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SEGA planning to acquire Angry Birds’ Rovio Entertainment for $1 billion

SEGA, the renowned video game company, is reportedly in the final stages of acquiring Rovio Entertainment, the company behind the widely popular Angry Birds franchise. According to sources, the acquisition deal is expected to be finalized in the next week, with SEGA paying a whopping $1 billion for Rovio and all its intellectual properties.

Rovio shot to fame in the late 2000s and early 2010s, thanks to the immense popularity of its flagship game, Angry Birds, which became a worldwide phenomenon and spawned several sequels and spin-offs. However, in recent times, the company’s brand hasn’t been as strong as it once was, and this acquisition by SEGA could help breathe new life into it.

SEGA’s move to acquire Rovio is seen as an attempt to strengthen its presence in the mobile gaming segment, where it is quickly overtaking its rivals. The company’s recent offer of $1 billion for Rovio outpaced Israeli company Playtika, which had offered $800 million earlier in the year. The move is expected to help SEGA bolster its mobile gaming offerings, and it remains to be seen what plans the company has in store for the iconic Angry Birds characters.

SEGA has long been a prominent player in the video game industry, thanks to its popular franchises such as Yakuza and Sonic. In addition to these, the company is reportedly working on a new Sonic game that will feature stunning graphics and multiplayer elements.

Overall, SEGA’s acquisition of Rovio is a significant development in the video game industry, and it will be interesting to see how the two companies collaborate and innovate in the future. The move also highlights the growing importance of mobile gaming in the gaming industry and underscores the need for companies to continually adapt and evolve to stay ahead of the curve.

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Bing Suggested User Call the Suicide Prevention Hotline, when User Searched for Cancer Data

Microsoft Bing, the newly improved search engine from the tech giant Microsoft, is recently making waves across the tech community with its newfound AI capabilities. Specifically, the new Bing is powered by OpenAI’s large language model – GPT-4, and all users can use GPT-4 for free on Bing.

However, with its rapidly growing userbase whereby more people are switching over from Google to Bing for search, one user found that when he had searched for cancer death rates in their country by year, Bing immediately prompted the user to call the suicide prevention hotline, instead of showing the data as the first result like Google.

Source: Getty Images

The post by Reddit user u/maitreg expresses the overreaction of Bing as surprising because he was only curious about improvements in cancer death rates in his country, and he did not expect to be greeted with advice to call the suicide prevention hotline. 

Users online have different opinions on the topic, as some think that Big Tech like Microsoft and Google spend a lot of money to ensure that their preferred search result is shown to users, and that information is ranked down or restricted from users although it is available. 

On the other fence, some think that Bing’s proactive initiative to suggest calling for help is quite helpful, as some recount when their loved ones get a cancer diagnosis, they start looking at death rates to see how much they’ve got to live. Thus, they think that the move by Bing is quite empathetic.

Microsoft Bing GPT-4-Thumbnail-openai
Microsoft Bing based on GPT-4

New Bing based on GPT-4 has been widely praised by the tech community for simplifying search and research for many. However, New Bing still has gotten itself into much trouble since its inception in February this year, most notably the New York Times journalist fiasco, in which the journalist found the search engine to have a manipulative personality. Microsoft was quick to roll out guardrails and bug fixes for the search engine soon after, and currently the search engine is growingly rapidly in monthly active users.

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OpenAI CEO clarifies company is not currently training ChatGPT-5

OpenAI CEO, Sam Altman, has confirmed that the company is not currently training a GPT-5 language model. Altman addressed this issue during a virtual event at MIT, where he emphasized that OpenAI is currently focused on upgrading and updating their existing GPT-4 model. He added that the company is working on addressing safety issues related to the model and that they had spent over six months training GPT-4 before its public release.

Credit: TheAIGRID

Altman also discussed some of the concerns raised in an open letter, allegedly signed by Elon Musk, calling for a pause in the development of large-scale language models. Altman noted that the letter lacked technical nuance and did not provide specific guidance on where the pause should occur. He emphasized the importance of increasing safety rigor as capabilities become more serious, and he stated that moving with caution is critical.

While OpenAI plans to continue being transparent, the company has not released any information on GPT-4’s training data or its architecture, construction, or other inner workings. This decision was based on concerns related to the competitive landscape and safety implications of large-scale language models like GPT-4.

Overall, Altman’s comments suggest that OpenAI is taking a measured approach to the development of language models and is focused on addressing safety concerns as it moves forward. While there is no GPT-5 in training, the company is committed to upgrading and updating its existing models to improve their performance and safety.

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Sony’s latest patent aims to enhance mobile gaming controls

Sony, one of the leading companies in the gaming industry, is working on developing new technologies to improve mobile gaming. In recent years, the popularity of mobile gaming has been on the rise, surpassing consoles in terms of revenue. Therefore, it is not surprising that Sony is investing in developing new technologies to enhance its mobile gaming offerings.

Sony logo

According to recent reports, Sony has filed a new patent for improved controls in mobile games. The technology will focus on processing operations for games played on mobile devices, receiving the mobile controller input, and then determining a correction value to perform the action with greater accuracy. The expected outcome of this technology is smoother and more precise mobile controls. Additionally, the patent includes dynamic streaming gameplay and more intelligent ways to handle game state saving.

Sony mobile gaming controls patent

This technology could be particularly useful for Sony’s upcoming handheld console, codenamed Q Lite, which will reportedly require a PS5 to function and be used for remote play. The new technology, combined with the acquisition of Savage Game Studios, a mobile-based gaming developer, suggests that Sony is taking a strong interest in the mobile market and working on new technologies.

Furthermore, Sony has also filed a patent for making lifelike NPC reactions, which could improve the immersion of the gaming experience. This technology would make non-player characters in Sony games more aware of their surroundings and enable them to interact with them more efficiently. This innovation could prevent unreactive characters, thus enhancing the overall gaming experience.

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Huawei HarmonyOS 4.0 to launch this fall, executive director confirms

Huawei recently announced the launch of its latest Intelligent Automotive Solution, which includes the new Huawei ADS 2.0 featuring the industry’s first laser fusion GOD network and NCA smart driving navigation covering 90% of urban scenes, among other features. In addition, the company also confirmed that HarmonyOS 4.0 would launch in the fall of 2023.

Huawei HarmonyOS 4.0 confirmation

HarmonyOS 4.0 is expected to achieve multi-person, multi-device, multi-screen, and multi-audio zones in the car system. It will also support six-audio zone sound source positioning, allowing concurrent control of multiple screens, multiple people, and multiple audio zones. Furthermore, the new version of the operating system will implement cabin eye position tracking and eye status recognition, along with support for multi-screen, multi-channel, and bi-directional streaming across screens and devices.

Huawei Car Solution

One notable improvement in HarmonyOS 4.0 is the upgraded voice of the intelligent cabin. The company has used its large-scale model training results to enhance the Xiao Yi voice, making it more intelligent and intuitive. In addition, the new operating system will also feature improved customer parking assistance and will be the first to support cross-surface and underground parking.

HarmonyOS 4.0 will be the latest addition to Huawei’s suite of intelligent automotive solutions, which includes the company’s Advanced Driving System (ADS), Intelligent Cockpit System (ICS), and 5G-V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything) technology. These solutions are designed to provide drivers and passengers with a more immersive and seamless driving experience by leveraging the power of AI and 5G connectivity.

Overall, HarmonyOS 4.0 is expected to be a major upgrade to Huawei’s existing operating system, providing a more comprehensive and intelligent platform for automotive applications. As the company continues to expand its presence in the automotive market, we can expect to see more innovations and advancements in the near future.

While the features announced are related to the car industry, Huawei has not revealed anything about smartphones, tablets, or smartwatches. However, given that HarmonyOS 3 was launched in July for smartphones, it’s possible that HarmonyOS 4.0 for smart devices will be introduced around the same time.

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Alleged Motorola Razr Lite CAD renders emerge to reveal design

Motorola is reportedly working on the Motorola Razr+ 2023 flip phone. The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1-powered clamshell phone featuring a large-sized cover display is expected to debut by June. Now, in a new report, MySmartPrice and popular tipster Steve Hemmerstoffer have teamed up to release the renders of the device that has a tentative name of Motorola Razr Lite. There is a possibility that the device could be simply called the Motorola Razr 2023.

Being a “Lite” model, the Motorola Razr Lite will be positioned lower than the Razr+ 2023. The CAD renders of the device show that it is equipped with a foldable screen with a punch-hole design and slim bezels.

Moving on to the back, the Razr Lite has a small cover display, which appears to be just enough for showing notifications or alerts like incoming calls and messages. Alongside it is a dual-camera setup with an LED flash.

The images show that the Razr Lite has a curved frame with antenna lines on it. The report has no information on the specifications or dimensions of the device.

In related news, Motorola has recently launched the Edge 40 Pro in the global market and is now gearing up to unveil the Edge 40. Reports have revealed that it will arrive with a 6.55-inch AMOLED display that offers a Full HD+ resolution and a 144Hz refresh rate. It is expected to arrive as the first-ever Dimensity 8020-powered chipset, with 8 GB of RAM, 128 GB / 256 GB of storage, and a 4,400mAh battery with 68W wired and 15W wireless charging. It will have a 32-megapixel front camera and a 50-megapixel (main, with OIS) + 13-megapixel (ultra-wide) dual-camera system.

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HTC Wildfire E2 Play launched with 6.82-inch display, Unisoc T606, 48MP quad cameras

HTC Wildfire E2 Play has been silently announced for the African market. Earlier this month, the Taiwanese company unveiled the Wildfire E3 Lite in Africa, and now the brand is back with a new and a bit more powerful device. Some of its highlights include a massive screen, a Unisoc chipset, and 48-megapixel quad rear cameras. Continue reading ahead to learn more about the Wildfire E2 Play.

HTC Wildfire E2 Play specifications and features

HTC Wildfire E2 Play
HTC Wildfire E2 Play

The HTC Wildfire E2 Play has a huge 6.82-inch IPS LCD panel with a teardrop notch. The screen offers an HD+ resolution of 720 x 1640 pixels, a 20.5:9 aspect ratio, a 60Hz refresh rate, a 1500:1 contrast ratio, and 450 nits of brightness. It is equipped with the Unisoc T606 chipset and 8 GB of RAM.

The Wildfire E2 Play has 128 GB of built-in storage, and there is a microSD card slot onboard for more storage. It comes preloaded with Android 12 OS. For security, the device offers features like a rear-mounted fingerprint scanner and AI face unlock.

On the front, the Wildfire E2 Play features an 8-megapixel selfie camera. The back panel of the device features a 48-megapixel primary camera, a 5-megapixel ultra-wide lens, a 2-megapixel macro snapper, a 2-megapixel depth assist lens, and an LED flash.

HTC Wildfire E2 Play
HTC Wildfire E2 Play

The Wildfire E2 Play runs on the Android 12 OS. It packs a 4,600mAh battery that supports 10W charging. The device offers other features, such as dual SIM, 4G VoLTE, Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 5.0, a USB-C port, and a 3.5mm audio jack.

HTC Wildfire E2 Play price and availability

There is no word on Wildfire E2 Play’s price and availability. It will come in black and blue color options.

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Honor X50i leak reveals key specifications, live shots

Honor is gearing up to launch the Honor X50i mid-range phone in the Chinese market. There is no information on the launch date, but since it has been certified by TENAA already, it appears that it may launch at some point this month. Ahead of the expected launch, tipster WHYLAB has shared the live shots of the Honor X50i. Some of the images have revealed the key specifications of the device. Here is a look at everything that has been revealed through the latest leak.

The Honor X50i can be seen sporting a punch-hole display on the front. The rear designs of the Honor 70 Pro and Honor 80 appear to be the inspiration for the X50i’s back panel. Shown below are the black and blue variants of the X50i. It is unclear whether the device will be available in other color options.

Honor X50i specifications (rumored)

The leaked shots reveal that the Honor X50i will arrive with a 6.7-inch LCD panel that offers a Full HD+ resolution of 2388 x 1080 pixels and a 90Hz refresh rate. It will be an entry-level 5G phone powered by the Dimensity 6020 chipset, LPDDR4x RAM, and UFS 2.2 storage.

The X50i is expected to arrive in multiple configurations, such as 8 GB RAM + 128 GB storage, 8 GB RAM + 256 GB storage, and 12 GB RAM + 256 GB storage. The device will offer 7 GB of virtual RAM.

The X50i will arrive with a 4,500mAh battery that supports 35W fast charging. It will feature an 8-megapixel camera on the front and a 108-megapixel (main) + 2-megapixel (depth) dual-camera system along with a triple LED flash. The phone will come preloaded with Android 12 OS. The X50i will measure 7.48 mm in thickness and weigh 179 grams.

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AVAPOW launches the upgraded A68 6000A 2023 Car Battery Jump Starter

One of the worst-case scenarios while traveling, is finding yourself with a dead car battery. A dead battery in a car can cause several dangers, such as difficulty starting the engine, reduced visibility due to malfunctioning electrical components, malfunctioning safety features like airbags and brakes, stalling on the road, and being stranded in remote areas. To prevent these dangers, it is essential to maintain and charge your car’s battery regularly. If your battery shows signs of weakness, it is best to replace it immediately to avoid the risks associated with a dead battery. 

However, even if you maintain and take care of your vehicle regularly, it is always advisable to carry a battery jump starter, to avoid being stranded in emergencies.

Why do we need battery jump starters?

Battery jump starters are a portable and convenient solution for jump-starting a vehicle with a dead battery. When a car battery dies, it cannot start the engine, leaving the driver stranded. A jump starter can be used to jump-start a car without needing another vehicle or waiting for roadside assistance. This device provides a quick and easy solution, which can be used anywhere, anytime, by anyone without the need for additional equipment. A jump starter is a cost-effective and safe way to jump-start your vehicle. 

There are many jump starters available in the market. But AVAPOW A68 6000A 2023 upgraded jump starter is one of the best available options in the market. 

AVAPOW A68, 6000A Car Battery Jump Starter – Upgraded

The AVAPOW A68 car jump starter is a high-capacity device that can provide up to 6000A peak current, making it capable of safely jump-starting gas and diesel engines. It is designed to be compatible with all (12-Volt) vehicles, including cars, trucks, motorcycles, boats, RVs, tractors, ATVs, UTVs, lawnmowers, snowmobiles, and more. With its powerful performance and versatility, the AVAPOW A68 jump starter is a reliable solution for anyone needing a quick and safe way to jump-start their vehicle, no matter where they are.

This upgraded car battery charger jump starter comes with three LED light modes, including Lighting, Flash, and SOS. These modes can be easily switched by pressing the power button. The ultra-bright light is especially useful when starting the car at night, while the strobe and SOS modes can provide valuable assistance in emergency situations. With its versatile LED light options, the car battery charger jump starter is an essential tool for any driver, providing not only a reliable way to jump-start their car but also a source of light and security in emergency situations.

The AVAPOW A68 upgraded car jump starter is more than just a device for jump-starting cars as it also doubles as a powerful power bank. With two USB output ports, including a quick-charging port, the jump starter can charge your cellphones, tablets, Kindles, or digital cameras with ease. In fact, it can save you up to 50% of the time it takes to charge these devices using other chargers. With its multi-purpose functionality, the device is an excellent investment for anyone who wants a reliable solution for jump-starting their car and charging their devices on the go.

The battery jump starter comes equipped with an intelligent jumper clamp that features eight safety protections to ensure safe usage. The jumper clamp’s indicator light also alerts you to any common incorrect operating procedures, making it easier to avoid mistakes. With its advanced safety features and easy-to-use design, the battery jump starter is a reliable and convenient solution for jump-starting your vehicle without worrying about potential safety hazards.

Availability and Price:

AVAPOW A68 upgraded CAR BATTERY JUMP STARTER is now on display at the Hong Kong Electronics Fair. You can check out the device at booth 1D-B07, the Brand of Frame. You can also buy the device at a discounted price of $129.99 from the official AVAPOW website here or check out the product at Amazon.com

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

Xiaomi Wants to Add a Display Directly Under Your Car’s Windshield, Tech Patent for Xiaomi Car Filed

Xiaomi, the Chinese electronics technology brand famously known for its globally best-selling smartphones, has expressed that the company is looking to make a foray into the automotive space with the brand’s first upcoming electric vehicle that is due to be announced in Chinese markets in 2024.

Xiaomi MS11 EV
Leaked Xiaomi EV Render

And recently, it was spotted in China’s national patent database that a “Xiaomi Car” patent technology was approved by the country’s regulatory body on April 11, 2023. The patent technology’s name was phrased in quite a direct manner, as the patent tech approved is called “Car (Practical Use)”, and filed by the Xiaomi Car Limited Company, which is a subsidiary of the Xiaomi Group based in Beijing.

The “Xiaomi Car” patent has some very fascinating and exciting details, as shared by ITHome, a tech news organisation in the country. Most notably, the Xiaomi Car will apparently have a transparent display embedded under the glass front windshield, which in simpler terms means you’ll have a transparent TV as your windshield.

Transparent Car Screen Window Prototype by BOE, 2022
Transparent Car Screen Window Prototype by BOE, 2022

This new transparent screen windshield patent technology sounds futuristic, and in the patent description, the tech is said to facilitate drivers to view vehicle information easier and improve driving safety. To illustrate, most vehicles have instrument panels or dashboards in front of the steering wheel, and drivers need to look down to see vehicle information clearly, which is not conducive to safe driving. The Xiaomi Car is slated to have the info you need to be displayed directly on the windshield screen, to keep your eyes on the road whilst displaying important data such as the vehicle speed, notifications, and EV battery charge data to you as well.

According to Xiaomi’s official plan, Xiaomi Cars will officially start mass production in 2024. Recently, Lu Weibing said at a financial report conference that Xiaomi’s car development is progressing completely according to the previously set schedule. According to Lei Jun, the company is “exceeding expectations” and is said to be much ahead of the original schedule set. “Judging from the current situation, I feel that Xiaomi’s car business is still going smoothly according to the schedule,” said Lei Jun, the founder and CEO of Xiaomi.

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Xiaomi 13 Ultra Roundup: Everything about the ultimate camera phone

Xiaomi has always been known for making value mid-range smartphones, but the company has really stepped up its game lately by introducing some absolutely premium phones. And get this – these phones are giving the likes of Samsung and Apple a run for their money, and in some cases, even outperforming them. Last year’s Xiaomi 12S Ultra was one such device, featuring a camera system like no other.

The Chinese tech giant is now ready to bring another Ultra model to the market, and this time it won’t just be limited to China. The Xiaomi 13 Ultra is all set to launch on April 18 and from what we’ve heard, it’s going to be an absolute beast when it comes to the camera. Can’t wait for the official launch? Here’s everything you need to know about this highly-anticipated smartphone.

Design & Display

In recent years, we’ve seen a lot of trends in camera styling, and it seems Chinese flagships launching in 2023 have settled for a round camera module. For instance, the OnePlus 11 and the recently launched Vivo X90 both sport a circular camera module. Even Honor and Oppo have jumped on the bandwagon with the same camera design on their flagship devices. Xiaomi’s upcoming flagship won’t differ much either.

Xiaomi 13 Ultra
Image Via @Duanrui

From what we’ve seen in leaked renders, the handset will get a circular camera module like its predecessor but this time there won’t be any bar accompanying it. There will be four cameras on the handset aligned in a somewhat squircle manner with the Leica branding in the center. It will likely have a soft leather-like finish on the rear.

Talking about the display, the Xiaomi 13 Ultra will likely feature a curved panel with a center punch hole cutout for the selfie camera. The E6 AMOLED LTPO display will measure 6.7 inches E6 and offer a Quad HD+ resolution with a 120Hz refresh rate. It will also have all sorts of HDR support, including DolbyVision. It will likely boast a 10-bit panel, capable of rendering 1 billion color gradations.

Cameras

The Xiaomi-Leica partnership has definitely helped the Chinese company step up its camera game, and the recent Xiaomi 13 Pro is the latest example of that. The upcoming Xiaomi 13 Ultra will only take things to a new level with its four-camera setup on the back. It will retain the 1″ Sony-made IMX989 sensor with phase detect autofocus. Notably, the handset uses the sensor’s entire area for image capture.

In addition, the smartphone will use a 50MP Ultra-wide, 50MP 3.2X Zoom with f/1.8 aperture, and a 50MP Periscope with 5X Zoom and f/3.0 aperture. The handset is rumored to support variable aperture, allowing you to switch to a slower aperture if you prefer to have more of the background in focus. Xiaomi says the device will get some advanced noise-reduction features and better HDR capabilities. It could get a 32MP sensor for selfies.

Xiaomi 13 Ultra accessories

Xiaomi is apparently so confident about the camera capabilities of the 13 Ultra that it could release a camera grip accessory for it. This accessory will make the phone look more like a camera and will feature a dedicated shutter button on the grip, enabling users to quickly take photos.

Other Specifications

The flagship smartphone will likely be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset. While there’s no info about the battery capacity, it is expected to support 90W wired charging and 50W wireless charging. In addition, the handset will be equipped with Surge G1 and Surge P2 chips for better charging and power management. Xiaomi also claims that the Xiaomi 13 Ultra will last up to 60 minutes at 1% battery, however, in emergency mode.

The smartphone is expected to come with Android 13 OS and MIUI 14 preinstalled. Additionally, it is likely to be equipped with up to 16GB of LPDDR5x RAM and a whopping 1TB of UFS 4.0 storage. In terms of security, it will sport an under-display fingerprint scanner.

Expected Pricing

The exact pricing of the Xiaomi 13 Ultra will only be known after the official launch. However, a recent report revealed the handset will come in three configurations, such as 8 GB RAM + 256 GB storage, 12 GB RAM + 256 GB storage, and 12 GB RAM + 512 GB storage. These models could be priced at 6,299 Yuan (~$916), 6,799 Yuan (~$990), and 7,499 (~$1,090), respectively. The top-of-the-line 16GB RAM + 1TB storage trim may cost 7,999 Yuan (~$1,163).

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Xiaomi 13 Ultra will last you 60 minutes at 1% battery

You might be familiar with the panic that grips the heart of every smartphone user when they see that red color in the battery icon. Most phones die down quickly once their battery touches the 15% mark. However, Xiaomi claims its upcoming Xiaomi 13 Ultra will differ in that matter by lasting up to 60 minutes at even 1% battery. This improvement is thanks to the self-developed Surge P2 chip and Surge G1 chip.

Xiaomi 13 Ultra will get new battery chips

Xiaomi’s latest Ultra phone will debut on April 18 with a Leica-tuned camera setup. Ahead of the release, the company has been teasing the smartphone’s features and the latest teasers shed some light on its battery performance. As per the announcement, the Xiaomi 13 Ultra will arrive with self-developed Surge P2 and Surge G1 chips.

The information about the Surge G1 chip is scarce but we do know that Surge P2 is the successor of the Surge P1 chip found on the Xiaomi 12 series. The company noted that P1 helps in better heat management and improving charging efficiency.

The new chips will improve the phone’s battery. Xiaomi claims the phone will last for up to 60 minutes or support a 12-minute phone call even when the battery level drops to just 1%. However, this will only apply when the device is in Emergency Battery Mode.

Xiaomi 13 Ultra is confirmed to debut as a remarkable camera phone. It will include a quad rear camera setup, featuring a 1-inch Sony IMX989 50MP primary lens and 50MP Sony IMX858 auxiliary lenses. The handset will get a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC under the hood.

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Huawei Enjoy 60X live images and specs leaked ahead of launch

The Huawei Enjoy 60X has been leaked in live images, revealing its impressive size and features ahead of its official launch on April 17. The phone boasts a full edge-to-edge screen with a large notch on the head, and a dual-lens system consisting of a 50MP main camera, enclosed in a ring-designed camera system with four openings on the rear panel.

The smartphone model is STG-AL00 and runs on the HarmonyOS 3.0.0.101 operating system. The Enjoy 60X’s about screen also reveals that it has a 6.96-inch, 2376×1080-pixel LCD display and a Snapdragon 680 chipset along with 8GB of RAM. The phone will be available with 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB of storage, and will feature a massive 7,000mAh battery with 22.5W fast charging.

The design of the Huawei Enjoy 60X is also more premium than its predecessor, with a large circular camera island and two 50MP cameras. The front of the phone features a large notch, with an earpiece taking up most of it, and a selfie camera visible in the far-right corner.

Huawei has positioned the Enjoy 60X as a device that provides good performance at an optimum price point. The company is set to unveil the phone officially on April 17 alongside Nova 11 series and Huawei Band 8, and we expect to receive more detailed information at the launch conference. As we await further news on this exciting new device, we will keep you posted on any additional leaks or updates.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra rumored to drop one of its rear cameras

Samsung’s next flagship phone, the Galaxy S24 Ultra, is expected to come with one less camera than its predecessor. The Galaxy S23 Ultra had four rear-facing cameras, including two telephoto cameras, but according to reliable tipsters, the Galaxy S24 Ultra could have just three rear-facing cameras. The missing camera is rumored to be the 3x telephoto camera.

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

However, Samsung may have a new solution in mind, according to tipster Ice Universe. The company could be using a continuous periscope zoom lens that can zoom from 3x to 10x, similar to the telephoto camera module that LG showcased last year.

This would allow the single telephoto camera on the Galaxy S24 Ultra to perform the job of both zoom cameras on the Galaxy S23 Ultra. Additionally, this new camera could offer better image quality with intermediate zoom ranges that were not possible with the previous camera setup.

Another possibility is that Samsung is confident in its 200MP primary camera, which could allow for 3x digital zoom, equivalent to 3x optical zoom on the Galaxy S23 Ultra. This would eliminate the need for a separate telephoto camera altogether.

The removal of one camera on the Galaxy S24 Ultra could offer a cleaner design on the rear of the phone and reduce clutter. However, it’s best to take this information with a pinch of salt as plans could always change before the phone’s official release.

The Galaxy S23 Ultra is currently Samsung’s best camera phone, featuring four rear-facing cameras capable of recording 4K 60fps videos. Two of those cameras are telephoto cameras, offering unmatched zoom reach compared to rival phones.

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Vivo Y78 5G appears on NCC website with Live images & Key Specifications

Vivo has an exciting month ahead as it is gearing up to introduce a range of new products. Among them are the long-rumored X Fold 2 and the company’s first-ever flip phone— X Flip. The Vivo Pad 2 will also be making its debut exclusively in China. In addition, Vivo is working on a mid-range device, the Y78+. Adding to the rumors, the NCC certification site recently revealed the existence of a vanilla Vivo Y78 5G smartphone, which is expected to join the Y series lineup.

Vivo Y78 5G

The Vivo Y78 5G has been spotted on the NCC website with the V2244 model number. For the unaware, the National Communications Commission (NCC) is a body responsible for regulating and certifying communication devices in Taiwan. As per the certification, the device will get a 44W adaptor with a Type-A to Type-C charging cable. Further, it will be equipped with a 5,000mAh battery.

Additionally, the authority shares live images of the Vivo Y78 5G, which give us a good look at its design. The handset looks similar to the previously leaked Vivo Y78+ 5G, featuring a sleek design and a sizable camera bump that houses three camera sensors within two rings. On the front, the Vivo phone gets a curved display with a center punch hole cutout for the selfie camera.

Other specifications of the handset are not known. It is expected to debut alongside the Plus model but there’s no official confirmation as of yet. The Y78+ is rumored to be powered by a Snapdragon 695 processor with up to 12GB of RAM. Both devices will likely run Android 13 OS out of the box.

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Android 14 brings control over full-screen notifications

Google has recently released the beta version of Android 14 for Pixel smartphones, with exciting new features and enhancements. One of the most notable changes is the ability for users to block apps from using full-screen notifications.

This feature is a significant improvement for Android users who previously had no control over full-screen notifications, which could be disruptive, especially when the phone is locked. For instance, when an alarm rings, users cannot see any other content on the lock screen.

Credit: How-To Geek

However, with Android 14, users can stop full-screen notifications for apps like WhatsApp, and voice and video call notifications will appear in the same format as other notifications. This allows users to expand the notification to access the ‘Answer’ and ‘Decline’ buttons, making it a lot less disruptive.

The new feature can be found in the Settings » Apps » Special App Access » Manage Full-Screen Intents. Users will see a list of all the apps currently using full-screen notifications, with a toggle button for each app that is on by default. Users can easily switch off the toggle button for any app they don’t want to use full-screen notifications, forcing the app to revert back to a regular notification.

To download Android 14 Beta 1, users can visit the Android Beta for Pixel website and verify if their Pixel phone meets the beta program’s requirements. However, it’s important to note that this is a beta version, and it may contain bugs and problems, so it’s not recommended to install it on your primary device. Users should also ensure that all their data is backed up before initiating the update.

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Huawei Nova 11 series Roundup: Here’s everything we know about these upcoming devices

Huawei is preparing to launch its Nova 11 series smartphones, which are designed to offer high-end camera features despite their mid-range performance. The official launch event is scheduled for April 17th in China and the series will include three models: the Huawei Nova 11, Nova 11 Pro, and Nova 11 Ultra. This unique positioning of the devices is expected to appeal to consumers who prioritize photography capabilities in their smartphones. Here’s a brief overview of what to expect from the Nova 11 series.

Huawei Nova 11 series: What we know so far

Huawei Nova 11 Ultra

Starting wiht the Huawei Nova 11 Ultra, the device features a curved back and a curved frame. The back has a pill shaped camera island that houses three lenses. Up front, we will be getting a curved 6.78-inch screen with 2652 x 1200 pixels resolution. Additionally, the device is expected to feature a high refresh rate of 120Hz and a 1440Hz PWM high-frequency dimming display.

The display design of the device includes a pill-shaped cutout that will accommodate a 60-megapixel primary selfie camera with an aperture of f/2.0 and an 8-megapixel camera with 2x zoom capability. The primary camera of the Nova 11 Ultra will be a 50-megapixel RYYB sensor, which will offer high-quality image capture. This camera will support variable aperture technology, enabling immersive 10-stop aperture control, which will allow for capturing beautiful bokeh and bright images with a super-large aperture. The rear camera setup of the device will also include an 8-megapixel ultra-wide lens and a 2-megapixel macro camera with a 2cm focal length.

Under the hood, the Nova 10 Ultra will feature a Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 4G chipset. It was rumored that the device was previously being tested with the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset, however, it looks that didn’t pan out, likely due to it inflating the price of the device.

The Nova 11 Ultra will boast a 4,500mAh battery with 100W charging capability, enabling fast and efficient charging. In addition, the device will feature support for BeiDou satellite communication technology, which will enhance its navigation and location-based capabilities.Measuring 7.99mm in thickness and weighing 188 grams, the Nova 11 Ultra will be a sleek and lightweight device. The high-end version of the device will feature Kunlun glass on the back, while a leather back version is also expected to be available.

Huawei Nova 11

The Huawei Nova 11 will be available in four different colors and feature a large 6.7-inch OLED panel, providing an immersive viewing experience. With a slim thickness of 6.88mm, it will pack a powerful 4500mAh battery that can be charged quickly using the 66W Turbocharge 1.0 technology.

The device’s design will include a punch-hole cutout on the display to house its impressive 60MP front-facing camera, which will enable high-quality 4K selfie video recording. The device will also feature a triple rear camera system, including a 50MP RYYB main lens, an 8MP ultra-wide-angle lens, and laser autofocus, ensuring excellent photography capabilities. With its sleek design and high-end camera features, the Huawei Nova 11 is expected to appeal to users who prioritize both style and functionality.

Huawei Nova 11 Pro

The Huawei Nova 11 Pro is said to come with a 6.78-inch OLED screen and curved edges. At a thickness of just 7.99mm, the device should be comfortable to hold in the hand.

Similar to the Nova 11, the Pro model will also host a triple rear camera setup, which includes a 50MP RYYB main lens, an 8MP ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 2MP depth sensor. This combination of lenses allows for incredible versatility when taking photos, whether you want to capture wide landscapes or detailed close-ups. On the front, the device features dual 60MP and 8MP ultra-wide-angle lenses, perfect for capturing stunning selfies.

Another notable feature of the Nova 11 Pro is its powerful 4500mAh battery. This can be charged quickly using the 100W Turbocharge 2.0 technology, ensuring that you can spend more time using your phone and less time waiting for it to charge.

As of now, the available information on the Huawei Nova 11 series is limited. However, on April 17th, the official launch event will take place, and more details about the devices will be revealed. So, if you’re eager to know more about these smartphones, stay tuned for our coverage of the event.

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Poco F5 clears NCC & NBTC Certifications, Leaks Live Images in the Process

Poco F4 debuted last year as a true flagship killer, offering everything from a top-notch display to a capable processor. The cameras were a bit underwhelming, but hey, even the moon has scars. Its successor— Poco F5— is also in the works and a launch is expected to happen in the second quarter of this year. While we wait, the handset has bagged NCC and NBTC certifications with the former even revealing its live images. Let’s have a look.

It looks more like a Redmi Note 12

Poco F5 has been listed on Indonesia’s NBTC website with the model number 23049PCD8G. As usual, the authority did not reveal any specifications of the handset. However, the NCC listing of the smartphone gives us a good look at its design. As you can see in the images, Poco F5 resembles the newly launched Redmi Note 12 Turbo.

There’s a triple camera setup on the smartphone with two large rings and a small one. A Poco branding can be seen on the bottom of the rear. The front panel is flat and features a selfie camera enclosed in a punch-hole cutout. NCC also showcases the F5’s charging adaptor, hinting it will come bundled with it. It has been listed to pack a 5,000mAh battery.

Based on the latest certification and previous reports, it’s clear that the Poco F5 will be launched in the international market as a rebadged version of the Redmi Note 12 Turbo. The latter boasts some impressive features, and our review team believes it marks the return of the old Redmi (full review here).

The upcoming Poco F5 is likely to build on the popularity of last year’s Poco F4, which we regarded as a true flagship killer smartphone, and here’s the reason why.


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Vivo X Fold 2, X Flip Full Specifications Surface Ahead Of Launch

Vivo is gearing up to launch two foldable phones in China on April 20th. These include the Vivo X Fold 2 and X Flip. The former will arrive as the successor to the first-generation X Fold whereas the latter is the brand’s first clamshell flip phone. Both the upcoming offerings have been spotted in official-looking images recently. Now, ahead of the launch event, tipster Ishan Agarwal has leaked the full spec sheet of the Vivo X Fold 2 and X Flip. 

The Vivo X Fold 2 will come with a 6.53-inch main exterior display bearing a resolution of 2,520 x 1,080 pixels. The interior screen will measure 8.03 inches with a resolution of 2,160 x 1,916 pixels. Both displays will have a 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+ support, and an integrated fingerprint scanner. Dimension-wise, the Vivo X Fold 2 is said to measure 161.3×73.4×13mm (6-6.7mm when unfolded) and weigh 280 grams.

The back panel of the Vivo X Fold 2 will sport a rectangular island housing a protruding circular camera module. The setup is expected to comprise a 50MP main sensor coupled with a 12MP ultra-wide-angle unit, and a 12MP telephoto lens. Both the interior and exterior screens will reportedly have a 16MP snapper. 

Under the hood, the Vivo X Fold 2 is expected to be the world’s first foldable phone powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor. It will pack 12GB LPDDR5X RAM and  256GB or 512GB UFS 4.0 storage options. The foldable phone will reportedly be backed by a 4,800mAh battery unit with support for 120W wired and 50W wireless charging. 

As for the Vivo X Flip, it is a clamshell folding phone with a 6.74-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and HDR10+ support. From various reports and official-looking images, the device will feature a horizontal screen on the back panel. It is said to be a 3-inch display. The upcoming offering will also have a circular camera module housing 50MP and 12MP sensors. There will be a 32MP selfie snapper. 

Internally, the Vivo X Flip will reportedly be equipped with a Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 SoC also paired with 12GB LPDDR5 RAM and up to 512GB UFS 4.0 storage. It is tipped to be backed by a 4,400mAh battery with support for 44W charging. 

In terms of dimensions, the Vivo X Flip will measure 166.4×75.3×8.2mm and weigh 200g.

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Tim Cook Surpasses Steve Jobs’ Tenure as Apple CEO

Steve Jobs is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the tech industry, largely due to his tenure as CEO of Apple. Jobs co-founded Apple in 1976 and oversaw the development of several groundbreaking products, including the first Macintosh computer, the iPod, the iPhone, and the iPad. During his time as CEO, Jobs was known for his intense focus on design and user experience, as well as his perfectionism and insistence on maintaining control over every aspect of Apple’s products. His leadership style was often controversial, but there is no denying the tremendous impact he had on the company’s success. Under Jobs’ leadership, Apple became one of the most valuable companies in the world and a leader in innovation and design. Jobs’ legacy continues to influence Apple’s culture and approach to product development, and his impact on the tech industry as a whole is undeniable. As of today, Tim Cook, Apple’s current CEO surpassed the tenure of Steve Jobs’ time in office, which was previously 4,249 days.

Tim Cook

Tim Cook took over as CEO of Apple in 2011 following the passing of Steve Jobs. Prior to becoming CEO, Cook served as Apple’s COO and played a critical role in the company’s operations and supply chain management. Since taking over, Cook has continued to build on the foundation laid by Jobs, overseeing the release of several successful products, including the iPhone 12 and the M1 chip for Macs. Cook has also focused on expanding Apple’s services business, which includes the App Store, Apple Music, and iCloud.

Under Cook’s leadership, Apple has become the first publicly traded U.S. company to reach a market capitalization of $2 trillion. Cook has also been vocal about his commitment to social and environmental responsibility, with Apple making significant strides in areas such as renewable energy and worker rights. While Cook’s leadership style is more low-key than Jobs’, he has proven to be a highly effective CEO, and Apple remains one of the world’s most successful and innovative companies under his guidance.

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