TSMC plans to launch a more advanced version of its 3nm process

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Jul 20, 2023

If previous reports are to be believed, TSMC is not getting satisfactory yield from its 3nm process node. The Taiwanese company is stuck at 55% while even Samsung has apparently managed to get a 60% yield. But it seems TSMC is planning rebound as an executive has now confirmed a more advanced 3nm process is in development. There have also been comments about the semiconductor industry’s fate in the coming future.

The new version will bring performance improvements

TSMC cut the ribbons off its 3nm process towards the end of last year. A lot of big names are looking forward to the development of this process node. Reports suggest Apple’s upcoming A17 and M2 chips will be based on the new processor. But it may not be very economical for TSMC due to poor yield.

However, the semiconductor company is working on a more powerful version of its 3nm process technology (Via ITHome). Luo Zhenqiu, general manager of TSMC (China) Co., Ltd., made the announcement at the 2023 World Semiconductor Conference in Nanjing. He said that TSMC has been preparing to launch the new process node since it began mass production of 3nm chips in the fourth quarter of last year. The new process node is expected to offer significant performance improvements over the current 3nm node.

The TSMC exec also notes that the global semiconductor industry is currently valued at between $500 billion and $600 billion. It is projected to reach $1 trillion by 2030. According to Lu Zhenqiu, the market distribution is expected to be as follows: high-computing power products will account for 40%, mobile computing (mobile phones) will comprise 30%, high-growth industries will represent 15%, and smart wearable devices will make up 10% of the market.

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Don’t Miss Out on These $35 Worth of Free Games on Epic Games

By

Oğuz Çakır

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Jul 20, 2023

Epic Games continues to offer free games to its users. The company has been giving away games every Thursday for almost three years, and this week’s offerings are The Elder Scrolls Online and Murder by Numbers. Although users expected games like Red Dead Redemption 2 to be free, the two games are each worth $35, so it’s a pretty good deal. Here are the details…

The Elder Scrolls Online and Murder by Numbers Are Free on Epic Games This Week

You can add The Elder Scrolls Online and Murder by Numbers to your Epic Games library for free by logging in to your account. The deadline is 6:00 PM on July 27.

The Elder Scrolls Online

The Elder Scrolls Online is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) set in the world of Tamriel. Players can create their own character and explore the world, completing quests, battling enemies, and crafting items. The game is available for both Windows and macOS. System requirements for The Elder Scrolls Online:

Requirement	Minimum	Recommended
Operating System	Windows 7 64-bit	Windows 10 64-bit
Processor	Intel Core i3 540 or AMD A6-3620 or higher	Intel Core i5 2300 or AMD FX4350
Memory	3 GB RAM	8 GB RAM
Graphics	Direct X 11.0 compliant video card with 1GB RAM (NVidia GeForce 460 or AMD Radeon 6850)	Direct X 11.0 compliant video card with 2GB RAM (NVidia GeForce GTX 750 or AMD Radeon HD 7850)
Storage	95 GB available space	95 GB available space
Sound Card	DirectX compatible sound card	DirectX compatible sound card

Murder by Numbers

Murder by Numbers is a detective adventure game developed by Mediatonic and published by Adult Swim Games. The game was released for Windows 2020. In Murder by Numbers, players take on the role of amateur sleuth Honor Mizrahi, who partners up with a talking dog named Watson to solve a series of murders. The game combines visual novel-style storytelling with rhythm-based puzzle gameplay. System requirements for Murder by Numbers:

Requirement	Minimum	Recommended
OS	Windows 7 or higher (64 bit)	Windows 10 (64 bit)
Processor	Intel Core i3 or higher	Intel Core i5 or higher
Memory	4 GB RAM	8 GB RAM
Graphics	GeForce GTX 660 (2048 MB) or Radeon R9 285 (2048 MB)	GeForce GTX 970 (4096 MB) or Radeon R9 390 (4096 MB)
DirectX	Version 9.0c	Version 11
Storage	2 GB available space	4 GB available space

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Huawei Mate 60 to ditch Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and feature “Spirit Island” design like iPhone 14 Pro

By

Oğuz Çakır

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Jul 20, 2023

Many people might agree that Huawei has had a tough time in the tech world over the last few years. They once aimed to be the top global smartphone brand and were leading the industry with their new models. But, a U.S. ban has left them struggling. Despite this, Huawei isn’t giving up. They’re planning to launch the Mate 60 series. Recent details suggest the new phone will include a feature called Spirit Island, similar to what’s in the iPhone 14 Pro, and also a new processor. Here are the details…

Huawei Mate 60 to Feature Larger Rear Camera Module

The Huawei Mate 60 series is already a topic of curiosity, with its release date, features, and price. According to the latest leaks, the Mate 60 series will feature the “Spirit Island” design, which is similar to the front-facing camera module “Dynamic Island” on the iPhone 14 series. Many people may criticize Huawei for this design language. However, the company actually used a similar design on the Honor V20 back in 2018. Moreover, many companies have also used this pill-shaped front camera housing since then.

The Spirit Island and Dynamic Island designs are similar in terms of their overall aesthetic, but they differ in terms of their interactivity. In the past, many phones have featured pill-shaped front camera housings, but none of them have used this space as effectively as the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max. Huawei is taking Honor’s technology and adding new features that are similar to Apple’s.

Of course, Huawei could have also chosen to place the camera under the display, but this technology is still in its early stages and the image quality is not as good as traditional cameras.

The design is not the only thing that has leaked. As you know, the Huawei Mate 60 series was expected to be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. However, recent reports suggest that at least one model will be powered by Huawei’s self-developed chip. This is likely due to the ongoing US sanctions against Huawei, which have made it difficult for the company to obtain the necessary licenses to use Qualcomm chips.

Unfortunately, the effects of the embargo continue despite the years that have passed. Huawei has yet to officially announce any information about the Mate 60 series, including its release date. However, the leaks suggest that the phone is in the works and could be released in the near future.

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Android’s Handy Nearby Share App is Now Available for Windows

By

Anurag

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Jul 20, 2023

Google made sharing large files easy for Android phones with Nearby Share. Similar to Apple’s AirDrop, this handy app lets you share bulky files from one Android device to another at the tap of a button. The Big G has also been testing this sharing tool on Windows and today it finally made it officially available for your PC. Nearby Share for Windows brings some new features that weren’t available before. Here are the details.

Nearby Share makes transferring large files an absolute breeze

After testing it for several months, Google has made Nearby Share available on Windows PCs. The app brings convenience, allowing you to transfer files across your phones, tablets, Chromebooks and more devices. Available as an app to download, Nearby Share has been installed by 1.7 million users so far and over 50 million files have already been transferred between PC and Android devices.

Apart from the features that were already available on the Beta, Google has also added some new functions to the app. For one, it can now tell you the estimated time for file transfers to be completed. There is also an image preview feature within device notifications to help you share the right file.

Nearby Share works seamlessly on Windows. You can simply drag and drop files into the app. The process gets much faster if both devices (the sender and receiver) are signed into the same Google account. You don’t even need to manually accept and transfer each file. In case you are not sure, here’s how to use Nearby Share on Android and Windows. Google says that it’s partnering with companies such as HP to include the Nearby Share app on select Windows PCs. This might mean the app will come pre-installed on some PCs.

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Samsung Galaxy M34 5G coming to global market soon, spotted on IMDA certification

By

Sudhanshu

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Jul 20, 2023

Earlier this month, Samsung launched the Galaxy M34 5G smartphone in India. The device debuted as an affordable mid-range offering delivering bang for the buck with features like an FHD+ 120Hz AMOLED display, an Exynos 1280 SoC, and a massive 6000mAh battery. Now, it looks like the brand is getting ready to bring the device to markets outside of India as it has recently been spotted on the IMDA certification website.

The certification reveals that the Galaxy M34 5G (model number SM-M346B1/DS) will feature 5G connectivity, Bluetooth and NFC when it eventually launches in Singapore. Let’s take a look at the specs and features of the device.

Samsung Galaxy M34 5G specs

The Samsung Galaxy M34 5G features a 6.5-inch AMOLED display with Full HD+ resolution and a super-smooth 120Hz refresh rate. The display is protected from bumps and scratches by Corning Gorilla Glass 5.

The device has a 50-megapixel main camera with OIS support for stability, an 8-megapixel ultrawide lens, and a 2-megapixel depth or macro sensor. On the front, there’s a 12-megapixel selfie camera for your pictures and video calls.

Under the hood, it features an Exynos 1280 processor with two memory and storage options: 6GB RAM with 128GB storage or 8GB RAM paired with 128GB storage. It has a 6000mAh battery with 25W fast charging support. The device retails for ₹18,999 (~$232) in India.

