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Samsung Galaxy F34 Orchid Violet color variant launches in India

Samsung introduced a new color variant for the Galaxy F34 5G in India. Along with the already available colors of Electric Black and Mystic Green, the users would be delighted to pick the new Orchid Violet color of the Galaxy F34 5G smartphone. The new color will retail on Flipkart Big Billion Days 2023. On the occasion the company says, “The addition of the new orchid violet colour will give more choice to consumers looking to buy Galaxy F34 5G this festive season.”

Related: Samsung Galaxy F13, Galaxy M13, & Galaxy M04 price dropped in India

Samsung Galaxy F54 5G Specifications

Apart from the new color, all other specifications of the smartphone remain the same. Samsung Galaxy F34 5G comes with a 6.5-inch Full HD+ 120Hz Super AMOLED display. It is protected with Gorilla Glass 5. Further, it bundles Exynos 1280 SoC with 6/8GB RAM and a 128 GB internal storage variant. The 5G smartphone supports all the 5G bands in India and runs on Android 13-based OneUI 5.1.

The OneUI 6.0 Beta support for the device is available in some countries. We expect a stable OneUI 6.0 rollout in the coming few months for the device across all the countries.

Samsung Galaxy F34 5G smartphone with 6GB+128GB storage configuration currently retails for INR 19,999. We expect some special discounts on the upcoming Big Billion Days Sale for the device which is scheduled to start from October 8.

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Google Pixel Watch 2 leaked renders reveal sleek design and four color options

Google will hold its Made by Google event in New York next week, where it will unveil the new Pixel Watch 2 smartwatch. Just ahead of the launch, WinFuture has revealed some flashy render images of the device, giving us a better look at its design and colors.

The Pixel Watch 2 is rumored to feature a sleek, round design with a metal frame as its predecessor. Now, WinFuture has revealed that it will come in four main colors: blue, black, gray, and white. The exact names of these colors will be announced next week.

Earlier this week, the smartwatch appeared in a leaked promo video, which revealed several new features. The watch will be equipped with Fitbit’s multi-path heart rate sensor for accurate heart rate measurement, even during vigorous exercise. 

It will also feature a skin temperature sensor and a cEDA (electrodermal activity) sensor. The latter will be used to detect stress in the user’s body and prompt them to log their current mood and give suggestions.

In addition to these new health-tracking features, the watch will also have a Safety Check feature that will attempt to verify that the user is okay. If the user does not respond, their emergency contacts will be notified of their location.

Likewise, the Pixel Watch 2 is also expected to receive a number of internal upgrades, including a new Qualcomm W5+ Gen 1 chip, which could significantly improve battery life. Other rumored upgrades include a faster refresh rate display and a new stress monitor.

Google will stream its Made by Google event live on YouTube on October 4 at 10 a.m. ET. In addition to the Pixel Watch 2, the company is also expected to announce the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro smartphones.

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Noise Air Buds Pro SE with 30dB ANC launched in India for ₹1,699

After launching the Noise Air Buds 3 series earbuds earlier this month, the brand has now debuted the Noise Air Buds Pro SE Edition in the market. The Air Buds Pro SE features active noise cancellation and a metallic build which makes it stand out from other earbuds at its price point.

Noise Air Buds Pro SE

Noise Air Buds Pro SE Edition

The Noise Air Buds Pro SE comes with a sleek metallic finish design. When it comes to audio, they pack a punch with a 13mm driver, which delivers powerful and immersive sound. You can enjoy your music or content without disruptions thanks to the Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology that blocks out up to 30dB of ambient noise. Plus, these buds feature Quad Mic ENC (Environmental Noise Cancellation) technology, ensuring your calls are clear and crisp, even in noisy environments.

In terms of connectivity, these buds are equipped with Bluetooth 5.3, providing a stable and reliable wireless connection. When it comes to battery life, the buds offer an impressive 40 hours of playtime on a single charge, and if you’re in a hurry, the Instacharge technology gives you 180 minutes of playtime with just a 10-minute charge. Another added convenience is the USB Type-C port, which makes charging a breeze. The IPX5 water resistance protects the buds from sweat and rain.

Pricing & availabiltiy

Starting today, the Noise Air Buds Pro SE is available for purchase. You can find them for the attractive price of only ₹1,699 on both Flipkart and gonoise.com.

