OnePlus Nord CE 3 Gets OxygenOS 14 Beta 2 update, Here’s how to apply

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Nov 14, 2023

OnePlus has just announced the second beta testing phase for OxygenOS 14 X Android 14 on its Nord CE 3 devices. This is a chance for Indian users to experience Android 14 on their Nord CE 3 (review) device before it gets released to the masses.

If you are interested in participating in the participating in the Open Beta Test (OBT) recruitment, make sure that your device is on the most recent version of OxygenOS 13.1. The application period runs from November 14 until a specified number of applications is reached, and it’s essential to submit your application during this timeframe, as the application channel will close afterward. Confirm that your phone has been updated to the detectable version CPH2491_13.1.0.592(EX01). To apply, navigate to Settings > About device > Tap up to date > Tap icon on the top right > Beta program, and follow the provided steps.

Following the closure of the application channel, the review process will take place within 5 workdays. If your application is successful, you can expect to receive the new version within the next 3 workdays. Once your application has been approved, download the version by going to Settings > About device > Download Now.

It is also important to keep in mind that your battery should be above 30% and a minimum of 4 GB of storage space should be available on your smartphone.

Caution is advised as the software is currently in the beta testing phase, and its stability may not match that of the official version. It is strongly recommended to avoid installing it on your primary device to prevent potential malfunctions in your device or specific applications. For individuals who were part of the first beta testing phase, here are the changes coming with the new build.

Changelog

System

• Integrates the October 2023 Android security patch to enhance system security.

• Adds support for app-specific refresh rates to improve user experience.

• Improves system stability and performance.

• Extends the battery life in some scenarios.

• Fixes an issue that might cause some third-party apps to crash.

• Fixes a screen flicker issue that might occur when certain apps are opened.

• Fixes a display issue that affects the widgets on the Home screen when you switch to Dark mode.

• Fixes a display issue that might affect the icons in Quick Settings.

Apps

• Improves the weather animations such as thunderstorms.

• Fixes an issue where the keyboard might fail to open in some scenarios.

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Centurion No Pogo SL electric mountain bike with a Bosch Performance Line SX motor announced

By

Jed John Ikoba

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Nov 14, 2023

The Centurion No Pogo SL electric mountain bike (e-MTB) has been unveiled. The e-bike is a lightweight delight packed with lots of tech. It is powered by the Bosch Performance SX bicycle system and is propped as a trail ripper.

Features

The Centurion No Pogo SL uses the recently unveiled Bosch Performance Line SX system with a balanced outlook. It is claimed that the new Bosch system offers a most natural feeling when engaging pedal assistance. The appeal and functionality of the Bosch Performance Line SX bicycle system is very high. Several manufacturers are lagging behind the new tech due to its impressive capabilities. The bike uses a collection of features to deliver optimal pedal assistance at every single stroke.

Centurion No Pogo SL electric mountain bike

The new Centurion No Pogo SL is made with lightweight materials, further enhancing its appeal and capabilities on the tough mountain trail. The No Pogo SL is Centurion’s most exquisite e-bike offering yet and weighs a scale-tipping 19kg. It has a maximum torque of 55Nm but its extremely light frame makes it a performance model. It can slice through the trail seamlessly even when moving uphill. The bike has a motor cover and cooling inlets to sustain its optimal performance.

The Centurion No Pogo SL has a 400Wh battery pack that delivers a range of up to 85km. The bike can also be fitted with a range extender. The bike has Schwalbe Aerothan rubber tires and will navigate smoothly even on difficult terrains. It is equipped with a top-notch suspension system offering up to 150mm of travel on the front and 145mm at the rear. The bike also comes with either the Shimano XT or Sram XO Eagle Transmission drivetrains.

Pricing & Availability

The Centurion No Pogo SL is priced starting from $8,570. Full availability details are lacking at this time for the Centurion No Pogo SL.

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Google paid Samsung $8 billion to ensure its position as the default search engine, app store, and voice assistant

By

Soumyakanti

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Nov 14, 2023

In a recent antitrust trial involving Google and Epic Games, significant information has come to light regarding Google’s tactics to maintain its dominant position within the Android market. A key aspect of this strategy involves its relationship with Samsung, the largest Android Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM).

Google’s Multibillion-Dollar Strategy to Dominate Android Ecosystem

According to a Bloomberg report, Google paid Samsung a substantial $8 billion over a four-year period to ensure that its key services, including Google Search, Google Assistant, and the Google Play Store, remained the default options on Samsung Galaxy devices. This move was part of Google’s broader agenda to solidify its presence within the Android ecosystem and discourage OEMs from promoting competing services. For instance, Samsung has its own Bixby voice assistant and Galaxy Store, which could have potentially overshadowed Google’s offerings.

