When it comes to Apple products, design and aesthetics are just as important as performance. The company, which desires flawless appearances for its products, has long been working specifically with renowned designers. For instance, legendary names like Jonathan Ive are behind many iconic Apple products. Recently, some of the designs that never came to life have been leaked online. It appears that the company once considered adding a touch of color to its MagSafe chargers. Here are the details…
Color MagSafe chargers prototyped by Apple, but seemingly abandoned
Developing a new product is a comprehensive task and requires solid preparation beforehand. For this reason, tech companies spend billions of dollars on their Research and Development departments every year. Although they often see returns on these expenditures, sometimes products that have been worked on for a long time never progress beyond the prototype stage. For example, in 2020, Apple prototyped a variety of colored MagSafe chargers, including Starlight, Green, Pink, Purple, Yellow, Blue, and RED. However, these chargers were never released to the public.
Kosutami is an avid collector of Apple prototypes and rare Apple products. Recently, they acquired a MagSafe charger in the unique Starlight color. They shared some thoughts on this topic, saying: “I recently came across some prototypes and new information. It appears that the MagSafe chargers used to come in various colors, much like their MagSafe MacBook charging cables, but with a more saturated hue. I’ve even tried it with the unreleased Magic Charger.”
The reasons for Apple’s decision to abandon the colored MagSafe chargers are unknown. It’s possible that the company decided that the colors didn’t fit with its overall design aesthetic. It’s also possible that the cost of manufacturing the colored chargers was too high. Whatever the reason, Apple’s decision to not release the colored MagSafe chargers is a disappointment to many fans. The chargers would have offered a way to add a pop of color to Apple’s otherwise monochromatic lineup of accessories.
However, there is still hope for those who want a colorful MagSafe charger. Third-party manufacturers have begun to release their own versions of the chargers in a variety of colors. These chargers are often more affordable than Apple’s own chargers, and they offer the same level of performance.
Nokia Mobile has officially relaunched the Nokia 2660 flip phone in two new colors. The new colors are Pop Pink and Lush Green. This is coming on the heels of renders provided by some retailers relating to the Nokia 2660. Recall that an Austrian retailer last week provided images of the two new color options of the Nokia 2660.
The new Nokia 2660 posh pink and lush green options are already available in several markets. There are little or no changes to the new model from the previous version of the Nokia 2660. The new phone retains 4G connectivity while the dual-display setup of a 2.8-inch primary screen and a 1.77-inch secondary screen. The phone is equipped with the Unisoc T107 chipset and supports Bluetooth 4.2, wireless FM radio, and an MP3 player.
The Nokia 2660 flip phone has a 1,480mAh battery that can be charged via a micro-USB port. The phone has an 0.3MP camera, a LED flash, and an emergency button for quick calling of up to 5 contacts.
The price of the Nokia 2660 in Europe is about €79.90 (~$85) and it is available from several online retail platforms. The Nokia 2660 is also available directly from Nokia in the UK for £64.99 (~$81). The two new color options for the Nokia 2660 could catch the fancy of some demographics of the market. We expect the feature flip models to perform well in the market, considering the sudden rise in the demand for flip phones among Gen Zs.
Garmin has once again pushed the boundaries of innovation with the launch of the Epix 2 Pro series smartwatch. The new smartwatch series builds on the success of its predecessor, the Epix Gen 2 series. Thus, it presents a range of cutting-edge features and enhancements, solidifying Garmin’s position as a frontrunner in the smartwatch market.
Garmin Epix 2 Pro series features
The Epix 2 Pro or Epix Pro (Gen 2) is available in three sizes, catering to different preferences and wrist sizes. With 42 mm, 47 mm, and 51 mm case sizes, users can choose the perfect fit for their style and comfort. The smartwatches boast stunning AMOLED displays, with sizes ranging from 1.2 inches to 1.4 inches, ensuring crystal-clear visuals and an immersive user experience.
The Garmin Epix 2 Pro features a generous 32 GB of storage, users can store their favorite music, download apps, and enjoy a seamless smartwatch experience without worrying about space constraints.
Garmin has also integrated some remarkable features into the smartwatch. Each model comes equipped with a built-in LED flashlight. There is also a Gen5 heart rate sensor and multi-band GPS connectivity, ensuring precise location tracking and navigation.
The Epix 2 Pro series incorporates Garmin’s renowned suite of health and lifestyle apps, allowing users to monitor and optimize their well-being. Additionally, Garmin has also introduced two new metrics onboard the smartwatch; they include Endurance Score and Hill Score. Endurance Score evaluates the effect of training on overall endurance levels, while Hill Score leverages VO2 max levels and training history to assess an individual’s uphill running capability.
In terms of battery life, the Epix 2 Pro series features enhanced battery life which varies depending on the model. The 42 mm edition offers an impressive battery life of up to 10 days, while the 51 mm variant boasts an astonishing 31 days of usage on a single charge.
The Epix 2 Pro series is available in two variants: Standard and Sapphire. The Standard version provides exceptional performance and features, while the Sapphire variant adds an extra layer of elegance and durability with a Sapphire Crystal display cover and titanium bezels. The Sapphire models are priced at a $100 premium compared to their Standard counterparts.
Apple is set to unveil its highly anticipated AR/VR headset, dubbed the Reality Pro, on June 5th. According to industry analyst Ross Young, the headset will boast two 1.41-inch micro OLED displays, each offering an impressive 4K resolution per eye. This translates to a pixel density of 4,400 pixels per inch (ppi), delivering a stunning visual experience.
Dual 4K Displays and Unmatched Brightness
Compared to other leading headsets in the market, such as the Meta Quest Pro and PlayStation VR 2, the Reality Pro’s resolution is notably superior. While the Meta Quest Pro and PlayStation VR 2 offer 1,800 x 1,920 and 2,000 x 2,040 pixels per eye, respectively, Apple’s headset will provide a significantly higher resolution, making for sharper and more detailed graphics.
Another standout feature of the Reality Pro is its exceptional brightness. With a brightness level exceeding 5,000 nits, the displays will be nearly three times brighter than a typical smartphone screen at maximum brightness. Therefore, the Reality Pro’s brightness is truly impressive, promising enhanced visual clarity and vibrant colors for users. The headset’s display is also likely to feature ProMotion with a 120Hz or higher refresh rate.
While the rumored price of $1,500 may be steep for casual users, the Reality Pro is primarily targeted toward professionals and developers. These individuals are likely to capitalize on the device’s advanced capabilities to create immersive experiences within the metaverse. As the technology progresses, Apple is expected to release a non-Pro version of the headset, catering to a wider audience with more affordable pricing and slightly scaled-down specifications.
Apple’s Reality Pro AR/VR headset with dual 4K displays promises to deliver an exceptional visual experience and is anticipated to make a significant impact in the world of augmented and virtual reality.
The electric vehicle market is growing rapidly. Once dominated by a few major manufacturers, the sector is now welcoming new players. One of these newcomers is Faraday Future, a startup company that has finally launched its much-anticipated FF91 EV. The FF91 was first unveiled in 2017, and it has been generating a lot of excitement ever since. Here are the details…
Faraday Future FF91 EV Boasts Advanced Features and a Starting Price of $309,000
Faraday Future has finally launched its much-anticipated FF91 electric vehicle. The EV was originally unveiled in 2017 and was planned for production in 2018. However, the company experienced delays and the EV did not go into production until 2023. The FF91 is a luxury EV with a starting price of $309,000. It has a range of over 300 miles and can go from 0 to 60 mph in 2.27 seconds. Also has a number of advanced features, including self-driving capability and a built-in entertainment system.
Although the impressive specs were an exciting reveal in 2017, delays allowed competitors to catch up and surpass the initial figures. However, Faraday has remained loyal to the original specs without diluting them over time. The company also claimed that the battery capacity would be increased to 142kWh, which indicates a step up from the original 130kWh.
Faraday Future also introduced its “FF aiHyper 6×4 Architecture 2.0,” outlining four pillars of development: All-AI, All-Hyper, All-ability, and co-creation. The new architecture seems to reflect the vehicle’s versatility, comparing its capabilities to million-dollar hypercars and underlining the importance of AI in the software-defined platform.
The FF91 EV boasts a 27-inch rear screen, which Faraday claims to be the “world’s largest in-car display,” a “10G in-vehicle network” from three 5G antennas each connected to different mobile carriers, and AI-powered contextual voice commands. The vehicle will also feature an infrared camera for facial recognition, which, as the company claims, will allow the car’s AI to “know you better than you know yourself.”
But it’s not all about luxury. Faraday Future also touted the FF91’s autonomous driving technology and detailed its “FF aiDriving” capabilities. The company promises that the FF91 will have the ability to create custom and proprietary maps, possibly to help navigate private properties that are not on public road maps. However, this comes with a hefty price tag; the FF91’s FF aiHypercar+ subscription system will cost $14,900 per year.
You would recall that at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2023, Lenovo unleashed an avalanche of tech gadgets one of which is the Tab Extreme. The flagship Android tablet was later launched in China as the Legion Y900 in March. The tech giant has now released the tablet for the global market beginning with the UK and US.
The Lenovo Tab Extreme was initially touted officially to retail for €1,299 in Europe. However, the company is offering the premium slate to intending buyers in the UK for £999 while it is on sale in the US for $949.99. For this price, buyers won’t be getting the keyboard accessory but the device will ship with a Folio Case and a Lenovo Pen 3.
Lenovo Tab Extreme specifications
As a reminder, the Lenovo Tab Extreme features a 14.5-inch OLED screen with an ultra-high resolution of 3000 x 1876 pixels. The display utilizes a 16:10 aspect ratio and supports 1920Hz high-frequency PWM dimming. It also features support for a 120Hz refresh rate.
The slate is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 9000 flagship chip with the option of 12GB LPDDR5X memory and 256GB UFS 3.1 storage. The slate crams a mammoth 12300mAh battery under the hood. It is also equipped with two USB-C ports, which are full-featured USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 and USB-C 2.0, the former supports DP output, and the latter supports DP input.
In other respects, the Tab Extreme weighs 740 grams and has a thickness of 5.85 mm. It is equipped with eight JBL speakers, supports Dolby Atmos (Dolby Atmos), and has four microphones. For optics, there is a front 13MP lens, and at the rear, a dual camera setup made up of a 13MP and a 5MP sensor.
The tablet runs on Android 13 out-of-the-box and Lenovo is promising to deliver three OS upgrades for the tablet which would see it get updates till Android 16. Lenovo has also promised up to four years of security updates.
The Redmi Note 12 5G is the most affordable model in the brand’s latest mid-range lineup. The handset was unveiled in India early this year with a 120Hz display and a reliable processor. It also features a fairly decent camera setup and supports fast charging. All in all, the Redmi Note 12 5G is a great option if you want a 5G phone. The deal gets even better as it is now available on Amazon with a Rs. 2000 discount. Here’s what you need to know.
Redmi Note 12 5G is a terrific deal with the discount
As part of the Amazon 5G revolution sale, the Redmi Note 12 5G will be available with a discount of Rs. 2000 in India. The retail price of the smartphone is Rs. 16999, so with the discount, you can purchase it for just Rs. 14999. To avail of this discount, you need to make the payment for the phone in EMIs using your HDFC bank credit or debit cards. Additionally, ICICI Bank credit card users can also enjoy the discount. If you choose to make the full payment upfront, you can receive a discount of Rs. 1500.
Redmi Note 12 5G becomes a great deal with this discount. We noted in our review that it is a reliable 5G smartphone with an immersive 120Hz AMOLED display. The device runs a Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 chipset with LPDDR4x RAM and UFS 2.2 storage. It gets the MIUI 13-based Android 12 OS on the software department and packs a 5,000mAh battery with 33W charging. The 48MP (main) + 8MP (ultra-wide) + 2MP (macro) triple camera unit on the back offers underwhelming performance but clicks decent pictures in bright conditions. You can head to the Amazon India website to make the device yours.
Vivo has recently launched the premium S17 series in China, which should also be released globally in the upcoming months as the Vivo V29. Prior to this, the company introduced several Y series smartphones, including the Vivo Y78 and Vivo Y36, among others. In addition, a new Vivo Y series is also reported to be in development, referred to as the Vivo Y27. This handset was recently discovered on Google Play with its key specifications, and now it has surfaced on the NCC website, showcasing live images. Let’s take a closer look.
Vivo Y27 might launch very soon
Vivo Y27 5G, with the model number V2248, has been spotted on the NCC website. The listing gives us a clear look at the smartphone’s design. It is seen in a greenish color with a rectangular camera module on the rear. The camera island features two large rings for the camera sensors and an LED flash. The device appears to have a flat rear and front, as well as flat sides. The design is nothing out of the ordinary and is similar to what you may have seen on many other BBK group smartphones.
The NCC certification listing confirms that the Vivo Y27 5G will be equipped with a 5,000mAh battery with support for 44W fast charging. The handset’s Google Play Console listing hinted it could be powered by the Dimensity 6020 SoC. It may get 6GB of RAM and run Android 13 out of the box.
Vivo Y27 is rumored to be a rebranded Vivo Y36, which was unveiled only recently. That smartphone comes with a 6.44-inch LCD panel with an FHD+ resolution and a 90Hz refresh rate. It features a 50MP primary sensor and a 2MP depth lens paired with an LED flash on the rear.
Research on panel technologies is ongoing, with manufacturers all striving to create the best display at the lowest cost. While Samsung, LG, and Boey are often seen as the innovators in this field, Canon has recently developed a new QD-OLED display material that uses lead instead of rare earth metals. Here are the details…
Canon Develops New QD-OLED Display Material
Canon has developed a new QD-OLED display material that uses lead in place of rare earth metals. This breakthrough could significantly reduce the cost of manufacturing QD-OLED displays and make them more widely available. QD-OLED displays are known for their high contrast ratios, wide viewing angles, and accurate color reproduction. However, they have been prohibitively expensive due to the use of rare earth metals in their production. Canon’s new material could change that.
Lead is a much more common and easily recyclable metal than rare earth metals, making it a more sustainable option. Canon’s new material is also said to be just as durable as those made with rare earth metals. This could make Canon a major player in the QD-OLED market, as it could offer a more affordable and sustainable alternative to Samsung’s products.
If commercialized successfully, Canon’s new QD-OLED display material could revolutionize the display industry. It could make high-quality OLED displays more affordable and accessible to consumers. It could also help to reduce the environmental impact of the display industry. Canon plans to commercialize its new QD-OLED display material in the mid-2020s.
If you are experiencing any hardware or software issues on your Xiaomi phone or want to get its battery replaced, now is the time. Xiaomi has announced a summer service camp in India, offering discounts on battery replacements and free labor charges to Xiaomi and Redmi smartphone users. The camp will run from June 1 to June 10 at over 1000 Xiaomi Authorized Service Centres across the country. Here are the details.
Get your Xiaomi phones repaired at a low cost
Xiaomi India took to Twitter to announce a 10-day camp, during which customers can get their phones repaired at discounted rates. The service camp starts tomorrow (June 1) and will go on for the next 10 days until June 10. With over 1000 Xiaomi Authorized Service Centres being a part of this camp, users can easily find a nearby location to avail of these services.
During the Summer Service Camp, Xiaomi will be offering free phone health check-ups, which will allow you to identify any underlying hardware or software issues that may be affecting your device’s performance. In addition, the company is waiving all labor charges for repairs and services, meaning if your phone requires any repairs or servicing, you won’t have to pay for the labor involved.
The company is also offering free software updates for your Xiaomi or Redmi smartphone. Further, there will be discounts of up to 50% on battery replacements. If your phone’s battery is draining quickly or not holding a charge, this is an opportunity to get a new battery at a low cost.
This camp comes after Xiaomi recently extended the warranty of 5 of its smartphones for some specific issues. More details can be found here.
MediaTek has stepped up its game, rivaling Qualcomm and occasionally even surpassing it. In recent years, the Taiwanese company has released several potent chipsets, such as the Dimensity 9200 and the latest 9200+. And now, it is preparing to unveil the new Dimensity 9300 chip later this year. According to reports, this chip will include four Cortex-X4 cores, which are ARM’s most powerful CPU cores to date. With this configuration, it will likely give Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and Apple A17 a run for their money
The Dimensity 9300 could be the next big thing
Reputed tipster Digital Chat Station and Ice Universe have claimed on Weibo that MediaTek’s Dimensity 9300 SoC will come with four Cortex-X4 and four Cortex A720 cores. No Cortex-A520 has been mentioned, meaning the chip will only use powerful cores. To recall, ARM unveiled the Cortex-X4 earlier this week as its fastest CPU yet. It is designed to offer a 15% higher performance than the X3 while operating at equal power.
Both tipsters also suggest that Dimensity 9300 is 50% more power efficient than its predecessor, with Digital Chat Station claiming its performance surpasses the Apple A17 Bionic. The chip will be built on the N4P process, which is a 4 nm next-gen solution, offering a performance boost and power efficiency improvements over the N5 and N4 processes. The MediaTek SoC is confirmed to feature the Immortalis-G720 GPU.
These claims are rather bold and if true, the Dimensity 9300 could be the next big thing in the semiconductor industry. It is likely to beat Qualcomm’s upcoming Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, which should launch either in a 1+5+3 or 2+4+2 configuration. It is only wise to patiently wait for the official confirmation before drawing any conclusions.
China’s technological pursuit for a piece of the pie of the global air transportation market hit a milestone this week. The country’s first locally-made passenger plane completed its first commercial flight. This marks China’s entry into the list of jet makers like Boeing and Airbus. The C919 was built by the Commercial Aviation Corporation of China (COMAC) and 130 passengers boarded the historic flight from Shanghai to Beijing.
The C919 maiden commercial flight started from Shanghai Hongqiao Airport on Sunday, May 28, and safely touched ground in Beijing in less than two hours. The flight was operated by China Eastern Airlines, a state-owned airline. The side of the C919 aircraft had the words emblazoned on its side: The World’s First C919.
China C919 Jetliner maiden flight
The C919 is a single-aisle jet that COMAC hopes could compete with the heavy hitters in the global aviation market like the Airbus A320 and Boeing B737. The design and most of the parts of the C919 were locally sourced. However, the plane still has some important components like the engine imported from the West.
China C919 Jetliner makes its first commercial flight with 130 passengers onboard
COMAC plans to build up to 150 C919 jets per year up to 2027. It had taken up to 16 years for China to reach this milestone. The C919 has a range of 3,500 miles and can carry up to 168 passengers. COMAC has a long list of orders already placed for the C919, up to 1,200 units. China Eastern Airlines is expected to be high on the pecking order and it is expected to take delivery of five units of the C919.
Xiaomi has unveiled the MIJIA Water Purifier 600G in China. The MIJIA Water Purifier 600G comes with a double-core, 7-stage fine filter with excellent purification capabilities. The water purified through the water purifier can be safely taken by even babies. Xiaomi is offering the new water purifier at a discounted pre-order price of 1,399 yuan (~$197).
The MIJIA Water Purifier 600G uses a front pump for the filter element and this is easy to replace. The interior of the water purifier uses a PPC composite and reverse osmosis composite filter elements. This can achieve seven levels of fine filtration. The reverse osmosis (RO) filter element can last up to 3 years and has a total water purification capacity of 5,000L. The pure water production rate of the MIJIA water purifier reaches 68.5% with a flow rate of up to 1.58L/minute.
The Xiaomi MIJIA Water Purifier 600G supports pure water backflow technology for improved water quality. The filter pump inside the fuselage is shock-absorbing and helps to reduce noise. The operating noise of the water purifier is 53dB while the faucet is equipped with a digital display. The MIJIA Water Purifier 600G has a water shortage and low-temperature protection for enhanced safety of the gadget. The large-screen digital display of the water purifier can provide the current status of pure water, water quality, filter life, and other information.
Xiaomi MIJIA Water Purifier 600G price & availability
The Xiaomi MIJIA Water Purifier 600G is available for pre-order in China. The original price of the device is 1,699 yuan (~$239) but Xiaomi is offering a pre-launch price of 1,399 yuan (~$197). There are no global availability and pricing details yet for the MIJIA Water Purifier 600G.
Earlier this month, Huawei refreshed its MateBook X Pro and MateBook 16s laptops with the latest 13th Gen intel CPUs. The brand has now announced that these laptops will be coming to markets outside of China starting from June 1.
Huawei MateBook X Pro, MateBook 16S pricing & availability
Huawei has announced the release of two new laptops, the MateBook X Pro (2023) and the MateBook 16s (2023), with availability and promotional offers in Europe and the UK.
The MateBook X Pro (2023) (13th Gen i7P / 16G RAM / 1TB Storage / Intel EVO) will be available in Europe from 1st June through Huawei’s e-commerce platform and selected retail partners. The recommended retail price (RRP) for Europe is EUR 2199. In the UK, the MateBook X Pro will also be available from the Huawei Store starting on 1st June. Customers who purchase from the UK Huawei Store by 28th June 2023 can claim the HUAWEI FreeBuds 5 as a free gift, subject to availability.
Similarly, the MateBook 16s (2023) (13th Gen i9H / 16G RAM / 1TB Storage / Intel EVO) will be available in Europe from 1st June through Huawei’s e-commerce platform and selected retail partners. The RRP for Europe is also EUR 2199. In the UK, the MateBook 16s will go on sale from the Huawei Store on 16th June. Customers who purchase from the UK Huawei Store by 13th July 2023 can claim the HUAWEI FreeBuds 5 as a free gift, while stocks last.
Please note that availability may vary for specific models and editions in different countries and regions. Let’s take a detailed look at the specs and features of these laptops.
Huawei MateBook X Pro, MateBook 16S specs & features
Huawei has unveiled its latest iterations of the popular MateBook X Pro and MateBook 16S laptops, showcasing the inclusion of cutting-edge 13th Gen Intel processors. The MateBook X Pro 2023 provides users with a choice between the Core i5-1340P or i7-1360P processors, along with options for 16GB or 32GB of RAM and Intel Iris Xe GPU for impressive graphics capabilities. This sleek laptop features a stunning 14.2-inch touchscreen display with a 3:2 aspect ratio, boasting a high resolution of 3120 x 2080 pixels and a peak brightness of 500 nits. Weighing a mere 1.26kg, the MateBook X Pro 2023 is available in stylish color options including Space Gray, Ink Blue, and White.
Similarly, the MateBook 16S 2023 also integrates the powerful 13th Gen Intel processors, including the i9-13900H, i7-13700H, and i5-13500H options. With a 16-inch touchscreen display featuring a 3:2 aspect ratio and a resolution of 2520 x 1680, the MateBook 16S 2023 enhances visual experiences with improved brightness reaching 400 nits. Weighing in at 1.99kg, this laptop is offered in sophisticated color choices such as Space Gray, Mystic Silver, and Starry Black.
Both laptops are equipped with Thunderbolt 4 and USB-C ports, providing versatile connectivity options. The MateBook X Pro 2023 offers four USB-C ports, while the MateBook 16S 2023 includes two. The MateBook X Pro 2023 incorporates a 60Wh battery, while the battery life details for the MateBook 16S 2023 have not been disclosed at this time.
BYD continues to expand its electric vehicle family. While doing so, the company follows a different strategy than its competitors, producing various models for different needs through its sub-brands. One of these subsidiaries is the F Brand. This company, established to manufacture premium vehicles, has been in the news due to leaks for some time now. Most recently, spy photos revealing the interior of the first F Brand car from BYD have been exposed. Here are the details…
BYD F-Brand to Challenge Mercedes-Benz G-Class with New Hybrid Power System
BYD is gearing up to launch its all-new F series. The first car from this new brand will be a robust new energy off-road vehicle, predicted to be released in the fourth quarter of this year, with a price range between 400.000 to 600.000 yuan. Exterior spy shots of the car have already been revealed, and recently, interior photos were captured.
Leaked images of the new F-Series interior have revealed a significant amount of information about the upcoming truck. The interior adopts the usual design of rugged off-road vehicles, utilizing flat lines and elements. It boasts a fully digital dashboard, a large central control screen, and a co-pilot entertainment screen. There’s even a camera on the ‘A’ pillar, which is likely to be used for facial recognition, potentially automating some common features such as seat memory.
The wireless phone charging panel is located below the central control screen and is capable of dual wireless charging. This means that two phones can be charged simultaneously, which is a convenient feature for passengers. The electronic gear shift is located in the center console and has a militant design that resembles the cockpit of an aircraft. The gear shift has four different function buttons on either side, which could be used for differential lock adjustment.
Looking back at the exterior, the vehicle has a fairly square shape, but its size is much smaller than the Yangwang U8. Even with a small backpack, it’s unlikely to exceed 5 meters, which should make it more agile to drive. In addition, this vehicle will be equipped with dual-motor four-wheel drive, front-middle-rear three differential locks, and a range of over 1000 kilometers. It also offers as many as six driving modes.
The new car will carry BYD’s latest hybrid power system, which doesn’t follow the rumored extended-range technology route. The all-new hybrid power system will continue the technical advantages of DM-i and DM-p. The maximum power of the car will exceed 500 kilowatts, surpassing the Mercedes-Benz G63, the benchmark of off-road vehicles, which boasts a power of 430 kilowatts.
An open-source Android virus known as DogeRAT (Remote Access Trojan) has been discovered by CloudSEK, an AI cybersecurity company. This malware primarily spreads through compromised websites and unofficial app marketplaces, posing a threat to businesses by stealing personal and financial information.
Impact and Capabilities of DogeRAT: Stealing Data and Granting Remote Access
DogeRAT is a complex Android malware that not only steals personal data but also grants remote access to the infected device. It inundates users with unwanted advertisements and can take control of the victim’s device to send spam, make unauthorized payments, modify files, access call logs, and even capture photos using both front and back cameras.
Upon activation, DogeRAT gains access to various forms of information and capabilities, such as call records, audio recordings, SMS messages, media files, and images.
Further investigation revealed the existence of thousands of counterfeit apps targeting Android users in sectors like finance, gaming, and entertainment. This discovery led to the exposure of the DogeRAT malware campaign.
The campaign also highlighted the distribution of updated Remote Access Trojans (RATs) and repurposed malicious apps, which facilitated low-cost and easily deployable scam schemes.
To protect your Android device from the DogeRAT Trojan, it is crucial to take the following precautions:
Avoid clicking on unknown links or opening attachments from unfamiliar sources.
Keep your device’s software up to date by promptly installing Android updates and patches released by your device vendor. These updates often include important security enhancements.
Utilize a reliable security solution to safeguard your device against malware and other threats.
Be cautious of urgency, fear, and greed tactics used by scammers to deceive victims. If you are unsure about a communication or offer, refrain from clicking on links or opening attachments.
Educate yourself about malware to better detect and avoid it.
Refrain from sideloading apps from untrusted sources, websites, or public forums.
By staying vigilant and implementing these preventive measures, users can enhance their Android device’s security and mitigate the risk posed by DogeRAT and similar threats. There is another malware called ‘Daam’ which is currently affecting Android devices and stealing browsing history, exposing call records. Indian Government has already issued an advisory on Daam malware.
Motorola is set to debut new clamshell foldable smartphones under its Razr series very soon. The Lenovo-owned brand will be announcing this markets in multiple markets on the same day,
The company has been teasing these products for quite a while. At the same time, we have learned almost everything about them via leaks.
The official announcement of these handsets is only a few hours away from now. Here in this article, let’s go through how you can want the launch event.
Motorola Razr 40 Series Launch Date
The Motorola Razr 40 series is scheduled to launch on June 1. The lineup will be announced in China and select global markets on the same day
Motorola Razr 40 Series Launch Livestream
The Motorola Razr 40 series launch event will originally take place in China. There could be another event in a different country for global markets. Unfortunately, we don’t have details on the latter.
The original Chinese event will be live-streamed on the official Weibo handle of Motorola. The conference may be also streamed on other leading Chinese video streaming platforms.
We also expect the brand to share live posts on multiple social media platforms during the course of the event.
Motorola Razr 40 Series Expected Devices
Motorola is anticipated to unveil two Razr 40 series phones. They will be officially called Motorola Razr 40 and Motorola Razr 40 Ultra.
Both of them will be clamshell foldable smartphones. The ultra model will be more premium with better features.
You can learn everything that’s already known about these handsets from here.
Electric vehicles are becoming more and more popular. Once an expensive technology that only appealed to a small number of people, EVs are now much more affordable. This has led to an increase in their use, including in commercial areas. While US manufacturers appear to be primarily driving these advancements, it’s important to recognize that Chinese manufacturers also hold a significant share. For this reason, the market share of Asian companies such as BYD is constantly increasing. In fact, BYD has recently surpassed Tesla to become the preferred EV supplier for the Indonesian taxi giant, PT Blue Bird. Here are the details…
BYD Beats Tesla to Become Preferred EV Supplier for Indonesia’s PT Blue Bird
Indonesia’s largest taxi operator, PT Blue Bird, made the decision to switch to electric vehicles in order to keep pace with new technologies and reduce its environmental impact. The company’s current fleet of gasoline-powered taxis emits harmful pollutants into the air, and electric vehicles are a cleaner alternative. Blue Bird started negotiations with BYD and Tesla, two of the leading EV manufacturers. BYD eventually won the bid and will supply 80% EV fleet.
The company expects to take delivery of approximately 500 EVs this year, most of which will be supplied by BYD. The decision to switch to BYD EVs was made after a careful evaluation of the different options available. The company, was impressed with BYD’s strong track record in the EV market, as well as the commitment to quality and safety. BYD EVs are also known for their long range and low operating costs, which were very important factors for PT Blue Bird. This decision could help to accelerate the adoption of EVs in Indonesia and other emerging markets.
The decision by PT Blue Bird to switch to BYD EVs is also a sign of the growing competition in the global EV market. BYD is one of the leading EV manufacturers in the world, and its success in Indonesia is likely to put pressure on other EV manufacturers to improve their offerings. This could lead to more affordable and more competitive EVs for consumers worldwide. It should not be forgotten that competition always benefits the consumer.
TCL has announced that it will launch TCL T6G QLED televisions in India on June 9th. Ahead of the official launch, the brand has revealed some key details of the upcoming offerings. Read on to know more below.
TCL T6G QLED TVs to launch in India next week
The TCL T6G QLED TV range will be offered in 43, 50, and 55-inch screen sizes. The televisions will feature bezel-less displays, 4K resolution, and a 94 percent DCI-P3 color gamut. The TVs will come with support for Dolby Vision and AMD FreeSync technology for a stutter and lag-free gaming experience. In terms of audio, the TCL T6G QLED TVs will pack Dolby Atmos and DTS: Virtual X technology for delivering three-dimensional audio. Software-wise, the televisions will run on Google TV OS out of the box. This is everything we know about the TCL T6G QLED TVs at the moment.
The TCL T6G QLED TVs will be available for purchase from Amazon and Flipkart starting June 9th. As a part of pre-launch, the brand is running a quiz on both e-commerce platforms which will be live till the sale date. Two lucky customers will have the chance to win Rs 10,000 Amazon Pay balance and Rs 10,000 cashback on Flipkart.
Customers taking part in the Amazon quiz will receive a targeted coupon of Rs. 1,000 and Rs. 2,000 on the purchase of 43 and 55-inch models respectively. Meanwhile, on Flipkart, they will receive Rs 1,500 and Rs 1,000 coupons for the same models.
The Poco F5 5G made its debut earlier this month as the first Snapdragon 7 Plus Gen 2 chipset-powered phone. When it comes to discussing the top-performing phones within the Rs 30,000 price range in India, the Poco F5 5G is an essential mention that cannot be overlooked. It is the rebranded version of the Redmi Note 12 Turbo available in the Chinese market.
The 4nm Snapdragon 7 Plus Gen 2, which has the 1 x 2.91 GHz Cortex-X2, 3 x 2.49 GHz Cortex-A710, 4 x 1.8 GHz Cortex-A510, and Adreno 725 GPU configuration, is currently the best chipset for upper mid-range smartphones. Its performance is such that it can defeat Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 phones in benchmark tests. The good thing is that Poco chose the SD7+G2 chip to power the Poco F5. The only other phone that has the same chip is the Realme GT Neo 5 SE, which is only available in the Chinese market at present. Here is our review of the Poco F5 5G to see if it lives up to the hype and delivers on its promise.
Poco F5 5G review: What’s in the box?
POCO F5 5G
Here is a look at what’s packed inside the Poco F5 5G’s retail box:
The Poco F5 5G is a slender and lightweight smartphone, weighing just 181 grams, with a sleek profile measuring a mere 7.98mm in thickness. The Snowstorm White edition of the Poco F5 5G has a 3D ice-flake texture, which makes it appear highly attractive. Although I haven’t had the opportunity to see the blue and black editions in person, they also seem to have a good appeal.
The Poco F5 5G’s flat edges and rear panel are made from polycarbonate material. The right side of the device features a volume rocker and a power key, which doubles as a fingerprint sensor. Moving to the top edge, it features a speaker grille, a microphone, an IR blaster, and yes, a 3.5mm headphone jack! The opposite end has a speaker grille, a USB-C port, a microphone, and a SIM slot. There is no microSD card slot on the device.
Poco F5 5G
The Poco F5 showcases an impressive front design, featuring slim bezels on all sides, with particular emphasis on the bottom bezel, which measures a mere 2.2mm in thickness. The company claims that the F5 offers a 93.4 percent screen-to-body ratio. When it comes to durability, the phone features Gorilla Glass 5 protection on the front and IP53-rated protection against dust and water splashes.
Equipped with a 6.67-inch AMOLED display, the F5 presents users with an FHD+ resolution and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. The screen brightness can soar up to 1,000 nits, ensuring effortless usability of the phone even in direct sunlight. It is the only smartphone in its segment to support 12-bit colors.
Poco F5 5GPoco F5 5GPoco F5 5GPoco F5 5G
With its Dolby Atmos-tuned dual stereo speakers and support for Widevine L1, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision, the display of the Poco F5 is highly capable for enjoying content on OTT platforms in the best possible quality and offers an excellent gaming experience.
The MIUI 14 offers multiple color schemes for the display, such as Vivid (adjust colors based on content displayed), Saturated (enhanced colors), Standard (constant contrast), and Advanced (choose from options like Original, P3, and sRGB). When it comes to refresh rate, it offers Default and Custom, which have 60Hz or 120Hz options. The Poco F5 fares well in the design and display departments.
Performance and Software
Qualcomm Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2
5,000mAh battery
8GB / 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM
67W charging
256GB of UFS 3.1 storage
Android 13 OS, MIUI 14 for Poco
7GB of virtual RAM
3725mm2 VC cooling unit
The Snapdragon 7 Plus Gen 2 is powerful enough to even outscore the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in the CPU performance department. According to Android Authority, which conductd benchmark tests on SD7+G2 chip, there is a noticeable difference in GPU performance between Qualcomm’s mid-range and flagship silicon. Unfortunately, the Snapdragon 7 Plus Gen 2 doesn’t deviate from this trend. However, despite its lower capabilities, the GPU of the Snapdragon 7 Plus Gen 2 managed to surpass flagship chips from Samsung and Google in terms of performance.
Inside the Poco F5, the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 chip is joined by up to 12 GB of LPDDR5 RAM and 256 GB of UFS 3.1 storage. According to Poco, the F5 comes with LiquidCool Technology 2.0, which is a combination of a large 3725mm² Vapor Chamber and 14 layers of graphite sheets that enhances heat dissipation by 35 percent. The Poco F5 incorporates an X-axis linear motor to elevate the gaming experience, enabling gamers to enjoy seamless gameplay even at the highest settings and achieve 90fps in games such as BGMI and PUBG. Impressively, even after an hour of continuous gaming, the temperature of the Poco F5 remains around 35 degrees.
Featuring a robust 5,000mAh battery, the Poco F5 comes bundled with a convenient 67W charger included in the retail package for rapid charging. Achieving a full charge typically takes approximately 47 to 50 minutes. With its fully charged battery, the Poco F5 can effortlessly endure a day of regular usage.
On the software side, the Poco F5 comes with the Android 13 OS and MIUI 14 for Poco. The device is promised to receive two OS upgrades and three years of security updates. The MIUI experience on the device is quite smooth, but there are a lot of apps that some may find useless. Here is a look at the performance of the F5 on different benchmarking platforms.
AnTuTuGeekbench CPU THrottle
Photography and Other Features
Rear Camera
Other features
64MP OmniVision OV64B40 primary camera with OIS
Side-mounted fingerprint scanner
IR blaster
8MP Sony IMX355 ultra-wide
Face unlock
3.5mm audio jack
2MP GalaxyCore GC02M1 macro
5G (n1/n3/n5/n7/n8/n20/n28/n38/n40/nB41/n77/n78)
Dual stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos
Dual-LED flash
Wi-Fi 802.11ac
X-axis linear motor
Bluetooth 5.3
Front Camera
GPS
16MP Samsung S5K3P9SP04 camera
USB-C
Poco F5 5G
In terms of design, the Poco F5’s camera module has a turbine-like look, as shown in the image. Some of the major highlights of the Poco F5 camera system are the inclusion of OIS support, 2x lossless in-sensor zoom, and 7 film camera modes for personalized shots. The camera app offers modes, such as Pro Documents, Video, Photo, Portrait, Night, 64MP, Short Video, Panorama, Vlog, Slow Motion, Time-lapse, AI Watermark, and Long Exposure. The hamburger menu on the camera app has more options, including macro mode.
The main camera on the Poco F5 5G remains unchanged from its predecessor, the Poco F4 5G, featuring a 1/2.0 sensor size and an f/1.8 aperture. However, with an improved ISP, the Poco F5 5G delivers enhanced photography capabilities. It excels at capturing vibrant colors, fine details, and a broad dynamic range in daylight conditions. Additionally, indoor shots taken under ample lighting conditions also turn out impressive. By default, the primary camera shoots at a 16-megapixel resolution. There is a 64MP mode for snapping shots at the highest resolution.
With night modeWith night mode
Users can take advantage of the in-sensor zoom feature on the primary camera, enabling them to capture shots with a 2x magnification without sacrificing details. The presence of OIS proves beneficial for maintaining stability and preserving quality when capturing zoomed-in shots. The Photo mode provides access to film camera filters, such as KC64, FC400, V-250, C-50D, H-400, KP-160, and KG200. Here are some of the camera filter samples.
According to the brand’s claims, the Poco F5 delivers commendable performance in low-light situations. Whether using Night Mode or not, there is minimal difference between photos taken in dim-light scenarios. However, it is important to mention that certain shots may exhibit an overly soft appearance due to optimizations implemented in the night mode, potentially impacting the overall clarity and sharpness of the image.
Additionally, the 8-megapixel IMX355 sensor performs decently in well-lit conditions. It captures average-quality ultra-wide shots in low light. The 2-megapixel macro shots are not useful as they lack detail.
Regarding the 16-megapixel front camera of the Poco F5, the images tend to have relatively accurate colors. The edge detection is satisfactory, enabling decent selfie captures during daylight and low-light scenarios, assuming there is an adequate amount of lighting.
In terms of video recording, the Poco F5 is capable of capturing videos with resolutions up to 4K at 30fps. However, the Steady Shot feature, which enhances video stabilization similar to an action camera, is only accessible when shooting at 1080p resolution and 30fps. Videos recorded in low-light conditions or indoor settings with less lighting tend to have some noise.
The other features such as n IR blaster and a 3.5 headphone jack are nice additions to the device. The fingerprint scanner available on the side also works fine as expected.
Verdict
Poco F5 5G
With its impressive features, the Poco F5 proves to be a versatile device that excels in various aspects. It boasts a remarkable display, delivering an excellent visual experience along with dual stereo speakers. The device also offers top-notch performance thanks to the SD7+G2 chip, ensuring smooth and efficient operation. When it comes to gaming, the F5 effectively manages heat, allowing for prolonged gameplay without overheating concerns.
While the cameras may not be exceptional, they still provide decent image quality. Overall, the Poco F5 emerges as a well-rounded smartphone that ticks the right boxes in terms of display, performance, heat management during gaming, battery life, fast charging, camera capabilities, and affordable pricing. What adds to its appeal in the Indian market is the inclusion of a two-year warranty, making it an even more enticing deal for potential buyers.
Within the realm of recently released smartphones, the Poco F5 faces stiff competition from the Motorola Edge 40 and the Samsung Galaxy A54 5G. Both of these smartphones feature superior water-resistance capabilities. Moreover, the Edge 40 distinguishes itself with its curved-edge display and wireless charging functionality. However, none of these features come close to the Poco F5’s promised performance potential. As a result, the F5 emerges as the undisputed performance king and will maintain its dominance in its price category for a considerable period of time
Variants, Price and Availability
The Poco F5 can be purchased through Flipkart and offline stores in India. It comes in the following variants and color options:
8 GB RAM + 256 GB storage – Rs 29,999 (~$362)
12 GB RAM + 256 GB storage – Rs 33,999 (~$410)
Colors: Carbon Black, Snowstorm White, and Electric Blue
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