Advertisement

Minecraft is the best selling video game of all time, over 300 million copies shipped

Minecraft is the world’s best selling video game. Over 300 million copies of the game have been shipped since the title’s launch around 15 years ago. This is a major milestone for the company, so let’s have a look.

Minecraft has sold over 300 million copies

Mojang Studios, the company behind the best selling game of all time, has sold more than 300 million copies of the game. In comparison, the second highest selling game in the world is Rockstar Games’ Grand Theft Auto 5, which sold over 185 million copies. In other words, Minecraft has blown past all of its competitors despite being such an old launch. It was first released back in 2013 and first crossed the 200 million mark back in 2020.

Minecraft 300 million

The studio announced this major milestone during a Minecraft Live event. During this live stream, Mojang even revealed certain new features that will be coming to the game. This includes the new trial chamber that brings traps and mobs that players must face in a series of rooms and corridors. As of right now, a new Star Wars: Path of the Jedi DLC and Planet Earth CLD are currently in the works and will be available on 7th November 2023 and early 2024 respectively.

According to Helen Chiang, head of Mojang Studios “As we approach the 15th anniversary, Minecraft remains one of the best-selling games of all time with over 300 million copies sold. It is a milestone no one could have dreamed of when we were all placing our first blocks.” In related news, here’s a list of the best PCs that are great for those who love to play Minecraft.

RELATED:

Redmi K70 could come with a Xiaomi 13T-like design

At the Redmi Note 13 China launch, Lu Weibing hinted about the upcoming Redmi K70 series launch by the end of this year. Apart from this, the company hasn’t officially or unofficially unveiled any information about the upcoming Redmi K70 series. However, there are some leaks and certifications that shed some light on the specifications over the past time. In addition, a piece of new information is here via the Digital Chat Station on Weibo that the Redmi K70 could follow the design aspects of Xiaomi 13T.

Must See: Redmi K70 spotted with 90W fast charging on China’s 3C certification

It means the Redmi K70 will feature a Square Camera module featuring triple-rear sensors. Further, the smartphone will feature a glass cover instead of plastic. Dumping cheap material, the smartphone will come along with an all-metal frame. It is expected to feature a 5000 mAh battery on the board.

Redmi K70 bearing model code 23117RK66C appeared on the Geekbench a while back featuring an octa-core CPU having 1 + 2 + 5 core configuration while clocking at a maximum of 3.19 GHz. It seems the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, but due to the absence of consolidated proof about the chipset specifications we are unable to confirm it fully. However, considering the presence of Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 on the Redmi K60, it is highly likely the predecessor will feature the new SoC.

Like the Xiaomi 14, the Redmi K70 is also rumored to feature 90W charging capability instead of the 67W as seen on its predecessor. The Pro model outmatches the vanilla model and could come with 120W charging.

Related:

(via)

OnePlus cancels free 30W Wireless charger orders, compensates customers with a coupon

A few days back, Twitter was buzzing with news of OnePlus giving away the OnePlus 30W Wireless Charger for free on its Indian website. Many speculated that it was an error, while others were predicting the move to be a clearance sale. Well, OnePlus has just issued a statement confirming that it was indeed an error on their part.

OnePlus 30W wireless charger

OnePlus India has confirmed that the orders placed for the OnePlus 30W Wireless Charger will be canceled due to the error in pricing. That being said, the brand is compensating customers with a discount coupon of Rs. 800 which can be used to purchase accessories worth Rs 1500 or more. The coupon will be directly credited to your OnePlus account, which you can use on the mobile app or website.

The official statement released by OnePlus reads “We regret to inform you that your order for the OnePlus 30W Wireless Charger will be canceled due to an incorrect price set. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused. As a token of our apology, we will be issuing a new coupon worth ₹800 off on accessory purchases of ₹1500 or more. This coupon will be credited to your account directly. If you have any additional questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact our customer service team. They will be more than happy to assist you.”

For context, the OnePlus 30W Wireless Charger has a price tag of Rs 3,990, and it supports OnePlus as well as non-OnePlus phones. The catch is that OnePlus smartphones get 30W charging speeds while other smartphones are limited to 10W fast charging.

OnePlus deals

Interestingly enough, netizens have reported that their orders for the OnePlus 9 3D Tempered Glass Screen Protector as well as the Nord CE 2 Bumper cases have already been delivered.

RELATED:

Nio Looks Beyond Cars, Trademark Application Hints at Broader Product Plans

Nio continues to expand its product line. When I say this, I’m not just referring to car models like Firefly, but also to diverse product categories like the recently introduced Nio Phone. This allows the company to not only strengthen its position in the industries it operates in but also to enter new markets. A recent surprising example of this is a chip. Nio has filed a trademark application for in-house chip production. Here are the details…

Nio Files Trademark Application for In-House Chips, Expanding Its Product Portfolio

Nio’s CEO, William Li, announced at the Innovation Technology Day last month that the company’s first self-developed chip will go into mass production in October. Now, according to the National Intellectual Property Administration’s Trademark Office website, NIO Automobile Technology filed a registration application for the “NIO Yang Jian” on September 21, 2023.

At first glance, Yang Jian appears to be just a chip that can process large amounts of LiDAR data in real time. However, the company has incorporated multiple subcategories into this trademark, such as computer software, chatbot software for simulated conversations, CPUs, AI-based interactive software, smart glasses for data processing, operating system programs, interactive computer systems, and more.

Based on this, we can say that Nio’s plans are much more extensive. In fact, this approach is a strategy employed by many tech giants, including Apple. Even though today’s world is very global and sourcing some components from abroad might seem cheaper, it can lead to significant disadvantages during challenging times.

Therefore, companies are opting to reduce their dependency on external sources in various areas, especially in chip manufacturing. It’s possible to say that Nio is also taking similar steps and is on its way to becoming a global technology giant.

RELATED:

(via)

AOC unveils new 2K 180Hz 34-inch curved gaming monitor in China

AOC has just introduced a brand-new gaming monitor in the Chinese market. The company’s latest offering is the CU34G3X model, which is a curved gaming monitor. It features some notable specs and features, so here are all the details.

AOC CU34G3X Specs

The company’s new CU34G3X is the successor to the CU34G2X, which was released two years ago. As the name suggests, this monitor sports a tall 34-inch VA display, which offers 3,440 x 1,440 resolution and a 180Hz refresh rate. Despite being a VA panel, it features high contrast ratio of 4000:1, 1ms response time, and AMD’s FreeSync technology. The display is curved with a 1500R panel and a wide 21:9 aspect ratio. Just earlier this month, the brand had even announced another 27-inch gaming monitor with a 180Hz refresh rate.

AOC CU34G3X Curved Gaming Monitor

This gaming monitor also comes with factory color calibration out of the box. It covers 93 percent sRGB and 00 percent DCI-P3 color gamut with 300 nits of peak brightness. AOC claims that it factory calibrates this model to Delta E deviations of less than 2 in relation to the sRGB gamut. This means that it has applications for certain creative workloads outside of gaming. For connectivity, it offers a pair of DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.0 ports along with 100 x 100 mm VESA mounts.

AOC CU34G3X Pricing and Availability

AOC has only launched the CU34G3X curved gaming monitor in China at the moment. It has a price tag of 2,999 Yuan, which is roughly around 411 US Dollars. Unfortunately, the company has yet to confirm whether this monitor will be launched globally. Although, there’s a chance its gaming brand AGON might release this model for the overseas market outside of China.

RELATED:

iPhone 15 Pro Max users report screen burn-in issues

In addition to other problems that have been reported with the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, some users are now complaining about screen burn-in.

iPhone 15 Pro Max screen burn-in

Screen burn-in is a permanent discoloration of a portion of a display that occurs when an image is displayed on the screen for a long period of time. It is a problem that can happen with OLED displays, which are the type of displays used in the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max.

A number of users on Reddit and Apple’s support forum have reported this issue and shared images of the handset with elements of the user interface appearing as ghostly shadows. 

One user, who said they use their phone normally for tasks such as browsing the web, checking email, and watching videos, posted a photo of their phone with a burn-in of the home screen and a YouTube video thumbnail. Another user commented in the same Reddit thread with an image of their phone with a ghostly keyboard burned into the screen.

However, the issue does not appear to be widespread, and reports of burn-in on the iPhone 15 Pro Max at this stage remain rare, there are some simple steps to take if you do experience it.

