Google Gives Unsatisfying Reason For Blocking Benchmarks On The Pixel 8 Series

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Oct 24, 2023

Google launched the Pixel 8 series smartphones earlier this month. Both devices are available for purchase across the world. The smartphones are powered by a Tensor G3 processor coupled with up to 12GB RAM and 256GB storage. Last week, it was reported that the search giant blocked users from installing benchmark apps on the Pixel 8 duo. Now, in a latest development, Google has indeed confirmed the same to Notebookcheck. Read on to know all the details below.

Google confirms blocking benchmark apps on the Pixel 8

In an email response to the Notebookcheck, Google admitted that it intentionally blocked the installation of benchmarks on the Pixel 8 series review units during the review embargo period. Benchmark apps are used to assess the CPU and GPU performance of smartphones thus making them a valuable tool.

The report adds that Google told the publication to paraphrase their statement and avoid quoting it directly. The search giant intentionally blocked reviewers from installing and running benchmarks on the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro to avoid the performance scores and device specs from leaking out. The company also acknowledged those reviewers who knew how, could sideload benchmarking apps and run performance tests.

Google’s response to blocking benchmark on the Pixel 8 series doesn’t seem satisfying as plenty of leaks and rumors had revealed everything about the smartphones leading up to the launch event. The report also revealed that Google has not blocked benchmarks for the first time on the Pixel devices. It is a norm for the search giant. You can check the Pixel 8 series benchmarking results here.

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Former ASML Employee Joins Huawei: What This Means for Global Chip Technology

By

Anubhav

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Oct 24, 2023

A former ASML employee accused of stealing trade secrets has surfaced at Huawei Technologies, sparking concerns over how deeply Chinese firms may be trying to infiltrate the closely guarded world of semiconductor technology.

Huawei recently released a 5G smartphone with 7nm architecture as well

In February 2022, ASML, a leading name in semiconductor manufacturing technology, revealed that one of its China-based employees had taken proprietary data without permission. While the company downplayed the impact, referring to it as “one piece of a puzzle you don’t have the box for,” recent reports indicate that the same individual now works for Huawei. This could spell trouble given Huawei’s placement on the U.S. Entity List since 2019, restricting its access to advanced chip tech.

What’s unsettling is that ASML holds a near-monopoly in extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography machines, critical for making cutting-edge chips. Their main customer? Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC), which used to be a big supplier to Huawei until the U.S. sanctions.

While Huawei released a 5G smartphone featuring a 7-nanometer processor in August, this chip likely didn’t benefit from ASML‘s most advanced tech, suggesting the company might be exploring alternative paths to keep its edge in chip manufacturing. This move can also be read as China’s attempt to show resilience amid U.S. sanctions.

Importantly, ASML has not been the only company to sound the alarm on Chinese firms’ ambitious activities. IP theft and talent poaching have been on the rise, with Beijing notably aiming to snag Taiwan’s tech talent, and a flurry of U.S. investigations into other Chinese companies like Innoscience. With ASML set to comply with new Dutch regulations that further limit its exports to China, Huawei’s new employment choice paints a darker picture of the complex web that’s global tech trade.

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Xreal Just Launched $399 Air 2 AR Glasses with a Micro-OLED Display

By

Anubhav

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Oct 24, 2023

These days, companies are taking diverse approaches to capture consumer attention, especially with Augmented Reality. While giants like Apple and Meta are leaning towards bulky, full-on headsets, Xreal—formerly known as Nreal—opts for something more understated. The company just launched its latest offering, the Xreal Air 2, in the U.S. and Europe, focusing on comfort and a cinema-like experience.

The AR glasses can be charged via USB-C using your device

The standout feature? The Xreal Air 2 transforms your view into a 330-inch big screen, thanks to Sony’s 0.55-inch Micro-OLED display. Not just an eye-popping display, this gizmo also brings in the comfort factor. At just 72 grams, it’s lighter and thinner than its predecessor. It hooks up to your device via USB-C, keeping you tethered but not tangled.

Now, let’s talk about immersion. The higher-end Air 2 Pro comes with a unique feature called electrochromic dimming. This allows you to toggle between three modes—transparent, productivity, and immersive. The transparent mode keeps you connected to the real world, while the immersive mode drowns out distractions for a full-on gaming or movie experience.

Sound good? Well, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Despite the improvements, the Xreal Air 2 still lacks some high-end features like motion sensors and cameras. To get the most out of it, you’ll need an additional accessory—the Xreal Beam. This add-on provides gyroscopic tracking and fixes the screen in place as you move your head, but it also bumps up the total cost, making it more expensive than some of its competitors like the Meta Quest 3.

Is it worth the investment? If you’re a casual user looking for a big-screen experience right in front of your eyes, then yes. But if you’re after the full AR experience, you might find the Air 2 falling a bit short. Shipping is slated to start in November in the U.S. and the UK, and the rest of Europe can expect it in December. Prices start at $399 for the Air 2 and $449 for the Pro model.

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Tech Giants Google and Apple Suspend Live Traffic Data for Maps in Israel and Gaza

By

Anubhav

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Oct 24, 2023

Google and Apple have temporarily disabled live traffic updates in Israel and Gaza for their Maps and Waze apps, leaving some users pondering the move’s implications. While the companies claim it’s a safety measure to protect local communities, skeptics are questioning whether this is an act of censorship, or compliance with military interests.

Google has previously disabled Maps Live Traffic in Ukraine during Russia’s Invasion

Both Google and Apple confirmed the deactivation is a response to the Israeli military’s anticipated ground invasion into Gaza. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) had reportedly requested the tech giants to disable the live traffic feature, arguing it could expose troop movements to Hamas, a group designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S. and EU.

This isn’t the first time the tech companies have acted this way. In 2022, Google similarly deactivated Maps’ live traffic data in Ukraine amid Russia’s invasion. The company cited the safety of locals as the rationale behind the decision, adding it had consulted Ukrainian authorities.

But these moves by Google and Apple raise ethical questions. On one hand, disabling the live traffic feature could protect lives by avoiding unintentional information leaks. On the other hand, some argue it deprives citizens of important information, thus restricting their freedom to access real-time updates that could be critical in conflict zones.

While users can still access basic route and ETA information, the removal of live data changes the landscape of these services. Is this a responsible act in volatile regions, or a potential slippery slope into censorship and selective information dissemination? With the world watching, the debate remains open.

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You can now pre-order OPPO Find N3 premium foldable smartphone at Giztop

By

Joane

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Oct 24, 2023

Oppo Find N3 is a premium smartphone designed to enhance your mobile experience with its innovative features and powerful capabilities. The foldable smartphone is now available for pre-order at giztop. You can pre-order Oppo Find N3 for $1699. The phone comes in Green, Black, and Red color variants.

WHERE TO BUY

Oppo Find N3 Foldable Phone at $1699 @Giztop

The Find N3 boasts a unique foldable design, featuring a 6.31-inch outer AMOLED display with a high resolution of 2484 x 1116 pixels. Unfold the device to reveal the impressive 7.82-inch E6 AMOLED 120Hz display with a resolution of 2268 x 2440 pixels. The foldable AMOLED screen provides a vibrant and immersive visual experience, displaying content with stunning clarity and color accuracy. With 100 percent P3 and sRGB color gamut, your photos and videos come to life in vivid detail.

At the heart of the Find N3 lies the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Octa-Core processor, coupled with up to 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM, ensuring seamless multitasking, smooth app transitions, and efficient overall performance. Whether you’re browsing the web, running applications, or multitasking, this smartphone delivers outstanding speed and responsiveness.

Storage is no longer a concern with the Find N3, as it offers ample space for all your files and media. Choose from 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB of UFS 3.1 internal storage, providing plenty of room for your contacts, music, photos, and apps.

