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Microsoft Surface Duo to launch in Europe and Canada on Feb. 18; gets $400 off in the US

The Surface Duo launched back in August 2020 but it has been exclusive to the USA. That changes next week as Microsoft plans to announce it in a handful of new markets. Ahead of this wider release, Microsoft has also slashed the price of the device by a significant amount in the US.

Microsoft Surface Duo Featured

Microsoft will launch the dual-screen device in Canada, France, Germany, and the UK on February 18 reports The Verge. The Surface Duo will be sold for €1,549 in Germany and £1,349 in the UK. Buyers in the UK will be able to grab it at the official Microsoft Store and Currys PC World.

Looking at the above prices, one can’t help but feel sad knowing that the Surface Duo has gotten a $400 price cut in the US. So it sells for $999 instead of $1,399 for the base model with 128GB of storage and $1,099 instead of $1,499 for the 256GB version.

The Surface Duo is a dual-screen device that opens like a small notebook. It has a 360-degree hinge that allows it to be opened completely backward, allowing the user to use one of the two screens. When opened, the two AMOLED displays have a combined size of 8.1-inches with a resolution of 2700 x 1080. Each display measures 5.6-inches and has a resolution of 1800 x 1350.

There is a Snapdragon 855 processor inside the device with 6GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB of non-expandable storage. There is a single 11MP camera on the device, a side-mounted fingerprint scanner, a nano-SIM slot, and an eSIM. Its battery capacity is 3577mAh and it supports 18W fast charging.

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OPPO Find X3 Pro appears on IMDA and HTML5test websites

OPPO is expected to launch the OPPO Find X3 Pro flagship smartphone in March. Ahead of its official announcement, this handset is in the news for the past few days, thanks to multiple leaks and certifications. Now, it has been spotted on one more organization and testing platform.

OPPO Find X3 Pro white promo

The upcoming OPPO Find X3 Pro with model number CPH2173 has been now certified by IMDA (Infocomm Media Development Authority). Hence, this smartphone could launch in Singapore like most OPPO phones.

This certification does not reveal much except that the handset will come with 5G, WiFi, Bluetooth, NFC, and WPT (Wireless Power Transfer). 

Additionally, the phone has been spotted on HTML5test as well. It reveals the device to run Android 11 (ColorOS 11.x), which is obvious for a high-end smartphone releasing in the first half of 2021.

According to previous reports, the forthcoming OPPO Find X3 Pro will flaunt a 6.7-inch curved OLED display with a resolution of 1440 x 3216 pixels and a 10Hz to 120Hz refresh rate. Other aspects of this screen include 10-bit color depth and 525 ppi.

OPPO Find X3 Pro render

As for optics, this handset will come equipped with a quad-camera setup consisting of a 50MP Sony IMX766 primary sensor with a wide-angle lens, another  50MP Sony IMX766 sensor with an ultra-wide-angle lens, a 13MP sensor with a 2x optical lens, and a 3MP sensor with a macro sensor that supports up to 25x zoom.

Other features of this phone will include a 4,500mAh battery, 65W fast wired charging, 30W wireless charging, Qualcomm Snapdragon 888, 12GB RAM, and three colors (Black, White, Blue).

 

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Xiaomi crowdfunds the Midian Zero Blue Music Atmosphere Light packing a Bluetooth speaker

In May last year, Xiaomi crowdfunded the Midian Zero Blue Light Bedside Lamp which was touted to be the “world’s first zero blue light bedside lamp”. The lamp is the product of research by scientists from the Chinese Academy of Sciences of Nanchang University.

Since then, the team has manufactured a couple of more lamps that are on sale on the Youpin platform. The bar has now been taken higher with the launch under crowdfunding of a “zero-blu-ray” bedside lamp integrated with a Bluetooth speaker.

Just like successive Midian products, the lamp uses a high-efficiency yellow LED as the core and red LED to achieve a phosphor-free, low color temperature pure LED light source. The light doesn’t hurt the eyes and aid users to sleep well. Midian Zero Blue Music Atmosphere Light

The light source of the Midian Zero Blue Music Atmosphere Light belongs to the long-wavelength band in the spectrum. The color temperature ranges from 1700K-1900K, without short-wave blue light, and the light color is soft and comfortable, improving sleep quality.

In recent times anti-blu-ray displays and light have gained prominence. This is due to the effect of blue light on the eyes. The blue light component affects the activity of retinal cells, inhibits the secretion of human gun melanin. Midian Zero Blue Music Atmosphere Light

In terms of design, this model is more compact than the previous version, with a design that looks like a lantern. There is a light gauze covering the yellow halo and soft light to create a comfortable bedroom atmosphere.

