Dell Suffers Major Setback in China PC Market as Huawei Takes Second Spot with Premium Products

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Jun 1, 2023

Huawei is one of the most unfortunate tech companies in recent years. It was once a global leader in the smartphone market, but it has been struggling since the US-China trade war began. In an effort to recover, Huawei has been expanding into new sectors, including computers. The company’s efforts seem to be paying off. In the first quarter of 2023, Huawei’s PC shipments surged by 34.1% year-on-year. This helped the company re-enter the top three of China PC market. However, the tech giant says that it’s only a matter of time before Huawei claims the top spot. Here are the details…

Dell’s shipments plummeted by 50%, Huawei’s share rose to second in China’s PC market

Huawei has re-entered the top three of China’s PC market, with shipments surging by 34.1% year on year in the first quarter of 2023. The company’s Vice President of Consumer Business Group’s Strategic Marketing, Li Changzhu, says that it’s only a matter of time before Huawei claims the top spot.

According to the latest reports, Lenovo and HP remained steady in the Chinese PC market, with market shares of 24.2% and 22.1%, respectively. However, Dell, which declared a plan to “decouple from China” in its supply chain, experienced a “halved” drop in shipments, falling out of the top three. The market share that Dell lost was seemingly “swept up” by Huawei.

Huawei’s approach to the PC and tablet market is somewhat distinctive from traditional PC manufacturers. The company is primarily concentrating on the integration of intelligent ecosystems as a novel area for innovation. Their products are designed with specific audiences in mind, such as office environments, student demographics, and existing customers of Huawei’s phones and tablets. I can vouch for this as a former user of a MateBook X Pro; the company’s premium products exceed their competition.

Since the beginning of 2022, the PC market has been shrinking for over a year. Despite Huawei’s continual growth against the trend, it is still inevitably affected by the industry’s overall downturn. Over the last three quarters starting from the third quarter of last year, Huawei’s growth rates in the Chinese PC market were 110%, 73%, and 34%, respectively, indicating that its growth is gradually slowing. However, according to current trends, it’s expected that there will be some demand for device replacement starting in 2024, which could stimulate growth in the entire market.

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Garmin Fenix 7 Pro Series launches with solar cells and flashlights

By

Anurag

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Jun 1, 2023

Garmin recently unveiled the Epix 2 Pro series smartwatch, which boasts remarkable features and a solid build. Now, the company has introduced the new Fenix 7 Pro series to the market, equipped with several advanced features. For one, the series gets more efficient Memory-In-Pixel (MIP) displays along with solar cells and even flashlights. These watches will be perfect for those who love to go on outdoor adventures. Here are the details.

Garmin Fenix 7 Pro Series Specifications

The Fenix 7 Pro Series is built with a focus on durability. The multisport GPS smartwatch is designed to stand harsh circumstances while offering reliable performance. It is offered in three sizes— 42mm, 47mm, and 51mm— and in a number of materials. Most of its capabilities are similar to the recently launched Epix 2 Pro but it gets a more power-efficient MIP display that can be easily viewed in bright sunlight.

One notable addition to the watch is the built-in LED flashlight, which comes with different intensities. There’s also a red safety light and a strobe mode. It gets sensors for tracking of activities like hiking, running, swimming, and others. Further, the Fenix 7 Pro Series provides powerful multi-band GPS tracking, mapping, and navigation features. It includes various sensors, including an altimeter, barometer, and compass.

The new series features numerous health and fitness tracking capabilities, such as heart rate monitoring, VO2 Max, sleep analysis, and advanced training metrics. The Fenix 7 Pro comes with 22 days of battery life, which boils down to 73 hours with GPS tracking and 48 hours with multi-band enabled.

The Fenix 7 Pro is available in three sizes: 42mm, 47mm, and 51mm. The 42mm and 47mm models start at $800, while the 51mm model starts at $900. The Sapphire upgrade, which adds a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal to the display, is available for all three sizes for an additional $100.

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Xiaomi 14 Ultra could continue using a 1-inch primary sensor

By

Anurag

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Jun 1, 2023

The latest Xiaomi flagships, the Xiaomi 13, 13 Pro, and 13 Ultra, all come with impressive cameras that are at par with some of the most high-end phones. The Xiaomi 13 Ultra, in particular, boasts a quad Leica-tuned camera setup on the rear, with a 1-inch 50MP Summicron lens. One might say that this is as good as smartphone cameras get, but there is always room for improvement. And the next-generation Xiaomi 14 Ultra may just up the ante further but it will likely have to make do with a 1-inch main sensor, the same as its predecessor.

But Xiaomi 15 Ultra may bring a larger sensor

Xiaomi 14 Ultra is going to be the next mega flagship from the Chinese company and just like this year’s model, the new phone is also expected to get serious camera hardware. However, tipster Digital Chat Station riddled in a recent Weibo post that the smartphone will have to continue using a 1-inch camera sensor. DCS notes that the M43 sensor, which has a size of 1.33 inches, is still too big for the phones and will likely not be seen in one anytime soon.

The tipster, however, suggests that the Xiaomi 15 Ultra will come with major improvements in the sensor size. Given that these are early leaks, we can’t be too sure about the details but DCS has a neat track record so these claims do hold some water.

To remind you of Xiaomi 13 Ultra’s (review) camera prowess, the device gets a Leica Vario-Summicron lens on the back with a 1-inch 50MP Sony IMX989 primary camera sensor, carrying support for variable aperture between f/1.9 and f/4.0. The smartphone also boasts a 50MP Sony IMX858 f/1.8 ultrawide sensor with a 122-degree FOV, along with a pair of 50MP Sony IMX858 telephoto lenses.

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Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra rumored to feature 5x optical zoom camera

By

Soumyakanti

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Jun 1, 2023

In the latest round of rumors surrounding Samsung’s upcoming flagship smartphones, it has been reported that the Galaxy S24 Ultra will receive a significant camera upgrade. According to a recent article by GalaxyClub, Samsung is planning to enhance the zoom capabilities of the Galaxy S24 Ultra by introducing a 5x optical zoom.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Leaks Suggest 5x Optical Zoom Lens

To achieve this improvement, Samsung is reportedly considering eliminating the current 3x telephoto sensor, which is currently paired with a 10x periscope lens. This move would mark a departure from the dual zoom sensor setup introduced with the Galaxy S21 Ultra and potentially pave the way for a more advanced zoom system.

The evolution of Samsung’s camera technology in its S-series smartphones has been noteworthy. The Galaxy S20 Ultra, for instance, introduced a groundbreaking 100x digital zoom camera, courtesy of its 48MP telephoto lens with 4x optical zoom. Subsequently, the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra featured a 12MP telephoto lens capable of 5x optical zoom and an impressive 50x space zoom.

In recent iterations, such as the Galaxy S21 Ultra, Galaxy S22 Ultra, and Galaxy S23 Ultra, Samsung equipped its devices with two telephoto sensors, each capable of 10MP resolution. This setup allowed for 3x and 10x optical zoom using each lens, while the maximum Space Zoom was capped at 100x until the release of the S23 Ultra.

Initial rumors had suggested that the Galaxy S24 Ultra would introduce a new telephoto sensor with variable zoom, potentially comprising a three-camera system. However, subsequent reports indicate that Samsung has altered its plans and decided to maintain the current camera configuration for the Galaxy S24 Ultra.

The potential inclusion of a 5x optical zoom camera in the Galaxy S24 Ultra represents an exciting development for photography enthusiasts and smartphone users. As Samsung continues to push the boundaries of smartphone camera technology, the upcoming flagship device is expected to deliver impressive zoom capabilities, allowing users to capture intricate details from afar.

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Asus ROG Ally Handheld Console Achieves 20% Performance Boost with Latest Driver Update

By

Sudhanshu

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Jun 1, 2023

Last month, Asus launched the ROG Ally handheld gaming console globally. The console is a direct competitor to the popular Steam Deck, and should have been significantly more powerful than the Valve console solely based on the fact that it uses the newer Ryzen Z1 Extreme chip. However, that wasn’t the case in the early testing of the console.

In a recent video, Youtuber Dave2D discussed this issue revealing that the low performance was due to Asus sending out undercooked drivers. Fortunately, this issue has now been resolved before the console started shipping to customers across the globe.

The latest drivers sent out by Asus bump up the performance of the ROG Ally Console by 15 to 20% AT 15W and 25W profiles. The 9W silent profile has also improved in performance, now offering ballpark framerates compared to the Steam Deck. However, the Steam Deck still outperforms it at 9W, and the ROG Ally is not expected to catch up in this scenario. This is mostly due to the Ryzen Z1 Extreme being close to a laptop chip, derived from the Ryzen 7 7840U which is designed to run between 15W to 30W.

That being said, the battery life of the ROG Ally is still the same, making the Steam Deck still a more balanced choice if you want to play older titles or indie games without battery anxiety.

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Mysterious Xiaomi “N7” device is in development, leak suggests

By

Soumyakanti

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Jun 1, 2023

Rumors have emerged regarding a new Xiaomi device, known only as the “N7,” which is said to be part of the company’s upcoming lineup. A recent report revealed the model numbers for Xiaomi 14 and Xiaomi 14 Pro smartphones, expected to launch later this year in China. In addition, a Weibo post by tipster Digital Chat Station hinted at the existence of an entirely new model.

Xiaomi Flip concept — Credit: TS Designer

Could the “N7” be Xiaomi’s entry into the clamshell foldable market?

The Xiaomi 14 and 14 Pro are said to feature model numbers 23127PN0CC and 23116PN5BC for the Chinese market, respectively. For the global market, these devices are identified by model numbers 23127PN0CG and 23116PN5BG. Interestingly, these smartphones are given shortened model names, with “N3” and “N2” representing the Xiaomi 14 and 14 Pro, respectively. The upcoming Xiaomi 14 Ultra, on the other hand, is rumored to have the model name “N1.” All of these devices are expected to be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, slated for a potential November debut.

However, a screenshot shared by the tipster reveals another mystery device with the shortened model name “N7.” This device seems to be entirely new, as there are no previous generations associated with it. Speculation suggests that Xiaomi might be entering the clamshell foldable smartphone market with the N7, potentially introducing the Xiaomi MIX Flip. However, it is advised to await further reports to confirm the identity of this enigmatic N7 device.

In related news, renowned tipster Ice Universe claims that the Xiaomi 14 Ultra could see an early launch compared to its predecessor, the Xiaomi 13 Ultra, which debuted in April this year. This hints at the possibility of the Xiaomi 14 Ultra making its appearance in the first quarter of 2024.

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US plans to curb investment in Chinese Semiconductor and AI industries

By

Joane

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Jun 1, 2023

On Wednesday, a US treasury officer announced that there are discussions to implement new regulations to limit the transfer of U.S. investments and expertise to Chinese companies involved in cutting-edge sectors such as advanced semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing. These new rules aim to exert greater control over the flow of critical technologies and knowledge to China.

During a Senate Banking Committee hearing, Paul Rosen, the Treasury official responsible for investment security, addressed the issue of restricting U.S. investments that involve valuable know-how and expertise in specific sectors. These sectors include advanced semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing.

Rosen emphasized that officials are actively working on implementing measures to curb investment from the United States in order to safeguard sensitive knowledge and expertise. The focus is primarily on sectors and subsectors such as advanced semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing. The concern lies in China’s military and the potential implications of allowing unrestricted access to these advanced technologies.

However, even amidst the growing sanctions and uncertainties, the CEO of American Tech giant Nvidia is planning a trip to China to meet top-level executives. According to undisclosed sources, Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia s reportedly intends to visit China in June for the first time in several years.

Nvidia has emerged as a key player in the field of AI globally. However, the geopolitical landscape has presented complexities for the company’s operations in China. The US sanctions have restricted Nvidia from selling its advanced AI chipsets to Chinese customers, which includes major companies like Tencent and ByteDance.

In the upcoming visit, Huang is planning to visit executives from prominent companies such as Tencent Holdings, one of the world’s top gaming companies, and ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok.

The ongoing US-China trade war has global repercussions as countries like Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan have also joined the US in adding sanctions. Recently Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao, called upon Japan to cease its export restrictions on chip manufacturing in China, emphasizing the need for a change in policy.

Shu Jueting, a spokesperson at China’s commerce ministry said that China firmly expresses its objection and determination to respond if the United States imposes restrictions on Chinese firms’ investments in the semiconductor industry.

During a news briefing, Shu stated that the actions taken by the United States to curb tech exports to China, would not only disrupt the normal operations of companies but also undermine the integrity of the international economic and trade order.

Samsung launches its first-ever OLED TVs in India

By

Sudarshan Ravichandran

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Jun 1, 2023

Samsung re-entered the OLED TV segment in 2022 by releasing televisions with QD-OLED panels. The second-gen models, namely S90C and S95C were released earlier this year.

These latest TVs have been now launched in India. The variants sold in the country are made locally in the region.

Most importantly, these are the first-ever Samsung-branded OLED TVs in India. These televisions arrive in the country within a month from the launch of the 2023 Neo QLED TVs.

Both Samsung S90C and S95C QD-OLED TVs come in 55-inch, 65-inch, and 75-inch size variants. Pricing starts from ₹1,69,990 (~$2,060) and will be sold at Samsung.com and leading offline as well as online retailers.

The company is offering up to 20% cashback on credit cards issued by leading banks. Customers can also avail of EMIs starting at only ₹2,990.

Given the premium price tag and as a new entrant in the OLED category, Samsung is providing 2 years of warranty.

As far as features are concerned, these televisions offer 4K resolution and up to a 144Hz refresh rate (with ALLM). Unfortunately, they don’t support Dolby Vision but come with HDR10, HDR10+, HLG, and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro.

They offer a peak brightness level of 1,500 nits and ship with solar-powered remote control. You get all the important connectivity options like HDMI 2.1, USB, optical, Ethernet, WiFi, and Bluetooth. There’s also support for Miracast and Apple AirPlay.

The televisions boot Tizen OS which has all the leading streaming apps and much more. Finally, the S90C comes with 40W speakers compared to 70W speakers on the S95C.

Infinix Note 30 5G With JBL-Powered Speakers Teased To Launch In India By Mid-June

By

Viraj Gawde

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Jun 1, 2023

Infinix launched the Note 30 series earlier this month. Now, one device from the lineup is confirmed to arrive in India. The Infinix Note 30 5G is set to launch in the country by the middle of this month. Ahead of the launch, the brand has started teasing key features of the upcoming offering.

Infinix Note 30 5G teased to launch later this month

The Infinix Note 30 5G is confirmed to come with JBL-powered stereo speakers. It is said to deliver enhanced audio with distortion-free volume, deeper bass, and JBL’s signature sound for an enjoyable experience when listening to music or watching videos.

Commenting on the partnership with Infinix, JBL VP and GM said “The JBL brand is all about delivering the fullest sound experience, and we are therefore extremely proud to collaborate with the Infinix team to deliver superior audio through Sound by JBL”

The Infinix Note 30 5G is teased to feature a 108MP camera sensor. It will feature a film mode with a cinematic flair and a super night mode for low-light images for clear shots with minimal noise. The smartphone will also come with a dual-view feature that will let users record through the front and rear cameras simultaneously.

To recall, the Infinix Note 30 5G has a 6.78-inch LCD center-aligned punch-hole display with an FHD+ resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. It has a square camera module on the rear housing 108MP, 16MP, and 2MP camera sensors. The phone is powered by a Dimensity 6080 SoC paired with up to 8GB RAM. It is backed by a 5,000mAh battery unit with support for 45W charging.

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Motorola Razr 40 With Snapdragon 7 Gen 1, 144Hz Display Launched

By

Viraj Gawde

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Jun 1, 2023

Alongside the launch of the Motorola Razr 40 Ultra, the Lenovo-owned brand also announced an affordable clamshell foldable phone. It is dubbed the Motorola Razr 40. This device packs mid-range specifications. Read on to learn more about the smartphone.

Motorola Razr 40 specifications and features

The Motorola Razr 40 features the same 6.9-inch OLED LTPO display with a center-aligned punch-hole cutout and an FHD+ resolution as the Ultra variant. It offers a stripped-down 144Hz refresh rate, HDR10+ support, and a 10-bit color panel. The Motorola Razr 40 comes with a smaller 1.5-inch secondary screen on the back panel. It is located at the top beside the camera sensors. This is similar to the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4.

The Motorola Razr 40’s dual camera setup consists of a 64MP primary sensor paired with a 13MP ultra-wide-angle lens. There is a 32MP front-facing selfie snapper. In terms of audio, the device is equipped with dual stereo speakers and features Snapdragon Sound as well as Dolby Atmos.

Internally, the Motorola Razr 40 is powered by a Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 processor. It packs up to 12GB RAM and 256GB storage. The foldable phone is backed by a 4,200mAh battery unit with support for 30W wired and 8W wireless charging. Software-wise, it runs on Android 13 OS out of the box.

Connectivity options on the Motorola Razr 40 include a USB-C port, NFC, WiFi-6E, 5G, Dual 4G VoLTE, MIMO, and Bluetooth 5.3. There is a side-mounted fingerprint scanner and the device IP52-rated dust and splash resistant.

The Motorola Razr 40 starts at RMB 3,999 (~$562) for the base 8GB + 128GB variant. The 8GB + 256GB and 12GB + 256GB RAM and storage configurations cost RMB 4,299 (~$604) and RMB 4,699 (~$660) respectively. The foldable phone is offered in Azure Grey, Cherry Powder, and Bright Moon White colors.

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Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 tipped to come in a new Beige color

By

Soumyakanti

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Jun 1, 2023

Samsung is set to enhance its tablet lineup with the upcoming release of the Galaxy Tab S9, which will now be available in a luxurious new color: Beige. Renowned tipster Roland Quandt has revealed that this elegant color variant will be a fresh addition to Samsung’s tablet offerings, distinct from their previous Gold, Mystic Bronze, and Pink Gold options. Beige is expected to feature a slightly lighter shade than Gold, potentially resembling the Starlight color of the Apple iPad Air (2022).

Galaxy Tab S9 series specifications (rumored)

The Galaxy Tab S9 series will consist of three models: Galaxy Tab S9, Galaxy Tab S9+, and Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra. While the overall design is anticipated to be similar to their predecessors, notable improvements include an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance. This added feature will be particularly appealing to frequent travelers or individuals who enjoy spending time near water bodies, such as beaches or pools.

All three tablets in the Galaxy Tab S9 series will be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 For Galaxy processor, ensuring powerful performance. According to a recent report, Samsung will stick to 45W fast charging capabilities for this tablet lineup.

One notable upgrade in the Galaxy Tab S9 series is the transition from an LCD display to a vibrant OLED screen. This enhancement provides users with the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of an OLED display without the need to invest in higher-end models. These highly anticipated tablets are slated for release in the second half of this year, potentially alongside the Galaxy Z Flip 5 and the Galaxy Z Fold 5.

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Amazon’s Ring Accused of Spying on Customers: Resolves with $5.8 Million Settlement

By

Joane

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Jun 1, 2023

The Ring doorbell camera unit of Amazon has reached a settlement of $5.8 million with the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) following an incident in 2017 where a former employee was discovered to have unlawfully monitored female customers. The surveillance took place using cameras that were positioned in bedrooms and bathrooms.

The FTC has made allegations against Ring, accusing the company of granting its employees unrestricted access to customers’ sensitive video data. This lack of regard for privacy and security allowed both employees and third-party contractors to view, download, and transfer the sensitive video data of customers.

During the course of the investigation, one troubling case emerged where an employee was found to have viewed videos recorded by a minimum of 81 female customers and Ring employees. Shockingly, this unauthorized spying went unnoticed for several months before being discovered by a colleague. Subsequently, the employee responsible for the misconduct was ultimately terminated.

Another incident highlighted in the FTC complaint involved an employee who unlawfully shared a customer’s recordings with their ex-spouse without obtaining the customer’s consent. This breach of trust further emphasizes the concerning mishandling of sensitive data by certain Ring employees.

Additionally, the FTC complaint disclosed an unsettling revelation where an employee provided Ring devices to individuals and secretly watched their videos without their knowledge or consent. These actions raise serious concerns about the protection of customer privacy and the potential for abuse of the video data collected by Ring’s devices.

In another case, Amazon has agreed to pay $25 million in order to settle accusations of violating children’s privacy rights. The allegations revolve around the company’s failure to delete recordings made by its voice assistant, Alexa, upon the request of parents. Additionally, it was found that Amazon retained these recordings for a longer duration than necessary, further infringing upon children’s privacy.

The settlement was outlined in the court filing and pertains to a separate case. It highlights concerns regarding the handling of sensitive data and the potential breach of privacy, particularly when it involves minors.

The settlement serves as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding individuals’ privacy rights, especially in cases involving children. It also underscores the need for companies to implement robust measures to protect and properly handle sensitive user data, ensuring compliance with regulations and respecting user privacy preferences.

The FTC is currently conducting a probe into Amazon’s acquisition of iRobot Corp for $1.7 billion. This deal, announced in August 2022, marks Amazon’s venture into the smart home devices market. Additionally, the FTC is actively engaged in a separate antitrust investigation specifically focused on Amazon, emphasizing its commitment to scrutinizing the company’s practices and ensuring fair competition.

In response to the allegations, Amazon said that it was ready to implement certain practice changes, especially for the Ring doorbell. However, the company expressed disagreement with the FTC’s claims concerning Alexa and Ring, and firmly denied any violation of the law. It further stated that the settlements reached with the FTC allowed the company to move forward and resolve these matters.

Motorola Razr 40 Ultra Debuts With A 3.6-inch 144Hz Secondary Display

By

Viraj Gawde

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Jun 1, 2023

Motorola has launched two new foldable phones in China. These include the Razr 40 and Razr 40 Ultra. Both phones are quite different from each other with the Ultra model being the more premium offering. The Razro 40 Ultra goes up against the likes of the Vivo X Flip, OPPO Find N2 Flip, and more in the market. Read on to know what it offers out of the box.

Motorola Razr 40 Ultra specifications and features

The Motorola Razr 40 Ultra comes with a 6.79-inch pOLED display bearing a center-aligned punch-hole cutout. It offers an FHD+ resolution, a 165Hz refresh rate, 1,400 nits peak brightness, and support for HDR10+. The Razr 40 Ultra joins the bandwagon of clamshell foldable phones with a large secondary screen on the back panel. The display measures 3.6 inches that stretches toward the camera sensors and an LED flash unit. The secondary screen features a pOLED panel with a 144Hz refresh rate making it the first in the clamshell foldable phone segment. It is shielded by Gorilla Glass 7.

The Motorola Razr 40 Ultra can be used in multiple ways. It can be used in tent mode as well as in multiple angles.

On the imaging front, the Motorola Razr 40 Ultra has a dual rear camera setup comprising a 12MP OIS-enabled main sensor paired with a 13MP ultra-wide and macro lens. There is a 32MP front-facing selfie snapper. Audio-wise, the foldable phone is equipped with dual stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos.

Under the hood, the Motorola Razr 40 Ultra is equipped with a Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 SoC. It packs up to 12GB RAM and 512GB onboard storage. The foldable phone draws its power from a 3,800mAh battery unit with support for 33W fast charging. Software-wise, it runs on the stock version of Android 13 with the brand’s Ready For feature.

The Motorola Razr 40 Ultra features a side-mounted fingerprint scanner embedded in the power button and an IP52 splash-resistance rating. Connectivity options on the device include 5G, WiFi-6E, Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C port, and NFC.

Motorola Razr 40 Ultra pricing and availability

The Motorola Razr 40 Ultra is offered in Viva Magenta, Glacier Blue, and Infinite Black colors. It starts at RMB 5,699 (~$801) for the 8GB + 256GB variant whereas the 12GB + 512GB configuration carries a price tag of RMB 6,399 (~$899).

Update: Motorola Razr 40 Ultra is available on Giztop for $999, grab it here.

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App Store Economy Grows to $1.1 Trillion in 2022, Outpacing 52 Countries

By

Oğuz Çakır

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Jun 1, 2023

Apple is one of the world’s largest technology companies. In 2022, they earned $394.3 billion. They also made a profit of $99.8 billion, which is more than most countries. Apple’s contribution to the world economy goes beyond its own earnings. Millions of developers from all over the world use Apple’s services such as App Store to sell their products and reach more customers. In 2022, App Store developers generated $1.1 trillion in total billings and sales. Here are the details…

App Store Developers Generate $1.1 Trillion in Total Billings and Sales in 2022

Apple released a report on the financial performance of its app ecosystem in 2022. The report showed that the App Store generated $1.1 trillion in total billings and sales, an increase of 29% from the previous year. Of this revenue, 90% was not subject to Apple’s commission. Apple takes a commission of 15% to 30% on in-app purchases and paid downloads through the App Store.

This impressive sum of $1.1 trillion comprises of $910 billion derived from sales of physical goods and services, $109 billion from in-app advertising, and $104 billion from digital goods and services. This performance demonstrates a significant increase from the 2019 figures, when the App Store managed $519 billion in commerce with only $61 billion coming from digital goods and services. According to Apple, from 2008 to 2022, iOS app developers have collectively earned over $320 billion on the App Store, representing a substantial increase from the $260 billion reported in 2021.

$910 billion from sales of physical goods and services
$109 billion from in-app advertising
$104 billion from digital goods and services

The report also showcases other growth-related metrics about the App Store. The data indicates a slight rise in the growth of developer billings and sales from 2021 to 2022 at 29%, slightly higher than the 27% growth experienced in the preceding two years. Small developers, in particular, saw their earnings grow by an impressive 71% from 2020 to 2022, surpassing the growth of larger app developers.

Here is a list of the countries with GDPs less than $1.1 trillion in 2022:

Afghanistan
Angola
Benin
Bhutan
Burundi
Cambodia
Central African Republic
Chad
Comoros
Congo, Democratic Republic of the
Congo, Republic of the
Djibouti
Equatorial Guinea
Eritrea
Eswatini
Ethiopia
Gambia, The
Guinea
Guinea-Bissau
Haiti
Honduras
Iraq
Kenya
Kosovo
Lesotho
Liberia
Libya
Madagascar
Malawi
Mali
Mauritania
Mozambique
Myanmar (Burma)
Nepal
Niger
Nigeria
Pakistan
Rwanda
Sao Tome and Principe
Senegal
Sierra Leone
Somalia
South Sudan
Sudan
Syria
Tajikistan
Tanzania
Togo
Uganda
Ukraine
United Republic of Tanzania
Yemen

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Promate ACME-PD20 10,000mAh Power Bank Launched In India

By

Viraj Gawde

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Jun 1, 2023

Promate has launched a new power bank in India. Earlier this month, the brand launched a portable Bluetooth speaker. The latest charging accessory from Promate is called ACME -PD20. Read on to know what the device offers out of the box.

Promate ACME-PD20 specifications and features

The Promate ACME-PD20 is an ultra-compact power bank that is literally the size of a credit card. It is lightweight measuring just 35 grams. The charging accessory has a strong grip and premium build quality. There is a button and an LED indicator on one side.

The Promate ACME-PD20 is equipped with a 10,000mAh li-ion battery unit. It has built-in safety circuits to protect the device from overheating and short circuits. It also protects and safeguards against high voltage, excessive current, and temperature fluctuations. The power bank comes with USB-A and USB-C ports. The former is capable of delivering power at 18W speed while the latter maxes out at 22.5W. The accessory supports charging two devices simultaneously. The PD charging input supports 20W power delivery that can be used to top up the power bank in 3 hours.

The Promate ACME-PD20 power bank carries a price tag of Rs 3,199. It is offered in Black and Blue colors and comes with a 2 year warranty. The charging accessory can be purchased from Amazon and offline stores.

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Apple M2 powered Mac desktop PCs are currently under testing

By

Sean

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Jun 1, 2023

Apple is reportedly gearing up to launch its latest generation of Mac desktop PCs that will be powered by its new M2 series of chipsets. The company is expected to announce a number of new products during its upcoming WWDC 2023 event, with two of the new launches possibly being new Mac desktop PCs.

Apple Mac PCs with M2 series chips may launch at WWDC 2023 event

The news arrives from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman who shared that the Cupertino based giant is currently testing a couple of Macs that feature its M2 Max processor and even the unreleased M2 Ultra chipset. If this news is true, these are likely a pair of productivity stations that offer high end performance. For those unaware, the Apple M2 Max debuted on the MacBook Pro models earlier this year alongside the latest Mac mini model as well.

However, the new desktop PC with this chip is rumored to feature 8 high performance cores, 4 efficiency cores, and 30 graphics cores. It is expected to be paired with a whopping 96GB of RAM and will likely run on macOS 13.4 operating system. On the other hand, the yet to be announced M2 Ultra will be the top end M2 series processor that will offer top notch performance. Reports have hinted at 16 high performance cores, 8 efficiency cores, and 60 graphics cores.

This chipset will also be paired with high RAM capacities including 64GB, 128GB, and even 192GB as well. Apart from the new Mac PCs, the iPhone maker is also expected to announce a couple of new laptop models during the WWDC event. This might include a 15 inch MacBook Air that may also be powered by a M2 chipset as well as a compact 13 inch MacBook Pro.

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Here’s why Oppo Reno 10 series is better than Vivo S17 series

By

Sudarshan Ravichandran

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Jun 1, 2023

Recently, Oppo and Vivo launched new affordable premium smartphones in China. These handsets go by Oppo R eno 10 series and Vivo S 17 series. They are also expected to release in global markets in the coming days.

These phones are priced similarly and are also targeted at the same audience. However, they come with different features, making them stand out from one another.

These differences also make one of them better than the other, at least on paper. We think the Oppo Reno 10 series is sort of a better deal than the Vivo S17 series. Let’s go through our reasoning for this.

Oppo Reno 10 Series vs Vivo S17 Series

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1. More Powerful Chipsets

The Oppo Reno 10 lineup is powered by better chipsets (except for the vanilla model) compared to the Vivo S17 family.

Reno 10 Pro and Reno 10 Pro house MediaTek Dimensity 8200 and Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 chips, respectively. On the other hand, the Vivo S17t has a Dimensity 8050 SoC, while the S17 Pro comes with a Dimensity 8200 chipset.

But the standard S17 is run by a Snapdragon 778G Plus chip as opposed to a slightly weaker Snapdragon 778G SoC inside the regular Reno 10.

2. Versatile Camera Setup

All three handsets in the Oppo Reno 10 family come with a zoom camera as standard for portrait photography. The pro plus even features a periscope module. Whereas, only the pro variant gets a zoom camera in the Vivo S17 lineup.

So all Reno 10 series users get three proper lenses, such as wide, ultra-wide, and zoom. Further, just like the Vivo S17 series, the Reno 10 trio sport a selfie camera with autofocus.

Vivo makes up for a less versatile camera system by offering soft light (along with a dual-tone LED flashlight) on the rear and dual LED flashlights on the front.

3. Better Availability

As per leaks, all three Oppo Reno 10 phones, namely Oppo Reno 10, Oppo Reno 10 Pro, and Oppo Reno 10 Pro Plus will be released in multiple international markets under their original names.

But the Vivo S17 smartphones will see a limited release in select global markets as the Vivo V29 series. Most importantly, they will be slightly different (downgraded) from the original models.

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Logitech MX Anywhere 3S launched, a productivity mouse that works on any surface

By

Sean

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Jun 1, 2023

Logitech has just announced a new mouse that is geared towards productivity. It is part of its popular MX series and is dubbed the Anywhere 3S model, with its special feature being its ability to function on any surface.

Logitech MX Anywhere 3S can actually work just about anywhere

The popular PC peripheral maker’s MX Anywhere 3S was recently leaked ahead of its launch, which revealed its design at the start of last month. Now, the official announcement brings the successor to the Anywhere 3 mouse that had launched back in 2020. It houses an optical sensor with up to 8,000 DPI and promises to be able to work on “virtually any surface”. This includes the notorious surface of glass, where most optical mouse find difficult to track users’ movement inputs.

This is due to the optical sensor’s laser that usually passes through glass and doesn’t reflect enough to be picked up by the sensor. Thus, more opaque surfaces tend to work better. However, the latest Anywhere 3S brings improvement over its predecessor, being able to run on even glass. Furthermore, this productivity mouse also houses the brand’s proprietary Quiet Click technology to muffle the sounds of buttons being clicked. It helps in keeping the sound low to avoid distracting your co workers.

Apart from this, the mouse is quite similar to the Anywhere 3 with a similar 70 day battery life and design. The model also has built in Bluetooth support with no dongle, which is a great addition since a smaller dongle is easy to lose. As of right now, you can pre-order the Logitech MX Anywhere 3S for 79.99 US Dollars. It is available in four color options, namely Graphite, Pale Grey, Rose, and Black and will go on sale on June 6.

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WhatsApp to introduce Material You UI elements for Android devices

By

Soumyakanti

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Jun 1, 2023

WhatsApp, the globally popular messaging app, is set to undergo some notable changes in the near future. Recent reports have revealed that WhatsApp will be introducing the much-anticipated Material You Design toggles, aligning with the latest UI trend. While WhatsApp has been lacking prominent Material You Design elements, this update will give the app a more modern and appealing look.

Material You Toggles to Arrive in Future WhatsApp Release

The latest Android beta version, v2.23.10.6, offers a sneak peek at the upcoming Material You toggles for WhatsApp. Although the feature is not currently available to beta testers, it will be introduced in a future update. These new toggles exhibit a sleek design and are expected to enhance the overall user experience. When the toggle is turned off, it displays a light-gray indicator and outline. Conversely, when the toggle is on, the outline disappears, and the toggle adopts WhatsApp’s signature green color, with a dark gray fill. The appearance may differ slightly if the light mode is enabled.

WhatsApp Material You UI elements to Android

WhatsApp’s recent updates have been focused on improving user functionality and security. Among these updates is the forthcoming screen sharing feature for Android phones, allowing users to share their screens during conversations. Additionally, WhatsApp is rumored to be introducing usernames and a redesigned settings page to further enhance usability. Moreover, a recent addition to the app is the password reminder feature for end-to-end encrypted backups, providing users with added security measures.

As WhatsApp continues to refine its features and design, users can look forward to a more visually appealing and intuitive messaging experience with the integration of Material You UI elements.

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Tecno Phantom V Flip spotted on Bluetooth SIG, may rival the Galaxy Z Flip 5

By

Sean

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Jun 1, 2023

Tecno has been rumored to be working on a foldable flip phone for a while now. This model was originally believed to be called the Phantom V Yoga, but now, a Bluetooth SIG sighting has revealed that its official moniker is the Phantom V Flip.

Tecno Phantom V Flip could be a new Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 rival

Just a couple of weeks prior, we had covered a leak that revealed live images of the supposed ‘Phantom V Yoga’ model. Looking at this image, we can tell that the device features a clamshell folding display on a horizontal mechanism. This foldable handset is rumored to be a mid range flip phone and will likely rival other clamshell folding phones in the market, including the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 model.

Looking at the Bluetooth SIG certification, the new Tecno foldable phone will be dubbed the Phantom V Flip 5G. The Bluetooth SIG sighting reveals that the device will carry the AD11 model number. The online listing confirms that the Phantom V Flip will support Bluetooth 5.3 and hints that its launch is not too far away as well. This means that it is possible that the foldable phone will launch sometime in the second half of this year.

Based on our previous report, the Tecno Phantom V Flip 5G will sport a FHD+ resolution display. Furthermore, it could be equipped with the MediaTek Dimensity 8050 SoC that is paired with 8GB of RAM (supporting up to 8GB virtual RAM expansion) and 256GB of internal storage. Other rumored specs include 4,000mAh battery pack with 66W fast charging, Android 13 OS based HiOS 13, 32 megapixel selfie camera, and a 64 megapixel dual camera setup on the rear.

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