Technology keeps bringing new phones and computers with better features. But do we really need all these upgrades? If your current device works fine for your daily tasks, you don’t need a new one. You can also improve old devices with small add-ons. If you share this perspective and you want a better Wi-Fi speed on your computer, Netgear offers the AXE3000 USB Wi-Fi adapter. It’s easy to use and makes Wi-Fi faster on laptops without the newest Wi-Fi technology. Here are the details…
Netgear USB Adapter Boosts Wi-Fi Speeds with WiFi 6E
Netgear has launched the AXE3000 USB Wi-Fi adapter, a first-of-its-kind USB 3.0 adapter with WiFi 6E technology. This easy-to-use upgrade provides a significant increase in Wi-Fi speeds for PC and laptops lacking the latest Wi-Fi features. The main advantage of the AXE3000 is its ability to access the new 6GHz band, designed specifically for WiFi 6E enabled devices.
The Netgear AXE3000 boasts impressive speeds of up to 1.2Gbps, but these maximum speeds require the latest wireless routers and Windows 11 to connect to the 6GHz frequency band. Even with less advanced hardware, the AXE3000 is expected to provide faster Wi-Fi speeds than most laptops currently offer. The adapter works on 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz bands for maximum compatibility and automatically selects the best band for optimal performance.
Netgear claims connection speeds of up to 600Mbps on the 2.4GHz band, 1.2Gbps on 5GHz, and 1.2Gbps on 6GHz. In addition to improved speed, the adapter also supports the latest WPA3 security and is backward compatible with older Wi-Fi standards. This ensures users can connect to networks with outdated routers, such as those found in coffee shops.
The Nighthawk AXE3000 WiFi 6E USB 3.0 Adapter (A8000) is now available for a recommended price of $112.
For the first time ever, the Redmi Note series not only breached the ₹25000 price segment but also the ₹30000 price category in the region. The two Pro variants have essentially replaced the Xiaomi ‘i’ series handsets, which did not get a successor this year.
The Xiaomi ‘i’ series used to be rebranded Chinese Redmi Note models for India. But this time, the company decided to bring the phones with their original branding, which explains the price hike.
For the uninitiated, the Chinese Redmi Note series offers a better set of features than the international variants. But these handsets are still mid-rangers and they excel in some departments more than others in the segment.
Months later, I got access to a Redmi Note 12 Pro Plus unit, courtesy of Xiaomi India. After using it for a while, I could say that it is probably the best device for content consumption in its price segment.
The Redmi Note 12 Pro Plus is the same as the Redmi Note 12 Pro, except for the primary camera and charging speed. Therefore, whatever I mention in this article is applicable to both smartphones, unless otherwise specified.
Redmi Note 12 Pro series display specs
The Redmi Note 12 Pro devices sport a 6.67-inch centered punch-hole 10-bit OLED display. The panel offers a resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels (FHD+), a 394 PPI, and a 5000000:1 contrast ratio.
The screen has a maximum refresh rate of 120Hz and it can also dynamically switch to 30Hz, 60Hz, and 90Hz depending on what’s being shown. Further, its touch sampling rate and brightness level can reach up to 240Hz and 900 nits, respectively.
Apart from the DCI-P3 color gamut, the display also supports HDR10+ and Dolby Vision content. Finally, the panel is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5. The phones are also Widevine L1-certified.
The display on the Redmi Note 12 Pro series is as good as it sounds. It is complemented by a good set of dual stereo speakers with support for Dolby Atmos.
These two products are some of the fewer handsets on the market in this price category with the complete Dolby package (Vision and Atmos). The other smartphones are Xiaomi’s older models.
Redmi Note 12 Pro series is built for content consumption
Thanks to the aforementioned specs of display and speakers, I loved consuming content on this phone. I never had such a good experience watching TV series and movies on a sub-30K smartphone.
I started binge-watching the first four seasons of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel on Amazon Prime Video before the premiere of the season 5. Whenever I had no access to the television, I came back to the Redmi Note 12 Pro Plus all the time.
I preferred it over OnePlus Nord 2T, which costs about the same (₹28999) and is a prime competitor if you ask me. However, I felt the Nord to be more comfortable to hold for a longer period of time.
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Also, the display on the Redmi is not very bright outdoors as compared to the competition. But the HDR and the audio quality make up for this shortcoming.
The speakers are loud and the vocals are clear. I didn’t feel like using earphones. The media experience is almost as good as on flagships. The speakers only fall behind in high frequencies and bass output.
Unlike most other devices in this segment, the Redmi Note 12 Pro series also comes with a 3.5mm headphone jack. So when your earbuds are out of battery, you can always plug in a set of wired earphones.
Redmi Note 12 Pro series is not aimed at gaming
Unfortunately, I cannot call this product the best multimedia smartphone under ₹30000 since it falls behind in gaming.
I only play Pokemon Unite, a mobile title that is not resource hungry. The MediaTek Dimensity 1080 chip inside the Redmi Note 12 Pro Plus can run it well but the phone gets warmer than OnePlus Nord 2T (Dimensity 1300) and even the much cheaper iQOO Z7 (Dimensity 920), which I reviewed recently.
