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Nokia G22 Announced In A Peach Color Option

Recently, HMD announced that it is dropping the Nokia branding. The company has been the owner of the Nokia brand since 2016. Although HMD is expected to announce its own branded smartphones in the near future, the company has gone ahead and launched the Nokia G22 in a new color option. The announcement has been made on HMD’s official X (formerly Twitter) handle. 

Nokia G22 gets a new color option

The Nokia G22 with user repairability debuted at last year’s MWC. It was announced in Meteor Grey, Pink, and Lagoon Blue color options. The newly launched color option is called So Peach. The device has a Peach hue on the back panel. The rest of the core specifications pretty much remain unchanged. For those unaware, Peach Fuzz is the Pantone color of the year 2024. 

The price of the Nokia G22 So Peach is likely the same as other color options. It starts at EUR 130 for the base 4GB + 64GB variant. The availability of the device remains unclear. 

The Nokia G22 has a 6.5-inch HD+ display with a 90Hz refresh rate and thick bottom chin. It features a side-mounted fingerprint scanner and a rectangular camera module on the back panel housing a 50MP main sensor and two 2MP lenses. Internally, the smartphone is powered by a Unisoc T606 processor coupled with 4GB RAM and up to 128GB storage. There is also 2GB virtual RAM and microSD support up to 2TB. It is backed by a 5,050mAh battery with support for 20W charging. The device ships with Android 12 and two years of guaranteed OS updates. 

Get the Nokia G22 from Amazon 

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Report: China’s SMIC to begin production of 5nm chips for Huawei

Huawei‘s smartphone sales saw a significant boost last year, largely due to the popularity of the Mate 60 series featuring their Kirin 9000S chip. 

Although the 9000S, built on a 7nm process, isn’t the top-performing smartphone SoC, its in-house development is a notable achievement for Huawei. 

However, the company is now in need of a more powerful and efficient chip for its upcoming smartphone models.

Huawei SMIC 5nm chips

A report by Financial Times now suggests that Huawei is now aiming for 5nm chip production. Its partner, SMIC, which is China’s largest chipmaker, has set up a new semiconductor line in Shanghai specifically for making chips designed by Huawei.

The move comes as the Biden administration has imposed stricter export restrictions on advanced chipmaking equipment citing national security concerns. 

Additionally, the US government is also working with the Netherlands, and Japan to make it harder for China to access cutting-edge chip manufacturing equipment. 

For now, SMIC is said to be repurposing its existing DUV equipment for 5nm chip production. However, this approach might lead to lower yields and higher costs of SoCs. 

Moreover, while Huawei’s 5nm chip will certainly not be able to compete with flagship chipsets from Qualcomm or MediaTek, it’s important to take into account that China’s semiconductor industry is still making progress despite the US ban. 

So manufacturing a 5nm chip without relying on foreign support would be a big achievement for both Huawei and SMIC.

An insider familiar with the plans told the Financial Times, “With the new 5nm node, Huawei is well on track to upgrade its new flagship handset and data center chips.”

Huawei is rumored to using the upcoming Kirin SoC in the P70 series of smartphones. Besides this, the company is actively working on Harmony OS NEXT, a new generation operating system built on Huawei’s proprietary kernel. The OS will also ditch Android app support completely. 

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Xiaomi 14 Series going Global on February 25

Following teasers about Leica and Xiaomi branding, Xiaomi finally revealed the launch date of the Xiaomi 14 Series. The upcoming Xiaomi 14 Series is now officially confirmed to launch globally on February 25. Xiaomi’s CEO and founder took to X.com (formerly Twitter.com) to announce the global launch of the Xiaomi 14 Series along with a poster. With the revelation of the launch date, there is excitement among tech enthusiasts, especially considering the potential launch of the Xiaomi 14 Ultra. This speculation arises from the poster’s background, which prominently features the distinctive camera module of the device.

Considering the date, we expect it to launch at the MWC Barcelona. Even Xiaomi seems to have deliberately missed mentioning the location and time of the launch. So, we’d expect another announcement in the coming days to confirm the location and other details about the launch. Along with the Xiaomi 14 Ultra, there is quite a bit of excitement about the Xiaomi 14 too, no matter if it was already released in China last year along with the Xiaomi 14 Pro.

Rumors are rife about the announcement of the Xiaomi Pad 7 series alongside the Xiaomi 14 series. Moreover, there are some reports that Xiaomi could resist launching only a single Xiaomi 14 Series smartphone, i.e., the Xiaomi 14 Ultra. We have to wait for some more time until Xiaomi officially announces the details. Xiaomi 14 Ultra has already made it to BIS India, Singapore’s IMDA, 3C certification and others.

