Nokia plans to start selling refurbished smartphones from H2 2023

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Jul 19, 2023

Nokia has announced plans to begin selling refurbished phones as part of its environmental sustainability strategy. HMD Global (the Nokia brand licensee for phones and tablets) recently released its Sustainability Progress Report 2023. The report outline some of the measures that the company has embarked on to enhance its sustainability profile. Apart from an expanding tree planting campaign, the company is now incorporating the remanufacture of Nokia phones for resale.

The push for sustainability has seen Nokia omit a number of accessories from its package for smartphones and tablets. Charging bricks and wired headsets are the two most visible omissions while the brand continues to drive other sustainability initiatives. HMD reported that it had planted over 418,000 trees to date and the tree-planting initiative is spreading to other countries. The tree-planting campaign is part of a partnership between HMD Global and Ecology.

Nokia has garnered several awards including the Ecovardis Platinum Award 2023 for top businesses globally with excellent sustainability practices. The recycling of old Nokia phones will see consumers buying used devices in the UK and Germany. Nokia also plans to extend the recycling program to other markets. This will afford customers to buy used but durable Nokia phones at a cheaper price.

Furthermore, HMD will also donate returned and refurbished phones to charity so that they do not end up in landfills. The company has donated about 700 phones to digitally disadvantaged people. The company has also helped to remove up to 3.5 tonnes of plastic from rivers.

The HMD Global initiative to refurbish and sell used Nokia phones is currently tied to its Europe operations. Nokia continues to maintain a strong presence in the European market but it is declining in several other markets. It will thus be interesting to see how HMD Global scales up this initiative to cover other markets.

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WhatsApp Down and Not Working Worldwide: Users Unable to Send Messages

By

Oğuz Çakır

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Jul 19, 2023

WhatsApp, one of the most popular messaging apps in the world, is currently down worldwide. Users are reporting that they are unable to send messages or access the app. Here are the details…

WhatsApp Outage Causes Widespread Disruption

Downdetector, a website that tracks the status of websites and services, reports that WhatsApp has been experiencing problems since around 11:00 PM EST. The reason for the outage is not yet known. However, Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, has acknowledged the problems and said that they are working to fix them.

The outage is causing widespread disruption for users. Many people are unable to communicate with friends and family, and businesses are also being affected. It is not clear when the outage will be fixed. Meta has not given any ETA, but it is likely that they will be working on the problem overnight.

In the meantime, users can try using other messaging apps, such as Telegram or Signal. They can also try using the web version of WhatsApp. The outage is a reminder of the importance of having a backup plan for when your primary communication channels go down.

The WhatsApp outage is a reminder of the importance of having a backup plan for your communication channels. By using other messaging apps and having a plan in place, you can minimize the impact of an outage on your communication.

Xtracycle Stoker rugged e-bike with impressive cargo capacity unveiled

By

Jed John Ikoba

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Jul 19, 2023

Xtracycle has added a new electric bicycle with a rugged design and expansive cargo space into its lineup of offerings. The Xtracycle Stoker e-bike is touted as the ultimate adventure electric bicycle thanks to its versatility.

It is still a huge discussion whether electric bicycles can indeed replace our ICE vehicles for daily urban commutes. For this transition to be considered, an electric bicycle should be able to go the distance as well as have sufficient storage capacity. The Stoker e-bike is manufactured by California-based electric bike company Xtracycle. The Stoker is capable of meeting the needs of the adventurous. It is capable of off-road engagements like navigating gravel roads comfortably.

The Stoker e-bike features 24 x 2.4-inch tires, 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes, and a Shimano STEPS EP-8 motor. It also has a 630Wh battery that delivers an assistance range of up to 60 miles for the Stoker.

The e-bike has a top speed of 20 mph (~33km/h) on the pedal assist, as the bike omits a throttle. The Stoker e-bike is versatile and compatible with a range of accessories. There are several configurations for securely mounting cargo onto the bike’s rear rack. The rear of the bike can also be structured to carry two kids, while a cargo platform is also present on the front.

The Xtracycle Stoker rugged e-bike has a $4,999 price tag and can be easily assembled upon delivery. The bike can also be shipped fully coupled and its availability is currently tied to the United States only.

