Apple iPhone 15 discounted by $190 in China for New Year

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Feb 1, 2024

Consumer products are on sale at heavily discounted prices in China for the Lunar New Year festival. For the first time, even Apple itself joined other brands in offering discounts a few weeks back.

However, retailers are known to provide better deals. JD (Jingdong) proves it with its eye-catching iPhone 15 deal.

JD is offering the base 128GB variant of the Apple iPhone 15 as low as ¥4,639 (~$650). That’s an insane ¥1,360 (~$190) discount on a premium smartphone that’s just four months old.

Additionally, new Apple Music subscribers are eligible for 2 months of free trial. Both the discount and streaming subscription offer are only available for a limited time.

The iPhone 15 is a solid upgrade for someone coming from non-5G iPhones like iPhone 11 and older models. Apart from faster mobile connection, consumers also get better cameras and display, a faster chip, and a USB Type-C port.

The device comes in standard and plus variants. The latter version has a larger display and a bigger battery.

Unfortunately, the base version still starts at 128GB priced at ¥5,999 (~$845). However, interested customers can opt for 256GB and 512GB storage variants.

Just like its predecessors, the iPhone 15 arrives in multiple colors. It is offered in blue, pink, yellow, green, and black. But unlike its forerunners, the new model has a matte finish and lighter tones.

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Apple iPhone 15 (128 GB) – Black

DYNAMIC ISLAND COMES TO IPHONE 15 — Dynamic Island bubbles up alerts and Live Activities — so you don’t miss them while you’re doing something else. You can see who’s calling, track your next ride, check your flight status, and so much more.

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Realme GT2 Pro and Realme GT2 Explorer Master Edition receive Realme UI 14.0.0.213 updates in China

By

Simranpal Singh

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Feb 1, 2024

Realme is bringing new software updates for the Realme GT2 Pro and Realme GT2 Explorer Master Edition to China. The new updates bring certain fixes and enhancements for both smartphones. Precisely, the Realme GT2 Pro and Realme GT2 Explorer Master Edition are receiving Realme UI 140.0.213. Let’s dive into more details:

The Realme GT2 Explorer Master Edition and Realme GT2 Pro feature a similar changelog. The update refines the permission settings that restrict apps from switching. It even adds a pop-up window as a fail-safe for switching between different apps. The update enables system performance and stability. Below is the official change log:

【NFC】

• Fixed the problem that the access card can be entered but the door cannot be opened.

【system】

• Added device action and direction sensor permission settings to restrict applications from calling sensors for shake-to-jump behavior

• Added pop-up prompts for jumping between applications to make every jump knowable and controllable

• Optimize system performance and improve system stability

As per the announcement thread, it is a staggered rollout and may take up to 2-3 weeks for the new firmware to become available on each device.

Realme GT2 Pro and Realme GT2 Explorer Master Edition Specs

Additionally, the Realme GT2 Pro was launched on January 8, 2022, weighing 189/199g and measuring 8.2mm in thickness. It was introduced with Android 12 and is now upgradable to Android 14. It is available in three storage options: 8/12GB RAM and 512 GB, and offers no card slot. There’s a 6.7″ display with 1440×3216 pixels resolution and a 50MP primary camera capable of recording 4320p video. It is powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset and a 5000mAh battery.

On the other hand, Realme GT2 Explorer Master Edition is available with a 195g weight and 8.2mm thickness and was launched running Android 12 with Realme UI 3.0. It features a 6.7″ display with 1080×2400 pixels resolution, a 50MP primary camera capable of recording 2160p video, 8/12GB RAM, a Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset, and a 5000mAh battery.

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realme GT 2 Pro (Steel Black, 8GB RAM, 128GB Storage)

8 GB RAM | 128 GB ROM
17.02 cm (6.7 inch) Quad HD Display
50MP + 50MP + 2MP | 32MP Front Camera
5000 mAh Lithium Ion Battery
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 Mobile Platform Processor

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Tecno POVA 6 Pro Surfaces On Google Play Console Listing With Key Specs

By

Viraj Gawde

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Feb 1, 2024

Recently Tecno announced its partnership with Dolby Labs to bring Dolby Atmos to its upcoming POVA 6 series phones. The smartphones are set to launch at MWC later this month. Now, the Tecno POVA 6 Pro has been spotted on the Google Play Console certification website revealing its key specifications. The device is expected to arrive as the successor to the last year’s POVA 5 Pro.

Tecno POVA 6 Pro Google Play Console listing

The Tecno POVA 6 Pro is listed on the Google Play Console with the model number Tecno LI9. The certification website reveals SoC with model number MediaTek MT6833V/PNZA. It comprises of two Cortex-A76 cores at 2.2GHz and six Cortex-A55 cores ticking at 2GHz. There is a Mali G57 GPU onboard. This suggests that the device will be powered by a Dimensity 6080 processor under the hood. The listing also reveals 12GB RAM onboard and we can expect more options at launch. The smartphone will ship with Android 14 OS out of the box.

The Google Play Console also has a render of the POVA 6 Pro. It seems that the phone will come a curved display. It will have a resolution of 1080 x 2436 pixels and 480 dpi screen density. The device is seen with power and volume rocker buttons on the right side.

The rest of the details of the Tecno POVA 6 Pro remain a mystery. To recall, the Tecno POVA 5 Pro has a LED light strip on the back panel. It is powered by Dimensity 6080 anad backed by a 6,000mAh battery with support for 65W fast charging. The device packs 8GB RAM along with virtual RAM technology and up to 256GB storage. The smartphone also features a VC system for heat dissipation.

Huawei’s HarmonyOS for PC is underway, promising exciting advances in GPU software

By

Soumyakanti

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Feb 1, 2024

Huawei has been making significant strides with its HarmonyOS, an operating system designed to serve a multitude of devices, ranging from smartphones to smart appliances. According to insider reports from Weibo tipster Fixed Focus Digital, Huawei is now delving into the PC market with its ambitious HarmonyOS PC project. This move signals Huawei’s intent to challenge the established Android ecosystem and create a unique space in the market.

Huawei’s plans for HarmonyOS PC

This development isn’t entirely surprising, as Huawei’s former executive Wang Chenglu previously hinted at an official release of HarmonyOS for PCs in 2024. The tipster also provides insights into Huawei’s plans to introduce significant innovations in GPU software, aiming to deliver an unparalleled experience for Huawei PC users.

Adding to the anticipation, the tipster previously revealed details about Huawei’s Kirin PC processor, showcasing its technical prowess. The processor features advanced core configurations, including 4×TSV big cores and 4×TSV medium cores, along with high-end components like the Maleoon 910 GPU and dual NPU setups to bolster AI capabilities.

Additionally, Huawei is also planning to launch some exciting laptops this year focusing on specs and features. In the mobile arena, Huawei is also diligently working on its HarmonyOS version, known as HarmonyOS Next. This represents a bold move away from Android, challenging the dominance of Google’s Android and Apple’s iOS in China. The developer version has already been released, with plans for a commercial launch in the fourth quarter of this year.

Huawei is building an ecosystem and has garnered support from industry partners, making substantial investments in this endeavor. They aim to redefine the smartphone OS landscape and potentially surpass iOS in China by 2024, despite facing challenges from US restrictions.

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Samsung’s next foldable phone might be wider, thinner, and more exciting

By

Rajesh Regmi

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Feb 1, 2024

Samsung‘s Galaxy Z Fold series has been at the top of the foldable phone game for a while, but lately, it seems the competition has been catching up. Now, rumors suggest the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 6 could be a major shake-up, aiming to win back the foldable crown.

While the current Z Fold 5 is well-regarded, it lacks the wow factor of some rival foldables. But Samsung seems to be taking notes. A recent patent suggests they’re ditching the “fat phone” look for a slimmer profile, but not at the expense of usability. They might’ve understood that ultra-tall foldables aren’t everyone’s cup of tea.

Instead, rumors point towards a wider device with larger inner and outer screens. This wider design might mean a different aspect ratio, too, making the phone feel less like a tall, narrow tablet when unfolded.

Samsung may also bring a new hinge design with multiple housings, distributing pressure more evenly across the screen and potentially reducing the crease on the inner screen.The patent also shows a new camera layout with modules directly on the back, but it’s unclear if this reflects actual plans.

While the final design might differ, it seems likely that the Z Fold 6 will be thinner and wider. Additionally, recent reports suggest that Samsung is contemplating the development of a more affordable version of the Z Fold 6.

The decision to launch a budget-friendly Galaxy Z Fold is expected to increase Samsung’s market share in China’s foldable smartphone segment. Currently, the South Korean brand holds the third position with a 19 percent share, trailing behind Huawei and Honor, which dominate the market.

The budget-friendly Galaxy Z Fold is expected to debut in the second half of 2024, likely alongside the next-generation Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6 at Samsung’s upcoming Unpacked event in August. So Samsung might for the first time in foldables history release three foldable devices.

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OnePlus Nord 3 receiving another firmware update within a week

By

Simranpal Singh

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Feb 1, 2024

OnePlus is bringing a new firmware update for the OnePlus Nord 3, featuring a January 2024 Android Security Patch. The firmware version OxygenOS 14.0.0.300 update is now rolling out to most regions, including India, Europe, and global variants. The OnePlus Nord 3 India Variant also received another update a few days ago with firmware 14.0.0.201 featuring the same changelog.

As per the announcement thread, the previous update firmware OxygenOS 14.0.0.201 is now paused, and the new firmware OxygenOS 14.0.0.3 will be made available to all users. The reason seems to be some issues that popped up with the previous update on India Variants.

Talking about the new update, the OnePlus Nord 3 will receive the January 2024 Android security patch, which also improves the system’s stability and performance. It even extends the battery life. The update fixes issues related to the theme store, and the background stream feature is now unavailable in the Smart Sidebar. Below is the official change log:

System

Integrates the January 2024 Android security patch to enhance system security.
Improves system stability and performance.
Extends battery life in some scenarios.
The Background stream feature in Smart Sidebar has been removed.


Apps

Fixes an issue where the screen might turn white when "Theme Store" is opened.

It is an incremental update and may take time to reach each unit over the coming few days. The update will first be made available to a small number of users before a broader rollout. Users can report any bugs and issues via the OnePlus Community or Google Dialer (in India only) by typing *#800#.

OnePlus Nord 3 Update Features

Additionally, the OnePlus Nord 3 already received the OxygenOS 14 update, featuring all the new luxuries and feature enhancements. The Android 14-based OxygenOS 14 update is now available on most of the compatible OnePlus smartphones. However, the updates are scheduled for the remaining devices in the coming few weeks or months.

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OnePlus Nord 3 5G (Misty Green, 8GB RAM, 128GB Storage)

Camera: 50MP Main Camera with Sony IMX890 (OIS supported), 8MP Ultrawide Camera with Sony IMX355 (FOV: 112 degree) and 2MP Macro lens f/2.4 and a FOV 89°; 16MP Front (Selfie) Camera with EIS supported
Camera Features: Photo, Video, Night, Portrait, PANO, TIME-LAPSE, and Dual-view video

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Honor X9b teased with Ultra-Bounce Anti-Drop display, Amazon India landing page goes live

By

Sean

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Feb 1, 2024

The Honor X9b is set to launch in the Indian market soon. But ahead of the release, the Amazon landing page of the upcoming smartphone has gone live and an official teaser has even highlighted one aspect of its display. So here are all the details.

Honor X9b Teaser

The Chinese brand is set to unveil the X9b in the region on 15th February 2024. Now, Amazon availability has been confirmed after the landing page of the device went live. This listing showcases the Honor X9b’s curved display and slim design. It teases the Snapdragon chipset under the hood and a long battery life. Honor also promised a new standard of durability and endurance in its latest teaser.

The Honor X9b will feature an Ultra Bounce 360° Anti-Drop Resistance, which is possible thanks to cutting edge cushioning technology. Thanks to this technology, the handset received a Five Star Overall Drop Resistance certification from SGS. The Ultra Bounce Anti Drop display promises to offer greater protection by employing a shock absorbing structure. Honor claims that it can offer improved resistance to drops of up to 1.5 meters on all six faces and four corners.

To recall, the new Honor X9b sports a tall 6.78-inch display with a 120hz refresh rate and 1.5K resolution. The model supports PWM Dimming technology along with low blue light ensures reduces eye discomfort and fatigue. Other notable display features include Dynamic Dimming for natural light rhythm for eye protection and Circadian Night Display to filter blue light during nighttime use.

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Sony’s first foldable smartphone tentatively named Xperia F is still uncertain

By

Soumyakanti

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Feb 1, 2024

There have been ongoing rumors about Sony‘s entry into the foldable smartphone market, with many speculating it would be a clamshell-style device. However, recent reports suggest that Sony’s potential foldable phone, tentatively called “Xperia F,” is still uncertain, as discussions about the future of foldable devices continue. A Reddit conversation, reportedly involving a Sony insider, hints that consumer trends might be influencing Sony’s decision regarding foldable smartphones.

Sony Analyzing Consumer Trends Before Entering the Foldable Market

According to the insider, there is concern that more than 70% of current foldable smartphone users might switch back to traditional smartphones for their next purchase. This suggests a potential decline in the adoption of foldable devices after an initial surge in sales. However, it’s essential to highlight that this perspective is not officially endorsed by Sony and lacks solid data to support claims about user preferences for future upgrades.

Although the future of foldable smartphones is uncertain, there is still significant interest in these innovative devices. It is expected that foldable phones, like the rumored Sony Xperia F, will attract users who want to experience their unique features, particularly as prices become more affordable. In the short term, the foldable smartphone market is predicted to grow, but whether this growth will continue as users plan their next upgrades remains uncertain.

The foldable smartphone segment may encounter difficulties in retaining its market share in the coming years, primarily due to the typical 3 to 4-year smartphone replacement cycle.

Projections suggest that the adoption rate of foldable devices might reverse during this timeframe, based on speculated consumer behavior. The rumored Xperia F is said to feature a 7-inch 4K display with a 21:9 aspect ratio, though further details are pending. Sony’s foldable smartphone continues to generate high interest, and we will share further updates as additional information becomes available.

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MediaTek Dimensity 9400 specs show huge AI and performance gains

By

Rajesh Regmi

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Feb 1, 2024

Taiwanese chipmaker MediaTek held a ceremony on January 30th to mark the start of construction for a new office building near the Hsinchu High-speed Railway station. The 22-story building is expected to accommodate 3,000 employees by 2027.

During the event, CEO Cai Lixing mentioned the upcoming Dimensity 9400 chip (though not specifically referred to) will arrive in the fourth quarter of 2024. According to Cai, the new SoC will boast improved AI capabilities, aiming to compete with other high-end smartphone processors.

Even though we don’t know all the details about its performance, a report by China Times spilled some beans about the Dimensity 9400.

The leak includes a table detailing potential upgrades for the upcoming SoC, which unsurprisingly mentions the use of TSMC’s 3nm process. The switch from 4nm to 3nm should result in improved performance and power efficiency compared to its predecessor, the Dimensity 9300.

Moreover, unlike Qualcomm, which is transitioning to its custom Oryon CPU cores, MediaTek will likely stick with Arm’s CPU designs and will upgrade to the Cortex-X5 for its main core. Besides this, the Dimensity 9400 will have three Cortex-X4 and four Cortex-A720 performance cores.

The leaked details also suggest that the Dimensity 9400 will be able to process 12 to 15 tokens (most basic units of a text for an LLM) per second using a specific model called Llama 2 from Meta.

Additionally, for image creation using Stable Diffusion 1.5, the Dimensity 9400 is expected to be faster than the 9300, taking only 3 seconds compared to 3.5 seconds.

This improvement will make the Dimensity 9400, and its APU 790 successor, potentially 20-50% faster for processing tokens and up to 16.7% faster for image creation.

These are still early details about the MediaTek Dimensity 9400, so we suggest you take this information with a pinch of salt.

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Starlink WiFi 6 router in the works, visits FCC and IMDA certification

By

Sean

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Feb 1, 2024

Following its innovative “cellphone tower in space” announcement, Elon Musk’s Starlink is now working on something more grounded. While the company has its expertise in satellite communication and internet connectivity, it might be launching a new WiFi 6 router soon. So here are all the details.

Starlink WiFi 6 Router certified on FCC and IMDA

SpaceX’s Starlink is apparently working on a new WiFi 6 router, which was spotted on the IMDA and FCC database. The IMDA certification revealed that it carries the UTR-232 model number and was listed as a low power WLAN device. On the other hand, the FCC listing confirmed that it will utilize the same wireless bands as other WiFi 6 routers.

It also adds that the upcoming router features two built in LAN ports and will house two power adapters, namely UTP-231L and UTP-232C. The UTR-232 Wi-Fi 6 router is likely a finalized version of the UTR-231 Wi-Fi 6 router, which is a Gen 3 mesh router. To recall, the UTR-231 is expected to be an accessory for existing Starlink customers to boost their connectivity with Starlink’s coverage.

In the past, Starlink’s dish came bundled with the Gen 1 and Gen 2 WiFi routers that only supported the WiFi 5 standard. The upcoming Gen 3 mesh router supporting WiFi 6 means that users can expect much faster broadband speeds. Apart from this, users also gain access to faster broadband speeds, improved energy efficiency on mobile phone devices, and lesser bandwidth congestion. This is all the information we have at the moment, so stay tuned for more updates.

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Apple Vision Pro’s gesture controls can easily be interrupted by people around you

By

Debasish

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Feb 1, 2024

Apple‘s Vision Pro headset, known for its innovative gesture-based interaction, has a minor flaw in its hand-tracking gesture controls, as revealed by test results from technology media CNET. The issue arises when others insert themselves into the interaction area while the wearer is using gestures. Any random hand movement within the interaction area (where the wearer’s hands are supposed to be) may lead to interference with the headset’s gesture controls and impact the overall user experience.

Apple Vision Pro does not differentiate between its user and someone else’s hand, just follows the gesture instruction

The Apple Vision Pro headset relies heavily on gestures for user interaction, facilitated by the visionOS software. CNET’s tests reveal that the headset struggles to distinguish between the wearer’s hand and the hands of others entering the interaction space. This could pose challenges, especially in scenarios where users have children or other individuals around them.

