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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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iPhone 15 CAD Renders Reveal Dynamic Island, USB-C Port, and More

After the iPhone 15 Pro, We now have a first look at the iPhone 15. Publication 9to5Mac has shared 3D CAD-based renders of the regular variant. The iPhone 15 series is expected to arrive later in September this year. However, plenty of leaks and rumours have been circulating about Apple’s next-generation flagships. 

The 3D CAD files of the iPhone 15 reveal that it will come with no notch and Dynamic Island. This was rumoured in September last year just after the launch of the iPhone 14 series. Additionally, DSCC Analyst Ross Young had also confirmed Dynamic Island on the entire iPhone 15 lineup. The latest development solidifies all the past reports. Dynamic Island is actually a pill-shaped camera housing the front camera and Face ID sensors. 

The CAD files also suggest that the iPhone 15 will feature a slightly bigger display measuring 6.2 inches compared to the 6.06 inches on the current-generation iPhone 14. As per the renders, the upcoming offering is seen with a USB-C port replacing the Lightning port to comply with EU law. Additionally, the iPhone 15 is also seen with physical power and volume rocker buttons which means that the rumoured solid-state buttons will be limited to the Pro variants. 

9to5Mac reports that the CAD files aren’t final but they seem to confirm the details as a Twitter user has leaked an early live image of the iPhone 15. There’s still time for the iPhone 15 series launch and we recommend readers to take the information with a grain of salt. 

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OPPO Dominates China’s Foldable Phone Market in Jan 2023, Sales Grow 54% YoY: CINNO

According to a report released by CINNO Research, the sales of folding screen phones in China saw a significant year-on-year growth of 54% in January 2023, with a continued double-digit growth trend. This comes after the sales of folding screen phones in China reached 2.83 million units in 2022, showing a remarkable increase of 144.4% year-on-year.

OPPO has emerged as the market leader in China’s folding screen phone market, capturing a 30% market share in January 2023, up by 22.1%. This growth is attributed to the strong performance of OPPO’s Find N2 and Find N2 Flip models, with their folding phone penetration rate increasing to nearly 4%, up by 3%.

Folding Phone Sales report

Meanwhile, Huawei’s market share dropped by 33.2% year-on-year to 25.7%, with the company’s dominance in the folding phone market being challenged by the emergence of new players and the launch of more new products. This has led to the gradual formation of a “tripod” market pattern, with OPPO, Samsung, and Huawei occupying the top three spots in terms of market share.

Samsung’s market share remained stable at 23.2%, with its strategy of flooding the Chinese market with a large number of devices helping to maintain its position. Honor saw the most significant growth, with its market share increasing by 9.8% year-on-year to 12.8%, thanks to the success of its new generation of folding models, Magic V.

China's Folding Phone Sales report

In terms of folding screen forms, the vertical folding form accounted for 42% of China’s folding phone sales in January 2023, a year-on-year increase of 2%. In terms of price, the sales of folding screen phones above 15,000 CNY accounted for 12% of the market, a sharp drop of 26% year-on-year.

Overall, this report highlights the continued growth and competitiveness of China’s folding screen phone market, with OPPO leading the pack and challenging Huawei’s dominance. It also reveals an interesting shift in the pricing of folding screen phones, with more sales occurring in the mid-range price bracket.

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AI-Powered Bixby to Answer Samsung users’ Calls

Samsung has announced a new feature for Bixby that creates an AI-generated copy of a user’s voice to answer calls. This new “Custom Voice Creator” allows users to record different sentences for Bixby to analyze and create an AI-generated copy of their tone and voice. The feature is currently only available in Korean on Galaxy S23 series devices. Here are the details…

Bixby’s AI-generated voice feature enables call answering for Samsung users

The Custom Voice Creator is designed to let users use their AI-generated voice to answer phone calls when they are unable to do so themselves. If a user can’t answer a phone call, they can use the feature to type out a sentence that will be read out to the caller in their own voice. Samsung plans to make the feature compatible with other Samsung capabilities beyond phone calls in the future.

In addition, Samsung has also announced that its Bixby Text Call feature, which transforms voice calls into written text, now supports calls in English. The feature initially launched last year in Korean and allows users to answer calls by typing a message that Bixby will then read out loud to the caller. Text Call can also transcribe what the caller says. The feature is available on Galaxy S23 devices, the Z Fold 4 and the Z Flip 4. Samsung is also rolling out the ability for users to customize Bixby’s wake-up phrase into whatever they want. The voice assistant can now also play music depending on the type of exercise that is playing on Samsung Health.

“Now, Bixby can better understand intent and process follow-up requests by understanding context and associating words previously used in interactions,” the company wrote in a blog post. “For example, Bixby users can first launch a workout on Samsung Health and then ask Bixby to play music that best suits that exercise by saying “Play music for this workout.”

Furthermore, Samsung has expanded the things that Bixby can do offline, such as setting a timer, taking a screenshot, or turning on the flashlight. This move towards offline functionality allows users to access Bixby’s capabilities even when they are not connected to the internet.

The introduction of the Custom Voice Creator feature for Bixby represents a significant step towards making AI-generated voices more accessible and personal. While the feature is currently limited to the Galaxy S23 series devices in Korean, Samsung plans to make it available to more users in the future.

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Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 to Sport Curved Glass Design

A new leak has revealed some details regarding the design of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 series model. The new leak has hinted that the upcoming flagship smartwatch model from the company will feature a curved glass design.

The news arrives from known tipster Ice Universe who shared the information on Twitter. Apparently, the South Korean tech giant’s next gen smart wearable device will be bringing back the curved glass design that some of the earlier Galaxy Watch models featured in the past. Keep in mind that the curved aspect is only in regards to the glass panel over the display and likely not the display itself.

Samsung

Unfortunately, the tipster has also added that there are no additional details that are currently available regarding the upcoming smartwatch. Although, we can expect more information to surface soon in the forms of leaks or rumors since the Galaxy Watch 6 is set to launch sometime later this year. We had recently also covered a patent from Samsung that detailed a Galaxy Watch that can project the display onto the users hand.

While there is a slight possibility that the brand could be looking to bring this feature onto its future smartwatches, it is highly improbable that the project smartwatch will be a part of the Galaxy Watch 6 series. So stick around for more, as we will be providing updates when additional information is available regarding this matter.

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JBL Wave Buds, Wave Beam With 32 Hours Battery Life Launched In India

JBL has expanded its range of TWS earphones in India. The latest offerings from the Harman-owned brand are called JBL Wave Buds and Wave Beam. Both earphones have similar specifications apart from a different designs. They compete against other TWS earphones under the Rs 5,000 price segment in the market. Read on to know what the JBL Wave Buds and Wave Beam offer out of the box. 

The JBL Wave Buds feature an in-ear design whereas the Wave Beam comes with a semi-in-ear stem and silicon ear tips. Users can control various functions with smart touch on the earbuds. Both audio devices are IP54-certified dust and water-resistant. 

In terms of audio, the JBL Wave Buds and Wave Beam are equipped with 8mm drivers that are said to offer deep bass sound. The TWS earphones feature smart ambient technology that allows users to have keep listening to music while being aware of background noise. There is also a Talk-thru feature that lets users hear others without removing the earbuds. The audio devices are compatible with JBL Headphones app for various customisations. 

The JBL Wave Buds and Wave Beam come with Bluetooth 5.2 and Google Fast Pair. Both TWS earphones are claimed to offer a total battery life of up to 32 hours and support fast charging. 

The JBL Wave Buds are priced at Rs 3,999 whereas the Wave Beam costs Rs 4,999. They are offered in White, Black, Peach, and Blue colours. The TWS earphones will be available for purchase starting February 24th from the brand’s website and retail stores. 

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Oppo Pad 2 Emerges on 3C Database With 67W Fast Charging, Could Launch Soon

Oppo is expected to debut a new tablet in the Chinese market. The tablet will be called the Oppo Pad 2 and will be the successor of the Oppo Pad which was launched last year. No official word on the device has been made public yet, however, it is expected to debut alongside the Oppo Find X6 series smartphones.

OPPO Pad
Oppo Pad

Specs and features of the Oppo Pad 2 have emerged online via multiple leaks. The device was also spotted on Bluetooth SIG recently. Now, it has made an appearance on the 3C certification website revealing its fast charging capabilities.

According to the database, the Oppo Pad 2 bearing model number OPD2201 is capable of 67W fast charging. Other than that, the listing does not reveal any other details. Let’s take a look at all the information available on the upcoming tablet.

Oppo Pad 2 specs (rumored)

Based on leaked information, the Oppo Pad 2 is expected to feature an 11.6-inch display with a resolution of 2800 x 2000 pixels, as well as a 144Hz refresh rate, Dolby Vision, and HDR10+ support. It may be powered by an octa-core Dimensity 9000 SoC with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage.

The tablet is rumored to run on Android 13 with ColorOS 13 on top and features a 13MP rear camera and an 8MP front camera. The device is expected to have a 9,150mAh battery with 67W fast charging support, as indicated by 3C certification.

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Huawei Won’t Make Cars, but Will Build Smart Car Ecosystem for Other Brands: Exec

After Huawei had its smartphone operations crippled due to the US sanctions, the company focused its efforts in various other fields, which included the automobile industry. However, it seems that the brand itself isn’t looking to build a car of its own.

Back in 2020, Ren Zhengfei, the CEO of the Chinese tech giant, stated the company does not plan on making its own cars. However, there were various rumors looming regarding Huawei possibly working on an electric/smart car of its own. Since then, the brand has even launched various systems that were featured on smart cars from other firms. Now, Yu Chengdong, CEO of Huawei’s Consumer BG has also reiterated the same information regarding the company’s plans for the automobile market.

Huawei

As per the senior official, the brand will not be making its own cars. However, they will continue on expanding its smart car ecosystem and other technological solutions for other brands. Basically, one can expect to see more products like the Huawei Smart LNDU 4K Dashcam that supports HarmonyOS. It has also made smart displays for electric vehicles and also has its technology for AITO models as well.

The executive also added that the company will be closely cooperating with other automobile makers will also lead the market in China and turn into some of the more profitable names in the Chinese car market. He went on to talk more about the brand’s investment into its smart car tech solutions, but this clears the fact that a Huawei branded car is not in the works anytime in the near future.

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