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The End of the App Store and Play Store Monopoly: Japan Plans to Open Up the Market to Competition

The Play Store and App Store are the only places most people go to get new apps for their phones. This is because these two stores come pre-installed on our phones, and also we don’t have any other choice. Both Google and Apple have been trying to prevent people from installing apps from other sources, which would allow them to keep their monopoly on the app market. However, Japan is preparing to change this by allowing other app stores to compete with the Play Store and App Store. Here are the details…

Japan to open up Apple and Google app stores to competition

The free market is a powerful force that drives innovation and competition. It gives consumers the freedom to choose the products and services that they want, and it gives businesses the incentive to create better products and services at lower prices. However, the app store market is not exactly free. Compaines like Google, Apple, and Huawei have all created closed ecosystems that limit the choices that developers and users have. However, this is changing soon.

Japan’s government has announced plans to open up the smartphone app stores of Apple and Google to competition. The move is aimed at spurring competition and leading to lower app prices. The new regulations would allow users to download apps from other app stores, as long as those stores meet certain security and privacy standards. The regulations would also allow users to pay for apps using third-party payment platforms.

In addition, the regulations would require Apple and Google to allow users to delete pre-installed apps and to stop giving preferential treatment to their own services in their search engines. The government says the new regulations will help to create a more level playing field for app developers and consumers. It is also expected to lead to lower app prices. The regulations are still in the draft stage, but the government plans to submit them to parliament for approval later this year.

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Apple Arcade Gets Two New Games Along With Updates To Popular Games

Last month, Apple announced 20 new games for the Apple Arcade. Now the Cupertino-based tech giant has expanded its premium gaming subscription service by introducing two new games and rolling out new updates to several other popular games that have been available before. Read on to know more below. 

Apple Arcade gets two new games and adds updates to other games

The newly announced game on Apple Arcade is called Jet Dragon. It is said to be developed exclusively for Apple’s gaming subscription service by Grezzo. The Japanese developer has previously worked on The Legend of Zelda series. The new game combines racing and sports management as players have to build a team, train dragons, compete against rivals, and participate in dragon races. 

Another new game introduced to Apple Arcade is Bold Moves. It is a word puzzle game that integrates serene scenes, challenging levels, daily/weekly events, and inspirational quote puzzles.

Apart from the new games, Apple has also released updates for several other games like NBA 2K23 Arcade Edition, LEGO Brawls, GOAT Simulator+, Football Manager 2023 Touch, JellyCar Worlds, and Solitaire Stories. 

Apple Arcade gaming service offers games with no ads and in-app purchases. Every game is playable offline and most have support for controllers. The gaming subscription service is priced at $5 monthly or $60 annually with a one-month free trial. Additionally, customers who have purchased a new iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple TV receive three months of Apple Arcade for free.2

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Redmi 12C 4GB RAM + 128GB storage model coming soon to India

Redmi recently teased a new variant of the Redmi 12C smartphone in India. The device made its debut in the country back in March 2023 with 4GB RAM + 64GB storage and 6GB RAM + 128GB storage configurations.

Redmi

Now, Redmi has announced a new configuration for the device, which will have 4GB RAM and 128GB storage. This is the perfect balance for people looking for extra storage but doesn’t have use for the additional RAM. That being said, the device has the option to extend the RAM virtually up to 3GB. The launch date of this variant is still under wraps, but the brand has already launched this configuration in Kenya.

Redmi 12C specs

The Redmi 12C smartphone features a large 6.71-inch IPS LCD display with an HD+ resolution of 1650 x 720 pixels, offering an immersive visual experience with its 20.6:9 aspect ratio, 500 nits brightness, 1500:1 contrast ratio, and 70% NTSC color gamut. Running on Android 12 with the MIUI 13 overlay, it provides a customized user interface.

Redmi

Under the hood, the Redmi 12C is powered by the Helio G85 chipset, coupled with up to 6 GB of RAM and up to 128 GB of storage. The device also offers expandable storage through a dedicated microSD card slot. It offers convenient security options with face unlock and a rear-facing fingerprint scanner. For photography, it sports a 5-megapixel front camera and a 50-megapixel main camera on the back, along with a depth sensor and LED flash for capturing high-quality photos and depth information.

The device houses a substantial 5,000mAh battery with 10W charging support. Connectivity options include dual SIM capability, 4G VoLTE, Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 5.1, GPS, a microUSB port, and a 3.5mm headphone jack, ensuring seamless connectivity for users.

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OnePlus Nord 3 community review applications are now open

OnePlus has just updated its Community platform to include “The Lab” for its users from select regions across the globe. The Lab brings users the opportunity to apply for the community review program for the latest Nord series smartphone, which is the Nord 3.

OnePlus The Lab community review live for the next Nord

For those unaware, the Nord 3 is the latest entry in the main Nord series of mid range smartphones from the Chinese smartphone maker. This model is set to launch next month, but prior to its release, The Lab has opened applications for the brand’s Community members in India, Europe, and APAC regions. These applications are open till the 25th of June 2023. Notably, this isn’t a new practice as OnePlus has carried out its community review since the OnePlus 3 series.

