CES 2024: Samsung’s latest innovation lets you hear music in a photo frame

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Jan 8, 2024

With CES 2024 in full swing, tech companies are announcing their new products across various categories. And Samsung is no exception. Among their latest unveils is the new Music Frame, a device that blends the elegance of a picture frame into a speaker.

Art Meets Audio: The Music Frame

The Music Frame’s name and design subtly echo Samsung’s popular The Frame TV. So needless to say, it boasts a sleek, minimalist design that will seamlessly integrate into any living space.

The front panel doubles as a digital canvas, allowing you to display photographs, artwork, or even personalized digital creations.

But the real deal here lies beneath this aesthetically pleasing exterior. Each Samsung Music Frame consists of two tweeters, a set of mid-range drivers, and a pair of subwoofers that automatically tune themselves to your room’s acoustics.

It also supports Dolby Atmos, so you can experience immersive sound from your music and movies.

As you might expect from a modern smart speaker, the Music Frame offers both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity options, so you can effortlessly stream music from your smartphones, tablets, or computers.

Additionally, if you’re already part of the Samsung ecosystem, the Music Frame can seamlessly integrate with your existing setup. You can pair it with a Samsung TV or soundbar to function as a TV speaker, a rear speaker, or even a subwoofer.

If you buy a second Music Frame, you can stereo-pair them or use them as left/right wireless surround speakers. Or you can connect up to five of them for synchronous play.

Beyond its role as a speaker, the Music Frame doubles as an IoT hub, which means you can also use it to control your smart home devices. Unfortunately, Samsung has not yet announced the release date or pricing for the Music Frame.

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Realme GT 5 Pro Year of the Dragon Limited Gift Box launched

By

Sudarshan Ravichandran

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Jan 8, 2024

The Realme GT 5 Pro made its debut in China in early December. A few days later, the brand announced a special edition to celebrate its 200 million unit sales achievement.

A month later, the company has now unveiled another limited edition of the handset. This one is officially called Realme GT 5 Pro Year of the Dragon Limited Gift Box.

Unlike the previous special edition, the new one can be purchased by anyone interested.

Realme GT 5 Pro Year of the Dragon Limited Gift Box

The Realme GT 5 Pro’s Chinese New Year gift box is priced at ¥4,399 (~$620). The package includes the following items.

Realme GT 5 Pro in Red Rock (16GB + 1TB)
Realme Buds Air 5 in Whale Blue
Year of the Dragon Card

Separately, the said variant of the phone and wireless earbuds cost ¥4,299 (~$605) and ¥299 (~$40), respectively. Thus, buyers can save ¥200 (~$30) by opting for the gift box, which will be available for pre-order starting at 8 PM local time (GMT+8) on January 10.

For comparison, the Oppo Reno 11 New Year gift box helps customers save ¥997. That package priced at ¥5,999 comprises two units of Reno 11 (12 + 512GB) in Moonstone and two pairs of Oppo Enco R Pro.

The Realme GT 5 Pro is the brand’s first premium smartphone in a long while. It flaunts a 6.78-inch 1.5K LTPO curved OLED display with up to a 144Hz refresh rate and a 4500 nits local peak brightness level.

The device is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip paired with LPDDR5x RAM and UFS 4.0 storage. It boots Realme UI 5.0 based on Android 14.

The handset sports a 32MP selfie camera and a triple camera system. The setup on the back consists of a 50MP Sony LYT-808 primary sensor, an 8MP Sony IMX355 ultrawide unit, and a 50MP Sony IMX890 3x periscope telephoto shooter.

The IP54-rated product arrives with dual stereo speakers, an IR blaster, and an in-screen fingerprint sensor. Finally, it draws energy from a 5,400mAh battery and supports 100W wired as well as 50W wireless charging standards.

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CES 2024: Withings introduces BeamO, a 4-in-1 home health checkup device

By

Rajesh Regmi

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Jan 8, 2024

Withings, a digital health company based in France, has unveiled the BeamO at CES 2024 – a multi-purpose device claiming to offer four key health checkups in under a minute. The BeamO combines the functionalities of a thermometer, electrocardiogram (ECG), oximeter, and stethoscope into a single handheld device.

Withings BeamO Overview

The BeamO is a small, candy bar-shaped device that is easy to use. It has a joystick controller that lets you cycle through its features. The device also has a standalone display, but you’ll need to use the companion app to guide you when using the stethoscope.

The BeamO has electrodes on the side that measure your blood oxygen levels and heart rate, and it can also perform a 1-lead ECG, which is similar to what the Apple Watch does.

It also has a temperature scanner that reads your temperature from your temporal artery, and a piezoelectric disc that picks up chest or back acoustic sounds that you can share with your doctor during a telehealth appointment.

Withings says that the BeamO can give you a full body checkup in under a minute, and it can alert you to things like fever, infection, and even possible cardiovascular problems like atrial fibrillation. The company also says that BeamO could have a real impact in the telemedicine space. The ability to take these basic tests at home could make it easier for people to see their doctor remotely.

However, it’s important to note that BeamO’s ECG functionality requires FDA clearance, meaning availability with this feature won’t be immediate.

The BeamO’s companion app, Health Mate, is also getting a major update. The new app will allow up to eight users to track their medication intake and log their symptoms. This data can then be exported to whoever you wish to share it with, including your doctor.

Price and Availability

The BeamO is set to launch in June 2024, and it will cost $250. That’s a bit more expensive than some other home health devices on the market, but it also offers a lot more features.

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CES 2024: Acer unveils Aspire Go 14 and Go 15 laptops with Microsoft Copilot integration

By

Rajesh Regmi

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Jan 8, 2024

Acer has joined the CES 2024 fray with the announcement of its latest Aspire Go series laptops. The lineup consists of two models — the Aspire Go 14 and Aspire Go 15.

Both laptops are budget-friendly options for students and professionals, packing the latest tech under the hood, including Intel and AMD CPUs, recycled materials, and Microsoft Copilot integration. So let’s get into the details here.

Acer Aspire Go 14 / 15 Specifications

Marking a first for the Aspire lineup, the latest Aspire Go 14 and Go 15 laptops incorporate post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials in their chassis. Both the Aspire Go 14 and Aspire Go 15 offer 16:10 displays with an FHD+ resolution.

In terms of performance, the laptops come equipped with an Intel Core i3 N-Series processor as the base option. However, the Aspire Go 14 offers the additional choice of an AMD Ryzen 7000 Series processor, catering to users who require more processing muscle.

Both models support up to 1TB of SSD storage, 16GB of RAM, and Wi-Fi 6 connectivity for smooth and speedy wireless networking.

A noteworthy feature of the Aspire Go series is the integration of Microsoft Copilot. This AI-powered assistant provides real-time suggestions and assistance for various tasks, such as writing emails, composing documents, and even generating creative content. There’s also a dedicated Copilot key on the keyboard to access the tool easily.

Acer is promising a 10-hour battery life with the new Aspire Go series. The laptops also come loaded with essential connectivity options including Wi-Fi 6, HDMI 2.1-out, USB Type-C, 2x USB Type-A, and a combo audio jack. There’s also the AcerSense app, which helps users monitor their device and battery health and perform routine app maintenance.

Pricing and Availability

The Acer Aspire Go 15 will hit the market in February 2024 with a starting price of $249.99 in the US and €529.99 in Europe. The Aspire Go 14 will follow suit in March, starting at $249.99 in the US and €549.99 in Europe.

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Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro AnTuTu, Geekbench scores officially revealed

By

Anvinraj Valiyathara

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Jan 8, 2024

On Jan. 16, Asus will unveil the ROG Phone 8 series of gaming phones in China. Ahead of the launch, the brand has released an official confirmation of the benchmark scores of the ROG Phone 8 Pro. Here is a look at the details shared by the brand.

ROG Phone 8 Pro benchmark scores

According to the brand, the ROG Phone 8 Pro has recorded an outstanding score of 2,359,969 on AnTuTu benchmarks. On Geekbench, the device seems to have scored 7422 points in the multi-core test.

For those who don’t know, the ROG Phone 8 series is expected to ship with the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip onboard. As per a recent report, the Pro model will have a 6.78-inch AMOLED punch-hole display that offers an FHD+ resolution, a 165Hz refresh rate, up to 2,500 nits of brightness, an in-screen fingerprint scanner, and Gorilla Glass Victus protection.

Under the hood, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3-powered device will have a 5,500mAh battery with 65W fast charging support. It will have 16 GB / 24 GB of LPDDR5x RAM and 512 GB / 1 TB of UFS 4.0 storage. On the front, it will feature a 32-megapixel selfie camera, and its back panel will have a 50-megapixel Sony IMX890 main camera, a 13-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and a 32-megapixel telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom.

The ROG Phone 8 Pro will offer other features, such as Android 14, an IP68-rated chassis, a 5-magnet speaker, and a 3.5mm audio jack. Additionally, the back panel of the device will feature an RBG-lit logo.

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Samsung Galaxy S23 & S23 Plus get Rs 10,000 price drop in India ahead of Galaxy S24 series launch

By

Sudhanshu

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Jan 8, 2024

Samsung has reduced the prices of its Galaxy S23 and Galaxy S23+ smartphones by Rs. 10,000 in India, marking a year since their initial release. This adjustment precedes the imminent launch of the Galaxy S24 series next week.

For HDFC Bank users, an additional Rs. 10,000 instant discount is applicable on Credit/Debit Cards EMI and Credit Card Full Swipe transactions, bringing the effective price down to Rs. 54,999.

Details of the price revision are as follows:

Samsung Galaxy S23 8GB + 128GB:

Launch Price: ₹74,999
New Price: ₹64,999
Bank Discount: ₹5,000
Effective Price: ₹59,999

Samsung Galaxy S23 8GB + 256GB:

Launch Price: ₹79,999
New Price: ₹69,999
Bank Discount: ₹5,000
Effective Price: ₹59,999

Samsung Galaxy S23+ 8GB + 256GB:

Launch Price: ₹94,999
New Price: ₹84,999
Bank Discount: ₹10,000
Effective Price: ₹74,999

Samsung Galaxy S23+ 8GB + 512GB:

Launch Price: ₹1,04,999
New Price: ₹94,999
Bank Discount: ₹10,000
Effective Price: ₹84,999

The revised prices are applicable through the official Samsung India online store and various online and offline retailers.

Specs-wise, both the Galaxy S23 and S23+ house Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processors, high-resolution FHD+ displays, up to 8GB RAM, and up to 512GB storage. The primary rear camera stands at 50 megapixels, and the Galaxy S23+ boasts a 4700mAh battery, while the standard S23 features a 3900mAh battery.

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OnePlus Ace 3 with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 goes on sale in China with 2,599 Yuan (~$363) starting price

By

Anvinraj Valiyathara

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Jan 8, 2024

Last week, OnePlus introduced the OnePlus Ace 3, a sub-flagship smartphone in China. Following the announcement, the device is currently available for purchase in the domestic market, positioning itself as a competitor against smartphones such as the Realme GT 5, the Redmi K70, the iQOO Neo 9, and the Honor 90 GT in the Chinese market. Here is a look at the prices and specifications of the Ace 3.

OnePlus Ace 3 price

The OnePlus Ace 3 is available in three color options, namely Star Black, Moon Sea Blue, and Sand Gold. The device comes in three configurations, such as 12 GB RAM + 256 GB storage for 2,599 Yuan (~$363), 16 GB RAM + 256 GB storage for 2,999 Yuan (~$419), and 16 GB RAM + 1 TB storage for 3,499 Yuan (~$488), respectively.

OnePlus Ace 3 specifications

The OnePlus Ace 3 has a 6.7-inch curved-edge OLED panel that offers a 1.5K resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, and an in-screen fingerprint scanner. Under the hood, the device is equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, LPPDR5x RAM, UFS 4.0 storage, and a 5,500mAh battery with 100W charging. It runs on ColorOS 14-based Android 13.

The Ace 3 has other features, such as a 9140mm2 heat dissipation unit, dual stereo speakers, an x-linear motor, and an alert slider. For photography, the Ace 3 has a 16-megapixel selfie camera, and its rear shell has a 50-megapixel (Sony IMX890, with OIS) + 8-megapixel (ultra-wide) + 2-megapixel (macro) triple camera unit.

While the OnePlus Ace 3 will be exclusive to the Chinese market, a rebranded variant named the OnePlus 12R is set to be unveiled alongside the OnePlus 12 on January 23. This global release will include markets such as North America, Europe, and India.

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Redmi Note 13 5G European price revealed ahead of January 15 launch

By

Sudhanshu

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Jan 8, 2024

Following its recent launch in India, an online retail listing of the Redmi Note 13 5G has disclosed its European pricing details. Other than the pricing, the listing has also revealed the spec sheet of the Redmi Note 13 5G heading to Europe. Here are all the details.

Redmi Note 13 5G (global model) specs:

As per the listing, the Note 13 5G has a 6.67-inch AMOLED display, featuring a 120 Hz refresh rate and 1080p resolution. The display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5. Under the hood, both the device has the Dimensity 6080, a 6 nm octa-core chipset. The chipset is accompanied by a 5,000 mAh battery supporting 33 W wired charging. Just like the Indian variant, the European model will also be launching with MIUI 14 based on Android 13, rather than HyperOS based on Android 14.

The handset sports a triple camera setup on the rear comprising a 108MP primary sensor, an 8MP ultrawide unit, and a 2MP macro snapper. On the front, it has a 16MP selfie camera. Aldi Talk, a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO), has listed a single Redmi Note 13 5G SKU in Europe featuring 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage.

While Aldi Talk currently prices the device at €279, it is anticipated that Xiaomi’s will offering multiple memory options will result in varied pricing. Speculations suggest the entry-level option might start around €229, featuring 6 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage. The Redmi Note 13 5G is expected to launch in Europe along with other markets on January 15. Stay tuned for updates on this latest addition to Xiaomi’s smartphone lineup.

