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TikTok’s E-Commerce Ambitions: How the Social Media Giant Plans to Take on the Internet

TikTok is undoubtedly one of the most popular social media platforms in recent years. Almost everyone spends at least a few hours every day on the app, either watching videos or creating content. The app is so successful that even other social media giants like Instagram and Twitter are making their feeds and content types similar to it.

However, while its competitors are copying it, the Chinese company is not just standing still. TikTok, wanting to adopt the concept of a super app, is expanding its empire into e-commerce with “TikTok Shop Shopping Center”. Here are the details…

How TikTok is Using Its Virality to Conquer E-Commerce

The concept we call a “super app” is actually a quite challenging goal to achieve. These apps are notable because they are used not just for one task, but for many different tasks. For example, consider WeChat from China, in which we can do many different operations, from messaging to much more. TikTok is moving in a similar direction and is reportedly launching a new platform called “TikTok Shop Shopping Center”. This will allow users to buy items directly from Chinese sellers through the app.

The new platform is expected to launch in August and will offer a wide variety of products, including clothes, electronics, and home goods. TikTok will handle the marketing and logistics for the platform, while the Chinese merchants will be responsible for manufacturing and shipping the products.

Unfortunately, the “TikTok Shop Shopping Center” will initially be exclusive to China. It might become active in other markets over time, depending on the success of the project. What’s particularly intriguing is how it will operate. It is currently unclear whether TikTok will establish a platform working with local e-commerce companies, or create a new marketplace. Regardless, the company has a significant advantage, and if used well, it could be very successful.

It’s worth noting that what you’re reading from now on are not absolute facts but personal opinions, although it can’t be said that I’m totally wrong. E-commerce is one of the most common models in the world today, and thanks to open market platforms like Amazon and Alibaba, many people are making money from these places. However, most sellers complain about platform commissions. The main source of income for all these platforms is these commissions, so they can’t easily change their policies.

If TikTok were to follow a similar logic, since it’s not their main source of income, they could keep e-commerce commissions low. We’ve seen Chinese brands applying similar policies in various sectors in the past. Yet, all these are nothing more than opinions and predictions for now. We have no choice but to wait to see whether the social media giant will be successful in this area.

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QuietKat Lynx rugged Moto-inspired e-bike with a 1,000W motor announced

The QuietKat Lynx rugged electric bicycle has been announced. The new QuietKat Lynx comes with a two-speed hub motor with an output of 1,000W. The e-bike comes with several tech features and a decent battery.

QuietKat Lynx rugged Moto-inspired e-bike

The QuietKat Lynx is signposted by its design employing café racer-inspired aesthetics. It also has a mix of off-road rugged features. The Lynx is Moto-inspired and comes with a high fender, round headlight, and a contoured rail section with a luggage rack. It has a long travel suspension system, a full-suspension frame, and 24 x 4.5-inch tires. The e-bike comes with a sprinkling of tech features including LED lights, GPS tracking, and Bluetooth connectivity.

The QuietKat Lynx is manufactured by Colorado-based e-bike manufacturer QuietKat. It is viewed in the US as an electric bicycle and is made from simple bicycle components. Its max power output of 1,000W means that the bike packs power from its two-speed, hub-mounted motor. The battery pack of the e-bike is integrated into the bike’s downtube but QuietKat remains silent on the battery capacity. The QuietKat Lynx e-bike’s seat is not adjustable, which restricts the ergonomic and versatility aspects of the model.

QuietKat Lynx rugged Moto-inspired e-bike

The moto-inspired saddle of the Lynx is made of synthetic leather which is quite appealing to vegan enthusiasts. There are no official pricing details yet for the QuietKat Lynx as well as availability details. It is however expected that the QuietKat Lynx will launch later this year and could be priced around the $4,000 threshold in the US.

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WhatsApp’s latest beta introduces time-saving group creation feature

WhatsApp, owned by Meta, has been introducing several new features in response to user demands. Now, the app is getting a complete makeover to align with Google’s Material guidelines. Previously, WhatsApp on iOS and Android had different designs, but the company aims to create a consistent and unified app experience across both platforms.

WhatsApp logo

Now you can create a group while forwarding messages

According to WABetaInfo, with version 2.23.16.3, the messaging app brings some noteworthy enhancements to the interface, including Material Design 3 and a fresh layout for the security notifications screen. But there’s also a convenient new feature that enables users to create a new group while forwarding messages.

whatsapp create new group forwarding messages

The process is simple and efficient. When forwarding a message, a new “create group” icon can be seen within the forwarding screen. Tapping on this icon allows users to instantly create a new group and select participants to add to it. Once the group is created, the forwarded message will be automatically shared with all its members.

This new “Forward to New Group” option not only saves time for users but also presents an excellent opportunity to create groups for specific occasions or shared interests. It enables users to seamlessly connect with their contacts and share messages that inspire them to form a new group around a particular theme.

As of now, this feature is being gradually rolled out to a select group of beta testers who have updated to the latest WhatsApp beta for Android version from the Google Play Store. However, the company plans to expand its availability to more users in the coming days.

In addition to this feature, WhatsApp has been making other improvements as well. Notably, they have recently introduced WhatsApp for Wear OS smartwatches, allowing users to access their messages conveniently from their wrist. Another notable update is the ability to message unknown contacts without the need to save their numbers, streamlining the communication process even further.

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French Court rules in Oppo’s favor in a lawsuit filed by Nokia

A French court has ruled in favor of Oppo in a patent lawsuit instituted by Nokia. Nokia had sued Oppo for using two of its Wi-Fi patents without any compensation for the use of the intellectual property. A similar case instituted by Nokia in Germany was won by the Finnish company. The German case warranted Oppo to discontinue the sales of its smartphones in Germany.

Nokia

Nokia is reported to have sought a fair compensation negotiation with Oppo but this was not successful. It is noted that the courts in France do not consider such patents to be innovative enough to warrant compensation. In particular, a French court has rejected one of the Nokia patents and ordered the company to reimburse €400,000 (~$442,640) in legal fees. It is also possible that the issue in the French court could be brought back to German courts.

Oppo

The ruling by the German court significantly affected the European operations of Oppo. This eventually led to its pulling out from the German market. It continues to pursue a two-pronged approach of negotiating favorable terms with Nokia or trying to degrade Nokia’s patents. The Chinese brand is ramping up its premium smartphone offerings with some recent releases. The Oppo Find N2 Flip, together with the other new Oppo smartphones exemplifies a solid design philosophy.

Nokia remains a global leader in terms of its quantum of patents across the tech stratosphere. It continues to receive royalties and other payments from its armada of patents.

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Xiaomi MIX Fold 3 passes MIIT certification ahead of possible launch in August

Xiaomi is set to join the competitive foldable phone market with its upcoming device, the MIX Fold 3, which has now passed the MIIT certification and is expected to be officially released in August. The foldable phone market has been heating up with recent launches from brands like Samsung and Honor, and other players like OnePlus and OPPO are also gearing up to launch their latest foldables soon. Just today Samsung has launched its highly anticipated foldable phone Galaxy Z Fold 5.

Xiaomi Mix Fold 2

Xiaomi MIX Fold 3 MIIT certification

The MIIT certification image of the Xiaomi MIX Fold 3 was shared on Twitter by Mukul Sharma, revealing its license number and model number (00-B324-238711 and 2308CPXD0C, respectively). The phone is classified as a 5G digital mobile phone and will support various network connections, including 5G, 4G, 3G, and 2G, as well as eMBB technology support. Dual SIM dual standby and 5G network roaming capabilities are also expected.

Xiaomi MIX Fold 3 specifications (rumored)

The Xiaomi MIX Fold 3 has recently obtained 3C certification, shedding light on its specifications. The device is rumored to be powered by the overclocked Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 flagship processor and feature 67W fast charging. There are also speculations that it will be the first Xiaomi foldable phone to support wireless charging, with a potential 50W wireless charging capability. Additionally, the phone is said to come with a 4,800mAh battery.

According to DCS, MIX Fold 3 will have a white curved glass body, a rear quad camera setup with a 3.2X portrait lens and a 5X periscope lens, and a new waterdrop hinge to enhance drop resistance while maintaining a thin and light profile. The phone is expected to feature four Leica Optics cameras, as announced by Lu Weibing, the CEO of Xiaomi Group.

Furthermore, the MIX Fold 3 is said to be thinner, lighter, and more durable than its predecessor, the MIX Fold 2. It will be manufactured in Xiaomi’s intelligent factory in Beijing’s Yizhuang, which utilizes intelligent manufacturing systems to improve production precision and reliability.

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Redmi 12 5G Teased To Launch On August 1 In India

Xiaomi is gearing up to launch a host of devices on August 1 in India. These include the Redmi 12 4G, Redmi Watch 3 Active, and Xiaomi Smart TV X Series. The brand has also started teasing a secret new device that is a smartphone. However, its name has explicitly not been revealed. It is confirmed to debut on August 1 alongside the aforementioned devices. 

Redmi 12 5G teased to launch on August 1

Both Xiaomi and Amazon have put up a microsite of the upcoming smartphone. It says ‘Join the 5G Revolution’. Redmi India’s Twitter also says that it will be a game-changing smartphone that will transform the industry. The secret device is expected to be the Redmi 12 5G. 

The teasers reveal the phone with a boxy form factor and the Redmi logo along with 5G text at the bottom of the back panel. The upcoming offering is seen in the Moonstone Silver color option which is the same as its 4G counterpart. The rest of the details of the upcoming Redmi 12 5G remain unknown at the moment. 

The Redmi 12 5G was spotted on Geekbench last week. As per the benchmarking database, it will be powered by a Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 processor. The listing revealed 8GB RAM and Android 13 OS. As per a tipster, the Redmi 12 5G is expected to be a rebadged version of the Redmi Note 12R that is available in China. The upcoming offering is reportedly said to have a starting price tag of Rs 13,999 for the base 6GB + 128GB RAM and storage configuration. 

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Huawei set to launch HarmonyOS 4.0 on August 4th, officially confirmed

As expected, Huawei is all set to unveil its highly anticipated HarmonyOS 4.0 on August 4th at HDC.Together2023 (Huawei Developer Conference). The upcoming OS promises to offer a “Personalized, Super Fun, New Experience” for users. The update will bring major design changes and exciting new features, significantly upgrading the current version.

HarmonyOS, also known as HongMeng OS in Chinese, is Huawei’s in-house operating system developed since 2012 to reduce dependency on Android. The 2019 US government ban on Huawei’s access to Google services led to the realization of HarmonyOS, a microkernel-based OS designed for all Huawei devices, offering modularity and cross-functional capabilities across various Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Unlike competitors Google and Apple, Huawei aims for a unified operating system experience.

HarmonyOS 4.0

HarmonyOS 4.0 is expected to come with exciting new features and optimizations

HarmonyOS 4.0 is already undergoing beta testing, and initial impressions from users have been positive. The testing is currently limited to China, and it’s expected that the official launch will follow a similar trajectory. However, Huawei’s track record shows that the HarmonyOS system is friendly towards older devices, even providing updates for phones released five years ago, so we can expect extensive device support.

CEO Richard Yu hinted at exciting features for HarmonyOS 4.0, particularly for Huawei cars. The update will bring audio improvements, enabling multiple people, devices, screens, and audio zones in-car systems. It will also introduce six-zone sound source positioning, enhancing the overall in-car audio experience.

The user interface of HarmonyOS 4.0 will see significant enhancements with improved fluid animations and adjusted UI elements, providing a visually appealing and user-friendly experience for both smartphone and tablet users.

Additionally, there have been intriguing updates about the Huawei Mate 60 series. Some tipsters suggest that the series might adopt 5G networks again and incorporate a fresh “Dynamic Island” design. While the standard version of the Huawei Mate 60 series might retain a centered punch-hole front camera design, the “Dynamic Island” design is expected to be exclusive to models like the Huawei Mate 60 Pro.

The exact release date for the Mate 60 series is yet to be determined, but it is anticipated to be sometime between mid-September to mid-October, potentially offering users a premium smartphone experience with the latest technologies.

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Boult Striker Pro With AMOLED Display, 60Hz Refresh Rate Launched In India

Boult Audio has launched a new smartwatch in India. It is a part of the brand’s Striker series. The latest offering is dubbed the Boult Striker Pro. It competes against the likes of other wearable devices offered by brands like Noise, boAt, Fire-Boltt and more in the market. Read on to know what the smartwatch offers out of the box. 

Boult Striker Pro specifications and features

The Boult Striker Pro has a circular dial with a metallic body. There is a rotating crown and a second physical button on the right side. The device features a 1.43-inch AMOLED display bearing a resolution of 466 x 466 pixels. It has an always-on display, a 60Hz refresh rate, and 750 nits peak brightness. The smartwatch is IP67-certified dust and water-resistant. 

On the fitness front, the Boult Striker Pro is equipped with a heart rate monitor, SpO2 sensor, blood pressure monitor, menstrual cycle tracker, and sleep monitor. It offers breath training along with sedentary reminders. The wearable device packs support for more than 120 sports modes. 

The Boult Striker Pro comes with a built-in microphone and speaker along with a dial pad, contacts sync, and recent logs for voice calling function via Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity. The smartwatch packs convenient features like a notification display, voice assistant, weather updates, find my phone, built-in calculator, and more. 

The Boult Striker Pro is priced at Rs 2,499 and is offered in Blue and Grey silicone strap colors as well as a Black metal strap option. The smartwatch can be purchased from the brand’s website and Flipkart.  

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Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 series debuts with the fan-favorite rotating bezel, better health tracking

Samsung finally unveiled the Galaxy Watch 6 series today at the Galaxy Unpacked event held in Seoul, South Korea. The new wearables get notable improvements in the health tracking department, with Watch 6 Classic also bringing back the popular rotating bezel. Both Watch 6 and Watch 6 Classic models have been launched in sizes varying from 40mm to 47mm, supporting LTE and Bluetooth v5.3 connectivity. Here are the details.

Galaxy Watch 6 series

Samsung has put special emphasis on the bezels with the Galaxy Watch 6 series. While the Watch 6 classic comes with the iconic rotating bezel, the standard version has thinner bezels than its predecessors. Both models get Sapphire Crystal Super AMOLED panels with full color Always-On-Display (AOD).

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Galaxy Watch 6

As a result of thinner bezels, the 40mm version of the Watch 6 features a 1.3-inch screen, while the larger 44mm version has a 1.5-inch display. The former gets a 300mAh battery and the latter boasts a 400mAh unit. Additionally, the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic in 43mm has a 1.3-inch screen and the 47mm model comes equipped with a 1.5-inch panel. The battery capacity is the same as the standard model. Samsung says the wearables offer up to 30 hours of battery life with the AOD feature on and up to 40 hours with it off.

The health tracking department of the Galaxy Watch 6 series is pretty strong. Samsung is using heart rate and temperature sensors to provide more detailed sleep tracking. The Watch 6 and Watch 6 Classic have a lengthy list of sensors. These wearables feature the Samsung BioActive Sensor for optical heart rate, electrical heart signal, and bioelectrical impedance analysis, as well as an accelerometer, barometer, gyro, geomagnetic sensor, and light sensor.

Galaxy Watch 6 classic
Galaxy Watch 6 Classic

Both watches are powered by Google’s Wear OS-based One UI 5 and are compatible with WPC-based wireless fast charging. They offer various connectivity options, including LTE, Wi-Fi 2, NFC, and GPS. Additionally, every model in the Galaxy Watch 6 series is equipped with 5ATM and IP68 ratings for added durability.

Price and Availability

The Galaxy Watch 6 has a starting price of $299, whereas the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic starts at $399. These two models are available for pre-order in certain markets as of July 26th and will be for sale on August 11th. You can choose between Bluetooth and LTE options for both.

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Alldocube iPlay 50 Pro tablet gets 256GB variant

Back in December, Alldocube launched a tablet in China called iPlay 50 Pro. The device was later announced for global markets as well.

Now, more than half a year later, this tablet gets a new variant. The latest version shares almost everything with the original, except for the memory configuration.

The new variant arrives with more storage but the RAM remains the same. Let’s go through the details.

Alldocube iPlay 50 Pro

Alldocube iPlay 50 Pro gets an 8GB + 256GB memory version in China. This model is priced at ¥899 for a limited time. It will go on sale from August 1.

Talking about specs, the tablet sports a 10.4-inch IPS LCD screen with a resolution of 2000 x 1200 pixels. The panel offers 225 PPI and a 300 nits peak brightness level.

It is powered by a MediaTek Helio G99 chipset paired with LPDDR4x RAM and UFS 2.1 storage. On the software front, it boots Android 12.

The connectivity options on the device include dual SIM 4G, dual-band WiFi, Bluetooth 5.2, and GNSS. It also comes with a 3.5mm headphone jack, dual stereo speakers, and a USB Type-C port.

Finally, the tablet sports an 8MP rear camera and a 5MP front-facing camera. It draws energy from a 6,000mAh battery and supports 18W charging. It measures 8.4mm in thickness and weighs 466g.

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Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 launched with improved hinge, Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC

Samsung today held its annual Galaxy Unpacked event in Seoul, South Korea. The event witnessed the launch of several new products, including the most awaited Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5. Debuting as a minor upgrade over the Galaxy Z Fold 4, the foldable brings a new hinge that lets it fold flat. You also get the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy chip from the flagship S23 series. Here are the details.

Design and Display

If you have seen the Galaxy Z Fold 4, you have also seen the Galaxy Z Fold 5. The camera module on the rear is the same as last gen model and so is the ingress protection (IPX8). What is not the same on the phone is the hinge. The company has opted for a new teardrop-shaped hinge that allows it to close flat. It will also let you use the phone at any angle. The Z Fold 5 measures 13.4mm thick when closed whereas the Fold 4 was 14.2mm thick. It has also lost some weight and is 10g lighter than the Z Fold 4, which weighs 263g.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5

The display on the phone hasn’t changed much either. The outer display measures 6.2 inches and offers a 2316x904px resolution. The AMOLED panel has a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. On the inside, you get a 7.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X with 2176x1812px resolution, and an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate. The main screen can reach a peak brightness of 1,750 nits.

Cameras and Other Specs

You’ll not find many changes in the hardware department. Sure, the new Galaxy Z Fold 5 is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform for Galaxy but that’s about all. The camera system remains unchanged. There’s a 50MP primary shooter on the rear, accompanied by a 50MP wide-angle sensor, and a 10MP zoom camera. For selfies, you get a generous 10MP shooter on the cover screen and a 4MP under-display camera on the inside.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 is fueled by the same 4,400mAh battery with support for 25W wired and 15W wireless charging. It runs Android 13-based One UI 5.1.1 on the software front with a redesigned taskbar, a two-handed drag-and-drop feature, among other features. The S Pen for the foldable has also been made 40% thinner.

Price and Availability

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 can be pre-ordered in select markets today and it will start shipping from August 11. The phone is offered in Icy Blue, Phantom Black, and Cream. Talking about the price, Galaxy Z Fold 5 comes priced at $1,799 for the 256GB variant, $1,919 for the 512GB version, and $2,159 for the 1TB storage option.

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Sony Bravia XR X95L 85″ 4K Mini LED TV launched in India for ₹5,99,990

Sony has recently introduced the Bravia XR X95L in the Indian market, following its successful launch in the US back in May. The Bravia XR X95L is an 85-inch Mini LED TV premium television that comes with HDR10 support.

Sony

Sony Bravia XR X95L TV specs

The Sony Bravia XR X95L Mini LED 4K TV is a cutting-edge television offering a massive 85-inch screen with 4K resolution and a 100Hz refresh rate, providing smooth and lifelike visuals. The Direct Full Array Mini LED backlight technology ensures precise contrast and brightness levels, while support for HDR 10, HLG, and Dolby Vision.

Sony

Powered by the Cognitive Processor XR with AI technology, the TV optimizes both picture and sound quality. XR 4K Upscaling, Dual database processing, and XR Super Resolution enhance the viewing experience even further. XR TRILUMINOS PRO provides a wide array of accurate colors, and XR Motion Clarity reduces motion blur.

Sony

The TV offers various picture modes and impressive audio capabilities, including Acoustic Multi-Audio+ and Frame Tweeter technology, along with support for Dolby Audio, Dolby Atmos, and DTS Digital Surround Sound.

The Bravia XR X95L Mini LED 4K TV offers smooth navigation and access to a wide range of content with Google TV, 32GB storage, and a voice search remote. It provides versatile connectivity options, including dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Built-in Chromecast, Apple AirPlay, and Bravia Sync.

The TV features x4 HDMI (HDCP2.3) inputs, x1 RF, Ethernet, 2x USB ports, x1 Digital audio output, and Headphone output for versatile connectivity.

Price & availability

The Sony XR-85X95L Mini LED 4K TV is now available in India through Sony authorized distributors at a price of ₹5,99,990, starting today.

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Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra With IP68 Certification, Up To 16GB RAM And 1TB Storage Launched

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 series comprises the standard, plus, and ultra variants. The Tab S9 Ultra is a top-of-the-line model with high-end specifications. It is the successor to the last year’s Tab S8 Ultra. Read on to know what the device offers out of the box. 

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra specifications and features

Beginning with the display, the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra has a huge 14.6-inch dynamic AMOLED screen with a notch on the left bezel. It offers a WQXGA+ resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, an optical fingerprint scanner, and support for the S-Pen that can be magnetically attached to the side frame and charged on the vertical strip of the back panel. The Galaxy Tab S9 series are the first tablets to feature an IP68 dust and water-resistant rating.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra features two protruding camera sensors on the back panel. The dual camera setup comprises a 13MP main sensor paired with an 8MP ultra-wide-angle lens. The notch on the front houses a 12MP primary and another 12MP ultra-wide-angle lens. 

On the hardware front, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra is equipped with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor. It packs up to 16GB RAM and 1TB onboard storage expandable via a microSD card slot. The tablet draws its power from an 11,200mAh battery unit with support for 45W fast charging. Software-wise, it runs on OneUI 5.1 based Android 13 OS. 

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra pricing and availability

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra starts at $1,199/ £1,199 for the 12GB + 256GB WiFi variant. The 12GB + 512GB WiFi model is priced at £1,299 whereas the 1TB WiFi variant carries a price tag of £1,549. The 5G versions of the same configurations are priced at £1,349, £1,449, and £1,1699 respectively. The tablet is up for pre-orders with open sales beginning from August 11. The device is offered in Beige and Graphite colors.

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Samsung Galaxy Tab S9, Tab S9+ Launched With IP68 Ratings, Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC

Alongside the launch of new devices, Samsung also unveiled the next-generation Galaxy tablets. The Galaxy Tab S9 lineup comprises of the standard, plus, and ultra variants. These arrive as the successors to the last year’s respective Tab S8 series models. In this post, we will take a look at the Galaxy Tab S9 and S9+. 

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9, S9+ specifications and features

Both the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 and Tab S9+ boast a dynamic AMOLED 2X display. The former offers an 11-inch WQXGA resolution whereas the latter has a slightly upgraded 12.4-inch WQXGA+ panel. Both devices feature a 120Hz refresh rate, an optical in-screen fingerprint scanner, and S-Pen support. 

Design-wise, the Galaxy Tab S9 duo has minimal bezels on the front surrounding the display. The back panel has dual protruding camera sensors and there is a vertical strip that can be magnetically used to attach the stylus. The Galaxy Tab S9 series are the first tablets to feature an IP68 dust and water-resistant rating.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 features a single 13MP rear camera whereas the S9+ has 13MP and 8MP camera sensors. Both tablets pack a 12MP front-facing selfie snapper. On the audio front, the tablets are equipped with quad speakers tuned by AKG and Dolby Atmos.

Under the hood, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 and S9+ house a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor. Both pack up to 12GB RAM and 512GB storage. The standard variant is backed by an 8,000mAh battery unit whereas the plus model draws its power from a 10,090mAh cell. 

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9, S9+ pricing and availability

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 starts at $799 / EUR 799 whereas the Tab S9+ carries a starting price tag of $1,149 / EUR 999 for the base model. Both tablets are available for pre-order with shipments commencing from August 11. They are offered in Beige and Graphite colors.

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Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 With A Large Secondary Display Debuts Globally To Take On Motorola Razr Ultra and OPPO Find N2 Flip

At the Galaxy Unpacked event held today in South Korea, Samsung unveiled a host of new devices. Among those, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 arrives as the successor to the last year’s Galaxy Z Flip 4. The newest generation clamshell foldable comes with significant upgrades over its predecessor. It also heats up the competition in the clamshell foldable segment with a large secondary display and goes up against the likes of the Motorola Razr Ultra (review), OPPO Find N2 Flip (review), and Vivo X Flip. Read on to know the technical details of the device below. 

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 specifications and features

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 is a vertical folding clamshell phone. Internally, it has a 6.7-inch AMOLED display bearing an FHD+ resolution and an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate. The key highlight of the newest foldable phone is that it features a large 3.4-inch secondary sAMOLED display (Samsung calls this the Flex Window) with 1,600 nits peak brightness and a 60Hz refresh rate on the back panel. The screen looks like a folder-shaped icon making it appear unique. Users can do a lot of stuff on the secondary screen like reply to a text, view notifications, control music playback, access Samsung Wallet and quick settings without having to open the main display. 

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 has a side-mounted fingerprint scanner embedded in the power button. The brand says that it has used a new hinge mechanism featuring a dual rail structure and diffusing external impacts. The phone is also capable of folding flat without leaving any gaps so that dust and water doesn’t settle in. The foldable device is also IPX8-certified dust and water-resistant. It is also shielded by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2.

On the imaging front, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 comes with a dual rear camera setup of a 12MP OIS-enabled sensor and a 12MP ultra-wide-angle lens. It has a 10MP front-facing selfie snapper. The foldable phone has dual stereo speakers tuned by Dolby Atmos.

Under the hood, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor clocked at 3.36GHz. It packs up to 8GB RAM and 512GB internal storage. The device is backed by a 3,700mAh battery unit with support for 25W fast charging as well as wireless charging. Software-wise, the foldable phone runs on Android 13-based Samsung UI on the top. 

Connectivity options on the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 include a USB-C port, WiFi-6E, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, 5G, and 4G.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 pricing and availability 

Coming to the pricing, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 starts at $999 for the base 256GB model. The 512GB variant is priced at $1,199. The device is offered in Mint, Graphite, Cream, and Lavender colors. The foldable phone is up for pre-orders starting today with sales commencing from August 11. Pricing and availability depend on different markets.

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Nio’s Firefly Brand to Challenge BYD and Xpeng in Affordable Electric Vehicle Market

The competition in the electric vehicle market continues to grow. Each day, more companies are turning to this field, trying to get their share of the ever-growing market. For this reason, many companies are implementing different strategies to get ahead of their competitors and reach more users. One of these companies is Nio. According to the latest information, the company is gearing up to produce affordable electric vehicles. Here are the details…

Affordable Nio Electric Vehicle Models to Launch in August

Although most of us think of Tesla when we talk about electric vehicles, the market leader is currently the Chinese manufacturer BYD. The main reason for this is the company’s pricing and sub-brand strategy. The Chinese car giant, aiming to appeal to a wide user base, creates brands instead of models suitable for different segments. In this way, they manage to produce both affordable and expensive vehicles at the same time without damaging the brand perception. Now, a similar strategy is being implemented by Nio with affordable electric vehicle brand, codenamed Firefly.

Nio Electric Vehicle

The company has completed the two-dimensional sketches of the first model, and will start making scale models in clay as early as August. The Firefly brand’s prices will range from $13,999 to $27,999. This is cheaper than Nio’s current cars, which start at about $50,000. Nio’s President, Qin Lihong, stated in January that the company plans to start delivering the first Alps and Firefly vehicles in 2024. They plan to introduce the Firefly brand in Europe first, then in China.

At first glance, this may seem like a quite interesting strategy. However, it’s a fact that there is a gap in the European and American markets for affordable electric vehicles. Companies like BYD, which generally produce relatively cheap models, are usually active in the Asian market. For now, the West is under the control of traditional manufacturers such as Tesla and Volkswagen. Therefore, selling affordable EV models in these regions could have serious advantages for Nio.

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Realme C53 sale is now live in India, Check out offers, pricing & specs

After a couple of flash sales, the Realme C53 has finally arrived for open sale on Flipkart and Realme Store. The device features a 6.74-inch 90Hz LCD display and a 108MP primary camera.

Realme C53 price & offers

The Realme C53 offers two configuration options: 4GB + 128GB and 6GB + 64GB, priced at Rs 9,999 and Rs 10,999, respectively. It will be available for purchase exclusively on Flipkart and the Realme Store, starting at 12:00 PM today, July 26.

As a part of the launch offer, Realme is providing a Rs 500 discount coupon. Additionally, buyers can enjoy an extra Rs 500 discount with ICICI, HDFC, and SBI Credit Card transactions. Flipkart Axis Bank Credit cardholders will also receive 5% cashback on their purchases.

Realme C53 specs

The Realme C53 boasts a 6.74-inch LCD screen with an HD+ resolution of 1600 x 720 pixels. The display offers a 90Hz refresh rate and supports up to 180Hz touch sampling rate. The screen can reach a brightness level of 560 nits.

For photography, the phone features an impressive 108MP primary camera along with a 2MP auxiliary sensor, while the front has an 8MP selfie camera. Underneath, the Realme C53 runs on a Unisoc T612 chip with Realme UI T Edition based on Android 13. It comes with LPDDR4x RAM and eMMC 5.1 storage.

In terms of connectivity, the phone supports dual SIM, 4G, dual-band WiFi, and Bluetooth 5.0. It also includes a MicroSD card slot, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a USB Type-C port for added convenience. The phone is powered by a 5,000mAh battery, but its charging speed is limited to 18W.

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ARknovv A1 AR Glasses with creativity, navigation, entertainment launched for 2988 yuan ($417)

ARknovv has introduced the world’s first fully functional consumer-grade AR glasses, the ARknovv A1 and ARknovv A1 HUD. These wearable AR glasses are tailored for outdoor use and incorporate AI technology, promising a new era for AR consumer products.

ARknovv A1

ARknovv A1 is a sleek and lightweight AR glass, weighing only 68 grams, with a dual-eye resolution of 3840×1080. It offers a retina-level display effect, a 55-degree field of view, and a 70Hz refresh rate. The glasses feature a high-definition, high-brightness, and high-transparency optical display system, providing an unmatched visual experience. Additionally, the electrochromic lenses ensure comfortable wear throughout the day.

ARknovv A1

A standout design element is the “Magic Ring,” a thoughtfully designed interaction accessory. Users can effortlessly interact with the digital world by moving their fingers, even with the ring in their pockets. This enables seamless control and navigation through AR content and applications, eliminating the need for external controllers or touchscreens.

ARknovv A1

The ARknovv A1 is powered by their proprietary Aladdin OS, integrating deep AI functionalities that redefine the way users interact with both digital and physical environments. The glasses can connect to various devices, including smartphones, computers, and gaming consoles, via USB-C or HDMI interfaces.

It introduces three core features:

Voice Recognition: The intelligent assistant, “Spirit Ball,” employs an in-house GPT model for voice recognition and object perception, acting as an intuitive personal assistant.

AR Photo Album: ARknovv A1 allows users to capture and record real-world moments from their first-person perspective using photos. The AR glasses utilize self-developed AI algorithms, enabling users to review 2D photos in 3D and apply one-click stylization to transform photos into a unique comic world. In the future, ARknovv A1 will expand its capabilities to include 2D videos, offering more powerful and diverse visual creation abilities.

AR Navigation: ARknovv A1 offers pedestrian navigation directly superimposed on the physical world, eliminating the need to look down at a smartphone while walking. It also provides AR-HUD driving navigation for vehicles, enhancing driving safety.

ARknovv A1

ARknovv A1 HUD is an extension of the ARknovv A1, specially designed for in-car use, elevating the driving experience through augmented reality features. Key features include precise in-car space positioning for accurate navigation guidance, 3DoF SLAM algorithm for displaying virtual objects without obstructing the driver’s view, intuitive turn-by-turn navigation instructions, and real-time notifications for calls and messages.

Furthermore, ARknovv A1 HUD aims to integrate with Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) for real-time safety prompts and Point of Interest (POI) information, making driving safer and more efficient by keeping essential information in the driver’s line of sight. Totoya is also working on a similar AR glass concept to replace in-car displays, indicating competition in the automotive AR glasses market.

Another exciting feature, AR Big Bang, leverages local GPT capabilities for natural language interaction and semantic understanding, offering users textual feedback merged with real-world scenes. Users can point the glasses at objects to learn more about them, creating an immersive experience that seamlessly blends the digital and physical worlds.

ARknovv A1

ARknovv A1 aims to be a versatile tool for creativity, productivity, and entertainment, offering services that cater to various aspects of daily life through deep AI integration with the mobile internet. The company plans to collaborate with developers and partners to create even more immersive consumer experiences.

The ARknovv A1 is priced at 2988 yuan ($417), and alongside it, the ARknovv A1 HUD version will be launched at 3988 yuan ($557), catering to the needs of drivers. The official pre-order channel is now open, and pre-sales on platforms like Tmall and JD.com will begin on September 26.

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(Via)

Realme Pad 2 pre-orders are live in India, Check pricing & offers

Realme recently introduced the Realme Pad 2 tablet in India, featuring an expansive 11.5-inch display and powered by a Helio G99 SoC. While the open sale is scheduled to start on August 1, interested customers can already pre-reserve their units to secure one ahead of time.

Realme Pad 2 pre-order offers

The Realme Pad 2 is now available for pre-order on the Realme Store and Flipkart in India. Customers can enjoy a Rs 500 discount through a coupon when purchasing from the Realme Store. Additionally, students can avail a Rs 1000 discount coupon on the platform.

The Realme Pad 2 offers two configuration options: 6GB + 128GB and 8GB + 256GB, priced at Rs 19,999 and Rs 22,999, respectively. Realme is providing a flat Rs 1500 discount on the purchase of the Realme Pad 2 for transactions made with ICICI, SBI, and HDFC Credit Cards.

Realme Pad 2 specs

The Realme Pad 2 features an 11.5-inch LCD screen with a resolution of 2000 x 1200 pixels, a peak brightness level of 450 nits, and an 85.2% screen-to-body ratio. The 10-bit panel supports adaptive refresh rate (40Hz/60Hz/120Hz) and DC dimming.

Realme

On the top left corner, there is an 8MP rear camera placed on a circular island, while the front 8MP shooter is located on the right bezel. Under the hood, the tablet runs on a MediaTek Helio G99 chipset and comes with Realme UI 4.0 for Pad based on Android 13.

The Realme Pad 2 comes with Dolby Atmos-supported quad speakers, providing an immersive audio experience. Inside its slim 7.2mm body, it packs an 8,360mAh battery and supports 33W wired charging for quick recharging.

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Noise Buds Venus with 30dB ANC & Bluetooth 5.3 launched for

After unveiling the Noise Luna smart ring yesterday, the brand has now launched a new pair of TWS earbuds with active noise cancellation called the Noise Buds Venus. Let’s take a look at its specs and pricing.

Noise

Noise Buds Venus earbuds specs

The Noise Buds Venus has 10mm drivers, offering a powerful and immersive sound experience. It features Bluetooth v5.3 connectivity, ensuring a stable and reliable connection to your devices. With support for SBC and AAC codecs, you can enjoy high-quality audio streaming.

The earbuds boast convenient touch controls, allowing you to easily manage your music and calls. It comes with a Quad mic setup that incorporates Environmental Noise Cancellation Technology, ensuring clear and crisp calls even in noisy environments. The active noise cancellation (ANC) feature can block out up to 30dB of external noise, providing a peaceful listening experience.

Noise

One of the highlights of the earbuds is its impressive battery life. You get up to 40 hours of total playback time without ANC, and a single charge offers 7 hours of continuous usage. Thanks to the Instacharge fast charging support, just 10 minutes of charging provides an additional 120 minutes of playback time.

For gamers and videos, the earbuds offer low latency of 45ms, reducing any delay between audio and video. The Noise Buds Venus features IPX5 splash and sweat resistance. This makes it suitable for workouts and outdoor activities without worry about damage from rain or sweat. Additionally, the earbuds support AI voice assistants, making it easy to access information and control your devices hands-free.

Pricing & availability

The Noise Buds Venus TWS is priced at an introductory price of ₹1,699. It is available in Cosmic Black, Lunar Ivory, Galaxy Green, and Stellar Brown colors and can be purchased from the company’s website and Amazon.in, starting today, July 26th at 12 P.M.

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