Rumors hint at iOS 18 design updates inspired by visionOS

By

-

Feb 10, 2024

Apple typically favors gradual design evolutions for iOS, the operating system behind iPhones. The most recent major overhaul occurred with iOS 16’s customizable Lock Screen.

However, an unconfirmed rumor suggests that iOS 18 might introduce a more substantial visual refresh, taking cues from visionOS, the operating system powering Apple’s Vision Pro headset.

According to a report from The Verifier, visual elements from visionOS might be incorporated into iOS 18. visionOS, while sharing similarities with iOS, features a distinct aesthetic with rounder shapes, shadows, and a sense of depth achieved through floating, overlapping windows.

The report points to the updated Apple TV app in tvOS 17.2 as early evidence of this transition, referencing its new floating sidebar design as similar to visionOS app layouts.

It’s crucial to remember that The Verifier has a mixed history with the accuracy of its predictions, making this rumor particularly speculative.

Moreover, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman previously reported that iOS 18 will feature “ambitious changes,” although whether these pertain to interface updates or new AI-powered functionality remains unclear.

Historically, Apple maintains distinct design languages for each of its operating systems. For instance, iOS has never fully adopted rounded icons or deep shadows simply because those elements exist within watchOS or macOS.

While these rumors could hold some truth, a design shift inspired by visionOS might be more likely to manifest within tvOS. The larger screen format of the Apple TV lends itself well to visual layouts with greater depth and layering, elements more characteristic of visionOS.

In addition to the talk about design changes, there are speculations that Apple iOS 18 will bring AI features to iPhones. Samsung and Google are already leading in this area, with other Android brands are gradually following suit. Apple surely wouldn’t want to fall behind in this race. We’ll make sure to keep you informed about any new developments in iOS 18.

RELATED:

ViewSonic launches new XG272-2K-OLED gaming monitor in the US

By

Rajesh Regmi

-

Feb 10, 2024

ViewSonic has expanded its monitor lineup with the release of the XG272-2K-OLED in the US market. This launch follows the recent global debut of their VX2758A-2K-PRO and the China-exclusive VX2758-4K-PRO-2. So let’s get into the details here.

Key Features and Specifications

The XG272-2K-OLED features a 27-inch OLED panel with a 2560 x 1440 resolution (also known as 2.5K or 1440p). The OLED technology is known for its exceptional contrast, deep blacks, and vibrant colors, so the content should look pretty good here.

While ViewSonic hasn’t disclosed the OLED panel supplier, the specifications strongly suggest it’s sourced from LG Display, a leading provider of OLED panels for various devices.

Anyway, the panel boasts a speedy 240Hz refresh rate for smooth visuals and a fast 0.02ms GtG response time to minimize ghosting during fast-paced action. Likewise, its peak brightness can reach up to 450 nits for HDR content.

The monitor includes both AMD FreeSync Premium and NVIDIA G-SYNC compatibility to minimize screen tearing during gaming sessions. For improved comfort during extended use, it offers an adjustable stand for customizable positioning. The monitor also features RGB lighting elements that can be tailored to your preferences, as well as integrated 3W speakers for basic audio output.

As for the connectivity options, it includes a USB Type-C input, four USB 3.1 ports (offering both Type-A and Type-B connections), and a 3.5mm audio jack for headphones or external speakers.

Unfortunately, ViewSonic has not yet announced the pricing for the XG272-2K-OLED. Instead, the company is showing a “contact sales” button on the website which could likely mean the pricing may vary based on individual or bulk orders. Just our guess though.

Related:

(Via)

Oppo Reno 12 series could feature a custom Sony primary camera: Tipster

By

Sudhanshu

-

Feb 10, 2024

The Oppo Reno 11F was recently launched in the global market, likely being the final addition to the Reno 11 series. With that out of the way, the brand is now focusing on the Reno 12 series, which is expected to arrive in June this year. Last week’s report revealed details about the chipset inside the Reno 12 series. Now, a new leak from Weibo Tipster 智慧皮卡丘 has revealed some key camera specifications of the Reno 12 series.

