BYD Shatters Electric Car Sales Record, Challenges Global EV Market Dominance

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Jan 2, 2024

At this point, BYD is a household name when the conversation turns towards electric vehicles. The company, which is a major player in China‘s electric vehicle market, achieved a remarkable milestone in December 2023, selling a record 340,178 plug-in cars. This impressive figure not only marks an annual increase of 45% but also signifies the company’s consistent growth, with eight consecutive monthly records. Interestingly, 70% of these sales were all-electric vehicles, a clear sign of the shifting consumer preference towards pure electric models over plug-in hybrids.

BYD might overturn Tesla as the top EV Manufacturer at any point now

The increase in electric vehicle (EV) sales is not just a win for BYD but a significant moment for the electric car industry. This surge reflects a growing global interest in cleaner, more sustainable modes of transportation. BYD’s success is indicative of the broader market trend where electric vehicles are becoming increasingly mainstream.

What makes BYD’s achievement even more notable is its potential to outpace Tesla, the current leader in the EV market. With Tesla’s latest numbers pending, BYD’s record sales might position it as the world’s top EV seller for the first time. This shift highlights the competitive nature of the electric vehicle market and the rapid advancements being made by companies outside the traditional automotive powerhouses.

Moreover, BYD’s focus on both all-electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids caters to a diverse range of consumer needs and preferences. While all-electric vehicles are gaining popularity, plug-in hybrids offer a practical middle ground for consumers not yet ready to transition fully to electric.

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Valve’s Steam drops support for Windows 7 & 8.1

By

Sudhanshu

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Jan 2, 2024

Effective January 1, 2024, Steam has officially ended support for Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 8.1, impacting users still running the client on these outdated operating systems. As a result, Steam Client installations on these platforms will no longer receive any updates, including crucial security patches. Steam Support will also no longer provide technical support for issues related to these operating systems.

While Valve expects Steam games and the client to continue running on these older operating systems for some time after the cutoff date, they cannot guarantee full functionality beyond January 1, 2024. This move is attributed to core features in Steam relying on an embedded version of Google Chrome, which is no longer compatible with the outdated Windows versions. Additionally, future versions of Steam will necessitate Windows features and security updates exclusive to Windows 10 and above.

Valve strongly urges users to update to a more recent version of Windows to ensure continued access to Steam and any purchased products. The decision aligns with Microsoft’s own termination of support for Windows 7 in January 2020 and Windows 8.1 in January 2023.

Valve’s official Hardware & Software Survey from December 2023 indicates that a minimal percentage of users are still on Windows 7 and Windows 8.1, with 0.06% and 0.15%, respectively. In contrast, a significant majority, 53.45%, have migrated to Windows 10, and 41.95% are using Windows 11.

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Huawei Pushes Ahead with $98 Billion Revenue, Defying Global Pressures

By

Anubhav

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Jan 2, 2024

Huawei, a global technology giant, seems to have weathered its recent storms and is moving forward with renewed strength and optimism. This was the sentiment expressed by Ken Hu, Huawei’s rotating chair, in his New Year message as 2024 dawned. In 2023, despite ongoing challenges, Huawei has shown remarkable resilience, expecting to report a revenue of about $98 billion, a significant increase from the previous year. This achievement reflects Huawei’s persistent efforts and strategic focus on long-term, steady growth.

Huawei is boosting the app development for HarmonyOS too

Huawei’s journey has not been easy, especially given the sanctions imposed by the US. However, the company has managed to maintain its momentum, particularly in the realms of devices, cloud computing, and ICT infrastructure. This progress underscores Huawei’s ability to adapt and innovate in a rapidly evolving tech landscape.

A key area of Huawei’s future growth lies in aiding digital transformation across industries. With its carrier business, Huawei aims to support its customers more effectively, enhancing data traffic, introducing new services, and evolving network capabilities.

The devices segment of Huawei also made headlines in 2023, particularly with the launch of handsets rumoured to have 5G-like features. This buzz underlines the company’s commitment to technological advancement. Additionally, Huawei plans to boost the development of apps for its HarmonyOS through strategic collaborations, signaling a move towards creating a more integrated ecosystem.

Huawei’s cloud business, termed as the company’s digital backbone, is another focal point. This emphasis on cloud computing reflects a broader industry trend where cloud services play a pivotal role in digital transformation. Ken Hu acknowledges the past challenges but emphasizes the importance of staying grounded. His words suggest that for Huawei, the path forward is about steady progress and not getting swayed by either pressures or praises. For Huawei, the future seems to be about balancing resilience with innovation, ensuring steady progress even amidst global challenges.

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iQOO Neo 9 Pro Officially Confirmed To Launch In India

By

Viraj Gawde

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Jan 2, 2024

Last week, iQOO launched the Neo 9 series smartphones in China. The lineup comprises a standard and pro model. Both phones pack premium specifications. Now, the Vivo sub-brand’s India branch has officially confirmed the existence of the Neo 9 Pro in India. iQOO took to X (formerly Twitter) to tease the arrival of the device in the country.

iQOO Neo 9 Pro officially confirmed to launch in India

Get ready to be amazed by the “NEO” power and design. BIG DROP is #ComingSoon to redefine possibilities 🔥#iQOO #PowerToWin #StayTuned pic.twitter.com/2OYTNSDMnl
— iQOO India (@IqooInd) January 2, 2024

iOQO has not explicitly revealed the arrival of the Neo 9 Pro in India. However, the teaser image reveals the smartphone’s schematic and its design resembling the Neo 9 Pro. The back panel has two camera rings at the top left corner. There is an engraved text that reads ‘Neo, Power to Win’. The brand says that the big drop is coming soon to redefine possibilities. Hence we can expect iQOO to share more details about the upcoming Neo 9 Pro in the coming days.

The iQOO Neo 9 Pro will arrive as the successor to the Neo 7 Pro that debuted in India last year. The Neo 8 Pro did not launch in the country. We can expect the upcoming offering to retain the same specifications as its Chinese counterpart.

The iQOO Neo 9 Pro features a 6.78-inch 1.5K OLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate and an integrated fingerprint scanner. It has a 50MP OIS primary camera along with a 50MP ultra-wide-angle lens. Internally, the smartphone is powered by a Dimensity 9300 SoC with up to 16GB RAM and 1TB storage. It is backed by a 5,160mAh battery unit with support for 120W fast charging.

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Portronics Bella 3-in-1 Qi-wireless charger with a digital alarm clock launched

By

Sudhanshu

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Jan 2, 2024

Portronics, India’s homegrown tech company has introduced a 3-in-1 Wireless Charger called Bella. This charger is designed for Qi-enabled smartphones, TWS earphones, and smartwatches. The key feature of Bella is its incorporation of a digital alarm clock, providing users with a unique and practical charging station.

Bella simplifies the charging process by allowing users to place their phone on the stand, TWS earbuds on the mat, and the smartwatch on the dedicated Bella stand. The charger offers a 15W output for fast charging when a single device is placed on the stand and can intelligently adjust the output between 5W to 10W based on device power requirements.

The digital alarm clock accompanying Bella is powered by a CR2032 lithium battery cell, facilitating bedside placement without occupying excess space. The clock features an LED screen with options for both 12-hour and 24-hour time display, five levels of brightness adjustments, and a snooze button for added convenience.

Pricing & availability

Priced at Rs 2,099 with a 12-month warranty, Bella is available in Black and White. It can be purchased from offline stores and popular online platforms like Flipkart and Amazon. For those considering a purchase, Bella is currently available on Amazon at a discounted price of Rs. 1,999 ($24), offering a practical and cost-effective solution for users seeking an organized charging station.

In related news, the brand has recently also launched the Portronics Dash 4 wireless party speaker that comes with RGB lighting & karaoke mic.

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Realme 12 Pro Series Processor, Camera, And Launch Timeline In India Leaked

By

Viraj Gawde

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Jan 2, 2024

Realme is gearing up to make an announcement in India tomorrow at 7:30 am local time. The brand is highly expected to reveal the launch date of the Realme 12 Pro series smartphones in the country. The Pro and Pro+ variants in the lineup have already bagged BIS certification. Now a new leak reveals information about the Realme 12 Pro series shared by tipster Ishan Agarwal.

Realme 12 Pro+ key details leaked

As per the report, the Realme 12 Pro+ will be powered by a Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 processor. This same chipset is found on the Redmi Note 13 Pro which is set to launch in India on January 4. The Realme 12 series will reportedly feature a circular camera module housing three sensors. The Pro+ variant will come with a 64MP OmniVision OV64B periscope telephoto unit with 3x optical zoom. On the other hand, the Pro is said to come with a 32MP Sony IMX709 telephoto unit. This model will be equipped with a Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 SoC.

The Realme 12 Pro Series is rumored to launch in India by the end of this month or in February. It will arrive as the successor to last year’s Realme 11 Pro series. The Realme 12 Pro series is yet to launch in China. Last November, the brand confirmed that one of its upcoming number series devices will feature a periscope zoom lens. Realme India also recently teased something along the lines of a periscope camera and flagship smartphone. The Realme GT 5 Pro debuted last month in China with flagship specifications.

It’s likely that Realme will officially reveal those mysterious details tomorrow.

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Aokzoe A2 handheld console with R7 7840U + 32GB RAM launched in China, starts at 4999 Yuan ($699)

By

Soumyakanti

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Jan 2, 2024

Aokzoe has officially launched A2 handheld console in the Chinese market which is now available to purchase on Tmall. Let’s check out the key specs of this console.

Aokzoe A2 Specifications:

Aokzoe A2 is powered by an AMD Ryzen 7 7840U processor, which is built on a 4nm process with “Zen 4” architecture. This processor features 8 cores, 16 threads, and offers a base clock speed of 3.3GHz, going up to a maximum boost clock of 5.1GHz. It also has a 16MB cache. For graphics, it utilizes the AMD Radeon 780M with RDNA 3 architecture, operating at 2.7GHz. For graphics, it utilizes the AMD Radeon 780M with RDNA 3 architecture, operating at 2.7GHz.

In terms of memory and storage, the Aokzoe A2 comes with 32GB LPDDR5X RAM at 7500MHz. Storage options vary, with SSDs available in sizes ranging from 512GB to 2TB. These SSDs conform to the M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe standard, providing high read and write speeds (7089MB/s and 6241MB/s, respectively).

The console is equipped with a 7-inch Full HD IPS display that offers a resolution of 1920×1200, a 16:10 aspect ratio, and a pixel density of 323ppi. It covers 100% of the sRGB color spectrum.

For cooling, the device uses a PC-grade liquid axial fan, coupled with dual pure copper heat pipes and pure aluminum fins. It also features intelligent temperature control to manage heat efficiently during gaming sessions. The battery is a 48.5Wh unit, which can be charged using a 65W Gallium Nitride charger. The console supports charging via mobile power banks as well.

Connectivity and interface options include dual USB4 full-function ports, a microSD 4.0 slot, a USB-A 3.0 port, a 3.5mm audio jack, WiFi 6E, and Bluetooth. The device is compatible with Windows 11, ensuring a wide range of gaming options.

Aokzoe A2 handheld console measures 265mm x 105mm x 22mm and weighs 666g, making it highly portable for gamers. It offers features like Hall-effect linear triggers, large Hall-effect thumbsticks, and a user-friendly interface for an excellent gaming experience.

Pricing and Availability

The handheld console comes in three models with varying prices and configurations. The standard model, equipped with 32GB RAM and 512GB storage, is priced at 4999 yuan ($699). The 32GB RAM + 1TB model costs 5399 yuan ($755), while the high-end variant, featuring 32GB RAM and 2TB storage, is available for 5699 yuan ($797).

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Tecno Launches Affordable Spark 20 Pro+ with Custom MediaTek Processor, 16 GB RAM, and 108 MP Camera

By

Oğuz Çakır

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Jan 2, 2024

Tecno continues to expand its product lineup and strengthen its position in the global smartphone market. For example, recently the company has been setting new sales records with its Spark 20. Additionally, it shows no signs of slowing down. One of the most concrete examples of this is the new Tecno Spark 20 Pro+. The eagerly awaited phone launched with a powerful MediaTek processor, an impressive 108MP+32MP camera system, a sleek double-curved design, a stunning display, and more. Here are the details of Tecno Spark 20 Pro+ specs and price…

TECNO Newest Spark 20 Pro+ Brings Many Industry-first Features in its Price Bracket

The Tecno Spark 20 Pro+ comes with a 6.78-inch Curved AMOLED display. It has a 120Hz refresh rate, P3 color gamut, and a peak brightness of 1,000 nits. It also offers a 1500Hz instant touch sampling rate and Smart Refresh 3.1 for smoother swiping. Its Double Curved Design not only looks great but also makes it comfortable to hold. With a thickness of 7.55mm and weighing 190 grams, this device is equipped with flagship-grade glass for excellent durability against scratches and drops. Additionally, it holds IP53 certification, providing water- and dust-proof capabilities for added peace of mind.

When we look under the hood, we see the Helio G99 Ultimate, a custom variation of MediaTek’s Helio G99. Thanks to this chipset, the company can maintain affordability without sacrificing performance. This processor is paired with 16 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage. However, . it’s worth noting that out of the 16 GB RAM, 8 GB is extended, which means it functions as virtual RAM. Additionally, the device is equipped with a 5,000mAh battery supporting up to 33W charging speed.

The Tecno Spark 20 Pro+ is also stands out for its impressive camera capabilities. Its 108-megapixel main camera, which includes 3x lossless zoom and 10x digital zoom, can take highly detailed photos, from great distances. The camera’s large 1/1.67” sensor and F/1.75 aperture adapt well to different lighting situations. Furthermore, HDR Multi-Frame Fusion ensures well-balanced lighting and smart compositions. In addition to these features, the phone includes a 32MP Glowing Selfie Camera enhanced by AI portrait restoration and an expansive 88.9° golden lens, perfect for capturing stunning solo or group selfies.

Although the phone has three other rear cameras alongside the 108-megapixel one, the company hasn’t revealed specific details about them yet. Spark 20 Pro+ is also available in a fourth color – Magic Skin 2.0 Green – with TECNO’s upgraded Magic Skin technology, adding a luxurious touch and extreme durability while being more eco-friendly.

Availability & Price

Tecno Spark 20 Pro+ is expected to be broadly available from January 2024 across key regions including Africa, Latin America, South Asia, Southeast Asia and the Middle East. Pricing will vary by region.

Specifications	Details
Display	6.78-inch Curved AMOLED
Refresh Rate	120Hz
Color Gamut	P3
Peak Brightness	1,000 nits
Touch Sampling Rate	1500Hz
Design	Double Curved Glass, 7.55mm thickness, IP53
Processor	Helio G99 Ultimate
RAM	16 GB (8 GB extended as virtual RAM)
Storage	256 GB
Battery	5,000mAh with 33W fast charging support
Main Camera	108MP (3x lossless zoom, 10x digital zoom)
Selfie Camera	32MP AI-enhanced
Other Rear Cameras	Details not specified
Color Options	Available in Magic Skin 2.0 Green
Special Features	Magic Skin 2.0 technology

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OnePlus 12R Confirmed To Feature LTPO 4.0 Display And 5,500mAh Battery

By

Viraj Gawde

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Jan 2, 2024

OnePlus is set to unveil the OnePlus 12 and 12R smartphones in the global markets on January 23. Before that the brand is gearing up to launch the Ace 3 smartphone and the Buds 3 TWS earphones in its home country on January 4. OnePlus has already teased a lot of specifications and features of the Ace 3. The upcoming offering will debut as a rebadged OnePlus 12R outside China. Now, the key specifications of the global variant has been teased ahead of launch.

OnePlus 12R display and battery teased officially

The OnePlus 12R is confirmed to feature a 120Hz ProXDR display. It will have a fourth-generation LTPO technology that will allow the screen to change its refresh rate faster, intelligently, and smoothly. LTPO 4.0 will enable switching refresh rates between the widest range including the new 90Hz and 72Hz instead of a limited set of refresh rates. This will offer the best performance and energy efficiency at the same time.

The OnePlus 12R is confirmed to be powered by a 5,500mAh battery unit. This will make it the first smartphone from the brand to be equipped with the largest battery. It will come with support for SuperVOOC fast charging. The brand also revealed that the upcoming offering will pack a Battery Health Engine technology for keeping the battery in peak health for a longer time.

OnePlus stated that the OnePlus 12 series has been developed to address industry-wide challenges in balancing high performance, high power consumption, effective heat dissipation, and longevity.

A previous teaser confirmed that the OnePlus 12R will arrive in Iron Grey and Cool Blue colors. It will have the same design as its predecessor with the only exception of alert slider shifted to the left edge.

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Huawei FreeBuds Pro 3 Year of the Dragon Collector’s Edition unveiled

By

Jed John Ikoba

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Jan 2, 2024

The start of 2024 has seen a raft of commemorative products unveiled to mark the Year of the Dragon. ZTE recently unveiled the Year of the Dragon commemorative editions of the U50 Pro and F50 portable WiFi routers. The Huawei FreeBuds Pro 3 is another product that has been delivered in a commemorative edition. The Huawei FreeBuds Pro 3 Year of the Dragon Collector’s Edition comes with dragons in its pop-up windows. Its pre-sales began on December 28 while the official launch was on January 1, 2024.

Huawei FreeBuds Pro 3 Year of the Dragon Collector’s Edition

The packaging of the Collector’s Edition of the Huawei FreeBuds Pro 3 adopts red color packaging and is shaped like a traditional Chinese dragon. In line with the Year of the Dragon branding, the pop-up animation of the earbuds is customized and uses a dragon pattern as a background. The dragon is coiled in the hand in an impressive design.

Apart from the Year of the Dragon branding of the FreeBuds Pro 3 Collector’s Edition, the key specs of the device remain unchanged. It retains a Kirin A2 processor and uses the Huawei L2HC 3.0 standard. It has a transmission bit rate of up to 1.5Mbps, a sampling rate of 96kHz, and a bit depth of 24bits. The earbuds support LDAC audio decoding and are certified HWA and Hi-Res double gold label sound quality. The audio accessory supports spatial audio 2.0 using a high-resolution spatial model algorithm. The resolution accuracy is improved by 40 degrees while latency is reduced by 25%. The earbuds are also equipped with a six-axis attitude sensor and are claimed to be the first TWS headset to use the Polar code technology to achieve a high bit rate and high-quality Bluetooth connections. This achieves a high restoration of audio detail and elimination of lag.

Pricing & Availability

The Huawei FreeBuds Pro 3 Year of the Dragon Collector’s Edition has a battery life of up to 33 hours. It is rated IP54 dustproof and splash-resistant and supports multiple device connections, offline search, and smart broadcasting. The commemorative edition FreeBuds Pro 3 is priced at 1,499 yuan ($211).

New update for Nothing Phone (2) fixes App Locker freeze issue & Glyph light playback

By

Sudhanshu

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Jan 2, 2024

Nothing has recently updated the Nothing Phone (2) to the Android 14-based Nothing OS 2.5. Now, the brand has started rolling out the Nothing OS 2.5.1.A update that irons out a few kinks in the new OS.

This latest update is just 50.73MB in size and solves a few issues that arrived with Nothing OS 2.5. One of the key improvements includes an enhanced Glyph light playback effect when syncing with the device’s audio. Additionally, users plagued by freezing issues triggered by the App locker in certain scenarios can breathe a sigh of relief as this update promises a resolution to this persistent glitch.

For those eager to keep their Nothing Phone (2) up to date, the installation process is straightforward. Navigate to “Settings,” click on “System,” and tap on “System update” to get your hands on the latest update.

Nothing Phone (2) specs:

The Nothing Phone (2) sports an impressive 6.7-inch LTPO AMOLED display featuring a 120Hz refresh rate and Full HD+ resolution (2412 × 1080 pixels), delivering a peak brightness of 1000 nits. It has a 240Hz touch sampling rate, a 10-bit panel, HDR10+ support, and an in-display fingerprint scanner for added security.

Running the show beneath the surface is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor, manufactured using TSMC’s 4nm process, accompanied by an Adreno 730 GPU. Storage options cater to diverse needs, offering 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB of UFS 3.1 storage, coupled with a choice between 8GB or 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM.

Powering the device is a robust 4700mAh battery, supporting 45W rapid charging through a USB 2.0 Type-C connection. Additionally, users can enjoy the convenience of 15W Qi wireless charging and 5W reverse wireless charging features.

The front camera incorporates a 32MP Sony IMX615 sensor for capturing clear selfies. On the rear, the dual camera setup includes a 50MP Sony IMX890 sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS) and a 50MP Samsung ISOCELL GN1 sensor. The latter serves as an ultra-wide-angle lens that is also capable of taking 4cm macro shots.

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Samsung Galaxy A15 5G, Galaxy A25 5G on sale in India

By

Sudarshan Ravichandran

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Jan 2, 2024

Samsung unveiled the Galaxy A15 5G and Galaxy A25 5G on Boxing Day (December 26) in India. A week after their announcement, the devices are now on sale in the country.

The successors of Galaxy A14 5G and Galaxy A24 5G arrive with minor design changes and spec upgrades. At the same time, they are also costlier.

Let’s check out how much they cost and their launch offers.

Samsung’s latest budget 5G smartphones carry the following price tags in India.

Galaxy A15 5G

8GB + 128GB – ₹19,499 (~$235) [AMAZON]
8GB + 256GB – ₹22,499 (~$270) [AMAZON]

Galaxy A25 5G

8GB + 128GB – ₹26,999 (~$325)
8GB + 256GB – ₹29,999 (~$360) [AMAZON]

Both phones come in three colors They have two common colors, namely Blue Black and Blue. The third color is Light Blue for the A15 and Yellow for the A25.

As for launch offers, Samsung is providing ₹1500 cashback for A15 on SBI credit cards. For A25, the cashback amount is double at ₹3000.

Both handsets are on sale across offline and online channels. They are not only the company’s first phones in India in 2024 but also the first to release with Android 14-based One UI 6 out of the box.

The Galaxy A15 5G and Galaxy A25 5G feature a new ‘key island’ design. In simpler words, the fingerprint sensor-embedded power and volume keys are placed on a raised platform.

The duo sports a 6.5-inch FHD+ (2340 x 1080 pixels) AMOLED display with a dewdrop notch. However, the panel on the A15 is slower at 90Hz with an 800 nits peak brightness level as opposed to a 120Hz screen with a 1000 nits peak brightness level on the A25.

The A15 is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 6100 Plus chip, while the A25 is run by an Exynos 1280 SoC. Both of them are backed by a 5,000mAh battery and support 25W charging.

They come with a 50MP primary camera, a 2MP macro snapper, and a 13MP selfie camera. The A25’s main camera has OIS and features an 8MP ultrawide unit compared to a 5MP ultrawide shooter on the A15.

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Premium Smartphone Market Sees Record Sales In 2023 With Apple Leading And India As the Fastest Growing Market

By

Viraj Gawde

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Jan 2, 2024

As per Counterpoint Research’s Market Pulse Service data, the premium smartphone shipments in the global markets are set to witness growth by 6 percent year-on-year in 2023. The data includes smartphones with a wholesale price of more than $600. The report states that the volumes have grown 3x in 2023 compared to 2016. The growth in the premium segment contradicts the projected decline of the overall global market this year.

Global premium smartphone segment sees record sales in 2023

The premium smartphone segment has grown in the last few years. This is said to be due to a shift in consumer buying patterns in getting a high-quality device for a longer period. Notably, India is said to be the fastest-growing premium market globally. China, Western Europe, India, and MEA regions drive the growth in this segment. The ultra-premium segment with price above $1,000 captured one-third of the total premium smartphone market sales in 2023.

As per the data, Apple leads the premium market segment with a whopping 71 percent share but compared to last year it declined by 4 percent. South Korean brand Samsung has 17 percent share of the premium smartphone market driven by the S23 series. Huawei came in the third spot with a 5 percent share with an increase of 2 percent from last year due to the Mate 60 phones. Xiaomi and OPPO recorded 2 and 1 percent of the market share respectively. As per the research firm, foldable phones have also emerged as the differentiator in the premium market.

Counterpoint Research notes that the premium smartphone segment is expected to continue its good run and outgrow the global smartphone market.

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Xiaomi Redmi G Pro 2024 gaming laptop spotted on Geekbench with i5-14500HX + RTX 4060

By

Soumyakanti

-

Jan 2, 2024

Xiaomi‘s popular Redmi G Pro series didn’t receive an update in 2023. However, Xiaomi is now preparing to launch the Redmi G Pro 2024, which is expected to offer substantial improvements in performance and features.

Xiaomi Redmi G Pro 2024 Geekbench Details

The laptop has gone through Geekbench recently with model number TM2211 which reveals its key specs. According to the listing, the Xiaomi Redmi G Pro 2024 will feature the upcoming Intel i5-14500HX processor along with an RTX 4060 graphics card.

The i5-14500HX processor set to launch next week, offers 6 big cores and 8 small cores with a turbo frequency of 4.9GHz, slightly surpassing the i5-13500HX by 0.2GHz.

According to the listing, the tested version includes 16GB of DDR5 RAM, however, Xiaomi is likely to provide configurations with larger RAM options to meet the needs of users seeking even higher performance.

Interestingly, the same model was spotted on Geekbench last month with two processor options: the powerful i9-14900HX with 24 cores and the i5-14500HX with 14 cores. However, it was unclear at that time if this gaming laptop would be part of Xiaomi’s Redmi G series or a new gaming laptop series.

While the leaked specs are exciting, rumors suggest that the Redmi G Pro 2024 might also sport a complete design overhaul. Xiaomi is known for its sleek and stylish aesthetics, and the 2024 model could raise the bar even further.

Redmi G Pro’s current model which was launched in 2022 features a 16-inch 2.5K LCD display with a 240Hz refresh rate, AMD Ryzen 7 6800H CPU, and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 GPU. The laptop includes 16GB of DDR5 RAM and a 512GB PCIe 4.0 SSD, with an 80Whr battery and 330W power adapter for high performance. It offers various connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2, and comes pre-installed with Windows 11 Home.

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Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra official marketing posters are already on display in Brazil

By

Sean

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Jan 2, 2024

While the Samsung Galaxy S24 series launch is approaching, some stores in Brazil have seemed to have jumped the gun with some marketing material. Stores in the region have already started displaying the official image posters of the upcoming Galaxy S24 Ultra model, showcasing its design and features.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra posters on display in Brazil

The new posters of the unreleased flagship smartphone shouldn’t have been on display before the device was even officially unveiled. But the device can be seen on full display on these marketing posters. One poster reads “With the Power of Galaxy AI” and clearly talks about the improvements in AI performance in the next gen Galaxy S series devices. Artificial intelligence performance upgrades for the Galaxy S24 lineup have been rumored for some time now and these image posters basically confirm it.

For those unaware, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is expected to be announced on 17th January 2024. But prior to the event, the marketing material was displayed in Brazil. Images were even shared on X (formerly Twitter) by @sondesix, which clearly shows the device’s design. The rear panel is in full display in the Titanium Gray color option along with a quad camera setup, laser autofocus unit, and S Pen support.

The device can be seen with the “Galaxy AI” feature and was spotted on Samsung kiosks and official retailers in Brazil. Just earlier today, we covered another report regarding the Galaxy S24 Ultra, which claimed that the device will offer 4K 120fps video recording. Similarly, the pre-order benefits were also revealed earlier this week for the entire Galaxy S24 lineup. So stick around for more as we will be covering the launch event later this month as well as any new leaks.

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Samsung starts rolling out Android 14 to budget Galaxy M13 5G

By

Rajesh Regmi

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Jan 2, 2024

Following its rollout for flagship and mid-range models, Samsung is now rolling out Android 14 and One UI 6.0 to the budget-friendly Galaxy M13 5G. The update, starting with Indian users, delivers several interface tweaks and app improvements.

Users can expect a streamlined Quick Panel for easier access to frequently used settings, a refreshed emoji library for more expressive communication, and a modern default font for improved clarity. Additionally, the media player widget gets a makeover with a dynamic waveform animation, while the lock screen clock widget offers more size, style, and placement options for personalization.

Samsung’s stock apps also receive a touch-up with Gallery, Internet, Messages, Phone, and Reminders, among others, sporting a refreshed look. Some apps even shed the “Samsung” branding for a cleaner appearance. The built-in photo editor boasts easier-to-navigate controls for editing your photos, while a dedicated video editor called “Studio” caters to your video editing needs.

Samsung Galaxy M13 5G Android 14 OneUI 6 update

This update marks the M13 5G’s second major upgrade since its launch with Android 12. Having received Android 13 last year, the phone is now guaranteed two more major updates, extending its eligibility up to Android 16. To install the latest update on your smartphone, simply head to Settings > Software update > Download and install.

To recap, the Galaxy M13 5G comes with a 6.6-inch LCD with FHD+ resolution. It gets its power from an Exynos 850 SoC backed by a 5000mAh battery. Memory options include 4GB RAM and 64GB storage while charging comes in at 15W. For photography, there is a 50MP primary, 5MP ultrawide, and 2MP depth sensor at the back and an 8MP sensor on the front.

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Meta Quest 2 VR Headset is Now Available at a Much More Affordable Price Point

By

Oğuz Çakır

-

Jan 2, 2024

Virtual and augmented reality technologies are becoming increasingly popular. Recently, even Apple is gearing up to compete in this market with its Vision Pro. However, Apple may be a new participant, but Meta is considered the main force in shaping the world and market where you can do anything and be anyone. As the force behind Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, Meta strongly believes in the future potential of virtual reality. In fact, event its name itself is a reference. Still, for this tech to reach widespread adoption, it needs to be affordable for everyone. Fortunately, Meta is working towards this goal by making the Quest 2 more accessible with competitive pricing. Here are the details..

Meta Quest 2 VR Headset is Now More Affordable

Meta’s affordable virtual reality headset, Quest 2, has now become even more budget-friendly. According to an announcement on the company’s official blog, discounts have been applied to the predecessor of the recently introduced Quest 3, the Quest 2, and its accessories. Moving forward, the 128 GB version of the headset will be sold at $249.99, while the 256 GB version will be available for $299.99. Opting for refurbished products will require payments of $229.99 and $269.99, respectively. Discounts on other accessories are as follows:

Quest 2 Elite Strap: Now $49.99 USD
Quest 2 Carrying Case: Now $44.99 USD
Quest 2 Elite Strap with Battery: Now $89.99 USD
Quest 2 Active Pack: Now $59.99 USD
Quest 2 Fit Pack: Now $39.99 USD

Category	Specification
Display
* Resolution	1832 x 1920 per eye
* Refresh rate	90Hz (native), 72Hz (current)
* Field of view (FOV)	~90 degrees
Processing
* Chipset	Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 (7nm)
* RAM	6 GB LPDDR5
* Storage	128 GB or 256 GB
Tracking
* Inside-out	4 IR cameras on the headset
* Controllers	6DoF (position and rotation)
Audio
* Integrated speakers	Directional audio positioning
* 3.5mm headphone jack	Yes
Connectivity
* Wi-Fi 6	802.11ax
* USB-C	For charging and Link (PC VR)
Input
* Controllers	Two Touch controllers with analog sticks and buttons
* Hand tracking	Experimental feature
Power
* Battery	Non-removable lithium-ion
Weight	503g

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Moto G34 5G India may launch in India on January 9: Tipster

By

Sean

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Jan 2, 2024

Motorola debuted the Moto G34 5G in the Chinese market just last month. Now, it appears that the mid range device is making its way to India. A known tipster has leaked the launch date of the upcoming smartphone. So here’s everything you need to know.

Moto G34 5G India Launch Date

According to Mukul Sharma (@stufflistings on X), the Moto G34 5G is set to be announced in India on 9th January 2024. He further adds that the new phone will be equipped with the Snapdragon 695 SoC, which will make it the fastest 5G smartphone in this segment. The tipster added that the device will come with a premium vegan leather rear panel. This will make the smartphone offer a premium design.

For those unaware, the Chinese variant of the Moto G34 5G also features the Snapdragon 695. So we can expect other features to also be the same. So we can expect the device to sport a 6.5-inch LCD panel that offers HD+ resolution and 120Hz refresh rate. The Qualcomm processor is paired with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage. Notably, users can expand memory and storage via virtual RAM expansion and 1TB microSD card slot support.

A large 5,000mAh battery pack powers the Moto G34, which also supports 18W fast charging. The rear packs a 50-megapixel dual camera setup (with a 2-megapixel macro sensor) while the front houses a 16-megapixel selfie shooter. Other notable features include WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS, 3.5mm headphone jack, and USB Type C port. The European pricing for this model was recently leaked with an 189 Euros price tag. So we can expect the Indian pricing to be around the 10,000 INR range.

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Poco M6 Pro (4G) India Launch Confirmed for January 11

By

Simranpal Singh

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Jan 2, 2024

Hours after spotting the Poco X6 Series launch poster on Flipkart, the company also confirmed the Poco M6 Pro 4G launch along with the Poco X6 Series. Poco already launched the Poco M6 5G smartphone a few weeks ago, featuring some competitive specifications at an affordable price. The recent launch announcement will surely fill the void in the Indian affordable 4G smartphone market and will surely make it more competitive.

Details about the upcoming smartphone have already been teased and leaked via multiple sources. As per recent rumors, the Poco M6 Pro 4G seems to feature a 6.67-inch Full HD+ PoLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. It will come with the MediaTek Helio G99 SoC. The smartphone will offer up to 12GB of RAM and 512GB of internal storage.

The punch-hole display will embed a 16MP selfie camera, while on the rear there will be a 64MP AI triple camera. The remaining details about the smartphone’s camera sensors remain unavailable.

It will run Android 13 on board and will get Android 14 via a new upgrade. Poco M6 Pro 4G will come with a 5000 mAh battery and 67W fast charging support. It measures 8.3mm in thickness and weighs 179 grams. The Amazon listing on the firm’s UAE arm confirms pricing as AED 899, which roughly translates to $245.

Poco M6 5G (Specifications)

A couple of weeks ago, the Poco M6 5G was launched for the starting price of Rs 10,499 (4GB + 128GB) variant. The smartphone is available in two different colors: Orion Blue and Galactic Black. The Poco M6 5G carries a 3.5mm headphone jack, a side-mounted fingerprint, and offers RAM expansion support. It houses a 6.74-inch display powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ SoC.

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Apple Vision Pro launch tipped for January 27 in the US

By

Soumyakanti

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Jan 2, 2024

Apple is scheduled to introduce its highly anticipated Vision Pro headset in the United States on January 27, as per supply chain reports mentioned by the “Wall Street Observer.” The tip aligns with Gurman’s report of production ramp-up and a potential February retail launch.

Apple Vision Pro will hit the market earlier than expected

Sony is the primary display supplier for the Vision Pro headset, leveraging their expertise in screen technology for its development. An undisclosed Chinese company also serves as a secondary supplier, with a vital role in increasing production capacity if there’s high demand for the product.

The headset features a silicon-based OLED screen (OLEDoS) that uses a “Color Filter (CF) + WOLED scheme.” This method enhances color reproduction by directing white light through RGB color filters, promising users an outstanding visual experience with clarity, rich colors, and overall screen quality.

However, there are reports that Apple is also reportedly planning to release an upgraded version of its Vision Pro headset in 2027, featuring RGB OLEDoS technology for higher brightness compared to the current WOLED+CF model. RGB OLEDoS generates light and color directly from RGB sub-pixels, eliminating the need for color filters and enhancing the display’s brightness.

Ming-Chi Kuo, an analyst at Tianfeng International, highlights the strategic importance of Apple’s Vision Pro headset in its 2024 product lineup. Kuo believes it could redefine consumer electronics trends, estimating that Apple plans to ship approximately 500,000 units this year, demonstrating confidence in the product’s potential market demand.

Kuo also suggests that a positive user response to the Vision Pro could make it the “next star product” in consumer electronics, influencing stock prices in the related supply chain and setting a new standard for high-end electronic devices in the tech industry.

Now if we look at the specs of the Vision Pro briefly, it boasts a high-resolution display with over 23 million pixels, powered by the M2 chip and an R1 chip for fast sensor data processing. It includes various sensors, including LiDAR, for tracking user movement and surroundings. Notably, the device can capture 3D photos and videos, offering an immersive experience, and is versatile for gaming, movie-watching, and augmented reality applications. The starting price for the Vision Pro is $3,499.

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