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Vivo V29e receives first price cut in India

The Vivo V29e was announced in India at the end of August. The smartphone is on sale in the country since September.

Six months after its release, the company has now dropped the price of the phone. The price cut announcement is here just a few days ahead of the Vivo V30 series launch later this week.

Vivo V29e

Vivo V29e now starts at ₹25,999

The Vivo V29e arrives in 8GB + 128GB and 8GB + 256GB memory configurations in India. At launch, they were introduced at ₹26,999 and ₹28,999, respectively.

But now, their prices have been reduced by ₹1,000. Thus, the 128GB variant now costs ₹25,999, while the 256GB version retails at ₹27,999.

The new prices are applicable to both Artistic Red and Artistic Blue color variants of the handset.

Buyers can avail a ₹2,000 instant cashback on transactions through cards issued by various banks. Interested customers can check with their local retailers for detailed info on all offers.

Vivo V29e Specifications

The Vivo V29e flaunts a 6.78-inch 10-bit curved AMOLED display. The FHD+ (2400 x 1080 pixels) display offers up to a 120Hz refresh rate and a 1300 nits peak brightness level.

It is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 chip and currently boots Funtouch OS 14 based on Android 14. It draws energy from a 5,000mAh battery and supports 44W wired charging.

The device sports a dual camera system on the rear comprising an OIS-assisted 64MP primary sensor and an 8MP ultrawide unit. On the front, it has a 50MP snapper with autofocus.

The phone is slim at 7.57mm and weighs 180.5g. Finally, the red color variant switches between black and rend when exposed to UV light.

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PELADN WI-6 mini PC with Intel 12th Gen N100 CPU goes on sale in China starting from 999 Yuan (~$138)

PELADN WI-6 mini PC goes on sale on JD.com in China today. This mini PC comes in three different configurations based on the storage and memory capacity.

Key specifications of the WI-6 mini PC

PELADN WI-6 mini PC

In terms of performance, this mini host is equipped with a 4-core 4-thread Intel 12th generation Alder lake N100 processor that goes up to 3.4 GHz, integrated UHD graphics, optional 8/16GB DDR4 3200MHz RAM and 256GB / 512GB / 1TB M.2 2280 SSD. For cooling, this device comes with a single fan.

In terms of connectivity, this mini PC is equipped with 2 HDMI ports (version not specified), 1 USB-C port (version not specified), 2 USB 3.0 ports, 2 USB 2.0 ports, and 1 RJ45 network port, and even a 3.5mm headphone jack. Additionally, this device comes with WiFi 5.0 and Bluetooth 4.2 support for your wireless devices such as your wireless earphone.

This dimension of the device is 124 x 112 x 35 mm and it weighs around 0.32kg. It runs on only a 12V/3A power supply and yet it runs Windows 11.

Price

  • 8GB RAM + 256GB version: 999 yuan (~$138)
  • 16GB RAM + 512GB version: 1199 yuan (~$166)
  • 16GB RAM + 1TB version: 1699 yuan (~$236)

A more capable alternative

And if your workflow requires a higher computational power but within a similar compact form factor, PELADN HI-3 Mini PC could be an appealing option for you. This device comes with the i5-11300H CPU with 4 cores, 8 threads, and a turbo boost clock speed of up to 4.4GHz. The HI-3 Mini PC also boasts a dedicated NVIDIA MX450 GPU with 2GB of GDDR6 memory. Notably this device is priced around 2599 yuan ($356) and was launched late last year.

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Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra gets Wireless Power Consortium certification ahead of launch

Asus is getting ready to reveal the Zenfone 11 Ultra smartphone to the world on March 14th. Before the launch, some details about the phone have come out in a Wireless Power Consortium certification.

The device has got certification with the model number AI2401_H. The certification also shows the front design of the smartphone, which includes a centered, punch-hole selfie camera, a flat display, and minimal bezels. The usual power and volume buttons will be on the right side.

Wireless charging seems to be included, with the certification suggesting at least 12W wireless charging support. It’s possible that the Zenfone 11 Ultra may offer 15W wireless charging like other recent Asus models.

The certification also suggests that the Zenfone 11 Ultra will come with 65W wired fast charging capabilities.

Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra specifications

The Zenfone 11 Ultra has been widely leaked in the past month. According to leaks, it will feature a 6.78-inch FHD+ 144Hz LTPO AMOLED display. It will be powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset paired with up to 16GB LPDDR5x RAM and 1TB UFS 4.0 storage.

The phone will have a triple camera system on the rear, consisting of a 50MP Sony IMX890 primary sensor, a 13MP ultrawide unit, and a 32MP 3x telephoto shooter. On the front, there will be a 32MP selfie camera.

For biometrics, the device will use an in-screen fingerprint sensor. It will run on Android 14. Finally, the smartphone will have a 5,500mAh battery and support 65W wired as well as 15W wireless charging standards.

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Nothing Phone (2a) India manufacturing officially confirmed

Nothing has officially confirmed that the Phone (2a) will be made in India. The company is gearing up to unveil the new smartphone soon, but ahead of its release, the Phone (2a)’s Indian manufacturing was announced.

Nothing Phone (2a) will be ‘Made in India’

The London based startup is turning to local manufacturing in the Indian market. This move will not only help create more jobs but enable the brand to grow its investment in the region. The upcoming Nothing Phone (2a) will be made in the manufacturing facility in Tamil Nadu, a State in South India. To recall, the Nothing Phone (1) and Phone (2) were also manufactured locally in the past.

Nothing Phone (2a)

Notably, Nothing Phone (2a)’s global launch will be held in India. The brand will set up a live stream for the announcement and also host an in-person event in New Delhi. Popular Indian Actor Ranveer Singh was also confirmed as the brand’s face for its products. For those unaware, the Nothing Phone (2a) is set to launch with a custom Dimensity 7200 Pro SoC that was co-developed with.

The company is gearing up to unveil the smartphone on 5th March 2024. Furthermore, its entire design was also recently revealed. The brand is even gearing up to unveil CMF Neckband Pro and CMF Buds as well, so stick around for more as we will be covering the launch event tomorrow.

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Honor Pad 9 Review: This Is The Right Pad For Everything

Tablets have become a more user-friendly device in recent years, they are built with much better quality, packed with good processors, and the software is largely in line with a laptop now. Therefore the competition in this category has also become increasingly fierce.

For average consumers, a budget-friendly tablet can not only meet daily needs, but also bring a better user experience. As a new member of the Android tablet camp, Honor Pad 9 is a really good choice for many consumers, with its excellent performance, feature-packed system and reasonable pricing. Let’s take a close look at this one in this review.

Design and Build Quality

It’s almost an unseen example to have this kind of brilliant design and build quality on such a budget-friendly pad. The one complete piece of metal with a matte finish wraps around the whole back, the overall feel of holding this pad is very good. All the cutouts for the speakers, mics and the rear camera are all symmetrical, so whether you put this pad up horizontally or vertically, everything you see is lined up neatly.

Coming to the design of the screen side, there is a slight slope between the body and the screen, visually it adds an extra layer of sleekness, which is a nice touch on a product like this. And since the system enables you to swipe from the sides, so this also creates a better user experience.

When I review a pad, I always recommend buying the keyboard from that particular brand. The reason being: 1. The build quality is always better than those from third-party sellers 2. The compatibility between the keyboard and the pad is always the best. So for the Honor Pad 9, the keyboard case that goes with it is phenomenal. It has the typical vegan leather texture, and good travel within the keys, and the other piece that holds the pad can magnetically attach to the keyboard side when unfolded. It’s safe to say that you can never go wrong with official accessories like this from a well-known brand. The only downside of this case is that, the whole case does not remain completely shut when folded. So if there are magnets to hold the case together, this would be the perfect keyboard case.

The rear camera is located at the center of the upper side, just at the back of the front camera, this kind of design is clearly made for more advanced use, such as working, watching videos, etc. This pad also supports the Magic Pencil 3, so people who need to use such an accessory can get a better experience in drawing and writing. Unfortunately, we don’t have that in the package, so we can’t show the actual user experience in this review.

Performance

About the Hardware it comes with, Honor Pad 9 is equipped with Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chip, 16GB of RAM ( 8GB physical and 8GB Virtual ), there is also a 12GB RAM option. The Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chip is known for its good performance and efficiency, it can handle most everyday tasks with ease, including web browsing, social media, and gaming.

In actual use, it does perform very well for some daily tasks. Although the version we got is with 256GB of storage, it is still more than enough for installing all the apps we would need. After installing all those apps, It kept running smoothly during multi-tasking and large apps running.

Outstanding Screen

Honor Tablet 9 is equipped with a 12.1-inch In-cell screen, 2.5K resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, 88% screen-to-body ratio, and maximum brightness of 526nits. There is a variant that’s by AG glass etching technology, so it can eliminate 98% of ambient light, and it’s TÜV Rheinland certified. NOW this is another pity with the pad we have in hand, it is a regular variant instead of the one with AG layer, but if you want, you can still get that better one instead. All the specs together tell us that this display not only can meet daily use perfectly, but also protects your eyes very well.

Even without that AG layer, the pad we have here still supports Eye Comfort & Sleep and eBook mode, so these two modes can still protect your eyes and brain better than others.

Excellent Audio

The Honor Pad 9 is equipped with eight stereo speakers, it’s astonishing to see such amount of speakers on a pad like this. So whether you are listening to music, watching movies or playing games, it can present clear and full sound effects. Specifically for those two at the bottom, although they are facing the downside, the benefit of doing so is to utilize the reflection from the table, to enhance the overall audio effects. And in actual use, compared to the iPad Mini we have, which only has two speakers, the volume, sound stage and characters are way better on Honor Pad 9.