The interference from additional hands affects the seamless execution of gestures, potentially disrupting the intended experience. This will be very inconvenient in certain scenarios like accidental deletion of a file caused by a random hand movement within the range of the gesture system.

While this flaw is relatively minor, it underscores the room for improvement in Apple’s visionOS. The expectation is that future updates might address this issue, allowing the headset to accurately distinguish the wearer’s hand. As Apple continues to enhance its software systems, improvements in gesture recognition may become a focal point, ensuring an optimal and uninterrupted user experience for Vision Pro users.

In conclusion, while this imperfection may cause some inconvenience in certain situations, it is a part of the ongoing development process for this one of a kind first-generation product. Notably, a second-generation Vision Pro, speculated to be called the Apple Vision Pro 2 is in the works which might solve some of the imperfections of this first-generation product such as the weight and more importantly, the weight distribution.

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Lava Yuva 3 India launch near, Amazon microsite goes live

By

Sean

-

Feb 1, 2024

Lava is gearing up to launch a new smartphone in the Indian market soon. The brand previously unveiled the Yuva 3 Pro, and now, it appears the base model is also in the works. An online listing has teased the launch of the Yuva 3 and also revealed some of its specifications. So let’s have a look.

Lava Yuva 3 India Launch Imminent

A microsite on Amazon just went live, which teases the launch of the Lava Yuva 3 model. Looking at the online listing, the storage specs of the upcoming smartphone were also teased. It will be equipped with 128GB of UFS 2.2 storage. Furthermore, the company is also claiming that this storage will enable 3x faster speeds when compared to eMMC storage tech.

Apart from this, the teaser on the microsite confirms a 64GB storage configuration as well as support for up to 512GB of expandable memory. This is likely via a microSD card slot. Unfortunately, finer details regarding this device like its specs and pricing are still unclear. But we can expect it to be a cutdown version of the previously launched Lava Yuva 3 Pro model. To recall, the Yuva 3 Pro was also a budget grade handset, which was equipped with the UNISOC T616 SoC.

It offered a 6.5-inch LCD panel with a 90Hz refresh rate. A large 5,000mAh battery pack powered this phone, which supports 18W fast charging. The rear packs a 50-megapixel dual camera setup and the front houses an 8-megapixel selfie shooter. It launched for a starting price tag of 8,999 INR, so we can expect the vanilla Yuva 3 to start from around 6,999 INR price range in the Indian budget phone segment.

Get the LAVA Yuva 3 Pro here

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Huawei Pocket S2 launch date leaked, new notebook with Kirin PC processor may debut alongside

By

Anvinraj Valiyathara

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Feb 1, 2024

Rumors dating back to November 2023 revealed the existence of the Huawei Pocket S2 foldable phone and claimed that it would debut in December. However, a report that surfaced in December claimed that its launch has been pushed back to early 2024. A leaker from China with a reasonable track record has revealed the launch date of the Pocket S2. In addition, he also leaked that Huawei would launch a new notebook equipped with its in-house processor.

Huawei Pocket S2, New Notebook with Kirin PC incoming

Huawei Pocket S2 leaked render — A previously seen Huawei Pocket S2’s leaked render by tipster Rodent950 (Teme)

According to a Chinese leaker, the Huawei Pocket S2 is expected to be officially announced on Feb. 27, indicating that its unveiling may take place during the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2024 tech event. The leaker asserted that the device might be powered by an underclocked version of the Kirin 9000s.

For those unfamiliar, the Mate 60 series of flagship phones, introduced last year, also incorporates the same chip. As for the specifications of the Pocket S2, the rumor mill has not yet disclosed any details.

The leaker also claimed that Huawei’s new laptop equipped with the Kirin PC processor will also be unveiled soon. While he did not mention the launch timeframe, it appears that the device may go official alongside the Pocket S2.

Another leaker recently claimed that Huawei’s Kirin PC processor will feature 4 x TSV large core, 4 x TSV medium core, Maleoon 910 8-10cu for graphics, dual large-core NPU (Ascend Lite), dual micro-core NPU (Ascend Tiny), up to 32GB LPDDR5-6400, up to 2TB SSD, and support 2 or 3 x USB 4.0. Its performance is said to be comparable to Apple A12Z. The Maleoon 910 is Huawei’s in-house developed GPU. It is likely that the Kirin processor powered PC will run on the Harmony OS.

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Vision Pro’s battery pack specs revealed, and surprisingly it still uses the Lightning port

By

Rajesh Regmi

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Feb 1, 2024

We now have more detailed information on the battery specifications for the Vision Pro headset, clearing up the initial ambiguity of the pre-order period that only provided general usage and video playback estimates.

