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Xiaomi Suspends MIUI 14 Beta Update for Selected Devices

Xiaomi recently announced the MIUI 14 user interface, which is based on the Android 14 operating system. The brand has also started rolling out the update to its smartphones at a rapid rate. Many devices like the Xiaomi 12 Pro, Mi 11 Lite 5G and Xiaomi 12T had recently grabbed the MIUI 14 update. The brand has been releasing the update at a rapid rate in order to cope-up with the competition. According to the latest information, Xiaomi, the popular Chinese smartphone manufacturer, has announced that it will stop releasing beta updates for its latest operating system, MIUI 14, to certain devices. The decision has come as a surprise to many fans.

According to Xiaomi’s most recent official statement, the Weekly MIUI 14 Beta update for some smartphones may be suspended in the near future. MIUI 14 Beta updates will no longer be available for the Redmi K40 Pro / Pro+, Redmi K40, Xiaomi Mi 10S, Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite 5G, Redmi K40 Gaming, and Redmi Note 10 Pro 5G after April 21, 2023. Although this is unfortunate news, it should be emphasised that every smartphone has some level of software support. On April 21, these smartphones will have gotten the final Weekly MIUI 14 Beta update. The smartphones will continue to receive stable MIUI 14 updates. The discontinuation of MIUI 14 Beta does not imply that no further updates will be delivered. 

Xiaomi MIUI 14

The brand has announced that it will now concentrate on two MIUI versions: weekly and stable. Xiaomi has opted to prioritise enhancing the performance of MIUI 14 on devices that can support it. This revelation has disappointed many Xiaomi fans who were eager to try out the latest MIUI 14 features and upgrades on their older handsets. Xiaomi, on the other hand, has informed its users that it remains committed to providing frequent updates and support for all of its devices and that it is working to improve the performance of MIUI 14 on as many devices as possible.

In conclusion, while some users may be disappointed, Xiaomi’s decision to stop distributing MIUI 14 beta updates to specific devices is a necessary one, as it will allow the firm to focus on improving the software’s performance on devices that can support it. Xiaomi remains committed to offering the best possible experience for its consumers, and we can expect more updates and enhancements in the future. Thank you for sticking with me until the end.

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Audio-Technica’s StreamSet Gaming Headset With a Streaming mic Launched

Audio accessories manufacturer, Audio-Technica has announced the StreamSet gaming headset. The StreamSet has a big mic arm setup which is an important addition for gamers. Audio-Technica continues to deliver high-quality audio products in different genres.

Audio-Technica’s StreamSet Gaming Headset

Most headset microphones are lacking in their quality and tone. Gamers who desire a more immersive experience usually opt for a separate mic setup. The new Audio-Technica StreamSet comes with a boom mic and mixer. The StreamSet combines the audio properties of the ATH-GDL3 gaming headset with the Audio-Technica 20 series microphones. The ATH-GDL3 delivers crystal-clear sound with great immersive properties and is lightweight at 220g.

Audio-Technica’s StreamSet Gaming Headset

The StreamSet is an open-back, wired headset with multiple ear cuffs for extended gaming. It has a pop-filter mic + condenser for improved mic quality. In addition, the StreamSet offers improvement in voice recording quality and features the flip-to-mute boom. The flip-to-mute boom is handy for gaming streamers who may not be close enough to the desktop mic. The mic of the Streamset is also such that it never moves away from your face.

Audio-Technica’s StreamSet Gaming Headset

Currently, the pricing and availability details of the Audio-Technica StreamSet are lacking. Audio-Technica expects the great audio features of the StreamSet could spur demand for the product. It also expects some of the added features like the flip-to-mute boom can catch the fancy of gaming/ streaming enthusiasts. Audio-Technica has an illustrious trajectory of audio products of different hues and it continues to deliver niche products.

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Oppo Find N2 Flip coming to India in limited numbers: Report

Oppo is getting ready to launch the Find N2 Flip 5G smartphone globally. This will be the brand’s first flip smartphone debuting in the global market. The brand has confirmed that this device will be launched globally on February 15. Ahead of the launch, some critical information in regard to the Indian launch of the device has been revealed.

OPPO Find N2 Flip

Starting off, Oppo India has confirmed that the device will be launching in India alongside the global launch. This means that Indian customers will be getting the price reveal of the Oppo Find N2 Flip at the same time as other global regions. However, it appears that Oppo will only be shipping some of these new flip devices to India. Tipster Mukul Sharma has shared the news that the Find N2 Flip will be available with limited stock in India. This could be concerning for many customers looking for a Galaxy Z Flip 4 alternative in the country.

