Pro seems to be a major improvement in the display department. The previous model featured an LCD panel, whereas the F25 Pro 5G features a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. With a peak brightness of 1100 nits and HDR10+, users can enjoy HDR content on streaming apps like Netflix. Stereo output is missing on the device as it has a single speaker. In its absence, the device offers “300% Ultra Volume mode” for a loud and clear sound output.
Oppo has opted to power the F25 Pro 5G with the Dimensity 7050, which is a decent chip for everyday tasks and smoothly running popular mobile games. It has 8 GB of LPDDR4x RAM and up to 8 GB of virtual RAM, and instead of the UFS 2.2 storage seen on the previous generation, the F25 Pro comes with 128 GB / 256 GB of UFS 3.1 storage.
The F25 Pro 5G has a 5,000mAh battery and its retail package includes a 67W SuperVOOC charger. The in-box charger takes around 50 minutes to completely juice up the F25 Pro from scratch. The phone comes preinstalled with Android 14, which is overlaid with ColorOS 14, and its Trinity Engine delivers a smooth experience while multitasking with up to 28 apps running in the background with no lag. To sum up, the F25 Pro feels smooth and snappy, as expected. The company has confirmed that it will receive three years of Android updates and four years of security updates.
According to Oppo, the Trinity Engine can also free up an additional 23 GB of storage on the 256GB variant and 11 GB on the 128 GB model. In addition, the device has a microSD card slot for more storage. ColorOS 14 brings new features like File Dock and AI Smart Image Matting. The latter allows users to isolate objects in an image with a simple long-press and create transparent PNGs. File Dock makes it easy to drag and drop files, images, or text between apps, enhancing multitasking.
On the front, the Oppo F25 Pro has a Sony IMX615 32-megapixel camera for selfies and video calls. The rear panel retains the flagship-grade OmniVision OV64B 64-megapixel primary camera with an f/1.7 aperture and a 25mm focal length, which was made available on the Oppo F23. However, it lacks support for optical image stabilization (OIS). An 8-megapixel Sony IMX355 8-megapixel ultra-wide camera and a 2-megapixel macro lens support the primary snapper. Here are some camera samples:
Ultra-wide1x2xmacro1x2xUltra-wide
These camera sensors combined with Oppo’s photography algorithm, allow it to capture impressive regular shots and portraits, even in dim light conditions with sufficient artificial lighting. When it comes to video shooting, the front and rear cameras support up to 4K video shooting. However, EIS (Electronic Image Stabilization) is only available when capturing 60ps 1080p videos via the rear camera and 30fps 1080p videos from the front camera. The camera is also capable at shooting impressive portrait videos through the front and rear cameras.
As far as other features are concerned, the Oppo F25 Pro 5G brings 5G connectivity to the table. Additionally, OPPO has invested in its LinkBoost technology, which leverages AI and a 360-degree antenna design to maintain a strong connection in challenging scenarios, such as crowded spaces or rapidly changing locations. In addition, the device comes with support for NFC connectivity. However, it lacks a 3.5mm audio jack. Lastly, the retail package of the device includes the handset, charger, a USB-A to USB-C cable, a SIM ejector tool, a Quick Guide, a Safety Guide, and a protective case.
Oppo F25 Pro 5G first impressions: Conclusion
The Oppo F25 Pro 5G makes a strong first impression. Its attractive design, versatile camera system, decent processor, and generous feature set position it as a compelling choice within the mid-range smartphone segment.
Oppo F25 Pro 5G price, variants, and availability
The Oppo F25 Pro 5G comes in two options:
8 GB RAM + 128 GB storage: Rs 23,999 (~$290)
8 GB RAM + 256 GB storage: Rs 25,999 (~$315)
Colors: Ocean Blue and Lava Red
Sale date: March 5 in India via Oppo India’s website, Flipkart, Amazon, and offline stores
Customers can avail of the following offers for pre-orders of Oppo F25 Pro 5G:
Up to 10% instant cashback with SBI Cards and ICICI Bank
Disclaimer: All the opinions in this Oppo F25 Pro 5G first impressions post are mine and based on my own experiences. There has been no editorial input from Oppo.
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