boAt Wave Leap Call With 1.83-inch Display Launched In India

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Mar 17, 2023

boAt has launched a new smartwatch in India. The latest offering from the homegrown brand is part of its Wave series. It is called the boAt Wave Leap Call. The device is an affordable offering and competes against other smartwatches from brands like Noise, Fire-Boltt, DIZO, and more in the market. Read on to know what it offers out of the box.

The boAt Wave Leap Call features a square dial with a large 1.83-inch display bearing an HD resolution and 550 nits peak brightness. It is IP68-certified dust, sweat, and splash-resistant and the device has a crown-like button on the right side.

On the health-centric front, the boAt Wave Leap Call is equipped with a heart rate monitor, SpO2 sensor, and a sleep tracker. There is also a daily activity tracker and breathing training sessions. The wearable device packs support for more than 100 sports modes.

The boAt Wave Leap Call is equipped with a built-in microphone, speaker, and Bluetooth for hands-free calling. Users can save up to 10 contacts on the device and there is also dial pad for easier access. The device features Google Assistant and Siri. Other convenient features include music and camera control, weather updates, find my phone, etc. The boAt Wave Leap Call is claimed to deliver 10 days of battery on a single charge, 3 days with Bluetooth calling, and 60 days of standby time.

The boAt Wave Leap Call is offered in Black, Blue, and Pink colours. It carries a special launch price tag of Rs 1,499 and can be purchased from Amazon starting March 20th.

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Qualcomm Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 Announced, Confirmed To Power Redmi Note 12 Turbo and Realme GT Neo 5 SE

By

Viraj Gawde

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Mar 17, 2023

Qualcomm has launched the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 processor. It arrives as the successor to the last year’s Snapdragon 7 Gen 1. The newly announced chipset is a mid-range premium flagship processor for smartphones. It is said to pack a host of improvements over its predecessor. Read on to know more about it below.

The Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 is based on TSMC’s 4nm process technology. It comprises a primary Cortex X2 core clocked at 2.91GHz, three Cortex A710 performance CPUs at 2.49GHz, and four energy-efficient Cortex A510 cores ticking at 1.80GHz. Qualcomm says that the CPU configuration offers a 50 percent jump in performance compared to the Snapdragon 7 Gen 1. The Adreno GPU remains unnamed and is said to offer 2x performance increase and power efficiency also increases by 13 percent in various scenarios. The latest chipset comes with an integrated X62 5G modem-RF system with support for 4G/5G Dual SIM Dual Active. It also supports WiFi-6 and Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity.

The Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 is capable of supporting up to QHD+ resolution at 120Hz and Dolby Vision, HLG, and HDR10+ formats. It has an 18-bit triple ISP with support for a 200MP sensor and HDR video capture from two cameras simultaneously. The chipset comes with Snapdragon Elite gaming features like auto-variable refresh rate shading, volumetric rendering, and Snapdragon Sound with Qualcomm aptX for lossless music streaming.

At the announcement, Qualcomm said that Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2-powered phones will launch from this month. Xiaomi sub-brand Redmi and Realme confirmed that they will launch two smartphones with the latest chipset. These are the Redmi Note 12 Turbo and Realme GT Neo 5 SE respectively. Both smartphones are set to launch in China later this month.

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Upcoming Smartphones: Oppo Find X6, Huawei P60, iQOO Z7, and more

By

Sudarshan Ravichandran

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Mar 17, 2023

There are going to be multiple smartphone launches in the next week. Five brands have scheduled events to debut new products.

One of these companies has planned two events for two different markets. All of these devices are new models, except for one by Realme, which will be introduced in an important market.

The other brands that will be involved in new phone releases are iQOO, Oppo, Huawei, and Samsung. Some of them will be debuting multiple handsets. Let’s take a glimpse at these devices.

Upcoming Smartphones Next Week

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1. iQOO Z7 Series

iQOO Z7 (China)

iQOO has confirmed to launch the iQOO Z7 series in China on March 20 at 12 PM GMT+8. The very next day (March 21), the lineup is also planned to release in India at 12 PM IST.

The iQOO Z7 family for China includes two phones, namely iQOO Z7 and iQOO Z7x. Whereas for India, there’s only a single handset called iQOO Z7, and t it is different from the Chinese variant.

The Chinese iQOO Z7 series is said to offer centered punch-hole LCD displays, Qualcomm Snapdragon 782G/695 chipsets, and up to 120W charging. On the other hand, the Indian iQOO Z7 is expected to come with a dewdrop AMOLED display, a MediaTek Dimensity 920 SoC, and 80W charging.

