Huawei is gearing up to launch its highly anticipated flagship smartphone series, the Mate 60, later this year. The rumors have already started to surface on a daily basis. According to a reliable tipster Digital Chat Station, the successor to the Mate 50 will feature a 6.7-inch display 1.5K OLED display. Moreover, the device is expected to sport a flat panel with narrow bezels and a center punch hole.
If we look back, the standard Huawei Mate 50 features a 6.7-inch OLED panel with a 90 Hz refresh rate, PWN dimming, 300Hz touch sampling rate, and 2700×1224 pixel resolution.
Huawei Mate 60 might feature Dynamic Island-like cutout on the front
The Mate 60 is rumored to sport a refreshed front design, featuring a smart island cutout on the head. This is expected to be a pill-shaped punch hole at the center for the selfie camera and 3D depth sensor. Huawei is also planning to introduce its version of the Dynamic Island software feature to optimize the cutout area for notifications and app design, aiming to improve the overall user experience.
DCS also leaked a render recently that shows the rear panel. On the rear, the Mate 60 will showcase a circular camera island, reminiscent of the Mate 40 series. Though specific camera details are yet to be released, Huawei promises new sensors and an optimized periscope lens, catering to low-light photography. The device will reportedly feature image processing powered by Huawei’s in-house technology, as indicated by the XMAGE label on the device.
While Huawei has not officially announced the release date, speculations based on reports indicate that the Mate 60 series is likely to launch sometime in September or October of 2023.
Lenovo has been very busy this month and by busy we mean the company had launched a number of interesting products. One of the notable launches is the Lenovo Xiaoxin Pad Pro 12.7. This new tablet comes packed with powerful specifications, including a large 144Hz refresh rate display. It is powered by the older Snapdragon 870 SoC and offers an impressive audio system for a good multimedia experience. Here are the details of the latest tablet.
Lenovo Xiaoxin Pad Pro 12.7 Specifications
The new slate comes just a week after Lenovo unveiled the Legion Y700 gaming tablet in China. The Xiaoxin Pad Pro 12.7 gets a metal-integrated design and is offered in Pigeon Gray and Xizi Green. It has flat edges and back, featuring a rectangular camera setup with a sole camera sensor and an LED flash.
The Xiaoxin Pad Pro 12.7, as the name suggests, comes equipped with a 12.7-inch display with a resolution of 2944×1840, a refresh rate of 144Hz, and a peak brightness of 400nits. The panel supports HDR10 and Dolby Vision. Powering the tablet is the Snapdragon 870 processor, paired with 8GB of RAM and either 128GB or 256GB of onboard storage (expandable up to 1TB with MicroSD).
It comes fueled by a 10200mAh battery that supports 20W wired fast charging. For clicking pictures, you get a 13MP ultra-wide-angle shooter on the front and an 8MP sensor on the back. The tablet supports unlocking through face and fingerprint (sensor built on the rear).
Lenovo wants to give you an immersive multimedia experience with the tablet. The company packs the device with a Quad JBL-tuned speaker system, with support for Dolby Atmos. It also brings dual-mic noise reduction. The Xiaoxin Pad Pro 12.7 tablet is equipped with a USB-C port and supports Wi-Fi 6 and 5G.
Price and Availability
Lenovo Xiaoxin Pad Pro 12.7 starts in China at 1,599 Yuan ($223) for the 8GB+ 128GB version. The higher-end 256GB trim is priced at 1,799 Yuan ($251).
After launching in Indonesia earlier this month, the Oppo A78 4G is now heading to India. The brand has officially teased the upcoming launch of the device via a post on Twitter.
Earlier, the smartphone was anticipated to hit Indian stores around July 27. However, the latest information suggests that the launch will likely take place in early April. The device is expected to be priced between Rs 18,000 ($219) and Rs 20,000 ($244) in the offline market in India. Let’s check out the spec sheet of the Oppo A78 4G.
Oppo A78 4G specs
The Oppo A78 4G features a 6.43-inch AMOLED display offering a Full HD+ (1080 x 2400 pixels) resolution. It also has a 90Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling. The device features a 50MP primary camera and a 2MP bokeh lens on the rear, along with an 8MP front camera for photography needs.
Under the hood, the Oppo A78 4G is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 SoC and is available in a single configuration with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, expandable up to 1TB with a microSD card. It also supports 8GB of virtual RAM. The phone is equipped with a 5000mAh battery, offering 67W SuperVOOC fast charging. Running on Android 13 and Oppo’s ColorOS 13.1, the Oppo A78 4G features an in-display fingerprint scanner, dual speakers, ultra-volume mode, and NFC support, adding convenience and functionality to the device.