Turns out, the battery pack included with the headset has a capacity of 3,166 mAh. While this might seem modest considering the weight (353 grams), the thing is it operates at a high voltage of 13V 6A, surpassing the typical 3.8V voltage of phone batteries.

This higher voltage translates to an equivalent capacity of 9,440 mAh when compared to typical phone battery voltage, essentially making it comparable to a 10,000 mAh power bank (via GSMArena).

Moreover, as you might know, the Vision Pro’s battery is external and connects to the headset via a proprietary twist-to-lock connector. However, contrary to initial impressions we’ve seen so far, the connecting cable is indeed removable.

Journalist Ray Wong made an interesting discovery – the cable can be detached from the battery pack using a SIM ejector tool. This means you can replace the cable individually without having to purchase an entirely new battery pack if it gets damaged.

Ray Wong’s findings also reveal an interesting detail. Apple is still using a Lightning port for the Vision Pro proprietary headset and battery pack connecting cable.

It’s a larger, 12-pin version than what we are typically used to see on iPhones. But the fact that Apple has not moved away from its proprietary connector is somewhat surprising, especially considering the current pressure it’s facing from the EU.

Another thing to note is Apple Vision Pro battery is not hot-swappable. This means that disconnecting the cable while using the headset will effectively shut it down. You will need a fresh reboot when you connect a new battery pack.

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Upcoming Galaxy F14 could be rebranded version of this phone

By

Anvinraj Valiyathara

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Feb 1, 2024

Samsung is currently working on a couple of F-series smartphones. The Galaxy F15 5G, reportedly bearing the model number SM-E136B/DS, recently received approval from the BIS certification platform in India. The Galaxy F55 5G, with the model number SM-E556/DS, has been certified by both BIS and Wi-Fi Alliance. Now, a new report by 91mobiles reveals the existence of the Galaxy F14 and suggests that it will be a rebranded version of an existing A-series phone.

Galaxy F14 coming soon, here’s what to expect?

The Galaxy F14 has appeared in the Google Play Console’s database with an image and some key specifications. The listing reveals that it is the same phone as the Galaxy A05s but with the marketing name “Samsung Galaxy F14.” For those unfamiliar, the Galaxy A05s was unveiled in September 2023.

In terms of specifications, the Play Console listing reveals that the Galaxy F14 will be powered by the Qualcomm SM6225 chip, which is essentially the Snapdragon 680 chip. Therefore, it can be inferred that the F14 is a 4G-enabled device. Additionally, the listing states that the device features a Full HD+ display with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels and runs on Android 13.

While the Galaxy A05s has the model number SM-A057F, the upcoming Galaxy F14 4G has the model number SM-E145F. There also seems to be an M-series variant of the phone with the model number SM-M145F, expected to launch under the Galaxy M14 moniker.

The support page for the Galaxy M14 has recently gone live on Samsung’s regional websites for India and Bangladesh, indicating an imminent launch. There is a possibility that the M14 could be released via Amazon in India, whereas the F14 could be sold through Flipkart. It is advisable to wait for further reports to learn more about the arrival of the Galaxy F14/M14.

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Nothing Phone (1) finally gets Android 14 update via Nothing OS 2.5

By

Rajesh Regmi

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Feb 1, 2024

The Nothing Phone (1) is finally receiving its official Android 14 update, bundled with the Nothing OS 2.5 release. This update follows a month of beta testing and brings a variety of new features to the device.

With Android 14, users can expect deeper customization options for wallpapers, themes, and other visual elements. Additionally, the update enhances the phone’s signature Glyph Interface interaction, provides streamlined gestures and shortcuts, expands Quick Settings functionality with more informative tiles, and offers new and improved widgets for the home screen.

Users can check for the update by navigating to their Phone (1)’s settings menu (Settings > System > System Update). It’s important to note that the rollout is gradual and may take a few days to reach all devices.

Here’s the complete changelog for the Nothing Phone (1) Android 14 update:

Customisation
● Redesigned a joint Home Screen and Lock Screen customisation page and improved the edit wallpaper flow for a more comprehensive view of options.
● New Atmosphere wallpaper effect. Transform your background photo into a dynamic wallpaper that brings motion to colours on your home screen. A seamless transition between your lock and home screens.
● Introduced solid colour wallpapers for a cleaner Home Screen appearance.
● Added a monochrome colour theme in the basic colour section.

