Renowned video game creator Hideo Kojima is at it again, this time taking the wraps off an exciting new venture in the action espionage genre, as announced at the State of Play 2024. The project, currently known by its working title “Physint,” aims to blur the lines between gaming and cinematic storytelling, showcasing Kojima’s vision for the future of interactive entertainment.
This might be the next big Metal Gear Solid game when it launches (or not)
This novel venture is set to bring together the best of both worlds, with Kojima Productions leading the charge in merging the narrative depth of cinema with the interactivity of video games. “Physint” represents a groundbreaking step towards creating experiences that are as immersive and engaging as they are visually stunning, thanks to the utilization of state-of-the-art technology.
Kojima, the visionary behind the groundbreaking Metal Gear Solid series, is no stranger to the stealth genre. However, “Physint” is set to upgrade the action espionage category to new heights, offering a fresh take on stealth mechanics and storytelling. The game promises to deliver an unparalleled level of realism, with graphics that push the limits of current gaming hardware.
The collaboration with Sony and the utilization of next-gen technology underscore Kojima’s commitment to innovation. “Physint” is just one of several projects currently in development at Kojima Productions, alongside anticipated titles like “Death Stranding 2” and collaborations with other major studios. Kojima’s exploration into the film industry, including a film adaptation of “Death Stranding,” further exemplifies his interest in converging different forms of storytelling.
Paytm, a leading Indian digital payments firm, recently encountered a significant regulatory challenge that led to a sharp decline in its market value. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has directed Paytm Payments Bank to stop onboarding new customers and halt accepting fresh deposits, sparking concerns over the company’s future profitability and its expansive app ecosystem.
Paytm’s stock price dipped by a whopping 20% after this news
This move by the RBI, which follows a history of non-compliance issues including customer due diligence and technology infrastructure, has cast a shadow over Paytm’s operations. The immediate effect was a 20% plummet in Paytm’s stock price, wiping out approximately $1.2 billion in market value and bringing the shares to a six-week low. This drastic drop indicates the general gravity of regulatory challenges and their impact on investor confidence. When it happens, there’s a big blow to the companies involved.
Paytm’s response to the situation has been one of cautious optimism. CEO Vijay Shekhar Sharma described the RBI’s order as a temporary setback and outlined plans to forge new banking partnerships to ensure the continuity of its services. This strategic pivot aims to mitigate the repercussions on Paytm’s wallet accounts, essential to its payment and financial services ecosystem.
The broader implications of the RBI’s scrutiny are significant. Analysts speculate on the potential hesitancy of banking and financial partners to engage with Paytm, given the regulatory concerns. This situation places additional pressure on Paytm to address compliance issues swiftly and effectively to restore trust among its partners and customers.
The ZTE Axon 40 Pro went official in May 2022. It was one of the most affordable smartphones with a Snapdragon 870 chip and a curved display when it was released.
Almost two years later, the device is now being sold at almost half of its launch price. At its current selling price, the product offers more value than similarly priced new phones.
The 12GB + 256GB variant of the ZTE Axon 40 Pro was released at ¥3,298 (~$465). Currently, it is being sold on JD for just ¥1582 (~$220). That’s a discount of approximately 48%.
This is a clearance deal. Therefore, the offer should last until stock runs out.
At this price, the handset offers an impressive set of features. It sports a 6.67-inch 10-bit curved display with a resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels (FHD+), a 144Hz refresh rate, and 1000 nits peak brightness level.
The device is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 chipset paired with LPDDR5 RAM and UFS 3.1 storage. It has a quad camera system on the rear comprising a 108MP primary sensor, an 8MP ultrawide unit, a 2MP macro snapper, and a 2MP depth sensor. For selifes and video calls, it uses a 16MP shooter.
Further, the phone arrives with dual stereo speakers, WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.1, an x-axis linear vibration motor, and an in-screen fingerprint sensor. Lastly, it draws energy from a 5,000mAh battery and supports 66W wired charging.
SmartSens, founded in 2017 and headquartered in Shanghai, is a leading developer of high-performance CMOS image sensors. They design and produce chips for a wide range of applications, including surveillance, machine vision, automotive, and smartphone cameras. SmartSens offers a diverse portfolio of sensors, including high-speed options for industrial use and 5MP sensors for analog security cameras. They have consistently held the top market share in the security and surveillance sensor industry for five consecutive years. While SmartSens excels across various sensor applications, their smartphone sensors are gaining significant traction in the mobile industry.
