9RT inches towards Oxygen OS 14 with Closed Beta

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Oct 7, 2023

OnePlus is among the OEMs that push timely updates to their smartphones and other devices. Following the trend, the company is already working on the Android 14-based OxygenOS 14, and some devices are even part of their Closed Beta program. OnePlus 9, OnePlus 9 Pro, and OnePlus 9 RT are the latest smartphones to join the Oxygen OS 14 Closed Beta Program.

Must See: OnePlus 9R gets OxygenOS 13.1 with June 2023 security update & NFC improvements

OnePlus 9/ OnePlus 9 Pro/ OnePlus 9RT Oxygen OS 14 Closed Beta Program

Interested OnePlus 9/9 Pro/9RT users in India can participate in the program and get hands-on experience with the Oxygen OS 14. The program is limited to the first 500 users who meet the requirements of the program, so you may hurry if interested. Along with the new skin, the company will also reward the participants with excellent performance.

Note: The Closed Beta Program requires skills to flash new firmware.

Make sure you follow the requirements below to be part of the program:

The user must own the OnePlus/9/9 Pro/9 RT India variant
Participants must be Active OnePlus community members.
Participants should regularly give feedback about the features, issues, and bugs.
He/She should join the CBT telegram group.
The CBT installation package must not be shared publicly.

However, it is not recommended for users who are using it as their sole daily driver. As it is a Closed Beta build, there must be some issues that are part of the package. Below are known issues:

Flashback issue when taking photos after turning on High-Efficiency Image.
Progress bar issue of the icon when adjusting the beautification effect bar with the front camera.
Slow update of apps in the Play Store.

The users must update their devices to the below versions for compatibility with the OOS 14 CBT package:

OP9

LE2111_13.1.0.590(EX01)
LE2111_13.1.0.582(EX01)

OP9 Pro

LE2121_13.1.0.590(EX01)
LE2121_13.1.0.582(EX01)

OP9 RT

MT2111_13.1.0.592(EX01)
MT2111_13.1.0.591(EX01)

If the user is selected, then their device will receive the update package. Participants can directly submit the feedback by typing *#800# on Google Dialer or can share it via the CBT Telegram Group.

OxygenOS 14 Closed Beta Program Status

It’s been nearly a couple of months since OnePlus introduced the Closed Beta for OxygenOS 14. The program is live for the OnePlus Nord 3, OnePlus 11R, OnePlus 11 (Open Beta also available), OnePlus Nord 2T, and OnePlus 10 Pro.

OnePlus OxygenOS 14 Open Beta is already out for the OnePlus 11 and is slated to roll out on other devices in the coming months (Revealed in Open Beta Timeline).

There are many features that are part of the latest Oxygen OS 14 including Trinity Engine. It aims to improve the system performance, and efficiency, and enhance the responsiveness among apps. It features several core improvements via CPU Vitalization, RAM Vitalization, ROM Vitalization, HyperBoost, HyperTouch, and HyperRendering techniques.

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Nukeproof Megawatt Carbon launched as the first e-bike with SRAM’s new Eagle Powertrain system

By

Jed John Ikoba

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Oct 7, 2023

The Nukeproof Megawatt Carbon electric mountain bike (eMTB) has been unveiled as the first bike to feature the SRAM Eagle Powertrain. The Eagle Powertrain system is SRAM’s innovative powertrain that also controls gear activity for the bike. The Nukeproof Megawatt Carbon is an aggressive enduro bike that also comes with an improved suspension.

The Megawatt Carbon eMTB will be powered by a 250W (peak output is 680W) motor. The bike is designed to deliver pure, unadulterated fun, according to the company. The electric bike is a high-spec, full-suspension eMTB with 29-inch and 27.5-inch front and rear wheels respectively. It features the refined RockShox suspension and a 12-speed drivetrain. The cockpit has a minimalist design and the bike supports wireless shifting on SRAM X0 and GX AXS hardware.

The Megawatt Carbon’s 720Wh battery is removable and can be recharged outside the bike. The bike features Rally and Range ride modes and you can customize the pedal assist to suit your needs. The Coast Shift and Autoshift features are also exciting aspects of the Megawatt Carbon due to its Eagle Powertrain. The Nukeproof Megawatt Carbon offers more torque than what is obtained from the Shimano gear used previously.

The Nukeproof Megawatt Carbon eMTB is available in two trims – the Pro and RS versions. The Nukeproof Megawatt Carbon Pro is priced at $9,899 while the Megawatt Carbon RS is retailed for $10,899. The bike is available in small, medium, and large sizes, as well as XL and XXL sizes. Only the medium and large sizes of the Megawatt Carbon are available currently.

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Super Deal: iPhone 13 down to just ₹39,999 for a limited time on Amazon India

By

Staff

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Oct 7, 2023

The highly anticipated deal on the Apple iPhone 13 is now live on Amazon during the Great Indian Festival sale. For a limited period, you can get your hands on the iPhone 13 for just Rs 39,999, a significant discount from the original starting price of Rs. 59,900.

This discounted price includes a bank discount of Rs. 2,500 for SBI bank cardholders and an additional exchange bonus of Rs. 3,500. This means that the final deal price of Rs. 39,999 is even lower than the initial offer price.

The Apple iPhone 13 is a powerful device that still holds its ground among the latest smartphones. It features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display, an A15 Bionic chipset, and a 12MP dual-camera system. The phone is also water and dust-resistant and boasts good battery life.

If you’ve been waiting to upgrade your iPhone and have been on a tight budget, this deal is perfect for you. So, don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to own the iPhone 13 at an aggressively discounted price.

Further, make sure to mark your calendars as the sale begins on October 7th for Prime members and October 8th for everyone else.

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Samsung is considering expanding security updates beyond 5 years

By

Rajesh Regmi

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Oct 7, 2023

Samsung is already an industry leader when it comes to software updates, but it looks like the company is considering taking things a step further. It currently offers 4 years of major and 5 years of security updates for its flagship smartphones. A new report suggests that Samsung is now considering expanding its support for security updates beyond the current 5-year period.

In an interview with SamMobile at the Samsung Developer Conference, Samsung’s Principal Engineer and Technical Program Manager of the Security Team for its Mobile eXperience division revealed that the company is actively discussing how to expand its long-term security support beyond 5 years.

He also mentioned that this vision aligns with Samsung’s goal of supporting devices for longer, and it is also preparing to go beyond its current 5-year support period in light of new regulations coming up.

However, SamMobile notes that this does not mean that Samsung will be offering major platform updates for more than 5 years. The company is only considering expanding its security update support. This means that even if your device does not receive a major Android update, it will still receive security updates for longer.

Samsung is one of the few Android smartphone brands that offers consistent software updates, even to its budget smartphones. Currently, the company manages updates for more than 1 billion devices every month and over 10 billion annually.

The company now considering enhancing its software update game is fantastic news for Samsung users. This means, the devices will be protected for longer against security threats. And it is also a sign that Samsung is committed to providing its customers with the best possible support.

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New Steam Deck Coming Sooner Than We Thought!

By

Oğuz Çakır

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Oct 7, 2023

The world of handheld gaming consoles is buzzing, with new devices capturing the hearts of gamers everywhere. Leading the pack is the Steam Deck, a surprise hit from Valve that has quickly become a favorite among enthusiasts. With its success, many are asking, “When will we see a Steam Deck 2?” While Valve has stated we shouldn’t expect a new console until at least 2025, recent hints suggest that an updated version of the original might be closer than we think. Here are the details…

New Steam Deck! Better Battery Life Means More Gaming on a Single Charge

“Appearances can be deceiving.” You’ve probably heard this phrase many times throughout your life. Indeed, when it comes to technology, looks can be even more misleading. For instance, a product that seems unchanged in its design might emerge with a completely revamped look. This is precisely what Valve intends to do with the Steam Deck.

Valve Corporation Model: 1030 seems to be a revised Steam Deck model with AT LEAST a new Wi-Fi card capable of the 6E (6Ghz) spectrum pic.twitter.com/OLjzTPVXlr
— Brad Lynch (@SadlyItsBradley) October 4, 2023

A Steam Deck refresh could be coming soon, according to recent rumors and FCC filings. The refreshed model is expected to have a new model number (1030) and feature a Wi-Fi 6E card for significantly improved download speeds. Other potential improvements include a better battery life, a brighter display, and a more efficient cooling system. Some of the potential improvements that could be included in a Steam Deck refresh:

Wi-Fi 6E for significantly improved download speeds
Better battery life
Brighter display
More efficient cooling system

However, it is important to note that these are just rumors and speculations at this point. Valve has not yet announced any plans for a Steam Deck refresh. If a Steam Deck refresh is released, it is likely to be a minor update with incremental improvements. Like we said, Valve has already said that it is not planning to release a full-fledged Steam Deck 2 until at least 2025.

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Newly Launched Samsung Galaxy Buds FE Available For Rs 6,999 With Bank Offer On Amazon

By

Viraj Gawde

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Oct 7, 2023

Samsung launched its first-ever Fan Edition Galaxy Buds recently in the global markets. The TWS earphones pack some impressive specifications and features. In India, they are available under the Rs 10,000 segment and compete against the likes of the OnePlus Buds 2 Pro, Enco X2 (review), and more in the market. As a part of Amazon’s Great India Festival sale in the country, the Galaxy Buds FE can be picked up with a bank offer making them an intriguing option. Read on to learn more details below.

Samsung Galaxy Buds FE bank offer on Amazon

It’s worth noting that the Samsung Galaxy Buds FE has not received a discounted price on Amazon during the ongoing festive sale. The TWS earphones are available at a price tag of Rs 9,999. However, interested buyers who own an SBI Bank card can avail an instant cashback of Rs 3,000. Thus with the bank offer buyers can grab the Galaxy Buds FE at an effective price of Rs 6,999. This makes the latest TWS earphones from Samsung worth buying.

The Samsung Galaxy Buds FE has an in-ear design with a shark fin for a better and more secure fit. Users can perform functions by tapping on the touch surface. The earbuds come in a small squarish case.

Audio-wise, the Samsung Galaxy Buds FE is equipped with two external mics, one internal mic, and a one-way speaker. It features active noise cancellation to eliminate surrounding noise. There is also an ambient sound mode for staying aware of the surroundings without taking off the earbuds. The TWS earphones utilize beamforming technology for automatically adjusting the user’s usage pattern to pick up their voice.

The Samsung Galaxy Buds FE comes with an Auto Switch feature for seamlessly switching the earbuds between other connected Galaxy devices. The lost and found feature shares the contact information of the owner with the person who finds the earbuds with an alert message. The TWS earphones also pack a handy feature that rings an alarm when the user leaves the earbuds behind. The Galaxy Buds FE are powered by a 479mAh battery unit with each earbud backed by a 60mAh cell.

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

Xiaomi’s first car to be launched in battery electric and extended-range versions

By

Rajesh Regmi

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Oct 7, 2023

Xiaomi is reportedly planning to launch its first EV in both electric and extended-range versions. This news comes from the Beijing-based outlet Pandaily, which suggests that Xiaomi’s upcoming car will have both battery-electric and extended-range powertrains.

Xiaomi car battery electric extended range

This report follows on the heels of news that Xiaomi is recruiting engineers in China to develop extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) range extenders. According to the report, the entry-level model will use a 400V voltage platform and BYD Blade Battery, while the high-end model will use an 800V voltage platform and CATL Qilin Battery with a battery pack capacity of 101kWh.

On the other hand, the extended-range version is expected to be equipped with a 1.5L or 1.5T range extender and a large battery. For those who don’t know, an EV range extender is a gasoline engine that extends the range of a battery electric vehicle by driving an electric generator that charges the vehicle’s battery. So, this could be a wise choice for Xiaomi, as it will give the car a longer range and appeal to a wider range of buyers.

Xiaomi’s first car is expected to have a coupe design that is popular among the younger generation. It will be a low and sleek profile, with a longer front end and a fastback rear end, giving it an overall sporty look.

The car was recently spotted on Bluetooth SIG certification, revealing that it will have a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295 chipset, Bluetooth 5.2, USB Media functionalities, and Apple CarPlay support.

Xiaomi has made significant progress in its car manufacturing business since officially announcing its entry into the industry. Mass production is expected to begin in 2024, and the car has reportedly entered the trial production stage, with approximately 50 prototype cars being produced each week.

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Oppo Enco Air 2 New Sound Edition now up for sale in China for 149 yuan ($20)

By

Soumyakanti

-

Oct 7, 2023

Oppo has introduced the Oppo Enco Air 2 New Sound Edition, an upgraded version of their true wireless earbuds originally launched in January 2022. These earbuds are now available for purchase at a retail price of 179 yuan ($25), with an introductory offer starting at 149 yuan ($20), and they come with a range of improvements while retaining their familiar design.

Oppo Enco Air 2 New Sound Edition Key Features:

In terms of design, the Oppo Enco Air 2 New Sound Edition features a transparent jelly case design and a semi-in-ear form factor. The total weight of the device is 40.2 grams, with each earbud weighing around 3.7 grams.

These earbuds feature a 13.4mm composite titanium-plated dynamic driver for improved audio quality, including “live-level spatial sound.” They also offer AI-powered call noise reduction and are certified for Viper Atmos, providing unique popup themes, sound effects, and spatial sound adaptation. However, these earbuds do not feature Active Noise Cancellation (ANC).

When it comes to battery life, these earbuds offer a single-charge duration of 5.5 hours and an impressive maximum battery life of up to 35 hours with the charging case. They’re also rated IPX4 water-resistant, making them suitable for workouts and outdoor activities.

These TWS earbuds come equipped with a Bluetooth 5.3 chip, enabling instant pairing upon case opening. They offer customization through various popup themes and provide the convenience of activating the voice assistant with a triple tap.

There’s a dedicated “Huanlu” app for pairing and customization. Additionally, double-tapping the earphones can be used as a remote control for taking photos. The Oppo Enco Air 2 New Sound Edition comes in two elegant color options, Light Sea Blue and Clouds are White.

Our recent review covers the Tranya Nova TWS earbuds, a compelling option for those with a budget under $100. If you’re looking for quality earbuds within this price range, the Tranya Nova is worth considering.

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Samsung Galaxy Ring launch may not happen until late 2024 or early 2025

By

Rajesh Regmi

-

Oct 7, 2023

Rumors about a Samsung Galaxy Ring continue to swirl. The smart ring was recently spotted in the code strings of the Galaxy Wearable app, along with a January 2024 launch date. However, a recent report from South Korean outlet The Elec suggests that the Galaxy Ring may not launch until late 2024 or early 2025.

According to the report, Samsung is planning to launch the Galaxy Ring alongside the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, which is expected to arrive in August, September, or October 2024. However, The Elec also says that an early 2025 launch is also a possibility.

This is somewhat later than we were expecting, as previous rumors had pegged the launch date to January 2024. However, it is worth noting that there is still some uncertainty about the exact launch date, as Samsung is reportedly considering seeking medical approval for the device. This would require regulatory approval for readings taken by various sensors (like a heart rate sensor) and could push the launch date back further.

As the blog points out, product development typically takes seven to eight months, and getting medical approval would add an additional 10 to 12 months. Considering all these processes, a launch in 2025 is more likely.

The Elec report also suggests that Samsung is only developing one model of the Galaxy Ring, which will come in four sizes. It is still early days for the ring, but it is likely that Samsung will announce it, even if it takes some time to be released. We will keep you updated on the latest news and developments about the Samsung Galaxy Ring.

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Samsung Galaxy S23 gets sixth One UI 6.0 Beta build

By

Simranpal Singh

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Oct 7, 2023

It’s been a month since Samsung published the first One UI 6.0 beta for the Galaxy S23. Following the development, it received multiple Beta builds over time, and now it is in line for the sixth One UI 6.0 beta build. The new update is now available for the users in India who have participated in the Program.

Must See: Samsung Galaxy S23 FE launched with Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 / Exynos 2200 SoC, 50MP triple camera & 4500mAh battery

Bearing the version ZWJ6, the new build weighs 900MB in size. Its official changelog doesn’t unleash much about the changes but mentions some improvements for touch sensitivity, and overall software stability. There are several other changes that are labeled under the “many other improvements” text.

Considering the changelog, and the development process over the past month, the One UI 6.0 stable build for Galaxy S23 seems nearing. We won’t be surprised if the stable build appears by next week or so. Following seniority, the Galaxy S23 will be the first among the whole Samsung Galaxy lineup to get the stable One UI 6.0 update.

What Changes are coming to One UI 6.0?

Samsung officially took wraps off the One UI 6.0 a couple of days ago at SDC23. The new skin is bringing some exciting changes to improve the overall UX. There will be a full Quick Panel overhaul along with a more accessible position for the brightness control bar. Certainly, there will be performance and stability improvements alongside the new features. Bundling Android 14’s new security and privacy metrics, Samsung enhances it further with its own Knox security.

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Adobe’s New AI-Powered Tool Could Put Graphic Designers Out of Work

By

Oğuz Çakır

-

Oct 7, 2023

Artificial intelligence technologies have become an indispensable part of our lives. Today, we can feel the influence of AI in almost every application we use. Recently, Adobe has also joined this trend. The company has been testing various AI technologies in its Beta version for a while. Now, Adobe teases a new AI photo editing tool that promises to “revolutionize” Photoshop. Here are the details…

Adobe Project Stardust, a New Era of Photo Editing

Adobe is set to announce a new AI-powered photo editing tool (Project Stardust) at the Adobe Max event next week that makes it much easier to alter images without prior editing experience. No longer do you need to be a professional photographer or graphic designer to create high quality images. With Project Stardust, anyone can create professional-looking photos with just a few clicks.

Of Course, Project Stardust, still under development. However, the company recently showcased its features in a video. In the footage, the tool impressively removes objects like suitcases or background people from photos. The AI smoothly fills and blends the resulting gaps. Additionally, it can replace objects with AI-created alternatives, like changing outfits using text commands.

Here are a few examples of how Project Stardust can be used:

Remove unwanted objects from photos: Easily remove people, objects, or even blemishes from photos without any manual editing required. For example, you could remove a photobomber from a vacation photo or a blemish from a portrait.
Change the background of a photo: Replace the background of a photo with a new one, or remove the background altogether to create a transparent PNG image. For example, you could replace the background of a headshot with a professional studio background or create a transparent image of a product to add to a website.
Change the color or style of objects in a photo: Change the color of a car, the style of a piece of clothing, or even the hairstyle of a person in a photo. For example, you could change the color of your car to match your new outfit or give your pet a new hairstyle.

A screenshot taken of Adobe’s new Project Stardust tool.

Add new objects to photos: Add realistic-looking objects to photos, such as people, animals, plants, or even buildings. For example, you could add yourself to a photo of a famous landmark or add a pet to a family photo.
Create composite images: Combine multiple photos to create a single image, such as a photo of a person standing in front of a famous landmark or a photo of a product with a different background. For example, you could create a photo of yourself standing in front of the Eiffel Tower or a photo of a product with a white background.

Project Stardust is still in development, but it has the potential to revolutionize the way people edit photos. It is expected to be released to the public in the near future.

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Grab Incredible Discounts on Top Smartphones in India: Amazon Great Indian Festival

By

Staff

-

Oct 7, 2023

Looking to upgrade your smartphone? Now is the perfect time to make the leap, as Amazon India is brining you a range of unbeatable offers on some of the most popular smartphones in the market.

Amazon Great Freedom Festival | Deal Prices Revealed!

From the latest iPhone 13 to feature-packed OnePlus devices and budget-friendly choices from Redmi and realme, these deals are too good to miss.

Models	List Price in Rs.	Deal Price in Rs.
iPhone 13	59999	39999
OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G	19999	17499
OnePlus 11R 5G	45999	34999
Redmi 12 5G	15999	11499
Samsung Galaxy M34 5G	24999	14999
OnePlus Nord CE 3 5G	26999	22999
realme narzo 60X 5G	14999	11999

*the final deal price includes bank discounts and coupons

Let’s take a closer look at the amazing discounts available:

iPhone 13

The iPhone 13 is known for its power-packed performance and exceptional camera capabilities. With a list price of ₹59,999, Amazon has slashed the price down to an incredible ₹39,999. This excellent deal allows you to grab an Apple iPhone at an unbeatable price.

OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G

The OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G is a true value-for-money device. With a list price of ₹19,999, Amazon is offering an outstanding discount, lowering the price to just ₹17,499. Enjoy powerful 5G capabilities, an impressive display, and a long-lasting battery without burning a hole in your pocket.

OnePlus 11R 5G

Available at a list price of ₹45,999, the OnePlus 11R 5G is a steal at its deal price of ₹34,999 on Amazon. With its powerful processor, top-notch camera, and stunning display, this smartphone ensures a flagship experience without breaking the bank.

Redmi 12 5G

Redmi has gained popularity for its affordable yet high-performing smartphones, and the Redmi 12 5G is no exception. Originally priced at ₹15,999, Amazon is offering an attractive discount of ₹11,499 on this device. Featuring 5G compatibility, a powerful chipset, and excellent battery life, the Redmi 12 5G is a fantastic option for budget-conscious consumers.

Samsung Galaxy M34 5G

The Samsung Galaxy M34 5G combines premium features with affordability. Listed at ₹24,999, Amazon is offering a remarkable discount, bringing the price down to ₹14,999. Enjoy a stunning display, a powerful processor, and 5G connectivity while staying well within your budget.

OnePlus Nord CE 3 5G

The OnePlus Nord CE 3 5G is a mid-range powerhouse that won’t disappoint. Originally priced at ₹26,999, Amazon is offering it for just ₹22,999. With 5G support, a smooth display, and a reliable camera system, this OnePlus device proves to be a great option for those seeking both power and performance.

realme narzo 60X 5G

The realme narzo 60X 5G offers an unbeatable combination of performance and affordability. With a list price of ₹14,999, Amazon is giving customers a chance to grab it for just ₹11,999. This device is packed with features, including 5G support, a powerful processor, and a long-lasting battery.

Whether you’re an Apple enthusiast, a OnePlus lover, or seeking budget-friendly options from Redmi and realme, these discounts are hard to ignore. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to upgrade your smartphone and enjoy the latest features at unbelievable prices. Hurry! These deals won’t last long.

Pixel Watch App 2.0 update brings Pixel Watch 2 and Wear OS 4 support

By

Simranpal Singh

-

Oct 7, 2023

Following the Pixel Watch 2 launch, and the availability of Wear OS 4 on the Pixel Watch, here comes a much-needed update for the Pixel Watch Companion App. The new version of the app extends support for the new Pixel Watch 2 and Wear OS 4. It also bundles some exciting design changes aimed at improving the users’ accessibility.

Must See: Google Pixel Watch 2 Unveiled With Temperature Sensor, Enhanced Safety Features

The new Companion App is inclusive of a reorganized settings menu which now looks more compact and modern. It even packs side-by-side “Watch faces” and “Tiles” for enhanced navigation. Overall, the app now looks more into Material Design 3.

The app update also brings support for the Google One backup which is now part of the Wear OS 4. It allows the users to restore the Watch from the available backups. It is even helpful in transferring a watch to a new phone or while performing a factory reset.

If you’re a Pixel Phone user, then there’s an additional synchronization feature for the Do Not Disturb and Bedtime Mode. If users enable it on Pixel Phone, then the same will apply to their Pixel Watch.

Here’s the official Pixel Watch App 2.0 Changelog

Support for Pixel Watch 2
Support for Wear 4 features and updates, which include:
- Back-up with Google One
- Restore during watch setup from the available back-ups
- Ability to transfer Watch to a new Phone without factory reset
- Factory reset protection during watch setup
Redesigned experience for the Pixel Watch app
New settings and education under “Safety & emergency” section *✝
DND (Do Not Disturb) and BTM (Bedtime Mode) mode mirroring for Pixel Watch 2 users under the “Notifications” setting for Pixel phone users *
Bug fixes to improve the quality of the app

Precisely, the Pixel Watch 2.0 App with build 2.0.0.567628986 is now out for users, and it will arrive on the Play Store shortly after some time. However, interested users can sideload the app to enjoy the new features rather than wait for the Play Store update.

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China’s electronics production surge, over 900 million phones produced in first eight months amidst recovery

By

Soumyakanti

-

Oct 7, 2023

In Q1 2023, China experienced a nearly 15% decline in semiconductor production and a 13.8% drop in smartphone production, primarily affecting local brands like Oppo, Vivo, and Xiaomi. This decline in electronics production contrasted with a 4.5% GDP growth and 3.9% industrial output increase in March. The US export control regime on semiconductor equipment and increased competition from factories in Vietnam and India are contributing factors to China’s challenges.

Now according to recently released data by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) indicates a notable recovery in the electronic manufacturing sector in China from January to August. Key findings from the report reveal:

Chinese Electronic Manufacturing Sector Is Recovering Slowly

Steady Improvement in Production: Electronic manufacturing enterprises contributed to a 0.9% year-on-year increase in value added, showing improvement compared to the first seven months.

August’s Strong Performance: August witnessed a remarkable 5.8% year-on-year increase in value added by the electronic information manufacturing industry.

Mobile Phone Production: Despite a slight decline of 0.9%, mobile phone production reached an impressive 935 million units, with smartphones contributing 679 million units but experiencing a 7.5% decline.

Decline in Microcomputer Devices and Integrated Circuits: The production of microcomputer devices fell by 21.7%, and integrated circuits saw a 1.4% decline.

Mixed Export Picture: The electronic information manufacturing sector faced an 8% decline in export delivery value, though it improved slightly compared to the earlier part of the year. Exports of laptops, mobile phones, and integrated circuits declined by 21.7%, 10.9%, and 6.2%, respectively.

Financial Performance: The industry generated an operating revenue of 9.21 trillion yuan ($1.2 trillion), with a 3.5% year-on-year drop, which showed signs of improvement. Costs decreased by 3%, totaling 8.06 trillion yuan ($1.12 trillion), and profits stood at 354.7 billion yuan ($49.6 billion), reflecting a substantial decrease of 20.6% but improving over the previous months.

China’s electronic manufacturing sector has displayed resilience and a positive trajectory despite facing challenges during the first eight months of the year. While there have been declines in certain areas, such as smartphone production and exports, the overall industry has shown signs of recovery and growth, with August particularly standing out as a strong month. The sector’s ability to adapt and improve, along with a potential boost in the coming months, indicates a promising future for China’s electronic manufacturing industry.

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Xiaomi Resolves Xiaomi 13T series Pre-order Controversy in Malaysia within 24 hours

By

Leo Wong De Quan

-

Oct 7, 2023

The Xiaomi 13T series of premium smartphones officially launched globally last month and the lineup received high sales volumes in Malaysia during its pre-order period from 27 Sep to 6 Oct 2023.

However, as pre-order customers in Malaysia started receiving their Xiaomi 13T orders yesterday, a lot of the buyers unboxed and noticed that the freebies of RM568 (120 USD) were not included in their Xiaomi 13T pre-order as advertised. This prompted an outrage controversy in the reviews complaining about the missing freebies for pre-order customers, and an uptick of return orders for Xiaomi Malaysia as Xiaomi 13T buyers were not given their freebies due to the misleading advertisement.

Pre-order Advertisement of Xiaomi 13T series with Redmi Buds 4 Pro and Smart Band 8 as free gift for pre-order customers.

Initially, Xiaomi Malaysia used the excuse that the stock of Redmi Buds 4 Pro and Xiaomi Smart Band 8 had run out, thus the lack of free gifts in the pre-order packages, but after the commotion raised by Xiaomi 13T pre-order customers yesterday and today. Xiaomi Malaysia had decided to officially reimburse Xiaomi 13T customers who didn’t receive their Redmi Buds 4 Pro and Xiaomi Smart Band 8 with coupons that allowed them to buy the gifts for free directly from their store.

After realising the error on their part, Xiaomi Malaysia managed to resolve the Xiaomi 13T series pre-order controversy within 24 hours. Malaysian buyers who have not received their free gifts can directly chat with their online customer service on Xiaomi Malaysia Local Store on Lazada or Shopee to redeem their free gifts coupon to purchase back the free gifts for free.

The Xiaomi 13T series officially goes on sale starting 7th October in Malaysia, and features a flagship triple camera setup that is in collaboration with camera giant Leica, alongside Xiaomi’s first 144Hz refresh rate OLED display in its smartphone lineup. The Xiaomi 13T series is also Xiaomi’s first flagships to be promised with 4 years of Android OS updates and 5 years of security updates.

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One UI 6 Beta Update arrives for Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Flip 5

By

Simranpal Singh

-

Oct 7, 2023

After bringing One UI Beta 6 support for all the major Galaxy S Series smartphones, and eventually the Galaxy A series, here it comes for the Foldables. Samsung is rolling out One UI 6.0 beta for the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5. The program is now live for smartphones in the US, South Korea, India, and the United Kingdom.

Must See: Samsung Galaxy S21, Galaxy S21+ and Galaxy S21 Ultra finally getting OneUI 6.0 Beta update

Based on Android 14, the One UI 6.0 brings several new features and enhancements that surely improve the system’s stability and enhance the users’ accessibility. The users can participate in the One UI 6.0 Beta program by browsing the beta card in Samsung’s Community app on your Galaxy Z Fold 5 or Flip 5 smartphones.

Samsung Galaxy Z Foold 5 is receiving firmware F946BXXU1ZWJ2 and version F73U1EU1ZWJ2 on the Galaxy Z Flip 5, both featuring the October 2023 Security Patch. The update package weighs around 2.7GB in size on both smartphones.

Interestingly, if you have not received the update banner in your community app, then you should try to reinstall the Members app.

One UI 6.0 Beta Program Development

One UI 6.0 is now official and it bundles several new changes including a whole new Quick Panel, quick Brightness Control, Dynamic Lock Screen, and much more. It even brings better notification management.

It’s been a couple of months since Samsung introduced the One UI 6.0 Beta Program for the Galaxy S23. Over time, the Galaxy S23 Beta program progressed and it recently received the One UI 6.0 Beta 6 build featuring some final changes (Hopefully!).

Samsung is also working on beta programs for the Galaxy S22, Galaxy S21, Galaxy A54 5G, and Galaxy A34 5G.

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Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra likely to ship with Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in all markets

By

Rajesh Regmi

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Oct 7, 2023

Samsung has officially announced the Exynos 2400 SoC, and it is likely that this chip will be used in the upcoming Galaxy S24 series. However, since the Exynos name has a mixed reputation, some users may be hesitant to see it return to the Galaxy S24 series, especially after Samsung’s decision to use Snapdragon chips globally in the Galaxy S23 series. A new report sheds light on the use of Exynos and Snapdragon chips in the S24 series.

According to a report by Korean outlet The Elec, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra will use a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset exclusively—no matter the region or market it’s sold in.

On the other hand, the Galaxy S24 and Galaxy S24+ will use either the Exynos 2400 or the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, depending on the region. It is likely that the Exynos 2400 versions of the Galaxy S24 and S24+ will be launched in Africa, Asia (including South Korea), Europe, and Latin America, while the Snapdragon-equipped versions will be launched in North America (Canada and the US).

This is similar to the approach Samsung took with the Galaxy S22 series. Samsung is reportedly in the final stages of deciding how to distribute the different variants of the Galaxy S24 series phones. So it is unlikely that the company will change its strategy now.

Exynos 2400

The new Exynos chip features a 70% faster CPU and 14.7x faster AI processing than the previous generation Exynos. It also features the Xclipse 940 GPU, which is based on AMD’s latest RDNA3 architecture. Samsung has not unveiled its stats for GPU performance, but it claims that the chip offers substantially improved ray tracing performance in games.

However, based on past trends, the Exynos 2400’s GPU performance is unlikely to be as good as the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3’s. The Exynos 2400 chip is reportedly fabricated on Samsung Foundry’s 4nm LPP+ node and has a 10-core CPU.

Meanwhile, the upcoming Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip is expected to use TSMC’s latest node, but some reports claim that there may be versions on both the 3nm and 4nm process. We will learn more about the process when Qualcomm unveils it at its Snapdragon Summit this month.

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Azulle launches Byte 4 modular mini PC with add-on modules for extra features

By

Rajesh Regmi

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Oct 7, 2023

Mini-PCs are these small, simple desktop computers that don’t take up much space, yet offer enough power for your home office tasks. Azulle, a leading manufacturer of mini PCs, has recently announced its new model, Byte 4 with a modular design, and a range of add-on modules that bring extra features to your desk. Here are all the details.

