As scheduled, Oppo unveiled the Reno 10 series smartphones in China today. The lineup comprises three devices, namely Reno 10, Reno 10 Pro, and Reno 10 Pro Plus.
All the phones share the same design but differ in other aspects. They feature different chipsets and cameras.
For instance, the vanilla model houses a 2-year chip but the other two handsets have much newer chipsets. Similarly, you get the best cameras on the Pro Plus variant, while the Pro shares its cameras with the regular version.
Here in this article, let’s take a detailed look at the standard Oppo Reno 10. You can learn about the Oppp Reno 10 Pro and Oppp Reno 10 Pro Plus here.
Oppo Reno 10 Specifications
The Oppo Reno 10 sports a curved glass sandwich body with a plastic frame. The camera island is ovular in shape and it protrudes a bit because the device’s body measures only 7.58mm in thickness and weighs 180g.
It is built around a 6.7-inch centered punch-hole curved OLED display with a resolution of 2412 x 1080 pixels (FHD+), 394 PPI, and a 120Hz refresh rate. The 10-bit panel supports up to 950 nits peak brightness level, 2160Hz PWM dimming, and 240Hz touch sampling rate.
The phone is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G SoC paired with LPDDR4x RAM and UFS 2.2 storage. The 12GB + 512GB variant comes with faster LPDDR5 RAM and UFS 3.1 storage. On the software front, it boots ColorOS 13.1 based on Android 13.
The handset arrives with a 32MP front-facing camera with autofocus and a triple camera system on the rear. It features a 64MP primary sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide unit, and a 32MP 2x telephoto shooter.
Other features include an in-screen fingerprint sensor, infrared sensor, dual SIM, 5G, WiFi 6, GNSS, and NFC. Finally, the smartphone draws energy from a 4,600mAh battery and carries support for 80W fast wired charging.
Oppo Reno 10 Price and Availability
Oppo Reno 10 will retail at the following price tags in China.
8GB + 256GB – ¥2,499 (~$355)
12GB + 256GB – ¥2,799 (~$400)
12GB + 512GB – ¥2,999 (~$425)
The device can be availed in either Colorful Blue, Moon Sea Black, or Brilliant Gold color options. It is up for pre-order and will go on sale from June 1.
The Reno 10 alongside its siblings Reno 10 Pro and Reno 10 Pro Plus are expected to release in global markets in the coming weeks.
Honor has stepped up on its display game and it was evidenced by the Magic 5 Pro‘s 6.81-inch LTPO OLED screen with a high resolution, 10-bit color depth, 120Hz dynamic refresh rate, and HDR10+ support. Now, the company is set to launch the new Honor 90 series on May 29, and ahead of the release, it has released a video in which it tests the screen of the Honor 90 against 102 current mainstream OLED phones. The video shows that the Honor 90’s screen outperforms the competition in a number of key areas. Here are the details.
Honor 90 shows the least screen flickering
Honor conducted a test comparing the screen of the Honor 90 with 102 current mainstream OLED phones. You might be aware that OLED panels are commonly used in the majority of mid-range and flagship smartphones. It offers accurate colors and fine picture quality.
Honor highlights that there are also hidden visual health risks associated with OLED screens. These screens can flicker at high frequencies, which, although invisible to the naked eye, can cause eye strain and headaches in some individuals.
In its test, Honor visualized the strobe flicker of all 102 phones by adjusting them to a white screen. The company used a high-speed camera with a shutter speed of 1/800 second to capture the flickering, and the images were displayed on a smart screen for comparison. The results of the test revealed that all mobile phone screens showed varying degrees of stroboscopic flicker.
However, the severity of the flicker is claimed to be dependent on the dimming frequency, with lower frequencies resulting in heavier flickering. Honor’s test reveals that only one screen stood out in the test—the Honor 90. It demonstrated bright performance and showed no stroboscopic flicker under any visual conditions.
Honor 90 will be the first to come with 3840Hz ultra-high frequency PWM dimming. In addition, it has also passed the TÜV Rheinland flicker-free certification, reaching the zero-risk dimming level. More specifications can be found here.
Belkin has launched a kids-centric wireless headphone in India. It is called Belkin SOUNDFORM Mini. The audio device packs a host of features. Read on to know more about it below.
Belkin SOUNDFORM Mini specifications and features
The Belkin SOUNDFORM Mini is an on-ear wireless headphone. The headbands are adjustable and the earcups feature a cushion. They weigh 240 grams making them suitable for extended use. The headphones are said to be safe and comfortable for kids’ ears. There are power and volume rocker buttons for controlling music on one side of the earcup. The headphones feature spill and accident-proof materials for durability of up to 2 years.
The Belkin SOUNDFORM Mini is compatible with mobiles, tablets, and laptops as well as learning apps. There is a built-in microphone for communicating with others. The headphones have a volume cap of 85 dB for ensuring the well-being of children during prolonged listening usage. The audio device supports Bluetooth 5 connectivity with a range of 10 meters.
The Belkin SOUNDFORM Mini is claimed to offer a battery life of up to 30 hours in a single charge. There is a 4-feet 3.5mm auxiliary port cable to connect directly to the device
The Belkin SOUNDFORM Mini carries a price tag of Rs 3,999. It is offered in Black, Blue, Pink, and White colors. The headphones can be purchased from Amazon and Aptronix and will soon be available from Flipkart and Croma.
Last week, the Lava Agni 2 5G was officially launched in India, marking it as the first smartphone in the country to be powered by the Dimensity 7050 chipset. This device is the successor to the last year’s Lava Agni 5G, which debuted as the first 5G phone from an Indian brand. With its array of new and exciting features, the Agni 2 has become an enticing choice among smartphones priced around Rs 20,000 (~$241) in India. After using this device over the past weekend, I would like to take this opportunity to share my initial impressions and thoughts on it.