The Bluetooth speaker can be turned on and off via a single button on the body making it possible to listen to soft music which will help users drift to sleep. Further, the lamp can be connected to a smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth. It also supports the MIJIA app and has four different modes that can be selected via the app. Users can also set the daily wake-up time and even choose to have a piece of soft music played in the background right from the app.

The Midian Zero Blue Music Atmosphere Light is presently up for crowdfunding on the Youpin platform and carries a price tag of 249 yuan (~$38). It is available in Smoky gray and amber colors.

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Google Pixel 5 scores 13 points less than Vivo X51 5G in DXOMARK display test

DXOMARK, famous for camera reviews, has also been testing Displays of Smartphones lately. Currently, the crown of their rankings is held by Galaxy Note 20 Ultra of Samsung. The latest entrant into the list is the Google Pixel 5 but it is nowhere near the 2020 flagship rivals and even devices like the Vivo X51 5G.

According to the report, Google Pixel 5 gets an overall score of 74 on the DXOMARK Display test. To compare, the Exynos version of Galaxy Note 20 Ultra of 2020 had scored about 89 points back in August. Later, the Snapdragon Version scored a point more and is currently at the top with 90 points.

If this isn’t enough, it scores even lesser than the Vivo X51 5G that launched around the same time in Europe. This device also has an FHD+ AMOLED panel with a 90Hz refresh rate like the Pixel 5.

Google made a transition in the Pixel lineup of smartphones with the launch of Pixel 5. The device came with a mid-range Snapdragon 765G 5G chipset while its predecessor featured the flagship Snapdragon 855 chipset.

However, DisplayMate had rated the Google Pixel 4XL as a phone with the best display and an A+ rating. Hence, naturally, one would expect that a successor, with a 90Hz OLED and a premium $699 price, should have similar quality.

That said, as mentioned above, its display performs lower when compared to Vivo X51 5G(87 points) with a similar display and the Same Snapdragon 765G chipset. The Pixel 5 is 13 points behind the Vivo’s counterpart.

Coming back, DXOMARK says that Google Pixel 5 performs poorly in the readability and video department. Although it has Pros like Ambient Light adoption, Good Touch accuracy, videos without frame drops/judders, the Cons are quite a bit more.

First, in low light scenarios, the display’s light levels seem to be lower. Also, the readability quotient to enhance lighting under sunlight seems to alter the color of images too much. Some other cons include low luminance and contrast while watching videos, stutters during Games, Slower light transitions.

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Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 series Mystic Navy and 512GB variant now available for pre-order

The Galaxy Tab S7 and Galaxy Tab S7 Plus launched in Mystic Black, Mystic Bronze, and Mystic Silver. Now, Samsung has added a fourth colorway called Mystic Navy and you can pre-order it right now before it launches next week. The two tablets can also now be purchased in a new configuration with 512GB storage.

Galaxy Tab S7 in Mystic Navy

The new color variant is similar to the Galaxy S20 FE‘s Cloud Navy variant and it is available for both the Galaxy Tab S7 and Galaxy Tab S7 Plus. However, you can’t get it in all the configurations. Below are the available configurations you can pick up the new colorway:

Galaxy Tab S7

  • 128GB
  • 256GB

Galaxy Tab S7 Plus

  • 128GB
  • 256GB

Samsung is offering up to $130 in discounts and $30 in Samsung Credit when you pre-order the new color from its US website. The 512GB version of the two tablets is also available for pre-order but it can only be purchased in Mystic Black and Mystic Bronze.

The Galaxy Tab S7 has an 11.0-inch 2560 x 1600 display with a 120Hz refresh rate. The Galaxy Tab S7+ has a bigger 12.4-inch screen with a higher resolution at 2800 x 1752 and a 120Hz refresh rate. Its display is also Super AMOLED and not LCD as you have on the standard version.

Both tablets are powered by the Snapdragon 865+ processor with up to 8GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. On the back of the two tablets is a 13MP + 5MP dual-camera setup while the front-facing camera is an 8MP sensor. You get a side-mounted fingerprint scanner and an 8000mAh battery on the standard version while the plus model has an in-display fingerprint scanner and a 100090mAh battery capacity. Both support 45W fast wired charging, have quad speakers, and come with a stylus.

 

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Viomi Alpha 1C Robot Vacuum with mopping and dust collection functions launched

Xiaomi‘s ecological chain company Viomi has launched a new IoT product. This time around, it is a robot vacuum cleaner with mopping and dust collection functions. The product dubbed Viomi Alpha 1C Robot Vacuum cleaner is a three-in-one product whose functions encompass sweeping, mopping, and dust collection.  Viomi Alpha 1C Robot Vacuum cleaner

The Viomi Alpha 1C Robot Vacuum cleaner adopts the automatic dust collection 2.0 system. When the sweeper completes the cleaning work, it will automatically return to the dust collection base to charge. Apart from charging the device, the dust collection base is where the vacuum cleaner empty the dust collected via an airport where both are connected seamlessly. After connecting, the dust collector will suck the garbage collected in the sweeper into the dust bag.

The dust bag has a large capacity of 3L, which can meet a one-month service cycle. The dust bag is disposable so you just need to throw it away when it is full.Viomi Alpha 1C Robot Vacuum cleaner

Further, the robot vacuum’s mopping function can help destroy bacterial DNA molecules and effectively kill bacteria. Its UV sterilization rate is 99.99%, with the ability to kill germs such as E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and other bacteria.

The Viomi dust collecting robot vacuum supports AI smart eye laser mapping, can set sweeping restricted areas, naming rooms, sweeping and dragging designated rooms on time, and so on.

In terms of performance, the Alpha 1C uses a Japanese silent brushless motor and has 2500Pa high suction power, capable of sucking in steel balls. The robot vacuum cleaner packs a mammoth 5200mAh battery, with a battery life of up to 3.6 hours, and a clean area of ​​320 square meters at a time.Viomi Alpha 1C Robot Vacuum cleaner

The vacuum’s water tank uses a micro-electrically controlled water pump, which can precisely control the water speed and water volume so as not to damage the floor. There are 3 levels of water volume and 3 modes for users to choose from. As a smart device, it also supports voice control of XiaoAI speakers.

The Viomi Alpha 1C Robot Vacuum carries a price tag of 3299 yuan ($510) and is presently on sale on Jingdong (JD.com).

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NASA to deploy Fitbit to help fight COVID-19 among its employees and astronauts

Despite the rampaging COVID-19 pandemic, NASA still intends to continue its space missions. Fitbit has announced a pilot scheme with the US space agency that involves the distribution of 1,000 Fitbit smart wearable devices to the staff of the agency including about 150 astronauts. The goal of the program is to establish whether indeed these devices significantly contribute to keeping personnel safe and healthy in the face of the novel coronavirus pandemic.Fitbit Versa 2

It is very important that the team who make up the agency are kept safe and healthy, especially mission-critical personnel. The selected crew members will have a Fitbit smart wearable device on them, while a daily check-in app will assist them to record vital data that could indicate potential symptoms of COVID-19, as well as several other health and fitness metrics. The trajectory of these vital daily readings could help to identify a potential coronavirus case and mitigate the impact through isolation and rapid treatment.

The data generated from the device, in addition to data logged by users will help the app to identify minute changes in your body system that could be an early warning sign of COVID-19. Under such circumstances, users will be notified by the app to either isolate or go to work. It can also advise on getting tested to have a definitive status of the virus.

It is expected that the Fitbit pilot program will further enhance safety protocols already put in place to ensure that employees are kept safe and healthy and astronauts are guaranteed as healthy prior to any space mission, so as not to jeopardize the mission.

In the height of the pandemic, smartwatches are increasingly becoming important devices that could help to identify a potential case of Covid-19 even several days before observable symptoms become visible. A recent study using Apple smartwatches revealed an ability to identify a patient who is likely to develop. Fitbit has also done similar work, in collaboration with others and hopes the results from the pilot program will help in fighting and preventing covid-19.

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Samsung Galaxy M62 could launch in India as its support page goes live in the country

Samsung is expected to launch a number of smartphones in the coming days. One of these phones is Galaxy M62. This device is in the news since November 2020. Before its official announcement, the handset’s support page has gone live on Samsung India’s website.

Samsung Galaxy M62 Live Image Leak Featured
Alleged Galaxy M62 Chassis (Source: 91Mobiles)

According to multiple certifications and leaks, the upcoming Galaxy M62 with model number SM-M625F is rumored to be a rebadged version of Galaxy F62 that has a model number SM-E625F.

The latter has been confirmed to launch in India next week on February 15. Hence, it is interesting to know that Galaxy M62 will also be debuting in India as its support page is now live in the country.

Further, it is worth noting that the first Galaxy F series smartphone, known as Galaxy F41 in India, is also sold as Galaxy M21s in Brazil. Both of them are basically the same device with no difference and hence, the latter did not launch in India.