FiiO manufactures high-quality audio products, ranging from earphones, headphones to amplifiers and portable music players. The Chinese company has recently announced new wired earphones, dubbed FiiO FH11. They bring a good-looking design with Hi-Res audio and 10mm carbon-based diaphragms. You can even change the wires and slap in a new one. Here are the details.
FiiO FH11 Price and Features
FiiO FH11 debuted as a new member of the “Little Snail” series of earphones. The series is known for its pure sound quality and solid acoustic quality. The new FH11 is apparently tailored to a custom high-frequency dynamic driver, with excellent resolution and extension, complementing the acoustic qualities of the carbon-based dome diaphragm.
The FH11 earphones feature a hybrid two-unit design with a dynamic coil and a moving iron driver, and they support a detachable cable. The earphones get a 10mm carbon-based diaphragm dynamic coil unit and a high-frequency moving iron unit combined to provide a wide soundstage and a strong sense of separation. The company says the sound is clean, transparent, and detailed.
The hearables come with a three-cavity cavity body design that effectively reduces resonance, and their C-shaped sound resistance flute improves sound quality. The earphone body is made of liquid-molded zinc alloy, which is lightweight and durable.
Overall, the earphones look like a solid package with a hint of customizability. FiiO FH11 earphones are listed for purchase in China at 299 Yuan ($41). The company will start shipping them tomorrow. However, these earphones do not seem to be available outside China. We’ll keep you posted regarding their future availability.
While you’re here, tell us in the comments if you still prefer wired earphones over wireless ones.
The highly anticipated iPhone 15 series is set to take smartphone photography to new heights with its cutting-edge camera technology. According to recent rumors, all models in the lineup, including the standard iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus, will feature an impressive 48-megapixel camera, promising superior image quality for everyday users.
Non-Pro iPhone 15 models will have a slightly smaller sensor
The standard models are expected to sport an advanced 1/1.5-inch stacked CMOS image sensor (CIS), designed to capture more light and deliver enhanced color representation in low-light conditions. This improvement will undoubtedly lead to better photography results even in challenging lighting scenarios.
An exciting addition to the non-Pro models is the 2X mode, which aims to enhance portrait photography by simulating the perspective of the human eye. This feature is expected to produce more lifelike and less distorted images, providing users with a more enjoyable photography experience.
Though the standard iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus models may have a slightly smaller sensor compared to the Pro versions, their 1/1.5-inch CIS still marks a significant 27% increase in sensor size from the previous iPhone 14 models. While professionals might notice a difference in specific photography scenarios, the average user can expect remarkable improvements in image quality.
A recent leak by RGcloudS on Twitter suggests that the iPhone 15 models will feature a new hybrid lens design for their main camera, comprising a single glass element and six plastic elements. This design, with its f/1.7 aperture, promises to improve low-light photography by absorbing up to 20% more light than the iPhone 14 Pro models. Despite concerns about a potential aperture downgrade in non-Pro models, the hybrid lens, and the A16 Bionic chip are expected to compensate for any performance differences.
Apple’s choice to implement these camera upgrades on the standard models is reportedly based on learnings from the iPhone 14’s sales performance. While the non-Pro iPhone 15 models won’t feature a telephoto lens for optical zoom or a LiDAR scanner, the overall improvements in camera technology are likely to appeal to a broader audience, offering an impressive photography experience for everyday users.
Samsung is reportedly working on an advanced wearable health-tracking device known as the Galaxy Ring. As per Korean media outlet The Elec, this intelligent smart ring is being developed in collaboration with domestic and international component manufacturers to ensure its success before potential mass production, which could be decided as early as August.
Galaxy Ring is expected to launch in 2024
The key feature of the “Galaxy Ring” is its ability to gather detailed body and health data through built-in sensors, which can then be conveniently presented on a connected smartphone. Unlike Samsung’s existing Galaxy Watch, this innovative smart ring is expected to provide even more precise body measurements. To enhance accuracy, the ring’s fit can be adjusted according to the user’s finger size, minimizing potential data inaccuracies caused by loose fittings.
However, there are some challenges that Samsung needs to address during development. The accuracy of data may be affected by weak blood flow or overly tight fitting. Additionally, the certification process for medical device status is expected to take around 10 to 12 months, potentially delaying the availability of the product even if mass production is approved.
Samsung is considering integrating the “Galaxy Ring” with XR (mixed reality) devices, leveraging its XR technology to track users’ head and hand movements using cameras and sensors, as demonstrated in patent applications. The launch of Samsung’s XR headset is reportedly delayed by six months due to competition with Apple Vision Pro. The “Galaxy Ring” is expected to be released in 2024, possibly coinciding with the announcement of the Galaxy S24 series. Interestingly Noise and boAt recently launched their health-focused smart rings in India.
Oppo is expected to hold a major launch event in China in August. At the event, the company may unveil the Oppo Find N3, Pad Air 2, and Watch 5 series. However, no official announcement has been made regarding the arrival of these devices. Despite this, it seems that the Find N3 has already appeared in the database of China’s MIIT certification.
The Find N3 has appeared with model number PHN110 in the database of CMIIT. Furthermore, it is expected that the foldable phone will also obtain approval from other Chinese certification platforms such as TENAA and 3C in the coming days, leading up to its official launch sometime in August.
OPPO FInd N3 MIIT certified
The Find N3’s CMIIT certification has not revealed any information on its specifications. Here is a look at the details of the N3 that have emerged through recent reports.
Oppo Find N3 specifications (rumored)
OPPO Find N3 schematic
The Find N3 will arrive with a 6.3-inch AMOLED FHD+ display and a 7.8-inch AMOLED 2K 120Hz foldable screen. It will have a 32-megapixel front camera, a 20-megapixel internal camera, and a 50-megapixel (Sony IMX890, with OIS) + 48-megapixel (ultra-wide 64-megapixel (periscope) triple camera unit on the back. It will run on ColorOS 13.1 based Android 13 and feature a side-facing fingerprint scanner.
The N3 will be powered by a 3.36GHz Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, 16 GB of LPDDR5x RAM, and 1 TB of UFS 4.0 storage. The device will have a 4,805mAh battery that supports 80W wired and 50W wireless charging.
Apart from China, the Find N3 is expected to release in other markets like Thailand and Indonesia. A rebranded version of the phone with the OnePlus Open moniker is expected to debut in other markets on Aug. 29.
Elon Musk, the world’s richest person and CEO of X, formerly known as Twitter, announced on Friday that the monthly user count on the social media platform has reached a “new high,” surpassing 540 million. This comes amidst a period of organizational changes and efforts to boost advertising revenue, which had experienced a decline in recent months. The surge in user figures is an encouraging sign for X, especially as Meta Platforms, the parent company of rival social media platform Threads, launched a direct competitor on July 5.
Following Musk’s $44 billion acquisition of Twitter in October, he merged the platform with his company X Corp, established in March, as a wholly owned subsidiary of X Holdings Corp. His vision for X has been likened to China’s popular messaging service WeChat, aiming to create an “everything app.” And to emphasize the shift, the microblogging platform Twitter is officially rebranded as X, with its iconic blue bird symbol replaced by the X symbol.
The latest announcement from Musk adds to a series of positive statements made by X’s executives regarding the platform’s increasing usage, despite the competition posed by Threads. To further demonstrate the transformation, a massive X sign has been installed atop the building that formerly housed Twitter headquarters in San Francisco.
As X continues to evolve under Musk’s leadership and capitalize on its growing user base, the company appears determined to cement its position as a dominant force in the social media landscape. With the rebranding and organizational changes underway, all eyes are on X to see how it will navigate the competitive landscape and leverage its popularity to drive advertising revenue and innovative features for its vast user community.
Musk and his fascination with ‘X’ :
Elon Musk’s infatuation with the letter X is evident as he continues to make headlines with his ventures. From naming one of his children “X,” adorned with symbols and alphabets, to owning SpaceX, his fascination knows no bounds. Musk co-founded x.com back in 1999, an online bank that later transformed into the renowned PayPal. In a nostalgic move, he bought the domain back from PayPal in 2017.
The influence of the letter X is now pervasive in Musk’s endeavors. Tesla’s famous electric car, the Model X, bears the mark, and Twitter has been rebranded as simply “X.” Even the domain x.com now redirects to Twitter, showcasing Musk’s love for the enigmatic letter. With these changes, the billionaire entrepreneur appears determined to leave his X-shaped mark on the world.
Redmi is reportedly working on its second-generation tablet, dubbed the Redmi Pad 2. Earlier this month, the tablet was spotted at 3C certification, and now, according to a report by TheTechOutlook, i has been approved by Safety Korea. The new certification has revealed a live shot of the device.
The tablet has appeared with model number 23073RPBFL in the database of Safety Korea. The live shot of the tablet suggests that when the device is held horizontally, its front camera is located on the top bezel, and its power button is situated on the left edge.
It appears that the Redmi Pad 2’s front design could be almost identical to its predecessor, the Redmi Pad. There is a possibility that the rear panel of the device may sport a different design. The image also reveals that the tablet measures around 10.5 x 7 inches. The publication revealed that the tablet has received TUV certification, but it has not disclosed anything significant about the device.
Redmi Pad 2 specifications (rumored)
Last month, the Redmi Pad 2 was approved by FCC certification platform, which revealed that it will come in variants, such as 4 GB RAM + 64 GB storage, 4 GB RAM + 128 GB storage, and 6 GB RAM + 128 GB storage. It also revealed that the tablet will run on MIUI 14, which is likely to be placed on top of Android 13.
As per other reports, the Redmi Pad may house a 10.x-inch IPS LCD display that offers a 2K resolution and a 90Hz refresh rate. Under the hood, it will have the Snapdragon 680 chipset and LPDDR4x RAM. An 8,000mAh battery that may support 22.5W fast charging will power it. It will have an 8-megapixel front camera and an 8-megapixel rear camera.
The Redmi Pad 2 is expected to launch in multiple markets. A recent report claimed that it may launch alongside the Xiaomi Pad 6 Max tablet, the Xiaomi MIX Fold 3 foldable phone, and the Redmi K60 Ultra flagship phone in August in China.
Shenzhen-based Chinese telecom company Transsion, known for its three brands TECNO, itel, and Infinix, has made a remarkable comeback in the second quarter of the year, reporting robust revenue and profit growth after five consecutive quarters of decline. Despite facing challenges in the global smartphone market, Transsion’s strategic focus on Africa and expansion into South and Southeast Asia have paid off.
According to the company’s preannouncement on Wednesday, Transsion’s Q2 revenue surged by an impressive 30.7 percent year over year, reaching 15.8 billion yuan (US$2.2 billion). Profits witnessed a remarkable turnaround, doubling from the previous quarter to 1.6 billion yuan, an astounding 83 percent increase compared to the same period last year.
The growth momentum was not limited to just the second quarter. During the first half of the year, Transsion reported a healthy 8 percent increase in total revenue, amounting to 25 billion yuan, while profits experienced a substantial 27 percent rise, reaching 2.1 billion yuan.
Transsion attributes its impressive revenue growth to two key factors: market expansion and continuous product upgrades. The company has invested in research and development to improve its product offerings continually. Moreover, it has benefited from the increasing adoption of smartphones in Africa. As more people in the region switch from feature phones to smartphones, Transsion’s profitability has improved significantly.
The African market remains pivotal for Transsion as the continent’s population is predominantly young and rapidly urbanizing. The trend of skipping the personal computer stage and embracing mobile internet directly is a boon for companies like Transsion, which are not Western giants. Africa currently constitutes 40 percent of Transsion’s market share, a substantial portion despite a decline from its peak of 57 percent.
To ensure sustained growth, Transsion has been diversifying its product portfolio beyond phones since 2019. The company now offers electronic gadgets, and home appliances, and even operates a repair business called Carlcare, along with developing some operating systems. However, phones continue to generate 90 percent of its total revenue.
While Africa remains a promising market for Transsion, the company is wary of expanding into regions where smartphones have already reached ubiquity. As more than 80 percent of Transsion’s phones are already smartphones, the company will need to explore new avenues to maintain its profitability. One strategy involves manufacturing midrange and high-end products, both in the smartphone and IoT (Internet of Things) home gadget categories.
Despite challenges in the broader global smartphone market, Transsion’s strong African performance and expansion into South and Southeast Asia have reinvigorated its growth prospects. The company’s focus on innovative products and strategic market positioning is expected to keep profits growing for the foreseeable future. As the world witnesses continuous technological advancements, Transsion is committed to remaining at the forefront of the industry and meeting the evolving demands of consumers worldwide.
On Aug. 4, Huawei will hold its 2023 Huawei Developers Conference HDC). The event will see the arrival of Harmony OS 4.0. Speculations are rife that the company may also unveil new Mate-branded phones at the same event. In a new leak, a Chinese tipster revealed the names of these upcoming devices.
Huawei Mate X3 Pro to support 5G connectivity
Huawei Mate X3
Based on the leak, it appears that Huawei may release three new devices, such as the Huawei Mate 60 4G, the Mate 60 5G, and the Mate X3 Pro 5G. While the rumor mill has leaked some details about the Mate 60 models, it is yet to reveal any information about the Mate X3 Pro.
The only thing known about the Huawei Mate X3 Pro 5G is that it will come with support for 5G connectivity. To recall, the Mate foldable phone, which was announced in the first half of this year, is a 4G device powered by the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1. Whether the Mate X3 Pro features the newer Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset remains to be seen.
The Mate X3 Pro moniker suggests that it will be an updated version of the Mate X3. To recall, the Mate X3 is a lightweight foldable phone, that weighs only 239 grams, making it thinner and lighter than the Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max. Hence, the Mate X3 Pro is a foldable phone that is worth looking forward to.
The Mate X3 Pro is expected to compete with recently announced foldable phones, such as the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5, the Honor Magic V2, and the Vivo X Fold 2. It will also compete with upcoming foldables, such as the Oppo Find N3 and the Xiaomi MIX Fold 3, which are expected to launch in August this year.
Sony introduced the Xperia 1 V smartphone to the global market in May. While the brand typically takes a few months between unveiling and selling its premium smartphones, this time the wait is shorter, as the Xperia 1 V is already available for purchase in the US.
The Xperia 1 V is offered at $1,400 in the US and is available in a sole configuration of 12GB RAM and 256GB storage. You have the option to buy it directly from Sony’s official website or through Amazon. We know that Sony makes a 16GB RAM + 512GB variant of the device, but for some reason, they have opted to not make this configuration available in the US.
Sony Xperia 1 V specs
The Sony Xperia 1 V features a 6.5-inch 4K HDR OLED display, offering a 120Hz refresh rate. Under the hood, the Xperia 1 V is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor.
The Sony Xperia 1 V boasts an exceptional camera system with a triple-lens setup on the rear, including a 12MP main sensor for low-light images, a 12MP periscope lens for optical zoom, and a 48MP ultra-wide-angle lens. For selfies and video calls, it has a 12MP front camera.
With a 4,500mAh battery, the Xperia 1 V offers long-lasting usage on a single charge. It runs on Android 13 and supports 5G connectivity for fast speeds. The phone is water and dust-resistant, ensuring durability in various environments. Its Cinematography Pro mode offers cinematic video creation with greater control.
Back in February, Infinix launched the Infinix Smart 7 smartphone in India. The device was initially available in a single 4GB RAM + 64GB configuration. Now, the brand has launched a 128GB storage model of the device.
Flipkart has now listed the Infinix Smart 7 with a 4GB/128GB storage variant with a price tag of ₹10,999. However, the smartphone is currently selling for ₹7,999. It is available in Night Black, Emerald Green, and Azure Blue color options.
Infinix Smart 7 specs
The Infinix Smart 7 has a 6.6-inch HD+ display that has 500 nits of peak brightness and a water drop notch. It features a rear-mounted fingerprint scanner for security.
The Infinix Smart 7 comes with the Unisoc SC9863A SoC, providing powerful performance under the hood. Additionally, it boasts a unique RAM expansion feature that virtually increases its memory by up to 3GB. The device is driven by an impressive 6,000mAh battery, ensuring long-lasting usage. On the back, you’ll find a 13-megapixel camera with an AI lens, while the front accommodates a 5-megapixel selfie shooter.
The phone comes equipped with Android 12 OS with XOS 12 pre-installed, along with a dual SIM and microSD card slot, a USB-Type C port, dual 4G VoLTE support, and Bluetooth 4.2.
This month, Noise has been highly active in the Indian market, introducing a range of new smartwatches and earbuds. Recently, they also revealed their inaugural smart ring. Now, joining the lineup is the Noise ColorFit Thrive, a smartwatch with a large TFT display and the capability of Bluetooth calling.
Noise ColorFit Thrive specs
The Noise ColorFit Thrive smartwatch offers a 1.85″ HD TFT LCD screen, featuring a resolution of 240 x 280 pixels. Personalization is a key aspect, with a wide selection of over 100 watch faces to choose from.
With Bluetooth support and a range of up to 10 meters, the ColorFit Thrive ensures seamless connectivity with your smartphone. This includes Bluetooth calling functionality, enabling you to make and receive calls directly from the watch. The AI Voice Assistant further adds convenience by enabling voice-command control over various functions.
Health and fitness tracking capabilities are comprehensive, including 24×7 heart rate monitoring, SpO2 measurement, sleep tracking, and a female cycle tracker, providing valuable insights into your well-being.
For active individuals, the smartwatch offers multiple workout modes. In addition, it features built-in games, displays notifications, provides weather updates, and allows camera and music control from your wrist.
Practical features like reminders and a calculator add further utility to the device in your daily life. With a battery life of up to 7 days without Bluetooth calling, and up to 2 days with Bluetooth calling, the Noise ColorFit Thrive ensures lasting performance.
Price & availability
The Noise ColorFit Thrive will be available for purchase at an introductory price of Rs. 1,299 starting July 31st at 12 P.M. Customers can choose from a variety of colors, including Midnight Blue, Silver Grey, Calm Blue, Coral Pink, Deep Wine, and Jet Black. The smartwatch can be purchased through the Noise website and Flipkart.
After unveiling the specs and features of the Poco Pods yesterday, the brand has started selling the earbuds through Flipkart.
Poco Pods price & availability
Priced competitively at ₹1,199 in the Indian market, the POCO Pods are now available on Flipkart in a single Midnight Groove (Black) color variant.
Poco Pods specs
The Poco Pods earbuds with 12mm drivers are crafted to deliver professional-level bass, immersing you in a rich and captivating sound environment. With Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, these earbuds ensure a stable wireless connection to your devices, as well as support for SBC codec for high-quality audio streaming.
For Android users, the Poco Pods come equipped with Google Fast Pair, making pairing quick and effortless. Plus, the Environmental Noise Cancellation technology helps eliminate ambient noise, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in your music or calls.
Gamers will appreciate the 60ms Low-latency Gaming Mode, minimizing latency for a more responsive and immersive gaming experience. The touch controls offer convenient management of music playback, call handling, and voice assistant activation (Siri or Google Voice).
Durability is not compromised, as the Poco Pods boast an IPX4 rating, making them splash-resistant and suitable for outdoor activities. The 34mAh battery in the earbuds provides up to 5 hours of playback on a single charge, while the 440mAh battery in the charging case offers an impressive 30 hours of backup power. Additionally, the fast charging feature gives you 90 minutes of music playback with just a quick 10-minute charge.
WhatsApp, owned by Meta, is actively introducing numerous new features, signaling a shift from its previous state where updates were infrequent. In the past, the app differed significantly between iOS and Android platforms. However, recent changes aim to unify the user experience by providing consistent and streamlined interfaces for both operating systems.
Illustration: Soumyakanti Ray
Stepping Up Safety: New Features to Handle Unknown Contacts
The latest WhatsApp update (version 2.23.16.6) includes two significant safety features. Firstly, users will encounter a dedicated safety screen when they receive messages from unknown numbers, offering options to block the contact or report it to WhatsApp’s moderation team. The safety screen also provides useful tips for ensuring chat safety, such as verifying profile information.
Secondly, the update introduces a privacy feature that prevents senders from knowing when their message has been read. This feature applies when the “read receipts” option is enabled, and the sender won’t receive a notification until the recipient responds or adds the contact to their address book, providing an extra layer of privacy. These safety features will help users as WhatsApp now allows messaging unknown contacts without saving their numbers.
Currently, these safety tools are accessible to a select group of beta testers who have installed the recent WhatsApp beta update from the Google Play Store. The company plans to gradually roll out these safety features to a broader audience in the near future.
WhatsApp’s recent updates have not only focused on user safety but also on improving user experience. One of the notable updates introduced refinements inspired by Material Design 3 guidelines, aiming to provide a more modern and visually appealing interface for its users.
OPPO officially launched the Reno10 Pro League of Legends Limited Edition starting this month, now available for purchase at 3899 yuan ($545) in China. The special edition smartphone offers 16GB of RAM and a spacious 512GB storage capacity.
The highlight of this gift box is its League of Legends theme, featuring the Starry version color scheme inspired by the beloved in-game character, Seraphine. With a dreamy and appealing design, it is expected to be particularly popular among young female users.
OPPO Reno10 Pro League of Legends specifications and box contents
Staying true to its commitment to excellence, OPPO has meticulously customized both the packaging and accessories. The gift box comes in a unique pink pentagon star packaging and includes a Starlight Handheld Mirror, DIY Phone Case Set, and a Lovely Pink Phone Lanyard.
The OPPO Reno10 Pro Starry version also boasts a starry ambient light that syncs with the music, allowing users to personalize dynamic effects during music playback. The ambient light also flashes when there’s an incoming call or message, making it more convenient for users to stay updated on notifications. Users have access to 8 monochrome and multiple theme mixed-color effects across 41 native apps, all thoughtfully redesigned by the official team.
Spec-wise, the core specifications of the OPPO Reno10 Pro remain consistent with other versions. The device offers a 6.7-inch FHD+ curved OLED display, powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8200 chip. For selfies, there’s a 32-megapixel front camera, and the phone is equipped with a 4600mAh battery that supports 100W fast charging, ensuring a seamless and efficient user experience.
In terms of imaging, the OPPO Reno10 Pro Starry version boasts a 50MP rear camera with IMX890 sensor, f/1.8 aperture, and OIS (optical image stabilization). It also features an 8MP IMX355 ultra-wide camera with f/2.2 aperture and a 32MP IMX709 2X telephoto camera with f/2.0 aperture, accompanied by LED flash and MariSilicon X NPU for enhanced performance.
The OPPO Reno10 Pro League of Legends custom gift box is available in limited quantities, with only 600 units up for grabs. Fans of League of Legends and tech enthusiasts looking for a unique smartphone experience can now get their hands on this special edition device.
According to the latest data from market research firm Counterpoint Research, Huawei has emerged as the standout performer in the second quarter of 2023 in the Chinese smartphone market. Despite an overall decline in sales for major manufacturers in the quarter, Huawei’s sales experienced an exceptional year-on-year growth of 58%.
Huawei’s Exceptional Sales Growth in a Declining Market
The boost in Huawei’s sales can be attributed to the resumption of its regular product release schedule, allowing the company to leverage its well-established brand image and widespread offline distribution channels across top-tier cities. This strategy resulted in a surge in sales after overcoming initial product shortages.
Among other manufacturers, Realme and Apple also achieved positive growth in Q2, while Vivo secured the top position with a market share of 17.7%.
Despite the challenges faced in the first half of 2023, Counterpoint Research predicts a slight decline in China’s smartphone market sales for the entire year. While improvements are expected in the second half compared to the first half, a significant rebound might be challenging due to persistent market challenges.
Huawei’s focus on its flagship series, along with the recent launch of midrange and flagship phones like the Nova 11 series and P60 series, has been instrumental in driving its sales growth. Additionally, the upcoming Mate 60 series, rumored to feature an impressive camera setup, is expected to further boost their sales. Huawei is also all set to introduce their latest Harmony OS 4.0 on 4th August which will further elevate their smartphone experience.
Furthermore, there are reports indicating Huawei’s preparation to restart mass production of its 5G mobile chip with the assistance of domestic partners. While the overall Chinese smartphone sales saw a dip of 4% YoY in Q2 2023, the 618 e-commerce festival managed to bring a much-needed respite in June, sparking hope for a better second half of the year.
Samsung recently unveiled its newest foldable smartphones, the Galaxy Z Fold5 and the Galaxy Z Flip5. While these devices do not feature major upgrades in specifications, they’ve managed to garner significant attention due to an intriguing feature, namely the Waterdrop Hinge, or as Samsung has termed it, the “Flex Hinge”.
What exactly is the Waterdrop Hinge found on the latest Samsung foldables?
The Waterdrop Hinge (Flex Hinge) is quite an innovative development in the realm of foldable smartphone design. It gained popularity through the OPPO Find N series. When you fold the phone, the hinge forms a sleek, water-droplet or teardrop-like cavity, thus addressing the rather irritating gaps usually associated with traditional hinges.
This hinge not only enhances the phone’s aesthetic appeal but also increases its durability, shielding the internal components and the foldable screen from the realm of everyday use. Unlike your typical single-axis hinges, the Waterdrop Hinge flexes across multiple dimensions, giving the phone a slim and streamlined appearance.
What makes Samsung’s Flex Hinge Revolutionary?
First off, the biggest advantage of the Flex Hinge is that it is a “no gap” hinge.
The Flex Hinge successfully combats the gap issue common with older U-shaped hinges, which could allow dust and debris to infiltrate and damage the internal display. However, the new hinge offers a seamless design that delivers enhanced protection for the device.
Moreover, it addresses the creasing issue they faced with their earlier foldable devices. It reduces the stress on the display, resulting in a smoother and crease-free experience.
The Galaxy Z Flip5 and Z Fold5 are slimmer than their predecessors making them more compact and portable. The hinge design also allows the device to lie flat and offers a secure hold within a range of 75 to 115 degrees. When fully opened, the phones provide a standard angle ranging from approximately 178.5 to 181.5 degrees. While third-party accessories might impact the range of motion, careful handling can prevent any issues.
The Flex Hinge also enables Samsung foldables to be adjusted at different angles, unlocking new software applications and features for users to explore.
According to Samsung, users may experience a slightly loose feel when opening and closing the device and occasionally hear or feel some noise during operation. These characteristics are not defects but rather inherent features of the improved, smoother motion facilitated by the new hinge.
How does the new Samsung Flex Hinge work?
It features a new dual-axis hinge mechanism comprising three parts:
flexible panel
mechanical hinge
display surface
While flexible OLED panels and folding mechanics have been widely adopted and are widely used in the industry, the display surface presents challenges due to its sensitivity to contamination, which affects both the cost and reliability of foldable devices.
Moto Razr 2019 hinge
The Waterdrop Hinge design has folding points on both sides of the waterdrop shape. This reduces the tension on the display. This creates compressive stress when the panel is folded, which keeps the display panel from getting damaged.
Moto Razr 2019 hinge
Simply put, the new hinge works like folding a piece of paper around a pencil. It makes sure the display folds neatly, keeps its shape, and does not put any tension on the screen. This unique method boosts the durability and reliability of foldable devices.
What are the benefits of the Samsung Flex Hinge
Slimmer Design with Greater Portability: The Galaxy Z Flip5 and Z Fold5 feature a slimmer and more portable design, thanks to the new hinge technology. The Z Flip5 is thinner than the Z Flip4, measuring 15.1mm when folded (vs. 17.1mm for Flip4). Similarly, the Z Fold5 is slimmer than the Z Fold4, with a folded thickness of 13.4mm (vs. 15.8mm for Fold4). The updated hinge contributes to a more compact and convenient form factor for both devices.
Improved Motion: The Flex hinge technology provides a smoother and improved motion compared to previous models in the Z series. This may result in the hinge feeling slightly looser when opening and closing the device.
Reduced Gap when Closed: The new hinge technology allows the screen to close completely, virtually eliminating the gap between the two halves of the device.
Flex Mode: The Flex mode is designed to function within a standard range of 75 to 115 degrees. Operating the hinge outside of this range may impact its ability to securely hold its angle.
Reduced Crease Size: The Galaxy Z Flip5 and Z Fold5 have a new hinge design that may make the crease on their screens appear slightly larger compared to previous models. However, the depth of the crease is reduced, resulting in a flatter appearance when the screen is unfolded.
Fully Opened Angle: The standard angle when the Galaxy Z Flip5 and Fold5 are fully opened ranges between approximately 178.5 to 181.5 degrees. However, third-party covers and accessories may affect the range of motion, so caution should be exercised when using them to avoid excessive force when opening or closing the device.
A New Standard for Foldable Phones
Interestingly, the technology behind the Waterdrop Hinge isn’t entirely new. It was first seen on the Motorola Razr 2019 and was later used by a number of Chinese companies. In fact, OPPO popularized this hinge through their Find N series foldable and now we can see almost every company launching their foldable with this hinge.
Despite Samsung holding the patent for the Waterdrop Hinge as early as 2016, it didn’t immediately integrate this hinge into its devices. The company seems to have taken the time to watch and learn from what others did. Even though it faced problems with the U-shaped hinge at first and eventually made it better, it looks like the Waterdrop Hinge’s slimmer profile was too hard to resist.
Now, with the inclusion of the Flex Hinge in the Galaxy Z Fold5 and Flip5, Samsung has kept pace with the trend. The Waterdrop Hinge promises a smoother display and a thinner body, which is a big step toward a more seamless foldable experience. As we wait for the next generation of Samsung foldables, we can expect more upgrades and improvements in terms of specs.
The development of the Waterdrop Hinge clearly illustrates the dynamic nature of the smartphone market, where innovation and competition consistently drive progress. As technology continues to evolve, foldable smartphones are becoming more sophisticated, durable, and user-friendly.
This certainly makes for an exciting era in the tech world, and it’s going to be rather intriguing to see what the future holds for foldable devices. After all, we might see more than 100 million foldables being shipped globally within the next five years!
If you are interested to read more about foldables and the Chinese market, you might want to check out why foldables are so popular in China right now, where Samsung along with brands like OPPO dominate.
Honor is expected to make a re-entry in India as per recent reports. Although no smartphones, the company has been actively launching laptops and tablets in the country. Now, Honor has launched a new tablet called the Honor Pad X9. It arrives with significant upgrades as the successor to the Honor Pad X8 that was announced last month. Honor’s newest tablet competes against the likes of Realme Pad 2, OPPO Pad Air, and more in the market.
Honor Pad X9 specifications and features
The Honor Pad X8 comes with an 11.5-inch display surrounded by symmetrical bezels on all sides. It offers a 2K resolution, 400 nits peak brightness, and a 120Hz refresh rate. For audiophiles, the tablet is equipped with six speakers with Hi-Res audio certification.
The Honor Pad X9 sports a metal unibody and measures 6.9mm thin and weighs 499 grams. The back panel has a pill-shaped camera module that houses a 5MP sensor. There is a 5MP snapper on the front for selfies and video calling.
Under the hood, the Snapdragon 695 processor powers the Honor Pad X9. It packs 4GB RAM along with 3GB virtual RAM for smooth performance. The tablet has 128GB onboard storage. The device is backed by a 7,250mAh battery unit that is said to offer 13 hours of usage. It supports 22.5W charging via a USB-C port. Software-wise, the Honor Pad X9 runs on MagicUI 7.1 based Android 13 OS with features like multi-window, multi-screen collaboration, and three-finger swipe.
The Honor Pad X9 carries a special launch price of Rs 14,499 for the sole 4GB + 128GB variant. It is offered in a Space Grey color option. The tablet is up for pre-booking on Amazon starting today with sales commencing from August 2nd. Customers who pre-book will get a Rs 500 discount and a free Honor Flip cover for the device.
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