Lava Agni 2
Lava Agni 2 5G design, specifications
Right off the bat, the Lava Agni 2 impresses in the design department. Starting from the front, the smartphone features a massive 6.78-inch AMOLED screen with curved edges, which gives it a premium feel. It produces 10-bit colors, an FHD+ resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, and up to 950 nits of peak brightness. The screen is shielded with Schott Xensation α Glass screen.
Lava Agni 2
With a peak brightness of 950 nits, Agni 2’s display is quite bright and usable under sunlight. It comes with support for Widevine L1, HDR, HDR10, and HDR10+ makes it an ideal device for watching streaming content on OTT platforms.
The slim bezels surrounding the Agni 2’s screen create a sleek appearance, particularly the bottom bezel, which measures a mere 2.3mm. Hence, it offers an impressive amount of screen space. According to the brand, it offers a screen-to-body ratio of 93.65 percent. It has a polycarbonate frame and a glass back with a smooth matte finish. The round camera module accentuates the look of the device. The thickness of the device is 8.75mm and it weighs 210 grams.
Lava Agni 2
This Lava phone marks the introduction of an under-display fingerprint scanner, a first for the brand. During the initial period, I observed that the fingerprint scanner took a little longer to unlock the device. However, it is currently functioning properly and without any issues.
The Dimensity 7050 chip, along with 8 GB of RAM and 8 GB of virtual RAM, ensures smooth performance on the device. I haven’t yet tried gaming on the device, but it appears that the chip is good enough for casual gaming. For enhanced gaming, the device is equipped with an x-linear motor, and there is a 2900mm2 vapor chamber cooling unit for heat dissipation. The phone offers a large internal storage of 256 GB (UFS 2.2) and packs a 4,700mAh battery that supports 66W fast charging.
Lava Agni 2
In the photography department, the Lava Agni 2 5G has a 16-megapixel OmniVision OV16A1Q front camera. The rear camera setup of the device is headlined by a 50-megapixel OmniVision OV50A40 main camera, an 8-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and a pair of 2-megapixel cameras for macro and depth shots. There’s only a bottom-firing speaker on the device.
It goes without saying that one of the strengths of Lava Agni 2 is that it comes with a near-stock version of Android 13 OS. Even without a YouTube premium subscription, users can stream YouTube videos in the background through the “Background Stream” option available in the notification bar. Since the device is free of bloatware, there are no unwanted notifications. However, there is no anonymous call recording feature, which can be found on some of the more affordable Lava phones.
The company has promised to offer Android 14 and Android 15 OS upgrades along with quarterly updates for three years. In addition, it comes with support for 14 5G bands and carrier aggregation.
Lava Agni 2 price, after-sales support
Lava Agni 2
Lava Agni 2, which is only aimed at the Indian market, is priced at Rs 21,999 (~$265). It can be purchased through Amazon for as low as Rs 19,999 (~$241) by applying a flat discount of Rs 2,000 (~$24)using all major credit and debit cards as well as EMI transactions.
The Agni 2 introduces an industry-first feature where customers can enjoy the convenience of free home replacement for any hardware issues during the warranty period. According to Lava, to ensure swift resolution, each customer will be assigned a dedicated personal representative called ‘Agni Mitra’ who will prioritize and resolve their issues promptly.
The design, specs sheet, affordable price, and after-sales promise makes the Agni 2 a very enticing device. We will be back with a full review of the Agni 2 in the coming days.
What’s your opinion about the Lava Agni 2? Share your thoughts with us by posting your comments below.
LG Electronics has officially launched its much-anticipated 2023 OLED TV lineup in India. The lineup, initially showcased at CES earlier this year, boasts an impressive range of 21 models across various variants. This includes the 8K OLED Z3 series, OLED evo Gallery edition G3 series, OLED evo C3 series, OLED B3 series, and A3 series televisions.
Catering to different consumer preferences, LG’s 2023 OLED lineup offers a diverse selection of screen sizes. The range starts from the smallest 106 cm (42-inch) display and goes up to an astonishing 246 cm (97-inch) behemoth. Notably, the G3 OLED evo series is available in 139 cm (55-inch), 164 cm (65-inch), and 195 cm (77-inch) options.
LG C3 4K Smart OLED evo TVLG B3 4K Smart OLED TVLG A3 4K Smart OLED TV
The G3 series, featuring the ultra-seamless One Wall Design, enhances the visual appeal of the OLED TVs. Additionally, the latest lineup incorporates the updated webOS version, ensuring a refreshed and personalized user experience.
This year’s OLED TV models come with a redesigned user interface (UI) called All New Home, offering extensive customization options and enhanced convenience. LG continues its support for Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, delivering superior image and audio enhancements for an immersive home cinema experience.
The OLED TVs also come equipped with the Game Optimizer feature, allowing users to effortlessly access gaming-specific functions and seamlessly switch between them.
Let’s take a quick look at some specifications of the highlighted models:
LG A3 4K Smart OLED TV: Available in sizes of 48″, 55″, and 65″. Features a 4K OLED display, α7 AI Processor 4K Gen6, Dolby Vision/HDR10/HLG support, and 20W audio with Dolby Atmos.
LG B3 4K Smart OLED TV: Available in sizes of 55″, 65″, and 77″. Offers a 4K OLED display, α7 AI Processor 4K Gen6, Dolby Vision/HDR10/HLG support, and G-Sync/FreeSync compatibility.
LG C3 4K Smart OLED evo TV: Available in sizes of 42″, 48″, 55″, 65″, 77″, and 83″. Features a 4K Ultra HD display, α9 AI Processor 4K Gen6, Dolby Vision/HDR10/HLG support, and 40W audio with Dolby Atmos.
LG G3 4K OLED evo TV: Available in sizes of 55″, 65″, and 77″. Offers a 4K OLED display, α9 AI Processor 4K Gen6, Dolby Vision/HDR10/HLG support, and 60W audio with Dolby Atmos.
LG Z3 8K Smart Signature OLED TV (Rollable): Comes in an 88″ size and features an 8K OLED display, α9 AI Processor 8K Gen6, Dolby Vision/HDR10/HLG support, and an 80W audio system.
LG G2 4K Smart OLED evo TV (Gallery Design): Available in sizes of 55″, 65″, and 97″. Features a 4K OLED display, α9 Gen5 AI Processor 4K, Dolby Vision/HDR10/HLG support, and 60W audio with Dolby Atmos.
Pricing & availability
According to the official announcement, the newly launched LG OLED TVs in India are priced starting from Rs. 1,19,990 for the OLED42C3 model, with the range topping out at Rs. 75,00,000 for the rollable TV. These television models will be accessible for purchase through the LG website and other retail stores within a span of 2 to 3 weeks.
Oppo held a launch event today in China to unveil the Reno 10 series of smartphones. Back in 2019, Oppo announced the Reno 10x Zoom with a periscope zoom. Since then, the company has launched several Reno-branded phones, but none of them have featured a periscope telephoto camera. The Find X6 and Find X6 Pro flagship phones, which debuted in March this year, came equipped with a periscope telephoto camera. The Reno 10 Pro Plus that has gone official today is also equipped with the said camera. Here is a look at the specifications, features, and price of the Reno 10 Pro Plus and Reno 10 Pro. Readers can visit this dedicated post to learn about the standard Oppo Reno 10.
Oppo Reno 10 Pro+, Reno 10 Pro specifications and features
OPPO Reno 10 Pro Plus
The Oppo Reno 10 Pro+ and Reno 10 Pro house a 6.74-inch curved OLED panel that offers a 1.5K resolution of 2772 x 1240 pixels and a 120Hz refresh rate. The screen also offers up to a 240Hz touch sampling rate, 10-bit colors, and a peak brightness of 1,400 nits.
The Reno 10 Pro+ and Reno 10 Pro have a 32-megapixel Sony IMX709 front-facing camera. Both smartphones have a triple camera system on the back that includes an 8-megapixel Sony IMX355 ultra-wide lens and a 50-megapixel Sony IMX890 camera with OIS. The Pro+ model is also equipped with an OIS-enabled 64-megapixel OmniVision OV64B periscope zoom camera, which offers 3x optical zoom and up to 120x digital zoom. The Reno 10 Pro’s rear camera setup also includes a 32-megapixel Sony IMX709 telephoto camera with 2x optical zoom. For an enhanced photography experience, both models are equipped with the MariSilicon X NPU.
OPPO Reno 10 Pro
The Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 chip and a 4,700mAh battery power the OPPO Reno 10 Pro+. The Reno 10 Pro, on the other hand, has the Dimensity 8200 chip and a 4,600mAh battery. Both models support 100W fast charging. The Pro models are also equipped with up to 16 GB of LPDDR5 RAM and up to 512 GB of UFS 3.1 storage.
The Oppo Reno 10 series ships with ColorOS 13.1-based Android 13 OS. The Pro models offer other features, such as dual SIM, 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5., GPS, NFC, an IR blaster, a USB Type-C port, a power management chip, and an X-axis linear motor.
OPPO Reno 10 Pro+, Reno 10 Pro price and availability
The Reno 10 Pro+ comes in two options, such as 16GB RAM + 256 GB storage for 3,899 Yuan (~$552) and 16 GB RAM + 512 GB storage for 4,299 Yuan (~$609). It comes in three shades: Moon Sea Black, Twilight Purple, and Brilliant Gold.
The Reno 10 Pro also comes in same variants. The base model is priced at 3,499 Yuan (~$495), whereas the higher model costs 3,899 Yuan (~$552). The 10 Pro color variants include Moon Sea Black, Color Blue, and Brilliant Gold.
The entire Reno 10 series is now available for pre-orders through Oppo China’s website and JD.com. Both platforms will carry out the first sales of the Reno 10 trio on June 1.
According to a report, the Reno 10 series will also be released in the global market. It is speculated that all three models may also arrive on the Indian market. The Reno 10 lineup may make its global debut in the third quarter of this year.
Xiaomi Civi 3, the upcoming selfie-focused smartphone from Xiaomi, is set to make its debut in China on May 25. As the launch date approaches, Xiaomi has been gradually revealing the key features of the Civi 3. Today, the company unveiled the highest configuration of the device which includes impressive specifications.
Xiaomi Civi 3: Dual front cameras, up to 1TB of storage
The Xiaomi Civi 3 was recently spotted in the MIIT certification database, confirming that it will come equipped with 12GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. Additionally, Xiaomi will offer a variant with even more impressive specifications, boasting 16GB of RAM and a whopping 1TB of storage, as revealed in the brand’s latest poster. The company also confirms that the device will house a 4500mAh battery.
In terms of memory technology, the Civi 3 is expected to feature LPDDR5 RAM and UFS 3.1 storage. Alongside the aforementioned configurations, the device may also be available in other options, including 8GB of RAM paired with 256GB of storage, as well as 12 GB of RAM with 256 GB of storage.
The Xiaomi Civi 3 is anticipated to sport a 6.55-inch OLED panel with Full HD+ resolution and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. Its standout feature lies in its front camera setup, consisting of a 32-megapixel main sensor and a 32-megapixel ultra-wide sensor. On the rear, users can expect a high-resolution 50-megapixel Sony IMX800 primary camera. Its pill-shaped front camera looks more refined than even iPhone 14 Pro.
Under the hood, the Xiaomi Civi 3 will be powered by the Dimensity 8200-Ultra chipset. Notably, the device will support 67W fast charging. It will run on the Android 13 operating system, coupled with Xiaomi’s custom MIUI 14 interface. To address potential heating concerns, the Civi 3 will feature a 4,000mm2 vapor chamber cooling unit, providing efficient heat dissipation during extended usage.
Vivo has announced the release dates for the remaining two smartphones in the Vivo S17 series, namely the Vivo S17, and Vivo S17 Pro. Following the recent launch of the Vivo S17e, the brand has confirmed that the Vivo S17 and Vivo S17 Pro will be unveiled in China on May 31.
According to the latest information from Digital Chat Station, the upcoming Vivo S17 series smartphones will come with notable specifications. The Vivo S17 is said to be powered by the Snapdragon 782 processor, while the Vivo S17 Pro is expected to feature the Dimensity 8200 processor. A recent leak also indicates that both devices will boast a 50MP front-facing camera. Further details about these smartphones are yet to be revealed.
Vivo S17, S17 Pro specs & features (expected)
According to recent speculations and leaks, the upcoming Vivo S17 and Vivo S17 Pro are anticipated to offer impressive specifications and features. Both devices are rumored to sport a 6.78-inch AMOLED display with curved edges, providing a Full HD+ resolution and a high refresh rate of up to 120Hz. In terms of security, an under-display fingerprint sensor is expected to be included in both handsets.
Vivo S17e
The Vivo S17 is speculated to be equipped with a Snapdragon 782 processor, while the S17 Pro variant may feature a Dimensity 8200 chipset. The vanilla S17 model could come with options of 8GB or 12GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB of internal storage. In contrast, the S17 Pro might offer 16GB of RAM and 512GB of internal storage, catering to users’ diverse storage needs.
Regarding camera capabilities, the Vivo S17 is rumored to house a 64MP primary camera on the rear, featuring optical image stabilization (OIS). On the other hand, the S17 Pro is said to boast a 50MP camera with OIS support. For capturing stunning selfies and engaging in video calls, both devices are expected to sport a 50MP front-facing camera, providing high-resolution self-portraits.
In terms of battery capacity, the Vivo S17 is speculated to pack a 4,500mAh battery, complemented by 66W fast charging support, ensuring efficient power replenishment. On the other hand, the S17 Pro might feature a slightly larger 4,600mAh battery and offer faster 80W fast charging capabilities, allowing for quicker charging times.
OnePlus 11 5G (review) is set to get a new variant in India. The brand has announced that it will be a limited edition offering called Marble Odyssey. However, the exact launch date of the upcoming offering has not been revealed yet. In China, this special edition variant of the OnePlus 11 5G is called Jupiter Rock, and as the name suggests the phone’s design is inspired by Jupiter planet.
It's time to embark on a new odyssey. Congratulations to all the shortlisted community members, share your unique stories with OnePlus 11 5G Marble Odyssey pic.twitter.com/zkQKid70ua
The OnePlus 11 5G Marble Odyssey limited edition has the same look as the Jupiter Rock edition in China. The color of the back panel has shades of White and Brown. The upcoming offering is also different from standard options. The Marble Odyssey limited edition is the first smartphone to feature a natural texture that is built using volumetric microcrystalline rock material. Each piece of this material has a similar texture similar to the surface of Jupiter. The smartphone’s back panel is also water-resistant and antibacterial.
Apart from the design, the core specifications of the OnePlus 11 5G Marble Odyssey limited edition will remain unchanged. The smartphone features a 6.7-inch QHD+ curved AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and 1,300 nits peak brightness. It has Hasselblad-tuned triple rear camera setup of a 50MP main sensor, a 48MP ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 32MP telephoto unit. The OnePlus 11 5G is powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC paired with up to 16GB RAM and 256GB storage. It is backed by a 5,00maAh battery unit with support for 100W fast charging.
iQOO is expected to launch a new device in the iQOO 11 series. It will likely be dubbed iQOO 11S. The upcoming offering will be the third variant after the regular and pro models in the iQOO 11 lineup. Now, reliable tipster Digital Chat Station has shared the key specifications of the iQOO 11S on the microblogging platform Weibo.
iQOO 11S leaked specifications
As per DCS, the iQOO 11S will be positioned as a high-performance and fast-charging flagship. It is tipped to be powered by an over-clocked version of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor based on 4nm process and higher-core frequency. Previously, the device was said to come with a Dimensity 9200+ SoC. The battery capacity of the upcoming offering remains unknown but it will reportedly come with support for 200W fast charging.
The iQOO 11S is said to retain the same E6 AMOLED display bearing a 2K resolution and a 144Hz refresh rate. It is also tipped to pack the same 50MP primary rear camera with a V2 ISP imaging system.
DCS says that the iQOO 11S will have a model number V2304A and it may launch in the third quarter of this year i.e. between June and August. The tipster does not reveal any further information about the upcoming offering.
In other news, iQOO launched a host of devices yesterday at an event in China. The Vivo sub-brand announced the iQOO Neo 8, Neo 8 Pro smartphones, iQOO Pad, and iQOO TWS Air Pro.
Samsung Electronics has announced the global launch of its complete 2023 Smart Monitor lineup, including the M8, M7, and M5 models (known as M80C, M70C, and M50C). These Smart Monitors offer users the ability to customize their viewing experience for various activities like watching, gaming, and working.
Samsung 2023 Smart Monitors features & specifications
The lineup consists of nine versatile monitors catering to a wide range of users’ needs and styles. The M8 and M7 models are available in 32-inch sizes, while the M5 model is offered in both 32-inch and 27-inch options. The M8, featuring UHD resolution and 400nit brightness, comes in attractive color choices such as Warm White, Daylight Blue, Sunset Pink, and Spring Green. The M7, with UHD resolution and 300nit brightness, is available in Warm White, while the M5, offering Full HD resolution, comes in sleek Black or White.
Samsung has introduced an Iconic Slim Design for the M8 and M7 models, boasting a remarkably slim profile of 11.39mm at the thinnest point. The monitors also showcase an organic herringbone pattern on the back, enhancing both the monitor’s appearance and overall room aesthetics. The M8 features a height-adjustable stand with tilt support, allowing users to customize the angle and create a clutter-free workspace. Additionally, the screen can pivot 90 degrees, reducing scrolling fatigue when dealing with lengthy files.
The 2023 Smart Monitor M8 has undergone significant upgrades, providing an enhanced smart entertainment experience. With its 4K resolution, HDR 10+, and 400nit brightness, the M8 delivers stunning and vibrant visuals. Users can conveniently access the Samsung Gaming Hub, a comprehensive streaming platform, and services like Prime Video, Netflix, and YouTube through the Smart Hub. Both the M8 and M7 models support color coverage of up to 99% sRGB, ensuring content comes to life with brilliant colors, making them ideal for designers and creators.
The 2023 lineup has been further improved to facilitate seamless and efficient remote work. The monitors enable PC-less workspace through wireless connection and mirroring with PCs. The M8 incorporates a magnetic and removable camera, enabling wireless connectivity without the need for additional purchases. Its SlimFit camera supports FHD resolution and video conferencing capabilities. The monitors also offer upgraded Multi View functionality, allowing full-screen usage of Microsoft 365 and the Browser app, reducing the need to switch between applications.
To enhance the user interface, mouse and keyboard control have been added to several apps, including SmartThings and Smart Hub. Users can now enjoy full control while exploring their favorite content without relying on a remote.
The new Smart Monitors come with personalized features, including a built-in IoT Hub supporting Zigbee and Thread protocols, allowing users to control their in-home IoT devices from a single monitor. The M8 and M7 models include built-in voice assistants such as Bixby and Amazon Alexa, enabling users to control the monitor using voice commands. Far-field voice recognition is supported, thanks to the built-in microphone in the M8 and M7 models, allowing users to communicate directly with the monitor.
Another new feature, My Contents, is available across the entire 2023 Smart Monitor lineup. When the monitor is in standby mode and detects a registered smartphone via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), it displays the user’s photos, weather updates, and other useful information.
Pricing & availability
In terms of pricing and availability, the Samsung Smart Monitor M8 (M80C) is priced at US$699.99 (approximately Rs. 57,980) for the 32″ variant and US$649.99 (approximately Rs. 53,840) for the 27″ variant. The Smart Monitor M7 (M70C) is priced at US$599.99 (approximately Rs. 49,695) for the 32″ model and US$549.99 (approximately Rs. 45,555) for the 27″ model. The Smart Monitor M5 (M50C) is priced at US$299.99 (approximately Rs. 24,845) for the 32″ variant and US$279.99 (approximately Rs. 23,190) for the 27″ variant. These monitors are set to be released in June and will be available for purchase on Samsung.com and select retailers worldwide.
Tech companies may lay off employees for various reasons, including business restructuring, cost-cutting measures, automation and technological advancements, economic downturns, strategic shifts, and performance issues. These layoffs are often driven by the need to adapt to changing market conditions, improve profitability, optimize operations, or align resources with new priorities. While disruptive for affected employees, they are part of the dynamic nature of the tech industry and may not necessarily indicate its overall health. However, in light of the ongoing recession in some countries, we are getting to see a lot of layoffs, especially at the hands of big tech organizations, raising questions about the ‘health’ of the industry. Soundcloud, the popular music provider, is the latest company to announce another layoff.
The company laid off 20 percent of its workforce in 2022
Just last year, the company faced the harsh reality of a challenging economic climate, resulting in a 20 percent reduction in its workforce. Following the footsteps of tech giants such as Google, Meta (formerly Facebook), and Amazon, SoundCloud justified these layoffs as a strategic move aimed at restructuring and cutting costs. Now, the company is poised to let go of an additional 8 percent of its employees, characterizing this decision as both daunting and crucial to ensure SoundCloud’s financial well-being and achieve profitability within the current year.
In 2022, the company depicted these staff cuts as a means of charting a course toward sustainable profitability. This latest “headcount reduction” appears to be a progression in that strategy, with insider sources revealing SoundCloud’s ambitious target of achieving profitability by the fourth quarter. Furthermore, reports indicate that SoundCloud’s leadership is actively engaging in discussions with potential new investors, seeking additional support for their future goals.
Although SoundCloud’s decision to downsize its workforce falls in line with a general trend observed across numerous tech brands, it is worth noting that the company has been gradually reducing staff for some time. In 2017, SoundCloud implemented a drastic workforce reduction, resulting in a staggering 40 percent decrease in its employee count in one go.
Tecno Camon 20 series of smartphones is all set to go official on May 27. The company has recently launched the Camon 20, Camon 20 Pro, Camon 20 Pro 5G, and Camon 20 Premier 5G in the global market. It appears some of these or all four phones will be heading to the Indian market. Ahead of the official announcement, the Camon 20 and Camon 20 Pro 5G are now listed on Tecno India’s website. The listings have also revealed the price of both smartphones.
Tecno Camon 20, Camon 20 Pro 5G specifications
Tecno Camon 20
The Tecno Camon 20 features a 6.67-inch FHD+ AMOLED screen with an in-screen fingerprint scanner. It is powered by the MediaTek Helio G85 chipset, 8 GB of RAM, and a 5,000mAh battery with 33W fast charging. The device offers 8 GB of virtual RAM and 256 GB of storage.
The Camon 20 has a 32-megapixel selfie camera with a dual-LED flash. Its rear panel has a 64-megapixel RGBW primary camera, a 2-megapixel depth sensor, a QVGA camera, and a ring LED flash. The Camon 20 is a slim phone measuring 7.8mm in thickness. It is a stylish glass and leather finish.
Tecno Camon 20 Pro 5G
The Tecno Camon 20 Pro 5G has a 6.67-inch AMOLED FHD+ display that offers a 120Hz refresh rate and an under-display fingerprint sensor. Under the hood, the device has the Dimensity 8050 chipset and a 5,000mAh battery with 33W charging. It also ships with 8 GB of RAM, 8 GB of virtual RAM, and 256 GB of storage.
The Camon 20 Pro 5G also has a dual-LED flash enabled 32-megapixel front camera and a 64-megapixel (RGBW main sensor) + 2-megapixel (depth) + 2-megapixel (macro) triple camera unit with a ring-LED flash. As far as design is concerned, the Camon 20 Pro has textured leather and a 2.5D wear-resistant ceramic panel on the back.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) holds immense potential for various sectors, however, there are legitimate concerns about its potential harms to a nation like the United States. One of the primary risks lies in the displacement of jobs, as AI and automation technologies can replace human labor in various industries. Additionally, AI-powered cyberattacks pose a significant threat to national security, with potential consequences ranging from data breaches to the disruption of critical infrastructure. There are also ethical concerns surrounding AI, including the potential for biased decision-making algorithms that perpetuate discrimination and exacerbate social divisions. Safeguarding against these risks requires careful regulation, ethical guidelines, and proactive measures to ensure the responsible development and deployment of AI technologies.
Google CEO Sundar Pichai & Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella were also present
During a meeting held at the White House, prominent tech executives were called upon to take responsibility for safeguarding the public from the potential risks associated with Artificial Intelligence (AI). The gathering included Sundar Pichai from Google, Satya Nadella representing Microsoft, and Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI. They were reminded of their “moral” duty to protect society and were warned that the government might consider implementing further regulations in the AI sector.
The recent introduction of cutting-edge AI products like ChatGPT and Bard has created turmoil in the tech space, since everyone can leverage the technology to make their lives easier. These advanced systems possess the remarkable ability to rapidly summarize information from diverse sources, debug computer code, and even generate presentations and poetry that convincingly mimic human creation. The rollout of these products has reignited debates surrounding the societal implications of AI, effectively illustrating both the potential rewards and risks associated with this emerging technology.
While gathered at the White House, technology executives were strongly urged to prioritize the safety and security of their AI offerings. The government emphasized its openness to exploring new regulatory measures and legislation pertaining to artificial intelligence. Notably, Sam Altman of OpenAI expressed surprise at the degree of consensus among executives regarding the necessary steps for effective regulation.
In a subsequent statement, Vice President Kamala Harris acknowledged the transformative potential of AI to enhance lives but also expressed concerns about the safety, privacy, and civil rights risks it poses. Harris emphasized that the private sector has an ethical, moral, and legal responsibility to ensure the safety and security of their AI products.
The White House further announced a substantial $140 million investment from the National Science Foundation, intended to establish seven new AI research institutes and foster advancements in the field.
The calls for increased regulation within the rapidly evolving AI landscape have been amplified by influential figures, including Geoffrey Hinton, often regarded as the “godfather” of AI. Recent voices such as Elon Musk and Steve Wozniak have advocated for temporary pauses in AI development, while Lina Khan, the head of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), has been vocal about the necessity of comprehensive AI regulation.
Concerns regarding AI technology encompass potential job displacement, the dissemination of misinformation resulting from inaccuracies in chatbot responses, issues related to copyright infringement arising from generative AI, as well as the amplified risk of fraud facilitated by voice cloning and AI-generated videos. Striking the right balance between innovation and regulation will be crucial as policymakers, industry leaders, and society at large navigate the complex landscape of AI’s future.
Recently, Sony launched the WH-CH520 headphones in multiple markets across the world. It is currently the most affordable wireless headphones from the Japanese company.
The WH-CH520 is the successor of the WH-CH510 from 2019. In other words, the brand took 4 years to introduce a newer model, which is uncommon in today’s fast-paced consumer electronics market.
The latest budget wireless headphones from Sony come with multiple upgrades over its predecessor. At the same time, it costs a bit more.
In India, the older CH510 was introduced at 3,990, whereas the newer CH520 retails at ₹4,490 on retailers like Amazon. So are these sub-₹5,000 Sony headphones worth buying? Let’s find out in our review.
Disclosure: This review is based on the author’s first-hand experience with a unit provided by Sony India. The brand had no early look or editorial input.
Functional Design
The Sony WH-CH520 wireless headphones are on-ear type. The device’s body is entirely made of good-quality plastic with limited stretchability.
The headband is adjustable but it cannot be folded for better portability. However, the cans be turned.
The foam used on the cans is also present on the headband. So you don’t feel the pressure on the top of your head.
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Unfortunately, the earlobes could be hurting for some after wearing the headphones for a while. This depends on the shape of your ear, and therefore, I cannot call the product universally comfortable.
Further, the control buttons are located below the right can. The multifunction button is slightly raised to differentiate itself from the volume keys on either side.
Holding the multi-function button will turn on or off the device. Whereas, the volume keys can be held to skip forward or backward.
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The right can also includes a USB Type-C port for charging and a microphone hole. The product does not ship with a case. You only get a USB Type-A to Type-C cable.
The headphones come in four color options, namely Blue, Beige, White, and Black.
Ton of Features
The Sony WH-CH520 headphones connect wirelessly to devices via Bluetooth 5.2. It offers multipoint connection feature, and therefore, it can be connected to two devices at a time.
The headphones also support Google Fast Pair and Microsoft Swift Pair. So it’s very easy to pair with Android and Windows devices.
It automatically switches to the device playing media or receiving a call. You can also track the headphones through Google’s Find My Device service.
I did not face any connectivity issues. The connection was solid on all devices I used the headphones with. I used the product with multiple smartphones, tablets, a laptop, and a TV.
But I wish it had a 3.5mm jack for an optional wired connection. This would have allowed me to connect it to my gaming console through the controller. Instead, I had to rely on the TV connection with noticeable latency.
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Further, you can manage the product with Sony Headphones app, which is available on Google Play Store and Apple App Store. The application lets you play with equalizer, manually switch between connected devices, update firmware, and more
Interestingly, the headphones offer support for Sony 360 Reality Audio. Unfortunately, I do not use any of the supported streaming services. So I couldn’t try it out.
Nevertheless, you could use the DSEE (Digital Sound Enhancement Engine) feature on all streaming apps. This option enhances the compressed audio to some extent.
As for endurance, Sony advertises up to 50 hours of battery life. The headphones live up to the claim. You will find it hard to drain the battery as it can even last more than the claimed number with lower volume levels.
On the other hand, it takes up to 3 hours to charge fully. Anyway, that’s fine as you get a lot more playback time in return.
Good Sound for Price
The Sony WH-CH520 house 30mm drivers. It only supports basic SBC and AAC audio codecs. Being an entry-level model, it is targeted at the general public who mostly listen to compressed music offered by Spotify and other streaming platforms.
Regardless, it would have been nice if the headphones offered a better soundstage. The audio output is crowded and isn’t that immersive.
On the plus side, the mid-range frequency output from the headphones is really good for its asking price. Thus, the instruments and vocals sound detailed and clear. The headphones are well-suited to binge-watch TV series and movies.
Similarly, the bass is well-controlled. So the headphones are great to listen to rock tracks, especially songs like ‘Another One Bites the Dust’ by Queen. But treble could have been better. Instruments like cymbal sound unnatural.
Though the headphones have a single microphone, the call quality is good. Ambient noise is suppressed to a certain level to provide clear audio to the people on the receiving end.
Finally, since the product is on-ear type, there’s a noticeable sound leakage at higher volume levels. It could be disturbing to the people around you, especially in a quiet room.
Conclusion
As an entry point to Sony’s wireless headphones family, the WH-CH520 is a good product overall. It is feature-packed, unlike most products in the price segment.
It is not only long-lasting but also provides a sound signature the masses would love. Even the mic quality is good for calls.
Though it may not be comfortable for everyone, it can be availed in four stunning colors, which is something that most brands don’t offer. This is very crucial for some as headphones are a fashion statement and so is the brand ‘Sony.’
The Sony WH-CH520 wireless headphones are more expensive than a plethora of cheaper offerings on the market. But you may not get a package like this.
OnePlus has recently rolled out a new update for the Nord CE 2 smartphone, which includes OxygenOS 13 based on Android 13. The device has been receiving regular updates throughout the year to enhance the user experience. The latest update brings the May 2023 Android security patch, along with various system improvements and bug fixes.
Users of the OnePlus Nord CE 2 smartphone in India are now being provided with the OxygenOS 13 F.48 update, which introduces firmware version IV2201_11.F.48. This update incorporates the May 2023 Android Security Patch, enhancing the device’s overall system security. Furthermore, system stability will be improved, and issues related to the background display effect of Quick Settings and brightness control will be resolved. Check out the official changelog below.
OxygenOS 13 F.48 Update Changelog
System
• Integrates the May 2023 Android security patch to enhance system security. • Improves system stability. • Improves the background display effect of Quick Settings. • Fixes an issue that affects the screen brightness control in Quick Settings.
Similar to previous updates, the rollout of this OTA (Over-The-Air) update will be incremental. Initially, a small percentage of OnePlus Nord CE 2 users will receive the update today, while a wider rollout will commence in a few days.
Apple is known for being the perfectionist of the tech world, but sometimes, things don’t always go according to plan. Recently, Apple’s latest updates to iOS and iPadOS resulted in lightning-to-USB adapters ceasing to work for Apple users, creating widespread frustration among its consumers. While it seemed that Apple is working on a solution for the same, another bug has popped up – this time with some iterations of the company’s best-selling product, the Apple Watch. Although the company has yet to acknowledge the problem officially, it is only a matter of time before a resolution is provided.
Surprisingly, Apple Watch Ultra units remain unaffected by this bug
Apple Watch Series 8 owners and users of older models have reported a peculiar discoloration on their device displays after updating to watchOS 9.5. This issue has gained attention on various online platforms, including Reddit, where affected individuals have shared their observations. The most common complaint is the appearance of a green tint in areas such as the notification center, control center, and lock screen. However, some unfortunate users have experienced color changes in other menus, UI elements, and applications.
Interestingly, the bug is more noticeable on certain devices compared to others. Additionally, many users who have updated to watchOS 9.5 have not encountered any problems. Some individuals have even reported their screens displaying shades of grey instead of green. Notably, there have been no reports of this discoloration occurring on Apple Watch Ultra units. Surprisingly, the Apple Watch SE and SE 2 models appear to be largely unaffected by the green or grey tint bug. Nevertheless, regardless of the Apple watch model you own, it may be a good idea to delay the watchOS 9.5 update if you have not already installed it.
Based on past experiences, it is likely that Apple will release a patch in the near future, possibly as part of the upcoming watchOS 9.6 software rollout. This update should address the green tint issue and provide relief to those who have been experiencing this unexpected problem.
Samsung Display is set to showcase its cutting-edge OLED technologies at the 60th SID Display Week in Los Angeles. The event, organized by the Society for Information Display, is renowned as North America’s largest professional display event.
Samsung Introduced Rollable Flex, a screen that can expand 5x its original length
One of the highlights is the Rollable Flex, a groundbreaking display technology that revolutionizes the portability of tablet PCs and laptops. Unlike traditional foldable or slidable displays, the Rollable Flex can expand over five times its original length, offering unprecedented scalability. Users can roll and unroll the display on an O-shaped axis, making it easily portable.
The Sensor OLED display is another innovative product to be unveiled. It integrates fingerprint and blood pressure sensors directly into the panel, eliminating the need for separate modules. This unique feature enables seamless fingerprint recognition and cardiovascular health monitoring.
Flex In & Out introduces a new concept of foldable phones that can be folded both inward and outward, providing a full 360-degree folding capability. This design eliminates the need for an external panel, resulting in lighter and thinner devices.
Samsung Display will also showcase Flex Hybrid, combining foldable and slidable technologies, and Slidable Flex Solo, expanding from a 13-inch tablet to a 17-inch screen, offering versatile form factors.
QD-OLED, recognized for its exceptional colour accuracy and image quality, will be featured as well. This technology utilizes quantum dots to produce precise colours, setting new standards in display performance.
To enhance its presence in the small and medium-sized display market, Samsung Display is highlighting OLED Finder, a search site that allows users to find smartphones featuring Samsung OLED technology. It provides comprehensive information on OLED features and recommends the latest models.
Samsung Display’s participation in the SID/DSCC Business Conference will showcase the advancements of QD-OLED 2023, featuring IntelliSense AI technology and optimized algorithms, delivering increased brightness and energy efficiency.
By unveiling these groundbreaking technologies at SID Display Week 2023, Samsung Display is trying to reinforce its commitment to driving innovation in the OLED industry and shaping the future of display technology. The company has been a market leader in displays for a long time now, and it doesn’t seem like they are looking to give away that crown anytime soon, even after last week’s news where it was stated that TCL and Hisense are prevailing over Samsung in the LCD TV sector.
The media streaming giant is now requiring users to pay an additional $8 per month for each user who doesn’t live in the same household as the primary account holder.
As a part of this new policy, the account holder will now have to pay an additional $8 per user who accesses the platform outside of the primary household. Currently, only Standard Plan and Premium Plan support adding additional members, and the Basic Plan, as well as Standard Plan with Ads, don’t support extra members.
Similarly, users in the UK will also need to pay £4.99 more each month for extra members added to the account. This is a significant cost increase on top of the normal plan subscription. It remains to be seen how users in the United States will receive this new policy from Netflix, as it’s a major increase in cost and will have an impact in the longer run.
While the company says that it is seeing an increase in revenue after the implementation of this new policy, there are several users who plan to cancel the subscription altogether. The company estimates that over 100 million households account for password-sharing, and the crackdown on this could generate significantly more revenue.
Before implementing this policy in the United States, the company had been testing it in a number of countries, including Chile, Costa Rica, Peru, and Guatemala. The company says that the test was successful and it has resulted in a decrease in password sharing.
Today (May 24), the highly anticipated release of the Lava Agni 2 in India is scheduled, marking its first availability for purchase. Amazon will be the exclusive platform for selling the device, commencing sales at 10am. Below, we provide an overview of the Agni 2’s specifications and pricing, along with the attractive offers that await prospective buyers.
Lava Agni 2 price, offers
Priced at Rs 21,999 (~$265), the Lava Agni 2 can be obtained by customers at a reduced price of Rs 19,999 (~$241) by making use of major credit / debit cards and EMI transactions, resulting in a discount of Rs 2,000 (~$24). The handset will be exclusively available through Amazon. The Agni 2 comes in a single color named Glass Viridian.
Lava Agni 2 specifications
Lava Agni 2
The Lava Agni 2 houses a 6.78-inch AMOLED display that offers a Full HD+ resolution of 2220 x 1080 pixels, a 120Hz refresh rate, and an under-display fingerprint sensor. The device comes with support for HDR, HDR10, and HDR10+. The chin of the device is only 2.3 mm, and it sports a glass back with a matte finish. The screen is shielded by Schott Xensation glass.
The Agni 2 is the first phone to arrive in India with the Dimensity 7050 chip onboard. It is equipped with 8 GB of RAM, 8 GB of virtual RAM, 256 GB of storage, microSD card support (via hybrid SIM slot), and a 4,700mAh battery with 66W fast charging. It has a 16-megapixel front camera, and a 50-megapixel (main) + 8-megapixel (ultra-wide) + 2-megapixel (macro) + 2-megapixel (depth) quad-camera system on the back.
Lava will provide Android 14 and Android 15 OS updates to Agni 2 users. In addition, it will receive three years of security updates. In case, the device develops any hardware issues, the company will replace it at home for free. This is applicable only within the warranty period. Lava has also confirmed that an Agni 2 customer will be assigned a dedicated service manager dubbed Agni Mitra.
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