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Microsoft xCloud is coming to iOS and PCs tomorrow but as limited beta

Last December, Microsoft announced that its game streaming service Xbox Cloud Gaming a.k.a. xCloud will be coming to iOS and PCs this year. It has now been confirmed that the service will be available starting tomorrow.

Xbox xCloud for PCs and iOS devices

xCloud is Microsoft’s version of game streaming services such as NVIDIA’s GeForce Now and Google’s Stadia. The service was available only on Android devices but will now be available for iOS devices (iPhones and iPads) as well as Windows PCs. Owners of these devices will be able to access the service by going to www.xbox.com/play on their web browsers (Chrome, Edge, or Safari).

While this is good news for those who have been waiting for ages to try out the service, Microsoft is making it an invite-only beta to hose with an existing Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription. So only those who are invited will be able to play. Catherine Glucstein, the head of xCloud said in a press statement that “Our plan is to iterate quickly and open up to all Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members in the coming months so more people have the opportunity to play Xbox in all-new ways.”.

Invites will be sent out continuously to players across the 22 countries where the service is available. Those who receive an invite need a compatible Bluetooth or USB-connected controller or can use custom touch controls for more than 50 games. You can see a list of supported controllers here.

 

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Flash Deal: Get Wavlink Outdoor Repeater for $78.35 (Original Price $130)

Attention Readers!

AliExpress is giving an amazing flash deal on Wavlink AC1200 Outdoor Repeater. The repeater which generally retails for $130 is now available for just $78.35 after discounts on AliExpress.

WHERE TO BUY
Wavlink AC1200 Outdoor Repeater at $78.35 (after discount)@AliExpress

wavlink outdoor repeater

Wavlink AC1200 Outdoor repeater comes with 7Dbi high power antennas that give you a 360-degree diffusion range with an omnidirectional high power signal reception and transmission. This means you can easily achieve full WiFi coverage.

wavlink outdoor repeater1

Moreover, with next-generation 802.11AC Wi-Fi technology, the repeater operates on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz up to 1200 Mbps which lets you connect multiple devices simultaneously with dual bands thereby giving you a seamless and stable connection for HD streaming and Gaming. 

wavlink outdoor repeater2

The extender comes with a variety of safety features like water protection, lightning protection, dust, wind, heat protection, etc which keeps the device safe from the outdoor elements. And with a built-in firewall using advanced encryption, the device also ensures the safety and privacy of your data. 

wavlink outdoor repeater3

Generally retailing for $130, you can now buy Wavlink AC1200 Outdoor Repeater for $78.35 after discounts at AliExpress. Please note that this flash deal ends on 25 April 2021, 11.59 PM PT. So get your discounted extender 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.

 

Super Deal: Get IMILAB Baby Monitor for $32.99 (Original Price $70)

If you are in the market for a baby monitor then check out this awesome deal on IMILAB IP 016 Baby monitor. The monitor which generally retails for $70 is now available for a heavily discounted price of $32.99 only.

WHERE TO BUY
IMILAB IP 016 Baby monitor at $32.99 (after discount)@AliExpress

imilab baby monitor

IMILAB IP 016 Baby Monitor comes with an advanced baby crying detection feature. The device comes with an audio identification function through which the camera can identify the mood of the audio/voice of your baby and determine when the toddler is crying. Moreover, it sends you an immediate push notification with a 10sec video clipping of the baby in distress.

imilab baby monitor 1

The Baby Monitor also features a real-time two-way audio function which allows you to not only hear your child but also talk to him/ her. With a 360-degree viewing angle, you are in complete control of the baby’s environment and with free cloud storage you don’t have to ever worry about missing out on even a single minute of your baby’s footage. 

imilab baby monitor 3

Compatible with Mijia App, IMILAB Baby Monitor generally retails for $70. But for a limited period, AliExpress is giving this device for $32.99 only. Please note that this price is applicable only on the base variant ordered from the China Warehouse. Price may change according to variant and shipping 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: Get CamShield Pro case for Xiaomi Mi 11 at $9.88

If you are in the market for a strong and durable phone case/cover for Xiaomi Mi 11 then check out this deal on Nillkin CamShield Pro Case for Xiaomi Mi 11. The case which usually retails for $11 is now available for $9.88 at AliExpress.

