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

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Oct 17, 2023

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

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

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.

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

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Anvinraj Valiyathara

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Oct 17, 2023

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

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.

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.

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

By

Rajesh Regmi

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Oct 17, 2023

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.

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.

Yes! Will roll out throughout 2024
— Alvin @Xiaomi (@atytse) October 17, 2023

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.

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Honor Play 8T launch date, key specifications confirmed

By

Anvinraj Valiyathara

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Oct 17, 2023

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

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.

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

By

Anubhav

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Oct 17, 2023

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.

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.

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

By

Anvinraj Valiyathara

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Oct 17, 2023

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

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.

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

By

Anvinraj Valiyathara

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Oct 17, 2023

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

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.

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Elon Musk’s X Faces a Wake-Up Call in Australia on Child Safety Measures

By

Anubhav

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Oct 17, 2023

Elon Musk‘s rebranded social media giant, X, has been slapped with a A$610,500 fine by Australia’s e-Safety Commission for not cooperating in an inquiry related to anti-child abuse practices. The fine might appear small change for Musk, who paid a whopping US$44 billion to acquire the platform. However, it raises significant concerns about the platform’s commitment to user safety.

People are stating that X needs to be more transparent with its users

The trouble started when X failed to address questions about its responsiveness and methods for detecting child abuse material. After taking over Twitter and turning it into X, Musk had declared that combating child exploitation was the company’s top priority. Still, the Australian regulator found X’s actions didn’t match its words.

Adding fuel to the fire is the EU’s ongoing investigation into X for potential violations of new tech laws. Accusations point to the platform’s weak effort to combat disinformation, notably related to the Hamas-Israel conflict.

The fine’s impact goes beyond monetary value; it deals a reputational blow to X at a time when advertisers are already skeptical. The platform has seen a continuous dip in revenue, and things might worsen if it doesn’t take effective measures for content moderation.

Julie Inman Grant, the e-Safety Commissioner, raised an important question. If X is genuinely committed to addressing illegal content, why isn’t it transparent in its actions? A lack of answers could indicate a lack of solutions, she suggested.

X’s Australian office was shut down post-acquisition, leaving no local representative to comment on the matter. If X doesn’t pay the fine, the e-Safety Commission can take the company to court. And the timing couldn’t be worse for X. They recently confirmed an 80% global workforce reduction and admitted their proactive detection measures had declined.

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Chinese E-commerce Giants, like Alibaba, are Betting on Low Prices on Singles’ Day

By

Anubhav

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Oct 17, 2023

China‘s economic slowdown continues to tighten consumer spending, but this year’s Singles’ Day—one of the world’s biggest online shopping fests—is getting a price-conscious revamp. Alibaba’s Taobao & Tmall and rival JD.com are both wheeling out aggressive low-price strategies, but is this enough to keep the shopping carts rolling?

Singles’ Day is a pretty big event in China for customers

From October 12 to 23, Alibaba is giving away a whopping 1 billion yuan (about $137 million) in cash coupons through its live-streaming platform, Taobao Live. The company aims to be the go-to place for the best online deals, offering consumers more bang for their yuan. Meanwhile, JD.com is not to be left behind; it’s kickstarting its own Singles’ Day extravaganza on October 23 with an event themed “real cheap.” Over 800 million products will go on sale, and JD.com is also offering 10 billion yuan worth of price subsidies and free shipping for selected items.

Interestingly, the e-commerce giants are changing their game plan due to economic pressures, signaling a move away from lavish promotions and shifting toward what Chinese consumers seem to want most—low prices.

However, this new approach comes with its own set of challenges. JD.com, for example, is already feeling the heat with less-than-impressive retail revenue growth in the last quarter. Alibaba too is aware of the stakes, with founder Jack Ma advising a renewed focus on Taobao and its consumer base to sustain in a fiercely competitive market.

As both companies brace for the annual shopping spree stretching from late October to mid-November, it’s unclear if their bet on low prices will pay off. Consumers, like 27-year-old Lucy Liu from Shanghai, remain on the fence, cautious about how they’ll engage with this year’s Singles’ Day.

