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Xiaomi 13T series is more feature-packed than most flagship killers

Almost every major phone brand now sells flagship-killer smartphones. These are handsets that offer premium features but at a cheaper price.

This type of device provides almost the same experience as proper flagships. They do have shortcomings but don’t hinder the overall product experience.

Xiaomi started its hardware journey as a flagship killer smartphone brand with the launch of Mi 1. But as the company grew, its mainline Xiaomi (previously Mi) series became a proper flagship lineup going head to head with the iPhones and Galaxy S series.

Therefore, the company introduced the Xiaomi T series (previously Mi T series) in 2019. These phones are released annually in the second half of the year.

Recently, the firm took wraps off the Xiaomi 13T series comprising standard and pro models. They start at €649 and €799 (Amazon).

For these prices, the devices come with several premium features that are generally exclusive to proper flagships. Let’s check out how the Xiaomi 13T and Xiaomi 13T Pro differentiate themselves from other flagship killer smartphones on the market.

1. Leica Cameras

Xiaomi 13T Pro

High-end smartphones from some of the popular brands now come with cameras tuned in collaboration with prominent camera brands. Xiaomi is one of them with its Leica partnership.

Xiaomi has been using Leica-tuned cameras on its flagships and foldables since last year. The Xiaomi 13T series is the first flagship killer phones from the company to be equipped with Leica cameras.

Both Xiaomi 13T and Xiaomi 13T Pro have the same camera hardware along with Leica tuning. But their ISPs are different since the vanilla variant is powered by a Dimensity 8200-Ultra chip compared to a Dimensity 9200 plus chipset inside the pro version.

The handsets arrive with a proper three-lens system. They feature a 24mm main lens, a 15mm ultrawide lens, and a 50mm 2x telephoto lens.

The main and zoom cameras are 50MP sensors with f/1.9 aperture. However, the primary sensor is larger in size ( 1/1.28″ vs. 1/2.88”) and has OIS.  While the ultrawide unit uses a 12MP sensor with f/2.2 aperture.

Finally, the front camera is a 20MP sensor paired with a f/2.2 lens.

2. Feature-packed Display

Xiaomi 13T Pro

Just like the cameras, the display on Xiaomi 13T and Xiaomi 13T Pro is also the same. This is no regular screen as you get a lot of premium features.

First and foremost, the display offers a resolution of 2712 x 1220 pixels (1.5K), 446 PPI, and 12-bit color depth (10-bit native). The panel supports up to a 144Hz refresh rate. It automatically switches between 30Hz, 60Hz, 90Hz, 120Hz, and 144Hz refresh rates depending on the content.

The centered punch-hole flat screen can play HDR10+ and Dolby Vision content. It can attain a local peak brightness level of 2600 nits. In high brightness mode, its global peak brightness can reach 1200 nits.

The display can also cover 100% of the DCI-P3 color gamut. Lastly, it is even eye-friendly with 2880Hz PWM dimming and has a fingerprint sensor underneath it.

3. Basic Design

Xiaomi 13T Pro

Most flagship killer smartphones sport a flashy design. Because they are generally limited to Asia and targeted at youth.

But the Xiaomi 13T series is different as it has a simple design that caters to a wider audience. It features a flat frame and a slightly curved rear panel for better ergonomics.

The material of the back panel is vegan leather for the Alpine Blue color option. Whereas, Black and Meadow Green color versions use glossy glass.

Either way, both leather and glass variants house a raised platform for cameras, their accompanying LED flashlight, and Leica branding. While the Xiaomi branding is located in the bottom left corner.

Additionally, the handsets are IP68-rated for dust and water resistance. This means theoretically they can survive under 1.5 metres of fresh water for 30 minutes.

4. Longer Support

Xiaomi 13T Pro

The Xiaomi 13T series is one of the first smartphones from the company to fall under its latest software support policy. Hence, they will receive software updates for up to 5 years from release.

These devices are eligible for 4 Android upgrades and 5 years of security updates. Since they ship with Android 13, they will receive up to Android 17 in the future.

Xiaomi is known for providing security updates every two months or every quarter for its premium phones. So this should be the case with Xiaomi 13T and Xiaomi 13T Pro as well.

Nevertheless, customers can expect software support until the second half of 2028.

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Oppo A2x & A2m renders leak revealing multiple color options

In the previous month, the TENAA certification unveiled two upcoming Oppo smartphones, namely the A2x and A2m. This certification not only provided insights into the appearance of these devices but also divulged specific specifications. Recently, both the A2x and A2m have surfaced in a leak, showcasing a series of renders for both models.

The leak comes from MSPoweruser, revealing multiple color options for the upcoming A2x and A2m smartphones.

The renders show that both the devices feature a similar design, with flat edges and a single camera on the back. The slight difference in the camera module appears to be the only distinctive factor. The A2X will come in two color options: Pink and Black. While the A2M has an additional yellow color option. Keep reading to learn more about these smartphones.

Oppo A2X & A2M features (expected)

Both phones are rumored to feature a 6.56-inch LCD panel with an HD+ resolution of 720 x 1612 pixels. While the TENAA listing mentions a 2.2GHz octa-core processor, which is expected to be from the MediaTek camp.

It is speculated that these smartphones may come with either 8 GB or 12 GB of RAM and offer storage options of 128 GB or 256 GB, along with a sizable 5,000mAh battery. However, information regarding their charging capabilities has yet to be confirmed.

In terms of software, it’s rumored that the OPPO A2x and A2m will run on Android 13, likely with the ColorOS 13. As for the camera setup, both models are rumored to sport a 5MP front-facing camera and a 13MP primary rear camera.

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Samsung Announces India Prices And Availability Of Galaxy Buds FE, Galaxy Tab S9 FE, S9+ FE

After a long wait and plenty of leaks and rumors, Samsung finally unveiled Fan Edition devices globally. These include the S23 FE smartphone, Tab S9 FE, S9+ FE and the Galaxy Buds FE. The South Korean brand says that the new FE devices are the perfect entry point for those who want to experience Galaxy flagship devices for the first time. Now Samsung’s India branch has revealed the pricing and availability of all four devices in the country. Read on to learn more about it below. 

Samsung Galaxy Buds FE, Tab S9 FE, Tab S9+ FE India pricing and availability 

Starting with the TWS earphones, the Samsung Galaxy Buds FE are offered in White and Graphite colors. They are priced at Rs 9,999 but as a part of the launch offer, customers can avail the audio device at an effective price of Rs 7,999 via instant bank cashback on eligible cards. You can read the full specifications of the Galaxy Buds FE here

As for the Galaxy Tab S9 FE, it is offered in 6GB + 128GB and 8GB + 128GB RAM and storage configurations. Meanwhile, the Tab S9+ FE is available in 8GB + 128GB and 12GB + 256GB variants. Both tablets are also offered in 5G and WiFi-only versions. The Tab S9 FE and S9+ FE carry a starting price tag of Rs 36,999 and Rs 46,999 respectively for the base configurations. Samsung is offering bank cashback or upgrade bonus on both FE tablets of up to Rs 5,000. 

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE duo comes in Mint, Silver, Grey, and Lavender colors. They can be purchased from the brand’s official website, Amazon, Flipkart, and retail stores starting October 7. Check out the detailed information on the Tab S9 FE and S9+ FE here

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Netflix plans subscription price increase post Hollywood Actors’ strike

Streaming giant Netflix is gearing up for a significant subscription price increase following the resolution of the Hollywood actors’ strike, according to inside sources. Talks about the hike are happening on a global scale, with speculations pointing toward an initial rollout in the United States and Canada. The exact amount of the increase and the effective date, however, remain undisclosed as of now. Netflix has not officially commented on the reported price hike plans.

The decision to raise prices comes in the wake of the Writers’ Guild of America (WGA) ending a 148-day strike against Hollywood studios, a move that has impacted streaming services. The strike compelled streaming platforms to share streaming data with the WGA, leading to a reshaping of the industry landscape.

While the SAG-AFTRA (Screen Actors Guild‐American Federation of Television and Radio Artists) actors’ union continues its strike, causing delays in major film projects such as ‘Dune: Part 2’ and ‘Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse,’ Netflix remains proactive. CEO Ted Sarandos emphasized the company’s preparedness for potential strikes, highlighting the reliance on a robust and diverse content slate.

Netflix’s decision to raise subscription prices follows a trend in the industry. Several major streaming platforms had previously increased prices by 25%, aiming to strike a balance between profitability and attracting customers to low-cost ad-supported plans. Disney+, a leading competitor in the US, currently offers its service at $13.99 per month.

Interestingly, Netflix’s approach to financial challenges differed from competitors. Instead of immediately raising prices, the company implemented measures to crack down on password sharing among subscribers, a move that not only retained existing users but also attracted new ones. This strategy led to a notable influx of 6 million new subscribers, bringing Netflix’s total membership to 238 million globally.

Netflix’s previous subscription plans restructuring took place in February when prices were lowered in some countries. These adjustments were followed by the implementation of measures to restrict password sharing, which was rolled out to over 100 countries in May.

As the entertainment industry navigates through these challenges, consumers and industry experts alike are watching closely for how these changes will impact their streaming experience and the future of digital entertainment.

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Samsung Galaxy S23 FE India Pricing And Availability Announced

Samsung’s Fan Edition devices are finally here after a long wait. The South Korean brand announced the Galaxy S23 FE, Galaxy Tab S9 FE and S9+ FE, and the Galaxy Buds FE in the global markets. The latest fan edition smartphone arrives as the successor to the Galaxy S21 FE that debuted way back in 2021. It’s worth noting that Samsung announced the Snapdragon 888 variant of the S21 FE in July this year. Now the company has officially revealed the pricing and availability details of the newest Galaxy S23 FE. 

Samsung Galaxy S23 FE price and availability in India

Samsung Galaxy S23 FE

The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is offered in 8GB + 128GB and 8GB + 256G RAM and storage configurations. These are priced at Rs 59,999 and Rs 64,999 respectively. As a part of the launch offer, customers can avail of benefits worth Rs 10,000 including bank cashback and exchange bonus. This should potentially bring the net effective price of the smartphone to Rs 49,999 and Rs 54,999 for the two variants. 

The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is offered in Mint, Graphite, and Purple colors. It will be available for purchase starting October 5 via the brand’s website and Amazon. Interested customers purchasing the device during the Samsung Live event starting tomorrow will be eligible for an S23 FE silicone case worth Rs 2,499. 

Samsung Galaxy S23 FE specifications

The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE has a compact form factor with a boxy design. It features a 6.3-inch dynamic AMOLED display with an FHD+ resolution and a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. There is an in-screen fingerprint scanner and vertically stacked three camera sensors on the back panel. The device is also IP68-certified dust and water-resistant. The triple camera setup comprises a 50MP OIS-enabled primary sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide-angle lens, and an 8MP telephoto unit with OIS support. There is a 10MP front-facing selfie camera. 

The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is powered by an Exynos 2200 processor coupled with 8GB RAM and up to 256GB storage. It is backed by a 4,500mAh battery unit with support for 25W wired and 15W wireless charging. The smartphone runs on Android 13 and is eligible for 4 years of OS updates and 5 years of security patches. 

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ASUS ROG Swift Pro PG248QP 540Hz monitor specs officially unveiled; comes with retractable claws

Back at CES 2023, ASUS introduced the ROG Swift Pro PG248QP 540Hz gaming monitor. However, there hasn’t been an official release date announced yet. Nonetheless, ASUS has now shared the complete specifications and features of this monitor, which you can find detailed below.

ASUS ROG Swift Pro PG248QP

Asus ROG Swift Pro PG248QP specs

The standout feature of this 24.1-inch monitor is its 540Hz refresh rate, thanks to the Esports-TN (E-TN) panel. This panel offers around 50% greater responsiveness than a standard TN panel, ensuring ultra-smooth gaming with no screen tearing or lag.

ASUS has added the NVIDIA G-Sync processor and “Ultra Low Motion Blur 2” to eliminate motion blur during fast-paced action. This means your gaming visuals are crystal clear, even during intense moments.

Sound is not overlooked either. The ESS Codec provides low-latency surround sound capabilities, making your gaming experience more immersive than ever.

ASUS has designed the monitor stands with practicality in mind. The stand features retractable claws, freeing up desk space for scuffed gaming setups. It is also capable of making various adjustments, including tilt, swivel, and height, to get the perfect viewing angle for your setup.

You also get bonus features like “GamePlus” options with a stopwatch, aim, timer, and FPS counter, along with “GameVisual” presets for optimized visuals.

Key specs include a 400cd/m2 brightness, 1,000:1 contrast ratio, 100% sRGB color gamut coverage, and multiple connectivity options like DisplayPort 1.4 DSC, HDMI 2.0, earphone jack, and USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A hub.

Although it might take a few weeks for the monitor to arrive in the markets around the globe, if you can’t wait that long to get your hands on a 500Hz monitor, Alienware is already selling its AW2524H 500Hz IPS monitor. You can read more about it by following the link.

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Samsung unveils the T9 Portable SSD for creators, offers 2,000MB/s read speeds

Samsung Electronics announced a bunch of highly anticipated products earlier today (4th October 2023). The company unveiled the new Galaxy S23 FE, Galaxy Buds FE, and more. Among the new launches, the company even released the new T9 Portable SSD, which is targeted at creative professionals.

Samsung T9 Portable SSD

Samsung T9 Portable SSD Specs

The T9 Portable SSD is the latest entry in the South Korean tech giant’s T-series of Portable Solid State Drives. It follows the design language of the previous T7 Shield model, which was launched last year. So the T9 Portable SSD also comes with curved lines and a carbon pattern texture, which combines style and durability. This model can serve a drop from heights of up to 3 meters. As per official notes, the T9 offers impressive sequential read/write speeds of up to 2,000MB/s (megabytes).

It is basically twice as fast as the T7 Shield, enabling users to transfer a 4GB Full HD video in just two seconds. Furthermore, it features two USB 3.2 ports. Buyers can choose between three storage options, namely 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB. Notably, the new SSD arrives with Samsung’s Dynamic Thermal Guard to deal with thermal throttling to ensure fast and consistent data transfer speeds. The Samsung T9 Portable SSD is compatible across different platforms including Windows, macOS, tablets, gaming consoles, and more.

Samsung T9 Portable SSD

Samsung T9 Portable SSD Pricing and Availability

Samsung has launched the T9 Portable SSD is available in a single Black color option. It is already available for purchase across the globe. The SSD has a starting price tag of 139.99 US Dollars for the 1TB option. The 2TB variant of the T9 sells for 239.99 US Dollars, while the 4TB model goes for 439.99 US Dollars. Buyers also get a USB Type C-to-C and USB Type C-to-A cables for their convenience.

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BYD Once Again Destroys Tesla in Global EV Sales as Global Market Surges 49%, with 55% of Vehicles Sold in China

The competition in the electric vehicle market is in full swing. Brands like Tesla, BYD, XPeng, Volkswagen, Lucid, and many others are fiercely competing to reach more customers and gain a larger market share. So, who do you think is leading in this race? If you think the answer is Tesla, you’re quite mistaken. A recent report published by Canalys revealed the state of global EV sales and how BYD has managed to maintain its top position. Here are the details…

Global EV sales up 49% in H1 2023, with 55% of vehicles sold in Mainland China

Competition isn’t the only thing growing in the electric vehicle market. The market itself continues to expand every day. According to Canalys’s latest report, global EV sales reached a record 6.2 million units in the first half of 2023, reflecting a 49% growth. However, this growth isn’t distributed evenly worldwide. Some countries are simply more progressive in certain areas than others. When it comes to electric vehicles, China leads the way, dominating the global EV market with 55% of total sales, or 3.4 million units.

Global EV sales H1 2023

EVs now constitute 31% of all light vehicle shipments in the region. The growth, though impressive, has decelerated from the spectacular 118% surge in H1 2022 to 43% in H1 2023. This slowdown was attributed to the conclusion of China’s EV support scheme, leading to a price war, especially challenging for smaller brands. Yet, amidst this intense competition, BYD retains its crown as China’s leading EV brand.

Europe follows China with a 24% global market share, representing 1.5 million units. Notably, Europe’s year-on-year growth was 34%, a vast improvement from the 9% in H1 2022. U.S. lags in global EV sales with a 13% share but demonstrates a remarkable growth of 97% year-on-year, boosted primarily by new EV subsidies.

Tesla vs BYD

Tesla is still the top seller of electric cars worldwide, selling over 935,000 cars in the first half of 2023. That’s a big jump of 65% from last year. The Model Y is their best-selling car, with the Model 3 right behind it. But, the big surprise is BYD. They sold more than 1.3 million electric and hybrid cars in the same period, doubling their sales from last year. BYD’s cars, including the Yuan PLUS, Dolphin, and Song Pro, make up 9% of all electric car sales globally. Canalys estimates global EV sales to exceed 14 million units by the end of 2023, capturing an 18% market share.

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Meta Platforms announces layoffs in Metaverse – Reality Labs’ Chip Unit

In a significant move impacting Meta Platforms’ Reality Labs division, the company is set to lay off employees from its chip unit, known as the Facebook Agile Silicon Team (FAST). According to inside sources, approximately 600 employees in the FAST unit have been informed about the layoffs via Meta’s internal discussion platform, Workplace. The affected employees are expected to receive notifications about their employment status early on Wednesday.

While Meta has not officially confirmed the layoffs, reports indicate that the restructuring within the FAST division has been anticipated since earlier this year. The restructuring comes after Meta’s struggles in producing competitive custom chips internally, leading the company to rely on external providers like Qualcomm to manufacture chips for its existing AR and VR devices. The FAST unit has been instrumental in Meta’s efforts to develop custom chips, enhancing the performance and efficiency of its devices in the emerging AR/VR market.

The potential impact of these layoffs on Meta’s metaverse-focused projects, including Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg’s ambitious plans for augmented and virtual reality products, is significant. One of the key projects affected by these layoffs is the development of AR glasses, a technology Zuckerberg believes will revolutionize human interaction with technology. However, if the cuts within the FAST unit are deep, they could potentially hamper the progress of these projects.

This move follows Meta’s earlier acknowledgment, made by Zuckerberg, that layoffs were imminent in the spring, with some changes possibly extending into the year’s end. The company has remained tight-lipped about the extent of the cuts within the silicon unit. In addition to the FAST division, another chip-making unit within Meta’s infrastructure division focused on artificial intelligence work has faced challenges. The executive in charge of those efforts recently announced her departure, although Meta has appointed a successor to continue the work in that area.

Meta’s current product lineup includes mixed reality headsets called Quest and smart glasses developed in collaboration with Ray-Ban eyeglass maker EssilorLuxottica. These smart glasses can stream videos and interact with wearers through a new AI virtual assistant.

What is FAST?
When Meta Platforms, Inc., the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp went for significant corporate restructuring, one of its main missions was to create the metaverse, a virtual reality space poised to revolutionize digital interactions. To support this dream, it created Facebook’s Agile Silicon Team, known as FAST. This specialized team was created to design custom chips tailored specifically for metaverse devices, a strategic move aimed at reducing the bulkiness of headsets and lessening the company’s reliance on external chip manufacturers like Qualcomm.

FAST’s mission extends beyond mere hardware innovations. By taking complete control over the chip design process, including software integration, Meta wants to optimize user experiences within the metaverse. However, the layoffs in the FAST unit highlight Meta’s ongoing efforts to navigate the competitive landscape of chip development and secure a strong position in the burgeoning AR/VR market. As the company faces challenges in-house, its strategic decisions and partnerships will play a crucial role in shaping the future of its metaverse-oriented endeavors.

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Android may soon get Seamless Video Calls Feature – Transfer Video Calls Across Your Devices

Apple’s Continuity feature comes to mind when we talk about seamless integration with features like video call transfer to other devices. However, Samsung’s OneUI already carries the ability to transfer Voice Calls among different Galaxy Devices, but it comes with certain limitations. Such a feature is not present on the vanilla Android, the Korean giant has developed it under its own OneUI skin. Google is already working on such a feature that will allow users to continue their video or voice calls over other Android devices.

Must see: Google brings Earthquake Alert System Support for Android in India

Google’s Seamless Video Calls Feature Incoming

It’s been a while since Google has been working on the feature under “Link your Devices” in “Device Groups”. It was reported a month ago that Google is working on call-switching capability via cross-device SDK. A recent report now confirms that along with voice calls, the ability to switch or transfer video calls will soon debut on Android.

Following a report by @AssembleDebug, the “Link your devices” feature is getting new enhancements. They have managed to pull a setup process video and shared some screenshots. The feature allows the users to invite their own devices to the “Device Groups” and then use features like call transfer and sharing hotspots. Now, a new addition to seamlessly transfer video calls across your devices is added.

There are now two features – Transfer Video Calls, and Share Internet Access that has been attached to “Link your Device”. So, these will be made available on Android Soon.

These features are developed using Google’s cross-device SDK. The search giant uses the SDK to offer Cross-Device services across Chromebook and Android Apps. So, it will be interesting to see how and when the feature will be made public.

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Sony PlayStation 5 Cricket 24 Bundle launched for a special price of Rs 47,999

Sony previously announced that it will be launching the new PlayStation 5 Cricket 24 Bundle in India. Now, it has officially revealed the pricing for this new collection today (4th October 2023). The Cricket 24 bundle launch also comes with a special introductory deal, so here are all the details.

Sony PlayStation 5 Cricket 24 Bundle India Pricing

The Sony PlayStation 5 Cricket 24 Bundle includes the PS5 console, along with the Cricket 24 video game. For those unaware, Cricket 24 is a sports game developed by Big Ants Studios. It features over 50 official stadiums and all of the professional Indian T20 teams as well. Apart from the console, the DualSense wireless controller is also offered in this bundle.

Sony PlayStation 5 Cricket 24 Bundle

The PlayStation 5 Cricket 24 Bundle also offers some basic accessories like an HDMI cable, an AC power cord, and a USB cable. Just recently, the Japanese tech giant also announced the new PS5 Spider-Man 2 bundle, which is based on the upcoming Marvel’s Spider-Man 2. This bundle is set to launch in India alongside the game’s global release, which is on October 20.

The Sony PS5 Cricket 24 Bundle is available for an introductory price tag of 47,990 INR (roughly 576 US Dollars). It is worth noting that its actual retail price is 57,990 INR (roughly 696 US Dollars). In other words, the company is offering a 10,000 INR discount. It will be available on popular e-retailer platforms like Amazon and Flipkart. The bundle can also be purchased via offline retailers like Sony Center, Croma, Reliance Digital, Vijay Sales, and others.

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Noise Luna Ring debuts in India at Rs. 14,999 ($180)

The smart ring market in India is becoming increasingly competitive, with several lifestyle brands entering the fray. Noise unveiled their Luna Ring a few months ago, and it is now officially available for purchase on their website.

Noise Luna Ring

Luna Ring Pricing and Availability

The smart ring is priced at Rs. 14,999 ($180). Customers who pre-booked the Luna smart ring with a Priority Access pass can now purchase it on gonoise.com, gaining access to discounts and special offers. They can redeem the pass for an extra Rs 1,000 ($12) discount on the purchase day and receive additional discounts on Noise i1 smart eyewear. Pass holders also get Rs 2,000 ($24) worth of insurance coverage, resulting in a total cash benefit of Rs 3,000 ($36).

The smart ring is available in seven different sizes and comes in five color options: Rose Gold, Sunlit Gold, Stardust Silver, Midnight Black, and Lunar Black.

Luna Ring Key Features

The Noise Luna Ring is an ultra-lightweight smart ring designed to provide users with insights into Sleep, Readiness, and Activity. It boasts a sleek 3mm form factor and is constructed from fighter-jet grade titanium with a diamond-like coating, ensuring resistance to scratches and corrosion. The Luna Ring tracks users’ health by measuring physiological signals using advanced Infrared Photoplethysmography (PPG) sensors, skin temperature sensors, and a 3-axis accelerometer. Every five minutes, it records body temperature while also monitoring heart rate and blood-oxygen levels.

Noise Luna smart Ring

Luna Ring offers a daily Sleep Score, providing insights and recommendations to enhance sleep patterns. It uses in-built algorithms, refined by Noise’s extensive experience in wearables, to ensure accurate results. The ring connects to smartphones via Bluetooth Low-Energy (BLE 5), is water-resistant up to 50 meters, and is compatible with iOS 14/ Android 6 and above. A notable advantage is its battery life, lasting up to seven days on just a 60-minute charge.

boAt has also joined the smart ring market in India two months back by launching its first product, the boAt Smart Ring. In comparison to Noise’s offering, boAt’s smart ring is competitively priced at Rs 8,999 ($108).

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Gmail to combat spam emails with authentication & easy unsubscription

Gmail is taking steps to make your emails safer. Google claims that over the years, Gmail’s AI defenses have blocked a whopping 99.9% of spam, phishing, and malware, stopping 15 billion unwanted emails daily. And it is now applying a new set of rules to deal with more complex issues.

Gmail

The new rules are meant for bulk email senders who send over 5,000 emails daily. Many times, these senders don’t adequately secure their systems, leaving them vulnerable to being exploited by scammers or hackers. Starting in February 2024, Gmail will enforce new rules for bulk senders.

New Gmail bulk email sender’s guidelines

  1. Authentication: Bulk senders must prove they are who they claim to be. This strengthens email security and prevents attackers from sneaking in.
  2. Easy Unsubscription: You’ll be able to unsubscribe from commercial emails with a single click. Senders must process these requests within two days, making it hassle-free.
  3. No More Spam: Gmail will set a clear limit on the spam rate for senders. This means less spam cluttering your inbox.

These rules are backed by industry partners, like Yahoo, who share the goal of making email safer for everyone.

If you’re a sender, don’t worry. Gmail will provide guidance to help you meet these requirements before enforcement begins in 2024.

In related news, Google is working to integrate emojis on Gmail. You can read more about it by clicking the link.

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Wings and Truke Big Billion Days Sale: Grab Exciting Discounts on EarBuds, Headphones and Speakers

Flipkart’s Big Billion Days Sale is just around the corner with some great discounts on popular products and brands. On the occasion, India’s popular consumer electronic brand Wings is offering some exciting discounts on its array of products including TWS earbuds, headphones, and speakers. Its popular Phantom Pro Earbuds will be available at Rs 599 down from Rs 799. Similarly, plenty of exciting deals are coming our way on October 8.

Must See: Wings Nuvobook S1, S2, V1, Pro laptops with up to Core i7 CPU launched in India with Rs 27,990 (~$336) starting price

Wings recently unveiled several new gadgets including new smartwatches, earbuds and laptops. The increasing popularity of its unique design and style is paving the way for new products. Featuring exceptional quality, the Wings TWS brings some great discounts across its series of popular products like the Flobuds 200, Phantom 340, and Phantom 345 earbuds.

Precisely, the Wings Phantom 315 will be available for Rs 699, Wings Phantom 250 will retail for Rs 699, and Phantom 850 will be available at Rs 999. Among the FloBuds series, buyers can grab Wings Flobuds 100 for Rs 899 with a discount of Rs 100. Further, the Wings Flobuds 300 will be available for Rs 999 which is down from Rs 1099.

Truke is not so far behind, they are offering Truke BTG Storm, and Truke BTG 1 will be available for Rs 899, while the Truke Air Buds Lite will retail for Rs 799. Here’s a full list of Products:

Name of ProductBBD PriceBSD Price
WL-PHANTOMPRO-BLK599799
WL-PHANTOM-315 Blk699799
WL-PHANTOM-BLK599799
WL-PHANTOM250-BLK699799
WL-PHANTOM 700-BLK699699
WL-PHANTOM 850-BLK9991099
WL-PHANTOMPRO-WHT699799
WL-PHANTOM250-BLU699799
WL-PHANTOM 850-WHT9991099
WL-PHANTOM-315 Wht699799
WL-PHANTOM-WHT699799
WL-Flobuds100-Black899999
WL-Flobuds300-Blk9991099
WL-Flobuds200-Black799899
WL-PHANTOM105-BLK799799
WL-Flobuds100-Blue899999
WL-PHANTOM 860-BLK9991099
Truke Air Buds Lite799
Truke Air Buds Lite799
Truke BTG 1899
Truke BTG Storm899
Truke Buds S2 Lite899
Truke Q1 Plus999
Truke Clarity 51299
Truke BTG NEO1299
Truke Buds Vibe1299
Truke Buds Vibe1299
Truke Buds Vibe1299

These discounts will be applicable during the Flipkart Big Billion Sale starting on October 8 and ending on October 15. Customers can head over to Flipkart to enjoy the extravaganza discounts on the Wings earbuds, and headphones.

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Oppo Find N3 Flip spotted on Flipkart, launch imminent

Oppo Find N3 Flip was recently spotted on a popular e-commerce platform in India, Flipkart. The smartphone is set to launch soon and the sighting hints that it will arrive with Flipkart’s festive sales period, the Big Billion Days Sale. So let’s have a look.

Oppo Find N3 Flip Surfaces on Flipkart

For those unaware, the Find N3 Flip model was unveiled in China back in September. Now, the company is gearing up to launch this device in the Indian market as well. The flip phone is expected to be announced around October 12, but ahead of its official release, the device has surfaced on Flipkart in a dedicated microsite. Looking at the online listing, we can see that the smartphone will be sold exclusively through Flipkart in the region.

Oppo Find N3 Flip

Furthermore, the website also confirms that the Find N3 Flip will go on sale for the first time during the Big Billion Days sale in the country. The Find N3 Flip India microsite also offers us a look at the upcoming clamshell folding smartphone in two color variants, namely Cream Gold and Sleek Black. It is currently unclear if the Rose Pink color option of the smartphone will be arriving in the Indian market.

The online listing gives us a clear view of the device with its new Cosmo ring camera module, external display, and an Alert slider. Talking about some of its specs, it sports a 6.8-inch E6 AMOLED display with a Full HD+ resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, and 1,600 nits of peak brightness. Under the hood, the MediaTek Dimensity 9200 SoC will power this device. The rear packs a 50-megapixel triple camera setup. Other notable features include side-mounted fingerprint scanner, stereo speakers, 44W fast charging, and more.

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Vivo V29 and V29 Pro launched in India with 50MP selfie camera, ring light, curved display & more

Following weeks of rumors and leaks, the Vivo V29 series of smartphones has finally been launched in India. The lineup consists of the V29 and V29 Pro models. Both devices feature some similar specifications but some distinct differences, so here are all the details.

Vivo V29 Pro

Talking about the higher-end smartphone first, it sports a tall 6.78-inch AMOLED display that offers a Full HD+ resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, and a punch hole cutout. With the Vivo V29 series, the company aimed to offer a premium design that includes a metallic frame and glass back. The edges of the device curve from the back and the front. It weighs just 188 grams and measures around 7.46mm in thickness. Under the hood, the Vivo V29 Pro is equipped with the MediaTek Dimensity 8200 SoC that is paired with up to 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage.

Vivo V29 series Launch

The device runs on Android 13 OS based FuntouchOS 13 custom skin out of the box. On the back, the smartphone offers a triple camera setup that consists of a 50-megapixel primary camera that supports OIS (Optical Image Stabilization), a 12-megapixel portrait lens, and an 8-megapixel ultra wide angle lens. Meanwhile, the front houses a 50-megapixel camera for selfies and video calls. Other notable features include an in-display fingerprint scanner, Bluetooth 5.3, Ring shaped LED lighting, and a 4,600mAh battery pack that supports 80W fast charging.

