Oppo has a large portfolio of smartphones and the brand has been hard at work updating all the eligible ones of them. The latest version of ColorOS has already been rolled out to the majority of its flagship and budget models. The saga continues with the release of the May update timeline, which reveals that the Oppo A77 and A57 will be the next devices to receive the Android 13-based ColorOS 13 update.
Android 13 finally coming to Oppo A77 & Oppo A57
Oppo has officially announced that the ColorOS 13 update will be rolled out to Oppo A77 and A57 smartphones in India starting in May. The update will be released in phases, with the first batch of devices scheduled to receive it on May 27. Both these phones were launched in 2022 and came pre-installed with ColorOS 12. It is worth noting that the timeline provided by the brand is approximate and it could change depending on the model.
The brand also confirmed that the ColorOS 13 update is already being rolled out to a lot of phones this month. These include Oppo Find X2, Reno8 Pro, Reno8, Reno7 Pro, Reno7, Reno6 Pro, F19, K10 5G, K10, A96, and more.
As previously stated, Oppo has already rolled out stable Android 13 updates to most of its new flagship and budget models, as well as a considerable number of older phones. Notably, the Android 14 Beta 1 is also now available for the Oppo Find N2 Flip, indicating that the beta program will likely be extended to other smartphones soon.
Lava, the Indian smartphone brand, has made a remarkable comeback in the Indian market in recent years. After facing tough competition from Chinese brands like Xiaomi, Oppo, and Vivo, Lava revamped its product strategy and focused on delivering quality products at affordable prices. The brand has also shifted its manufacturing base to India, which has helped it to save costs and provide better support to Indian consumers.
Lava is preparing to launch the Lava Agni 2 5G in the Indian market, where it will be facing stiff competition in the highly contested mid-range smartphone segment. The brand has announced that the official launch of the Agni 2 5G will take place on May 16 at 12 PM IST. Ahead of the launch, here’s a roundup of everything we know about the upcoming smartphone.
Design & display
Lava has officially confirmed the design of its upcoming Agni 2 5G smartphone in a recent teaser. The image confirms that the device has a circular camera module with five cutouts. Three of these are expected to host the camera sensors, while the remaining two will feature an LED flash module and an unknown sensor. The back of the device is curved along with the edges. Another teaser has confirmed that the smartphone will have a curved display, with thin top and bottom bezels. The exact details of this display are still a mystery, however, rumors say that it is a 120Hz AMOLED panel.
Performance
Surprisingly, Lava is stepping up its game in the performance segment as the device is confirmed to have a MediaTek Dimensity 7050 chipset under its hood. For those unaware, this is a rebrand of the Dimensity 1080 SoC that debuted in previous year’s mid-range smartphones.
The chip has an octa-core CPU featuring 2 x 2.6GHz Cortex-A78 cores and 4 x 2.0GHz Cortex-A55 cores. The graphics are handled by Mali G68 MC4 GPU and there’s an AI processing unit for imaging and other stuff. It has 5G connectivity and it is made on the tried and tested TSMC 6nm node.
The Agni 2 5G has already appeared on Geekbench giving us a peak at its performance. The Dimensity 7050 powered phone scored 819 points on the single-core test and 2267 points on the multi-core test. These aren’t flagship-level scores by any means, however, the performance is plenty for a lower-mid-range device.
It will get up to 8GB RAM and an Android 13-based operating system. The onboard battery is said to have a 5,000mAh capacity, with 44W fast charging support.
Cameras
The Lava Agni 2 5G will feature a 50MP primary camera with a 1/1.55” sensor, 1.0 µm pixels, and an f/1.88 aperture, accompanied by two other undisclosed cameras. Notably, the main camera will come equipped with OIS stabilization technology, enabling users to capture steady photos and videos even in shaky environments. Up front, we can expect a 16MP selfie snapper which is quite standard in this segment.
Expected price
With an anticipated price range of Rs. 20,000-25,000, the Lava Agni 2 5G is set to compete against popular mid-range smartphones like the Realme 10 Pro+ 5G, Moto G82, Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G, and others. As Lava tries to regain its former glory in the Indian market, it remains to be seen if the brand can generate enough buzz and excitement among consumers in a market that is already saturated with a plethora of value-for-money options.
Apple is reportedly reconsidering its plans on the use of an OLED display for its MacBook PCs. Recent sales numbers indicate that the MacBook has been on a decline and Apple could pull the plug on its planned upgrade to OLED for the MacBook.
There had been plans by Apple to deploy Samsung’s 8th-gen OLED panel on MacBooks as early as 2024. Apple will now shift the implementation date for the deployment of OLED up to 2027. The news will have important ramifications in the Korean market, as forecasts have been reviewed downwards. The Cupertino-based company is a heavy hitter and its decision could affect the OLED panel market expectations in Korea. Apple is believed to be however close to releasing an OLE panel iPad Pro in 2024. The iPad Pro will use LG-Samsung’s 6th-gen OLED technology.
The MacBook shipments have declined by up to 50% in the last two quarters. It is unclear whether Apple’s decision to halt the OLED upgrade is not unconnected with the slump in MacBook shipments. It is also not clear how the decision will also revive sagging MacBook sales. Unlike iPhones, Apple does not enjoy the same brand loyalty for its MacBook lineup. Apple had planned to use dual-stack OLED panels with excellent properties for its infotainment systems.
