Samsung has recently rolled out the June 2023 security update for its Galaxy S22 series in Europe and Latin America. Now, the update is making its way to North America, specifically the United States.
The new security update, with firmware versions S90xUSQU2CWE7 for carrier-locked models and S90xU1UEU2CWE8 for unlocked models, is now available for the Galaxy S22, Galaxy S22+, and Galaxy S22 Ultra. Users on Dish Wireless, Metro PCS, and T-Mobile networks can update their devices accordingly.
What’s new in this June 2023 security update for Galaxy S22?
This update primarily focuses on enhancing device security, addressing over 60 security vulnerabilities identified in Galaxy smartphones and tablets. However, no new features or performance improvements are mentioned in the official changelog provided by Samsung.
According to Samsung’s updated security bulletin, the June 2023 patch incorporates 53 fixes from Google for Android-related security flaws (CVEs). Among these, three are classified as critical, while 50 are considered highly important. Additionally, Samsung has addressed 11 security vulnerabilities specific to their devices.
The South Korean company has disclosed details about three of these vulnerabilities, known as Samsung Vulnerabilities and Exposures (SVEs). Information regarding the remaining vulnerabilities will be revealed once all Galaxy phones and tablets have received the June 2023 patch or subsequent security updates. The three disclosed flaws impact Galaxy devices running Android 11, Android 12, and Android 13. One vulnerability affects devices using Exynos chips, while the others are related to flaws in Knox and its CC (Common Criteria) mode.
To check for the new update on their Galaxy S22 series phones, US users can navigate to Settings > Software update and select Download and Install.
Looking ahead, Samsung plans to release the Android 14-based One UI 6.0 update for the Galaxy S22 series later this year. The phones were initially launched with Android 12, followed by the Android 13 update and the One UI 5.1 update in previous months.
The Apple Watch has already been accredited for helping save many lives over the last couple of years. And just recently, another life was possibly saved after the smartwatch helped a female identify a potentially life threatening health issue.
Apple Watch notified the woman regarding her unusual heartbeat
The story this time is about a 29 year old Kimmie Watkins from Ohio, US. She recently talked about her ordeal and shared how the Cupertino based giant’s Watch helped save her life. Kimmie said that she had been feeling lightheaded and tired quite often but couldn’t pinpoint the actual reason. She decided to simply sleep it off, thinking it was just caused by her skipping meals. On the other hand, the Apple Watch remained vigilant and mapped her heartbeat throughout her nap.
After around 90 minutes, she was awoken to an alert which notified her that her heartbeat had been too high for an extended period of time. In other words, there was something wrong with her. The Watch tracked a heart rate spike of up to 178 beats per minute, which is quite high for someone at rest and not in the middle of an intense physical activity. Following this warning, Watkins sought medical help and the doctors revealed that she had a saddle pulmonary embolism (SPE).
Simply put, its a medical condition that is said to have a fatality rate of 50 percent and is basically a blood clot. According to Dr. Richard Becker, a cardiologist at the University of Cincinnati’s College of Medicine, this was the “most severe and life threatening of all because it’s a blood clot that saddles both the blood vessel to the right lung and to the left lung.” Watkins is currently under treatment and is on the road to recovery. Back in October 2022, Apple Watch had helped save a 12 year old girl from cancer, and earlier this year, a man was saved a from a potentially life threatening internal bleeding as well.
Under the hood, the EM680 is powered by the AMD Ryzen 7 6800U processor, which features 8 Zen 3+ CPU cores and a Radeon 680M GPU. This combination delivers robust performance for its size. It has a maximum turbo clock frequency of 4.7GHz and a 16MB level 3 cache. The mini-PC offers three configurations, all of which come equipped with the Ryzen 7 6800U processor.
One notable feature of the EM680 is its support for up to 32GB of DDR5 RAM, providing ample memory for various tasks. It supports M.2 2230 format SSD. It also adopts the Cold Wave 2.0 cooling system, equipped with liquid cooling and an active SSD cooler to ensure optimal performance output.
In terms of connectivity, it includes 3 x USB-A ports, 1 x HDMI port, 1 x TF card slot, 1 x 3.5mm headphone jack, and 2 x full-speed USB4 ports, with support for PD power delivery. It also supports WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 for seamless wireless connectivity. Moreover, the mini-PC can be powered through a 65W USB-C, eliminating the need for a dedicated DC input.
The pricing of the EM680 varies depending on the configuration. The base model, featuring 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD, is priced at $399. For users requiring more storage and memory, there is a 32GB+512GB model priced at $449, as well as a 32GB+1TB variant available for $489.
Yesterday, OnePlus officially teased the launch of the upcoming Nord phone next month. As per reports, it is expected to be the OnePlus Nord 3. The brand is yet to reveal the exact launch date. The OnePlus Nord 3 and Nord CE 3 have been subject to a lot of leaks and rumors in the past. The upcoming offerings are expected to arrive as the successor to the last year’s Nord 2 and Nord CE 2. Now, tipster Mukul Sharma has shared the full specifications of both the upcoming Nord phones.
