OpenAI’s Trust and Safety Head Departs Amidst AI Safety Concerns & a Probable Investigation

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Jul 22, 2023

OpenAI, a rapidly growing artificial intelligence research organization, is experiencing a notable shift as Dave Willner, its Trust and Safety Lead, announced his departure from the position. Renowned for groundbreaking advancements in AI, OpenAI introduced ChatGPT, a revolutionary language model that has been all over the internet, more recently than before.

With the pace at which OpenAI is growing, the company needs a strong figure to look up to

Willner shared the news on LinkedIn, revealing that he would continue supporting OpenAI in an advisory role. Citing the need to spend more time with his family, he acknowledged the challenges of managing a demanding job while being a parent to young children during the company’s high-intensity development phase.

Throughout his tenure, Willner played a crucial role in steering OpenAI’s trust and safety initiatives, expressing immense pride in the company’s achievements. However, his departure coincides with legal challenges faced by OpenAI. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has initiated an investigation into the company’s compliance with consumer protection laws and concerns about privacy and security, particularly regarding a data leak involving ChatGPT users’ private information.

In response to growing concerns about AI safety, OpenAI, along with other companies, committed to implementing additional safeguards. These include providing external experts access to the code, addressing biases with societal implications, sharing safety information with the government, and watermarking AI-generated content for transparency.

As the company navigates this leadership change and addresses legal and safety challenges, it has to remain committed to promoting transparency and ethical AI practices. Finding a suitable replacement for the Trust and Safety Lead will be extremely important to uphold and enforce OpenAI’s mission of developing safe and beneficial AI.

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ChromeOS M115 Brings Exciting Features for Chromebook Users, including App Streaming

By

Anubhav

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Jul 22, 2023

The Chromebook community is abuzz with excitement as Google has announced its latest update, ChromeOS M115. Packed with a whole variety of features, this update promises to improve the Chromebook experience and make it way better. Tech enthusiasts must be eager to explore the enhancements and improvements in the new update.

The Backlight Signature feature will let users use their signatures with just a tap

One of the standout features of ChromeOS M115 is App Streaming, enabling users to complete quick tasks with ease. By streaming their Android phone’s apps directly onto their Chromebook, users can effortlessly reply to messages, monitor ride-share and delivery statuses, and efficiently manage their shopping lists. With App Streaming, the lines between smartphone and Chromebook functionality blur, making multitasking more seamless than ever before.

To take advantage of this exciting feature, Chromebook users need to ensure that Phone Hub is enabled. Following the simple steps outlined in the Help Article will ensure a smooth setup process. Also, the new and improved Shortcut App is pretty exciting. The redesign introduces a refreshed navigation and UI, making it even easier for users to find and access their favorite features. Additionally, the in-app search functionalities have been enhanced, streamlining the user experience and saving time.

With the Shortcut App’s new visualization, users will have an aesthetic and user-friendly interface. The Backlight Signature feature allows users to add their signatures to PDFs with just a tap. Furthermore, these signatures can be saved for future use, making document signing an easy process. No more printing, signing, or scanning – the new ChromeOS M115 update will make some users very happy.

As with any major update, ChromeOS M115 will be progressively rolled out over the coming days. Some users might not see the update immediately, but rest assured, it will be available soon.

Google encourages users to provide feedback on their experience with ChromeOS M115. Community feedback plays a vital role in further improving and fine-tuning the Chromebook ecosystem. If users encounter any bugs or issues, they are encouraged to create new threads on the Google Chromebook Community forum.

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Husqvarna EE 1.20 & GASGAS MC-E 1.20 balance electric bike for kids launched

By

Jed John Ikoba

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Jul 21, 2023

Husqvarna and GASGAS have simultaneously released balance e-bikes for kids who seek to learn the tricks of cycling. Balance electric bikes are an easy way of learning the ropes of cycling as the kid is saved from the added challenge of pedaling. The two companies are part of the Pierer Mobility group and the two new bikes bear several similarities. Firstly, both bikes are built under the same platform. They are also both meant for kids up to 12 years of age, providing a credible platform to learn balance positioning and throttle control.

The Husqvarna EE 1.20 comes draped in a white colorway highlighting the Husqvarna identity. It is equipped with three power modes with the lowest mode having a top speed of 16km/h. As the kid gains mastery of the bike, you can increase the speed up to 32km/h in the Advanced mode. The EE 1.20 is suitable for kids up to 12 years of age and with a minimum inseam of 60cm. This allows the rider to conveniently plant their feet on the ground. It is powered by a Manitou J-Unit Machete fork. Hydraulic disc brakes are also featured in the e-bike.

The GASGAS MC-E 1.20 balance bike is equipped with three riding modes to make riding seamless for first-timers. It is built around a TIG-welded aluminum frame which offers a solid foundation to learn the basics. It is equipped with a Manito J-Unit Machete fork and provides up to 80mm of suspension travel. The bike has a hydraulic disc brake system which provides reliability in controlling its movement.

The Husqvarna EE 1.20 is available in select dealerships while the GASGAS MC-E 1.20 will be available in GASGAS showrooms by August 2023. Pricing and general availability information of the two bikes can be gotten from the selected dealerships and showrooms.

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Upcoming Smartphones: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5, Oppo K11, and more

By

Sudarshan Ravichandran

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Jul 21, 2023

This month started with multiple smartphone launches. But as the weeks passed on, new releases cooled off. Now as we are approaching the last week of the month, there are only a couple of scheduled events.

These two conferences will be held by Oppo and Samsung. The former will unveil an interesting mid-range smartphone in China. Whereas, the latter will globally debut its next-gen foldables alongside new tablets and smartwatches.

Let’s take a look at the handsets that are set to go official in the next few days.

Upcoming Smartphones Next Week

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1. Oppo K11

The Oppo K11 is planned to launch in China on July 25 (Tuesday) at 2:30 PM GMT+8. The event will be live-streamed on Weibo and other leading Chinese video streaming platforms.

As per official teasers and leaks, this phone is nothing but a rebranded OnePlus Nord CE 3 for China. Hence, its two primary highlights will include an OIS-assisted 50MP Sony IMX890 primary camera and a Qualcomm Snapdragon 782G chipset.

It will also offer features like a 6.7-inch 120Hz FHD+ AMOLED display, up to 12GB + 512GB memory configuration, dual stereo speakers, an in-screen fingerprint sensor, a 5,000mAh battery, and 100W fast wired charging support.

2. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5

Samsung will take wraps off the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and the Galaxy Z Flip 5 on July 26 (Wednesday) at a Galaxy Unpacked event in South Korea. This conference will be live-streamed on YouTube.

The next-gen foldables from Samsung will arrive with iterative upgrades just like their predecessors. However, there will be a few notable differences.

Both the Fold 5 and Flip 5 will sport a gapless hinge. The latter will also feature a larger cover screen. Lastly, they will have newly designed first-party accessories and multi-color S pen styluses for the Fold 5.

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CSC E-RT3 Electric Scooter with impressive performance and tech announced

By

Jed John Ikoba

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Jul 21, 2023

California-based CSC Motorcycles has unveiled the E-RT3 electric scooter. The CSC E-RT3 is a tech-laden urban mobility solution that packs impressive performance. CSC Motorcycles has released a mixture of gasoline-powered and electric motorcycles with decent performance metrics. The E-RT3 electric scooter bears some semblance with electric scooters already available in Europe. The launch is coming not too long after the brand launched the ES5 e-scooter.

The CSC E-RT3 has all the features that are present in a small to mid-sized electric scooter. Its modern design is accentuated by sharp, angular bodywork, as well as a long wheelbase. It is equipped with an 8kW mid-drive motor that delivers power across the rev range. The E-RT3 has a top speed of 121km/h (75mph) while its ternary polymer lithium battery delivers a range of about 200km (124 miles). This means that the CSC E-RT3 is highway-capable.

The E-RT3 has a sophisticated full-color TFT display for a raft of ride notifications. The electric scooter is also equipped with full LED lighting and other touring amenities present in current top-grade maxi scooters. It features keyless operation, an electric under-seat storage compartment, a USB interface, and backlit controls. It also features a heavy-duty luggage rack at the rear that can have a utility box or luggage mounted upon it. The E-RT3 TFT display can also be linked to your smartphone via the companion app.

CSC has opened pre-orders for the E-RT3 at a discounted price of $6,995. The price of the CSC E-RT3 e-scooter will rise to $7,295 after the pre-order period, while an additional $410 in dealer fees is also indicated. The CSC E-RT3 electric scooter will be released between October and November 2023. Availability of the E-RT3 is tied to the US for now but this could expand, going forward.

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BYD Han EV, Tang EV, and Atto 3 launched in Morocco; first time in Africa!

By

Jed John Ikoba

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Jul 21, 2023

Chinese EV brand BYD is making inroads into the North African market with the launch of three new models in Morocco. The BYD Han EV, Tang EV, and Atto 3 will offer sufficient width for a wide variety of customers in Morocco. BYD is also partnering with Auto Nejma to fast-track sustainable transportation and electrifying the Morocco road landscape.

Auto Nejma is a leading importer and marketer of vehicles, spare parts, and other automotive accessories. The company is a subsidiary of the Hakam Family Group and it holds a number of exclusive dealerships in Morocco. BYD showcased the Han EV, Tang EV, and Atto 3 in the North African country and these models will be berthing in the Moroccan auto market soon. It is also expected that this BYD inroad into the African market could spur local assembly of BYD offerings in Morocco later.

The three new BYD offerings in Morocco are left-hand drive EVs, as Morocco has the same left-side driving policy as China. The BYD incursion into Morocco follows the brand’s entry into South Africa with the launch of the BYD Atto 3. South Africa got the right-hand Atto 3, being a right-hand drive market. The Atto 3 is also currently available in several right-hand markets including Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.

BYD expects the Morocco introduction of the BYD Han, Tang, and Atto 3 could trigger new demand for its EV offerings in Africa. The company has continued to ramp up production of EVs and achieved strategic expansion of its footprint to new markets across the globe. It is expected that other countries in Africa will join the BYD train soon.

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Lenovo Legion and League of Legends Partner to Launch Custom Gaming Skin

By

Anurag

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Jul 21, 2023

Lenovo is gearing up to launch several gaming products this month. The company will unveil the Legion Y9000X laptop and the Legion Y700 gaming tablet tomorrow in an event held in China. Ahead of the release, Lenovo has announced it has teamed up with the popular video game League of Legends to launch a custom gaming skin. This skin is based on a popular game character. Here are the details.

Lenovo is launching a slew of new products this month

Lenovo Legion and Riot Games today announced the release of an official custom skin for the League of Legends game. The skin, which belongs to the game character Viego, the Ruined King, will be released on July 22. Other details are limited at the moment. We are bound to learn it all on the launch date.

As mentioned, Lenovo is also introducing the Legion Y9000X laptop tomorrow. The machine will come with a 16-inch display with 3200*2000 resolution, 165Hz refresh rate, 100% P3 color gamut, and 430 nits brightness. It packs a 99Wh battery and supports 140W fast charging. It also gets 90mm Harman-tuned speakers as well as Wi-Fi 6 support. Lenovo will also launch the Legion Y9000X with an R7 7840H processor on July 29.

Lenovo Legion Y700 (2023) will also share the stage with its 8.8-inch LCD screen offering a resolution of 1,600 x 2,560 pixels. The tablet boasts a 144Hz refresh rate and a 6,550mAh battery unit with support for 45W charging. It will pack the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 SoC under the hood with up to 16GB of RAM. It will also feature an X-Axis linear motor, dual speakers, and a large area for VC cooling.

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HP Commits to Growth in China with R&D Center Amidst Market Challenges and Diversification

By

Joane

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Jul 21, 2023

In a bid to bolster its supply chain resilience, tech giant HP is taking significant steps to diversify its manufacturing locations. While the company plans to commence laptop production in Thailand and Mexico this year, it has reiterated its commitment to maintaining its 20,000-square-meter facility in Chongqing, China, acknowledging the country’s vital role in its supply chain.

With a view to reducing risks associated with a centralized production base, HP aims to spread its operations across various countries. By expanding laptop manufacturing to Vietnam next year, the company seeks to fortify its global supply chain and ensure smooth fulfillment of consumer and commercial demands.

As the world’s second-largest PC maker in terms of shipments, HP’s strategic move underscores its dedication to providing a stable supply of laptops and mitigating potential disruptions in the ever-evolving global market. By embracing geographic diversification, the tech company is poised to stay at the forefront of the industry and continue meeting the needs of its customers worldwide.

HP remains optimistic about its business prospects in China and has emphasized its commitment to the region. In a recent statement, the tech giant highlighted “significant opportunities” for growth and disclosed the opening of a new research and development center in Chongqing. This facility will be dedicated to pioneering computing innovations catering to customer needs.

Despite the market decline, HP managed to fare better than most competitors. With a minor 1% drop in shipments to 13.3 million units last quarter, the company utilized effective strategies like selling excess inventory and experiencing a slight increase in Chromebook sales. This performance secured HP as the best-performing Windows PC maker for the quarter, only surpassed by Apple, which saw an 8% rise in shipments to 5.5 million units.

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Honor Magic V2 Shatters Sales Records in China’s $550+ Segment

By

Anurag

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Jul 21, 2023

Honor has set the bar high in the foldable category with its latest Magic V2. The thinnest and lightest foldable phone on the market, the Magic V2 makes it clear that the big and bulky foldables are a thing of the past. While the global launch of the Magic V2 is still awaited, the device is already proving to be a hit in China. The phone has shattered sales records in the country, and it is currently the top-selling phone in China’s $550+ segment.

Honor Magic V2 selling like hot cakes in China

Honor today announced that its new folding smartphone, the Honor Magic V2, has broken the first sales record for all phones above $550 in China in 2023. This category includes your typical bar phones like the iPhone 14 Pro Max, Xiaomi 13 Ultra (review), and Oppo Find X6 Pro (review). The company also said the first day sales increased by 655% compared with the same period for the Magic Vs.

Honor has sufficient stock of the smartphone but the demand seems to be exceeding the company’s expectations. MyDrivers reports that consumers in China are lining up to buy the Honor Magic V2 in the offline stores. Now that’s something we used to hear about the first few iPhone models.

Honor Magic V2’s popularity can definitely be attributed to its thin and light build. When folded, the device measures only 9.9mm but when you open it, the thickness goes to an impressive 4.7mm. Android Authority goes ahead to call it the “foldable thinner than a ballpoint pen”. Not just the thickness, the weight of the foldable is also quite commendable, scaling at only 237g.

Its specifications are also top-notch. The foldable packs up to Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor and a 120Hz AMOLED displays on both outer and inside panels. Magic V2 brings a large 5,000mAh battery with 66W charging support.

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Vivo X100 5G global model could feature an inferior processor: Report

By

Sudhanshu

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Jul 21, 2023

Vivo is currently in the process of developing its X100 series flagship smartphones, following the successful launch of the X90 series last year. Traditionally, the brand introduces these devices in the fourth quarter in China, and it is expected that the X100 series will maintain this trend with an anticipated release in late 2023. Ahead of the official launch, TheTechOutlook, in collaboration with tipster Paras Guglani, has leaked the alleged specifications of the Vivo X100 5G global variant.

Diving straight into the details, the Vivo X100 5G global variant is said to have the model number V2308, and feature an AMOLED 120Hz adaptive refresh rate display. The device will debut globally in three colors: Black, White, and Purple.

The report has brought to light an unexpected revelation, suggesting that the global variant of the Vivo X100 5G will be powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 8 series processor. Prior rumors had indicated that the device in China would feature a MediaTek Dimensity 9300 chipset. This discrepancy could potentially be interpreted as a cost-cutting strategy and may serve as an incentive for customers to opt for the Pro model rather than the standard Vivo X100 5G. However, it’s important to keep in mind that these are all rumors and speculations, and official confirmation from Vivo is still awaited.

Other than that, the brand will make the smartphone available in 128GB and 256GB storage models that will feature a 5,000mAh battery with support for 100W fast charging. On the bright side, the device will debut with a newer Android 14-based operating system.

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Apple iPhone users in the UK may soon lose iMessage & FaceTime

By

Sean

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Jul 21, 2023

Apple might be planning on removing two of its key features from its iPhones in the UK soon. The company’s iMessage and FaceTime platforms could be disabled in the region due to the ongoing regulatory issue.

Apple refuses to comply with the new Online Safety Bill

The Cupertino based giant is in opposition to the new Online Safety Bill similar to WhatsApp and Signal. For those unaware, the UK government is planning on introducing the Online Safety Bill, which will regulate messaging services. In other words, the government will basically be able to monitor your messages to detect CSAM (child sexual abuse material) and other illegal content.

The Online Safety Bill also wants access to end-to-end encryption-based messages. This bill has already faced criticism from WhatsApp and Signal, who have also withdrawn their services from the country. Now, it appears that Apple will also be pulling out the iMessage and FaceTime services since it refuses to make special changes for a single country that can affect its security features. If the bill comes into effect, it will be the biggest threat to the data security and privacy of the UK citizens.

As of right now, the Online Safety Bill is currently under an 8-week consultation period. Tech companies like Apple are hoping that the government will take their feedback into account and revise the bill. So stick around for more as we will be providing updates when additional information is available regarding this matter.

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Oppo A58 4G listing SIRIM listing hints at imminent global launch

By

Sudhanshu

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Jul 21, 2023

Back in November 2022, Oppo A58 5G was launched in China. The brand is now planning to launch a 4G variant of the device in the global market called the Oppo A58 4G. The device has already bagged multiple certifications like FCC, TUV Rheinland India’s BIS, and Thailand’s NBTC. Now, it has emerged on Malaysia’s SIRIM certification database.

The SIRIM certification of the Oppo A58 4G (model number CPH2577) does not reveal any specifications, however, it does confirm that the smartphone will eventually debut in Malaysia.

Previous certifications have revealed that the Oppo A58 4G that the A58 4G will feature a 5,000mAh battery and supports 33W fast charging. The device will be 7.99mm thick and weigh 191 grams. Additionally, the device is also revealed to feature Android 13-based ColorOS 13.1 out of the box.

Oppo A58 5G Specs

The Oppo features a 6.56-inch LCD display offering a resolution of 1612 x 720 pixels (HD+) and a smooth 90Hz refresh rate. The screen has a dewdrop notch and supports up to 600 nits of maximum brightness. Powering the device is a MediaTek Dimensity 700 SoC, paired with LPDDR4x RAM and UFS 2.2 storage. The phone runs on ColorOS 12.1 based on Android 12.

On the camera front, it features a dual-camera system with a 50MP primary shooter and a 2MP depth sensor. For selfies and video calls, there’s an 8MP front-facing camera. The phone offers various connectivity options, including dual SIM support, 5G, dual-band WiFi, Bluetooth 5.3, GNSS, and USB Type-C. It also includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, a MicroSD card slot, dual stereo speakers, and a side-mounted fingerprint sensor. Keeping the device powered is a 5,000mAh battery, which supports 33W fast wired charging.

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Moto Razr 40 Ultra bend test shows just how flexible the flip phone actually is

By

Sean

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Jul 21, 2023

Foldable smartphones are still a niche category in the market and many still worry about their overall durability. However, it seems like the latest Razr 40 Ultra from Motorola is surprisingly stronger than it looks.

Moto Razr 40 Ultra Durability Test: Does it Survive?

In the latest JerryRigEverything video, the company’s flagship foldable smartphone was put through a number of grueling tests. This included the scratch test, burn test, and even the bend test. Starting off with the scratch test, we see that the Moto Razr 40 Ultra screen started showing visual signs of scratches quite easily even at levels 2 and 3. However, the outer panel did a much better job, lasting till round 7.

In the burn test, the outer panel again outlasted the primary flexible screen by surviving till 20 seconds. Meanwhile, the inner screen lasted just 6 seconds. During the scratch test, the device had its power and volume buttons scratached, but these still performance normally. To test the IP52 rating, Zack also covered the foldable phone with a lot of dust. But this didn’t seem to affect the device’s folding mechanism at all.

For the final test, the Moto Razr 40 Ultra was put through the bend test to test its durability. The smartphone’s flexible panel help up since it managed to not break or show any issues. However, the outer panel’s glass was completely shattered. Despite all of this abuse, the device still performed normally.

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Apple iPhone 15 Pro series may face shortages over display production issues

By

Sean

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Jul 21, 2023

Apple is gearing up to launch the iPhone 15 series soon. But it seems that the more advanced iPhone 15 Pro series will see a rocky release as the company may face issues in the production of their display panels.

Apple iPhone 15 Pro & iPhone 15 Pro Max Shortages Expected

The Cupertino based giant is apparently facing production issues for the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. It is rumored that Apple might delay the iPhone 15 series launch and the latest report also hints at a similar scenario. The company is facing issues with the production of display panels for the higher-end Pro models. For those unaware, the iPhone 15 Pro models will feature ultra-thin bezels around the screen thanks to a new manufacturing process.

However, Foxconn spotted issues with these displays made by LG during the risk ramp stage of production. During this stage, the Apple supplier manufactures hundreds of thousands of units of the device. This helps in finding out any defects in the product. According to a source close to this matter, the screen made by LG failed the reliability test after going through a new LIPO process (Low Injection Pressure Overmolding).

The process lets you fuse the display to the metal casing ahead of the assembly of the smartphone. The source added that the issue appears to affect the iPhone 15 Pro Max more severely, so its shortages could be worse than the iPhone 15 Pro. Keep in mind that this is still just an unconfirmed report, so take this news with a pinch of salt for now and stick around for more updates.

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Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 Roundup: Specs, Design, Pricing, you name it

By

Anurag

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Jul 21, 2023

Samsung has the early bird advantage in the foldable segment. The Korean company made the idea of foldable smartphones popular in 2019 with the launch of the original Galaxy Z Fold. Samsung’s Z series has been ahead of foldables from other makers, in terms of features and usability, albeit the gap is narrowing now.

Samsung is now readying to launch its next generation of folding devices during the Galaxy Unpacked on July 26. The event will see the launch of the new Galaxy Z Flip 5 and Z Fold 5. Here in this post, we’ve rounded up everything known so far about the upcoming Flip phone.

Galaxy Z Flip 5 Design & Display

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 is getting a major design overhaul this year. Unlike previous models, which featured a rather small cover screen with limited functions, Galaxy Z Flip 5’s outer screen is getting grand treatment. Similar to what we have seen on the Motorola Razr 40 Ultra (read our first impressions), the upcoming Samsung Flip phone could feature a large 3.4-inch cover screen, possibly with added features and controls.

Moto Razr 40 Ultra’s cover screen lets you do almost everything you’d do on the main screen. Samsung’s software game is even stronger than Motorola so we can expect a better experience on the small screen. The rest of the design of the phone should be same as the last year’s model. We are talking about flat edges and a dual camera setup on the rear. It should get a punched hole cutout on the front for the selfie camera.

The main screen on the device could be a 6.7-inch AMOLED Full HD display, with an adaptive 1-120Hz refresh rate. This is almost same as the Galaxy Z Flip 4, with an exception of it being able to switch to QHD resolution.

The hinge is another major improvement on the Galaxy Z Flip 5. It is what allows a foldable phone to fold, and the current Samsung flip phones have a deep crease in the center due to the hinge mechanism. While you may stop noticing the crease after using the phone for some time, the experience would be much better without it. Samsung apparently agrees, as there are rumors that the company has reworked the hinge to reduce or eliminate the crease on the display.

The Korean company is said to have equipped its latest foldables with a teardrop hinge, similar to Google Pixel Fold and Oppo Find N2. This new hinge minimizes the display crease and lets the phone fold flat without a gap.

Galaxy Z Flip 5 cameras and hardware

Samsung will pack the Galaxy Z Flip 5 with all the latest hardware. This includes Qualcomm’s greatest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip. It may not be a regular chip but an overclocked version seen on the Galaxy S23 series. The chip could be paired with up to 512GB of storage and 8GB RAM.

The phone is also rumored to get a camera upgrade, but it’s likely to be minor. It is expected to have a 12MP main camera with optical image stabilization, a 12MP ultra-wide-angle camera, and a 12MP selfie camera on the front. The megapixel count is the same as the Galaxy Z Flip 4, but there’s a possibility the sensors will be larger. The Galaxy Z Flip 5 will also have a larger 3,700mAh battery and support 25W charging. The phone will run on Android 13 with Samsung’s OneUI on top. It will retain the IPX8 rating.

Expected Pricing

A recent report claims the 256GB model of the Galaxy Z Flip 5 will cost €1,199 (~$1,414) in France. The 512GB storage model will cost €1,339 (~$1,580). As you can see the new flip phone is slightly more expensive than the Flip 4, which starts at €1,049 in the same region. But the good news is that Samsung could ship the Galaxy Z Flip 5 pre-orders with a free storage upgrade.

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Apple Registers Robust Quarterly Growth In India, Thanks To iPhone 13 And iPhone 14 Series

By

Viraj Gawde

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Jul 21, 2023

iPhones are becoming increasingly popular in India. The sales are helping Apple to gain smartphone market share in the country. The Cupertino-based tech giant also opened two retail stores earlier this year in Mumbai and Delhi. Now, a report by CyberMedia Research has revealed Apple’s performance in the second quarter of 2023 in India. Read on to know more below.

Apple experiences significant quarterly growth in India

Apple reported a 70 percent growth year-on-year in terms of iPhone shipments in India in Q2, 2023. The current generation iPhone 14 series as well as its predecessor, the iPhone 13 lineup contributed to the company’s stellar performance. Notably, the older iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 models also drove Apple’s growth. The Cupertino-based tech giant had a larger share of the premium smartphone segment in India.

In Q2, 2023 i.e. from April to July, the iPhone 13 was the best-performing iPhone in India. It had the highest market share of 52 percent owning to online sales and minor differences between the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 non-pro variants. The iPhone 14 series registered 45 percent of iPhone shipments during the same quarter. The iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 series also contributed two and one percent respectively to Apple’s growth.

Apart from iPhones, Apple’s iPad lineup also witnessed growth in India. The iPad 9th generation was the most popular with a 42 percent market share followed by the 10th generation with 22 percent share. The 2022 iPad Air and iPad Pro series recorded 18 percent and 16 percent market share, respectively.

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Xiaomi Smart TV A Series With 20W Speakers Launched In India

By

Viraj Gawde

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Jul 21, 2023

Xiaomi has launched new smart TVs in India. They are a part of the brand’s Smart TV A series. The newly announced televisions pack a host of features at an affordable price tag. Read on to know more about them below.

Xiaomi Smart TV A series specifications and features

The Xiaomi Smart TV A series is offered in 32, 40, and 43-inch screen sizes with a metal bezel-less design. The smallest variant has an HD resolution whereas the 40 and 43-inch models feature an FHD+ panel. All three televisions have a viewing angle of 178 degrees, a vivid picture engine, and a 60Hz refresh rate.

On the audio front, the Xiaomi Smart TV A series is equipped with two 20W speakers tuned by Dolby Audio and DTS Virtual: X. There is support for auto-low latency mode (ALLM) for gaming purposes.

Internally, the Xiaomi Smart TV A series is powered by a quad-core A35 processor. It packs 1.5GB RAM and 8GB onboard storage. The televisions come with a built-in Chromecast and Google Assistant. They run on Google TV with Xiaomi’s PatchWall+ UI on the top that offers Mi Home integration, IMDb, Live TV, universal search, and kids mode. The televisions ship with a Bluetooth-enabled remote control with Quick Mute and Quick Wake functionalities.

Connectivity options on the Xiaomi Smart TV A series include dual-band WiFi, Bluetooth 5, two HDMI ports, two USB ports, and a 3.5mm jack.

The Xiaomi Smart TV A series starts at Rs 14,999 for the 32-inch model with a Rs 500 discount as an introductory offer. The 40 and 43-inch variants are priced at Rs 22,999 and Rs 24,999 respectively. All three televisions will be available for purchase from the brand’s website, Mi Home, Flipkart, and retail stores starting July 25.

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New Laser Technology Makes OLED Screen Repair More Affordable, and Fixing Green Lines in Seconds

By

Oğuz Çakır

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Jul 21, 2023

OLED panels are often found in high-end products because of their superior image quality and other advantages. Especially in today’s world, this technology is very common in flagship phones. However, OLED also has some disadvantages, such as its high cost and fragility. Fortunately, technology is here to help us. There is now a laser machine that can fix green lines on OLED displays without the need for replacement parts. Here are the details…

Laser Machine Repairs Green Lines on OLED Displays

Green lines are probably one of the most common OLED malfunctions. These lines on OLED screens can be caused by broken or uneven traces within the panel, damage from water or falls, or a loose or damaged display connection. If you see green lines on your OLED screen, you can try restarting your phone. However, you may need to take it to a repair shop to have the screen diagnosed and repaired. This repair usually results in a screen replacement and a significant cost. But this is changing.

The YouTube channel Stranger Parts recently introduced us to a very interesting machine. The laser machine works by repairing the broken internal traces of the OLED panel. These traces carry electrical signals across the display. When they are broken, users often notice visible lines on the screen. The laser machine recreates the broken traces within an OLED panel in the same way they were initially made in the factory. The repair process takes just a few seconds, and the green line disappears instantly.

The best part is that the screen does not need to be taken apart or even turned off during the repair process. Of course, this does not mean that the repair is easy. An expert still needs to find the location of the fault that causes the green line on the OLED and then correct it with the laser from the machine. However, this is much easier and more cost-effective than replacing the panel as before. It is expected that the first generation of this product will become much more common and developed in the near future.

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OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite gets camera and network improvements with the OxygenOS 13.1.0.600 update

By

Sudhanshu

-

Jul 21, 2023

The Nord CE 3 smartphone by OnePlus has made its debut in India, boasting impressive features like the Snapdragon 782G SoC, a Sony IMX890 primary camera, and a Full HD+ 120Hz AMOLED display. Following its recent software update, the phone received enhancements to address any issues. Additionally, OnePlus has also rolled out a new software update for the Nord CE 3 Lite, introducing various improvements and the latest security patch.

The latest OxygenOS update, version 13.1.0.600(EX01), brings a total package size of 1.39GB and focuses on enhancing system stability for seamless performance. Notably, network connections have been improved, ensuring a more stable and reliable connection. Furthermore, the update promises to enhance camera performance, delivering an even better photography experience. You can check out the official changelog below.

OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G OxygenOS 13.1.0.600(EX01) Changelog

System

Integrates the July 2023 Android security patch to enhance system security.
Improves system stability and performance.

Communication

Improves the stability and expands the compatibility of network connections.

Camera

Improves camera performance for a better user experience.

Like usual, the update will roll out in phases meaning that Indian users can expect the update to arrive on their devices in the coming days if it hasn’t arrived already.

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Apple Sneakers: The Most Expensive Shoes You Could Ever Own Now on Auction

By

Oğuz Çakır

-

Jul 21, 2023

When it comes to Apple, most of us think of the iPhone, iPad, Mac, and AirPods. However, when we look back at the company’s history, we can see that Apple has produced many interesting products. Devices such as the Apple Newton, Lisa, and Pippin game console are now very rare and considered collector’s items. Therefore, they sell for very high prices. However, the ultra-rare Apple sneakers that recently appeared on the market surpassed them all with a price of $50,000. Here are the details…

The Rainbow-Colored Apple Sneakers That Are Worth Their Weight in Gold

Retro Apple products are often in the headlines for being auctioned off for high prices. For example, we recently told you that a special 4GB version of the original iPhone was sold for a whopping $190,372. Now, a new product has been added to the list: a pair of Apple Computer Sneakers from the mid-1990s that are now available for purchase. You may be wondering, “Did Apple produce shoes?” The answer to this question is a bit complicated.

Actually, Apple never produced shoes. However, the Apple Computer Sneakers were created in the mid-1990s as a promotional item for Apple employees. Only a small number of pairs were ever made. The sneakers are characterized by their white upper with a rainbow Apple logo on the tongue and lateral quarter. They also feature a faux “Air” cushioning window in the heel. Due to their limited availability, these sneakers are extremely valuable. One of them is now up for auction.

A pair of Apple Computer Sneakers are now available for purchase. They are brand new in the box and feature a white upper, white sole, and an iconic, old-school Apple logo on both the side and tongue. The singular pair of sneakers are available in size 10.5 (44 in European shoe size). The asking price for the sneakers is $50,000. Of course, this is a very high price for a shoe. However, it is important to remember that this product is not aimed at standard users like us, but at collectors.

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