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Xiaomi TV A55/ A65 Competitive Edition with 4K 120Hz display launched in China starting at 1,799 yuan ($260)

Xiaomi has unveiled new competitive editions of the A-series smart TV in China. The new Xiaomi A55/A65 Competitive Edition TVs feature 4K screens with a high 120Hz refresh rate.

Xiaomi TV A55 Competitive Edition

Xiaomi TV A55/A65 Competitive Edition arrives in an all-metal body, dual 10W speakers & more!

The A55 model features a 55-inch panel while the A65 comes with a 65-inch screen. The 120Hz display refresh rate makes the TVs a good fit for gaming, screencasting, and other performance-intensive applications

Xiaomi TV A55 Competitive Edition

The Xiaomi TV Competitive Edition has a metal unibody design. The screen resolution of the models is 3840 x 2160 pixels in addition to a 1.07 billion color display and Delta E rating of approximately 2. The Xiaomi TV Competitive Edition A55/A65 feature two 10W high-power speakers that combines with the Xiaomi sound effect algorithm to deliver an immersive experience. The TVs support DTS decoding which brings a theater experience during viewing.

The new Xiaomi TVs support far-field intelligent connectivity in the home. The TVs can check devices, receive messages and control smart home gadgets with simple voice commands. The TVs also support wireless screen projection and can achieve multi-screen linkage. Devices that can connect to the TVs for screen projection include smartphones, notebooks, and other compatible hardware. Connectivity interfaces include USB, HDMI, AV, and S/PDIF audio interfaces.

Xiaomi TV A55 Competitive Edition

The Xiaomi TV A55 competitive Edition is priced at 1,799 yuan (~$260) while the A65 retails for 2,499 yuan (~$362). Both products can be purchased from retail platforms in China including JD.com. There are no details yet on the global availability of the new Xiaomi TVs Competitive Edition. It is however expected that these details will be released subsequently.

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WhatsApp’s “side-by-side” feature rolling out to Android tablets

WhatsApp is introducing a new feature for Android tablet users called “side-by-side” mode, as reported by WABetaInfo. The feature allows users to switch between conversations without losing track of their ongoing chats, providing more control over the WhatsApp interface on their Android tablets.

Multitasking with WhatsApp’s ‘side-by-side’ feature

This new mode splits the screen, allowing users to view multiple conversations simultaneously, which can be especially useful for those who frequently chat with multiple people at the same time. However, it may result in a smaller area for each conversation.

Fortunately, users have the option to disable the side-by-side view through WhatsApp’s settings if they prefer a larger interface for their conversations. The option can be disabled within: WhatsApp Settings > Chats. This update now rolling out to some beta users and it will roll out to more users over the coming days, allowing for a more seamless chatting experience for Android tablet users.

whatsapp side-by side feature

In addition to this new feature, WhatsApp has also introduced a multi-device login feature that allows users to use the same WhatsApp account on multiple devices. This update has already started rolling out to users globally, allowing them to link up to four additional devices to their WhatsApp accounts.

WhatsApp’s multi-device login feature is great for users who frequently switch between multiple devices or share their accounts with family members. The feature is designed to make it easier to stay connected with friends and family without having to worry about the hassle of logging in and out of multiple devices.

WhatsApp is also expected to introduce the individual chat lock feature, which will allow users to add an extra layer of security to their chats, as well as a Companion mode, which will enable users to mirror their WhatsApp account on their smartphone and tablet simultaneously.

Furthermore, WhatsApp is set to roll out a new feature that lets users add descriptions to forwarded messages. This feature will allow users to provide context and additional information about the messages they are forwarding to their contacts.

There are also rumors that WhatsApp is working on adding animated emoji support to the platform, which would allow users to send animated emojis to their contacts in their chats.

Additionally, WhatsApp is reportedly working on a new feature that will allow Android users to transfer their chats without Google Drive. This feature would enable users to transfer their chats from one Android device to another without having to use Google Drive, making the process more convenient and accessible.

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Vivo X90 gets a new OriginOS 3 update in China with improved camera performance

Vivo is now rolling out the latest version update of OriginOS 3 on the Vivo X90 smartphone. The update, with the version number “PD2241C_A_13.0.16.31.W10.V000L1”, primarily focuses on optimizing camera stability and accuracy, improving network stability, and enhancing application performance. The Vivo X90, which was launched in China last November, has recently been introduced in India.

vivo-X90

The camera enhancements include improved performance and stability, as well as better accuracy and consistency in light source detection for rear flash portrait shooting. This will undoubtedly provide users with a smoother and more enjoyable shooting experience.

In terms of network optimization, the update improves 5G network stability, ensuring faster and more reliable connectivity. The compatibility of some third-party applications has also been optimized, while the issue of hands-free mode automatically switching to earpiece mode during voice calls has been resolved.

Moreover, users will no longer have to worry about missing call records as this issue has been fixed. The update has also optimized stability and fluency when using some functions in the third-party app’s small window status, as well as the screen brightness adjustment algorithm. Furthermore, the update has improved system performance, stability, and fluency, while fixing the issue of small windows displaying abnormally in some scenarios when opening an application.

Vivo X90 new update changelogs:

  • Optimized camera performance and improved camera stability
  • Optimized the accuracy and consistency of light source detection for rear flash portrait shooting, improving the shooting experience.
  • Optimized and improved 5G network stability
  • Optimized compatibility of some third-party applications
  • Fixed the issue where the hands-free mode would automatically switch to the earpiece mode during voice calls
  • Fixed the occasional issue of missing call records
  • Optimized stability and fluency when using some functions in third-party app’s small window status
  • Optimized screen brightness adjustment algorithm to make the screen brightness adjustment response more timely
  • Optimized system performance to improve stability and fluency
  • Fixed the issue where small windows would display abnormally in some scenarios when opening an application

It is important to note that the update will not delete or modify user data. However, to be on the safe side, users are still advised to back up personal data before updating. After the upgrade, the installation package will be automatically deleted, thus freeing up device storage space and not affecting the device’s operational speed.

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Alleged Honor Play 40 passes MIIT certification with 5100mAh battery, 10W charging

A new Honor smartphone, carrying the model number WDY-AN00, has recently appeared on the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) official website. While certificate photos have not been disclosed, some tech bloggers speculate that this could be the Honor Play 40.

Alleged Honor Play 40 3C certification

Alleged Honor Play 40 specifications:

According to the specifications provided by MIIT, the model features an octa-core processor with a 2.2GHz clock speed and does not support memory card expansion. It comes with a 5100mAh battery and supports 10W charging. The device is manufactured by Longqi and Guanghong Technology.

Alleged Honor Play 40 MIIT certification

Additionally, the phone is expected to sport a 6.56-inch LCD display with a resolution of 1612×720 pixels, a 13MP + 2MP dual rear camera setup, and a 5MP front-facing camera. A side-mounted fingerprint scanner is included for unlocking the device. The phone measures 8.35mm in thickness, weighs approximately 188g, and offers storage options of 4/6/8/12GB RAM and 64/128/256GB internal storage.

The device comes with an HW-050200C02 charger, which has not been used for phones in quite some time and has been removed from both Honor and Huawei stores. Most Honor smartphones support fast charging above 10W, and devices with this type of charging have been scarce since the Honor 9X series.

The most recent Honor phone supporting 10W charging is the Honor Play 30 (VNE-AN00), featuring a Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 Plus chipset, a 6.5-inch 1600×720 display, and a 5000mAh battery.

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MediaTek quietly launches Dimensity 7050 SoC, will debut in Realme 11 series

MediaTek has quietly introduced its latest processor, the Dimensity 7050. The new chipset is set to make its debut in the upcoming Realme 11 series of smartphones, with the Realme 11 Pro+ model recently spotted on Geekbench sporting the Dimensity 7050 and 12GB of RAM.

MediaTek is actually rebranding its existing Dimensity 700, 800, and 900 series SoCs under the fresh Dimensity 6000 and specific 7000 series. The move is intended to simplify the company’s product portfolio and deliver a more transparent naming system for consumers. The core technology and specifications largely remain the same. MediaTek Dimensity 7050 is the rebranded version of the Dimensity 1080.

MediaTek Dimensity logo

MediaTek Dimensity 7050 specifications:

The Dimensity 7050 SoC has been manufactured using TSMC’s advanced 6nm process technology, and its CPU is composed of two high-performance 2.6GHz Cortex-A78 cores and six power-efficient 2.0GHz Cortex-A55 cores. The GPU features a Mali-G68 MC4, with support for LPDDR5/4x memory and UFS 3.1/2.1 storage standards.

When it comes to display capabilities, the chipset can handle screens with resolutions of up to 2520 x 1080 pixels and 120Hz refresh rates. Camera support is also impressive, with the ability to accommodate lenses of up to 200MP, 4K HDR video recording, and advanced features like hardware HDR video, triple HDR-ISP, and MENR.

MediaTek Dimensity 7050 specifications

On the video front, the Dimensity 7050 offers encoding support for HEVC and H.264 formats, as well as playback compatibility with HEVC, H.264, MPEG-1/2/4, and VP-9 codecs.

Devices powered by the Dimensity 7050 chipset are expected to provide a substantial boost to gaming performance. MediaTek has integrated features such as Wi-Fi Rapid Channel, a 5G HSR mode tailored for gaming, and a super hotspot energy-saving technology to ensure a seamless gaming experience for users.

Additionally, the processor comes with support for global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) and the latest Wi-Fi 6 standard, further expanding its capabilities and compatibility.

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Haier Casarte Hybrid water heater with three heating modes unveiled in China for 10,999 yuan ($1,591)

Consumer electronics maker Haier has launched the Casarte Hybrid water heater in China. The new water heater can operate either from gas or electricity power input. It has three heating modes to suit the needs of users at any time. The new water heater is from Haier’s high-end home appliance brand Casarte.

Haier Casarte Hybrid water heater

The Haier Hybrid gas-electric water heater offers a comfortable bathing experience with constant temperature, quietness, and a large volume that can serve the entire household. The gas-electric hybrid water heater has three heating modes namely hybrid, gas, and electric. The hot water is produced faster in the hybrid mode with the electric constant temperature cabin. The gas heating mode brings a longer-lasting large amount of water while the pure electric mode brings silent water heating.

Haier Casarte Hybrid water heater helps conserve energy with three working modes

The Haier Hybrid water heater has a 16-liter water capacity. It integrates a fan, a gas proportional valve, a special water pump, and an AI smart chip. The water output of the new heater is 170% higher than previous models. It has a built-in powerful DC frequency conversion circulating water pump that can heat cold water in advance. The product has the China Standardization Association certification as the only gas-electric hybrid in the market.

Haier Casarte Hybrid water heater

The Haier Hybrid water heater is now available in China at a retail price of 10,999 yuan (~$1,591). There are no global availability details yet for the product. The product is however expected to enter overseas markets due to its premium standard and excellent hybrid features. More details will be released by Haier subsequently.

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Xiaomi MIJIA Refrigerator 610L Ice Crystal White unveiled for 3,599 yuan ($521)

Xiaomi has released the MIJIA Refrigerator 610L Ice Crystal White in China. The refrigerator offers air-cooled and frost-free double-frequency conversion to keep food items crispy and fresh. The product was unveiled on April 29, 2023.

The new MIJIA Refrigerator 610L has an ice crystal white glass panel finely polished to give a mirror effect. The large 610L side-by-side refrigerator has 20 partitions and can meet the needs of users for partition storage. Its large-capacity door shelf design helps to improve the space utilization of the door body. The shelf supports the double-row placement of items. The design is deepened to optimize the space available in the refrigerator door.

 Xiaomi MIJIA 610L Ice Crystal White Double Door refrigerator

The Xiaomi MIJIA Refrigerator Ice Crystal White is equipped with a high-quality inverter compressor that is guaranteed to deliver super performance. The compressor comes with a 10-year warranty. The refrigerator has a low sound rating of about 36dB and this allows for greater ambience in the home.

Xiaomi MIJIA Refrigerator Ice Crystal White with a high-quality inverter compressor offers 20 paritions

The refrigerator is equipped with a silver-ion antibacterial and deodorizing module that helps to absorb and decompose smells in the refrigerator. It adopts air-cooled frost-free technology that does not require the manual defrosting of the refrigerator.

 Xiaomi MIJIA 610L Ice Crystal White Double Door refrigerator

The refrigerator can be remotely controlled using the MIJIA app. You can use the app to adjust the temperature and mode of the refrigerator. The refrigerator also supports Xiao Ai voice controls.

The Xiaomi MIJIA 610L Ice Crystal White Double Door refrigerator has a launch price of 3,599 yuan (~$521). It can be purchased from retail platforms in China including JD.com. There are no details yet on the pricing and distribution of the refrigerator to the global market.

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ChatGPT returns to Italy after addressing data privacy concerns

OpenAI’s AI chatbot, ChatGPT, is once again available to users in Italy following significant improvements to data privacy and transparency measures. The Italian data protection authority, Garante, blocked the platform in March due to concerns about how ChatGPT processed and saved user data.

Enhanced transparency and rights for European users

OpenAI responded to these concerns by implementing several changes to the platform, including increased transparency on the website about how user data is processed, opt-out rights for users, and age verification measures to protect children under 13. In addition, the platform now carries a notice warning users that ChatGPT may produce inaccurate information about “people, places, or facts.” These changes have been welcomed by Garante, who noted that ChatGPT now offers “enhanced transparency and rights for European users.”

ChatGPT

ChatGPT has been a controversial platform since its launch in 2022, generating essays, poems, songs, and computer code based on user input. However, its release has sparked debates about the implications of artificial intelligence and the need for appropriate regulatory measures. The Italian ban on ChatGPT in March was the first instance of a Western country taking action against the platform. Italian authorities criticized the handling of inaccurate information generated by the chatbot and the potential vulnerability of children to “absolutely unsuitable answers.”

OpenAI’s successful response to Italy’s concerns highlights the importance of data privacy and transparency in the development of artificial intelligence. The changes implemented to ChatGPT demonstrate the company’s commitment to protecting user’s personal data and promoting responsible AI development. As it continues to evolve, users can benefit from new data privacy features, including the ability to turn off their chat history.

Despite these positive developments, ChatGPT is expected to face potential competition from China in AI development, as noted by Microsoft’s President. Furthermore, while there has been speculation about the next version of ChatGPT, OpenAI’s CEO has clarified that the company is not currently working on ChatGPT-5.

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Garmin Forerunner 965, Forerunner 265 Launched In India

Garmin has launched two new smartwatches in India. They are a part of the brand’s Forerunner series. The latest offerings from the wearables maker are called the Forerunner 965 and Forerunner 265. Both devices pack premium specifications and features. Read on to know what the latest Garmin Forerunner duo offer out of the box.

Garmin Forerunner 965, 265 specifications and features

Both the latest Garmin Forerunner 965 and 265 come with a circular AMOLED display with the screen shielded by Gorilla Glass 3 DX and 4 respectively. The former has a 1.4-inch screen with a 454 x 454-pixel resolution whereas the latter features a smaller 1.3-inch display with a 416 x 416 pixels resolution. Both smartwatches have physical buttons on the sides. The Forerunner 965 also sports a lightweight titanium bezel. 

On the health-centric front, the Garmin Forerunner 965 and 265 are equipped with a variable heart-rate monitor, SpO2 sensor, VO2 Max, women’s health tracker, body battery energy monitor, sleep and stress tracker. The wearable devices also pack fitness features like training readiness score, recovery time, load ratio, training effect, and performance condition. Both the Forerunner 965 and 265 are designed for marathon and triathlon enthusiasts with running metrics like cadence, stride length, ground contact time, and more. The devices come with support for multiple sports and workout modes. 

The Garmin Forerunner duo are equipped with a built-in GPS for tracking outdoor activities. They also feature incident detection alerts for select activities. The Forerunner 965 and 265 pack 32GB and 8GB onboard storage respectively for downloading songs and a phone-free listening experience. The smartwatches come with convenient features like Garmin Pay, smart notifications, live tracking, etc. The Forerunner 965 is claimed to offer up to 23 days battery life whereas the Forerunner 265 is rated to last up to 13 days on a single charge. 

The Garmin Forerunner 965 carries a price tag of Rs 67,490 and is offered in Black and Yellow colors. The Forerunner 265 is priced at Rs 50,490 and comes in Black and Aqua color options. Both wearable devices can be purchased starting today from leading e-commerce platforms and select offline stores across the country. 

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Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 renders leaked: Get a sneak peek of the upcoming foldable phone

Samsung’s upcoming release of the Galaxy Z Fold 5 has been generating a lot of buzz in the foldable market. Recently, OnLeaks and SmartPrix published a set of CAD-based renders, providing us with our first glimpse of what the device may look like. While the renders suggest that the Galaxy Z Fold 5 may not have undergone significant design changes, there are still notable improvements to look forward to.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 render

Galaxy Z Fold 5’s design revealed in leaked renders:

The back of the Galaxy Z Fold 5 features a raised camera bump for the three camera sensors. The LED Flash is now situated on the side instead of the bottom, giving the design a cleaner look. The frame is slightly curved on the edges, adding to the device’s sleekness. The aspect ratio of the phone remains almost the same, with a tall and narrow outer display that leads to an almost square inner display, which is a little bit taller than it is wide.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 render

One significant improvement is the device’s reduced thickness when closed. The Galaxy Z Fold 5 will measure 154.9 x 67.1 x 13.5mm when closed, making it considerably thinner than its predecessors, thanks to the new hinge that uses a “droplet” design. This new hinge design means that there will no longer be a gap when the device is closed, which will likely provide a smoother, more seamless experience for users.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 render

When the device is open, the Galaxy Z Fold 5 will measure 154.9 x 129.9 x 6.3mm, which is slightly smaller in each dimension except for thickness, which remains unchanged from the Fold 4.

Despite the lack of significant design changes, the new “droplet” hinge is a noteworthy addition that will allow for a more compact, thinner device, and may finally provide a solution to the infamous crease issue that plagued previous models.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 render

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 leaked specs:

According to a recent leak, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 will feature a 7.6-inch AMOLED primary display and a 6.2-inch AMOLED external screen, both with 120Hz refresh rate and brighter than the previous generation. It will have an under-display selfie camera, a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC with 12GB RAM and up to 1TB storage, and a triple camera setup with 50MP, 12MP, and 10MP sensors. Other improvements include Gorilla Glass Victus 2, IPX8 water resistance, S Pen support, improved speakers, and Android 13 OS with One UI 5.1.1.

Samsung is expected to unveil the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Flip 5 in August, but according to recent reports, the devices can be launched earlier than expected. The foldable market is continuously evolving, and Samsung’s new releases are sure to be exciting additions.

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Honor Magic5 series gets a system update with camera optimization, system stability

Honor has recently rolled out a new system update for its Magic5 series smartphones, which promises to enhance the overall user experience. With a version number of “7.1.0.134” and an update size of 722MB, this update is expected to improve the phone’s stability and optimize some key features.

Honor Magic 5

What’s fixed in this update?

One of the significant changes brought about by this update is the optimization of some scene-shooting effects. Users can expect to capture stunning images and videos with improved clarity and detail, thanks to the updated camera features. Additionally, the update optimizes some performance-related issues, making the device more responsive and smoother to operate.

The update also focuses on enhancing compatibility between the system and some third-party applications, making it easier for users to install and use these applications.

It’s worth noting that the update won’t delete user data, but it’s still recommended to backup data before updating to avoid any potential data loss. The Honor Magic5 series was released earlier this year in China.

Take a closer look at Honor Magic5 specs

The Honor Magic5 and Honor Magic5 Pro are high-end smartphones with impressive features. The Honor Magic5 has a 6.73-inch FHD+ Quad-Curved OLED Floating Screen, 8GB/12GB RAM, and 256GB storage.

The Honor Magic5 Pro has a larger 6.81-inch FHD+ Quad-Curved OLED Floating Screen, 12GB RAM, and 512GB storage. Both devices have 5G support, dual stereo speakers, and run on Magic UI 7.1 based on Android 13. The HONOR Magic5 Pro is IP68 water and dust resistant and supports 66W wired and 50W wireless HONOR SuperCharge technology.

Both the Honor Magic5 and Honor Magic5 Pro feature impressive camera setups. The Honor Magic5 comes with a triple-camera setup on the rear, which includes a 54MP wide main camera, a 50MP ultra-wide lens, and a 32MP telephoto lens. It has a 12MP front camera that supports 4K video recording.

The Honor Magic5 Pro, on the other hand, comes with a triple-camera setup on the rear, which includes a 50MP wide main camera, a 50MP ultra-wide lens, and a 50MP periscope telephoto lens. It also has a 12MP front camera and a 3D Depth Camera that supports 3D face unlock.

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Vivo Y78 launching soon as specifications leak via TENAA certification

Vivo’s upcoming smartphone, the V2278A, was spotted on the Google Play Supported Devices list earlier this month with the Vivo Y78 moniker. The same device has now received certification from China’s regulatory body TENAA. It was also previously seen at China’s 3C certification platform earlier this month. The listing has revealed some key specifications of the device, giving a glimpse of what can be expected from this device.

Vivo Y78 specifications (rumored)

The Vivo Y78 will come equipped with a 6.64-inch LCD FHD+ display with a resolution of 2388 x 1080 pixels. The device is powered by a 2.2GHz octa-core SoC, which could probably be the Snapdragon 695 chipset.

Vivo Y78 TENAA images
Vivo Y78 TENAA images

The Vivo Y78 will come in four different configurations with 6 GB, 8 GB, 12 GB, and 16GB RAM options and storage options of 128 GB, 256 GB, and 512 GB. Moreover, the smartphone also has a microSD card slot, which will provide users with the option of expanding the storage capacity.

In terms of optics, the smartphone will have an 8-megapixel front-facing camera and a 50-megapixel primary sensor with a 2-megapixel secondary sensor on the rear camera module. The Y78 will run on Android 13 OS out of the box, and it will feature the Origin OS UI on top.

The smartphone’s dimensions measure 164.05 x 76.17 x 7.98mm and weigh around 190 grams. Currently, there is no information available on the pricing and availability of the Y78 5G. However, it is expected that Vivo will make an official announcement soon and that it will likely be available for purchase in May in China. In all likelihood, it will be positioned below the Vivo Y78+, which debuted as the most advanced Y-series Vivo phone last week. It is priced at 1,599 Yuan (~$231).

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Upcoming Oppo A1 series phone receives 3C certification in China

In March, an Oppo phone with model number PHF110 was approved by China’s TENAA authority. The same device has now finally been spotted in the database of the country’s 3C certification platform. As usual, it has seemingly revealed the fast charging capabilities of the device.

The PHF110 has appeared at 3C with a 67W fast charger. The listing also reveals that it is a 5G-enabled device. Neither the TENAA listing nor its 3C certification has revealed the final marketing of the device.

OPPO PHF110 3C listing

The specifications of the Oppo PHF110 that were revealed through its TENAA certification are almost identical to those of the Snapdragon 695-powered Oppo A1 5G (PHS110), which debuted recently in China. Hence, it appears that the PHF110 may debut as an Oppo A1-series phone.

The two phones mainly differ in the camera department. While the A1 has an 8-megapixel front camera and 50-megapixel + 2-megapixel dual rear cameras, the PHF110 features a 16-megapixel selfie snapper and 108-megapixel + 2-megapixel dual camera setup on the back. The rest of the specifications are identical on both phones.

Oppo PHF110 specifications

As per the TENAA listing, the Oppo PHF110 will feature a 6.72-inch IPS LCD FHD+ display, a 2.2GHz octa-core processor, 8 GB / 12 GB RAM, 128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB of storage, a 5,000mAh battery, and Android 13 OS.  It will also feature a microSD card slot and a side-facing fingerprint scanner. It will measure 165.54 x 75.98 x 8.3mm and weigh around 195 grams.

In related news, Oppo is said to be working on the Reno 10 series of smartphones for the Chinese market. Speculations are rife that the Reno 10, Reno 10 Pro, and Reno 10 Pro+ will be announced at some point in May in the home market. The Reno 10 series is also expected to release in the global market soon after.

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Vivo S17e receives 3C certification, fast charging capabilities revealed

Vivo is expected to unveil the Vivo S17 series of smartphones in May in China. The lineup will have three models, such as the Vivo S17e, S17, and S17 Pro. As a report that surfaced in March, these devices have respective model numbers, such as V2283A, V2284A, and V2285A. Now, the Vivo S17e (V2285A) has surfaced in the database of 3C certification to give a hint about its fast charging capabilities.

The Vivo V2285 handset has been spotted with a Vivo charger with model number V8073L0A0-CN/ V8073L0D0-CN at the 3C certification. The charging supports up to 80W rapid charging. While the battery size of the V2285A is not known yet, it appears that it will offer 80W fast charging.

Vivo S17e 3C listing

Popular Chinese tipsters like Panda is Bald and Digital Chat Station have claimed that the Snapdragon 778G (or 782G) and Dimensity 8200 chipsets, respectively, power the Vivo S17 and Vivo S17 Pro.

The V2285A model was recently spotted at Geekbench. The listing revealed that it is powered by the Dimensity 7200, 8 GB of RAM, and Android 13 OS. However, while the device is expected to debut as the Vivo S17e, it appears that it was incorrectly thought to be the S17 Pro. As mentioned above, the S17 Pro is expected to feature the Dimensity 8200. Hence, it is likely that the V2285A featuring the D7200 chip will most likely be dubbed the Vivo S17e when it arrives in the Chinese market.

It is believed that the Vivo S17e will arrive with an AMOLED screen with curved edges and an under-display fingerprint scanner. It will have a color changing rear panel. The S17e is expected to arrive with 12 GB of RAM. The primary camera of the device is likely to support optical image stabilization (OIS). The other details of the smartphone are yet to be revealed.

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Vivo Y36 4G Runs Geekbench with Snapdragon 680, Launch seems Near

Vivo is reportedly preparing to launch a new smartphone in its Y series. The most recent addition to this lineup was the Vivo Y78+, which was recently released in China, boasting a premium design, OLED display, and other impressive features. The upcoming smartphone is rumored to be named Vivo Y36 4G and is expected to be launched in May as an affordable option. While we await an official announcement, the device has surfaced on the Geekbench website, revealing some key details.

Vivo Y36 will be a mid-range smartphone

The Vivo Y36 4G, with the model number V2247, has been discovered on the Geekbench website. The phone features a processor with a motherboard codenamed “Bengal” and is equipped with four cores clocked at 2.4GHz and four cores clocked at 1.9GHz. It is accompanied by an Adreno 610 GPU. These specifications suggest that the device will be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 SoC.

Vivo-Y36-4G-Geekbench

The listed variant of the Y36 4G comes with 8GB of RAM, but it’s possible that the brand may announce additional storage options during the launch. In terms of benchmark scores, the Y36 4G achieved 410 and 1343 in Geekbench’s single-core and multi-core tests, respectively. The phone will be running Android 13 out of the box.

A recent report revealed the smartphone will be launched in India with a price range of Rs 18,000 to Rs 20,000. It is said to get a large 6.8-inch LCD display likely with a 90Hz refresh rate and a side-mounted fingerprint scanner. The upcoming Vivo Y36 4G is expected to sport a 50MP primary camera on the rear with a 5,000mAh battery that supports 44W fast charging.

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Lenovo Gears Up to Launch White Edition Legion Y9000P and Y9000X 2023 Laptops

Lenovo continues to expand its product lineup. Recently, the company introduced new gaming laptops named Legion Y9000P and Y9000X. These two models, which caught users’ attention and proved to be quite successful, have once again demonstrated the tech giant’s product development prowess. According to the latest information, Lenovo is preparing to launch a white edition of its popular Legion Y9000P and Y9000X 2023 laptops. Here are the details…

White Edition Legion Y9000P and Y9000X 2023 Laptops Soon to Hit the Market

Lenovo is preparing to launch a white edition of its popular Legion Y9000P and Y9000X 2023 laptops. According to an announcement from Lenovo, the release of the white edition is just around the corner. Introduced in March this year, the Legion Y9000P 2023 comes equipped with a 13th-generation Intel Core HX processor and offers the option of an RTX 4070 graphics card. Both the new Legion Y9000P and the Y9000P Supreme Edition sport a 16-inch 2.5K 240Hz screen with 500-nit brightness, 10-bit color depth, 100% sRGB color gamut, and a 3ms response time.

While the Legion Y9000X 2023 is yet to be released in China, it is anticipated to feature an i9-13900H processor and the option of an RTX 4070 graphics card, delivering up to 140W of performance. The upcoming 9000X model will provide a choice of up to 32GB 5600MHz DDR5 memory and either a 2K 240Hz VRR 500nit panel or a 3.2K 165Hz VRR 430nit panel for the display.

ModelLenovo Legion Y9000P 2023Lenovo Legion Y9000X 2023
Processor13th-gen Intel Core HXi9-13900H
Graphics CardOption of RTX 4070Option of RTX 4070
MemoryUp to 32GBUp to 32GB
Memory Type5600MHz DDR5N/A
Display Size16-inchN/A
Display Resolution (Option 1)2.5K2K
Display Resolution (Option 2)N/A3.2K
Display Refresh Rate (Option 1)240Hz240Hz
Display Refresh Rate (Option 2)N/A165Hz
Display VRRYesYes
Display Brightness (Option 1)500-nit500-nit
Display Brightness (Option 2)N/A430-nit
Color Depth10-bitN/A
Color Gamut100% sRGBN/A
Response Time3msN/A
Expected ColorWhiteWhite

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Smartphone Sales in China Decline for Apple and Android

The competition between Android and iOS continues at full speed. On one hand, there’s Apple, and on the other, there are other manufacturers including Samsung, Xiaomi, and Oppo, all fiercely competing to capture the highest market share. Following this intense battle brings excitement to many technology enthusiasts. However, according to Canalys’ latest report, things are not going well for both sides. In the first quarter of 2023, Apple Inc and its Android competitors experienced a decline in sales in China. Here are the details…

Q1 Smartphone Sales in China Decline for Apple and Android Competitors

China is the world’s most populous country. As a result, securing a leading position in such a massive market is the dream of every smartphone manufacturer. Both Apple and other Android smartphone manufacturers are working diligently to sell more devices in the country. However, looking at the situation in the first quarter of 2023, both Apple and Android brands experienced a decline.

Apple, the top-selling brand in the first quarter, secured a 20% market share. However, its overall shipments in China fell to 13.3 million units, a 3% decrease compared to the same period in 2022. Other leading brands in the market also saw a decline in sales, causing total smartphone shipments to drop by 11% year-on-year, amounting to 67.2 million units. This marked the lowest quarterly total since 2013.

Although Apple remained the best-selling brand during this period, its total market share fell by 3 percentage points compared to the previous year. Android brands Oppo and Vivo, which follow Apple as the second and third best-selling brands, experienced shipment reductions of 10% and 7%, respectively.

Honor and Xiaomi Corp, companies that specialize in more affordable phone models, faced even more significant declines in their sales. Shipments for these companies dropped by 35% and 20%, respectively, suggesting that consumers were hesitant to make phone purchases, even at lower price points.

China’s GDP grew by 4.5% in the first quarter, surpassing expectations. Policymakers in Beijing are currently working on strategies to further stimulate demand. Despite this, economists anticipate that the majority of Chinese consumers and businesses will continue to spend cautiously throughout the year.

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Qualcomm chips found to collect and transmit user information

German security company Nitrokey recently released a report claiming that it has discovered an unrecorded feature in Qualcomm Snapdragon chips that collects and transmits user information directly to Qualcomm servers.

The feature is not dependent on the Android operating system, which means that the data is transmitted even if the operating system is not involved. Nitrokey installed a Google-free version of Android on a Sony Xperia XA2 phone equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 630 chip and found that the data was being transmitted to the izatcloud.net server, which belongs to Qualcomm.

Qualcomm Snapdragon

According to the report, Qualcomm chips collect and transmit user information, including the unique smartphone identifier, chip name, chip serial number, XTRA software version, mobile country code and mobile network code, type, and version of the carrier or operating system, device manufacturer and model, program list on the device, IP address, and other data. The data is transmitted via the insecure HTTP protocol without any additional encryption, making it accessible to virtually anyone who can read the unique identifier data sent to Izat Cloud.

Unencrypted data transmission from Qualcomm chips

This feature affects approximately 30% of phones worldwide, including Android phones and iPhones that use Qualcomm communication modules. Nitrokey’s conclusion in the blog post is that Qualcomm’s customized AMSS firmware takes priority over any operating system and, because it uses the HTTP protocol, a unique device signature can be created based on the collected data, which can be accessed by third parties.

Qualcomm responded to the report, stating that the data transmission is in compliance with the privacy policy of the XTRA service, which actually allows the company to collect the aforementioned user data. However, the fact that the data is transmitted via the insecure HTTP protocol has raised concerns about the privacy and security of user information.

This report highlights the importance of ensuring that user data is transmitted securely and in compliance with privacy policies. It also underscores the need for greater transparency from tech companies regarding the data they collect and how it is used. As more devices become connected and collect more data, it is important that users are aware of how their information is being used and have the ability to control it. Google’s recent update for developers mandates that all Android apps must now include a feature allowing users to delete their accounts and data, reflecting the increasing focus on user privacy.

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Nothing Phone (1) users will be able to try Android 14 Beta soon

Nothing has put in significant effort to refine the software on its sole smartphone, the Phone (1). It was introduced with Android 12 and Nothing OS pre-installed, and following months of testing, the company subsequently released a stable Android 13 update. Excitingly, the Carl Pei-led startup has now confirmed that the Phone (1) will be eligible to participate in the upcoming Android 14 Beta 1 program in the coming weeks. Currently, only Google’s Pixel phones have the privilege of receiving the beta update.

Phone (1) to be first non-Google device to get Android 14 Beta

Carl Pei took to Twitter to announce that Nothing has early access to the new Android 14 Beta 1 upgrade. It’s currently unclear when the beta build will be released for the Nothing Phone (1). However, with the Pixel series already seeding the Android 14 Beta to eligible devices, the smartphone will be one of the first non-Google devices to get an independent preview phase.

Nothing-Phone-1

The Nothing Phone (1) currently runs on Android 13 with its company’s proprietary skin overlay. Notably, the software experience on the smartphone is exceptionally smooth, with minimal customizations. Nothing has made interesting additions, including the dot-matrix design and over a dozen ringtones and notification sounds that are coordinated with the Glyph interface on the back.

Notably, the Android 14 beta introduces several new features and improvements. For one, it brings an enhanced back navigation gesture, improving the overall navigation experience. Additionally, the beta version includes an improved share sheet, making data sharing across different applications more convenient and seamless. Another noteworthy addition is the introduction of separate ringtone and notification volume sliders, allowing users to have finer control over their device’s audio settings.

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Google Pixel Fold Surfaces In Leaked Marketing Images Ahead Of Launch

Google is highly anticipated to launch the Pixel Fold at the upcoming annual I/O Developer conference that begins May 10th. Although the search giant has been tight-lipped about its first foldable phone, it has been subject to a lot of rumors and leaks in the past. Now the upcoming offering has appeared in official-looking photos shared by tipster Evan Blass (via The Verge) ahead of launch.

Google Pixel Fold leaked marketing images

The official-looking images confirm the front and rear design of the Google Pixel Fold. They also corroborate past leaked renders. The device is seen with a compact form factor, however, the front and the back sides seem to have a wider aspect ratio. The main display has a center-aligned punch hole cutout and narrow bezels on all sides. The foldable phone has curved edges on all four sides. The power and volume rocker buttons are located at the right edge. 

The official-looking images of the Google Pixel Fold show it in a Grey color which may be called Obsidian. The back panel has a horizontal camera module similar to the previous flagship Pixel generations, but it does not stretch from one end to another. The camera island houses two sensors in a pill-shaped cutout and a third lens on the outside along with an LED flash unit. 

Apart from this, the official-looking images do not reveal more about the Pixel Fold. A leaked live video that surfaced last week revealed thick bezels on the foldable phone’s interior display. 

As for the core specifications, the Google Pixel Fold is expected to come with 5.8 and 7.6-inch interior and exterior displays with a 120Hz refresh rate. The foldable phone is tipped to be powered by a Tensor G2 SoC paired with 12GB RAM. It is reported to carry a starting price tag of $1,799. According to reports, Google is said to offer a free Pixel Watch to Pixel Fold buyers. 

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