Capture life’s moments with the Find N3’s advanced camera setup. The device boasts a triple rear camera system, featuring a 50-megapixel Sony IMX890 sensor with optical image stabilization, a 48-megapixel Sony IMX581 camera with a wide 114-degree viewing angle, and a 32-megapixel Sony IMX709 telephoto camera. These cameras empower you to capture high-quality photos and videos, whether you’re shooting landscapes, portraits, or close-ups. On the front, there’s a 32-megapixel selfie camera for stunning self-portraits and video calls.

To keep you connected throughout the day, the Find N3 is equipped with a 4520mAh battery, ensuring long-lasting usage. Plus, it supports 100W fast charging, allowing you to quickly recharge your device and get back to what matters most. With its multi-language support and compatibility with 5G/4G LTE bands across Asia, Europe, and Australia, the Oppo Find N3 is designed to cater to users worldwide, ensuring a seamless and connected experience for everyone.

One UI 6 Stable Version May Start Rolling Out Next Week

By

Viraj Gawde

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Oct 24, 2023

Samsung announced its One UI 6.0 custom Android skin earlier this month. It is based on Android 14 OS. The latest software version packs a host of new features and changes. The South Korean brand’s proprietary UI is still in beta phase and is already live on various Galaxy phones. Now, this is expected to change soon as per a new development that hints at the rollout of the stable release.

Samsung One UI 6 stable version may release soon

A moderator on the Samsung Member Community revealed that this is the last week for the One UI 6 beta program. There will be no more beta releases ahead. The South Korean brand is said to be conducting a final inspection of the beta versions of the software and the issues that have cropped up. Hence the rollout of stable release should finally happen if there are no more issues to be addressed via a new beta firmware.

The moderator added that the stable One UI 6 rollout could happen by next week with the October 2023 Android security patch. However, there is no proper schedule for the rollout of the One UI 6 stable version, hence users should keep a tab on the Android 14 update notification on their devices in the coming days. The South Korean brand will also inform users of the upcoming software update via its usual channels and the Samsung Members app. It’s likely that the Galaxy S23 lineup will be the first to receive the One UI 6 stable update.

The One UI 6 comes with new features and changes including the redesigned quick panel, new emoji design, picture and video previews in share panel, multitasking improvements, camera improvements, widgets, and more.

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Oppo A79 5G leaks in its entirety revealing specs and design

By

Sudarshan Ravichandran

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Oct 24, 2023

Late last month, Oppo A79 5G was spotted on multiple regulatory websites with model number CPH2557. The listings revealed a few details about the upcoming smartphone.

Today, a new leak has emerged detailing almost everything about this device. Let’s go through all the known features of this phone.

Oppo A79 5G Leaked Specs

The renders and entire specs of Oppo A79 5G are out via an exclusive leak by Appuals. The publication says that the handset will succeed the Oppo A78 5GD from earlier this year. It will be soon released in India.

The Oppo A79 5G will feature a flat frame design and will be available in two colors (Glowing Green and Mystery Black). The rear camera island will be rectangular and the cameras will sport stainless steel rings. It will measure 7.9mm in thickness and weigh 193g.

The phone will be built around a 6.72-inch centered punch-hole display. This LCD screen will offer a resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels (FHD+), a 90Hz refresh rate, and 680 nits peak brightness level. The panel will have a 91.4% screen-to-body ratio, a 1400:1 contrast ratio, and a 96% NTSC color gamut.

Further, the handset will be powered by a MediaTek Dimnesity 6020 SoC. This chipset will be paired with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage. There will be support for MicroSD cards as well (up to 1TB).

As far as optics are concerned, the device will house a dual camera system on the rear comprising a 50MP Samsung JN1 primary sensor and a 2MP OmniVision OVO2B1B depth sensor. On the front, it will sport an 8MP OmniVision OVO8D selfie camera.

On the software front, it will boot ColorOS 13.1 based on Android 13. Finally, it will draw energy from a 5,000mAh battery with support for 33W wired charging.