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Huawei might soon launch a Watch Fit series smartwatch globally

By

Anurag

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Jul 19, 2023

Huawei phones might not be as popular as they used to be but the company’s smartwatches are still a good deal. The brand has recently introduced a range of new wearables and appears ready to release a new smartwatch under the Watch Fit series in the global market. Huawei has hinted at an imminent launch but has remained tight-lipped about the specific date and the precise name of the watch.

Is it the Huawei Watch Fit 3?

Huawei took to Twitter to tease the launch of a new smartwatch. Although the company did not reveal the name of the wearable, the poster shows a Watch Fit series smartwatch. Huawei did not mention the exact launch date but said “a wave of freshness is about to wash over us, and we (Huawei) can’t wait to pull off the veil of secrecy and unveil it soon”.

A wave of freshness is about to wash over us, and we can't wait to pull off the veil of secrecy and unveil it soon…🔜 pic.twitter.com/naYubKDhCh
— Huawei Mobile (@HuaweiMobile) July 17, 2023

The upcoming watch could be a new model, possibly the Huawei Watch Fit 3. The company unveiled the Watch Fit 2 last year in July with a rectangular AMOLED display measuring 1.74-inches and bearing an HD resolution. The wearable comes with Always-on display and a number of customizable watch faces. It is water-resistant up to 50 meters.

It’s possible the Huawei Watch Fit 3 will bring some notable upgrades in the fitness tracking department. The current Watch Fit 2 is equipped with a heart rate monitor and a SpO2 sensor. It lets you track sleep patterns, stress levels, and menstrual cycle for women. The wearable also gets 97 workout modes. The Watch Fit 2 is fueled by a 292mAh battery unit that can last up to 10 days on a single charge. It is available for purchase in China at Yuan 799 ($119).

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X-OTO 3-wheeled electric motorcycle launched in the US

By

Jed John Ikoba

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Jul 19, 2023

The X-OTO 3-wheeled leaning electric motorbike has been unveiled in the US market. The new electric motorcycle comes with three wheels and can also lean, with availability tied to the US. The bike uses a patented tilting system that can tilt the bike up to 45 degrees. This offers both stability and versatility in operation. It allows the bike to lean while navigating bends.

The self-stabilizing mechanism of the X-OTO is well-suited for new riders to easily operate the bike. The bike also does not require a motorcycle license in California because of its three wheels. There could be specific regulations in other states in the US that may require that users obtain a license for the three-wheeled e-scooter.

Safety is at the heart of the X-OTO leaning mechanism. The mechanism gives stability in a turn even at a lower speed, meaning that you can lean at the full range – beginner or not. Riding the bike is claimed to be safer than a two-wheeler, as well as easier. It is also easier to carry passengers or cargo with the X-OTO than a two-wheeled e-bike.

The X-OTO is equipped with a 4,000W front hub motor which was probably due to the three-wheel design of the bike. It has a top speed of 72km/h which makes it to be well-suited for urban commutes. The X-OTO has a pair of removable batteries that deliver a total of 4.3kWh of power. This translates to a range of about 145km at normal speed. The batteries can be removed for charging or charged directly on the bike.

The X-OTO three-wheeled e-scooter is being offered as a Founder’s Edition model with a $7,499 price tag. This is a bit higher than most of the models that the X-OTO will compete with in terms of performance specs. However, the innovative leaning functionality of the motorcycle could engender its demand. The earliest deliveries are expected later this summer and it will be exciting to see the leaning bike in action.

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Gmail for Android brings a new navigation trail for foldable devices

By

Jed John Ikoba

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Jul 19, 2023

A new UI update may have been rolled out by Gmail for Android applicable to foldable devices. This includes a new navigation trail on the Gmail app for foldables. The new update seeks to provide better large-screen support for Gmail on phones or tablets with a foldable form factor. The new UI was first announced back in May but it seems to have just started rolling out.

A new sidebar in the Gmail app places the “compose” button along the side of the UI rather than in a floating action button. The bottom bar has been moved to the side, while shortcuts for inbox, chat, and meet are also visible there. The new update, it has to be noted, seems to be available only for foldable. The Gmail UI update is now visible in the Google Pixel Fold although it is still lacking in other devices at this time. The UI update is lacking on the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4, although the Z Fold 4 has a higher aspect ratio and does not trigger the tablet interface until it is rotated.

The new Gmail navigation rail is common to other tablet designs already put in place by Google. Most Google apps like Play Store, Photos, and Google Home have been pushed to the side to optimize the wider form factor of tablets. The desktop version of the Gmail app, it is noted, uses a sidebar interface. It is expected that the new Gmail updates for Android foldables will surface on the Play Store for all devices soon.

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Oppo Reno 10 Indian price tipped ahead of official reveal

By

Sudhanshu

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Jul 19, 2023

Earlier this month, Oppo launched the Reno 10 series smartphones in India. This included the vanilla Reno 10, the Reno 10 Pro and the Reno 10 Pro+. Last week, the Reno 10 Pro and 10 Pro+ both went on sale in India, however, the brand is yet to reveal the pricing and availability details of the vanilla model.

According to a tweet from tipster Abhishek Yadav, the Reno 10 is expected to be priced at ₹28,499 in India. However, it’s worth noting that this pricing may include initial bank offers, potentially leading to the actual price being a few thousand rupees higher.

Oppo Reno 10 specs

The Oppo Reno 10 features a large 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. Under the hood, it is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7050 SoC, which is essentially a rebranded version of the Dimensity 1080 chip. This variant comes with 8GB of RAM and a spacious 256GB internal storage capacity.

On the photography front, the Reno 10 boasts a 64-megapixel triple rear camera setup, ensuring impressive image capturing capabilities. For selfies and video calls, there is a 32-megapixel front-facing camera. Keeping the device running is a substantial 5,000mAh battery, and users can enjoy the convenience of 67W fast charging support for quick recharging.

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Lenovo announces Legion Y9000X 2023 features: Core i9, 140W charging, 165Hz refresh rate

By

Anurag

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Jul 19, 2023

Lenovo Legion Y900X 2023 is one of the many laptops the Chinese company is launching this month. This notebook will be introduced on July 22 in China alongside the Legion Y700 2023 gaming tablet. While we wait for the official debut, the company has announced complete specifications of the laptop. It will bring Core i9 processor, support 140W charging, and offer a 165Hz refresh rate display. Here are the details.

Lenovo Legion Y900X 2023 Specifications

Lenovo Legion Y900X 2023 will debut with a premium build quality, featuring an ACD surface and 11-knife CNC carved frame. The keyboard on the laptop comes with a single-key RGB design, meaning each key can be individually illuminated with a different color. The Lenovo laptop comes equipped with up to i9-13900H processor, paired with RTX 4070 GPU. Further, the machine also gets DDR5-5200 RAM and up to 1TB SSD.

Lenovo Legion Y9000X 2023 — (Via ITHome)

The laptop measures 17.6mm thin and weighs 2.1kgs. The screen is 16-inch with 3200*2000 resolution, 165Hz refresh rate, 100% P3 color gamut, and 430 nits brightness. There are 90mm Harman tuned speakers as well as Wi-Fi 6 support. Lenovo will offer the laptop in China in a single white color while the global market may get other colors as well. Lenovo Legion Y900X 2023 has a built-in 99Wh battery and supports 140W fast charging.

Note that this laptop configuration will be announced on July 22. The company will also launch the Legion Y900X 2023 with an R7 7840H processor on July 29. Currently, the pricing details for either variant are not known. We will learn the details during the respective launch dates. Stay tuned for updates.

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Oppo K11 listed on China Telecom with full spec sheet & images ahead of July 25 launch

By

Sudhanshu

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Jul 19, 2023

Oppo is preparing to introduce its latest smartphone, the K11, to the Chinese market on July 25. Previous leaks and teasers strongly suggest that the Oppo K11 is essentially a rebranded version of the OnePlus Nord CE 3, which was recently launched in India. The Chinese Telecom Regulatory Authority website has now revealed comprehensive details about the Oppo K11, including its specifications, pricing,g, and design.

Oppo K11 design & specs

As per the listing, the Oppo K11 will feature a 6.7-inch FHD+ display with 2412×1080 pixels resolution. The device will have a triple-camera setup including a 50MP + OIS, an 8MP secondary camera and a 2MP auxiliary camera.

The device will come in three configurations: 8GB + 256GB, 12GB + 256GB and 12GB + 512GB. It will also feature a 4870mAh battery, Android 13 operating system, dual-SIM support, NFC support, and a USB Type-C port.

As for the design, the phone will have a flat frame and flat back. The device has “11-K” written below the camera module. On the front side, there is a centered punch hole for the selfie camera. The volume rockers and power buttons are present on the right side.

Oppo K11 pricing

The specifications and design of the Oppo K11 smartphone leave little doubt that it is essentially a rebranded version of the OnePlus Nord CE 3. The OnePlus Nord CE 3 was launched in India with a base price of Rs 26,999 ($329). Oppo China’s president shared a post on Weibo, indicating that the Oppo K11’s price in China will be approximately 2,000 yuan ($277).

That being said, the China Telecom listing reveals that the Oppo K11 will cost 2299 yuan for the 8GB + 256GB, config, 2599 yuan for the 12 GB + 256GB config, and 2799 for the 12GB + 512GB config.

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(Source: PriceBaba)

Xiaomi MIUI 15 could bring improved clipboard and volume boost

By

Anurag

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Jul 19, 2023

Xiaomi’s MIUI 15 development seems to be at pace as we have started to learn details about the OS through recurring leaks. Recently, MIUI 15 alpha builds were spotted on Xiaomi server and it also apparent that the Redmi Note 13 and Xiaomi 14 series will run the latest version out of the box. In the latest development, a report has shared two features that Xiaomi might introduce with the MIUI 15. Here are the details.

The team at Xiaomiui has uncovered two new features coming to MIUI 15. The more notable of the two is an improved clipboard that will allow users to copy and paste images and files. This is a feature that is already available on Samsung phones, and it can be very convenient for quickly sharing content between apps. For example, you could copy an image from a website and paste it into a Telegram chat without having to open the gallery (See screenshot below).

The other feature will offer Xiaomi phones a volume boost. As per the publication’s findings, MIUI 15 will add a new toggle in the quick settings menu that will let you increase the volume output by up to 200%. This should make multimedia experience on the phones much better and also help you enjoy content in noisy environments.

There’s no news regarding the launch date of MIUI 15. Rumor has it the custom skin will be introduced in China in December and make it to the global market early in 2024. This aligns with MIUI 14 launch last year. As mentioned, Redmi Note 13 as well as the Xiaomi 14 phones will debut with MIUI 15.

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Samsung may launch Galaxy Watch 6 Business Edition as well

By

Soumyakanti

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Jul 19, 2023

Samsung is preparing to launch the Galaxy Watch 6 series, alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5, at the upcoming Unpacked event on July 26th in South Korea. A report from SnoopyTech, a Twitter tipster, hints at the potential release of a Business Edition Galaxy Watch 6 variant.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Business Edition may arrive

Details about how the Business Edition of the Galaxy Watch 6 will differ from the standard model in design and specifications remain unclear. However, it is speculated that Samsung might market this variant with a unique focus, much like they do for their Enterprise smartphone models. Back in May, Samsung launched Galaxy A14, A34, and A54 Enterprise Edition phones in Australia.

Galaxy Watch 6 series specs

Based on a leak, the complete specifications of the forthcoming Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 and Galaxy Watch 6 Classic have been disclosed. The Galaxy Watch 6, available in 40mm and 44mm sizes, will boast AMOLED displays with resolutions of 432 x 432 pixels and 480 x 480 pixels, respectively. The watches will be equipped with a 300mAh battery for the 40mm version and a 425mAh battery for the 44mm version.

The Galaxy Watch 6 Classic will come in 47mm and 43mm sizes, featuring AMOLED displays with resolutions of 480 x 480 pixels and 432 x 432 pixels, along with a physical rotating bezel made of stainless steel. Both watches will be powered by the Exynos W930 chipset and have 2GB of RAM. They will also include various sensors, health-focused features, and connectivity options such as Wear OS, Wi-Fi, optional 4G, NFC, GPS, and Bluetooth 5.3, in addition to water and dust resistance certifications.

Alongside the premier watch series and smartphones, Samsung is also set to debut flagship tablets, Galaxy Buds, and the Galaxy SmartTag 2.

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(Source, Via)

Fujifilm X-S20 Compact Mirrorless Camera Launched In India

By

Viraj Gawde

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Jul 19, 2023

Fujifilm has launched a new mirrorless camera in India. It is called the Fujifilm X-S20. The newest offering is a compact mirrorless camera aimed at content creators. It succeeds the 2020’s X-S10 model. Read on to know what the X-S20 offers out of the box.

Fujifilm X-S20 specifications and features

The Fujifilm X-S20 is a lightweight and compact mirrorless camera. Dimension-wise, it measures 127.7mm x 85.1 x 65.4mm and weighs 491 grams. It has the signature X-S series handheld grip for ease of use and mobility. There is a rear 3-inch vari-angle LCD monitor with touch support. The camera features a built-in pop-up flash and an electronic viewfinder.

In terms of optics, the Fujifilm X-S20 is equipped with a 26.1MP X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor. It has an upgraded X-Processor 5 Image Sensing Processor unit that is said to offer twice the performance of its predecessor. It is said to offer superior autofocus and image quality. The camera offers mechanical and electronic shutter modes. The Fujifilm X-S20 also features subject-based AI AF to identify different and fast-moving objects like animals, vehicles, and much more. The mirrorless camera has 19 dedicated film simulation modes and a five-axis in-body image stabilization with 7.0 stop compensation.

The Fujifilm X-S20 is capable of shooting up to 6.2K 10-bit video footage at 30fps. It also supports F-Log2 13+ stops dynamic range in videos. There is also a dedicated Vlog mode. Users can connect a headset as well as a microphone with the 3.5mm audio combo jack. It can also be used as a webcam by connecting the camera to a PC with a USB-C port.

The Fujifilm X-S20 carries a price tag of Rs 1,18,999. It should be available for purchase from the brand’s website and stores across the country.

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Huawei FreeBuds SE 2 up for sale in China for 179 yuan ($25)

By

Soumyakanti

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Jul 19, 2023

Last week, Huawei introduced the FreeBuds SE 2, the latest addition to its affordable earbud series. The successor to the FreeBuds SE model is currently available for purchase in China for a price of 179 yuan ($25). The earbuds and the charging box come in ceramic white color.

Key Features of the FreeBuds SE 2:

The FreeBuds SE 2 are stylishly designed semi-in-ear earbuds that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also ergonomic. Each earbud is lightweight, weighing just 3.8g, ensuring that users can enjoy their music comfortably and without interruption.

Equipped with Bluetooth 5.3 technology, the earbuds deliver excellent stability and a low-latency connection. This translates into an engaging audio experience with minimal delay and reduced power consumption.

The FreeBuds SE 2 also offers a hassle-free pairing experience, particularly with Huawei smartphones. The earbuds automatically go into pairing mode when the charging case is opened, triggering a pop-up notification on the smartphone for easy and smooth pairing.

In terms of battery life, the FreeBuds SE 2 excels with up to 9 hours of playback time on a single charge and a total of 40 hours when used with the charging case. This ensures that users will not run out of battery during their day. Additionally, a rapid 10-minute charge can provide up to 3 hours of playback time.

The FreeBuds SE 2 can also be integrated with Huawei’s Smart Life app for an enhanced user experience. This app allows users to easily monitor the earbuds’ battery status and to personalize touch commands for a unique audio experience.

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Samsung Galaxy Enhance X App Arrives On More Devices With New Features And Bug Fixes

By

Viraj Gawde

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Jul 19, 2023

Samsung Galaxy Enhance X is an AI-based image editing app that was released last July. It was initially available for the Galaxy S22 series and later expanded to some of the Galaxy Note, Galaxy S, and Galaxy Z-series devices. Now, the South Korean brand has announced that the app is now available for more devices. Additionally, there are also improvements to the image-editing app. Read on to know more.

Samsung Galaxy Enhance X app now available on more devices

The Samsung Galaxy Enhance X app is available for download from Galaxy Store for free. Check the list of compatible smartphones below.

Galaxy Note 20 and Galaxy Note 20 Ultra
Galaxy S20, Galaxy S20+, Galaxy S20 Ultra, Galaxy S20 FE
Galaxy S21, Galaxy S21+, Galaxy S21 Ultra, Galaxy S21 FE
Galaxy S22, Galaxy S22+, Galaxy S22 Ultra
Galaxy S23, Galaxy S23+, Galaxy S23 Ultra
Galaxy Z Flip, Galaxy Z Flip 5G,
Galaxy Z Flip 3, Galaxy Z Fold 3
Galaxy Z Flip 4, Galaxy Z Fold 4
Galaxy Z Fold 2

Samsung said that it is working on releasing the Galaxy Enhance X app for the Galaxy A, Galaxy M, and Galaxy Tab series devices. However, it will only be compatible with devices running Android 13-based OneUI 5.1 and later. The stable version of the photo-editing app also fixes bugs found in the beta version. It now comes with the ability to restore old, low-res photos and also fix lens distortion in wide-angle shots.

Samsung also revealed that the Galaxy Enhance X app will also get more features like document scanning and enabling video support.

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Vu Masterpiece QLED TV With 4K 120Hz Display, 204W Speaker System Launched In India

By

Viraj Gawde

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Jul 19, 2023

Vu has launched two new smart televisions in India. They are a premium offering with a whopping price tag. The TVs are dubbed Vu Masterpiece QLED. The company had launched Premium TV 2023 Edition earlier in March this year. Read on to know about the latest TVs.

Vu Masterpiece QLED specifications and features

The Vu Masterpiece QLED TV is offered in 85 and 95-inch screen sizes. Both feature quantum dot technology and bear a 4K display resolution with a 120Hz refresh rate, 1,000 nits peak brightness, and a 10-bit color depth. There is support for Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+, HLG, and MEMC. The televisions are also capable of upscaling 4K content. There is AMD FreeSync technology onboard. Design-wise, the Vu Masterpiece QLED TVs feature an Aerospace-grade metal aluminum frame.

On the audio front, the Vu Masterpiece QLED TV is equipped with four master speakers and one subwoofer that is capable of outputting 204W sound. There are a host of audio features like Dolby Atmos, Dolby Audio, Dolby Digital, and more for an immersive sound experience.

Under the hood, the Vu Masterpiece QLED TV is powered by a quad-core processor paired with 3GB RAM. Software-wise, it runs on Google TV OS and comes with a built-in Chromecast. Connectivity options on the televisions include Bluetooth 5, dual-band WiFi, four HDMI ports, two USB ports, and an Ethernet.

The Vu Masterpiece QLED TV carries a price tag of Rs 6,00,000 for the 98-inch variant whereas the 85-inch model costs Rs 3,00,000. Both televisions can be purchased from the brand’s website and Amazon.

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Assassin’s Creed Jade’s closed beta will kick off the journey into China in August

By

Sean

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Jul 19, 2023

Ubisoft has just announced the closed beta for the upcoming Assassin’s Creed mobile game spin-off that will be set in China. The new title is free to play and will be available on iOS and Android devices. So here are all the details.

Assassin’s Creed Jade is set in 3rd Century China

As per the official announcement, the close beta for Assassin’s Creed Codename Jade will kick off on 3rd August 2023. The new mobile game from the French developer was made in collaboration with Tencent’s Level Infinite. So for those interested, you can start your journey across third-century China by visiting the official website of Assassin’s Creed Jade and signing up by clicking on “Register & Subscribe”.

The registration for Codename Jade’s closed beta is open till July 27th. Those signing up for the game will also need to check their email for the closed beta questionnaire. The minimum requirement for Android devices includes Snapdragon 865 SoC or above and Android 10 OS or above, while iOS devices need to be iPhone 11 model or above. Notably,

For those unaware, the Assassin’s Creed series is one of the most popular franchises from Ubisoft and this title is also a refreshing entry from the studio, which is renowned for making large open-world action games for PCs and consoles. But keep in mind that this is a closed beta, and other there will only be a limited number of participants (5,000) accepted to experience the early build of the game. Assassin’s Creed Jade will have you explore iconic sites like the Great Wall of China and uncover a series of dark conspiracies.

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Samsung Galaxy S20 series receives July 2023 security update

By

Soumyakanti

-

Jul 19, 2023

Samsung has rolled out the July 2023 security patch for its Galaxy S20 lineup, following the recent updates of its successors Galaxy S21, S22, and S23 series. The global update has been launched across various parts of the world including Asia, Europe, and Latin America.

The latest update brings important security enhancements to the Galaxy S20 series, consisting of the S20, S20+, and S20 Ultra models. Users can check for the update by going to Settings > Software Update on their devices.

According to Sammobile, the LTE Galaxy S20 and Galaxy S20+ models in Latin America will be updated with firmware versions G98xFXXUHHWF1 and G98xFXXSIHWF7 respectively. On the other hand, the 5G variants of the Galaxy S20 series in the same region are receiving the update with firmware version G98xBXXSIHWF7. Meanwhile, the 5G variants of the Galaxy S20, S20+, and S20 Ultra in Asia and Europe are set to receive firmware version G98xBXXSIHWF6.

What’s new in this update?

Samsung’s July 2023 security patch addresses 90 security flaws in Galaxy devices, with 52 fixes contributed by Google and 38 developed by Samsung (SVEs). Among them, three are critical and 56 are high-priority vulnerabilities, while the rest pose moderate risks. Additionally, Samsung had already included three fixes in the June patch, now incorporated in the July patch by Google. The flaws spanned various areas, including manual package installation, audio system access control, UWB chipset identifier, broadcast SMS configuration, Galaxy Themes Service, Settings, and internal testing functions, exposing the devices to potential unauthorized code execution.

Galaxy S20 series specs overview

The Galaxy S20 series, launched in 2020, comprises the S20, S20+, and S20 Ultra models. The S20 and S20+ boast 6.2-inch and 6.7-inch Quad HD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X Infinity-O displays respectively, with a 120Hz refresh rate. They are powered by either Snapdragon 865 or Exynos 990 processors and feature triple rear cameras and 8K video shooting capabilities. Furthermore, these models offer IP68 water and dust resistance, backed by 4,000mAh and 4,500mAh batteries respectively. The high-end S20 Ultra variant presents a massive 6.97-inch display, a 108-megapixel main camera, and a hefty 5,000mAh battery with 45W fast charging.

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Apple Watch Users In India Diagnosed With AFib Can Now Track Their AFib History

By

Viraj Gawde

-

Jul 19, 2023

Apple’s Watch Series 4 and later are equipped with ECG sensors. It helps in detecting atrial fibrillation (AFib) which is a chronic condition of irregular heart rhythm. Now users of the Apple Watch 4 and later in India can track AFib history. The feature depends on ECG and is also the first of its kind on a wearable device in India. Read on to know more about it below.

AFib history now available for Apple Watch users in India

The AFib history enables users to track the frequency of their heart rhythm showing signs of atrial fibrillation. It is only available on Apple Watch 4 and newer versions with WatchOS 9. The feature is incredibly helpful for individuals already diagnosed with AFib as it allows them to track the amount of time their heart shows signs of AFib and manage important lifestyle factors. We have already come across multiple instances of the Apple Watch saving users’ lives by detecting irregular heartbeats on time.

Atrial fibrillation causes the heart to beat faster. The symptoms are shortness of breath, palpitations, chest pain, dizziness, and more. These require lifestyle changes like a healthy diet, weight loss, and more. The new AFib History feature on the Apple Watch lets users track the time their heart is in AFib. It gives a weekly AFib burden estimate and it can be managed by factors like sleep, exercise minutes, alcohol consumption, and mindful minutes. Users can also view their history and compare it with life factors in the Health app on their iPhones.

To set up an AFib history, a doctor’s diagnosis is important. Users must report their symptoms to a doctor who will then direct them to a cardiologist specializing in arrhythmias. Additionally, the watch should be worn 12 hours a day for 5 days a week with heart rate and wrist detection enabled. Follow the steps below to set up AFib history.

Open the Health app on the iPhone
Tap on the Browse tab in the bottom right and scroll to Heart
Scroll down and select AF History
Tap on Get Started.
Fill in your date of birth and tap Yes to confirm AFib diagnosis by a doctor
Tap on Continue, and you will be shown the details of AFib History, life factors, and results.
Finish the setup by tapping on Done.

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RedmiBook Pro 15 2023 Ryzen Edition launched in China with Ryzen 7000 series processors

By

Sudarshan Ravichandran

-

Jul 19, 2023

Redmi has launched a new laptop in China called RedmiBook Pro 15 2023 Ryzen Edition. This is the third-gen model as the brand has been releasing notebooks in this series annually since 2021.

Just like its predecessors, it acts as an alternative to the regular RedmiBook Pro 15 model which comes powered by Intel processors. Let’s check out the specs of this computer along with its pricing and availability.

RedmiBook Pro 15 2023 Ryzen Edition Specifications

The Redmi Book Pro 15 2023 Ryzen Edition comes powered by AMD Ryzen 7000 series processors. The notebook can be availed with either Ryzen 5 7640HS or Ryzen 7 7840HS processor.

These chips are paired with dual cooling fans, 16GB LPDDR5 RAM, and 512GB PCIe 4.0 SSD. As for software, the device ships with Microsoft Windows 11 operating system.

Further, the computer uses metal unibody construction. It comes with WiFi 6 and essential ports, such as 2 x USB 3.2 Gen2 (Type-C), 1 x USB 3.2 Gen1 (Type-A), 1 x HDMI 2.1, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a card reader.

It sports a 15.6-inch 16:10 display with an 89% screen-to-body ratio. The LCD panel offers a resolution of 3200 x 2000 pixels, 242 PPI, a 120Hz refresh rate, and 500 nits peak brightness level. The display supports DC dimming and Dolby Vision.

The laptop features a full-size backlit keyboard with 0.2mm key travel. The fingerprint sensor is embedded into the power key and it has a large trackpad. Other features include a 1080p webcam and Dolby Atmos-supported dual stereo speakers (4W).

Last but not least, the notebook is backed by a 72Wh battery with support for 100W charging and USB PD 3.0 standard.

RedmiBook Pro 15 2023 Ryzen Edition Price

The RedmiBook Pro 15 2023 Ryzen Edition is offered in the following variants in China.

Ryzen 5 7640HS / 16GB + 512GB – ¥4,599 (~$640)
Ryzen 7 7840HS / 16GB + 512GB – ¥4,799 (~$665)

The laptop is currently up for pre-order. It will go on sale from July 21. There’s no official word on its international availability.

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Sony WF-1000XM5 launch date officially revealed, Here’s what we know so far

By

Sudhanshu

-

Jul 19, 2023

Sony has officially announced the launch date for their premium earbuds, the Sony WF-1000XM5, after numerous leaks and certifications. The highly anticipated earbuds will be released on July 24 at 9 AM ET. Let’s explore the features that have been revealed so far.

Sony WF-1000XM5 specs (known and rumored)

The Sony WF-1000XM5 TWS earbuds are said to weigh just 5.9 grams per bud, making them comfortable for extended wear. They have 8.4mm Dynamic Driver X delivering exceptional audio quality. These earbuds feature two proprietary processors and dual-feedback microphones, enabling real-time optimization of the active noise cancellation (ANC) for an immersive sound environment. With three microphones in each earbud, they capture ambient noise precisely. HiRes Audio and DSEE Extreme support further elevate the audio performance.

Moreover, the WF-1000XM5 earbuds incorporate Precise Voice Pickup technology, ensuring crystal-clear call quality, even amidst noisy surroundings. The charging case houses a 500mAh battery, providing a remarkable total battery life of 24 hours. A quick 3-minute charge grants an hour of playback time, while a full charge for both the case and earbuds takes only 2 hours. The Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds are expected to support Bluetooth 5.3, allowing for seamless multi-device connectivity and effortless switching between devices. Additionally, there are rumors of an IPX4 certification, indicating potential resistance to sweat and splashes, making these earbuds suitable companions for workouts and everyday use.

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