The Byte 4 is designed to be a versatile and customizable device that can meet the needs of a wide range of users, from home users to businesses. As a result, its modular design allows users to choose the modules they need and add them on as needed, without having to purchase a new device. Specifically, Azulle offers three add-on modules for the Byte 4 — Active Cooling, 4G LTE, and Power over Ethernet (POE).

Azulle’s Active Cooling module is designed to keep the Byte 4 cool under even the most demanding conditions. It’s perfect for users who need to run the device in hot or dusty environments, or for extended periods of time. In fact, Azulle claims that the Active Cooling module can withstand up to 130°F (54.4°C).

Likewise, the 4G LTE module enables cellular connectivity in the Byte 4. Users can rely on it when their primary network fails, in remote locations with no wired internet access, or in emergency vehicles.

In addition to cellular connectivity, Byte 4 also supports Power over Ethernet (PoE). This means that it can be powered and connected to the internet using a single Ethernet cable. This should be a convenient and cost-effective solution for businesses and organizations that need to deploy multiple Byte 4 devices.

As for the core specifications, the Byte 4 is available with two CPU options: the Gemini Lake N4020 and the Jasper Lake N5105. It comes with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage, regardless of the CPU you choose. You can pre-install Windows 11 Pro or Linux on the Byte4, but the final cost of the device varies depending on your OS selection.

The Byte 4 starts at $225.99, excluding add-on modules. You can purchase it from the company’s official website or contact Azulle for help.

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Daihatsu’s New Concept EV is Taking Electric Mobility to New Heights

By

Anubhav

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Oct 7, 2023

In a few weeks, Daihatsu is set to make a buzz in the electric vehicle (EV) market at the upcoming Japan Mobility Show. While the brand may not ring bells in America, it’s still a powerhouse in Japan, specializing in compact cars and commercial vehicles. What’s more interesting? Daihatsu is a Toyota subsidiary, and it’s ready to prove that small doesn’t mean less innovative.

A total of four electric concept vehicles will be displayed at the Japan Mobility Show

Daihatsu is showcasing not one, but four electric concepts at the event, each bringing something unique to the table. Let’s start with the Osanpo. This electric roadster is designed for those who like the wind in their hair. Measuring at a compact 133.7 inches, it’s perfect for quick city jaunts. The name Osanpo means “to walk” in Japanese, underlining the brand’s philosophy of creating a car that offers the open-air freedom of a casual stroll.

Not to be outdone, the Me:Mo EV concept features an eye-catching rectangular design and large windows to let the sunshine in. At 116.3 inches, it’s smaller than Osanpo but has a chic urban vibe. Then there are the Uniform Cargo and Uniform Truck. These utility EVs share the same size as the Osanpo and aim to revolutionize compact commercial vehicles with removable interior and exterior parts for customization.

But Daihatsu isn’t just stopping at EVs. They’re also bringing a refreshed concept of their Copen roadster to the event. This newer, wider model packs a 1.3-liter engine, making it a beefier version of the brand’s current 658-cc, 63-hp offering.

Why should you care? Because Daihatsu’s approach is vital in understanding how automakers are evolving to meet the growing demands of the EV market. While Toyota, Suzuki, and Daihatsu are joining forces to develop next-gen electric mini-commercial vans, Daihatsu is doing its part to show that electric vehicles can be diverse in both form and function.

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Google Will Offer 7 Years Of Spare Parts For The Pixel 8 Series To Align With The Software Policy Commitment

By

Viraj Gawde

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Oct 7, 2023

Google unveiled its latest-generation flagship Pixel 8 series globally earlier this week. The smartphones come with 7 years of Android OS updates putting the search giant ahead in terms of software support. Now, in a new development, Google has announced that it will provide spare parts for the Pixel 8 series for the same 7-year duration to align with the software policy commitment. This also ensures that the latest-generation Pixel 8 series lasts its entire lifespan for customers.

Pixel 8 series gets 7 years of spare parts support

In an interview with Android Authority, Google’s Director of Product Management confirmed that the company will offer spare parts for the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro for seven years. Smartphones usually have a lifespan between 3 to 5 years and during this period, their hardware undergoes degradation. Problems like the device’s display and issues with the battery crop up several years down the line.

Fortunately, Google has thought about this in its commitment to offer 7 years of software support. The Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro will be eligible for spare parts throughout the period. This means that users will easily be able to purchase spare part to keep their phone running till it reaches the end of lifecycle.

Google did not explicitly reveal the specifics as to when and how the spare parts will be available for the Pixel 8 series. iFixit is the company’s partner in the US, hence, it’s likely that the spare parts will be available from the repair website. Notably, iFixit offers genuine parts for previous Pixel phones along with guides for DIY repairs.

Google’s hardware and software commitment for the Pixel 8 series is good news for customers who want to keep their phone running over a long period. We can expect Google to share more details about the spare parts like its market availability and more in the coming weeks.

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