Global PC shipments decline for eighth straight quarter, says Gartner

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Oct 10, 2023

Global PC shipments declined 9% in the third quarter (Q3) of 2023, according to market research firm Gartner. This is the eighth consecutive quarter of decline for the global PC market, but analysts believe that the market may have finally bottomed out and could start to see growth again in the next quarter.

Apple had the steepest drop among the major PC makers, with shipments falling 24%. Gartner attributes this decline to a significant increase in shipments in the third quarter of last year, as supply disruptions eased and students and teachers bought new PCs for the start of the academic year.

HP, on the other hand, was the only vendor to post growth, with shipments rising 6.4%. But Lenovo remained the top PC vendor in Q3, 2023 with a 25% market share.

Overall, PC shipments totaled 64.3 million units in the third quarter, down from 70.6 million units in the same period a year ago.

Despite the PC market’s recent struggles, Gartner analyst Mikako Kitagawa believes the decline may have finally bottomed out. She attributed this to a number of factors, including corporate customers reaching their next purchasing cycle, spurred by Microsoft’s Windows 11 software upgrades, and consumers being ready to replace PCs bought earlier in the pandemic.

Gartner expects the worldwide PC market to grow 4.9% in 2024, with growth predicted in both the business and consumer segments.

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Infinix Zero 30 4G leaks revealing renders & specs, could launch soon

By

Sudhanshu

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Oct 10, 2023

Last month, Infinix debuted the Zero 30 5G smartphone in the global market featuring a large, curved AMOLED display, Dimensity 8020 SoC, and a 108MP primary camera. Now, a new leak has revealed that the brand has a 4G version of the device which could launch soon.

Infinix Zero 30 4G leaked details

The leak comes from the Russian mobile operator giant MTS, which has accidentally spilled the beans about the upcoming Infinix Zero 30 4G smartphone on its online store.

The leaked image reveals that the Infinix Zero 30 4G has a similar design language as its 5G counterpart, although the camera island is a bit cut down. On the front, it features a curved display with a centered punch-hole design.

The Infinix Zero 30 4G showcases a curved-edge AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, slightly lower than the 144Hz on the 5G variant. As for cameras, the Zero 30 4G has a 108-megapixel triple camera system on the rear and a 50-megapixel front-facing camera, mirroring the 5G version’s capabilities. While specifics about the processor remain undisclosed, speculations point towards the Helio G99 chip powering the Infinix Zero 30 4G.

In terms of video recording, the front camera on the Zero 30 4G supports 2K video at 30 frames per second, differing from the 5G version’s 4K capabilities.

No further information about the device has been disclosed as of yet, however, we expect a Russian launch to happen soon. So stay tuned for more.

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Google Calendar App arrives for Wear OS bundling some new features

By

Simranpal Singh

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Oct 10, 2023

Google is actively extending support of its primary services on the Wear OS platform. Following the Gmail Wear OS support a few days ago, the Google Calendar app is now available on Wear OS. The app with the name “Calendar” is now available for Smart Watches running WearOS 3.5 or later. In addition, it made a brief appearance online last November.

Must See: Pixel Watch and Other WearOS Devices Might Get Support for Gmail and Google Calendar Soon

Following the phone UX, the Calendar App offers a “Schedule” view which allows one to open events and see details like notes, location, etc. You can also select whether you’re attending any event or not. At the bottom, the user gets open to “Open on Phone” and “Delete event”.

Further, we can see some background images for the holiday events or birthdays (if you’ve added images). Along with the events, the users will see Google Tasks in the list along with the ability to mark them as complete. Unfortunately, the users won’t be able to add new events or tasks using the Wear OS app.

The Calendar App brings two new tiles offering to view “Next Events ” and “Next Tasks”.

The app is available from the Play Store.

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Here’s a Hands-On of the OnePlus Open/Oppo Find N3: Video Leak

By

Sean

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Oct 10, 2023

A new leak has just offered us a hands-on look at the highly anticipated OnePlus Open/Oppo Find N3, which are a pair of foldable smartphones. The leaked video arrives mere days after the OnePlus Open was spotted in the hands of an Indian actress, Anushka Sharma.