Oppo Find N2 Flip specs

The global variant of the Find N2 Flip will be the same as its Chinese counterpart when it comes to specifications. This means that we can expect a 6.8-inch primary AMOLED display bearing an FHD+ resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. The cover display of the device will measure 3.26 inches and offer an AMOLED panel. The device offers a creaseless display.

The MediaTek Dimensity 9000+ processor, up to 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM, and 512GB of storage power the OPPO Find N2 Flip. It is currently unclear if the 512GB storage model will be launched in India. There will be a 50MP main camera and an 8MP ultra-wide-angle lens. These can be used as front cameras as well, as the large 3.26-inch cover display can act as a viewfinder. There will be a 32MP camera on the inside display for selfies and video calls.

We can expect a 4,300mAh battery unit with support for 44W fast charging. The operating system will be ColorOS 13 based on Android 13.

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Vivo X90 Pro European Variant Configuration, Price Range & Color Option Revealed

After its launch in China around the end of 2022, the Vivo X90 series made its global debut with its Malaysian launch earlier this month. The device is also expected to come to other regions soon. The markets outside of China are said to get only two models – the X90 and the X90 Pro, while the X90 Pro+ will only be available in the brand’s domestic market.

Ahead of the launch in Europe, tipster SnoopyTech has shared some information about the X90 Pro. According to the tipster, the Vivo X90 Pro will be available in Europe in a single 12GB RAM + 256GB storage configuration. This will be priced between the €1100-1200 mark. He adds that the X90 Pro will only be available in a single color option – Legendary Black. No information on the exact European launch date has been made public yet.

Vivo X90 Pro specs

The Vivo X90 will bring a 6.78-inch OLED display with curved edges featuring an FHD+ resolution. This panel will be capable of 120Hz refresh rate, 1,300 nits peak brightness, and HDR10+ support. There will be a centered punch-hole for the front camera and an in-display fingerprint scanner for security.

The upcoming Vivo flagship device will boast advanced camera technology, featuring a 50MP Sony IMX989 1-inch primary sensor, a 50MP Sony IMX758 portrait camera, and a 12MP ultra-wide camera. With the help of Zeiss, the camera system has undergone fine-tuning and will have T* coating on its lenses. The device will also have five extra portrait mode filters for the front camera and support 4K Super Night Mode video.

The new Vivo device will be powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9200 chipset and will have the added boost of Vivo’s proprietary V2 chipset. This combination will enhance the device’s photography, gaming performance, and graphics. The chipset will be kept cool by a large VC liquid cooling system with a surface area of 4002mm square, ensuring smooth operation even during demanding usage.

The device will be equipped with a 4,870mAh battery that supports lightning-fast 120W charging, with the brand claiming a 90% charge in just 8 minutes. The only color option available at launch will be Legend Black, with a thickness of 9.34mm. The phone also boasts an IP68 certification, ensuring protection against water and dust.

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Sony Xperia 1V Renders Leaked Ahead of the Official Launch

Sony is preparing to release its forthcoming Sony Xperia 1V smartphone. With good cause, the Sony Xperia 1V is one of the most anticipated smartphones of the year. This device is expected to bring a new level of innovation and performance to the market, making it an excellent pick for both tech enthusiasts and smartphone lovers. Prior to the official announcement, complete renders and some key information about the upcoming smartphone have been leaked.

Sony Xperia 1V

The renders were published by well-known leakster OnLeaks in collaboration with greensmartphones. The design of the Sony Xperia 1V is the first thing that stands out. The gadget has a sleek and modern appearance, with minimal bezels. This offers the gadget a quality and refined appearance, making it an excellent choice for individuals who value both aesthetics and performance. The design is similar to the original Xperia 1 IV, with a triple camera arrangement housed under a vertical camera hump.

Sony Xperia 1V

The Sony Xperia 1V is likely to be powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen2 processor, making it one of the most powerful smartphones on the market. This strong processor will enable the device to handle even the most demanding tasks, including graphics-intensive gaming and multitasking across many apps. The Sony Xperia 1V’s triple back camera setup is another notable feature. The smartphone is touted to have excellent photographic capabilities, allowing users to easily create gorgeous photographs and memories. It could have a 12-megapixel primary lens, a 48-megapixel secondary ultrawide lens, and a 12-megapixel tertiary telephoto lens.

The headphone jack, shutter button, and power button with an inbuilt fingerprint reader are there on the frame of the device. The smartphone also has a volume rocker on the same side, as well as a central USB-C port on the bottom, next to the SIM tray. The smartphone will also include a 12-megapixel front-facing camera. It could be equipped with a 5000mAh battery and 16GB of RAM. The device’s dimensions could be 161.0 x 69.3 x 8.5 mm.

Overall, the Sony Xperia 1V is turning out to be a highly anticipated smartphone, and it’s easy to understand why with its elegant appearance, powerful performance, and impressive photography capabilities. What are your thoughts on the subject? Please let us know by leaving a remark in your own words down below. Thank you for sticking with me until the end.

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Meizu 20 Pro Leaked Live Image Reveals Design

Meizu is a Chinese smartphone manufacturer that has been in the business for quite some time but isn’t as popular as other firms (Xiaomi, OPPO, just to name a few) from the country. Also, it has been a long time since we saw a Meizu flagship— the last one was released way back in 2019. That’s about to change as the company is now gearing up to bring the Meizu 20 smartphone. There may also be a Pro model, at least that’s what a new leaked image suggests.

A tipster has shared a hands-on image of the alleged Meizu 20 Pro on Weibo. The image shows the smartphone with a curved back and an interesting camera module. There are at least three camera sensors and one mysterious black bar. We can’t help but notice that the camera arrangement looks like a disapproval emoticon (:|).

Meizu 20 Pro live image

The text on the camera island suggests the Meizu 20 Pro uses a 1-inch 50MP Sony sensor. This is likely the Sony IMX989 sensor found on the Xiaomi 12S Ultra and Xiaomi 12 Pro. We are not sure what’s the purpose of the black bar on the module. It could feature some sort of sensor or maybe it’s there due to aesthetic reasons.

Details about the Meizu 20 series smartphones as pretty scarce at the moment. Previously, patent images of the vanilla model surfaced online, revealing a Galaxy S23-like design with an additional ring on the back. In addition, a Geekbench listing revealed the Meizu 20 will be equipped with the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC under the hood. The Pro model could also feature the same chipset.

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Smartphone Shipments in India Decline 10 Percent YoY in 2022, Q422 Shipments Also Fall: IDC

Smartphone shipments in India declined 10 percent year-on-year in 2022. As per International Data Corporation’s (IDC) quarterly and annual report, 144.3 million smartphone units were shipped last year. This is also the lowest figure since 2019. The shipments in the fourth quarter of last year i.e. the period between October to December also decline 27 percent year-on-year with 30 million units sold. Despite improvements in the supply chain, falling demand due to rising global inflation remained a challenge for the smartphone markets. 

As per the IDC data, Xiaomi led the smartphone market in 2022 with 30.3 million shipments and a 21 percent market share. South Korean brand Samsung also maintained the second rank with 26.1 million shipments and an 18.1 percent share, thanks to the Galaxy A-series in the offline channel and the Galaxy M and F-series in the online markets. Vivo bagged the third spot with 22.9 million units sold and a 15.9 percent share of the market attributed to the T-series and iQOO brand in the online segment.  Realme and OPPO were fourth and fifth in the list with 14.5 and 11.9 percent market shares respectively. All five OEMs recorded a negative year-on-year change. 

The top three brands also maintained their position in terms of shipments and market share in the fourth quarter of 2022. OPPO and Realme swapper positions with the latter slipping due to a 65 percent decline in smartphone shipments in the corresponding quarter a year ago. OPPO’s A-series followed by F and Reno lineup lead the sales whereas Realme’s decline in Q4 2022 is cited to high inventory in the previous quarter. 

The IDC report also adds that the online market had a 53 percent share of smartphone shipments whereas the offline segment dipped 15 percent year-on-year. The average selling price of the 50 million shipped 5G smartphones was $395 in 2022 which is down from $431 in 2021. The share of MediaTek and Qualcomm-powered phones dropped while the share of entry-level phones with UNISOC SoC doubled to 14 percent. The sub-$300 (~Rs 25,000) smartphone segment declined by 15 percent whereas the $300-$500 (~Rs 25,000 – 41,000) and above $500 (~Rs 40,000) recorded a 20 percent and 55 percent growth respectively. Cupertino-based tech giant Apple maintained its lead in the premium segment with a 60 percent share followed by Samsung with a 21 percent market. iPhone 13 was the third most shipped device in 2022. 

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Japan Proposes Reforms to Address Google and Apple’s Mobile OS Monopoly

Japan’s Fair Trade Commission recently released a Market Study Report on Mobile OS and Mobile App Distribution, revealing that Google and Apple hold a significant monopoly in the markets for smartphones, mobile operating systems, app stores, and smartwatches, leaving little room for competitors. To address this issue, the regulator has proposed four sets of actions aimed at promoting a healthy and fair competitive environment in the mobile ecosystem.

Google Pixel 4

The first set of actions focuses on preventing self-preferencing, while also ensuring equal access for third-party developers. The regulator suggests measures such as providing equal access to OS functions and advance warning of updates for all developers, not just those working for Google’s Android and Apple’s iOS. Additionally, the report calls for access to third-party payment services for app and in-app purchases.

The second set of reforms aims at improving the portability of user data between operating systems and promoting a healthy competitive environment in the mobile OS and app markets. The report also calls for allowing third-party app stores if they meet certain security and privacy standards, which could be welcome news for companies that have been critical of the rigorous app review process maintained by Apple.

The third recommendation focuses on fairness in making and enforcing rules, calling for greater transparency and advanced notice from Apple and Google when changing rules for developers. The final recommendation promotes competition related to the formation of new ecosystems.

Japan is not alone in its efforts to regulate app stores. Several other major economies, including South Korea, Australia, India, and the European Union, have taken similar steps or are signaling their intention to do so. With change on the horizon, Google has already begun to comply with calls for third-party payment access, while Apple remains more hesitant to open its ecosystem. While the report offers no specific timeline for action, modernizing markets is a government priority in Japan, so change is likely to come.

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Shenlan S7 Electric SUV Caught On Camera in Recent Sighting

Electric Vehicles are becoming the talk of the town these days. Whilst companies and governments are offering attractive incentives so that more people make the switch to electric vehicles, R&D divisions are using this chance to innovate on upcoming cars. In a recent sighting, the upcoming Shenlan S7 electric SUV has been caught on camera, giving us a sneak peek at the latest addition to the brand’s lineup.

Shenlan S7

With its light yellow exterior and minimal camouflage, the S7 boasts an aerodynamic design, featuring sporty details like black wheel arches and window frames, pop-out door handles, and aero-wheels. It should be noted, however, that there appears to be a lack of sensors for driving-assist systems.

Shenlan, a joint venture between Changan, battery maker CATL, and technology giant Huawei, was launched just last year. Positioned above the base Changan brand and below Avatr, the brand currently offers only one vehicle, the Shenlan SL03 sedan. The S7 will be the brand’s second offering, with an SUV in the works as well.

As a mid-sized SUV, the rear-wheel drive S7 will come in two versions: an EV and an EREV. The EV will offer a choice of 218 or 258 horsepower, while the EREV will feature a 238 horsepower electric motor and a 95 horsepower 1.5-liter gasoline engine that acts solely as a generator for the battery pack. The car’s dimensions are 4750mm x 1930mm x 1625mm with a 2900mm wheelbase.

A white prototype of the S7 was spotted parked alongside the road, without any camouflage. Sadly, there is only one image of it. The S7 will make its public debut at the 2023 Shanghai Auto Show in April, with an official launch on the Chinese market shortly after. The expected starting price for the S7 is around 160,000 RMB ($23,600).

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Amazon Looking to Acquire Indian Streaming Service MX Player

In the midst of tech acquisitions and mergers happening worldwide, Amazon is reportedly in discussions with Times Internet to acquire MX Player, one of India’s most widely-used on-demand video streaming services. As the e-commerce giant continues to expand its entertainment offerings, the acquisition of MX Player would be a significant step towards increasing its presence in the Indian market.

MX Player

However, it’s worth noting that the talks are ongoing and may not result in a deal. Additionally, there are reportedly at least two other interested parties, including Zee-Sony.

MX Player has seen significant growth in recent years, with its popularity driven by a wide range of video formats, reliability on low-cost Android smartphones, and original content offerings. The video app boasts over 300 million users globally and is particularly popular in India. The reason for MX Player’s hype is a wide video catalog that allows its users access to live cable TV channels at no charge whatsoever. Instead, the service makes most of its revenue through advertisements.

The acquisition is an interesting development for MX Player, which was acquired by Times Internet for $140 million in 2018. The video streaming service has since merged with ShareChat’s Moj in a deal worth $900 million, solidifying its position as one of the leading players in the Indian market.

As Amazon seeks to compete with Google‘s dominant video service, YouTube, in India, the acquisition of MX Player would provide a significant boost to their efforts. Despite YouTube‘s commanding presence with over 500 million monthly active users, Amazon is making strides with its Prime Video subscription and ad-supported video streaming services, which have fewer than 40 million monthly active users in the country.

MX Player is valued at $500 million and claims to have over 150 million active users in India, making it a valuable acquisition for Amazon as it continues to make inroads into the Indian video market.

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Xiaomi Gearing Up to Mass Produce Its Electric Car in 2024

Xiaomi’s recent investor day was a buzz with exciting news about their cars! Lei Jun, the CEO, shared that he dedicates half of his time and energy to the automotive division, and a quarter to the company’s mobile phones, IoT, and premium products.

Xiaomi Electric Car

The R&D team behind the Xiaomi cars has grown to over 2,300 members and is working tirelessly to make its official mass production debut in Q1 2024. Their progress has exceeded expectations, with the soft-film car rolling off the production line last September and winter testing starting at the end of December.

Lei Jun emphasized that autonomous driving is a crucial aspect of Xiaomi’s foray into the automotive industry. Over 140 vehicles are slated to undergo testing across the country in the first phase of their autonomous driving initiative. The goal is to establish itself as a leader in the industry by 2024.

In terms of profitability, Lei Jun stated that Xiaomi prioritizes software profits, similar to their approach with their mobile phones. The future of cars presents exciting opportunities for integrating various services, beyond just sales and after-sales service.

Previously, a Weibo blogger (@不是郑小康) posted pictures that revealed that the Chinese tech giant was conducting a test of the yet-to-be-announced EV model. Lei Jun, the founder himself, was present during this test as per the blogger who shared the pictures on the Chinese microblogging website. In other words, the brand was clearly testing out the Xiaomi Car under extreme weather conditions of cold and likely making other key calibrations as well. 

Xiaomi has established its own automobile facility in Beijing’s Yizhuang, which houses the sales and R&D headquarters. They plan to construct a fully-functional vehicle factory with a yearly capacity of 300,000 vehicles, with the first car rolling off the production line in 2024.

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Philips N7808 Sleep Earphones Are Safe For Use While Sleeping

TP Vision has announced the Philips N7808 earphones for use while sleeping. The N7808 has sensors that monitor sleep patterns and turn them off when the user falls asleep. The N7808 is the first Philips-branded sleep earphone. The sleep earphones are a culmination of the collaboration of TP Vision with sleep scientist Kokoon.

Philips N7808 Earphones

The Philips N708 has a mechanism that gradually turns off the audio as the wearer gradually drifts into a deep sleep. Although the headphones do not have active noise cancellation support, it produces smart white noise.

The headphones help to rouse the user to sleep and then turn off thereafter. TP Vision says the N7808 offers the perfect answer to the woes of disturbed sleep. Even with the absence of ANC, the headphones offer excellent noise isolation. It works in conjunction with an intelligent noise-masking feature that generates white noise. The white noise helps to smooth out spikes in external noise that can disrupt sleep.

Philips N7808 Earphones

The audio output of the Philips N7808 sleep earphones can be adjusted to automatically fade as you slowly fall asleep. The earphones have a slim housing that makes them easy and comfortable to wear all night. The narrow design and use of small armature drivers give the earphone the smallest profile only 6mm thick. The earphones work with the Kokoon app for better sleep management. The earpiece has accelerometers and an optical heart rate monitor.

TP Vision’s Philips N7808 headset can be used for up to 10 hours on a single charge. The new Philips-branded sleep earphones are currently sold for a launch price of 1,181 yuan ($174). The product will revert to its original price of 1,691 yuan ($249) after the launch period.


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Tesla Cybertruck Spotted in the Wild With a New Front-end Design and a Giant Wiper

The latest Tesla Cybertruck beta prototype features a new front end and a large windshield wiper. The front-end design of the prototype indicates that the model has been updated from its previous prototype.

Tesla Cybertruck Prototype

Tesla has begun testing the Cybertruck prototypes and more of the EV will be seen in the coming weeks. The testing process should be completed before the Cybertruck will go into production.

The latest sighting of the Cybertruck beta prototype comes after last week’s sighting of the model in Palo Alto. The view from the model was the rear end and side designs. The new sighting adds the view of the Cybertruck from the front. It is believed to be the same beta prototype of the Cybertruck spotted in Palo Alto. It also has triangular side mirrors which were absent in previous prototypes.

The images of the Cybertruck beta prototype also somehow indicate that it has a shorter ground clearance than previous prototypes. The images are however not definitive enough and pictures could be distorted. The light bars in the Tesla EV prototype are similar to the original prototype unveiled in 2019. There are no exact comparisons however between the two prototypes. The new Cybertruck beta has a different grill design underneath the lower light bar.

Tesla Cybertruck Prototype

The huge windshield wiper of the Cybertruck beta has drawn criticisms for Tesla’s CEO, Elon Musk. The large wiper is sitting in view of the side when not in use unlike what is seen in conventional vehicles. Musk has previously stated that the huge wiper design will be omitted in the production version of the Cybertruck. This remains to be seen as the beta version is in the penultimate stage before production.

Tesla hopes to deliver the Cybertruck to its customers this summer. However, it remains to be seen how the EV giant will achieve the milestone before 2024.

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TP-link Tapo RV10 Vacuum/Mop Combo and RV10 Lite Unveiled Starting at $230

TP-Link has made its debut in the robot vacuum industry with the launch of the Tapo RV10 and RV10 Lite products. The two products were teased earlier during CES 2023 and come with a decent price tag.

The top model of the duo of robot vacuum is the Tapo RV10 vacuum/ mop combo while the RV10 Lite has a reduced mop but a bigger dust bin. Both models use gyroscope-based zig-zag path planning for greater cleaning efficiency. The two robot vacuum cleaners are expected to be more efficient than random cleaning models. There are four suction levels in the RV10 series namely quiet, standard, turbo, and max. The robots have a maximum suction power of 2kPa and feature noise suppression. The maximum noise level of the robot vacuum when in quiet mode is 53dB.

The TP-Link Tapo RV10 has a companion app – the Tapo app that is available for both iOS and Android devices. The RV10 models support Alexa and Google Assistant functionalities. The RV10 with a vacuum and mop functionality has an electronic pump. It also features a 300ml water tank, three water flow levels, and a 400ml dustbin. The RV10 Lite however has an 800ml dustbin.

The Tapo RV10 and Tapo RV10 Lite robots have 2,600mAh batteries that deliver up to 3 hours of cleaning. They feature automatic docking and recharging of the battery whenever the battery is low during operation. The robot vacuum then continues the cleaning from where it stopped.

The RV10 and RV10 Lite are priced at $230 and $250 respectively. The products can be purchased from Amazon. The price of the TP-Link debut robot vacuums could spur demand due to its decent prices and solid design.

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OnePlus to Showcase Concept at MWC 2023 – What to Expect?

The number of digital events is increasing day by day. Today, many brands prefer to announce their new products to the entire world simultaneously in a virtual environment. However, events where all the big tech brands come together still exist. One of the largest of these is the Mobile World Congress (MWC). The show witnesses the launch of many smartphones, smartwatches, tablets, and other new technologies. One of the brands that will show up at the event is OnePlus. So what will the company show here? Here are the details…

OnePlus To Showcase Concept at MWC 2023

The Mobile World Congress, which begins in the last week of February every year, will continue this tradition in 2023. It is organized by the GSMA and will take place in Barcelona, Spain from Monday, February 27th to Thursday, March 2nd. The media launches will occur on the preceding days, February 25th and 26th, giving us a few days of rapid announcements.

OnePlus

OnePlus recently unveiled its new flagship smartphone at its Cloud 11 event. However, don’t let that lead you to believe that the company has nothing to showcase at MWC 2023. According to a statement from OnePlus, the upcoming concept smartphone that will be displayed at the event will feature “an imaginative design with industry-first technology.” Also, the OnePlus 11 will show the company’s vision for the company’s vision for the future of smartphones, with innovation and breakthroughs to come.

At CES 2020, OnePlus showcased its first concept smartphone, the OnePlus Concept One. The device was essentially a OnePlus 7T with an invisible camera island and a design inspired by McLaren. The following year, the company tried something similar with the 8T model, but it was unable to achieve the desired outcome. Despite these efforts, nothing that was done could be considered the future of smartphones. However, the OnePlus Concept Two has the potential to change that.

Unfortunately, there is not much information available at the moment about what the company will showcase. However, there are rumors about advanced under-screen camera technology, a more successful and viable foldable display concept, and advanced camera technologies. In addition, a device that prioritizes cooling and performance may also be revealed. Regardless of the highlight of the phone, it is expected to be at least as impressive as its predecessors. Our content will be updated as soon as we have more information about the device.

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Majority Tru Bio Biodegradable Wireless Earbuds Unveiled

Accessories maker, Majority is underscoring its sustainability drive with the release of the Tru Bio earbuds. The Tru Bio is a pair of biodegradable wireless earbuds that offers up to 30 hours of battery life.

Majority Tru Bio Biodegradable Wireless Earbuds

The charging case of Tru Bio is made from biodegradable materials in pursuit of Majority’s carbon-neutral goals. The Tru Bio was announced via an official Majority press release. The Tru Bio comes with eco-biodegradable materials but also delivers quality audio with compostable large drivers. It features Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity and the battery can be charged via USB-C.

Majority Tru Bio Biodegradable Wireless Earbuds

Majority is pursuing its goal of becoming the first carbon-neutral audio brand. It has previously undertaken a 435,000 tree-planting program with Ecologi. The 13mm bio-cellulose drivers of Tru Bio are made from certified compostable plastic. This could mean that Tru Bio could be a renewable material soon.

Majority Tru Bio Biodegradable Wireless Earbuds

The new Majority bio-degradable earbuds are available in three pastel shades and have a recycling-friendly, popcorn-style design. Together with its lipstick-sized charging case, the model weighs 48.3g. The Tru Bio lacks active noise cancellation (ANC) as well as spatial audio. It however has control buttons, a mic and USB-C charging. The Tru Bio comes in three color variants – blue, pink, and white.

Majority Tru Bio Biodegradable Wireless Earbuds

The Majority Tru Bio can be purchased via Amazon UK for £34.95 (~$42). There are no indications at this time on the global availability of the product. It is also unclear what the life cycle of the product is. However, the sustainability ratings of Tru Bio could drive demand for the earbuds.

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Does One UI 5.1 Bloatware Consume 60 GB Storage on Samsung Galaxy S23 Series? Clearing Up the Confusion

The Samsung Galaxy S23 series was introduced at the Unpacked event held on February 1st. Along with the company’s new phones, the highly anticipated interface, One UI 5.1, also made its debut. However, the latest information about this interface has surprised everyone. It is claimed that One UI 5.1 uses 60 GB of storage on the system partitions due to bloatware. Are these claims true? Here are the details…

One UI 5.1 bloatware is not consuming 60 GB storage on new Samsung Galaxy S23, Galaxy S23 Plus or Galaxy S23 Ultra

Recently, there have been reports claiming that the One UI 5.1 software on the new Samsung Galaxy S23, S23 Plus, and S23 Ultra uses 60 GB of storage on the system partitions due to bloatware. However, these claims are false. So, what are system partitions?

Android OEMs typically reserve some storage space for system apps, which cannot be removed by the user. This varies from device to device. In the case of the Galaxy S23 series, the storage reserved for system partitions is not as high as 60 GB. For example, a 128 GB Galaxy S22 Ultra reserves only 26.09 GB for the system, and a 512 GB Galaxy S23 Ultra uses 55.23 GB.

It’s worth noting that the storage capacity reported by Android devices is often converted from GiB to GB, and this conversion can result in some losses. For example, a device advertised with 512 GB of storage might actually have closer to 476 GB of usable space. One UI 5.1 reports these conversion losses under “system”, which has led to some confusion about the amount of storage space consumed by the software.

Samsung Galaxy S23 Series

So, the reports of 60 GB of bloatware on the Galaxy S23 series are not accurate. The amount of storage reserved for system partitions is reasonable, and the apparent high storage usage is due to conversion losses and labeling under “system”. Samsung has not misled consumers about the storage available on the devices.

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Philips Fidelio T2 Wireless Headphones With Sony LDAC, ANC Support Launched

Philips has launched new wireless earbuds dubbed Fidelio T2. The Truly wireless headset looks like a great choice for those who are looking for a compact, high-quality audio experience. The in-ear design makes the headphones small and convenient to carry around, while the improved battery life of 36 hours allows for long listening sessions.

Philips Fidelio T2 Wireless Headphones

The support for Sony LDAC technology is a major selling point for these headphones. Sony LDAC allows for the transmission of high-resolution audio content with a maximum bit rate of 990kbps, providing a high-quality audio experience for listeners. The technology also automatically adjusts the bit rate based on network conditions. This ensures stable connections even in harsh environments.

In addition to its audio capabilities, the Fidelio T2 headphones also feature active noise reduction (ANC) technology. The ANC technology uses bone conduction to reduce wind noise, making it easier to enjoy your music or other audio content even in noisy environments.

The headphones are also splash-resistant, thanks to their IPX4 rating. They are also equipped with three microphones per ear. This makes it possible to use the headphones for hands-free phone calls or other voice-activated functions.

It is worth mentioning that the Philips Fidelio T2 headphones are expected to be launched in the third quarter of 2023. However, the company is yet to announce the retail price. No doubt, Philips’ new wireless earbuds are expected to be a popular choice for those looking for high-quality wireless headphones considering their impressive features and compact design.


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Redmi Note 12 Turbo Could Launch Soon as It Gets MIIT Certification

Redmi is reportedly gearing up to add a new member to the existing Note 12 Series. Dubbed Redmi Note 12 Turbo, the handset could bring a new Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 2 chipset and an OLED display. It could even arrive in the global market but as a Poco smartphone. While we wait for its formal debut, the handset has bagged China MIIT certification. Here are the details.

Redmi Note 12 Turbo has received China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) certification with model number 23049RAD8C. As usual, the listing does not reveal any specifications of the device but hints at a nearby launch.

A previous report revealed that the Redmi smartphone could arrive internationally as Poco X4 GT with model number 23049PCD8G. It is said to feature Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 2 chipset, which is yet to be officially announced. The SoC is rumored to be based on TSMC’s 4nm process node and offer impressive performance.

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Redmi Note 12 Pro

Further, the smartphone is said to have a 6.67-inch OLED display with an FHD+ resolution and up to a 120Hz refresh rate. The display could feature a fingerprint sensor and a center-punched hole for the selfie camera. Redmi Note 12 Turbo may have a triple camera system comprising a 50MP primary sensor, an 8MP secondary sensor, and a 2MP macro or depth sensor. It could be backed by a 5,500mAh battery with support for 67W fast wired charging.

The Note 12 Turbo could be joined by a Pro model that may feature comparatively better specifications and a higher price tag. Currently, there’s official confirmation from Redmi regarding the upcoming devices. We should be learning more about them in the coming days. Meanwhile, check out our Redmi Note 12 Turbo roundup to know more.

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Vivo Y100 is Apparently Available for Purchase in India Through Offline Stores

Since last few weeks, Vivo has been teasing the launch of a new mid-range smartphone in India, dubbed Vivo Y100. The handset has leaked a lot recently, so we already know most of its details, including the pricing. The Chinese company is yet to make the Y100 official but it seems to be already up on sale in India through offline stores. Here are the details.

Mahesh Telecom, a Mumbai-based smartphone retailer, claims that Vivo Y100 is now available for purchase. The retailer apparently has the smartphone in stock with a price of Rs.24999 for the 8+128GB storage version. Separately, a 91Mobiles report claims the Y100 is available for purchase in only those Indian states where the Vivo Y75 4G is out of stock.

Vivo Y100 Specifications (Rumored)

A recent report shared the marketing material of the upcoming Vivo Y100, revealing its complete specifications.  The smartphone will arrive with a 6.38-inch AMOLED display with support for a Full HD+ resolution, a 90Hz refresh rate, DCI-P3 wide color gamut, up to 1,300 nits of brightness, and HDR10+. Powered by the Dimensity 900 chipset, the handset could have 8 GB of LPDDR4x RAM and 128 GB of UFS 2.2 storage. It will likely run Android 13 OS and FunTouch OS 13 out of the box.

For clicking pictures, the smartphone could have a triple camera unit on the rear with an OIS-enables 64MP primary camera, a 2MP depth sensor, and a 2MP macro camera. On the front, it could get a 16MP shooter for selfies and video calls. A major selling point of the device could be its color-changing back. It will be offered in Twilight Gold, Pacific Blue, and Metal Black colors. Vivo Y100 may pack a 4,500mAh battery with support for 44W fast charging.

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