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Honor Magic 5 Ultimate Flagship Phone now Available at Giztop

Honor Magic 5 Ultimate, the latest smartphone from Honour is now available for purchase on Giztop. The flagship phone which comes in orange and black color variants can be bought for $1299. 

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Honor Magic 5 Ultimate at $1299 @Giztop

Honor Magic 5 Ultimate features a 6.81-inch quad-curved HDR10+ OLED display with 1312 x 2848 p resolution and 120Hz refresh rate. The display comes with a glass / ceramic coating for protection. Powered by the latest Qualcomm SM8550-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) processor, the phone features 16GB LPDDR5X RAM and 512GB internal storage. 

Honor Magic 5 Ultimate comes with triple rear cameras with a 50MP (wide) primary sensor and 50MP (periscope telephoto) + 50MP (ultrawide) secondary sensors. For your selfies, you have a 12MP (ultrawide) lens with a TOF 3D depth sensor in the front. 

The smartphone is fueled with a 5450mAh battery and supports 66W wired, 50W wireless, 5W reverse wired and reverse wireless charging. It runs on the latest Android 13 OS-based Magic UI 7.1 and comes with an under display, ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, and Face ID recognition. Other interesting features include USB Type-C 3.1, DisplayPort 1.2, Ultra Wideband (UWB) support, Bluetooth v5.2, NFC, Infrared, and more. 

YOu can now buy Honor Magic 5 Ultimate for $1299 on Giztop. Please note that this phone is a Chinese edition, and doesn’t support Google Mobile Service or the Google Play store. 

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

7 Years of Continuous Android Updates, This Smartphone Kept Its Promise

The tech world is no stranger to Android. It is an open-source operating system used by many smartphone manufacturers. The Android platform is constantly updated with new features, improvements, and security patches. Android device manufacturers, commonly known as Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), provide updates to their devices to ensure they are compatible with the latest Android version. Various companies have different levels of commitment towards their android updates. Samsung is renowned for its Android support, offering four Android upgrades and five years of security patches for most of its devices, even mid-range models. However, Fairphone took it a step further.

Fairphone

Fairphone is a company that specializes in producing ethical and environmentally friendly smartphones. The company originally committed to providing “three to five years” of support for the Fairphone 2. However, today the company issued the final update to the device, ending its support after an unprecedented seven years.

When the Fairphone 2 launched in 2015, it came with Android 5 Lollipop. The device kept on receiving a steady stream of security patches and updates, making it safe to use and compatible with most apps on the Google Play Store. Although the device’s Android 10 version is way behind the current stable version of Android, which is Android 13, the device is still relevant, thanks to Fairphone’s dedication to long-term software support.

Fairphone has advised caution with continuing to use the device after May 2023, the end of its official support timeline. The company’s head of software longevity, Agnes Crepet, stated, “The end of life for Fairphone 2 is bittersweet because, in the ideal world, we’d support our devices indefinitely, but due to industry and financial constraints, that is simply not feasible. But we are happy we can say we supported Fairphone 2 for an unprecedented seven years.”

The Fairphone 4, the company’s latest device, launched in 2021 and continues this trend of ethical and long-term software support.

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Samsung Galaxy M14 5G Launched with 90Hz Display, Exynos 1330, 6,000mAh Battery, and More

The Samsung Galaxy M14 5G has been quietly announced in Ukraine. In terms of specifications and design, the device is almost identical to the Galaxy A14 5G, which debuted at the beginning of this year. Here is a look at the specifications, features, and price of the M14.

Samsung Galaxy M14 5G specifications and features

Samsung Galaxy M14 5G
Samsung Galaxy M14 5G

The Galaxy M14 5G houses a 6.6-inch PLS LCD panel with an Infinity-V notch design. It offers an FHD+ resolution of 1080 x 2408 pixels and a refresh rate of 90Hz. It comes preloaded with One UI Core 5-based Android 13 OS.

On the front, the Galaxy M14 5G features a 13-megapixel selfie camera. The rear camera setup of the device has a 50-megapixel primary camera, a 2-megapixel macro camera, and a 2-megapixel depth sensor. The primary camera on the back is capable of shooting Full HD videos at 30 fps.

Under the hood, the M14 5G features a 2.4GHz octa-core processor. In all likelihood, it is powered by the Exynos 1330, which also powers the A14 5G. It comes with 4 GB of RM and 128 GB of storage. For more storage, one can make use of the external storage slot on the device to add up to 1 TB of microSD card.

