Samsung News App Launched, Brings News & Podcasts Together

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Apr 19, 2023

Dedicated news apps are becoming more popular because they offer a user-centric approach to news delivery that meets the changing needs and preferences of modern audiences. In the past, people relied on traditional news outlets such as newspapers and TV broadcasts to stay informed. However, with the rise of digital media, people now expect personalized, up-to-date news delivered to their mobile devices in real time. Dedicated news apps cater to these expectations by offering curated content based on the user’s interests, location, and reading habits. They also provide features such as push notifications, offline reading, and seamless social media integration, making it easier for users to stay up-to-date on breaking news and trending topics. To keep up with the likes of companies such as Apple, Samsung has unveiled its own News application.

The app has been introduced to cater to the increasing preference for mobile devices to access news, and it delivers an “everyday news experience in one convenient place.” The app provides daily briefings, curated news feeds, and personalized preferences, making it a must-have app for news enthusiasts. With the Samsung News app, users can access their trusted news sources, including CNN, Fox News, HuffPost, Politico, Reuters, USA TODAY, and more. The app features a long list of news sources, which users can view with a single swipe. The app will provide daily briefings in the morning and evening, giving users the top headlines of the day in one location. Users can also access news feeds from Samsung’s partners, organized for quick and easy access.

Combining News & Podcasts is definitely an interesting idea.

Moreover, the Samsung News app has a ‘following’ tab, which allows users to update their preferences, customizing the news they want to see. Additionally, the app provides access to users’ favourite podcasts, making it an all-in-one news and podcast platform. The Samsung News app is available first in the US as an update to the Samsung Free app. Users can also download the app from the Galaxy Store.

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Xiaomi MIJIA Pipi Lamp with a built-in AI camera, Gesture control unveiled

By

Jed John Ikoba

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Apr 19, 2023

Just a couple of days back, Xiaomi launched a multifunctional rechargeable lamp that utilizes a magnetic suction design allowing it to transform between vertical table lamp, clamp lamp, and flashlight. If you think that is an innovative lamp, wait until you see Xiaomi’s latest lamp. The MIJIA Pipi Lamp, as it is called, has been launched under crowdfunding on the Youpin platform. The lamp comes with an emotional system such that different external stimuli will comprehensively affect it to produce different moods. In addition to having a direct impact on the use of the Pipi Lamp, the duration of use will also affect the mood of the lamp.

Xiaomi MIJIA Pipi Lamp Features

According to the manufacturer, the Pipi lamp’s internal mood can be grouped into three dimensions: pleasure, activation, and dominance (P, A, and D) based on the emotional model commonly used in the academic circle. The changes in these listed parameters are said to have effect on the light’s mood.

The new MIJIA lamp has a built-in Al interactive camera which uses key point detection algorithm of the hand to enable low-latency space gesture interaction, a first on the MIJIA desk lamp models. The available gestures include to turn on and off the light, adjust the brightness, and adjust the lighting angle. In addition, the lamp can also adjust its lighting angle according to the user’s position.

The innovative lamp can also be connected to the MIJIA app where users can check the mood of the Pipi Lamp in real time. The settings of the lamp can also be adjusted through the app.

The desk lamp equally features support for stepless dimming and color adjustment. It utilizes a silent base and comes with a hood to improve lighting comfort.

Xiaomi MIJIA Pipi Lamp Price

The MIJIA Pipi Lamp is priced at 499 yuan ($72) and is presently available for backing on the Youpin platform.

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Xiaomi Game Controller with wired & wireless connectivity, Steam support released for 199 yuan (~$29)

By

Jed John Ikoba

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Apr 19, 2023

Chinese tech gaint Xiaomi has recently launched a new game controller that has both wired and wireless connectivity options. It is a trimmed down version of the Xiaomi GamePad Elite Edition which was launched last year packing a host of features including somatosensory support.The Xiaomi Game controller is compatible with Android and Windows operating systems and is available for purchase on Xiaomi Youpin for 199 yuan ($29).

Xiaomi Game Controller Features

The controller is designed to be adaptable to various devices such as Windows computers, Android smart TVs, mobile phones, and tablets. It also supports different cloud gaming platforms such as Steam, Xiaomi cloud games, Tencent Start, Netease cloud games, and others.

The Xiaomi game controller has a large-sized joystick with a Hall linear trigger button that can simulate the game control effect during accelerator, brake, and shooting. It also has a built-in 6-axis gyroscope that supports somatosensory control, and the ergonomic button layout helps reduce wrist stress from long gaming sessions. The controller supports three connection methods: wireless receiver (it comes with a WiFi adapter), Bluetooth, and data cable. It can also play non-handle-operated devices with the mapping function of Xiaomi Game Center.

