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HTC U23 Pro now comes in Misty Red color variant

It has been years since HTC has given up on the smartphone market. However, the brand continues to sell phones in a limited fashion in its home country Taiwan, and a select few markets.

Earlier this year, the company launched the HTC U23 and HTC U23 Pro. They are actually mid-rangers despite sounding like a couple of flagship smartphones.

Months after their initial debut, the brand has now released a new color variant for the ‘Pro’ model.

HTC U23 Pro in Misty Red

HTC U23 Pro now comes in Red ahead of Christmas

HTC U23 Pro gets a new ‘Misty Red’ color option in Taiwan. This version of the handset arrives in a single 8GB + 256GB memory configuration priced at TWD 15,490 (~$490).

There’s a limited-time launch offer for the new hue starting today until December 27. Customers purchasing the phone during this period will get a shockproof case and a wireless charger for free.

Feature-wise, the HTC U23 Pro has nothing special going for it, except for some tidbits like IP rating and wireless charging. It has the standard set of specs that you find on most devices in this range.

The smartphone sports a 6.7-inch centered punch-hole OLED display with an FHD+ resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus protection. It is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 chipset and boots Android 13.

The handset is equipped with a quad camera system on the rear comprising a 108MP primary sensor, an 8MP ultrawide unit, a 5MP macro snapper, and a 2MP depth sensor. On the front, it has a 32MP shooter for selfies and video calls.

The device is IP67-rated for dust and water resistance. It even has a MicroSD card slot, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a USB 3.0 port.

Last but not least, the phone is backed by a 4,600mAh battery with support for 30W wired charging, 15W wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging.

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Vivo X Fold 3 Pro to launch with Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 & ultrasonic fingerprint scanner

Vivo is gearing up to launch the Vivo X Fold 3 series of flagship foldable smartphones soon. Now, a new leak has revealed some key details regarding the Vivo X Fold 3 Pro model. So here are all the details.

Vivo X Fold 3 Pro Specs

The news arrives from known tipster Digital Chat Station, who shared the information on Weibo (a Chinese microblogging website). For those unaware, the company’s next generation Vivo X Fold 3 and X Fold 3 Pro are expected to launch soon. The tipster adds that the upcoming X Fold 3 foldable smartphone will feature an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint scanner.

Vivo X Fold 3 Pro

Although, it is unclear if the sensor will be integrated into both the primary and cover display. At the moment, we have no idea what the differences are between the X Fold 3 and X Fold 3 Pro models. Although, it is possible that the Pro version will boast a higher storage configuration, like 24GB of RAM and 1TB of internal storage. Meanwhile, the standard variant could feature up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage.

Digital Chat Station adds that the X Fold 3 Pro could be equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC as well. This won’t be surprising considering that its predecessor, Vivo X Fold 2, features the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset. Unfortunately, the tipster did not reveal any other finer details regarding this foldable phone.

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Honor details Honor 100/Pro repair and spare parts price

Honor has recently unveiled its Honor 100 series smartphones in the Chinese market. These devices have already gone on sale and are now readily available for purchase. Now, Honor has shared the repair and spare part prices for both the Honor 100 and Honor 100 Pro models, exclusively for the Chinese market.

Honor 100 Pro

Honor’s repair pricing structure reveals that the motherboard cost for both smartphones varies depending on the memory variant. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the repair and spare part prices for the Honor 100 and Honor 100 Pro:

ComponentHonor 100Honor 100 Pro
Screen909 yuan1009 yuan
Battery229 yuan229 yuan
Motherboard1,349 yuan (12GB+256GB)2,099 yuan (12GB+256GB)
1,599 yuan (16GB+256GB)2,299 yuan (16GB+256GB)
1,799 yuan (16GB+512GB)2,499 yuan (16GB+512GB)
2,749 yuan (16GB+1TB)
Back cover269 yuan309 yuan
CameraRear camera:
⦿ Main: 479 yuan
⦿ Wide: 149 yuan
Front camera: 249 yuan
Rear camera:
⦿ Main: 479 yuan
⦿ Wide: 149 yuan
⦿ Telephoto: 289 yuan
Front camera: 269 yuan

It’s important to note that these prices are representative of repair costs in China and may vary in other regions. Additionally, these are just the prices for individual components, and the actual repair cost may be higher depending on the extent of the damage.

Apart from the cost of spare parts, there is also a labor fee associated with repairs. The labor fee ranges from 50 yuan to 150 yuan, depending on the maintenance level. For non-warranty repairs, the total cost will be the sum of the spare parts price and the labor fee.

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OnePlus 12 launched with 3x periscope zoom camera, 50W wireless charging, SD8 Gen 3 chip, and more

After teasing for weeks, OnePlus has finally unveiled its 10th-anniversary flagship smartphone today. Dubbed the OnePlus 12, the phone makes its global debut in China, just like its predecessors Oneplus 11 and OnePlus 10 Pro.

