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Apple Stores warn against using Android cables due to potential overheating

Apple recently introduced its iPhone 15 series, featuring various enhancements, with a notable change being the adoption of a universal Type-C interface across all models. This move has been positively received by consumers, as it aligns with the prevailing trend in Android phones, allowing users to use a single cable for multiple devices. Moreover, Android-to-iPhone cross-platform battery sharing is now a reality, further enhancing the user experience.

However, recent reports from China suggest that certain Apple Stores are cautioning against using Android charging cables with the new iPhone 15, citing potential overheating concerns.

iPhone 15 USB Type-C

Safety Concern or Sales Strategy?

These warnings came to light when an Apple exclusive store in Foshan, Guangdong Province advised customers against using Android Type-C cables to charge the iPhone 15. The store highlighted differences in the pin arrangement of the interfaces, suggesting that using an Android cable might lead to overheating due to the slightly smaller gap between the single-row 9-pin and single-row 11-pin connectors.

Apple Store saying not to use Android USB C

It appears that this advisory is not limited to a single store, as there are reports indicating that multiple Apple exclusive stores have issued similar cautions.

Critics have raised concerns that these warnings might be an attempt by Apple to encourage the purchase of its official charging cables, which tend to be priced significantly higher than those from Android manufacturers.

Apple Store saying not to use Android USB C

This has sparked an ongoing debate and speculation about whether the advisory is genuinely motivated by device safety concerns or if it is a strategic move to boost sales of Apple’s proprietary accessories.

As of now, Apple has not issued an official statement clarifying its position on the use of Android charging cables with the iPhone 15 series. This situation raises questions about the compatibility of charging cables, despite the adoption of a seemingly universal Type-C interface.

The lack of clarity regarding the use of non-Apple cables underscores the importance of clear guidance from Apple to prevent potential device damage and ensure consumer safety.

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Qualcomm’s New Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 Processor is a Secret Rebrand of Last Year’s Snapdragon 6 Gen 1

After MediaTek decided to rebrand its processor lineup in 2023, it seems that Qualcomm is hopping onto the rebranding bandwagon as well, because the recently-announced Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 processor seems to be a secret rebrand of last year’s Snapdragon 6 Gen 1, with the exact same GPU and CPU core structure, manufactured on the same 4nm Samsung process.

snapdragon 7s gen 2, 6 gen 1 thumbnail
Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 vs 6 Gen 1 Thumbnail. (Source: Leo Wong De Quan/Gizmochina)

To illustrate the point, the table below shows a side-by-side of the general specifications between the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 vs. the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 Mobile Processor.

Snapdragon 7s Gen 2Snapdragon 6 Gen 1
Launch DateSeptember 2023September 2022
Performance CPU Cores4x ARM Cortex A78 @ 2.4GHz4x ARM Cortex A78 @ 2.2GHz
Efficiency CPU Cores4x ARM Cortex A55 @ 1.95GHz4x ARM Cortex A55 @ 1.8GHz
GPUAdreno 710Adreno 710
ModemSnapdragon X62 5G ModemSnapdragon X62 5G Modem
ConnectivityFastConnect 6700 Mobile Connectivity SystemFastConnect 6700 Mobile Connectivity System
Memory SupportMax. LPDDR5 – 3200MHzMax. LPDDR5 – 3200MHz
Manufacturing ProcessSamsung 4nmSamsung 4nm
Antutu Score606,420574,279
Smartphones Using the SoCRedmi Note 13 ProHonor X50, Motorola G Stylus 2023
Comparison table between Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 vs 6 Gen 1. (Leo Wong De Quan/Gizmochina)

Looking further into specs, we notice that both processors have an identical Adreno 710 GPU, an identical Qualcomm X62 5G/LTE modem, and the same connectivity standards support powered by the same Qualcomm FastConnect 6700 system. In addition, both are manufactured on Samsung’s 4nm semiconductor node process. Even the Antutu scores between the devices are eerily similar as well.

Yet one is being marketed as a Snapdragon 7 series chipset whereas the other is being marketed as a Snapdragon 6 series chipset by Qualcomm. In fact, the 2023 Snapdragon 7s Gen 2, should instead be called the Snapdragon 6+ Gen 1, because the new chipset only overclocks the CPU cores on the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1, whilst everything from the GPU to even the connectivity standards (Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2) are the same as the 2022 Snapdragon 6 Gen 1.

When compared to the highly regarded Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 (with an Antutu score of 1,109,000) this year, it can be easily seen that the newly announced Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 (with an Antutu score of around 600,000) seems to be a misleading chipset by Qualcomm to trick users into thinking the chipset has the same tier of performance as its other chipsets in the Snapdragon 7 series lineup like the Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 and 7+ Gen 2. When in reality, the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 performs about the same as a Snapdragon 6 series launched in yesteryear.

Do you think that Qualcomm’s naming of the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 processor is fair to the consumers? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

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The Cool new Redmi Note 13 Pro+ AAPE Trend Limited Edition is available on Giztop

If you’re in the market for a smartphone that not only offers top-of-the-line features but also stands out with its unique design, look no further than the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ AAPE Trend Limited Edition. This limited co-branded edition of Redmi and AAPE is sure to turn heads with its striking green camouflage pattern and elegant metal accents. The limited edition model is currently listed on giztop.

The Redmi Note 13 Pro+ AAPE Trend Limited Edition is packed with exclusive features that set it apart from the standard Note 13 Pro+. With a four-color camouflage custom theme, users can fully immerse themselves in the AAPE trend. Capture memories with a unique camouflage photo frame that adds a personalized touch to your photos.

But it doesn’t stop there. Redmi has meticulously customized every aspect of the device to align with the AAPE aesthetic. From camouflage phone cases to card pins and even chargers, every accessory has been thoughtfully designed to match the theme seamlessly.

Underneath the stunning exterior, the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ AAPE Trend Limited Edition maintains the same powerful specifications as the standard Note 13 Pro+. With an impressive 12GB of RAM and a generous 512GB of storage, you’ll have all the performance and space you need to run your favorite apps and store your cherished memories.

redmi note 13 pro+ AAPE version

If you’re a fan of the Redmi Note Series and have a penchant for stylish, trend-setting designs, this limited edition device is undoubtedly a must-have. You can find the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ AAPE Trend Limited Edition exclusively at the Giztop store right now. Visit Giztop’s listing to learn more.

Redmi Note 13 is available now at the Giztop store

The Redmi Note 13 is finally available at the Giztop store for international customers. The 6GB variant of the model starts at just $179.

The Redmi Note 13 boasts an impressive list of specifications. It features a 6.6-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and FHD+ resolution. With a peak brightness of 1,000 nits and thin bezels, you can enjoy a stunning visual experience. The centre-aligned punch-hole cutout ensures an uninterrupted viewing experience.

In terms of design, the Redmi Note 13 showcases a sleek and modern boxy design. It also comes with a side-mounted fingerprint scanner integrated into the power button for added convenience and security.

The camera capabilities of the Redmi Note 13 are equally impressive. It sports a 108MP main sensor and a 2MP depth lens on the rear, allowing you to capture stunning photos with depth and clarity. On the front, there is a 16MP selfie camera for capturing beautiful self-portraits.

Under the hood, the Redmi Note 13 is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 6080 processor, ensuring smooth performance and multitasking. It offers RAM options up to 12GB and storage options up to 256GB, providing ample space for all your files and applications.

The Redmi Note 13 is equipped with a 5,000mAh battery, ensuring long-lasting usage. With 33W fast charging support, you can quickly recharge your phone and get back to your daily activities.

Running on the latest Android 13 OS, the Redmi Note 13 offers a seamless and user-friendly interface.

Head over to the Giztop store now to check out the Redmi Note 13 listing.

Garmin pushes Beta v14.67 for eligible watches with numerous improvements

Earlier, we reported that Garmin has started rolling out a new Beta version of its Fenix 7 series and other watches. The update arrived with various bug fixes and improvements. Now, according to a recent announcement, the company has started releasing a new beta update that addresses known issues faced by the users in the previous update. The complete changelog of the update is provided below.

Changelog for beta version 14.67

  • Fixed issue where Body Battery was incorrectly written to some activities.
  • Fixed possible issues with the Thai language.
  • Fixed possible UI issue with the music player.
  • Fixed potential shutdown in plan overview for a primary race.
  • Fixed some translation issues.
  • Fixes and improvements to the music player.

As per the announcement, Garmin was able to fix the language and UI issues for the watches. However, like the previous patch, 14.67 is also available for the watches enrolled in the Public Beta program. Those who wish to update their watch to the latest beta version can go to System > Software update > Check for updates. It is worth noting that the patch is currently available to download on eligible watches. The complete list of these watches is provided below.

Eligible Watches for 14.67 Beta

Like the previous patch, this update is also not available on Tactix 7 and MARQ Aviator Gen2. The company has also confirmed that in the future, these beta updates will be delivered automatically via GCM/WiFi. We expect to see more beta updates in the future for the Garmin watches. So stay tuned.

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Samsung Galaxy S23 series receives One UI 6 beta 4 update with October security patch

According to a recent report, Samsung has started rolling out One UI 6.0 Beta 4 for the Galaxy S23 series. For those unaware, the company has recently released this Android 14-based beta 3 for Galaxy S23 series owners, which was later released for other series. Let’s go ahead and take a look at what this new update has to offer.

Galaxy S23 Ultra

One UI 6.0 Beta 4 changelog

  • Fixed the onboarding failure when retrying login after initializing Samsung Pass and logging out of the Samsung account.
  • Fixed the problem that voice recognition is not possible when you say “answer the phone” while receiving a call
  • Fixed the Google Assistant execution problem when swiping up in the gesture mode of the navigation bar
  • Many other improvements

The update will be available with a build version ending in ZWIC, having a size of around 1GB. The patch will include the latest October security update. To download the new beta, users can go to Settings > Software update > Download and install. It is worth noting that the latest patch arrives with a number of known issues. The list of these known issues is provided below.

List of Known Issues

  • Motion photo is not available
  • Infinite reboot occurs when entering repair mode
  • Kids app cannot be installed after updating from One UI 5.0 to One UI 6.0. It will be installed in mid-September as a separate app (public open at the end of September)

In related news, One of the new features in Samsung One UI 6 is Screen Hide, which allows users to turn off the display while still using an app. Those who wish to know more about this feature can check out our One UI 6, which gets the new Screen Hide feature story here.

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Realme’s first phone with periscope telephoto camera officially teased, could it be Realme GT 5 Pro?

Realme’s global wing has started teasing the arrival of a new phone. What’s interesting about the device is that it seems to be equipped with a periscope telephoto camera. Unfortunately, the company has not revealed the name of the mysterious device. Hence, it could be the upcoming Realme GT 5 Pro flagship phone or a new mid-range phone with top-notch photography capabilities.

Realme’s phone with periscope zoom camera teased

Realme persiscope zoom camera phone
Realme phone with persiscope zoom camera teased

As can be seen in the above teaser, the mysterious Realme device has a round camera module. It houses two camera rings and one rectangular unit, which appears to be a periscope zoom camera.

Realme recently launched the Realme GT 5 flagship phone in China and is now said to be working on a more powerful device dubbed the Realme GT 5 Pro. Reports have claimed that it could be Realme’s first phone to feature a periscope telephoto camera. It is unclear whether the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3-powered smartphone will debut this year or by early 2024 in China.

However, a recent Weibo post by well-known tipster Digital Chat Station paints a different story. According to the tipster, there is a new mid-range Realme smartphone on the horizon, and it is set to feature a periscope telephoto camera. He did not reveal the name of the device but claimed that its photography capabilities exceed expectations, offering a level of performance that is usually not seen in its category.

The above teaser, which appeared after the launch of the iPhone 15 series, reads “Not only Max can zoom.” To recall, the iPhone 15 Pro Max is Apple’s first phone with a periscope telephoto camera, which offers a 5x optical zoom. It has a starting price of $1,119. The poster seems to convey that an upcoming Realme phone will also offer higher optical zoom, probably at a significantly lower price than the iPhone 15 Pro Max.

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Huawei Mate 60 RS Ultimate Design leaked images, key specifications tipped

Huawei has an upcoming product launch event scheduled for next Monday (Sept. 25) where they will unveil several new products. It is speculated that the brand may also unveil the Mate 60 RS Ultimate Design. A couple of leaks, including leaked images of the device, have emerged to reveal key details about the special edition phone.

Huawei Mate 60 RS Ultimate Design leaked

The leaked images show that the Huawei Mate 60 RS Ultimate Design will come in black and red variants. As can be seen, like the Mate 50 RS Porsche Design from last year, the Mate 60 RS Ultimate Design sports an octagonal camera module.

According to tipster Digital Chat Station, he recently had the opportunity to view the actual Huawei Mate 60 RS Ultimate Design smartphone. In terms of design, it seems to retain the octagonal camera arrangement on the back and continue with the ceramic splicing design from the previous generation. He added that the arrangement of the camera lenses matches that of the Mate 60 series, and it shares the same specifications as the recently launched Huawei Mate 60 Pro+ in China. It is speculated to be priced at around 10,000 Yuan (~$1,370).

HUawei Mate 60 RS Ultimate Design key details

Another image (shown above) reveals a few more details of the Mate 60 RS Ultimate Design. It reveals that the device has the ALN-AL10 model number, and it will ship with 16 GB of RAM and 1 TB of storage. The rest of the specifications are likely to be the same as those of the Mate 60 Pro+. Here is a look at its specifications.

Huawei Mate 60 Pro+ specifications

The Huawei Mate 60 Pro+ has a 6.82-inch OLED LTPO panel that offers 1260 x 2720 pixels resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, and Kunlun Glass 2 protection. It runs on Harmony OS 4.0 and is powered by the Kirin 9000s chipset. The device is equipped with a 5,000mAh battery that supports 80W wired and 50W wireless charging.

The Mate 60 Pro+ has a 13-megapixel front camera and a ToF 3D sensor for 3D facial recognition. Its rear camera setup includes a 48-megapixel main camera with OIS and variable aperture, a 40-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and a 48-megapixel periscope telephoto camera.

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Tecno Megabook T1 2023 14″ laptop launched with 13th Gen Intel Core i7-13700H CPU

Tecno recently introduced the Megabook T1 laptop in India, equipped with Intel’s 11th-Gen CPU. Now, the brand has unveiled a global edition of the laptop, known as the Tecno Megabook 2023 14″. As the name implies, it’s a 14-inch laptop and it features the latest Intel CPU.

Tecno Megabook T1

Tecno Megabook T1 2023 specs

The Tecno Megabook T1 2023 is a 14-inch laptop with a Full HD display that offers vibrant colors with 100% sRGB color gamut and 350 nits brightness. It’s also TÜV Eye Comfort Certified for extended comfortable use.

In terms of design, it’s remarkably slim at 14.8mm and features an aluminum metal casing, weighing just 1.39 kilograms. Under the hood, it’s powered by the 13th Generation Intel Core i7-13700H processor, Intel Iris Xᵉ Graphics, 16GB of LPDDR4 RAM, and a spacious 1TB SSD for storage.

The laptop features a Starry Backlit Keyboard and a 2MP Physical Privacy AI Camera for secure video calls, along with a Fingerprint Power button for added security. Audio quality is enhanced with Tecno Audio Lab and Dual Mic Plus AI ENC Tech, providing DTS Immersive sound.

Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 6 and Tecno Link for seamless wireless connections. It offers various ports, including USB 3.0 and USB 3.1, Type-C, HDMI, and a TF Card reader. The laptop is powered by a 75Wh battery and a 65W Next-gen GaN charger, offering a claimed 18.5 hours of usage on a single charge.

Pricing & availability

The Tecno Megabook T1 2023 14-inch laptop will soon be offered at an early bird price of USD 399, as announced by the company.

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Apple’s iPhone 15 Pro Max Fails the JerryRigEverything Durability Test, First iPhone to Fail This Decade

Despite all the advertising claims about its titanium build quality and durability, the latest Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max has failed the durability test done by popular tech YouTuber, JerryRigEverything. The iPhone 15 Pro Max became the first iPhone to fail the durability test this decade. 

For context, the last iPhone which failed the durability test was the iPhone 6 Plus which was released back in 2014, which at that time, the iPhone 6 Plus was marred by scandals by the general public and tech enthusiasts alike, known most popularly as #BendGate, whereby the iPhone 6 Plus was known to bend in half in pockets or with extensive force applied due to its weaker aluminium build quality. 

Since the #BendGate fiasco, Apple has since improved the build quality of its iPhones with much stronger materials, such as the stronger 7000 series grade aluminium, surgical-grade stainless steel, and this year, Aerospace-grade Titanium for the iPhone 15 Pro series.

Source: Apple

However, despite the claimed stronger materials in the iPhone 15 Pro series, in his latest YouTube video, JerryRigEverything has put the latest iPhone 15 Pro Max smartphone through his durability test gauntlet to find that the device is not as durable as the marketing would lead buyers to believe.

The iPhone 15 Pro Max passes the scratch test, which means that the Ceramic Shield glass on the iPhone starts scratching at Level 6 with deeper grooves on Level 7 on the Mohs scale of durability. However, upon starting the bend test, the iPhone 15 Pro Max immediately cracks in less than 5 seconds into the test with minimal pressure applied.

The crack happened immediately at the back of the device whereby the back glass is shown to be completely cracked with glass coming out. The camera island glass cracked in the test as well, showing that the rear glass panel is definitely not pressure-resistant in real-life scenarios such as accidentally dropping the iPhone onto the floor or sitting on the iPhone on the couch.

Jerry is shocked at the poor durability of the iPhone 15 Pro Max and concludes that the iPhone 15 Pro Max has indeed failed his durability test. He advises that if the iPhone 15 Pro Max glass does indeed crack, users should send the device for repair for 200 USD at the Apple Store.

He also tested the standard smaller iPhone 15 Pro at the end of the video, and thankfully, unlike its bigger sibling, the smaller iPhone 15 Pro passes his durability test unscathed with no defects or cracks.

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Mivi Commando Z7 Gaming Earbuds with 50h battery life & 35ms low latency mode launched in India

Mivi has launched a new pair of earbuds in India called the Mivi Commando Z7. It is made especially for gaming and therefore has many desirable features onboard like a long battery life, a low latency mode, and RGB lights.

Mivi Commando Z7

Mivi Commando Z7 specs

The Mivi Commando Z7 Gaming Earbuds come equipped with 13mm Electro-Dynamic Drivers and a Dual Mic AI-ENC Chip, ensuring excellent sound quality. Plus, the AI Environmental Noise Cancellation and HDCalls Technology enhance the overall audio experience. Gamers will appreciate the 35ms low latency gaming mode, which minimizes lag for smooth gameplay.

In terms of connectivity, these earbuds use Bluetooth Version 5.3, providing a reliable and stable connection. Their design includes eye-catching Dual RGB lighting and user-friendly touch controls for convenience.

Regarding battery life, these earbuds offer an impressive total battery life of 50 hours, with 8.5 hours of playtime on the buds themselves. Additionally, the Swift Charge Technology allows for a quick 10-minute charge that provides up to 500 minutes of playtime.

For those concerned about durability, the Commando Z7 earbuds have an IPX4 splash-proof rating, making them suitable for active lifestyles.

Price & availability

The Mivi Commando Z7 is available for Rs. 999 in three attractive colors: White, Black, and Blue, and can be purchased on Flipkart.

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Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro Sep 26 Global launch confirmed

Xiaomi has officially announced a launch event scheduled for September 26th, where they will unveil the highly anticipated Xiaomi 13T series smartphones. In addition to the new smartphones, there have been rumors circulating about the release of the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro, and the brand has confirmed this through a teaser posted on their Twitter account.

Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro

What’s special about this smartwatch is that it will run on WearOS with MIUI on top, making it stand out from basic fitness trackers. Additionally, it will use the powerful and efficient Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1 processor. You can find more information about this smartwatch below.

Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro specs

The Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro is rumored to come equipped with some impressive specifications and features. It’s expected to be powered by the Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1 processor and offer 2GB of RAM along with 32GB of storage. The device will sport a 1.43-inch AMOLED display boasting a resolution of 466×466 pixels and a pixel density of 326 ppi. Its 500mAh battery is said to provide up to 72 hours of usage on a single charge. An optional LTE variant may also be available for those seeking cellular connectivity.

Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro

The smartwatch will run on WearOS, customized with Xiaomi’s MIUI skin. Its body will be constructed from stainless steel and protected by Gorilla Glass for durability. Users will have the choice of a silver leather strap or a black rubber strap to suit their style preferences. In terms of functionality, it is said to support an extensive range of 150 different sports modes, along with features like ECG monitoring, heart rate tracking, body temperature monitoring, and sleep tracking. Navigation will be made easy with a rotating crown, and the device will have a 5ATM water resistance rating, making it suitable for various water-related activities. We have also covered a report about the leaked pricing of the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro previously.

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Samsung Galaxy A15 battery arrives on the Safety Korea certification

Following a recent design leak, the successor to the Galaxy A14 seems launching soon. The smartphone’s battery has made it to the Safety Korea Certification with model EB-BA156ABY. However, the battery specification and the photo are not listed alongside the certification this time.

Must See: Samsung Galaxy A15 Surfaces In Leaked Renders Revealing Design

The listing confirms the nearing launch of the Galaxy A15 smartphone which has already been part of some previous leaks. Apart from this, there’s hardly anything related to the smartphone specification revealed via the certification.

Samsung Galaxy A15 renders were recently unveiled featuring a triple rear camera module along with an LED flash. The smartphone further houses a side fingerprint sensor, and sports a 3.5mm audio jack, a USB Type-C port, and speakers. The smartphone is expected to come with a 6.4-inch display with Infinity-U shaped notch. It will measure 160.2 x 76.8 x 8.4mm in size.

Other details about the SoC, Battery, and Storage configurations are still under wraps. We expect more information via leaks and public certifications in the coming few days.

Samsung Galaxy A15’s Predecessor Specifications

Samsung Galaxy A15 will be the successor to the Samsung Galaxy A14 4G and Galaxy A14 5G smartphones. Both smartphones were launched earlier this year bundling a 6.6-inch IPS LCD display. The Galaxy A14 4G bundles Helio G80 SoC with 6GB RAM and 128GB internal storage. Meanwhile, the Galaxy A14 5G is retailing with Dimensity 700 SoC, 6GB RAM, and 128GB internal storage.

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Olympic gold medalist Neeraj Chopra becomes brand ambassador for Noise smartwatches

Noise, an Indian lifestyle tech brand, has appointed Neeraj Chopra, the Olympic Gold Medalist and reigning Javelin world champion, as their brand ambassador for smartwatches. He now stands alongside popular figures such as Virat Kohli and Taapsee Pannu as the face of Noise’s popular wearable products.

Neeraj Chopra Noise brand ambassador

Neeraj Chopra Joins Noise as Smartwatch Brand Ambassador

According to the company, Neeraj’s journey from a talented athlete to a global Olympic champion reflects Noise’s values of persistence and self-realization.

Noise is the third-largest smartwatch brand globally and one of the early Indian brands to attain this status among global competitors. Neeraj’s remarkable achievements align with Noise’s commitment to excellence and the goal of enhancing India’s global reputation.

Gaurav Khatri, Co-Founder of Noise, expressed excitement about this collaboration, highlighting the resonance between Neeraj’s inspirational journey and Noise’s relentless pursuit of excellence. This partnership is expected to strengthen Noise’s connection with the dynamic youth segment.

Neeraj Chopra also shared his enthusiasm for collaborating with Noise, highlighting the brand’s focus on innovation and its dedication to inspiring youth, a sentiment he closely identifies with.

During the partnership, Neeraj will participate in an extensive campaign across various platforms and channels.

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OnePlus 10R gets OxygenOS 14 Closed Beta support

After bringing the OxygenOS 14 Closed Beta for OnePlus 11, OnePlus Nord 3, OnePlus, OnePlus 11R, OnePlus Nord 2T, and OnePlus 10 Pro, the update is finally out for OnePlus 10R. Interested users can participate in the Closed Beta if they meet the program’s requirements. The update program is currently live for the Indian variant.

Must See: OnePlus 9R and OnePlus 10R Now Getting Stable Oxygenos 13 X Android 13 Update

The Beta program is limited to 500 users, and the participants have to regularly give feedback to the developers in a dedicated group. Along with the hands-on new features before others, the company will reward the users who perform excellently in the Closed Beta Program by giving proper feedback and accomplishing other tasks.

Requirements for the OxygenOS 14 Closed Beta

  1. The user must own the OnePlus 10R.
  2. You must be an active OnePlus Community member.
  3. The user should regularly give feedback about the issues and features via the Feedback App.
  4. The user is willing to join the CBT Telegram Group.
  5. oxygenOS 14 Closed Beta installation package must not be shared among the users.

If the users confirm these requirements, then they can apply by heading to the thread. Interested peers must hurry as the program is limited to 500 users only. Also, you should keep in mind the Known issues on the OnePlus 10R.

  • Charging status are displayed on lock screen and status bar while not charging.
  • Text recognization isn’t available for album photos.
  • Lagging issue when returning to the preview screen in Camera Pro mode

Steps to Apply for OnePlus 10R OxygenOS 14 Closed Beta Program

The program is on a first come first serve basis, and the submission will be paused once it reaches 500 users. Before installation, make sure your smartphones are running either of these firmware:

  • CPH2411_13.1.0.590(EX01)
  • CPH2423_13.1.0.590(EX01)

Once, you have registered the smartphone under the CBT program, the user should wait for up to 5 days. Once your application is reviewed, you may head over to Go to Settings > About device > Tap up to date > Tap icon on the top right > Beta program > Follow the steps to apply to install the update.

The users can also downgrade the firmware with the help of a rollback package if they are not willing to continue.

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Samsung One UI 6 gets new “Screen Hide” feature to save battery life

Android 14 is almost here, and Google is expected to release the official stable update soon. Samsung is also working on its OneUI 6 skin based on Android 14, which is known for offering additional features to the stock OS. One of the new feature in Samsung OneUI 6 is Screen Hide, which allows users to turn off the display while still using an app. This can be useful for saving battery life, especially when using audio-based apps such as music streaming apps or podcasts.

Samsung Screen Hide Feature

To use the Screen Hide feature, users must first download and install the Good Guardians app from the Galaxy Store.

Once installed, open the app and tap on “Battery Guardian.” Then, open the “Screen Hide” option. To add the Screen Hide feature to the Quick Settings panel, tap on the “Add to Quick Settings Panel” option and press “Add.”

Once the Screen Hide feature has been added to the Quick Settings panel, users can easily turn off the display while using an app by opening the Quick Settings panel and tapping on the Screen Hide icon. The display will then be turned off and the app will continue to run in the background.

When the Screen Hide feature is in use, the display will be kept in a low-power mode and information about the currently running app will be briefly presented. To turn on the display again, users can simply double-tap on the screen or press the power button.

The Screen Hide feature is currently in beta and may cause some issues while using it. However, it is a promising new feature that can help users save battery life on their Samsung devices.

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Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ To Launch In India Soon, Price Range Teased On Flipkart

After a host of leaks and rumors over the last few months, the arrival of Samsung’s Fan Edition devices finally seems imminent. The South Korean brand has already started teasing the S23 FE smartphone in India. The Galaxy Buds FE was also listed on the official website in Argentina. Now the Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ is the latest of the lot whose existence has been confirmed and is expected to launch soon. It remains to be seen if Samsung will unveil the upcoming Fan Edition devices at one event or if they will be announced separately. 

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ India launch confirmed, price teased

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ has been listed on Flipkart. It confirms the upcoming tablet’s availability on the e-commerce platform. The listing is under the Big Billion Days microsite on the shopping platform. BBD is Flipkart’s annual festive season sale event. The listing also gives us a look at the Tab S9 FE+ and it looks similar to the one that appeared in the leaked marketing renders. The device is seen in White color and we can expect more options at launch. 

The Flipkart listing also teases the pricing of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+. It mentions ‘Just Rs 3X,XX9’. This indicates that the upcoming tablet may be priced between Rs 30,000 to Rs 39,999. 

As per reports, the Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ will feature a 12.4-inch display bearing a resolution of 1,600 x 2,560 pixels. Internally, the upcoming tablet is expected to be backed by an Exynos 1,380 processor coupled with up to 12GB RAM and 256GB storage. The Korean Testing Laboratory Certification revealed that the device will be backed by a 9,800mAh battery unit with support for 45W fast charging. 

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Asus ROG Azoth Moonlight White mechanical keyboard available for pre-order at 1799 yuan ($246)

Asus has introduced a new Moonlight White color variant of its popular ROG Azoth mechanical keyboard which is now available for pre-order in China, priced at 1799 yuan ($246).

Asus ROG Azoth mechanical keyboard key features:

This keyboard boasts a unique design with a metal body and an OLED display while maintaining a compact 75% layout to save desk space. The OLED display shows system info and keyboard settings, and there’s a convenient built-in three-way knob for easy settings adjustment. Its keycaps feature white and grey color tones, clearly distinguishing functional keys from lettering.

ROG Azoth features proprietary NX Snowblade White switches with smooth and light linear keypresses (45g actuation force and 3.6mm key travel) for responsive feedback. It also offers NX Ice Storm Grey switches with a tactile keypress design (40g initial force and 65g tactile force) for crisp tactile feedback.

The keyboard supports full-key hot-swappable technology, enabling customization and compatibility with both 3-pin and 5-pin switches. The keyboard also comes with features like the GASKET structure, ROG custom large key structure, and RGB lighting.

It supports both wired Type-C and wireless connections via Bluetooth and 2.4GHz, with an impressive battery life of up to 2,000 hours. The keyboard also supports easy toggle between Windows and MacOS modes.

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Meizu 21 appears on China’s MIIT Certification

Details about the Meizu 21 series have already started to emerge online. In line with this, a new phone with the model number M461Q has recently been registered with the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT). This phone is likely to be one of the models in the Meizu 21 series and is rumored to be powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor.

While there’s not much the certification reveals, tipster Digital Chat Station has shared some details about the smartphone. He says that the main upgrades will be in the core configurations, while the appearance changes will be minor.

One of the biggest upgrades in the lineup could possibly be the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor. It is Qualcomm’s next-generation flagship mobile processor and will be announced at the end of October 2023.

Besides the processor, the tipster suggests that the Meizu 21 series will feature a 50-megapixel main camera with a large outsole sensor. Likewise, the standard version of the phone will be equipped with a standard telephoto lens, while the Pro version will feature a periscope telephoto lens. The lineup is also expected to retain the flat-screen design of the Meizu 20 series.

Meizu made a return to the flagship smartphone market this year with the Meizu 20 series. The lineup includes three models: Meizu 20, Meizu 20 Pro, and Meizu 20 INFINITY Unbounded Edition, all equipped with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processors. 

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AR/VR headset market witnesses continued decline in Q2 2023, hopes for a rebound in 2024

In Q2 2023, the AR/VR headset industry experienced its fourth consecutive quarter of decline, with global shipments dropping by a substantial 44.6% compared to the previous year, according to data from the International Data Corporation (IDC).

Mark Zuckerberg wearing Meta Quest 3

The Decline in AR/VR Headset Shipments

The report also predicts that total shipments for 2023 will only slightly surpass those of 2017, reaching 8.5 million units, indicating a prolonged period of stagnation in the market. This decline can be attributed primarily to the global economic downturn, which has dampened consumer demand, as well as the increased price of the Meta Quest 2 and a lack of new product launches.

AR VR market share

Meta continues to dominate the market with a 50.2% share, followed by Sony and Pico (owned by ByteDance) with 27.1% and 9.6%, respectively, both of which have seen their market share increase since Q2 of the previous year. XReal and DPVR (DaPeng VR) lag behind with marginal market shares just above 2%.

While the industry is currently in a subdued state, the launch of Apple’s Vision Pro AR/VR headset at this year’s Apple WWDC has generated significant excitement and speculation about a potential revival of the Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality headset market, although the sector still falls far short of its previous vibrancy.

In my opinion, the majority of AR/VR software is not yet suitable for everyday use by average consumers. But yes, businesses are increasingly realizing the value of AR/VR headsets for various purposes, including training, simulations, remote assistance, and augmented reality-based maintenance. These applications can boost efficiency, cut costs, and improve employee performance.

The introduction of innovative products like the Vision Pro from Apple offers a glimmer of hope for significant market transformation, possibly paving the way for a breakout in the coming year. However, the balance between new product releases and the right pricing will be crucial in shaping the trajectory of the AR/VR headset industry in the coming years.

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