Nintendo Takes Mario Kart 8 & Splatoon Offline Because of Security Exploit

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Mar 4, 2023

Nintendo has announced that it has taken Mario Kart 8 and Splatoon offline due to security issues. The company posted a message on its website stating that urgent maintenance was required to fix a vulnerability related to online play. Nintendo has not yet provided an estimated time for when the network services will be restored. The company apologizes for any inconvenience caused by this situation.

According to Dataminer OatmealDome, the issue is “almost certainly” due to ENLBufferPwn. This exploit could allow an attacker to take control of a victim’s system by simply being matched with them in an online multiplayer game. It was previously found to be a problem in Mario Kart 7 on the 3DS and several other Switch games, including Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Nintendo Switch Sports, Splatoon 2 and 3. However, Nintendo has already patched those titles to protect them against the exploit.

A video posted by YouTuber PabloMK7 showed ENLBufferPwn in action on Mario Kart 7. It allowed custom firmware to be inserted onto the targeted console, and it could have potentially been used to steal account or credit card information, as well as to record a victim using the 3DS’ mic and cameras.

Although it may disappoint those still playing the games on the discontinued Wii U system, it seems that Nintendo had little choice but to take the online features offline until the security issue is resolved. Nintendo takes its privacy issues quite seriously, and it doesn’t help that Mario Kart 8 was the biggest-selling game on the Wii U, with nearly 8.5 million copies sold. On the other hand, the original Splatoon sold almost 5 million copies.

The issue surfaced just a few weeks before March 27, as Nintendo is shutting down the Wii U and 3DS eShops. After that, owners of the systems will not be able to make purchases on the digital storefronts, but they will still be able to download titles they previously bought.

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Android 15’s Dessert-themed Codename Is Apparently ‘Vanilla Ice Cream’

By

Soumyakanti

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Mar 4, 2023

Google‘s upcoming Android update, codenamed “Vanilla Ice Cream”, has been revealed through a series of code changes in Android’s Trade Federation (Tradefed/TF), as reported by Mishaal Rahman tipped by TeamB58. While the dessert-themed codename has no significant meaning, it is a fun little tradition since the early days of Android.

Although there are no details about what to expect with the Android update set to arrive sometime in 2024, Rahman states that Google is always looking ahead and working on new enhancements and features. If these features don’t make it into the current build, there is always a chance that they might be pushed to a later update or not even make it into the OS at all. As such, Android users will have to wait and see what new features and enhancements “Vanilla Ice Cream” will bring.

The code changes in Tradefed indicate that Android’s testing framework has been updated with a new version that makes direct reference to Android 15’s codename. However, this does not give us much insight into what we can expect from the update.

As we eagerly anticipate ‘Vanilla Ice Cream’, we are just beginning to get a taste of Android 14‘s ‘Upside Down Cake’. The first preview for this update was released less than a month ago, and it includes features like scrolling screenshots, redesigned notifications, and improved privacy settings.

Overall, the reveal of ‘Vanilla Ice Cream’ is a reminder of Android’s tradition of using dessert-themed codenames for its updates, and it generates excitement among Android users who are curious about what new features and improvements the update will bring. With Android constantly working to improve its operating system, users can look forward to the future of mobile technology.

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Samsung Sold More Foldable Smartphones Than All Other Brands Combined in 2022

By

Anubhav

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Mar 4, 2023

Foldable smartphones are gaining in popularity due to their unique design and innovative features. With the ability to fold in half, these phones give users a larger screen size that can easily fit into a pocket or purse when not in use. Additionally, foldable phones offer a degree of versatility that traditional smartphones do not, allowing users to use them in a variety of different ways. As more companies release foldable phone models and improve upon their design, it is likely that they will become even more popular in the coming years. Right now, however, it seems like Samsung has a strong hold over the foldables market, since the sales of its foldable smartphones were more than all other brands’ foldables combined.

According to a report by Steven Kiernan and Yongsub Eric Shin, the foldable smartphone market recorded an impressive 14.2 million total shipments in 2022. Samsung emerged as the clear leader, with just under 12 million foldable devices shipped. Other players in the market, such as Huawei, Oppo, Vivo, Xiaomi, and Honor, each shipped under 1 million foldable devices in the same period. However, despite the decline in shipments in Q4 2022, the foldable market seems to be in a relatively healthy place, especially considering the challenges faced by the smartphone industry as a whole in 2022.

Looking ahead, estimates suggest that foldable smartphone shipments will double in 2023, reaching an impressive 30 million. Samsung has set a shipment target of 15 million units for the Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Galaxy Z Flip 4 combined. The two aforementioned devices with high refresh rate displays, Snapdragon 8+ Gen SOCs, and amazing camera units. Samsung is looking to tighten its grip on the foldable smartphone market even further with the launch of the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5 later this year.

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Apple Rumored to Launch iPhone 14 in Yellow Color

By

Soumyakanti

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Mar 4, 2023

Apple fans may soon have a new color option for the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus. According to a recent Weibo post shared by the Japanese blog MacOtakara, the tech giant is planning to make the upcoming models available in yellow this spring.

While the Weibo account’s track record is unknown, MacRumors reported that multiple sources have confirmed Apple’s PR team is planning a product briefing next week, which could be related to the new iPhone color option or something else entirely.

Adding new color options mid-cycle has been a common tactic for Apple to boost sales and media attention. Last year, the company introduced new Green colors for the iPhone 13 series, and in April 2021, the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini became available in Purple.

The current color options for the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus include Blue, Purple, Midnight (Black), Starlight (White/Silver), and Product Red, while the iPhone 14 Pro models come in Deep Purple, Gold, Silver, and Space Black. It’s unclear whether the Pro models will receive the yellow color option or if Apple will hold off on adding a new color for them. While some fans may be excited about a potential yellow iPhone 14, others may feel that the bright hue is better suited for only non-Pro models.

Apple’s next iPhone, the iPhone 15 Pro, is reportedly set to come in a new, deeper red color option. Unlike the bright “Product Red” color of previous models, this new shade is said to be darker and more subdued. Stay tuned for updates on this potential addition to Apple’s popular smartphone lineup.

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Alienware Launches a 500Hz IPS Gaming Monitor

By

Anubhav

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Mar 4, 2023

High refresh rate gaming monitors have become increasingly popular among gamers in recent years. These monitors offer a smoother and more responsive gaming experience, allowing players to react faster to in-game actions. The refresh rate of a monitor is measured in Hertz (Hz) and refers to the number of times per second that the screen refreshes. While traditional monitors typically have a refresh rate of 60Hz, gaming monitors can have refresh rates of up to 360Hz or even 500Hz. Although 500Hz may sound a bit too much, Alienware is looking to lead the gaming monitors industry with the commercial launch of its new AW2524H 500Hz IPS monitor.

The Alienware AW2524H is not your average gaming monitor, boasting impressive technical specifications that make it a standout product in the market. With a native refresh rate of 480Hz, the monitor has been overclocked to an incredible 500Hz, offering a gameplay experience that is both fluid and responsive. Admittedly, the resolution is limited to 1080p, but this is a common constraint in high refresh rate screens due to bandwidth limitations. On the plus side, the anti-glare IPS screen will appeal to many gamers, delivering vivid colors and great viewing angles.

The Alienware AW2524H is equipped with a wide range of features. Customers get four 5Gbps USB-A ports, two standard 3.5mm audio-out jacks, a DisplayPort 1.4 connector, and two HDMI 2.1 ports – although it’s important to note that the HDMI connection is limited to 240Hz. Additionally, the monitor is certified with DisplayHDR 400, and comes with Nvidia‘s G-Sync and Reflex Analyzer tech, customizable RGB backlighting, and a convenient pull-out headset hanger.

The Alienware AW2524H is a niche product priced at just under $830, which isn’t exactly affordable but it could have been worse compared to other innovative gaming displays that can cost up to $3,500 like the Samsung Odyssey Ark. While the negligible response time difference between a 500Hz and other high refresh displays makes it unlikely for many gamers to gravitate towards the 500Hz gaming monitor, professional esports players might benefit from it. It’s noteworthy that while Alienware was the first to launch a 500Hz monitor, ASUS was the first company to announce a faster 540Hz version called the Asus ROG Swift Pro PG248QP, expected to launch in Q2 this year.

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Turkey Imposes Additional 40% Tariff on EV Imports From China

By

Anubhav

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Mar 4, 2023

Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly popular due to their lower environmental impact and technological advancements that have improved their performance and affordability. As concerns about climate change and air pollution have grown, many people are looking for more sustainable transportation options, and EVs have emerged as a viable solution. The battery technology that powers EVs has improved significantly, allowing for longer ranges and shorter charging times.

Turkey has recently imposed a 40% additional tariff on the imports of electric motor vehicles from China. This decision was made by the Turkish government and published in the country’s Official Gazette on Friday. The new tariff applies only to motor vehicles that have electric motors and are imported from China, making it clear that Turkey is trying to protect its domestic electric vehicle industry. The decision comes at a time when the global electric vehicle market is growing, and China has become a major player in the manufacturing of electric cars. However, this tariff is likely to make Chinese-made electric vehicles more expensive in the Turkish market, which could create an opportunity for local manufacturers to compete. The move could also be seen as an attempt to reduce Turkey’s trade deficit with China, which has been a concern for the government for some time. Overall, this decision is likely to have an impact on the Turkish electric vehicle market and could lead to changes in the competitive landscape of the industry.

Additionally, government incentives and regulations have made EVs more accessible and affordable to consumers worldwide. As a result, many car manufacturers have increased their EV production to meet the rising demand. With further technological advancements and increasing consumer interest, it’s likely that the popularity of electric vehicles will continue to rise in the coming years.

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Mi 11X and Mi 11X Pro Grab the Latest MIUI 14 Update in India

By

Chandan

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Mar 4, 2023

Xiaomi has been rolling out the latest Android 13-based MIUI 14 update to their bunch of devices in recent times. The brand had previously pushed out the update to the devices like Xiaomi 12 Pro, Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite 5G and Xiaomi 12X. More devices will soon get the update in the forthcoming days. Now, the Mi 11X and Mi 11X Pro smartphones have started receiving the latest Android 13-based MIUI 14 update in India. The users can now experience the taste of the latest MIUI on their devices.

The latest update includes a January 2023 patch for the Mi 11X and a February 2023 security patch for the Mi 11X Pro. Android 11 was pre-installed on the handsets when they first launched. The smartphones have received two significant updates, the most recent of which was just released. The device might get one more major update in the future. The MIUI 14 update’s build numbers are V14.0.2.0.TKKINXM for the Mi 11X Pro and V14.0.2.0.TKHINXM for the Mi 11X. A number of new features are added to the device with the MIUI 14 update, which also makes the device more fluid. The whole changelog for the update can be found below.

Highlights

MIUI uses less memory now and keeps being swift and responsive over much more extended periods.
Attention to detail redefines personalization and brings it to a new level.

Basic experience

MIUI uses less memory now and keeps being swift and responsive over much more extended periods.

Personalization

Attention to detail redefines personalization and brings it to a new level.
Super icons will give your Home screen a new look. (Update the Home screen and Themes to the latest version to be able to use Super icons.)
Home screen folders will highlight the apps you need most making them just one tap away from you.

More features and improvements

Search in Settings is now more advanced. With search history and categories in results, everything looks much crisper now.

System

Stable MIUI based on Android 13
Updated Android security patch to January 2023 (for Mi 11X) and February 2023 (for Mi 11X Pro). Increased System security.

Thanks to the updated MIUI 14, which is based on Android 13, the devices will now operate significantly more quickly, stably, and responsively. Moreover, users should receive additional home screen features as a result of this release. The system is far more straightforward, uses less memory, and is more efficient. In addition to being smoother and more power-efficient, the photonic engine architecture, system applications, and third-party apps are all completely accelerated. Our article is now complete. I appreciate you taking the time to read the whole thing.

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Samsung Testing New “Waterdrop” Hinge Design for the Galaxy Z Fold 5

By

Soumyakanti

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Mar 4, 2023

Samsung is reportedly testing a new hinge design for its upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 5 smartphone, set to be released in the first half of 2023. The new hinge, called the “waterdrop” hinge, flexes the screen inwards instead of folding it at a tight radius when the phone is closed. This design is said to offer multiple benefits, including a less noticeable crease on the display and no gap when the phone is folded.

One of the most significant advantages of this new hinge design is that it may allow the Galaxy Z Fold 5 to be thinner than its predecessor. The report claims that the phone will be 14mm or less in thickness, compared to the Galaxy Z Fold 4‘s maximum thickness of 15.8mm.

However, the report notes that Samsung’s fold tests are lagging behind some of its competitors. Oppo, for example, promises 400,000 folds on its Find N2 and Find N2 Flip phones, which is twice the amount that Samsung commits to. Nevertheless, Samsung aims to retain nearly 85% of the initial strength of the phone after 200,000 folds.

Samsung’s new hinge design is currently in the “final” testing stage, with the company expected to finalize the design once testing is completed. The company will also test the reliability of the new hinge and display panel by folding the phone between 200,000 and 300,000 times.

Overall, Samsung’s improved hinge design for the Galaxy Z Fold 5 shows its continued commitment to innovation in the foldable smartphone market. As more companies release their own foldable devices, Samsung will need to continue pushing the boundaries to stay ahead of the competition.

According to recent reports, Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 5 will feature a new Qualcomm Snapdragon 985 5G processor, based on a 4nm process node. The Galaxy Z Fold 5 is likely to arrive in 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB storage variants, and feature a triple camera unit and a 12-megapixel front-facing camera.

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Galaxy S23 Ultra Users Report Another Issue; S-Pen Getting Disconnected

By

Chandan

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Mar 4, 2023

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is the latest top-of-the-line flagship from the Korean tech giant Samsung. Users of the Galaxy S23 Ultra have previously reported some issues, such as difficulties connecting the device to Android Auto. After the newest One UI 5.1 upgrade, certain older Galaxy handsets experienced significant battery drain problems. Nevertheless, a new issue with the S-Pen connection with the Galaxy S23 Ultra has begun to surface on the internet.

The Galaxy S23 Ultra includes an S-Pen stylus, which allows users to draw, write, and manage their devices with more precision and control. It’s a must-have for anyone who needs to take notes, draw sketches, or do other chores that demand more accurate input than a finger touch. However, some customers have reported that the S-Pen intermittently disconnects from the smartphone, rendering it useless.

Users of the Galaxy S23 Ultra have suggested a few fixes, one of which is resetting the S Pen. Users must open the “Advanced Features” menu in the Settings app to access S Pen options, then hit the three-dot button to reset. The “Keep S Pen connected” option, which is by default disabled to conserve battery life whenever the S Pen is inactive for an extended period of time, is another potential solution to this problem. Users must open the Settings app, go to “Advanced features,” select “S Pen,” then “Additional S Pen Settings” to enable this function.

There are currently no official statements on the issue, and the brand has not yet acknowledged the problem. I strongly hope that the company will take care of the problem and make a patch available as soon as possible. Most users won’t have a problem with this, but those who use the S-Pen frequently might become frustrated. Future upgrades from the company could resolve the problem. That concludes our post on the subject. Please share your thoughts on this by leaving a comment below in your own words.

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Baybot Live360º Wireless Camera With Motion Detection, Infra-red Hits India for Rs. 2,299 ($28)

By

Jed John Ikoba

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Mar 3, 2023

The Baybot Live360º Wireless Wi-Fi smart security camera has been unveiled in India. The Baybot Live360º has a 360-degree, upgraded 3MP camera that offers all-around monitoring throughout the day. The camera is capable of motion detection and smart tracking, while two-way communication is also possible with your smartphone.

The launch of the Baybot Live360º camera follows the earlier release of the OpenAlert Smart Wireless Door Monitor in India last year. The camera has a 360-degree rotating head and can be set up to automatically monitor every corner of your household. It can also be switched to manual mode to focus on a specific region of your house or surrounding.

You can use the Baybot app to adjust the camera’s angle and pan up to 355º horizontally and 80º vertically. The camera’s wide-angle lens provides a panoramic view of the environment while the built-in microphone and speakers enable two-way audio communication. The camera sends an instant notification to the user’s smartphone when motion is detected. It also records a clip and takes a screenshot of the object. Smart motion detection is also enabled with the Live360º Wireless Wi-Fi camera. It can track moving objects like animals or persons and automatically pans to keep the subject in the crosshair while recording.

The night vision mode is activated when the light dims and the infra-red LEDs make it possible to detect activity in complete darkness. The camera supports Wi-Fi connectivity for live feeds to your phone and the Baybot app is available in Android and iOS app stores. Alternatively, up to 128GB of microSD storage is available for up to two weeks of footage. Baybot is also offering optional subscriptions for unlimited data saved to the Baybod Cloud Service.

The package of the Baybot Live360º wireless camera includes the camera, a USB cable with adaptor, ceiling/ wall mount bracket, screws, and wall plugs, as well as a User Manual. Baybot is offering a one-year warranty for the product and it is priced at Rs. 2,299 (~$28). The product comes with a mounting plate for easy installation and can be purchased directly from Baybot India’s official website or Flipkart.

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Roborock H1 Washing Machine With Dryer Unveiled in China as The Brand’s First

By

Jed John Ikoba

-

Mar 3, 2023

Popular robot vacuum manufacturer, Roborock, has released the Roborock H1 washing machine in China. The product is a reflection of the brand’s expanding portfolio within the smart home ecosystem. The Roborock H1 washing machine uses low-temperature air circulation to dry clothes efficiently without damage to the clothes.

The H1 washing machine uses an energy-saving algorithm for the drying process together with Zeo-cycle low-temperature drying. It uses warm air circulation to remove water from the fabric and prevents shrinking. The built-in algorithm automatically stops drying when the machine detects dry clothes. There are 25 washing and drying modes available with the washing machine. The Roborock H1 has a self-cleaning mechanism and the machine can be controlled via its touchscreen or the companion app.

The washing machine can handle up to 12kg of clothes and is available in either black or white variants. The machine is 34.4 inches tall and can be pre-ordered from Roborock. The Roborock H1 washing machine has a 5,999 yuan (~$874) launch price with a 100 yuan (~$15) deposit until March 20. The original price of the H1 washing machine is 7,299 yuan (~$1,063). Roborock is yet to provide availability and pricing information on the product in overseas markets.

Roborock has carved a niche for itself with its array of robot vacuum cleaners available in several markets. It hopes to leverage its excellent record in the home cleaning segment of the market to market the new H1 washing machine.

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Xiaomi 13 Pro Global ROM available at Giztop for $799

By

Joane

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Mar 3, 2023

Xiaomi 13 Pro Global ROM version is now available on Giztop. The device which generally retails for $899 can be now bought for a discounted price of $799 only. Please note that this price is applicable to the base variant only.

WHERE TO BUY

Xiaomi 13 Pro Global ROM at $799 @Giztop

Xiaomi 13 Pro features a 6.73-inch QHD+ LTPO AMOLED display. It is powered by the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor and offers multiple memory options like 8GB/12GB LPDDR5X RAM and 128GB/256GB/512GB UFS 4.0 internal storage.

The smartphone is fueled with a 4820mAh battery and supports 120W wired charging and 50W wireless charging. It features triple 50MP rear cameras viz. a Sony IMX989 50MP primary lens, a 50MP ultra-wide lens, and a 50MP telephoto lens. The camera comes with advanced tracking tech that helps you to take better snaps of fast-moving objects. For your selfies, you have a 32MP sensor in the front.

Other interesting features include Android 13-based MIUI 14(Global ROM), in-display optical fingerprint sensor, NFC, Wi-Fi 6, etc. Xiaomi 13 Pro Global ROM supports Google mobile services, and OTA updates and comes with a pre-installed Google play store.

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

UMIDIGI G2 and C2 Global Launch at AliExpress: Specs, Discount Price, and Giveaway

By

Joane

-

Mar 3, 2023

UMIDIGI has announced the global launch of its latest smartphones UMIDIGI G2 and C2. The smartphones will be available at a massively discounted price of $79.99 under the world premiere sale at AliExpress. Please note that this sale starts on March 20, 00:00 PT, and ends on March 26, 23:59 PT.

UMIDIGI G2 and C2 feature a 6.52-inch IPS LCD waterdrop display that is perfect for viewing your movies and videos. The display comes with a 1600 x 720p resolution and supports a 180Hz refresh rate. Both phones are encased in a body imitating the meteor shower design which is soft and silky to touch but does not leave fingerprint smudges. UMIDIGI G2 is available in Dawn Gold color while C2 comes in Graphite black.

Powered by the MediaTek Helio A22 chipset, both phones come with 3GB RAM and 32GB internal storage, expandable up to 256GB via MicroSD card. Both phones come with a 13MP primary camera and a 2MP depth sensor. For your selfies, you have a 5MP camera in the front.

Fueled with a massive 5150mAh battery it supports 10W charging and a Type- C interface. It runs Android 13 OS and supports dual 4G SIM and global bands. Other interesting features include Google Play, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS, AI Face ID, a 3.5mm headphone jack, FM radio, etc.

Price and Availability:

UMIDIGI G2 and C2 which will retail for $135 will be available at a discounted price of $79.99 only under the world premiere sale at AliExpress. Please note that the sale starts on March 20, 2023, at 00:00 PDT. However, you can add the product to the cart even before the sale starts for faster checkout.

Giveaway:

UMIDIGI has organized a giveaway event as a part of the global launch of G2 and C2 smartphones. Under this giveaway, you stand a chance to win free G2 or C2 smartphones. Please note that the giveaway ends on March 28. For more details check out their Facebook page here.

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

Dell G15 & G16 Laptops With 13th Gen Intel Chips & Nvidia RTX 40 GPUs Hitting Store Shelves Later This Month

By

Sudhanshu

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Mar 3, 2023

Dell has just announced that the refreshed G15 and the G16 budget gaming laptops will be hitting store shelves later this month in the US market. The laptops were initially revealed at CES 2023, however, Dell did not reveal the pricing of these devices.

The new laptops will come with the latest hardware from Intel and Nvidia. This means Intel’s 13th Gen CPUs and Nvidia’s RTX GPU. According to the CES announcement, both the Dell G15 and G16 laptops will come equipped with a Core i9-13900HX processor, up to 32 GB of DDR5 memory that is upgradeable, an RTX 4070 graphics card, and a storage capacity of up to 2 TB in the high-end model. The main distinguishing factor between the two laptops is their available screen options.

Those who opt for the Dell G15 can choose between a 15.6-inch display with a refresh rate of 120 Hz, a Full HD resolution, and 250 nits of brightness, or a 165 Hz screen with 300 nits of brightness. In contrast, the G16 boasts a larger 16-inch display with a resolution of 2560 x 1600 and a brightness of 300 nits, available in either a 165 or 240 Hz refresh rate.

The base variants of the Dell G15 and G16 laptops, featuring Intel Raptor Lake CPUs and Nvidia RTX GPUs, are priced at US$899 and US$1,499, respectively. It is interesting to note that Dell has plans to release SKUs with AMD processors in Q2, but has not disclosed any information regarding their pricing.

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Garmin Forerunner 265 & Forerunner 265S Mid-range Smartwatches Launch With AMOLED Displays

By

Jed John Ikoba

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Mar 3, 2023

The Garmin Forerunner 265 series which has been the subject of many leaks have now been released. The two models in the mid-range smartwatch series are the Forerunner 265 and Forerunner 265S and both come with AMOLED displays. They are available in two sizes and multiple color combinations.

The Forerunner 265 has a 46mm chassis and a 1.3-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 416 x 416 pixels. The Forerunner 265S is 42mm in size with a 1.1-inch, 360 x 360 pixels AMOLED display. Both smartwatches come with built-in touchscreens and Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection. Up to 8GB of storage is available in both models and they come with a similar array of sensors. Multi-GNSS connectivity is supported in the Forerunner 265 series for precise positioning, while heart rate and blood oxygen monitoring are also supported.

The pre-installed software in the Forerunner 265 series provides access to several exercise modes, and smart notifications, and the Connect IQ Store and Garmin Pay are supported. The new Forerunner 265 models support music playback by default and Garmin will omit the music-centered models. The Garmin Forerunner 265S has up to 15 days of battery life in smartwatch mode, while the Forerunner 265 delivers 13 days of battery life. The battery life is substantially reduced when using GPS or in heavy mode.

The Garmin Forerunner 265 and Forerunner 265S are now available in the US and a few selected markets. Both models are offered at a launch price of $449.99 and can be ordered directly from Garmin. A few color combinations are available for the two models. The color combinations are for the bezel, Silicone band, and watch case.

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boAt Wave Flex Connect Smartwatch With Bluetooth Calling & 1.83″ Display Launched in India

By

Sudhanshu

-

Mar 3, 2023

boAt, a popular manufacturer of smartwatches and earbuds based out of India has just added to its smartwatch portfolio by launching the boAt Wave Flex Connect Smartwatch in the country. The smartwatch comes with features like a bright display, Bluetooth Calling, and more.

boAt Wave Flex Connect smartwatch specs & features

The Wave Flex Connect has a metallic design and a 1.83-inch square display that boasts a brightness of 550 nits and a screen resolution of 240×280 pixels. It offers a wide selection of over 100 watch faces and comes with silicone straps in multiple colors such as Active Black, Cherry Blossom, and Deep Blue, all of which are friendly to the skin.

It has various sports modes that make tracking activities and reach daily goals effortless. The smartwatch also includes typical health features such as a heart rate sensor, a sleep tracker, a SpO2 monitor, and a stress tracker, as well as a breath control mode for breathing exercises.

The Wave Flex Connect runs on a 240mAh battery that can last up to 10 days on a single charge and takes about 2 hours to fully charge. Additionally, the smartwatch supports notifications from various apps, weather updates, and cricket scores.

It is rated for IP68 water and dust resistance and comes with features like an alarm clock, sedentary and hydration alerts, and baked-in Google Assistant/Siri.

Price & availability

You can now purchase the boAt Wave Flex Connect Bluetooth Calling Smartwatch at a special introductory price of only Rs 1,499 on boAt-lifestyle.com and Flipkart.com. The smartwatch is available in three color options, namely Active Black, Cherry Blossom, and Deep Blue.

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iPhone 14 Pro Max Clone – i14 Pro Max Now Available Globally via AliExpress From $89

By

Jed John Ikoba

-

Mar 3, 2023

After Apple announced the iPhone 14 series in September last year, a replica of the iPhone 14 Pro Max appeared on the Chinese e-commerce website 1688. The model dubbed i14 Pro Max was listed with a MediaTek chipset and offered for a fraction of the flagship iPhone’s price (up to 90% lesser).

Interestingly, the i14 Pro Max has been listed on AliExpress and is available to interested buyers from around the globe. The iPhone clone comes in two variants with varying configurations and pricing. A MediaTek MT 6753 SoC powers the higher variant, a mid-range mobile processor announced in mid-2015 for smartphones and tablets. The processor is paired with 6GB RAM and 128GB storage onboard. This variant comes with Face Unlock, a Full HD screen, GPS, WiFi, and more. It crams a 2800mAh battery under the hood.

The cheap iPhone 14 Pro Max lookalike is listed with a 6.5-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate which is doubtful considering the pric. The rear cameras take the design of the iPhone 14 but there are just two working sensors – a 16MP sensor and an 8MP sensor.

The cheaper variant packs a 6.8-inch display and is powered by a MediaTek MT6889 SoC. The processor is backed by 2GB RAM and 16GB storage. For optics, there is a 2MP camera sensor at the front and back while it still retains the iPhone 14’s design.

As for the pricing, the 6GB RAM variant of the i14 Pro Max is priced at $126 while the 2GB RAM variant is priced at $89.69.

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US Reviews Huawei Export License Policy Amidst Congressional Scrutiny of China

By

Oğuz Çakır

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Mar 3, 2023

The United States government is reviewing its policy on exporting certain products to Huawei, a Chinese telecommunications giant, as it faces scrutiny from the Congress amid concerns about the company’s potential ties to the Chinese government. The Commerce Department is conducting a “top-to-bottom review” of its export control policies related to China, including the policy that permits some US exports to Huawei. Here are the details…

US is reviewing Huawei export license policy amid rising congressional scrutiny of China

Huawei was placed on the Commerce Department’s Entity List in 2019, which prohibits US companies from trading specified items with entities named on the list unless they obtain a license to do so. The move was made due to concerns that Huawei’s 5G wireless networking gear could be used by the Chinese government for espionage. Huawei has denied the allegations, and its founder has said that the company would resist any Chinese government efforts to obtain its data.

However, according to Foreign Affairs Committee chairman Michael McCaul, the Commerce Department approved over $23 billion in license applications to trade with Chinese-affiliated companies on the Entity List between January and March of 2022. McCaul questioned the department’s decision to approve these licenses while the US government was trying to sideline Huawei and other similar companies.

Alan Estevez, a Commerce Department official, testified before the House Foreign Affairs Committee on Tuesday, saying that the licensing rule for Huawei was “under assessment.” Estevez added that Entity List restrictions do not provide for a “blanket embargo” on exports but rather reflect specific rules about particular exports.

In 2020, the Commerce Department also moved to prevent Huawei’s suppliers from selling the company semiconductor chips made by US-built software and equipment, unless those suppliers also obtained a license. Additionally, the Federal Communications Commission has prohibited US wireless carriers from using federal funding to purchase Huawei networking gear and banned future approvals of Huawei equipment for sale in the United States.

The US government’s scrutiny of Huawei is part of a larger trend of increasing tensions between the United States and China, particularly in the realm of technology. The US government has been wary of Chinese companies’ potential ties to the Chinese government and has taken steps to limit their access to US technology. Meanwhile, China has accused the US of unfairly targeting its companies and has taken steps to develop its own technology to reduce its reliance on US imports.

The outcome of the Commerce Department’s review of its policy on exporting products to Huawei remains to be seen. However, the review reflects the ongoing tensions between the United States and China and highlights the importance of technology in this geopolitical competition.

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iQOO Z7 Gets Benchmarked at AnTuTu, Scores Higher Than Snapdragon 695-Powered Phones

By

Anurag

-

Mar 3, 2023

iQOO recently introduced the flagship iQOO 11 and the mid-range iQOO Neo 7 in the global market. Additionally, the brand has been teasing a Z series smartphone, called iQOO Z7. The handset is expected to arrive as the successor to last year’s iQOO Z6. However, while we wait for the handset’s formal debut, its AnTuTu has been revealed officially. Here are the details.

Vipun Marya,iQOO India’s CEO, recently shared the AnTuTu running score of the upcoming iQOO Z7. As can be seen in the image, the handset managed to get a score of 4,80,000+. Given the handset will arrive as a budget model, this score is not bad at all. The executive did not disclose the specific processor that will be used in the handset, but the scores reveal that its SoC is superior to the Snapdragon 695.

The Snapdragon 695 gets a benchmarking score of 4,10,000+ and it powers phones like Poco X4 Pro, iQOO Z6, and OnePlus Nord CE 2. The phone also outperforms Snapdragon 4 Gen 1-powered handsets, which get a score of 3,80,000+. The SoC is found under the hood of devices, such as the Redmi Note 12.

While there’s no official confirmation about the iQOO Z7’s SoC, tipster Mukul Sharma claims the handset will be powered by MediaTek Dimensity 920. To recall, the 5G processor debuted back in 2021 with an octa-core architecture. It is based on the 6nm process and features two fast ARM Cortex-A78 cores at up to 2.5 GHz and six power-efficient Cortex-A55 cores at up to 2 GHz.

iQOO Z7 should launch pretty soon as it is being teased continuously. The device could feature a large display and a dual camera setup on the back. More details should emerge soon.

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Garmin Forerunner 965 Smartwatch With Titanium Bezels, AMOLED Display Launched

By

Jed John Ikoba

-

Mar 3, 2023

The Garmin Forerunner 965 has been released after an intense period of leaks. The smartwatch has a 46mm chassis and a 1.4-inch AMOLED display. It ditches the previous MIP panel for the AMOLED with a brighter resolution. The Garmin Forerunner however comes at a higher launch price than its predecessor.

The Forerunner 965 offers 32GB of storage and a display resolution of 454 x 454 pixels. The AMOLED display is brighter and more vivid than the MIP displays in previous models. The smartwatch also supports the always-on-display functionality and offers up to 23 days of battery life using the smartwatch mode. The battery life reduces to about 8.5 hours when all GNSS systems are active. The battery life of the Forerunner 965 is however 1.4 times better than the just released Forerunner 265 series.

The Garmin Forerunner 965 has similar features and functionality to the Forerunner 265 and Forerunner 265S. It offers an array of health and fitness sensors, together with several positioning systems. There are also several sports modes to pick from and its expansive storage allows for greater functionality.

The Garmin Forerunner 965 is now orderable directly from Garmin at a launch price of $599.99. It comes in three color combinations in terms of the finishes and the watch band. The finishes are either white or black with a yellow watch band. All the color variants come with 22mm watch straps. Its 46mm chassis combined with its bright and 1.4-inch AMOLED display puts the Forerunner 965 at the head of the new Garmin offerings.

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