Xiaomi 14 Ultra Specifications (Rumored)

While nothing has been confirmed yet, according to rumors and leaks, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra will launch with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and two-way satellite connectivity. It will surpass the Xiaomi 14 Pro’s camera capabilities, as the Xiaomi 14 Ultra will have a variable aperture with a quad-rear camera module. It could come with a Sony LYT-900 50 MP sensor. Additionally, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra is anticipated to include a 50-megapixel periscope telephoto camera, offering an impressive focal length of up to 120mm. The quad-camera system may further incorporate a 50-megapixel IMX8-series ultra-wide lens and an additional 50-megapixel telephoto camera.

Xioami 14 Ultra also made it to the Geekbench and IMEI databases, revealing some specifications and details about the smartphone.

In terms of design, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra is expected to maintain a similar aesthetic to its predecessors, with rumored color options including blue, orange, and black. It could debut with the under-display camera. It is rumored to house a substantial 5,180mAh battery capacity with 50W wireless charging and 90W wired charging.

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Samsung Galaxy Fit 3 Retail Box And Pricing Leaked, Hints At An Imminent Launch

Samsung’s next fitness tracker – the Galaxy Fit 3 has been a lot in the news lately. It was spotted on the company’s official website not long ago. Key details and specifications of the upcoming offering have already leaked. Only the official pricing and availability information of the Galaxy Fit 3 remains a mystery which the folks at Samsung Community have shared now. It’s worth noting that the South Korean brand has not confirmed any details of the Galaxy Fit 3 yet. 

Samsung Galaxy Fit 3 retail box and pricing leaked 

The report states that the Samsung Galaxy Fit 3 is likely to launch sooner than expected as the retail boxes have reached retailers. Citing a user as the source, the publication has shared an image of the retail box of the fitness tracker. It confirms the upcoming offering’s design with a rectangular dial and a physical button on the right side which was also seen in leaked renders. The device is seen in Black and White color strap options. 

The source claims that the Samsung Galaxy Fit 3 retail units have reached Dar e Salaam city of Tanzania. It carries a price tag of 2,50,000 Shillings which converts to $99 and Rs 8,200. The wearable device’s launch seems around the corner with almost everything leaked. It could be announced at the upcoming MWC later this month. 

As per the recent accidental listing, the Samsung Galaxy Fit 3 will feature a 1.57-inch AMOLED display. It will have an aluminum unibody along with IP68 certification and 5 ATM water-resistance. Health-wise, the wearable device will reportedly be equipped with a heart rate sensor, sleep tracking, light sensor, fall detection, and support for 100 sports modes. The upcoming offering is said to offer 13 days of battery life on a single charge. It will pack convenient features like music and camera control, notifications, and more. 

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Huawei Pocket S2 key specs & color options tipped

Huawei is apparently working on a brand new foldable smartphone, which features a clamshell folding design. This model could be the Pocket S2, the successor to the original Pocket S flip phone. Now, a fresh leak has revealed some key specifications of the upcoming Huawei foldable phone. So here are all the details.

Huawei Pocket S2 Specs & Color Leak

Huawei Pocket S Successor Huawei Upcoming Flip Phone

The news arrives from a reliable tipster Digital Chat Station on Weibo (a Chinese microblogging website). In the online post, the leak claims that the Pocket S2 will retain design elements from its predecessor. This means that the rear will pack a triple camera setup in two circular modules. An external panel will also be situated in one of these modules. Although, both rings will be larger than the original Pocket S model.

Similar to the previous Pocket S, the Pocket S2 could also be released in a special Art Edition. According to Digital Chat Station, the new flip phone may launch in a gray color option with a glass back and a purple variant with a leather back panel. Under the hood, the device will reportedly feature a Kirin 9000S, which is a 5G enabled chipset. A 4,520mAh battery pack could power this device that supports 66W wired fast charging.

Huawei Pocket S2

Notably, Huawei is working on a tri-foldable smartphone as well. However, he did not reveal any finer details regarding this model. This is all the information we have at the moment, so stick around for more updates regarding this matter.

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Apple Vision Pro could launch in China as early as April: supply chain sources

Apple‘s highly-anticipated augmented reality (AR) headset, known as the Vision Pro, is poised to hit the Chinese market as soon as April, with a deadline of May, according to reports from Wall Street News and supply chain insiders.

Apple Vision Pro China Launch

The source also claims that the registration process with China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) is nearing completion, indicating the swift availability of this innovative AR product in China.

In addition to these hints, last week Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook, made a statement during his visit to an Apple store in New York, responding with a simple “soon” when asked about the release date in China.

Apple Vision Pro Key Specs:

Talking about specs, the Apple Vision Pro is an advanced headset that combines virtual and augmented reality for spatial computing. It features dual micro-OLED displays with high resolution and color accuracy. The device supports multiple refresh rates (90Hz, 96Hz, 100Hz) for smooth visuals. The audio technology includes Spatial Audio and a six-microphone array for immersive audio experiences, and it supports various audio and video formats.

Apple Vision Pro

Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3, while the custom operating system, visionOS, is tailor-made for spatial interactions and supports various input accessories.