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Infinite Machine’s P1 electric scooter seems to be a Tesla Cybertruck on two wheels

By

Jed John Ikoba

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Oct 17, 2023

The Tesla Cybertruck is a very powerful and expensive electric vehicle. It is equally a popular EV even before it goes on sale. We have seen a few look-alikes already. Now, Infinite Machine is providing an alternative Cybertruck with two wheels. Well, not exactly. The Infinite Machine’s P1 electric scooter bears a striking resemblance to the Cybertruck. Perhaps, we could call it the e-bike version of the Cybertruck or call it Cyberbike if you like.

Infinite Machine is a Brooklyn-based startup and it expects the P1 to be a hit in different directions. Although the company has not specifically stated that the P1 was inspired by the Cybertruck, the similarity is quite obvious. The scooter comes with a stocky and angular design. It has an aluminum and steel chassis with rectangular bar-like light. It has a top speed of 55mph (~89km/h) and a range of 60 miles (~97km) on a single charge.

The Infinite Machine P1 e-scooter allows for the mounting of other modules like a rear cargo compartment, speakers, and so on. There is a storage compartment below the moped’s seat and a reservoir under the handles. The P1 comes with some tech features as well. It features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This allows the user to get navigation, notifications, music, and other parameters on the scooter’s display. The integrated companion app allows the user to lock, track, or immobilize the P1 scooter if it is stolen.

The new Infinite Machine electric scooter will be available in anodized silver and black color options. The P1 electric scooter will have its first production run of 1,000 units and it has a starting price of $10,000. The first units will ship between 12 and 18 months, according to Infinite Machine. This means that the earliest P1 scooters will enter the market in Q4, 2024. Infinite Machine is already accepting deposits for the P1 ($1,000 or $5,000). The higher deposit places the buyer on the line to be among the first 100 recipients of the P1.

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Nubia Z60 rumored to feature Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, upgraded under-screen camera

By

Soumyakanti

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Oct 17, 2023

Nubia‘s recent flagship models, the Z50 and Z50 Ultra, received a positive market response. The Z50, released in December last year, and the Z50 Ultra, launched in March this year, both offer impressive features. The Z50 Ultra boasts a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, a notch-free AMOLED display with an under-display camera, and a 64MP triple rear camera setup, making it a top-notch device in the market.

Nubia Z60 is expected to feature under-screen selfie camera

Now there are reports that the company is developing its next smartphone, possibly called the Nubia Z60 or Red Magic 9 series. The device is said to feature Qualcomm‘s upcoming Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset and an upgraded under-screen front-facing camera. The leak comes from prominent tipster Digital Chat Station, though the exact name of the device remains undisclosed.

The possibility of it being the Nubia Z60 is more, considering that Nubia introduced the Nubia Z50 in December 2022. This timing aligns with the potential release window for the Z60.

Apparently, a Nubia phone with model number NX769J was also spotted on the Geekbench benchmarking platform recently, equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset. It demonstrated impressive performance with a single-core score of 1596 points and a multi-core score of 5977 points. The device is said to be the Red Magic 9 gaming smartphone.

Furthermore, two Nubia phones with model numbers NX721J and NX769J recently received Wi-Fi Alliance certification, affirming their compatibility with Android 13 and support for both 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi networks.

The NX721J model could potentially be the much-anticipated Nubia Z60 flagship phone. In a previous leak, the same tipster hinted at Nubia’s development of a smartphone featuring a 35mm camera and a 1-inch sensor.

Nubia is also rumored to be launching its first foldable smartphone, the Nubia Z60 Fold, in Q4 2023. According to leaks, the device is expected to feature a 7.3-inch AMOLED foldable display. It’s also expected to equip a Snapdragon 8 series chipset with 12GB of RAM, storage options of 256GB and 512GB, a 5,000mAh battery, and support for 100W wired charging, possibly with wireless charging as well.

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Lenovo Legion R27q monitor with 2K FastIPS display unveiled for 1099 yuan ($150)

By

Soumyakanti

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Oct 16, 2023

Lenovo‘s Legion lineup, a part of its product portfolio, is specifically tailored for gaming enthusiasts. It includes gaming laptops, desktops, monitors, and accessories designed to deliver high-performance gaming experiences. Legion products are known for their powerful hardware, advanced cooling systems, and customizable features, making them a popular choice among gamers worldwide.

Earlier today, Lenovo announced its latest Legion R27q gaming monitor, which will begin pre-sales on October 23. The monitor comes with an attractive introductory price of 1,099 yuan ($150). Let’s delve into the key specs of this monitor.

Lenovo Legion R27q Monitor Key Features:

The monitor prioritizes an exceptional viewing experience. It features a 2K FastIPS panel with a QHD resolution for clear and vivid visuals.

FastIPS displays are an enhanced version of traditional IPS panels, offering faster response times and better motion handling, ideal for gaming and multimedia. They support high refresh rates, ensuring smoother gameplay, maintain excellent color accuracy and wide viewing angles, and often include a wide color gamut and HDR support for vibrant visuals. FastIPS screens are a balanced choice for users seeking both superior color quality and responsive gaming performance.

Lenovo Legion R27q offers a broad 90% DCI-P3 color gamut for immersive gaming and entertainment, and over 99% sRGB coverage for accurate color representation, ideal for graphic design and visual arts. The monitor also features 10-bit color depth (8+FRC) and HDR400 high dynamic range, enhancing the color palette and contrast for a richer visual experience.

Gamers and enthusiasts will appreciate its 165Hz refresh rate, which can be overclocked to 180Hz for even smoother performance. Additionally, the monitor offers adjustable 1-5ms GTG gray response times, minimizing latency for competitive gaming.

It also prioritizes user eye health with EyeSafe 2.0 technology, certified by TÜV Rheinland, to reduce eye strain during extended use, making it suitable for longer gaming or work sessions.

The Lenovo Legion R27q monitor features an ergonomic stand, offering customization options for users to adjust height, tilt, and rotation, providing comfort and flexibility in their setup. For connectivity, it includes an HDMI 2.1 interface.

While detailed specs of this monitor are not yet available, we will keep you updated with its features as it becomes available for purchase.

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Google Pixel 8 Face Unlock Vulnerability Discovered, Allowing Others to Unlock Devices

By

Oğuz Çakır

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Oct 16, 2023

The Google Pixel 8 and 8 Pro were recently introduced, and like every Pixel model, they had a rough start filled with issues. These strange errors and problems in Google’s new phones have now become a part of the tech world. For instance, we recently mentioned that the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro were unable to launch Android Auto. Now, there are reports that the Face Unlock on the Google Pixel 8 has already been deceived. Here are the details…

Sibling Able to Unlock Google Pixel 8 with Face Unlock, Despite Looking “Very Different”

Biometric protection has been an essential part of our lives for a while now. It began notably with fingerprint scanners, and today, we see facial recognition technology. The shift to facial recognition is primarily due to its enhanced security. As an iPhone 14 Pro Max user, I can say that this technology is highly functional. Consequently, the latest Pixel 8 and 8 Pro also feature it. However, according to a Reddit user, the Face Unlock on the Google Pixel 8 was allegedly fooled by a sibling.

The Reddit user claims that their brother was able to unlock their Pixel 8 Pro with Face Unlock, despite the two siblings looking “very different”. The full post is as follows:

“I watched dave2ds video yesterday where one of his main talking points was about how the pixel 8 pro had a much better face unlock that actually has the capability to get into more secure apps. After I set up my 8 pro today and got home my brother (who I bought the pixel 7 pro for last year) picked up my phone to look at it and he can unlock it every time with his face (my face works perfectly fine as well) i think we have some of the same facial features but we both look very different. Just to make sure I wasn’t going insane I set up my face on his p7p and it would not let him unlock it until he retrained it to his face. I just find it funny that they say now the more secure unlock feature will let him into my bank account no problems but his p7p wouldn’t even let him get past the lock screen”

Google says that Face Unlock on the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro is very secure. It meets the highest Android biometric class standard, which is Class 3. This means that it is very unlikely for someone else to be able to unlock your phone with Face Unlock.

Although the user claims otherwise, it is possible that the Pixel 8’s Face Unlock system was fooled by the sibling’s resemblance to the user. It is also possible that there is a bug in the system that could be exploited by someone who looks similar to the user. Google has not yet commented on the report. It is unclear whether the company is aware of the issue or whether it is working on a fix.

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How Vivo’s AI Large Model Matrix Will Change the Way We Use Our Smartphones

By

Oğuz Çakır

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Oct 16, 2023

Artificial intelligence continues to grow in popularity and becomes more widespread. Every day, another company continues to incorporate this technology into their services. For instance, we recently mentioned Samsung’s plans to expand Tizen integration, bringing AI to a broader range of home appliances. Now, Vivo is preparing to make a similar AI move. The company will release its self-developed artificial intelligence model, Matrix, on November 1st. Here are the details…

Vivo Will Release Its Self-developed AI Large Model Matrix on November 1st

Vivo has announced that it will release a self-developed AI matrix on November 1st, 2023. The matrix will consist of five different AI models, each with a different parameter size: 1 billion, 10 billion, and 100 billion. According to Vivo, the AI matrix has strong comprehensive capabilities, especially in the fields of humanities and social sciences. It surpasses similar large models at the same level.

In simpler terms, Vivo has created a massive AI system that is capable of performing many different tasks. The system is made up of five different AI models, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Some of the models are designed to be very fast, while others are designed to be very accurate.

Imagine your Vivo smartphone becoming smarter in handling photos, understanding your voice, and even picking up languages. That’s what this AI matrix promises. Shen Yiren, Vivo’s CEO, proudly shared that this AI matrix marks a big achievement for them. He’s hopeful that with this, Vivo will stand tall in the AI realm.

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AYANEO FLIP handheld gaming device with a revised clamshell design set for December 2023 unveiling

By

Jed John Ikoba

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Oct 16, 2023

The AYANEO Flip clamshell gaming handheld device is set to be released this December. The FLIP comes with a revised design from its previous teaser presented in September 2023. The gaming device has tweaked keyboards and gamepads from the one teased earlier.

The AYANEO FLIP is the brand’s first clamshell gaming handheld and it was first announced last month. It was stated then that the device would have a D-pad similar to what is present in the Xbox 360. However, the new model has omitted the D-pad in place of a conventional design with a simple layout. The newer D-pad architecture provides more precise inputs than the earlier spec. The spacing between the gamepad buttons has also been increased in the FLIP. This delivers improved ergonomics in addition to the reduced keycaps in the device.

The AYANEO FLIP retains the look of a floating display with its centrally mounted hinge. The hinge mechanism is however wider while other elements are unchanged. The FLIP has a 7-inch, 120Hz IPS panel and will be powered by the AMD Ryzen 7040U APUs. The top APU in the lineup is likely to be the AMD Ryzen 7840U.

The revised AYANEO FLIP is expected to arrive before the end of 2023. The specific release optics has not been released although the model may be in a race against time to meet the release deadline. AYANEO has not provided any pricing details of the FLIP yet but this could be released shortly.

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The Best Macro Camera on a Smartphone: Huawei Mate 60 Pro+ Macro Camera Captures Stunning Footage of Nature

By

Oğuz Çakır

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Oct 16, 2023

Huawei continues to make waves in the smartphone world with its Mate 60 series, particularly with its camera capabilities. We recently told you about how the Huawei Mate 60 takes surprisingly good photos of the Moon and outperforms the iPhone 15 Pro Max. Now, the phone’s macro photography abilities have been revealed. Photos taken by a social media user with the Huawei Mate 60 Pro+‘s macro lens vividly capture the detailed feeding process of a mosquito. Here are the details…

Huawei Mate 60 Pro+ Macro Lens Captures Stunning Footage of a Mosquito’s Blood Meal

A recent video shared by Chinese blogger shows the incredible capabilities of the Huawei Mate 60 Pro+‘s macro lens. The video captures in stunning detail the entire process of a mosquito feeding on a human. The video begins with the mosquito landing on the person’s skin. The macro lens is able to capture the mosquito’s tiny legs and antennae, as well as the needle-like proboscis that it uses to pierce the skin.

As the mosquito feeds, the video shows the proboscis extending and retracting as it draws blood. The macro lens is able to capture even the smallest details of the feeding process, such as the mosquito’s saliva and the blood that it draws. The video ends with the mosquito flying away, having finished its meal.

The Huawei Mate 60 Pro+‘s macro lens uses a combination of two innovative technologies to achieve its impressive results. The first technology is a super-long-stroke slide-axis motor design. This motor allows the lens to focus at a distance of up to 3.5 cm, which is significantly closer than most smartphone cameras.

The second technology is a dual-lens-in-focus architecture. This architecture uses two lens groups, one of which is fixed and one of which is movable. The movable lens group is able to focus at a distance of up to 3.5 cm, while the fixed lens group provides image stabilization. These two technologies combine to give the Mate 60 Pro+‘s macro lens a unique combination of close-focusing ability and image quality.

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Nokia showcases new Drone with impressive capabilities

By

Jed John Ikoba

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Oct 16, 2023

Nokia Drone Network has released official video footage of its new hexacopter drones. Nokia is offering a new lineup of affordable and simple drones that are bound to catch the attention of the public. The telecoms giant has delved into drone-making for industries and businesses. They offer wide insights

Features

Nokia Drones provide a wide range of possibilities for aerial insights and mission-critical flights. The new Nokia unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is a 5G-compatible drone with industry-grade components. The Nokia hexacopter drone is designed to be robustly protected from dust, water, and weather elements. It has a dual gimbal camera module with integrated RGB lighting and a thermal camera. Furthermore, the drone can accommodate the integration of other accessories like searchlights, loudspeakers, or customizable sensors for smoke, motion, radiation, and LIDAR.

The Nokia Drone is manufactured in Europe and also features a docking station that can be fully automated. The new Nokia drone is entering the market at a time when demand for the super-cool gadget is rising in the market.

The drone features 30X optical zoom and is being offered as a Bespoke solution with uncompromising safety features. It offers precision landing and fast charging of its battery. The docking station can be used outdoors and overall the drone is designed to make aerial movement to be routine. The full specs and performance stats of the Nokia drone, as well as release and pricing details are lacking at this time.
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OnePlus Open/Oppo Find N3 Roundup: Design, specs, pricing details & more

By

Sudhanshu

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Oct 16, 2023

Once upon a time, OnePlus and Oppo were pretty different brands owned by BBK Electronics. But a few years ago, they decided to team up and share their tech and resources, becoming like sister brands. Since then, they’ve released the same gadgets with different names. Like the OnePlus Pad and the Oppo Pad – both the same tablet. Now, they’re doing it again. Oppo is getting ready to launch the OPPO Find N3 Foldable phone, and it’s going to be sold as the first foldable phone from OnePlus, called the OnePlus Open.

The OPPO Find N3 will only be available in China, while the OnePlus Open will be sold worldwide. For the sake of clarity, we’ll refer to the device as the OnePlus Open in this article. Here’s what we know so far about the upcoming foldable phone.

Design & display

Leaks have revealed quite a few details about the OnePlus Open. Through many leaked renders and some hands-on images, we know that the device will feature a round camera module with three camera cutouts on the back along with a Hasselblad branding. The back will likely have a glass finish with a metal frame.

Talking about the frame, it has flat edges, with the power button and volume rocker residing on the right side. It also has an alert slider button which goes to the left side when you open the smartphone.

Following the lineage of the Find N series, the OnePlus Open features a short and stocky wide design, meaning that it’s a tad bit shorter and wider than competitors like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5. On the inside, the device is said to feature a 2K AMOLED display with a snappy 120Hz refresh rate. On the other hand, the cover screen of the device features a 6.31-inch AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate.

Claims have also been made regarding its durability. As per a report in August, the smartphone has been put through a tough testing process, revealing that it can last at least 400,000 folds without any issues. This means that users can fold and unfold the OnePlus Open 100 times a day for 10 years without facing any problems with the hinge or the display. In addition to that, it is also said that the crease on the display is barely noticeable. We expect the device to be 12.44mm thick and weigh 244.8g.

Specification and performance

Although the launch of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC is just around the corner, OnePlus is going with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip instead. This chip features up to 3.19GHz clock speed with its prime core, and up to 2.02GHz with its efficient cores. The device recently emerged on Geekbench 5 scoring 1066 points in the single-core test and 5042 points in the multi-core test. The listing also revealed that it will have up to 16GB RAM (likely LPDDR5x RAM) onboard. We can expect it to be available with up to 1 TB storage option, at least in some markets.

The Oppo Find N3, on the other hand, was tested on Geekbench 6.1, managing to score 2,037 points on the single-core test and 5,485 points on the multi-core test. With these results, it’s clear that the device won’t give users any issues in day-to-day use. The hardware will draw power from a 4800mAh battery, paired with 67-watt charging.

Oppo is giving a lot of importance to security. They’re providing a special feature called “Isolated Island” powered by a dedicated security chip meant to safeguard personal and business data at a hardware level. It’s not clear if the OnePlus Open will have this chip and its security features.

Camera

Reports claim that the OnePlus Open will come with a 48MP main camera and a 48MP ultrawide module. Additionally, there’s a third 64MP sensor on the rear, possibly with 3x or 6x optical zoom capabilities. In contrast, the OPPO Find N3 is rumored to include Sony’s cutting-edge LYTIA 800 camera sensor, which uses a two-layer transistor pixel structure. For those unaware, the LYTIA 800 is a 50MP sensor, which means that it’s likely different from the one on the OnePlus Open.

Pricing & availability

Both of these smartphones are set to debut on October 19. As per a leak, the first sale of the OnePlus Open will take place on October 27, 2023, in India. The device is expected to have a starting price of ₹1,39,999 ($1,683) in the country. It will launch in three color options: Black, Green, and Gold.

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Logitech Zone Wireless 2 launched with far-end noise suppression, multipoint Bluetooth connectivity

By

Anurag

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Oct 16, 2023

Logitech launched the Zone Wireless headset in 2019 and today we get the due successor. The new Zone Wireless 2 debuted as new business-oriented headphones with features like far-end noise suppression, multipoint Bluetooth connectivity, and more. However, there’s also a decent increase in the price. Here are the detailed specifications and pricing of the new Logitech Zone Wireless 2.

Logitech Zone Wireless 2 Specifications

As mentioned, the Logitech Zone Wireless 2 wireless Bluetooth headset is aimed at corporate folks. It is compatible with platforms such as Zoom, Google Meet, Google Voice, and Fast Pair, and has also passed Microsoft Teams certification.

Logitech has taken several steps to make the Zone Wireless 2 headset more sustainable. The ear pads and internal battery are replaceable, and the plastic and aluminum parts are made from renewable materials. The headset has also achieved carbon-neutral certification.

One notable feature of this headset is the support for AI noise reduction. It allows you to hear the sound clearly even in a noisy environment with the help of 4 noise reduction microphones that suppress background noise. The headset supports ANC hybrid active noise reduction with two levels of adjustment and also brings a transparency mode.

The Logitech Zone Wireless 2 is a versatile headset that can be connected to devices via a USB receiver or Bluetooth. It can also be switched between multiple devices with ease. When active noise cancellation is turned on, the headset supports up to 15 hours of calls and music playback. It can be used for up to 22 hours without active noise cancellation. The headset also supports fast charging and can provide 1 hour of talk time after just 5 minutes of charging.

Price and Availability

The Zone Wireless 2 is set to be available for purchase in the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. In North America and the UK, these headphones will be priced at $299, which is $100 more than the original version. They are expected to start shipping sometime in October and can be found on Logitech’s official website.

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China’s Semiconductor imports plummet amidst US sanctions, fueling rise in smuggled AI Technology

By

Joane

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Oct 16, 2023

China has experienced a significant 14.6% decline in semiconductor imports from the United States during the first nine months of 2023 compared to the same period in the previous year. This drastic reduction, amounting to 355.9 billion units of integrated circuits (ICs), is attributed to stringent US export controls imposed due to concerns about China’s rapid advancements in the AI sector through American technology infusion. The total value of IC imports plummeted by 19.8% year on year, reaching $252.9 billion, reflecting the impact of these restrictions on China’s economy.

Remarkably, despite export bans, China’s demand for advanced semiconductors for AI projects has given rise to an underground market for smuggled graphics processing units (GPUs). Notably, Nvidia’s A100 and H100 devices have been making their way into the country, circumventing official channels.

The US government’s attempts to restrict specific chip exports to China, initiated in August of the previous year, have not entirely curtailed the under-the-counter trade of certain products from chip giants Advanced Micro Devices and Nvidia. This situation underscores the challenges faced by the US in attempts to limit China’s access to cutting-edge AI technology while addressing trade imbalances.

Furthermore, China’s imports from major semiconductor supply chain players South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan have also dwindled. Imports from South Korea witnessed a substantial 23% decline, while imports from Japan and Taiwan fell by 16.3% and 20% respectively. This broader reduction emphasizes the impact of global supply chain disruptions on China’s semiconductor industry.

Analysts are now eyeing the potential revitalization of China’s smartphone industry, despite US sanctions, with the imminent release of new 5G handsets by Huawei Technologies. This development could breathe new life into an industry that has experienced declining manufacturing activity, providing a glimmer of hope amidst the prevailing challenges.

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