OnePlus Open/Oppo Find N3 Hands-On

For those unaware, the Oppo Find N3 and OnePlus Open are basically the same device with different branding. So the latest leak basically offers us a look at both of the models. It was shared by a user on the Chinese social media platform, XiaoHongShu. In the image, we can see Wang Chi holding a smartphone with a circular camera module, which appears quite similar to the new Oppo and OnePlus foldable phones.

But this wasn’t the only sighting, as another video surfaced on YouTube, showcasing the device and its foldable display. The video was uploaded by Jagat Review, offering us a look at the crease in the upcoming Open or Find N3 foldable phone. The YouTube noted that the crease on the foldable phones isn’t as prominent as the one found in the one seen in the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5. Keep in mind that this is just his speculation, so it isn’t completely clear.

Although, the crease on the Oppo Find N3/OnePlus Oppo is expected to be around 37 percent smaller compared to the Find N2. Talking about the device itself, the smartphone may sport a 7.82-inch AMOLED panel and a 6.31-inch AMOLED external panel. Under the hood, the device is equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC, which is paired with up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of internal storage.

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Xiaomi now lets you force 120Hz refresh rate on all apps

By

Sudarshan Ravichandran

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Oct 10, 2023

Yesterday, a popular tipster claimed that MIUI 14 will be the final version of the software. He also added that Xiaomi will be replacing its 13-year-old Android skin with a self-developed MiOS featuring AOSP (Android Open Source Project) elements.

However, we know that the company has been working on MIUI 15 for months. Also, even if MiOS gets released, it could be exclusive to China.

Amidst this confusion, Xiaomi is rolling out a useful feature for devices running MIUI 14. Let’s go through the details.

Recently, Xiaomi started seeing a new software build for Xiaomi 12S Pro in China. This update bumps up the MIUI version to V14.0.10.0.TLECNXM.

The official changelog only mentions the inclusion of August 2023 security patches. However, the update brings a feature allowing users to force up to a 120Hz refresh rate on all applications.

This new option can be found in the ‘Refresh rate’ settings. It is denoted as ‘Apps using high refresh rate’.

Tapping on it will open the list of installed applications (including system) on the device. Users can turn on/off high refresh rate for them per-app basis.

Some apps tend to run at regular 60Hz even when the phone’s display is set to a higher refresh rate. Thanks to the addition of this new feature, users can now force those applications to run at a maximum of 120Hz refresh rate.

Thus, users will no longer have to face jitters caused by the switching of refresh rates among applications.

This option should be soon available for other Xiaomi group smartphones. Xiaomiui suggests that it will be also part of MIUI 15.

However, as of now, we don’t know if this feature will be added to all phones and tablets with a high refresh rate display.

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Xiaomi launches 65-inch and 75-inch versions of the TV S Pro in China

By

Rajesh Regmi

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Oct 10, 2023

Xiaomi has announced 65-inch and 75-inch versions of the TV S Pro in China, following the launch of the 100-inch flagship in August. The smaller TVs are more affordable, while still offering impressive specifications. Let’s take a closer look at them here.

Xiaomi TV S Pro 65/75-inch Specifications

Both TVs feature 4K 144Hz high-refresh-rate Mini LED screens with a peak brightness of 2200 nits. These are 10-bit panels, which means they can render 1.07 billion colors. And the screen also has a Delta E value close to 1 (ΔE≈1) and Dolby Vision certification.

While both TVs share the majority of these features, there main difference between them is the number of backlight zones. The 65-inch model has 896 backlight zones, while the 75-inch model has 1152 backlight zones. Thus, the 75-inch model should render a bit more precise and nuanced images, especially in dark scenes. But certainly, the differences should not be that noticeable in regular TV viewing.

In terms of performance, the 65- and 75-inch TV S Pro models are powered by a quad-core A73 processor and come with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. This should be more than enough for most people’s needs.

For connectivity, the TVs have two HDMI 2.1 ports, one HDMI 2.0 port, one AV input, two USB ports, and an optical input. They also support Wi-Fi 6 and NFC remote control connectivity. For audio, the TVs come with two 15W speakers for a total sound output of 30W. It also has Dolby Atmos certification.

Pricing and Availability

The Xiaomi TV S Pro 65/75-inch is now available for pre-order on JD.com. The 65-inch model with 896 zone backlight costs 4,699 yuan but is currently on sale for 4,299 yuan. The 75-inch model with 1152 zone backlight costs 6,599 yuan but is currently available for a price of 5,999 yuan.

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Vivo Y200 to launch in India soon, official teaser reveals

By

Sean

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Oct 10, 2023

Back in September, a new leak had revealed that Vivo is working on a new Y200 smartphone model. Now, the company has officially teased the device, which confirms its existence and hints at its launch being right around the corner.

Vivo Y200 India launch teased

The Chinese smartphone maker is planning on launching the new Y200 soon. As the name suggests, it is likely the successor to the Y100 model. Vivo shared the teased on its official X account (formerly Twitter) alongside a teaser video. The tweet reads that the brand’s new handset will be “Coming Soon”. It also adds that the device’s “Style gets an Upgrade”. The previous leak revealed the design as well as some of its key specifications.

Apparently, the upcoming Vivo Y200 will sport an AMOLED display that has a Full HD+ resolution and 120Hz refresh rate. This handset will even feature an in-display fingerprint scanner. Under the hood, the smartphone will be equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 SoC, which is paired with the Adreno 619 GPU. For photography, the smartphone features a 64-megapixel dual camera setup and the Smart Aura Light LED flash.

A large 4,800mAh battery pack is expected to power this device, which will support 44W fast charging. The device Y200 will likely run on Android 13 OS based FunTouchOS 13 custom skin out of the box. The device weighs 7.69mm in thickness and weighs 190 grams as per the recent leak.

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Logitech celebrates 40th anniversary of “Return of the Jedi” with Star Wars-themed gaming gear

By

Rajesh Regmi

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Oct 10, 2023

Logitech G and Lucasfilm have partnered to release a special edition Return of the Jedi-themed gaming gears to commemorate the film’s 40th anniversary. The gears includes a redesigned version of the popular G502 X Plus gaming mouse and two different designs of the G840 XL Cloth Gaming Mouse Pad.

Logitech G502 X Plus Millennium Falcon Edition(1)

Logitech launches Star Wars-themed gaming mouse, mouse pads

Dubbed the G502 X Plus Millennium Falcon Edition, it is a special edition of Logitech’s popular G502 X Plus mouse. It features a predominantly white and gray color scheme, with red accents and a pattern reminiscent of the Millennium Falcon starship. The mouse also has a red rebellion logo on the underside.

Additionally, the G502 X Plus Millennium Falcon Edition features Logitech’s new lightforce hybrid optical-mechanical switches. These switches combine the speed and precision of optical switches with the satisfying tactile feedback of mechanical switches.

The mouse also has a number of other features that make it ideal for gamers, including a 100-25,600 DPI sensor, 400 IPS maximum speed, and 13 programmable controls. Likewise, it features customizable RGB lighting effects, which can be controlled using the Logitech G Hub software. Users can choose from 8-LED listening effects and customize animations.

Furthermore, the mouse is complemented by two versions of the Return of the Jedi Collection XL gaming mouse pads—the Battle of Endor and the Darth Vader edition. These mouse pads are large and provide a smooth surface for tracking mouse movements.

The G502 X Plus Millennium Falcon Edition gaming mouse and Return of the Jedi Collection XL Gaming Mouse Pads are available now for purchase on the Logitech storefront. The mouse is priced at $219.99, and the mouse pads are priced at $59.99 each.

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Here are the Biggest Deals on TVs & Appliances on Amazon Today!

By

Staff

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Oct 10, 2023

As the year draws to a close, Amazon is offering some of the most attractive deals on TVs and appliances. These are hands down the most significant discounts of the year, and it’s an opportunity you won’t want to miss. Deals include TVs and appliances from LG, Samsung, Sony, Redmi and other big brands.

amazon great indian festival 2023 tv appliances deals

Television Offers:

Redmi 32″ Ready Smart Fire TV
Original Price: Rs 24,999
Discounted Price: Rs 8,099
Offers:

No Cost EMI up to 6 months
Exchange offer up to Rs 5,500
Additional bank offers applicable

Shop Now

Sony 65″ 4K Smart Google TV
Original Price: Rs 1,39,900
Discounted Price: Rs 65,740
Offers:

Available at Rs 125/day
3 years comprehensive warranty
Additional bank offers applicable

Shop Now

Samsung 55″ 4K Smart QLED TV
Original Price: Rs 99,990
Discounted Price: Rs 55,999
Offers:

EMI option at Rs 3,569/month
Exchange offer up to Rs 5,500
Additional bank offers applicable

Shop Now

Appliance Deals:

Samsung 7 Kg 5 Star Front Load Washing Machine
Original Price: Rs 48,500
Discounted Price: Rs 29,990
Offer:

Extra Rs 4,250 bank cashback

Shop Now

LG 7 Kg 5 Star Front Load Washing Machine
Original Price: Rs 43,990
Discounted Price: Rs 27,490
Offer:

Extra Rs 3,750 bank cashback

Shop Now

Carrier 1.5 Ton 3 Star Inverter AC
Original Price: Rs 67,790
Discounted Price: Rs 30,999
Offer:

Extra Rs 4,250 bank cashback

Shop Now

Samsung 653L 3 Star Refrigerator
Original Price: Rs 1,13,000
Discounted Price: Rs 79,990
Offer:

Own it at Rs 151/day

Shop Now

LG 322 L 3 Star Double Door Refrigerator
Original Price: Rs 46,999
Discounted Price: Rs 32,990
Offer:

Extra Rs 4,750 bank cashback

Shop Now

Whirlpool 240 L Triple-Door Refrigerator
Original Price: Rs 30,800
Discounted Price: Rs 25,650
Offer:

Extra Rs 1,000 bank cashback

Shop Now

Apple Vision Pro headset is reportedly too heavy for some users

By

Rajesh Regmi

-

Oct 10, 2023

Apple announced its first mixed-reality headset, the Vision Pro, in June. But it is not yet out on the market since the company is still working on improving different aspects of the device. A new report suggests that it is trying to reduce its weight, as some users have found it to be too heavy, even for short periods of time.

Mark Gurman, in his “Power On” newsletter, says that the current model weighs “about a pound,” which is too heavy for some users. This has caused neck strain for some users, even in short stretches.

There is not much Apple can do about the weight of the current model, as it is in the final stages of testing. However, the company is said to be considering an over-the-head strap to help distribute the weight more evenly, and it is taking the issue more seriously for future models.

Besides this, Apple is also reportedly working on making the subsequent releases of Vision Pro more accessible to people who wear glasses. For those unaware, the current model cannot be used with glasses, and users must install magnetic prescription lenses before using it. This system is complex and may be difficult for some consumers to use.

Apple Vision Pro headset weight and glasses support

Apple is reportedly considering selling future headsets with prescription lenses pre-installed. However, this approach could also present challenges, such as if the user’s vision prescription changes or if the user wants to share the Vision Pro with others.

Additionally, Gurman suggests that Apple may also look into reviving its now-stalled project for AR glasses. However, the development of this project is likely to depend on the success of Vision Pro.

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Xiaomi unveils Mijia Smart Body Fat Scale S400 at 99 yuan ($14)

By

Soumyakanti

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Oct 10, 2023

Xiaomi has just launched its latest health product, the Mijia Smart Body Fat Scale S400, and it comes at an affordable price of only 99 yuan ($14). This advanced scale is designed to give users a detailed picture of their overall health, with a specific focus on helping them identify and address “hidden obesity” and other health concerns.

Xiaomi Mijia Smart Body Fat Scale S400 Key Features:

The Mijia Smart Body Fat Scale S400 includes static heart rate monitoring, allowing users to easily track their heart health by detecting variations in heart rate, whether it’s slow, normal, or fast.

The device boasts dual-frequency bioelectrical impedance measurement, utilizing high and low-frequency currents to provide precise readings of impedance values both inside and outside cells. This technology allows users to obtain accurate data regarding body fat, water content, muscle mass, and other essential health indicators.

The scale has demonstrated a strong correlation of ≥0.932 when compared to the DEXA method, ensuring high accuracy for key metrics like body fat percentage and fat mass.

According to Xiaomi, it generates detailed reports for each measurement, offering insights into 25 different aspects of body composition, including body fat, muscle mass, water content, protein levels, bone mineral content, and more. Additionally, it assesses visceral fat levels, helping to identify hidden obesity-related risks.

The Xiaomi Smart Body Fat Scale S400 offers multiple weighing modes, including Small Item Weighing, Baby Holding Mode, Balance Testing, and Guest Measurement Mode through the Mi Home app. It provides precise measurements with an accuracy of 0.1kg, making it suitable for various needs, including weighing small items, and accurately measuring baby or pet weight. The scale supports a wide weight range from 0.1kg to 150kg, enhancing its versatility.

The smart scale offers a one-year warranty, ensuring its quality and durability. It features an LED display for easy readability and is suitable for users of all ages. It connects via Bluetooth to sync body fat percentage and other health data with devices for tracking and analysis of fitness and wellness progress.

Xiaomi has also introduced new products in its Mijia lineup, including the Mijia Air Conditioner 1.5 HP 2023 and the Xiaomi Mijia Smart Electric Thermos 5L. These products are now available for purchase and pre-order in China, respectively.

su_box title=”WHERE TO BUY” box_color=”#4bafdb” radius=”2″]Xiaomi Mijia Body Fat Scale S400 at $49.90 @GeekWills[/su_box]

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Amazon Great Indian Festival 2023: Best Sellers & Biggest Price Drops of the Year

By

Staff

-

Oct 10, 2023

The Amazon Great Indian Festival 2023 is live, bringing with it a plethora of incredible deals and massive price drops. If you’ve been waiting for the perfect time to upgrade your gadgets or buy new ones, now is the time! From iPads to laptops, here are some of the most exciting deals on offer:

iPad Air 5th Gen – Unbeatable Deal:
The iPad Air 5th Gen is undoubtedly one of the most popular tablets on the market. With its powerful performance and stunning display, it’s a gadget you don’t want to miss out on. And now, the Amazon Great Indian Festival 2023 brings you the biggest deal of the year on the iPad Air 5th Gen.

Originally priced at Rs 59,900, you can grab it for just Rs 45,999. This is an offer you shouldn’t overlook if you’re in the market for a new tablet.

Dell 15 Laptop – Big Price Drop:
Dell laptops are known for their reliability and performance. If you’ve been eyeing a new laptop, the Dell 15 Laptop is an excellent choice. And now, with the Amazon Great Indian Festival 2023, you can get it at an unbelievable price drop.

Originally priced at Rs 67,732, it is now available for just Rs 38,990, including an additional bank discount. This is the biggest price drop on Dell laptops you’ll find this year, so make sure to take advantage of it.

Macbook Air M1 – Unmissable Deal:
Apple’s Macbook Air M1 has been making waves in the tech world for its impressive power and efficiency. If you’ve been dreaming of owning this sleek and powerful laptop, now is the time to seize the deal.

With the Amazon Great Indian Festival 2023, you can get the Macbook Air M1 for only Rs 62,990, down from its original price of Rs 99,990. This is the biggest deal of the year on Macbook Air M1, so don’t miss out!

Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) – Lowest Price of the Year:
Track your fitness goals, stay connected, and do so much more with the Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen). This smartwatch is now available at the lowest price of the year during the Amazon Great Indian Festival 2023.

Originally priced at Rs 29,900, you can grab it for just Rs 18,400, including an additional bank discount. This is an offer you shouldn’t pass up if you’ve been waiting for the perfect time to buy an Apple Watch.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 – Solid Discount:
For Android users out there, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 is a fantastic smartwatch choice. The Amazon Great Indian Festival 2023 brings you an unbeatable discount on this top-of-the-line wearable.

Originally priced at Rs 26,999, you can now get it for just Rs 7,999, including an extra bank discount. This is an incredible deal that you won’t find elsewhere, so make sure to grab it while you can.

From iPads to laptops, and from smartwatches to tablets, there’s something for everyone.

Xiaomi MiOS likely to be China-exclusive, global users to get MIUI 15

By

Rajesh Regmi

-

Oct 10, 2023

A recent report by Digital Chat Station claimed that Xiaomi is planning to skip MIUI 15 altogether and launch a new operating system called MiOS instead. However, Xiaomiui, a blog that solely covers Xiaomi-related news, has suggested that these claims are entirely baseless and untrue.

According to Xiaomiui, Xiaomi is still testing MIUI 15 internally and is expected to officially release it with the Xiaomi 14 series. They also added that there is currently no relevant information about MiOS.

However, the blog did not rule out the possibility of Xiaomi switching from MIUI to MiOS in the future. They suggested that if Xiaomi does make such a switch, it would likely only happen in China, and MiOS would not be available globally.

In support of its claims, Xiaomiui shared some code snippets showing that MIUI 15 is being tested on different Xiaomi smartphones. The hints of these internal builds were obtained from the official Xiaomi server and therefore can be considered reliable. MIUI 15 is currently in the testing phase for a bunch of Xiaomi smartphones, including the Xiaomi 13, Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Redmi K60 Pro, and Mix Fold 3.

While it is still too early to say for sure whether Xiaomi is truly planning to retire MIUI and launch MiOS, the fact that the company is already testing MIUI 15 suggests that MIUI is not going away anytime soon, at least in the global market.

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Tecno Phantom V Flip, V Fold, Pova 5 series available with up to Rs 1,500 discount via bank offer

By

Anvinraj Valiyathara

-

Oct 10, 2023

Almost all the major smartphone brands have announced exciting deals for the ongoing festive season in India. Tecno has also introduced special offers for its Pova 5 series and new foldable phones like the Phantom V Flip and V Fold. These smartphones can be acquired with a significant discount of up to Rs 1,500 through the SBI bank offer, providing buyers with an attractive opportunity to make their purchases.

Tecno Phantom V Flip

The Tecno Phantom V Flip will be priced at Rs 54,999 (Amazon) and customers can avail of a Rs 1500 discount when purchasing with an SBI credit or debit card. Furthermore, they can benefit from an additional exchange discount of Rs 4500 on their purchase. To facilitate ownership of the Tecno Phantom V Flip, there will also be an option for a no-cost EMI over a 12-month period.

Tecno Phantom V Fold

The Tecno Phantom V Fold will be offered at an unprecedented price of Rs 78,499 (Amazon) for customers making the purchase with an SBI credit or debit card. Additionally, buyers can enjoy an exclusive exchange discount of Rs 1000, along with the option of a no-cost EMI for a 6-month period, making it a highly affordable smartphone in this price range.

Tecno Pova 5 series

During the sale period, the Tecno Pova 5 with 128 GB storage will be offered at a special price of Rs 11,399 (Amazon). Customers can enjoy an additional Rs 1000 discount when purchasing with an SBI credit or debit card. In addition, they have the option of a no-cost EMI for a 3-month period.

On the other hand, the Pova 5 Pro will be available at a price of Rs 13,899 for the 8GB+128GB variant and Rs 15,399 for the 8GB+256GB variant. Customers can receive an additional Rs 1000 discount when using an SBI credit or debit card for their purchase. Additionally, there is a convenient option for a no-cost EMI over a 3-month period, making it easier for customers to own a Tecno Pova 5 Pro.

The above offers are available for a limited period on Amazon.

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Google might have remedied Pixel 6 and 7 heating issues with Android 14

By

Anurag

-

Oct 10, 2023

The Pixel 6 is where the Pixel series’ redemption arc began. Google managed to impress many with the new design of the Pixel 6 phones and the intelligence-focused Tensor G1 chip. However, enthusiasm among users soon turned into disappointment when the Tensor-equipped phones started getting hot. The Pixel 7 series with Tensor G2 also wasn’t untouched by heating problems. And while we are patiently waiting to cover Pixel 8 series overheating complaints, some Redditors suggest Google might have remedied the issue on the older Pixels with the Android 14 update.

Battery life has also seen improvements

Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 owners on Reddit are reporting that their phone is not heating up as much as it used to and running a lot smoother on Android 14 (Via Android Police). The users claim the battery life also has increased seemingly due to the CPU not working as hard. Google has not provided specific details regarding any adjustments in Android 14 aimed at addressing overheating concerns on its Pixel phones. Some speculations suggest that Google may have fine-tuned the CPU scheduler to optimize the usage of the powerful CPU cores.

This is a welcome improvement, as Pixel smartphones are often reported to run too hot. Rumors suggest that the new Pixel 8 series also doesn’t heat up as much, but at the cost of throttling the Tensor G3 chip to half its performance. This is especially concerning given that the Tensor G3 is already underpowered compared to competing chips like the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. If the throttling rumors are true, the Pixel 8 series may have a chipset that is only as powerful as a budget smartphone.

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Honor Play 50 Plus launched with 6.8-inch 90Hz display, 50MP dual cameras, 6,000mAh battery

By

Anvinraj Valiyathara

-

Oct 10, 2023

Honor has unveiled the Honor Play 50 Plus, an entry-level 5G smartphone, in China. Some of its major features include a 90Hz LCD screen, 50-megapixel dual rear cameras, up to 12 GB of RAM, up to 256 GB of storage, and a huge 6,000mAh battery. The device replaces the Honor Play 40 Plus from last year. Continue reading ahead to learn about the specifications, features, and price of the Play 40 Plus.

Honor Play 50 Plus specifications and features

The Honor Play 50 Plus (model number CLK-AN00) has a 6.8-inch IPS LCD panel with a punch-hole design. It offers a Full HD+ resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels, a 90Hz refresh rate, a 20:09 aspect ratio, and up to 850 nits of brightness. The device comes preinstalled with the Magic OS 7.2-based Android 13.

Under the hood, the Honor Play 50 Plus has the Dimensity 6020 chipset. The device is backed by a 6,000mAh battery that supports 35W rapid charging. It offers up to 12 GB of RAM and up to 256 GB of storage.

For selfies, the Play 50 Plus has an 8-megapixel camera on the front. Its rear panel has a 50-megapixel primary camera, a 2-megapixel depth sensor, and an LED flash.

The Play 50 Plus comes with other features, such as dual speakers with Hi-Res audio support, a 3.5mm audio jack, a side-facing fingerprint scanner, dual SIM, 5G, Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 5.1, GPS, and a USB-C port. Lastly, the device measures 166.7 x 76.5 x 8.24mm and weighs 199 grams.

Honor Play 50 Plus price

The Honor Play 50 Plus comes in variants, such as 8 GB RAM + 256 GB storage and 12 GB RAM + 256 GB storage. The latter is priced at 1,399 Yuan (~$195). The phone comes in four shades, such as Magic Night Black, Mo Yuqing (green), Star Purple, and Streaming Silver.

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Oppo A2x launched with 90Hz display, Dimensity 6020, 256GB storage

By

Anvinraj Valiyathara

-

Oct 10, 2023

Oppo has silently announced the OPPO A2x smartphone in China. It succeeds the OPPO A1x, which debuted in March this year. The A2x is an entry-level 5G phone that offers key features, such as a 90Hz display, a Dimensity chip, a big battery, and up to 256 GB of storage. Here is a look at the specifications, features, and price of the device.

OPPO A2x specifications and features

Starting from the front, the Oppo A2x has a 6.56-inch LCD display with teardrop notch that offers an HD+ resolution of 720 x 1612 pixels, a 90Hz refresh rate, up to 720 nits of brightness, and 100 percent DCI-P3 color gamut. The phone runs on ColorOS 13.1-based Android 13 and comes equipped with a side-facing fingerprint scanner.

The Oppo A2x comes with 6 GB / 8 GB of LPDDR4x RAM and 128 GB / 256 GB of UFS 2.2 storage. The device is powered by the Dimensity 6020 chipset and packs a 5,000mAh battery, but there is no information about its fast charging capabilities.

The official listing does not disclose about the cameras of the Oppo A2x. As per the TENAA listing of the device, it seems to be equipped with a 13-megapixel primary camera with LED flash on the back. On the front, it appears to have a 5-megapixel selfie camera. It has an IP54-rated splash-resistant chassis that measures 163.8 x 75.1 x 8.12mm and weighs 185 grams.

OPPO A2x price

The OPPO A2x is set to go on sale on Oct. 14 in China and there’s no word on whether it will be released in the global market. It comes in two options, such as 6 GB RAM + 128 GB storage and 8 GB RAM + 256 GB storage. These variants are priced at 1,099 Yuan (~$153) and 1,399 Yuan (~$195), respectively. Buyers can choose from shades like black, gold, and purple.

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Microsoft’s Latest AR Glasses Patent Reveals a Hot-Swappable Battery Design

By

Anubhav

-

Oct 10, 2023

Microsoft is diving deep into the augmented reality (AR) sector, and the company already has a patent application in the pipeline. The patent is for a unique pair of AR glasses. However, they aren’t regular glasses. What sets them apart could be the advantage remote workers have been waiting for.

AR Glasses’ Battery life is a major factor in a successful commercial launch

Published on October 5, 2023, the patent describes AR glasses with a modular design. Yes, you read that right. A modular design featuring a hot-swappable battery placed either in the temple (head section) or in a detachable earpiece. That means you can replace the battery on the go, making the glasses practical for extended use. Imagine being on a long-haul flight and not having to worry about your AR glasses running out of power.

Not just that, the battery’s position—either in the temple piece or a detachable earpiece—provides users with an option to wear the glasses without the battery. This can reduce the weight and make the device less bulky, ensuring comfort during long work hours.

The patent also reveals that these glasses can be connected to external devices like necklaces or backpacks. This opens up fascinating possibilities. Think about enhancing the device’s computing and memory capacity or even adding new functionalities like Wi-Fi or LiFi support. It’s like carrying a mini work-station around your neck, belt, or backpack.

Microsoft seems to be aiming at giving the remote workforce not just a device for connectivity but also a high level of versatility. The AR glasses can potentially change how we look at remote work, offering a more interactive and efficient way to engage in virtual work environments. If Microsoft manages to pull this off, it might just become the go-to gadget for the modern remote worker.

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U.S. Regulation on RISC-V Chip Technology Could Halt Global Innovation

By

Anubhav

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Oct 10, 2023

As tensions escalate in the U.S.-China tech war, lawmakers are pushing the Biden administration to limit American companies’ involvement in RISC-V, an open-source chip technology. While cited as a national security move, experts warn that such actions could stymie technological advancement on a global scale.

RISC-V has the potential to bring down the cost of everything related to technology

RISC-V, which stands for “Reduced Instruction Set Computing-5,” competes with the proprietary chip technology from British firm Arm Holdings. It’s open-source nature means it could significantly cut down costs for everything from mobile phones to AI processors. However, lawmakers argue that this could be a backdoor for China to exploit U.S. intellectual property and catch up in the semiconductor race.

The regulation of RISC-V may sound like a smart strategic move at first glance, especially with the ongoing tech warfare between the U.S. and China. However, the open-source chip technology could, ironically, be a double-edged sword for the U.S. itself. While lawmakers like Senator Marco Rubio and Mark Warner are concerned that China could use RISC-V to bypass U.S. technological dominance, critics argue that putting restrictions on this technology would curtail global collaboration on chip innovation.

Jack Kang, a tech executive at California-based startup SiFive, likens the potential regulation of RISC-V to “banning us from working on the internet.” With the U.S. itself benefiting from this open-source technology—Google plans to make its Android system compatible with RISC-V, and Qualcomm is collaborating with European firms on RISC-V chips—the move could prove counterproductive.

Moreover, the possible restrictions would contradict the ethos of the open-source community, which thrives on collective input for rapid innovation. The impact would be far-reaching, affecting not just the U.S. and China, but also European efforts to create more efficient and economical chip technologies.

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Amazon’s Contender to SpaceX’s Starlink, Project Kuiper, Took Flight This Friday

By

Anubhav

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Oct 10, 2023

After Starlink, Amazon‘s space ambitions took a giant leap forward this Friday, as it successfully launched its first two test satellites for its Project Kuiper, a global internet service in the making. Flying atop a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket, the prototypes are the frontrunners of a large constellation Amazon aims to deploy. With nearly 5,000 Starlink satellites already orbiting Earth, Elon Musk‘s SpaceX has been the only contender in the space-based broadband arena. But now, Amazon is officially in the race.

Amazon has committed to a $10 billion investment in Project Kuiper

Amazon has been relatively hush-hush about the details surrounding these initial Kuiper satellites, produced in the company’s Redmond, Washington plant. However, what’s clear is that Amazon isn’t merely dipping its toes in these cosmic waters. The company has committed to a whopping $10 billion investment in Project Kuiper and has regulatory deadlines to meet. The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is mandating that half of the planned 3,236 Kuiper satellites be operational by 2026.

One of the intriguing aspects of Amazon’s foray into this sector is its focus on affordability. The company plans to manufacture consumer terminals at a cost of $400 each, notably cheaper than SpaceX’s $599 Starlink terminals. This move could potentially make the technology more accessible to individual consumers, aligning with Amazon’s broad customer base.

But the journey to space isn’t without its hiccups. Amazon is currently facing a shareholder lawsuit regarding its bulk launch deal for 83 rocket launches, a record-breaking commercial procurement. Critics claim that Amazon failed to consider more cost-effective options, like SpaceX’s reusable Falcon 9 rockets, which have been central to Starlink’s quick ascent. Time will tell how these two giants fare against each other, and if there will ever be a third contender in this race.

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