James Kolotouros, Google’s Vice President for Partnerships, revealed these details during his testimony. He emphasized that Samsung’s contribution accounted for more than half of the Google Play Store’s revenue, underscoring the crucial role of Samsung devices in Google’s ecosystem.

This partnership between Google and Samsung forms part of a larger initiative by Google, known as Project Banyan, aimed at maintaining the dominance of its services on Android devices. Under this project, Google not only secured its apps’ pre-eminence on devices but also shared advertising revenue and offered incentives to OEMs for prioritizing Google’s apps. For instance, in 2020, Google proposed spending $2.9 billion, which would increase to $4.5 billion by 2023, to ensure the availability of its search, Play, and other critical apps on various devices, including those from non-Android OEMs and wireless carriers.

Furthermore, Google’s agreement with Samsung initially included a proposal to prevent the Galaxy Store from being placed on home screens, though this plan was later abandoned. This strategy was partly in response to competition from Apple, as Google aimed to improve the Android experience to attract potential iPhone switchers.

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China’s EV Revolution: Defying subsidy cuts, powering global EV domination with record sales

By

Joane

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Nov 14, 2023

China, the driving force behind the global electric vehicle (EV) surge, continues to defy expectations with record-breaking sales, particularly in October. Despite the conclusion of an 11-year subsidy scheme for EV purchases in 2022, local authorities in China have stepped in, offering aid, tax rebates, and subsidies, fueling a remarkable 29% year-to-date increase in September. Notably, October’s figures reveal that China’s EV demand remains robust, showcasing resilience even after subsidy cuts.

Mainland China’s dominance in the global EV market is unmistakable, representing a staggering 55% of global EV sales in H1 2023, accounting for 3.4 million units. While the growth rate has moderated to 43%, a notable decrease from the extraordinary 118% seen in H1 2022, the sheer volume underscores China’s pivotal role in the ongoing EV revolution.

The end of China’s EV support scheme did not come without challenges. Disruption, uncertainty, and a price war ensued, with Tesla leading the charge. BYD, a prominent Chinese EV brand, emerged as a leader, facing headwinds from a Tesla-led price war that posed challenges for smaller brands in the fiercely competitive market.

However, experts anticipate a continued strong performance for China in 2023, asserting its position as the world’s largest auto market and a key driver of global EV sales. The final two months of the year are projected to be seasonally high for vehicle sales in China.

As the global EV market charts new territory, China’s steadfast commitment to sustaining EV demand, despite subsidy cuts, underscores the resilience and adaptability of the country’s burgeoning electric vehicle sector. The nation’s ability to navigate challenges and maintain momentum positions it as a linchpin in the ongoing global transition toward sustainable transportation.

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China Unveils World’s Fastest Internet, Clocking at 1.2 Terabits per second

By

Anubhav

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Nov 14, 2023

This is big news! China has launched the world’s first next-generation internet service, surpassing industry predictions by a staggering two years. This new backbone network, a critical data highway connecting major cities, boasts an impressive data transmission speed of 1.2 terabits per second. This speed is over ten times faster than most current major internet routes and marks a significant leap in global internet.

The high speeds were achieved through extensive optical fiber cabling

Spanning over 3,000 kilometers, the network links Beijing, Wuhan, and Guangzhou through an extensive optical fiber cabling system. Officially operational since July, the network’s reliability and efficiency have been thoroughly tested and proven. This groundbreaking achievement results from a collaborative effort involving Tsinghua University, China Mobile, Huawei Technologies, and Cernet Corporation.

While most global internet backbone networks currently operate at around 100 gigabits per second, China’s new network smashes this standard, even surpassing the United States‘ recent upgrade to a 400 gigabits per second Internet2. The Beijing-Wuhan-Guangzhou connection is part of the ambitious Future Internet Technology Infrastructure (FITI) project, a decade in the making and an advanced iteration of the China Education and Research Network (Cernet).

The FITI project, under the leadership of Wu Jianping from the Chinese Academy of Engineering, aims to not just create a superfast line but to lay the foundation for an even faster internet in the future. Huawei Technologies’ vice-president Wang Lei highlighted the network’s remarkable capacity, capable of transferring data equivalent to 150 high-definition films in just one second.

This new network is likened to a superfast train track, replacing multiple regular tracks to carry the same amount of data, as described by Tsinghua University’s Xu Mingwei. This analogy underscores the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the new system, making it easier to manage while handling a significantly higher data load.

Beyond its technical abilities, the network is crucial for national education, research, and emerging needs in data transfer for applications such as connected electric vehicles and industrial 5G technology. The FITI project, supported by the government and managed by the Education Ministry, represents a remarkable milestone, not only in internet technology but also in China’s pursuit of technological independence.

The network’s development involved domestic production of all software and hardware components, marking a shift from China’s previous reliance on foreign technology. The team led by Wu Jianping has made significant advancements in routers, switches, and optical fiber connections, demonstrating China’s growing prowess in internet technology.

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Canoo American Bulldog electric pickup truck with battleship performance capabilities unveiled

By

Jed John Ikoba

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Nov 14, 2023

Canoo is rapidly rising from the raft of issues that have bedeviled the EV maker recently. Earlier this year, Canoo successfully settled a long-drawn SEC investigation. The brand now seeks to impress the EV market with the release of the American Bulldog electric pickup truck. At its unveiling, Canoo said, the design and capability of the new EV are woven into the American spirit with grit and innovation. Canoo has a growing collection of A-list customers including the US Army, NASA, and Walmart.

Canoo American Bulldog electric pickup truck

Features

The Canoo American Bulldog EV is seen as a direct offshoot of the Canoo Screaming Eagle. Last year, the Screaming Eagle was delivered to the United States Army for testing. The American Bulldog, according to the EV maker, builds upon the company’s rapid product development and real-world testing. The name of the pickup truck was motivated by the loyal and courageous character of the American bulldog canine. It is woven into the American spirit and reflects the intrinsic American innovation, according to Canoo CEO, Tony Aquila.

The American Bulldog is a sleek and functional electric pickup truck. However, it is another thing to say that the car will eventually become a production vehicle. Canoo has had debilitating issues that may have stunted its performance. Although it just began generating revenue from its engagements with the US government, sustainability and survival are present challenges.

Canoo feels it is making the right moves to turn the corner. It recently got $113 million in combined incentives for its assembly and battery module manufacturing facilities. It has also expanded its tentacles into the Class 3 electric cargo van segment and expects a positive upswing in its balance sheet.

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Concerns of US Citizens Regarding China’s Technology Push are Higher than Ever

By

Anubhav

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Nov 14, 2023

The perception of China‘s rise as a global power has significantly impacted American public opinion, particularly concerning economic and security issues. A recent survey conducted by the Chicago Council on Global Affairs revealed a notable shift in the American public’s perspective, highlighting heightened concerns over China’s growing influence.

Americans are, however, not skeptical regarding their country’s military prowess

The survey, which involved participants from various demographics, indicated that a majority of Americans now view China’s ascent as a critical threat to the United States‘ interests. This sentiment marks the highest level of concern since the end of the Cold War. The areas of particular worry include intellectual property theft, economic competition, and China’s role in global supply chains.

These concerns come at a time when the U.S. is preparing for its next election cycle, with China’s policies and actions likely to be a major topic. Interestingly, the survey revealed a balanced view among Americans regarding the economic power balance between the U.S. and China, with opinions divided on which country holds the upper hand.

The issue of trade has been a longstanding concern in U.S.-China relations, with many Americans viewing China as an unfair trading partner. This perception has evolved over time, with more Americans now seeing China’s economic power as a critical threat to U.S. interests. The survey indicates strong support for policies that limit the exchange of goods and technologies between the two nations, especially in light of Chinese firms’ involvement in intellectual property theft.

Despite these economic concerns, Americans seem more confident in their country’s military supremacy over China. This confidence, however, does not mitigate the overall apprehension about China’s role and intentions on the global stage. Trust in China’s ability to handle global problems responsibly has significantly decreased, reflecting a broader trend of declining American confidence in China. The upcoming meeting between Presidents Xi and Biden, while unlikely to drastically change public opinion, could mark a step towards addressing some of these concerns.

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Huawei’s Mate 60 Series Achieves Remarkable Success in China, Threatening Apple’s iPhone 15 Dominance

By

Oğuz Çakır

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Nov 14, 2023

Huawei has made a bold comeback with the launch of its Mate 60 series. Despite facing challenges due to the U.S. embargo on certain technologies, the company has managed to source most of the components for its new flagship phone from Chinese suppliers. This strategic move appears to be paying off, as Huawei is now emerging as a major competitor to Apple, with sales of the iPhone 15 in China falling short of expectations.

Huawei Mate 60 Series Poised to Disrupt the Chinese Smartphone Market and Challenge Apple’s iPhone 15

Apple unveiled the highly anticipated iPhone 15 series in September, removing the notch from all models and introducing new features, raising high hopes for these phones. Especially in the crucial Chinese market where 5G is essential. However, the final word on iPhone 15 sales comes from Huawei.

After a period of relative silence in both the global and Chinese smartphone markets, Huawei made a bold move by releasing the Mate 60, Mate 60 Pro, and Mate 60 RS Porsche Design in the same month as the iPhone 15. This strategic decision paid off, as the new models immediately captured the attention of consumers, who had been eagerly anticipating Huawei’s latest flagship devices.

In October, Huawei’s sales experienced a remarkable surge of 83%, while iPhone 15 sales saw a comparatively modest increase of 11%. This contrasting performance raises questions about Huawei’s potential resurgence and its ability to replicate this success on a global scale. Interestingly, iPhone sales typically decline leading up to September and reach their peak in October.

The likelihood of the Huawei Mate 60 series reaching global markets and its success in those markets remain uncertain. Nevertheless, the potential impact of Huawei on iPhone 15 sales alone warrants consideration of this possibility. For those interested in the specifications of the Huawei Mate 60 and Mate 60 Pro, here they are:

Specifications	Mate 60	Mate 60 Pro
Screen	6.78 inches, Full HD+ (2400 x 1080), OLED	6.78 inches, Quad HD+ (3120 x 1440), OLED
Processor	MediaTek Dimensity 9000	Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1
RAM	8 GB or 12 GB	8 GB, 12 GB, or 16 GB
Storage	128 GB or 256 GB	128 GB, 256 GB, or 512 GB
Main Camera	50 MP, f/1.8, wide-angle	50 MP, f/1.8, wide-angle
Ultra Wide Camera	13 MP, f/2.2, 120°	13 MP, f/2.2, 120°
Telephoto Camera	8 MP, f/3.4, 3x optical zoom	8 MP, f/3.4, 3x optical zoom
Macro Camera	2 MP, f/2.4	2 MP, f/2.4
Front Camera	13 MP, f/2.4	13 MP, f/2.4
Battery	5000 mAh	5000 mAh
Fast Charging	80 watts	100 watts
Operating System	HarmonyOS	HarmonyOS
Dimensions	163.8 x 76.6 x 8.8 mm	163.8 x 76.6 x 8.8 mm
Weight	207 grams	208 grams
Colors	Black, white, gray	Black, white, green

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Himiway’s Latest C1 Electric Bike for Kids has both Electronic and Hydraulic Brakes

By

Anubhav

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Nov 14, 2023

Gone are the days when kids learned to ride on oversized, second-hand bikes. Today, the bicycle industry has evolved significantly, offering specialized two-wheelers for children. The Himiway C1, a product from the California-based e-bike manufacturer Himiway, exemplifies this evolution. Unlike traditional bicycles, the C1 is a mini electric dirtbike, designed to introduce children aged four to 12 to the world of biking.

The bike has a maximum speed of 15 miles per hour

The Himiway C1 stands out for its motorbike-like design, lacking pedals and featuring footpegs. Its propulsion comes from a hand throttle, a feature that might remind one of a motorbike. This design choice by Himiway indicates a shift in how children’s bikes are conceptualized, focusing on ease of use and excitement rather than just pedaling skills.

Underneath its child-friendly exterior, the C1 packs impressive power. It’s equipped with a 350-watt rear hub motor, providing a top speed of 15 miles per hour. This level of power is notable, especially for a children’s bike, making the C1 more akin to a junior electric vehicle than a simple bicycle. Himiway’s commitment to safety is evident in the inclusion of both hydraulic and electronic brakes on the rear wheel. This feature is crucial, ensuring young riders can control the bike’s speed effectively.

The C1’s battery technology is also noteworthy. With a 360-watt-hour battery pack, the bike promises up to 50 miles of riding on a single charge. This endurance ensures prolonged enjoyment for children, (hopefully) outlasting their energy levels. The bike’s design, however, doesn’t include suspension, meaning children will need to learn proper body positioning to navigate rough terrains. That goes in line with the pricing of the bike as well. Priced at $800 USD, the Himiway C1 is now available for order. Its launch marks a significant step in the evolution of children’s bicycles, shifting from mere transportation tools to exciting, power-packed vehicles.

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OnePlus Ace 3 to feature 1.5K curved display, metal frame, may launch early next year

By

Soumyakanti

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Nov 14, 2023

OnePlus has been actively working on a series of premium smartphones, including the upcoming Ace series, with rumors pointing to the launch of the OnePlus Ace 3 in January of next year. The Ace 2 Pro, its predecessor, continues to enjoy strong demand, especially for its 12GB+256GB variant on various e-commerce platforms.

OnePlus Ace 3 Key Specifications

Renowned tipster Digital Chat Station, who previously leaked some key specs of the upcoming Ace 3, has now shared additional information about this series. According to the tipster, the OnePlus Ace 3 will feature a design with a metal frame reminiscent of the matte aluminum alloy frame seen on the Apple Watch, indicating a premium build quality. Additionally, the device will boast a 1.5K curved display and a stylish gunmetal grey glass body, adding to its aesthetic appeal.

DCS also revealed that the Ace 3 will be equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, positioning it as a high-end mid-range smartphone. Previous reports suggest that the device will pack a substantial 5500mAh battery and support 100W fast charging, promising excellent battery life and rapid charging speeds.

For photography enthusiasts, the Ace 3 will offer a versatile camera setup, including a 50-megapixel main camera with a 1/1.56-inch IMX890 sensor, a 32-megapixel IMX709 telephoto lens, and an 8-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens. The device is also expected to feature a 6.74-inch LTPO 120Hz OLED display, with a peak brightness of 2,600 nits.

The OnePlus Ace 3 has been recently spotted on Geekbench, potentially featuring 16GB of RAM and running on Android 13, indicating high-end specifications. Render images released a few months ago also hint that the device will maintain the traditional OnePlus design philosophy, closely resembling the OnePlus 11R/Ace 2 in appearance.

OnePlus Ace 3 is expected to debut in China early next year. There’s speculation about a global release under the name OnePlus 12R, following OnePlus’s trend of rebranding Ace models for international markets. This strategy allows OnePlus to cater to diverse markets while maintaining consistency in its product lineup.

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Huawei and Meituan announce collaboration to develop HarmonyOS ecosystem

By

Rajesh Regmi

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Nov 14, 2023

Huawei and Meituan announced a comprehensive partnership to innovate industries, apply technologies, and develop businesses using HarmonyOS. Huawei will fully back Meituan in launching the development of native applications for HarmonyOS.

The announcement comes on the heels of Huawei’s HarmonyOS Next is expected to ditch Android app support as early as 2024. Several of Huawei’s self-developed OS concept stocks rocketed and hit the daily limit after the news was released, according to ChinaDaily.

Huawei partners with Meituan for HarmonyOS ecosystem

Meituan is a Chinese tech giant that offers a wide range of services, including food delivery, online grocery shopping, and ride-hailing. It is one of the most popular apps in China, with over 600 million active users.

Huawei’s confidence in its alternative ecosystem strategy on the mainland received a boost in late August when the company launched its Mate 60 Pro smartphone, its first 5G handset since the Mate 40 series was released in October 2020.

The Mate 60 Pro was met with strong public support, and Huawei became mainland China’s fastest-growing smartphone vendor in the third quarter of 2023.

Recently, multiple job applications in China have announced the launch of HarmonyOS app development. For example, LY.COM (formerly known as Tongcheng) announced the launch of HarmonyOS native version App development, with plans to complete core version development by the end of 2023.

In addition, a number of internet giants, including Meituan, have listed several job openings related to HarmonyOS. For instance, Meituan publicized a variety of HarmonyOS-centric roles, such as Senior HarmonyOS Engineer and HarmonyOS Infrastructure Engineer.

According to data, as of August 2023, the HarmonyOS ecosystem boasted over 700 million devices and was supported by more than 2.2 million developers actively contributing to its development. By October 30th, the number of devices upgraded to HarmonyOS 4 had surpassed the hundred million mark.

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Users Can Now Delete Their Threads Account Independently

By

Viraj Gawde

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Nov 14, 2023

Meta launched its Twitter rival Threads by Instagram earlier in July this year. It was an instant hit garnering 100 million users in less than a week after its launch. However, the success was short-lived as users opted to leave the new social media platform but couldn’t due to a major drawback. The only way one could access the platform was to link their account to the popular photo-sharing platform Instagram which was a caveat. Now, Adam Missouri, head of Instagram has announced two new welcome changes to the Threads platform.

Threads account can now be deleted independently

Till today, Threads users were unable to delete their accounts without also deleting their Instagram accounts. With the newly announced changes, the team has resolved this widely requested change. Instagram is now making it possible to delete their Threads accounts without deleting their account on the former platform. In simple terms, the two accounts now work independently.

With the new update now rolling out users get more control over their Instagram and Threads accounts. In case the feature is not yet available for you, it might arrive in the coming days. The new feature can be accessed from the Settings menu in the Delete or Deactivate Profile section. Users can then choose their preferred option. In both cases, the user’s Instagram account will not be affected.

Apart from the ability to delete Threads account separately, there is one more change. The content shared by Threads users is also visible to users on Facebook and Instagram resulting in a breach of privacy. With the new update, there is a new option under Settings > Privacy that allows users to ‘opt out of being featured outside Threads’.

Both new changes are rolling out to everybody. Users are recommended to update their Threads app to the latest verison.

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OnePlus Open sees record One-Day sales in India and North America

By

Sean

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Nov 14, 2023

The OnePlus Open launched as the company’s first ever foldable smartphone, which has seen a positive reception overall. But in the Indian and North American markets, the device has achieved a notable milestone. So let’s have a look.

OnePlus Open sees record breaking sales

The news arrived from Kinder Liu, the President and COO of OnePlus, who shared an image poster on X (formerly Twitter). Looking at the image poster, the OnePlus Open has set a new one-day sales record in the North American and Indian markets. The Open set the one-day sales record from its official website in North America, while the Indian sales record was on Amazon India.

The brand’s first foldable phone was well received in the market, with robust sales across various regions. OnePlus began selling the Open back in October with an introductory offer. For those unaware, the device is equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC that is paired with up to 16GB of RAM and 512GB of internal storage. The rear packs a 49-megapixel triple camera setup, while the front houses a 20-megapixel and 32-megapixel selfie shooter (main and cover screens).

I'm really excited to say that the #OnePlusOpen broke not only one but TWO sales records this year! Thank you all for your support ❤ pic.twitter.com/mfLZ41BZxP
— Kinder Liu (@KinderLiu) November 13, 2023

The primary display is a tall 7.82-inch foldable AMOLED panel, while the external screen is a 6.31-inch cover display. A 4,805mAh battery pack powers this device, which offers 67W SuperVOOC fast charging. Unfortunately, the OnePlus executive didn’t reveal the exact sales figure for the device in India and North America.

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Samsung Galaxy A25 5G Bags TUV Rheinland Certification

By

Viraj Gawde

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Nov 14, 2023

Samsung is reportedly working on the Galaxy A25 5G smartphone. The device has surfaced in leaks and certification listings quite a lot in recent times. Now, the smartphone has been spotted on the TUV Rheinland certification platform. The Galaxy A25 5G is expected to arrive as the successor to the Galaxy A24 that debuted earlier this year. The smartphone’s launch seems imminent as it has been doing the rounds of the rumor mill.

Samsung Galaxy A25 5G bags TUV Rheinland certification

The Samsung Galaxy A25 5G is listed with model number SM-A256E/DSN. It is in line with the BIS and FCC certifications. The latest certification appearance reveals that the device will pack support for 25W fast charging. However, apart from this, there is no additional information.

The leaked renders reveal the Samsung Galaxy A25 5G will have a waterdrop notch display and a thick bottom chin. It will be offered in black, blue, lime green, and light blue colors. The back panel has three vertically stacked camera sensors.

As per a recently leaked full spec sheet, the Galaxy A25 5G is expected to feature a 6.5-inch FHD+ 90Hz display. It will have a 13MP front-facing selfie snapper and the back camera setup is tipped to comprise a 50MP main sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 2MP macro unit. The smartphone will reportedly be powered by an Exynos 1280 processor coupled with up to 8GB RAM and 256GB storage. It is tipped to be backed by a 5,000mAh battery cell.

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Chinese Tech Titans Shift Gears: JD.com, NetEase, and Meituan join Huawei’s HarmonyOS wave, planning to leave Android

By

Joane

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Nov 14, 2023

In a strategic move signaling a departure from Google’s Android ecosystem, major Chinese tech companies, including JD.com, NetEase, and Meituan, are actively recruiting HarmonyOS app developers. This shift aligns with Huawei’s broader strategy to establish HarmonyOS as a robust alternative ecosystem within China, reducing dependence on Android due to US sanctions.

Meituan, a leading service platform, is on the lookout for HarmonyOS infrastructure engineers and is offering competitive monthly salaries ranging from 40,000 to 60,000 yuan for developers with HarmonyOS experience. JD.com and NetEase are specifically seeking developers to craft applications tailored for Huawei smartphones using the HarmonyOS platform.

The recruitment drive is backed by Huawei’s success in positioning HarmonyOS on over 700 million devices, with more than 2.2 million third-party developers actively contributing to the platform. Richard Yu Chengdong, CEO of Huawei’s consumer business group, announced that the upcoming iteration, HarmonyOS Next, will sever ties with Android-based apps, further solidifying Huawei’s commitment to the HarmonyOS ecosystem.

HarmonyOS Next

Scheduled for a developer preview release in the first quarter of the next year, HarmonyOS Next aims to bolster Huawei’s position as mainland China’s fastest-growing smartphone vendor. The Mate 60 Pro’s successful launch in August 2023 marked Huawei’s 5G comeback, garnering significant public support and recording an impressive 37% year-on-year growth in the third quarter, according to Counterpoint Research’s October report.

HarmonyOS was introduced in August 2019 as a response to Huawei’s addition to the US Entity List, restricting its access to essential Google apps and services. Huawei faced challenges in its relationship with Android since the 2019 trade ban, impacting global smartphone sales. In 2021, Huawei introduced HarmonyOS as an Android-based platform, aiming to replace Android while retaining sideloadable apps.

The recent push towards “HarmonyOS Next” represents a crucial step in Huawei’s journey to distance itself from Android entirely. Reports suggest that the new version will not support APK files, opting for “HAP,” a component of a full app package, as indicated on HarmonyOS’ developer website. A hands-on demo in August revealed that APK files could not be opened, despite the user interface resembling Huawei’s familiar Android-based designs.

The decision to abandon Android entirely remains speculative, and more details are anticipated with the official release of “HarmonyOS Next” next year. As Huawei continues to make strides in developing its alternative ecosystem, the tech landscape in China may witness a significant shift away from the once-dominant Android platform.

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Xiaomi benefits from Apple’s sales drop in China, gains $20 billion in market value

By

Sean

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Nov 14, 2023

With Huawei making a strong return in its home market of China, Apple saw a decline in demand in the region. But it seems like this has presented a great opportunity for local brands, especially Xiaomi, which saw a sizeable rise in market value during this same period.

Apple’s decline in China boosts Xiaomi’s market value

With the Cupertino based giant’s recent dip, local Android smartphone makers are winning both customers and investors in the region. Following a June low, the Xiaomi Corp managed to gain 20 billion US Dollars in market value. The notable rise was accredited to its recent smartphone launches, expansion into electric vehicles, and various other businesses.

The Chinese tech giant’s stock rose by more than 60 percent, making it the best performer on the Hang Seng Tech Index. Xiaomi isn’t the only company taking advantage of Apple’s fall. Chinese Android phone brands are capitalizing on the gap in demand left by the iPhone maker. The Xiaomi 14 series is a major factor in the company’s recent growth. The lineup has received over one million orders since its announcement back in October. This is similar to Huawei’s performance in the last couple of months.

According to Gokul Hariharan, an analyst at JPMorgan Chase & Co, “We believe there is a trading opportunity in the next six months with smartphone and AIoT growth turnarounds and early expectations building for Xiaomi’s electric vehicle foray.” Similarly, Counterpoint Research noted that “Xiaomi is the only top five smartphone brand to see shipment increases both quarter-on-quarter and year-on-year in 3Q 2023 as it strengthened its positions in key markets such as China and India.”

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Oppo Reno 11 series tipped to boot ColorOS 14

By

Sudarshan Ravichandran

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Nov 14, 2023

Oppo Reno 11 series is set to go official very soon. The company has even confirmed to announce the launch date tomorrow (November 15).

Ahead of that, we already know a lot about these smartphones, thanks to multiple leaks. Now, yet another leak has emerged revealing its software.

Digital Chat Station claims that the upcoming Oppo Reno 11 series will debut ColorOS 14. In other words, the Reno 11 and the Reno 11 Pro will be the first devices to ship with ColorOS 14 out of the box.

The tipster further says that these phones will come with lossless compression technology. He also reiterates they will be powered by MediaTek Dimesnity 8200 and Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 chipsets.

Unfortunately, he doesn’t mention whether the software will be based on Android 14. It is worth noting that multiple previous Reno phones have shipped with the latest ColorOS but the Android version remained a generation older.

Thus, we will have to wait until benchmarks to reveal the Android version. Perhaps, Oppo might itself disclose the details.

Oppo has been beta-testing ColorOS 14 on a lot of eligible devices for months. The company’s latest mobile software is scheduled to go official on November 16 at the Oppo Developer Conference.

As for the Oppo Reno 11 series, it could either launch on November 23 or at a later date. We are only a few hours away from knowing the official launch date.

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Sony Xperia 10 V Receiving Android 14 Update

By

Viraj Gawde

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Nov 14, 2023

Sony launched the Xperia 10 V earlier in May this year. It arrived with Android 13 OS out of the box. Now the Japanese brand is rolling out the latest Android 14 update to the smartphone. Recently, Sony also released the latest version of the Android for the Xperia 1V. The Android 14 update brings new changes, features, and improvements to the Xperia 10 V. Read on to know more below.

Sony Xperia 10 V gets Android 14

Listen up📢 #Xperia10V meets Android 14 – with new features to discover!

Check out more details from the link below.#Sony #Xperia #SonyXperia #Android14
— Sony | Xperia (@sonyxperia) November 13, 2023

Sony announced the release of the Android 14 for the Xperia 10 V smartphone on its official X handle. The latest update has the version number 68.1.A.2.93. It is rolling out to users in Europe and the UK. More regions are expected to get the update in the coming days.

The Android 14 update for Sony Xperia 10 V brings expanded font selection and more shortcut customization options for the smartphone. Users can share files and photos between an Xperia device and a Windows PC with the new and improved Nearby Share feature. Additionally, users will be able to find their lost earphones, tablet, or Wear OS watch using the Find My Device app. The update also brings improved privacy and security options along with new battery settings. Sony has also added updates to the Game Enhancer, Photo Pro, Video Pro, and External Monitor apps within the Android 14 update for the Xperia 10 V.

As Sony has released the Android 14 update to the Xperia 10 V and Xperia 1 V, it is also expected to roll out to the Xperia 5 V in the coming weeks.

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Upcoming Oppo Pad Air 2 is rebranded OnePlus Pad Go

By

Sudarshan Ravichandran

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Nov 14, 2023

We have been hearing about the Oppo Pad Air 2 for months. It was expected to launch weeks ago but that never happened.

Now, it is being tipped to launch alongside the upcoming Reno 11 series. A reliable leaker has also revealed its key specs.

The features revealed by the source clearly suggest that this tablet is already official under a different name. Let’s go through the details.

According to Digital Chat Station, the Oppo Pad Air 2 will sport an 11.4-inch high refresh rate display with a 2.4K resolution. The tablet will be powered by a MediaTek Helio G99 chip and will draw energy from an 8,000mAh battery.

Lastly, he says that the product will be marketed as a ¥1,000 ( sub-$150) tablet. The aforementioned specs suggest that the device is nothing but a rebranded OnePlus Pad Go.

As mentioned earlier, the Oppo Pad Air 2 was expected to go official first. However, the OnePlus version of the product made its debut in global markets first.

However, it is worth noting that the OnePlus Pad Go is still in the pre-order phase. A similar thing happened when the OnePlus Pad was announced earlier this year. It was available for purchase only after the original Oppo Pad 2 went official in China.

Oppo is yet to reveal the launch date for the Oppo Pad Air 2, which is expected to be announced at the Reno 11 series event. The company has confirmed to announce the Reno 11 launch date tomorrow (November 15). Thus, we don’t have to wait much longer.

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Customer’s Nightmare: Apple Sent an Android Phone to Its Customer Instead of the iPhone 15 Pro Max

By

Oğuz Çakır

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Nov 14, 2023

Have you ever felt anxious when ordering something online? Many people do, especially when buying something expensive. There’s always the risk of receiving a low-quality product, having problems with shipping, or the item being delivered to the wrong person. Recently, a UK citizen who ordered the iPhone 15 Pro Max directly from Apple’s official website was shocked to find an Android phone in the box. Here are the details…

Customer Opens iPhone 15 Pro Max Box to Find Android Phone Inside

A person living in the UK wanted to buy Apple’s new flagship phone, the iPhone 15 Pro Max. To do this, they went to Apple’s official website, the safest option, and placed an order. After a while, when the customer received the package and opened the box, they immediately noticed something strange. Yes, the phone looked exactly like the iPhone 15 Pro Max, but it had a screen protector on it.

As you know, Apple does not apply such a practice to its products. The customer thought that they had received a device that had been sold and later returned, so they opened the phone. However, this only increased their suspicions. The iPhone 15 Pro Max came with pre-installed apps like YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok.

Apple users will know that the company has strict principles regarding pre-installed apps. They do not even insist on having someone else’s app pre-installed on their devices, let alone their own. Moreover, upon closer inspection, the customer noticed that the phone’s bezels were thicker than they should be. Of course, it didn’t take long for the customer to realize that they had a fake Android phone that looked similar but was not a genuine iPhone 15 Pro Max.

Fortunately, before noticing these issues, the customer did not log into any accounts, and the defrauded individual did not have their information stolen on top of everything else. The unfortunate customer shared the incident on Reddit, stating that they had reported the situation to Apple and were waiting for the company to resolve the issue. Clearly, the incident is quite unpleasant.

As mentioned earlier, we are aware that there is always a risk when buying something online. However, understanding how a purchase from Apple’s official website could end like this is perplexing. Nevertheless, if you have any doubts, it’s worth noting that the likelihood of Apple being responsible for this mistake is minimal. It’s probably a case of fraud during the shipping operation. Unfortunately, it’s unclear how the tech giant will react to the incident.

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