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Google Pixel Tablet Appears On FCC With UWB Connectivity

At last year’s annual I/O Developer conference, Google had confirmed its first-ever tablet called the Pixel tablet. It is expected to debut at this year’s I/O which begins next month. Ahead of the launch, the device has been spotted on the FCC database and UL Solutions certification website. The listings reveal some key details of the tablet. 

The Google Pixel Tablet is listed on FCC certification with model number GTU8P. It reveals that the device will come with support for three connectivity standards – Bluetooth, WiFi, and Ultra-wideband (UWB). The presence of UWB seems interesting since it can enable a host of near-range connectivity and data transfer. This also suggests that Google may be working on expanding the UWB connectivity beyond digital car key functionality on Pixel phones. 

Meanwhile, the Google Pixel Tablet is listed on UL Solutions certification with same model number as the FCC database. It reveals that the tablet will support 18W fast charging whereas the charging dock is said to max out at 30W. 

At last year’s Pixel 7 series event, Google confirmed that the Pixel tablet will come with a charging dock for wirelessly charging the tablet and it will also double up as a smart home speaker. It will feature a premium nanoceramic finish chassis and thick bezels around the display. The tablet is confirmed to be powered by the search giant’s Tensor chipset. It is expected to arrive in Black and White color options. 

Leaks suggest that the Google Pixel Tablet will have an 11-inch display and pack 256GB onboard storage. 

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Get up to $300 OFF on 3D Printers at QIDI TECH

QIDI tech is giving massive discounts on the launch of its latest 3D printers. The advanced 3D printer company has launched three distinctive 3D printers and is offering up to $300 discount on its products. 

Deal:

$300 OFF 

  • QIDI X-Max3 3D printer which generally retails for $1399 is now available for $1099 
  • QIDI X-Plus3 printer which retails for $1099 is now available for a discounted price of $799

$120 OFF

  • QIDI X-Smart3 printer which generally retails for $599 is now available for a discounted price of $479

Qidi Tech X-Max 3

Retail Price: $1399   Discounted Price: $1099

WHERE TO BUY
QIDI X Max 3 at $1099 @US and €1059@EU

X Max 3 is one of the best industrial-grade FDM high-speed 3D printers available in the market. The device features a lightweight and portable structure that comes with enhanced strength which is almost six times stronger than industrial-grade steel. 

The 3D printer comes with a CoreXY structure design which can produce better results than other structures thanks to its motor movement which gives it accurate positioning and faster print speeds. Basically, with the XY structure, the inertia is reduced and speed is increased. 

X Max 3 features a 9:5:1 gear ratio which gives  strong and stable flow and comes with a controlled temperature chamber and drying box which not only reduces warping and improves layer adhesion by controlling the temperature but also helps to keep your filament organized and dust-free, and preserve the filament quality for future prints

Other interesting features include a maximum temperature of 65℃, automatic leveling, high-efficiency printing, PET-CF, PAHT-CF, etc, Chamber Circulation Fan with an activated Carbon Air Filter. 

Qidi Tech X-Plus 3

Retail Price: $1099   Discounted Price: $799

WHERE TO BUY
QIDI X PLUS 3 at $799 @US and €749@EU

X-Plus 3 also features a CoreXY structure design which can produce better results than other structures thanks to its motor movement which gives it accurate positioning and faster print speeds. Basically, with the XY structure, the inertia is reduced and speed is increased. 

It also includes other important features of X-Max 3 like a 9:5:1 gear ratio which gives strong and stable flow and a controlled temperature chamber and drying box. Other interesting features include a maximum temperature of 65℃, automatic leveling, high-efficiency printing, PET-CF, PAHT-CF, etc, are also included in the device. However, it does not come with a Chamber Circulation Fan with an activated Carbon Air Filter. 

Qidi Tech X-Smart 3

Retail Price: $599   Discounted Price: $479

WHERE TO BUY
QIDI X SMART 3 at $479 @US and €479@EU

This is the perfect 3D printer for a newbie or someone who wants a budget printer. Similar to the other two printers, this device also comes with a CoreXY structure design and a 9:5:1 gear ratio but the dryer box is optional. 

KEY FEATURES:

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

OnePlus to launch Genshin Impact themed Ace 2 Xiangling Edition model in China

OnePlus has just announced that it will be launching a new Special Edition model of the Ace 2 smartphone model in China, which is inspired a popular Genshin Impact character. The device in question will be dubbed as the OnePlus Ace 2 Xiangling Limited Edition.

For those unaware, the Ace 2 is the rebranded version of the Nord 3 model that is sold in the global markets. Back in February 2023, the Chinese smartphone maker had announced that it will be launching a new Ace 2 Xiangling Edition model in April. However, we are already at the first week of April and the company has yet to reveal any official launch date for the limited edition Ace 2 model.

OnePlus

In response to fans asking about the launch date, the company replied that the “OnePlus Ace 2 Yuanshen Xiangling custom edition will debut soon.” In other words, we can expect the custom edition model to launch sometime later this month. While the brand has yet to officially reveal finer details, it is believed that this special Ace 2 model will arrive with a custom packaging that could act as a gift box, which offers various other Genshin Impact themed goodies.

Apart from this, the device will likely feature a unique design inspired by the Xiangling character from the popular cross platform game. Xiangling is a four star character in Genshin Impact and has the fire attribute. Meaning, we can expect bright orange and red color hues on the upcoming Ace 2 Xiangling Edition model.

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Vivo T2 5G Series Set To Launch In India On April 11

Vivo has announced the launch date of the T2 5G series smartphones in India. The lineup will include the T2 5G and T2x 5G and they will debut on April 11th. The upcoming offerings will arrive as the successor to the Vivo T1 5G and T1x 5G respectively. Flipkart has put up a microsite of the Vivo T2 series confirming the availability of the smartphones on the e-commerce platform. 

The Flipkart microsite reveals that the Vivo T2 5G series will feature a boxy design and two protruding camera rings on the back panel. The upcoming offerings are teased to come with an AMOLED display bearing an FHD+ panel, 1,300 nits peak brightness, and a 350Hz touch sampling rate. The teaser also confirms the waterdrop notch. The T2 5G and 5G and T2x 5G will come in Blue and Gold color options. Both will support 5G network connectivity. The Vivo T2 5G series is confirmed to be available from Flipkart, the brand’s website, and offline retailers. 

More details about the Vivo T2 5G series will be revealed on the Flipkart microsite in the coming days leading up to the launch event. The T2 5G will reportedly be powered by a Snapdragon 695 SoC whereas the T2x 5G is rumored to be equipped with a Dimensity 700 SoC. Both smartphones are tipped to be available in 4GB, 6GB, and 8GB RAM options coupled with 128GB onboard storage. They will ship with Android 13 OS out of the box.

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Samsung Warns Not to Use These Accessories with Your Galaxy S23 Series

Smartphone prices continue to rise, making it crucial to protect our costly and delicate devices. But, did you know that some protective measures can actually harm them? Samsung recently revealed that using non-certified accessories with the Galaxy S23, S23+, and S23 Ultra can seriously damage these phones. Here are the details…

Samsung Issues Warning for Galaxy S23 Series Owners

Samsung recently released a statement, cautioning owners of its flagship Galaxy S23 series to avoid using third-party or non-certified accessories. The tech giant asserts that such accessories may damage S23 devices, specifically the rear camera lens. The support page showcases examples of the harm that can be caused by using unofficial accessories.

One notable instance is that of third-party camera lens protectors, which are not certified by Samsung and can cause scratches on the camera rings when being removed. The company also highlights a frequent issue where users mistakenly believe their camera lens is scratched, when in reality it is only the lens protector.

This misconception often leads to wasted time and money spent at authorized service centers when simply removing the lens protector would resolve the issue. Furthermore, Samsung emphasizes that using camera lens protectors and certain cases that cover the camera lens can negatively impact image quality. The quality of the material used is the decisive factor here

Adding an extra layer of glass through lens protectors may worsen image quality if any kind of liquids get trapped between them. Samsung’s Galaxy S23 series also has a microphone located at the base of the top camera ring that could be blocked by third-party or non-certified cases, causing poor audio quality during phone calls and audio/video recordings.

To maintain optimal performance and safeguard your Galaxy S23 series device, it is essential to choose trusted, certified accessories. Consult reliable sources and reviews for a list of the top cases available for the flagship line. If in need of a camera lens protector, opt for a familiar or well-reviewed brand.

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Huawei Nova 11 leaked render reveals ultra-thin bezels

Huawei’s upcoming mid-range smartphone, the Nova 11, has allegedly been leaked in a render, showcasing some significant design improvements over its predecessor. The leaked image, which surfaced on Weibo, reveals a sleek design with a flat panel and ultra-thin bezels, giving the phone an equal-width screen on the front. The device will also house a punch-hole for the selfie camera. The Nova 11 is expected to come with a matte rear panel and a camera setup that is similar to the P60 series.

Huawei Nova 11 leak

According to the leaked render, the Nova 11 features a cylindrical camera bump, which houses three cameras, including a 108MP or 50MP camera system. However, it is still unclear whether the standard model will feature a telephoto camera, as the tipster suggests that the top model may come with one.

Moreover, the Nova 11 could be the first mid-range smartphone to feature satellite communication technology, which is currently only available in premium devices. This technology enables users to send SMS messages without any network coverage, making it a useful feature for remote areas.

Although Huawei has not yet announced the launch date for the Nova 11, rumors suggest that it may unveil in mid-April. With its impressive design and cutting-edge features, the Nova 11 is expected to be a game-changer in the mid-range smartphone market, giving tough competition to other brands.

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Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 & Galaxy Z Flip 5 color variants leaked

Samsung is gearing up to launch its latest generation of Galaxy Z series of foldable smartphones. These new devices includes Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5. But prior to any official announcements, the color variants of the two upcoming foldable phones have been revealed.

Samsung

Just recently, we had reported on leaked renders of the Galaxy Z Flip 5 model, and now a new leak has revealed the possible color options of the upcoming Flip and Fold phones. The news arrives from known CEO and Founder of Display Supply Chain Consultants (DSCC) Ross Young who shared the information on Twitter. He tweeted that the Galaxy Z Flip 5 will launch in four color options, while the Galaxy Z Fold 5 will arrive in just three color versions.

Talking about the more affordable model first, it will launch in a Beige, Gray, and Light Pink color variants. On the other hand, the top of the line flagship foldable phone will be sold in just the Beige, Black, and Light Blue color options. Ross Young added that these are just the colors and the South Korean tech giant might have “flashy” names for these colorful hues during the announcement.

Keep in mind that this is still just an unconfirmed report so take this news with a pinch of salt for now. However, Young is typically considered to be quite accurate owing to his sources within the supply chains of various tech giants. Meaning, the leak could be true for the next gen Samsung foldable handsets. So stick around for more updates regarding this matter.

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Here’s why Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G is a better Redmi Note 10 Pro

Recently, Xiaomi unveiled the 4G version of the Redmi Note 12 Pro. This device is nothing but a repacked Redmi Note 10 Pro (aka Redmi Note 10 Pro Max).

The phone has been re-released in the market two years after its initial release. Thankfully, the company has made some changes to the handset instead of re-launching the exact same product.

The Redmi Note 12 Pro not only arrives with a new design but also brings a couple of new features. Thus, it is sort of a better product than the already good Redmi Note 10 Pro.

Let’s check out what these new features are and how they make this device unique in its price segment.

Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G
Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G

Revamped Design

The first thing you will notice is that despite being a rebranded Redmi Note 10, the Redmi Note 12 Pro does not look like one. As it happens, the phone inherits its design from the Redmi Note 11 series.

You may be wondering why it has a Redmi Note 11 design when it is actually called Redmi Note 12 Pro. Because the handset was initially planned to release as Redmi Note 11 Pro 2023.

Personally, I prefer the original Redmi Note 10 Pro design. However, the market seems to like the flat frame design popularised by the iPhones.

Lastly, the smartphone arrives in three colors (black, blue, white, and blue gradient) but it does not come in bronze.

Upgraded Display

The Redmi Note 10 Pro had the best display in its price segment when it was released. Even after two years, its screen is still better than most of the competitors.

Xiaomi has upgraded this panel further by adding support for Dolby Vision. Thus, Redmi Note 12 Pro is currently the only smartphone in the sub-$250 price segment with this feature.

Along with Dolby Atmos-supported dual stereo speakers, users get a well-rounded multimedia experience, especially on Netflix.

For the unaware, the 6.67-inch centered punch-hole AMOLED display offers a resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels (FHD+), a 120Hz refresh rate, and a 1200 nits peak brightness level.

Faster Charging

The Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G comes with 67W fast wired charging support instead of 33W. Despite an increase in charging speed, it retains a 5,000mAh battery, which is only 20mAh smaller than the cell inside the Redmi Note 10 Pro.

Like other Chinese OEMs, Xiaomi also bundles the required fast charger in the box. So you don’t have to shell out extra cash like you have to do with Samsung and Apple smartphones.

A Better Redmi Note 10 Pro

All in all, the Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G is a better product than the original Redmi Note 10 Pro, thanks to the aforementioned changes. But it is still limited to 4G connectivity as it is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 732 chipset.

Thus, if the phone is available in your region and you don’t care about 5G, then the Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G should be on your shopping list. 

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Master Lu unveils March 2023 rankings for Android smartphones

The global smartphone market keeps growing, especially with Android manufacturers such as Xiaomi, Oppo, and Samsung releasing new models almost every day to try to stay ahead of their competitors. However, with countless options, consumers can feel overwhelmed. That’s where benchmark platforms help. Recently, a well-known benchmarking platform “Master Lu” has released its highly anticipated March 2023 performance and smoothness rankings for new Android smartphones. Here are the details…

Oppo Find X6 Pro leads in March 2023 Android smartphone performance rankings

With the release of second-generation Snapdragon 8 CPU’s, Oppo and Meizu have emerged as frontrunners in this month’s rankings. The Oppo Find X6 Pro scored an impressive 1,405,592 points, outperforming other Snapdragon 8-powered devices. Meizu’s 20 series took the second and third positions, demonstrating their competitive edge in the market.

The Redmi Note 12 Turbo, powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2, dubbed “Little 8+”, managed to surpass several first-generation Snapdragon 8+ processor models. This performance reversal is a testament to the rapid advancements in processor technology and the potential for mid-range devices to compete with their high-end counterparts.

When it comes to smoothness, Meizu and OPPO are in a tight race, with the Meizu 20 Pro claiming the top spot and the OPPO Find X6 Pro trailing by a mere 0.02-point difference. Both brands have showcased their commitment to providing users with a seamless and smooth experience.

The OnePlus Ace 2V and Redmi Note12 Turbo also made their mark in the smoothness rankings, proving that a variety of manufacturers are dedicated to delivering high-quality devices that meet the ever-evolving demands of consumers. It remains to be seen how the competition will unfold in the coming months, but one thing is certain: Android users can look forward to exciting developments and cutting-edge technology in their smartphones.

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AOC AGON Pro AG276QZD 2K OLED gaming monitor with 240Hz refresh rate unveiled

AOC recently launched its AGON AG325QZN/EU 31.5-inch gaming monitor that features a 2K display with 240Hz refresh rate. Now, the company has announced another upcoming gaming monitor, the AGON Pro AG276QZD, currently slated for release in China. While there is no word yet on its availability in other markets, it is expected to be launched globally soon.

AOC

The AGON Pro AG276QZD is equipped with a 26.5-inch OLED panel that delivers a resolution of 2,560 x 1,440 pixels in a 16:9 aspect ratio. It also features a rapid 0.03 ms response time (GtG) and 98.5% DCI-P3 color space coverage. The monitor’s most impressive features are its refresh rate and peak brightness, with AOC claiming that they are 240 Hz and 1,000 nits, respectively.

AOC

This gaming monitor also boasts AMD FreeSync Premium and NVIDIA G-SYNC support but only offers DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.0 video outputs. It is also equipped with two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports and a USB Type-B upstream port, but it lacks Type-C connectivity.

As of now, pricing and release date information have not been disclosed by the company. However, given the features of the AGON Pro AG276QZD, it is expected to be a highly sought-after gaming monitor among enthusiasts and gamers alike.

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ASUS’s Antibacterial-coating Mousepad is Definitely Unique

Just like any other PC peripherals, mouse mats are extremely important for the kind of work you do on your PC. Mousepads come in various types and materials, each serving a different purpose. The traditional mousepad has a rubber base and a cloth or plastic surface that provides a smooth and consistent tracking surface for the mouse. Gaming mousepads, on the other hand, often have a larger surface area and a textured surface that offers more precise tracking and control for gamers. Some mousepads also feature ergonomic designs that provide wrist support and reduce strain during extended use. ASUS, however, took it a step further with a new launch.

ASUS

ASUS has recently unveiled its latest addition to the ProArt mouse pad lineup. The A4 model comes at a reasonable price of 299 yuan ($43.46), while the A3 model is priced at 399 yuan ($58). The professional-grade mouse pad boasts a sleek fabric surface and a borderless design, ensuring maximum precision for all kinds of tasks. Furthermore, the top of the pad features a magnetic area, which makes it easy to locate small metal objects or wires. The ASUS antibacterial material incorporated in the pad helps reduce 99% of bacterial adsorption, ensuring a hygienic workspace. The non-slip bottom design of the pad ensures a stable grip on any surface, and the bottom is also a standard gray card that can be used for professional calibration of camera white balance. Both the A3 and A4 models of the ProArt mouse pad are currently available on the market, measuring 297 x 420 mm and 210 x 297 mm, respectively.

The importance of a good mousepad lies in its ability to enhance the accuracy and precision of the mouse, which can significantly improve productivity and performance for tasks such as gaming or graphic design. Additionally, a mousepad can also protect the surface of the desk or table from scratches and scuffs caused by the mouse. The new ASUS mousepad is definitely an innovative step, since not a lot of mouse mats have the listed features.

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Samsung Free rebrands to Samsung News to focus on News content

Samsung is set to rebrand its content aggregator feature, Samsung Free, as Samsung News. The new name reflects an increased focus on news content and a shift away from the Watch and Play tabs. Samsung News will now combine the Read and Listen tabs to provide an updated experience that makes it easier for users to find and interact with news on their phones.

Samsung Free

The feature, which was first pre-installed on Galaxy S21 flagships with One UI 3 in late 2020, aims to compete with Google Discover. Samsung News will offer users relevant news stories with just a single swipe on the Home screen.

This update is a clear indication that Samsung wants to compete with Google Discover and establish itself as a major player in the news aggregation space. It will be interesting to see how Samsung News is received by users and whether it can successfully rival Google’s popular content aggregator.

The update will be rolled out sequentially from April 18, starting with version 6.0.1 of the Samsung Free app. Samsung will continue to offer free TV and games through its TV Plus and Game Launcher apps, but with the removal of the Watch and Play tabs, it is clear that the company wants to focus on news content. This move could potentially attract more users to Samsung News, as it offers a more streamlined and focused approach to news aggregation.

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Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra key specs tipped: Custom Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC, 11200mAh Battery & more

Samsung‘s upcoming premium tablet, the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra, has had its key specs leaked ahead of its official launch. Tipster Ice Universe has provided details on the tablet’s dimensions, display, battery, and performance.

Samsung

According to Ice Universe, the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra will have the same dimensions as its predecessor, the Tab S8 Ultra, measuring 208.6 x 326.4 x 5.5mm. It will feature a 14.6-inch WQXGA+ display and will pack an 11,200mAh battery that supports 45W fast charging, though a charger is unlikely to be included in the box. The tablet’s weight is said to be approximately 737 grams, making it slightly heavy due to the tall form factor and a beefy battery.

The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra will also reportedly have an upgraded performance unit, as Samsung will equip it with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC, which features a customized version of the flagship chipset with a peak clock speed of 3.36GHz, the same as the Galaxy S23 series. The tablet is also expected to offer up to 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM.

In terms of durability, the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra will have an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, which is not commonly seen in Android tablets. This means that the device can withstand immersion in water up to 1.5 meters deep for up to 30 minutes, and is also resistant to dust.

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Whatsapp Will Soon Add Individual Chat Lock Feature

WhatsApp is without a doubt one of the most popular messaging platforms. The Meta had previously released an update that includes several new features in the application such as Meta Avatars and more. The platform is currently working on adding a new feature that will allow users to lock specific chats. This would allow users to lock private chats rather than the entire application.

The feature was spotted in the latest beta version of WhatsApp for Android, according to WABetaInfo, a website that tracks WhatsApp developments (v2.23.8.2). On the contact or group info screen, users will be able to lock certain chats and groups. When a chat is locked, it is transferred to its section and can only be viewed by using the user’s fingerprint or passcode.

Also, the feature prevents media files received in a protected chat from being automatically saved to the device’s gallery, ensuring that confidential pictures and videos are not visible to others. Furthermore, if someone attempts to open a locked conversation without proper authentication, they will be prompted to clear the chat before seeing it.

Whatsapp

The functionality, which is presently in development, will add an extra layer of protection and privacy for users who wish to keep their discussions private from prying eyes.

The feature is likely to be included in a future WhatsApp version, but no official confirmation or release date has been provided. The capability will be added to WhatsApp’s existing security features, which already allow users to lock the entire app with biometric authentication.

WhatsApp is constantly adding new features and improving its platforms, such as voice chat, edit messages, short video messages, disappearing messages, and more. The platform has over 2 billion users globally and is one of the world’s most popular messaging apps. Are you eager to put the new feature to the test? Please let us know by leaving a comment in your own words down below.

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Microsoft launches Surface Thunderbolt 4 Dock for its Surface laptops

Microsoft has just announced a new Surface series accessory earlier today (5th April 2023). The company has just announced its latest Surface Thunderbolt 4 Dock for its Surface series of laptops. So let’s have a look.

The American tech giant has just announced the new Surface Thunderbolt 4 Dock, bringing support for Surface Pro 9, Surface Laptop 5, and Surface Laptop Studio. Microsoft’s new Surface Thunderbolt 4 Dock is a USB4/Thunderbolt 4 dock that upgrades your workspace by offering fast data transfer and bring support for charging for Surface and other devices. This also allows users to connect two 4K monitors as well as up to 40Gbps data transfer and up to 96W charging for devices and other accessories.

Microsoft

Apart from this, the new dock also houses multiple USB Type C and USB Type A ports, an Ethernet port, 3.5mm audio jack, and a security lock slot. Furthermore, this device is also compatible with Windows 11 and retains settings when connecting to multiple devices. The dock is made of recycled materials, which includes 20 percent ocean bound plastic and a sustainable packaging.

It is even designed for commercial IT efficiency with Firmware Update, Wake on LAN, and SEMM for secure and restricted access in critical environments. The Microsoft Surface Thunderbolt 4 Dock is now available at the company’s official website for a price of 299.99 US Dollars. It will also be offered with Microsoft’s range of Surface Dock, Surface Dock 2, and Microsoft USB-C Travel Hub products.

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Vivo X Fold 2 spotted on SAMR website, Battery & fast charging specs confirmed

Vivo is gearing up to launch the next generation of foldable smartphones in China called the Vivo X Fold 2. The brand has already started teasing the device which leads us to believe that the foldable could launch in April or early May. Ahead of the upcoming launch, the Vivo X Fold 2 has emerged on the SAMR certification website, hinting that mass production is well underway.

Vivo

According to the SAMR listing, the X Fold 2 will come equipped with a 4800mAh battery and an upgraded 120W fast charging capability. This represents a slight improvement over the previous generation X Fold+, with the battery capacity increasing by 100mAh and the fast charging speed increasing by 40Hz.

Vivo X Fold 2 specs (rumored)

The upcoming foldable phone from the company is confirmed to have a triple-camera setup on the back, with a circular camera module that includes an LED flash. The camera system is a result of collaboration with Zeiss and is reported to feature a 50MP Sony IMX866 main camera with OIS support, a 12MP Sony IMX663 ultra-wide-angle camera, and a 12MP IMX663 telephoto camera. While some rumors suggest that the X Fold 2 may have three 50MP sensors instead. The phone will also have a dedicated Vivo V2 ISP to enhance camera performance.

Vivo

The device will have a tall cover display with a hole-punch cutout at the top center, and the foldable screen will be an 8-inch E6 AMOLED display with a 2K resolution and support for a 120Hz refresh rate. The screen is slightly curved on the right side. The X Fold 2 will be powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC and is expected to launch in China with up to 12GB of RAM and 512GB of internal storage.

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28% of US smartphone users likely to choose foldable phone as next purchase: Report

According to a recent report by Counterpoint Research, foldable smartphones are gaining popularity in the US, with around 28% of smartphone users likely to prefer a foldable phone as their next purchase. The installed base of foldable smartphones in the US was reported to be 4.7 million in 2022, with Samsung being the most preferred brand for 46% of respondents, followed by Apple with 39% and Motorola with 6%.

Foldable Smartphones
Credit: Nextpit

Interestingly, the report revealed that 49% of respondents ranked the flip-type foldable at the top, followed by the book-type foldable. Moreover, male respondents preferred the flip-type foldable more than female respondents, while female respondents showed a stronger preference for the book-type foldable.

Foldable-Preference-in-US

While foldable smartphones have performed better in controlling the shift from Android to iOS, the report does not expect foldables to become the dominant form factor anytime soon in the US. Instead, it predicts that foldables will continue to co-exist with the bar design smartphones for years to come.

Furthermore, the report highlighted that respondents with monthly incomes over $10,000 were most likely (41%) to opt for a foldable phone for their next smartphone purchase. In 2023, the global foldable smartphone market is expected to reach 22.7 million units.

Overall, it seems that foldable smartphones are gaining popularity among consumers, with a significant number of smartphone users showing a preference for the foldable form factor. As more brands enter the foldable smartphone market, it will be interesting to see how the market evolves and which brands emerge as the dominant players in the space.

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Google Claims its 4000-Chip Supercomputer is Faster than NVIDIA’s

Modern supercomputers are some of the most powerful machines in the world, capable of processing vast amounts of data and performing complex calculations at incredible speeds. These machines are typically used for scientific research, data analysis, and other computationally intensive tasks that require massive amounts of computing power. Many modern supercomputers are built using clusters of hundreds or even thousands of individual processors, which are connected together to create a single, unified system. These machines can perform trillions of calculations per second and are used to tackle some of the most challenging problems in fields such as physics, astronomy, climate modeling, and more. With advances in technology continuing to push the boundaries of what’s possible, it’s clear that the age of supercomputing is only just beginning. Tech leaders, especially Google, has been at the forefront of AI for a long time now. Google’s Quantum Computing is cutting edge, and as per the company’s latest statement, its supercomputer is faster and more power-efficient than Nvidia’s machine.

Quantum computing

Google has designed a unique chip called the Tensor Processing Unit (TPU) specifically for training AI models. With over 90% of the company’s AI training work relying on these chips, it’s clear that they are an essential part of Google’s success in the field. Google has just released details of their fourth-generation TPU, demonstrating how they used their custom-developed optical switches to connect over 4,000 chips into a single supercomputer. This innovation allows Google’s supercomputer to reconfigure connections between chips in real-time, improving performance and avoiding issues.

The rise of large language models in AI has sparked intense competition among companies building supercomputers. Google’s PaLM model, its largest publicly disclosed language model to date, took over 50 days to train by spreading it across two supercomputers with 4,000 chips. Google’s flexible interconnects help to overcome this challenge by allowing the company to change the topology of their supercomputer interconnects on the fly.

Google’s supercomputer has already been put to use, with startup Midjourney using the system to train their model, which generates images from text inputs. In a recent paper, Google revealed that their supercomputer is 1.7 times faster and 1.9 times more energy-efficient than a system based on Nvidia‘s A100 chip for a system of the same size. Google did not compare their fourth-generation product to Nvidia’s current flagship H100 chip, but there are hints that Google is working on a new TPU to compete with Nvidia’s latest offering.

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iQOO Z7x 5G global model spotted on Google Play Console with Snapdragon 695 SoC

iQOO recently launched the iQOO Z7 5G & Z7x 5G smartphones in Indonesia. These devices will likely launch soon in other markets around the world. Ahead of the wider launch, the iQOO Z7x 5G global model has been spotted on the Google Play Console database.

The Z7x 5G, also known as model number I2216, is a global variant of a smartphone that is powered by a Qualcomm SM6375 SoC, also known as the Snapdragon 695 SoC. It features a combination of two Cortex A78 cores with a peak clock speed of 2.2GHz and six Cortex A55 cores clocked at 1.8GHz.

The phone also includes an Adreno 619 GPU and is available with 8GB of RAM, with a possibility of a 6GB RAM variant as well. It is expected to have a minimum of 128GB of storage. The Z7x 5G is equipped with a Full HD+ display with a resolution of 1080 x 2388 pixels and runs on Android 13 with Funtouch OS 13 out of the box.

iQOO

Going by this, it looks that the global variant will be similar to the device recently launched in Indonesia. If so, then we can expect it to house a powerful 6000mAh battery and supports fast charging at 80W. It features a 6.64-inch IPS LCD display with Full HD+ resolution and a high refresh rate of 120Hz. The front camera is located in a hole-punch cutout at the top center of the screen and has an 8MP resolution. On the back, there is a dual-camera setup consisting of a 50MP main camera and a 2MP depth sensor.

Details about the global launch schedule are still under wraps, however, rumors suggest that the device will debut in India soon.

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Apple to finally open its first retail store in India

Apple is finally planning on opening its first ever retail store in India. This arrives after numerous delays but the company’s ‘Apple BKC’ barricade has just confirmed that it will be opening its first retail store in the region at the Jio World Drive Mall in Mumbai, Maharashtra.

Apple

According to the Cupertino based giant, “Inspired by the iconic Kaali Peeli taxi art unique to Mumbai, the Apple BKC creative includes colourful interpretations of the decals combined with many Apple products and services that will be available for our customers to discover”. Furthermore, there is also a creative with a simple greetings saying “Hello Mumbai”. Based on what we know so far, the first Apple Store in the country will be situated in Jio World Drive mall and will cover a total of 22,000 square feet.

The iPhone maker had already began hiring for several positions for this retail store in India back in January 2023. Following this launch, the company is also believed to be planning on opening its second store that is between 10,000 to 12,000 square feet in New Delhi’s Select CityWalk mall. As per previous rumors, the first two Apple retail stores in the region are expected to launch sometime between April and June 2023.

Apple

The company is celebrating the opening of its first ever store by releasing a new Apple BKC wallpaper and a specially curated playlist with the sounds of Mumbai on Apple Music. So for those interested, you can check these out on the official Apple India website.

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