Advertisement

This Simple GMail Scam can Cost You a Lot of Money

Scammers posing as Google employees have once again hit the internet, targeting unsuspecting users with a Gmail scam. The bait? A fake email notification, informing users they have won a prize for being the 18.25 billionth searcher on the search engine giant’s platform. The email subject line reads “Online Reward Program,” and entices users to click on a link to claim their prize.

The Link Redirects Users to a Fake Phishing Website

It’s easy to see how people can fall for the scam. After all, who doesn’t want to win a prize? But, it’s important to note that Google does not reward users for using its search engine. The link included in the email takes users to a fake phishing website that tricks them into giving out their personal data and credentials, leaving them vulnerable to identity theft and financial fraud.

gmail

This scam is not new and has been circulating for some time now. The fact that it’s still prevalent shows that cybercriminals are still able to deceive people. In a world where so much personal information is readily available online, it’s more important than ever to be vigilant about the messages we receive and the links we click on.

The scam has prompted Google to issue a warning to its users, urging them to be cautious when browsing the web and to flag anything suspicious. This is not the first time Google has had to issue such a warning, and it likely won’t be the last.

The best way to avoid falling victim to scams like this is to be skeptical of any message or email that claims you have won a prize or asks for your personal information. Always verify the authenticity of the email and the sender before clicking on any links or entering any data. Remember, if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Stay alert and stay safe.

RELATED:

(Via)

Google Pixel 7a Leaks Again in Unboxing Images, Reveals Unique Arctic Blue Shade

It seems like every new day brings forth a new Pixel 7a leak to light. Over the past weeks, the Canadian price for the Google Pixel 7a has been exposed to the public, not to mention the entire spec sheet of the device becoming public before launch. Now, apparently, unboxing images of the Pixel 7a have surfaced online, and they highlight two colors of the device – Arctic Blue and Carbon. It is clear that these leaked images, while potentially spoiling the surprise of the official release, have also generated excitement and anticipation among tech enthusiasts and Pixel fans.

Arctic Blue is a unique, never-seen-before shade for Google’s Pixel

The Arctic Blue colourway is particularly a point of interest since it’s a first for Google. Arctic Blue seems like a pretty apt name for the color, since the shade of blue is quite faded as compared to the traditional blue colour. The colour really reflects the semblance of arctic ice, having a shade that leans more towards white than blue. Time will tell how people respond to the new colourway. On the other hand, the Carbon coloured Pixel 7a bears a resemblance to the traditional black Pixel shades released in the past. However, the blacks are darker this time around, but it is unclear from the mediocre phone images. Also, it is hard to tell what kind of back finish the Arctic Blue pixel possesses.

Google Pixel 7a

The upcoming Google Pixel 7a is anticipated to have a 6.1-inch FHD+ OLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, powered by Google’s in-house Tensor G2 chipset, with 8GB of LPDDR5 RAM and 128GB of onboard storage. The smartphone is predicted to feature a 64MP rear camera with OIS and a 12MP ultra-wide camera, a 10.8MP front-facing camera, and a 4,400mAh battery with 20W wired and wireless charging support. It will run Android 13 as its operating system, making it an outstanding mid-range option. As we near the May 10 launch date of the device, the number of leaks is only expected to increase, so stay tuned.

RELATED:

(Via)

TCL Introduces Advanced OLED Wearable Display with an Impressive 83% Screen-to-Body Ratio

TCL continues to expand its product family. Although many of us know the company for its smart TV models, it is one of the leading brands in panel technologies. The latest example was showcased at the China Appliance and Consumer Electronics Expo (AWE) 2023 event. The company first introduced the world’s first 57.1-inch Dual 4K Curved Gaming Display and now announced that it has successfully developed an advanced OLED wearable with an impressive 83% screen-to-body ratio and a 570% increase in mechanical strength. Here are the details…

TCL Revolutionizes Wearable Technology with Advanced OLED Display and Cutting-Edge Screen Innovations

TCL has announced the successful development of an advanced OLED wearable display. This innovation features an impressive 83% screen-to-body ratio and a 570% increase in mechanical strength, making it ideal for wearable devices. The display uses a low-temperature injection molding process to fill the Bending R area of the screen body and attach it to the surrounding middle frame. This reduces the screen’s black border area from 3.1mm to 1.65mm, achieving a screen-to-body ratio of up to 83%.

The low-temperature injection molding process not only helps minimize the screen’s black border but also boosts the screen body’s pendulum inertia by about 570%. This greatly reduces the risk of screen failure due to external impacts. Having completed mass production development, TCL Huaxing’s OLED wearable technology is poised to deliver a fresh user experience for wearable devices.

Other notable products included the world’s first 49″ LCD variable curvature display and the 17″ IGZO printed OLED folding display. The 17″ IGZO printed OLED folding display is compatible with foldable notebooks and pads, offering versatile applications, smart split-screen functionality, and multitasking capabilities. TCL Huaxing’s 49″ LCD variable curvature display, on the other hand, allows users to freely switch between curved and flat displays, providing an exciting sense of futuristic technology.

RELATED:

(source)

Bang & Olufsen launches the premium, retro-styled Beosound A5 portable speaker in China

Bang & Olufsen has launched the Beosound A5 portable speaker in China. The new speaker concept is the culmination of the collaboration between B&O and GamFratesi. The portable Beosound A5 is available in Nordic Edition and Dark Oak Version.

 Beosound A5 portable speaker

The Nordic Edition of the model comes with a silver aluminum trim with brown fabric. On the other hand, the Dark Oak Edition comes in a black aluminum trim plus a dark coffee fabric.

The new B&O Beosound A5 portable speaker adopts a retro design and a powerful sound output

The Beosound A5 portable speaker has a four-driver bi-directional setup and features the latest acoustic technologies. It is a compact speaker but quite powerful. It is equipped with RoomSense technology which adjusts the music playback to suit the room settings. This delivers the best sound fidelity every time. The compact form factor of the Beosound A5 belies its power.

 Beosound A5 portable speaker

The official launch page of Bang & Olufsen’s Beosound A5 is already active on the company’s website. It provides comprehensive details about the new portable speakers. The Beosound A5 supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. The speakers feature touch tuning and can be used both indoors and outdoors.

The dark oak edition is currently sold out on Amazon but the Nordic Edition has a retail price of $1,199. Both speakers have been listed on JD.com and their prices are 7,798 yuan ($1,128) and 8,598 yuan ($1,244) respectively.

 Beosound A5 portable speaker

The pretty expensive prices of Bang & Olufsen’s products is due to the cost of production, the premium materials used to manufacture its speakers, the audio quality, and the brand name it has managed to create for itself over the years. B&O frequently uses includes natural high-grade aluminum, smoked oak wood, and top-quality stainless steel to deliver premium products

RELATED:

IKEA VINDSTYRKA smart air quality sensor released for $49.99

The IKEA VINDSTYRKA smart air quality sensor has been launched in the US and selected markets. The gadget can measure humidity, temperature, and the relative level of total Volatile Organic Compounds (tVOC) in the room. The tVOC levels in the room can be increased by cooking, paint, fireplaces, cleaning products, and aerosols in the room. The IKEA VINDSTYRKA smart air quality sensor is an important gadget in the smart home ecosystem.

IKEA VINDSTYRKA smart air quality sensor

The VINDSTYRKA smart air quality sensor has a built-in display that shows information with a color-coded system. This indicates the degree of air quality (i.e. good, bad, ok, etc). You can also view the information using the IKEA DIRIGERA hub via the IKEA Home smart app. The gadget is however not compatible with the IKEA TRADFRI smart home hub. The VINDSTYRKA can be linked with other smart home devices like the SRARKVIND air purifier.

IKEA VINDSTYRKA smart air quality sensor

The smart air quality sensor comes in a compact design and has dimensions of 2 x 2.25 x 3.5 inches. It is powered via USB-C connection and a charging plug is not included in the package. The IKEA VINDSTYRKA smart air quality sensor can be purchased in the US for $49.99. It is also available in the UK and parts of Europe. The price of the gadget in Europe is €39.99 while it retails for £35 in the UK.

There are no indications at this time about the global availability of the VINDSTYRKA outside the selected markets. More details about the smart air purifier sensor can be found on the IKEA website. The product can be purchased directly via the IKEA website and from e-commerce platforms.

RELATED:

(source)

Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 tipped to feature 3.7GHz frequency boost and new architecture

Qualcomm is gearing up to launch its latest Snapdragon chipset, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, and it’s generating a lot of excitement in the tech industry. After the successful production of the Snapdragon 8 chips by TSMC last year, the performance and power consumption have been greatly improved, and the popular Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 has helped the series overcome its reputation in the flagship market.

Snapdragon 8 Gen 3

Higher clock speeds and advanced GPU: What to expect from Snapdragon 8 Gen 3

The next-generation Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is now in the final stages of development, and some core OEM partners have reportedly received early engineering samples for designing end-user phones. One of the most significant changes in the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is its new CPU architecture.

For the first time, Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 will feature a 1+5+2 architecture, as reported by Digital Chat Station. The new design consists of one large core, five large cores, and two small cores, with the model number SM8650. This new architecture replaces one small core with a large core, significantly boosting performance compared to the 1+4+3 architecture of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2.

Previous reports suggest that the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3’s large core will be upgraded to the advanced Cortex-X4, boasting a maximum frequency of 3.7GHz, which is a significant improvement over the 3.36GHz of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. Additionally, the GPU will be upgraded to Adreno 750.

Improved performance and power efficiency with Snapdragon 8 Gen 3

It is likely that TSMC will continue to produce the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, with the process technology being upgraded from N4 to N4P. Although it does not utilize the more advanced N3 process technology, N4P offers a 6% performance improvement compared to N4. Furthermore, N4P reduces the number of mask layers, simplifying the process and accelerating chip production cycles, making it more cost-effective and efficient than N3.

With the enhanced architecture and process technology, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is expected to achieve an AnTuTu benchmark performance of around 1.5 million points, providing users with smoother and more responsive experiences, especially when running demanding applications and games.

As for which manufacturer will be the first to launch a device featuring the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 platform, contenders include Xiaomi, OnePlus, and Vivo. MediaTek is also preparing to compete with Snapdragon flagship chips with their upcoming flagship chipset Dimensity 9200+.

RELATED:

(Source)

Zebronics Zeb-Smart Cam 105 hits India equipped with AI motion detection and night vision capabilities for Rs. 1,899 ($23)

The Zeb-Smart Cam 105 from Zebronics has been launched in India. The new smart camera features AI motion detection and night vision capabilities. It also comes with an affordable price tag.

The Zebronics Zeb-Smart Cam 105 is a comprehensive solution to home security needs. It is equipped with a full HD 1080p camera that can be used for live streaming and for taking high-resolution images. The camera notifies you whenever it detects movement in its area of coverage. The camera has a 355º horizontal and 120º vertical range of coverage. This provides a wide view of the room. The camera is further enhanced with infrared night vision with a 5 meters radius of coverage.

Zebronics Zeb-Smart Cam 105

The Zeb-Smart Cam 105 is suitable for night security coverage due to its night vision capabilities. The 24×7 Live Monitoring feature allows you to keep tabs on what is happening inside your house even when you are away. The camera can record and store feeds on the device’s storage, expandable via MicroSD up to 128GB. Cloud storage is also available as an additional option.

You can also communicate with your loved ones when using the Smart Cam 105. It is equipped with superior microphones and a two-way audio system. Furthermore, the camera can be mounted easily on the wall. The companion smartphone app is compatible with Android and iOS devices.

Zebronics Zeb-Smart Cam 105

The Zebronics Zeb-Smart Cam 105 has a launch price of Rs. 1,899 (~$23) and can be purchased from Amazon India. The original price of the surveillance camera is Rs. 4,399 (~$54). Zebronics says the Zeb-Smart Cam 105 is a comprehensive solution that provides safety and ease in today’s hectic life. It also combines affordability with quality while its versatility lends itself to various applications.

RELATED:

ColorOS 13.1 May Update Timeline out for Oppo and OnePlus phones

Oppo’s ColorOS 13 update has been rolled out to the majority of eligible smartphones, and the brand has even begun releasing an iterative update—ColorOS 13.1—to some devices. Recently, the Oppo Find X6 Pro received the new update, which includes camera and performance enhancements. Next month, the software will be made available to many more Oppo and OnePlus smartphones, as the brand has released the ColorOS 13.1 Update timeline for May.

The ColorOS 13.1 is said to be limited for phones in China and so is the new timeline. We could see on the Changelog of Find X6 Pro’s update that the software brings loads of improvements in the camera communication department but there are no new features as such. These improvements may vary from device to device.