One thing to mention here, there isn’t a 3.5mm headphone jack on this pad, so if you want some privacy when watching videos or having a conference, then you should either get a pair of headphones with Type-C or go get TWS earbuds.

OS

It is MagicOS 7.2 running on this tablet, with Android 13 as the base, combining unique Honor features with the original Google app pack. If you are a long-time Android tablet user, you may be well aware of the aesthetics and functionalities of such kind, but the new feature you may not know is the smart connection that these OS have developed in recent years. Basically, they are not only better looking overall, but come with many distinct features that can make using them much better than a pure Android system. So whether it is consumers who are new to a tablet or users who have some experience, they can quickly get started and master various functions easily.

So let’s talk about some unique features this pad has:

1. Personalized Home screen: Expandable Service Card, Large folder

2. Multi-tasking: Split screen, Floating Windows

3. Smart Connections: Smart App control, Transfer calls and notifications between devices

4. Video feature: Video enhancer, Auto-create videos, automatic camera recognition

5. Google app support

The first one, is actually a newly emerged feature on tablets, although not new on phones, and many brands have been adopting into the OS, it allows quicker access to things you need. With apps that support expandable service cards, you can long press and choose the basic functions you need. For now, it works very well on official apps, such as Notes, Clock, Calculator and Recorder. Also some Google apps like Drive, Maps, and Gmail. For other apps, not so much.

Then the multi-tasking feature, it feels to me that people are relying on this feature more and more, one reason being the products now are powerful enough to do that, and also we are moving faster than before and anxiously wanting to finish tasks sooner. When you need to split the screen in half and fill it with two apps simultaneously, just swipe down from the middle part on the top, drag it to the left or the right, and then choose another app on the other side, you can also resize each app as your will. Then if you want more apps opening at the same time, swipe up from the bottom to see all the apps opening, then click the little window icon at the top right corner of each app, drag it to whatever place you want, also you can resize it as your will. These two functions greatly improve work efficiency and convenience in life, and I am sure you will be using them a lot.

The third one is the Smart Connection. Since the product lineup within Honor has been very enriched a lot, so enabling them to work together is an easy task. So in this part, you can transfer calls, notifications, files and videos seamlessly across devices, and of course they should all be under Honor brand. And also if you need to move some tasks from one device to another, it will sync all the data instantly, like if you are writing a note and you need to move immediately, you can pick up that task on your phone right after. Or you can continue to edit your photo from the phone to the tablet using Honor Share. This is the power of the ecosystem, and this is probably the base feature of having an OS rather than a simple phone system.

Video is the mainstream right now, everybody wants to create something to share, and we should be glad that Honor has brought some creative features in shooting and editing into the tablet, saving you the trouble of installing another app to do it. It is not that fancy or complicated, but rather an app that can meet your daily needs. So in the Gallery app, you can make your own video using the pictures or videos saved already. And the camera can take the best photo when shooting portraits or food, this is a sort of AI feature. So overall, the experience is also very good.

Lastly, it comes with the whole Google Package, everything you love about those apps, they won’t be missing on this pad.

Battery Life

The Honor Pad 9 has an 8200mAh battery built-in, with a 35W charger. This is about the best level on such a tablet and should be able to support 1-2 days of use without any worry.

Verdict

As a budget-friendly Android pad, the Honor Pad 9 has won the favor of many consumers with its excellent performance, rich functions and reasonable price. And since it comes with the upgraded MagicOS, the features that support better work and entertainment experience are the things you would love the most. So if you are looking for a tablet that can meet your daily use needs, then the Honor Pad 9 is undoubtedly the new best choice. I believe it will become a helpful assistant in your work and life.

Samsung Galaxy F15 5G launched in India with 90Hz AMOLED display, 50MP camera, 6000mAh battery, and more

As scheduled, Samsung has launched the Galaxy F15 5G in India today. The device is nearly identical to the Galaxy A15 5G with only one major difference.

The F series phone houses a larger battery than the A series model. At the same time, it is slightly cheaper.

Samsung Galaxy F15 5G

Samsung Galaxy F15 5G Specifications

The Galaxy F15 5G looks like any other Samsung smartphone. It has a vertically aligned triple camera setup on the back and a flat frame.

The front of the handset is fitted with a 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display sporting a dewdrop notch. The panel offers a resolution of 2340 x 1080 pixels (FHD+) and a 90Hz refresh rate.

The device is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 6100 Plus SoC. The chip is paired with 4GB/6GB RAM and 128GB storage.

The phone boots One UI 6.0 based on Android 14. Samsung promises 4 generations of Android updates and 5 years of security patches.

The triple camera system on the rear consists of a 50MP primary sensor, a 5MP ultrawide unit, and a 2MP macro snapper. On the front, there’s a 13MP shooter.

Other features of the handset include 13 5G bands, a side-mounted fingerprint, a MicroSD card slot, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. Last but not least, it is backed by a 6,000mAh battery with support for 25W charging (power adapter sold separately).

