Chuwi HiPad XPro tablet launched with Unisoc T616 SoC, Android 12, and a $150 price tag

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Jan 27, 2023

Chuwi, the Chinese brand known for its tablets, laptops, and mini-PCs has launched a new tablet in the market called the Chuwi HiPad XPro. This is essentially the successor of the HiPad X and brings a slightly larger display, narrower display bezels, a quad-speaker setup, and upgraded cameras.

Chuwi HiPad XPro specs

The HiPad XPro comes with a 10.5-inch IPS display with 1920 x 1200p resolution. The display comes with a 16:10 aspect ratio and a maximum brightness of 360 nits. It also has Widevine L1 certification which essentially means that you can stream content from services like Netflix, Hulu, etc, in the highest quality that your hardware allows.

Under the hood, there is an Octa-core Unisoc T616 chipset with two high-frequency Cortex-A75 cores and six efficient Cortex-A55 cores. The chipset is coupled with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of Internal storage. There is a microSD card slot available giving users the ability to upgrade the memory all the way to 1TB.

The is an 8MP front camera for video calls and a 13MP Autofocus lens on the back for snapping pictures. As mentioned above, it comes with a quad-speaker setup which is suitable for consuming content. The tablet operates on Android 12-based OS, weighs 500 grams, and is 7mm thick. A decent 7,000mAh battery powers the tablet and there is an option for Dual SIM LTE support.

Pricing & availability

The HiPad XPro is an affordable price tag of $149 USD. Shippings are expected to commence by the end of January or in early February. There is also a HiPad Pro 10.8 which is already shipping with a 2.5K touchscreen for $219. You can check the company’s website to know more about these tablets.

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Oppo Find X6 Pro Dimensity Edition Spotted at Certification Site

By

Anvinraj Valiyathara

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Jan 27, 2023

Oppo is working on the Find X6 series of smartphones. Last year, the company launched the Find X5 and Find X5 Pro flagship phones in the Chinese market. The Pro model was made available in Snapdragon and Dimensity versions. The Find X6 Pro is likely to be available this year in Snapdragon and Dimensity editions. The latter has now been spotted in the database of the CMIIT certification platform in China.

Recently, Oppo phones with model numbers PGFM10 and PGEM10 were certified by the CMIIT authority in China. These devices are expected to launch as the Find X6 and Find X6 Pro in the home market. Now, CMIIT has approved a new model of the Find X6 series with the model number PHS110.

Leaks reveal that it is the Find X6 Pro Dimensity Edition. In all likelihood, it could be equipped with the Dimensity 9200 chipset, which went official recently. The SoC could be accompanied by LPDDR5x RAM and UFS 4.0 storage.

Apart from featuring a different chipset, it may pack the same specs as the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 variant of the Find X6 Pro. Reports have claimed that the Find X6 Pro will have a 6.8-inch or 6.9-inch AMOLED display that offers a Quad HD+ resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, and an under-display fingerprint scanner.

The Find X6 Pro may arrive with a 32-megapixel front camera. Its back panel may feature a 50-megapixel (Sony IMX890 with OIS) + 50-megapixel (Sony IMX890, ultra-wide) + 50-megapixel (Sony IMX890 or IMX766 telephoto with OIS) triple camera unit. It has a 5,000mAh battery that supports 100W wired and 50W wireless charging. It will come preloaded with ColorOS 13-based Android 13. The X6 series is likely to debut in Q1 2023.

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Tecno Camon 20 Premier 5G in Works, Bags EEC Certification

By

Anvinraj Valiyathara

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Jan 27, 2023

A new Tecno phone with the moniker “Tecno Camon 20 Premier 5G” has appeared in the database of the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC). This indicates that the device is in the works and may launch in the near future. The word “Premier” in its name suggests that it might be the most advanced smartphone in the Camon 20 lineup.

Last year, Tecno launched the Camon 19, Camon 19 Neo, Camon 19 Pro, and Camon 19 Pro 5G. As can be seen, there was no “Premier” branded model. But the EEC certification is a clear sign that there will be a “Premier” model in the Camon 20 series this year.

Tecno Camon 20 Premiier 5G coming — Tecno Camon 20 Premiier 5G EEC certified

Unfortunately, the EEC listing does not say anything about the key specifications of the Camon 20 Premier 5G. However, it mentions is model number as CK9n. All that can be said about the device is that it is likely to offer top-notch front and rear cameras like its predecessors.

To recall, the Tecno Camon 18 Premier featured a 32-megapixel front camera and a 64-megapixel main camera on the back. Its rear camera setup also includes a 12-megapixel ultra-wide lens with gimbal OIS and an 8-megapixel periscope telephoto camera with 5x optical zoom. There is a chance that the Camon 20 Premier 5G will have a camera with the same features.

Like the Camon 18 and 19 series, the Camon 20 lineup may include multiple models. There is a possibility that the lineup may include models, such as the Camon 20, Camon 20 Neo, Camon 20 Pro 5G, and Camon 20 Premier 5G. Hopefully, newer reports will reveal more details about the Camon 20 series. As far as the launch is concerned, it may arrive in Q2 this year.

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ZTE Blade V40 Design Leak Reveals Key Specifications Ahead Of Launch

By

Jeet

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Jan 27, 2023

ZTE has a lineup of premium smartphones as well as mid-range and entry-level phones and the company is currently gearing up to launch an entry-level smartphone as a part of the ZTE Blade V40 series, dubbed ZTE Blade V40 Design.

The ZTE Blade V40 Design has been leaked online in a hands-on video, showcasing the design of the smartphone along with some key specifications and features.

The leak reveals that the phone will come powered by the Unisoc T616 chipset, which is manufactured using a 12nm process. It will be packed with 4GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage.

In the camera department, the phone will have 50-megapixel primary camera sensor, along with a depth or macro lens as a secondary sensor but we don’t have confirmation yet.

The device will be powered by a 4,500mAh battery but as of now, there’s no information about the charging speed available on the phone. As for the display, it is expected to feature a 6.6-inch screen but we will have to wait for a few more days to know for sure.

According to the leak, the ZTE Blade V40 Design is expected to cost under BDT 17,999 in Bangladesh, which is approximately $160. The phone is expected to go official in February but we don’t have an exact launch date yet.

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Galaxy S23 Lineup Will Feature Gorilla Glass Victus 2, Corning Confirms

By

Anubhav

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Jan 27, 2023

Gorilla Glass Victus 2 is the successor to the Gorilla Glass Victus that was launched back in the year 2020. Victus 2 was unveiled by Corning in December 2022, and the glass offers a higher drop resistance than its predecessor, providing enhanced protection for the smartphones it is used in. Gorilla Glass Victus 2 is expected to feature in upcoming smartphones, starting with the highly anticipated Samsung Galaxy S23 lineup, as confirmed by Corning itself.

Gorilla Glass Victus 2 is designed to help phones survive falls on rough surfaces while preserving the scratch resistance of Victus+. The company claims that It redefines toughness by resisting drops on rough surfaces like concrete, which is the world’s most commonly used engineered material. Gorilla Glass Victus 2 also prioritizes the environment by receiving an Environmental Claim Validation for containing an average of 22% pre-consumer recycled content, as verified by Underwriters Laboratories (UL). This mark requires regular audits and testing to be retained.

Stephanie Choi, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics, further stated that Samsung is dedicated towards incorporating sustainability into their product lifecycle and working with partners such as Corning to enhance performance while minimizing our environmental impact.

Previously, Corning’s Gorilla Glass Victus+ was featured in the Galaxy S22, which was launched last year in 2022. Corning says that the drop performance of the Victus 2 has improved by up to 1m on 80-grit and up to 2m on 180-grit. In lab tests, the latest-generation glass is seen withstanding one-meter (hip height) drops on concrete, whereas it survived two meters (head height) drops on an asphalt surface. Victus 2 also ensures 4x better scratch performance compared to its competitors. Once the Galaxy S23 makes its way into consumers’ hands, it will be interesting to see how Victus 2 holds up in real-life phone-endangering situations.

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Razer Edge Android Handheld console starts selling in the US in 5G and WiFi-only variants

By

Sudhanshu

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Jan 27, 2023

The inception of online game streaming services appears to have put new life in the somewhat stagnant handheld gaming industry as a few major OEMs have launched Android-based consoles for exactly this purpose. At CES 2023, Razer unveiled its own version of the game streaming handheld called the Razer Edge.

Now, the console is finally available to purchase in the US. There are two versions of this console. The first is a Wi-Fi-only option which costs US$399.99 before taxes. The other has 5G connectivity and retails for US$599.99. The 5G model is a Verizon exclusive, and it will only cost US$359.99 if you add a new line.

Notably, Verizon will continue to charge US$599.99 but will apply a US$239.99 promotional credit spread out over 36 months. The Razer Edge 5G is also available from Verizon for US$179.99 when you purchase a new 5G smartphone.

Razer Edge specs

Spec-wise, the Razer Edge offers a 6.8-inch AMOLED display with a screen resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels and a 144Hz refresh rate. it measures 260 x 85 x 11 mm and weighs 401 g with its controller attached.

Under the hood, there is a Qualcomm Snapdragon G3x Gen 1 chipset responsible for local computing. The phone has 128GB of inbuilt UFS 3.1 storage and 8GB of LPDDR5 RAM, and a microSD card can boost that storage to 2 TB.

The device has a 5-megapixel front-facing camera sensor that supports 1080p video at 60 frames per second. Additionally, it supports THX Spatial Audio and 2-way speakers with two digital microphones.

The device’s operating system, Android 12L, gives users access to the Google Play Store’s vast selection of apps and games. The portable gaming device comes pre-installed with launchers for Xbox Cloud Gaming, Nvidia GeForce Now, Steam Link, and other cloud gaming services.

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Google Pixel Tablet Images Emerge, New Leak Reveals Pro Version Cancelled, No AMOLED Panel

By

Anvinraj Valiyathara

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Jan 27, 2023

Google showcased its first tablet, the Pixel Tablet, at the I/O 2022 event, which was held in May 2022. Some reports have claimed that the tablet will come in vanilla and Pro versions. However, new details shared by Android researcher and tipster Kuba Wojciechowski reveal that there is only one version of the tablet, meaning that its Pro version has been cancelled. He also shared some other details about the tablet.

Reports revealed that the Pixel Tablet and Pixel Tablet Pro have “Tangor” and “Tangorpro” codenames, respectively. Wojciechowski has shared new information that shows that the first-generation Tensor chip and the Tensor G2 chip power these two versions.

I have also been provided with a few photos of the device. pic.twitter.com/ctKWQoVDCT
— Kuba Wojciechowski⚡ (@Za_Raczke) January 26, 2023

He added that the company has cancelled the Tangor project. In other words, only variants of the Pixel Tablet featuring the Tensor G2 chip will arrive on the market. Citing an anonymous source, the tipster added that the Pixel Tablet will offer 8 GB of Samsung LPDDR5 RAM and 256 GB of Kioxia UFS storage. It will arrive with a side-mounted fingerprint scanner.

Shown above are some of the newly leaked images of the pre-production unit of the Pixel Tablet shared by the tipster. He revealed that the screen supports a resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels. The display is supplied by China Star Optoelectronics (CSOT) and is backed by a Richtek RT4539 six-channel LED driver, which is typically used for backlighting LCD panels. Hence, it is safe to say that the Pixel Tablet does not have an AMOLED screen. According to a previous report, the tablet features an 11-inch screen.

Lastly, the tipster said that Google will offer two kinds of docks for the Pixel Tablet. The Korlan / K6 dock will come equipped with a speaker, whereas the Yuzu / Y4 dock will support charging.

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iQOO Neo 7 to Offer 12GB LPDDR5, 256GB UFS 3.1 Storage

By

Anvinraj Valiyathara

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Jan 27, 2023

iQOO Neo 7 is slated to go official on Feb. 16 in India. Its landing pages are now available on Amazon India and iQOO India websites. Since the launch date of the phone is a couple of weeks away, the company has been gradually revealing its key features. The Neo 7 is expected to arrive as India’s first Dimensity 8200-powered smartphone. The landing page for the phone now mentions the type of RAM and storage it will come equipped with. In addition, it also mentions the configurations of its variants.

The iQOO Neo 7 will arrive with LPDDR5 RAM and UFS 3.1 storage. It will arrive with 8 GB of virtual RAM through the company’s Extended RAM 3.0 technology.

The Dimensity 8200-powered Neo 7 has scored 893,690 on AnTuTu. The company claims that the score belongs to the 12 GB RAM + 256 GB storage variant of the device. This could be the configuration of Neo 7’s highest variant.

The iQOO Neo 6, which debuted last year in India, was offered in two options: 8GB + 128GB and 12GB + 256GB. Hence, it is likely that the Neo 7 may also arrive in same combinations of RAM and storage.

The company has already confirmed that the iQOO Neo 7 will feature a 6.78-inch AMOLED E5 display that offers a Full HD+ resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, and an under-display fingerprint sensor. It will be equipped with a 3D cooling system and 120W fast charging. For photography, it has an OIS-enabled triple camera unit on the back. The device will arrive in black and blue colors.

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OnePlus Pad Official Teaser Image Appears to Reveal Design, Unique Camera Position

By

Anvinraj Valiyathara

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Jan 27, 2023

Yesterday, well-known tipster Steve Hemmerstoffer (aka OnLeaks) teamed up with a publication to share the CAD renders of the OnePlus Pad, which will be OnePlus’ first-ever tablet. The renders gave the first look at the design of the tablet. Later, a microsite for the tablet carrying its first official image soon went live on OnePlus India’s website.

The OnePlus Pad’s official page contains no information about its key specifications. According to a report by TechRadar, the green variant of the device will be marketed as the “Halo Green” shade. There is a possibility that the tablet may come in other colors.

The OnePlus Pad has an aluminium alloy chassis with a cambered frame, as confirmed by the brand via the publication. Unlike other tablets that have their cameras placed in the upper-left corner, the OnePlus Pad has its rear camera facing towards the centre. The company’s logo can also be seen on the back.

On the front, there is a single camera placed in the top bezel above the screen. It appears that the company will soon roll out a few more teasers to reveal the full design of the tablet. The design of the tablet suggests that it could be a flagship offering from the brand. However, recent reports have claimed that it could be packed with midrange specs. Hence, it is possible to wait for further reports to learn more about it.

As it is known, OnePlus will hold a huge launch event on Feb. 7 in India. It will see the arrival of two smartphones, namely, the OnePlus 11 5G and the OnePlus 11R 5G. The company will also unveil the Buds Pro 2 earbuds, TV 65 Q2 Pro, and OnePlus Pad at the same event.

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Lenovo Introduces New Windows Laptops Based on Alder Lake-N & Ryzen 7000

By

Oğuz Çakır

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Jan 27, 2023

Lenovo has released a new line of Windows laptops designed for the education market. These compact computers range from entry-level models with low-quality panels to pricier configurations with full HD touchscreen displays, pen holders, and 360-degree hinges. Here are the details…

Lenovo’s new Windows laptops for education feature Alder Lake-N or Ryzen 7000 chips

Som Lenovo models like 100w Gen 4 feature Intel Alder Lake-N chips, which offer improved performance and power efficiency over previous generations. Additionally, one model will feature an AMD Ryzen 7000-series mobile processor, though The exact specifications of the chip have not been confirmed.

Lenovo also engineered these laptops to be durable, with spill-resistant keyboards and MIL-STD-810H-tested designs. Some models also feature tamper-resistant keys and rubber bumpers on the keyboard for extra protection. These features make these laptops ideal for use in the classroom They’re likely to experience more wear and tear than a typical consumer laptop.

While these laptops are primarily aimed at the education market, anyone in the future will be able to buy them through Lenovo’s website and other retail outlets. Lenovo’s new line of Windows laptops for education are solid options for students and students Educators who need a durable and powerful computer for classroom use.

Here’s a run-down of key specs for each new model:

Lenovo Models	Lenovo 100w Gen 4	Lenovo 300w Yoga Gen 4	Lenovo 500w Yoga Gen 4	Lenovo 13w Yoga Gen 2
Display	11.6 inches 1366 x 768 pixels TN anti-glare 250 nits	11.6 inches 1366 x 768 pixels IPS LCD 250 nits Touchscreen Garaged AES pen (optional) Corning Gorilla Glass 360-degree hinge	12.2 inches 1920 x 1200 pixels IPS LCD 300 nits Touchscreen Garaged AES pen Corning Gorilla Glass 360-degree hinge	13.3 inches 1920 x 1200 pixels IPS LCD 300 nits Touchscreen Garaged Active Stylus Pencil Touch Corning Gorilla Glass 360-degree hinge
Processor	Intel Processor N100	Intel Processor N100 Intel Processor N200	Intel Processor N100 Intel Processor N200	Up to AMD 7000 Series R7 processor
RAM	Up to 8GB LPDDR5 (soldered)	Up to 8GB LPDDR5 (soldered)	Up to 8GB LPDDR5 (soldered)	Up to 16GB DDR4-3200 memory (1 soldered + 1 SODIMM)
Storage	Up to 128GB UFS (soldered) Or up to 256GB SSD	Up to 128GB UFS (soldered) Or up to 256GB SSD	Up to 128GB UFS (soldered) Or up to 256GB SSD	Up to 512GB SSD
Ports	1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C 1 x HDMI 1.4 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A 1 x 3.5mm audio	1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C 1 x HDMI 1.4 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A 1 x 3.5mm audio	1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C 1 x HDMI 1.4 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A 1 x 3.5mm audio	2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A 1 x HDMI 2.0 1 x 3.5mm audio 1 x SD card reader
Wireless	WiFi 6	WiFi 6 5G LTE Cat 6 eSIM (optional)	WiFi 6 5G LTE Cat 6 eSIM (optional)	WiFi 6
Security	Webcam privacy shutter Kengsington NanoSaver lock	Webcam privacy shutter Kengsington NanoSaver lock	Webcam privacy shutter Kengsington NanoSaver lock	Fingerprint reader on power button Webcam privacy shutter Kensington lock slot
Webcam & Audio	720p webcam w/privacy shutter Stereo speakers w/ Dolby sound	720p front-facing camera w/privacy shutter 5MP world-facing camera (optional) Stereo speakers w/ Dolby sound	720p or 1080p front-facing camera w/privacy shutter 5MP world-facing camera (optional) Stereo speakers w/ Dolby sound	1080p front-facing camera w/privacy shutter Optional IR camera 5MP world-facing camera Stereo speakers w/ Dolby sound
Battery	47 Wh	47 Wh	47 Wh	51 Wh
Charging	Up to 65W adapter	Up to 65W adapter	Up to 65W adapter	65W USB Type-C
Durability	water-resistant keyboard anti-pry keys MIL-STD-810H tested	water-resistant keyboard anti-pry keys MIL-STD-810H tested	water-resistant keyboard anti-pry keys MIL-STD-810H tested	Backlit and non-backlit options Spill-resistant MIL-STD-810H tested
Dimensions	287 x 200 x 19mm (11.3″ x 7.9″ x 0.75″)	287 x 200 x 18.9mm (11.3″ x 7.9″ x 0.74″)	287 x 208 x 18.9mm (11.3″ X 8.2″ X 0.74″)	305 x 216.8 x 17.6mm (12″ x 8.5″ x 0.69″)
Weight	1.17 kg (2.56 pounds)	1.28 kg (2.82 pounds)	1.29 kg (2.84 pounds)	1.45 kg (3.19 pounds)

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Morefine M9 mini-pc With Intel Alder Lake-N Processors Now Selling for $199

By

Oğuz Çakır

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Jan 26, 2023

The mini PC market continues to grow. These products, which attract attention especially with their compactness, can save lives in tight spaces and situations that require travel. Lastly, Morefine introduced its $199 mini PC model called the M9. Here are the details…

Morefine M9 mini PC on sale starting at $199

The Morefine M9 is a mini PC that packs a powerful punch in a small package. Equipped with the latest Intel Alder Lake-N processor, the M9 is designed for those looking for a compact and budget-friendly option for their computing needs. M9 can be configured with up to 32GB of RAM and two SSDs, making it a versatile option for users who need a little extra power.

At the heart of the M9 is the Intel Processor N100, which is based on the Alder Lake-N architecture. The N100 has a base frequency of 3.4 GHz and Intel UHD graphics with 24 execution units, which should provide a significant performance boost over previous-gen chips.

While the M9 is a budget-friendly option, it’s important to keep in mind that it’s not designed for resource-intensive applications like video editing or AAA gaming. However, for everyday tasks such as web browsing, document editing, and media playback, the M9 should perform admirably.

In terms of physical design, the M9 measures 113 x 106 x 42mm and weighs 240 grams, making it small and lightweight. Under the hood, it features an M.2 2280 slot for PCIe 3.0 NVMe storage, an M.2 2242 slot for SATA storage, and support for up to 32GB of DDR4-3200 memory. Additionally, the M9 has a fan, heat sink, and wireless card with support for WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2. M9 can be purchased now for $199 for the barebone model and up to $403.51 with 32GB RAM and a 1TB NVMe SSD.

Morefine M9 specifications:

SoC	Intel Processor N100 quad-core Alder Lake-N processor @ up to 3.4 GHz (Turbo) with 6MB cache, 24EU Intel HD graphics; TDP: 6W
Memory	Up to 32GB DDR4-3200MHz
Storage	M.2 2280 PCIe/NVMe socket fitted 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB SSD M.2 2242 SATA socket
Video Output	2x HDMI 2.0b ports up to 4Kp60; dual independent display support
Audio	1x audio jack
Networking	Gigabit Ethernet RJ45 port Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 module
USB	4x USB 3.2 ports
Misc	“Silent fan” and copper heatsink for cooling
Power Supply	12V/3A via DC jack
Dimensions	113 x 106 x 42mm
Weight	240 grams

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LG Uses Samsung Display’s Panel on Its First OLED Notebook

By

Oğuz Çakır

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Jan 26, 2023

Competition in technology continues in almost every field. From the phones and computers you use to companies that produce parts for these devices. When we look at the display market, we see competition between a few big players. Samsung and LG are undoubtedly the most notable of these. Interestingly, LG used a Samsung panel in its first laptop with an OLED screen, despite being a major panel supplier itself. Here are the details…

LG’s first OLED notebook to use panel from Samsung Display

Display technologies continue to evolve. This situation coming with the cheaper panel costs. For example, OLED technology, which was once used only in premium products, can now be seen in mid-range and even entry-level devices. One of the last areas where we see OLED technology is laptops. Lastly, has launched the new Gram Style Series with LG OLED display

LG OLED Notebook that using samsung display

LG Electronics has announced its first OLED notebook, the Gram Style series, which comes in 14-inch and 16-inch models. According to the latest reports, these models are being manufactured using Samsung Display’s rigid OLED panels. Rigid OLED panels use glass substrates, which are cheaper than OLED panels with flexible panels that use plastic. Samsung Display currently manufactures rigid panels at its A2 factory in South Korea, which are aimed at mid-tier smartphones and IT products such as notebooks.

As demand for these panels from smartphones decreases, Samsung Display is looking to expand into IT products and automobiles. On the other hand, LG Display currently only supplies flexible OLED panels for Apple’s iPhones and Apple Watches, as well as for premium automobiles. Sources say that LG Display could manufacture rigid OLED panels using its flexible OLED panel production facilities, but it would be more costly than at production lines originally designed to make rigid OLED panels.

This supply deal marks Samsung Display’s first for OLED panels to LG Electronics, highlighting a shift in the OLED market towards IT products and away from smartphones. The move also indicates Samsung’s intention to expand its OLED business in the IT market and LG’s attempt to catch up with its competitors in the notebook market by using OLED panels.

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Apple Wants to Destroy Google: Former Engineers Speak Out

By

Oğuz Çakır

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Jan 26, 2023

Apple and Google have a rather strange relationship. Both companies have been struggling to dominate the technology world for years. However, the competition in question continues in a friendly and ethical manner. At least that’s what we thought until now. According to the latest reports, former Apple engineers claim that Apple is engaged in a “silent war” against Google. Here are the details…

Apple is engaged in a ‘silent war’ against Google, claim engineers

Competition is a useful thing for many consumers. Especially when we consider how important it is to balance the market conditions and establish the price-performance balance. However, it seems that Apple is taking the competition a little too seriously. According to a recent report in the Financial Times, two former Apple engineers claim that the company is engaged in a “silent war” against Google. One of them used the word “grudge” to describe Apple’s relationship with Google, and the other one going further and describing it as a “silent war.”

One of the key battlegrounds in this alleged war is the launch of Apple Maps in 2012. After a troubled start, the service still lags behind Google Maps these days. However, Apple Maps was created because Google refused to give the iPhone the same turn-by-turn directions it was producing on Android. This move is an attempt to provide users with an increasingly necessary feature and prevent buyers from switching to its competitors.

Another area where Apple is thought to be targeting Google is search. Since at least 2015, there has been AppleBot, a search engine that has been used by Siri and Spotlight at times. This is a separate service from offering a Google-style search for users, but it has led to reports that an Apple Search is in the works. However, this may have been stymied in late 2022 when key staff working on Apple Search left to rejoin Google.

Finally, there is the area of advertising. Apple’s own advertising business has been growing rapidly, and the company’s privacy features are reportedly affecting third-party advertisers. While this may not be a direct attack on Google, it is an area where the two companies are competing.

While the FT report is based solely on statements from two former engineers, it fits with previous descriptions of the rivalry between Apple and Google. Whether the so-called silent war between the two companies will continue to escalate, or whether the two companies will clash remains to be seen. Will find a way to live peacefully in the tech industry.

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Noise Commits to Manufacturing 90% of its Smartwatches in India from January 2023

By

Jed John Ikoba

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Jan 26, 2023

Smart wearables maker Noise has announced its plans to focus the bulk of its smartwatch production in India. The smart wearables brand says it will produce up to 90% of its smartwatches locally in India. The company also released a digital film that highlighted its journey to the top of the Indian smartwatch market.

Noise is India’s topmost smartwatch brand, with an array of products across several strata. Noise says it is the first brand to ship over 3 million Indian-made smartwatches to the global market. It says that the Made in India, Made for India drive started with its dream to revolutionize the wearable market. Noise is also the first local brand that successfully localized smartwatch production in the subcontinent.

The Noise brand film to mark this year’s Republic Day highlights the details and efforts of the company’s engineers and technicians in making the perfect Indian-centric smartwatch. Its smartwatches resonate with the demands of the Indian audience while maintaining global standards. Noise also notes the high-quality and seamless experience that proceeds from using its smartwatches in India. Noise says it is grateful to be a part of the fast-paced wearables industry at the heart of India’s local content strategy. It says it takes pride in understanding and fulfilling the core needs of its customers in an innovative manner.

Noise is a foremost player in the fast-evolving wearables market in India. Its lineup of wearables includes audio accessories. It has continued to blossom in the global space with rising shipments of its wearables abroad.

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Samsung Galaxy S23 & S23 Ultra to Feature Google’s Fast Pair Support

By

Jed John Ikoba

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Jan 26, 2023

Google‘s Fast Pair feature is set to debut on smartphones soon according to decompiled data assessed by 9to5Google. The data suggests the quick setup feature will be included on Samsung‘s upcoming Galaxy S23 which is set to debut on February 1st.

Fast Pair is a feature developed by Google to make it easier to set up new Android devices. The feature works by allowing one Android device to detect another device that hasn’t been set up yet. When this happens, a Fast Pair pop-up menu will appear, allowing users to follow on-screen steps to move their data from their old device to the new one. This can include contacts, photos, and other personal information.

Currently, Fast Pair supports headphones and smartwatches, but support for trackers and styluses is coming soon. When setting up a Samsung device, for example, users can use Samsung’s Smart Switch app to move their data. The feature is similar to how QR codes are used to set up other devices, with the user scanning a code to initiate the data transfer.

The Galaxy S23 series launch will be a convenient time to roll out the feature, as many people will likely be upgrading their phones to the latest Galaxy S23 models. Since the Galaxy models run on Android-based OneUI, the feature is expected to work similarly to how Wear OS watches appear on Fast Pair, making it a smooth and seamless process for users.

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OnePlus TV 65 Q2 Pro Design Teased, Dynaudio-tuned Speakers Confirmed

By

Anurag

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Jan 26, 2023

OnePlus has a huge event planned on February 7, where it will launch a handful of new products, including the flagship OnePlus 11, a less-expensive OnePlus 11R, the OnePlus Buds 2 Pro, and even a new Keyboard. In addition to this, the Chinese brand will also unveil a new smart TV, dubbed OnePlus TV 65 Q2 Pro. Ahead of the launch, the company has started teasing the design of the upcoming television and has confirmed one interesting detail.

OnePlus TV 65 Q2 Pro is expected to arrive as the successor of the Q1 Pro, which debuted back in 2019. The teasers posted on Amazon reveal that the new Q2 Pro will come with a soundbar on the bottom. However, it is yet to be confirmed whether it is a motorized soundbar that slides down from the back – something we saw on OnePlus TV Q1 Pro.

In addition, the company has confirmed that the OnePlus Q2 Pro smart TV will come with Dynaudio-tuned speakers. The Danish company will also be tuning the audio on the Buds Pro 2 TWS. The TV will have a center dock stand and users should also be able to wall-mount their Q2 Pro TV.

A recent report revealed the OnePlus TV will have a 65-inch QLED panel with 4K resolution and a high 120Hz refresh rate for smooth animations. The TV is said to pack a Dolby Atmos 70W speaker and run its own custom firmware built on top of Google TV. It could be equipped with 3GB of RAM and 32GB of storage onboard.

Currently, we have no information about the pricing and other specifications of the upcoming TV. We are destined to know it all on February 7. Stay tuned.

TCL Ion X Smartphone Launched on Metro by T-Mobile in the US Priced at $119.99

By

Jed John Ikoba

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Jan 26, 2023

Metro by T-Mobile has combined with TCL to unveil the TCL Ion X smartphone at a hugely affordable price. The new model is viewed in some quarters as an incredibly cheap and extremely modest phone. The TCL Ion X will be among Metro’s most affordable phones with its $119.99 price tag.

The Ion X sports an incredibly outdated-looking design and low-level components. It has a 3,000mAh battery, a low-res 6-inch screen, 3GB of RAM, and 32GB of internal storage. The ION X could be a hard sell even with its price, as its key performance parameters are lagging behind. It has a 13MP rear camera and a 5MP front camera. The price of the smartphone may be a strong motivation to purchase but its features are quite underwhelming.

The new Metro by T-Mobile smartphone will run on Android 12. It is also propped as having all the latest features of the new OS. However, the phone falls short in many areas. It is powered by the octa-core MediaTek Helio G25 processor. The TCL Ion X has a USB Type-C port, microSD card slot, and headphone jack. These are basic features that are expected in any standard smartphone.

The Metro by T-Mobile TCL Ion X could have a bumpy reception in the market. This may be due mainly to its underwhelming parameters. There are several other well-kitted and affordable smartphones that will catch customers’ fancy. The TCL Ion X retails for $119.99.

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Tesla Cybertruck delayed again, mass production pushed back to 2024

By

Sudhanshu

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Jan 26, 2023

Earlier today, Tesla had its fourth-quarter earnings call where the company’s CEO Elon Musk said that the Cybertruck won’t be seeing full volume production until 2024. As many of you may remember, Tesla unveiled the futuristic Cybertruck back in November 2019 and subsequently opened bookings for the pickup truck.

To date, potential customers have reserved more than 1.5 million Cybertracks, however, even one of them it yet to make it to a customer. During the call, Musk was questioned about if the upcoming car would fulfill a manufacturing goal that was established in Q2 of last year for the middle of 2023. Musk reluctantly acknowledged that Cybertruck production would begin “sometime this summer,” but came to the conclusion that the truck won’t go into mass production until the following year. “I always attempt to minimize the beginning of manufacturing,” Musk added. “It increases exponentially, but it is very slow at first.”

This is the latest in a line of multiple delays. Pre-production was initially planned to begin in late 2021, but the COVID-19 epidemic caused this to change. Then, it was projected to happen sometime in 2023, a year ago.

This time, however, it looks like Tesla is finally readying up for mass production as the company revealed that it has started installing the production equipment needed for the Cybertruck’s assembly, including the castings that will produce the electric pickup’s body.

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Nokia Teaming Up With NOW Telecom to Design 5G Network for the Philippines

By

Anurag

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Jan 26, 2023

Bell Labs Consulting, part of Nokia, has been chosen by NOW Telecom to develop a 5G Standalone (SA) network design for the entire Philippines and plan a national broadband network. Nokia will also be responsible for setting up a trial 5G network in various locations in Metro Manila.

Nokia will assist NOW Telecom in obtaining funding for the deployment of the first 5G Standalone (SA) network in the Philippines and offer unique services, through the network planning and design provided by the Finnish company. This effort is made possible by the grant given to NOW Telecom from the US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA), aimed to advance the development of 5G mobile and wireless networks in the country.

For the unaware, 5G SA refers to a network having its independent infrastructure. The core of this type of network is built entirely on the 5G specification, which is devised by the 3GPP – an organization that develops standards for mobile telecommunication. There are no 4G/LTE or existing legacy components used in 5G SA.

By utilizing Nokia’s expertise in network design and planning, as well as their automation software for network management, NOW Telecom aims to meet the increasing demand for dependable and secure digital services for both residential and business customers. Their plans include offering Fixed Wireless Access and enhanced Mobile Broadband 5G services to connect underserved areas and improve network speed and responsiveness.

“We are excited that our expertise will make a critical contribution to the development of digital infrastructure in the country. The study by our Bell Labs Consulting will provide NOW Telecom with the required analysis, designs, and plans for the phased implementation of the 5G SA network,” said Stefan Wilhelm, Head of Bell Labs Consulting at Nokia.

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Samsung Announces Odyssey Neo G7 43″ Mini-LED Gaming Monitor for Global Markets

By

Sudarshan Ravichandran

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Jan 26, 2023

At the end of December, Samsung unveiled its first mini-LED flat gaming monitor. The product is officially called Samsung Odyssey Neo G7 43″ (G70NC).

It was first made official in the company’s home country South Korea, followed by Taiwan. Today, in an official press release, the electronics giant has revealed (via SamMobile) the monitor’s global availability.

Samsung says that its latest one-of-a-kind gaming monitor will be available across several global markets starting in Q1 2023. Unfortunately, the company does not mention the regions and the exact availability dates since they will vary across countries.

As a result, we don’t have any information on the global pricing yet. We urge you stay tuned to the official announcements from the local wings of Samsung for further details.

Talking about specifications, the monitor flaunts a 43-inch flat quantum mini-LED panel with a resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels (4K) and up to a 144Hz refresh rate (AMD FreeSync Premium Pro). The screen has a 16:9 aspect ratio and supports up to 400 nits peak brightness level.

The panel offers up to a 1ms MPRT response time and a 178° viewing angle. It comes with support for HDR standards, such as VESA Display HDR600 and HDR10+ Gaming.

The monitor arrives with multiple ports, like 1 x DisplayPort 1.4, 2 x HDMI 2.1, 2 x USB 3.0, and 1 x Ethernet. It also comes with WiFi 5, Bluetooth 5.2, and 2 x 20W speakers.