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Raspberry Pi 5 arrives with an improved CPU & GPU, starts from just $60

The Raspberry Foundation has officially announced the next-generation model of its popular Raspberry Pi series of single-board computers. The latest entry is dubbed Raspberry Pi 5, which features some notable upgrades over its predecessor.

Raspberry Pi 5 Specs

It is the direct successor to the Raspberry Pi 4, which launched back in 2019. Raspberry Pi 5 arrives with an upgraded 64-bit ARM Cortex-A76 processor, which features four cores and a clock speed of 2.4GHz. Thanks to this, the fifth iteration is around 2 to 3 times more powerful than the previous generation model. The new launch also comes with improved graphics as well, with an 800MHz VideoCore VII GPU.

Raspberry Pi 5

Notably, the Raspberry Pi 5 arrives with an in-house silicon dubbed “Southbridge”, which adds I/O Peripheral functionalities. The new and improved CPU is paired with LPDDR4X RAM (available with either 4GB or 8GB options). For connectivity, the device supports Bluetooth 5.0/BLE, 2 x USB 3.0, 2 x USB 2.0, PCIe 2.0 interface, 5V/5A DC power via USB-C, and Raspberry Pi standard 40-pin header.

Raspberry Pi 5 Pricing and Availability

The Raspberry Pi 5 has a higher starting price tag compared to the Pi 4 model. It now costs 60 US Dollars for the base 4GB model, while the 8GB variant costs 80 US Dollars. Apart from the miniature PC, buyers can also opt for a bunch of different accessories that include a case, an active cooler, a 27W USB-C Power Supply, and more. The Raspberry Foundation has begun taking pre-orders for the Pi 5 as of today (29th September 2023), with shipments expected to kick off by the end of October 2023.

Where to buy Raspberry Pi 5

The Raspberry Pi 5 is now available on Geekwills.

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Fitbit Charge 6 announced with more accurate heart-rate tracking, first-party apps

Fitbit has announced the Charge 6, its latest fitness tracker with a focus on more accurate heart rate tracking, Google services, and a longer battery life. Here are the details.

Fitbit Charge 6 Specifications

The Charge 6 looks almost similar to its predecessor, but it has a small haptic button on the left edge that provides vibration feedback when pressed. This button can be used to go back to the clock face or wake the screen, without having to rely on taps and swipes.

The tracker is made from 100% recycled aluminum and is available in three color combinations: Black with Obsidian, Silver with Porcelain, and Champagne Gold with Coral. It also has a Gorilla Glass screen protector and is water resistant to 50 meters.

As for the health and wellness feature, the most notable upgrade is its heart rate tracking. The tracker now uses the same heart rate tracking technology as the Pixel Watch. This results in 60% more accurate readings during vigorous activities like HIIT. Additionally, the Charge 6 also supports real-time heart rate streaming to gym equipment from brands like NordicTrack, Peloton, Concept2, and Tonal.

Additionally, the Charge 6 includes 20 new exercise modes, bringing the total to 40. New modes include strength training, skiing, and kayaking. The tracker also features an EDA (electrodermal activity) scan app that can detect changes in your skin’s sweat level, which can be a way to measure your body’s stress level.

Besides this, all of the core Fitbit features are still present on the Charge 6, such as step tracking, sleep tracking, and automatic workout recognition.

The Charge 6 also includes a number of Google services, such as YouTube Music (Premium subscription required), Google Maps, and Google Wallet. Despite all of these new features, the Charge 6 still gets a 7-day battery life (when the always-on display is turned off). It also uses the same magnetic charger as the Charge 5.

Price and Availability

The Fitbit Charge 6 is now available for pre-order for $159.95 from Amazon, and it will launch on October 12 in 30 countries. That price also includes six months of Fitbit Premium for free.

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Amazon Kickstart Deals on Smart TVs now Live with Big Discounts

If you’ve been eyeing the latest smart TVs, then we have some exciting news for you. Amazon’s Great Indian Festival is right around the corner, and they are already offering kickstart deals on smart TVs at unbeatable prices. Whether you’re looking for a small-sized TV for your bedroom or a top-of-the-line model for your home theater, this is the perfect opportunity to upgrade your entertainment setup.

One of the standout deals is the Redmi Smart Fire TV 4K, which is available for a launch price of just Rs. 24,999. This TV comes with a 4K Ultra HD display, providing crystal-clear picture quality. Additionally, it also offers a one-year extended warranty, giving you complete peace of mind.

If you’re in the market for something smaller, the Redmi Smart TV X43 is an incredible steal. With a regular price of over Rs. 30,000, it is currently available for only Rs. 20,499. This TV also boasts a 4K display and comes with all the smart features you would expect.

For those looking for a premium viewing experience, the Hisense 43-inch QLED TV is a great option. Originally priced at Rs. 40,000+, it is now on sale for just Rs. 25,999. QLED technology delivers vibrant colors and deep blacks, resulting in stunning visuals.

Deals on Smart TVs on Amazon right now

Furthermore, if you’re a fan of Sony, you’ll be delighted to know that the 65-inch 4K UHD TV is on sale for an unbelievable price of Rs. 82,990. With a savings of over Rs. 17,000, this TV is a steal for those seeking a cinematic experience in the comfort of their own homes.

Amazon is also offering massive discounts on other popular brands. For example, the LG 55-inch 4K UHD TV is available for just Rs. 40,990 instead of the usual Rs. 80,000. Meanwhile, the OnePlus 43-inch 4K UHD TV is on sale for an impressive price of Rs. 26,999, and the Vu 55-inch 4K QLED TV is available for Rs. 61,990 instead of Rs. 80,000.

Amazon is also offering up to 10% off when you use your SBI Debit or Credit Card for the purchase.

So if you were looking to get a brand new TV or upgrade your existing setup, this may be a good time to check out the deals.

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

Samsung Galaxy Fit 3 could be in the works, reveals FCC documents

The Korean giant is bringing some surprising accessories and wearables this year, amid talks of the smart ring, a new wearable is spotted on FCC with SM-R390. As per the documents, and label diagram the new wearable appears to be the successor to the Galaxy Fit2 which was launched three years ago.

Must See: Samsung rolls out One UI 5.1.1 on Galaxy Tab A7 Lite in Europe

New Samsung Wearable on FCC

The listing unveils the rear design schematics of the wearable which seems to carry some heart rate sensor along with the certification details. We could even spot the pogo pin charger which has remained part of the Galaxy Fit series for the past several years. It seems to bundle with a 5W adapter if we consider the rating information on the rear side of the schematic. Further, it is tested with a B319 battery.

It will be a successor to the Galaxy Fit 2 which was launched a few years ago featuring a 1.1-inch AMOLED display, 5ATM water resistance, and a few other features. Following the predecessor, we expect the new Galaxy Fit 3 to feature a heart rate sensor, accelerometer, automatic workout detection, sleep tracking, and a few new features. Further, it will surely bring utility features such as notifications sync, music controls, etc. We expect Samsung to bring a Calling feature considering the current competition in the same segment.

It will run rtOS which aids all the above features. However, nothing is confirmed yet from Samsung’s side, but the certification listing confirms a new Samsung Wearable is in the works.

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Galaxy S24 renders and 360-degree video leak, revealing flat edges and possible UWB support

The Galaxy S24 series is still months away, but leaks and rumors are already swirling. In a fresh leak, tipster Steve Hemmerstoffer a.k.a “OnLeaks” and SmartPrix have released renders and a 360-degree video of the base Samsung Galaxy S24, giving us a good look at what to expect from the upcoming flagship phone.

The renders show a phone that looks similar to the Galaxy S23, with the same rear camera cutouts and flat panel with a centered punch-hole cutout. However, the S24 may have completely flat and polished edges, unlike the slightly rounded edges on the S23. The changes are subtle, but they could make a noticeable difference in the hand.

Video: SmartPrix

Besides this, the video also reveals a light blue color option for the Galaxy S24 and a UWB (ultra-wideband) antenna strip below the power button. UWB is already present on the Galaxy S23+ and S23 Ultra, but this is the first time it will be available on the base Galaxy flagship model. So, its inclusion on the Galaxy S24 would be a welcome quality-of-life upgrade.

According to sources, the Galaxy S24 will measure 147 x 70.5 x 7.6 mm, making it slightly taller and narrower than the Galaxy S23. The thickness remains the same. Other features revealed in the renders include a USB Type-C port, a SIM card slot, a microphone, and a loudspeaker on the bottom.

As for the rumored specifications, the phone is expected to be powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 / Exynos 2400 chip, with an LTPO 120Hz OLED screen with up to 2,500 nits peak brightness. It will have a 12MP selfie camera, a 50MP primary rear camera, a 12MP ultrawide camera, and a 10MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom. Memory options may include up to 12GB RAM and 256GB/512GB storage. 

The Galaxy S24 series is expected to launch in January or February 2024, so we’re sure to see more leaks and rumors drop between now and then.

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Redmi Smart Fire TV 4K on sale in India starting at ₹24,999

Earlier this month, Xiaomi debuted the Redmi Smart Fire TV 4K in India. Around two weeks after its introduction, the Redmi Smart Fire TV 4K is finally available to buy online.

Price & availability

The brand has set the price of this television at ₹26,999 ($325), but as part of an exclusive launch promotion, it will be accessible for a reduced rate of ₹24,999 ($301). Interested customers can buy the TV via Mi.com and Amazon. Additionally, the company is extending a special offer of up to Rs. 1,500 instant discount for those using ICICI Bank credit cards and opting for EMI transactions.

Redmi Smart Fire TV 4K specs

The Redmi Smart Fire TV 4K offers a 43-inch screen with a crisp 4K display, delivering a resolution of 3,840 x 2,160 pixels and a smooth 60Hz refresh rate. It supports HDR for vibrant visuals and is equipped with a vivid picture engine for enhanced image quality.

Redmi Smart Fire TV 4K

On the audio front, it comes with 24W dual stereo speakers and supports Dolby Audio, DTS Virtual:X, and DTS:HD, ensuring a rich sound experience.

Under the hood, it’s powered by a 64-bit quad-core processor, 2GB of RAM, and has 8GB of storage. It runs on the FireOS operating system and offers the convenience of six user profiles. With access to an app store containing over 12,000 apps, it provides a wide range of entertainment options.

Redmi Smart Fire TV 4K

The Redmi Smart Fire TV 4K (review) features a built-in Alexa voice assistant, allowing for voice commands and smart home control. It also includes parental controls for added security and a picture-in-picture mode for multitasking.

In terms of connectivity, it supports Miracast and AirPlay 2 for screen mirroring, has an auto-low latency mode for gaming, and offers dual-band WiFi and Bluetooth 5.0. It’s equipped with three HDMI 2.1 ports, two USB ports, an Ethernet port, and a headphone jack for versatile connectivity.

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Samsung Galaxy A15 rear design revealed via leaked renders

Earlier this month, a new leak revealed the design of an upcoming Samsung Galaxy A series smartphone. Now, the design of the Galaxy A15 has been revealed once again via fresh renders. So here are all the details.

Samsung Galaxy A15 Design

The latest leak arrives from known tipster Evan Blass who shared an image on X (formerly Twitter). Looking at the render, we can see that the Galaxy A15 will feature a triple camera setup on the rear, which also features an LED flash. The leaked render also showcases the right side of the upcoming smartphone, which showcases a power button that also doubles as a fingerprint scanner. Unfortunately, the latest render isn’t as clear as the previous leak.

Samsung Galaxy A15 Design

Although, this does hint that the Galaxy A15 launch could also be near. Samsung Galaxy A15’s battery was recently also spotted on Safety Korea’s certification. Based on our previous report, the device is the successor to the Galaxy A14 5G model. So similar to its predecessor, the handset will also be an affordable mid-range model. The smartphone is expected to sport a 6.4-inch display with an Infinity-U shaped notch. But the finer details regarding this device is still unclear.

The Samsung Galaxy A14 5G features a taller 6.6-inch IPS LCD panel and is equipped with the MediaTek Dimensity 700 SoC. This processor is paired with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage. There is even a 4G only model that houses a Helio G80 SoC.

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ChromeOS M117 update is live with Material You-like theme & many new features

In a recent update, ChromeOS has rolled out its latest version, M117, packed with a slew of exciting new features and improvements. With this new update, ChromeOS looks more like Android thanks to the revamped quick settings and a Material You like theme system.

ChromeOS M117 material you
Image via @stufflistings on X

Here’s a rundown of what you can expect when you update your device:

1. Enhanced Vietnamese Input Method: ChromeOS M117 introduces improved Vietnamese Telex and VNI input methods, offering advanced features and shortcuts. Users will also appreciate the fixed diacritic insertion, ensuring consistent behavior.

2. Up Next Calendar View: The new ChromeOS calendar now allows you to easily view upcoming meetings and join them directly with a simple click on the date. Multi-day event support has also been added for added convenience.

3. System Information Preview: When you’re looking for information about your OS version, battery, RAM, storage, or CPU, the Launcher Search now provides a preview of these details in the search results.

4. Quick Settings Revamp: The Quick Settings view, located where the time is, has been revamped for a more user-friendly experience. It features larger buttons, reduced pagination, and a separate notification panel, making it easier to access notifications and essential controls, including a new restart option.

5. Enhanced Privacy Controls: Chromebook users can now enjoy enhanced camera and microphone privacy controls. This year, a one-click solution in the Settings menu will allow users to manage these settings across the operating system easily.

6. New Privacy Indicators: Users will now be informed when apps are accessing their microphone or camera through new privacy indicators located in the bottom right status area.

7. Accent Colors and Personalization: ChromeOS now offers accent colors that match your wallpapers, providing a unique theme for your device. These colors will adapt to light and dark modes, enhancing personalization options through the Wallpaper & Style settings.

8. Clipboard History Enhancements: Managing your clipboard history has never been easier. The update introduces new entry points and educational information to help users discover and utilize this feature effectively.

9. GIFs in Emoji Picker: The emoji picker now includes GIF support, making it even more fun and expressive.

10. Audio Ducking Update: ChromeOS now allows users to listen to audio from Android apps and the web simultaneously without one pausing the other.

11. Color Correction Settings: New built-in color correction settings in ChromeOS Accessibility settings make it easier for users to customize their display according to their color vision needs.

12. Time-Lapse Recording: The Camera App now supports Time-Lapse recording, simplifying the process and automatically selecting the speed for the resulting video.

13. Adaptive Charging: A new power management feature, Adaptive Charging, predicts when users will unplug their devices and charges them accordingly. This preserves battery health and can be customized by admins.

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Vivo T2 Pro India sales live via Flipkart, with Dimensity 7200, curved AMOLED display, & more

Just last week, Vivo announced the T2 Pro smartphone model in India. Now, the first sale of this device has finally kicked off in the region, so here are all the details regarding its pricing, specs, and more.

Vivo T2 Pro Specs

The Chinese smartphone maker launched the T2 Pro back on September 22. The device sports a tall 6.78-inch curved AMOLED display that has a 120Hz refresh rate, 1,300 nits of peak brightness, and Full HD+ resolution. Under the hood, the Vivo T2 Pro is equipped with the MediaTek Dimensity 7200 SoC that is paired with 8GB of RAM and up to 256GB of internal storage.

Vivo T2 Pro Launch India

The front houses a 16-megapixel selfie camera, while the rear features a 64-megapixel dual camera setup on the rear. A 4,600mAh battery pack powers this device, which supports 66W fast charging. Other notable features include an in-display fingerprint scanner, IP52 water and dust resistance, and Android 13 OS based FuntouchOS 13. The device weighs just 176 grams and measures 7.36mm in thickness.

Vivo T2 Pro Pricing

The Vivo T2 Pro has finally gone on sale in India. The smartphone is available in two color options, namely New Moon Black and Dune Gold. It has a starting price tag of 23,999 INR for its 8GB + 128GB configuration. On the other hand, the 8GB + 256GB model will sell for 24,999 INR. As a part of its special launch offer, the brand is even offering a 2,000 INR instant discount on ICICI Bank and Axis Bank Credit cards. The device can be purchased starting at 7:00 PM IST later today (29th September 2023). It is available exclusively via Flipkart and Vivo’s official store.

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Samsung rolls out One UI 5.1.1 on Galaxy Tab A7 Lite in Europe

According to a recent report, Samsung has started rolling out One UI 5.1.1 update for Galaxy Tab A7 Lite.

For those unaware, the Galaxy Tab A7 Lite was released in 2021. It arrived with Android 11 pre-installed and was expected to receive two major Android updates. Now that the device is running on an Android 13-based OS, it may not receive major Android updates.

Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite Wi-Fi
Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite Wi-Fi

As per a recent report by SAMmobile, the update is currently live in Europe. The One UI 5.1.1 includes the August security patch that focuses on fixing security vulnerabilities. The patch arrives with a build version ending in CWI2 and a size of around 1 GB. Those wondering what this update has to offer can check the improved features provided below.

Galaxy Tab A7 Lite One UI 5.1.1 improvements and features

In the latest One UI 5.1.1 update, you can now continue to share files via Quick Share even if the other person has left the local Wi-Fi network range. The patch now shows up to four recent apps on the taskbar. You can now set a file expiration window for the files that are being shared privately. The latest patch now gives you access to stop people from downloading the files you shared with them.

Furthermore, those who wish to update the Tab A7 Lite to the latest version can head over to Settings > Software Update > Download and Install. It is worth noting that the update is currently available in Europe. However, we expect the company to release it to other countries in the future.

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Acer XZ342CU S3 widescreen LED monitor with 1440p and 180Hz refresh rate unveiled

According to a recent announcement, Acer has introduced its latest widescreen LED monitor. The monitor is called XZ342CU S3, which is developed using vertical alignment (VA) panel technology. Those wondering what this monitor has to offer can check the specifications provided below.

Acer XZ342CU S3 Widescreen LED Monitor Specifications

The Acer XZ342CU S3 is a 34-inch monitor that provides a resolution of 3440 x 1440 and a 180Hz refresh rate. This monitor is ideal for gaming thanks to its 21:9 aspect ratio and 1 ms VRB response time. XZ342CU supports AMD FreeSync technology to prevent tearing while gaming. It supports 1.07 Billion colors and offers 8-bit +FRC (10-bit with dithering) color depth and a dynamic contrast ratio of 100,000,000:1. The 4,000:1 contrast ratio and 400-nit brightness will make the colors on the monitor more vivid, and the text more legible.

In terms of connectivity, the Acer XZ342CU is equipped with two HDMI 2.0 ports and two display ports (Display port version 1.4). The monitor has a swivel angle of -360° to 360° and a tilt angle of -5° to 15°, giving it a more appealing look. Lastly, XZ342CU is wall-mountable and has built-in speakers when needed.

Price & Availability

The Acer XZ342CU S3 is currently available on the official Acer US website with a price tag of $229.99. The package comes with 1 x XZ342CU S3 Widescreen LED monitor, 1 x power cord (US), 1 x DisplayPort cable, and 1 x HDMI cable.

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Upcoming Smartphones: Pixel 8, Galaxy S23 FE, and more

September has almost come to an end with a plethora of smartphone launches. However, new phone releases will continue to happen next month as well.

Three brands are expected to debut new handsets as early as the first week of October. Two of them have officially scheduled events, while one of them is rumored.

The companies that have planned events are Vivo and Google. The former will unveil upper mid-range smartphones and the latter will take wraps off its next-gen flagships. On the other hand, the rumored brand is Samsung, which will announce a flagship killer.

Let’s have a look at these devices one by one.

Upcoming Smartphones Next Week

1. Vivo V29 Series

Vivo V29 Pro

The Vivo V29 series is set to go official on October 4 in India. It will be announced in a live stream scheduled for 12 PM IST.

The brand will unveil two devices, namely Vivo V29 and Vivo V29 Pro. Both phones will be equipped with a 50MP selfie camera with autofocus and a ring LED flash (Aura Light) on the rear.

The Pro model will come with an OIS-assisted 50MP Sony IMX766 primary sensor and a 12MP Sony IMX663 with a 2x telephoto lens for portraits. It will be backed by a 4,600mAh battery with support for 80W wired charging.

2. Google Pixel 8 Series

Google Pixel 8 Pro

The Google Pixel 8 series will be officially presented on October 4. It will be made official at an event in New York, which will start at 10 AM ET and will be live-streamed on YouTube.

The lineup will include two models, such as Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. The duo will be powered by Tensor G3 chip and will receive software updates for 7 years.

The Pro variant will offer better cameras like a 48MP ultrawide unit and a 48MP 5x periscope zoom unit. It will also sport an LTPO OLED display (1-120HZ refresh rate).

The Pixel 8 is tipped to cost $699, while the Pixel 8 Pro will retail at $999. These prices make them $100 costlier than their predecessors.

3. Samsung Galaxy S23 FE

Samsung Galaxy S23 FE

Samsung is tipped to unveil the Galaxy S23 FE on October 4. This handset will act as the successor of Galaxy S21 FE and the third Galaxy S FE model to date.

The device will be powered by Exynos 2200 and Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipsets depending on the markets it will be sold in. Its front will be fitted with a 6.4-inch 120Hz AMOLED display with noticeable bezels all around.

The phone will arrive with a 50MP (wide) + 12MP (3x telephoto) + 8MP (ultrawide) triple camera setup and a 10MP selfie camera. It will draw energy from a 4,500mAh battery with support for 25W wired charging and 15W wireless charging,

Finally, the product is expected to start from $599 in the US.