Samsung Galaxy F15 5G Price in India

The Galaxy F15 5G carries the following price tags in India.

It comes in three colors, namely Ash Black, Groovy Violet, and Jazzy Green color options.

The product will be sold via Flipkart and Samsung.com. The early sale starts tonight at 7 PM IST.

RELATED:

Grab Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra for $299 with a $1000 Trade-In Offer

Samsung is offering a massive discount on Galaxy S24 Ultra if you trade-in your old smartphone in the US. The users can get upto $1220 on a carrier locked galaxy S4 Ultra. In addition, there will be a memory upgrade, and a $100 Samsung Credit, that the user can use for future purchases. A similar offer is valid for the Galaxy S24+ smartphone too. The same trade-in offers are applicable for AT&T and T-Mobile locked Galaxy S24 Ultra and Galaxy S24+;meanwhile, the user need to shell $200 more for Verizon.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Titanium Frame

On T-Mobile, the user subscribes to Go5G Plus or Go5G Next Plan to grab the $1000 trade-in offer, otherwise, they can always switch to $750 instant trade-in. While AT&T existing and new customers can get the offer.

Grab Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and Galaxy S24+ Offer

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is a flagship smartphone released in January 2024. It features a 6.8-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X display, Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, 12 GB of RAM, and storage options of 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB. The device stands out for its quad-camera setup, including a 200 MP main sensor. It runs on Android 14 with One UI 6.1, supports Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, and various network bands. It has a 5000mAh battery and supports 45W wired charging. The device is available in multiple colors.

Samsung Offers on the Galaxy Watch, Gaming Monitors and SSDs

Other than the smartphones, the Korean giant is offering a $70 discount on the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic, and a $50 discount on the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro. Surprisingly, the Galaxy Watch 5 is available for $185.99.

Apart from the Galaxy S24 Series, there are certain discounts on other Samsung products in the US. It’s worth checking out the recently launched Bespoke Edition 4-door French Refrigerator with Family Hub in Charcoal Glass. If you’re an avid gamer and looking for a quality monitor, then don’t miss a chance to grab the 49″ Odyssey OLED G9 Curved Smart Gaming Monitor for $1099 ($700 discount). A Wireless Dolby Atmos Soundbar is also up for sale for the discounted price of $899, which accounts for 31% of the difference from its actual retail price. There’s also a $8 discount on the Samsung Pro Ultimate 256GB SDXC.

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Itel Icon 2 smartwatch unveiled in India with 1.83″ display & Bluetooth Calling

Itel recently announced that it is gearing up to launch the Icon 2 smartwatch model in the Indian market soon. While the first teaser did not reveal any finer details or the launch date of the device, the company has officially unveiled the specs and sale date for the Itel Icon 2. So let’s have a look.

Itel Icon 2 Specs & Launch Date

To recall, the Icon 2 will be sold via Amazon India. Now, a dedicated microsite recently went live on the e-commerce platform, which revealed more details. The Icon 2 will launch with a 1.83-inch curved display, which is taller than the first Icon smartwatch’s 1.38-inch screen. Furthermore, the newer model also supports 550 nits of peak brightness and offers more than 150 watch faces for customization.

Itel Icon 2

Similar to its predecessor, it comes with the Bluetooth Calling feature as well thanks to Bluetooth 5.3. The Itel Icon 2 seems to feature an Apple Watch-like squarish design over the first model’s circular screen and the teaser showcases a functional cron as well. The upcoming wearable will offer up to 30 days of standby battery and support over 10 sports modes. It will even support various health related trackers like SpO2 blood oxygen, sleep tracking, heart rate, and female menstrual cycle mapping.

This smartwatch will support AI voice assistant and offer camera and music controls. It even has an IP68 water and dust resistance rating as well. As per official notes, the Itel Icon 2 will launch in three color variants, namely Black, Blue, and Rose Gold. It is set to launch in India on 5th March 2024, so stick around for more updates.

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OnePlus 13, Ace 3V may be the first to feature next-gen Snapdragon chips

Next-gen OnePlus smartphones could be the first to arrive with Qualcomm’s latest generation of Snapdragon chipsets. A new leak has hinted that the flagship OnePlus 13 along with the Ace 3V may be the first to offer the newer Snapdragon 8 and 7 Gen series processors. So here are all the details.

OnePlus 13 & OnePlus Ace 3V Chips Tipped

The news arrives from tipster Smart Pikachu on Weibo (a Chinese microblogging website). It seems like the Ace 3V will be the first to feature a new Snapdragon 7 series chip. The tipster further added that it will be equipped with a 1.5K display that offers eye protection and a massive 5,500mAh battery pack would power this device with support for 100W wired fast charging.

OnePlus 13

This is in line with our previous report that was based on another tip on Weibo. Smart Pikachu stated that the high end OnePlus 13 will be the first to debut with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4, which is Qualcomm’s upcoming flagship chip. The next gen premium grade handset might debut around the end of this year, similar to how the OnePlus 12 launched back in December 2023.