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OnePlus And BOE Introduce Oriental Screen Set To Debut On The OnePlus 12: Check All Details

By

Viraj Gawde

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Oct 24, 2023

OnePlus recently unveiled its first foldable phone, the OnePlus Open. Earlier today, the brand held a press conference in collaboration with BOE display manufacturer. The company announced display technology called the X1 (Oriental) Screen that promises to enhance the visual experience on devices. OnePlus says that it has achieved six major breakthroughs and world’s first features in various display aspects. Read on to know more about it below.

OnePlus and BOE announce X1 Oriental Screen

The X1 Oriental Screen is touted to be the world’s first 2K display to bag the DisplayMate A+ certification. It will offer top-notch color accuracy, brightness, and overall display quality. The Oriental Screen uses OPPO’s first-generation Display P1 chipset for high-precision pixel-level calibration algorithms for superior picture quality and lower power consumption. There is also a single-pixel calibration technology that ensures each pixel is calibrated independently to deliver grainless and pure visual experience.

For eye protection, the Oriental Screen packs high-frequency PWM Dimming, blue light filtering, and DC Dimming. It is said to have a peak brightness of 2,600 nits which is the highest in the industry for a 2K screen. It will offer more visibility outdoors and a vivid HDR. BOE has also addressed the issue of OLED life decay with the Oriental Screen said to have a lifespan of more than 2 times the industry average.

OnePlus has confirmed the the X1 Oriental Screen 2K will debut on the upcoming OnePlus 12 flagship. Additionally, we also get a first look at the upcoming offering revealing a curved display with a centre-aligned punch-hole cutout and an alert slider on the left side. It is also confirmed to be powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor. The OnePlus Ace 3 is also confirmed to feature a 1.5K X1 Oriental Screen.

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Realme GT 5 Pro Teased Officially In a New Poster; Could feature VC Cooling System

By

Simranpal Singh

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Oct 24, 2023

Realme finally unveiled the upcoming Realme GT 5 Pro launch via a new poster on its official Weibo handle. Realme’s Chief Marketing Officer, Xu Chase first shared the poster and informed about its launch this year. Realme GT 5 Pro is highly likely to debut with Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and some other high-end specifications.

Must See: Realme GT 5 Pro specifications tipped once again

Along with the official teaser, the smartphone is expected to bundle VC Cooling technology to dissipate heat and offer seamless performance.

Realme GT 5 Pro Specifications (Expected)

Ahead of the official announcement, the Realme GT 5 Pro specifications details are already here via multiple leaks and rumors. The smartphone is expected to feature a curved AMOLED display with a 2K resolution. It will feature Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC, LPDDR5X RAM, and UFS 4.0 Storage. It will feature a 5400 mAh battery and extends support for 100W wired charging and 50W wireless charging.

A recent DCS leak unveiled the presence of BOE AMOLED and Android 14 on board. It is tipped to bundle a triple-rear camera with a primary 50MP IMX966 Lens bundling OIS support, a 50MP OV64M telephoto lens, and a 3x Optical zoom. However, detail about the third sensor is missing.

Further, the device will come with connectivity options like 5G, 4G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, NFC, and a USB Type-C port for charging. A while back, it was spotted in Black color a month ago on Weibo and seems to ship with a circular camera module.

We expect some high-end specifications from the smartphone, as the company took considerable time to work on the new Relame GT 5 Pro.

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Reliance could spend billions to acquire Disney+Hotstar in India

By

Sean

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Oct 24, 2023

Reliance is apparently planning on shelling out billions of dollars to acquire Disney+Hotstar in India. Recent rumors have hinted at Disney exiting the Indian market. For this, the company is also looking to sell its local assets and Reliance might be the buyer.

Reliance May Buy Out Disney+Hotstar

According to the previous report, Disney was in talks with Sun TV, Adani Group, and Reliance Industries for the potential acquisition. Now, the latest rumor hints that the deal could close soon with Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Group. The transaction would involve Reliance acquiring a major control stake in the business, although both parties are expected to be in the negotiation stage to decide the exact valuation for the deal.

While initial rumors claimed that Disney is looking to completely exit the Indian market, a Bloomberg report believes that the company only wants to sell a controlling stake rather than completely letting go of its Indian unit. The news from Bloomberg adds that Disney is near a multi-billion dollar deal with Reliance Industries. If this deal goes through, then a vast part of the Disney+Hotstar OTT platform, including its TV channels like Star Sports and Star Gold, could fall under Reliance.

Disney is reportedly asking for 10 billion US Dollars for Hotstar and Star India. However, Reliance isn’t agreeing with this evaluation, instead valuing it for around 7 to 8 billion US Dollars. Interestingly enough, the company acquiring Disney+Hotstar implies that the Ambani led group could gain control over the TV streaming rights of cricket in the Indian market. This is a big deal considering the immense popularity of the sport in the region.

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Alleged Redmi K70 Pro arrives on 3C revealing charging speed

By

Sudarshan Ravichandran

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Oct 24, 2023

Xiaomi is gearing up to launch the Xiaomi 14 series in a couple of days. On the other hand, Redmi is expected to debut the Redmi K70 series in December.

We still don’t know much about the Redmi flagships. Thankfully, new certifications emerge now and then to reveal a few details about them.

The Redmi K70 Pro, in particular, now appears to have been certified by 3C. Let’s check out what the listings have to say.

Redmi K70 Pro 3C Certification — Alleged Redmi K70 Pro on 3C | Top: Snapdragon variant, Bottom: MediaTek variant

Redmi K70 Pro may support 120W charging

Alleged Redmi K70 Pro has stopped by China’s 3C with model numbers 23117RK66C and 23113RKC6C. As per Geekbench, the former will be powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, whereas the latter will house a MediaTek Dimensity 9200 Plus chipset.

We don’t know the actual marketing names of these phones. They are simply called Redmi K70 Pro as of now.

Anyways, coming to the 3C listings, both the models will carry support for 120W fast wired charging support. They will ship with an identical power adapter bearing model number MDY-14-ED.

As per a leak, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 variant of the phone will be backed by a 5,120mAh battery. It is not known whether the MediaTek version will have the same-sized battery.

A reliable source says that the Redmi K70 Pro will be equipped with a 2K display with support for high-frequency DC dimming. It will sport a metal flat frame and a glass back with a new coating.

The camera deco will be transparent, like on the iPhone 15. Finally, the device could also arrive in pink color.

We expect more details about the Redmi K70 Pro to unfold in the coming days via leaks and certifications.

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OnePlus Nord N100 and OnePlus 11 Receiving a New Update with October 2023 Security Patch

By

Simranpal Singh

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Oct 24, 2023

OnePlus is seeding new updates for the OnePlus N100 and OnePlus 11 via the firmware OxygenOS 11.0.15 and OxygenOS 13.1.0.596, respectively. The new update for both devices brings the October 2023 Android Security patch to enhance the system security.

Must See: OnePlus Nord N100 receives OxygenOS 10.5.7/10.5.9 update with March 2021 security patches

OnePlus 11 India variant is receiving the update, and the other regions will get it in some time. Meanwhile, the OnePlus Nord N100 European and North American variants are receiving the OxygenOS 11.0.15. The changelog for both smartphones appears familiar:

The “Never Settle” company is sticking to its plan for OxygenOS 14 while bringing regular updates to smartphones and tablets. OnePlus 11 is all set to receive the stable OxygenOS 14 update in the coming few days, it has already received the Open Beta 3 build. Unfortunately, the latest Android 14-based update won’t reach the OnePlus Nord N100 as per its update cycle.

The new update is already out and may take some time to reach each unit as it is rolling out in a staggered manner. Head over to Settings > About Phone > Software Update and Install to manually check for the update.

OxygenOS 14 Update Program

Following the global launch on September 25, the OxygenOS 14 is approaching the stable build with plenty of new improvements and features to enhance the system’s performance, efficiency, and stability. It is debuting “Tinity Engine” which aims to unlock the full potential of the present hardware on a device. It bundles three different technologies – CPU Vitalization, ROM Vitalization, and RAM Vitalization to improve performance and efficiency across respective aspects.

The Open Beta update is already out for OnePlus 11, OnePlus 10 Pro, OnePlus Nord 3, OnePlus 11R, OnePlus 10T and others. The company has already posted information about the Open Beta update plan via the Open Beta timeline.

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Xiaomi Watch S3 confirmed to feature 12-channel heart rate sensor & professional skiing mode

By

Sean

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Oct 24, 2023

Xiaomi is gearing up to launch the new Watch S3 alongside its upcoming HyperOS custom skin later this month. But ahead of the announcement, the company has officially teased the smartwatch, confirming some of its specifications.

Xiaomi Watch S3 features 12-channel heart rate monitoring

In its latest set of teasers, the Chinese tech giant showcased some of the features of the new Watch S3. The official image poster confirms that the smart wearable will come with an upgraded 12-channel heart rate sensor tracker. Thanks to this sensor, the company claims that heart rate detection has been improved by 20 percent, with the average heart rate accuracy reaching 97.95 percent.

This is not all, the brand also shared another teaser that confirms that it features many professional sports modes. One of these includes the professional skiing mode, which can monitor and track the wearer’s ride data. Furthermore, it can also offer automatic broadcasts of performance while riding in the chairlift. Another teaser confirms that the Xiaomi Watch S3 will be arriving with an eSIM version that supports independent calling (4G connectivity), networking, and text messages.

In other words, Users can connect with their contacts or even listen to music, without requiring a partnered smartphone. The announcement alongside HyperOS makes sense considering the watch will be the first device to run with Xiaomi’s latest custom skin. This software is expected to offer a fresh design and UI that promises to upgrade the overall experience.

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New Apple iPads to launch in March 2024: Mark Gurman

By

Sean

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Oct 24, 2023

While the iPhone 15 lineup is the latest generation of smartphones from Apple, it appears that its latest iPads are set to launch soon. A new rumor has hinted that the company’s next gen tablets will launch early next year. So here’s everything you need to know.

New Apple iPads drops in Q1 2024

The news arrives from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman who shared the information in his latest Power On newsletter. According to the latest report, the Cupertino based giant will unveil its new iPad lineup in March 2023. The announcement will include the 11th Gen iPad, 7th Gen iPad Mini, and 6th Gen iPad Air. In a previous rumor, the new iPads were rumored to launch this month, but Gurman claimed a 2023 end release earlier this month.

Now, Mark adds that Apple is planning on releasing these three new models in March 2023. On the other hand, the higher end iPad Pro model is expected to be announced later in the year. The iPad Pro will likely be powered by Apple’s M3 chipset. An iPad Air model with a 12.9-inch display is apparently in the works as well. The iPhone maker will likely discontinue its first-gen Apple Pencil in favor of its new Pencil that features USB Type-C when the new iPads are released.

Recently, we even covered on another Gurman report that claimed that the new Apple Macs’ launch could be right around the corner. This includes a 24-inch iMac refresh, which features improved hardware that might bump the Apple PC to the M3 chipset. Keep in mind that the company hasn’t made any official announcement so far, so stick around for more updates.

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Fire-Boltt Diamond launched with an all-metal design & 1.43″ AMOLED display

By

Sean

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Oct 24, 2023

Fire-Boltt has just launched a brand-new smartwatch in India. Its latest wearable offering is the premium grade model called the Fire-Boltt Diamond, which is a Luxury Elite Edition smartwatch. So here are all the details.

Fire-Boltt Diamond Specs

The company’s latest watch features an all-metal design, similar to the Apollo 3 that was released last month. The Diamond model sports a 1.43-inch AMOLED display that offers Always-on, 75Hz refresh rate, and 466 x 466 resolution. This device also features Bluetooth calling thanks to its in-built speaker and microphone. Another notable feature of the Diamond is the inclusion of 4GB storage, which helps house your favorite songs and over 120 watch faces.

Fire-Boltt’s latest smartwatch also comes with a number of health related sensors, which allow for heart rate tracking, SpO2 blood oxygen mapping, sleep monitoring, and menstrual cycle tracking. The new Diamond arrives with support for more than 300 sports modes, smart notifications, and IP67 water and dust resistance for extra protection. A 260mAh battery pack powers this watch, which offers 4 days of battery life.