The latest product from the brand is arguably its best slab-style smartphone to date. It has all the high-end features one expects from a premium phone. 

The device tries to fix the missteps the brand took with its previous handsets. For instance, the OnePlus 12 brings back wireless charging and a faster USB port. It also comes with an upgraded camera system.

Let’s check out what this handset has to offer in detail along with its pricing and availability.

OnePlus 12

OnePlus 12 Specifications

The OnePlus 12 retains the design language of the OnePlus 11. However, there are some minute differences here and there. In a nutshell, it has a glass sandwich construction with a metal frame in the middle and is IP65-rated for splash resistance.

The device is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset paired with LPDDR5x RAM and UFS 4.0 storage. It has a 9140mm² VC (Vapor Chamber) cooling system which can cover an area of 38,547mm².

The Oneplus 12 phone is built around a 6.82-inch curved OLED display supplied by BOE. This centered punch-hole panel offers a resolution of 3168 x 1440 pixels (QHD+), 510 PPI, and 1-120Hz refresh rate (LTPO). The 10-bit screen supports up to 4500 nits of local peak brightness level and 2160Hz PWM dimming.

Further, the smartphone has the same camera setup as the OnePlus Open (aka Oppo Find N3). It arrives with a 50MP Sony LYT-808 primary sensor with OIS, a 64MP OmniVision OV64B sensor with an OIS-assisted 3x periscope zoom lens, and a 48MP Sony IMX581 ultrawide unit with autofocus. On the front, it has a 32MP shooter and all of these cameras offer Hasselblad-inspired image processing.

The handset comes with all the required connectivity options, such as dual SIM, 5G, WiFi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, GNSS, NFC, and USB 3.2 Gen1. It also has an alert slider, an IR blaster, an x-axis linear vibration motor, and dual stereo speakers.

As for software, the device ships with ColorOS 14 based on Android 14. Lastly, it draws energy from a 5,400mAh battery and supports 100W wired as well as 50W wireless charging (along with 10W reverse wireless).

OnePlus 12 Price

The OnePlus 12 carries the following price tags in China.

  • 12GB + 256GB – ¥4,299 (~$605)
  • 16GB + 512GB – ¥4,799 (~$680)
  • 16GB + 1TB – ¥5,299 (~$750)
  • 24GB + 1TB – ¥5,799 (~$820)

The product can be availed in either Rock Black, Pale Green, or White color options. It is up for pre-order starting today (December 5) and will go on sale from December 11.

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Meizu MYVU AR Glasses now on sale in China for 2499 yuan ($352)

Meizu took the stage at its recent launch event to unveil the Meizu 21 smartphone and showcase its new MYVU brand. The MYVU brand made its mark with the introduction of the MYVU AR smart glasses and the MYVU Smart Ring.

Starting today, Meizu’s new MYVU AR glasses are available for purchase. These glasses mark the first product release under Meizu’s new MYVU brand, following the company’s initial foray into AR glasses in October. The MYVU AR glasses are priced at 2499 yuan ($352) on the Chinese e-commerce site Jingdong.

Specifications

The glasses are lightweight, weighing only 43 grams. They feature resin-diffraction light waveguide lenses that project images onto the wearer’s retina. The glasses have a peak brightness of 2000 nits.

The MYVU AR glasses are powered by Meizu’s Flyme AR system, which supports various gestures and interactions. Users can single-click to confirm, double-click to return, left swipe to select, right swipe to select, and long press to return to the desktop.

The MYVU AR glasses are powered by Meizu’s Flyme AR system, which supports various gestures and interactions. Users can single-click to confirm, double-click to return, left swipe to select, right swipe to select, and long press to return to the desktop.

Meizu MYVU AR Glasses

The glasses also support instant notification reminders, content translation, WeChat messaging, travel navigation, and phone calls. The MYVU AR glasses are equipped with Meizu’s Flyme AI large model, which offers enhanced voice capabilities. The AI-powered voice assistant can process text, answer questions intelligently, and understand the semantics of conversations.

The MYVU AR glasses support multiple interaction methods, including temple touch, voice interaction, smart rings, and an App trackpad. The glasses are compatible with the Meizu 20/21 series, Huawei Mate40/50, Huawei P40/50 series, Xiaomi 12/13 series, and Apple phones running iOS13 or above.

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POCO C65 leaked image confirms a Purple color option

The POCO C65 was first announced for the global market back in November. Now, the company is gearing up to unveil the budget smartphone. But before its Indian release, a new leak has confirmed one of the device’s color options.

POCO C65 to arrive in a Purple variant

The latest leak was shared in a 91Mobiles report. The image was shared by a source close to the matter, which revealed the rear design of the upcoming POCO C65. Looking at this image, it appears to be a part of the device’s marketing material. The rear panel features two circular camera modules along with an LED flash. It also has the POCO branding etched on the back.

POCO C65

The POCO C65 has a flat back with rounded edges. The industry sources added that the Indian variant will be equipped with MediaTek Helio G85 SoC. This model will even come in a Purple color option. Unfortunately, the report does not reveal any finer details regarding this device, although the Indian variant should be similar to the global version. This means that it will sport a tall 6.74-inch waterdrop notch LCD panel that supports a 90Hz refresh rate and 600 nits of peak brightness.

The POCO C65 features a dual camera setup on the rear that consists of a 50-megapixel primary camera and a 2-megapixel macro shooter. Meanwhile, the front has an 8-megapixel selfie camera. This smartphone is powered by a 5,000mAh battery pack and supports 18W fast charging. Other notable features include 4G LTE, WiFi, Bluetooth, NFC, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

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iQOO 12 pre-booking kicks off in India, Check-out the benefits

On December 12, the iQOO 12 5G smartphone will make its debut in the Indian market. The brand previously announced a priority pass for interested customers. Now, the official pre-booking period has commenced.

iQOO 12

Upon pre-booking via Amazon India, customers will receive a priority pass for the device for a refundable payment of Rs. 999. The priority pass will offer many benefits including a 24-hour early access period to order the upcoming smartphone. With the purchase of the device, early access pass holders will get a free Vivo TWS worth Rs 2,999.

An interesting report from last week revealed that the iQOO 12 could cost a lot less than the launch price of its predecessor. The teasers so far have confirmed that the Indian model of the iQOO 12 is identical to the Chinese model. Here are the specifications of the iQOO 12.

iQOO 12 specs

The iQOO 12 features a 6.78-inch Flat AMOLED display, boasting an impressive 1260 x 2800 pixel resolution and a high 144Hz refresh rate. Under the hood, the smartphone is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, coupled with iQOO’s proprietary e-sports chip Q1. Running on the Android 14-based OriginOS 4 custom user interface, it provides various storage configurations with LPDDR5 RAM and UFS 4.0 storage.

Vivo IQOO 12

In the camera department, it houses a triple rear camera setup, including a 50MP main camera, a 64MP periscope telephoto camera, and a 50MP ultrawide camera. Selfies are captured through a 16MP front camera. The device is equipped with a robust 5,000mAh battery and supports rapid 120W fast charging.

In related news, there are many exciting smartphone launches lined up for this week. First, we have the OnePlus 12 launching later today in China, and on December 7, the Realme GT5 Pro will make its debut. Both of these smartphones will eventually arrive in the Indian market as well.

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Xiaomi 14, Xiaomi 13, and Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 are officially announced to get the Wi-Fi 7 upgrade

Xiaomi has officially announced the upgrade to Wi-Fi 7 for several flagship phones, including the Xiaomi 13 and Xiaomi 14 series, along with the Xiaomi MIX Fold 3. This upgrade promises users faster network speeds, lower latency, and enhanced anti-interference capabilities, marking a significant leap into the new era of Wi-Fi technology.

Wi-Fi 7 is not only about speed, but also about a systematic experience leap!

Xiaomi announces Wi-Fi 7 upgrade for Xiaomi Mix Fold 3, Xiaomi 14, and Xiaomi 13

Wi-Fi 7, also known as IEEE 802.11be – Extremely High Throughput, represents the next generation of Wi-Fi standards. Building upon the foundation of Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 7 introduces 320 MHz bandwidth, 4096-QAM, Multi-RU (Resource Unit), multi-link operation, and multi-AP (Access Point) cooperation. These advancements result in higher data transmission rates and reduced latency compared to Wi-Fi 6.

Wi-Fi 7 is expected to have a throughput of up to 23 Gbps, which is about three times that of Wi-Fi 6. This substantial increase in speed holds the promise of delivering seamless connectivity and an improved user experience across various applications, from streaming high-definition content to online gaming and other bandwidth-intensive tasks.

Xiaomi’s official announcement emphasizes that the Wi-Fi 7 upgrade is not only about speed but also signifies a holistic experience leap. The technology introduces multi-way connection capabilities, dynamic optimization, lower latency, and stronger anti-interference measures. These advancements collectively contribute to a more robust and efficient Wi-Fi experience.

As Xiaomi propels its flagship phones into the Wi-Fi 7 era, users can anticipate a transformative shift in their connectivity experience. The upgrade to Wi-Fi 7 extends to the company’s routers as well. The Xiaomi 10 Gigabit router and Xiaomi BE7000 Wi-Fi 7 Router have commenced firmware upgrades to incorporate Wi-Fi 7 features. Version 1.1.6 is now available for the Xiaomi 10 Gigabit router.

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Xiaomi 14 series production ramped up to meet demand

The Xiaomi 14 series made its debut in China at the end of October. They are currently one of the most demanded smartphones in the country.

Since their release, these phones have broken several sales records. As per multiple supply chain sources, the company is ramping up production to meet the demand.

Let’s go through what the latest reports have to say about the availability of the Xiaomi 14 lineup.

Xiaomi 14
Xiaomi 14 (Review)

The Xiaomi 14 series is said to be the most popular Xiaomi flagship smartphones to date. Both the standard and pro models were sold out in just four hours when they first went on sale.

Analysts say that the company managed to sell 1.4474 million units during the first 10 days on the market. This success also resulted in Xiaomi gaining a huge boost in its market value, which it had been lacking for a while.

Fresh reports from China say that the company is increasing production capacity for both Xiaomi 14 and Xiaomi 14 Pro. Multiple supply chain sources have revealed that the firm has increased orders by 40%.

At the same time, one of the top executives at Xiaomi recently hinted at the restocking of the Xiaomi 14 Pro Titanium Special Edition. This particular variant has a low yield rate and has been facing production issues since the beginning. However, the production is expected to get better.

Unfortunately, Xiaomi is yet to make any announcements regarding the global availability of Xiaomi 14 and Xiaomi 14 Pro. These smartphones are expected to make their way to international markets in the first quarter of 2024.

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Realme C67 5G retail box image leaks, to launch this month in India

Realme is gearing up to launch a new C series smartphone in the global market called the Realme C67 5G. The device has already cleared UAE’s TDRA certification and was reported to launch in India this month.

Realme C67 5G

Tipster Mukul Sharma has supported the previous report, confirming that the Realme C67 is set to launch in India as early as this month. Additionally, the tipster has provided retail box images of the C67 5G, indicating that the brand is well-prepared for an imminent launch.

Realme C53

The smartphone is expected to debut around Rs 12,000 and Rs 15,000 segment, making it quite affordable for a 5G smartphone. Not much is known about the device at this point, however, rumors suggest that it might launch in 4GB, 6GB, and 8GB RAM options accompanied by 128GB storage. We expect more leaks to surface in the coming days. In the meantime, Realme is preparing to launch the Realme GT5 Pro flagship smartphone on December 7 in China.

The upcoming Realme GT5 Pro is set to make its debut with the cutting-edge Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, accompanied by LPDDR5x RAM, UFS 4.0 storage, and a massive 12000mm² heat dissipation unit. Compared to the Realme GT 5, with the latest Sony LYT-808 50MP primary camera being confirmed by the brand. Intriguingly, the OnePlus 12, launching today, will also incorporate this same camera sensor. Here’s how you can watch the OnePlus 12 launch event.

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(Source)

Honor Magic 6 series’ premium Porsche Design variant tipped

Honor is reportedly working on the Honor Magic 6 series of smartphones for the Chinese market. The brand is expected to announce the Magic 6, the Magic 6 Pro, and the Magic 6 Ultimate at some point in January 2023. A new leak claims that the lineup will have a special Porsche Design model, potentially positioning itself as the most high-end variant in the Magic 6 series. which might arrive as the most premium model in the Magic 6 series. 

Honor Magic 6 series to feature Porsche Design model

Honor Magic 5 Ultimate
Honor Magic 5 Ultimate

According to tipster Digital Chat Station, the forthcoming Honor Magic 6 series features a distinctive design, showcasing a quad-curved OLED display with dual punch-hole in what appears to be a pill-shaped cutout. The rear camera arrangement of the “medium cup” and “large cup” models, which appear to be the Magic 6 and Magic 6 Pro, adopts an almost circular design. He added that the rear camera layout combines elements from the Magic 5 series while incorporating the cut-edge design seen in the Huawei Mate X5 foldable phone.

In addition, the lineup will have an “extra large cup” model, which seems to be the Magic 6 Ultimate, and a squarish camera island with rounded corners. The leak also suggests that it will have a Porsche Design special variant.

Since 2016, starting with the Mate 9 Porsche Design, Huawei has been launching special edition Mate-series flagships with Porsche branding. It was reported in September that Huawei has replaced Porsche Design with its own premium brand called the Ultimate Design. This is the reason why the Mate 60 lineup also includes the Huawei Mate 60 RS Ultimate Design variant.

The Magic 6 series will come equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset. Readers can visit this post to learn more about its rumored specifications. 

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Rockstar confirms GTA 6 release for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S in 2025

Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6) is officially coming to PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S in 2025. The news was confirmed by a press release issued by Rockstar’s parent company, Take-Two Interactive. However, the company has yet to provide any information regarding a PC release.

GTA 6 will likely come to PC eventually, but there is no official word on when that might be. This release strategy mirrors the approach taken for previous GTA installments. 

GTA 6

Both Grand Theft Auto V and IV were released first on consoles, with PC ports following later. GTA 4 arrived on PC eight months after consoles, while GTA 5 took longer, releasing 18 months after its console counterpart.

The game’s trailer was leaked online early, but Rockstar Games quickly released an official version writing: “Our trailer has leaked so please watch the real thing on YouTube.”

The trailer itself is a short but action-packed affair, showcasing the neon-lit streets of Vice City and its surrounding areas. According to Take-Two, GTA 6 is “the biggest, most immersive evolution of the Grand Theft Auto series yet.”

The trailer also gives us a glimpse of the game’s protagonist, a young woman named Lucia. This makes GTA VI the first game in the series to feature a female protagonist, and it is also the first game to be set in Vice City since 2002’s Grand Theft Auto: Vice City. 

In a press release, Rockstar Games founder Sam Houser said that GTA VI “continues our efforts to push the limits of what’s possible in highly immersive, story-driven open-world experiences.”

“We’re thrilled to be able to share this new vision with players everywhere,” Houser said.

GTA 6 is undoubtedly one of the most anticipated video game releases of all time. The franchise has garnered immense popularity for its open-world environments, engaging storylines, and captivating characters. GTA 6 is expected to continue this legacy. 

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Redmi 13C 5G color variants, design revealed before December 6 global launch

Redmi is set to unveil the Redmi 13C series of smartphones on Dec. 6. Although the Redmi 13C has already been launched for the global market, it is scheduled to make its debut in the Indian market on the mentioned date. Notably, the Redmi 13C 5G, the other phone premiering alongside the 13C, is expected to position itself as one of the most affordable 5G phones from the brand across all markets, including India. The landing page of the Redmi 13C series available on Amazon India has revealed the design of the 5G variant along with color variants for the first time/ 

Redmi 13C 5G design, color variants

Redmi 13C 5G color options

The above image confirms that the Redmi 13C 5G will have the so-called “Startrail” design. it will be available in Startrail Black, Startrail Silver, and Startrail Green shades. The device can be seen sporting flat edges and a 50-megapixel dual-camera system with an LED flash on the back. It seems to be equipped with a side-mounted fingerprint sensor.

The front design of the phone is yet to be revealed. Hence, it is unclear whether the 5G variant will have a punch-hole display or a waterdrop-notch screen like the Redmi 13C (4G). However, a teaser image available on the landing pages suggests that even the 5G version may have a teardrop-notch screen.

Redmi 13C 5G display teased

The Redmi 13C 5G is confirmed to feature the Dimensity 6100 Plus. It may arrive with up to 8 GB of RAM, up to 8 GB of virtual RAM, UFS 2.2 storage, and Gorilla Glass protection for the display. Rumors are rife that the Redmi 13C 5G will be rebranded as the Redmi 13R in the Chinese market. The 13R is likely to launch later this month (December) in China. In India, it will be available in Stardust Black and Star Shine Green color options.

Redmi 13C specifications

The Redmi 13C (4G) has a 6.74-inch HD+ 90Hz LCD panel, an 8-megapixel primary camera, a 50-megapixel triple camera unit, and a side-facing fingerprint sensor. The Helio G85-powered device packs a 5,000mAh battery with 18W charging. In the global market, the device ships with up to 8 GB of RAM and up to 256 GB of storage. Lastly, it runs on MIUI 14-based Android 13.

RELATED:

Huawei Qingyun L540 laptop with Kirin 9006C chip launched in China

Huawei Qingyun series of computers are sold exclusively to enterprises and government agencies in China. The company is known to experiment more with these devices rather than consumer-facing Mate-branded computers.

Back in 2021, the firm released Qingyun L410 as its first-ever ARM-powered laptop. This notebook featured a Kirin 990 SoC inside. At the end of that year, Huawei launched yet another ARM laptop called Qingyun L420 powered by a Kirin 9006C chip.

Now, two years later, Huawei has unveiled its third ARM laptop dubbed Qingyun L540. This new notebook is powered by the same HiSilicon Kirin 9006C chip as the second model.

Huawei Qingyun L540

Huawei Qingyun L540 Specifications

Huawei’s third ARM laptop again comes in a single 14-inch variant like its predecessors. It also retains the metal body which has a thickness of 15.9mm and weighs 1.45kg.

The notebook sports an IPS LCD panel. The screen offers a resolution of 2160 x 1440 pixels and can cover 100% of the sRGB color gamut.

As mentioned above, the device houses a Kirin 9006C chipset. Not much is known about this silicon, except that it is built on a 5nm process and its CPU is clocked at 3.13GHz.

As for software, Huawei ships the computer with two different operating systems. It comes preloaded with either of these two Linus distros, namely KOS (Kirin Operating System) and UOS (Unity Operating System).

The laptop is MIL-STD-810G compliant for durability. It comes with 1 x USB Type-C, 2 x USB Type-A, an HDMI, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a mini RJ45 port.

Lastly, the notebook draws energy from a 56Wh battery and supports 65W charging.

Huawei Qingyun L540 Price

Huawei Qingyun arrives in three memory configurations. The prices of these variants differ based on the customized software suite ordered by clients. 

We have listed the starting price for each of these versions below.

  • 8GB + 256GB – Starts from ¥6,000 (~$845)
  • 8GB + 512GB – Starts from ¥6,500 (~$915)
  • 16GB + 512GB – Starts from ¥7,000 (~$985)

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There could be another press conference from Xiaomi this month: Xiaomi Car coming this year?

Xiaomi is reported to host yet another press conference in December. While the specifics of the event remain undisclosed, signs point to a revelation: Xiaomi’s much-anticipated entry into the automotive industry.

Xiaomi’s inaugural car has progressed to the fifth stage of production line verification (PT5)

Xiaomi-Car

Rumors circulating in the tech sphere suggest that Xiaomi’s December conference might witness the debut of its first-ever car. This speculation gains traction as Xiaomi’s foray into the automotive realm has already been officially acknowledged by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. Xiaomi’s Chairman, Lei Jun, has previously stated that the company’s venture into the automotive sector will culminate in an official launch in 2024. With this timeline in mind, unveiling the Xiaomi car at the end of 2023 seems plausible.

The official website of Xiaomi Auto has already been launched, adding a layer of legitimacy to the anticipated imminent introduction of Xiaomi’s vehicle lineup. Recent reports from domestic auto media reveal that Xiaomi’s inaugural car has progressed to the fifth stage of production line verification (PT5) at the Yizhuang factory. The factory aims to complete the loading of 300 vehicles this month. This is a significant increase from the production targets achieved in November. These developments underscore the steady and rapid preparations being made for the official launch.

Xiaomi has recently showcased five models from the Xiaomi 14 series and the Redmi K70 series at two separate press conferences in October and November. These conferences also introduced a plethora of wearable devices and smart home products to the Xiaomi ecosystem.

While information about the upcoming product remains shrouded in secrecy, Xiaomi’s track record of innovative releases suggests that the conference might include a diverse range of cutting-edge gadgets and devices.

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Microsoft’s Link to Windows app could turn your smartphone camera into a webcam for your PC

Microsoft Phone Link, formerly known as Microsoft Your Phone, is a useful utility, particularly if you own an Android 14-powered flagship smartphone.

The software includes the Link to Windows companion app for Android phones and the Phone Link app for Windows devices.

Developers of the Link to Windows app appears to be working on the new feature, as indicated by code discovered by the people at Android Authority. The new feature would enable you to utilize the Link to Windows app to use the camera on your smartphone as a webcam on your PC.

Although certain Link to Windows features are limited to particular devices, it’s unclear if this new capability will be available on all phones that have Link to Windows installed.

Microsoft's Link to Windows app could turn your smartphone camera into a webcam for your PC
Microsoft’s Link to Windows app could turn your smartphone camera into a webcam for your PC

There is code in Microsoft’s Link to Windows v1.23102.190.0 for Android app that indicates the corporation is working on enabling video streaming from your Android phone to your Windows PC. This would enable it to function as a webcam.

<string name="camera_activity_launch_notification_content">Tap this notification to allow your PC to stream your camera video</string>
<string name="camera_activity_button_pause">Pause Video</string>
<string name="camera_activity_button_resume">Resume Video</string>
<string name="camera_activity_launch_notification_title">Tap to start camera stream</string>
<string name="camera_activity_lock_notification_title">Unlock your phone to start your video</string>
<string name="camera_activity_button_dnd">Do not disturb</string>
<string name="camera_activity_button_swap_camera_to_back">Switch to Back</string>
<string name="camera_activity_button_swap_camera_to_front">Switch to Front</string>

These strings suggest that users would be able to launch a camera stream that allows their phone’s camera to be accessible to their Windows PC once Microsoft’s Phone Link software is operational on both linked devices.

Although “webcam” is not mentioned in the strings directly, there are other hints that suggest the functionality is somehow connected to video calls.

In addition, another new set of strings suggests that users could apply effects and auto-framing to the video stream.

<string name="camera_activity_button_effects">Effects</string>
<string name="camera_activity_button_select_effects">Select effects</string>
<string name="camera_activity_no_filter">No Filter</string>
<string name="camera_effect_auto_framing">Auto-framing</string>
<string name="camera_effect_automatic">Automatic</string>
<string name="camera_effect_blur">Blur</string>
<string name="camera_effect_face_retouch">Face Retouch</string>
<string name="camera_effect_hdr">HDR</string>
<string name="camera_effect_night">Night</string>
<string name="camera_effect_soft_focus">Soft Focus</string>
<string name="camera_effect_stabilization">Stabilization</string>

It is more likely that the feature has something to do with webcam operation because “auto-framing” is a camera effect.

Auto-framing may be comparable with video calling apps like Facetime, Apple promoted the “Center Stage” function, which allowed the front camera to zoom in and maintain focus on people even while they moved about.

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Decathlon Rockrider E-EXPL 700 electric bicycle launched in striking purple shade

The Decathlon Rockrider E-EXPL 700 was released earlier this year in several markets in Europe. Decathlon has now unveiled a new version of the Rockrider E-EXPL 700 which comes in a purple shade. The new hardtail model of the Decathlon Rockrider E-EXPL 700 e-bike sports an incandescent purple frame in contrast to the bottle green frame of the original mode

Decathlon Rockrider E-EXPL 700 electric bicycle

Features

Decathlon has released the new e-bike to a sprinkling of markets in Europe including France, the Netherlands, and the UK. The new Rockrider E-EXPL 700 sports a Shimano drivetrain with a Deore 5130 rear derailleur, a Deore LG 11-43 cassette, and an LG500 chain. The drivetrain in the new variant is different from the original model’s Microshift Advent X drivetrain. Both drive trains however offer identical capabilities.

The new Decathlon Rockrider E-EXPL 700 is powered by a Brose Drive T mid-mounted motor with a maximum torque of 70Nm and a top assistance speed of 25km/h. The motor provides maximum assistance of 320% and features a torque sensor for smoother pedaling transitions. The bike has a 630Wh battery that delivers up to 100km of range on a single charge. The bike is compatible with a 360Wh range extender that offers an additional 44km.

The Rockrider E-EXPL 700 e-bike has a 6061 aluminum frame available in four sizes between S and XL. It has an X-Fusion RC32 29-inch fork that yields up to 130mm of travel. It is also equipped with Tektro M530 hydraulic disc brakes and a long-distance 60-degree saddle. You can view ride statistics and battery status on the bike’s Ergo 900 TFT color display on the handlebars. You can also switch between assistance modes via the display.

Decathlon Rockrider E-EXPL 700 electric bicycle

Pricing & Availability

The new Decathlon Rockrider E-EXPL 700 e-bike is priced at €2,499.99 (~$2,708) in France, Italy, and Spain. The e-bike retails in the Netherlands for €2,509.99 (~$2,718) and £2,499.99 (~$3,157) in the UK. The Decathlon Rockrider E-EXPL 700 is also available in Sweden. There is no availability information for the new Decathlon e-bike for markets outside Europe at this time.

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Realme GT 5 Pro to rival OnePlus 12 with the same Sony LYT-808 primary camera

OnePlus will be launching the OnePlus 12 as the company’s 10th anniversary smartphone in China today. Two days later, Realme will unveil the Realme GT 5 Pro in the country. Both smartphones will rival each other as they are equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip. The similarities do not end here; both devices also feature the same primary camera.

Realme GT 5 Pro features LYT-808 primary camera

Realme GT 5 Pro LYT-808
Realme GT 5 Pro has a 50MP LYT-808 primary camera

The OnePlus 12 features the same OIS-enabled 50-megapixel Sony LYT-808 primary camera, which is available on the OnePlus Open / Oppo Find N3 foldable phones. The Realme GT 5 Pro will also feature the same primary camera.

At present, the LYT-808 is Sony’s most powerful camera sensor after the 1-inch Sony IMX989 lens or the 1-inch LYT-900, which is expected to debut early next year. The LYT-808 relies on a collaborative design incorporating both hardware and algorithms. It adeptly restores challenging bright and dark elements concurrently, avoiding overexposure in well-lit areas while retaining intricate details in darker parts.

In addition, the GT 5 Pro will be the company’s first smartphone to come with a periscope telephoto camera. To be specific, the device is equipped with an IMX890 50-megapixel periscope zoom camera that will offer 3x optical zoom and up to 120x digital zoom. While the company is not advertising it, the device’s rear camera setup is also said to include an IMX355 8-megapixel camera for ultra-wide shots.

The GT 5 Pro marks Realme’s debut in offering wireless charging support, featuring the largest 5,400mAh battery among Realme’s flagship smartphones. It is also the first Realme smartphone to come equipped with a USB 3.2-enabled USB-C port and an AI super assistant. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3-powered GT 5 Pro runs on Realme UI 5-based Android 14, a first for the company. Realme commits to delivering up to three major Android OS upgrades and four years of security updates for GT 5 Pro users.

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Meizu 21 goes on sale as one of the most affordable Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 phones

On Nov. 30, Meizu unveiled the Meizu 21 smartphone in China. After the Redmi K70 Pro, which starts at 3,299 Yuan (~$465), the Meizu 21 is the most affordable phone equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip. After making it available for purchase, Meizu confirmed that the Meizu 21 achieved remarkable success in its initial sales, surpassing the impressive milestone of 100 million Yuan in just one second across all sales channels.

While it revealed what kind of market response the Meizu 21 received in its first sale, it did not mention the number of units sold. However, considering that the Meizu 21’s base variant is priced at 3,399 Yuan (~$479) and its highest edition costs 3,999 (~$465), it appears that the brand may have sold 25,000 to 29,440 units of the smartphone.

Meizu 21 first sale result
Meizu 21 first sale result

For those who don’t know, the Meizu 21 comes in three variants, such as 8 GB RAM + 256 GB storage, 12 GB RAM + 256 GB storage, and 12 GB RAM + 512 GB storage, which are priced at 3,399 Yuan, 3,699 Yuan (~$521), and 3,999 Yuan, respectively. Buyers can choose from color options, such as Unbounded Black, Smart Purple, Sharp Green, or Meizu White.

Meizu 21 specifications

The Meizu 21 has a 6.55-inch OLED FHD+ display with a 120Hz refresh rate and 1.74mm thin symmetrical bezels. Under the hood, the Meizu 21 has the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, LPDDR5x RAM, UFS 4.0 storage, and a 4,800mAh battery with 80W charging. It comes preinstalled with the Android 14 with Flyme 10.5.

On the back, the Meizu features an OIS-assisted 200-megapixel main sensor, a 13-megapixel ultrawide lens, and a 5-megapixel depth sensor. For selfies, it has a 32-megapixel front-facing camera. Other notable features include an Aicy smart RGB-LED ring on the rear, an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint scanner, an IR blaster, dual speakers, and an IP54-rated chassis.

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Huawei Enjoy 70 launched with 6.75-inch display, 6,000mAh battery, 50MP dual cameras

Huawei has discreetly introduced the Huawei Enjoy 70 in the Chinese market, adopting the design aesthetics from the P60 flagship series while incorporating mid-range specifications. Building on the success of its predecessor, the Enjoy 60, this new model retains a sizable display and a robust battery. Here is a look at what awaits prospective buyers of the Enjoy 70.

Huawei Enjoy 70 specifications and features

Huawei Enjoy 70 December 5 pre-sale-
Huawei Enjoy 70 December 5 pre-sale-

The Huawei Enjoy 70, identified by the model number FGD-AL00, features a teardrop-notch LCD panel providing an HD+ resolution of 720 x 1600 pixels. Notably, the official listing on Huawei’s Vmall platform omits details regarding the refresh rate, implying a conventional 60Hz refresh rate for the display.

The Enjoy 70 is powered by the older Kirin 710A chipset, which means there is no support for 5G connectivity. The device is equipped with 8 GB of RAM, and it comes in 128 GB and 256 GB storage choices. The Enjoy 70 packs a massive 6,000mAh battery with 22.5W fast charging support. It comes preloaded with Harmony OS 4.

On the front, the Enjoy 70 has an 8-megapixel camera. Its rear panel is equipped with a 50-megapixel primary camera and a 2-megapixel macro lens. For security, it has a side-facing fingerprint sensor. The handset comes with other features, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.1, GPS, NFC, a USB-C port, and a side-mounted fingerprint sensor. In addition, there is a physical “Enjoy X” button onboard, which can be used to display a grid of nine apps that are frequently used. It also supports long-press and double-click for launching apps and accessing other functions.

Huawei Enjoy 70 price

The Huawei Enjoy 70 comes in two options: 8 GB RAM + 128 GB storage and 8 GB RAM + 256 GB storage. These variants are priced at 1,199 Yuan (~$170) and 1,399 Yuan (~$200), respectively. It comes in shades like Brilliant Black, Snowy White, and Emerald Green.

Customers in China opting to pre-order the Enjoy 70 with a 100 Yuan (~$14) deposit can enjoy a discount of 150 Yuan (~$21), resulting in final prices of 1,149 Yuan (~$162) and 1,349 Yuan (~$190) for different variants. There is no information about the same date of the device. Additionally, the first 500 individuals to place orders will be entitled to a complimentary Huawei AI Speaker 2e.

As of now, there is no information available regarding the global availability of the Enjoy 70.

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