The dual-stack OLED screens have a longer life cycle and are brighter. The panel was expected to take care of the wrinkling in Samsung’s flexible OLED panels for larger scenarios. This resulted in a hybrid solution but Samsung has also paused its plans for the OLED panel.
The Motorola MA1 wireless Android Auto adapter will be available in Europe shortly. The Motorola MA1 is a simple but straightforward adapter. An official Motorola email indicated that the adapter is already available in the region.
Motorola Sound the licensed brand sent an email to customers this week confirming the release of the MA1 Wireless Android Auto adapter in the UK and Europe. The MA1 wireless Android Auto adapter is already available in the US. The US model has been retained for the other market, it would seem. There is therefore no talk of any modifications to the MA1. It is available in the US via Amazon and Amazon UK and Amazon Germany have now listed the device.
The Motorola MA1 provides a wireless connection to your car’s Android Auto-enabled infotainment system. This makes it easy to get several features like maps, media, and message notifications on your car’s display. It is a safer and simpler way to use your phone in the car. It is also very easy to set up the MA1: plug the adapter into your car’s Android Auto-enabled USB port and then pair the device to your phone via Bluetooth. Just with the two steps, you can start enjoying Android Auto in your car.
Motorola’s super-popular MA1 wireless Android Auto adapter will be available in the EU and UK soon
The listing of the Motorola MA1 in Europe is still lacking in key details including shipping date and pricing. The Amazon Germany listing of the device however included the price of €89.99 (~$98). It is also listed on Amazon UK website as currently unavailable but that will likely change soon.
With the onset of the COVID-19 global pandemic, the demand for tablets rose as people continued their work and education from home. As a result, many new OEMs entered the tablet category, while others re-entered.
Though the tablet market has declined with normalcy taking over, brands are still releasing new models. In fact, OnePlus just entered this segment with the launch of its first-ever tablet — OnePlus Pad.
For the unaware, the OnePlus Pad is a rebranded Oppo Pad 2 for the global markets. The device packs high-end specs but it is priced very competitively.
It starts at ₹37,999, $479, €499 in India, the US, and Europe, respectively. It retails at around a similar price in other markets.
So the question arises whether the OnePlus Pad is better than its competitors. I try to answer this in my review of the device.
Disclosure:
Before I begin, I want to inform readers that this review of the OnePlus Pad is based on my first-hand experience with a unit loaned to me by OnePlus India. However, the opinions stated here are mine, and the brand neither had an early look nor an editorial input.
Unique design but no biometrics
The hardware offered by OnePlus Pad is excellent for its asking price. The tablet even sports a unique design and color (Halo Green) to stand out from competitors.
It comes with an aluminum body like most mid-range and premium tablets. However, both the front as well as rear cameras are placed on the edges. The brand wants you to use the cameras in landscape mode, which is the right way to do it if you ask me.
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I have mixed feelings about this distinctive rear camera placement. Because I always happen to get my fingers on it, which results in smudges on the lens. On the other hand, I have no issues with the placement of other things, such as the power key on the top, the volume keys on the right side, and the USB Type-C port at the bottom.
I miss biometric authentication on this device as it neither has a fingerprint sensor nor a secure face unlock. It’s frustrating to enter the pin every time I want to unlock the tablet.
Good for content consumption
The front of the device is fitted with an 11.61-inch LCD screen sporting a resolution of 2800 x 2000 pixels. The display has a unique 7:5 aspect ratio and supports up to a 144Hz refresh rate.
Initially, I did not like the color profile of the tablet display. But once I changed it to ‘Real’ from the default ‘Vivid’ option via the ‘Screen color mode’ settings menu, the screen looked way better.
The display supports multiple HDR standards, such as Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG. But unfortunately, you cannot stream content online in any of the aforementioned formats as the tablet isn’t certified by streaming services (except YouTube).
All in all, the display is sharp and bright enough. Despite the lack of HDR in streaming apps, I enjoyed consuming content on it. The media consumption experience is further enriched by Dolby Atmos-supported quad speakers that are loud enough to fill a room.
Just recently, I published my Redmi Note 12 Pro Plus review where I discussed how I loved using it as a content-consumption device. I had an even better experience with the OnePlus Pad.
The tablet is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 9000 chipset paired with LPDDR5 RAM and UFS 3.1. Thus, the Android 13-based OxygenOS 13.1 runs smoothly without any hiccups. Also, it can play all the games you throw at it but you might face certain optimization issues related to MediaTek chips.
The best thing about OnePlus Pad is 67W fast charging support. It takes about an hour to charge fully from 20%. This is the fastest charging I have ever experienced on a tablet. It is a game changer as the battery itself is no small at 9,510mAh and can last up to around 10 hours or more if you only stream videos online.
Unfortunately, the software on the device is subpar. It is more to do with Android as a platform for tablets, rather than OnePlus’ Android skin. I discuss more about it in the latter part of the review.
First-party accessories need to be better
The OnePlus Pad is touted as a replacement for laptops with a keyboard and a stylus. These first-party accessories are of good quality as the ones you get from Apple and Samsung.
However, the OnePlus Magnetic Keyboard does not offer adjustable angles, and therefore, your tablet is stuck at a fixed angle all the time which isn’t very ergonomic. The keys are nice and clicky, but the trackpad could have been better. It is relatively small and does not support common gestures such as double tap + drag.
You can use the OnePlus Stylo with the first-party Notes app and all other third-party applications on Play Store that support stylus input. Weirdly, the stylus is offered in white when the tablet and the keyboard are in green.
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The magnets on both the keyboard case and the stylus for charging on the edge are not the strongest. Anyways, the keyboard gives you the impression of using a laptop but the overall experience could be better.
These accessories don’t come bundled with the tablet. The keyboard and the stylus are priced at ₹7,999 / $149 / €149 and ₹4,999 / $99 / €99, respectively. In other words, you will have to shell out an extra ₹13,000 / $248 / €248 for the bundle, depending on where you buy.
This is a similar strategy to Apple which doesn’t bundle accessories with its iPads. But Samsung at least throws in the S Pen stylus for free.
These first-party accessories are far from perfect, so it might be a good idea to test them out first before making the purchase.
Poor state of Android on tablets
The tablet space is being dominated by Apple with its iPad lineup for years. There are plenty of things going for Apple like the large app library, ecosystem integration, and performance.
Android has no such benefits yet. Google gave up on the tablet software years ago. However, very few OEMs, like Samsung and Huawei continue to release Android-based tablets annually.
These two companies single-handedly tried to fix the limitations of Android. Their persistence did yield results as these two brands are probably the only ones who sell tablets that can compete with iPads to some extent.
Google started focussing on optimizing Android for tablets with the resurgence of sales due to the pandemic. But even after 3 years, I don’t see any significant improvement on the OnePlus Pad. Most app developers are yet to redesign their applications for Android tablets.
Due to a lack of proper apps, you can’t do much on the OnePlus Pad compared to iPads. Basic tasks like reading, browsing, writing, and others can be even performed on much cheaper Android tablets. The true potential of the hardware remains unused.
ChromeOS could have made a difference
Google already has a great alternative to Android on tablets in ChromeOS. But it is always sidelined for some reason.
In my opinion, the OnePlus Pad could have been a stellar product with ChromeOS. I could get more work done on this Linux and Chromium-based operating system.
I used a Lenovo IdeaPad Duet Chromebook, a ChromeOS tablet, as my work machine for nearly 2 years. It was the only good affordable option in 2020 when there were limited supplies of computing products due to lockdowns.
I purchased it for ₹26,499 and it still sells for under ₹25,000. At this price, you get a kickstand case and a keyboard accessory inside the box. Lenovo now also sells a new bundle that even includes a USI stylus.
This device gives you a proper desktop-level web experience with Chrome. You can not only install Android apps but also Linux applications. I even had multiple sessions of coding on it. In fact, I also used it to install ROMs on Android smartphones.
Further, ChomeOS offers useful features like Phone Hub. It enables ecosystem benefits and works with Android smartphones from any brand. Most importantly, it is supported directly by Google for at least 5 years.
You get none of these on OnePlus Pad because of Android. Though OnePlus has promised to roll out ‘Multi-screen Connect’, which mimics some features of Phone Hub, it will be only compatible with OnePlus smartphones.
The need for premium ChromeOS tablets
One thing that OnePlus Pad got right is the performance. Though ChromeOS tablets let you do more tasks on them, they are slow. For example, the Lenovo IdeaPad Duet Chromebook I praised just now houses a 12nm MediaTek Helio P60T from 2018. This chip is paired with LPDDR4x RAM and eMMC 5.1 storage.
I couldn’t stop imagining how fast and better the OnePlus Pad would be when its excellent hardware is paired with capable ChromeOS. That would be a dream tablet for me.
Google tried a similar product called Pixel Slate way back in 2018. However, it failed to take on as it was too ahead of its time since ChromeOS was not optimized for tablets back then.
The OnePlus Pad is a good product in terms of hardware. It is software that’s stalling it. I personally don’t see any merit in buying it, except for media consumption.
If all you need is a big screen and good speakers for consuming content and don’t care about the price tag, I don’t mind recommending it. However, you could do the same for way less with the purchase of a Xiaomi Pad 5 if it’s sold in your country.
Apple’s baseline iPad and iPad Air still continue to be the best option for most people. If you want to try something new, do check out Chrome OS tablets that are available in your region.
OpenAI has announced the beta rollout of its highly anticipated ChatGPT Plus features. ChatGPT plugins are now available to subscribers, expanding the capabilities of this powerful tool. Previously limited to a select few during the alpha phase, over 70 third-party plugins are now accessible to ChatGPT Plus users.
Expanding Possibilities: Web Browsing and Third-Party Plugins Unleashed
OpenAI took to Twitter to share the news, stating, “We’re rolling out web browsing and Plugins to all ChatGPT Plus users over the next week! Moving from alpha to beta, they allow ChatGPT to access the internet and to use 70+ third-party plugins.” This update presents an exciting opportunity for users to delegate various tasks to ChatGPT, further enhancing its usefulness.
Upon subscribing to ChatGPT Plus, users will automatically gain access to the plugins, conveniently located under the “Beta Features” section in the user settings. This subscription, priced at $20 per month, grants users access to the improved ChatGPT-4 model, which, although not flawless, represents a significant upgrade over ChatGPT-3. The inclusion of over 70 third-party plugins offers a wide range of functionalities, including parsing website content, data visualization and analysis, and even language learning assistance.
While users are allowed to install as many plugins as they desire, they can only use three at a time. These plugins cater to various industries such as shopping, real estate, stocks, travel, and food, offering users a diverse set of tools. For instance, the “ndricks Sports” plugin enables users to easily find and compile relevant sports news and information.
With the ability to access the internet and utilize these plugins, ChatGPT becomes a versatile tool for a wide range of tasks. OpenAI continues to push the boundaries of AI technology, empowering users with innovative solutions.
Last month Apple opened the doors to its two offline stores in India’s Mumbai and Delhi. The Cupertino-based tech giant has three contract manufacturers in India namely Foxconn, Pegatron, and Wistron. Now according to a research firm TrendForce, Tata Group is set to become Apple’s fourth contract manufacturer following its acquisition of Taiwanese firm Wistron factory in South India.
Tata Group to manufacture iPhone 15 and 15 Plus
Apple currently has three contract manufacturers in India namely Foxconn, Pegatron, and Luxshare. Foxconn is one of the company’s oldest contract manufacturers. Taiwanese firm Wistron was set to wind down its India operations once Tata Group takes over its manufacturing plant in Karnataka. Now, the Indian conglomerate has reportedly acquired Wistron’s production line in the country. This marks Wistron’s exit from iPhone assembly business in India.
As per the report, Tata Group has received orders for the next-generation iPhone 15 and 15 Plus models that are set to debut later this year. This indicates that India will become the first wave of shipments for the new iPhone series. The research firm states that the Indian conglomerate will get a small chunk of iPhone 15 and 15 Plus production. It will only assemble 5 percent of both models. Foxconn and Luxshare will assemble 70 and 25 percent of the regular variant respectively. Luxshare and Pegatron are said to get 60 and 35 percent of assembly orders of the Plus variant respectively.
As for the iPhone 15 Pro models, Foxconn will get 70 percent of assembly orders of the Pro and Pro Max. Pegatron will get the rest of the 30 percent share of the former whereas the latter will be taken up by Luxshare.
Trendforce says that as per Apple’s patterns, new suppliers receive smaller orders for the lower-end models. This could be a pilot move and if everything goes well, Tata Group could get a higher percentage of manufacturing iPhone units next year.
India is the second-largest smartphone market. Apple has been locally producing iPhones in the country since 2017 and is also ramping up its manufacturing efforts. The company has also been witnessing growth in India. The Cupertino-based tech giant is aiming to reduce its dependency on China (due to various reasons) by shifting its production facilities to other countries.
Samsung has expanded its enterprise-focused lineup by introducing the Enterprise Editions of the Galaxy A14 (4G), Galaxy A34 5G, and Galaxy A54 5G in Australia. These new smartphones cater specifically to the needs of enterprise businesses, offering enhanced security features, specialized tools, applications, and comprehensive support. With an emphasis on data protection and device management, the devices come bundled with a one-year subscription to Samsung Knox Suite, a robust security solution that provides multi-layered protection against cyber threats, malware, and hacking attempts.
Enhanced Security and Comprehensive Support
The Galaxy A14, Galaxy A34 5G, and Galaxy A54 5G Enterprise Editions deliver a range of advanced security measures and mobile management tools. Samsung ensures timely security updates for up to five years, including major Android OS updates, to maintain the devices’ resilience against emerging threats. Additionally, businesses can benefit from remote support and a minimum of two years of availability, guaranteeing a consistent user experience across their organization. These smartphones come preloaded with the latest Android 13 operating system.
The Galaxy A14 Enterprise Edition, Galaxy A34 5G Enterprise Edition, and Galaxy A54 5G Enterprise Edition will be made available in Australia through trusted partners such as CompNow, JB Hi-Fi Commercial, and RTV Computers. The pricing for these devices ranges from AUD 329 (approximately $219) for the Galaxy A14 Enterprise Edition to AUD 699 (around $465) for the Galaxy A54 5G Enterprise Edition.
To further enhance productivity and collaboration, Samsung is offering generous additional benefits with the Galaxy A34 5G and Galaxy A54 5G Enterprise Editions. Users will have access to up to 1TB of OneDrive cloud storage and a complimentary six-month subscription to Microsoft 365 Basic. Samsung also launched Galaxy S23 and S23 Ultra Enterprise Edition in Australia two months back.
Garry McGregor, Vice President of the Mobile Experience division at Samsung Electronics Australia, emphasized Samsung’s commitment to meeting the unique requirements of diverse businesses. He stated, “At Samsung, we understand the unique needs of different businesses, and the Enterprise Editions of the Galaxy A series range demonstrate our commitment to providing them with the tools they need to succeed.”
Huaweilaunched Enjoy 60X alongside Nova 11 series last month. The Huawei Enjoy 60X is available in three storage versions: 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB. After the successful release of the 128GB and 256GB versions on April 26th, the tech giant has now made the 512GB variant available for purchase starting May 13th.
This top-tier model is priced at RMB 2299 (approximately $330) and comes in two color options: Danxia Orange and Midnight Black.
Huawei Enjoy 60X specifications
Huawei Enjoy 60X features a 6.95″ FHD+ 90Hz LCD display with a 270Hz touch sampling rate and a resolution of 2376 x 1080 pixels. The phone’s screen is protected by Kunlun Glass. The device is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 processor and runs on HarmonyOS 3. The rear camera setup includes a 50MP primary lens and a 2MP depth sensor. The front camera is an 8MP lens.
The Enjoy 60X is powered by a huge 7000mAh battery and supports 22.5W Huawei Supercharge for fast charging. Connectivity options include dual-band 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi, Bluetooth v5.0, USB Type-C, Spatial-stream Sounding MU-MIMO, and NFC.
The device also supports multiple global navigation satellite systems, including Beidou, GPS, Galileo, Glonass, QZSS, and AGPS. The phone includes Huawei Histen audio technology that supports stereo sound. The Enjoy 60X also comes with a unique “X button,” a custom feature that allows users to assign any app or task for quick access.
Samsung has released the Galaxy S23 Ultra Limited Edition bundle in Vietnam. The Galaxy S23 Ultra Limited Edition bundle includes the smartphone itself, the Galaxy Watch 5, and a 15W Wireless Charger Duo. The package is being sold at a promotional offer and no special or unique color combinations were given.
The Galaxy S23 Ultra unit in the bundle had a Phantom Black color and the Galaxy Watch 5 has a Sapphire Blue finish. The smartwatch is the Bluetooth variant and comes without LTE. The 15W Wireless Charger Duo is black. The smartphone, smartwatch, and wireless charger in the bundle are not unique offerings but come at a far cheaper price. The bundle retails in Vietnam for VND 31,990,000 ($1,363) but individually the three gadgets cumulatively cost VND 41, 130,000 ($1,753).
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra Limited Edition bundle is available until May 31 in Vietnam. The bundle is exclusively available through Shopee outlets in Vietnam. There are no Limited Edition offerings yet in other markets, but more could come in although no official Samsung announcement yet.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra Limited Edition goes official in Vietnam
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is as premium as it can be. The flagship smartphone packs lots of cutting-edge technologies and functionalities. The Galaxy S23 excellent display is one of the major talking points of the model. The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 offers longer battery life and excellent health/fitness features. The models in the bundle are set to get the next set of software upgrades later this year including One UI 6.0 and One UI 5 Watch.
The electric vehicle market continues to grow, and undoubtedly, Tesla owns a significant share of this growth. The company stands as a technological leader in the industry it entered before all its competitors. However, when it comes to sales figures, the situation is not quite the same. Looking at the reports, we see that the company ranks second in sales volumes, behind the Chinese manufacturer BYD. This situation has several reasons. Production and price are indicated as two important factors, while mistrust is also presented as a significant reason. Lastly, the company, which can’t seem to escape trouble, will recall over 1.1 million vehicles in China. Here are the details…
Over a Million Tesla vehicle Recalled in China Over Safety Concerns
China’s top market regulator has announced that Tesla will recall over 1.1 million vehicles in the country. This move comes in response to potential safety issues identified with these vehicles. The State Market Regulatory Administration (SAMR), the regulator in question, based its announcement on a plan that Tesla submitted.
Starting May 29, Tesla will begin recalling 1,104,622 cars. These vehicles were all produced between January 12, 2019, and April 24, 2023. Interestingly, this number is nearly equal to the total number of cars Tesla sold in mainland China over the last four years. According to calculations by CNN, based on data from China’s state-backed industry groups, Tesla sold around 1.09 million cars in China from 2019 until March 2023.
The recall will involve several models, including the imported Model S, Model X, Model 3, as well as the China-manufactured Model 3 and Model 6. The regulator highlighted a potential issue where drivers could “accidentally press the gas pedal for too long,” which could increase the risk of collisions and pose a “safety hazard.”
In response, Tesla has stated that it plans to make necessary adjustments or add new notification features to these recalled cars in order to lower the risk. Furthermore, in March, Tesla had already recalled over 2,600 imported Model S cars in China, as reported by SAMR. These cars had an issue where their bodies could unexpectedly open while in motion, creating safety risks for both the drivers and those in nearby vehicles.
Tesla’s Shanghai plant, which caters to most markets outside North America, remains in a state of uncertainty. It is not yet clear whether the cars sold outside mainland China from this factory will also be recalled. This adds another level of complexity for Tesla, as it attempts to navigate through regulatory hurdles in China.
In a bid to provide users with a more personalized experience, Google has introduced a new ringtone option for Pixel phone owners. With the recent update to the Sounds app, users can now enjoy a touch of smooth jazz on their devices. The update coincides with the launch of the Pixel 7a, Google’s latest smartphone offering.
A new, jazzy option for jazz lovers
Traditionally, Google has released a fresh batch of ringtones whenever a new Pixel phone hits the market. However, this time around, they decided to focus on one standout ringtone: “Kenny Gingtone.” As the name implies, this melodic ringtone channels the iconic sound of the renowned saxophonist Kenny G. It features the soothing tones of a saxophone playing smooth jazz, adding a touch of elegance to incoming calls.
To access the Sounds app and set the new ringtone, Pixel users can navigate to Settings, then Sound & Vibration, and finally Phone Ringtone. If the Sounds app has been updated to version 3.1, you will find “Kenny Gingtone” listed under Pixel Sounds.
But that’s not all that the Pixel 7a brings to the table. In addition to the new ringtone, it has also introduced a special vibration feature known as Adaptive alert vibration. Initially appearing in Android 13 QPR2 Beta 1, this feature automatically adjusts the intensity of vibrations for notifications and alarms, providing a more tailored experience for users.
With these new additions, Google continues to enhance the customization options for Pixel phone owners, allowing them to make their devices reflect their unique personalities and preferences. Whether it’s through the smooth jazz ringtone or the adaptive vibration feature, users can now enjoy a little extra flair and individuality with their Pixel smartphones.
Motorola recently launched the Edge 40 smartphone in Europe. The device comes with a MediaTek Dimensity 8020 chipset under the hood accompanied by an OIS-enabled 50MP dual camera setup. The Edge 40 is expected to arrive in other markets soon, including India.
Motorola Edge 40 Indian launch timeline
A new report from known tipster Abhishek Yadav has claimed that the Motorola Edge 40 will be launching in India later this month. The brand is expected to host a launch event for the device which could see other devices with the Edge 40. As per the report, the Indian variant of the Edge 40 will arrive in three colors including Lunar Blue, Nebula Green, and Eclipse Black.
It is worth noting that the European version of the phone is also available in a Magenta color option, which could debut in India at a later date.
Motorola Edge 40 specs
The Motorola Edge 40 5G is a high-performance smartphone with a sleek and stylish design. Its 6.55-inch Full HD+ AMOLED display delivers vibrant and crisp visuals with a resolution of 2400 × 1080 pixels. This 8-bit display is a standout feature, offering support for an impressive 144Hz refresh rate and 1200 nits of peak brightness. The phone is easy to unlock with an in-display fingerprint scanner or by using AI face recognition technology.
One of the key highlights of this phone is its dual-camera setup, which comprises a 50MP primary sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS) and an f/1.4 aperture, the widest in any phone in the same category. The camera setup also features a 13MP ultra-wide sensor that doubles up as a macro camera. Meanwhile, the 32MP front camera sensor delivers high-quality selfies.
The Motorola Edge 40 5G is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 8020 SoC with a Mali G77 GPU, ensuring smooth and efficient performance. The phone comes with 8GB of LPDDR4x RAM and 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage, providing ample space for all your files, documents, and multimedia content. The phone runs on the latest Android 13 operating system with a layer of MyUx 5 on top.
The 4600mAh battery is a massive plus point, providing long-lasting usage with support for 68W TurboPower fast charging, 15W wireless charging, and 5W reverse wireless charging. The phone has a lightweight design, weighing only 170 grams and measuring 158.43 × 71.99 × 7.58mm.
The dual speaker setup with Dolby Atmos audio delivers an immersive audio experience, while the phone’s connectivity options include Bluetooth 5.2, Wi-Fi 802.11ax, GPS, and more.
Apple’s highly anticipated mixed-reality headset, the Reality Pro, is generating excitement among fans as the company prepares for its annual developer conference WWDC 2023. However, according to recent reports from The Wall Street Journal, Apple is facing production challenges that may impact the launch and availability of the device.
Credit: Ahmed Chenni, Freelancer.com
Reality Pro: A revolutionary leap into mixed reality amidst potential production challenges
Despite being in development for seven years, Apple is reportedly experiencing difficulties bringing the Reality Pro headset to market. The supply chain sources cited in the WSJ article suggest that most consumers may not be able to purchase the headset until the fall, marking a significant delay compared to Apple’s usual product release timeline.
This change in approach is unusual for Apple, which typically refrains from discussing new products until they are ready for shipment. However, with years of investment in development and a determination to move forward, Apple CEO Tim Cook is pushing for a release, even if it means compromising on perfection.
While Apple is striving to expedite the launch, some internal concerns have been raised regarding software integration, production challenges, and market readiness. These concerns have led to questions about potential delays in the rollout.
The report also confirms previous rumors that the Reality Pro headset will be accompanied by a separate battery pack, which is expected to be compact in size. This is a departure from Apple’s usual approach of integrating components seamlessly within their devices.
Due to manufacturing delays, mass production of the Reality Pro headset is projected to commence in September, with estimated shipments of 200,000 to 300,000 units for this year, as predicted by Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. Although these numbers are significantly lower than initial expectations, reports indicate that the headset will come with a hefty price tag of $3,000 at launch.
Vivo is expected to launch the Vivo S17 series smartphones in China soon. The lineup comprising of S17, S17, and S17e have bagged multiple certifications in the past. The S17e has already been spotted on Geekbench, 3C, and Google Play Supported Devices. Now, ahead of the official launch, the device was listed on the brand’s official website along with key specifications and pricing. It was spotted by a reliable Chinese tipster Digital Chat Station and shared on the microblogging platform Weibo.
Vivo S17e accidentally listed on official website
The official listing of the Vivo S17e seems to be accidental and it has now been deleted. DCS has revealed the entire specifications of the smartphone in a Weibo post. It features a 6.78-inch OLED display bearing an FHD+ resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. The image of the phone reveals that it has a curved screen and a center-aligned punch-hole cutout. On the imaging front, the Vivo S17e is said to have a 64MP main camera paired with a 2MP secondary lens.
As per DCS, under the hood, the Vivo S17e is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 7200 SoC. It is offered in three RAM and storage configurations i.e. 8GB + 128GB, 8GB + 256GB, and 12GB + 256GB. The smartphone is reported to be backed by a 4,600mAh battery unit with support for 80W charging.
The Vivo S17e’s listing on the official website revealed a price tag of RMB 2,499 (~$353). We assume this could be for the base configuration.
Huawei continues to expand its product family. The company, which has been experiencing difficult days in the smartphone market for a while, compensates for the losses in this sector in other industries. As a result, last week, the company introduced computer models such as MateBook X Pro and MateBook 16S to the global market at an event held in Germany. However, Huawei’s plans are not limited to this. The Intel i7 processor-powered 2-in-1 laptop, Huawei MateBook E 2023, has emerged. Here are the details…
Huawei’s New MateBook E 2023 Launching on May 18
Huawei is preparing to refresh the MateBook E 2-in-1 laptop model, which first appeared in 2021. The product, which has remained quiet for two years, will make a comeback at an event scheduled for May 18. The 2-in-1 laptop continues in a similar design direction, but it offers a serious leap in performance.
The MateBook E 2023 represents a true powerhouse in performance, delivering an impressive 50% performance boost compared to its predecessor. This substantial increase in performance can be attributed to the Intel i7-1260U processor and an innovative cooling system, ensuring the device maintains optimal performance even under intensive use. The device will be available in two versions: one equipped with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, and the other with the same RAM but a larger 1TB storage capacity.
A standout feature of the new MateBook E is its detachable keyboard that includes a built-in battery. This innovative design not only ensures the functionality of the keyboard but also extends the overall battery life of the device, facilitating longer periods of uninterrupted work or entertainment.
In line with the needs of today’s tech-savvy users, the MateBook E 2023 offers several connectivity features. It includes dual Type-C ports and supports Thunderbolt 4, providing rapid data transfer and charging capabilities. A stunning 120Hz screen is also part of the package, delivering an immersive viewing experience. The MateBook E 2023 runs on HarmonyOS and features unique elements like the Super Terminal, Mobile Engine 2.0, and Super Transfer Station.
The predecessor of this model, the MateBook E, was equipped with an 11th generation Core processor, a 12.6-inch OLED full-screen, an i5 + 8GB + 256GB + keyboard configuration, and was launched at a price of 5999 yuan. However, due to inflation and rising costs, the new model is expected to be slightly more expensive. Nonetheless, we should wait to discuss the price until the product launch event scheduled for May 18.
Specification
Huawei MateBook E 2023
Processor
Intel i7-1260U
RAM
16GB
Storage
512GB / 1TB
Display
12.6″ OLED 120Hz
Connectivity
Dual Type-C, Thunderbolt 4
Keyboard
Detachable with built-in battery
Operating System
HarmonyOS
Special Features
Super Terminal, Mobile Engine 2.0, Super Transfer Station, Distributed Communication
Huawei has announced the Watch 4 series recently alongside Mate X3 and P60 Pro. The device is slated for the official global release in June, and Chinese release on May 18th. Huawei’s Watch 4 series has been revealed in an early hands-on video leak. This video provides a detailed look at the new smartwatch’s design, including both Pro and non-Pro variants.
The leaked footage first showcases the Huawei Watch 4 Pro from a side view, offering a clear look at its functional button and rotating crown. Despite its slightly thicker profile compared to its predecessor, the watch has a robust and solid feel. Contrasting to the images presented at the initial launch event, this hands-on reveals a wider watch face with slimmed-down bezels on all sides.
One of the standout features is the bright display, which offers clear visibility, even at a glance. The new variant also appears to sport a brand-new spherical glass that’s slightly curved. The strap, made of two different materials, including nylon, adds to the overall design aesthetics.
The smaller version of the Watch 4 series also gets some screen time. This model appears to be more female-friendly with a shiny frame, hinting at the use of stainless steel. It closely resembles the Huawei Watch GT 3 Elegant edition but with some differences, including its strap – a crisp, white leather band.
Huawei Watch 4 series specifications
The Huawei Watch 4 series is distinguished by three unique versions, each coming with a different strap: black fluoroelastomer, titanium alloy, and brown leather. The series highlight, the Watch 4 Pro, touts a 48mm titanium case, and a 1.5-inch LTPO AMOLED display shielded by sapphire glass, all in a lightweight design of merely 48 grams. The slightly smaller Watch 4 comes with a 46mm stainless steel case. Both models ensure seamless communication with an integrated microphone and speaker, Bluetooth calling, and e-SIM support.
The Watch 4 Pro incorporates Huawei’s TruSeen 5.0 technology, delivering health monitoring functions like arterial stiffness detection, skin temperature detection, ECG, SpO2 monitoring, heart rate monitoring, and TruSleep tracking. Both the Pro and regular versions have a “One-minute seven-point health overview” feature, summarizing seven crucial health metrics for quick review in the Huawei Health App.
In addition to eSIM compatibility and built-in GPS, these watches offer practical modes for golf driving range and free diving. They are water-resistant up to 5ATM and have substantial battery lives, with the Pro version lasting up to 4.5 or 21 days in ultra-long battery life mode, and the regular Watch 4 up to 3 or 14 days, respectively.
Realme is set to launch the Narzo N53 smartphone in India on May 18th. Now ahead of the launch next week, the microsite of the upcoming offering has revealed some key specifications. We already had a look at the phone’s back panel design. It is touted to be the slimmest Realme smartphone.
— realme narzo India (@realmenarzoIN) May 12, 2023
As per the latest teaser, the Realme Narzo N53 is confirmed to be backed by a 5,000mAh battery unit with support for 33W fast charging via a USB-C port. It is claimed to top up 50 percent in just 34 minutes. The device will come with a over-temperature protection. The upcoming offering is also teased to feature a 50MP primary camera paired with a secondary lens and an LED flash.
— realme narzo India (@realmenarzoIN) May 13, 2023
As per past teasers, the Narzo N53 will flaunt a design similar to the Pro models of the past-generation iPhones. The back panel is said to feature Gold filament coating and a California Sunshine design. The volume rocker and power buttons are located on the right side with the latter also doubling up as a fingerprint scanner. On the front, the device is confirmed to have a waterdrop notch. The Realme Narzo N53 will be 7.49mm thin.
The rest of the core specifications of the Realme N53 remain unknown. Leaks suggest that the smartphone will come in 4GB + 64GB and 6GB + 128GB RAM and storage configurations. It will pack up to 16GB of dynamic virtual RAM. The upcoming offering is expected to be available in a Gold and Black colour option.
We expect Realme to reveal some more details about the Narzo N53 in the days leading up to the launch event.
Vivo’s sub-brand iQOO is set to enter the tablet market with its first-ever tablet device, the iQOO Pad. While an official launch date has not been confirmed, recent leaks have revealed exciting specifications.
The model number “PA2373” from Vivo appeared on the 3C Certification site, strongly suggesting that it belongs to the upcoming iQOO Pad. The certification explicitly identifies this model as a tablet computer, adding to the anticipation surrounding its release.
The iQOO Pad will come with Vivo’s 44W FlashCharge adapter, model number V4440L0B1-CN. This charger offers multiple charging modes, including a standard 10W option, an 18W fast charging mode, and an impressive 44W rapid charging capability.
Vivo Pad2
iQOO Pad specifications (rumored)
While the certification didn’t reveal much beyond the charging details, previous leaks, and rumors have provided further insight. It is believed that the iQOO Pad will be a rebranded version of the Vivo Pad2, featuring a modified chipset. The iQOO Pad will feature the Dimensity 9000+ chipset, an overclocked variant of the Dimensity 9000.
Manufactured using TSMC’s 4nm process, the Dimensity 9000+ chipset offers a powerful configuration. It includes a high-performance Cortex-X2 Ultra Core clocked at 3.2GHz, three Cortex-A710 Performance Cores clocked at 2.85GHz for multitasking, and four energy-efficient Cortex-A510 cores clocked at 2.0GHz. The Mali-G710 MC10 GPU will handle graphics processing, ensuring excellent visual performance.
The iQOO Pad is expected to sport a large 12.1-inch LCD display with a smooth 144Hz refresh rate and a sharp 2.8K resolution. The rear camera setup will consist of a 13MP primary lens and a 2MP macro lens, while the front-facing camera will be 8MP for selfies. Powering the tablet will be a robust 10000mAh battery, offering extended usage without frequent recharging.
The highly anticipated iQOO Pad is expected to make its debut on May 23. The company will also launchNeo 8 series on the same date. Stay tuned for further updates as the official launch date approaches.
Marketing and advertising are quite important for smartphone manufacturers. These strategies are often implemented to highlight the key features of the device and to appeal to the target audience, directly influencing sales. However, in some instances, some brands make “wrong” decisions, attempting to deceive consumers with their marketing methods. Unfortunately, the latest example of this occurred with Samsung. The company, which launched the Galaxy A24 model in Malaysia, lied by promoting a phone with 8GB of RAM as though it had 16GB. Here are the details…
The Story Behind the ‘Fake’ 16GB RAM Deception on Galaxy A24
Samsung is doing everything it can to boost sales of the Galaxy A24, which it recently launched in Malaysia. However, it seems that the features of this $200 phone are not enough for the company. Therefore, it’s attempting to present the virtual RAM feature differently to consumers. In marketing materials, the phone, which has 8GB of real and 8GB of virtual RAM, is shown as having 16GB of RAM. Unfortunately, this tends to increase people’s expectations of the device and has a tendency to mislead consumers.
Despite Samsung being a long-standing leader in the smartphone market, its position is not guaranteed. Therefore, it must constantly introduce new products and increase both its sales and profitability by marketing them correctly. Regrettably, it should also refrain from telling falsehoods in the process. Of course, the word “lie” in this scenario is somewhat strong.
Because technically, with the RAM Plus software, you can indeed convert some of the storage space into virtual RAM. However, this does not justify marketing the Galaxy A24 in such a manner. Moreover, this is unfair to the device, which comes with decent technical specifications for its price.
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