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Tecno Spark 20C spotted on Geekbench with MediaTek Helio P35, 4GB RAM

Tecno has been expanding its mid-range portfolio in the global market. It recently launched the Camon 20 series and we even reviewed the Camon 20 Pro and 20 Pro Premiere. Soon, the company might introduce an affordable smartphone in the market— Tecno Spark 20C. The device has been spotted on the Geekbench website with the MediaTek Helio P35 SoC and 4GB of RAM. Here are the details.

Tecno Spark 20C might launch soon

Alongside Geekbench, the Tecno Spark 20C was also spotted on the Bluetooth SIG website, which confirmed the marketing name of the device as Tecno Spark 20C (BG7). As per the listing, the smartphone will have Bluetooth v5.0 support. The handset with model number BG7 appeared on Geekbench, running MediaTek’s octa-core Helio P35 SoC.

In addition, the smartphone gets 4GB of RAM and runs Android 13 out of the box likely with HiOS 13 skin on top. Tecno Spark 20C managed to get 168 points in Geekbench’s single-core test and 928 points in the multi-core test. Other specifications of the Tecno smartphone are still anyone’s guess. The handset should launch soon as it has already bagged multiple certifications.

Tecno has also been rumored to be working on Tecno Spark 20. As per a leak, the Tecno Spark 20 will be announced in October or November in India and the global market. This might suggest the Spark 20C will launch alongside. The vanilla Spark 20 is rumored to be equipped with Helio G85. It is said to pack a massive 6.78-inch LCD panel that offers an HD+ resolution of 720 x 1612 pixels. The handset might also bring 5000mAh battery, triple camera setup, and more.

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3nm chip demand to fall in 2024, Apple to cut orders: analyst

Chipsets based on the 3nm process node have just started to hit the market, with Apple A17 Pro being the first. However, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggests the demand for this emerging technology might not be very strong next year, pushing major players to hold back. Apple will apparently cut orders for the 3nm chips next year, forcing chipmaker ASML to reduce EUV equipment shipment for by about 20-30%.

The semiconductor sector might bottom out in 2H23

According to Kuo, demand for Apple’s 3nm chips will be lower than expected next year. The analyst attributes this to a significant decline in MacBook and iPad shipments in 2023, which fell by approximately 30% and 22%, respectively, to 17 million and 48 million units.

“The sharp decline is attributed to the end of work-from-home (WFH) demand and diminishing user appeal for the new specifications (Apple Silicon and Mini-LED). Looking ahead to 2024, Apple’s 3nm demand is negatively impacted by the lack of growth drivers for MacBook and iPad,” he writes in his blog on Medium.

This might result in ASML, a Netherlands-based semiconductor company, lowering EUV equipment shipment for 2024 by about 20-30%, suggests Kuo. In addition, the TF International Securities analyst says Qualcomm’s 3nm demand for 2024 would also be lower than expected due to Huawei’s decision to stop sourcing Qualcomm chips and the higher-than-expected penetration rate of Exynos 2400 in Samsung smartphones.

For those unaware, Huawei has recently achieved significant progress in chip development by equipping its flagship Mate 60 and Mate 60 Pro with its own 7nm Kirin 9000S 5G processor. The Chinese company had previously depended on Qualcomm’s 4G flagship processors.

In addition, Samsung, which had been using Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chips in all the Galaxy S23 models this year, is planning to significantly reduce its orders. The Korean company appears to be reintroducing Exynos chips to its S series, starting with the Exynos 2400.

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Honda Strikes up a Partnership to Expand Charging Network in the US

American Honda has struck major partnerships with Electrify America and EVgo. These collaborations aim to build a nationwide charging network that will benefit future owners of Honda and Acura electric vehicles.

The companies involved in the partnership are EVgo and Electrify America

Here’s why this is big news: At the moment, neither Honda nor Acura offer a pure EV in the U.S. market. However, by 2024, we can expect the Honda Prologue EV and the 2024 Acura ZDX electric SUVs to hit the roads. Honda forecasts that these alliances could unleash up to 100,000 DC fast chargers by 2030, making charging as convenient as fueling up at a gas station.

Honda e:Ny1 EV
e:Ny1: The next all-electric vehicle from Honda combines comfort, performance and technology

In an industry-first move, the company plans to offer charging credits across multiple networks. These packages could range from a $750 EVgo public charging credit to a $500 home charging installation credit. What this means for customers is that Honda is not just selling a car; they’re selling an entire eco-system of convenience.

What truly sets Honda apart in this journey toward electrification is its one-app solution. Future Honda and Acura EV owners will be able to manage all their charging needs via the HondaLink and Acura EV apps. These apps will handle everything from payment for charging to locating stations and even enrolling in subscription plans.