Your first step is to contact Apple support or make a booking at an Apple Store Genius Bar, where the company’s experts can troubleshoot the problem. If the issue is deemed to be a hardware fault, you’re well within the one-year limited warranty that Apple offers with its new devices in the US.

Related:

(Via)

Tecno Spark 20C appears on FCC with Live Images and Unveils some Specifications

Information about the Tecno Spark 20C specifications is already available in a public forum, thanks to the recent Geekbench listing. It also surfaced on Bluetooth SIG a while ago confirming its model name. Following multiple listings on public certifications, the device finally arrived on the FCC as Tecno BG7 confirming some leaked specifications and details. Some live images of the device also appeared via the listing confirming the dual-rear camera module.

Must See: Tecno Phantom V Flip might help the brand finally crack the premium market

The listing reveals Tecno Spark 20C as a 4G LTE device, which supports up to 18W fast charging. It is tested with the Tecno U180TSA Power adapter. The smartphone measures 165mm x 76mm 8 10mm in size. From the label diagram, we concluded that the device bundles a dual-rear camera module and comes in 8GB RAM and 128GB storage variants.

Further, the live images shed some light on its design aspect. The smartphone appears to carry a 3.5mm audio jack, USB Type-C port, and speaker grill as seen on the bottom side of the phone. At first, we were amazed to see a triple-camera module, but the joy soon faded away when we realized that the third hole features an LED flash. The “Tecno Spark” branding is also present on the rear side of the phone. We could also spot the volume rockers and pwoer button on the right side of the smartphone.

With the launch of the Camon 20 Series – Camon 20 Pro and 20 Pro Premiere and the upcoming Tecno Spark 20C launch, the company seems working to expand its portfolio in the mid-range segment.

Tecno Spark 20C Specifications (Rumored)

The smartphone recently appeared on the Geekbench revealing specifications details. Tecno Spark 20C is spotted with MediaTek’s Oct-Core Helio P35 SoC while binding 4GB RAM. It runs Android 13 out of the box with HiOS 13 over the top. In connectivity, the smartphone is spotted with Bluetooth v5.0. It scored 168 points in the single-core test on Geekbench and 928 points in the multi-core test.

The Tecno Spark 20C will join the Tecno Spark 20 which is already retailing across the globe with MediaTek Dimensity 1300 SoC on board. The vanilla Spark 20 comes with a 6.67-inch AMOLED display with having 120Hz refresh rate. There are Spark 20 Pro and Spar 30 Pro 5G models also which feature competitive specifications.

Details about the upcoming Tecno Spark 20C display size, camera, and battery remain under wraps. We expect the device to launch by the end of this month. More details awaited via some leaks and public certification in the next few days.

Related:

Samsung Galaxy S24+ GPU over 80% faster than Galaxy S23 Ultra: GeekBench

Samsung is expected to launch the Galaxy S24 series in early 2024. The new phones are the company’s next flagship lineup, which will arrive with improvements over its predecessors. Now, a new benchmark listing offers us some insight as to just how powerful the next-gen Galaxy S24 will be.

Samsung Galaxy S24+ outperforms Galaxy S23 Ultra’s GPU

Based on recent rumors, the South Korean tech giant is expected to launch the Galaxy S24 and Galaxy S24+ with the Exynos 2400 chipset. Meanwhile, the Galaxy S24 Ultra model is rumored to launch with the Galaxy S24 Ultra in every region. However, the latest sighting of the Galaxy S24+ shows the performance upgrades on GeekBench. A listing on the popular benchmarking platform shows the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 variant of this device.

S24 Plus leaked render

Running the GeekBench 6 Vulkan test, the upcoming Galaxy S24+ model with the new flagship Qualcomm chipset achieved an impressive score of 17,031 points. This marks a significant 81.6 percent performance boost compared to the brand’s 2023 flagship Galaxy S23 Ultra, which is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. Interestingly enough, the benchmark listing shows that this smartphone chipset’s performance appears to be on par with the desktop grade Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050.

It is worth noting that these are just synthetic benchmarks and these do not reflect real life performance. Furthermore, the GeekBench sighting offers very limited information regarding the Galaxy S24+. However, we did cover a recent leak that claimed that the Exynos 2400 SoC will be a Deca core processor that powers the Galaxy S24 and Galaxy S24+ models.