List of devices receiving ColorOS 13.1 in May

May 4

  • OPPO Find X3

May 11

  • OnePlus 11
  • May 12
  • OnePlus 9R
  • OnePlus 8T
  • OPPO Reno9 Pro +
  • OPPO Reno8

May 15

  • OPPO Pad
  • OPPO Pad Artist Limited Edition
  • OPPO Reno6
  • OPPO Reno6 Pro

May 16

  • OPPO Reno9 Pro
  • OPPO Reno8 Pro +

May 17

  • OPPO Reno7 Pro
  • OPPO Reno8 Pro
  • OPPO Reno7 Pro League of Legends Limited Edition
  • OPPO Reno6 Pro+
  • OPPO Reno6 Pro+ Conan Limited Edition
  • OnePlus Ace 2V
  • OnePlus Ace 2

May 18

  • OnePlus Ace Pro
  • OnePlus Ace Pro Yuanshen Limited Edition
  • OPPO Reno7 SE

May 22

  • OPPO Reno5 Pro+ Artist Limited Edition
  • OPPO Reno5 Pro+

May 23

  • OPPO K10 Pro

May 24

  • OPPO Ace2 EVA Limited Edition
  • OPPO Ace2

May 25

  • OPPO Find N2 Flip
  • OPPO Find X2 Pro
  • OPPO Find X2 Pro Lamborghini Edition
  • OPPO Find X2, OPPO Reno7
  • OPPO Reno7 New Year Edition
  • OPPO Reno5 Pro, OnePlus Ace Racing Edition
  • OPPO Find X2 League of Legends S10 limited edition

May 26

  • OPPO Reno9

May 29

  • OnePlus 8
  • OnePlus 8 Pro
coloros 13 update plan May 2023

RELATED:

Redmi Note 12 Pro reportedly catches fire inside an Indian man’s pocket

A man has reportedly had his Redmi Note 12 Pro smartphone catch fire inside his shirt pocket. This is a seemingly rare event going by significant improvements OEMs had made on smartphones. However, it is coming on the heels of a rather disturbing news of an alleged Redmi Note 5 Pro explosion in India that led to the tragic demise of an 8-year-old girl.

Redmi Note 12 Pro

The Indian man named Naveen Dahiya purchased his Redmi Note 12 Pro in February 2023. The phone was inside his shirt pocket on April 11 when he noticed smoke emanating from the device. He then felt a burning sensation and discovered the phone was on fire. He was lucky enough to remove the device from his pocket before it could do any damage to his skin.

Unwanted fireworks: Xiaomi’s Redmi Note 12 Pro unit allegedly goes up in flame in India after tragic Redmi Note 5 Pro incident

It is unclear what could have triggered the fire on the Redmi Note 12 Pro since it was not being charged at the time. The phone was subsequently completely destroyed by the fire. Dahiya was not harmed as he was able to throw the phone on the ground while it was burning. He thereafter contacted Redmi customer service but got a sub-par response from them. The user insists that if he does not get a satisfactory response from Redmi, he will take legal action against the company.

It is expected that Redmi comes up with an official response to this incident amidst fears that several other units may be having a similar risk of catching fire. It will need to undertake an investigation on the issue to safeguard the safety of Redmi Note 12 Pro users.

Redmi Note 12 Pro explosion
Source- Twitter (Posts deleted)

This incident serves as a reminder to users that smartphones could become dangerous when they malfunction. Users are therefore expected to take precautions always to prevent potential fire incidents. Part of the advice is not to overcharge the smartphone or leave them in extremely hot environments.

RELATED:

(source)

Lenovo Tab M8 (4th Gen) 2024 appears on TDRA website

Lenovo is gearing up to launch a new tablet in the M series. Last year, the brand introduced the Lenovo Tab M8 (4th Gen) in Japan and various other markets. It featured an 8-inch IPS LCD panel and MediaTek Helio A22 chipset. The new tablet currently in development could potentially be the successor to the aforementioned model, carrying the name Lenovo Tab M8 (4th Gen) 2024. Recently, the device was spotted on the TDRA website. Here are the details.

Lenovo Tab M8 (4th Gen) 2024 Could bring some upgrades

Lenovo Tab M8 (4th Gen) 2024 model was spotted on the TDRA certification website with model number TB301FU. According to the listing, this tablet will come with Wi-Fi connectivity only. Unfortunately, no other specifications or details were provided in the database. However, the “2024” in the tablet’s name indicates that it is likely to be released next year.

Lenovo-Tab-M8-4th-Gen
Lenovo Tab M8 (4th Gen)

As the latest iterative, the tablet should bring some upgrades over its predecessor. For reference, the Lenovo Tab M8 (4th Gen) brings an 8-inch IPS LCD panel with an HD resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels. The device offers dual speakers and a 3.5mm audio jack. It packs a MediaTek Helio A22 chipset with 3 GB of LPDDR4x RAM and a storage capacity of 32GB. There’s a dedicated microSD card slot for additional storage.

The Lenovo Tab M8 (4th Gen) runs on a near-stock version of Android 12 OS and will receive security updates for up to 3 years. For photography, there’s a 2MP front camera and a 5MP rear camera. It supports face unlock and gets a 5,100mAh battery that is claimed to last for up to 16 hours on a full charge.

RELATED:

(Via)

WhatsApp could soon let Android users Transfer their chats Without Google Drive

WhatsApp is one of the best texting apps out there. Now that we stated the obvious, it’s important to also note its shortcomings. One particular area where the messaging app falls short is transferring chats from one Android device to another. You need to back up your chat history to Google Drive in order to transfer it to another Android phone, and if you don’t have a backup, this feature won’t available for you. However, the meta-owned application is now reported to be working on a cloud-less chat transfer option. Here are the details.

WhatsApp has a Chat Transfer tool in the development

According to WABetaInfo, some WhatsApp beta users running the latest Android v2.23.9.19 are seeing a chat transfer option. The screenshot shared by the publication details that the new tool will let users locally migrate their chats from one Android device to another without the need of using Google Drive.

whatsapp-android-chat-transfer

To transfer chats, you’ll need to first select this new feature from the settings and scan a QR code from your new device to start the migration process. It is worth noting that this tool is unlikely to change how you transfer WhatsApp messages from Android to iOS or vice versa.

As mentioned earlier, the feature has been rolled out to only a few beta testers. You might not see an option on your WhatsApp settings even if you’re on the latest version of the app. Currently, there’s no news about when this chat transfer tool will be made public. Also, backing up your chats to Google Drive is always a good idea because then you can easily recover your chats even if you lose your device.

RELATED:

(Source)

Palm Reading iReader Smart4 with a 10.3-inch e-ink display launched for 1899 yuan ($274)

Earlier in January this year, e-ink tablet manufacturer Palm Reading unveiled the iReader Smart Air Pro e-paper book. The tech giant has now unveiled the Smart4 electronic paper book in China. The tablet is presently available on Jingdong for pre-sale at a price tag of 2,099 yuan ($303). The device has an initail price tag of 1,899 yuan ($274).

Palm Reading iReader Smart4

The new iReader Smart 4 e-paper book packs a 10.3-inch ink screen with a resolution of 1402 x 1872 pixels. The tablet is designed with a new process that reduces the thickness of the front panel by 30%, making the screen display more transparent. At the same time, the paper-sensitive soft light screen can reduce 97% of interfering light , and can further simulate the damping feeling when writing on real paper, bringing a more realistic writing feel. The tablet is only 6.2mm thick and weighs just 375g.

The smart e-book tablet is equipped with the highest X-Pen3 stylus, which supports 4096 levels of pressure sensitivity and a sampling rate of 360 times per second. The stylus utilizes a spine body design making it comfortable to hold. The stylus also comes with a physical page-turning key which flips the pages with a single click.

In terms of performance, the iReader Smart4 is equipped with a quad-core 2.0GHz processor while there is 64GB storage onboard.It crams a built-in 4000mAh large battery with up to 60 days battery life on standby.

Palm Reading iReader Smart4

Palm Reading iReader Smart4 has a built-in Palm Reading bookstore, with hundreds of thousands of genuine books including from comic magazines, and quality audio books.

iReader notes are super powerful, with 130+ note templates and personalized covers, making notes flexible and diverse. Users can easily convert recorded notes to text, and can be edited and copied, making it ideal for taking minutes of meetings.

RELATED:

Realme 11 Pro+ With Dimensity 7050, 12GB RAM Appears On Geekbench

Realme has already teased the display and design details of the upcoming Realme 11 Pro+ smartphone that is set to debut on May 9th in China. In the past, the phone has already bagged multiple certifications including 3C, IMEI, TENAA, BIS etc. Now ahead of the launch, the Realme 11 Pro+ has appeared on the Geekbench database. It reveals the hardware specifications of the device.

Realme 11 Pro+ Geekbench listing

The Realme 11 Pro+ is listed with model number RMX3740 on the Geekbench database. This is the same model number that had appeared on 3C certification and more. As per the benchmark database, the smartphone is equipped with an MT6877V/TTZA processor. It is the MediaTek Dimensity 7050 which is the same as the Dimensity 1080 which MediaTek has now rebranded. The chipset comprises six cores at 2.0GHz and two cores at 2.60GHz. The Geekbench listing reveals 12GB RAM onboard and we can expect more variants at launch. Software-wise, the smartphone will ship with an Android 13 OS out of the box.

The Realme 11 Pro+ scores 838 and 2303 points in Geekbench’s single-core and multi-core test results.

The Realme 11 Pro+ is confirmed to come with a 10-bit AMOLED curved display with a 120Hz refresh rate. It will sport a circular protruding rear camera module which will be the first from the brand. The island will accommodate a 200MP main camera sensor along with two additional lenses. The upcoming offering will be available in Beige faux leather back panel with a centrally running vertical stripe with gold and silver stitching.

Related: 

Via

Redmi MAX 90-inch Giant Screen TV arrives with a special packaging that makes it fit into an elevator

Remember the Redmi Max 100-inch TV launched last year? The smart TV was so big that it was impossible to fit it into an elevator for owners who live in high-rise buildings. Xiaomi had to deliver the smart TV with crane to such apartments. Despite this logistic challenge, the smart TV was unusually popular such that it was hard to come by. Welll, Xiaomi has launched a new model with a slightly smaller but still giant display.

Redmi MAX 90-inch Giant Screen TV

The Redmi Max 90-inch Giant screen TV comes with a 90 inches display. The smart TV adopts a special-shaped packaging design and can be placed diagonally into the elevator, making it easier to be carried into homes in high rise apartment blocks.

Redmi MAX 90-inch Giant Screen TV launched as the successor to the Redmi MAX-100-inch Giant Screen TV

In terms of the specs, the smart TV adopts a native 4K super large screen, supports 100-level partition backlight, and 4096-level precision dimming. The screen is tuned one by one at the factory, supporting 1.07 billion color display. Also, the Redmi MAX 90-inch TV supports e-sports-level 144Hz ultra-high refresh rate and is equipped with HDMI 2.1 next-generation game interface. It supports variable refresh rate (VRR) and automatic low-latency (ALLM), allowing users to play 3A masterpieces without lag.

Redmi MAX 90-inch Giant Screen TV

Furthermore, the new gaint-screen smart TV is equipped with a 30W high-power speaker which can realize Dolby Vision and panoramic sound. Combined with the giant display screen, the smart TV offers the ultimate audio and video experience.

The MAX 90-inch giant-screen TV is equipped with a quad-core A73 processor paired with 3GB RAM while there is 32GB storage onboard. The smart TV also comes with support for Wi-Fi 6 and has fast network speed and low latency. Apart from the HDMI 2.1 port, other interfaces on the TV include HDMI 2.0, USB 3.0, USB 2.0, network cable port, and AV input, among others.

Redmi MAX 90-inch Giant Screen TV

The Redmi Max 90-inch smart TV is presently on presale in China. The product carries a 7999 yuan ($1,156) price tag. It is expected to be launched officially on May 10.

RELATED:

Xiaomi suspends MIUI beta program for Xiaomi Pad 5, Mix Fold, Redmi Note 11 Pro, and more

Xiaomi is the only mainstream Android OEM that still continues to run a public beta program for its mobile software — MIUI. However, the company has been slowly limiting the availability of beta builds for the last few years.

Ever since the firm ended the MIUI Global Beta initiative in 2019, it has been restricting the program in China as well. The latest example of this comes from an official announcement from Xiaomi itself on its community forum.

Earlier today, Xiaomi revealed that it will be suspending the MIUI beta program for its last-gen tablets, its first foldable, a value flagship, three lifestyle phones, and a couple of popular budget models.

Mi Pad 5 Pro Review 24
Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro (Review)

The devices in question are listed below.

The aforementioned smartphones and tablets will no longer receive weekly MIUI beta builds from August 4. By then, most of these products will be 2 years old.

Usually, when Xiaomi discontinues beta builds for a device, it signals the nearing of the end of the software support. These products may receive only one major software update in the near future.

This is sad news for Xiaomi Pad 5 series users since people stick with their tablets for more years than their smartphones. Xiaomi is historically known for providing poor software support for tablets. We expected it to change with its revival of tablets but that doesn’t seem to be the case.

The discontinuation of the beta initiative for these devices has no effect on global users. But if you are one of those few users who sideload these beta builds, it’s time for you to switch to the stable channel.

RELATED:

POCO F5 India pricing leaked ahead of launch

The highly anticipated POCO F5 is set to launch in the Indian market next month. However, prior to its release, a new leak has possibly revealed the starting price tag of the upcoming smartphone. So let’s have a look.

POCO F5 tipped to launch in India with a sub 30K INR price tag

For those unaware, the Chinese smartphone maker is set to unveil the F5 model in the region on 9th May 2023. There is also an F5 Pro variant, but it is believed to be an exclusive model to the European market. But prior to its official release, known tipster Paras Guglani, shared the pricing of the base model on Twitter. Looking at his tweet, @passionategeekz stated that the POCO F5 will go on sale in India for a price tag of 27,999 INR (roughly 342 US Dollars).

POCO

Unfortunately, the tipster did not mention the storage variant that carries this price tag, but it will likely be the base variant. Lastly, he also added that the brand will not be discontinuing the previous generation POCO F4 model after the launch of its successor. Although, it will probably be available with additional discounts soon. This was all the details shared by the tipster, but past rumors and reports have hinted at some of its key specs. Notably, this news also arrives shortly after a Paraguay pricing leak of the F5 series.

The POCO F5 will feature the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 SoC that is paired with up to 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage. The rear will likely features a 64 megapixel triple camera setup, while the front sports a 6.67 inch AMOLED display with a Full HD+ resolution and 120Hz refresh rate. The front will even include a 16 megapixel selfie camera as well. A large 5,000mAh battery pack is expected to power this device that would support 67W fast charging.

RELATED:

(Source)

OnePlus Nord 3 launch just around the corner, spotted on TKDN

The highly anticipated OnePlus Nord 3 has been making rounds online after being spotted on various leaks and rumors. Now, the latest report has found the upcoming mid range smartphone listed on a certification database, which hints at its imminent launch.

OnePlus

OnePlus Nord 3’s TKDN sighting hints at its near launch

Just earlier this month, the Chinese smartphone maker’s Nord 3 model was spotted on multiple certification platforms like NBTC and TDRA. The latest sighting now arrives from TKDN, which lists the device with the CPH2493 model number. Looking at this listing, the OnePlus Nord 3 will arrive with support for various 5G bands like n1, n3, n5, n48, and n40. Unfortunately, the brand has yet to officially unveil this device, but we do have past rumors do hint at some of its supposed specification.

The Nord 3 is expected to be a rebranded version of the OnePlus Ace 2V, which was announced in China just last month. In other words, the Nord 3 will also sport a tall 6.74 inch AMOLED display that features Full HD+ resolution and 120Hz refresh rate. Under the hood, the Ace 2V is equipped with the MediaTek Dimensity 9000 SoC that is paired with up to 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage. A large 5,000mAh battery pack powers the smartphone, which supports 80W fast charging.

OnePlus

On the rear, the Nord 3 is also expected to feature a 64 megapixel triple camera setup, which consists of an 8 megapixel ultra wide angle lens, and a 2 megapixel macro sensor. Meanwhile, the front will likely house a 16 megapixel selfie shooter. The device will run on Android 13 OS based OxygenOS 13.1.

RELATED:

(Via)

POCO F5 Pro Display And Design Officially Teased Ahead Of Launch

POCO is gearing up to launch the F5 and F5 Pro smartphones in the global market on May 9th. The pro variant was spotted in leaked renders as well as an unboxing video recently. Now, the brand’s global branch has officially teased the upcoming offering on its Twitter handle. 

POCO F5 Pro to come with WQHD+ display

The first teaser reveals that the POCO F5 Pro will come with a flat screen having a center-aligned punch-hole cutout and slim bezels. It will feature a WQHD+ display resolution. The power and volume rocker buttons are located on the right side. The USB-C port, SIM card slot, microphone, and speaker grille are located at the bottom of the device. 

Another tweet shows the POCO F5 Pro’s back panel design. It has curved edges for a comfortable grip. Both sides of the back panel have carbon racing stripes. There is a rectangular camera module at the top left corner. It houses three camera sensors along with an LED flash. The teaser also confirms the presence of OIS on the smartphone. The upcoming offering is seen in Black color and we can expect more options at launch. 

The latest teaser of the POCO F5 Pro suggests that it is indeed the rebranded Redmi K60 that debuted in China last December. Hence we can expect the device to pack the same core specifications. These include a 6.67-inch 2K 120Hz AMOLED display, a Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 SoC, and a 5,500mAh battery unit with support for 67W wired and 30W wireless charging. 

Related: 

Smartphone Market In India Records Highest Quarterly Decline in Q1, 2023; Samsung Leads For The Second Straight Quarter

The smartphone market in India recorded its highest-ever decline in Q1 2023 i.e. the period from January to March. As per Counterpoint Research’s Market Monitor,  smartphone shipments in the country fell 19 percent year-on-year to 31 million units in Q1, 2023. This is also the third consecutive quarterly decline in smartphone shipments. 

Smartphone shipments in India see highest decline in Q1, 2023

The reason for the decline in the Indian smartphone market is said to be due to sluggish demand, growing preference for refurbished phones, and high inventory build-up from 2022. Additionally, there is a shift in consumer behavior with demand now centered around promotional periods. Counterpoint Research forecasts a similar situation in Q2, 2023 with growth returning only in the second half of the year due to faster 5G upgrades, easing macro pressure, and the festive season. 

As per the Counterpoint Research’s report, the Rs 30,000 – 45,000 and above Rs 45,000 price segments recorded 60 and 66 percent growth in shipments respectively. Meanwhile, the share of shipments in the Rs 10,000 to Rs 30,000 slipped by as much as 35 percent in Q1. 5G smartphone shipments crossed 40 percent for the first time. 

South Korean major Samsung led the smartphone market in India in Q1, 2023 for the second straight quarter with a 20 percent share. It also led the 5G phone shipments with a 24 percent share. Vivo came in second place with a 17 percent share. Xiaomi fell to the third spot with a 16 percent share and a 44 percent year-on-year decline. This is due to weak demand in the sub-Rs 10,000 segment, over-dependence on online channels, and a confusing portfolio. OPPO bagged the fourth position with 12 percent share whereas Realme slipped to the fifth place with a 52 percent YoY decline. 

Additionally, apart from the top five lists, OnePlus became the fastest growing brand with 72 percent YoY growth driven by Nord CE 2 Lite and OnePlus 11 series. Apple also clocked 50 percent growth. The Cupertino-based tech giant registered 32 and 62 percent shares in the premium and ultra-premium segment respectively. 

Related: 

Realme 11 Pro+ Display Details Officially Teased Ahead Of Launch

Realme is gearing up to launch the Realme 11 series in China on May 10th. The lineup is expected to comprise a standard, pro, and pro+ variant. Ahead of the launch, the brand has started dropping teasers of the Realme 11 Pro+. It will arrive as the successor to the last year’s Realme 10 Pro+. 

Realme 11 Pro+ display teased

Previously, Realme teased the design of the Realme 11 Pro+. Now the brand’s latest teaser reveals the display details of the upcoming offering. The device will retain the curved screen with a 61-degree curvature from its predecessor. It is confirmed to feature a 10-bit AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. The smartphone will have a 2,160Hz PWM dimming. The Realme 11 Pro+ is said to offer a 2.33mm ultra-narrow chin and a center-aligned punch-hole display. 

The latest teaser does not reveal any additional details about the Realme 11 Pro+. The smartphone is confirmed to sport a circular protruding rear camera module which will be the first from the brand. It will feature a 200MP main camera sensor along with two additional lenses. The upcoming offering is also confirmed to come in a Beige faux leather back panel option called ‘Sunrise City’. It also has a centrally running vertical stripe with gold and silver stitching. Additionally, the frame of the phone has a gold color.

We can expect Realme to tease more details about the Realme 11 series in the coming days leading up to the launch event. As for the core specifications, the Realme 11 Pro+ is rumored to be powered by a Dimensity 7-series processor coupled with up to 16GB RAM. It is tipped to be backed by a 5,000mAh battery unit with support for 100W fast charging. 

Related: