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No More Riots: Foxconn Factory Sees Major Improvements in Working Conditions Ahead of iPhone 15

Apple is getting ready to launch the iPhone 15 series in September. Foxconn, its primary contract manufacturer, is preparing for mass production. However, it appears that the company’s standard yearly preparations may not be enough to meet the expected demand for the new iPhones. Foxconn is anticipating sales to be well above the norm, so they have decided to enhance employee benefits to ensure successful mass production of the iPhone 15 series. Here are the details…

Foxconn Steps Up Efforts to Meet Demand for Apple iPhone 15

Apple is Foxconn’s biggest customer, and their collaboration peaks in late summer when new iPhones are released. Typically, Foxconn upgrades and renovates its production lines four months before mass production begins. By August, they have 80% of their production capacity up and running, with the remaining 20% reserved for unexpected demand spikes. However, this year, that won’t be enough, so the company is taking steps to increase production.

The iPhone 15 series is expected to enter large-scale mass production soon, with a planned stockpile of up to 84 million units. This is a 12% increase compared to the iPhone 14 series last year, reflecting Apple’s confidence and underscoring the importance that Foxconn places on this production cycle. Foxconn’s primary production area remains the Zhengzhou Park, which has already begun mass recruitment. Over 1000 people are joining daily.

In addition to investing heavily in hiring, Foxconn is also working to improve the living conditions of its employees. This includes providing generous bonuses, as well as upgrading dormitories, cafeterias, and other facilities. For those returning to work at Zhengzhou Park after leaving, the base salary is set at 2200 yuan, with an additional incentive bonus of 7500 yuan during the peak season.

These efforts demonstrate that Foxconn is committed to both the success of the iPhone 15 series and the well-being of its employees. By providing competitive wages and improved living conditions. Actually, Foxconn is not making these improvements solely out of the goodness of their heart. Public relations is incredibly important for companies like Apple, so you often hear phrases about clean energy, sustainability, and human rights from executives like Tim Cook.

However, while tech companies present themselves as angels, the dirty part of the job is done by someone else. In Apple’s case, this role is filled by Foxconn. Foxconn has been in the headlines for a long time due to its poor working conditions and wages. In fact, there have even been riots at the Zhengzhou facility due to these issues. It appears that the improvements being made aim to both prevent possible production issues and refresh the company’s image.

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Samsung to share its royalty-free tech patents with smaller firms in South Korea

Samsung Electronics plans to share its royalty-free technology patents with smaller companies for free in South Korea. The move was aimed at stimulating shared growth, according to South Korea’s Industry Ministry. Smaller firms will use Samsung’s royalty-free 123 patent technologies which are spread across various sectors.

Samsung

The 123 patents relate to semiconductors, displays, mobile devices, and allied aspects. The move will allow smaller firms to leverage these technologies in the evolution of their products. According to a report by the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy, up to 86 smaller firms in South Korea will benefit from the Samsung initiative. It is part of a government-driven tech-sharing program in place since 2013.

Over 33 South Korean conglomerates and state-run companies have shared 2,979 patents with 1,416 smaller companies. Since Samsung joined the program in 2015, it has shared 1,082 patents with 588 smaller companies.

Samsung had recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with South Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and the Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology. The MOU seeks to promote a win-win scenario for the industry ecosystem through technology sharing.

Samsung says the program will give smaller companies the opportunity of upgrading their technology competitiveness. The quantum of support offered by Samsung to the smaller companies seeking the 123 Samsung patent technologies was however not specified.

The synergy and cooperation between tech powerhouses like Samsung and local companies offer a positive spin on the overall outlook of the industry. The policy thrust driven by the Korean Industry Ministry will help some of these local startups scale up their strategy and transit into the global arena.

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AMD Ryzen 7000 CPUs & Radeon RX 7000 GPUs now arrive in new Starfield Bundles

Earlier today (7th July 2023), AMD announced that it is partnering with known video games publisher Bethesda to launch special bundles for its latest-gen CPUs and GPUs. The bundles include a copy of the highly anticipated game, Starfield.

AMD to offer Starfield Standard & Premium Edition Bundles

Team Red has already begun taking orders for the new special edition bundles, which will go on till September 30. With the purchase of both the Standard and Premium editions, you will be offered a copy of Starfield. For those unaware, Starfield is Bethesda’s first original IP in over 25 years and is an offline single-player title. It will feature RPG mechanics which the company is known for and will have an emphasis on sci-fi space exploration and discovery. The title is set to launch on September 6.

AMD Starfield Bundle

If you’re looking to buy the Premium edition bundle, you would need to buy a Ryzen 9 7900 CPU or higher, or a Radeon RX 6700 GPU or higher. On the other hand, the Standard Edition starts from the Ryzen 5 7600 all the way up to the Ryzen 7 7800X3D. Similarly, the Radeon RX 6600 is the lowest tier that is offered with the AMD Starfield bundle, up to the Radeon RX 7600 model.

Notably, the Starfield Premium Edition bundle will offer up to five days of early access along with other exclusive items like a Constellation skins pack, an exclusive Shattered Space expansion following launch, and a copy of the digital Starfield OST and Artbook. The Standard Edition only offers the new game. The announcement from AMD also follows Microsoft’s launch of its Starfield-themed Limited Edition Xbox Controller and Wireless Headset.

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Should you buy Samsung Galaxy S21 FE Snapdragon variant in India?

Samsung launched the Galaxy S21 FE in early 2022 ahead of the Galaxy S22 series launch. The device comes powered by either Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 or Exynos 2100 depending on the market it is sold in.

As usual, India got the Exynos version. But now, one and a half years later, Samsung launched the Snapdragon variant of the smartphone in the country recently. For the unaware, the same happened with the Galaxy S20 FE a couple of years ago.

Exynos chips are notorious for poor thermals, performance throttling, and less efficiency. So despite being a good handset overall, the Galaxy S21 FE featuring the Exynos 2100 is subjected to these issues.

However, Samsung began offering heavy discounts on the phone a few months after its release. This made it a comparatively good value than when it debuted for consumers who are not heavy users.

Right now, the company has stopped selling the Exynos model by replacing it with the Snapdragon variant. But the new version is priced at ₹49,999, which is about the same as the price of the original Exynos variant at launch.

So is the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE Snapdragon variant worth buying in India?

Samsung Galaxy S21 FE White

Samsung Galaxy S21 FE Snapdragon variant is worth buying only during discounts

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE continues to be a good smartphone in India in 2023. It is now even better with the Snapdragon 888 chip.

But the above statement is only applicable when the device is available at the right price Because the market has evolved a lot since the initial launch of the Galaxy S21 FE.

The Fan Edition Galaxy S phone is still the only product on the market with the feature set it offers. It is a true flagship killer and one of the well-balanced handsets.

However, its pricing is terrible when compared to competitors. Thankfully, Samsung has a habit of offering steep discounts on its products a few months after release.

Thus, despite being introduced at ₹54,999, the Galaxy S21 FE Exynos version was available between ₹30,000 and ₹40,000 most of the time. Perhaps the same could happen with the Snapdragon 888 version, which carries an official price tag of ₹49,999.

The Galaxy S21 FE is the only smartphone in its segment to offer these features together — an IP68 rating for dust/water resistance, a telephoto camera, a metal frame, wireless/reverse wireless charging support, and up to 5 years of software support.

The phone is eligible for four Android updates. This means it will receive up to Android 16 as it has already received Android 13. Therefore, even being an old handset, its software longevity matches the competition.

Finally, it is worth noting that just like the Exynos 2100 version of Galaxy S21 FE, the Snapdragon 888 variant is also not meant for gaming. So gamers should stay away from it.

Otherwise, the Galaxy S21 FE Snapdragon version is still a good buy in India in 2023 at the correct price. So you can consider it whenever it is discounted.

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Realme GT 5 key specs tipped ahead of launch

Realme, the popular smartphone brand, is preparing for the release of its latest lineup, the Realme GT Neo 6 series. The series is expected to include two smartphones, namely the Realme GT Neo 6 and Realme GT Neo 6 Pro. Recent sightings of these upcoming devices on China’s 3C certification website and TENAA indicate that their launch is imminent. In addition to this series, rumors are circulating about the impending release of the Realme GT 5.

Realme GT 3

Realme GT 5 specifications (expected)

Although the exact launch date remains uncertain, some of the specifications of this rumored device have surfaced online. Renowned tipster Digital Chat Station has shared these expected specifications in a recent Weibo post.

Realme GT 5 DCS leak

According to the tipster, the Realme GT 5 will feature a 2K OLED curved screen with high-frequency dimming capabilities. The smartphone is rumored to be equipped with the powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor. Furthermore, it is anticipated to include a periscope zoom camera. Notably, the device may support fast charging capabilities, with options for either 150W or 240W wired charging, as well as 50W wireless charging.

Realme has not yet provided any official information regarding the launch of the Realme GT 5. It is speculated that the brand may unveil this device following the release of its highly anticipated Realme GT Neo 6 series in August.

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Assassin’s Creed Red set in Feudal Japan may launch next year

Ubisoft announced the Assassin’s Creed Codename Red title months ago, generating quite a bit of hype over its highly requested setting of feudal Japan. But now a launch window might have been hinted at by a Ubisoft official.

Assassin’s Creed Red could be Ubisoft’s biggest blockbuster for 2024

The news arrives from Twitter user Access The Animus who shared a LinkedIn post from a Ubisoft executive, who is a part of the Business Development and Brand partnership team. The original LinkedIn post was shared in Japanese and the translation reveals that Ubisoft is seeking a new sponsorship partner for the upcoming Assassin’s Creed game for next year.

Assassin's Creed Red

In other words, the Codename Red title might be released sometime in 2024. The Ubisoft official also added stated that “Assassin’s Creed is really expanding the multi-media front, with podcasts and Manga series. Do you want to partner with the biggest blockbuster for 2024?, “which is basically promoting their upcoming AC title. For those unaware, the studio behind the game is the Ubisoft Quebec team, which had previously developed Assassin’s Creed Odyssey.

Based on what we know so far, the latest entry in the Assassin’s Creed Franchise will likely retain the third-person gameplay with RPG mechanics in an open world map and a strong narrative. Notably, the news also arrives soon after the company announced that they are working on an Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag remake.

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Honor Magic V2 launched as the thinnest foldable yet with Overclocked Snapdragon 8 Gen 2

Foldable phones used to be big and bulky, but not anymore. Honor’s latest Magic V2 is the thinnest folding smartphone to date, measuring just 9.9mm thick. This makes it as slim as some traditional bar phones. Despite its lightweight design, the Magic V2 doesn’t compromise on features. It packs a large 5,000mAh battery and is powered by the flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor. Read on to find out more about this promising foldable.

A super thin and lightweight build

Since design and build quality are the main highlights of the Magic V2, let’s talk about them first. The smartphone brings a premium design with a large rectangular camera module, somewhat similar to the Magic Vs. When folded, the Honor smartphone measures only 9.9mm but when you open it, the thickness goes to an impressive 4.7mm. Honor says the Magic V2 leaves Huawei Mate 50RS behind in terms of thickness, which is a conventional bar phone.

The foldable is not just thin but also lightweight. The plain leather version of the device weighs 231g, and the glass version is only 237g. Both of these versions are lighter than Apple’s iPhone 14 Pro Max, which weighs 240g. Further, Honor has also made sure to make the device durable. It comes with a new hinge technology called the Honor Luban titanium hinge. The hinge has passed the Swiss SGS high-reliability folding quality gold standard certification, which means it can withstand 400,000 folds without any problems. It also supports multi-angle hovering, allowing you to use the phone in a variety of positions.

Talking about the display specifications, the Honor Magic V2 uses a 6.43-inch 2376×1060 BOE OLED outer screen with a screen ratio of 20:9, supports 120Hz LTPO refresh rate, and 3840Hz high-frequency PWM dimming. The panel has passed the TÜV Rheinland flicker-free certification and offers 2500nit peak brightness. The display on the inside of the Honor Magic V2 uses a 7.92-inch 2344×2156 BOE OLED panel with a screen ratio of 9.8:9, with the same refresh rate and dimming frequency.

What else?

Moving to the other hardware specs, the Honor Magic V2 comes equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor under the hood. But this is not your regular 3.18GHz processor, instead, it is the overclocked version with a maximum frequency of 3.36GHz. This chip was also used on the Samsung Galaxy S23 series and the recently launched Red Magic 8S Pro.

On the software front, the Honor Magic V2 runs MagicOS 7.2 based on Android 13. Notably, the foldable comes equipped with a self-developed RF enhancement chip and uses wrap-around antenna extension technology, which Honor says improves the antenna performance.

In the camera department, the Honor Magic V2 has a gets a 16MP camera on the outer screen and another 16MP shooter on the inside.  The back of the device boasts a 50MP main camera, 50MP ultra-wide-angle, and 20MP telephoto that goes up to 40x. Honor has also packed a large 5,000mAh battery on the device with support for 66W charging.

Price and availability

The Honor Magic V2 phone is available for purchase in China at 8,999 yuan (~$1,300) for the 16GB RAM+256GB storage version. You can pay 9,999 yuan (~$1,450) and get the higher-end 16GB RAM+512GB trim. If that’s not enough, the Honor Magic V2 Ultimate edition with 16GB RAM+1TB ROM comes priced at 11,999 yuan (~$1,700). The pre-sale will start at 21:30 on July 12, and the official sale will start at 10:08 on July 20. Note this product is currently limited to China.

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WhatsApp enhances privacy with hidden phone number feature for communities

WhatsApp, the popular messaging app, is taking another step towards improving user privacy within its communities. Following the recent announcement of an updated interface for the communities tab, WhatsApp is now introducing a new phone number privacy feature for community members.

WhatsApp

Understanding the New Phone Number Privacy Feature

The phone number privacy feature has been quietly tested over the past few months and is now being rolled out to a wider user base. Its primary function is to ensure that community members’ phone numbers remain hidden from other participants. Although the participants list is already concealed within the community announcement group, users were unable to interact with the group through message reactions without revealing their phone numbers. This new feature resolves that issue, allowing users to add reactions to messages while keeping their phone numbers hidden.

WhatsApp Phone Number Privacy Feature

Upon accessing the community announcement group info, users will notice a new option called “phone number privacy.” By enabling this feature, individuals are alerted that their phone numbers will only be visible to community administrators and people who have saved them as contacts. As a result, other participants in the community will not be able to view their complete phone numbers during conversations. It is important to note that this feature applies exclusively to community members, and the phone number of the community administrator remains visible.

The introduction of the phone number privacy feature offers a significant advantage in terms of user anonymity and privacy. Community members can now interact with the community announcement group without revealing their full phone numbers, such as when adding a reaction to a message. Although some users already had the ability to react to messages within the community, this new feature expands that functionality. Furthermore, WhatsApp plans to extend the phone number privacy feature to other groups in the future. If a user privately contacts a community member with a hidden phone number, they will have the option to send a request to share their phone number.

The phone number privacy feature is currently available to beta testers who have installed the latest WhatsApp update on Android and iOS devices. It will be gradually rolled out to more users in the coming days. Additionally, WhatsApp is actively working on other features, including sticker suggestion, a convenient chat list filter, and high-quality video sharing, as part of its ongoing commitment to enhancing the user experience.

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Fairphone 5 emerges on Geekbench with 8GB RAM and a Qualcomm Snapdragon SoC

Back in 2021, the Fariphone 4 was launched in Europe, which recently made its way to the US market. Now, it appears that the brand is gearing up to launch a successor, as the Fairphone 5 has emerged online.

Fairphone

The smartphone has emerged with the model name Fairphone FP5 on Geekbench. Based on the listing, the upcoming Fairphone 5 smartphone is expected to feature an octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon processor codenamed “lahaina.” The SoC configuration appears to consist of 1 prime core, 3 performance cores, and 4 efficiency cores, with a maximum frequency of 2.71GHz. Handling graphics-intensive tasks will be the Adreno 643 GPU.

Fairphone

While it is speculated that the processor could be the Qualcomm Snapdragon 782G, the base clock speed of 1.96 GHz is a bit higher than the standard SD 782G. So it is possible that this is a tuned version of the SoC or an entirely different chip. Other than that, the device has 8GB of RAM onboard and comes pre-loaded with Android 13. Moving on to performance, the device scores 1131 points in the single-core round and 2985 points in the multi-core round of Geekbench 6. These are good performance numbers for a mid-range device.

Other details about the Fariphone 5 are currently under wraps, however, we can expect it to be a repair-friendly mid-range smartphone with a focus on reliability and privacy.

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Xiaomi MIX Fold 3 3C certification reveals no upgrade in fast charging department

Xiaomi MIX Fold 3 is one of the Xiaomi devices that it expected to launch next month (August) in China. The foldable smartphone will arrive as a successor to the Xiaomi MIX Fold 2, which was announced in August last year. Ahead of the expected launch, the MIX Fold 3, which has the 2308CPXD0C model number, has received approval from China’s 3C authority. Here is a look at the details that have emerged through its 3C certification.

Xiaomi MIX Fold 3 receives 3C certification

Xiaomi MIX Fold 3 3C listing
Xiaomi MIX Fold 3 3C listing

The Xiaomi MIX Fold 3 has been spotted with a 67W fast charger (model number: MDY-12-EF) in the database of the 3C certification platform. This suggests that there will be no improvement in the fast-charging capabilities as compared to the predecessor model, which also supported 67W fast charging.

Reports have revealed that the MIX Fold 3 will come with a larger battery compared to its predecessor. Unlike the MIX Fold 2, which had a 4,500mAh battery, the new model is likely to feature a battery that is 300mAh larger. In addition, the MIX Fold 3 is also likely to support 50W wireless charging.

According to reports, the Xiaomi MIX Fold 3 will arrive with a 6.56-inch AMOLED FHD+ 120Hz display on the outside and an 8.02-inch foldable AMOLED QHD+ 120Hz screen on the inside. It is expected to run on MIUI 14-based Android 13. It is expected to feature a 3.36GHz Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, 16 GB of LPDDR5x RAM, and 1 TB of UFS 4.0 storage.

It is set to feature an in-screen camera on its inner display. On the rear side, the device will sport a camera setup consisting of a Sony IMX800 primary camera, a periscope zoom camera capable of 10x optical zoom, a telephoto camera with 3.2x optical zoom, and an ultra-wide lens. For better durability, it will be equipped with a waterdrop hinge and is also expected to come with an IP rating.

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Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 & Flip 5 India sale dates revealed ahead of launch

Samsung is gearing up to unveil its latest generation of flagship foldable smartphones. But prior to the official announcement, the sale dates for the Indian market for the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5 have been leaked. So here are all the details.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 & Galaxy Z Flip 5 first sale in India starts on July 26

The South Korean tech giant will announce the two new foldable phones along with a bunch of new products on July 26. But according to a new report, one of the leading retail partners of Samsung has revealed the sale dates for the new upcoming foldable devices. Reportedly, the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5 will go on sale in India on the 14th of August 2023. On the other hand, the pre-booking will go live on the same date as its official announcement.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5

We recently reported on the European price leak for the two foldable phones. The higher end Galaxy Z Fold 5’s 256GB variant will go on sale for 1,899 EUR, while its 512GB will sell for 2,039 EUR and 2,279 EUR price tag for the 1TB version. On the other hand, the Galaxy Z Flip 5 will start from 1,199 EUR for its 256GB storage configuration. At the moment, Samsung has already begun taking pre-reservations for 1,999 INR and offers benefits worth 5,000 INR.

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Tesla Cyberquad Set to Debut in China: Priced at 11,990 Yuan, Offering a 12km Range

The competition in the electric vehicle market is fierce, especially in countries like China. Tesla is no stranger to this competition, and it has been using a variety of strategies to attract Chinese consumers. However, it seems that the company believes that these strategies are not enough. In a move that is sure to surprise some, Tesla is bringing its “Pure Electric Off-Road Motorcycle” for kids, also known as the “Cyberquad“, to China. Here are the details…

Tesla’s Electric Off-Road Toy Car Cyberquad Debuts in China

Tesla is known for its electric vehicles, but they also occasionally release new and interesting products. In the past, they have released limited-edition items like power banks and whiskey. At the end of 2021, the company introduced the Cyberquad, a four-wheeled electric ATV for children. The Cyberquad stood out for being both a “toy” and a Tesla product. Now, it is available for sale in China.

tesla cyberquad

Tesla’s much-anticipated Cyberquad electric ATV is finally set to debut in China, with pre-orders opening today. The Cyberquad will be priced at 11,990 yuan (about $1,700), and will have a range of 12 kilometers. The Cyberquad is a smaller, more affordable version of the Cybertruck’s electric ATV, and is designed for children.

It features a minimalist design, with a steel frame and a body made of durable plastic, and can carry a maximum load of 150 kilograms. The Cyberquad is powered by a 12-volt battery, which takes about six hours to fully charge. The ATV has a headlight, taillight, and turn signals, and also comes with a removable ramp for easy loading and unloading.

It’s also worth noting that parents will need to assemble the toy vehicle themselves. Upon delivery, it will arrive in at least 18 separate parts.

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Inbase Boom Box Bluetooth Speaker With A Karaoke Mic Launched In India

Inbase Technologies has expanded its range of audio devices. The homegrown brand has launched the Inbase Boom Box Bluetooth speaker. It is an affordable offering and is said to be designed for those who want more than the typical wireless speaker. Read on to know more what it offers out of the box. 

Inbase Boom Box Bluetooth speaker specifications and features

The Inbase Boom Box is a portable Bluetooth speaker. It has a compact design making it easier to carry around everywhere. The audio device also comes with a wireless karaoke microphone that has multi-functional buttons. It offers an all-in-one Karaoke experience with music playback from various sources. 

In terms of audio, the Inbase Boom Box is said to deliver a deep bass output and enhanced overall audio experience. It has four sound modes including normal, bass, alto, and soprano depending on the user’s preference. For the karaoke experience, there are three different voice modes. The Bluetooth speaker is also said to be suitable for singing, announcements, classrooms, and small events. 

The Inbase Boom Box Bluetooth speaker is claimed to offer up to 5 hours of usage on a single charge. It supports fast charging via a USB-C port. 

The Inbase Boom Box Bluetooth speaker is priced at Rs 2,299. It is offered in four colors – Sunshine Blue, Graphite Black, Baby Pink, and Misty Grey. The audio device can be purchased from leading online and offline channels starting today. 

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Redmi 12 Confirmed To Be Available From Amazon

Xiaomi is set to launch the Redmi 12 in India on August 1. It will arrive as the successor to the Redmi 11. The brand has already teased the design of the upcoming offering. Notably, the device debuted in the global markets last month. Both Xiaomi and Amazon have put up a dedicated microsite of the Redmi 12 where key specifications of the device will be revealed in the coming days. 

Redmi 12 availability confirmed

Redmi

The Amazon microsite of the Redmi 12 confirms its availability on the e-commerce platform. Additionally, it also reveals that the upcoming offering will come with a center-aligned punch-hole cutout display. Design-wise, the smartphone has a boxy form factor and three camera sensors on the rear without a module. The back panel features a crystal glass design and it is teased to come in White and Black shades. 

The rest of the details of the Redmi 12 have not been revealed yet. We can expect the device to pack the same specifications as its global counterpart. The phone has a 6.79-inch LCD display with an FHD+ resolution, a 90Hz refresh rate, and 550 nits peak brightness. There is a side-mounted fingerprint scanner embedded in the power button.

In terms of optics, the Redmi 12 features a triple rear camera setup of a 50MP main sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, and a 2MP macro unit. There is an 8MP selfie snapper. Under the hood, the Redmi 12 is powered by a MediaTek Helio G88 processor coupled with up to 8GB RAM and 256GB internal storage. The smartphone draws its power from a 5,000mAh battery unit with support for 18W fast charging.

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Samsung files robotics patents for pet emotion detection, spray robots, and more

Samsung Electronics Co. has recently filed a series of robotics patents in the United States, signaling its commitment to exploring robotics as a potential growth sector. The patents cover a range of applications, including walking assistance devices and pet monitoring machines, showcasing Samsung’s focus on developing innovative robotic technologies.

Samsung pet monitor robot

Samsung’s robotics patents bring us closer to a technologically advanced lifestyle

One of the patents involves a robotic technology specifically designed to monitor pets’ movements and detect their emotions. Unlike pet robots requiring manual control, Samsung’s robot has autonomous capabilities. Shaped like a round device and equipped with two wheels, it can follow and track pets in real time. The robot utilizes an internal camera to analyze pet behavior patterns, enabling it to detect emotions and movements accurately. Additionally, integrated microphones allow the robot to recognize sounds produced by pets, facilitating interactive communication with pet owners.

Samsung Electronics also filed a patent for a walking assist robot intended to be worn by individuals. This robot, anticipated to be part of Samsung’s prospective healthcare robotic brand called BotFit, aims to assist people with limited mobility, particularly the elderly. It operates along pre-programmed routes, ensuring seamless and safe movement even in situations where communication is disrupted due to device errors. Notably, the device has received ISO 13849 certification.

Samsung Bot Fit

Samsung Electronics’ patented robot finger has garnered attention due to its potential applications in industrial, medical, and home settings. The robot finger comprises two sensors that enable object detection and grasping.

Addressing the need for efficient disinfection in public spaces during contagious outbreaks, Samsung Electronics developed a spray-on robot. This machine utilizes sensors to identify areas that require disinfection, providing an automated solution for effectively combating the spread of diseases.

Another notable patent involves a technology that allows robots to detect various heights along their paths. Additionally, Samsung Electronics has designed a sensor specifically for automatic charging, simplifying the charging process for robotic devices.

Samsung Electronics has established a dedicated team of robot engineers, underscoring its commitment to expanding its presence in the robotics industry. The company’s focus on innovation is expected to result in the unveiling of a walking assist device later this year, further highlighting its dedication to enhancing mobility solutions.

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NoiseFit Mattle smartwatch with 1.4″ display, metal body, BT calling & 7-day battery life launched

After launching the NoiseFit Twist Pro and the NoiseFit Fuse Pulse smartwatches last week, the brand has added another smartwatch to its portfolio in India called the NoiseFit Mettle. This smartwatch boasts a classic metal strap watch design and comes with Bluetooth calling support.

NoiseFit

NoiseFit Mettle smartwatch specs

The NoiseFit Mettle smartwatch offers a 1.4-inch HD round screen with a resolution of 240 x 240 pixels, providing sharp visuals and vibrant colors. The display is capable of reaching a brightness of 550 nits, ensuring clear visibility even in bright outdoor conditions.

In terms of connectivity, the smartwatch supports Bluetooth v5.3, enabling seamless wireless pairing with compatible devices. It also supports Bluetooth calling using Noise Tru Sync technology, allowing users to make and receive calls directly from their smartwatch.

Noise

The NoiseFit Mettle smartwatch is compatible with both Android and iOS platforms. With over 100 customizable watch faces to choose from, users can personalize their smartwatch to match their style and preferences.

When it comes to health tracking, the NoiseFit Mettle offers continuous 24×7 heart rate monitoring, SpO2 monitoring, sleep tracking, stress management, and a female cycle tracker.

For fitness enthusiasts, the NoiseFit Mettle offers multiple sports modes, including running, cycling, etc. The smartwatch can track and record your performance, helping you monitor your progress and reach your fitness goals.

Beyond health and fitness, the smartwatch offers a host of convenient features. Users can view notifications directly on the watch face. It also provides weather updates, alarm functionality, camera control, music control, and even a calculator.

The NoiseFit Mettle smartwatch boasts impressive battery life, capable of lasting up to 7 days on a single charge. However, when utilizing Bluetooth calling, the battery life is reduced to approximately 2 days.

Price & availability

The introductory price of the NoiseFit Mettle smartwatch is Rs. 2,499. It is available in Elite Silver, Elite Blue, Elite Black, and Elite Nickel colors. The smartwatch can be purchased from the Noise website and Flipkart starting from July 14th at 12 P.M. Additionally, the first 500 customers to purchase the smartwatch will receive a discount of Rs. 200.

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OnePlus 12 Leaked Renders Reveal Minor Design Changes And Periscope Lens

OnePlus is expected to launch its next-generation flagship OnePlus 12 in December. It will arrive as the successor to the OnePlus 11. Although we are still a few months away from the official unveiling, leaks and rumors about the upcoming smartphone have started gathering pace. In a new development, the OnePlus 12 has appeared in leaked renders shared by none other than reliable tipster Steve Hemmerstoffer (aka onleaks). 

OnePlus 12 surfaces in leaked renders 

The leaked renders give us a look at the OnePlus 12 from all angles. Overall, it seems that it will retain the same design as its predecessor apart from minor changes. The device has a slim design with the alert slider and power button located on the right side and the volume rocker keys on the left edge. The smartphone is seen in a glossy Black color and the brand’s iconic sandstone finish. 

Up front, the OnePlus 12 has minimal bezels surrounding the display. It has a small center-aligned punch-hole cutout for the selfie camera compared to the top left position on previous OnePlus flagships. The bottom edge of the device has a speaker grille and a USB-C port. 

On the back, the OnePlus 12 also features the same half-pill-shaped island in a glossy finish that stretches from the side frame. It houses a circular module with a tweaked sensor alignment including two lenses at the top and one periscope lens below as it was previously reported. The latter also stands out with a distinct Black strip. However, this also means that OnePlus had to move the LED flash outside the circular module and place it at the top left corner of the pill-shaped island. 

As per past leaks and rumors, the OnePlus 12 will reportedly be powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC and support 150W wired and 50W wireless charging. It is tipped to feature a 6.7-inch QHD+ OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. 

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Nothing Phone (2) Passes With Flying Colors In JerryRigEverything’s Durability Test

Nothing launched its second smartphone, the Nothing Phone (2) in the global markets yesterday. It arrived with significant upgrades over its predecessor. It has a different Glyph Interface, Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 SoC under the hood, a 50MP Sony IMX890 main camera, and a larger 4,700mAh battery unit. Now, the device has undergone popular YouTuber Zack Nelson’s (aka JerryRigEverything) comprehensive durability test. Read on to find out how the phone fares in all durability aspects. 

Nothing Phone (2) durability test

The Nothing Phone (2) undergoes Zack’s array of durability tests including scratch, scrape, burn, and lastly bend test. The YouTuber begins by scratching the display of the device. It produces scratches at level 6 Mohs hardness scale with deeper grooves at level 7. This is quite common for Gorilla Glass-shielded screens. Both the front and back camera sensors are also protected by glass and don’t get easily scratched. Notably, the fingerprint sensor also works impressively despite being scratched multiple times. 

The Nothing Phone (2) has a boxy side aluminum frame. It takes scratches on all sides in the scrape test. The smartphone also performs well in the burn test withstanding flame for nearly 25 seconds by remaining unscathed. There is a White spot where the flame hits and the dead pixels are restored quickly without any damage. 

Now comes the ultimate tense part of JerryRigEverything’s durability tests – the bend test. Zack tries bending the Phone (2) twice from the left side where the volume rocker buttons are located and it stays intact. However, things become a little concerning when he tries bending from the right side and there is a noticeable separation where the power key is located. However, the device holds its ground even after three attempts. 

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Nothing Fold (1) is not launching anytime soon

Nothing just unveiled its highly anticipated smartphone, the Phone (2), for the global market. The device arrives as the successor to the Phone (1) and is the second handset from the brand. The company has built smartphones with a unique identity in the market, but it appears that they do not have any plans to make a device that folds.

Nothing isn’t planning on launching a foldable phone

Carl Pei, the CEO of Nothing, sat for an interview with India Today where he answered a couple of interesting questions. The executive officially confirmed that the brand has no plans on releasing a foldable smartphone. He believes that this segment of smartphones is still niche and only targets a very specific group of consumers. Furthermore, Pei stated that he isn’t too fascinated with such devices and feels like they are forced onto consumers who don’t really require such a smartphone.

Nothing

The CEO went as far as to claim that most foldable smartphones seem practically identical to him. He further added that the similarities are quite evident once you remove the logo and customers would not be able to differentiate between foldable offerings from different brands. As of right now, major smartphone makers like Samsung, Huawei, Xiaomi, Motorola, and have already launched such devices.

Interestingly enough, even OnePlus is rumored to soon launch its first-ever foldable smartphone in the market as well. Carl Pei calling foldable devices niche is also quite ironic considering many look at the Glyph interface as gimmicky as well.

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Samsung Trademarks Three More Monikers Related To Smart Rings And Wearables

Last week, the Samsung Health beta app revealed support for Galaxy Ring suggesting that the brand might introduce its own smart ring or compatibility for smart rings made by other brands. The company has also trademarked smart ring monikers this year including three of them – Samsung Circle, Samsung Index, and Samsung Insight monikers last week. This has very well reignited the topic of a smart ring made by the South Korean brand. 

Samsung trademarks more names related to smart rings and wearables

In a new development, Samsung has filed a trademark for three new monikers – Galaxy One, Galaxy Pulse, and Galaxy Rhythm. They were discovered at the Korea Intellectual Property Rights Information Service (KIPRIS) by GalaxyClub. This isn’t the first time Samsung is filing trademark applications for an under-development wearable device. 

The previous trademarks pertaining to the Galaxy Circle, Galaxy Index, and Galaxy Insight classified them as “smart rings, smartwatches, smartphones, and wearable computers”. The filings for the new monikers classify them as “wearables, such as smart rings, bracelets, necklaces, and glasses.”

The report adds that the documentation attached to the applications reveals the software details mentioning “software application for smart rings for tracking, gathering, monitoring, detecting, recognizing, malfunctioning, transmitting, managing and assessing biometric and physiological data, vital signs and personal health records, and for providing medical advice.”

At this point, it remains to be seen what Samsung has in store for smart rings. A patent application from 2015 revealed that Samsung’s smart ring could be used to control smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and smart home devices along with offering better health-tracking results. We will have to wait and see about the South Korean brand’s plans to launch its first smart ring. 

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