Clubhouse finally launches its Android app, beta version available only in the US

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May 11, 2021

The much-awaited Clubhouse app for Android can now be downloaded from Google’s Play Store. The beta version of the Android app has just been released. However, it seems that the app is only available for users in the United States for now. The rollout will, after that, target English-speaking countries, and then, the rest of the world would follow next.

Rumors had surrounded the extension of the app to Android. When the app was unveiled in 2020, it was only available on iOS, and there has been much debate on the need to have an Android version. The Clubhouse app is a popular app, with millions of users latching on to the audio-chat, invitation-only app.

The company began developing the Android app early in the year. Several tweets from inside sources and experts indicated that the Beta version would be available within May. And a confirmation has now been made that the Android app is now available on the Play Store.

Clubhouse app will use the critical feedback from the Beta version to fix all the problems it had observed before the release of the Android app.

The success of the Clubhouse iOS platform had seen a proliferation of similar apps by Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and others. Multiple reports have indicated that the popularity of the app has declined in recent months. The release of the Android app will galvanize more users to pick the app. In comparison with its successful iOS app, the Android version lacks a few features, and we would expect this to be addressed by Clubhouse moving forward.

The chat app has endured some censorship in parts of the world, as it quickly became a platform for people to ventilate their grievances in their own words.

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OPPO launches online store in India, dedicated app coming soon

By

Jed John Ikoba

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May 11, 2021

A few years back, Chinese phone maker OPPO made its entrance into the market and actually ate into the market share of Xiaomi with its offline store strategy. The R9 released in 2016 gave the company the breakthrough it needed with a high sales volume mostly via offline sales while Xiaomi concentrated on an online-only sales model back then. The company replicated the same strategy in India where it has thousands of offline stores spread across the country. Unfortunately, the COVID 19 pandemic has made it impossible for people to access physical retail outlets leading to a slump in sales.

In order to boost its sale, OPPO has launched an e-store in India which gives fans another channel to buy its phones. The channel will serve as an alternative to Amazon where the brand currently sells its phones online in China. The e-store will be incorporated into OPPO’s official website for the region and in due course, a dedicated app will be launched.

A press statement released by the company promises customers unfettered access to the one-stop-shop where they’ll get access to all the brand’s products ranging from smartphones to IoT products, and wearables.

As part of activities to mark the opening of the online store, OPPO has also unveiled some discount offers that will go live on May 11 and will run through to May 17. Other activities include a 1 rupee flash deal on selected OPPO wearables such as the W31 and W11 TWS earbuds. OPPO is offering an 80% discount off the Band Style as well as the Oppo A5 (2020), Oppo A5s, Oppo F11, Oppo F15, and the Oppo Reno 10X Zoom smartphones.

In addition, OPPO will also be rolling out a 1 rupee “Mystery Box” sale which can contain any product ranging from the Oppo F19 Pro+ to the Oppo Band Style. There will also be bundle offers taking off up to Rs. 1000 from the prices of some smart products including the Oppo Reno5 Pro or Oppo F19 and the Oppo W31 true wireless headphones, and the Oppo A15s and the W11 TWS headphones.

Fans can also try out their luck in the “spin-to-win” exercise with products such as the Oppo Reno5 Pro, Oppo A53, the Oppo Enco X headphones, and the Band Style up for grabs. There will also be coupons ranging from Rs. 50 to Rs 150 as prices for the lucky spin.

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ASUS ZenFone 8 pricing leaked before launch

By

Anvinraj Valiyathara

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May 11, 2021

ASUS will be announcing the ZenFone 8 and ZenFone 8 Flip tomorrow. The entire specs of both phones have appeared in recent reports. A fresh report by 91mobiles has revealed the pricing of the three variants of the ZenFone 8.

Citing information received from tipster Sudhanshu Ambhore, the publication claimed that the ZenFone 8 will arrive in three variants such as 8 GB RAM + 128 GB storage, 8 GB RAM + 256 GB storage, and 16 GB RAM + 256 GB storage. These models will be priced at 700 euros (~$850), 750 euros (~$910), and 800 euros (~$970), respectively. The leaked renders of the phone have revealed that it will be available in silver and black colors.

ASUS ZenFone 8 specifications (Rumored)

The ASUS ZenFone 8 will be arriving with a 5.92-inch display that delivers a Full HD+ resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. It features an OLED panel with an in-screen fingerprint scanner.

The compact flagship will draw power from the Snapdragon 888 mobile platform. The device is expected to ship with LPDDR5 RAM and UFS 3.1 storage. It will come preinstalled with ZenUI based Android 11 OS.

The ZenFone 8 has a 4,000mAh battery, which supports 30W rapid charging. It has a front camera of 12-megapixel and its rear camera system has a Sony IMX686 64-megapixel main camera and a 12-megapixel wide-angle lens, which can also capture macro shots. The handset is expected with other features like dual speakers and a 3.5mm audio jack.

At present, there is no word on the pricing of the ZenFone 8 Flip. As the name goes, it will continue to sport a flip-up camera module like the predecessor ZenFone 7 and ZenFone 6 series.

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OPPO Reno6 Pro, Reno6 Pro+ appear at TENAA with preliminary specs

By

Anvinraj Valiyathara

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May 11, 2021

While there is no official confirmation yet, OPPO is expected to announce the Reno6 series of smartphones on May 22 in China. Two OPPO phones with model numbers PEPM00 and PENM00 were recently seen at the 3C certification platform. Now the preliminary specs of both phones have appeared on TENAA. These listings suggest that the arrival of the Reno6 series may not be too far away.

OPPO Reno6 Pro TENAA — OPPO Reno6 Pro’s TENAA images

According to Chinese tipster Digital Chat Station, the PEPM00 phone will be released in China with the Reno6 Pro moniker, whereas the PENM00 phone will be launching as the Reno6 Pro+. Their TENAA listings have only revealed their dimensions, display size, and battery capacity.

The alleged Reno6 Pro measures 160 x 73.1 x 7.6mm and it has a 6.55-inch display. The device runs on Android 11 OS and is backed by a 2,200mAh dual-cell battery. The tipster claims that this model is powered by the Dimensity 1200 chipset.

On the other side, the purported Reno6 Pro+ has 160.8 x 72.5 x 7.99mm dimensions and it features a 6.55-inch screen. This phone also runs on Android 11 OS and has a 2,200mAh dual-cell battery. According to the leakster, this phone is driven by the Snapdragon 870 chipset.

The tipster added that both phones will be sporting an FHD+ OLED panel with a single punch-hole and curved edge design. Both phones are backed by a 4,500mAh dual-cell battery and they carry support for 65W rapid charging. The TENAA listings of both phones are expected to get updated with full specs in the next few days. The model number of the vanilla Reno6 is not clear.

A recent report claimed an upcoming OPPO phone with PEQM00 model number will feature a new Dimensity MT6877 chip. It remains to be seen whether this device will launch as Reno6 or with some other moniker.

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The Lenovo YOGA 14s is getting a green variant and it’s beautiful

By

Habeeb Onawole

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May 10, 2021

Lenovo announced the YOGA 14s last October alongside the YOGA 13s and the YOGA 14c. The 14-inch notebook which is available in Deep Space Gray will be getting a new green color option.

The new color was officially confirmed and revealed by the company’s YOGA Weibo page. The paint job is quite distinct and I’m particularly fond of the lemon green hue used for the YOGA and Lenovo logos. Lenovo is yet to reveal when the new color will be available for purchase.

The YOGA 14s’ display has a 2880x 1800 resolution, a 90Hz refresh rate, a 16:10 aspect ratio, Dolby Vision, and pretty slim bezels. It is powered by Intel’s 11th Gen Intel Core 15-11300H processor paired with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of SSD storage.

It weighs 1.38 kilograms, has a backlit keyboard, and a trackpad that is 36.1% larger than that of the previous generation. For ports, you get two Thunderbolt 4 ports on the left, one of which is for charging, while the right side is home to a full-sized USB 3.2 Gen1 port and a 3.5mm audio jack. Lenovo says it supports 8K output or dual-4K output. It also supports 100W PD fast charging and has Wi-Fi 6.

Since the notebook comes in just one configuration, then buyers don’t have to worry about the new colorway being exclusive.

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Vingroup turns focus to electric vehicles, will shut down its VinSmart phone and TV business

By

Habeeb Onawole

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May 10, 2021

Last September, Vietnam’s VinSmart tried to steal ZTE’s thunder when it announced its own smartphone with an under-display camera. Now, the phone which launched as the Vsmart Aris Pro won’t be getting a successor as Vingroup, the parent company, has announced it is shutting down VinSmart’s smartphone and TV division and will instead be focusing on electric vehicles.

The announcement has come as a big surprise considering VinSmart is a pretty new player in the smartphone market. It was established in June 2018, and back in December 2020, it announced it will begin shipping its smartphones to other regions including Europe, India, and the US.

Bloomberg reports that an official statement released by the company on Sunday said the closure of VinSmart is to “mobilize all resources” for the development of VinFast, its carmaking division. It added that it “is a strategic step towards the aim of making VinFast one of the world’s leading firms in electric and smart vehicles”.

The manufacturer stated that it will uphold the warranty of sold devices and continue to offer after-sales services to owners of its smartphones and smart TVs for as long as they are in use. It added that the software department will continue to work on releasing updates for existing devices.

Vinsmart will now pivot to making smart solutions for vehicles and developing infotainment for VinFast, Vingroup’s automobile company established in 2017. It has also been reported that it will continue its research on IoT devices, smart homes, and smart cities.

VinFast which has been offering cars powered by BMW-licensed engines plans to get listed in the United States at a valuation of up to $60 billion. It is also considering a public offering that is expected to raise $2 billion.

It plans to sell its electric SUVs in North America and Europe starting next year with a battery leasing program. The cars will be cheaper because the cost of the battery will not be included in the total price. However, buyers will likely pay a monthly fee that is said to be equal to the average cost of fueling a car per month. The battery will then be replaced after reaching 70% of its lifespan.

Do you think VinFast be able to take on Tesla, Toyota, General Motors, and Volkswagen?

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Vivo promises three years of software updates for select models

By

Habeeb Onawole

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May 10, 2021

Following OPPO’s announcement of providing three years of security updates for its Find X3 series, Vivo has followed up with its own related announcement too.

vivo X60 Pro Midnight Black Global Featured 01 — vivo X60 Pro

The Chinese manufacturer announced yesterday that it will provide three years of updates for select models in its X series that are launched after July 2021. What this means is that these devices will receive three OS upgrades in addition to three years of security updates.

We always innovate with the user in mind. With this pledge, we are making a promise to our customers that they will be able to enjoy a premium smartphone experience for an extended period and continue to benefit from the latest software features. – Yujian Shi, Senior Vice President and CTO of vivo

The source says that the update policy covers eligible devices officially sold in Europe, Australia, and India. It also adds that those premium X series models not eligible will continue to receive regular Android security updates

It is great to see manufacturers commit to longer support for devices even though it is just a fraction of their total lineup. Software support is an important criteria for smartphone buyers especially those who pick up premium models as no one wants to end up with an expensive phone that won’t be updated at all or in time.

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Deal: Get PHOREAL FR S60 Robot Window Cleaner for $91 (Original Price $140)

By

Daily Deals

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May 10, 2021

PHOREAL FR S60 Robot Window Cleaner which generally retails for $140 is now available at a heavily discounted price of $91.62 only at AliExpress.

WHERE TO BUY

PHOREAL FR S60 Robot Window Cleaner at $91.62 (after discount)@AliExpress

PHOREAL FR S60 Robot Window Cleaner is a smart robot cleaner, that automatically detects window frames and uses a strong vacuum adsorption function to get them squeaky clean. The robot window cleaner can be used to clean more than 10 different materials and surfaces like glass, mirror, stainless steel, wood, marble tec and works automatically with a one-click control.

The device is created with an innovative trackless design that allows it to clean the surface thoroughly in multiple directions and a 5600pa strong suction pull ensures spotless cleaning of your surface. Fitted with a multi-functional water-absorbent cleaning cloth, the robot window cleaner comes with an anti-fall function and can be remotely controlled, with an infrared remote.

Generally retailing for $140, you can now buy PHOREAL FR S60 Robot Window Cleaner for $91.62 only after discounts from AliExpress. Please note that this offer is applicable only on the White and Black color variant ordered from China Warehouse.

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: Buy Xiaomi 55W Wireless Charging Stand for $34 (Original Price $40)

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Daily Deals

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May 10, 2021

AliExpress is giving a fantastic deal on Xiaomi 55W Wireless Charging Stand. The charger which generally retails at around $40 is now available for $34 only.

WHERE TO BUY

Xiaomi 55W Wireless Charging Stand at $34 @AliExpress

Xiaomi 55W Wireless Charging Stand is designed with a dual functional mode that works as a charger and a stand. The stand comes with an ideal ergonomic tilt angle which is extremely comfortable for viewing the smartphone while charging.

A built-in silent cooling fan and a novel air duct design ensure active heat dissipation and a six-fold smart protect mechanism protects your smartphone from over-charge, under-voltage, over-current, over-temperature, etc. Compatible with Xiaomi Mi 10, Xiaomi Mi 10 Pro, Xiaomi Mi 10 Ultra, and Xiaomi Mi 11, the charger comes with a smart foreign object detector and supports 55W wireless fast charging.

The charging stand which usually retails for $40 is available for $34 only, with free delivery via AliExpress Standard Shipping. This offer is valid for a limited period. So get your 55W wireless charging stand 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.

Samsung Galaxy A02s, Galaxy A12 receive Android 11 update

By

Sudarshan Ravichandran

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May 10, 2021

Samsung unveiled the Galaxy A02s and Galaxy A12 in late November. Despite being announced at the end of 2020, these phones debuted with Android 10-based One UI Core 2.x. Now, months after their release, this duo is finally receiving the Android 11 update.

The Android 11 update for the Samsung Galaxy A02s and the Galaxy A12 arrives as One UI Core 3.1. Interestingly, the update is currently live in the same region for both handsets.

The Galaxy A02s and the Galaxy A12 Android 11 update is right now live in Russia with firmware version A025FXXU2BUDC and A125FXXU1BUE3 respectively. Apart from bringing new features and visual changes, the new software build also bumps up the security patch level.

However, the security patches rolling out with the One UI Core 3.1 update on the two phones are different. The Galaxy A02s is receiving the April 2021 security patches, whereas the Galaxy A12 is getting the latest May 2021 security patches.

Either way, the new system update for this duo is being pushed in batches. Hence, it might take some time to reach every unit out there in Russia as well as other markets. Users of these devices can head over to Settings > Software update > Download and install to check whether their unit has got the update.

Deal : Get BlitzWolf 34″ Curved Gaming Monitor for $499.99

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Daily Deals

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May 10, 2021

Banggood is giving a fantastic deal on the BlitzWolf BW- GM3 34” Curved Gaming Monitor. The monitor is now available for $499.99 only, for a limited period.

WHERE TO BUY

BlitzWolf 34″ Curved Gaming Monitor at $499.99 @Banggood

The 34” gaming monitor comes with a 4K ultra-clear resolution and a cinematic aspect ratio of 21:9. Designed primarily for gamers and multimedia users the display comes with a 4ms response time and a 165Hz refresh rate which is strengthened by AMD’s FreeSync technology. This means the gaming monitor will give you super clear and sharp images with high brightness and contrast ratio, eliminating screen tearing and blurring at a high frame rate.

The monitor features a PBP and PIP split-screen function that allows you to access and see two different sources of display simultaneously. This means you can simultaneously connect and access two devices like a laptop, mobile, etc. An adjustable stand enhances your comfort while working and playing and multiple ports like DC, HDMI, USB, DP2, etc, provide multiple connection options to devices like PC, gaming console, external drives, etc.

Banggood is giving BlitzWolf BW- GM3 34” Curved Gaming Monitor for $499.99 only. Please note that this price is applicable only on the EU plug variant. So go get your ultra-wide curved gaming monitor before the deal expires.

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.

POCO F3 vs Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 4G: Specs Comparison

By

Michele Ingelido

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May 10, 2021

Last year, Samsung entered the flagship killers segment by releasing the amazing Galaxy S20 FE (which stands for Fan Edition). The new handset provides flagship-class hardware at a modest price, as well as other specifications which you can usually find only on top-tier flagships. A few days ago, a new Snapdragon version of the 4G variant went official. Is this device enough to fight the best flagship killers by Xiaomi? Does it offer a higher value for money than POCO F3? Let’s discover this together through a comparison between the specifications of POCO F3 and Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 4G.

Xiaomi POCO F3 vs Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 4G Snapdragon version

	Xiaomi POCO F3	Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 4G Snapdragon version
DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT	163.7 x 76.4 x 7.8 mm, 196 g	159.8 x 74.5 x 8.4 mm, 190 grams
DISPLAY	6.67 inches, 1080 x 2400p (Full HD+), AMOLED	6.5 inches, 1080 x 2400p (Full HD+), Super AMOLED
PROCESSOR	Qualcomm Snapdragon 870, octa-core 3.2 GHz	Qualcomm Snapdragon 865, octa-core 2.84 GHz
MEMORY	6 GB RAM, 128 GB – 8 GB RAM, 256 GB	6 GB RAM, 128 GB – 8 GB RAM, 256 GB – micro SD Slot
SOFTWARE	Android 11, MIUI for POCO	Android 11, One UI
CONNECTIVITY	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax, Bluetooth 5.1, GPS	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS
CAMERA	Triple 48 + 8 + 5 MP, f/1.8 + f/2.2 + f/2.4 20 MP f/2.5 front camera	Triple 12 + 8 + 12 MP, f/1.8 + f/2.4 + f/2.2 32 MP f/2.2 front camera
BATTERY	4520 mAh, fast charging 33W	4500 mAh, fast charging 25W and fast wireless charging 15W
ADDITIONAL FEATURES	Dual SIM slot, 5G	Dual SIM slot, 5G, IP68 waterproof

Design

None of these devices has a flagship-like design and build quality, but they are above average. I would personally go for the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 4G because it is waterproof with the IP68 certification and it has a sturdy aluminum frame. On the other hand, the POCO F3 has a glass back, but it is not waterproof: it still offers protection against water and dust, though. The POCO F3 has the IP53 certification. Despite the POCO F3 has a side-mounted fingerprint reader, it is thinner than the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 4G. But with the latter, you get an in-display fingerprint scanner and a more compact body.

Display

POCO F3 and Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 4G are very similar when it comes to the specifications of the displays. They both feature an AMOLED panel with a 120 Hz refresh rate, a Full HD+ resolution, and the HDR10+ certification, as well as a high peak brightness. We are talking about above-average displays with great image quality and a smooth viewing experience. The real important difference between these panels is the diagonal: the POCO F3 has a wider 6.67-inch display, while the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 4G has a 6.5-inch screen. As already mentioned, the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 4G has an in-display fingerprint reader, while POCO F3 does not.

Specs & Software

The POCO F3 is a way better handset if we talk about hardware departments. First of all, it comes with a stronger chipset: the Snapdragon 870 which sits in the middle between the Snapdragon 865+ and the Snapdragon 888. The chip is paired with up to 8 GB of RAM and up to 256 GB of UFS 3.1 native storage. As the name suggests, Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 4G does not support 5G connectivity, while the POCO F3 does. On the other hand, Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 4G has a micro SD slot, while the POCO F3 has no expandable storage.

Camera

The best camera phone of this comparison is the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 4G. While the POCO F3 features a disappointing midrange-class triple camera with a 48 MP main sensor, the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 4G has a high-end camera setup with a 12 MP main camera, an 8 MP telephoto sensor with 3x optical zoom, a 12 MP ultrawide camera, and dual OIS. Even the front camera is better with its 32 MP resolution.

Read More: POCO F3 teardown video reveals LiquidCool Technology, X-axis linear motor, & more

Battery

The POCO F3 and the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 4G have the same battery capacity and given that the components are not so different, they feature a similar battery life. With the POCO F3 you get faster charging speeds thanks to a power of 33W, while Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 4G offers wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, unlike the POCO F3.

Price

The POCO F3 has a starting price tag of €369/$450 in the global market, for the base variant with 6 GB of RAM and 128 GB of native storage. The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 4G costs €669/$815 in the same memory configuration. Overall, Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 4G is a better phone as it features better cameras, wireless charging, and it is waterproof. Unfortunately, the POCO F3 is pretty disappointing in terms of photo quality, if compared to other high-end devices. But the POCO F3 has a way higher value for money due to its very affordable price. You can get it for just €369, €300 less than the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 4G, and you even get 5G connectivity.

Xiaomi POCO F3 vs Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 4G Snapdragon version: PRO and CONS

Xiaomi POCO F3

PRO

Better hardware
Faster charging
Glass back
Splash resistant

CONS

Inferior cameras

Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 4G Snapdragon version

PRO

IP68 waterproof
Wireless charging
Better cameras
Aluminum frame

CONS

Higher price

RELATED

Cubot X50 goes official with flagship-grade 64MP Quad Camera

By

Simranpal Singh

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May 10, 2021

Flaunting a flagship-grade quad-camera setup led by a 64 MP main sensor, Cubot X50 is the new smartphone by Cubot. Our first impression – the best camera smartphone at a price affordable to most of the cohorts.

Must See: Cubot KingKong 5 Pro smartphone with 8000 mAh battery now available for $129

Cubot indeed designed it so meticulously that the device is literally stunning to behold. With its 6.67inch FHD+ (1080×2400) display stretching all over the front portion, the X50 offers an immersive viewing experience. As per Cubot, the back cover of Cubot X50 uses the AG frosted glass material. Thanks to the special texture of this glass, not only it makes the phone comfortable to hold by providing a better grip but also makes it fingerprint resistant by imparting a premium look and feel.

Flagship-grade AI Cameras

Coming back to the flagship-grade camera of the Cubot X50, which is the primary selling point of the device. The 64 MP main camera features some neat AI software trickeries, such as the best-in-class night mode which enables the users to capture photographs even in challenging nocturnal conditions. There is also a face beauty mode that can be useful for stellar portrait shots.

The Cubot X50 smartphone is powered by the MediaTek Helio P60 chipset paired with 8GB RAM and 128GB internal storage. Other specifications of X50 include a decent 4500mAh battery, side-mounted fingerprint sensor, biometric authentication, NFC and it runs the latest Android 11 out of the box.

As an early bird promo offer, Cubot is running a giveaway campaign by which you can have a chance to get a Cubot X50 absolutely for FREE. Initially, Cubot is offering the X50 to 10 lucky users as a free trial. You can be that 1 out of the 10 lucky users, so for the same head over to the official website to join the Cubot X50 giveaway.

Related: Deal: Get Cubot C30 for $154.99 (Original Price $200)

Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra on sale with $50 Off Coupon Code and a free charger

By

Simranpal Singh

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May 10, 2021

Giztop is back with a steal deal on Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra. This time around, not only you can avail flat $50 OFF, but also you can take home a free 67W official charger.

Must See: Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra gets MIUI 12.5.4.0 update with DXOMARK camera optimizations

All you’ve to do is go to the Giztop product listing page and apply the special coupon code given below at the checkout. Note that, the coupon code is valid only for few days. So, make sure to grab the deal as soon as possible.

Buy Now

COUPON CODE: XM11U50

If you don’t know much about the latest Mi flagship – Mi 11 Ultra, do check the specification provided below.

Mi 11 Ultra Features

With 6.81-inch 2K E4 AMOLED display at a 120Hz refresh rate, the Mi 11 Ultra boasts one of the best displays in the market. Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G SoC with Adreno 660 GPU, the device is a beast when it comes to processing.

In terms of optics, there is a rear triple-camera setup led by a pro-grade 50 MP sensor. While on the front, resides a 20MP AI selfie shooter. It comes with 8GB/12GB LPDDR5 RAM, and 256GB/512GB UFS 3.1 Storage.

Fuelling the device is a 5000mAh battery with support up to 67W fast wired charging as well as 67W wireless charging. It runs the latest MIUI 12 based on Android 11, with full Google Mobile Service support and Google Play pre-installed.

That being said, don’t waste any more time and hit the Giztop to grab the deal.

Related: Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra launched in India for Rs 69,999 (~$933)

Infinix HOT 10T launched in Kenya with MediaTek Helio G70 SoC, 90Hz display, and more

By

Sudarshan Ravichandran

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May 10, 2021

Last month, Infinix launched two smartphones called Infinix HOT 10S and Infinix HOT 10S NFC in Indonesia. These phones are identical except that the latter device has NFC and a smaller battery. Now, weeks later, the company has released another similar handset called Infinix HOT 10T in Kenya.

Infinix HOT 10T Featured — Infinix HOT 10T

Infinix HOT 10T Specifications and Features

The newly launched Infinix HOT 10T is a mixture of both Infinix HOT 10S and Infinix HOT 10S NFC with a different chipset. In simpler words, the HOT 10T has exactly the same set of specs as the HOT 10S NFC but without NFC, a MediaTek Helio G70 SoC instead of Helio G85 chipset, and only 4GB RAM.

Talking about the common features, the device flaunts a 6.82-inch IPS LCD panel with a resolution of 720 x 1640 pixels (HD+), 90Hz refresh rate, 180Hz touch sampling rate, 20:5:9 aspect ratio, and a dewdrop notch.

Further, the phone sports a triple camera setup on the back consisting of a 48MP main shooter, a 2MP sensor, and an AI lens. Whereas, on the front, it houses an 8MP selfie camera in the notch.

Infinix HOT 10T

1 of 4

On the connectivity front, the handset supports dual-SIM, 4G, dual-band WiFi, Bluetooth 5.0, and GPS. It has all the essential sensors, ports, and slots like a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, accelerometer, proximity sensor, compass, ambient light sensor, 3.5mm headphone jack, MicroUSB port, and a dedicated MicroSD card slot.

Lastly, the Infinix HOT 10T runs Android 11-based XOS 7.6 backed by a 5,000mAh battery with support for 10W charging. It can be bought in either of these four colors – 7-degree Purple, 95-degree Black, Morandi Green, and Heart of Ocean.

Infinix HOT 10T Price and Availability

The Infinix HOT 10T retails for the following price tags in Kenya.

4GB + 64GB – Ksh 15,499 ($146)
4GB + 128GB – Ksh 17,499 ($164)

According to Tech-ish, it can be purchased from Infinix-authorized online as well as offline retailers across Kenya. Lastly, the smartphone should hit other markets in the coming days under the same or a different name.

OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z Bass Edition now comes in Black

By

Habeeb Onawole

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May 10, 2021

Last October, OnePlus announced the Bullets Wireless Z Bass Edition earphones. The neckband-style pair of Bluetooth earphones was launched in two colors – Reverb Red and Bass Blue, now a new colorway has been made available.

The new color is called Bold Black and it swaps the red wires of the Reverb Red variant for black. Surprisingly, the buttons on the in-line remote are red like on the other two color variants.

If you are interested in buying this new color variant, you can grab it on the official OnePlus India website for ₹1,999 (~$27), the same price as the other colors.

The OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z Bass Edition has re-engineered dynamic drivers for super bass compared to the standard edition. It connects via Bluetooth 5.0 and supports Fast Pair (supported on the OnePlus 6T and up) and Quick Switch. The latter is a feature that allows you to switch between three paired devices instantly.

Just like the standard version, the bass edition has an IP55 rating and has support for Warp Charge fast charging via USB-C – a 10-minute charge will provide 10 hours of playback. The total listening time on a full charge is said to be 17 hours.

RELATED:

TECNO CAMON 17P, CAMON 17 Pro launched in Nigeria and Kenya

By

Sudarshan Ravichandran

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May 10, 2021

Transsion brand TECNO has unveiled two more devices in the TECNO CAMON 17 series, namely TECNO CAMON 17 Pro and TECNO CAMON 17P. These two handsets have landed in both Nigeria and Kenya simultaneously. Additionally, Nigeria also gets the TECNO CAMON 17, which made its global debut in Kenya late last month.

TECNO CAMON 17P 17 Pro Featured — TECNO CAMON 17P and TECNO CAMON 17 Pro

TECNO CAMON 17P / CAMON 17 Pro Specifications and Features

The newly launched TECNO CAMON 17P and TECNO CAMON 17 Pro flaunt a 6.8-inch IPS LCD panel with a resolution of 1080 x 2460 pixels (FHD+), 395 PPI, 500 nits peak brightness, centered punch-hole, and 82% screen-to-body ratio. As an added bonus, the display of the Pro model also has a 90Hz refresh rate.

Further, the CAMON 17P is powered by a MediaTek Helio G85 SoC coupled with 6GB RAM and 128GB internal storage. Whereas, the CAMON 17 Pro features a MediaTek Helio G95 chipset paired with 8GB RAM and 256GB storage.

TECNO CAMON 17P

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Talking about cameras, both the devices sport a vertically-aligned quad-camera setup on the back with quad-LED flash. The CAMON 17P’s camera array includes a 64MP primary shooter, a 2MP macro snapper, a 2MP depth sensor, and an AI lens. On the other hand, the CAMON 17 Pro’s camera setup consists of a 64MP main sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide unit, a 2MP depth sensor, and a 2MP monochrome sensor.

As far as selfies and video calls are concerned, the former has a 16MP snapper as opposed to a 48MP shooter on the latter. However, both of them come with dual-LED flash on the front.

On the connectivity front, the duo supports dual-SIM, 4G, WiFi, Bluetooth, and GPS. Other features include a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, 3.5mm headphone jack, MicroSD card slot, accelerometer, ambient light sensor, compass, and proximity sensor. The CAMON 17 Pro also has stereo speakers.

TECNO CAMON 17 Pro

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Both of them are backed by a 5,000mAh battery and run HiOS 7.6 based on Android 11. But the CAMON 17P only supports 18W charging instead of 25W fast charging like the CAMON 17 Pro.

Last but not least, the TECNO CAMON 17P measures 168.67 x 76.44 x 8.82mm in dimensions and comes in three colors (Frost Silver, Magnet Black, Spruce Green). Whereas, the TECNO CAMON 17 Pro measures 168.89 x 76.98 x 8.95mm in dimensions and can be bought in two colors (Dream Silver, Malibu Blue).

TECNO CAMON 17P / CAMON 17 Pro Price and Availability

The TECNO CAMON 17P and TECNO CAMOM 17 Pro will retail for the following price tags in Nigeria.

TECNO CAMON 17P
- 6GB + 128GB – ₦97,000 ($236)
TECNO CAMON 17 Pro
- 8GB + 256GB – ₦130,000 ($317)

Unfortunately, the company is yet to reveal the price for Kenya, as per GizmoAfrica and official social handles.

Additionally, as we mentioned in the beginning, the brand also launched the vanilla TECNO CAMON 17 in Nigeria priced at ₦75,000 ($183). This phone costs KSh 18,899 ($178) in Kenya.

ASUS India defers launch of the Zenfone 8 series due to COVID-19

By

Habeeb Onawole

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May 10, 2021

India is battling with one of the worst outbreaks of COVID-19. With millions of infected citizens and several thousand deaths, a lot of activities are at a standstill. In light of this, ASUS India has announced that it will be delaying the launch of the Zenfone 8 series in the country.

The announcement was made on Twitter by Dinesh Sharma, who is the Business Head Commercial PC and Smartphone, for ASUS India. He said that the launch has been postponed till the situation improves.

While the world is excited for the launch of our new smartphone, we at ASUS India have consciously decided to defer the launch till the current scenario improves. Our thoughts n prayers are with those affected with Covid #stayhomestaysafe, n emerge stronger! #IndiaFightsCOVID19

— Dinesh Sharma (@sharmadinesh) May 10, 2021

ASUS is not the only manufacturer that has had to postpone a launch event due to the pandemic. Realme was supposed to have a launch event on May 4 but announced a week before the event that it has been postponed. A new date is yet to be announced.

The Zenfone 8 series launch will still hold on May 12/May 13 in other countries. ASUS will announce two phones – the Zenfone 8 and the Zenfone 8 Flip. The former is a 5.92-inch smartphone with a punch-hole display and dual rear cameras while the latter keeps the flip camera design of the Zenfone 6 and Zenfone 7 series. Both phones will have a Snapdragon 888 processor powering them and have support for 30W fast charging. They will also run Android 11 out of the box.

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HUAWEI Qingyun L410 is the company’s first ARM laptop featuring a Kirin 990 SoC

By

Sudarshan Ravichandran

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May 10, 2021

Computers based on ARM silicons are touted to be the future. Although there have been multiple Microsoft Windows 10 machines running on ARM chipsets, it is Apple who is leading in this segment despite debuting its initial products late last year. Huawei has been also reported to join this bandwagon since late December 2020. Now, months later, Huawei’s first ARM laptop has been officially listed by a retailer in China.

HUAWEI Qingyun L410 Featured — HUAWEI Qingyun L410

Huawei’s first-ever ARM laptop is called HUAWEI Qingyun L410. This notebook can be only purchased by enterprise and government agencies in China. Above all, the company is yet to officially announce it.

The existence of this laptop was first reported in December 2020. Even months later, Huawei has not officially unveiled it. Instead, the notebook has been listed by eCommerce giant JD (Jingdong).

According to the listings, the HUAWEI Qingyun L410 laptop is powered by an ARM-based HiSilicon Kirin 990 SoC coupled with 8GB RAM and 256GB SSD. It will be available in with OS and without OS variants.

Unfortunately, nothing much is known about this notebook as the listings lack proper description.

HUAWEI MateBook B5-420 Featured — HUAWEI MateBook B5-420

However, according to ITHome, this laptop runs UOS (Unity Operating System), a Linux distro. But it will be updated to HarmonyOS in the future. Also, like most HUAWEI and HONOR-branded laptops, it features a pop-up webcam integrated into the keyboard and a power key with an embedded fingerprint sensor.

Further, the notebook features a metal unibody design with a Deep Space Gray color finish. It flaunts a 14-inch 2K display with a 3:2 aspect ratio and a Shark Fin 2.0 cooling fan to keep the thermals down. As far as dimensions and weight are concerned, it measures 15.9mm in thickness and weighs 1.49kg.

Going by the specs and appearance, the HUAWEI Qingyun L410 seems to be based on yet another enterprise Huawei notebook called HUAWEI MateBook B5-420.

Last but not least, the HUAWEI Qingyun L410 without OS is priced at ¥8,181 ($1,276), whereas the model with OS costs ¥8,944 ($1,395).

Microsoft Windows 10X reportedly shelved, focus shifts to improve Windows 10 experience

By

Anvinraj Valiyathara

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May 10, 2021

During Microsoft’s fall event in 2019, it announced three new products Surface Duo and Surface Neo dual-screen devices, and Windows 10X OS. Initially, the Windows 10X was designed for dual-screen devices, but later it claimed that it will be available for single-screen devices like notebooks. A final-like build of the Windows 10X had leaked earlier this year. Fresh information reveals that the company has reportedly discontinued the Windows 10X OS.

The Surface Duo, which ran on Android OS was met with a lackluster response. The Surface Neo was expected to arrive with Windows 10X onboard. Nothing much was heard about the Neo after Microsoft had claimed in May 2020 that it will be brought to single-screen devices first.

The Windows 10X was expected to offer a simplified experience like the Chrome OS. According to Petri, people familiar with the new developments at Microsoft have revealed that the company has reportedly put the Window 10X OS on the back burner. Instead of it, the company plans to enhance the experience of the Windows 10 OS.

Microsoft is expected to announce a new version of Windows 10 with a refreshed UX later this year. It may offer users a revamped user interface. Reports suggest that while Microsoft may have stopped working on 10X, some of its elements are expected to arrive on Windows 10 later this year.

A Canalys market research revealed that the sales of the Chromebook increased dramatically increased by 265 percent in Q1 2021. Microsoft does need a product to rival the Chrome OS. It remains to be seen whether the new version of Windows 10 will be able to rival Chrome OS.

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