THIS IS GEEKWILLS SPONSOR PROMOTION >>>>>>>>>>

Geekwills is an online shop that caters to the latest mobiles, laptops, smart home gadgets, and all electronics in this genre. They deliver to customers in 190 countries. The Lenovo TWS earbuds have the best price for Gizmochina’s readers. Here is an exclusive coupon code: GCGK, 5% off for all products.

RELATED:

(Via)

OnePlus Ace 2, Ace Pro, and OnePlus 10 Pro receiving ColorOS 14 Closed Beta in China

Alongside bringing Oxygen OS 14 Open Beta to respective global models, the same company is rolling out Android 14-based Color OS 14 to compatible devices in its home country. OnePlus Ace 2, Ace Pro, and OnePlus 10 Pro are the latest additions to the devices receiving the Color OS 14 Public Beta list. The users in China can participate in the Public Beta program by heading to their device’s Settings menu.

Must See: OnePlus Ace 3V key specs leak, could be rebranded as Nord 4 globally

Several new changes and features are part of the latest Color OS 14, improving the system’s security and privacy. Coupling the Android 14 luxuries, the users can expect Color OS dedicated features with its latest iteration.

Steps to Enjoy Color OS 14 on OnePlus Ace Pro, Ace 2, and OnePlus 10 Pro

The user must install the latest firmware updates on their respective smartphones before upgrading to the Color OS 14 Open Beta. Make Sure your smartphones are running these respective Color OS versions:

  • OnePlus Ace 2: 13.1.0.182, 13.1.0.183
  • OnePlus Ace Pro: 13.1.0.183
  • OnePlus 10 Pro: 13.1.0.182, 13.1.0.195, 13.1 .0.196

Steps:

  1. Head over to Settings > About Device > Software Version Information > Tap Settings Button in the top-right corner > Tap on “Early Adopter Application” > Upgrade to Beta.
  2. Now, Follow the onscreen instructions to install the latest update.

Note: It will take up to 5 days for the update to arrive on your device once you apply. However, OnePlus can also reject your application.

Issues on Color OS 14 Public Beta

There are certain issues on both these three devices, let’s discuss each one after another.

OnePlus Ace 2

  • While using Smart Card Switching, SIM Card 2 doesn’t work
  • Phone automatically answers incoming calls
  • Incoming Call Notifications keep coming after disconnecting the call
  • There are certain issues in tablet mode

OnePlus Ace Pro and OnePlus 10 Pro

  • Dark Mode for Baidu Netdisk doesn’t work
  • Casting Feature may not work
  • Automatically picks the incoming call

We don’t recommend installing the Public Beta on any of the smartphones if that’s your only daily driver.

OnePlus is working to bring Color OS 14 based on Android 14 to all compatible smartphones by the year’s end.

Related:

(source)

Vivo Y27s spotted on TKDN certification ahead of launch

Back in July, the Vivo Y27 4G made its debut in the global market starting with Malaysia. The brand is now working on a new device in the Y27 series called the Vivo Y27s. Ahead of its launch, it has appeared on the TKDN certification database.

As per the listing, the device with model number V2310 (Vivo Y27s) features 4G connectivity. While detailed specifications haven’t been disclosed, this certification suggests that the Y27s will be released in Indonesia soon. Earlier, the Y27s appeared on the Bluetooth SIG database, confirming Bluetooth 5.0 support. Let’s check out the specs of the Vivo Y27 to get a sense of what the Y27s might offer.

Vivo Y27 (4G)

The Vivo Y27 (4G) has a 6.64-inch screen with a small notch at the top. It offers a Full HD+ resolution and decent brightness. The front camera has 8 megapixels, while the rear camera setup includes a 50-megapixel main camera, a 2-megapixel auxiliary camera, and a flash.

VIvo Y27 4G

Under the hood, the Y27 (4G) runs on the Helio G85 chip with 6 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage, expandable with a microSD card. The phone boasts a 5,000mAh battery that supports 44W fast charging, promising a 29 percent charge in just 15 minutes.

The Y27 (4G) runs on FunTouch OS 13, based on Android 13. It includes essential features like dual SIM support, 4G connectivity, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, a USB-C port, a headphone jack, a side-mounted fingerprint scanner, and it’s rated IP54 for some water and dust resistance.

RELATED:

(via)

iPad Mini 7 rumors: A new chip, better cameras, and more

The next-generation iPad Mini is rumored to be released in late 2023 or early 2024, and it’s expected to come with a number of upgrades over the current model. Here’s a look at what we know so far.

The next-gen iPad Mini will reportedly be powered by the A16 Bionic chip, which is the same chip that will be used in the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max. This would be a modest upgrade over the A15 Bionic chip in the current iPad Mini, but it would still make it one of the most powerful tablets on the market.

The next-gen iPad Mini is also rumored to receive upgraded front and rear cameras. It’s unclear what specific camera improvements we can expect, but it’s possible that Apple will also add new software features such as the Photonic Engine for improved low-light performance, as well as ProRes video recording and Audio Zoom.

Apple is also expected to introduce new color options for the iPad Mini. The current model is available in Space Gray, Starlight, Pink, and Purple, so it’s possible that Apple will retain some of these colors and swap one or two out for new options, or it could overhaul the entire selection.

Finally, Apple is rumored to be rotating the screen assembly in the iPad Mini 7 to reduce jelly scrolling, which is a screen tearing issue that some users have complained about with the current model. Jelly scrolling is most noticeable when the iPad Mini is in portrait orientation, but the rumored screen rotation should help to reduce this effect.

Related:

(Source)

Samsung to use Micro LED on Smartwatches; Could Debut on “Galaxy Watch Ultra”

With the global launch of Micro LED display among TVs this year, the Korean giant is set to make use of the new display tech in smaller display-size devices including smartwatches. Breaking the previous limitations, the Micro LED will now pave its way to the ultra-large display TV too. Samsung is bringing it to 76-inch, 89-inch, 101-inch, and 114-inch display sizes for the production of consumer electronics.

Must See: One UI 6.0 Beta Program arrives for Samsung Galaxy A52s, Galaxy M23; Galaxy Z Flip 4/Z Fold 4 update extends support in India

Micro LED Features

In a bid to commercialize the Micro LED for smartwatches, the company tends to replace OLED from its Galaxy Watch within a year. After creating the Micro LED team late last year, Samsung has already started the development of micro LED displays for smartwatches. Within a year of development and then the Research and Development stage, the display’s actual voyage on the small consumer electronic gadgets will start.

The new self-luminous display has small LEDs that measure less than 100㎛ (micrometers) in size. it is thinner and emits light without and backlight or color filter. In particular, Samsung’s Micro LED size is less than 50㎛ and the RCG elements are made of inorganic elements eliminating any burn issues while maintaining quality for over 100000 hours. These displays offer an exceptional contrast ratio while emitting light at the maximum brightness.

A recent rumor claims that the Giant is working on a “Galaxy Watch Ultra” model which will bundle the new Micro LED display. Following the footsteps of the Apple Watch Ultra, the new watch would feature a better display and enhanced features than the present Galaxy Watch models.

Following the advancement, we expect Micro LEDs to make their place in smartphones and other smart devices which would result in better brightness. However, the addition of a new display will significantly cost the user an arm and a leg.

Related:

WhatsApp rolls out password-less Passkey feature for Android users

WhatsApp, a popular messaging app owned by Meta, is rolling out a new password-less passkey feature for all Android users. This new feature will provide users with a more secure and convenient way to log in to their WhatsApp accounts, without the need for traditional passwords or two-factor SMS authentication.

WhatsApp Passkey

Passkeys are a new type of login credential that is more secure and easier to use than traditional passwords. They are based on public key cryptography and use the user’s device’s built-in authentication mechanisms, such as fingerprints or facial recognition. This makes passkeys much more resistant to phishing attacks and other forms of password theft.

To use the new passkey feature on WhatsApp, Android users will simply need to enroll their device with a passkey. Once enrolled, they will be able to log in to WhatsApp using their passkey, without the need to enter a password or receive a two-factor SMS code.

The feature is rolling out to all Android users over the next few months. To check if it’s available on your device, open WhatsApp and go to Settings > Account. If you see the option “Passkeys,” then you’re good to go.

The rollout of passkey support on WhatsApp is a welcome development, as it will make the app more secure and convenient for users. Passkeys are a promising new technology that has the potential to replace traditional passwords in the future, and it is great to see that WhatsApp is one of the first major apps to adopt this technology.