Recently, we also covered a report that stated that OnePlus is already working on the OnePlus 13. It seems that the smartphone is being tested with a prototype version of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4. Furthermore, the report claims that the Chinese brand is even looking to switch to a different design as well for this device. Keep in mind that this is still just an unconfirmed leak at the moment, so stick around for more updates.

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Samsung Galaxy A55 5G review video surfaces ahead of rumored launch

While Samsung has yet to officially confirm a release date, rumors suggest the Galaxy A55 5G could launch in Europe as early as next week. Adding fuel to those rumors, a Russian YouTuber has posted a review video of the Samsung Galaxy A55 5G, offering a detailed look at the unreleased device.

You can watch the video (in Russian) below, but we will summarize the things from the video in this article.

Samsung Galaxy A55 specifications

The Galaxy A55 5G features a familiar Samsung design with a glossy glass back panel. The front houses a 6.64-inch 120Hz AMOLED display with a punch-hole for the front-facing camera. 

The display is also said to include Vision Booster and HDR 10+ support. Additionally, the phone has Samsung’s Key Island design which is a protrusion on the right edge housing power and volume rocker buttons.

Under the hood, the Galaxy A55 5G is powered by the Exynos 1480 octa-core processor, featuring Samsung’s Xclipse 530 graphics which utilizes the RDNA 2 architecture. Benchmark scores from the review video indicate the following:

  • Geekbench 6: Single-core 1161, multi-core 3398
  • AnTuTu: 713,993 

Temperature readings during sustained performance tests appeared stable. And the reviewer notes that the Xclipse 530 GPU shows substantial improvement over the previous generation’s Mali-G68.

The Galaxy A55 5G features a 32MP front camera and a rear triple-lens setup (50MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 5MP macro). The phone will likely ship with Android 14 and One UI 6.1, with configurations including up to 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. A 5000mAh battery with 25W charging, face unlock, and an in-display fingerprint scanner round out the core specifications.

Samsung has not yet made an official announcement regarding the Galaxy A55 5G’s release. This review video provides a comprehensive look at the device’s potential features but should be taken with some caution pending formal confirmation from Samsung.

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Honor Choice Watch goes on sale in India with Rs 5,999 (~$72) introductory price

On Feb. 16, Honor held a launch event in India to announce three products, the Honor X9b, the Honor Choice Earbuds X5, and the Honor Choice Watch. Starting today, the smartwatch will be available for purchase in the country. Here is a look at the specifications, features, and price of the device.

Honor Choice Watch price in India

Starting at 12 pm (local time) today in India, the Honor Choice Watch will be available for purchase through ExplorerHonor.com (official website), Amazon, and offline stores. The smartwatch has a regular price of Rs 6,499 (~$78). However, at present, the device is available for purchase with an introductory price of Rs 5,999 (~$72). It can be purchased in white and black color options.

Honor Choice Watch specifications

The Honor Choice Watch has a 1.95-inch AMOLED display with 410 x 502 pixels resolution and Always-on Display support. It is said to have a 300mAh battery. According to the brand, it can last for up to 12 days with typical use on a full charge.

When it comes to navigation, the Choice Watch comes with support for GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BDS, and QZSS navigation. With Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity onboard, the smartwatch can be called for voice calling via Bluetooth.

The Choice Watch is capable of tracking heart rate, SpO2, and stress levels. To monitor SpO2 levels, the watch’s sensors utilize red and infrared light, along with algorithms and personalized prompts. This enables the estimation and tracking of blood oxygen levels, facilitates proactive health monitoring and enhances overall performance.

The Honor Health app can be used on a paired phone to get detailed information on health data. In addition, the app offers a wide range of customized workout modes. In addition, the smartwatch offers 5ATM water resistance.

Please Note: When you buy something using the links in our articles, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.

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Apple may launch new products this week: OLED iPads, M3 MacBook Air and more

According to a reliable source speaking to MacRumors, Apple is expected to launch several new products this week.

Apple products launch week

Apple typically announces product launches through press releases on its website. So, if the rumor is accurate, Apple will likely make an announcement soon. While specific details are still unknown, there’s speculation about new iPads, Mac computers, and redesigned accessories.

Mark Gurman from Bloomberg, known for industry insights, also mentioned that Apple plans to launch new iPad Pro, iPad Air, and MacBook Air models, along with new Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil accessories. 

However, he suggests that Apple will likely forgo a traditional launch event. Instead, the company may opt for online announcements on its website, paired with videos and marketing campaigns at some point in March or April.

Among the rumored updates are two new iPad Pro models with M3 chips, cutting-edge OLED displays, a slimmer design, and possibly MagSafe wireless charging support. 

Additionally, sources suggest an update to the iPad Air line with M2 chip and possibly a new, larger 12.9-inch option.

