Honor Launches Magic V2 in Europe As the World’s Thinnest Foldable Smartphone

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Jan 26, 2024

Honor continues to expand its product family and indirectly grow its market share in the smartphone industry. In line with this, the company today announced the availability of the Honor Magic V2 in Europe. The foldable phone, introduced in China in late 2023, set sail into the European market at an event attended by over 400 press members in Germany. What are the pricing and features of the Honor Magic V2 in Europe? Here are the details…

Honor Magic V2 Europe Price & Availability

As mentioned above, the Honor Magic V2 is not a very new phone. Therefore, it’s more appropriate to discuss its European price before looking at its features. The long-awaited foldable phone will be available starting from January 26th in Purple and Black, priced at £1,699.99 / €1,999.

If we compare, the 256 GB version of the Honor Magic V2 was priced at 8,999 Yuan in China, which is approximately $1,250. Based on this, it’s possible to say that the device is more expensive in Europe. However, this is not surprising, as smartphone prices are generally lower in China due to logistics and other expenses.

Feature	Specification
Display (Main)	7.9-inch OLED, 120Hz refresh rate
Display (Cover)	5.45-inch OLED
Processor	Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 Plus
Rear Camera	Triple-lens, 50MP main sensor
Front Camera	50MP
Battery	4610mAh, 66W fast charging
OS	Android 12, Magic UI 6.1
Price (China)	¥8,999 (16GB + 256GB), ¥9,999 (16GB + 512GB)
Price (EU)	£1,699.99 (Purple, Black)

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OnePlus Nord 2T and OnePlus Nord CE 3 5G receiving OxygenOS 14.0.0.300 Firmware Update

By

Simranpal Singh

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Jan 26, 2024

OnePlus is seeding a new firmware update for the OnePlus Nord CE 3 5G and OnePlus Nord 2T smartphones. Surprisingly, the firmware version of OxygenOS 14.0.0.300 for both smartphones is quite familiar. The similarity is also evident in the changelog, but still, there are slight differences in the changelog of both smartphones.

The new update brings the latest January 2024 security patch along with some other improvements, which in turn enhance the system’s stability and performance. There are certain improvements to enhance connectivity and even fix some issues.

The updates for the OnePlus Nord CE 3 5G and OnePlus Nord 2T are currently seeding in India. Below are the changes for the OnePlus Nord CE 3 5G update:

Changelog

System

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

Connections

Improves the stability of Wi-Fi connections.

Apps

Fixes an issue that might cause Play Store to crash.

The OnePlus Nord 2T is receiving an update with a fix for some apps that were crashing earlier. It also enhances the battery life along with the stability improvements. Below is the official changelog for the OnePlus Nord 2T:

Changelog

System

Integrates the January 2024 Android security patch to enhance system security.
Improves system stability and performance.
Extends the battery life in some scenarios.
Fixes an issue that might cause some apps to crash.
The Background stream feature in Smart Sidebar has been removed.

Communication

Improves the stability of mobile network connections.

Both smartphones are receiving incremental updates, which may take some time to reach each unit. Moreover, users can check for the update manually by heading to Settings > About > Software Update > Check for Update.

In case of bugs or any other issues, users can submit feedback by dialing *#800# on Google Dialer. For more information about the updates, users should head over to the OnePlus Nord 2T announcement thread and the OnePlus Nord 3 CE 5G thread.

OnePlus is already seeding OxygenOS 14 for its compatible smartphones, including the OnePlus 11 Series, OnePlus 10 Pro, OnePlus 10R, OnePlus Nord 3, and OnePlus Pad. We expect the remaining smartphones to receive the Android 14-based update soon.

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Sony Unveils New Deep Earth Shades for DualSense Controllers and PS5 Console Covers

By

Anubhav

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Jan 26, 2024

Today marks the exciting release of Sony‘s Deep Earth Collection, another optional upgrade for PlayStation 5 enthusiasts. The collection, featuring metallic hues for DualSense controllers and PS5 console covers, is now fully available, adding a dash of color to every Console player’s life.

The newly released Sterling Silver is the latest addition to the list

Sony’s latest collection introduces three striking colors: volcanic red, cobalt blue, and the newly released sterling silver. These colors are not just limited to the controllers; they extend to the console covers as well, catering to all PS5 models including the fat, slim, disc, and digital versions.

