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Xiaomi MIX Fold 3 to run on MIUI Fold 14.1, support new hover mode

Xiaomi fans have much to look forward to as the company gears up for the launch of its next-generation foldable phone, the Xiaomi MIX Fold 3 foldable phone, in August in China. The event is expected to be an exciting affair, as Xiaomi reportedly plans to unveil a range of other products alongside the MIX Fold 3, including the Xiaomi Pad 6 Max, Redmi Pad 2, and Redmi K60 Ultra.

Xiaomi MIX Fold 3 to feature Hover mode

According to a Chinese tipster, the Xiaomi MIX Fold 3 will make its debut with MIUI Fold 14.1, a customized user interface of MIUI 14 designed to adapt seamlessly to the unique capabilities of foldable devices. This latest version is expected to enhance the user experience by offering greater compatibility with various applications and introducing a new Hover mode.

Earlier this month, tipster Kacper Skrzypek provided insight into the Hover mode that will be seen on an upcoming foldable phone, which appears to be the Xiaomi MIX Fold 3. These innovative features allow users to make use of gestures on the bottom half of the screen. Additionally, the tipster revealed that double-tapping will enable pause/play functionality, sliding gestures will allow for zooming, and users will be able to adjust brightness and volume with ease.

Hover mode, akin to Samsung’s “Flex Mode,” will be a convenient feature for movie lovers and media enthusiasts. It allows easy control over content with a 21:9 aspect ratio, providing seamless navigation for movies, songs, and videos.

The Xiaomi MIX Fold 3 is expected to arrive as a major upgrade over the MIX Fold 2. The reason behind it is that it is expected to feature the 3.36GHz Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (overclocked version), an under-display camera on the foldable screen, a periscope zoom camera with 5x optical zoom support, wireless charging, a waterdrop hinge, and an IP rating.

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Panasonic AZ40M2 TWS headphones with LDAC decoding & ANC launched in China for 999 yuan ($139)

Panasonic has launched the AZ40M2 headphones under its Technics audio brand in China. The new Panasonic headphones feature LDAC decoding and active noise cancellation. The Technics AZ40M2 TWS headphones come in gold, black, and silver color options. The headphones are now available on e-commerce platforms in China.

Panasonic AZ40M2 TWS headphones

The AZ40M2 TWS headphones also support LE Audio’s LC3 encoding and enhance call quality in a weak signal environment. You can connect multiple input devices to the AZ40 via Bluetooth. It also features a fast switching mechanism for a seamless transition from one source to another. The headset is ergonomically designed and does not easily fall off the ears. The Panasonic AZ40M2 headset supports active noise cancellation. It is also possible to set a custom mode on the companion mobile app, as well as enable locating the device when misplaced.

The Panasonic AZ40M2 comes with some improvements over its predecessor the AZ40. For one, the AZ40 lacked ANC which allows the user to be fully immersed in music or work without external noise distraction. A digital software filter and feedforward mic effectively suppress environmental noise. The earbuds also feature beamforming technology for clear conversation using its dual MEMS mics on each earphone.

Panasonic AZ40M2 TWS headphones

The Technics AZ40M2 can be operated using a single bud and controlled by the Technics Audio Connect app. The earbuds are equipped with unique ambient sound modes that could be set to either Natural or Attention mode. The battery + charging case can deliver up to 24 hours of playback on a single charge for the AZ40M2 TWS headset.

The Technics AZ40M2 wireless headphones have now gone on sale in China on the retail platform JD.com for 999 yuan (~$139).

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JBL COL Series Slim Column Speakers with vivid audio quality, waterproof design launched

JBL Professional, a renowned name in the audio products market, has unveiled the JBL COL Series Slim Column Speakers. The slim column speakers are expertly designed to cater to diverse application scenarios, setting new standards in audio excellence.

JBL COL Series Slim Column Speakers

The JBL COL Series Slim Column Speakers utilize a built-in 10° downward slant design. Thus, users won’t need to install them in a slanted manner. The intelligent positioning of the woofer at the lower part of the columnar box and the tweeter unit at the top of the array ensures greater sound coverage and truly immersive listening space.

The column speakers come in four versions, each finely tuned for specific applications. Whether it’s a corporate conference room, an educational lecture hall, a bustling retail store, a grand hall, or a busy transportation center, these speakers adapt effortlessly to any environment, delivering exceptional performance every time.

Furthermore, the JBL COL Series Slim Column Speakers are equipped with multi-tap transformers. This feature allows users to effortlessly switch between 70/100V distributed speaker lines or 8Ω straight-through operation, empowering you to meet the demands of various high-performance audio setups.

The COL Series Slim Column Speakers deliver remarkable performance with specifications that speak volumes. With a frequency range of 85Hz to 20kHz, these speakers provide an exceptional balance of lows and highs, ensuring every note is delivered with pristine clarity. The coverage range of 110°/60° vertically, 10° downward (+45°/-65° coverage), and 160° horizontally ensures a full audio experience in any listening space.

JBL COL Series Slim Column Speakers

Finally, the speakers are crafted with durability in mind as they feature a rain protection layer on the grille and can withstand various weather conditions without compromising audio quality. Additionally, a protective cover for the input terminal ensures that the connectors remain safeguarded and reliable for the long term.

Availability and Pricing

The JBL COL Series Slim Column Speakers are now available for purchase through authorized JBL dealers and resellers. There is no word on the pricing at this time.

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ASUS ROG Ranger 2 wireless keyboard with Omni receiver and three-mode connection launched in China for 1,099 yuan ($153)

The ASUS ROG Ranger 2 wireless customized mechanical keyboard has been unveiled in China. The new mechanical keyboard comes with an Omni receiver and offers three connection options. The ROG Ranger 2 is currently on the e-commerce platform JD.com on pre-sale in China and comes with a decent price tag.

ASUS ROG Ranger 2 wireless customized mechanical keyboard

The new ASUS ROG Ranger 2 mechanical keyboard is customizable and adopts a 98-key layout (96%). It retains all the function keys and number keys, as well as supports 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, and wired connection options. The ROG Ranger 2 uses the ROG SpeedNova wireless connection technology which helps to reduce power consumption by half.

Furthermore, the keyboard is equipped with an Omni receiver to seamlessly connect wirelessly to multiple devices through a single receiver. However, only a few devices are currently compatible with the Omni receiver tech. The lighting effect of the keyboard can last up to 1,750 hours while the keyboard utilizes the ROG NX Xuewu white shaft body. This supports full-key hot swapping, while the upper right corner has a three-way knob for controlling multimedia, volume, and lighting effects.

ASUS ROG Ranger 2 wireless customized mechanical keyboard

The ASUS ROG Ranger 2 mechanical keyboard has a unique shock absorption design, a supplementary space bar, two-color injection keycaps, and RGB lighting effects. The keyboard also supports desktop driver settings and features 3-speed feet. The ROG Ranger 2 customized mechanical keyboard can be purchased via JD.com and is priced at 1,099 yuan (~$153). There is no global availability information currently for the ROG Ranger 2.

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Xiaomi might announce a new smartwatch for India on July 19

Xiaomi has launched a number of impressive smartwatches in China, some of which have even made it to the global market. But almost none of them are available in India. The only Xiaomi smartwatch that is available in India is the Redmi Watch 2 Active. This might change soon as Xiaomi India today teased the launch of a new product, possibly a smartwatch with Bluetooth calling and other smart features.

The new watch could support Bluetooth calling

Xiaomi’s India division has teased the launch of a new product without revealing the name or category. The company did give us a hint with a bunch of emojis, including a watch and a telephone. This suggests that the new product could be a Bluetooth calling smartwatch. We don’t know the name yet, but it could be one of the watches that are already available in China and the Global market. This upcoming product will be announced tommorow (July 19) in India.

Xiaomi smartwatch announcement

Chances are it is the Xiaomi Watch S1 Pro, which was unveiled in the global market earlier this year. That watch brings a 1.47-inch AMOLED touchscreen with 480 x 480 pixels resolution and sapphire crystal glass protection. It has a battery life of up to 14 days and charges wirelessly in less than 85 minutes. The Xiaomi Watch S1 Pro is listed on Amazon UK with a price tag of £299.

Xiaomi also introduced the Redmi Watch 3 Active in Europe last week with a 1.83-inch AMOLED display and Bluetooth calling. It supports continuous blood oxygen monitoring, heart rate monitoring, sleep monitoring, and over 100 sports modes. The Watch 3 Active is equipped with 5ATM waterproofing and can last up to 12 days. It is currently available in Germany at a price of €39.99.

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Blackview N6000 compact rugged phone with a 4.3-inch display, up to 18 days standby unveiled

Blackview has announced its new tiny smartphone that packs some decent performance features. The Blackview N6000 rugged smartphone sports a 4.3-inch display and a resolution of 540 x 1200 pixels. It has a maximum brightness of 450 nits and is powered by the MediaTek Helio G99 chipset.

Blackview N6000 rugged smartphone

The Blackview N6000 smartphone has a memory/ storage configuration of 8GB/ 256GB and a 3,880mAh battery. The new Blackview handset runs on the DokeOS version 3.1, based on Android 13. It delivers improved notifications and enhanced privacy-related features. It also comes with a new control panel for easier navigation.

The new petite Blackview N6000 has a 48MP main camera and a 16MP front sensor. The compact dual-cell, solid-state battery of the smartphone delivers up to 18 days of activity on standby and 22 hours of normal usage. The N6000 battery life however reduces to about 7 hours when watching videos or gaming.

Blackview N6000 rugged smartphone

The main camera sensor of the N6000 is the Samsung ISOCELL GM2 and uses ArcSoft 5.0 software processing for enhanced image quality. The smartphone weighs about 208g and is 18.4mm thick. It meets the MIL-STD-810H standard and can withstand being submerged underwater for up to 30 minutes at a depth of 15 meters, thanks to its IP68 and IP69K ratings.

Blackview N6000 rugged smartphone

The N6000 supports dual-SIM 4G LTE connectivity and comes with a customizable side button. The handset will be offered at a discounted price of $159.99 from July 24-28 on Aliexpress. There is an extra $10 discount and a free wrist strap holder for the first 300 buyers.

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JLab Epic Wireless Keyboard with flexible multiple device connectivity launched

The JLab Epic Wireless Keyboard has been launched. The new JLab accessory can connect to smartphones, tablets, and PCs. The Epic Wireless Keyboard offers a new experience why typing with any of the compatible devices. It has a metallic build and incorporates a physical media dial and soft touch keys. The new JLab keyboard can be connected to three devices simultaneously.

JLab Epic Wireless Keyboard

The JLab Epic Wireless Keyboard is a premium offering by the OEM which had focused on audio accessories before now. The brand is however entering the peripherals market with a bang with its new wireless keyboard. The peripheral has a full 108-key setup with enough space to accommodate a number pad and arrow keys. It has a metal base and a sleek finish with strong similarities to the Logitech MX series.

The deck of the Epic Wireless Keyboard consists of soft-touch, low-profile, and compact caps. The keys are also described as full-depth in an ergonomic design and they are backlit as well. The keyboard is equipped with the JLab media knob for quick access to a few features like volume adjustment. The metal layout of the Epic Wireless keyboard translates to its durability. Its design will also allow the user to stay mouse-free for a longer period.

JLab Epic Wireless Keyboard

In terms of connectivity, the new wireless keyboard comes with Bluetooth 5.2 compatibility. It also has a USB dongle for direct connection and switching between three devices. The keyboard can be used as a mobile accessory or operated as a conventional keyboard. The device comes with a 2,000mAh battery that can last for up to 6 months. The battery can be recharged via a Type-C to A USB cable included in the package. The gadget is currently listed on Amazon and the JLab website with a price tag of $69.

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New Moto G14 Leak Shows Off Budget-Friendly Phone’s Specs and Design

Motorola budget phones offer a good bounce for the ounce and it seems the upcoming Moto G14 will be no different. The smartphone has been making rounds on various certification sites recently, with FCC revealing a 20W charging speed. Now, a new report is hear to paint a more apparent picture of the Moto G14, revealing its design and major specifications.

Moto G14 to bring a familiar design, decent specs

The Tech Outlook has leaked the marketing images of the Moto G14. These images reveal the affordable phone will come with essentially the same design as its predecessor. We are talking about flat edges and a rectangular camera module on the back. This type of module is common among Motorola smartphones, featuring two camera sensors and an LED flash.

Being a budget model, the Moto G14 shows off a 3.5mm audio jack. There’s also a Dolby Atmos branding on the device on the top. You have the volume rockers and fingerprint-integrated power button on the right edge. Motorola will let you purchase the smartphone in blue, black, gold, and beige.

The leak also shares the specs of the Moto G14 in bits and pieces. You get a usual 5,000mAh battery unit that should support 20W charging. Powering the phone is an octa-core processor, probably one from MediaTek’s budget line. The chip is paired with 128GB storage. Connectivity options on the device may include 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, and a USB-C port. Moto G14 should run Android 13 out of the box with My UX skin on top.

Currently, there’s no official launch date for the smartphone. It should be priced $150 and arrive next month or maybe in late July. We’ll keep you posted.

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OnePlus 12 Full Specifications Leaked: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, 5,400mAh Battery, And More

Last week, the OnePlus 12 appeared in leaked renders. Now, the key specifications of the smartphone have leaked, this time again shared by reliable tipster Steve Hemmerstoffer (aka Onleaks). The OnePlus 12 is expected to arrive in December this year as the successor to the last year’s OnePlus 11. Read on to know the details that have surfaced in new development.

OnePlus 12 key specifications leaked

The OnePlus 12 is tipped to retain the same 6.7-inch curved AMOLED display bearing a 2K resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. It will have LTPO technology for an adaptive refresh rate. The leaked renders revealed a center-aligned punch-hole cutout and thin bezels surrounding the screen. The upcoming flagship is expected to come with minor design changes.

On the imaging front, the OnePlus 12 is said to feature a 50MP main sensor with OIS, a 50MP ultra-wide-angle lens, and an OIS-enabled 64MP telephoto unit with 3x optical zoom. Upfront, the device will have a 32MP selfie snapper. There will be a Hasselblad camera system onboard. 

Under the hood, the OnePlus 12 will reportedly be powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor that is expected to be announced at Qualcomm Summit in October. The device is expected to pack up to 16GB LPDDR5x RAM and 512GB UFS 4.0 storage. The next-generation flagship is tipped to be backed by a 5,400mAh battery unit compared to 5,000mAh on the current OnePlus 11. It will retain the same 100W wired charging and also support 50W wireless charging. Software-wise, the device will ship with Android 14 OS. 

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Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 pre-orders to ship with free storage upgrade

Samsung is launching the Galaxy Z Flip 5 on July 26 along with the Galaxy Z Fold 5. The new Galaxy Watch 6 series will also share the stage with the two foldables during the Unpacked event. As we are nearing their official debut, a reputed tipster has revealed the pre-order deals of the Galaxy Z Flip 5, claiming those who book it in advance will get a free storage upgrade. The Watch 6 series will also ship with some pre-order goodies. Here are the details.

Galaxy Z Flip 5 & Watch 6 pre-order incentives

Evan Blass took to Threads to share the Pre-order perks of the upcoming Samsung products. According to images shared by Blass, Samsung will offer free storage upgrade to those who pre-book the Galaxy Z Flip 5. This means you can get 512GB of onboard storage by paying for just 256GB. We are not sure if this also applies to the Galaxy Z Fold 5.

Galaxy Watch 6 series pre-orders will also ship with free goodies. If you reserve the Galaxy Watch 6 or Watch 6 Classic in advance, you can get yourself a free fabric band. The images reveal Watch 6 will be available at a special pre-booking price of $4/month. Note there’s no official confirmation regarding these incentives.

Leaks have revealed the Galaxy Z Flip 5 will be a significant upgrade over the Flip 4 with a large 3.4-inch cover screen and gapless hinge design. The primary screen on the foldable could be a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED with a Full HD+ resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. It should be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, paired with 8GB of RAM and up to 512GB of internal storage.

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Hyphen Aria air conduction earbuds want to protect your hearing, now available for crowdfunding

Using earbuds or headphones for extended periods puts your hearing at risk. We bet you’re already aware of this, but we doubt you know about Hyphen Aria air conduction earbuds. These unique earbuds aim to provide you with a more natural way of listening, something that won’t harm your ears. The company says Hyphen Aria earbuds are like “a built-in surround sound system in your ears.” These innovative hearables are now available for crowdfunding on Kickstarter. Here are the details.

Hyphen Aria featured

Hyphen Aria Eabuds offer safe listening without compromising on sound

Hyphen Aria earbuds offer a more biological way of listening. Unlike traditional earbuds, Hyphen Aria sit outside the ear canal. This is claimed to ensure improved air circulation and helps to facilitate self-cleaning through the production of earwax. The earbuds come with a compact design, weighing just 8g. There’s also a patented Gravity Hook that should provide stability and make the earbuds compatible with different ear shapes.

Hyphen Aria

These ear-friendly hearables also don’t compromise on sound quality, says the company. They precisely deliver sound waves to your ears by a 14.88mm custom driver. The power is rated to be 20W and the earbuds are also fitted with a composite membrane. The calling experience should also be not bad as the Hyphen Aria come with ENC (Environmental Noise Cancellation) and dual mic algorithm that apparently cancels 90% of the background noise, providing 35dB noise reduction.

Hyphen Aria is also rated IPX4 for dust and water resistance. Talking about the battery life, these earbuds can last you around 33 hours with the case. They support USB-C and 15W Qi wireless charging.

The earbuds are also priced competitively. Hyphen Aria has a retail price of $149 but the effective Kickstarter price is $129.

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DJI’s new drone, possibly the DJI Air 3 set to launch on July 25

DJI has recently teased the upcoming release of its new product, the DJI Air 3 drone, on its official Weibo account with the theme “Dual cameras in position, protagonist returns.” DJI has not disclosed any information about the new product, but according to previous leaks, the new product is likely to be the DJI Air 3 drone. The announcement is scheduled for July 25, 2023.

DJI Air 3 to feature dual-cameras

Compared to its predecessors, the Air 2 and Air 2S, the Air 3 is expected to be a major upgrade. According to leaks, one of the most significant improvements is the introduction of a dual-camera system, similar to the high-end Mavic 3 series. The Air 3 will feature an f/1.7 main camera with a focal length equivalent to 24mm and an f/2.4 telephoto lens with a focal length equivalent to 70mm. This dual-camera setup will provide more versatility and better photo quality, particularly for capturing distant subjects.

While the Air 3’s dual-camera system is similar to the Mavic 3, it does not seem to have the Hasselblad branding that the Mavic 3 cameras feature. However, DJI has a strong reputation for producing high-quality cameras, so the Air 3’s imaging capabilities are still expected to be impressive.

DJI AIR 3

According to the Verge, battery upgrades are also expected for the Air 3. It is speculated to have a 4241mAh or 62.6Wh battery, representing a 30% increase over the battery found in the DJI Mavic Air 2. This larger capacity battery should result in an extended flight time, which currently stands at a maximum of 34 minutes for the Air 2.

The Air 3 will come with a new RC-N2 controller, which is anticipated to enhance the overall flying experience. Pricing details have been hinted at through an Amazon listing spotted by WinFuture, with the DJI Air 3 and RC-N2 controller expected to be priced at around $1,213. ‘Fly More’ bundles, which include extra batteries and accessories, are anticipated to cost between $1,512 to $1,739.

With the official announcement only a week away, the DJI Air 3 drone is shaping up to be a considerable improvement over its predecessors, especially with the dual-camera setup and augmented battery capacity. These enhancements are poised to significantly improve both photo capture capabilities and flight times, setting the Air 3 up to be a significant contender in the drone market.

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WhatsApp now allows messaging unknown contacts without saving their numbers

WhatsApp, the popular messaging app from Meta, has recently launched a new feature that simplifies initiating chats with unknown individuals by allowing users to search for their phone numbers directly within the app.

According to WABetaInfo, this handy addition aims to provide a more convenient and private way for users to engage in conversations without the need to save unknown contacts in their address book. The feature is now accessible to users who have updated their WhatsApp applications to the latest versions on both iOS and Android platforms.

Credit: Sinch

How to Use the New WhatsApp Feature: Chatting with Unknown Numbers

To use this feature, tap on the “start new chat” button in the chat list and enter the unknown number in the search bar. WhatsApp will first search if the number is in your list or not, if not then it will search outside your contacts list.

whatsapp unknown phone number search

By extending its search functionality beyond the user’s existing contacts, WhatsApp ensures that conversations with unfamiliar numbers are made easier. This feature eliminates the need for third-party apps or the official click-to-chat APIs, simplifying the process for users who previously encountered limitations in initiating chats with unknown individuals.

One notable advantage of this feature is its ability to enhance user privacy. Previously, individuals tended to save unknown contacts in their address books to view their WhatsApp profile photos and easily identify them in the future. However, such contacts often remain stored even after their purpose has been fulfilled. By allowing users to search for phone numbers without saving them, WhatsApp presents an additional layer of privacy, ensuring a more streamlined messaging experience.

For businesses, this update enables more efficient and direct communication with customers. They can promptly respond to inquiries, provide personalized assistance, and foster stronger relationships. By eliminating the need for customers to save contacts or use third-party applications, businesses can streamline their customer support operations and enhance overall customer satisfaction.

This feature is also beneficial for smaller businesses, freelancers, or entrepreneurs who heavily rely on WhatsApp for communication and client interactions. They can easily connect with potential clients or customers by sharing their phone numbers directly, expanding their reach, and establishing new connections.

This feature is not limited to beta users, it is now widely available to all users who have installed the latest stable updates of WhatsApp for iOS and Android. The latest WhatsApp for Android update can be obtained from the Google Play Store, while iOS users can update their app through the App Store app.

In addition to this recent enhancement, WhatsApp is also actively working on introducing other new features to enrich the messaging experience. Some of the upcoming features include animated avatars, stickers suggestions based on emojis, and a hidden phone number feature for communities.

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Samsung Galaxy A05 spotted on Wi-Fi Alliance with Android 13 and dual-band support

After recently launching the Samsung M34 5G smartphone in India, the brand seems to be working on a new entry-level device called the Galaxy A05. As the name suggests, the smartphone will belong to the next generation of budget devices that are due to debut soon. The Galaxy A05 has been spotted on the Wi-Fi Alliance website.

Samsung

The Galaxy A05, identified by model number SM-A055F-DS, has received Wi-Fi Alliance certification. The certification confirms that the device will be named Galaxy A05 and will come equipped with Android 13 as its operating system. Additionally, it will support both 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi bands. No further information on the device is available as of yet, so let’s take a look at its predecessor to get an idea of what to expect.

Samsung Galaxy A04 specs

The Samsung Galaxy A04 boasts a 6.5-inch display with an Infinity-V notch and HD+ resolution. On the front, there’s a 5-megapixel selfie camera, while the back houses a dual-camera system with a 50-megapixel primary camera (f/1.8 aperture) and a 2-megapixel depth sensor, accompanied by an LED flash.

Under the hood, the device runs on Android 12 OS layered with One UI Core 4.1, powered by a MediaTek Helio P35 octa-core processor. It comes with 4 GB of RAM and offers either 64 GB or 128 GB of storage space, with expandability through a microSD card slot. The Galaxy A04 is fueled by a 5,000mAh battery, ensuring reliable performance throughout the day. Connectivity options include dual-SIM support, 4G VoLTE, Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS, a USB-C port, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

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Global Smartphone Shipments Fall In Q2 2023, But Premium Segment Registered Growth

Last week, IDC reported a decline in global smartphone shipments in the second quarter of this year. Now as per the latest research from Counterpoint’s Market Pulse service, the smartphone market also declined globally in Q2, 2023 i.e the period from April to June. It also marked the eighth consecutive quarter of year-on-year decline. The shipments dipped by 8 percent YoY and 5 percent QoQ basis during the second quarter. Read on to know more below. 

Global smartphone shipments fall in Q2, 2023

As per the Counterpoint data, all markets experienced a decline in smartphone sales. However, the most significant drops were in developed countries like the US, Western Europe, and Japan with double-digit declines. On the contrary, China, India, the Middle East, and Africa recorded a smaller decline in shipments. The reason for the contraction in smartphone shipments is attributed to longer replacement cycles, innovation convergence, and a growing demand for refurbished devices. 

As per the data from Counterpoint, all OEMs recorded negative year-on-year growth. Vivo declined 17 percent followed by Xiaomi and Samsung with 12 percent. Apple and OPPO had the lowest decline in terms of growth with 2 and 3 percent respectively. 

In the second quarter of 2023, Samsung led the market with 22 percent share followed by Apple with 17 percent share. Xiaomi was third in the list with a 12 percent market share whereas OPPO and Vivo bagged the fourth and fifth spots. The report adds that Samsung benefited from the strong performance of Galaxy A-series globally whereas Xiaomi sought growth in other markets beyond China and India. 

Although the global market declined for the eighth straight quarter, there was a silver lining. The premium segment (wholesale price above $600) continued to grow due to consumers seeking superior experience and accessible financing options. Nearly 20 percent of smartphones falling in this category were sold. Apple capitalized on this trend and recorded 50 percent YoY growth in India. 

Counterpoint Research expects a market recovery in the upcoming quarters due to healthy inventory levels, newer models, and consumer upgrades. 

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OnePlus Nord 3 5G OxygenOS 13.1.0.543 update now available with battery and camera improvements

Earlier this month, OnePlus launched the highly anticipated Nord 3 5G smartphone in the global market. The device has an impressive spec sheet including a 1.5K AMOLED display, a 50MP OIS triple camera setup, and a Dimensity 9000 processor. Now, the brand has started seeding a new software update for the device that comes with many improvements and the latest security patch.

The update labeled OxygenOS 13.1.0.543 is now being rolled out in India, Europe, and other global markets. There are two firmware versions for this update: CPH2491_13.1.0.543(EX01) for the Indian market, and CPH2493_13.1.0.543(EX01) for the European and global markets. The update includes the July 2023 Android security patch and various system improvements.

The update brings enhanced camera performance and stability, as well as improved cellular call stability to the OnePlus Nord 3 5G. Users can also expect better battery performance and overall system stability after applying this update. You can check out the official changelog below.

OnePlus Nord 3 5G OxygenOS 13.1.0.543 changelog

System
• Integrates the July 2023 Android security patch to enhance system security.
• Improves system stability and performance.
• Improves battery life.


Communication

• Improves phone call stability.


Camera
• Improves the stability of Camera.
• Improves camera performance.

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Upcoming Tecno POVA Will Feature A Unique LED Light Strip On The Back Panel

An upcoming Tecno POVA smartphone has been spotted in a video clip. It has been shared by tipster Ishan Agarwal. The clip gives us a glimpse at the upcoming offering. However, the exact name and launch timeline of the forthcoming Tecno POVA remains a mystery. 

Upcoming Tecno POVA to come with LED light on the back panel

As seen in the video, the upcoming Tecno POVA phone will feature an LED light strip on the back panel around the camera module. Ishan says that the new functionality will be called ‘Arc Interface’ and the LED strip will light up on receiving notifications. The lights can also be seen in various colors.  

The functionality looks quite cool, however, it’s not the first time we’ve spotted it on a Tecno phone. Last year’s Tecno POVA 3 also had a vertical light strip on the back panel.  The upcoming POVA phone has a glossy finish camera module with two sensors and an LED flash unit. The right side of the back panel seems to have a carbon-fiber-like pattern. 

Tecno already launched the POVA 5 in the global markets last month and the brand is teasing the POVA Neo 3. However, it remains to be seen which device will feature the LED light strip. Notably, both phones have the same back panel design, however, the POVA 5 does not have any LED strip. 

We will have to wait for more details about the upcoming mysterious POVA device. 

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Red Magic 8S Pro With Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, 6,000mAh Battery Debuts In Global Markets

Nubia launched the Red Magic 8S Pro and the Red Magic 8S Pro+ smartphones in China earlier this month. Now, the former has made its way to the global markets. It packs slightly different specifications than its Chinese counterpart and is a powerful device. Read on to know more about it below. 

Red Magic 8S Pro specifications and features

The Red Magic 8 Pro has a boxy form factor with the volume rocker and power key on the left side. The right edge features gaming-centric shoulder trigger buttons including a Red-colour slider. The back panel has vertically stacked triple rear camera sensors. It also has a built-in fan with RGB lights on the back panel. 

In terms of display, the Red Magic 8S Pro features a 6.8-inch AMOLED screen bearing a resolution of 2,480 x 1,116 pixels, 10-bit color depth, a 1,300 nits brightness, and a 120Hz refresh rate. The screen is also integrated with a fourth-generation 16MP under-display camera technology. On the optics front, the triple camera setup on the rear comprises a 50MP main sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 2MP macro unit. 

Under the hood, the Red Magic 8S Pro houses a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Leading Version. It has a higher clock speed of 3.36GHz. The chipset packs up to 16GB LPDDR5x RAM and up to 512GB UFS 4.0 storage. The device is equipped with an ICE 12.0 cooling system and a 2068mm³ super large vapor chamber (VC) for heat dissipation. The smartphone is backed by a 6,000mAh battery unit with support for 65W fast charging. 

Other features on the Red Magic 8S Pro include dual speakers, 3 mics, and an X-Axis Linear Motor. The device also has an integrated fingerprint scanner that also doubles up as a heart-rate monitor. Connectivity options on the device include Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi 7, a USB-C port, and a 3.5mm jack.  

The Red Magic 8S Pro is offered in Midnight, Platinum, and Aurora editions. The former carries a price tag of EUR 649 / $649 in Europe and America respectively for the 12GB + 256GB variant. The other two editions are priced at EUR 779 / $779 for the 16GB + 512GB configuration. The smartphone will be available for purchase from the brand’s official website starting August 3rd whereas from Amazon it will be available from August end. 

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Threads adopts Twitter-like rate limits to counter spam attacks

Instagram’s companion app, Threads, has introduced rate limits in response to increasing spam attacks, drawing comparisons to Twitter’s similar measures. Elon Musk amusingly called it a copycat move. Initially implemented temporarily on Twitter, the rate limits were later eased for Twitter Blue subscribers and verified accounts. Threads has not specified the duration of its rate limits yet.

THREADS

Spam Attacks: A Growing Concern on Threads

CEO Adam Mosseri stated that while the move was prompted by a surge in spam attacks, Threads is ready to assist users facing limitations. However, comment spam has notably risen on Threads, with users reporting bot responses on almost half of their posts. This persistent issue threatens the app’s momentum, having achieved an impressive milestone of 100 million users within five days of its launch.

Threads combats spam attacks

Threads’ challenges mirror those faced by Twitter, which imposed viewing limits following a severe outage caused by data scraping and system manipulation. Initially setting different limits for verified and unverified users, Twitter later increased these limits, particularly for verified users. Critics argued that Twitter’s bot problem wouldn’t exist if the platform hadn’t significantly reduced its engineering staff.

For Threads, the main challenge lies in effectively addressing bot and spam issues, especially since the app is currently unavailable in Europe due to strict data privacy regulations. This situation has significant implications for influencers who rely on social media platforms for visibility and monetization. Platforms must provide a spam-free environment for influencers to thrive.

As Threads implements rate limits, finding a balance is crucial. While combating spam is important, the measures should not overly hinder legitimate content creators from effectively engaging with their audience. This saga serves as a reminder to social media platforms about the ongoing battle against spam and the significance of maintaining user-friendly environments.

One of our recent quick-take articles explores the question of whether Threads can compete with Twitter in the long run. Additionally, Instagram’s Threads is expected to soon introduce direct messaging (DMs), expanding its features and providing users with enhanced communication options.

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Redmi 12 to debut on both Flipkart & Amazon in India

Xiaomi will be launching the Redmi 12 smartphone on August 1 in India. The brand has already teased the three color options of the Redmi 12 coming to India which are Pastel Blue, Jade Black, and Moonstone Silver. The brand has now revealed that the smartphone will also be available to purchase on Flipkart.

Redmi 12

The Redmi 12 will be available for purchase on Amazon, Xiaomi India website, and Flipkart. As per the Flipkart landing page, it will sport the largest display ever seen on a Redmi device, possibly the biggest among the numbered series. While it’s already accessible in various regions outside India, let’s explore its specifications.

Redmi 12 specs

The Redmi 12 is a mid-range 4G smartphone that comes powered by the MediaTek Helio G88 SoC. As for the display, the device features a 6.79-inch IPS LCD panel with Full HD+ resolution, a peak brightness of 550 nits, and a smooth 90Hz refresh rate. The device also has a fingerprint sensor mounted on the power button.

The global model of the device features 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage. It has a triple camera setup on the back, featuring a 50-megapixel main lens, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, and a 2MP macro sensor. For selfies, it offers an 8-megapixel front camera. With MIUI 14 based on Android 13, users can expect a user-friendly interface and a great overall experience.

The Redmi 12 comes with notable features like a 3.5mm headphone jack, an IP53 rating for water and dust resistance, and a 5000mAh battery that supports 33W fast charging.

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