Accessories are also expected in this update cycle, including a redesigned Magic Keyboard for the iPad Pro with a larger trackpad and a fresh look. An update to the Apple Pencil might be unveiled as well.  

Furthermore, new 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air models are likely, equipped with M3 chips, and upgraded with Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity.

While not confirmed, there’s speculation about a new color option for the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus, along with the usual seasonal changes in iPhone cases and Apple Watch bands. 

There are also whispers about a new Apple TV and a HomePod featuring a screen arriving in early 2024. However, it remains uncertain if these products are ready for launch. 

We’ll keep you posted on any updates regarding Apple’s new releases.

Related:

(Source)

Samsung is exploring MUF Technology to manufacture next-generation DRAM for servers

Samsung is considering incorporating molded-in-fill (MUF) technology in its upcoming generation of dynamic random-access memory (DRAM), as reported by TheElec. This move signifies Samsung’s exploration of innovative techniques to enhance the performance and efficiency of its memory solutions. MUF technology, previously utilized by SK Hynix in high-bandwidth memory (HBM) production, offers promising prospects for Samsung’s future DRAM endeavors.

Image: TheElec

Samsung’s tests on an MR MUF process have shown promising results

MUF technology involves injecting a material between semiconductors after drilling numerous tiny holes in the semiconductor layers. This process aims to securely connect multiple vertically stacked semiconductors. Samsung’s recent tests on an MR MUF process for 3D stacked memory have shown enhanced throughput compared to conventional methods like thermal pressed non-conductive film (TC NCF). However, there are considerations regarding its impact on physical characteristics.

While Samsung found MUF unsuitable for HBM technology due to specific requirements, it sees potential applications in 3DS registered dual in-line memory modules (RDIMMs), primarily used in server environments. The decision aligns with Samsung’s commitment to advancing server DRAM memory technologies to meet evolving industry demands.

MUF’s success in HBM production by SK Hynix has garnered attention in the semiconductor industry. This epoxy resin molding compound is believed to offer advantages such as preventing wafer warpage and enhancing overall performance. Samsung’s pursuit of developing its own MUF compound in collaboration with Samsung SDI indicates a strategic move to establish proprietary solutions tailored to its requirements.

The potential adoption of MUF technology by Samsung holds significance for the semiconductor market. As the world’s leading storage semiconductor company, Samsung’s endorsement of MUF could catalyze its widespread acceptance and adoption as a mainstream technology. This development has the potential to reshape the semiconductor material market landscape, driving significant transformations in the industry.

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(Source)

Vivo X Fold 3 Pro full specifications, design revealed before March launch

Recent reports claim that Vivo will announce the Vivo X Fold 3 series of foldable phones and the Vivo Pad 3 series of tablets in China by the end of March. Ahead of the expected launch, a Weibo user has shared renders based on a leaked schematic of the X Fold 3 series released by tipster Digital Chat Station last week. DCS has also leaked almost all the specifications of the X Fold 3 Pro.

Vivo X Fold 3 series design

Vivo-X-Fold-3-Pro-schematics
Vivo X Fold 3 series schematic by DCS

The Vivo X Fold 3 and X Fold 3 Pro will likely sport a nearly identical design but with different internal components. New renders show a circular camera module placed in the top half of the back panel, unlike the top-right corner placement on the Vivo X Fold 2. The module houses three cameras, two LED flash units, and a ZEISS logo.

Vivo X Fold 3 series mock render
Vivo X Fold 3 series mock render

Reports suggest that the Vivo X Fold 3, equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, will not only be affordably priced but also debut as the thinnest and lightest foldable phone. The Pro model, on the other hand, is expected to be the first foldable phone equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset.

Vivo X Fold 3 Pro specifications (rumored)

Vivo X Fold 3 series mock render
Vivo X Fold 3 series mock render

Today’s leak by DCS reveals that the Vivo X Fold 3 Pro will sport a 6.53-inch OLED cover panel and an 8.03-inch foldable OLED display. Both screens will support resolutions of 2748 x 1172 pixels and 2408 x 2200 pixels, respectively, and feature ultrasonic in-display fingerprint scanners. It will run on OriginOS 4-based Android 14.

The Vivo X Fold 3 Pro will have a 32-megapixel front-facing camera and a 32-megapixel camera on the internal screen. The rear camera setup will include an OIS-enabled OmniVision OV50H 50-megapixel primary camera, a 50-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and an OmniVision OV64B periscope telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom.

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3-powered X Fold 3 Pro will offer up to 16GB of RAM, 1TB of storage, a 5,800mAh battery with 120W wired and 50W wireless charging, and the Vivo V3 chip. Other features will likely include an IR blaster, dual speakers, an X-axis linear motor, a glass back, and a water-resistant chassis. It is said to be thinner and lighter than the Vivo X Fold 2 from last year.

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Honor Magic 6 RSR Porsche Design, MagicBook Pro 16 pre-orders reportedly begin in China

In February, Honor released the first teaser of the Magic 6 RSR, hinting that it would be announced in March in China. Now, a new Weibo post by a Chinese leaker reveals that the company has already started receiving pre-orders for the Magic 6 RSR as well as two other products.

Honor reportedly begins pre-orders for three new products

According to a Chinese tech blogger, Honor has started receiving pre-orders for three new devices, such as the Magic 6 RSR Porsche Design, the Magic 6 Ultimate, and the MagicBook Pro 16. The tipster did not say anything about the specifications of the Magic 6 models but revealed that the new notebook will be equipped with Intel’s latest Ultra 7 processor and the Nvidia RTX4060 GPU.

Last year’s Honor Magic 5 series included three models, such as the Magic 5, Magic 5 Pro, and Magic 5 Ultimate. The Pro and Ultimate models packed the same specs, but the Ultimate variant sported a different design, offering a unique camera module and a ceramic / leather build.

In January of this year, Honor unveiled the Magic 6 and Magic 6 Pro smartphones in China. It is unclear whether the Magic 6 RSR and Ultimate are different or the same devices. If they are the same, the third model might be something entirely different. As of now, Honor has not officially announced these pre-orders. Hopefully, the official announcement will provide clarity regarding the upcoming devices planned for the Chinese market this month.

Reports have revealed that the major attraction of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3-powered Magic 6 RSR is that it will feature the 50-megapixel OV50K main camera.  It is said to be OmniVision’s first one-inch camera sensor.

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Lenovo ThinkBook 14 2024 Core Edition laptop goes on sale in China for 4999 Yuan (~$695): Intel Core Ultra 5-125H + 16GB + 1TB

After the ThinkBook 14+/16+ 2024 laptops, the Lenovo ThinkBook 14 2024 Core Edition laptop now goes on sale today on JD.com with a price tag of 4,999 Yuan (~$695). It is powered by the Intel Core Ultra 5 CPU and is backed by a 16GB + 1TB configuration.

Lenovo ThinkBook 14 2024 Core Edition technical details

This laptop is equipped with a 14-inch 2.8K 120Hz IPS screen (2880 x 1800 resolution) that offers a 90% screen-to-body ratio. For display quality, this display covers a 100% sRGB color gamut, with a brightness of 400 nits. The screen is also TÜV Rheinland certified to ensure eye safety.

In terms of performance, this laptop comes equipped with the 14-core 18-thread Intel Core Ultra 5 125H AI-enabled CPU + integrated Intel ARC graphics + 16GB 5600MHz DDR5 dual-channel memory + 1TB M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 SSD. Notably, the dual memory slots are expandable up to 64GB (32GB + 32GB) and the dual hard drive slots are also expandable up to 2TB (2TB + 2TB). It uses a “Single fan + dual heat pipe” configuration, releasing 40W of performance.

In addition, this notebook is equipped with a 60 Whr battery and supports Fn+Q to switch to three performance modes. It is claimed that the battery can be recharged to 50% with 30 minutes of charging in the shutdown state.

Ports

  • 1 x Thunderbolt 4 interface
  • 1 x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 interface
  • 2 x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 interfaces
  • 1 x HDMI 2.1 interface
  • 1 x RJ45 interface
  • 1 x SD card interface
  • 1 x 3.5mm headphone jack

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Xiaomi 15 series reportedly tests ultrasonic in-screen fingerprint scanners

Xiaomi is reportedly working on the Xiaomi 15 series of smartphones for the Chinese market. The Xiaomi 14 and 14 Pro debuted in October 2023 as the first smartphones equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset. The Xiaomi 15 lineup may likely debut around the same time this year. A new leak, courtesy of tipster Digital Chat Station, has revealed key information about the fingerprint scanner in the 15 series.

Xiaomi 15 series’ may feature ultrasonic in-screen fingerprint scanner

The upcoming Xiaomi 15 series may come equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 mobile platform. The new leak by DCS suggests that the entire 15 series, which possibly includes the Xiaomi 15, 15 Pro, and 15 Ultra, is currently testing Goodix single-point ultrasonic fingerprint recognition technology. This will mark a departure from the optical fingerprint technology used in the Xiaomi 14 series.

Ultrasonic fingerprint recognition works by emitting ultrasonic waves from beneath the screen when the finger is pressed against it. These waves interact with the unique patterns of ridges and valleys on the fingerprint. By analyzing the time taken for these echoes to return and their intensity, the scanner constructs a precise 3D image of the fingerprint, allowing for accurate and secure authentication.

Ultrasonic fingerprint technology offers several advantages over optical fingerprint recognition, including better penetration, resistance to water and smudges, higher accuracy, support for detecting live fingers, and enhanced security.

DCS stated that it is still quite early to confirm the inclusion of an ultrasonic in-screen fingerprint scanner on the Xiaomi 15 series. He added that the hardware New Product Introduction (NPI) phase for the 15 series is scheduled to commence in April, at which time more concrete details may emerge.

As compared to other flagship phones, the Xiaomi 14 has a smaller display that measures 6.36 inches. The Xiaomi 15 will likely continue to be a compact flagship phone. DCS’ leak also suggests that competing brands may also launch similarly sized smartphones in China.

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LG Unveils the 32GS95UE-B OLED Monitor with Up to 480Hz Refresh Rate and HDR 400

LG is stepping up its game with the new UltraGear 32GS95UE-B OLED monitor, designed for gamers who crave top performance and clear visuals. This monitor, which will set you back $1,399, isn’t just big at 31.5 inches; it’s smart and fast, with a 4K display. This screen is a real game-changer with a high contrast ratio that makes colors pop and blacks deeper, and a response time that’s almost instantaneous at 0.03ms. It’s also equipped with HDR 400, which means you get bright and lifelike colors on your screen.

The flagship monitor is priced at $1,399, shipping starts in April

With support for 10-Bit color, the UltraGear can show more than a billion colors, making everything from lush landscapes to action scenes look incredibly detailed. Plus, with FreeSync and G-Sync, players can enjoy smooth gaming without annoying image stutters or tears, no matter what kind of graphics card they use.

LG OLED MONITOR

When it comes to plugging in, LG’s got you covered. The monitor comes with two HDMI 2.1 ports, one USB-B, and two USB-A ports, plus a handy 3.5mm audio jack for your headphones or speakers.

LG didn’t just focus on the screen; they also built in a “Pixel Sound” speaker for sound that matches the quality of the visuals. And the stand? It’s all about comfort. You can turn it, tilt it, and adjust the height to make sure you’re as comfortable as can be during those long gaming marathons.

Shipping starts in April, and with its blend of top-notch OLED technology and features made just for gamers, the UltraGear 32GS95UE-B is ready to make its mark as a go-to monitor for serious players. Interested users can order the new OLED monitor here.

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Avvenire’s Tectus Mobility Scooter is Air-Conditioned and Sports a Next-gen Design

Avvenire is shaking things with the launch of the Tectus, a mobility scooter that’s designed not just for convenience but also for adventure. This is an electric scooter that refuses to be boxed into the traditional “mobility aid” category and instead offers a taste of freedom and innovation.

The cabin has air-conditioning and heating as well

The Tectus is eye-catching, to say the least. It boasts a sleek, enclosed cabin equipped with modern comforts like air conditioning, heating, and tech-friendly options such as a rear-view camera, GPS navigation, and the convenience of wireless charging. Avvenire has even thought about storage, adding a modular rear end to the scooter for extra cargo space.

Tectus Electric

But the Tectus is more than just good looks. It’s powered by a beefy 2,000-watt electric motor that can hit speeds up to 20 mph, which is quite zippy for a mobility scooter. Range is also a strong suit, with battery options that can deliver up to 99 miles on a full charge.

Avvenire is addressing a real need with the Tectus: reliable, all-season transport for those who may need a little extra help getting around. The Tectus tackles common challenges such as navigating different weather conditions, maintaining comfort, and simplifying the charging process with an optional wireless feature.

The Tectus is not just for indoor use; it’s designed to conquer various terrains. Its sturdy tires and all-wheel drive capability allow users to venture off the smooth pavement and into the great outdoors, whatever the weather.

Pricing for the Tectus starts at $6,995 for the Deluxe model. For those wanting the full suite of features, the Tectus Ultimate comes with extra perks like climate-controlled cup holders, a tire pressure monitoring system, GPS, an optional fingerprint scanner, and wireless charging, all for $8,999.

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Innovation’s New Budget-Friendly Earphones have a 24-hour Battery Life & Bluetooth 5.3

Innovation has launched a new budget-friendly wireless earphone option, the Zen Air Dot TWS, on JD.com. Priced at just 99 yuan (roughly $15 USD), the Zen Air Dot boasts features like 24-hour battery life with the charging case, Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, and environmental noise cancellation.

The earphones weigh only 33 grams, have 13mm drivers, and cost 99 yuan ($15 USD)

Weighing only 33 grams, the Zen Air Dot is designed for comfortable extended wear. It utilizes 13mm drivers to deliver powerful sound, while dual microphones with noise reduction and ENC environmental noise cancellation aim to improve call quality and provide a more immersive audio experience. The IPX4 sweat resistance rating makes these earphones suitable for workouts or light rain.

Earphones

While Innovation hasn’t revealed the specific battery capacity of the earbuds themselves, they advertise a playtime of up to 7 hours on a single charge. The included charging case provides an additional 17 hours, bringing the total claimed battery life to 24 hours. This makes the Zen Air Dot a suitable option for users who need their earphones to last throughout the day without needing to be plugged in.

The Innovation Zen Air Dot TWS offers a feature set that caters to casual listeners seeking a balance between affordability and functionality. Its combination of long battery life, Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, and noise cancellation technology makes it a compelling option for budget-conscious consumers looking for a comfortable and reliable everyday wireless earphone solution.

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