Tecno has launched the successor to the Spark Go 2023 (review) smartphone that was announced earlier this year. The latest Spark Go 2024 arrives with significant upgrades over its predecessor. Some features on the device are said to be the first in the price segment. The smartphone is an affordable offering with the base model starting under Rs 8,000. Read on to know everything about the Spark Go 2024.
Tecno Spark Go 2024 specifications and features
The Tecno Spark Go 2024 retains the same boxy and compact form factor as its predecessor. It has a squarish camera module on the back panel that does not protrude. The power button doubles up as a fingerprint scanner. On the front, the Spark Go 2024 has a center-aligned punch-hole cutout with a Dynamic Port feature that works similar to Apple’s Dynamic Island and shows notifications. The smartphone features a 6.56-inch display bearing an HD+ resolution and a 90Hz refresh rate.
On the imaging front, the Tecno Spark Go 2024 has a 13MP main camera paired with an AI lens. There is an 8MP front-facing selfie snapper. The device is equipped with dual stereo speakers tuned by DTS that promises to offer 400 percent louder sound.
Internally, the Tecno Spark Go 2024 is powered by a Unisoc T606 processor which is an upgrade over the A22 on its predecessor. The device packs up to 8GB RAM and 128GB storage expandable via a microSD card slot. It is backed by a 5,000mAh battery unit with support for 10W charging via USB-C port. The smartphone runs on HiOS 13-based Android 13 out of the box.
The Tecno Spark Go 2024 is offered in Mystic White and Gravity Black colors. The base 3GB + 64GB variant carries an introductory price tag of Rs 6,699. The prices of the 8GB + 64GB and 8GB + 128GB configurations will be announced at a later date. The device will be available for purchase from Amazon starting December 7.
Sony could be working on a unique feature for its next generation of DualSense controllers that can help players have an easier time in games. A patent has revealed that artificial intelligence may be employed to help you beat tough challenges in video games.
Sony DualSense controllers may help you beat tough boss fights
As of right now, Sony offers DualSense in a base and Edge (basically Pro) variant. But a recent patent filing hints that a next gen DualSense controller could be in the works. Looking at the patent listing, the Japanese tech giant’s new DualSense will feature some major changes. One of the more noticeable changes is to the touchpad, which now functions as a display as well.
Sony DualSense Edge Controller
This isn’t a simple addition to the existing design but will also feature a robust machine learning and AI based system. The new DualSense will use the screen to help players by displaying button prompts for the most efficient course of action. To complement this, the buttons, namely sticks and triggers, actually light up as well. The system basically ensures that players know what inputs are recommended during difficult sections of the game.
On paper, this could help players defeat challenging bosses or solve hard puzzles. Even tough areas could be navigated via this feature. This feature could help make games more accessible to inexperienced gamers or people with certain kinds of disabilities. However, it needs to be disabled by default since a prompt lighting up every time you’re in-game can be frustrating to some, especially if the AI model isn’t trained properly and suggests incorrect actions.
In the just-concluded Redmi 10th anniversary, not just releasing the much-anticipated K70 series, Redmi also launched a series of new products. Among all these supporting accessories, the most interesting to me is the Redmi Watch 4, because this is the first time for the budget series, truly wearing “metal armor”.
So we couldn’t wait to call somebody and buy one during the launch. so let’s see if it’s the best affordable smartwatch to buy this year.
Design & Metal Frame
This is the Redmi Watch 4. Although the design with the metal shield used makes it feel much more premium, during the boxing, I still can’t help to have some sort of Apple Watch illusion. So while I quite like the new watch’s design so far, I still have to say that this is the most Apple-Watch-like model of 2023 so far.
If you guys remember its predecessor, the Redmi Watch 3, you may recall that it tried very hard to masquerade as being metallic. But with the plastic frame, the watch 3 still reaped a lot of complaints about its cheap feel and look. The watch 4 seems to have learned from its mistakes and is serious about bringing an aluminum frame to this more popular line, which is great.
And the new watch is still lightweight, though it comes with a metal built outside, adding 10g compared to the Watch 3. The watch body without straps here is about 32g, well, which just feels like the typical weight of a smart band.
The metal surface with a matt finish can keep fingerprints away, and another good detail is that the new crown here is even made of stainless steel with a subtle texture. So when it meets the fine processing of the frame, everything here just makes it correct.
