Oppo to launch 4-year free battery replacement program starting with Oppo A2 Pro 5G

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Sep 12, 2023

The British automotive icon Mini is shaking things up, not just under the hood, but also on the global map. In a significant move, Mini is shifting some of its production to China through a partnership with Great Wall Motor, while also securing its roots in the UK with a massive $645 million investment. It’s a decision that goes beyond mere cost-cutting—it’s a strategic chess move aimed at conquering the future of electric vehicles (EVs).

By 2026, the electric three-door and Aceman models will also be produced in the UK

Let’s break it down. Mini’s next-gen electric Cooper three-door and the all-new Aceman models will roll off assembly lines in Zhangjiagang, China. The location offers logistical advantages, being situated along the Yangtze River, thereby streamlining exports. However, skeptics might raise an eyebrow at Mini, a brand indelibly linked to the UK, shifting gears to China. Fear not, the Oxford plant isn’t going anywhere.

BMW Group’s recent $645 million investment in Mini’s UK facilities promises to keep the brand’s British DNA intact. By 2026, the electric three-door and Aceman models will also be produced in the UK. In fact, Mini aims to manufacture only EVs in its Oxford facility by 2030, making it a long-term commitment to its birthplace.

The partnership with China‘s Great Wall Motor appears to be a smart, albeit temporary move to scale up production swiftly. It’s like having the best of both worlds—China’s manufacturing efficiency, and Britain’s heritage and innovation. This hybrid strategy could prove pivotal as Mini seeks to establish itself as a significant player in the EV market, without sacrificing its unique identity. What remains unclear is whether the China venture is just a stepping stone. Given the sizable investment in its UK facilities, it’s likely that Mini sees the partnership as a short-term strategy to ramp up before consolidating its operations back in the UK.

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Meta’s Threads will Impose Strict Guidelines around Potentially Sensitive Topics

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Sep 12, 2023

Meta’s Threads app is taking a unique and arguably restrictive approach to information dissemination by blocking searches for “sensitive” topics. In a recent update, Threads rolled out a feature that prevents users from searching for keywords such as “covid,” “coronavirus,” “vaccines,” and other terms often linked with misinformation.

Meta seems to be getting on top of offensive accounts and messages

First uncovered by The Washington Post, these limitations serve as Meta‘s latest move to stop the spread of misleading content. The company spokesperson called this a “temporary measure,” emphasizing that it’s part of an effort to be more careful, given past criticisms. Adam Mosseri, head of Instagram and Threads, justified the action by tweeting that the company is “trying to learn from past mistakes.”

However, this conservative approach to search queries is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it helps combat the circulation of false information—a noble endeavor considering how Instagram’s search feature became a conduit for conspiracy theories. On the other, it prevents users from accessing even legitimate, fact-based posts on these topics. So, while the company aims to shield users from misinformation, it’s also blocking them from potentially valuable insights and resources.

The company’s cautionary steps might be justified given the brief development cycle of Threads. Released a mere five months after its conception by a small group of Instagram engineers, the app is still a work in progress. It has safety protocols similar to Instagram but has yet to elaborate on its content moderation plans, a topic that’s ever-crucial in today’s digital landscape.

The action by Meta raises an important question: Is this vigilant approach the right way forward or is it overzealous, potentially hindering important public discourse? As we continue to navigate the complex relationship between social media and truth, finding the balance between safety and open dialogue remains a crucial challenge.

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Samsung Fixes 62 Security Holes: Why This Update Is a Win for User Privacy?

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Sep 12, 2023

In the ever-changing landscape of cybersecurity, the tech giant Samsung has taken a leap forward by rolling out its September Android security update in the U.S. Covering both the Galaxy S23 and S22 series, the update brings much more than a performance tweak—it plugs a whopping 62 security vulnerabilities.

The company aims to avoid any future privacy breaches

The update initially rolled out to Verizon customers, eventually spreading to other major U.S. wireless carriers. A significant part of the repair comes from Samsung itself, which contributed 35 patches. These targeted a range of vulnerabilities across its ecosystem, including the Samsung Keyboard app and Samsung Knox AI, among others. Google chipped in with 19 patches, four of which are considered ‘critical.’