Glyph Interface
● Get direct access to the Glyph Interface’s Music Visualisation feature (some of you may have already discovered it).
● Improved overall Glyph light playback effect when synchronising with your device’s audio.
● Added a new Glyph animation for when NFC is being used.
● Improved the experience of Flip to Glyph.

Gesture
● Customisable double-press power button to quickly access a chosen feature. Just head to Settings > System > Gestures.
● More Lock Screen shortcut options like: Do Not Disturb, mute, QR code scanner, and video camera.
● Capture screenshots quickly with a three-finger swipe gesture.
● New screenshot editor and menu, allowing for more advanced editing features and quick deletions.
● Refreshed the back gesture arrow visual to be more in line with Nothing’s style.

Quick Settings
● Added support for switching ring modes in Quick Settings.
● You can now directly set your network via Quick Settings without unlocking the device.
● Updated Quick Settings layout and support to show more devices icons.

New Widgets
● Pedometer Widget: Track your daily steps directly from your home screen. Set goals and monitor your progress to stay motivated.
● Media Player Widget: Displays the song currently playing. Control your music easily while on-the-move.
● Screen Time Widget: Monitor and manage your daily screen time to maintain a healthy digital lifestyle.

More improvements
● Optimised the experience of the Weather app and improved the notification of weather alerts.
● Made it possible to set ringtone and notification sound volumes separately, with an updated volume control interface.
● Automatically excludes the preview of the previous screenshot when taking continuous screenshots.
● Improved the stability of the camera.
● Enhanced the overall smoothness and responsiveness of the system for a more fluid user experience.
● Enhanced system stability and improved battery life.

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Xiaomi 14 Ultra could see a price hike due to an increased bill of materials; claims DCS

By

Debasish

-

Feb 1, 2024

The latest information from renowned leaker @digitalchatstation unveils exciting details about Xiaomi’s upcoming flagship, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra. Described as a “remade” product, the smartphone boasts a Leica-branded quad-camera setup, promising “unexpected new unique skills.” The device reportedly incorporates Xiaomi‘s self-researched technologies, spanning communications, materials, batteries, and more.

However, the improvements come at a cost, with the Bill of Materials (BOM) estimation indicating a price increase. It signals a departure from the pricing of the predecessor, Xiaomi 13 Ultra.

The BOM cost of the Xiaomi 14 Ultra reportedly increased by more than 700 Yuan (~$100)

The focal point of the Xiaomi 14 Ultra’s camera system is the Leica optical full-focus quad-camera setup. While specific details about the unique skills remain undisclosed, the collaboration with Leica suggests a focus on delivering exceptional imaging capabilities. The incorporation of new self-researched technologies in communications, materials, and batteries indicates Xiaomi’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation. DCS emphasizes that these advancements will be implemented for the first time on the Xiaomi 14 Ultra.

In terms of cost and pricing, the BOM (Bill of Materials) cost increase of more than 700 yuan (~$100) implies an inevitable price hike for the Xiaomi 14 Ultra. Despite potential concerns about the impact on consumer affordability, the tipster suggests that such enhancements are justified for a flagship device. Additionally, DCS expresses Xiaomi’s internal confidence in the Xiaomi 14 Ultra, noting that mass production has already commenced, and the release is anticipated earlier than initially expected.

Moreover, @digitalchatstation hints at a slew of “imaging flagships” in Xiaomi’s lineup, with one expected in February and three tentatively scheduled for March. While specific model names are not disclosed, this information adds to the anticipation surrounding Xiaomi’s upcoming releases.

Xiaomi 14 Ultra specifications

Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip
50MP+50MP+50MP+50MP quad-camera setup with an f /1.63 – f /4.0 multi-stop variable aperture
5180mAh battery supporting 90W wired fast charging and 50W wireless fast charging
Single-point ultrasonic fingerprint sensor
A slightly curved screen, with uniform bezel on all four sides

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Honor Magic 6 RSR Porsche Design to rival Huawei P70 Art, Magic 6 Pro+ also incoming

By

Anvinraj Valiyathara

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Feb 1, 2024

Honor unveiled the Honor Magic 6 and Magic 6 Pro flagship phones equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip last month in China. The Magic 6 RSR Porsche Design, which is the top-of-the-line device in the series, is yet to go official. A reliable leaker from China has revealed the launch timeframe of the device. In addition, he has claimed that the device will rival the upcoming Huawei P70 Art.