Although both upcoming EVs will share underpinnings with GM models, Honda seems intent on offering something unique to its customer base. This move towards customer-centric solutions is further exemplified by Honda’s involvement in creating ChargeScape, LLC. In collaboration with BMW and Ford, this platform will enable EV owners to manage their energy usage intelligently, providing rewards for off-peak charging.

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Xiaomi Partners Up with Padget Electronics in India to Reinforce Position in the Market

Xiaomi keeps surprising the tech community, time and again. This time, the Chinese smartphone colossus, has entered into a partnership with Padget Electronics, a subsidiary of Dixon Technologies. Although Xiaomi downplayed the news, describing it as merely “a continuation,” there’s more to it than meets the eye.

Padget Electronics will be one of five contract manufacturers Xiaomi has in the country

The deal struck between the two companies centers around Padget Electronics assembling Xiaomi smartphones in its facility located in Noida, Uttar Pradesh. While this deepens Xiaomi’s roots in Indian soil, it also lends credence to the Indian government’s ambitious ‘Make in India’ initiative. Atul B Lall, Dixon’s vice-chairman, hailed the partnership as a “major milestone” for the project aimed at bolstering domestic manufacturing.

Xiaomi-Logo-Branding

So why is Xiaomi so modest about the new deal? The reason lies in Xiaomi’s already substantial Indian operations. Padget Electronics is but one of five contract manufacturers the company has in the country. The alliance, then, isn’t a game-changer but rather a calculated move to reinforce its standing in what is the world’s second-largest smartphone market. Xiaomi currently holds about 15% of India’s smartphone market, trailing behind Samsung and Vivo.

Another layer to this story is the wider shift of electronics brands looking to spread their manufacturing wings outside of China. India’s incentive schemes to promote local manufacturing have been successful in drawing international players like Xiaomi and Apple. Padget itself has received grants from a government program that aims to ramp up telecom and networking product manufacturing.

While both Xiaomi and Padget benefit from this deal, the real winner could be the ‘Make in India’ program. With each such partnership, India strengthens its position as a global manufacturing player, even as it negotiates the complex terrains of royalty payments and foreign investments. Is this new deal a monumental shift? Not really. But it’s another solid step for both Xiaomi and India’s evolving role in global tech manufacturing.

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Huawei Faces Even More Difficulties in the European Market due to 5G Complications

As Europe navigates the complexities of 5G rollouts, Germany is the latest country to contemplate excluding Chinese tech giants Huawei and ZTE from its networks. According to a Reuters report, Germany’s Interior Ministry is suggesting the removal of critical hardware from these manufacturers by 2026. The move would indicate a substantial shift for Germany, which had previously shrugged off U.S. requests to distance itself from Huawei.

Only one third of EU nations have agreed to ban Huawei’s 5G involvement – yet.

This decision by Germany isn’t just another episode in the ongoing tech cold war between China and the U.S.; it has broader implications. Germany is not only Europe’s largest economy but also China’s most substantial trading partner in the EU. A whopping 65% of Germany’s 5G infrastructure is built using Huawei components, according to Janka Oertel of the European Council on Foreign Relations. Any changes here could show effects across Europe’s telecom economy.

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In a recent radio interview, Carsten Senz, a Huawei executive in Germany, pointed out that Huawei’s technology has been employed without any security issues in Germany for years. The company further cautioned that the ban would escalate costs for both telecom operators and consumers in Germany.

While Huawei’s argument centers around economic consequences, the EU has been nudging its members to be cautious. In 2020, the EU recommended restricting or banning Huawei’s involvement in 5G rollouts. However, only a third of EU nations have followed suit so far.

The telecom industry in Europe finds itself caught between two giants: China and the U.S. What’s more, Huawei has been deeply intertwined with Europe’s 5G development since its early stages. As of 2019, almost 60% of Huawei’s global 5G contracts were with European operators.

Given these economic and strategic considerations, Germany’s decision could serve as a tipping point for Europe’s 5G direction. If Germany follows through on the ban, it could catalyze a domino effect, pressuring other European nations to reconsider their 5G partnerships. Thus, Germany’s deliberations reach far beyond its borders and might just reshape Europe’s telecom landscape.

The coming months are crucial for the Chinese company. While security remains a focal point, the economic problems are too significant to be ignored. Germany’s final decision could very well set the tone for Europe’s digital future.

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