Related:

Raegr MagFix Arc M500, a 15W MagSafe compatible charger for iPhones launched in India

Earlier this week, Raegr introduced the Raegr Arc 950, a 3-in-1 wireless charging stand in India, which is priced at Rs 2,249 (~$27) and works with both Apple and Android devices. Today, the brand unveiled a new product designed for the Indian market, the MagFix Arc M500. This is a 15W charger that is compatible with MagSafe technology used in iPhones.

MagSafe charging for iPhones

Raegr MagFix Arc M500

MagSafe, developed by Apple, is a magnetic charging technology for secure and convenient charging, which is different from general wireless charging. It began with MacBook laptops and has evolved into a wireless charging system for the iPhone 12 and newer models. Using magnets and a charging coil ensures precise alignment between the phone and charger. Conventional wireless charging requires users to accurately align their devices on the charging pad, which can be challenging. Misalignment issues can lead to slower or unsuccessful charging attempts.

It is compatible with Qi wireless charging, supports easy attachment of accessories like cases, and stands for an enhanced user experience. In contrast, general wireless charging uses the Qi standard, which doesn’t require magnetic alignment and is widely adopted by various manufacturers. MagSafe charging offers quicker charging compared to standard wireless charging, providing up to 15W of power to compatible devices like the iPhone 12 and newer models.

Overall, MagSafe is a more convenient and efficient wireless charging solution than general wireless charging. It is faster, easier to use, and compatible with a wider range of accessories.

Raegr MagFix Arc M500 features

RAEGR MagFix Arc M500
Raegr MagFix Arc M500

Apple’s MagSafe charger is available for Rs 4,500 (~$54), while the Raegr MagFix Arc M500 charger, with its significantly lower price, serves as a cost-effective alternative. Its sleek and lightweight design ensures portability, making it an ideal travel companion.

The MagFix Arc M500 automatically identifies and provides suitable charging power, varying from 5W to 15W. For optimal performance, it requires a 20W QC2.0/3.0 PD charger. This charger is well-optimized and works seamlessly with the iPhone 15, 14, 13, and 12 series, ensuring rapid and secure charging while including safeguards against overheating.

Raegr MagFix Arc M500 price in India, availability

The Raegr MagFix Arc M500 is priced at Rs 1,099 (~$13) in India. The device can be purchased through platforms like Raegr.com and Amazon India.

RELATED:

*Please Note: When you buy something using the links in our articles, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.

Oppo Find N3 cover, internal display design revealed via official images

Oppo has officially announced that its upcoming folding flagship, the OPPO Find N3, will feature dual diamond screens, ensuring an exceptional flagship screen experience on both internal and external displays. Unlike traditional folding phones, where screen quality is compromised when folded, the OPPO Find N3 employs a new dual-diamond screen solution, delivering a next-generation flagship screen experience by offering top-notch brightness, clarity, and reliability, whether the phone is open or closed.

OPPO Find N3 to feature top-notch cover, foldable displays

OPPO Find N3 display
OPPO Find N3 display

The official posters released by the brand provided hints about the internal screen’s brightness and folding capabilities of the Oppo Find N3, although specific data has yet to be revealed and is expected to be a key highlight during the official unveiling. In terms of design, the official images reveal that the Find N3 has departed from the short and wide design of the previous generation, featuring a larger body size and a screen ratio that aligns with mainstream folding phones.

The internal screen incorporates a punch-hole in the upper right corner, and the device features a three-stage alert slider on the right edge. As per reports, the device is equipped with a 7.82-inch foldable OLED panel that offers a 2K resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate, and it has a 6.31-inch OLED FHD+ 120Hz display on the front.

OPPO Find N3 display
OPPO Find N3 display

Additionally, OPPO recently confirmed that the OPPO Find N3 will be equipped with a built-in independent security chip, introducing a novel security experience where users can secure everything, thereby enhancing hardware-level security for personal and business data. The Find N3 is rumored to pack the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (3.36GHz variant), 16 GB of LPDDR5x RAM, up to 1 TB of UFS 4.0 storage, a 4,805mAh battery with 67W fast charging and 50W wireless charging, a 32-megapixel front camera, a 20-megapixel internal camera, and a 48-megapixel (main) + 48-megapixel (ultra-wide) + 64-megapixel (periscope) triple camera unit on the back.

The global launch of the Oppo Find N3 is scheduled for Oct. 19 at 14:30 local time in China. Simultaneously, the same device will launch in other markets, like India and the US, under the name OnePlus Open.

RELATED:

Official: Xiaomi HyperOS to replace MIUI; will debut on Xiaomi 14 series

Xiaomi, the Chinese smartphone maker, has announced that it is launching a new operating system called HyperOS. The new OS is set to debut on the upcoming Xiaomi 14 series, and will eventually replace MIUI, Xiaomi’s current Android-based operating system.

Xiaomi HyperOS Officially Announced

Lei Jun, the founder and CEO of Xiaomi, confirmed the development of HyperOS in a tweet today. He said that the new OS is a “historic moment” for the company and that it will make its official debut on the Xiaomi 14 series.

Alvin, Xiaomi’s global VP, also confirmed that HyperOS will be available globally and will roll out throughout 2024. This means that the new OS will gradually replace Xiaomi’s legacy MIUI operating system, which has been around for 13 years.

HyperOS has reportedly been in the works since 2017 and is designed to cater to Xiaomi’s wide range of products, which includes smartphones, smart home devices, and cars. The company says that the new OS will tie in its entire ecosystem of products, making it easier for users to control and manage their devices from one place.

Lei Jun also clarified in a post on Weibo that HyperOS is “based on the integration of the deeply evolved Android and the self-developed Vela system, completely rewriting the underlying architecture, and preparing a public base for the Internet of Everything for tens of billions of devices and tens of billions of connections in the future.” Xiaomi Vela is an IoT software system platform based on the open-source embedded operating system NuttX.

While Xiaomi has not yet released any images or information about HyperOS’s user interface or features, the company is expected to reveal more details when it launches the Xiaomi 14 series later this month.

Related:

Honor Play 8T launch date, key specifications confirmed

A poster that is now being circulated on the Chinese microblogging platform Weibo reveals that Honor will announce the Honor Play 8T smartphone tomorrow (Oct. 18) in China. As can be seen, the poster has confirmed the key specifications and design of the device.

Honor Play 8T key specifications

Honor Play 8T launch date
Honor Play 8T launch date

The Honor Play 8T launch date poster confirms that it has a punch-hole display that offers up to 850 nits of brightness, a 50-megapixel dual-camera system, and a 6,000mAh battery. The device is confirmed to ship with 12 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage.

To recall, the Honor Play 7T and Honor Play 40 Plus phones, which were launched last year, offered nearly identical specifications but featured different rear designs. Hence, it appears that the Play 8T may borrow its specifications from the Honor Play 50 Plus that was announced earlier this month in China.

There is a possibility that the Play 8T may feature a 6.8-inch IPS LCD 90Hz FHD+ screen, a side-facing fingerprint sensor, a Dimensity 6020 chipset, an 8-megapixel front camera, a 50-megapixel + 2-megapixel dual-camera setup, and a 6,000mAh battery with 35W fast charging.

In related news, an Honor phone with model number LLY-AN00 was spotted in the database of China’s TENAA certification platform. As per the TENAA certification, the device may arrive with a 6.7-inch IPS LCD FHD+ 90Hz display, a 2.4GHz octa-core processor, up to 16 GB of RAM, up to 1 TB of storage, and a 4,500mAh battery with 35W fast charging. It may feature an 8-megapixel front camera, a 108-megapixel + 2-megapixel dual-camera system, and a side-facing fingerprint scanner. At present, there is no information about the final marketing name of the Honor LLY-AN00.

RELATED:

(via)

Mazda is Planning to Launch New EVs by 2025 in the US

Mazda‘s initial foray into the U.S. electric vehicle (EV) market with the MX-30 crossover has proven to be a hard lesson. Selling only 100 units in the first eight months of 2023 and hampered by a limited 100-mile range, the model’s American journey has been short-lived. While it might be tempting to see this as a setback, Mazda’s next steps indicate a brand willing to adapt and carve out its own niche in the booming EV market.

Mazda is looking to find a segment that appeals to all EV enthusiasts

After the MX-30’s reception in the market, Mazda is eyeing 2025 for the U.S. launch of new electric models. Instead of designing a new EV-dedicated platform like GM and Volkswagen, Mazda is leaning towards a cost-effective strategy—utilizing shared platforms with its existing gasoline-powered vehicles. This approach is not just good for the pocket but also an intriguing test of consumer reception to such a blending of the old and the new.

Mazda

The shared platform strategy comes with its drawbacks, though. One is ineligibility for the U.S. federal EV tax credit of up to $7,500, which requires final assembly in North America. It’s a hurdle, but Mazda seems confident that their upcoming electric SUVs can appeal to U.S. buyers even without the federal issues.

Mazda Chief Executive Masahiro Moro summed it up: “We are looking at a segment that will appeal to would-be EV buyers.” This indicates a move away from small EVs like the MX-30 to potentially more profitable, larger vehicles—most likely SUVs, given their mass appeal. Those waiting for an electric Mazda MX-5 sports car might have to wait a bit longer.

RELATED:

(Via)

Honor Magic Vs 2 goes on sale with 6,999 Yuan (~$957) starting price

Honor unveiled the Honor Magic Vs 2 and Honor Watch 4 Pro in China in the previous week. The Watch 4 Pro went on sale yesterday, while the foldable phone is available for purchase for the first time in the Chinese market starting today. Here is a look at the price, variants, and specifications of the Magic Vs 2.

Honor Magic Vs 2 price

HONOR-Magic-Vs2
Honor Magic Vs 2

The Honor Magic Vs 2 comes in two options in China, such as 12 GB RAM + 256 GB storage and 16 GB RAM + 512 GB storage. These variants are priced at 6,999 Yuan (~$957) and 7,699 Yuan (~$1,094), respectively. The device comes in three colors: Velvet Black, Glacier Blue, and Coral Purple.

Honor Magic Vs 2 specifications

The Honor Magic Vs 2 has a 6.43-inch AMOLED LPTO front display that offers a 2344 x 2156 pixels resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, and up to 2500 nits of brightness. The 7.9-inch foldable AMOLED LTPO panel available on the inside offers a resolution of 2376 x 1060 pixels and a 120Hz refresh rate.

On the front, the Magic Vs 2 has a 16-megapixel selfie camera. There is no camera on the inside, but the rear panel features a triple camera system that comprises a 50-megapixel main camera with OIS support, a 12-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and a 20-megapixel telephoto camera with up to 2.5x optical zoom and up to 40x digital zoom. The phone runs on Magic OS 7.2-based Android 13.

Under the hood, the Magic Vs 2 features the Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 chipset, with options for up to 16 GB of RAM and storage capacities of up to 512 GB. The device is equipped with a 5,000mAh battery that supports 66W fast charging. In terms of dimensions, the device weighs 229 grams and measures 10.7mm in its unfolded state, compacting to just 7.1mm when in the folded state.

RELATED:

iQOO Neo 9, Neo 9 Pro model numbers, launch timeframe leaked

It is speculated that iQOO will announce the iQOO 12 and the iQOO 12 Pro flagship phones in early November in China. The vanilla model is expected to be released in India in the same month. A new report by GSMChina has revealed the first details about the iQOO Neo 9 series of affordable flagship phones for the Chinese market. Continue reading ahead to learn about the model numbers, launch timeframe, and key specifications of the Neo 9 series.

iQOO Neo 9 series’ first details emerge

iQOO Neo 8 series
iQOO Neo 8 series

The publication has come across the IMEI database listing of the iQOO Neo 9 and Neo 9 Pro. The listings revealed that these devices have V2338A and V2339A model numbers, respectively.

The iQOO Neo 8 and Neo 8 Pro debuted in May 2023 in China. These phones are powered by the Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 and Dimensity 9200 Plus chipsets, respectively. Hence, the new report speculates that the Neo 9 will have the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, whereas the Neo 9 Pro will be equipped with the Dimensity 9300. There is a possibility that the Neo 9 series may arrive with up to 16 GB of LPDDR5x RAM and up to 512 GB of UFS 4.0 storage.

The Neo 9 series is anticipated to operate on Android 14 with OriginOS 4 in China. Reports suggest that the Neo 9 series is scheduled to make its debut in the first quarter of 2024. This launch timeframe appears to be specific to the Chinese market, and it remains uncertain whether or when these devices will be introduced in other regions.

More details of the iQOO Neo 9 series are expected to surface after the launch of the iQOO 12 lineup. Hence, it is advisable to wait for further reports to confirm the specifications of the Neo 9 and Neo 9 Pro.

RELATED:

(via)