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

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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

By

Oğuz Çakır

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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

By

Sudhanshu

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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

By

Oğuz Çakır

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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

By

Sudhanshu

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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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(Source)

Vivo Y200 Pro 5G Surfaces On Google Play Console Certification

By

Viraj Gawde

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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

By

Viraj Gawde

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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

By

Viraj Gawde

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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

By

Sudhanshu

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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

-

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

By

Viraj Gawde

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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

By

Sudhanshu

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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

By

Oğuz Çakır

-

Mar 5, 2024

The ninth generation console wars are still in full swing. However, the competition is not going well for Microsoft, the manufacturer of the Xbox Series S/X. Despite the performance and price advantages it offers, the company has struggled to reach the desired sales figures. Nevertheless, they haven’t thrown in the towel just yet. Microsoft is turning to alternative marketing strategies and has launched a limited edition SpongeBob SquarePants-themed Xbox Series X. Here are the details…

Xbox Goes Nostalgic with SpongeBob SquarePants Collaboration

Microsoft’s strategy of expanding the reach of Xbox by collaborating with different brands is not new. Previously, we have seen Bluey Edition and Willy Wonka themed Xbox Series X models. Now, a special console themed after many of our childhood heroes, SpongeBob SquarePants, has been developed. This special edition will be available for purchase at Best Buy stores in the United States starting from March 7 for Xbox enthusiasts.

The SpongeBob SquarePants themed Xbox Series X naturally stands out in terms of design compared to the standard version. It seems particularly appealing to children and adults who want to reminisce about their childhood. The special Xbox Series X package, produced in limited quantities, also includes a custom controller.

The controller features images of SpongeBob’s underwater friends Squidward, Gary, and Mr. Krabs. Players who purchase this special-themed package will also receive the digital version of the fighting game “Super Brawl 2: All-Star Rumble.” In this game, players have the opportunity to control many classic cartoon characters such as the Ninja Turtles, SpongeBob SquarePants, Garfield, and Jimmy Neutron.

The price of the limited-edition Xbox Series X SpongeBob-themed package is $699. While it may be slightly higher compared to a regular Xbox Series X, the limited production, special design, controller, and additional games can justify the price for you.

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OnePlus 11R 5G smartphone gets a Rs 3000 discount

By

Simranpal Singh

-

Mar 5, 2024

The OnePlus 11R is a well-received smartphone due to its competitive specifications and value-for-money pricing. Surprisingly, the company is giving away a Rs 3000 discount on the OnePlus 11R 5G 16GB RAM variant, and a Rs 2000 discount on the 8 GB RAM variant. These discounts currently sans any additional discounts from credit or debit cards. It is unconfirmed whether the price discount is official or unofficial for a limited time. If you’re looking for a good smartphone in an affordable price range, then the OnePlsu 11R 5G could be the right option.

OnePlus 11R Discount Details

OnePlus 11R discount is available on Amazon India, Croma, and the OnePlus Online Store. It is available in Galactic Silver and Sonic Black color options. After a discount, the OnePlus 11R with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage is available for Rs 37,999, while the 16GB RAM and 256GB are available for Rs 41,999. With an additional card discount of Rs 1000 with ICICI Bank and OneCard, the final price would be around Rs 36,999 and Rs 37,999, respectively. Belo is the table with the discount structure:

Discount	OnePlus 11R 8GB RAM + 128GB	OnePlus 11R 16GB RAM + 256GB
Actual Price	Rs 39,999	Rs 44,999
Discount	Rs 2000	Rs 3000
Card Discount	Rs 1000	Rs 1000

Total	Rs 36,999	Rs 40,999
	Buy Now	Buy Now

OnePlus 11R Specifications

OnePlus 11R launched last year along with the OnepLus 11. It has a 6.7-inch FHD+ AMOLED display and a 120 Hz refresh rate. It is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 SoC, 8/16GB of RAM, and 128/256GB of UFS 4.0 storage. In the camera section, the smartphone features a triple camera module with a 50MP primary camera, an 8MP ultra-wide angle, and a 2MP macro lens. There will be a 16 MP front camera for selfies.

OnePlus 11R features a 5000 mAh battery with 100W fast charging support. It has already received the Android 14-based OxygenOS update.

The smartphone is still worth buying, and the recent price discount seems like an icing on the cake. OnePlus introduced the OnePlus 11R Solar Red Edition late last year with some design changes.

Preview	Product
	OnePlus 11R 5G (Sonic Black, 8GB RAM, 128GB Storage)	Check Price on Amazon
	OnePlus 11R 5G (Sonic Black, 16GB RAM, 256GB Storage)	Check Price on Amazon

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Portronics Ampbox 27K Power Bank launched for laptops, offers 65W fast charging via USB-C

By

Sean

-

Mar 5, 2024

Portronics unveiled the K1 and K2 mechanical gaming keyboards in India back in February and the Beem 430 smart LED projector back in January. Now, it has unveiled the Portronics Ampbox 27K Power Bank, which is built to power up laptops. So here’s everything you need to know like its specs and pricing.

Portronics Ampbox 27K Power Bank Specs

The brand’s latest power bank features a compact design that measures just 2 inches in thickness and a little over 6 inches in length. This means that it is quite portable and can be used to charge your devices on the go. The Ampbox 27K is built using high grade materials as well. It has a massive battery capacity of 27,000mAh that supports up to 65W fast charging output.

The power bank an charge two devices at 18W charging via the USB Type-A ports and while the two USB Type-C ports offer 65W charging output. In other words, it is fully capable of charging a laptop that supports up to 65 watts in just around 120 minutes via its 65W Type-C PD port. The Portronics Ambbox 27K houses a button that can be pressed to show the current battery capacity via an LED display.

For better protection, the company has built the power bank with IC protection against over charging, over discharging, over current, and short circuits as well. The Portronics Ampbox 27K is available for purchase via the brand’s official website, Amazon, Flipkart, and other offline and online retailers. It is listed for an introductory price tag of just 3,999 INR (roughly 48 US Dollars) with a 12 month warranty.

Preview	Product
	Portronics Ampbox 27K 65W 27000 mAh 4-in-1 Fast Charging Power Bank with 2 Type C PD Output Ports &…	Check Price on Amazon

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OnePlus Ace 3V to come with major design overhaul; suggests leaked schematic

By

Sudhanshu

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Mar 5, 2024

OnePlus is set to introduce a new addition to its smartphone lineup, the mid-range OnePlus Ace 3V. According to leaks from sources on Weibo, this upcoming device is expected to bring several exciting features and improvements.

The OnePlus Ace 3V is reported to be equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 processor, making it the first smartphone to feature this new chipset. Alongside this powerful processor, the device is rumored to boast a 1.5K display, potentially offering a 120Hz AMOLED panel for smooth visuals.

Other than the SoC and display details, perhaps the most interesting change is likely to be the new design. Leaker Tech Geek over at Weibo has revealed the schematic of the upcoming OnePlus Ace 3V, revealing a whole new design. The next iteration in the Ace lineup plans to ditch its conventional design in favor of a vertical camera alignment design.

The schematic suggests that the device will have a dual-rear camera setup and a circular LED flash. It will look similar to the recently launched Meizu 21 Pro with its flat edges. The Ace 3V is likely to continue with the brand’s signature alert slider on the left, with volume and power buttons on the right. Its display is expected to have minimal bezels and a centered punch-hole for the front camera.

In related news, the OnePlus 13 is said to retain the design of its predecessor, featuring four cutouts on a circular camera module. The device is said to debut with the upcoming Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chip and is expected to debut around October this year.

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(Source)

Realme GT Neo 6 series to launch with Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 & Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 powered models: Tipster

By

Sean

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Mar 5, 2024

The Realme GT Neo 6 series have already started surfacing in rumors and reports that gave us an idea regarding their specs and feature. Now, the latest leak has revealed the chip details regarding the upcoming devices. So here are all the details.

Realme GT Neo 6 Series Chip Details

The latest news arrives from known tipster Digital Chat Station who shared the information on Weibo (a Chinese microblogging website). In the latest post, DCS claimed that the Realme GT Neo 6 lineup will include models that are equipped with the latest mid range Qualcomm Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 chipset and the flagship grade Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 SoC.

Unfortunately, the tipster did not reveal which phone features these processors. Although, the higher Realme GT Neo 6 model will likely feature the Snapdragon 8 series chip. On the other hand, the Realme GT Neo 6 SE model could feature the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 SoC. Digital Chat Station further added that both smartphone models will sport a display with 1.5K resolution and support 100W wired fast charging.

