boAt Lunar Embrace smartwatch with 1.51″ AMOLED display, BT Calling & metal body launched in India

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Feb 26, 2024

boAt has expanded its wearable lineup in India with the introduction of the Lunar Embrace, a new smartwatch that merges premium aesthetics with functional features. This launch marks boAt’s third smartwatch launch this month, following the boAt Lunar Link and the boAt Ultima Select smartwatches launched in the first week.

boAt Lunar Embrace smartwatch specs:

The Lunar Embrace smartwatch is designed with a durable metal body and boasts a 1.51-inch AMOLED display, allowing users to customize their watch faces according to their preferences. It’s equipped with Bluetooth calling functionality, enabling users to make and receive calls directly from the watch, with an added feature to save up to 20 contacts.

Health and fitness tracking is a key aspect of the Lunar Embrace. It monitors heart rate, blood oxygen levels (SpO2), stress, sleep patterns, and offers menstrual tracking. The device also includes over 100 sports modes to cater to various physical activities, making it a versatile fitness companion.

The device is IP68-rated, ensuring it is resistant to dust and water. Additional features include built-in games, music control, and a range of convenience tools such as sedentary alerts, a voice assistant, and weather updates. Despite its extensive functionality, the smartwatch maintains up to 7 days of battery life on a single charge with regular use.

Pricing & availability

Priced at Rs. 2,899, the Lunar Embrace is available in Steel Grey and Steel Black options and can be purchased via Amazon.in.

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Vivo V30, V30 Pro price, configurations leaked before Indonesian launch

By

Anvinraj Valiyathara

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Feb 26, 2024

Vivo V30 and Vivo V30 Pro will be unveiled on Feb. 28 in Indonesia. Ahead of the launch, a leaked poster has surfaced on social media, revealing key features and potential pricing for both smartphones. Here’s a look at all the details that have been leaked prior to the official announcement.

Vivo V30, V30 Pro RAM, storage, and price for Indonesia (rumored)

The leak reveals that the Vivo V30 and V30 Pro will have two 50-megapixel cameras on the back. The first one is a primary camera, and the second one is an ultra-wide lens. Both phones will have a square-shaped Aura Light Portrait LED. The V30 will feature the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 chipset, whereas the Pro variant may arrive with the Dimensity 8200 SoC. The standard model is also said to pack a 5,000mAh battery with 80W charging support.

The Vivo V30 will arrive in two options, such as 8GB RAM + 8GB virtual RAM + 256GB storage for IDR 5,999,000 (~$384), and 12GB RAM + 12GB virtual RAM + 512GB storage for IDR 6,999,000 (~$448). It will come in three shades, such as black, white, and green.

On the other hand, the V30 Pro will come in a single 12GB RAM + 12GB virtual RAM + 512GB storage configuration. It will be priced at IDR 8,999,000 (~$575). It will come in two options, such as black and green.

Vivo V30 series specifications (rumored)

As per reports, the Vivo V30 and V30 Pro are rumored to sport a large, curved-edge 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and 1.5K resolution. The series is expected to come with LPDDR4x / LPDDR5 RAM and UFS 3.1 storage. Both phones are expected to run the latest Android 14 with FunTouch OS 14 and pack a 5,000mAh battery with 80W fast charging.

While the Vivo V30 might have a triple-camera setup (50-megapixel main with OIS, 50-megapixel ultra-wide, and 2-megapixel auxiliary), the V30 Pro really ups the ante. Expect a 50-megapixel Sony IMX920 main camera (OIS-enabled), a 50-megapixel Sony IMX816 ultra-wide lens, and even a 50-megapixel telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom, on the Pro model. For selfie enthusiasts, both devices could have a 50-megapixel front camera featuring autofocus.

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OnePlus Ace 3 / 12R Genshin Impact design officially revealed before February 28 launch

By

Anvinraj Valiyathara

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Feb 26, 2024

OnePlus recently confirmed that it will unveil the OnePlus 12R Genshin Impact, a special edition phone, on Feb. 28. On the same day, the rebranded version of the phone with the OnePlus Ace 3 Genshin Impact name will be announced in China. The Chinese wing of the company has revealed the design of the device.

OnePlus Ace 3 / 12R Genshin Impact

As can be seen, OnePlus is exciting Genshin Impact fans with a special edition of the Oneplus Ace 3, inspired by the popular Genshin Impact character, Keqing. The limited-edition variant is equipped with a frosted purple glass back, showcasing Keqing’s unique markings and logo through a specialized projection process. This attention to detail extends to the custom packaging and themed accessories that will accompany the phone.

