Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 teardown reveals new shock dispersion layer

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Aug 27, 2023

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 is the company’s newest foldable phone, and it’s one of the best on the market. Samsung says that both the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Z Flip 5 meet durability expectations. They have Armor Aluminum frames, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection for the cover screens and back panels, and an IPX8 rating for water resistance.

In addition, Samsung has added an extra layer to the phone’s foldable displays that is said to offer improved shock dispersion. Zack Nelson aka JerryRigEverything, a popular YouTuber who tears down phones, has taken the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 apart and shown the company’s new shock dispersion layer.

Taking apart a foldable phone is difficult, as shown in JerryRigEverything’s video (linked above). After heating up the corners of the inner displays and removing the plastic bumper, Nelson found it difficult to remove the display from the frame without damaging it.

Regardless, Nelson was able to remove the screen, revealing Samsung’s new shock dispersion layer. It appears to be a piece of black foam with circular cutouts. It is hard to understand how this works or if it will actually improve the phone’s durability. We may have to wait for a drop-test video to see how effective it is.

Nelson admitted that it is now obvious why Samsung does not talk much about the shock dispersion layer because it is not very exciting. Moreover, the hinge is another more talked-about upgrade this year, and JerryRigEverything found that it has a lot of moving parts.

Samsung explained in a video that the hinge has a dual rail structure that helps to diffuse external impacts. This is evident from the sheer number of screws, springs, and other small components that make up the three-part hinge. One of the main complaints about Samsung’s previous foldable phones was the hinge gap. Fortunately, the company’s engineers have made progress on this front and the phone can finally lay flat when it folded.

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Redmi K70 Pro could be equipped with metal frame, telephoto camera with 3x zoom

By

Anvinraj Valiyathara

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Aug 27, 2023

Redmi is reportedly planning to launch the Redmi K70e, Redmi K70, and Redmi K70 Pro by the end of this year. These devices are said to be equipped with the Dimensity 8300, Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, and Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipsets, respectively. In a recent Weibo post, tipster Digital Chat Station revealed (via. TechGoing) a few new details about the K70.

Redmi K70 Pro could be first K-series phone with telephoto camera

It can be said based on DCS’ Weibo post that the Redmi K70 Pro will be almost a premium device featuring a metallic middle frame, promising better durability than its predecessor. The leak also suggests that the K70 Pro could be the first-ever Redmi K-series phone to feature a telephoto camera. It seems that the telephoto snapper supports 3x optical zoom.

Reports have claimed that the 23117RK66C, 2311DRK48C, and 23113RKC6C model names belong to the Redmi K70e, K70, and K70 Pro, respectively. DCS previously claimed that the K70 Pro (23113RKC6C) will have the upcoming Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 onboard, but its recent Geekbench listing revealed that it has a Dimensity 9200+ chip.

Commenting on the tipster, Kacper Skrzypek said that the listing has a minor issue. On Geekbench, the 23113RKC6C Redmi phone is labelled “Corot,” a designation already associated with the Redmi K60 Ultra (23078RKD5C). The tipster claims that the device’s model has likely been faked, as there is no indication of a newer model within the ROM. This doesn’t necessarily rule out the launch of 23113RKC6C, but he is skeptical that the 23113RKC6C device is truly “Corot.”

As per other reports, the Redmi K70 Pro will have a flat display that offers a 2K resolution and possibly a 120Hz refresh rate. Under the hood, it may feature the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, up to 24 GB of LPDDR5x RAM, 1 TB of UFS 4.0 storage, and a 5,120mAh battery with 120W fast charging. It may come with MIUI 14-based Android 13 and an in-screen fingerprint scanner. The K70 Pro may get rebranded as the Poco F6 Pro in the global market.

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Zenfone 10 could be last generation as Asus’ continues its organizational restructuring

By

Anvinraj Valiyathara

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Aug 27, 2023

Asus, a prominent name in the world of PCs and smartphones, has raised eyebrows with its unexpected organizational restructuring. Despite promising no job cuts, the company has proceeded to reduce its workforce in different departments. This has led to confusion and speculation about the company’s strategic motives, its consequences for employees, and its trajectory. The report also states that the Taiwanese company has decided to axe its Zenfone series of smartphones.

Asus’ organizational restructuring results in layoffs

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In June, Asus released an internal letter to its employees announcing an upcoming organizational restructuring. Despite assuring its employees that there would be no job loss, it reportedly reduced its workforce in the PC department in July. This affected employees in both Taiwan and Suzhou, China. However, the company’s downsizing efforts have not ceased with this move.

Recently, an individual with knowledge of the situation revealed that several units within the commercial department were informed that a significant reduction would occur, affecting teams such as engineers and procurement, resulting in a 50% workforce reduction.

Initially, Asus had communicated plans for the commercial computer team to transition to the mobile phone product department. Nonetheless, individuals familiar with the matter highlighted that some employees who had recently been integrated into the mobile phone unit were still subjected to layoffs.