It is worth noting that Qualcomm has yet to unveil either of these processors, so the of these chips names could be different at launch. Just last week, DCS shared another leak regarding the Realme GT Neo 6 series that also mentioned a Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 processor and the 1.5K display. This is all the information we have at the moment, so stick around for more updates.

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OnePlus Watch 2 goes on sale in the US, Canada, UK, and Europe

By

Simranpal Singh

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Mar 5, 2024

A day after its official arrival in India, the OnePlus Watch 2 is finally up for sale in North America, the UK, and Europe. The 46mm-sized smartwatch is available in two color options: radiant steel and Black Steel. The OnePlus Watch 2 registered massive pre-orders in comparison with its predecessor, i.e., the OnePlus Watch. Some good introductory offers are going on for the US, Canada, UK, and European markets.

OnePlus Watch 2 Offer Details in the US, Canada, UK, and Europe

Interested folks in the US can grab the OnePlus Watch 2 for $299, and an additional trade-in discount of $50 is applicable on any old device in any condition. On top of that, there’s an additional 10% discount for students. There’s also an exclusive 10% discount coupon in the OnePlus Store app. There’s an additional discount of 30% on any add-ons you buy along with the smartwatch. Potential buyers can also get the OnePlus Watch 2 from Amazon with similar offers.

A similar campaign is going on for the OnePlus Watch 2 in Canada at the price of $CAD 399. The users can get up to a $CAD 60 discount on the trade-in of any old device. Meanwhile, an increased discount is applicable if you have an old smartphone, smartwatch, tablet, or other digital device. Further, there are the same 10% student discounts, and a 10% coupon if you purchase via the OnePlus Store App.

For buying enthusiasts in the UK, the OnePlus Watch 2 costs around £269.00 for a limited time. OnePlus is offering a free OnePlus Nord Buds 2 along with the purchase. An additional 10% student discount is available for the applicable buyers. There’s an additional 10% discount on add-ons.

In the European continent, the OnePlsu Watch 2 retails for €299.00 and is 46mm in size with Bluetooth, and WiFi connectivity. Users in Germany and France are available for €299.00.

OnePlus Watch 2: Specs and Features

The Chinese electronics maker unveiled the OnePlus Watch 2 at MWC 2024 a week ago. It bundles a 1.43-inch AMOLED display offering 600 nits of peak brightness. Google’s Wear OS 4 running smartwatch is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 SoC and the BES 2700 MCU power efficiency chip. Further, the Watch couples a 500 mAh battery that can sustain for around 48 hours with heavy use. It can charge 7.5W VOOC in just 60 minutes.

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Oppo K12 launching soon, key specifications tipped

By

Anvinraj Valiyathara

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Mar 5, 2024

In January, tipster Digital Chat Station claimed that the Oppo K12 would come equipped with the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 chipset. Today, the same tipster released a new Weibo post to reveal other details about the smartphone. While the leaker has not mentioned the launch timeframe of the device, it appears that it may not take too long for it to break cover in China.

Oppo K12 specifications (rumored)

According to DCS, the Oppo K12 will feature a 6.7-inch display, which seems to be an AMOLED panel. Under the hood, the device will have the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 chipset, 12 GB of RAM, and 512 GB of storage.

There is no information about the battery size or charging capabilities of the K12. On the front, the device will feature a 16-megapixel selfie camera, and it will have a 50-megapixel + 8-megapixel dual-camera unit on the back.

It is unclear whether the Oppo K12 will inherit the display, camera, and battery specs from the Oppo K11, which was announced in July 2023 in China. To recall, the K11 came equipped with a 6.67-inch AMOLED FHD+ 120Hz display, a Snapdragon 782G chipset, up to 12 GB of RAM, up to 512 GB of storage, a 16-megapixel front camera, and an OIS-enabled 50-megapixel (Sony IMX890) + 8-megapixel + 2-megapixel triple camera unit.

The OnePlus Nord CE 3, which was released in the global market last year, was a tweaked version of the Oppo K11. Therefore, it is likely that the Nord CE 4 or 5 heading to the global market this year could be based on the K12.

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