Google Publishes Pixel 7/7 Pro Repair Manuals, but Only in France

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Jan 30, 2023

In France, the global fight for the right-to-repair received a defining boost two years ago with the implementation of a mandate that required electronics and appliance manufacturers to provide their customers with repairability scores from 1 to 10, with 10 being the easiest to repair. This provides consumers with important information if they decide whether to fix their products themselves or hire someone to do it. Furthermore, smartphone manufacturers must now publish detailed documentation for their products, specifically repair manuals. The Pixel 6a manual was released last year in 2022. As per the latest reports, Google has published instructions for the repair of the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro.

The support page containing the repair manuals is restricted to users outside of France. However, those who are interested can bypass the restriction by using a VPN. It’s worth noting that these geographical restrictions were not present when the Pixel 6a manual was released last year. Customers in the US and Canada can take advantage of Google’s partnership with uBreakiFix for out-of-warranty and in-warranty Pixel repairs, and customers in other regions can find authorized repair partners from this Google support page.

In April 2022, Google introduced its self-repair program for users in the US, UK, Australia, and Europe, allowing Pixel owners to order authentic device parts from iFixit. Fortunately for Pixel 7 series owners, the program was extended to the Pixel 7 lineup devices last month. It is worth noting that inexperienced users and beginners are advised not to attempt repairs due to the potential risks.

Despite efforts by tech companies to introduce concessions into right-to-repair bills, the fight for the publication of repair manuals without requiring the purchase of parts continues in regions where new laws are being considered. Other smartphone manufacturers such as Apple and Samsung are also offering self-repair services for their customers. Nonetheless, kudos to France for taking a bold step in support of consumer rights.

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New Huawei Patent Reveals 3D Stereoscopic Projection Technology

By

Anubhav

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Jan 30, 2023

Huawei is known for innovating with its devices. In the past, the company has introduced a multitude of features that captured the attention of its customers and tech enthusiasts worldwide. Huawei recently unveiled a new patent for cost-effective stereoscopic projection technology, which could bring exciting opportunities for both sellers and consumers.

The Chinese tech giant filed the patent on July 27, 2022, and it was published on January 20, 2023, with application number CN202211090428.

Stereographic projection is a technique that displays the angular properties of a plane-faced object on a single image. In this technique, both directions and planes may be depicted, and using a graphical technique, any desired angle can be measured directly from the projection itself. However, in stereoscopic projection, two images are projected at the same time, one for the left eye and the other for the right eye. This latest Huawei patent includes a backlight assembly, a spatial light modulator, and a diffuser screen that work together to project two images simultaneously, seen from the left and right eye, at 60 times per second.

The spatial light modulator can project two separate images to the diffusion screen at different angles. By sharing the same spatial light modulator, the cost of the stereoscopic projection system can be reduced, making it a cost-effective solution. The patent diagram indicates that this technology is mainly focused on stereoscopic projection systems and could be used for watching 3D projections, allowing consumers to experience 3D movies from the comfort of their own homes.

This exciting development from Huawei has the potential to bring a new level of experience for consumers, offering cost-effective and high-quality 3D projections. In the coming years, it is quite possible that we see a Huawei device with a stereoscopic projector.

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Can Tesla Deliver an Affordable Electric Vehicle? The Wait May Have Been Over!

By

Oğuz Çakır

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Jan 30, 2023

Electric cars are continuously gaining popularity, leading to increased production capacities and reduced costs. Major manufacturers such as Volkswagen and Ford have taken advantage of this and have produced relatively affordable models. When this occurs, attention turns to Tesla, the first name that comes to mind when thinking about electric vehicles. So, will we see an affordable Tesla model in the near future? Here are the details…

As you know, Tesla is a publicly traded company and holds meetings with its shareholders at certain times of the year. The upcoming event is the “Tesla Investor Day” scheduled for March 1. Tesla may unveil a new low-cost EV platform at this event. During Tesla’s Q3 earnings call in October last year, CEO Elon Musk revealed that the new platform will be smaller in size than the Model 3/Model Y platform.

He also indicated that the company will work to reduce costs. This will be the third vehicle platform for Tesla, following the trajectory of its “Master Plan,” which aims to shift the company from high-cost/low-volume designs to low-cost/high-volume designs. The first platform was for the Model S and X, and the second platform is used for the Model 3 and Y. Unfortunately, there is no information about the expected affordable Tesla models. However, some analysts claim that these cars will start at $25,000.

So, if Tesla is indeed working on a low-cost car, why hasn’t any information been leaked yet? The answer is simple: the new model is likely still in the design and planning stage and there may still be a long time before it goes into production. As a comparison, Elon Musk introduced the CyberTruck in 2019 and started pre-orders, but the car has not yet been released. A similar situation may occur with these affordable models. We will see on March 1 whether all these gossips are true or not.

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Infinix Note 12i Goes on Sale in India for Rs 8,999; Packs AMOLED Display, 50MP Camera, 33W Charging

By

Anvinraj Valiyathara

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Jan 30, 2023

Last week, Infinix unveiled the Note 12i smartphone in India. It is one of the most affordable phones in India to feature an AMOLED panel. The handset offers other attractive features like a gaming-focused chip, a big battery with 33W fast charging, and 50-megapixel triple rear cameras.

Infinix Note 12i price in India, offers

The Infinix Note 12i costs Rs 9,999 (~$122). Like other Infinix phones, this one is also available for purchase through Flipkart. The device comes in a single variant that offers 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. It can be purchased in two colors: Force Black and Metaverse Blue.

In addition, as part of the Jio Exclusive offer, buyers of the Infinix Note 12i will receive Rs 1,000 (~$12) cashback. As a result, buyers can get it for as low as Rs 8,999 (~$110). Jio SIM owners can take advantage of this offer within 30 days of purchasing the Note 12i. Once the cashback is received, the device will be locked to the Jio network for 30 months.

In other words, once the offer is availed of, users will not be able to use another SIM on the device for data connectivity. Because it is a dual-SIM phone, users will be able to use both a Jio SIM and a SIM from another network after availing of the Jio Exclusive offer.Readers can read about the terms and conditions of the Jio Exclusive offer by visiting this page.

Infinix Note 12i specifications

The Infinix Note 12i has a 6.7-inch FHD+ 60Hz AMOLED display with a teardrop notch. It offers a peak brightness of 1,000 nits. For security, it has a side-facing fingerprint scanner. The device runs on Android 12 OS and XOS 12.0 UI.

The Helio G85, which is an entry-level gaming-focused chip, powers the Note 12i. The device offers 4 GB of RAM, 64 GB of storage, and a 5,000mAh battery with 33W fast charging support. It has a dual-LED flash assisted 8-megapixel front camera and a 50-megapixel main snapper. The latter is coupled with a 2-megapixel macro camera, an AI lens, and a quad-LED flash.

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iPhone 14’s Crash Detection is Causing Inconvenience For Emergency Services in Japan

By

Anubhav

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Jan 30, 2023

The iPhone 14 series was launched with a new feature, Crash Detection. The emergency function can save the user’s life in case of an accident, say a car crash. However, it seems that the Crash Detection system is causing inconvenience in Japan. The Fire and Disaster Management Agency of the Internal Affairs and Communications Ministry has requested that smartphone owners exercise extra caution when utilizing the crash detection feature in their devices, as there has been a recent increase in the number of automated emergency calls in situations where help is not actually required.

Fire departments near skiing areas, such as the Fire Department of Kita-Alps Nagano and Gujo City Fire Department, have reported an increased number of emergency call-outs due to these false alarms. From December 16 to January 23, the Fire Department of Kita-Alps Nagano received 919 emergency calls, with 134 of them being false calls triggered by the Crash Detection feature in skiing areas. Similarly, Gujo City Fire Department received 351 emergency calls between January 1 and January 23, with 135 of them being false alarms.

The system, which is designed to detect falls and collisions while driving, skiing, or snowboarding, will initiate a countdown that leads to an emergency services call. However, users may not always be able to react in time to alerts preceding the call and prevent it from being made.

It is possible to turn off the feature, but since it can be an effective tool in cases of serious accidents, it would not be reasonable for users to disable it. In December 2022, a couple was in a car accident, and their rescue was assisted by Apple’s Crash Detection, demonstrating the feature’s prowess. Should your iPhone make a false emergency call, it would be helpful to inform the local fire department of the mistake. It is also worth noting that this issue is not exclusive to Japan. Other ski-related areas, such as Utah and Colorado, have also reported similar problems, and the feature has been triggered in other non-skiing-related events like riding a rollercoaster.

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Redmi Band 2 Heading to Europe, Renders for Global Model Leak

By

Sudhanshu

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Jan 30, 2023

In December 2022, the Redmi Band 2 was launched in the Chinese market as a successor to the Redmi Band. So far, some reports have hinted that the fitness band will soon reach the European market. A recent one also revealed leaked marketing material for the upcoming Band 2 global model.

Now, tipster SnoopyTech has posted renders of the Redmi Band 2 global model in a tweet.

Looking at the renders, it is clear that there won’t be any physical differences between the Chinese and the global model. According to the tipster Sudhanshu Ambhore, the Redmi Band 2 will debut with a price tag of €34.99. Considering that it launched at RMB 159 (~€22/$24) in China, it will be selling for a considerable price hike in European regions. Let’s take a look at the specs & features of this fitness band.

Redmi Band 2 specs

The Redmi Band 2’s global model will include a 1.47-inch TFT screen with a 247ppi pixel density. According to the leaked marketing poster, it will have more than 100 watch faces pre-loaded.

For various health features, the Redmi Band 2 has a heart rate monitoring sensor and a blood oxygen monitoring sensor onboard. This gives access to features like sleep and stress tracking. It offers 30+ sports modes for tracking different sports activities including outdoor running, yoga, etc.

With normal usage, the Redmi Band 2 can go for about 14 days between charges. It will last around 6 days when used heavily. The Redmi Band 2 will weigh less than 15 grams and have a thickness of roughly 9.99mm. It will also have a 5ATM rating, making it water-resistant up to 50 meters.

Lastly, the silicon straps of the Band 2 will be available in six different colors – Black, Ivory, Olive, Pink, Blue, and Snazzy Green.

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MIUI 14 Second Batch Rollout to Begin in Late March, Here’s the List of Eligible Devices

By

Sudarshan Ravichandran

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Jan 30, 2023

Xiaomi unveiled MIUI 14 alongside the Xiaomi 13 series in early December. After the keynote, the company only revealed the first batch of eligible devices.

Now, weeks later, the firm has disclosed the second batch of phones that will be updated to the latest version of MIUI. The company has also revealed when the rollout will begin.

According to an official announcement post on Xiaomi Community, the following handsets will be updated to MIUI 14 starting in late March 2023.

Xiaomi MIX 4
Xiaomi 12X
Xiaomi 11 Ultra
Xiaomi 11 Pro
Xiaomi 11
Xiaomi 11 Lite Vitality Edition
Xiaomi 11 Lite
Xiaomi 10S
Xiaomi Civi 1S
Xiaomi Civi 2
Redmi K40 Pro
Redmi K40S
Redmi K40
Redmi Note 12 Pro
Redmi Note 12 Pro Plus
Redmi Note 12 5G
Redmi Note 12 Explorer Edition
Redmi Note 12 Trendy Edition
Redmi Note 11T Pro
Redmi Note 11T Pro Plus
Redmi Note 11E
Redmi K40 Gaming Edition
Redmi Note 10 Pro
Redmi Note11 Pro
Redmi Note11 Pro Plus

Most of the smartphones on the list are mid-rangers, specifically the Redmi Note series. There are also premium devices like the Xiaomi 11 series.

Anyway, it is worth noting that this list is only meant for China. Xiaomi is yet to announce a global schedule for the phones mentioned above. However, we expect the international variants to receive the Android 13-based MIUI 14 update within a few days from the Chinese release.

For the unaware, we have been regularly covering MIUI 14 update rollout stories since the announcement of the software. So stay tuned to remain updated.

Oneplus Nord Buds 2 Appears on Bluetooth SIG Website Ahead of Launch

By

Sudhanshu

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Jan 30, 2023

OnePlus appears to have new affordable TWS earbuds in the pipeline called the OnePlus Nord Buds 2. We say that as the gadget has already appeared on IMDA, CQC, and BIS certification websites. As the name suggests, these earbuds will succeed the current OnePlus Nord Buds.

Now, more information on the Nord Buds 2 has been revealed as the gadget has appeared on the Bluetooth SIG website. The listing has the device marked with the model number E508A. It reveals that the earbuds will be using Bluetooth 5.3 for connectivity.

OnePlus Nord Buds 2 ( — OnePlus Nord Buds 2 Bluetooth SIG

We know that the OnePlus Nord Buds uses Bluetooth 5.2. Upgrading to Bluetooth 5.3 on the Nord Buds 2 will likely increase the battery life of the gadget. For those unaware, Bluetooth 5.3 offers faster switching between low-duty and high-duty cycles, which makes it more energy efficient than Bluetooth 5.2. Other than that, we can also expect better signal quality on the Nord Buds 2.

The recent CQC listing has revealed that the earbuds will have a charging rate of 1.5W, while the case will charge up to 4.5W. There will be a standard USB Type-C connector for charging. Other than that, we don’t know any further details regarding these upcoming earbuds. However, assuming that we are getting more than just a Bluetooth version upgrade, we can expect the earbuds to feature improved hardware and specs compared to the current Nord Buds.

When it comes to the Nord Buds, the TWS earbuds have a 12.4mm titanium dynamic driver. The 41mAh battery in each earbud, according to the company, can play music for up to 7 hours. The case extends the battery life by 30 hours. The earbuds are sturdy, with a flat stem design and an IP55 rating for sweat and dust protection.

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Realme GT Neo 5 Variant with 150W Charging Benchmarked on Geekbench

By

Anvinraj Valiyathara

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Jan 30, 2023

Realme GT Neo 5 is the next major Realme phone to look out for. Last month, two Realme devices with model numbers RMX3706 and RMX708 were certified by the TENAA authority of China. Except for housing different-sized batteries with varied charging capabilities, both models were found to be equipped with identical specs. The RMX3708 variant was spotted at Geekbench earlier this month, and the RMX3706 model has also appeared on the benchmarking site.

Like the RMX3708 variant, the RMX3706 is powered by the 3.00GHz Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 chipset and 16 GB of RAM. The device is expected to arrive with a Realme UI 4.0-based Android 13 OS. The RMX3706 scored 1277 in the single-core test of Geekbench 5. In the multi-core test, it achieved a score of 3917.

The Realme GT Neo 5’s TENAA listings reveal that it will arrive with a 6.74-inch OLED panel with a punch-hole design and an under-display fingerprint reader. The screen will support a 144Hz refresh rate and a 1.5K resolution of 2772 x 1240 pixels.

The OPPO Reno 9 Pro+, which debuted in November 2022, was the first phone to feature the underclocked edition of the Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 chip. The same SoC will power the Realme GT Neo 5. The device will arrive with up to 16 GB of LPDDR5 RAM and up to 1 TB of storage, according to TENAA listings of both variants.

The GT Neo 5 variant with model number RMX3706 will have a 5,000mAh battery, whereas the RMX3708 variant will pack a 4,600mAh battery. Both models will support 150W and 240W charging, respectively. On the back, it will have a 50-megapixel Sony IMX890 main camera with OIS support. It will be coupled with an 8-megapixel ultra-wide lens and a 2-megapixel macro camera. On the front, it will have a 16-megapixel selfie camera. The GT Neo 5 is expected to launch in February in China and other markets.

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Vivo X90 Pro Detailed Spec Sheet Emerges Ahead of Feb 3 Global Launch

By

Sudhanshu

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Jan 30, 2023

It’s been almost two months since the Vivo X90 series made its domestic debut in China. We will finally see the X90 series launch globally on February 3. There have been many leaks regarding the X90 and the X90 Pro, the two models which are likely coming to the global market.

Tipster Paras Guglani has now shared what appears to be a promo poster summarising all the specs and features coming with the Vivo X90 Pro.

Vivo X90 Pro specs

The poster confirms that the device will come with a MediaTek Dimensity 9200 chipset at its heart. This chipset will be aided by Vivo’s self-invented V2 chipset, which will aid in photography, gaming frame rates, and graphics. These chips will be cooled by an extra large VC liquid cooling setup with a surface area of 4002mm square.

The device will have cutting-edge camera hardware fitted onto the back. The primary sensor will be a 50MP Sony IMX989 1-inch sensor. A 50MP Sony IMX758 portrait camera sensor and a 12MP ultra-wide camera sensor will be included with it. With Zeiss’ assistance, the camera system has been fine-tuned. A T* coating will be applied to the camera lenses of the device. Five additional portrait mode filters for the front camera will also be included with the new Vivo flagship device. Additionally, a 4K Super Night Mode video will be supported.

Moving on, there will be a 4,870mAh battery inside the smartphone paired up with 120W fast charging. The brand claims that the battery can be filled up to 90% in just 8 minutes. Last but not least, the 9.34mm-thick Legend Black color option will be the only one available at launch. For water and dust resistance, the phone has an IP68 certification.

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Honor Magic 5 Lite to Rival Midrange Samsung Galaxy A Series, Renders, Specifications Revealed

By

Anvinraj Valiyathara

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Jan 30, 2023

Honor is gearing up to launch the Honor Magic 5 series of smartphones in China and on the global market. The lineup is expected to include flagship models, such as the Honor Magic 5, Magic 5 Pro, and Magic 5 Ultimate / Prestige Edition. Recent reports have revealed that the lineup will also include a midrange model named the Honor Magic 5 Lite. This device is likely to rival the midrange Galaxy A series from Samsung in the global market. A recent report from Winfuture.de has revealed what to expect from the Magic 5 Lite.

Honor Magic 5 Lite specifications (rumored)

As per the report, the Honor Magic 5 Lite will have a 6.67-inch AMOLED panel that offers a Full HD+ resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels and a refresh rate of up to 120Hz. The screen will offer up to 800 nits of peak brightness and an in-display fingerprint scanner. As can be seen in the leaked renders, it sports a punch-hole display with curved edges.

The Snapdragon 695 chipset will be present under the hood of the Honor Magic 5 Lite. It will arrive with 6 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage. The device will lack a microSD card slot. It will come preloaded with the Honor Magic UI 6.1-based Android 12 OS.

The Magic 5 Lite will have a 16-megapixel camera on the front. Its back panel will have a 64-megapixel primary camera, a 5-megapixel wide-angle lens, and a 2-megapixel macro camera on the back. The device will pack a 5,1000mAh battery with 40W fast charging. It will arrive with other specs, such as dual SIM with 5G support, Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, and a USB-C port. The Magic 5 Lite is nothing but a rebranded version of the Honor X9a 5G, which debuted last month in Malaysia.

Honor Magic 5 Lite price (rumored)

The report states that the Honor Magic 5 Lite will be priced at 389.90 euros ($424). As can be seen, the device will arrive in green and black shades.

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[Update] Oppo Reno 8T 5G to Launch on Feb 3, Pricing, Color Options & Configurations Tipped

By

Sudhanshu

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Jan 30, 2023

[Update] The Oppo Reno 8T 5G has been officially confirmed to launch on February 3, 2023, in India. The original story continues…

The Oppo Reno 8T series will soon be launching in India. We recently reported on the leaked pricing, launch date & sale date of the Reno 8T 4G. Now, new reports have surfaced online hinting at the launch date, RAM, storage, and color options for the 5G variant.

Tipster Paras Guglani has revealed that the Oppo Reno 8T 5G will be launching on February 3 in India. The tipster reports that the device will come in two color options – Sunrise Gold and Dynamic black, both of which will offer an 8GB RAM + 128GB storage configuration. Other than that, a tweet from known tipster Abhishek Yadav states that the first sale of the device will begin on February 7, and it will come with a price tag of Rs 29,990.

A leaked promo poster has also been shared in the tweet by Paras, however, if you want a look at the device from all angles, you can check out this recently leaked video of the Reno 8T 5G.

Oppo Reno 8T 5G specs

The Reno 8T 5G will debut with a 6.7-inch Full HD+ OLED display with 10-bit color depth, and 120Hz refresh rate. A Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 chipset will handle the computing on the smartphone. It will be aided by 8GB of RAM & 128GB of internal storage. Currently, it is unclear if there will be a higher storage version coming to India.

The phone will have three cameras on the back. The 108MP primary sensor on the back will be aided by a 2MP depth sensor and a 2MP microscope camera sensor. It is quite peculiar that the brand is opting to replace the ultra-wide camera on the device with a depth sensor. On the front, however, there will be a capable 32MP selfie snapper.

Moving on, a 4,800mAh battery will power the device. It will have support for 67W fast charging using a USB Type-C port. As for audio, a dual speaker setup will be available with an Audio jack for people who still prefer wired earphones.

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Oppo Pad 2 Leak Reveals Display, Battery, and Charging Capabilities

By

Anvinraj Valiyathara

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Jan 30, 2023

Last year, Oppo unveiled the Oppo Pad tablet alongside the Find X5 series of smartphones in February in China. Several reports have claimed that the Chinese manufacturer is working on its successor edition. A new leak that has surfaced on Weibo (via. TechGoing) has revealed key information on its display, battery, and charging capabilities.

According to tipster Digital Chat Station, the Oppo Pad 2 will arrive with an 11.x-inch screen. To recall, the original Oppo Pad came equipped with an 11.0-inch display that offered 1600 x 2560 pixels resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. As per the leak, the successor edition’s LCD panel will offer a higher resolution of 2800 x 2000 pixels and a 144Hz refresh rate. It will come equipped with support for Dolby Vision and HDR10+.

The Oppo Pad 2 will be powered by a 9,500 mAh battery. It is likely that the device will support 67W fast charging. DCS has previously revealed that the Oppo Pad 2 will be equipped with the Dimensity 9000 chipset. The device is expected to run on the ColorOS for Pad-based Android 13 OS.

As far as design is concerned, the Oppo Pad will look similar to the OnePlus Pad, which is set to launch on Feb. 7 in India. It remains to be seen whether the OnePlus Pad ends up as a rebranded version of the Oppo Pad 2. It is advisable to wait for more reports to confirm the other specs of Oppo’s next flagship tablet.

There is a possibility that Oppo may announce the Oppo Find X6, X6 Pro, and X6 Pro Dimensity Edition in February in China. The same event could see the arrival of the Oppo Pad 2. The original Oppo Pad was priced at 2,299 Yuan (~$340) at launch. A similar price can be expected for its successor.

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OnePlus Ace 2 Launch Date Confirmed, Official Renders Released

By

Anvinraj Valiyathara

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Jan 30, 2023

On Feb. 7, OnePlus will hold its next global launch event to announce a slew of new devices, namely the OnePlus 11 5G, the OnePlus 11R 5G, the OnePlus Buds Pro 2 TWS earbuds, the OnePlus TV 65 Q2 Pro, the OnePlus Pad tablet, and the OnePlus mechanical keyboard. Several reports have claimed that the OnePlus 11R 5G will be rebranded as the OnePlus Ace 2 in China. Today, the Chinese wing of the company confirmed that it will unveil the Ace 2 on Feb. 7 in the home market.

Shown below are the official images of the OnePlus Ace 2. As can be seen, the handset is equipped with a punch-hole display with curved edges. It features an alert slider and a power key on the right edge, whereas a volume rocker is located on the left.

The Ace 2’s back panel has a circular camera module, which fuses with the frame of the device. It features three cameras along with an LED flash. The Ace 2 will arrive in green and black color variants. In all likelihood, the OnePlus 11R 5G heading to India may sport the same design.

OnePlus Ace 2 specifications (rumored)

The OnePlus Ace 2 will feature a 6.7-inch AMOLED display that offers a 1.5K resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. Under the hood, it will have the Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 chipset. It will be equipped with up to 16 GB of LPDDR5 RAM and up to 512 GB of UFS 3.1 storage. The device will run on the Android 13 OS, which will be overlaid with the ColorOS 13 UI.

For selfies, the Ace 2 will have a 16-megapixel front-facing camera. On the back, it will be equipped with a 50-megapixel Sony IMX890 primary camera. It is likely to be coupled with a 12-megapixel or 8-megapixel ultra-wide lens and a 2-megapixel macro camera. The Ace 2 will house a 5,000mAh battery that supports 100W charging.

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Xiaomi 11T and Poco F4 Get Android 13-Based MIUI 14 Update

By

Anurag

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Jan 29, 2023

Xiaomi has slowly started to bring the MIUI 14 update to its smartphones in the global market. The brand recently updated the Xiaomi 12 series and a couple of other phones. In the latest development, the firm has started seeding the Android 13-based update to the Xiaomi 11T as well as the Poco F4. Here are the details.

The MIUI 14 update for the Xiaomi 11T comes with firmware version MIUI 14.0.3.0 TKWMIXM, while the Poco F4 is receiving the software with firmware MIUI 14.2.0 TLMEUXM. The update package has a size of 3.5GB, so you might want to download it over Wi-Fi. Do note that the rollout is currently limited to users enrolled in the Mi Pilot program. The 11T is receiving the Android 13 update globally but the Poco F4 is only getting it in Europe. It should extend to other regions pretty soon.

The new update brings all the new features introduced with Android 13 as well as the December security update. Xiaomi says the MIUI 14 is the lightest version of MIUI so far. It brings several new improvements, including a photon engine to help speed up the third-party apps. The software will also allow you to uninstall almost any app you want, with an exception of 8 system apps.

It is worth noting that Xiaomi is pretty slow with its update program. Brands like Samsung and Oppo have already updated the majority of their eligible smartphones with Android 13. OnePlus isn’t behind either, in fact, the firm did an impressive job this time by quickly updating its devices. We hope Xiaomi will take notes and step up its software game.

The 128GB Galaxy S23 Could Use Slower Storage Technology Than Other Models

By

Anurag

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Jan 29, 2023

Samsung Galaxy S23 series is just around the corner and while we wait, some interesting information about the standard Galaxy S23 has appeared online. A new report by a popular leakster suggests that the cheapest version of the vanilla model will be equipped with a slower storage technology than the rest of the members in the series. This suggests the brand is going to put a stronger focus on the higher storage models in the future.

The information comes through leakster Ice Universe, who is known for his accurate Samsung-related leaks. Ice says that the 128GB variant of the Galaxy S23 will be equipped with a slower UFS 3.1 technology. The rest of the models— 256GB and 512GB— will likely flaunt the latest UFS 4.0 storage. While there’s not much difference in the performance of both technologies, it shows Samsung is trying to create more differentiation between vanilla and higher-end models.

The 128GB Galaxy S23 will, however, come with the LPDDR5X RAM like other models in the series. The Cat says Samsung is not planning to manufacture 128 GB UFS 4.0 this year. It’s probably because the Galaxy S23+ and S23 Ultra will only be available with 256/512GB storage. Apparently, only Japanese manufacturer Kioxia produces 128 GB UFS 4.0 units, but they offer no notable performance improvements compared to Samsung’s UFS 3.1 modules.

The Galaxy S23 is expected to arrive with a 6.1-inch Infinity-O display offering FHD+ (2,340 x 1,080) resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, and HDR10+ support. Powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, the handset could pack a 3,900mAh with 25W charging. There will likely be a 50MP primary camera, a 10MP telephoto lens, and a 12 MP ultra-wide-angle unit. The front could feature a 12MP selfie camera.

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Yamaha TW-E3C Earbuds With up to 24 hours Battery, IPX5 Waterproof Rating Unveiled

By

Jed John Ikoba

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Jan 29, 2023

Yamaha has just launched the third entry in its TW-E3 series of truly wireless earbuds, the TW-E3C, which promises to offer audiophiles impressive performance without breaking the bank. The Yamaha TW-E3C Earbuds have a feature set that rivals some of the best wireless earbuds on the market and they are priced at just $79.95.

The TW-E3C earbuds come with aptX Adaptive Hi-Res sound, a codec that allows the earbuds to stream at a higher quality than regular Bluetooth. This codec also helps maintain a stable connection even when there is interference. The earbuds also have what Yamaha calls “True Sound”, which is a combination of acoustic features designed to produce a realistic soundstage with clear midrange and high frequencies, as well as solid bass notes.

In addition to the high-quality sound, the TW-E3C earbuds also offer a few smart extras. There is a low-latency gaming mode that reduces audio lag, making them ideal for gaming on the go. The earbuds also have multipoint connectivity, which allows them to be connected to two devices simultaneously, making it easy to switch between them. The TW-E3C earbuds also have a pair of mics that are designed to isolate your voice during calls, even in noisy environments.

The Yamaha TW-E3C Earbuds are a good option to consider for workouts. They have an IPX5 water-resistant rating, meaning they can handle sweat but are not suitable to be used for swimming.

In terms of battery life, the new Yamaha earbuds have a battery life of nine hours, which is nearly on par with the best in the market. The battery life is even extended by a further 14 hours via the charging case, bringing the total battery life to 24 hours.

AOC P3 Monitors Announced With up to 34-Inch Display and 100HZ Refresh Rate

By

Jed John Ikoba

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Jan 29, 2023

The AOC P3 lineup of monitors has been announced. The new monitors range from 24 inches to 34 inches in size and offer up to 100Hz refresh rate. The AOC P3 series is a new lineup of professional monitors with three sizes. There are seven models in the series and the top pick is the AOC CU34P3CV with a 1440p display, 1500R curvature, and 100Hz refresh rate.

The new AOC monitors share several common features but are also differentiated in several dimensions. Only the QW models feature a built-in 2MP webcam with Windows Hello compatibility and 5W stereo speakers.

The CW models are equipped with a 5MP webcam and the same sound architecture as the QW models. The CW monitors also have a USB-C docking station for recharging connected devices up to 65W. The CV models retain a docking station and built-in speakers but omit a webcam.

All the monitors come with HDMI ports but the top model uses a KVM switch in place of the DisplayPort present in the other P3 models. The CU34P3CV model also features a VA panel unlike the IPS panels present in the other models. It has a more powerful display resolution than its siblings, as well as its refresh rate.

AOC says the P3 series professional monitors will be available in February 2023. The prices of the models are between £229.99 (~$285) for the 24P3CV/24P3QW and £439.99 (~$545) for the CU32P3CV. The specific release date for the new AOC P3 professional monitors is not known. The global availability details of the new monitors are not clear at this time.

The New Fire-boltt Cobra Is a Rugged Smartwatch With AMOLED Display, IP68 Rating, and More

By

Anurag

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Jan 29, 2023

Fire-Boltt has a sizeable number of smartwatches in the Indian market and the latest one to join its ever-growing portfolio is the Fire-Boltt Cobra. It is a new rugged outdoor smartwatch from the brand that should serve the adventure freaks out there. The wearable brings a strong build, an AMOLED display, an IP68 rating, and much more. Let’s look closely at its pricing and specifications.

Fire-Boltt Cobra features a 1.78-inch AMOLED display that produces a 368 x 448-pixel resolution, 500nits brightness, and 60Hz screen refresh rate. There’s also support for Always on Display. As mentioned, the smartwatch comes with a rugged build. It has a three-layer body shield and robust construction to help withstand tough outdoor conditions. In addition, there’s an IP68 dust and water resistance rating.

The wearable has all the basic health monitoring features, including an SpO2 sensor, HR sensor, sleep monitoring, and female health tracking, and more. Furthermore, it supports up to 123 sports modes with an intelligent sports algorithm to even track workout sessions.

According to Fire-Boltt, the new wearable will last up to 15 days of typical usage and 10 days of heavy use. This can be extended to up to 30 days with the battery-saver mode. The watch also boasts a Bluetooth calling feature with support for Hi-Fi audio quality.

Other notable features of the watch include support for voice assistants like Siri and Google Assistant, smart notifications from multiple apps, camera control, alarm, sedentary reminder, flashlight, music control, and more.

The Fire-Boltt Cobra comes in three color options— Black, Camo Green, and Green—with a skin-friendly silicon strap. It carries a price tag of Rs 3,499 and will go on sale through Flipkart starting January 31.

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OnePlus Ace 2 Records Impressive Score on AnTuTu, Listing Reveals Key Specifications

By

Anvinraj Valiyathara

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Jan 29, 2023

OnePlus is expected to announce the OnePlus Ace 2 in February in China. Based on reports, it can be said that the Ace 2 will be a rebranded version of the OnePlus 11R 5G, which is set to go official on Feb. 7 through a global launch event. Ahead of its expected launch, the Ace 2 with model number PHK110 has surfaced in AnTuTu benchmarks with an impressive score.

As can be seen in the screengrab, the OnePlus Ace 2 has scored 1,149,494 on AnTuTu. The listing confirms that it will be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 chipset, which includes the Adreno 730 GPU. The device received 272,214 and 486,502 points in the CPU and GPU tests, respectively.

The OnePlus Ace 2 is equipped with LPDDR5 RAM and UFS 3.1 storage. It scored 202,614 points in AnTuTu’s memory test. The variant that has surfaced on the benchmarking site has 16 GB of RAM and 512 GB of storage.

The Ace 2 scored 188,164 in the UX test. It is already known that the device will have a 120Hz AMOLED display and will run Android 13 with ColorOS 13 UI on top.

Reports suggest that the Ace 2 may arrive with a 6.7-inch FHD+ AMOLED 1.5K resolution screen integrated with a fingerprint sensor, a 16-megapixel front camera, and a 50-megapixel (main) + 12-megapixel (ultra-wide) + 2-megapixel triple camera unit. It will pack a 5,000mAh battery with 100W charging support. The device is expected to feature an IR blaster and an alert slider. At present, there is no word on the price of the Ace 2. The original OnePlus Ace was priced at 2,499 Yuan (~$368). Hence, it is likely that the Ace 2 may carry a similar price.

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