The upcoming release of the Redmi K60 Ultra by Xiaomi is just around the corner. This smartphone will join the existing K60 lineup, which already includes the K60, K60 Pro, and K60E models. Key specifications and a render sketch of the smartphone have already made their way online, building excitement among tech enthusiasts. Furthermore, the device has recently appeared on the 3C certification website, providing insights into its fast charging capabilities.
Based on the information from the 3C listing, the upcoming Redmi K60 Ultra (model number 23078RKD5C) is expected to include 120W fast charging, which matches the capabilities of the current K60 Pro. There is a possibility that the K60 Ultra may also come equipped with a 5,000mAh battery, supporting 30W wireless charging, similar to the K60 Pro variant. The listing does not reveal any further details, so let’s take a look at the available information.
Redmi K60 Ultra specs (rumored)
Reports suggest that the Redmi K60 Ultra is anticipated to showcase an OLED display boasting a 1.5K resolution and a high 144Hz refresh rate. Powering the device is expected to be the Dimensity 9200+ chipset. Leaked design sketches have unveiled a rear camera setup consisting of three cameras, with two located in large cutouts and one in a smaller cutout. On the front, the device is likely to sport a punch-hole display with slim bezels. Additionally, rumors suggest that the K60 Ultra might feature an aluminum body composition.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken called upon China to closely monitor and investigate the involvement of private entities within its jurisdiction that could potentially contribute to Russia’s military capabilities, in the midst of the ongoing Ukraine conflict.
The Secretary of State, while recognizing the complexity of the situation, highlighted the significance of preventing the flow of technology that could be utilized in an adversarial manner against Ukraine.
Although Secretary Blinken did not provide specific details regarding the nature of the technology or the identities of the private companies involved, his request reflects the growing apprehension within the international community regarding the possibility of third-party contributions fueling the conflict.
In a statement issued on Monday, Secretary Blinken underscored his concerns while clarifying that he has not come across any evidence indicating that Beijing is directly providing lethal aid to Moscow.
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Western powers have provided Ukraine with substantial military assistance, including billions of dollars worth of support. During this time, China has faced allegations, which it vehemently denies, of supplying lethal weapons to Russia. It is worth noting that China and Russia had previously announced a “no-limits” partnership shortly before the invasion of Ukraine.
Addressing the issue of lethal aid to Russia in the context of the Ukraine conflict, Secretary Blinken clarified that the United States and other countries have received assurances from China that it is not and will not provide lethal assistance to Russia for use in Ukraine. This statement aims to dispel concerns regarding China’s alleged involvement in supplying weapons that could escalate the conflict further.
While the visit to Beijing did not yield any major breakthroughs, it served as an important platform for reaffirming diplomatic channels and clarifying positions between the United States and China. Both sides acknowledged the significance of maintaining stability and averting the risk of armed conflict. The discussions highlighted China’s stated commitment to refrain from providing lethal assistance to Russia for use in Ukraine, as confirmed by Secretary Blinken.
Apple’s highly anticipated Beats Studio Pro headphones have recently obtained certification from the IMDA authority in Singapore. The certification confirms that the upcoming headphones, identified by the model number A2924, will be a low-power device equipped with Bluetooth connectivity. Apple Beats Studio Pro headphones have also appeared in the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
Credit: macrumors
Earlier this year, a tech enthusiast uncovered references to a device called “Beats Headset” with the model number “A2924” and ID “BeatsStudioPro1,1” in the macOS Ventura 13.4 code. It is widely believed that these references correspond to the upcoming Beats Studio Pro headphones.
Advanced Noise Reduction and Transparency Mode
Rumors suggest that the Beats Studio Pro could serve as the successor to the Beats Studio 3 headphones, which were introduced in 2017. The new model is believed to be a collaborative effort between Apple and Samuel Ross, the renowned product and fashion designer from A-Cold-Wall, who has recently joined Beats as the “Chief Design Advisor. While the Beats Studio Pro’s design is expected to resemble its predecessor, notable enhancements are anticipated in terms of internal specifications.
Apple is likely to replace the W1 chip found in the Beats Studio 3 with its own custom-designed chipset. Additionally, the Beats Studio Pro is speculated to feature improved active noise reduction capabilities and may introduce a transparency mode, enabling users to remain aware of their surroundings. Furthermore, users can expect the convenience of “Hey Siri” functionality.
These headphones are expected to be available in four color options: Black, Brown, Navy, and Ivory. Apple also unveiled its Beats Studio Buds+ earbuds last month, boasting an appealing transparent design and offering two color choices: Black and White.
In late September 2019, Xiaomi unveiled an interesting concept smartphone called Mi Mix Alpha. This device had a surround display offering the highest screen-to-body ratio on a phone.
In fact, the company even produced some units and sent them out to a select few media houses. Unfortunately, it was never mass-produced for consumers.
Almost four years later, Xiaomi patents a new smartphone design similar to the Mi Mix Alpha. Let’s go through the details.
According to IThome, Xiaomi has filed a design patent with CNIPA (China National Intellectual Property Administration). This design somewhat resembles the Mi Mix Alpha from 2019.
The new surround screen smartphone design by Xiaomi is a bit different from Mi Mix Alpha. The rear part has a larger non-display area and it is located at the center rather than the left.
Further, all the cameras are located underneath the screen. It has got a single front-facing camera in the top left corner. Whereas, the triple rear cameras are vertically aligned on the left-sided back display.
A SIM card slot, a USB Type-C port, and a speaker grille are present at the bottom side. Whereas, the top consists of another speaker grille and two holes that are probably meant for microphones. Finally, the capacitive power and volume keys can be found on the left edge.
Xiaomi is known to unveil interesting products during its anniversary events in August. Perhaps, the company may announce this design concept at this year’s conference or we may never see it officially like several other design patents.
In a major move to bolster the development of new energy vehicles (NEVs) and cater to the increasing demand for public transport charging facilities, China’s State Council, the country’s cabinet and chief administrative authority, has released a comprehensive document outlining its plans to extend NEV charging infrastructure nationwide by 2030.
The document highlights the need to expedite the resolution of shortcomings in the road network charging infrastructure while encouraging the participation of various stakeholders and promoting innovative financing support from development financial institutions.
The aim of the proposed system is to provide extensive NEV charging coverage, with a moderate scale, a reasonable structure, and complete functionality. Such a robust infrastructure will serve as a strong foundation to support the rapid growth of the new energy vehicle industry. Moreover, it will effectively address the charging needs of the population, ensuring convenient and reliable charging options for electric vehicle owners across the country.
The council document states that efforts will be directed toward establishing an effective charging network in rural areas. The construction of public DC fast charging stations in urban areas of county-level cities will be actively promoted. The planning and layout of charging networks in large villages, towns, relocation areas, and key rural tourism spots will be accelerated. Additionally, the deployment of charging networks in township agencies, enterprises, institutions, commercial buildings, transportation hubs, stations, public parking lots, and logistics bases will be vigorously promoted.
The council has planned for the establishment of a well-structured urban charging network in China. It will rely on the existing urban road traffic system, prioritizing two districts (residential and office areas) and three centers (commercial, industrial, and leisure centers). The objective is to expand the network from the central city to the outskirts, gradually covering priority development areas and other regions. Integrated planning, construction, and management of charging infrastructure and parking facilities will be actively promoted to achieve comprehensive coverage across various city parking scenes.
The document, which lays out the roadmap for this ambitious endeavor, highlights the significance of expanding the charging infrastructure to meet the evolving needs of both private and public transportation. By providing convenient and accessible charging facilities, China intends to encourage the widespread adoption of NEVs, thereby contributing to a greener and more environmentally friendly transport system.
To facilitate the expansion of the charging infrastructure, local authorities will be encouraged to allocate space for construction projects and provide subsidies. This proactive approach aims to incentivize public and private entities to actively participate in the development of charging facilities. In line with this, companies will be welcomed to contribute by introducing innovative business models, such as shared charging and mobile charging services, which can further enhance the utilization of the charging network.
The ambitious charging infrastructure plan represents China’s commitment to sustainable transportation and reducing reliance on fossil fuel-powered vehicles. By addressing the challenge of limited charging availability, the government aims to propel the widespread adoption of NEVs, playing a crucial role in the country’s efforts to achieve greener and more environmentally friendly mobility.
Nothing is gearing up to launch the Phone (2) on July 11. Now ahead of the announcement, a new device from the brand has appeared on a certification website. The brand currently has products in the smartphone and TWS segment and it could expand its product portfolio by entering into a new segment. The certification listing was spotted by tipster Mukul Sharma. Read on to know more below.
Nothing smartwatch reportedly in the works, gets BIS-certified
While the #NothingPhone2 is right around the corner, if you remember, I spotted this trademark, dubbed CMF By Nothing a couple of months ago.
Well, turns out it's a smartwatch. Have also spotted the Nothing D395 in the smartwatches category on the Indian BIS certification 😀… pic.twitter.com/0npHX0Zy0r
Mukul spotted a Nothing device with the model number D395 on Bureau of India Standards (BIS) certification website. It has been listed under the smartwatches category. This suggests that the brand might foray into the wearables segment. The smartwatch could also debut under a sub-brand called CMF by Nothing. Previously, Sharma had also spotted a trademark filing dubbed ‘CMF by Nothing’
Apart from the aforementioned information, the BIS listing does not reveal any additional details about the Nothing smartwatch. We can expect the brand to launch it in the near future.
A few months ago, Nothing founder Carl Pei purchased the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro and found it useless. In a user query about Nothing’s plan to enter into the smartwatch category, he said that he picked it up to learn about the category. The latest BIS listing indicates that a Nothing smartwatch could very well be on the way.
We should expect to learn more details about Nothing’s next product after the Phone (2) in the near future.
Google is expected to follow in Apple’s footsteps of diversifying its production beyond China. In September last year, there were reports of the search giant planning to shift some Pixel production to India. Now, a new report by Bloomberg reveals some more details about Google’s plans. Read on to know more below.
Google plans to move Pixel production to India
The report citing people familiar with the matter adds that Google is in talks with Foxconn’s India branch – Bharat FIH, Dixon Technologies, and Lava International. These are seen as potential partners for producing Pixel smartphones in India. Bharat FIH, Dixon, and Lava have also won the Indian Prime Minister’s product-linked financial incentives to boost local manufacturing. Cupertino-based tech giant Apple has been a part of this program for several years.
Bloomberg adds that last month, India’s Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw met Google CEO Sundar Pichai for a conversation around India Stack and the government’s Make in India push. The reports of Google’s plans to manufacture Pixel phones in India come after days after the company’s top executives arrived in the country for partnership talks.
As per Counterpoint Research, Google made about 9 million Pixel smartphones last year. Local production of Pixel phones could also drive up sales in India. Additionally, the search giant could be looking to leverage the lucrative PLI scheme offered by the Indian government.
Apple has been rapidly expanding its iPhone production in India. Google could also aim to reduce its dependency on China for manufacturing its devices. People familiar with the matter warn that there is no certainty whether Google’s talks with partners will result in a deal to make Pixel phones in India.
On one hand, Xiaomi reportedly cancels MIUI 14.5 update. But on the other, the company continues to release system updates for its devices. Two phones, namely Poco F5 and Redmi K50i have started receiving new software update in India.
The latest system update for these handsets weighs under 500MB. Let’s check out what it brings along.
According to Xiaomiui, Xiaomi has started rolling out a new software update for Poco F5 and Redmi K50i in India. The official changelog for this update only mentions June 2023 security patch.
Though the latest update is said to include only updated security patches, its size and version number vary for the two devices. The update weighs 255MB and 491MB for Poco and Redmi K50i, respectively.
It arrives with the following build numbers for these phones.
The update is currently live for Mi Pilots testers. However, it should be available for all regular users in the next few days. Users can check whether their handset has received the OTA system update from Settings.
In related news, Xiaomi recently announced that the monthly active users of MIUI exceeded 600 million. It took the company one and a half years to increase the number from 500 million.
In a recent update on their community forums, OnePlus revealed that the ‘Cellular Data Sharing’ feature would soon be available to OnePlus Pad tablet users worldwide. Today, OnePlus made an official announcement confirming the arrival of this feature, along with a new multiscreen connection feature, through the latest OTA OOS 13.1 update for the OnePlus Pad.
As stated in the official press release, OnePlus smartphone users now have the ability to enhance their communication-sharing capabilities and enjoy seamless cross-screen functionality with the OnePlus Pad. These features elevate the user experience by enabling convenient internet access, call answering, and SMS messaging directly from the OnePlus Pad.
The newly introduced Cellular Data Sharing feature allows OnePlus Pad users to utilize the same account as their OnePlus smartphone and share mobile communication capabilities within a range of 10 meters. This feature enables users to browse the internet, respond to calls, and exchange text messages on their OnePlus Pad, utilizing the mobile data network of their OnePlus smartphone.
Additionally, the update also brings features like Auto Connect and Relay Playing features. In short, the Auto Connect feature facilitates an immediate connection between the OnePlus Pad and a paired OnePlus smartphone when they are in close proximity. On the other hand, the Relay Playing feature allows users to effortlessly switch between their OnePlus smartphone and OnePlus Pad. You can check out how to enable these new features below.
How to enable Cellular Data Sharing:
Ensure that the OnePlus Pad and OnePlus smartphone are logged into the same OnePlus account. Note: If you have two OnePlus Pads, only one can use the cellular data of the OnePlus smartphone.
Turn on WLAN and Bluetooth on both devices.
Activate Quick Connect and Auto Connect settings.
Enable Mobile Data Sharing, Calling Sharing, and Messaging Sharing functions in the Multi-Screen Connect settings.
Please disconnect the WLAN on the OnePlus Pad to experience cellular data sharing as it is not available when connected to WLAN.
How to enable Auto Connect:
Turn on Bluetooth, Quick Connect, and Auto Connect on both the smartphone and OnePlus Pad.
Ensure that the smartphone and Pad are in close proximity.
How to enable Relay Playing:
Access the Multi-Screen Connect settings on both devices.
Open an application that supports Relay Playing.
A smartphone icon will appear on the OnePlus Pad’s dock bar for the same application. Click on the application to allow screen casting from the OnePlus smartphone.
The OnePlus Pad features will be compatible with OnePlus smartphones running OxygenOS 13.1, which includes models such as OnePlus 11, OnePlus 11R, OnePlus 10T, OnePlus 10Pro, OnePlus 10R, OnePlus 9RT, OnePlus 9, OnePlus 9Pro, OnePlus 9R, OnePlus 8, OnePlus 8Pro, and OnePlus 8T.
Leaks and rumors about the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 series have started gathering pace in recent time. The upcoming wearables are slated to debut at the brand’s Galaxy Unpacked event at the end of July. The next-generation Galaxy Watch 6 and Watch 6 Classic were spotted in leaked renders and their pricing was also leaked. Now, the core specifications of the smartwatches have surfaced online.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 series core specifications leaked
⭕️Exclusively🔥 screen size 20% ⬆️ Back norgin 30% ⬇️
A Twitter tipster has shared some more details about the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 and 6 Classic. These have also been quote tweeted by Ice Universe who is a well-known leakster.
As per the tipster, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 series models is expected to come with thinner bezels and larger screens than their predecessor. He adds that the screen size is increased by 20 percent while the back norgin has decreased by 30 percent.
Under the hood, the Galaxy Watch 6 and Watch 6 Classic are said to be powered by an Exynos W930 processor that is built on a 5nm process. Both will pack 2GB RAM which is half a GB more than the previous generation. The smartwatches will have 16GB onboard storage.
Coming to the battery, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6’s 40 and 44mm size variants are tipped to get a 300 and 425mAh cell respectively. This is upgraded from the Watch 5’s 284 and 410mAh units on the same size models. The tipster adds that the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic’s two sizes will also share the same battery capacity as the vanilla variant with the base 43mm option getting 300mAh and 47mm version having 425mAh cell. This is quite a downgrade from the 590mAh battery on the last year’s Galaxy Watch 5 Pro.
JBL has expanded its range of TWS earphones in India. The brand has announced the JBL TUNE Beam and TUNE Buds. Both the latest offerings have a different design but share almost the same specifications. The TUNE Beam is the more premium offering among the two. Read on to know more about both audio devices below.
JBL TUNE Beam and TUNE Buds specifications
Both the JBL TUNE TWS earphones come with an in-ear design and a silicon ear tip. However, the Beam has a stem design. Users can perform various functions by tapping on the surface of the earbuds. Both audio devices are IP54-certified dust and water-resistant.
In terms of audio, the JBL TUNE Beam is equipped with a 6mm driver whereas the TUNE Buds has a 10mm driver unit with support for JBL Pure Bass. Both earphones feature active noise cancellation and smart ambient mode. There are four microphones along with VoiceAware technology for clear quality on calls.
The JBL TUNE Beam and TUNE Buds are powered by a total 48 hours of battery with each earbud said to offer 12 hours of usage. The TWS earphones come with Bluetooth 5.3 with support for multi-point connection to easily switch between devices. They can be customized via the JBL Headphones companion app.
The JBL TUNE Beam and TUNE Buds are priced at Rs 6,499 and Rs 5,499. They are offered in Black, White, Blue, and Purple colors. The audio devices are available for purchase from Amazon and the brand’s website.
Samsung is gearing up for a Galaxy Unpacked event towards the end of July where it will be launching many products like the Galaxy Fold 5, Z Flip 5, Tab S9, and Watch 6 series. That being said, the brand has launched two new exclusive color options in India for its current-gen flagship smartphone, the Galaxy S23 Ultra.
These color options are called Red and Sky Blue, and they join the existing Graphite and Lime color options. What’s interesting is that these new color options don’t come with any increase in cost. These color options can be availed from samsung.com and the brand’s official stores in India.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra specs
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra features a 6.8-inch Quad HD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X Infinity-O display with a variable refresh rate of 1-120Hz and a peak brightness of 1750 nits. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy, it offers enhanced performance with a clock speed of up to 3.36GHz. The phone has vapor chamber cooling for better heat dissipation.
With an Armor Aluminum frame and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, the Galaxy S23 Ultra is durable. It includes an in-display Ultrasonic Fingerprint Scanner and runs on Android 13 with Samsung’s OneUI 5.1. The device features a sharp-angle design and a powerful camera setup.
The rear camera system consists of a 200MP primary sensor with OIS, super HDR, and pixel enhancer, a 12MP Ultra Wide Lens, a 10MP Telephoto lens with 3x zoom, a 10MP Periscope lens with 10x zoom, and a 3D ToF sensor. The front has a 12MP Dual Pixel camera with AI object awareness. It supports 8K 30 fps video recording with VDIS technology.
Notable features include UWB capabilities, an IP68 rating, a 5000mAh battery with 45W fast charging, wireless charging, and a built-in S Pen Stylus. It offers various RAM and storage options, from 8GB LPDDR5X RAM with 256GB UFS 4.0 storage to 12GB LPDDR5X RAM with 512GB/1TB UFS 4.0 storage.
MIUI is the oldest Android skin on the market. Once regarded as one of the best, the software’s quality degraded in recent years, especially in budget devices.
But due to the sheer number of Xiaomi group smartphone sales, the monthly active users of MIUI just recently exceeded 600 million. So more than half a billion consumers depend on this software every day.
Thus, a new version of MIUI affects a whole lot of users. The next version of MIUI is expected to be MIUI 14.5. But as per a report, this version will not be released.
Xiaomi is apparently working on MIUI 15 based on Android 14
According to Xiaomiui, Xiaomi has dropped plans to release MIUI 14.5. Instead, the company is focussing on the next major release — MIUI 15.
It is said that the company is working on adapting Android 14 for MIUI 15. This means devices that will get MIUI 15 update in the future will also receive an upgrade to Android 14.
However, we believe that there could be Android 13-based MIUI 15 builds as well. Because historically, Xiaomi is known to deliver newer MIUI versions based on gen-old Android platforms for older smartphones.
Anyways, we will have to wait and see how this plays out. But we may learn about the new features in the coming days once the software approaches the testing phase.
Hopefully, Xiaomi doesn’t introduce unwanted bugs and gimmicky features that may fade out soon. Do let us know your expectations in the comment section below.
There have already been many rumors and reports circulating regarding the upcoming iQOO 11s smartphone model. The device is expected to launch in China next month, but it appears that this device won’t be the only product being announced in July.
iQOO TWS 1 key specifications revealed
The Chinese smartphone maker is apparently planning on launching a new truly wireless earbuds that will be dubbed the iQOO TWS 1. These will be the latest generation of wireless earbuds from the brand and will reportedly launch alongside the iQOO 11s in China next month. The news arrives from known tipster Ishan Agarwal, who shared the information with 91mobiles. This leak also revealed some of the key specs of the upcoming hearables.
The iQOO TWS 1 will offer 1.2mbps lossless audio along with 49 decibels of Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). It even features a dedicated gaming mode that lowers the low latency of 54ms. The new wireless earbuds might even offer a total battery life of 42 hours, which likely includes its charging case as well. In terms of design, the TWS 1 is also confirmed to feature in the ‘Legendary Track’ aesthetic, which will have it pair well with the brand’s existing iQOO 11 model as well.
Unfortunately, this was all the information shared in the new report, so stick around for more as we will be covering any rumors and reports as we edge close to the China announcement in July. The iQOO 11s is a flagship phone and arrives as a refresh ahead of the next gen entries in the premium grade numbered lineup. The device was recently spotted on 3C certification and even had its colors and storage configurations leaked as well.
Xiaomi has just launched the Redmi 12C in a new storage configuration in the Indian market. The company has released the budget grade smartphone model in a new variant with 4GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage, which it teased earlier this week.
Redmi 12C now available in a 4GB+128GB variant
Talking about the device itself first, the Chinese tech giant’s 12C sports a tall 6.71 inch display that offers HD+ resolution and 500 nits of peak brightness. Under the hood, the device is equipped with the MediaTek Helio G85 SoC that is paired with up to 6GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage. The Redmi 12C is powered by a large 5,000mAh battery pack that supports standard 10W charging. The front houses a 5 megapixel selfie camera, while the rear features a 50 megapixel dual camera setup.
Other notable features include, a 3.5mm headphone jack, a read mounted fingerprint scanner, microUSB port for data transfer and charging, and a microSD card slot for memory expansion. The device runs on Android 13 OS based MIUI 13 out of the box and the newer 4GB+128GB version sits right below its higher end 6GB sibling. This variant is a sub 10K INR smartphone, which makes it an affordable entry level device.
The official price tag of the new Redmi 12C 4GB+128GB model is set at 9,999 INR and will go on sale in India on June 22. It will be offered in multiple color options, namely Lavender Purple, Matte Black, Mint Green and Royal Blue. The company had previously launched a 4GB+64GB version alongside the 6GB model, which costs 8,999 INR. So this configuration will sit in the middle of the base and top variant.
Realme was recently accused of collecting personal user data through a Realme UI 4.0 feature known as “Enhanced Intelligent Services.” The description of this feature explicitly mentions that it collects data like device information, app usage statistics, location data, calendar events, and statistics related to SMS messages and calls. What really sparked the controversy was the fact that this feature came enabled by default.
Rajeev Chandrashekar, Union Minister of Electronics and Technology said that the government would investigate and verify the claims. Realme later clarified that the feature is there for optimization purposes and the data in question is stored and processed locally. Now, Realme has rolled out a new update for the newly launched Realme 11 Pro 5G and Realme 11 Pro+ 5G which disables this option. The updates come with firmware version RMX3771_13.1.0.524(EX01) and RMX3741_13.1.0.524(EX01).
Image via FoneArenaImage via FoneArena
The update improves system stability and optimizes the power consumption of the camera. In order to prevent additional controversy, the update has also revised the “Enhanced Intelligent Services” feature’s description and has turned it off by default. The description now says that the feature focuses solely on improving the user experience by analyzing device usage patterns. Regarding the optimized charging functionality, it will now utilize local data and app usage statistics directly on the device, while obtaining permission for location information.
A comparable update is anticipated for other Realme devices operating on Realme UI 4.0, as well as devices from sister brands such as OnePlus and Oppo running Android 13. This forthcoming update is expected to modify the language describing this feature and also disable it by default. Reports from users indicate that this feature has been observed on devices from these brands.
Merck Group, a prominent supplier to industry giants Samsung and LG, has made a significant strategic decision regarding its focus on display materials. The company has decided to discontinue the development of LCD panels and instead redirect its research efforts towards exploring innovative materials such as MicroLED and OLED.
Understanding Merck Group’s Decision to Discontinue LCD Development
The shift in Merck Group’s priorities comes in response to the recent announcements made by Samsung and LG, two major players in the display industry, regarding their exit from LCD screen production. As Korean companies, both Samsung and LG have established their dominance in the OLED panel market. Samsung excels in the production of small and medium-sized OLED panels for smartphones and tablets, while LG leads in large-sized OLED panels for OLED TVs.
Given this market landscape, it is not surprising that Merck Group has chosen to align its research and development investments with the emerging trends in the display industry. By ceasing the development of LCD panel materials, the company can now concentrate its resources on self-emitting screen materials like MicroLED and OLED, as well as explore advancements in backlight technologies, including Mini-LED.
Merck Group’s decision reflects the industry’s collective recognition of the growing demand and potential for next-generation display technologies. With OLED displays gaining popularity in various consumer electronics, the suppliers collaborating with Samsung and LG are actively prioritizing the research and development of OLED and other advanced screen materials.
In related news, Chinese display manufacturers, including BOE, CSOT, Tianma, and Visionox, have teamed up to challenge a patent owned by Samsung Display in the United States. This move is in response to Samsung’s previous attempts to block imports of third-party displays that it believes infringe on its patented technologies.
iQOO’s upcoming smartphone, the iQOO 11S, has recently received certification for its 200W fast charging capability. The Chinese 3C certification platform approved the device, confirming its support for 5G connectivity as well. Manufactured by Vivo itself, the iQOO 11S is expected to be launched soon in China. The certification revealed that the phone will come with Vivo’s V200100L080-CN charger, which can deliver an impressive 200W charging speed. Unfortunately, detailed specifications about the phone were not disclosed in the certification information.
iQOO 11S specifications (rumored)
According to leaked reports, the iQOO 11S is rumored to introduce a new cyan color variant called “Qiantang Tides,” in addition to the existing legendary and racing edition colors. Storage options are expected to include four versions: 12GB + 256GB, 16GB + 256GB, 16GB + 512GB, and 16GB + 1TB, aligning with the industry trend of providing ample RAM and storage space.
Reports suggest that the iQOO 11S will feature the upcoming Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 2 chipset, which is also expected to be present in the Nubia Redmi Magic 8S Pro and OnePlus Ace 2 Pro smartphones. The Red Magic 8S Pro, focused on gaming, is anticipated to be the first to be officially announced, possibly in early July, followed closely by the iQOO 11S a few days later.
As for its specifications, the iQOO 11S is rumored to come with a 6.78-inch E6 AMOLED Quad HD+ 144Hz display with a metal frame and a dedicated display chip. It is expected to house a 4,700mAh battery. The device may offer up to 16GB of LPDDR5x RAM and up to 1TB of UFS 4.0 storage, running on the OriginOS 3.0-based Android 13. The front is expected to house a 16-megapixel selfie camera, while the back will feature a triple camera setup led by a 50-megapixel Sony IMX866V sensor.
Interestingly, on the same day, the Redmi K60 Ultra also received 3C certification, suggesting that both devices may be released around the same time. This sets the stage for intense competition between these two smartphones in the mobile market.
boAt has just launched a new smartwatch in the Indian market. The new wearable is the Xtend Plus model, which arrives a couple of days after the Immortal 150 TWS and the Ultima Call smartwatch that was launched earlier this month.
boAt Xtend Plus features an Apple Watch-like design
The company’s new Xtend Plus sports a 1.78 inch AMOLED display that has a 368 x 448 resolution, 2.5D curved glass, Always On Display, and 700 nits of peak brightness. The smartwatch has a display design that makes it quite similar to the Apple Watch. Apart from that, the device even offers Bluetooth Calling support with a built in speaker and microphone. In other words, you can make calls and receive them without a partner smartphone.
The Xtend Plus smartwatch features various health related sensors like heart rate tracking, SpO2 blood oxygen monitoring, menstrual cycle mapping, sleep tracking, and more. It even arrives with support for 100 sports modes as well. Other notable features include IP68 water and dust resistance, music and camera controls, Find My phone, and up to 7 days of battery life on a single full charge, or 2 days of battery life with Bluetooth Calling enabled.
The boAt Xtend Plus will go on sale for an introductory price tag of 2,299 INR. It is available in multiple strap variants, with the metallic and leather strap offering a more premium feel, while there is even a silicone model (offered in Black, Pink, and Blue) as well. This new smartwatch will go on sale in India via Amazon on June 26.
iQOO is preparing to release the Neo 7 Pro in India on July 4, which is generating considerable excitement among customers who value high performance in mid-range smartphones. The brand has officially announced that the device will be equipped with the impressive Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset, further enhancing its appeal. The hype surrounding the phone has been amplified by a leaked AnTuTu benchmark, purportedly revealing an astonishing score of 1,316,514 points.
Despite the remaining uncertainty surrounding the pricing of the Neo 7 Pro, iQOO appears poised to bring joy to many customers. Reliable tipster Abhishek Brar has affirmed that the device will be priced below ₹40,000 in India. While the exact figures have yet to be confirmed, the tipster’s estimate places the base price at ₹35,999, with potential bank offers potentially reducing the cost to approximately ₹33,000. We would like to remind our readers to take this information with a pinch of salt till the company officially unveils the price. Let’s check out what features are coming on the iQOO Neo 7 Pro 5G.
iQOO Neo 7 Pro 5G specs
Considering the high possibility of the iQOO Neo 7 Pro being a rebranded version of the iQOO Neo 7 Racing Edition, it is anticipated that the device will offer the following specifications.
The iQOO Neo 7 Pro 5G is anticipated to feature a large 6.78-inch AMOLED display with FHD+ resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. It will be powered by the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset, offering 16 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage for efficient performance. The smartphone will be available in two color options: Fearless Flame and Dark Storm.
In terms of photography, the iQOO Neo 7 Pro 5G is expected to have a 16-megapixel front-facing camera and a rear triple camera setup. The rear camera setup is likely to include a 50-megapixel main camera with optical image stabilization (OIS), an 8-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 2-megapixel macro lens.
The device is rumored to come with a 5,000mAh battery and support for 120W fast charging. Additional features may include an under-display fingerprint scanner and the FunTouch OS 13-based Android 13 operating system.
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