Vivo Pad Air pre-orders start on August 14, configurations revealed

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Aug 10, 2023

Vivo introduced the Vivo Pad Air yesterday, showcasing both its design and specifications. The brand has revealed that pre-orders for the tablet will commence from August 14. Interestingly, Xiaomi is set to launch its Xiaomi Pad 6 Max tablet on the very same day.

Aside from disclosing the pre-order date, the JD product listing for the smartphone has also unveiled its complete range of configurations. The Vivo Pad Air is set to be offered in four different options: 8 GB of RAM with 128 GB of storage, 8 GB of RAM with 256 GB of storage, 12 GB of RAM with 256 GB of storage, and 12 GB of RAM with 512 GB of storage. The tablet will be obtainable in three color variations: Free Blue, Brave Pink, and Easy Silver. It seems that the starting version of the Pad Air might have an approximate price of 2,000 yuan ($273).

Vivo Pad Air specs

The Vivo Pad Air presents an expansive 11.5-inch 2.8K display with a 3:2 aspect ratio, DCI-P3 color gamut, and an impressive 144Hz adaptive refresh rate. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 processor guarantees seamless performance, accompanied by 8GB of RAM and a spacious 128GB storage.

Vivo’s Pad Air also boasts a large 8500mAh battery that rapidly charges with 44W fast charging. It has four speakers with large sound chambers. The device also includes support for the vivo Pencil 2 stylus. The device runs on OriginOS 3, based on Android 13, which is tailor-made for tablets.

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Motorola partners with Microsoft to bring Windows 365 and Teams features to ThinkPhone

By

Rajesh Regmi

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Aug 10, 2023

Lenovo ThinkPhone by Motorola, a phone designed for business users, is getting two new features thanks to a partnership with Microsoft. The two companies have teamed up to bring ThinkPhone users Windows 365 and Teams Walkie Talkie functionality.

Windows 365 is a cloud-based version of Windows that allows users to access their work files and applications from anywhere. That means, with Windows 365 now available on ThinkPhone, users access a full-fledged Windows Cloud PC directly on their phone.

You can also stream the Cloud PC experience to a larger display, keyboard, and mouse using Moto Connect. This integration will help IT administrators reduce costs by provisioning only ThinkPhone devices and displays to employees, along with a Windows 365 license. In the upcoming weeks, Motorola says that the Lenovo ThinkPhone by Motorola will be able to access Windows 365 support via Moto Connect.

Moreover, Motorola has expanded the functionality of the ThinkPhone’s Red Key button to include integration with the Walkie Talkie app in Microsoft Teams. Now, pressing the Red Key will enable the phone’s push-to-talk (PTT) capabilities, so users can quickly start a conversation with just one click. This new feature will also be available in the coming weeks.

ThinkPhone’s two new features will be a boon for business customers. However, it’s important to note that both features require users to have specific accounts or subscriptions. Windows 365 support requires a Windows 365 cloud subscription, while Teams Walkie Talkie only requires a free Microsoft Teams account.

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Lenovo Xiaoxin Pad Pro 12.7 now on sale, Offers Snapdragon 870 and large display for just $235

By

Sudarshan Ravichandran

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Aug 10, 2023

At the end of July, Lenovo unveiled Xiaoxin Pad Pro 12.7 in China. It is the succesor of the Xiaoxin Pad Pro 12.6 from 2021.

The latest model arrives with minute upgrades over the original. A few days after its announcement, the device is now finally up for sale.

Let’s check out how much this tablet costs. Also, let’s go through its specifications.

The Lenovo Xiaoxin Pad Pro 12.7 carries the following price tags in China.

8GB + 128GB – ¥1,699 (~$235)
8GB + 256GB – ¥1,899 (~$265)

For a limited time, both memory configurations are discounted by ¥100 (~$15).

The Xiaoxin Pad Pro 12.6 was released as Lenovo Tab P12 Pro outside mainland China. Unfortunately, at the moment, it is not known whether the newer Xiaoxin Pad Pro 12.7 will be launched in global markets.

Coming to the specs, the tablet sports a 12.7-inch Dolby Vision-supported display with a resolution of 2944×1840 pixels, 144Hz refresh rate, and 400 nits peak brightness level. It features a metal body and comes in gray and green color options.

Further, the device is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 chip. It is backed by a 10,200mAh battery with support for 20W charging.