On the other hand, since both Galaxy F62 and Galaxy M62 will be available in India, there’s a high chance that this duo could be similar to recent Redmi and POCO smartphones. Anyway, there’s no concrete proof for this theory yet, and therefore, consider this speculation with a pinch of salt.

As far as specs are concerned, the Galaxy M62 is expected to come with Exynos 9825 SoC, 6GB RAM, up to 256GB of internal storage, 4G, dual-band WiFi, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, 3.5mm headphone jack, USB Type-C, Android 11, 7,000mAh battery, and 25W fast charging.

 

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(Via)

OnwardMobility, the new BlackBerry licensee, plans to bring BlackBerry phones to Asia

Last year, a new BlackBerry licensee called OnwardMobility announced that it will release new BlackBerry phones this year that will have 5G support. A new report says the American company has plans to bring the new BlackBerry phones to the Asian market too.

BlackBerry 5G smartphone

The press release from OnwardMobility last year said that their first BlackBerry phone will be announced in Europe and North America. Asian fans of the brand must have been saddened seeing as they were left out. However, that is not the case as Nikkei Asia reports that the new BlackBerry phones from the company will also be announced in Asia.

Peter Franklin who heads OnwardMobility is reported to have said that Asia is also a very important market. The manufacturer doesn’t have a defined timeframe for when the phones will launch in Asia but the CEO said they are in the “process of speaking to customers and mobile carriers on a global scale to develop our distribution plan”.

The first BlackBerry phone from the company will have a physical keyboard, a flagship camera, and 5G connectivity, and it is being jointly developed with Foxconn’s FIH Mobile. Franklin has said that their long term goal is to have their phones assembled in the USA.

He believes that there is still a market for BlackBerry phones and that their smartphones which will have a physical keyboard “can help boost productivity”. It appears the company has no intention of making a touchscreen-only model like the Optiemus-made BlackBerry Evolve and BlackBerry Evolve X or the TCL-made BlackBerry Motion.

The much-loved form factor is not the only thing the company is bringing. The phones will also provide protection against data leaks and online threats. OnwardMobility says they will partner with an external cybersecurity company for this.

The smartphone market is a highly competitive one. OnwardMobility will have to offer products that can compete with phones from Samsung, Apple, Xiaomi, and OnePlus. It does have the advantage as none of these other players make phones with a physical keyboard but it remains to be seen if that and the better security it promises will be able to woo customers.

 

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TCL P-Series with Android 11 TV OS to launch soon in India, could be P725 4K HDR TV

Back at CES 2021, TCL showcased a lot of new Technologies including a rollable OLED smartphone. At the event, the company also introduced a range of mini-LED tech and other 4K HDR TVs. One among them is the P-Series of Smart TVs. Now, TCL has reportedly said that it is bringing this to India soon.

TCL 4K HDR TV P725

General Manager TCL India, Mike Chen says the company is excited to bring the latest offerings that were showcased recently at CES. For the unware, TCL introduced three new TVs at CES 2021- 4K Mini LED TV C825, 4K QLED TV C725, TCL 4K HDR TV P725. Out of this, the 4K HDR P725 TV is likely to debut in India.

Also, the TV will reportedly be the first Smart TVs in India to run the latest Android 11 TV OS. Talking about the TV itself, it has a millimeter-thin metallic trim design. It supports Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos technologies for dynamic motion imageries and immersive audio.

Additionally, there is  MEMC(Motion Estimation, Motion Compensation) for frame enhancement. In case you don’t know, MEMC is typically a frame interpolation technology. It adds extra frames in between(for eg. 24-30fps converted to 60fps) for smooth transition between scenes.

The 4K HDR TV will also support other features like DTS decoding tech, Voice Assistant Integration, Hands-Free Voice Control 2.0, set reminders, and more.  The TVs are expected to debut soon in India with aggressive price tags.

In addition to TV tech, TCL also announced TCL NXTPAPER, TAB 10s tablets, and MOVEAUDIO S600 TWS earbuds at CES 2021.

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Samsung Galaxy A52 (5G), Galaxy A72 to come with up to 120Hz refresh rate displays

The specifications of the upcoming Samsung Galaxy A52 and Galaxy A72 smartphones have surfaced through multiple leaks. Both phones are expected to arrive in 4G and 5G versions. A fresh report by Sammobile reveals that the Galaxy A52 and Galaxy A72 will be Samsung’s first mid-range phones to arrive with high refresh rate displays.

Samsung has been offering high refresh rate screens mainly on its flagship smartphones. While competitor brands have switched to 90Hz / 120Hz screens for their midrange phones, Samsung’s mid-tier offerings that are available in the market have 60Hz displays. It appears that midrange phones arriving after the A52 and A72 may also feature high refresh rate screens.

Samsung Galaxy A52 5G and Galaxy A72 5G leaked renders
Samsung Galaxy A52 5G (left) and Galaxy A72 5G (right) leaked renders by Evan Blass

According to the report, the Galaxy A52 4G and Galaxy A72 4G that are rumored to be powered by the Snapdragon 720G will support 90Hz displays. The Galaxy A52 5G which is speculated to be fueled by the Snapdragon 750G will feature a 120Hz screen. The report does not specifically say whether the Galaxy A72 5G will support a 120Hz refresh rate.

The Galaxy A52 5G is expected to come with specs like a 6.5-inch S-AMOLED FHD+ Infinity-O display, SD750G chip, 6 GB / 8 GB of RAM, 128 GB / 256 GB of internal storage, One UI 3.1 flavored Android 11 OS, a 4,500mAh battery with 25W fast charging, a 32-megapixel front camera, and a 64-megapixel + 12-megapixel (ultrawide) + 5-megapixel (macro) + 5-megapixel (depth) quad-camera system.

Past reports have revealed that the Galaxy A72 5G will be a larger version of the A52 5G. It is expected to house a 6.7-inch S-AMOLED FHD+ Infinity-O screen and a 5,000mAh battery. It may feature OIS support for the main camera. The Galaxy A52 and Galaxy A72 smartphones are expected to break cover in the coming month.

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HUAWEI Mate20 X 5G gets EMUI 11 stable update

Chinese telecom giant HUAWEI announced EMUI 11 at the HUAWEI DEVELOPER CONFERENCE 2020 in September. Since then, the company has been running beta programs for eligible devices worldwide. One of those phones is HUAWEI Mate20 X 5G, which began to receive Open Beta updates in late December. Now, a little over a month later, it has started getting the stable update.

HUAWEI Mate 20 X 5G Featured

The HUAWEI Mate20 X 5G launched in late July 2019 as the company’s first 5G smartphone. It debuted with EMUI 9.1 based on Android 9.0 Pie. But was later updated to Android 10-based EMUI 10 and EMUI 10.1.

This handset has now begun to receive its second major update in the form of EMUI 11, which unfortunately is also based on Android 10. Nevertheless, it does bring new features and UI tweaks.

That said, currently, the update is only live for the Chinese variant of this smartphone with build number 11.0.0.130. According to Huawei Central, the EMUI 11 stable release for HUAWEI Mate20 X 5G is available for users on both beta and stable channels.

As for global markets, this phone is scheduled to get the update in Q1 2021. Hence, we can expect the firm to roll out the build by the end of March.

 

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Best Android 11 Custom ROMs for OnePlus 8 series ( 8, 8 Pro, 8T)

It’s been over six months since Google has announced the new Android iteration – Android 11. Several manufacturers have rolled out Android 11 update to their respective devices, but some devices are still waiting for the official update. To unlock best customization features on the Android, some users install custom ROMs. Addressing such users, we have concluded a list of best Custom ROMs for OnePlus 8 series.

oneplus 8 android 11 custom roms

Must See: Vivo X50 vs OnePlus 8 vs Realme X50 Pro: Specs Comparison

OnePlus 8 series was launched last year by the Chinese smartphone maker. The OnePlus 8 and 8 Pro debuted in the first half of 2020 while the OnePlus 8T followed in the second half. All three devices are powered with Snapdragon 865 chipset carrying an Octa-core chipset and Adreno 650 GPU. OnePlus 8 and 8T houses the same 6.55-inch Fluid AMOLED display with the resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels. Meanwhile, the OnePlus 8 Pro houses a large 6.78-inch Fluid Amoled Display while sporting the resolution of 1440 x 3168 pixels resolution.

OnePlus 8T houses a 48MP quad-rear camera comprising a 16MP ultrawide sensor, a 5MP macro and a 2MP depth sensor. Meanwhile, the OnePlus 8 Pro houses a quad-rear camera while housing a 48MP primary sensor, another 48MP ultrawide sensor, an 8MP telephoto and a 5MP colour filter camera. The last but not the least – OnePlus 8 houses a tripel rear camera with 48MP + 16MP + 2MP configuration.

All the OnePlus 8 series smartphones carry a 16MP front camera for quality selfies. The OnePlus 8, 8 Pro and 8T houses a 4300 mAh, 4500 mAh and 4510 mAh battery. Meanwhile, the OnePlus 8T support 65W fast charging while the OnePlus 8 and 8 Pro limits to 30W fast charging.

Such powerful devices are equally getting software support from OnePlus. However, some users are looking for custom ROMs to gain access to better customizability and performance enhancement.

Must See: Official: OnePlus 8T Pro will not launch this year since OnePlus 8 Pro has no room for upgrade

Best Custom ROMs for OnePlus 8, 8 Pro and 8T

We have listed the custom ROMs which are currently available for the OnePlus 8 series devices. However, all the ROMs are not available for each of the device mentioned above. So make sure to check compatibility before installing.

LineageOS 18.0

Compatible: OnePlus 8 Pro and OnePlus 8T

LineageOS is the biggest aftermarket firmware distribution for Android devices. The LineageOS 18.0 is based on the Android 11 and features additional customizations, performance and reliability tweaks. It is based on the Android Open Source Project and carries more customizations from around the Android.

However, LineageOS 18.0 comes without any Google applications, and you’ve to separately install GApps. There might be some bugs as it is not fully stable. You can grab the LineageOS 18.0 for the OnePlus 8 Pro and 8T.

OnePlus 8 Pro – Download

OnePlus 8T – Download

CrDroid 7.1

cr droid

Compatibility – OnePlus 8

CrDroid 7.1 is also a popular custom ROM based on the Android 11. It offers some advanced features to improve the performance and reliability over the stock ROM of the device. Most of the features of CrDroid 7.1 are working flawlessly.

The ROM for OnePlus 8 is currently under testing and some minor bugs and performance issues might be there. We suggest you not to try it on your daily driver smartphone. You can download the ROM and check instructions to install by hitting the link below.

OnePlus 8 – Download

Paranoid Android Ruby

paranoid android

Compatibility – OnePlus 8 and 8 Pro

Paranoid Android is based on the Code Aurora Forum base. The Qualcomm chipset running devices often garner a lot of support for the third-party developments. The Paranoid Android is currently available for OnePlus 8 and 8 Pro devices, meanwhile, OnePlus 8T support is not yet available.

The Paranoid ROM ships with its own recovery environment. It even sails with some on the board customizations for the respective smartphones. But, the OnePlus 8 series users won’t be having those additional settings until the ROM gets stable.

Paranoid Android – Download

Currently, these are the best Android 11-based custom ROMs that are available for the OnePlus 8, 8 Pro and 8T devices. However, these are not fully stable but within the span of a few months, you can expect a fully stable experience.

Related: Xiaomi Mi 11 vs Samsung Galaxy S20+ vs OnePlus 8 Pro: Specs Comparison

Xiaomi Air 2 Pro TWS gets LHDC audio codec and low-latency support via Firmware update

Back in December, we reported that the Xiaomi Air 2 Pro TWS didn’t get the LHDC codec and Low-latency modes in the update it had received. That ends today, as reports say that the features are rolling via a firmware update.

Xiaomi Mi Air 2 Pro ANC earbuds 05

A new firmware update for the Xiaomi Air 2 Pro under the 3.1.0.8 version is rolling out. This update adds the LHDC audio codec and inturn low-latency support. For the unware, LHDC stands for Low-Latency & High Definition Codec.

Developed by Savitech and developed on AD2P Bluetooth protocol, this allows for high-resolution audio streaming.  In fact, it supports up to 900kbps bit-rate which is higher compared to the SBC(Subband Codec)’s 345kbps.

Anyway, the changelog for the update is as follows:

  • Add LHDC and low latency mode
  • Fix bugs and improve performance

Back when we reviewed the Xiaomi Mi Air 2 Pro wireless earbuds, we had found few issues like Mediocre ANC, Noise interference, difficulty in switching between Noise cancellation modes including the LHDC.

That said, this update should fix the latency issues when playing games and improve the overall audio performance as well.

Xiaomi launched the Air 2 Pro Wireless Earbuds back in October 2020. They features 12mm coil with an LCP composite diaphragm on each earbud, and support aptX adaptive, LHDC V3 audio codecs.
Other features include ANC, Hybrid Noise cancellation, Type-C port and Qi wireless charging, Bluetooth 5.0,  XiaoAI voice control, 3 microphones, battery life of up to 28hrs(incl. Case).
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Samsung Galaxy A52 4G and 5G specifications and pricing leaked

The upcoming Samsung Galaxy A52 smartphone has bagged multiple certifications. It was previously speculated to launch in February. However, it was recently revealed by a tipster that it will be debuting in March. A new leak courtesy of The Pixel YouTuber (via) has revealed the specifications and pricing of the 4G and 5G editions of the Galaxy A52.

The leak claims that the Galaxy A52 4G will be stacked against the OPPO Reno5 4G in Vietnam. It is expected to cost around $410 in the country and is likely to debut in the last week of March. As previous leaks suggested, the Galaxy A52 is expected to arrive in four colors like black, white, blue, and lavender.

The only major difference between the 4G and 5G editions of the Galaxy A52 is that the former is driven by the Snapdragon 720G chipset and the latter has Snapdragon 750G SoC. The other specs are said to be identical on both devices. The 5G variant is likely to cost around $475 in Vietnam.

Galaxy A52
Leaked official render of the Galaxy A52

The Samsung Galaxy A52 is expected to feature a 6.5-inch S-AMOLED display with a top-centered punch-hole design. It is expected to offer a Full HD+ resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels and a 60Hz refresh rate. It may house a 4,500mAh battery with 25W fast charging. The handset will boot to One UI 3.1 based Android 11 OS.

The Galaxy A52 will come with 6 GB / 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB of internal storage. For capturing selfies, it may feature a 32-megapixel front camera. Its rear camera setup may include a 64-megapixel main shooter, a 12-megapixel superwide snapper, a 5-megapixel macro camera, and a 5-megapixel depth helper.

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Xiaomi releases new video showcasing the Mi 11’s easy repairability

The Xiaomi Mi 11 was recently showcased in a new video uploaded by the company, which aimed to prove that the newly launched flagship is relatively easy to repair. In the video, one can observe an employee tearing down the device to show that its not too difficult to disassemble.

Keep in mind, the video has been edited to make the disassembly look smoother and quicker than what it actually is, but from what the Chinese tech giant has showcased, no overly complicated process was observed. Looking at the video, it can be observed that the battery is rather easy to remove, which is great considering various OEMs have recently resorted to gluing the battery pack onto the smartphones. While the display features a curved edge, it seemingly is easy to remove as well.

As per the AndroidHeadlines report, the smartphone maker also highlights certain features of the device. Previously, the Xiaomi flagship was also seen in a JerryRigEverything video, where it aced the durability test. So we can surmise that the company pair extra attention to internal layout and endurance of the Mi 11 build. For those interested, you can check out the video above to see the break down on the brand’s official YouTube channel.

Xiaomi Mi 11

Talking about the devices specs, the Mi 11 features the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 SoC under the hood, and supports 55W fast charging and up to 50W wireless fast charging as well. A 4,600mAh battery powers the device, which runs on the latest Android 11 OS. While many devices like the Galaxy S21 have received poor scores by teardown based channels, it seems that the Mi 11 would likely fare way better in this regard.

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Motorola Moto E6i with 6.1-inch HD+ display, UNISOC Tiger SC9863A chipset announced for R$1,099 ($205)

Last week we saw that a bunch of Lenovo devices including the Moto E6i got certified on Bluetooth SIG. Today, the company has officially announced it for R$1,099 in Brazil.

Motorola Moto E6i Price, Availability

Moto E6i comes in two colors- Titanium Gray and Pink. For the storage variant, however, it comes in a single 2GB RAM and 32GB storage variant. This model is priced in Brazil at BRL 1,099($205/€170).

Currently, it is available for purchase on Motorola’s official website in the country. As for other markets, there is no info yet but we can expect it to launch in Europe and Asia soon.

Motorola E6i Specifications and Features

Motorola Moto E6i is an entry-level smartphone. Accordingly, it features a 6.1-inch Max Vision display with an HD+ resolution. This would work around 1600×720 pixel resolution. The display has a dewdrop notch at the center to accommodate a selfie camera.

Under the hood, it is powered by a 1.6GHz Octa-Core UNISOC Tiger SC9863A chipset. As mentioned above, this is paired with 2GB RAM and 32GB storage. You can also expand the storage via a microSD slot.

For Cameras, it has a dual-camera setup on the back with a 13MP f/2.2 main lens and a 2MP f/2.4 depth sensor. Upfront, you get a 5MP f/2.2 sensor with 77 ° FOV for selfies.

Other features include a 3,000mAh battery with 10W charging, micro-USB port, 3.5mm audio jack, Bluetooth 4.2, GPS, Wi-Fi 2.4GHz. Since it’s an entry-level offering, the device ships with Android 10 Go Edition out of the box.

Finally, the Moto E6i measures 155.6x73x8.5mm(HxWxD) and weighs 160 grams.

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Lenovo K13 bags multiple certifications ahead of launch

It was revealed earlier this week through a leak by 91mobiles that Lenovo may soon launch a phone named Lenovo K13. It seems that its launch date could be drawing near as it has received multiple certifications.

A device with XT2097-15 model number has recently received certification from the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) and Bluetooth SIG. The EEC listing has no information on its specs, but the Bluetooth SIG certification has revealed that the XT2097-15 model number belongs to the Lenovo K13. It also states that the K13 is equipped with Bluetooth 4.2 support. Previously, the handset was seen at the TUV Rheinland certification platform. It revealed that the device has a 4,850mAh battery and 10W charging support.

Lenovo K13 EEC

Lenovo K13 specifications (Rumored)

The Lenovo K13 is equipped with a 6.5-inch waterdrop notch screen that produces an HD+ resolution of 720 x 1,600 pixels. It is powered by an unknown 1.6GHz octa-core processor and 2 GB of RAM. The internal storage of the device is 32 GB, and it has a microSD card slot for more storage.

The Android 10 OS will come preinstalled on the Lenovo K13. The handset has a dedicated button for accessing Google Assistant. Its back panel has a vertical camera setup that has a 13-megapixel main camera, a 2-megapixel depth sensor, and an LED flash.

Lenovo K13
Leaked render of Lenovo K13 by 91mobiles

The other features of the Lenovo K13 include a USB-C port, a rear-firing speaker, a fingerprint scanner, and dual SIM support. It is expected to come in color editions like red and blue.

The Lenovo K13 will be replacing the Lenovo K12 which was announced back in December. The K13 may go official later this month or in the coming month. The leaked specs suggest that the smartphone will arrive with an affordable price tag.

(via)

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Microsoft was recently in talks with Pinterest over potential acquisition: Report

Microsoft was apparently in talks with Pinterest over the last couple of months regarding a possible acquisition. The deal involved a buyout worth 51 billion US Dollar for the popular social media platform.

Microsoft

According to a Reuters (based on a Financial Times report), the American based tech giant was reportedly in talks regarding a possible acquisition deal, as per sources close to the matter. The report adds that the negotiations are not active at the moment. Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, Pinterest saw a general increase in engagement and traffic on its platform, with its month active users jumping from 37 percent, reaching 459 million in the final quarter of last year.

Furthermore, the company also stated that it registered a record 100 million monthly active users back in 2020. Since then, the social media platform’s shares have risen seven fold from its pandemic low back in March of last year. Notably, Pinterest has also previously suggested of its stance on remaining an independent firm. For those unaware, the social media platform also generates revenue through ads, and posts uploaded by users of the site, similar to other platforms.

Microsoft

Interestingly, the deal would’ve also been an indicator on the new US President Joe Biden’s administrations stance on allowing major tech firms to form deals. Unfortunately, both firms have yet to respond to the matter. So stay tuned for more, as we will be providing updates when additional information is available.

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Xiaomi India’s Valentine’s Day deals bring hefty discounts on Mi Mix 2 (₹9,999), POCO F1 (₹12,999), Redmi K20 (₹14,999), and more

Ahead of Valentine’s Day, Xiaomi India is running a sale at Mi Home retail stores across the country. Interestingly, apart from new devices, the company has also discounted some old discontinued products by a high margin. Although this move is obviously meant to clear the old stock, the deals are not bad either as these smartphones can still perform well and they even have good third-party software support.

Xiaomi India Valentines Day Sale Deals Offers 2021

Almost all Xiaomi products are on sale at Mi Home stores ahead of Valentine’s Day. Also, a similar sale is live on Mi.com as well. But here in this article, we have only mentioned the old smartphones that are worth buying for their discounted price in 2021.

With that being said, let us take a look at these deals.

Device

Storage Variant

Launch Price

Deal Price

Mi Mix 2

6GB + 128GB ₹35,999

₹9,999

POCO F1 6GB + 64GB ₹20,999 ₹12,999

6GB + 128GB

₹23,999

₹18,999

8GB + 256GB ₹28,999

₹15,999

Redmi K20 Pro 6GB + 128GB ₹27,999 ₹19,999
8GB + 256GB ₹30,999

₹22,999

Redmi K20 6GB + 64GB ₹21,999 ₹14,999
6GB + 128GB ₹23,999

₹16,999

Mi Max 2 4GB + 32GB ₹14,999 ₹6,999
4GB + 64GB ₹16,999

₹7,999

You might be wondering why we are recommending these old handsets since software support has ended for them except the Redmi K20 series. Because these devices are still capable of performing day to day tasks and one need not spend more money.

Also, almost all of them are popular in the custom ROM community. Hence, if you are one of those niche customers, these deals can be more attractive for you when compared to a regular customer.

That said, if you are interested, then visit your nearby Mi Home retail store or directly check the availability on local.mi.com before the sale ends on February 14.

 

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