The company had indicated that it would attempt to internally place affected employees in vacant positions. However, the report states that the HR department is not actively pursuing this and instead expects employees to find suitable internal openings on their own.

The reasons behind the layoff of employees who were integrated into the mobile phone unit only to be later laid off were also brought to light by an insider. As it is known, Asus’ mobile phones are categorized into the ROG and Zenfone series. However, the latest Zenfone 10 model is projected to be the last generation in this series. Consequently, the Zenfone team will either be integrated into other departments or directly merged into the ROG team in the future. It is expected that the current round of layoffs in Asus’ commercial department will continue until next month.

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Xiaomi Router AX3000T with Wi-Fi 6 support launched in China for 189 yuan ($26)

By

Soumyakanti

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Aug 26, 2023

Xiaomi unveiled its latest router, the AX3000T, priced at an introductory 189 yuan ($26), before eventually retailing at 249 yuan ($34).

Xiaomi Router AX3000T key features:

The router promises superior performance by supporting the next-gen Wi-Fi 6, delivering remarkable wireless speeds of up to 3000 gigabits. Specifically, when leveraging both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies, the speeds can peak at 2976Mbps.

The AX3000T router offers a notable “2+1” 5GHz antenna setup with Xtra Range technology. This design enhances signal strength, similar to having an additional antenna. It effectively overcomes issues like weak 5G signals through walls and eliminates dead zones within homes.

The AX3000T router is equipped with the advanced MediaTek Filogic 820 platform, featuring a 1.3GHz dual-core A53 processor. This powerful hardware enables smooth performance, lower CPU usage, and stable connectivity for up to 128 devices, making it suitable for tech-heavy households. Additionally, the router includes 256MB RAM to enhance its overall performance.

The AX3000T router features four full-gigabit Ethernet ports that support dual WAN and LAN port aggregation. This is useful for households with multiple broadband connections. When combined with a dual-gigabit Ethernet-compatible NAS, users can create a high-speed 2-gigabit private cloud drive.

The router also offers the mixed Mesh networking feature for Xiaomi/Redmi WiFi 6 routers, which can handle up to 10 devices. It ensures a seamless, millisecond-level transition between devices.

Additionally, the AX3000T has built-in security measures, such as automatic interception of unauthorized internet access and app/website access restrictions. NFC quick connect, IPTV network television and multi-platform gaming acceleration are among its other key offerings.

As per Xiaomi’s official Weibo announcement, pre-orders for the AX3000T have started and it’s available on platforms including Xiaomi Mall, Xiaomi Youpin, JD.com, Tmall, and Pinduoduo.

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Oppo Find N3 Flip Roundup: Everything from Specs, Design to Expected Pricing

By

Anurag

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Aug 26, 2023

Oppo makes stalwart foldables but almost none of them make it out of China. The one device that did step into the global market was Oppo Find N2 Flip. The Galaxy Z Flip 4 rival debuted with a neat design and durable hinge. It also had a large cover screen that lets you do a lot without opening the phone.

Oppo is now ready to bring the Find N3 Flip to China on August 29, and hopefully, it will also make its global debut sometime later this year. The new foldable gets some design changes and upgraded specifications, which could make it a worthy Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 competitor. Read this roundup to find out what’s new in Oppo’s newest foldable.

Design and Display

Oppo Find N2 Flip (review) was the company’s first attempt at making a clamshell foldable and it nailed it (almost). The sleek design of the smartphone made it appealing and the large cover screen gave it an edge over other alternatives in the market. Unlike the Galaxy Z Flip 4, the Find N2 Flip folds perfectly flat, leaving no gap in its fold.

The upcoming Find N3 Flip doesn’t look the same as its predecessor but it’s also not very different. The handset retains the rectangular cover screen on the side but gets a new circular camera module. The new module features three camera sensors and there is also a Hasselblad branding. Notably, Find N3 Flip is not going with a larger cover screen like some of its competitors. Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 5 has a larger outer display that covers the entire half of the phone, while Motorola’s Razr 40 Ultra has a wider cover screen that takes up more of the front of the phone.

So far, we don’t know if the Find N3 Flip will have any changes to its hinge. The Find N2 Flip has a new Generation Flexion Hinge, which is a version of the Find N2’s hinge that has been adapted for the smaller phone. It’s been rated for 216,000 actuations and can hold the phone in place at any angle between 45 and 110 degrees. This allows for some interesting use cases with the camera, such as tripod mode, waist-level shooting, and even camcorder mode.

The display specifications of the smartphone are anyone’s guess at the moment. It should be similar to the Find N2 Flip, which has a 6.8-inch AMOLED screen bearing an FHD+ resolution, an adaptive refresh rate of 120Hz, 1,600 nits peak brightness, and HDR support. The phone has a large 3.26-inch secondary AMOLED display with a 60Hz refresh rate and a resolution of 720 x 382 pixels.

Other Specifications

The upcoming flip phone will come equipped with the MediaTek Dimensity 9200 SoC, paired with 16GB of RAM. The device is also expected to feature a larger 4,800mAh battery compared to its predecessor’s 4,300mAh battery. It will also support 67W fast charging, as confirmed by a 3C certification.

The Find N3 Flip boasts a triple camera setup, with rumors suggesting a 50-megapixel primary sensor with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) as the star attraction. While details about the other sensors remain undisclosed, Oppo has confirmed that the flip phone will be the first in the series to include a portrait camera lens. The company has also shared some camera samples, although they appear to be edited and may not accurately represent the actual camera quality.

Expected Pricing

Similar to many other specifications of the phone, its pricing remains undisclosed as of now. It is expected to be priced in line with the Find N2 Flip. For reference, the Find N2 Flip is priced at Rs. 89,999 in India for the 8GB RAM + 256GB storage variant, which roughly converts to $1,175 USD. The phone is offered in three color options: Black, Gold, and Purple.

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Get $100 OFF on Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 Premium Foldable smartphone (Coupon)

By

Joane

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Aug 26, 2023

Giztop is giving a $100 discount on the Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 Premium Foldable smartphone. You can get $100 OFF on this phone by using the coupon code: MF3100. Please note that the coupon expires on August 31.

WHERE TO BUY

Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 at $1499 @Giztop

Xiaomi Mix Fold 3, is a cutting-edge smartphone with a dual-screen design that presents a 6.56-inch external Flexible AMOLED screen with a 120Hz display frame rate, complemented by a stunning 8.03-inch 2K+ UltraVision Display internally, boasting a 120Hz frame rate as well.

The Mix Fold 3 features a professional Original Color Screen with a DCI-P3 color gamut and a remarkable 8,000,000:1 contrast ratio, ensuring captivating visuals. HDR10+ and Dolby Vision support further enhance the display, offering unparalleled brightness up to 2600nit even under direct sunlight.

Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Processor, this smartphone excels with its octa-core processing unit reaching 3.36 GHz. Paired with up to 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and up to 1TB of UFS 4.0 storage, the device effortlessly handles tasks and stores your data securely.

Capture exceptional moments with the 50MP Sony IMX800 primary camera featuring OIS and large pixel output. The triple-camera setup includes a 10MP telephoto ultra-wide snapper and a telephoto camera with 5x optical zoom. The cover display accommodates a 20MP front camera for high-quality selfies.

Equipped with a dual-battery design totaling 4800mAh, the Mix Fold 3 supports 67W fast wired charging, Quick Charge 4+, and Power Delivery 3.0, ensuring rapid recharges. The inclusion of WiFi 7, WiFi 6 Plus, and multi-function NFC provides advanced connectivity options.

Noteworthy features include the side-mounted fingerprint reader for quick and secure unlocking, a butterfly-type cooling system combining VC liquid cooling, thermal gel, and graphite sheets to manage heat efficiently, and Harman Kardon tuned quad speakers delivering immersive audio experiences.

The Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 embodies innovation and performance in every aspect, from its powerful processor to its dual-display system. Experience the future of mobile technology and enjoy a host of advanced features in one remarkable device.

Sony Xperia 5 V NA variant visits Geekbench with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC

By

Sudhanshu

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Aug 26, 2023

Sony has announced that the Xperia 5 V smartphone will be launching in Japan on September 1. The device is also expected to arrive in markets outside of Japan. Now, the North American variant of the device has been spotted on Geekbench revealing its performance along with some key specs.

According to Geekbench test results, the Xperia 5 V (XQ-DE54) will feature a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor with a 2.02GHz base clock and a 3.19GHz boost clock. The variant spotted on Geekbench has 8GB of RAM, and features an Android 13-based operating system. In performance tests, it achieved scores of 1,453 in the single-core test and 4,556 in the multi-core test. The listing does not reveal any further information.

That being said, the recently leaked video teaser does reveal a bunch of details about the smartphone. Like the fact that the device will have a boxy design and a pill-shaped camera module. There will be two sensors on the back with Zeiss T* coated lenses.

The device is also expected to feature a 3.5mm audio jack and a side-mounted fingerprint sensor. The handset will offer 33W fast charging support as per the 3C certification listing. Rumors also say that we can expect up to 16GB RAM onboard the smartphone. More details will be revealed at the September 1 launch event, so stay tuned.

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Lenovo Tab P12 with Dimensity 7050 will be available in India from September 5

By

Sudhanshu

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Aug 26, 2023

Last month, Lenovo introduced the new Tab P12 tablet for the EU. Now, a new Flipkart poster has revealed that the tablet is coming to India next month.

As per a report by TheTechOutlook, a new Lenovo Tab P12 has been spotted on Flipkart. The poster mentions that the sale of this tablet will start at 12 PM on September 5.

Pricing of the tablet is yet to be announced, however, it starts at €399 in the EU. You can check out the specs of the tablet below.

Lenovo Tab P12 specs

The Lenovo Tab P12 features a sizable 12.7-inch LTPS LCD display with a resolution of 2944 x 1840. It has a 60Hz refresh rate and a pixel density of 273ppi. It has Quad JBL speakers. On the camera side, it boasts a 13MP front-facing camera with an RGB sensor and a wide field of view. The rear setup includes an 8MP autofocus camera with an LED Flash.

Under the hood, the tablet is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7050 processor, paired with an Android 13-based operating system. The Tab P12 will receive two years of OS updates and four years of security patches. It comes in two memory variants: 4GB RAM with 128GB storage and 8GB RAM with options for either 128GB or 256GB storage. The tablet supports expandable storage through a MicroSD card slot.

The tablet incorporates various sensors, including an accelerometer G sensor, RGB sensor, gyroscope, E-compass, and a hall sensor. For added security, a fingerprint sensor is integrated into the power button. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 6, dual-band Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth v5.1. It features a USB Type-C 2.0 port. With a robust 10200mAh battery, the device offers up to 10 hours of video playback. It will come in two elegant colors: Storm Grey and Oat.

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Huawei Darren Smart Desk Lamp 3 Pro with 96 lamp beads launched for 329 yuan ($45)

By

Soumyakanti

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Aug 26, 2023

Huawei and Darren have teamed up to release a smart desk lamp, named Huawei Smart Selection Darren Smart Desk Lamp 3 Pro. This lamp is now up for public testing on Huawei’s online store. Initially priced at 429 yuan ($58), it’s now on offer for 329 yuan ($45) during testing.

Huawei Smart Selection Darre Smart Desk Lamp 3 Pro key features:

The smart lamp showcases a minimalist design, measuring approximately 210 x 480 x 250mm, suitable for diverse home settings. Crafted from eco-friendly ABS material, it adheres to environmental standards.

The lamp incorporates patented spring pivot joints, facilitating adjustments of up to 60° forward/backward, 160° upward/downward, and 170° left/right for the lamp head. This adaptability accommodates personalized lighting angles according to height and posture. Foldable for compact storage, it optimizes space utilization.

The lamp’s robust base ensures secure placement on any surface. Its touch-sensitive panel presents buttons for power, reading modes, screen reading, light formulas, and night light, accompanied by a brightness adjustment slider. This interface allows various operations including light control, dimming, night light activation, and network setup through short presses, long presses, and swipes.

The standout feature of this desk lamp is its third-generation SSDT Stereoscopic Light. Unlike earlier versions, this uses 96 lamp beads for side emission. As a result, it increases light coverage by 100%, cuts down shadowy areas by half, and boosts uniformity by 1.2 times. This technology allows it to provide even lighting for desks as long as 1.2 meters.

This smart lamp also introduces “Smart Eye Management.” Users can set rest reminders and even get reports on their lighting usage, helping them monitor their eye health. An added benefit is its intelligent photosensitivity. This means the lamp can detect changes in room lighting and adjust its brightness accordingly.

It supports instant smartphone connectivity and integration with other smart home devices. The lamp offers interactive touch controls and one-touch smart connection, but this function is exclusively available on smartphones equipped with HarmonyOS 2.0.0 and later versions.

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New iQOO Z8 and Z8x leak reveals complete specifications

By

Anurag

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Aug 26, 2023

iQOO is set to launch several new smartphones this month. The brand is gearing up for the release of the iQOO Z7 Pro in India on August 31st. On the same day, in China, the Vivo sub-brand will introduce the iQOO Z8 and iQOO Z8x. These two new mid-range phones are expected to offer good performance for their respective price points. While we await their launch, a tipster has shared the complete specifications for these devices. Here are the details.

Tipster Ishan Agarwal has shared the complete specifications of the upcoming iQOO Z8 and iQOO Z8x on X (formerly Twitter). The iQOO Z8 features a 6.64-inch LCD display with a 120Hz refresh rate. It will feature a dual camera setup on the rear, headlined by a 64MP main camera with image stabilization and a 2MP portrait camera. There’s also a 16MP front camera for selfies and video calls. Inside, the iQOO Z8 is equipped with a Mediatek Dimensity 8200 chipset for fast performance.

You can choose between models with up to 12GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, which is expandable to a massive 1TB via MicroSD card. The phone runs on a 5,000mAh battery and supports incredibly fast 120W charging.

The iQOO Z8x shares many of the same features, such as the 6.64-inch 120Hz LCD display and a 2MP portrait camera. However, it uses a Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset and offers up to 12GB of LPDDR4X RAM with 256GB of UFS 2.2 storage, also expandable to 1TB. This phone has a larger 6,000mAh battery but supports only 44W charging

Both phones include a 3.5mm headphone jack, a side fingerprint sensor, NFC, and IR control. It operates on OriginOS 3.0 based on Android 13.

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Redmi K70 Pro Spotted On Geekbench Revealing Processor, RAM Details

By

Viraj Gawde

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Aug 26, 2023

Xiaomi sub-brand Redmi is expected to launch the Redmi K70 series later this year. The lineup will arrive as the successor to the Redmi K60 series that debuted last December. The Redmi K70 series phones have started doing the rounds on the rumor mill since last month. Now the Pro variant in the lineup has appeared on the Geekbench benchmarking platform revealing its core specifications.

Redmi K70 Pro spotted on Geekbench

The Redmi K70 Pro has been listed on the Geekbench database with the model number 23113RKC6C. This is the same model number that had also been spotted on the IMEI database in June along with two more K70-series devices.

The benchmarking platform mentions the motherboard codenamed Corot on the K70 Pro and it comprises of four cores clocked at 2GHz, three cores at 3GHz, and one primary core ticking at 3.35GHz. This corresponds to the MediaTek Dimensity 9200+. The Geekbench listing reveals 16GB RAM onboard. It will run on Android 13 OS out of the box.

In the Geekbench’s single-core and multi-core tests results, the Redmi K70 Pro scored 1,882 and 4,536 points respectively. The listing does not reveal any additional details of the upcoming smartphone.

Previously, reliable tipster Digital Chat Station revealed the key specifications of the Redmi K70 Pro. As per him, the device is supposed to be powered by the upcoming Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, however, the Geekbench listing contradicts it. The smartphone is tipped to be backed by a 5,120mAh battery unit with support for 120W fast charging. Additionally, it is said to feature a flat display bearing a 2K resolution and 120Hz refresh rate.

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OnePlus 12, Realme GT 5 Pro tipped to offer dust, water-resistance at 4K yuan ($550)

By

Soumyakanti

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Aug 26, 2023

By the year’s end, OnePlus is gearing up to unveil the OnePlus 12, whereas Realme is poised to release the Realme GT 5 in China on August 28. The Pro variant of the latter is anticipated to debut later this year or in early 2024. Recent insights from the Digital Chat Station on Weibo have shed light on the specifications of these phones.

OnePlus 12 and Realme GT 5 Pro key specs tipped

DCS OnePlus 12 Realme GT 5 Pro specs leak

According to DCS, both the OnePlus 12 and Realme GT 5 Pro are targeting the 4k yuan ($550) price segment. They’re likely to share several attributes, including a 2K display, an OV64B periscope camera, a metal frame in the middle, 50W wireless charging, and a dust and water-resistant body. However, the exact level of water and dust resistance, marked by the IP rating, remains uncertain.

Earlier information from the same source indicated similar specifications for the two phones. However, the OnePlus 12 seems to stand out in a few areas: better heat management, camera enhancements in partnership with Hasselblad, and some unique custom features. In terms of appearance, both phones will have distinct rear designs.

The OnePlus 12 is speculated to have a curved AMOLED screen, boasting a 2K resolution, coupled with ultra-high frequency dimming. It’s expected to run on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, paired with up to 24GB LPDDR5x RAM and up to 1TB UFS 4.0 storage.

The phone should have a 5,400mAh battery, offering 100W wired and 50W wireless charging. Camera-wise, it might come with a 50MP main Sony IMX9-series sensor with OIS, complemented by an ultra-wide lens and a 64MP OmniVision OV64B periscope camera with 3x zoom.

On the other hand, the Realme GT 5 Pro, while maintaining similarities in display, processor, memory, storage, and battery to the OnePlus 12, will also offer its unique design and camera setup.

It’s also noteworthy that from the following year, both OnePlus and Realme are planning to rely solely on Snapdragon chipsets for their devices. OnePlus 12 global launch is expected to happen in January next year.

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Realme Buds Air 5 early bird sale is live in India, Check details

By

Sudhanshu

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Aug 26, 2023

Earlier this week, Realme launched the Buds Air 5 series earbuds along with the Realme 11 5G & 11x 5G smartphone in India. Starting today, the Realme Buds Air 5 is available to purchase in the country, and currently, the brand is offering it at early bird pricing.

Realme Buds Air 5 price & availability

The Realme Buds Air 5 has a price tag of Rs 3,699 in India. However, it is currently selling for an early-bird price of Rs. 3,699. This sale will last till midnight. Interested readers can buy the earbuds from Flipkart and Realme’s website.

Realme Buds Air 5 specs

The Realme Buds Air 5 earbuds offer 50dB active noise cancellation, a 12.4mm titanized driver for powerful sound, Bluetooth 5.3 for strong wireless connections, AAC and SBC audio codec support, touch gesture controls, and six microphones with AI ENC noise reduction for clear calls. They boast a 45ms super low latency gaming mode for gamers and allow customization through the realme Link app, including noise cancellation settings and updates.

These earbuds can connect to two devices simultaneously and are IPX5 water-resistant, suitable for exercise and outdoor use. They provide up to 7 hours of playback without noise cancellation (AAC format) or 4.5 hours with it, with the charging case extending playback to 38 hours. A 10-minute charge yields up to 7 hours of playback for both earbuds and the case.

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Tesla’s India entry plan could lead to lower EV import taxes

By

Rajesh Regmi

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Aug 26, 2023

The Indian government might be considering lowering the import tax on electric vehicles (EVs) for automakers that partner with a local manufacturing unit. Currently, the import tax on EVs in India is 100% for cars that cost more than ₹33 lakhs (about $42,000) and 70% for the rest. However, according to an exclusive report by Reuters, if the new policy is implemented, electric vehicle makers may have to pay an import tax as low as 15% to the Indian government.

This comes after Tesla, the electric car company founded by Elon Musk, is planning to enter the domestic market in India. “There is an understanding with Tesla’s proposal and the government is showing interest,” the Reuters report cited the official familiar with the development.

However, the Commerce Ministry of India and Tesla have not yet commented on the plan. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also said to Reuters that there is “no proposal in front of me” to reduce import duties on EVs.

Less Import Duty on EVs in India means?

If the Indian government reduces import taxes on electric vehicles, it will also lower the cost of these vehicles in the domestic market. This could force local carmakers to start manufacturing more EVs, as they will be more competitive with imported models.

The lower import taxes would also encourage other global automakers to enter the Indian market, which is the third-largest car market in the world. This would be a major boost for the Indian EV market, which is still in its early stages of development.

“The lower import taxes could help Tesla sell its full range of models in India, and not just the new car it wants to make locally”, Reuters cited another official.

Tesla has been trying to enter the Indian market for several years. In 2021, the company tried to persuade the Indian government to lower the import duty on electric vehicles (EVs) from 100%. However, the talks between Tesla and the government collapsed when the government insisted that Tesla commit to local manufacturing first.

More recently, Tesla has told Indian officials that it is willing to set up a local factory in India and produce a new EV priced around $24,000. This would be roughly 25% cheaper than Tesla’s current entry-level model. The new EV would be for both the Indian market and export.

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Corsair Elgato Facecam Pro, the world’s first 4K60 webcam launched in China

By

Soumyakanti

-

Aug 26, 2023

Corsair‘s Elgato has launched the Facecam Pro, the world’s first 4K60 video recording webcam, in China. The 4K webcam was announced last year at $299, while the standard Elgato Facecam retails for $129. This webcam appeals to video enthusiasts seeking hassle-free, high-resolution captures due to its large sensor, auto-focus lens, and advanced image processor for clear videos.

Elgato Facecam Pro specifications:

The Elgato Facecam Pro features a studio-grade f/2.0 21mm Elgato auto-focus lens with manual adjustment within a 10 cm / 4-inch to infinity focus range. It offers a 90-degree field of view angle and uses a 1/1.8-inch Sony STARVIS sensor, making it suitable for both wide shots and group calls.

It’s designed to give the user little to no lag, thanks to its ability to send 4K60 video via USB 3.0. Even if you’re using software that isn’t compatible with 4K, the Facecam Pro can smartly adjust to 1080p60 quality, ensuring you always get the best.

The Facecam Pro comes with the Camera Hub software, enhancing user control comparable to a DSLR camera. This software allows adjustments in settings like field of view, exposure, and white balance. The webcam’s advanced sensor and Image Signal Processor (ISP) enable seamless cinematic techniques such as panning and zooming while maintaining image quality.

GeForce RTX GPU users can enhance video quality through NVIDIA Broadcast, utilizing AI for background changes and high-quality blurring. Settings can be saved on the Facecam Pro for easy transitions between computers.

Elgato’s Camera Hub software is accessible via the Stream Deck console, offering real-time control of Facecam Pro settings for seamless integration in a studio environment. The Camera Hub plugin from the Stream Deck store enables simple activation of preset panning, tilting, and zooming effects using one-touch controls.

Julian Fest, Elgato’s executive, described the Facecam Pro as a groundbreaking webcam advancement that caters to creators, remote workers, and various users.

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OnePlus Ace 2 Pro’s Rain Water Touch Feature Explained: How Does It Work?

By

Soumyakanti

-

Aug 26, 2023

Today, smartphones can do almost everything, from taking high-quality photos to running powerful applications. But these exceptional handheld devices have a basic problem: they’ve struggled to operate properly when their screens are wet. Most of us have tried to use our phones in the rain or with wet fingers, only to be met with frustration. OnePlus aims to tackle this with its “Rain Water Touch” feature. But what is it, and how does it work?

The Wet Screen Problem

Before delving into OnePlus’s solution, it’s essential to understand the problem. Most smartphones use what’s called capacitive technology for their touchscreens. When you touch these screens, a small electrical charge is transferred from your finger to the screen, which the phone detects and processes as a touch.

However, water also conducts electricity. So, when the screen is wet, the phone often gets confused. It can’t tell whether the electrical charge is coming from your finger, a raindrop, or a mix of both. This is why your phone sometimes acts strangely or becomes unresponsive when the screen is wet.

OnePlus Ace 2 Pro teased with "Rainwater Touch Control" tech

OnePlus’s Rain Water Touch

With the release of the OnePlus Ace 2 Pro, the company introduced a new technology designed to solve the wet screen issue: the Rain Water Touch feature. This isn’t just about making the screen water-resistant. It’s about ensuring that the touchscreen understands your touch even when there’s water on the screen.

How Does Rain Water Touch Feature Work?

OnePlus’ approach is a combination of smart software and hardware adjustments. They’ve implemented a custom chip and developed special algorithms (or sets of rules) that help the phone differentiate between the electrical signals from water and those from a finger.

To simplify, think of it this way: every time you touch the screen, your phone sees a certain “pattern” of electricity. With this feature, the phone can distinguish the water on the screen as a different pattern. The Rain Water Touch technology is like a smart filter. It can recognize and ignore the patterns from water, only responding to the patterns from your fingers.

The benefits of this technology are clear. For users living in places with frequent rain or those who love the outdoors, this means no more waiting for the screen to dry or wiping it constantly. Your phone remains usable, rain or shine.

Furthermore, as we increasingly rely on our smartphones for everything, from navigation to communication, having a device that can function optimally in all conditions becomes crucial.

What About Other Phones?

The challenge of wet screens isn’t unique to OnePlus. But as of now, most phones don’t handle this problem very well. Without technology similar to Rain Water Touch, they continue to misinterpret or ignore touches on a wet screen. This can be especially problematic in emergencies or situations where quick phone access is necessary.

OnePlus showcased the power of Rain Water Touch by comparing the OnePlus Ace 2 Pro against the iPhone 14 Pro in a simulated rainy situation. While the iPhone struggled with water-induced glitches, the OnePlus device sailed through. This hands-on demonstration highlighted how the Rain Water Touch feature can turn a rainy day from frustrating to functional.

In Conclusion

The Rain Water Touch feature by OnePlus is a step towards making our devices even more reliable and user-friendly. It’s a reminder that while there are always new and exciting features being added to smartphones, sometimes, addressing a simple issue can be just as impactful.

As technology continues to evolve, it’s innovations like these — ones that solve real-world, everyday problems — that make a difference.

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Garmin Venu 3, Venu 3S Surface In Official-Looking Renders Revealing Design And Color Options

By

Viraj Gawde

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Aug 26, 2023

Garmin is reportedly working on the Venu 3 series smartwatches. They are rumoured to debut next month probably at the upcoming IFA in Berlin. A recent leak revealed key detail about the upcoming smartwatches from the popular wearables maker. Now, ahead of the official launch, the Venu 3 and Venu 3S have surfaced in leaked renders revealing their design. The devices will arrive as the successor to the Venu 2 and Venu 2S that were launched way back in 2021.

Garmin Venu 3 and Venu 3S leaked renders

The leaked renders reveal the Garmin Venu 3 and Venu 3S with a circular dial and three physical buttons on the right side. The left side seems to have a speaker grille and there is a pogo pin for charging on the bottom surface. Both smartwatches will be water-resistant up to 5 meters.

The Venu 3 will be offered in a 45mm dial size paired with 21mm watch bands whereas the Venu 3S will come in a 41mm option with 18mm bands. We could also notice a bezel surrounding the display. The Venu 3 will come in a Slate color with a Black strap and a Passivated option with a White band. On the other hand, the Venu 3S will be offered in Soft Gold (Ivory and French Grey Straps), French Gold (Pink Dawn strap), Slate (Pebble Grey), and Passivated (Sage Grey) colors

As per the renders, the Garmin Venu 3 series will be equipped with a heart-rate sensor and body battery monitor. It will also feature a sleep coach that will factor in naps where a 20-minute nap decreases the overall sleep need for that day. The upcoming smartwatches are also rumored to pack a skin temperature sensor for detecting early signs of fever. However, it is only said to work when the user is asleep.

We can expect the Garmin Venu 3 and Venu 3S smartwatches to launch in the coming days.

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Alleged Redmi Note 13 Pro and Note 13 Pro+ key specifications leaked via TENAA

By

Anurag

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Aug 26, 2023

Redmi‘s new Note 13 series models have begun to surface online, with multiple appearances on various certification sites. The Note 13 series is expected to launch sometime this winter. While we eagerly await the official release, both the Redmi Note 13 Pro and Redmi Note 13 Pro models have recently surfaced on TENAA. This Chinese authority has unveiled the key specifications of these upcoming phones.