Fire-Boltt Diamond Pricing and Availability

The Fire-Boltt Diamond smartwatch arrives in multiple color options. It comes in a Rose Gold Premium, Gold Premiunm, Black Premium, Black Basic, Silver Basic, and Silver Premium. The smart wearable product is available for purchase on the brand’s official website and Amazon India. The Fire-Boltt Diamond has an introductory price tag of 4,999 INR (roughly 60 US Dollars) and it will go on sale on 25th October 2023.

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Vivo Y100 5G key specs revealed; Chinese variant to differ from India

By

Anvinraj Valiyathara

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Oct 24, 2023

Vivo is all set to unveil the mid-range smartphone on Oct. 27 in China. Today, the brand released a few posters to reveal its design, color options, display size, and battery capacity. These confirmations reveal that the Chinese variant of the Y100 will be different from its Indian edition, which went official in February of this year.

Vivo Y100 5G key specifications

To recall, the Indian version of the Vivo Y100 5G has a flat AMOLED display with a small notch, a triple camera setup on the back, and a 4,500mAh battery. It measures 7.7mm in thickness and weighs 181 grams.

In contrast, the Vivo Y100 5G seems to be a more well-placed smartphone with a larger 6.78-inch OLED display that supports Full HD+ resolution. The company has confirmed that the screen is protected with Schott’s display protection layer for durability against scratches and wear.

It houses a bigger 5,000mAh battery and sports a thin profile of only 7.49mm. While the official images show that it will come in green and blue options, there is a possibility that it may also have a black variant. The other details of the phone are yet to be revealed, but it appears that it could be the Vivo V2313A phone that was approved by Chinese certification sites like TENAA and 3C recently. While the TENAA revealed only the images of the phone, the 3C listing suggests that it may support 44W fast charging.

In related news, Vivo may launch the Vivo X100 and X100 Pro flagship phones, featuring the Dimensity 9300 chipset, in the third week of November. The brand is also said to be working on the Vivo S18 series of smartphones, which may debut in December in China.

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Xiaomi 14 gets new design and floating telephoto camera: Official

By

Sudarshan Ravichandran

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Oct 24, 2023

The Xiaomi 14 series is set to go official on October 26 (Thursday). The company announced the launch date only yesterday and has been teasing the products since then.

Today, the firm has revealed the design of the vanilla model. It has shared the renders of the device in white color.

At the same time, the firm’s CEO has disclosed a few tidbits about the design. He even revealed a camera feature.

Xiaomi 14: Flat frame design and telephoto camera from Xiaomi 13 Pro

As per the renders posted by Xiaomi on Weibo, the Xiaomi 14 retains the flat frame design. But the frame seems to have contoured edges, just like on the latest iPhone 15 models. Thus, the phone could be more comfortable to hold in hands.

The front of the handset is equipped with a 6.36-inch centered punch-hole display with thin bezels all around. Whereas, on the rear, there’s a new double-step square island for three cameras and an LED flashlight.

Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun says that the top of the device is hole-free (like the iPhones). The engineering team managed to accomplish this by hiding the infrared sensor in the camera island, changing the speaker opening to a micro-slit design, and hiding the secondary microphone inside the earpiece area.

Further, according to the executive, the Xiaomi 14 sports a 75mm floating telephoto camera from Xiaomi 13 Pro. This camera provides a 3.2x optical zoom perspective (ideal for portraits) and 10cm close focus support for macro.

Going by the leaks, the Xiaomi 14 will come with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, LPDDR5x RAM, UFS 4.0 storage, 12-bit 1.5K 120Hz OLED display, dual stereo speakers, IP68 rating, a 4,600mAh battery, 90W wired charging, 50W wireless charging, and 10W reverse wireless charging.

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Haier MetaLustre Convertible series of refrigerators launched in India

By

Sean

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Oct 24, 2023

Haier has just launched its latest refrigerator offering in the Indian market. The new models are a part of the MetaLustre convertible refrigerators. The company’s MetaLustre lineup consists of three variants, so here are all the details.