Earlier today, the company announced the release of its latest mobile image sensor, the SC5000CS. This new back-illuminated sensor boasts a 50-megapixel resolution, a size of 1/2.5 inches, and a pixel size of 0.702μm, making it ideal for use in high-end smartphones.
High Dynamic Range and Low Noise in Photos
The SC5000CS is equipped with SmartSens’ proprietary SFCPixel-SL technology, which is designed to improve low-light performance and dynamic range. This technology uses a pixel-level dual conversion gain design to reduce read noise (RN) and fixed pattern noise (FPN). According to SmartSens, the SC5000CS has RN and FPN as low as 1.0e- and 0.2e-, respectively, significantly improving over previous-generation sensors.
In addition to its low-light performance, the SC5000CS also supports dual exposure non-overlapping HDR, and line-interleaved HDR modes. This allows the sensor to capture images with a wider dynamic range, which is essential for capturing high-quality photos in challenging lighting conditions.
Another key feature of the SC5000CS is its ability to capture 4K video at 60fps. This is made possible by the sensor’s Summing mode, which combines the output of four pixels into one. This effectively increases the pixel size to 1.404μm, which is large enough to capture high-quality video footage.
The SC5000CS incorporates SmartSens’ Sparse PDAF technology, enabling precise and fast focusing on select pixels. This ensures quick and clear image capture, especially in dynamic scenes, while reducing the power consumption of the mobile CIS.
SmartSens’ advanced design and process in reading circuit technology enable the SC5000CS to achieve lower power consumption compared to competitors. This translates to extended battery life for smartphones, a major concern for many users.
The SC5000CS is currently accepting samples and is expected to enter mass production in Q2 2024. This means that we can expect to see smartphones equipped with this sensor later this year. Earlier this month, SmartSens also introduced SC580XS, a 50-megapixel smartphone image sensor with a 1/1.28-inch optical format, offering improved low-light performance and 4K video capabilities at 120fps.
The upcoming mid-range smartphones from the Korean giant are making their presence felt every day by appearing on respective public certifications. Following the recent Bluetooth SIG and BIS India listings, both smartphones have made it to Indonesia’s TKDN. Meanwhile, the Galaxy A35 5G also appeared on Korea’s NRRA certification. However, these new certifications fail to impress, as specifications or feature details about the smartphones are missing.
Both Indonesia’s TKDN and South Korea’s NRRA confirm the upcoming launch in their respective countries. Following the past listing on public websites, it seems the Galaxy A35 5G and Galaxy A55 5G are surely going to amplify the competition in the mid-range market, as these are launching globally very soon.
Samsung Galaxy A35 5G and Galaxy A55 5G Leaks and Rumors
Some previous reports and rumors confirm that the Galaxy A35 5G would feature 25W wired fast charging with an EP-TA800 adapter. Further, as per the GeekBench listing, the device scored 697 points in the single-core test and 2,332 points in the multi-core test. It is equipped with the Exynos 1380 SoC and comes with 6GB of RAM. It is expected to run on the Android 14 OS with the One UI custom skin. The front of the device is rumored to feature a 6.6-inch AMOLED display with Full HD+ resolution, a 32-megapixel selfie camera, and a 120Hz refresh rate. The back may house a 50-megapixel triple-camera setup.
If we consider the previous year’s launch, then this year also, we expect the launch to be around the end of this quarter.
Meanwhile, the Galaxy A55 5G will have 25W wired fast charging, according to TUV Rheinland and 3C certification. Further, it could debut with a 6.5-inch Full HD+ OLED display featuring a 120Hz refresh rate. The phone could have an AMD GPU and an Exynos 1480 SoC. It might come with a 5,000mAh battery alongside a 50-megapixel primary sensor, a 12-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 5-megapixel macro camera on the rear. The front camera ought to have a 32MP sensor. The smartphone is expected to launch between April and June 2024.