The game is playable but I prefer the other two handsets. The standard Redmi Note 12 Pro with the same chipset also offers a similar gaming performance.
Good enough battery performance but not-so-good cameras
Further, the battery life on the device is fine. You can easily get a day or more depending on your usage. The charging speed is quick too as it supports 120W fast wired charging. The 5000mAh battery takes about 30 minutes to charge fully from 20%.
So I didn’t have to worry about battery during my binge-watching sessions. A small break would be enough to charge the battery adequately or even fully if the break was longer. On the regular Redmi Note 12 Pro, the charging speed is slower at 67W.
As far as cameras are concerned, they are pretty average on the Redmi Note 12 Pro Plus. The 50MP Sony IMX766 sensor on the OnePlus Nord 2T (review) gives better results than the 200MP Samsung HPX sensor.
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Practically, I didn’t see any use for the 200MP camera. I did enjoy the ‘200MP mode’ for zooming purposes when I first started using the phone. But the novelty soon wore off.
The camera produces good results only when there is ample light, especially when the sun is out. The picture quality degrades even with a cloudy sky, let alone evenings and nights.
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So if you really want a good zoom camera, then the only options out there are expensive flagship smartphones.
Another thing I didn’t like is haptics. The Nord 2T and even the older similarly priced Xiaomi 11 Lite NE 5G have better haptics. Also, the device still boots Android 12 though the software is MIUI 14.
Is Redmi Note 12 Pro series worth buying?
For me, the new Redmi Note Pro models are nothing more than a great content consumption machine. I am not saying the phones are bad in other aspects. It’s just that competitors like OnePlus Nord 2T, an almost-year-old handset, offer a better value.
The Redmi Note 11 Pro series was introduced at ₹17999 in India. On the other hand, the Redmi Note 12 Pro lineup starts at ₹24999. That’s an approximate price hike of 39%.
So the question arises whether the Redmi Note 12 Pro series is worth its asking price. The answer is both yes and no.
If your budget is strictly ₹25000, I can’t think of any reasons not to recommend the standard Pro variant. But if you could spend up to ₹30000 or a bit more, I would suggest you have a look at other options, especially the OnePlus Nord 2T.
The Redmi Note series used to cost ₹10000 when it was first released in India. For a long while, the devices have been best-sellers in the sub-₹20000 price segment.
With the new increased price, the lineup is no longer a value-for-money proposition as it used to till the last generation. However, the ‘Redmi Note’ is still a stronger brand name than others and it does excel in specific aspects as discussed above.
But is this enough for Xiaomi to push sales? Only time will tell.
AMD has unveiled brand new chips from its Ryzen series that will power next generation of handheld gaming consoles. The new processors include the new Ryzen Z1 and Ryzen Z1 Extreme, which are chips that will be found in the upcoming Asus ROG Ally handheld console. So here are all the details.
AMD Ryzen Z1 series will power upcoming handheld gaming console
For those unaware, popular gaming consoles like the latest Microsoft Xbox Series S/X and PlayStation 5 models are powered by APUs powered by the chipmaking giant. And now, it is even gearing up to expand its portfolio to include handheld consoles as well. The new Ryzen Z1 are based on AMD’s latest Zen 4 architecture and promises to offer great performance along with efficient power consumption. The Ryzen Z1 consists of 6 cores and 12 threads with 22MB in cache and 4 RDNA 3 compute units.
On the other hand, features 8 cores and 16 threads with 24MB in cache and 12 RDNA 3 compute units. The latest platform supports Windows 11, LPDDR5, LPDDR5X, and even USB4 memory. Furthermore, the company is also offering these chips with dedicated software to improve your overall gaming experience with AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition. This offers Radeon Chill, Radeon Image Sharpening, AMD Link, and Radeon Super Resolution.
Based on official notes, we already know that the Ryzen Z1 will be available with the Asus ROG Ally, which is an upcoming handheld gaming console. This console is set to launch be announced on May 11. So stick around for more, as we will be covering the launch event that is set for next month. The company had recently also announced new Radeon PRO W7000 series of workstation GPUs recently, so you can also check out our coverage of that by clicking here.
The foldable smartphone market continues to grow. With every new model that addresses technical challenges, more people become interested in this technology, and there is a corresponding rise in the number of manufacturers eager to secure a piece of the pie. One such manufacturer is Honor, an important player in the industry. In a recent interview, Honor’s CEO, Zhao Ming, shared some of the company’s goals in the foldable smartphone market, stating, “Honor will create the unrivaled, strongest foldable smartphone.” Here are the details…
Can Foldable Phones Go Mainstream? Honor and the Challenge of Outpacing the iPhone 14 Series
In 2019, Honor was heavily impacted by the US-imposed embargo on Huawei, was unable to produce new phones for a long time. Operating as a subsidiary at the time, the company was sidelined as resources were redirected to Huawei. However, this situation changed after Honor was sold, and the Chinese manufacturer re-enter the market. Once its ties with Huawei were severed and it was no longer under embargo, Honor quickly resumed work on innovative technologies. It seems that foldable screen technology holds an important place among the company’s research and development efforts.
