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iPhone 18 series is “confirmed” to be testing under display Face ID, claims tipster

A fresh leak out of China has revived talk of Apple finally cleaning up the iPhone’s front design. According to a well-known Weibo tipster, early iPhone 18 series prototypes are now testing under-display Face ID hardware—something Apple has been working toward for years.

Android-style hole-punch, full UDC, or just a smaller pill?

The leaker, Smart Pikachu, says Apple is experimenting with hiding key Face ID infrared sensors beneath a “micro-transparent glass panel” so they’re no longer visible on the screen. These are the same depth-sensing components that prevent Face ID from being fooled by photos, and getting them under the display would be a major step toward reducing the size of the current pill-shaped cutout.

This latest leak lines up with earlier predictions from display analyst Ross Young, who said back in 2023 that the first under-display Face ID system could arrive with the 2026 iPhone lineup. More recent reports suggested the change might be delayed or limited to a slightly smaller pill on the iPhone 18 Pro, but Smart Pikachu’s post hints that development may be moving faster than expected.

That said, a completely clean, hole-free display — like what you get on the RedMagic 11 Pro and its predecessors — still isn’t happening yet. With Face ID finally moving under the display, it’s tempting to expect an Android-style hole-punch next year. But Apple will likely save any truly “groundbreaking” change for the iPhone’s 20th anniversary lineup in 2027. So, the cutout may shrink on the iPhone 18 series, but it’ll probably keep its pill shape for now while Apple continues fine-tuning image processing for an under-display selfie camera.

Suppliers are said to be ramping up work on the new under-panel modules, though it’s unclear whether the tech will be reliable enough for mass production in time for next year’s launch. If Apple does pull it off, the iPhone 18 Pro would see the first meaningful change to the front-facing cutout since the introduction of the Dynamic Island.

For iPhone users who’ve been waiting nearly a decade for a cleaner display, this leak is the strongest sign yet that Apple might finally be ready to make the jump soon.

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(Source | Image: Samuel Angor on Unsplash)

ByteDance’s Agentic AI Phone Sparks Panic and Nationwide App Bans

Key Highlights:

  • ByteDance’s new agentic AI smartphone faces major pushback from major Chinese apps over security and fairness concerns.
  • The company has restricted its AI agent, Doubao, after reports of blocked logins, account freezes, and privacy worries.
  • The launch reveals both the promise and risks of fully autonomous AI systems that can control a device like a human.

ByteDance’s Agentic AI Smartphone Faces Major Pushback Across China

ByteDance’s ambitious new AI smartphone, the Nubia M153, is drawing significant resistance from major Chinese platforms, prompting the company to roll back several of its most advanced features. Powered by Doubao, an agentic AI capable of operating the phone like a human, this device was meant to showcase the future of autonomous mobile computing. Instead, it has triggered a wave of concerns over security, fairness, and user privacy.

Major Chinese Apps Push Back

Leading platforms, including Alipay, Pinduoduo, and Taobao, have restricted or blocked Doubao’s automated operations. These companies cite issues such as unfair engagement, potential misuse, and risks to financial security. Some users reported that their accounts were frozen shortly after the AI performed tasks inside sensitive apps, even when they logged in manually.

Only a handful of major apps, including Meituan and ByteDance’s own Douyin, continue to work normally with the AI assistant.

ByteDance Restricts Doubao’s Powers

In response, ByteDance has scaled back Doubao’s capabilities. The AI can no longer interact with financial apps, claim user incentives, or operate competitive games where automated play could offer unfair advantages. The most significant restriction concerns WeChat: users experienced app crashes and suspensions, leading ByteDance to temporarily disable Doubao’s ability to control it.

The company says it is now working with developers to set clearer rules to avoid blanket bans.

Privacy Concerns Add to User Hesitation

ByteDance insists that the phone does not store screen data on its servers and that users’ activity is not used to train AI models. Still, many early adopters remain cautious. Doubao’s “global memory,” which allows it to remember tasks across apps, has heightened worries about device-level surveillance and unintended data exposure.

Real-World Challenges

The Nubia M153 made headlines after viral demos showed Doubao navigating apps visually, scrolling, typing, posting content, and completing multi-step tasks without step-by-step commands. The system’s full-stack control surpassed traditional assistants like Siri or Google Assistant, which rely on limited API calls.

But the same power that excited AI enthusiasts also alarmed regulators, app developers, and ordinary users.

Future Plans and Industry Impact

ByteDance stresses that the Nubia M153 is a “technology preview” priced at 3,499 yuan, mainly for industry professionals. The company plans to license Doubao to more smartphone brands after refining safety controls. The episode highlights a larger industry shift as tech companies worldwide, like Apple, Google, and OpenAI, race to build action-capable AI assistants.

For now, ByteDance’s phone demonstrates both the potential and the pitfalls of giving AI near-human control over a device. As the debate continues, the industry faces a defining question: how much autonomy should AI really have?

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Oppo A6L debuts in China with 6.8-inch AMOLED display, 7,000mAh battery

Oppo’s A6 series in China already includes models like the A6, A6i, A6 Pro, A6 GT and A6 Max, and the company has now expanded the lineup with the Oppo A6L. The new device stands out with IP69 grade water resistance, a large AMOLED display and a long-lasting 7000mAh battery. Below is a detailed look at its full specifications, features and pricing.

Oppo A6L specifications and features

Oppo A6I
Oppo A6L

The Oppo A6L carries a 6.8-inch OLED flat display with FHD resolution, 120Hz refresh rate and up to 1600nits peak brightness. The screen is covered with Crystal Shield Glass for improved durability, while the extremely narrow 1.68mm bezels enhance its visual presence.

Powering the OPPO A6I is the older Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 platform, paired with 12GB of LPDDR4x RAM and 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage. The handset is equipped with a 7000mAh battery and supports 80W wired fast charging. It runs ColorOS 15, based on Android 15.

The Oppo A6I includes an OIS-enabled 50-megapixel main rear camera and a 2-megapixel auxiliary lens. It is equipped with a 32-megapixel front camera for selfies. Other features of this device include an in-screen fingerprint sensor, dual speakers, 5G, Wi Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, NFC, USB, an IP68/69-rated body and military-grade durability. It has a thickness of 7.86mm and weighs around 204 grams.

To sum up, the Oppo A6L is a rebranded version of the existing Oppo K13s and A6 GT/Max.

OPPO A6L price and availability

The OPPO A6I arrives in a single 12GB+256GB variant priced at 1799 Yuan (~$255). It comes in Magnolia White, Begonia Pink and Ocean Blue color options. The device is now available for purchase through official channels in China, with early buyers eligible for select launch offers depending on the region.

For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.

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Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold arrives in China for 19,999 Yuan (~$2,830), rivals Huawei Mate XTs

Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold is now available for pre-order in China, marking the company’s entry into the tri-fold category for the local market. Here’s a look at the variants, pricing, and specifications of the device.

Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold: Price and variants

Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold price in China

The Galaxy Z TriFold is offered in two memory configurations for China. The 16GB+512GB variant is priced at 19999 yuan (~$2,830), while the 16GB and 1TB model is priced at 21999 Yuan (~$3,110). Pre-orders are underway through Samsung’s online store, with the device arriving in a single black finish.

Naturally, the Galaxy Z TriFold enters the same category as Huawei’s Mate XTs, which launched in September and marked Huawei’s debut in the tri fold segment. The Mate XTs comes in three variants, with the 16GB+256GB model priced at 17,999 Yuan (~$2,550). Its 16GB+512GB and 16GB+1TB versions share identical pricing with Samsung’s Galaxy Z TriFold, placing both devices head-to-head in the ultra-premium foldable market.

Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold specifications

Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold images
Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold

Samsung uses an inward fold setup that shields the main display and enables smoother movement across the hinge. Once unfolded, the device presents a 10-inch Dynamic AMOLED panel with QXGA resolution, 120Hz refresh rate and 1600 nits peak brightness. The screen real estate equals the combined area of three 6.5-inch smartphone displays, supporting multiple apps side by side. The outer screen measures 6.5 inches with high brightness levels up to 2600 nits for outdoor viewing.

The phone is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy platform and carries a 5,600mAh battery divided across the three panels for even weight distribution and stable thermal behaviour. Charging supports 45W speeds.

The rear camera array includes a 200-megapixel primary sensor, a 12-megapixel ultra-wide lens and a 10-megapixel telephoto lens. Both the inner and outer displays hold 10-megapixel front cameras for video calls and quick capture.

Samsung’s updated hinge features a dual-rail mechanism that addresses varying component loads across the body. The frame uses reinforced aluminium and a ceramic fibre back to enhance durability while keeping the folded thickness close to 12mm and the overall weight around 309 grams.

The Galaxy Z TriFold runs One UI 8 based on Android 16 and aligns closely with Galaxy AI features such as generative editing, photo tools and browser assistance. The device also introduces a standalone version of Samsung DeX, allowing desktop-style productivity directly on the 10-inch display without an external monitor. Users can work with up to four desktops and run multiple windows simultaneously.

The Chinese variant adds satellite calling through Tiantong, offering direct connectivity during emergency situations when conventional networks are unavailable.

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What can we expect from Vivo S50 series: Design, Display, Camera, Performance, and Battery

Vivo is preparing to introduce the S50 series on December 15th in China. The lineup includes two models: the standard Vivo S50 and the smaller S50 Pro Mini. 

Both devices have already been revealed through certifications, benchmark listings, and official teasers from the company, providing a fairly complete picture of what is to come. 

But if you’ve missed reading through separate stories, here’s a full roundup of what we can expect from the Vivo S50 series. 

1. Vivo S50 is the big brother

Vivo S50 - Confession White
Vivo S50 – Confession White

The S50 will feature a 6.59-inch OLED display, supporting a 120Hz refresh rate and a 1.5K resolution. It recently appeared on Geekbench with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset. This is a slightly toned-down version of the flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 but is still powerful enough for high-end workloads. 

The listing showed 16GB of RAM paired with Android 16, along with solid benchmark scores: 2,044 points in single-core and 5,851 in multi-core.

Vivo has already stated that the S50 series will ship with LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.1 storage. And its storage and RAM combination will include:

  • 12GB + 256GB
  • 16GB + 256GB
  • 12GB + 512GB
  • 16GB + 512GB

Cameras and Design

Vivo is opting for a 50-megapixel front camera and a triple lens setup on the rear, led by a 50-megapixel Sony IMX882 periscope telephoto lens. 

The phone comes in Space Black, Confession White, Serene Blue, and Inspirational Purple shades. As for the design itself, the phone takes a more traditional approach than the S50 Pro Mini. 

Vivo S50
Vivo S50

Instead of a horizontal camera bar of Mini, the S50 uses rounded camera rings on a raised squircle module, paired with a flat rear panel and subtle curves along the edges. 

Vivo says the frame uses aerospace-grade metal, with both IP68 and IP69 ratings. Inside the chassis will fit a 6500mAh battery that will support 90W fast charging. 

2. Vivo S50 Pro Mini

Vivo S50 Pro Mini
Vivo S50 Pro Mini

While the naming might imply a toned-down variant, the Vivo S50 Pro Mini is actually expected to include stronger hardware in several areas compared to the regular S50. 

Vivo has confirmed that the Pro Mini will ship with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chipset, Qualcomm’s most recent SoC, which sits above the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 in performance. 

Geekbench results show the chip paired with 16GB of RAM, scoring 2,778 in single-core and 9,344 in multi-core tests. 

Camera and Design

The S50 Pro Mini features a 6.31-inch flat AMOLED display with a 1.5K resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. The display is flat with rounded corners and includes an ultrasonic in-screen fingerprint sensor. 

The rear of the S50 Pro Mini features a horizontal camera bar, similar in style to the one seen on the iPhone Air. The bar holds three cameras: 

  • A VCS light-sensitive primary sensor
  • A Sony IMX882 50MP periscope telephoto lens
  • An ultra-wide lens

On the front, the phone uses a 50MP anti-distortion selfie camera.

The S50 Pro Mini houses a 6,500mAh battery, which is large for its size. Vivo pairs this with 90W wired and 40W wireless charging.

Storage Options and Colors

The S50 Pro Mini will come in three memory configurations:

  • 12GB + 256GB
  • 12GB + 512GB
  • 16GB + 512GB

Colors option includes:

  • Space Black
  • Confession White
  • Inspirational Purple
Vivo S50 Pro Mini
Vivo S50 Pro Mini

3. Shared Features Across the Series

Both phones will share several hardware characteristics, including:

  • LPDDR5X RAM
  • UFS 4.1 storage
  • Android 16 with OriginOS 6
  • IP68 and IP69 certification
  • Aerospace-grade metal frames
  • X-axis linear motors
  • Dual speakers

These shared elements show that Vivo wants the entire lineup to present a consistent premium feel, even if the models differ in size and chipset choice.

4. Possible International Variant

Reports have mentioned that Vivo is preparing a Vivo V70 for international markets, which may draw heavily from the S50’s design and hardware. Vivo often uses its S-series as the foundation for global V-series models, so this wouldn’t be surprising.

For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.

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Xiaomi unveils new Mi Home Super Energy Saving 1.5 HP Air Conditioner

Xiaomi has rolled out an upgraded version of its popular Mi Home air conditioner in China — and while the launch wasn’t exactly flashy, the hardware improvements are worth noting for anyone building a smart home around the brand.

The new model keeps the familiar 1.5 HP form factor but bumps the cooling power to 5,300 W and heating to 6,820 W. Airflow has also been boosted to 900 m³/h thanks to longer 118 mm cross-flow fan blades, helping air reach every corner of the room with both vertical and horizontal swing.

Efficiency is where Xiaomi is really pushing things this time. There’s a revamped algorithm inside that aims to cut power use by as much as 30% compared to the previous generation. The unit now carries a top-tier Level 1 efficiency rating in China, posting an APF value of 5.45 — a number usually reserved for pricier models from traditional appliance brands. For context, a Level 1 energy-efficient device is one that meets the highest standard of energy performance within a given rating system, indicating it consumes the least amount of electricity to perform its function, making it the most efficient choice

Since this air conditioner is part of the Mi Home ecosystem, everything hooks up to the Xiaomi Home app. Owners get remote control, timers, and power usage info right on their phone. It can even ping you if the filter needs a clean. Self-cleaning modes are built into both units, and Xiaomi says the system will keep running in extreme climates — anywhere from –35 °C winters to 60 °C summer heat.

The indoor unit sticks to the clean white look and comes in at 855 × 328 × 219 mm, so it shouldn’t be hard to fit in most setups.

Pricing starts at CNY 3,199 (roughly $450), with pre-orders currently available for CNY 2,199 on Xiaomi Youpin. There’s no word on international availability yet, but considering Xiaomi already sells some of its ACs overseas, this one might not stay China-only forever.

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OriginOS 6 December experience upgrade brings 3D Space Wallpaper and new lock screen widgets

vivo has started pushing its December experience upgrade for OriginOS 6 in China, and while it’s not a giant overhaul, there’s a lot here that makes the phone feel more fun to use. The star of the show is a new beta feature called 3D Space Wallpaper, which can turn a normal photo into a 3D lock screen — no fancy glasses required. It’s one of those changes that you’ll probably end up showing off to people.

The visual tweaks don’t stop there. vivo is refreshing the look of cards and layouts across the UI so things you need to see first actually stand out. Seven new “text statement” themes are also available.

The update brings a few convenience upgrades too. Quick-access widgets for QR codes, payment, and transit cards now sit right on the lock screen, making daily tasks feel faster. And Shake to Share gets way more useful — you can now shake to send a batch of photos in group scenarios on any vivo or iQOO phone running Android 13 or newer.

A handful of smaller quality-of-life improvements are sprinkled throughout:

  • Showstart ticketing now hooks into Atomic Island, displaying show reminders and ticket details
  • Better flight status tracking and alerts
  • An upgraded 12306 train card layout that puts seat and gate info front and center
  • DingTalk calls pop up directly on Atomic Island for quicker response
  • A cleaned-up Blue Heart Little V interface that organizes conversations and smart assistants more clearly
Eligible models for OriginOS 6 December experience upgrade

The update began rolling out on December 4th and will be completed by the end of December, covering eligible devices in batches. For people who enjoy personalizing every inch of their phone, this one should feel like a nice end-of-year upgrade — especially once the lock screen starts showing a little depth.

OriginOS 6 (built on Android 16) is also expanding beyond China. The latest vivo and iQOO flagships are already running the update, and the rest — including mid-range and budget models — are set to follow before mid-2026. The full rollout timeline can be found here.

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Xiaomi launches Mijia Washer Dryer Set Pro with 12kg + 12kg capacity & HyperOS

Xiaomi has announced the Mijia Washer Dryer Set Pro, a high-capacity smart laundry system featuring a 12kg washer and 12kg heat pump dryer. The combo is priced at 8749 yuan ($1,237). The set will be available starting December 11 in China.

Xiaomi Mijia Washer Dryer Set Pro

Mijia Washer Dryer Set Pro Specs

The washer uses Xiaomi’s proprietary Ultra Electrolysis Technology to remove up to 20 difficult stains, including soy sauce and juice, and restores yellowed white clothing in a single wash. It promises 4× better anti-color transfer performance, a 1.3 wash ratio, and 99% sterilization of the full water path. Xiaomi combines high-temperature steam with cold-water electrolysis, which it says results in 99.999% bacteria and virus elimination, along with full mite removal.

Xiaomi includes 30 fabric-specific washing programs in the system. These include support for delicate wool, down jackets, pet hair removal, and steam-based deodorizing. The washer also comes with dual-path smart dosing, automatically dispensing detergent and softener based on load weight. One refill can last up to a month. It also features a 36-minute Quick Wash mode that cuts water use by 33% and power consumption by 40%, while delivering the performance of a standard 69-minute cycle.

Xiaomi Mijia Washer Dryer Set Pro

The system runs cloud-based smart wash algorithms that detect fabric type, ambient temperature, and humidity to optimize wash settings. It integrates with Xiaomi HyperOS Connect, supports full remote operation via the Mi Home app, and responds to voice commands through Xiao Ai. The washer includes 95°C drum cleaning, antibacterial door seals, interior lighting, and a premium brushed metal design.

The 12kg Heat Pump Dryer Pro uses a dual cylinder compressor that supports low temperature drying while improving energy efficiency. It completes a quick dry cycle in 35 minutes for small loads and finishes a 3kg daily load in 59 minutes. The 36°C gentle mode protects delicate fabrics like wool and silk, and the dual sensor system monitors moisture levels in real time to stop the cycle once the clothes are dry.

Xiaomi has also added 33 drying programs, multi-layer filtration for lint and dust, and ion purification to remove odors and mites. The system uses 1:1 forward and reverse tumbling to prevent tangling and improve airflow. The unit supports rack drying for shoes and toys and operates at sleep-grade noise levels due to upgraded insulation and sound-damping.

In related news, Xiaomi has recently launched a $50 upright vacuum with 22,000Pa suction power, along with a new gas water heater that solves the cold shower problem.

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India’s Proposed Constant Phone Location Tracking Raises Serious Privacy Concerns

The government of India is apparently reviewing a contentious new proposal from telecom lobbyists that has raised alarms over privacy concerns. It seems that the proposal wants the government to mandate always-on satellite based location tracking, which can’t be manually switched off by the users.

Smartphone Location Tracking For All? What India’s New Proposal Means for You

According to a recent Reuters report, the proposal was put forward by the COAI (Cellular Operators Association of India), and it seems to replace the current system. As of right now, the telecom operators rely on cell tower data and offer a rough estimate location. But the COAI wants the government to push A-GPS tracking.

India Phone Location Tracking
Image via TheNextWeb

If this goes through, the smartphones in India might operate as permanent tracking devices with location services always being enabled, with no options to switch them off. Although, in an odd turn of events, major brands that have been caught harvesting private user data have pushed back against this proposal. This includes three tech giants, namely Apple, Google, and Samsung. These brands are protesting that this is an overreach with serious legal, security, and privacy implications.

This is especially true for individuals whose roles require confidentiality, like journalists, activists, judges, security personnel, and others. The timing of this proposal arrives just after the Indian government was rolling out a controversial order that would have all new smartphones come pre-installed with a “cyber-safety” app, which was also met with pushback owing to privacy concerns. If the proposal moves forward, India could become one of the first countries to enforce mandatory, always-on GPS tracking on consumer smartphones

For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.

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Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Gets a Big Discount in India: Here’s the Deal

If you’ve been eyeing a new smartwatch purchase for a while now, Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 8 might be a choice worth considering right now. The company’s latest premium wearables have just received a notable discount in the Indian market, so here’s how you can avail this deal.

Galaxy Watch 8 Price Slashed: What You Should Know

The new offer for Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 8 is currently live on Flipkart, which is a popular e-commerce platform in the region. Flipkart’s Buy Buy Sale is running right now, bringing massive discounts and attractive deals for various tech products, including the Samsung flagship smartwatch. To recall, the Galaxy Watch 8’s Bluetooth version was first announced for Rs 32,999 for the 40mm variant.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 8

Meanwhile, the larger 44mm size option is listed for Rs 35,999. The South Korean tech giant is now offering a Rs 5,000 bank discount through select bank card holders like HDFC, Axis, Kotak, ICICI, and Bank of Baroda. Keep in mind, this deal is also available on the brand’s official Samsung India website. But that’s not all, SBI Credit card holders get an even higher Rs 6,500 discount, which brings the effective price tag down to just Rs 26,499.

Looking at the official listing on Samsung’s website, the brand aims to run the bank discount only till the 31st of December 2025. On the other hand, Flipkart’s Buy Buy Sale ends tomorrow (10th December 2025). For those interested, you can also click here to read why the Galaxy Watch 8 could be the ultimate smartwatch for Android users.

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Realme 16 Pro Series’ Big Leak Reveals Launch Date, Massive Battery, & More

While the Realme 15 Pro Game of Thrones Limited Edition just made its debut in China, the next-gen Realme 16 Pro is arriving in India soon. A fresh leak has just revealed a bunch of crucial details regarding the Realme 16 Pro. So here’s everything we know about its specs, features, and release timeline.

Realme 16 Pro Series Leak: What to Expect

The latest information arrives from known tipster Sanju Choudhary. It appears that the Realme 16 Pro and Realme 16 Pro+ will be launching in the Indian market on 6th January 2025. The tipster claims that the standard Realme 16 Pro will have an 8GB + 128Gb storage configuration for the base model. On the other hand, the Realme 16 Pro+ will also have a similar starting version, along with an 8GB + 256GB, 12GB + 256GB, and 12GB + 512GB options as well.

Realme 16 Pro front and back
Realme 16 Pro front and back

The higher end Realme 16 Pro+ will reportedly launch in three color options, namely Master Gray, Master Gold, and Camellia Pink. In the latest leak, Sanju also claims that the Realme 16 Pro+ will arrive with a telephoto lens for zoomed shots. Based on what we know so far, the Realme 16 Pro may be powered by a massive 7,000mAh battery pack, which could support 80W wired fast charging.

On the front, the device sports a tall 6.78-inch OLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate, a 1.5J resolution, and a 50MP camera for selfies and video calls. Meanwhile, the rear has a 200MP main camera along with an 8MP ultra wide angle lens. Apart from the telephoto shooter, the rest of the specs of the Realme 16 Pro+ should be quite similar to the standard 16 Pro.

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Color-Changing Realme 15 Pro Game of Thrones Special Edition Now Arrives in China

Back in October 2025, Realme released a special edition of the Realme 15 Pro which was in collaboration with the legendary Game of Thrones franchise. At the time, the limited edition smartphone was only launched in India. But now, the Realme 15 Pro Game of Thrones Special Edition is finally arriving in the brand’s home market of China. So let’s check it out.

Realme 15 Pro Game of Thrones Edition Finally Hits China

For the limited edition model, Realme basically overhauled the design of the regular Realme 15 Pro with elements and themes inspired by the iconic TV show. This is quite evident with the Targaryen sigil, golden accents surrounding the camera module, and dragon claws that highlight the fantasy setting. But one of the highlighting aspects of the design is its color changing rear panel.

Realme 15 Pro Game of Thrones Limited Edition
Realme 15 Pro Game of Thrones Limited Edition

When temperatures rise above 44 degrees Celsius, the smartphone shifts from black to dark red. The unique design is more than just skin deep, as it is coupled with a custom user interface, bringing themes inspired by both Fire and Ice. Apart from this, the Realme 15 Pro Game of Thrones Edition uses a leather panel and a sleek 7.84mm body.

Just like the Indian release, this model also arrives with a special collector’s box that is built using solid wood and carved metal accents. This box has sigils of all nine major houses of Westeros, an introduction to House Targaryen and House Stark, various stickers, postcards, and figures of popular characters like Jon Snow, Daenerys, and Tyrion. The Realme 15 Pro Game of Thrones Limited Edition was just announced in China for 2,499 Yuan for the 12GB + 512GB model.

For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.

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Xiaomi launches 18L Gas Water Heater with AI, HyperOS & zero cold water tech

Xiaomi has launched the Mijia Smart Gas Water Heater 2 Zero Cold Water 18L in China. It is available for reservation on JD and other major platforms at 2499 yuan ($353), with sales scheduled to start on December 15. The release follows the recent debut of the Mijia Smart Gas Water Heater 2 Constant Temperature Zero Cold Water 16L.

Xiaomi Smart Gas Water Heater 2

Xiaomi Smart Gas Water Heater 2 Specs

The heater features a compact design with dimensions of 575×365×184 mm. It comes with a full-glass front panel that fits into modern kitchen and bathroom spaces. It runs on natural gas (12T) and operates at a rated gas pressure of 2000 Pa. Xiaomi says this setup ensures stable combustion across various household conditions.

The system supports a rated heat load of 34.0 kW, which helps maintain strong hot water output even in winter or multi-point usage scenarios. It also supports a minimum heat load of 3.0 kW, allowing for finer temperature control during low-flow operations. The supported water pressure ranges from 0.02 MPa to 0.85 MPa, making it suitable for both low-rise and high-rise homes.

Xiaomi has equipped the heater with an 8100 rpm TSI booster pump. The company claims it improves water circulation speed and increases water output by up to 170%. It supports a 120-meter circulation loop and delivers a 15-meter lift, which allows rapid hot water delivery in large homes, including duplexes and villas. The system supports a hot-water production capacity of 18 kg per minute with a 25°C temperature rise.

Xiaomi Smart Gas Water Heater 2

The heater offers multiple power modes. It consumes 48W during normal shower use, 66W while running the pump, 80W in antifreeze mode, and up to 114W in boosted shower mode. It supports zero-cold-water functionality by preheating water in the pipes, reducing wastage before showers.

Connectivity features include Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11 b/g/n, 2.4GHz) and support for Xiaomi’s HyperOS system. The Mijia app allows remote temperature control, scheduling, and smart automation. It also supports smart scenarios such as door-lock linked preheating and automatic coordination with other Xiaomi devices like bathroom heaters.

Xiaomi says the system uses an AI chip to monitor inlet temperatures in real time. The chip adjusts combustion output to maintain a consistent temperature with a claimed accuracy of ±0.5°C.

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(JD)

Lenovo’s leaked Legion Pro Rollable could be the first gaming laptop that physically goes ultrawide

Lenovo is once again preparing to blur the line between laptop and desktop replacement. A new leak reveals the Legion Pro Rollable, a gaming machine that can literally expand its screen horizontally at the press of a button to transform from a standard 16:9 display into a sprawling 21:9 ultrawide canvas.

Alleged Lenovo Legion Pro Rollable

Following the experimental ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 that debuted a rollable OLED panel earlier this year, Lenovo is now bringing the same sliding-screen magic to its Legion gaming brand. According to Windows Latest, the alleged Legion Pro Rollable will let users switch between conventional 16:9 laptop mode and an expanded 21:9 aspect ratio in a matter of seconds.

A leaked image of the device shows a familiar Legion design complete with a built-in numeric keypad, but the real star is the motorized rolling mechanism that extends the display horizontally. The panel itself is reported to run at 120 Hz, while the rollable mechanism confirms the use of OLED technology. So users can expect deep blacks and vibrant colors.

Powering the unusual form factor will be next-generation silicon: an Intel Panther Lake processor paired with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 50-series laptop GPU. That combination suggests the Legion Pro Rollable will be positioned as a proper high-performance gaming machine capable of driving demanding titles across that massive ultrawide canvas.

ThinkBook-Plus-Gen-6-Rollable
ThinkBook Plus Gen 6

While exact timing remains unconfirmed, the leak’s appearance just weeks before CES 2026 has fueled speculation that Lenovo may unveil the Legion Pro Rollable in Las Vegas next month. Pricing is still unknown, but anyone familiar with Lenovo’s previous rollable experiments knows this won’t be a budget offering.

For gamers who have long dreamed of portable ultrawide immersion without sacrificing laptop convenience, Lenovo appears ready to deliver a solution that physically grows when you need more screen and shrinks back when it’s time to pack up. If the leak proves accurate, the Legion Pro Rollable could be one of the most exciting gaming hardware reveals of the new year.

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TEMPT Introduces CineBar 24W Wireless RGB Soundbar for Music, Movies, and Gaming

TEMPT has expanded its audio lineup with the launch of the CineBar 24W Portable Wireless RGB Soundbar. The new model is aimed at users looking for a compact soundbar that works across TVs, laptops, phones, and gaming setups without taking up much space.

The CineBar has a compact build with a clean rectangular shape. An RGB light strip runs across the front panel, adding a visual element while the unit is in use. The design keeps things simple and is suited for desk setups, small rooms, or portable use. It is positioned as a wired and wireless soundbar that can handle movies, music, and games on different devices.

In terms of audio hardware, the CineBar is powered by a 24W amplifier. It uses twin 52 mm drivers along with dual heavy-bass radiators. This setup is designed to deliver loud sound with a focus on low-frequency output while keeping voices clear. This makes it suitable for watching movies, streaming shows, playing games, and listening to music without external speakers.

TEMPT CineBar 24W portable wireless RGB soundbar

The soundbar is backed by a 4000 mAh battery that offers up to 8 hours of playback on a single charge. Charging is done through a Type-C port, and the battery can reach full charge in under 3 hours.

Wireless connectivity is handled via Bluetooth v5.4, with a claimed wireless range of up to 15 meters. The CineBar also supports TWS, allowing users to pair two CineBar units together for stereo sound output.

For users who prefer wired or offline playback, the CineBar includes multiple input options. These include USB, TF card, and AUX input support, making it compatible with a wide range of source devices without extra accessories.

Pricing & availability

The TEMPT CineBar 24W Portable Wireless RGB Soundbar is priced at Rs. 1,699 and is available for purchase through TemptIndia.com and Amazon.in.

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Apple Fitness+ Expands to India With Custom Plans, K Pop Workouts, and Free Trial Offer

Apple is bringing Apple Fitness+ to India starting December 15 as part of its largest global expansion to date. The service is launching in 28 new markets, including India, Chile, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, and the Netherlands. Japan will join early next year. With this rollout, Apple Fitness+ will be available in 49 countries and regions worldwide.

Apple Fitness+ offers guided workouts and meditations across 12 categories, including Strength, Yoga, HIIT, Pilates, Dance, Cycling, Kickboxing, and Meditation. Workout sessions range from five to 45 minutes and can be streamed on iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV. When used with Apple Watch, users can view real time metrics on screen such as heart rate, calories burned, Activity ring progress, and the Burn Bar, which shows how their effort compares with others who completed the same workout. These metrics can also be viewed on screen while using AirPods Pro 3.

The service focuses on personalization through Custom Plans, which automatically create workout schedules based on user preferences like workout types, duration, trainers, and music. Apple also offers preset plans. Get Started is designed for new users. Stay Consistent helps users follow a regular routine. Push Further increases workout time or frequency for those looking for more challenge.

As part of the expansion, Apple is adding digitally dubbed workouts and meditations in Spanish and German, with Japanese dubbing planned for early next year along with the launch in Japan. These dubbed sessions use a generated voice based on the real voice of each Fitness+ trainer. New dubbed episodes will be added every week. Users can choose their audio language during a workout or set Spanish, German, or Japanese as the default language in the Fitness app, where available.

Apple Fitness+ is also adding K Pop as a new music genre across all workout types. It joins existing music options such as Hip Hop and R and B, Latin Grooves, Upbeat Anthems, and Latest Hits. Other features include Artist Spotlight workouts focused on one artist, Time to Walk audio episodes with public figures, curated workout Collections, and 12 guided meditation themes.

Pricing & availability

In India, Apple Fitness+ will be priced at INR 149 per month or INR 999 per year. The subscription can be shared with up to five other family members using Family Sharing. Apple is also offering three months of Fitness+ for free with the purchase of eligible new devices, including Apple Watch, iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, AirPods Pro 3, and Powerbeats Pro 2.

To use the service, users need an iPhone 8 or later running iOS 16.1 or newer. Alternatively, Fitness+ can be used with an Apple Watch Series 3 or later running watchOS 7.2 or newer, paired with an iPhone 6s or later.

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Samsung & Google Flagships get discounts up to £200 in this holiday season

A new wave of compelling holiday deals is now providing consumers with significant savings across some of the most popular smartphones on the market. We would call it post black friday tech savings, as offers on smartphones continue even now. Of course, good for consumers, especially those who missed the boat on Black Friday or Cyber Monday.

These new offers, primarily available through Amazon UK, keep the post-holiday momentum rolling with steep price cuts on premium devices from industry giants like Samsung and Google.

Deals on Galaxy S25 Series

  • Galaxy S25 Ultra: £1349 (Save £200 at checkout)
  • Galaxy S25 Edge: £899 (Save £200 at checkout)
Galaxy S25 Ultra 5G

The most notable offers or leading the charge in these promotions is the Samsung Galaxy S25 series. With both the standard Ultra and the sleek Edge models carrying a substantial £200 saving that is applied automatically at checkout

Deals on Galaxy Foldables

  • Galaxy Z Fold 7: £1599 (Save £200 at checkout)
  • Galaxy Z Flip 7: £899 (Save £150 at checkout)
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 & Galaxy Z Flip 7
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7

Samsung’s revolutionary foldable phones are also included in the promotion. The flagship Galaxy Z Fold7, with its expansive 8.0-inch inner flexible screen, benefits from a £200 saving, while the clamshell-style Galaxy Z Flip7 sees a notable £150 reduction at checkout.

Deals on Pixel Lineup

  • Google Pixel 10: £699 (£100 off)
  • Google Pixel 9a: £449 (£150 off)
Google Pixel 10 Pro
Google Pixel 10 Pro

Google’s latest hardware has also joined the discount pool, making flagship-level technology more accessible. The new Google Pixel 10 is currently offered with a £100 price drop, bringing the 128GB version down to £699.

For those prioritizing value, the mid-range Pixel 9a, which features the Tensor G4 chip and a long-lasting 5,100mAh battery, has received an even steeper £150 reduction, priced attractively at £449 for the 256GB storage configuration.

Deals on other gadgets or phones

Samsung Galaxy Watch 8

Beyond the major players, there are excellent opportunities in the competitive mid-range sector. The Nothing Phone (3a) Pro is a compelling option, seeing a £127 cut that places its price at just £322. This device is noteworthy for incorporating the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 processor and a sophisticated camera setup that includes a 50MP periscope telephoto lens.

Last but not least, this offer series wraps out with Samsung’s popular wearables. Both the LTE versions of the Galaxy Watch8 and the premium Galaxy Watch8 Classic are seeing significant price adjustments, benefiting from £75 and £120 off, respectively

Shopping Links

So, here you can find the direct Amazon purchase links if you have made up on which to take home as your next gadget.

ProductOffer PriceLink
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra (12GB/1TB)£1349 (Save £200 at checkout)Amazon UK
Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge (12GB/256GB)£899 (Save £200 at checkout)Amazon UK
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 (12GB/256GB)£1599 (Save £200 at checkout)Amazon UK
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 (12GB/256GB)£899 (Save £150 at checkout)Amazon UK
Google Pixel 10 (128GB)£699 (£100 off)Amazon UK
Google Pixel 9a (256GB)£449 (£150 off)Amazon UK
Nothing Phone (3a) Pro (12GB/256GB)£322 (£127 off)Amazon UK
Samsung Galaxy Watch8 (40mm, LTE)£294 (£75 off)Amazon UK
Samsung Galaxy Watch8 Classic (LTE)£379 (£120 off)Amazon UK

The Honor Magic 8 Lite isn’t so ‘lite’ with a 7,500mAh battery inside

The Magic 8 Pro has already made its debut internationally, but Honor is now expanding the lineup with the Magic 8 Lite. The latter just made its debut with a surprisingly big battery and a durable build. 

Honor Mgaic 8 Lite Launch Specs Price

The Magic 8 Lite gains SGS 5-Star Comprehensive Reliability Certification, IP69K water resistance, along with the company’s Ultra-Bounce anti-drop construction, which Honor claims can survive falls from up to 2.5 meters. It’s a lot of assurance for a phone that’s supposed to be an affordable one. 

Honor Magic 8 Lite Specs

On the front, you get a 6.79-inch 1.5K OLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness Honor says can climb up to 6000 nits in HDR. The bezels are slim at 1.3mm on all sides.

Inside, the Magic 8 Lite runs on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 6 Gen 4, paired with 8GB of RAM and a generous 512GB of storage. The phone ships in three colors: Forest Green, Midnight Black, and a more distinctive Reddish Brown.

Honor is also putting a lot of weight on the camera setup. The main shooter is a 108MP sensor (1/1.67-inch) with both OIS and EIS to keep things steady. There’s a modest 5MP ultrawide and a 16MP selfie camera, and the company is leaning heavily on AI processing to elevate the results. 

It features AI Eraser, AI Cutout, and AI Outpainting echo, and you can shoot a new 4K moving photo collage.

And yes, the battery is a headline of its own. The Magic 8 Lite uses a 7,500mAh silicon-carbon cell, which should theoretically push endurance well above what we usually see at this tier.

Honor hasn’t confirmed the final price yet, but given that the Magic 7 Lite launched at £399 / €399, it would be reasonable to expect something in the same ballpark when sales begin in January.

  • Meanwhile, we have already published our hands-on video on YouTube:

Black Shark is launching its first tablet with Qualcomm chip, and we already know some details

Black Shark is prepping a new 8.8-inch tablet for the Malaysian market, and the company has already begun sharing its first teaser images. What it hasn’t shared yet is the actual name, image, or specs of the device. They are still under wraps.

However, a leak from XiaomiTime may have already filled in most of the gaps. The publication not only shared real-life images but also the key specs like chipset and battery. 

Black Shark’s new 8.8-inch tablet is the company’s first with a Qualcomm chip

As you can see, the back of the tablet sticks to Black Shark’s familiar gaming look, with grey tones, sharp mechanical lines, and geometric patterns. One side features grille-like accents, the other has fine etched detailing, and the signature Black Shark “S” logo sits right in the center.

The lone rear camera sensor sits above an LED flash, and the sides of the tablet show a red-accented power button along with volume keys on the top edge. There are also speaker grilles on both short sides, suggesting stereo audio.

Inside, the tablet is expected to house a 7,300mAh battery, but the charging speed is limited to just 20W.

The more interesting part is the chipset. For the first time in a Black Shark tablet, the company appears to be switching to a Qualcomm processor. The motherboard carries the identifier “QUALCOMM SM8635P,” which lines up with the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3. It’s a capable chip for everyday use and even some serious gaming sessions.

As of now, Black Shark hasn’t announced a launch date yet. However, with teaser posts going live and leaks revealing nearly everything, the official debut is probably not too far away.

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Xiaomi’s AI Gamble Pays Off Big: Nobody Expected Returns This Fast

Key Highlights:

  • Xiaomi says its AI investments delivered returns in 2025 that “far exceeded expectations,” with major progress in embodied AI and EV technology.
  • The company’s smart EV, AI, and new initiatives segment posted its first-ever quarterly profit in Q3 2025.
  • Despite strong results, rising memory chip prices and weakening consumer sentiment pose challenges for 2026.

AI and Business Performance 

Xiaomi reported that returns from its AI investments in 2025 “far exceeded expectations,” driven by rapid progress in both large AI models and real-world applications. The company’s smart EV, AI, and new business initiatives, grouped under its innovation segment, turned profitable for the first time in the third quarter. These new initiatives generated 29 billion yuan (US$4.1 billion) in revenue, a 199% year-on-year jump.

Overall, Xiaomi’s total Q3 revenue rose 22% YoY to 113.1 billion yuan, while adjusted net profit hit 11.3 billion yuan, up 81% from a year earlier.

AI generated image

Shift Toward Embodied AI

After years of investment in general AI, Xiaomi is now placing a stronger emphasis on embodied AI, technology that connects AI models with physical systems such as vehicles and robots. The company launched its first AI model, MiMo, in April and recently open-sourced MiMo-Embodied, which it claims delivers state-of-the-art performance in autonomous driving and robotics tasks.

This strategy mirrors approaches taken by Tesla, integrating AI deeply across EVs and humanoid robots. Xiaomi says embodied AI will be central to its next stage of innovation.

AI in EVs and Robotics

China’s EV sector is rapidly adopting AI, and Xiaomi aims to expand its presence in this space. It’s premium SU7 Ultra sedan, launched in February, uses the company’s Hyper-Autonomous Driving system. Xiaomi has also invested heavily in robotics, releasing a robot dog in 2021 and unveiling a humanoid robot prototype in 2022.

These efforts form part of Xiaomi’s long-term plan to merge AI with real-world hardware platforms.

Growing AI Talent and Leadership Vision

Xiaomi is accelerating AI recruitment and recently hired Luo Fuli, a former DeepSeek researcher who contributed to the company’s V2 model. Luo will lead the MiMo team and speak at the upcoming Xiaomi Developer Conference on December 17.

President Lu Weibing said the company’s AI performance exceeded internal forecasts and reaffirmed Xiaomi’s belief that embodied AI will define the next generation of intelligent technology.

Market Risks and Industry Outlook

Despite strong financial results, Xiaomi’s stock price has fallen more than 20% in the past six months. The company warned that rising memory chip prices, driven by demand for AI hardware, will create significant supply chain pressure in 2026, especially for smartphones.

Xiaomi also faces broader challenges, including aggressive price competition in China’s EV and smartphone markets and weak domestic consumer sentiment linked to economic uncertainty and the ongoing property-sector crisis. The company plans to balance innovation with cost management as it navigates a rapidly shifting technology landscape.

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