Motorola Razr 40 Review (VS Razr 40 Ultra): I’d go with Standard over Ultra.

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Jul 22, 2023

Motorola’s foldable phone may not be the best, but the price is very low. As you guys know, this time the Razr 40 has once again set a record for the lowest price of a foldable phone. In China, its lowest price is only about $560, which is about the same price as a normal sub-flagship phone. I’m sure there are already some people who are excited to click into this video to see if the Razr 40 Standard Edition is worth buying, right? This video will give you the answer.

https://youtu.be/pf0eHUq6bIY

Unboxing

While there is a big difference in price, the accessories they have are almost the same. They both have 33W chargers. The manual, warranty card, and SIM pin. The only difference is that the Ultra version has a free case, while the standard version does not.

Design

Good design is very important for a foldable phone, and Moto understands this very well. Although the Razr 40 is cheap, it didn’t take a step back in terms of design. All three colors are made of vegan leather with a frosted metal frame. It looks better than the black 40 Ultra. When they are folded, the outer screen on the Ultra version doesn’t look as good as the standard version if it’s not lit up.

There is one thing that the standard version does better than the Ultra, the SIM slot can finally hold two SIM cards instead of eSIM. but there is one thing that they both don’t do well, it’s USB 2.0 on both phones. They all support standing at any angle, and there is no difference in functionality. whatever the Ultra version can do, the standard version can do as well. Just from the design point of view, I think the standard version does a very good job, even better than the Ultra version.

Display

Compared to the Razr 40 Ultra, the external screen on the standard version is really small, like those old foldable phones released two or three years ago. This small 1.5-inch screen can only display the most basic information, so there’s no way to reply to messages like the Ultra, let alone open some apps.

The internal screen of these two phones has a much smaller gap in user experience compared to the external screen. The screen panel on both phones is actually the same, both are 6.9-inch FHD+ OLED screens, and both support DC dimming as well, maximum brightness is 1,400 nits. But It’s clear that Motorola wants the Ultra to be a step up over the standard version because the refresh rate is higher on the Ultra and the bezels are narrower. So the 40 Ultra will look better in theory, but the difference is so small that you can’t tell who’s better in everyday use.

So my recommendation is, If you’re the type of person who uses your phone less frequently, the Ultra version should suit you better because you can do a lot of things with the outer screen. But if you tend to use it unfolded like me, the standard version should be about the same experience as the Ultra.

Performance & Gaming

Besides the external screen being downgraded, the performance of the Razr 40 isn’t that powerful either. The Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 in the Razr 40 can hardly be called a good processor, and is just as notorious as the Snapdragon 888 and 8 Gen 1. The peak performance looks good but the long-term performance output is poor because it tends to heat up. The scores on many benchmarks are really bad compared to the 8+ Gen 1 on the Ultra.

That’s probably the main reason why a lot of people don’t want to buy the standard version. I can understand that, but is the Razr 40 Ultra really much better than the standard version in gaming?

So looking at the frame rate graph or the thermal imaging photos, the difference between them in the Genshin Impact isn’t as big as the scores. Their frame rates are all locked at 30fps due to heat control. As a result, the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 didn’t really do it more favors than the 7 Gen 1. What a waste of this chipset… Apart from the fact that the standard version fluctuates a little bit more during battles, it’s hard to believe that the gaming performance of these two phones is actually about the same.

So you might ask, how come that the two processors are so different, while the gaming performance is so similar? As you can see from the stress test and the thermal image, the Ultra’s performance is clearly being limited intentionally to keep the body temperatures lower. These two phones have completely blown out my mind. I don’t know if I should be happy for the standard version users or sad for the Ultra users.

Camera

It’s not just the games, even the camera on the standard version is better than I expected. I mean, it takes about the same level of photos as the Razr 40 Ultra with a less competitive sensor. Without the watermark, you shouldn’t be able to tell which photo was taken by the Standard Edition. Most of the time the photos taken are very similar, both in a more colorful style.

Of course, if you were to zoom in to get a closer look, they’re still a little different. It’s hard to tell, but it’s true that the Ultra’s dynamic range is a little better. The Ultra Wide Angle camera on the standard version has a bit wider field of view. However, there is more sharpening on the Standard version and the fur looks more natural on the Ultra. Due to the higher amount of pixels, the standard version can get sharper photos when shooting far away, but the Ultra has less noise in darker areas thanks to its larger sensor.

Overall, they have their merits, but the difference is not huge. In my point of view, they are in a class of their own, both are pretty good.

Video recording on the standard version is much worse than it on the Ultra. The main camera, apart from not supporting 4K 60fps, has a clearly inferior stabilization algorithm than the Ultra. This should be a result of limited processor performance, we get the same result even switching to the Ultra Wide Angle Camera. And this camera performs even worse, sometimes it would go in and out of focus, and that just ruins the footage.

For video samples, you guys can watch the video at the beginning of the article.

Battery & Charging

The Razr 40 has a larger battery than the Ultra version. However, due to the poor performance of the 7 Gen 1, the battery life is actually not as good as the Ultra version. This is one of the reasons why the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 is the favorite of many people.

The wired charging power is the same 30w for both of them, and the charging speed is of course about the same. The time required for a full charge is around an hour. Both support 8w wireless charging as well, and I’m glad that even on the standard version this feature is still there.

Conclusion

When I finished the script for this review video, I realized that the Razr 40 Standard isn’t as bad as I thought it would be. It’s on par with the Ultra version in terms of photography, hinge, internal screen, charging, and design. Even if you spend the extra money to get the Ultra version, there isn’t much of an improvement in performance. The size of the external screen really doesn’t matter much to me, so I certainly prefer the standard version over the 40 Ultra.

I wouldn’t make it my main phone though because the gaming experience on both phones is so bad, but I would recommend it to those people who are obsessed with foldable phones and don’t play large 3D games. Finally, there is a cheap option for you.

Xiaomi Pad 6 Review: The Best Value in Android Space

By

Sudarshan Ravichandran

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Jul 22, 2023

Xiaomi returned to the tablet segment with the launch of the Xiaomi Pad 5 series in 2021. The company followed up with its successor, the Xiaomi Pad 6 series, in 2022.

Just like the baseline Xiaomi Pad 5, the company released the vanilla Xiaomi Pad 6 in global markets. Both of these tablets fall into the mid-range segment but still offer flagship-level specs.

The latest Xiaomi Pad 6 is a refinement over its forerunner for about the same price. It is priced closer to the Apple iPad 9th Gen, which is generally considered the best affordable tablet.

Simply put, it acts as an Android alternative to Apple’s offering. Therefore, when Xiaomi India reached out to me, I was more than happy to test the product, as I had just published my review of the OnePlus Pad.

Though the Xiaomi Pad 6 and the OnePlus Pad have a huge price difference, they are prime competitors in the Android space. In this article, I have shared my experience using these two tablets.

Before I continue, I’d like to make it clear that the brands featured in this story sent out the respective products on a returnable basis. Both Xiaomi and OnePlus had no influence over the opinions expressed.

Xiaomi Pad 6 is functional, while OnePlus Pad is premium

The Xiaomi Pad 6 has a metal unibody construction, which is an upgrade over the Xiaomi Pad 5’s plastic body. It also gets the camera island from the Xiaomi 12 series.

It looks unique and is easy to identify as a Xiaomi product. But still not as distinct as the OnePlus Pad with its centrally aligned camera and stunning Halo Green color.

The Xiaomi Pad 6 has flat sides, whereas the OnePlus Pad has rounded corners. I found the Xiaomi tablet to be more comfortable to hold in my hands due to its smaller form factor. However, the OnePlus tablet feels more premium.

While the OnePlus Pad’s accessories feel more premium in terms of look and feel. The OnePlus keyboard is more expensive than the Xiaomi keyboard, but it includes a convenient and compact trackpad. The Xiaomi stylus, on the other hand, costs more but is superior in several ways with its two action buttons and longer battery life.

Sadly, none of them provide adjustable angles with their keyboard accessories. But the Xiaomi Pad 6 is more comfortable to use on the lap.

Xiaomi has superior software to OnePlus

The Xiaomi Pad 6 runs MIUI 14 for Pad, which is based on Android 13, whereas the OnePlus Pad ships with OxygenOS 13.1, which is also based on Android 13.

Xiaomi’s software is more reminiscent of iPadOS than that of the OnePlus. Interestingly, the shameless rip-off works in favor of Xiaomi.

The UI and animations look good on the big canvas. If you are coming from an iPad, you will feel at home, to some extent.

The split-screen mode is almost the same as the one you find on iPadOS. It works flawlessly for supported applications. You can even save split-screen combos as on Samsung tablets and foldables.

There is also support for floating windows. Even on top of the split view, you can open floating windows of compatible apps. Additionally, the dock is accessible from anywhere, similar to iPads.

All of these features are implemented very well, which I cannot say for the OnePlus Pad. All in all, MIUI 14 for Pad is a more polished software for Android tablets than OxygenOS 13.1.

One is good for content consumption, other for gaming

The Xiaomi Pad 6 flaunts an 11-inch LCD screen with a resolution of 2880 x 1800 pixels, 309 PPI, a 144 Hz refresh rate, and a 550 nits peak brightness level. On the other hand, the OnePlus Pad comes with a larger 11.61-inch LCD panel with a resolution of 2800 x 2000 pixels, 296 PPI, a 144Hz refresh rate, and a 500 nits maximum brightness level.

The display on the Xiaomi Pad 6 is not only sharper but also brighter, as indicated by its specifications. I also found the color profiles offered by Xiaomi to be better.

Both screens are HDR-enabled, and they even support Dolby Vision. But none of them can play Dolby Vision content on Netflix. At least the Xiaomi Pad 6 can play HDR content on Netflix, which is not possible on the OnePlus Pad.

I would still recommend the OnePlus Pad for media consumption. Because quad speakers that support Dolby Atmos are superior. They sound richer, louder, and more immersive than the Dolby Atmos-supported quad speakers present inside the Xiaomi Pad 6.

But for gaming, the Xiaomi Pad 6 is better as it is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 SoC. This chip is well well-optimized by game developers when compared to the MediaTek Dimensity 9000 chipset present underneath the OnePlus Pad.

Theoretically, the Dimensity 9000 SoC is more powerful than the Snapdragon 870 chip. Even the benchmarks show the same. But I had a better gameplay experience with the Qualcomm chipset.

Similarly, the stylus experience is better on the Xiaomi Pad 6. Thus, Xiaomi’s latest tablet is probably the best affordable bet for budding artists and tablet gamers.

The Android tablet experience is not yet optimal

I had already discussed this in my OnePlus Pad review. It would be nice to have ChromeOS on hardware like this instead of Android.

The lack of optimized apps and a proper desktop-level web experience kills the joy of using Android tablets. I use Twitter, Instagram, and Threads on a regular basis. None of these social media platforms have a proper app for Android tablets.

The Twitter app behaves like a blown-up version of the mobile app. While Instagram and Threads apps are displayed in a letterboxed view.

There is no universal ecosystem feature like Phone Hub on ChromeOS. Instead, you get the OEM’s implementation on both the Xiaomi Pad 6 and the OnePlus Pad. Xiaomi calls it MIUI+, whereas, on the OnePlus, it is named Multi Screen Connect. These features only work with compatible smartphones from the respective brands.

Android on tablets will only get better when more developers optimize their applications to make efficient use of the large canvas and multitasking features.

Clearly, one of them is more value for money

As you can see, the Xiaomi Pad 6 delivers more than the OnePlus Pad despite being ₹11,000 cheaper.

For the unaware, the Xiaomi Pad 6 retails at ₹26,999 and ₹28,999 for 6GB + 128GB and 8GB + 256GB memory configurations, respectively. The keyboard and stylus cost ₹4,999 and ₹5,999 respectively.

Whereas, the OnePlus Pad is priced at ₹37,999 and ₹39,999 for 8GB + 128GB and 12GB + 256GB memory variants, respectively. While its keyboard and stylus will set you back ₹7,999 and ₹4,999, respectively.

The OnePlus Pad is not a bad product by any means. The tablet and its accessories feel and look just as high-end as the Apple iPads and the Samsung Galaxy Tab S series. For some, the price is justified by this alone.

However, the Xiaomi Pad 6 outperforms the OnePlus Pad in the majority of other categories at a significantly lower cost. No other option in its price range comes close to matching it.

Given the restrictions on Android tablets, the Xiaomi Pad 6 feels like a better deal than any other Android tablet just because of its great pricing and feature set.

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Oppo A58 4G with 6.72″ FHD display, Helio G85 SoC & 50MP dual camera launched in Indonesia

By

Sudhanshu

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Jul 22, 2023

After clearing the NBTC FCC, TUV Rheinland, and BIS certification earlier this month, Oppo has finally launched the A58 4G smartphone in Indonesia, marking the beginning of its global availability. The device is also expected to launch in other regions like India, Thailand, Malaysia, etc. in the coming days.

Oppo A58 4G specs

The newly launched Oppo A58 4G smartphone boasts a 6.72-inch FHD display with an impressive 2,400 x 1080p resolution. With a touch sampling rate of 180 Hz and a peak brightness of 680 nits, this display guarantees a smooth and immersive experience. The device also features a side-mounted fingerprint scanner for security.

On the rear side, you’ll find a dual camera setup, featuring a high-resolution 50 MP main camera alongside a 2 MP companion camera. The primary camera supports 1080p video recording at a smooth 30fps. For selfies and video calls, the brand has added an 8MP camera in the front notch.

Under the hood, the Oppo A58 4G is powered by an octa-core MediaTek Helio G85 processor. With 6GB RAM and up to 128 GB internal storage, you’ll have ample space for all your files and applications.

The device is equipped with a 5,000 mAh battery, supporting 33W charging for quick and convenient power-ups. It also has a face-unlock feature if you prefer that over the fingerprint unlocking method.

Pricing & availability

The Oppo A58 4G is currently available to buy in a single 6GB RAM + 128GB storage configuration for IDR 2,499,000 at Oppo’s Indonesian website. It comes in two color options: Dazzling Green and Glowing Black.

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Xiaomi launches Mijia Desktop Water Purifier (Hot and Cold Version) for 2499 yuan ($347)

By

Soumyakanti

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Jul 22, 2023

Celebrating the 8th anniversary of Xiaomi’s water purifier launch, the company has introduced the Mijia Home Desktop Water Purifier Hot and Cold version. The smart edition of the purifier was introduced last year. Priced at 2499 yuan ($347), the purifier offers a three-in-one functionality of cold, hot, and purified water.

Mijia Home Desktop Water Purifier (Hot and Cold version) features:

Designed thoughtfully, the water tank includes a 4L raw water tank and a 1.8L waste water tank, ensuring complete separation to prevent concentrated water intrusion. The device features a circular OLED display which displays the water temperature and the modes of the water purification.

The Mijia Home Desktop Water Purifier (Hot and Cold Version) is equipped with a refrigerator-like compressor, capable of cooling water temperature to as low as 5°C. The automatic cooling mode allows you to adjust the water temperature between 5-15°C freely, offering a total of 11 different cold water settings to cater to individual preferences.

On the hot water front, the purifier is powered by a thick film heating technology, fueled by 2100W power. This powerful heater enables the device to heat water in an impressive 3 seconds, significantly reducing waiting time for hot beverages or cooking needs.

The device features various modes, including “cold water,” “boiling water,” “milk preparation,” and “room temperature.” When connected to the Mijia Home App, users can precisely adjust the temperature within the range of 40°C to 95°C, with 1°C increments, providing 56 adjustable levels of hot water. Custom water output modes are also supported for further expansion.

In terms of water purification, the water purifier boasts a dual-core 6-level filtration system, dual UV sterilization, and an RO reverse osmosis filter core, meeting national drinking water standards with a filtration accuracy of up to 0.0001um.

Xiaomi recommends the annual replacement of the two filter cores, priced at 358 yuan ($50) (109 yuan ($15) for one, and 249 yuan ($34) for the other). The purifier is currently available for pre-order at a promotional price of 2099 yuan ($292).

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Mivi DuoPods K6 With Dual Connectivity, 13mm Driver Launched In India

By

Viraj Gawde

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Jul 22, 2023

Mivi has launched a new audio device in India. The latest TWS earphone from the brand is dubbed the Mivi DuoPods K7. It packs a host of specifications and features at an affordable price tag. Read on to know more about the audio device below.

Mivi DuoPods K6 specifications and features

The Mivi DuoPods K6 feature an in-ear design with a glossy finish capsule-shaped stem and silicon ear tips. It is IPX4-certified water-resistant. The TWS earphones support Siri and Google Assistant. Tapping on the stem of the earbuds performs various functions.

On the audio front, the Mivi DuoPods K6 is equipped with a 13mm driver for powerful highs, great mids, and crisp lows. There is AI ENC feature for eliminating background noise on calls. The TWS earphones feature a 50ms low latency mode. There is support for AAC and SBC codec.

The Mivi DuoPods K6 come with Bluetooth 5.3 and can be connected to two devices simultanoeusly for a seamless experience. The earphones are backed by a 380mAh battery unit rated to deliver 50 hours of life. Each earbuds is backed by a 40mAh cell. The audio device comes in a pebble-shaped case with a matte finish.

The Mivi DuoPods K6 are priced at Rs 999 and offered in Black, Blue, Green, and White color options. They can be purchased from the brand’s website and Flipkart.

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iPhone 15 rumored to feature an enhanced 40W charging and major MagSafe advancements

By

Jed John Ikoba

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Jul 22, 2023

The yet-to-be-released Apple iPhone 15 has been the subject of much speculation of recent. The next Apple flagship iPhone offerings are rumored to have great charging speed potential. It has been rumored that a major upgrade to Apple’s battery tech will see the iPhone 15 coming with a stacked battery pack. The stacked approach is expected to extend the battery life and open up the iPhone 15 to 40W charging.

Currently, the iPhone 14 has a maximum charging speed of 30W and a leap to 40W speeds is quite significant. A tipster on Twitter, @RGcloudS says that a wired increase to 40W for the iPhone 15 could translate to up to 20W charging speeds via MagSafe. There are however no guarantees that the new tech will berth with the iPhone 15, as some speculations link the tech to the iPhone 16 instead. It is also speculated that Apple’s switch to USB-C has boosted the charging speed for the next-gen iPhones.

It is however clear that there are several other reasons to adduce for a possible bump in charging speeds for the iPhone 15. For one, the stacked battery pack would imply Apple may have navigated over the overheating challenge present under such a scenario. It is noted that 40W charging is still miles away from the gold standard in charging speeds upwards of 100W.

Will the iphone 15 charge rate be faster or stay the same ?
— Alex Do (@AlexDo44630282) July 13, 2023

The iPhone 15 is scheduled to be announced in September 2023. As the release date draws nearer, we expect more speculations about the iPhone 15. The model is expected to highlight Apple’s well-known durability and performance.

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boAt Airdopes 161 Pro With 50 Hours Battery Life Launched In India

By

Viraj Gawde

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Jul 22, 2023

boAt has expanded its range of TWS earphones in India. The latest offering from the homegrown brand is dubbed the boAt Airdops 161 Pro. It is an affordable TWS earphone under the Rs 1,000 segment. Read on to know what it offers out of the box.

boAt Airdopes 161 Pro specifications and features

The boAt Airdopes 161 Pro has an in-ear design with a stem and angled silicon ear tips. The earbuds are IPX5 splash and sweat resistant. Users can perform various functions by tapping on the stem.

In terms of audio, the boAt Airdopes 161 Pro are equipped with a 10mm driver. They come with dual mics and ENx technology for clear quality on calls. There is boAt Signature Sound onboard for an immersive listening experience. The TWS earphones come with a 60ms low latency mode. The audio device features Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity and can be connected to two devices simultaneously.

The boAt Airdopes 161 Pro are powered by a 380mAh battery unit that is claimed to offer 50 hours of life. Each earbud is backed by a 35mAh cell that is said to offer 17 hours of usage. The earphones support fast charging via a USB-C port.

The boAt Airdopes 161 Pro are priced at Rs 999 and offered in Sleek Black, Celestial Blue, and Green Cyan colors. They will be available for purchase from the brand’s website and Flipkart starting July 24.

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A leaked internal memo reveals Air India met with Apple to discuss “deep collaboration”. What’s Tim cooking?

By

Jed John Ikoba

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Jul 22, 2023

A leaked Air India internal memo has revealed that officials from the airline met with Apple officials to discuss possible collaboration. The Air India team led by CEO Campbell Wilson recently paid a visit to Apple’s headquarters. The memo highlighted that the meeting was held to explore opportunities for deeper collaboration.

The leaked memo emanated from the CEO, Wilson, and was sent to the staff of the airline via email. It is unclear how the email was leaked to the public but it noted that the company officials visited Apple’s headquarters at Palo Alto. Air India had previously had discussions with Apple on using iPads to enhance inflight navigation for pilots.

There is already a precedent for using Apple iPads inside the cockpit. In 2021, Delta Airlines issued iPads to some of its pilots to help them quickly call up flight charts, equipment manuals, and ancillary data in flight. This was an alternative to the flight bag that pilots carry which can be weighty. The move was expected to make the in-flight activities of pilots to be quicker when communicating with the ground or flight crews.

Air India could be planning an introduction of iPads for its pilots to enhance flight operation. There has been a previous report back in January that stated that Air India has started purchasing iPad tablets for its flight crews. In addition, Wilson in his previous job as CEO of Soot Pte, deployed iPads in place of the in-flight entertainment equipment. Passengers were able to choose from a wider range of entertainment options while Scoot generated revenue from the rentals of the tablet.

The company also saved money in fuel costs as a result of the use of iPads during flights. The arrangement also saw the refitting of the planes with added capacity. The weights of each of the planes using iPads were reduced by about 7% while passenger capacity rose by 40%.

Back in May, Air India announced that it had become one of Apple’s biggest iPad customers. It is however unclear whether Air India has a more expansive collaboration with the Cupertino company beyond iPad deployment. The finer optics of this deep collaboration mentioned in the leaked memo, will be clarified soon, hopefully.

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Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 Will Fold Flat Leaving No Gap As Per A New Official Teaser

By

Viraj Gawde

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Jul 22, 2023

Samsung is gearing up for its upcoming Galaxy Unpacked event on July 26th. It is set to announce the fifth-generation Galaxy Z foldables, the Galaxy Tab S9 series, and the Galaxy Watch 6 series. There have been plenty of leaks and rumors revealing everything about the upcoming devices. Now, Samsung has shared a teaser on its Twitter account that makes one thing clear about the Galaxy Z Flip 5.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 will fold flat

What do you think this symbol means? Drop a comment below! #JoinTheFlipSide #SamsungUnpacked pic.twitter.com/DsYRHuylxZ
— Samsung Mobile (@SamsungMobile) July 20, 2023

There have been new entrants in the clamshell foldable phone segment in the last one year. These include the OPPO Find N2 Flip, Vivo X Flip, and Motorola Razr 40 Ultra. Notably, all these devices feature a large secondary display and are able to fold flat. This left the last year’s Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 lagging behind.

However, Samsung has started sharing teasers of the upcoming Galaxy Z Flip 5. As per the latest teaser video, the upcoming offering will be able to full close flat. This is a huge sigh of relief since the Galaxy Z Flip 4 leaves a gap when it is folded allowing water and dust particles to settle in between. The teaser also reveals a boxy form factor of the upcoming flip phone that has antenna lines and a SIM card tray. However, the rest of the details remain unknown.

The dummy unit of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 showed a gap where the phone folds which is pretty disappointing. However, it remains to be seen on the final device. As per leaks and rumors, the Galaxy Z Flip 5 is expected to feature a 3.4-inch 720p secondary display with a folder-like cutout design. It is tipped to have a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. The clamshell foldable phone will reportedly be powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor and be backed by a 3,700mAh battery unit with support for 25W fast charging.

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Redmi 12 5G Indian variant visits Geekbench with Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 SoC

By

Sudhanshu

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Jul 22, 2023

After its global debut earlier this month, Redmi is preparing to launch the Redmi 12 in India on August 1. It will be a 4G smartphone powered by the MediaTek Helio G88 chipset. A recent leak also revealed that a 5G variant of the Redmi 12 will also be launching soon in the global market.

Now, the Redmi 12 5G has emerged on Geekbench revealing some of its key specifications. As per the listing, the device has the model number 23076RN4BI and it features a 2.2GHz octa-core processor coupled with an Adreno 613 GPU. This is likely the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 5G chipset. The listing further confirms that the smartphone has 8GB RAM and it runs on Android 13-based operating system.

In terms of performance, the Redmi 12 impressed with its Geekbench scores. It achieved a single-core score of 916 and a multi-core score of 2,106. The listing does not reveal any other information, however, it looks like this is a rebrand of the Redmi Note 12R which launched in April in China. In a previous report, we discussed the rumors of the Redmi Note 12R launching as Redmi 12 5G in the global market and as Poco M5 5G in India.

What’s interesting is that this model has also been certified by the Bureau of Indian Standards, meaning that this is likely the Indian variant of the Redmi 12 5G. So, it looks like both the Xiaomi sub-brands, namely Poco and Redmi will be launching the rebranded Redmi Note 12R as Poco M6 Pro 5G and Redmi 12 5G in the Indian market. Let’s take a look at the specs of the Redmi Note 12R to get an idea of what to expect from the rebrands.

Redmi Note 12R specs

The Redmi Note 12R features a 6.79-inch LCD Full HD+ display with a 90Hz refresh rate. It runs on the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset, offering 5G connectivity, and comes with up to 8GB RAM and 256GB storage. The phone has a dual-camera setup with a 50MP primary sensor and a 2MP depth sensor at the rear, and a 5MP front camera. It runs on Android 13 with MIUI 14, powered by a 5,000mAh battery with 18W charging support.

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Realme C51 complete spec sheet revealed ahead of Indian launch

By

Sudhanshu

-

Jul 22, 2023

After launching the Realme C53 and C55 in India, the brand is said to bring another device to the country in the coming days called the Realme C51. Yesterday, a report revealed renders and some key specifications of the device. Now, tipster Paras Guglani has shared the complete spec sheet of the Realme C51.

Realme C51 specs (rumored)

The rumored Realme C51 4G smartphone is expected to feature a 6.7-inch LCD display with a 90 Hz refresh rate, providing smooth visuals. It is said to be equipped with a triple rear camera setup, featuring a 50MP main camera along with 8MP and 5MP secondary cameras, providing a range of photographic capabilities.

Under the hood, the C51 4G will feature a Unisoc T612 processor, paired with 4GB RAM and 64GB storage. Users will also have the option to increase the RAM virtually up to 4GB. The phone is speculated to be equipped with a 5000mAh battery, supporting 33W charging for faster recharging times. This should ensure a longer-lasting battery life for the device.

Other features like a side fingerprint sensor for convenient device unlocking and a 3.5mm audio jack are also expected to be present on the device. As for the operating system, the C51 4G will come with Android 13-based Realme UI out of the box.

The smartphone could be offered in two color variants: Mint Green and Carbon Black, adding options for users to choose their preferred style.

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Here are the Terms & Conditions behind Tesla’s Full Self Driving Beta Transfer

By

Anubhav

-

Jul 22, 2023

In a surprising move during the Q2 2023 earnings call on July 19, Tesla‘s CEO, Elon Musk, announced a development that has left car owners and EV enthusiasts thrilled. For the first time ever, Tesla is allowing owners to transfer ownership of its coveted Full Self-Driving Beta (FSD Beta) – a decision that could have a significant impact on how this cutting-edge technology is accessed and utilized in the near future.

The Full Self Driving package is priced at $15,000 in the United States

Tesla’s offer allows existing owners to transfer their FSD Beta to a new Tesla vehicle during the third quarter, which runs until the end of September. This exciting development aims to incentivize current Tesla owners to upgrade to the latest models without the burden of repurchasing the costly FSD package, priced at $15,000 in the US or available as a monthly subscription at $199 for Basic Autopilot and $99 for Enhanced Autopilot-equipped cars.

The terms and conditions for the FSD Beta transfer program have been laid out for eligibility. To qualify, owners must have Full Self-Driving capability in their current Tesla vehicle at the time of delivery of their new vehicle. Furthermore, this offer is only applicable to new Tesla vehicles delivered between July 20 and September 30, 2023.

For those eager to take advantage of the offer, they must either forfeit the FSD capability on their current Tesla or choose to trade in their vehicle directly with Tesla when purchasing a new one. Tesla will then remove the FSD capability from the original vehicle up to one week before the scheduled delivery of the new Tesla, with a short automatic reboot during the process.

It’s essential to note that this transfer can only occur once and cannot be transferred to another vehicle or another individual, even through private sale. Additionally, the offer cannot be combined with other promotions and becomes non-reversible once the new Tesla vehicle is delivered or the FSD capability is removed from the existing vehicle, whichever comes first.

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Rose Bikes Introduces the Backroad AL, a Versatile Gravel E-Bike with Impressive Performance

By

Anubhav

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Jul 22, 2023

Another day, another e-bike aiming to compete in the segment, which seems to be heating up recently. This time, it is German bicycle specialist Rose Bikes who is making waves in the electric vehicles sector with the launch of its latest model, the Backroad AL. Gravel bikes have been gaining popularity for their adaptability and practicality, and the new Backroad AL offers another compelling option in the market.

The Bike is quite lightweight, weighing only 13.4 kgs thanks to the Carbon frame

The Backroad AL comes in two variants, following the design of other gravel e-bikes. However, as a differentiator, it boasts a more versatile and relaxed geometry, making it ideal for both performance-oriented rides and daily commuting. The aluminum frame is equipped with multiple mounting points, allowing riders to install various luggage accessories for urban trips or longer excursions. Its lightweight aluminum frame and carbon fork contribute to an agile and responsive riding experience, with a total weight of approximately 13.4 kilograms.

On the performance side, the Backroad AL is equipped with the latest X35 motor from renowned German brand Mahle. While compact and lightweight, the motor delivers 40 Newton-meters of torque, providing just enough support for a natural pedal feel without compromising on performance. The 250-watt-hour battery pack, working in sync with the smart motor, offers a range of up to 62 miles under ideal conditions. For extended adventures, Rose Bikes offers an optional 208-watt-hour range extender that fits neatly into the bike’s bottle holder.

Cycling between support modes is effortless with the intuitive iWoc One button on the top tube, eliminating the need for a display. For more personalized adjustments, riders can use the Mahle smartphone app to fine-tune individual settings.

Both variants of the Backroad AL share the same frame and powertrain but differ in componentry. The AL Plus Apex XPLR features a 12-speed drivetrain composed of SRAM parts, retailing for 3,399 Euros ($3,785 USD). The more premium AL Plus GRX RX810, with an 11-speed Shimano GRX drivetrain, is priced at 3,499 Euros ($3,896 USD). Both models are available in mint green or sand beige colorways.

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OpenAI’s Trust and Safety Head Departs Amidst AI Safety Concerns & a Probable Investigation

By

Anubhav

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Jul 22, 2023

OpenAI, a rapidly growing artificial intelligence research organization, is experiencing a notable shift as Dave Willner, its Trust and Safety Lead, announced his departure from the position. Renowned for groundbreaking advancements in AI, OpenAI introduced ChatGPT, a revolutionary language model that has been all over the internet, more recently than before.

With the pace at which OpenAI is growing, the company needs a strong figure to look up to

Willner shared the news on LinkedIn, revealing that he would continue supporting OpenAI in an advisory role. Citing the need to spend more time with his family, he acknowledged the challenges of managing a demanding job while being a parent to young children during the company’s high-intensity development phase.

Throughout his tenure, Willner played a crucial role in steering OpenAI’s trust and safety initiatives, expressing immense pride in the company’s achievements. However, his departure coincides with legal challenges faced by OpenAI. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has initiated an investigation into the company’s compliance with consumer protection laws and concerns about privacy and security, particularly regarding a data leak involving ChatGPT users’ private information.

In response to growing concerns about AI safety, OpenAI, along with other companies, committed to implementing additional safeguards. These include providing external experts access to the code, addressing biases with societal implications, sharing safety information with the government, and watermarking AI-generated content for transparency.

As the company navigates this leadership change and addresses legal and safety challenges, it has to remain committed to promoting transparency and ethical AI practices. Finding a suitable replacement for the Trust and Safety Lead will be extremely important to uphold and enforce OpenAI’s mission of developing safe and beneficial AI.

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ChromeOS M115 Brings Exciting Features for Chromebook Users, including App Streaming

By

Anubhav

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Jul 22, 2023

The Chromebook community is abuzz with excitement as Google has announced its latest update, ChromeOS M115. Packed with a whole variety of features, this update promises to improve the Chromebook experience and make it way better. Tech enthusiasts must be eager to explore the enhancements and improvements in the new update.

The Backlight Signature feature will let users use their signatures with just a tap

One of the standout features of ChromeOS M115 is App Streaming, enabling users to complete quick tasks with ease. By streaming their Android phone’s apps directly onto their Chromebook, users can effortlessly reply to messages, monitor ride-share and delivery statuses, and efficiently manage their shopping lists. With App Streaming, the lines between smartphone and Chromebook functionality blur, making multitasking more seamless than ever before.

To take advantage of this exciting feature, Chromebook users need to ensure that Phone Hub is enabled. Following the simple steps outlined in the Help Article will ensure a smooth setup process. Also, the new and improved Shortcut App is pretty exciting. The redesign introduces a refreshed navigation and UI, making it even easier for users to find and access their favorite features. Additionally, the in-app search functionalities have been enhanced, streamlining the user experience and saving time.

With the Shortcut App’s new visualization, users will have an aesthetic and user-friendly interface. The Backlight Signature feature allows users to add their signatures to PDFs with just a tap. Furthermore, these signatures can be saved for future use, making document signing an easy process. No more printing, signing, or scanning – the new ChromeOS M115 update will make some users very happy.

As with any major update, ChromeOS M115 will be progressively rolled out over the coming days. Some users might not see the update immediately, but rest assured, it will be available soon.

Google encourages users to provide feedback on their experience with ChromeOS M115. Community feedback plays a vital role in further improving and fine-tuning the Chromebook ecosystem. If users encounter any bugs or issues, they are encouraged to create new threads on the Google Chromebook Community forum.

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Husqvarna EE 1.20 & GASGAS MC-E 1.20 balance electric bike for kids launched

By

Jed John Ikoba

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Jul 21, 2023

Husqvarna and GASGAS have simultaneously released balance e-bikes for kids who seek to learn the tricks of cycling. Balance electric bikes are an easy way of learning the ropes of cycling as the kid is saved from the added challenge of pedaling. The two companies are part of the Pierer Mobility group and the two new bikes bear several similarities. Firstly, both bikes are built under the same platform. They are also both meant for kids up to 12 years of age, providing a credible platform to learn balance positioning and throttle control.

The Husqvarna EE 1.20 comes draped in a white colorway highlighting the Husqvarna identity. It is equipped with three power modes with the lowest mode having a top speed of 16km/h. As the kid gains mastery of the bike, you can increase the speed up to 32km/h in the Advanced mode. The EE 1.20 is suitable for kids up to 12 years of age and with a minimum inseam of 60cm. This allows the rider to conveniently plant their feet on the ground. It is powered by a Manitou J-Unit Machete fork. Hydraulic disc brakes are also featured in the e-bike.

The GASGAS MC-E 1.20 balance bike is equipped with three riding modes to make riding seamless for first-timers. It is built around a TIG-welded aluminum frame which offers a solid foundation to learn the basics. It is equipped with a Manito J-Unit Machete fork and provides up to 80mm of suspension travel. The bike has a hydraulic disc brake system which provides reliability in controlling its movement.

The Husqvarna EE 1.20 is available in select dealerships while the GASGAS MC-E 1.20 will be available in GASGAS showrooms by August 2023. Pricing and general availability information of the two bikes can be gotten from the selected dealerships and showrooms.

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Upcoming Smartphones: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5, Oppo K11, and more

By

Sudarshan Ravichandran

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Jul 21, 2023

This month started with multiple smartphone launches. But as the weeks passed on, new releases cooled off. Now as we are approaching the last week of the month, there are only a couple of scheduled events.

These two conferences will be held by Oppo and Samsung. The former will unveil an interesting mid-range smartphone in China. Whereas, the latter will globally debut its next-gen foldables alongside new tablets and smartwatches.

Let’s take a look at the handsets that are set to go official in the next few days.

Upcoming Smartphones Next Week

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1. Oppo K11

The Oppo K11 is planned to launch in China on July 25 (Tuesday) at 2:30 PM GMT+8. The event will be live-streamed on Weibo and other leading Chinese video streaming platforms.

As per official teasers and leaks, this phone is nothing but a rebranded OnePlus Nord CE 3 for China. Hence, its two primary highlights will include an OIS-assisted 50MP Sony IMX890 primary camera and a Qualcomm Snapdragon 782G chipset.

It will also offer features like a 6.7-inch 120Hz FHD+ AMOLED display, up to 12GB + 512GB memory configuration, dual stereo speakers, an in-screen fingerprint sensor, a 5,000mAh battery, and 100W fast wired charging support.

2. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5

Samsung will take wraps off the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and the Galaxy Z Flip 5 on July 26 (Wednesday) at a Galaxy Unpacked event in South Korea. This conference will be live-streamed on YouTube.

The next-gen foldables from Samsung will arrive with iterative upgrades just like their predecessors. However, there will be a few notable differences.

Both the Fold 5 and Flip 5 will sport a gapless hinge. The latter will also feature a larger cover screen. Lastly, they will have newly designed first-party accessories and multi-color S pen styluses for the Fold 5.

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CSC E-RT3 Electric Scooter with impressive performance and tech announced

By

Jed John Ikoba

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Jul 21, 2023

California-based CSC Motorcycles has unveiled the E-RT3 electric scooter. The CSC E-RT3 is a tech-laden urban mobility solution that packs impressive performance. CSC Motorcycles has released a mixture of gasoline-powered and electric motorcycles with decent performance metrics. The E-RT3 electric scooter bears some semblance with electric scooters already available in Europe. The launch is coming not too long after the brand launched the ES5 e-scooter.

The CSC E-RT3 has all the features that are present in a small to mid-sized electric scooter. Its modern design is accentuated by sharp, angular bodywork, as well as a long wheelbase. It is equipped with an 8kW mid-drive motor that delivers power across the rev range. The E-RT3 has a top speed of 121km/h (75mph) while its ternary polymer lithium battery delivers a range of about 200km (124 miles). This means that the CSC E-RT3 is highway-capable.

The E-RT3 has a sophisticated full-color TFT display for a raft of ride notifications. The electric scooter is also equipped with full LED lighting and other touring amenities present in current top-grade maxi scooters. It features keyless operation, an electric under-seat storage compartment, a USB interface, and backlit controls. It also features a heavy-duty luggage rack at the rear that can have a utility box or luggage mounted upon it. The E-RT3 TFT display can also be linked to your smartphone via the companion app.

CSC has opened pre-orders for the E-RT3 at a discounted price of $6,995. The price of the CSC E-RT3 e-scooter will rise to $7,295 after the pre-order period, while an additional $410 in dealer fees is also indicated. The CSC E-RT3 electric scooter will be released between October and November 2023. Availability of the E-RT3 is tied to the US for now but this could expand, going forward.

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BYD Han EV, Tang EV, and Atto 3 launched in Morocco; first time in Africa!

By

Jed John Ikoba

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Jul 21, 2023

Chinese EV brand BYD is making inroads into the North African market with the launch of three new models in Morocco. The BYD Han EV, Tang EV, and Atto 3 will offer sufficient width for a wide variety of customers in Morocco. BYD is also partnering with Auto Nejma to fast-track sustainable transportation and electrifying the Morocco road landscape.

Auto Nejma is a leading importer and marketer of vehicles, spare parts, and other automotive accessories. The company is a subsidiary of the Hakam Family Group and it holds a number of exclusive dealerships in Morocco. BYD showcased the Han EV, Tang EV, and Atto 3 in the North African country and these models will be berthing in the Moroccan auto market soon. It is also expected that this BYD inroad into the African market could spur local assembly of BYD offerings in Morocco later.

The three new BYD offerings in Morocco are left-hand drive EVs, as Morocco has the same left-side driving policy as China. The BYD incursion into Morocco follows the brand’s entry into South Africa with the launch of the BYD Atto 3. South Africa got the right-hand Atto 3, being a right-hand drive market. The Atto 3 is also currently available in several right-hand markets including Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.

BYD expects the Morocco introduction of the BYD Han, Tang, and Atto 3 could trigger new demand for its EV offerings in Africa. The company has continued to ramp up production of EVs and achieved strategic expansion of its footprint to new markets across the globe. It is expected that other countries in Africa will join the BYD train soon.

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Lenovo Legion and League of Legends Partner to Launch Custom Gaming Skin

By

Anurag

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Jul 21, 2023

Lenovo is gearing up to launch several gaming products this month. The company will unveil the Legion Y9000X laptop and the Legion Y700 gaming tablet tomorrow in an event held in China. Ahead of the release, Lenovo has announced it has teamed up with the popular video game League of Legends to launch a custom gaming skin. This skin is based on a popular game character. Here are the details.

Lenovo is launching a slew of new products this month

Lenovo Legion and Riot Games today announced the release of an official custom skin for the League of Legends game. The skin, which belongs to the game character Viego, the Ruined King, will be released on July 22. Other details are limited at the moment. We are bound to learn it all on the launch date.

As mentioned, Lenovo is also introducing the Legion Y9000X laptop tomorrow. The machine will come with a 16-inch display with 3200*2000 resolution, 165Hz refresh rate, 100% P3 color gamut, and 430 nits brightness. It packs a 99Wh battery and supports 140W fast charging. It also gets 90mm Harman-tuned speakers as well as Wi-Fi 6 support. Lenovo will also launch the Legion Y9000X with an R7 7840H processor on July 29.

Lenovo Legion Y700 (2023) will also share the stage with its 8.8-inch LCD screen offering a resolution of 1,600 x 2,560 pixels. The tablet boasts a 144Hz refresh rate and a 6,550mAh battery unit with support for 45W charging. It will pack the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 SoC under the hood with up to 16GB of RAM. It will also feature an X-Axis linear motor, dual speakers, and a large area for VC cooling.

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