Huawei’s HarmonyOS 2 userbase exceeds 70 million devices and it’s still climbing

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Sep 1, 2021

Huawei first announced the rollout of the HarmonyOS 2 in June this year with the OS expected to be used on various smart devices stretching beyond smartphones. The number of users who had upgraded to HarmonyOS 2 exceeded 10 million in just one week and by about half of the month it was launched, the user base had surpassed 18 million. It reached 30 million in just one month and barely two months after the rollout, the embattled Chinese company disclosed that the userbase has crossed 40 million which it claims represents an average of 8 users upgrading every second.

The tech giant has now revealed that the userbase has exceeded 70 million devices which means about 30 million users joined in August alone. At this pace, we expect the HarmonyOS 2 user base to break the 100 million mark within the year.

In addition, the custom OS is said to be installed in about 100 different models ranging from smartphones, smartwatches, smart TVs, tablets, routers, and more. The OS is also installed on Honor models that were released before Huawei sold off the Honor brand. Another thing is most of the users are in China but Huawei has started rolling out the HarmonyOS 2 to users outside China.

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Samsung announces Galaxy Z Fold3, Galaxy Z Flip3, Galaxy Buds 2, and Galaxy Watch4 series in China

By

Habeeb Onawole

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Sep 1, 2021

Samsung had a launch in China today during which it announced all of its new products that were unveiled at the last Galaxy Unpacked event in August. The lineup of products includes the Galaxy Z Fold3, Galaxy Z Flip3, Galaxy Buds2, and Galaxy Watch4 series.

Galaxy Z Fold3

The Galaxy Z Fold3 5G will be available in a single configuration with 12GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. Buyers will be able to buy it in Meteorite Black, Glen Green, and Snow Silver. The price tag is put at ¥14,999 (~$) while the Thom Browne edition will sell for ¥25,499 (~$3947).

Galaxy Z Flip3

Samsung will offer the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G in Moonlight Champagne, Meteorite Coast, Summer Night Forest, and Dreamland Aurora. It will be available in two versions – 8GB RAM + 128GB and 8GB RAM + 256GB priced at ¥7,599 (~$1176) and ¥7,999 (~$1238) respectively. Samsung will also sell a Thom Browne version of the phone for ¥16,499 (~$2554).

Galaxy Buds2

The Galaxy Buds2 has a price tag of ¥899 (~$139) and will be available in four colors – Olive Black, Frosted Sugar White, Green, and Purple.

Galaxy Watch4 and Galaxy Watch4 Classic

Samsung’s latest smartwatches have also made their way to China. The prices for the smartwatches, which only work with Android devices, are listed below:

Galaxy Watch4 40mm – ¥1699 (~$263)
Galaxy Watch4 44mm -¥1899 (~$294)
Galaxy Watch4 Classic 42mm – ¥2399 (~$371)
Galaxy Watch4 Classic 46mm – ¥2599 (~$402)
Galaxy Watch4 Classic 46mm LTE – ¥2899 (~$449)
Galaxy Watch4 Classic Thom Browne – ¥5799 (~$898)

The 40mm Galaxy Watch4 40mm will be available in Black, Silver, and Cherry Gold while the 44mm version will also be available in Black and Silver but swap Cherry Gold for Green. The Classic version will be available in Black and Silver.

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Deal: Get BlitzWolf BW-FYE9 TWS Earphone for $33 (Retail Price $60)

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Daily Deals

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Sep 1, 2021

BlitzWolf BW-FYE9 TWS Earphone which generally retails for $60 is now available at a discounted price of $32.99 only at Banggood. This deal ends in 12 days.

WHERE TO BUY

BlitzWolf BW-FYE9 TWS Earphone at $32.99 @Banggood

BlitzWolf BW-FYE9 TWS Earphone

Key Features:

Half-in-ear design – ergonomic comfort
14.2mm dynamic driver – delivers powerful high definition music
CVC8.0 + DSP noise reduction – Crustal clear call quality even in a noisy environment
Qualcomm QCC3020 chip
Versatile touch control
Bluetooth v5.0
Real-time sound transmission for a smooth gaming experience
Low dealy
Low power consumption
Stable signal and fast pairing
500mAh battery: 6 hours work time
Charging time: 1 to 2 hours
IPX4 – waterproof and sweatproof

Generally retailing for $60, you can now buy BlitzWolf BW-FYE9 TWS Earphone at a discounted price of $32.99 only at Banggood. Please note that this is a limited-time offer. So place your order asap.