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5

Samsung’s move stands out because it demonstrates a new industry standard in smartphone cybersecurity. More than just focusing on flashy features or sleek designs, the company is putting a spotlight on user privacy. The patches address vulnerabilities that could potentially give attackers unauthorized access to personal data. The average user might not realize the importance of such updates, but neglecting them could be a serious gamble with your privacy.

Internationally, the September update reaches far and wide. Canadian owners of the mid-range Galaxy A52 have started receiving the update across several carriers. Even the rugged Galaxy Xcover 5 isn’t left out; it’s getting updated in Mexico, Guatemala, and Argentina.

For anyone reluctant about pressing that “Update Now” button, this isn’t a software update you want to snooze on. So take a moment and go to Settings > Software update > Download and install. Your privacy is worth it. Keeping your device updated isn’t just about enjoying new features; it’s an essential aspect of digital well-being. Samsung’s broad and thorough September security update is a step forward in setting a new gold standard for smartphone security.

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Samsung rolls out One UI 5 watch update for Galaxy Watch 4 in India

By

Chetan

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Sep 12, 2023

Samsung released the Galaxy Watch 4 in 2021 with fitness tracking features. Almost 2 years after its release, the Galaxy Watch 4 is now receiving a WearOS 4-based One UI 5 watch update. This patch recently started appearing for users in the US. However, according to a recent report, the new update has made its way to India. Let’s go ahead and take a look at the post.

In a recent post on X (formally Twitter), Mukul Sharma shared screenshots of the Galaxy Watch 4 receiving the One UI 5 watch update. The new update brings various features and improvements, like adding watch faces and tiles on the watch easily. Users can turn the 360 Audio feature on/off with a new Galaxy Buds Controller tile. Galaxy Watch 4 owners can now check the battery level of their connected Galaxy devices, such as smartphones and earbuds. The complete changelog for the new update can be found on our website by clicking here.

Furthermore, the update will be visible with the build version ending in HWH5, and the size of the update will be around 1.7GB. Users should be able to get the update automatically. If you have not received the notification, you can go to Watch Settings> Watch software update and tap Download and Install to update the watch manually.

In related news, the specifications of Samsung Galaxy A25 5G have surfaced online. Those who wish to know about this can check our Galaxy A25 5G key specs story here.

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Google will Refresh the Camera App UI for the Android 14 Launch

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Sep 12, 2023

In a recent announcement via its Telegram News channel, Google revealed a revamped user interface (UI) for its Google Camera app, now updated to version 9.0.115. While the immediate attention goes to the new buttons for toggling between photo and video modes, the update packs much more under the hood.

The new UI will include a new way to switch between the photo and video modes

The update effectively replaces the Camera and Video tabs at the screen’s bottom with a more intuitive Photo tab. Here, users can select between the camera icon for photography and a movie camera icon for videos. The photography mode further offers options like Action Pan, Long Exposure, and Night Sight, making it easier for users to pick the right setting for the moment. On the flip side, video buffs can enjoy functionalities like Slow motion and Time Lapse, with video stabilization modes relocated to Quick Settings for convenient access.

However, the update isn’t just about improving navigation; it adds features, too. For instance, the Pixel 6 line inherits the zoom slider from the Pixel 7 series. Plus, a button swap now allows more seamless toggling between the front and rear cameras.

Perhaps the most noteworthy change is that the Quick Settings panel will now be accessed by an upward swipe, in contrast to the downward motion used before. The placement of the shortcut button is also changed to the bottom left, further optimizing ease of use.

But there’s a slight hitch. This updated Google Camera app requires Android 14 to function, a version that’s currently delayed. As of now, the stable version of Android 14 remains elusive, although speculation suggests a potential launch around October 4th, coinciding with the release of Pixel 8 series and Pixel Watch 2.

In a nutshell, Google’s latest Camera app update is a clear nod to improving user experience, and it lays the groundwork for future updates that could redefine mobile photography. Keep an eye out for the stable Android 14 release; this update might just be the tip of the iceberg.

