Shell to Acquire Volta EV Charging Network for $169 Million

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Jan 20, 2023

Shell is set to making a new acquisition as it expands its presence in the electric vehicle market in the US. The company is buying out Volta, which is an electric vehicle charging station for around 169 million US Dollars. So here are all the details.

The gasoline giant is aiming on closing this major deal sometime within the first half of this year. For those unaware, Volta isn’t the first of its kind deal, rather, it is the second US EV charging starting that the company has acquired. Its last acquisition of a similar firm was Greenlots, which was purchased by Royal Dutch Shell back in 2019. As of right now, Volta operates over 3,000 destination charging stations across 31 states and even has chargers in Europe.

As per official notes, the company is also planning to install another 3,400 EV charging stations. Although, the timeline for this step is currently unknown. Back in 2022, Volta was ranked second in terms of customer satisfaction for Level 2 chargers, being second only to Tesla. In other words, this acquisition will clearly help position Shell in the overall EV market. Volta also operates stations in high traffic retail parking lots as well and provides free electricity for EV owners.

So, its main source of revenue is its ad displays that are used by advertising clients. Interestingly enough, the latest purchase from Shell is also quite notable since it isn’t common for oil and gas companies to acquire EV charging networks. But now, the acquisition of Volta along with Greenlots will have Shell own a total of more than 57,000 charging stations. These stations will also be renamed as Shell Recharge Solutions.

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Apple Announces Roll Out Of iOS 16.3 Update Next Week

By

Viraj Gawde

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Jan 20, 2023

Apple has announced that it is releasing a new iOS update next week. The Cupertino-based tech giant released the iOS 16.2 last month. The upcoming update version is iOS 16.3. It will bring fixes and improvements as well as exclusive content in honour of Black History Month.

The upcoming iOS 16.3 update will resolve the issue of horizontal lines on the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max’s display upon waking up the device. The next version will also enable the use of physical security keys to protect Apple ID meaning users will be able to configure a physical hardware device as a second factor for two-factor authentication for their accounts. Apple will also fix issues with the lock screen where the widget did not accurately displayed the status of the Home app. It will also add support for the newly launched second-generation HomePod along with a tutorial that instructs users how to use Handoff features that are compatible with iPhone and HomePod.

The iOS 16.3 will also bring Black Unity wallpaper to celebrate Black History Month. The update is also expected to fix a Freeform flaw where some drawing strokes made with an Apple Pencil or finger may not show up in shared boards.

iPhone users will be able to install the iOS 16.3 as soon as it is released over the air. This can be done by going to Settings > selecting General > selecting Software Update from the submenu. Alongside the iOS 16.3, Apple is also tipped to announce iPadOS 16.3, watchOS 9.3, tvOS 16.3 and macOS 13.2

Apple is also introducing Black Unity Sport Loop for the Watch Series in 41mm and 45mm sizes. It is available for order in US for $49

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Android Smartphones Lose 90% of Value While iPhones Stand Out as a Smart Investment

By

Oğuz Çakır

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Jan 20, 2023

iPhone models tend to retain more value over time than Android models, according to a recent report from a company that specializes in reselling used devices. Not only do they lose less value, but they also depreciate more slowly. Here are the details…

The trade-in value of Apple’s iPhones remains unmatched

When it comes to trade-in value, Apple’s iPhones remain unmatched. A recent report from a company specializing in reselling old devices shows that the value of Apple’s iPhones tends to hold up better over time than their Android counterparts. For example, the iPhone 13 Pro Max, which was Apple’s top-of-the-line smartphone between September 2021 and September 2022, has lost less than half its value (44.6%) even though it is almost a year and a half old.

In comparison, the newest iPhone 14 Pro Max has depreciated by about 27% since its launch. It’s worth noting that these numbers are for the 128GB version of the device. On average, Apple’s iPhones lose about 69% of their value over time. While this may sound like a lot, it’s important to consider that this is 2/3 of the MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price).

However, Samsung smartphones generally lose about 90% of their value across all models and generations. This is partly due to the fact that Samsung offers a number of entry-level and midrange devices that are difficult to resell, which in turn diminishes their value. In conclusion, when it comes to trade-in value, Apple’s iPhones remain unmatched. Even as technology advances and new models are released, the value of older iPhones holds up well over time.

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iQOO Neo 7 Performance Revealed Ahead of February 16 Indian Launch

By

Sudhanshu

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Jan 20, 2023

After the launch of the iQOO Neo 7 series in China, the brand has extensively teased the upcoming iQOO Neo 7 for the Indian market. As many leaks and teasers have revealed so far, we already know that the iQOO Neo 7 coming to India will be a rebranded iQOO Neo 7 SE.

Now, the brand has finally confirmed that the iQOO Neo 7 will debut on 16th February 2023. In a press release, the brand has also shared some key information about the upcoming device. It is confirmed that the smartphone will be powered by MediaTek Dimensity 8200 chipset. The brand has specified that the chipset has been clocked at 88% of its max performance. Although this might seem like a drawback, limiting the maximum performance and preventing the chipset from redlining will provide more stable performance with long-use scenarios.

At its core, the device is made for gaming, and to manage the heat produced from long gaming sessions, the company has included a full coverage 3D cooling system in the device. Through testing, the brand claims that the iQOO Neo 7 can get scores higher than 890,000 on the AnTuTu benchmark. Let’s take a look at what other specs the device will launch with.

iQOO Neo 7 specs (expected)

The iQOO Neo 7 will offer a 6.78-inch E5 AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate. The display features an in-display fingerprint scanner and a Full HD+ resolution. A 5000mAh battery and 120W fast charging capability will be included Neo series smartphone.

A high-resolution 64MP primary camera, a 2MP macro camera, and a 2MP depth sensor are expected to be present on the device. The 16MP front-facing camera may be used for video calls and taking selfies. The phone sports a Type-C charging port and dual speakers. Last but not the least, the device will be powered by the Dimensityu 8200 chipset.

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Latest YouTube TV Upgrade Brings Fresh Design and Improved Features

By

Oğuz Çakır

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Jan 20, 2023

Google’s YouTube TV has quickly risen to become the largest live streaming service in the US by offering an entirely internet-based alternative to traditional TV subscriptions. Features like a la carte programming and a cheap 4K tier have helped drive growth since its launch in 2017, but a top-tier user experience has always been one of the service’s main strengths when compared to cable and satellite. To help maintain its edge in this category, YouTube TV is currently rolling out significant revamps to two of its interfaces users interact with most.

The Library and Live views at the top of the main menu are receiving updated looks and some new features in the latest update for the big-screen version of the app. The Live tab now has a more condensed layout in the programming list and a new set of curated recommendations across the top. Once you start scrolling, this is replaced by a summary and thumbnail of the highlighted show.

The Library tab is getting a new section aimed at helping you quickly “Catch up on your favorites” this represents YouTube TV‘s best guess for the shows, movies, and events you’ll want to jump into next. Filters are now placed below this new shelf of recommendations, and the rest of the shows in your library will be beneath that. In both views, long-pressing a title will now bring up a compact side sheet with relevant actions and a brief summary, and pressing the back button on your remote will simply dismiss this overlay without taking you away from the page you were previously viewing.

The changes to the Live tab appear to be available to all users already, but the Library tweaks are still in the process of rolling out. As with most YouTube TV interface updates, the switch should be made with a server-side update, so you’ll just need to reload the app when the Library changes do go live. These updates are a welcome addition to YouTube TV, as the service continues to improve and offer even more value to its users.

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Audi Wins Lawsuit Against NIO, ES8 Model Renamed to EL8 in Europe

By

Sean

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Jan 20, 2023

Earlier this week, Audi finally won its lawsuit against NIO. The company had sued the Chinese brand over infringing upon some of its trademarks and has now won the legal battle that will have NIO change the names of some of its car models in Europe.

For those unaware, the automobile giant had sued the EV maker over two of its car models, namely the ES8 and ES6. Audi had alleged that these names were in risk of confusion with Audi’s existing S6 and S8 models. Now, the Munich Regional Court in Germany has ruled in favor of the German company in its trademark battle against the Chinese EV maker. As per the court’s Judge, the addition of the letter ‘E’ does not make NIO’s cars distinctive enough since it only stands for ‘Electric.’

Meaning, the ‘E’ have customers assume vehicle engine type, so people might confuse the ES8 from NIO be an electric only version of the Audi S8 model. As of right now, the court’s decision is not final. Interestingly, NIO’s spokesperson had previously stated that if the court’s ruling was not in favor of the Chinese EV Maker, it will likely lead to an appeal. The company has denied all claims of it trademark infringement and claims that the confusion is still unlikely as the two NIO cars are SUV models while the S6 and S8 are sedan class cars.

The two firms have been embroiled in the lawsuit since October 2021 over the ES6 and ES8 EVs. At the moment, NIO only sells its S6 and S8 model in Norway outside of its home market of China. Notably, a refreshed 2023 version of the ES8 was recently announced in the Chinese market and is set to launch in Europe in the middle of the year.

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Chinese Video Game Companies are Back in Business as Beijing Relaxes its Grip on the Industry

By

Joane

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Jan 20, 2023

The National Press and Public Administration (NPPA), the body responsible for issuing gaming licenses, has issued 88 new licenses this year. This is excellent news for gaming companies and players, as China now seems to have relaxed its grip on the industry, allowing some breathing space for gaming companies.

China has the world’s biggest online gaming market, with more than 664 million active players. However, the sale of video games dropped by over 10% in 2022, coming as a shock to the entire industry. Rising regulatory pressures, economic slowdown, COVID-19 restrictions, and sluggish consumer demand led to declining game sales in China, a first-ever trend seen since 2003.

China implemented some of the toughest video gaming rules to combat gaming addiction and clean up content. These restrictions shaved off the market value of some of the biggest gaming companies including Tencent and NetEase and led to the closure of more than 200 gaming studios. In 2022, mobile game sales, which account for over 70% of total sales, declined 14.4% to 193.1 billion yuan ($28.05 billion).

In 2022, due to the drop in gaming revenue, Tencent lost 24.7% and NetEase lost 27.3% in market value. However, the new round of licenses added life to the industry and helped the shares of both companies to rise by almost 21% in 2023.

2023 marks a fresh start for the gaming industry in China. The world’s largest video gaming company (by market share) Tencent Holdings and other big players like NetEase and miHoYo have got licenses for new games this year. Tencent got three domestic licenses including one for its upcoming action game Undawn, developed by LightSpeed studio and Alchemy Stars, a tactical mobile game developed by Tourdog studio. NetEase, on the other hand, got approval for the shooting game Badlanders which has already been released globally but was waiting for approval in China.

The Shanghai-based miHoYo, which developed the world-famous mobile game Genshin Impact, got the license to launch the much-anticipated installment of the Honkai Series called Honkai: Star Rail. Other notable firms that got licenses in 2023 include Hong Kong-based XD Inc, Shenzhen-based Perfect World, and Shanghai-based 37Games.

The number of games approved to date in 2023 is higher than the number of monthly games approved last year. Last November, after an 18-month hiatus, the NPPA approved licenses for 84 new games by domestic developers and 44 imported games. This brings hope that the gaming sector will be revived and Beijing is now ready to allow more options to its gaming audience.

Experts are predicting the approval of 800 to 900 new gaming titles in 2023. This will be way more than the approvals made in the last couple of years.

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iPad Pro With OLED Display Rumored to Launch Next Year

By

Oğuz Çakır

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Jan 20, 2023

Apple is reportedly finally taking steps to integrate OLED displays into its upcoming iPad and MacBook models. According to the latest reports, once implemented, the new panels will improve battery life, provide deeper blacks and better contrast compared to traditional LCD. Here are the details…

iPad Pro and MacBook Air could be first models with OLED display

Apple is continuing to develop OLED panels for new iPad Pro and MacBook Pro models to be released in 2024 and 2026. The report states that Apple and one of its South Korean display supplier (believed to be Samsung) have begun working on OLED panels for 11 inch and 12.9 inch iPad Pro and 14 inch and 16 inch MacBook Pro. The first iPad with an OLED display is rumored to launch in 2024.

OLED displays are known to require less power than traditional LCD, which ultimately improves battery life, provides deeper blacks, and improves contrast. This makes them ideal for mobile devices like iPads and MacBook Pros. According to display analyst Ross Young, the first iPad Pro with an OLED panel will feature larger 11.1 inch and 13 inch displays compared to current models.

