Advertisement

Nothing Phone 3 & Phone 2a launch tipped, New CMF earbuds India release near

Nothing has been rumored to be working on a new smartphone for some time now. Recent reports have hinted at the device being the Phone 2a model. But now, a new report has tipped the launch date for this device as well as the next gen flagship Nothing Phone 3 as well. So here are all the details

Nothing Phone 3 & Phone 2a Launch Timeline

The news arrives from tipster @saaaanjjjuuu who shared the information on X (formerly Twitter). In the tweet, he revealed that the Phone 2a will be launching in the first quarter of this year. In other words, we can expect an announcement between January and March 2024. The tipster also added that the premium Nothing Phone 3 will be released in July 2024.

Nothing Phone 2a specifications leak

However, this is not all as the company is also working on a hearable product as well. He claims that the brand is also working on truly wireless earbuds that are dubbed the CMF Nothing Buds 2 Pro. The official name of these earbuds is still unclear, although, the TWS could be the direct successor to the CMF’s Buds Pro. So it could be a part of the CMF By Nothing branding as the Buds 2 Pro.

Based on the recent Phone 2a rumors, the device could sport a tall 6.7-inch AMOLED display that features a 120Hz refresh rate and FHD+ resolution. Meanwhile, the rear packs a 50-megapixel Samsung S5KGN9 shooter with a 1/1.5 inch sensor size and 1.0 micron pixel size. This is paired with a 50-megapixel Samsung S5KJN1 ultra wide angle lens with a 1/2.76 inch sensor size and 0.64 micron pixel size. For selfies and video calls, the front houses a 32-megapixel Sony IMX615 camera.

RELATED:

iQOO enables 2160HZ PWM dimming on iQOO 12 and iQOO Neo 9

In early November, the iQOO 12 series debuted in China as the brand’s latest flagship smartphone duo. These handsets were later followed by the firm’s new flagship killer lineup, the iQOO Neo 9 series, in late December.

Both these product lineups offer a different set of features targeted at dissimilar audiences. However, they have one thing in common and it is their eye-friendly displays.

The panels used by these phones support high-frequency PWM dimming. But interestingly, the company has enabled this feature only now.

iQOO 12 and iQOO Neo 9
iQOO 12 and iQOO Neo 9

Earlier today, iQOO announced on Weibo that the iQOO 12 series and the iQOO Neo 9 series now support 2160Hz PWM dimming. The feature is live on the latest firmware for the handsets.

Once enabled from ‘Developer options’, users can have a flicker-free experience at 2-600 nits screen brightness levels.

Out of these four phones, only the vanilla iQOO 12 has made its way to global markets. We are not sure if this feature is currently available outside mainland China.

The iQOO 12 series flaunts a 6.78-inch centered punch-hole OLED display. The flat panel on the vanilla model offers a resolution of 2800 x 1260 pixels (1.5K) and 452 PPI. Whereas the pro variant’s screen is curved and comes with a higher 3200 x 1440 pixels as well as a sharper 517 PPI.

Both displays not only support up to a 144Hz refresh rate (LTPO) but also 10-bit color depth. They can also reach a maximum local brightness level of 3000 nits.

On the other hand, the iQOO Neo 9 series is also built around a 6.78-inch centered punch-hole OLED display. This 10-bit panel shares its specs with the one found on the iQOO 12.

Thus, it comes with a 1.5K resolution (2800 x 1260 pixels), 452 PPI, and a 144Hz refresh rate (LTPO).

RELATED:

OnePlus Nord N20 SE gets OxygenOS 14.0.0.300 with a bunch of new features

OnePlus has started pushing out the OxygenOS 14.0.0.300 update for the global users of the Nord N20 SE smartphone with some significant changes. The update comes with firmware version CPH2469_14.0.0.300(EX01)

OnePlus Nord N20 SE

OnePlus Nord N20 SE OxygenOS 14.0.0.300 changelog:

  • Smart efficiency: Adds File Dock, allowing users to drag and drop content between apps and devices, and improves photo and video-related permission management for safer access by apps.
  • Performance Optimization: Enhances system stability, app launch speed, and animation smoothness.
  • Aquamorphic Design: Introduces Aquamorphic-themed ringtones, revamps system notification sounds, and improves system animations.
  • User Care: Removes the Background stream feature in Smart Sidebar and suggests users to provide feedback directly in the thread. The company is also working on a better method to submit feedback in the Community.

As usual, the update will be arriving in batches, so users should get the OTA notification by the end of the week. Users can also check for the updates manually by heading to System Settings > About Device > Software Update > Check for Updates.

In related news, OnePlus is gearing up for the global debut of the OnePlus 12 flagship smartphone. The launch will be held on January 23 across various regions. It will also include the OnePlus 12R, which is the rebrand of the recently launched OnePlus Ace 3. Alongside the smartphones, the brand will also be launching the premium OnePlus Buds 3 TWS earbuds.

RELATED:

HMD’s website will host all Nokia phones, tablets starting from February 1st

HMD Global, the company behind Nokia phones, is undergoing significant changes. Starting February 1st, all Nokia phones and tablets will be available on the HMD website, signaling a shift in Nokia’s business strategy and branding. This move aligns with HMD’s ownership of the Nokia brand for its phones since 2016, and considering their contract expires in 2025, this consolidation seems logical.

Nokia-feature-phones-tablets

New Home for Nokia: HMD Global’s Website to Host All Nokia Devices

However, this information hasn’t been officially confirmed yet, and it’s based on reports from Nokia device owners who received updates through the MyApp newsletter. Meanwhile, HMD Global is reportedly focusing on its own brand transformation, distancing itself from the Nokia branding. This strategy includes removing the “Phone” section from Nokia’s official website, now only accessible through a specific link.

Nokiamob reports that starting February 1st, Nokia‘s website will no longer feature the “Phone” section, and HMD Global will provide all related content. This change is part of HMD’s strategy to redefine its brand identity, as evidenced by the launch of hmd.com. This site is expected to host a range of products including original HMD devices, classic Nokia phones, and items from new partnerships.

In addition to these website changes, HMD has also rebranded its social media presence. Their Twitter handle has changed from @nokiamobile to @HMDglobal. This shift raises questions about the future focus on Nokia phones and the Nokia community’s engagement.

The new HMD website is anticipated to become the primary platform for both classic Nokia phones and new HMD products. This suggests a potential end to Nokia-branded smartphones, with only feature phones continuing under the Nokia name. The last Nokia smartphone was the Nokia G42, and it appears HMD may limit future Nokia-branded smartphones to a few models per year, covering different market segments.

These changes, including the potential phase-out of Nokia smartphones, are expected to become clearer in the coming weeks. This marks a significant transition for the Nokia brand, once a dominant player in the mobile phone industry.

RELATED:

(Via)

Realme Note 50 hands-on images, and unboxing video surfaces online

Earlier this week, Realme officially confirmed that it’s launching a new Note series, and details about the Realme Note 1 have also surfaced. Leak specifications paint a picture that it will be a mid-range device that will compete with the likes of the Redmi Note 13.

In addition to the Note 1, Realme is also working on the Note 50, which has already received several certifications. Several hands-on images of the Note 50 have now surfaced online, showing its design from both the front and back.

These images were shared by several content creators on Instagram, particularly from the Philippines. It seems Realme may have given these phones to creators there, but it’s unclear if they’re allowed to post photos before the official announcement.

Anyway, the images show the phone is in Sky Blue and a design that looks similar to Realme’s C-series, especially the Realme C53. It features two rear cameras with a separate LED ring and a U-shaped notch on the front with noticeable bezels.

A creator named SuperbDan also posted an unboxing video. It shows the typical yellow Realme box and all the standard accessories. You get a sim ejector tool, a TPU case, the phone itself, and a charger with a Type-A to Type-C data cable.

Meanwhile, tipster Paras Guglani also shared what looks like an official teaser of the Realme Note 50. It hints at features like a 6.7-inch 90Hz HD+ display, 7.99mm thickness, and IP54 dust and water resistance.

The teaser suggests a launch date of January 24th, which is also rumored for the Realme Note 1, suggesting that both phones might be released on the same day.

Related:

(Via)

Creative launched the Zen Hybrid 2 wireless over-ear headset with Bluetooth 5.2 for 399 Yuan ($56)

Creative has launched its latest audio offering, the ZEN Hybrid 2 head-mounted Bluetooth headset, available on Tmall with an initial price tag of 399 yuan ($56). The standout features of this headset include Bluetooth 5.2 technology and an exceptional battery life of up to 67 hours. Equipped with a 40mm dynamic driver unit, the headset boasts a 3.5mm headphone jack and features a “hybrid active noise reduction” function. Priced competitively, this audio accessory aims to capture the attention of consumers seeking high-quality sound and advanced functionalities.

The ZEN Hybrid 2 supports “hybrid active noise reduction” function

The ZEN Hybrid 2 is designed to provide an immersive audio experience. Its 40mm neodymium drivers offer a frequency response of 20-20,000 Hz, a sensitivity of 116dB, and an impedance of 32 ohms. The headset supports Bluetooth 5.2 and various profiles, including A2DP for wireless stereo, AVRCP for Bluetooth remote control, and HFP for hands-free calling. The inclusion of AAC audio codec enhances the quality of the wireless audio transmission while SBC offers a reliable operation.

One of the standout features is the “hybrid active noise reduction” function, backed by four ANC microphones. The headset claims to eliminate up to -30 dB of environmental noise, providing users with an undisturbed listening experience. The use of Creative applications allows users to customize their audio preferences and tailor the noise reduction settings to their liking.

The ZEN Hybrid 2 is equipped with a robust 600mAh battery, ensuring an impressive battery life of 67 hours with ANC turned off and 49 hours with ANC activated. For added convenience, a quick 5-minute charge reportedly provides up to 5 hours of listening time. The headset weighs 271 grams and comes in classic black and milky colors.

In the box, users will find the ZEN Hybrid 2 headset along with a 3.5mm stereo audio cable, a USB-C to USB-A cable for charging, and a quick start guide. With its competitive pricing, robust features, and a 1-year limited hardware warranty, Innovation’s ZEN Hybrid 2 aims to be a compelling choice in the highly competitive audio accessory market.

Related:

Alleged Samsung Galaxy Y55/C55 receives WiFi certification

Last week, a mysterious Samsung smartphone with model number SM-C5560 arrived on TENAA. The listing disclosed the key specs of the handset.

Yesterday, the phone was certified by 3C disclosing its charging speed. At the same time, its live images were added to the TENAA listing.

Now, the device has been spotted on the website of WiFi Alliance as well. 

Alleged Samsung Galaxy Y55's TENAA images
Alleged Samsung Galaxy Y55’s TENAA images

None of these three listings of the product mention its name. Earlier it was said to be called Galaxy Y55. Now, the handset is being dubbed Galaxy C55 based on the first letter of its model number.

But what we are certain is that it is most likely a China-exclusive smartphone. To know the exact name, we may have to wait for more leaks and official teasers.

As per information so far, the alleged Galaxy Y55 / Galaxy C55 will flaunt a 6.67-inch OLED display with a resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels (FHD+). It will be powered by an unknown chipset featuring a 2GHz CPU and offer 5G as well as WiFi 6 connectivity options

The SoC will be paired with 8GB / 12GB RAM and 128GB / 256GB storage. Interestingly, the device will arrive with a MicroSD card slot.

Further, the phone will sport a triple camera system on the rear comprising a 50MP primary sensor, an 8MP secondary sensor, and a 2MP tertiary sensor. On the front, it will have a 13MP selfie camera.

The smartphone will boot Android 14 and will be backed by a 5,000mAh battery. Last but not least, it will carry support for 45W wired charging.

RELATED:

(Via)

Sony INZONE Buds launched in India featuring 30ms low latency, 360° spacial audio & ANC

After a teaser yesterday, Sony has now launched the INZONE buds gaming TWS earbuds in the Indian market. Geared towards gamers seeking an immersive experience, these earbuds bring an arsenal of features to the table.

Sony INZONE Buds

Sony INZONE Buds specs:

The INZONE Buds feature an in-ear design with rubber tips, 8.4mm drivers, and ANC support for clear audio. They boast low latency of under 30ms, ensuring minimal sound delay during gaming.

Sony Inzone Buds

Equipped with the LC3 codec and Bluetooth Low Energy for audio transmission, the INZONE earbuds offer personalized spatial audio support to enhance the gaming experience. The built-in microphone employs AI for noise filtration, trained on 500 million voice samples, preventing background disturbances during voice communication with other players.

The earphones come with touch controls for adjusting volume controlling music playback and customizable options through the INZONE Hub. Sony claims a 12-hour battery life for the INZONE gaming earbuds, extending to 24 hours with the charging case. The case supports USB-C charging, aligning with modern standards.

Pricing & availability

With a price tag of Rs 17,990, the INZONE Buds hit the market on January 16, 2024, and are up for grabs on diverse platforms, such as Sony Retail Stores, the ShopatSC portal, Amazon, Flipkart, and other e-commerce platforms. Take your pick between the stylish White or timeless Black, aligning with your gaming style.

RELATED:

Baidu Stocks Rebound: Confidence restored amidst Military link rumors

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

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

apple-watch-series-6-blood-oxygen-wrist

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

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

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

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. 

OnePlus 12R

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

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

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

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.

Realme Narzo 60x

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

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.

Galaxy S24 pre-order benefits

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

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:

OnePlus

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

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.

Realme

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

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.

Asus

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

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.

Apple market share in 2023

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)