The forthcoming Redmi Note 13 Pro and Pro+ smartphones have received certification from the Telecommunication Equipment Certification Administration (TENAA) in China. The two phones have model numbers 23090RA98C and 2312DRA50C. However, it is not yet known which model number corresponds to which phone.

Both smartphones have 5G connectivity and the same size measuring 161 x 74 mm. Xiaomi includes 6.67-inch OLED displays with 2,712 x 1,220 pixels resolution on the two phones. If previous rumors are to be believed, the handsets will offer a 144Hz refresh rate. TENAA suggests the upcoming Redmi Note 13 series phones will be equipped with two different processors with clock speeds of 2.4GHz and 2.8GHz. They might be equipped with Dimensity 9200 Plus.

The Note 13 Pro is said to be offered in 6GB, 8GB, 12GB, and 16GB of RAM, as well as storage options of 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and a whopping 1TB. The handset might weigh in at 187 grams. Powering the smartphone could be a 5160mAh (typical) rated battery.

In contrast, the Note 13 Pro+ could also be available with a staggering 18GB of RAM, alongside storage choices of 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB. The Pro+ variant will likely be supported by a 5000mAh (typical) rated battery. Both smartphones could feature a triple rear camera setup, headlined by a mighty 200MP primary sensor. This primary sensor might be complemented by an 8MP ultra-wide-angle lens and a 2MP macro lens.

Judging by the specifications, the phones should offer good bounce for the ounce. However, it’s wise to take these preliminary specifications with a pinch of salt.

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Bing AI Chat integration rolls out to Microsoft Launcher beta

By

Rajesh Regmi

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Aug 26, 2023

Microsoft has been trying to win over Android users by making it easier to use their Windows and Android devices together. One way they are doing this is with Microsoft Launcher, which allows you to sync your clipboard between your devices, as well as other Microsoft products. Now, the latest beta update for Microsoft Launcher introduces a new feature: Bing Chat AI integration.

This means that you can now start a Bing Chat session directly from the Launcher’s search bar, without having to download the Bing app first. The feature was spotted by Windows enthusiasts @XenoPhanter who posted screenshots of the new feature on X (formerly Twitter).

Bing AI has been integrated into the latest beta build of Microsoft Launcher along side a new Bing Search widget pic.twitter.com/k1c60rbN0c
— Xeno (@XenoPanther) August 24, 2023

The screenshots show that users can access Bing Chat via text prompts, with three modes: Creative, Balanced, and Precise—in a familiar-looking interface. Users will also be able to use their voice to interact with Bing Chat. The features are in line with Bing’s default app for Android.

In addition to Bing Chat AI integration, the beta build also introduces a new widget: the Bing Search widget. This widget can be added to the home screen and facilitates quick searches for users, making it easier to access information.

Microsoft has not yet announced when the new Bing Search and Bing Chat features will be rolled out to all Microsoft Launcher users. However, the good news is that the feature appears to be rolling out to Surface Duo devices as well. In any case, if you are interested in trying out the new features, you can sign up for the beta version of the launcher on the Google Play Store.

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Samsung to Bring Cloud Gaming to 2020 Smart TVs Later This Year

By

Rajesh Regmi

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Aug 26, 2023

Samsung launched its Gaming Hub service in 2022, bringing games from all the major streaming services to your TV. The service was first available on 2022 Samsung smart TVs, but support was expanded to 2021 TVs in just five months. At Gamescom 2023, Samsung announced that the Gaming Hub app will be available on 2020 smart TVs later this year.

Samsung Gaming Hub Coming to Samsung 2020 Smart TVs

Samsung Gaming Hub is coming to the company’s 2020 smart TVs

For those unfamiliar with the service, Samsung Gaming Hub is a one-stop shop for gaming on your Samsung TV. It lets you stream games directly from the cloud, so you don’t need a console or streaming stick. It includes games from all the major streaming services, like Xbox Cloud Gaming , GeForce NOW, and Google Stadia (which has since shut down).

You can also use it to watch Spotify and YouTube, so you can quickly switch between gaming, music, and videos. The service uses AI upscaling to support Samsung’s 4K and 8K TV models for games without native 4K or 8K support.

Samsung Gaming Hub is compatible with 90% of Bluetooth controllers, and virtual controllers are also supported. So whether you prefer to use a physical controller or play with your hands, you’ll be able to game on Samsung Gaming Hub.

So if you have a 2020 Samsung TV, you will soon be able to enjoy a variety of cloud gaming and other services. The announcement was made by Mike Lucero, head of product for gaming at Samsung, during a talk at Gamescom. He said:

Today, we are thrilled to announce that we will expand cloud gaming apps to our 2020 model-year TVs later this year, giving tens of millions of players access to their favorite games and services.

While there is no specific date yet for when the cloud gaming apps will be available on 2020 Samsung TVs, it is expected to be before the end of 2023. This is great news for gamers who have older Samsung TVs, as it means that they will no longer need to purchase a separate console or streaming device to play cloud games.

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