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Vivo T2 Pro with curved 120Hz display & 64MP camera to launch in India later this month

Earlier this year, Vivo launched the T2 model in the Indian market. Now, it appears that a new entry in the T2 lineup will be arriving soon. The device in question is the Vivo T2 Pro, which had some of its key specs revealed. So let’s have a look.

Vivo T2 Pro Launch Timeline

According to a MySmartPrice report, sources close to the matter have revealed that the device will be launching in the Indian market later this month. The Chinese smartphone maker had previously launched the base T2 model in April, with the Pro model being just around the corner.

Vivo

Vivo T2 Pro Specs

The Vivo T2 Pro is expected to sport a 3D curved display that has a 120Hz refresh rate along with a 1,200Hz touch sampling rate. It will likely offer a Full HD+ resolution. The smartphone is believed to be equipped with a 64-megapixel primary sensor on the rear, which will feature OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) and even record at 4K resolution. The Vivo T2 Pro could reportedly feature a slim form factor, with the leak claiming a thickness of just 7.4mm.

Unfortunately, the exact weight of the upcoming smartphone is still unclear, although sources have claimed to be a lightweight device. The device might feature specs that are similar to the iQOO Z7 Pro model that launched last month. This is in line with our previous report, since the T2 Pro is rumored to be powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 7200 SoC.

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Honor V Purse will be sold in China, September 19 launch date confirmed

On Sept. 1, Honor introduced an innovative concept phone called the Honor V Purse, which combines the characteristics of an outwardly foldable phone and a clutch bag. It is equipped with interchangeable vegan leather straps and chains, which make it look like a purse. When Honor unveiled the device at the IFA 2023, it did not reveal whether the device would be available for purchase. However, today the brand released an official confirmation that it will debut at 7:30pm (local time) on Sept. 19 in China.

Honor V Purse design, key features

Honor V Purse launch date
Honor V Purse launch date

In terms of design, the Honor V Purse closely resembles the Huawei Mate Xs 2, sharing the characteristic of being an outwardly foldable smartphone with a wraparound display on its exterior. The V Purse showcases a sleek profile, measuring just 9mm in thickness. However, unlike inwardly foldable phones like the Honor Magic V2, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5, and Xiaomi MIX Fold 3, the V Purse does not incorporate a secondary cover display.

Readers should note that the V Purse is still a concept phone and not a functional purse for storing items. However, it can be worn like a purse using detachable chain-link straps. Honor refers to the V Purse design as a “phy-digital fashion statement,” merging physical elements like the straps with interactive Always-On Display (AOD) styles.

Honor V Purse Concept Unveiled
Honor V Purse

The aim is to provide versatility through interchangeable straps and a range of visible AOD designs on both sides, making it easy to coordinate the Honor V Purse with any outfit and, in turn, promoting sustainability by reducing the need for fast fashion. Some reports have claimed that the Honor V Purse features the Snapdragon 778G chip. It is expected to support 35W fast charging.

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NIO Phone’s official render and actual device spotted ahead of launch

NIO, the electric vehicle manufacturer, is set to reveal its NIO Phone on September 21, carefully avoiding clashes with Apple and Huawei’s upcoming launches.

NIO-Phone-render

NIO Phone render and real device surfaced

Official renderings of the NIO Phone have surfaced, showcasing a design reminiscent of other smartphones, complete with a quad-camera setup on the left and a curved glass back panel adorned with the NIO logo. Interestingly, an actual device matching these renderings has been spotted in the hands of an NIO employee.

NIO-Phone-actual-device-spotted

The NIO Phone has already secured network access licenses and will be available in two configurations: 16GB+512GB and 16GB+1TB. Notably, it’s expected to incorporate UWB technology, aiming to provide NIO vehicle owners with enhanced remote control capabilities. This suggests that NIO is targeting its existing user base as a primary market.

In terms of performance, the NIO Phone is positioned as a high-end device with an estimated price range of 5000 to 7000 yuan ($690-$969). Benchmark scores from an engineering sample suggest it’s powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Enhanced Edition chipset, boasting 12GB of RAM and 1TB of storage.

These specs resulted in an impressive AnTuTu score of 1,360,974 points, rivaling devices with the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset. However, it’s essential to exercise caution with this score, as it stems from an engineering sample and should be viewed as a reference point.

As NIO enters the competitive smartphone market, the familiarity of its design raises questions about originality. The close resemblance of the NIO Phone to existing models may draw comparisons.

Still, its strategic focus on integrating with NIO vehicles and the promising benchmark scores indicate that it aims to cater to its established customer base and potentially attract new users seeking high-performance devices. The true test for the NIO Phone will be its reception in the market and its ability to carve out a niche in the ever-evolving smartphone industry.

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Samsung Galaxy A05 & A05s clear Malaysia’s SIRIM certification ahead of global launch

Samsung is gearing up to update its affordable Galaxy A series with the impending release of the Galaxy A05 and A05s smartphones. These devices have successfully passed various regional certifications, hinting at an imminent global launch. These devices have now cleared the SIRIM certification, getting another step closer to launch.

The Galaxy A05 and A05s variants have made their way into the SIRIM certification database, identified by model numbers SM-A055F/DS and SM-A057F/DS, respectively. While the certification doesn’t disclose any specifications, it effectively paves the way for their upcoming release in Malaysia.

Samsung Galaxy A05

Samsung Galaxy A05 & A05s specs

Previous reports have revealed that the Samsung Galaxy A05 has a MediaTek Helio G85 processor, which is a decent 4G chip. It has 4GB of RAM to keep things running smoothly. The screen is okay with a 720 x 1600p HD+ display, but not super sharp. It runs on the latest Android 13 system, and Samsung adds some extra features with its OneUI custom software.

On the other hand, the FCC listing reveals that the Galaxy A05s will have a 4G chipset, both 2.4GHz and 5GHz WiFi, Bluetooth 5.3, a 4000 mAh SLC-51 battery, and support for fast charging at 25W. More details about both of these devices are expected to surface as we get closer to the launch.

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Lava Blaze 2 Pro launched with 90Hz display, Unisoc T616, 50MP dual cameras

Lava has silently unveiled the Blaze 2 Pro smartphone in India for the offline market. In April, the brand announced the Blaze 2 with a price tag of Rs 8,999 (~$108). The brand is now back with a Pro version of the device, which offers key features such as a 90Hz display, a Unisoc processor, a 50-megapixel dual-camera system, and a big battery.

Lava Blaze 2 Pro specifications and features

Lava Blaze 2 Pro

The Lava Blaze 2 Pro features a 6.5-inch HD+ IPS LCD display that offers an HD+ resolution of 720 x 1600 pixels and a 90Hz refresh rate. It is equipped with a side-mounted fingerprint scanner for added security.

On the camera front, it features a 50-megapixel primary rear camera accompanied by 2-megapixel depth and 2-megapixel macro lenses, while the front houses an 8-megapixel selfie camera. The device is powered by the Unisoc T616 processor and runs on Android 12. It offers a bloatware-free experience and does not show any ads. In addition, it also comes with an anonymous call recording feature. The device ships with 8 GB of RAM, 128 GB of storage, and a microSD card slot for additional storage.

The Blaze 2 Pro has a 5000mAh battery and supports 18W charging. It offers essential connectivity options like dual SIM, 4G VoLTE, Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0, a USB-C port, and a 3.5mm audio jack. The Blaze 2 Pro has an acrylic finish on the back, a slim 8.5mm profile and weighs 190 grams.

Lava Blaze 2 Pro price in India

The Lava Blaze 2 Pro is priced at Rs 9,999 (~$120) in the offline market in India. Buyers can choose from three colours: Thunder Black, Swag Blue, and Cool Green.

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Redmi Note 13 Pro+ to launch this month with 200MP camera, Dimensity 7200 Ultra

Redmi has officially announced that it will announce the Redmi Note 13 series in China this month. The brand’s newest poster highlights the key features of the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G in particular. It also reveals that the Note 13 series will be a collaborative effort between Redmi, Samsung, and MediaTek.

Redmi Note 13 Pro+ key features

Redmi Note 13 Pro+ launching this month
Redmi Note 13 Pro+ key features

The Redmi Note 13 series is said to include at least three models, such as the Note 13, Note 13 Pro, and the Note 13 Pro+. The poster specifically talks about the key features of the Pro+. As per the poster, the primary camera model used in the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ will be a custom version of the 200-megapixel Samsung ISOCELL HP3 Discovery Edition camera sensor, featuring a substantial 1/1.4-inch sensor size.

It is poised to be the fastest 200-megapixel ultra-clear camera in the industry. As per reports, the Note 13 Pro may also feature a 200-megapixel camera. Lu Weibeing, Redmi’s General Manager, emphasized that this series will, once again, push the limits of imaging capabilities for affordable smartphones, marking a substantial leap in image quality standards within the mobile phone industry.

To achieve this, Redmi has worked closely with MediaTek, conducting thorough joint optimizations to revamp the foundational imaging architecture and enhance both software and hardware capabilities. Furthermore, by integrating Xiaomi’s imaging technologies, such as “bionic perception” and “fusion optics” modules, the Note 13 lineup is all set to offer a top-notch photography experience.

The above poster also confirms that the Note 13 Pro+ will also be the first device to come equipped with the newly announced 4nm MediaTek Dimensity 7200-Ultra. As per the reports, the D7200U has an eight-core CPU architecture, which comprises 2 x Cortex-A715 cores running at a clock speed of 2.8 GHz, along with 6 x Cortex-A510 cores. Additionally, it integrates the Arm Mali-G610 GPU and the power-efficient AI processor APU 650.

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Tesla will Manufacture its Latest EVs in Gigafactory Texas and not Mexico

Tesla has long been a trendsetter in the electric vehicle industry, and its CEO Elon Musk isn’t one to shy away from risky bets. However, it appears the Tesla execs are pulling back the reins, nudging Musk towards a more balanced approach.

Elon Musk wanted to launch a Robotaxi with fully autonomous driving

Elon Musk’s initial vision was a Robotaxi that screams “future” — a fully autonomous vehicle, void of any traditional driving amenities like a steering wheel or pedals. Musk was gunning for a high-stakes game, envisioning a Robotaxi that could potentially make Tesla a “ten-trillion company.” But not everyone on Tesla’s team was sold on the idea. Chief designer Franz von Holzhausen, among others, advocated for a Plan B: a more affordable electric car based on the same technology platform.

Tesla Model 3

The concerns were rational. The execs argued that Full Self-Driving (FSD) tech might either not be ready or face legal roadblocks internationally. They also pointed out a compelling market for an affordable electric car, aligning with Tesla’s long-term goal of scaling production significantly. As a result, Tesla is now walking on two roads: developing both the Robotaxi and an affordable electric car. The designs for both vehicles, unveiled to Musk in February 2023, have the futuristic Cybertruck vibe that Musk is so fond of.

Yet, questions abound. Is Tesla stretching itself too thin by pursuing two divergent visions simultaneously? Additionally, initial plans for a new gigafactory in Mexico have been scrapped. High-ranking engineers were reluctant to relocate to Mexico, leading Tesla to shift its base of next-gen EV operations to Austin, Texas.

In summary, Tesla seems to be hedging its bets, working on two game-changing vehicles. While this could offer a safety net, it also poses the risk of diluting focus and resources. Only time will tell if this dual-path approach will pay off or if it’s an overly ambitious gambit. But one thing is clear: when these cars roll out, they’ll look like “something from the future,” as Musk enthusiastically noted. And perhaps that’s the goal—creating the future, but with a safety net.

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Apple’s Upcoming iPhone 15 may Feature Stackable MagSafe Battery Packs

This Tuesday, Apple‘s “Wonderlust” event is expected to reveal the company’s next big steps, including a committed transition to USB-C for its accessories. Mark Gurman from Bloomberg dropped this and other tidbits on the latest MacRumors Show podcast. For years, Apple has been churning out various accessories with different types of charging ports. Remember the bulky 30-pin charger? Well, Gurman says the era of inconsistency is about to end. Apple is planning to make a seamless move to USB-C, much like the 2012 transition to the Lightning port. This could mean everything from AirPods to MagSafe battery packs would see a USB-C makeover.

Multiple MagSafe packs can supply a lot more screen time than usual

Speaking of MagSafe, Gurman let slip that a new version of the MagSafe Duo with USB-C support is on the way. The real head-turner here? A stackable MagSafe battery pack that allows for charging multiple devices at once. Imagine a stack of batteries, each powering an iPhone—talk about convenient!

While everyone’s excited about accessories, let’s not forget the iPhone 15 series. Gurman hints that the Pro models will sport a lighter and more durable titanium build. Plus, there’s a promise of 33% reduced bezels and a 10% hike in battery life. These upgrades come courtesy of a new technique known as low-injection pressure over-molding (LIPO) and an advanced 3nm A17 Bionic chipset.

But all that glitters is not gold—this lighter titanium is more prone to dents, Gurman warns. Yet, for those tired of wiping fingerprints off their phones, the titanium surface might be a welcome change.

So, mark your calendars for April 12, 10 am PDT/1 pm EDT. Whether you’re an accessory junkie or waiting for the next iPhone, this event promises to be a game-changer. Don’t forget, you can catch the live stream on Apple’s website or their YouTube channel.

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OnePlus Nord 2T receives September security patch in India

According to a recent announcement, OnePlus has started releasing OxygenOS C.29 for the OnePlus Nord 2T. For those unaware, the company released OnePlus Nord 2T in May 2022. In January 2023, the Nord 2T received the Android 13-based OxygenOS 13 update. Now, the company has officially stated that the device will start receiving Oxygen OS C.29 in India.

OnePlus Nord 2T September Security Patch

As per the recent announcement on the OnePlus community page, this new update is a September security patch. This security patch mainly focuses on protecting the device from security vulnerabilities found in the previous update. One thing to note is that the patch is currently live in India, starting from a small percentage of users. In other words, other regions and users should be able to get the update soon after. The patch should be visible with the build version of IN: CPH2401_11.C.29.

The OnePlus Nord 2T is one of India’s most affordable smartphones, priced under Rs. 30,000. Those who wish to know what this device offers can check the smartphone’s specifications below.

OnePlus Nord 2T Specifications

The OnePlus Nord 2T has a 6.43-inch display with a 1080 x 2400 pixel resolution and a 90 Hz refresh rate. Under the hood, the device is powered by MediaTek Dimensity 1300. The smartphone comes in two available RAM and storage options: 128GB storage with 8GB RAM and 256GB storage with 12GB RAM. It is equipped with a 4500mAh non-removable battery and 80W of wired charging capability.

Additionally, users in India who wish to submit bug reports can try opening the Google Dialer and typing *#800#. You will find a menu that will enable you to submit bugs.

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Tesla Collaborates with McDonald’s to Design a “Cyber Spoon”, inspired by The Cybertruck

In a surprising move that is actually quite in line with Tesla’s unconventional marketing, the electric car company has teamed up with McDonald’s to “redefine” the fast-food experience. Forget ordinary spoons; customers can now have their McFlurries with a “Cyber Spoon,” designed to look like Tesla‘s futuristic Cybertruck.

The Cyber Spoon is the latest Tesla marketing strategy to advertise its upcoming Cybertrucks in China

This collaboration isn’t just about munching ice cream with a uniquely designed spoon; it’s about blending two distinct brand philosophies. With a price tag of $4.09, the Cyber Spoon isn’t a cheap throwaway item but a keepsake. Despite being exclusive to China, the spoon’s handle bears the English phrase “DON’T PANIC.” This quirky detail is an apparent nod to Neil Gaiman’s 1988 book, Don’t Panic: The Official Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy Companion.

Tesla

What makes this joint venture even more intriguing is the initial skepticism from Tesla’s CEO, Elon Musk. In response to a tweet about the spoon, Musk quipped, “Fake news afaik,” adding a layer of mystery to the already eccentric product. The spoon will have a limited run of 50,000 units, making it a must-have for both fast-food enthusiasts and Tesla fans.

While critics may question the relevance of such a product, the Cyber Spoon is more than just an eating utensil. It’s a statement piece that serves as a testament to Tesla’s out-of-the-box thinking, demonstrating that in today’s market, innovation can come from the most unexpected alliances.

So, if you’re lucky enough to find yourself in China, why not give the Cyber Spoon a whirl? It’s a small, yet fascinating chapter in Tesla’s ongoing story of surprising their audience and breaking the mold.

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You can Now Tag your Favorite Locations on Google Maps Using Emojis

It’s not just texting anymore; emojis are now paving their way into navigation. Google Maps recently launched an update that lets users add emojis to their saved locations, offering a more personalized and speedy way to find their favorite spots.

It’s definitely a quirky way of finding your favorite spots in the city

Gone are the days when you had to squint at your screen, deciphering tiny pins and text. Now you can assign a pizza slice emoji for your favorite pizzeria or a basketball for your go-to gym. The process is simple: tap the Saved tab in the app, create or edit your list, and voila!—your list now gets a sprinkle of character with your chosen emoji.

Google Maps

But here’s the catch: this nifty feature doesn’t apply to Google Maps’ default lists like “Want to go” or “Favorites.” You’ve got to take the reins and build your list from scratch. Google‘s video demonstration shows the creation of a “Fav Coffee Spots” list, adorned with a fitting cup of coffee emoji.

So, why is Google doing this? Most likely, it’s about enhancing user interaction. Traditional map pins are functional but lack personality. Emojis, however, can express a lot more. Zoom out on Google Maps, and instead of a sea of indistinguishable pins, you’ll see emojis representing your personalized spots. It not only makes the map visually appealing but also expedites your search, cutting down time spent on tapping each location to see what it is.

This update opens up a realm of possibilities. Will we see further personalization features in navigation apps soon? Time will tell. For now, enjoy your emoji-filled journeys, making your commutes a tad more exciting and uniquely yours.

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Apple is Preparing its Sales Reps to Market New USB Type-C Accessories

Apple’s iPhone 15 series is around the corner, and it’s bringing a sea change that users almost didn’t see coming: the swap from the Lightning port to a USB-C port. Slated for a September 22 release, this update offers a double-edged sword for users and Apple alike. For starters, Apple’s dropping the Lightning port means the company loses royalties on its proprietary cables. Yet, it’s already eying a huge chunk through its USB-C cables and chargers. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo even notes a 30% to 40% rise in the company’s USB-C charger shipments this year. For this reason, the company seems to be training its sales reps to mention that the new iPhone 15 will have a USB-C cable in the box, and remind them that the charging brick won’t be included.

The Pro Model for the new iPhone may offer 40Gbps of data speed transfer

The twist here isn’t just technological; it’s logistical. Apple is keen on preparing their store staff to make sure you know your old Lightning cable won’t be compatible with the new iPhone 15 models. Sure, they’ll include a USB-C to USB-C cable in the box, but guess what? No charging brick included. So you’ll have to dig deeper into your pocket for that.

iPhone 15 pro max

Now, let’s talk about compatibility. Apple might still play gatekeeper by making third-party USB-C cables iPhone 15-compatible only if they’re MFi-certified. This basically means, for most folks, the port change isn’t just plug-and-play. It’s check-the-label-first-then-play.

The data speed is another variable in this equation. While the basic iPhone 15 models may offer the same 480Mbps, the Pro models could boost that up to 40Gbps, even supporting Thunderbolt 4.0. Sounds great, but for the average user, the speed difference may not even be noticeable.

All in all, Apple’s move to USB-C for the iPhone 15 series has its pros and cons. Whether it’s a new dawn or a mixed bag, Apple’s already scripting its narrative, and only time will tell how users adapt. Store reps, you better have your facts straight for the big day!

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Tesla is Focusing on China Sales, Cuts Back on Exports

According to new data, Tesla is selling more cars in China and fewer abroad. The China Passenger Car Association (CPCA) reports that in August, Tesla’s Made-in-China (MIC) Model 3 and Model Y sales went up by 9% compared to last year, totaling 84,159 units. However, this growth is mainly from local sales in China.

The Highland Model 3 has a refreshed design and

Here’s the breakdown:

  • Local sales in China were 64,694 cars last month, an 88% increase from last year.
  • Exports were down, with just 19,465 cars shipped out, a 54% drop from a year ago.

These changes come as Tesla is preparing to launch a new version of the Model 3, known as Highland. Tesla typically focuses on exports early in a quarter, so this shift toward the local market is noteworthy.

Tesla Model 3

For the first eight months of this year, Tesla’s total local sales were 390,000 MIC electric cars, a 62% increase from last year. In contrast, Tesla exported 234,761 MIC cars from China this year, still a 47% increase from the previous year despite last month’s dip. The data suggests Tesla is doing well in China after some price cuts, but it’s not clear how this will affect the company’s profits in the long run. The focus on local sales could be temporary due to the upcoming Model 3 upgrade or it may signal a new long-term strategy for Tesla in China.

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Xiaomi AR Somatosensory Sports Host with 12-core dual-core and Ultra-wide-angle lens launched

The Xiaomi AR somatosensory sports host is now available in China. The new product which was launched on September 7, offers scientific quantitative training and fun fat-burning among others. The crowdfunding campaign for the AR somatosensory sports host was launched on Xiaomi Youpin.

Xiaomi AR Somatosensory Sports Host

The Xiaomi AR somatosensory sports host needs to be connected to a TV to enter the virtual sports world. It supports 10T heterogeneous computing power and AI segmentation algorithm, allowing users to be extracted from the real world and immersed in the virtual scene. The host is equipped with a 12-core dual-core and an ultra-wide-angle lens. This enables the gadget to accurately capture body movements. You can also quickly enter the state of motion starting from the purely visual motion capture route, without wearing other pens.

Xiaomi AR Somatosensory Sports Host

The Xiaomi AR somatosensory sports host comes with a large and dynamic collection of built-in games. The content is updated weekly and the new levels will continue to be added. Furthermore, new sports categories will be added to the host quarterly (every 90 days), while more than 240 new content will be added every year.

Xiaomi AR Somatosensory Sports Host

The AR sports host has certain social attributes and allows users to play online PK with friends, or participate in interactive PK in the comfort of their home. It can also be used with a heart rate armband to monitor calories and combine it with its multi-dimensional data for effective fat burning.

The crowdfunding price of the Xiaomi AR somatosensory sports host starts from 1,199 yuan (~$142), and the official price is 1,799 yuan (~$229). There are no indications yet that the AR sports host will berth in other markets.

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Fire-Boltt Crusader smartwatch with 1.43″ AMOLED display, rugged design, and Bluetooth calling launched in India

The Fire-Boltt Crusader smartwatch has been unveiled in India. The Fire-Boltt Crusader comes with a rugged design, features Bluetooth calling, and has a 1.43-inch screen. The release of the Crusader comes on the heels of Fire-Boltt’s announcement of the Encore smartwatch.

Fire-Boltt Crusader

The Crusader has a circular dual, two push buttons, and an overall rugged design. It has a 1.43-inch AMOLED panel with a resolution of 466 x 466 pixels. An in-built microphone and speaker help to provide clarity during Bluetooth calling. The model also supports a voice assistant.

Fire-Boltt Crusader

There are several wellness features under the Fire-Boltt Health Suite in the Crusader. These features make the Fire-Boltt Crusader an important companion for effective workouts. It is also a good health monitoring tool. The health and fitness tools in the Crusader include heart rate monitoring, SpO2 tracking, and sleep tracking. The smartwatch has multiple sports modes and an IP68 water/dust-resistant rating. The user can customize the device with multiple watch faces.

Fire-Boltt Crusader

Apart from Bluetooth calling, users can also access Call history, Quick dial pad, and sync contacts. The Fire-Boltt Crusader has a 400mAh battery. There are three color options namely green, orange, and black for the Crusader smartwatch.

The Fire-Boltt Crusader is priced at Rs. 2,499 (~$30) and is available from the Fire-Boltt website. It is expected that retail platforms across the subcontinent will subsequently start selling the Crusader smartwatch. There are however no official details yet on the availability of the Fire-Boltt Crusader in overseas markets.

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BMW Vision Neue Klasse Electric Sedan Teased in New Driving Videos

BMW has unveiled its latest multi-channel campaign for the Vision Neue Klasse concept car, which previews the electric successor of the 3-Series that will enter production in 2025. The campaign, called “Neue New,” highlights the new design language and user interface of the concept car, as well as its commitment to electrification and sustainability.

The “Neue New” campaign will be focused on social media, with influencer collaborations and a new filter for Instagram and Snapchat that will bring users closer to the concept car using augmented reality. The campaign will also include other promotional activities, such as double-page spreads in print media.

The Vision Neue Klasse concept car is a major departure from BMW’s current design language. It has simpler lines and a more minimalist aesthetic, with features like a 3D-effect LED illuminated grille. The car also has a new user interface that is significantly different from the current BMW models. It features an all-new generation of the BMW iDrive system, which includes an ultra-wide head-up display that covers almost the entire width of the windshield.

BMW Vision Neue Klasse Teased

While the concept car has some radical features, these are likely to be toned down significantly in the production model, which is scheduled to go into production in 2025. However, many of the design elements of the concept car are expected to be incorporated into the production model since BMW has said that the concept car is not just a static preview model, but a fully functional prototype.

BMW’s Vision Neue Klasse concept car is a glimpse into the future of the brand. It embodies BMW’s commitment to digitalization, and electrification, while still delivering on the brand’s promise of driving pleasure. BMW has not yet revealed the full specifications of the Vision Neue Klasse, but it has hinted that it could have a range of up to 1,000 kilometers thanks to its larger and more efficient batteries.

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iQOO Z8 Global variant spotted on Google Play Console with Key specs

The iQOO Z8 smartphone, along with the iQOO Z8x, was introduced in China last week, targeting budget-conscious consumers seeking high-performance devices with strong hardware and powerful processors. There are indications that the iQOO Z8 may soon become available in international markets, as it has recently been identified on the Google Play Console.

The iQOO Z8 with model number V2314A has been spotted on the Google Play Console listing. We say it with certainty because the Chinese variant of the device has the same model number. The listing reveals that the device will feature an Android 13-based operating system.

The listing reveals that the global version of the iQOO Z8 will have a Full HD+ display with a resolution of 1080 x 2388 pixels. Under the hood, the smartphone will be powered by the Mediatek Dimensity 8200 processor, along with the Mali-G610 GPU. It will also be available with 12GB of RAM.

As for the camera, the iQOO Z8 will have two cameras on the back: a 64MP main camera and a 2MP depth sensor. For selfies, there will be a 16MP front camera that can record 1080p videos. The global iQOO Z8 will also have a 5000mAh battery and support 120W fast charging. It will come with a headphone jack and a side-mounted fingerprint scanner.

Based on the information available, it seems that there won’t be any alterations to the specifications compared to the Chinese version. The only unanswered questions are about the pricing and release date. In China, the iQOO Z8 begins at RMB 1699, which is approximately $235. However, it’s common for global prices to be slightly higher than the Chinese prices. Therefore, it wouldn’t be unexpected if the smartphone is launched at a price point above $250.

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Orange Pi Zero 2W Launched: A Raspberry Pi Zero 2W Alternative with up to 4GB RAM

Orange Pi has launched the Orange Pi Zero 2W, a new single-board computer (SBC) that is a smaller and more powerful alternative to the Raspberry Pi Zero 2W. The Orange Pi Zero 2W measures just 65 x 30 mm, making it the same size as the Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W. However, it features a faster processor and more RAM, along with the option to add an expansion board for more connectivity. So let’s talk about it here. 

Orange Pi Zero 2W Features Price

Orange Pi Zero 2W Specifications:

The Orange Pi Zero 2W is a small and affordable single-board computer (SBC) that is well-suited for a variety of projects. It is powered by the Allwinner H618 quad-core processor, which can run at up to 1.5 GHz. This Allwinner processor is same as the Orange Pi Zero 3, which was released in July 2023. 

The processor has four Cortex-A53 cores and a Mali G31 MP2 GPU. It supports OpenGL ES 1.0/2.0/3.2, OpenCL 2.0, and Vulkan 1.1. The SBC also offers configurations with up to 4GB of LPDDR4 memory. 

Specifically, customers can choose from four different RAM configurations for the Orange Pi Zero 2W: 1GB, 1.5GB, 2GB, and 4 GB. The device also comes with 16MB of SPI Flash and a MicroSD card slot for expanded storage.

You can use this storage to install a variety of operating systems, including Android 12 TV, Debian 11, Debian 12, Ubuntu 22.04, Ubuntu 20.04, and Orange Pi OS (Arch).

Orange Pi Zero 2W Product display

Moreover, the device has a similar set of interfaces to the Raspberry Pi Zero 2W, including a Mini HDMI port that supports 4K@60fps resolution, dual USB Type-C ports, and a 40-pin expansion header that is compatible with GPIOs, 5 UARTs, I2C, SPI, PWM, and more. It also has WiFi 5 and Bluetooth 5.0 thanks to the onboard Cdtech 20U5622 wireless module.

Pricing and Availability

The Orange Pi Zero 2W is available for purchase on Amazon and AliExpress. The prices on AliExpress start at $12.90 for the 1GB variant and go up to $23.00 for the 4GB variant. The prices on Amazon start at $15.99 for the 1GB variant, and go up to $26.99 for the 4GB variant.

There’s also an expansion module for the SBC which adds a 3.5mm audio jack, a 10/100M Ethernet RJ45 port, two USB 2.0 ports, power and user buttons, and an IR receiver. The expansion module is priced at $4.90.

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Nothing Phone 2 gets Nothing OS 2.0.3 update with new features & quality-of-life improvements

Last month, Nothing released a correctional patch called Nothing OS 2.0.2a to undo the camera issues caused by the Nothing OS 2.0.2 update on the Phone (2). With that out of the way, the brand has now released the Nothing OS 2.0.3 update for the device that comes with a bunch of bug fixes, and quality-of-life improvements and also brings the promised Zomato Glyph Progress support feature.

Nothing Phone 2 grey

The Nothing OS 2.0.3 adds a compass widget which you can put on your home screen. Zomato order progression will now be represented on the Glyph interface. The update also has some quality-of-life improvements like an increased Screen Recorder capture resolution, snappier keyboard popup animation speed, and better haptic feedback. You can read more about the other changes coming with this update in the changelog provided below.

Nothing OS 2.0.3 official changelog

What’s new

  • Added the Compass widget. After placing it, swipe down to see more detailed information.
  • Added new UI to show when the device is pocket mode.
  • Added support for Zomato in Glyph Progress. Navigate to Settings > Glyph Interface> Glyph Progress to enable this integration. 
  • Added an Improve ‘OTG Compatibility” toggle in Settings > Connected devices > Connection preferences.

Improvements & Bug fixes

  • Increased the Screen Recorder capture resolution.
  • Adjusted the animation speed of the keyboard popping up after opening the app drawer.
  • Improved haptic feedback.
  • Improved NFC stability.
  • Improved Bluetooth connection stability in various scenarios.
  • Minor Ul adjustments.
  • Minor bug fixes.

As usual, the update will be rolled out in batches, so Indian Nothing Phone (2) users should get the update in the coming days. Alternatively, you can also check if the update is available for your device by navigating to Settings > System > System update > Download and Install.

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Fire-Boltt Fire Pods Aura TWS earbuds with 40-hour battery life & ENC launched at Rs. 999

Fire-Boltt, an Indian brand best known for its smartwatches has now debuted a new pair of earbuds in the country called the Fire-Boltt Fire Pods Aura. These are affordable earbuds that cover all the essential features including environmental noise cancelling for a clear calling experience. Keep reading for more details.

Fire-Boltt Fire Pods Aura specs

The Fire-Boltt Fire Pods Aura earbuds boast a powerful audio experience thanks to their 13mm dynamic drivers, ensuring rich and immersive sound quality. These earbuds are equipped with a Quad Mic AI-ENC chip and AI environmental noise cancellation technology, allowing for crystal-clear calls and enhanced voice clarity in various environments.

Fire-Boltt Fire Pods Aura

For gaming and watching videos, users will appreciate the 40ms low latency gaming mode, which minimizes audio lag for a seamless experience. With Bluetooth v5.3, these earbuds offer a stable and efficient wireless connection. Additionally, they support AI voice assistants for convenient voice commands.

In terms of battery life, these earbuds impress with a total of 40 hours of usage, including 7 hours of playtime on a single charge. Plus, their fast charge technology ensures that just 10 minutes of charging can provide 100 minutes of playtime. To top it off, they come with a 1-year warranty.

Price & availability

The Fire-Boltt Fire Pods Aura, priced at Rs. 999, is available in a variety of colors including Blue, Green, Black, Grey, Pink, White, and Sky Blue. They can be purchased on Fire-Boltt.com and Flipkart.

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(Via: FoneArena)