The AI Crime Wave: Police Warn of ChatGPT’s Dark Side

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Mar 28, 2023

Europol, the European Union’s law enforcement agency, issued a warning on Monday regarding the potential criminal misuse of artificial intelligence-powered chatbots (ChatGPT) in phishing attempts, disinformation campaigns, and cybercrime. This warning adds to the growing list of concerns surrounding the technology, ranging from legal to ethical issues.

Europol Warns of Criminal Misuse of ChatGPT, Foresees Dismal Future

ChatGPT has sparked a technology frenzy since its release last year, leading competitors to introduce similar products and prompting companies to incorporate it or comparable technologies into their apps and services. In its first tech report, which focused on ChatGPT, Europol cautioned that the continued improvement of large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT could lead to increased exploitation by criminals, resulting in a bleak future.

Europol highlighted three main areas of crime where the harmful use of ChatGPT is becoming a significant concern:

Phishing: Europol noted that ChatGPT’s capability to generate highly realistic text makes it an attractive tool for phishing purposes. The chatbot’s ability to mimic language patterns and impersonate the speech styles of specific individuals or groups could be employed by criminals to target unsuspecting victims.
Propaganda and Disinformation: ChatGPT’s capacity to produce authentic-sounding text rapidly and on a large scale makes it an ideal instrument for propaganda and disinformation campaigns. Europol explained that the technology enables users to generate and disseminate messages that reflect specific narratives with minimal effort.
Cybercrime: Europol also warned that criminals with limited technical knowledge could utilize ChatGPT to create malicious code. This means that even individuals with minimal programming skills could leverage the power of ChatGPT to engage in cybercriminal activities.

Europol’s warning serves as a reminder of the potential dangers that advanced AI technologies like ChatGPT pose to society. While these innovations offer numerous benefits and conveniences, it is crucial for law enforcement agencies, policymakers, and technology developers to collaborate and establish safeguards to prevent the misuse of these powerful tools by criminals.

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Realme Narzo N55 to Launch in India in April, Memory and Color options tipped

By

Anurag

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Mar 28, 2023

Realme has launched various interesting smartphones recently. This includes the Realme GT Neo 5 with blazing fast 240W charging and Realme C55 with the Dynamic island-like mini capsule. But hasn’t launched any budget smartphones lately, particularly in the affordable Narzo series. That may change soon as the Chinese OEM is rumored to be working on the Narzo N55 smartphone, which might launch in April. Its memory and color options have also been revealed by a new report.

Recently, Realme has teased the launch of a new N-series product in India. The N branding points towards an upcoming Narzo series handset and a recent 91Mobiles report corroborates the same. As per the publication, Realme is gearing up to unveil the Narzo N55 in the Indian market in the second half of April. There’s no official confirmation yet and the exact launch date is not known.

The report claims that the upcoming Realme Narzo N55 will be available for purchase in Prime Black and Prime Blue color options. It is reported that the device will be available in various memory configurations. The entry-level version will come with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage. Another variant with 4GB RAM will have 128GB of storage. The middle-tier version will include 6GB of RAM and either 64GB or 128GB of storage. The highest-end variant of the device will be launched with an 8GB RAM and 128GB storage option.

Other details about the Realme Narzo N55 are still anyone’s guess. we can expect it to be a mid-range smartphone with a decent processor and a large display. More details should emerge in near future. We’ll keep you posted.

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Tipster hints the Razer Blade 14 2023 will feature an AMD Ryzen 9 SoC and Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070

By

Jed John Ikoba

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Mar 28, 2023

A new leak of the Razer Blade 14 2023 laptop has provided details of its processor and graphics card. The Razer Blade 14 2023 has a compact design and will be well-suited for gaming applications. It will be powered by the AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS processor and Nvidia’s GeForce RTX 4070 graphics card. The Phoenix-based CPU and Ada Lovelace GPU provide the needed power for the device. The leak was revealed by a user @_rogame on Twitter.

The Razer Blade 14 2023 is expected to be released in the coming days, as per rumors. It will be coming with improvements across several aspects including RAM, power efficiency, and heat management. The Razer Blade 14 2022 is the benchmark for measuring the improvements on the new laptop. The model was heavily affected by heat and it was very loud during operation. The Ryzen 9 CPU has performed well in leaked benchmarks. It is also using significantly less power than its predecessor and it features AI upscaling.

Razer Blade 14 2023

R9 7940HS
RTX 4070
— _rogame (@_rogame) March 27, 2023

There are no exact release details yet for the Razer Blade 14 2023 but it could follow its predecessor’s trajectory. This means that it could be released in April but pricing is also not known at this time. It is however not expected that the Razer Blade 14 2023 will be priced lower than its 2022 iteration which retailed for $3,500.

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Mivi Commando X9 earbuds with Dual RGB design & up to 72h playback launched in India for Rs. 1,499 ($18)

By

Jed John Ikoba

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Mar 28, 2023

The Mivi Commando X9 earbuds have been unveiled in India. The Commando X9 is a locally manufactured pair of earbuds that offer up to 72 hours of playback. The earbuds come with a dual RGB design and follow the successful launch of the DuoPods M30 and Collar Flash Pro in 2022.

The Mivi Commando X9 comes with dual RGB with Aurora lights – the world’s first. They are designed with 13mm dynamic drivers with rich, powerful bass output. The Commando X9 can also be used seamlessly for gaming. It has a 35ms ultra-low latency gaming mode for seemingly lag-free and immersive gaming. The earbuds also have an ultra-gaming mode which is activated by an easy tapping gesture. Users can enjoy up to 8 hours of game time on a single quick charge of the earbuds.

The Mivi Commando X9 also features Swift Charging which delivers up to 500 minutes of playtime on a charge of 10 minutes. The earbuds support environmental noise cancellation (ENC) and an ENC chip does the job in combination with the quad mic setup. The earbuds are rated IPX4, which protects the device from water and sweat. There are touch controls on the ergonomically-designed Commando X9 earbuds and voice assistant support.

The Commando X9 is offered in India at a retail price of Rs. 1,499 (~$18). They are offered a 1-year warranty and will be available in five colors. The Mivi Commando X9 earbuds will be released on March 31 and will be available from Mivi and Flipkart.

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Lenovo Yoga Slim 7 with a 90Hz 16:10 PureSight OLED display & Ryzen 7000 launched

By

Jed John Ikoba

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Mar 28, 2023

Lenovo has recently introduced a new variant of its Yoga Slim 7 laptop, boasting a sleek and elegant design with a focus on performance, featuring a Ryzen 7000-driven OLED display with a resolution of 2944×1840 and 400 nits of brightness, along with Dolby Vision. The display is a standout feature of this device, providing vibrant and accurate colors with excellent viewing angles. The 14.5-inch screen is also protected by a layer of Corning Gorilla Glass, which enhances its durability.

However, the laptop lacks discrete graphics, and its graphics are limited to the AMD Radeon solution integrated into its Ryzen 7000-series platforms. While this may be a drawback for heavy gaming and demanding video editing tasks, it should be sufficient for light work and entertainment purposes.

The device also features six back-to-back speakers with Dolby Atmos and a Smart Amp feature, providing a superior audio experience for multimedia consumption. The ToF-augmented webcam with an electronic shutter is a significant addition that allows for secure and high-quality video-conferencing. The camera is also equipped with facial recognition technology, which makes it convenient to log in to the device without typing in passwords.

In terms of battery life, the Yoga Slim 7 packs a 70 Whr battery, larger than that of its Slim 6 counterpart, ensuring long-lasting usage. The laptop also boasts LPDDR5X RAM and dual USB4 ports with DisplayPort 1.4 and Power Delivery 3.0 support on its left side. The device is available in Tidal Teal and Misty Gray color options, making it a stylish device for users who prioritize aesthetics.

Lenovo has not yet announced the pricing for the new OLED screen laptop, but it is expected to be released in August 2023. Overall, the Yoga Slim 7 is an excellent option for users who value portability, sleek design, and performance for light work and multimedia consumption.

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ADO Air Folding E-Bike Now Available on Official Website After Indiegogo Success

By

Anurag

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Mar 28, 2023

ADO Air is a lightweight folding e-bike that comes with an IPS screen and a maximum assist range of 100km. The company behind the bike aims to offer an elevated riding experience by incorporating advanced technology and innovative design while ensuring safety and quality. ADO Air is the first bike in the brand’s lightweight e-bike line and it recently concluded a successful crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo and is now available on the ADO website.

ADO Air managed to raise $600,000 through the Indiegogo Campaign and it can now be purchased through the company’s official website for €1,369 ($1,484). The e-bike is claimed to offer a great user experience with a lightweight build and intuitive IPS screen.

“We are excited to launch our new line of e-bikes, starting with ADO Air,” said the spokesperson for ADO founder, Mr. Sen. “Our mission is to create e-bikes that not only look good but also perform well while contributing to a sustainable future. The ADO Air and the rest of the collection embody our commitment to innovation, safety, and quality.”

ADO Air weighs only 16 kg with a battery and it can be easily lifted with just one hand, allowing you to travel and commute easily. It can be easily carried up the stairs, on the train, or Metro. Additionally, the e-Bike comes with a foldable design and can be folded in just 15 seconds with 3 simple steps.

Unlike traditional metal chains, the ADO Air’s carbon belt is immune to metal fatigue and requires no maintenance for up to 2 million cycles (equivalent to 20,000-30,000km). This “unchains” you from the burden of mechanical noise or greasy hands. The ADO Air is powered by a Samsung battery, which can assist you for up to 100km at maximum capacity.

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One in Three iPhones Sold in China in 2022 Was iPhone 13

By

Oğuz Çakır

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Mar 28, 2023

The competition in the smartphone market is fierce, with companies like Apple, Samsung, and Xiaomi battling to attract more users and expand their market share. While this is a global trend, some countries hold greater significance than others. China, one of these key markets, offers tremendous potential due to its large population, making it a critical battleground for many companies. However, it seems that Apple’s iPhone is sweeping away its rivals, with one in three iPhones sold in China in 2022 being the iPhone 13. Here are the details…

iPhone 13 Reigns Supreme in China’s Smartphone Market in 2022

In 2022, Apple’s iPhone 13 dominated the Chinese smartphone market, according to Counterpoint Research’s Global Monthly Handset Model Sales Tracker. Apple secured the top three positions in China’s top 10 best-selling smartphones list, while Honor followed closely with four spots, marking a historical high for the brand. vivo and Oppo also made their mark, capturing two and one spot, respectively.

Chinese consumers purchased over 980 smartphone models in 2022, a decrease from the 1,100 models purchased in 2021. Apple accounted for over 10% of China’s smartphone sales volume in 2022, with the iPhone 13 being the best-selling smartphone in the country, boasting a 6.6% market share.

This marks a significant increase from its 2.3% share in 2021 when it held the third spot. iPhone 13’s sales more than doubled in 2022 compared to the previous year, with the iPhone 13 Pro Max and iPhone 13 Pro following closely behind. These three models represented 60% of Apple’s smartphone sales in China in 2022 – the first time Apple’s Pro variants made it to the top 10 list for the country.

Honor’s impressive performance in the top-10 list can be attributed to its diversification of offline presence and expansion across mid-tier and entry-level price bands. The Honor X30 emerged as the best-selling Android phone in China with a 1.8% market share, while the Honor Play 20 was the most affordable and only non-5G smartphone on the list. The Honor X30 and Honor 60 were the only smartphones on the list equipped with a Qualcomm chipset.

Vivo’s Y33s 5G and Y76s secured the seventh and ninth spots, respectively, contributing 16% to vivo’s sales in China in 2022. The Vivo Y33s was among the top three best-selling smartphones in July 2022, while Chinese New Year holiday sales propelled the vivo Y76s into the top-10 list. OPPO’s mid-tier smartphone, the A56 5G, claimed the fifth spot in 2022 with a 1.7% market share, similar to its predecessor, the A55 5G, in 2021.

Despite the continuous annual sales decline in China’s smartphone market, the share of the top 10 models has remained stable at around 22% for the past three years. In 2022, all smartphones on the list, except for the iPhones, were priced at less than $500. Furthermore, nine of the top 10 smartphones were 5G-enabled, compared to six in 2021. However, as competition intensifies, the share of the top 10 smartphones is expected to decrease by 2023.

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Powkiddy Y6 with a compact design and retro-gaming console emulation function unveiled

By

Jed John Ikoba

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Mar 28, 2023

The Powkiddy Y6 tiny TV stick with retro console emulation functionality has been released. The TV stick comes with hardware powerful enough to emulate several 1st-generation gaming consoles. It is very compact and can easily be fitted at the back of a TV and operate unseen.

The Y6 is as small as a Google Chromecast or Amazon’s Fire TV Stick. It has an HDMI port on one end and a USB-A on the other end. Its USB-C connection is for power and there is also a microSD slot at the side. The stick has dimensions of 3.9 x 1.5 x 0.6 inches and the device comes with two controllers.

The wireless controllers bear a close semblance with the PlayStation 2 DualShock controllers. They have two analog sticks, four shoulder buttons, a directional pad, and ABXY face buttons. The Y6 is powered by the Amlogic S905X2 chipset with a four-core architecture and a Mali-G32 MP2 GPU.

Powkiddy Y6 TV stick has 1GB of RAM and 8GB of storage but offers an additional 64/ 128/ 256GB of microSD storage. The stick comes pre-installed with the EmuELEC 4.3 which is designed for retro gaming. It is improbable that the Y6 will be capable of streaming media from Netflix or YouTube, but it can load some third-party applications. It can also play simple games from the Nintendo Gamecube and Sega Dreamcast. It is also possible that the Powkiddy could also handle titles from PlayStation 1 or 2D PlayStation Portable (PSP) games. The Powkiddy Y6 is available globally via Aliexpress for $46.99.

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BenQ PD UA professional monitors with 4K displays and AQ color technology unveiled in India

By

Jed John Ikoba

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Mar 28, 2023

BenQ has released its PD UA series of professional monitors in India. The BenQ PD UA comes in 27-inch and 32-inch 4K displays. They also feature AQ color technology for enhanced output.

BenQ claims that the new monitors are the ultimate tool for creative professionals with a desire for top-notch performance and functionality. The products are ideal for video editors and other professional designers.

The BenQ DesignVue UA series monitors were released following the earlier unveiling of the GV11 LED portable smart projector. The models are both designer monitors and the PD Ergo Arm has a high-quality IPS display with 4K resolution. They offer exceptional color accuracy, 99% sRGB, and 95% P3. With its Ergo Arm design, flexibility is assured and you can swivel, adjust the height, pivot, and tilt the gadget efficiently.

The monitors provide 90W PD via a Type C connection for enhanced productivity. Other innovative features in the lineup guarantee an excellent user experience. The monitors have Kalman and Pantone & Skintone validation for high color accuracy and seamless data transfer. They are capable of having two displays via the Dual View function while the Hotkey Puck enables quick access to frequently used settings.

The BenQ UA series monitors in India offer excellent eye protection and prevent eye strain. The BenQ PD3205UA delivers 350 nits of peak brightness and has a 31.5-inch IPS LED 4K display. It outputs HDR 10 and has the TUV certification for low blue light. It comes with several connectivity options including HDMI 2.0, DP 1.4, and USB-A/ USB-C ports.

On the other hand, the PD2705UA has a 27-inch IPS LED, 4K display with 350 nits of peak brightness. The 27-inch model is slightly lighter than the 32” monitor but comes with several similar features. The monitors are all available directly from BenQ and start at Rs. 65,000 (~$791).

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Redmi Buds 4 get enchanted with a Special Harry Potter Edition

By

Anurag

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Mar 28, 2023

Xiaomi has launched several fun special edition phones and accessories, including the Redmi Airdots 3 Pro earbuds in a Genshin Impact edition last year. Today, the brand has introduced another special edition, and this time it’s the Redmi Buds 4 earbuds that are getting a special Harry Potter makeover. They come with a customized case and pouch and each earbud features the popular Harry Potter scar. Let’s have a closer.

Redmi has really given the Buds 4 a spellbinding makeover, transforming them into a limited-edition collector’s item. The earbuds come with a pouch that has the golden snitch, the notorious ball used during the Quidditch match, on it. The pouch has been given a refined leather finish, adding a touch of style to the overall design.

We can see the same compact oval charging case but with a touch of the wizarding world. It features the popular Hogwarts logo. The earbuds themselves do not look as striking—there’s the popular Harry Potter lightning scar on each earbud but that’s about it.

To remind you, the Redmi Buds 4 wireless earphones offer 35dB active noise reduction, 3-level adjustable depth, and dual-mic AI call noise reduction. They have a 10mm large dynamic coil and custom-tuned Xiaomi acoustics, with 30 hours of durability and fast charging capabilities. A single charge provides 6 hours of listening time, with just 5 minutes of charging giving you 1 hour of music. They support low-latency dual transmission and Bluetooth 5.2, with an MIUI quick connection pop-up window.

The new Redmi Buds 4 Harry Potter Edition has been priced at 399 yuan ($58) and they’ll be available for purchase in China starting March 31. Currently, there’s no news about the global availability of the new earbuds. Redmi also introduced the Note 12 Turbo in a Harry Potter Edition. You can check the details here.

Nvidia Harnesses AI Power to Optimize Chip Design and Performance

By

Oğuz Çakır

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Mar 28, 2023

Nvidia has revealed new research demonstrating how AI can be utilized to optimize chip design. This groundbreaking research could potentially change the way chips are designed, ultimately leading to improved cost, speed, and power consumption for the semiconductor industry. Here are the details…

Nvidia Unveils AI-driven Breakthrough in Chip Design Optimization

The process of designing a chip entails deciding the precise placement of tens of billions of tiny transistors on a silicon substrate. This positioning of transistors significantly impacts the chip’s cost, speed, and power consumption. Chip design engineers typically use sophisticated design software from companies like Synopsys and Cadence Design Systems to optimize transistor placement.

On Monday, Nvidia released a paper detailing how they used a combination of AI techniques to improve the placement of large transistor groups. This research builds on a previous effort by the University of Texas, which employed reinforcement learning. Nvidia added a second layer of AI to enhance the results further. Nvidia’s research aimed to improve upon a controversial 2021 paper by Alphabet’s Google. Nvidia’s approach combined reinforcement learning with an additional layer of AI to achieve superior results in optimizing transistor placement, thereby improving chip performance.

Nvidia Chief Scientist Bill Dally underscored the importance of this work, as manufacturing improvements in the chip industry have begun to slow down. Contrary to Intel co-founder Gordon Moore’s famous prediction that chips would continually become cheaper and faster, per-transistor costs in new chip manufacturing technologies are now higher than in previous generations. Dally explained, “You’re no longer actually getting an economy from that scaling. To continue to move forward and to deliver more value to customers, we cannot get it from cheaper transistors. We have to get it by being more clever on the design.”

This AI-driven breakthrough in chip design optimization holds significant potential for the semiconductor industry. As manufacturing improvements slow, companies must explore innovative methods to deliver better performance and value to customers. Nvidia’s research on utilizing AI for improved chip design could pave the way for a new era of optimized, high-performance semiconductor solutions.

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Apple Car to Feature Components from iPhone 3D Sensor Supplier

By

Soumyakanti

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Mar 28, 2023

Apple’s much-anticipated electric car project has taken a significant step forward with reports indicating that the company has made strides in developing its self-driving system. According to sources, Apple is expanding testing and has heavily relied on LiDAR sensors to improve the vehicle’s self-driving capabilities. The company may source automotive-grade LiDAR sensors from Chinese supplier Wenmao, which already provides LiDAR scanners for the iPhone and iPad Pro.

Reports also suggest that Foxconn, one of Apple’s suppliers, has partnered with German industrial giant Siemens to make advanced driver assistance systems that could align with Apple’s automotive strategy. As Taiwanese companies like Foxconn are believed to have the sufficient production capacity to build the vehicle, this partnership could prove significant.

Apple’s long-rumored electric vehicle is expected to feature some form of self-driving facility that the tech giant has been testing for several years. The vehicle is expected to be priced under $100,000 and may have limited self-driving capabilities, allowing it to drive itself on highways.

Apple’s use of Wenmao’s LiDAR sensors is a significant development, as the company may take some time to develop capacity for automotive-grade LiDAR sensors. However, Wenmao’s quality and existing relationship with Apple could make a partnership likely, especially as Apple is likely to choose long-term supply chain partners like Wenmao early in the development process.

While reports suggest that Apple has scaled back its initial vision for the vehicle, the company’s advancements in developing its self-driving system and partnerships with suppliers like Foxconn and Siemens indicate that the project is moving forward. With testing ongoing and a launch date set for 2026, Apple’s electric car project is sure to be one of the most highly anticipated tech releases of the decade.

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Redmi Note 12 Turbo also comes in a special Harry Potter Edition

By

Anurag

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Mar 28, 2023

Redmi Note 12 Turbo was unveiled recently and while the handset comes packed with some cutting-edge hardware, its design is a bit underwhelming. But if the design is what matters to you, the company has also introduced a special Harry Potter edition of the handset, which features symbols and artwork from the popular novel and film series. The special edition also comes with Marauder’s map instructions, a customized theme, and several custom accessories.

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you must have an idea about Harry Potter. Here’s the gist of it— Harry Potter series is a beloved fantasy franchise consisting of seven books and eight movie adaptations. It follows the story of Harry Potter, a young orphan who discovers he is a wizard and attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry with his friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger.

The Redmi Note 12 Harry Potter Edition carries the essence of the popular franchise with the iconic Hogwarts logo in the center of its back, and a bunch of other designs inspired by the wizarding world. You’ll spot Harry’s signature glasses and scar, a broomstick, and even his Patronus. What we found interesting is that Redmi has designed the camera module in a way that resembles Harry Potter’s glasses. Also, the back is made with a platinum three-dimensional structure and the artwork on the back shines.

The handset also comes with several custom accessories, including a sim card ejector tool with a 9¾ station logo, Marauder’s map instructions, a bunch of interesting stickers, and a customized case. Like every special edition smartphone, the Redmi Note 12 Turbo Harry Potter Edition also features a customized theme with wallpapers and app icons matching the wizarding world.

It comes with the same specifications as the vanilla Note 12 Turbo, which you can check out here. The Harry Potter Edition of the smartphone has been priced at 2399 Yuan ($348) for the sole 12GB+256GB. The handset is currently available only in Mainland China but we expect the company to also bring it to the global market.

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Tecno Spark 10, Spark 10C Key Specifications Officially Revealed

By

Viraj Gawde

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Mar 28, 2023

Earlier today, Tecno launched the Spark 10 5G smartphone in India. Last week, the brand announced the Spark 10 Pro (review) in the country. Earlier this month, the company had already confirmed three devices in the Spark 10 series. Since two devices in the lineup have already launched, only, the Spark 10 (likely a 4G version) and the Spark 10C are yet to go official. Now, Tecno’s official website has made listings of both phones (Spark 10 , 10C) live along with key specifications.

The Tecno Spark 10 seems to be different from the Spark 10 5G that debuted in India. The Spark 10 duo comes with a boxy design and an iPhone-like rear camera module. The Spark 10 has a 50MP main sensor whereas the Spark 10C has a 16MP primary lens, both paired with a secondary shooter and an LED flash. Both smartphones feature a side-mounted fingerprint scanner and an 8MP selfie snapper.

The Tecno Spark 10 and Spark 10C are listed with a 6.6-inch display bearing an HD+ resolution, a 90Hz refresh rate, and a waterdrop notch. Both phones are powered by an unspecified octa-core processor coupled with 8GB RAM and an additional 8GB virtual RAM. There is 128GB onboard storage. The Spark 10 duo is backed by a 5,000mAh battery unit with support for 18W fast charging via USB-C port.

The Tecno Spark 10 comes in Meta Black, Blue, and White colors whereas the Spark 10C is offered in Meta Black, Blue, and Green colors. The pricing and availability details of both smartphones remain unknown.

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Xiaomi Declares Price War Against OnePlus in China, with brand’s Latest Redmi Note 12 Turbo

By

Leo Wong De Quan

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Mar 28, 2023

Competition is heating up in the mid-range smartphone space in 2023 as today, Xiaomi has finally unveiled the company’s highly anticipated Redmi Note 12 Turbo in China today to challenge the OnePlus Ace 2V. Priced competitively against the OnePlus, Xiaomi even announced in the launch event that the company is waging a price war against its competitors in China for 2023.

“If it’s a war you want, then let the smartphone price wars begin.” presented by Xiaomi Group President, Gizmochina: Leo Wong DQ

The announcement comes from Xiaomi Group President and Redmi brand General Manager, Lu Weibing at the launch event in China today. The translated version of the “price war declaration” by the Xiaomi Group President was that “If it’s a war you want, then let the smartphone price wars begin.” Xiaomi welcomes its competitors in China, to undercut its Redmi Note 12 Turbo with better performance at more affordable prices. The brand believes that healthy competition is needed to advance smartphone innovation in the industry.

The Redmi Note 12 Turbo and OnePlus Ace 2V are expected to be announced as the Poco F5 and OnePlus Nord 3 for global markets respectively, and the Xiaomi Group President also shared the table below highlighting their respective launch sale pricing in China.

	Redmi Note 12 Turbo (Poco F5)		OnePlus Ace 2V (OnePlus Nord 3)
8 GB + 256 GB	1999 RMB (291 USD)	12 GB + 256 GB	2299 (334 USD)
12 GB + 256 GB	2099 RMB (305 USD)	16 GB + 256 GB	2499 (363 USD)
12 GB + 512 GB	2299 RMB (334 USD)	16 GB + 512 GB	2799 (407 USD)
16 GB + 1 TB	2599 RMB (378 USD)

Price comparison between Redmi Note 12 Turbo and OnePlus Ace 2V at launch event, Gizmochina: Leo Wong DQ

At 2599 RMB (378 USD), the Redmi Note 12 Turbo is the world’s cheapest 1 TB smartphone you can buy, breaking the previous record holder, the Realme GT Neo 5 240W 1 TB, which costs buyers 3499 RMB (515 USD) at launch. The Redmi Note 12 Turbo will offer buyers cost savings of more than 25%, for those who are looking for a large 1 TB storage smartphone.

Launched today, the Redmi Note 12 Turbo packs the latest Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 chipset from Qualcomm, on par with the flagship Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 SoC found in the Realme GT Neo 5 and better than the MediaTek Dimensity 9000 found on the OnePlus Ace 2V. It sports up to 16 GB LPDDR5x RAM and 1 TB UFS 3.1 storage. Xiaomi also fitted a 3725mm vapour cooling chamber in the device for better heat dissipation translating to better performance over a longer period of time.

The Redmi Note 12 Turbo also sports a triple camera setup that has a 64 MP main shooter with OIS, an 8 MP ultra-wide-angle sensor, and a 2 MP macro sensor. The smartphone draws its power from a 5,000mAh battery unit with support for 67W fast charging.

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Redmi Note 9 Pro, Redmi Note 9S start receiving MIUI 14 update

By

Sudarshan Ravichandran

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Mar 28, 2023

At the end of January, a report revealed that the Redmi Note 9 series will be blessed with the MIUI 14 update in Q2 2023. As we are approaching the said timeline, two of the devices in the lineup have started receiving the update.

Unfortunately, the latest software update is limited to a select few users. Let’s go through the details.

According to Xiaomiui, Xiaomi has begun to roll out MIUI 14 update for Redmi Note 9 Pro and Redmi Note 9S. The update is being pushed to the ‘Global’ variants of these handsets.

Unsurprisingly, the firmware is based on Android 12 instead of Android 13. Because these phones were released with Android 10 and they have already received two Android updates.

However, MIUI 13 is their third major MIUI update since they debuted with MIUI 11. It is good that Xiaomi is supporting them for three years of OS updates.

Anyway, as mentioned earlier, the update is only available for ‘Mi Pilot’ testers. It should make its way to a few regular users in form of ‘Stable Beta’ in the coming weeks, followed by the final ‘Stable’ release for all users.

Thus, the update should be out for all units by the end of April or early May. By then, the remaining Redmi Note 9 series models could also be on the beta version of MIUI 14.

Are you excited about the new MIUI update on your Redmi Note 9 series smartphones? Let us know in the comment section below.

Samsung Galaxy A54 & A34 hit store shelves in India: Here’s how much they cost

By

Sudhanshu

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Mar 28, 2023

Samsung has recently unveiled its latest smartphones, the Galaxy A54 5G and Galaxy A34 5G, in India and worldwide. Initially, these devices were only available for pre-order on Samsung’s website in India. However, they have now been released for open sales on various platforms.

Samsung Galaxy A54 & A34

Starting with the pricing, the Samsung Galaxy A54 5G starts at Rs 38,999 for the 8GB RAM and 128GB storage variant. The device’s 8GB RAM and 256GB storage option costs Rs 40,999 in the country. However, Samsung is offering a flat Rs 3,000 bank cashback or Rs 2,500 Samsung Upgrade on the purchase of either variant of the device.

The same offer is applicable for the Samsung Galaxy A34 5G as well, but it is priced lower than the Samsung Galaxy A54 5G. The 8GB RAM and 128GB variant of the device will cost you Rs 30,999, while its 8GB RAM and 256GB storage variant is priced at Rs 32,999.

Both the Samsung Galaxy A54 5G and Galaxy A34 5G smartphones are now available for purchase from various sources, including Samsung’s official e-store, Flipkart, and major retail outlets across India.

Samsung Galaxy A54, Galaxy A34 specs

The Samsung Galaxy A54 and A34 smartphones have a few differences in their screen sizes, with the A34 having a slightly larger 6.6-inch display compared to the A54’s 6.4 inches. While the A54 has a center-aligned punch-hole cutout, the A34 comes with a waterdrop notch. However, both phones utilize sAMOLED screens with FHD+ resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. Moreover, both phones have an in-screen fingerprint scanner, and their designs are IP67-certified for water and dust resistance. They both feature three vertically stacked camera sensors on the back.

In terms of camera specifications, both the Samsung Galaxy A54 and A34 smartphones have triple rear camera setups. The A54 has a 50MP primary sensor with OIS, a 12MP ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 5MP depth sensor, while the A34 has a 48MP primary sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 5MP macro sensor. Additionally, the A54 and A34 have 32MP and 13MP selfie cameras, respectively.

Both phones have up to 8GB RAM and 256GB of onboard storage, which can be expanded using a microSD card slot. They are powered by a 5,000mAh battery and support 25W fast charging. The Samsung Galaxy A54 is equipped with the Exynos 1380 processor, while the A34 has a Dimensity 1080 SoC. The smartphones run on Android 13 with OneUI 5.1 on top, and they come with various connectivity options such as USB-C port, NFC, Bluetooth 5.3, WiFi, 5G, and Dual 4G VoLTE.

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Huawei’s HarmonyOS 3.1 Features: Enhanced Camera App, 3D AOD, Icons, and More

By

Soumyakanti

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Mar 28, 2023

Huawei has officially announced HarmonyOS 3.1, which is set to offer a range of new features that will enhance the user experience for their smartphone customers. The new features span across personalization, camera app, satellite communication, icons, security, and foldable phones.

One of the key visual changes to HarmonyOS 3.1 is the introduction of a new lock screen that allows users to set their own photos as an always-on display. The transition between the lock screen and the home screen is seamless and fluid. Another visually refined feature is the 3D Always-on Display (AOD), which enables users to select interactive 3D animate widgets as an always-on display.

The app icons have also undergone a slight makeover, with Huawei introducing slightly rounded corners to create a seamless appearance. In the camera app, users can now use a new rotating zoom ring and adjust the zoom with on-screen controls. Huawei has also rearranged some of the most common options below the shutter button for better accessibility.

HarmonyOS 3.1 supports second-generation satellite communication features and offers a new interface that enables two-way SMS. Better security features have also been added, including the ability to hide on-screen applications and manage background popup apps. Additionally, users can now receive confirmation messages before jumping to a second app.

For foldable devices, HarmonyOS 3.1 has installed a brand new home screen layout designed specifically for larger screens. The software also enables split-screen functionality and introduces new AI-powered smart split-screen order. The software can check split-screen apps and reorder them according to past usage habits.

Overall, the new features in HarmonyOS 3.1 are set to improve the user experience for Huawei smartphone owners significantly. With a range of visual enhancements, camera app improvements, and better security and foldable device features, the software update is a welcome addition for Huawei customers.

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(Via)

Realme GT Neo 5 SE Battery and Charging Details Confirmed Ahead Of Launch

By

Viraj Gawde

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Mar 28, 2023

Realme is gearing up to launch the GT Neo 5SE smartphone in China on April 4th. Ahead of the launch, the brand has been teasing key specifications of the smartphone on microblogging platform Weibo. Realme has now revealed the battery and charging details of its upcoming smartphone.

As per the latest teaser, the Realme GT Neo 5 SE is confirmed to be backed by a large 5,500mAh battery unit. It will support 100W fast charging. Apart from this, the brand does not reveal any additional details. However, we can expect more teasers in the coming days leading up to the launch event.

The Realme GT Neo 5 SE is already confirmed to be powered by a Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 processor. The upcoming offering will retain the same design as the GT 3 with a glossy horizontal rectangular camera module and a textured rest of the back panel. However, it will lack the LED light found on the GT 3.

On the front, the Realme GT Neo 5 SE is teased to feature a center-aligned punch-hole cutout display with thin bezels. It will offer a 1.5K resolution, a 144Hz refresh rate, and 2160Hz high-frequency PWM dimming. The display panel is expected to be OLED because Realme has also seemingly teased the Always-on-display feature.

The rest of the details of the Realme GT Neo 5 SE remain under wraps. The device will reportedly come with up to 16GB LPDDR5 RAM and 1TB UFS 3.1 storage. It is tipped to feature 64MP triple-rear camera setup and a 16MP selfie snapper.

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ASUS ROG Zephyrus M16, Duo 16 2023 Launched In India

By

Viraj Gawde

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Mar 28, 2023

Last week, ASUS started taking pre-orders of the ROG Strix Scar 2023 series and the Zephyrus M16 gaming laptops in India. Now, the brand has announced the pricing and availability of the devices. The Taiwanese brand launched the ROG Strix Scar 16 and 18 and also refreshed the ROG Strix Scar 17, Zephyrus M16, and Zephyrus Duo 16 models.

The newly launched laptops in India first debuted at CES earlier this year. The ASUS ROG Zephyrus M16 and Duo 16 pack slightly different specifications and features. As the name suggests, the latter offers dual displays while the former is a mainstream laptop. Both models boast a 16-inch MiniLED screen bearing a QHD+ resolution and a 240Hz refresh rate. There is 1100 nits peak brightness, VESA Display HDR, and Dolby Vision support.

The main difference between the Zephyrus M16 and Duo 16 is that the latter features a 14-inch IPS screen pad bearing a 4K resolution and 400 nits brightness. There is support for touch and stylus. Compared to the conventional M16, the trackpad on the 16 Duo is located at the right side. Both laptops come with a 1080p webcam with 3DNR, IR technology, and Windows Hello authentication. ‘

Under the hood, the ASUS Zephyrus M16 is equipped with up to 13th gen Intel Core i9 processor coupled with a 16GB Nvidia GeForce RTX4090 GPU. On the other hand, the Zephyrus 16 Duo houses the AMD Ryzen 9 7945HX processor with either 16GB RTX4090 or 4080 GPU. Both laptops pack 16GB DDR5 RAM upgradeable up to 64GB and up to 2TB SSD storage. The machines feature a MUX Switch for easily switching between GPUs to maximize performance or battery life.

The ASUS ROG Zephyrus M16 and 16 Duo are equipped with a six-speaker system producing 4W sound. Both laptops feature a host of connectivity options and are backed by a 90Wh battery with a 330W adapter.

The ASUS ROG Zephyrus M16 costs Rs Rs. 2,99,990 whereas the ROG Zephyrus Duo 16 is priced at Rs. 4,29,990. The machines can now be purchased from the brand’s website, exclusive stores, Amazon, Flipkart, and multi-brand retail stores across the country.

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