The tablet has a 13MP front-facing camera and an 8MP rear camera. It houses JBL-tuned quad speakers with support for Dolby Atmos and dual microphones.

Other features include a USB Type-C port (supports video output), a fingerprint sensor, a MicroSD card slot, and optional keyboard/stylus accessories.

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Honor India shares new teaser, could be the upcoming Honor 90 series

By

Sean

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Aug 10, 2023

Honor has just released a new teaser that hints at an upcoming launch. The teaser was shared for the Indian market and is likely a part of the company’s comeback in the region. So let’s have a look.

Honor India Teaser: What’s in store?

Looking at the official tweet, Honor India shared a short message and a teaser image poster. It states “Hello” to a new era of innovation. Stay tuned for more updates.” The short message and image don’t divulge any finer details, although, it does mention getting ready for awaited news. This teaser could be hinting at the launch of the Honor 90 series in India.

Based on our earlier report, the Chinese smartphone maker is planning to re-enter the Indian smartphone market with the new 90 series. A couple of weeks ago, we covered a report that talked about the Honor 90 lineup being unveiled in India in the middle of next month. So, the social media post could be warming up the teasers that will drop in the coming weeks.

Keep in mind that this is still just speculation at the moment. The previous report also hinted at the Honor 90 series pricing. The devices could be priced around the 50,000 INR price mark. So stick around for more as we will be providing updates when additional information regarding Honor’s upcoming announcement.

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Banks Fined $549 Million for Using iMessage and Signal to Hide Business Communications

By

Oğuz Çakır

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Aug 10, 2023

Apps like WhatsApp, iMessage, and Signal have become essential in our lives. We like them not just because they’re easy to use and popular, but also because they’re secure and can’t be easily monitored from the outside. But sometimes, privacy might not always be a good thing, especially when used by bank managers. Several US financial companies are being fined a total of $549 million because they couldn’t show company chats from apps like iMessage and Signal. Here are the details…

Banks fined $549 million for hiding messages in iMessage and Signal

Several US financial firms, including Wells Fargo, have been fined $549 million by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for using encrypted messaging apps like Signal and iMessage to hide messages about company business. The SEC found that the firms failed to preserve these messages as required by law, which could have prevented regulators from investigating potential wrongdoing.

The SEC’s investigation began in 2019, after a whistleblower reported that some financial company employees were using encrypted messaging apps to discuss sensitive topics, such as regulatory compliance and customer complaints. The SEC’s investigation found that Wells Fargo employees used iMessage and Signal to send and receive messages about a variety of topics, including:

Bankruptcies
Trading strategies
Customer complaints
Regulatory compliance
Hiring decisions

The SEC found that failure to preserve these messages was a violation of the federal securities laws, which require companies to keep records of all communications about their business. The SEC also found that this financial companies use of encrypted messaging apps created a “culture of secrecy” that discouraged employees from reporting potential wrongdoing.

In addition to Wells Fargo, the SEC also fined BNP Paribas, BNY Mellon, and Morgan Stanley for failing to preserve messages from encrypted messaging apps. The SEC’s actions send a message to all financial firms that they must comply with the law and preserve all records of their business communications, regardless of the platform they are using. Here’s the full list of banks and their settlements with the SEC:

Company Name	Penalty Amount
Wells Fargo Securities, LLC	$125 million
BNP Paribas Securities Corp.	$35 million
SG Americas Securities, LLC	$35 million
BMO Capital Markets Corp.	$25 million
Mizuho Securities USA LLC	$25 million
Houlihan Lokey Capital, Inc.	$15 million
Moelis & Company LLC	$10 million
Wedbush Securities Inc.	$10 million
SMBC Nikko Securities America, Inc.	$9 million
BNP Paribas S.A.	$75 million
Société Générale SA	$75 million
Wells Fargo Bank NA	$75 million
Bank of Montreal	$35 million

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Slack gets a makeover: Here’s what’s changed in the new design

By

Rajesh Regmi

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Aug 10, 2023

Slack, the popular workplace chat app, is getting a major redesign. The new look and layout are designed to improve productivity by making it easier to navigate between channels and conversations, putting a greater spotlight on tasks, and providing rapid access to tools. So let’s explore how everything has transitioned to a new and hopefully more user-friendly setup.