Haier MetaLustre Series

All three models feature a steel finish and come in multiple color options. This adds a premium element to their design. Two of the models feature a two door configuration while the third is a side-by-side refrigerator. The company manufactured the MetaLustre refrigerator locally in India, which adds it to the Made in India list. Back in September, Haier had also announced the K800GT TV in India. The three MetaLustre models come with four storage capacities, which include a 237L, 240L, 325L, and 328L variant.

The 325L and 328L variants feature a Turbo Icing feature that helps make ice cubes faster. These feature dual fan technology, which helps in faster and more efficient cooling. On the other hand, the 237L and 240L offer the 1-hour icing feature but skip the dual fans. However, it brings a Twin Energy Saving mode, which makes them more energy efficient. Every model features toughened glass panels that are frost free. Some of the refrigerators can bring 5-in-1 technology while certain models come with 14-in-1 convertible features.

Pricing and Availability

The new Haier MetaLustre convertible series starts from 35,490 INR for the Top Mount (HRF-2902BGI-P) 240L model. Meanwhile, the Bottom Mount (HRB-2872BSI-P) 237L costs 36,490 INR. The Big Top Mount (HRF-3782BGI-P) 328L and the Big Bottom Mount (HRF-3752BSI-P) 325L has a price tag of 49,990 INR and 53,990 INR respectively.

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Xbox Series X Black Friday 2023 deal leaks out

By

Sudhanshu

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Oct 24, 2023

Exciting news for Xbox enthusiasts! Dealabs has spilled the beans on what Microsoft has in store for us in terms of deals on the coveted Xbox Series X console for Black Friday 2023.

After a recent price hike to €549, the Xbox Series X will be available for just €449 from November 20 to November 27, 2023. That’s a whopping €100 off the current price tag.

While this offer is currently confirmed for France, it’s highly likely that similar discounts will roll out across the Eurozone, the UK, and the US. And if you were hoping for an Xbox Series S deal, history suggests you might be in luck, as previous years have seen discounts on both consoles.

That being said, Microsoft currently has pre-orders open for an Xbox Series S bundle deal where you get the console, a controller, and a three-month subscription to the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. The bundle is orderable for $299.99 and will be available for direct purchase starting October 31. For context, the standalone Xbox Series S console without the Game Pass subscription typically costs around $330. So this is quite a sweet deal for anyone looking for a console on the cheaper end this holiday season.

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Vivo X Fold 3 series, Nubia Z60 Fold, Honor Magic V3 foldable phones could be launching in Q1 2024

By

Anvinraj Valiyathara

-

Oct 24, 2023

Qualcomm is expected to announce the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset on Oct. 26. Starting with Xiaomi, several other brands are expected to launch flagship phones featuring the new chip this year in China. A new leak (via. TechGoing) claims that foldable smartphones featuring the SD8G3 will debut in the beginning months of 2024.

Three Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 foldable phones coming in Q1 2024

A Chinese leaker has claimed that the first quarter of 2024 may see the unveiling of three foldable phones powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset. Regrettably, the leaker has not disclosed the specific names of these devices. Here, we can speculate on which foldable phones the source might be referring to.

Several reports have claimed that Vivo will be launching the Vivo X Fold 3 foldable phone in Q1 2024. The device will be joined by a more powerful variant dubbed the Vivo X Fold 3 Pro. However, it is unclear whether both devices will come equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.

A recent report revealed that Nubia is working on its first foldable phone called the Nubia Z60 Fold. It was spotted with model number NX801J in the IMEI database. It is speculated that the device could be equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.

Honor introduced the Honor Magic V foldable phone in the first part of 2022 and followed up with the Honor Magic Vs in the second half of the same year. In the current year, the brand has presented two more foldable phones, the Magic V2 and Magic Vs 2. This suggests that Honor might become the third company to release a foldable phone, potentially called the Honor Magic V3, in the first quarter of 2024.

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