In an announcement today, Pavel Durov, the CEO of Telegram, unveiled the forthcoming addition of the Stories feature to the popular messaging app. The new feature, which is set to debut in early July, follows years of persistent user demand, as more than half of all feature requests received by Telegram pertained to the integration of Stories.
The Rise of Stories on Telegram: Responding to User Demand
Initially, Telegram was reluctant to integrate this feature, citing its ubiquitous presence across various platforms. However, responding to user demand, the company has decided to move forward with it. The implementation of Stories on Telegram will give users the ability to control their Stories’ visibility, ranging from making it available for everyone, to only specific contacts or a group of close friends. The stories will appear in an expandable section on top of the users’ chat list.
In a user-friendly feature, Telegram will provide the option to hide Stories posted by certain contacts. This can be done by moving the specific contact’s Stories to the “Hidden” list within the Contacts section. Additionally, users can add captions, links and tag other users in their Stories. A unique feature to be introduced allows users to simultaneously post photos and videos captured by both front and rear cameras.
Furthermore, users can decide the expiration duration for their Stories, with options to have them disappear in six, 12, 24, or 48 hours. There’s also an option to keep the Stories permanently displayed on the user’s profile page, resembling Instagram’s Story highlights feature.
Telegram hopes this feature will enrich user-profiles and foster a more intimate connection between contacts. According to Durov, it will also benefit channels by allowing more exposure and subscribers, with the soon-to-be-introduced ability to repost messages from channels to stories.
After internal testing of the Stories feature, even the initially skeptical Telegram team members expressed their appreciation for it. Stories are currently in the final testing stage and Durov anticipates that they will “herald a new era on Telegram”, enhancing the social media aspects of the platform.
As part of the upcoming Amazon Prime Day sale in India, the e-commerce platform has revealed the launch dates of a bunch of electronics like the Oppo Enco Air 3 Pro earbuds. Apart from that, Realme will also be launching the Realme Buds Wireless 3 neckband on July 12.
So far, the brand has teased two color options for the earbuds: Black and White. The black option comes with a yellow wire, while the white one features a black wire. Apart from that, tipster Sudhanshu Ambhore has leaked the specifications of the Realme Buds Wireless 3 neckband. For starters, the neckband has a model number RMA2119. It measures 44 x 10.5 x 2.2 cm and weighs 30 grams.
The earbuds reportedly feature 13.6mm Dynamic Bass drivers and an effective range of connectivity is 10 meters. Other than that, the Buds Wireless 3 will also boast water resistance, but the exact level of resistance is currently unknown. Lastly, the teaser reveals that the pricing of the neckband earbuds will be below ₹3,000, with many speculating that it could cost around ₹2,500. To get an idea of what we can anticipate from the upcoming Realme Buds Wireless 3, let’s explore the specifications and features of the Realme Buds Wireless 2.
Realme Buds Wireless 2 specs
The Realme Buds Wireless 2 boasts an Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) capability capable of reducing noise levels by up to 25dB. The inclusion of Vocplus AI noise cancellation enhances call quality. Additionally, the earbuds support Sony LDAC Hi-Res audio playback and are equipped with a 13.6mm bass boost driver. Bluetooth 5.0 ensures reliable wireless connectivity.
With an IPX5 rating, the Buds Wireless 2 offers water resistance, sweat resistance, and splash resistance. The device provides up to 18 hours of battery life when ANC is activated. Charging the earbuds to full capacity takes approximately 50 minutes. Realme claims that a quick 10-minute charge can deliver around 12 hours of playback time.
Nokia has launched a new G-series phone. It is dubbed the Nokia G42. HMD Global has partnered with iFixit to bring repair guides and OEM parts including displays, battery, and charging ports for the latest smartphone. This means that the Nokia G42 is the first user-repairable phone from HMD Global. Read on to know more about what the device offers out of the box.
Nokia G42 specifications and features
The Nokia G42 comes with a 6.52-inch LCD display bearing a waterdrop notch. It offers an HD+ resolution and a 90Hz refresh rate. The screen is shielded by Gorilla Glass. Design-wise, the device is IP52 certified and has a side-mounted fingerprint scanner. There is a rectangular camera module on the back panel.
On the imaging front, the Nokia G42 features triple rear cameras. The setup comprises a 50MP primary sensor, a 2MP macro lens, and a 2MP depth unit. Upfront, the device has an 8MP selfie snapper.
Under the hood, the Nokia G42 is equipped with a Snapdragon 480+ processor. It is offered in 4GB and 6GB RAM options with both packing 128GB internal storage expandable via a microSD card slot. The smartphone draws its power from a 5,000mAh battery unit with 20W fast charging. The brand claims that the battery can retain 80% of its original capacity after 800 charging cycles.
Software-wise, the Nokia G42 runs on Android 13 OS and is guaranteed to receive two years of OS updates. Connectivity options on the device include 5G, dual 4G VoLTE, WiFi, Bluetooth, USB-C port, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.
The Nokia G42 is offered in Purple and Grey colors. The price of the 4GB + 128GB variant has not been announced. The 6GB + 128GB option retails at $199 / EUR249. It is available for purchase in the US, UK, and Europe.
Indian accessory brand Gizmore has launched yet another smartwatch in the country. Officially called Gizmore Prime, it is one of the most affordable circular smartwatches in the region sporting an AMOLED display.
The latest wearable form the company arrives just within a few weeks from the release of Gizmore Curve. Let’s go through its features, price, and availability.
Gizmore Prime is an affordable smartwatch with a classic look
The newly unveiled Gizmore Prime smartwatch features a zinc alloy metal casing. Further, it is fitted with a textured leather strap. In other words, the wearable offers a classic look.
It sports a 1.45-inch circular AMOLED display with a resolution of 412 x 412 pixels. The screen supports AOD (Always-on Display) and reaches up to 500 nits of peak brightness level. The panel is protected by 2.5D curved glass.
The watch comes with multiple watch faces. It also offers 100+ sports modes, in addition to common health functions, like heart rate monitoring, blood oxygen level monitoring, sleep tracking, stress monitoring, and menstrual cycle tracking.
The wearable is IP67-rated for dust and water resistance. It is rated to last for up to 10 days on a full charge. It arrives with other regular features, such as app notifications, weather, stopwatch, calculator, and more.
There’s also support for Bluetooth calling through the watch’s built-in speaker and microphone. These two pieces of hardware also enable voice assistant access.
Finally, the Gizmore Prime smartwatch can be availed in either black or brown color options. It is priced at ₹2,499.
However, the watch will be sold at a discounted price tag of ₹1,799 for a limited time. It will go on sale from June 29 via Flipkart and Gizmore.in.
India’s July calendar is filled with an array of smartphone and gadget launches. Oppo has sparked anticipation by listing the complete Reno 10 series on its Indian website, indicating an imminent launch. Furthermore, a teaser on Amazon India has disclosed that the Oppo Enco Air 3 Pro TWS earbuds are set to debut in the country on July 10.
According to the teaser, the upcoming Oppo Enco Air 3 Pro bears a striking resemblance to the previously launched Oppo Enco Free 3 in China. Additionally, Twitter user Shishir has shared the speculated specifications, which align with those of the Enco Free 3. It appears that Oppo may be rebranding the Enco Buds Free 3 as the Enco Air 3 Pro for its global release. Let’s explore the expected specifications of the device.
Oppo Enco Air 3 Pro (specs)
The upcoming Oppo Enco Air 3 Pro earbuds are rumored to feature 12.4mm drivers constructed with bamboo fiber. The earbuds are expected to utilize Bluetooth 5.3 for seamless connectivity and will support various codecs, including LDAC, LC3, AAC, and SBC.
The Enco Air 3 Pro will also feature spatial audio enhancing the listening experience. Additionally, the earbuds may offer up to 49dB of Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and a low-latency mode of approximately 47ms for optimal gaming performance.
Convenient touch gesture controls are anticipated to be present on the Enco Air 3 Pro, enabling easy and intuitive operation. Furthermore, the earbuds might support multi-device connectivity, allowing seamless switching between devices.
With an IP55 rating, the Enco Air 3 Pro could offer a battery life of up to 7 hours on a full charge, while the accompanying charging case may extend the total usage time to an impressive 30 hours.
TP Vision has launched the Philips x Kokoon Sleep Headphones for the global market. The innovative headset is presently up for crowdfunding on Kickstarter. The product was first launched in China in February this year as Philips N7808 sleep earphones. It is the product of a collaboration between TP Vision and sleep scientist Kokoon.
The Philips x Kokoon Sleep headphones are currently offered under crowdfunding for $175 on Kickstarter. The campaign has already raked in over 2100 backers with over $421,000 raised so far. Do note that the price will go up to $285 after the crowdfunding campaign. The pricing is similar to that of China where it was originally sold for 1,181 yuan ($174) and later retailed for 1,691 yuan ($249) after the launch period. The product will start shipping in October and is only open to backers in selected countries which include the US, the UK, the Netherlands, and France.
The Philips x Kokoon sleep headphones are a remarkable solution for improving sleep quality and comfort by creating an optimal sleep environment. The standout feature of the Philips earphones is their adjustable audio output that gradually fades as the wearer drifts into sleep. This gradual reduction in audio helps induce relaxation and promotes a seamless transition into deep sleep. The earphones are designed to match individual sleep patterns, ensuring a personalized and soothing experience.
The Philips x Kokoon Sleep Headphones boast a slim and sleek design and offer a comfortable fit throughout the night. It is just 6mm thick making it lightweight and unobstructive which allows users to wear them without discomfort. The small armature drivers used in these earphones deliver high-quality audio performance while maintaining a compact form factor.
The earphones lack active noise cancellation but employ intelligent noise-masking technology. By generating white noise, they effectively mask external disturbances that can disrupt sleep. This noise-masking feature creates a tranquil sleep environment, helping users achieve deeper and more restful sleep.
The Philips sleep earphones are also compatible with the Kokoon app, which offers advanced sleep management features. Through the app, users can access personalized sleep insights, track their sleep patterns, and optimize their sleep routines for improved rest. The incorporation of accelerometers and an optical heart rate monitor further enhances sleep analysis and monitoring capabilities.
The headphones also offer a battery life of up to 10 hours on a single charge which should ensure uninterrupted sleep throughout the night.
Google introduced Pixel as its own lineup of smartphones in 2016. It replaced the company’s Nexus series of handsets, which was the result of partnerships with leading Android OEMs.
Since its inception, these phones are being sold in India. However, despite being in the market for nearly seven years, the search giant has made no significant progress.
On the other hand, several other newcomers like Realme, Poco, and iQOO that entered India after 2016 have been quite successful in the region. If you were to argue that these are budget brands, it is worth adding that Google’s premium competitors like Apple, Samsung, and OnePlus have also done fairly well in the country.
So why Google is struggling in India? I try my best to answer this question in this opinion piece.
India is a developing nation. Though the phone penetration rate is nearing the 80% mark, not all handsets used by people are smartphones.
India is one of the largest feature phone markets in the world. As per IDC, in 2022 alone, companies shipped around 57 million units of feature phones in the country. That’s about 28% of the total mobile shipments (201 million) last year.
Thus, to garner market share, OEMs have to release handsets in the budget segment, especially the entry-level. This helps them to target low-income consumers as well as first-time smartphone buyers who are switching from feature phones.
For the last few quarters, this segment is struggling as brands are unable to produce this type of phones due to the current global economic scene. But it won’t be like this forever. However, Google does not sell budget and entry-level smartphones.
On the other hand, with the growing number of middle-class families with surplus income, consumers are gradually moving towards mid-range and more expensive smartphones. Thus, India is seeing a rise in sales of mid-range handsets.
Google’s ‘Pixel a’ series falls under this category. However, the new models are usually more expensive than competitors at launch.
Also, in terms of hardware specs, the ‘Pixel a’ series falls short in comparison with competitors. The only strong suite for Google is exclusive useful software features. But unfortunately, most of them are not available in India, such as ‘Call Screen’ and ‘Car Crash Detection’ to name a couple.
Brand perception among consumers
Google is a household name in India but we cannot say the same for its Pixel lineup of smartphones. When you think of premium smartphones, Apple, Samsung, and OnePlus are the three names that come to mind for Indian consumers.
With attractive deals, iPhones are being sold more in India than ever before. Apple sees great potential in India that it has started rolling out its first-party Apple retail stores in the country.
Then, there’s Samsung, which is generally considered the best alternative to Apple, especially in the ultra-premium segment. Further, OnePlus once ruled the premium segment in the region but it has fallen slightly with the availability of iPhones at a cheaper price.
Pixels in general do not stand out as a premium offering in India. They neither have the raw specs like OnePlus nor the familiarity factors associated with Samsung. While Apple has always been a luxury brand.
Also, Google does not have a wide after-sales network like the competition. And it is not consistent with its product lineup since it skipped the launch of Pixel 4, Pixel 5, and Pixel 6 in India.
Distribution and production
Google has the potential of improving the Pixel brand perception in India through solid distribution. But unfortunately, it is still lacking in this regard.
Currently, Pixels are sold exclusively online via Flipkart in India, and that too in limited quantity. Thus, they get sold out very quickly at times. For the unaware, previously, Pixels were available at select offline stores like Reliance Digital.
Google sells mid-rangers and premium devices, which are expensive for most Indians. Hence, these products need to be experienced by consumers to understand what they are getting in return for their investment.
Despite being in India for years, Google is yet to initiate local manufacturing (assembling) of its Pixel smartphones in India. This has now become crucial for any brand to break into the country.
India imposes heavy import duty on finished products to boost its local manufacturing under Make in India program. This is one of the several reasons why Pixels are more expensive in India than other markets.
Closing thoughts
Google is in no position to release entry-level and budget smartphones. So that’s out of the equation.
However, the company can work on the remaining factors discussed above. The Pixel brand perception can be improved with appropriate marketing tactics. Most importantly, the handsets must hit the offline markets.
Google cannot bring certain software features to India due to complexity and regulatory concerns. But the search giant has enough resources to develop new features for Indian consumers. Finally, as for local production, Google is already working on it. If it succeeds, this could bring down the price and enhance availability.
Samsung‘s Galaxy S FE series has gained popularity among users seeking a high-quality Samsung experience at a more affordable price point. These devices have established a reputation for being well-rounded smartphones that offer excellent value for money. Interestingly, Samsung opted not to release an S22 FE last year, which came as a surprise to many. However, recent rumors indicate that the S23 FE is in the works, and renowned tipster Onleaks has shared insights into its design.
According to a Smartprix report in collaboration with tipster OnLeaks, the Galaxy S23 FE will adapt the design language of the other Galaxy S23 series devices. This means a minimalistic design with three camera lenses protruding from the back. The sides will be curved to make it comfortable to hold, and the phone will feature a USB-C port and speaker grille at the bottom.
Up front, the display will likely come with symmetrical bezels and a tiny top-center punch hole for the camera. The report mentions that the display will measure around 6.4 inches, while the complete device will measure 158 x 76.3 x 8.2mm. Let’s take a look at what else is known about the smartphone so far.
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE specs & details
A recent report claims that the Galaxy S23 FE will be launching in the third quarter of 2023. Unfortunately, the report goes on to say that the device will only be made available in select markets. Specs-wise, the Galaxy S23 FE is predominantly rumored to come with an Exynos 2200 chipset, however, rumors are also rife that some markets could get a Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 version.
Apart from that, the device is said to feature a 120Hz AMOLED panel which could measure 6.4 inches with an FHD+ resolution. According to rumors, the Galaxy S23 FE is speculated to offer multiple storage configurations, giving users the choice between 6GB or 8GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB of storage. The phone is expected to come with a 4500mAh battery, which will support 25W fast charging. Picture quality on the Galaxy S23 FE could improve as rumors suggest that the device will feature a 50MP camera, instead of the 12MP camera on the Galaxy S21 FE.
IKEA could soon release two new products, the VALLHORN Motion Sensor and PARASOLL Open/Close sensor. This information is based on two FCC filings that were revealed. The filings indicate that the two sensors will be battery-powered and integrated into the smart home ecosystem.
The IKEA VALLHORN Motion Sensor is powered by two AA batteries and has a dimension of 2.77 x 2.77 inches. The sketches of the device indicate s that it is rated IP44 water and dust resistant. The VALLHORN Motion Sensor looks similar to the TRADFRI Wireless motion detector and it will trigger smart home devices like lights.
The PARASOLL Open/Close Sensor will alert you when there is an open door or window. It operates with a single AAA battery and is secured in location by a screw or adhesive strip. IKEA could possibly integrate a smart thermostat with the gadget. This will allow it to give an alert when you try to put on a heater while the windows are open. The gadget will also alert you when an intruder enters the house.
The two IKEA sensors will likely be compatible with the IKEA Home Smart system and controlled via the companion app. IKEA is partnering with Leedarson on the two sensors but a release date is not known yet. IKEA has not provided any official information on the optics of the release of the two gadgets. The pricing details are also lacking at this time.
Following the release of the Oppo A78 5G earlier this year, Oppo is now preparing to launch a 4G variant of the device, potentially named the Oppo A78 4G. Various certifications strongly suggest that the launch of the device is imminent. Recently, MySmartPrice revealed the comprehensive specifications and design of the upcoming smartphone. Let’s delve into the details.
According to leaked information, the Oppo A78 4G is expected to feature a flat frame design and will be available in Misty Black and Aqua Green color options. The device will showcase Oppo’s Glow, Diamond Matrix design.
The Oppo A78 4G will offer a 6.43-inch AMOLED display with a Full HD+ resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels. The display is expected to support a refresh rate of up to 90Hz. The front of the phone will have a hole-punch cutout in the top left corner to accommodate the front camera. While the side bezels appear relatively thin, the bottom bezel (chin) seems to be noticeably thicker. The rear of the phone will showcase a pill-shaped camera module with two circular cutouts for the dual-camera setup and an LED flash.
Under the hood, It is expected to feature a Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 SoC. The Oppo A78 4G will be launched with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, with the ability to expand storage up to 1TB via a microSD card. Additionally, there will be support for 8GB of virtual RAM. The device will be powered by a 5000mAh battery with 67W SuperVOOC fast charging support. The poster suggests that the device can reach up to 76% battery capacity in just 30 minutes of charging.
On the rear, the device will house a dual-camera setup, comprising a 50MP main camera sensor and a 2MP bokeh lens. Noteworthy camera features include Oppo’s 108MP ultra-clear image mode, dual-view video mode, and Bokeh Flare portrait mode. For selfies, there will be an 8MP front camera sensor.
The Oppo A78 4G is expected to come preloaded with Android 13 out of the box, overlaid with Oppo’s ColorOS 13.1. Other notable features include an in-display fingerprint scanner, dual speakers, and ultra-volume mode.
Meta, the parent company of Instagram and Facebook, has announced the rollout of new parental control tools for its platforms. These tools aim to enhance the safety and privacy of young users and encourage healthy digital habits. The updates include a parental supervision hub in Messenger, proactive blocking of unwanted direct messages (DMs) on Messenger and Instagram, and reminders for teens to take breaks from using the apps.
Messenger Supervision Controls: Keep Track of Teens’ Privacy and Safety Settings
The Messenger supervision controls will initially be available in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada through Meta’s Family Center. Parents or guardians will have access to their teen’s privacy and safety settings, be notified of any changes in their Messenger contact list, and monitor the amount of time spent in the app. They will also receive notifications if their teen reports someone; however, explicit permission from the teen is required for this feature.
Parents will be able to manage settings such as who can message their teens (friends only, friends of friends, or no one) and who can view their stories. Any changes made to these settings will trigger notifications for the guardians.
Instagram has been taking steps to limit interactions between teens and unknown adults, and the latest update involves users sending text-only invitations to seek permission before interacting with someone they are not connected to. This feature is designed to enhance safety and prevent unwanted contact.
To promote healthy digital habits, both Instagram and Facebook will introduce controls to reduce excessive usage. Instagram’s existing “Quiet mode,” which allows users to pause notifications and set auto-replies while taking a break, will now be available globally. Facebook will notify users after 20 minutes of continuous usage to encourage them to take a break, and it will also remind teens to close the app while watching Reels at night.
Meta is also introducing a new notice on Instagram, urging teens to allow their guardians to supervise their accounts for added protection. Parents will have the ability to view mutual followers and accounts followed by their teens.
Earlier this year, Meta implemented controls over ad targeting for teenagers and introduced tools to prevent the sharing of intimate images by minors. However, the company has faced scrutiny for privacy violations related to children’s data and was previously fined over $400 million for breaching GDPR rules.
iQOO 11S is scheduled to launch on July 4 in China. The device will be a mid-season refresh of the iQOO 11, featuring the powerful Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 2 SoC. A leak recently revealed that this device will come with a Sony IMX866VSC primary camera. Now, the brand has shared some image samples revealing what kind of photography performance users can expect from the iQOO 11S.
The image samples revealed by iQOO are shot in well-lit environments, so we are unable to see the low-light performance of the sensor, however, the image reveals that the iQOO 11S is capable of capturing and reproducing accurate colors. It is also worth noting that the subjects in the sample pictures are in motion. Despite that, iQOO 11S manages to produce sharp images with no blurring.
iQOO 11S specs (rumored)
Rumors suggest that the iQOO 11S smartphone will feature a large 6.78-inch E6 AMOLED Quad HD+ 144Hz display, a sturdy metal frame, and a dedicated display chip. It is expected to be powered by the upcoming Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 2 chipset, which is also likely to be used in the Nubia Redmi Magic 8S Pro and OnePlus Ace 2 Pro smartphones.
The device is rumored to come with a 4,700mAh battery and offer generous memory options, including up to 16GB of LPDDR5x RAM and up to 1TB of UFS 4.0 storage. It is anticipated to run on the OriginOS 3.0-based Android 13 operating system. In terms of photography, the iQOO 11S might sport a 16-megapixel front-facing camera, while the rear camera setup could consist of three cameras, with a 50-megapixel Sony IMX866V sensor serving as the main sensor.
We already know that Google has partnered up with iFixit to offer DIY self repair services for its existing Pixel series of smartphones. Now, it appears that the collaboration will expand to include the new Pixel Fold model as well.
iFixit offers parts, tools, and manuals for Google Pixel Fold repairs
According to a 9To5Google report, a Google spokesperson has confirmed that Pixel Fold will be a part of the self repair program. In other words, the Search Engine giant’s Pixel Fold owners can now receive OEM repair tools, parts, manuals, and guides to perform DIY repairs on the foldable smartphone. The self repair program will offer parts for screen assembly, battery replacement, and charging port replacements as well.
Interestingly enough, this makes the Google Pixel Fold the first ever foldable smartphone to support a self repair program. At the moment, all of the other brands only offer official in-house repairs for their flexible handsets. But apart from the iFixit repair options, users can also opt for Pixel Fold repairs from their official services and mail-in repair options as well. Furthermore, the company will also offer an extended warranty for what it’s calling the Preferred Care option.
This service will basically cover mechanical breakdowns and repairs after any accidental damages to the device after its warranty ends. This new extended warranty option will be offered on a per-month basis or a one time payment option. With this, users can expect a repair service or a full replacement based on the situation.
The iQOO Neo 7 Pro is scheduled to be officially launched in India on July 5. Prior to the launch, the company provided information about key features such as a dedicated gaming chip, battery capacity, charging capabilities, and the chipset used in the Neo 7 Pro. Today, the company revealed details about the primary camera of the device.
iQOO confirmed that the iQOO Neo 7 Pro is equipped with an OIS-enabled 50-megapixel Samsung ISOCELL GN5 primary camera. It is the same camera that is available on the iQOO 11 5G. The ultra-sensing camera can capture better shots in dim-light conditions, according to the company. The brand is yet to confirm the details of the auxiliary cameras on the device.
IQOO Neo 7 Pro 50MP main camera
The iQOO Neo 7 Pro is confirmed to feature the Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 chipset, which is the next best Qualcomm chip after the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. It will house a 5,000mAh battery with support for 120W charging. The company claimed that the device can go from 0 to 50 percent in just 8 minutes using the 120W charger.
The Neo 7 Pro will feature an independent gaming chip that will assist in enhancing the frame rate for a better gaming experience. It is confirmed to arrive in two color variants, such as Dark Storm and Fearless Flame. The latter will come equipped with a leather back.
A recent leak revealed that the iQOO Neo 7 Pro 5G will come in two options, such as 8 GB RAM + 128 GB storage and 12 GB RAM + 256 GB storage. It is likely to cost around Rs 35,000. In related news, iQOO will launch the iQOO 11S with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, 200W charging, and a Sony IMX866 50-megapixel camera on the same date (July 5) in China. Readers can learn more about it through this post.
A couple of days back, Red Magic made it official that the Red Magic 8S Pro gaming smartphone will be launching on July 5 in China. Ahead of the launch, the brand has shared official images of the device revealing its design and color options.
Red Magic 8S Pro
From the images, we can see that the device will be available in two colors basic colors: Metalic Silver and Metalic Black. However, like the 8 Pro, the 8S Pro will also feature a transparent back model that showcases the RGB cooling fan. The more minimalistic designs will come with a brushed metal finish.
Red Magic 8S Pro
Up-front, the device will have a flat display with narrow, symmetrical bezels and an under-display camera. Let’s check out the specs and features of this upcoming device.
Red Magic 8S ProRed Magic 8S Pro
Red Magic 8S Pro specs (rumored)
According to these early reports, the Red Magic 8S Pro is likely to boast a 6.8-inch AMOLED display, offering a Full HD+ resolution of 1116×2480 pixels along with 120Hz refresh rate.
Under the hood, the device will feature a Snapdragon 8+ Gen 2 SoC, paired with up to 24GB of LPDDR5x RAM and up to 1 TB of UFS 4.0 storage. Powering the device will likely be a massive 6,000mAh battery with 80W fast charging support. As for software, we can expect the device to come with an Android 13-based Red Magic OS 6 out of the box.
According to rumors, the Red Magic 8S Pro is expected to sport a 16-megapixel front camera for capturing selfies. On the rear, the device is rumored to feature a triple camera setup, consisting of a 50-megapixel main camera, an 8-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 2-megapixel macro lens.
LG has announced a new gadget that can be used along with its existing lineup of smart TVs. The new device in question is the Smart Cam (VC23GA), which offers additional functionality to its smart TVs.
LG Smart Cam specifications
The new Smart Cam is being rolled out globally and offers Full HD (1080p) video recording. This new peripheral gadget will work seamlessly with the South Korean tech giant’s current smart TVs that run on webOS. Simply put, it arrives to improve user experience with additional features and functionality. Thanks to the new Smart Cam, one can make video calls from their smart TVs without requiring any other additional devices as it houses built in dual microphones.
Furthermore, it was designed to fit seamlessly with LG smart TVs so it features a thin and sleek design that can attach to the webOS powered TVs via a magnetic connector. The device lets users manually cover the camera as well for added privacy by physically blocking the lens. The video calling and conferencing feature can be accessed via the RemoteMeeting feature which allows you to make business or personal calls.
Other notable features include USB 2.0 connectivity, 1 year warranty, webOS 22 and webOS 23 compatibility, and more. The new LG Smart Cam arrives with a price tag of 99.99 US Dollars and is available in a single black color option. The device can be purchased in the US and South Korean markets via the brand’s official online store. Apart from this, LG plans to release the Smart Cam in other major markets as well. Notably, the global release also arrives after a similar roll out for the company’s XBOOM series of portable tower speakers.
itel has been maintaining a steady release of budget-friendly smartphones in the Indian market. Their latest addition is the itel S23, and it has started teasing the upcoming itel A60s. Today, the brand officially announced the impending launch of another device called the itel P40 Plus. A dedicated microsite showcasing important details regarding its specifications, design, and pricing hint is now available on Amazon.
The Amazon page proudly boasts that the itel 40 Plus will be India’s first smartphone with a 7,000mAh battery priced under Rs 9,000 (~$110). The mammoth battery will offer 41 hours of calling time, 14 hours of video playback, and 16 hours of chatting. The company also confirmed that the itel 40 Plus will support 18W charging via a USB-C port.
itel P40 Plus poster
The above image confirms that the itel P40 Plus will feature a punch-hole display with a thick bottom bezel. The device is equipped with flat edges and a dual-camera setup with dual-LED flash units on the back. It also seems to feature a side-facing fingerprint sensor.
While itel has unveiled the green variant of the itel P40 Plus, it remains uncertain whether additional color options will be available for this model. For those who don’t know, the itel P40+ will arrive as an enhanced version of the itel P40, which was announced in March this year.
Itel P40 Plus specifications
While the itel P40+ is a new phone, it is already available in African markets like Nigeria. The device features a 6.8-inch LCD panel that offers HD+ resolution and a 20:9 aspect ratio. It has an 8-megapixel front camera and a 13-megapixel + AI lens dual-camera system on the back.
The itel P40+ is powered by the Unisoc T606 chipset, 4 GB of RAM, and a 7,000mAh battery with 18W charging. The phone ships with Android 12 OS and offers 128 GB of storage.
In India, Infinix introduced the Infinix Note 30 5G smartphone on June 14. The smartphone has been available for purchase via Flipkart since June 22. While the Magic Black and Interstellar Blue variants of the phone have been available for purchase, the Sunset Gold edition has not yet been made available for purchase. The below tweet released by the brand confirms that the Sunset Gold will be up for purchase for the first time on June 29.
We know what you all are waiting for! The bestseller of the month #infinixNote305G is coming back with sunset gold color on 29 June only on Flipkart. Grab it now! pic.twitter.com/nTaiOHd2ml
The Infinix Note 30 5G Sunset Gold edition will be available for the same price as its other color options. The device is priced at Rs 14,999 (~$183) and Rs 15,999 (~$195) for the 4 GB RAM + 128 GB storage and 8 GB RAM + 256 GB storage variants, respectively. Shown below are the real-life images of the Sunset Gold edition.
Infinix Note 30 5G specifications
The Infinix Note 30 5G is equipped with a 6.78-inch IPS LTPS panel that offers a Full HD+ resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, and a 240Hz touch sampling rate. For security, it has a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, and it ships with Android 13 OS with a layer of XOS 13 on top.
The Dimensity 6080 chip powers the Note 30 5G. It features 4 GB / 8 GB of LPDDR4x RAM, 128 GB / 256 GB of UFS 2.2 storage, and a 5,000mAh battery with 45W charging. For selfies, the device is fitted with a 16-megapixel front camera. Its rear camera module has a 108-megapixel primary camera, a 2-megapixel depth sensor, and an AI lens.
The ninth-generation console wars among Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo are continuing at full speed. Sony currently seems to be leading the race with its PS5, while Microsoft is doing its best to close the gap, or at least that’s what we believed. According to the latest reports, it appears that Microsoft has been sacrificing Xbox Series X sales in favor of investing in cloud gaming. Here are the details…
Microsoft Bets on Cloud Gaming, Sacrifices Xbox Series X and S Sales
Microsoft released the Xbox Series S and X in 2020. These consoles were powerful, and Microsoft hoped they would help the company win back gamers who had switched to PlayStation. However, it seems that Microsoft is now prioritizing cloud gaming over its consoles. In an internal email exchange, Xbox chief Phil Spencer and CFO Tim Stuart said that Microsoft had been making “tradeoffs” in order to invest in cloud gaming, even if that meant sacrificing Xbox Series X sales.
As you know, Microsoft has been trying to buy Activision Blizzard, but the legal process is making it difficult. During the FTC hearing about this process, some internal discussions at Microsoft were revealed. These discussions showed that Microsoft is prioritizing cloud gaming and content over console sales. Phil Spencer, the head of Xbox, said that “we believe in our tradeoffs for Cloud and Content in Gaming over console volume.” This means that Microsoft is willing to sacrifice some console sales in order to focus on cloud gaming and content. Unfortunately, these leaks will disappoint many Xbox enthusiasts.
In order to make cloud gaming more appealing to gamers, Microsoft has been investing heavily in building out its cloud infrastructure. The company has also been working on a dedicated Xbox streaming device that would make it easier for people to access cloud gaming. However, it is unclear when this device will be released. Microsoft’s decision to sacrifice Xbox Series X sales for cloud gaming is a gamble, but it seems is one that the company is willing to take.
Fire-Boltt has unveiled a new smartwatch model that will be arriving in India soon. The new smart wearable model is called the Grenade smartwatch and offers a rugged design with a stainless steel body. So here are all the details.
Fire-Boltt Grenade specifications & pricing
The company’s latest smartwatch features a circular dial with two buttons on the side. It has a rugged design thanks to its shockproof body. The screen is a 1.39 inch LCD panel that has a 360 x 360 pixel resolution. This model is being offered in either a silicon strap or stainless steel band option and even houses a microphone and speakers for its Bluetooth calling functionality. Notably, the new launch also arrives days after the brand announced the Ninja Call Pro Max model in the region.
It even arrives with various health related sensors like heart rate tracking, SpO2 blood oxygen mapping, sleep monitoring, and menstrual cycle tracking as well. Apart from this, the Fire-Boltt Grenade supports over 120 sports modes that can track physical activities. It is powered by a 350mAh battery pack that offers up to 7 days of battery life. Other notable features include built-in games, splash resistant body, voice assistant support, Find My Phone, music, and camera control.
As of right now, the brand has just unveiled the new rugged smartwatch and it is yet to go on sale in India. Although, it will be available for purchase on June 30, with an introductory price tag of 1,999 INR. The Grenade smartwatch model can be found on the company’s official website and Flipkart. The watch arrives in multiple color variants as well for both its silicon and stainless steel band options as well.
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