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1More SonoFlow SE with QuietMax noise cancellation & 70 hours of battery life launched globally

By

Jed John Ikoba

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Sep 12, 2023

The SonoFlow SE wireless headphone is among a raft of new 1More devices just unveiled for the global market. The headset was earlier launched in China last month. The SonoFlow SE comes with QuietMax noise cancellation and its battery can last for up to 70 hours of playback. The SonoFlow SE retains the cloud-like comfort present in its predecessor.

The 1More SonoFlow SE is the latest refresh of the SonoFlow lineup. It comes with mid-range functionality when compared with the original version. It has the same build as its predecessor but they omit the 3.5mm jack, offering only a wireless mode.

The Intelligent QuietMax noise cancellation is featured in the new headphones. Furthermore, the SonoFlow SE has 40mm dynamic drivers with DLC diaphragms, as with the original model. There are no upgrades on the connectivity aspect, as the SonoFlow SE retains Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity. The model also supports SBC/ AAC codecs.

The SonoFlow SE is rated 70 hours of battery life, with QuietMax ANC not active. This reduces to 50 hours when QuietMax is activated. The wireless headphones can be fully recharged via USB-C in 80 minutes. The headphones are available in a black colorway and exclusively from 1More.

The stated price of the 1More SonoFlow SE is $54.99 and 1More is offering a 10% early-bird discount (Amazon). The affordability, extended battery life, and sound quality are some of the key points of the SonoFlow SE. It remains to be seen though how the market receives the new wireless headphones.

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Spy Photos Reveal Xiaomi Electric Vehicle with Earbuds-Like Trunk Design

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Sep 12, 2023

Xiaomi continues to expand its product line. For example, the company, which is known to many of us for its smartphone models, is preparing to introduce its own electric vehicle in the near future. This EV, which is expected to be called MS11, was recently spotted on Bluetooth SIG certification. However, this is not the only leak about the eagerly awaited vehicle. A recent leak of spy photos has given potential consumers a glimpse into what Xiaomi is planning with its electric car model. What caught everyone’s attention is the vehicle’s trunk design, which resembles a Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro earphone case.

Spy Photos Reveal Xiaomi Car Trunk Design, Progressing Towards 2024 Mass Production

A leaked spy photo has been making rounds on the internet, revealing the distinctive trunk design of Xiaomi’s upcoming electric vehicle. Remarkably, the opened trunk bears a striking resemblance to the case of Xiaomi’s Buds 4 Pro earphones, or even an enlarged USB-C charging port.

The photos show that the trunk has a large opening and a flat floor. There are also several tie-down points for securing cargo. The trunk lid appears to be made of glass, which would give the vehicle a more premium look. In addition to the trunk, the spy photos also reveal some other details about the vehicle’s design. The front end has a sleek, aerodynamic look, with a large grille and swept-back headlights. The rear end is also stylish, with a sloping roofline and a full-width taillight.

Xiaomi has not yet released any official information about its electric vehicle. However, the spy photos and other reports suggest that it will be a high-end vehicle that competes with models from Tesla and other major automakers. For example the vehicle is expected to be powered by a 101kWh battery pack that provides a range of over 800 km.

It is also likely to be equipped with advanced driver-assistance features. Lu Weibing, the President of Xiaomi Group, has reported that the automotive project’s progress has surpassed initial projections. The aim is for mass production to kick off in the first half of 2024, and it seems that the plan is on track.

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iRobot Launches New Premium Robot Vacuum, the $1,399 Roomba Combo j9+

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Sep 11, 2023

Robot vacuums are undoubtedly one of the most functional inventions of all time. It can significantly simplify your life by having someone do all the mopping and vacuuming for you while you are at work or simply enjoying the comfort of your home. For this reason, more and more people are using this technology to reduce their daily workload. Manufacturers are aware of this situation and are often coming up with new models and products. Most recently, iRobot, one of these manufacturers, introduced the $1,399 premium Roomba Combo j9+ robot vacuum and dock. Here are the details…

iRobot Targets Premium Users with New $1,399 Roomba Combo j9+

iRobot continues to expand its product line. For example, the company recently introduced two new models called Roomba Combo j5 Plus and Roomba Combo i5 Plus, which were well-received by users for their mid-range price. Now, iRobot is targeting premium users with the $1,399 premium Roomba Combo j9+ robot vacuum and dock.