Honor Magic 6 RSR Porsche Design launch timeframe (rumored)

The Honor Magic 6 RSR Porsche Design will be the second device jointly developed by Honor and Porsche Design after the Magic V2 RSR Porsche Design foldable phone, which went official along with the Magic 6 lineup last month. According to the leaker, the Magic 6 RSR Porsche Design will debut in March and rival the Huawei P70, which is also expected to debut in the same month. The

While the Magic 6 RSR Porsche Design will feature the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, Huawei may power the Huawei P70 series with a new Kirin chipset, probably the 9000s chip or its new variant. Reports have revealed that the P70 Art will have the 50-megapixel Sony LYT-900, a one-inch camera sensor. The same camera is available on the Oppo Find X7 Ultra and upcoming phones, such as the Xiaomi 14 Ultra and the Vivo X100 Ultra.

On the other hand, the Honor Magic 6 RSR Porsche Design is said to be the first phone to feature the one-inch OmniVision OV50K camera sensor. Unfortunately, the rumor mill is yet to leak other details about the smartphone. The leaker also revealed the existence of the Magic 6 Pro+ but did not share anything about its specifications. The Pro+ is expected to debut alongside the RSR Porsche Design in March.

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Xiaomi 15 Ultra, 15 Pro may feature ultrasonic in-display fingerprint scanner, claims leak

By

Anvinraj Valiyathara

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Feb 1, 2024

Xiaomi unveiled the Xiaomi 14 and 14 Pro in November in China, and the brand is expected to unveil the 14 Ultra later this month in the Chinese market. While the Xiaomi 14 series hasn’t been released in the global market, the rumor mill has started talking about the Xiaomi 15 lineup. A new leak has revealed some details about the type of fingerprint sensor that will be seen on the Xiaomi 15 series.

Xiaomi 15 series likely to have an ultrasonic in-screen fingerprint sensor

According to a leak by Chinese tipster Smart Pikachu, the Xiaomi 15 Pro and the Xiaomi 15 Ultra will feature an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint scanner. There is no clarity on whether the Xiaomi 15 will have it, which suggests that it could be equipped with an optical in-display fingerprint sensor.

For those who don’t know, the ultrasonic variant makes use of sound waves to create a 3D map of the user’s fingerprint, offering a higher level of accuracy and security compared to its optical counterpart. This technology excels in challenging conditions, such as wet or dirty fingers, as it can penetrate surface imperfections.

On the other hand, optical sensors capture a 2D image of the fingerprint using light, making them generally faster but potentially more susceptible to spoofing. While optical sensors have made significant strides in recent years, ultrasonic sensors tend to provide a more robust and reliable biometric authentication experience, especially in adverse environmental conditions.

The Galaxy S24 series, Find X7 Ultra, and the iQOO 12 Pro are some of the recent phones that feature ultrasonic in-screen fingerprint sensors, while other phones, including the Xiaomi 14 series, are equipped with the optical version.

Recent reports have revealed that the Xiaomi 15 series will feature the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chipset. The Xiaomi 15 may feature a 6.36-inch OLED 120Hz flat display with support for 1.5K resolution, whereas the 15 Pro may house a larger curved-edge screen with 2K resolution. The mass production of the Xiaomi 15 series may begin in September of this year, suggesting that it may launch at some point in October.

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iQOO Neo 9 Pro’s battery size, charging capabilities, camera details confirmed

By

Anvinraj Valiyathara

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Feb 1, 2024

iQOO is all set to announce the iQOO Neo 9 Pro on Feb. 22 in India. The landing page of the phone available on Amazon India has been gradually revealing the key specifications of the device. The updated page has now revealed the battery size and charging capabilities of the Neo 9 Pro.

iQOO Neo 9 Pro to pack a 5,160mAh battery, 120W fast charging

In India, the Neo 9 Pro succeeds the Neo 7 Pro, which features a 5,000mAh battery with 120W fast charging. As seen in the above image, the iQOO Neo 9 Pro will house a larger 5,160mAh battery and offer 120W fast charging. With USB-PD charging support, the 120W charger can be used to power up other devices, such as phones and notebooks, with charging speeds of up to 65W.

It is already known that the Neo 9 Pro will feature the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset and the Q1 Supercomputing chip, which will offer an enhanced gaming experience. The brand recently revealed that the phone will be offered in two options: 8 GB RAM + 256 GB storage and 12 GB RAM + 256 GB storage.

For photography, the iQOO Neo 9 Pro is confirmed to feature the Sony IMX920 50-megapixel main camera with OIS support and an 8-megapixel ultra-wide lens. According to other reports, the phone may come with a 16-megapixel front-facing camera and a 6.78-inch AMOLED display that offers a 1.5K resolution and a 144Hz refresh rate.

While the company is expected to confirm its price on Feb. 22, it is speculated that it could be priced at around Rs 35,000 (~$420). It will be available in two colors: Fiery Red and Conqueror Black. The former will have a red-white dual-tone design equipped with a leather texture.

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