What sets the Deep Earth Collection apart is its aesthetic appeal. The controllers, in bold red and blue, add a splash of vibrancy to your gaming setup. The sterling silver option offers a more subdued yet elegant choice. While these controllers maintain the same features as the standard PS5 DualSense controller, their fresh look brings a new energy to gaming.

As for the console covers, Sony has chosen to exclusively offer them through the PlayStation Direct store. These covers mirror the controllers’ colors, allowing gamers to coordinate their devices or mix and match according to their personal style. Each color, whether chosen in tandem or as a standalone accessory, enhances the visual appeal of the gaming setup.

The collection’s availability extends beyond Sony’s store, with major retailers like Best Buy, GameStop, Target, and Walmart also stocking these items. This broad availability means that gamers have easy access to give their consoles a personalized touch.

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Alibaba’s Quark Reinvents Slide Presentations with AI PPT

By

Anubhav

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Jan 26, 2024

Alibaba is changing the game in business presentations with the launch of AI PPT, a new feature from its Quark platform. Quark, known for web search and cloud storage, is now stepping into the secotr of artificial intelligence with a tool that’s all about making slide deck creation a breeze.

AI PPT can generate a full slide deck within mere seconds

Here’s what makes AI PPT stand out: it’s not just another slide-making software. It’s built on a large-language-model (LLM), similar to what drives OpenAI‘s ChatGPT, but tailored for crafting presentations. Users can either start from the ground up or choose from a set of themes like marketing campaigns or business plans. The real magic happens when AI PPT generates a full slide deck within seconds, based on the user’s choice of template.

But it’s not all about automation. AI PPT also offers users the chance to put their personal touch on the presentations. You can tweak the outlines, add or delete elements, and adjust the templates to fit your style. This mix of AI efficiency and human creativity is what could make AI PPT a go-to tool for many professionals.

Zhang Fan, the head of Quark’s search product, sees AI PPT as a productivity booster, merging smart content creation with user-friendly tools. This is a big step for Alibaba and reflects the wider trend in China‘s tech industry, where AI applications are being developed rapidly for practical use.

Following the debut of its self-developed LLM in November, Quark is now pushing the boundaries of what AI can do in everyday tasks like making presentations. The service is initially free for trials and then available for a small fee, making it accessible for regular users.

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Elon Musk is Looking to Raise $6 Billion in Funding for xAI, Values it at $20 Billion

By

Anubhav

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Jan 26, 2024

Elon Musk is now steering his innovative prowess towards artificial intelligence with his latest venture, xAI. The ambitious project is not just another addition to his futuristic portfolio but more like a challenging move in the competitive world of AI. Musk’s xAI is reportedly in discussions to secure a colossal $6 billion in funding, aiming at a valuation of $20 billion.

Everyone seems to be keen to invest in the AI hype train

xAI’s fundraising efforts stretch across the globe, from family offices in Hong Kong to sovereign wealth funds in the Middle East, a nod to the international appeal of cutting-edge AI. Everyone is on the AI train, and this train isn’t slowing down anytime soon. This approach is a clear indicator of the universal interest in AI’s potential and Musk’s reputation, even though Twitter/X is going through a hard time right now.

The world of AI has seen a flurry of activity recently, with substantial investments flowing into the sector. xAI’s expected funding far exceeds its initial $1 billion target, underscoring the immense potential investors see in AI. With a valuation poised to rival some of the big names in the industry, Musk’s latest venture is setting the stage for a new chapter in AI development.

Musk, who played a pivotal role in founding OpenAI, is no stranger to the AI world. His departure from OpenAI‘s board in 2018 didn’t diminish his interest in the field; rather, it seems to have spurred him to create his own path in AI with xAI. Last year, xAI made headlines with “Grok,” a chatbot that challenges OpenAI’s ChatGPT. AI is definitely a competitive field right now

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Nintendo Switch 2 To Feature 8-Inch LCD Display, Arriving This Year As Per Omdia Analyst

By

Viraj Gawde

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Jan 26, 2024

Rumors have been swirling around for a while about the Nintendo Switch 2. The Japanese game maker is widely expected to launch the successor to the Switch that was released way back in 2017. Handheld gaming consoles are increasingly gaining traction with devices like Steam Deck, ASUS ROG Ally, MSI Claw, and more. This has left Nintendo far behind in the competition. Now, an Omdia analyst Hiroshi Hayase has revealed new information on the Switch 2.

Nintendo Switch 2 display leaked, launch later this year

The latest information was shared by Bloomberg citing the Omdia analyst. Hayase conducts research based on company’s supply chains of small and medium displays. As per the report, the Nintendo Switch 2 will be equipped with an 8-inch LCD screen. This is expected to be a big upgrade from the 6.2 and 7-inch displays on the original Switch’s standard and OLED variants.

The analyst adds that the Nintendo Switch 2 will be the force behind doubling in the shipments of amusement displays in 2024. The report does not reveal any additional details. Bloomberg says that this is a credible source.

Last year, Nintendo reportedly showcased the Switch 2 to fellow publishers and developers for the first time at Gamescom. As per leaks, it will pack Nvidia Tegra 239 chipset but lack DLSS support. Rumors also have it that the upcoming console will support 1080p gameplay with Ray Tracing. There have also been speculations that the device may be equipped with a processor based on 5nm or 8nm node.

Today’s leak on the Nintendo Switch 2’s arrival this year isn’t the first time we are hearing. Another analyst earlier this month claimed that it could debut this year priced around the $400 mark.

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Gotta Catch ‘Em All! Pokémon Scarlet & Violet’s Limited-Time Mass Outbreak Event Now Live

By

Oğuz Çakır

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Jan 26, 2024

Pokémon stands out as one of the most beloved series ever. Knowing that Nintendo keeps the series fresh with new games like “Pokémon Scarlet & Violet” which released for the Nintendo Switch in November 2022. However, the company doesn’t stop there and supports the game with various events. Now, a new event has started in the game. Here are the details…

Pokémon Scarlet & Violet Mass Outbreak Unleashes Rare Pokémon Galore

Pokémon Scarlet & Violet continues to regularly host new events. These events provide players with the opportunity to catch new Pokémon, find rare marked Pokémon, or earn special rewards. Recently, a new mass outbreak event started in the game featuring Gulpin, Stunky, Skrelp, and Clauncher. Mass outbreaks involve multiple instances of the same Pokémon appearing in a specific region, allowing players to catch more than one Pokémon simultaneously.

Serebii Update: We have added full details for the new Pokémon Scarlet & Violet Mass Outbreak event to our new event page section

It can be found @ https://t.co/1vrVopTc8C pic.twitter.com/I2haoQtIt6
— Serebii.net (@SerebiiNet) January 26, 2024

This event will last until January 28, 2024, at 23:59 UTC. Gulpin, Stunky, Skrelp, and Clauncher are relatively rare Pokémon in the game. This event provides a great opportunity to capture these Pokémon. Additionally, during the event, there is an increased chance of capturing rare marked Pokémon. Rare marked Pokémon have a special designation and are usually more powerful and durable.

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boAt Immortal 201 With RGB Lights, 40-Hour Battery Launched In India

By

Viraj Gawde

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Jan 26, 2024

boAt has announced a new audio device in India. It is the Immortal 201 TWS earphones. The latest offering is aimed at gamers with its design. To recall, the homegrown brand had launched the Immortal Katana Blade with a unique case last November. The newest Immortal 201 is an affordable TWS earphones. Earlier this month, boAt also launched the Lunar Pro LTE smartwatch. Read on to know what the latest TWS earphones offer out of the box.

boAt Immortal 201 specifications and features

The boAt Immortal 201 has an in-ear design with a stem and silicone ear tips. The former also features two RGB lights appealing to gaming enthusiasts. The TWS earphones of course have capacitive touch controls for various functions. The audio device is IPX4-rated sweat and splash-resistant.

In terms of audio, the boAt Immortal 201 is equipped with 10mm drivers and boAt signature sound. There are quad mics with ENX technology for superior and clear quality on calls. The TWS earphone has a 40ms super low latency mode ensuring no lag during gaming.

The boAt Immortal 201 comes with Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity with a transmission range of 10 meters. It has a ’Insta Wake N Pair’ technology that connects the earbuds instantly to the connected device once the case is opened. The audio device is powered by a 380mAh battery unit with each earbud backed by a 40mAh cell. It is claimed to deliver up to 40 hours of life on a single charge. The storage and charging case also features RGB led lights in a circular pattern.

The boAt Immortal 201 is priced at Rs 1,299 and offered in Black Sabre and White Sabre colors. It is available for purchase from the brand’s website and Flipkart.

