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iPhone 15 Pro Max case leak indicates Apple’s decision to swap Mute Key for Custom Button

As the highly anticipated release of the Apple iPhone 15 series draws near, leaked images of a protective case for the iPhone 15 Pro Max have surfaced online. The photos, shared by prominent leaker Majin Bu, offer a glimpse into the design changes of Apple’s upcoming flagship device.

The New ‘Custom Button’ and Its Potential Functions

The most significant alteration visible in the leaked images is the relocation of the traditional Mute switch, which has remained unchanged for the past 16 years. In previous iPhone models, the Mute switch was positioned on the upper left side of the device, with a flat and narrow oval opening on the case for easy toggling.

However, the leaked iPhone 15 Pro Max case presents a noticeable departure from this familiar layout. The opening at the location of the silent switch has undergone a transformation, featuring a wider and more rounded design. Speculation suggests that this modified opening may house a new “custom button” intended to replace the traditional silent switch.

iPhone 15 Pro Max case leak

Earlier rumors had already hinted at Apple’s intention to replace the long-standing Mute switch with a more versatile “custom button.” This button is said to be equipped with a miniature processor, enabling users to perform various actions even in situations where the battery is low or the device is turned off. Such functionalities include making secure Apple Pay transactions and locating the iPhone using the Find My iPhone feature.

Notably, the case features a distinct cutout for the camera module, hinting at a possible enhancement in comparison to its predecessor, the iPhone 14 Pro Max. The larger cutout strongly suggests that Apple may be introducing a more advanced camera system in the iPhone 15 Pro Max.

As the leaks continue to trickle in, anticipation builds for the official unveiling of the Apple iPhone 15 series, where we can expect to learn more about the innovative features and improvements that await us.

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Blizzard Entertainment hit by DDoS attack, Diablo IV & other games Down for Hours

Diablo IV just came out, and Blizzard has been largely satisfied with the response it’s getting from the community. The game has a lot to offer for gamers, especially fans of the Diablo franchise. However, it seems that someone is either jealous of the response the game is getting or someone simply didn’t like the game that much because Diablo IV encountered a major setback this weekend as the company’s Battle.net online service fell victim to a distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack. Players were left frustrated and unable to access Diablo IV, World of Warcraft, and other Blizzard titles. The attack disrupted gameplay and annoyed a whole bunch of people.

An offline mode would’ve let users just enjoy the game on the weekend

Since the early hours of Sunday morning, the Battle.net service experienced severe disruptions due to an apparent DDoS attack. Players encountered high latency and frequent disconnections, rendering the games literally unplayable. Blizzard’s customer support account acknowledged the issue in no time, stating that the company was actively monitoring the ongoing attack. Numerous reports on Reddit exhibited the frustration experienced by players who were unable to access the games for at least 10 to 12 hours. Such incidents tend to spark demands from players for an offline mode, which would allow them to play without a connection to online servers.

Diablo 4

By 12:30 PM ET, Blizzard had not yet resolved the issue, and players continued to face connectivity problems. A notification displayed on the Battle.net launcher confirmed the ongoing DDoS attack and assured players that the company was actively working to mitigate the situation. However, as frustration kept growing, social media calls for Blizzard to implement an offline mode in Diablo IV grew louder.

An update at 1:36 PM ET brought some relief to affected players. Blizzard announced that the DDoS attacks had ceased as of 1:18 PM ET. However, if players were still encountering connection issues, the company advised following troubleshooting advice available on their website. It remains to be seen whether the attack will have any long-term consequences for the stability and security of the Battle.net platform.

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OnePlus Ace 2 Pro rumored to feature 24GB RAM, 1TB storage

OnePlus is working on its two upcoming flagship smartphones OnePlus 12 and OnePlus Ace 2 Pro. Rumors suggest that the OnePlus Ace 2 Pro, along with the Red Magic 8S Pro and iQOO 11S, will be among the first smartphones to feature Qualcomm’s upcoming Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 2 (uncertain naming) chipset. The highlight of the OnePlus Ace 2 Pro seems to be its remarkable memory configuration. According to a leak by tipster Digital Chat Station on Weibo, the device is expected to boast a massive 24GB of RAM and a staggering 1TB of storage.

OnePlus Ace 2 Pro leak DCS

OnePlus Ace 2 Pro specifications (expected)

While specific details about the inclusion of virtual memory are not mentioned, it appears that the tipster is referring to the physical RAM capacity of the device. Notably, OnePlus recently launched the Ace 2 Genshin Impact Limited Edition with 18GB of physical RAM recently. The OnePlus Ace 2 Pro will be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 2, reportedly operating at a speed of 3.36GHz, promising enhanced performance.

OnePlus 11
OnePlus 11

Furthermore, reports indicate that the smartphone will feature a 6.74-inch curved-edge OLED panel, similar to the OPPO Reno 10 Pro+. This display is anticipated to support a 1.5K resolution and an impressive 144Hz refresh rate, offering a smooth visual experience. The device is also rumored to sport a 50-megapixel main camera, equipped with a Sony IMX890 sensor and OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) support.

In terms of battery capacity, the OnePlus Ace 2 Pro is expected to house a 5,000mAh battery. Additionally, there are speculations regarding the inclusion of fast charging options, with possibilities of both 100W and 150W charging capabilities.

Overall, if these leaks and rumors turn out to be accurate, the OnePlus Ace 2 Pro could emerge as a high-performance smartphone with an impressive memory configuration, stunning display, and advanced camera capabilities. The device is expected to launch later this year.

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YouTube seems to be Testing a new Gaming Platform for both the App & the Website

In an attempt to expand its offerings, participate in the game-streaming scene and boost advertising revenue, YouTube, the popular video-sharing platform owned by Google, is reportedly testing a new product called Playables. According to an email obtained by The Wall Street Journal, Google employees have been invited to test this gaming platform that aims to bring online video games to YouTube’s vast user base. It does sound suspiciously like Stadia, but keep reading. Users will be able to play games directly on their devices using something called Playables. Among the games mentioned in the email is Stack Bounce, an arcade-style game. Users will have the option to play these games instantly via the YouTube website or through the YouTube mobile app, available for both iOS and Android.

It seems like YouTube wants to use Stadia’s technology to create a new revenue stream

YouTube is no stranger to gaming, however, this venture seems like it is fueled by a desire to breathe new life into its advertising revenue, which has been sluggish as of late. With Playables, the platform seeks to tap into the vast potential of the online gaming industry. While the sector has faced its share of challenges (as many other sectors have), YouTube remains unshaken, swearing by its long-standing focus on gaming. A company spokesperson voiced YouTube’s commitment to innovation, mentioning ongoing experimentation with new features. It’s important to note that YouTube already attracts a significant number of gamers who flock to the platform to watch live streams of gaming competitions.

YouTube

It remains uncertain how YouTube plans to monetize this new venture. While the Google Play Store offers a number of mobile games for Android users, Playables presents a fresh opportunity for YouTube to explore alternative revenue models. Notably, the shutting down of Stadia, Google’s game streaming service, paves the way for YouTube to leverage (and hopefully) revamp Stadia’s technology and compete with other cloud gaming services, such as Nvidia‘s GeForce Now, or Microsoft’s Xbox cloud gaming service. Plus interested users should note that the games available in the beginning won’t be too good in terms of graphics or gameplay, but it does seem like there is a minimalistic charm to them. Some people might really be a fan of the game style itself.

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Apple to reportedly not include overhead strap for Vision Pro in the box

At WWDC earlier this month, Apple finally unveiled its highly anticipated mixed-reality headset, dubbed Apple Vision Pro. There have been a lot of talks about this new device from the company, given that it marks Apple’s foray into new technology.

While most of the talks revolve around technology, some discuss the accessories related to the device. The device comes with a stretchable 3D knitted fabric headband that goes around the user’s head behind their ears. But there’s another strap that the company hasn’t talked about yet.

Apple Vision Pro Overhead Strap

An additional overhead strap is most likely to help balance the headset and keep it from getting easily dislodged when the user is in motion. It appeared briefly during the WWDC keynote in one of the promotional materials, but the company hasn’t talked about it.

The Cupertino-based technology giant has not yet revealed the weight of the Vision Pro, but the device is expected to be quite heavy, especially since Apple decided to offload the battery to an external pack. In this case, the additional strap over the head could dramatically balance the device’s weight and offer a better experience while using it.

Since the company has not talked about this additional strap and has not mentioned it in the marketing materials, it’s likely that Apple plans to sell it as an additional accessory and not include it in the retail box of the device. To know for sure, we will have to wait for an announcement of confirmation from Apple.

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Google Researchers Introduce AudioPaLM: A New Language Model That Can Listen, Speak, and Translate

Artificial intelligence technology is constantly evolving. While many people use AI to help with their homework, it can do much more than that. Google has been working for years to unlock the full potential of AI, and their latest development is AudioPaLM. This new language model can listen, speak, and translate with unprecedented accuracy. Here are the details…

The Potential Applications of Google AudioPaLM

Google researchers have introduced AudioPaLM, a new language model that can listen, speak, and translate with amazing accuracy. It is a multimodal architecture that combines the strengths of two existing models: PaLM-2 and AudioLM. PaLM-2 is a text-based language model that is good at understanding text-specific linguistic knowledge.

AudioLM is excellent at maintaining paralinguistic information like speaker identity and tone. By combining these two models, AudioPaLM takes advantage of PaLM-2’s linguistic expertise and AudioLM’s paralinguistic information preservation, leading to a more thorough comprehension and creation of both text and speech.

AudioPaLM makes use of a joint vocabulary that can represent both speech and text using a limited number of discrete tokens. This allows tasks like speech recognition, text-to-speech synthesis, and speech-to-speech translation to be unified into a single architecture and training process.

AudioPaLM has been shown to outperform existing systems in speech translation, and it can even perform zero-shot speech-to-text translation for language combinations that it has never encountered before. AudioPaLM can also transfer voices across languages based on short spoken prompts, and it can capture and reproduce distinct voices in different languages.

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Bosch Unveils Lightweight Performance Line SX E-Bike System

Electric bikes are becoming increasingly popular. They are a convenient and economical way to get around, especially in big cities. However, their popularity has also led to some problems, such as safety concerns and traffic congestion. Recently, China considered banning electric bikes due to these issues. However, it doesn’t seem like it will slow down the work of manufacturers. Most recently, Bosch has unveiled a new lightweight Performance Line SX E-Bike system. Here are the details…

Bosch Unveils Lightweight Performance Line SX E-Bike System

Bosch eBike Systems has just unveiled a new e-bike system called the Performance Line SX. Designed for sporty riders who want a light and agile e-bike, the Performance Line SX is a great option for electric gravel bikes, urban e-bikes, and lightweight electric mountain bikes. One of the biggest selling points of the Performance Line SX is its low weight.

The entire system weighs just four kilograms, which is incredibly light for an e-bike system. The motor itself weighs just two kilograms, which is 750 grams lighter than the Bosch CX motor. The battery is also lightweight, at just two kilograms. Despite its light weight, the Performance Line SX still delivers plenty of power. The motor produces 55 Newton-meters of torque, which is more than enough for most riders. It also has a peak power output of 600 watts, which is great for hill climbs and sprints.

Another great feature of the Performance Line SX is its new Sprint mode. This mode provides extra boost during high-cadence pedaling, so you can really fly up hills or accelerate quickly. The Performance Line SX is compatible with the Bosch Mini Remote, which is a small and easy-to-use controller. The remote has three buttons that control the different riding modes: Tour+, eMTB, and Sprint.

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Samsung’s New SeeColors Mode Helps Color Blind Users See the World as It Really Is

Samsung continues to expand its product lineup. The company, which has a strong hand in the smartphone and television market, most recently introduced us to the Galaxy F54 5G. Now, it has announced a new accessibility feature for its 2023 TV and monitor lineup, the “SeeColors mode.” The new feature is designed to help people with color vision deficiency (CVD) enjoy a better viewing experience. Here are the details…

Samsung Introduces SeeColors Mode on 2023 TV and Monitor Lineup to Enhance Experience for Color Blind Users

SeeColors mode provides nine picture presets that users can select from. The feature adjusts red, green, and blue levels to ensure viewers can easily distinguish colors on the screen depending on their degree or type of CVD. Originally released as an app in 2017, SeeColors is now integrated into TV and monitor accessibility menus. This makes the feature more accessible to users, and a software update will be available for 2023 models that have already been purchased.

Samsung has earned “Color Vision Accessibility” certification from TÜV Rheinland in recognition of SeeColors mode’s ability to help people with CVD better enjoy content on Samsung screens. This certification builds on Samsung’s commitment to accessibility, under the vision of “Screens Everywhere, Screens for All.”

“We are thrilled to introduce additional accessibility features, including SeeColors and Relumino mode, in our 2023 TV and monitor lineup to assist individuals with color blindness and low vision,” said Seokwoo Jason Yong, Executive Vice President of Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. “Under the vision of ‘Screens Everywhere, Screens for All,’ we will continue to innovate and bring inclusive technologies closer to our consumers.”

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Bandit X-Trail Pro e-bike with dual motors and 195km range announced via Indiegogo

Bandit has opened an Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign for the new X-Trail Pro electric bike. The Bandit X-Trail Pro is equipped with dual electric motors and a battery that delivers up to 195km of range on a single charge. Bandit Bikes says that the new e-bike is the fastest street-legal e-bike in North America. The bike can achieve a top speed of 68km/h.

Bandit X-Trail Pro e-bike

The Bandit X-Trail Pro is an AWD EV with a 750W front and 1,000W rear motor. This allows the X-Trail to navigate smoothly even when climbing uphill and it is also equipped with a twist throttle. The bike features a 7-stage pedal assistance architecture and cadence sensor for intelligently adjusted assistance. Front and rear 180mm hydraulic brakes provide control for the X-Trail Pro. The e-bike is equipped with a 1,680Wh battery that delivers up to 195km of range.

Bandit X-Trail Pro e-bike

The new Bandit e-bike has a dual suspension system consisting of hydraulic adjustable front and rear spring suspension to deliver a more comfortable ride in rough terrain. The bike comes with LED headlights and rear lights for proper illumination at night. You can lock the bicycle to prevent theft using NFC unlocking using its companion app. The app also allows the user to track the GPS location of the bike and unlock the throttle function.

Bandit X-Trail Pro e-bike Price & Availability

The Bandit X-Trail Pro is originally priced at $2,699 but Bandit is offering a 25% discount during the Indiegogo campaign. That means that the e-bike can be pledged for $1,999 on Indiegogo. Four color options are available for the e-bike namely Military Green, Desert Beige, White, and Gunmetal Grey. The Bandit X-Trail will ship only to the US and Canada for now.

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BenQ PhotoVue SW272U & SW272Q professional monitors with 99% Adobe RGB color gamut launched in China

BenQ has unveiled two new professional monitors in China. They are the BenQ PhotoVue SW272U and SW272Q monitors. The two new BenQ monitors offer a 99% Adobe RGB color gamut. The two new PhotoVue professional photographer monitors are upgraded versions of the SW271C and SW270C models. The models have a 27-inch display with 4K and 2K resolutions respectively. The upgrade cuts across the color properties and overall performance of the duo. BenQ says its professional monitors help to increase the digital workspace and improve productivity.

BenQ SW272U & SW272Q professional monitors

The two new BenQ professional monitors come with the full complement of BenQ’s cutting-edge display technology. The PhotoVue displays use the BenQ AQCOLOR technology and are factory calibrated to guarantee color quality and accuracy. The monitors are both compatible with the BenQ Paper Color Sync to provide excellent screen-to-print consistency.

BenQ SW272U & SW272Q professional monitors

The display of the new professional monitors has a 99% coverage of Adobe RGB, DCI P3, and Display P3 wide color gamut. The color accuracy of the monitors is delta E less than 1.5. The new monitors are a great accessory for professional photographers or allied professionals.

The two new PhotoVue monitors are Pantone, Skintone, and Calman validated. The BenQ SW272U PhotoVue professional monitor is already on sale in China for 11,499 yuan (~$1,602). The second model is expected to be released in July but its price is yet to be stated. BenQ is also mum on the global availability of the two new professional monitors.

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Skyworth EV6 II pure electric SUV with CLTC range of up to 620km launched in China

The Skyworth EV6 II electric SUV has been launched in China. The new Skyworth EV boasts of a CLTC range of up to 620km and is available in four variants The starting price of the EV6 II in China is 156,800 yuan (~$21,840).

Skyworth EV6 II pure electric SUV

The Skyworth EV6 II is a mid-size electric SUV available in AIR, PLUS, MAX, and President Edition. The exterior design of the new EV retains similar features as the previous model. It has dimensions of 4,720 x 1,908 x 1,696mm (length x width x height) and a wheelbase of 2,800mm. It is equipped with MacPherson independent suspension combined with a multi-link independent suspension. The EV6 II has aluminum alloy wheels in single or dual colors.

The Skyworth EV6 II features suede+leather seats with the AIR version retaining only leather. The main set of the EV can be adjusted in six directions, while the auxiliary seat can be adjusted in four directions. The interior of the Skyworth EV6 II is equipped with a touch-sensitive LCD screen (12.8 or 15.6 inches) and a 12.3-inch LCD instrument cluster. The display supports multimedia, navigation, and mobile communication. The EV also features a sunroof, air conditioner, real-time GPS navigation, and Xiaowei virtual intelligent robot.

Skyworth EV6 II pure electric SUV

The Skyworth EV6 II has a front motor that outputs up to 150kW and a maximum torque of 320Nm. In terms of battery, the AIR model has a 71.98kWh battery pack and a range of 520km. The other models feature an 85.97kWh battery pack and a range of 620km. The Skyworth EV6 II pure electric SUV is priced between 156,800 yuan (~$21,840) and 289,800 yuan (~$40,365). There is no information yet on the global availability and pricing for the Skyworth EV6 II.

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Vivo X90S Spotted In Leaked Promotional Images Revealing Curved Display Ahead Of Official Launch

Vivo is confirmed to launch the X90S smartphone in China tomorrow. Now, ahead of the launch, the smartphone has appeared in leaked promotional images. It gives us a look at the upcoming offering from all angles. The Vivo X90S will be the fourth variant in the Vivo X90 series that already includes standard, pro, and pro plus devices. 

Vivo X90S leaked promo images

The leaked promo images reveal the Vivo X90S in a Cyan color that was previously confirmed. It has a slim design with a protruding circular camera module on the back panel. The device has a center-aligned punch-hole display with slightly curved edges. The bezels around the screen are also quite thin. We could spot Xtreme Imagination text on a horizontal strip below the camera island. The phone is confirmed to sport Zeiss-tuned camera optics and a T* coating as well. 

The promo images don’t reveal any details about the core specifications of the Vivo X90S. As per a retailer listing, the upcoming offering will be available in GB + 256GB 12GB + 256GB, and 12GB + 512GB RAM and storage configurations. The X90S is expected to be powered by an improved Dimensity 9200+ processor and the latest WiFi-7 connectivity compared to the Dimensity 9200 and WiFi-6 found on the standard X90.

As per TENAA certification, the Vivo X90S will feature a 6.78-inch curved AMOLED display with an FHD+ resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. It is tipped to be backed by a 4,810mAh battery with 120W charging support.

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Xiaomi 14 series codenames revealed, blending Chinese mythology with advanced tech

Chinese tech giant, Xiaomi, is reportedly readying to unveil its latest flagship models under the moniker “Houji” and “Shennong,” according to the Weibo tipster, Digital Chat Station. These intriguing codenames are drawn from Chinese mythology and indicate a continuity of the cultural theme that began with the Xiaomi 13 series.

Xiaomi 14 series codenames

Continuing the Trend of Chinese Mythology Codenames

The codenames, deeply rooted in agriculture within Chinese mythology, suggest the upcoming Xiaomi 14 series’ focus on enriching user experience, design aesthetics, and remarkable Leica imaging. Both “Houji,” the Yellow Emperor’s great-grandson who began cultivating crops, and “Shennong,” Yan Emperor known for his profound contribution to agriculture and farming techniques, are revered figures in Chinese lore.

The earlier Xiaomi 12 series leaned towards Western mythology, sporting codenames like “Zeus,” “Thor,” and “Cupid.” The Xiaomi 13 series saw a shift, utilizing codenames such as “Fuxi” and “Nüwa,” characters from Chinese mythology. The upcoming Xiaomi 14 series appears to be upholding this recent tradition, further strengthening its cultural connection with its primary consumer base.

Xiaomi 13
Xiaomi 13

Key specifications for the Xiaomi 14 series have been hinted at. According to reports, the Xiaomi 14 series will feature impressive camera capabilities. The front-facing camera will be capable of recording in 4K, ensuring high-resolution video calls and stunning selfies. On the rear, users can expect a periscope lens with powerful zooming capabilities. The Xiaomi 14 will offer a periscope lens with 3.9x optical zoom and a focal length of 90mm, while the Xiaomi 14 Pro will step it up with a periscope lens supporting 5x optical zoom and a focal length of 115mm. These specifications promise exceptional photography experiences, allowing users to capture detailed images even from a distance.

Underneath its sleek exterior, the Xiaomi 14 Pro will be equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor (SM8650), delivering powerful performance and efficient multitasking. The device will house a substantial 5000mAh battery, ensuring extended usage without compromising on power. Additionally, the Xiaomi 14 Pro will support fast charging, with options of either 90W or 120W capabilities. Wireless charging at 50W will also be available, providing convenient and efficient charging methods for users. According to rumors, Xiaomi 14 series may offer both flat and curved-edge display variants.

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OPPO A78 4G Design, Key Specifications Leaked Ahead Of An Imminent Launch

OPPO is expected to launch the A78 4G smartphone in various markets soon. The device has bagged multiple certifications in the past. Now, the upcoming offering has been spotted in leaked renders revealing its design and more information shared by tipster Sudhanshu. Read on to find out what we know about the smartphone. 

OPPO A78 4G leaked render

The OPPO A78 4G will retain the same design as its 5G variant that was launched earlier in January this year. However, one noticeable change is that the upcoming offering will feature a punch-hole cutout at the top left corner of the display and there is a thick chin at the bottom. The back panel has a protruding pill-shaped camera module with two rings that house two sensors and an LED flash. The phone has a compact form factor with power and volume rocker buttons located on the right side. As per the renders, the OPPO A78 4G will be offered in Green and Black color options. 

As per the report, the OPPO A78 4G will have slightly different specifications compared to the 5G version. It will feature an AMOLED display measuring 6.43 inches and bearing an FHD+ resolution and a 90Hz refresh rate. On the optics front, it will come with 50MP main cameras and a 2MP macro unit. 

Under the hood, the OPPO A78 4G will reportedly be powered by a Snapdragon 680 processor. It is tipped to pack 8GB RAM and 128GB storage. As per the recent FCC certification, the smartphone will be backed by a 5,000mAh battery. The report adds that it will support 67W fast charging. 

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Amazfit Pop 3R smartwatch with round AMOLED display, Bluetooth calling & 12 days battery life launched

Amazfit recently launched the Cheetah and Cheetah Pro smartwatches in the global market. As the name suggests, these smartwatches are made especially for runners. That being said, the brand has introduced a new smartwatch in the Indian market called the Amazfit Pop 3R. Let’s check out its specs and features.

Amazfit

Amazfit Pop 3R specs & features

The Amazfit Pop 3S comes with a circular metallic design, featuring a 1.43-inch HD AMOLED display with 466 x 466p resolution. The inclusion of an AMOLED display gives the watch access to the Always-on display feature without taxing the battery life. The brand also offers a wide selection of vibrant watch faces for users to choose from.

In terms of health monitoring, the Pop 3R provides functionalities such as heart rate tracking, blood-oxygen saturation measurement, and stress level monitoring. For connectivity, the Pop 3R supports Bluetooth 5.2 and can be paired with Android devices running 7.0 and above, as well as iOS devices running 12.0 and above. It includes an in-built microphone and speaker, enabling Bluetooth phone calling and integration with an AI voice assistant.

Amazfit

While it doesn’t incorporate built-in GPS, users can rely on their phone’s GPS for outdoor workouts. The smartwatch is also rated IP68 for dust and water resistance, ensuring durability. With its accelerometer sensor, heart rate sensor, and 3-axis motion sensor, the Pop 3R accurately tracks various activities. It offers 24-hour heart rate monitoring, SpO2 level measurement, and stress monitoring, providing users with valuable health insights.

In terms of functionality, the smartwatch offers features such as calendar reminders, call notifications, sedentary reminders, and smartphone app notifications. Users can conveniently control music playback and even operate their smartphone’s camera remotely directly from the watch. The Pop 3R has physical dimensions of 45.5×45.5×10.8mm and weighs 55.48g with the included silicone strap.

The Pop 3R is powered by a 300mAh battery, delivering an impressive battery life of up to 12 days. This ensures extended usage without the need for frequent charging.

Pricing & availability

The Amazfit POP 3R will be offered in two variants with different pricing options. The Black and Silver colors, which come with a silicone strap, will be available for purchase at a price of Rs. 3499. On the other hand, the Metallic Silver model, featuring a metal strap, will be priced slightly higher at Rs. 3999. Interested readers can find the smartwatch on sale starting from June 29th, with availability on both Flipkart and the official Amazfit India website.

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Google Messages testing a new badge to highlight RCS chats

Google Messages, the popular messaging app, is set to receive an update aimed at improving the visibility of RCS (Rich Communication Services) chats. RCS messaging has been a key feature of Google Messages since its rollout to US customers in late 2019, offering enhanced messaging capabilities and improved security. The latest beta version of the app introduces a visual tweak that highlights RCS-enabled chats with a badge featuring the Messages icon in the bottom right corner of a contact’s profile picture.

Google Messages
Illustration: Soumyakanti Ray

Improved Visibility: Identifying RCS Chats Made Easy with Google Messages

This new badge is designed to make it easier for users to identify RCS chats directly from the main list of conversations. An interesting aspect of the update is that the badge can adapt to match the default color scheme of users’ Android phones. However, it is important to note that this feature is currently limited to the beta version of Google Messages, specifically version 20230615_02_RC00.

Previously, users had to enter an individual chat’s text field to determine whether it was an “RCS Message” or a “Text message,” with the latter indicating a standard SMS/MMS. The introduction of the badge indicates that Google may be working towards making RCS chats more prominent within the app, further differentiating them from traditional SMS in terms of features and functionality.

Google Messages has been implementing various enhancements to improve the messaging experience. In a recent update, the navigation drawer was replaced with the Google logo and Messages branding on the app’s home screen. Additionally, users can now see message delivery statuses directly from the conversation list, eliminating the need to manually open chats to check for message delivery.

While RCS offers numerous advantages over conventional texting, including features like Magic Compose, Apple, one of the world’s most profitable smartphone companies, has not yet embraced the standard. Despite Google’s efforts to encourage Apple to enable RCS on iMessage, the company has yet to adopt it.

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Nokia C12 Pro Purple color option officially launched in India for Rs 6,999

Earlier this week, Nokia teased a new Purple color option for its entry-level Nokia C12 Pro smartphone. Now, the brand has officially launched this new color variant of the C12 Pro in the market.

Nokia

Nokia Mobile India made an announcement via Twitter confirming the official release of a new color variant for the Nokia C12 Pro. The brand disclosed that the Purple version of the device will soon be available for purchase at a price of Rs 6,999. Let’s take a look at the specs and features of the Nokia C12 Pro.

Nokia C12 Pro specs

The Nokia C12 Pro comes with a 6.3-inch LCD display featuring a dewdrop notch and an HD+ resolution of 1600 x 720 pixels. Powering the device is an older 28nm Unisoc SC9863A1 chipset, and it runs on Android 12 Go Edition.

One notable aspect of this smartphone is its removable battery, which has a capacity of 4,000mAh. HMD Global guarantees a minimum of 2 years of regular security updates, but there is no assurance for Android updates. Additionally, the company offers a 12-month replacement guarantee.

In terms of camera capabilities, the Nokia C12 Pro is equipped with an 8MP rear camera and a 5MP front-facing camera. It supports single-band WiFi, Bluetooth 5.2, GNSS, a 3.5mm headphone jack, a MicroSD card slot, and a MicroUSB port.

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OpenAI CEO: “If Musk and Zuckerberg really have a duel, I will go watch”

In a recent statement at the Bloomberg Technology Summit, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman expressed his interest in watching a hypothetical duel between Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg. While Altman stated that he is not concerned about Musk coming after him, he humorously mentioned that he would attend the duel if it were to take place.

sam-altman
Credit: Vjeran Pavic

The Metaverse Clash: Musk’s Mockery and Zuckerberg’s Determination

Adding fuel to the ongoing rivalry, Meta (formerly Facebook) announced its intention to introduce a new platform called “Threads” to compete with Twitter. Meta’s Chief Product Officer, Cox, allegedly described the product as a means for Instagram users to seamlessly transfer their followers and user information to the new application.

Responding to this news, Musk took to Twitter and directly mentioned Zuckerberg, sarcastically stating, “I’m sure the Earth is eagerly awaiting to be completely controlled by Zuckerberg, with no other choices.” In a subsequent interaction, Musk joked that if Zuckerberg really knows jiu-jitsu, he is ready for a cage fight.

Despite the banter, doubts remain about whether the duel will ever materialize. Musk’s mother, Maye Musk, took to Twitter to humorously claim that she had canceled the fight without informing the involved parties.

The rivalry between Zuckerberg and Musk has a history rooted in their differing visions for the metaverse. In 2021, the two engaged in a public exchange of jabs, with Zuckerberg proclaiming Meta’s intention to lead the metaverse while Musk derided the company as a “cult” on Twitter. With Meta now unveiling plans for a direct competitor to Twitter, Musk openly ridiculed the idea, further escalating their ongoing conflict.

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OnePlus Nord 3 Hands-on video emerges ahead of launch: alert slider, 16GB RAM & 256GB storage confirmed

OnePlus is preparing to release two new smartphones as part of its Nord series in the near future. According to reports, the OnePlus Nord Buds 2r is scheduled to be launched in India on July 5, and it is possible that these smartphones may also be unveiled at the same time. Recently, a hands-on video of the rumored OnePlus Nord 3 surfaced, showcasing its design.

Based on a recent unboxing video by PinoyMetroGeek, the showcased device appears to feature 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. The color variant is reportedly named Misty Grass. The package includes a charger and a USB-A to USB-C cable. In terms of design, the OnePlus Nord 3 resembles the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite, with a boxy form factor and a metal frame.

The back of the device showcases two camera protrusions housing three camera sensors, along with two LED flash modules. On the right side, there is a power button and an alert slider, while the left side houses the volume rocker. The front of the device features slim and symmetrical bezels surrounding a punch-hole display.

OnePlus Nord 3 specs (rumored)

According to reports, the upcoming OnePlus Nord 3 is expected to feature a large 6.74-inch display with a 1.5K resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. It will be powered by a Dimensity 9000 processor and can be configured with up to 16GB of LPDDR5x RAM. The device will be equipped with a 5,000mAh battery that supports 80W VOOC fast charging.

In terms of cameras, the Nord 3 is rumored to sport a triple rear camera setup, consisting of a 50MP main sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 2MP macro unit. On the front, there will be a 16MP selfie camera. Notable features include dual stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos, a 4129.8mm(sq) VC cooling chamber for heat management, and an alert slider. The device is expected to have NFC, an X-Axis Linear motor, and an IR blaster. It will come pre-loaded with OxygenOS 13.1.

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OnePlus 12 key specifications tipped, likely to launch in December

The upcoming OnePlus Ace 2 Pro is expected to be revealed in the Chinese market during July or August in China. According to reports, it will be among the earliest smartphones to include the Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 2 chipset. Following its release, OnePlus is rumored to have a few months without any significant phone launches in the home market, as their focus reportedly shifts towards unveiling the OnePlus 12 before the end of 2023. A Chinese tipster (via TechGoing) has already provided advanced details regarding the key specifications of the OnePlus 12.

OnePlus 12 specifications (rumored)

OnePlus 11 5G
OnePlus 11 5G

According to the tipster, the OnePlus 12 will sport a curved AMOLED display manufactured by Samsung, featuring slim bezels and curved edges. Unlike the OnePlus 11 5G, which has a punch-hole located in the top-left corner of the screen, the OnePlus 12 is rumored to have a centred punch-hole.

The leak also states that the screen will offer a 2K resolution but does not say anything about its refresh rate. In all likelihood, the screen will offer a 120Hz refresh rate, as seen in previous OnePlus flagships.

Coming back to the latest leak, the OnePlus 12 will feature the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, which is expected since most of the next-generation Android flagships are going to feature the said chipset. It will house a 5,000mAh or a slightly bigger battery with support for 150W fast charging.

On the back, the OnePlus 12 will feature a circular triple camera system. It will comprise a 50-megapixel Sony IMX9-series primary camera, a 50-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and a 64-megapixel OmniVision OV64B periscope telephoto camera.

At present, there is no information about the front camera of the OP12. The leak ends by saying that the device is planned to launch in December this year.

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