As per the tipster, the Reno 12 series will feature a custom Sony camera lens, suggesting significant improvements in photography capabilities. While the exact implications of the camera upgrade are unclear, there’s speculation about changes in image quality compared to earlier models.

Details about the Reno 12 include it being powered by a MediaTek MTK 24M processor, coupled with 12GB RAM and 256GB storage. It’s expected to have a 6.7-inch FHD 120Hz OLED display and a design featuring a 4-sided curved glass back. The camera setup might consist of a 50MP OIS + 8MP dual rear camera and a 50MP selfie camera, complemented by a 5000mAh battery with 67W fast charging.

For the Reno 12 Pro, leaks suggest the use of a MediaTek Dimensity 9200 chipset, marking a departure from earlier Snapdragon speculations. It may share the standard model’s display and design traits but could include a more advanced 50MP (2x optical zoom) + 8MP dual rear camera setup and a 50MP autofocus selfie camera. The Pro model is also expected to support a 5000mAh battery with 67W fast charging.

RELATED:

Samsung Galaxy Watch receives FDA approval for sleep apnea detection

By

Rajesh Regmi

-

Feb 10, 2024

Samsung has received FDA approval to introduce a sleep apnea detection feature for Galaxy Watch users in the United States. This makes Samsung the first smartwatch maker to gain such approval by the FDA. The company, however, already got approval for this feature in South Korea back in October 2023.

Sleep apnea is a chronic condition that prevents a person from breathing while asleep. This can lead to reduced sleep quality and an increased risk of serious health issues like heart disease. It’s incredibly common but often undiagnosed.

While Samsung remained tight-lipped on the exact method it will use for detection, the Galaxy Watch is equipped with the necessary sensors to monitor factors associated with sleep apnea. For instance, the watch can accurately detect changes in blood oxygen levels and heart rate, which should be pretty useful for the feature to work.

Users will need to wear the watch while sleeping for at least two nights within a ten-day timeframe to collect sufficient data for analysis. You can then view the results on the Samsung Health Monitor app. Also, it’s important to note that the feature is only for adults over 22 who haven’t already been diagnosed with sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea detection is a valuable addition to the Galaxy Watch’s suite of health monitoring features. While not a substitute for formal diagnosis, it could be life-saving by detecting sleep apnea proactively.

Apple is also said to be working on a sleep apnea detection feature for its smartwatch. However, the company might face obstacles due to ongoing legal restrictions regarding its SpO2 sensor.

Nonetheless, the feature will be rolled out to Galaxy Watch users in the United States later this year. However, it is likely to be available only on newer models like the Galaxy Watch 5 and 6 series.

Related:

Fire-Boltt Fire Band Nova launched with 14.2mm drivers, winged design & 40 hour battery life

By

Sudhanshu

-

Feb 10, 2024

Fire-Boltt has released a new budget-friendly neckband headset, the Fire Band Nova, in India, following the introduction of Fire-Pods Zeus earbuds. These earbuds come with a regular neckband, however, the earbuds themself feature a winged design that will help with a more secure fit for situations like workout and running.

Aimed at offering quality sound at an affordable price, the Fire Band Nova features 14.2mm drivers and Environmental Noise Cancellation Technology for clear calls.

The neckband is equipped with magnetic earbuds for ease of use, supports dual pairing for simultaneous connections to two devices, and uses Bluetooth 5.3 for reliable connectivity. It offers up to 40 hours of playback time and includes Type-C fast charging, which provides up to 100 minutes of playtime with just 10 minutes of charging.

Designed for durability, the Fire Band Nova is splash- and sweat-proof with an IPX5 rating. It supports voice assistance, multi-point connectivity, and has built-in controls for volume, music, and calls.

Pricing & availability

The Fire-Boltt Fire Band Nova is available in Black and Blue and can be purchased on the company’s website for Rs. 999 as an introductory offer.

RELATED:

Former TikTok Executive Sues Over Alleged Age and Gender Discrimination

By

Anubhav

-

Feb 10, 2024

Katie Ellen Puris used to be one of the top women working at TikTok, but now she’s suing the company and its owner, ByteDance. She says they fired her unfairly because of her age and because she’s a woman.

She also mentioned that TikTok preferred younger employees

Puris joined TikTok in 2019, bringing her big-time marketing skills from places like Google and Facebook. She did well quickly, helping to start TikTok for Business, which helped companies use the platform better. But even with her success, she ran into big problems.

She claims that ByteDance, the company that owns TikTok, started to take over more control from its office in Beijing. The big issue, according to Puris, came from ByteDance’s chairman, Lidong Zhang. He supposedly didn’t like how Puris did her job, saying she wasn’t quiet or humble enough, which he unfairly expected from women at the company.

Puris also says that the company preferred younger employees, thinking they’d bring more new ideas and be easier to manage. She felt pushed aside because of her age and her willingness to speak up.

Her lawsuit talks about how she tried to deal with these problems, like reporting sexual harassment, but TikTok didn’t help her out. Instead, things got worse for her at work, leading to her losing her job. This lawsuit isn’t just about Puris losing her job; it’s shedding some much-needed light on some serious issues at TikTok and ByteDance. It’s about how companies treat their employees, especially when it comes to fairness and respect.

RELATED:

(Via)

Meta Introduces More Control Over Political Content on Instagram and Threads

By

Anubhav

-

Feb 10, 2024

Social media users are about to gain more control over their feeds on Instagram and Threads, thanks to Meta’s latest update. Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram, shared that the intention behind these changes is to honor each user’s preference regarding political content. While some might seek it out, others prefer to steer clear, and Meta’s updates are specifically targeted towards respecting these varying interests. It is not only about filtering what appears in our feeds but also about offering users the choice to engage with political content on their terms.

Users can still tweak their settings to view more of such content

For those who still wish to stay informed about governmental, electoral, or societal issues, the option remains open. Users can tweak their settings to keep this door open, affecting only the content from public accounts in recommended sections like Explore and Reels. Importantly, this won’t affect the content from accounts one already follows, maintaining the personal touch of one’s social media feed.

This initiative is part of Meta’s broader strategy to distance its platforms from the contentious realms of news and politics. Considering the minimal political content in U.S. users’ feeds and the platforms’ stance on not promoting political content due to its limited engagement and potential for negativity, these updates are timely. As we edge closer to another presidential election, the balance between engagement and content quality becomes increasingly crucial.

Meta’s new policy also has implications for content creators, particularly those using their platforms professionally. The ability to check and contest recommendation eligibility through the Account Status feature provides a level of transparency and control, ensuring that creators understand how political content might affect their visibility.

RELATED:

(Via)

Acer Predator Extreme PES017 electric scooter with off-road capabilities launching soon

By

Jed John Ikoba

-

Feb 9, 2024

The Acer Predator Extreme PES017 is a new off-road e-scooter that is expected to launch soon after it was announced in March 2023. The Acer Predator Extreme has a 350W motor with a peak output of 960W and a dual suspension system for a more comfortable ride even in extreme conditions.

Acer Predator Extreme PES017 electric scooter

The Acer Predator Extreme PES017 was on display during the Taipei Cycle 2023 event and it has had several upgrades since it was first announced last year. It comes with a more powerful motor than initially planned and also offers an increased range. It has a maximum torque of 40Nm which allows the rider to navigate inclines up to 18%. The top speed of the Extreme e-scooter is either 20km/h, 25km/h, or 32km/h according to regulatory caps in different jurisdictions.

The Acer Predator Extreme has three speed modes which can be chosen via the handlebar-mounted controller. It has a swappable 48V 10.5Ah battery that delivers a riding range of 35km on a single charge. The swappable battery allows the rider to extend the range of the e-scooter with an extra battery pack. The dual suspension system of the e-scooter combines a front telescopic fork and a rear shock absorber. The scooter has a low center of gravity and its 10-inch crocodile tires offer enhanced grip and safety while on the trail. The PES017 also comes with hydraulic disc brakes and indicator lights.