The OnePlus Ace 3 Genshin Impact edition promises to be a highly sought-after collector’s item and sets a new standard for customized smartphones in 2024. The purple color variant of the device is dubbed Electro Purple for the global market.

OnePlus Ace 3 Genshin Impact edition design — OnePlus Ace 3 / 12R Genshin Impact Edition design

At present, there is no word on the RAM and storage capacities of the OnePlus Ace 3 / 12R Genshin Impact. The other specs of the device are expected to remain identical to their regular version.

OnePlus Ace 3 / 12R specifications

OnePlus Ace 3 Genshin Impact edition design1 — OnePlus Ace 3 / 12R Genshin Impact Edition design

The OnePlus Ace 3 / 12R has a 6.78-inch AMOLED display that offers a 1.5K resolution of 1264 x 2780 pixels, a 120Hz refresh rate, and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection. The device runs on ColorOS 14 (China) or OxygenOS 14 (global)-based Android 14. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset powers the device with up to LPDDR5x RAM and UFS 3.1 storage. It has a 5,500mAh battery with 100W charging support.

On the front, it has a 16-megapixel selfie camera. The back panel of the device has a 50-megapixel Sony IMX890 main camera with OIS support, an 8-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and a 2-megapixel macro lens.

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Xiaomi 14 Ultra Unboxing & Hands-on: Small upgrades, Big differences?

By

Sern Wen

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Feb 26, 2024

After the Chinese New Year, Xiaomi eagerly released its 14 Ultra. Not just in China by the way, this phone will be launched globally as well, showing that Xiaomi is finally coming up with the confidence to let people all over the world use this photography monster. I’ve taken a lot of photos with the 13 Ultra over the past year, so I’m probably more excited than anyone to see what new things this phone can bring to the table.

Unboxing

This year’s Xiaomi 14 Ultra still comes in the same black box, and the appearance remains unchanged.

The accessories at the top are the same: card pins, manual, and phone case. The phone case has gone from a soft case to a hard one. Interestingly the blue version is clear frosted while the black version is black frosted.

At the bottom are the charger and charging cable. The charger is still 90W, just like the 13 Ultra.

Hands-on

In terms of looks, not much has changed from the 13 Ultra. The design language is roughly the same, with a frame that extends to the back panel and a round camera module in the center that still catches our eye.

But when I took the 13 Ultra out for a closer comparison, I still spotted a few small changes. The biggest change is that the slope next to the lens module has been removed, and it looks like the lens module sticks out more. The metal frame that extends out has also become more rounded.

So the Xiaomi 14 Ultra has become more phone-like to hold than the 13 Ultra. This year’s Xiaomi 14 Ultra has a new blue back cover version that I really like. You know what, I don’t even care if it’s blue, red, or any other color, I like it because it’s a ceramic back cover, which makes a vegan leather hater like me very happy.

And the ceramic back cover has been weighted down so that it’s not much heavier than the leather version. Now I am sure, this blue-colored Xiaomi 14 Ultra is what I need.

Although not much has changed on the back, there is a big change on the front. Yes, the screen is the same one that’s on the Xiaomi 14 Pro, even the protective glass is the same Dragon Crystal Glass. With bezels of almost equal width on all four sides, and all of them are a little bit curved, it looks and feels like the perfect screen in my mind.

The Xiaomi 14 Ultra‘s processor is of course the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, which doesn’t come as much of a surprise. Instead, it’s the battery capacity that’s a shocker. Even though the camera module is getting bigger, the phone is getting lighter, and the battery capacity has increased by 300 mAh.

The Xiaomi 14 Ultra also adds two new Surge T1 chips and Satellite Calling, so the price getting higher is to be expected. What do you think of the price, post your thoughts in the comments section.

Speaking of the Ultra, the cameras are naturally the strongest selling point of this phone. I do love the Xiaomi Ultra series, so I took the 13 Ultra out on vacation and snapped these photos. Very pretty right? It must be hard for the 14 Ultra to top it with a similar camera.

Yep, the cameras on the Xiaomi 14 Ultra haven’t changed much compared to the 13 Ultra, with all four cameras having the same focal lengths and sensor sizes. The upgrades are things that the average person doesn’t really care about, such as a larger aperture and no digital crop on the 3.2x telephoto camera. There’s also a new AI platform added.

They said that the 14 Ultra supports four cameras switching at will in 4K 60fps video recording, I’ve tested it, and it’s truly awesome. Like the other phones in the 14 series, the front camera can now record 4K 60fps video. More about its camera system will be covered in the FULL REVIEW. What’s certain now is that it’s definitely more powerful than the 13 Ultra.

Unfortunately, there’s not much about this phone that I can tell you right now. This is because a lot of the features need to be tested by us, to know how well it works. As always, we’ll make the FULL review video as soon as we can. Remember to subscribe to our channel to make sure you don’t miss our videos.

WHERE TO BUY

Xiaomi 14 Ultra at Giztop

Lava Blaze Curve 5G to feature Dimensity 7050 SoC, price point details leaked

By

Sudhanshu

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Feb 26, 2024

The Indian smartphone brand Lava pulled off a surprising revival of Interest in its home country with the launch of the popular Lava Agni 2 5G smartphone, and the brand wants to keep the momentum rolling with a new smartwatch on the horizon called the Lava Blaze Curve 5G.

Lava Blaze Curve 5G image via Paras Guglani

The phone is speculated to launch in the first week of March, as its Amazon India microsite is already live. Ahead of the launch, tipster Parag Guglani aka @passionategeekz has leaked some key features of the phone in a recent post on X. As per Paras, the Lava Blaze Curve 5G will house a Dimensity 7050 SoC, the same chip found in the popular Lava Agni 2. It will have two RAM and storage options: 8GB + 128GB and 8GB + 256G. The storage type will be UFS 3.1.

The tipster reports that the device scored over 550K points on the Antutu benchmark and will be made available in two color options. Lastly, the tipster states that the device will launch within the ₹16K – ₹19K, which is quite similar to the going prices of the Lava Agni 2 in India.

Previous leaks have confirmed that this device will debut with a 120Hz AMOLED display, likely flaunting a Full HD+ resolution. It is also said to feature a 64MP triple rear camera setup headlined by a Sony sensor. We can expect the official teasers and specifications to begin dropping in the coming days.

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Xiaomi unveils limited edition gift box set for the Xiaomi 14 Ultra: What’s inside?

By

Debasish

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Feb 26, 2024

Xiaomi enthusiasts were greeted with exciting news this morning as the company’s official Weibo announced the release of the Xiaomi 14 Ultra limited edition gift box set. This exclusive set, created in collaboration with Zhang Yimou Studio, offers a curated selection of accessories to complement the flagship smartphone.

Three useful accessories within the box

Included in the gift box set is the Xiaomi 14 Ultra professional photography grip, accompanied by a woven textured protective leather case, and the highly anticipated Xiaomi 80W lifting air-cooled wireless charger, and finally, the phone itself. While the official price for this special edition gift box set has yet to be revealed, the individual components promise to enhance the user experience and functionality of the Xiaomi 14 Ultra.

During the recent press conference held on February 22, Xiaomi introduced the 80W lift-type air-cooled wireless charger, priced at 499 yuan (~$69). This advanced wireless charger supports adaptive lifting charging with dual coils, offering compatibility with Xiaomi smartphones and other wireless charging-enabled devices. Paired with the Xiaomi 14 Ultra, it boasts rapid charging capabilities, providing a full charge in just 49 minutes, ensuring uninterrupted usage throughout the day.

Additionally, Xiaomi unveiled the Xiaomi 14 Ultra professional photography kit, priced at 999 yuan (~$138). Featuring a Type-C interface connection and boasting no delay, this kit is equipped with a built-in 1500mAh battery and supports 90W Xiaomi Hypercharge.

This kit also charges the phone whenever the phone’s power falls below 80%. So this accessory functions like a little battery bank too, that attaches with the phone. Xiaomi notes that this grip can extend the battery life of the Xiaomi 14 Ultra by 23%, which might be very helpful when your phone is away from a power source and the battery is nearing zero.

Xiaomi 14 Ultra offers a ‘high-performance’ camera system

Notably, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra is equipped with a high-performance camera system designed to meet the demands of photography enthusiasts. Featuring a 32MP front sensor and Leica’s new Summilux “All-Star” four-camera rear setup, including a 50MP Sony LYT-900 main camera with OIS, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra delivers a reasonably good image quality and versatility.

In summary, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra limited gift box set offers a comprehensive array of accessories, catering to the diverse needs of users while highlighting Xiaomi’s dedication to innovation in the mobile industry.

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Realme 12 5G SIRIM certified, launch imminent

By

Anvinraj Valiyathara

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Feb 26, 2024

Realme is all set to announce the Realme 12 series of smartphones on March 6 in India. While the company has confirmed the arrival of the Realme 12+ 5G, it is unclear what other phone will debut alongside it. The rumor mill has speculated that the brand may announce the Realme 12 5G along with the 12+. A recent leak revealed the key specifications of an upcoming Realme phone with the RMX3999 model number. The same device has appeared in the database of Malaysia’s SIRIM certification platform, through which its final moniker has been revealed.

Realme 12 5G SIRIM certified

The SIRIM certification has revealed the RMX3999 Realme phone will have the Realme 12 5G moniker when it comes to the Malaysian market. The said device has been previously seen at other certification platforms, such as India’s BIS authority, the FCC, Europe’s EEC, and Indonesian certification bodies, such as TKDN and SDPPI.

Realme 12 5G specifications (rumored)

Previous reports have claimed that the Realme 12 5G could be similar to the Realme C67 5G. It is said to house a 6.72-inch IPS LCD panel that supports an FHD+ resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. It appears that the device may come equipped with a side-mounted fingerprint sensor.

Under the hood, the Realme 12 5G will have the Dimensity 6100 Plus chipset. It may pack a 5,000mAh battery with 45W fast charging.

The FCC certification of the Realme 12 5G revealed that its design language will be similar to the Realme 12+ 5G. It is speculated to house a dual-camera system, but the exact details are not known yet. The handset is expected to run on Realme UI 5-based Android 14.

Apart from the Realme 12 and 12+, the company is also said to be working on the Realme 12 Lite. There is no information about the launch timeframe of the device, but it is said to be similar to the Realme C67 (4G).

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Vivo S18 Diamond Purple color variant up for pre-order

By

Sudarshan Ravichandran

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Feb 26, 2024

Last week, a reliable source revealed that the Vivo S18 will get a new color variant soon. Today, the company has officially announced this new hue, which officially goes by ‘Diamond Purple.’

Just like the report suggested, the new variant of the phone will release on March 1. However, it can be pre-ordered starting today (February 26).

Diamond Purple is the fourth color for Vivo S18 and this variant arrives with a leather back. Originally, the smartphone was unveiled in three colors with a glass back.

The leather back on the new variant sports three-dimensional diamond patterns. This design was first introduced on the Vivo X Flip clamshell foldable smartphone last year.

The teaser poster shared by Whylab suggested that the purple version will be only available in 16GB + 512GB memory configuration. Apparently, that’s not the case, as the four memory variants can be availed in the new color.

They even cost the same as the original three colors. For a limited time, the base version also gets a ¥200 discount.

Thus, the Vivo S18 Diamond Purple carries the following price tags.

8GB + 256GB – ¥2,299 (~$320) [Limited Time – ¥2,099 (~$290)]
12GB + 256GB – ¥2,599 (~$360)
12GB + 512GB – ¥2,799 (~$390)
16GB + 512GB – ¥2,999 (~$415)

As far as specs are concerned, the device arrives with a 6.78-inch FHD+ 120Hz curved OLED display, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 chip, a 50MP (wide) + 8MP (ultrawide) dual camera setup, a 50MP selfie camera, a 5,000mAh battery, and 80W wired charging support.

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OnePlus Watch 2 Indian & Global pricing leaks out ahead of today’s launch

By

Sudhanshu

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Feb 26, 2024

OnePlus is said to hold a launch event today to debut its first smartwatch featuring Google’s WearOS called the OnePlus Watch 2. The launch event is scheduled to kick off at 8:30 pm IST today (February 26), with the global launch happening simultaneously at 10 am EST.

Ahead of the launch, a new image has appeared revealing the Indian as well as global pricing of the OnePlus Watch 2. It appears that the image is from a press briefing, which reveals that the OnePlus Watch will carry a hefty price tag of ₹25,999 in India. In contrast, the smartwatch will cost $299.99 in the US, €329 in the EU, and £299 in the UK.

OnePlus Watch 2 leaked prices before official launch 🤐🫨😵‍💫 #onepluswatch2 #oneplus pic.twitter.com/RMYxkBtiFr
— Teja Bhai (@Tejapokuri7) February 25, 2024

For comparison, the Galaxy Watch 6 costs $249.99 in the US and is currently available for €234 in EU countries like Germany. Compared to these markets, the OnePlus Watch 2 will undercut the Galaxy Watch 6 in India, which costs around ₹29,999.

While not much has been revealed about the OnePlus Watch 2 at this point, previous reports have mentioned that the device could feature a Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 processor under the hood. It will also likely have a 1.43-inch round AMOLED display. Last but not least, the device will debut with WearOS onboard, which is expected to be the latest WearOS 4 version. This will be a massive upgrade from the previous OnePlus Watch which featured an RTOS-based operating system, making it nothing more than a glorified fitness band.