The Roomba Combo j9+ features iRobot’s latest technology, including PrecisionVision Navigation 2.0, which allows the robot to map your home and avoid obstacles more precisely. It also has a Dirt Detect sensor that can identify areas of high-traffic and focus cleaning efforts there. For mopping, the Combo j9+ uses a disposable microfiber pad that can be attached to the bottom of the robot.

The pad is moistened with water and can be used to clean hard floors. The Roomba Combo j9+ also comes with a Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal system, which empties the robot’s dustbin after every cleaning. This means you don’t have to empty the dustbin yourself, which can be a major hassle. The Roomba Combo j9+ is priced at $1,399 and is available for purchase now.

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Realme 5G Sale is live with attractive offers on all 5G Realme smartphones in India

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Sep 11, 2023

Realme has announced a week-long sale on its 5G devices. The sale, which is live from September 11 to September 17, offers discounts of up to Rs 20,000 on both online and offline platforms. Customers can avail of instant discounts, bank offers, and no-cost EMI options for Realme’s 5G devices. The discounts are valid on Amazon, Flipkart, Realme’s online store, and even Realme’s partner offline stores. Check the details below.

Realme 5G Sale: Flipkart & Realme Store discounts

realme 11 Pro+ 5G (8GB+256GB)
- Flipkart: INR 1000 bank offer + INR 1000 coupon + 6-month no-cost EMI + INR 1000 exchange offer, sale price INR 24,999
- realme.com: INR 1000 bank offer + INR 1000 coupon + 6-month no-cost EMI, sale price INR 25,999
- Offline stores: 0 down payment | 0% interest
realme 11 Pro 5G (8GB+128GB)
- Flipkart: INR 1000 bank offer + INR 1000 coupon + 6-month no-cost EMI + INR 1000 exchange offer, sale price INR 20,999
- realme.com: INR 1000 bank offer + INR 1000 coupon, sale price INR 21,999
- Offline stores: 0 down payment | 0% interest
realme 11 5G (8GB+128GB)
- Flipkart: INR 1500 coupon + 6-month no-cost EMI, sale price INR 17,499
- realme.com: INR 1500 coupon + 6-month no-cost EMI, sale price INR 17,499
- Offline stores: NA
realme 11x 5G (6GB+128GB)
- Flipkart: INR 1000 coupon (13-14, 16-17 Sep) + 6-month no-cost EMI, sale price INR 13,999
- Offline stores: NA
realme C55 (4GB+64GB)
- Flipkart: INR 1000 coupon (10-12 Sep) + INR 500 coupon (13-17 Sep), sale price INR 9,999 (10-12 Sep) and INR 10,499 (13-17 Sep)
- realme.com: INR 1000 coupon (10-12 Sep) + INR 500 coupon (13-17 Sep), sale price INR 9,999 (10-12 Sep) and INR 10,499 (13-17 Sep)
- Offline stores: NA
realme C53 (6GB+64GB)
- Flipkart: INR 1000 bank offer (14-17 Sep), sale price INR 9,999
- realme.com: INR 1000 bank offer (14-17 Sep), sale price INR 9,999
- Offline stores: NA
realme C51 (4GB+64GB)
- Flipkart: INR 500 bank offer, sale price INR 8,499
- realme.com: INR 500 bank offer, sale price INR 8,499
- Offline stores: NA
realme GT Neo 3 (8GB+128GB)
- Flipkart: NA
- realme.com: discount INR 12000, sale price INR 12,999
- Offline stores: NA
realme GT 2 Pro (8GB+128GB)
- Flipkart: discount INR 20000, sale price INR 29,999
- Offline stores: NA

Amazon and Realme Store discounts

realme narzo 60 Pro 5G

12GB+256GB
- Amazon: INR 2000 coupon, sale price INR 24999
- realme.com: INR 2000 coupon + 6 month NCE, sale price INR 24999
- Amazon + realme.com: Both offers applicable, sale price INR 24999

realme narzo 60 5G
- 8GB+128GB
  - Amazon: INR 1300 coupon (11 Sep) + INR 1000 coupon (12-17 Sep), sale price INR 16669
  - realme.com: INR 1300 coupon (11 Sep) + INR 1000 coupon (12-17 Sep), sale price INR 16999
  - Amazon + realme.com: Both offers applicable, sale price INR 16669
- 8GB+256GB
  - Amazon: INR 1300 coupon (11 Sep) + INR 1000 coupon (12-17 Sep), sale price INR 16669
  - realme.com: INR 1300 coupon (11 Sep) + INR 1000 coupon (12-17 Sep), sale price INR 16999
  - Amazon + realme.com: Both offers applicable, sale price INR 16669

It is worth noting that the discounts are also available on other memory variants of these smartphones. You can visit Realme.com, Amazon India, and Flipkart to learn more about the discounts.

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1More Penta Driver P50 with detachable MMCX connectors and noise reduction launched

By

Jed John Ikoba

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Sep 11, 2023

Accessories manufacturer 1More has released the Penta Driver P50 earphones and they come with detachable connectors. The new 1More earphones come with triple- and quad-driver setups which will catch the fancy of audiophiles.

The 1More P50 lineup features premium materials that translate to durability. This includes an aluminum alloy casing and OFC wire for the detachable case. The 1More Penta Driver P50 has IEM-like pre-formed ear-loops that bear a semblance to 45-degree ear nozzles. The earphones are detachable with an MMCX connector. The new 1More earphones are ergonomically designed for comfortable use for extended periods. The 1More DLC dynamic driver and four additional balanced armature units give the earphones a patented acoustic design. This, in turn, delivers a precise and balanced audio output, according to the OEM.

The earphones have a sensitivity of 105dB, 32 ohms resistance, and a frequency range of 20-40,000Hz. They deliver up to 28dB noise reduction and their silver-coated OFC (oxygen-free copper) wire supports lossless transmission. The earphones also have certified Hi-Res Audio which is returning to the lineup after its omission previously.

The 1More P50 has a 3.5mm audio jack that is gold-plated, together with the MMCX connectors. There are concerns that the design implies that universal compatibility is not guaranteed for the jack. The 1More Penta Driver P50 earphones are priced at $169.99 and it is available on the OEM’s website. Customers will also get the new earphones from retail platforms like Amazon.

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LG MAGNIT 118-inch 4K ULTRA HD Display unveiled at 2023 CEDIA Expo

By

Jed John Ikoba

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Sep 11, 2023

The 118-inch LG MAGNIT 4K Ultra HD Display has been showcased during the 2023 CEDIA Expo. The
advanced display delivers stunning visuals for luxury homeowners. It comes in an all-in-one design and a streamlined installation for custom integrators.

The new giant LED display has a screen size of 118 inches. Its expansive size marks it as a coveted luxury model. It is a nice entrant into the home cinema and digital art segment. LG Electronics says the new 118-inch model sits between the LG MAGNIT 136-inch residential Micro LED display and the 97-inch LG SIGNATURE OLED M wireless TV. Both models were also on display at CEDIA Expo.

The LG MAGNIT comes with a hefty $237,000 price tag. It offers premium color, clarity, and contrast. It has a crisp 4K resolution, a 0.6 mm pixel pitch, and robust chip-on-board (COB) LED technology. It also features AI-enhanced processing and runs on webOS smart TV.

The MAGNIT’s Micro LED display allows certified LG MAGNIT integrators to install the display’s simple two-cabinet design very quickly. This is a tad faster than what is obtained with other modular LED displays.

The display is based on LG’s advanced direct-view light-emitting diode (DVLED) technology for commercial displays. Each of its 8 million-plus Micro LED pixels is a tiny individual light. It enables pure blacks and high contrast, turning off pixels where the picture is black. It has HDR 10 and HDR 10 Pro compatibility. The display integrates AirPlay 2 and Miracast technology for wireless streaming from iOS, Android, macOS, or Windows 10 devices. Users can also easily load digital art or photos onto the display through the LG app1.

Each display comes pre-loaded with apps for YouTube, Disney+, and Prime Video to make setup as easy as possible. The LG MAGNIT display provides a 150-degree viewing angle and offers four HDMI in ports, digital audio out, two USB in, and an RS232C port among others. The new LG MAGNIT display will also feature Bang & Olufsen’s audio systems. The product has a basic 2-year warranty which can be extended to 5 years.

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Motorola Edge 40 Neo 5G EU price leaks ahead of September 14 launch

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Sep 11, 2023

Motorola has officially announced that the Motorola Edge 40 Neo will make its debut in various European regions on September 14th. We’ve already heard about its specifications and the three colors it will be available in. However, a recent leak has now disclosed the expected price of the phone in the European Union.

Based on a retail screenshot shared by Paras Guglani, the Edge 40 Neo 5G with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage is projected to have a price tag of €338.99. Keep in mind that pricing may fluctuate slightly due to regional taxes, but this figure offers a general indication of where this device is likely to be positioned in the market. Check out the specs below.

Motorola Edge 40 Neo specs (rumored)

The Motorola Edge 40 Neo is said to feature a 6.55-inch P-OLED display with gracefully curved edges. The screen is rumored to offer a sharp FHD+ resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels and a zippy 144Hz refresh rate.

For those who enjoy photography, there’s speculation of a 32-megapixel front camera for taking impressive selfies. On the back, it’s rumored to house a 50-megapixel main camera, potentially equipped with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) for crisper shots. Accompanying this is said to be a 13-megapixel ultra-wide camera.

Regarding its software, the Motorola Edge 40 Neo is rumored to run on the latest MyUX-based Android 13. Under the hood, there are rumors of the rebranded Dimensity 1050 chipset, paired with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage.

The phone is speculated to be equipped with a robust 5,000mAh battery that could provide long-lasting power and support fast charging at 68W for quick refills. Additionally, it’s rumored to have an IP68 rating, suggesting resistance to dust and water.

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Oppo Find N3 might get an official launch date tomorrow

By

Anurag

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Sep 11, 2023

Leaks and rumors about the Oppo Find N3 and N3 Flip have been circulating for several months. The flip phone is now official and is scheduled to go on sale in China, but there is no confirmation about the book-style foldable. That may change tomorrow, as a tipster claims that Oppo may reveal the Find N3 launch date, starting the teaser campaign.

Reports suggest Oppo has started teasing its upcoming Find N3 foldable and will be making a major announcement tomorrow morning at 9:00 AM ET with a “mystery partner.” This is consistent with a previous leak from Digital Chat Station, who said that the “N3 large foldable” will have a “big move” tomorrow. The company might be ready to announce the launch date of the smartphone tomorrow along with some other surprises.

A recent report revealed the inner panel of the OPPO Find N3 measures 7.82 inches and will have a QHD resolution of 2,268 x 2,440 pixels. The main exterior screen is tipped to be 6.31 inches and offers a 2,484 x 1,116 pixels resolution. The Find N3 will reportedly have a 20:9 aspect ratio screen and the highest level of pixel density (PPI) on a foldable.

OPPO Find N3 is also rumored to have a triple rear camera system, with two 48-megapixel sensors and a 64-megapixel lens. It is also expected to have 32-megapixel and 20-megapixel selfie cameras. A leaked schematic from April showed a redesigned circular camera module with a periscope lens and the Hasselblad branding. Additionally, the 3C certification listing confirms that the Find N3 will support 100-watt fast charging.

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Is the iPhone mini Dead? Apple May Discontinue the Model After iPhone 15 Launch

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Sep 11, 2023

Apple introduced the iPhone 12 mini in 2020, bringing the mini series to life. Users who had been fans of smaller models since the iPhone 4 immediately loved this device. While sales numbers were not very high, the tech giant followed up with the iPhone 13 mini the following year in response to positive feedback. Unfortunately, Apple did not find what it was looking for with this model either and decided to discontinue the mini model for the iPhone 14 series. While there has been no official announcement and the fate of compact models remains uncertain, the latest claim is likely to disappoint mini fans. Here are the details…

iPhone mini Fans in Dismay as Apple Likely to Discontinue the Model

According to renowned Apple analyst Mark Gurman, iPhone 13 mini stocks are running low, and Apple’s online store in the United States is predicting shipping times of 2-3 weeks for some models and 6-8 weeks for others. This situation is suggesting that the company may be discontinuing production of the device after its Wonderlust event on Tuesday, where it is expected to unveil the iPhone 15 family.

Apple did not release an iPhone 14 mini last year, but it continued to sell the iPhone 13 mini in the United States for a starting price of $599 as a lower-cost option. If you are looking to buy an iPhone 13 mini, now may be your last chance. Apple is likely to discontinue production of the device after it introduces the iPhone 15 series on Tuesday.

Apple’s new lineup is expected to consist of a 6.1-inch iPhone 15, a 6.7-inch iPhone 15 Plus, a 6.1-inch iPhone 15 Pro, a 6.7-inch iPhone 15 Pro Max, and a 4.7-inch iPhone SE. While there initially seemed to be pent-up demand for a smaller iPhone, actual data showed that the iPhone mini had lower sales than other iPhone models.

In April 2022, research firm CIRP found that the iPhone 13 mini accounted for just 3% of total iPhone 13 sales in the United States in the first quarter of that year. Customers who want a small iPhone from Apple will have to settle for the entry-level iPhone SE, but even that device is rumored to be updated with a larger 6.1-inch display in the next one or two years.

At least for now, it seems that Apple has realized that small phones are not as popular as they once were.

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Infinix unveils new 3D Lighting Leather tech, set to debut with Note 30 VIP

By

Anurag

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Sep 11, 2023

Infinix has been releasing some exciting new technologies lately, the most recent being the GT 10 Pro smartphone. The company’s research and development team is clearly working hard, as they have now revealed a 3D Lighting Leather technology. This new tech, which will be featured on the back of a smartphone, combines colorful LED lights with translucent thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) leather.

As reported by GSMArena, Infinix has unveiled what it calls the industry’s first “highly translucent 3D lighting leather”. It has been crafted using 4 different layers, with an LED Light Guide Film (LFG) as the base. Next comes the lightproof paint topped by the fiberglass material. The layer which you’ll see on the outside consists of Translucent TPU leather.

According to the illustration Infinix provided to the outlet, the translucent nature of the layers allows the LEDs on the bottom layer to shine through the uppermost TPU leather layer. The translucent 3D lighting leather can be used for the same purpose as LED lights on smartphones— to display dynamic notifications and alerts for various apps. Notably, Infinix wants to pair this tech with sound effects, which seems like Nothing new (pun intended).

While details are limited, Infinix might program the LEDs to light up in a certain color when you receive a text message or to flash when you have a new notification. It could also be used to create custom visuals for different apps. This is something Nothing does with its glyph, however, we’ll admit Infinix’s approach is rather unique and futuristic.

The new tech is reported to debut with the Infinix Note 30 VIP Special Edition later this month but we don’t see an announcement on Infinix’s official channels.

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Samsung Galaxy A25 5G key specs emerge ahead of launch

By

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Sep 11, 2023

Samsung is in the process of updating its mid-range A-series smartphones for the upcoming year. Typically, the company reveals its A-series phones in the March-April timeframe, so we anticipate the introduction of devices like the Galaxy A25 in a similar timeframe in 2024. Interestingly, the Galaxy A25 has already surfaced on various certification websites which hints that Samsung could launch it earlier than expected. With that said, a leaker has disclosed the essential specifications of the device.

Samsung Galaxy A25 5G renders by GizNext / OnLeaks

Anthony on X (formerly Twitter) has revealed a bunch of details about the Galaxy A25 5G smartphone. For starters, the device is likely to sport a 6.44-inch AMOLED screen. We can expect it to be a notched FHD+ panel with a high refresh rate. On the back, it’s expected to house a 50MP primary camera. A leaker render of the device has revealed that it will have two more cameras on the back. A previous leak also revealed that the device will have a 13MP front camera.

The upcoming Galaxy A25 5G is rumored to come equipped with Samsung’s Exynos 1280 chipset, the same one found in the 2022 Galaxy A53 5G and the Galaxy M34 5G. It’s anticipated to run on the One UI 6 custom skin based on the Android 14 operating system. There’s also talk of an 8GB RAM variant for the smartphone. Additionally, the smartphone may be powered by a 5000mAh battery, possibly supporting 25W fast charging.

The missing specs are expected to emerge as we get closer to the launch. For now, you can checkout the performance of the smartphone on Geekbench from our previous coverage.

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Honor 90 Indian RAM & storage variants revealed ahead of launch

By

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Sep 11, 2023

Honor has confirmed that the Honor 90 5G will be coming to India on September 14. As the device is already available in the global market, we pretty much know what we can expect specs-wise. That being said, a new teaser has confirmed that the device will come in multiple storage and RAM configurations.

This teaser has confirmed that Indian consumers can anticipate the Honor 90 5G to be released with a maximum of 12GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. Interestingly, it has also been made clear that the 16GB + 512GB version will not be available in India. Consequently, it appears that we will also have the option of purchasing models with 8GB + 256GB and 12GB + 256GB configurations.

Honor 90 specs

The Honor 90 5G has a large 6.7-inch AMOLED screen. This screen is curved on all sides and has a fingerprint scanner built into it. It’s really sharp with a resolution of 1200 x 2664 pixels and a 120Hz refresh rate. Inside, it’s powered by a Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 Accelerated Edition chip, and it runs on MagicOS 7.1, which is based on Android 13.

The Honor 90 5G has a 50-megapixel for selfies, and on the back, it has three cameras. The main one has a 200MP, paired with a 12MP ultra-wide lens, and a 2MP depth sensor. It has a 5000mAh battery, and it has 66W fast charging support.

As for the price in India, it’s rumored to be around Rs 35,000, which is about $420. When it’s officially released, you’ll be able to buy it from Amazon.

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OPPO Applies to Trademark “AndesGPT” and “AndesAI” for New AI Assistant

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Rajesh Regmi

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Sep 11, 2023

Oppo announced in August that it would launch an expansive experiential activity featuring its new version of Xiaobu Assistant, which is built on the company’s large language model, AndesGPT. The company has now applied to register multiple “AndesGPT” and “AndesAI” trademarks, with an international classification of scientific instruments, communication services, and website services. The current trademark status is under application.

AndesGPT is a generative large language model (LLM) developed by the OPPO Andes Intelligent Cloud team. The team began exploring and implementing pre-trained language models two years ago and self-developed large models OBERT with 100 million, 300 million, and 1 billion parameters. OBERT once ranked fifth in the overall list of the Chinese language understanding evaluation benchmark CLUE1.1 and first in the large-scale knowledge graph question-answering ranking KgCLUE1.0.

OPPO revealed that AndesGPT is based on the OBERT model training experience and integrates key technologies such as continuous learning of Chinese dialogue data, fine-tuning of instructions, human feedback reinforcement learning, and knowledge enhancement. In June this year, it ranked first on the C-Eval evaluation list.

The application of the AndesGPT and AndesAI trademarks suggests that OPPO is planning to make a big push into the AI assistant market. It will be interesting to see how OPPO’s new Xiaobu Assistant performs in the market. If it can offer a compelling user experience, it could be a major player in the AI assistant space.

In addition to the trademark applications, OPPO has also been making other moves to strengthen its AI capabilities. In April, the company announced a partnership with Alibaba Cloud to jointly develop AI technologies. This will allow OPPO to develop more sophisticated AI-powered features for its smartphones, as they had just recently shut down their chip business.

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Panasonic Teases G9 Mark II with Feature Phase Detection Autofocus and 4K60 Video Recording

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