The device is equipped with a range of hardware features, such as cameras, tracking sensors, eye-tracking cameras, and LiDAR, ensuring an interactive user experience. It also offers biometric authentication via Optic ID and supports AirPlay.

During the launch, Apple Vision Pro comes with an exclusive lineup of 600 apps designed specifically for the new headset, including the addition of OpenAI’s ChatGPT app.

However, it has faced some security challenges, including a system crash caused by a kernel vulnerability. Additionally, the device still relies on the Lightning port for both charging and connectivity, as details about the battery pack specifications have surfaced.

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Samsung Galaxy A55 5G spotted in FCC database, hints at 25W fast charging

Samsung is likely getting ready to release its upcoming Galaxy A55 5G smartphone, as evidenced by various certification listings. Recently, the device also popped up in the FCC database revealing some of its key features.

The FCC certification lists the smartphone with model number SM-A556E/DS and confirms that it will support dual SIM slots and 25W fast charging. The supported charging adapter carries the model number EP-TA800. 

These charging details match with what was confirmed in the 3C certification. However, like recent Samsung phones, the 3C certification hints that the Galaxy A55 5G might not include a charger in the box.

Unfortunately, the FCC listing doesn’t provide any further details about the phone’s specifications, such as its processor, display, or camera setup. But based on earlier reports, it’s expected to be powered by the Exynos 1480 chipset.

Samsung Galaxy A55 renders.

The Galaxy A55 has been spotted on Geekbench with the same chip. The Exynos 1480 seemingly has four performance cores clocked at 2.75GHz each and four efficiency cores clocked at 2.05GHz. The chipset will also come with an Xclipse 530 GPU.

The Geekbench listing also indicates that the chipset will be paired with up to 8GB of RAM. Additionally, it’s expected to run Android 14 out of the box. 

Furthermore, we’ve also seen leaked official-looking renders of the Galaxy A55, which show no significant design changes compared to its predecessor. It still has vertically stacked cameras on the back, flat edges on the sides and a punch-hole display on the front. The device is rumored to be available in Awesome Iceblue, Awesome Lilac, and Awesome Navy color options.

We’ll likely have to wait for further leaks or official announcements for more information about the Samsung Galaxy A55 5G.

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OnePlus Buds 3 Goes On Sale In India: Check Price, Offers, And More

OnePlus launched the Buds 3 TWS earphones in the global markets including India last month. Now, the audio device is available for purchase in the country. Additionally, the OnePlus 12R smartphone has also gone for sale starting today. The OnePlus Buds 3 pack impressive specifications and features in the sub-Rs 6,000 price segment. Read on to know about the pricing, availability, and offers of the TWS earphones. 

OnePlus Buds 3: pricing, where to purchase, and offers

OnePlus Buds 3

The OnePlus Buds 3 carries a price tag of Rs 5,499. It is offered in Metallic Grey and Splendid Blue color options. The TWS earphones can be purchased from Amazon, OnePlus official website, OnePlus Experience Stores, and select offline stores across the country. 

Customers interested in purchasing the OnePlus Buds 3 can avail Rs 1,000 instant bank discount on ICICI Bank credit cards and OneCard. This will bring down the price of the earphones to Rs 4,499. Red Cable Club members can also avail additional up to Rs 800 off on the purchase of the audio device. 

As for the core specifications, the OnePlus Buds 3 has an in-ear design with a stem and silicon ear tip. The TWS earphones have a 10.4mm and 6mm dual drivers. There is a 49dB adaptive noise cancellation. The audio device offers hi-res audio, LHDC 5.0 codec support,  and 3D spatial sound effects. The Buds 3 is touted to deliver 44 hours of total battery life and is said to offer 7 hours of playback with a quick 10-minute charge. There is also Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity with dual-device pairing. 

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OnePlus Buds 3 in Ear TWS Bluetooth Earbuds with Upto 49dB Smart Adaptive Noise Cancellation,Hi-Res Sound Quality,Sliding Volume Control,10mins for 7Hours Fast Charging with Upto 44Hrs Playback
  • [Best-in-class Sound Quality]: 10.4mm+6mm dynamic dual driver, LHDC5.0 Bluetooth CODEC and high resolution certification makes the product best in its sound quality with deeper bass, delicate treble and clear vocals

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Realme 12 Pro series goes on sale in India with attractive launch offers

Realme has officially released its Realme 12 Pro and 12 Pro+ smartphones in India, available for purchase from February 6th. These launches follow the initial pre-order phase and come with several offers for buyers.

Realme 12 Pro Plus

The Realme 12 Pro is available in two colors: Submarine Blue and Navigator Beige. It is priced at Rs. 25,999 for the 8GB + 128GB model and Rs. 26,999 for the 8GB + 256GB variant. The Realme 12 Pro+ starts at Rs. 29,999 for the 8GB + 128GB model, with the top-end 12GB + 256GB model priced at Rs. 33,999.

Realme 12 Pro series

Launch offers include a Rs. 2000 discount on the 8GB+256GB and 12GB+256GB variants of the Realme 12 Pro+ 5G, along with a 12-month no-cost EMI option on Realme’s website and Flipkart. Additionally, there are cashback offers up to Rs. 2000 and an exchange offer up to Rs. 4000, with a minimum down payment of Rs. 12. The Realme 12 Pro 5G also comes with a Rs. 2000 discount on the 8GB+128GB model, along with similar EMI and exchange options.

In terms of specifications, both models feature a 6.7-inch OLED display with FHD+ resolution, 2160Hz PWM dimming, and a 120Hz refresh rate. The Realme 12 Pro is equipped with a Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 SoC, while the 12 Pro+ has a Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 SoC. Each device includes a 5,000mAh battery supporting 67W fast charging and runs on Android 14 OS with Realme UI 5.0.

In terms of camera capabilities, the Realme 12 Pro+ has an OIS-assisted 50MP Sony IMX890 primary sensor. It also features an OIS-assisted 64MP OmniVision OV64B 3x periscope telephoto shooter, an 8MP ultrawide unit, and a 32MP selfie camera. The Realme 12 Pro, on the other hand, is equipped with a triple camera system that includes an OIS-assisted 50MP Sony IMX882 primary sensor, a 32MP Sony IMX709 sensor with a 2x telephoto lens and OIS, an 8MP ultrawide unit, and a 16MP front-facing camera.

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Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro available for purchase in Europe before launch

Xiaomi is gearing up to unveil its latest Xiaomi 14 series smartphone globally at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) later this month. Alongside the new phones, the company will also introduce the Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro which was launched in China in August last year. However, ahead of its official debut, the fitness tracker is already available for purchase in Europe.

You can buy it through a third-party e-commerce store in Slovakia called maldo where it is priced at EUR 89. You can place an order now, delivery is said to be within 3-5 days. The listing also specifies a warranty of 24 months.

Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro available for purchase in Europe
Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro e-commerce listing.

Furthermore, the product description clearly shows that it’s a global variant “intended for the European markets.” The specs are similar to that of the Chinese model though. 

Although a fitness tracker, the Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro has a sleek smartwatch-like design. There is a 1.74-inch square-ish AMOLED display with a 60Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 600 nits. Additionally, it is water-resistant up to 5 meters.

In terms of fitness and wellness capabilities, the Band 8 Pro offers all the basic tracking features such as heart-rate monitoring, SpO2 sensor, sleep tracking, menstrual cycle monitoring, and stress level tracking. 

You also get support for over 150 sports modes and a somatosensory sensor for boxing-related data. 

Moreover, the device has a built-in GNSS chip that supports multiple satellite systems which should help for accurate route tracking. It also features a built-in voice assistant and can serve as a control hub for other Xiaomi smart devices.

Beyond fitness tracking, the Band 8 Pro includes basic utilities features such as camera and music control, a flashlight, weather updates, and notifications. Keeping things powered is a 297mAh battery which Xiaomi claims can provide a battery life of up to 14 days on a single charge.

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Google Pixels are receiving the February Update with the Latest Security Patch and Much More

Following the January 2024 update, the search giant is here with the latest monthly update for the Pixel smartphones and Pixel Watches. Google is actively pushing a February update for Google Pixel smartphones, including the Pixel 5a, Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6a, Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7a, Pixel Tablet, Pixel Fold, and the new Pixel 8 Series. The monthly update for the Pixel swatches is also rolling out. Several new changes and enhancements are part of the latest update. Let’s discuss the changes in detail below:

Based on the Android 14 QOPR1, the new update brings several new fixes and security enhancements, ranging from high to critical vulnerabilities. It brings fixes for a total of 15 security issues via the Android 14 February Security patch. Apart from the Android-based fixes, there are specific security improvements and fixes for the Pixel smartphones. There are some camera improvements too, which enhance the system’s stability and performance.

Google is also working on some new features for the Pixel smartphones, which are part of the upcoming Android 14 OPR2. Android 14 QPR2 Beta 3.1 is already out for smartphones.

Below is the official changelog for the Pixel smartphones:

Pixel February 2024 Update Changelog:

What’s included

The February 2024 update includes bug fixes and improvements for Pixel users – see below for details.
 
Camera
General improvements for system stability and performance in certain conditions *[1]
 
Display & Graphics
Fix for display getting corrupted in certain conditions *[1]
Fix for issue with outer display in certain conditions *[2]
 
Framework
Fix for stability or performance with certain third party apps *[3]

Wi-Fi
General improvements for Wi-Fi stability and performance in certain conditions *[1]

 
Device Applicability

Fixes are available for all supported Pixel devices unless otherwise indicated below.  Some fixes may be Carrier/Region specific. 

*[1] Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 8
*[2] Pixel Fold
*[3] Pixel 5a (5G), Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6a, Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7a, Pixel Fold, Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro

The update is gradually rolling out to Pixel smartphones across the globe. It may take a week to teach each unit as the update is rolling out in phases. Below are the firmware versions for each compatible smartphone, including the Verizon and Softbank locked versions too:

Global

  • Pixel 5a (5G):     UQ1A.240205.002
  • Pixel 6:                UQ1A.240205.002
  • Pixel 6 Pro:         UQ1A.240205.002
  • Pixel 6a:              UQ1A.240205.002
  • Pixel 7:                UQ1A.240205.002
  • Pixel 7 Pro:         UQ1A.240205.002
  • Pixel 7a:              UQ1A.240205.002
  • Pixel Tablet:        UQ1A.240205.002
  • Pixel Fold:           UQ1A.240205.002
  • Pixel 8:                UQ1A.240205.004
  • Pixel 8 Pro:         UQ1A.240205.004

Verizon

  • Pixel 7:                UQ1A.240205.002.A1
  • Pixel 7 Pro:         UQ1A.240205.002.A1
  • Pixel 7a:              UQ1A.240205.002.A1
  • Pixel Fold:           UQ1A.240205.002.A1
  • Pixel 8:                UQ1A.240205.004.A1
  • Pixel 8 Pro:        UQ1A.240205.004.A1

SoftBank (JP)

  • Pixel 7:                UQ1A.240205.002.B1
  • Pixel 7 Pro:         UQ1A.240205.002.B1
  • Pixel 7a:              UQ1A.240205.002.B1
  • Pixel Fold:           UQ1A.240205.002.B1
  • Pixel 8:                UQ1A.240205.004.B1
  • Pixel 8 Pro:        UQ1A.240205.004.B1

Pixel Watch February Update

All the Pixel Watch devices are receiving the February 2024 update featuring the latest security patch. There’s no specific change apart from the monthly security bulletin. The update aims to enhance the system’s security and stability. All the Pixel Watch devices will receive the update starting today. However, it is the second update for the Pixel Watch after the January 224 update.

Pixel Watch recently received a camera app update that bundles some new features.

Google regularly pushes updates for Pixel Watch devices on the line of Pixel Smartphones.

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Huawei is reportedly developing a triple-folding phone for launch this year

Foldable phones are just beginning to catch on with mainstream consumers. But Huawei, a major player in this field, is reportedly looking to expand its efforts in this technology. The Chinese tech giant is rumored to be developing a triple-folding phone, with a possible launch in the second quarter of 2024.

Multiple sources, including Taiwan’s TechNews suggest that Huawei has begun large-scale material procurement for this project. 

Huawei triple folding phone patent in 2021. Image: LetsGoDigital.

The triple-folding phone is expected to have a Z-shaped or S-shaped folding design, but its screen size will remain similar to other foldable phones, around 6.4 inches. BOE is reportedly the panel supplier for Huawei’s new folding phone while bearing companies Zhaoli and Fusda are said to be involved in hinge production.

Huawei has been researching triple-folding display technology for some time now. Reports suggest that the company began filing patents for this technology as early as 2021, with additional filings in March and July 2022.

Huawei triple folding phone launch 2024
Huawei tri-folding phone concept. Image: LetsGoDigital.

Industry Insider Ross Young previously suggested that Huawei’s triple folding phone could be released by the end of 2023, but it seems there may have been delays. But if we go by the latest report, the technology might now be mature enough to bring it to market.

The development of Huawei’s triple folding phone device coincides with an expected increase in foldable phone demand. While shipments fell short of expectations in 2023 (15.7 million units), analysts predict a 12.3% year-on-year growth to 17.7 million units in 2024.

From what we’ve learnt, the Associated Press has also confirmed Huawei’s collaboration with suppliers for this triple-folding device, suggesting it’s nearing mass production.

While specific details are still under wraps, Huawei’s entry into the triple-folding market is certainly exciting news for foldable phone enthusiasts. We will be sure to keep you updated on this.

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Colorful unveils RTX 3050 graphics cards with dual-fan cooling for 1,399 Yuan ($200)

Colorful has unveiled its latest offerings, the RTX 3050 Tomahawk DUO and Smart mini 6GB graphics cards, both priced at 1,399 yuan ($200), available on JD.com. These cards boast dual-fan cooling systems and support intelligent start-stop technology, promising efficient performance. The Tomahawk DUO features a red and black aesthetic, while the Smart mini sports a purple and black design. Despite their similarities, differences lie in their dimensions and appearance.

More details about the cards:

Both graphics cards are equipped with dual 90mm fans, ensuring effective heat dissipation. However, the Tomahawk DUO measures 255x130x41.3mm with a baffle, while the Smart mini comes in slightly smaller at 255×129.6×41.9mm with a bezel. These variations cater to different build requirements and preferences.

