GMK M2 mini host with Core i7-11390H processor unveiled in China starting at 1,299 yuan ($187)

By

-

May 12, 2023

GMK has unveiled the new M2 mini host in China. The GMK M2 mini host is a compact and powerful mini-PC that is powered by a Core i7-11390H processor based on Intel’s 10nm process, which has two 4-core, eight-thread processors. This should provide excellent performance for various computing tasks, including running demanding software like Adobe Family Bucket.

The processor’s turbo frequency is up to 5GHz, and it has a 12 MB L3 cache memory. The mini host also features a core display of 96EU 1.4GHz, which should provide decent graphics performance.

One of the most notable features of the GMK M2 mini host is its compact size. According to GMK’s official statement, the mini host has a volume that is 40 times smaller than a desktop. This makes it an excellent choice for those who want a powerful computing solution without taking up too much desk space.

However, as mentioned earlier, there are still some important details missing from the official announcement. For example, we don’t know much about the device’s software architecture, connectivity options, or other key performance metrics. These factors can significantly impact the user experience and determine the device’s compatibility with various applications and peripherals.

GMK M2 mini host will go on sale on May 16 for 1299 Yuan ($187)

It’s also unclear if GMK plans to release the M2 mini host in international markets or limit its availability to China. Hopefully, we will get more information from GMK soon.

RELATED:

Microsoft Faces Gamers’ Lawsuit Over Activision Blizzard Acquisition

By

Oğuz Çakır

-

May 12, 2023

Microsoft continues to invest heavily in the gaming industry without slowing down. One of the most concrete examples of this is the Activision Blizzard deal announced last year. The tech giant acquired the developer of games such as Call of Duty and World of Warcraft for $68.7 billion. However, despite the fortune paid, things are not going as Microsoft had hoped. With this investment, the company has become a target for competition authorities in many different countries and recently defended the Activision deal in a gamers’ lawsuit in a US court. Here are the details…

Microsoft to defend Activision deal in gamers’ lawsuit in US court

Microsoft is defending its $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard in a US federal court today, facing a lawsuit from video gamers who claim the deal will harm industry competition. If completed, the deal would become the largest-ever in the gaming industry. It is even possible to say that the $68.7 billion agreement would be one of the most expensive deals of all time. However, nothing is finalized yet. US District Judge Jacqueline Corley will decide whether to issue a preliminary injunction to halt the acquisition.

In its simplest defense, Microsoft argues that the deal will benefit gamers and has requested the judge to deny the injunction. But do the gamers’ concerns reflect the truth? Looking at Microsoft’s past, we see that they release games on both consoles and PCs. However, we also see that the console is exclusively Xbox, leaving PlayStation out. While this may have been natural before, the acquisition of Activision Blizzard could change that.

People are worried about the possibility of games like Call of Duty being excluded from these platforms. Yet, the company claims there is nothing to fear and that such a move would lead them to bankruptcy. Still, it seems impossible to say anything for certain. Fortunately, the company’s hands are tied for now, no matter what their plans may be. Lawsuits are ongoing in many countries such as the US, EU, and UK, and they do not appear to be ending anytime soon.

RELATED:

(via)

Honda EM1 E electric scooter with 45km/h top speed and 48km range announced

By

Jed John Ikoba

-

May 12, 2023

Honda is entering the e-mobility market with the release of the EM1 E electric motorcycle. It is said to be the Japanese automaker’s first production electric motorcycle. It comes a year after the company announced plans to deliver 10 different electric two-wheeler models by 2025.

The Honda EM1 E is the first electric moped by Honda. It has a 1.7kW motor that delivers a maximum torque of 90Nm and a top speed of 45km/h. The EM1 E will square up against the Yamaha Neo e-scooter unveiled in 2022.

Honda EM1 e electric scooter is a electric version of its 50cc ICE bikes

The Honda EM1 E comes with Honda’s self-developed removable Lithium Ion battery called Honda Mobile Power Pack e. In the base mode of econ, the bike delivers a riding range of 48km. However, the company says that a 30km was reported during WMTC Class 1 testing. As per charging speed, the e-scooter can charge from 0 to 50% in 2 hours. You can fully recharge the Honda EM1 E in 6 hours.

Honda plans to sell the bike via lease purchase with 3 color variants available. These are hues of white, silver, and black. The bike comes with front disc and rear drum brakes. The suspension system consists of telescopic forks and twin shocks at the rear.

There is no official release date for the new e-bike but we expect this to be later this year. Pricing information for the new Honda e-bike is lacking at this time. It is expected that the bike will come with an affordable and competitive price tag.

RELATED:

(via)

Nubia Z60 Fold to Launch Soon as the Brand’s First Foldable, early Details Emerge

By

Anurag

-

May 12, 2023

Most major brands have already launched foldable smartphones, and the remaining ones are expected to join soon. The only prominent exception to this is Apple, as there is no news on an upcoming “iFold.” However, we may soon have a new entrant from China called Nubia. The company hasn’t made any official announcement yet, but early details of a smartphone dubbed Nubia Z60 Fold have emerged online, hinting at an imminent release.

Nubia Z60 Fold Key Specifications, Variants, and Launch Details

Pricebaba has managed to get hold of some interesting details about the alleged Nubia foldable. The smartphone is claimed to be called the Nubia Z60 Fold with the NX801J model number. The outlet claims the new foldable will be launched in Q4 of 2023 and be sold in at least three color variants. However, there’s no specific date available yet.

According to the outlet, the Nubia Z60 Fold will flaunt a 7.3-inch AMOLED foldable display. Judging from the display size, we can expect the device to be a book-style foldable resembling the Galaxy Z Fold 4. However, the specifications of the cover display are not known at the moment. The phone could be powered by a Snapdragon 8 series chipset, likely to be the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 or Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1. The chipset will be paired with 12GB of RAM.

The Nubia Z60 Fold is said to be available in two storage variants with 256GB and 512GB internal storage. Fueled by a 5,000mAh battery, the device is expected to support 100W wired charging. It might also bring support for wireless charging. Further details about the device are not known. We hope to learn more in the coming days. While you’re here, you might want to check out the Google Pixel Fold, which was unveiled only recently.

RELATED:

(Source)

Vivo S17 Pro appears on 3C certification with upgraded charging

By

Sudhanshu

-

May 12, 2023

Vivo is working on its mid-range S17 series which it plans to launch soon in China. Like last year, the S17 series will have three models including S17, S17 Pro, and the S17e. We recently covered a report that revealed the charging specifications of the Vivo S17. Now, the S17 Pro model has emerged online on the 3C certification website.

Vivo S17 Pro gets improved fast charging

Ahead of the expected June 1 launch, the Vivo S17 Pro has appeared on the 3C certification database with model number V2284A. The listing reveals that the device will feature 80W fast charging.

Compared to the 66W fast charging of the last-gen Vivo S16 Pro, it is quite an improvement. Previously, a Geekbench listing revealed some details about the S17e. It mentions that the device will feature a Dimensity 7200 chipset that has a max clock speed of 2.8GHz and a base clock speed of 2.0GHz. It has

Further information about the Vivo S17 series has been leaked, indicating that it will come with a triple-camera setup at the back. The primary camera is set to feature a 50MP Sony IMX766V sensor and will also support optical image stabilization (OIS). Alongside the primary camera, the phone is expected to have an 8MP ultra-wide camera and a 12MP Sony IMX663 portrait telephoto camera with 2x optical zoom capabilities.

The phone will feature a curved AMOLED display with a 1.5K resolution and is likely to support a 120Hz refresh rate. However, specific details regarding the screen size and other features of the phone have not yet been revealed.

RELATED:

(via)

Swelling Surprises: iPhones Facing Battery Swelling Within Six Months of Purchase

By

Oğuz Çakır

-

May 12, 2023

Stability is likely one of the most important aspects for Apple. Instead of integrating the latest technologies when releasing a new product, the company provides users with features that have been on the market for some time but are now much more advanced. Although this approach is criticized by some users, it instills a sense of confidence in many because it helps prevent new systems from causing problems and negatively impacting the user experience. However, Apple cannot completely eliminate issues. According to recent reports, severe battery swelling issues have been reported in the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 Pro within six months of purchase.

Severe Battery Swelling Issues Reported in iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 Pro Within Six Months of Purchase

Recently, some iPhone users reported severe battery swelling issues on the internet. They expressed concerns about the quality of the batteries in certain iPhone models, specifically the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 Pro. These users claim that the issue arose despite normal usage of their devices. One user, who purchased an iPhone 14 Pro in December last year, stated that the Apple battery quality issue led to significant swelling.

The swelling was so severe that it forced the screen to pry open. Despite this, Apple’s customer support allegedly refused to address the problem with a responsible attitude. The user reportedly called Apple’s technical support three times. A senior advisor initially promised to replace the device if the battery issue was proven to be a quality problem, but later changed their stance and denied the promise.

Photos shared by users show the screen of the affected iPhone 14 Pro protruding, presumably due to the swollen battery. It’s worth noting that other iPhone 14 Pro users have also encountered battery swelling issues. However, when they sent their devices to Apple’s customer support, the company rejected the complaints and returned the devices.

Surprisingly, upon return, the battery swelling issue had disappeared, but the battery was displayed as an “unknown component.” The user suspects that Apple replaced the original battery without acknowledging the repair. According to the claims, this is not an isolated case of iPhone batteries swelling.

However, it cannot be ruled out that the battery swelling issues may have been caused by users placing their phones in high-temperature environments or charging them under high-temperature conditions. Further investigation is required to determine the root cause of these problems and whether they are indeed due to manufacturing defects or user habits.

RELATED:

(source)

Indian electronics manufacturer Videomax launches its own consumer brand for audio and wearables

By

Anurag

-

May 12, 2023

Videomax (VMI) is a manufacturer that works behind the scenes for many established Indian brands. While it may not be a household name among general consumers, the company has now announced the launch of its own brand, Skyball. This new brand will offer a range of products, including home audio systems, smart accessories, and other consumer electronics.

Videomax to invest crores in its first consumer brand

VMI has launched Skyball with a focus on home audio, wearable devices, and smart accessories. The company plans to invest Rs. 100 crores in the next three years to grow the venture, with the goal of achieving a turnover of INR 500 crore during that period. For this year, Skyball is targeting a turnover of INR 100 crore.

Skyball’s first product lineup is almost here (launch later this month), and it’s all about Home Audio. It includes party speakers, tower speakers, Bluetooth speakers, soundbars, and more. In addition, Skyball is also planning to release several smartwatches in June 2023. They’ll be starting online and then spreading to stores all across India.

While concrete details about the wearables are not known, the press release reads they include the latest technology and health-centric features, such as fitness tracking, heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, built-in GPS, and more. The watches are claimed to arrive with a sleek and stylish design.

Skyball aims to provide customers with a robust experience, and to achieve that goal, it has established a strong installation and after-sales team comprising over 500 service centers across 450+ cities in India. In the first quarter, the company will concentrate on establishing its online presence through strategic partnerships with major e-commerce firms like Amazon. Later on, it will shift the focus to building an offline presence and reinforcing the distribution and dealer network in Tier-II and Tier-III markets.

RELATED:

Apple Expands Its Online Store to Vietnam, Offering Official Access to Apple Products and Services

By

Oğuz Çakır

-

May 12, 2023

Apple is one of the world’s most valuable companies. However, it does not officially operate in every country. In some countries, it only has digital stores, while in others, it does not have a presence at all. Nevertheless, the company is doing its best to change this and is continuing its efforts. A while ago, Apple took a critical step in this regard by opening its first physical stores in India. Now, Apple is expanding its online store to Vietnam. Here are the details…

Apple expanding its online store to Vietnam on Thursday, May 18th

Apple fans in Vietnam have been eagerly waiting for the company to actively operate in their country. The tech giant has finally announced the official launch date. Accordingly, the Apple Store will officially launch online in Vietnam next week on Thursday, May 18th. Deirdre O’Brien, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Retail, expressed her excitement and pride in the expansion, stating:

““We’re proud to be expanding in Vietnam, and excited to bring our exceptional care and support to customers with the launch of the Apple Store online,” said Deirdre O’Brien, Apple’s senior vice president of Retail. “With the online store, customers in Vietnam will now be able to explore our incredible lineup of products and services, connect with our knowledgeable experts, and experience the best of Apple like never before.”

The company’s official statement on the matter is as follows:

“The Apple Store online will provide customers with the exceptional service and personalized support offered in Apple Store locations around the world, delivered by specialists who are ready to share their expertise in Vietnamese. The Apple Store online offers a seamless experience for customers to shop for Apple products in both Vietnamese and English. Customers can shop with a Specialist, browse the latest products, explore new features, and learn about switching to iOS”

RELATED:

(via)

Official-looking Motorola Razr 40 Ultra renders emerge ahead of launch, color options revealed

By

Sudhanshu

-

May 12, 2023

Motorola plans to launch a couple of new flip phones for the global market called the Motorola Razr 40 and the Razr 40 Ultra. These devices are expected to debut soon as multiple leaks have revealed many details like the specs and design of these devices. Now, popular tipster Evan Blass has tweeted out official-looking renders of the Motorola Razr 40 Ultra.

Motorola Razr 40 Ultra design

Motorola is set to release its latest smartphone, the Razr 40 Ultra, which is expected to feature significant upgrades from its predecessor. One of the most striking changes is the device’s outer display, which is expected to be the largest seen on any clamshell folding phone to date, measuring around 3.4-3.6 inches tall.

The Razr 40 Ultra’s outer shell is designed with cutouts at the corners for the dual-camera setup and an LED flash module. The inside of the device features a tall foldable display with a hole-punch cutout at the top center, surrounded by fairly narrow bezels. It also features antenna lines on the curved frame, which indicates the use of metal, while the power and volume buttons are on the right edge. Meanwhile, the bottom edge contains cutouts for the USB Type-C port, the speaker grille, and one of the two visible microphones.

Motorola Razr 40 Ultra specs

Motorola will launch the Razr 40 Ultra in three colors: Barberry, Black, and Blue. Leaks suggest that the phone will have an AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a resolution of 2640×1080 pixels. There are also rumors that the device’s foldable display may support a refresh rate of up to 144Hz or 165Hz.

Under the hood, the Razr 40 Ultra will be powered by a Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 SoC and will come with at least 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. The device will also have a 3,640mAh battery with 33W fast charging support. Its camera setup is also noteworthy, with a 12MP main Sony IMX563 sensor, a 13MP SK Hynix Hi1336 ultra-wide sensor, and a 32MP selfie camera.

RELATED:

BoAT Leads India’s Wearable Market in 1Q23, with brands like Oppo and Samsung Nowhere close

By

Anurag

-

May 12, 2023

Although smartphones are not showing any signs of recovery in 2023, the wearable market continues to grow, especially in India. According to a report, the country recorded a robust 80.9% year-over-year growth in the first quarter of 2023, with 25.1 million wearable units shipped. Much of this growth can be attributed to the home-grown brand BoAT, which has managed to be on top in terms of sales, surpassing the behemoths like of OnePlus, Oppo, and Samsung. Here are the details.

BoAT maintains the Top Place with a 25.6% share

According to the latest IDC report, India shipped a whopping 25.1 million wearables in the first quarter of 2023, which is a massive 80.9% more compared to the same period last year. However, the numbers stayed the same compared to the previous quarter. Category-wise, smartwatches gained more popularity with a 41.4% share, registering a massive jump from 26.8% a year ago. Hearables also saw a huge increase in sales, with a 48.5% year-over-year growth.

BoAT’s boat is riding steadily in the tides of growth. The company managed to be the top dog in the country with a 25.6% share. The home-grown brand has been witnessing impressive growth, with a crazy 102.4% year-over-year increase. The company is majorly dominating in the TWS (True Wireless Stereo) segment, with a massive 30.6% share, which is an impressive 81.9% more compared to last year.

After BoAT, Fire–Bolt has the second spot in the Indian wearable market with a 12.4% share in 1Q23. Big names from China— Oppo and OnePlus— share the fifth position with a 4.7% share and declining shipments with – 5.8% in 1Q23. Samsung is nowhere in sight and the reason could be the brand’s more expensive lineup of wearables.

RELATED:

(Source)

BYD’s Han Leads the Charge: The Integration of DNP System and Advanced Autonomous Driving

By

Oğuz Çakır

-

May 12, 2023

BYD, the world’s largest electric vehicle manufacturer, is constantly expanding its product lineup. The company aims to reach more customers and increase profitability by focusing on various models. However, the company is not only increasing the number of models but also improving the smart features in their vehicles. In line with this strategy, BYD is set to launch its advanced autonomous driving system with the new “Han” as the first vehicle to feature it. Here are the details…

The DNP System and Its Integration in the BYD “Han” Model

The new driver assistance system, named DNP, is expected to be introduced in the Han series of vehicles in the third quarter of this year, followed by select Tang and Song models. The advanced autonomous driving solution will be built on the Horizon Journey 5 platform, equipped with 11V5R sensors.

The autonomous driver assistance system will support navigation-assisted driving on highways and expressways and may also upgrade some urban road driving assistance features. The new vehicle is expected to include features such as Magic Carpet suspension and reverse tracking. These enhancements aim to improve vehicle safety and efficiency, making driving more comfortable and convenient for users.

Higher-end models such as Tengshi, F-brand, and Yangwang have already planned or announced the integration of advanced intelligent driving features, including urban NOA. Over the past year, BYD has collaborated with numerous leading technology companies in areas such as computing platforms and software algorithms. BYD has confirmed that its Dynasty and Ocean series will adopt Nvidia’s Drive Orin computing platform to increase research and development in intelligent automation.

The Future of Autonomous Driving with Nvidia Drive Orin

The Nvidia Drive Orin SoC can provide power support for autonomous driving functions, confidence views, digital clusters, and AI-driven cockpits. With the Drive Orin product line, developers only need to build, expand, and leverage a single development investment across the entire fleet to upgrade from L2+ level systems to L5 level fully autonomous driving systems. This innovation marks a significant step forward for BYD and the automotive industry as a whole, as advanced driver assistance systems continue to improve vehicle safety and efficiency.

RELATED:

(source)

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 protective case leak hints at its design

By

Sean

-

May 12, 2023

Samsung is preparing to launch its latest generation of foldable smartphones in the market soon. But prior to its official release, there have been a number of rumors and reports regarding the new phones. And now, the latest leak hints at the design of the Galaxy Z Fold 5 model after images of its unreleased protective case surfaced online.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 to launch with new hinge & improved cameras

According to a new report, the South Korean tech giant’s Galaxy Z Fold 5 model’s protective case was leaked by a Chinese blogger. This leak shares live images of the protective case. Looking at these images, we can see that the device will feature a long oval camera module based on the cutout. Meanwhile, there is also space for the front facing cover display that is expected to be a 6.2 inch AMOLED panel that supports 120Hz refresh rate.

Based on what we know so far, the Galaxy Z Fold 5 will sport a tall 7.6 inch primary foldable AMOLED display that supports QHD+ resolution and 120Hz refresh rate. Both panels will also featuer Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for added protection. Under the hood, the smartphone will likely be equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC that will be paired with 12GB of RAM and up to 1TB of storage.

The rear is expected to feature a triple camera setup that will consists of a 50 megapixel primary sensor, a 12 megapixel ultra wide angle lens, and a 10 megapixel telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom. Meanwhile the front is believed to house a 12 megapixel selfie camera. In our previous reports, we know that the Galaxy Z Fold 5 will feature a new and improved hinge mechanism and even had its design renders leaked as well.

RELATED:

Upcoming Smartphones: Oppo F23 5G, HTC U23 Pro, and more

By

Sudarshan Ravichandran

-

May 12, 2023

It doesn’t look like new smartphone releases will stop anytime soon. Four brands have officially confirmed to debut new phones in the next few days.

The brands we are talking about are Oppo, Realme, Redmi, Lava, and HTC. The first four companies will announce products in India.

Both Realme and Redmi have confirmed to unveil budget models, while Oppo and Lava have revealed to take wraps off mid-range devices. On the other hand, HTC will release an upper mid-range phone with Viverse support.

Let’s check out these handsets one by one.

Upcoming Smartphones Next Week

Prev Next

1. Oppo F23 5G

The Oppo F23 5G is set to launch in India on May 15 (Monday). The device is said to cost ₹23,999 and will be available for purchase from May 18.

Going by the teasers and leaks, the phone will be a rebranded Oppo A98 5G that recently went official in Malaysia. Thus, it should arrive with features, such as a 120Hz FHD+ display (LCD), Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 SoC, a 40x microlens camera, and 67W fast charging support.

Since there was no F21, the F23 can be regarded as the successor of the 4G-only F19 with an AMOLED display. However, the newer handset will cost as much as the F21 Pro released last year.

2. Lava Agni 2 5G

The Lava Agni 2 5G will be launched in India on May 16 (Tuesday) at 12 PM IST. According to leaks and teaers, the successor of Agni will offer upgrades in multiple categories.

It will be one of the few handsets in the sub-₹25,000 price segment with a curved display. It will be powered by the newly announced MediaTek Dimensity 7050 chipset.

Interesingly, it will flaunt a circular camera island like premium smartphones and the back panel will be even made of glass.

3. Realme Narzo N53

Realme

The Realme Narzo N53 is scheduled to launch in India on May 18 (Thursday) at 12 PM IST. Not much is known about this product, except for its design.

As per the official renders, the device will look like an iPhone Pro model. The brand claims that it will be its thinnest smartphone to date.

The handset is expected to come with a waterdrop notch and 33W fast charging support. Finally, it will be available in gold and black color options.

4. HTC U23 Pro

The HTC U23 Pro will be unveiled on May 18 (Thursday). It will be the first smartphone directly from the Taiwanese company after a long while.

But unfortunately, as per leaks, it could be an ODM product since it will sport a generic design mimicking Samsung’s Galaxy S Ultra lineup. The main highlights of the device will be support for HTC’s metaverse platform Viverse and a Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 chipset.

Other expected features include a 108MP primary camera, a 120Hz centered punch-hole AMOLED display, a 4,500mAh battery, and wireless charging support.

5. Redmi A2 Series

The Redmi A2 series is confirmed to launch in India on May 19 (Friday) at 11 AM IST. Usually, Xiaomi events take place at 12 PM IST in the country but this one will begin an hour earlier.

Since the Redmi A2 lineup is already official in some markets, we know everything about it. Just like its predecessor, the series includes two models, namely Redmi A2 and Redmi A2 Plus. The latter has a fingerprint sensor, which is the only difference between them.

The phones offer an HD+ display, MediaTek Helio G36 chip, 8MP rear camera, 5MP front-facing camera, 5,000mAh battery, and 10W charging support.

RELATED:

OPPO Reno 10 Series Bags IMDA, TDRA Certifications Hinting At An Imminent Launch

By

Viraj Gawde

-

May 12, 2023

OPPO is reportedly working on the Reno 10 series. The lineup is expected to consist of standard, pro, and pro+ models. The smartphones have been doing the rounds on the internet since last month. The Reno 10 Pro+ has been spotted in leaked hands-on image, Geekbench, and the BIS certification website. Now the Reno 10 phones have appeared on Singapore’s IMDA and UAE’s TDRA certification websites.

OPPO Reno 10 trio spotted on IMDA, TDRA certification websites

Three OPPO phones have bagged IMDA certification in Singapore. These are the OPPO Reno 10 Pro+ with model number CPH2521, Reno 10 Pro with CPH2525, and Reno 10 5G with CPH2531. The listings reveal LTE, 5G, Bluetooth, WiFi, NFC, and GPS connectivity options. Meanwhile, only the Reno 10 Pro+ and Reno 10 Pro with the same model numbers have passed the TDRA certification in UAE.

Both certification listings don’t reveal any key specifications of the Reno 10 trio. However, they do suggest an imminent launch of the smartphones.

OPPO Reno 10 Pro and Pro+ TDRA certification

As per the leaked renders and the leaked hands-on image, the OPPO Reno 10 lineup is expected to sport the same design with a pill-shaped protruding rear camera module. The device has a slim form factor. As for the core specifications, the Reno 10 Pro+ is tipped to be powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 SoC whereas the Reno 10 Pro and 10 5G are expected to be equipped with MediaTek Dimensity 8200 and Snapdragon 778G chipsets respectively.

The OPPO Reno 10 series will arrive as the successor to the last year’s Reno 9 lineup which did not make its way outside China.

Related:

Via

Lava AGNI 2 5G To Launch In India On May 16, Key Features Teased

By

Viraj Gawde

-

May 12, 2023

Lava has officially announced the launch date of the AGNI 2 5G smartphone in India. It is set to debut in the country on May 16th at 12 noon. The event will be live-streamed on the brand’s YouTube and Facebook handle. The smartphone has surfaced in leaks and rumors multiple times in the last few days. Amazon has put up a microsite of the upcoming offering confirming its availability on the e-commerce platform. Lava has also teased key specifications of the device ahead of its launch next week.

Lava AGNI 2 5G launch date announced, key features teased

AGNI 2 Launching on 16th May at 12 PM. Watch the Launch Event on Youtube & Facebook.

Only on Amazon: https://t.co/q4L9R7RDDk #AGNI2 #AheadOfTheCurve #LavaMobiles #ProudlyIndian pic.twitter.com/D9maJAkway
— Lava Mobiles (@LavaMobile) May 12, 2023

The Lava AGNI 2 5G will arrive as the successor to the last year’s AGNI 5G. As per teasers, it will pack significant upgrades over its predecessor.

The Lava AGNI 2 5G is confirmed to come with a curved display and a slim profile. As per teasers, the back panel has a circular camera module housing a 50MP main sensor and two other lenses with LED flash. The device is seen in a Green colour option and we can expect more at launch.

Under the hood, the Lava AGNI 2 5G is confirmed to be powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7050 SoC making it the first device with the said chipset in India. Additionally, we could spot 8GB RAM and 256GB storage on the Amazon microsite.

The rest of the details of the Lava AGNI 2 5G remain under wraps for now. As per a past report, the device is tipped to pack an AMOLED display panel with a 120Hz refresh rate. The smartphone is reportedly expected to be priced between the Rs 20,000 – 25,000 segment. If this indeed turns out to be true, then the Lava AGNI 2 5G will be the cheapest phone with a 120Hz curved AMOLED screen.

Related:

Oppo to soon launch a new smartphone with Snapdragon 695

By

Sean

-

May 12, 2023

Oppo is apparently working on a new smartphone model that could be launching in the market soon. The company is reportedly planning on launching a new mid range device following a recent sighting on a popular benchmark listing. So here are all the details.

New Oppo Phone will feature Snapdragon 695

According to a new report, the upcoming handset was spotted on GeekBench, which offers use a look at its specifications and performance. Looking at the benchmark listing, the new device carries the model number CPH2527. Furthermore, it managed to score 899 points in the single core test and 2080 points in the multi core test. This online database also reveals that the Oppo phone will be powered by an octa core processor that is codenamed ‘holi’.

This chipset has a max clock speed of 2.21GHz, which hints that it is likely the Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 SoC. The chipset is a capable mid range processor that even runs other phones from the company like the Oppo A98 and the Oppo Reno 8T model. Interestingly enough, there had been rumors that the brand was working on a smartphone that features a Reno 8T inspired design. In other words, it could be an upcoming refreshed or rebranded model.

Keep in mind that this is still just speculation so take this with a pinch of salt for now. Unfortunately, no finer details apart from the device running on Android 13 OS out of the box and having at least 8GB of RAM. So stick around for more updates regarding this device.

RELATED:

Oppo Closes Chip Design Subsidiary Zeku Amid Economic Challenges

By

Oğuz Çakır

-

May 12, 2023

Oppo, known mostly for its smartphones, but the company has investments in various different fields. It may come as a surprise, but one of these areas is chip design. The Chinese tech giant has been operating in this field for a while with a subsidiary called Zeku. However, up until now, it has not achieved any notable success. It seems that the company, tired of waiting, has decided to shut down Zeku and withdraw from the chip design business. Here are the details…

OPPO to Discontinue In-House Chip Production

Recently, Oppo has been making headlines with a series of bad news. Not long ago, we mentioned that the company might withdraw from France and even potentially halt its entire European operations. Now, Oppo has made the tough decision to cease operations of its chip development subsidiary, Zeku, in the face of economic uncertainty and a volatile smartphone market.

As you may know, when it comes to consumer electronics, it is necessary to depend on other manufacturers. There are many different components to consider, such as displays, processors, and batteries, and only a few companies can produce all of them in-house. For example, even if you manufacture most of these components yourself, like Samsung, you may still have to rely on external sources for performance-related reasons. However, like Apple, you can focus on producing the most critical and competitive components yourself. Although not easy, chip design was an investment in this area for Oppo.

However, the company has now shut down its chip design subsidiary, Zeku. This move has raised concerns for other Chinese companies striving for semiconductor self-sufficiency, as they navigate a challenging industry landscape. Zeku played a crucial role in Oppo’s chip development efforts, boasting a product line that included core application processors, short-range communication, 5G modems, radio frequency, ISPs, and power management chips.

The decision to terminate Zeku’s operations was announced through an official statement, citing global economic uncertainties and an unpredictable smartphone market. Oppo acknowledged the difficulty of the decision and expressed commitment to managing the situation responsibly while continuing to deliver quality products and value to customers. First, there were rumors of Oppo’s withdrawal from Europe, and now the cessation of Zeku’s operations raises more concerns. What is the reason behind these worrisome decisions?

Despite being one of the largest Chinese smartphone brands and ranking fourth in global shipments, OPPO has experienced a decline in shipments. According to data from IDC, shipments fell by 22% last year, totaling 103 million units. The company may foresee this decline continuing and wants to prepare itself for upcoming challenges in the future. Financial savings is one of the easiest ways to do this, and as you might expect, chip design is a costly business, especially if you’re not getting good returns.

RELATED:

(source)

Dell Alienware M16, X14 R2 With High Refresh Rate, 13th Gen Intel Core SoCs Launched In India

By

Viraj Gawde

-

May 12, 2023

Dell has launched two new laptops under the Alienware gaming brand. The latest offerings are the Alienware M16 and X14 R2. These arrive as the successors to the last year’s M15 and X14 respectively. Both the Alienware M16 and X14 R2 pack powerful specifications. They had also debuted at CES earlier this year. Read on to know what the laptops offer out of the box.

Dell Alienware M16, X14 R2 specifications and features

The Dell Alienware M16 boasts a large 16-inch display bearing a QHD+ resolution and a 240Hz refresh rate. It also has a 3ms response rate, dynamic display switching, AMD Freesync Premium, and Dolby Vision support. The machine is equipped with an aluminum chassis with Alienware’s M-series Cherry mechanical keyboard with AlienFX lighting, N-key rollover technology, and a multi-gesture touchpad.

On the hardware front, the Dell Alienware M16 is equipped with up to 13th-gen Intel Core i9 SoC paired with up to NVIDIA RTX 4080 GPU. It packs 16GB LPDDR5 RAM and up to 9TB PCIe NVMe SSD storage. The laptop has seven heat pipes and five vents along with Alienware Cyro-tech thermal design for heat dissipation and temperature management.

The Dell Alienware M16 is backed by an 86Wh battery with support for a 330W adapter. It comes with a 1080p IR webcam, dual stereo speakers, and microphones. Connectivity options on the device include two USB-C ports, HDMI 2.1 out, WiFi-6E, Bluetooth 5.3, a 3.5mm jack, and an Ethernet port. The laptop runs on Windows 11 OS.

As for the Dell Alienware X14 R2, it has a 14-inch screen with a 165Hz refresh rate and the rest of the display features the same as the M16. The device can be opened with one hand, thanks to the Legend 3 industrial chassis with V-rail edges.

Under the hood, the Alienware X14 R2 is powered by up to 13th gen Intel Core i7 chipsets with NVIDIA RTX 4060. The device can pack up to 32GB RAM and 1TB SSD storage. It runs on an 80Wh battery cell with support for a 130W adapter.

The Alienware X14 R2 borrows the rest of the specifications like a heat dissipation system, backlit keyboard, and connectivity options from the M16.

The Dell Alienware M16 carries a starting price tag of Rs 1,84,990 whereas the X14 R2 starts at Rs 2,06,990. Both laptops can be purchased from the brand’s official site, exclusive stores, Amazon, and authorized large retailers starting today.

Related:

HTC U23 Pro Confirmed To Launch On May 18

By

Viraj Gawde

-

May 12, 2023

HTC is gearing up to launch a new smartphone based on the VIVERSE platform. Now the brand has officially revealed the launch date of the upcoming offering. It is said to debut on May 18th. The name of the upcoming smartphone has not been explicitly revealed by HTC. However, it is expected to be called HTC U23 Pro.

HTC U23 Pro to launch next week

The latest teaser shared by HTC does not reveal many details of the upcoming U23 Pro smartphone. It shows the screen of the phone with a center-aligned punch-hole cutout upon a closer look. HTC’s Viverse is a metaverse world that offers immersive experiences and a seamless bridge to other virtual universes. We can expect the upcoming offering to come with VR features. We will learn more details including the pricing and complete specifications of the HTC U23 Pro at the launch event next week.

The HTC U23 Pro has already been spotted on Geekbench and real-life photos. The benchmarking platform revealed a Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 SoC coupled with 12GB RAM and Android 13 OS. The leaked live image of the phone revealed a rectangular camera module housing four sensors comprising an OIS-enabled 108MP primary unit paired with ultra-wide, depth, and macro lenses. The device is also expected to come in 8GB RAM and 256GB storage variant. The upcoming smartphone is rumored to feature a 120Hz AMOLED display and a 4,500mAh battery unit with support for wireless charging.

Related:

Maxima Max Pro Knight+ smartwatch launched with Bluetooth calling & IP67 rating

By

Sean

-

May 12, 2023

Maxima has just launched a new smartwatch model in India. The company’s latest wearable is the Max Pro Knight+ smartwatch, which follows mere days after the brand’s new Max Pro Nitro model that launched earlier this month.

Maxima Max Pro Knight+ features a premium metallic build design

The new smartwatch sports a 1.39 inch HD display that has a peak brightness of 600 nits. This circular screen is surrounded with a metallic body and a digital crown. Under the hood, a Realtek chipset powers the device, which also supports Bluetooth calling thanks to its built in speaker and mic. It even supports AI voice assistants as well for hands free control. The Max Pro Knight+ offers more than 100 workout modes for fitness enthusiasts.

Furthermore, it even houses various health related sensors that enable features like SpO2 blood oxygen mapping, heart rate tracking, menstrual cycle tracking, and even sleep mapping. The Maxima Max Pro Knight+ comes with various functions like notifications, water alerts, alarms, stopwatches, and more. Other notable features include, IP67 water resistance rating, Maxima SmartFit app support, Bluetooth 5.0, up to 5 days of battery life with calling feature enabled, and up to 10 days of battery life without calling feature.

The Max Pro Knight+ smartwatch is being offered in multiple color options, namely Space Black, Rose Gold Black, Black Burgundy (with leather straps), and Rose Gold Tan (with leather straps) variants. The smartwatch is available on sale on the company’s official website for a starting price tag of 1,999 INR.

RELATED: