Apple iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max launched with Titanium frames, upgraded cameras, A17 chip

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Sep 12, 2023

The big fall launch is here. Apple has made four new models a part of the iPhone 15 series— the vanilla iPhone 15 and 15 Plus, the smaller iPhone 15 Pro, and the Pro Max. They all bring changes, with the USB-C port being considered the most notable one. The Pro phones have been treated with more new features, and that’s what we’ll discuss in this post.

Design and Display

This year’s iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max models bring some notable design changes. The most important changes are in the build quality. Apple has used new titanium alloy for their chassis, instead of the stainless steel they’ve used so far. When compared to steel, Titanium has a few benefits— it’s much stronger and lighter. The Dynamic Island is there on the front of both iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max and it can do more tricks this time.

Another interesting addition is a solid-state Action button, which replaces the traditional mute switch. It can perform the usual functions of the mute switch but can also be configured to execute a string of commands like launch the camera app, invoke Shortcuts or accessibility features, start a voice memo, and more.

Both the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max retain their respective 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch OLED displays, but the screen is brighter, has more efficient LTPO controllers, and thinner bezels. They both come with an adaptive refresh rate (ProMotion-enabled) and Always-on display.

Everything else

Unlike their vanilla siblings, the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max get the new A17 Bionic chip. It is the first mobile SoC to be built on a 3nm process and offers a bump in processing performance and better efficiency. It has a 6-core processor and a 6-core GPU— 1 additional core than the graphics in the A16 chip. You get 8GB of RAM with up to 1TB of onboard storage.

The iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max get an upgraded 48MP IMX803 main camera with improved low light performance. The telephoto lens on the Pro Max features 5x optical zoom at 120mm focal length.

Elsewhere, the iPhone 15 Pro Max gets upgraded battery units. They both charge through— drumrolls— a USB-C port, which also supports up to 10Gbps data transfer with the optional USB3 cable. Both devices run iOS 16 on the software front.

Pricing and Availability

The iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max will be available in four colors: black titanium, white titanium, and blue titanium. The iPhone 15 Pro will start at $999, while the iPhone 15 Pro Max will start at $1,199. The Pro model will start with 128GB of storage, but the iPhone 15 Pro Max will be offered in a base 256GB option.

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Apple Watch Series 9 launched with S9 Chip, new gestures, and more

By

Anurag

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Sep 12, 2023

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 may have been the star wearable at today’s Apple Wonderlust event, but the Watch Series 9 also made its debut with some exciting features and upgrades. The new wearables bring a S9 Apple silicon chip that is claimed to offer improved performance. Series 9 introduces gestures that allow you to control specific functions without physically touching the watch. In addition, Apple has included a range of new bands to choose from. Here are the details.

The Apple Watch Series 9 has a new Apple silicon chip with 60% more transistors and 30% faster performance than the Series 8. The new chip has a four-core neural engine for 2x faster neural tasks. Apple says the Siri requests are processed on the watch itself for speed and security. Dictation is 25% more accurate thanks to secure on-device processing. The battery life on the Series 9 is still 18 hours.

The Series 9 has ultra-wideband support for Precision Finding, which is similar to AirTag functionality. It also integrates more deeply with HomePod. Apple has updated the always-on Retina display to be brighter, reaching up to 2000 nits, and can dim to just one nit for night or theater use.

The Series 9 introduces a new hand gesture called “Double Tap” for touchless interaction. Users can simply tap their thumb and index finger together to interact with the device without touching the screen for tasks like answering or ending a call, stopping a timer, snoozing an alarm, pausing or playing music, and more.

The Apple Series 9 comes in new colors, including pink, and has a more environmentally friendly design with recycled materials and smaller packaging. Leather bands have been discontinued, and are replaced by “FineWoven” bands, as well as options from Hermès and Nike.

The new Apple Watch Series 9 starts at $399 and is available in 41mm and 45mm sizes, in aluminum and stainless steel. Pre-orders start today, and the watch will be available in stores on Friday, September 22.

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Apple Wonderlust Event: iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus Unveiled With Significant Upgrades And Changes

By

Viraj Gawde

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Sep 12, 2023

Apple held its annual Wonderlust fall event today. As usual, the Cupertino-based tech giant has unveiled the next-generation iPhones, Watch Series, and more. The latest flagship iPhone 15 models pack significant upgrades over their predecessors and notably since the iPhone 11 which debuted way back in 2019. This time too, Apple has distinguished the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus from the Pro and Pro Max variants. Unlike the iPhone 14 and 14 Plus which were identical to their predecessors, the new non-pro iPhone 15’s come with new features and specifications. Read on to know more below.

iPhone 15, 15 Plus specifications

The only difference between the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus is in the display and battery department. Both retain the same boxy form factor with identical button placements as per previous iPhones. However, the square camera module is now slightly raised from the back panel.

Contrary to the previous generation iPhones, the latest non-pro iPhone 15’s feature a frosted glass back panel that was limited to the Pro models. On the front fascia, the phones come with Dynamic Island which was introduced on the iPhone 14 Pro variants last year. The iPhone 15 and 15 Plus have 6.1 and 6.7-inch Retina XDR OLED displays respectively with 2,000 nits peak brightness.

In terms of optics, the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus feature upgraded primary cameras. It has a 48MP Sony sensor (compared to 12MP on iPhone 14) paired with a 12MP ultra-wide-angle lens with additional 2x telephoto option. The smartphones have a 12MP selfie snapper on the front. The latest offerings also pack a host of new camera features. Users won’t have to switch to portrait mode as machine learning will automatically add depth when a subject is detected.

Under the hood, the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus are equipped with Apple’s A16 Bionic processor which powers last year’s Pro models. This is a welcome upgrade in terms of performance since the iPhone 14 duo were powered by the same processor found on the iPhone 13. The latest offerings pack 6GB RAM and up to 512GB internal storage. Apple hasn’t revealed the exact battery capacities on the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus but they are said to offer 26 and 20 hours of usage respectively.

Software-wise, the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus ship with iOS 17 out of the box. They feature a USB-C port which is a shift from the age-old lightning port. The latest duo also come with a second-generation Ultrawide-band chip that improves Find My capabilities. The Emergency SOS via satellite feature also gets Roadside Assistance functionality.

The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus are offered in Pink, Green, White, Black, Yellow, and Blue colors. The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus start at the same price tag as their predecessors i.e. $799 and $899 respectively. Both phones will be available starting September 22.

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Samsung Galaxy S23 FE leaks in Graphite color ahead of launch

By

Sudhanshu

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Sep 12, 2023

Samsung is expected to launch a bunch of new Fan Edition devices before the end of this year including the Galaxy Buds FE, the Tab S9 FE series & the Galaxy S23 FE smartphone. There have been a bunch of leaks about the S23 FE smartphone including its design. Now, TheTechOutlook has leaked new renders of the smartphone in black color.

As revealed by the leaked images, the Galaxy S23 FE features a flat display with a centrally aligned punch-hole selfie camera. On the rear panel, there are three circular camera rings and an LED flashlight, along with Samsung branding at the bottom. The side profiles are rounded and curved at the corners, with the volume rocker and power button located on the right side. Although the report does not mention the color by name, a recent report suggests that this color will more than likely be called Graphite.

Samsung Galaxy S23 FE specs (rumored)

The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is poised to deliver a 6.4-inch Full HD+ Dynamic AMOLED display, ensuring a seamless experience with its commendable 120Hz refresh rate. The rumored SD8 Gen 1 SoC is likely reserved for the US market, with the Exynos 2200 catering to other regions. Accompanying this hardware configuration is an ample 12GB of RAM and a capacious 256GB of storage.

Turning our attention to its photographic capabilities, we anticipate a versatile triple-rear camera setup including a robust 50MP primary camera, featuring optical image stabilization (OIS) for steady shots. Additionally, an 8MP ultrawide sensor offers a wide-angle perspective, while a 12MP telephoto lens provides the ability to capture distant subjects. For capturing self-portraits, a 10MP front-facing camera is expected.

In terms of battery life, the device is projected to house a substantial 4500mAh battery with support for rapid 25W fast charging. Operationally, it will be based on the Android 13-based OneUI 5.1 operating system. An outstanding feature of the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is its commitment to extended software support, promising four years of major OS updates and an impressive five years of security updates.

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Apple Wonderlust Event: Apple Watch Ultra 2 Debuts With 3,000 Nits Display, Double Tap Gesture Feature

By

Viraj Gawde

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Sep 12, 2023

At Apple’s annual fall event, the company announced the new-generation iPhone 15 series, Watch Series 9, the second-generation Watch Ultra, and more. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 arrives as the successor to the last year’s model. For those unaware, it is the flagship smartwatch from the company heavily focused on adventure and outdoor enthusiasts. Apple seems to be taking the fight to Garmin with the Watch Ultra models. The newest second-generation offering packs incremental upgrades to its predecessor. Let’s take a look at what the wearable device has in store for us.

Apple Watch Ultra 2 specifications and features

Right off the bat, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 sports a rugged design similar to its predecessor that should be able to withstand damages. It has an aerospace-grade titanium unibody with a 49mm casing and a raised shell to protect the display. The wearable device is MIL-STD 810H approved, which is military and rugged equipment standard. It is also WR100-rated water-resistant and EN 13319-certified, an international diving standard. This makes the smartwatch ideal for kitesurfing, wakeboarding, and scuba diving to 40 meters. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 also packs double-tap gesture feature (tapping the index finger and thumb) to answer calls, pause and resume timers, and more tasks without interacting with the device.

The Apple Watch Ultra retains the rotating crown and action button on the right side with the latter providing quick access to several features. It boasts an Always-on Retina display up to 3,000 nits for viewing under harsh sunlight. The smartwatch features three microphones and adaptive beamforming to improve call quality and reduce background noise. It also utilizes machine learning to cut down wind noise so that the audio is clear.

Coming to the health and fitness features, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is equipped with a heart-rate monitor along with an ECG sensor and SpO2 tracker. There have been many instances where Apple’s smartwatches have accurately detected atrial fibrillation and saved lives of users. The wearable device packs a menstrual cycle tracker for women with thermometry for improved forecast. It also has two sensors that eliminate body bias and external bias for women. Additionally, family planning can also benefit from retroactive ovulation estimates.

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 features a multi-band dual-frequency GPS for outdoor usage. There are pro-running features and depth gauge for professional swimmers and divers. The device has an 86 dB Siren with emergency features to help others find the user in case they are lost. The smartwatch also retains crash detection that dials emergency medical services when it senses a severe car crash and if the user is unresponsive after 10 seconds.

Under the hood, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is equipped with a new S9 processor that is touted to deliver significant performance upgrades. It also has a second-generation ultrawide-band chip that offers improved Find My capabilities, precise location tracking, and better power efficiency. The latest smartwatch is touted to offer 36 hours of battery life under normal usage and up to 72 hours with low power enabled. Software-wise, it runs on watchOS10 which introduces new widgets, redesigned app icons, and a Modular Ultra watchface that will make use of the outer edge of the display.

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 carries a price tag of $799 for the GPS + Cellular version. It will be available for purchase starting September 22.

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Lectric recalls up to 45,000 XP 3.0 E-Bikes due to brake issue

By

Jed John Ikoba

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Sep 12, 2023

In a major safety move, Lectric eBikes has issued a recall on the XP 3.0, related to the potential failure of mechanical disc brakes. The recall involves up to 45,000 XP 3.0 bicycles in the US. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced the voluntary recall of the bikes.

The affected XP 3.0 e-bikes were manufactured and sold earlier this year and the concerns relate to the potential failure of their mechanical brake setups. The quality of the mechanical brake calipers used in the XP 3.0 e-bikes was suspect. Accordingly, the company stated that the mechanical disc brake calipers can fail resulting in loss of control, potential crash, and injury hazards to the rider. About 45,000 XP 3.0 bikes have been sold between November 2022 and May 2023 with the said mechanical brakes. Only four incidents have been reported traced to the mechanical brake failure.

Since May 2023, Lectric eBikes have stopped selling the XP 3.0 and subsequently made a substantial enhancement by upgrading to hydraulic disc brakes. It also delivered free upgrade kits to current owners of the bike. The upgrade kit is easy to install within 15 minutes. Lectric has also offered to pay for owners who opt to have the upgrade done at a bike shop.

The Lectric disc brake upgrade kit for the XP 3.0 e-bike is available and Lectric has already started contacting owners of affected units. Lectric has also sent a service notice to owners on how to inspect and adjust their brakes to prevent incorrectly fitted cables. Nearly 50% of the affected owners have already taken advantage of the disc brake upgrade policy.

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OxygenOS 14 Open Beta kicks off for OnePlus 11 users: Here’s how to apply

By

Sudhanshu

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Sep 12, 2023

Last month, the OnePlus 11 got its Android 14 public beta update in China, and now, a couple of weeks out of the official OxygenOS 14 launch, OnePlus has opened beta testing for users of the OnePlus 11 in India and North America. Keep reading to learn more about how to participate in this public beta.

OxygenOS 14 Open Beta 1: How to apply

To apply for OxygenOS 14 Open Beta 1, you’ll want to follow a few simple steps during the application period, which begins on September 12 and will remain open until the application limit of 5,000 users is reached. First, ensure that your device is currently running the detectable version, either CPH2447_13.1.0.590(EX01) or CPH2447_13.1.0.591(EX01).

Next, access the application form by navigating to your device’s settings menu. Start by tapping on “Settings,” then select “About device.” Look for the “up to date” option and click on it. In the top right corner, you’ll find an icon; select it. Within this menu, you should see an option for the “Beta program.” Click on it and follow the provided steps to complete your application.

Once you’ve submitted your application, OnePlus will review it within 5 workdays after the application channel’s closure. If your application is approved, you can expect to receive the OxygenOS 14 Open Beta 1 version within 3 workdays. After approval, to download the version, simply go to your device’s settings, select “About device,” and look for the “Download Now” option. This will enable you to access and install the new beta version.

Oxygen OS 14 Beta: What to expect

Changelog

Security and privacy

• Improves photo and video-related permission management for safer access by apps.

Performance optimization

• Improves system stability, the launch speed of apps, and the smoothness of animations.

Aquamorphic Design

• Upgrades Aquamorphic Design with a natural, gentle, and clearer color style for a more comfortable color experience.

• Adds Aquamorphic-themed ringtones and revamps the system notification sounds.

User Care

• Adds a carbon tracking AOD that visualizes the carbon emissions you avoid by walking instead of driving.

OnePlus is bringing something exciting to OxygenOS 14 called the ‘Trinity Engine.’ This technology aims to make OnePlus phones work even better by making sure the hardware and software work together seamlessly. It’s all about making your phone use less power, handle multiple tasks smoothly, and giving you a fast and long-lasting experience. That being said, the beta build also has some known issues right now. So we suggest going through it before installing the OxygenOS 14 beta build on your smartphone.

Known Issues

The flight icon displays on status bar after turning off the flight mode.
Turning on the flight mode in control center is not responsive.
Flashing back issue when entering Notes in the Shelf.
Black screen issue when opening step tracker page through the health widget in the Shelf.
Dual channel network acceleration function cannot be triggered automatically.
Sliding finger to the icon cannot launch the app using Quick Launch.
Screen flashes during application startup animation.
Up-swipe gesture probably fails.

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Lenovo ThinkVision P49w, a 49-inch Dual QHD ultrawide curved monitor launched for $1234

By

Soumyakanti

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Sep 12, 2023

Lenovo has unveiled its latest ultrawide curved monitor, the ThinkVision P49w, offering a 32:9 aspect ratio and a host of impressive features. Let’s check out the specs of this monitor.

Lenovo ThinkVision P49w key features:

This 49-inch monitor boasts a Dual QHD (2K) resolution (5120×1440) on an IPS Black original panel, delivering sharp visuals. With a 2000:1 contrast ratio, pixel density of 109 PPI, 60Hz refresh rate, and a 3800 curvature, it promises an immersive viewing experience. Users can adjust the monitor’s position with ease, thanks to its tilting and rotating capabilities.

The P49w monitor offers impressive features like PIP/PBP hardware split-screen and eKVM technology for enhanced multitasking. It excels in color reproduction, covering 100% sRGB, 100% Rec.709, and 98% DCI-P3 color gamuts, and arrives factory-calibrated with ΔE<2. It supports HDR 10 and global DC dimming and holds certifications for low blue light, flicker-free operation, and EyeSafe 2.0 for user comfort.

In terms of connectivity, the P49w is well-equipped with 13 interfaces, including Thunderbolt 4 support for high-speed data transfer and daisy chaining, 100W reverse charging, Type-C, 5×USB-A HUB, HDMI 2.1, and DP 1.4. It even features a built-in pop-up docking station and dual 5W speakers, eliminating the need for additional accessories. The monitor also supports VESA wall mounting for flexible placement options.

The Lenovo P49w is priced at 8999 yuan ($1234), offers a compelling package of features, and is well-suited for both professionals and enthusiasts looking for a top-quality display for work and entertainment. Lenovo‘s inclusion of a three-year warranty adds an extra layer of assurance for potential buyers.

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Red Magic 8 Pro+ is the Most Powerful Smartphone in the World, According to AnTuTu

By

Oğuz Çakır

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Sep 12, 2023

Dimensity, Qualcomm, Kirin, Exynos, and many more. Almost every day we come across a new phone model, hear these processor names, and try to understand what they mean. Especially in today’s world where problems such as app and UI performance are no longer a problem, it is quite normal to be confused. AnTuTu, which wants to eliminate the confusion and rank smartphones correctly, allows us to have an idea with its lists published at regular intervals. Recently, the platform released the best flagship models of August 2023. Here are the details…

AnTuTu Releases August 2023 Flagship Smartphone Rankings

AnTuTu has released its rankings for the best flagship smartphones in August 2023. The Red Magic 8 Pro+ took the top spot, which is not surprising. The 8 Pro+ stands out with its Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor and 16GB of RAM, as well as being a gaming phone. This means that the device has been specially designed to improve performance and cool down the hot hardware. The ASUS ROG 7 is also a high-performing device, and it also comes with a number of gaming-centric features. The top 10 devices are as follows:

Red Magic 8 Pro+: AnTuTu Score: 1,632,859
ASUS ROG 7: AnTuTu Score: 1,595,673
Xiaomi 13: AnTuTu Score: 1,552,781
Samsung Galaxy S23+: AnTuTu Score: 1,546,135
Xiaomi 13 Pro: AnTuTu Score: 1,534,123
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra: AnTuTu Score: 1,514,502
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5: AnTuTu Score: 1,476,184
Samsung Galaxy S23: AnTuTu Score: 1,475,220
OnePlus 11: AnTuTu Score: 1,376,203
Lenovo Legion Y70: AnTuTu Score: 1,322,345

The AnTuTu rankings are based on a variety of factors, including the CPU, GPU, memory, and UX performance of the devices. The higher the AnTuTu score, the better the overall performance of the device. If you are looking for a high-performance smartphone, then any of the devices on the AnTuTu August 2023 rankings are a good choice. However, the Red Magic 8 Pro+ and ASUS ROG 7 are the best options if you are looking for the absolute best performance.

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Apple Will Sell Made In India iPhone 15 On Launch Day: Report

By

Viraj Gawde

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Sep 12, 2023

Apple has been rapidly expanding manufacturing efforts for its iPhones in India over the last few years. The Cupertino-based tech giant has been reaping benefits of the local production in the country. Now just a few hours to go for the company’s annual fall event, the folks at Bloomberg have reported a new development about the iPhone 15’s manufacturing in India marking a significant achievement in the country’s electronics ambitions.

Made in India iPhone 15 to be sold on the launch day

Although Apple has been making iPhones in India since 2017, there was a significant lag between the time of launched devices and the commencement of production in the country. This has already been reduced in recent years with the iPhone 14’s manufacturing starting within 10 days of global launch. Hence due to a time lag, the first batch of the latest-generation iPhones are sourced from China. The Indian-made units hit the shelves after a few months.

However, things are changing this year with the iPhone 15. As per previous report, Apple started assembling the upcoming flagship lineup in India last month. This is much faster than the previously assembled iPhone units in the country. The iPhone 15 is being produced at the company’s largest contract manufacturer Foxconn’s facility in Chennai.

As per Bloomberg’s latest report, Apple is expected to sell the iPhone 15 Made in India from the launch day itself. This marks the first time the Cupertino-based tech giant will offer locally-made iPhones on the launch date in India. It’s worth noting that only the non-pro models are made in India.

Nonetheless, Apple directly offering India-manufactured iPhone 15 from day one puts the country on par with China. The company has been working on reducing its manufacturing dependency on China due to a host of issues.

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Apple May Switch to USB-C for MagSafe Accessories, Suggests Counterfeit Battery Packs

By

Oğuz Çakır

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Sep 12, 2023

Apple’s iPhone 15 series is set to be unveiled in just a few hours. While the company always manages to surprise us with new surprises, features, and performance improvements, the most notable new feature on the 2023 model iPhones will be the USB-C port. However, it appears that the iPhone 15 models won’t be the only Apple products to say goodbye to the Lightning port. Fake MagSafe Battery Packs with USB-C ports have appeared online, hinting at a potential Apple launch, as the iPhone 15 lineup is expected to feature USB-C and it appears that even older models will be updated. Here are the details…

Fake MagSafe Battery Packs with USB-C Ports Hint at Apple’s Future Plans

Although the Apple event has not yet taken place and USB-C is expected to be a serious claim, recent images circulating on social media platforms have sparked intrigue and speculation in the tech community. Som fake MagSafe Battery Packs with USB-C ports are appearing online. This could be a sign that Apple is planning to switch to USB-C for its future MagSafe accessories.

The MagSafe Battery Pack is a popular accessory that magnetically attaches to the back of an iPhone. It’s been a target for counterfeiters, who have created fake versions that look almost identical to the real thing. But the latest counterfeits are different. They have USB-C ports instead of the Lightning ports that are found on the original MagSafe Battery Pack and other Apple accessories.

This is significant because it suggests that the counterfeiters are expecting Apple to switch to USB-C in the future. USB-C is a more versatile port than Lightning, and it’s becoming the standard for charging devices across the industry. If Apple does switch to USB-C, it would be a major change for the company.

Lightning has been the standard port for Apple products for many years, and it’s deeply integrated into the company’s ecosystem. But the move to USB-C would make it easier for people to charge their iPhones with other devices and accessories. We’ll have to wait and see if Apple confirms the rumors about a switch to USB-C at the event.

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Boult W50 TWS earbuds with 50-hour battery & ENC tech launched in India for ₹999

By

Sudhanshu

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Sep 12, 2023

After debuting the Boult W40 TWS earbuds last month, the brand has now unveiled a new pair of earbuds called the Boult W50 which features a larger battery and better fast charging. You can find more details below.

Boult W50 TWS earbuds specs

The Boult W50 earphones boast 13mm bass drivers, promising a powerful and immersive audio experience. Equipped with a Quad Mic AI-ENC chip, these earphones provide AI-driven environmental noise cancellation, allowing you to enjoy crystal-clear calls even in noisy environments.

Gaming enthusiasts will definitely enjoy the ultra-low 45ms latency gaming mode, ensuring a seamless and lag-free gaming experience. These earphones boast Bluetooth 5.3, guaranteeing a reliable and efficient wireless connection.

The Boult W50 earphones come equipped with touch controls, making playback and call handling a breeze. These earphones offer an impressive total battery life of 50 hours. What’s more, they include Lightning Boult Technology, which means that a quick 10-minute charge can give you an astonishing 150 minutes of playtime.

These earphones are built tough to handle the elements with their IPX5 water-resistant rating, so they’re great for outdoor adventures.

Price & availability

Priced at just Rs. 999, the Boult W50 comes in Blue Lustre, Ash Black, Ruby Bronze, and Silver Sand colors, and is already available for purchase on Amazon.in.

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Microsoft Stays True To Its Word, Drops Official Software Support For First-Gen Surface Duo

By

Viraj Gawde

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Sep 12, 2023

Microsoft launched the Surface Duo way back in 2020. It was followed by the Surface Duo 2 in 2021. The Redmond-based company’s first-ever foldable phone arrived with Android 10 OS out of the box. At the time of launch, Microsoft had revealed that the Surface Duo would be eligible for at least three years of updates which include Android versions and security patches. Now there is disappointing news for owners of Surface Duo as it has reached its reached its end of lifecycle on the software front.

Microsoft Surface Duo won’t receive future software updates

The Microsoft Surface Duo was updated to Android 11 in January last year. It received Android 12L the same year in October. Since Microsoft confirmed at launch that the device will get three years of OS and security patches, it won’t be getting any future updates. The company is staying true to its word. Hence the Android 12L version is the last Android version for the foldable phone. This means that the original Surface Duo is no longer supported by Microsoft.

The first-generation Surface Duo received only two Android version updates which is kind of disappointing for a foldable phone carrying a whopping price tag. However, Surface Duo users can keep using their devices with no issues as apps can be normally updated from the Store. But with no security patches, users will have to be cautious going ahead. Additionally, they can install a custom version of Android 13 / 14 on their devices.

On the other hand, the Microsoft Surface Duo 2 has one more year of software support left that is set to end in October next year. It launched with Android 11 in 2021 and has only received a major Android 12L update last October. The second-generation foldable phone is expected to receive two more Android versions.

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Goodix ultrasonic under-display fingerprint sensor tipped to go mass production by year-end

By

Soumyakanti

-

Sep 12, 2023

Goodix, a prominent player in the technology industry, is set to roll out its ultrasonic under-display fingerprint sensor for mass production by the end of this year, according to Digital Chat Station. The top 5 Chinese smartphone brands are currently in discussions with Goodix regarding the sensor. This development comes with the promise of cost savings compared to Qualcomm‘s similar technology.

Affordable alternative to Qualcomm!

Ultrasonic under-display fingerprint sensors offer a range of inherent advantages over their optical counterparts. Most notably, they can unlock devices even when the screen is off, eliminating the need for blindingly bright screens during nighttime unlocks. Additionally, these sensors are adept at functioning underwater or with wet hands, enhancing their usability in various conditions.

The fundamental working principle of Goodix’s technology involves utilizing sound waves to scan the pores in the fingerprint area, constructing a three-dimensional model of the user’s fingerprint. When unlocking the device, the sensor compares the real-time fingerprint model with the previously recorded one, resulting in a notably higher recognition rate. This technology offers improved accuracy, making it capable of recognizing “wet” or “dirty” fingers, which are often challenging for optical solutions.

DCS ultrasonic under-display fingerprint sensor leak

Furthermore, the Digital Chat Station hinted at an exclusive period for a certain brand to utilize Goodix’s ultrasonic under-display fingerprint sensor solution.

After this exclusivity period, it is expected that other brands will follow suit in adopting this technology. While there is speculation that the exclusive brand may be from the EU+ region, specific details remain undisclosed.

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Xiaomi 13T and 13T Pro Pricing and Color Options Leaked

By

Rajesh Regmi

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Sep 12, 2023

Xiaomi is set to launch the 13T and 13T Pro smartphones globally on September 26th in Berlin. Ahead of the launch, renders of the upcoming phones have leaked online, revealing their design. The European price of the devices has also been leaked.

The renders, which were shared by tipster Sudhanshu Ambhore, show the Xiaomi 13T and 13T Pro in three color options: black, light green, and light blue. Both phones have a similar design, with a flat display and a punch-hole camera cutout in the top-left corner. The rear camera module is also similar, with a triple-lens setup and a Leica branding.

Both phones are expected to share many features, including a 6.67-inch 144Hz AMOLED display with 1,220 x 2,712 pixels resolution and a peak brightness of 2,600 nits. They will also be IP68-rated and have Gorilla Glass 5 protection for their displays.

Apart from the display, the 13T duo will allegedly have a 50MP main (IMX707 sensor), 50MP tele camera (50mm lens), and a 12MP ultra-wide (15mm), plus a 20MP selfie module.

The rumored specs for the chipsets and charging are where the 13T diverges from the 13 Pro. The latter is expected to feature a Dimensity 9200+ chipset and a 5,000mAh battery with 120W fast charging. The regular Xiaomi 13T will get the Dimensity 8200-Ultra instead and a 5,000mAh battery with slower 67W charging. However, both phones will be the first in the Xiaomi family to get top-notch software support, with four OS updates and five years of security patches.

As for the pricing, the Xiaomi 13T with 8GB of RAM and 256GB storage will reportedly cost €700. Whereas, the Xiaomi 13T Pro is said to be priced at €900 for the 12GB + 512GB configuration option.

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iPhone 15 Pro Could Get Up to 8GB RAM, 1TB Storage

By

Rajesh Regmi

-

Sep 12, 2023

The upcoming iPhone 15 Pro is expected to be a major upgrade over the current generation. It is rumored to have a periscope zoom lens, a titanium frame, and a USB-C port. Now, a report suggests it is expected to come with 8GB of RAM and a storage capacity of up to 1TB.

According to a recent report from MacRumors, Apple has tested 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB storage configurations for the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max.

These storage options would be the same as those offered on the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max. There were some rumors that Apple might offer a 2TB storage option for the iPhone 15 Pro, but MacRumors suggests there’s no evidence to support this claim.

As for the RAM, Apple is planning to use LPDDR5 DRAM for the iPhone 15 Pro. MacRumors says that two RAM configurations were tested: 6GB and 8GB, although it is unclear which configuration Apple will choose for the final mass production units.

But the RAM configuration may vary depending on the storage capacity of the phone. However, a recent report from TrendForce suggests that Apple will offer 8GB of RAM on all iPhone 15 Pro models. This means that the 6GB configuration may have been scrapped. The RAM for the new iPhones is reportedly supplied by Samsung, Micron, and SK Hynix.

Ultimately, we will have to wait until the iPhone 15 series is officially announced tonight at the Wonderlust event to know for sure what storage and RAM options will be offered.

In related news, Spigen, a case maker, shared an image of an alleged iPhone 15 case ahead of Apple’s event. The case shows an oval-shaped button instead of the classic mute switch, suggesting that the iPhone 15 Pro will have a new Action button.

something's different 🧐…#AppleEvent pic.twitter.com/xVPT7Xx7sv
— Spigen (@SpigenWorld) September 11, 2023

Spigen shared the photo in a tweet with the caption “something different”. This is more than a hint that the mute button will be replaced with the Action button.

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HMD Global to Launch Own Smartphone Brand After Years of Making Nokia Phones

By

Rajesh Regmi

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Sep 12, 2023

HMD Global, the brand licensee of Nokia Mobile, has announced plans to launch its own smartphone brand. The company co-founder and chairperson, Jean-Francois Baril, made the announcement on LinkedIn, saying “We are establishing an original HMD brand.”

The new HMD-branded smartphones will be introduced alongside the Nokia-branded devices. Baril said that the new brand will also bring collaborations with “exciting new partners”, but these partners have not yet been disclosed.

The decision to establish its own brand is a significant one for HMD Global. The company has been manufacturing Nokia-branded smartphones since 2016, and the Nokia brand has a long and respected history in the mobile phone industry. However, the smartphone market is increasingly competitive, and HMD Global is likely looking to differentiate itself from other brands.

No additional information has been released about the new HMD products, including a potential release date. However, Baril’s posts suggest that HMD Global’s independent smartphones will continue to focus on a clean user experience, 5G, and easy repairability, which are common features on Nokia-branded smartphones.

Additionally, Nokia phones released in recent years have largely been budget-to-mid-range devices. It seems that future HMD devices may follow suit, as Baril has suggested that the company will continue to “design for a more sustainable and affordable future.”

Whatever the case may be, the launch of the HMD-branded smartphone brand is a major development for the company. It remains to be seen how successful the new brand will be, but HMD Global is clearly determined to make a mark on the market.

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Nintendo Switch 2: Fans May Have to Wait Longer Than They Think

By

Oğuz Çakır

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Sep 12, 2023

Nintendo Switch 2 is undoubtedly one of the products we’ve heard the most about lately. As the release date for the Japanese gaming giant’s eagerly anticipated second-generation handheld approaches, the number of leaks about it is also increasing. For example, we recently told you that Switch 2 could be more powerful than the Xbox Series S and would have DLSS technology. Now, the latest Nintendo Switch 2 rumors suggest a possible March 2024 event, sparking speculation about whether it’s a teaser, announcement, reveal, or release date. Here are the details…

Nintendo Switch 2 Release Date Could Be March 2024, But Is It a Teaser or a Reveal?

First of all, it is important to note that there is no official information about the release date of the Nintendo Switch 2. However, there have been some rumors and leaks. For example, it has been said that the console will be released in the first six months of 2024. However, there has been no concrete date. Fortunately, the latest leaks have changed that. According to the Nate the Hate podcast, which also features ModernVintageGamer, the handheld could be released as early as March 2024.

However, a report from Notebookcheck suggests that this may not be good news. The original Nintendo Switch was first teased under the codename “NX” in the spring of 2016. The official announcement followed in October of the same year, with additional details like price and specs landing in January 2017. Finally, the console saw its global release in March 2017. This suggests that what we might see in March 2024 could be a teaser for a console that won’t be released until months later. In fact, it could even launch in March 2025.

So, if we want to see the Switch 2 in March 2024, Nintendo will need to show something soon. Fortunately, there is a chance of this happening. One of the biggest gaming events in the world, Tokyo Game Show, will be held in September. Nintendo’s participation in the event is very important for one of the announcements mentioned above.

If the company shows the Switch 2 here, March 2024 could really be the release date. Of course, what I am saying now is just a guess based on the past. However, let us not forget that Nintendo is a Japanese company that is very attached to its traditions. This gives our guesses a very good chance. Still, we have no choice but to wait for now to learn all the truths.

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ASUS unveils new desktops and AIO for Indian market

By

Rajesh Regmi

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Sep 12, 2023

Asus, the Taiwanese computer hardware company, has launched its new workstations in the Indian market. The company has launched two new PCs along with one AIO in the country. The new products are designed to meet the needs of a wide range of users, from professionals to home users. Here are the details.

Asus S500SE

One of the highlights of the launch is the Asus S500SE. It’s a tower PC that comes equipped with a 13th-generation CPU and has up to 64GB of RAM for lag-free multitasking. The S500SE also has plenty of storage expandability with two M.2 PCIe slots, and it features a high-efficiency 80 PLUS Platinum-certified power supply for reliable performance.

Asus also says the S500SE has a tool-free design, an innovative cooling system, and 100% enterprise-grade solid capacitors. Additionally, the device comes with all the necessary port options, including PS2 ports for legacy peripherals, 1 x HDMI and 1 x VGA port for dual display support, a LAN port, dual band Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.3. It also has a free PCIe 4.0 x 16 slot for future upgrades.

Asus S501ME

Much like the S500SE, the S501 is another tower PC launched by Asus in India. It also has a 13th Gen CPU, up to 64GB of RAM, and up to 4TB of storage. As for the design, the S501 has a pretty modern look, with a 3D triangular pattern and intricate texture. The tilted chassis provides increased airflow, and the contemporary angular design features plenty of USB ports on the front panel.

The S501 has a hassle-free I/O, with a ton of ports on the front and back. This includes PS2 ports for legacy peripherals, as well as HDMI, DisplayPort, and VGA ports for connecting up to 3 displays. Wireless connectivity option includes Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3.

Asus Vivo AIO M3402

Last but not least, we have the Asus Vivo AIO M3402 with a 23.8-inch NanoEdge Full HD IPS wide view panel. The display has thin bezels which contribute to an 88% screen-to-body ratio and has a smooth 75Hz refresh rate, and 100% sRGB color gamut coverage for accurate and vibrant colors.

It also has 250 nits brightness and a 1000:1 contrast ratio. Moreover, the monitor comes with stereo speakers for audio. The AIO M3402 is powered by an up to AMD Ryzen 5 7520U processor, which provides efficient yet powerful performance for everyday tasks and light gaming. Graphics rendering is handled by the integrated AMD Radeon GPU.

Pricing and Availability

The new Asus workstations and AIOs are now available in India through authorized retailers. Here are their prices:

Asus S500SE: Starts at INR 41,990
Asus S501ME: Starts at INR 37,990
Asus Vivo AIO M3402: Starts at INR 49,990

The devices are available for purchase at online and offline channels, including the ASUS e-shop, Amazon, Flipkart, ASUS Exclusive Stores.

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Ant Group launches AntGuard, China’s first large model security solution

By

Soumyakanti

-

Sep 12, 2023

Ant Group has launched “AntGuard,” a significant development in addressing the security concerns tied to large AI models. This solution consists of two main parts: “AntScan 2.0” and “TianGuard,” with the aim of enhancing the trustworthiness and dependability of large AI models employed across different industries.

AntGuard: Enhancing Security for Large AI Models

The primary goal of AntGuard is to tackle security issues related to problematic training data, uncontrollable inference processes, and external malicious influences. It focuses on three essential areas: measuring large model security, intelligent risk management, and cleaning up data-related issues.

AntScan 2.0 acts as a security expert for large models. Before these models are put into action, it thoroughly checks them, identifying vulnerabilities across various aspects like data security, content security, and ethical considerations.

TianGuard, on the other hand, acts like a protective shield for large models. It uses smart risk control technology to protect models from harmful external queries and filters out potentially risky responses generated by these models. This approach ensures security throughout the entire process, from user inputs to the model’s outputs after deployment.

Moreover, Ant Group and TianGuard are dedicated to maintaining model security during both the training and application phases. They achieve this by implementing strategies like cleaning up problematic data sources, aligning training processes, and conducting research to improve model transparency.

Both AntScan 2.0 and TianGuard are now accessible to the public, providing a robust security framework for large-scale AI applications.

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