Samsung Galaxy M14 5G-
Samsung Galaxy M14 5G

The Galaxy M14 5G is backed by a 6,000mAh battery that supports 25W fast charging. In comparison, the A14 5G has a 5,000mAh battery with 15W charging. Apart from these differences, both phones offer the same specifications. The M14 comes with other features like dual SIM, 5G, Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 5.2, NFC, GPS, a USB-C port, a side-facing fingerprint scanner, and a 3.5mm audio jack. Lastly, the M14 5G measures 166.8 x 77.2 x 9.4mm and weighs around 206 grams.

Samsung Galaxy M14 5G price

The Galaxy M14 5G comes in two options, such as 4 GB RAM + 64 GB storage and 4 GB RAM + 128 GB storage. These are priced at UAH 8,299 (~$225) and UAH 8,999 (~$244) in Ukraine, respectively. It comes in three colors: Dark Blue, Blue, and Silver.

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Windows Rapidly Losing Market Share in the US, Market Share Drops to Historic Low of 57 Percent

Microsoft’s Windows has always dominated the desktop OS space globally, as the operating system is widely available with many PC manufacturing partners such as Dell, HP and Lenovo. However, a recent trend shows that Windows, the operating system by Microsoft, is rapidly losing popularity in the US, due to the rise of macOS and ChromeOS in the country.

Top 3 Desktop Operating Systems

The data comes from Statcounter by GlobalStats, which shows that Windows has dropped to a historic low desktop OS market share of 57.37% in the United States of America in February 2023, a far cry from its all-time high of 92.37% in January 2009. And the trend line does not show signs of slowing down, as Windows is expected to lose more market share in the country throughout 2023.

The rapid drop in market share can be attributed to stiff competition from its competitors, which are macOS from Apple, and Chrome OS from Google. As of February 2023, Windows holds 57.37% of the desktop OS market in the US, macOS holds 29.62% and Chrome OS holds 7.47%. Linux holds 2.55%, whereas other miscellaneous desktop operating systems hold 2.97%.

Source: Statcounter by GlobalStats

The rising popularity of macOS and ChromeOS is definitely one cause of Windows’ current downtrend. macOS is routinely found in Apple’s Macbooks and Mac Desktop lineup, such as the Mac Mini, Mac Studio, Macbook Pro and Macbook Air. And with the introduction of Apple SIlicon in 2020, the general public was very shocked by the improved performance and staggering battery life that Apple Macbooks offered over their Intel CPU-powered predecessors. 

In turn, many previously Windows laptop users jumped ship over to Apple for superior battery life and faster CPU performance for their workload. However, the wave of Windows users jumping over to Apple seems gradual as it took until 2023 to see a significant change in the market.

As for the rise in Chrome OS, Chromebooks are normally offered in pre-K, primary and secondary educational institutions in the US in the 2010s. Students studying in those institutions have grown up into adults today, and they are more familiar with Chromebooks compared to Windows devices, and would suggestively buy something that they are more accustomed to than one that they are a stranger to.

In addition, Chromebooks are generally cheaper in the laptop market than Windows laptops, leading to many schools buying Chromebooks in bulk for cheap, or either a typical family buying a Chromebook for their child as a first laptop experience because it is more affordable.

Thus, it is clearly seen that Microsoft’s monopoly on the desktop market with Windows is starting to lose its momentum as competition heats up. And recent announcements such as adding Bing to Windows 11, and leaked documents suggesting Windows 12 show that Microsoft is currently developing something in-house to compete with Apple and Google soon.

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Chinese Companies Huawei and ZTE May be Banned from German 5G Networks

Germany is planning to ban components made by Chinese companies like Huawei and ZTE from parts of its 5G Network. The move is a part of the German government’s plan to revive and reshuffle its telecommunication network to address national security concerns. 

A spokesperson for German Interior Ministry said that the government was carrying out a general review of telecom’s tech suppliers and preparing a draft list of potential threats. However, he said that the ministry was not targeting any specific manufacturers or companies. 

The ban if levied will stop telecommunication operators across Germany from using components from specific Chinese companies like Huawei and ZTE in their 5G network. 

The potential ban will create an additional burden for telecom operators as they may have to remove and replace parts already built into the network without any compensation from the government.

The US-China tech war has intensified over the years with many allies like Japan, Netherlands, and South Korea joining the US to curb the technological advancement of China. The Biden administration is nervous about the technological advancement of China, especially in the field of Artificial Intelligence and futuristic tech, and is slapping sanctions on technology export to China in order to slow down its progress.

Recently the European Commission also joined this group by banning its employees from using the Chinese-owned social media app TikTok on their work-related devices, citing cybersecurity concerns. Though the European Union has not explicitly banned Huawei or other 5G equipment vendors, the UK has banned Huawei from making new contracts in the country. 

Now Germany plans to join this group to ban Chinese companies. Noah Barkin, MD of Rhodium Group’s China practice said that the plan to ban Chinese firms is a sign that the German government may finally be taking China-related risks to national security seriously. 

According to Reuters, an interior ministry paper stated that a specific supplier could be banned from providing critical components if it were deemed to be directly or indirectly controlled by the government of another state. 

Huawei, ZTE, and the Chinese government have repeatedly rejected the claims of espionage and national security threats. The Chinese government has said that ongoing sanctions are motivated by a protectionist desire to support non-Chinese rivals and hinder China’s technological advancement. 

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Apple Adds Yellow to the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus Color Options

The Apple iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus is now available in yellow. The new color option for the latest Apple iPhones 14 series provides more options for customers to choose from. This comes after it was leaked that Apple was adding yellow to the iPhone 14 colors. The rumor has now been confirmed by Apple.

iPhone 14 Plus

The iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus yellow colorway option is now orderable. It is coming as a mid-cycle update for the models released in September 2022. The mid-cycle color update for the iPhone 12 was purple in March 2021, while the iPhone 13/ iPhone 13 Pro got a green upgrade in 2022. There are now six color options for the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus offerings. Previous colors were Starlight, Midnight, Purple, Blue, and Red. Apple has continued to provide mid-cycle color upgrades for its iPhone models and this year was no different.

iPhone 14 Plus

Apple has left the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max color options unchanged. These colorways are Space Black, Silver, Gold, and Deep Purple. Interested iPhone fans could pre-order their yellow iPhone 14/ iPhone 14 Plus models from March 10 while shipping will commence on March 14. The iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 yellow option models are priced as the other colors. The iPhone 14 starts at $799 while the iPhone 14 Plus starts at $999.

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Sonos Era 300 and Era 100 Speakers With Immersive Audio Output Launched

Sonos has introduced the Era 300 and Era 100 speakers with significant improvements from their predecessors. The duo of new Sonos speakers offer a truly immersive listening experience.

Sonos Era 300

The Sonos Era 300 comes in an unconventional design as it discarded the traditional speaker shape. Its hourglass design is based on accentuating the audio experience. It delivers audio in a very pleasing and immersive manner, amplifying spatial audio. The internal configuration of the Sonos Era 300 consist of six speakers.

There are four tweeters for high and mid-range audio, while two woofers provide low-end output. The tweeters are directed in four different directions to help create a solid listening experience. The woofers are positioned on the left and right sides of the unit.

Sonos Era 300

The Sonos Era 100 comes with a compact design and a unique two-tweeter arrangement. The tweeters cover high and mid-range frequencies. A single woofer provides deep bass and accommodates the low frequencies.

Both the Era 300 and Era 100 speakers are factory tuned, but they can be pushed even further using the Sonos Trueplay app for an optimized audio experience. The Sonos Trueplay is available for Android and iOS devices and will allow customers to initiate a self tuning process for the speakers. You can also optimize the sound experience and customize the audio for the room.

Sonos Era 100

The Era 300 can be paired with the Sonos Arc or Beam, for an even more immersive surround-sound audio experience. The Era 100 can be used in pairs, or as rear channels when paired with a Sonos soundbar.t Both speakers will be available starting on March 28. The Era 300 will retail at $449 and the Era 100 will cost $249. Both speakers will be available directly from the Sonos website.

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Samsung Provides Visual Aid Solution to People with Low Vision

Technology continues to make our lives easier. Today, we use many different products and applications for many tasks. However, technology goes beyond this and is used to overcome obstacles. Samsung’s latest project Relumino proves this. The South Korean tech giant is distributing wearable glasses to the visually impaired. Here are the details…

Samsung Distributes Wearable Glasses to Visually Impaired

Samsung has taken a significant step towards making the world a more inclusive place by launching the distribution of its wearable glasses to the visually impaired. The initiative is part of the company’s Relumino project, which aims to provide a visual aid solution to people with low vision.

The Relumino device consists of a Relumino application, a smartphone image processing software, and a glass-type wearable device. It enhances object recognition for people with low vision by applying tactile senses, allowing users to easily operate their smartphones without having to look at the screen and view videos through a glass display.

Samsung has distributed 30 wearable glasses for free to the visually impaired at the Community Agency of Blind in Gyeonggi Province to verify the usability of Relumino Glass. The company has also conducted clinical trials jointly with Samsung Medical Center to ensure the user stability of Relumino.

