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Toshiba aims to commercialize its wireless power supply system

Toshiba is breaking new ground in the realm of wireless power supply systems with the utilization of microwaves to transmit electricity over considerable distances. While conventional technologies often face challenges with interference from surrounding radio waves, Toshiba’s innovation claims to overcome these issues, offering precise control over power supply.

Toshiba’s wireless power supply system uses microwaves for remote energy transmission

The Japanese tech giant envisions commercializing this groundbreaking technology after 2025, opening doors to a future where sensors and cameras can be powered without relying on conventional batteries.

One notable aspect of Toshiba’s wireless power supply system lies in its ability to detect Wi-Fi signals, and sending a microwave beam in that direction. What sets Toshiba’s technology apart is its claim to be the sole system globally capable of seamlessly coexisting with both wireless LAN and power supply system radio waves. It mitigates the concerns related to radio interference that have plagued similar technologies.

To enhance versatility, Toshiba plans to optimize its equipment for efficient radio wave reception from any location. The miniaturized power supply system is designed for easy installation on ceilings, promising a streamlined integration process.

Toshiba’s official demo pictures reveal impressive capabilities of the microwave remote power supply system. It boasts the ability to deliver 100mW of power at a distance of 3m and still provides a notable 1mW at a distance of 10m. It goes to show the system’s future potential to offer practical power solutions for various applications, especially in industrial settings where reliable and wireless power is crucial for powering various devices.

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Realme C67 4G spotted on Geekbench with Snapdragon 685 SoC, 8GB RAM & more

Realme is all set to drop its latest smartphone, the Realme C67 5G, on December 14. But that’s not all – the company has a 4G variant in the works too, primed for an announcement in Indonesia. Recent buzz reveals the Realme C67 4G making a cameo on the Geekbench benchmarking site, leaking some key details.

Realme C67 Geekbench

According to the Geekbench listing, the Realme C67 4G, carrying the model number RMX3890, packs a punch with an octa-core processor clocking up to 2.80GHz and the latest Android 14 OS. The processor on board is more than likely the Snapdragon 685. The benchmark scores hit 475 in single-core performance and 1,475 in multi-core performance.

Realme C67 4G teaser 1-
Realme C67 4G teaser

Realme C67 4G specs (leaked):

Previously, we covered a report regarding the leaked specifications of the Realme C67 4G. A Facebook user spills the details before the official launch in Indonesia, while a teaser from Realme Indonesia hints at an imminent release. The smartphone is likely to debut in a striking green color, mirroring its 5G sibling, with a sleek flat edge design and a centered punch-hole notch for the front camera.

Under the hood, the Realme C67 4G is rumored to pack a Qualcomm Snapdragon 685 SoC, boasting an integrated Adreno 610 GPU. Two storage options will be available – 8GB + 128GB and 8GB + 256GB. Camera-wise, expect an 8MP selfie shooter, and for power, a hefty 5000mAh battery with 33W SuperVOOC fast charging support. The smartphone doesn’t skimp on security, featuring a side-mounted fingerprint scanner, and it’s got you covered against dust and water with an IP54 rating.

In related news, Realme has recently launched the GT 5 Pro smartphone in China with a starting price of 3,399 Yuan (~US$479). It has been quite a while since we have seen a flagship killer of this caliber. Other than the cutting-edge Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC, the device features a beautiful 1.5K 144Hz AMOLED display and a flagship-tier camera setup. You can know more about the device in our detailed review of the Realme GT 5 Pro.

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Infinix Smart 8 HD goes on sale in India, check price and special offers

Infinix finally unveiled the new Infinix Smart 8 HD last week following various leaks and teasers. Now, the first sale of the latest budget grade smartphone from the company has kicked off. So let’s have a look at its specs, pricing, and special offers.

Infinix Smart 8 HD Pricing and Special Offers

The Infinix Smart 8 HD was announced in a single storage configuration in region but it was released in multiple color options. This includes Crystal Green, Shiny Gold, Timber Black, and Galaxy White variants. It is currently on sale on Flipkart, a popular e-retailer in India, for a price tag of 6,299 INR (roughly 75 US Dollars).

However, the smartphone maker is also offering a 10 percent discount to Axis Bank, SBI Credit, and Bank of Baroda Debit card and Credit card holders. This brings down the effective price tag to just 5,669 INR (roughly 68 US Dollars). Notably, the brand is also selling the device with EMI options as well. You can even check out our hands-on with the device by clicking here.

Infinix Smart 8 HD
Infinix Smart 8 HD

Infinix Smart 8 HD Specs

The Infinix Smart 8 HD sports a 6.6-inch HD+ IPS LCD panel that has a 90Hz refresh rate, 180Hz touch sampling rate, an 8-megapixel selfie camera, and 500 nits of peak brightness. Meanwhile, the rear packs features a 13-megapixel dual camera setup. Interestingly, the display features what the company calls Magic Ring, which is clearly inspired by Apple’s Dynamic Island.

Under the hood, the Smart 8 HD is equipped with the UNISOC T606 SoC that is paired with 3GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage. This storage can be further expanded by another 2TB via a microSD card slot. The device is powered by a large 5,000mAh battery pack that is paired with the standard 10W charging. Other notable features include Android 13 GO OS based XOS 13 custom skin out of the box, side mounted fingerprint scanner, Bluetooth 5.0, and up to 3GB of virtual RAM expansion support.

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Samsung Galaxy S21 Receiving One UI 6 Update in South Korea

Most compatible Samsung Galaxy smartphones are already receiving the OneUI 6 update globally. The remaining ones will receive it very soon as the development progresses for each device. In continuation of the One UI 6 update for the Galaxy S21 Series, the company is seeding it for all South Korean users. The build versions G991NKSU4FWK7/ G991NOKR4FWK7/ G991NKOU4FWK6 and G998NKSU4FWK7/ G998NOKR4FWK7/ G998NKOU4FWK6 are rolling out to the respective smartphones.

The update for the Galaxy S21 is available in some European nations, including Switzerland, etc. The Indian variants are yet to see the latest update, which is expected soon. The update for the Galaxy S21 non-beta users weighs around 2.3GB, while the beta users are receiving only a 354MB build.

The update is already out, is rolling out in a phased manner, and may take some time to reach all devices. However, users can manually check for the update by heading to Settings > System Update > Download and Install

The Samsung Galaxy S21 is receiving its third consecutive major update, as the smartphone was launched with OneUI 3.1 on board. The phone will also get an Android 15 update next year, as per the official promise of four years of software updates.

There are massive new changes and performance improvements that will surely enhance the user experience. Below are some major changes for the Galaxy S21 as part of the OneUI 6.0 update.

  • Picture and video previews in the Share panel.
  • More sharing options.
  • Multitasking improvements through a pop-up window that can remain open after you leave the Recents screen.
  • A lock screen clock that can be positioned freely.
  • Simplified app icon labels for the home screen.
  • A new Weather widget, more information in the Weather app — including an interactive map view — and enhanced Weather illustrations.
  • A wide range of camera improvements, including a new widget, more alignment options for watermarks, quick access to resolution settings, easy-to-apply filters and effects, and more.
  • Improvements to Calendar, Reminder, and Samsung Internet.
  • Quick actions for apps in Finder search results.
  • Recommendations in the My Files app to help you free up storage.

Apart from OneUI 6.0, the Korean giant is also working on the OneUI 6.1 version, which is currently in development. Several new changes are set to overlap the enhanced features of its predecessor. OneUI 6.1 is mainly focused on bringing AI to most of its applications and enabling users to be more productive. It is expected to roll out for the Galaxy S23 first and later take place on other compatible smartphones.

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Phone (3) Incoming? Nothing schedules event for Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2024

The Mobile World Congress (MWC) is scheduled for February 26-29 next year. Although the event is a few months away, Nothing has already started sending invitations for their participation in the event.

Historically, Nothing has used MWC to build excitement around their phones before — Carl Pei showed off the Phone (1) in 2022, while Nothing announced a partnership with Qualcomm for Phone (2) in MWC 2023. So, it’s safe to say we can expect some exciting hints about their next device, possibly from the team itself or even Carl Pei directly.

Nothing invites for Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2024.

Now, the new invite poster says “save the date” for February 27, with the cryptic message “Nothing to see.” We think it is a clear hint about a new phone, but specifics are still under wraps.

We do know they’re working on a new smartphone based on certifications, Details are scarce, but rumors point to a new smartphone called the Nothing Phone (2a). It’s already passed some certifications, and it could launch in India under the model number AIN142. 

This phone is rumored to sport a 6.7-inch AMOLED screen with a centered punch-hole for selfies. A leaked image even reveals the familiar Glyph interface glowing on the back. Unfortunately, details about the device, including whether it’s Phone (3) or the rumored Phone (2a), are still under wraps.

Last year, Nothing started teasing the Phone (2) around this time. So far, it’s radio silence, but leaks often heat up as launch dates approach. We could be just days or weeks away from more details about this upcoming Nothing phone, whatever its name may be.

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Chinese Chip maker Changxin Memory Technologies (CXMT) makes strides in DRAM Technology amidst Global challenges

Changxin Memory Technologies (CXMT), China’s leading dynamic random access memory (DRAM) developer, unveiled a significant technological breakthrough at the 69th IEEE International Electron Devices Meeting (IEDM) in San Francisco. The company showcased its prowess in advanced gate-all-around (GAA) transistors, a critical component for cutting-edge 3-nanometer grade chips.

CXMT’s presentation highlighted its design capabilities for GAA transistors, signaling a noteworthy achievement in the competitive landscape of memory chip production. Industry analysts have commended the company’s progress, especially its understanding of next-generation memory chip production.

Notably, CXMT faces challenges with US export restrictions, yet the company demonstrated progress despite trade limitations. Emphasizing the importance of the free flow of ideas for industry innovation, CXMT denied any violation of US sanctions or export controls.

CXMT recently announced the production of China’s first lower-power Double Data Rate 5 (LPDDR5) DRAM chip, positioning itself as a formidable player closing the gap with industry giants like Samsung and SK Hynix. The ongoing US-China tech war, marked by export restrictions on key chip manufacturing equipment, has not deterred CXMT’s pursuit of advanced semiconductor technologies.

The company, founded in 2016, has a strategic focus on high-bandwidth memory (HBM) chips crucial for AI applications and is actively developing next-generation logic chips using GAA transistors. Amidst challenges, such as US-imposed export controls on semiconductor-related technologies, including Electronic Design Automation (EDA) software, CXMT’s progress indicates resilience in the face of adversity.

In financial developments, Bloomberg reported a delay in CXMT’s initial public offering (IPO) due to volatile market conditions. The company now plans to raise funds privately at a valuation of approximately 140 billion yuan ($19.5 billion). The funds will be utilized to expand production capacities, aligning with CXMT’s anticipation of a memory market revival in 2024.

However, CXMT’s success in developing advanced DRAM technology may attract increased scrutiny and potential tightening of sanctions by the United States. With CXMT having received significant financial support from the Chinese government’s investment fund, American officials may scrutinize the source of funding, potentially impacting the company’s activities. 

CXMT’s strategic focus on positioning itself for growth in the semiconductor industry reflects its determination to navigate global challenges and emerge as a key player in the evolving landscape of memory technology.

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Fire-Boltt Strike smartwatch launched in India with tall AMOLED display, Bluetooth Calling, & IP67 rating

Fire-Boltt has just unveiled a brand-new smartwatch model in the Indian market. The new wearable is the Fire-Boltt Strike, which features some notable specs and features like an alloy frame, AMOLED display, and more. So let’s have a look.

Fire-Boltt Strike Design and Specs

For those unaware, the Fire-Boltt Strike sports a tall 1.96-inch AMOLED display that has a 410 x 502 resolution and 500 nits of peak brightness. This panel is surrounded by a zinc alloy middle frame, which is paired with a strap that comes in various colors. It offers various health related sensors that offer heart rate monitoring, SpO2 blood oxygen tracking, sleep monitoring, sleep mapping, and menstrual cycle tracking. The new smartwatch houses a built-in microphone and speaker that enables it to offer Bluetooth Calling. These also work with the AI voice assistant feature as well.

Fire-Boltt Strike

On a single full charge, the company is promising a battery life of up to 8 days in the classic mode. Other notable features include a rotating crown, 123 sports mode support, Call History, Quick Dial pad, multiple watch faces, IP67 water and dust resistance, water reminder, 25 days of Standby mode, and various other smart features like smart notification, weather updates, and camera and music controls.

Fire-Boltt Strike Pricing, Color, and Availability

The Fire-Boltt Strike has just been released in the Indian market in multiple color options. This includes Black, Camo Black, Gold Black, Orange, and Came Green. It is available for purchase for a price tag of 1,799 INR (roughly 22 US Dollars) and is listed on Amazon India. Notably, the new budget smartwatch also arrives mere days after the brand unveiled the new Fire-Boltt Rise Luxe smartwatch, which also offers Bluetooth Calling.

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Ugreen Nexode 100W 20000mAh powerbank with 65W rapid self-recharge launched for $63.99

Ugreen has launched the Nexode 100W 20000mAh Portable Charger, a high-efficiency power bank, in both global and Chinese markets. This power bank is designed to meet the power requirements of modern tech users. Let’s delve into the specs of this product.

Ugreen Nexode 100W

Ugreen Nexode 100W Specifications:

The Nexode 100W stands out for its impressive charging capabilities. It offers a maximum fast charging power of 100W and can charge three devices simultaneously, thanks to its two USB-C ports (one providing up to 100W and the other up to 30W) and a 22.5W USB-A port. This configuration allows for rapid charging of various devices, such as a MacBook Pro 16″ to 42% in 30 minutes and an iPhone 15 to 60% in the same duration.

Ugreen Nexode 100W also boasts a 65W rapid recharge feature, allowing the power bank to fully recharge in just 2 hours, a considerably faster rate compared to conventional power banks. The Nexode 100W uses a 21700 battery cell, known for its durability with an 800-cycle lifespan, and is approved for airline travel.

Designed for convenience and portability, the powerbank is 20% lighter than similar models, easing the burden for users on the move. It also boasts a digital LED screen for easy monitoring of the battery level.

The power bank is versatile and compatible with a wide range of devices including MacBook Pro/Air, iPad Pro/Air, iPhone series, Galaxy S23 Ultra, Pixel 7 Pro, and various smaller devices like AirPods and smartwatches. It supports several charging protocols like PD3.0, PPS, QC3.0, AFC, FCP, and SCP, ensuring wide compatibility.

In terms of safety, the Nexode 100W features advanced temperature control technology and multiple safety protections, including overcharge, overcurrent, and short circuit protection.

It also includes a 240W USB-C to USB-C cable, enhancing its practicality for on-the-go charging. The charger is capable of delivering 5-7 days of battery life, charging an iPhone 15 Pro up to 4.5 times and a MacBook Air 15” about 1.1 times.

Pricing and Availability

This product is available on Amazon UK and Amazon.com for £79.99 and $79.99, respectively, with ongoing sale prices at £63.99 and $63.99. While in the Chinese market, it is available on JD.com for 299 Yuan ($42).

Earlier this month, Ugreen also launched a 160W Nexode Pro Gallium Nitride charger in China for 429 Yuan ($60).

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Honor CEO seemingly teases Porsche Design smartphone

Honor’s upcoming flagship smartphone lineup is officially called Magic 6. The brand had already revealed in October that the series will be powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset.

Over the past few months, we have been hearing about these devices from multiple sources. But still, we don’t have much info on them.

Amidst this, the company’s CEO teases a special variant of its premium phone. Let’s go through the details.

Honor CEO George Zhao Ming

Honor CEO Zhao Ming (aka George Zhao) recently shared a few pictures of him alongside a Porsche executive on Weibo. The description of his post reads ‘the future is promising.’

George seems to be hinting at a Porsche Design variant of the forthcoming Honor Magic 6 series. For the unaware, reliable tipster Digital Chat Station (DCS) revealed the existence of this model earlier this month.

This will be the first collaboration between Honor and Porsche Design. Previously, only Huawei used to release products with Porsche branding, which has been now replaced by the company’s own premium label — Ultimate Design.

As per DCS, there will be three primary handsets in the Magic 6 lineup and a special Porsche Design variant based on the top-end model. Their exact names are not known at the moment. But going by previous generations, these phones could be called Honor Magic 6, Honor Magic 6 Pro, and Honor Magic 6 Ultimate.

All of them are said to flaunt a quad-curved display with a dual punch hole (pill-shaped cutout) at the top center. The first two models are expected to feature a circular camera island as opposed to a rounded square camera module on the high-end model.

We are looking forward to learning more about these smartphones in the coming days.

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Sony PlayStation China Hero Project announced, supports local game developers

Sony recently announced the new PlayStation China Hero Project that is aimed at bolstering the video game development industry in the region. The project is helping in developing multiple titles already. So here’s everything you need to know.

Sony PlayStation China Hero Project

In a new trailer, the company showcased the China Hero Project and also unveiled the nine upcoming games that are being developed. These games are from local video game developers who are using the Unreal Engine, a popular game engine. As of right now, eight of these titles are still under development. With the new initiative, Sony is looking to aid local game developers in China by allowing them to leverage Sony’s global industry resources.

Sony PlayStation China Hero Project

The goal of the project is to allow Chinese devs to create quality games for the gaming audience. Looking at the list of upcoming games, these new titles appear to encompass various different genres. This includes third person hack and slash, horror shooters, action RPGs, 3D side scrolling games, and much more. As of right now, it is still unclear when these titles will be released in the market. One of these titles include “The God Slayer” which is an RPG title that has players explore a fantasy open world and defeat powerful foes to grow stronger.

Some of the other titles also bear some striking resemblance to popular existing games. One appears to be a destiny-like third person looter shooter, while another takes clear inspiration from Soulsborne games from the beloved FromSoftware studio. Most of these games are also derived from China’s rich history and mythology, so its interesting to see the different settings being explored in gaming. Unfortunately, it is unclear whether these games are slated for a global release or if they will remain exclusive to the Chinese region. Till then, you can check out Sony and Microsoft’s end-of-year recap for Xbox and PlayStation gamers.

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Huawei Nova 12 Ultra specs leak, to feature Kirin 9000 SoC

Huawei has a busy pipeline, with a bunch of new smartphones in the works. Among them are the flagship P70 series and the upcoming Nova 12 lineup, expected to launch in China this month. 

Rumors have been continuously swirling around the Nova 12 series, and a recent leak by prolific tipster Digital Chat Station sheds light on the key specifications of the top-of-the-line model, the Nova 12 Ultra.

Leak reveals Nova 12 Ultra specs

Per the informant, the Nova 12 Ultra will sport an OLED display with two small cutouts for the front-facing cameras. This dual-camera setup is rumored to include a powerful 60MP sensor, as well as a 2x zoom lens for capturing close-up shots.

Huawei Nova 12 Ultra leak
Huawei Nova 12 Ultra specs leak by DCS

Around the back, the phone is expected to flaunt a super-ceramic glass body and a 50MP main camera with a large 1/1.55-inch sensor and variable aperture support. Information on the accompanying camera sensors is still under wraps.

Likewise, the Nova 12 Ultra is said to be powered by the Kirin 9000 chipset, the same one found in Huawei’s recently launched Mate 60 flagship series. Interestingly, the leak also suggests two-way satellite communication support, which would allow the phone to stay connected in remote areas where cellular coverage is unavailable.

While the leaker remained tight-lipped about the battery size, rumors have it that it will support fast 100W charging. Details about the RAM, and storage configurations of the Nova 12 Ultra remain unclear at the moment.

The Nova 12 Ultra is expected to be the premium model in the Nova 12 series, which is rumored to include at least three other devices: the Nova 12 Lite, Nova 12, and Nova 12 Pro.

Huawei hasn’t officially confirmed the launch date for the Nova 12 series, but based on the latest leaks, we can expect to see them sometime this month.

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Insomniac Games hack leaks screenshots of upcoming Wolverine game

Sony‘s Insomniac Games has just been hacked by a ransomware group. The attack came from a group called Rhysida who managed to gain access to some sensitive information from the gaming studio and also leak screenshots of its upcoming Marvel title. So let’s have a look.

Marvel’s Wolverine screenshots leaked in Insomniac hack

Back in 2019, Sony acquired Insomniac Games studio to develop its first party exclusive titles for the PlayStation. The studio went on to release Marvel’s Spider-Man franchise, which was a major hit in the market. It was later revealed that Insomniac would also be working on a new superhero game from Marvel, which was Wolverine. A short trailer was released, but finer details were revealed. Now, the latest hack shared screenshots of gameplay of the upcoming Wolverine title.

Insomniac Games Hacked

Sony Interactive Entertainment has started an investigation into this hack, with CyberDaily (a cybersecurity news website) first reporting on the attack. According to an official Sony spokesperson, only the Insomniac Games studio appears to be affected by the attack and other Sony divisions weren’t targeted by the ransomware group. In a collage of screenshots shared on Rhysida’s website, private information of the studio was revealed. This includes emails between Insomniac staff, employment documents, Marvel’s Wolverine screenshots, and what appears to be passports or other government documents from Insomniac Games staff.

This attack even affected the Spider-Man 2 voice actor, Yuri Lowenthal. For those unaware, Rhysida is the same group which claimed responsibility for attacks on UK healthcare companies earlier this year. The hackers have also targeted firms in the education, manufacturing, information technology, and government sectors as well. This is all the information we have at the moment, so stick around for more as we will be providing updates if there’s any significant developments regarding this matter.

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OnePlus Pad gets Android 14 x OxygenOS 14 update in India, Here’s what’s new

Big news for OnePlus Pad users! OxygenOS 14 x Android 14 is making its official debut, bringing a host of exciting features and improvements. The rollout kicks off with users who’ve been rocking the Close Beta and Open Beta versions, before gradually spreading its wings to a wider audience.

OnePlus Pad

Folks in India are already in luck, as the update, labeled OPD2203_14.0.0.100(EX01), is on the move. For those wondering what’s in store, here’s the rundown on the key changes.

OnePlus Pad OxygenOS 14 update changelog:

Pantanal Service

  • Adds Aqua Dynamics, a way of interacting with morphing forms that allows you to view up-to-date information at a glance.

Smart Efficiency

  • Adds Smart Cutout, a feature that can separate multiple subjects in a photo from the background for copying or sharing.

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

  • Adds Aquamorphic-themed ringtones and revamps the system notification sounds.

For users in India, if patience isn’t your strong suit, you can jump the queue by applying for the update. Ensure your tablet is running version OPD2203_13.1.0.604(EX01), head to Settings > About device > tap up to date > tap the icon on the top right > beta program > follow the steps to apply > check for updates.

For users outside India, worry not – the update will hit your devices via OTA in batches.

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Realme GT 5 Pro Special Edition announced to commemorate brand’s 200 million units sale achievement

Last week, Realme unveiled its latest flagship smartphone in China — Realme GT 5 Pro. At the launch event, the brand revealed that it had sold over 200 million units of phones since its inception 5 years ago.

To commemorate this occasion, the company has announced a limited edition of its newest premium phone. However, it will not be sold to the public. But rather, the device will be given away to a random person.

Realme GT 5 Pro 200 Million Sals Commemorative Edition

The Realme GT 5 Pro Special Edition cannot be purchased

Realme’s Vice President Xu Qi Chase took to Weibo to announce the ‘Realme GT 5 Pro 200 Million Sals Commemorative Edition.’ He shared a couple of pictures showcasing the smartphone in his hand.

From the image, we can see that the handset comes in the regular ‘Red Rock’ color. The only difference is that it has the text ‘200M Special Edition’ written below the ‘realme’ logo on the vegan leather back of the device.

The executive doesn’t mention the memory configuration. But he says this is the only unit the company has produced and it will be not sold.

However, he will be giving it away to a lucky netizen on Weibo. In order to enter the giveaway, interested people have to simply repost the announcement post.

The Realme GT 5 Pro (review) is the best smartphone from the brand to date in terms of features. It is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset paired with LPDDR5x RAM and UFS 4.0 storage.

The handset flaunts a 6.78-inch 1.5K LTPO curved OLED display. This panel offers up to a 144Hz refresh rate, 2160Hz PWM dimming, 2160Hz touch sampling rate, and 4500 nits local peak brightness level.

The phone has a triple camera setup on the rear comprising a 50MP Sony LYT-808 primary sensor, a 50MP Sony IMX890 3x periscope telephoto shooter, and an 8MP Sony IMX355 ultrawide unit. On the front, it sports a 32MP selfie snapper.

Other features include an in-screen fingerprint sensor, dual stereo speakers, USB 3.2 port, hand gestures, AI model, 5,400mAh battery, 100W wired charging, and 50W wireless charging.

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Early iPhone 16 renders hint at all possible design changes

The latest iPhone 15s didn’t offer much in the way of a fresh look. They stuck with the familiar design of their predecessors. But things could shake up for the iPhone 16, with hints of a button and camera makeover in new renders.

MacRumors obtained a pre-production design for the iPhone 16, which they shared through renders while keeping their source anonymous. They shared three possible renders, each showcasing a different stage in development (so none might be the final phone).

iPhone 16 renders shows possible design changes

These renders hint at some interesting changes for iPhone 16: a vertical camera layout instead of the current diagonal one, and possibly different button placements. 

iPhone 16 render (back design). Image: MacRumors

Interestingly, the colors shown (yellow, pink, and midnight) are based on prototypes Apple is testing while MacRumors also mentions that other color options originally considered for the iPhone 15 were also tested for the 16 at some point.

The yellow model is apparently the earliest design for iPhone 16. It has a single volume rocker, an “Action” button, and a camera bump reminiscent of the iPhone X. The pink one has separate volume buttons, an Action button, and a camera bump like the iPhone 12

The midnight iPhone, on the other hand, features a larger Action button and a new “Capture” button. The source believes that the black variant is the most likely the final design for the iPhone 16.

iPhone 16 render (front design). Image: MacRumors

Something common across all the rendered models is the vertically stacked cameras. This change in camera layout will make the new iPhone recognizable as the latest model. While this setup seems confirmed, Macrumors suggests Apple is considering two different camera bump designs:

  • iPhone 12 style: Two camera lenses, one above the other, like the iPhone 12.
  • iPhone X style: A single, pill-shaped camera enclosure, like the iPhone X.

However, as seen in the above renders, current prototypes favor the iPhone 12 style. But remember, these are just early glimpses. The iPhone 16 launch is still nine months away, and any details could change before the official reveal.

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Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra will reportedly offer 2600 nit peak brightness

As the much-anticipated Samsung Galaxy S24 series draws near its expected January 17, 2024 unveiling, more details are emerging, particularly about the Galaxy S24 Ultra‘s display. A recent leak by tipster Ahmed Qwaider suggests that the Dynamic AMOLED 2x screen on the Galaxy S24 Ultra could boast an impressive peak screen brightness of 2600 nits. Its 100 nits higher than the previous rumors indicating 2500 nits peak brightness all models in the lineup—Galaxy S24, Galaxy S24+, and Galaxy S24 Ultra.

Galaxy S24 Ultra

Brighter than the iPhone 15 Pro Max (2000 nits) and Pixel 8 Pro (2400 nits)

If these leaks are accurate, the Galaxy S24 Ultra would surpass competitors like the iPhone 15 Pro (2000 nits) and the Google Pixel 8 Pro (2400 nits). However, it’s essential to note that the peak brightness does not ensure a higher perceivable brightness in every scenario. Usually the phone reaches the rated peak brightness in only certain scenarios like playing an HDR video in a well-lit environment. Additionally, factors like device temperature also influences the display brightness in a certain condition. Nonetheless, the phone is capable of outshining its competitors in certain scenarios – this is what we know so far.

Galaxy S24 Ultra 2600 nit brightness rumored

This upcoming Ultra flagship is expected to be Samsung’s first ‘AI Phone,’ integrating various Generative AI features. Among these features are AI-generated wallpapers, real-time voice call language translation, text summarization in Samsung Notes, and the capability to expand images by filling in non-existent content that matches the surroundings. The Galaxy S24 series is also rumored to support emergency texting via satellite connectivity.

Additionally, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is anticipated to showcase a 200-million-pixel main camera, a 12-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens, a 10-megapixel 10x telephoto lens, and a 50-megapixel 5x telephoto lens. Reportedly, Samsung is also improving the AI object recognition engine to improve its imaging capabilities in different lighting conditions.

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Redmi Note 13 series India launch date finally revealed

Xiaomi has been preparing to launch the highly anticipated Redmi Note 13 series in India soon. The release in the region had been teased recently, and now, the official launch date for the Note 13 lineup has been confirmed. So here are all the details.

Redmi Note 13 Series Arrives in January 2024

On X (formerly Twitter), the Chinese tech giant shared a new teaser image poster that confirmed the launch date of the Redmi Note 13 series. The Note 13, Note 13 Pro, and Note 13 Pro+ models are set to be unveiled in India on 4th January 2024. Earlier this month, we covered another teaser that hinted at the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G’s (Review) January launch timeframe.

Redmi Note 13 series India launch date

Ahead of the global release, the high end Pro models of the lineup were spotted on the TDRA certification platform. Similarly, the smartphones were even sighted on NBTC. While the Indian pricing for these devices is still at large, the Note 13 Pro series had their pricing leaked for the European market. To recall, the Note 13 Pro and Note 13 Pro+ were listed with 12GB of RAM and 512GB of internal storage in the region, carrying the price tag of 450 Euros and 500 Euros respectively.

For those unaware, the Note 13 Pro and 13 Pro+ sports a tall 6.67-inch AMOLED display that offers 120Hz refresh rate, 1800 nits of peak brightness, 2160Hz touch sampling rate, and 1920 PWM dimming. The top end Pro+ model also offers curved screens. Under the hood, the 13 Pro is equipped with the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 SoC while the 13 Pro+ variant will feature the MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Ultra SoC. A large 5,000mAh and 5,100mAh battery pack powers the devices, respectively. Other notable features include a 200-megapixel triple camera setup and Android 13 OS based MIUI 14 custom skin out of the box.

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PlayStation & Xbox end-of-year recap is live for gamers

As the curtain falls on 2023, gamers can now take a lighthearted stroll down memory lane with the end-of-year wrap-up tools from PlayStation and Xbox. It’s like Spotify Wrapped, but for your gaming life – a recap of your digital adventures.

PlayStation 2023 Wrap Up
PlayStation 2023 Wrap Up

For the PlayStation enthusiasts, the Wrap-Up, accessible until January 12, 2024, lays out your gaming dossier, showcasing the number of games conquered, the total console hours clocked, and the champions that dominated your screen. Adding a dash of style, PlayStation transforms your gaming highlights into digital cards, ready to be flaunted on social media.

As an extra perk, players stand a chance to snag a unique avatar and a digital collectible – a Spider-Bot straight from Marvel’s Spider-Man universe.

Meanwhile, over in the Xbox realm, the Year In Review, freshly detailed in a post on Xbox Wire, invites console owners to unpack their gaming stats. From basking in your major triumphs to revealing your most-played game, it’s your stats, your story. Much like its gaming counterpart, Xbox has been dishing out Year In Review summaries for a while now, giving the community a chance to reminisce about their gaming exploits and, of course, bragging rights. To check out your stats, Xbox and PlayStation users can click on these links.

In related news, the world of PC gaming is buzzing with excitement as Epic Games Store prepares for its holiday season giveaway. Set to kick off on December 16, Epic Games Store will be giving one game every day till December 29. Last year, the list included popular titles like Metro Last Light Redux, Wolfenstein: The New Order, Dishonored – Definitive Edition, and more. This year, there are rumors that Epic could give us Red Dead Redemption 2 for free.

But that’s not all. Valve has also announced that the Steam Winter Sale will kick off on December 21. Along with that, the PC gaming giant has also announced the detailed schedule of its upcoming sales till the 2024 Steam Summer Sale.

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Moment Launches 75mm Macro Mobile Lens Designed for Wider Apertures

Moment unveiled the T Series, a whole new lens system designed for the Apple iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro, in September. Since then, another lens has been added to enhance the system. With the lens, the iPhone 15’s primary camera’s 35mm equivalent focal length is increased to 75 millimeters, restricting focus to objects that are between 7 and 10 cm away.

Moment claims to have chromatic aberrations of less than one pixel and distortion of less than 1%. It is claimed that the 115 grams lens produces crisp pictures all the way to the corners of the frame.

It is meant to provide customers with an angle of view that is somewhat broader and a much larger working distance to the subject than the Moment Macro 10x Lens, while still providing the same depth of field.

Officially, the lens works with the Samsung Galaxy S22, Apple iPhone 13, Google Pixel 7, and all other more recent models in the same series of smartphones—as long as the case is used in conjunction with the lens.

The macro lens may be used with ordinary 67-millimeter filters with the optional adaptor. Other smartphones may be used with the lens by using a universal adapter.

Moment 75mm Macro Lens Shots

Price and Availability

The Moment 75 mm Macro Mobile Lens may be purchased online from the manufacturer retailing for US $119. Two options are available for connecting the lens to the smartphone: the $25.99 universal adapter that works with other devices or the iPhone 15 adapter.

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Samsung Galaxy S21 FE Snapdragon 888 variant gets Android 14 x One UI 6 update

After pushing the One UI 6.1 x Android 14 update to the Galaxy S21 FE, Samsung has now started seeding the update to the Snapdragon 888 version of the Galaxy S21 FE. For those unaware, in July 2023, Samsung refreshed the Galaxy S21 FE with the Snapdragon 888 processor, after launching the original S21 FE back in January 2022.

Samsung Galaxy S21 FE

Users can easily identify the update by checking for the firmware version G990B2XXU5FWK3/G990B2ODM5FWK3/G990B2XXU5FWK3. However, it’s worth noting that this update comes with a substantial 2GB download size.

Samsung

In addition to upgrading the operating system to Android 14, the update also ups the security to the Android security patch November 2023 level. While the official update changelog from the brand is yet to be released through official channels, users will have the opportunity to review new features before proceeding with the update. Although specific details are not provided, here’s a glimpse of the general features announced by the brand for One UI 6.0.

One UI 6.0 update changelog:

  • New emoji design.
  • Picture and video previews in the Share panel.
  • More sharing options.
  • Multitasking improvements through a pop-up window that can remain open after you leave the Recents screen.
  • A lock screen clock that can be positioned freely.
  • Simplified app icon labels for the home screen.
  • A new Weather widget, more information in the Weather app — including an interactive map view — and enhanced Weather illustrations.
  • A wide range of camera improvements, including a new widget, more alignment options for watermarks, quick access to resolution settings, easy-to-apply filters and effects, and more.
  • Improvements to Calendar, Reminder, and Samsung Internet.
  • Quick actions for apps in Finder search results.
  • Recommendations in the My Files app to help you free up storage.
  • Smarter Airplane mode.
  • Auto Blocker, which is an extra layer of protection preventing unknown apps from installing, checking malware, and blocking malicious commands from being sent via a USB connection.
  • Customizable Bixby text call greetings and the option to switch to Bixby text call at any time, even during a call.
  • More accessibility features, including new magnification options and custom cursor thickness options.

Users of the smartphone can check for the Android 14 OS update by heading to Settings > Software Update > Check for updates > Download and Install if it’s available. 

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