Under the hood, the RTX 3050 series packs a punch with 2304 CUDA cores, offering impressive performance comparable to the OEM version. However, a notable difference lies in the memory bus width, reduced to 96bit for the 6GB variant. Consequently, the bandwidth takes a hit, dropping from 224 GB/s to 168 GB/s. This adjustment, while lowering costs, may impact performance in memory-intensive tasks.

A comparison between the 6GB and 8GB variants of the RTX 3050 reveals significant disparities. The 6GB model sees a 10% reduction in CUDA cores, a 25% decrease in video memory, and a corresponding decline in bandwidth. Additionally, GPU frequency takes a substantial hit, plummeting by 32% and 17% for base and boost clocks, respectively. Notably, the 6GB variant boasts a significantly lower TDP, consuming only 70W compared to the 130W of its 8GB counterpart.

In summary, Colorful’s latest RTX 3050 graphics cards offer budget-friendly options with impressive performance capabilities. While the 6GB variant sacrifices some specifications compared to its 8GB counterpart, it presents an enticing option for gamers and creators seeking affordability without compromising too much on performance.

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Samsung Galaxy XCover7 Rugged Smartphone with 5G and Military-Grade Durability Launches in India

A month after the official announcement, the Galaxy XCover 7 finally launched in India, bundling some good specific actions and enterprise-grade security. The rugged smartphone can flawlessly work under rough and tough conditions, proving more versatile for business and enterprise users. The 5G connectivity-powered smartphone offers improved performance and bigger memory for the starting price of Rs 27,208 (~$327). It is available in two different editions: Standard and Enterprise.

Samsung Galaxy XCover 7 Pricing and Availability

Samsung Galaxy XCover 7 Standard Edition is available at INR 27,208 (~$327) while the Enterprise Edition costs INR 27,530 (~$331) each offering a different warranty period (1-year standard, 2-year enterprise). The Enterprise edition brings a year of Knox Suite, allowing users to easily secure, deploy, and manage devices throughout the life cycle.

Interested customers can get the Galaxy XCover 7 from Samsung.com or Samsung’s EPP portal. There could be exciting offers for bulk users, and they can inquire about the same here.

Samsung Galaxy XCover 7 Specifications and Features

The smartphone is military-grade MIL-STD-810H certified, and IP68 water and dust resistance ensure durability in harsh environments. It offers flawless performance and durability in any type of condition. It comes with a 6nm octa-core chip that could well be the Dimensity 6100+ SoC, 6 GB of RAM, and 128 GB of storage (expandable). The XCover7 offers smooth multitasking and ample storage space. Further, there’s a 6.6-inch FHD+ TFT screen with a 20:9 aspect ratio for immersive viewing. It runs on the Android 14-based One UI 6 out of the box.

In the camera section, the Samsung Galaxy XCover 7 bundles 50MP rear and 5MP front cameras. These are optimized for barcode and QR code scanning, making them ideal for business applications. It is built to withstand drops up to 1.5 meters and featuring Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, the XCover7 ensures long-lasting durability. The smartphone houses a 4050mAh replaceable battery. It weighs 240g and has dimensions of 169 x 80.1 x 10.2 mm. 

“At Samsung our objective is to provide our users convenience and durability through our product offerings. We have introduced Galaxy XCover7 series in two variants, the Galaxy XCover7 Enterprise Edition and Standard Edition. Both devices are engineered with cutting-edge technologies making them extremely powerful and resistant to tough weather conditions. Powered by Knox, we are excited to bring these revolutionary made in India products to our corporate customers and are optimistic that it will enhance employee productivity and ensures data security”said Mr. Akash Saxenaa, Vice President, Enterprise Business, Samsung India.

There’s support for a 3.5mm audio jack, POGO pins, and a USB-C port. In connectivity, the smartphone bundles 5G, LTE, WiFi 5, Wi-Fi Direct, GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, QZSS, Bluetooth 5.3, and NFC. However, the POGO charging dock is available separately.

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Apple Vision Pro’s laminated front glass scratches very easily but costs $799 (~5,700 Yuan) to replace

The much-anticipated Apple Vision Pro has officially launched in the United States, garnering attention from eager users. Initial tests showcased its laminated front glass, which is essentially a plastic layer on top of the glass. While the plastic layer may protect the glass form shattering, its very susceptible to scratches.

Upon scratched, the outer plastic layer will obstruct the view of the cameras through which you see the world

The $3499 Apple Vision Pro starts scratching in level 3!

Youtube creator Jack Nelson from JerryRigEverything shared a teardown video today, focusing on the front glass covering the camera, sensor, and display of the Vision Pro. While laminated glass typically incorporates a plastic layer to enhance impact resistance, the Vision Pro’s design leaves this layer on the outside, making it highly prone to scratches.

Tests employing Mohs hardness testing revealed that tools with a hardness level as low as 2 can leave light scratches on the Vision Pro’s front glass, with level 3 hardness tools causing deeper scratches. This contrasts sharply with most smartphone displays, which typically only show scratches at hardness levels of 6-7.

As a consequence, everyday items such as keys, coins, and even dust pose a significant risk of leaving permanent marks on the Vision Pro’s front glass. To mitigate this issue, Apple includes a special protective case and polishing cloth in the product’s packaging. However, replacement of the front glass comes at a hefty cost of US$799 (~5,700 Yuan), underscoring the severity of potential damage.

Despite this vulnerability, the outer plastic layer does offer an upside: enhanced drop resistance. Drop test conducted by AppleTrack demonstrate that the front glass of the Vision Pro can endure multiple drops before succumbing to breakage, providing reassurance to users concerned about accidental impacts.

While the Apple Vision Pro excels in one aspect, its vulnerability to scratches highlights the importance of proper handling and maintenance of the device. Apple CEO Tim Cook says this ‘special computing‘ device will soon launch in the Chinese market.

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OnePlus president Kinder Liu prioritizes user experience over 7 years of updates

In the rapidly evolving landscape of smartphone technology, Samsung and Google have emerged as frontrunners in providing extended system update services for their flagship phones. The Samsung Galaxy S24 series and Google Pixel 8 series both promise seven years of OS updates.

The executive says “Simply offering longer software update policies completely misses the point,”

OnePlus has opted for a different approach, committing to four years of system updates for the OnePlus 12 and an additional year of security updates. OnePlus President Kinder Liu recently shed light on this decision in an interview with Tom’s Guide, emphasizing the importance of a smooth user experience over blindly extending the duration of system updates.

Liu argues that merely prolonging the system update timeline does not address the underlying issues that may arise with hardware performance over time. Drawing a metaphorical comparison between a mobile phone and a sandwich, he explains that while software represents the fillings, hardware serves as the bread.

OnePlus also collaborated with TUV Rheinland to ensure consistent performance at the hardware level

Some manufacturers claim to offer seven years of system updates, but Liu suggests that they may overlook the fact that after four years, the hardware performance of the phone could decline significantly, akin to the bread of a sandwich becoming moldy. The result, he notes, is a potentially poor user experience despite the extended software support.

To address concerns about hardware performance, OnePlus has collaborated with TÜV Rheinland SUD in Germany to conduct rigorous simulated use tests for the OnePlus 12 and 12R over many years. Based on the results of these tests, the company promises users a four-year “fast and smooth” performance guarantee. This proactive approach aims to ensure that the hardware keeps pace with software updates, maintaining a seamless and satisfactory user experience throughout the promised support period.

In addition to hardware considerations, Liu raises the issue of battery degradation over extended use. He highlights that when competitors boast of supporting system updates for up to seven years, the batteries of their phones may not last the entire duration. This brings attention to the practical challenges associated with prolonged device usage and the potential impact on overall performance.

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(Source)

Q4 2023: Global tablet sales decline 11%, but Huawei sees major growth

Tablet sales ended 2023 on a downbeat note as the numbers dropped a significant 11% in the final quarter compared to the same period last year, according to market research firm Canalys. 

This slump brings the total decline for the year to 10%, with just 135.3 million tablets shipped – the lowest since 2011.

Tablet Sales Q4 2023 report by Canalus

“Even with holiday promotions and bundle deals, the tablet market couldn’t escape its slide,” said Himani Mukka, an analyst at Canalys. 

However, she predicts a rebound in 2024, thanks to factors like better inventory management, government purchases, and new tablet models from players like TCL and Lenovo. 

Apple is also expected to refresh its iPad lineup this year which could further help boost the market. 

Despite the overall decline, Apple remained the top seller, shipping 14.8 million iPads in the final quarter – though that’s still a 24% drop compared to 2022. Samsung followed in second with 6.8 million units, down 10.5% annually. 

Tablet Sales Q4 2023

Huawei took third place with 2.8 million units which is a growth of 95.4% compared to Q4, 2022. Whereas, Lenovo also saw a healthy growth of 15% with 2.6 million units shipped to reach fourth place. Amazon rounded out the top five with 2 million units shipped but suffered a 43.9% annual decline.

Analysts believe innovation is key to reversing the tablet market’s fortunes. Kieran Jessop from Canalys points to the “gap between tablets and other personal computing devices” in terms of features like on-device AI integration. 

They say bridging this gap and creating a more unified user experience across devices will be crucial for vendors. 

In contrast to the tablet market, PC shipments are expected to see an 8% rise in 2024, reaching 267 million units. This growth is attributed to the upcoming Windows refresh cycle and the emergence of AI-capable and Arm-based devices.

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(Source)

ASUS launches new ROG Strix XG259QNS gaming monitor with 380Hz refresh rate

Asus has announced the ROG Strix XG259QNS, a new high-performance gaming monitor aimed at competitive esports players. It features a 380Hz refresh rate and a 0.3ms GtG response time for smooth, blur-free visuals. So let’s get into its details here.

Asus ROG Strix XG259QNS specifications

The centerpiece of the XG259QNS is its 24.5-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS panel. This panel boasts a brightness of 400 nits, a 1000:1 contrast ratio, and 178-degree viewing angles. Additionally, it covers 110% of the sRGB color gamut and supports HDR10 for improved color accuracy and dynamic range.

In terms of functionality, the monitor offers a range of features tailored to enhance gaming performance. There’s support for AMD FreeSync Premium to eliminate screen tearing, ELMB technology to reduce motion blur, and variable refresh rate (VRR) for synchronized visuals between the monitor and graphics card. 

The stand offers a wide range of adjustments for optimal comfort, including a swivel range of +45° to -45°, and a pivot range of +90° to -90°. Additionally, the stand allows for increased height adjustment of up to 120mm and it also supports VESA wall mounting for added flexibility.

Connectivity options abound with a DisplayPort 1.4, two HDMI 2.0 ports, two USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A ports, and a 3.5mm headphone jack, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of devices. 

As for pricing and availability, ASUS has not yet provided official details for the ROG Strix XG259QNS. However, considering it has similar features as the XG259QN, which currently retails for approximately $449 in the US, it is reasonable to expect a similar price point for the new model as well.

Get the ROG Strix XG259QNS on Amazon 

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Vivo X100 Pro+ launch timeframe leak reveals no delay

Vivo is gearing up to launch a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3-powered X-series phone in the Chinese market. It remains unclear whether the device will be named the Vivo X100 Pro+ or X100 Ultra, or if it will carry a different designation. Leaks that emerged after the Vivo X100 and X100 Pro in November last year revealed that the X100 Pro+ may go official in April. However, some leaks that emerged later claimed that its launch has been pushed back, suggesting that it may go official by late Q2. Now, a leak courtesy of tipster Smart Pikachu has revealed when exactly the phone will go official.

Vivo X100 Pro+ launch timeframe (rumored)

According to the leaker, the Vivo X100 Pro+ is on schedule to go official by late April, and there is unlikely to be any delay. Apart from this information, the leaker did not say anything about the specs of the phone.

Reports have revealed that the X100 Pro+ / X100 Ultra will sport a Samsung E7 AMOLED curved-edge display that offers a 2K resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. The rear camera setup of the phone is expected to feature a 50-megapixel LYT-900 main camera, a 200-megapixel periscope telephoto camera, a telephoto, and an ultra-wide lens. 

The device is expected to ship with 16 GB of LPDDR5x RAM and up to 1 TB of UFS 4.0 storage. While the exact battery size is not known, it is expected to offer 100W charging and 50W wireless charging. The phone will offer other features, such as a USB-C port with USB Gen 3.2 support, dual stereo speakers, and an IP68-rated chassis. It is expected to arrive in shades such as black, blue, and yellow.

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MWC 2024: Tecno to unveil Phantom Ultimate rollable concept phone, Dynamic 1 intelligent dog, and more

Last year, Tecno unveiled a slew of new devices, such as its first foldable phone, the Tecno Phantom V Fold, and the Spark 10 series of smartphones at MWC 2023. The company has now officially confirmed what to expect from it for the upcoming MWC 2024, which will be held between Feb. 26 and Feb. 29 in Barcelona, Spain.

MWC 2024: What to expect from Tecno

Tecno MWC 2024
TECNO will return to MWC Barcelona following a hugely successful debut appearance in 2023

Tecno has confirmed that it will unveil the Tecno Pova 6 Pro 5G and Megabook T16 Pro 2024 Ultra notebook featuring the latest Intel Core Ultra processors at MWC 2024. Apart from the Pova phone, the brand will unveil futuristic and innovative products at the tech trade show.

The brand confirmed it will take off covers from the Dynamic 1, an intelligent dog, which sounds similar to Xiaomi’s Cyberdog. The German Shepherd-inspired intelligent dog by Tecno will be equipped with advanced algorithms and sensors that will allow it to perform real-life actions and understand commands.

The Tecno Pocket Go will also be showcased at MWC 2024. The company claims that it will be the industry’s first Windows AR gaming set that combines AR glasses and a Windows handheld. It will be a lightweight device that will deliver an immersive AR gaming experience.

Furthermore, Tecno will unveil some advanced technologies, such as industry-leading imaging technology driven by floating-point computing to offer users a top-notch mobile video imaging experience, and the Universal Tone, which is said to be the most advanced AI-powered multi-skin tone imaging technology that relies on unbiased data and three AI-powered engines to accurately capture diverse skin tones.

Tecno will also announce some concept products at the event, which include the Phantom Ultimate, a rollable concept smartphone with a double-sided screen that expands from 6.55 inches to 7.11 inches. Other concept technologies include a borderless foldable main screen, satellite communication technology, and environmentally friendly materials like the new organosilicon fabric leather, layered fiberglass, 3D stereo optical grating, colored textured glass, and more.

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