Expected Pricing & Availability

The Acer Predator Extreme PES017 will be available in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa in Q2, 2024, according to the company. The model will retail in the selected markets for the equivalent of about $1,400. There are no indications yet on when the PES017 off-road e-scooter will be available in the US and Canada.

RELATED:

Apollo Go dual-motor e-scooter with a top speed of 45km/h & a lightweight design unveiled

By

Jed John Ikoba

-

Feb 9, 2024

The Apollo Go electric scooter is the latest affordable e-scooter from Canadian firm Apollo. The brand has a slew of fanciful scooters which have been designed from the ground up. The Apollo Go offers a marked departure from these fancier models as it has a lightweight design with an overall weight of 20.8kg. It is designed to compete with entry-level scooters and its strong points include affordability and functionality.

The Apollo Go comes with some decent performance metrics. It has a pair of 350W motors that peak at 750W each, delivering a total of 2 horsepower to the system. It can reach a top speed of 45km/h, which is quite impressive for an entry-level scooter. The scooter has a 36v 15Ah battery with a capacity of 540Wh with a reduced weight than batteries in Apollo’s more elegant models. The scooter can be sufficiently carried up a flight of stairs without much stress, thus enhancing its versatility. The Apollo Go is also foldable.

The Apollo Go can navigate up to 25% inclines and also provides regenerative braking when riding downhill. It has a dual suspension system which also delivers a more comfortable ride. The scooter also has self-healing tires, IP66 waterproof protection, all-around LED lighting, and fully enclosed braking combining drum and motor brakes.

Pricing & Availability

The Apollo Go foldable e-scooter is priced at a launch offer of $1,099, but its original price is $1,199. Pre-orders for the Apollo Go will open on February 20 but it is unclear when the earliest deliveries will happen. The Apollo Go is expected to have a massive reception in the market, as it combines affordability, performance, and comfortable riding in a versatile and lightweight electric scooter.

Related:

AOC AGON GAMING Q27G4X gaming monitor with 180Hz refresh rate and 1440p resolution announced

By

Jed John Ikoba

-

Feb 9, 2024

AOC has unveiled the AGON GAMING Q27G4X gaming monitor, a budget offering that comes with some decent specs. The new AOC gaming monitor has a 27-inch IPS display with 1440p resolution and a 180Hz refresh rate. It is a refreshed version of the G4 GAMING monitor series and is coming on the heels of the earlier release of the AGON GAMING 24G4X and AGON GAMING 27G4X.

Features

The AGON GAMING Q27G4X is a high-end alternative to the AGON GAMING 27G4X, as the new model comes with a higher resolution than the earlier model. The AGON GAMING 27G4X has a native 1080p resolution. The AGON GAMING Q27G4X offers a higher display refresh rate of 180Hz, as well as response times of 1ms GtG and 0.05ms MPRT respectively. The new gaming monitor is VESA DisplayHDR 400 certified, delivering 8-bit image quality and up to 400 nits of peak brightness.

The AOC AGON GAMING Q27G4X gaming monitor has its complements of ports but does not support USB connectivity. It features DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.1 interfaces, while its built-in speakers provide a decent sound output for the model. The gaming monitor comes with VESA mounts for sturdy and placement.

Pricing & Availability

The new AOC gaming monitor is expected to be available in some markets, including the UK, later this month. There are still some key specs of the model that are yet to be unwrapped by the manufacturer but these are expected shortly. The product is priced at £229.99 in the UK and €290 in the EU. The AOC AGON GAMING Q27G4X is expected to subsequently be listed on retail platforms like Amazon, as previous AGON GAMING monitors are available on the e-commerce platform.

Get AGON GAMING Q27G4X Monitor on Amazon

Related:

Former Meizu Executive Reveals Insights about Expected Huawei Vision AR Headset

By

Simranpal Singh

-

Feb 9, 2024

With the launch of Apple Vision Pro, the headset market received much-needed attention from the masses. The already mature market includes players like Meta, Vive, and Valve, and the entry of Apple made it more competitive. Amid all this, a former Meizu executive, Li Nan, and the founder of Numiao Technology sarcastically shed some light on the expected Huawei Vision AR Headset via his official Weibo Handle.

As per the post shared, Li Nan claims that Huawei is working on a VR headset that will feature the company’s self-developed chipset, which would offer such exciting performance that there would be “no delay” in spatial renders. The VR headset will come with a Sony 4K micro-OLED display, which is expected to ship to the Huawei manufacturing unit within the next 6 months. The same display is part of Apple’s Vision Pro headset.

Further, Huawei’s VR headset will weigh around 350 grams, which is around half of the 600 grams measuring Apple’s Vision Pro.

If we believe the story, then it would result in a great alternative to the Apple Vision Pro on the market. However, the pricing would be around 15000 Yuan, which roughly translates to ~$2100. We also expect it to be available for a lower price than Apple’s counterpart.

Huawei’s venture into VR is not entirely new, as the company introduced Vision Glass with a head-mounted display in 2021. It was bundled with a 1080P micro-OLED screen. This latest development aligns with Huawei’s previous efforts and its registration of the Vision Pro trademark back in 2019. Even some rumors state that Huawei is bringing its Mixed Reality headset.

Additionally, Apple may need to change the Vision Pro name in China, as Huawei already has the same name trademark in China.

Related:

Oppo and OnePlus Embrace AI with ColorOS New Year Edition! Which Models Will Get the Update?

By

Oğuz Çakır

-

Feb 9, 2024

Artificial intelligence technologies continue to grow in popularity. Today, it is possible to see AI inspirations in many products and services. Of course, smartphone manufacturers are no exception. After Samsung introduced Galaxy AI to our lives with the S24 series, now Oppo and OnePlus have rolled out their AI-powered ColorOS New Year Edition update for millions of users. The update brings over 100 new AI features designed to enhance productivity, creativity, and user experience. Here are the details…

Oppo and OnePlus Embrace AI with ColorOS New Year Edition Update

Artificial intelligence technologies used in smartphones aim to make our daily lives easier. For example, one of the AI features that came into our lives with the ColorOS New Year Edition Update is AI Call Summary. This feature intelligently analyzes your phone calls, transcribing them and highlighting important points. It can even create to-do lists and reminders based on the conversation, saving you the hassle of note-taking during long calls.

Another important feature that comes to Oppo and OnePlus phones with this update is AI Elimination. As you know, smartphones are our most important helpers in capturing unique moments. However, sometimes unwanted people or objects can enter the frame in our memories with our loved ones. With this feature, you can remove them and make quick and effortless image touch ups.

Of course, the new year is wonderful when you share it with your loved ones. With the AI Greeting Cards feature, you can design personalized New Year greeting cards with the help of AI-generated suggestions and templates. Additionally, with Photo Studio, you can apply festive New Year-themed filters and templates to your photos, giving them a fun and celebratory makeover.

Oppo’s virtual assistant is now smarter and more functional than ever thanks to AI. The company claims that it even has an answer suggestion for awkward questions asked by your family. It can also suggest recipes for festive dishes, help generate greetings, scripts, and other written content, and provide Spring Festival facts and trivia. The ColorOS AI New Year Edition update first covers the following models:

Find X7 series
Reno10 series
Find X6 series
Find N3 series
OnePlus 12
OnePlus 11
OnePlus Ace 3
Reno11
Reno11 Pro
OnePlus Ace 2
Ace 2 Pro

It is worth mentioning that at the beginning of this month, the Oppo Find N3 and X6 Pro mobile phones pushed the ColorOS 14.0.0.402/401 update, which has already added functions such as intelligent call summary and AI elimination. With the push of the ColorOS AI New Year Edition, more Oppo and OnePlus smartphone users will experience this function.

RELATED:

Former Apple Engineer Sentenced for Stealing Self-Driving Car Secrets

By

Anubhav

-

Feb 9, 2024

A former engineer at Apple, Xiaolang Zhang, finds himself on the wrong side of the law, having been handed a six-month prison sentence for his role in pilfering secrets from the tech giant’s vaults. This unfolds as Zhang admits to swiping details on the development of Apple’s self-driving vehicle project, an endeavour that people have been talking about for years.

The fine includes a hefty sum of $146,984 as well

Zhang’s journey from trusted employee to convicted felon began with his arrest at San Jose International Airport in 2018, moments before he could escape to China. Initially, he fought the charges, pleading not guilty. However, in a dramatic turn of events in 2022, Zhang confessed to the theft of trade secrets, leading to his current predicament. Beyond his prison term, Zhang faces a three-year leash of supervised release and a hefty restitution bill of $146,984.

His tenure at Apple was marked by his involvement in Project Titan, Apple’s mysterious and much-discussed foray into autonomous vehicles. According to allegations, Zhang’s acts of espionage included transferring a detailed 25-page document with engineering blueprints to personal devices and pilfering hardware, illustrating a breach of trust as profound as it was audacious.

Following a paternity leave and a trip to China, Zhang resigned, revealing plans to join XPeng Motors, a move that raised eyebrows given the company’s competing interests in autonomous driving. This revelation set off alarm bells, leading to an investigation that caught Zhang red-handed, engaging in activities that betrayed confidence.

RELATED:

(Via)

Velo de Ville Amps Up the E-Bike Game with Customizable 2024 Models

By

Anubhav

-

Feb 9, 2024

Electric bicycles are evolving, and Velo de Ville is at the forefront of this transformation. The German e-bike specialist is rolling into the 2024 riding season with four exciting new models, each designed to cater to a wide array of preferences and riding styles. What sets these bikes apart is their emphasis on customization, allowing riders to tailor their bicycles to fit their unique needs perfectly.

The diverse range of e-bikes can cater to a wide range of people

The lineup kicks off with the AEB Urban Commuter, a bike that’s as versatile as it is efficient. Available in several frame and wheel configurations, the AEB series is powered by Bosch motors, offering a range of performance options to suit different urban adventures. From the compact 40-Nm Active Line motor in the AEB 290 to the robust Performance Line CX motor in the AEB 990, there’s an AEB for every city dweller.

For those who crave adventure beyond the city limits, the SEB model, dubbed the “SUV” of e-bikes, combines rugged design with off-road capability. Equipped with a suspension fork and durable Schwalbe Johnny Watts tires, the SEB is ready for anything from daily commutes to weekend explorations.

Urban comfort gets a new definition with the CEB model, designed for a smooth and relaxed riding experience. The Bosch Performance Line SX motor ensures a natural pedal feel, while the bike’s comfort-enhancing features, like a suspension seatpost and full-coverage mudguards, make for an effortlessly enjoyable ride.

Lastly, the KEB model brings compact convenience to the urban landscape. Its small frame and 20-inch wheels make it ideal for navigating city streets, while still packing the same punch as its larger counterparts with the Bosch Performance Line SX motor.

Velo de Ville’s commitment to customization doesn’t end with the bike’s specifications. Riders can choose from a variety of paint finishes and add custom touches for a truly personalized ride. This approach not only highlights the brand’s dedication to meeting individual rider needs but also showcases the potential for e-bikes to become a more integral part of our daily lives.

RELATED:

(Via)

RBI Enhances Digital Rupee in India with Programmability and Offline Transactions

By

Anubhav

-

Feb 9, 2024

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is taking a big step by adding new features to its digital currency, making it smarter and more useful. They’re introducing programmability and the ability to work offline. This is a big deal because it means the digital rupee can do more than just simple payments between people and shops. Now, it can be set up for specific uses, like making sure government help goes to the right place, or helping businesses manage their spending better.

People with bad internet access (and no internet) can still use digital money

The offline feature is especially important. It means people in areas with bad internet or no internet at all can still use digital money. This is a game-changer for parts of the country that are hard to reach or don’t have good mobile service.

The RBI isn’t stopping there. They’re also working on making digital transactions safer and looking for new ways to check that payments are secure. Plus, they’re thinking about how to make sure India gets its fair share from the sale of digital goods like apps and games. They want to change old rules so they can tax these products, which would help India compete better in the global market.

All these changes show that India is serious about making its digital currency work better for everyone. It’s not just about making payments easier; it’s about making sure the economy grows and everyone can be a part of it, no matter where they live or how good their internet is.

RELATED:

(Via)

Vivo Y200e 5G Launch Timeline, Key Features Tipped

By

Viraj Gawde

-

Feb 9, 2024

Vivo is working on a new Y-series smartphone. The upcoming offering is the Vivo Y200e 5G and so far the device has bagged Bluetooth SIG, BIS, and Google Play Console certifications. It has also appeared on the Geekbench benchmarking platform. Some of the key specifications of the device are known because of the listings. Now, 91Mobiles has learnt more details including the launch timeline of the Vivo Y200e 5G from industry sources.

Vivo Y200e 5G launch timeline, features tipped

As per the report, the Vivo Y200e 5G is tipped to launch in India by the end of this month. We can expect the brand to start sharing teasers of the device in the coming days. Previously, we reported that the upcoming offering could be a rebadged version of the Vivo Y100 5G that debuted in Indonesia recently.

The report adds that the Vivo Y200e 5G will feature an EcoFiber leather back panel along with a unique anti-stain coating which means that it will be resistant to stains. The smartphone will reportedly have a 120Hz AMOLED display. It is tipped to be backed by a 5,000mAh battery unit with support for 44W fast charging. The upcoming offering is also said to be the first Y-series phone with dual stereo speakers and an IP54 rating. The report does not reveal any additional information of the Y200e 5G.

The Google Play Console listing of the Vivo Y200e 5G revealed a flat display with a centre-aligned punch-hole cutout. The back panel has a rectangular camera module housing three sensors accentuated by Gold color. The rear panel is also seen with a geometric pattern design. The certification revealed an SM4450 processor with two A78 cores and six A55 cores. This corresponds to the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset. The device will pack 8GB RAM and run on Android 14 OS out of the box. This has also been confirmed by the phone’s Geekbench database.

Related:

Via

Samsung extends storage upgrade offer to Galaxy Tab A9 Plus

By

Sudarshan Ravichandran

-

Feb 9, 2024

Samsung unveiled the Galaxy Tab A9 series in late October. The lineup consists of two tablets, namely Galaxy Tab A9 and Galaxy Tab A9 Plus.

The Plus model went on sale in the US starting in January. Soon after its release in the country, the company offered a free Book Cover accessory worth $50 on every purchase.

A month later, the firm has now replaced the free accessory offer with a free storage upgrade offer.

Samsung introduced the storage upgrade offer with the launch of the Galaxy S23 series last year. The company retained this offer for the successor Galaxy S24 series as well.

Now, the company has extended this offer to its budget tablet Galaxy Tab A9 Plus. If consumers in the US buy the said tablet from Samsung.com, they will get double the storage and RAM. On top of that, customers can get up to $90 trade-in bonus.

In other words, for the price ($219) of the base 4GB + 64GB variant, buyers will get the higher 8GB + 128GB version instead. The higher memory configuration carries a price tag of $269, and therefore, they get the same $50 benefit as the free Book Cover offer.

Talking about features, the device sports a metal body. It comes with an 11-inch 16:10 display. The LCD panel offers a resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels and a 90Hz refresh rate.

The tablet is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 chip. On the software front, it boots One UI 5.1 based on Android 13.

It arrives with an 8MP rear camera and a 5MP front-facing camera. It houses quad stereo speakers and a 7,040mAh battery. Last but not least, it supports 15W charging.

RELATED:

Redmi Buds 5 Amazon Availability Confirmed, Key Specs Revealed

By

Viraj Gawde

-

Feb 9, 2024

Xiaomi sub-brand Redmi is gearing up to launch a new smartphone and TWS earphones in India. The former is set to launch on February 14 whereas the latter will be announced on February 12. Now, ahead of next week’s official launch, Redmi has confirmed the key specifications of the Redmi Buds 5. Xiaomi has put up a microsite of the upcoming offering.

Redmi Buds 5 Amazon availability confirmed, key specs revealed

The Redmi Buds 5 debuted in China in September last year. It was also announced in the global markets last month. The Indian variant is set to come with the same specifications. The TWS earphones are also confirmed to be available for purchase from Amazon.

As per the microsite on the Xiaomi’s official website and Amazon, the Redmi Buds 5 has an in-ear design with a stem and silicon ear tip. They will be offered in Black and Light Blue color options. The TWS earphones are confirmed to be equipped with 12.4mm titanium drivers for powerful bass and sound. The upcoming offering will feature a 46dB hybrid ANC mode for eliminating surrounding noise. They are teased to have a dual-mic AI voice enhancement technology for crystal clear sound on calls.

The Redmi Buds 5 can be connected to two devices simultaneously. It is claimed to offer up to 38 hours of battery life with the squarish-shaped case.

We will know the rest of the details including the pricing and availability of the Redmi Buds 5 on Monday. The TWS earphones are expected to compete against the OnePlus Buds 3 that debuted last month.

Related:

Blaupunkt SBA50 Bluetooth soundbar launched in India with 45W output & 14hr battery

By

Sean

-

Feb 9, 2024

Blaupunkt has just unveiled a brand new audio product in the Indian market. The company’s latest offering is the Blaupunkt SBA50 Bluetooth soundbar speaker which offers some notable specs. So here are all the details like its features and pricing.

Blaupunkt SBA50 Bluetooth Soundbar Specs

The new Soundbar from the brand houses a quad 2.04 inch speaker setup that can offer 45W stereo sound output. Blaupunkt promises to offer a deep bass along with balanced audio with these speakers. It weighs 2.2 kilograms and measures 90.7 x 12.5 x 12.5 cm in dimensions. It has a rectangular bar design with a sleek finish. A 2,400mAh battery pack powers this device, which can offer up to 14 hours of battery life on a single full charge.

It offers multiple connectivity options like Bluetooth 5.0, USB, AUX, microSD card slot, Gutar, Min input, and even FM radio. Blaupunkt SBA50 Bluetooth soundbar can also be paired with another SBA50 model for seamless audio as both soundbars can connect to the same music. The company has packed a built-in equalizer along with six preset modes that allows a more personalized audio experience.

Pricing and Availability

The Blaupunkt SBA50 Bluetooth soundbar speaker is available in a single black color option. It is currently listed for purchase on Amazon’s official Indian website. It has a price tag of 3,999 INR, which roughly translates to about 48 US Dollars.

RELATED:

Apple Sells The Most Smartphones In 2023 With Seven iPhone Models, Only Three Samsung Phones In The List

By

Viraj Gawde

-

Feb 9, 2024

As per last month’s report, Apple toppled Samsung for the first time in 13 years as the top smartphone brand. Now, research firm Canalys is back with new data on the top 10 smartphones shipped last year across the world. Unsurprisingly, Apple once again dominated the list with the most devices. However, none of the other smartphone brands other than Apple and Samsung made it to the list. Read the entire details below.

Apple ships the most smartphones in 2023

As per Canalys report, the iPhone 14 Pro Max was the most-sold smartphone globally with 34 million units. The iPhone 15 Pro Max came close second with 33 million units after launching in September. The third spot was taken by the iPhone 14 with 29 million shipments. The iPhone 14 Pro and the two-year-old iPhone 13 bagged the fourth and fifth spots with 29 and 23 million units shipped respectively.

The top five devices sold last year came from Apple. The iPhone 15 Pro was seventh in the list selling 21 million units. The standard iPhone 15 rounded the list of top 10 with 17 million units. The iPhone 14 Plus and iPhone 15 Plus are notable mentions missing from the list.

Only three phones from Samsung were among the top 10 selling smartphones last year. Notably, they belonged to the South Korean brand’s Galaxy A-series. These include the Galaxy A14 4G at sixth place with 21 million sales. The other two were the Galaxy A54 5G and Galaxy A14 5G at the eighth and ninth spots respectively.

No other brand including OnePlus, Xiaomi, Vivo etc made it to the list of most phones sold last year.

Related: