Baidu Stocks Rebound: Confidence restored amidst Military link rumors

By

-

Jan 16, 2024

Baidu, the Chinese multinational tech company, experienced a noteworthy rebound in its stocks, climbing by 3.3% after facing a recent downturn. The market response came after rumors suggesting a potential link between Baidu’s chatbot ERNIE and military research, caused a significant drop in the company’s market value.

In response to the speculations, Baidu has swiftly issued an official statement vehemently denying any connections to military endeavors. The company clarified that its ERNIE Bot is publicly accessible and grounded in an academic paper from a Chinese university. Baidu further emphasized that it had no collaboration with the authors or the affiliated institutions mentioned in the academic paper, distancing itself from any military associations.

Pekingnology, renowned for its in-depth analysis, debunked the South China Morning Post (SCMP) claims, underscoring that the research in question involved only three prompts and three answers. Pekingnology characterized the research as a preliminary idea, not indicative of military AI, but rather exploring the theoretical use of language models.

Market analysts chimed in on the situation, with Macquarie’s research report suggesting that the market reaction to Baidu’s temporary stock decline was “overdone.” UBS also supported this viewpoint, asserting that the market likely overreacted to the SCMP news regarding language models (LLMs). UBS recommended a “Buy” rating for Baidu, providing a 12-month price target of US $175.

The positive investor response indicates a rebound in confidence following Baidu’s strong denial and clarifications. As the market reevaluates the situation, these developments underscore the delicate balance between speculative reports, company responses, and the broader financial landscape in the tech industry.

Related:

Apple ditches blood oxygen monitoring feature avoiding import ban on latest watches

By

Debasish

-

Jan 16, 2024

Apple has reportedly devised a solution to navigate around the import ban imposed on its latest smartwatch models, the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2. The company plans to eliminate the blood oxygen monitoring functionality from these watches if its appeal of the import ban proves unsuccessful, according to a report by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. The ban was instituted in response to medical device maker Masimo’s claim that certain Apple Watch models violated its patents related to blood oxygen monitoring technology.

Apple is preparing for potential changes indicating the removal of the oximeter functionality

Masimo filed a statement on Monday, which has not been publicly disclosed, indicating that the US Customs and Border Protection has determined Apple’s redesigned watches fall outside the scope of the import ban. The filing also notes that Apple assured Customs and Border Protection that the redesigned watches “definitively do not contain pulse oximetry functionality.” This represents a significant development in the ongoing legal battle between the two companies.

In response to Masimo’s claims, Apple has maintained that the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 are still available with the blood oxygen monitoring tool. However, the company is preparing for potential changes, indicating its willingness to remove this feature should its appeal be unsuccessful. Apple expects a ruling from the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit on its motion for a stay of the import ban, with a full appeal likely taking at least a year.

The import ban initially took effect on December 26, temporarily halting the sale of the affected Apple Watch models. However, the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit intervened on the following day, allowing Apple to resume sales while the legal proceedings continue. The removal of the blood oxygen monitoring feature could represent a strategic move by Apple to maintain the availability of its latest smartwatches in the US market amid the ongoing legal dispute.

Related:

Oppo Reno 11F 5G full specifications revealed before launch

By

Anvinraj Valiyathara

-

Jan 16, 2024

Oppo has just launched the Reno 11 and Reno 11 Pro of smartphones in multiple markets, such as Vietnam, Malaysia, India, and Indonesia. It appears the Indonesian market will receive a third Reno 11 series phone, dubbed the Reno 11 F 5G. The device is said to be available for pre-orders in the country and is expected to start shipping on Feb. 24.

Oppo Reno 11F 5G design, specifications

OPPO Reno 11F 5G image — OPPO Reno 11F 5G

The above images show that the Reno 11 F 5G has a punch-hole display on the front and a triple camera unit on the back. For security, it has an under-display fingerprint sensor. It will come in three colors, such as pink, green, and blue.

The Reno 11 F will feature a 6.7-inch AMOLED display that supports an FHD+ resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, 2160Hz PWM dimming, and 10-bit colors. On the front, it has a 32-megapixel Sony IMX615 selfie camera, and its rear shell has an OmniVision OV64B main camera, an 8-megapixel Sony IMX355 ultra-wide lens, and a 2-megapixel OmniVision OV02B10 macro camera.

Under the hood, the Reno 11 F 5G will feature the Dimensity 7050 chipset, 8 GB of RAM, 8 GB of virtual RAM, and 256 GB of storage. It will pack a 5,000mAh battery with 67W fast charging. The device will run on the ColorOS 14-based Android 14. Lastly, it will be equipped with an IP65-rated dustproof and water-resistant chassis. At present, there is no information available about the price of the device.

As per reports, the Reno 11 F 5G has the CPH2603 model number. Recent certifications have revealed that the device may also launch in markets such as India, Singapore, and Europe. The device may debut as an F-series phone in some of these markets.

RELATED:

(via)

OnePlus 12R grabs NBTC certification ahead of launch

By

Rajesh Regmi

-

Jan 16, 2024

On January 23rd, OnePlus is set to reveal its latest OnePlus 12 series. These new flagship smartphones will be available not just in India but worldwide. The series includes two models: the OnePlus 12 and the OnePlus 12R.

The OnePlus 12 has already been released in China, while the 12R is essentially the OnePlus Ace 3, but for the international market. The 12R has been gathering various certifications globally. It has received approvals from TDRA, Bluetooth SIG, SIRIM, CQC, and IMDA. Recently, it also appeared on the NBTC certification website under the model number CPH2609.

This listing indicates that the phone will support various network types, including GSM, WCDMA, LTE, and NR. Since the 12R is a global version of the OnePlus Ace 3, it will have similar features and specifications. So let’s take a quick look at it.

The smartphone boasts a 6.78-inch BOE X1 OLED screen. It has impressive features like a 1.5k resolution, a sharp 450PPI, a very bright 4500 nits, and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate.

Additionally, it comes with 2160Hz PWM dimming, rich 10-bit colors, and supports various HDR formats including HDR Vivid and HDR10+. The screen is also tough, protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 2.

Unique to this phone is its rain touch technology and a super-thin fingerprint reader under the screen. It’s powered by the powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC and offers up to 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and a massive 1TB of UFS 4.0 storage.

For photography, it features a triple rear camera setup with a 50MP main camera equipped with OIS, an 8MP ultra-wide camera, and a 2MP depth camera.

There’s also a 16MP front camera for selfies. The phone is supported by a 5500 mAh battery, and it charges quickly with its 100W fast charging capability.

Related:

(Via)

HZO’s vapor coating tech is a breakthrough for immersible electronics

By

Debasish

-

Jan 16, 2024

At CES 2024, HZO, a North Carolina-based company specializing in thin film coatings for electronic devices, showcased a groundbreaking water vapor coating technology that allows computers, specifically a Raspberry Pi 4 single-board computer, to be completely immersed in water while maintaining normal functionality.

HZO emphasizes that the key to this technology is the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process

The primary innovation in HZO’s coating technology lies in the use of xylene, a substance that forms a molecular-level thin film through a vacuum deposition process. This allows the coating to be exceptionally thin and evenly distributed on the surface of electronic equipment, such as bare circuit boards. During the demonstration, a Raspberry Pi 4 was fully submerged in water, illustrating the effectiveness of the coating in protecting electronic components from water damage.

HZO emphasizes that the key to this technology is the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process. In this process, the precursor material is heated until it transforms into a gas. Subsequently, the gas is further heated to create active monomers. Within a constant-temperature deposition chamber near room temperature, these monomers are deposited on all surfaces in the chamber. The active monomers connect to form a polymer coating with a thickness ranging between 2 and 25 microns.

HZO’s coating is particularly versatile, as it can operate at room temperature, making it suitable for various electronic components. The company stresses that the parylene coating resulting from the CVD process is highly reliable and does not release harmful chemical by-products during the polymerization process. This feature enhances the safety and environmental friendliness of the coating technology.

The potential applications of HZO’s water vapor coating technology extend across various industries, including automotive electronics and sensors especially in electric vehicles, smart home devices, consumer electronics, and biosensors. This breakthrough holds promise for creating water-resistant and even waterproof electronic devices, offering a new level of protection against liquid-related damage.

With the successful demonstration at CES 2024, HZO’s innovative coating technology represents a significant step forward in the development of electronics capable of functioning seamlessly even when fully immersed in water, opening up possibilities for enhanced durability and reliability in a wide range of electronic applications.

Related:

POCO X6 & X6 Pro on sale in India; 6.67″ FHD+ AMOLED display, Dimensity 8300 Ultra/Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 SoC & more

By

Sudhanshu

-

Jan 16, 2024

POCO has recently introduced its POCO X6 series of smartphones in the mid-range segment of the Indian market. The highlight of this series is the POCO X6 Pro, which stands out as India’s first smartphone to feature the MediaTek Dimensity 8300 Ultra chipset and Xiaomi’s HyperOS. In contrast, the regular POCO X6 runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chipset providing users with a range of options based on their preferences.

Starting today, the POCO X6 series is available to purchase exclusively on Flipkart. Pricing details are straightforward; The POCO X6 starts at Rs 21,999 for the 8GB + 256GB variant and Rs 24,999 for the 12GB + 512GB variant. On the other hand, there are two configurations, for the POCO X6 Pro – an 8GB + 256GB model priced at Rs 26,999 and a 12 GB +512 GB model priced at Rs 28,999. Color options include Snowstorm White and Mirror Black for the POCO X6 while Racing Grey, Spectre Black, and POCO Yellow are offered for the X6 Pro.

Exciting incentives are in store for buyers including a Rs 2,000 discount for ICICI Bank credit and Debit cardholders as well as EMI transactions. Furthermore, customers can enjoy an exchange bonus of up to Rs 2,000 when choosing either the POCO X6 or X6 Pro.

POCO X6 series specs:

In terms of specifications, both models feature a 6.67-inch 1.5K AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, Gorilla Glass protection, and a triple camera system with a 64MP primary camera. Both phones support 67W fast charging, with the POCO X6 Pro equipped with a 5,000mAh battery and the POCO X6 featuring a slightly larger 5,100mAh battery. Software-wise, the X6 Pro runs on Xiaomi’s new HyperOS based on Android 14, while the X6 runs MIUI 14 based on Android 13. Additional features include an IP54 rating, an in-display fingerprint sensor, dual speakers, and an IR blaster.

RELATED:

Realme Narzo 60x gets a discount during the Republic Day Sale

By

Sean

-

Jan 16, 2024

Realme has just announced a discount for the Narzo 60x smartphone model in India, which was launched back in September 2023. The company is discounting the pricing of this device in the region during the Republic Day Sale. So here’s everything you need to know.

Realme Narzo 60x Republic Day Sale

The Chinese smartphone maker announced the Republic Day Sale for the Realme Narzo 60x on X (formerly Twitter). This sale is currently live and will last till the 19th of January 2024. During this period, the brand is discounting the pricing of the smartphone by up to 1,800 INR (roughly 22 US Dollars). For those unaware, the device is offered in two storage configurations, namely 4GB + 128GB and 6GB + 128GB options.

So now, both models are available for a lowered price tag of 11,499 INR (roughly 139 US Dollars) and 12,499 INR (roughly 150 US Dollars) respectively. It is also available in two color variants, namely Stellar Green and Nebula Purple. To recall, the Narzo 60x sports a tall 6.72-inch IPS LCD panel that offers Full HD+ resolution and 120Hz refresh rate. Under the hood, it is equipped with the MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ SoC.

A large 5,000mAh battery pack powers this device, which supports 33W wired fast charging. The smartphone runs on Android 13 OS based Realme UI 4.0 custom skin out of the box. The rear packs a 50-megapixel dual camera setup, while the front houses an 8-megapixel selfie shooter. Other notable features include Bluetooth 5.2, 190 grams in weight, 7.9mm in thickness, and side mounted fingerprint scanner.

RELATED:

Last-minute leak hints at Galaxy S24 series pre-order perks

By

Rajesh Regmi

-

Jan 16, 2024

Ahead of Samsung’s Galaxy S24 launch event tomorrow, January 17th, some potential pre-order deals have surfaced online. These leaks, reportedly from Samsung Austria, offer glimpses into storage upgrades, trade-in bonuses, and online-exclusive colors for the Galaxy S24 series.

The leak suggests buyers in Austria (and potentially other European regions) will receive a free storage upgrade. This means purchasing the 128GB model could get you the 256GB version instead, and so on. However, the 1TB upgrade for the Galaxy S24 Ultra might be limited to just 2,000 units across participating retailers.

Moving on, there will be a trade-in bonus as well. That means, trading in an old device during the pre-order period (January 17th to 30th) could net you a guaranteed €100 bonus on top of the standard trade-in value.

Samsung is also introducing some online-only color options for the Galaxy S24 series. Earlier reports indicated that the Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus would come in Onyx Black, Marble Gray, Cobalt Violet, and Amber Yellow, while the S24 Ultra would be available in Titanium Black, Titanium Violet, Titanium Yellow, and Titanium Gray.

According to this new leak, the exclusive online colors for the S24 and S24+ will be Jade Green, Sapphire Blue, and Sandstone Orange. The S24 Ultra will also have exclusive online colors namely, Titanium Green, Titanium Blue, and Titanium Orange.

There’s not much left we need to know about all these three smartphones. All three smartphones will have Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen with 120Hz refresh rate and will feature a glass-sandwich build protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Vicuts.

The Galaxy S24 Plus and Galaxy S24 will mainly use the Exynos 2400 processor, except in the US and Canada where they’ll feature the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC. The Ultra model, however, will have the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in all markets worldwide.

For more details, about these smartphones, you can check out our comprehensive leak round-up:

Related:

(Source)

OnePlus 11 gets OxygenOS 14.0.0.401 arrives with multiple bug fixes & January 2024 security patch

By

Sudhanshu

-

Jan 16, 2024

The incremental rollout of the OxygenOS 14.0.0.401 update (CPH2447_14.0.0.401(EX01)) is officially underway for OnePlus 11 users in India. Here’s a rundown of the significant changes:

System Improvements:

• Integrates the January 2024 Android security patch to enhance system security.

• Improves system stability and performance.

• Extends battery life in some scenarios.

• Fixes an issue where you might be unable to switch between some apps in recent tasks.

• Fixes a screen flicker issue that might occur when you tap the ongoing call bubble in the status bar.

• Fixes an issue where Smart Sidebar might stop running.

• The Background stream feature in Smart Sidebar has been removed.

• Upgrades ROM vitalization and optimizes app compression to improve function stability.

Interconnection Fixes:

• Fixes an error in Settings on the car display.

• Fixes an issue where Car Connect might not automatically connect to your car.

Following OnePlus’s incremental approach, the Over-The-Air (OTA) update will initially reach a limited user base, with a broader release anticipated in the coming days.

In related news, OnePlus is gearing up for the global launch of its flagship OnePlus 12 (review) smartphone on January 23. But that’s not all as the brand will also be launching the OnePlus 12R, a rebranded version of the recently launched OnePlus Ace 3, and the OnePlus Buds 3, which made its debut in China not too long ago. Expectations are high from the OnePlus 12 as we have already seen that it performs quite well in gaming scenarios (for a non-gaming smartphone). OnePlus 12 will also feature hardware and software from Pixelworks to improve the gaming experience. For those curious about the camera capabilities, we’ve conducted an in-depth analysis of the OnePlus 12 camera system, including a head-to-head comparison with the Realme GT5 Pro. Stay tuned for the official launch event.

RELATED:

Realme UI 5.0 Open Beta Program now available for Realme C55 & Narzo N55 in India

By

Sean

-

Jan 16, 2024

Realme is rolling out the Realme UI 5.0 Open Beta program for the Narzo N55 and Realme C55 smartphones in the Indian market. The open beta brings the latest Android 14 operating system, which has a bunch of new features and upgrades. So here’s everything you need to know.

Realme C55 & Narzo N55: Realme UI 5.0 Open Beta Program

The Chinese smartphone maker has announced the Realme UI 5.0 open beta program for the C55 and Narzo N55. It is worth noting that this update carries the early version of the Android 14 OS based Realme UI 5.0 custom skin and not the final build. This means that the software will likely have issues in it along with some occasional glitches. Alongside the latest Android iteration, it will also include Aquamorphic themed ringtones, revamped system notification sounds, improved system animations, and more.

Users can expect an improved photo and video permission management system. As of right now, a known issue affecting the Realme UI 5.0 beta is the non functional desktop sliding feature when using floating windows. Furthermore, the Glance Lock screen feature is also not working on the Realme UI 5.0 beta for the C55 and Narzo N55.

Keep in mind that users should have at least 60 percent battery charge before updating their device to this latest custom skin. For those interested in applying to the beta program, you can submit their application via the “Software Update Application” option in “Settings”. Users should also enable the Developer’s Mode for this purpose. Check out the official announcement for the Realme C55 and Narzo N55’s Realme UI 5.0 Open Beta program by clicking on these links here (1, 2).

RELATED:

ASUS ROG Ally receives Rs 10,000 Discount via Amazon and Flipkart in India

By

Sean

-

Jan 16, 2024

ASUS is offering a great discount on its popular ROG Ally handheld gaming console. The company’s ROG Ally is getting a price cut in the Indian market, with the discounts going live on Amazon and Flipkart during the ongoing Republic Day Sales.

ASUS ROG Ally Republic Day Sale

The Taiwanese tech giant released its gaming handheld last year. To recall, the portable gaming rig runs on Windows and is capable of running AAA titles on the go. The ROG Ally initially launched for a price tag of 69,990 INR. But now, it is available for sale for just 59,990 INR. But that’s not all, the company is also offering an additional discount of 1,500 INR on SBI credit cards on Amazon.

On the other hand, Flipkart is also providing a discount of 1,250 INR on ICICI Bank credit cards. Buyers can even avail No-Cost EMI options on selective cards. Thanks to this deal, the ASUS ROG Ally is priced at the lowest it has ever been in the Indian market. For those unaware, the ROG Ally is equipped with the AMD’s Zen 4 architecture based Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor. This is paired with 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM and 512GB of PCIe Gen 4 storage.

The front sports a 7-inch LCD panel that supports 120Hz refresh rate and AMD FreeSync. It arrives with a 7ms response time, supports 10 point multi touch, and Gorilla Glass Victus for protection. Other notable features include a 40Wh battery pack that supports 65W fast charging, external display support, two analog thumbsticks, ABXY buttons, and two programmable grip buttons at the side.

RELATED:

*Please Note: When you buy something using the links in our articles, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.

Apple tops smartphone market in 2023, dethroning Samsung amidst shrinking demand

By

Rajesh Regmi

-

Jan 16, 2024

Apple dethroned Samsung to become the leading smartphone vendor in 2023, according to the latest IDC report.

The iPhone maker shipped a record 80.5 million devices in the final quarter and a total of 234.6 million for the year. Samsung, on the other hand, shipped 53 million devices in the fourth quarter, with their annual total reaching 226.6 million.

This marks a turning point, as it’s the first time since 2010 that a company other than Samsung has claimed the top spot in the fiercely competitive market.

Meanwhile, Xiaomi came in third with 145.9 million sales, followed by Oppo with 103.1 million and Transsion in fifth place with 94.9 million.

However, the overall smartphone market wasn’t booming. Global shipments dipped 3.2% year-over-year to 1.17 billion units in 2023. While the market faced economic headwinds and inventory issues earlier, the second half saw signs of recovery with a healthy 8.5% growth in the final quarter.

According to IDC, Apple’s success is due to the demand for high-end devices, currently accounting for over 20% of the market. The company’s aggressive trade-in programs and financing options also helped them capitalize on this trend.

While Apple’s rise played a part in Samsung’s decline, the Android ecosystem itself is undergoing diversification. Huawei is regaining ground in China, and brands like OnePlus, Honor, and Google are offering competitive devices at the lower end of the premium segment. Foldable phones and advancements in AI further highlight the dynamic nature of the market.

In another tech development, Microsoft surpassed Apple to become the world’s most valuable company by market cap, driven in part by its focus on generative AI. Their market value has soared by over $1 trillion in the past year, marking a significant shift in the tech landscape.

Related:

(Via)

Huawei WATCH GT 3/Pro Series Gets Smart with HarmonyOS 4 Update

By

Anubhav

-

Jan 16, 2024

Chinese tech giant Huawei has announced new updates for WATCH GT 3/Pro series. The new HarmonyOS 4, version 4.0.0.107, is now rolling out to the lucky first batch of users who got in on the Pollen Beta version. This update brings a whole host of improvements and new features that are sure to enhance the user experience.

The new update also brings a handy anti-accidental touch button

One of the highlights of this update is the introduction of a new chessboard desktop that displays application names. This feature, combined with the enhanced animations and sliding motions of the app icons, makes navigating your watch a more intuitive and visually appealing experience.

For those who are into fitness and sports, Huawei has added a handy anti-accidental touch function. This means that when you’re in the middle of a workout and your screen goes off, the watch automatically locks the crown click and rotation functions to prevent any unintended inputs. It’s a thoughtful addition that shows Huawei’s attention to the practical needs of its users.

The update doesn’t stop there. Now, you can customize sports data and card style layouts for a richer interface during your exercises. Plus, there’s a new feature that turns on the screen when you get a notification, making sure you never miss an important message.

Huawei hasn’t just added new features; they’ve also optimized existing ones. The interface display now has clearer fonts and colors, making key information stand out more. They’ve improved the user experience by reorganizing settings and enhancing the alarm clock functionality. And for those who are serious about their fitness, the update makes exercise data more accurate and reliable.

RELATED:

(Via)

Microsoft Unveils Affordable AI Copilot for Everyday Users

By

Anubhav

-

Jan 16, 2024

Microsoft recently made a big move in the AI world by launching a consumer version of Copilot, priced at $20 a month, which incorporates OpenAI’s ChatGPT technology. Previously, Microsoft’s AI assistant was aimed at larger businesses, with a price tag of $30 per user per month and a minimum subscription requirement of 300 users. This pricing strategy left small businesses and individuals out of the loop. However, the new consumer version is not just more affordable but also more accessible, with no minimum subscription limit.

This shift in strategy reflects Microsoft’s recognition of the growing demand for AI tools among a broader audience. The consumer version, integrated with Microsoft Office, allows users to leverage AI for tasks like data summarization, content creation, and answering queries in applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. This integration is particularly interesting because it marries AI’s advanced capabilities with everyday productivity tools, making AI a practical part of regular work and personal tasks.

Microsoft’s decision to open up its AI assistant to individual consumers and smaller businesses is more than just a business move. It’s a nod to the democratization of AI technology, making it more accessible and useful to a wider audience. The company’s plans to roll out a builder tool for creating topic-specific Copilots further underscores this approach, catering to the needs of diverse users.

While Microsoft’s new offerings are similar in price and features to OpenAI’s ChatGPT Plus, the integration with Office gives it a unique edge. However, the company’s approach to data privacy differs between its consumer and corporate versions. For the consumer version, Microsoft plans to retain some data to retrain and improve its models, a practice that raises important considerations about user privacy and data use.

RELATED:

(Via)

Ubisoft Introduces Game-Changing Premium and Classics Subscriptions

By

Anubhav

-

Jan 16, 2024

Ubisoft, a major player in the gaming industry, has recently revamped its subscription model, introducing a new premium tier while also catering to fans of classic games. The company’s latest move in the gaming subscription landscape reflects a growing trend towards diversified offerings, allowing gamers to choose a plan that best suits their interests and budgets.

Users will have to pay $17.99 for premium, and $7.99 for the Classics subscription

The new “Ubisoft+ Premium” subscription, priced at $17.99 per month, is a significant update from the previous Multi-Access and PC Access options. This premium tier offers subscribers immediate access to the latest games, including the much-anticipated “Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown.” Along with early access to new releases, the premium tier provides exclusive editions and monthly perks, making it an attractive option for dedicated Ubisoft fans.

In contrast, Ubisoft has also introduced “Ubisoft+ Classics,” a more budget-friendly option at $7.99 per month, available on PC via the Ubisoft Store. This service is a curated selection of popular games from Ubisoft’s back catalog, including hits like “Far Cry 6,” “Rainbow Six Siege,” and “Watch Dogs: Legion.” This tier is a nod to gamers who appreciate the classics or those who may want to explore Ubisoft’s rich gaming history at a lower cost.

An exciting future development for Ubisoft+ is the anticipated addition of the Activision Blizzard catalog. This move comes as Ubisoft takes over Activision’s cloud gaming rights from Microsoft, following the tech giant’s $69 billion acquisition of the “Call of Duty” maker. This expansion will further enrich Ubisoft’s offerings, making it a more comprehensive gaming destination.

Philippe Tremblay, Ubisoft’s Director of Subscription, notes the success of the Ubisoft+ program, citing popular titles like “Assassin’s Creed” and “Rainbow Six” as key drivers. He highlights the attractiveness of the Ubisoft+ Classics tier, emphasizing the growing catalog and the opportunity for players to delve into more of Ubisoft’s immersive worlds.

RELATED:

(Via)

Realme Note 50 receives Bluetooth SIG certification, expected to debut soon

By

Anvinraj Valiyathara

-

Jan 16, 2024

Realme is soon going to launch the Realme Note series in Indonesia. It appears that the brand plans to launch two Note-branded phones, namely the Realme Note 1 and the Note 50, on the market. A leaked image that surfaced yesterday for the first time revealed the existence of the Note 1 along with its key specifications. However, it is still unclear whether Note 1 is the placeholder or the actual name of the device. Meanwhile, the Realme Note 50 moniker was confirmed through its NBTC certification in Thailand in the recent past. The name has been confirmed again, as it has now emerged in the database of the Bluetooth SIG certification platform.

Realme Note 50 Bluetooth SIG certified

As can be seen in the above image, the Realme device bearing the RMX3834 model number has received approval from the Bluetooth SIG authority. The listing confirms that the device will be called the Realme Note 50 when it debuts on the market.

While the Realme Note 1 is said to be a mid-ranger powered by the Dimensity 7050 chip, the Note 50 is said to be an affordable offering. The reason behind it is that it was recently spotted with the Unisoc T612 chip, 6 GB of RAM, and Android 13 in Geekbench’s database.

Other reports have claimed that the Realme Note 50 will have a 6.67-inch LCD panel that offers an HD+ resolution, a 5-megapixel front camera, and a 13-megapixel + AI lens dual-camera system. It is likely to house a 5,000mAh battery with 10W charging support.

Realme is expected to announce Realme Note 1 on Jan. 24 in Indonesia. Devices that emerge in Bluetooth SIG’s database are known to break cover in a timespan of around one month. Hence, it is likely that the Note 50 may break cover in February in different markets.

RELATED:

(via)

iQOO Neo 9 Pro India launch date officially confirmed

By

Anvinraj Valiyathara

-

Jan 16, 2024

In the previous month, iQOO unveiled the iQOO 12 5G, featuring the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, in India. Soon after its launch, the company started teasing the arrival of the Neo 9 Pro in the country. The brand has finally confirmed that the device will go official on Feb. 22. Here is a look at what to expect from the device.

iQOO Neo 9 Pro launch date for India officially confirmed

In December, China received the iQOO Neo 9 and Neo 9 Pro smartphones equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and Dimensity 9300 chipsets, respectively. Multiple reports have claimed that the Neo 9 Pro released in India will be a rebranded version of the Neo 9 available in China.

iQOO Neo 9 Pro specifications (rumored)

The iQOO Neo 9 Pro is expected to arrive with a 6.78-inch OLED display that offers a 1.5K resolution and a 144Hz refresh rate. The device will run on FunTouch OS 14-based Android 14 and feature an under-display fingerprint sensor.

On the front, the Neo 9 Pro will have a 16-megapixel selfie camera. The rear panel of the phone will have an OIS-assisted Sony IMX920 50-megapixel main camera and an 8-megapixel ultra-wide lens.

Under the hood, the iQOO Neo 9 Pro will feature the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset. It will pack a 5,160mAh battery with 120W fast charging. It may arrive with up to 12 GB of LPDDR5x RAM and up to 512 GB of UFS 4.0 storage. It is expected to come with other features, such as dual speakers and an IR blaster.

iQOO Neo 9 Pro price in India (expected)

In India, the iQOO Neo 9 Pro is expected to rival the OnePlus 12R, which also features the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. At present, there is no leak on the price of the Neo 9 Pro. However, it could likely be priced at around Rs 40,000 (~$482) in the country.

RELATED:

Mysterious Snapdragon 8-series flagship phone in works with bezel-less display, dual under-screen cameras

By

Anvinraj Valiyathara

-

Jan 16, 2024

Xiaomi unveiled the Xiaomi Mix 4 back in 2021. It is the only Xiaomi phone in the recent past to feature an under-display camera. Recently, tipster Digital Chat Station leaked key details about an upcoming smartphone that will feature a pair of under-display cameras. It is speculated that he could be talking about the Xiaomi Mix 5.

Xiaomi Mix 5: Alleged key specifications leaked

In the above-shown Weibo post, DCS claimed that a mysterious new flagship phone that is currently being tested is equipped with the Snapdragon 8-series chipset. The display of the phone has ultra-thin bezels on all four sides and seems to have a bezel-less look.

He added that the device is equipped with two under-display cameras. It appears that one of the rear-facing cameras of the phone is a telephoto lens that offers up to 4x optical zoom.

The tipster did not mention the name of the device, but the display design and the inclusion of two under-screen cameras suggest that he could be talking about the Xiaomi Mix 5. There is a possibility that the said device could be a ZTE flagship phone, as the brand has been consistently launching phones with under-display cameras for the past few years. Hence, it is advisable to digest this report with a pinch of salt.

Coming back to the Mix 5, recent reports have claimed that the brand may not have plans to launch it this year. While the device has been recently spotted in the IMEI database with the 2503AVP01C model number, it may break cover in March 2025. In related news, Xiaomi has reportedly planned to launch two Mix-branded phones this year. The first half of 2024 may see the arrival of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2-powered Xiaomi Mix Flip, while the Mix Fold 4 featuring the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 may launch in the remaining half of the year.

RELATED:

Honor Magic 6 RSR Porsche Design with one-inch OV50K camera sensor is in works

By

Anvinraj Valiyathara

-

Jan 16, 2024

Last week, Honor held a launch event in China to unveil the Honor Magic 6, Magic 6 Pro, and Magic V2 RSR Porsche Design foldable phones. Before the official announcement of the Magic 6 series, several reports had claimed that the lineup would also include a Porsche Design model, but there was no announcement on it. A new development suggests that the Honor Magic 6 RSR Porsche Design is still in the works and is expected to debut in the next few months in China.

Honor Magic 6 RSR Porsche Design: What to expect?

It appears that the Honor Magic 6 RSR Porsche Design will be a successor to the Magic 5 Ultimate, which was announced in March 2023. In the previous week, tipster Digital Chat Station claimed that the Find X7 Ultra Satellite Communication Version, Xiaomi 14 Ultra, and Honor Magic 6 RSR would have the same release timeframe.

Several reports have claimed that the Honor Magic 6 RSR Porsche Design will be the world’s first smartphone to feature the one-inch OmniVision OV50K 50-megapixel camera sensor. The leaker claims that the device is planned to go official in March in China. He added that the OV50K, which currently has the highest dynamic range in the industry, will compete with the Sony LYT-900, which has a large aperture.

Hence, it appears that the Magic 6 RSR Porsche Design will compete with the likes of the Find X7 Ultra, Xiaomi 14 Ultra, and the Vivo X00 Pro+ (or X100 Ultra). Like the other Magic 6 series phones, the premium RSR variant is also said to have the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip onboard. There is a possibility that most of its specs could be similar to those of the Magic 6 Pro.

RELATED:

Producer of GTA 5 Sues Copyright Against Remedy’s New Logo

By

Oğuz Çakır

-

Jan 16, 2024

ChatGPT Take Two Interactive, known for Rockstar Games and the GTA series, is gaining attention not just for gaming triumphs but also for its legal stance on copyright protection. Recently, Take-Two accused Remedy Entertainment of copyright infringement, pointing out resemblances between their new logo and the Rockstar Games logo.

Take-Two’s Copyright Accusation Against Remedy’s New Logo

Take Two Interactive entered into a trademark dispute with Remedy Entertainment, claiming that Remedy’s logo resembled the ‘R’ in Rockstar Games. Remedy had initially explained the logo in a blog post last April, stating that the bullet in the ‘R’ of the old logo represented the Max Payne era, but the new Remedy logo symbolizes a portfolio of games beyond a single title. Despite this, Take-Two opposes it, citing a potential confusion for the public.

Remedy Entertainment and Take Two Interactive are in a trademark dispute over Remedy's logo.

Disputed Logo 1: https://t.co/wY29pyReIv

Disputed Logo 2: https://t.co/oOlzd47usG pic.twitter.com/FuIMLRtBdj
— Jake (@usemyhandle) January 15, 2024

Shortly after the logo’s unveiling, in May, two trademark applications were filed for variations of the logo. Take-Two rejected both claims, firmly expressing its opposition to the use of the logo. This isn’t Take-Two’s first action in such matters, as the company has a history of filing copyright lawsuits against numerous companies in various fields over the years.

RELATED: