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Vietnamese EV maker VinFast sends second batch of Electric Suv’s to US

VinFast, the electric vehicle manufacturer from Vietnam, announced on Monday that it had sent out the second shipment of 1879 units of VF 8 SUVs to North America. The company which is the first-ever EV manufacturer in Vietnam is trying to expand its global market in North America and Europe. 

Last November, VinFast sent its initial set of 999 vehicles to the United States. The company is now distributing the second group of cars in two parts, with 1089 electric vehicles going to the US and the remainder being transported to Canada.

source: VinFast

VinFast recently declared its intentions to extend its operations to the European market this year. As per their announcement, the company aims to dispatch 700 units of VF 8 EVs to Europe by mid-July, while also unveiling two new models and accepting global reservations for them.

What is VinFast?

VinFast LLC is a privately owned automobile manufacturer headquartered in Singapore, and founded by Vietnamese Billionaire entrepreneur Phạm Nhat Vuong as a part of the Vingroup conglomerate in 2017. VinFast is recognized as the first Vietnamese automotive brand to foray into the global marketplace and the first to produce electric vehicles, including electric cars and electric scooters.

The company launched its first two vehicle models the LUX A2.0 and the LUX SA2.0, which were inspired by the BMW design at the 2018 Paris Motor Show. However, the company then decided to venture into the EV sector and launched one of its first-ever compact cross-over electric SUVs the VF e34 in 2021. 

To date, the company has launched about 5 EV models with the latest being the VinFast VF 8 which is shipped globally. Apart from cars, the company also manufactures electric scooters and buses. 

The company has a production capacity of 2,50,000 units per annum and has delivered around 865 units of the latest VF8 EV domestically. Last December, apart from the domestic orders, the company also secured global orders for around 55000 units with 12000 units being sold to the US alone. 

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Xiaomi launches the MIJIA Multifunctional Rechargeable Desk Lamp: the Ultimate lighting solution

Xiaomi has just released their latest product, the Mijia multi-function rechargeable table lamp. This innovative and versatile lamp has been designed to cater to lighting needs for working, reading, or relaxing.

MIJIA Multifunctional Rechargeable Desk Lamp

The MIJIA multi-function rechargeable table lamp can be transformed into a vertical table lamp, clamp lamp, or flashlight, thanks to its magnetic suction design. The 360-degree adjustability feature allows you to adjust the light to any angle, providing the perfect lighting for any task.

The lamp is equipped with a powerful 2000mAh lithium battery which provides long-lasting use with up to 40 hours of low brightness or over 4 hours of maximum brightness. The Type-C interface allows for convenient charging using a power bank, ensuring that you will never be without light.

MIJIA Multifunctional Rechargeable Desk Lamp

The MIJIA Multifunctional Rechargeable Desk Lamp features a high color rendering with a Ra90 rating and anti-blue light hazard level RG0 exemption level, making it safe and comfortable for reading and writing. With four lighting modes, including 4000K for reading and writing and 2700K for wall washing and sleeping, you can customize the lamp to suit your needs.

The lamp is presently available on Xiaomi Youpin for a crowdfunding price of 79 yuan ($11). The price will increase to 99 yuan ($14) after the crowdfunding campaign.

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Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 launching soon with Galaxy Buds 2 Live reportedly Axed

You might remember the bean-shaped earbuds Samsung launched back in 2019. They were called Galaxy Buds Live and offered decent audio quality with a nice fit, and certainly a good-looking design. Well, the news is that Samsung may not be releasing a follow-up to the aging Buds Live. Instead, the company is rumored to be preparing to launch its latest earbuds, the Galaxy Buds 3, in the near future. Here are the details.

Galaxy Buds 3

Samsung launched the Galaxy Buds 2 back in August 2021 at the Galaxy Unpacked event. The earbuds offer solid noise cancellation and an immersive audio experience. They come with an in-ear design and are a little on the heavier side. Now, leakster Chunvn888 claims that the Galaxy Buds 3 are also on the way. While no exact launch date has been provided, we can expect the earbuds to debut at the Unpacked event alongside the new foldables.

Galaxy Buds Live

The same leakster claims that Samsung won’t be releasing the Galaxy Buds 2 Live. To recall, the original Buds Live feature ANC and Ambient Sound mode, up to 6 hours of battery life, and touch controls for playback and calls. They have Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, IPX2 water resistance, and are compatible with Bixby, Google Assistant, and Siri. The earbuds have 12mm speakers and three microphones, and come in six colors.

Currently, the details about the Buds 3 are scarce. We can expect the earbuds to bring essentially the same design as their predecessor. However, they may feature improved noise cancellation and better drivers. Samsung may also include support for Spatial audio and other interesting features introduced with Galaxy Buds 2 Pro. We hope to learn more in the coming days.

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Alldocube X Pad tablet with Dimensity 900 chipset, 2K display, and Android 13 OS unveiled

Aldoccube has unveiled the X Pad tablet powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 900 SoC and running on Android 13 out of the box. The X Pad has a 2K display and is a relatively powerful budget Android tablet.

Aldocube X Pad tablet

The Aldocube X Pad has been the subject of several official teasers from the company. Although a global release date for the tablet has not been announced, much of the specs of the tablet are known. The tablet has an 11-inch IPS display with a native resolution of 2,176 x 1,600 pixels. This translates to an aspect ratio of 4:3 approximately.

In comparison with the Chuwi HiPad Plus, the X Pad comes with a more powerful chipset in the Dimensity 900. The Dimensity 900 is produced via the 6nm process and it has 2 ARM Cortex-A78 cores @ 2.4GHz, six Cortex-A55 cores @ 2GHz, and a Mali-G68 MP4 GPU clocked at 900MHz.

Aldocube X Pad has 8GB of RAM and 256GB of flash storage expandable via the MicroSD card slot. It supports Wi-Fi 6 connectivity, GPS, and Bluetooth 5.2. The tablet will come with Android 13 out of the package in the international edition. On the other hand, the Chinese version of the gadget will ship with Android 12. The battery will support 18W charging although the actual battery capacity is unknown.

Aldocube X Pad tablet

The X Pad will retail in China for 1,199 yuan (~$174) and it can be purchased directly from Aldocube. There are no details yet on the availability of the gadget in overseas markets. It is however expected that the Aldocube X Pad tablet will find its way to the overseas market with its budget-friendly price.

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Tri-Fold Samsung Smartphone Seems Unlikely to be Released in 2023

Rumors about a triple-folding Samsung smartphone date back to 2020, but so far we’ve only seen trade-show demos. This year, rumors of the unconventional smartphone have resurfaced, with some speculating that it may be launched at the Galaxy Unpacked event in August. Now, several industry experts have claimed that there’s no tri-fold smartphone in development and the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Flip 5 might just be the foldables from the Korean company.

You might have to settle with just one fold this year

A third foldable from Samsung has been making headlines for a while now, with reports suggesting that it will be a tablet called the Galaxy Z Tab. This device was supposed to feature the largest foldable display ever released by the brand, folding into three parts. However, there hasn’t been any concrete leak yet and now experts have started to question its existence.

tri-fold-samsung
Samsung’s tri-fold concept from 2020

Known leakster Max Jambor points out in a Tweet that details about the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Z Flip 5 continue to surface but there hasn’t been any solid development about the tri-fold yet. Replying to Jambor, DSCC’s Ross Young says that no third Samsung foldable will be released in 2023, except the China-exclusive models. Sammobile’s Danny Dorresteijn shares the same sentiment.

Samsung has been rumored to be working on a tri-fold smartphone since 2020, with the company showcasing the technology and filing a patent for it at that time. At this year’s MWC event, the brand’s display division also unveiled a concept for a triple-folding smartphone, along with other innovative phone designs. However, it appears we’ll have to wait a few more years before Samsung unveils a tri-fold.


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Microsoft continues to test OneDrive and Microsoft 365 ads in Windows 11 start menu

Microsoft’s recent experimentation with badging and ads in the Windows 11 Start menu has sparked concern among users who fear that the move may negatively impact the user experience. The company is currently testing the addition of more badging to the Start menu to notify users about certain actions they should take, as well as introducing Microsoft 365 signup recommendations and OneDrive suggestions.

Windows 11 start menu ads

While the intention behind the badging is to highlight the benefits of signing in with a Microsoft account, users are skeptical about the placement of these badges in the Start menu’s power menu action, which contains essential buttons like shutdown. This move could be perceived as invasive and potentially slow down the operating system, which may negatively impact the user experience.

Moreover, users are concerned that the focus on advertising may cause them to question Microsoft’s commitment to user satisfaction and privacy, which could hurt the company’s reputation. With increasing competition in the tech industry, it’s crucial for Microsoft to strike a balance between promoting their services and maintaining a satisfactory user experience.

As Microsoft continues to gather feedback from users who encounter these badges and ads, it remains to be seen whether the company will make any changes to its approach. However, it’s clear that the company must carefully consider user feedback and prioritize user experience to maintain its position as a leader in the tech industry.

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Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 and Fold 5 to use LG Batteries

Galaxy Z Flip 5 and Fold 5 are likely going to be the latest and only foldable smartphones from Samsung this year. There are rumors about a third tri-fold device but they might just remain rumors. Details about the upcoming foldables have been leaking slowly, with a report now revealing Samsung’s plan for diversification. According to a report, Samsung will be sourcing batteries for the Fold 5 and Flip 5 from its local competitor LG. However, the brand will reportedly involve other suppliers as well.

LG will not be the only supplier

The Elec reports that the upcoming Galaxy Z Flip 5 and Z Fold 5 will be fueled by batteries manufactured by LG. This is nothing surprising as the company has been supplying batteries for Samsung’s folding phones for the last three years. In addition, LG also makes batteries for the S series as well as some affordable smartphones.

samsung-galaxy-z-fold-flip-4

However, Samsung will be playing safe by using multiple suppliers. The report suggests in addition to LG, Samsung SDI and China’s Amperex Technology Limited (ATL) will also be supplying the battery units for the phones. This will likely help the Korean company dodge any supply chain issues coming on its way.

Further, The Elec notes that the batteries on Samsung’s foldable will be divided into primary and secondary. A large and a small-capacity battery are used separately because the screen is foldable. The capacity is said to be almost similar to the previous models, which implies that the body weight, thickness, and screen size of the phones will not change much either. The publication also claims that the cost of a single battery is expected to be around $10-15, and since the foldables will use two cells the total will be up to $30.


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Google removes 36 malicious android apps from Play Store with over 100 million downloads

Google has recently banned 36 malicious Android apps from the Google Play Store that were capable of performing harmful functions without the user’s consent. The apps were discovered by McAfee, who found a software library called Goldoson that could collect information from the user’s phone, such as lists of installed applications, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth device information, and GPS locations. Moreover, the library could also perform ad fraud by clicking on ads in the background without the user’s knowledge.

malicious android apps
Image: GETTY

McAfee discovered more than 60 apps with this malicious library, which had been downloaded more than 100 million times in the Google Play Store alone. Following this discovery, Google took action and removed 36 apps from the Play Store while the remaining apps were updated by their developers. You can check the list of all the banned apps here.

Users are advised to update their apps to the latest version or remove them if they have been identified as a threat to Android phone users. In addition, users should take precautions before downloading any app from the Play Store or any other third-party service. It is recommended to check the name of the developer, the number of downloads, the comments section, how many known apps the developer has created, and the preview section of the app to ensure the images are genuine and not fake.

This incident serves as a reminder for both users and developers to be vigilant and proactive in preventing malicious apps from entering the market. As such, users are encouraged to keep their phones updated with the latest security patches and to use anti-malware software. Developers, on the other hand, are urged to follow best practices for app development and security, such as using secure coding practices, scanning their apps for vulnerabilities, and thoroughly testing their apps before release.

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OnePlus Ace 2 Genshin Impact Limited Edition With 18GB RAM Launched In China

The OnePlus Ace 2 (review) smartphone debuted in China earlier in February this year. It was offered in Vast Black and Glacier Blue color options. As expected, the brand has now announced a limited edition variant of the smartphone. It is called the OnePlus Ace 2 Genshin Impact Limited Edition. Read on to know what the newly announced variant has in store for us. 

The OnePlus Ace 2 Genshin Impact Limited Edition has the same design as the standard variants. However, it comes in a Red-colored back panel featuring a leather texture. The color is inspired by Xiangling, a character of fire element in the Genshin Impact video game. The Lava Red color looks stunning and the back panel is said to be made of warm plain leather material that is antifouling, durable, and naturally skin-friendly. Both the left and right sides of the back panel feature a double-wing diamond line and two stitches are added to create a delicate texture.

Being a limited edition phone, the latest variant comes with a custom gift box with a supporting base and handle made of metal. The Genshin Impact Limited Edition variant comes bundled with an Xiangling Lihua scroll poster, Xiangling stickers, and information display cards of characters from the video game. 

The OnePlus Ace 2 Genshin Impact Limited Edition comes with custom UI themes and sound effects designed by the brand and Genshin Impact team. It has icons, wallpapers, and more. The smartphone also packs 18GB RAM onboard and 512GB storage. Other core specifications of the device remain the same as the standard variants. These include a 6.64-inch 1.5K AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate, Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 SoC, 50MP triple rear cameras, and a 5,000mAh battery with 100W charging. 

WHERE TO BUY
Oneplus Ace 2 Genshin Impact at $799 @Giztop

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Xiaomi 13 Ultra will feature 2K ultra-clear C7 screen with higher luminous efficiency than Samsung E6

Xiaomi is all set to launch the long-anticipated Xiaomi 13 Ultra tomorrow at the company’s “Carry the Light Together” event in China. Ahead of the launch, Xiaomi has posted a teaser regarding the upcoming 13 Ultra’s display. The teaser reveals that the smartphone will come equipped with a domestically produced 2K (1440 x 3200 px) ultra-clear screen called the C7, which has been jointly developed by Xiaomi and Huaxing, with TCL CSOT as the manufacturer.

Compared to Samsung’s E6 display, the C7 screen boasts higher luminous efficiency, better viewing angles, and lower screen power consumption, making it one of the most advanced high-end screens in the Chinese market. The display can also reach a maximum peak brightness of 2,600 nits for HDR content. Xiaomi claims that this screen will lead the way in domestic high-end screens, making it a key selling point of the new smartphone.

Xiaomi 13 Ultra

Besides the advanced display, the Xiaomi 13 Ultra is expected to be packed with cutting-edge features, including a self-developed surging P2/G1 chip, ring-type liquid cooling technology, and a dual-wing antenna group. The phone will sport a 6.7-inch QHD+ display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, up to 1TB of storage, a 4900mAh battery, and 90W fast charging support. It will also run MIUI 14, based on Android 13.

In terms of photography, the Xiaomi 13 Ultra is set to feature a Leica quad-camera setup, with all four sensors being 50-megapixel sensors, namely IMX989+IMX858+IMX858+IMX858. The main camera will use “Leica one-inch variable aperture” and provide two aperture sizes of f/1.9 and f/4.0, ensuring high-quality photos in a variety of lighting conditions.

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Huawei launched its second-gen Autonomous Driving System with industry’s first GOD network tech

Huawei has unveiled its latest Autonomous Driving System, the ADS 2.0, which boasts a groundbreaking capability to navigate varied terrain without relying on high precision and accurate maps. This innovation is particularly significant for transportation, as the landscape and geography constantly shift due to ongoing construction and evolving infrastructure configurations.

The ADS 2.0 was launched yesterday at Huawei Smart Car Solution Conference 2023. The initial release of Huawei’s ADS 2.0 will be on the AITO M5 advanced intelligent driving version, followed by the Avatar 11.

Source: Aito M5 – Huawei

Huawei ADS2.0 Features

The ADS 2.0 focuses on four major aspects of driving; Speed, Navigation, Parking, and Safety. The new technology has been optimized for high speed and comes with a new manual takeover mileage which has improved from 100 km in the ADS1 to 200 km in ADS 2.0. 

Unlike traditional navigation systems that heavily depend on high-precision maps, the new and innovative Huawei ADS 2.0 utilizes the topology of the road network to identify various urban travel components such as intersections, traffic lights, and more. 

During the conference, Yu Chengdong, the CEO of Huawei Smart Car Business Group said that “Only a smart driving system that does not rely on high-precision maps can be of practical value in large-scale use” He further revealed that the upcoming ADS is set to employ unmapped operations by Q3 2023 and will be functional in 45 cities by Q4. However, as of now, the technology has been rolled out in Shenzen, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. 

To assist in parking, the ADS2.0 features a special valet parking system that comes with 360-degree obstacle perception technology. This technology helps you to park your car in different scenarios like underground parking lots, leveled parking, and more. The system is trained in more than 160 different scenarios of parking. 

One of the best features of ADS2.0 is the use of the industry’s first-ever laser fusion GOD network technology which guarantees maximum safety. The system also employs this technology to detect and react to atypical obstacles such as overturned vehicles, fallen rocks or trees, and more by either reducing speed or coming to a full stop. The ADS 2.0 system relies on a range of sensors such as lidar, millimeter-wave radar, and cameras to recognize these obstacles.

Huawei ADS 2.0 Variants and Pricing

Huawei has introduced ADS 2.0 in three distinct versions, each with unique features. The first variant includes a 360-degree panoramic view, active safety assistance, and adaptive cruise control. The second option is equipped with high-speed lane cruise assist, high-speed smart driving pilot assist, urban lane cruise assist, and a smart and remote parking system. Lastly, the third variant comes with valet parking assistance. urban smart driving pilot assistance and enhanced urban lane cruise. 

The premium version of Huawei ADS 2.0 can be obtained through a one-time purchase at a price of 36,000 yuan. Alternatively, customers can opt for an annual subscription priced at 7,200 yuan, or a monthly subscription at 720 yuan.

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Samsung to fix HDR issue on Galaxy S23 Ultra with next update

Samsung’s Galaxy S23 phones are boring (We mean no offense). Boring in the sense, they are as good as Android phones get, and the highest-end Galaxy S23 Ultra is no exception. The handset comes with top-notch display, processor, and cameras. But hey, it’s not perfect. It has a truly impressive camera setup, probably one of the best on the market, but that too comes with flaws. For one, there’s an evident HRD-related issue that has been bothering users. However, Samsung might fix that very soon.

Camera fixes incoming with the new update

According to tipster Ice Universe, the HDR-related issue on the Galaxy S23 Ultra will be fixed with an upcoming update. The tipster specifically mentions the Ultra model but it’s possible the vanilla S23 and the Plus model will also receive some improvements. For the unaware, the HDR issue on the smartphone’s camera has been causing a halo effect around the objects, adding abnormal contour.

Ice Universe did not provide a timeline but since Samsung releases monthly updates for its phones, we expect this issue to be fixed with the May 2023 security update, which should be rolled out at the start of the month.

Samsung has previously fixed various bugs on the S23 series’ camera. With the April 2023 update, the company got rid of several issues that users had reported. These include abnormal autofocus when pressing the shutter button, sharpness issues in low-light conditions when using the Super Steady Mode, green line issues, and more. The brand may also add some new features or fix other known issues in the software. More details are awaited.

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Oppo patents rollable phone with an under display camera

Oppo is apparently working on a new smartphone that features a flexible display. But this model doesn’t feature a foldable screen like the Find N2 and the Find N2 Flip, rather it features a rollable display panel. So let’s have a look.

Oppo

The Chinese smartphone maker’s rollable display features some notable design elements. The new patent was spotted by 91Mobiles who spotted the document on CNIPA. While this isn’t the first time we have seen a smartphone with a rolling display. With this new display technology, users can change the form factor of the device with a single touch, which is different from the foldable smartphones that are sold in the market right now.

The patent carries a basic description of the product along with design sketches of this upcoming smartphone. Here, we can see that the device appears to have a camera module on the rear with an LED flash. Although, this module is housed between two parts of the rear panel, which is joined together with the rollable display and its supporting structure. However, there is no selfie camera on the front, or any visible cutouts to house such a sensor. So it is possible that the rollable smartphone may feature an under display camera.

Oppo

Apart from this, finer details regarding this futuristic Oppo device like its specifications are still unknown. Other notable design details include, volume rockers and the power button on the right side, with a USB Type C port and speaker grille found at the bottom. Keep in mind that this is still just a patent and it is unclear if the company is actually working on such a smartphone at the moment. So stay tuned for more updates.

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Lenovo Unveils YOGA Pro Supreme Edition Laptops: 14-inch and 16-inch Models Set to Launch

Lenovo is constantly expanding its product range to attract a wide variety of users. The company has recently, added new models to the Lenovo YOGA Pro Supreme Edition series. These high-performance laptops come with sleek design, powerful graphics, and advanced features that cater to creators and professionals alike. Here are the details…

Get Ready for High-Performance Lenovo YOGA Pro Supreme Edition Laptops

Lenovo has unveiled its new lineup of YOGA Pro Supreme Edition laptops set to launch by the end of April. The company posted a video and poster on Weibo, giving the first hints about the laptop models. Looking at the poster, we see the Nvidia Studio application and some sort of stylus. From this, we can infer that the device won’t come with an ordinary screen.

Lenovo Yoga Pro Laptops

It is likely that the panel will have high color accuracy and features such as HDR, suitable for content creators like graphic designers. Unfortunately, the resolution and other details are unclear for now. When we look at the video, we obtain more detailed information about the I/O. Both models come equipped with a generous set of connectivity options, including 2 Type-A, Type-C, HDMI ports, a full-size card reader, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

The Pro 14s model offers an extra Type-C port. It can be seen from the video that the front camera is also clear, featuring face recognition capabilities and a higher quality lens compared to the standard models. What many people are really curious about, of course, are the technical specifications of the devices. Unfortunately, not all features are known yet.

However, it is known that the Lenovo YOGA Pro Supreme Edition laptop models will be powered by Nvidia RTX 40 series graphics card models. The currently available Lenovo Xiaoxin Pro 16 model features an RTX 4050 graphics card, suggesting that the YOGA Pro Supreme Edition laptops may also come with the RTX 4050. Additionally, an RTX 4060 variant could potentially be introduced, offering users even more powerful graphics capabilities.

As we gain more information, we will share it with our readers through Gizmochina. However, for now, we have no choice but to wait for the release date and any potential leaks.

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Infinix Smart 7 HD To Launch In India On April 28

Infinx is set to launch a new smartphone in India. The upcoming offering is the Infinix Smart 7 HD. It will debut on April 28th and arrive as the successor to the last year’s Smart 6 HD. The Smart 7 HD is expected to be a toned-down version of the Smart 7 that was announced in February this year. Ahead of the launch, the brand has shared some key specifications of the smartphone. 

The Infinix Smart 7 HD is confirmed to feature a 6.6-inch display. It will likely have a waterdrop notch and an HD resolution. The back panel of the smartphone is seen with a wave pattern design and a squarish camera module. The latter has two rings housing two camera sensors, an LED flash unit, and a conventional fingerprint scanner. The upcoming offering will be available in Green and Blue colors. 

The Infinix Smart 7 HD is confirmed to draw its power from a 5,000mAh battery unit. It will pack 4GB RAM and 64GB internal storage. 

Apart from the aforementioned information, there are no additional details about the upcoming Infinix Smart 7 HD. It will likely be a budget offering just like its predecessor. 

In other news, Infinix is set to launch the InBook Y1 Plus Neo laptop in India on April 19th. It is teased to feature a 15.6-inch display, dual 2W speakers, and 45W Type-C charging. The laptop is expected to be powered by an Intel Core processor paired with up to 512GB of storage. It will reportedly cost under Rs 25,000. 

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WhatsApp will let you add descriptions to forwarded messages

WhatsApp is on a roll with its new features to improve the user experience. The latest feature that is reportedly being rolled out to Android smartphone users is the ability to add custom descriptions to forwarded files and media. The feature will help users explain the intent of the forwarded media without having to repeat it over and over again to every receiver.

The custom description feature works similarly to file captions, where users can get rid of WhatsApp’s auto-generated file description and add their own text as a description for the forwarded files.

whatsapp forward message custom caption

The recipient will receive the description as a separate message, along with the file, allowing them to understand the intent behind it. This feature will be enabled by default for users who have installed the latest WhatsApp beta v2.23.8.22, and it will serve the same purpose of not having to repeat things to every recipient.

The new feature is slowly rolling out to beta users via the Google Play Store, although some users have reported encountering issues such as the inability to view other users’ status updates or problems while downloading videos.

In addition to the custom description feature, WhatsApp has also introduced three new security features for users. These features include Account Protect, Device Verification, and Automatic Security Codes. The Account Protect feature will alert users to any unauthorized attempts to move their account to another device, while Device Verification will prevent mobile device malware from exploiting users’ phones without permission and using their WhatsApp account to send unwanted messages. The Automatic Security Codes feature will allow users to automatically verify that their conversation is secure.

Moreover, WhatsApp has recently introduced a “companion mode” feature to all beta testers in its latest update on Android. This extension of multi-device support allows users to link their existing WhatsApp account to another smartphone.

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OPPO Find N2 Flip First Major Update Introduces Spotify Widget, Speech-to-Text Quick Reply Feature For Cover Screen

OPPO debuted the Find N2 Flip (review) in the global markets in February this year. Now the device is receiving its first major update since launch. The latest update version introduces new features for the foldable phone’s secondary screen. The brand has also collaborated with Spotify as a part of the update. 

The OPPO Find  N2 Flip ships with ColorOS 13 based on Android 13 out of the box. The new features are available as a part of A.24 version of the ColorOS 13. The update has already started rolling out. 

The latest update for the Find N2 Flip introduces a Spotify widget that can take advantage of the phone’s large secondary screen. With this, users can easily control music playback, access content suggestions, and interact with the heart button without having to open the device. To add Spotify widget, users need to head to Settings > Foldable features > Widgets > Pocket Player.  

The second new feature is the custom-built Speech-to-Text quick reply that is now accessible through the cover display when users receive messages. The feature is supported by popular apps like WhatsApp, Messages by Google, Telegram, and LINE. It also supports multiple languages including English, Gujarati, Kannada, Marathi, Malayalam, Punjabi, and Tamil. To enable this feature, users need to head to Settings > Foldable features > Quick Replies > Speech Recognition Language. 

The newly introduced features enhance the OPPO Find N2 Flip’s 3.26-inch secondary AMOLED display. It is the largest on a clamshell flip phone till date. Apart from the Spotify widget and Speech-to-Text, the screen can be used to browse information, quick replies, answer calls, take quick photos, and do more tasks

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XPeng Unveils SEPA 2.0 EV Platform to Increase Efficiency and Reduce Costs

The popularity of Electric Vehicles is increasing day by day. Their eco-friendly nature and significantly lower fuel costs compared to gasoline play a crucial role in their widespread adoption. However, the main drawback of EVs often cited is their price. Many people, when considering buying a new car, prioritize the price, which leads them to opt for more widely-produced conventional vehicles. Yet, this situation is changing with the rise of new technologies. Xpeng, one of China’s leading electric vehicle manufacturers, recently revealed its new SEPA 2.0 EV platform. The company’s new technology is expected to reduce production costs while also proportionally lowering prices. Here are the details…

XPeng Unveils New SEPA 2.0 EV Platform Set to Debut in Upcoming G6 SUV

When it comes to car manufacturing, it wouldn’t be wrong to say that the “platform” is the foundation of the vehicle. A platform is a common group of parts, technologies, and design principles that support various vehicles made by a specific manufacturer. This enables manufacturers to create multiple models with similar features, while reducing development and production costs by sharing parts and achieving economies of scale. XPeng Motors has recently unveiled its latest SEPA 2.0 EV platform.

The aim of the platform is to optimize cost, efficiency, user experience, and global adaptability. The company’s main goal is to offer more competitive and affordable models by reducing costs. XPeng had a challenging year as the Chinese car manufacturer failed to meet expectations in 2022 and its share price dropped by 81.34%. The company wants to change this situation, even though it lags behind competitors who are much smaller in scale. The first step in this direction, SEPA 2.0, will be crowned shortly. The G6 SUV, which will debut at the Shanghai Auto Show, is the first vehicle to showcase the new platform.

The SEPA 2.0 platform can significantly accelerate XPeng’s vehicle development process, shortening development cycles by 20%. It provides 80% compatibility of standard components across different models. This increased efficiency is crucial for automakers aiming to stay competitive. All vehicles built on the platform will be equipped with an 800V high-voltage silicon carbide (SiC) system, enabling a driving range of up to 200 km after a five-minute charge.

XPeng is expected to release more than 10 models built on the SEPA 2.0 platform in the near future, including SUVs and other vehicles competing in various classes. However, the new platform and models may not solve the company’s financial problems. Currently, XPeng’s gross profit margin per vehicle is 9.4%, which is less than half that of some of its competitors. While selling affordable electric vehicles is important, it is also essential to consider the financial aspect of the business. Only time will tell if the SEPA 2.0 platform can solve these issues.

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Marshall Middleton Bluetooth Portable Speaker Launched In India

The Marshall Middleton Bluetooth speaker debuted in the global market earlier in February this year. Now the audio brand has brought the device to the Indian market. It is touted to be a heavy portable offering from the company. Read on to know what the audio device offers out of the box. 

The Marshall Middleton is an IP67-certified dust and water-resistant speaker. It features a soft exterior made of 55 percent recycled plastic and does not contain PVC making it environment-friendly. There are various buttons on the top surface for controlling the music playback and more. The speaker also comes with a carry strap. 

In terms of audio, the Marshall Middleton is equipped with a quad-speaker system. This includes two 15W woofers, two 10W tweeters, and two radiators for surround sound effects. The maximum sound pressure level is 87dB and the frequency response is 50Hz – 20kHz. There is a dynamic loudness feature that changes the tone of sound depending on the volume level. The Bluetooth speaker features True Stereophonic, a type of multi-directional stereo sound that is said to produce spatial and binaural sound covering the whole area. With the Stack mode, users can pair multiple speakers with the Middleton for a powerful experience. 

The Marshall Middleton is claimed to deliver 20 hours of battery usage. A 20-minute charge is said to offer 2 hours of playtime. There is a 3.5mm input for wired connectivity. The speaker can also be used to charge other devices via a USB-C port. 

The Marshall Middleton Bluetooth portable speaker carries a price tag of Rs 31,999. It can be purchased from the brand’s official website and other retailers across the country starting today. It is offered in Black and Brass Cream colours. 

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Huawei launches the 2023 edition of MateBook D14 and D16 with 13th Gen Intel processors

At the Huawei Nova 11 series launch event, the company also announced the 2023 edition of the Huawei MateBook D 14 and D16. Though the two models belong to the same lineup, they not only differ in terms of size but also in specs and design (slightly).

Let’s check out all the important features offered by these new Huawei laptops along with their pricing and availability.

Huawei MateBook D16 2023Huawei MateBook D16 2023
Huawei MateBook D16 2023

As the names suggest, the Huawei MateBook D14 2023 has a 14-inch display, whereas the Huawei MateBook D16 2023 sports a 16-inch screen. The LCD panels on both come with a resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels, 300 nits typical brightness level, 16:10 aspect ratio, and 90% screen-to-body ratio.

The two notebooks are powered by 13th Gen Intel processors paired with LPDDR4x RAM and M.2 2280 SSD. However, it is worth noting that the D14 comes with the P series chips instead of the more powerful H series like the D16.

On the connectivity front, both offer WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.1, 2 x USB Type-C, 2 x USB Type-A, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. They also come with a 1080p webcam, dual speakers, dual microphones, and a 5-point touchpad though Windows 11 currently only supports 4-point.

Finally, they support 65W fast charging but the battery inside the D14 is a smaller 56Wh unit compared to the 60Wh cell underneath D16.

The D14 will hit the shelves on April 26, followed by D16 on May 8. They will retail at the following price tags.

Huawei MateBook D14 2023

  • i5-1340P + 16GB + 512GB – ¥5,099 (~$740)
  • i7-1360P + 16GB + 1TB – ¥6,099 (~$890)

Huawei MateBook D16 2023

  • i5-13500H + 16GB + 1TB – ¥5,699 (~$830)
  • i7-13700H + 16GB + 1TB – ¥6,699 (~$975)
  • i5-13500H + 16GB + 1TB – ¥7,199 (~$1,050)
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