Slack Redesign: Here’s everything to know

Slack’s new interface is a subtle but significant change for longtime users. Here, the most noticeable change is the left sidebar. Previously, if you were logged in to multiple workspaces, you would see a tile for each workspace. Now, the sidebar is collapsed into a single tile, and Slack is using this freed-up space for new navigation options. The sidebar now includes buttons for Home, DMs, Activity, Later, and More, along with a search icon and a new Create button.

The Home tab still features a central column of channels and unread direct messages. And when you click on a channel or unread items, it expands in the main space on the right. This makes it easier to see all of the messages in a conversation without having to scroll back and forth.

Meanwhile, the DMs list your direct message conversations, while the Later tab can be used to save messages and items that you want to revisit later. Likewise, Slack’s new Activity feed provides a consolidated view of all your activity on the platform. This includes everything from threads, and mentions, to reactions. You can also view each of these types of activities in separate tabs within the Activity section. The More tab is a catch-all for other tools and features in Slack, such as apps and workflows, canvases, and huddles.

Moreover, the Create button has replaced the draft message option. It allows you to quickly create a new message, huddle, canvas, or channel. Another update for Slack is the Search. Users can now click on search results to see the full context for an item. This means that users can see the message or conversation that the item is from without having to open it in a separate window.

What else has changed in Slack?

Besides new functionalities, Slack has updated its color scheme to make it easier to distinguish between the different parts of the interface. The leftmost column of tabs is now a darker shade of purple, while the central channel column is a lighter shade of purple. This helps to create a visual hierarchy and makes it easier to scan the interface.

The update also brings more theme color choices, so users can customize the look of Slack to their liking. This is a great way to make Slack feel more personal and inviting.

Slack’s new redesign is designed to help users stay focused and less distracted. The designers have made the interface as simple and intuitive as possible, with a focus on reducing clutter and noise.

Notably, Slack has made over 100 changes to the software in the past 12 months. The new redesign will be rolled out to new teams starting today, and will be available to existing customers ‘in the coming months’.

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New Nokia 130 Music and Nokia 150 feature phones launched in India with a 2.4-inch display and expandable storage

By

Chetan

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Aug 10, 2023

HMD Global has just announced new feature phones in India namely the Nokia 130 Music and the Nokia 150. These phones are built to fulfill the demands of the various users in India. Nokia 130 Music is for music enthusiasts, whereas the Nokia 150 will focus more on durability.

Notably, these entry level devices were revealed earlier in August, but today Nokia has shared more details about their India availability and pricing.

Nokia 130 Music

For those looking for a powerful loudspeaker MP3 player, the new Nokia 130 Music will not disappoint. It will come with MicroSD card support up to 32GB allowing the user to store their favorite songs just a few clicks away. The device supports FM Radio (Wired & Wireless), Micro USB 1.1, and a standard 3.5mm audio jack. Under the hood, the phone is equipped with a removable 1450mAh battery, providing hours and hours of immense talk time with 34 days on standby mode. Regarding storage, the Nokia 130 Music will allow users to store 2000 contacts and 500 SMS.

Moving to the exciting part, the device will come in three available colors- Light Gold, Dark Blue, and Purple allowing users to choose according to their personality and style. The Nokia 130 Music will be available near your online partner stores and on the official website at ₹1,849 (roughly $22) for Dark Blue and Purple colors. On the other hand, the Light Gold color will be available at ₹1,949 (roughly $23).

Nokia 150

The new Nokia 150 will come up with an upgraded 1450mAh removable battery, which means you can enjoy nearly 20 hours of talk time and 34 days when idle. The device will feature a VGA rear camera with flash, allowing users to take photos when needed, and an MP3 player providing up to 30 hours of playback music on a 2.4-inch display. The phone will have internal storage that is expandable up to 32GB via MicroSD.

The device will be available in 3 significant colors: Charcoal, Red, & Cyan, which will be available for just ₹2,699 (roughly $32).

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PUBG creators Krafton bet big on India’s gaming ecosystem

By

Sean

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Aug 10, 2023

Krafton, the publisher behind the massively successful PUBG franchise, is looking to empower the Indian gaming ecosystem. The company will invest in local gaming startups, betting on the region’s growth potential.

Krafton investing in India’s gaming future

Earlier today (10th August 2023), the company announced that it will be investing a sizeable sum of 150 million US Dollars in India for gaming and interactive entertainment startups. This investment will be across the next two to three years. The move from Krafton is likely to expand its presence in the region, which has immense potential in the gaming market. Its hefty investment also follows after its initial 140 million US Dollar investment across 11 Indian startups back in 2021.

In other words, Krafton has poured 290 million US Dollars into the country so far, making it one of the major investors in recent times. The publisher first began its investment with the esports gaming firm Nodwin. It invested in Series A to Series B stage startups for gaming and entertainment like esports, multimedia entertainment, content creation, and more.

As of right now, Krafton has invested in various game development studios like Nautilus Mobile and Lila Games along with the game streaming platform Loco, and others. Now, a third of its 150 million US Dollar investment will be for deep tech companies while another third will go towards new startups.

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Mysterious Vivo phone with curved display and 44W charging arrives on TENAA

By

Sudarshan Ravichandran

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Aug 10, 2023

Last week, a mysterious Vivo smartphone with model number V2313A was certified by 3C. The listing revealed the handset to be 5G-ready and its charging speed.

Now, the device has been listed on TENAA with its images. Let’s go through what the latest certification for the phone has to say.

TENAA listings are known for disclosing the product’s design with pictures and its entire specs. But the details are not always populated before the official introduction of the device.

Hence, the listing for Vivo V2313A only has the images. As per them, the smartphone will look like the Vivo Y78 Plus from April.

This means it will sport a centered punch-hole curved display on the front and a curved panel on the back. The back of the phone will house a rectangular island on which there will be two cameras sensor and an LED flash module.

As of now, we only know that the handset supports 5G connectivity and 44W fast wired charging. Since it resembles the Vivo Y78 Plus, it could share some of its features as well.

For the unaware, the Vivo Y78+ (official branding) comes with a 6.78-inch FHD+ 120Hz curved OLED display, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 chip, a 50MP main camera, an 8MP selfie camera, Android 13, 4,500mAh battery, and 44W fast charging support.

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Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro display specs and software features revealed before August 14 launch

By

Sudarshan Ravichandran

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Aug 10, 2023

Xiaomi will be hosting a conference on August 14 in China. The company’s CEO Lei Jun will give his annual speech at this event.

Following the speech, the company will unveil a number of new products. One of them was confirmed to be Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 yesterday.

Earlier today, the firm revealed the second device would be Xiaomi Pad 6 Max 14. And now, it says the third product will be Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro.

As the name suggests, the Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro is the successor of the Xiaomi Smart Band 7 Pro from last year. It is a larger and better version of the Xiaomi Smart Band 8 (review) from a few months ago.

The company has disclosed some features of this upcoming wearable. As per the official teasers, the device will sport a 1.74-inch rectangular display compared to a 1.62-inch elongated pill-shaped screen on the regular version.

Xiaomi hasn’t revealed the panel type but it will be likely OLED. However, the company has confirmed that the screen will support 16.7 million colors, 336 PPI, and 60Hz refresh rate.

On the software front, the wearable will come with new customizable widgets and portrait watch face functionality. Both of these features are clearly inspired by Apple Watch.

We expect Xiaomi to disclose more about the Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro in the next few days leading up to the launch. Finally, the product may also release in select global markets like its predecessor.

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Apple iPhone 15 Pro leak hints at an additional GPU core but retains 6GB RAM

By

Sean

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Aug 10, 2023

The Apple iPhone 15 series announcement is just around the corner. But as we edge closer to the launch event, new rumors and reports have surfaced online. Now, the latest leak hints at the iPhone 15 Pro models chipset upgrades and memory capacity.

Apple iPhone 15 Pro chip upgrades

The news arrives from tipster Unknownz21, who shared the information on Twitter. Apparently, the A17 Bionic chipset on the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max will feature six CPU and GPU cores. The previous generation A16 Bionic featured six CPU cores, but only five GPU cores. So, the next-gen processor will feature an additional GPU core, which will likely help in offering improved performance in various tasks like gaming.

That’s not all, the A17 Bionic will even see a rise in clock speed from 3.46GHz to 3.7GHz. The new A-series chipset will be based on the more advanced 3nm process, which brings upgrades in energy efficiency as well as overall performance. However, the tipster claims that Apple’s upcoming iPhone 15 Pro series will only feature 6GB of RAM. Previous rumors had hinted at the memory rising to 8GB RAM, but Unknownz21 states otherwise.

Apple A17 – t8130 – Coll

6 CPU Cores + 6 GPU Cores
3.70 GHz
6GB LPDDR5 DRAM – Micron/Samsung
TSMC 3nm Process

LPDDR = Low Power Double Data Rate SDRAM

The A17 is used by both the D83 and D84, also likely planned for D47 and D48 (16 series), as the D9x will use t8140 (A18).
— Unknownz21 🌈 (@URedditor) August 9, 2023

The memory is an LPDDR5 RAM module that will reportedly be supplied by Samsung and Micron. The tipster states that the bump to 8GB RAM on the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max is not completely impossible but rather unlikely. Keep in mind that this is still just an unconfirmed report, so take this news with a pinch of salt for now.

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Xiaomi Pad 6 Max August 14 launch officially teased, design unveiled

By

Sudhanshu

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Aug 10, 2023

Yesterday, Xiaomi confirmed that a major launch event will be held on August 14 in China. The star of the show will be the Xiaomi Mix Fold 3, however, other devices will also likely be launching alongside it like the Redmi K60 Ultra, the Redmi Pad SE, and the Xiaomi Pad 6 Max.

The brand has now confirmed the launch of the Pad 6 Max, revealing what the tablet will look like. The new teaser shared on the brand’s official Weibo account reveals that the Xiaomi Pad 6 Max will be a 14-inch tablet. It will likely debut as a competitor to the recently launched Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra by Samsung which has a 14.6-inch display. That being said, the Pad 6 Max will likely be a lot cheaper than the Tab S9 Ultra.

Besides the difference in size, the tablet’s design closely resembles the Xiaomi Pad 6 Pro. It’s expected to share similar specifications. The battery might be larger in this case. The teaser also shows that the tablet will have a keyboard that works with it, making it function like a laptop. While more details about its features are not yet known, we already have a basic idea of what to expect.

Xiaomi Pad 6 Max specs

The upcoming device is said to sport a 14-inch LCD display, boasting a 2.8K resolution and a high 144Hz refresh rate. According to certifications, a 67W fast charging capability is present, which makes sense given the larger size of the device’s likely battery.

Beneath the surface, it’s anticipated to be powered by a Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chip, coupled with 12GB of RAM, as indicated by a recent Geekbench listing. Storage options are likely to extend up to 512GB. In terms of camera capabilities, we can anticipate a 50MP primary camera, accompanied by a 2MP depth sensor. For video calls and selfies, a 20MP front camera is expected.

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Lenovo Xiaoxin 365 Smart Projector with a HiSilicon 4K chip, 1500ANSI lumens brightness launched

By

Jed John Ikoba

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Aug 10, 2023

Lenovo has unveiled its latest innovation, the Xiaoxin 365 Smart Projector. The portable projector is designed to revolutionize your viewing experience, combining state-of-the-art technology with user-centric features that redefine what a projector can do.

The Lenovo Xiaoxin 365 Smart Projector is equipped with 450CVIA brightness, equivalent to a powerful 1500 ANSI lumens, meaning image output will shine with stunning clarity even in well-lit environments. The device boasts a native 1080P resolution and compatibility with both 4K and 8K resolutions. It also features support for HDR 10 high dynamic decoding technology.

The portable projector is powered by the Hi-Imprex VI AI image quality engine bringing optimal image enhancement. It also comes with features such as automatic screen light control and color recognition that adapts to your content, providing optimal visual quality in every scenario. Additionally, the hardware-level low blue light mode takes care of your eyes, reducing strain during extended viewing sessions.

In addition, the Xiaoxin 365 features a HiSilicon Hi-V560 high-performance 4K decoding chip. The processor pairs with 2GB of RAM while there is 16GB of internal storage It also comes with dual-channel Wi-Fi, supporting both 2.4GHz and 5.8GHz frequencies, ensuring stable and high-speed connectivity for uninterrupted streaming and content sharing.

The Xiaoxin 365’s non-destructive optical off-axis design, combined with its built-in compact head, makes setup a breeze. The projection angle can be adjusted by 5 to 8 degrees to match the user’s preferences. It is also compact enough to fit into any space, providing a stunning display without the need for additional accessories.

The Xiaoxin 365 Smart Projector features a customized fourth-generation fully-sealed optical engine, designed for longevity and optimized performance. With an IP5X dustproof rating and a compound cooling system that keeps operational noise as low as 28dB, your focus remains on the content, not the hum of the projector. For audio, there is a built-in 400cc super-large sound cavity speaker that delivers powerful, rich sound, turning your living room into a home theater.

For connectivity, the Xiaoxin 365 is equipped with HDMI 2.0, USB 2.0 ports, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. The projector effortlessly interfaces with a variety of devices. It runs on the ZUI smart projection version system, making it easy to navigate features and content.

The Lenovo Xiaoxin 365 Smart Projector is presently available in China via Jingdong (JD.com) for just 1499 yuan ($208).

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Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE Indian price tipped again, and it’s not good

By

Sudhanshu

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Aug 10, 2023

Samsung is in the process of developing the Galaxy Tab S9 FE series tablets, anticipated for release later this year. This lineup includes the standard Galaxy Tab S9 FE as well as the Tab S9 FE+. Both models have undergone certification with the FCC database. Now, a leaked report has unveiled the pricing information for the Galaxy Tab S9 FE.

The report (by MySmartPrice) states that the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE 5G will have a starting price of ₹65,000 in India. As per the report, this will be the price for the 6GB RAM + 128GB storage configuration. A previous report from Roland Quandt also stated that the WiFi-only variant of the tablet with 6GB RAM and 128GB storage will cost around ₹63,000 in India. Apart from the pricing, the report also mentions that the Galaxy Tab S9 FE will come in Silver, Light Green, and Grey color options.

The reason behind the steep pricing in India remains a mystery at this point. However, it’s evident that paying a premium for what essentially amounts to a mid-range tablet might not be a prudent decision, especially when considering that the current cost surpasses that of last year’s flagship model. Presently, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8, equipped with 8GB RAM, 128GB storage, and powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 SoC, is priced at ₹54,999 for the WiFi-only version. Moreover, the tablet’s price occasionally drops even lower, reaching as low as ₹51,999. Conversely, Samsung has the 5G variant of the Galaxy Tab S8 listed at ₹68,999.

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China’s IC Imports display gradual recovery amidst ongoing trade war

By

Joane

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Aug 10, 2023

China’s import of integrated circuits (ICs) during the first seven months of 2023 has shown a 16.8% decline compared to the same period in the previous year. This data reveals a modestly improving trend, indicating a slow recovery in the country’s domestic chip market. Notably, this decline is less severe than the 18.5% drop experienced in the first half of the year, suggesting a potential turning point for China’s IC industry.

In a positive sign, China’s chip production increased by 5.7% year-on-year in June, contributing to the sector’s overall rebound. The contrast between the current performance and the previous year’s numbers is evident in the production of ICs during January and February. These months have seen a rise to 44.3 billion units, diverging from the mere 1.2% decrease recorded during the same period last year, as reported by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

However, despite the volume decline in IC imports, July showed a glimmer of hope. China imported 42.4 billion IC units in July, a 2.6% increase from the previous month. The trade dynamics have led to intriguing shifts in imports from different nations. Imports from South Korea and Taiwan have decreased by 24.7% and 22.8% respectively, while chip imports from Japan surged by over 40% in June.

Interestingly, the economic value of chip imports has witnessed a more pronounced decline, plummeting by 21.6% to $191.3 billion for the first seven months of the year. These intricate fluctuations between volume and value underscore the evolving landscape of China’s IC market.

In the midst of global tech trade tensions, China’s efforts to bolster chip production and reduce dependency on imports are becoming increasingly apparent. The trajectory of IC imports, coupled with the rising domestic production, could reshape China’s role in the international technology trade arena. This unfolding narrative holds the potential for significant changes in the dynamics of the semiconductor industry. As China’s chip industry navigates complex trade dynamics, the measured progress in both import volume and domestic production signals resilience in the face of adversity.

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Realme 11-series phone with 108MP dual rear cameras to debut soon in India

By

Anvinraj Valiyathara

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Aug 10, 2023

Realme recently confirmed its plans to launch a new smartphone in India this month. As a prelude to the unveiling, the brand has released an initial teaser showcasing the phone’s design. Indications suggest that the forthcoming release will be the Realme 11 series handset.

Realme 11 5G series teased in India

Achieving excellence with every design & celebrating the 5 years of leap up with another surprise.#DoubleLeapComingSoon #realme5thAnniversary

Know more: https://t.co/j6azy23DeS pic.twitter.com/aLvBhLDHIT
— realme (@realmeIndia) August 9, 2023

As can be seen in the above teaser, the upcoming smartphone will come in two shades, such as gold and black. However, it is unclear whether the final marketing name of the device is the Realme 11 5G or the Realme 11x 5G.

A careful look at the circular camera module of the phone reveals that it has a dual-camera system, which is headlined by a 108-megapixel camera, a pill-shaped LED flash. It appears that it could be the Realme 11 5G, which recently debuted in Taiwan.

Realme 11 5G, Realme 11x 5G specifications

The Realme 11 5G has a 6.72-inch IPS LCD panel that offers an FHD+ resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. The device is powered by the Dimensity 6100 Plus chipset, 8 GB of RAM, 128 GB / 256 GB of storage, and a 5,000mAh battery with 67W fast charging.

As per a recent report, the Realme 11x 5G could be the other phone planned for the Indian market. It is expected to arrive in 8 GB RAM + 256 GB storage configuration only and in color variants like Dawn Purple and Midnight Black. The other specifications of the Realme 11x 5G are not known yet.

Apart from launching the Realme 11 series, the company is also expected to announce the Realme Buds Air 5 Pro TWS earbuds at the same launch event. The earbuds will offer key features, such as an 11mm woofer, ANC, 40 hours of battery life, dual device connection, and IPX5 splash-resistance.

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ZTE Blade A73 5G launched with 90Hz display, Unisoc T760 chip, and 5,000mAh battery

By

Anvinraj Valiyathara

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Aug 10, 2023

The ZTE Blade A73 5G smartphone has been announced in Malaysia. It has arrived as the successor to the Blade A72 5G, which debuted in June 2022. The major highlights of the smartphone include 5G connectivity, an HD+ display that offers a 90Hz refresh rate, a big battery, and large internal storage. Here is a look at the specifications, features, and price of the device.

ZTE Blade A73 5G specifications and features

The Blade A73 5G has a 6.52-inch IPS LCD panel with a waterdrop notch. It offers an HD+ resolution of 720 x 1600 pixels, a 20:9 aspect ratio, and a 90Hz refresh rate. For security, the device is equipped with a s side-facing fingerprint scanner. It comes preloaded with Android 13, which has a layer of ZTE’s UI on top.

The Blade A73 5G has the Unisoc T760 chipset onboard that brings support for 5G connectivity. It comes with 4 GB of RAM, 4 GB of virtual RAM, 128 GB of storage, and a microSD card slot for more storage. The device includes a 5,000mAh battery.

The A73 has a 5-megapixel camera on the front. The rear shell of the phone features a circular camera module, which houses a 50-megapixel main camera, a 2-megapixel depth lens, and an LED flash. The device offers other features, such as dual SIM, 5G, WI-FI 802.11ac, Bluetooth 5.2, GPS, NFC, a USB-C port, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

ZTE Blade A73 5G price and availability

The ZTE Blade A73 5G is priced at MYR 749 (~$164) in Malaysia. It comes in one color, grey. It is unclear which other markets will receive the handset.

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Infinix GT 10 Pro first sale in India today, read price, offers, specifications

By

Anvinraj Valiyathara

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Aug 10, 2023

The GT 10 Pro debuted as Infinix’s first GT-series phone on Aug. 3 in India. It is the only gaming-focused smartphone priced under Rs 20,000 in the country. The phone has been available for pre-order through Flipkart since Aug. 3. Starting today at 12 pm (local time), the device will be available for purchase in India.

The Infinix GT 10 Pro is priced at Rs 19,999 and comes in two shades: Cyber Black and Mirage Silver. People with ICICI or Kotak bank cards can get a discount of up to Rs 2,000 on the purchase of the Infinix GT 10 Pro. Others can choose a Rs 2,000 exchange bonus. The first 5,000 buyers of the GT 10 Pro will receive a Pro Gaming Kit as a complimentary gift. This package includes shoulder gaming triggers, gaming finger gloves, and a carbon container.

Infinix GT 10 Pro specifications

The Infinix GT 10 Pro features a 6.67-inch AMOLED screen with FHD+ resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. It is equipped with a 32-megapixel front camera and its rear camera setup comprises a 108-megapixel main, 2-megapixel depth, and 2-megapixel macro cameras.

The GT 10 Pro is driven by the Dimensity 8050 chipset. It boasts 8 GB of LDPDR4x RAM, 8 GB of virtual RAM, and a 5,000mAh battery with 45W fast charging. The phone offers 256 GB of UFS 3.1 storage and runs on XOS for GT-based Android 13. It offers GT theme-based live wallpapers and video-based AOD options.

The device is confirmed to receive Android 14 update and two years of security updates. For an enhanced gaming experience, the device is equipped with z-axis linear motor. It has a thickness of 8.1mm and weighs only 187 grams.

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OnePlus Ace 2 Pro to come with repositioned in-display fingerprint sensor for better user experience

By

Anvinraj Valiyathara

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Aug 10, 2023

OnePlus recently confirmed the display specifications of the Ace 2 Pro, which is set to debut on Aug. 16 in China. The company revealed that the device will be equipped with a BOE-manufactured Q9+ panel that offers a high resolution, a smooth refresh rate, and can be used with wet fingers. In a new Weibo post, OnePlus confirmed that the Ace 2 Pro’s in-display fingerprint sensor will be repositioned to provide a better user experience.

OnePlus Ace 2 Pro to feature repositioned in-screen fingerprint sensor

OnePlus confirmed that the Ace 2 Pro will feature an ultra-thin optical screen fingerprint technology, promising a flagship-level unlocking experience. As can be seen in the image above, the fingerprint sensor will be positioned 2cm higher than what is typically seen on OnePlus phones.

According to OnePlus China President Li Jie, moving the OnePlus Ace 2 Pro’s fingerprint module 2cm higher resulted in a fourfold increase in cost. He added that the increased cost is clearly reflected in the Ace 2 Pro, which demonstrates OnePlus’ commitment to innovation and quality. Through these advancements, OnePlus continues to demonstrate its commitment to pushing boundaries and delivering unparalleled experiences to its users.

So far, the company has confirmed that the OnePlus Ace 2 Pro will have a 6.74-inch OLED display with a 1.5K resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. It will have a 5,000mAh battery with 150W fast charging. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset will power the device. It is expected to come with up to 24GB of LPDDR5x RAM and up to 1TB of UFS 4.0 storage. The device will run on ColorOS 13.1 based on Android 13 and come equipped with an aerospace-grade heat dissipation unit with a very large surface area. It will come in grey and green color variants.

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OnePlus announces lifetime screen warranty for users with “green line” issue

By

Anvinraj Valiyathara

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Aug 10, 2023

OnePlus has finally addressed the persistent “green line” issue affecting some of its users by offering a lifetime screen warranty for affected users in India. Numerous OnePlus users have reported an unusual “green line” issue on their older OnePlus phones with AMOLED panels, prompting the company to take action.

OnePlus 8 Pro green line — OnePlus 8 Pro with green line issue

The problem appears to be widespread across multiple devices, but OnePlus has chosen to address it head-on by offering a lifetime screen warranty for owners of the OnePlus 8 Pro, OnePlus 8T, OnePlus 9, and OnePlus 9R. Users who are experiencing the “green line” issue on their OnePlus 8 and OnePlus 9 series devices will have the cost of screen repairs covered under this warranty. This lifetime screen warranty service is only available for users in India.

Android Authority has shared the following OnePlus’ official statement on lifetime screen warranty for affected users.

“We realize that this issue has caused a great deal of inconvenience to the affected users, and we apologize for it. In line with our unwavering commitment, we encourage users to visit the nearest OnePlus service centre for device diagnosis, and we will provide free screen replacement for all devices affected by the situation. On select OnePlus 8 and 9 Series devices, we are also offering a voucher that will provide the user with a fair percentage of the device value to upgrade to a new OnePlus device. In light of the current situation, we are now offering lifetime screen warranty on all affected devices. Thank you for your understanding and support.”

OnePlus stores offers discounts for affected users

Notices at OnePlus Exclusive Service Centres, pointed out by Telegram user @docnok63, are informing customers with the “green line” issue about potential upgrade discounts. This initiative allows users to trade in their affected devices for newer OnePlus models, provided they make the purchase online through the OnePlus India website. For those who opt to purchase the India-exclusive OnePlus 10R, they will be able to take advantage of an additional discount of Rs 4,500 in the form of a voucher.

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