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Google Pixel 8 Pro can now track your body temperature

Google just unveiled the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro in a new Mint color option. Now, the latest Pixel Feature Drop is bringing new functionality for the higher end model. The Pixel 8 Pro is finally receiving the long awaited human body temperature tracking feature.

Google Pixel 8 Pro Body Temperature Tracking

The Search Engine giant released this bio monitoring support in the latest Pixel Feature drop. Google’s Pixel 8 Pro is capable of reading the human’s body temperature. As per official notes, it is a “medical-grade feature” so it might have received official FDA approval. In the latest update, the Pixel 8 Pro users gain access to the Thermometer application to get a temperature scan of their forehead.

Google Pixel 8 Pro

This app even lets you save these results to the Fitbit profile to allow for better health tracking. The brand states that the feature can offer accurate body temperature readings, although this claim has yet to be confirmed against a medical thermometer. The sensor can measure human body temperature using infrared radiating that is emitted from the item and can take heat of up to 200 degrees Celsius to -20 degrees Celsius.

Keep in mind that it is still unclear whether this feature is entirely accurate for humans. In other words, you shouldn’t replace your smartphone with actual thermometers for any medical use. This is all the information we have as of right now, so stick around for more updates regarding this matter.

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Vivo V30 series officially teased in the Philippines

Vivo is gearing up to launch the new V30 5G smartphone in the Philippines soon. The company was recently spotted on various certification platforms. And now, a new teaser hints that the Vivo V30 is nearing its official launch in the region.

Vivo V30 Series Teaser

The Chinese tech giant unveiled the V30 Lite last month. Meanwhile, the V30 Pro model surfaced on Indonesia’s SDPPI certification earlier today. Even the base V30 was shared on NBTC and TDRA databases as well. The Vivo V30 microsite went live on the official global website, which says “Coming Soon”. The teaser image shared on the website is the same as the leaked teaser we reported earlier this month.

Vivo V30 Series

This also offers a glimpse of the Vivo V30’s design. We can see a center aligned punch hole cutout for the selfie camera. The front also features a curved display panel, while the rear packs a squarish shaped camera module. Key specifications of the Vivo V30 were seen in a GeekBench listing from back in November 2023. The model is expected to be equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 SoC that is paired with 12GB of RAM.

The benchmarking platform also confirms that the smartphone runs on the Android 14 OS out of the box. Unfortunately, the teaser did not reveal any other information regarding the Vivo V30 like its specs, pricing, and launch details. So stick around for more as we will be providing updates when additional information is available regarding this device.

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Tecno Spark 20 India launch timeline & price range tipped

Tecno confirmed the launch of the Spark 20 in the Indian market in a fresh teaser earlier today (25th January 2024). Now, a tipster has revealed the launch timeline of the upcoming smartphone and has even shared its possible price range.

Tecno Spark 20 India Pricing

To recall, the Spark 20 was first unveiled back in December 2023, while the Spark 20 Pro and Spark 20 Pro+ were released soon after. Now, known tipster Mukul Sharma (@stufflistings) has shared key availability details of the device from the Indian market on X (formerly Twitter). He claimed that the smartphone may launch in the first week of February.

Tecno Spark 20 India Launch

Furthermore, the device will be a budget grade model, which could have a price tag of around 10,000 INR (roughly 120 US Dollars) in the region. Mukul Sharma states that the device will have a leather finish at the back and offer 256GB of internal storage, which is the highest capacity in this segment. This is in line with its initial launch since it was released with 256GB of storage as well as a leather back panel on its Blue color variant.

In another teaser on Facebook, the company highlighted the Spark 20’s premium design along with flagship battery capacity. For those unaware, a large 5,000mAh battery pack that powers this device, which supports 18W fast charging. The front sports a 6.6-inch LCD panel that offers HD+ resolution and 90Hz refresh rate. Under the hood, it is equipped with the MediaTek Helio G85 SoC. Tecno’s Spark 20 features a 50-megapixel camera on the back and a 32-megapixel sensor on the front. This is all the information we have at the moment, so stay tuned for more updates.

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Lava Yuva 4 Pro Leak Reveals Design And Key Specifications

Lava is reportedly working on the Yuva 4 Pro 5G smartphone. The device has surfaced in a leak revealing its live image as well as key specifications courtesy of tipster Paras Guglani. The Yuva 4 Pro 5G is expected to arrive as the successor to the Yuva 3 Pro that debuted just last month. Meanwhile, the homegrown brand is also teasing the launch of the Blaze Curve 5G. Read on to know the details of the leaked Yuva 4 Pro 5G. 

Lava Yuva 4 Pro 5G leaks out

The leaked live image of the Lava Yuva 4 Pro 5G shows the smartphone with a circular camera module. It houses two sensors headlined by a 50MP primary unit. The device seems to have a compact form factor with curved edges. It is seen in the Blue color option and there could be more variants at launch. There is a Lava branding along with 5G text on the back panel that confirms it will be a 5G-compatible device. 

The report states that the Lava Yuva 4 Pro 5G will be equipped with a MediaTek Dimensity 6080 processor based on 6nm process. It will pack up to 6GB RAM. The device will reportedly be powered by a 5,000mAh battery unit. Software-wise, the smartphone is tipped to ship with pre-installed Android 13 and get two major updates. 

The Lava Yuva 4 Pro 5G is also said to feature a 2MP secondary rear camera and a 16MP front-facing selfie snapper. The upcoming offering is rumored to be priced in the sub-Rs 10,000 segment. 

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Pixel Phones Get Android 14 QPR2 Beta 3.1 Update

Google‘s Pixel phones have now started receiving the Android 14 QPR 2 Beta 3.1 update with a wave of bug fixes. This follows the major update released two weeks ago, which introduced a bunch of new features and a revamped UI.

Android 14 QPR 2 Beta 2 Update

The latest update, codenamed AP11.231215.009, comes with the January 2024 security patch and is available for all Pixel phones from the 5a to the latest Pixel 8 Pro, including the Pixel Tablet and Fold. The update is a relatively small download, clocking in at around 122MB.

While this update won’t bring any flashy new features, it focuses on ironing out wrinkles in the Android 14 beta experience. Google has addressed a range of issues, including problems with fingerprint unlocking, app icon placement, and overlay glitches. Below is the complete changelog of fixes:

Changelog
- Fixed an issue that prevented overlays such as the Game Dashboard from opening while the device was in landscape mode. (Issue #312516206)
- Fixed an issue where the device sometimes failed to unlock if always-on display mode was enabled and the user tried to use their fingerprint to unlock the device.
- Fixed an issue where the height of the Quick Settings dialog that lists Bluetooth devices sometimes expanded unexpectedly.
- Fixed an issue where the default search engine for the device would sometimes be set to the wrong provider after restoring device data from a cloud backup.
- Fixed an issue where the display area of Quick Settings didn't update correctly after changing the system display size in accessibility settings.
-  Fixed an issue that sometimes caused degraded audio quality when making calls or recording using the microphone.
- Fixed an issue that sometimes prevented a user from changing device keyboard settings.
- Fixed an issue that caused some translations to be missing for various languages.
- Fixed an issue where work profile icons were not shown for work apps when the work profile was paused.
- Fixed an issue that caused some shaders to render incorrectly.
- Fixed an issue where icons sometimes scaled incorrectly when entering picture-in-picture mode while the device was rotated.
- Fixed an issue for foldable devices where the launcher was sometimes empty if the device was locked while unfolded and then unlocked after the device was folded.
- Fixed an issue for foldable devices where, after folding or unfolding the device and then launching a pair of apps that were already open in split-screen mode, the app divider stopped responding to touch controls.
- Fixed an issue for foldable devices where the screen sometimes flickered when unfolding the device.
- Fixed an issue for tablet devices that sometimes caused a gray screen to briefly flash when dismissing some on screen activities.
- Fixed an issue for tablet devices that caused the touch targets for taskbar icons and navigation buttons to be smaller than usual.
- Fixed various issues that were impacting system stability, performance, connectivity, camera, and accessibility.

If you’re a Pixel owner enrolled in the Beta program, you should receive the update automatically over the air within the next few days. You can also check for it manually by heading to Settings > System > System updates.

However, keep in mind that this is still a beta program, meaning you might encounter some bugs here and there. If stability is your top priority, it’s best to wait for the official Android 14 release.

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(Via)

Xiaomi 14 Ultra camera module & sensor specs revealed

Xiaomi is gearing up to launch another flagship entry from its Xiaomi 14 series. The model in question is the Xiaomi 14 Ultra. But ahead of any official announcement, some of the key camera specs were revealed by a tipster. So here are all the details.

Xiaomi 14 Ultra Camera Module Specs

The Chinese tech giant has been rumored to be working on the Xiaomi 14 Ultra for a while now. Now, tipster @ZionsAnvin has revealed that the premium phone will feature a circular camera module. It will feature a VARIO-SUMMILUX 1:1.63-2.5/12-120 aspherical lens (ASPH). Furthermore, the primary camera is a 50-megapixel Sony LYT-900 sensor that offers a variable aperture range (f/1.63-f/2.5).

He added that this sensor will also be paired with a 120mm periscope telephoto lens. The tweet also shared an image, which reveals the large camera island, which houses cutouts for the four sensors and the LED flash module. Based on what we know so far, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra is expected to be announced in the middle of this year. Just recently, we covered the smartphone’s wireless Camera Kit was also certified in 3C certification.

The upcoming flagship phone has been hinted to support Satellite Connectivity as well. It has even been spotted in major certification platforms like BIS, EEC, and others. This is all the information we have at the moment so stick around for more as we will be providing updates when additional information is available regarding this matter.

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Apple to grab first dibs on TSMC’s 2nm technology: Report

Apple may be the first company to utilize TSMC’s upcoming 2-nanometer chip technology, according to DigiTimes. 

TSMC, a major chip manufacturer, is expected to begin production of 2nm chips in the second half of 2025. The smaller transistor size associated with this technology allows for more transistors to be packed onto a single processor, which could mean faster performance and less power use.

Apple has a history of being an early adopter of TSMC’s leading-edge chip technologies. This year, for example, both the A17 Pro chip in the iPhone 15 Pro and the M3 series chips in Macs utilize TSMC’s 3-nanometer process.

Apple is again expected to be the first to try TSMC’s new 2nm process. The new node will also adopt a new manufacturing process known as gate-all-around field-effect transistors (GAAFET) with nanosheets. 

The technology should enable faster speeds and lower power consumption compared to the FinFET transistors used in current chips.

However, the shift to GAAFET comes with its own set of challenges. Specifically, TSMC will need to build new fabs and invest heavily in adapting its production process. 

Apple, as a key TSMC customer, will also likely need to make adjustments to its chip designs to accommodate the new technology.

Besides the up-and-coming 2nm node, TSMC is also refining its current 3nm process. The company has already improved its fabrication process in the new N3E and N3P chips, while it’s also working on other chips like N3X and N3AE for high-performance computing and automotive applications, respectively.

Looking even further ahead, rumors suggest TSMC is already exploring even more advanced 1.4-nanometer chips. They are expected to arrive as early as 2027. Apple, unsurprisingly, is reportedly interested in securing early access to this cutting-edge technology as well.

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Google Pixel 8 & Pixel 8 Pro launch in Mint Color option

Google has launched a new Mint color variant for its Pixel 8 series smartphones. This addition follows the original launch of the Pixel 8 in Obsidian, Hazel, and Rose, and the Pixel 8 Pro in Obsidian, Bay, and Porcelain. The introduction of the Mint color was unveiled as part of the ‘Fresh year, fresh drop’ campaign.

Pixel 8 series Mint color

In comparison, the Mint shade is slightly deeper than the Lemongrass color of the Pixel 7. In terms of design, it maintains the same glass body and glossy finish that characterize the series, along with the existing specifications.

Pixel 8 Mint color

Presently, the Mint variant of the Pixel 8 is available in India through Flipkart, ahead of its global release. There is no confirmation yet on whether the Mint color will be extended to the Pixel 8 Pro in India.

Speaking of specifications, the Pixel 8 Pro boasts a 6.7-inch LTPO OLED display, powered by a Google Tensor G3 chip, 12GB RAM, and 128GB of storage. Its camera system includes a 50MP primary rear camera, a 48MP ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 48MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom. The device is fueled by a 5050mAh battery, supports 30W fast charging, and features security measures such as an in-display fingerprint scanner and face unlock.

The standard Pixel 8 model comes with a 6.2-inch OLED display, 8GB RAM, and options for 128GB or 256GB storage. Its camera setup includes a 50MP primary rear camera and a 12MP ultra-wide-angle lens. This model is equipped with a 4575mAh battery and shares the security features of the Pro model. Both variants are IP68-rated for dust and water resistance and are available in various color options, including the new Mint.

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Tecno Spark 20 teased ahead of India launch

Tecno has just shared a fresh teaser for the upcoming Spark 20 smartphone model. The latest teaser hints at the imminent launch of this device in India and also showcases some of its design elements. So let’s have a look.

Tecno Spark 20 India Launch Teaser

To recall, the smartphone maker is gearing up to unveil the Spark 20 lineup in the region. This series will include four new models that consist of the Spark 20, Spark 20 Pro, Spark 20 Pro+, and Spark 20C. Now, the latest teaser showcases the vanilla model. Looking at the tweet, the Spark 20 will offer “uncompromised” large storage along with an enhanced front camera for selfies and video calls.

Tecno Spark 20

Unfortunately, the brand did not reveal any finer details like the specifications, launch date, or pricing of this new phone. Tecno states that more information should follow soon. The launch details may be revealed next week. Based on its previous release, the Spark 20 sports a 6.56-inch LCD panel that offers HD+ resolution and 90Hz refresh rate. Under the hood, it is equipped with the MediaTek Helio G85 SoC that is paired with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage.

A large 5,000mAh battery pack powers this device, which runs on the Android 13 OS based HiOS 13 custom skin. The rear packs a 50-megapixel primary camera and an AI lens, while the front houses a 32-megapixel selfie shooter. Other notable features include Dual SIM, side mounted fingerprint scanner, and leather back on one of its color variants.

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Lenovo launches M20 5G tablet in China with MediaTek Kompanio 900T processor

Earlier this week, Lenovo launched the K11 tablet in Japan without much fanfare. They’ve continued this low-key approach for another tablet launch, the Lenovo M20 5G, in China. 

The M20 5G is a mid-range tablet with a high-resolution display and 5G connectivity, among other features. Let’s dive into more details about it.

Lenovo M20 5G tablet

Lenovo M20 5G Overview

The M20 5G features a 10.4-inch LCD screen with a 2K resolution (1200 x 2000 pixels). However, it has a surprisingly low brightness level of just 280 nits.

Under the hood, the tablet is equipped with the MediaTek MT8791, also known as the MediaTek Kompanio 900T processor. 

This chipset, announced in 2021, targets sub-premium tablets. It’s built on a 6 nm process from TSMC and includes an eight-core CPU (2 high-performance Arm Cortex-A78 cores and 6 efficient Arm Cortex-A55 cores), along with an Arm Mali G68 GPU and a MediaTek APU.

The tablet comes with various memory and storage options: 6 GB, 8 GB, or 12 GB of RAM and 128 GB, 256 GB, or 512 GB of storage, which can be expanded by up to 128 GB using a microSD card.

A notable feature of the M20 is its support for 5G networks, which Lenovo claims can deliver speeds up to 1Gbps and a low latency of 1ms. You also get WiFi (5) support with a peak speed of 866Mbps.

Other key features include a dual-camera setup with 13MP and 8MP sensors on the back, four high-quality speakers, and a 7200mAh battery. Lenovo claims the battery can last between 8 to 10 hours and supports PD charging.

Pricing and Availability

The Lenovo M20 5G is now available for purchase in China via JD.com. The pricing starts at 2399 yuan for the 6GB RAM/128GB storage model. The versions with 8GB/256GB and 12GB/512GB are priced at 2799 yuan and 2899 yuan, respectively.

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Vivo Y100 5G Makes Its Debut in Indonesia with Impressive Features

Vivo has officially launched the Vivo Y100 5G in Indonesia, expanding its reach with a feature-packed smartphone. The device, already making waves in other regions, promises an immersive and high-performance smartphone experience. It features a 6.67-inch AMOLED Full HD+ Display, Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 SoC, and a triple-rear camera sensor. Let’s dive deeper for specifications and other details:

Vivo Y100 5G Features and Specifications

Vivo Y100 5G boasts a stunning 6.67-inch AMOLED FHD+ display with a 120Hz refresh rate and up to 1,200 nits of brightness. A plastic or leather back complements the sleek design, giving users options based on their preferences. Under the hood, the smartphone is powered by the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 SoC. With 8GB LPDDR4x RAM and 256GB UFS 2.2 storage, users can expect a smooth experience, further expandable via the microSD card slot.

The smartphone features a triple-rear camera featuring a 50MP main sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, and a flicker sensor on the rear. On the front, an 8MP camera ensures stunning selfies. It bundles a 5000 mAh battery with support for 80W fast charging. In terms of connectivity, the smartphone features WiFi, Bluetooth 5.0, and NFC.

Further, it houses an in-display fingerprint sensor and dual speakers and runs on Android 14-based FunTouch OS 14. The smartphone is available in two storage options: 8GB RAM and 128GB storage for IDR 3,899,000 (~Rs 20,470; ~$245) and the 8GB+256GB model priced at IDR 4,199,000 (~Rs 22,050; ~$265). The users can choose between two color options: black onyx and purple orchid.

Vivo’s commitment to meeting diverse market needs, the Y100 5G is available in different variants globally. The Dimensity 900 powers the Indian model (V2239), the Chinese variant (V2313) uses the Snapdragon 695, and the Indonesian model (V2327) uses the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2. Meanwhile, the smartphone is already available in China for the starting price of 1,399 Yuan.

The Indonesian launch signifies Vivo’s dedication to offering innovative and accessible smartphones globally.

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Samsung Galaxy S24 series is already on sale in India via Amazon & Blinkit; Check offers

The AI-driven Galaxy S24 series smartphones from Samsung have been globally launched and are currently open for pre-orders. Surpassing expectations, the Indian market has witnessed over 250,000 pre-bookings in just three days. Consequently, Samsung has decided to shorten the pre-order duration and has commenced direct sales through online retailers. The Galaxy S24 series is currently available to buy through Amazon India as well as Blinkit. Keep reading for more details.

Samsung Galaxy S24 series

Galaxy S24 series Amazon offers:

The Galaxy S24 has a starting price of Rs 79,999 (8GB + 256GB). On the other hand, the Galaxy S24+ is currently being sold in a single 12GB + 512GB storage variant with a price tag of Rs 1,09,999. That being said, the Galaxy S24+ has a Rs. 10,000 coupon available, knocking its price down to Rs. 99,999.

Galaxy S24 Ultra

The Galaxy S24 Ultra 12GB RAM + 256GB storage model has a price tag of Rs 1,29,999. All three models in the Galaxy S24 lineup have a Rs 5,000 discount if you use an HDFC Bank credit card to mark the purchase.

Galaxy S24 series Blinkit offers:

Interestingly enough, Blinkit is offering the Galaxy S24 Ultra 12GB RAM + 512GB storage model for Rs 1,29,999, and offering an additional discount of Rs 5,000 for purchases made through HDFC Bank credit card.

The platform also has the Galaxy S24 in both 256GB and 512GB storage options, with a special discount while using an HDFC Bank. The best part about ordering through Blinkit is that the phone will be in your hands within 10 to 15 minutes.

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Apple and Honor Secures Top Spot in China’s Smartphone Shipments for 2023, Reveals A New Report

Apple is sustaining its top position in China’s smartphone shipments for the year 2023 after excelling in global smartphone shipments. A new report from IDC reveals that Apple and Honor managed to secure ~ 35% of the market share in China for the last quarter of 2023 and the whole year if we conclude. Alongside the market share, the new reports also shed light on the industry’s trends throughout the year.

In the final quarter of 2023, Apple maintains its stronghold, capturing a 20.0% market share despite a slight 2.1% YoY dip. Honor, securing the second spot with a 16.8% share, navigates the market with a marginal 0.9% YoY decline. However, Vivo faces an 8.4% YoY decrease, holding onto a significant 15.7% share. The standout performer is Huawei, with a remarkable 36.2% YoY growth, claiming a 13.9% share. OPPO faces challenges with a 16.1% YoY drop, while the collective share of other players sees a noteworthy 20.0%, reflecting a diverse market.

For the entire year, Apple and Honor secured the top positions, with 17.3% and 17.1% market shares, respectively. Apple, despite a 2.2% YoY decrease, maintains its influence, emphasizing brand loyalty. Honor faces a 10.3% YoY decline, grappling with challenges while sustaining a formidable market presence. OPPO, Vivo, and Xiaomi navigate through market shifts, adapting strategies to retain their positions. The collective share of other players witnesses substantial 19.0% YoY growth, underscoring a vibrant ecosystem.

Chinese brands like Xiaomi, Vivo, and Oppo are more popular globally than in their home countries. Among these, Xiaomi has managed to rake in 145.9 million sales in the global shipments chart, consolidating its third position.

The figures from Q4 2023 and the full year depict a market in flux, with established players adapting to dynamic consumer preferences. While Apple and Honor maintain their prominence, the rise of Huawei and the resilience of other players highlight the industry’s diversity. Amidst a contraction in the annual market, the smartphone landscape remains vibrant and multifaceted.

The trends seem to change with the onset of generative AI features, customization options, and AI-powered performance improvements. It would be interesting to see what the future holds for the tech industry with these magnanimous upcoming AI changes.

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Meizu teams up with Geely Galaxy for limited-edition Meizu 21

Meizu has partnered with car manufacturer Geely Galaxy to launch a limited-edition version of its Meizu 21 smartphone.

The phone, sporting a stylish gray and blue color scheme, is currently only available for purchase through the Geely Galaxy App Auto Mall, with a price tag of 3,999 yuan (approximately USD 615) for the 12/256GB model.

Meizu 21 Geely Galaxy

The special edition phone features a design inspired by the Geely Galaxy brand. The right side of the phone boasts a color block pattern that mirrors the Geely Galaxy logo, while the lower right corner displays the logos of both Meizu and Geely Galaxy.

In terms of specifications, it’s similar to that of the standard Meizu 21. That is, it comes with a 6.55-inch OLED FHD+ display with a 120Hz refresh rate and 1.74mm thin symmetrical bezels.

Under the hood, the Meizu 21 is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip paired with LPDDR5x RAM and UFS 4.0 storage. To keep thermals under control, Meizu has fitted in a 37345 mm² vapor chamber cooling system inside the phone.

On the back, the phone features an OIS-assisted 200-megapixel Samsung S5KHP3 main sensor, joined by a 12-megapixel Samsung S5K3L6 ultrawide lens, and a 5-megapixel Samsung S5K5E9 depth sensor. For selfies, it has a 32-megapixel Samsung S5KJD1 front-facing camera.

Likewise, the phone gets its juice from a 4,800mAh battery and supports 80W charging. It comes preinstalled with Android 14 with Flyme 10.5 and there’s also Aicy personal assistant feature powered by GPT.

Other notable features include an Aicy smart RGB-LED ring on the rear, an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint scanner, an IR blaster, dual speakers, and an IP54-rated chassis.

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Honor Magic V2 European launch set for January 26

Honor introduced the Magic V2 foldable smartphone in China China in July 2023. The brand later showcased the device at IFA Berlin 2023, without revealing any details about the global price or availability. Now, the company has scheduled a detailed announcement on January 26 for Europe, revealing the pricing and availability of the device.

Honor Magic V2

Honor Magic V2 specs

The Honor Magic V2 features a 7.92-inch foldable LTPO OLED display with a resolution of 2156 x 2344 pixels. It also boasts a 120Hz refresh rate and a maximum brightness of 1,600 nits. A secondary 6.43-inch LTPO OLED cover screen is present on the front, offering a Full HD+ resolution and a brightness of up to 2,500 nits.

At the core of the Magic V2 is the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, providing robust performance. The device is available in various configurations, offering up to 16 GB of LPDDR5x RAM and up to 1 TB of UFS 4.0 storage, at least in the Chinese market. It is powered by a 5,000mAh battery, which supports 66W fast charging, and includes a side-facing fingerprint scanner.

Photography capabilities are a key feature of the Magic V2. It includes a 16-megapixel front camera and a rear camera setup comprising a 50-megapixel main camera with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), a 50-megapixel ultra-wide lens with autofocus, and a 50-megapixel telephoto camera with OIS and 2.5x optical zoom.

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Vivo V30 Pro Hits Indonesia’s SDPPI, Launch Nearing

Following a poster leak and its appearance on the GSMA IMEI database, the Vivo V30 Pro has arrived on Indonesia’s SDPPI. The listing confirms the upcoming launch of the Vivo V30 Pro but fails to confirm any specifications or features of the smartphone. As per previous leaks, the smartphone seems to debut alongside the Vivo V30 and Vivo V30 Lite. Surprisingly, among the trio, the Vivo V30 has already been launched in Mexico.

Any other details about the Vivo V30 Pro are missing on the SDPPI listing. However, the Vivo V30 Series was recently leaked in a poster, confirming some design aspects. The front design features a center-aligned punch-hole cutout for the selfie camera and a curved display panel with thin bezels on the sides. The back showcases a squarish camera module. The presence of a curved display, noticeable bezels, and other design elements are highlighted in the leaked poster.

Vivo V30 Series Specifications (Rumored)

The Vivo V30 series was spotted on various certifications, including NBTC, TDRA, NCC, Bluetooth SIG, and GeekBench, indicating an imminent launch.

Vivo V30 Lite
Vivo V30 Lite

Details about the Vivo V30 Pro specifications are scarce at the moment. However, its younger sibling, the Vivo V30, is anticipated to feature a 6.78-inch curved-edge AMOLED panel with a 1.5K resolution of 1260 x 2800 pixels and a 120Hz refresh rate. Running on FunTouch OS 14-based Android 14, the device is expected to be powered by the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 chipset, offering up to 12 GB of LPDDR4x RAM and up to 256 GB of UFS 2.2 storage. The smartphone is likely to house a 5,000mAh battery with 80W charging support and features an under-display fingerprint scanner for security. Camera specifications include an autofocus-enabled 50-megapixel front camera with dual-LED flash and a rear camera setup comprising an OIS-enabled 50-megapixel main camera, an 8-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and an Aura LED flash unit. As of now, there is no information available regarding the price of the Vivo V30.

The Vivo V30 series is going to succeed the Vivo V29 and Vivo V29 Pro which were launched last year.

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Surprise January Pixel Feature Drop delivers Galaxy S24 features and more

Google has released a surprise January Pixel Feature Drop today, bringing several new features to Pixel devices. These include some previously seen on the recently launched Galaxy S24. So let’s take a closer look at what’s new for Pixel users.

Here’s what new on January Pixel Feature Drop

Enhanced Pixel 8 Pro Temperature Sensor:

The Pixel 8 Pro’s previously enigmatic temperature sensor can now be used for human body temperature measurement. Users can point the phone at themselves or others to acquire readings, with optional integration for tracking within the Fitbit app.

Circle to Search Arrives on Pixel Phones:

With the January feature drop, one of the Galaxy S24’s lauded features, Circle to Search, has made its way to Pixel devices. 

This Google AI-powered tool allows users to draw circles around elements on any screen (video, image, text) to trigger information searches. However, it will only be available on Pixel 8 and 8 Pro smartphones

Photomoji:

Users can now press and hold on a message in Google Messages, select a picture, and have their phone automatically transform it into a unique emoji for instant reactions. It will be available on Pixel 3a and later.

Magic Compose:

The previously announced Magic Compose is finally rolling out to Pixel 8 and 8 Pro users. Magic Compose suggests personalized and creative response options to text messages.

Quick Share: 

Samsung announced its collaboration with Google for Android’s default file-sharing service, now called Quick Share. The feature is now rolling out to the Pixel devices with the new Quick Share icon. 

Pixel Buds Pro Gain Seamless Audio Switching:

Pixel Buds Pro users have gained improved connectivity with the addition of automatic device switching. The earbuds will seamlessly transition audio playback between connected devices, such as switching from music on a tablet to calls on a phone.

These new features are rolling out now, so Pixel users can keep an eye out for updates.

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Realme 12 Pro series: Realme teams up with Oscar-winning cinematographer for cinematic portraits

The Realme 12 Pro series is set to be unveiled globally, including in India, on Jan. 29. While the company has already revealed the Realme 12 Pro+ will feature a 64-megapixel OV64B OmniVision periscope telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom, leaks suggest the Realme 12 Pro will sport a 32-megapixel Sony IMX709 telephoto lens. This combination suggests that the Realme 12 Pro series will deliver exceptional photography. To further elevate the camera experience, Realme has partnered with Oscar-winning cinematographer Claudio Miranda, aiming to deliver a cinematic portrait experience.

Realme 12 Pro series to feature movie filters for cinematic portrait shots

Claudio Miranda is a prominent figure in the film industry. He is well-known for his work on Ang Lee’s “Life of Pi,” which earned him the Academy Award for Best Cinematography. His collaboration with David Fincher on “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,” the first film shot entirely digitally and nominated for an Academy Award, solidified his status as a cinematic visionary.

The collaboration of Mirana and Realme for the upcoming 12 Pro series results in the inclusion of three movie filters, such as Journey, Memory, and Maverick. These filters, which draw inspiration from classic movies like “Life of Pi,” “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,” and “Top Gun: Maverick,” aim to evoke various atmospheres—dreamy, calm, capable, and retro with a cinematic feel.

Realme 12 Pro cinematic portraits

Additionally, the Realme 12 Pro series allows users to capture moments in the 2.39:1 movie-wide format ratio. This capability allows photography enthusiasts to create cinematic-style portraits in a classic movie format. The 12 Pro series is also equipped with the Cinematic Bokeh Algorithm for an enhanced experience while shooting portrait shots with natural blurring and captivating light spots. Users can fine-tune aperture settings in real-time to achieve the ideal blur effect for portraits, ensuring the subject stands out distinctly with enhanced keying effects.

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Xiaomi 15 series mass production kicks off in September, could launch earlier than expected

Popular Weibo tipster DigitalChatStation claimed that Xiaomi is in the process of testing a new smartphone with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 processor. Developed by Qualcomm, this new chip is expected to be featured in the upcoming Xiaomi 15 series. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 showcases a fully self-developed architecture by Qualcomm and is reported to have notable performance improvements.

According to the tipster, there are indications that the Xiaomi 15 series is set to commence mass production in September. Typically, Xiaomi unveils its flagship smartphones in China in late Q4, suggesting a potential launch for the Xiaomi 15 series around November or December. That being said, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chip is expected to debut earlier than usual this year, so there is a chance that we can see the Xiaomi 15 series launching early as well.

Previously, a leak revealed that the Xiaomi 15 model will retain the 6.36-inch display size like the Xiaomi 13 and Xiaomi 14. The Xiaomi 15 Pro on the other hand will sport a slightly curved display that will offer 2K resolution with just 0.6mm bezels. For reference, the Xiaomi 14 Pro features 0.9mm bezels. The display will offer a peak brightness of 1400 nits and a power-saving 1 to 120Hz LTPO refresh rate technology that can potentially save 15-20% of battery life. Other specs of the upcoming flagships are currently under wraps. With that in mind, you can take a look at the specs and features of the Xiaomi 14 series to get an idea of what to expect from their successors.

Xiaomi 14 series specs:

The standard Xiaomi 14 is equipped with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, LPDDR5X, and UFS 4.0. It features a 6.36-inch 1.5K OLED flexible straight screen with a 120Hz refresh rate and 3000nit peak brightness. The device houses a 4610mAh battery with 90W wired and 50W wireless charging, as well as wireless reverse charging. The camera setup includes a 50MP Leica main camera, 50MP Leica ultra-wide-angle lens, and 50MP Leica 75mm floating telephoto lens.

The Xiaomi 14 Pro, powered by Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, features a 4880mAh battery and a 6.73-inch 2K AMOLED super visual sense screen with 3200 x 1440 resolution. The Mi 14 Pro supports 120W wired, 50W wireless, and wireless reverse charging. It incorporates a Sony LYT-900 custom image sensor and a 1024-level variable aperture for advanced imaging.

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IQOO Neo 9 Pro’s 12GB+256GB variant achieves remarkable score on AnTuTu

The iQOO Neo 9 Pro is scheduled to debut on Feb. 22 in India. Reports have revealed a lot of information about the device. With nearly a month remaining for the launch, the company is busy teasing out the device’s key features. In the latest teaser, the brand confirmed details about one of the configurations of the Neo 9 Pro. In addition, it has also revealed the AnTuTu score of the device.

iQOO Neo 9 Pro AnTuTu score

iQOO Neo 9 Pro AnTuTu

According to the brand, the iQOO Neo 9 Pro, equipped with 12 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage, has achieved a score of over 1.7 million on AnTuTu benchmarks. At present, it is unclear how many variants of the Neo 9 Pro will be released in India. To recall, the Neo 7 Pro came in 8GB+128GB and 12GB+256GB variants and carried a starting price of Rs 34,999.

The iQOO Neo 9 Pro is expected to rival the OnePlus 12R in India. For those who don’t know, the 12R comes in two options, such as 8GB+128GB for Rs 39,999 (~$481) and 16GB+256GB for Rs 45,999 (~$553). The Neo 9 Pro is expected to ship in two colors, such as Conqueror Black and Fiery Red.

iQOO Neo 9 Pro specifications

iQOO Neo 9 Pro Fiery Red, Conqourer Black
iQOO Neo 9 Pro

The iQOO Neo 9 Pro heading to India is said to be a rebranded version of the Neo 9 available in China. Therefore, it is expected to feature a 6.78-inch OLED 1.5K 144Hz display, a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, LPDDR5x RAM, UFS 4.0 storage, and a 5,160mAh battery with 120W fast charging.

On the front, the Neo 9 Pro will have a 16-megapixel selfie camera. Its back panel will feature an OIS-assisted Sony IMX920 50-megapixel main camera and an 8-megapixel ultra-wide lens. Other features that the Neo 9 Pro will offer include an in-display fingerprint sensor, FunTouch OS 14-based Android 14, dual speakers, and an IR blaster.   

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