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Lenovo ThinkPad P14s Gen 4, ThinkPad P16s Gen 2 & ThinkPad P16v Workstations get Ryzen Edition

By

Jed John Ikoba

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Jul 20, 2023

Chinese tech giant and global laptop powerhouse Lenovo has once again raised the bar for professional-grade laptops with the unveiling of their latest ThinkPad workstation lineup. The new Lenovo ThinkPad P14s, ThinkPad P16s Gen, and ThinkPad P16v are all powered by the cutting-edge AMD Ryzen Pro CPUs. The ThinkPad P series has long been the go-to choice for professionals seeking premium workstations. With the upcoming release of the ThinkPad P14s Gen 4, P16s Gen 2, and P16v AMD, Lenovo continues to push the boundaries of performance, mobility, and user experience.

ThinkPad P14s Gen 4 and ThinkPad P16s Gen 2

The new ThinkPad P14s Gen 4 and P16s Gen 2 are crafted to redefine portability while maintaining uncompromising performance. Both models feature the highly acclaimed AMD Ryzen 7040U CPUs, delivering exceptional power efficiency without sacrificing speed. The integrated Radeon 700M graphics ensure smooth visuals and efficient multitasking, making these laptops ideal for professionals on the move.

Lenovo has also added exciting upgrades to the P14s and P16s series. For the first time, users can experience the brilliance of a 2.8K OLED display on the P14s and a stunning 4K OLED display on the P16s. These screens promise breathtaking color accuracy and deep blacks for an immersive computing experience like never before.

Moreover, Lenovo has listened to user feedback and equipped both models with a USB4 port, offering faster data transfer speeds and versatile connectivity options. A significant improvement over their predecessors, this new feature enhances the laptops’ ability to seamlessly integrate into any professional workflow.

Recognizing the increasing importance of video conferencing, Lenovo has integrated 5-megapixel webcams into the P14s and P16s, ensuring crisp, clear video calls and presentations. Additionally, the RAM has been upgraded to LPDDR5X technology, resulting in improved performance and increased multitasking capabilities. The maximum memory capacity has also been doubled to 64 GB, providing ample room for data-intensive tasks.

Lenovo ThinkPad P16v AMD

For those seeking an even more robust workstation, Lenovo presents the ThinkPad P16v AMD. Boasting the mighty AMD Ryzen 7040HS CPUs and the option for a dedicated Nvidia RTX 2000 Ada GPU, the P16v is a true powerhouse, capable of handling the most demanding professional tasks with ease.

The P16v features a dazzling 4K IPS display with a remarkable brightness of up to 800 cd/m², making it one of the brightest screens ever offered on a ThinkPad laptop. The visuals are further complemented by the Nvidia RTX graphics, delivering unmatched clarity and precision for graphics-intensive applications.

Storage options have also been significantly improved in the P16v, with the ability to accommodate two M.2 2280 SSDs concurrently, even offering RAID 0/1 configurations. This allows professionals to experience lightning-fast data access and unparalleled storage performance.

Lenovo has equipped the ThinkPad P16v with a powerful dual-fan cooling system, ensuring optimal performance and longevity, even under the heaviest workloads. The larger form factor allows for this enhanced cooling capability, supporting the inclusion of more potent HS CPUs and dedicated GPUs. The laptop is further enhanced by a generous 90 WH battery, providing extended battery life for uninterrupted productivity on the go.

The company is expected to release the three new ThinkPad P series Ryzen models in August.

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Overwatch 2 leads Blizzards Games’ shift to Steam

By

Sean

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Jul 20, 2023

Overwatch 2 is making its way to Steam after a surprising announcement from Blizzard Entertainment revealed that the popular hero shooter and some other games will soon be shifting to Valve’s massive games library.

So when does Overwatch 2 hit Steam shelves?

As per the official announcement, Overwatch 2 will be launching on Steam on August 10. This marks a notable shift from Blizzard since the studio typically launched its original IPs from its own game launcher called Battle.net. The company stated that “we want to break down the barriers to make it easier for players everywhere to find and enjoy our games.” So now, Overwatch 2 will feature achievements, and allow you to invite your friends from Steam’s friend list.

According to Mike Ybarra, President of Blizzard Entertainment, “It’s our goal at Blizzard to listen to players and try to exceed their expectations in everything we do. While Battle.net remains a priority for us now and into the future, we’ve heard players want the choice of Steam for a selection of our games, starting with Overwatch 2 on August 10th. We’re happy to work with Valve to make that happen.”

Interestingly enough, the game’s Steam launch coincides with Blizzard’s plans to release the Overwatch 2: Invasion event, which is its first new PvE mode. The gaming company also announced that it will be sharing more details regarding the other titles “when the time is right.”

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Vivo Pad Air With 44W Charging Bags 3C Certification

By

Viraj Gawde

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Jul 20, 2023

Last week, the Vivo Pad Air was spotted on Google Play Supported Devices list. Now, the tablet has bagged the 3C certification site. It reveals the charging speed of the upcoming offering. However, Vivo is yet to share an official word about its next tablet. Read on to know what we know so far.

Vivo Pad Air certified on 3C

The Vivo Pad Air is listed with model number PA2353 on the 3C certification website. This is the same as the listing on the Google Play Supported Devices that confirmed the moniker of the tablet. The 3C listing reveals that the Vivo Pad Air will support 44W fast charging. It is the same as the Vivo Pad 2 that debuted earlier this year. Apart from this, the certification does not reveal any additional details. The upcoming tablet is expected to debut as early as next month (August) in China.

We can expect the Vivo Pad Air to surface on more certification websites and in leaks revealing its key specifications. It is expected to be a toned-down version of the Vivo Pad 2 that is already available.

The Vivo Pad 2 features a 12.1-inch LCD display bearing a 2.8K resolution and a 144Hz refresh rate along with support for HDR10 support and 600 nits peak brightness. On the audio front, the device is equipped with four speakers and two tweeters. The tablet has 13MP + 2MP dual rear cameras and an 8MP front-facing snapper.

Internally, the Vivo Pad 2 is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 9000 processor coupled with up to 12GB LPDDR5 RAM and 512GB storage. It is backed by a 10,000mAh battery unit with support for 44W fast charging.

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Samsung Wallet, Thermo Check App, WhatsApp Announced For Galaxy Watches

By

Viraj Gawde

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Jul 20, 2023

Samsung is slated to unveil the next-generation Galaxy Watch 6 series at the Galaxy Unpacked event next week. Now, the South Korean brand has announced support for a host of apps for the previous generation Galaxy smartwatches. It is aim to enhance the experience of the users. Read on to know more below.

Samsung Galaxy Watches get new apps

The list of new apps available on the Galaxy Watches are Samsung Wallet, a Thermo Check app, and WhatsApp which announced the rollout for Wear OS 3 and above earlier today.

With the Samsung Wallet app, users will be able to make payments using their Galaxy Watch. It will work by consolidating Samsung Pay with Samsung Pass. Additionally, the all-in-one app will also be able to store and view users’ government ID and commuting details like flight tickets and much more.

Samsung’s Galaxy Watches are equipped with advanced infrared technology for temperature measurement. The Thermo Check app will utilize the device’s Skin Temperature API via Samsung’s Privileged Health software development kit (SDK). Users will be able to measure the temperature of their surroundings and also various objects they interact with thus making it a valuable tool.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 and Watch 5 series users can now reply to messages, send new messages, accept or reject calls, and also send voice notes on WhatsApp.

As for the availability of the aforementioned apps, the Thermo Check app will first be available on the upcoming Galaxy Watch 6 series and later expand to the Watch 5 series. Both the Samsung Wallet and WhatsApp apps can be downloaded through Google Play starting today on Watch 4 and Watch 5 series. It’s worth noting that the availability depends on the market, model, and the paired smartphone.

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iPhone unable to lift TSMC’s earnings as Q2 profits down by 23%

By

Soumyakanti

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Jul 20, 2023

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) experienced a decline in profits for the first time in four years, as it reported a 23% drop in earnings for Q2. Despite the upcoming launch of Apple’s iPhone 15 series featuring the highly anticipated 3nm process, TSMC’s revenue stood at NT$480.841 billion ($15.411 billion), down 10% from the previous year. The net profit also significantly declined by 23.3% to NT$181.8 billion ($5.818 billion). However, TSMC’s gross margin of 54.1% exceeded market expectations of 53.3%.

TSMC’s First Profit Drop in Four Years

The primary cause for the slump in profits is attributed to the overall slowdown in the smartphone market, which directly affected TSMC’s largest customer, Apple. Consecutive sales drops for Apple’s products led to a downward revision of TSMC’s annual revenue outlook, with a 10% reduction in sales projections. While TSMC received additional orders from AI chip companies such as NVIDIA, it was not enough to compensate for the decline in the smartphone market, which turned out to be more significant than anticipated.

In terms of potential future prospects, TSMC may benefit from Google’s reported shift from Samsung to TSMC for the production of its custom Tensor G5 chip, expected in 2025. Although Samsung processors will still be used in upcoming Pixel phones until 2024, the switch to TSMC’s 3nm process holds the promise of improved power efficiency and performance.

On the other hand, Samsung Foundry reportedly surpassed TSMC’s yield rate with a 60% yield on its 3nm chips, compared to TSMC’s 55% yield. This could attract companies like AMD, as higher yield rates provide cost advantages, making Samsung’s 3nm node an appealing option for future AI and data center components.

The challenges faced by TSMC, as the leading producer of the world’s most advanced processors used in Apple devices, are further compounded by a decrease in consumer electronics demand post-pandemic. The surge in demand for laptops and smartphones during COVID-19 lockdowns led to an oversupply of chips. However, with inflation impacting consumer purchases, excess chip inventories are putting downward pressure on prices. Additionally, the global smartphone market witnessed an 11% decline in Q2, as reported by Canalys, further complicating the situation for TSMC.

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Samsung Galaxy Unpacked Leaked Posters Reveal Colored S-Pen And Galaxy Z Fold 5 Blue Variant

By

Viraj Gawde

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Jul 20, 2023

Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked event is just around the corner. It is set to take place on July 26. The South Korean brand is highly expected to unveil the fifth generation Galaxy Z foldable phones, Galaxy Tab S9 series, and the Galaxy Watch 6 series. Leaks and rumors have revealed plenty of details about the upcoming devices. Now reliable tipster Ishan Agarwal has shared Galaxy Unpacked event posters that give us an official look at the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Z Flip 5.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5, Z Flip 5 posters emerge

The marketing posters confirm that the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 will be offered in a Light Blue color option. We can spot a center-aligned punch-hole cutout on the primary display. There is a pill-shaped vertically stacked camera triple camera module. The foldable phone has a speaker grille and three microphone cutouts at the top.

The marketing posters also show Samsung’s official case for the Galaxy Z Fold 5. It will have a slot for the S-Pen on the right side of the case. The stylus is also seen in two different colors – Lime and Bronze. Meanwhile, the case is in Bronze and Blue hues.

Meanwhile, the marketing poster does not reveal much about the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 apart from confirming the previously leaked renders. It has two horizontal camera sensors and an LED flash beside the top left corner of the back panel. There is a large secondary display and a metal frame.

It’s just a matter of a few days where we will learn about upcoming Samsung products next Wednesday.

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Lenovo leads in PC shipments, but only Apple sees growth in the declining market

By

Sean

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Jul 20, 2023

The global PC market is seeing a double-digit dip but still remains resilient overall. Lenovo has managed to retain its lead in the segment in terms of shipments, while other brands like Apple took a hit.

Lenovo PC Shipments hold out amid a declining market

According to a Counterpoint Research report, the global PC market saw a decline of 15 percent year on year in Q2 2023, although this period saw a bump in shipments over the previous quarter. During this time, Lenovo managed to retain its throne despite seeing an 18 percent year on year hit in shipments. Meanwhile, HP came in second and Dell took the third spot, with 13.3 million and 10.2 million PC shipments.

Interestingly, Apple is the only brand in the top 5 list that saw growth in the second quarter of this year. Its PC shipments rose by 8 percent, hitting 5.5 million units. The Cupertino based giant took the fourth spot, just ahead of Acer. The report pointed at the lack of “solid growth drivers” as one of the factors that led to the market’s slope.

Furthermore, it appears that global PC shipments are finally returning to a level before the Coronavirus pandemic boom. In the second half of this year, the market will see a slight rise, but shipments are expected to decline year on year in the coming quarters as well.

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Honor X5 Plus spec sheet leaked, could debut soon as a budget range device

By

Sudhanshu

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Jul 20, 2023

The Honor Play 40C recently launched in the Chinese market. The device is aimed towards budget range users and it features the Snapdragon 480 Plus processor, an HD+ 90Hz display, and a 13MP primary camera. Now, a new report has leaked another upcoming budget range smartphone from the brand called the Honor X5 Plus.

According to a report from Appuals, the upcoming Honor X5 Plus is expected to boast a 6.56-inch TFT LCD display, providing a resolution of 1612 x 720 pixels. It will have a dual camera setup on the back consisting of a 50MP primary lens and a 2MP secondary lens.

Under the hood, the report claims that the device will feature a MediaTek Helio G36 processor. For those unaware, this chipset was announced back in February 2022 and is based on a 12nm process. The phone is set to run on the latest Android 13 OS, with HONOR’s customized MagicOS 7.1 skin layered on top. Users can also expect it to have access to Google Mobile Services (GMS).

Regarding memory and storage, the phone is rumored to provide 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage. As for connectivity, the device is expected to support 4G with Dual SIM NanoSIM capability, along with Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Near Field Communication (NFC), and Bluetooth 5.0.

The provided specifications and features strongly indicate that the Honor X5 Plus will be positioned as a budget-friendly device. While it is likely to appear on certification websites soon, there is a chance that the brand may opt for a silent launch, so it’s best to keep an eye out for updates. Stay tuned for more details as they unfold.

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OnePlus 12R Renders, Key Specifications, And Launch Timeline Leaked

By

Viraj Gawde

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Jul 20, 2023

Earlier this month, the OnePlus 12 surfaced in leaked renders along with key specifications. Now, the OnePlus 12R has also appeared in leaked renders shared by notable tipster Steve Hemmerstoffer (aka Onleaks). The device will arrive as the successor to the OnePlus 11R that debuted earlier in February this year. Read on to know everything about the upcoming smartphone.

OnePlus 12R renders and key specifications leaked

As per leaked renders, the OnePlus 12R will feature a slightly curved display (lesser) compared to its predecessor. It will have a centre-aligned punch-hole cutout and the screen is surrounded by negligible bezels. Cosmetically, the OnePlus 12R will retain the same design as the 11R. This means a half-pill-shaped rear island in a glossy finish that stretches from the side frame. It houses a circular module with three sensors and an LED flash.

The OnePlus 12R has a power button and alert slider on the right edge whereas the volume rocker keys are located on the left side. The bottom port has a USB-C port, a microphone cutout, and a speaker grille. The device is seen in a White color option.

As for the core specifications, the report adds that the OnePlus 12R will be powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor. It will pack up to 16GB RAM and 256GB storage. The device will be backed by a 5,500mAh which is 500mAh larger than its predecessor. It will support 100W fast charging.

The OnePlus 12R is said to feature a 6.7-inch AMOLED display bearing a 1.5K resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. The smartphone is also tipped to get significant camera upgrades with the setup comprising a 32MP telephoto unit, a 50MP primary sensor, and an 8MP ultra-wide-angle lens.

Onleaks reveals that the OnePlus 12R 5G will debut in China in January 2024. It may arrive in India at a later date.

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Google Genesis AI Tool: The Future or the End of Journalism?

By

Oğuz Çakır

-

Jul 20, 2023

“Artificial intelligence will take our jobs!” You have probably heard this sentence at least once in your life. While the developments in the technology era we are in are the biggest basis of this fear, the developments that have taken place in the last year have turned these worries into reality. Unfortunately, with the rising AI trend, some occupations are starting to be forgotten. My job is at the forefront of these. It seems that Google wants to take the job of writing articles from journalists with the AI tool called ‘Genesis’. Here are the details…

Could Google Genesis AI Tool Replace Journalists?

Competition in artificial intelligence technologies is increasing at a rapid pace. Google, which experienced a sudden shock in the artificial intelligence race with the release of ChatGPT and fell behind, has closed the gap. The company, which recently came to our attention with the Bard 2.0 version, now wants to spread its technology to other areas. For example, Google wants to use AI technology for diagnosis thanks to the hospitals it has recently signed agreements with. However, the technology giant’s plans are not limited to the healthcare sector. The company wants to make fundamental changes in the media with ‘Genesis’.

The latest reports shows that media bosses from The New York Times, The Washington Post, and News Corp have been shown Google’s new tool, Genesis. The company has said that Genesis is not intended to replace journalists, but rather to help them be more efficient and productive. However, some critics have argued that the tool could lead to the deskilling of journalists and the spread of misinformation. Moreover, that’s not the only problem.

Also, AI may not be as smart as we think, despite what its name suggests. Sure, it can write text quickly, something that might take a group of people a long time. But, AI can’t truly think like us humans. It checks facts using its own stored data and the internet, and so can be tricked into believing false information. For instance, with a convincing argument, you might get an AI to believe 2+2 equals 5. If this is used in an article, it could spread incorrect information.

There are already examples of AI-generated news articles that have been inaccurate or misleading. However, it is important to note that these tools are still in their early stages of development. It is possible that as they become more sophisticated, they will be able to produce more accurate and reliable content. Ultimately, the impact of Genesis on the journalism industry remains to be seen. However, it is important to be aware of the potential risks and benefits of this technology before it is widely adopted.

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Sony SRS-XB100 Portable Bluetooth Wireless Speaker With 16 Hour Battery Life Launched In India

By

Viraj Gawde

-

Jul 20, 2023

Last week, Sony launched the premium SRS-XV800 wireless Bluetooth speaker in India. Now the Japanese brand has launched a new portable wireless speaker. It is the Sony SRS-XB100. With the latest offering, the brand has expanded its range of speakers in the country. Read on to know more about it below.

Sony SRS-XB100 speaker specifications and features

The Sony SRS-XB100 is a compact and powerful Bluetooth wireless speaker. It features a cylindrical shaped design and a durable body. The audio device is IP67-rated dust and water-resistant. There is a multi-way strap that can be used to carry the speaker everywhere.

On the audio front, the Sony SRS-XB100 is equipped with a full-range speaker and passive radiator for high-quality sound and powerful bass. The speaker features a Sound Diffusion processor along with DSP technology that is said to expand and deliver sound in any space. There is also a built-in microphone for a hands-free calling experience. The speaker has an Echo Cancelling function for clearer calls that allows two people to talk simultaneously without cutting either of them.

The Sony SRS-XB100 can also be connected to another speaker for a stereo sound. It supports Bluetooth 5.3 and Google Fast Pair. The speaker is claimed to offer a battery life of 16 hours with support for USB-C charging.

The Sony SRS-XB100 is priced at Rs 4,990. It is offered in Black, Blue, Light Green, and Orange color options. The audio device is available for purchase from Sony-branded stores, Sony website, as well as, leading retail stores and e-commerce platforms.

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Fire-Boltt Cyclone With 1.6-inch Display, 8 Day Battery Life Launched In India

By

Viraj Gawde

-

Jul 20, 2023

Fire-Boltt has launched a new smartwatch in India. It is dubbed the Fire-Boltt Cyclone. The latest offering features a round dial but borrows design cues from the Apple Watch Ultra. Read on to know what it offers out of the box.

Fire-Boltt Cyclone specifications and features

The Fire-Boltt Cyclone has a circular dial with an Apple Watch Ultra-like design. It features a full metallic unibody with a rotating crown and a physical button on the right side. The device is IP68-certified dust and water-resistant and it has a buckle design strap.

The Fire-Boltt Cyclone comes with a 1.6-inch display bearing an HD resolution of 400 x 400 pixels. There is an Always-on display functionality and dark mode.

On the health-centric front, the Fire-Boltt Cyclone is equipped with a heart-rate monitor, SpO2 sensor, sleep tracker, and menstrual cycle tracker. It offers breathing training, sedentary reminder, and hydration reminder. The wearable device packs support for 85 sports modes. There is also a motion sensor onboard that lets users to play and track VR games and VR workouts. It also has an assisted GPS onboard.

The Fire-Boltt Cyclone is equipped with a built-in speaker and mic for Bluetooth calling function. It packs convenient features like smart notifications, weather updates, music, and camera control. There are built-in games, NFC support, and also passcode lock. The smartwatch is powered by a 390mAh battery unit that is claimed to offer 8 days of usage on a single charge.

The Fire-Boltt Cyclone is offered in Grey, Orange, Yellow, and Black colors. It is priced at Rs 2,499 and can be purchased from the brand’s website and Flipkart starting July 24.

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WhatsApp for Wear OS smartwatches is now rolling out

By

Soumyakanti

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Jul 20, 2023

WhatsApp has officially launched the stable version of its dedicated app for smartwatches running Wear OS 3 and above. The announcement comes after a beta version was rolled out a few months ago. This new app first teased at Google I/O 2023, enables users to stay connected with others even without their smartphones.

The Future of Messaging: WhatsApp Officially on Smartwatches with Wear OS

The app proves particularly useful for LTE-capable smartwatches with eSIM support, as it allows users to leverage cellular connectivity. It offers various interaction options, including voice messages, emojis, regular text, and quick replies. Prior to this release, Wear OS users could only reply to WhatsApp messages without the ability to send voice messages.

According to the Verge, this timing aligns strategically with the upcoming launch of Samsung’s next-gen Galaxy Watch 6 series on July 26. Samsung and Google have been collaborating to improve Wear OS, and the addition of popular apps like WhatsApp is expected to attract more Android users, contributing to customer retention.

It’s worth noting that there is still no dedicated WhatsApp app available for Apple Watches. However, WhatsApp has expanded its platform support significantly, offering apps for phones, Android tablets, desktops, and the web.

As per India Today, WhatsApp Chief Will Cathcart confirmed the rollout and functionality of the new app in a post on Meta’s Threads app. Mark Zuckerberg applauded the move, signaling Meta’s support for the development.

Meta has also introduced new features recently to enhance the overall messaging experience on WhatsApp. Users can now send texts without the need to save numbers, streamlining the process of initiating conversations.

Additionally, users can personalize their appearances during Messenger and Instagram Video Calls with Animated Meta Avatars, adding a touch of fun and creativity to their interactions.

As WhatsApp expands its presence in the wearable market, it opens up new possibilities for users to stay connected and communicate seamlessly from their smartwatches. With the combination of Wear OS’s improved functionality and WhatsApp’s dedicated app, users can enjoy a more integrated and convenient messaging experience on their wrist, further blurring the boundaries between smartphones and wearables.

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boAt Smart Ring unveiled in India with various health & fitness tracking features

By

Sean

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Jul 20, 2023

boAt is gearing up to launch a brand-new smart wearable product in India. However, it isn’t your typical smartwatch or band, rather, a new Smart Ring that is designed to offer many of the same health-related features that larger wearable device offers.

boAt Smart Ring Specs & Features

The company’s new Smart Ring is built to be a lightweight and easy-to-wear product that offers users access to various health and fitness-related features. The ring features a sleek design that combines metal and ceramic materials. Despite the compact form factor, it manages to offer various health sensors like heart rate tracking, SpO2 blood oxygen mapping, sleep monitoring, female menstrual cycle mapping, body recovery tracking, activity tracking as well as measuring your body temperature.

In other words, this tiny gadget will offer most of the features found on smartwatches. It provides a detailed insight into users’ health status that will likely be displayed on the paired smartphone. Other notable features include 5ATM water resistance and smart touch controls. This device is great for fitness enthusiasts and will likely appeal to those that do not prefer wearing a smartwatch as well.

But unfortunately, the brand has only announced the new boAt Smart Ring. Finer details like its pricing or availability have yet to be revealed. Although, the Smart Ring is confirmed to be available through Amazon and Flipkart. More details should be shared soon, so stick around for more updates.

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Oppo Reno 10 5G India pricing revealed, Pre-Orders now live on Flipkart

By

Sean

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Jul 20, 2023

The Oppo Reno 10 5G series was announced in India earlier this month. But while the launch event revealed the pricing of the higher-end Pro models, the base Reno 10’s price details weren’t unveiled. But now, the official India price tag of the Reno 10 has been revealed, with pre-orders for the device also kicking off.

Oppo Reno 10 5G: India Price, Availability, & Bank Offers

The Chinese tech giant’s new Reno 10 5G model will go on sale in India for 32,999 INR. Its first sale will start on July 27 and there are a couple of bank offers as well. This includes a 3,000 INR discount when purchasing the device with HDFC, SBI, ICICI, and Axis Bank cards. Users can also get an additional discount of up to 4,000 INR by exchanging their older devices. You can also get up to 10 percent discount from leading retailers and avail up to 6 months of no-cost EMI from major banks as well.

The device comes with a free trial of YouTube Premium and a Google One subscription for three months. Ahead of its first sale, the brand has begun taking pre-orders for the Reno 10 from Flipkart. The Reno 10 sports a 6.7-inch 120Hz AMOLED display and is powered by a MediaTek Dimensityu 7050 SoC. Notable features include a 64-megapixel triple camera setup, a 5000mAh battery pack, 67W fast charging, and more.

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