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FCC aims to plug loophole allowing Huawei equipment in US 5G Network

By
Sean
-

Brendan Carr, the FCC Commissioner, is looking to keep the restrictions tight against Chinese 5G equipment makers like Huawei and ZTE. Under the previous Trump administration, these firms were branded as national security threats due to alleged ties with the Chinese Communist government.

huawei

For those unaware, the US even went as far as to urge its allies to also ban the use of Huawei’s networking equipment when building their 5G networking. Back in 2020, the FCC even blocked the carriers from using money from the FCC managed USF (Universal Service Fund) to buy equipment from Huawei and ZTE made networking equipment. However, the networking equipment from the two Chinese manufacturers are still used by rural carriers if it is sourced by private funds.

Thus, Carr stated that the FCC needs to close these “glaring loophole … It makes no sense to allow that exact same equipment to get purchased and inserted into our communication network as long as federal dollars are not involved.” Similarly, the President Joe Biden appointed temporary FCC Chairman Jessica Rosenworcel has also “long advocated for reforming the equipment authorization process to better ensure security in new network devices and is pleased to see growing support for this idea. The FCC is already working on addressing many of the issues Commissioner Carr spoke about,” as per an FCC spokesperson.

Huawei

Commisioner Carr also stated that the organization should do more to publicize China’s abuse of ethnic and religious minorities. Furthermore, the FCC named five Chinese companies as threats the US national security under a law designed to protect the security of US networks earlier this month. Meanwhile, Huawei announced that “extending the FCC’s evaluation and approval process to prohibit equipment that is already accredited by the FCC is misguided and costly to American companies.”

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realme GT Neo launched with Dimensity 1200 SoC and 120Hz AMOLED display for $274

By
Sudarshan Ravichandran
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Chinese smartphone maker realme has officially launched the realme GT Neo smartphone in its home country. This handset is a more affordable version of the original realme GT that was released earlier this month. Let us take a look at this phone’s specs, features, price, and availability in this article.

realme GT Neo Specifications and Features

The realme GT Neo features a similar design as the standard realme GT. The only major differences between the design of these two devices are the finishes and pattern on the rear panel.

Unlike the realme GT that comes in glass and vegan leather options, the realme GT Neo seems to sport a plastic rear panel. The finish on the latter’s back resembles the one found on the realme 8 and the realme 8 Pro.

That said, the handset measures 158.5 x 73.3 x 8.4mm in dimensions, weighs 179g, and comes in three colors (Final Fantasy, Geek Silver, Hacker Black).

Talking about specs, the main highlight of this product is the presence of MediaTek Dimensity 1200 SoC. In fact, it is the world’s first smartphone to launch with this chipset. The said silicon is coupled with up to 12GB RAM and 256GB UFS 3.1 storage. 

Further, to keep the thermals generated by the chip while performing heavy tasks, the device comes with a 3D tempered VC liquid cooling system. The brand claims that the cooling solution in this phone can reduce the core temperature by up to 15℃.

Another highlight of this handset is its 6.43-inch Samsung Super AMOLED display. This panel has a resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels (FHD+), 120Hz refresh rate, 360Hz touch sampling rate, 91.7% screen-to-body ratio, in-screen fingerprint sensor, and a punch hole at the top left corner for the front-facing camera.

As for photography and videography, the phone sports a triple camera setup consisting of a 64MP Sony IMX682 primary sensor, an 8MP sensor with a 119° ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 2MP sensor with a macro lens. For selfies and video calls, the device features a 16MP shooter.

On the connectivity front, the handset supports dual-SIM 5G, WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.1, GNSS (GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, GALILEO, QZSS), and NFC. It has all the essential sensors, such as an accelerometer, gyroscope, ambient light sensor, compass, and proximity sensor. 

Other features include stereo speakers, Dolby Sound, Hi-Res Audio certification, 3.5mm headphone jack, and USB Type-C port. Unfortunately, the phone lacks a MicroSD card slot.

realme GT Neo Hacker Black Featured

Last but not least, the realme GT Neo runs realme UI 2.0 based on Android 11 and is backed by a 4,500mAh battery with support for 50W charging. However, the device will ship with a 65W fast charger and a transparent case.

realme GT Neo Price and Availability

The newly launched realme GT Neo will retail for the following price tags in China.

  • 6GB + 128GB – ¥1,799 ($274)
  • 8GB + 128GB – ¥1,999 ($305)
  • 12GB + 256GB – ¥2,399 ($366)

The top-end variant (12GB + 256GB) will be available at a discounted price tag of ¥2,299 ($351) during the first sale, which is scheduled to take place on April 8.

As of writing this story, there’s no official word on this smartphone’s international availability.

 

 

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Xiaomi launches the MIJIA Smart Electric Pressure Cooker 5L for ¥399 (~$60)

By
Jed John Ikoba
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Xiaomi is building an ecosystem of smart home gadgets with an array of exciting and innovative products coming from its stable. In the last 48 hours, we have seen the launch of several products ranging from smartphones, PCs, smart wearables, home cleaning equipment, humidifier, to an innovative, next-generation air conditioner, among other exciting, smart home products. These products are part of the company’s broader objective in providing comfort and innovative solutions to primary home challenges.MIJIA Smart Electric Pressure Cooker 5L

The budding Chinese smartphone manufacturer has also launched a user-friendly smart electric cooker with a five-liter pot that can provide quick cooking for various foods. The product dubbed MIJIA Smart Electric Pressure Cooker 5L can cook 20 bowls of rice within a few minutes. It is in fact, an upgrade of the MIJIA Smart Electric Pressure Cooker 2.5L that was launched in December 2020, with the major difference being the size.MIJIA Smart Electric Pressure Cooker 5L

The MIJIA Smart Electric Pressure Cooker is an excellent addition to the home as more people embrace smart home appliances in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic still ravaging the world. The pot of the pressure cooker has dimensions 296mm x 286mm x 288mm. The package comes with two 5-liter inner pots capable of providing cooking for large quantities of food.

The pressure cooker’s multiple inner pots also mean that you can easily switch between cooking two types of food without any hassles. The estimated cooking time using the pressure cooker is significantly reduced and could be as low as 40 minutes or less depending on what is being cooked.MIJIA Smart Electric Pressure Cooker 5L

Xiaomi’s Smart Electric Pressure Cooker 5L is capable of a varied array of temperature and pressure modes that cook the food exactly to your taste specifications. The smart pressure cooker has app support that enables the user to choose from hundreds of recipes and allow one-click cooking.MIJIA Smart Electric Pressure Cooker 5L

The pot has a power rating of 1000W and even though we don’t know the pressure rating, the 2.5L version is capable of hitting a peak pressure of 70kPa. Thus, this version should be higher due to the larger volume.

Like most MIJIA products, the smart electric pressure cooker can also be connected to the Mijia app via WiFi, allowing operations such as mobile phone remote start and appointment. You can also view several recipes from the app.

Xiaomi’s MIJIA Smart Electric Pressure Cooker 5L is now on pre-sale for 399 Yuan (~$60) in China via Jingdong (JD.com). The product will go on sale on April 1.

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Google receives 20 times more data from Android than Apple from iOS: Study

By
Sean
-

Its been known for a while now that iPhones or Android smartphones send user data back to Google or Apple. But now, a new study has revealed that the former receives as much as 20 times more data from Android than the latter from its iOS platform.

Google

According to a ArsTechnica report, researcher Douglas Leith from Trinity College in Ireland provided side by side comparisons that suggests that Google’s Android collects a lot more information than Apple’s iOS. As per Douglas, transmit telemetry data that are sent to the tech giants collect information like whether a user has logged in or has configured privacy settings to opt out of certain options regarding data collection. Both iOS and Android also send data to the companies when a user does simple tasks like inserting a SIM card or browsing the smartphones screen settings and more.

The study also found that even when the device is idle, these devices connects back to its end server on an average of every 4.5 minutes or so. Collecting data and sending it back to these companies are not strictly restricted to just the operating systems and are also a common occurrence from preinstalled apps and services in smartphones. These apps also made connections even when they hadn’t used or opened.

Apple

While, the iOS automatically sent Apple data from Siri, Safari, and iCloud, Android collected data from Chrome, YouTube, Google Docs, Safetyhub, Google Messenger, the device clock, and the Google search bar. Notably, a Google spokesperson has contested these findings and stated that the study was based on faulty methods for measuring the data that’s collected by each OS. The spokesperson added that data collection is a core part of any internet connected device.

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Xiaomi’s MIJIA Portable Juicer can extract 12 cups of juice on a single charge

By
Jed John Ikoba
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Xiaomi recently launched a series of MIJIA-branded portable home appliances on Jingdong Mall in China. One of the products is the MIJIA Portable Juicer and it carries a decent 99 yuan (~$15) price tag.MIJIA Portable Juicer

The juicer cup has a volume of 300mL and is manufactured using a food-contact grade Tritan thickened body. There is also a built-in 1300mAh lithium battery onboard which is said to be capable of extracting 12 cups of juice on a single charge. The rotors can reach a maximum speed of 18,000 rpm. It works for 35 seconds and automatically turns off during which period all the fruits in the container must have been blended. It also comes with multiple safety protection functions.MIJIA Portable Juicer

The Mijia Portable Juicer has a 45W power that can quickly crush the fruits with the 18,000 rpm oscillation helping to separate the juice from the residue. The blend should have less than 6% residue. Further, the juicer utilizes four 304 stainless-steel blades. It also charges via a USB-C interface that can be plugged anywhere.

In addition, the MIJIA Portable Juicer machine is equipped with an IPX6 waterproof rating which ensures that all the parts can be washed under running water. The device also has a self-cleaning capability. This can be activated by adding water and pressing the power button just twice. MIJIA Portable Juicer

Finally, the juicer adopts a 3C digital level charge/discharge and thermal management design. The blender also features the industry’s first double-lock safety switch with triple protection.MIJIA Portable Juicer

The product is presently on pre-sale on Jingdong for 99 yuan ((~$15). It is expected to go on sale on April 2.

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Realme V13 5G with 90Hz screen, Dimensity 700, 48MP triple cameras, 5,000mAh battery launched for 1,599 Yuan (~$244)

By
Anvinraj Valiyathara
-

The Realme V13 5G mid-range phone has gone official with the Realme GT Neo upper mid-range phone in China. After the Realme V11 5G that debuted earlier this year, the V13 5G is the second phone from the brand with Dimensity 700 chipset. The V13 offers users specs like a 90Hz display, up to 256GB of storage, dual SIM 5G support, and a big battery with rapid charging support.

Realme V13 5G specifications and features

The Realme V13 5G has a 6.5-inch IPS LCD punch-hole display that offers an FHD+ resolution, a 90Hz refresh rate, a 180Hz touch sampling rate, and 600nits brightness. It has a side-mounted fingerprint scanner. The handset measures 8.5mm in thickness and weighs only 185 grams. It offers a screen-to-body ratio of 90.5 percent.

Realme V13 5G
Realme V13 5G

The camera module placed on the backside of the Realme V13 5G features a 48-megapixel main snapper, a 2-megapixel depth assist lens, and a 2-megapixel macro camera with a 4cm focal length. It has an 8-megapixel front-facing camera.

The Dimensity 700 chipset is present under the hood of the Realme V13 5G. The SoC is coupled with 8GB of RAM and the phone comes in two storage choices like 128 GB and 256 GB. There is a dedicated microSD card slot onboard for additional storage. It runs on Realme UI 2.0 based Android 11 OS.

Realme V13 5G pricing and availability

The Realme V13 5G is priced at 1,599 Yuan (~$244) for the 128 GB variant and 1,799 Yuan (~$279) for the 256 GB model. It comes in Ash and Azure colors. The first sale of the handset will be carried out on April 2 in China.

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Amazon is developing its own networking chip: Report

By
Sean
-

Amazon is apparently working on a custom silicon chip for its hardware networking switches. These chips will help make the company’s internal infrastructure as well as its AWS (Amazon Web Services).

Amazon Logo

According to TheInformation (Via TheVerge), the chip that the e-commerce giant is reportedly working on, which is the result of its 350 million US Dollar acquisition of Israeli chip making firm, Annapurna Labs, back in 2015. Furthermore, the company working on building the chips for its switches could help it solve bottlenecks and issues in its infrastructure. This would be even more useful if it also makes a custom built software for further optimization.

At the moment, Amazon has been building its own switches, although, it relies on Broadcom for the silicon that powers these chips. Thus, it comes as no surprise that the company seeks to completely control and build its own silicons, especially considering the scale and importance of its web services. Notably, the move from the company might also enable it to offer services that it was previously unable to offer, thanks to the new switches.

Amazon Echo

Unfortunately, this is still an unconfirmed report so take it with a pinch of salt, however, this is not the first time the company made its own custom silicon product. The company has previously partnered with MediaTek to create a chip for its Echo smart speakers, which were to make its Alexa voice assistant respond faster. Hence, it makes sense that the company seek to build its own silicon that powers the backbone of its networking infrastructure.

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Apple iPhone production could face issues due to global chip shortage

By
Jeet
-

Apple iPhone 12 series has become quite popular and the device is in huge demand. This helped the Cupertino-based giant taken on Samsung to become the world’s leading smartphone vendor last year. However, the South Korean giant has now regained the top spot globally, pushing Apple to the second position.

Apple Logo

Now, a new report claims that Apple contract manufacturer Foxconn has said that the shipments for the devices may be decreased by 10 percent due to the on-going global shortage of chipsets. But Foxconn Chairman Liu Yangwei has said that the company is “cautiously optimistic” about the outlook for the rest of the year.

For those who are unaware, Foxconn is responsible for assembling iPhone models for Apple. In the statement, the company has not mentioned Apple but it is the company’s biggest client. The company has stated that it “has a rather limited impact on orders received a long time ago.”

Foxconn expects the shortage to continue into the second quarter of 2022. While Apple’s resources are better than other companies plagued by chip shortages, the company may face troubles if the chip problems continue.

In related news, Apple supplier Wistron has resumed iPhone production in its factory located in India. A few months ago, the company was placed on probation by the iPhone maker, after violence had struck its facility in India.

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Samsung Galaxy Watch4 and Galaxy Watch Active4 could come in two sizes and cellular variant

By
Sudarshan Ravichandran
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Last month, news broke out that Samsung could ditch its homegrown Tizen operating system for Google Wear OS on its upcoming smartwatches called Galaxy Watch4 and Galaxy Watch Active4. A few weeks later, another report said that these wearables could go official in Q2 2021 itself. Now, even more information about these watches emerges on the web.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 Titanium Featured
Samsung Galaxy Watch3

A couple of days back, Max Weinbach of Android Police found references to Samsung’s next TWS called Galaxy Buds2 in the latest version of the Galaxy Wearable application. At the same time, he had even spotted a few details regarding the forthcoming Galaxy Watches, which he shared on Twitter (via SamMobile) on that day itself.

According to Max’s findings, the Galaxy Watch4 and the Galaxy Watch Active4 are codenamed Fresh and Wise respectively. Both of these wearables will be available in two sizes and in Bluetooth as well as cellular variants.

  • Samsung Galaxy Watch4 (Fresh)

    • Sizes: 41mm, 45mm
    • Variants: Bluetooth, Cellular

  • Samsung Galaxy Watch Active4 (Wise)

    • Sizes: 40mm, 44mm
    • Variants: Bluetooth, Cellular

Lastly, he also found that Samsung is referring Wear OS compatibility layer as ‘Water’ and the chipsets powering these smartwatches as ‘Merlot’.

Unfortunately, nothing else is known about these wearables except for the fact that they could arrive with blood sugar monitoring feature, as per a report from January.

 

 

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Boston Dynamics unveils Stretch, a warehouse logistics robot that can lift boxes

By
Jed John Ikoba
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US-based robotics manufacturer Boston Dynamics has released yet another robot to enhance logistics in the warehouse. The company claims its new robot called Stretch is very efficient and versatile, making it possible to deploy it to warehouses without installing additional automation infrastructure. According to Boston Dynamics, the Stretch robot can move boxes in the warehouse at an estimated throughput rate of 800 packages per hour.Boston Dynamics Stretch

The design of Stretch is a bit different from several of the previous logistics robots produced by Boston Dynamics since 2019 when it acquired Kinema Systems. It has a square mobile base, a set of wheels for navigation around its environment, a perception mast fitted with cameras and sensors to aid the robot’s intelligent movement. The Stretch robot also has massive robotic arms with seven degrees of freedom and a suction pad system that enables it to lift loads up to 23kg securely. The carrying capacity of the Stretch looks minimal, as it cannot deal with heavy loads, which are common.

According to Michael Perry, VP of Business Development at Boston Dynamics, the robot can provide automation in environments that do not have automation infrastructure. It does not need additional tracks or other infrastructure for it to navigate seamlessly across the warehouse. The Stretch comes with a battery system that can power the robot for eight hours on a full charge. The robot can also be tethered to the mains electricity supply with ease.Boston Dynamics Stretch

Boston Dynamics is yet to put a price tag on the new robot. Its affordability may be a driving force that could encourage customers seeking an inexpensive and straightforward automation solution to their logistics problems. It remains to be seen how the robot will perform in the planned pilot scheme by Boston Dynamics to test the robot. The pilot run will precede the eventual commercial deployment of the Stretch robot in 2022.

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Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G launched in India; Specifications, features, and price

By
Anvinraj Valiyathara
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Last year in September, Samsung launched the Galaxy S20 FE smartphone in India. It was a 4G version powered by the Exynos 990 chipset. Today, the company unveiled the Galaxy S20 FE 5G powered by the Snapdragon 865 in India.

Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G price in India

The Galaxy S20 FE 5G has arrived in India with a price tag of Rs 55,999 (~$763) for the 8GB RAM + 128GB storage variant. People who are looking forward to purchasing it early with an introductory price of Rs 47,999 (~$654). The sale of the S20 FE 5G begins today through Samsung India’s online shop, Amazon India, and offline retailers from today.

The S20 FE 5G comes in colors like Cloud Navy, Cloud Lavender, and Cloud Mint. At present, the Galaxy S20 FE is selling in India with a price tag of Rs 44,999 (~$613).

Galaxy S20 FE
Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G

Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G specifications and features

The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G has a 6.5-inch flat AMOLED screen with an Infinity-O display design. The 120Hz display panel supports a Full HD+ resolution and it features an in-screen fingerprint scanner.

For selfies and video calls, the Galaxy S20 FE offers users a 32-megapixel front-facing camera. The back panel of the phone features a triple camera system that consists of an OIS-assisted 12-megapixel main camera, an 8-megapixel telephoto sensor with OIS and 3x optical zoom support, and a 12-megapixel ultrawide lens with a 123-degree FOV.

The Snapdragon 865 chipset powers the Galaxy S20 FE with 8 GB of RAM. The phone offers users 128 GB / 256 GB of UFS 3.1 storage and a shared SIM slot for adding a microSD card. It comes preloaded with Android 11 OS and One UI 3.1. It is backed by a 4,500mAh battery that carries support for 25W fast charging, 15W wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging.

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Google Maps gets a new Live View AR feature that guides through indoor spaces

By
Jeet
-

Google has announced several new features coming to the Google Maps application. One of the interesting features coming to the app is the ability to help you find your way through indoor spaces like airports, malls, and train stations using augmented reality.

The new Google Maps feature, called Live View AR, overlays digital guides on top of the real world to provide directions as you look through your phone’s display. So, if you are in an airport, just search for what you’re looking for in Google Maps, and the markers will guide you with arrows and other digital indicators.

Google Maps Live View AR

The Live View feature was first launched for Android and iPhone in 2019 but was initially limited outdoors directions. The feature can be accessed by searching for something in Google maps on your phone, tapping “Directions” and then, when available, tapping the “Live View” option next to “Start.”

This new feature called Live View AR is first rolling out in some malls in Chicago, Long Island, New York, Los Angeles, Newark, New Jersey, San Francisco, San Jose, California, and Seattle. In the coming months, it will also launch in airports, malls, and transit stations in Tokyo and Zurich. Other cities and locations will also eventually support the feature.

The company says that it will roll out other features in an update to Google Maps in the coming months, which includes air quality information, integration with grocery stores for curbside pickup, and an option to select the most eco-friendly route when driving.

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Alleged OPPO Reno6 spotted with 65W charger at 3C certification

By
Anvinraj Valiyathara
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A couple of weeks back, a tipster had shared a few key pieces of information about an upcoming OPPO phone with a PEPM00 model number. The handset has now received certification from the 3C authority of China. It is speculated that this device will break cover as the OPPO Reno6 in China.

The 3C appearance of the smartphone has only revealed two things about the OPPO PEPM00 smartphone. First, it is a 5G phone and the second thing is that it may ship with a 65W fast charger.

OPPO Reno6 3C

According to a previous leak by a tipster, the OPPP PEPM00 will feature an OLED screen with a punch-hole positioned at the top-left corner. The screen will carry support for up to 90Hz refresh rate.

The Reno6 is speculated to feature the Dimensity 1200 chipset and 8 GB of RAM. It may offer users built-in storage of 128 GB. The handset will come loaded with ColorOS 11.1 based Android 11 OS. There is no word on the battery capacity of the Reno6. A recent report claimed that OPPO may add support for 30W wireless charging to the Reno6 series of smartphones.

OPPO is also working on another phone with a PENM00 model number. It is expected to arrive with Snapdragon 870 SoC. This handset may break cover as the OPPO Reno6 Pro. However, contradictory reports also claimed that it could be an Ace series smartphone.

In related news, OPPO is gearing up to launch the OPPO F19 smartphone in Asian markets like Sri Lanka and India. So far, reports have revealed that it has a sleek body, a 5,000mAh battery, and a 48-megapixel triple camera system. It could be priced under Rs 20,000 (~$272).

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TSMC rumored to increase price by 25 percent; could lead to increased smartphone pricing

By
Jeet
-

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), the world’s leading contract chipset manufacturer, was recently rumored to increase its pricing by 15 percent because of the on-going chip shortage.

However, the first quarter of the year is about the end and the company has not yet raised the pricing. But a new report coming from United News claims that TSMC could raise the price of its 12-inch wafers by $400.

TSMC Logo

This could result in a 25 percent price hike which will be an all-time high record. It’s noteworthy that the company has shifted to 5nm process nodes for the chipsets, making them more powerful and energy-efficient.

During the second half of next year, a Taiwan-based company is expected to start shipping 3nm chips. The next-generation process node is forecast to deliver 25%-30% more power and 10% to 15% more performance at the same power levels.

Because of the strong demand for the chips and low supply, TSMC has walked back the discounts that it offered to its customers. But the company is facing other situations that are beyond its control and adds to the company’s expenses.

A lack of rain has created a serious water shortage and the city where TSMC is based received only half the amount of rain in 2020 compared to the previous year. This has forced the company to arrange for water tankers at its facilities.

If TSMC decides to hike wafer prices by 25 percent and cancel the previously negotiated deals with the companies, the smartphone makers could end up shelling more money than they budgeted for and that cost can be passed to the customers.

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Realme 8 5G emerges at FCC with key details, likely to launch soon

By
Anvinraj Valiyathara
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After building hype for a couple of weeks, the Realme 8 and Realme 8 Pro smartphones went official in India last week. The company has already confirmed that it will be soon announcing a 5G version of the Realme 8 5G. It appears that the smartphone may launch as early as next month as it has bagged approval from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the U.S.

The Realme RMX3241 was recently seen with Realme 8 5G moniker at Thailand’s NBTC certification. It has also appeared at the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) in India. Both certifications did not reveal any information on its specifications. However, the FCC appearance has spilled some of its key details.

The FCC listing reveals that Realme RMX3241 measures 162.5 x 74.8 x 8.5mm and it weighs 185 grams. The phone runs on Realme UI V2.0 and it is powered by a 5,000mAh battery. Some of the connectivity features supported by the handset include Wi-fi 802.11ac, GPS, GLONASS, BDS, NFC, and 5G.

A rear schematic of the Realme 8 5G, which was found in the FCC documents revealed that it has a side-mounted fingerprint scanner. The left edge of the phone features volume up and down buttons.

Realme India CEO Madhav Sheth had said in the past week, “We will have a Realme 8 5G version soon (but not so early). We have to understand that adding 5G with these features will incur additional costs.” This indicates that the handset may break cover by the end of April. It is speculated that the handset will be priced between Realme 8 and Realme 8 Pro that is priced at Rs 14,999 (~$204) and Rs 17,999 (~$285), respectively.

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A new version of the Mi Box S has been certified by the FCC

By
Habeeb Onawole
-

It appears Xiaomi has a new Android TV-powered Mi Box coming soon according to a listing published by the FCC today. The new streaming device is believed to be the successor to the Mi Box S that was announced in October 2018 but there is a chance it isn’t.

First reported by 9to5Google, this newly certified Mi Box has the model number MDZ-22-AG which is nearly identical to the MDZ-22-AB model number of the 2018 version. The images attached to the FCC documents also revealed that it has the same design as the Mi Box S but comes with a slightly different remote.

In addition, the images of the internals show that this new Mi Box has the same old Amlogic S905-H quad-core processor that powers the original Mi Box and the Mi Box S. There is also a copy of the user manual that says that the device is called Mi Box S. Based on these, we do not think this is a successor to the Mi Box S.

The photos show the same old black box design with the ports at the back. You get an audio output port, an HDMI port, a full-sized USB port, and a power input jack. The remote has the same button arrangement, save for the Netflix Button which is now white, and a button for Prime Video that replaces the Live TV button from the previous version.

According to the user manual, the remote will be powered by two AAA batteries that will be included in the box along with the HDMI cable and a power adapter.

At the moment, we do not know if there will be an official announcement for this new Mi Box S or if it will silently replace the old model. Once we have more details, we will let you know.

 

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TCL Mobile schedules a global event for April 14

By
Habeeb Onawole
-

Just like this month, April may also be packed full of new product launches and announcements. Amongst those who will be announcing new products next month is TCL Mobile.

A tweet by Brad Molen, the communications manager for TCL Mobile, reveals that the Chinese manufacturer will have a global event on April 14 where it will unveil the “next generation of TCL Mobile”. The event will be live-streamed on YouTube and it will begin at 11:00 EST/16:00 GT/17:00 CEST.

While the tweet doesn’t say which products will be launching, we expect some of them will include the rest of the TCL 20 series. Back in January, TCL had announced the TCL 20 series but of the five phones in the series, only the TCL 20 5G and TCL 20 SE were launched and available for purchase. The other three which are the TCL 20 Pro 5G, the TCL 20L, and the TCL 20S were scheduled for a later release this year.

We also expect the manufacturer to announce non-mobile products at the event.

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Google has a new document scanner app with AI features and biometric security

By
Habeeb Onawole
-

Google has a new document scanner app that automatically categorizes your scanned documents. Stack, as it is called, also has a security feature that allows you to lock your documents which can then be accessed with your fingerprint or via face unlock.

Stack is the new product out of Google’s Area 120, its workshop for experimental products that are designed to solve everyday problems. Some of Area 120’s products include Google News, the Cardboard VR headset, and Grasshopper, an app that teaches you how to code using quizzes.

Stack app

The new app borrows the technology that powers Google’s DocAI enterprise tool which is used for document analysis. The Verge reports that Stack was built by Christopher Pedregal and Matthew Cowan who built the Socratic educational app now owned by Google.

By using Google’s biometric authentication built into Android, Slack can allow uses lock documents that can then be accessed using a registered fingerprint or face. The AI features will automatically sort scanned files and documents into different categories. It can also identify key information on a scanned document such as a due date for a bill, amount to be paid, or an account number. Users can also search through scanned documents to find information they need.

Becuase Slack is an experimental app, there is a possibility that Google may kill it if it doesn’t catch on. They may also integrate it into an existing app or service. However, this looks like an app that several users will find useful.

At the moment, Stack seems to be only available to those in the US via the Play Store. However, if you can grab the APK from a trusted source, you can sideload it to see if it works.

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Deal: Xiaomi’s Mi Band 6 is available on Giztop for just $49.99

By
Simranpal Singh
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In a massive launch event held yesterday, Xiaomi launched a plethora of new products. Xiaomi unveiled products in various categories ranging from smartphones to fitness trackers. The brand launched 3 new smartphones under the Mi 11 moniker, namely Mi 11 Ultra, Mi 11 Lite, and the Mi 11 Pro. Along with these smartphones, the brand launched the newest addition to the Mi Band family, the Mi Band 6. The smart wearable was launched in China as well as the global markets. The Mi Band 6 on sale at Giztop for 49.99 USD. mi band 6
Must See:  Xiaomi Mi Smart Band 6 with 1.56-inch AMOLED display, SpO2 sensor launched, starts at 229 yuan($35)
Giztop is selling the Mi Band 6 non-NFC version for USD 49.99, while the NFC variant will set you back by another 10 USD. The variant available for purchase is the Chinese version. Interested buyers can purchase from Giztop at an exciting price.

Mi Band 6 Specifications

Just like its predecessor, the Mi Band 6 also sports an AMOLED display, albeit, bigger at 1.39″. The huge 1.39″ display features a resolution of  152×486 pixels. This amounts to a pixel density of around 326 PPI. The smart wearable’s display can reach up to 450 nits of brightness. On the software front, Mi Band 6 supports 130+ watch faces out of the box to meet user’s customization needs. However, as of now, the global version will support around 60+ watch faces. Xiaomi has partnered with SpongeBob to bring various animated watch faces and bands to go with Mi Band 6. The smart band comes with support for up to 30 various exercising modes ranging from outdoor cycling, indoor cycling, running, and elliptical training, among others. It comes with Sp02 and PPG Heart rate monitoring which is quite useful in current times. Apart from these features, the band also provides in-depth sleep tracking, health tracking for females, and the popular PAI assistant. All this is powered by a 125 LiPo battery, which provides a claimed battery life of up to 14 days. However, features such as active heart rate monitoring might hamper the claimed battery life. The band also comes with a 5 ATM water resistance rating. Therefore, if this latest wearable catches your fancy, you can buy the Mi Band 6 from Giztop.

MIJIA Pure Smart Humidifier Pro packing an OLED display delivers sterile humid air

By
Jed John Ikoba
-

Xiaomi didn’t just launch the much-anticipated MIX Fold smartphone today, the company also updated its smart home product lineup with the unveiling of a new humidifier dubbed MIJIA Pure Smart Humidifier Pro. This is in addition to the MIJIA Fresh Air Air Conditioner, MIJIA Robot Vacuum Cleaner Pro. The humidifier adopts an affordable price tag of 799 yuan (~$121).

MIJIA Pure Smart Humidifier Pro
MIJIA Pure Smart Humidifier Pro

The MIJIA Pure Smart Humidifier Pro packs a built-in 5L water tank and is capable of humidification at the rate of 600mL/h.  Thus, it can increase the humidity of a bedroom in just 10 minutes. The humidifier adopts a cone shape design with an OLED display at the top which allows the user to check the room temperature and the water volume inside the tank.MIJIA Pure Smart Humidifier Pro

At present, the cheaper humidifiers on the market use ultrasonic humidification. If tap water is added, the calcium and magnesium elements in the water will be sprayed into the air, causing the PM2.5 level in the air to increase. Thus, you can only use pure water on those models. However, the MIJIA Pure Smart Humidifier Pro simulates natural water evaporation.MIJIA Pure Smart Humidifier Pro

In addition, it comes with three advanced antibacterial technology which includes;

  • It uses Ultraviolet light to sterilizes bacteria in the water and humidifies healthier.
  • The suspended silver ion antibacterial filter element can efficiently filter dust and adsorb impurities.
  • The air-drying technology of the filter element reduces the problem of mold and bacteria breeding on the filter element. ​​​​

Thanks to these features, the sterilization and antibacterial rates of the device are said to be as high as 99%. MIJIA Pure Smart Humidifier Pro

The MIJIA Pure Smart Humidifier Pro will be launched for crowdfunding at 0:00 on April 2. After the crowdfunding exercise, the retail price will return to 899 yuan (~$136).

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