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(Source, via)

Huawei unveils Enjoy 70 Pro in China with Snapdragon 680 4G processor

By

Rajesh Regmi

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Jan 8, 2024

Following the Enjoy 70 last month, Huawei has officially launched its Pro variant in China today. The Enjoy 70 Pro arrives with a large 6.7-inch HD display, and long-lasting battery life, all at an affordable price point. So, let’s dive into the specs and see what this new budget phone brings to the table.

Huawei Enjoy 70 Pro specifications

The Enjoy 70 Pro sports a unique “star-ring” camera island on the back, alongside a matte finish and a side-mounted fingerprint sensor. It comes in Obsidian Black, Snowy White, and Emerald Green shades.

The front is home to a 6.7-inch screen with Full HD resolution. And, despite featuring an LCD screen, Huawei says that it supports an always-on display (AOD) feature for checking the time and notifications.

Under the hood, the phone packs the Snapdragon 680 4G, which is an octa-core processor with four Cortex-A73 cores running at 2.4GHz and four Cortex-A53 cores running at 1.9GHz. The SoC is paired with 8GB RAM and 128/256GB storage and runs on HarmonyOS 4.

Powering the Enjoy 70 Pro is a 5,000 mAh battery with support for 40W fast charging. Huawei says the device juices up to 62% in just 30 minutes.

The circular camera module on the back houses a 108MP main sensor and a 2MP depth sensor. For selfies, you get an 8MP sensor. Connectivity options include WiFi 5, Bluetooth 5, and Type-C port.

Pricing and Availability

As for the price, the Huawei Enjoy 70 Pro starts at 1449 yuan (~$205) for the 8/128GB model, while the 8/256GB version comes in at 1649 yuan (~$235). You can purchase the device via Huawei Mall in China.

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Oppo Reno 11 5G, Reno 11 Pro 5G launched with 120Hz AMOLED screens, Dimensity chipsets, 32MP telephoto cameras in Vietnam

By

Anvinraj Valiyathara

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Jan 8, 2024

The Oppo Reno 11 series has been launched in Vietnam, comprising two models: the Reno 11 5G and the Reno 11 Pro 5G. These smartphones come with notable features like a curved-edge OLED display, Dimensity chipsets, a 50-megapixel triple camera setup, and rapid charging support of up to 80W. Here’s a breakdown of the specifications for both devices.

OPPO Reno 11 5G, Reno 11 Pro 5G specifications and features

The Reno 11 5G and Reno 11 Pro 5G are equipped with a 6.7-inch AMOLED display that offers an FHD+ resolution of 1080 x 2412 pixels, a 120Hz refresh rate, 10-bit colors, 394 ppi pixel density, 100 precent DCI-P3 color gamut, HDR10+ support, and AGC DT-Star2 display protection.

On the front, the Reno 11 series features a 32-megapixel selfie camera. The selfie camera on the Reno 11 Pro has support for autofocus. The back panels of both smartphones feature an OIS-enabled 50-megapixel main camera, an 8-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and a 32-megapixel telephoto camera with autofocus support.

The Reno 11 5G has the Dimensity 7050 chipset, LPDDR4x RAM, UFS 2.2 storage, and a 5,000mAh battery with 67W fast charging support. On the other hand, the Reno 11 Pro 5G is equipped with the Dimensity 8200 chipset, LPPDR5 RAM, UFS 3.1 storage, and a 4,600mAh battery with 80W charging.

The Reno 11 series runs on ColorOS 13.2-based Android 14. Both devices also offer other features, such as dual SIM, 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, GPS, NFC, a USB-C port, and an in-display fingerprint scanner. The Pro model is also equipped with an IR blaster.

The Reno 11 measures 162.4 x 74.3 x 7.99/8.04mm and weighs around 182 grams. On the other hand, the Pro model has 162.4 x 74.1 x 7.59 / 7.66mm dimensions and weighs 181 grams.

Oppo Reno 11 5G, Reno 11 Pro 5G price

The Oppo Reno 11 5G, which comes in an 8GB+256GB version only in Vietnam, is priced at 10,990,000 VND (~$450). It can be purchased in two shades, such as Blue Ocean Waves and Coral Gray.

On the other hand, the Reno 11 Pro 5G is available in a 12GB+512GB version only in the country. It is priced at 16,990,000 VND (~$697). It can be purchased in colors like Pearl White and Coral Gray.

Later this week, the Reno 11 series will also debut in other markets, such as Malaysia and India.

For those who don’t know, the global version of the Reno 11 5G available is an entirely new phone, whereas the global Reno 11 Pro 5G is just a rebranded version of China’s Reno 11 5G, which was announced in November 2023.

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Motorola Razr 40 Ultra Peach Fuzz color option Indian launch date confirmed

By

Sudhanshu

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Jan 8, 2024

Last month, Motorola unveiled the Razr 40 Ultra in Pantone’s color of the year 2024 — Peach Fuzz. After much anticipation, the brand has now confirmed that the Razr 40 Ultra Peach Fuzz color variant will be available for purchase starting January 12th, 2024, exclusively on Amazon.

It’s essential to clarify that while the new color provides a fresh aesthetic, there are no changes to the smartphone’s specifications and features. That being said, the new color option will be available for Rs 69,999, down from its regular selling price of Rs 79,999.

Key specifications of the Razr 40 Ultra include a 6.9-inch 10-bit LTPO foldable display with FHD+ resolution, a 165Hz refresh rate, and a peak brightness level of 1400 nits. The cover screen measures 3.6 inches, featuring a 10-bit panel with a resolution of 1056 x 1066 pixels, a 144Hz refresh rate, and a peak brightness level of 1100 nits.

Under the hood, the device is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 chip, along with LPDDR5 RAM and UFS 3.1 storage. The phone houses a 3,800mAh battery that supports 30W wired and 5W wireless charging standards.

Camera-wise, the Razr 40 Ultra sports a dual-camera system with a 12MP primary sensor and a 13MP ultrawide unit. The front features a 32MP snapper. Additional features include a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, dual stereo speakers, and NFC.

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Oppo Find X7 Ultra to start at 6,499 Yuan (~$915), reveals leak before launch

By

Anvinraj Valiyathara

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Jan 8, 2024

At 2:30 pm (local time) in China today, Oppo is set to unveil the highly anticipated Find X7 series of flagship smartphones. The upcoming Find X7, powered by the Dimensity 9300, will succeed the Find X6, while the X7 Ultra, debuting alongside the X7, will replace last year’s Find X6 Pro. The Ultra variant is expected to feature the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset. Ahead of the official launch, a leaked image on Weibo has surfaced, revealing the prices of the Find X7 Ultra.

Oppo Find X7 Ultra price (rumored)

The leaked image reveals that the 16 GB RAM + 256 GB storage and 16 GB RAM + 512 GB storage variants of the Find X7 Ultra will be priced at 6,499 Yuan (~$915) and 6,999 Yuan (~$985), respectively. The image shows that the device will be available in blue, orange, and black shades.

The prices for the Find X7 Ultra mentioned above are rumored to be for the offline market in China. Given the speculative nature of leaks, there is a possibility of inaccuracy. Therefore, it is recommended to approach this information with caution and consider it unverified until it is officially confirmed by Oppo.

The brand has already confirmed that the X7 Ultra will also come in a 12 GB RAM + 256 GB storage variant, apart from the configurations mentioned above. The device is expected to feature a 6.82-inch OLED panel that offers a 2K resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. It will have a 32-megapixel front camera and a 50-megapixel (LYT-900) + 50-megapixel (LYT-600 ultra-wide) + 50-megapixel (IMX890, periscope with 3x optical zoom) + 50-megapixel (IMX858, periscope with 6x optical zoom) quad-camera system on the back.

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3-powered device will ship with LPDDR5x RAM, UFS 4.0 storage, and a 5,000mAh battery that supports 100W wired and 50W wireless charging. It will arrive with other features, such as ColorOS 14-based Android 14, an alert slider, dual speakers, and an in-screen fingerprint scanner. As per reports, there will also be a device named the Oppo Find X7 Ultra Satellite Communication version, which will come with support for two-way satellite connectivity.

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Infinix Smart 8 set to launch on January 13 in India, Flipkart page goes live

By

Anvinraj Valiyathara

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Jan 8, 2024

In December 2023, Infinix unveiled the Infinix Smart 8 HD smartphone in India. Now, the brand has confirmed that it will announce the Smart 8 at 12 pm (local time) on Jan. 13 in the country. Ahead of the launch, its landing page revealing its design and key specifications has gone live on Flipkart.

Infinix Smart 8 design, key specifications

The Infinix Smart 8 will feature a 6.6-inch LCD panel with a punch-hole design. The screen will offer an HD+ resolution and a 90Hz refresh rate. It will also come with support for the interactive Magic Ring that shows notification animations on either side of the punch-hole.

The company claims that the Smart 8 will be the segment’s first smartphone to feature a side-facing fingerprint scanner. It will also be the first smartphone in its price segment to feature an 8-megapixel selfie camera with LED flash and a 50-megapixel primary camera on the back. The phone will support camera features such as portrait mode and AR shot.

There is no information about the processor that powers the Smart 8. However, the brand has revealed that the device will ship with 4 GB of RAM, 4 GB of virtual RAM, and 64 GB of storage. It will draw power from a 5,000mAh battery that can be charged via a USB-C port.

Infinix Smart 8 price in India

To recall, the Infinix Smart 8 HD (hands-on) is available for Rs 6,299 (~$75) in India. As far as the Smrt 8 is concerned, the brand has officially stated that it will be offered at a price below Rs 7,000 (~$84). The smartphone will be available in four color options: Rainbow Blue, Shiny Gold, Timber Black, and Galaxy White.

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Galaxy Unpacked 2024 Billboards Now Live Across the Globe for Galaxy S24 Launch

By

Simranpal Singh

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Jan 7, 2024

As the Samsung Galaxy S24 launch is near, the Samsung marketing team is becoming more aggressive in promoting the upcoming flagship. Apart from swinging the digital marketing arm via its official and unofficial channels, the Korean giant marketing team just took off the wraps for offline marketing with the launch of a global billboard campaign for the “first Galaxy Unpacked of 2024.”

Samsung’s highly anticipated “new era of mobile AI” billboards are now live in major cities across the globe, including Bangkok, London, New York, Seoul, Stockholm, Warsaw, Madrid, Milan, and Chengdu. As seen in the Galaxy AI teaser a while ago for the Galaxy S24, the billboard also represents the “metallic cube slowly evolving into animated stars that represent Galaxy AI and the transformative experiences it will bring.”

A better view of the billboard can be seen in the images below at different locations, including Seoul in South Korea, Milan in Italy, and Bangkok in Thailand.

The Korean giant is aiming to reach those untouched folks who could be potential buyers for the next-gen Galaxy S24 smartphone.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Series Specifications (Expected)

Additionally, the Samsung Galaxy S24 is expected to launch in three different models, including the standard Galaxy S24, Galaxy S24 Plus, and Galaxy S24 Ultra. The standard version seems to ship with the Exynos 2400 SoC, whereas the Galaxy S24 Plus will ship with the Exynos 2400 in some regions, while the remaining regions will have the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC. However, the Galaxy S24 Ultra will come equipped with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC across the globe.

The Galaxy S24 will be made available in two storage options, such as 8GB of RAM + 128GB of storage and 8GB of RAM + 256GB of storage. The Galaxy S24+ storage will come with 12GB RAM + 512GB storage, and the Galaxy S24 Utra will feature 12GB RAM + 256GB, 12GB RAM + 512GB, and 12GB RAM + 1TB internal storage options. However, the Galaxy S24 pre-registrations are already live in some countries, including India.

All the Galaxy S24 models will ship in multiple color options: titanium/gray, black, yellow, and violet. A recent leak also unveiled real photos of the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, giving us a glimpse of the actual design.

Related:

Poco X6 Pro Teased to Feature 2x In-Sensor Zoom along with 64MP Triple Camera with OIS

By

Simranpal Singh

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Jan 7, 2024

Poco is all set to launch three smartphones in the mid-range and affordable segments. The new Poco X6 5G Series, consisting of Poco X6 5G, Poco X6 Pro 5G, and another Poco M6 Pro 4G, is set to launch on January 11 in India. The smartphone brings fresh options in the mid-range and affordable market segments. Following previous teasers, the Poco X6 and Poco X6 Pro 5G have been teased once again via the official x.com handle.

Capture Xtravagance! 📸 The 64MP Triple camera with OIS will ensure you take the best shots.

Global launch on 11th Jan, 5:30 PM on @flipkart.

Know More👉https://t.co/JdcBOET57Z #POCOIndia #POCO #MadeOfMad #Flipkart #TheUtimatePredator pic.twitter.com/Ca4xfGNPM3
— POCO India (@IndiaPOCO) January 7, 2024

The new teaser confirms the presence of the 64MP triple primary sensor with OIS and also enables 2X in-sensor zoom. In a video teaser, the company also flaunts the camera module design of the Poco X6 Pro 5G, which carries triple-camera sensors along with an LED flash. The smartphone is all set to be unveiled on January 11 at around 5:30 p.m. IST.

Poco X6 Pro and Poco X6 5G Specification (Expected)

As per previous leaks and rumors, the Poco X6 Pro 5G and Poco X6 5G seem to feature the new HyperOS instead of MIUI 14. The Poco X6 Pro 5G will debut with the Mediatek Dimensity 8300 Ultra SoC. This chipset is an upper mid-range offering from MediaTek, which is capable of offering flagship-grade performance. Further, it will feature a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a 64MP OIS-enabled primary camera, and a 5000 mAh battery with 67W fast charging. The Poco X6 Pro recently appeared on the AnTuTu benchmark, where it scored 1,464,228 points.

Meanwhile, the Poco X6 5G appears to bundle a Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 SoC, which houses a 6.67-inch AMOLED display, a 64MP + 8MP + 2MP triple camera sensor, and a 5100 mAh battery with 67W fast charging. Some renders seem to confirm the different color models.

We expect the company to tease more information in the coming few days, before its official launch.

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Machenike Creator MINI II mini PC with i7-13620H up for pre-sale in China, starting at 2449 Yuan ($344)

By

Soumyakanti

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Jan 7, 2024

Machenike has launched the Creator MINI II, a highly compact mini PC in the Chinese market. This mini PC is currently available for pre-sale on the JD.com platform. Let’s take a closer look at its key specifications.

Machenike Creator MINI II Specifications:

The mini PC boasts an Intel Core i7-13620H processor and an incredibly compact design, measuring only 0.7 liters, which is approximately 1/20th the size of a typical desktop.

In terms of design, the Creator MINI II boasts a sleek and eco-friendly body made from PCR material, with a replaceable top cover and a VESA mount for attaching to monitors with VESA standard holes.

The mini PC comes with dual DDR5 memory slots, M.2 SSD support, PCIE WIFI 6E for fast wireless connectivity, Bluetooth 5.3, and comes pre-installed with Windows 11.

The PC is equipped with a new “Wind Blade” cooling system, incorporating dual turbo cooling fans and an all-copper radiator, ensuring efficient and quiet operation. The BIOS offers three operating modes – Quiet, Balanced, and Performance – allowing users to optimize the system according to their needs.

In terms of connectivity, the Creator MINI II is well-equipped, featuring front dual USB 3.2 ports, Thunderbolt 4 Type-C ports, a 3.5mm audio port, rear USB 3.2 and USB 2.0 ports, DP1.4, HDMI2.0 ports, and dual 2.5G Ethernet ports. It also includes a Kensington security lock slot for added security.

It also undergoes stringent quality control tests, including radiation harassment and electrostatic resistance tests, to ensure durability and safety, providing a reliable and secure computing experience.

Pricing

Machenike offers several configurations for the Creator MINI II, starting with a barebone system (without memory/hard drive) priced at 2449 Yuan ($344). Prices vary based on the choice of RAM and SSD storage options.

The version with 8GB RAM and a 512GB SSD is priced at 2799 Yuan ($394), while the same RAM with a 1TB SSD costs 2999 Yuan ($422). If you opt for 16GB RAM, the price with a 512GB SSD is 2899 Yuan ($408), and with a 1TB SSD, it’s 3099 Yuan ($436).

The higher-end model with 16GB RAM and a 2TB SSD is priced at 3599 Yuan ($506). For the most advanced configurations, the 32GB RAM version with a 512GB SSD is available for 3299 Yuan ($464), with a 1TB SSD for 3499 Yuan ($492), and the top variant with 32GB RAM and a 2TB SSD is priced at 3999 Yuan ($563).

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Fire-Boltt Dream With Android OS, 60Hz Display, 4G LTE Connectivity Launched In India

By

Viraj Gawde

-

Jan 7, 2024

Fire-Boltt has launched a new smartwatch in India. It’s quite a unique offering compared to most devices available in the market. The latest device is dubbed the Fire-Boltt Dream. The homegrown brand is touting it as the ‘First Android 4G LTE Wristphone’. Fire-Boltt aims to bridge the gap between a smartphone and a smartwatch with its newest device as it runs on Android OS and also packs built-in network connectivity. Read on to learn more about this device.

Fire-Boltt Dream specifications and features

The Fire-Boltt Dream sports an Apple Watch-like design with a rotating crown and a physical button on the right side. It is IP67-certified dust and water-resistant. The device has a square dial with a large 2.02-inch display bearing an HD resolution, 600 nits peak brightness, and a 60Hz refresh rate.

The Fire-Boltt Dream is equipped with a quad-core Cortex-A7MP processor paired with a Mali T820 MP1 GPU. It packs 2GB RAM and 16GB onboard storage. The smartwatch runs on Android OS with access to the Google Play Store and a variety of apps and games. Users can browse social media, book a cab, order food, navigate via maps, play games, and do more. There is also Google Suite onboard and support for Google Assistant.

On the fitness front, the Fire-Boltt Dream features the Fire-Boltt Health Suite with a heart-rate monitor, multiple sports modes, VR workout support, and more. The smartwatch comes with a built-in 4G LTE nano SIM connectivity along with a built-in mic and speaker for hands-free voice calling. It also supports Bluetooth, GPS, and WiFi. The wearable device is backed by an 800mAh battery unit that is claimed to offer 36 hours of usage.

The Fire-Boltt Dream is offered in various color options. It carries an introductory price tag of Rs 5,999. The leather and metal strap options are priced at Rs 6,299 and Rs 6,499 respectively. The smartwatch will be available for purchase from Flipkart and the brand’s website starting January 10.

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Samsung to launch its first “Designed for Gaming Center” game controller at CES 2024

By

Soumyakanti

-

Jan 7, 2024

Samsung Electronics has introduced the “Designed for Samsung Gaming Hub,” a program that partners with gaming accessory manufacturers to create products tailored for Samsung devices, ensuring compatibility, quality, performance, safety, and assurance.

Samsung’s Entry into Gaming Accessory Market

Samsung‘s Gaming Hub is a cloud-based gaming platform enabling users to play various games directly on their Samsung TV without requiring a PC or game console. It offers various game streaming options, including Xbox Game Pass, Amazon Luna, Boosteroid, Blacknut, Utomik, GeForce Now, and Antstream Arcade. Moreover, the platform supports streaming from popular content services like YouTube, Spotify, and Twitch.

Samsung’s partnership with Performance Designed Products (PDP) has resulted in the creation of the “Replay Midnight Blue” game controller, which resembles the Xbox controller and aims to improve the gaming experience for Samsung users. The controller will be officially showcased at CES 2024 and is prominently featured under the “Designed for Gaming Center” brand, signifying its compatibility with Samsung devices.

The controller offers an outstanding 40-hour battery life for extended gaming and features low-latency Bluetooth connectivity, ensuring smooth gameplay within a 30 feet range. Additionally, it includes a home button for quick access to Samsung Gaming Hub, along with dedicated volume and power buttons for the TV.

The controller is competitively priced at $49.99. It is currently available for pre-order on various platforms, including the PDP website, Amazon, and BestBuy.

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Samsung files “Ironflex” trademark related to foldable phones

By

Rajesh Regmi

-

Jan 7, 2024

Samsung is gearing up for its next big Galaxy Unpacked event, where the spotlight will be on the new Galaxy S24 series. But if you’re excited about foldable phones, you should keep an eye out later this year for the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6.

Right now, there’s not much information about these upcoming foldables from Samsung. However, the company has now made a move that hints at what’s to come. They’ve recently registered a trademark called “Ironflex” at the Korean Intellectual Property Office.

This term is associated with both “foldable OLED display panels” and “foldable smartphones,” suggesting a focus on display technology for future Galaxy Z devices.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5

It’s still not clear what “Ironflex” exactly means. The name suggests it could be about making the phones stronger and more durable. This is important because concerns about scratches, screen creases, and the strength of the hinges in the long term have made people somewhat hesitant to buy foldable phones.

It’s possible that Ironflex represents a new hinge design, a more robust screen material, or something else entirely. Regardless of the specifics, the trademark suggests Samsung is prioritizing durability improvements in its next foldable devices.

Recent reports indicate that the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Flip 6 will have bigger screens both inside and out. For example, the upcoming clamshell model is expected to have a 3.9-inch cover screen, up from the Z Flip 5’s 3.4 inches. Since the first Galaxy Z Flip, which had a tiny 1.1-inch display, Samsung has been steadily increasing the size of these screens.

There are also hints that Samsung is working on making their new foldable phones thinner. Plus, there’s a rumor about the Galaxy Z Flip 6 getting a 50MP main camera.

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(Via)

Huawei reportedly shrunk its North American presence as US tensions persist

By

Rajesh Regmi

-

Jan 7, 2024

Chinese tech giant Huawei has significantly reduced its public and government relations teams in the US and Canada, according to a report by Nikkei Asia.

The move comes after five years of US sanctions imposed by the Trump administration over national security concerns related to Huawei’s telecommunications and IT equipment.

In response to the initial sanctions, Huawei had bolstered its public and government relations efforts in North America to counter negative perceptions among policymakers.

However, according to Nikkei Asia, the company has recently downsized these teams, with several employees let go, including some with a decade of tenure. This suggests that Huawei’s hopes of changing US policy may have dwindled by now. The company is instead focusing on other markets now, particularly in mainland China.

Huawei’s efforts to lobby and influence US policy included hiring veteran lobbyist Tony Podesta and three lobbying firms in 2021. The team also played a role in securing the release of Huawei’s chief financial officer, Wanzhou Meng, who was arrested in Canada at the request of US authorities.

With Meng back in China and the legal case against her concluded, Huawei appears to be accepting the reality of limited US engagement. The company is now turning its attention to its data center infrastructure business for growth in 2024, as reported by The Register.

Additionally, Huawei continues to find markets for its telecommunications equipment outside of Europe, with countries like Malaysia showing interest.

On the home front, Huawei has achieved success with its Mate 60 Pro smartphone, making it the fastest-growing smartphone brand in China during Q3 2023. This success challenges Apple’s iPhone dominance in the premium smartphone segment.

The Mate 60 Pro generated buzz upon its release due to its purportedly in-house developed 7nm system-on-chip, a feat many doubted Chinese companies like Huawei could accomplish.

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(Via)