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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.

RELATED:

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.

RELATED:

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.

RELATED:

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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(Source)

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.

RELATED:

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.

RELATED:

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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(Source)

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. 

RELATED:

Leak confirms satellite connectivity feature for Galaxy S24 series

Leaks and rumors about the Galaxy S24 series having satellite connectivity have been swirling for some time. Looks like now we have a clearer picture. A recent leak, discovered by SamMobile, confirms this feature will indeed be present in the upcoming flagship phones.

Galaxy S24 leak confirms satellite connectivity

The leak includes a screenshot, presumably from a Galaxy S24 model, showing a feature called “Emergency texts via satellite” alongside its function. According to Samsung, “If you call emergency services when you’re out of range or not connected to a mobile network, we will connect you via a satellite network so you can send an emergency text.”

Galaxy S24 to feature satellite connectivity

Once connected, you should be able to send text messages with precise GPS location. This is precisely how satellite connectivity works in other phones like iPhones. The feature is expected to be available across the entire Galaxy S24 lineup, regardless of the processor (Exynos or Snapdragon) powering each model.

Earlier this year, Samsung also unveiled a 5G modem technology that allows direct communication between phones and satellites. This means calls, texts, and data can flow even when cell towers are nowhere to be found.

While Samsung may introduce satellite connectivity with the S24, it might not be available everywhere initially. Similar to iPhones, it could be limited to specific countries at first, with expansion plans later. Currently, the satellite connectivity feature for iPhones is only available in 17 countries. 

Samsung-Galaxy-S24-and-Galaxy-S24-Plus-Specifications-Colors-Images

Beyond satellite talk, the Galaxy S24 series leaks also hint at an AI push. Leak suggests the top-of-the-line S24 Ultra might be marketed as the “Generative AI phone” and Samsung has even filed trademarks for “AI Phone” and “AI Smartphone.”

Samsung is expected to officially unveil the Galaxy S24 lineup on January 17 next year. We’ll keep you updated on all the details here.

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(Via)

Vivo S18, S18 Pro, S18e chipsets revealed before official announcement

Vivo is all set to announce the Vivo S18 and S18 Pro smartphones on Dec. 27 in China. Before the launch, the company released official posters to confirm the chipsets that will power the Vivo S18 and S18 Pro. In addition, a leaker has revealed the name of the chipset that will power the S18e. Here is a look at all the new details about the S18 series.

Vivo S18 series’ chipset revealed

As seen in the above posters, the Vivo S18 will have the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 chipset. It is the same chip that powers its competitor, the Honor 100.

On the other hand, the Vivo S18 Pro will arrive with the Dimensity 9200 Plus chipset. The same chip has powered the likes of the Xiaomi 13T Pro, the Redmi K60 Ultra, the Vivo X90s, and the iQOO Neo 8 Pro in the past. As per reports, the S18 and S18 Pro will be arriving in options, such as 12 GB RAM + 256 GB storage, 12 GB RAM + 512 GB storage, and 16 GB RAM + 512 GB storage.

As per a Chinese leaker, the Vivo S18e will feature the Dimensity 7200, which has also been seen on other phones, such as the Vivo S17e, the Vivo V27, the Vivo T2 Pro 5G, the iQOO Z7 Pro, and the Redmi Note 13 Pro+.

The tipster further revealed that the Vivo S18e has a flat display, but he did not mention its size. As per reports, the Vivo S18 and S18 Pro will have a 6.78-inch curved-edge OLED panel that offers a 1.5K resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, and 2,800 nits of peak brightness. The S18e will have a 4,800mAh battery and a 50-megapixel + 2-megapixel dual-camera system.

On the other hand, the S18 and S18 Pro will have a 5,00mAh battery with 80W charging. The S18 will have a 50-megapixel + 8-megapixel dual-camera system, whereas the Pro edition will have a 50-megapixel + 50-megapixel + 12-megapixel triple camera system.

RELATED:

OnePlus 12 repair spare parts prices announced: screen at 1650 Yuan, motherboard starting from 2050 Yuan

The recently launched OnePlus 12 smartphone, priced at a starting point of 4299 yuan (~$600), has revealed the cost of repairing spare parts on the official OPPO website.

OnePlus 12

The prices are as follows

  • Screen: 1650 yuan ($232)
  • Motherboard (24G+1T): 3250 yuan ($457)
  • Motherboard (16G+1T): 2850 yuan ($400)
  • Motherboard (16G+512G): 2450 yuan ($344)
  • Motherboard (12G+256G): 2050 yuan ($288)
  • Battery cover assembly: 390 yuan ($55)
  • Front camera: 160 yuan ($23)
  • Rear main camera 50M (Sony Light Yu LYT-808): 590 yuan ($83)
  • Ultrawide camera (48M): 190 yuan ($27)
  • Rear super light and shadow periscope telephoto camera (64M): 320 yuan ($45)
  • Battery: 199 yuan ($28)
  • Speaker: 50 yuan ($7)
  • Receiver: 50 yuan ($7)
  • Motor: 50 yuan ($7)
  • Power adapter (11V 9.1A): 219 yuan ($31)
  • Data cable: 49 yuan ($7)

It’s important to note that the US pricing is based on the current conversion rates and may see a slight variation with time. Additionally, out-of-warranty maintenance fee is calculated as the cost of the maintenance spare parts plus a labor cost of 50 yuan. Additionally, on the 16th-18th of each month, designated as OPPO member day, members enjoy free labor fees for on-site repair.

The OnePlus 12 boasts impressive specifications, featuring the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, the world’s first “Oriental Screen” with a peak brightness of 4500nit, the flagship Sony LYT-808 sensor, and a robust 5400mAh battery. The device supports 100W Super Flash Charging and 50W Wireless Flash Charging. The pricing for different configurations is as follows:

  • 12GB + 256GB: 4299 yuan ($605)
  • 16GB + 512GB: 4799 yuan ($675)
  • 16GB + 1TB: 5299 yuan ($745)
  • 24GB + 1TB: 5799 yuan ($815)

For more detailed specifications, check out our OnePlus 12 launch article.

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Valve Steam Sales schedule for 2024 announced, Winter sale kicks off December 21

Valve, the digital PC gaming giant, has just dropped a bombshell for gamers worldwide with its announcement of a comprehensive lineup of Steam Sales extending from the frosty Winter of 2023 to the scorching Summer of 2024. In a recent blog post, Valve outlined a whopping 14 discount extravaganzas, spanning various genres and themes.

Kicking off the gaming fiesta is the Steam Winter Sale, slated to run from December 21, 2023, to January 4, 2024. Brace yourselves for a rollercoaster ride through festivals like the Capitalism and Economy Fest, Pirates vs. Ninjas Fest, and the intriguing Dinos vs. Robots Fest, among others.

Upcoming Steam Sale events:

  • Steam Winter Sale (December 21, 2023)
  • Capitalism and Economy Fest (January 8th, 2024)
  • Pirates vs. Ninjas Fest (January 22nd)
  • Next Fest (February 5)
  • Remote Play Together (February 12)
  • Dinos vs. Robots Fest (February 26th)
  • Steam Spring Sale (March 14)
  • Deckbuilder’s Fest (March 25)
  • FFS Fest (April 15)
  • Farming Fest (April 29)
  • Endless Replayability Fest (May 13th)
  • Open World Survival Crafting Fest (May 27)
  • Next Fest (June 10)
  • Steam Summer Sale (June 27, 2024)

Valve has strategically spaced out these sales, offering a variety of themes from business simulations to open-world survival crafting. The seasonal sales, such as the Steam Spring Sale and the concluding Steam Summer Sale, promise an extensive selection of discounted games across various genres.

Steam Deck OLED

Out of all these events, one that stands out is Valve’s Next Fest, occurring multiple times a year, which goes beyond traditional discounts. It provides gamers with the opportunity to explore free demos and engage with live streams hosted by developers. It serves as a preview event for upcoming game releases, enhancing the overall gaming experience for the community.

In related news, EPIC Games Store is all set to do another massive holiday season giveaway, which is scheduled to kick off later this week. Last year, the giveaway featured some bangers like Wolfenstein: The New Order, Metro: Last Light Redux, a couple of Bethesda classics, and more. This year, there are rumors of a Red Dead Redemption 2 giveaway.

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(Source)

Galaxy S24 Ultra camera leaks: 200MP sensor and 5x optical zoom for 8K videos

Rumors about the Galaxy S24 Ultra are coming in thick and fast, with most of its design and features already revealed. Now, a new leak sheds light on its camera capabilities, hinting at some exciting upgrades.

Galaxy S24 Ultra camera leaks

The S24 Ultra is expected to keep the familiar four-camera layout. Leaker Ahmed Qwaider claims the main sensor will be a 200MP, joined by a 12MP ultrawide and two telephoto lenses: a 10MP and a 50MP. 

And if Qwaider is right, the rear cameras will be able to shoot smooth 8K video with 5x optical zoom to keep things steady. Currently, the S23 Ultra’s 8K recording relies solely on digital zoom, which results in pixelated close-ups.

Qwaider also hints at portrait mode with 5x zoom, alongside improved stabilization both in bright and dark environments. Interestingly, both front and rear cameras are rumored to benefit from an AI-powered “object-aware engine,” although its exact function remains unclear.

In another leak, Qwaider claims that Samsung is reportedly partnering with Meta (Facebook and Instagram) to boost image and video quality when sharing through their platforms. 

Galaxy S24 Ultra camera leaks
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra design, color options.

This means you should directly be able to post HDR images and videos on Facebook and Instagram. A previous report also suggests that the Galaxy S24 can post images to Instagram and Snapchat directly from the lock screen shortcut.

Besides this, the S24 Ultra is almost confirmed to be powered by Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip. The phone will also bring a titanium body that should improve its toughness and rigidity. 

The device will be built around a 6.8-inch QHD+ LTPO (1-120Hz) AMOLED display. And, it will be available in Titanium Black, Titanium Gray, Titanium Violet, and Titanium Yellow color options.

While the official launch is still under wraps, these leaks paint a promising picture for the S24 Ultra. 

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Oppo Find X7 Ultra, X7 Pro, X7 chipset, battery sizes revealed

Oppo is expected to unveil the Oppo Find X7 series of smartphones by the end of January in China. So far, reports have claimed that the series will have two models, such as the Find X7 and Find X7 Pro. However, a newer report reveals that the lineup will also have a more powerful third model called the Find X7 Ultra. Here is a look at what’s known about the Ultra variant.

Find X7 Ultra, Find X7 Pro, Find X7: What to expect?

Yesterday, tipster Digital Chat Station released a Weibo post in which he mentioned the names of three devices, such as the Find X7, the Find X7 Pro, and the Find X7 Ultra. Reports have claimed that the Find X7 will have the Dimensity 9300 chipset, whereas the Find X7 Pro will be equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC. Today, the tipster also shared some information on the X7 Ultra’s chipset and the battery capacities of each of the X7 series models.

It can be said based on the latest leak by DCS that the Find X7 will feature the D9300 chip and a 5,000mAh battery. The Pro model will have the SD8G3 chip and a 4,860mAh battery.

The Find X7 Ultra appears to be an advanced version of the Pro model, as it is tipped to feature the SD8G3 chip and a 5,000mAh battery. The tipster did not mention anything else about the Ultra variant.

It appears that the model that was believed to feature the dual periscope cameras may carry the Ultra branding instead of the Pro. Hence, it is likely that the Find X7 Ultra’s camera module may feature a one-inch LYT-900 50-megapixel main camera, a 50-megapixel ultra-wide lens, an IMX890 50-megapixel periscope telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom, and an IMX858 50-megapixel periscope zoom unit with 6x optical zoom. However, readers are advised to wait for newer reports to learn about the differences between the Find X7 Pro and X7 Ultra models.

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Wear OS 3 update announced for Mobvoi TicWatches

Back in Summer 2021, Mobvoi revaled that Wear OS 2 would be replaced by Wear OS 3 for its smartwatches based on the Snapdragon Wear 4100. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen; it also missed the next, modified release window that was supposed to occur in Q3 of 2023.

Following months of speculation and excitement, the company has finally announced the upcoming release of the Wear OS 3 upgrade, which they hope will improve the TicWatch experience for their valued customers. The TicWatch Pro 3 Ultra GPS, TicWatch Pro 3 Ultra, TicWatch Pro 3 GPS, TicWatch Pro 3 LTE, and TicWatch E3 are among the prior TicWatch models to receive this upgrade from the firm.

Wear OS 3 update rolling out for Mobvoi TicWatches
Wear OS 3 update rolling out for Mobvoi TicWatches

Users must make sure that the build number on their current watch corresponds to one of the following in order to update to Wear OS 3:

  • PMRB.220703.001
  • PMKB.211102.004
  • PMKB.211102.002
  • PMRL.220704.001

Note: Before upgrading, make sure your phone can run the Mobvoi Health app on Android. Install the app from Google Play; if you get alerts about incompatibility, your phone probably doesn’t support it.

For Android users, choose an Android phone with the Google Play Store and Google Play services (GMS) pre-installed that is running AndroidT 8.0 and higher (not Go edition or phones without the original Google Play Store) to update to Wear OS 3.

For iOS users, install the Health Copilot app on your iPhone by going to the App Store. Must take notice that iPhones running iOS 16 and later can use the Health Copilot app. Next, connect the freshly downloaded Health Copilot app to your iPhone and link it with your upgraded watch.

As of right now, there aren’t any further details regarding the update. However, according to the company, Wear OS 3 could not roll out to all compatible smartwatches until the first quarter of 2024.

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Weibo user finds dead bug under brand new OnePlus 12 phone chassis

A Weibo user has reported finding a dead bug under the chassis of a new OnePlus 12 smartphone. OnePlus has acknowledged the issue and says it is working with the individual to resolve the issue. This is the first incident of such nature but the discovery of a foreign element inside the OnePlus 12 smartphone seems to be yet another dent in the much-hyped model.

OnePlus 12

The OnePlus 12 was passed as a premium offering with powerful hardware. It was also offered with an affordable price tag and many innovations from the previous OnePlus models. The inner parts of the OnePlus 12 indicate some shoddy construction and panel gaps.

Is the merger of OnePlus’ & OPPO’s R&D team responsible for the slump in quality of the flagship OnePlus 12?

The Weibo post included a photo of the unit with the dead insect sandwiched within the chassis. The panel gaps were also visible in the photo and even hair particles were present. Some of the glue holding the glass to the frame was seen in a poor state. It is unclear whether the issues highlighted in the post were one-off or widespread. It however puts in doubt the flagship credentials of the OnePlus 12.

OnePlus 12

The Weibo issue has made several other OnePlus 12 users air their views on the smartphone. One of the major issues highlighted by users is the green line on the device. The management of the incident has the potential to affect the positive vibes expected from the launch in China. The global launch of the OnePlus 12 is slated for January 23, 2024.

OnePlus 12

To summarize, the OnePlus 12 smartphone was announced in China a week ago. It features a 6.8-inch 120Hz LTPO OLED panel and up to 24GB of RAM. There are three rear cameras in the smartphone including a 64MP module. It had been unveiled after weeks of speculations and was primed as a strong challenger of flagship offerings like Xiaomi 14 and the Galaxy S24 Ultra.

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