Apple shuts down Beeper Mini app for Android, citing security concerns

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Dec 10, 2023

Apple has taken swift action to shut down the Beeper Mini app — a service that allowed Android users to access and send iMessage. This happened just a few days after Beeper launched the app on December 5th.

Beeper Mini: Apple Shuts Down App Bringing iMessage to Android

Beeper’s original app, now known as Beeper Cloud, worked by routing iMessage messages through a remote Mac computer. However, Beeper Mini took a different approach by connecting directly to Apple’s servers, bypassing Beeper’s own servers altogether.

Apple shuts down Beeper Mini Android app

This process even eliminated the need for Apple ID logins in the app, offering a seamless iMessage experience for Android users. Unsurprisingly, Apple wasn’t thrilled. Citing potential security risks like metadata exposure and spam, they shut down Beeper Mini.

Apple confirmed the shutdown in a statement saying, “At Apple, we build our products and services with industry-leading privacy and security technologies designed to give users control of their data and keep personal information safe. We took steps to protect our users by blocking techniques that exploit fake credentials in order to gain access to iMessage. These techniques posed significant risks to user security and privacy, including the potential for metadata exposure and enabling unwanted messages, spam, and phishing attacks. We will continue to make updates in the future to protect our users.”

Beeper, on the other hand, maintains that Beeper Mini is secure and offers better privacy than unencrypted SMS. The company has even offered to share its entire source code with a third party for independent security evaluation.

While Beeper Cloud remains operational, Beeper Mini is currently down. Beeper has deregistered all Android phone numbers on behalf of its users and has extended the free trial period by another week to compensate for the downtime.

Apple has also announced plans to introduce further security measures in the upcoming iOS 17.2 update, including iMessage Contact Key Verification.

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OnePlus Community Sale: OnePlus 10 Pro, tablets & audio products at heavy discounts in India

By

Sudhanshu

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Dec 10, 2023

The OnePlus Community Sale is now live in India with discounts on accessories and tablets. The sale will be live till December 17 and is especially sweet for ICICI Bank and OneCard users. Here are the details.

Starting with the most attractive offers, the OnePlus Pad is currently going for a starting price of Rs. 35,499, down from its usual Rs 37,499. ICICI Bank card and OneCard users get an additional discount of Rs 5,000, bringing its price down to Rs. 30,499. A similar discount is available for the 12GB RAM + 256GB storage variant as well, bringing its price down to as low as Rs 32,499.

The OnePlus Buds Pro 2, which sells for Rs 11,999 can be purchased for as low as Rs 7,999 with an ICIC Bank card or OneCard. The Buds Z2 are going for as low as Rs 3,499. The OnePlus Nord Buds 2 Series and the Bullet Wireless Series can be bought for as low as Rs 1,599 and Rs 1,349 respectively.

Finally, the OnePlus 10 Pro 5G is also selling for a massive discount. The phone has a Rs 17,000 coupon, with an additional Rs 5000 off with OneCard and ICICI Bank card. The device regularly sells for Rs 66,999. With these discounts, it can be bought for as low as Rs 44,999.

At this discounted price, you’ll enjoy the powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor, along with a robust 5000 mAh battery and rapid 80W fast charging. While the camera system may not boast the latest sensors, it does include an OIS-enabled 48MP IMX 789 sensor with Hasselblad tuning, an Ultra-wide angle camera, and an 8MP telephoto lens. The device has already received the OxygenOS 14 x Android 14 update, with expectations for one more major Android update in the future.

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Have a Look at the Upcoming Renault 5 E-Tech, Launching in 2024

By

Anubhav

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Dec 9, 2023

Renault is looking to revive a classic with a modern twist in the upcoming 2024 Renault 5 E-Tech. This electric vehicle (EV) is not just a nod to the past but a leap into the future of urban mobility. As a replacement for the Zoe, the new Renault 5 E-Tech marries retro charm with contemporary technology, signaling a significant shift in Renault’s approach to electric vehicles.

The car is expected to be priced around $27,000 at launch

One of the standout features of the Renault 5 E-Tech is its design, which seamlessly integrates elements of the iconic original with modern EV aesthetics. The car sports a unique charge indicator light on the hood, dual charging ports, and a design that echoes the concept car while introducing practical changes like larger side mirrors and traditional door handles.

Beneath its nostalgic exterior lies a technological powerhouse. Unlike many EVs that ride on dedicated electric platforms, the Renault 5 E-Tech will utilize the Clio’s underpinnings, borrowing a significant portion of its hardware. This move not only keeps production costs in check but also ensures that the vehicle benefits from tried and tested engineering. Furthermore, the inclusion of a multi-link rear suspension is a rarity in this segment, promising sharper handling and a more engaging driving experience.

Range and affordability are key selling points for the Renault 5 E-Tech. With a 52.0-kilowatt-hour battery offering up to 249 miles (400 kilometers) of range, it meets the daily needs of most urban drivers. A more affordable version with a 40.0-kWh battery will follow, broadening its appeal. These batteries boast a higher energy density than those in the Zoe, ensuring a more efficient use of space.

Priced at about €25,000 (around $27,000), the Renault 5 E-Tech is set to be a competitive player in the EV market. It’s smaller in size, yet big on features and potential. As we await its grand reveal on February 26 at the 2024 Geneva Motor Show, the Renault 5 E-Tech stands as a testament to Renault’s vision of blending heritage with innovation, making electric mobility more accessible and appealing to a broader audience.

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Xbox Game Pass will Kick Off 2024 with New Release: ‘Turnip Boy Robs a Bank’

By

Anubhav

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Dec 9, 2023

Xbox Game Pass continues to make waves, bringing fresh and exciting titles directly to its subscribers. Among the latest additions, “Turnip Boy Robs a Bank” has grabbed attention as the inaugural day one release for Xbox Game Pass in January 2024. This quirky game is set to join the service on January 18, bringing a unique blend of humor and action.

The game’s humor and character design are the standout

“Turnip Boy Robs a Bank” isn’t just another game; it’s a comedic adventure that turns the ordinary on its head. Players step into the shoes of the mischievous Turnip Boy, navigating a world where food items come to life. With its top-down 2D gameplay and roguelite mechanics, the game offers a refreshing twist, reminiscent of the iconic “Legend of Zelda” series. But it’s not just about the gameplay; the game’s humor and unconventional characters set it apart, promising a lighthearted escape from the usual gaming narratives.

January 2024 may mark the debut of “Turnip Boy Robs a Bank” on Xbox Game Pass, but it’s just the beginning of an exciting year. Other notable releases include “Persona 3 Reload” on February 2 and “Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes” and “Manor Lords” in April. These titles, along with “Turnip Boy,” showcase the diverse range of games that Xbox Game Pass offers, catering to a wide array of gaming preferences.

For those new to the Turnip Boy saga, the game is a sequel to the 2021 indie hit “Turnip Boy Commits Tax Evasion.” While the original game received mixed reviews, it was praised for its humor and engaging gameplay. “Turnip Boy Robs a Bank” aims to build on this foundation, offering an experience that is both familiar to fans and inviting to newcomers.

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, the premium tier of the service, continues to be a game-changer in the gaming world. Offering over 100 titles, it provides an unmatched value for gamers. As “Turnip Boy Robs a Bank” joins this impressive lineup, Xbox Game Pass subscribers have yet another reason to dive into this ever-growing gaming universe. Whether you’re a fan of whimsical adventures or just looking for something new to play, January 18, 2024, is a date to mark on your calendar.

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Lofree Flow 100-key mechanical keyboard launched in China for 899 Yuan ($126)

By

Soumyakanti

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Dec 9, 2023

Lofree has unveiled its latest product, the Flow 100-Key Mechanical Keyboard, which is set to go on sale at a price of 899 yuan ($126). This new model builds upon the success of its predecessor, the Flow 84-Key Mechanical Keyboard, now offered at a discounted price of 763 yuan ($106).

Lofree Flow Specifications:

The Flow 100-Key keyboard offers a full 100-key layout, addressing the need for number keys often missing in the 75% layout, making it a practical solution for users who desperately need the number keys. The keyboard is designed with a focus on minimalism and efficiency. It features a sturdy aluminum alloy body, enhanced by CNC machining and a fine sandblasting plus anodizing process, giving it a sleek and durable finish.

The keyboard is equipped with PBT keycaps and custom POM switches, offering a tactile and responsive typing experience. It adopts a GASKET structure, known for its ability to provide a smoother and softer typing feel. The design also includes a range of soundproofing materials like IXPE and Poron cotton to ensure a purer sound and better overall feel.

In terms of connectivity, the keyboard supports Bluetooth 5.3 and wired USB-C connections. It also boasts a long battery life with a 3000mAh battery. The keyboard features keycap LED monochrome backlighting and an RGB ambient light design, providing a dual-light experience that enhances its aesthetic appeal.

The Flow 100-Key mechanical keyboard offers a compact layout, saving space while maintaining functionality. It’s compatible with multiple systems, including Windows 8/10, Mac/iOS, and Android, and can connect to up to three devices simultaneously via Bluetooth. The keyboard also supports full N-Key rollover, ensuring every keystroke is registered accurately.

The keyboard has technical specifications including a 2.8±0.25mm full key travel, an actuation force of 50±10gf, and a durable mechanical life of 50 million keystrokes. Its dimensions are 373x126x26mm, with a weight of 738g. Additionally, it includes a convenient Type-C data cable for easy connectivity and immediate use.

We have already reviewed the 84-key keyboard, so please go and check it out.

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POCO X6 5G visits Thailand’s NBTC certification ahead of global launch

By

Sudhanshu

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Dec 9, 2023

Signs point to the impending release of POCO’s upcoming X6 series, as recent certification appearances suggest a launch may be on the horizon.

While no official statement has been issued by POCO, the POCO X6 5G has surfaced on Thailand’s NBTC certification platform, labeled with the model number 23122PCD1G. Speculation suggests it could be a rebranded iteration of the Redmi Note 13 Pro, sharing a common codename.

Additionally, the POCO X6 Pro secured its place on the NBTC certification list last week, with suggestions that it might be a rebranded variant of the recently introduced Redmi K70E.

POCO X6 5G specs (expected)

Rumors surrounding the POCO X6 5G hint at a 6.67-inch AMOLED display boasting FHD+ resolution and a silky-smooth 120Hz refresh rate. The device is speculated to offer up to 16GB of RAM coupled with a capacious 512GB internal storage. Camera enthusiasts can expect a robust triple setup on the rear, featuring a stellar 200MP main camera with OIS, an 8MP ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 2MP macro sensor. On the front, a 16MP selfie camera is poised to capture stunning moments. Powering these features might be a substantial 5100mAh battery with a blazing-fast 67W charging support.

POCO X6 Pro specs (expected)

Going by the assumption that the POCO X6 Pro turns out to be a 1:1 rebrand of the Redmi K70E, we can expect the X6 Pro to include a 6.67-inch OLED display with a 1.5K resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, and an in-screen fingerprint scanner.

Fueled by the Dimensity 8300-Ultra chipset, the device could support up to 16GB of RAM, offering enhanced AI-related capabilities. Storage options will be an interesting thing to look at as the K70E is offered with up to 1TB UFS 4.0. As for the OS, we can expect the X6 Pro to debut with HyperOS-based Android 14.

Imaging capabilities are expected to feature a triple-camera setup on the rear, comprising a 64MP main camera with OIS, an 8MP ultra-wide camera, and a 2MP macro camera. For selfies, a 16MP front camera is projected. The device’s 5,500mAh battery is expected to support rapid 90W charging, with the Sea Star Algorithm preserving over 90% battery capacity after 1000 cycles. Additional features like an X-axis linear motor, stereo dual speakers, NFC, and an infrared remote control will likely be onboard.

Currently, there is no word on a launch timeline for these smartphones.

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Customs seizes 300 hidden Switch games found in a wheelchair at Luohu Port

By

Soumyakanti

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Dec 9, 2023

Recently, Luohu Customs in Shenzhen, China, encountered a unique smuggling attempt involving video game cards. The incident occurred at the Luohu port of entry, where a passenger using an electric wheelchair was selected for a routine inspection. This seemingly ordinary procedure led to an extraordinary discovery: the passenger had ingeniously concealed 300 Switch game cards in a compartment beneath the wheelchair seat.

Efficient Customs Vigilance Prevents Significant Smuggling of Popular Switch Games

This discovery is particularly notable due to its scale and the inventive method of concealment. The smuggled game cards primarily included titles like “It Takes Two” and “Sniper Elite 4.” “It Takes Two,” known for its critical acclaim, won the prestigious Best Game award at The Game Awards (TGA) in 2021. The strategic placement of these cards in the wheelchair compartment was a calculated effort to evade detection by customs officials.

The use of an electric wheelchair as a storage space for smuggling highlights the lengths to which individuals will go to bypass customs regulations. This incident is a stark reminder of the persistent and evolving challenges customs authorities face in their efforts to prevent smuggling. Smugglers continue to devise creative methods to transport prohibited or restricted goods, as well as items subject to legal taxation, across borders. A similar incident also happened recently in China, a man was caught smuggling 68 iPhones taped to his body, drawing attention from customs officers due to his peculiar walking.

Under Article 7 of the Regulations on Administrative Penalties of the People’s Republic of China Customs, smuggling activities such as concealing, disguising, or providing false information to evade customs supervision are illegal. These activities can include the transportation of goods that are prohibited, restricted, or subject to legal taxation obligations during entry or exit from the country.

In light of this incident, customs authorities have issued a public reminder about the legal consequences of smuggling. They emphasize that such actions are not only a violation of customs regulations but also undermine fair trade practices and can have broader economic impacts. The authorities remain vigilant and are continually updating their methods and technologies to combat these sophisticated smuggling techniques.

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Stable Android Studio Hedgehog is Available With Better Tools for Developers

By

Simranpal Singh

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Dec 9, 2023

Android’s official new Integrated Developer Environment (IDE), Android Studio Hedgehog, is now available. Android Studio version 2023.1.1 is out, and developers can enjoy its new features and performance improvements. There’s a whole new App Quality insight to debug issues easily and effectively. Similarly, several other changes are part of the parcel.

Android Studio Hedgehog Features

Aiming for more efficient apps, the new Android Studio added a Power Profiler feature that calculates the app’s drain on devices with a single action and even recommends other possible opportunities.

“Today, we are thrilled to announce the stable release of Android Studio Hedgehog, the official IDE for building Android apps,” Google product manager Sandhya Mohan writes in the announcement post.“In this Android Studio release, we have upgraded the IntelliJ platform to 2023.1, with features designed to improve app performance and battery life, make it easier to upgrade applications to the latest Android version, and make it faster to develop using Jetpack Compose.”

It also brings an SDK Upgrade Assistant to help developers easily elevate the SDK level, aka Android version compatibility. It pinpoints the changes required to make it compatible with the newer Android version. Further, there are new User Interface changes that offer three different modes: compact mode, vertical and horizontal window splitting, and project tabs.

There’s a new Device Mirroring tool that offers an additional window called Running Devices. It provides the ability to mirror a physical Android device in the integrated development environment (IDE) via USB or Wi-Fi, allowing you to interact with the device without having to exit Android Studio. A new Layout Inspector enhancement is that while running an application on virtual hardware or a mirrored device, you can now embed the Layout Inspector in the Running Devices window. This feature is optional, significantly improves the app’s performance, and frees up a great deal of on-screen real estate.

It is now available for download from Android developers. For further details, users can read release notes.

These enhancements collectively underscore Android Studio’s commitment to providing developers with powerful tools, making the app development journey more intuitive, efficient, and feature-rich. As developers delve into the updated version, they can expect an elevated experience that aligns with the evolving needs of modern app creation.

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Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro Genshin Impact Edition launched in China

By

Sudhanshu

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Dec 9, 2023

Xiaomi is gearing up to launch the Smart Band 8 Pro globally. The device has already appeared on SIRIM, TDRA, and IMDA certification databases. While global customers still await an official announcement, Xiaomi has launched the Smart Band 8 Pro Genshin Impact Edition in China.

Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro Genshin Impact Edition

The Xiaomi Band 8 Pro Genshin Impact Edition pays homage to Tartaglia, also known as Childe. Encased in a special gift box, the smart band includes themed stickers and a poster. In terms of design, the band features a high-quality TPU material strap decorated with Childe’s mask.

The UI is also themed around Genshin Impact and Childe, and you also get a themed wireless charger as well. Other than that, the specifications remain the same as the regular Xiaomi Band 8 Pro.

Xiaomi Band 8 Pro specs

The Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro boasts a sleek design with a rectangular dial and a button-free interface. It offers customization with interchangeable straps and features a vibrant 1.74-inch AMOLED display (336 x 480 pixels), 60Hz refresh rate, and 600 nits peak brightness. The display supports an always-on feature and presents 16.7 million colors.

For health and fitness, it includes a heart-rate monitor, SpO2 sensor, sleep tracker, and menstrual cycle monitor. It also has stress tracking, breath training, supports 150+ sports modes, and incorporates a somatosensory sensor for boxing activities. With 5-meter water resistance, it’s suitable for water-related activities.

Connectivity features include a GNSS chip for accurate location tracking, voice assistant for hands-free control, and integration with other Xiaomi smart devices. Additional features include customizable widgets, portrait watch faces, camera control, music control, weather updates, and notifications. The device is powered by a 297mAh battery, offering up to 14 days of battery life on a full charge.

Xiaomi Band 8 Pro Genshin Impact Edition pricing

The Xiaomi Band 8 Pro Genshin Impact Edition is now on sale in China, with a price tag of 549 Yuan ($77). Customers outside of China can also get their hands on this limited edition smart band via Giztop.

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Cuktech 10000mAh Pocket power bank with bidirectional 30W fast charging launched for 99 yuan ($14)

By

Soumyakanti

-

Dec 9, 2023

Cuktech has launched its new power bank called the Power Block Pocket Edition Power Bank, a compact yet powerful product with a 10,000mAh battery. It will be available for sale tonight at an attractive initial price of 99 yuan ($14). Let’s check out the key specs of this powerbank.

Cuktech Pocket Power Bank Key Specs

The power bank is equipped with both USB-A and USB-C ports, supporting bidirectional 30W fast charging. This makes it compatible with the UFCS fusion fast charging protocol, allowing it to cater to a wide range of devices.

UFCS is a fast charging protocol jointly developed by the Institute of Telecommunications and major smartphone brands like Huawei, OPPO, Vivo, and Xiaomi. Its primary goal is to address compatibility problems associated with different fast charging protocols, offering a solution for seamless and universal fast charging across a variety of devices.

The power bank offers a convenient low-current mode, activated with a double-click of the power button, perfect for charging smaller devices such as watches and wristbands. Additionally, it is designed with V0-grade fire-resistant PC material and features a grid design for improved heat dissipation, enhancing safety and durability.

It’s compatible with multiple fast charging protocols, including PD, QC, PPS, SCP, FCP, and AFC, and has built-in NTC temperature monitoring for the safety of the battery cells. Cuktech offers an 18-month warranty for this product, promising replacements for any non-human-induced quality issues within 540 days of purchase.

The design of the power bank is both functional and stylish. It comes in three colors: Pink, Grey, and Orange, with a color-blocking design. It’s similar in size to a credit card and weighs only 195g, making it highly portable. The light strip design indicates the remaining battery capacity, adding to its aesthetic appeal.

The power bank can charge an iPhone 15 to 20% in just 30 minutes. It can also charge an iPhone 15 approximately 1.7 times, a Xiaomi 14 approximately 1.2 times, a Huawei Mate 60, and an iPad 10th Gen.

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ASUS ROG Phone 8, 8 Pro Spotted On Geekbench Database

By

Viraj Gawde

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Dec 9, 2023

Yesterday, ASUS officially teased the global arrival of the ROG Phone 8. The teaser poster revealed a redesigned camera module. The next-generation gaming smartphones from the Taiwanese brand are already confirmed to come with the flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor. The ROG Phone 8 lineup is expected to comprise of standard, pro, and ultimate variants. Now, the ROG Phone 8 and 8 Pro have appeared on the Geekbench benchmarking platform. The Ultimate variant had surfaced in September.

ASUS ROG Phone 8, 8 Pro Geekbench

The ASUS ROG Phone 8 and 8 Pro were previously spotted on the Bluetooth SIG certification website with model numbers AI2401_D / AI2401_A and AI2401_A, respectively, confirming their monikers. The ROG Phone 8 duo with model numbers AI2401_D and AI2401_A have now surfaced on the benchmarking database. However, this is not the first time both devices are appearing on Geekbench and previously they pointed out to the Ultimate variant of the ROG Phone 8.

The Geekbench listing of the ASUS ROG Phone 8 and 8 Pro mentions a motherboard codenamed pineapple and it comprises of two cores clocked at 2.27GHz, five cores at 2.96GHz, and a prime core ticking at 3.19GHz. The ROG Phone with model number AI2401_A is listed with 16GB RAM onboard whereas the device with model number AI2401_D has 24GB RAM. It’s likely that there could be multiple RAM and storage configurations of the ASUS ROG Phone 8 and 8 Pro. The gaming phones will ship with Android 14 OS out of the box.

The ASUS ROG Phone 8 with model number AI2401_A scores 2,213 and 7,048 points in Geekbench’s single-core and multi-core test results respectively. Meanwhile the device with model number AI2401_D scores 2,271 and 7,360 points respectively.

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Nubia Z60 Ultra design revealed through leaked image

By

Rajesh Regmi

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Dec 9, 2023

Nubia is gearing up for the launch of its upcoming flagship smartphone, the Nubia Z60 Ultra, on December 19th. Recent teasers gave us a glimpse of the phone’s circular camera design. Now a new leak has surfaced, offering a more complete picture of the device’s aesthetics.

Nubia Z60 Ultra design surfaced in new leak

Much like the Z50 Ultra, the Z60 will also feature a display with a no-notch design. This means you can expect an under-display selfie camera, and the bezels on all sides appear to be symmetrical. We can also see the flat display of the phone.

Around the back, there’s a large rectangular camera island that covers the entire width of the phone. The camera module has a two-tone finish, with the upper half in a white finish housing a camera sensor in a capsule-style design. To the right of the sensor is an LED light, the Nubia logo, and a red dot, which is possibly for aesthetic purposes.

The bottom half of the camera module is black and houses two camera sensors. One sensor is in a circular cutout with a red accent, while the other is in a rectangular cutout.

The leak also reveals the antenna lines on the frame, confirming that the phone will have a metal frame. Additionally, there’s a physical slider that can be used to mute notifications. The power key and the volume rocker are located on the same right-hand side.

Nubia has also confirmed through a recent Weibo teaser that the Z60 Ultra will boast a 50MP primary sensor with impressive specs: 1/1.56-inch size, f/1.8 aperture, OIS support, and an “eight-wire suspension stabilization motor.”

Furthermore, Nubia claims the Z60 Ultra will feature the world’s first “main-level wide-angle lens,” suggesting the primary camera will offer capabilities similar to an ultra-wide-angle lens.

Besides this, the smartphone will be powered by the new Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, likely paired with LPDDR5x RAM and UFS 4,0 storage. The phone might also boast IP68 water and dust resistance for added peace of mind.

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Report: Google admits to editing Gemini AI demo video

By

Rajesh Regmi

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Dec 9, 2023

Google recently unveiled its new Gemini AI model and touted it as the challenger to OpenAI’s GPT-4. However, the new AI model has met with skepticism following a report by Bloomberg questioning the authenticity of its demo video.

According to Google, the Gemini model surpasses GPT-4 in performance, achieving a score of 90.04% on the MMLU benchmark compared to GPT-4’s 87.29%.

Google kind of faked Gemini AI’s demo video

They also shared a demo video showcasing Gemini’s impressive abilities in action where it was able to interact with humans in real-time, seamlessly understanding and responding to complex visuals and prompts.

However, Bloomberg’s investigation revealed that the video was edited and did not reflect real-time interactions. The “live” demonstration relied on still image frames and pre-written prompts, rather than real-time responses by Gemini to the drawing or changes in the object on the table.

In response to the controversy, Google co-lead Oriol Vinyals defended the video, claiming it aimed to “inspire developers” by showcasing the potential of Gemini-powered user experiences. However, we don’t think his statement managed to address the discrepancy between the video’s presentation and the actual capabilities of the technology.

Really happy to see the interest around our “Hands-on with Gemini” video. In our developer blog yesterday, we broke down how Gemini was used to create it. https://t.co/50gjMkaVc0

We gave Gemini sequences of different modalities — image and text in this case — and had it respond… pic.twitter.com/Beba5M5dHP
— Oriol Vinyals (@OriolVinyalsML) December 7, 2023

Even Google’s official disclaimer for the video on YouTube mentions “reduced latency” and “shortened outputs”. But it falls short of revealing the full extent of editing admitted to Bloomberg. This discrepancy kind of took away the charm of Gemini AI, at least for me!

This is not the first time the company has been criticized for such practices. Earlier in 2023, a rushed demo of its Bard AI resulted in several prominent mistakes, tarnishing its image.

Despite being a leader in machine learning research, Google seems to struggle with effectively communicating the capabilities of its AI tools. Only time will tell whether Gemini can live up to the initial hype.

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(Source)

Nothing Phone (2) Available At A Discounted Price Across Partner Stores In India

By

Viraj Gawde

-

Dec 9, 2023

Nothing recently announced a permanent price cut on the Phone (2) in India. The phone starts at Rs 39,999 for the base variant. Now, the London-based brand has announced an early Christmas offer with a discounted price on the Nothing Phone (2) across its partner stores in the country. If you have been waiting to buy the Phone (2), now is a very good time to grab it. Read on to know all the details below.

Nothing Phone (2) discounted in India

Christmas came early this year! Grab the best offers on Phone (2) @Flipkart @cromaretail @VijaySales. pic.twitter.com/ZkTc2C3l2A
— Nothing India (@nothingindia) December 8, 2023

The Nothing Phone (2) after the recent price cut is priced at Rs 39,999, Rs 44,999, and Rs 49,999 for the 8GB + 128GB, 12GB + 256GB, and 12GB + 512GB RAM and storage configurations. The base variant has not received any discounted price.

As a part of the Christmas offer, the 12GB + 256GB and 12GB + 512GB are now cheaper for purchase on Flipkart, Croma, and Vijay sales. The discounted price tags on both variants are different on Flipkart and partner retail stores. Additionally, It’s worth noting that the Nothing Phone (2) is offered in White and Dark Grey color options. The revised prices mentioned in the table are for the White color variant whereas the Dark Grey is available at a higher price.

Nothing Phone (2)	Sale Price	Regular Price
Flipkart
Nothing Phone (2) 12GB + 256GB	Rs 41,999	Rs 44,999
Nothing Phone (2) 12GB + 512GB	Rs 44,999	Rs 49,999

Croma and Vijay Sales
Nothing Phone (2) 12GB + 256GB	Rs 37,999	Rs 44,999
Nothing Phone (2) 12GB + 512GB	Rs 40,999	Rs 49,999

The Nothing Phone (2) 12GB + 256GB and 12GB + 512GB are discounted by Rs 3,000 and Rs 5,000 respectively on Flipkart. There are bank offers for PNB and Bank of Baroda cardholders, free Spotify Premium, and exchange offer on the e-commerce platform. Meanwhile, the prices of the same configurations on Vijay Sales and Croma are reduced by Rs 7,000 and Rs 9,999 respectively. Only Vijay sales is offering various bank offers that can make the purchase price cheaper.

It’s unclear how long the Christmas offer will last. It’s worth noting that the discounted prices could change as well.

Related:

Vivo confirms December 14 Global Launch for X100 Series

By

Rajesh Regmi

-

Dec 9, 2023

Vivo was the first to launch their X100 series smartphone with the powerful MediaTek Dimensity 9300 chip. Back in November, they released two models — the Vivo X100 and X100 Pro — both of which are impressive in performance and camera. But the big question was: when would they launch globally?

Global Vivo X100 series launch date revealed

It seems we might have the answer, thanks to a slip-up on Vivo’s global website. A webpage is now live on their website featuring the Vivo X100 series with a “coming soon” message. Clicking it leads to a page mentioning a global launch date of December 14th. We expect both X100 models to be available then.

However, the website also mentions a pre-order date of November 24th. This seems inaccurate, as that date has already passed and Vivo hasn’t announced any pre-orders yet. Additionally, no details about the sale date have been revealed.

Specifications

To recap, both the Vivo X100 and Vivo X100 Pro sports a 6.78-inch AMOLED screen with 1.5K resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+ support, and an in-screen fingerprint scanner. They are also IP68-certified dust and water-resistant.

Both phones have a 50MP main sensor and a 50MP ultra-wide-angle unit. The regular version also has a 64MP telephoto lens, while the Pro version has a 50MP telephoto lens, both featuring 3x optical zoom and 100x digital zoom. Moreover, they come with a 32MP selfie snapper and Vivo’s proprietary V3 imaging chip.

As aforementioned, the Vivo X100 series is powered by MediaTek’s Dimensity 9300 SoC, paired with up to 16GB LPDDR5T RAM and 1TB UFS 4 storage. The standard and pro models have 5,000 and 5,400mAh batteries with 120W and 100W wired charging respectively. The X100 Pro also supports 50W wireless charging. Likewise, they ship with OriginOS 4-based Android 14.

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(Source)

Samsung Galaxy Tab Active 5 picks up TDRA certification

By

Soumyakanti

-

Dec 9, 2023

Samsung is preparing to launch a new rugged tablet, the Galaxy Tab Active 5. The tablet has already received certifications from various authorities, including the FCC and Safety Korea. Now the device has reached the TDRA database.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab Active series is primarily designed for rugged industrial use, boasting robust features like water and dust resistance (IP68), drop protection, and resilience against extreme conditions like altitude, temperature, vibration, and humidity. These tablets are tailored for reliability in challenging environments, making them a top choice for industries like construction, field service, and healthcare.

Galaxy Tab Active 5 TDRA Certification

Coming to the specific details of the Galaxy Tab Active 5, it is reported to come in two models: the Wi-Fi-only variant (SM-X300) and the 5G model (SM-X306B). The 5G model has been certified by the TDRA with the registration number ER26759/23.

Previously, there was some confusion regarding the naming of the new tablet, given the previous releases of the Galaxy Tab Active 3 and Galaxy Tab Active 4 Pro. However, the TDRA certification clarifies that the new device will be named the Galaxy Tab Active 5. The issue date of the certification is 6th December 2023 and it is valid until December 5, 2026. Earlier, the Safety Korea certification also provided a real-life image of the device (SM-X306N).

Samsung-Galaxy-Tab-Active-5-SM-X306N-SafetyKorea

Regarding the device’s specifications, some details have been disclosed through the certification process, while others remain based on rumors and speculations. The Galaxy Tab Active 5 is expected to feature the Exynos 1380 chipset, run on Android 14 OS, and offer 6GB RAM with 128GB internal storage, expandable up to 64GB. It will support an S-Pen and under the hood, it will boast a 4,900mAh battery with 15W charging capability. Additionally, it is speculated to have a user-replaceable battery.

Last year’s model, Galaxy Tab Active 4 Pro, included a 10.1-inch TFT LCD FHD panel, a Snapdragon 778G chipset, a 13-megapixel rear camera, an 8-megapixel front camera, and a 7,600mAh battery.

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Realme 12 Pro and Realme 12 Pro+ could launch soon, spotted on BIS certification platform

By

Rajesh Regmi

-

Dec 9, 2023

Realme‘s flagship GT 5 Pro smartphone is now official, and the company might be turning its attention to the Realme 12 series next. While details about the series are still scarce, two new phones — Realme 12 Pro and 12 Pro+ — have recently been certified by the BIS in India. A vanilla Realme 12 is also expected to be in the works.

Realme 12 Pro, 12 Pro+ BIS certification

Both the Realme 12 Pro and Realme 12 Pro+ received the BIS certification on December 8th, 2023 with model numbers “RMX3842” and “RMX3840” respectively.

The model number “RMX3840” is purportedly the Realme 12 Pro+, and it has also appeared on Indonesia’s SDPPI certification platform. While the model number “RMX3842” is expected to be the Realme 12 Pro. Unfortunately, the certifications don’t reveal much else about the devices.

Previous reports suggest that the Realme 12 Pro Plus will be powered by the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 processor and sport a 64MP OmniVision OV64B 3x periscope telephoto camera as its primary shooter. Meanwhile, the Realme 12 Pro is expected to be equipped with a 32MP Sony IMX709 2x telephoto lens.

The Realme number series has a history of directly competing with the Redmi Note lineup. This time, the Realme 12 series will likely go head-to-head with the Redmi Note 13 series, which has already launched in China and is expected to make its global debut soon.

More information about the Realme 12 series is expected to come out in the coming days. With the launch of the Realme GT 5 Pro out of the way, we can also expect the Realme 12 series to be launched by the end of this month. We’ll keep you updated as more information becomes available.

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Honor Magic 6 Pro spotted on 3C certification with 100W charging, satellite connectivity

By

Rajesh Regmi

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Dec 9, 2023

Looks like Honor has been a busy bee lately! We’re seeing leaks and rumors about two new GT-series phones, the X50 GT and the 90 GT. But that’s not all – Honor is also gearing up to launch its flagship Magic 6 series, and the Pro model just popped up on a 3C certification listing.

Honor Magic 6 Pro 3C certification

The 3C listing confirms that the Honor Magic 6 Pro (model number BVL-AN16) will support 5G networks. However, the most interesting detail is its label as a “Satellite mobile terminal 5G.”

This confirms the presence of advanced satellite connectivity, aligning with earlier statements from Honor’s general manager, Li Kun, about the company’s development of satellite-based communication solutions.

While the standard Honor Magic 6 (model number BVL-AN00) also appeared on the 3C last month, it only boasts support for 66W charging. No mention of satellite connectivity was found, suggesting this feature will be exclusive to the Pro model.

Honor Magic 6 Pro Specifications

The upcoming Honor Magic 6 Pro is expected to feature a high-resolution OLED display with a pill-shaped cutout for dual front-facing cameras and advanced sensors. It will run on the all-new Magic OS 8.0, which is based on Android 14. The device will be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset and will boast a dedicated graphics chip, a built-in security chip, and a substantial AI model.

It is also expected to feature a second-generation Qinghai Lake battery and a rear shell made of nano-ceramic glass. Likewise, reports hint that the smartphone will be equipped with a one-inch, 50-megapixel OmniVision OV50k primary camera with variable aperture support.

Honor hasn’t announced the launch date for the Magic 6 series yet, but we’ll keep you updated.

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(Via)

OnePlus 12 global launch confirmed for January 23, including the OnePlus 12R

By

Rajesh Regmi

-

Dec 9, 2023

The OnePlus 12 has finally been confirmed for a global launch on January 23rd, 2024. This news was officially announced at the Never Settle Summit held in Antwerp, Belgium.

The summit was held to celebrate ten years since the launch of the OnePlus brand and brought together the company’s community. Alexander Vanderhaeghe, Country Manager for OnePlus Benelux, confirmed the launch date for the OnePlus 12 as January 23 and announced that it will be joined by the OnePlus 12R in Europe.

Previously, leaks suggested that the OnePlus 12R would be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, rather than the newer Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 found in the OnePlus 12. The 12R is expected to be launched as the OnePlus Ace 3 in China.

In addition to the smartphone announcements, OnePlus also confirmed its plans to expand into the Internet of Things (IoT) market. The company did not provide any specific details about the products it plans to launch.

But we can expect the launch of the OnePlus Buds 3 since the wearable has appeared on multiple certification sites. OnePlus also announced the arrival of the black OnePlus Open in early 2024.

To recap, OnePlus 12 specifications, it boast a familiar design with glass and metal construction and IP65-rated protection. It’s powered by the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, paired with fast LPDDR5x RAM and UFS 4.0 storage, kept cool by a large VC cooling system.

On the front, it sports a 6.82-inch curved OLED display with QHD+ resolution and 120Hz refresh rate. The camera setup is identical to the OnePlus Open, featuring a triple rear camera system with a 50MP primary sensor and Hasselblad image processing.

Connectivity options include 5G, WiFi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, and more. The phone runs ColorOS 14 based on Android 14 and packs a 5,400mAh battery with 100W wired and 50W wireless charging.

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(Via)

Honor 90 GT: First leaked images show sleek design with flat sides

By

Rajesh Regmi

-

Dec 9, 2023

Following the launch of the Honor 100 series last month, the company is reportedly turning its attention to the Honor 90 GT. Rumors also suggest another GT-series phone, the Honor X50 GT, is in the works. Both devices are expected to be performance-centric phones, competing against the likes of Redmi’s K70 and K70e. A recent leak on Weibo has now revealed the possible design of the Honor 90 GT.

Honor 90 GT Design

The leaked image showcases a design that’s a significant departure from the Honor 80 GT. The phone appears in a striking purple-ish and gold color scheme with a matte finish.

The back panel features a rectangular camera module housing three cameras and an LED flash. The module itself is slightly raised, and the camera rim has a stylish golden accent. The phone also has flat sides, and the right side is adorned with stylish golden stripes, adding a touch of aesthetics.

While the leak offers a good look at the phone’s back, it doesn’t reveal the front.

Specifications (Rumored)

Previous reports suggest that the Honor 90 GT is expected to pack a punch with the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor. A recent leak even hints at a possible “Honor 90 GT+” variant with a whopping 24GB of RAM, a first for Honor phones.

Furthermore, the Honor 90 GT, rumored to have the model number MAG-AN00, has also surfaced in the database of the 3C certification platform. This listing reveals that the smartphone may support 100W charging.

While other specifications of the Honor 90 GT remain under wraps, we can expect competitive pricing, considering its expected positioning as a rival to the Redmi K70. The K70 starts at 2,499 Yuan in China.

As far as launch is concerned, it is rumored that the Honor X50 GT and the Honor 90 GT will be announced together. Reports suggest that it will debut in the last week of this year.

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