For more information on such exciting deals and offers check out our deals hub.

* Please Note: When you buy something using the links in our articles, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.

Deal: Get Baseus 100W 4 Port GaN Charger for $51 (Retail Price $60)

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Daily Deals

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Sep 1, 2021

Baseus 100W 4 Port GaN Charger which generally retails for $60 is now available at a discounted price of $51.19 only at AliExpress. This deal ends tomorrow.

WHERE TO BUY

Baseus 100W 4 Port GaN Charger at $51.19 (after discount)@AliExpress

Baseus 100W 4 Port GaN Charger

Key Features:

Output – Type C x 2 , USB x 2
100W multiple fast charging ports
GaN2 Pro Technology
Supports multiple fast-charging protocols
Cooling technology – BCT, Accelerate heat dissipation
Simultaneously charge your laptop, smartphone, earphone, tablet, etc
Multiple safety features like over-voltage protection, over current protection, short circuit protection, etc.
Small and portable design

You can now buy Baseus 100W 4 port GaN Charger for $51.19 only at AliExpress. Please note that this is a limited-time offer. So place your order asap.

For more information on such exciting deals and offers check out our deals hub.

* Please Note: When you buy something using the links in our articles, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.

Deal: Get Baseus D02 Pro Wireless Headphone for $32 (Retail Price $40)

By

Daily Deals

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Sep 1, 2021

Baseus D02 Pro Wireless Headphone which generally retails for $40 is now available at a discounted price of $31.99 only at AliExpress.

WHERE TO BUY

Baseus D02 Pro Wireless Headphone at $31.99 (after discount)@AliExpress

Baseus D02 Pro Wireless Headphone

Key Features:

Bluetooth wireless headphone
40mm Audio unit – for immersive listening
Enhanced bass
3D stereo
Bluetooth v5.0
Stable connection without any stutter
450mAh battery – 40 hours music time, standby 300 hours
Charging time: 1.5 hours
Dual-use: simultaneously connect and switch between two devices
Stainless steel reinforced telescopic rods for the headband
Adaptive micro-adjustment design for the perfect fit
Over the ear headphone with noise isolation
Lightweight, portable and folding design
Switch between wired or wireless
Colors: Black and White

Generally retailing for $40, you can now buy Baseus D02 Pro Wireless Headphone at a discounted price of $31.99 only at AliExpress. Please note that this is a limited-time deal. So place your order asap.

For more information on such exciting deals and offers check out our deals hub.

* Please Note: When you buy something using the links in our articles, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.

Redmi 10 Prime confirmed to pack a 6,000mAh battery with Reverse Charging

By

Pranav Sawant

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Sep 1, 2021

Recently, Redmi confirmed that it will be launching the Redmi 10 Prime on September 3rd in India. Ahead of its launch, the smartphone was teased repeatedly. Last time, the Global VP of Xiaomi, Mr. Manu Kumar Jain teased the processor of the smartphone and now, he’s back with another teaser. This time around, he has confirmed the battery size of the Redmi 10 Prime.

According to Manu, the upcoming Redmi 10 Prime will pack a mammoth 6,000mAh battery. Interestingly, it is claimed to be the lightest 6,000mAh phone. Additionally, the teaser also confirms that the phone will feature both standard fast charging support as well as reverse fast charging support.

⚡️SUPERSTAR BATTERY ⚡️

Witness the PRIME of smartphones in 2⃣ days!

Yet another addition to the firsts by #Redmi10Prime
⬇️
The 🪶 Lightest 6000mAh
From the house of Redmi!😎

DETICXE REPUS for the ESREVER!

I ❤️ #Redmi pic.twitter.com/lxn45D0IL2

— Manu Kumar Jain (@manukumarjain) September 1, 2021

Moreover, the teaser showcases the phone’s front panel. The smartphone features a punch-hole display with slim bezels. Unfortunately, we didn’t learn anything other than these specs but, we do have its specs, thanks to the previous leaks.

Redmi 10 Prime Specifications

The smartphone will be a successor to the Redmi 9 Prime smartphone. It is touted to come with major improvements over the predecessor. That said, the Redmi 10 Prime will introduce a new design. It is expected to feature a 6.5-inch display with Full-HD+ resolution. It may feature a Corning Gorilla Glass protection.

It is rumored to feature a 50MP primary camera, which will again be a major upgrade over the predecessor, considering that it boasted a 13MP main lens. We can expect other sensors tagging along and one of those could be an ultra-wide-angle lens. It will be powered by the MediaTek Helio G88 SoC coupled with up to 6GB of RAM and 64GB of storage.

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Samsung to unveil a 200MP sensor and a new 50MP sensor tomorrow

By

Habeeb Onawole

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Sep 1, 2021

Back in January, it was reported that Samsung has some interesting camera sensors planned for release this year, one of which is a 200MP sensor. It has been more than 8 months already and it seems Samsung is ready to unveil the camera sensor as early as tomorrow.

The news of the launch comes from Chinese leaker, Ice Universe, the same source that revealed to us that Samsung was developing a 200MP camera. According to a tweet posted earlier today, the 200MP ISOCELL HP1 camera will be announced tomorrow.

Exclusive: tomorrow, Samsung ISOCELL will release 200MP HP1 and 50MP GN5. Please wait for the official news.

— Ice universe (@UniverseIce) September 1, 2021

He also revealed that Samsung will announce a 50MP GN5 sensor too which is surprising since it announced the 50MP ISOCELL GN2 back in February and is already making a jump to GN5.

Samsung has not released any info regarding an announcement tomorrow which is unusual for such a high-profile launch. We checked the official Samsung ISOCELL Twitter account to see if there is a hint or teaser pointing at a launch tomorrow but didn’t find anything. The last tweet was on August 26. Nevertheless, the source has a reliable track record, so we have no reason to doubt him. However, leakers can be wrong and launch plans can be changed, so we will advise our readers to take it with a pinch of salt.

At the moment, Samsung has a handful of 108MP cameras which we have seen in phones from Samsung itself as well as phones from Xiaomi, realme, Motorola. We expect the 200MP ISOCELL HP1 will make its debut on a phone from one of these manufacturers most likely this year.

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Samsung Galaxy A03s with 5,000mAh battery launched in the UK for 139 Euros

By

Pranav Sawant

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Sep 1, 2021

Last month, Samsung unveiled the Galaxy A03s smartphone in India for a starting price of ₹11,499(~$155). Today, Samsung has launched the entry-level smartphone in the United Kingdom at an affordable price. The major highlights of the smartphone are a large 6.5-inch display, a triple camera system, and a 5,000mAh battery.

The Samsung Galaxy A03s is priced at 139 Euros (roughly 164 US Dollars). This is slightly expensive than the Indian pricing. Anyway, the smartphone comes in two colors Black and Blue. It will go on sale starting September 24 in the region via Samsung official store and other retail partners.

Samsung Galaxy A03s Specifications

The Samsung Galaxy A03s has a 6.5-inch water-drop notch display with a modern aspect ratio. It has an LCD panel with HD+ resolution and a standard 60Hz refresh rate. It features a single 5MP camera at the front and a triple camera system at the rear. The rear system starts with a 13MP main lens, a 2MP macro sensor, and lastly a 2MP depth sensor.

Under the hood, it has the MediaTek Helio P35 octa-core SoC paired with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of onboard storage. It has a 5,000mAh battery and features a 3.5mm headphone jack. As for security, it has a side-mounted fingerprint scanner. The smartphone runs on Android 11 out of the box with Samsung’s One UI 3.1 on top of it.

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Nokia 5.4 finally receives Android 11, Nokia X20 gets Android 12 beta build

By

Pranav Sawant

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Sep 1, 2021

HMD Global’s Nokia launched the Nokia 5.4 smartphone earlier this year in India. At the time of the launch, the smartphone booted on Android 10 OS out of the box. Now, after several months the smartphone has started receiving the Android 11 OS update. Interestingly, the update also brings the latest security patch.

The Nokia 5.4’s Android 11 update has a size of 1.77GB and it has all the Android 11 upgrades. The smartphone also gets new features like chat bubbles, one-time permissions, and other bug fixes. As mentioned earlier, the update has the latest security patch i.e. the August 2021 patch.

Additionally, the Nokia X20 smartphone is now eligible for the Android 12 developer preview. In order to get the preview built you need to register on the My Phone app on the smartphone. After registering, users will receive the OTA update within the next 12 hours. For checking the updates, visit the Settings tab on the device and then click on About phone, followed by the System Updates tab.

The Nokia X20 comes with a 6.67-inch LCD display sporting an FHD+ resolution. It is a punch-hole panel holding the 32MP selfie camera. It boasts a triple camera system at the rear with a 64MP primary lens, a 2MP macro sensor, and a 2MP depth sensor. It is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 SoC paired with up to 8GB of RAM and 128GB of onboard storage. The device houses a 4,470mAh battery with 18W fast charging support.

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Microsoft Surface event scheduled for September 22, Surface Duo 2 expected to launch

By

Habeeb Onawole

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Sep 1, 2021

Microsoft had a launch earlier this year, specifically on April 14, during which it announced the Surface Laptop 4. The tech giant has begun sending out invites for another major launch scheduled for September 22, and among the new hardware expected is the Surface Duo 2.

The teaser image for the event on Microsoft’s website shows a silhouette of a computer that looks like the Surface Pro 7. The device has a kickstand and a keyboard that appears to be detachable. Microsoft already launched a Surface Pro computer earlier this year, however, the Surface Pro 7 Plus was specifically made for businesses and schools. So there is a chance this new Surface Pro may be the true successor to the Surface Pro 7 which is expected to launch as the Surface Pro 8.

Microsoft is also expected to announce a high-end laptop that may arrive as the Surface Book 4 or Surface Laptop Pro or even Surface Laptop Studio according to Windows Central. Unlike previous models of the Surface Book, this one may not have a detachable display that allows it to double as a tablet. All of the new computers should run the new Windows 11 out of the box.

Another major announcement is the Surface Duo 2, Microsoft’s second-gen dual-display device. A Geekbench listing revealed last week that the new dual-screen phone will have a Snapdragon 888 processor powering it. This should bring a significant upgrade in performance compared to the Snapdragon 855 chip inside the first-gen model. It has also been reported that it will get an improved launcher.

Other details revealed by the benchmark site are the operating system and the RAM. Microsoft will ship it with Android 11 and it will have 8GB of RAM. We don’t know if there will be other configurations available but it is nice to know that there is more RAM this year.

The Surface launch event is slated to begin at 11 AM ET.

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Windows 11’s Android app support won’t be available right away

By

Jed John Ikoba

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Sep 1, 2021

Microsoft‘s Windows 11 was announced recently with a rich lineup of new features coming to eligible PCs. One of the impressive features users would be looking forward to having is the native support of Android apps. This means that, unlike previous versions, users won’t need to install an Android emulator in order to run Android apps on the Windows PC. However, if you are looking forward to the feature when Windows 11 starts rolling out on October 5, you may have to wait for a little more.

Microsoft yesterday announced via its website that the Android app support won’t be available on the OS when it will be launched on October 5. The company isn’t withholding the feature permanently, as it disclosed a rollout on a later date. The company also disclosed that the feature will be made available for Windows Insider users in the next few months after the launch. The Windows Insider Program is a community of millions of Windows’ biggest fans who get to be the first to see what’s next. It is open for anyone with an Administrator right on their system to join using a Microsoft account.

Microsoft also assured fans that the other new features that were announced to debut on Windows 11 will be made available during the October 5 release. Windows 11 will come with features such as a new UI, a new Start menu, and gaming-related enhancements.

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Samsung rolls out One UI 3.1.1 update for its older foldable smartphones

By

Sudarshan Ravichandran

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Sep 1, 2021

Samsung recently launched the Galaxy Z Fold3 and the Galaxy Z Flip3 as its latest foldable smartphones. These devices arrive with a new version of the company’s mobile software called One UI 3.1.1 based on Android 11. The South Korean tech giant has now started rolling out this version of One UI to its older foldable smartphones.

Samsung has begun to seed One UI 3.1.1 update for its previous foldable phones. The software update is currently being rolled out in batches for Galaxy Z Fold2, Galaxy Z Flip 5G, and Galaxy Z Flip. It will be also available for the original Galaxy Fold around a week later.

The new system update brings all the new One UI features that are present on the Galaxy Z Fold3 and the Galaxy Z Flip3. Most of these features have to be enabled from Settings > Advanced Features > Labs.

One UI 3.1.1 Features

Drag & Split
Multi-Active Window and Natural Window Switching
Rotate All Apps
Set Aspect Ratio for Apps
App Split View
Flex Mode Panel
Pin Your Favourite Apps with Taskbar
Cover Screen Mirroring

All the above-listed features help users make use of the foldables’ unique display. Most of these features are targeted at the large screen on the Fold screens. Hopefully, Samsung makes them available for the Galaxy Tab series as well.

Fiido X crowdfunding crosses $1 million on Indiegogo, a first for e-bikes

By

Jed John Ikoba

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Sep 1, 2021

The COVID 19 pandemic that has hit the world has had a varying effect on the global economy but for the electric vehicle market, especially e-bikes, it has been transformative. This is because of the need to adopt personal transport means instead of taking crowded public transport. It is also a means of exercising daily.

Fiido launched the Fiido X electric bike in July this year. The product was later made available for crowdfunding on Indiegogo in mid-August. The e-bike campaign has now achieved $10,477,049 HKD (over USD$1 million) in sales so far, 18 days into the. This is an awesome feat for an e-bike, the first in the annals of Indiegogo.

The Fiido X takes over from the D11 e-bike which itself raked in a little short of USD$1 million in backings. The new e-bike feature several upgrades and design enhancements from its predecessor, the D11 folding e-bike. The e-bike is pedal-assisted with a torque sensor that helps to push it beyond the stated range. It packs Seatpost-integrated batteries and a driving range of 130km.

The Fiido X has a top speed of 25km/h, at par with most e-bikes across different countries, except in the US, where maximum speeds of 32km/h are allowed on public roads. The magnesium frame both models have embedded folding mechanisms for transforming the bike from a bike to a compact travel companion. The 7-Speed Shimano transmission in both models offers seamless switching of speeds from high to low and vice versa as the situation demands. There are key code locks for the batteries, LED lighting, solid tires, and other safety features. The X also utilizes the hydraulic disc brake system.

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Samsung Galaxy S21 FE will feature ultrasonic fingerprint sensor and lack MicroSD card slot

By

Sudarshan Ravichandran

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Sep 1, 2021

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE is tipped to launch next week, September 8 to be exact. Ahead of that, we have already learned everything about this phone via leaks and certifications. Now, the device’s user manual confirms those previous leaks.

SamMobile has managed to obtain the user manual of the unreleased Samsung Galaxy S21 FE. The document corroborates some of the earlier leaks about this phone.

According to the documentation, the handset will sport a triple camera array and punch-hole front-facing camera. Although it does not go into detail, we know that the smartphone will have a 12MP (wide) + 12MP (ultra-wide) + 8MP (telephoto) triple camera setup and a 32MP selfie camera.

Further, the manual says that the handset will arrive with an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor like the regular Galaxy S21 models and will also lack a MicroSD card slot. For those unaware, the last year’s Galaxy S21 FE has an optical fingerprint sensor and houses a microSD card slot.

Other features confirmed by the documentation include IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, Dolby Atmos, Wireless DeX, Samsung Pay, wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging.

As per previous reports, the upcoming Galaxy S21 FE will be powered by both Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 and Exynos 2100 depending on the regions where it will be sold in. It will have features like up to 8GB RAM and 256GB internal storage, 6.4-inch 120Hz FHD+ Super AMOLED display, 4,500mAh battery, 25W fast charging, 15W wireless charging, 4.5W wireless charging, One UI 3.x based on Android 11.

Last but not least, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE will be available in four colors and will ship without a charger.

Upcoming HONOR Pad Z3 could be a rebranded HONOR Pad 7

By

Sudarshan Ravichandran

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Sep 1, 2021

HONOR has already beat Xiaomi and Apple to claim third place in the Chinese smartphone market. The brand is expected to roll out its new products in select global markets in the coming weeks. One of these devices could be a tablet called HONOR Pad Z3.

HONOR Pad Z3 Render Leak — HONOR Pad Z3 | Source: Evan Blass

Reliable leaker Evan Blass (@evleaks) has shared a render of an HONOR tablet called HONOR Pad Z3. Unfortunately, the tipster does not say anything about this product.

The picture shows a budget tablet with huge bezels on all sides. We can see power and volume keys on the right side and a front-facing camera on the right-side bezel instead of the top.

We believe this tablet is meant for global markets. Also going by the image, we think it is a rebranded HONOR Pad 7 that went official in China earlier this year.

If that’s the case, then the upcoming HONOR Pad Z3 should have a 10.1-inch IPS LCD panel with a resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels and a MediaTek Helio G80 SoC. In China, the Pad 7 comes with up to 6GB RAM and 128GB internal storage. In international markets, the Pad Z3 might arrive with different storage configurations depending on the regions where it will be sold.

Further, the tablet shall feature a 5MP rear camera with autofocus and a 2MP front-facing camera with fixed focus. On the connectivity front, it may support dual-band WiFi, Bluetooth 5.1, GNSS, and a USB Type-C port. We can expect other features like dual stereo speakers with support for HONOR Histen 7.0, Magic UI 4.0 based on Android 10, a MicroSD card slot, and a 5,100mAh battery.

At present, it is not known when the HONOR Pad Z3 will go official. Going by the high-quality press render, the product appears to be mere days away from launch.

DIZO launches the Beard Trimmer Plus and Hair Dryer in India

By

Sean

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Sep 1, 2021

DIZO has just launched two new products in India. This includes the company’s new Hair Dryer and the Beard Trimmer Plus, which are the latest products in its consumer lifestyle electronics range.

Talking about the Hair Dryer first, the company has just launched a new lifestyle based product. As the name suggests, its a hair dryer offers 19,000rpm high speed fan with controls for precise speed and heat settings. It has a run time of 120 minutes in a single full charge. Notably, it also offers 55 degree Celsius thermal protection and 20 million negative ions for hair care as well.

Arriving at the Beard Trimmer Plus, this is the second lifestyle based product that features an impressive 40 length settings with up to 0.5mm precision setting. Similar to the Hair Dryer, it also offers 120 minutes of run time on a single full charge and is powered by an 800mAh battery pack. The trimmer sports Self Sharpening Stainless Steel Blade, so the users wouldn’t have to worry about the blades becoming dull over a period of time. The trimmer also arrives with IPX7 water resistance.

Both the Hair Dryer and the Beard Trimmer Plus will be available for purchase starting from 4th September 2021 and can be purchased from Flipkart.com. The beard trimmer features a price tag of 1,999 INR (roughly 27 US Dollars) but will be initially available for a special price of 1,699 INR (roughly 23 US Dollars) in India. On the other hand, the Dizo Hair Dryer is also priced at 1,999 INR but will be first sold with a special price tag of 1,499 INR (roughly 20 US Dollars).

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Xiaomi 12 Concept pays tribute to the rested Mi branding with its M-shaped camera module

By

Jed John Ikoba

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Sep 1, 2021

Xiaomi recently announced dropping the Mi moniker from its products naming system which means the next-generation flagship smartphone will be the Xiaomi 12. While we don’t expect the flagship smartphone to launch until next year, we recently saw the camera specs of the Xiaomi 12 leaked. The phone has again featured in a new leak.

What is believed to be a fan-made concept render of the Xiaomi 12 was recently shared by a Weibo user. The render reveals only the back aspect of the device but it shows a spectacular camera design. The cameras are housed in a rather weird-looking module which is shaped like the letter M.

The render has already been dismissed by Xiaomi’s PR head as unattractive. However, there are fans who think the design could find its way into the 12, denoting the first letter of the “Mi” brand. That argument looks dead on arrival since Xiaomi has already announced it will be dropping the Mi branding. Also, we think the camera design isn’t something Xiaomi will consider on its flagship.

The recent Xiaomi 12 leak touts the device as featuring a 200MP primary sensor as well as an ultra-wide sensor and a macro camera in a triple camera arrangement. The render envisions a quad camera setup marshaled by a 108MP main sensor.

We expect much more details to emerge in the coming months.

China to set a 3-hour online gaming per week restriction for children

By

Sean

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Sep 1, 2021

China is aiming on setting a new restriction on online gaming for children. The government is apparently aiming to set a three-hour gaming limit per week for kids under the age of 18 in the region.

According to new regulations published by China’s National Press and Publication Administration (Via CNBC), the government is seeking to further crackdown on online gaming of China’s youth. The news arrives as the latest blow to the country’s local gaming industry and its known players like Tencent and NetEase, which have been facing a number of strict regulations like anti-monopoly charges and data protection as well. Furthermore, the new rules have also caused uncertainty with the investors, with the Chinese gaming firms seeing a hit in their stock values.

As per the new regulations, individuals under the age of 18 in the country will only be allowed to play online video games one hour a day, between 8 pm and 9 pm on weekends and other legal holidays. The agency cited children’s physical and mental health safety as the reason behind these new rules. Notably, these regulations will also apply to companies that are providing online gaming services to said minors, requiring them to restrict their services to users from outside these designated hours.

Additionally, the companies will also not be allowed to provide services to users who haven’t logged in with real name registrations. This is a major impact on the local gaming industry and is the second severe blow as 2019’s rules had barred kids under 18 to play video games for more than one and a half hours a day. Niko Partners senior analyst Daniel Ahmad stated that “There are over 110 million minors that play video games in China today, and we expect the new limits to lead to a decline in the number of players and a reduction in the amount of time and money spent in game by those under 18.”

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Samsung seeks to expand production for its new foldable smartphones

By

Sean

-

Sep 1, 2021

Samsung Electronics is apparently planning on expanding the production capacity for its foldable smartphones. The news arrives as the company’s newly launched Galaxy Z Fold3 and Galaxy Z Flip3 handsets see an unexpected demand across the globe.

As per KedGlobal, Samsung Display, the company’s display technology unit, has increased its annual production capacity of foldable panel by 47 percent, marking an increase from 17 million units to 25 million units. The South Korean tech giant is also planning on expanding its Bac Ninh plant in Vietnam in the second half of this year. This site will seek to reach full operation scale by the end of this year or early next year.

Furthermore, experts believe that after the company’s expansion plans are completed, the brand will be producing 10 million units of Galaxy Z Fold3 and and 15 million units of Galaxy Z Flip3 models a year. For those unaware, Samsung aims on raising production since the demand for its new foldable smartphones was higher than initially expected. Notably, its third generation of foldable phones saw about 920,000 pre orders in South Korea, which is around 1.8 times more than even its newly launched Galaxy S21 flagship smartphone.

Sources also added that the pre orders in the US even surpassed the brand’s second generation foldable phone sales in the country between the months January and July 2021. The source further stated that “Samsung’s factories that make foldable devices are already operating at full capacity. Samsung has no option but to expand its facilities. It will likely add three more production lines to its current seven, which will allow the company to manage the production volume more flexibly.”

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Alleged Infinix ZERO X renders reveal a sparkling design

By

Sudarshan Ravichandran

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Sep 1, 2021

Infinix is all set to launch a smartphone powered by MediaTek Helio G96 SoC. According to XDA Developers, this phone could be called Infinix ZERO X. The publication has even shared the renders of this handset.

Alleged Infinix ZERO X Renders Leak — Alleged Infinix ZERO X | Source: XDA Developers

As per the renders, the alleged Infinix ZERO X will feature a rear design similar to that of the LG Nexus 4. In other words, the phone’s back will have a speckled finish with the ‘Infinix’ branding at the bottom left corner. We believe this design is probably intended to mimic the dark sky with sparkling stars.

The recently launched OPPO Reno6 series also comes in a similar color option called Stellar Black. However, it has a matte texture, while the ZERO X will likely have a glossy surface.

Further, the renders show the handset with power and volume keys on the right side and a punch-hole display with a slightly larger chin compared to the forehead. The images also reveal a Xiaomi Mi 10T series-like camera island design consisting of three sensors and an LED flash.

Unfortunately, XDA Developers know nothing about the phone’s specs for now. But anyway, the publication speculates the device to arrive with a 120Hz display, better cameras than the Infinix Note 10, stereo speakers, USB Type-C port, 3.5mm headphone jack, 5,000mAh battery with fast charging support, and Android 11.

Having said that, we expect to learn more about the alleged Infinix ZERO X before its official launch in the coming days.