The company claims that Relumino boasts outstanding performance and usability compared to existing products, based on a separate experience test by other visually impaired users. The Relumino project was launched in 2016 as a seven-year research project as part of Samsung Electronics’ in-house venture fostering program C-Lab.

Cho Jeong-hoon, a researcher at Samsung Electronics who initiated the Relumino project, said, “We started the research after survey results showed that 92 percent of the visually impaired people enjoy watching TV as leisure activity when their viewing access, in fact, is limited.”

Samsung Electronics developed the Relumino app using a virtual reality (VR) device in 2017 and a glass-concept device in 2018 after reflecting the needs of actual users. The company is currently working on further advancements to the Relumino technology, such as radio wave certification, clinical trials, and software verification.

The distribution of wearable glasses to the visually impaired by Samsung Electronics is a significant milestone towards making the world a more inclusive place. It will provide a visual aid solution to people with low vision and enhance their quality of life. The Relumino project is an excellent example of how technology can be used to create a positive impact on society, and it will be interesting to see how it develops in the future.

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New AI Technology from Microsoft Enables Easy App Creation without Coding Experience

Artificial intelligence technologies continue to spread, particularly ChatGPT developed by OpenAI is causing a storm on the internet. Many people use AI to write articles, books, and even scripts. Recently, a new one has been added to these usage areas. Microsoft will allow users to develop applications with little or no coding experience. Here are the details…

No need for coding experience? Microsoft combines ChatGPT-like AI with tools to make apps

Microsoft has recently integrated the AI technology behind ChatGPT with its popular Power Platform tool, enabling users to create applications with little or no coding experience. This new approach with generative AI technology will automate workflows, gather and analyze data, and create email campaigns. This move comes weeks after Microsoft integrated AI with its search engine Bing, indicating the company’s increasing focus on AI in its products.

Microsoft ai

With the integration of ChatGPT-like AI technology, Power Platform users can create applications with ease, incorporating artificial intelligence into their products. Power Virtual Agent, a tool for businesses to build chatbots, can now connect to internal company resources to generate summaries of weekly reports and customer queries.

Additionally, AI Builder, a tool that automates workflows, has been updated with generative AI. Microsoft has also launched a new version of its business management platform, Dynamics 365 Copilot, which integrates AI to automate certain tasks. According to Microsoft’s recent survey on business trends, nearly 9 out of 10 workers hope to use AI to reduce repetitive tasks in their jobs.

The company claims that with Dynamics 365 Copilot, organizations will give their workers AI tools built for sales, service, marketing, operations, and supply chain roles. Eventually, AI will allow everyone to spend more time on the best parts of their jobs and less time on mundane tasks, claims Microsoft.

microsoft AI

Microsoft’s Chief Executive, Satya Nadella, is set to host an event on March 16 to discuss “reinventing productivity with AI.” While the company has announced AI updates for its popular Windows operating system and search engine Bing, it has not yet done so for its Office productivity suite, which includes Word and Excel. However, with Microsoft’s focus on AI, it may not be long before we see AI updates in its Office productivity suite.

With AI automation, workers can spend more time on the best parts of their jobs and less time on mundane tasks. Microsoft’s focus on AI indicates that we can expect to see more AI updates in its products in the future, ultimately leading to increased productivity and efficiency.

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Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Receives Surprise Update Beyond Its Scheduled Support Period

Samsung has a history of releasing software updates to devices even after their scheduled support period ends, and the company has done so again with the Galaxy Note 9. The handset was released way back in 2018 and the Korean company officially ended its support late in 2022. However, it has received an unexpected update with the February 2023 security patch. Here are the details.

As reported by SamMobile, Galaxy Note 9 is getting a surprise in the form of an unexpected software update that bumps the security patch level to February 2023. The update does not bring any new features or notable changes. Although the update was released last month, it has only been rolled out to the United Kingdom and Ireland in the past week. It should also make it to other markets in the near future.

Galaxy Note 9

The update is rolling out with firmware version N960FXXSAFWB3 and folks residing in the UK and Ireland should be able to download the update directly to their device OTA by tapping the Download and install option in its Settings » Software update menu.

Samsung has not provided any information on the new features or bug fixes included in the latest firmware update for the Galaxy Note 9. Additionally, the last three months of security patches released by Samsung do not reference any updates specifically for the Galaxy Note 9, as noted by SamMobile.

Galaxy Note 9 was retired with Android 10, however, it continued receiving security updates till May 2022. It was launched back in August 2018 with a Super AMOLED display, a versatile dual-camera setup, a 4000mAh battery, and the S-Pen. The smartphone is powered by the Snapdragon 845 under the hood and 6GB RAM paired with 128GB Storage.

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Xiaomi’s Groundbreaking Solid-State Battery Tech: Doubling Your Phone’s Battery Life Safely

Smartphones have become an indispensable part of our lives. Today, we use these devices for everything from basic communication to financial transactions, which is why they are always within reach. However, regardless of the brand, the weakest and slowest developing part of our phones is undoubtedly the battery. Although manufacturers compensate for this situation with ever-increasing fast-charging technologies, it is not accurate to say that battery capacities have increased much in the last 10 years. Fortunately, Xiaomi has taken an important step to address this issue. Here are the details…

Prototype Xiaomi 13 unit offers 6,000 mAh battery with breakthrough solid-state battery technology

Xiaomi has once again set the bar high for the industry with the presentation of its latest solid-state battery technology. The company claims that its solid-state batteries provide a 33% increase in capacity relative to conventional lithium-ion batteries, with no safety concerns regarding puncture-related short circuits and fires. According to the company’s Weibo account, Xiaomi has achieved 1,000 Wh/L energy density with some of its prototype batteries, significantly higher than consumer-grade batteries currently available.

Battery

The technology would enable Xiaomi 13 to offer a 6,000 mAh capacity in the same package size as the 4,500 mAh capacity currently available on the market. The solid-state battery technology not only improves capacity but also has several advantages over conventional lithium-ion batteries.

Xiaomi claims that its solid-state batteries can provide up to 20% more power than lithium-ion batteries in extreme cold, such as -20 degrees Celsius. This is particularly important for users who live in cold climates and have experienced the frustration of their phone’s battery life plummeting in freezing temperatures.

In addition, Xiaomi’s solid-state battery technology is safer than conventional lithium-ion batteries, as it eliminates the risk of puncture-related short circuits and fires. This is a significant advantage for users who may have experienced battery-related safety concerns in the past. However, Xiaomi is not yet ready to mass-produce the solid-state batteries.

It may take several years for companies like Xiaomi to pivot their entire portfolio to solid-state batteries. Nonetheless, the announcement of Xiaomi’s breakthrough solid-state battery technology is significant and marks a significant step forward in the industry’s development of more efficient and safer battery technology.

Moreover, Xiaomi has already made impressive strides in battery technology, as demonstrated by its recently launched 300 W HyperCharge technology, which can recharge a 4,100 mAh battery in just 5 minutes, setting a new standard for fast charging. While it may take several years for companies to pivot their entire portfolio to solid-state batteries, Xiaomi has once again set the bar high and demonstrated its commitment to innovation and technological advancement.

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Honda Aims to Lower EV Prices, Here’s How

Honda CEO, Toshihiro Mibe, is betting on new battery technology to develop affordable electric versions of its smaller cars. However, before that happens, the Japanese automaker plans to sell larger and more expensive electric vehicles (EVs) to help absorb production costs. Honda is seeking to catch up with rivals who are leading the charge in the electric vehicle race, as the industry experiences a faster transition away from traditional cars and trucks. Here are the details…

Honda’s Plan to Develop Smaller EVs with Its Own Platform Starting in 2026

One of the biggest challenges faced by automakers in the EV industry is the high cost of batteries, which can make EVs 40% more expensive to produce than gas-powered cars. Honda is hoping that a different technology – solid-state batteries – will eventually help bring down these costs and make EVs more accessible.

Lithium-ion batteries, the current industry standard, use a liquid electrolyte to conduct electricity between the cathode and anode. In contrast, solid-state batteries replace that liquid with more stable materials like ceramics, reducing the size and cost of the battery pack. Honda has joined the race to develop solid-state batteries, although it arguably lags behind better-resourced peers like Toyota and Nissan. Other carmakers like General Motors and Ford also have solid-state ambitions.

However, Mibe is aware that getting solid-state technology ready for mass consumption could take several years, and figuring out when to ramp up production will be difficult. It will also take a significant investment to produce those batteries, so Honda needs to ensure that the market is prepared before pushing ahead.

The company is developing its own solid-state battery program, which the company has discussed with GM, and is working on another with Korean partner LG Energy Solution, a unit of LG Chem Ltd. Meanwhile, the company’s first EVs will be larger, more expensive SUVs, built using GM’s Ultium EV platform, with the Honda Prologue and Acura ZDX set to go on sale in 2024.

According to Sam Abuelsamid, an analyst at Guidehouse Insights, Honda needs to get more EVs to market to remain competitive in the US and Europe, as the market is rapidly getting to the point where you need a presence in multiple segments to stay competitive. Mibe is also aware of the challenges posed by the US market, where the charging network isn’t as robust as it needs to be for customers.

He believes that charging infrastructure is a country-level concern that Honda needs to think about as it moves toward achieving its goal of achieving 40% EV sales by 2030. Despite the challenges, Honda is committed to developing EVs and has teamed up with Sony to develop them. The company has also pledged to sell only electrified vehicles by 2040.

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Nothing Reportedly Begins Phone (2)’s Serial Production

Nothing’s first smartphone debuted in July last year with a design like no other and decent specifications. The Phone (1) has mostly been well-received by consumers and is widely considered to be a solid option in the mid-range category. The Nothing Phone (2) is also in development and its details have already started to appear. In the latest development, it has been revealed the handset has entered the serial production stage. Here are the details.

Reputed tipster Mukul Sharma claims Nothing has started the serial production of a new smartphone, likely the Nothing Phone (2). The brand is also producing a Lithium-ion battery with model number NT02. Sharma says the certification tests for both products are already being carried out.

Nothing-Phone-1

Nothing Phone (1) debuted late in July 2022 and we can expect its successor to arrive around the same time. Phone (2) is expected to bring several changes in the hardware department. It remains to be seen whether Nothing will make changes to the handset’s design as well. The brand claims to be challenging the status quo in the industry so we should be hopeful that it will deliver on its promise and bring some fresh innovation to the market.

Recently, a top Qualcomm exec revealed the processor that will power the upcoming Phone (2). He revealed the handset will be drawing power from last year’s Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 SoC. It is a high-end SoC from Qualcomm based on the 4nm process node. The chipset has an octa-core architecture with its Prime Core based on an ARM Cortex-X2 architecture clocked at up to 3.2 GHz.

Rumors claim the handset will pack a 5,000mAh battery and continue to flaunt a 120Hz AMOLED display. It could arrive with 12 GB of RAM, virtual RAM, and 256 GB of storage. More details should emerge soon. Stay tuned.

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Samsung Prepares Three New Galaxy Tab S9 Models, Including Waterproof Ultra

Samsung is known for its high-quality Android tablets, and it looks like the company is ready to take its game to the next level with the upcoming Galaxy Tab S9 series. According to recent reports, the new lineup will consist of three models, including the Galaxy Tab S9, Galaxy Tab S9+, and Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra. Here are the details…

Samsung readying three Galaxy Tab S9 models, including an Ultra

Specs about the upcoming Galaxy Tab S9 series are still unknown. However, we do know that they will come with an official IP rating for dust and water resistance. If that’s true, they will be the first waterproof flagship tablets from Samsung, which is a significant improvement from previous models.

Samsung Galaxy Tab

The addition of an Ultra model is not surprising, considering that Samsung has been using the Ultra branding for its most powerful devices. The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra will likely offer top-of-the-line features, although we don’t know what those features will be yet. All three models will be available in both Wi-Fi-only and cellular (5G) variants and come to the US.

The model numbers have also been revealed, with the base Galaxy Tab S9 identified as SM-X710 (Wi-Fi), SM-X716B (5G Global), and SM-X718U (5G US). The Galaxy Tab S9+ will bear the model numbers SM-X810 (Wi-Fi), SM-X816B (5G Global), and SM-X818U (5G US). The Ultra model will be identified as SM-X910 (Wi-Fi), SM-X916B (5G Global), and SM-X918U (5G US).

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9

While the Galaxy Tab S9 series is still months away, it is expected to be launched in the second half of this year alongside the fifth-gen foldables, the Galaxy Watch 6 series, and the Galaxy S23 FE. We can expect more leaks and details about the upcoming tablets in the coming months.

The addition of an IP rating is a much-needed improvement that will further cement Samsung’s status as the best maker of flagship Android tablets today. It remains to be seen what other features and improvements the company has in store for its upcoming Galaxy Tab S9 series, but one thing is certain – Samsung is ready to take on the competition and continue to deliver top-notch tablets to consumers.

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PS5 Indian Restock Is on March 10: Check Price & Availability Details

Sony has exciting news for gaming enthusiasts in India as they have announced another PS5 restocks scheduled for March 10th. This is great news for gamers eagerly awaiting the opportunity to purchase the console, as there have been more frequent restocks in the country lately. In fact, last month marked the first time that there were two PS5 restocks in India since the console’s launch in 2020, indicating that buying a PS5 is becoming more accessible.

Sony PlayStation 5

To pre-order a PS5 during the upcoming restock, online platforms such as ShopAtSC, Games The Shop, Amazon, Flipkart, Vijay Sales, Croma, and Reliance Digital will be available to purchase starting at 12 PM. It is advisable to log in to these websites a few minutes before the restock time to ensure a faster checkout process. However, it is important to note that PS5 stocks usually sell out within minutes.

If you miss out on purchasing a PS5 during this restock, fret not, as you can still check local retailers and electronics stores for availability or wait for the next restock, which may take place later this month or next.

Launched in 2020, the PS5 and PS5 Digital Edition both feature an octa-core processor based on Zen 2 architecture, running at 10.28 TFLOPS, and an AMD RDNA 2 GPU. The only difference between the two versions is that the standard edition has a Blu-Ray disc drive, while the Digital Edition does not. With 16GB GDDR6 RAM and 825GB internal storage, you also have the option to expand the PS5 storage using a compatible NVMe SSD.

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Philips EVNIA 8900 Monitor With a 4K OLED Screen, 138Hz Refresh Rate Launched

Philips has released a new monitor called the EVNIA 8900, which is now available on JD.com. The monitor boasts a range of impressive specifications that make it a great choice for gamers, movie lovers, and anyone who wants a high-quality viewing experience.

Philips EVNIA 8900 Monitor

The EVNIA 8900 Monitor utilizes a 42-inch 4K OLED screen with a 138Hz refresh rate which is well above the industry standard of 60Hz. This will provide users with smoother and more fluid visuals, especially when gaming. The OLED technology also allows for more accurate color reproduction and deeper blacks compared to traditional LCD screens, making the picture more vibrant and immersive.

Further, the display comes with a 1.5 million: 1 contrast ratio, which means that the difference between the darkest and brightest parts of the image will be much more pronounced. The monitor supports a 98.5% DCI-P3 color gamut and 10-bit color depth, which means that it can accurately reproduce a wide range of colors.

The Philips EVNIA 8900 also supports VRR adaptive synchronization technology, which reduces screen tearing and stuttering. This technology adjusts the refresh rate of the display to match the output of the graphics card, providing a smoother and more enjoyable gaming experience. The 0.1ms response time is also impressive, which means that there will be no noticeable lag or ghosting in fast-paced games or movies.

Philips EVNIA 8900 Monitor

In terms of connectivity, the monitor is equipped with HDMI 2.1, DP 1.4, and USB-C interfaces, which means that it can be connected to a range of devices. Additionally, it supports a 90W reverse power supply meaning that it can be used to charge other devices, such as laptops or smartphones.

The Philips EVNIA 8900 also features Ambiglow ambient light technology, which can change in sync with the rhythm of the music and the color of the picture. This feature creates an immersive viewing experience, especially when watching movies or playing games. It comes with two built-in 10W speakers, providing users with a decent sound quality without the need for external speakers.

The EVNIA 8900 monitor is presently on presale in China via Jingdong for 10,999 yuan (~$1580).

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Samsung Denies Rumors of Major Changes to Flagship Chipsets

Recent reports have suggested that Samsung has established a new team dedicated to the development of custom CPU cores for its in-house processors. However, Samsung has now confirmed that these reports are untrue, stating that it already has multiple internal teams responsible for CPU development and optimization, and has had them for a long time. Here are the details…

Samsung Optimizes In-House Processors without Establishing New CPU Development Team

The reports initially suggested that Samsung had hired a senior developer from AMD to lead the effort of developing custom CPU cores for its in-house processors, with the first chipset featuring custom cores expected to arrive in 2027. Samsung is reportedly developing specialized processors for its Galaxy devices after ditching its in-house Exynos processors due to poor performance.

Samsung CPU

While Samsung has confirmed that it is not establishing a new team for CPU development, it is constantly recruiting global talents from relevant fields to optimize its in-house processors. The idea behind developing custom CPU cores is to optimize the chipset for its devices from the development stage, allowing for deeper hardware-software integration, similar to Apple’s iPhones.

Samsung has previously developed custom CPU cores for its Exynos processors between 2016 and 2020. However, those chipsets underperformed against competing solutions from Qualcomm that used stock ARM cores. As a result, Samsung eventually decided to use Qualcomm’s Snapdragon processors in its flagship devices.

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Here’s How Much It Costs Google to Make the Pixel Watch

Last year, Google finally unveiled its first-ever smartwatch, Pixel Watch. The wearable offers consumers good value for money and competes with the likes of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 and the base Apple Watch Series 8. It can be purchased in the US and other markets for around $349 but have you ever wondered how much it costs Google to manufacture the Pixel Watch? Read on to find out.

Counterpoint Research’s latest bill of materials (BoM) analysis has revealed the manufacturing cost of the Pixel Watch is just a fraction of its market price. The report says it only costs Google $123 to make the Pixel Watch, however, this figure only includes the hardware costs and does not take into account other expenses that the company may have incurred, such as research and development costs or marketing expenses. These additional costs are essential to the overall success of the product.

Pixel-watch-BoM

The Pixel Watch uses the Samsung Exynos 9110 as its main chipset and the LTE transceiver and other paired components are also supplied by the Korean company, collectively accounting for around 20% of the total BoM cost. BOE supplies the smartwatch’s custom 1.2-inch-diameter OLED display, capturing over 14% of the total BoM cost.

As mentioned, the smartwatch retails for $349. It offers some impressive features and tight integration with the Android ecosystem. It packs a high-performance processor to make good use of the latest Wear OS 3.5 and also features a co-processor or MCU to optimize battery life. It is equipped with multiple sensors, including a 6-axis inertial sensor and a digital compass, an altimeter, an ambient light sensor (ALS), and a light encoder to enable the haptic crown.

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GPD Win 4 Gaming Handheld Goes on Sale in China Starting at 5,999 yuan ($864)

The GPD Win 4 gaming handheld has gone on sale in China. It had earlier been released on pre-sale and GPD expects more players to latch to the new offering. However, the price of the GPD Win 4 is higher than its pre-sale price.

GPD Win 4 Gaming Handheld

The GPD Win 4 Handheld WiFi Version offers RAM/ storage configurations ranging from 16GB/512GB to 32GB/2TB. The GPD Win 4 Handheld Back Clip 4G Version will be available in configurations between 16GB/512GB and 32GB/2TB also. In all, four options are available for both the WiFi and 4G versions of the gaming handheld.

The GPD Win 4 is equipped with an R7 6800U processor and adopts a slider design. It runs on the Windows 11 system and supports Steam OS. It uses a 6-inch eye protection screen with Corning Gorilla Glass and a 1080p resolution. It supports two refresh rates of 40 Hz and 60 Hz, as well as 368PPI. The two ends of the GPD Win 4 fuselage have an arc design with the force more dispersed when using it.

GPD Win 4 Gaming Handheld

The grip of the handheld has a protruding and ergonomic design. The optical finger mouse is designed to avoid repeatedly adjusting the handle/mouse switch during gaming.

The GPD Win 4 Handheld is equipped with a 6-axis gyroscope with support for playing somatosensory games. The joystick returns to the traditional dislocation layout and the rocker cap is split into a skirt and a cap for a firmer grip. The brightness can be adjusted or turned off with the backlight still on. The handheld can be connected to a monitor while the shoulder button adds a colorful lighting effect. In addition, the lighting effect can be switched between multiple modes to suit your gaming mood.

GPD Win 4 Gaming Handheld

The GPD Win 4 gaming handheld is available from Jingdong in China starting at 5,999 yuan (~$864) for the 16GB/512GB Wireless Version. The top model in the lineup is the 32GB/2TB Back Clip 4G Version which retails at 8,499 yuan (~$1,225).

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LG SC9S and SE6S Soundbars With Triple Sound Tech Launched in Selected Markets

LG has unveiled two new soundbars in the US, the UK, and the EU. The LG SC9S and SE6S soundbars feature Triple Sound technology as well as a triple up-firing speaker system. The LG SC9S and SE6S soundbars are designed for use with LG TVs.

LG

The new LG soundbars feature the world’s first triple up-firing speaker setup. The Triple Level Spatial Sound delivers a cinematic experience for users of the gadget. The Smart Up Mixer can convert two-channel audio to surround sound. The SC9S has a 3.1.3 channel architecture and it has a subwoofer while the SE6S outputs 3.0 channel sound.

The soundbars feature the WOW Orchestra which balances the sound between the soundbar and the TV’s speakers. The WOWCAST feature enables you to pair the soundbar to other devices wirelessly for a more immersive sound. Both models support Dolby Atmos and DTS:X technology while the high-end SC9S supports IMAX Enhanced for surround sound.

LG SOundbar

The AI Sound Pro helps to optimize gaming, music, movie, or sports audio output. The LG SC9S has a 400W output and measures 38.4 x 2.5 x 4.9 inches in dimension. The SE6S has a 100W output and measures 31.5 x 2.5 x 5.2 inches.

The LG SC9S soundbar retails in the US at $999.99 but is priced up to $1,200 in the UK and Germany. The SE6S is yet to be released in the US but is sold at about $600 in the UK. The LG SE6S will launch in Germany later this month and it is expected to spread to other markets in the EU.

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