WHERE TO BUY
Nillkin CamShield Pro Case for Xiaomi Mi 11 at $9.88 @AliExpress

camshield pro

Nillkin CamShield Pro case is specifically designed to fit Xiaomi Mi 11 perfectly. The case is manufactured using the accurate cutouts molded by the original phone. Moreover, CamShield Pro comes with a camera slide cover that protects your precious lenses from dirt and damage.

camshield pro 1

The phone case which sports a classic texture and is soft and delicate to touch comes in two standard colors viz: Black and Blue. Generally retailing at $11, you can now buy Nillkin Camshield pro for $9.88 only at AliExpress. So grab your discounted case while the stock lasts. 

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.

 

Get Discounts and Offers on OnePlus TVs via The Cricket Season Deal

Attention all Indian Readers!

Keeping the IPL season in mind, for all the cricket fans in India, OnePlus has brought out amazing deals on the Oneplus TV series.

 

OnePlus TV Q1 Series:

 

OnePlus TV 55Q1 (4 Speakers)

Retail Price: ₹69900  Deal Price: ₹62900

OnePlus TV deal 1

KEY FEATURES:

  • 4K Ultra HD Resolution 
  • 4 HDMI ports + 3 USB ports
  • Connect Set Top Box, gaming console, hard drive, USB pen drive, etc.
  • Dolby Atmos Sound System, Full range dual speakers with dual subwoofers
  • 55” QLED 120% NTSC Display with a  Bezel-Less Design 
  • Works with Google Assistant and Alexa
  • OnePlus Connect Mobile Sync and control
  • Built-In Wifi and Chromecast.

 

OnePlus TV 55Q1 PRO (8 Speakers)

Retail Price: ₹99900  Deal Price: ₹84900

OnePlus TV deal 2KEY FEATURES:

  • 4K Ultra HD Resolution 
  • 4 HDMI ports + 3 USB ports
  • Connect Set Top Box, gaming console, hard drive, USB pen drive, etc.
  • Dolby Atmos Sound System, Full range four speakers with dual subwoofers and dual tweeters.
  • 55” QLED 120% NTSC Display with a  Bezel-Less Design 
  • Works with Google Assistant and Alexa
  • OnePlus Connect Mobile Sync and control
  • Built-In Wifi and Chromecast.

 

OnePlus TV Y Series :  (₹500 discount)

 

OnePlus TV Y 32 inches

Deal Price: ₹14999

oneplus tv deal 3

KEY FEATURES:

  • HD Resolution 
  • 2 HDMI ports + 2 USB ports
  • Connect Set Top Box, gaming console, hard drive, USB pen drive, etc.
  • Dolby Audio Sound System
  • 32” LED Display with a  Bezel-Less Design 
  • Works with Google Assistant and Alexa
  • Built-In Chromecast.

 

OnePlus TV Y 43 inches

Deal Price: ₹25499

oneplus tv deal 4

KEY FEATURES:

  • Full HD Resolution 
  • 2 HDMI ports + 2 USB ports
  • Connect Set Top Box, gaming console, hard drive, USB pen drive, etc.
  • Dolby Audio Sound System
  • 43” LED Display with a  Bezel-Less Design 
  • Works with Google Assistant and Alexa
  • Built-In Chromecast.

Please note:

  • Customers can avail all the abovementioned offers from OnePlus.in, Amazon.in, Flipkart, as well as offline stores.
  • The OnePlus Cricket Season Deal is valid from 16 April 2021 to 24 April 2021.
  • No Cost EMI is available on the OnePLus TV Q, U, and Y series across all the above-mentioned platforms. 
  • Additional discounts and offers are available on the use of SBI Card – Credit card as well as EMI facilities to purchase the OnePlus TVs under this deal.

With the current pandemic situation, work from home and stay at home have become the new norm. However, you can make your homestay a little interesting and happening with the OnePlus TV. So grab your discounted TV asap, before the deal expires. 

 

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

 

 

 

Grab Daybetter Smart LED Strips (50ft) with WiFi Control for $16.99

Daybetter Smart LED Strips with smart controls capability are on sale via Amazon. The company is offering a massive $19 discount on the actual retail price of $35.99. It measures 50ft in length and supports multicolour diodes which can be controlled wirelessly via WiFi and other smart speakers. It is the most affordable LED lighting strip that is available on Amazon for $16.99.

Must See: Grab the Koogeek Smart LED Strip 70% off deal while it lasts (coupon)

Daybetter Smart LED Strip supersedes the other LED strips due to several advantages. There are around 270 LEDs that are present on the 50ft strip. Furthermore, it can be controlled in multiple ways.

Advantages of Daybetter Smart LED Strips

Triple Control – The ability to remotely control is termed as luxury and the strips offer three different ways for wireless control. It can be easily managed by Tuya Smart app, IR remote and via the control box. The app can be linked with Google Assistant and Alexa for voice support. Moreover, the native app offers features such as multiple scene Modes, a Timer function, 16 million colours and much more. The remote and control box are also handy when your smartphone is inaccessible. Make sure to select ‘Apply Coupon’ option to get a discount.

Voice Control – The Daybetter Smart LED strips to offer hands-free voice control with Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant. The user can pair the Daybetter service via app to control the LED strip via voice commands. The LED strip supports Power on/off, adjust brightness, and change colours voice commands.

50ft Strip Light – There are two 25ft strips that can illuminate any room or space. It can be a perfect choice for a children’s bedroom, living room, work space, or if you need ambient lighting.

Music Sync – The light offers music mode which enables the lights to amplify and change colours on the basis of the music that is playing. The user can control the sensitivity of the mic.

High-Quality – The LEDs are capable of 50000 hours of lifespan which ensures the quality.

Furthermore, the user can easily schedule and decorate the room. You need to follow some instructions which connecting it for the first time.

It is an exciting deal for the users who want to lighten up their spaces with ambient lighting. Daybetter LED strip is on sale for $16.99 via Amazon, but make sure to Apply Coupon on the page for a discount. Hurry up!

Related: Motorola G40 Fusion, Moto G60 India launch date is April 20, Specs revealed

Samsung Galaxy A31 starts getting the One UI 3.1 (Android 11) update

Samsung is updating the Galaxy A31 to Android 11 update after bringing it to a lot of other devices. The update brings the latest UI and Android features to one of the best-selling phones of January 2021.

Samsug Galaxy A31

An OTA update with firmware number A315NKSU1CUD3 is rolling out to the users of Galaxy A31(SM-A315N) in South Korea. Weighing about 2.03GB, the update brings One UI 3.1 based on Android 11 to the device.

Samsung launched the Galaxy A31 in March of 2020 and it ran Android 10 OS with One UI 2.0 on top. The latest One UI 3.1 update brings several improvements to the device compared to the last version.

In fact, One UI 3.1 has revamped UI, Private Share, GPS location data removal on Images, more Lock screen widgets, Background Video Calling, improved stock apps, and more, over the One UI 3.0.

Also, it brings the Android 11 features like one-time permissions, app permissions auto reset, chat bubbles, conversations section in the notification area. You can read over extensive coverage to know more about the same.

Galaxy A31 is available in other markets including India. Since the update has now started rolling in South Korea, expect the update to expand to other regions sooner than expected. Speaking of which, the Galaxy A31 was originally scheduled to get this update only by June 2021.

However, Samsung has jumped the gun and has once again performed exceptionally well in supporting older devices. That’s not all, as the device is expected to receive Quarterly security updates for quite some time as per the Samsung webpage.

If you are living in South Korea, you can try out the new update by navigating to Settings > Software update > Download and install.

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Honor product manager reveals a new Honor Play phone is coming in May

Honor is expected to stick to its product lineup back from when it was a subsidiary of Huawei. That makes sense considering these phones already have a huge following. Among the popular ones is the Honor Play series, and a company executive has revealed that a new model will arrive next month.

Honor Play 4
Honor Play4

The info was revealed by Wei Xiaolong, the product manager for the Honor Play series, in a Weibo conversation. According to him, the next-gen Honor Play smartphone is coming as soon as next month. He also added that the new phone will have support for fast charging.

Last year, Honor announced the Honor Play4 and Honor Play4 Pro. The standard model launched as a budget 5G mid-range phone with a Dimensity 800 processor, a 64MP quad-camera setup, and a 4300mAh battery with support for 22.5W fast charging.

The Honor Play4 Pro, on the other hand, launched as a flagship phone with a Kirin 990 5G processor under the hood. It has dual front-facing cameras, a 40MP dual rear camera, and a 4200mAh battery that has support for 40W fast charging. The phone also has an IR temperature sensor near the rear cameras that can be used to measure the temperature of people and objects.

It is important to state that Honor also released the Honor Play4T and the Honor Play4T Pro, both of which are 4G smartphones.

We are not sure yet if there will be two Honor Play models planned for release this year or just one. However, what we are most excited about is the chipset that will power the device(s). Will the new Honor Play be the first Honor phone with a Snapdragon processor this year? Time will tell.

 

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Volvo to supply its XC90 model for Didi’s Robotaxi fleet in China

Didi has announced plans to configure Volvo’s XC90 SUVs for its new fleet of autonomous vehicles to be deployed on Chinese roads. The global Robotaxi rollout of the ride-hailing app, which acquired Uber China in 2016, is in line with its business development strategy. The company continues to make investments in deploying autonomous vehicles to Chinese public roads. volvo

Volvo is owned by Chinese automaker Geely, since its acquisition in 2010. The Swedish automaker has a track record of safety and luxury in vehicle manufacturing. Didi will leverage this by combining its self-driving system, called Gemini, with Volvo’s safety and convenience features to produce a car that will no longer need safety drivers, with a backup to bring a car to a halt in situations of system failure.

Didi also offers a range of mobility services and added services like financial services to its drivers, and continues to expand. The company recently flagged its initial public offering of $100 billion, targeting research to enhance and expand its mobility service portfolio to include the driverless XC90 SUVs already customized for autonomous driving.

As should be expected, there is stiff competition in the world’s largest auto market for self-driving vehicles. The Robotaxis was pioneered by AutoX a couple of years ago, and some other companies have entered the market, offering a variety of services to a wide array of customers. Huawei last week also signaled its desires in the market with the unveiling of its homemade HarmonyOS operating system, thus opening new vistas in self-driving and autonomous vehicle development in China.

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Samsung Display starts production of smartphone display panels in India: Report

A report by Economic Times says that Samsung Display has started making smartphone display panels in India. The company, which is a Display arm of Samsung, already makes more than 70% of displays for TVs, mobiles, tablets, etc. in Asian countries like China, Vietnam, and South Korea.

Citing people familiar with the matter, the report says that South Korean giant has started making smartphone display panels at a facility in Noida, UP, from April 2021. This move is said to offer jobs to 500 people directly and to about 1,300 people indirectly.

This comes months after reports of India offering financial incentives to Samsung for setting up a Display factory in Noida, Uttar Pradesh. Indian govt has been taking a lot of measures to ensure the country remains a Manufacturing hub of the world.

The South Asian country recently approved a $1.02 billion incentive to boost local manufacturing and reports say that it is also mulling chip makers to start local production. Anyway, the Samsung Display has invested about 4,825 Crores INR(~$653 million) for the relocation of mobile and IT display production units from China to India.

Samsung will get about 250 Crores INR from the state UP govt as financial provisioning for this project for 5 years and about 460 crores INR from the Centre’s Scheme for Promotion of Manufacturing Electronic Components and Semiconductors.

Speaking of production, Samsung is said to expand this display making to other peripherals like monitors and other IT products in the future. This move is a step forward in boosting local production, make in India initiative, and benefit from the PLI scheme too.

The company is said to be the only one of the 15 approved handset makers to have met the targets for the PLI scheme 2020-2021. Apparently, the target was making mobile phones with an invoice value of INR 15,000 (around $200).

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Huawei unveils the Arcfox Alpha S, an HarmonyOS-powered EV co-developed with BAIC

Huawei has made a bold statement in its pursuit of a foothold in the EV market with the launch of its electric vehicle with the HarmonyOS operating system last weekend. The launch was followed up yesterday with the unveiling of five automated driving solutions deployed in cars later this year.BAIC Arcfox Alpha S

The product launch is a culmination of the Chinese tech giant’s investment in autonomous vehicles and EV research and development, grossing over $1 billion. As the company continues to expand beyond tech hardware and gadgets, it is already a global leader despite sanctions by the United States and its allies. Huawei seeks to become a significant player in the EV and self-driving segment of the industry by providing innovative solutions and partnerships that produce its electric vehicle in collaboration with BAIC.

The two versions of the Arcfox Alpha S EV unveiled at the weekend are co-developed by Huawei’s intelligent automotive solutions arm; and BAIC Group’s Arcfox. They are both high-end luxury electric vehicles fitted with Huawei’s homegrown HarmonyOS.

According to Wang Jun, president of the automotive arm of Huawei, the company has formed extensive partnerships and cooperation with several automakers and industry partners in its quest to continue to extend its expertise to the automotive industry. Huawei will focus on providing solutions to automakers rather than manufacturing the car itself, as it feels it can create a niche for itself in that segment.

The implication of the deployment of the HarmonyOS operating system in EVs provides exciting possibilities for EVs in terms of innovation and quality.

The Huawei EVs cost 388,900 yuan (~$59769) and 429,900 yuan (~$66,070) respectively, and reflect Huawei’s diversification outside its core business portfolio. The vehicles have a range of about 708km on a full charge, which is higher than the range of the Tesla Model Y which has a range of 594 km.

Huawei has a few other partnerships with automakers apart from BAIC Group. Chongqing Changan Automobile and Guangzhou Automobile Group are also collaborating with the 5G global leader to develop autonomous and automated vehicles.

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(source)

 

Samsung to skip the ToF sensor again on the upcoming Galaxy S22: Report

Samsung launched the Galaxy S10 back in 2019 with a ToF sensor. Later, the company continued it till the Galaxy S20 series but ditched it on the Galaxy Note 20 and the 2021’s Galaxy S21 series. Now, a report by ETNews says that the company will do the same for the upcoming Galaxy S-series (Tentatively: Galaxy S22).

samsung galaxy s21 featured
Representative image: Galaxy S21

Apple’s LiDAR sensors work similar to the Time of Flight sensors on Samsung and help in depth information like distance measurement. Its prowess is showcased more in areas of AR, VR apps, and games.

However, the difference between Samsung and Apple in the past was that the former used an indirect ToF sensor which works well only when the light is strong enough. The Depth Vision ToF sensors on the Galaxy S20 series had a range of 3 meters while Apple made sure they cover as long as 6 meters.

This led to a lot of inaccuracy and eventually, Samsung removed it last year. This year, it continued the momentum and as quoted in the report(via Sammobile),  a Samsung executive says that users are happy with the camera features on the Galaxy S21 and hence, there’s no need for a ToF lens on the successor(probably Galaxy S22).

Either way, it’s too early to talk about the Galaxy S22 series right now considering we are just three months past the Galaxy S21 launch. However, we can expect the company to reveal them around the Q1 of 2022.

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Samsung Galaxy Jump gets spotted at the Google Play Console

Earlier this year, Samsung announced the Galaxy A32 5G smartphone in Europe. It appears that the company is now gearing up to launch a variant of the phone with the Galaxy Jump moniker. Tipster Mukul Sharma revealed that this phone is now listed in the Google Supported Devices. Also, this device has also appeared in the database of Google Play Console.

The Google Supported Devices list shows that the Samsung phone with SM-A326K model number will be released as the Galaxy Jump. The image of the phone reveals that it will sporting a waterdrop notch screen.

The Google Play Console listing revealed that it supports an HD+ resolution of 720 x 1339 pixels and a pixel density of 300ppi. The phone is loaded with Android 11 OS and it is powered by the Dimensity 720 chipset, which is mentioned as MT6853V/NZA in the listing. The SoC is coupled with 6 GB of RAM and the Bluetooth SIG certification of the device had revealed support for Bluetooth 5.0. It is speculated that the Galaxy Jump could be a phone designed for the South Korean markets.

Samsung Galaxy Jump
Samsung Galaxy Jump

The other details like the battery details and camera configurations of the Galaxy A32 5G are not known yet. It remains to be seen whether there are any differences between the Galaxy A32 5G and Galaxy Jump.

The Samsung Galaxy A32 5G features a 6.5-inch IPS LCD screen with support for 720 X 1600 pixels resolution, Dimensity 720, up to 8 GB of RAM, up to 128 GB of storage, and a 5,000mAh battery with 15W fast charging support. It has a front camera of 13-megapixel and a 48-megapixel + 8-megapixel + 5-megapixel + 2-megapixel quad-camera system.

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Get $20 OFF on OnePlus 9R at Giztop (Coupon)

Giztop is giving $20 Off on the OnePlus 9R via coupon code: OP9R20. So the smartphone which is retailing at $549 can be now bought for $529 only.

WHERE TO BUY

 

Oneplus 9R giztop deal

OnePlus 9R is powered by Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) chipset and comes with a 6.55-inches 120Hz Fluid AMOLED display. The smartphone features a rear quad camera setup with a 48MP main camera and 16MP + 5MP + 2MP secondary cameras. The front sports a 16MP selfie camera. 

OnePlus 9R
OnePlus 9R

OnePlus 9R comes in three storage variants viz: 8GB + 128GB , 8GB + 256GB, 12GB + 256GB and is fueled by a 4500mAh battery and supports 65W Super Warp charging. Retailing at $549 you can now buy the OnePlus 9R for a discount of $20 via coupon code: OP9R20. Please note that this discount is applicable on both the Black and Blue color variant. So order your discounted OnePlus 9R before the deal expires. 

Please note that the above-mentioned price is only for the base variant. The final price may vary according to the variant and shipping cost.

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

Counterpoint: Tecno overtakes Samsung to lead African smartphone market, Xiaomi doubles its share

Transsion Holdings has been the market leader in Africa for a while now with its three brands Tecno, Itel, and Infinix. The combination of these three brands gives it the largest market share in the continent. However, 2020 was the first time one of its brands actually took the top spot and overtook Samsung.

According to a Counterpoint report, Tecno toppled Samsung to claim the top spot in 2020. The smartphone brand saw its market share rise to 18% even though the market experienced a 6.7% drop in smartphone shipments YoY. The report revealed the COVID-19 pandemic also disrupted the market in the first half of 2020 with the second quarter being the worst as countries went into lockdown. However, by July, sales significantly improved. The market even recorded a 1.5% gain YoY in the fourth quarter of the year.

Counterpoint Market Research for African Smartphone Market 2020

Samsung who had a market share of 18% in 2019 saw it drop to 15% in 2020 no thanks to issues with supply chain due to the pandemic and a slow reaction towards the end of the year. Things should get better for Samsung this year as it has already launched its new Galaxy A smartphones in multiple markets in the continent.

Itel, another Transsion Holdings brand takes the third spot with a market share of 12%. Itel offers more affordable phones than its sister brands Tecno and Infinix. You wouldn’t be wrong to call its lineup entry-level and as we can see, that segment has helped it enter the top three.

Huawei still keeps the fourth spot in Africa despite the challenges it is facing. Counterpoint says the first three quarters were strong but its shipments declined significantly in the fourth quarter. We can attribute that to the trade ban which has prevented it from getting components and thus affected the launch of new models in the market. Its market share has dropped from 10% to 8% and is expected to drop even further as things haven’t improved this year even with the new U.S. administration.

Counterpoint Market Research for African Smartphone Market 2020

Infinix, the third Transsion Holdings brand closes the top 5 with a market share of 7%. Counterproint reports that they recorded strong market gains in the second half of the year and it is the transsion brand with the highest average selling price. However, it has begun to lower its prices based on market realities and is expected to grab a larger share of the market this year.

Xiaomi saw its market share double from 2% in 2019 to 4% by the end of 2020. Its shipments increased by 126% YoY, thanks to increased sales in key markets such as Egypt, Kenya, Morocco, and Nigeria. Xiaomi is also said to be expanding its offline presence in the continent and by directly managing channels, it should record an increase in market share this year. Xiaomi has already announced its Redmi Note 10 series in key markets like Nigeria where they will slug it out with Samsung’s new Galaxy A series smartphones.

OPPO also doubled its market share from 2% to 4% and saw its shipments grow 57% YoY. It made its entry into the continent a few years ago and has already recorded success in markets such as Egypt and Algeria. OPPO is also building its offline channels and is partnering with key operators in the continent.

Apple and HMD Global (Nokia) both retain their 1% market share. The latter hasn’t recorded significant success in the continent, no thanks to better offerings at lower prices from the competition. Another name on the list is Realme who didn’t have a market share in 2019 but now controls 1%. The brand is yet to launch in some markets such as Nigeria but we won’t be surprised if they do so this year.

Counterpoint also revealed that most of the sales recorded, over 80% to be specific, come from smartphones in the sub-$200 category and that trend is expected to continue. 5G smartphones are not popular yet in the region and will most likely not be in the next few years since deployment is yet to commence in several countries, nevertheless, a few 5G devices are already being sold.

 

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Mysterious Vivo (V2118A) phone with Snapdragon 870 spotted Google Play Console

Last year in December, Vivo launched the Exynos 1080 SoC powered Vivo X60 and Vivo X60 Pro phones in China. These phones were made available in India recently with Snapdragon 870. The Indian variant of the Vivo X60 has a V2045 model number, whereas the Vivo X60 Pro has a V2046. A mysterious Vivo phone with a V2118A model number has appeared in the database of the Google Play Console. The listing reveals that it will be yet another phone with Snapdragon 870 from the brand.

It is not clear whether the image of the phone available in the Google Play Console is the actual render of the Vivo V2118A smartphone. The handset can be seen sporting a punch-hole at the upper-right corner of the screen. The right edge of the device has a volume rocker and a side-facing fingerprint scanner.

Vivo V2118A
Vivo V2118A

The listing states that it is powered by a Qualcomm chipset that has a part number of 8250ac. This model number reveals it features the Snapdragon 870, which is the next best chip after the Snapdragon 888. The SD870 chip is accompanied by 8 GB of RAM and the device runs on Android 11 OS.

The V2118A’s screen supports a Full HD+ resolution of 1080 x 2408 pixels and a pixel density of 480ppi. The other details of the smartphone are under wraps. It is not clear whether this device will be arriving as a Vivo or iQOO branded phone. It is advisable to wait for further reports to know more about the V2118A.

In related news, iQOO will be soon launching the iQOO 7 Legend and iQOO 7 phones in China. The iQOO 7 is expected to arrive as a rebadged version of the iQOO Neo5, which was announced in China in February.

RELATED:

Samsung Galaxy M32 could be the next M-series phone with 6,000mAh battery

Looks like Samsung has decided to rebadge its own devices and the upcoming Galaxy M42 5G is an example. Now, a new smartphone probably called the Galaxy M32 has appeared on DEKRA certification and it could be a rebadged Galaxy A32.

The new listing on the DEKRA certification agency page shows a battery with model number EB-BM325ABN. The rated capacity of the battery is listed as 5,830mAh which could be marketed as a 6,000mAh battery.

In the past, the model numbers of Samsung devices have had a saying in their marketing names. Going by this, the device carrying this battery could launch as the Galaxy M32. And, it could share a lot of similarities with the Galaxy A32.

credit: 91mobiles

Now, you may wonder which of the Galaxy A32 model as there are two versions of the device- 4G and 5G. If you recall, both the 5G and the 4G models have 5,000mAh batteries but the one certified above has typically 1,000mAh more.

So, we cannot say if it’s a 4G or a 5G device just yet but it looks like any other M-series phone with upgraded battery. Considering Samsung is bringing the 5G connectivity with Galaxy M42 5G to India on April 28, the Galaxy M32, which would probably fall below the Galaxy M42, could be a 4G device.

Samsung hasn’t confirmed any of this, so take it with a pinch of salt for now. If the Galaxy M32 turns out to be similar to Galaxy A32, it may have a 6.4-inch Super AMOLED 90Hz display, Helio G80 chipset, 64MP quad-camera setup, 20MP selfie camera, and run Android 11 OS.

RELATED:

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Flip 3 to arrive with key design upgrades: Report

Samsung is expected to launch two new foldable smartphones later this year. This includes the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and the Galaxy Z Flip 3, which are reportedly set to arrive with key design upgrades.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 Mystic Bronze In Hands Featured

According to a TechRadar report, LetsGoDigital found a new trademark application from the South Korean tech giant. This trademark carried the term ‘Armor Frame,’ although, the application did not reveal finer details regarding what this term implies. However, this likely related to the company’s upcoming foldable smartphones. At the moment, the Galaxy Fold and Galaxy Flip feature an aluminum based frame that aren’t as strong as the stainless steel alternative.

Another disadvantage of using aluminum is that it tends to lose its strength over a period of time, which is especially bad for a handset that is centered around bending. Furthermore, while the trademark doesn’t specifically mention any other materials either. But it could be probable that the company might offer carbon and titanium to add extra strength to the frame of the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Flip 3.

Samsung

This also offers an inherit advantage of making the devices lighter as well. Currently, we haven’t heard any rumors or reports regarding a new frame from the company or any mention of a Armor Frame. So take this report with a pinch of salt for now, and stay tuned for more updates.

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Vivo V21 5G confirmed for India, specs leaked before launch

Vivo is bringing the V21 series to Malaysia on April 27. And, it has confirmed today that V21 5G is coming to India too. Ahead of the launch, Sudhanshu on Twitter has posted the specs of the Vivo V21 5G.

Vivo V21 series rear

Vivo India has now posted a teaser on Twitter confirming the Vivo V21 5G moniker for India. As per the poster image, the device will have a 44MP selfie camera with features like OIS-assisted night selfies.

Besides, Sudhanshu says that Vivo V21 5G will feature a Dimensity 800U chipset. This is a 5G chipset that we have been seeing on many devices like the recently launched OPPO F19 Pro+, OPPO A94, and even the realme Narzo 30 Pro.

If this is true, it’s a transition from the Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G on the Vivo V20 Pro 5G. However, just like the V20 Pro, the V21 5G is also said to skip the 3.5mm audio jack and feature a hybrid SIM slot for storage expansion.

Vivo included a 3.5mm jack to Type-C adapter in the box for the V20 Pro and we can expect the same for the Vivo V21 5G. As for the optics, we already know that it will have a 64MP triple-camera setup on the back.

Along with that, the V21 5G is said to have an 8MP ultrawide and a 2MP macro sensor. Upfront, it will have a 44MP selfie shooter as mentioned above. Expected camera features include Eye Auto Focus (AF) on the selfie camera, OIS.

The Vivo V21 will also have memory fusion like RAM effect tech, dual-SIM 5G, and run Android 11 OS out of the box and we can expect Funtouch OS 11 UI on top. A report by Moneycontrol says that Vivo will initially bring only the V21 to India on April 27.

On the contrary, the Malaysian launch will have several devices like Vivo V21 4G, Vivo V21e along with the V21 5G. Another device, allegedly Vivo V21 SE, has appeared on the Google Play console but we will have to wait and see if it launches next week.

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Here’s a unique USB Hub based on the iconic anime Neon Genesis Evangelion

A Japanese company has just launched a new product in its home market that is quite unique. While it is fairly common USB Hub, it is designed around the iconic anime, Neon Genesis Evangelion.

Neon Genesis Evangelion

The Evangelion themed USB Hub features a design completely inspired by one of the anime’s primary mecha (giant human piloted robots). Thus, it arrives with an angular design that is based on the upper body region of the highly recognizable mecha, the Evangelion Unit 01. So, the USB Hub has a color scheme of purple and green. This product is set to launch in Japan and will be available for purchase starting from September 2021.

Talking about the dimensions of the product, the Neon Genesis Evangelion themed USB Hub has a size of 8×9×16.5cm. At the moment, the company has only released certain renders of the product, but these images offer us a close look at the mecha’s design. The head of the mecha is clearly visible in great detail, while it offers customers USB Type A 3.0 ports and Type C ports as well. The product is currently available for pre orders at the moment.

Neon Genesis Evangelion

As per ITHome, the USB Hub’s shell is made up of PVC and ABS materials. The price of the product in Japan is 6,578 yen after tax (roughly 60 US Dollars). So for those looking for a new USB Hub and love the classic anime, this new product might be the one you’re looking for.

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