Furthermore, the Xiaomi Game Controller has a built-in rechargeable lithium battery that lasts for 20 hours. The battery can be charged while using the controller in the wired connection mode. Additionally, it supports dual-handle connection on Windows computers and smart TVs for two-player game mode.

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Apple opens its first official store in India, aiming to accelerate growth

By

Jeet

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Apr 19, 2023

Apple, one of the largest smartphone companies in the world, opened its first official offline store in India. The development highlights the important role of the Indian market for the Cupertino-based tech giant.

The first Apple store in India, called Apple BKC, is located in Mumbai, and the company is all set to open a second store in the country’s capital, Delhi, in a couple of days.

Apple says that the newly opened store, Apple BKC, runs on 100% renewable energy. It has a dedicated solar energy system and has zero reliance on fossil fuels for the store’s operations.

While Apple has just now launched its first store in India, the company has been present in the market for over 25 years but relied on third-party sellers for its products in the country. The company aims to boost its sales in the Indian market and has already paved ways to increase the production of iPhones in India.

The Indian smartphone market has been dominated by Android, and companies like Samsung and Xiaomi remain the top brands. Apple’s devices fall under the premium segment, defined as phones priced above ₹30,000 (approx. $365), which accounts for about 10 percent of the total phones sold in the country.

Last year, Apple shipped around 6.5 million iPhones, compared to about 50 million units each in the United States and China. It has less than 5% of the smartphone market share in India, but the company sees potential for growth in demand for Apple iPhones in the market.

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Xiaomi launches the MIJIA Tire Inflator 2 with a digital pressure detector & built-in lithium battery

By

Jed John Ikoba

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Apr 18, 2023

Xiaomi has a towering reputation for its smartphones, smart home devices, and other consumer electronics. The company has added a new tire inflator to its line up. The MIJIA Tire Inflator 2, as it is called, is a portable tire inflator that can help drivers keep their vehicle’s tires properly inflated.

The MIJIA Tire Inflator 2 uses a 19mm high-precision alloy die-casting cylinder that can provide an inflation pressure of up to 150psi, which is higher than most portable tire inflators on the market. The cylinder is designed to be durable and efficient, allowing the device to inflate tires quickly and effectively.

Furthermore, the tire inflator from MIJIA packs a digital tire pressure detection system. The device can detect the current tire pressure and display it on a digital screen. Thus, it not only serve as a tire inflator but as a tire guage. Users can also preset the required pressure level and the device will automatically stop working when it reaches that level. Infact, the device comes with 6 preset modes available.

The MIJIA Tire Inflator 2 also has a built-in lighting system which can help drivers see what they are doing in low-light conditions. The device supports hoisting inflation, which means that it can be hung from a car door or other convenient location while inflating a tire. This feature can be particularly useful for drivers who need to inflate tires on the side of the road or in other difficult conditions.

Fianlly, the device can inflate tires about 25% faster than the previous generation model, allowing it to fill an empty tire in as little as 8 minutes. The new product has an upgraded hardware configuration, a built-in 2000mAh battery, and a Type-C interface. When fully charged, it can continuously inflate 10 tires and can continuously fill 2 empty tires to meet the daily maintenance needs of the vehicle.

The MIJIA Tire Inflator 2 is priced at 199 Yuan which is roughly equivalent to $30 USD. Thus, it is an affordable option for vehicle owners who won’t want to be left stranded on the highway by a flat tire.

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Lenovo Legion R9000P 2023 gaming notebook with Ryzen 7, 240Hz refresh rate launched

By

Jed John Ikoba

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Apr 18, 2023

Lenovo Legion R9000P 2023 has been launched in China. The notebook is the successor to the LegionR9000P launched last year with a Ryzen processor. This model retians the AMD Ryzen SoC but the latest gen.

Lenovo Legion R9000P 2023 gaming notebook

The Legion R9000P gaming notebook features a 16-inch display with a resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels with support for 240Hz refresh rate. The display has 3ms response time, 10bit color depth, 100% sRGB color gamut, ΔE<2, 500 nits brightness, and supports HDR 400, G-SYNC and FreeSync Premium. It equally supports Dolby Vision and DC dimming without flicker.

The Lenovo Legion is powered by an AMD Ryzen R7-7745HX processor paired with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 graphics card. The notebook also comes with 16GB DDR5 5200 memory and 1TB solid-state drive, making it suitable for high-performance gaming. The computer supports independent display direct connection, with a 80Wh battery and 300W adapter, and offers 140W type-C convenient fast charging and 100W PD fast charging.

For heat dissipation, the notebook uses the Frost Blade Pro cooling system 5.0, which includes a 3D Mesh composite main heat pipe, a 3D Blade Falcon fan, a multi-zone air inlet and outlet system, and 5× high-performance composite heat pipes. The notebook also supports Nahamic gaming surround sound and LEGION TrueStrike original keyboard.

Other features include Wi-Fi 6E support, pre-installed Windows 11 and genuine Office, and interfaces such as HDMI 2.1 and USB-C.

The Lenovo Legion R9000P 2023 gaming notebook starts at 7999 yuan ($1,163).

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Honor X50i live shots leaked ahead of launch, reveal a new color option

By

Soumyakanti

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Apr 18, 2023

Honor is gearing up for the launch of its new smartphone, the Honor X50i, which is scheduled to release on April 21st in China. Ahead of its official release, live images of the device have been leaked from multiple sources, revealing its backside with four different color options.

The leaked images showcase the Honor X50i’s feather-textured back panel and reveal a new Blue color variant. Earlier, Honor teased the device in two colors, “Willow Wind” and “Apricot Blossom Rain” and a Black color variant was leaked earlier.

In terms of specs, the Honor X50i is rumored to feature a 6.7-inch Full HD+ (2388 x 1080 pixels) ultra-narrow bezel display with a 90Hz refresh rate. The device is powered by the Dimensity 6020 processor, which comes with an 8-core design and TSMC’s 7nm process. The smartphone also supports LPDDR4X memory and UFS 2.2 flash memory.

The camera department of the Honor X50i features an 8MP camera on the front and a 100MP (primary) + 2MP (depth) dual-camera system on the back, along with a triple LED flash.

The Honor X50i offers 7GB of virtual RAM and comes in three versions, 8GB+128GB, 8GB+256GB, and 12GB+256GB. It also features a 4,500mAh battery that supports 35W fast charging. The smartphone comes preloaded with Android 12 and measures 7.48mm in thickness and weighs 179 grams.

The Honor X50i is currently available for pre-order on various e-commerce platforms, and its expected price range is between 1500-2000 yuan ($218-$290).

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Xiaomi’s latest MIJIA Handheld Steam Ironing Machine delivers wrinkle-free clothes in a snap

By

Jed John Ikoba

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Apr 18, 2023

Xiaomi has officially launched the MIJIA Handheld Steam Ironing Machine with a startign price tag of 279 Yuan ($40). The MIJIA steamo ironing machine looks like an upgrade of the MIJIA Steam Garment ironing machine launched in 2020. The new device arrives with support for multiple ironing modes and can iron seven t-shirts continuously. It equally supports sterilization and mite removal, as well as automatic power-off protection feature.

The MIJIA steam ironing machine adopts micro-boost technology with a pressurized steam output of 30kPa. It also comes with ten steam holes to release steam, which can soften clothing fibers and smooth basic wrinkles . The spray distance is greater than 50cm, and the iron has a power rating of 1200W.

As stated earlier, the MIJIA steam ironing machine supports multiple ironing modes which includes: dry ironing, dehumidification, wrinkle removal and shaping; wet ironing, smoothing general wrinkles; wet ironing + explosive steam, as well as a mode for smoothening stubborn wrinkles.

The Mijia steam ironing machine completes the heating in 30 seconds, after which the steam is released quickly. The steam is not released when the heating is not completed, so as to avoid scalding caused by unvaporized hot water spraying out.

In addition, the steam ironing machine uses a 150mL water tank which is visualized, detachable, and easy to fill. A full water tank can support ironing multiple pieces of clothes at one time.

The MIJIA steam ironing machine will automatically power off after standing for more than 8 minutes. If you need to continue using it, just pick up the ironing machine again, and you can quickly turn it on and reheat it. There is also a one-button lock steam button design which allows the continuous outflow of steam with just a click. Thus, you won’t need to hold down the release button with a finger.

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Stable ColorOS 13 now available for Oppo A55 & A55s

By

Anurag

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Apr 18, 2023

After updating almost all the newly launched premium and budget smartphones, Oppo is now finishing up its ColorOS 13 rollout by releasing updates for older and less expensive devices. The latest phones to receive the Android 13 update are Oppo A55 and A55s. The update is currently being seeded to the units in China, however, it may soon extend to other regions as the brand has already started beta testing.

Oppo A55 and A55s finally get Android 13

As per official announcements, the ColorOS 13 update is now available for the Oppo A55 and A55s units in China. The smartphones will start receiving the update in a phased manner and it may take a few days to reach all units. As mentioned, the software is currently available for devices in Mainland China. However, the brand has already initiated beta testing of ColorOS 13 globally last month, indicating that stable updates will soon become available in other regions as well.

While the update should not clear the user data, it is still recommended to create a backup just to be on the safe side. Oppo notes that there are currently many commonly used third-party applications that are not compatible with Android 13. After upgrading to Android 13, third-party applications may not work properly, creating issues such as flashbacks, freezes, black screens, and increased power consumption.

It is worth noting that Oppo’s update speed has been nothing but commendable this year. Considering the brand’s large portfolio of devices, it is impressive how it has managed to roll out the ColorOS 13 update to a majority of them. We can see Oppo catching up with Samsung, which is reputed as the undisputed king of software updates in the industry.

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Upgrade Your Tech with Lenovo’s ‘Back to School’ Warranty and PC Exchange Deals

By

Anurag

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Apr 18, 2023

With schools reopening, many students are looking for new laptops or accessories, and some might even want to upgrade their existing devices. Well, here’s some good news – Lenovo has just announced an array of discounts on laptops and accessories in India. The company is also offering a limited-time deal for Warranty/ADP extension, where customers can get comprehensive services worth Rs 19,990 for just Rs 2,999. Let’s see what’s on offer.

Lenovo Back to School Sale

Lenovo has announced that its BTS offers are currently live in India and will be valid until 15th May 2023 across all retail and online channels. Additionally, the company is now offering a PC Exchange Program, where customers can trade in their old laptop or PC for a new device and receive an Exchange Bonus of up to Rs 10,000 on top of the value of their old PC.

This deal is available for the Yoga and Legion series, with an exchange top-up of Rs 10,000, and for the IdeaPad Slim 5 and IdeaPad Flex 5 series, with an exchange top-up of Rs 7,500.

Further, Lenovo is also providing discounts on computer accessories during the sale period. If you’re interested, you can snag accessories like the H100 Gaming Headset, M300 RGB Gaming Mouse, Fire Pods Ninja G311, and 600 BT Silent Mouse for just Rs. 499. All you have to do is purchase a gaming PC or non-gaming PC, depending on the accessory.

As mentioned above, Lenovo is offering a special deal on Warranty/ADP extension for a range of their laptops. Customers can receive comprehensive Services valued at Rs 19,990 for just Rs 2,999. The offer includes a three-year extended warranty, premium care, and accidental damage protection (ADP) for the same period.

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Xiaomi Pad 6 & Pad 6 Pro with premium Snapdragon processors, 144Hz refresh, up to 12GB RAM launched

By

Jed John Ikoba

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Apr 18, 2023

Xiaomi has launched an upgraded version of its Pad tablet series ow in its sixth generation. The new models in the Xiaomi Pad 6 series include the Xiaomi Pad 6 and a higher Pad 6 Pro model.

Xiaomi Pad 6 & Pad 6 Pro – Specs & Features

The Xiaomi Pad 6 and 6 Pro both arrive with 11-inch LCD displays with a resolution of 2880 x 1800 pixels. The display features support for a 144Hz refresh rate which is pretty impressive. The display also supports P3 color gamut, 10bit color depth, HDR10, and Dolby Vision. Also onboard is support for environmental color temperature sensing which means the brightness and color temperature is automatically adjusted based on the ambient light intensity. The display is certified by TUV Rheinland for hardware level low blue light making it safe for the eyes.

In terms of the build, the slate adopts an all-metal integrated body with a hidden antenna design. The tablet weighs 490g and has thickness of 6.51mm. Both the Xiaomi Pad 6 and Pad 6 Pro are available in black, gold and mountain blue.

The processor and camera configuration is where the two tablets differ. The Xiaomi Pad 6 Pro uses a flagship Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ processor. For optics, the Pad 6 Pro features a 50MP main camera teaming up with a 2MP depth-of-field sensor in a dual camera arrangemet. At the front, there is an impressive 20MP camera for selfies and video call. Under the hood, the Pad 6 Pro crams a 8600mAh battery with support for 67W fast charge which can charge the device from 0-100% in 62 minutes. The flagship tablet also supports fingerprint and face unlock as well as Wi-Fi 6 enhanced version.

On its part, the Xiaomi Pad 6 packs as Snapdragon 870 processor. At the rear, there is a 13MP single camera and an 8MP sensor at the front for selfies. The Pad 6 crams an 8840mAh battery and supports 33W fast charging. The device can charge from zero to full in 99 minutes. The vanilla Pad 6 equally features support for face unlock and Wi-Fi 6.

The two tablet models come with LPDDR5 RAM and UFS 3.1 flash storage. While the Pad 6 Pro come with 8GB RAM/12GB RAM and 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage combo, the Pad 6 is available in 6GB/8GB RAM and 128GB/256GB storage combination. You also get four speakers, Dolby Atmos support, and USB 3.2 Gen 1 interface.

For interface, the device runs on MIUI Pad 14 OS based on Android 13. Xiaomi has included some battery-saving features on the slates, one of which is a deep sleep mode. The mode extends the standby time up to 47.9 days. The tablets also come with a first meeting toolbox which includes built-in convenient functions that are frequently used in meeting scenes, such as beauty, fill light, portrait centering, noise reduction, subtitle transcription, etc.

Xiaomi Pad 6 and Pad 6 Pro Prices

Here are the prices of the Xiaomi Pad 6 series;

Xiaomi Pad 6 Pro 8GB+128GB – 2499 yuan ($363)
Xiaomi Pad 6 Pro 8GB+256GB – 2799 yuan ($407)
Xiaomi Pad 6 Pro 12GB+256GB – 3099 yuan ($450)
Xiaomi Pad 6 Pro 12GB+512GB – 3399 yuan ($494)

Xiaomi Pad 6 6GB+128GB – 1999 yuan ($290)
Xiaomi Pad 6 8GB+128GB – 2099 yuan ($305)
Xiaomi Pad 6 8GB+256GB – 2299 yuan ($334)

The tablets are already on pre-sale in China and is expected to go on sale from April 21.

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Xiaomi Sound Move portable speaker debuts with Harmon Kardon tuning

By

Anurag

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Apr 18, 2023

Xiaomi today unveiled a bunch of interesting products in China. These include the premium Xiaomi 13 Ultra, the new Xiaomi Pad 6 series, and the Xiaomi Band 8. The company also introduced a new portable speaker, called Xiaomi Sound Move, which features a solid aluminum design and 4-unit dual-symmetrical stereo speakers. It comes with an affordable price tag and its lightweight body makes it easier to be carried around. Let’s look closely at the details.

Xiaomi Sound Move Specifications

The Xiaomi Sound Move Bluetooth speaker boasts an anodized aluminum body that is both waterproof and dustproof with an IP66 rating. It features a 4-unit design with Harman Kardon tuning and a built-in gravity sensor. This sensor enables it to adjust the sound output based on its placement. When placed flat, the speaker delivers a stereo sound, whereas when placed upright, it produces a louder and richer sound.

Xiaomi claims that the Sound Move Bluetooth speaker’s sound quality is enhanced by its 4-unit dual-symmetrical stereo structure design. The left and right high-resolution dual speakers, along with the front and rear dual passive radiators, also contribute to enhancing the speaker’s resonance. The result is a rich and full sound that can reach a maximum sound pressure of 90 dB.

Sound Move supports a variety of connectivity options, including Xiaomi Miaobo, AirPlay2, Bluetooth 5.3, and USB-C audio interface connections. The speaker is designed to be lightweight, weighing only 568g, and can be held in one hand with dimensions of 17.7 x 5.55 x 5.55 cm.

When it comes to battery life, Xiaomi Sound Move can last up to 21 hours of Bluetooth playback and 5.5 days of standby in smart mode. It also supports USB-C 22W fast charging. Furthermore, two Sound Moves can be combined to form a stereo, which allows for whole-house playback of up to 8 speakers. The speaker is also compatible with Xiao Ai, allowing users to control smart home products.

Xiaomi Sound Move Price

Xiaomi Sound Move Portable Bluetooth speaker comes with a price tag of 699 Yuan (around $100). It will be available for purchase in China in the coming days. However, there’s no news about its global availability as of now.

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Global Smartphone Market Q1: Samsung Dethrones Apple in Smartphone Market

By

Oğuz Çakır

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Apr 18, 2023

The competition in the smartphone market continues at full speed. Many brands, including Apple, Samsung, Xiaomi, Oppo, and Vivo, are fighting for market dominance. Canalys, which monitors the moves and sales of all these companies, keeps us informed with its regularly. Recently, Canalys posted its preliminary report on the global smartphone market during the first quarter of the year. So, how did the first quarter of 2023 go for the world-famous smartphone manufacturers? Here are the details…

Canalys: Smartphone market declines 12% in Q1

It’s true that competition is increasing day by day, but it’s not quite possible to say the same for sales. According to Canalys‘ report, smartphone sales experienced a 12% drop in the first quarter of the year. Of course, not every period of the year is the same, so changes around 10% are quite normal. However, considering the performance level even entry-level phones have reached, it’s possible to say that users increasingly need to change their devices less frequently.

Company	Q1 2022 market share	Q1 2023 market share
Samsung	24%	22%
Apple	18%	21%
Xiaomi	13%	11%
Oppo	9%	10%
Vivo	8%	8%
Others	28%	28%

Undoubtedly, the most important part of the report was the change of leadership once again. Apple, which was at the top with the iPhone 14 series in the last quarter, lost its position to Samsung this time. The reason for this change can be interpreted as the introduction of the Galaxy S23 series and the loss of the iPhone 14’s hype. However, let’s mention that this change is not too critical, as Samsung is already the global market leader in total sales. Still, the South Korean tech giant achieves this sales volume success with low-margin, affordable models. Therefore, if we were talking about a report related to profitability, we could easily say that Apple would be at the top.

Looking at the third place in the list, we see Xiaomi with an 11% market share. Unfortunately, the company continues to struggle with growth. Although the company manages to maintain its position in the ranking, it seems to have experienced a net 2% loss compared to last year. Inflation and the global economic crisis also play a role in this decline. However, the Chinese manufacturer is often criticized by its fans for its pricing policies and accused of not offering the old price-performance balance. The fourth and fifth names on the list are Oppo and Vivo, respectively.

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Sony Bravia X80L Televisions With 4K HDR Display Launched In India

By

Viraj Gawde

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Apr 18, 2023

Sony has launched the Bravia X80L smart television in India. The series includes TVs in three screen sizes. They come with premium specifications and features. The Bravia X80L TV series promises stunning visuals, amazing sound and delivers a world of entertainment with Google TV enriched by the realism of picture and sound technology, says Sony. Read on to know what the TVs offer out of the box.

The Sony Bravia X80L TV series is offered in 43, 50, and 85-inch display sizes. All three variants have a 4K display resolution along with X1 4K HDR picture engine. There is a Triluminous Pro algorithm to reproduce natural shades in every detail. The televisions are IMAX Enhanced certified and support various HDR formats. On the audio front, the Sony Bravia X80L is equipped with an X-balanced speaker with Dolby Atmos and spatial sound.

The Sony Bravia X80L series supports Apple AirPlay 2 and Apple HomeKit. It also comes with Chromecast and voice search via Google Assistant and Alexa. There is a Bravia Core app that provides access to a large library of Sony Picture’s movies available to stream in near 4K Blu-ray technology with Pure Stream. The televisions feature variable refresh rate, auto-low latency mode (ALLM), auto HDR tone mapping, and game mode with PS5 for an immersive gaming experience. There is Bravia Cam that offers gesture controls, proximity alerts, and protected privacy.

The Sony Bravia X80L televisions come with a bundled remote for all connected devices. Connectivity options on the television include four HDMI 2.1 ports, an Ethernet port, two USB ports, and a headphone jack.

The 43-inch Sony Bravia X80L starts at Rs 99,900 whereas the 50-inch model is priced at Rs 1,14,900. The price of the 85-inch variant is not announced yet. The television will be available for purchase from Sony centres, major electronic stores, and e-commerce portals.

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iQOO Celebrates 3rd Anniversary with Massive Discounts on iQOO 11, Neo 6, and iQOO 9 series in India

By

Anurag

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Apr 18, 2023

iQOO is a relatively new smartphone brand that has only been around for three years. Backed by the Chinese tech giant Vivo, the company made its debut in India in 2020 and has since released some pretty impressive phones that have received a lot of praise. The brand is celebrating its third anniversary in the country today, offering some seriously attractive discounts on its flagship and Neo Series smartphones. Curious to know what’s on sale? Let’s take a look

iQOO 11, iQOO 9 Series, and iQOO Neo 6 available with huge discounts

iQOO smartphones are known to offer a good bounce for the ounce. They come packed with cutting-edge hardware and don’t leave your wallet empty. The latest flagship from the brand, the iQOO 11 is no exception as it arrives with top-notch hardware that you’d find on more expensive smartphones. It brings the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor with the latest LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.0 storage. The handset is priced at Rs. 59,999 in India, but during the anniversary sale, it will be offered at a significant discount of Rs. 10,000, bringing the effective price down to Rs. 49,999.

In addition, the previous iQOO 9 and 9 Pro models are also available at heavily discounted prices. The iQOO 9 is originally priced at Rs. 42,990 but can now be purchased for just Rs. 30,990, which is a discount of Rs. 12,000. Meanwhile, the Pro variant, which typically retails for Rs. 64,990, is now being offered at an incredible discount of Rs. 25,000, bringing the cost down to Rs. 39,990. These prices include bank offers and apply specifically to the standard storage versions. In addition, the company is offering a Rs. 5,000 discount on the iQOO Neo 6 5G, which retails at Rs. 29,999.

Starting from April 19th, the iQOO third anniversary sale will be available on both iQOO.com and Amazon India’s website. The sale will run until April 24th on both platforms in India.

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Elon Musk plans to launch TruthGPT, the ultimate truth-seeking AI program

By

Soumyakanti

-

Apr 18, 2023

Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has announced plans to launch a new AI program called “TruthGPT,” which he claims will be the ultimate truth-seeking AI. Musk’s vision is to develop an AI that is focused on understanding the nature of the universe, which he believes will prevent AI from becoming uncontrollable and posing a threat to humanity.

What we need is TruthGPT
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) February 17, 2023

The TruthGPT announcement comes after Musk and a group of AI experts called for a six-month pause in developing systems more powerful than OpenAI’s newly launched GPT-4, citing potential risks to society. This move highlights Musk’s concerns about the dangers of AI and the need for careful regulation and oversight of AI development.

Musk’s criticism of OpenAI, which he accuses of training AI to lie, comes at a time when the firm has become “for-profit” and “closely allied with Microsoft.” His decision to launch his own AI company, X.AI, is aimed at challenging the existing AI offerings from Google, Microsoft, and OpenAI, which he claims are not focused on maximum truth-seeking.

The focus on a maximum truth-seeking AI is an innovative approach that could address the potential dangers of advanced AI. Musk’s focus on understanding the universe could be a crucial factor in preventing AI from posing a threat to humanity.

Earlier it was also reported that Musk ordered 100000 GPUs for AI development at Twitter’s data center. His decision to start a new company to promote AI in the ChatGPT era, and his reported poaching of AI researchers from Google to launch a startup to rival OpenAI, shows that he is committed to pursuing his vision of a safer AI landscape.

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Xiaomi Smart Band 8 With 60Hz Display, 16-Day Battery Life Launched

By

Viraj Gawde

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Apr 18, 2023

At an event held in China today, Xiaomi has launched a host of new products including the flagship Xiaomi 13 Ultra smartphone, Xiaomi Pad 6 series, and more. The Xiaomi Band 8 has arrived as the successor to the last year’s Band 7. The latest offering packs significant upgrades over its predecessor. Read on to know what it offers out of the box.

The Xiaomi Band 8 retains the same pill-shaped module accommodating a 1.6-inch AMOLED display. It offers a 60Hz refresh rate, 600 nits peak brightness, AOD mode, and various watch faces. The device is water-resistant up to 50 meters.

With the latest offering, the brand is ditching the single strap that was a part of the Band’s identity for many years. The Band 8 has different size lugs for various types of straps (like leather, woven leather, hollow bracelet, and TPU strap) depending on the user’s preference. Additionally, the fitness tracker can also be used as a pendant with a compatible necklace accessory. It can also be put on shoelaces.

In terms of fitness, the Xiaomi Smart Band 8 is equipped with a heart-rate monitor, SpO2 sensor, sleep tracker, and menstrual cycle monitor. It is capable of measuring stress levels and VO2 Max. The fitness tracker packs Interactive Boxing Mode that is designed to enable users to track data related to somatic senses or somatosensory systems while in boxing action. There is also Running Beam Mode that is capable of measuring stride frequency, stride length, ground impact force, ground landing method, and more during running. The wearable device has support for more than 150 sports modes.

The Xiaomi Smart Band 8 also comes with built-in games like Suduko and 2048. It offers convenient features like notifications, weather updates, and more. The fitness tracker is powered by a 190mAh battery unit that is claimed to deliver 16 days of usage on a single charge (with AOD disabled).

The Xiaomi Smart Band 8 carries a price tag of RMB 239 (~$34) for the standard version and the NFC variant costs RMB 279 (~$40). There is no information on when the fitness tracker will launch in the international markets.

WHERE TO BUY

Buy Xiaomi Band 8 at $49 @Giztop

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HP Pavilion Plus 14, Pavilion x360, HP 14/15 Laptop Hands On & First Impressions

By

Sean

-

Apr 18, 2023

HP had just announced a couple of new thin and light laptop models for the Indian market. The new HP and Pavilion series notebooks arrive to fulfill a variety of different requirements for the modern youth and we had the opportunity to try these out ourselves. So here’s our hands on and first impressions of these laptops.

HP 14 & 15

Starting off the new launches, the company announced the new HP 14 and 15 models. These new notebooks arrive as the latest entry level models. As the name suggests, the two laptops feature a 14 inch and 15 inch displays. But despite their affordable price tag, the two models still feature a thin and light design along with a metallic build quality, which is great for its affordable starting price tag of 39,999 INR.

The HP 14 weighs just 1.4 kilograms, while the 15 weighs around 1.6 kilograms for portability. While it was quite light, the laptop still felt pretty solid with an added premium touch thanks to its metallic build. Although, these models didn’t feel as robust as their more expensive Pavilion series models. I tried out the typing on these laptops and it was surprisingly a good experience. These also felt quite responsive which is likely thanks to their 13th Gen Intel Core processors.

Pavilion x360

The Pavilion x360 series has been a popular entry in the Pavilion series thanks to its 360 degree hinge, which enables it to offer a 2 in 1 laptop form factor. The 2 in 1 basically implies that the Pavilion x360 can function as a regular laptop and even in a tablet mode thanks to its touchscreen display. In our hands on with this model, the user experience was pretty smooth. The laptop was snappy and its 360 hinge meant that we also got to test out the touchscreen.

Having used 2 in 1 laptops in the past, I know that such models are quite versatile and the Pavilion x360 offers a great experience in both its tablet and laptop mode. Again, the typing experience was top notch on this model as well and its metallic build quality also offered a good premium experience overall. Notably, this model still weighs just 1.41 kilograms, which is quite light. The Pavilion x360 has a starting price tag of 57,999 INR.

Pavilion Plus 14

Finally arriving at the most expensive model that was announced today, the HP Pavilion Plus 14 was announced with some notable specs and features. The new model features a great metal build quality that offers a true premium feel and design. One of the biggest features of this model is the inclusion of the OLED display that offers great colors and image quality. This 14 inch OLED panel also offers 2.8K resolution and up to 90Hz refresh rate.

Simply put, the higher refresh rate and better display panel basically offered an impressive viewing experience. Apart from this, the only other aspect I really got to play around with was the keyboard and it was a decent experience overall. One thing that was odd is that this laptop was the only model that runs on the older 12th Gen Intel Core processors while the rest on the 13th Gen processors. This model is the most expensive out of the four new models, and starts from 81,999 INR.

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You can now pre-order the latest Xiaomi 13 Ultra Flagship Phone at Giztop

By

Joane

-

Apr 18, 2023

Xiaomi 13 Ultra the latest flagship phone from Xiaomi is now available for pre-order on Giztop. You can pre-order the phone for a starting price of $1199. Please note that this is a pre-order and the actual delivery will start later.

WHERE TO BUY

Xiaomi 13 Ultra Pre-order at $1199 @Giztop

Xiaomi 13 Ultra features a 6.73-inch QHD+ LTPO E6 AMOLED display with 480Hz touch sampling rate, HDR10+, peak brightness of 1900nits, 12bit colors, and Dolby Vision. It is powered by the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor and offers multiple memory options like 12GB / 16GB LPDDR5X RAM and 256GB/ 512GB/ 1TB internal storage.

The smartphone is fueled with a 4900mAh battery and supports 90W wired fast charging, 50W wireless charging, and 10W reverse wireless charging. It features a 50MP quad Leica-tuned camera setup with a Sony IMX989 50MP primary lens, a 50MP ultra-wide lens, and 2 x 50MP telephoto lens. The camera comes with advanced tracking tech that helps you to take better snaps of fast-moving objects. For your selfies, you have a 32MP sensor in the front.

Other interesting features include Android 13-based MIUI 14, in-display optical fingerprint sensor, NFC, Wi-Fi 6, etc. Xiaomi 13 Ultra supports Google mobile services, and OTA updates, and comes with a pre-installed Google Play store.

You can now pre-order Xiaomi 13 Ultra for $1199. Please note that this price is applicable to the base variant only. The phone comes in Black, White, and Green color variants.

For more information on such exciting deals and offers, check out our deals hub

Xiaomi 13 Ultra launched with a Leica Summicron lens, world’s brightest display

By

Anurag

-

Apr 18, 2023

Xiaomi 13 Ultra was announced today at a launch event held in China. True to its name, the smartphone brings many “Ultra” aspects with itself and a 50MP quad Leica-tuned camera setup is only one of them. There’s a powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC under the hood and the front boasts a C7 LTPO OLED panel with a peak brightness of 2,600 nits, making it the smartphone with the brightest display. Let’s take a closer look at the specifications of the new Xiaomi smartphone.

Cameras

Since the Xiaomi 13 Ultra is a camera-focused handset, it would be unwise to discuss anything else first. The smartphone arrives as a true imaging flagship from the brand with a Leica Vario-Summicron lens on the back. There’s a 1-inch 50MP Sony IMX989 main camera sensor, which also includes support for variable aperture between f/1.9 and f/4.0. For the unaware, variable aperture will allow users to control the light intake and also the depth of field.

Not just that, there’s also a 50MP Sony IMX858 f/1.8 ultrawide sensor with a 122-degree FOV. The telephoto setup features a pair of Sony IMX858 sensors, each boasting 50 megapixels. The first sensor has a 75mm focal length, which is equivalent to a 2.5x zoom, and an f/3.0 maximum aperture. The second sensor has a longer focal length of 120mm, providing a 5x zoom, and also an f/3.0 maximum aperture.

Other Specifications

As we mentioned earlier, cameras are not the only “Ultra” aspect of the Xiaomi 13 Ultra. It also brings one of the best displays out there. The handset uses a new C7 LTPO OLED panel developed jointly by Xiaomi and China Star. The display offers a 1,440p resolution and a maximum peak brightness of 2,600 nits, making it the brightest display so far. For comparison, the iPhone 14 Pro Max can reach up to only 2,300 nits.

Under the hood, the handset gets a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, which is paired with either 12 or 16GB RAM, and 256, 512, or 1TB of UFS 4.0 storage. Fueling the handset is a 5,000mAh battery with 90W wired charging and 50W wireless charging. Xiaomi says the battery can last up to 60 minutes at 1% battery. Another notable upgrade is the USB 3.2 port. On the software front, the Xiaomi 13 Ultra runs MIUI 14 based on Android 13.

Price and Availability

The Xiaomi 13 Ultra will be offered in three storage options and their pricing is given below:

12GB + 256GB – 5,999 Yuan ($872)
16GB + 512GB – 6,499 Yuan ($945)
16GB + 1TB – 7,299 Yuan ($1061)

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