In a recent interview, Zhao Ming, CEO of Honor, revealed some of the company’s ambitions in the foldable phone market. He stated, “Honor will create the strongest foldable phone with no rivals.” Honor aims to bring foldable phones into the mainstream, positioning the Honor Magic Vs as a competitor to top flagship devices, such as the iPhone 14 series. However, the practicality of this is quite debatable. At the end of the day, while foldable smartphones may enchant many of us with their features, they are not entirely “practical.”
One of the biggest issues with foldable smartphones is their in-between nature. Unfortunately, when you hold one of these models in your hand, you don’t see a screen as large as a tablet, nor do you see a device as compact and portable as a smartphone. Sadly, this prevents them from becoming mainstream and taking the place of models like the iPhone 14 or Galaxy S23. It is worth noting that this last part is the editor’s personal opinion, which may vary from person to person.
Nevertheless, it is hoped that the efforts of companies like Honor will change this in the future and make foldable devices much more popular.
Realme had just recently announced the new Realme C55, which was a budget series smartphone model. Now, it appears that the company is looking to launch another budget phone called the C53 in the market soon. So here are all the details.
The Chinese smartphone maker is apparently working on a new C53 model. This phone carries the RMX3760 model number, based on a sighting on on the NBTC certification website. In other words, we can expect the device to launch soon following its certification in Thailand. Unfortunately, apart from the model number, there is no other finer details revealed in this certification website. Although, this isn’t the first time this device has been spotted on a certification platform.
The Realme C53 was even sighted at FCC as well recently, which even revealed some of its specifications. The smartphone with the RMX3760 model number is expected to be powered by a large 5,000mAh battery pack that supports up to 33W SuperVOOC fast charging technology. While the NBTC listing does hint at its near launch, it is still unclear when exactly the game will be launching in the market.
Furthermore, its finer details like specifications and other features are also unknown. As of right now, we can only confirm that it will run on Android 13 OS based Realme UI 4.0 skin. But based on its name, it will likely fall right below the Realme C55. The C55 launched with a 90Hz display and a MediaTek Helio G88 SoC. It also features a 64 megapixel dual camera setup. So stick around for more updates regarding this matter.
Huawei has recently announced their much-anticipated Nova 11 series which includes three models – the Nova 11, Nova 11 Pro, and Nova 11 Ultra. The devices are now up for first sale in China. The phones are now available to buy from online stores as well as third-party stores like JD.com and Vmall.com.
Check out the prices of the Nova 11 series smartphones:
HUAWEI Nova 11
128GB memory: 2499 yuan (US$362)
256GB memory: 2799 yuan (US$405)
256GB memory with Kunlun Glass: 2999 yuan (US$433)
512GB memory with Kunlun Glass: 3399 yuan (US$493)
HUAWEI Nova 11 Pro
256GB memory: 3499 yuan (US$507)
256GB memory with Kunlun Glass: 3699 yuan (US$536)
512GB memory (no Kunlun): 3999 yuan (US$580)
HUAWEI Nova 11 Ultra
512GB memory with Kunlun Glass: 4499 yuan (US$650)
Huawei Nova 11, Pro, Ultra specifications
The Nova 11 series boasts a number of impressive features, including a powerful processor, stunning display, high-quality cameras, and fast charging capabilities.
Huawei Nova 11 features a 6.7-inch OLED screen with a high refresh rate, powered by the Snapdragon 778G processor. It has a 4500mAh battery with fast charging and runs on HarmonyOS 3. The phone comes with a 60MP front camera and a rear camera with a 50MP main sensor, an 8MP wide-angle lens, and a 2MP macro lens.
The Nova 11 Pro, on the other hand, is a premium smartphone with a curved OLED screen and a dual selfie camera. It runs on the Snapdragon 778G processor and has up to 512GB of storage. The device also supports 100W fast charging, which is known as Turbo 2.0, for its 4500mAh battery. The phone has a 50MP RYYB main camera with a large sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, and a 2MP macro lens. It has two front cameras with 60MP and 8MP resolutions and wide-angle lenses.
Finally, the Nova 11 Ultra is the most advanced phone in the series, featuring a leather back, a curved OLED screen, and a 100W fast-charging battery. It runs on the Snapdragon 778G processor and has 512GB of storage. The device has a dual front camera and a rear camera with a variable aperture and satellite communication SMS technology. The rear camera is a 50MP sensor that can adjust its aperture from f/1.4 to f/4.0, making it ideal for low-light photography. Apart from this, the device is similar to the Nova 11 Pro in most aspects. With its premium design and cutting-edge features, the Nova 11 Ultra is perfect for users who demand the very best in terms of performance and style.
All three models in the Nova 11 series come with Kunlun glass protection, providing different levels of protection for each model. They also have impressive connectivity features, including dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth v5.2, USB Type-C, Spatial-stream Sounding MU-MIMO, and NFC.
The highlight anticipated Vivo X90 series has finally been launched in India. The company had first announced its flagship series of smartphones back in 2022, and now, it has finally made its way to India, following a global release. It arrives with some impressive specs and features, so let’s have a look.
Vivo X90
Talking about the base model first, the vanilla X90 model sports a tall 6.78 inch AMOLED display that has HDR10+ support, 120Hz refresh rate, 300Hz touch sampling rate, 2,800x 1,260 resolution. Under the hood, it is equipped with the flagship MediaTek Dimensity 9200 SoC that is paired with up to 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage. The new X90 is powered by a 4,810mAh battery pack that supports 120W fast charging.
For photography, the base model features a triple camera setup that consists of a 50 megapixel IMX866 primary sensor that has an f/1.75 aperture and supports OIS. Furthermore, this sensor is paired with a 12 megapixel portrait camera with 2x optical zoom, and a 12 megapixel ultra wide angle lens. On the other hand, the front houses a 32 megapixel selfie camera. Other notable features include, Android 13 OS based FunTouchOS custom skin out of the box, Bluetooth 5.2, WiFi 6, aptX HD, stereo speakers, Hi Res Audio.
Vivo X90 Pro
Arriving at the higher end model, the Vivo X90 Pro is similar to the base X90 in many ways but with subtle differences. While the X90 Pro+ is the true flagship in the series, it is still a China exclusive model at the moment. This model also sports a 6.78 inch AMOLED display but with a higher 2K resolution. It offers 120Hz refresh rate as well as 300Hz touch sampling rate, 20:9 aspect ratio, and 2160Hz PWM. Under the hood, the smartphone is equipped with the Dimensity 9200 SoC as well, which is paired with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage. It is powered by a slight larger 4,870mAh battery pack that also supports 120W fast charging.
While most of the specs are similar to the vanilla variant, the camera department features an upgrade. The premium phone also features a triple camera setup on the rear, but the 50 megapixel IMX866 primary sensor is paired with another 50 megapixel portrait sensor that offers 2x optical zoom, along with a 12 megapixel ultra wide angle lens. The front houses a 32 megapixel selfie camera on this model as well. Other notable features include, Bluetooth 5.2, WiFi 6, aptX HD support, stereo speakers, Hi Res Audio, Android 13 OS, and more.
Pricing & Availability
The Vivo X90 starts from 59,999 INR for its base 8GB + 256GB variant. Although, its 12GB of RAm + 256GB version costs 63,999 INR. The top end X90 Pro model is available for price of 84,999 INR. Vivo is offering a flat 8,000 INR instant discount for HDFC credit card holders and EMI transaction for the Pro variant and 5,500 discount on the base X90.
WhatsApp has just launched its much-awaited “multi-device” feature that enables users to access their WhatsApp account on up to four devices simultaneously. This feature has been in the works for a while and is now available worldwide.
Previously, multi-device support was only possible through WhatsApp Web, desktop apps, and Android tablets. However, now users can link up to four devices with their WhatsApp account, including smartphones, tablets, and PCs. This feature is expected to be a game-changer, especially for small businesses, as it allows multiple employees to send and receive messages from the same business number on different phones.
Credit: The Verge
This new feature allows messages sent and received on any of the linked devices to be synced across all devices for up to a year. This means that even if your primary smartphone is switched off, you can still access your messages on other smartphones as each smartphone connects individually. All chats, media, and calls will be end-to-end encrypted on every smartphone. However, if your primary device remains inactive for a long time, WhatsApp will automatically log you out of all the companion smartphones.
To enable this feature, users can tap on the “link to existing account” option during setup and scan the QR code on their primary phone through the “link a device” option in settings. This feature is available on both WhatsApp for Android and iOS.
How to enable WhatsApp on multiple iPhones and Android devices
To link up to four companion Android smartphones or iPhones to your WhatsApp account, download or update WhatsApp to the latest available version from the Google Play Store or Apple Store.
Open WhatsApp on your companion device, enter your country code and phone number, and click on “Link a new device.” On your primary phone, click on “linked devices” in settings, then “link a new device,” and scan the barcode on the secondary device.
The multi-device feature also enables users to remove any of the companion phones from the WhatsApp account. To do this, go to your primary phone, open WhatsApp, access the “linked devices” menu, and click on the “logout” option for that specific device.
Overall, this new multi-device feature is expected to make it easier and more convenient for users to stay connected with their loved ones and businesses. With end-to-end encryption, it’s also a secure way to stay in touch across multiple devices. The rollout of this feature is expected to take a few weeks to reach all users. WhatsApp is working to add support for animated emojis, while also allowing users to add descriptions to forwarded messages.
Mercedes-Benz has unveiled its new E-Class sedan, which has undergone significant changes in appearance, interior, and power. The new car boasts a three-dimensional star-ring grille that echoes the brand-new daytime running lights. It also features a black high-gloss decorative panel that complements the grille design elements of Mercedes-Benz pure electric models, reflecting the concept of the new E-class car embracing electrification. In addition, the car is equipped with a hidden door handle derived from the S-class car, which optimizes aerodynamics with a simplified design, bringing the drag coefficient of the whole vehicle as low as 0.23.
The New E-Class has a 4-Cylinder Turbocharged Engine
The intelligent configuration of the new E-class car has been comprehensively improved. It is the first to be equipped with the third-generation MBUX intelligent human-computer interaction system with a three-screen center console layout. It is the predecessor of Mercedes-Benz’s own software system MB.OS operating system. The new E-class car also supports digital car keys, and car owners can open or close the car using only a smartphone. The all-new E-Class is equipped with a four-cylinder turbocharged engine with an ISG intelligent motor system and a hybrid drive unit, realizing the full electrification of the power system.
The plug-in hybrid model is equipped with the fourth-generation plug-in hybrid technology. Its battery capacity reaches 25.4 kWh. The battery is charged from 0% to 100%, and the car can also be equipped with an AIRMATIC system with Adaptive Continuously Adjustable Damping System Plus (ADS+) and a rear-wheel active steering system, taking into account driving comfort and agile handling. The new domestically produced long-wheelbase E-class sedan is expected to be released in the third quarter of 2023 and mass-produced and launched in November. With its impressive features, the new E-Class promises to deliver a thrilling driving experience for car enthusiasts.
Realme has confirmed that the upcoming Realme 11 series will launch in China on May 10th. The series is expected to include three devices: Realme 11, Realme 11 Pro, and Realme 11 Pro+. Before the official launch, these devices have been spotted on several certifications. Recently, the vanilla Realme 11 received the 3C certification, which reveals some of its features.
According to the 3C certification, the Realme 11 5G (RMX3751) will offer 33W fast charging and 5G connectivity support. The phone was previously spotted at TENAA certification, which also revealed its design. As per past leaks, the vanilla Realme 11 5G is supposed to feature a 6.4-inch AMOLED display and be powered by a Dimensity 900 processor.
The smartphone is rumored to feature a 64MP main camera. However, other specifications such as selfie camera details, battery capacity, RAM, and storage configuration remain unknown. The Realme 11 Pro, on the other hand, is expected to come with a 108MP primary camera and a 2MP secondary sensor. The device is also tipped to offer 67W fast charging support.
The Realme 11 Pro+ is rumored to boast a 200MP camera, accompanied by an 8MP secondary lens and a 2MP camera. The device is expected to support 100W fast charging. As for the software, we can expect all three devices in the Realme 11 series to run Android 13 OS out of the box with Realme UI on top. The Realme 11 Pro and the Realme 11 Pro+ are likely to feature a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with an FHD+ resolution and a higher refresh rate. Both these devices are expected to feature a 16MP camera and a 5,000mAh battery.
OnePlus has recently released the Android 13 Stable update for its OnePlus Nord 2 smartphone in India. This latest update follows the announcement of the OnePlus Nord 2 OxygenOS 13 Open Beta program that was revealed in March earlier this year. The OnePlus Nord 2, which was launched in July 2021, will receive its last Android version upgrade with this latest release.
The stable OxygenOS 13 update for the OnePlus Nord 2 comes with firmware version DN2101_11.F.22 and is now available for Indian users. OnePlus made an official announcement of the update on their community forum. The update introduces a range of new features, including an aquamorphic design, along with enhanced privacy and security features.
As of now, the Android 13 update is only available for users in India, and it is unclear when it will be rolled out in other regions. The update is available for both OnePlus Nord 2 and OnePlus Nord 2 PAC-MAN Edition users. Check the changelog below to know about the details of the update.
OnePlus Nord 2 Android 13 changelog
Aquamorphic Design • Adds Aquamorphic Design theme colors for enhanced visual comfort. • Applies the Aquamorphic Design philosophy to animations to make them natural and vivid. • Adds Shadow-Reflective Clock, with shadow simulating the orientation of the sun and moon. • Adds a Home screen world clock widget to show the time in different time zones. • Upgrades to Quantum Animation Engine 4.0, with a new behavior recognition feature, which recognizes complex gestures and provides optimized interactions. • Optimizes UI layers for a clearer and neater visual experience. • Applies real-world physical motions to animations to make them look more natural and intuitive. • Adapts responsive layouts to accommodate different screen sizes to improve readability. • Optimizes the widget design to make information easier and quicker to find. • Optimizes fonts for better readability. • Optimizes system icons by using the latest color scheme to make the icons easier to recognize. • Enriches and optimizes illustrations for features by incorporating multicultural and inclusive elements.
Efficiency • Adds large folders to the Home screen. You can now open an app in an enlarged folder with just one tap and turn pages in the folder with a swipe. • Adds media playback control, and optimizes the Quick Settings experience. • Adds more markup tools for screenshot editing. • Adds support for adding widgets to the Home screen, making information display more personalized. • Adds Sidebar Toolbox. You can open a floating window inside apps for smooth operation. • Optimizes Shelf. Swiping down on the Home screen will bring up Shelf by default. You can search content online and on your device.
Seamless interconnection • Optimizes Screencast, with cast content automatically adapting to the target screen. • Optimizes earphone connectivity to deliver a more seamless experience.
Personalization • Optimizes Bitmoji to offer more Always-On Display animations. • Optimizes Insight Always-On Display, with more personalized Always-On Display settings available. • Optimizes Portrait Silhouette Always-On Display, with more drawing tools and line colors available.
Security & Privacy • Adds an automatic pixelation feature for chat screenshots. The system can identify and automatically pixelate profile pictures and display names in a chat screenshot to protect your privacy. • Adds regular clearing of clipboard data for privacy protection. • Optimizes Private Safe. The Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) is used to encrypt all files for enhanced security of private files.
Health & Digital wellbeing • Adds distance-from-phone, ambient light, and sitting posture reminders in Kid Space. • Adds Eye comfort in Kid Space to protect children’s vision.
Performance optimization • Adds Dynamic Computing Engine to improve the system speed, stability, battery life, and app experience.
Gaming experience • Upgrades to HyperBoost GPA 4.0 to stabilize the frame rate and balance the performance and power consumption in key scenarios.
Huawei has today officially started selling two of its new laptops in its home country, dubbed Huawei MateBook D14 and Huawei MateBook D16. The devices were announced a few days back and are now up for sale in China.
As the name indicates, the D14 features a 14-inch screen, while the D16 comes with a 16-inch display. Both devices have a starting price of 4,999 yuan and 5,499 yuan, respectively.
The Huawei MateBook D14 features a 14-inch display panel with a screen resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels and supports 100% sRGB color gamut. Under the hood, it is powered by Intel‘s Core i5-1340P or Core i7-1360P processor, coupled with 16 LPDDR4x RAM and up to 1TB of internal storage.
The laptop also comes with the company’s metamaterial antenna. The device has a thickness of 15.9mm and weighs 1.3 kilograms. The Core i5 model with 16GB RAM and 512GB storage costs 4,999 yuan (~$722), while the Core i7 model with 16GB RAM and 1TB storage is priced at 5,999 yuan (~$867).
On the other hand, the Huawei MateBook D16 has a 16-inch panel with the same 1920 x 1200 pixels screen resolution, offering a 16:10 aspect ratio and 90% screen-to-body ratio. The device weighs 1.7 kilograms and has a thickness of 18.4 mm.
There are three choices in terms of processor — Core i5-13500H, Core i7-13700H, and Core i9-13900H, coupled with 16GB LPDDR4x RAM and 1TB of internal storage. The device also has a numeric keypad, a Full HD 1080p webcam, and an additional USB-C charging/data transmission port compared to the MateBook D14.
As for the pricing, the Core i5 model is priced at 5,499 yuan (~$794), while the Core i7 model costs 6,499 yuan (~$939). The top-end offering in the lineup, powered by the Core i9 processor, is available for 6,999 yuan (~$1,011).
ChatGPT has taken the world by storm, and developers are finding innovative ways to integrate the AI bot into their projects. For instance, recently, ChaosGPT was tasked with planning the destruction of humanity. One of the latest developments is Auto-GPT, an open-source application that automates prompts for the latest version of ChatGPT, GPT-4. This program allows users to put in a list of tasks that they want to be completed, and Auto-GPT will generate prompts for ChatGPT to finish them autonomously.
Auto-GPT can Accept Multiple Prompts
This is a game-changer for those who use ChatGPT for technical assistance, coding, or any other task that requires multiple inputs. With Auto-GPT, users no longer need to continuously direct the chatbot to get their desired output. Instead, it gives ChatGPT the prompts for you and checks that the output follows through.
The applications for Auto-GPT are endless. The AI could auto-respond to emails, curate complex to-do lists for small businesses, act as a supercharged customer service chat for websites, or an intelligent directory for people visiting sites and requiring more information. For example, if Auto-GPT was being used by a museum, guests could talk to the bot about the exhibits, create bookings, ask for up-to-date itineraries, curate day-long plans and packages, and respond to any issues. However, the lack of human interaction is a double-edged sword. Auto-GPT may focus on the task at hand and not consider the bigger picture, potentially resulting in shortcuts or issues in the future. For example, in a customer service setup, it could provide a customer with a solution or answer to their query in the short-term, but it might use methods that a human would know to avoid.
After rumors about the Xiaomi Mix 5 went quiet last year, the elusive device has once again become a topic of discussion. The MIX 5 was originally planned to be launched in 2022, but for reasons that are still unknown, it was canceled. However, a recent report has raised the possibility of a launch in 2023, rekindling hopes for the highly anticipated device.
Xiaomi MIX 5 live image
A recent leak has surfaced on Weibo courtesy of popular tipster DCS, who shared a live image claimed to be that of the Xiaomi MIX 5. The device appears to deviate from the usual design scheme associated with Xiaomi, featuring a boxy build with symmetrical bezels and an under-display camera. Interestingly, the MIX 5 bears a striking resemblance to the Red Magic 8 Pro gaming smartphone, which was released recently. Upon closer inspection, it is highly likely that this is indeed a Red Magic 8 Pro considering the fact that the antenna lines are in the exact same places. But on the off chance that this turns out to be the real thing, the device could feature the following specs.
Xiaomi MIX 5 specs
According to a live image leaked on Weibo by tipster DCS, the Xiaomi MIX 5 is set to boast impressive specifications. The device is said to feature a large 6.73-inch display with a resolution of 3200 x 1440 pixels, which is likely to be an AMOLED panel. Under the hood, the MIX 5 is rumored to be powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC, paired with a generous 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage. The device is also expected to come with a sizable 4820mAh battery to keep it running all day long. In addition, the image shows that the MIX 5 will run on MIUI 14, based on Android 13. Overall, these specifications indicate that the MIX 5 will be a powerful and capable device that could be worth waiting for.
Xiaomi MIX 5 Pro concept
In the past, it was rumored that the Xiaomi MIX 5 would come with an impressive 200W fast charging capability. It is unclear if this feature will be included in the upgraded version of the device. Furthermore, earlier reports suggested that the MIX 5 would be equipped with a 48MP front-facing camera and a triple-camera setup on the back. This setup was said to consist of a 50MP OIS lens, a 48MP ultra-wide sensor, and a 48MP telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom. However, there is no official confirmation regarding these camera specifications as of yet. It remains to be seen if the final product will match these rumors or if there will be changes made to the device.
Oppo‘s popular premium min-range Reno series is due to get an update soon. The brand is rumored to soon launch the Oppo Reno 10 series in China with the Reno 10 Pro+ as the top-end of the lineup. Ahead of the launch, an alleged render of the device has leaked online revealing its design.
The leak comes from Weibo tipster 定焦数码. The render matches the leaked schematics that surfaced back in December 2022. The brand is apparently making a major design change this time, opting for a pill-shaped camera module that houses a total of three cameras and an LED flash.
The back is curved and looks quite clean, especially with the glittery black color scheme. However, this design definitely looks like a downgrade from its recent predecessors. The display is also curved, features super thin bezels, and has a centered punch-hole for the camera. A recent certification listing also revealed that the smartphone will feature 100W fast charging. Let’s check out what else is known about the Reno 10 Pro+ smartphone so far.
Oppo Reno 10 Pro+ specifications (rumored)
Expected to be launched soon, the Reno 10 Pro+ smartphone is rumored to have a sleek design with a plastic middle frame. It may feature a 6.74-inch OLED display that curves at the edges, offering a resolution of 1.5K. Security features are likely to include an under-display fingerprint scanner.
The device is anticipated to be powered by a low-frequency variant of the Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 chipset, paired with 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM and either 256GB or 512GB of UFS 3.1 storage.
The camera setup on the Reno 10 Pro+ could include a 32-megapixel front-facing camera and a rear camera system comprising a 50-megapixel primary lens with OIS, an 8-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and a 64-megapixel telephoto lens. To improve photography performance, the device may also incorporate the company’s proprietary MariSilicon X NPU.
Reports suggest that the Reno 10 Pro+ could come with a 4,700mAh battery and support for 100W charging, though wireless charging may not be available. The device may run on Android 13 OS and the latest version of ColorOS.
Video Generative AI, also known as Deep Learning-based Video Synthesis, works by analyzing and learning from large datasets of videos to generate new video content. The AI model learns the patterns, features, and styles from the input data and uses that information to create new video outputs. Through techniques like neural networks and generative adversarial networks, the AI can generate new content with different styles and effects based on the user’s input or prompts. It’s important to note that the AI is not actually “creating” new content from scratch, but rather remixing and synthesizing existing content in new ways.
Users can choose Claymation, Sketches, Watercolour and more
AI startup Runway has launched its first mobile app, giving users access to its video-to-video generative AI model, Gen-1. The app is currently only available on iOS devices, but it allows users to generate an AI video from a recorded video on their phones or transform existing videos using text prompts, images or style presets. Runway’s list of presets includes options such as “Cloudscape” and users can select from various transformations to make their videos look like claymation, charcoal sketches, watercolour art, paper origami and more.
While the results aren’t perfect, the app could be valuable for content creators looking to spice up their social media posts. However, the ethical standpoints of generative video AI must also be considered. As the technology evolves, it raises questions about ownership and copyright of generated content, as well as the potential for misuse or manipulation of videos. It is important for companies like Runway to prioritize ethical considerations as they develop and promote their technology.
The Vivo Y78+ smartphone was recently announced in China. As it is known, Vivo’s Y-series mainly includes mid-range handsets. Hence, the Snapdragon 695-powered Y78+ is the most advanced Y-series phone from the brand. Starting today, it is available for purchase in the home market.
Vivo Y78+ price
The Vivo Y78+ 5G comes in three options, such as 8 GB RAM + 128 GB storage for 1,599 Yuan, 8 GB RAM + 256 GB storage for 1,799 Yuan, and 12 GB RAM + 266 GB storage for 1,999 Yuan. It comes in three shades: Moon Shadow Black, Warm Sun Gold, and Sky Blue.
Vivo Y78+ specifications and features
Vivo Y78+ 5G
The Vivo Y78+ 5G is a thin and lightweight smartphone, weighing only 177g and measuring just 7.89mm in thickness. The 6.78-inch FHD+ OLED display of the Y78+ has curved edges and supports a refresh rate of up to 120Hz, a peak brightness of 1300 nits, an 8000000:1 contrast ratio, and a 100 percent DCI-P3 wide color gamut.
The device is powered by the Snapdragon 695 chip. The SoC is paired with LPDDR4x RAM, UFS 2.2 storage, and a 5,000mAh battery that supports 44W rapid charging. According to Vivo, the device can charge up to 50 percent in just 30 minutes by means of the in-box charger.
The Vivo Y78+ 5G runs on Android 13 OS, which is overlaid with OriginOS 3. For selfies, it has an 8-megapixel front-facing camera. The camera module on the back has a 50-megapixel primary camera, a 2-megapixel portrait lens, and an LED flash. The other features that are available onboard include dual SIM, 5G, Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 5.1, GPS, a USB-C port, and a 3.5mm audio jack.
With the Google I/O 2023 Edition fast approaching, rumors of the launch of the new Google Pixel 7a smartphone are growing stronger. The upcoming mid-range device from the tech giant is expected to feature similar specs to its predecessor, the Pixel 6a.
Google Pixel 7a leaked renders & official cases
Recent leaks (via WinFuture) have revealed the color options and official cases for the Google Pixel 7a. The latest renders indicate that the smartphone will be available in three color options – Grey, Blue, and White. The design language of the device will resemble that of the Pixel 6a, with a full-screen display featuring a centered punch-hole notch and a Visor-shaped camera module on the back. It is worth mentioning that antenna lines are visible on the side of the device indicating that it could feature a metal frame.
In addition, three official cases for the Google Pixel 7a have also been leaked. There will reportedly be a case available for each color of the device. The cases will feature a horizontal cutout for the camera module and the Google logo.
The Google Pixel 7a is rumored to offer a 90Hz OLED display with Full HD+ resolution, powered by a Tensor G2 chipset paired with 8GB of memory and 256GB of onboard storage. It will run on Android 13 out of the box and feature a dual-rear camera setup, possibly with a 64MP camera, and a 10.8MP front camera. The device is also expected to be the first affordable Pixel smartphone to offer wireless charging.
Google Pixel 7a rumored pricing
The Google Pixel 7a is tipped to cost $499 (roughly Rs 40,920), which is $50 more than its predecessor. While the rumors and leaks have generated excitement among fans, only time will tell if the Google Pixel 7a will live up to expectations.
Spotify is a popular music streaming platform that allows users to access a vast collection of songs, podcasts, and other audio content from all over the world. It offers a personalized experience through its various features, such as curated playlists, algorithmic recommendations, and social sharing. The platform is available on multiple devices, including smartphones, computers, and smart speakers, making it convenient for users to listen to their favourite music anytime and anywhere. Additionally, Spotify offers both free and premium subscription options, allowing users to choose the level of access they desire. It is currently the most used music streaming app worldwide, but in spite of that, the company doesn’t seem to be doing well lately.
Spotify lost $248 Million in Q1 2023
Despite being one of the biggest names in music streaming, Spotify has been struggling to turn a profit in recent years. Reports show that the company lost $248 million in the first quarter of 2023, even as its subscriber count continues to grow. This begs the question: why is Spotify losing money? One reason could be that unlike its competitors, such as Apple, Google, and Amazon, Spotify relies solely on its music streaming service to generate revenue. Although it has expanded into podcasts and audiobooks in certain regions, it remains to be seen whether these ventures will bring in enough profit to make the company more financially stable.
Spotify could pursue various strategies to increase its profitability, including expanding into new markets, increasing the price of its premium subscription service, exploring alternative revenue streams such as advertising or partnerships with brands, and creating exclusive content through artist partnerships. By balancing growth with financial stability, Spotify can remain competitive in the music streaming market and achieve long-term success.
The Realme 11 series of smartphones will be unveiled at 4 pm (local time) on May 10 in China. While there is no official word on the number of devices that will be announced on the said date, recent certifications have suggested that it may unveil at least three devices. The three expected devices include the Realme 11, the Realme 11 Pro, and the Realme 11 Pro+.
The Realme 11 Pro and Realme 11 Pro+ are expected to feature a 6.7-inch curved-edge AMOLED display, as per their TENAA listings. The duo will support an FHD+ resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. The Pro model will come with a 100-megapixel + 2-megapixel dual-camera system on the back. Here’s a look at the TENAA images of the Realme 11 Pro.
Realme 11 Pro
The Pro+ is expected to feature a 200-megapixel + 8-megapixel + 2-megapixel triple camera unit on its rear shell. The 8-megapixel snapper could be a telephoto camera capable of taking moon shots. Both devices will pack a 5,000mAh battery. While the Pro model will offer 67W fast charging, the Pro+ is likely to offer 80W or 100W charging.
The Realme 11 Pro and Realme 11 Pro+ are said to arrive with an upcoming Dimensity 7000-series chip. The lineup is expected to offer up to 16 GB of LPDDR4x RAM and up to 1 TB of storage.
realme 11
Shown above are the TENAA images of the Realme 11 5G. At present, there is no concrete information on the specifications of the Realme 11v. All three phones are expected to run on Android 13 OS with the Realme UI 4.0 on top. All three devices are also expected to release in India and some other Asian markets.
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