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Google’s Quantum Computing Breakthrough Aims to Eliminate Errors

Google’s quantum computing department has announced a significant reduction in the error rate of quantum computers, a promising development for the future of computation. While quantum computing is known for its exceptional computational abilities, it often tends to produce a high rate of errors, rendering many calculations unreliable.

Quantum Computing

According to Google’s VP of Engineering Hartmut Neven and Director of Quantum Hardware Julian Kelly, in order to run quantum circuits that can solve industrially relevant problems, the industry will need to achieve error rates in the range of 1 in 10,000,000,000 to 1 in 10,000,000.

The team has discovered that, under certain conditions, the more physical qubits used to construct a logical qubit, the better the logical qubit becomes. However, this is only true if the benefits of quantum error correction outweigh the added errors from each additional physical qubit.

Google’s Quantum AI Team has achieved a first-ever feat for any quantum computing platform by developing an error-correcting code called a surface code. The process involves repetition so that any errors, such as flipped bits, can be ruled out by what the researchers describe as a majority vote.

This is just one part of the company’s roadmap, which involves six steps, ultimately leading to error-corrected quantum computing. The company has recently entered the second stage of its plan to produce a logical qubit prototype and aims to produce a long-lived logical qubit beyond 2025.

While Google sees this as a significant breakthrough, it is important to note that we are still years, if not decades, away from achieving error-free quantum computing. There is undoubtedly a long journey ahead, but with developments such as this, we are closer than ever to realizing the full potential of quantum computing.

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Apple A17 Bionic to Trump Over Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in Chipset Battle

The tech world is abuzz with the latest news on upcoming smartphone chipsets. The transistor count on chips has been increasing year-over-year, thanks to feature size decreasing due to evolving technology. According to reports, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 from Qualcomm is expected to perform better than the A16 Bionic in terms of CPU. However, it seems that TSMC’s 3 nm node has been reserved for Apple’s next-gen chipset, the A17 Bionic, giving it a production priority over the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and Dimensity 9300, which will continue to be manufactured on TSMC’s 4 nm processes. 

iPhone 14 Pro

In 2022, Qualcomm improved upon the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip by switching to TSMC’s 4 nm process for the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1. As evident from the latest smartphone launches, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 has been a huge success. Now, rumors suggest that the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 will outperform the A16 Bionic in the CPU department. However, it seems Apple will bounce back harder, claiming its lead back with the upcoming A17 Bionic chip this fall.

Reports suggest that TSMC will be responsible for manufacturing the A17 Bionic. This doesn’t come as a surprise at all, since the Taiwanese company has been producing Apple SoCs for quite some time. What’s interesting, though, is that the A17 Bionic will be built on TSMC’s 3 nm process, alongside the next-gen M3 chips. Apple is said to have fully booked TSMC‘s 3 nm production capacity, leaving no room for Qualcomm and MediaTek. It will be exciting to see how other chip manufacturers will adjust to his change in this market scenario.

What this means is that the A17 Bionic, which is expected to power the iPhone 15 Pro models coming this year, will have a generational advantage over Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and MediaTek’s Dimensity 9300. Qualcomm might stay at the top for now. However, as mentioned previously, when Apple announces the A17 Bionic chip in 2023, Apple will most likely reclaim its position at the top, at least until the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 is released at the end of 2024. Even then, the competition will definitely be cutthroat.

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Realme C55 visits Geekbench with Helio G85 SoC, 8GB RAM

Realme will soon be launching a new smartphone in the C-series called the Realme C55. It was recently confirmed that the phone will come with an Apple Dynamic Island-like feature called the Mini Capsule. The device has now appeared on Geekbench revealing some key specs along with its performance.

Realme

Bearing model number RMX3710, the device has an octa-core processor with model number MT6769V/CZ. It has a base frequency of 1.80GHz and a peak frequency of 2.0GHz. From this information, it is evident that the Realme C55 has a MediaTek Helio G85 processor.

The benchmark also reveals that the device has 8GB of RAM and an Android 13-based operating system. We can expect it to feature Realme UI 4.0. Coming to the benchmark scores, the device scores 376 points on the single-core test and 1463 points on the multi-core test of Geekbench 5. The listing does not reveal any other features.

Previous leaks mention that the smartphone will have a 4,880mAh battery unit with support for 33W fast charging. It has also emerged on NBTC, BIS, and FCC certification websites, hinting that it will soon launch in multiple markets. There is no information on a specific launch date as of yet, but we expect the Realme C55 to launch in the coming weeks.

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Apple Watch Will Soon Let You Monitor Glucose Levels Without Pricking Your Skin

With every new iteration of its smartwatch, Apple has been introducing health-oriented features that entice its customer base. As of late, the tech giant has reportedly made significant progress towards bringing blood glucose monitoring to its smartwatch. According to insiders cited by Bloomberg, the no-prick monitoring system is now at the “proof-of-concept stage”, which means that the technology is feasible now and could be brought to market in the future. The technology uses lasers to determine glucose concentration under the skin and was previously not scaled down enough, but has reportedly been shrunk down to the size of an iPhone. The system could not only help people with diabetes monitor their conditions but could also alert those who are prediabetic to make lifestyle changes that could prevent Type 2 diabetes.

Apple Watch

The project has been under development for a long time, beginning in 2010 when Apple acquired blood glucose monitoring startup RareLight. Since then, the project has been kept under wraps by operating it as a seemingly isolated firm, Avolonte Health, before being folded into a previously unknown Exploratory Design Group (XDG). The company declined to comment on the project’s current status.

While it’s still too early to predict when the technology will be available, the incentives for bringing non-intrusive glucose monitoring to wearables are strong. Apple has marketed its smartwatch as a health device, capable of detecting atrial fibrillation, low blood oxygen levels, and ovulation cycles. Non-invasive glucose monitoring would be a significant step forward for people with diabetes. They would no longer need to rely on devices that pierce the skin, such as a continuous glucose sensor. However, the industry has a poor track record when it comes to bringing no-prick monitors to market, and it remains to be seen how accurate Apple’s solution will be. It might not even be present in the next Apple Watch when it comes out, considering Apple likes to perfect its technologies before it brings them to its consumers. 

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Vivo V27 Pro Full Specifications, Price in India Leaked Before March 1 Launch

Vivo is all set to unveil the Vivo V27 Pro on March 1 in multiple markets, including India. Before the launch, Appuals published a report to reveal the press renders and full specifications of the device. The report has also revealed the price of the V27 Pro for the Indian market. Continue reading ahead to learn everything about it.

Vivo V27 Pro Specifications (Rumored)

According to the publication, the Vivo V27 Pro will have a 6.78-inch AMOLED display, which will have a 60-degree curvature at the left and right edges. The screen will support an FHD+ resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels and a 120Hz refresh rate.

Vivo V27 Pro
Vivo V27 Pro

The Dimensity 8200 chipset, LPDDR5 RAM, UFS 3.1 storage, and a 4,600mAh battery with 66W fast charging will power the Vivo V27 Pro. It will come preloaded with the Android 13 OS, which will be overlaid with the FunTouch OS 13.

The V27 Pro will have an autofocus-enabled 50-megapixel camera with dual-LED flash on the front for selfies. The back panel of the device will be equipped with an OIS-enabled 50-megapixel Sony IMX766V primary camera, an 8-megapixel ultra-wide lens, a 2-megapixel macro camera, and Aura Light LED flash. Like the V25 Pro, the V27 Pro will feature a color-changing back panel.

The Vivo V27 Pro will come with other features like dual SIM, 5G (n1/n3/n5/n8/n28A/n77/n78), Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi 6, a USB-C port, and an under-display fingerprint scanner. It will measure 164.1 x 74.8 x 7.36 / 7.4mm in thickness.

Vivo V27 Pro Price in India (rumoured)

The Vivo V27 Pro will arrive in two variants, such as 8 GB RAM + 256 GB of storage for Rs 41,999 (MRP) and 12 GB RAM + 2566 GB storage for Rs 45,999 (MRP). It will be sold in shades like Magic Blue and Noble Black. The V27 Pro is nothing but a rebranded version of the China-exclusive Vivo S16 Pro from last year.

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Netflix Slashes Prices By Almost 50% in Over 30 Countries

Netflix, the world’s leading streaming service, has slashed its prices by up to 50% in over 30 countries. This move seems counterintuitive, given that the company raised prices in North America last year. However, Netflix is adapting to changing viewer habits post-lockdown and experimenting with a balance between revenue and subscriber growth.

Netflix

The subscription price cuts have been implemented in parts of the Middle East, Sub-Saharan Africa, Europe, Latin America, and Asia. Netflix has also introduced a cheaper ad-supported plan in 12 countries. These moves come as several other streaming services have raised prices recently, with Disney+, Hulu, and Sling TV among them.

According to John Hodulik, media and entertainment analyst at UBS Group AG, Netflix’s decision “definitely goes against the recent trends not just for Netflix, but for the broader streaming industry”. However, in January, co-CEO Greg Peters stated that the company wants to find areas where it can raise prices, helping to fund new content investments. The regional price increases also allow Netflix to add a new demographic of subscribers to global markets where its share could be higher. Since rival services, including Disney+, HBO Max and Paramount+, are expanding globally, Netflix likely made a decision keeping all that in mind.

In addition to price cuts, Netflix is rolling out a new monthly fee for people who share their login credentials outside their homes. Netflix intends to use IP addresses, device IDs, and account activity to enforce its password-sharing policies. Although multi-household sharing has never been permitted by Netflix’s terms of service, it has been permitted for so long that charging for account access to friends and family could annoy some subscribers.

The program has gone through a trial phase in Latin America and has been rolled out in Canada, New Zealand, Portugal, and Spain. The new fee is $8 in Canada and New Zealand, €4 in Portugal, and €6 in Spain. The new payment structure will make its way to the US early this year. 

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Motorola Razr (2023) Launch Date Leak Reveals it Will Debut Before Galaxy Z Flip 5

Earlier this week, a report with reliable tipster Evan Blass as a source revealed the design of the upcoming Motorola Razr (2023). It is expected to arrive as a follow-up device for the Motorola Razr (2022), which debuted last year. A new leak by the same tipster has revealed the launch date of the Razr (2023). The leak reveals that it will debut before the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5, which is expected to debut in August this year.

The date for “Juno Announcement Reveal + Event Activation Launch” is June 1, according to the new leak. For those who don’t know, Juno is the codename of the Razr (2023). Given that it will be released in a few months, it appears that several teasers will be released in the interim to reveal its specifications. 

Motorola Razr 2023 render
Motorola Razr 2023 render | Source: Evan Blass

At present, only a few details about the Razr (2023) are known. It is expected to feature a 144Hz refresh rate display and the Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1. Since these specs are also available on the Razr (2022), the upcoming model could arrive as an incremental upgrade.

Blass had already said that Motorola is making another clamshell phone with the codename “Venus.” While there is no information available on its specifications, it could be a true flagship featuring the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip.

As far as the design of the Razr (2022) is concerned, it is expected to feature the same 6.7-inch foldable OLED panel with a punch-hole design on the inside. The cover display is expected to receive a major upgrade on the Razr (2023).

Leaked renders have suggested that the size of its external screen could be around 3.5 inches. The outer screen will have cutouts for the dual cameras and LED flash. For security, the device will come equipped with a side-facing fingerprint scanner.

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OnePlus Ace 2 Dimensity Edition Front Design Leak, Likely to be Rebadged as Nord 3 Outside China

OnePlus is gearing up to launch the OnePlus Ace 2 Dimensity Edition in China. Reports claim that it will be unveiled in March in the home market. Ahead of the expected launch, tipster Digital Chat Station has released a poster to showcase the front design of the Ace 2 Dimensity Edition.

The image shared by DCS shows that Ace 2 Dimensity Edition has a flat screen with a centred punch-hole. The bezels of the device are very narrow, which indicates that it will offer an impressive screen-to-body ratio. As per reports, it has a 6.74-inch OLED display that offers a 1.5K resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. For security, it has an under-display fingerprint scanner.

OnePlus-Ace-2-Dimensity-Edition-display-design
OnePlus Ace 2 Dimensity Edition front design

The rear design of the phone is yet to be revealed. For photography, it is expected to feature a 64-megapixel (main, with OIS) + 8-megapixel (ultra-wide) + 2-megapixel (macro) triple camera unit, and a 16-megapixel front-facing camera. It will come preloaded with the ColorOS 13-based Android 13 OS.

The Dimensity 9000 chip will power the Ace 2 Dimensity Edition. The handset may offer up to 12 GB of LPDDR4x RAM and 512 GB of UFS 3.1 storage. It may pack a 5,000mAh battery with 80W charging support.

Readers should note that the Ace 2 Dimensity Edition is only the device’s tentative name. Before the official announcement, teasers are likely to show what the real name of the device will be. A report that surfaced yesterday revealed the key specifications of the OnePlus Nord 3. Its specs were found to be quite similar to the Ace 2 Dimensity Edition. So, it looks like the next Ace model might be called the OnePlus Nord 3 in markets other than China.

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Apple Patent Grants New Color-Adjustable Fabric Band for Apple Watch

Apple has been granted a new patent that relates to a fabric Apple Watch band with an electrochromic feature. This allows users to adjust the color scheme and design in three distinct band zones to give the watch band a customizable look unique to the user. Users can set three different colors on the band, and the color selections can be made and adjusted without removing and exchanging the watch band.

Apple Patent Grants New Color-Adjustable Fabric Watch Band for Apple Watch

Apple notes that users may desire the ability to customize their watch bands to express variety and style, and this new technology offers a solution to this problem. Traditional watches require users to have a separate watch band for each color or color combination that they desire, and the user is required to remove and exchange the watch bands whenever a different color or color combination is desired.

Apple Watch band patent

This new technology offers adjustable color control, providing a variety of colors and color combinations to be displayed by a single band. The user or a control system can control, select, and/or adjust one or more colors of the watch band for visual display. Accordingly, a variety of colors can be displayed at different times without requiring different watch bands for each color or color combination.

The patent notes that watch bands having adjustable colors can also be used to communicate information to a user. For example, the color-adjustable elements of the watch band can be arranged and independently controlled in a manner that allows the system to display particular icons, shapes, and/or text by illuminating certain elements in a particular way. This technology can be used as a visual output of information from the watch to the user.

Apple Watch band patent

The watch band is made of a fabric that includes a number of filaments to form a fabric. Some or all of the filaments can include electrochromic features. Electro-chromism is a reversible color change in a material caused by an applied electric field or current. Ion insertion materials, which are mixed conductors (i.e. both electronic and ionic), into which ions can be rapidly and reversibly inserted, can be used as electrochromic materials.

The watch band conductor can optionally include a shape memory alloy that changes shape when a voltage is applied to the conductor. This applied voltage can be the same voltage that is applied to achieve a color change in the electrochromic layer. This shape change can provide haptic feedback to the user along with the visual indication provided by the color change. This technology offers a customizable and innovative solution to traditional watch bands.

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Samsung Admits Slow Camera Speed: Fixes Issue but Not for Everyone

Samsung is one of the largest smartphone manufacturers in the world, and the company introduces dozens, if not hundreds, of new models every year. However, did you know that all Samsung models, whether entry-level or flagship, have a common problem? This problem, caused by the slowness of the stock camera application, has bothered some users, if not everyone, and caused them to miss unique moments by milliseconds. The company eventually admitted that the phone’s camera was slower than it should be and fixed it, but not everyone received the fix. Here are the details…

Samsung just admitted your phone’s camera is slower than it should be

Samsung has recently admitted that its stock camera app on Galaxy smartphones can sometimes be slow in capturing moments. The admission came with a new update that introduced a feature called Quick Shutter Tap in the Camera Assistant app. This feature captures photos as soon as your finger touches the shutter button, rather than when you release it. That’s how saving off a few milliseconds from the capture time.

Samsung Camera Assistant app

While this feature can help you capture the moments you actually wanted to capture, the fact that it’s only available through the Camera Assistant app is a cause for concern. The Camera Assistant app is not compatible with lower-end or mid-range smartphones, and even some high-end smartphones aren’t compatible with it.

This means that millions of Galaxy users are being deprived of faster capture times (and probably cherished memories) because they can’t use the app. Instead of hiding this simple option in the Camera Assistant app, Samsung should bring the feature to the stock camera app on all Galaxy smartphones and tablets. The feature should be turned on by default, so that everyone can benefit from it.

In addition to Quick Shutter Tap, Samsung should also consider bringing the Capture Speed feature from the Camera Assistant app to the stock camera’s settings section. Samsung phones can sometimes take too much time to capture a shot for HDR and multi-frame noise reduction processing, and this can lead to missed moments or blurred images of fast-moving subjects.

By automatically detecting moving objects and prioritizing shutter speed over image quality in such situations, Samsung can significantly improve the camera experience for a lot of Galaxy users. Samsung’s admission that its stock camera app can be slow in capturing moments is a step in the right direction. However, the company needs to take more concrete steps to address this issue.

By bringing Quick Shutter Tap and Capture Speed to the stock camera app, the company can improve the camera experience for all Galaxy users, regardless of their device’s specifications. We hope Samsung takes this feedback into consideration and makes the necessary changes in its upcoming updates.

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MINISFORUM Neptune MBG6 mini-PC With AMD Ryzen Processor Unveiled

MINISFORUM has showcased its latest mini-PC billed for release in the spring. The Neptune MBG6 comes with a desktop-class AMD Ryzen processor and a discrete GPU. The Neptune MBG6 is yet another offering in the growing collection of MINISFORUM mini-PCs.

MINISFORUM Neptune MBG6 mini-PC

In the last few months alone, MINISFORUM has announced several mini-PCs which mainly rely on laptop-grade processors. The AMD Ryzen 7 series and UM773 Lite are some of the processors implemented in the mini-PCs. On the other hand, the Neptune MBG6 uses the AMD Ryzen 7 5700X APU. The Ryzen 7 5700X is part of the AMD Vermeer series and is 65W rated. There are no indications yet of the improvements the processor brings over the 45W counterparts. It however lacks integrated graphics which are present in the laptop-version processors.

The absence of integrated graphics in the Ryzen 7 5700X translates to greater computing power for the processor. It will deploy all of its 65W TDP to CPU tasks and this translates to a performance boost. The Ryzen 7 5700X will be complemented by the Radeon RX 6600M GPU. The Radeon RX 6600M is a Navi 23-based GPU having 28 compute units, 8GB GDDR6 VRAM and up to 100W TDP. The GPU offers up to three times performance improvement above previous Radeon 6000 series APUs.

The fine optics of the performance of the Neptune MBG6 mini-PC are not fully established yet. MINISFORUM has not provided any pricing information for the product yet. However, we expect the Neptune MBG6 to be released next month (March 2023). More details will emerge as we inch closer to the official unveiling of the MINISFORUM MBG6 mini-PC.

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Xiaomi’s Partner Launches the Wanbo TT Projector With up to 650 ANSI Lumens Brightness

The Wanbo TT projector is now available in the global market. The projector has a maximum brightness of 650 ANSI lumens and is a sub-brand of Xiaomi. The Wanbo TT projector outputs a 1080p LCD and can throw images up to 120 inches wide from 3.3 meters.

Wanbo TT projector

The Wanbo TT has a native aspect ratio of 16:9 and a LED source provides brightness of up to 650 lumens. The lifespan of the light source of the Wanbo TT is about 20,000 hours. The projector is powered by the MTK9266 CPU with a 1GB/8GB memory configuration.

Two 5W speakers are built into the projector to provide a balanced stereo sound and Dolby Atmos support. You can download up to 200 apps into the Wanbo TT projector for a more nuanced experience. The projector supports Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity, as well as HDMI and USB.

Wanbo TT projector

The new Xiaomi Wanbo TT uses the auto-focus tool to provide clarity in the projected image. This can be achieved within a split second while keystone correction helps you to further improve the image. The projector weighs about 1.7kg and has dimensions of 6.7 x 4.7 x 6.9 inches.

The Wanbo TT projector can be purchased via Geekbuying at a discounted price of €308.27 ($327). In the US, a $150 discount coupon is redeemable for the projector, reducing its price to $309. The projector is originally priced at €327.94 ($) and ships directly from China. Shipping times and costs will vary.

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Doogee S100 Rugged Smartphone Unveiled With Helio G99 SoC Under the Hood

Chinese smartphone maker Doogee has introduced a new rugged smartphone in the global market. Called the Doogee S100, the handset comes with a large display and offers up to 120Hz refresh rate. There’s also a capable MediaTek Helio G99 processor inside. With MIL-STD-810H certification, the device should be able to accompany you in all your outdoor adventures. Let’s have closer look at the details.

The Doogee S100 shares some interesting features with the Doogee V30. For one, there’s support for e-Sim. However, the handset comes with the Helio G99 instead of the Dimensity 9000 SoC found on the V30. The smartphone features a 6.58-inch FHD+ IPS display with a 120 Hz refresh rate

Doogee_S100

The smartphone has 12 GB of RAM, which the brand claims to be the biggest RAM on any rugged phone currently on the market. The handset comes with 256 GB of UFS 2.2 storage that can be expanded up to 2 TB with a microSD card.

The handset gets a 10,800 mAh battery with 66 W fast charging testing. According to the company, the battery should last 55 hours in calling, 17.5 hours in streaming mode, and 43 hours while playing music. The Doogee S100 boasts multiple levels of protection from various hazards. In addition to meeting the rigorous MIL-STD-810H standard, it also holds impressive IP68 and IP69K ratings, ensuring superior protection against water ingress.

For photography, the rugged smartphone gets a triple camera unit in the rear with a 108 MP primary sensor, a 20 MP night vision camera, and a 16 MP ultrawide lens. The front houses a 32MP sensor for selfies and video calls.

The Doogee S100 should be available through AliExpress and DoogeeMall from March 20 to March 26. The pricing of the smartphone is yet to be announced.

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Apple Turns to Chinese Tech Company for AR

Apple has reportedly enlisted China’s Luxshare to help develop its first-generation augmented reality (AR) devices. Marking the first time the tech giant has used a Chinese supplier for a first-generation product. Luxshare, which has rapidly risen to become one of China’s leading tech manufacturing companies, has taken over the AR development team in Shanghai, which was previously owned by Taiwan’s Pegatron. Here are the details…

Luxshare’s Rise Continues as Apple Taps the Chinese Supplier for AR Development

Luxshare’s participation is significant for Chinese tech suppliers, as in the past. Apple has relied on Taiwanese companies like Foxconn to help develop its new product lines. This move by Apple comes at a time of heightened tech tensions between the US and China and scrutiny of Apple’s supply chain in China.

Pegatron was the first supplier to help Apple develop AR devices, but collaboration on that front was on and off for four years. The company has been making Microsoft’s Hololens mixed-reality headset for years but became skeptical about Apple’s AR plans and gradually exited the project to focus on other applications such as automotive and servers.

Luxshare, however, is eager to secure as much business as possible from Apple and has already become the company’s most important China-based supplier, helping to build iPhones, the Apple Watch and AirPods. Foxconn is also involved in the AR project and will work on parallel development of a cheaper second-generation AR device.

Two of Apple’s most important suppliers, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. and Sony of Japan, have been chosen to develop micro OLED displays for the AR devices. Part of the development of these displays has taken place at Apple’s secretive campus in northern Taiwan. Each microdisplay costs $150, and an AR device requires a pair of such screens, making the display technology expensive.

Despite the cost of the display technologies and chips, Apple has high expectations for augmented reality and is tapping the full range of its supply chain to make its devices a success. Analysts and industry executives estimate that the retail price of Apple’s AR gadget could range from $3,000-$5,000, making the first generation of AR devices extremely expensive.

However, Apple hopes to push the price down in the second generation of devices to a more affordable price, like that of a high-end Mac computer. It hopes to attract a larger user base in doing so.

According to Chiu Shih-fang, a tech supply chain analyst with the Taiwan Institute of Economic Research, Luxshare’s involvement in the AR device development is a sign of the company’s growing importance to Apple. However, he adds that it does not necessarily mean Luxshare’s development capability is good enough to threaten Taiwanese suppliers. The success of Apple’s AR devices remains to be seen, especially given the uncertainties in the global economy and rising inflation.

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Samsung Galaxy A54 & A34 Official Marketing Images Leak Ahead of Launch

Samsung‘s Galaxy A-series is expected to debut in March. Initially, two models. the Galaxy A54 and the Galaxy A34 are expected to launch. A recent leak revealed the design of these two smartphones. Now, new high-definition renders of these devices have emerged confirming the design and revealing color options.

Samsung

The leak comes from Winfuture which claims the images to be official marketing images of these devices. According to the report, it has been confirmed that the upcoming phones will have circular camera modules aligned vertically, which resembles the camera design of the Galaxy S23 series. Moreover, the report also indicates that the Galaxy A35 5G will have a notched display.

Samsung Galaxy A54 specs

It is anticipated that the Samsung Galaxy A54 5G will have a 6.4-inch sAMOLED Full HD display with a resolution of 2340 x 1080p and 120Hz display. It is expected to be powered by Samsung’s Exynos 1380 SoC, with 8GB of RAM and up to 256GB of storage. Its camera configuration will include a primary 50MP sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 5MP macro lens. The phone is also expected to have a 32MP front-facing camera.

To enhance security, the Galaxy A54 will include an in-display fingerprint sensor. The phone will be powered by a 5,000mAh battery with 25W fast charging capability and is predicted to have an IP67 rating, providing dust and water resistance. Additionally, the device will have dual SIM, NFC, OTG, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. It will run on OneUI 5.0, which is based on the Android 13 operating system.

Samsung Galaxy A34 specs

The Samsung Galaxy A34 5G is expected to have a 6.6-inch Full HD+ sAMOLED display with a resolution of 2340 x 1080 pixels and a 120Hz refresh rate. It may be powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 1080 SoC, along with up to 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. The phone is estimated to have dimensions of 161 x 78 x 8mm and weigh 199 grams.

The device will feature a triple camera setup on the back, consisting of a 48MP primary sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 5MP macro/bokeh lens. It will also have a 13MP front-facing camera for selfies and video calls.

The device is anticipated to come with a 5,000mAh battery with 25W fast charging support. It will also feature the latest OneUI 5.0 software based on Android 13 and an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance. Similar to the Galaxy A54, it will include a side-mounted fingerprint scanner, dual SIM support, NFC, OTG, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

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Affordable Nokia C02 Brings a Removable Battery and a Headphone Jack In 2023

Back in the day, every smartphone used to arrive with a removable battery and 3.5mm headphones. While the latter is still seen on many budget phones, you’ll hardly find a phone with the former. There are still a few smartphones that have a removable battery and you can add the latest Nokia C02 to the list.

Nokia mobile has quietly launched the affordable Nokia C02 as its latest entry-level smartphone. It brings a 5.45-inch LCD with FWVGA+ resolution and an 18:9 aspect ratio. The handset features large thick bezels on the display that take us back to old times. It has a polycarbonate frame and a back with a nano-texture. There’s also IP52 waterproofing.

Nokia C02

In the camera department, there’s a 2 MP front-facing camera and a single 5 MP camera on the rear with LED flash. Fueling the smartphone is a relatively large 3,000mAh battery that should be enough to power the phone for a full day. As mentioned, the battery is removable so you can always swap it with a new one if the juice runs out.

Under the hood, the Nokia C02 is powered by an unnamed quad-core SoC with a clock speed of 1.4GHz. The SoC is paired with 2GB RAM and 32GB eMMC 5.1 storage. On the software front, the handset runs Android 12 (Go edition). The brand will be offering two years of security updates.

The smartphone comes with dual SIM slots and a microSD card slot. The handset charges with the help of microUSB connector. Currently, the pricing and availability of the Nokia C02 are not known. The brand should be announcing it pretty soon. The handset should be priced under $80.

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Samsung’s Pokemon-Themed Accessories Set to Release on February 27th

Are you a big fan of Samsung and Pokemon? Well, we have some incredible news for you! As we approach Pokemon Day on February 27, which celebrates the release of the groundbreaking Pokemon Red and Green video games in Japan in 1996, Samsung has just announced that it will be re-releasing some of its most beloved Pokemon-themed accessories.

Samsung

Samsung has announced the return of three popular Pokemon-themed accessories. These include a watch band for the Galaxy Watch 5 series, a phone case for the Galaxy Z Flip 4, and a unique Poké Ball-shaped case for the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro. While these accessories are currently listed on Samsung’s website, they will not be available for purchase until February 27, which coincides with Pokemon Day.

The most eye-catching of the bunch is definitely the Poké Ball-shaped case for the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro. They have made a comeback after becoming a fan-favorite in last year’s Pokémon accessory release which featured the same Poké Ball for the Galaxy Buds Pro. The protective case on the other hand features the iconic starter trio from Pokemon Gen 1 (Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle in addition to the face of the franchise – Pikachu. It goes without saying that Samsung kind of missed an opportunity to make the Galaxy Z Flip 4 case look more like a Pokédex, but this case also looks quite cool.

Due to the immense popularity of these Pokemon-themed accessories, they sold out in less than a day last year, leaving many fans disappointed. With the popularity of these accessories, it is hard to predict how long they will be in stock this time around. Therefore, it is highly recommended that fans act fast to get their hands on these limited-edition items.

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Galaxy Tab S9 Could Be the First Flagship Samsung Tablet With IP67 Water Resistance

Samsung’s smartphones, especially the flagship ones, have a long history of being water-resistant. Recently, the brand’s mid-range handsets have also started to arrive with an IP rating. However, the tablets from the Korean OEM are not as resilient. So far, all flagship Samsung slates have lacked IP67 water and dust resistance. This may change with the upcoming Galaxy Tab S9.

According to Sammobile, the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 could become the first flagship Samsung tablet to arrive with an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance. The tablet is expected to debut by the second half of this year and will likely bring some impressive features out of the box.

Samsung-Galaxy-Tab-S8

It is worth noting that Samsung’s rugged tabs, such as Tab Active 3 do feature an IP rating. Even the Galaxy Z foldables arrive with water resistance. So, it makes sense for Samsung to finally make its flagship tablets more resilient. It should be noted that the information is based on preliminary rumors and Samsung may change its plans in the future.

Currently, other details about the Galaxy Tab S9 are pretty scarce. We expect the tablet to arrive with an immersive display, a fast processor, and S pen support. To recall, last year’s Galaxy Tab S8 features an 11-inch LPTS TFT display that offers a 2560 x 1600 pixels resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. It is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 SoC. Based on this, we can assume the Tab 9 will pack the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip.

The tab packs a 5,800mAh battery with support for 45W fast charging. There’s a 13MP primary camera with autofocus support and a 6MP ultrawide camera on the back. The front houses a 12MP camera for selfies.

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Philips Hue Go Portable Table Lamp Launched in Europe for €159.99

The wait is over for the Philips Hue Go portable table lamp in Europe. Signify has now launched the long-awaited product in Europe. The Philips Hue Go table lamp was scheduled for release last year but that did not happen. The portable lamp can be used both indoors and outdoors. The Hue Go portable lamp has a maximum brightness of up to 370 lumens.

Philips Hue Go portable table lamp

The European launch date of the lamp was delayed last year due to some issues with the certification process. The lamp can cast either white or colored light and you can customize the lighting via the companion Hue app. There are a raft of dimming and dynamic lighting effects available with the Go portable table lamp. You can opt for Cosy Candle for a soft glow and several other customization options via the Hue app.

The Philips Hue Go portable table lamp can be controlled in a variety of smart ways. These include the app, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri. The lamp is compatible with Bluetooth and supports the Hue Bridge. You can thus connect several smart accessories to the Go portable lamp. The light can last up to 48 hours on a single charge, which is impressive.

Philips Hue Go portable table lamp

The Philips Hue Go portable table lamp has a lifetime of up to 10 years with A+ low energy consumption. The lamp is 35cm tall and comes with a black or white base. The black base has a dark gray or orange grip, while the white base has a sage green or teal grip.

The Philips Hue Go table lamp was launched last year in the US and was priced at $159.99. The product is priced in Europe at €159.99 or £139.99 in the United Kingdom.

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MapmyIndia Unveils Mappls Gadgets for Cars and Bikes in India

MapmyIndia has launched a collection of Mappls tools for use in cars and bikes in India. The lineup of products includes GPS trackers, dash cameras, in-dash navitainment systems, and smart helmet kits for cars and bikes. The gadgets are aimed to promote safer driving.

The Mappls range of vehicle tracking solutions is offered in four variants. They allow users to track their vehicles, assets, and even loved ones in real time. This means that the user can get real-time information about his assets or loved ones. The trackers feature geofencing alerts, undue stoppage alarms, or overspeeding alarms.

Mappls Tracker
Mappls Tracker

The Mappls Dash Cameras are an integral part of the CarlEye system of comprehensive and personalized safety, tracking, telematics, and surveillance for the vehicle. It provides real-time video visibility and insights into vehicle performance. The dual camera setup of the CarlEye analyzes driver behavior and can detect rapid acceleration, braking, overspeeding, and so on. The Mappls CarlEye also monitors the car’s location via live vehicle tracking. The Mappls smartphone app offers an interface for accessing vehicle information on the go.

Mappls Careye
Mappls Careye

The Mappls in-dash navitainment systems consist of two in-class integrated and connected entertainment and navigation systems (ICENAV). They are the ICENAV 7216 and ICENAV 7464. The systems come with steering wheel control, video output, rear view AHD camera, Android-based OS, and Android Auto compatibility. They also feature FHD 1080p media playback, a 9-inch or 10-inch IPS Crystal Clear Display, and smartphone mirror link connectivity, among others. The ICENAV offers an excellent navigation experience via NaviMaps. It provides offline navigation with live traffic updates, 3D and RealView mapping, etc.

Mappls Icenav
Mappls Icenav

The other products released by MappmyIndia are revolutionary smart helmet kits for two-wheelers. The Navisor and Navaudio will help bike riders to stay safe on the road.

Mappls NavAudio
Mappls NavAudio

The MappmyIndia Mappls gadgets can be deep installed or plug-and-play according to the user’s preferences. The prices of the advanced GPS Vehicle Trackers range from Rs. 4,490 (~$54) to Rs. 12,990 (~$157). The Mappls CarlEye retails for Rs. 23,990 (~$290). The ICENAV systems start at Rs. 23,990 (~$290) and the combo Mappls Smart Helmet Kits are sold at a 50% discounted price of Rs. 5,490 (~$66).

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