The front face is completely flat with sharp edges. But I have concerns here: as a watch that can’t be worn without bumps and bruises. It’s unavoidable that such sharp edges are likely to be scarred and scratched a lot. So, a little reminder here, just be careful.
There’s another little problem. I’m used to wearing my watch on my left wrist. Sometimes I tie it too tightly, then when I lift my wrist, the protruding crown would be touched by mistake. So when you have the same confusion, the easiest solution is to relax it on your wrist. Or if you just like to use this wrist-lifting gesture as a wake-up trigger, it may be a hidden egg feature for you. But, not for me right now.
About the straps, the good news here is that the Redmi Watch 4 has also been upgraded to fit with Xiaomi’s quick-release straps, which are much easier to remove and replace. It’s compatible with straps of other Xiaomi wearables, such as the straps of the Xiaomi Band 8 Pro. So it means that you have and will have more straps to choose from.
Flat Front & 1.97″ AMOLED Display
Let’s take a look at the front. The front side still features a square dial design close to Apple’s and one that they’ve been sticking to with Redmi’s lineups. Compared to the predecessor, the 1.97-inch AMOLED display and 74.8% screen-to-body ratio here, carry a more complete info display, and also a bit improve the operating experience.
The display quality is still great with a decent resolution and vivid colors. The auto-adjustable brightness can boost the display up to 600nit for outdoor uses, which is quite clear in the bright daytime. Another good feature here is the variable refresh rate. While operating, the display could run at 60Hz for a smooth experience. And the refresh rate can also be reduced to 5Hz while display-off. So in the AOD mode, the new watch could even be more power-saving.
Software – HyperOS
The changes at the software level are also a big reason why I’m looking forward to this watch, the Redmi Watch 4 has the latest Xiaomi HyperOS built-in, making it the second Xiaomi line of wearables to come with HyperOS.
Its dial market offers a very large selection of personalized displays, and I’m sure you’ll always be able to pick the style that suits you best there.
The User interface is still neat and clear. There’s not much difference from predecessors, swiping in different directions on the dial page to check notifications and check widgets you preset in the phone app called Mi Fitness. But there’s only one crown for tapping into the app menu. So you have no shortcut button for actions like starting sports.
Health Tracking & Sport Tracking
There’s not much to say on health tracking features. It’s still good, with an upgraded heart rate monitoring sensor for more accurate heart rate records. The blood oxygen monitoring also supports 24/7 auto-tracking, now you can check your blood oxygen records throughout the day. In addition, sleep tracking, stress tracking, female cycle reminders, and breathing training are also available.
As for sports tracking, the new watch supports more than 150 sports modes, covering almost all the sports I know, such as 17 water sports, 40 outdoors, 26 ball sports, and so on. Even you can find some card or board games there! But there are quite a few exercises that I don’t recommend you wear it for. Like basketball and football, the sharp edges could hurt the others.
Other Features
It comes with a built-in independent GNSS chip, supporting the main 5 satellite positioning systems on the planet. Without a phone, it still can record the track of outdoor running. And thanks to the 5ATM waterproofing, you can also wear it while doing water sports, such as swimming.
And I know some of you also care about the bonus feature like NFC. Yes, it has, but if you live in China, this feature can bring you more convenience, such as secure offline mobile payments and full transportation card simulation.
Battery Life
As claimed, the new watch got improved by 50% to 80% on battery life performance. It can last up to 10 days in typical AOD mode, and 20 days in typical mode with default factory settings. We weren’t able to test and verify the battery life, since we tried to talk to you about the watch as soon as possible. I would let you guys know if I was disappointed in the follow-up use. But based on the whole-day use with most auto-tracking and AOD on, the 11% battery drop is quite impressive.
Verdict
So that’s my most-anticipated smartwatch in the second half of 2023. The Redmi Watch is still the top contender for best affordable smartwatch. But for now, it still fails to fully utilize Xiaomi’s multi-device connectivity. From the Watch 4, we only get a switch for the smart home’s auto-scenarios.
Our Redmi K70 series review is coming soon. Please keep subscribing to our channel and stay tuned.
Google has postponed the release of its next-generation AI chatbot, Gemini, until early next year, according to a new report by Sammobile. The company had initially planned to unveil Gemini in November 2023, but internal testing revealed that the chatbot struggled with certain non-English queries.
Gemini, touted as Google’s most powerful conversational AI to date, was poised to make its debut at a series of events in California, New York, and Washington, D.C.
However, Google CEO Sundar Pichai made the decision to delay the launch after discovering that Gemini’s performance with non-English queries fell short of expectations.
Global language support is crucial for Google’s ambition to position Gemini as a superior alternative to OpenAI’s GPT-4. Until Gemini can demonstrate proficiency in handling non-English queries, Google believes it’s premature to introduce it to the wider market.
Despite the delay, Google remains confident in Gemini’s potential to outpace GPT-4. In private tests, Gemini has reportedly outperformed GPT-4, thanks to its superior computational power.
Google CEO Pichai has emphasized the company’s commitment to delivering a “competitive and state-of-the-art” product with Gemini 1.0.
Google Vice President Sissie Hsiao provided an example of Gemini’s capabilities: “I’ve seen some pretty amazing things. Like, if I’m trying to bake a cake, draw me 3 pictures of the steps to how to ice a three-layer cake, and Gemini will create those images. These are completely novel pictures, not just pictures from the internet.”
OnePlus is gearing up to launch its next-gen flagship smartphone this week. Over the last few days, the brand has been officially teasing the features of this device.
We know almost everything about it, thanks to these teasers and leaks from different sources. Based on the details we have, it will be the best slab smartphone from the brand to date.
Additionally, the OnePlus 12 will mark the company’s 10th anniversary. Thus, the phone is more special for the brand.
If you are interested in watching the unveiling of this product live, we have got you covered in this article.
The OnePlus 12 is scheduled to launch in China on December 5 (Tuesday). It will be announced at a press conference which is set to begin at 2:30 PM local time (GMT+8).
The said phone will be the only product that will be unveiled at this event.
2. OnePlus 12 Launch Event Livestream
The OnePlus 12 launch event will be streamed live on leading Chinese video platforms. Interested readers can watch the conference on the website of their choice.
The OnePlus 12 will be powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC. The chipset will be paired with up to 24GB of LPDDR5x RAM and 1TB of UFS 4.0 storage. It will boot ColorOS 14 based on Android 14.
The device will sport a 6.82-inch curved LTPO (1-120Hz) OLED display with a QHD+ resolution and up to 4,500 nits of local peak brightness level. It will be IP65-rated for dust and water resistance.
The handset will house a triple camera system on the rear comprising a 50MP Sony LYT-808 primary sensor, a 48MP Sony IMX581 ultrawide unit, and a 64MP OmniVision OV64B 3x periscope zoom shooter. On the front, there will be a 32MP snapper and all of these cameras will offer Hasselblad-inspired image processing.
Last but not least, the smartphone will draw juice from a 5,400mAh battery and carry support for 100W wired charging as well as 50W wireless charging.
You can learn the features of the upcoming OnePlus 12 in detail in our roundup article.
In another stride towards revolutionizing everyday technology, Xiaomi has announced the launch of the Mijia Label Printer set in an elegant white color variant. Set to hit the market at 10 o’clock on December 6, this new addition to the Mijia ecosystem comes with an affordable price tag of 119 yuan (~$17) in China.
Offers label styles with the ability to cut the label in one tap
Xiaomi Mijia label printer
The Mijia Label Printer employs a thermal printing technology, eliminating the need for ink and ensuring a clean and efficient labeling process. Without having to use ink, this product also ensures reliable operation at room temperature. With a compact and lightweight design, it is effortlessly portable and easy to store, making it an ideal companion for a variety of labeling needs.
The package includes three rolls of label paper, featuring two rolls of white labels and one roll of transparent labels. An exciting feature of this Mijia Label Printer is its support for custom label lengths, providing users with the flexibility to tailor labels according to their specific requirements. With a simple push, users can effortlessly cut the labels, enhancing convenience in the labeling process.
For practical and fun usage, the Mijia Label Printer offers a variety of functions. Users can click the button once to print the current date, double-click to create custom shortcut labels, and even triple-click to participate in an entertaining lottery game.
The integration with the Mi Home app further enhances the user experience. With an embedded plug-in, users can access a range of label styles without the need for additional downloads. The app also allows for easy customization and supports message push reminders, ensuring users stay organized and never miss important label-related tasks.