OnePlus Nord 3 and Nord CE 3 full spec sheet tipped
[Exclusive] OnePlus Nord 3 (Vitamin) specs for India:
Dimensity 9000 Up to 16GB LPDDR5X 50MP + 8MP + 2MP 16MP front Dual Speakers with Dolby Atmos X-axis motor NFC, IR blaster OxygenOS 13.1 5,000mAh/80W SUPERVOOC 6.74-inch 1.5K 120Hz AMOLED Alert Slider 4129.8mm(sq) VC cooling…
Beginning with the OnePlus Nord 3, it is codenamed Vitamin as per Mukul. It will come with a large 6.74-inch display bearing a 1.5K resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. Internally, the device will be powered by a Dimensity 9000 processor coupled with up to 16GB LPDDR5x RAM.
On the other hand, the OnePlus Nord CE 3 is also tipped to feature a 6.7-inch 120Hz display with 950 nits peak brightness. Under the hood, it is said to be equipped with a Snapdragon 782 SoC with up to 12GB RAM and virtual RAM support.
[Exclusive] Here are the OnePlus Nord CE 3 (Ziti) specs for India: Snapdragon 782G Up to 12GB LPDDR4X RAM (RAM-Vita feature, virtual RAM up to 16GB) HyperTouch and HyperBoost Engine 5,000mAh battery 80W SUPERVOOC 50MP IMX890 OIS + 8MP 112-degree UW + 2MP 4cm macro TurboRAW, 4K…
Mukul adds that both the OnePlus Nord 3 and Nord CE 3 will be backed by a 5,000mAh battery unit with support for 80W VOOC fast charging. On the optics front, the upcoming Nord phones are said to come with a triple rear camera setup comprising a 50MP main sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 2MP macro unit. The Nord CE 3 will support 4K recording at 30fps. Both devices are tipped to feature NFC, an X-Axis Linear motor, and an IR blaster. They will ship with OxygenOS 13.1 out o the box.
The OnePlus Nord 3 will come with a 16MP selfie snapper, dual stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos, a 4129.8mm(sq) VC cooling chamber, and an alert slider. Meanwhile, the Nord CE 3 is set to miss out on the alert slider. It is said to come in Aqua Surge and Grey Shimmer colors.
Past reports suggest that the OnePlus Nord 3 will be a rebadged version of the OnePlus Ace 2V that is available in the China market.
Indian health-tech company Ultrahuman has launched a new wearable. It is the Ultrahuman Ring AIR and follows last year’s Ring. The latest offering comes with new features and specifications compared to its predecessor. The company claims it to be the world’s lightest sleep-tracking wearable. Read on to know more about it below.
Ultrahuman Ring AIR specifications and features
As the name suggests, one simply needs to slip the Ultrahuman Ring AIR on their finger. The outer surface of the ring is made of titanium and coated with tungsten carbide which is said to be resistant to everyday wear and tear. It is 2.4mm sleek and weighs just 2.4 grams.
The Ultrahuman Ring AIR is equipped with an infrared photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor, a non-contact skin temperature sensor, a 6-axis motion sensor, Red LEDs for heart-rate monitoring and SpO2, and Green and infrared LEDs for heart-rate monitoring. The skin temperature sensor is capable of monitoring the body’s physiological states and responses to various factors such as exercise, stress, and illness. There is also a Phase Response Curve (PRC) that reveals the effects of external stimuli like light exposure, food, and exercise mapped to the body’s circadian rhythm.
The Ultrahuman Ring AIR has a Sleep Index that provides comprehensive sleep results including sleep duration, resting heart rate, and restfulness. There is also a Movement Index that is designed to keep users moving for optimum glucose metabolism and to increase non-exercise energy usage. The wearable device also packs heart-rate variability (HRV) insights to understand the body’s recovery capability and readiness daily.
The Ultrahuman Ring AIR supports Bluetooth Low Energy connectivity and is compatible with iOS 14 and Android 6 or above. It is powered by a 24mAh LiPo battery that is claimed to last 6 days on a full charge.
The Ultrahuman Ring AIR is offered in Matte Black color and costs Rs 24,999 as a part of early-bird offer. It is available for purchase from the company’s website. Ultrahuman is also providing trade-in offers for the Ring as well as Oura Gen 2 and Gen 3 rings.
Motorola recently started selling the Motorola Razr 40 smartphone in China. The device is also pegged to launch in multiple global markets like India where the brand has already started the device. Now, the device has emerged in UAE’s TDRA certification.
The upcoming Motorola Razr 40 smartphone, with the model number XT2323-1, has recently obtained TDRA certification, indicating its potential release in the UAE. While the certification itself doesn’t provide specific details about the device’s specifications, it suggests that the launch could be on the horizon. Notably, the smartphone has already been introduced in China, so let’s take a closer look at its spec sheet.
Motorola Razr 40 specs
The Motorola Razr 40 is equipped with a 6.9-inch OLED LTPO display featuring an FHD+ resolution and a centered punch-hole cutout. It supports a stripped-down 144Hz refresh rate, HDR10+ compatibility, and boasts a 10-bit color panel. A smaller 1.5-inch secondary screen is located on the back panel beside the camera sensors, reminiscent of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4.
In terms of cameras, the Motorola Razr 40 offers a dual setup with a 64MP primary sensor and a 13MP ultra-wide-angle lens. For selfies, there is a 32MP front-facing camera. The device features dual stereo speakers, Snapdragon Sound, and Dolby Atmos for an enhanced audio experience. Internally, it is powered by a Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 processor, coupled with up to 12GB RAM and 256GB storage. The phone is supported by a 4,200mAh battery with 30W wired and 8W wireless charging capabilities. It runs on Android 13 out of the box and includes connectivity options such as USB-C, NFC, WiFi-6E, 5G, and Bluetooth 5.3. Additionally, the device offers a side-mounted fingerprint scanner and is IP52-rated for dust and splash resistance.
Suzuki the Japanese Multinational Corporation announced on Tuesday its plans to collaborate with the Japanese start-up SkyDrive in the production of flying cars or electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. With an ambitious goal of becoming a frontrunner in the rapidly expanding industry, Suzuki aims to commence joint manufacturing activities with SkyDrive by the spring of 2024.
The companies have identified a Suzuki Group factory located in central Japan as the production site for these advanced vehicles and plan to commence manufacturing activities by approximately the spring of next year, according to Suzuki’s official statement.
By joining forces with SkyDrive, Suzuki aims to capitalize on the burgeoning market for flying cars, which holds immense potential for the future of transportation. The partnership signifies Suzuki’s determination to seize a leading position in this innovative field.
As part of this collaboration, SkyDrive will establish a subsidiary exclusively dedicated to the production of these eVTOL aircraft. Suzuki, on the other hand, will extend its support by assisting in various aspects of manufacturing preparation, such as talent acquisition. This partnership between the automotive giant and the start-up is expected to leverage the strengths and resources of both companies to develop cutting-edge aerial vehicles.
By utilizing a Suzuki Group factory, the collaboration aims to capitalize on the existing infrastructure and expertise within the organization. The establishment of a wholly owned subsidiary by SkyDrive signifies the start-up’s focused approach to eVTOL aircraft production. With Suzuki’s assistance in talent acquisition, the subsidiary will be well-equipped to attract the skilled professionals necessary for the successful manufacturing and development of these aerial vehicles.
This announcement closely follows SkyDrive’s recent unveiling, at the Paris Airshow, of an updated design for their in-development vehicle, now capable of carrying three individuals instead of two. The redesigned vehicle boasts an approximate length of 13 meters and a height of 3 meters, resulting in an extended maximum flight range of about 15 kilometers, compared to the previous 10 km.
The collaboration between SkyDrive and Suzuki in the field of flying vehicles was initially announced in March 2022, and while the partnership details have been under discussion, this latest development signifies progress toward their shared goal of advancing aerial transportation technology.
Flying Cars and their future impact:
Flying cars, often referred to as electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, are futuristic vehicles capable of both driving on the ground and taking off vertically to fly in the air. They have been a long-standing vision in science fiction and a symbol of technological advancement. However, despite significant progress in recent years, we are still waiting for flying cars to become a common mode of transportation. This delay is primarily due to various challenges, including regulatory hurdles, infrastructure limitations, safety concerns, and the need for advanced technologies to ensure efficient and reliable operations. Nevertheless, ongoing developments and collaborations between the automotive and aerospace industries are bringing us closer to the day when flying cars will transform our skies and revolutionize urban mobility.
According to market projections, the global flying car market is expected to reach a value of $3,804.18 million by 2035, registering a significant compound annual growth rate of 34.1%. Europe is anticipated to be the highest contributor, with an estimated value of $1,618.68 million by 2035.
Key players operating in this evolving market include AeroMobil, Airbus S.A.S., Hyundai Motor Company, Klein Vision s.r.o., Lilium, PAL-V N.V., Samson Motors, Inc., Terrafugia, The Boeing Company, and Volocopter GmbH. These industry leaders are actively involved in shaping the future of aerial mobility and advancing the development and commercialization of flying cars.
ASUS is gearing up to launch its latest entry in the Zenfone series of flagship smartphones. The new device in question is the Zenfone 10 that is set to be unveiled at the end of this month. But prior to its release, the high end device was spotted on the Wi-Fi Alliance.
ASUS Zenfone 10 is an upcoming compact flagship phone
For those unaware, the Taiwanese tech giant’s Zenfone 10 is set to be announced for the global market on June 29. However, just ahead of its release, it was spotted on the Wi-Fi Alliance carrying the model number ASUS_AI2302. This certification confirms that the upcoming handset will have support 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz Wi-Fi frequency band support. Apart from this, the listing also reveals that the Zenfone 10 will run on Android 13 operation system out of the box.
Unfortunately, this was all the information revealed on this platform. But based on our previous reports, the device will sport a 5.9 inch AMOLED display that offers 120Hz refresh rate and Full HD+ resolution. In a recent leak, we even covered render leak of the device, which revealed its design as well as its five color options.
Under the hood, it will be equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC that is paired with up to 16GB of RAM and 512GB of internal storage. In other words, it is a compact flagship phone. Other notable features include, a 200 megapixel rear camera with OIS support (Optical Image Stabilization), IP67 water and dust resistance, and 5,000mAh battery pack with support for 67W fast charging. So stick around for more as we will be covering the launch event later this month.
Honor has launched a new phone in the European markets. It is the Honor 90 Lite and arrives as the successor to the Honor 70 Lite. The device has debuted ahead of the Honor 90 series that is set to launch globally on July 6. Read on to know what the Lite variant offers out of the box.
Honor 90 Lite specifications and features
The Honor 90 Lite has a boxy design with a pill-shaped camera module on the back. It features a side-mounted fingerprint scanner embedded in the power button. The smartphone offers a 6.7-inch center-aligned punch-hole display bearing a resolution of FHD+ pixels and a 90Hz refresh rate.
On the imaging front, the Honor 90 Lite’s triple rear camera setup comprises a 100MP main sensor with f/1.9 aperture, a 2MP macro lens, and a 5MP ultra-wide-angle unit. There is a 16MP front-facing selfie snapper.
Internally, the Honor 90 Lite is powered by a Dimensity 6020 processor. It packs 8GB RAM along with 5GB virtual RAM technology. The device has 256GB onboard storage. The smartphone is backed by a 4,500mAh unit with support for 35W fast charging.
The Honor 90 Lite is already available for purchase in several European countries. It is priced at EUR 300 in the UK, France, and Germany. The smartphone is offered in Cyan Lake, Titanium Silver, and Midnight Black colors.
We have a first look at the OnePlus V Fold! Reliable tipster Steve Hemmerstoffer (aka onleaks) in collaboration with SmartPrix has shared CAD-based renders of the brand’s first-ever foldable phone. At the Cloud 11 event, OnePlus confirmed that it will launch the foldable phones in the third quarter of 2023 with rumors hinting at an August launch. Earlier this year, the company also trademarked the V Fold and V Flip at the China National Intellectual Property Administration
OnePlus V Fold surfaces in leaked renders
The CAD-based leaked renders of the OnePlus V Fold give us a first look at the device from all angles. Right off the bat, the OnePlus V Fold has a tall form factor and it looks similar to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold. The exterior screen has a center-aligned punch-hole cutout whereas it is located at the top left corner in the interior screen. Both images reveal thin bezels surrounding both displays which could result in a large screen-to-body ratio.
In the leaked renders, the OnePlus V Fold looks quite slimmer. The Black-colored leather back panel has a protruding circular camera module with Hasselblad branding confirming its presence. The island houses camera sensors and a periscope lens. The foldable phone has the beloved alert slider and volume rocker buttons on the right edge. There are two speaker grilles at the top and another at the bottom along with a USB-C port.
Apart from this, the renders do not reveal any additional information about the OnePlus V Fold. Looking at the images, the foldable phone does not seem to be a rebranded version of the OPPO Find N2 as it has a compact form factor. Past report also suggested that it will have a 2K display resolution and a larger screen.
We should expect more details to surface about the OnePlus V Fold in the coming weeks as we get closer to the Q3 launch.
Noise has launched a new smartwatch in India. The latest offering is dubbed the NoiseFit Crew Pro. It is an upgraded version of the NoisFit Crew that debuted earlier in February this year. Read on to know what the newest device offers out of the box.
NoiseFit Crew Pro specifications and features
The NoiseFit Crew Pro comes with a circular dial featuring a metallic unibody and leather straps. It has a 1.47-inch AMOLED screen bearing a resolution of 240 x 240 pixels and a 550 nits peak brightness. There is a functioning rotating crown on the right side along with a physical button. The smartwatch is IP68-certified water and dust resistant.
On the health-centric front, the NoiseFit Crew Pro is equipped with a 24×7 heart-rate monitor, SpO2 sensor, sleep tracker, and female cycle monitor. It is also capable of measuring stress levels and offering breathing sessions. The wearable device packs support for more than 120 sports modes.
The NoiseFit Crew Pro has a built-in speaker and mic for Bluetooth calling along with access to recent logs and storing up to 10 contacts. It is backed by a 300mAh battery unit that is claimed to offer 7 days of usage. The smartwatch packs convenient specifications including a notification display, stock updates, quick reply, music and camera control, smart DND, and a calculator.
The NoiseFit Crew Pro carries a price tag of Rs 2,199. It is available for purchase in Classic Black (leather), Classic Blue, Classic Brown, and Silver Grey colors from Flipkart and the brand’s official website starting today.
We recently came to know about the Realme Narzo 60 smartphone through a Geekbench listing. Now, Realme has officially teased the arrival of the Realme Narzo 60 series in India.
The Amazon microsite of the Narzo 60 series reveals that the device will feature the capacity to store 2,50,000 photos. This means that the device could feature 256GB of storage. More details about the device will be revealed on the 22nd and June 26th. So it is possible that we could see the Realme Narzo 60 series debut in India in late June to early July.
That being said, the previous Geekbench listing of the Realme Narzo 60 5G has revealed that it has the model number RMX3750, and it features a MediaTek Dimensity 6020 SoC, along with 8GB RAM and Android 13. The device scores 714 points in the single-core and 1868 points in the multi-core test of Geekbench 6. Considering the price point at which Realme debuts its Narzo device, these devices come with good performance numbers.
No further information is available on the device right now, so let’s take a look at the Realme Narzo 50 5G to get an idea of what to expect.
Realme Narzo 50 5G specs
The device features a 6.6-inch FHD+ 90Hz LCD display and is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 810 SoC. It is equipped with LPDDR4x RAM and UFS 2.1 storage. The device runs on Realme UI 3.0, based on Android 12.
On the camera front, it boasts a dual-camera setup with a 48MP (wide) + 2MP (depth) configuration on the rear, while the front houses a 16MP selfie camera. The device offers dual stereo speakers, a 3.5mm headphone jack, a 5,000mAh battery with 33W fast charging support. It also includes features such as a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, a MicroSD card slot, and has a thickness of 8.1mm, weighing 190g.
UleFone is a Chinese brand known for their rugged phones, but they do in fact produce regular smartphones as well. Now I’m holding the latest addition to their Note series, the UleFone Note 16 Pro, which is aimed at beginners for a very affordable price. By far it looks pretty good. But that’s not all of it, so Let’s check out what we can get for $150 in 2023.
Unboxing
The UleFone Note 16 Pro comes in a very simple package, on the top we see some basic information about the phone: it has 8GB of RAM and 256GB of ROM, coming with Android 13 pre-installed, which is really surprising to me considering that this is a super budget model and they don’t usually run on the latest version of Android.
Apart from the phone, we got some paper, a protective case, a USB-A to USB-C cable and a charger inside the package.
It seems that this budget phone didn’t save money on accessories. All we got here are almost the same as most pricy phones.
Design
The color variant we got is called Midnight Violet, the phone has an iPhone-style look, which is not hard to understand. As one of the best-selling smartphones, the iPhone design is known and acceptable to wide consumers, many brands borrowed elements from the best phone series to make sure their products are more accessible to more people.
For brands like UleFone offering cheap phones for wider groups, I can well understand that they have followed the giant’s footsteps due to limited margins and reflected in price concessions.But if we were talking about other big brands, it would be a different matter.
Like other budget models, the phone’s frame and back cover are made of plastic, which feels smooth and light when you hold it in your hand. The back cover with a matt finish helps get rid of fingerprints in daily use.
Screen & Dispaly
The front of the Note 16 Pro is covered with a 6.52-inch LCD screen with a teardrop notch. It has an HD+ resolution but the LCD panel doesn’t have sub-pixel rendering resulting in a compromised resolution.
So the screen looks very close to an FHD OLED screen of the same size. It looks sharp in detail and the colors and brightness are also impressively good as a budget model.
Connectivity
On the right side of the phone, we can see the volume buttons and the power button with a fingerprint reader. When you finish entering your fingerprint you can unlock the phone quickly.
The SIM slot is on the other side, in fact, it is a triple option slot, you can install two SIM cards on it or replace one of them with a micro SD card to expand your storage. This is one of the most necessary and useful designs on a smartphone, but we hardly ever see it on flagship phones.
At the bottom of the phone, we also get a 3.5mm headphone jack, which makes the phone almost perfect in terms of connectivity and expandability.
Camera
The UleFone Note 16 Pro has dual cameras on the back. The wide-angle camera has a 50MP ISOCELL JN1 sensor. It has a large f/1.8 aperture, which is more than enough for daily recording.
Here are some samples for your reference. As a budget phone, actually, it’s done pretty well.
The phone also supports 1080p video recording. So if you’d like to share your life or do live streaming at minimal cost, this is a spec that is clear enough without requiring too much storage.
Spec & OS
UleFone Note 16 Pro is powered by UniSoC T606 chipset, which is an octa-core platform, but the maximum CPU clocking is only 1.6G Hz, so it can only handle daily use and play some light games.
The Note 16 Pro ships with Android 13 and the latest security patches from Google, which means it will be compatible with the latest daily apps for a long time to come.
This is also our top priority when recommending a budget phone: whether it comes with the latest software pre-installed.
Other than the basic Google App, there are no non-essential apps pre-installed on this phone, which is also a plus to me. As many brands choose to work with developers to pre-install apps on some of their entry products for promotional fees.
The UleFone Note 16 Pro has a 4400mAh battery. Because of the very low power consumption of the SoC, this phone can still last a very long time, and considering that you probably won’t be playing heavy games on such a cheap phone, this battery is still good for a full day of use.
Verdict
Well, this is the UleFone Note 16 Pro, a budget phone with very good expandability. I think the brand has done a very balanced design at a very affordable price. The product is expected to be an ideal choice for those looking for a reliable and affordable smartphone.
On the other hand, if you want to buy a backup phone or are looking for a 4G mobile router, I think the budget 4G phone with storage expansion might also be a better choice. If you’re interested in the budget Ulefone Note 16 Pro, you can learn more here.
Meizu, the Chinese smartphone brand, is reportedly gearing up for the release of its Meizu 21 series, following the successful launch of the Meizu 20 lineup (check out our full review on Meizu 20) earlier this year. Recently, reliable tipster Digital Chat Station shared some primary details about the anticipated Meizu 21 smartphone, shedding light on its design and specifications.
Meizu 21 Rumored to Feature a Flat Display and Minimal Bezels
According to the information provided by the tipster, the Meizu 21 will feature a flat display with remarkably slim bezels, offering an immersive viewing experience. The front of the device will incorporate a centrally positioned punch-hole camera, while the back will house a vertically arranged triple camera setup in the upper-left corner.
The Meizu 21 is expected to introduce a new 50-megapixel primary camera and a telephoto camera within its rear camera setup. As for the Meizu 21 Pro, it is speculated to share a similar design with the standard model, although it remains uncertain whether the Pro variant will feature a regular telephoto camera or a periscope zoom camera.
As of now, there is no official information regarding the exact launch date for the Meizu 21 series. It remains to be seen whether Meizu will unveil the lineup towards the end of this year, alongside other smartphones equipped with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, or if the launch will be scheduled for March 2024.
After one year, Huawei recently updated its flagship-level true wireless ANC earbuds with a new model, the FreeBuds 5, which is claimed to focus on better sound quality, noise cancellation, interaction, and brand-new open-ear design compared to its predecessor. It’s been a long time since Gizmochina Review has been excited about experiencing an earbud product. The FreeBuds 5 is certainly another of the most impressive earbuds of late.
The Huawei FreeBuds 5 is a truly new product if simply looking at the design. It’s widely concerning that launching open earbuds was bound to involve compromises such as degraded sound quality, weak ANC performance, etc. So it’s easy to see plenty of new releases of in-ear models on the market, but few attempts at open earbuds. Most brands ended up continuing to challenge the design dilemma after one or two attempts. From FreeBuds 3 to FreeBuds 4 & 4E and now this FreeBuds 5 with a teardrop faux-fluid design, Huawei seems to be increasingly becoming the preferred choice for comfortable wear.
New look & Design
Due to the new look, I have to say that the Huawei FreeBuds 5 is definitely a game-changer in terms of design compared to other TWS products on the market. In previous reviews of the FreeBuds lines, I’ve always been willing to give comment that ‘they are on the way moving towards the ultimate in ergonomic comfort with fresh designs.’ The Freebuds 5 is no exception.
The charging case of the FreeBuds is designed in a more elegant pebble shape. The eye-catching orange-red variant brings a stylish sense of fashion to the earbuds and the case. If you are not a fan of such a bold color, it is also available in other two widely popular options: white and silver.
Open the lid and you would see the earbuds ‘hanging’ on the gently sloping terrace and fitting the curve of the box seamlessly. The Emphasis throughout is on comfortably elegant curves with natural transitions without any sharp joints. Each bud looks like a futuristic water drop that we might have seen in some sci-fi movies. It obviously gives an upgrade to the look and feel, but more importantly, the comfort of hanging on the ears makes ‘burden-free wearing’ a reality. During the weeks of wearing the FreeBuds 5, it feels very different from the open earbuds I’ve tried in the past. It’s breathable and fits securely on the ear, as the smooth curved surface allows for a more relaxed fit to the ear’s contours. They are so comfortable that I have no complaints when I used them as sleep buds.
Each bud weighs 5.6g
The earbuds’ operation is also more user-friendly. Thanks to the new design, the combination of the arch-shaped bar and the waterdrop stems provides a larger touch area for smoother interaction, such as a long press for ANC switch, a slide for volume adjustment, or a double tap to answer calls or hang up, and so on.
Huawei claims that it’s IP54 dust- and splash-resistance. So I didn’t take it off while I was doing sweaty workouts and even exposed it to a few light showers (not intentionally). But luckily it survived and has been working well.
Sound quality
At first, we didn’t expect much for the sound quality of these open earbuds. However, it turned out to be a surprise. Each earbud is equipped with an 11mm dual-magnetic dynamic driver unit. And driven by the latest Bass Turbo Technology, the magnetic circuits offer a wide frequency range of 16Hz to 40kHz and particularly sensitive response at low frequencies. On first listen, its punching bass made it hard to believe that it was produced by a pair of open earbuds. It’s also wonderful that the open design doesn’t particularly affect the spaciousness of its soundstage. On the contrary, the wide spatial soundstage is well set up for a great balance between bass, mids and treble, especially when the earbuds were used for Dolby Atmos contents. And this is something I can’t experience with other open earbuds.
In addition to these relatively subjective comments, its excellent sound quality is also guaranteed by Hi-Res and HWA Audio Wireless certifications. Thanks to LDAC high-res codec support, the FreeBuds 5 supports super-high transmissions of up to 990kbps. In addition, if you prefer earbuds for low-latency gaming, the FreeBuds 5 can also automatically limit the transmission by activating the dynamic latency. Under the dynamic latency mode, the earbuds will shift to an ultra-low latency mode when detecting games are launched.
If you are using a Huawei phone, you can go to the Bluetooth settings to decide LDAC playback quality between ‘Optimised for audio quality’ and ’Balanced audio and connection quality’. But please do not get carried away with the former’s excellent sound quality, because the latter actually has a much more stable connection when the phone connects with a Wireless network and other Bluetooth devices.
If you want to experience even more unique features such as customized EQs and shortcuts, you will need to download and install the Huawei AI Life app. It’s a versatile app that integrates all your Huawei devices on the same platform. The software for FreeBuds is especially impressive. It’s one of the very few companion apps that shows connecting devices for earbuds. As you can see in the snapshot down below, the FreeBuds 5 supports dual connection and you can easily switch different sources in the connection center by clicking the bubble, or just check out which device is playing sound.
Active noise canceling
The ANC performance of the FreeBuds 5 already copes with most life scenarios with mid-low noise, which is also the most acceptable for me among all the open earbuds. Users can enable ANC with different ANC profiles, including General (Maximum) to Cozy (minimum), and another my favorite mode, Dynamic (auto-switching based on ambient noise). The Dynamic mode can seamlessly switch noise-canceling strength to balance both worlds. But the FreeBuds 5 still do not match the performance of the flagship FreeBuds Pro series which offers an in-ear design. The roar of the engine, for example, can still not be eliminated entirely. But the comfortable fit and relaxed ear-canal pressure leaves me with no complaints about them.
Call quality
There’re 3 microphones on the FreeBuds 3 picking up both the ambient sound and the user’s voice. So after a deep neural network (DNN) algorithm processing, the call quality is clear and gets enhanced without much distraction in the background.
For battery life, the FreeBuds 5 is able to last 5-hour playback without ANC on, while it could drop to around 3.5 hours if you activate ANC. The charging case can offer an extra 25-hour playback time for the earbuds, which does sound better. Another benefit of the charging case is the fast charge available, which allows users to collect back 2 hours of use after just 5-minute charging in the case. Although the case supports wireless charging, I would still suggest the faster-wired charging for most of the time.
Verdict
I really like the design of the new earbuds, yet perhaps what really makes it stand out is the excellent wearing experience and the superb sound quality as a pair of open earbuds. It’s well-balanced between the audio experience and quite a lot of unique features. If you make the open design your priority, it’s likely to be the best option available.
In December 2022, Red Magic introduced the Red Magic 8 Pro smartphone in China. It boasted cutting-edge specifications, including the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, catering to the needs of gamers. Now, Red Magic is preparing to release an enhanced variant known as the Red Magic 8S Pro. The standout improvement in this model will be the upcoming Snapdragon 8+ Gen 2 SoC, delivering even more powerful performance.
Red Magic 8 Pro series
The new chipset is expected to debut sometime in the third quarter of this year. The Red Magic will join devices like the iQOO 11s, the Redmi K60 Ultra, the Realme GT Neo 6, and the OnePlus Ace 2 Pro which are also expected to come with this chipset. Known tipster DCS has shared a live image of the Red Magic 8S Pro smartphone running the AnTuTu benchmark. The benchmark has the device listed with the model number nubia NX729S_V1A.
Red Magic 8S Achieves Record-Breaking AnTuTu Score
Red Magic 8S Pro AnTuTu
What’s impressive is the score of AnTuTu score of the device. It far exceeds the Red Magic 8 Pro+, which is the current leader on AnTuTu’s performance database for Android smartphones. The upcoming Red Magic 8S Pro has scored 1,704,113 points on AnTuTu. Compared to that, the Red Magic 8 Pro+ tops out at 1,304,945. The major improvement is in the CPU department, with the device scoring 436,089 points, compared to the 275,416 of the 8 Pro+. The GPU also has improved quite a bit with the 8S Pro scoring 642,666 points compared to the 573926. Other than that, the device scored 318,418 points and 306,940 points in the memory and UX tests, respectively.
Red Magic Gaming Tablet is also in the works
Alongside the leaked benchmark results, the tipster reveals that the Red Magic 8S Pro will introduce notable features including 170W wired fast charging, an active cooling fan, and various performance tuning and system optimization enhancements. Additionally, there are speculations that Nubia is preparing to launch an Android gaming tablet, which might make its debut alongside the Red Magic 8S Pro. This gaming tablet is expected to deliver exceptional performance and potentially lead the Android tablet market in terms of performance capabilities.
The Realme 11 Pro and 11 Pro+ were launched just recently in the Indian market. And now, the company is also offering a new 1 year warranty extension plan. So here is all you need to know about this service.
Realme 11 Pro series 1 year warranty extension plan live in India
The Chinese smartphone maker has announced that it is making a new warranty extension plan that brings an additional one year of warranty period for the Realme 11 Pro series. The announcement was first shared on Twitter and it states that users can avail “Unlimited number of repair requests up to the benefit value can be availed under this plan.” Notably, the brand will even cover any manufacturing defect or electrical issues on your registered devices that are being sold in India through official channels.
For those interested, you can head to the company’s official stores or websites to buy the new warranty extension plan or even go to select e-commerce platforms in the region. To avail this new plan, customers need to purchase the service for a 1,299 INR. When claiming this warranty to get your device services, the users only need an invoice.
Talking about the devices itself, the Realme 11 Pro series sport a tall 6.7 inch AMOLED display with FHD+ resolution and 120Hz refresh rate. Both devices are equipped with a MediaTek Dimensity 7050 SoC that is paired with up to 12GB of RAM. The Realme 11 Pro features a 100 megapixel dual camera setup, while the top end 11 Pro+ model offers a 200 megapixel triple camera module on the rear.
WhatsApp has unveiled an exciting update for its Android beta users with the release of version 2.23.13.6 on the Google Play Store. One notable feature introduced in this update is an enhanced media picker, aimed at providing a more streamlined experience for selecting and sending images, videos, and GIFs. The new feature introduces numbered thumbnails that allow users to easily keep track of their selected media items and maintain the desired order.
Simplifying Media Selection
Previously, when users selected media to send, a simple checkmark would indicate the selection. While functional, this system often posed challenges when multiple items were chosen, as it was difficult to remember the order in which they were selected. However, with the latest update, WhatsApp has addressed this issue by assigning a number to each selected item, which is displayed on the thumbnail. This numbering system corresponds to the selection order, offering users a clear visual reference.
With this improvement, users gain greater control over the sequence in which media items are sent. Previously, relying solely on memory to maintain the desired order proved cumbersome. The introduction of numbered thumbnails simplifies the process, allowing users to easily discern the order in which media will be shared. This enables them to make any necessary adjustments before sending, ensuring a smoother and more organized experience.
The update is currently available to selected beta testers who have installed the latest WhatsApp beta for Android update from the Google Play Store. In the coming days, WhatsApp plans to roll out this feature to an even larger user base, gradually expanding its availability.
Earlier this week, we covered a leak that revealed the official promotional materials of a couple of its high anticipated upcoming products. One of the gadgets that was revealed in the poster image leaks included the Galaxy Watch 6 and Galaxy Watch 6 Classic. And now, even the pricing for the two smartwatch models have been revealed.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 series may start from 319.99 Euros
A new source has offered us a detailed breakdown of the pricing for every variant of the Galaxy Watch 6 series. Although, this leak is specifically for the European market with the price tag for these smartwatches coming from France. So there is likely certain differences in pricing depending on the different region and their tax rates. However, we now know that the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 starts for 319.99 Euros for the 40mm variant in Graphite and Cream color option. This variant is Bluetooth only, while the 4G enabled versions costs 369.99 Euros.
Furthermore, the larger 44mm variant in Graphite and Silver will have a 349.99 Euros price tag for the Bluetooth only variant, while the model with 4G support costs 399.99 Euros. Talking about the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic edition, the 43mm version in Black and Silver will go for 419.99 Euros for the Bluetooth model and 469.99 Euros for the LTE variant. Lastly, the top end 47mm Galaxy Watch 6 in Black and Silver will be sold for 449.99 Euros for the Bluetooth only model and 499.99 Euros for the 4G version.
Apart from this, Samsung will likely offer trade in exchange offers as well as other bank offers on launch. The latest Samsung smartwatches are set to be announced during the upcoming Galaxy Unpacked event, which will be held in South Korea in the latter half of next month. During this event, the company will announced its next generation of Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5 foldable phones, new Galaxy Buds 3, and Galaxy Tab S9 series as well.
Back in September 2021, Realme launched the Realme Pad tablet in India. While the brand did not a successor in 2022, there is a good chance that a new Realme tablet is heading to Indian markets this year.
Image via TheTechOutlook
According to a report from TheTechOutlook, the alleged Realme Pad 2 has emerged on the Bureau of Indian Standards certification website. The tablet has emerged with two model numbers: RMP2204 and RMP2205. This indicates that we can expect two variants of the device to debut in India. Additionally, these two model numbers have also appeared on the Bluetooth SIG certification website revealing that they feature support for Bluetooth version 5.3.
Image via TheTechOutlook
Other than that, there is no information available on the Realme Pad 2. We can expect the tablet to feature an upgraded chipset, along with a larger battery and a better display. It remains to be seen if the price of the upcoming tablet will also get a bump. For now, let’s check out the specs of the existing Realme Pad to get an idea of what to expect.
Realme Pad specs
The Realme Pad is a sleek tablet with a metal body, featuring a 10.4-inch LCD display with 2000×1200 resolution, the tablet offers vibrant visuals with 16.7 million colors, 82.5% screen-to-body ratio, and 360 nits brightness. It supports various display modes such as Reading Mode, Dark Mode, Night Mode, and Sunlight Mode.
Powered by a MediaTek Helio G80 SoC, the Realme Pad offers smooth performance, coupled with up to 4GB RAM and 64GB storage. The storage can be expanded up to 1TB using a MicroSD card.
Connectivity options include dual-band WiFi, Bluetooth 5.0, GNSS (GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou), and a USB Type-C port. LTE variants are also available.
The tablet runs on Realme UI for Pad, based on Android 11, providing a user-friendly experience with features like multi-user support and Google Kids Space. It enables multitasking with split-screen functionality.
The Realme Pad offers an immersive audio experience with Hi-Res Audio-certified quad speakers supporting Dolby Atmos. It has two 8MP cameras, dual microphones, and additional sensors like ambient light, accelerometer, gyroscope, and compass.
With a 7,100mAh battery and 18W fast charging support, the Realme Pad ensures long-lasting usage. It can even be used for reverse charging. The only notable omission is a 3.5mm headphone jack.
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