Vivo V29

From the outside, the Vivo V29 appears nearly identical to the V29 Pro. So its display is also the same, sporting a 6.78-inch AMOLED display that offers 120Hz refresh rate, Full HD+ resolution, and a punch hole cutout. It features the same curved body with a metallic frame and glass rear panel, weighing just 186 grams and measuring 7.46mm in thickness. The key differences between the two devices can be seen in the internals. It is equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G SoC that is paired with up to 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage.

Vivo V29 series Launch

On the rear, the smartphone offers a 50-megapixel primary sensor that supports OIS, an 8-megapixel ultra wide angle lens, and a 2-megapixel monochrome sensor. The front houses a 50-megapixel selfie camera on this model as well. Other notable features include an in-display fingerprint scanner, a 4,600mAh battery pack that supports 80W fast charging, Bluetooth 5.2, Ring shaped LED lighting, and Android 13 OS based Funtouch OS 13 custom skin out of the box.

Pricing and Availability

The Vivo V29 model is available in two storage configurations and three color variants, namely Himalayan Blue, Majestic Red, and Black. Similarly, the V29 Pro has also launched two storage options and two colors, Himalayan Blue and Space Black. So let’s have a look at its pricing:

Vivo V29:

  • 8GB + 128GB – 32,999 INR (roughly $396)
  • 12GB + 256GB – 36,999 INR (roughly $445)

Vivo V29 Pro

  • 8GB + 256GB – 39,999 INR (roughly $480)
  • 12GB + 256GB – 42,999 INR (roughly $516)

It is worth noting that V29 Pro can be pre-booked later today, with sales kicking off on October 10. The base model will go on sale on October 17. Both devices will be sold via the brand’s official website, Flipkart, Reliance Digital, and offline stores. The company is also offering a 3,500 INR instant discount for HDFC and SBI bank card holders. There is even a 3,500 INR additional exchange bonus. Offline buyers can see a 10 percent cashback, a 40 percent discount on V-Shield protection, and a 4,000 INR upgrade bonus. The launch of these phones arrives soon after the company announced the Vivo Y17s in India.

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Samsung Galaxy Buds FE with ANC & 30 hour battery backup launched

Samsung unveiled several new Fan Edition devices at today’s Korean launch event, including the Galaxy S23 FE, Galaxy Tab S9 FE series, and the Galaxy Buds FE. While we have already provided detailed coverage of the smartphones and tablets, this post will focus on the newly introduced Fan Edition earbuds.

Samsung Galaxy Buds FE

Samsung Galaxy Buds FE specs & features

Samsung’s Galaxy Buds FE prioritizes delivering high-quality sound. They offer deep and rich bass, ensuring you enjoy your music as intended by the artist, regardless of your music genre preference.

In addition to great music, the Galaxy Buds FE also offers advanced features for better sound control. The Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Ambient Sound options allow you to tailor your audio environment. Whether you want to block out external noise or stay aware of your surroundings, these earbuds have you covered.

Communication is crystal clear with these earbuds, thanks to an advanced three-microphone system and AI-powered Deep Neural Network (DNN) that minimizes background noise during calls.

Battery life is impressive, providing up to 8.5 hours of playback with the earbuds alone and up to 30 hours with the charging case. This makes them perfect for long journeys or extended listening sessions.

The Galaxy Buds FE prioritizes comfort, is designed for extended wear, and offers a range of ear tip and wingtip sizes to ensure a personalized, comfortable fit. The buds feature a USB-C port and have an IPX2 water resistance rating.

Price & availability

You can get your hands on the Samsung Galaxy Buds FE in either Graphite or White, and they come with a price tag of $99.99. Starting from October 10th, you’ll find them available for purchase on Samsung’s official website and at various select retailers.

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Vivo Funtouch OS 14 India Launch Date Set for October 7

Vivo has announced that it will launch Funtouch OS 14, its latest Android skin based on Android 14, in India on October 7. The company announced via its official Funtouch OS 14 Indian Twitter/X handle has announced that the update will begin rolling out to eligible Vivo and iQOO users starting at 12 p.m. IST.

Vivo has not yet revealed the list of devices that will be eligible to receive the update or the specific features and changes that will be included. However, the company has promised that the update will provide a “smoother experience.”

This update comes after Vivo made the Funtouch OS 14 preview program available to the X90 Pro smartphone last month, in September 2023. Vivo also said that users will receive a notification when the update is available for their Vivo or iQOO device.

Though Vivo hasn’t announced any new features for the UI, a Twitter user has shared a first look at Funtouch OS 14, pointing out some of its features. The latest custom UI will have a new control center, similar to OPPO’s ColorOS, as well as a new weather widget, a new Funtouch OS 14 logo, and a new battery page.

In related news, OnePlus also announced the release of OxygenOS 14 Open Beta 2, its Android 14-based skin for supported handsets. The update introduces a new Trinity Engine, which handles multitasking, heavy lifting, and extended usage. It also includes a Trusted Execution Environment (TEE)-based Device Security Engine 3.0 for improved security.

The OxygenOS 14 update will begin rolling out to smartphones in October, with some handsets receiving it in November. The first model to receive a stable OxygenOS 14 update will be the flagship OnePlus 11 5G.

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(Via)

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE and Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ Launched with S-Pen and IP68 rating

Following some accurate leaks and detailed teasers, the Samsung Galaxy S9 FE and Galaxy S9 FE+ are now official bundling the same flagship specifications but with slight cut-downs. It extends the Galaxy Tab S series experience to the Fan Edition while keeping the price under the limits. The new tablets are launched alongside the Galaxy S23 FE and Galaxy Buds FE. Primary features of the new tablet is the same software experience, S-Pen support, and IP68 rating. Let’s see the detailed specifications and pricing of both the Galaxy Tab S9 FE and Galaxy Tab S9 FE+.

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

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE Series Specifications and Features

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE comes with a 10.9-inch WQXGA LCD display (Instead of the Dynamic AMOLED 2X display on the Galaxy Tab S9) and a 90Hz refresh rate. While the Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ ships with a 12.4-inch WQXGA LCD with a resolution of 2,560×1,600 pixels and a 90Hz refresh rate. Both ships with an IP68 rating offering dust and water resistance.

The Fan Edition tablets come powered with Samsung’s own Exynos 1380 SoC. The standard Galaxy Tab S9 FE is available in 6/8GB RAM and 128/256GB storage, and the Plus is available in 8/12GB RAM and 128/256GB storage too. Surprisingly, both tablets come with expandable storage up to 1TB via a MicroSD card slot.

Galaxy Tab S9 FE

In the camera section, the Galaxy Tab S9 FE ships with a single-rear 8MP primary sensor, and a 12MP front camera for video calling. On the Other Hand, the Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ ships with a dual-rear camera module featuring an 8MP primary sensor and an additional 8MP ultra-wide sensor with autofocus capability. It also hosts the same 12MP shooter on the front.

In connectivity, the Fan Edition tablets feature support for WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, GPS, and USB Type-C port. These run on Android 13-based OneUI 5.1.1. Other features include support for Dual Speaker by AKG, Dolby Atmos, and Samsung Knox.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE bundles an 80000 mAh battery while the elder sibling features a 10090 mAh battery. Both supports 45W fast charging.

Both the tables are available in four color options Mint, Silver, Gray, and Lavendar. The price for the Galaxy Tab S9 FE series starts at $449 (~INR37,789) in the US. The prices for the Europe are as follows:

  • Galaxy Tab S9 FE – €529
  • Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ – €699
  • 5G models +€100 extra

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

Earlier today, Samsung held a launch event in Seoul, Korea, to launch a bunch of new Fan Edition devices including the Galaxy S23 FE. This new smartphone is the highly awaited successor of the Galaxy S21 FE which debuted back in 2021.

Samsung Galaxy S23 FE

Design & display

The Galaxy S23 FE follows the design language of the S23 series with three floating cameras on the back. This time, Samsung has brought a Corning Gorilla Glass 5 finish to the S23 FE, and the frame is made out of aluminum. The edges of the device are curved to make gripping easy. The phone is 8.2mm thick and weighs 209 grams. Like the flagship lineup, the device also features an IP68 water resistance rating.

Up-front, the smartphone also features a 6.4-inch FHD+ (2340 x 1080 pixels) AMOLED display with a centered punch hole, a maximum refresh rate of 120Hz, and Corning Gorilla Glass 5 Protection. There is an in-display fingerprint sensor for security.

Specifications

Under the hood, the Galaxy S23 FE has a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 SoC for select regions, the same chip present in the Galaxy S22 series devices. Other regions will get a Samsung Exynos 2200 SoC, which has a peak clock speed of 2.8GHz. Geekbench scores of both versions have revealed that there won’t be much difference in their performance.

The smartphone will be offered in 8GB RAM, with the option of 128GB or 256GB storage. It has a 4,500mAh battery onboard that supports 25W fast charging, wireless charging and reverse wireless charging. Samsung claims that you can charge up to 50% of the battery in 30 minutes with the 25W wired fast charging.

Samsung has also included a vapor chamber cooling system to keep the thermals under control. Out of the box, the phone will offer Android 13, layered with One UI 5.1. Samsung promises 4 years of Android updates and 5 years of security updates for the device, meaning that it will get major updates till Android 17.

Other features include Dual SIM connectivity with 5G SA/NSA, 4G VoLTE, Wi-Fi 6E 802.11ax (2.4/5GHz), Bluetooth 5.3, GPS + GLONASS, USB 3.1, and NFC support. It has a stereo speaker setup onboard with Dolby Atmos tuning.

Camera

The Galaxy S23 FE comes with an upgraded 50MP primary camera that has f/1.8 aperture and optical image stabilization. The 12MP ultrawide sensor covers a 123˚ FOV with f/2.2 aperture. The third sensor on the back is an 8MP Telephoto camera with an f/2.4 aperture, 3x optical zoom, and optical image stabilization. On the front, it has a 10MP camera with f/2.4 aperture and 80˚ FOV.

There are a lot of camera features to play around with including the Nightography mode that lets you take clear selfies and portraits after dark. Pro mode gives you control of shutter speed, aperture, ISO, and more.

Pricing & availability

The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is available in Mint, Cream, Graphite, and Purple shades, along with exclusive online options in Indigo and Tangerine. It starts at a price of $599 and will be available worldwide beginning on October 5th.

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