OnePlus

To elaborate further, it basically let’s community members get a chance at reviewing the brand’s latest smartphones and offer their opinions on the new product. This application is open to everyone and is not strictly restricted to OnePlus users. However, The Lab is only live in the regions listed above. The company plans to let 6 people review their new device, out of which, 3 of the review models will be reserved to the OnePlus Community users that have also registered in the previous community review program.

The applications are currently live and you can click here to register for the chance to review the Nord 3. Meanwhile, users selection will be between the 20th and 26th of this month. Furthermore, the winners for the program will be revealed on 27th of this month.

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Nothing Teases A Transparent USB Type-C Cable For The Phone (2)

Nothing is set to launch the Phone (2) on July 11. The brand has confirmed a few details about the upcoming offering. Now, the company’s CEO Carl Pei has revealed a transparent USB Type-C cable. The accessory will likely be limited to the Nothing Phone (2) at launch. Read on to know more below. 

A transparent Nothing USB type -C cable teased

Carl Pei took to Twitter to share the image of the transparent USB Type-C cable and said that it is nice. The accessory will be third offering from the brand to feature a transparent design after the smartphone and TWS earbuds. The image reveals that both the end ports of the Nothing USB Type-C cable will have transparent lids instead of a plastic coating that is found on regular cables. There is also a Nothing logo inside the ports. It’s worth noting that he rest of the cable i.e. the wire is made of different materials similar to regular cables. The accessory is seen in a White color option. 

It’s unclear if the Nothing USB Type-C cable will be available only for the upcoming Phone (2). It also remains to be seen if the accessory will be sold separately or bundled with the smartphone. 

As for the core specifications of the Nothing Phone (2), it is confirmed to be powered by a Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset and be backed by a 4,700mAh battery unit. It will feature a transparent design with a redesigned Glyph interface that has multiple small strips surrounding the charging coil. The device will come with RAW HDR format and 4K 60 fps video recording. The smartphone is confirmed to not receive a significant price hike despite the upgrades. It is also said to be manufactured in India.

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Elon Musk surprised by support for AI pause, calls for strong regulation

In a recent appearance at the VivaTech technology conference in France, Tesla CEO Elon Musk expressed his surprise at the level of support he received after calling for a pause on advanced artificial intelligence (AI) development. Musk had joined hundreds of tech luminaries in signing an open letter that emphasized the potential dangers of advanced AI and advocated for a six-month pause on developing technologies more advanced than OpenAI’s GPT-4 chatbot.

elon-musk

Musk Calls for Strong Regulation in the Face of Advanced AI Development

While Musk didn’t expect anyone to actually agree to the pause, he reiterated his stance, stating, “I just want to say, ‘I think we should pause.'” The seriousness of the letter was recognized by both its signatories and its critics, with notable figures such as Bill Gates, Senator Mike Rounds, and Geoffrey Hinton expressing their opinions on the matter.

Hinton, often referred to as the “Godfather of AI,” argued against the pause, suggesting that if research were halted in certain regions, it would continue elsewhere, particularly in China. Google CEO Sundar Pichai also acknowledged the letter as a conversation starter, emphasizing the collective action problem it poses.

Aidan Gomez, CEO of Cohere, a $2 billion AI startup, expressed skepticism about the feasibility of implementing the pause, stating that debating the extinction of humanity due to superintelligent AI. was an inefficient use of time and resources.

In contrast, Musk warned of the potential catastrophic consequences if artificial general intelligence (AGI) were not handled with care, noting that AGI could surpass human intelligence by a significant margin. He reiterated the need for strong regulation and highlighted the risk that advanced AI poses to the public. Musk emphasized the importance of minimizing the probability of negative outcomes while acknowledging the positive potential of AI.

While Musk’s call for an AI pause continues to spark debates and varying perspectives, his primary concern remains the responsible development and governance of artificial intelligence technology.

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Xiaomi TV EA43 2023 launched with upgraded chip for the same price ($110)

Xiaomi has launched a new budget smart TV in China called Xiaomi TV EA43 2023. As the name suggests, it is the 2023 edition of the already existing 2022 model.

The latest television costs the same as its predecessor and shares almost all of its features. In fact, it only comes with a single notable upgrade.

Let’s go through everything offered by this TV along with its pricing and availability.

Xiaomi TV EA43 2023

Xiaomi TV EA43 2023 Specifications

The Xiaomi TV EA43 went official quietly earlier today. The product was not announced on social media. It got listed on a website of an online retailer directly.

Just like its predecessor, this television features a metal frame and a 1080p (FHD) screen. The panel measures 43 inches diagonally with a 96.7% screen-to-body ratio.

The LED-backlit LCD screen has a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels and a 60Hz refresh rate. There’s no support for HDR and the viewing angle is 178°.

Further, the TV is powered by an unnamed 64-bit chipset paired with 1GB RAM and 8GB storage. This quad-core chip is an upgrade over the dual-core Amlogic chip present inside the previous model.

Thanks to an advanced chipset, the television supports dual-band WiFi, which is missing from its predecessor. There’s also Bluetooth, 2 x HDMI, AV, 2 x USB, S/PDIF, Antenna, and Ethernet.

Finally, the television boots MIUI for TV 3.0 and houses 2 x 8W speakers (16W) with support for DTS-HD.

Xiaomi TV EA43 2023 Price

The Xiaomi TV EA43 2023 is priced at ¥799 (~$110) in China. It is currently up for sale on Xiaomi Youpin. It should be available from other retailers in the coming days.

Similar to other Xiaomi TV EA models, this one too may not release in global markets.

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Vivo Y36 4G pricing leaked along with June 26 launch date

Following its successful launch in Indonesia, Vivo is now preparing to introduce the Y36 4G smartphone to the Indian market. Earlier leaks indicated that the device would likely be launched this month and fall within the price range of 18,000 to 20,000 INR. A recent report by Pricebaba has now disclosed the precise price range and Indian launch date, providing more details on the upcoming Vivo Y36 4G smartphone.

Vivo

The latest report unveils that the Vivo Y36 4G is scheduled to make its debut in India on June 26. Priced at Rs 19,500, the smartphone is expected to offer a compelling package for Indian consumers. Additionally, the promotional image shared by Pricebaba showcases the Y36 4G in two attractive color options: Black and Cream, adding further appeal to the upcoming device. Vivo will likely take a few more days before teasing the upcoming Indian launch of the device in an official manner. Till then, let’s check out the specifications and features of the device.

Vivo Y36 4G specs & features

The Vivo Y36 smartphone offers a captivating viewing experience with its 6.64-inch IPS LCD display featuring Full HD+ resolution and a centrally positioned hole-punch cutout. The display supports a smooth 90Hz refresh rate and delivers vibrant visuals with an impressive peak brightness of 950 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even in bright lighting conditions.

In terms of photography, the Y36 features a dual-camera setup on the rear, comprising a 50MP primary camera and a 2MP secondary sensor. On the front, there is a 16MP camera that captures stunning selfies and facilitates engaging video calls. Under the hood, the device is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 SoC, providing reliable performance and efficient multitasking. It offers 8GB of RAM and a generous 256GB of storage, allowing ample space for apps, media, and files.

The Y36 is equipped with a sizable 5000mAh battery, ensuring long-lasting usage, and supports 44W fast charging for quick recharging times. Additionally, it runs on Funtouch OS 13 based on Android 13 and boasts features like an IP54 rating for water and dust resistance, Bluetooth 5.1, microSD card support of up to 1TB, 8GB virtual RAM support, and GPS capabilities.

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Apple iPhone 15, iPhone 16 to feature seamless Vision Pro integration via UWB & Wi-Fi 7

Apple just recently announced the Vision Pro, which marked its brand new product line and entry into the VR/AR enabled headset market. But with the new headset, it appears that there will be some notable changes coming to its popular iPhone series as well to ensure seamless integration.

Future Apple iPhones to better support Vision Pro headset

According to known analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the Cupertino based giant is working on making its upcoming iPhone models better integrate with the Vision Pro headset. To achieve this, the company will apparently be bringing hardware upgrades to its future iPhones. This move isn’t surprising considering the brand seamlessly connects various products across multiple platforms, ranging from iPhones, iPads, MacBooks, and more.

Apple

Kuo stated that Apple might soon bring Wi-Fi 7 and UWB (Ultra Wideband) technology to its upcoming iPhone models. This would help them be work better with the new Vision Pro headset. In other words, the iPhone 15 will likely arrive with an upgraded Ultra Wideband chip to offer a robust and seamless connection with the latest entry in the Apple ecosystem. Kuo claims that the new iPhones will arrive with an upgraded version of the U1 chip. For those unaware, this UWB chipset was first shipped inside the iPhone 11.

The new and improved chip would even help bring upgrades to various existing features like AirDrop, Find My, and more. But the primary benefit with the update U1 chip is better integration with the Vision Pro headset. Apart from this, Kuo also believes that the iPhone 16 will be the first smartphone from the company to feature Wi-Fi 7. This wireless tech will enable faster speeds and many other benefits. This is crucial for better virtual and augmented reality experiences. Overall, we can even expect the tech to offer better integration across the multiple platforms.

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IIIF 150 Raptor Review: The best charger for free!

We have reviewed a lot of rugged phones, they are very different and have their own characteristics. There are those with very large batteries, those with a watch embedded in the back, and those that can be used as a portable Bluetooth speaker.

Our protagonist today: is the IIIF 150 Raptor, which of course has some features that other phones don’t have. For example, the 64MP Night Vision Camera, the large 10,000 mAh battery, and this 65w charger.

Unboxing

When you purchase the IIIF 150 Raptor, you will receive a large box like this. Open it, take out the phone and manual, and put it aside, its biggest selling points are underneath. In addition to the extra one that comes with a tempered film, there is also the charger we just mentioned.

I must say, this is one of the best free chargers I’ve ever seen. This USB-C 65W Gallium Nitride charger has a very full charging protocol. It can charge almost all devices quickly except for OPPO and Vivo phones which might be a little slower. If you go to buy one of these chargers, it will cost you at least $20.

Not only is the charger great, but even the built quality of the charging cable is very good. It is a C-to-C cable made of a braided cord. This charging kit is perfect, and it seems that IIIF 150 knows one thing very well: it is true that rugged phones need a large battery, but they also need a charger that can charge quickly.

Design

Raptor is also quite unique in terms of design. It has a very flat back except for a little bump on the camera module. The diamond pattern adds friction to the grip, and the three vertical lines in the middle make it immediately obvious that this is an IIIF 150 phone.

The most interesting thing is the design of the camera module. This Sun emblem together with the IIIF 150 logo makes the camera area look a bit like Egyptian frescoes. it just so happens that the whole phone is brown in color which looks very classic.

There is a very thoughtful design here: to give this Raptor more functionality, there are two scales on the side frame. One side is in centimeters and the other is in inches. When you need it, you can use it as a ruler. You don’t need a card pin to install the SIM card, you can snap out the slot with your fingernail.

The charging port also does not have a dust plug, meaning that whatever charging cable can be used normally and will not get stuck. The Raptor without the dust plug also still passed the IP68 and IP69K waterproof certifications. The only regret is perhaps the lack of a headphone jack.

Camera

The IIIF 150 Raptor is not the first rugged phone with a 108 MP main camera, but it is among the better-optimized ones. It can take satisfactory pictures in most scenarios.

Although most rugged phones have a night vision camera, most are 20MP and do not have autofocus. 64MP Auto Focus night vision camera on the Raptor is a big advantage, both for night vision photos and videos are very clear.

The thermal imaging lens is also an old friend of ours. It can help you spot things you can’t see.

Performance & Display

Raptor’s processor is MediaTek Helio G99, which is an old friend of ours. We’ve seen it in many rugged phones, and its performance level is well-known to everyone. PUBG Mobile is still stable at 40fps in balanced graphics and doesn’t overheat. Raptor has an FHD+ high refresh rate screen, 120Hz will make everything you do on the phone look smoother.

Battery

Besides the really great charger and 64MP Night Vision Camera, another selling point is that it’s the world’s thinnest 10,000mAh rugged phone. Rugged phones are generally heavier and thicker, but of all the rugged phones we’ve seen, the only one with a battery that big and only 15mm is the Raptor. It’s about the same size as a 10,000mAh power bank and can charge other devices. That’s why it comes in a box with a C-to-C charging cable. I have to repeat it, it’s the perfect charging kit.

Conclusion

This is the latest model of IIIF 150. It has a large battery capacity, but it’s not thick. And it gives you a valuable charger and cable. It’s also the world’s first rugged phone with a 64MP night vision camera, and that’s what makes the Raptor different from other phones. If you like one of the selling points, then you can only choose it. Because no other rugged phone can do that.

Realme Responds to Accusations of Personal User Data Collection via Realme UI 4.0 Feature

Amidst the increased scrutiny of Chinese companies by the Indian government, Realme has become the latest brand to face challenges, as accusations of collecting personal user data have surfaced. Further details will be provided to give a comprehensive understanding of the situation.

Realme

Realme has recently faced allegations of collecting user data through a default-enabled feature. The feature in question, known as “Enhanced Intelligent Services,” is found in Realme UI 4.0, the operating system running on many Realme smartphone models. The concerns were raised by Twitter user Rishi Bagree, who highlighted that this feature, which is enabled by default, gathers various types of data such as device information, app usage statistics, location data, calendar events, and statistics related to SMS messages and calls. Notably, this information is explicitly mentioned in the description of the feature, leaving little room for speculation.

Realme in Union Minister of Electronics and Technology’s radar

In response to the allegations, Twitter users questioned the purpose of the default-enabled service and raised concerns about where the collected data was being sent. The tweet gained attention when Rajeev Chandrashekar, Union Minister of Electronics and Technology, shared it, expressing that the government would investigate and verify the claims. Given the Indian government’s past actions of banning numerous China-based apps due to data privacy concerns, this situation could potentially escalate into a significant issue for the Realme brand.

Realme has promptly responded to the allegations and provided a statement to 91mobiles, addressing the concerns regarding the functionality of the app and the security and privacy of Realme users.

The brand said that “realme attaches great importance to the privacy and security of our consumers and we are committed to maintaining the confidentiality of data security. Specific to the issue raised, we would like to clarify that the enhanced intelligent services feature is linked to optimising device usage to ensure that consumers get better battery life and temperature performance. However, contrary to the current description, we do not connect any data on SMS, phone calls, schedules, etc.

All data processed in this service is encrypted and stored in encrypted hardware within user’s device strictly in compliance with Android security mechanisms. This data is completely stored within the device and is not shared anywhere else or uploaded on the cloud. We place great emphasis on user privacy protection, the enhanced intelligent services feature can be manually turned on or off basis the needs of the consumers.”

Realme’s official statement emphasizes that the data collection process is intended solely to enhance the user experience, assuring that all collected data remains stored locally on the device. However, due to the recurring history of significant data allegations associated with Chinese companies, it is understandable that users have raised concerns about data privacy and security. Interestingly, Twitter users have also discovered a similar feature on OnePlus devices, suggesting that this issue might not be limited to Realme alone.

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Samsung Galaxy Fold 5, Z Flip 5, Tab S9 and Watch 6 series official promo images leaked

The Samsung Galaxy Unpacked event is just around the corner. During this major event, the company is set to unveil a number of highly anticipated smartphones, tablets, and much more. However, prior to this conference, new leaks have revealed the promotional image posters that showcase the Galaxy Z Fold 5, Galaxy Z Flip 5, Galaxy Tab S9 series, and Galaxy Watch 6 series. So let’s have a look.

Samsung

Samsung promo material leak showcase a number of its upcoming products

The leaked official images arrive from multiple sources which includes known tipster Evan Blass. These leaked official image posters were shared on Twitter and offer us a glimpse of devices like the upcoming foldable phones, Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5, along with the new Galaxy Watch 6 and Galaxy Watch 6 Classic, and Galaxy Tab S9 series that consists of the base model, Galaxy Tab S9+, and Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra.

Samsung

In one of the pictures, we can see multiple Samsung devices together, including the Galaxy Z Flip 5 and Galaxy Watch 6 in Mint color, Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra with an S Pen, and lastly the Galaxy Buds earbuds in white, which is likely the Galaxy Buds 3 model. The Tab S9 series promo picture has the three models together while the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5 were spotted on separate images, which showcased their front and rear design.

Samsung

The Flip 5 images also highlight the larger cover display, which is in line with out previous render leak. The Galaxy Z Flip 5 will arrive with a 3.4 inch external display that is a taller than the 1.9 inch panel that was found on the previous generations. This device is also expected to arrive with a new hinge mechanism. The Galaxy Tab S9 series poster images also hint at its protection rating, being clearly advertised as at least splash resistant.

Samsung

Arriving at the last device that was leaked, the Galaxy Watch 6 and Galaxy Watch 6 Classic model were spotted in these recent promo images. We can see the base model in multiple color option, namely white, yellow, lavender, mint, and gray as well. On the other hand, the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic appears to feature its rotating bezel. This smartwatch might also launch with special band options as well.

Samsung

Based on what we know so far, the South Korean tech giant is rumored to kick off its Galaxy Unpacked event next month, around the 26th or 27th of July 2023. Unfortunately, the new leak only shares the promo images of the new gadgets but do not reveal any finer details like specifications and pricing. So stick around for more as we will be providing updates and will also be covering the launch event next month.

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Fire-Boltt Ultimate with 1.39-inch HD display, Bluetooth calling, 7-day battery life launched

Fire-Boltt, a prominent player in the Indian smartwatch market, has unveiled its latest offering, the Fire-Boltt Ultimate. Targeted at budget-conscious consumers looking for a feature-rich smartwatch, the Fire-Boltt Ultimate boasts an attractive price point and impressive specifications.

Fire-Boltt Ultimate smartwatch

Fire-Boltt Ultimate features:

The Fire-Boltt Ultimate features a 1.39-inch circular display with HD resolution and a pixel count of 240 x 240. The watch offers multiple watch face options to cater to individual preferences. With a sleek and stylish circular dial design, the Fire-Boltt Ultimate exudes a premium feel.

One of the standout features of the Fire-Boltt Ultimate is its Bluetooth calling capability. By leveraging the in-built microphone, speaker, and Bluetooth 5.0 protocol, users can conveniently make and receive calls directly from their wrist. The smartwatch also includes a dedicated Dial Pad and supports call history and contact synchronization for seamless communication.

Fire-Boltt Ultimate smartwatch

According to Fire-Boltt, the watch features fashion-style glass for the circular dial, ensuring durability and a sophisticated look. Fitness enthusiasts will appreciate the watch’s comprehensive activity tracking capabilities, which cover running, swimming, cycling, and an impressive 123 other sports activities. Moreover, the in-built microphone and speaker enable access to the integrated voice assistant for added convenience.

To enhance the overall user experience, Fire-Boltt has equipped the smartwatch with a range of additional features. Users can enjoy in-built games, as well as access the Fire-Boltt Health Suite, which offers various health tracking features. These include female health care tracking, heart rate monitoring, and SpO2 measurement.

With an IP68 rating, the Fire-Boltt Ultimate is suitable for outdoor use, ensuring resistance against water and other environmental conditions. The watch also includes features such as drinking water and sedentary reminders, smart notifications, weather updates, and control over music and camera functions.

Fire-Boltt Ultimate smartwatch

The watch is powered by a 270mAh battery, which provides an impressive runtime of up to 7 days without Bluetooth calling and 3 days with Bluetooth calling. In standby mode, the Fire-Boltt Ultimate can last up to 20 days. Charging the watch from 0 to 100 percent takes 120 minutes.

Fire-Boltt Ultimate pricing:

The Fire-Boltt Ultimate comes in two variants: one with a metallic strap available in Black, Silver, and Gold, and another with a leather strap in Black and Brown options. The metallic strap variant is available at an introductory price of Rs 1,999, while the leather strap variant is priced at Rs 1,799. The Fire-Boltt Ultimate will be up for sale from Flipkart and Fire-Boltt’s eStore starting at 12 PM on June 19. The company also launched Fire-Boltt Dagger Luxe and Fire-Boltt Blizzard recently.

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Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 may come with two zoom cameras, water drop hinge, and more

Update: The story has been updated with correct details. It previously misreported the Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 to feature 50MP Sony IMX989 1-inch main camera.

For the last couple of years, Xiaomi has been releasing foldable smartphones in the second half of the year. Thus, enthusiasts are looking forward to the company’s next-gen foldable device in the next few months.

This phone is expected to be called Xiaomi Mix Fold 3. We have been herding about it since February.

Earlier today, a reliable Chinese leaker seems to have revealed some of the specs of this upcoming foldable handset. Let’s check out what he has to say.

Xiaomi Mix Fold 2 review 03
Xiaomi Mix Fold 2 (Review)

Xiaomi’s next foldable could be a camera powerhouse

Digital Chat Station has disclosed the specs of an unnamed foldable smartphone on Weibo. He says that the engineering model (prototype) of this product flaunts a white curved glass body.

Going by the features, the device sounds more like the Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 whose specs have been popping now and then from different sources. Even the netizens’ comments suggest the same.

As per the tipster, the phone is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset. It sports a quad-camera system. Two of these cameras feature zoom lenses. One of them has a 3.2x zoom lens for portraits, while the other has a 5x periscope lens for long-range zoom.

The foldable has a new water-drop hinge that strengthens the performance of drop resistance. It continues to be thin and light like its predecessor and supports 67W wired as well as 50W wired charging.

According to MIUI code, the Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 is likely codenamed ‘Babylon’ carrying model number 2308CPXD0C. It also goes by L18 and is expected to launch in August.

Previous leaks have revealed that the handset will arrive with an 8.02-inch main display and a 6.5-inch cover screen. Both panels will offer an FHD+ resolution and up to a 120Hz refresh rate.

On the inside, it will come equipped with LPDDR5 RAM and UFS 4.0 storage. It is tipped to be IP-rated and might come with an under-display camera.

Unfortunately, just like previous iterations, the Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 will probably not release in global markets. It may remain exclusive to mainland China and is expected to arrive in leather and glass back variants.

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DEENO GT X1500 Portable Power Station Review: A good helper for camping.

As the impact of COVID-19 fades, people are becoming more willing to travel or camp, and Portable Power Stations are also becoming a popular product category. When you start thinking about which Portable Power Station is worth buying, why not try this DEENO GT X1500, I’ll tell you what’s good about it.

Deeno GT X1500 Power Station

Unboxing

In addition to the DEENO GT X1500 and manual, the package includes the following accessories: Adapter, MC4-DC7.9*0.9 Charging Cable, Car Charger Male Connector-DC7.9*0.9 Charging Cable, and Accessory Bag.

Design

I really like the design of the DEENO GT X1500. Compared to other Power Stations with different shapes, the GT X1500 looks like a normal rectangular body with no fancy decorations. The whole body is mostly made of ABS. My favorite part is the handle. When you need to move it, it will rise up. Put it on the ground it will retract, like a spring.

It has almost all the ports and buttons on the front, a wireless charging pad on top, and air inlets and outlets on both sides. On the back is a very large LED light with 12w of power, which I’m sure will make it easier to do your thing at night. 14.8kg isn’t too heavy, so even a kid can easily move around your campsite with it.

Interface

The DEENO GT X1500 has a lot of ports on the front. There are 3 AC ports, 2 USB-C ports, 3 USB-A ports, 1 vehicular cigarette lighter output port, 1 DC output, and 1 DC input port. DEENO uses white lines to divide the three output interface areas and one input interface area, each output area has a separate switch. The 3 AC ports have a total output of 1500w, allowing you to use some high-power devices. If you want to watch a movie outdoors, wash your car, or have a cup of coffee, these three ports can help you do that.

USB-C all charging protocols

These five USB ports are mainly for charging some small devices, such as cell phones and tablets. Among them, USB-C supports up to 100w PD charging and has a wide range of protocols. The USB-A port is recommended for charging smartwatches or power banks, as they usually cannot support high-power input and are charged while sleeping.

To allow the DEENO GT X1500 to charge more types of devices, there are these two DC ports and the car charge output port, with a maximum output power of 120w. It even adds this wireless charging area above, with a maximum power of 10w. Basically, it meets the charging needs of all kinds of electronic devices.

This screen, like the other Portable Power Stations, shows all the data on charging and power usage. It is also the only way you can determine the status of the Power Station. Most of the icons are so intuitive that you only need to glance at them to determine what the icons actually represent. Even if you can’t understand it, the manual also explains what all the icons represent.

Charging & Battery

In addition to charging the Deeno GT X1500 with the included charger, you can also choose to charge it with the 200W Portable Solar Panel. When the sun is shining, this Solar Panel is a great power generator for outdoor use. But it’s not free, you need to pay $399 for it.

The GT X1500 has a battery capacity of 1036Wh (28.8V 36Ah) and the battery type is LiFePO4. A battery of this capacity can charge a cell phone approximately 89 times or a 60W TV for 14 hours of continuous viewing. It takes about 5.5-6.5h to charge from 0 to 100% through an Adapter or 24V port of the car, 6-10h through solar power, and 10-13h through the 12V port of the car.

For a limited time, seize the opportunity on Amazon to grab the DEENO portable power station for an incredible price of $499 when you apply a $200 discount coupon (originally $699). Additionally, the solar generator, bundled with a 200W solar panel, is available for just $799 with a $300 discount coupon (originally $1099), while Portable Power Stations with the same interface and capacity are usually more expensive. Wireless charging support is also a unique highlight. If you are interested in it after reading this article, please do try it, the GT X1500 is definitely worth the price.

HTC A103 Plus Set to Launch: Affordable Tablet with 10.1-Inch Display, MediaTek Processor, and Android 13.0

In line with the growing preference for tablet in work and study settings, it looks like HTC is gearing up to unveil its latest offering, the HTC A103 Plus. From the specs, the new tablet aims to meet the diverse requirements of professionals and students seeking high-performance devices.

HTC A103 Plus has made it’s appearance in the Google GMS Certification, indicating that the device is undergoing rigorous testing and evaluation.

Judging from the available information on it’s specs, HTC A103 Plus is positioned as a budget-friendly tablet option. The device’s anticipated price point and feature set are expected to cater to a wide range of consumers seeking an affordable yet capable tablet experience.

The certification confirms HTC A103 Plus will be 4G Wi-Fi tablet. It will feature a 10.1-inch FHD display, with a resolution of 1200*1920 pixels. It should be powered by the MTK8768A processor, which consists of four Arm Cortex-A53 cores running at 2.0GHz and four Arm Cortex-A53 cores running at 1.5GHz. This includes a GPU (IMG8320) clocked at 650MHz for graphics processing. The tablet will come with a 5MP primary camera, while selfies can be captured with the 5MP front-facing camera, which features face detection and AI face unlock capabilities.

The HTC A103 Plus will run on Android 13.0 and offers 4GB of RAM along with 64GB of ROM, expandable up to 256GB using a MicroSD card. It will be powered by a 6000mAh battery and supports Bluetooth 5.0 and dual-band Wi-Fi. The tablet will also feature a Type-C USB 2.0 port, OTG support, and various sensors including gravity, acceleration, etc. The tablet will include standard features like GPS, A-GPS, and GLONASS for precise location tracking.

Overall, the HTC A103 Plus should come out as a decent option to both consumers and businesses seeking an economical option for work, entertainment, and communication purposes. We await more details from the brand, like an exact launch date and availability.

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OnePlus Nord 3 global launch teased for July, here’s what we know so far

OnePlus is gearing up to launch the OnePlus Nord 3 in the global market soon. Many details have already leaked about the device so far like the official images, pricing, 80W fast charging, and the presence of an IR blaster. That being said, the brand has now indirectly teased its imminent arrival.

OnePlus has officially announced that its upcoming Nord smartphone will be released in July. While the specific device name was not explicitly mentioned, hints from the teaser post for “The Lab” campaign on the community forum suggest that the Nord 3 will be launched in India, Europe, and the APAC regions.

For those who may not be familiar, “The Lab” was initially introduced for the OnePlus 3 and 3T devices. The purpose of this campaign is to gather unfiltered reviews from OnePlus users, prioritizing content creativity over follower count when selecting reviewers. Throughout the years, OnePlus has received outstanding content and genuine reviews from users, making “The Lab” a beloved and successful tradition within the OnePlus Community.

OnePlus Nord 3 specs (rumored)

Considering the similarities between the OnePlus Nord 3 and the previously launched OnePlus Ace 2V in China, the Nord 3 is anticipated to share many features with its counterpart. However, notable differences lie in the camera setup. Rumors suggest that the Nord 3 will sport a 16MP front camera and a triple camera system comprising a 50MP main camera (with OIS), an 8MP ultra-wide camera, and a 2MP macro shooter. In contrast, the Ace V2 boasts a 64MP primary camera with OIS.

Furthermore, the Nord 3 is expected to showcase a 6.74-inch AMOLED display with an FHD+ resolution of 2772 x 1240 pixels and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. Powering the device will likely be the Dimensity 9000 chipset, coupled with a maximum of 16GB of RAM. Storage options may include 128GB or 256GB, while a 5,000mAh battery with 18W charging support is also anticipated. Additionally, users can expect an under-display fingerprint scanner for secure unlocking.

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OnePlus 12, OnePlus Ace 2 Pro display design, resolution tipped

Reports have revealed OnePlus will launch two flagship phones in the second half of 2023. These devices are said to be the OnePlus Ace Pro and the OnePlus 12. In a recent Weibo, tipster Digital Chat Station revealed the display design and resolution of both smartphones.

OnePlus 12

OnePlus 11 5G
OnePlus 11 5G

The OnePlus 12 5G flagship phone is expected to launch only the launch of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip. Since the SD8G3 is likely to debut in October, it is likely that the OnePlus 12 5G may go official by late November or December.

To recall, the OnePlus 11 5G featured a curved-edge display with a camera cutout at the upper-left corner. As per the new leak, the OnePlus 12’s OLED display, which will be sourced from the Samsung Display Corporation, will have curved edges as well as a centrally positioned punch-hole. It will support a Quad HD+ resolution and probably a 120Hz refresh rate.

OnePlus Ace 2 Pro

Rumors have revealed that the OnePlus Ace 2 Pro will debut in July in China. It is said to be equipped with the all-new Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 2 chipset, which is expected to debut at some point this month. The new leak states that the OnePlus Ace 2 Pro will have a curved-edge display with a centred punch-hole. The OLED panel, which will be supplied by a China-based BOE display manufacturer will offer a 1.5K resolution.

Previously, the tipster claimed that the OnePlus Ace 2 Pro will feature the same display that is available on the OPPO Reno 10 Pro+. Hence, it the Ace 2 Pro is expected to feature a 6.74-inch OLED screen that offers 1240 x 2772 pixels resolution, a 20:9 aspect ratio, a 120Hz refresh rate, up to 1,400 nits of brightness, and high-frequency dimming.

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Vivo V29 5G emerges on IMDA certification website ahead of global launch

Vivo is expected to debut the V29 series in the coming days. The series is expected to feature three devices: Vivo V29, Vivo V29 Pro, and Vivo V29 Lite. Out of these three, the V29 model has already been spotted on Geekbench as well as the Bluetooth SIG website. Now, the device has also picked up the IMDA certification, hinting to its upcoming global launch.

The Vivo V29 5G, identified by model number V2250, has recently surfaced on the IMDA certification website. According to the certification, the device will come with support for WLAN, Bluetooth, and NFC. While no additional details were disclosed in the certification, it did confirm that the Vivo V29 5G will be released in Singapore.

Vivo
Vivo V27 5G

The recent Geekbench listing of the V29 5G has revealed that it will feature a Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G Plus processor. It is expected to come equipped with 8GB of RAM and will operate on the Android 13 operating system. Other than that, no details about the device are available at present, so let’s look at the leaked specs of the Pro model.

Vivo V29 Pro specs

In a recent revelation, it was inadvertently confirmed that the Vivo V29 Pro 5G will sport a curved 6.7-inch OLED display. The display will offer an FHD+ resolution and an impressive 120Hz refresh rate. There are indications that the device might be powered by the Dimensity 8200 chipset.

The Vivo V29 Pro 5G is expected to come with a substantial 12GB RAM and a generous storage capacity of 256GB. It will be equipped with a 5,000mAh battery that supports 66W fast charging, ensuring reliable and quick power replenishment.

For photography enthusiasts, the phone will feature a high-resolution 50-megapixel front-facing camera, while the rear camera setup will include a 64-megapixel lens with optical image stabilization (OIS) support. The device will run on FunTouch OS 13, which is based on the latest Android 13 operating system.

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Vivo Y27 specifications leaked, July launch tipped

According to recent reports, Vivo is currently developing the Vivo Y27 5G smartphone. However, an informant named Paras Guglani has leaked information suggesting the existence of a 4G variant of the device that is yet to be officially announced. The tipster not only provided details about the device’s key specifications but also mentioned that it is expected to be launched in July.

Vivo Y27 specifications (rumored)

Vivo logo

According to the tipster, the Vivo Y27 4G, which has the V2249 model number, will come equipped with a 6.5-inch display that offers an HD+ resolution of 720 x 1600 pixels. While the leak does not state the type of screen it features, it appears that it could be equipped with an LCD panel.

As per the leak, the Vivo Y27 4G will arrive with 4 GB / 6 GB of RAM and 64 GB / 128 GB of storage. It will come preloaded with Android 13 OS. Instead of mentioning the exact name of the chip that powers the Y27 4G, the leak claims that its SoC will be based on the Helio G85. It will house a 5,000mAh battery.

Vivo Y27 price (rumored)

The leak claims that the Vivo Y27 4G will be priced at around Rs 18,000 (~$219). It will be released in July in India and come in three shades, such as black, green, and deep red.

In related news, the Vivo Y27 5G, which is expected to debut soon, could be a rebranded version of the Vivo Y36 5G that recently debuted in some Southeast Asian markets. The device is expected to arrive with specs, such as a 6.65-inch FHD+ LCD 90Hz LCD display, a Dimensity 6020 chip, 8 GB of RAM, 128 GB of storage, a 5,000mAh battery, 50-megapixel dual rear cameras, and a 16-megapixel front camera.

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