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Browser Battles: Microsoft Forcing Edge on Windows Users

There are some habits in our daily lives that we just can’t do without, and changing them isn’t easy at all. In my opinion, for many of us, our web browser is one such habit. That’s why we download Google Chrome on our devices instead of using the Edge or Safari that comes pre-installed. It feels like we never switched to a new device as we continue using the same browser with the same features and settings. However, it seems that this situation isn’t pleasing to some companies. According to recent information, Microsoft is forcing Outlook and Teams to open links in Edge. Here are the details…

Microsoft is forcing Outlook and Teams to open links in Edge

Introduced in 2015, Microsoft Edge brought an end to the 20-year reign of Internet Explorer and has undoubtedly become one of the best browsers in the market. However, it has been unable to achieve the success it deserves. Many first-time Windows users still download Google Chrome as their first task. In fact, a recent report revealed that Microsoft Edge is in worse shape than we thought, losing its second place in the computer browser market to Safari.

In response to these developments, Microsoft has taken some “unpleasant” measures to change the course. According to notifications sent to IT admins through the Microsoft 365 admin center, Outlook and Teams will no longer use your default browser to open clicked links. Instead, they will force users to use Microsoft Edge. This won’t change your default browser settings, and you can continue to use alternatives like Google Chrome for everything else.

However, as part of the Windows operating system, these two essential applications will take away your customizable settings and push you to use Microsoft Edge. Users quickly reacted to this development, and Microsoft has defended the move, stating that it aims to simplify the user experience and reduce task switching between windows and tabs. Still, this weak defense has failed to satisfy anyone. The company may need to reconsider its approach if it wants to win over users and maintain a positive image.

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Google Shields Pixel Users from Noise Pollution with Loud Sound Alerts

Software updates play a vital role in the world of technology, providing new features and enhanced security. However, any errors in these updates can result in significant problems and unhappy users. To mitigate this, tech companies extensively test new features before releasing them. For those with a keen interest (which includes many of us), it is possible to uncover upcoming features and learn about them ahead of the crowd. A recent example involves Google and the Pixel phones. The latest version (T.23) of Android System Intelligence has revealed that Google is developing loud sound alerts for Pixel 7 phones as part of the At a Glance feature. Here are the details…

Google working on loud sound alerts for Pixel phones in At a Glance

Our health is crucial to many of us, so we strive to avoid things that could harm our bodies. However, some exposures can endanger our health, whether we’re aware of them or not. For instance, regular exposure to noise can seriously harm our hearing over time. To combat this, Google is developing loud sound alerts for Pixel phones.

This new feature will likely be in the At a Glance section on the lockscreen and the top of the Pixel Launcher. Its main goal is to alert users to potentially dangerous loud sounds around them, urging them to step away or reduce the volume if possible. While not entirely new, both Android and iOS have warnings for users listening to music at high volumes for long periods.

Additionally, Apple Watch has a similar feature to the loud sound alert that is coming directly to Google Pixel models. Of course, this is more of a nice-to-have feature rather than a critical innovation. However, exposure to loud sound for a long time can cause hearing damage, including temporary or permanent hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and hypersensitivity to sound. It can also lead to physical discomfort such as headaches and dizziness.

Aside from the loud sound alerts Google is working on adding new search shortcuts to its Pixel Launcher, which include Search Chrome, Search Files, and Search Photos, in addition to the existing shortcuts for Google, YouTube, Maps, Play Store, Settings, and Contacts. The company has also made changes to the At a Glance settings list and introduced new icons to improve the user experience and enhance the launcher’s visual appeal.

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WWDC 2023 May Bring the 15-inch MacBook Air Featuring Exceptional Battery Life

The countdown has begun for Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), which is set to take place on June 5th. At the event, the company will introduce new versions of its existing software, such as iOS and macOS. However, some leaks suggest that there will be a surprise this year, hinting at a Mixed Reality headset. It seems that the American tech giant has more than one surprise in store, as Apple might also be preparing to announce the long-rumored 15-inch MacBook Air at WWDC 2023. Here are the details…

Apple to Introduce 15-Inch MacBook Air and More at WWDC 2023

The 15-inch MacBook Air could be one of the most controversial devices in internet history. Rumors about this laptop emerge before almost every Apple event, but it never materializes. However, Mark Gurman, a well-respected figure in the tech press known for Apple leaks, has once again ignited hopes for the “legendary” product.

According to Gurman, during Apple’s WWDC 2023 event, the company will introduce a new laptop alongside iOS 17, macOS 14, watchOS 10, tvOS 17, and the eagerly awaited mixed reality headset. This 15-inch MacBook Air will come with the M2 processor, just like the 13-inch model, and will have various GPU configurations. Unfortunately, that’s all the information available about the device. It is not known what other features it will have or how it will differ from the standard model besides screen size.

If we were to make a simple guess, we could say there might be a difference in screen resolution to maintain the PPI ratio. Considering how small the MagicBoard is, which houses all the hardware components of MacBooks, we could potentially see a significant improvement in battery life. In fact, the 15-inch MacBook Air could become the laptop model with the longest battery life of all time, thanks to its low power consumption and large battery. However, all of this is just speculation at this point.

As a user of a 13.3-inch M1 MacBook Air, I personally prefer smaller laptops. Portability is the most important feature for me in a computer. However, I’m sure some users would appreciate a larger screenl. Still, it’s worth noting that the long-standing rumors may not go beyond just being rumors at this event as well.

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Google TV is reducing app sizes and speeding up their performance

Google is providing improvements to Google TV that will see smaller and faster apps. Back in February, the search engine giant announced new updates to make it easier to find content on Google TV. These additional improvements will help free up space and speed up the performance of the system.

Google

Google says a new feature called App Hibernation will help Google TV to automatically force apps to hibernate. The hibernation kicks in when the app is not used for over 30 days. This update is applicable to Android S devices and above. When an app is put into hibernation, it optimizes the system’s storage space. Additionally, the announcement on the Google TV Community page says that Android App Bundles will be used to reduce the size of apps by 25%. This is done in a way that only the sets of apps you need are available rather than every app.

Google has seemingly shortened the time it takes for Google TV to wake up, in addition to improvement on the response time between the TV and button presses on the remote. The amount of time spent on loading animations when rebooting has also been shortened.

The new features, according to the Google Community blog post, have already been rolled out. However, more improvements are expected to be churned out before the end of 2023. These improvements are aimed at enhancing the overall user experience of Google TV. There are no detailed roll-out plans on the Google TV updates at this time.

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Maxima Max Pro Nitro with 1.39-inch HD display and Bluetooth calling launched in India for Rs. 1,999 ($25)

The Maxima Max Pro Nitro smartwatch has been unveiled in India. The Maxima Max Pro Nitro comes with a 1.39-inch HD display and a round, stylish dial. The smartwatch has a peak brightness rating of 600 nits and it supports Bluetooth calling.

Maxima Max Pro Nitro smartwatch

The latest PA Maxima smart wearable is equipped with a Realtek chipset, AI voice assistants, and a built-in HD speaker and microphone. There are over 100 workout modes and a smart health assistant. The smartwatch supports SpO2 monitoring, heart rate monitoring, and sleep tracking. There are other functions available in the smartwatch including social media notifications, a calculator, a stopwatch, and drinking alerts among others.

Maxima Max Pro Nitro smartwatch offers Bluetooth Calling and a raft of health features

PA Maxima says the massive customer acceptance of its products has been the result of its commitment to maintaining a high-quality standard even with contemporary designs. The new smartwatch is the 7th Amazon-exclusive product in less than two years. PA Maxima also stays that the Max Pro Nitro is embedded with stunning features that keep its users ahead of the curve in this competitive era

Maxima Max Pro Nitro smartwatch

The Maxima Max Pro Nitro is rated IP67 water-resistant and features more than 150 cloud-based watch faces. Apart from Bluetooth calling, it also has call logs, a dial pad, and call history. The Maxima Max Pro Nitro is available in Space Black, Rose Gold Black, and Silver Grey colors. It retails in the Indian subcontinent for Rs. 1,999 (~$25). The smartwatch can be purchased exclusively from Amazon India.

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Nothing Phone (2) is Launching in Summer 2023, Official Teaser out

The Nothing Phone (1) made its debut last year as the first smartphone from the startup led by Carl Pei, and it could (arguably) be considered one of the most hyped phones to date. Surprisingly, the handset managed to prove, to a large extent, that the hype wasn’t for “nothing”. Now, the brand has started teasing the launch of the next-gen model— the Nothing Phone (2) and has even announced a launch window. Here are the details.

The new Nothing Phone coming soon

Nothing today announced that the Phone (2) will launch this summer. While the company did not reveal the exact date, it confirmed that the phone will also be available to purchase in the US. Additionally, an animated video shared by the brand potentially hints at some design elements. It suggests the smartphone will arrive with lights on the back, similar to its predecessor.

Details about the Phone 2 are limited as of now but recently a Qualcomm executive accidentally revealed that the handset will be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 chipset. This is a significant upgrade over the Phone 1 which gets the Snapdragon 778G+ SoC under the hood. The device is also rumored to pack an AMOLED screen with a refresh rate of 120Hz and an FHD+ resolution. It will likely run on Nothing OS-based Android 13.

The upcoming Phone (2) is speculated to feature 12 GB of RAM and 256 GB of internal storage. Reports suggest that it will be equipped with a 5,000mAh battery; however, details regarding its fast charging capabilities remain undisclosed. Similar to its predecessor, the Phone (2) is anticipated to support wireless charging.

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Here’s how much Asus ROG Ally could Cost in Europe

Asus is ready to launch its gaming handheld, the Asus ROG Ally, on May 11. Based on the information available thus far, it is expected to be a formidable gaming device that will directly compete with Valve’s Steam Deck. Most of the details regarding the handheld have already been revealed, including pricing and availability. However, a recent report has provided additional information on the cost of the Asus ROG Ally in Europe.

Asus ROG Ally will go against Steam Deck

According to a WinFuture report, the Asus ROG Ally (RC71L model number), featuring the powerful AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor, 16GB RAM, and 512GB storage, will be priced at €799 in Europe. It will be available for purchase from mid-June. In comparison, the same device is expected to be priced at $700 in the United States.

Asus ROG Ally

Recent reports have provided detailed specifications for the upcoming Asus ROG Ally gaming handheld. The device is expected to be available in two variants, with the base model featuring an AMD Ryzen Z1 processor. The handheld will sport a 7-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, a 16:9 aspect ratio, and a peak brightness of 500 nits. Running on Windows 11, the device will offer compatibility with popular gaming platforms such as EA apps, Epic Games, Steam, and Xbox Game Pass.

In terms of connectivity and charging, the Asus ROG Ally is rumored to include a dedicated microSD card slot, a USB Type-C port, and support for fast charging at 65W. Additional features include a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for enhanced security and Dolby Atmos audio support. It will also feature a heat pipe with two-element heat sinks, a connection port for the ASUS XG Mobile external GPU, shoulder buttons for gaming convenience, and a 3.5mm audio jack.


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Xiaomi 13 Ultra White 16GB + 1TB version Goes on sale Tomorrow

Xiaomi 13 Ultra, the company’s latest flagship smartphone, features a quad Leica-tuned camera setup on the back. Although the handset has been available for purchase in China for over a week, the 16GB RAM + 1TB storage variant of the 13 Ultra in white was initially not released. However, that is about to change as this specific variant will soon be available for purchase in China, starting tomorrow. Here are the details.

The Top variant will cost Top dollar

The white version of the Xiaomi 13 Ultra, featuring 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage, is set to go on sale in China tomorrow at 10:00 AM CST. Currently, the white variant is available in configurations of 12GB RAM + 256GB storage, priced at 5999 yuan ($839.86), and 16GB RAM + 512GB storage, priced at 6499 yuan ($909.86). The upcoming 16GB RAM + 1TB storage version is expected to cost 7299 yuan, approximately $1021.86.

Talking about the specifications, the smartphone brings a 6.73-inch 120Hz QHD+ AMOLED display, that offers a 1,440p screen resolution and a maximum peak brightness of 2,600 nits. The panel is manufactured by TCL CSOT and is claimed to be one of the brightest out there. Powering the smartphone is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, coupled with up to 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM and 1TB of UFS 4.0 internal storage.

Xiaomi-13-Ultra-featured

The major highlight of the smartphone is its powerful camera system. It features a Leica Vario-Summicron lens on the back. There’s a 1-inch 50MP Sony IMX989 primary camera sensor, which also supports variable aperture between f/1.9 and f/4.0. Further, the handset gets a 50MP Sony IMX858 f/1.8 ultrawide sensor with a 122-degree FOV, along with a pair of 50MP Sony IMX858 telephoto lenses. There’s also a 32MP front-facing snapper. However, these dry specs will not tell you the reality, you might check our detailed review to find out what the Xiaomi 13 Ultra is capable of.

The device runs the Android 13 operating system with the company’s own MIUI 14 custom skin on top. It is fueled by a 5,000mAh battery with support for 90W wired charging and 50W wireless charging.

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Google Photos Search Bar now supports Complex Queries

Google Photos is currently the most popular and arguably the best photo workflow app available, offering features such as photo backup, organization, editing, and sharing on both smartphones and PCs. One of its most notable features is the incredible search tool, which allows users to find old photos and videos simply by typing keywords or searching by date, time, and location. What’s more is that Google Photos’ already powerful search tool is getting even better as it now supports more “complex queries”.

You Can now Put a longer Search Query

As per a 9to5Google report, the Google Photos search bar has been showing users a pop-up about the more powerful search feature. Upon opening the Photos app on the web, users are noticing a “Try a more powerful search” prompt in blue. Google explains the search bar now supports longer search queries with more details to find the closest match. You can now search for phrases like “colorful sunset” and “peaceful garden”.

Google-Photos-powerful-search

This will let you search for more specific queries and get more precise results. The publication notes that you can even search for specific objects in a specific context, like searching for photos of dogs in a park. In such cases, Google Photos will prioritize displaying those specific photos at the top of the results.

A Google spokesperson tells 9to5Google that the company is “always experimenting with new ways to help people find and relive their photos and videos. This experiment allows people to search for more complex queries to help them find the photos and videos they’re looking for more easily.” It is worth noting that this feature is currently rolling out to only a small number of users. A wider rollout should start soon.

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Microsoft plans to sell private ChatGPT to businesses, a pricey but secure alternative

As artificial intelligence technology becomes increasingly popular in various industries, concerns about data privacy and security have also become more pressing. Microsoft has recently announced that it plans to launch a private version of ChatGPT, an AI language model developed by OpenAI, to address these concerns and attract industry users who are resistant to using the regular version.

Addressing data privacy concerns in ChatGPT

Microsoft ChatGPT
Credit: DW

According to reports, Microsoft’s main goal with this move is to reassure customers that their data and secrets will not be leaked to the ChatGPT main system. This private version of ChatGPT will be hosted on dedicated isolated servers, where copies of the AI software will be trained with advanced privacy protection methods to prevent any data leakage. While this provides an additional layer of protection for customers, it comes at a much higher cost than the regular version, priced more than 10 times higher.

Microsoft’s private ChatGPT service is expected to compete with OpenAI’s commercial push, which is also aimed at offering similar products to commercial users. However, Microsoft wants to strike first and hopes that enterprise customers will use its Azure-supported ChatGPT service instead of letting OpenAI collaborate with cloud service competitors. This move also indicates that Microsoft’s relationship with OpenAI is no longer as sweet as it used to be.

Microsoft has been researching and developing privacy protection methods for years to train OpenAI’s machine learning software, and using dedicated isolated servers is one of the methods that Microsoft has found to be effective in preventing data leakage. This move to launch a private version of ChatGPT is another way the company is trying to distinguish its service from OpenAI’s service and address the growing privacy concerns in the AI industry.

Samsung reportedly banned its employees from using chatbots like ChatGPT or Google’s Bard on their work devices, after an employee entered “internal source code” into ChatGPT in April. As more companies and industries adopt artificial intelligence technology, the issue of data privacy and security will continue to be a top priority. Microsoft’s move to launch a private version of ChatGPT is a significant step in addressing these concerns and offering an alternative to the regular version of the AI language model.

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Microsoft Gears Up for an ARM-focused Future in the Race Against Apple Silicon

In simpler terms, time flies, and this is particularly true for technology. It’s been almost three years since Apple introduced the Silicon M1 processor, which many still consider new. This groundbreaking chip and its successors have left Apple’s rivals struggling to keep up. So far, no other company has successfully competed with Apple’s M series. However, Microsoft is not ready to throw in the towel. Recent job postings indicate that they are working on creating a chip similar to Apple’s Silicon. Here are the details…

Microsoft Expands Its Silicon Team to Compete with Apple’s M-Series Chips

Tech companies tend to be quite secretive about their future strategies. Therefore, it is important to pay close attention to any hints that might indicate their direction. One potential clue can be found in job listing that relate to areas outside a company’s usual focus or a specific subject. Microsoft recently provided such a hint. The tech giant recently posted job listings that indicated a desire to hire staff for critical roles in chip production.

Windows on ARM

The positions advertised include custom silicon accelerators, System on Chips (SoCs), and high-performance, high-bandwidth designs. One listing for the “Microsoft Silicon Team” sought a Principal SoC Silicon Architect, while another called for a “Senior Silicon Power Integrity CAD Manager.” The majority of these positions are part of the Microsoft Silicon Team, which is responsible for developing silicon components for products like Azure, Xbox, Surface, and HoloLens.

According to some claims, the company’s new acquisitions are not for strengthening existing teams. Speculation suggests that Windows 12 is part of Microsoft’s Windows Core project, aiming to create a modular version of the operating system that can work across multiple form factors. The goal is believed to be targeting computers with ARM processors. There have been rumors circulating for a while that the new Surface models will come with ARM processors, similar to Apple’s M-series. This development has reinforced these rumors.

In the past, the company has introduced ARM-powered Surface devices and versions of Windows 11 that work with these processors. However, these attempts didn’t go beyond simple trials. We hope that the job postings published by the company are indeed related to this area, and in the future, we will see ARM-powered Windows computers that can compete with Mac models.

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Fire-Boltt King With AMOLED Display Launched In India

Fire-Boltt has launched a new smartwatch in India. The latest offering from the brand is called the Fire-Boltt King. It packs some notable specifications and features under the Rs 3,000 price segment. The device competes against other smartwatches offered by brands like Realme, DIZO, Noise, boAt, and more in the market. Read on to know what the wearable device offers out of the box.

Fire-Boltt King specifications

The Fire-Boltt King has a square dial with a 1.78-inch AMOLED display bearing a resolution of 360 x 448 pixels and a 550 nits brightness. It comes with an Always-on display mode. There is a physical button on the right side and the device is IP67-certified splash and sweat resistant. The smartwatch flaunts a premium look with a metal body and magnetic steel mesh strap. 

In terms of health and fitness, the Fire-Boltt King is equipped with a heart-rate monitor, SpO2 sensor, sleep tracker, and a menstrual cycle monitor. It also features sedentary and hydration reminders. The wearable device packs support for 100 sports modes. 

The Fire-Boltt King comes with Bluetooth calling feature with a dial pad and access to contacts. It packs convenient features like a voice assistant, camera control, calculator, weather alerts, and more. The wearable device is claimed to offer up to seven-day battery life on a single charge. 

The Fire-Boltt King is priced at Rs 2,999. It is offered in Gold, Blue, Black, and Silver colors. The smartwatch can be purchased from the brand’s official website and Flipkart. 

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Micron Crucial T700 PCIe Gen 5 NVMe SSD goes on sale with impressive 12.4GB/s speed

Earlier today (3rd May 2023), Micron finally made its Crucial T700 SSD available for purchase. The new SSD features some notable specifications and cutting edge technology. So here are all the details.

Micron Crucial T700 series can hit up to 12GB/s in read speeds

For those unaware, the company’s SSD storage module was announced earlier this year and has finally gone on sale in the market. The brand’s latest product is the T700 model, which is based on the PCIe Gen 5 standard and the NVMe format. Previously, the T700 was available for pre-orders, but is now available for direct purchase. One of its highlighting aspects its undoubtedly its extremely fast read and write speeds.

Micron

As per official notes, the Crucial T700 SSD offers up to a whopping 12.4GB/s read and 11.8GB/s write speeds. This is noticeably faster than the current market standard with SSD’s reaching just 10GB/s in read speeds. The T700 PCIe Gen 5 NVMe SSD is available in multiple storage capacities, including a 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB variant. Furthermore, the company is also offering an additional heatsink that you can buy separately for 30 US Dollars.

The additional heatsink would help keep the temperature low to avoid overheating. Micron has launched the Crucial T700 series SSD with a starting price tag of 180 US Dollars. On the other hand, the 2TB model csots 340 US Dollars, while the 4TB model is available for a whopping 600 US Dollars.

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Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 Cover Display May Not Look Like Folder Icon When Turned Off

As per various reports, Samsung is expected to launch its next-generation Galaxy Z foldables earlier than usual this year. Leaks and rumors about the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Z Flip 5 have started gathering pace in recent weeks. Both the upcoming offerings were spotted in CAD leaked renders. However, the renders of the brand’s next-generation clamshell foldable i.e. the Galaxy Z Flip 5 missed a key detail as per publication SamMobile who has shared a video to demonstrate how things could work. 

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 secondary display may not look like a folder icon when turned off

The leaked renders of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 revealed a large secondary display positioned just below the camera sensors. The screen is squarish and has a unique folder-like icon design. This is to ensure enough space for the dual rear camera setup at the top left of the back panel. However, this also meant that the folder cutout would be visible at all times. 

As per SamMobile, the Galaxy Z Flip 5 will have a black back panel like the Z Flip 4 and 3. This would negate the folder-like cutout when the screen is not lit up which would have otherwise looked weird. The above-embedded video also shows how this would work. The publication says that Samsung wouldn’t opt for such a design without thinking about how it will look in action. 

With the Galaxy Z Flip 5, Samsung seems to join the bandwagon of launching a clamshell flip phone with a larger secondary display. The OPPO Find N2 Flip and Vivo X Flip have larger than 3-inch cover screens. Even the forthcoming Motorola Razr is confirmed to get a larger secondary display. 

The larger secondary display on the Galaxy Z Flip 5 will be a significant upgrade from its predecessor. 

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Redmi 12 gets TKDN certified ahead of global launch

Back in March, Redmi launched the Redmi 12C smartphone in India. The device is targeted at customers on a budget as it costs less than Rs 10,000 (~120). Now, the brand is apparently gearing up for the launch of the Redmi 12 as the device has made an appearance on Indonesia’s TKDN certification website.

Realme

Redmi 12 could launch soon in Indonesia

An upcoming Xiaomi device, identified by the model number 23053RN02A, has been approved by Indonesia’s TKDN authority, as indicated in a screenshot. Although the listing does not reveal the exact model name or any specifications, the model number is similar to the 23053RN02Y/L that was previously spotted in the IMEI database, suggesting that the 23053RN02A could be the Indonesian version of the Redmi 12.

The previous FCC listing of the Redmi 12 has revealed that the device has a 5,000mAh battery that supports 33W fast charging. In addition to that, it will feature an operating system based on Android 13. Further details are currently unavailable, however, we can take a look at the specs of the Redmi 12C to get an idea of what to expect.

Redmi 12C specs

The Redmi 12C smartphone flaunts a 6.71-inch IPS LCD panel that produces an HD+ resolution of 1650 x 720 pixels. With a 20.6:9 aspect ratio, 500 nits of brightness, a 1500:1 contrast ratio, and a 70 percent NTSC color gamut, the display provides a captivating visual experience. The device runs on Android 12 OS, overlaid with MUI 13, and comes with the MIUI dialer instead of the Google dialer.

Redmi 12C

The Redmi 12C is powered by the Helio G85 chipset under the hood, accompanied by up to 6 GB of LPDDR4x RAM, up to 5 GB of virtual RAM, and up to 128 GB of eMMC 5.1 storage. Furthermore, the device offers a dedicated microSD card slot for additional storage.

On the security front, the device offers multiple options such as face unlock and a rear-facing fingerprint scanner. The phone features a 5-megapixel camera on the front and a 50-megapixel primary camera, along with a depth sensor and an LED flash on the back.

The Redmi 12C packs a 5,000mAh battery with 10W charging support. The phone offers dual-SIM support, 4G VoLTE, Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 5.1, GPS, a micro USB port, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

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Apple claims “baseless” $2 billion iPhone battery lawsuit, seeks dismissal in UK court

Apple is trying to defend itself against a $2 billion mass lawsuit filed in London, where the tech giant stands accused of concealing defective batteries in millions of iPhones. The company has called the lawsuit “baseless” and is seeking its dismissal in the UK court.

Apple denies battery defects in response to UK class action lawsuit

Sergei Elagin / Shutterstock.com

The lawsuit, filed by consumer advocate Justin Gutmann on behalf of UK iPhone users, alleges that Apple hid battery issues in certain phone models by “throttling” them with software updates. The company is said to have “surreptitiously” installed a power management tool that limited performance. Apple, however, denies that its iPhone batteries were defective, except for a small number of iPhone 6s models, for which it offered free battery replacements.

Apple maintains that the power management update it introduced in 2017 was designed to manage demands on older batteries or those with a low level of charge. According to the company, the update only reduced an iPhone 6’s performance by an average of 10%. Gutmann has requested that London’s Competition Appeal Tribunal certify the case, allowing it to proceed toward trial.

The company’s defense is bolstered by its 2020 agreement to settle a US class action and regulatory action by US states over iPhone battery issues. Gutmann’s lawyer, Philip Moser, cites this as evidence that Apple is not “saying this never happened.” Additionally, Apple committed to being “clearer and more upfront” about battery health with iPhone users, as agreed with Britain’s competition watchdog in 2019.

Despite these agreements, Apple denies allegations that it misled customers about iPhone battery issues. The company has pointed to a public apology it issued in 2017, in which it offered cheaper battery replacements to affected customers as proof of its transparency.

In court filings, Apple’s lawyer David Wolfson argues that the lawsuit effectively alleges that “not all batteries could deliver the peak power demanded in all circumstances at all times”, a claim that he says is common to all battery-powered devices. The tech giant is determined to fight the accusations and seeks to have the case dismissed in the UK court.

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ViewSonic launches new 15.6 inch 4K Portable Monitor with an OLED display

ViewSonic has just unveiled a new monitor that is set to launch in the market soon. The company’s latest product is a portable monitor that features some notable specifications. So let’s have a look.

ViewSonic

ViewSonic announces VX1622-4K Portable Monitor with a 15.6 inch OLED display

As the name suggests, the device is features a compact design with a display size that is in line with standard laptops, which is a 15.6 inch screen. This is an OLED panel that supports 4K resolution. This screen has an aspect ratio of 16:9, 3840x2160px resolution, 60Hz refresh rate, 440cd/㎡ max brightness, and 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio.

Talking a bit about its design, the portable monitor has minimal bezels on three sides and a notable chin at the bottom. The upcoming portable monitor is quite responsive with a 1ms response time. The VX1622-4K portable monitor is even a great option for creative professionals as it offers a color depth of 1.07 billion along with 100 percent Adobe RGB and 100 percent DCI P3 color gamut coverage.

ViewSonic

It even comes with HDR true black 500, and for connectivity, the portable monitor houses a Mini HDMI port and USB Type C port. For audio, the new ViewSonic portable monitor is equipped with a twin 1W speaker system, similar to the VA2409 monitor that was launched by the company just last month.. Unfortunately, the pricing and availability of this monitor is still unclear. But the brand is expected to launch this device in the market soon.

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Nokia XR21 Rugged Phone With 120Hz Display, Snapdragon 695 Launched

Nokia XR21 has debuted in the UK market. It arrives as the successor to the XR20. The smartphone’s full specifications had leaked last month. The latest offering is a rugged device from the company that is claimed to withstand harsh outdoor conditions. Read on to know what the XR21 offers out of the box. 

Nokia XR21 specifications

The Nokia XR21 sports a center-aligned punch-hole cutout display with a 6.49-inch LCD screen bearing an FHD+ resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, and 550 nits peak brightness. The device has Gorilla Glass Victus protection and is compatible with wet hands and gloves. The smartphone features a side-mounted fingerprint scanner and two programmable buttons. 

In terms of design, the Nokia XR21 sports a 100 percent recycled aluminum chassis and tough materials. It is MIL-STD 810H military-grade durability and is IP68-rated waterproof. The device also bags IP69K-certification against dust, water, and drop resistance. 

The Nokia XR21 features a 16MP front-facing selfie snapper. There is a dual rear camera setup of a 64MP primary sensor paired with an 8MP ultra-wide-angle lens and a LED flash unit. 

Under the hood, the Nokia XR21 is equipped with a Snapdragon 695 processor coupled with 6GB RAM and 128GB onboard storage. It draws its power from a 4,800mAh battery unit with support for 33W fast charging. The device runs on Android 12 OS out of the box. 

The Nokia XR21 has extra-loud stereo speakers, a 3.5mm jack, a USB-C port, NavIC, 5G, WiFi, and Bluetooth 5.1. 

The Nokia XR21 carries a price tag of £499.99 ($ 625) for the sole 6GB + 128GB variant. It is offered in Midnight Black and Pine Green colors. The smartphone can be purchased in the UK starting next month. 

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WhatsApp latest Beta features GIFs AutoPlay & Chat Locking

WhatsApp is gearing up to bring a set of new features on its popular messaging platform. The latest beta has revealed that the company is planning to add a new chat locking and autoplay feature for GIFs. So here are all the details.

WhatsApp to soon bring GIF Autoplay & Chat Lock feature

The news arrives from WABetaInfo who spotted the latest feature in the latest Android Beta update of the chat based application. The beta is the version 2.23.10.2 which can be found on the Google Play Store at the moment. In the new report, WhatsApp Beta program users gain access to a new feature, which basically automatically plays the GIFs. As of right now, one has to manually click on GIFs in chats to have them play.

Although, this change will be welcomed since it would make the conversations flow more smoothly with the seamless GIFs. But it is unclear if this feature can be toggled on and off through the settings. Apart from this, the company is also working on a Chat Lock feature in the beta, which was spotted on the iOS build 23.9.0.71 update. Looking at the screenshots shared, we can see that the Chat Lock feature will be accessible through the Chat Info segment.

WhatsApp

As the name suggests, this feature would allow you to lock any chat by scrolling down to the Chat Lock option. If users enable this option, users will be shown a Locked Chats option. Clicking on this takes users to a dedicated Locked Chats section, which requires users to use Face ID to gain access. Since this is on iOS beta, an Android counterpart should also be in the works.

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Apple’s 14-inch iPad Pro Tipped To Be Equipped With A Powerful M3 Pro SoC

Last year, Apple updated its iPad Pro with the company’s M2 chipset. As per various reports in the past, the Cupertino-based tech giant is working on a bigger iPad Pro model. It is tipped to pack top-of-the-line specifications and be more powerful than the regular variants. The model could be dubbed the iPad Pro Max or iPad Pro Ultra. Now, tipster Revegnus has revealed key information about Apple’s flagship tablet. 

Apple could debut iPad Pro with M3 Pro next year

Apple’s current generation iPad Pro with M2 SoC are already an overkill for what people use tablets for. However, the brand plans to take things a notch further. Revegnus states that the new iPad Pro could boast a 14.1-inch OLED screen which will make it the largest tablet in the portfolio. It will reportedly be powered by Apple’s M3 Pro processor that could arrive next year.  The vanilla M3 chipset is expected to debut in the MacBook 2023 later this year. The tipster also added that Apple is building a monster and iPad OS will also get a big update. The rumored iPadOS upgrade suggests that many macOS features will arrive on the 14.1-inch iPad Pro. 

If rumors about the 14.1-inch iPad Pro with M3 chipset indeed turn out to be true, it could potentially become an alternative to the MacBook or Mac desktop. However, it’s worth noting that this powerful iPad Pro is still a year away and a lot could change. Apple is also expected to launch refreshed iPad Pros this year alongside the iPhone 15 lineup. The Cupertino-based tech giant’s WWDC 2023 is also scheduled between June 5th – 9th. 

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