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Standard iPhone 15 To Arrive Without ProMotion and Always-on Display

Apple introduced the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max models with LTPO displays that support ProMotion refresh rates ranging from 1Hz to 120Hz. The panel allows the two smartphones to offer always-on display (AOD) functionality as well. The Cupertino company limited these displays to the Pro models and it will likely stay that way for the upcoming iPhone 15 series.

As per a report, standard iPhone 15 units will not be equipped with an LPTO display, which should mean the devices will lack ProMotion support and an always-on display, just like their predecessors. The source says Apple has arranged to supply iPhone 15 display panels to domestic companies and will soon begin mass production. However, only the Pro Series will support LTPO 120 refresh rate, while the regular and Plus model will not.

Apple

An LTPO display will be required for iPhone 15 models to support AOD because it is the 1Hz refresh rate capability of the updated LPTO panels that allows the screen to stay always on without draining the battery a lot. AOD is a relatively new feature for Apple smartphones, with it being introduced only recently on the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max.

Previously, reputed display analyst Ross Young also claimed that all the models in the iPhone 15 series will support the dynamic island feature, however, the standard ones will lack the LTPO panels due to production scale constraints.

Vanilla iPhone 15 models may not get the latest LTPO panels but they could feature a more power-efficient OLED display driver chip manufactured based on a 28nm process. The current models use a chip based on a 40nm process. The 28nm chip in iPhone 15 models is expected to significantly reduce power consumption, which would lead to longer battery life.

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Boult Audio Curve ANC With 25dB ANC, 30-Hour Battery Life Launched In India

Boult Audio has expanded its range of neckband wireless earphones in India. The latest offering from the brand is called Curve ANC. As the name suggests, it packs active noise cancellation at an affordable price under Rs 1,500 segment. The audio device competes against other neckband wireless earphones from brands like boAt, Noise, Realme, and more in the market. Read on to know what it offers out of the box. 

The Boult Audio Curve ANC has a neckband-style design with inline control buttons. It is IPX5-rated water-resistant. The earbuds have a shark-fin design for a secure and comfortable fit. 

In terms of audio, the Boult Audio Curve ANC is equipped with a 12mm driver and BoomX-rich bass technology for superior sound. The earphones feature ANC up to 25dB. There is also ENC-enabled Zen mode for clear quality on calls. The audio device comes with 60ms ultra-low latency. The earphones support Siri and Google Assistant. 

The Boult Audio Curve ANC features Bluetooth 5.3 and blink-and-pair technology for easier and faster pairing. There is a dual-pairing option allowing users to connect multiple devices to the neckband at the same time. The Curve ANC is claimed to offer 30 hours of battery life with ANC enabled. It supports fast charging via a USB-C port. 

The Boult Audio carries a price tag of Rs 1,299 and is offered in Black and Green colours. The audio device can be purchased from Flipkart, Amazon, and the brand’s official website. 

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Redmi K60 Ultra Processor And Charging Details Tipped

Xiaomi sub-brand Redmi launched the K60 series smartphones in December last year. Now, details of a new device in the lineup i.e. the K60 Ultra have surfaced online. The Redmi K60 Ultra is expected to arrive as the successor to the last year’s K50 Ultra. 

Chinese tipster Digital Chat Station has shared some information about the Redmi K60 Ultra. In a Weibo post, he revealed that the device will arrive in the third quarter this year i.e. the period between July to September. As per the tipster, the device will feature an AMOLED display bearing a resolution of 1.5K pixels with support for a high refresh rate, probably 144Hz. It will be equipped with a metallic frame for a strong texture. 

DCS states that the Redmi K60 Ultra will reportedly be powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 9200 SoC under the hood. In comparison, the K60 Pro is equipped with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor. The battery capacity of the K60 Ultra is not known but the tipster adds that the device will support 100W fast charging. This is also a slight downgrade from the Redmi K50 Ultra which has a 120W charging speed. 

There is no additional information about the Redmi K60 Ultra at the moment. We are still in the first quarter of the year and there is still time till Q3. Hence, we expect more details about the smartphone to surface in the future. Redmi also has other products in the pipeline with the Redmi Note 12 Turbo expected to debut in China later this month. 

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Xiaomi Mi 11, Mi 11 Ultra Start Receiving MIUI 14 Update Outside China

Just a few days back, Xiaomi debuted the Xiaomi 13 series for international markets. At the same event, the company also unveiled MIUI 14.

However, the company has been rolling out its fresh mobile software outside mainland China for weeks. The latest handsets to receive the update are Mi 11 and Mi 11 Ultra.

Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra
Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra (Review)

According to Xiaomiui, Xiaomi has started pushing MIUI 14 update for Mi 11 and Mi 11 Ultra in international markets. The Android 13-based system update is currently limited to the ‘Global’ variant of these handsets.

The OTA software update bears build numbers V14.0.1.0.TKBMIXM and V14.0.1.0.TKAMIXM for Mi 11 and Mi 11 Ultra, respectively. These builds bring along February 2023 security patches.

Unsurprisingly, the update is only available for Mi Pilot testers initially. If there are no major bugs, it will be made available for a select few general public users as part of the ‘Stable Beta’ rollout.

The update should be available for all users within a month. Until then, users can head over to Settings on a regular basis to check whether their unit has been blessed with the update.

Android 13 is the second Android update for these smartphones since they debuted with Android 11. Similarly, MIUI 14 is also their second MIUI update as they were released with MIUI 12.

Both these devices may receive one more Android update next year. It will be most likely their last major system update.

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Apple Dominates Top 10 Best-Selling Smartphones Globally In 2022 By Capturing Eight Spots

As per Counterpoint Research, 2022 was a great year for Apple. The Cupertino-based tech giant dominated the top ten best-selling smartphone list. Eight iPhone models made it to the list, an excellent achievement making Apple the first-ever brand to capture eight spots out of ten.

As per the data, iPhone 13 was the most sought-after device registering 5 percent of the total smartphone sales around the globe and 28 percent of all iPhone sales. It was the best-selling phone in the US, UK, China, Germany, and France between September 2021 (after its launch) and August 2022. Price cuts of the iPhone 13 after the launch of the iPhone 14 further drove the device’s sales in developing markets. The iPhone 13 Pro bagged the second spot with a 2.6 percent share in 2022. 

The iPhone 14 Pro Max came in the third position and this is the first time, the Pro Max variant clocked more volumes than the regular and Pro variants. Significant upgrades are cited to be the main reason behind the success of the iPhone 14 Pro Max. The iPhone 13 Pro Max ranked fifth with a 1.6 percent share. Surprisingly, the iPhone 12 launched way back in 2020 was the sixth best-selling smartphone with a 1.5 percent share. It also outsold the iPhone 14 and 14 Pro which are in seventh and eighth position respectively. The iPhone SE 2022 came ninth in the list with a 1.1 percent share. 

The Samsung Galaxy A13 was the fourth best-selling phone last year with a 1.6 percent share while the Galaxy A03 completed the list of top ten. 

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WhatsApp Beta Tests Split View on Android Tablets

WhatsApp has apparently began testing a brand new feature for the tablets that run on the Android operating system. The company’s latest beta is testing a new Split View feature. So here are all the details.

According to a new WaBetaInfo report, the popular messaging platform has just released a new update for the Android beta app that is currently available on the Google Play Store. So this feature has now made it into the beta program. The version in question is the Android WhatsApp version 2.22.21.6. This build of the chatting application was released back in September 2022 and was compatible with tablets but wasn’t optimized for these larger screen devices.

WhatsApp

The new feature will basically be major news for tablet users since it will seek to optimize the user interface entirely for these larger devices. Thanks to this feature, users will basically be able to view and use two different sections of the app at the same time side by side. In other words, one can fully utilize the entire display of their Android tablets. It adds functionality while also optimizing the overall experience.

Previously, users had to open a chat on the tablet version of WhatsApp, which would take up the entire screen and would have to hit return to see other chats. But now, the new redesign of the interface will let users seamlessly switch to other chats, since the chat list can be found on the other side. Unfortunately, it is still unclear when this feature will finally be rolling out for the stable build. So stick around for more updates.

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Nubia Launches Smart AR Neovision Glass in China for 2999 Yuan ($432)

Nubia, a subsidiary of ZTE, has launched its new AR smart glass, the nubia Neovision Glass alongside its flagship smartphone nubia Z50 Ultra in China. The smart glass has been designed to cater to the growing demand for 5G+XR technology.

The nubia Neovision Glass is equipped with a lightweight and fashionable design, with a net weight of only 79g. It supports 0-500° myopic adjustment, making it convenient for users who don’t wear glasses. Moreover, it can be connected to a wide range of end devices such as mobile phones, tablets, laptops, game consoles, and drones.

nubia Neovision Glass – AR Smart Glasses

One of the standout features of the nubia Neovision Glass is its Hi-Res Audio Quality certification and TÜVRheinlan certification, which provides users with the highest possible visual and audio quality.

With the nubia Neovision Glass, users will be exposed to a large ultra-clear 120″ screen that can be projected in real-time from the phone screen. The AR smart glasses come equipped with a Micro-OLED screen with a PPI of 3500, a binocular HD resolution of 1080P, a maximum brightness of 1800 nits, and a field of view of 43 degrees.

nubia Neovision Glass – AR Smart Glasses

The eyewear also comes equipped with dual omnidirectional speakers and a cyclonic sound tank, which delivers a lossless sound quality with a sampling rate of more than 44.1kHz and a bit depth of more than 16 bits.

The nubia Neovision Glass promises to provide users with a more immersive experience with better sound effects. Additionally, users can share their private spaces exclusively, and the virtual large screen can be applied to a variety of scenarios, including personal mobile theatre, mobile gaming center, efficient office assistant, and other rich application scenarios.

The nubia Neovision Glass is plug-and-play, and phones without a DP port can be connected and used via a standard projection box. nubia Neovision Glass is priced at 2999 yuan ($432) and will go on sale in April in China.

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iQOO Z7 5G Back Panel Design Revealed Officially

iQOO Z7 5G is expected to launch soon in India. The brand has been teasing the upcoming offering for the last few days. Earlier today, we got a look at the smartphone’s front panel. Now an official image reveals the design of the device’s back panel. 

As per the latest official teaser, the iQOO Z7 5G has a slightly boxy form factor with the power and volume rocker buttons located on the right side. There is a rectangular camera module on the back panel with two sensors and an LED flash. The upcoming smartphone will be available in Black and Blue colours. 

On the front, the iQOO Z7 5G is confirmed to come with a waterdrop notch display and a thick chin. The smartphone will also pack support for optical image stabilisation (OIS). iQOO India CEO shared the AnTuTu benchmark score of the upcoming Z7 5G without mentioning the processor. The result revealed that it scored 4,80,000+ points and managed to beat the Snapdragon 695 SoC. 

Apart from the aforementioned details, the key specifications of the iQOO Z7 remain under wraps. The upcoming offering will arrive as the successor to the iQOO Z6. The iQOO Z7 5G will reportedly be powered by a Dimensity 920 processor. It is expected to feature an AMOLED display. 

The iQOO Z7 5G is tipped to launch in India on March 21st. There is also expected to be a Pro variant of Z7 5G, however, it may arrive sometime in the future and not alongside the regular model.

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Redmi 12C Indonesia Launch Date Set for March 9

The Redmi 12C went official in China at the end of December. Since then, there have been multiple reports regarding this budget smartphone’s international launch.

Two months later, we now finally know when the device will be released outside mainland China. Let’s go through the new details.

Redmi 12C
Redmi 12C

The Redmi 12C is scheduled to launch in Indonesia on March 9. It looks like the phone may also debut in other regions on the same day.

For instance, the handset was prematurely listed on Amazon Brazil with the price tag for a while. In this country, the smartphone will retail at 1058.99 Brazillian Real ($205) for 4GB RAM and 128GB storage.

As far as the features are concerned, the Redmi 12C is expected to arrive with the same set of specs in international markets, as it does in China. Only the pricing will vary across countries.

The device is built around a 6.71-inch HD+ display (LCD) with a dewdrop notch. It is powered by a MediaTek Helio G85 SoC and boots MIUI 13 based on Android 12.

It comes with a 50MP rear camera and a 5MP selfie camera. It not only offers a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor but also a 3.5mm headphone jack and a dedicated MicroSD card slot.

Finally, the handset is backed by a 5,000mAh battery and charges via a MicroUSB port.

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Vivo Y11 (2023) Specs & Global Launch Timeline Leaked

Vivo is apparently gearing up to launch a new 2023 edition of one of its existing mid range smartphone model. The device in question is the Vivo Y11 (2023), and prior to its release, a new leak has revealed key specs and its possible launch timeline. So here are all the details.

The news arrives from known tipster Paras Guglani who shared the information with PriceBaba. As per the new report, the Y11 (2023) is a budget smartphone model that sports a 6.5 inch LCD panel that has a Full HD+ resolution. The device will also be equipped with a MediaTek chipset, over the Snapdragon processor that powered its predecessor. For those unaware, the 2019 edition of the Y11 was launched with the Snapdragon 439 SoC.

Vivo
Vivo Y11 (2019)

Apart from the new MediaTek chip, the device will feature 4GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage. The device will also support memory expansion that enables up to 4GB of virtual RAM. Furthermore, the Y11 (2023) will run on Android 13 OS out of the box and will be powered by a large 5,000mAh battery pack that supports 18W fast charging. Being a budget model, the device will also feature a 3.5mm headphone jack.

On the back, the device will have a polycarbonate chassis and come in two or three color options. The Vivo Y11 (2023) is expected to launch by the end of this month in China. Additionally, its global release will be followed in April. Unfortunately, there is currently no information regarding the price of this handset. Although it will likely be priced under 100 Yuan (roughly 145 US Dollars).

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Huawei MatePad Paper Receives Update with Enhanced E-Reader and Note-Taking Capabilities

Huawei has recently launched a new update for its MatePad Paper Ink Tablet, which includes an exciting e-reader app that has been developed in partnership with Palm Reading. This new app promises to provide users with the best e-book reading experience possible on the MatePad Paper tablet.

Apart from the e-reader app, the update also enhances the tablet’s note-taking feature significantly. This includes split-screen note-taking ability, making it easier for users to make changes to their notes by simply double-clicking the eraser to switch the stylus. Additionally, users can make handwritten annotations right on the PDF, and the update also introduces the ability to copy and paste across notes for enhanced convenience.

HUAWEI MatePad Paper

The update also introduces a new AI feature that categorizes folders and the e-book library, making it easier for users to find the e-books they want. Moreover, the e-note automatically switches between horizontal and vertical orientation depending on the way the e-note is being held and operated.

Furthermore, the e-reader app can now open e-books of up to 2 GB in size, and the search feature has been optimized to make searching for e-books more accurate and easier. Users can also jump to a particular page, and Huawei has ensured the overall stability of notes gets a boost with this update. The note sync status also gets shown, so users know how much has been synced and how much is still left. Moreover, users can customize the icons as well.

Although the update currently only applies to the MatePad Paper E Ink Tablet sold in mainland China, users worldwide can expect a wider rollout soon.

Huawei MatePad Paper Specifications

HUAWEI MatePad Paper

With a 10.3-inch E-Ink display, hexa-core processor, 4GB RAM, and 64GB internal storage, MatePad Paper E Ink Tablet is perfect for those who require both portability and performance. The MatePad Paper also features Wi-Fi 6 with 2 x 2 MIMO, Bluetooth 5.2, OTG, Type-C, USB 2.0, wireless screen projection, and several sensors including a fingerprint sensor.

The tablet also has dual speakers, 4 microphones, and Huawei Histen 7.0 sound effect for an immersive audio experience. Powered by HarmonyOS 2.1, the MatePad Paper has a sleek design, measuring just 6.65mm in depth and weighing only 360g. The second-generation Huawei M-Pencil has 26ms latency and 4096 levels of pressure sensitivity, making it perfect for note-taking and drawing. The tablet also features a 3625mAh battery with 22.5W fast charging support, offering 8 hours of use with just 10 minutes of charging and up to 6 days of power with a full hour of charging.

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OnePlus Nord 2 Enters Android 13 Based OxygenOS 13 Open Beta Phase in India

OnePlus is working hard on bringing all of its eligible devices up to spec with the latest Android version, and so, the brand has commenced the OxygenOS 13 Open Beta testing program of the OnePlus Nord 2. It is worth noting that the Nord 2 launched with Android 11 onboard, so Android 13 will be the second major software update for the smartphone.

OnePlus

OnePlus has made a formal announcement for the OnePlus Nord 2 OxygenOS 13 Open Beta program on their community forum. The company is inviting 5000 users of the OnePlus Nord 2 from India to participate in the Android 13 Open Beta program. Let’s examine the application process and changelog for the OnePlus Nord 2 OxygenOS 13 Open Beta update.

If you own a OnePlus Nord 2 with firmware version DN2101_11.C.12 or DN2101_11.C.13, you can apply for the OxygenOS 13 Open Beta program. To apply, go to Settings > About device > Tap “up to date” > Tap the icon on the top right > Beta program > Beta > Fill in your details > Apply Now. OnePlus is seeking 5000 users to participate in the program, so if you’re interested, apply by March 8th.

Changelog

Aquamorphic Design
• Adds Aquamorphic Design theme colors for enhanced visual comfort.

• Applies the Aquamorphic Design philosophy to animations to make them natural and vivid.
• Adds Shadow-Reflective Clock, with shadow simulating the orientation of the sun and moon.
• Adds a Home screen world clock widget to show the time in different time zones.
• Upgrades to Quantum Animation Engine 4.0, with a new behavior recognition feature, which recognizes complex gestures and provides optimized interactions.
• Optimizes UI layers for a clearer and neater visual experience.
• Applies real-world physical motions to animations to make them look more natural and intuitive.
• Adapts responsive layouts to accommodate different screen sizes to improve readability.
• Optimizes the widget design to make information easier and quicker to find.
• Optimizes fonts for better readability.
• Optimizes system icons by using the latest color scheme to make the icons easier to recognize.
• Enriches and optimizes illustrations for features by incorporating multicultural and inclusive elements.

Efficiency
• Adds large folders to the Home screen. You can now open an app in an enlarged folder with just one tap and turn pages in the folder with a swipe.

• Adds media playback control, and optimizes the Quick Settings experience.
• Adds more markup tools for screenshot editing.
• Adds support for adding widgets to the Home screen, making information display more personalized.
• Adds Sidebar Toolbox. You can open a floating window inside apps for smooth operation.
• Optimizes Shelf. Swiping down on the Home screen will bring up Shelf by default. You can search content online and on your device.

Seamless interconnection
• Optimizes Screencast, with cast content automatically adapting to the target screen.

• Optimizes earphone connectivity to deliver a more seamless experience.

Personalization
• Optimizes Bitmoji to offer more Always-On Display animations.

• Optimizes Insight Always-On Display, with more personalized Always-On Display settings available.
• Optimizes Portrait Silhouette Always-On Display, with more drawing tools and line colors available.

Security & Privacy
• Adds an automatic pixelation feature for chat screenshots. The system can identify and automatically pixelate profile pictures and display names in a chat screenshot to protect your privacy.

• Adds regular clearing of clipboard data for privacy protection.
• Optimizes Private Safe. The Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) is used to encrypt all files for enhanced security of private files.

Health & Digital wellbeing
• Adds Eye comfort in Kid Space to protect children’s vision.

Performance optimization
• Adds Dynamic Computing Engine to improve the system speed, stability, battery life, and app experience.

Gaming experience
• Upgrades to HyperBoost GPA 4.0 to stabilize the frame rate and balance the performance and power consumption in key scenarios.

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OnePlus Launches 100W Dual Port Super Flash Charger in New Green Pine Color

Earlier today (7th March 2023), OnePlus launched a number of new products like the Ace 2V smartphones and even the new Buds Pro 2 Lite truly wireless earbuds. But apart from these major announcements, the company also announced a couple of accessories. So let’s have a look.

Among the new announcements, the Chinese smartphone maker also launched the 100W Dual Port Super Flash Charger in a new color option. For those unaware, the accessory was first announced for the Chinese market back in January 2023. But now, the brand has released the new charger in a Green Pine color option. As the names suggests, it features a dual port charging design, with a USB Type C port that supports up to 100W SuperVOOC and 65W PD fast charging and a regular USB port for up to 100W SuperVOOC charging.

OnePlus

The new accessory can also charge up to two devices at the same time with both ports outputting 50W SuperVOOC charging or 50W SuperVOOC from the USB and 45W PD charging from the USB Type C port simultaneously. Thanks to its support for multiple mainstream charging protocol support, it can charge not just smartphones but even new laptops, tablets, smartwatches, earphones, and more. The OnePlus 100W Dual Port Flash Charger in new Green Pine color option has just been launched in China for a price tag of just 259 Yuan (roughly 37 US Dollars).

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OnePlus Buds Pro 2 Lite Launched in China with Dynaudio & Dual Drivers

Just around a week ago, OnePlus had teased that it will be launching the new Buds Pro 2 Lite in its home market of China. Now, the company has officially unveiled its latest truly wireless earbuds models. So here are all the details.

For those unaware, the Buds Pro 2 Lite is basically a slightly cut down version of the Buds Pro 2. The earbuds was first introduced in India alongside the Buds Pro 2 and were dubbed the Buds Pro 2R in the overseas market. But in China, the hearables will sell as Buds Pro 2 Lite. Talking about its design, the earphones feature an identical aesthetic with a dual tone design. The earbuds also retain the glossy stem and a matte finish as well. Notably, the new earbuds are also being tuned by renowned German composer Hans Zimmer.

OnePlus

The only notable difference between the Buds Pro 2 and Buds Pro 2 Lite (apart from its pricing) was the lack of wireless charging and head tracking feature on the latter. Although, the Buds Pro 2 Lite still features Spatial audio for 3D audio effects. Other notable features include, dual driver setup with an 11mm and 6mm drivers, adaptive active noise cancellation up to 48dB, transparency mode, LHDC 5.0 audio codec, and 54ms low latency mode for gaming.

OnePlus Buds Pro 2 Lite features Bluetooth 5.2 and can last for up to 39 hours with the charging case. The earbuds alone offer up to 9 hours of battery life, which drops to 6 hours with ANC enabled. The Buds Pro 2 Lite will go on sale starting from 13th March 2023 for a price tag of 799 Yuan, although the pre-orders price is set at 749 Yuan. It will also be available in two color options, namely white and black.

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Haptics Org, Immersion, Files Lawsuits Against Xiaomi in India, France & Germany

Immersion Corporation is a well-known company that is innovating in the field of touch feedback technology (also known as haptics). By providing technology solutions for mobile, automotive, gaming, and consumer electronics, Immersion is accelerating and scaling haptic experiences to create immersive and realistic interactions that engage users’ sense of touch. Recently, Immersion announced that it has taken legal action against several companies of the Xiaomi-Group in Germany, France, and India.

Xiaomi

The legal action pertains to infringing on their patents that cover various uses of haptic effects in connection with smartphones. The company has filed complaints against Xiaomi-Group companies and their agents in the Düsseldorf Regional Court in Germany, the Tribunal judiciaire de Paris (Paris First Instance Civil Court) in France, and the High Court of Delhi in India.

Eric Singer, CEO of Immersion, expressed his pride in the company’s almost 30-year history of inventing innovative haptic technologies that allow people to engage with products and experience the digital world around them. Haptics is a crucial aspect of creating an immersive user experience in smartphones, and Immersion’s intellectual property is relevant to many of the most important ways in which haptic technology is and can be deployed.

While Immersion is pleased to see that Xiaomi has embraced the value of haptics and adopted their technology in smartphones, the company is taking steps to protect its business against the infringement of its intellectual property, which it has invested heavily in over decades of its history.

The complaints against Xiaomi assert the infringement of various patents, including the German and French parts of EP 2 463 752 B1, titled “Haptisches Feedback-System mit gespeicherten Effekten” and “Système de rendu haptique avec stockage d’effets,” respectively, and IN 304 396 (India) titled “Haptic Feedback System With Stored Effects.”

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Nubia Z50 Ultra Launched with Notch-less 120Hz AMOLED display, Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, 64MP Triple Cameras

In December 2022, Nubia unveiled the Nubia Z50 with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset onboard. The device came equipped with other attractive features, including a marvellous curved-edge display, 64-megapixel dual cameras, and a 5,000mAh battery. The ZTE sub-brand has now unveiled the Nubia Z50 Ultra as its second Snapdragon 8 Gen 2-powered phone. Being an “Ultra” model, it offers enhanced specs over the Z50. The USP of the device is that it comes equipped with a notch-less AMOLED display with ultra-thin bezels.

Nubia Z50 Ultra specifications and features

The Nubia Z50 Ultra measures 163.9 x 76.3 x 8.3mm and weighs 228 grams. It houses a 6.8-inch OLED display, which offers a full experience as there is no notch or punch-hole on it. The screen offers a Full HD+ resolution of 2480 x 1116 pixels, a refresh rate of 120Hz, a touch sampling rate of 960Hz, a 1440Hz PWM dimming, a peak brightness of 1500 nits, 10-bit colors, and a 100 percent DCI-P3 color gamut.

Nubia Z50 Ultra dislay

The Z50 Ultra is equipped with a custom-made 16-megapixel OmniVision OV16E1Q under-display camera with a 2.24μm super large pixel size. The company said that the light transmittance has increased by 30 precent. This allows the Z50 Ultra to capture better selfie shots than before. In addition, the AI super-sensing engine and image super-transparency enhancement technology assist in increasing screen transparency by 50 percent for video calls.

Moving to the rear camera department, it features a 35mm 64-megapixel Sony IMX787 main camera with OIS support, an 85mm 64-megapixel periscope zoom camera with OIS support, and a 50-megapixel ultra-wide camera, which doubles up as a macro camera. The rear cameras are assisted by a ring LED flash and multi-channel spectral sensors.

Nubia Z50 Ultra
Nubia Z50 Ultra

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset is present under the hood of the Nubia Z50 Ultra. It comes with up to 16 GB of LPDDR5x RAM and up to 1 TB of UFS 4.0 storage. It packs a 5,000mAh battery with 80W fast charging support. In addition, the device offers other features, including a 4212mm2 large vapor chamber liquid cooling system, a dual SIM card slot, 5G, Wi-Fi 802.11ax, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, an IR blaster, an X-axis linear motor, and a USB-C port.

The device comes preloaded with MyOS 13-based on Android 13 OS, which has only eight apps that cannot be uninstalled. Lastly, it is the first Z-series phone from Nubia to feature a physical slider, which can be used to mute alerts, take photos, and turn on/off gaming mode.

Nubia Z50 Ultra price, availability

The Nubia Z50 Ultra has arrived in multiple variants in China such as:

  • 8 GB RAM + 256 GB storage – 3,999 Yuan (~$577)
  • 12 GB RAM + 256 GB storage – 4,299 Yuan (~$620)
  • 12 GB RAM + 512 GB storage – 4,699 Yuan (~$678)
  • 16 GB RAM + 1 TB storage – 5,999 Yuan (~$866)

The special Nubia Z50 Ultra Starry Night Collector’s Edition, which comes with 12 GB of RAM and 512 GB of storage, is priced at 4,999 Yuan (~$721). It comes in blue, and the design of the special edition phone is inspired by Vincent van Gogh’s “Starry Night.” The regular Z50 Ultra comes in black and grey colours.

All the variants of the Z50 Ultra are available for pre-order in China starting today. Its first sale will start at 10 am (local time) on March 14.

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Apple iPhone 15 Pro Leak Reveals Thin Bezels Around the Display

Apple is still months away from launching its next generation of iPhones. However, prior to any official announcement, a new leak has revealed the front glass panel for the upcoming iPhone 15 Pro. So let’s have a look.

A pair of new video are being shared on popular Chinese social media platform like Bilibili and Douyin. These devices showcase the front glass panels for the iPhone 15 Pro models. A previous rumor had hinted at the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max model featuring thinner bezels around the display over its predecessors. And now, these leaked videos also showcase a similar design change.

Apple

On the other hand, it appears that the base iPhone 15 and the new iPhone 15 Plus bezels will not see any changes. Although, the bezels on all four models are expected to get slightly curved around the edges, which is more reminiscent to the older iPhone 11 series. Furthermore, the videos show that the Dynamic Island feature will now be included on all four models and not just the higher end Pro models in the series.

According to ShrimpApplePro, the front glass panels on in the leaked videos are actual authentic parts for the iPhone 15 series. So, we can expect to see thinner bezels around the display, which could have the screen appear more similar to the Apple Watch Series 7 and Watch Series 8 in terms of display. Other notable changes in the iPhone 15 Pro models include, solid state buttons and a new titanium frame over stainless steel.

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Realme C55 launched with Helio G88 SoC, FHD+ 90Hz Display & Mini Capsule Notification

After multiple teasers and leaks, the Realme C55 has finally made its debut. The device launched in Indonesia earlier today and is expected to come to other global markets soon. Let’s take a look at its design, features, and pricing.

Realme

Realme C55 features & specs

Talking about the design, the Realme C55 looks similar to the Realme 10 4G with some alterations. First, two separate camera islands are a bit bigger in size and the front has a centered punch hole for the front camera. The device has flat edges made out of metal, and the power button incorporates a fingerprint scanner.

Realme

The bottom of the device has a USB Type-C port, a speaker grille, and a 3.5mm audio jack. The display measures 6.52-inch and it is an IPS LCD panel with Full HD+ resolution, 680 nits peak brightness, and a 90Hz refresh rate. Overall, the bezels are quite thin for the price range.

Under the hood, the smartphone features an octa-core MediaTek Helio G88 processor and 6GB of LPDDR4X RAM, ensuring smooth and efficient performance. The chipset is paired with up to 256GB of emmc 5.1 storage and 6GB of LPDDR4X RAM.  The smartphone also offers a dedicated micro-SD card slot for storage expansion.

Realme

The Realme C55 also features an impressive dual-rear camera setup, with a 64MP primary shooter and a 2MP auxiliary sensor. On the front, there is an 8MP camera for capturing stunning selfies and making crystal-clear video calls. Running on Realme UI 4.0 based on the latest Android 13, this smartphone promises to offer a seamless user experience. Realme has also included the Mini Capsule with this device. This is essentially an extension of the notification bar and is quite similar to Apple’s dynamic island.

Powering the Realme C55 is a robust 5000mAh battery with 33W SuperVOOC fast charging support, providing long hours of uninterrupted usage. Other noteworthy features include a dedicated micro-SD card slot, a 3.5mm audio jack, and a USB 2.0 Type-C port for charging.

Measuring just 7.89mm in thickness, the Realme C55 is sleek and compact, making it easy to carry around. It is available in two color options – Rainy Night and Sun Shower.

Pricing & availability

Realme is offering two configuration options for the Realme C55 – one with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, and another with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. The 6GB + 128GB version of the Realme C55 is priced at Rp 2,499,000 (~$163), while the 8GB + 256GB version will cost Rp 2,999,000 (~195). Starting March 8, the Realme C55 will be available for purchase in Indonesia.

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OnePlus Ace 2V Launched: Dimensity 9000 SoC, Metal Frame, Alert Slider, and More

After teasing for days, OnePlus has finally launched the OnePlus Ace 2V in China. Though the device is touted as a toned-down variant of the regular OnePlus Ace 2, it does not look like one.

That’s because the Ace 2V features a different design. However, its specs make it belong to the same family as the Ace 2.

Most importantly, It is the first Ace V series smartphone from OnePlus. At present, it is not known whether the brand will continue releasing successors down the line.

But for now, let’s check out what the first model in the lineup has to offer.

OnePlus Ace 2V

OnePlus Ace 2V Specifications

The OnePlus Ace 2V arrives with a glass sandwich design with a flat frame. Thus, it does not sport a curved display, like OnePlus Ace (OnePlus 11R) and OnePlus 11 but retains the iconic alert slider.

However, unlike the Ace 2 which has a plastic frame, the frame on the Ace 2V is made of metal. Also, the camera layout is different. The device measures 8.15mm in thickness and weighs about 191.5g.

All in all, the phone seems to be a successor of the OnePlus Nord 2T, which it actually is. It is expected to release outside mainland China as OnePlus Nord 3 in the coming months.

As far as specs are concerned, the OnePlus Ace 2V is built around a 6.74-inch flat OLED display with a centered punch-hole. The 10-bit screen offers a resolution of 2772 x 1240 pixels, a 120Hz refresh rate, a 1450 nits peak brightness level., and HDR10+ support.

The handset is powered by a MediaTek Dimesnity 9000 SoC. This chipset is paired with LPDDR5x RAM and UFS 3.1 storage. It boots ColorOS 13 based on Android 13.

On the rear, the phone houses a triple camera system comprising an OIS-assisted 64MP primary sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide unit, and a 2MP macro snapper. On the front, it has a 16MP shooter.

Other features of the smartphone include dual stereo speakers, an in-screen fingerprint sensor, dual SIM, 5G, WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, GNSS,  NFC, and USB 2.0 (Type-C).

Finally, the handset draws energy from a 5,000mAh battery and carries support for 80W charging.

OnePlus Ace 2V Price and Availability

The OnePlus Ace 2V will retail at the following price tags in China.

  • 12GB + 256GB – ¥2,299 (~$330)
  • 16GB + 256GB – ¥2,499 (~$360)
  • 16GB + 512GB – ¥2,799 (~$400)

It can be availed in either green or black color options.

Pre-orders for the handset will open at 4 PM CST today. It will be available for purchase from 10 AM CST on March 13.

The device is expected to launch in global markets as OnePlus Nord 3 in July.

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Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Gets New Software Update – Improves Stability

Samsung has released a new software update for its Galaxy Buds 2 wireless earbuds. The update focuses on improving stability, bug fixes, and reliability, and can be downloaded over mobile networks due to its small size of 3.01MB.

The firmware version R177XXUOAWB1 is available globally, and the update can be installed by opening the Galaxy Wearable app on your Android device and navigating to Earbuds settings > Earbuds software update.

While the update doesn’t introduce any new features, it’s essential for the optimal performance of the earbuds. Samsung is rumored to release the highly anticipated Galaxy Buds 3 later this year as the successor to the Galaxy Buds 2.

Samsung Galaxy Buds2

Galaxy Buds 2 comes with a host of impressive features, including dynamic two-way speakers that deliver crisp, clear high notes and deep bass. The Active Noise Cancellation feature helps block unwanted sound, while three adjustable Ambient Sound levels enable you to stay aware of your surroundings.

For calls, the Galaxy Buds2 features a machine learning-based solution that filters out distracting background noise. The earbuds have an iconic curved shape and come with an ‘Earbud fit test’ in the Galaxy Wearable app to ensure a perfect fit for your ears.

Each earbud has a 61 mAh battery that provides 5 hours of music playback with ANC turned on and 7.5 hours with ANC turned off. The charging case can further extend the battery life to a maximum of 29 hours with ANC turned off. Additionally, the Galaxy Buds2 supports fast charging, providing 1 hour of playback with just 5 minutes of charging time.

The Galaxy Buds2 comes with Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity and supports AAC, SBC, and Scalable (Samsung proprietary) codecs. It also features a range of sensors, including an accelerometer, gyro, proximity, hall, touch, and voice pickup unit (VPU). The earbuds are IPX2 splash-resistant and weigh just 5g each. The charging case measures 50x 27.8x 50.2mm and weighs 41.2g.

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(Via)