The applications of the Mijia Label Printer extend across various scenarios, from home storage and office labeling to schedule management, offering a seamless solution to keep life organized.
Vivo has officially confirmed the launch date of the Vivo TWS 3e TWS earbuds to be December 14, coinciding with the release of the anticipated Vivo S18 series mobile phones. The official teaser for the TWS 3e hints at an improved auditory experience with a focus on “good sound quality and long battery life.”
The Vivo TWS 3e promotional image showcases two different color options: black and white
Vivo TWS 3e
The accompanying official poster reveals that the Vivo TWS 3e earbuds will be available in two different colors – black and white. Sporting an in-ear handle design, the earphones are expected to combine style with functionality, as suggested by the sleek and modern aesthetic showcased in the promotional image. However, any detailed specifications about the new earbuds are yet to be unveiled.
Notably, the TWS 3e true wireless noise-canceling earbuds are already available for reservation on various e-commerce platforms ahead of the official launch. Furthermore, the earbuds have made appearances on certification platforms such as TDRA, SIRIM, and SDPPI, signaling the imminent arrival of the product.
Vivo TWS 2e earbuds: for context
For those eager to gauge the potential value of the TWS 3e, a comparison can be drawn to its predecessor, the Vivo TWS 2e, launched in May last year in India. Priced at Rs 3,299 (~$40), the TWS 2e boasted 12.2mm drivers for powerful bass, integrated Vivo Golden Ears Acoustics Lab, and featured DeepX 2.0 Stereo sound effects. The upcoming TWS 3e is expected to elevate this audio experience further with the addition of ANC, especially considering the price point.
LG has apparently decided to outsource the production of its LG Gram flagship series of thin and light laptops to an ODM (Original Design Manufacturer). This means that a different company will be making its high-end notebooks, moving away from in-house production.
LG Gram will be made by ODM going forward
According to a new report, the upcoming Gram models will be produced by Quanta’s subsidiary Dafeng. This is a Chinese ODM, which has previously made other LG Electronics products as well. Now. it will also be responsible for making mid range Ultra PC models and even the Gram 2-in-1 notebooks. An industry insider stated that the base LG Gram was manufactured in-house at LG’s Nanjing site before its recent outsourcing.
The source close to the matter added that cost reduction and improved efficiency is likely the reason for the South Korean tech giant making the shift. Reportedly, LG’s Nanjing plant faced a loss of 2.4 billion won in the third quarter of this year. So the outsourcing move could help the brand cut down on losses moving forward. In their recent financial report, LG’s unit that sells laptops and IT products also suffered a notable 20.5 billion won loss.
The company believes that slowing demand for falling demand for IT products is the main reason for this decline. For those unaware, the LG Gram 2023 series of premium laptops was released in India back in June. Similarly, the LG Gram SuperSlim OLED was also launched earlier this year as the brand’s thinnest laptop with an OLED panel.
Lenovo recently introduced the Xiaoxin Pro AI Ultrabook 2024, positioning it as a potential competitor to the Core Ultra thin and light platform. This laptop stands out as the first to feature Intel’s new Core Ultra processor, emphasizing improved performance, scalability, and extended battery life.
The Xiaoxin Pro AI Ultrabook 2024 features a sizable 16-inch display, offering users a spacious layout with a full-sized keyboard and a roomy touchpad, as shown in the official poster. However, specific details about release dates and configurations are yet to be disclosed by Lenovo.
On December 1st, Intel China released a teaser poster, announcing the official release date of the Core Ultra processor in China on December 15th. The teaser underscores the core graphics performance and AI capabilities of the new processor.
The Core Ultra processor, known as Meteor Lake, operates on Intel’s 4-process technology, introduced at the Intel ON Technology Innovation Summit in September. Utilizing Foveros 3D packaging technology, the processor adopts a separated module architecture for improved efficiency and architectural shifts.
Regarding architecture, the processor integrates a 3D high-performance hybrid architecture, including performance cores (Redwood Cove), energy efficiency cores (Crestmont), and low-power energy-efficiency cores. Intel claims exceptional energy efficiency, further integrating neural processing units (NPUs) to boost the adoption of artificial intelligence in PCs.
Key features of the Xiaoxin Pro AI Ultrabook 2024 include compatibility with the new Intel Core Ultra CPUs, offering configurations with Intel Core Ultra 5, Ultra 7, and Ultra 9 CPUs. However, specific details regarding processor variants, pricing, and availability remain undisclosed.
Huawei Pocket S2 launch could have been delayed from its expected release in December 2023 to February 2024, according to tipster FixedFocus.
The phone was originally scheduled to be launched alongside the Huawei Nova 12 this month, but both launches have reportedly been postponed until next year.
Huawei Pocket S2 leaked render
Huawei has made significant strides in the foldable phone market, offering devices in three distinct categories: side-folding, in-ward folding, and clamshell-style. Earlier this year, Huawei launched the Mate X3, followed by the Mate X5, both of which received positive reviews.
The company is now rumored to be working on a new clamshell-style foldable, possibly the Pocket S2. Tipster DigitalChatStation has even shared an image of what appears to be a transparent case for the smartphone.
The image suggests that the phone will have two large circles, larger than those on the Pocket S and P50 Pocket devices. However, the overall design is expected to be similar to Huawei’s current vertical foldable phones.
Due to the reported delay, we will have to wait a while longer for the official launch of the Pocket S2. The phone is expected to be the successor to the Pocket S, which was launched in November 2023.
To recap, the Pocket S comes equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 4G processor, supported by an adaptive graphene heat dissipation unit.
Likewise, it features a 6.9-inch OLED panel with a resolution of 2790 × 1188 pixels, a refresh rate of up to 120Hz, and 1440Hz high-frequency PWM dimming.
The display also has a 300Hz touch sampling rate and supports 1.07 billion colors with a P3 wide color gamut. Additionally, there’s an external screen with a 1.04-inch 340 × 340 circular OLED display. Fueling the device is a 4000mAh battery that supports 40W wired charging.
The upcoming Realme GT 5 Pro will be the company’s first phone to feature a periscope telephoto camera. It has also been revealed that the device will be equipped with a 50-megapixel IMX890 camera sensor for periscope zoom shots. The brand has collaborated with a popular Chinese director, screenwriter, and producer named Lu Chuan to share the below camera samples that were captured using the IMX890 sensor.
The periscope telephoto lens on the Realme GT5 Pro is said to offer enhanced light sensitivity compared to telephoto cameras available on other smartphones. It can deliver main-camera-level image quality across commonly used focal lengths, including 3x optical zoom and 6x lossless zoom. In addition, it is also said to maintain excellent clarity even at extreme zoom levels of up to 120x. The company also claims that the MX890 can capture SLR-level portrait shots. Here is a look at the camera samples.
Realme GT 5 Pro camera samples
Realme GT 5 Pro specifications
Realme has already confirmed that the Realme GT 5 Pro’s rear camera setup will have a 50-megapixel Sony LYT-808 main camera with OIS support. It is the same primary camera that is available on the upcoming OnePlus 12. In addition, it is said to feature an 8-megapixel Sony IMX355 ultra-wide lens. For selfies, it will have a 32-megapixel front camera.
A 5,400mAh battery that supports 100W wired and 50W wireless charging will power the GT 5 Pro. It will receive three Android OS upgrades and four years of security updates. The device will come preloaded with Realme UI 5.0-based Android 14. For security, it will feature an in-screen fingerprint scanner.
A couple of days ago, Xiaomi unveiled the new Redmi Book 14 and 16 2024 series of laptops in its home market of China. These are Redmi’s latest thin and light notebooks and a recent report has revealed the sole supplier of displays for the Redmi Book 14 2024 model.
Tianma is Xiaomi’s exclusive supplier of Redmi Book 14 2024’s display
As per official notes, Tianma Microelectronics is the sole supplier of display panels for the Redmi Book 14 2024. For those unaware, the new notebook sports a 14-inch display that offers 2.8K resolution, 16:10 aspect ratio, 100 percent sRGB color gamut, up to 120Hz refresh rate, DC Dimming, and TÜV Rheinland low blue light certification.
For those unaware, the latest Redmi Book 14 measures just 1.37 kilograms in weight and 15.9mm in thickness. Under the hood, this laptop is equipped with the Intel i5-13500H processor. This CPU even supports 47W performance boost as well. The i5 is paired with 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM and up to 1TB of SSD storage. To keep thermals in check, it features dual fans and dual 8mm heat pipes for efficient cooling.
Other notable features include a 56Wh battery pack that powers this device, Thunderbolt 4, USB Type A ports, HDMI, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. Apart from the Redmi Book 14 2024, Tianma is also the supplier of the 1.97-inch AMOLED that is equipped on the Redmi Watch 4. To recall, the smartwatch’s display features 600 nits of peak brightness, an LTPS low power screen, and a squarish panel.
Netflix is expanding its mobile gaming offerings with the addition of Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition. This remastered trilogy of classic GTA games will be available to Netflix subscribers on iOS and Android devices starting December 14th.
Grand Theft Auto trilogy hits Android and iOS
The trilogy includes Grand Theft Auto III, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, and Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, all of which have been enhanced with updated graphics and gameplay. Players will be able to experience the iconic open worlds of Liberty City, Vice City, and San Andreas on their mobile devices.
Of course, to play the games, users will need a Netflix subscription. You can pre-register for the games starting today on iOS and Google Play. The trilogy will be available both in the Netflix mobile app and offered separately to Netflix subscribers in the App Store and Google Play.
Netflix’s mobile gaming library has been growing steadily in recent months, and the addition of Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition is a significant boost. The service now offers over 80 games, including a variety of genres, such as action, adventure, puzzle, and card games.
Netflix’s focus on gaming is a reflection of the growing importance of mobile gaming. According to a recent report by Newzoo, the mobile gaming market is expected to generate over $184 billion in revenue in 2023. This represents over 50% of the global gaming market.
By adding the GTA Trilogy to its mobile gaming library, Netflix is positioning itself to capitalize on this growing trend. The company is also likely hoping that the GTA Trilogy will attract new subscribers to the service.
Following the debut of the Honor 100 series in China, the brand is set to unveil a new mid-range offering, the Honor X50 GT. With rumors suggesting the smartphone has entered its final testing phase, an imminent launch could be on the horizon. The smartphone has recently surfaced on Bluetooth SIG, suggesting that its official release might be just around the corner.
Bluetooth SIG has given the green light to both the upcoming Honor X50 Pro and the Honor X50 GT. Notably, they share the same ALP-AN00 model number, hinting at identical devices with different branding. Specs and features of the device have already leaked through a previous JD listing.
Honor X50 GT specs:
The Honor X50 GT is set to sport a sizable 6.81-inch display. However, the listing doesn’t specify whether the device will opt for an LCD or OLED panel, but the screen is confirmed to deliver a Full HD+ resolution of 2388 x 1080 pixels.
Under the hood, the smartphone is equipped with the older Snapdragon 888 chipset, paired with 8 GB of RAM and a generous 256 GB of storage. Powering the device is a 4,800mAh battery, although details regarding its fast-charging capabilities remain undisclosed. As per the listing details, the Honor X50 GT houses a 16-megapixel front-facing camera and an impressive 50-megapixel primary camera on the rear.
In recent developments, the Honor X50i Plus has been unveiled in China, showcasing a 6.7-inch OLED display with an FHD+ resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels. Boasting a 90Hz refresh rate, 3240Hz PWM dimming, and an impressive brightness of up to 2,000 nits, the screen ensures a vivid viewing experience. On the front, the device is equipped with an 8-megapixel front camera, while the unique rear camera island houses a 108-megapixel primary camera, a 2-megapixel depth sensor, and an LED flash.
Honor X50i Plus
Powering the X50i Plus is the Dimensity 6080 chipset, paired with 12 GB of LPDDR4x RAM and an additional 8 GB of virtual RAM. Storage options extend up to 512 GB, and the device operates on the Magic OS-based Android 13. To keep the device running smoothly, a robust 4,500mAh battery is employed, supporting 35W charging for quick and efficient power replenishment.
OnePlus is set to launch the OnePlus 12 in China this week. The company is expected to debut this device in global markets in January.
As per leaks, the brand will also release the OnePlus Ace 3 in its home country in a few days from now. This handset is expected to launch in international markets as the OnePlus 12R.
Just like the OnePlus 12, we have also been hearing about the OnePlus 12R for months. The phone has now appeared in the database of a couple more certification agencies.
The upcoming OnePlus 12R makes its appearance on the websites of IMDA and CQC. The latter reveals that the smartphone will carry support for 100W wired charging. This means the newer model will retain the charging speed of its predecessor OnePlus 11R.
Earlier leaks have suggested that the device will be powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip. For comparison, the current-gen model houses a Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 SoC from Qualcomm.
Further, the 12R is said to be equipped with an upgraded display. It is tipped to sport a 6.7-inch BOE X1 OLED panel offering up to a 1.5K resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, and a 3000 nits local peak brightness level.
The handset is expected to retain the primary (50MP Sony IMX890) and ultrawide (8MP) cameras from its forerunner. But the 2MP macro snapper is said to be replaced by a 32MP 2x telephoto shooter.
Last but not least, the OnePlus 12R is tipped to draw energy from a larger 5,500mAh battery compared to a 5,000mAh unit inside the OnePlus 11R.
Vivo is gearing up to launch its latest smartphone series, the Vivo S18, in China on December 14th. The lineup will include three models: the Vivo S18e, S18, and S18 Pro. And while we’re still a few weeks away from the official unveiling, a new leak from Digital Chat Station has shed some light on the specs of the top-tier model, the Vivo S18 Pro.
Vivo S18 Pro Specifications (Rumored)
According to the informant, the Vivo S18 Pro will feature a 6.78-inch curved OLED display with a 1.5K resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. It’ll also have a 50MP selfie camera tucked away in a centered punch-hole cutout.
On the back, you’ll find a triple-camera setup headlined by a 50MP Sony IMX920 sensor – the same one used in the Vivo X100. Joining the main lens is a 50MP ISOCELL JN1 sensor for ultrawide shots and a 12MP Sony IMX663 sensor for telephoto with up to 2x optical zoom. And to add a touch of flair, there’s an Aura light below the camera block.
Vivo has confirmed that the S18 Pro will be powered by the Dimensity 9200+ chipset. The phone is also said to pack a 5,000mAh battery with support for 80W fast charging. On the software front, the smartphone is expected to run Android 14 OS with Origin OS 4 on top.
As teased earlier, the Vivo S18 Pro will be available in three color options: Black, Green, and Blue. Additionally, the Vivo S18 series is said to be equipped with Vivo’s new Blue Heart AI model with six billion parameters, which can enhance the portrait photography experience and more.
The Vivo S18 series will launch in China on December 14. Availability details for regions outside of China are still under wraps, but it’s likely that the Vivo S18 series will be rebranded as the Vivo V30 series globally.
The OnePlus 12 is scheduled to launch tomorrow (Dec. 5) in China. In October, OnePlus officially acknowledged the OnePlus Ace’s existence; however, it is not expected to debut alongside the OnePlus 12 tomorrow. According to a Chinese tipster, the OnePlus Ace 3 is anticipated to be revealed later this month in China.
Tipster WHYLAB has claimed that the OnePlus Ace 3 will be announced later this month. However, a screenshot of an upcoming device available on a Chinese retailer site reveals that the Ace 3 is scheduled for a launch on Dec. 17.
If the launch date is accurate, likely, the brand will officially confirm its launch date in the coming week. Here is a look at the rumored specifications of the OnePlus Ace 3.
OnePlus Ace 3 specifications (rumored)
OnePlus 12R CAD render
According to reports, the OnePlus Ace 3 will arrive with a 6.7-inch BOE-supplied OLED panel with curved edges. It will offer a 1.5K resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. Like the OnePlus 12, the Ace 3 will run on ColorOS 14-based Android 14.
While the OnePlus 12 will feature the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, the company has reportedly settled for the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 to power the Ace 3. The device may arrive with up to 16 GB of LPDDR5x RAM and up to 512 GB of UFS 4.0 storage.
The Ace 3 may pack a 5,500mAh battery with 100W charging. For photography, it will have a 50-megapixel IMX890 main camera with OIS support, an 8-megapixel IMX355 ultra-wide lens, and a 32-megapixel IMX709 telephoto camera with 2x optical zoom. It is likely to feature a 16-megapixel camera for selfies and video calls. In the Chinese market, it will compete with the likes of the Realme GT 5, the Redmi K70, and the upcoming iQOO Neo 9.
For those who don’t know, the OnePlus Ace 3 is rumored to be rebranded as the OnePlus 12R in the global market. OnePlus may likely unveil it for the global audience on Jan. 23 along with other devices, such as the OnePlus 12 and the OnePlus Buds 3 Pro TWS earbuds.
The Red Magic 9 series of gaming smartphones recently went on sale in China. Now, the company is also rolling out the GM001S MiniLED Gaming Monitor, which features some notable hardware. So here are all the details.
Red Magic GM001S MiniLED Gaming Monitor Specs
The new monitor from the Chinese brand sports a 27-inch Fast IPS panel that features MiniLED tech with 5088 backlight partitions. This panel has a peak brightness of 2200 nits, 4K resolution, 160Hz refresh rate, 10bit colors, HDR 1400 certification, and a dynamic contrast ratio of up to 10000:1. Since it is a gaming monitor, the GM001S also features a 1ms response time and supports AMD’s Free Sync and G-Sync as well.
The screen can also be used by creative professionals as it supports 99 percent sRGB, 99 percent DCI-P3, 99 percent Adobe RGB color gamut, and it is even professionally calibrated with ΔE<1. The display is surrounded by ultra thin bezels on the top and sides, while the bottom has a noticeable chin. It has RGB ring ambient lighting as well. Connectivity options include HDMI 2.1, Display Port, and 90W USB Type C port, which also supports reverse charging and video transmission.
Apple introduced the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro models in September 2023. The firm included major feature updates, even though the main design is comparable to the models from the previous year.
Earlier, Apple had released a promotional video had promoted the Personal Voice feature. Now, the brand has shared a new video on its YouTube channel about a function that uses machine learning to replicate the user’s speech. This feature was included in iOS 17 this year.
More precisely, the recent iPhone 15 advertisement showcases the Smart Portrait Mode function.
The iPhone recognizes whether a person, animal, or object is in a picture so that users may select it as a Portrait shot, thanks to Smart Portrait Mode. Even if the user has taken a standard picture without using Portrait Mode, this still functions.
You can watch the new album cover advertisement for the iPhone 15 below:
Smart Portrait Mode on iPhone 15
The commercial begins with a band creating their record cover. In order to focus on herself in the front and blur out her bandmates in the background, one of the band members is editing a photo of the trio using an iPhone with the Portrait subject focus adjustment feature.
Her bandmate receives the iPhone from her, and he changes it once again to remove her from the picture and shift the attention to himself, blurring the backdrop and foreground.
So the video is highlighting the focus editing feature that is supported for standard photographs taken on an iPhone 15 or an iPhone 15 Pro. You may use a slider to change the degree of blur in the backdrop in the Edit interface by tapping on the aperture symbol.
Even though the photo was not initially taken in portrait mode, this feature is accessible. Tapping on one of the persons or items in the picture will alter the focus of a multi-subject picture.
Just to let you know, the Smart Portrait Mode is available for all models of the iPhone 15 Series.
The upcoming Ultra flagship from Xiaomi, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra, may finally adopt an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor. However, it might not be on par with the wide-area ultrasonic solutions that Vivo is using in some of its recent flagships.
Vivo’s wide-area ultrasonic might still maintain its lead compared to Xiaomi’s single point ultrasonic solution
Speaking of recent flagships, the Xiaomi 14, Vivo X100 and Vivo X100 Pro, and iQOO 12, have consistently utilized under-display optical fingerprint recognition. While these devices boast impressive overall performance, user feedback suggests room for improvement in the fingerprint recognition experience.
According to reports, Xiaomi has initiated tests on a single-point ultrasonic fingerprint sensor. Though its use on an upcoming Xiaomi device remains uncertain and is currently under active testing, a high probability of its use is prompted for its upcoming ultra flagship scheduled for next year. It will be Xiaomi’s second venture into the use of an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor.
Xiaomi‘s history with ultrasonic fingerprint technology dates back to 2016 when they introduced the world’s first non-porous ultrasonic fingerprint recognition on the Xiaomi 5s. Despite being a major selling point, the technology faced challenges due to its early stage of development, leading to some issues. Xiaomi has been using under-display optical fingerprint technology since then in its devices, including high-end flagships.
However, with the advancements in technology, ultrasonic fingerprint recognition solutions have improved over time, surpassing their optical alternative’s speed and reliability.
It’s also worth noting that there is a perceived gap between Xiaomi’s proposed single-point ultrasonic and the wide-area ultrasonic employed by vivo in its previous models. The upcoming Vivo X100 Pro+ is expected to continue the legacy of wide-area ultrasonic fingerprints.
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