Samsung Galaxy S24 series prices for Korea leak

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Jan 3, 2024

Earlier today, Samsung confirmed that it will hold its first Galaxy Unpacked event of 2024 on January 17. The company is expected to unveil the Galaxy S24 series at this conference.

For the last few weeks, we have been hearing a lot about these products. In fact, almost everything about them is now out, including their prices for Europe.

Now, we even have details on their pricing in South Korea. Let’s go through them.

Galaxy S24 series Korean prices tipped

According to a tipster on a Korean forum (via SamMobile), the pre-orders for the Galaxy S24 series in South Korea will run from January 19 to 25. The phones will be available for purchase starting January 26.

As for pricing, the base 256GB variant of the Galaxy S24 and the Galaxy S24 Plus will retain the prices of their predecessors. However, the higher 512GB models will get a price hike.

On the other hand, both 256GB and 512GB variants of the Galaxy S24 Ultra will see an increase in prices.

Galaxy S24 (256GB) – KRW 1,155,000
Galaxy S24 (512GB) – KRW 1,298,000 (KRW 22,000 hike)
Galaxy S24 Plus (256GB) – KRW 1,353,000
Galaxy S24 Plus (512GB) – KRW 1,496,000 (KRW 22,000 hike)
Galaxy S24 Ultra(256GB) – KRW 1,698,400 (KRW 99,000 hike)
Galaxy S24 Ultra (512GB) – KRW 1,841,400 (KRW 121,000 hike)

Just like the Galaxy S23 series, pre-order benefits for the Galaxy S24 series will include storage upgrades. Additionally, customers can opt for a discount coupon for either Galaxy Buds 2 Pro or 1-year Samsung Care+.

To learn about the European pricing, you can check out our coverage on the same.

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Samsung Galaxy A55 May Not Arrive Soon, Expected Launch Timeline Tipped

By

Viraj Gawde

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Jan 3, 2024

Samsung is gearing up to unveil its next-generation flagship Galaxy S24 series on January 17. The South Korean brand is also expected to announce its next-generation Galaxy A-series phones. The company has already launched the Galaxy A25 5G and A15 5G in the global markets. The next phone in the A-series i.e. the Galaxy A55 surfaced in press renders yesterday and this led to the anticipation of its imminent arrival. However, that doesn’t seem to be the case as per a new report.

Samsung Galaxy A55 may not launch soon

SamMobile reports that Samsung is planning to launch the Galaxy A55 sometime early in the second quarter of 2024. This means that the device may debut between the April to June period. It is also a few months later than Samsung’s usual launch timeline for the Galaxy A5x-series mid-range phones. The South Korean brand is also expected to launch the Galaxy A35 alongside the A55 around the same timeframe. It remains to be seen if Samsung will announce the Galaxy A7x-series smartphone. The brand skipped the launch of the Galaxy A74 last year.

The recently leaked press renders of the Galaxy A55 are in line with the CAD-based leaked renders. The former reveals that the device will arrive in Iceblue, Lilac, and Navy color options. The device will have a metal frame and a ‘key island’ that is a protrusion on the right frame housing the power and volume rocker buttons.

As per past reports, the Galaxy A55 is expected to be powered by an Exynos 1480 processor with support for AMD GPUa. It is tipped to be backed by a 5,000mAh battery unit with support for 25W fast charging.

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ViewSonic Omni FHD & 2K gaming monitors with up to 180Hz refresh rate launched in India

By

Sudhanshu

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Jan 3, 2024

ViewSonic has recently introduced a new series of gaming monitors in India under its Omni lineup. The collection includes the VX3219-2K-PRO-2, VX2758A-2K-PRO-2, and VX79 series-FHD, aimed at enhancing the gaming and entertainment experience.

Two notable models in this series are the ViewSonic Omni VX2479-HD-PRO and VX2779-HD-PRO, featuring 24-inch 165Hz IPS Full HD and 27-inch 180Hz IPS Full HD displays, respectively. Both models share similar features, such as an Anti-Glare Screen, 104% sRGB, HDR10 support, a 165Hz refresh rate, and a 1ms (MPRT) response time. They are VESA Mount compatible for flexible setup and support AMD Free Sync for improved graphics performance.

Moving on to the Omni VX3219-2K-PRO-2 and Omni VX2758A-2K-PRO-2, these monitors offer an enhanced gaming experience. The former presents a 32-inch IPS QHD 2K display with a 165Hz refresh rate, ensuring vivid visuals with minimal input lag. The latter features a 27-inch QHD IPS screen with a 170Hz refresh rate for responsive gaming.

Equipped with AMD FreeSync Premium and a response time of < 0.5 ms, these monitors ensure smooth graphics rendering. The exclusive ViewMode presets cater to different entertainment applications, optimizing screen performance for various activities like gaming, movie-watching, and editing.

Additional features include HDR10, 137% sRGB, and variable refresh rate technology, providing diverse options for gamers and entertainment enthusiasts. Eye care technologies like flicker-free and blue light filter contribute to a comfortable viewing experience. The Omni VX2758A-2K-PRO also offers adjustable features like height adjustment, tilt, swivel, and pivot for a customizable setup.

Pricing & availability

The ViewSonic Omni series monitors come with the following price tags in India: The ViewSonic Omni VX2479-HD-PRO is priced at Rs. 9,999, while the ViewSonic Omni VX2779-HD-PRO is available at Rs. 11,999. For the higher-tier options, the ViewSonic Omni VX2758A-2K-PRO-2 is priced at Rs. 19,499, and the ViewSonic Omni VX3219-2K-PRO-2 comes in at Rs. 25,499.

These monitors will be conveniently accessible for purchase through popular online platforms such as Amazon.in and Flipkart, as well as through various brick-and-mortar retail stores across India.

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Chinese automaker Xpeng plans to begin mass production of flying cars by Q4 2025

By

Soumyakanti

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Jan 3, 2024

XPeng Motors is setting its sights on the sky with a major collaboration to bring its XPeng Huitian Flying Car to market. This ambitious project aims to redefine transportation by offering a modular flying vehicle capable of both road and air travel.

XPeng Huitian Flying Car targets mass production in Q4 2025

The company through an announcement on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, has detailed a significant collaboration between Guangdong XPeng and Guangdong Huitian, both under XPeng Motors’ umbrella. This partnership is formalized on January 2, 2024.

Guangdong Huitian, controlled by He Xiaopeng, the major shareholder of XPeng Motors, is primarily focused on the research and development of flying cars. Guangdong XPeng, a subsidiary of XPeng Motors, will contribute its expertise in design and technical development, playing a pivotal role in the assembly of these innovative vehicles.

The XPeng Huitian’s modular flying car “Land Aircraft Carrier” features a unique land-air integrated design, with a detachable and recombining land and flying body. The land body can carry 4-5 passengers, is equipped with a hybrid power system, and offers a three-axle six-wheel automotive design for enhanced mobility.

The flying body is a fully electric, manned aircraft with vertical take-off capability, suitable for low-altitude flight, and available in both manual and automatic driving modes. It can be charged within the cabin, safeguarding against environmental elements.

XPeng Huitian is targeting mass production by Q4 2025, with Guangdong XPeng handling the final assembly. This ambitious timeline reflects XPeng’s commitment to bringing this revolutionary technology to market as soon as possible.

Of course, challenges lie ahead. Regulatory hurdles, infrastructure development, and public safety concerns all need to be addressed. But with its innovative design and determined partners, XPeng Huitian is paving the way for a future where flying cars become commonplace, transforming how we live, work, and travel.

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POCO, iQOO, Nothing Popular Brands Among Gen Z Due To Exclusivity

By

Viraj Gawde

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Jan 3, 2024

Generation Z is the demographic cohort and includes people aged between 18 – 25 years. As per TechArc’s ‘India GenZ Smartphone Brands 2023’ report, brand is an important factor over product for Generation Z. The data reveals three smartphone brands that the youth identify with. 60 percent of the audience prefers the brand while 40 percent attribute to the product while purchasing a new smartphone.

POCO, iQOO, Nothing popular among Gen Z buyers

The report notes that 80 percent of respondents are sure of the experience by knowing the brand, 73 percent of respondents view that not all brands reflect their personality, and 69 percent of respondents feel that they become a part of an exclusive club or community by going with their brand of preference. With respect to the product, Gen Z customers consider specifications, pricing, and design as deciding factors whereas when it comes to brand, their choice is based on visibility, recall factor, satisfaction levels, servicing, influencer reputation etc.

As per TechArc, POCO, iQOO, and Nothing are the top three brands that are popular among Generation Z. This is because of the exclusivity offered and the customers want to go with brands that identify with age and the reason for their choice. POCO, iQOO, and Nothing achieve it at a brand level whereas OnePlus and Realme do it at a series level, specifically the Nord and Narzo respectively. Creating youth-centric products is the way to maintain exclusivity. Xiaomi and Vivo’s adoption of sub-brands is quietly paying them well.

In terms of brands that offer the right mix of products and brand elements, POCO is a popular choice at the first spot followed by OPPO and OnePlus. Samsung and Apple are ranked fourth and fifth respectively.

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Last 2 Weeks for Xbox Owners to Play GTA 5

By

Oğuz Çakır

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Jan 3, 2024

GTA 5, just can’t seem to leave the spotlight. Recently, the game’s source codes were leaked online, and now, we’re faced with another piece of bad news. Unfortunately, some games, including Grand Theft Auto 5 and Persona 3 Portable, are being removed from the Xbox Games Pass library. Here are the details…

GTA 5 and Persona 3 Portable are leaving Xbox Game Pass soon

The Xbox Game Pass regularly introduces us with new games, but it also says goodbye to beloved ones. Unfortunately, the latest example of this is GTA 5. As you know, Xbox One series and Xbox Series S/X users have been enjoying this timeless classic since July 2023. However, in two weeks, console gamers will have to pay to play this game. The price of Grand Theft Auto V for Xbox varies by region and edition, ranging from $19.99 to $59.99.

GTA 5 Source Code Leak, Bully 2 Hints, Rockstar Hack

Unfortunately, GTA 5 isn’t the only game leaving the Xbox Game Pass. Persona 3 Portable is also no longer available on the service. While GTA V appealed to a more generic audience, Persona 3 Portable was beloved by RPG fans. Yet, there’s no need to worry. As seen in the past, GTA has been added to and taken off the Game Pass several times. Given its popularity and the excitement for GTA 6, it’s probable that it will return to the Game Pass soon.

Xbox Game Pass US Prices Table (January 3, 2024)

Tier	Monthly Price	Annual Price	Key Features
Game Pass Core	$9.99	$59.99	Access to over 250+ Game Pass games, online multiplayer in most games
Game Pass Console	$10.99	N/A	All features of Game Pass Core + play downloaded Game Pass games on your Xbox console
Game Pass PC	$9.99	N/A	All features of Game Pass Core + play downloaded Game Pass games on your PC
Game Pass Ultimate	$16.99	N/A	All features of Game Pass Core, Game Pass Console, and Game Pass PC + cloud gaming through Xbox Cloud Gaming

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UK’s Biggest Telecom Company Continues Using Huawei Equipment

By

Oğuz Çakır

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Jan 3, 2024

When we talk about Huawei, we often talk about its consumer electronics, such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops. But, the company is also one of the world’s largest telecommunication hardware manufacturers. Huawei produces communication infrastructure equipment for various countries, including China. However, the embargo limiting access to Google services also had an impact here. Several countries in North America and Europe prohibited the use of Huawei equipment in critical infrastructure, demanding their removal by a specific deadline. However, British Telecoms (BT Group) missed the deadline. Here are the details…

BT’s Huawei Kit Removal Delay Sparks Concern

BT Group or formerly known as British Telecom, is one of the largest telecommunications companies in the United Kingdom, with a market share of nearly 50%. However, the company is currently in trouble due to Huawei. Constructing a massive infrastructure, is not an easy task, especially when it involves billions of dollars’ worth of equipment. That’s why in 2020, the UK announced a deadline of December 31, 2023, for telecom companies in the country to remove Huawei kits. However, BT either couldn’t meet this deadline or intentionally chose not to do.

According to the latest reports from our colleague TechRadar, this isn’t actually a very important matter. Because the company claims that all Huawei’s 4G and 5G data equipment has been completely removed from the country, covering 99% of mobile data traffic. The remaining 1% handles 2G and 3G connections. The decision not to replace these components isn’t necessarily a defense of Huawei but primarily driven by commercial considerations.

In te UK, major mobile network companies are set to close their 3G networks by 2024-2025. Based on this, we can say that BT chose not to upgrade the infrastructure for these networks deliberately. The company might not have wanted to spend billions of dollars within just a few years on equipment that would become obsolete. Paying a penalty imposed by the UK is likely to be much cheaper instead. Unfortunately, whatever the reason Huawei will be completely erased from a market it once played a significant role in 1-2 years.

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Honor Magic 6 Pro purple color variant & live images surface ahead of launch

By

Sudhanshu

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Jan 3, 2024

Honor has officially announced the launch dates for its upcoming Honor Magic 6 series, scheduled for a two-day event in China from January 10th to January 11th. The series, comprising the Honor Magic 6, Honor Magic 6 Porsche Design, and Honor Magic 6 Pro, is currently open for pre-reservations in China.

In a lead-up to the official launch, the Digital Chat station shared real-life images of the Honor Magic 6 Pro on Weibo. The device will be available in Green and Purple color variants, showcasing a rear design with three camera sensors arranged in a triangular form, accompanied by an LED flash. On the right side, you’ll find the volume and power buttons. The front features a curved display and a pill-shaped cutout for the dual selfie cameras.

The previous teaser of the Magic 6 Pro confirmed that the device will come with a dual-LED flash, a microphone, and a camera capable of 100x zoom. Reports suggest that the device is powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, with MagicOS 8 for software. Notably, the smartphone supports 100W fast charging, as revealed on the 3C certification website.

Honor Magic 6 Pro poster — Honor Magic 6 Pro

On the front, the device will likely have a 12MP ultrawide selfie camera and time of flight (ToF) 3D camera that will help with accurate face unlocking. As we approach the official launch, more details about the specs are expected to surface in the coming days.

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Realme Book Series Discontinued And Delisted From Website In India

By

Viraj Gawde

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Jan 3, 2024

Realme entered the laptop segment way back in 2021 with the Realme Book Slim. The brand announced the Book Prime last year. Now, Realme has officially revealed that it has discontinued the Book Slim, the very first laptop introduced in the Indian market. Both devices are also delisted on the company’s official website.

Realme Book Slim discontinued in India

Hi Jhaba, we are sorry to inform you that the realme book has been discontinued, and it's been removed from our official website. Further, kindly share the realme watch name you are referring to so that we can assist you accordingly.
— realme India Support (@realmecareIN) December 25, 2023

Some days ago, a user enquired the brand on X (formerly Twitter) about purchasing the Realme Book and Realme Watch. To this, the brand responded by saying that the Realme Book has been discontinued. However, the exact model of the laptop was not stated. Both the Realme Book Slim and the Realme Book Prime have been taken down from the official website. Only the Book Prime is available for purchase from Amazon and Flipkart. We assume these could be till the limited stocks last.

Meanwhile, the Realme Book laptops are available for purchase from the brand’s official channel in China. It’s unclear whether Realme is steering away from the laptop segment in India or if the company will launch a new laptop in the near future.

To recall the core specifications, the Realme Book Slim and Prime both feature a 14-inch 2K display, dual stereo speakers, HD webcam, and a backlit keyboard. The laptops are equipped with up to 11th generation Intel Core i5 processor coupled with Iris Xe GPU. The Book Slim packs 8GB RAM and 512GB storage whereas the Book Prime maxes out 16GB + 512GB configuration. The Realme Book laptops support 65W fast charging.

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Motorola Razr 40 Ultra Peach Fuzz sale date announced for China

By

Sudarshan Ravichandran

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Jan 3, 2024

In early December, Motorola unveiled the Razr 40 Ultra in Pantone’s color of the year 2024 — Peach Fuzz. Soon after the announcement, the new variant of the phone was made available for purchase in several Western markets, including the US.

The new hue option for the device was also teased for other markets like India but it is yet to go on sale there. Amidst this, the company has revealed when this specific version of the product will hit the shelves in China.

The Motorola Razr 40 Ultra in Peach Fuzz is scheduled to go on sale in China starting January 11. However, the firm has not disclosed the price yet.

For comparison, the Viva Magenta variant (2023 Pantone color) of the handset currently retails at ¥5,399. Therefore, the newer hue option may cost about the same in the region.

As far as specs are concerned, there are no changes. The device is half a year old and its successor may take a few months to arrive.

The Razr 40 Ultra is a clamshell foldable smartphone flaunting a 6.9-inch 10-bit LTPO foldable display. The panel offers an FHD+ resolution, a 165Hz refresh rate, and a 1400 nits peak brightness level.

Its cover screen measures 3.6 inches and takes up almost half of the phone’s back. This 10-bit panel has a resolution of 1056 x 1066 pixels, a 144Hz refresh rate, and a 1100 nits peak brightness level.

Under the hood, the handset houses a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 chip paired with LPDDR5 RAM and UFS 3.1 storage. It also nests a 3,800mAh battery that supports 30W wired and 5W wireless charging standards.

The device sports a dual camera system comprising a 12MP primary sensor and a 13MP ultrawide unit. On the front, it has a 32MP snapper.

Other features include a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, dual stereo speakers, and NFC.

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Samsung’s groundbreaking Galaxy AI set to revolutionize the smartphone landscape in 2024

By

Joane

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Jan 3, 2024

Samsung Electronics is set to launch its highly anticipated flagship device, the Galaxy S24, on January 17 in San Jose, California, with emphasis on “Galaxy AI.” This announcement signifies a paradigm shift in the smartphone industry, as Samsung and other manufacturers redirect their focus towards integrating advanced AI capabilities into their devices, marking a departure from previous years where camera technology and flexible displays took the spotlight.

As per industry experts and Counterpoint Research, the year 2024 is poised to witness a significant surge in smartphones equipped with built-in generative AI. Samsung, a recognized leader in the industry, is anticipated to capture nearly 50% market share for the next two years, highlighting the company’s prowess in staying ahead of trends and consumer preferences. Joining forces with US chip maker Qualcomm, Samsung stands out as a frontrunner in the integration of AI into devices, a move that is set to redefine the smartphone landscape.

Galaxy AI, Samsung’s ambitious venture, aims to democratize AI’s potential by empowering users and enhancing everyday life. The comprehensive mobile AI experience offered by Galaxy combines on-device AI developed by Samsung with cloud-based AI through collaborations with industry leaders. This integration, coupled with Samsung’s robust security and privacy measures, ensures a transformative and secure mobile experience for users worldwide.

One standout feature of Galaxy AI is the AI Live Translate Call, set to debut on the latest Galaxy AI phones. Integrated into the native call feature, this innovation eliminates the need for third-party apps, providing real-time audio and text translations during calls. Notably, privacy is a priority, as on-device Galaxy AI ensures that private conversations remain confined to the user’s phone.

Wonjoon Choi, EVP and Head of R&D, Mobile eXperience Business, underscores the transformative potential of Galaxy AI in changing how people perceive and use their phones. Described as Samsung’s most comprehensive intelligence offering to date, Galaxy AI is poised to redefine the role of mobile technology by enabling meaningful connections, productivity, and creativity on a global scale.

As the smartphone industry pivots towards an AI-centric future, Samsung’s Galaxy AI stands out as a pioneer, promising breakthrough experiences that will revolutionize the way users interact with their devices in 2024 and beyond.

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POCO X6, X6 Pro, and M6 Pro 4G chipsets officially confirmed

By

Sean

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Jan 3, 2024

POCO recently announced that it will be launching the POCO X6 series and the POCO M6 Pro 4G models in India soon. The launch date of these devices were officially revealed, and now, it appears that the chipsets that power these devices have also been confirmed.

POCO X6 Series & POCO M6 Pro 4G Specs

To recall, the Chinese brand is set to unveil the three smartphones in globally in India on 11th January 2024. The announcement will include the POCO X6 5G, X6 Pro 5G, and M6 Pro 4G models. The launch date was revealed via a teaser image poster, and the same has also revealed the chipset details regarding the upcoming devices. Looking at the tweet, the company confirms that the POCO X6 Pro 5G model features the MediaTek Dimensity 8300 Ultra SoC.

For those unaware, this processor is said to be on par with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC, which is Qualcomm’s 2023 flagship processor. Based on what we know so far, the X6 Pro will feature up to 12GB of RAM and 512GB of internal storage as well. On the other hand, the POCO X6 5G will be equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 SoC. Similar to the Pro variant, it may also offer 12GB RAM and 512GB storage on the top end model.

Lastly, the POCO M6 Pro 4G is powered by the MediaTek Helio G99 SoC, which is also expected to be paired with up to 12GB of RAM and 512GB of internal storage. To recall, the brand has already released the 5G enabled M6 and M6 Pro models in the Indian market. So stick around for more, as we will be covering the launch event later this month.

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Asus ROG Strix 2024 gaming laptop with i9-13980HX + RTX 4060 up for pre-order in China for ($1,478)

By

Soumyakanti

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Jan 3, 2024

Asus has unveiled the ROG Strix 2024, a powerful gaming laptop, which is currently available for pre-order in China for 10,499 yuan ($1,478). The official launch of this laptop is scheduled for January 9th. Let’s check out the key specs of this laptop.

ROG Strix 2024 Specifications:

The laptop features a 16-inch 2.5K Starry Cloud display with a narrow bezel, offering a 240Hz high refresh rate, 500 nits of brightness, and a 100% DCI-P3 color gamut.

ROG Strix 2024 features an Intel 13th Gen Core i9-13980HX processor with a power consumption of 140W, capable of reaching 135W in single-core stress tests. It is paired with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 graphics card to enhance gaming and multitasking performance.

The laptop incorporates Glacier Cooling Architecture 3.0, featuring 3 anti-dust fans, 7 heat pipes, and 374 ice wing fins for effective cooling. It utilizes second-generation Violent Bear liquid metal for efficient heat dissipation, enabling a total power consumption of 195W. Additionally, the laptop is equipped with a 90Wh battery supporting 100W Type-C PD fast charging, capable of reaching a 50% charge in just 30 minutes.

Asus ROG Strix 2024 supports Dolby Vision, TÜV eye protection, and DC dimming for enhanced display quality and eye comfort. It is equipped with 16GB of DDR5 RAM and a 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD for memory and storage, with the option to expand to 64GB of RAM.

The gaming laptop offers versatile connectivity options, including 2 Type-C ports (one with DP1.4 and 100W fast charging, and one with Thunderbolt 4), 2 USB 3.2 Gen2 ports, a headphone jack, an HDMI 2.1 port, and an Ethernet port. It also boasts WiFi 6E and HDMI 2.1 support for fast and reliable network and display connections.

In terms of design, the laptop boasts a new triangular cut design with a U-shaped ghost light, offering a modern and trendy look. It also includes a full-size keyboard with customizable shortcut keys, enhancing the user’s gaming experience. The laptop is also optimized for competitive gaming and is a robust option for gamers looking for a high-performance, feature-rich laptop.

Asus will also unveil the next iteration of the Zephyrus G14 gaming laptop at CES 2024, featuring improved display and design.

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Sony Float Run earbuds teased to launch in India soon

By

Sean

-

Jan 3, 2024

Sony is preparing to release a new truly wireless earbuds in India. A brand new teaser has hinted that the hearables in question could be the Sony Float Run, which are earbuds that were designed for athletes. So here’s everything we know.

Sony Float Run India launch teased

In a recent tweet, the Japanese tech giant shared a short video trailer that teased an upcoming earbuds. While the post on X (formerly Twitter) did not specifically mention the Float Run, the earbuds seen in the video teaser have a design that appears to be the Float Run. For those unaware, the brand unveiled the Float Run back in January 2023. Now, it appears that the Indian release is arriving a year after its first announcement. The tags on the tweet like “Move Without Limits” are also in line with the sporty earbuds’ key selling point.

To recall, the Float Run featured a unique design that had the earbuds sit outside the ear canal. These were held in place thanks to an ear hook along with a flexible band. Thanks to this off-ear design, Sony aimed to deliver the most comfortable experience to athletes during exercise. Unfortunately, this unique design has its own drawbacks with the most noticeable one being the lack of ANC (Active Noise Cancellation).

This new year, your running experience is about to become a whole lot better.
Watch this space to know how! #MoveWithoutLimits #NewYear #StayTuned #ComingSoon pic.twitter.com/OSg0jScBDM
— Sony India (@sony_india) January 2, 2024

The Sony Float Run earbuds houses large 16mm audio drivers that promise to offer natural and wider sound. These weigh just 33 grams and are built to reduce any pressure during a workout session. Other notable features include IPX4 water resistance, SBC/AAC audio codes, Bluetooth 5.0, 10 hour battery life, and a USB Type C port for charging. The earbuds were announced for a price tag of 129.99 US Dollars, so we can expect a similar price range for the Indian launch.

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Samsung Galaxy A55 design renders & color options revealed ahead of launch

By

Sudhanshu

-

Jan 3, 2024

The launch of the Galaxy S24 series by Samsung is scheduled for January 17, with pre-reservations for the Galaxy S24 already underway in India. Following the Galaxy S series release, Samsung typically introduces its premium mid-range Galaxy A series smartphones shortly thereafter. The flagship A-series device for this year is anticipated to be the Galaxy A55.

Before its official release, detailed renders of the Galaxy A55 have been unveiled by Android headlines, showcasing the smartphone’s design and available color options. The device boasts a flat back with three protruding camera rings. While the sides remain mostly flat, there’s a notable design element where the power button and volume rocker are located – Samsung has opted for a raised and curved design in that specific region rather than keeping it entirely flat.

There were speculations that the frame of the Galaxy A55 could be made of metal this time, and from the looks of it, that is what we will be getting. Moving on, the front of the device is revealed to feature noticeable but even bezels (except for the bottom one). It also has a centered punch hole for the front camera. As for the color options, the Galaxy A55 will come with Awesome Iceblue, Awesome Lilac, and Awesome Navy color options.

Other than that, there isn’t much known about the Galaxy A55. A previous Geekbench listing has revealed that the device will feature an Exynos 1480 SoC which has four performance cores clocked at 2.75GHz and four efficiency cores at 2.05GHz. The phone has 8GB RAM, and will likely have up to 256GB storage. Other than that, we can expect it to debut with Android 14 onboard, and by the time it launches, One UI 6.1 will likely be out. More details are expected to arrive as we get closer to the launch, so stay tuned.

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OnePlus 9R and OnePlus 8T starts receiving OxygenOS 14 Update

By

Simranpal Singh

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Jan 3, 2024

Stable OxygenOS 14, based on Android 14, is finally rolling out to the OnePlus 9R and OnePlus 8T smartphones. Both phones are receiving the new update, which features some exciting new changes and feature additions. The update is currently live for the India variants of both smartphones. The closed beta and open beta users will first receive the stable update and then gradually roll it out to the normal users.

Stable OxygenOS 14 for OnePlus 8T and OnePlus 9R

The OnePlus 8T is receiving the firmware KB2001_14.0.0.200 (EX01), while the OnePlus 9R is receiving the firmware LE2101_14.0.0.300 (EX01). The update changelog remains the same for both phones, including the addition of new File Dock and Content Extraction features, which allow users to drag-and-drop files between apps, and recognize and extract text from the screen, respectively. Further, there are many improvements, which are listed below in the official changelog:

Smart efficiency

 • Adds File Dock, where you can drag and drop to transfer content between apps and devices.
 • Adds Content Extraction, a feature that can recognize and extract text and images from the screen with one tap.

Cross-device connectivity

 • Improves Shelf by adding more widget recommendations.

Security and privacy

 • Improves photo and video-related permission management for safer access by apps. 

Performance optimization

 • Improves system stability, the launch speed of apps, and the smoothness of animations.
 • Adds support for app-specific refresh rates to improve user experience.

Aquamorphic Design

 • Upgrades Aquamorphic Design with a natural, gentle, and clearer color style for a more comfortable color experience.
 • Adds Aquamorphic-themed ringtones and revamps the system notification sounds.
 • Improves system animations by making them even smoother.

User Care

 • Adds a carbon tracking AOD that visualizes the carbon emissions you avoid by walking instead of driving.

It will take a couple of days for the update to reach every user. However, users can manually check for the update by heading to Phone Settings > About > Software Update > Check for Update. OnePlus also advises users to keep at least 30% of their battery and 5GB of storage free before upgrading to OxygenOS 14.

Additionally, most of the OnePlus smartphones have already received the OxygenOS 14 update, including the OnePlus 11 Series, OnePlus 10 Pro, OnePlus 10R, OnePlus Nord 3, and OnePlus Pad. Plenty of changes are part of the new OS version, and you can learn more about them here.

If there are any issues or bugs, users can submit them using Google Dialer or via the OnePlus Community. Check the respective announcement threads for more details about the OnePlus 8T update, and the OnePlus 9R stable OxygenOS 14 update.

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Amazfit Balance Special Edition now on sale in China

By

Sudarshan Ravichandran

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Jan 3, 2024

In early December, Zepp Health unveiled a special edition of its Amazfit Balance smartwatch in collaboration with the non-profit organization One Tree Planted.

This version of the wearable arrives in four new colors inspired by nature. Also, its packaging is environment-friendly.

The device is now up for sale in China almost a month after its announcement for global markets.

Zepp Health has partnered with One Tree Planted for Amazfit Balance Special Edition

The Amazfit Balance Special Edition is priced at ¥1,899 (~$265) in China. It can be availed in four colors, such as Lagoon, Woodland, Meadow, or Deep Sea.

The packaging of this variant of the smartwatch is claimed to be developed with 100% environmentally friendly materials. It uses biodegradable electroplated aluminum (used in the hot stamping process) and biodegradable non-mineral ink.

For every unit purchased, Zepp Health will donate $2 in support of urban forestry projects in Europe organized by One Tree Planted. Thus, the retail box will include an eco-friendly sticker that commemorates the participation of buyers.

In terms of features, the product is the same as the regular version, which also retails at the same price. Globally, the wearable is priced at $229.99 and can be purchased at a cheaper price from certain retailers.

Unfortunately, in India, it is currently only sold in the regular version. It is priced at ₹24,999 and can be purchased from Flipkart.

The key features of the Amazfit Balance consists of a 1.5-inch circular AMOLED display with 1500 nits peak brightness level, Zepp OS 3.0 operating system, AI-powered fitness coach (Zepp Coach), Bluetooth calls, Alexa built-in, contactless payments (select markets), and up to 14-day battery life (typical mixed usage).

Apple faces market turbulence: $107 Billion wiped out as Barclays slashes rating on iPhone demand concerns

By

Joane

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Jan 3, 2024

Barclays Plc analysts have downgraded Apple Inc., sending shockwaves through the tech giant’s stock, which experienced its most substantial one-day percentage drop since September, falling by 3.6% on Tuesday. The downgrade was prompted by Barclays’ expectations of soft demand for Apple’s latest iPhone models, particularly the lackluster performance of the iPhone 15 and concerns regarding the upcoming iPhone 16.

The market cap impact was palpable, with Apple shedding over $107 billion in market value as its shares reached a seven-week low, trading at $187.24, down 2.75% from the opening price of $187.15. The total market cap now stands at $2.91 trillion. This decline is estimated to erase approximately $90 billion from Apple’s market cap, highlighting the profound implications of Barclays’ downgrade.

Barclays analysts, led by Tim Long, downgraded Apple to “underweight” and reduced the price target to $160, emphasizing concerns about a potential reversion after a year with missed quarters and the stock’s significant outperformance. Long expressed skepticism about the iPhone’s future, citing a lack of compelling features or upgrades for the upcoming iPhone 16.

The challenges for Apple extend beyond the downgrade, with doubts emerging about its ability to sustain gains amidst increased competition, particularly from Huawei Technologies Co., and a Chinese government crackdown on foreign-made devices. Apple’s services business, which constitutes nearly a quarter of its total revenue, is also under scrutiny, with Barclays warning of potential risks.

Apple’s stock performance in 2024 reflects the broader challenges, with a 3% drop and concerns about sustained demand. The broader market sentiment, impacted by Apple’s decline, resulted in a 0.56% drag on the S&P 500 index on Tuesday.

As Apple navigates these challenges, the tech giant faces questions about its growth trajectory, ability to innovate in a competitive market, and the resilience of its services business in the face of regulatory scrutiny. Investors will be closely watching Apple’s strategic moves and product developments in the coming months to assess the company’s response to these headwinds.

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Witness OnePlus 12 & 12R Unveiling at ‘Smooth Beyond Belief’ Event

By

Oğuz Çakır

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Jan 3, 2024

OnePlus is preparing to expand its product lineup in India. To kick off this expansion, the company will soon unveil the OnePlus 12 and OnePlus 12R at an event called ‘Smooth Beyond Belief’. Moreover, through the early bird ticket sale, you can also become a part of this and get a unique opportunity to be among the first to experience the highly anticipated OnePlus 12 and OnePlus 12R. Here are the details…

OnePlus 12 Series Premiere: ‘Smooth Beyond Belief’ Event Early Bird Tickets Live!

OnePlus has launched early bird ticket sales for the ‘Smooth Beyond Belief’ event at a price of INR 599. Attendees will be among the first to witness the launch of the OnePlus 12 and OnePlus 12R. Not only will they get a sneak peek at the cutting-edge technology of the OnePlus 12 Series, but they’ll also have the chance to engage with tech innovators, industry experts, and the OnePlus Community.

It’s worth noting that the OnePlus 12 has already been introduced at an event held in China. In fact, we at Gizmochina have reviewed the phone. You can watch the video below on this page. However, the OnePlus 12R is a new model, which seems to be a valid reason for its presence at the event. The event will occur at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi.

How to Buy

To buy tickets for the OnePlus ‘Smooth Beyond Belief’ launch event you can follow these steps:

Visit the official OnePlus website.
Look for the event details or the specific page related to the launch event.
Proceed to purchase tickets for the event by following the prompts on the website.
If you’re a part of the OnePlus Red Cable Club (RCC), ensure to log in while purchasing tickets on OnePlus.in to avail of a 50% discount.

Note: The early bird tickets might have limited availability, so it’s advisable to secure your spot as soon as possible if you’re interested in attending the event.

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OnePlus 12 microsite surfaces on Amazon ahead of launch in India

By

Sean

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Jan 3, 2024

The OnePlus 12 series is set to launch in India soon. But prior to the official announcement, the flagship OnePlus 12 model was spotted on Amazon. An official microsite on the popular e-commerce platform went live recently. So let’s have a look.

OnePlus 12 microsite goes live on Amazon India

For those unaware, the Chinese smartphone maker is gearing up to unveil the OnePlus 12 and OnePlus 12R model in India on 23rd January 2024. But the Amazon microsite for the OnePlus 12 is already live. Heading to the webpage, we can see the design of the smartphone being teased and also get confirmation on certain specs for the Indian variant. The high end device will reportedly be the same as the Chinese model and is equipped with Qualcomm’s latest and greatest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC.

This processor will be paired with at least 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage. The rear packs the 4th Gen Hasselblad camera module that consists of a 50-megapixel primary camera with OIS support, a 64-megapixel telephoto camera with OIS and 3x optical zoom, and a 48-megapixel ultra wide angle lens. Meanwhile, the front houses a 32-megapixel selfie shooter.

A massive 5,400mAh battery pack will power the OnePlus 12, which also supports 100W wired fast charging and 50W wireless fast charging. The front sports a tall 6.82-inch curved AMOLED display that offers 2K resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, and Dolby Vision support. Other notable features include Android 14 OS based ColorOS 14 custom skin out of the box, Dolby Atmos, stereo speakers, in-display fingerprint scanner, and NFC. The microsite also confirms the Amazon availability of the device in India.

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