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Blaupunkt SBW250 Soundbar with 200W Output Launched In India

Blaupunkt has launched a new soundbar in India. The brand has expanded its range of home audio devices with the latest offering. The new soundbar is a part of SBW range and it is dubbed SBW250. The company had launched SBA15 and SBA15GM soundbars last month. They pack 2.5-inch dual speakers with a 15W sound output, a 2,000mAh battery, and fast charging. Read on to know what the Blaupunkt SBW250 offers out of the box. 

The Blaupunkt SBW250 comes with a subwoofer and a soundbar. The former measures 8 inches and is placed in a solid casing to reduce vibration and offer a deep bass. The soundbar is capable of delivering 200W sound output and is claimed to clear audio and enhanced noise control. It also features 3D Surround Sound for an immersive audio experience. 

The Blaupunkt SBW250 packs three EQ modes and multiple music modes including sony, cinema, dialog, and 3D. The soundbar also features dedicated karaoke and guitar ports for party needs. Connectivity options on the audio device includes HDMI ARC, optical, AUX, line-in, and Bluetooth for easy pairing with the TV. Additionally, the soundbar also comes with a remote too with functions like play, pause, bass, and all other audio modes. 

The new Blaupunkt SBW250 carries a price tag of Rs 8,499. It is available for purchase from the brand’s official website and Amazon.  

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PLAYFIT Dial 3 With 1.8-inch Display Launched In India

PLAY has launched a new smartwatch in India. The latest offering from the homegrown wearables brand is dubbed the PLAYFIT Dial 3. It falls under the Rs 3,000 price bracket and competes against other smartwatches offered by brands like Noise, boAt, DIZO, and more in the market. Read on to know what the device offers out of the box. 

The PLAYFIT Dial 3 comes with a square dial bearing a 1.8-inch display and 500 nits peak brightness. The watch offers a resolution of 240 x 286 pixels and also customisable watch faces. It is IP67-rated dust and water-resistant. The device has a button on the right side. 

On the fitness front, the PLAYFIT Dial 3 is equipped with a heart-rate tracker, SpO2 sensor, sleep monitor, female health tracker, and blood pressure. The wearable device also packs features like sedentary reminders, hydration reminders, and breathing exercises. It packs support for more than 100 sports modes. 

The PLAYFIT Dial 3 is equipped with a built-in speaker and microphone. It comes with Bluetooth calling and Enhanced Bass Extra Loud drivers for a hands-free music experience. The smartwatch packs convenient features like notifications display, weather alerts, music and camera control, and support for Amazon Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant. It is claimed to deliver 5 days of battery usage. 

The PLAYFIT Dial 3 carries a price tag of Rs 2,999 and can be purchased from the brand’s official website, major e-commerce platforms, and offline retail stores across the country. It is offered in Blue, Silver, and Grey colours. 

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The $11,500 Smart Toilet with Alexa and RGB LED Support is Now Available for Your Home

How much money would you spend on a toilet? If your answer is over $10k and Alexa integration, LED lights, and speakers are important to you, there’s a product for you. The Kohler Numi 2.0 Smart Toilet is finally available for installation in homes after being showcased at CES 2019. This high-tech toilet comes with a hefty price tag of $11,500. Here are the details…

The $11,500 toilet with Alexa inside can now be put inside your home

Kohler Numi 2.0 has several luxury features such as a bidet with front and back wash capabilities, UV light cleaning, temperature and pressure control, a misted bowl to minimize residue, automatic flushing and deodorizing, a heated seat, and an air dryer. All of these features can be controlled by a handheld remote or through the Kohler Konnect app.

Image: Kohler

The toilet also has an automatic lid and emergency backup flush. One of the standout features of this toilet is the built-in Alexa integration, which allows users to access all of the capabilities of the virtual assistant while using the bathroom. If you’re in need of a high-tech toilet with all the bells and whistles, the Kohler Numi 2.0 might be worth the investment.

Most importantly for anyone who has ever lived with a person who leaves the lid up — it has a lid that automatically opens and closes. And again, you’ll also have to pay $11,500 just to buy this toilet. Kohler Numi 2.0 Smart Toilet is available to distributors today and should be available to purchase directly over the coming days.

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Hackers can use Google smart speakers to eavesdrop on you

Your Google smart speakers could be used to spy on you. A new report has found that hackers can use smart speakers to listen in on your private conversations at home. So here are all the details about this vulnerability.

Researcher Matt Kunze had found that hackers might be able to spy on users of Google Home smart speakers. Kunze discovered that Nest Mini has a rogue or “backdoor” account could be created using the Google Home application. Furthermore, the account could then be used to control the smart speaker. In other words, a hacker with malicious intent basically has remote access to a microphone feed inside your homes.

Google

After this discovery, Kunze shared the information with the Search engine giant who awarded him with a heft sum of 107,500 US Dollars. The rogue account was capable of controlling the smart speaker and it let hackers send commands remotely via the cloud API, which allows two or more computer programs to communicate with one another. The hacker was also able to send a request to Google’s server requesting a link to the smart speaker.

This would even let the hacker to gain access to other smart home products as well by letting them unlock the front door, control smart appliances, possible even make online transactions as well, among other things. Those with malicious intent could also have the speaker call his phone allowing him to listen in to a conversation in the victim’s home through the speaker’s microphone.

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Mysterious Issue Causes Samsung Galaxy Phones to Stuck on July 2022 Play System Update

Besides releasing new versions of Android and rolling out monthly security patches, Google also pushes out Play system updates on a regular basis. These updates are unique in that they are distributed directly by Google to all compatible Android devices, including non-Pixel phones, in order to improve the performance and security of the Android operating system. Lastly, some Samsung Galaxy S22 and S21 series owners have reported that their phones have been stuck on the July 2022 update. Here are the details…

How to fix Samsung Galaxy phones stuck on July 2022 Play system update

Some Samsung Galaxy phone users are experiencing an issue where their devices are stuck on the July 2022 Google Play system update. This issue appears to have started after the rollout of the Android 13-based One UI 5 update, and is affecting not just Samsung’s flagship phones, but also the Galaxy A52.

Users have reported the problem on Samsung’s support forums and Reddit. Saying that despite manually checking for updates, their phones remain stuck. In some cases, users are given the option to restart and install a new build. However, after the reboot, the Google Play system update still remains on July 2022. It is not clear if other non-Galaxy Android phones are experiencing a similar issue.

If your Galaxy phone is stuck on the July 2022 Play system update, you can try manually sideloading the November 2022 build by downloading and installing the latest main components from reliable APK websites. After a reboot, your phone should be running the November 2022 Google Play system update. Keep in mind that the build with S+ in its name is meant for Android 12 and newer versions of the OS, so be sure to download the correct version.

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Few Devices are Exempt from Government of India’s Mandatory USB Type-C Law.

The Government of India has passed a new law the country which makes the use of USB Type-C charging ports compulsory for all upcoming electronic devices. The government gave a deadline of March 2025 to all the manufacturers out there to impose the changes. This means every product launching after March 2025 should have a mandatory USB Type-C charging port in the country. Further, there is some relief for the laptop manufacturers as they are given a deadline of the year 2026.

However, a recent piece of information hovering online claims that these new rules are not compulsory for all electronic devices. There are some devices which are excluded from the new law. The devices include feature phones, wearables, and wearables. This means they can continue to use the relevant charging method and are is no more forced to use the USB Type-C charging port. Rest all electronic devices, including smartphones will have to bring Type-C charging port in order to comply with the new guidelines released by the government of India.

USB Type-C

The government official stated, “USB Type-C port has been made mandatory for mobiles and electronics, and the industry players are also on board, although stakeholders have stated that costs would increase for featurephones, wearables, and hearables.” The official added that the exclusion was implemented as a result of industry participants’ concerns about input expenses, which would increase the price of feature phones.

It is obvious that India is still a very large market for feature phone users, and it will be a very long time until they completely move to smartphones. The Indian government has created another subgroup to look into the viability of a standardised charging procedure for wearables purchased in India. The new initiative by the Indian government is definitely worth praising, and it will undoubtedly result in the creation of a single universal charging cable for all the electronics in your immediate environment.

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Battery Replacement Costs For iPhones, iPads, Macs To Increase From March 1st

Apple has officially announced that it is increasing the prices of out-of-warranty battery replacements for its devices. This means that users who need to replace batteries on their iPhones, iPads, and Macs will have to shell out more. The battery replacement costs for all three products i.e. smartphones, tablets, and PCs will be expensive by $20. The revised prices will come in to effect from March 1st. So if you own any of the Apple devices with degrading battery life, now is the ideal time to get it replaced. 

Currently, the battery replacement cost for the latest-generation iPhone 14 lineup costs $99. It doesn’t get a price hike. 

The Cupertino-based giant charges $69 for all iPhone 13 variants to the iPhone X lineup. For models below the iPhone X and those that come with the Touch ID button, the battery replacement service is priced at $49. However, from March 1st, the battery replacement cost will be expensive by $20 for all iPhones. This means that the service will start from $89 for the iPhone 13 to iPhone X series and $69 for the iPhone 8 and lower devices. 

Alongside iPhones, the battery replacement costs for MacBooks also get expensive. Currently, the service for the MacBook Air models costs $129 and it will increase by $30. The battery replacement for the MacBook Pro and MacBook variants costs $199 at the moment. This will be hiked by $50 amounting to $250. 

As for the tablets, the out-of-service battery replacement fee will be hiked by $20 for all iPad models. 

It’s worth noting that the hike in prices of battery replacement services will only impact customers who don’t have AppleCare or AppleCare+. Those who have this are not required to pay anything for battery replacement once the battery health has gone below 80 percent. The main reason behind the price hike is not revealed by Apple but we assume it to be the increased cost of materials. The aforementioned price hikes are excluding tax and shipping fees. Additionally, the increase in prices of battery replacement services is applicable in other countries and regions as well. 

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Google Pixel Fold launch may coincide with Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5

Google has been long rumored to be working on its very own foldable smartphone, called the Pixel Fold. Now, a new leak hints that this device might seek to bravely compete with foldable phones from Samsung.

A new report claimed that sources from with the supply chain of Samsung have claimed that the Pixel Fold will be entering mass production int he July to September quarter, which is the third quarter of this year. Apparently, the source from the Samsung Display claimed that the company has received orders for the Galaxy Z Fold 5 as well as the Google Pixel Fold. The Pixel Fold will reportedly sport a tall 7.57 inch OLED primary display and a smaller 5.6 inch cover screen, which will begin production in July or August of this year.

Google

This basically means that the Pixel Fold’s launch might coincide with the release of the Galaxy Z Fold 5. For those unaware, the South Korean tech giant is the largest foldable phone maker in the market. So, Google might have have to face a major foldable phone release around the same time of its release timeline. In other words, the Pixel Fold’s sales might also be affected by this launch window.

As of right now, finer details regarding this Pixel Fold is still unclear, although it will likely run on Android 14L out of the box. For those unaware, the L version of the OS basically meant for larger screened devices and tablets and place a focus on multitasking. So stick around for more, as we will be providing more updates when additional information is available regarding this matter.

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Verizon Shuts Down 3G CDMA Network in US; Older Phones Will No More Make Phone Calls

Eventually, Verizon stopped supporting the 3G CDMA network. Verizon delayed the termination of its 3G network until 2022 although it was originally scheduled to do so in the year 2019. The company said it took this action to express its concern for its customers and make every attempt to keep service interruptions to a minimum as it transitioned to newer and more sophisticated systems. Verizon’s 3G CDMA network will now be totally shut down on January 1st, 2023. The final day you could utilise your 3G phone or gadget on the Verizon and T-Mobile carrier networks with Sprint was New Year’s Day.

If you are a Verizon customer and still use a 3G (CDMA) or 4G handset that does not support HD Voice (non-VoLTE), after December 31, 2022, the device will no longer be able to make calls, send texts, or access data services. Your device may have continued to be able to access these services up until Saturday, but not anymore.

Image credit – Verizon

The brand has further exclaimed that “Verizon is actively dismantling its 3G CDMA network, as previously announced. The deadline for completion is December 31, 2022, at the latest. Network extenders, 4G Non-VoLTE devices, and 3G (CDMA) devices are all impacted by this decommissioning exercise. We want to make sure that the impacted customers are informed of what this means for their Verizon service and what they can do to update their device(s) to stay connected, on our 4G LTE and/or 5G network, as we are now very near to finishing our decommissioning operations.

Customers who still use 3G technology will be actively encouraged to upgrade right now. Verizon’s service centres will only be able to provide very limited troubleshooting assistance on these older devices as the shut-off date draws nearer, and users still using the 3G network may face a decrease or loss of service. You should probably now switch to an LTE or 5G network. It’s finally time to say Goodbye to your old 3G-only device.

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LG Unveils Slew of New Display Tech; 17″ Foldable OLED Panel, 8″ 360-Degree OLED and More

In reference to the upcoming CES 2023 event, LG Display has made an official announcement. Later this week, the CES 2023 would get started. The company has worked on a plethora of dedicated to advancing display technologies. Folding screens for smartphones have already been released, but LG will soon also deliver foldable displays for laptops. Under the subject of “Always On,” the brand has officially announced that it will present cutting-edge display technologies that improve people’s lives.

The LG displays will launch a 17-inch foldable OLED display for laptops. One of the most highlighting things about the display is that it’s entirely crease-free. Even when you completely fold or unfold it, you do not get to see any kind of crease in it. The display can be used in multiple ways. The display can be folded in half or opened up to resemble a tablet or a portable monitor. The brand has also added support for a stylus pen which takes its productivity usage to the next level.

Also coming out is an 8-inch 360-degree foldable OLED display. The device may be folded as much as 360 degrees, as the name suggests. This makes it possible for a device to fold in both directions for increased utility. According to the manufacturer, its unique folding mechanism prevents creases along the folding areas while its module structure ensures longevity even after being folded more than 200,000 times.

The first stand that LG Display has ever had completely focused on advances in next-generation vehicle displays will be there. Small-to-medium-sized OLED and automotive display solutions with important proprietary technologies, including P-OLED and LTPS (Low-Temperature Polycrystalline Silicon) LCD, will be made available by the company. The business will also demonstrate its Thin Actuator Sound Solution, a cutting-edge innovation created to improve the infotainment system user experience. There are many other products lined up in the queue for the official launch.

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Apple rumored to release Micro-LED Apple Watch in 2024

Tech analyst Jeff Pu has predicted that Apple will release a new high-end Apple Watch in 2024 with a micro-LED display. This prediction was made in a research note for Hong Kong investment firm Haitong International Securities.

Apple Watch With Micro-LED Display and Lower-Priced AirPods Rumored for 2024

The new Apple Watch is rumored to feature a larger 2.1-inch micro-LED display, which is expected to provide increased brightness compared to current models with OLED displays. The micro-LED technology has been gaining traction in the industry due to its ability to offer high resolution and brightness while consuming less power. This model is likely to be a new version of the Apple Watch Ultra, which was released in September 2022.

In addition to the micro-LED display, the new Apple Watch is expected to offer other upgraded features and improved performance. It is unclear at this time what specific improvements will be included, but it is likely that the new watch will offer enhanced fitness tracking and possibly new health features.

Pu has also mentioned a rumored lower-priced version of the AirPods, referred to as “AirPods Lite,” but did not provide any further details. It is unclear what specific features the “AirPods Lite” will offer, but it is possible that they will have a stripped down version of the features found in the current AirPods models in order to lower the price point.

ItIt is also worth noting that Pu has a mixed record in predicting Apple‘s future plans. Apple’s plans for its 2024 products may change in the future. That being said, the possibility of an Apple Watch with a micro-LED display and lower-priced AirPods is certainly intriguing, and it will be interesting to see what Apple has in store for these products in the future.

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Apple iPhone 15 Pro models to feature Titanium frame, Taptic buttons & more: Rumor

The Apple iPhone 15 series is still a while away from an official announcement. However, several months prior there are already various reports circulating about them. Now, the latest rumor hints at some key upgrades in the new iPhone 15 Pro models compared to current gen iPhones.

The news arrives from known analyst Jeff Pu who shared a research note earlier this week. Pu stated that the iPhone 15 Pro and the iPhone 15 Pro Max models will come with certain new features. This includes a titanium frame, solid state volume and power buttons, with haptic feedback from two extra Taptic Engines. He also claimed that the higher end Pro models to have higher base RAM as well.

Apple

The iPhone 14 Pro series launched with 6GB of RAM, while the iPhone 15 Pro is believed to launch with 8GB of RAM. Furthermore, this is not the first time all three of these features have been rumored. Previously, we had even covered similar reports from ShrimpApplePro and analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. Jeff Pu stated that the iPhone 15 Pro models will also be powered by the new A17 Bionic chip that will be processed on the 3nm process from TSMC.

Notably, all of the four models in the iPhone 15 series is expected to feature USB Type C port and Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X70 model for 5G and LTE connectivity. Pu claims that the iPhone 15 Pro Max will also arrive with a periscope technology for improved optical zoom. On the other hand, the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus are also believed to feature a 48 megapixel primary rear camera similar to the iPhone 14 Pro models.

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HarmonyOS is neither Android nor iOS: Father of HarmonyOS

Huawei devices now run HarmonyOS. Since its introduction, the software has been receiving backlash from the media, especially from non-Chinese.

HarmonyOS is criticized as an Android clone. However, Huawei has been denying this since the beginning. Recently, the man behind the software reaffirmed that HarmonyOS is different.

HarmonyOS

Mr. Wang Chenglu goes by “Father of HarmonyOS” in China. Back in 2014, he was appointed as the President of Huawei Consumer Business Group’s software department. A year later, he began to lead a team to develop HarmonyOS for the next four years.

As the CEO of Shenzhen Kaihong Digital Industry Development Co., Ltd., Wang Chenglu delivered a keynote speech at the  2022 China Integrated Circuit Summit at the end of December.

In his speech, he mentioned that HarmonyOS is neither Android nor iOS. It is not a single-device operating system.

He explained that, unlike Android and iOS, HarmonyOS is designed for multiple devices. It is a unified OS that supports flexible deployment. 

The operating system follows the principle of hardware mutual assistance and resource sharing. It requires one-time development and can be deployed to multiple devices.

Last but not least, he proudly proclaimed that HarmonyOS leads all the operating systems in the world in terms of technical architecture.

This is not the first time Wang Chenglu has spoken publicly against the backlash. Back in March 2021, he responded to a rumor saying that HarmonyOS is not a clone of Android. The software uses AOSP (Android Open Source Project) components, which comprise code from the open-source community.

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CES 2023: Samsung’s Bespoke Infinite Line Refrigerator Launched, Availability Revealed

Ahead of the CES 2023 event, Samsung is actively announcing new products. It has unveiled a new Odyssey, ViewFinity, and smart monitors, a Bespoke lineup for a connected and customised kitchen experience, and the Bespoke Infinite Line Refrigerator. Here is all the information, from key features to availability, about the Bespoke Infinite Line Refrigerator.

Bespoke Infinite Line Refrigerator Design, Key Features

Bespoke Infinite Line Refrigerator
Bespoke Infinite Line Refrigerator

The Bespoke Infinite Line Refrigerator will be available in a choice of the fridge, freezer, or wine cellar models. The modular design of the refrigerator allows it to seamlessly blend into any interior. Its body is made from premium aluminium, which is resistant to denting and scratches. It has a gold-copper frame edge and Greige finish. On the inside, the refrigerator has Black Metal Cooling and Tunnel Lighting.

The fridge and freezer offer a combined capacity of 805 litres. Its wine cellar can accommodate up to 101 bottles. The Auto Open Door, which relies on a sensor present on its side, automatically opens the door with a simple touch, making it easy to access the fridge when users have their hands full of groceries. The AutoFill Pitcher can be used to access cold, filtered water. Its built-in infusers can be used to make flavored beverages by adding fruits or herbs. The Dual Auto Ice Maker can create ice in ball or cube shapes.

The Bespoke Infinite Line Refrigerator offers flexible storage options for storing different kinds of foods under optimal conditions. The Flex Pantry drawer offers two built-in temperature modes for storing items like meat, fish, fruits, and vegetables.

Bespoke Infinite Line Refrigerator
Bespoke Infinite Line Refrigerator

The Triple Temperature Zone feature available for the wine cellar allows users to simultaneously store different wine bottles under optimised conditions. The UV Protect Glass Door is equipped with UV ray-protected triple-glazed glass, which safeguards its internal temperature from harmful UV rays.

SmartThings Sommelier at Home feature, available via the SmartThings app, can analyse wine labels and offer information on optimal storage conditions. SmartThings Cooking will recommend foods to pair with wine, and SmartThings Energy will let users check the refrigerator’s electric usage conveniently.

Bespoke Infinite Line Refrigerator Availability

The Bespoke Infinite Line Refrigerator will first launch in Europe and then expand to other countries like Mexico, Thailand, and Mexico by the end of this year.

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Samsung Showcases Flexible OLED Technology with Flex Hybrid at CES 2023

CES 2023 (Consumer Electronics Show) held in Las Vegas, has officially begun. This year’s event is expected to showcase a wide range of innovative technologies and products. Many industry experts and consumers alike are looking forward to seeing what new and exciting developments will be unveiled at CES 2023. As one of the premier events in the tech industry, CES has a reputation for being a platform for companies to showcase their most cutting-edge ideas and products, and this year’s event is expected to be no different. Here are the details…

Samsung unveils Flexible Hybrid OLED screen that can fold and slide

Samsung has unveiled its latest OLED technology, Flex Hybrid, at CES 2023 in Las Vegas. The Flex Hybrid OLED panel is designed for use in futuristic devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops, and boasts the ability to both fold and slide. This allows for the creation of advanced compact devices that can still pack large displays, providing users with a larger screen when needed.

Samsung Display’s ‘Flex Slidable Duet’ expanded in both directions

The 10.5-inch Flex Hybrid OLED screen has a 4:3 aspect ratio, and it can be opened up to become a 12.4-inch screen with a 16:10 aspect ratio. This technology could be a game-changer for devices that require a larger display for certain tasks, such as watching movies or working on documents. The flexible nature of the OLED panel means that it can be easily folded away when not in use, allowing for a more compact device overall.

In addition to the Flex Hybrid OLED, Samsung Display will also showcase the Flex Slidable Solo and Flex Slidable Duet at CES 2023. Both of these OLED panels can be extended by sliding them open, with the Flex Slidable Solo expanding from a 14-inch screen to a 17.3-inch screen, and the Flex Slidable Duet extending from a 14-inch screen to a 17.3-inch screen on both sides. This technology could be particularly useful for devices such as laptops, providing users with a larger display without the need for a separate monitor.

Samsung has a long history of innovation in the OLED market, and the company’s latest Flex Hybrid technology is sure to turn heads at CES 2023. While it’s not yet clear when we can expect to see devices featuring these flexible OLED panels on the market, their debut at the influential tech event indicates that they could be a key part of the future of mobile device technology.

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CES 2023: LG Z3, G3, and C3 OLED evo TV lineup unveiled

The CES (Consumer Electronics Show) 2023 tech exhibition is set to begin on Jan. 5 in Las Vegas, US. Ahead of the event, companies have started confirming the devices that will be showcased at CES 2023. While Samsung has announced new OLED TVs and monitors, LG has unveiled its 2023 OLED TV lineup before the CES event.

LG 2023 OLED TV
LG 2023 OLED TV

In a press release, the company announced the LG Z3, LG G3, and LG C3 OLED evo TV lineup. These OLED TVs offer a premium, self-lit viewing experience, powerful image processing technologies, and an improved version of the webOS platform.

According to LG, the new OLED TVs deliver higher brightness, greater colour accuracy, and impressive clarity since they are equipped with the company’s OLED evo technology and the new α9 AI Processor Gen6.

The new alpha-series processor relies on AI-assisted deep learning technology to produce stellar image and audio quality. The AI Picture Pro promises a detailed viewing experience in every frame by upscaling the images and enhancing the dynamic tone mapping. It also refines certain objects, like people’s faces, for real-life experience. The Brightness Boost technology enhances the brightness by up to 70 percent.

LG 2023 OLED TV
LG 2023 OLED TV

The webOS, which comes preinstalled on the 2023 LG OLED TVs, offers a redesigned user interface. There are “Quick Cards” for easier navigation to the contents and services; they are organised in categories like Home Office, Gaming, Music, and Sports. The AI Sound Pro is powered by the alpha processor, which generates virtual 9.1.2 surround output via the built-in speakers. The new TVs also support Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos. With a 0.1-millisecond response rate and the Game Optimizer feature, the 2023 LG OLED TVs offer an enhanced gaming experience.

The 2023 LG OLED TVs do not have backlighting units. Hence, fewer materials are required to build them as compared to a conventional LED TV. Also, these devices are equipped with recyclable components.

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Galaxy F12, Galaxy A03 Start Receiving Stable One UI 5 Update

Over the past few months, Samsung has continuously rolled out the latest One UI 5 update to a variety of its smartphones and tablets. The rollout should be coming to an end pretty soon; however, there are still a handful of devices that are yet to receive the Android 13-based update. In the latest development, the Korean OEM has started releasing a stable One UI 5 build for the budget Galaxy F12 and Galaxy A03. Here are the details.

Samsung has started rolling out the Android 13-based One UI 5 update to the Galaxy F12 with the firmware version F127GXXU3CVL4. The software is currently rolling out in India, which is the only country where the device is sold. The update brings the November 2022 security patch, which fixes as many as 46 security vulnerabilities. It also introduces all the new features the company packed in One UI 5.

Samsung-Galaxy-F12

The Galaxy A03 is also receiving the Android 13 update. The software is being seeded to the units in Serbia with firmware version A035FXXU2CVL4. Notably, the Galaxy A03 gets One UI Core 5.0 since it’s a low-end smartphone. The Core is basically a trimmed-down version of the normal build, and it has limited features to enable smooth performance. We can expect the software to extend to other regions in the coming days.

As usual, the update is being rolled out in stages, so it might take a few days to reach every unit. If you own the above-mentioned devices, keep an eye out for an OTA notification. However, sometimes the notifications don’t show up. In that case, it’s better to manually check for the update. To do so, go to Settings > Software Update > Download and install.

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Samsung unveils Odyssey OLED G9, ViewFinity S9 & Smart Monitor M8 at CES

Earlier today (3rd January 2022), Samsung Electronics unveiled a couple of new monitor models during the CES 2023 event. During the Consumer Electronics Show, the company announced a new monitor from the Odyssey, ViewFinity, and Smart Monitor series.

Samsung Odyssey OLED G9

The first of the lot is the Odyssey OLED G9. As the name suggests, it sports a 49 inch OLED display that has a 1800R curved display with a 32:9 aspect ratio. This model is also similar to another Odyssey model that was unveiled during CES 2023, which is the 57 inch Odyssey Neo G9 monitor. The model features dual quad HD resolution as well as the Quantum Dot technology that allows for pixel by pixel control for a new infinite color contrast ratio.

Samsung

Similar to the Neo G9, this model is also geared towards gamers and offers a low 0.1ms response time and a high 240Hz refresh rate for a smooth gaming experience. Apart fromt his, the OLED G9 also offers apps from partners like Prime Video, Netflix, and YouTube through its Smart Hub, while the Samsung Gaming Hub which brings Xbox and NVIDIA GeForce Now for cloud gaming support, without requiring a partner PC or console for the monitor.

ViewFinity S9

The ViewFinit S9 is another one of Samsung’s latest addition to its monitor series. It features a 27 inch display that has a 5K resolution for the first time. Unlike the Odyssey series, the ViewFinity model is geared towards creative professionals like photographers and graphic designers. The high 5,120 x 2,880 resolution is paired with its wide color gamut of 99 percent DCI P3 to offer great details with an average Delta E ≦21 color accuracy for precise color reproduction.

Furthermore, the monitor arrives with an in built Color Calibration Engine that ensures precise screen color and brightness. Users can even adjust white balance, Gamma, and RGB color balance for even better accuracy through their smartphone’s Samsung Smart Calibration application. It also has a matte display that limits reflection and glare to minimize distractions while working.

Samsung

Users can also connect cameras and other devices to the monitor through USB Type C and Thunderbolt 4 ports. This also enables transfer of large files or high resolution videos from storage devices to their PC. The ViewFinity S9 series also comes with a 4K SlimFit camera that supports native video conferencing through apps such as Google Meet.

Smart Monitor M8

Lastly, the South Korean tech giant also unveiled the Smart Monitor M8 model during CES. This model arrives with a stylish and slim design and comes in a new 27 inch size that will be sold alongside its 32 inch size. Both variants also offers 4K resolution support and will be available in four distinct color options. This includes Daylight Blue, Spring Green, Sunset Pink or Warm White. Talking more about its design, the Smart Monitor M8 has an adjustable height stand that can pivot 90 degrees.

Samsung

It also meets VESA mount compatible and can also act as a control hub to remotely work compatible connected devices through the built in SmartThings Hub. On the front, the monitor houses an integrated SlimFit camera that has a 2K resolution and works with video conferencing apps such as Google Meet. The Smart Monitor is protected by Samsung Knox Vault.

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Apple AirPods Lite reportedly in the works to compete with cheaper TWS earbuds

Apple is reportedly working on a new, lower-priced version of its popular AirPods earbuds called “AirPods Lite,” according to analyst Jeff Pu of Haitong Intl Tech Research. The move comes as demand for AirPods is expected to drop from 73 million units in 2022 to 63 million in 2023, due in part to “soft AirPods 3 demand” and the possibility that Apple won’t release any new AirPods this year.

Apple

While AirPods have become wildly popular and have helped solidify Apple’s position as a leader in the personal audio market, they are not exactly cheap. In an effort to compete with cheaper wireless earbuds on the market, Apple is rumored to be developing the “AirPods Lite.” It’s unclear at this time what features the “AirPods Lite” will have, but Pu describes them as a “lower priced product” meant to compete with non-Apple earbuds.

Currently, Apple offers four different models of AirPods, ranging from the second-generation AirPods to the advanced AirPods Max. The current generation of AirPods, the AirPods 3, costs $169, while the second generation AirPods 2 is available for $129. It’s possible that the “AirPods Lite” will be priced lower than $129, or that Apple may simply reduce the price of the AirPods 2 even further. For example, the company could potentially reduce the price of the AirPods 2 to $99 in order to make them more competitive in the budget earbud market.

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(Via 9To5Google)

Huawei P60 series TPU case appears online, concept renders also emerge

According to a supply chain report, Huawei plans to launch two flagship smartphones in 2023, with the announcements scheduled for March and September. These events are expected to feature the Huawei P60 and Mate 60 series, which will be powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets and will support 4G networks, though it is unclear whether they will also support 5G.

Out of these devices, the protective case of the Huawei P60 series device has been leaked by DSC on the Chinese microblogging site Weibo. The protective case clearly shows the size and shape of each rear camera. All three remain in one corner of the “P60’s” rear panel but have evolved into a large, central ring flanked by two smaller, square lens cut-outs.

There appears to be a dual stereo speaker setup onboard, with one speaker on top and one on bottom. There also appears to be an IR blaster cutout on the top side of the device. Based on the design of the TPU case, tipster Rodent950 has shared some concept renders of the Huawei P60 series.

Huawei

Earlier leaks have revealed that the Huawei P60 will be powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 4G chipset. The device is said to feature a 64-megapixel primary sensor. The front of the device could have dual selfie cameras mounted on a pill-shaped cutout.

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(Source: DCS, RODENT950)