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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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Paranoid Android Topaz Now Available for These Redmi & Poco Smartphones

Xiaomi has slowly started to release Android 13-based MIUI 14 updates to its eligible smartphones. The brand will initially update the newly launched flagship phones and then shift its focus to the aging ones. But if you can’t wait to try your hands on the latest version of Android, the team over at Paranoid Android has some good news for you. You can now install the Android 13-based stable Topaz build of the ROM on a handful of Redmi and Poco Smartphones.

paranoid-android-topaz

For the unaware, Paranoid Android belongs to the dying breed of AOSP-based custom ROMs that are based on the Android Open Source Project (AOSP). The software was recently made available for a bunch of OnePlus and Pixel smartphones. And now the following Redmi and Poco phones have joined the roster:

  • Redmi Note 9S
  • Redmi Note 9 Pro (India)
  • Redmi Note 10 Lite
  • Redmi Note 9 Pro (Global)
  • Redmi Note 9 Pro Max (India)
  • Poco M2 Pro
  • Poco F2 Pro
  • Redmi K30 Pro / K30 Pro Zoom Edition

The above smartphones are at least 2 years old now and it’s not even certain if Xiaomi will release an Android 13-based MIUI 14 update for them. So, installing Paranoid Android Topaz might just be the best way for you to the latest Android 13. What’s interesting is that you’d get a clean and bloatware-free experience without MIUI customizations. In other words, you will be able to experience Android as Google intended you to.

However, it is important that you know how to install a custom ROM otherwise you’ll end up bricking your device. The download link for the ROM compatible with your Redmi or Poco device is available on Paranoid Android’s website.

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Ulephone Tab A8 with Android 12, quad speakers, and expandable storage announced

The Ulephone Tab A8 with quad speakers, expandable storage, and a 3.5mm audio jack has been announced. The new Ulephone tablet comes with Android 12 out of the box and supports 4G/LTE, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth connectivity.

Ulephone Tab A8

The Ulephone Tab A8 has a slim metal unibody design and features a camera hump similar to the Xiaoi 13. It has a 10.1-inch FHD+ screen and the headphone jack addition will catch the fancy of audio buffs.

The internals of the Tab A8 makes it an affordable mobile device with a large enough screen for several activities. Ulephone has underscored its choice of a tablet product after its raft of recent mobile phone releases. The slightly larger screen in the tablet makes it to be a choice for mobile gaming, learning/ working, and entertainment. The product hopes to give the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 and Xiaomi 13 series models. It has a single 13MP Omnivision shooter although there are two cutouts. A 5MP front-facing camera in landscape orientation is also part of the mix.

Ulephone Tab A8

The Ulephone Tab A8 has a 10.1-inch display, a 16:10 aspect ratio, an FHD+ resolution, and an Android 12-based UI. It uses the MediaTek MT6762V/WB chipset with the IMG PowerVR GE8320 GPU at 650MHz. The tablet’s 3.5mm jack was drilled into one corner of its chassis. Both potential audio advantages are seen alongside the USB-A ports. The tablet has 4GB/ 64GB RAM/ internal storage and the storage is expandable to 256GB.

The Ulephone Tab A8 is 7,35mm high and has a 6,580mAh battery and it will be available in gray color. The tablet can be purchased directly from Ulephone for $199.99 but global availability information is not known yet.

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OnePlus Nord 3 Specs Leak in Full, Launch Expected by July

After launching the OnePlus 11 and 11R in the global market, it seems the Chinese brand is now planning to introduce a new mid-range smartphone under the Nord lineup. The device could be called the OnePlus Nord 3 and bring some impressive specifications out of the box. While there’s no official confirmation yet, a new report has shared the smartphone’s launch timeline as well as specifications.

OnePlus Nord 3 will likely debut as the successor to 2021’s Nord 2. As is the case with all Nord series smartphones, we can expect the upcoming Nord 3 to be priced competitively and offer decent hardware, including a powerful chipset, capable cameras, and fast charging. The latest MySmartPrice report, citing tipster OnLeaks, claims the same.

OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G
OnePlus Nord CE 2

As per the report, the OnePlus Nord 3 will arrive with a 6.72-inch AMOLED display with a Full HD+ resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. It could be equipped with an octa-core Dimensity 9000 processor. To remind you, Dimensity 9000 is a powerful SoC from MediaTek. Based on the 4nm process node, the chipset debuted in 2021 with an integrated ARM Mali-G710 GPU.

The Chipset on the Nord phone is said to be paired with 8GB/16GB RAM and 128GB/256GB of internal storage. The handset could have a decent triple-camera unit on the back, headlined by a 50MP primary camera. There may also be an 8MP ultra-wide lens and a 2MP macro sensor. On the front, there will likely be a 16MP sensor for selfies and video calls.

Keeping the lights on will be a 5,000mAh battery with support for 80W SuperVooc charging. Notably, the handset will feature OnePlus’s signature alert slider or mute switch, which is definitely a nice-to-have. The publication says the OnePlus Nord 3 will launch globally between mid-June and July. 

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Google Partners with Mercedes-Benz to Create Next-Gen Luxurious Navigation System

Mercedes- Benz and Google have formed a partnership to create an exclusive navigation system for the German automaker. The customized in-built navigation system will use geospatial and Google Maps navigation data. The company has decided to build this in-house navigation system to provide its customers with reliable and accurate navigational data combined with the luxury and feel of the brand Mercedes. 

This partnership between Mercedes and Google is a part of the company’s long-term strategy to develop and create luxurious digital and AI innovations for vehicles. The automaker is trying to compete with artificial intelligence systems, autonomous driving functions, and advanced hardware suites offered by companies like Tesla. But where Tesla is focusing on affordability and market reach, Mercedes is focusing on luxury and top-notch services.

With the Google partnership, Mercedes has now access to Google’s geospatial database including features like real-time traffic information, prediction algorithms, information on places, automatic re-routing, etc. 

At first, the company is going to offer basic features like location details to its customers. The feature will include details of more than 200 million businesses and locations around the world, provided from the Google database. The details will include business hours, location, images, reviews, and ratings. The basic features will be available in all Mercedes vehicles with the latest generation of MBUX in applicable markets.

Mercedes- Benz comes with an advanced high-resolution screen with outstanding graphics which will further add to the user experience. It will also add automatic speed adjustment functions wherein the vehicle will slow down right before an intersection, roundabout, and other sensitive and accident-prone areas. The company also plans to bring the Youtube app into its onboard entertainment system. 

In the long term, Mercedes plans to integrate the Google Map completely with the Mercedes- Benz operating system and use Google Cloud’s AI and Machine Learning capabilities to create, train, and deploy new models that will provide cutting-edge technology to its users. 

Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius said that the company partnered with only the best of the best firms as it wanted to bring great value and services to its customers. He further added that Google was an obvious choice as it is a global leader in maps and navigation systems. 

As for the actual usage, CEO Kallenius said that Google Maps will be deeply integrated within the signature Mercedes-Benz user interface and fully connected to relevant vehicle functions like the state of charge. 

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iPhone 15 Series Will Have Longer Battery Life Thanks to New Display Driver Chip

Leaks about the iPhone 15 series, which will be introduced in September, have already begun to emerge. Like every year, it seems that the cheapest and most expensive models will be the ones that attract the most attention. Finally, new information has emerged about the series. It looks like the iPhone 15 lineup is rumored to feature more power-efficient OLED displays. Here are the details…

iPhone 15 Lineup Rumored to Feature More Power-Efficient OLED Displays

The iPhone 15 lineup is rumored to feature more power-efficient OLED displays, thanks to a new display driver chip manufactured using a 28nm process. The primary benefit of the 28nm chip is reduced power consumption, which could have a significant impact on battery life. This could be especially important for users who rely heavily on their phones throughout the day and need them to last longer between charges.

While no major display upgrades have been rumored for the iPhone 15, the Dynamic Island feature is expected to expand to the standard iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus. This feature was first introduced on the iPhone 13 Pro models and allows for a small portion of the display to be lit up to display notifications and other information while the rest of the screen remains off, conserving battery life.

The use of OLED displays has been a staple of the iPhone lineup since the iPhone X, and it’s clear that Apple is constantly looking for ways to improve the technology. The switch to a more power-efficient display driver chip could be a significant step forward in this effort. Additionally, the bezels around the display are expected to be thinner on the 15 Pro models, which could give those devices a similar appearance to the Apple Watch Series 8.

iPhone 15

This would give the 15 Pro models a sleeker, more modern look compared to previous generations. It’s worth noting that these are still just rumors at this point, and it’s always possible that plans could change between now and the release of the iPhone 15 lineup.

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Garmin MARQ (Gen 2) Luxury Smartwatches Collection Catering To Individual Personas Launched In India

Garmin has unveiled the second generation of its luxury MARQ collection smartwatches. The lineup includes five models that cater to different individual personas. These are called MARQ Athlete, MARQ Adventurer, MARQ Golfer, MARQ Captain, and MARQ Aviator. Each variant is differentiated by the choice of materials and use case. Read on to know more below. 

Beginning with the common features, the Garmin MARQ (Gen 2) lineup is equipped with Grade-five titanium that is stronger and harder than stainless steel making it scratch-resistant and lightweight. All models feature a 46mm watch case and a dome sapphire lens along with a vibrant AMOLED display. 

In terms of health-related features, the Garmin MARQ (Gen 2) series is equipped with a heart-rate sensor, stress and respiration tracking, advanced sleep insights, and a body battery monitor. There is also a new Jet Lag Adviser that helps users reduce the effects of jet lag while travelling to another country. All smartwatches support multi-band GNSS and multi-frequency GPS along with Garmin SatIQ technology for superior positioning accuracy. The MARQ (Gen 2) smartwatch lineup is claimed to deliver 16 days of battery life and can be topped up via a magnetic charger. 

As for the differences, the Garmin MARQ (Gen 2) Athlete has a DLC-coated bezel and features like PacePro, a real-time stamina tracker making it ideal for runners. The Adventurer model features a leather design and a durable FKM-rubbed hybrid strap with cardinal directions and 360-degree markings for adventure enthusiasts. The MARQ Golfer packs a golf course-inspired design with support for over 42,000 courses and features like a virtual caddie, hazard view, wind data, and pinpointer. 

The MARQ Captain is meant for those who are at the sea and it comes with a navy ceramic bezel with a regatta timer for racers to keep an eye on the exact start time and maintain pace during the race. This model also supports tracking water activities kayaking, standup paddleboarding, windsurfing, kitesurfing and kiteboarding. It also offers the ability to access autopilot. Lastly, the Garmin MARQ Aviator is catered towards pilots. It is equipped with a brushed titanium bracelet and a ceramic 24-hour GMT bezel. The smartwatch has the ability to navigate to a location or waypoint in the worldwide aeronautical database. 

The Garmin MARQ (Gen 2) Athlete costs Rs 1,94,990 whereas the Adventurer is priced at Rs 2,15,490. The Golfer, Captain, and Aviator models carry price tags of Rs 2,35,990, Rs 2,25,990, and Rs 2,46,990 respectively. The luxury smartwatches will be available for purchase starting February 25th from the brand’s store, Just in Time stores, Amazon, Tata Luxury, and Synergizer. 

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Redmi Note 12 4G Appears on Multiple Certification Websites, Could Launch Soon

After the debut of the Redmi Note 12 5G series in both China and some global markets, the Note 12 4G is said to be the next addition to the lineup. The device has already appeared on the IMEI database confirming its existence.

Now, it has appeared on multiple certification databases signaling that the launch might happen soon. It has appeared on NBTC, TDRA, IMDA, and FCC databases. Among these certifications, all have the device marked with the model number 23021RAAEG. The FCC listing reveals that the smartphone has two different memory variants 8GB + 128GB and 6GB + 128GB.

Redmi

Other than that, the certifications don’t reveal much, however, previous reports state that the phone will have an Android 13-based MIUI 14 operating system onboard. The base version of the device is expected to have a 4GB + 64GB configuration. This configuration will likely ship to global regions like India, and Indonesia among others.

There is no word on other specs and features of this upcoming 4G device, but we can assume that it will have an AMOLED display. It is also possible that Redmi opts for the MediaTek Helio G99 chipset to power this device. The Helio G99 is a recently launched mid-range 4G chipset based on a 6nm node. It boasts decent performance and high efficiency.

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