With WearOS onboard, the OnePlus Watch 2 will be capable of accessing an extensive app ecosystem and offer features like Google Assistant, notifications, music streaming, and advanced health tracking. More details about the smartwatch will be revealed later in the day, so stay tuned for our coverage of the launch event.

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Energizer Officially Unveils the P28K Hard Case Smartphone at MWC 2024, Features 28,000 mAh Battery

By

Anubhav

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Feb 26, 2024

Previously, Avenir Telecom revealed that the Energizer P28K smartphone will feature a whopping 28,000 mAh battery. The device has now been officially unveiled at MWC 2024. The Energizer Hard Case P28K redefines smartphone battery life, and how far you can push your daily drivers. The mammoth battery life translates to up to a week of regular use on a single charge, ideal for extended journeys or those seeking freedom from daily charging.

The device supports fast charging up to 33W

The P28K boasts an IP69 rating, making it resistant to dust, water, and even extreme temperatures. This rugged construction ensures it can handle demanding environments without compromising performance. 122 hours of talk time on a full charge? This phone can handle one long, long conversation.

If users need a quick power boost? The P28K supports fast charging up to 33W, allowing you to get back on track in no time. Inside, you’ll find 8GB of RAM for smooth multitasking and 256GB of storage for your essentials. It sports a fine balance of power and functionality. It features a triple-camera system for capturing memories, a clear 6.78-inch 1080p display, and runs on the latest Android 14 operating system.

If you are one of those smartphone users who prioritize week-long battery life and ruggedness over a slim design, the Energizer Hard Case P28K could be your match. It will be available globally (excluding the US) for €249.99 (~$270) starting October. If you are interested, you can pre-order yours today and experience pretty much uninterrupted power. Apart from slightly longer charging times than usual, but over 80% of smartphones have pretty decent fast charging capabilities these days, so charging speeds are rarely the priority when choosing smartphones.

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iQOO Z9 5G lndia launch date officially confirmed

By

Anvinraj Valiyathara

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Feb 26, 2024

iQOO announced the iQOO Neo 9 Pro on Feb. 22 in India. Just before the launch, the brand confirmed that it was also planning to launch the iQOO Z9 5G in the country. While the landing page for the phone has been available on Amazon for the past week, the company did not reveal its launch date. Today, the brand released an official confirmation that it will be unveiled on March 12.

iQOO Z9 5G key specifications

The iQOO Z9 5G’s landing page on Amazon states that it features the Dimensity 7200. The same chip drives the Redmi Note 13 Pro+, IQOO Z7 Pro, Vivo V27, Vivo VS17e (China exclusive), and Vivo T2 Pro 5G. The Nothing Phone (2a) that’s set to launch on March 5 is also equipped with a slightly tweaked version of the chip dubbed the Dimensity 7200 Pro.

The brand has also confirmed that the iQOO Z9 5G will be the first phone in its segment to feature an OIS-enabled Sony IMX882 50-megapixel primary camera. The same camera sensor is available on the Realme 12 Pro 5G, which debuted last month in India.

According to reports, the IQOO Z9 5G will have a 6.x-inch OLED panel that offers an FHD+ resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. The device is expected to ship with FunTouch OS 14, based on Android 14. For security, it will have an under-display fingerprint scanner.

The iQOO Z9 5G is expected to pack a 5,000mAh battery with 44W fast charging. On the front, it may feature a 16-megapixel selfie camera. It is likely that the device may arrive in blue and green shades in India. As far as the cost is concerned, the device is likely to arrive with a sub-Rs 20,000 (~$240) price tag.

By

Anvinraj Valiyathara

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Feb 26, 2024

Vivo V30 series is heading to multiple markets in the coming days. On Feb. 28, it is scheduled to go official in Thailand and Indonesia. The other Asian markets are also expected to receive the Vivo V30 and Vivo V30 Pro around the same time. As far as India is concerned, the V30 duo is all set to go official on March 7 in the country.

The Vivo V30 series landing page is already live on the Flipkart and Vivo India websites. The latter has revealed the key specifications of both smartphones. In India, the V30 is expected to arrive in three shades, such as Classic Black, Andaman Blue, and Peacock Green. It appears that the V30 Pro could also be available in the same colors. Here is a look at the expected specifications of both smartphones.

Vivo V30, Vivo V30 Pro specifications (rumored)

The Vivo V30 and Vivo V30 Pro will have a 6.78-inch curved-edge AMOLED display that offers a 1.5K resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. On the front, both devices are expected to feature an autofocus enabled 50-megapixel selfie camera.

The Vivo V30 may feature a 50-megapixel main camera with OIS support, a 50-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and a 2-megapixel auxiliary camera. On the other hand, the Vivo V30 Pro will have an OIS-enabled 50-megapixel Sony IMX920 primary camera, a 50-megapixel Sony IMX816 ultra-wide lens, and a 50-megapixel telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom support. Both devices are expected to run on FunTouch OS 14-based Android 14.

The Vivo V30 and V30 Pro are said to feature the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 and Dimensity 8200 chipsets, respectively. The series may offer up to 12 GB of LPDDR5 RAM and up to 512 GB of UFS 3.1 storage. It is likely that both devices may pack a 5,000mAh battery with 80W fast charging support.

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Redmi G Pro gaming laptop March 4 launch teased; to come with i9-14900HX CPU & RTX 4070 GPU

By

Sudhanshu

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Feb 26, 2024

On February 22, Xiaomi held a launch event for the Xiaomi 14 Ultra flagship smartphone in China. At this event, the brand also briefly teased the upcoming arrival of the Redmi G Pro 2024 gaming laptop, which it claims will be “The Strongest Under 10,000 yuan” which is around US$1,390.

Now, the Xiaomi Mall App in China has an ad up for the pre-order window of the Redmi G Pro laptop, which shows that the laptop is currently available for pre-order and will be till March 4th. It also mentions “Stay tuned for March 4th”, which is more than likely the official launch date of this gaming laptop.

Although official details about the specifications of the laptop are scarce at the moment, previous reports indicate that the top model in the lineup will feature an i9-14900HX processor and an RTX 4070 graphics card. A previous Geekbench listing also confirms that it will have an Intel i5-14500HX powered variant as well, which will feature an RTX 4060 graphics card. Both of these models are said to feature 16GB DDR5 RAM.

From the teased visuals, it looks like the laptop will offer a slim metallic gray body. The previous generation of the laptop featured a 16-inch 2560 x 1600 pixels, 240Hz refresh rate LCD panel, which is likely to be on this model as well. It also supported 100W PD charging through its USB-C port and came with a massive 80Wh battery supported by a 330W power adapter.

In related news, Xiaomi has recently unveiled two new smartphones for the global market at MWC 2024. The first device is the Xiaomi 14, which launched a few months back in China, and the other is the much-anticipated Xiaomi 14 Ultra. Alongside these flagship-tier smartphones, the brand has also launched the Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro tablet, the Xiaomi Watch 2, Watch S3, and the Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro for the global market.

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Motorola Goes All In on Gorilla Glass for Its Phones Starting This Year

By

Anubhav

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Feb 26, 2024

Motorola is making a big move for durability, announcing today that it will be using Corning Gorilla Glass on all of its smartphones starting later this year. This means even their most budget-friendly phones will get a boost in scratch and drop resistance, a welcome change for anyone who’s ever had a cracked screen from a minor fumble.

Durability is becoming a big concern with expensive smartphones

While Gorilla Glass is already pretty common on high-end phones, it’s not always a given for cheaper models. Motorola’s decision to switch things up ensures that even their most affordable devices won’t feel like fragile little things. They didn’t specify exactly which versions of Gorilla Glass they’ll be using, but they showcased Gorilla Glass 5 and the newer, tougher Gorilla Glass Victus 2 at a recent event.

This isn’t just good news for clumsy phone users (we’ve all been there). It also shows that Motorola is serious about making quality devices accessible to everyone, not just those with big budgets. Plus, it could give them a bit of an edge in the competitive smartphone market, where durability is always a concern.

On top of the Gorilla Glass news, Motorola also unveiled a new software feature called Smart Connect at MWC. This nifty tool lets Motorola and Lenovo devices connect to Lenovo PCs, allowing you to use the PC’s keyboard on both devices, share notifications and clipboard content, and even use your phone or tablet as a webcam or hotspot. Look for Smart Connect to land in the coming months. So, if you’re looking for a tough phone that won’t break the bank, keep an eye out for Motorola’s upcoming offerings.

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How much does it Cost to Build an Apple Vision Pro? Not as Much as You Would Think

By

Anubhav

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Feb 26, 2024

Apple’s new popular baby AR/VR headset, the Vision Pro, starts at a whopping $3,500. Yikes! But before you scoff and move on, there’s more to the story than meets the eye (pun intended). Analysts estimate the actual cost of making the headset, including all its fancy parts, is around $1,500. That means Apple’s taking a pretty hefty markup, but let’s break it down.

Both the displays – one for each eye – cost $912 together.

The priciest components are the fancy displays, one for each eye, costing around $456 each. Then come the powerful chips, one for general processing and another for handling all the camera and sensor data.

Now, here’s the catch: this is just the cost of the parts. Apple spends a lot more on research, development, marketing, and other hidden costs. Plus, it’s a relatively new product with low production volume, so the price needs to cover those initial investments.

Remember, this is just the first generation. As the technology matures and production ramps up, we could see the price drop in the future. So, is the Vision Pro worth the hefty price tag? That depends on how badly you want to experience the cutting edge of AR/VR and how deep your pockets are. The company is already charging a fair (or unfair, depending on how much you have) amount of money for replacing parts of the headset – let’s just hope the future generations of the device aren’t as hefty.

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Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite chip visits Geekbench

By

Soumyakanti

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Feb 25, 2024

Recently, a new Qualcomm chip, identified as model number Qualcomm ZH-WXX and thought to be the Snapdragon X Elite, made an appearance on the Geekbench benchmarking platform. This chip showcased impressive performance metrics with a single-core score of 2574 and a multi-core score of 12562. It was tested on a device operating on Microsoft Windows 11, equipped with a 12-core CPU at 4.01 GHz, and 32GB of RAM.

Snapdragon X Elite Chip Appears on Geekbench

In October 2023, Qualcomm introduced the Snapdragon X Elite, which features the custom-designed Qualcomm Oryon CPU. The chip is built on a TSMC’s 4nm process node, featuring 12 cores and 64-bit architecture. It boasts a base clock speed of 3.8GHz, with the capability to reach up to 4.3GHz in dual-core turbo frequency.

The company positions this CPU as a trailblazer in mobile computing, claiming it delivers up to twice the CPU performance of its competitors. It achieves this heightened level of performance at peak power while consuming only a third of the energy.

The standout feature of the Snapdragon X Elite is its AI processing capabilities. It is said to be 4.5 times faster in AI processing compared to its rivals, capable of handling complex AI models with over 13 billion parameters directly on the device. This capability enables a smoother user experience, enhancing multitasking and offering intuitive features like AI-powered assistants and advanced video conferencing tools.

The company has made strong claims about the X Elite’s performance, stating it surpasses the Apple M2 Max and Intel Core i7-1355U in single-threaded performance metrics. According to Qualcomm, the X Elite not only outperforms the M2 Max in single-threaded tasks but also achieves peak performance with 30% lower power consumption. In multi-core tasks, it’s said to be 50% faster than the M2.

Major PC manufacturers such as Dell, Acer, Honor, HP, Lenovo, Samsung, and ASUS are anticipated to release laptops featuring the Snapdragon X Elite starting in mid-2024. Even Xiaomi is reportedly preparing to unveil a new slim laptop, likely from the Redmi G Pro 2024 series, featuring this chip.

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ASUS ROG Zephyrus 14 laptop with Ryzen 9 8945HS CPU & RTX 4070 now on US store shelves

By

Sudhanshu

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Feb 25, 2024

At CES 2024, ASUS unveiled its latest additions to the ROG Zephyrus series, which are laptops meant to provide a balance between gaming performance and portability. The Zephyrus G14 and G16 went on sale in Europe earlier this month, and now, the G14 model is also available in the US through Best Buy.

ROG Zephyrus 14 specs:

The laptop is powered by the AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS processor, featuring 8 cores and 16 threads, ensuring efficient and fast processing. The graphics are powered by Nvidia RTX GPUs, ranging from the RTX 4050 to the RTX 4070. A significant upgrade in this model is the 14-inch OLED display, which offers 3K resolution, 100% DCI-P3 color coverage, and a 120 Hz refresh rate. This means that this laptop can now be used for both gaming and creative/professional tasks alike.

The audio system in the 2024 model sees an improvement with a 6-speaker setup that includes two tweeters and four woofers, providing a rich and immersive sound experience. Buyers should note that the RAM is permanently soldered onto the motherboard.

In terms of connectivity, the Zephyrus G14 (2024) features multiple ports including USB4, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, HDMI 2.1, a 3.5mm audio jack, and a microSD card reader. It also supports WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3. Despite its slim dimensions (312 x 220 x 16mm) and lightweight (1.5 kg or 3.3 pounds), it houses a 73 Wh battery.

Pricing

The ROG Zephyrus G14 (2024) is available at Best Buy, with the RTX 4060 model priced at $1,599.99 and the RTX 4070 model at $1,999.99.