Additionally, as the iPad transitions to OLED, the rumors suggest the first Mac with an OLED panel will arrive in the form of a 13 inch MacBook Air in 2024. Apple currently uses displays from display partners like Samsung and LG, but it is reportedly looking to reduce its reliance on those suppliers.

A Bloomberg report this month said Apple is developing custom-designed displays for use on iPhones and Apple Watches starting next year. This The first device to feature a custom Apple-designed microLED display will be the Apple Watch Ultra in late 2024. Apple will reportedly expand its custom-made microLED display to other products in the following years, including the iPhone, iPad, and Mac. However, time will tell if all this is true.

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Realme 4-in-1 Convertible Inverter Air Conditioner Launched in India

By

Sean

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Jan 20, 2023

Realme TechLife has just launched a new product in the Indian market. The latest device is a home appliance, which is the new 4-in-1 convertible inverter air conditioner ahead of the summer season. So here are all the details.

The Chinese smartphone maker’s TechLife brand focuses on various kinds of accessories and home appliances and the latest Realme 4-in-1 AC is the newest addition to its product portfolio in India. The new AC will be offered in two variants, which is the 1 ton and 1.5 ton capacities. As per official notes, the new AC comes with the Rapid Cooling feature that basically implies that it offers increased airflow for a better cooling effect in just about 20 minutes.

It also offers support for the Flexi Control technology for users to control the AC at different capacities based on the basis of the number of people in the room. This also makes the new AC more energy efficient as well. Apart from this, the air conditioner also arrives with an Inverter Technology with a variable speed compressor for faster and more efficient cooling to help converve power and make the compressor last longer.

According to Madhav Sheth, the CEO of Realme India and VP, “The new range of 4-in-1 Convertible with Flexi Control Inverter Air Conditioners offer more features, efficiency, durability, and flexibility to customers. We are thrilled to reach out to millions of customers across the country with Flipkart and provide them access to our state of the art product portfolio.” The new AC starts from 28,499 INR for the 1 ton model, while the 1.5 ton variant costs 33,999 INR. Both models will be available for purchase exclusively from Flipkart.

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Android 13 Runs on 5.2% Of All Android Phones Only 5 Months After Release

By

Sean

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Jan 20, 2023

Various smartphone makers have been rushing to release the Android 13 operating system for its devices. Now, the latest official Android distribution figures from Google has revealed that the newest version is now running on a decent number of smartphones.

As of right now, the latest iteration of Android OS is currently on 5.2 percent of all Android powered devices. While this figure isn’t exactly large, it is still quite impressive considering the latest update is only five months old. So even before six months of its release, there are already millions of phones running on the new version. In recent years, Google has not been consistent in its official Android distribution numbers, but Android Studio has just shared a report for 2023, which shows us how quickly OEMs have adopted the new operating system.

At the moment, Android 13 is now running on 5.,2 percent of all devices, while the Android 12 and Android 12L accounts for 18.9 percent of the total sum. This marks a significant rise from just 13.5 percent from August 2022. As the newer iterations become more common, the older versions are seeing a decline, with Android Oreo finally dropping below 10 percent. Interestingly enough, Jelly Bean, which was previously found on 0.3 percent can no longer be found in this list.

Meanwhile, KitKat has fallen to 0.7 percent in 2023, down from 0.9 percent in August last year. The quick rise of Android 13 is undoubtedly thanks to smartphone brands like Samsung, Google, OnePlus, and other popular OEMs that have launched new phones with the latest Android OS out of the box. Although, these companies have also been proactive in updating their existing smartphones models to the latest version.

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ViewSonic to Showcase 105-inch 5K Interactive Display at ISE 2023

By

Oğuz Çakır

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Jan 20, 2023

ViewSonic will be debuting its latest workplace solutions at Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) 2023 in Spain. The company will showcase its largest interactive display to date, the 105 inch 5K resolution ViewBoard, as well as its new Presentation Display for video conferencing. Additionally, ViewSonic will also feature its latest large format displays, including the All-in-One LED Displays and the Luminous Superior Series lamp-free projectors. Here are the details…

What will ViewSonic show at ISE 2023?

At ISE 2023, ViewSonic will be exhibiting the upcoming 105 inch ViewBoard with a 21:9 wide screen in 5K resolution as well as the 86 inch 4K ViewBoard. These ViewBoards feature a powerful multimedia soundbar that delivers engaging audiovisuals, making communication more effective. Attendees will also be able to experience the latest 75 inch 4K Presentation Display which features advanced video conferencing capabilities. With an all-in-one conferencing camera, the real-to-life sound is captured through voice tracking, making the solution ideal for hybrid group meetings.

The ViewBoard comes with myViewBoard for comprehensive presentation tools and a responsive multi-touch screen. It offers users a natural writing experience that enables multiple participants to write or draw on the display at the same time. The display also enables quick and easy presentation set up with USB-C or ViewBoard Cast wireless connection. The myViewBoard Manager application also allows easy and centralized remote management by IT departments.

In addition to the ViewBoards, ViewSonic will also be showcasing its latest 216 inch All-in-One LED Display. Adopting advanced Chip-on-Board LED packaging technology, the display delivers detailed 4K UHD resolutions with a finer pixel pitch, suitable for places that need intricate visuals such as research institutions, engineering facilities, schools of architecture, or fine arts. It also brings enhanced durability as well as moisture-proof, dust-proof, and anti-collision protection. In addition, the All-in-One design integrates all systems into one device, offering easy installation, operation, and maintenance.

ViewSonic’s exhibit at ISE 2023 will be showcasing a variety of solutions that demonstrate the possibilities for productive modern workspaces. The company is committed to offering innovative visual solutions that improve collaboration and boost team efficiency and productivity.

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Oneplus 11R Indian Price Range Tipped Ahead of Launch

By

Sudhanshu

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Jan 20, 2023

The OnePlus 11R and OnePlus Ace 2 are the same devices, according to reports. While the Ace 2 is rumored to be limited to the Chinese market, the 11R is anticipated to be released on the global market. Both models have received major certifications, indicating that the launch of these products is imminent.

We may anticipate the OnePlus 11R to come most likely in the second quarter of the year, even if the firm has only announced the OnePlus 11 launch date in India. According to OnePlus 11R leaks, the device would have a 120Hz AMOLED display, a Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 engine, and up to 512GB of storage. Now, tipster Mukul Sharma has revealed the price range of the upcoming smartphone.

OnePlus 11R pricing

Price estimates for the OnePlus 11R in India range between Rs 35,000 and Rs 40,000 for the 8GB/128GB model and between Rs 40,000 and Rs 45,000 for the 16GB/512GB model.

OnePlus 11R 5G specifications (expected)

With a punch-hole cutout for the front camera, the OnePlus 11R is anticipated to include a 6.7-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor, Adreno GPU, up to 16GB RAM, and 512GB storage might all power the phone. Most likely, the device will come pre-installed with OxygenOS, a custom skin based on Android 13.

A 50MP primary camera, a 12MP secondary lens, and a 2MP third sensor are rumored to be included in the OnePlus 11R’s triple camera setup on the back. It might have a 16MP front-facing camera for selfies and video calls.

According to China’s 3C certification, the OnePlus 11R is expected to have a 5,000mAh battery and 100W rapid charging via a USB Type-C charging connector. The phone might have an IR Blaster, an alert slider, and an in-display fingerprint sensor for security.

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Huawei PCs See Growth in 2022, While Brand Increases R&D Investment in 2023

By

Sean

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Jan 20, 2023

Earlier today (20th January 2023), a Huawei executive revealed interesting details regarding its PC products. The company’s PCs have apparently seen growth in 2022, while the brand focuses on investment in research and development.

According to Yu Chengdong, the Executive Director, CES of Terminal BG, and CEO of Smart Car Solutions in Huawei published a “Letter to Terminal Commercial Customers and Partners.” In this letter, it was revealed Chinese tech giant has seen a positive trend in the commercial market in 2022. Furthermore, there were great achievements during this period with a number of its commercial products like PCs, tablets, printers, wearables and smart screens being received well by consumers.

The official stated that the company’s PC products will grow despite the overall PC market seeing a negative. In other words, the brand’s PCs are doing better than most other companies. The senior officials claims that Huawei has managed to increase channel coverage while also making major breakthroughs in key industries. Notably, Yu Chengdong revealed that the company is also continuing to strengthen its investment in research and development into PC, focus on innovation, and products that are highly competitive in the market.

Huawei is planning on expanding to industry application as well with in depth commercial service system. Apart from this, the company has managed to maintain steady growth in the ICT infrastructure business, while its cloud business also grew rapidly. It is even quite competitive in the smart car components and user experience has also seen great improvements.

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Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2020) Receives Long-awaited Android 13 One UI 5.0 Update

By

Anubhav

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Jan 20, 2023

Samsung Galaxy tablets are notoriously infamous for receiving firmware updates later than Galaxy smartphones. The 2022 version of the Galaxy Tab S6 Lite received the Android 13 One UI 5.0 update last year in December 2022. The update brought forth a lot of key changes. It was clear that Samsung was prioritizing the 2022 release over the 2020 version. Hence, the older version of the Galaxy Tab S6 Lite didn’t receive the update until earlier today, as it is being rolled out to tablets across France (and eventually Europe).

The Android 13 One UI 5.0 update enhances the performance of the device while refreshing the settings menu and adding a new lock screen customization menu. The new update also promises better background app management and new multi-window gestures that make multitasking far simpler. Users can now find a new “Connected devices” section inside the Settings app to manage their devices more efficiently. The Galaxy Tab S6 Lite has a 7040 mAh battery, and it’s powered by the Exynos 9611 chipset. At the time of launch, the tablet was available in two storage options, 64 GB and 128 GB.

The firmware update comes bundled with the latest November 2022 security patch, labelled as the firmware version P615XXU4FWA5. Galaxy Tab S6 Lite users should be able to update their devices to Android 13 by going to their Settings app, clicking on “Software update,” and tapping “Download and install.”

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Huawei Brings the Ultimate Communication Experience to Smartphones with ‘5G New Calling’

By

Oğuz Çakır

-

Jan 20, 2023

Huawei has partnered with Jiangsu Mobile to launch 5G New Calling, a new generation of calling products based on 5G networks. The service offers a completely new experience for users with high-definition smooth video and real-time interaction, completely subverting traditional voice services and internet video services. But what exactly is “5G New Calling”? Here are the details…

What is 5G New Calling?

5G New Calling is a new generation of calling standard based on 5G networks. It is a service offered by telecommunications companies that utilizes 5G technology to provide high-definition smooth video and real-time interaction for users. It is designed to completely subvert traditional voice services and internet video services, bringing a new experience of high-definition smooth video and real-time interaction.

It is made possible by advanced technologies like Voice over New Radio (VoNR) which enables audio, video, and data services to run on a 5G network, leveraging the network’s large bandwidth and low latency to provide the optimal calling experience. The service is convenient to use, without the need to download apps or small programs, change cards, numbers, plans, or add friends, it also supports avatars, voice emoticons, and remote collaboration, allowing users to send files and videos during calls and overcome language barriers with real-time cross-language translation.

Huawei and Jiangsu Mobile join forces

Huawei and Jiangsu Mobile have joined forces to make this technology viable. During the recruitment release period, Jiangsu Mobile provided 5G mobile phones for customers to demonstrate and experience the new call service. Customers who become friendly users will receive a 200-minute video call reward and have the opportunity to win a prize of up to 500 Yuan call fee by submitting feedback on the service.

Huawei has proposed a “1+3+N” solution framework for new calls, which is based on a basic network for new calls with an ultimate experience, superimposed with three major capabilities of ultra-clear, intelligent, and interactive, and continues to bring better call experience to mobile terminal users.

Guangdong Mobile also recently joined hands with Huawei to complete the end-to-end commercial capability verification of New Calling in Guangzhou and launched the first large-scale recruitment of friendly users. As more and more companies partner with Huawei to roll out 5G New Calling, it is expected to revolutionize the entire voice industry with its unprecedented consumer services.

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Oppo Reno 8T 5G could launch soon in India, teaser leaked

By

Sudhanshu

-

Jan 20, 2023

According to reports, Oppo intends to introduce the Reno 8T, a new smartphone from the Reno 8 series, to both the Indian and international markets. A recent leak disclosed the device’s renderings and some information about it.

Both 4G and 5G versions of the smartphone would be available, according to earlier rumors. Additionally, the details of each have leaked. A screenshot shared by tipper Paras Guglani today indicates that the Oppo Reno 8T 5G would soon go on sale in India.

The screenshot of the teaser shows options for “Pre-Order” and “Notify Me”. Although the source of this screenshot is currently unclear, it could be from an e-commerce website like Amazon, Flipkart, or the brand’s website. Let’s take a look at what’s known so far about the smartphone.

Oppo Reno 8T 5G specs (rumored)

The Oppo Reno 8T 5G will be equipped with a 6.67-inch OLED 10-bit display with a refresh rate of 120Hz. It will include a Snapdragon 695 5G chipset running the show, along with LPDDR4x RAM and UFS 2.2 storage. A 4800mAh battery powers it, and 67W wired rapid charging is supported.

It will have a triple camera setup on the back for photography, the main one being a 108MP camera. A pair of 2MP sensors will be placed alongside the primary sensor. The gadget will run ColorOS 13 on top of Android 13 in terms of software.

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Pixel 7 Users Complain of Google Refusing To Acknowledge the Camera Glass Cracking Issue

By

Sean

-

Jan 20, 2023

We have already reported on the Pixel 7 series suffering from an odd issue that causes the phone’s rear camera glass to shatter. However, the number of the people that have been facing this issue is growing but it seems that Google is refusing to acknowledge this issue under warranty claims.

In our previous report, it was found that the Pixel 7 and the Pixel 7 Pro users were suffering from an odd issue that caused the glass on the rear camera to crack and shatter. Back then, there was no official statement from the Search Engine giant regarding this matter. Now, it appears that the number of Pixel 7 users that have been facing this issue has grown but it seems that Google is refusing to take responsibility for it.

Some Redditors took their complaints to the company but to no avail. According to rsaxena699, they fought with Google over this issue. The Redditor added that they “have been struggling to get them to cover this spontaneous shattering under warranty despite sharing countless Reddit articles, google support case IDs, etc. proving that they have covered it under warranty for some customers who have faced the exact same issue. They keep saying they don’t cover “physical damage.”

As of right now, it is still officially unclear what causes the rear camera glass to crack and shatter on the Pixel 7 series. Although there have been reports going around that claim that the issue is caused by the metal camera module frame that surrounds the Pixel 7 series’ cameras. This would explain why last year’s Pixel 6 lineup does not suffer from the same issue. So stick around for more updates regarding this matter.

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Europe Warns TikTok of Potential Ban in 27 Countries of the Union

By

Joane

-

Jan 20, 2023

TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew was warned by the EU commissioner Thierry Breton over a video call recently. The commissioner clearly stated that the EU will use all possible means to safeguard the privacy of its citizen and, if needed, will ban the app from the European Union. EU wants TikTok to step up its act and comply with all the rules and regulations outlined in the Digital Services Act (DSA).

DSA which came into force in November 2022, is considered a Gold Standard for content and internet platform governance. It provides for multiple deterring sanctions, including a ban in the EU for repeated breaches of the Act that can be a threat to the life and safety of EU citizens. Non-compliance with the DSA may lead to hefty fines of up to 6% of the annual global turnover of companies.

Many provisions of the DSA only apply to platforms that have more than 45 million users in the EU. However, this threshold brings famous platforms like YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, and TikTok under the purview of the Act.

TikTok was already discussing the policies on data safety, misinformation, and DSA compliance with the EU. Multiple meetings with the top brass of the company included topics like Child safety, Russian disinformation, transparency of paid political content, and GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation).

In the latest video call, commissioner Breton told CEO Chew “We will not hesitate to adopt the full scope of sanctions to protect our citizens if audits do not show full compliance,”. He further said that “With younger audiences comes greater responsibility. It is not acceptable that behind seemingly fun and harmless features, it takes users seconds to access harmful and sometimes even life-threatening content”

With more than 3 billion downloads, TikTok is the number one app in the world and the most famous among youngsters. But its Chinese origin brings a lot of concerns, especially in privacy and data safety. TikTok which is owned by the Chinese company ByteDance has been accused of data harvesting and reporting it back to Chinese authorities through its parent company. Other issues include addiction concerns, misinformation, content censorship, spying, cyberbullying, etc.

The App is already banned in Asian countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Azerbaijan. In the US, more than 20 states, the military, and congress have banned TikTok from government-issued devices. A potential ban in the EU could be catastrophic for the app.

Good exchange between @shouchew & Commissioner @ThierryBreton today. We welcomed the opportunity to reiterate our commitment to the #DSA. We also outlined our efforts to ensure compliance with the GDPR & the Code of Practice on Disinformation. The safety of our users is paramount https://t.co/GpUgcg6UuR
— Caroline Greer (@CarolineGreer) January 19, 2023

TikTok Brussels director of public policy and government relations, Caroline Greer recently tweeted that it was a good exchange (of dialogue) between CEO Chew and Eu Commissioner. She said that the safety of users is paramount for TikTok.

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This Ad Scam Affected Over 11 Million Devices Worldwide

By

Anubhav

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Jan 20, 2023

When you visit a website, there is a chance that you are greeted with an advertisement (or multiple ads). What’s actually happening is that a number of advertising companies are competing for that particular ad slot on the website. All of this happens instantaneously, so the advertisement you see is a result of a contest that happens right there and then. What if there are multiple winners for that particular contest, and all of them are getting paid for it?

The Ad Scam, now known as Vastflux, was revealed by security researchers on January 19, 2023. Marion Habiby, a data scientist (and also the lead researcher on the case), states that this is the biggest and the most complex attack ever seen. The organization behind these attacks ran the scam for a considerable amount of time and made copious amounts of money while doing so. Billions of advertisements are displayed across websites and applications every single day, which is how ad networks make money – by getting people to click on them. This generates hundreds of billions of dollars in revenue per year.

The fraud involved multiple steps, as per reports. The fraudulent organization, upon winning the auction for an advertisement slot, used to maliciously stack multiple video advertisements on top of each other. They weren’t trying to hack or hijack a device or network, they were simply inserting JavaScript code into that ad to take control of that particular slot. By the time the ad disappears, the attack is terminated – leaving practically no trace.

Habiby further states that at the peak of the attacks, 12 billion requests were made per day. 11 million devices were affected by the attack. Whereas iOS devices were the ones primarily affected, Android phones were also a victim of the attack. Unfortunately, users couldn’t possibly notice if their device was being affected. But there was an after-effect of the attack – the stacked advertisements were causing phone batteries to drain significantly faster.

In light of ongoing investigations, the name of the organization behind these attacks hasn’t been revealed. Vastflux has undoubtedly created ripples in the world of cybersecurity.

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Password Crackdown Limit to be Soon Expanded by Netflix

By

Chandan

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Jan 20, 2023

Netflix is one of the most popular OTT streaming platforms out there. Netflix has now confirmed that they are planning to expand the limit of password crackdown by the year 2023. The brand had recently mentioned the changes in the Q4 shareholder letter. In that particular statement, Netflix claims that widespread account sharing undermines their ability to invest and improve their services. Here is the detailed statement shared by the brand;

“Today’s widespread account sharing (100M+ homes) jeopardises our capacity to develop our company and invest in Netflix in the long run. Even though our terms of service only permit one family to use Netflix at a time, we acknowledge that some members may find this to be a change. Therefore, we’ve put a lot of effort into developing new features that enhance the Netflix experience, such as the capability for subscribers to see which devices are using their accounts and transfer a profile to a new account. Members will have the choice to pay more to share Netflix with people they don’t live within various countries as we roll out paid sharing,” claims Netlfix.

Netflix says it expects “some cancel reaction” in each region where paid sharing is launched based on studies in Latin America, but an overall increase in revenue is predicted as “borrower households” activate independent accounts and as more member accounts are added. According to Netflix, 100 million new households that have the potential to be profitable share passwords with an estimated 222 million paying households.

Persons who share accounts with people outside of their household will need to pay Netflix. Some Latin American nations have already implemented add-on charges, with Netflix charging an additional $3 for each non-household user. According to a December Wall Street Journal article, Netflix might charge American customers slightly under $6.99 for account sharing.

Netflix intends to use IP addresses, device IDs, and account activity to enforce its password-sharing policies. Although multi-household sharing has never been permitted by Netflix’s terms of service, it has been permitted for so long that charging for account access to friends and family could annoy some subscribers.

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