2. Oppo Find X6 Series

Oppo Find X6 Pro

The Oppo Find X6 series is set to launch on March 21 in China. It will be announced at an event that will begin at 2 PM GMT+8. The smartphones will be also accompanied by Oppo Pad 2.

The Find X6 series is said to include two models. The vanilla version will house a MediaTek Dimensity 9200 SoC, while the Pro variant will be powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip.

The Find X6 Pro will arrive with exciting features, such as a 50MP 1-inch main camera, Hasselbrad image processing, leather finish, 100W wired charging, and 50W wireless charging. Unfortunately, it may not release in global markets.

3. Realme C55

Realme C55

The Realme C55 is scheduled to launch in India on March 21 at 12:30 PM IST. This device is already official in Indonesia, so we know everything about it.

The C55 is just another 4G-only budget smartphone. But it comes with Apple’s Dynamic Island-like feature called ‘Mini Capsule.’

The phone comes with a 6.72-inch 90Hz display (LCD), a MediaTek Helio G88 chipset, a 64MP primary camera, a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, a 5,000mAh battery, and 33W charging support.

4. Huawei P60 Series and Mate X3

Huawei P60 Pro

The Huawei P60 series and Mate X3 are planned to launch in China on March 23 at 2:30 PM GMT+8. Multiple other products, such as MatePad 11 (2023) and FreeBuds Pro 2 Plus will be announced alongside these handsets.

The Huawei P60 lineup is expected to include three devices, namely P60, P60 Pro, and P60 Art. The Pro model is expected to come with a 2K OLED display, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, and a self-developed XMAGE 2..0 image processing powered triple camera system headed by a 50MP Sony IMX888 sensor.

On the other hand, not much is known about the Mate X3, except that it will arrive with a 2K internal foldable display without any notch or punch-hole and a satellite communication system.

5. Samsung Galaxy F14

Samsung Galaxy F14

The Samsung Galaxy F14 is scheduled to go official in India on March 24 at 12 PM IST. Thanks to leaks and teasers, all the key features of the phone are already known.

It is said to come with a 6.6-inch FHD+ 90Hz display (LCD), an Exynos 1330 chipset, a 50MP primary camera, One UI Core 5 based on Android 13, 2 guaranteed Android updates, 13 5G bands, a 6,000mAh battery, and 25W charging support.

Last but not least, the handset is expected to cost under ₹15,000.

Discover Your Smartphone’s Display with Samsung’s OLED Era Page

By

Oğuz Çakır

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Mar 17, 2023

Samsung has recently launched a dedicated webpage called “OLED Era” to help users identify whether their smartphones are equipped with OLED screens or not. This new feature is a useful resource for those interested in learning more about the display technology used in their Samsung devices. Here are the details…

Samsung’s OLED Era Page: A One-Stop Resource for Identifying OLED-equipped Smartphones

To access the OLED Era page, simply visit the Samsung Display website by clicking here. Once there, you can type in your smartphone’s brand and name to see if it has an OLED screen. Alternatively, you can browse a list of Samsung and other brands to find out which models have OLED displays.

Keep in mind that not every Samsung smartphone uses an OLED screen. Some budget-friendly models come with LCD screens, which are more affordable but also have some drawbacks compared to OLED screens. Samsung generally reserves OLED screens for its high-end smartphones, such as the Galaxy S and Galaxy Note series.

OLED, short for Organic Light Emitting Diode, is a display technology that uses organic compounds to create light. Unlike LCD screens that need a backlight, each pixel in an OLED screen emits its own light. This results in more accurate colors, deeper blacks, and higher contrast ratios. OLED screens are slimmer, lighter, and more energy-efficient than LCD screens. They also boast faster refresh rates, making them perfect for gaming and other fast-paced applications.

There are two primary types of OLED screens: PMOLED (Passive Matrix OLED) and AMOLED (Active Matrix OLED). PMOLED screens are more straightforward and cheaper, but they have limited resolution, making them suitable for small displays like smartwatches. AMOLED screens, on the other hand, are more advanced and costly but offer higher resolution and superior performance, which is ideal for larger displays like smartphones and TVs.

Samsung’s OLED Era page is a convenient tool for users looking to learn more about their smartphone’s display technology. By offering an easy way to find out if a Samsung smartphone features an OLED screen, Samsung provides valuable information for those interested in the benefits of OLED technology. As OLED screens continue to grow in popularity and become more common in electronic devices, resources like Samsung’s OLED Era page will be invaluable for consumers seeking the ultimate display experience.

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Asus Chromebook CR11 & CR11 Flip laptops launched in China with Intel N200

By

Sean

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Mar 17, 2023

Asus has just updated its budget lineup of Chromebooks. These new notebooks are geared towards educational purposes and includes the new Chromebook CR11 and CR11 Flip model, both of which are based on the Intel Alder Lake N processors.

The Taiwanese PC maker’s new Chromebook models sport an 11.6 inch HD displays. The CR11 (CR1102C) features an Intel N200 processor that is paired with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of eMMC storage. On the other hand, Chromebook CR11 Flip (CR1102F) is a flip model with touchscreen support, an adjustable stylus, and a 360 degree hinge. Both laptops also feature a study build with rubber bumpers, spill resistant keyboards, MIL-STD-810H tested drop proof and shock resistant design.

The new notebooks are also built as a portable offering for IT professionals and launched the new Asus laptops with a modular design, which makes it easier to swap out components like the touchpads, display, and keyboards in a matter of minutes. Both the Asus Chromebook CR11 and CR11 Flip arrive with two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type C ports along with USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type A ports, 3.5mm headphone jack, and a microSD card slot. Other notable features include, WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.1, 50Wh battery, and a 45W USB Type C power adapter.

Both models have a 720p webcam with a privacy shutter, although, the CR11 Flip model also offers an 8 megapixel world facing camera above the keyboard. So when you flip the keyboard thanks to the 360 degree hinge you can take videos or pictures like a tablet. The CR11 can also fit the stylus inside the body, which is an optional purchase.

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Baidu Shares Fall amidst a disappointing launch of Ernie Bot: The much-awaited rival of ChatGPT

By

Joane

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Mar 17, 2023

Baidu launched Ernie Bot the AI chatbot which will compete with ChatGPT, yesterday at Baidu’s Beijing Headquarter. The launch event saw CEO Robin Li presenting slides of images and pre-recorded videos of the chatbot instead of a live demo. Even the recorded videos did not show any extraordinary features, which ultimately led to a fall in the company’s share price.

The hour-long launch event gave a very small glimpse of the much-awaited Ernie Bot which was speculated to take on the world’s most famous AI app ChtaGPT. ChatGPT is taking the world by storm with its ability to converse like a human, compose music, write and debug computer programs, write stories, poetries, fairy tales, essays, and speeches, take tests, and more. However, the launch event of Ernie Bot showed very limited features like the bot carrying out mathematical calculations, speaking in Chinese dialects, and generating a video and image with text prompts.

Also where ChatGPT was opened to the general public last November, Ernie Bot is still developing and Baidu has released the beta version to selected users only. The company said that it will open the chatbot for a small group of individual users with invitation codes. Corporate organizations who wish to use the chatbot’s service can embed the bot into their products via Baidu’s cloud platform.

Baidu’s Share Price and Future Value

Last month when Baidu announced its plan to take on ChatGPT with the indigenous Ernie Bot the company shares soar within hours and gained almost 15%. However, the use of pre-recorded videos and lack of public launch disappointed the investors and send the company stocks crashing. Baidu’s Hong Kong shares fell as much as 10% during the event and closed at a 6.4% lower price. The company lost almost $3 billion in market value within an hour.

During the presentation, CEO Li admitted that Ernie Bot was far from perfect and was launched not because it was ready but only because the market demanded it. Post-event, the company said that after the release of ChatGPT, only Baidu has made a benchmark product among the major tech companies in the world. Though the company did not comment on the sharp drop in stock price, it released an official statement saying that the traffic on Baidu’s cloud was soaring as more than 30,000 corporate users had applied to test the API of Ernie Bot’s business-facing edition.

86Research analyst Charlie Chai said that though the event didn’t go well with investors, he still viewed Baidu as the best in China’s AI space. He further added that he would still advise investors to patiently hold on to Baidu shares as the company has great future prospects.

Baidu has great plans for using Artificial Intelligence in almost all segments of its business. The company has spent years in research and Development and invested extensively in Artificial Intelligence and Deep Learning Technology. The company’s game plan is to use Ernie Bot to revolutionize its search engine and advance its cloud services. It also plans to integrate the AI chatbot with its smart car technology and household appliances thereby creating a whole new eco-system controlled by Artificial Intelligence.

OnePlus CEO shares Oppo Find X6 Pro’s low light camera samples

By

Sean

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Mar 17, 2023

Oppo is gearing up to launch its latest generation of flagship smartphones later this month. But ahead of their official announcement, the CEO of OnePlus has shared some impressive low light camera samples taken from the Find X6 Pro.

Peta Lau, the CEO and Co Founder of OnePlus, shared the camera samples on his official Weibo account (a Chinese microblogging website). In the social media post, the executive stated that he saw camera samples taken from the telephoto shooter on the Find X6 Pro yesterday and today (17th March 2023) he got his hands on low light camera samples. For those unaware, the Chinese smartphone maker is gearing up to the launch the Oppo Find X6 series on March 21.

During this event, the company will also unveil a number of new products like the Pad 2 flagship tablet, Enco Free 3 truly wireless earbuds. Looking at the images shared by the exec, there were three pictures uploaded of the same scene for a better comparison. The first image is likely the one taken from the Find X6 Pro and we can see that it manages to retain a fair amount of detail in a night scenario.

The image does not over expose the light sources while the other two images show blown out scenes. Furthermore, it also keeps the scene around the church well lit and doesn’t darken the entire scene. This was all the information shared in the social media post, so stick around for more as we will be covering the launch event later this month.

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Xiaomi’s Innovative AR Glasses Bring QR Code Payments to Life

By

Oğuz Çakır

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Mar 17, 2023

Xiaomi is applying for a patent that could change how we use augmented reality (AR) glasses. The patent, published by the State Intellectual Property Office, focuses on AR glasses capable of recognizing QR codes to perform payments. This creative approach has the potential to enhance user experience and convenience in a range of payment situations. Here are the details…

AR Glasses with Built-in Payment Features

The patent describes AR glasses with an image capture device that scans the wearer’s surroundings. The system then finds the payee’s QR code in the captured image. After recognizing the QR code, the AR glasses start an identity verification process to ensure secure transactions.

Xiaomi granted patent for smart glasses with detection & therapeutic properties - Gizmochina — sample image

If the identity verification is successful, the AR glasses send a payment command to the server. The server then processes the payment based on the command. This smooth integration of payment functionality in AR glasses aims to greatly improve user experience. The proposed AR glasses with QR code recognition and payment abilities offer several advantages to users:

Users can pay directly through their AR glasses without needing a separate device, like a smartphone or credit card.
The built-in identity verification process in the AR glasses ensures safe transactions and lowers the risk of fraud.
The streamlined payment process using AR glasses can save time, especially in busy or crowded areas.
This technology can make payments easier for people with physical disabilities who might struggle with traditional payment methods.
Adding payment features to AR glasses could lead to more immersive shopping experiences, virtual tours, and entertainment options.

Xiaomi’s patent application for AR glasses with QR code recognition and payment integration showcases the company’s dedication to developing innovative technology. If successfully implemented, this invention could change how users interact with AR glasses and revolutionize payments in various situations. As technology advances, we can expect to see more groundbreaking applications that further improve user experience and convenience.

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Xiaopeng’s Flying Car Prototype Aims for Stability but There is Room for Improvement

By

Oğuz Çakır

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Mar 17, 2023

For a long time, people have dreamed of flying cars. This idea often pops up in famous sci-fi movies like Star Wars. Sadly, the technology isn’t quite there yet, even with ongoing research. However, we’re getting closer to making this dream a reality. Xiaopeng recently showcased a flying car prototype with four wheels and propellers. It can fly, but it still needs some fine-tuning. Here are the details…

Xiaopeng’s Flying Car Prototype Aims for Stability and Reduced Noise

Guangdong Huitian Aerospace Technology has been granted a patent for their innovative “flying car.” This remarkable vehicle combines the best of both worlds, boasting four wheels for road use and four propellers for flight. A car blogger recently shared a flight demonstration of the prototype, highlighting its capabilities while also pointing out areas for improvement. (You can watch the video of the vehicle by clicking here.)

Although the prototype differs slightly from the patent drawings, it maintains the key features of four wheels and propellers. The flight demonstration showed that the vehicle is capable of flying, but its stability and lack of vertical take-off indicate that there is room for enhancement.

During the demonstration, it was evident that the flying car generates a considerable amount of noise. Additionally, the powerful winds created by the propellers disturbed nearby branches. These factors emphasize the need for further development before the flying car is ready for mass production and everyday use.

In addition to the flying car, Xiaopeng Huitian has developed the Luhanger X2, a two-seater flying car that has received a chartered flight certificate from the Civil Aviation Administration of China. The Luhanger X2 has completed over 3,000 test flights since its first successful flight in June 2021. With impressive specs like a maximum take-off weight of 560kg, a battery life of 35 minutes, and a top flight speed of 130km/h, mass production is set to begin in 2024 at an affordable price point.

Xiaopeng’s flying car prototype offers an exciting glimpse into the future of transportation. Although the initial demonstration revealed its ability to fly, it also highlighted areas where refinement is needed before mass production can commence. As Xiaopeng Huitian continues to perfect their flying car technology, we can look forward to a revolutionary shift in how we travel.

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iQOO Z7 series teased, features OIS, Stereo Speakers, Infrared Sensor & more

By

Sean

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Mar 17, 2023

Earlier today, iQOO shared a new teaser for its upcoming Z7 series of smartphones. The device is set to launch later this month and the company has revealed 7 of its high end features. So let’s have a look.

Looking at the official teaser, the Chinese smartphone maker has revealed that the new devices will feature some ‘flagship’ specs and features. This includes OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) for its rear camera, which will help improve stability while recording videos and also improve low light image results as well. Furthermore, The iQOO Z7 series will house an X axis linear motor and dual stereo speakers for a great audio experience.

The upcoming smartphone will feature WiFi 6 standard for better wireless connection and even high performance antennas and NFC. Lastly, the Z7 lineup will also feature a remote control infrared sensor. This will basically allow users to control other gadgets as well. Based on what we know so far, the iQOO Z7 will be powered by a large 5,000mAh battery pack that supports 120W fast charging.

Under the hood, the Z7 will be equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 782G SoC. Meanwhile, the Z7x will house a larger 6,000mAh battery battery pack but supports a slower 80W fast charging. This model will feature the Snapdragon 695 SoC. The entire Z7lineup will feature an LCD panel with support for DC dimming. This is all the information the company shared at the moment, so stick around for more updates as we will be covering the March 20 launch.

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Google Pixel Fold will reportedly cost much lesser than Galaxy Z Fold 4 & Fold 5

By

Sean

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Mar 17, 2023

Google has been known to be working on its very own foldable smartphone for sometime now. While we have covered various rumors and reports regarding the Pixel Fold, a new leak has revealed its pricing and it is quite noteworthy. So here are all the details.

The latest leak arrives from known tipster Yogesh Brar. Apparently, the Pixel Fold will launch with a price range between 1,300 to 1,500 US Dollars. If this leak is true, it means that the Search Engine giant’s first ever foldable phone might be as much as 500 US Dollars cheaper than the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4. The Galaxy Z Fold 4 launched last year and is the latest foldable model from the South Korean brand. Notably, Samsung is also the market leader in the foldable handset market.

At this price point, the Pixel Fold is likely going to be quite cheaper than the Galaxy Z Fold 5, which is set to launch later this year since it would likely have a price tag similar to the Fold 4. The tipster further added that Google will unveil the highly anticipated Pixel Fold and mid range Pixel 7a at the Google I/O. This major event will likely be hosted sometime in May 2023. Previously, the Pixel Fold and the Pixel 7a was believed to launch sometime in June.

For those unaware, the Pixel 7a is believed to launch for a price tag of around 450 to 500 US Dollars, which is around the same the Pixel 6a’s launch price. Keep in mind that this is still unconfirmed information so take this news with a pinch of salt for now and stick around for more updates regarding this matter.

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iQOO Z7 5G Price in India Revealed, Sale Begins on March 21

By

Viraj Gawde

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Mar 17, 2023

iQOO Z7 5G will be announced on March 21 in India. The device will go on sale on the same date. Ahead of the launch, the company has confirmed the price of the device. The latest offering arrives as the successor to the last year’s Z6 5G. The iQOO Z7 5G falls under the Rs 20,000 price bracket. It competes against the likes of the Redmi Note 12 5G, Realme 10 Pro 5G, POCO X5 5G, and more in the market. Read on to know what it offers out of the box.

The iQOO Z7 5G features a 6.38-inch AMOLED display bearing an FHD+ resolution and a waterdrop notch. It comes with a 90Hz refresh rate, 1,300 nits peak brightness, and HDR10+ support. There is also an in-screen fingerprint scanner. The smartphone has a boxy design and a rectangular rear camera module.

On the imaging front, the iQOO Z7 5G has dual rear cameras. The setup consists of a 64MP ISOCELL GW3 primary sensor with optical image stabilization as well as electronic image stabilization. There is a 2MP depth lens and on the front, the device features a 16MP selfie snapper. The smartphone packs 4K video recording and Vlog movie mode.

Internally, the iQOO Z7 5G is equipped with a MediaTek Dimensity 920 processor based on a 6nm process. It is offered in 6GB and 8GB RAM options with both packing 128GB onboard storage. The smartphone draws its power from a 5,000mAh battery unit with support for 44W fast charging.

The iQOO Z7 5G has connectivity options like WiFi-6, dual SIM 5G, USB-C port, 3.5mm headphone jack, Bluetooth, and GPS.

The iQOO Z7 5G costs Rs 18,999 and Rs 19,999 for the 6GB and 8GB RAM variants. HDFC and ICICI Bank customers will be eligible for a flat Rs 1,500 instant discount. The smartphone will go on sale from March 21st, 1 pm onwards and can be purchased in Black and Blue colours.

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Apple Works on Screen Protection for Foldable iPhones/iPads

By

Oğuz Çakır

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Mar 17, 2023

Foldable devices are becoming increasingly popular. Almost every day, a new company launches its own foldable smartphone. However, these devices have a major drawback: their flexible OLED displays are highly fragile and can be easily damaged by minimal pressure. To address this issue, Apple is designing a protective system specifically for foldable iPhone and iPad screens, guarding against damage from drops. Here are the details…

Apple Develops Innovative Solution for Foldable iPhone/iPad Screen Protection

Apple recently sent a patent application to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) called “Self-Retracting Display Device And Techniques For Protecting Screen Using Drop Detection”. The idea is to use sensors in devices with foldable or rollable screens to figure out if they are falling. If the device is falling, it could close or partly retract the screen to keep the sensitive display from hitting the ground.

The patent application says that even folding the screen to an angle less than 180 degrees could help protect it. This is because the edges of the device would hit the ground first, not the screen. A rollable screen could pull the display back automatically if the device falls too fast. Ming-Chi Kuo, an analyst who often makes correct predictions about Apple products, thinks a foldable iPad might be released in 2025.

However, even the best experts can be wrong sometimes. In 2021, Kuo guessed that a foldable iPhone would come out in 2023 and sell 20 million units. Kuo’s newest guess is that a foldable iPad could have a carbon fiber kickstand. This would let users set the device at an angle that’s better for watching content on the screen without holding it. While these ideas are interesting, it’s important to remember that they are only patent applications and guesses right now. But it’s clear that Apple is working hard to find ways to protect foldable devices’ screens from being damaged by drops.

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iQOO Neo 8 series key specs emerge: 120W fast charging, Dimensity 9200+/Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chips onboard

By

Sudhanshu

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Mar 17, 2023

It was recently revealed that the iQOO Neo 8 series smartphones are in development. The brand could launch these devices in the second half of 2022. So far, some details about the iQOO Neo 8 and the Neo 8 Pro have surfaced online. Now, Weibo tipster DCS has revealed more details about these devices.

According to the tipster, the upcoming iQOO Neo 8 series is rumored to boast a high-resolution 1.5K display with support for high-frequency PWM dimming. Under the hood, the Neo 8 Pro is expected to be equipped with a powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 SoC, while the standard model will feature a Dimensity 9200+ SoC. Although information about the Dimensity 9200+ is scarce, it will essentially be an upgraded Dimensity 9200, which is currently serving as the powerhouse of devices like the Vivo X90 and X90 Pro.

The Neo 8 series will also feature 120W fast charging, which is not surprising given that its predecessor already supports this feature. The battery capacity has not been revealed yet, but it is likely to be around 5000mAh.

In terms of the camera, the Neo 8 series is expected to sport a 50MP primary camera sensor, with the Neo 8 Pro possibly featuring a larger 1/1.5-inch camera sensor. However, the brand of the sensor has not been disclosed. The Neo 8 series will offer up to 16GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage, but other specifications remain unknown. The series is set to launch in China in May 2023, according to the source.

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Samsung’s New Texas Chip Plant Will Cost $8 Billion More Than Expected

By

Anubhav

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Mar 17, 2023

According to insiders familiar with the matter, Samsung Electronics Co Ltd’s chip plant being built in Taylor, Texas, is expected to cost the company over US$25 billion, which is more than US$8 billion above initial projections. The increase in cost is primarily due to inflation, with construction expenses accounting for approximately 80 per cent of the cost increase. The cost of materials has also increased significantly.

The insiders, who declined to be identified, stated that the estimated cost could rise even further if the construction of the plant is delayed. Although Samsung has not commented on the matter, the increasing costs raise questions about how far the billions in grants being applied for by chip manufacturers from the Biden administration under the Chips Act will go.

According to the US Commerce Department, most government grants will only cover up to 15 per cent of the cost of new plants, and since the proposed Chips Act grants were introduced three years ago, the cost of labour and construction materials has risen sharply. As a result, chip makers’ significant spending plans could be pushed even higher.

Samsung, the world’s second-largest contract chip manufacturer, plans to create 2,000 high-tech jobs at the Taylor plant, which is expected to produce advanced chips for various functions such as artificial intelligence, 5G, and mobile phones. The company is rushing to complete construction by 2024, ahead of a 2026 deadline to secure investment tax credits on tools for the factory.

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Twitter Users Can Now See How Many Users Bookmarked Their Tweets

By

Anubhav

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Mar 17, 2023

Twitter is one of the world’s most popular social media platforms that allows users to post short messages called “tweets” of up to 280 characters in length (which actually changed for Twitter Blue subscribers recently). These tweets can include text, photos, videos, and links to other websites. Twitter is known for its real-time nature, making it a popular platform for breaking news, public discussions, and social commentary. It has become an important tool for individuals and organizations to share information, connect with others, and engage in conversations around a wide range of topics. Users can also bookmark tweets from other users (or themselves) to revisit them later at their own convenience. Now, iOS users will be able to keep track of how many people have bookmarked their tweets as per Twitter’s latest update.

This latest addition complements the existing metrics for likes, retweets, and quotes, providing users with a comprehensive overview of their tweet’s popularity. However, as mentioned previously, it’s worth noting that the bookmark counter is currently only available on iOS, and there’s no word on when it might be rolled out on Android or the web. Twitter has assured its users that bookmarks remain private, and the identity of those who saved a tweet will not be disclosed.

This feature could prove to be useful for content creators and companies who can use the metrics to evaluate the usefulness of their posts and refine their content to cater to a broader audience. Despite the benefits of the bookmark counter, it may not generate as much buzz as it could have in the past, given Twitter’s recent focus on issues such as outages and the introduction of a paywall for text-based two-factor authentication.

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Oppo Find X6 series pricing, storage variants & renders leak ahead on March 21 launch

By

Sudhanshu

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Mar 17, 2023

Oppo will soon launch its upcoming flagship-grade smartphones in China. The devices will be called the Oppo Find X6 and Find X6 Pro. The launch is set to take place on March 21, and both devices are already up for pre-booking.

Now, leaked posters of the Find X6 series have revealed the design, configurations, and pricing of both models. According to a Weibo leak (via Mukul Sharma), the Oppo Find X6 will have two configurations. The 12GB + 256GB variant costs 4,699 Yuan (~$684), while the 16GB + 512GB variant will cost 5,199 Yuan (~$757).

The Find X6 Pro on the other hand will come in three models. The 12GB + 256GB base model will cost 6,499 Yuan (~$947) and the 16GB + 256GB variant will cost 6,799 Yuan (~$990). The top-end 16GB + 512GB model will be priced at 6,999 Yuan (~$1020). The posters also reveal that both the Find X6 and X6 Pro will come in three different color schemes.

The upcoming OPPO Find X6 Pro will offer a unique color variant called Desert Galaxy, featuring a stylish Khakhi pigment leather texture combined with Silver AG glass. Additionally, the standard version of the phone will be available in Feiquan Green, Starry Black, and Snow Mountain Gold colors. The Pro model will also come in Feiquan Green and Starry Black, as well as additional color options.

Let’s delve into the specifications of the OPPO Find X6 series. The Find X6 boasts a sizable 6.74-inch display with a screen resolution of 2772 x 1240 pixels, 40-120Hz adaptive refresh rate, and a peak brightness of 1,400 nits. On the other hand, the Pro variant sports an even larger 6.82-inch display with a higher screen resolution of 3,168 x 1,440 pixels and a local peak brightness of a whopping 2,500 nits.

Under the hood, the Find X6 is equipped with the MediaTek Dimensity 9200 processor, whereas the Find X6 Pro runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC. Both models feature LPDDR5x RAM and UFS 4.0 internal storage. As for the camera setup, a triple-camera system is present at the rear, complemented by a 32-megapixel front-facing camera for selfies and video calls.

These smartphones run on the latest Android 13 operating system, skinned with OPPO’s custom ColorOS user interface. The Find X6 is fueled by a 4,800mAh battery with 80W fast charging capability, while the Pro variant houses a 5,000mAh battery and supports super-fast 100W charging.

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Huawei P60 Series and Mate X3 Smartphones Now Up For Pre-Order Ahead of Launch

By

Jeet

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Mar 17, 2023

Huawei is all set to host its new launch event as Huawei Spring Flagship New Product Launch Conference, on 23rd March in its home country China to unveil a few new products in the market.

Now, ahead of the official launch in a few days, the company has revealed that it has started taking pre-orders for two premium flagship smartphones from the brand — Huawei P60 series and Huawei Mate X3.

Huawei Mate X3 Foldable Smartphone Render

The devices can be pre-ordered through an online marketplace in China, JD.com. The list of the devices does not reveal information about the smartphones, not even the memory configuration or the color options.

The Huawei P60 series is expected to have three models in the lineup — P60, P60 Pro, and P60 Artist Design Edition. The top-end model in the series, dubbed Huawei P60 Pro, is expected to feature a 6.6-inch 2K OLED display panel manufactured by BOE.

Under the hood, the device will be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, coupled with LPDDR5x RAM and UFS 4.0 internal storage. There will be an upgraded XMAGE 2.0 triple-camera setup on the back consisting of a 50MP Sony IMX888 primary sensor, and a 50MP Sony IMX858 sensor.

On the front side, the device will feature a 64MP OV64B Omnivision sensor with 3.5x optical zoom. The phones are expected to run the HongMeng OS in the Chinese market and an open-source version of Android outside of China.

Coming to the Huawei Mate X3 foldable smartphone, it is expected to feature a 2K large screen in which the internal screen doesn’t have any type of notch on the screen while there’s a single punch-hole cutout on the outer screen. The phone is also said to come with support for the Satellite Communication feature, which Huawei first introduced sometime back. Apart from this, nothing much is known about the smartphone, but with the launch just days away, we expect to know more in a couple of days.

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Google Reports 18 Vulnerabilities in Samsung Modems, Pixel Devices Also Affected

By

Anubhav

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Mar 17, 2023

Vulnerabilities with chipsets and phone modems can be exploited by attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data, control the device remotely, or cause damage to the device or the user. This is why it is extremely essential to stay updated on security patches and updates from manufacturers to protect against such vulnerabilities and ensure the security of personal information and data. On March 17, the IT House reported that the Google Project Zero security team has recently discovered 18 vulnerabilities in Samsung modems. These vulnerabilities affect several models of Samsung devices, including the Pixel 6 series, Pixel 7 series, Galaxy S22 series, and Galaxy A53 models.

According to Google’s report, four of the 18 vulnerabilities are rated as “critical”. If exploited, attackers can remotely damage the victim’s phone without the need for any user interaction, as long as they have the phone number.

Google has already released a security update in March this year to fix this issue for Pixel phones. However, it’s worth noting that Google has not fixed the vulnerabilities for Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, and Pixel 6a. Since the chipsets for these smartphones are fabricated on top of Samsung’s own chips, it is understandable that they will be affected by the same.

Affected devices include the following: Samsung branded phones such as Galaxy S22, M33, M13, M12, A71, A53, A33, A21, A13, A12, and A04 series, vivo-branded phones such as S16, S15, S6, X70, X60, and X30 series, Google phones such as Pixel 6 series and Pixel 7 series, any wearable device using the Exynos W920 chipset, and any vehicle using the Exynos Auto T5123 chipset.

Users should stay vigilant and make sure to update their devices to the latest software versions as soon as possible to ensure the security of their data and personal information.

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Samsung Galaxy F14 5G March 24 Indian launch date confirmed: Here’s what to expect

By

Sudhanshu

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Mar 17, 2023

Samsung recently launched new Galaxy A-series mid-range smartphones in India. The brand also plans to launch new F-series smartphones soon. The F-series will be a budget mid-range offering targeting the ₹10K to ₹20K price range. The company has now confirmed that the Samsung Galaxy F14 5G will be launched on March 24 in India.

The official landing page of the device has appeared on the e-commerce platform, Flipkart. The microsite confirms the smartphone will launch at 12 PM on March 24. The listing confirms the design of the Galaxy F14 5G along with some specs.

Samsung Galaxy F14 5G design and specs

Design-wise, the device has a flat back and curved edges. Like many recent Samsung smartphones, the Galaxy F14 5G also has separate, vertically aligned cutouts for its dual rear cameras. The power button and volume rocker are on the right side, while the left features the SIM tray. As for the front, the device features a thick forehead and chin, while the side bezels are decent-sized.

The brand confirms that the device will come with support for 13 5G bands. As for software, it will come pre-loaded with Android 13-based One UI 5.0 and the promise of 2 major Android updates and 4 security updates. The poster does not reveal the exact chipset, but it informs that it is based on a 5nm node. Previous leaks suggest that this is the Exynos 1330 octa-core SoC with 2 x ARM Cortex-A78 cores and 6 x ARM Cortex-A55 cores.

Leaks also mention that the Galaxy F14 5G could feature a 6.6-inch LCD screen with FHD+ resolution and a 90Hz refresh rate, a 50MP primary camera on the back, a 13MP selfie camera, a side-mounted fingerprint scanner, One UI Core 5 operating system based on Android 13, a 6,000mAh battery, and 25W fast charging capability.

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