Samsung Galaxy F23 5G gets One UI 5.1 August Security update

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Oct 6, 2023

Samsung is rolling out a brand new update for the Galaxy F23 5G model. The smartphone is now receiving an updated security patch along with One UI 5.1 custom skin. So here are all the details.

Samsung Galaxy F23 5G August Security Patch

The South Korean tech giant is bringing the new firmware version E236B\XXU4CWI1/E236BODM4CWI1 /E236BXXU4CWH1. This update has a download size of just over 700MB. It brings the security patch for the month of August 2023. In other words, the company has improved the overall security levels of the Galaxy F23 5G. The smartphone has now received the One UI 5.1 custom skin version.

If you own a Samsung Galaxy F23 5G and wish to check if you’ve received the update; head to Settings and then navigate to the Software Update section. Here, you can tap on check for new updates and download and install the new software built on your device. It is worth noting that downloading the update is recommended on a Wi-Fi connection. Notably, the company recently rolled out the October Security patch for the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5 as well.

Samsung Galaxy F23 5G Specs

The Samsung Galaxy F23 5G sports a tall 6.6-inch LCD panel that offers a Full HD+ resolution and 120Hz refresh rate. Meanwhile, the rear features a 50-megapixel triple camera setup. The front also houses an 8-megapixel selfie shooter. Under the hood, the smartphone is equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G SoC that is paired with up to 6GB of RAM and 120GB of internal storage. A large 5,000mAh battery pack that supports 25W wired fast charging.

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Boat Stone 352 Deadpool Edition 10W Bluetooth speakers launched for ₹1,599

By

Sudhanshu

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Oct 6, 2023

Boat recently debuted the Stone 1800 90W portable speakers for the party-loving crowd in India. Though the speaker is portable, it still weighs nearly 3 kg. If you are looking at something lighter, the brand has also launched the Boat Stone 352 Deadpool Edition.

This is the same Stone 352 speaker that the brand launched a few months back, but as the same suggests, it comes with a special Deadpool theme. If you are more of an MCU fan, the Hulk or Thor-themed speakers might be more to your liking. Specs-wise, these special edition speakers are the same as the basic Stone 352.

Boat Stone 352 specs

The boAt Stone 352 is a portable Bluetooth speaker with a compact design measuring 109 × 92 × 92 mm. Operating on Bluetooth version V5.0, it offers a working range of 10 meters. The speaker features a 1.96-inch speaker size and delivers a powerful 10W RMS stereo sound for an immersive audio experience.

With a 2200 mAh battery capacity, it provides up to 12 hours of music playtime on a single charge when operated at 60% volume. This speaker is designed with an IPX7 water resistance rating, ensuring it can withstand water and splashes, allowing you to enjoy your music worry-free in various environments.

Charging the boAt Stone 352 takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours via a USB Type-C port. Notably, the speaker supports True Wireless Stereo (TWS) functionality, enabling you to connect two Stone 352 speakers simultaneously for a stereo effect, doubling the impact of your music.

For versatile connectivity, this speaker offers multiple modes, including Bluetooth, AUX, and TF Card. The controls on the speaker are easy to access, allowing you to manage playback and adjust volume levels with ease. Last but not least, the speaker is IPX7 splash-resistant.

Price & availability

The Boat Stone 352 Deadpool Edition Bluetooth speakers launched at ₹1,699 ($20), however, it is currently available to purchase from Amazon India for ₹1,599 ($19). The Hulk and Thor special editions are also going for the same price.

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Best budget 5G smartphone deals to consider during Flipkart Big Billion Days, Amazon Great Indian Festival

By

Sudarshan Ravichandran

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Oct 6, 2023

The festive season sales are about to begin this weekend in India. For the last few years, this has been the best time to buy smartphones in the country.

The region’s largest online retailers Flipkart and Amazon are known to run sales at the same time. The former was the one to popularize this trend with its Big Billion Days sale, while Amazon answered with its Great Indian Festival.

Additionally, brands themselves now run sales on their websites during this period. So consumers get a lot of options and need clarification on numerous deals.

Thus, to help our readers out, we have compiled a list of phones that one should look for. Here in this article, we have specifically listed the best budget 5G smartphones to buy.

A year after 5G networks went live in India, the entry-level 5G smartphones finally improved and are almost on par with the 4G handsets available at the same price. With the ongoing offers, this is probably the best time to invest in them if you are looking for one.

Our list only consists of 5 devices. Above all, we have clearly mentioned what type of consumers should opt for which phone.

With that out of the way, let’s take a look at these products.

Best Budget 5G Smartphone Offers in India

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1. Redmi 12 5G

Even at its regular price, we believe the Redmi 12 5G is the best budget 5G smartphone in India right now as it is recommendable for all types of users. You can learn more about why we think that way in our review.

In a nutshell, the device offers a premium design and a faster chip (Snapdragon 4 Gen 2), unlike its competitors. It boots a well-optimized software and the 5G performance is reliable.

The handset costs ₹11,999 for the base 4GB + 128GB model. But during the sale, it will be listed at ₹11,499 (₹500 off).

Buyers can use appropriate cards for an additional 10% discount. This brings down the effective price of Redmi 12 5G to ₹10,349.

The same offer will likely be available for 6GB + 128GB and 8GB + 256GB variants as well. The product can be purchased from either Amazon or Mi.com.

Redmi 12 5G
Variants	Retail Price	Discount	Card Offer	Final Price
4GB + 128GB	₹11,999	₹500	₹1,149	₹10,349
6GB + 128GB	₹13,499	₹500	₹1,299	₹11,699
8GB + 256GB	₹15,499	₹500	₹11,999	₹13,499

Buy Redmi 12 5G from Amazon

2. Poco M6 Pro 5G

The Poco M6 Pro 5G is the same as the Redmi 12 5G. The only major difference between the two is the looks.

The Poco model arrives in flashy colors since the brand is youth-oriented. Further, it starts at a lower price as it is also offered in a 64GB variant with 4GB RAM.

Finally, it is only available on Flipkart. You can check out its effective deal prices below.

Poco M6 Pro 5G
Variants	Retail Price	Discount	Card Offer	Final Price
4GB + 64GB	₹10,999	₹1,000	₹1,000	₹8,999
4GB + 128GB	₹11,999	₹1,000	₹1,000	₹9,999
6GB + 128GB	₹12,999	₹1,000	₹1,000	₹10,999

3. Realme Narzo 60x 5G

Realme Narzo 60x 5G

The best alternative to the Redmi 12 5G and the Poco M6 Pro is Realme Narrzo 60x 5G. It is a bit expensive but comes with meaningful upgrades for the extra price.

The Realme phone charges much faster as it supports 33W SuperVOOC standard. It also sports a faster 120Hz display.

Lastly, the design is flashier and is offered in an eye-popping green color option, in addition to black. This product is more recommendable for the youth, especially students who are always in a hurry to charge their phones.

It can be purchased from either Amazon or Realme.com.

Realme Narzo 60x 5G
Variants	Retail Price	Discount	Card Offer	Final Price
4GB + 128GB	₹12,999	₹1,000	₹1,000	₹10,999
6GB + 128GB	₹14,499	₹1,750	₹1,250	₹11,499

Buy Realme Narzo 60x 5G from Amazon

4. Samsung Galaxy M34 5G and Galaxy F34 5G

The Galaxy M34 5G and Galaxy F34 5G are one and the same. The former is sold on Amazon, whereas the latter is sold via Flipkart. Both of them are also available on Samsung.com.

Just like Redmi 12 5G and Poco M6 Pro 5G, these two primary differ in terms of colors. They have the same specs and are even priced equally.

The main highlights of these handsets are longer software support (4 Android updates and 5 years of security updates), Samsung Wallet with NFC, and 120Hz AMOLED display. This device is recommended for consumers who just need a smartphone for regular day-to-day usage with no gaming and heavy multi-tasking.

Samsung Galaxy M34 5G and Galaxy F34 5G
Variants	Retail Price	Discount	Card Offer	Final Price
6GB + 128GB	₹18,999	₹2,500	₹1,500	₹14,999
8GB + 128GB	₹20,999	₹2,500	₹1,500	₹16,999

Buy Samsung Galaxy M34 5G from Amazon

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Samsung’s hardware-based security solution, Knox Vault is coming to Galaxy A-series smartphones in 2024

By

Rajesh Regmi

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Oct 6, 2023

Samsung’s Knox Vault security solution, which was previously only available on flagship devices, is expanding to mid-range Galaxy A-series phones in 2024. This was announced at the Samsung Developers Conference (SDC) 2023 in San Francisco yesterday (Oct 5).

Knox Vault is a hardware-based security solution that is isolated from the main SoC of the smartphone. This means that it can continue to protect sensitive data even if the primary chipset is compromised.

Samsung Knox Vault to come in Galaxy A series phones in 2024

It stores highly sensitive data of your smartphone such as hardware-backed Android Keystore keys, the Samsung Attestation Key, and biometric data such as fingerprints. This data is protected by Knox Vault’s own processor, memory, and non-volatile secure storage.

Until now, the feature has only been available on Samsung’s flagship devices, such as the Galaxy S, Galaxy Z Flip, and Galaxy Z Fold series. But now the company is expanding its presence on the Galaxy A series devices starting in 2024. This is the first time Knox Vault will be available on mid-range phones since its debut in the Galaxy S21 series in 2021.

It’s still unclear whether Knox Vault will be available on all 2024 Galaxy A devices, but its expansion to mid-range phones is a positive step for Samsung. Additionally, the company also announced that its Neo QLED 8K TVs will receive Knox Vault later this year.

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Samsung Galaxy A15 4G surfaces on GeekBench with Helio G99, 4GB RAM

By

Sean

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Oct 6, 2023

The Samsung Galaxy A15 4G model has surfaced online once again. This time, it was found listed on a popular benchmarking platform, which revealed some of its key specifications. So here are all the details.

Samsung Galaxy A15 4G GeekBench Listing

South Korean tech giant’s upcoming mid-range handset was spotted on GeekBench. Looking at the benchmark listing, the device appears to be an affordable 4G handset. It is equipped with the MediaTek Helio G99 SoC, which is paired with 4GB of RAM. With this chip, it managed to score 743 points in single core tests and 2,005 points in the multi core test.

Furthermore, the smartphone runs on Android 14 OS based One UI custom skin out of the box. Unfortunately, the company has yet to reveal any official details regarding the new Galaxy A15 4G model. Although, we previously covered leaked renders of this device, which revealed its design. This confirms that it will offer a triple camera setup on the rear, while the front houses a center aligned punch hole cutout. Last year, the company announced the Galaxy A14 in a 4G and 5G enabled model.

In other words, Samsung Electronics will likely introduce this model in two variants as well. The 5G model will likely come with a higher price tag. Back in 2022, the Galaxy A14 5G model launched with Dimensity 700 SoC, up to 6GB of RAM, and 128GB of internal storage. The rear packed a 50-megapixel triple camera setup and the device is powered by a large 5,000mAh battery pack. So we can expect similar specs on the Galaxy A14, except the 5G chip.

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OPPO Find N3 Fold Global Variant Appears On Geekbench, Expected To Be Rebranded OnePlus Open

By

Viraj Gawde

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Oct 6, 2023

OPPO is set to launch the Find N3 Flip smartphone in India on October 12. The company is also expected to announce the third-generation horizontal folding phone in China in the coming months. Recently, tipster Digital Chat Station leaked the key specifications of the Find N3. Now the device’s global variant has surfaced on the Geekbench benchmarking platform. Read on to know the details below.

OPPO Find N3 Fold Geekbench

The OPPO Find N3 Fold has been listed on the Geekbench database with the model number CPH2499. It reveals that the device has a motherboard codenamed Kalama and it comprises three cores at 2.2GHz, four cores ticking at 2.8GHz, and a primary core clocked at 3.19GHz. This likely corresponds to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset paired with Adreno 740 GPU. The benchmark listing also reveals that the device will pack 16GB RAM onboard and it will ship with Android 13 OS out of the box.

In the Geekbench’s single-core and multicore test results, the OPPO Find N3 Fold scores 1,066 points and 5,042 points respectively.

As per the recent information shared by tipster DCS, the OPPO Find N3 Fold will have a 7.82-inch inner display with a resolution of 2268 x 2440 pixels whereas the front screen will measure 6.31-inches which is larger than its predecessor. Both displays will feature an AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate. The Find N3 is rumoured to come with a 48MP main sensor, a 48MP ultrawide lens, and a 64MP telephoto unit. The smartphone is tipped to pack 16GB RAM, 1TB storage and run on a 4,805mAh battery unit with support for 100W fast charging.

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Samsung One UI 6.0 officially announced with new features and new typeface

By

Rajesh Regmi

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Oct 6, 2023

Samsung held its annual Developer Conference yesterday (Oct 5), where it officially announced OneUI 6.0—the latest version of its custom Android skin. Samsung has been running a beta program for OneUI 6 for a while, but the official announcement means that the stable release is just around the corner.

Samsung One UI 6 Features Release Date Announced

One of the most noticeable changes is the Quick Panel, which has already been available for beta testers. The Quick Panel is now divided into different sections, with connectivity tiles for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth at the top, a large section for quick settings icons in the middle, brightness slider and eye care controls, Smart View, and Device control at the bottom. The overall look is subtle and streamlined, and it provides high visibility for all of the quick settings options.

Additionally, Samsung also announced a new exclusive typeface called One UI Sans, new AI photo editing tools, and a new feature called Samsung Studio, which lets users make multi-layered video edits with options to add text, stickers, and music to a video timeline.

While Samsung didn’t reveal all of the new features in OneUI 6 during its SDC23 event, Sammobile has curated a list of features that are likely to make their way to Samsung phones with the next update. Here is a list of those features:

New emoji design.
Picture and video previews in the Share panel.
More sharing options.
Multitasking improvements through a pop-up window that can remain open after you leave the Recents screen.
A lock screen clock that can be positioned freely.
Simplified app icon labels for the home screen.
A new Weather widget, more information in the Weather app — including an interactive map view — and enhanced Weather illustrations.
A wide range of camera improvements, including a new widget, more alignment options for watermarks, quick access to resolution settings, easy-to-apply filters and effects, and more.
Improvements to Calendar, Reminder, and Samsung Internet.
Quick actions for apps in Finder search results.
Recommendations in the My Files app to help you free up storage.
Smarter Airplane mode.
Auto Blocker, which is an extra layer of protection preventing unknown apps from installing, checking malware, and blocking malicious commands from being sent via a USB connection.
Customizable Bixby text call greetings and the option to switch to Bixby text call at any time, even during a call.
More accessibility features, including new magnification options and custom cursor thickness options.

Samsung didn’t reveal a specific release date for OneUI 6.0, but the Galaxy S23 series—their current flagship—will likely be the first to receive the stable update after the beta program ends. It’s expected to arrive before the end of the year. You can check if your device is eligible for OneUI 6 based on Android 14 here.

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OpenAI plans In-House AI Chip Production amidst industry challenges

By

Joane

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Oct 6, 2023

To combat a shortage of advanced processors and soaring operational costs, OpenAI, the leading artificial intelligence research lab, is actively considering the development of its own AI chips. CEO Sam Altman has made acquiring advanced AI chips a priority, emphasizing the need to reduce reliance on third-party vendors, notably Nvidia, the current main supplier for OpenAI’s GPUs.

The shortage of these high-performance processors has escalated costs, with each query for OpenAI’s popular ChatGPT service now costing approximately 4 cents. To alleviate this issue, OpenAI is evaluating several options, including building its own AI chips, collaborating closely with existing chipmakers like Nvidia, and diversifying its supplier base beyond Nvidia.

OpenAI has even explored the possibility of acquiring an existing AI chip-making company, taking inspiration from Amazon’s acquisition of Annapurna Labs in 2015. However, the company faces significant challenges. Building custom AI chips is a complex and expensive process, with no assured success, as demonstrated by the struggles of other tech giants attempting similar ventures.

The demand for specialized AI chips has surged following the launch of ChatGPT, necessitating specific AI accelerators for training and running generative AI technology. Consequently, OpenAI is at a crucial crossroads, weighing the benefits of vertical integration against the risks and uncertainties associated with in-house chip development.

It’s worth noting that Microsoft, one of OpenAI’s major backers, is also in the race, developing a custom AI chip that OpenAI is currently testing. This move indicates potential distancing between the two tech entities, as OpenAI explores alternative solutions.

As of now, OpenAI has not made a final decision on whether to proceed with building custom AI chips. If the endeavor is undertaken, it is expected to be a multi-year effort, requiring substantial investment and research. OpenAI’s decision will likely shape the future landscape of AI technology, influencing not only its own operations but also the broader industry.

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Here’s the Google Pixel Watch 2’s India pricing & pre-order details

By

Sean

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Oct 6, 2023

Google recently unveiled its Pixel 8 series. Alongside the flagship smartphone lineup, the company announced the new Pixel Watch 2 as well. So now, here are all the details regarding the Indian pricing for its latest smartwatch and its pre-order details.

Google Pixel Watch 2 India Price and Pre-Order Date

The Search Engine giant’s new Pixel Watch 2 will be available for pre-orders from Flipkart, a popular e-retailer in India. This wearable will be available for pre-orders starting from 13th October 2023. In India, the new Pixel Watch model will be sold for a price tag of 39,999 INR. It is worth noting that you can get this smartwatch for just 19,999 INR if you buy it with either the Pixel 8 or Pixel 8 Pro.

Google Pixel Watch 2 Specs

The Google Pixel Watch 2 sticks with the circular screen design. It sports a 1.6-inch curved AMOLED panel that has a 384 x 384 resolution and supports Always on. This display is flanked by a digital rotating crown, a physical button, and features a stainless steel design. It also comes with various health related sensors that enable heart rate tracking, SpO2 blood oxygen tracking, and sleep tracking. The heart sensor has received some notable upgrades, allowing for detecting atrial fibrillation and more.

Other notable features include built-in car crash detection, fall detection, and it can even store important medical information like blood type, health conditions, and medication for emergency services. The Pixel Watch 2 can last for up to 24 hours of battery life on a single full charge, the same as its predecessor. It supports fast pairing, music, and camera controls as well.

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Best Deals on Premium Phones: Amazon Festive Sale 2023

By

Staff

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Oct 6, 2023

Amazon’s festive sale is here, and with it comes a slew of unbeatable deals on premium smartphones. If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to upgrade to the latest technology, now might be the time!

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 5G stands out with its FHD+ Super AMOLED display, Octa-core processor, high-resolution 10+50+12MP camera setup, and the iconic fold design. Originally priced at ₹1,69,999, it’s now available at an effective price of just ₹1,47,999 (incl. bank discounts)!

Next up, the iQoo 11 5G boasts a 2K E6 AMOLED display and comes with an instant discount of ₹2,000. Grab it now for an effective price of ₹47,999, down from its original price of ₹61,999.

For those looking for something unique, the Tecno Phantom V Flip offers a 45W fast charging feature, a 6.9″ main display, and a secondary AMOLED screen. It’s now going for an unbeatable price of ₹58,499.

Motorola’s razr 40 5G, with the world’s largest external display on a flip phone and a 144Hz refresh rate, is also on sale, available for just ₹44,999. Xiaomi’s 12 Pro with a 50MP camera and a 2K+ curved AMOLED display can be yours for ₹39,999.

Lastly, don’t miss out on deals like the Galaxy S23 Ultra 5G for ₹1,16,999, the Nokia X30 5G for ₹35,499, and the Tecno Phantom X2 for ₹35,749.

These offers include no-cost EMIs, exchange offers, and bank discounts. Note that the deals go live tomorrow at midnight for Prime users. If you are not a Prime user, it might be a good time to grab hold of the Prime membership before the sale goes live.

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

iQOO Announces Rollout Schedule Of Funtouch OS 14-Based Android 14 Update In India

By

Viraj Gawde

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Oct 6, 2023

iQOO smartphones run on sub-brand Vivo’s proprietary Funtouch OS. The Chinese brand is set to launch the next version of its Android skin i.e. Funtouch OS 14 based on Android 14 tomorrow in India. Now, ahead of the official release, iQOO has shared the rollout schedule of the upcoming update for its smartphones. The company states that it is committed to providing a seamless smartphone experience for consumers.

Funtouch OS 14 update rollout schedule announced for iQOO phones

iQOO will start rolling out the Funtouch OS 14 update for its smartphones later this month. The iQOO 11 will be the first phone to receive it this month. Next month, the update will arrive on the iQOO 9 Pro and iQOO 9T. The iQOO 9, iQOO 9SE, iQOO Neo 7 Pro, and iQOO Neo 7 will be eligible for the update in December. In January next year, the iQOO 7 Legend, iQOO Z7 Pro (review), and iQOO Z7 (review) will be treated to the Funtouch OS 14 update.

In February 2024, five iQOO smartphones will be updated to the Funtouch OS 14. These include the iQOO Z7s, iQOO 7, iQOO Neo 6, iQOO Z6 4G, and iQOO Z6 5G. The iQOO Z6 Lite will be the last device to get the Funtouch OS 14 in April.

It’s worth noting that the roll-out plan of the beta version will be released on a batch-by-batch basis. The stable version of the OS update will be released to all users over a period of time.

The Funtouch OS 14 version is said to pack all the new changes and improvements introduced in the Android 14. It will also come with additional features for an enhanced and smooth user experience including improved memory management, multitasking capabilities, personalization, privacy and security alerts, and new editing tools.

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Huawei Watch Ultimate Gold Edition luxury smartwatch now available in UK & Europe

By

Sudhanshu

-

Oct 6, 2023

A couple of weeks back, Huawei debuted the Huawei Watch Ultimate Gold Edition luxury smartwatch in its domestic market in China. The brand has now brought this smartwatch to the continent of Europe for its EU and UK customers.

Huawei Watch Ultimate Gold edition specs

The Huawei Watch Ultimate Gold Edition is a special version of the smartwatch, featuring six sections made of 18K gold. Other parts like the crown, PVD strap, and butterfly buckle are also made of gold, while the strap is crafted from titanium. The watch’s 3D patterns are created using a diamond-cut engraving process, and it comes with an adjustable butterfly buckle on the gold PVD titanium strap.

This unique edition of the Huawei watch is built with a nano-crystalline ceramic frame and precise CNC machining for a top-quality finish. It has undergone 24 processing techniques, making it 6-7 times more durable and resistant to corrosion compared to the standard edition.

The Gold Edition Huawei Watch features a 1.5-inch LTPO OLED display with a resolution of 450 x 450 pixels and an adaptive 1-60Hz refresh rate. Its 530 mAh battery can last up to 14 days with normal usage and 8 days with heavy usage. In China, it offers a two-way Beidou-supported satellite messaging feature, allowing users to send and receive messages when the ground network is not available with just a single click on the watch.

Additionally, the Huawei Watch Ultimate Gold Edition supports underwater activities up to 100 meters and various health monitoring features like physical sign monitoring, TruSeenTM 5.0 heart rate monitoring, TruSleepTM 3.0 sleep monitoring, real-time ECG analysis, and vascular health and SpO2 level monitoring.

Price & availability

The Huawei Watch Ultimate Design is priced at €2,999 (Amazon) in the Eurozone and £2,699 in the UK. Huawei includes a premium gift box, an international warranty, and a cleaning service that covers repairs too.

If the luxurious price of the smartwatch isn’t in line with your budget, you have the option to choose the standard Huawei Watch Ultimate, which is priced at €749 in the Eurozone (Amazon EU) and £699 (Amazon UK) in the UK.

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Vivo X100 Pro tipped to feature satellite connectivity

By

Rajesh Regmi

-

Oct 6, 2023

Vivo’s upcoming flagship smartphone, the Vivo X100 Pro, is rumored to feature satellite connectivity, according to a recent Weibo post by WhyLab. The device, model number V2309A, was recently spotted on MIIT certification with a listing stating two-way satellite connectivity. As per the report, the X100 pro would be able to send and receive text, pictures, voice recordings, and even videos without being in the range of a cellular network.

The feature is likely to be powered by a Unisoc V8821 chipset, which was announced back in July. Allegedly, Vivo was one of the partners of Unisoc in the development of this chipset. It is specifically designed for 5G non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) that will handle the satellite connectivity.

Satellite connectivity is a new feature that seems to be a big deal for this year’s flagships. It can be used to communicate with emergency services if you’re stranded in an area with no cell service.

Apple debuted satellite connectivity in the iPhone 14 series as a safety feature, and other Android brands are following suit. The recently announced Huawei Mate 60 Pro also offers full mobile connectivity through a satellite connection. Now, Vivo is joining the fray.

The Vivo X100 Pro is expected to be powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 9300 chipset, while the Pro+ model is likely to get the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. The Vivo X100 series will come with IP68 certification for water and dust resistance.

The smartphones are expected to launch in China by the end of this year. However, It’s unclear if satellite connectivity will be available in all markets.

In related news, Vivo recently launched the Vivo V29 and V29 Pro smartphones in India. Both smartphones feature a beautiful AMOLED display with a 120Hz display. You can learn about them here.

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OnePlus announces Discounts & Freebies on models like OnePlus 11, Pad series, TV series & More

By

Staff

-

Oct 6, 2023

Oneplus has announced exciting deals on their entire product portfolio, including the latest OnePlus 11 series and the popular Oneplus Nord 3 series. Starting October 7th on Amazon, customers can take advantage of these offers.

The OnePlus 11 5G and OnePlus 11R 5G are the company’s flagship smartphones featuring exceptional camera quality, Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 Mobile Platform, 100W SUPERVOOC fast charging, and a dual-cell battery.

Customers purchasing the OnePlus 11 5G and the OnePlus Marble Odyssey can avail an INR 3000 Instant Bank Discount and a special price coupon of INR 4000. They also have a chance to get a complimentary unit of the OnePlus Buds Z2.

The OnePlus Nord series offers high-performance features at affordable prices. Customers purchasing the OnePlus Nord 3 5G can avail an INR 3000 Instant Bank discount and a special price coupon discount of INR 2,000. Early access members can also get a unit of free OnePlus Nord Buds 2r.

Here’s a quick summary of the offers in the OnePlus lineup.

OnePlus Model	Special Offers
OnePlus 11 5G	INR 3000 Instant Bank Discount and special price coupon of INR 4000
OnePlus Marble Odyssey	INR 3000 Instant Bank Discount and special price coupon of INR 4000 + chance to get OnePlus Buds Z2
OnePlus 11R 5G	INR 2000 Instant Bank Discount + special price coupon discount of INR 3000
OnePlus 11R 5G Solar Red	INR 2000 Instant Bank Discount + special price coupon discount of INR 3000 + complementary Buds Z2 + exchange coupon for INR 2000
OnePlus Nord 3 5G	INR 3000 Instant Bank Discount + special price coupon discount of INR 2000
OnePlus Nord CE 3 5G	INR 2000 Instant Bank Discount + special price coupon discount of INR 2000
OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite	INR 1500 Instant Bank Discount + special price coupon discount of INR 500
OnePlus Pad Go	Pre-order: INR 2000 Instant Bank Discount + free OnePlus Pad Go Folio Cover
OnePlus Pad	INR 3000 Instant Bank Discount + discount of INR 2500
OnePlus Buds Pro 2	INR 1000 Instant Bank Discount + No-cost EMI up to 6 months + temporary price discount of INR 3000
OnePlus Buds Z2	INR 500 Instant Bank Discount + temporary price discount of INR 1000
OnePlus Bullet Wireless Z2 ANC	INR 200 Instant Bank Discount + temporary price discount of INR 300
OnePlus Bullet Wireless Z2	INR 150 Instant Bank Discount + temporary price discount of INR 500
OnePlus Nord Watch	Temporary price discount of INR 1000 + Instant Bank Discount of INR 500
OnePlus TV 55 U1S	Instant Bank Discount up to 10% (worth INR 3000) + No-Cost EMI
OnePlus TV 65 U1S	Instant Bank Discount up to 10% (worth INR 4000) + No-Cost EMI
OnePlus TV 43 Y1S Pro	Instant Bank Discount of INR 2000 + No Cost EMI
OnePlus TV 50 Y1S Pro	Instant Bank Discount of INR 2500 + No Cost EMI
OnePlus TV 55 Y1S Pro	Instant Bank Discount of INR 3000 + No Cost EMI
OnePlus TV 65 Q2 Pro	Instant Bank Discount of INR 5000 + No Cost EMI

OnePlus Store on Amazon

Customers purchasing the OnePlus Nord CE 3 can avail an INR 2000 Instant Bank Discount and a special price coupon discount of INR 2000.

OnePlus has also launched the OnePlus Pad and OnePlus Pad Go in the tablet market. Customers placing a pre-order for the OnePlus Pad Go can avail an INR 2,000 Instant Bank Discount and get a OnePlus Pad Go Folio Cover worth INR 1,399 at no-cost. Customers purchasing the OnePlus Pad can avail an INR 3,000 Instant Bank Discount, along with a temporary price discount of INR 2,500.

In the audio category, customers can enjoy discounts on OnePlus headphones and earbuds. Customers purchasing the OnePlus Buds Pro 2 can avail an Instant Bank Discount of INR 1000, and those purchasing the OnePlus Buds Z2 can avail an Instant Bank Discount of INR 500.

Other offers include discounts on OnePlus wearable devices, OnePlus TVs, and OnePlus Nord Watch. Customers can check for bank offers and No-cost EMI options available on different platforms.

These deals provide an excellent opportunity for tech enthusiasts and OnePlus fans to upgrade their devices and enjoy the latest technology at discounted prices. Don’t miss out on these exciting offers starting from October 7th onwards!

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

PlayStation 5 Deep Earth metallic color peripherals up for pre-order

By

Sudhanshu

-

Oct 6, 2023

If you’re a PlayStation 5 owner looking to add a touch of style to your gaming setup, PlayStation has you covered with their customizable console covers. Now, they’re taking it up a notch with the premium “Deep Earth Collection” – a set of three metallic colors that promise to elevate your PS5’s appearance.

PlayStation has given these colors intriguing names: Volcanic Red, Cobalt Blue, and Sterling Silver. According to PlayStation, these shades draw inspiration from the captivating and powerful hues found deep within our planet. What sets these covers apart is their striking metallic finish, which adds a premium touch to your console. It’s no surprise that this level of sophistication comes at a slightly higher price – each of the new covers will be available for $59.99, a $5 premium compared to the regular covers.

But that’s not all. PlayStation is also introducing DualSense controllers in these new colorways, priced at $74.99 each. This means you can not only transform your PS5’s exterior but also match your controllers for a coordinated gaming experience.

For those eager to get their hands on these premium accessories, pre-orders will open on October 4. However, the colors themselves will roll out in waves. The Volcanic Red and Cobalt Blue colorways will kick things off on November 3, while the Sterling Silver accessories will be available starting January 26.

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Google Pixel 8 series benchmark results show disappointing performance

By

Rajesh Regmi

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Oct 6, 2023

The long-awaited Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro from Google have finally been released. Some lucky users have already gotten their hands on them and have shared benchmark results of the new Tensor G3 SoC. Unfortunately, the results are disappointing, showing that the new Tensor G3 chip falls short of its rivals in terms of raw performance.

Google Pixel 8 benchmark results are quite disappointing

The Tensor G3 is fabricated on Samsung’s 4LPP (4 nm, Low Power Plus) and features a 9-core CPU configuration with 1x Cortex-X3 (3.00 GHz), 4x Cortex-A715 (2.45 GHz), and 4x Cortex-A510 (2.15 GHz).

Compared to this nona-core architecture, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC features an octa-core CPU with 1x Cortex-X3 (3.2 GHz), 2x Cortex-A715 (2.8 GHz), 2x Cortex-A710 (2.8 GHz), and 3x Cortex-A510 (2.00 GHz).

But despite having one extra core, the Tensor G3 did not perform as well as the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. In fact, its performance was closer to last year’s Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 than to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2.

As we previously reported, in Geekbench 6, the Tensor G3 scored 1,760 in the single-core test and 4,442 in the multi-core test. This is a significantly lower score than the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, which has an average score of 1,976 and 5,149, respectively (via Notebookcheck).

Likewise, in the 3D Mark Wild Life Stress test, the Pixel 8 achieved a best loop score of 8,216 and a lowest loop score of 4,316, with a very low stability of just 52.5%. The Pixel 8 Pro achieved a best loop score of 8,572 and a lowest loop score of 5,029, with slightly better stability at 58.7%. These are not pretty results, especially when compared to the iPhone 15 Pro Max (A17 Pro chip) and Galaxy S23 Ultra (Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip), which returned stability results of 78.9% and 69%, respectively.

The reason for the Tensor G3’s disappointing performance is likely due to Samsung’s fabrication process. Samsung’s own Exynos chips have been less powerful than the competition because of their fabrication technology, and it seems like Google’s new chip is having the same problem.

All things considered, Pixel 8’s Tensor G3 chip feels like a letdown. It’s not as powerful as its competitors, and it has stability issues. While it still offers good enough performance for everyday use, don’t expect it to match the performance of its rivals.

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VinFast invests $400 Million for EV Production in India and Indonesia

By

Joane

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Oct 6, 2023

VinFast, the pioneering Vietnamese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, has meticulously streamlined its manufacturing capital expenditure, resulting in savings of $400 million, earmarked for the construction of two cutting-edge facilities in India and Indonesia. The company is set to make strides in its global expansion plans following a substantial cash infusion of $1.2 billion from its founder, Pham Nhat Vuong.

VinFast’s strategic vision revolves around establishing completely knocked down (CKD) car factories in both countries, with production slated to commence in 2026. This ambitious move comes on the heels of a successful third quarter for the company, during which it achieved impressive sales figures. In the third quarter alone, VinFast sold 10,027 EVs, marking a notable uptick from the preceding quarter’s 9,535 units. A significant portion of these vehicles found their way to founder Pham Nhat Vuong’s taxi company.

Vuong, who retains a majority stake in VinFast, is now gearing up to bolster the company’s financial foundation further. He plans to sell 46 million shares within six months, aiming to raise a substantial $700 million. This influx of capital is anticipated to fuel VinFast’s expansion plans and facilitate its foray into new markets.

VinFast made history in August by becoming the first Vietnamese corporation to go public in the U.S. However, the company’s journey on the stock market has been marked by significant fluctuations. After reaching a peak of nearly $69, VinFast’s shares closed at $8.50 on Thursday, indicating a volatile trajectory.

Despite these challenges, VinFast remains undeterred in its pursuit of growth. The company is embracing a capital-light distribution model and strategically focusing on markets like Indonesia and India. In addition to passenger cars, VinFast also manufactures electric motorbikes and buses within its home base in Vietnam.

VinFast’s global expansion plans extend beyond Asia, with a keen eye on markets in Europe, Canada, and the United States. However, the company faced a setback in its initial U.S. venture, as some vehicles were recalled due to potential safety concerns. As VinFast embarks on this expansion journey, industry experts and investors alike are closely monitoring the company’s strategic moves.

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boAt Wave Astra, Wave Convex & Primia Celestial smartwatches launched in the Indian offline market

By

Sudhanshu

-

Oct 6, 2023

In a recent announcement, boAt, the popular Indian tech brand, has introduced three new budget-friendly smartwatches in the country. These new wearables, namely the Wave Astra, Primia Celestial, and Wave Convex, come with Bluetooth-calling capabilities and an IP67 rating for durability. They offer a wide range of physical activity tracking features and multiple watch face options for personalization. However, here’s the twist: these smartwatches are exclusively available in offline markets and will be sold through physical retail stores.

boAt Wave Astra, Primia Celestial, & Wave Convex specs

Among the trio, the boAt Wave Convex stands out as the most feature-rich smartwatch. It boasts a spacious 1.96-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 410 x 502 pixels. An Always-On Display function is also part of the package, eliminating the need to tap the screen for updates.

For personalization, the watch offers a DIY Watch Face Studio, enabling users to create their unique watch faces. Alternatively, there are over 100 pre-installed watch faces available for quick selection. Notably, this smartwatch supports Bluetooth calling and allows users to store up to 10 contacts directly on the device. It also features support for Google Assistant and Apple’s Siri, an IP67 rating, and an impressive standby battery life of up to 30 days. Even with intensive use, it can last up to 7 days, and when Bluetooth calling is enabled, it still provides a respectable 2 days of battery life.

The Wave Astra boasts a 1.83-inch HD display with a resolution of 240 x 284 pixels. Its battery life is rated for up to 5 days, which drops to 2 days when Bluetooth calling is active. The Primia Celestial is unique in the lineup, offering a circular display measuring 1.52 inches, with a resolution of 306 x 360 pixels and a brightness level of 550 nits. It promises a full week of battery life with Bluetooth calling and an Always-On Display turned off.

Coming to the core features, all three of the smartwatches have 700 Active Modes for tracking physical activities. Additionally, users can enjoy standard health and fitness features, including heart-rate monitoring, SpO2 sensors, sleep tracking, and guided breathing exercises through the boAt Crest companion app.

Pricing & availability

In terms of pricing, the boAt Wave Astra leads as the most budget-friendly option, with a price tag of just Rs 1,799 in India. The Primia Celestial and Wave Convex, though slightly more expensive, are still quite affordable, priced at Rs 1,899 and Rs 2,899, respectively. It’s worth noting that these prices are introductory, and their duration is yet to be confirmed.

Interested buyers can find these smartwatches at retail outlets such as Reliance Digital, Vijay Sales, Croma, JioMart, and other general electronic stores.

In related news, if you are also in the market for new audio equipment, the newly launched Boat Stone 1800 might also be worth looking at.

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Sony Pictures Core launched for PS5 & PS4 bringing free movies to the console

By

Sudhanshu

-

Oct 6, 2023

Sony is making some exciting changes to enhance your PlayStation experience. The Bravia Core app is getting a makeover and rebranding as Sony Pictures Core. The best part? It’s coming to both PS5 and PS4 consoles, allowing gamers to access a library of over 2,000 movies right from their gaming console.

You can expect a fantastic selection of movies from the Sony Pictures Core, including recent hits like Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, Spider-Man: No Way Home, Uncharted, The Equalizer, No Hard Feelings, Bullet Train, Ghostbusters: Afterlife, and many more.

But there’s even more good news for PlayStation Plus Premium or Deluxe subscribers. They will have access to a whopping 100 movies as part of their subscription, all available through the Sony Pictures Core app. The best part? It’s an ad-free experience, and the movie catalog will receive regular updates. Sony also hints at more benefits on the horizon for PS Plus subscribers, including a selection of anime content from Crunchyroll.

Sony Pictures Core is already available for download in 23 markets worldwide where PlayStation is officially sold. For PlayStation 5 users, you can find it in the Media section, while PlayStation 4 users can locate it in the PS Store.

However, it’s worth noting that the availability of the app may vary by region. In some places, like India, the app may not be accessible at this time. This move to expand and improve its entertainment offerings comes after Sony recently adjusted the prices for its PS Plus subscription tiers, suggesting that Sony Pictures Core could be part of their strategy to enhance the value of their subscriptions.

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Google Magnifier app support extends to old Pixels

By

Simranpal Singh

-

Oct 6, 2023

After debuting on the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, the new Google Magnifier app is not available for old Pixels too. It is a utility app that magnifies the object or text from a distance. It can be quite handy while looking at airport signs, or peeking into a restaurant menu. The app is compatible with Pixel 5 and newer phones and tablets.

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Google introduced the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro with all-new hardware and some great software features that harness the AI capability to offer an overall immersive experience. Among several new features, the magnifier app also uses AI to capture detailed zoom photos and offers to copy the text or listen to it. The users can zoom in on the desired text, photo, or sign using the shutter key. It even allows one to control the flashlight intensity if you’re looking for something in a low-light environment.

There are different zoom levels for comfortable reading, and the app doesn’t populate the storage by saving images. But, there’s an option to store it or share it. To ease the operation, the app features a “Reset Zoom” button at the bottom and even offers color filters for live previewing the image. Furthermore, the users can access more settings by hitting the settings toggle on the bottom left side icon. The settings overlay offers the ability to Invert, Grayscale, Yellow on black, Blue on yellow, White on blue, and Red on black.

There’s also an option to adjust the Contrast and Brightness of the image. Google Magnifier app does have Google Lens support that lets to analyze the image, copy text from it, or convert text-to-speech.

Use Google Magnifier with Google Pixel’s Quick Tap Gesture

For user convenience, Google suggests assigning a gesture to the Google Magnifier App. It can be done by following the steps below.

Head over to the phone’s Settings app.
Now go to System > Gestures > Quick Tap.
Enable Quick Tap gesture and then Choose Open App > Tap Settings > Select Magnifier App.
Now, Double tapping the phone back will open the Magnifier app.

It is available via the Google Play store.

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