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OnePlus Pad gets OxygenOS 14.0.0.300 update with bug fixes, improved battery life & January 2024 Security Patch

By

Sudhanshu

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Jan 26, 2024

OnePlus has initiated the rollout of the OxygenOS 14.0.0.300 update for the OnePlus Pad in India. This update is being released incrementally, starting with a small percentage of users and gradually expanding to more in the upcoming days.

Update Features:

January 2024 Android Security Patch: The update includes the latest Android security patch, aimed at improving system security.
System Stability and Performance Improvements: Enhancements have been made to the system’s stability and performance, aiming for a smoother user experience.
Extended Battery Life: The update contains adjustments that are expected to improve battery life under certain conditions.
Bug Fixes: It addresses a specific problem causing some apps to crash and fixes issues related to the ‘Theme Store’ app and the photo editing Eraser tool.
Removed Feature: The Background stream feature in the Smart Sidebar has been removed.

OnePlus has stated that this Over-The-Air (OTA) update will be released to a limited number of users initially, with a broader distribution planned shortly. The company will provide ongoing updates about the rollout progress on their forum. If you have not received the OTA notification yet, you can manually check for it by heading to Settings > About device > tap up to date > check for update.

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Honor Magic V2 RSR Porsche Design smartphone clears IMDA certification, global launch expected soon

By

Sudhanshu

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Jan 26, 2024

Today, Honor will launch the Honor Magic V2 foldable smartphone in Europe, starting its global journey after being released in China last year. The phone, which also came out in China with a special RSR Porsche Design, is now expected to be available worldwide as it has received IMDA certification.

Spotted on the IMDA certification website, the Honor Magic V2 RSR Porsche Design, listed under the model number VER-N49DP, indicates that Honor is considering a wider release. While an official confirmation is still pending, the device’s existing debut in China provides us with a detailed look at its specifications.

Honor Magic V2 RSR Porsche Design specs:

The Honor Magic V2 RSR Porsche Design is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset and runs on Android 13-based MagicOS 7.2. It offers a single storage option, boasting an impressive 16GB of RAM and 1TB of internal storage.

Display-wise, the device features a 7.92-inch LTPO OLED foldable inner screen with a resolution of 2156 x 2344 pixels and a 120Hz refresh rate. Additionally, it has a 6.43-inch LTPO OLED cover display, offering a resolution of 1060 x 2376 pixels and the same 120Hz refresh rate.

Camera capabilities are a strong suit of this model. It houses a 50MP primary camera, complemented by a 20MP telephoto and a 50MP ultrawide lens on the rear. For selfies, there’s a 16MP front camera. The device’s power needs are met by a 5000mAh battery, supporting 66W wired and 5W reverse wired charging.

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Xiaomi Exec may have teased Xiaomi 14 Ultra release ahead of launch

By

Sean

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Jan 26, 2024

Xiaomi is gearing up to release the long rumored Xiaomi 14 Ultra, but no official announcement has been made thus far. Now, a Weibo post (a Chinese microblogging website) from a company executive hints that the launch might be near.

Xiaomi 14 Ultra Launch Timeline

Based on earlier reports, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra was expected to launch near the end of the first quarter of 2024. This meant that it would be released sometime near or in March. But with the MWC 2024 (Mobile World Congress) event coming up, the Chinese tech giant may use this major conference to showcase its latest flagship smartphone. For those unaware, the MWC event will be hosted between the 26th to 29th of February.

However, before any official announcements, Xiaomi Group President and Partner Lu Weibing shared his plans to use a new smartphone that will offer a strong photography experience. To recall, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra is expected to offer various improvements in camera technology, so it seems likely that he’s talking about this model. Just recently, we covered a tip that revealed the camera module and image sensor specs of this upcoming flagship phone.

The wireless Camera Kit accessory to enhance photography was also spotted on China’s 3C certification. Similarly, it was even spotted on BIS, which confirms the Indian availability. There have already been rumors regarding cutting edge features and even an under display camera for selfies as well. So stick around for more, as we will be providing updates when more leads surface soon.

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ASUS ROG Ally 2 Confirmed To Launch Later This Year

By

Viraj Gawde

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Jan 26, 2024

ASUS launched the ROG Ally gaming console debuted in the global markets in May last year. The handheld gaming console segment is increasingly becoming competitive with Steam Deck, Lenovo Legion Go, Nintendo Switch, and the recently announced MSI Claw. Now, along the sidelines of the ZenBook 14 OLED launch in India, ASUS’s VP Arnold Su has confirmed key details in an interview.

ASUS ROG Ally 2 confirmed to launch later this year

In an interview with Techlusive, Arnold Su revealed that ASUS is planning on bringing a successor to the ROG Ally sometime this year. The Taiwanese brand will most likely launch the second-generation offering. The company will continue to keep the Windows features along with focussing more on gaming, the executive quoted.

Su also said that ASUS sold around 70,000 to 80,000 units of the ROG Ally less than a year since its launch. The buyers in India were mostly early adopters of the gaming console compared to developed markets that have a high PC penetration rate.

The ASUS executive also shared another insight about the gaming laptops getting more attention. It has outpaced the gaming desktop segment in India and globally. Hardcore gamers still prefer desktops but not casual gamers. ASUS is also expanding its manufacturing capabilities in India. The brand will start making gaming PCs in India from this year.

The ASUS ROG Ally has a 7-inch FHD display with a 120Hz refresh rate and 500 nits peak brightness. It is powered by a AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor coupled with Radeon Navi3 graphics onboard. The console packs 16GB LPDDR5 RAM and 512GB storage. The device is powered by a 40Wh battery with support for 65W fast charging.

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Noise Vortex Plus smartwatch launched in India featuring 1.46″ AMOLED display & BT calling

By

Sudhanshu

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Jan 26, 2024

Noise has launched a bunch of smartwatches this month including the Noise ColorFit Thrill, ColorFit Chrome, and ColorFit Hexa. The brand has now added another smartwatch to the lineup called the NoiseFit Vortex Plus. It is available with mesh metal, leather, and silicone straps, offering a range of choices for consumers.

NoiseFit Vortex Plus specs:

The smartwatch sports a 1.46-inch AMOLED display, providing a clear and bright user interface. It supports over 100 animated watch faces. The inclusion of Noise Tru Sync technology facilitates Bluetooth calling, which is expected to offer quick pairing and efficient power management.

Health tracking is a significant aspect of the NoiseFit Vortex Plus. It includes features like 24×7 heart rate monitoring, SpO2 measurement, sleep tracking, stress management, and a female cycle tracker. The smartwatch also comes equipped with various sports modes, catering to those who are fitness-conscious.

One of the key selling points of the NoiseFit Vortex Plus is its battery life, which is touted to last up to 7 days, reducing the need for frequent charging.

Pricing & availability

The NoiseFit Vortex Plus has a special launch price of Rs. 1,999, and is available in multiple color options across its different strap types. The smartwatch will be on sale starting January 31st on gonoise.com and Amazon.in.

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Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro nears launch, spotted on Singapore’s IMDA

By

Sean

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Jan 26, 2024

The Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro launch seems to be right around the corner. The upcoming tablet has been spotted in various leaks and rumors. And now, the latest sighting was on a Singaporean certification platform, so let’s have a look.

Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro visits IMDA

The Chinese tech giant’s new Pad 7 Pro was spotted on Singapore’s IMDA certification. This tablet was spotted carrying the 24018RPACG model number in the online database, which is expected to be the global variant of the Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro. IMDA certification lists this device as a low powered tablet computer that will support Bluetooth connection. But unfortunately, no other finer details like the specs or pricing were revealed on the platform.

Although a recent 3C certification confirmed that the Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro will offer 120W fast charging support. An earlier report had also hinted at the model sporting a 10-inch IPS LCD panel that could offer a 144Hz refresh rate and 2K resolution. This screen may also be surrounded by thinner bezels and improved design.

Under the hood, the Pad 7 Pro is expected to be equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC that may be paired with up to 12GB of RAM and up to 512GB of internal storage. Earlier this month, the Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro was seen carrying a massive 10,000mAh battery pack on the Mi code. This is all the information we have at the moment, so stick around for more updates regarding this matter.

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Huawei Nova Y72 likely a rebrand of Enjoy 70 appears on South African website

By

Rajesh Regmi

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Jan 26, 2024

Huawei‘s South African website has quietly listed a new smartphone, the Nova Y72 with a “coming soon” tag. From the looks, the Nova Y72 appears to be a rebranded version of the Enjoy 70 smartphone, which Huawei launched in China last December.

Despite the changes, the Nova Y72 is technically the successor of the Nova Y71 for the international market. Let’s get into its details here.

Huawei Nova Y72 overview

The Nova Y72 shares much of its design aspects with the Enjoy 70. It features a rectangular camera setup on the back, a U-shaped notch on the front, and a dedicated X button for quick app access.

Huawei hasn’t shared much about the phone’s specifications yet. However, but based on its Chinese counterpart, we can expect a 6.75-inch HD+ display (720 x 1600 pixels) with a standard 60Hz refresh rate.

Powering the phone is likely the Kirin 710A chipset, a three-year-old processor that only supports 4G network connectivity.

On the plus side, the phone boasts a sizeable 6,000mAh battery, the same as the Enjoy 70. The camera setup is also expected to be identical, featuring a 50MP main sensor alongside a secondary lens. Likewise, the phone will come pre-installed with Huawei’s EMUI custom Android interface.

Huawei has revealed the Nova Y72 in Green and Black color options, with an initial price tag of ZAR 4,999, which is roughly $265. The specific memory configurations for the device haven’t been disclosed yet, but we expect more details about the smartphone to come out soon.

Additionally, Huawei will be sweetening the deal by including a complimentary gift with the purchase of the Nova Y72. Buyers will receive a neckband and, as indicated in the teaser, likely a lamp valued at ZAR 1,798.

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Sony Salutes Republic Day with Massive Discounts on Playstation 5 and Other Devices!

By

Oğuz Çakır

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Jan 26, 2024

India is celebrating Republic Day, and even tech companies are embracing the spirit of independence. Furthermore, some are going above and beyond by adding special deals and chances to make things more exciting. In line with this, Sony India is offering great deals for Republic Day, including discounts on the Playstation 5. Here are the details…

Sony India introduces attractive offers to celebrate Republic Day including on Playstation 5

Sony India is celebrating Republic Day with an exclusive discount on select PS5 bundles. Enjoy a significant Rs. 4,000 off at popular retailers like Sony Centers, Amazon, Flipkart, Croma, Reliance, Vijay Sales, and more. Whether you pick the PS5 Cricket24, EAFC24, or Call of Duty Modern Warfare III bundle, this limited-time offer makes advanced gaming more affordable.

For those eyeing a new TV, select Bravia models are now available with up to a 30% discount. Adding to the appeal, customers can enjoy instant cashback of up to Rs. 20,000 and a generous 2-year warranty on specific Bravia televisions. Audio enthusiasts can snag incredible deals on headphones and truly wireless earbuds. The WH-1000XM4 noise-canceling headphones, for instance, come with a discounted price of Rs. 19,990, coupled with an additional Rs. 2,000 cashback.

Sony’s speaker collection, ranging from Bluetooth speakers to powerful party speakers, is also part of the Republic Day extravaganza. Enjoy substantial discounts and cashback offers on these audio companions. Elevate your home theater setup with Sony’s soundbars, available at discounted prices. The diverse range ensures that there’s a model to suit every preference and budget.

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Samsung patents a square-shaped smartphone with extendable display

By

Sean

-

Jan 26, 2024

Samsung might be working on an innovative new design for smartphones. A fresh patent has revealed a square shaped device that features an extending display panel. So here’s everything we know about this model.

Samsung Phone with Extendable Display

The South Korean tech giant is the leader in the foldable smartphone segment, with its latest offerings being the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5. But it appears that a new breed of smartphones could be in the works, which focus on an extending screen rather than a flexible one. A Samsung patent was spotted that showcases a handset with a square shape and extendable screen. Such an innovative design may even solve some of the issues faced by foldable phones.

An extendable phone would be more like a conventional screen, making it more durable or practical for the users. For those unaware, a regular smartphone is still more durable than a foldable one since moving parts are also vulnerabilities to its integrity. However, the latest Samsung patent might challenge this with a different kind of flexible display. Unlike the typical foldable phone with a tall flexible panel, the extending panel is just a small section of the device that can be pulled out for additional screen real estate.

The new design would focus on parallel alignment along with unique connections and support structures to give more flexibility and durability to the display. It is worth noting that this is still just a patent and we have no way of knowing whether Samsung is actually working on such a device. But it does paint a neat picture of what future smartphones with flexible screens could look like.

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Canalys: Huawei returns to top five in China’s smartphone market as shipments rise by 47%

By

Rajesh Regmi

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Jan 26, 2024

Canalys recently shared the latest figures for China’s mobile phone market for the last quarter of 2023. The report shows that the decrease in China’s mobile phone market has slowed down in the fourth quarter. During this period, smartphone shipments totaled 73.9 million units, which is just 1% lower than the same time the previous year.

The top five brands in terms of sales were Apple, Honor, Vivo, Huawei, and Xiaomi. Notably, Huawei saw a significant 47% increase in shipments compared to last year, putting them back in the top five at the fourth position.

Canalys China smartphone shipment in Q4 2023

Breaking it down, Apple led the pack with 17.5 million units shipped in the fourth quarter, a 6% increase from last year.

Honor came in second with a 16% market share and 11.7 million units shipped. Vivo was close behind in third place, shipping 11.3 million units.

Huawei, with its 47% increase in shipments, shipped 10.4 million units securing fourth place. According to Lucas Zhong, a Canalys research analyst, Huawei’s comeback is largely due to the “Mate 60 Pro which uses self-developed Kirin chips and innovative features like satellite calling.” Xiaomi rounded out the top five with 9.5 million units shipped.

Meanwhile, for the entire year of 2023, smartphone shipments in China fell by 5% to 273 million units. Apple achieved a milestone by topping the annual shipment chart in mainland China for the first time, with a slight 1% increase in shipments and a market share that grew to 19%.

Vivo, Oppo, and Honor each held a stable market share of 16%, with respective annual shipments of 44.5 million, 43.9 million, and 43.6 million units.

Xiaomi maintained its fifth position in the market with a 13% share. Huawei, coming in sixth, saw a significant rise, with its market share jumping from 8% in 2022 to 12% in 2023, and a 48% increase in shipments.

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Acer Swift Go 14 with 2.8K OLED display, Intel Core Ultra 7 & 1440p webcam available to pre-order in India

By

Sudhanshu

-

Jan 26, 2024

Acer‘s new Swift Go 14, first introduced at CES 2024, is now available for pre-order in India via Flipkart. This laptop, powered by the new Intel Core Ultra mobile CPUs, is set to become a significant offering in the Indian tech market.

The Swift Go 14 is available in two variants on Flipkart: the Intel Core Ultra 7 155H model priced at ₹99,990, and the Intel Core Ultra 5 125H version at ₹84,990. Both models can be purchased via a 24-month no-cost EMI option, potentially making them more accessible to a wider range of consumers.

In terms of financial incentives, Acer is offering up to 10% off on EMI transactions with HDFC, Bank of Baroda, and Canara Bank credit cards, along with similar offers on select other banks. The Acer Swift Go 14 will be officially available for sale starting January 30th in India.

The laptop’s technical specifications include the Intel Core Ultra 7 155H processor, enhanced by Intel AI Boost and Intel Arc GPU. The Swift Go 14 also features a 14-inch 2.8K resolution OLED display with 100% DCI P3 color gamut, VESA Display HDR True Black 500 certification, and a 90 Hz refresh rate. These features are indicative of the laptop’s capability to handle high-performance tasks and provide a quality visual experience.

An additional notable feature is the 1440p QHD webcam integrated with Acer PurifiedVoice technology, designed to improve audio clarity during video calls. Connectivity options include USB Type-C, HDMI 2.1, and a MicroSD slot, supplemented by Intel Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth LE Audio for wireless networking and audio connections.

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ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro finally goes on sale in India

By

Sean

-

Jan 26, 2024

The ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro was officially unveiled earlier this month in India. Now, the latest generation of flagship gaming smartphone from the company has finally gone on sale in the region. So here are all the details regarding its specs, pricing, and more.

ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro Pricing & Availability

The Taiwanese tech giant released the ROG Phone 8 Pro in a single Phantom Black color option in India. Although, it is available for purchase in two storage configurations, namely 16GB + 512GB and 24GB + 1TB variants. The base model has a price tag of 94,999 INR (roughly 1,055 US Dollars), while the top end overkill version costs 119,999 INR (roughly 1,330 US Dollars).

Notably, the 24GB version is dubbed the ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro Edition and it is also bundled with the ROG AeroActive Cooler X. This is an external cooler that helps keep the thermals of your device in check during intense gaming. Users can also purchase this accessory separately for 5,999 INR. The smartphone is on sale via the brand’s official Indian website and Vijay Sales.

To recall, the ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro sports a tall 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED display that offers Full HD+ resolution and 165Hz refresh rate. Under the hood, it is equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 gen 3 SoC and a large 5,000mAh battery pack with 65W wired fast charging support. The rear packs a 50-megapixel triple camera setup, while the front has a 32-megapixel selfie shooter. It runs on the Android 14 OS based ROG UI custom skin.

ASUS ROG 8 Pro US

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