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Xiaomi Outdoor Camera CW400 two-way rotation security camera now available in Europe & UK

By

Sudhanshu

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Feb 25, 2024

The Xiaomi Outdoor Camera CW400 was launched in China in October 2022 and was listed on Xiaomi‘s global website a few months ago. Now, the camera is finally available to buy in some European countries.

The CW400 is designed for durability, featuring an IP66 rating for dust and waterproof protection, making it ideal for outdoor environments. It boasts a 4MP sensor with an F1.6 aperture, delivering 2.5K (2560 x 1440p) resolution images, ensuring clear footage day and night. This clarity is further supported by the camera’s full-color night vision capabilities, enabled by its infrared and white lights.

With a 360-degree horizontal and 160-degree vertical viewing angle, the CW400 offers comprehensive coverage of outdoor spaces. Its high-gain dual antenna ensures stable, long-distance transmission, overcoming obstacles for reliable data transmission.

The camera integrates advanced features such as AI humanoid detection, which triggers visual or audible alarms to deter intruders, two-way voice communication for real-time interaction, and time-lapse photography for capturing events over a period. Storage options include both microSD card and cloud storage, with footage easily accessible through the Xiaomi app on iOS and Android devices.

Pricing & availability

The Xiaomi Outdoor Camera CW400 is available for purchase in the UK, Germany, and Italy at a price of £69.99/€74.99. The availability of this security camera in other European countries is currently uncertain.

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HONOR Pad 9 mid-range tablet launched at MWC 2024 feat. 2.5K display & Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 processor

By

Sudhanshu

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Feb 25, 2024

At MWC 2024, HONOR unveiled the HONOR Pad 9, a new addition to its global lineup, alongside other devices like the MagicBook Pro 16 laptop and Magic 6 Pro smartphone. The HONOR Pad 9 was launched last year in China and offers a lightweight design, aiming to cater to both entertainment and productivity needs.

The tablet features a slim build, weighing 555g and with a thickness of 6.96mm, highlighted by a unique Deco design with a central back camera. It boasts a 12.1-inch, 2.5K LCD display with a high screen-to-body ratio and refresh rate, coupled with TÜV Rheinland certification for eye care, ensuring a comfortable viewing experience.

Powered by the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 SoC and equipped with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, the HONOR Pad 9 promises smooth performance. Running on MagicOS 7.2 based on Android 13, it offers enhanced privacy and security. The device’s 8300mAh battery supports 35W fast charging, designed for extended use without frequent recharges.

Pricing & availability

The HONOR Pad 9 is available in Space Grey and Cyan Lake, with a starting price of EUR 349 and £299.99 in the UK, available with or without a keyboard accessory. It will be sold through various online retailers in the UK and Ireland, with promotional discounts available.

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MWC 2024: Xiaomi Watch 2 Launches With WearOS, 65 Hours Battery Life

By

Viraj Gawde

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Feb 25, 2024

Alongside Honor, Xiaomi made a host of announcements at its MWC 2024 event. The brand announced smartphone and, wearable devices. The latter includes the Xiaomi Watch 2, Watch S3, and Band 8 Pro. The Watch 2 is a slightly different offering compared to the Pro version that was announced last year. Read on to know all the details below.

Xiaomi Watch 2 specifications and features

The notable difference between the Xiaomi Watch 2 and the Watch 2 Pro is that the latest offering lacks a rotating crown. It has two buttons on the right side. The device has a circular dial with a 1.43-inch AMOLED display bearing a resolution of 466 x 466 pixels. The smartwatch sports an aluminium body and it is 5 ATM water-resistant.

The Xiaomi Watch 2 is equipped with a 12-channel advanced health monitoring technology. It is capable of tracking heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and sleep patterns. The wearable device also features a menstrual cycle tracker and can monitor stress levels. It packs support for over 160 sports modes. The device has a built-in GPS for outdoor activities.

The Xiaomi Watch 2 is powered by a Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1 processor that is said to offer better performance while also being power efficient. It packs 2GB RAM and 32GB storage for downloading and storing apps as well as songs. The smartwatch runs on WearOS with access to more than 200 third-party apps and apps from the Play Store like Google Wallet, Maps etc.

The Xiaomi Watch 2 features fall detection that will automatically notify the user’s emergency contact. It also lets users call for help in emergency situations. It has a built-in microphone and speaker for hands-free voice calling via paired smartphone. The smartwatch packs convenient features like a camera and music control. Calendar, flashlight, recorder, weather, altitude, and more. The Xiaomi Watch 2 is backed by a 495mAh battery unit that is claimed to deliver 65 hours of usage under typical conditions.

The Xiaomi Watch 2 can be availed in Black and Silver colors. It is priced at EUR 199.

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