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Microsoft to cut 10,000 jobs as it aims on investing on strategic areas

The CEO of Microsoft has recently announced plans of cutting up to 10,000 jobs across its various departments and firms that it owns. This decision extends to outside of its core areas of business as it shifts its focus. So here are all the details.

CEO Satya Nadella has stated that the current economic conditions have caused the American tech giant to make “hard choices.” Although, he further added that the company will also be shifting focus by investing in “strategic areas” in order to remain competitive in the market. While 10,000 people being laid off is a large figure, this apparently doesn’t even account for even 5 percent of Microsoft’s total workforce.

Microsoft

This news was revealed through a company wide memo in which Nadella said that reduced consumer spending because of the Coronavirus pandemic isn’t as extreme as before. However, many parts of the world are still facing economic recession at the moment. So, the layoffs are unavoidable to align its cost structures and projected revenue. Furthermore, despite 10,000 jobs being cut, the company will also continue to hire new resources as and when required.

Interestingly enough, Jason Schreier also reported on Microsoft having to downsize in its gaming division as well. This includes Xbox, Bethesda, and reportedly even 343 Industries as well. Meaning, that the job cuts are across the board and not specific to any department as of right now. So we can expect some of its other operations to also be impacted by the massive layoff.

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Boston Dynamics Unveil Atlas Robot With Enhanced Mobility, Including Grabbing and Throwing Objects

Boston Dynamics is a world leader in robotics. The company designs and manufactures robots of varying capabilities and exceptional design. The company is based out of Waltham, Massachusetts and was founded back in 1992. The team of talented engineers have previously manufactured robots named BigDog, Spot, Stretch and Handle. In their latest video, the organization depicted how their Atlas robot can perform complex humanoid actions to near perfection.

The humanlike robot was able to navigate rugged terrain with ease while walking on two legs, very much like a human. Through a complex array of sensors and cameras, it maps its surroundings and perceives obstacles. However, in the latest video, the robot can be seen picking up a plank and creating a bridge to walk between two platforms. It does so while holding onto a toolkit. Atlas then effortlessly walks across the thin plank and tosses the toolkit to the person on top of the scaffolding. The company refers to this motion as an inverted 540-degree, multi-axis flip. But it doesn’t stop there; the robot does a backflip off the platform before landing perfectly on its feet again. 

Boston Dynamics Atlas

A demo such as this depicts how humanoid robots such as Atlas are capable of performing tasks too dangerous for humans, such as working at extreme heights or carrying materials through an area too toxic or narrow for a human. Search and Rescue operations can be simplified to a higher degree with the implementation of robots. They can even be used to maintain and inspect infrastructure, such as pipelines and bridges. Human casualties can be minimized this way. Sure, there is a dilemma regarding replacing human workers with robots, but doing so for perilous tasks is nothing but a step towards increasing the value placed on human life.

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Ayaneo Confirms the Release of Their Linux-based Ayaneo OS

Ayaneo announced that it will release Ayaneo OS, a Linux-based operating system for its devices later this year. The move is similar to Valve’s decision to release SteamOS 3, which powers the Steam Deck, as a way to have more control over the user experience. Here are the details…

Ayaneo confirm their Linux-based Ayaneo OS arrives this year

When they previously talked about the Linux-based Ayaneo OS, they said “Ayaneo team loves games and game consoles as well. In the process of creating the best Windows handheld in the world, they found that the existing operating system in the new form of PC handheld still has many poor experiences, and even some problems that we can’t be solved.

Ayaneo OS

“In order to allow everyone to enjoy the game and the handheld hardware better, Ayaneo has launched the Ayaneo OS, which is based on the Linux system and developed exclusively.” The company also mentioned that it will be using Proton, a compatibility layer that allows Windows games to run on Linux.

Recently, Ayaneo successfully completed an IndieGoGo crowdfunding campaign for the Ayaneo 2 and GEEK models, both of which feature an AMD Ryzen 6800U. The campaign garnered $3,157,147 in donations and 2,680 donations, and is currently in a pre-order-like demand phase.

Ayaneo OS

While Ayaneo’s crowdfunding campaign has been successful, it’s still only a fraction of Steam Deck sales, which have surpassed 1 million units sold as of October 2022. It will be interesting to see how Ayaneo’s Linux-based operating system and gaming handheld fare in a highly competitive market market.

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Microsoft To Stop the Sale of Windows 10 License Keys Soon

Windows 10 was released in the year 2015. At the time of its launch, it was one of the biggest Windows overhauls. The upgrade brought forth a refreshed UI, a new Start Menu, and Direct X 12 support. Eight years later, Microsoft is finally planning to stop selling Windows 10 licenses to users before the end of January 2023. 

Microsoft is the biggest PC Operating System manufacturer in the market. In 2021, the company unveiled Windows 11, the latest addition to its OS lineup. Windows 11 introduced a newer design, Android app integration and better virtual desktop support. Recent notices posted on the Windows 10 pages on Microsoft’s official website indicate that the company will not allow users to download Windows 10 digitally after January. However, Microsoft will continue to provide support for Windows 10 for some more years. 

By not selling Windows 10 license keys anymore, Microsoft wants to ensure that more new users get on Windows 11 as they start using new PCs. There is a catch, though. Those who are interested in purchasing licensed copies of Windows 10 after January 31, 2023, can do so by contacting third-party retailers. They are bound to have existing stores of Windows 10 licenses. OEM copies of Windows 10 are also purchasable via Amazon. If you are looking to build a PC with Windows 10, it might be useful to stock up on license keys for future use. 

For those who don’t have a specific preference for their operating system, Windows 11 is a great choice since it will receive security updates for an extended amount of time. Windows 11 is also optimized to support games and allow the integration of Android applications within the OS, making it a great dynamic environment for a variety of tasks. Regardless, both Windows 10 and Windows 11 are very capable operating systems; keep in mind that Windows 10 licenses will become more expensive as time goes by.

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Official Name of Galaxy S23’s Custom SD8 Gen 2 Chip Leaks

Samsung is set to unveil the Galaxy S23 series at the Galaxy Unpacked event on February 1. Therefore, we have been learning new things about these smartphones for the past few days.

We are already aware that the devices will be powered by a custom Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset by Qualcomm. Now, thanks to a new leak, we also know the official marketing name of this silicon.

Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform

According to a source of 9to5Google, the custom Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC inside the Galaxy S23 lineup will be officially called ‘Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform for Galaxy’.

As per previous reports, this chipset will be clocked higher at 3.36GHz. The regular Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 present inside the Xiaomi 13 series and OnePlus 11 is limited to 3.2GHz.

Previously, this custom chip was rumored to be manufactured by Samsung Foundry. But now, it is said to be fabricated by TSMC, just like the standard version of the SoC.

As of now, we have no idea about the thermal performance of this custom chipset. Hopefully, it is at least on par with the regular Snapdragon 8 Gen 2.

For those unaware, this will be the first time Samsung will be using the same silicon for the Galaxy S series worldwide since the original model. You can learn about the specs of the Galaxy S23 series here.

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Realme GT Neo 5 Spotted on GeekBench With Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1

The Realme GT Neo 5 is set to launch in the Chinese market soon. But prior to its official announcement, the company’s upcoming smartphone was spotted on the GeekBench listing which reveals some of its key specifications.

Realme

Looking at the online listing, we can see that the new handset will feature the RMX3708 model number. The popular platform also revealed the synthetic benchmark performance of the device along with some of its notable specifications. The device managed to score 1279 points in its single core scores and 3902 points in its multi core scores. It managed to achieve this score thanks to its last gen flagship chipset, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 SoC. However, this variant is expected to be an underclocked version of the chipset since it has a 3.0GHz peak frequency. This is the same processor that powers the OPPO Reno 9 Pro+ and the upcoming OnePlus 11R/Ace 2.

For those unaware, this chipset was made by Samsung on its 4nm process. The online database also revealed that there will also be at least one variant with 16GB of RAM. But we can also expect an 8GB and a 12GB RAM variant as well. Apart from this, the listing reveals that the Realme GT Neo 5 will run on Android 13 OS based Realme UI 4.0 out of the box. Unfortunately, this is all the information that was revealed regarding this handset model.

Realme

Although, based on previous sightings on other certification websites, we know that the device will feature a 6.7 inch AMOLED display that has a Full HD+ resolution on the front. Meanwhile, the rear will feature a 50 megapixel primary shooter, paired with an 8 megapixel ultra wide angle lens, and another 2 megapixel sensor. The device will also launch in two charging variants, which includes a 240W and a 150W fast charging versions.

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Redmi Note 12 Series Breaks Records with $37 Million in Sales in One Week

Xiaomi India, has reached a new milestone with the recent launch of the Redmi Note 12 5G series of smartphones, which hit an all-time high in sales. The series, which went on sale on January 11 at 12 noon, sold INR 300 crore worth of devices across all platforms in less than a week. A future-proof performance marvel – the #SuperNote Redmi Note 12 5G series is loaded with a wide range of best-in-class and segment-first features designed to deliver an unrivaled experience to consumers across price points.

Commenting on the milestone, Mr. Anuj Sharma, Chief Marketing Officer, Xiaomi India said, “The launch of the Redmi Note 12 series is extremely important to us because with it, we have completed eight glorious years of the Redmi Note series in India. We have worked hard put the best To experience meaningful upgrades and radical products for our consumers in India, the #SuperNote series follows the same philosophy.

We are instinctively proud to see such a remarkable consumer response from our fans to these products. Ever since we announced that we were bringing the Redmi Note 12 5G series to India, the enthusiasm among our consumers has been high. In fact, our data shows that even before sales So far, the Redmi Note 12 series has received great attention from consumers, with 8 million searches. This major milestone is a testament to the boundless trust and love our consumers have in us. The response further reiterates that we have successfully delivered the Redmi Note 12 series Deliver a powerful experience to our consumers. We really started 2023 on a super ‘note’. “

Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G brings a breakthrough update that introduces the highest resolution of 200MP for smartphone cameras. It also comes with optical image stabilization for the first time on a Redmi Note in India. The device also features ALD (atomic layer deposition) ultra-low reflection The coating helps reduce reflections and flare and optimizes complex lighting scenarios, and it comes with 120W Hypercharge that can deliver up to 100 percent in an incredible 19 minutes.

The device is the perfect combination of fast charging speeds and a large battery with a big flagship Battery 4980mAh. It features a 120Hz PRO-AMOLED display with 1.07 billion colors for an immersive and lifelike multimedia experience with Dolby Atmos and visual support. Make sure it stands the test of time with incredible durability and timeless style Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G is here Featuring an impressive 3D curved design and metal camera trim. The device also features Corning Gorilla Glass 5 and is IP 53 rated.

Widely regarded as the sensor of choice for flagship smartphone cameras, the Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G features a 50MP Sony IMX766 camera sensor, enabling users to capture more light and produce sharper images with excellent detail in all lighting scenarios. It features 67W Turbo Charge technology for Just 15 minutes for a full day charge.

In addition, it comes with a large 5000mAh battery that allows users to play games and multitask for a long time. Redmi Note 12 Pro is the thinnest Note ever, the device offers a unique Stardust Purple design with 3.5mm jack and GG5 Display it with a new stylish camera decoration. This also has the same 120Hz Pro AMOLED as the pro for a superior viewing experience.

The Redmi Note 12 5G sports an incredible 48MP triple camera setup, and the Indian variant comes with a triple camera setup and adds the much-loved ultra-wide-angle camera. The device features a 6.67-inch 120Hz Super AMOLED display, one of the very few devices with a 120Hz display 5G support in this price segment. With the power-efficient 6nm process technology and first-generation Snapdragon® 4, users can enjoy all-day effortless multitasking and lag-free processing with the Redmi Note 12 5G. It comes with 33W fast charging and a massive 5000mAh battery, Fast charging is further enhanced.

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Google Pay Is Releasing a Paytm-like Soundpod for Merchants in India

Google is apparently offering a new product that is strictly for merchants in India. The company’s Google Pay brand is introducing a Soundpod device that is similar to the ones offered by other brands like Paytm and PhonePe.

For those unaware, Google Pay, Paytm, and PhonePe are popular UPI payment apps in India. Apart from the Search Engine giant, the two other firms offered a Soundpod to merchant that helped offer audio feedback of payments being received on their accounts. Now, it appears that Google Pay is also working on such a device that features an in built speaker as well as an LCD panel to notify users that payments have been successful.

Google

This device will support different languages as well. As of right now, the company has reportedly offered this gadget to a select group of merchants at no extra cost. In other words, the device is still being tested in a small scale, with merchants getting the new soundboxes for free. Alternative platforms like Paytm, PhonePe, and BharatPe already offer such devices, so it is no surprise that Google Pay is also working on its own version of this soundpod.

As per sources close to the matter, Google has already started distributing the new devices across sellers in North India, including the capital region of New Delhi. Apart from just offering audio announcement for successful payments, the LCD panel will display the payment amount, battery, network status, and manual controls.

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Xiaomi could launch a Redmi A1 variant powered by MediaTek Helio P35 SoC

Xiaomi unveiled the Redmi A1 and Redmi A1+ smartphones a few months ago as part of the company’s new A series. These are entry-level devices that are targeted toward first-time smartphone users.

Redmi

A fairly basic MediaTek Helio A22 chipset powers the Redmi A1 series of smartphones. According to Xiaomiui, Xiaomi may have plans to launch a new smartphone that will essentially be an upgrade of the Redmi A1.

Xiaomiui has uncovered new FCC documents that hint at an upcoming smartphone with model number 23036RN54G. Model number 2302 (2023-02)’s first three numbers indicate that the smartphone may be released in February or March of this year. The Redmi A1’s model number, Xiaomi 220733SL, is similar to the impending Xiaomi 23036RN54G, according to a Federal Communications Commission listing.

The next Xiaomi 23036RN54G will reportedly feature a new processor with the model number MT6765X, according to the documents. The MediaTek Helio P35 CPU is designated by this model number. This indicates that Xiaomi is developing a Redmi A1 model with a MediaTek Helio P35 processor. The future Xiaomi 23036RN54G and the Redmi A1 won’t differ in any other ways, according to the documents.

The FCC listing also hints that Android 13 will run on the next Xiaomi entry-level smartphone. The Xiaomi 23036RN54G, according to people at Xiaomiui, will also boot Android 13 Go Edition. The device is reportedly known under the codename Water. For those who don’t know, the Redmi A1 and Redmi A1+ have the respective codenames Ice and Snow.

Nothing more regarding the next Xiaomi smartphone is known besides that. Even the smartphone’s name is a mystery. In the following weeks, we may expect to learn more about the next Xiaomi device. Meanwhile, let us go through the Redmi A1 specifications and features.

Redmi A1: Specifications and Features

The Redmi A1 has a 6.52-inch display panel with an HD+ resolution, 400nits peak brightness, and a waterdrop notch. The phone has a quad-core MediaTek Helio A22 chipset inside, along with up to 3GB of RAM. Android 12 Go Edition is preinstalled on the entry-level smartphone.

The 5000mAh battery in the Redmi A1 supports 10W charging. It has a depth sensor and an 8MP camera on the back. It is dependent on the 5MP front camera. Additionally, the Redmi smartphone features a 3.5mm audio jack and a separate micro-SD card slot.

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Samsung Galaxy S23 Series May Not See a Price Hike in the US

Samsung has scheduled its first ‘Unpacked’ event of 2023 for February 1. The company has confirmed to debut the Galaxy S23 series at this event. The smartphones are expected to be accompanied by the Galaxy Book 3 series of laptops.

Ahead of their official announcement, almost all details about these products have leaked. We have even started hearing about the price. Earlier reports suggested a hike in price but a new one says otherwise.

Samsung Galaxy S23 Series

As per an official-looking Verizon document (via 9to5Google), Samsung will not increase the price of the Galaxy S23 series, at least in the US. The lineup will retail at the following price tags in the region.

  • Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra – $1,199.99
  • Samsung Glaaxy S23 Plus – $999.99
  • Samsung Galaxy S23 – $799.99

In other words, The Galaxy S23 family will cost the same as the Galaxy S22 lineup from last year. However, the base variant of the S23 Plus will arrive with 256GB instead of 128GB like the S22 Plus. Hence, the second memory variant will offer 512GB. 

On the other hand, the vanilla S23 will come in the same 128GB and 256GB versions. But the standard and plus models will share almost all specs, including colors (Phantom Black, Lavender, Cream, Green).

Finally, the Galaxy S23 Ultra will be also available in the same memory configurations and colors as the Galaxy S23 Plus.

To learn more about these upcoming Samsung smartphones, check out our story on the specs leak.

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Logitech Unveils Brio 300 Series Webcams, Aims To Make High-quality Video Experience Affordable

During the pandemic, the volume of video calls over a Work-from-home setting increased drastically. Millions of people started using webcams from the comfort of their homes to communicate with their teams. Logitech is a leading manufacturer in the webcam sector, and the company recently unveiled its Brio 300 series webcams, providing a substantial upgrade for remote workers.

Logitech
Brio 300

The Brio 300 series is advertised as being compact and capable. Logitech claims to have surveyed more than 3000 remote workers. Based on their surveys, they have focused on improving lighting conditions and sound input quality for their new series of webcams. The Brio 300 series is equipped with plug-and-play functionality, Full-HD 1080p resolution, noise-reduction microphone and automatic light correction. So far, Logitech has launched two webcams in Brio 300 series, the Brio 300 and Brio 305. 

Logitech
Logitech Brio 300

Users can connect the webcams to computers via a USB-C port. The Brio 305 webcam can be remotely managed through Logitech Sync. This would ensure that any issues are addressed in a short span of time and with little to no hassle. For privacy, users can spin the built-in privacy shutter to block the camera lens. The webcam sports a fresh cone shape design, rarely found in webcams these days. The company also claims to positively impact the carbon footprint by ensuring that the Brio 300 and Brio 305 are built from certified post-consumer recycled plastic. This can be a good selling point for those who prefer environmentally sustainable products in their setups.

The Logitech Brio series will be priced at $69.99 USD for both models. They will be available in off-white, graphite and rose colors. The company previously launched the Brio 500 webcam in the year 2022. An interesting thing to note is that Logitech also manufactures some of the most widely used webcams for gaming and streaming. Due to their significantly lower price point, the Brio 300 and Brio 305 may also be preferred by gaming enthusiasts since it offers 1080p resolution and high dynamic contrast. 

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AYANEO Next 2 With 8-Inch Display Teased To Be Powered By AMD 7000 Series Processor

AYANEO teased a concept for a handheld gaming console dubbed AYANEO Next 2 a few months ago. Now, the company has officially revealed some of the key features of the device ahead of the launch later this year.

It comes with some features that are not commonly found in other handheld gaming devices, including a larger 8-inch display and a dedicated graphics processor, among others.

AYANEO Next 2

The AYANEO Next 2 features an 8-inch IPS LCD display, but more information about the screen has not been revealed yet. Under the hood, the device is powered by the AMD 7000 series processor.

Arthur Zhang, CEO of AYANEO, has said that he cannot specify which chipset will be powering the device, but it is being speculated that the product will be powered by the yet unannounced AMD Ryzen 7040U processor with 15-28W power.

It has also been confirmed that the AYA NEO Next 2 will come with discrete graphics, but nothing more about this has been revealed by the company so far. As for the software, the device will be running the Windows operating system out-of-the-box, allowing users to run a wide range of games.

The teaser images shared by the company show that the handheld device features two analog sticks, a D-Pad, and action buttons on the front. There are also trackpads on each side of the screen and several additional controls, including shoulder triggers.

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[Update]OnePlus 11 5G Global Version to Support 80W Charging

Update: According to well-known tipster Max Jambor, only the US variant of the OnePlus 11 5G will support 80W wired charging. The OnePlus 11 arriving in all the other markets will support 100W charging.

Original story follows…

OnePlus 11 5G went official at the beginning of this year in China. On Feb. 7, the company will hold a launch event for the OP11 in India. Tipster Snoopy Tech has shared the fresh renders of the OnePlus 11 5G’s global version. In addition, the tipster has shared a marketing document, which contains the key specifications of the device. The global and Chinese editions of the device will have the same specs. However, as per the new leak, the global edition’s fast charging capabilities will be slower than its Chinese edition.

The OnePlus 11 5G available in China supports 100W SuperVOOC charging. The leaked marketing document reveals that the OnePlus 11 5G will support 80W charging. The Chinese and global editions will run on Android 13 OS. While the former offers a ColorOS 13 experience, the latter will deliver an OxygenOS 13 experience.

OnePlus 11 5G
OnePlus 11 5G global version

It also states that it will feature a 6.7-inch display, a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, up to 16 GB of RAM, an alert slider, and a triple camera unit with Hasselblad Ambient Photography offering pro-grade portraits and industry-leading color reproduction. This indicates that apart from differences in software experience and charging capabilities, the other specs may remain the same on the Chinese and global versions of the OnePlus 11.

As per tipster Mukul Sharma, the marketing names of the OnePlus 11 5G color variants are Titan Black and Eternal Green. As has been revealed before, the base model of the OP11’s global version is expected to offer 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. The highest variant of the global model is expected to offer 16 GB of RAM. In comparison, its Chinese edition offers a 12GB+256GB configuration in its base model.

The OnePlus 11 5G will compete with the iQOO 11 5G, which is priced at Rs 59,999, in the Indian market.

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Samsung Galaxy A34 5G Spotted on Bureau of Indian Standards Ahead of Launch

Samsung could soon introduce a new Galaxy A-series smartphone in India and other global markets. The Galaxy A14 5G and the Galaxy A23 5G were just released by the company in India. The Samsung Galaxy A34 5G is another smartphone from Samsung that could soon be added to the lineup in various markets.

Samsung

Although no information regarding the launch date of the device has been confirmed by the company, a recent sighting on the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) website has indicated that the launch could be imminent.

The Galaxy A34 5G’s model number, SM-A346E, can be seen in the BIS listing. Other information relating to the phone has previously emerged. Let’s examine what is currently known about the Samsung Galaxy A34 5G.

Samsung Galaxy A34 specs

According to reports, the phone will have an Exynos 1280 SoC in some regions but a Dimensity 1080 SoC in the Korean and European models.

Samsung

Up to 8GB of RAM is anticipated to be available when the phone launches. Additionally, the phone’s design renderings have emerged. According to reports, the phone has a triple camera arrangement on the back. An LED flash is located next to the three circular cutouts. Additionally, the phone sports a waterdrop notch at the top and a bezel that extends slightly past the chin.

The report states that it has a 6.5-inch AMOLED display that offers a Full HD+ resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels and a refresh rate of 90Hz. A 48-megapixel triple camera unit and a 13-megapixel front-facing camera for selfies could be included in the gadget. The battery will probably be 5,000mAh and 25W fast charging. It might be equipped with an in-screen fingerprint scanner like the preceding model.

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Oppo Reno 8T Specifications Revealed, Launch Seems Imminent

Oppo is expected to launch the Reno 8T 4G and Reno 8T 5G in the global market later this month. Reports have revealed that the 5G variant could be a rebranded version of the OPPO A1 Pro 5G, which is exclusively available in China. Several tipsters have shared the renders of the Reno 8T 4G, which show the device sporting a punch-hole display and a leather back. Tipster Snoopy Techhas shared the specs sheet of the Reno 8T 4G. The leaked specs suggest that it may get rebadged as the OPPO F23 series phone in India.

OPPO Reno 8T specifications (rumored)

OPPO Reno 8T orange and black
OPPO Reno 8T renders by Sudhanshu Ambhore

The Reno 8T will arrive with a 6.43-inch AMOLED panel with a corner punch-hole. It will offer an FHD+ resolution, a 90Hz refresh rate, an under-screen fingerprint reader, and a visual protection feature.

Coming to the cameras, the Reno 8T will have a 32-megapixel snapper for shooting selfies and video calls. One of the USPs of the device is that it has a 100-megapixel camera. It is assisted by a 2-megapixel micro lens, which was seen on devices like the Find X3 Pro and the OPPO F21 series. Lastly, a 2-megapixel black/white mono lens will round out the triple camera setup of the 8T.

As per the Geekbench listing of the Reno 8T, the device will arrive with an Helio G99 chipset by MediaTek and 8 GB of RAM. The device may offer 128 GB of internal storage and run on Android 13 OS with ColorOS 13 on top. The 5,000mAh battery of the device will support 33W charging. A 33W SuperVOOC charger will be included in its retail package. As can be seen in the image above, the Reno 8T will arrive in black and orange shades.

OPPO Reno 8T launch invitation
OPPO Reno 8T launch invitation image by Sudhanshu Ambhore

Shown above is a Reno 8T launch invitation poster shared by tipster Sudhanshu Ambhore, which indicates it won’t take too long for it to break cover. Features like a leather back, a corner punch-hole display, and a micro lens are also available on the F21 Pro. Hence, it is likely that the device may release as the Oppo F23 or F23 Pro in the Indian market. Rumors have it that the F23 series will break cover in March.

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Apple Is Reportedly Working on a Smart Display to Rival Google Nest Hub Max and Amazon Echo Show

As per reports, Apple is finally planning to enter the smart display market to take on its rivals like Amazon and Google, who are well-established in this industry. The company has previously tried to crack the smart speaker market dominated by Amazon and Google with little success. The latest sources, however, show promise for the new upcoming Apple Smart Display.

The Smart Display would use the iPad as the primary screen, and the device would be used to regulate the thermostat, home lighting and security options, such as locks. Users will be able to make facetime calls using the Smart Display as well. Additionally, one could watch TV and multitask on the device – for instance, watching a cooking video on YouTube while checking the weather forecast. 

As per sources, Apple’s Smart Display will feature a larger screen for the sake of convenience. Compared to Google Nest Hub Max, which has a 10-inch display, customers can expect the Apple Smart Display to have a slightly larger screen. Furthermore, Apple might even let its users purchase docks for their iPads, similar to the dock for the upcoming Google Pixel tablet. That will enable customers to hang up their iPads around their home or just use it with a stand on a counter or a dresser.  

Apple’s voice assistant, Siri would be a major point of focus for the Smart Display. Since Apple’s AI capabilities don’t match the potential of Google Assistant and Amazon’s Alexa, Apple would have to improve Siri as a strong contender to its competition. The process might take a fair amount of time, which is why customers should not expect the Apple Smart Display to launch anytime soon. 

Apple’s new HomePod smart speaker is promising. However, it features more or less a similar design to its previous generation, which was launched in the year 2018. To make its Smart Display a success in such a competitive market, Apple would have to bridge a lot of gaps in their hardware and software. It will be quite interesting to see how the trillion-dollar electronics company conquers this hurdle.  

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Vivo X90 Pro Global Variant Spotted on NBTC & TKDN Database Ahead of Launch

The Vivo X90 series of smartphones was introduced by Vivo in November for the Chinese market. Outside of China, the Vivo X90 series has yet to be introduced. According to leaks and rumors, the Vivo X90 series global launch could happen on January 31.

Now, the Vivo X90 Pro global variant, with the model number V2219 has appeared on NBTC and TKDN certification databases before the rumored launch. Spotted by known tipster Abhishek Yadav, the device bears the model number V2219.

The NBTC and the TKDN certification listings provide little information regarding the future X-series smartphone other than the model number and name. On the other hand, the upcoming Vivo X90 Pro global variant has already been discovered on the EEC certification and Geekbench benchmark databases.

The global model of the Vivo X90 Pro will be powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 9200 processor and Mali G715 Immortalis MC11 GPU, according to the Geekbench listing. The global model will have a memory option of 12GB and ship with Android 13 already installed.

To recap, the Vivo X90 Pro Chinese edition has a 6.78-inch OLED display panel with a Full HD+ resolution, a refresh rate of 120Hz, and a peak brightness of 1300nits. The smartphone has a 4870mAh battery with support for 120W quick charging. It has a 50MP primary camera with a Sony IMX989 sensor and OIS capability on the optical front. A 50MP Sony IMX758 telephoto lens and a 12MP ultra-wide-angle lens are included with it.

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Hands-on With Truke BTG X1 Wireless Earbuds

Low-cost truly wireless earphones and smartwatches are the hottest categories right now. There are lots of options to choose from.

I have avoided them for a long time for fear of quality issues. But recently when Truke approached me to take a look at one of their latest TWS earbuds, I agreed so that I could get a taste of such products.

The brand sent me their recently released Truke BTG X1. For the unaware, BTG stands for ‘Born to Game’. It is a lineup of wireless earbuds from Truke targeted at mobile gamers.

Personally, I am not a gamer. So I used the product only for regular usage. I believe most users will do the same since the earbuds are priced so lucratively priced that even non-gamers would purchase them.

The Truke BTG X1 carries an official price tag of ₹1,499 ($18). However, it is often available at only ₹999 ($12).

With that out of the way, let me share my experience with the product. Before I begin, I would like to inform readers that Truke neither had an editorial input nor an early look at this article.

Truke BTG X1 Hands-on Experience

The Truke BTG X1 has an attractive design. It resembles a pebble in black color.

There’s a Truke branding on the lid which is easy to open/close one-handed and a regulatory sticker at the bottom. A USB Type-C port for charging is located on the rear side.

The lid is surrounded by 20 RGB LED lights. Additionally, an X-shaped LED light is presented on the front. Even the right-side earbud has a tiny RGB LED light.

These lights turn on when you open and close the case. Unfortunately, you cannot customize these lights.

As far as the buds are concerned, they look like AirPods but with Truke branding. They feature an open-ear design, and therefore, you don’t get silicone tips.

Both buds and the case are lightweight. The buds don’t feel like they are in the ears. They are comfortable and offer a good fit for my ears. Anyway, your experience may vary as everyone’s ears are not the same.

Though the product is good-looking, its build quality feels cheap, which certainly matches its price tag.

The same goes for the audio quality. I found the output to be just adequate for the price. I could say the same for the microphones. Weirdly, the buds should be on 70% volume level or more to be audible.

Further, I felt the touch controls on the buds to be complicated as there are multiple options. Also, you cannot disable touch controls. So I faced accidental touches all the time.

The best thing about these earbuds despite being cheap is their connectivity. I didn’t face connection drops or any audio lag.

As far as battery life is concerned, the buds lasted for about 6-7 hours on a single charge during my usage. It is enough to watch two movies or 5-6 episodes of a TV series.

So should you buy the Truke BTG X1? That depends on the price you are paying. If you can grab the product at ₹999, then I don’t mind recommending it.

However, at ₹1,499, I would suggest you consider other options like Oppo Enco Buds, which retail at around ₹1500-₹1800.

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Samsung Galaxy S23 Series European Pricing Leaks Out Ahead of February 1 Launch

Samsung is gearing up to launch the Galaxy S23 series on February 1, 2023. We recently reported on a leak unveiling the detailed spec sheet, images, and pricing of the Galaxy S23 series smartphones. Now, the pricing for the European region has also surfaced online.

According to Twitter user @BillbilKun, the vanilla Galaxy S23 will cost €959 for the 8GB + 128GB version, while the 8GB + 256GB version will cost €1019 in France. Similarly, the Galaxy S23 Plus 8GB + 256GB config will cost €1219 and the 512GB storage variant will be priced at €1339.

The flagship Galaxy S23 Ultra will have a starting price of €1419 in France for the 256GB storage variant. Other than that, the 512GB and 1TB storage variants of the device will cost €1599 and €1839, respectively. Let’s take a quick look at the specifications of these devices.

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra specs

The 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display on the Galaxy S23 Ultra has a Quad HD+ resolution of 3080 x 1440 pixels, a refresh rate of 1Hz to 120Hz, a pixel density of 509 PPI, and HDR10+ support. The S23 Ultra’s screen has curved edges. It will have Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection and an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor.

Samsung

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2-powered smartphone will include 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB of storage and 8GB or 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM. The device will be powered by Android 13 OS with One UI 5.1. Its 5,000mAh battery supports 10W wireless charging and 45W rapid charging.

Samsung
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

A 12-megapixel front-facing camera with autofocus will be available on the S23 Ultra. On the back, it will have a 200-megapixel primary camera with OIS capability. It is said to have a 200-megapixel ISOCELL HP2 camera sensor, which was just unveiled. The primary camera will be paired with a 12-megapixel ultra-wide camera with a 120-degree field of view, an OIS-enabled 10-megapixel telephoto camera, an OIS-assisted 10-megapixel periscope zoom camera with 10x optical zoom, and 100x Space Zoom. It will be able to record 8K videos at 30 frames per second.

Other features of the S23 Ultra include support for the S Pen with a dedicated storage silo, an IP68 rating, 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, GPS, NFC, and a USB Type-C connection.

Samsung Galaxy S23, Galaxy S23 Plus specs

The screen size of the Galaxy S23 is 6.1 inches, while the Galaxy S23+ has a 6.6-inch screen. Both models have a Dynamic AMOLED screen with a Full HD+ resolution of 1,080 x 2,340 pixels, a refresh rate range of 48Hz to 120Hz, a pixel density of 393 PPI, and HDR10+ support. Both phones will also include Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection and an ultrasonic fingerprint reader underneath the display.

Samsung

The Galaxy S23 and S23+ will be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 CPU. The S23 will be available with 128GB or 256GB of storage, while the Plus variant will have 256GB or 512GB of storage options. The Galaxy S23 series will ship with the Android 13 OS already installed, customized with One UI 5.1.

Samsung

A 3,900mAh battery with 25W fast charging support will power the Galaxy S23, while a 4,700mAh battery with 45W fast charging support will power the Galaxy S23+. The 10W wireless charging capability of the S23 and S23+. The RAM on both devices will be 8GB LPDDR5.

Selfie cameras with 12 megapixels will be available on the Galaxy S23 and S23+. A 50-megapixel Dual Pixel primary camera with OIS capability, a 12-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and a 10-megapixel telephoto camera with a 3x optical zoom will all be present on the backs of both devices.

Sensors such as accelerometer, barometer, gyroscope, hall sensor, geomagnetic sensor, light sensor, proximity sensor, and UWB will be included in the S23 and S23+. The S23 and S23+ will have Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, a USB Type-C connector, two physical nano-SIM slots, and one eSIM on the connection front. Additional features on both phones will include Knox security, twin speakers, DeX, and an IP68 rating.

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Moto G53 5G Price, Specifications Leaked, Launch Seems Imminent

Moto G53 and Moto G73 are said to be the next midrange Motorola phones for the global market. A recent report revealed the configurations and color variants of both smartphones. Now, a report courtesy of Pricebaba has revealed the price and entire specifications of the G53.

Moto G53 5G Specifications (Rumored)

As per the report, the Moto G53 5G will arrive with a 6.53-inch IPS LCD panel that offers an HD+ resolution and a refresh rate of 120Hz. Under the hood, it will feature the Snapdragon 480 Plus chipset. It will arrive with 4 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage. For additional storage, it will have a microSD card slot.

Moto G53 5G
Moto G53 5G

The Moto G53 5G will arrive with MyUX-based Android 13 preinstalled. It will have an 8-megapixel camera on the front. The back panel of the device will have a 50-megapixel main camera and a 2-megapixel auxiliary snapper.

The G53 5G will be equipped with a 5,000mAh battery that supports 18W charging via USB-C. The phone will feature Dolby Atmos-tuned dual stereo speakers. Apart from 5G, it will offer eSIM and NFC, among other connectivity features.

The G53 will measure 162.7 x 74.66 x 8.19mm and weigh around 189 grams. The retail box of the device will include items like a 10W charger, a USB-A to USB-C charging cable, a SIM eject tool, a user guide, and a safety guide. The new leak yet again suggests that G53 heading to the global market is the same phone that went official with the same name in China in December 2022.

Moto G53 5G Price (Rumored)

The Moto G53 5G will be priced at 209 euros (~$225) in Europe. It will be made available in colors like Blue, Pale Pink, and Arctic Silver.

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