YouTube Premium gets a price increase to $13.99 in the US

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Jul 20, 2023

Google has raised the price of YouTube Premium in the US. According to 9to5google, the new cost for both new and existing customers is $13.99 per month, up from $11.99. If you subscribe through the iOS YouTube app, the price goes up to $18.99 per month.

A Closer Look at YouTube Premium’s New Pricing Structure

According to a YouTube spokesperson, the price increase is necessary to maintain the quality of service and features provided to YouTube Premium and YouTube Music Premium subscribers. They also stated that the new price better reflects the value offered by YouTube Premium, including ad-free streaming, offline and background play, and access to over 100 million songs on the YouTube Music app.

In late 2022, the price for YouTube Premium family plans increased to $22.99 per month. The annual subscription, introduced in 2022, is now $139.99, saving subscribers $27.89 compared to monthly payments.

The cost of YouTube Music Premium will also rise from $9.99 to $10.99 per month, aligning with similar price increases by Apple and Amazon.

Existing customers will see the new pricing reflected in their next billing cycle and will receive emails explaining the changes. Subscribers who were grandfathered in from Google Play Music and/or YouTube Red will enjoy an additional three months at their current rate.

YouTube Premium offers an ad-free viewing experience on YouTube, allowing users to watch videos without interruptions. It also includes the ability to download videos and playlists for offline viewing and play videos in the background. Additionally, YouTube Premium provides access to YouTube Music, an ad-free music streaming service, with offline playback and background listening. YouTube Kids, an ad-free and offline-playable version of YouTube designed for children, is also included.

This price increase follows a trend of rising subscription costs in major streaming services like Apple Music, Amazon Music, and Netflix. It is expected to benefit Google’s financials, especially since YouTube Music and Premium had over 80 million paid subscribers as of September 2022.

YouTube is also exploring a new gaming feature called Playables, following the setback of Stadia. Playables will offer simple puzzle or arcade games on smartphones and desktops, incorporating ads for monetization purposes. This experimentation aims to enhance gaming experiences on the platform.

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Should you buy Motorola Razr 40?

By

Sudarshan Ravichandran

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Jul 20, 2023

Recently, Motorola released its latest foldable smartphones called Razr 40 and Razr 40 Ultra. These clamshell foldables are available in multiple countries across the world.

The Razr 40 is currently the most affordable foldable smartphone in the world. On the other hand, the Razr 40 Ultra offers the largest cover screen on a clamshell foldable to date.

These devices stand out from their competitors due to the specialties mentioned above. Truly speaking, the Galaxy Z Fflip 3 and the Galaxy Z Flip 4 are the only challengers to them as most others are limited to China.

But it is worth noting that a few days from now, Samsung will be unveiling the Galaxy Z Flip 5. The South Korean company’s next-gen clamshell foldable is also expected to sport a giant cover screen.

So the question arises whether you should buy any of the Motorola Razr 40 series smartphones or simply go with the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip models. We try to answer this question.

Is Motorola Razr 40 worth buying?

The Motorola Razr 40 series consists of two models, namely Razr 40 and Razr 40 Ultra.

The Razr 40 is the most affordable foldable smartphone that you can buy. The device starts at ¥3,999, ₹59,999, and €799 in China, India, and Europe, respectively. It retails at around the same price in other markets as well.

For this price, it comes with specs that match a regular mid-range slab smartphone. But the highlight is that it can fold. Thus, the handset takes up less space in your pocket, purse, or bag.

Clamshell foldables are today’s compact smartphones. Due to space constraints, they are not as good as the normal smartphones in the specs department.

But the Razr 40 is super aggressive, just like the Chinese competitors Oppo Find N2 Flip and Vivo X Fold. It has one of the largest batteries and supports both wired as well as wireless charging.

Yes, it is run by a less powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 SoC. But since the chip does not need more power, the phone can last longer.

Further, clamshell foldables are well suitable for those who want to bring down their screen time. The Razr 40 helps a lot in this regard as it has one of the tiniest cover displays.

On the other hand, the Razr 40 Ultra has the largest cover screen on any clamshell foldable phone. Motorola lets you do almost everything on this display. Hence, you don’t even need to unfold the main screen. It also houses a much more powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 chip.

The Razr 40 and the Razr 40 Ultra are the only clamshell foldable smartphones that run software that is closer to stock Android. So if you are one of those stock Android loyalists, these are the sole options you have got.

As for pricing, the Razr 40 Ultra starts at ¥5,699, ₹89,999, and €1,199 in China, India, and Europe, respectively. It is costlier than the Galaxy Z Flip 4 in most markets.

Why you shouldn’t buy Motorola Razr 40?

There are a few reasons why you should not buy Razr 40 and Razr 40 Ultra.

First and foremost, these handsets are not as water resistant as Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip models. They only come with minor splash resistance.

Secondly, stock Android is not for everyone. Also, Motorola only guarantees 3 Android updates and 4 years of security updates as opposed to 4 Android upgrades and 5 years of security patches by Samsung.

Further, though Motorola was the first to announce a commercial clamshell foldable phone, it lags behind Samsung in terms of both availability and after-sales service.

Finally, older-gen Galaxy Z Flip models are sold at heavily discounted prices after the launch of a new-gen model. For instance, the Galaxy Z Flip 3 is currently being sold at a cheaper price than the Razr 40 itself.

Previous-gen models definitely lack new features and upgrades but when you can get them at a more affordable price than a budget foldable, they are more preferable.

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Tesla Commits Over $1 Billion to Project Dojo Supercomputer for Autonomous Driving Advancements

By

Joane

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Jul 20, 2023

Elon Musk the CEO of Tesla Inc has announced a massive investment of over US$1 billion in the development of Project Dojo, an in-house supercomputer. During a conference call with analysts, Musk revealed that the ambitious project aims to handle vast amounts of data, particularly video feeds from Tesla vehicles, essential for advancing the company’s autonomous driving software. Musk clarified that the expenditure is split between research and development (R&D) and capital expenditures, aligning with their previously-stated three-year expense outlook.

The self-funded supercomputer, set to be completed by the end of 2024, will mark Tesla’s entry into the world of supercomputing. With this high-tech endeavor, the electric car manufacturer is sparing no expense to become a significant player.

Project Dojo’s primary objective is to process and analyze the substantial data generated by Tesla’s vast fleet of vehicles equipped with cutting-edge sensors and cameras. These data streams are crucial for enhancing the capabilities of Tesla’s autonomous driving technology, aiming to make it safer and more efficient.

Musk emphasized that Project Dojo is vital for handling the massive amount of data Tesla collects from its vehicles, especially video data from Autopilot and “Full Self Driving Beta” features, which have amassed over 300 million miles of data. The supercomputer’s primary purpose is to aid in the development of Tesla’s autonomous driving software, a crucial element of the company’s future plans.

Autonomous driving technology is an integral part of Tesla’s vision for the future of transportation. By investing heavily in Project Dojo, Musk hopes to accelerate progress in the field and eventually achieve full self-driving capabilities for Tesla vehicles.

While the project’s budget is substantial, it reflects Tesla’s determination to remain at the forefront of the electric vehicle and autonomous driving industries. The company’s continued commitment to innovation and research is evident through its willingness to dedicate significant resources to create state-of-the-art technology in-house.

Tesla’s pursuit of supercomputing capabilities also aligns with Musk’s broader mission to advance artificial intelligence (AI) and promote global cooperation in regulating the technology. Musk has previously emphasized the importance of responsible AI development, and it is expected that Project Dojo’s capabilities will further support this cause.

With this remarkable investment, Tesla is setting the stage for a future where autonomous vehicles become mainstream, transforming how people travel and revolutionizing the automotive industry.

Tesla’s ambitious plan to invest over US$1 billion in its in-house supercomputer project, Project Dojo, has left investors spooked, leading to a more than 4 percent post-market slide in the company’s share price.

Additionally, Musk mentioned that the ongoing rise in interest rates could force Tesla to continue lowering the prices of its electric vehicles. Recent markdowns have already impacted automotive gross margins, which reached a four-year low in the second quarter.

Despite the short-term challenges, Tesla remains focused on its expansion efforts, including upcoming models like the Cybertruck. However, the company’s gross margin recovery may be slower than initially anticipated, as Tesla relies on discounting to drive higher volumes. The firm is also investing heavily in artificial intelligence (AI) and other growth endeavors, which could put additional pressure on earnings.

While Musk assured investors that thinner profit margins are temporary, some analysts noted Tesla’s omission of maintaining industry-leading operating margins from its outlook. Musk believes the sacrifice in margins will be justified in the long run, as he predicts a significant increase in Tesla’s valuation, especially with the expected implementation of autonomous driving capabilities, which could potentially increase the value of existing Tesla vehicles.

Tesla shares fell four percent in early trading following the news, but the stock has more than doubled in value this year, setting high expectations for the company’s future performance. As Tesla continues to forge ahead in the realm of supercomputing and autonomous driving technology, investors will closely monitor the company’s progress and financial performance in the coming quarters.

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New Affordable Tesla Model 3 “Project Highland” Spotted On The Highway

By

Oğuz Çakır

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Jul 20, 2023

The electric vehicle market is getting more competitive. BYD is currently the leader, but Tesla is trying hard to catch up. Tesla recently announced major price cuts, and it seems that Elon Musk is not done yet. A refreshed Tesla Model 3, also known as “Project Highland,” has been spotted on the highway. Here are the details…

Tesla Model 3 Gets Major Facelift, New Features

If you have been following the electric vehicle world closely, you may have heard rumors about a refreshed Tesla Model 3. The vehicle was first spotted under a tarp in a garage a few months ago. The model was expected to make production easier for the company and add various features to the Model 3. Of course, no official announcement has been made about the vehicle, which is codenamed Project Highland, so all of this was just speculation. However, a video recently posted on Reddit gave us a live look at the refreshed Tesla Model 3.

As you can see in the video posted on Reddit, a prototype of the updated Model 3, known as Project Highland, was recently spotted cruising on a highway in California. The prototype was covered in black camouflage, but it was still possible to clearly see some of the changes that Tesla has made. The front end appears to have been redesigned, with new headlights and a different bumper. The rear end has also been updated, with revised taillights and a diffuser.

In addition to the exterior changes, the refreshed Model 3 is also expected to get a number of interior upgrades. These include a new steering wheel, a redesigned dashboard, and a new sound system. However, the most intriguing part is the price. As I mentioned above, one reason why Tesla made such a decision is to reduce costs. According to rumors, the new Model 3 will not contain the errors of the previous version and will be much easier to produce. This will save the company both parts and time, making the prices even more affordable than they are now.

However, it is worth mentioning again that these are just rumors that have not gone beyond speculation. Profitability is also important to Tesla, so the company may sell the new Model 3 at the same price as the old one, even though it is produced more cheaply. As you can guess, the release date is not yet known.

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Huawei Watch Fit Special Edition Launched with HD AMOLED display, Built-in GPS

By

Anurag

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Jul 20, 2023

Huawei recently teased the launch of a new Watch Fit series smartwatch and today it finally took the veils of it. Huawei Watch Fit Special Edition has been launched for the global consumers with a large 1.64-inch AMOLED display, support for Always-on Display (AOD), and a built-in GPS. The watch can last you 9 days of light usage and brings over 100 workout modes. Let’s have closer look at its specifications and pricing.

Huawei Watch Fit Special Edition

Huawei Watch Fit Special Edition looks similar to other wearables in the series with a rectangular dial. It will be offered in Starry Black, Nebula Pink, Forest Green colors with silicon straps. The smartwatch is pretty light, with the dial weighing just 21 g. It is only 10.7 mm thin. There’s a 1.64-inch HD AMOLED display on the smartwatch that offers a 70% screen-to-body ratio and 456×280 pixels resolution. The screen also has 326PPI and shows 16.7 million colors.

Huawei will let you make any of your photos the watch face. Alternatively, you can choose from over 10,000 already available watch faces. These watch faces also work with the AOD functionality. The Watch Fit Special Edition comes with HUAWEI TruSeen 5.0. This is an AI algorithm that tracks heart rate round the clock, increasing accuracy by 10%. The company also claims to have improved the sleep tracking by 10%.

Huawei Watch Fit Special Edition comes with over 100 workout modes. It will inform you of any incoming call and even let you reply to texts. The smartwatch can last 9 days of light usage and 6 days of typical usage. Huawei says a 5 minutes charge will give you more than a day’s battery.

Huawei Watch Fit Special Edition is currently up for purchase in Brazil (Via Huawei Central). It comes with a price tag of 499 Brazilian Real ($104). It should be launched in other markets soon.

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Huawei MatePad 11.5 (2023) launched in China with Snapdragon 7 Gen 1, 7,700mAh battery

By

Anurag

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Jul 20, 2023

Huawei MatePad 11.5 (2023) is already official in Malaysia and while we wait for the tablet to make it to other markets, the company has launched it in China. The specifications of the tablet are the same, meaning it comes powered by the Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 processor, a large 7,700mAh battery unit, and a 120Hz refresh rate. The large screen tablet brings a single camera setup on the back and runs HarmonyOS 3.1 out of the box. Here are the details.

Huawei MatePad 11.5 (2023) Specs

Huawei MatePad 11.5 (2023), as the name suggests, comes equipped with a 11.5-inch display. The company mentions it is an upgraded eye protection soft screen that uses anti-glare nano-etching technology. It offers a resolution of 2200 x 1440 pixels, a 120Hz refresh rate, and a 3:2 aspect ratio. The display has received TÜV Rheinland hardware-level low blue light certification. The tablet is paired with Huawei M-Pencil (second generation).

The tablet has an all-metal body, measuring 6.85mm thick and weighing only 499g. It is offered in island blue, frost silver, and space gray. Powering the slate is the 4nm process-based Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 processor, paired with either 6 or 8GB of RAM and 128GB of onboard storage. To click photos (if you really have to), Huawei has packed 13MP shooter on the rear and 8MP camera on the front.

Huawei MatePad 11.5 (2023) runs HarmonyOS 3.1 on the software front. It comes equipped with a large 7700mAh battery that is claimed to last up to 37 days on standby. It also supports 20W fast charging. The tablet gets four speakers and uses an upgraded audio algorithm Histen8.1, leading the loudness to an impressive 82dB.

Pricing and Availability

In China, folks get a “soft version” of the tablet equipped with all sorts of eye protection tech. It starts at 1,899 ($264) for the 8GB RAM and 256GB storage trim. The standard Huawei MatePad 11.5 starts at 1,699 Yuan ($236).

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Keychron Q6 Pro mechanical keyboard launched with Dual mode connectivity

By

Anurag

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Jul 20, 2023

Keychron keyboards impress a lot of consumers with their customizability and solid build. The company recently teamed up with OnePlus to launch OnePlus Keyboard 81 Pro with a neat design. Today, it has announced an economical mechanical keyboard in China, dubbed Keychron Q6 Pro. It brings Dual-mode connectivity and loads of customizability options. Let’s have a look at its pricing and specifications.

Keychron Q6 Pro Specs and pricing

The keyboard has a 100% layout, which means it has all the standard keys, including the function keys, arrow keys, and number pad. The body of the keyboard is made of 6063 aluminum, making it strong and durable. It is available in black, white, or silver.

The keyboard is equipped with self-developed K Pro switch body. These switches are made of high-quality materials and are designed to provide a smooth and tactile typing experience. The keyboard is also equipped with KSA height PBT two-color injection keycaps. The keycaps are also made up of a durable material and are resistant to wear and tear.

The interior of the keyboard uses Gasket Structure + PC positioning board design. This design provides a more comfortable typing experience and reduces the noise level of the keyboard. Keychron Q6 Pro supports Bluetooth/wired dual-mode connection, meaning you can use the keyboard wirelessly or with a USB cable. The keyboard also supports QMK/VIA open-source key change. This allows you to customize the keyboard’s layout and keymap. It is compatible with both Mac and Windows systems.

Keychron Q6 Pro is currently listed in China with a price tag of 898 Yuan ($125). This keyboard is not yet available in the global market and we’re not sure if it ever will be. In any case, we’ll keep you posted.

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U&i 38W car charger and 20000mAh Power Bank unveiled in India

By

Jed John Ikoba

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Jul 20, 2023

The U&i Trans Series 38W car charger and 20000mAh Power King Series Power Bank have been launched in India. The two new charging devices are designed to quickly and efficiently charge mobile devices on the go. These include smartphones, tablets, audio devices, and other USB gadgets.

The U&i Trans Series car charger features Quick Charge and Power Delivery (QC-PD) dual engine technology for safe and stable power output. It can charge two devices simultaneously and offers up to 38W high-speed charging. It supports both USB-C and USB-A connections while compatibility covers both Android and iOS devices. The new U&i car charger is heat-resistant and protects connected devices from overvoltage, overcurrent, overheating, and overcharging.

The U&i Power King Series 22.5W 20000mAh Power Bank is a compact and premium-designed power bank. It is a perfect choice for charging devices with higher voltage like tablets and portable laptops. The power bank offers multiple charging options including its PD port that can deliver up to 22.5W power.

The power bank also features a LED COB emergency lamp and a LED display to indicate the battery level. The power bank also comes with protection against overvoltage, overheating, overcurrent, and overcharging. Compatibility also covers both Android and iOS devices.

The U&i Trans Series 38W car charger is priced in India at Rs. 1,999 (~$24) while the 20000mAh power bank retails for Rs. 2,999 (~$37). Both products can be purchased directly from U&i outlets, as well as leading retail stores in the subcontinent.

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Roborock A10 UltraE Smart Floor Scrubber launched in China for 2,799 yuan ($390)

By

Jed John Ikoba

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Jul 20, 2023

The Roborock A10 UltraE smart floor scrubber has been unveiled in the Chinese market. The new Roborock smart floor scrubber comes with several innovative features and it is being offered at a discounted price. Customers who pre-order the Roborock A10 UltraE before the first sale will get a 700 yuan (~$98) discount on the gadget.

The Roborock A10 UltraE Smart Floor Scrubber is based on an all-round design concept. It comes with different brush heads that allow the gadget to be used as a household sweeper, vacuum cleaner, mop, and mite remover. It uses a high-torque roller brush with stronger cleaning power and suction of 14kPa. The A10 UltraE can complete multiple cleaning operations dense spray, strong scrub, hurricane suction, and deep scrape in one step. The gadget can also easily and effectively clean deep corners and walls, thanks to the smart brush head and one-sided extreme welt design.

The Roborock A10 UltraE can operate for about 1 hour on a single charge. This means it can conveniently clean a large apartment in a single operation without requiring frequent water recharging. The gadget comes with a powerful self-cleaning function using silver-ion sterilization, alternate front and back two-way scrubbing, and hot air drying.

The Roborock A10 UltraE Smart Floor Scrubber is available directly from Roborock and other retail platforms in China including Tmall, JD.com, Douyin, and Suning. It is offered at a discounted price of 2,799 yuan (~$390) on the launch date and subsequently at 3,499 yuan (~$488).

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

By

Anurag

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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

-

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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