Social media addiction is increasing day by day. Almost everyone from ages 7 to 70 is actively using platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and Twitter. However, this situation brings along some risks. For example, who will protect individuals under 18 from harmful content and people on social media? While one might assume the responsibility lies with the social media platforms, Mark Zuckerberg suggests that app age verification should be the duty of Apple and Google. Here are the details…
Zuckerberg Urges Apple and Google for Social Media Age Verification
Social media companies, along with platform providers like Apple and Google, and authorities like the European Union, are working to safeguard children from the risks of social media. For example Meta recently taken steps to people under 18 from getting messages from strangers on the platform. Even with these efforts, the things done so far to be safe are not enough. That’s why CEOs of TikTok, Snap, Discord, and X are called to Congress over concerns about not doing enough to safeguard children.
Following the question posed to Meta’s CEO Mark Zuckerberg about the situation, his response was quite surprising. According to Zuckerberg, the responsibility for app age verification should lie with Apple and Google, not social media companies. Meta’s global head of safety, Antigone Davis, explained, “With this solution, when a teen wants to download an app, app stores would be required to notify their parents, much like when parents are notified if their teen attempts to make a purchase. Parents can decide if they want to approve the download.”
While age verification responsibility is under discussion, it’s probable that important actions will be taken soon. Still, it’s crucial to highlight that parents bear the main responsibility. Even though Meta and the EU aim to protect their audiences, it doesn’t automatically ensure your child’s safety. Being a responsible parent is key at this moment.
MSI has launched the Stealth 14 Air in the Chinese market, a sleek gaming laptop designed for gamers and professionals looking for high performance in a compact and stylish design. It comes in three different versions, starting at 5999 Yuan ($844), with the top-tier model featuring an Intel Core i7-13620H processor and NVIDIA RTX 4060 graphics card, priced at 6699 Yuan ($942).
MSI Stealth 14 Air Specifications:
The laptop‘s design is inspired by a cyber-mechanical aesthetic, incorporating semi-transparent materials that give a glimpse into the hardware within, aligning with the cyberpunk future theme. It maintains a slim 18.6mm profile and weighs 1.6 kg.
Stealth 14 Air features a 14-inch FHD+ display with a 144Hz refresh rate and a 16:10 aspect ratio, ensuring crisp, smooth visuals for gaming and multimedia. The display also boasts 100% sRGB color coverage, catering to creative professionals who need accurate color representation for their work. With 16GB of DDR5 memory and a 512GB PCIe Gen4x4 NVMe SSD, the laptop is designed for quick boot times, rapid application loads, and ample storage for games and software.
For connectivity and expansion, the laptop includes Wi-Fi 6E, an RJ45 Ethernet port, HDMI 2.1, and USB-Type C interfaces, catering to various gaming and multimedia needs.
It also features MSI’s Frosty Cooling System for efficient heat management under load, and the Mystic RGB Gaming Keyboard with semi-transparent keycaps enhances the gaming experience with tactile feedback and visual aesthetics.
In addition to its core specifications, the MSI Stealth 14 Air enhances the user experience with its MSI AI Intelligent Engine and AI Artist feature, designed to optimize performance and creativity based on usage scenarios. The laptop’s audio experience is elevated with DTS High-Quality Multi-Track Surround Sound technology, ensuring an immersive auditory experience for gaming and entertainment.
Pricing and Availability:
MSI’s Stealth 14 Air is now up for pre-order in China and it is available in three variants: one with an i5-13420H processor and RTX 4050 graphics priced at 5999 Yuan ($844), another featuring an i7-13620H processor and RTX 4050 graphics for 6299 Yuan ($886), and the top-tier model equipped with an i7-13620H processor and RTX 4060 graphics, available for 6699 Yuan ($942).
Vivo launched the Y200 5G smartphone in India in October last year. At that time, it was announced in a sole 8GB RAM and 128GB storage variant. Now, the Chinese brand has announced a new configuration of the Y200 5G with double the storage capacity. It is a device in the sub-Rs 25,000 price segment and packs some impressive specifications. Read on to know more about the new variant.
Vivo Y200 5G gets new storage variant
The Vivo Y200 5G has the same 8GB RAM. But it now comes in a 256GB storage variant. The new configuration is priced at Rs 23,999 and is offered in Jungle Green and Desert Gold color options. The smartphone is already available for purchase from the brand’s website and Flipkart. To recall, the base 8GB + 128GB model of the Vivo Y200 5G costs Rs 21,999
Apart from the storage bump, the core specifications of the Vivo Y200 5G remain the same. It has a 6.67-inch AMOLED display bearing an FHD+ resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. The screen is integrated with a fingerprint scanner and it supports HDR10+. The device has a flat frame design and a rectangular camera module.
The Vivo Y200 5G has dual rear camera setup of a 64MP main sensor with OIS support and a 2MP depth lens. There is a Smart Aura Light flash The device features a 16MP front-facing selfie snapper.
Under the hood, the Vivo Y200 5G is powered by a Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 processor. It is backed by a 5,000mAh battery cell with support for 44W fast charging. The device runs on Android 13 OS out of the box.
India stands out as a key tech market and a central hub for tech companies, catering not just to sales but also production. Companies like Apple and Xiaomi manufacture their products within the country. The government is proactively enhancing its attractiveness for investments, offering diverse incentive packages. As of January 31, 2024, India has decreased the import duty on smartphone components from 15% to 10%, showcasing its commitment to fostering a favorable business environment. Here are the details…
India’s 10% Import Duty Sparks Surge in Smartphone Production
India has decreased the import duty on smartphone components from 15% to 10%, intending to boost smartphone manufacturing and reduce prices. As a result, companies manufacturing in India will now pay lower taxes on items like camera lenses, back covers, plastic and metal mechanical parts, GSM antennas, and other components imported from other countries.
This decision brought joy to major manufacturers, including Apple. While a drop from 15% to 10% may not appear substantial initially, it’s crucial to acknowledge that we’re dealing with operations valued in billions of dollars. The cost reduction could motivate current manufacturers like Apple, Samsung, Xiaomi, Oppo, Vivo, Realme, and OnePlus to boost their investments and inspire new ones to initiate production in India.
“Duty cuts on import of mobile phone parts would help big global manufacturers to set up large scale mobile assembly lines in India, and substantially increase exports of mobile phones,” said Rajat Mohan, a director at tax consultancy firm MOORE Singhi.
In 2022, Apple started making iPhones and AirPods at its factory in India, with a hefty $1 billion investment. Xiaomi, since 2014, runs five Indian factories, producing smartphones like Redmi, Mi, and POCO. Samsung, having started production in India back in 2007, operates six factories, making phones under brands like Galaxy, M, and A. This decision seems to be very beneficial for all these brands and many more.
Nothing has finally put rumors about its next smartphone to bed. The London-based brand has officially confirmed the launch of the Phone (2a). That’s not all. Nothing’s sub-brand CMF has also confirmed the arrival of two new audio devices. Read on to know all the details below.
Nothing confirms Phone (2a), new CMF products also incoming
Nothing has officially confirmed the Phone (2a)’s launch on its X (formerly Twitter) handle. The brand says that the upcoming offering is coming soon without explicitly revealing its launch date. Nothing has already confirmed its presence at the MWC that will commence on February 26. Hence, the Phone (2a) is widely expected to launch around that time.
As per several leaks and rumors, the Nothing Phone (2a) will have a circular island housing two horizontally positioned cameras. The module will be surrounded by glyph strips. It is expected to be powered by a Dimensity 7200 SoC, support 45W charging, and feature an AMOLED display.
Alongside the Nothing smartphone, sub-brand CMF also confirmed on its Instagram and X handles that it is launching two new audio devices, more specifically, the Neckband Pro and Buds. Like the Phone (2a), the upcoming CMF devices are teased to be coming soon. The neckband is an entirely new category. The Buds Pro debuted last year, so the upcoming CMF Buds could be a cheaper version.
Both CMF devices have bagged TDRA and BIS certifications recently which also confirms their launch in UAE and India.
Additionally, Nothing also announced Glyph Developer Kit that will give third-party Android apps the ability to control the Glyph Interface.
Unity, a leading game development platform, has officially announced its support for Apple’s visionOS platform. This move comes after months of collaboration with developers, and it signifies a significant step toward expanding Unity’s capabilities to enhance spatial experiences on Apple Vision Pro. The support is now available to all Unity Pro, Enterprise, and Industry subscribers, empowering developers to leverage Unity’s familiar authoring workflows, XR tools, and cross-platform compatibility for creating immersive spatial applications.
Unity is also providing developers with template scenes and examples through visionOS resource packs
Developers utilizing Unity for Apple Vision Pro can embark on crafting diverse spatial experiences, thanks to the platform’s versatile features. Unity’s support for visionOS enables the creation of three main types of spatial experiences. Firstly, developers can design immersive mixed reality (MR) experiences that seamlessly merge digital content with the real world, capable of running alongside other applications in a shared space.
Secondly, the platform allows for porting existing virtual reality (VR) games or crafting entirely new, fully immersive experiences that replace the user’s environment with customized content. Lastly, Unity enables the deployment of content in user space as a 2D window that offers flexibility in resizing and repositioning.
To initiate spatial application development for Vision Pro using Unity, developers need to download the latest version of Unity 2022 LTS from the Unity Hub and ensure the installation of the visionOS Build Support module. Notably, the ongoing development of visionOS is currently exclusive to Mac computers equipped with Apple’s proprietary chips. Unity aims to further facilitate the learning curve for developers by introducing training courses for Vision Pro space application development in China.
Moreover, Unity is providing developers with template scenes and examples through visionOS resource packs, streamlining the creation process. For those seeking to migrate iOS (or iOS-compatible) applications to visionOS, Unity has introduced a convenient one-click solution. This solution aids developers in seamlessly adjusting existing content to transform it into a 2D windowed application within a shared space, enhancing accessibility and usability.
We have been hearing about HMD Global’s first smartphone since the last few weeks. It seems like the launch of the company’s device is imminent. Earlier today, the NokiaMobile account was renamed to HMD. Now HMD on its official website has put up another image of its first smartphone that is in line with the previously leaked image.
First official look at HMD phone
The image posted on HMD’s official website shows the company’s first phone in a Pink color option. It has a rectangular-shaped camera module in Black color. We could notice the phone with a boxy design. Additionally, the side frame appears to blend seamlessly with the back panel. The design of the upcoming smartphone from the company instantly takes us back to the Nokia Lumia era. The first HMD phone is also seen in a Blue color option though that does not reveal much.
HMD says that phones with its branding are coming soon. The company aims to make phones that stick around. This means phones that are durable, fun, fast, secure, and affordable. While the exact launch timeline of the HMD phone remains a mystery, rumors suggest that the company may announce its first devices at MWC in Barcelona, Spain later this month. The tech exhibition is set to commence on February 26.
Previously, a leaked promotional image of the HMD phone revealed a 108MP primary camera and support for OIS. Meanwhile, as per a leaked render of the smartphone, it will have a centre-aligned punch-hole display. Tipster Evan Blass has revealed that HMD has six phones in the pipeline codenamed Pulse, Legend, Pulse+, Legend Plus, Pulse Pro, and Legend Pro.
Honor is gearing up to unveil the new Honor X9b smartphone in the Indian market soon. However, it appears that the handset won’t be alone during the launch event as the company plans to release a new smartwatch model called the Honor Choice Watch as well.
Honor Choice Watch
The news was shared by known tipster Mukul Sharma on X (formerly Twitter). He claims that the brand will release the new Honor Choice Watch in India alongside the Honor X9b. This smart wearable will arrive with a companion Honor Health app for seamless connectivity and likely bring integration of health related features like heart rate and sleep tracking.
Another notable aspect about this Honor Choice Watch is that it will be the first ever smartwatch that comes with a dedicated SOS call button. This is in line with one of our previous reports where we covered a teaser by Madhav Sheth, the CEO of the brand’s Indian unit. An unboxing video of this watch was shared on X, and now, live images of the device were also shared by the tipster.
Mukul Sharma’s tweet showcases a smartwatch that appears similar to the Apple Watch in design. It has a squarish display with rounded corners and what appears to be a silicon strap. The physical dial can is situated on the right side. Based on the previous teaser, it is confirmed to offer heart rate tracking, sleep monitoring, and support for various workout modes. Other notable features include a built-in calculator, weather app, alarm, calendar, and more. This is all the information we have at the moment so stay tuned for more updates.
Tesla has announced a hardware upgrade for its Model Y lineup in China, equipping the vehicles with the cutting-edge Hardware 4.0 (HW 4.0) self-driving computer. Despite the notable enhancements, the electric automaker has decided to maintain the same pricing for the Model Y, emphasizing its commitment to offering advanced technology without increasing costs for consumers.
The HW 4.0 upgrade brings substantial improvements to the Model Y’s autonomous capabilities. With a maximum detection range of 424 meters, the vehicle gains the ability to see farther distances. The upgraded self-driving computer boasts a remarkable five-fold increase in chip computing power, resulting in enhanced responsiveness and faster processing speeds.
China’s Model Y lineup includes three versions: the base rear-wheel-drive model, the dual-motor all-wheel-drive Model Y Long Range, and the dual-motor all-wheel-drive Model Y Performance. Despite the hardware upgrade, Tesla has decided not to alter the pricing for these variants.
source: tesla.cn
Tesla China officially introduced the HW 4.0 upgrade on its Weibo account, emphasizing the improved visibility, clarity in perception, and faster processing speed offered by the advanced autonomous driving hardware.
In addition to the hardware upgrade, Tesla has unveiled a new color option for the upgraded Model Y in China – “Quicksilver.” This color, previously exclusive to Giga Berlin vehicles, is now available due to advanced paint shop technology.
Notably, Tesla had silently implemented Hardware 4.0 in Model S and Model X vehicles in the United States last year, with customers reporting enhanced processing power and improved Tesla Vision technology.
Looking forward, Tesla CEO Elon Musk hinted at ongoing developments with Hardware 5 during the Q4 and Full Year 2023 earnings call. Describing it as the third version of the Tesla-designed AI inference chip, Musk mentioned that Hardware 5 is currently in the design completion phase.
In terms of pricing, Tesla has recently reduced the starting prices of the Model Y entry edition and Model Y Long Range in China. The automaker is also offering cash discounts on select Model Y stock vehicles, providing customers with additional savings. Additionally, Tesla customers in China can avail themselves of a significant discount on paid paint for both Model 3 and Model Y vehicles.
Tesla’s Autopilot Evolution:
In October 2014, Tesla introduced pre-purchasable Autopilot, initially relying on hardware version 1 (HW1) developed in collaboration with Mobileye. The Mobileye partnership concluded in July 2016 due to safety concerns, prompting Tesla’s transition to independent hardware development. Cars produced after September 2014 were equipped with HW1, marking the beginning of Tesla’s Autopilot journey.
By October 2016, Tesla shifted to hardware version 2 (HW2) for new vehicles, collectively known as Autopilot 2.0. Despite its label, HW2 initially had fewer features than its predecessor. The term “Enhanced Autopilot (EA)” was introduced, featuring the notable “Navigate on Autopilot” capability unveiled in December 2016, allowing automated highway driving.
In early 2016, Tesla initiated the development of the Full Self-Driving (FSD) Computer, or Hardware 3 (HW3), which replaced the NVIDIA DRIVE PX 2 AI computing platform, significantly enhancing processing power.
The latest Hardware 4 (HW4) not only upgrades the FSD Computer but introduces a comprehensive sensor suite with enhanced cameras and radar. HW4 boasts a faster FSD Computer based on the Samsung Exynos architecture, additional high-resolution cameras, and a new radar named “Phoenix” for improved accuracy, setting the stage for a transformative advancement in Tesla’s autonomous driving technology.
With these continuous advancements and pricing adjustments, Tesla’s Shanghai factory, producing both the Model 3 and Model Y, remains at the forefront of electric vehicle manufacturing, solidifying its position as the largest Tesla factory globally.
Earlier today (1st February 2024), Xiaomi India showcased its strategic partnership with Leica. This hints that the Xiaomi 14 series is set to launch in India soon. With the Xiaomi 14 Ultra rumored to launch soon, this announcement hints that it could also offer Leica branded lenses.
Xiaomi 14 series India launch near
The Leica partnership was announced by the Chinese tech giant on X (formerly Twitter). To recall, the Xiaomi 14 and Xiaomi 14 Pro were flagship grade devices that were released with camera lenses from Leica. Apart from these two models, the company is also working on another entry in the series, which is the Xiaomi 14 Ultra. The Ultra models typically launch after the mainline’s release and offer top notch specs and photography experience.
While the Xiaomi 14 and 14 Pro have been released in China, it hasn’t been available in the global market like India. Although, the brand is expected to unveil the Xiaomi 14 Ultra alongside the base and Pro variants during the upcoming MWC 2024 event. For those unaware, the Mobile World Congress is set to lick off in late February, which means we can expect an announcement around the same time.
The Xiaomi 14 Ultra was just recently spotted on GeekBench, BIS, EEC, and IMEI databases. This confirmed a bunch of its specs and confirmed the India release as well. It is expected to be equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC under the hood and offer an under display selfie camera on the front. Satellite connectivity is also rumored to be supported on the upcoming flagship phone.
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.
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 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:
Realme GT 2
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.
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 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.
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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