Google Pixel 7 5G Doesn’t Support Newer 5G Standard

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Feb 21, 2023

The IT industry has recently been buzzing with the news that Google’s latest flagship smartphone, Pixel 7, does not support the latest 5G standard. This is a huge letdown for people who were expected to enjoy the lightning-fast speeds of 5G networks on their devices. While this may appear not to be a major setback at the moment, there is some optimism in sight: Android 14 may provide compatibility for this new 5G standard to Pixel 7 owners.

The 3GPP is in charge of creating mobile broadband standards, with 5G being the most recent focus. Standards are made available in the form of “releases,” with the Pixel 7 running on the older 3GPP Release 15 compared to other phones on the market today. Release 15 became the first 5G standard in June 2018. It was followed in July 2020 by Release 16, which Qualcomm supported with the Snapdragon X65 in 2021 and the X70 modem last year. Release 17 was announced in the month of June 2022.

According to Qualcomm, Release 16 includes a “slew of advancements to the core components of the 5G system, including coverage, capacity, latency, power, mobility, dependability, simplicity of deployment, and more.” There is, however, some good news for Pixel enthusiasts who are upset by this announcement. According to recent speculations, with the introduction of Android 14, the Pixel 7 may be upgraded to the current 5G standard. This would put the Pixel 7 on par with other flagship products and allow it to use the most recent 5G networks.

According to Google, “3GPP Release 16 will be planned in the Android U release.” According to one interpretation, the Pixel 7 will be updated to Release 16 in the fall. The Pixel 8 is said to employ the same 5300 modems as the Tensor G3, with the chance that only the newer phone will support it. The likelihood of a 5G update with Android 14 is a fascinating prospect that Pixel lovers will be following intently in the coming months. Thanks a lot for reading the post till the end.

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Lenovo Launches New Gen Xiaoxin Notebooks with 1TB SSD & RTX 40 Series Graphics

By

Anubhav

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Feb 21, 2023

IT House reported on February 20th that Lenovo has released a new generation of Xiaoxin notebooks with many models equipped with 1TB SSD as standard, marking a significant advancement towards the popularization of 1TB large-capacity SSDs. This announcement comes just one day after Lenovo’s unveiling of the latest update for the XiaoXin Pad Pro 2022.

Lenovo’s latest updates reveal that the Savior 2023 series will also feature 1TB SSD in gaming notebooks, making this capacity more accessible and commonplace. The Savior 2023 series boasts a mainstream configuration equipped with a 1TB SSD and an additional M.2 slot for expansion.

The Lenovo Savior 2023 series is expected to launch soon, with the Y9000P featuring Intel Core 13th-generation processors and 140W fast charging. Reports suggest that the device will also feature a new big Y logo. Official data indicates that the new generation of Y9000P professional gaming notebooks can output up to 250W of performance.

This series of notebooks is expected to be comparable to the Legion Pro 7i series notebooks, as previously reported by IT House. They feature the latest 13th-generation Core CPUs and RTX 40-series graphics, with an optional i9 + RTX 4090 flagship configuration. The notebook’s display features a 16-inch 2560×1600 IPS panel with a refresh rate of 240 Hz.

In summary, Lenovo has released a new generation of Xiaoxin notebooks that feature 1TB SSDs as standard, while also announcing the Savior 2023 series with similar capabilities. The Lenovo Savior 2023 series is expected to launch soon, with the Y9000P featuring Intel Core 13th-generation processors and 140W fast charging. This series of notebooks is expected to go toe-to-toe with the company’s very own Legion Pro 7i series notebooks with the latest 13th-generation Core CPUs and RTX 40-series graphics.

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OnePlus 11R Pre-Order in India Starts Today at 12PM with Free Budz Z2 Earbuds

By

Sudhanshu

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Feb 21, 2023

Earlier this month, OnePlus launched the OnePlus 11R smartphone in India and other global markets. The brand appears to be returning to its flagship-killer roots with this new device. It features the same primary camera as the flagship OnePlus 11 and comes with the flagship-grade Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset.

Two weeks after the official unveiling, the device will finally be made available for pre-order in India later today. The brand will also be pitching in a free pair of OnePlus Buds Z2 earbuds worth ₹5,999 for free with every purchase. Check out the bank offers and availability below.

OnePlus 11R price, availability & offers

The OnePlus 11R 8GB + 128GB model is priced at ₹39,999, while the 16GB + 256GB model will cost ₹44,999. It will be available for pre-order starting from 12 PM today (Feb 21) via OnePlus.in, OnePlus Store App, OnePlus Experience Stores, and Amazon.in

Citibank users can avail an instant discount of ₹1,000 on the OnePlus 11R through Citibank Credit Cards and EMI transactions. Similarly, ICICI bank users will also get ₹1,000 off on Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and EMI transactions.

Additionally, OnePlus Buds Z2 will tag along as a freebie with every purchase. It is worth mentioning that this offer is only valid till stock lasts.

OnePlus 11R specs

The OnePlus 11R boasts a 6.74-inch Fluid AMOLED display with a curved design, packing a resolution of 1.5K and 120Hz refresh rate. This display panel features 10-bit color depth, HDR10+ certification, an in-display fingerprint scanner, and a centered punch-hole notch that houses the front camera.

Under the hood, the phone is powered by an octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor and an Adreno 730 GPU. It offers up to 16GB LPDDR5X RAM and up to 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage. The device runs OxygenOS 13, based on the latest Android 13.

In terms of camera performance, the OnePlus 11R features a triple-rear camera system that includes a 50MP primary shooter with optical image stabilization, an 8MP ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 2MP macro camera. The front-facing camera offers a 16MP shooter for selfies and video calls.

The OnePlus 11R packs a 5000mAh battery with 100W SuperVOOC charging technology, similar to the OnePlus 11. It also comes with a USB 2.0 Type-C port for charging and data transfers, stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos audio, and a choice of two colors: Sonic Black and Galactic Silver. You can check out our in-depth review of the OnePlus 11R to help you decide if this is the right phone for you.

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Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 May Sport the Largest Cover Display On a Flip Phone

By

Anvinraj Valiyathara

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Feb 21, 2023

Samsung is working on its next-generation foldable phones, such as the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and the Galaxy Z Flip 5 (tentative names). It can be said based on previous release patterns that both devices may arrive in the third quarter of this year. The rumor mill has already leaked a lot of information about the Galaxy Z Fold 5. Now, tipster Ice Universe has leaked one of the first details of the Z Flip 5.

The Galaxy Z Flip 4 features a 1.9-inch cover display. In December 2022, display analyst Ross Young claimed that the Galaxy Z Flip 5’s cover display will measure over three inches. Fresh information shared by leaker Ice Universe reveals that the cover screen of the Galaxy Z Flip 5 will be bigger than the OPPO Find N2 Flip’s external screen, which measures 3.26 inches diagonally. The exact size of the Z Flip 5’s external screen is yet to be revealed.

The cover display available on the Galaxy Z Flip 4 has limited capabilities. It can show notifications and function as a photo viewfinder. There is a possibility that the South Korean tech giant may add support for some other native apps for the external screen on the Z Flip 5.

Young had also revealed that the Galaxy Z Flip 5 will have a new hinge design. This could be an attempt to reduce the display crease on the device.

The other details of the Galaxy Z Flip 5 are yet to be revealed. The Galaxy S23 series, which went official recently in multiple markets, features the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 mobile platform for Galaxy. The custom chip in the Galaxy S23 lineup has a processing speed of up to 3.36 GHz. The regular SD8G2 clocks at up to 3.2GHz. There is a possibility that the Z Flip 5 and Z Fold 5 may feature the same custom version of the SD8G2.

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Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra Display Defect is Not a Major Issue

By

Chandan

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Feb 21, 2023

There have been numerous reports of screen faults on the recently released Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra smartphone from users. They recorded part of it with their cameras and published the images and videos on social media. The bubbling up of the screen at corners is the users’ biggest worry. The following issue, however, was addressed by several specialists who claimed that “it is nothing more than a non-issue.” It turns out that this is not a brand-new problem exclusive to the Galaxy S23 Ultra nor a genuine issue or production flaw.

The little “bubble” that could be seen in the lower-right corner of the Galaxy S23 Ultra was also seen on the Galaxy S22 Ultra. Last year, around the time the Galaxy S22 Ultra began delivering to customers, Samsung addressed concerns regarding the screen. The business noted on the Taiwanese portal’s help page that this is “a normal event” that has no effect on the operation or longevity of the product, and that consumers should feel free to use their devices without concern.

According to the business, Samsung displays are made up of a variety of components, including surface tempered glass, a dustproof layer, and a waterproof layer, to mention a few. This bubbling effect appears to be a light refraction phenomenon observed at specific angles. So, according to Samsung. We’re not sure why it happens at the factory level, and other Galaxy device customers claim their phones don’t exhibit this behaviour, but whatever the case may be, Samsung has already stated that it’s absolutely acceptable, so it most likely is.

If this minor quirk doesn’t put you off Samsung’s new flagship phone, the pre-order period is over, but you may purchase the Galaxy S23 Ultra directly from the company’s website. If you open the box and can’t get past that minor light refraction flaw, you can always try contacting the company’s support channels. So that was all we had to cover up regarding the display issue highlighted by many users. However, officials confirmed that it’s nothing to worry about. With that said, do let us know your thoughts on this by dropping a comment down below. Thanks a lot for reading the post till the end.

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Smartphone Shipments in China Decline by 22.6% Year-on-Year in 2022

By

Anubhav

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Feb 21, 2023

The mobile phone, also known as the wireless phone or cell phone, was initially developed as a communication tool and colloquially referred to as “Big Brother.” The first mobile phone was created by Bell Laboratories in the United States in 1940, and it has since evolved into a portable phone terminal that is used extensively throughout the world. The number of devices is especially high in countries like India and China owing to the population of these countries. According to the latest data from the China Business Industry Institute, China’s mobile phone shipments have been on the decline in the previous year, 2022.

The China Business Industry Research Institute is a valuable resource for industrial big data, industry intelligence, industry research reports, industry white papers, business plans, feasibility study reports, park industrial planning, industrial chain investment maps, industrial investment guidance, industrial chain investment inspection, and promotion meetings.

In recent years, the Chinese mobile phone market has exhibited a downward trend, with the market nearing saturation, and consumers’ demand for mobile phones gradually weakening. In December 2022, the total mobile phone shipments in the domestic market stood at 27.86 million units, down by 16.6% YoY. In 2022 as a whole, the total shipments amounted to 272 million units, a YoY decrease of 22.6%.

The current market is primarily dominated by 5G mobile phones. In December 2022, there were 23.234 million 5G mobile phones, down by 14.4% YoY, accounting for 78.8% of the total market. Similar to the trend in other countries, this may be due to the fact that more users are purchasing high-end devices than ever before, leading to a decrease in overall shipments. Furthermore, the popularity of more expensive foldable devices is gradually increasing, with brands like Xiaomi and Oppo being strong contenders in the market. This might point towards a shifting trend in the Chinese smartphone market.

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Samsung Leads Global TV Market for 17 Consecutive Years

By

Chandan

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Feb 21, 2023

Samsung TVs are known for providing high-quality hardware and an amazing user experience. Even though their TVs are priced a little higher when compared to other OEMs, they are still worth the bucks. Now, an official statement released from Samsung Newsroom confirms that Samsung has been leading the global TV market for the last 17 years.

According to market research group Omdia, Samsung once again led the world’s TV market in 2022, making it the company’s 17th consecutive year at the top of the TV market. The company’s dedication to high-quality viewing experiences and user-centred design is responsible for its success. The South Korean electronics giant has continued to raise its market share year after year, maintaining its dominance as the world’s top TV manufacturer.

The business’s success may be due to its ongoing innovations, state-of-the-art technology, and client-centred philosophy. Samsung puts its consumers’ demands first in addition to its technological advancements. The design of the company’s goods, which is both visually beautiful and practical, reflects its customer-centric philosophy. With features like voice control and smart home integration, Samsung TVs are made to be simple to use and intuitive.

Additionally, Samsung’s global distribution network contributes to the company’s dominance in the TV industry. The organisation can access a wide range of customers because of its strong presence in both developed and growing areas. More than 200 countries sell Samsung TVs, and the corporation has a substantial retail presence in nations including the US, China, and India.

Samsung’s advanced technologies, which enable it to produce new and high-quality goods, are one of its greatest strengths. The business makes significant investments in R&D, and its engineers are constantly looking for ways to enhance the watching experience. This emphasis on innovation has produced a number of ground-breaking goods, including the first QLED TV in the world, which uses quantum dot technology to provide unparalleled picture quality. So that’s all for this post. Thanks a lot for reading the post till the end.

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Sonos Era 300 and Era 100 Smart Speakers Leak Ahead of Official Launch

By

Jeet

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Feb 21, 2023

Earlier, we reported about Sonos working on a new premium lineup of smart speakers, which will soon go official. While the company is yet to officially launch the new speakers, they have been leaked online.

Sonos Era 300 and Era 100, which will be a part of the new premium Era lineup from the company, have been leaked online ahead of the official launch, with official images, specs, and pricing details.

The Sonos Era 300 will be a high-end model with a unique dual-angled design and will be a direct competitor to the Apple HomePod 2. It will come with six drivers that direct sound forward, left, right, and up. Some of the features confirmed for the device include Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, built-in mics, auto EQ, and USB-C line-in.

It will be HomeKit/AirPlay 2 compatible and should also have Siri support as well as Alexa support. The speaker can also be used as surrounds for the Sonos Arc and Beam soundbars for an immersive Dolby Atmos setup.

On the other hand, the Sonos Era 100 will be an evolution of the Sonos One with a bigger mid-woofer for improved bass and two tweeters for a “true stereo sound.” Earlier, the speaker was expected to have support for Spatial Audio, but that will not be the case. It will feature the same set of connectivity options as the Era 300.

Coming to the pricing, the leak reveals that the Sonos Era 300, the high-end premium offering, could be priced around $450 while the Sonos Era 100 could cost around $250. While the exact launch date has not been revealed, the speakers are expected to go official in the coming weeks.

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Vivo X Fold 2 Battery, Charging Capabilities Leaked

By

Anvinraj Valiyathara

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Feb 21, 2023

Vivo’s upcoming foldable phones. He revealed that the company will launch the Vivo X Flip, a clamshell-style device that folds vertically, and the Vivo X Fold 2, which folds horizontally, in the first half of 2022. He has previously shared details about the display, primary camera, and chipset of the X Fold 2. In a new leak, the tipster (via. TechGoing) has leaked the battery capacity and charging capabilities of the device.

Vivo launched the Vivo X Fold, featuring the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, in April last year. Its upgraded version named the Vivo X Fold+, powered by the Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1, was announced in September. Both devices haven’t been released in markets outside of China.

The X Fold packs a 4,600mAh dual-cell battery with 66W fast charging. The X Fold+ came with a larger 4,730mAh dual-cell battery with 80W charging. As per the new leak, the X Fold 2 will have a 4,800mAh dual-cell battery (2 x 2,340mAh). It will support faster 120W charging. Like the X Fold and Fold+, the Fold 2 may offer 50W wireless charging and 10W reverse wireless charging.

The Vivo X Fold 2 is likely to debut as the world’s first foldable phone featuring the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset. The tipster has previously claimed that it will be a thin and lightweight device. The inner foldable screen will support 2K resolution. The cover display as well as the foldable screen are expected to come equipped with an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint scanner. For photography, it will have a Sony IMX866 primary camera with OIS support. The other details of the device are yet to be confirmed.

In today’s leak, DCS said that the Vivo X Fold 2 will debut in April this year. There is a possibility that the Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1-powered Vivo X Flip may also break cover alongside the X Fold 2. At present, there is no information available on the other specs of the X Flip.

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Budget-Friendly HTC A102 Launching Soon: 11-Inch Display, MediaTek Processor, and Android 12

By

Oğuz Çakır

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Feb 21, 2023

More and more people prefer to use tablets for work and study, and tablet performance meets a variety of work and study needs. In response to this trend, many brands have focused on the tablet market. And there seems to be a new tablet launching soon under the name the HTC A102.

HTC A102 comes with an 11-Inch display and MediaTek processor

The HTC A102 is a new tablet that has recently appeared in Google GMS Certification, indicating that it is undergoing testing and evaluation by the organization and is likely to be released onto the market in February. The HTC A102 is expected to be a mid-range or budget tablet, judging from its specifications.

According to the information available, the HTC A102 is a 4G Wi-Fi tablet with an 11.0 inch 2K display, featuring a resolution of 2000*1200 pixels. It is powered by the MTK G85 processor, which consists of Arm Cortex-A75 and Arm Cortex-A55 cores running at 2GHz and 1.8GHz respectively. The device has a 20MP main camera and an 8MP front camera with face detection and AI face unlock capabilities.

Running on Android 12.0, the HTC A102 has 8GB of RAM and 128GB of ROM, which can be expanded via a MicroSD card up to 256 GB. It is equipped with an 8000mAh battery and features Bluetooth 5.0 and dual-band Wi-Fi support. The device also has a Type C USB 3.0 port and supports OTG. In terms of sensors, the HTC A102 is equipped with an ambient light sensor, proximity sensor, gravity sensor, gyroscope sensor, acceleration sensor, and a Hall sensor.

HTC A102’s 2K display and powerful processor make it a great device for media consumption and productivity. The large battery capacity and support for dual-band Wi-Fi ensure that the device can handle heavy usage without running out of power or suffering from slow internet speeds. The expandable storage, USB 3.0 port, and support for OTG also make it a convenient device for storing and transferring files.

It will likely appeal to consumers and businesses looking for an affordable tablet for work, entertainment, and communication. Overall, the HTC A102 seems like a feature-packed tablet for the African market first, then other global markets.

We’ll keep you updated as we receive more details.

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Xiaomi Smart Door Lock M20 Cat Eye Version Now up for Pre-sale; Priced at 1,899 Yuan (~$277)

By

Jeet

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Feb 21, 2023

Xiaomi has launched several products other than smartphones as it has a wide portfolio. In the latest development, the Chinese company has launched a new smart door lock in the Chinese market.

The newly launched Xiaomi Smart Door Lock M20 Cat Eye Version is now available for pre-order in China for the price of 1,899 yuan which roughly converts to $277.

The Xiaomi Smart Door Lock M20 Cat Eye Version comes with a large screen on the device that acts as a peephole, a feature that was missing in the original version of the M20 launched sometime back.

It comes with a built-in 180-degree ultra-wide angle camera with an f/2.0 aperture lens and support for a screen resolution of 2048 x 1536 pixels. It appears that the company will be providing free cloud storage where the recorded video clips will be stored for free for three days.

The device has a 3.97-inch display, making it easier for users to take a look at the outside activities from inside the house. There’s also an innovative anti-pitch design, a fully automatic noise-reducing lock body with support for automatic locking, and is also equipped with an inductive electronic doorbell with multiple unlocking methods.

Xiaomi Smart Door Lock M20 Cat Eye Version comes with support for the Xiaomi Smart Home Ecology. As for the battery, the door lock has a battery life of 12 months, while the Cat Eye unit has a battery life of around 4 to 6 months.

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Android Smartphones in India Differ From the Rest of the World

By

Oğuz Çakır

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Feb 20, 2023

Android is the world’s most popular mobile operating system, used by billions of devices made by hundreds of different manufacturers. Although the overall experience remains similar for most users, Google has had to make a series of changes to its Android platform in India following a ruling by the country’s competition watchdog. Here are the details…

India to Receive Unique Android Experience with Optional Google Apps

According to the latest reports, Android smartphones in India will receive a version of Google Mobile Services (GMS) that comes with optional Google apps. The new Indian Mobile Application Distribution Agreement (IMADA) between OEMs and Google will only require the installation of the Google Play Store. Rather than the 11 key Google apps mandated by the standard agreement in other markets. However, Google will offer a “per-app bounty” to smartphone makers who pre-install any of these 11 apps.

The IMADA also differs from other markets in that it doesn’t require smartphone makers to include; Google search bar, Google app folder, or Play Store icon on the main screen. Additionally, the agreement will allow Indian users to choose their default search engine during the setup process. Similar to the provision in Europe, with this option expected to be available from Q2 2023.

The changes will only apply to smartphones sold in India. The introduction of these changes is significant as it shows that Google is willing to make adjustments to its products and services to meet the specific needs of different markets. It’s a positive development that Google is willing to work with regulators and tailor its offerings accordingly.

The changes is not yet officially confirmed by Google. However, the report is in line with recent developments in India’s tech industry, India is the world’s second-largest smartphone market after China, and companies like Google must work with Indian regulators to stay in the market. However, we will see in the future whether the gap between the Asian country and the US technology giant will open up due to these developments.

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South Korea Announces Plans for 6G Network Service Launch in 2028

By

Oğuz Çakır

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Feb 20, 2023

The deployment of 5G infrastructure is underway wor5G infrastructure works are continuing at full speed almost all over the world. However, the number of people who can use this modern connection technology today is very limited. While 5G is available in a few pilot test areas, it is not yet widely available in many regions. Nevertheless, in developed countries such as South Korea, which is already one of the world’s leading technology hubs, 5G is more widely available. In fact, South Korea has recently announced that it plans to launch its 6G network. Here are the details…

South Korea plans to launch 6G network service in 2028

South Korea has recently announced that it plans to launch its 6G network service in 2028, two years ahead of schedule, as it seeks to secure an early advantage in the future wireless frequencies. The country’s Ministry of Science and ICT announced the K-Network 2030 plan, which aims to develop world-class 6G technologies, innovate software-based next-generation mobile networks, and strengthen the network supply chain.

The advanced plan also aims to encourage local companies to produce materials, parts, and equipment for 6G technology in the country, and to develop an open RAN that is compatible with any mobile device and enables mobile carriers and enterprises to offer flexible services. Additionally, the ministry is conducting a feasibility study for a research and development project on core 6G technologies worth KRW 625.3 billion ($481.7 million).

South Korea’s efforts to lead in the development of 6G technology come as the country seeks to maintain its leading position in the global competition for future network infrastructure. As the demand for higher speeds and lower latency in wireless communications continues to rise, the country is looking to retain its competitive edge following the 5G network race. According to the German analysis firm IPlytics, South Korea accounted for 25.9 percent of the number of 5G patents last year, closely following the market leader China with 26.8 percent.

The advanced plan will also create new opportunities for local companies and researchers to participate in the development of 6G technology. By encouraging the production of materials, parts, and equipment for 6G technology in the country, the government hopes to create new jobs and promote economic growth. The open RAN system will also enable mobile carriers and enterprises to offer flexible services, which could create new business opportunities in the telecommunications sector.

With this move, the country hopes to secure an early lead in the next generation of wireless technology, as well as promote innovation and economic growth.

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Sandbox VR and Netflix Bring Squid Game to Real-Life with Immersive VR Experience

By

Oğuz Çakır

-

Feb 20, 2023

Netflix‘s Squid Game, which premiered last year, quickly became one of the most watched series of all time. While fans eagerly await the release of the second season, Netflix is busy leveraging the brand to its fullest potential. The latest partnership involves a Hong Kong-based VR start-up, Sandbox VR, which specializes in providing an immersive gaming experience with cutting-edge equipment and hardware. Here are the details…

Sandbox VR and Netflix Bring Squid Game to Real-Life with Immersive VR Experience

Hong Kong based Sandbox VR has collaborated with numerous entertainment and media companies to create realistic and fully immersive experiences for users. Their Star Trek-themed game, developed in collaboration with CBS, was a hit among sci-fi fans. The company’s newest collaboration with Netflix is based on the dystopian thriller Squid Game, which has gained worldwide attention for its intense gameplay and gripping storyline.

According to CEO and founder Steve Zhao, the company’s content team in Hong Kong has been working on the Squid Game experience for the past five months, and it will be launched later this year at Sandbox VR’s arcades across the globe. Sandbox VR’s expansion plans have been supported by investors such as Adreessen Horowitz, Gobi Partners, and Alibaba Group Holding. The company has 34 locations worldwide and is building 12 new ones.

Despite the setbacks of the pandemic, the company has rebounded and is now focused on increasing its global footprint to 40 locations by the end of 2022. Zhao confirms that the company is already profitable and has no plans to raise new funds at this time. Sandbox VR’s journey has not been without challenges, and the pandemic dealt a severe blow to the company’s business, leading to its US operations filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2020.

However, the company has recovered and is now expanding its headcount, with 50 people working on research and development across product, technology, and content. Though the company’s growth in mainland China has been slow, it is making steady progress, and Zhao expects the location in Shanghai to return to normal operations this year. The company’s focus, for now, remains on the US market, where its collaborations with leading entertainment companies have proven to be a winning strategy.

As the virtual reality market is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, Sandbox VR is well-positioned to take advantage of this trend. With its unique approach to location-based VR and collaborations with entertainment giants like CBS and Netflix, the company hopes to continue its growth trajectory and offer guests a fully immersive experience that meets their fantasies. With the Squid Game collaboration, Sandbox VR is confident it will attract even more visitors to its VR facilities.

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XGIMI H6 4K Projector With a 150-inch Display Size, Harman Kardon Custom Speakers Unveiled

By

Jed John Ikoba

-

Feb 20, 2023

Chinese projector manufacturer XGIMI has unveiled a new flagship product under the H-series. The product is dubbed XGIMI H6 4K projector and carries a starting price tag of 6,999 yuan ($1020). It is presently available in China via Jingdong (JD.com) but no word yet on its global availability.

The XGIMI H6 4K Projector is equipped with an optical zoom lens having a brightness of 1200CCB. The lens can churn out a resolution of up to 3840 x 2160 pixels and a display of 1.07 billion colors. The video is compensated to 120 frames through the MEMC algorithm.

With the XGIMI MAVII Eagle Eye 3.0 Pro system, the optical zoom of the self-developed optical machine is prioritized. This leads to a reduction in the loss of image quality by 36%. Also, the projection ratio can be freely adjusted between 1.2 and 1.5, and the room adaptability is increased by 25%.

When the XGIMI H6 4K version has a projection ratio of 1.5:1, it can project a 120-inch screen at a distance of 3.98 meters from the wall. When the projection ratio is 1.2:1, it can project a large screen of 150 inches at a distance of 3.98 meters. Furthermore, the projector uses optical zoom technology to bring a Turbo Light engine, which can automatically sense changes in ambient light and perform one-key brightening, with a brightness increase of 39%.

The XGIMI H6 4K Projector is powered by a Quad-core MediaTek MT 9669 flagship chipset with an NPU computing power of up to 1 trillion operations per second. The processor is paired with 4GB RAM while there is 64GB storage onboard the device.

In addition, the new projector can analyze the color of the wall and adjust the red, green, and blue light sources in real time. The color temperature range can be between 3000-15000K calibration.

In other respects, the XGIMI H6 4K version supports GMUI5.0 with a 4-second fast boot. It is also equipped with a Harman Kardon custom speaker and features support for a dual Bluetooth headset connection. For interface, the projector comes with a DC power port, two HDMI 2.1, two USB 2.0, and a 3.5mm headphone jack, among others.

Pebble Launches Spectra Pro and Vision BT Calling Smartwatches in India

By

Anurag

-

Feb 20, 2023

Expanding its portfolio, Pebble introduced two new smartwatches in the Indian market. Called Pebble Spectra Pro and Vision, the wearables come with Bluetooth calling feature and an immersive display. They both feature interesting designs and are quite affordable. Let’s have a closer look at the pricing and specifications of the newly launched smartwatches.

The Pebble Spectra Pro comes with a round dial with a metallic casing and a rotating crown, while the Vision features a more common square dial with a metal alloy casing, a rotatable crown, and curved glass edges. Both watches have silicon straps and are offered in multiple color options.

Moving to the specifications, the Pebble Vision sports a 2.05-inch HD screen that offers a peak brightness of up to 600 nits. On the other hand, the Spectra Pro flaunts a smaller but better 1.43-inch Always-On AMOLED screen with the same peak brightness of 600 nits. There’s support for over 100 watch faces, allowing you to opt for a new look every day.

Both watches support Bluetooth calling with the help of inbuilt speakers and microphones. The health monitoring features on the smartwatches include a dedicated SpO2 sensor, a heart rate monitor, a stress monitor, a sleep monitor, and the Pebble Zen Mode. They both come with multi-sport and training modes and up to 7 days of battery life.

The Pebble Spectra Pro is offered in Midnight Gold, Evening Grey, Jet Black, and Moonlit Grey colors and comes with a price tag of Rs. 4,999. Priced at Rs. 3,599, Pebble Vision comes in Jet Black, Forest Green, and Evening Blue colors. They both can be purchased via Pebble Website and offline stores.

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MIJIA Booster Hand Shower With Three Spray Modes Released in China

By

Jed John Ikoba

-

Feb 20, 2023

Xiaomi has launched the MIJIA Booster Hand Shower in China. The new handheld pressure booster shower will be available via a crowdfunding campaign starting on February 22. The MIJIA hand shower has three spray modes and also features an innovative button control. You can switch the spray with your fingertips no matter whether you hold it upright or backward.

The MIJIA supercharged handheld shower has gone through 22 electroplating processes. It has also passed the 24-hour salt spray national standard to create a 10-level bright coating. The soft-touch spout of the hand shower is made of liquid silicone material. You can quickly descale the process by gently rubbing the spout to keep the water flowing. The gears of the MIJIA supercharged hand shower are clear and have a lifetime of 10,000 cycles. The hand shower adopts the small hole physical pressurization technology which allows for powerful flow under low pressure.

The MIJIA supercharged hand shower comes with significant improvements in its sound output. There are structural changes done to the product to reduce the noise of water inflow to improve the shower experience. The shower head has a universal four-point interface with an anti-scald handle design. The grip of the handle of the MIJIA supercharged hand shower is thus very firm and comfortable.

The crowdfunding price of the MIJIA Booster Hand Shower is 59 yuan (~$9). As mentioned earlier, the crowdfunding campaign kicks off on February 22, 2023. There are no indications yet when the model will be available to customers. Xiaomi has also been silent on the subsequent global availability of the hand shower.

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Redmi Book Pro 15 Enhanced Version With Intel Core i5-12500H Processor Launched

By

Jed John Ikoba

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Feb 20, 2023

Xiaomi has launched an enhanced version of its 2022 Redmi Book Pro 15 laptop. The new laptop comes with an improved Intel Core i5-12500H processor. The new laptop will go on display on February 21, 2023.

The Redmi Book Pro enhanced version is equipped with a 12-core 16-thread processor (i5-12500H) with 16GB LPDDR5 5200 memory and 512GB PCIe 4.0 solid-state drive. It has a 15-inch 3.2K display with a 90Hz refresh rate and a 16:10 aspect ratio. The laptop has a maximum brightness of 400 nits and a delta E of less than 1.5. It also supports intelligent photosensitive and DC dimming, as well as being TUV Rheinland-certified for low blue light compliance.

The latest Redmi Pro Book 15 iteration uses CNC technology and weighs 1.8kg. It is 14.99mm thick and has a 72Wh battery in-built. The battery provides juice for the laptop for up to 12.5 hours. The laptop is pre-installed with Windows 11 and Microsoft Office. It has a full-size backlit keyboard while the connectivity options include Thunderbolt 4, USB-C/A, and HDMI 2.0. A high-speed card reader and Wi-Fi 6 connectivity are also part of the mix.

The refreshed Redmi Pro Book 15 is priced in China at a launch price of 4,799 yuan (~$700). It will subsequently revert to its original price of 5,999 yuan (~$875) after the launch period. There are no details yet on the global availability of the product.

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TSMC Pushes Back Opening of European Factory by Two Years

By

Oğuz Çakır

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Feb 20, 2023

TSMC, one of the world’s largest semiconductor manufacturers, has postponed its plans for a new factory in Europe due to the changing supply and demand of automotive semiconductors. Originally set to open earlier, the European factory will now be delayed for at least two years, and it’s not expected to be completed until 2025.

TSMC Pushes Back Opening of European Factory by Two Years

TSMC had been exploring the possibility of establishing a special process fab in Europe focused on automotive technology, based on customer needs and the support of governments in various countries. However, with the current correction of the semiconductor economy, major foundries are now dispatching more production capacity to produce automotive chips, resulting in an improvement of the chip shortage and even a balance between supply and demand.

The delay in TSMC’s European factory could mean that European automotive chip customers will continue to stay in TSMC’s Taiwan plant, or even move to new plants in Japan and the United States, which would help TSMC use the production capacity of its overseas plants. Meanwhile, Japanese officials are encouraging TSMC to set up a second fab in Japan, supported by the introduction of extreme ultraviolet light (EUV) machines. This could allow TSMC’s Japanese plant to support more advanced process needs of local and international automotive semiconductor customers.

Industry analysts believe that this shift could be beneficial for TSMC, especially given the fluctuating economic climate and high inflation pressure, which make the cost of setting up factories in Europe much higher than in the United States and Japan.

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LineageOS 20 Arrives on the Google Pixel 6, Pixel 7, & More

By

Anurag

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Feb 20, 2023

The LineageOS team has been working hard to bring the latest LineageOS 20 software based on Android 13 to more smartphones. After releasing the first set of official builds for more than 50 devices, including the older Pixel phones, the team has now added support for all of Google’s Tensor-powered phones, including the Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 series. Here are the details.

The latest devices being added to the official roster are the Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 6, Pixel 6a, and Pixel 6 Pro. This will be the first time Google’s Tensor-powered phones will be able to run the popular custom ROM. Last month, the development team released a new version, bringing full Android 13 support to a sizeable number of devices, including Google phones up to the Pixel 4.

Below you can find the detailed instructions and download links for the newly added phones:

Pixel 6 (oriole)- Wiki
Pixel 6 Pro (raven)- Wiki
Pixel 6a (bluejay)- Wiki
Pixel 7 (panther)-Wiki
Pixel 7 Pro (cheetah)-Wiki

The new LineageOS 20 brings all the new Android 13 features as well as a revamped camera app, Aperture. The custom ROM is known for its near-stock UI and superior security and privacy features. However, these features may not impress Pixel users as their phones already come with a clean and bloatware-free UI.

You may install the LineageOS 20 on your Pixel 6 or 7 series device if you want to mod it without any restrictions. However, you should know that custom ROMs may void your device’s warranty, and they can even brick your phone if not installed properly. Additionally, some apps may not work properly with custom ROMs.

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