Rent a Robot for Just $25 (₹2000) a Day: World’s First Robot Rental Platform, Raises Millions

By

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Jan 15, 2026

Buying a robot can cost as much as a luxury car. Chinese Robot rental firm Qingtian Rent wants to change that. Launched in Shanghai in late December 2025, the platform lets businesses rent robots by the day, just like booking a car or a food delivery rider. The idea is simple: turn robots from expensive machines into easy-to-use services.

Backed by Big Investors

Investors clearly like the idea. Qingtian Rent has raised tens of millions of dollars in seed funding, led by Hillhouse Capital, with Fosun and other major funds joining in. The money will be used for nationwide expansion, better platform tech, and a standardized service system that includes insurance and trained operators.

Explosive Early Demand

The response has been fast and loud. In just three weeks, more than 200,000 users signed up. Daily rental orders already exceed 200 and are still climbing. Brands like Haidilao, Mixue Ice Cream, and Meiyijia are using robots to attract customers, perform dances, write calligraphy, and create viral moments in stores.

Why Now? Timing Is Everything

Robot rentals are booming in China, especially ahead of the Spring Festival. After humanoid robots went viral at concerts and on TV, demand surged, and supply quickly tightened. Rental prices have also dropped sharply, making robots accessible to smaller businesses for the first time.

More Than Entertainment

While robots are popular for shows and promotions today, Qingtian Rent is betting on a bigger future. As costs fall, robots are expected to move into retail, tourism, factories, and warehouses. The company’s long-term vision is bold: to become the “Didi of robot leasing” and build a nationwide robot service network.

Robot Rentals Outside China

Robot rentals are available in other countries, but mainly in limited and specialized forms. In Japan, the US, and parts of Europe, robots are typically rented for events, exhibitions, security roles, or factory automation. These services are often run by small providers or offered as industrial leasing programs, making them business-focused and far from a mass-market, on-demand experience.

Why China Is Moving Faster?

China’s advantage lies in scale and platform thinking. Strong investor and government support, a huge domestic market, and rapidly falling robot costs have made nationwide Robot-as-a-Service platforms possible. In many other countries, robots are still viewed as long-term industrial investments rather than short-term services, slowing experimentation and delaying widespread robot rental adoption.

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Five best alternatives to OnePlus 13 in 2026

By

Vicky

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Jan 15, 2026

The OnePlus 13 (review) is one of the best flagship smartphones of 2024, featuring a powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, a high-quality camera setup, and a battery that lasts an entire day. However, in 2026, we now have plenty of options with better specs at a similar price.

We’ve curated a list of five flagship smartphones that give the OnePlus 13 a serious run for its money.

1. OnePlus 15

That’s obvious, but the OnePlus 15 is your best bet if you want to stick to OnePlus. By adding just Rs. 3000 (about $40) on top of the OnePlus 13, you’re getting a much better value.

The OnePlus 15 provides enhanced protection on both sides, an upgraded IP rating, and a more advanced display with a higher refresh rate and increased brightness level. It comes with a more powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite, promising up to a 20% CPU performance uplift, 23% improved GPU performance, and a 16% boost in the overall power efficiency.

The camera setup now has Sony IMX906 as the main sensor, and features a 3.5x optical zoom (up from 3x). The OnePlus 15 also offers 21% higher battery capacity and faster charging over a USB-C cable.

2. Vivo X300

If camera is your primary concern, the Vivo X300 (review) is your best shot from the list. It features a solid triple camera setup, comprising a 200MP primary sensor, a 50MP periscope telephoto lens, and a 50MP ultrawide sensor.

The main sensor captures adequate details with superior dynamic range and highlight control. Daylight shots are excellent, but the low-light shots are far superior to those of the OnePlus 13. The selfie camera also performs better in terms of sharpness, color accuracy, and low-light performance.

The Vivo phone also excels in performance, thanks to a more powerful Dimensity 9500 chipset. The battery capacity stands at 6,040mAh, which is slightly higher than the OnePlus 13, but the latter offers slightly faster charging.

3. Realme GT 8 Pro

It’s another solid alternative to the OnePlus 13, featuring a more powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset. The screen sizes are nearly equal, but the Realme phone offers a higher refresh rate (144Hz vs. 120Hz) and a significantly higher peak brightness level (7000nits vs. 4500nits).

The rear camera setup on the GT 8 Pro has a 50MP main sensor, a 200MP periscope telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 50MP ultrawide unit. For selfies, it has a 32MP snapper.

The standout feature is the GT 8 Pro’s 200MP periscope telephoto camera, which captures excellent details with well-controlled noise, better dynamic range, and color accuracy. The OnePus 13, however, may have an edge in low-light and portrait photography.

The Realme phone also excels in battery capacity (7,000mAh vs. 6,000mAh) and charging speed (120W vs. 100W).

4. iQOO 15

iQOO phones prioritize performance over anything else. So, if that’s top of your list, the iQOO 15 (review) is a compelling choice. It features a top-tier Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 flagship chipset, paired with a dedicated in-house Q3 gaming chip and an oversized vapor chamber cooling system, which offers sustained gaming performance in extended gaming sessions with higher FPS and improved battery efficiency.

The iQOO 13 has an excellent AMOLED screen, featuring a higher refresh rate and peak brightness. The camera specs are almost similar: a 50MP primary shooter, a 50MP periscope telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 50MP ultrawide shooter. And a 32MP selfie camera in a hole-punch style.

The iQOO phone gets a bigger 7,000mAh battery. The wired charging is the same at 100W, but the wireless charging is slightly faster on the OnePlus 13.

5. Oppo Find X9

The Oppo Find X9 (review) is also a good alternative to the OnePlus 13 for several reasons. One of these is the Dimensity 9500 chipset, which is faster than the Snapdragon 8 Elite found in the OnePlus 13.

The Find X9 also features three 50MP shooters on the back, and interestingly, all three sensors are the same. This essentially translates to similar camera performance on both phones, but OnePlus’s optimizations offer better low-light shots, while Oppo’s implementation may result in slightly better colors, although the difference is not significant in any case. Both phones have the same 32MP selfie snapper.

The Oppo smartphone also offers a higher battery capacity. As for the charging speed, the OnePlus 13 supports a slightly higher speed over a wired connection, but the wireless and reverse wireless charging speeds are the same. Software support is another key advantage for the Find X8, as it will receive OS updates until Android 21, while the OnePlus 13 will reach its end of OS support on Android 19.

That said, the OnePlus 13 remains a solid flagship phone in 2026, but there are excellent alternatives from other brands available in a similar price bracket. Which one is the strongest choice in your opinion among the five phones we’ve listed above?

Portronics launches Adapto 100D desktop charger with 100W output and smart power display

By

Soumyakanti

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Jan 15, 2026

Portronics has announced the launch of the Adapto 100D, a new 100W desktop charger designed for multi-device charging setups. The charger supports up to five devices at once and features a digital LCD that displays real-time voltage and wattage information for each port.

Portronics Adapto 100D Specifications

The Adapto 100D is built around Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology, which allows for higher energy efficiency, better heat dissipation, and a more compact design compared to traditional silicon-based chargers. The device includes three USB-C Power Delivery ports and two USB-A ports.

The USB-C1 port supports a maximum output of 100W, which is enough to charge laptops such as the MacBook Pro or Microsoft Surface devices. The other ports distribute power based on the number and type of connected devices.

Portronics has equipped the charger with an LCD display that shows real-time power consumption across all ports. This feature gives users instant feedback on charging performance and helps ensure devices are charging at optimal speeds.

The Adapto 100D supports a wide range of devices. It is compatible with laptops, tablets, smartphones, earbuds, wearables, and gaming devices such as the Nintendo Switch. The compact design and all-in-one port layout make the charger suitable for both desktop use and travel.

The charger includes built-in safety features that protect against over-voltage, over-current, short circuits, and overheating. These protections help prevent damage to both the charger and the connected devices.

Pricing and Availability

Portronics has priced the Adapto 100D at an introductory price of ₹3,999 ($44). It is available for purchase on the company’s official website, Amazon.in, Flipkart, and other online and offline retailers. The charger comes with a standard six-month warranty, which extends to twelve months when purchased through authorized channels.

In related news, Portronics has recently introduced the Beem 560, a budget smart projector that supports up to a 100-inch Full HD projection, and has also launched the Zeno B massager featuring an ergonomic handle and a 3,200 RPM motor.

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MediaTek unveils Dimensity 9500s, Redmi Turbo 5 Max posts impressive AnTuTu score with it

By

Rajesh Regmi

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Jan 15, 2026

Alongside the more affordable Dimensity 8500, MediaTek also announced the Dimensity 9500s in the event today. The processor sits just below MediaTek’s top Dimensity 9500, and is designed to power sub-flagship phones.

At the heart of the new chip is a flagship-style all-core CPU architecture built on TSMC’s second-generation 3nm manufacturing process. The processor includes a Cortex-X925 core (@3.73GHz), three Cortex-X4 (@3.30GHz), and four Cortex-A720 (@2GHz) cores, and more than 29 billion transistors.

According to the company, the chip supports “super memory compression technology” that helps speed up everyday tasks. MediaTek claims this can improve app launch speeds by up to 44 percent once enabled. The Dimensity 9500s also comes with a large 19MB CPU cache and 10MB of system cache.

Graphics duties are handled by a flagship-grade Immortalis-G925 GPU that supports ray-tracing. The chip can also handle a range of on-device AI tasks without needing an internet connection.

Camera and AI

The 9500s is also built with camera and video features in mind. MediaTek says it includes a high-end autofocus engine, fast capture capabilities, and a semantic segmentation video engine for smarter image processing. On the video side, the chip supports 8K HDR recording with Dolby Vision.

Moving to connectivity, the processors include a 5G Release 17 modem with support for four-carrier aggregation and theoretical download speeds of up to 7Gbps.

It also supports Wi-Fi 7 with speeds up to 6.5Gbps. And MediaTek even highlighted a new Bluetooth feature that allows direct phone-to-phone connections at distances of up to five kilometers without using cellular networks.

MediaTek confirmed that the first phone to use the new processor will be the Redmi Turbo 5 Max. In lab testing, that device reportedly managed to score 3,612,095 points in the AnTuTu benchmark.

For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.

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Redmi Turbo 5 Max launching with Dimensity 9500s, Teased with flagship level AnTuTu scores

By

Sean

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Jan 15, 2026

Xiaomi has officially confirmed the Redmi Turbo 5 Max with flagship level performance. For the first time ever, the Redmi Turbo series is getting MediaTek’s Dimensity 9000 series chipset, with a fresh teaser also showcasing its high end performance with an impressive AnTuTu score. So let’s check it out.

Redmi Turbo 5 Max teased with Dimensity 9500s

The Chinese tech giant’s latest teaser poster confirms that the Redmi Turbo 5 Max is equipped with the new MediaTek Dimensity 9500s chipset. Thanks to this chipset, the upcoming smartphone managed to achieve a flagship level score of 3.61 million on the popular AnTuTu benchmark. To recall, this is slightly faster than even the Dimensity 9500, which powers premium smartphone models like the Oppo Find X9 Pro (Review) and Vivo X300 Pro.

Dimensity 9500s pairs the advanced CPU configuration with a 12-core Immortalis-G925 GPU. This chip also has a 1 x Cortex-X925 clocked at 3.73GHz, 3 x Cortex-X4 clocked at 3.30GHz, and 4 x Cortex-A720 with a 2.40GHz clock speed. This teaser arrives shortly after the brand teased the pricing details. Xiaomi’s Redmi Turbo 5 Max will be priced around 2,500 Yuan, which is roughly around 360 US Dollars.

Redmi-Turbo-5-Pro-Max-Render — Redmi Turbo 5 Max (Unconfirmed)

At this price point, it is classified as a budget flagship model. Based on what we know so far, the Redmi Turbo 5 Max will sport a 1.5K flat display, up to 16GB of RAM, and a massive 9,000mAh battery pack. Earlier this week, the smartphone also surfaced on the GeekBench database, which also showcased powerful performance. MediaTek has just debuted the Dimensity 9500s, so Redmi’s new smartphone should likely launch soon after.

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Vivo V70 Elite, Vivo V70 tipped to feature Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, Snapdragon 7 Gen 4

By

Anvinraj Valiyathara

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Jan 15, 2026

Recent reports have revealed that Vivo is gearing up to launch the Vivo V70 and Vivo V70 Elite smartphones in India. So far, the rumor mill has been leaking details in bits and pieces. The latest development sheds light on the chipset and a few key specifications of both phones.

Vivo V70 Elite to feature Snapdragon 8-series chip

The Vivo V70 Elite will reportedly become the first-ever V-series smartphone to feature a Snapdragon 8-series chipset. According to a report by SmartPrix, the V70 Elite will be powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 SoC.

In addition to the flagship-grade chipset, the Vivo V70 Elite is expected to come with LPDDR5x RAM and UFS 4.1 storage. It is also said to feature an ultrasonic in-screen fingerprint sensor and support a 4D in-game vibration system for enhanced haptics. Reports further suggest that the V70 Elite could be a rebranded or slightly tweaked version of the Vivo S50, which debuted in China in December 2025.

The Vivo S50 features a 6.59-inch OLED LTPO display with a 1.5K resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. The screen also integrates an ultrasonic in-screen fingerprint sensor for biometric authentication.

In terms of cameras, the Vivo S50 packs a 50-megapixel front camera with autofocus support. On the rear, it houses a 50-megapixel primary camera with OIS, an 8-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and a 50-megapixel Sony IMX882 periscope telephoto camera with OIS support.

The smartphone is powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset, paired with up to 16GB of LPDDR5x RAM and up to 512GB of UFS 4.1 storage. Additional features include a 6,500mAh battery with support for 90W fast charging and an IP68/IP69-rated body for dust and water resistance.

Vivo V70 chipset revealed

The same report also reveals that the standard Vivo V70 will be powered by the Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 chipset, which was first seen on the Vivo V60 last year. The device is expected to feature LPDDR5x RAM, UFS 4.1 storage, and an ultrasonic in-screen fingerprint sensor. However, the rest of the specifications of the Vivo V70 remain a mystery for now.

Vivo V70 series launch timeframe (rumored)

The publication states that the Vivo V70 series is likely to debut in India by mid-February. In terms of pricing, the lineup is expected to be priced between Rs 45,000 (~$500) and Rs 55,000 (~$610).

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Xiaomi HyperOS 3 launcher beta update brings stabilization fixes for these devices

By

Sean

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Jan 15, 2026

Xiaomi has started rolling out a new HyperOS 3 Launcher beta update aimed at refining the system experience. This upgrade brings stability improvements and multitasking fixes, so here are all the eligible devices that are receiving this update.

Xiaomi HyperOS 3 launcher beta update: Everything you need to know

The Chinese tech giant has just released a fresh beta build of the HyperOS 3 launcher. Its latest iteration carries the build version 6.01.05.1949-01122103, which focuses on correcting problems that affected navigation and visuals in the Recent Apps screen. So these are all the big changes:

Smoother horizontal transitions for stacked cards
Resolution of fixed app key issues under certain conditions
Elimination of truncated and overlapping cards when multitasking
Prevention of unexpected shaking during long presses
Improved dark-mode button color adaptation
Fixes for display anomalies when clearing cards or using split-screen modes

POCO F5, F5 Pro HyperOS 3 internal test build

These tasks aim to help make switching between apps feel more natural and less glitchy. This also reduces visual inconsistencies that could impact the overall experience.

Eligible Xiaomi and Redmi Smartphones Getting the HyperOS 3 Launch Beta Update

Xiaomi has limited this launcher beta to handsets officially receiving the HyperOS 3 update. So there are only a select number of devices that are getting the improvements:

Xiaomi 14 series
Xiaomi 15 series
Xiaomi 17 series
Redmi K80 Ultra
Redmi K90 series
Redmi Turbo 4 Pro

These devices are either running HyperOS 3 already or are eligible to install the beta version, and the launcher update can also run on the global versions of these smartphones if they are compatible with HyperOS 3. In related news, a bunch of Xiaomi, Redmi, and POCO devices are getting an extended 5 years of HyperOS update.

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Motorola Signature Launching in India on January 23 With Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 and Sony LYTIA Camera

By

Sudhanshu

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Jan 15, 2026

Motorola has confirmed that the motorola signature will launch in India on January 23, shortly after its global debut at CES 2026. This is Motorola’s first phone under the new Signature series and it replaces the brand’s usual Edge flagship in the premium non-foldable category for this cycle.

What sets the motorola signature apart is its focus on services alongside hardware. Motorola says it is India’s first smartphone to offer 24×7 exclusive privileges. These include always-on assistance for travel, dining, wellness, lifestyle needs, and access to exclusive clubs. At launch, buyers also get a Signature CLUB welcome benefit, which allows one complimentary service booking worth up to ₹6,000 on first use through the app.

The hardware matches the premium positioning. The phone runs on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chipset and uses Motorola’s Arctic Mesh cooling system to manage sustained performance. It is offered with up to 16GB RAM and up to 1TB internal storage. Based on global availability, the Indian launch is expected to focus on the 16GB RAM and 1TB storage variant.

The display is a tall 6.8-inch LTPO AMOLED panel with a 1.5K resolution and a 165Hz refresh rate. Motorola claims peak brightness of up to 6,200 nits. Audio is handled by stereo speakers tuned with Sound by BOSE.

Camera hardware is another highlight. The motorola signature features a Sony LYTIA 828 primary sensor with 3.5° optical image stabilization. It supports up to 8K video recording along with Dolby Vision video capture. The rear camera setup also includes a 50MP ultra-wide lens and a 50MP periscope telephoto camera using a 1/1.95-inch sensor. The phone has performed well in independent testing, ranking seventh in DxOMark’s smartphone camera rankings, ahead of devices like the Pixel 10 Pro XL, Huawei Pura 70 Ultra, and iPhone 16 Pro Max. DxOMark noted better noise control and improved image processing, especially in low-light scenes.

Powering the device is a 5,200mAh battery with support for 90W wired fast charging and 50W wireless charging. Other features include NFC, Bluetooth 6, USB 3.2, dual speakers, a slim 6.99mm body, and a weight of 186 grams.

The motorola signature will be sold through Flipkart, motorola.in, and offline retail stores. Pricing will be announced at launch, though leaks point to a price of ₹84,999 for the top-end configuration.

RedMagic 11 Air becomes the industry’s first “Air” model with an active cooling fan

By

Debasish

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Jan 15, 2026

Nubia continues to tease its upcoming RedMagic 11 Air smartphone, which is set to launch in China on January 20. After the official renders and color options, the company has now revealed more information about its cooling system — or more specifically, an active cooling fan.

The hardware, branded as “Wind Chaser 4.0,” can reportedly hit a top speed of 24,000RPM, matching the number seen on the RedMagic 11 Pro+. It sits inside an aerospace-grade aluminum air-cooled bracket on top of the PCB. While this is a fairly standard implementation of an active cooling fan in smartphones, what makes this device stand out — or at least makes it seem standout — is the “Air” branding. This is said to be an industry-first “Air” branded phone with an active cooling fan.

The teaser also includes big claims regarding the VC cooling system. As per the brand, an “industry-first ultra-thick ice-step VC cooling design” improves the heat dissipation capacity of the vapor chamber by 47% and has also received national invention patent certification. That said, the teaser skipped any mention of the phone’s ingress protection.

The RedMagic 11 Air is said to pack a 7,000mAh battery, which is also a standout number for an “Air” model. So what about the thickness and weight?

Well, this won’t sound jaw-dropping if you’re picturing it as an iPhone Air with active cooling. A thickness of 7.85mm and a reported weight of 207g should be considered normal rather than thin and lightweight. But considering the specs mentioned above, this is still a very appealing option.

To recall, the RedMagic 11 Pro+ from October last year came with an 8.9mm chassis, packed a 7,500mAh battery, and weighed 230g.

According to previous reports, the RedMagic 11 Air’s active cooling system will be paired with the brand’s Cube gaming engine, a self-developed Red Core R4 esports chip, and a built-in PC emulator. Some people may also like the “transparent” aesthetic of this new model.

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MediaTek announces Dimensity 8500 with all Cortex-A725 design and 25% graphics improvement

By

Rajesh Regmi

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Jan 15, 2026

MediaTek has officially taken the wraps off its latest chip for mid-range smartphones, the Dimensity 8500. The company announced the processor today at a launch event where it also introduced the Dimensity 9500s.

The Dimensity 8500 is built around an all-big-core design based on TSMC’s N4P (4nm) process. What’s interesting about this setup is that Cortex-A725 cores make up all eight CPU cores, running at different clock speeds. A prime Cortex-A725 core clocks at 3.4GHz, three high-performance Cortex-A725 cores run at 3.20GHz, and four additional Cortex-A725 cores operate at 2.20GHz.

The Dimensity 8400 also uses an all-Cortex-A725 design, but MediaTek says this second-generation all-big-core CPU delivers a 7% performance improvement. The chip also supports faster LPDDR5X memory with speeds of up to 9600Mbps, increasing memory bandwidth by as much as 12%

Dimensity 8500 brings a boost in GPU performance

Where the Dimensity 8500 makes its biggest jump is in the graphics department. The chip uses a new Mali-G720 MC8 GPU, which reportedly delivers 25% higher peak performance than the previous generation while cutting power consumption by 20% at peak load.

The company is also touting the 8500 as the first chip in its segment to bring “realistic ray tracing” to more affordable flagship-style phones.

As for the actual gameplay, MediaTek says the GPU can deliver stable frame rates above 110fps even in outdoor environments at 35 degrees Celsius. Its Dimensity Multi-Frame Rate technology is further designed to save up to 30% power during gameplay, while MOBA titles can see power savings of up to 37%.

AI, Camera and Connectivity

It’s 2026, so it’s a violation not to talk about artificial intelligence. The Dimensity 8500 uses MediaTek’s NPU 880 for neural processing and supports on-device generative AI features such as real-time translation and image generation. The chip is also compatible with the Dimensity AI Development Kit and major global language models (LLM / MLLM).

For optics, MediaTek is offering several AI-assisted imaging tools, including an AI Ultra-Clear Telephoto Algorithm, semantic segmentation, and AI-powered reflection and glare removal. Furthermore, you get support for cinema-grade 4K HDR video recording, zero shutter lag, and full-pixel phase detection autofocus.

On the connectivity side, the Dimensity 8500 features a 5G modem capable of download speeds up to 5.17Gbps, along with three-carrier aggregation and dual-SIM dual-standby. MediaTek’s UltraSave 3.0+ technology is also included to help reduce power consumption during network use.

For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.

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New OnePlus 15R Update: Bypass Charging, Photos App Fixes, and December Security Patch

By

Sudhanshu

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Jan 15, 2026

OnePlus started rolling out OxygenOS 16.0.2.401 for the OnePlus 15R in India (checkout our review of the device), global, and North American markets. The update is going out in batches and will reach more users over the next few days.

OxygenOS 16.0.2.401 update features

Bypass Charging Arrives

The biggest addition is bypass charging. When you’re gaming, streaming, watching videos, or navigating, you can plug in your charger and the phone will draw power directly instead of charging the battery. This keeps your phone cooler and protects battery health during heavy use.

AI Gets Smarter

The AI summary and subtitle feature now stops automatically when it doesn’t detect sound for a while. This makes it work better without running when it doesn’t need to.

Home Screen Changes

You can now resize app icons and their shortcuts, then drag them around to arrange them however you want. App clone icons can also be resized and have shortcuts added. The update lets you stack 2×1 widgets on top of each other, giving you more space on your home screen.

Photos App Updates

The Photos app can now automatically straighten portrait and architectural photos when you crop or rotate them. New filters let you sort by Motion Photo, Screenshots & screen recordings, and Edited content. Thumbnails load faster thanks to improved parsing.

Circle to Search Works Better

If you use gesture navigation and hide the gesture bar, you can still launch Circle to Search by holding where the bar normally appears.

System Improvements

The update includes the December 2025 Android security patch. OnePlus also improved overall system stability and performance.

Regional Variants

The update deploys as CPH2767_16.0.2.401(EX01) for India, CPH2769_16.0.2.401(EX01) for global markets, and CPH2771_16.0.2.401(EX01) for North America.

The rollout is incremental, so it reaches a small group first before expanding. Update content may differ between regions.

For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.

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Xiaomi Pad 8, Pad 8 Pro bags important certification, global launch imminent

By

Anvinraj Valiyathara

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Jan 15, 2026

Back in September, Singapore’s IMDA authority approved two Xiaomi tablets, which were believed to be part of the Pad 8 series. One of these tablets has already bagged FCC certification. However, while these listings revealed the model numbers, they did not confirm the final marketing names. In a new development, the Xiaomi Pad 8 and Pad 8 Pro have bagged approval from the TDRA authority in the UAE.

Xiaomi Pad 8, Pad 8 Pro TDRA listings

Xiaomi Pad 8 and Pad 8 Pro TDRA listings

Upcoming Xiaomi tablets with model numbers 25097RP43G and 25091RP04G have received approval from the TDRA authority in the UAE. These listings confirm that the devices will carry the final marketing names Xiaomi Pad 8 and Xiaomi Pad 8 Pro, respectively.

Xiaomi Pad 8 series specifications, launch timeframe (rumored)

The Xiaomi Pad 8 series’ specifications are already known, as the lineup was unveiled in China back in September 2025. The Xiaomi Pad 8 and Pad 8 Pro share an 11.2-inch 3:2 LCD display with 3200 x 2136 resolution, 144Hz refresh rate, 800 nits peak brightness, Dolby Vision, and true DC dimming.

Both tablets pack a 9,200mAh battery, run Android 16 with HyperOS 3, and support the Xiaomi Focus Touch Pen Pro, PC-grade WPS and CAD features, a quad-speaker and quad-microphone setup, and connectivity options such as Wi-Fi 7, USB-C 3.2 Gen 1, NFC, and an IR blaster.

The Xiaomi Pad 8 is powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4, supports 45W fast charging, and features an 8-megapixel front camera and a 13-megapixel rear camera. The Xiaomi Pad 8 Pro upgrades to the Snapdragon 8 Elite, offers 67W fast charging, includes dual G1 battery-management chips, and comes with a 32-megapixel front camera and a 50-megapixel rear sensor, along with optional PC-grade features and a soft-touch display.

With multiple certifications under its belt, the Pad 8 series may debut in the first quarter of this year. Likely, it may go official at the global launch of the Xiaomi 17 and 17 Ultra.

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Upcoming Poco X8 Pro Max bags a key certification, expected to pack brand’s largest battery

By

Anvinraj Valiyathara

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Jan 15, 2026

Poco has just launched the Poco M8 series of smartphones globally. Rumors suggest that the brand will now shift its focus to the Poco X8 series, which may launch within the first quarter of this year. Reports suggest that the lineup may include two models, namely the Poco X8 Max and Poco X8 Pro Max. The series may not include the standard Poco X8. According to reports, the X8 Max and X8 Pro Max are said to be rebranded versions of the Redmi Turbo 5 series destined for the Chinese market.

Poco X8 Pro Max BIS certified

To recall, the Poco X8 Pro bearing the model number 2511FPC34I was spotted on India’s BIS certification platform in December. Now, the Poco X8 Pro Max has reportedly received approval from the BIS authority. This device has been spotted with the model number 2602BPC18I.

Readers should note that the BIS listings only show model numbers and do not reveal the final marketing name. The above-mentioned names are based on previously seen IMEI database listings for these model numbers.

The Poco X8 Pro’s global version has also been spotted at EEC (Europe) and SDPPI (Indonesia) certifications, but the X8 Pro Max’s global edition has not appeared yet in any certification database.

Poco X8 Pro Max specifications: What to expect?

The Poco X8 Pro Max is said to be a rebranded version of the Redmi Turbo 5 Max. Again, the name of the Redmi device is based on recent reports and is yet to be officially confirmed. This device is expected to debut as the world’s first phone powered by the all-new Dimensity 9500s chipset.

The device was recently spotted on Geekbench with 16GB of RAM and Android 16, which is likely to feature the latest HyperOS 3 skin on top. As per other reports, it will have a 1.5K LTPS OLED display measuring around 6.83 inches and a massive 9,000mAh battery with 100W charging. The rest of its details are currently under wraps.

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Realme P4 Power moniker confirmed, packs powerbank-sized 10,000mAh battery

By

Anvinraj Valiyathara

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Jan 15, 2026

Realme is set to introduce a new P-series smartphone later this month, according to a teaser recently spotted on Flipkart. The initial teaser sparked some confusion, as it hinted at a phone with a massive battery, leading many to believe it could belong to the upcoming P5 series. However, that speculation has now been put to rest. Francis Wong, Realme’s Head of Product Marketing, has confirmed via an X post that the device will be part of the existing P4 lineup and will be officially called the Realme P4 Power.

Realme P4 Power key details confirmed

The Realme P4 Power is believed to be the same device carrying the model number RMX5107, which previously appeared on the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification database. This model number had also surfaced in a leaked image that circulated online last month, further strengthening the link between the certification listing and the upcoming P4 Power.

One of the biggest highlights of the Realme P4 Power is its battery. While Realme has not explicitly confirmed the capacity, reports suggest that the phone will house a power bank-level 10,000mAh battery. The brand claims this enormous battery could deliver over 31 days of standby time on a single charge. Even when the battery drops to just 3 percent, the device is said to provide close to two hours of usage. Realme also states that the phone can comfortably last at least 1.5 days with normal usage, despite weighing around 218 grams.

Charging and performance-related features have also been teased. The Realme P4 Power will support 27W reverse charging, allowing it to charge other devices. Realme is also promising consistent gaming performance, stable frame rates, and efficient thermal control, even when the battery level falls to around 10 percent, suggesting minimal overheating or throttling.

A report that emerged last month revealed that the phone will feature a quad-curved AMOLED display. It is also expected to come with 12GB of RAM, 14GB of virtual RAM, and 256GB of built-in storage. A newly surfaced image shared by offers a clearer look at the phone’s orange colour option, highlighting its rear design. It is also expected to come in orange and blue shades.

As for availability, the Realme P4 Power is expected to launch by the end of this month. Pricing details remain undisclosed for now.

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Global Vivo X300 Ultra bags yet another important certification

By

Anvinraj Valiyathara

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Jan 15, 2026

Vivo is expected to unveil the Vivo X300 Ultra in March this year in China. However, recent sightings suggest that its global arrival is also close at hand. The device was first spotted on the IMEI database, followed by its appearance on Europe’s EEC certification platform. Now, the Vivo X300 Ultra has bagged yet another certification, further strengthening expectations of an imminent global launch.

Vivo X300 Ultra certified in Indonesia

The Vivo smartphone, model number V2562, has received TKDN certification in Indonesia. While the listing does not reveal any specifications or hardware details, it is a strong indication that the device is gradually clearing regulatory hurdles ahead of its official debut.

For those unaware, the Vivo X300 Ultra is expected to be the company’s first Ultra-branded flagship to launch in global markets, unlike the X100 Ultra and X200 Ultra, which remained China-exclusive.

Vivo X300 Ultra specifications (rumored)

Camera performance is shaping up to be the biggest highlight of the X300 Ultra. Recent leaks suggest that it will feature a 200-megapixel Sony LYT-901 primary camera with OIS, paired with a 50-megapixel Sony LYT-828 ultra-wide sensor and a 200-megapixel Samsung HPB periscope telephoto camera.

One of the major highlights of the X300 Ultra will be the multi-focal-length continuous optical zoom feature, which is expected to offer greater everyday usability compared to competing implementations, including Xiaomi’s approach. On the front, Vivo is tipped to include a 50-megapixel selfie camera with autofocus, catering to high-quality video calls and content creation.

The device is said to feature a 6.82-inch flat BOE display with around 2K resolution, LTPO technology, and four-sided narrow bezels. Powering the phone will be Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, positioning it firmly in the flagship segment.

In terms of endurance, the X300 Ultra is expected to pack a massive battery of around 7,000mAh with fast charging support. Another notable change is the removal of the dedicated Action button seen on the X200 Ultra, a move reportedly aimed at freeing internal space and improving overall practicality.

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iQOO 15 Ultra design, display, camera, and battery specs out before launch

By

Rajesh Regmi

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Jan 15, 2026

iQOO is preparing something a little different this year. For the first time, the company is adding an “Ultra” model to its flagship number series, and the upcoming iQOO 15 Ultra has already appeared in regulatory listings ahead of launch.

The phone has now been spotted on China’s 3C certification platform, confirming support for 100W fast charging. While that detail alone is limited, it suggests the device is nearing an official release.

Fortunately, reliable tipster Digital Chat Station shared a detailed spec sheet for the iQOO 15 Ultra on Weibo earlier today.

iQOO 15 Ultra Specifications

According to the leak, the phone will use a large 6.85-inch Samsung M14 display with a 2K resolution and a 144Hz refresh rate. It’s a flat, straight screen rather than a curved one, which should be good news for people who care about touch accuracy, especially in games.

Powering the phone is said to be Qualcomm’s next-generation Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip. On top of that, iQOO is also including its own Q3 gaming chip, which should handle things like frame rate control and power efficiency while gaming.

The phone’s optics system will feature a 50-megapixel Sony IMX882 periscope telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom. Of course, this isn’t the sole lens, but details on other sensors are still under the hood for the time being.

Moreover, the leak also mentions a 7,000mAh or larger battery, which is huge by flagship standards. This is combined with 100W wired charging and support for wireless charging.

There are also some extra hardware features. The phone is said to include a built-in active cooling fan, similar to what you see on dedicated gaming phones. It will also have physical shoulder buttons for extra controls during shooting or aiming in games.

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SK Hynix to fast-track fab openings as AI memory demand spikes, confirms $13B P&T7 facility

By

Soumyakanti

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Jan 14, 2026

SK Hynix plans to accelerate the launch of its new semiconductor facilities in response to growing global demand for memory chips. The company confirmed that it will open its first chip factory in Yongin, South Korea, three months ahead of schedule, targeting February 2027. It will also begin operating its new M15X fab in Cheongju next month to produce high-bandwidth memory (HBM) chips.

The move comes amid a sharp rise in demand for HBM, which is used in AI systems developed by companies like Nvidia and AMD. SK Hynix is currently one of the leading HBM suppliers and a key partner in OpenAI’s Stargate project. Prices for some memory products have jumped more than 300% over the past year, according to TrendForce data, placing additional pressure on chipmakers to increase production.

SK Hynix is also investing $13 billion in a new packaging and testing facility named P&T7, which will be built in Cheongju near the M15X plant. Construction is scheduled to begin in April 2026, with completion expected by the end of 2027. The company aims to improve efficiency by enabling direct transfer of DRAM modules from M15X to P&T7 for final packaging.

The expansion is part of SK Hynix’s broader efforts to scale production and reduce reliance on external foundries. The Yongin facility is one piece of a planned $407 billion “Semiconductor Cluster” that will include four fabs.

SK Hynix stated that it reviews its production strategy on a monthly basis and is observing a shift among hyperscaler customers toward multi-year supply agreements, rather than traditional one-year deals.

The company currently holds over 60% of the global HBM market. As AI-related demand continues to grow, SK Hynix is positioning itself to maintain its lead by expanding its domestic capacity and accelerating deployment timelines.

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(Source 1,2)

Gaming Laptops in 2026: Balancing Power, Portability, and Price

By

Sean

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Jan 14, 2026

Gaming laptops have come a long way from bulky, battery-draining machines that barely fit in a backpack. In 2026, the landscape is more competitive and nuanced than ever, with powerful hardware, sleek designs, and aggressive pricing tiers. But with that evolution comes an increasingly complex set of trade-offs: Do you prioritize raw performance, a lightweight build, battery life or value? So let’s unpack the current landscape of gaming laptops and breakdown things you need to consider before buying a gaming laptop in 2026.

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1. Power: The Heart of Any Gaming Laptop

Alienware 18 Area-51

At the core of every gaming laptop is its performance, and in 2026, this means next-gen CPUs and GPUs that are closer than ever to desktop-class power. The leading laptops are now powered by Intel’s latest Core Ultra Series 3 or AMD’s Ryzen AI HX 400 series processors, along with Nvidia’s RTX 50 series GPUs. These chips deliver high framerates in demanding titles, handle real-time ray tracing without catastrophic slowdowns, and even support AI-driven features like upscaling, automatic tuning, and generative in-game assets.

But one of the biggest improvements in recent years is not just about performance, but also sustained thermal performance and improved battery efficiency. Advanced cooling technologies are now standard in mid to high range gaming laptops. Meanwhile, these notebooks are also based on the latest silicon that offers both performance and endurance. Pair this with larger batteries, and you get devices that are perfect for gaming and everyday use.

However, some of these benefits, like better cooling mechanism, bigger batteries, and more wattage, can lead to heavier builds. So if maximum framerate and future-proof models are your top goals, you can expect to pay top dollar for notebooks like Dell’s latest Alienware Area-51.

2. Portability: Slimmer & Lighter

ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 and G16 gaming laptops

Portability usually meant thin-and-light laptops that brought reliable performance and battery life, but sacrificed performance. But in 2026, gaming laptops aren’t the chonky rigs like in the past. Manufacturers have gotten smarter about power efficiency and internal design. We now see laptops that weigh under 2kg yet still house capable hardware, thanks to a combination of AI performance scaling, dynamic boost tech, and smaller process nodes.

A great example of this is the 2026 ASUS Zephyrus G14 and Zephyrus G16. The G14 is a compact model that weighs just 1.5kg, despite packing up to an Nvidia RTX 5080 GPU and Intel’s Core Ultra Series 3 CPUs. So you get performance on the go, gorgeous OLED displays, and gaming aesthetics as well. In other words, it hits a great balance between performance and portability. However, these gaming notebooks can’t hit higher wattage like the thicker and heavier laptops dedicated for high end performance.

3. Price: The 3rd Important Pillar

ASUS TUF Gamnig A14

Gaming laptops have historically carried premium price tags, and with these recent improvements, pricing has gone up even higher. With the ongoing RAM and GPU shortage, some models cost an arm and a leg. So you can expect to pay around $1000 for any high end gaming laptop. But this doesn’t mean you’re all out of options. Even below this figure, you can expect to see great options from last-gen models that are still quite capable.

Furthermore, keeping an eye on bundle deals, seasonal discounts, and manufacturer promotions can significantly shift value in your favor. You can even wait for newer mid-tier gaming laptops that can likely compete with some of last year’s flagships. A gaming laptop can be your daily driver in 2026, although a true flagship power is still premium. But there are still new budget gaming laptops in the market that just debuted during CES 2026. A great example is the ASUS TUF Gaming A14.

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Sharge launches a 10,000mAh semi-transparent power bank with 45W charging and built-in cable

By

Soumyakanti

-

Jan 14, 2026

Sharge has launched the Companion Pro (machine translated), a compact and travel-ready power bank that supports up to 45W fast charging. The device is now available in China for 239 yuan ($34).

Sharge Companion Pro Specifications

The Sharge Companion Pro has a compact build with a semi-transparent matte finish that minimizes fingerprints. Its rounded edges make it comfortable to hold, while the White and Black color options offer a quirky yet refined look compared to typical power banks.

The power bank is equipped with a 10,000mAh battery using a dual-cell configuration. Each cell is rated at 5,000mAh, with a total energy of 36Wh. The rated output capacity is 5,700mAh, which can charge most smartphones about twice. Sharge uses Lishen 21700 cylindrical lithium cells, which are known for their reliability.

The power bank supports up to 45W fast charging through its USB-C port and built-in USB-C cable. It also includes a USB-A output with up to 22.5W support, while input charging reaches 30W for faster recharging.

The built-in USB-C cable pulls out for direct use and tucks away neatly for storage. This design helps reduce clutter and makes it easier to carry without needing extra accessories.

The power bank measures 80 x 50 x 35.8 mm and weighs around 225 grams. It has passed China’s 3C safety certification and is approved for carry-on use on flights and high-speed rail.

The device is also compatible with multiple generations of iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, and AirPods, offering reliable fast charging across Apple’s product ecosystem.

In related news, Anker has recently unveiled a new 3-in-1 65W power bank positioned as a strong option for travel, while Baseus has introduced an AirPods-sized power bank with a 10,000mAh battery and 45W fast charging support.

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(JD)

This new portable Bluetooth speaker lets you pair 100 together for massive sound

By

Sean

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Jan 14, 2026

IKEA is expanding its audio portfolio with a compact, portable speaker that goes beyond typical single-device playback. On its own, the IKEA Kallsup is a tiny cube shaped Bluetooth speaker that stands out by its bright yet minimalistic design. But one of its highlighting features is its ability to pair up with 99 more of its kind.

IKEA Kallsup portable Bluetooth speaker specifications

While IKEA hasn’t confirmed the full feature list yet, the speaker’s small footprint and lightweight design suggest it’s intended for everyday use. The Kallsup features a compact design that measures 2.75 x 2.75 x 2.75 inches in dimensions and uses plastic for its build. It supports USB-C charging along with Bluetooth 5.3. There are also two small physical buttons for controls. On a single full charge, the IKEA Kallsup can offer up to 9 hours of audio playback at 50 percent volume.

But what truly sets it apart is the scalable audio system. By itself, it is a tiny speaker that can barely cover a room, but when paired with multiple other Kallsup speakers, it can cover larger rooms, outdoor spaces, or everyroom in the house. That one tiny speaker can connect with up to 100 other units of the same model, which offers a massive boost in sound output.

This feature can also be useful for public events, pop-up venues, or collaborative listening setups where coverage is crucial. IKEA hasn’t shared a precise release window yet, but this model will go on sale in the US for just 10 US Dollars in April 2026. It is also available in multiple bright color options, namely hot pink, bright green and white. In related news, this launch arrives after the brand released the IKEA Solskydd circular wireless speaker and IKEA Kulglass Lamp speakers.

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