Xiaomi launches the Mi Wireless Mouse Lite with a minimalist design, 2.4GHz WiFi

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Nov 10, 2020

When it comes to the number of phones launched in a year, Samsung is one of the manufacturers with the most devices. Now that Android 11 has been released, it has been reported that the manufacturer plans to update a total of 90 devices, with more than half of them launched this year.

The info comes from a Twitter user that goes by @TheGalox_ and he has published a list of Samsung phones that will get the One UI 3.0 update which is based on Android 11.

These are the 90 Samsung devices getting One Ui 3: pic.twitter.com/OCDq9vG6sc

— Anthony (@TheGalox_) November 8, 2020

The list includes familiar names such as the Galaxy S20 series, Galaxy Note 20 series, Galaxy S20 FE, Galaxy Fold, Galaxy Z Flip, Galaxy Note 10 series, Galaxy S10 series, and Galaxy Tab S7 series.

There are also entry-level phones such as the Galaxy A01, Galaxy A01 Core, as well as several mid-range phones including the Galaxy A40, Galaxy A30, Galaxy A80, Galaxy A51, Galaxy A51 5G, Galaxy A90 5G, and multiple members of the Galaxy M series.

Based on the sheer number of these devices, we are pretty sure the roll-out will continue beyond Q3 2021.

Since Samsung is yet to officially announce a list of devices that will get the update, we will advise you to take the info above with a pinch of salt.

Sony releases PlayStation 5 FAQ; confirms DualSense controller will get more colorways later

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Nov 10, 2020

The PlayStation 5 goes on sale this week and fans are pretty excited. Ahead of the release, Sony has published what it terms “The Ultimate FAQ” which answers practically all of the questions users might have about the console. It is a pretty long read but we have highlighted some of the notable ones below:

Release Date

The PlayStation 5 goes on sale in North America first on November 12. This means those in Canada and the USA will be the first to get their hands on the console. If you live in the UK or Europe, you will have to wait until next Thursday, November 19.

Storage Expansion

The PlayStation 5 has a custom SSD drive but the available storage is less than 1TB. With games reaching up to 100GB in size these days, that storage is set to get filled up quickly which means users will have to add more storage eventually.

Sony says that the console has an expansion port for an M.2 SSD storage but the functionality will be added after launch via a system software upgrade. Details of compatible drives will also be revealed later.

Color Schemes

The DualSense Controller comes in the same color scheme as the PlayStation 5. However, Sony has confirmed that the controller will be available in other colors in the future but doesn’t say when.

For the PS5, Sony says that there will not be additional colors or designs available for the PS5 at launch.

DualSense Controller

It also revealed that the controller is not backward compatible with the PlayStation 4. However, users can use their DualShock 4 controller to play more than 99% of the over 4000 PS4 games available on the PS5.

Game Discs

PS5 Blu-ray game discs are different from those of PS4 as they can store up to 100GB compared to the 50GB capacity of PS4 game discs.

Updates

There will be a software update available on day 1 and users will be able to download updates on to a USB drive and plug into the PS5 and install. The USB drive will need to be formatted to FAT32.

The blog post contains several other questions and answers and we implore you to read it if you plan to purchase the PlayStation 5.

Nightware on Apple Watch that offers temporary relief from nightmares gets FDA approval

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Nov 9, 2020

A therapy application on Apple Watch has got the FDA approval for marketing. The App is called Nightware and it uses sensors on the Apple Watch to monitor heart rate, body movement. And will offer temporary relief from sleep disturbance due to nightmares.

FDA’s marketing authorization(via PhoneArena) of the Nightware App means it can now be used as a treatment option for individuals who experience nightmares. Accordingly, it can reduce sleep disturbance in Adults aging from 22 years who may suffer it due to nightmare disorder or PTSD.

For the unware, PTSD is a Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. As per the FDA, people may experience an improper sleep cycle due to the above issue. This in turn will take a toll on their health. Hence, treatments like Medications and other therapy plans might help them recover from it.

What is Nightware?

Basically, Nightware is like digital therapy on an Apple Watch. It uses both the Watch and iPhone to log data into the Nightware server. And monitors the over-night sleep cycle along with heart rate and body movements using proprietary algorithms. If the App senses a disturbance in heart rate/body movement, it predicts the nightmare and sends vibrations via Apple watch to ease the stress.

Although it is available by prescription and aimed at Home usage, FDA says Nightware isn’t an independent solution. It says patients need additional medications and therapies to treat nightmares due to PTSD. Further, it says that the App should also be used under a healthcare professional’s supervision.

Temporary solution to Nightmares

It also warns that people with sleepwalking, violent behaviors should refrain from using it. The Nightware kit comes with an Apple Watch and it should also not be used while watching television, reading books or if irritation occurs.

Previously, the Nightware was granted the “Breakthrough Devices” designation. It is basically a voluntary program for products that give effective treatment to fatal/weakening diseases.

Carlos Peña, Ph.D., director of the Office of Neurological and Physical Medicine Devices at FDA says, “it offers a low-risk treatment option that uses digital technology in an effort to provide temporary relief from sleep disturbance related to nightmares”.

Samsung Galaxy A21s, Galaxy A31 & Galaxy M11 receive price cut in India

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Nov 9, 2020

Ahead of the Diwali festive season in India, Samsung has slashed the prices of a number of its smartphones. Earlier today, we reported the company to have dropped the price of Galaxy Note10, the predecessor to this year’s Galaxy Not20. In addition to this premium handset, the company has also brought down the prices of Galaxy A21s, Galaxy A31, and Galaxy M11

Samsung launched the Galaxy A21s in India back in June priced at ₹16,499 and ₹18,499 for the 4GB + 64GB and 6GB + 128GB storage configurations respectively. Now, five months later, this device has received a price cut of up to ₹2,000.

The base 4GB + 64GB variant of the Galaxy A21s now costs ₹14,999 (₹1,500 price cut), whereas the higher 6GB + 128GB retails for ₹16,499 (₹2,000 price cut).

On the other hand, the Galaxy A31, which launched a few days ahead of the Galaxy A21s is now selling for ₹20,999. For the unaware, it debuted for ₹21,999 and therefore, this makes it a price drop of ₹1,000.

Weirdly, the device received a similar price cut in July. Seems like its price was hiked after a certain period of time.

Lastly, the price of the Galaxy M11 has been dropped by ₹500. That means the base 3GB + 32GB variant now costs ₹9,999, whereas the higher 4GB + 64GB model can be purchased for ₹11,499.

This smartphone was also launched in June and just recently received its first price cut in late September.

(Via)

OnePlus’ next budget-friendly device Nord SE tipped to launch in Q1 2021

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Nov 9, 2020

OnePlus ventured into the budget segment with the OnePlus Nord Smartphone back in July. The company expanded the Nord lineup recently with Nord N10 5G and N100. And now, a report by Android Central reveals that the next Nord will be named the Nord SE and debut in Q1 of next year.

Android Central’s report quotes insider sources for the new leak. It says that Nord SE will be a budget-friendly device just like any other Nord device so far. Codenamed “Ebba”, the device will have features like 65W Warp Charging(fully charger under 40mins), 4,500mAh battery, and AMOLED panel. That said, we still don’t know other specifications like processor, camera yet.

Additionally, the report says Nord SE will be available in India and Europe and most likely not in the US. It will be announced shortly after the OnePlus 9 which is poised to launch sometime around mid-March of 2021. Having said that, we need more details to conclude on whether Nord SE is an upgrade to the OnePlus Nord. But it is welcoming to see that it retains AMOLED and not boast an LCD display like the N10, and N100.

If we recall, the company recently revealed the new Nord N10 5G, and N100 in the EU(European Union), and the US. These devices take a lot of reminiscence to Oppo‘s budget devices like A53. However, the company is mum about its availability in other markets like India. Accordingly, Android Central had also claimed that the devices won’t be available in the country. We will keep you updated as new details about the new Nord device pops up on our radar.

Vivo V20 Pro will reportedly launch in December and be priced below ₹30,000($405) in India

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Nov 9, 2020

A couple of weeks back, Vivo India CEO revealed that Vivo V20 Pro 5G will launch in November in the country. However, a new report by 91Mobiles now provides information on the new launch date and pricing for the device.

Vivo V20 Pro 5G new Launch Date, Price

Quoting its Industry sources, 91Mobiles’ exclusive report says that Vivo V20 Pro 5G will skip the November launch date. Instead, it will debut in December in the country. Further, the report says that the smartphone will be priced below ₹30,000($405). This is quite low compared to the THB 14,999($488) price in Thailand.

To compare, its sibling Vivo V20 and V20 SE are already priced at ₹24,990($337), and ₹20,990($283) respectively in India. Accordingly, the report also quotes its sources saying that Vivo V20 Pro 5G will be priced similar to the high-end variant of the OnePlus Nord 5G. This suggests that the device could retail for ₹29,999($404) in India. Still, let’s wait for Vivo to confirm it officially.

Vivo V20 Pro 5G Specifications

Vivo V20 Pro 5G features a 6.44-inch AMOLED display with a FHD+ resolution. It is powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G 5G SoC and paired with 8GB RAM, 128GB storage. For camera, it has a dual-selfie setup at the front with 44MP main, and 8MP ultra-wide sensors.

At the back, we get a 64MP f/1.8 Samsung ISOCELL GW1, 8MP multi-functional sensor(macro,depth,ultra-wide), and a 2MP monochrome sensor. Other features include SA/NSA 5G, MicroSD slot, 4,000mAh battery with 33W fast charging via USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, in-display fingerprint sensor, and more. It will run Vivo’s Funtouch OS based on Android 10 out of the box.

Leaked Nokia 8000 4G poster reveals it is not a slider phone

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Nov 9, 2020

The Nokia 8000 4G is a new feature phone HMD Global is expected to launch soon alongside a remake of the Nokia 6300 which will also have support for 4G. The Finnish company is yet to announce the two phones but a leaked poster has given us an early look at the Nokia 8000 4G, and unfortunately, it doesn’t have the slider design of the older Nokia 8000 series.

The source of the leak is Winfuture.de and the image shows that the Nokia 8000 4G has a candy bar design with an alphanumeric keyboard. However, unlike HMD Global’s recent feature phones such as the Nokia 225 4G, the Nokia 8000 4G looks much more premium.

The poster describes it as a “Premium Glass-like Design” which gives it a glossy look. The phone in the image is black but there is a chance that there will be other color variants at launch. Other features mentioned on the poster are a “hardwearing 3D curved keymat“, WhatsApp and Facebook (pre-installed), and support for 4G and Wi-Fi hotspot.

The source reports that the Nokia 8000 4G will have a 2.8-inch LCD QVGA display with a 320 x 240 resolution. The phone will be powered by a Snapdragon 210 quad-core processor with 512MB RAM and 4GB of storage. There is a MicroSD card that allows users to add up to an additional 128GB of storage.

Users will also get a 2MP camera on the back, support for dual SIM (nano), and a replaceable 1500mAh battery that charges via a micro-USB port. The Nokia 8000 4G will run KaiOS out of the box.

Samsung might be planning to snatch Huawei’s Market Share with an early Galaxy S21 launch : Report

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Nov 9, 2020

Huawei is having the worst nightmare of its life. It’s facing a heavy deterrent from the US for selling its 5G equipment elsewhere outside of China. The company, which recently got its semiconductor chips blocked, might just have its market share swallowed by Samsung. The latter is reportedly eyeing an early release of the new S series in 2021 to seize Huawei’s market share.

According to Reuters’ sources, Samsung will launch the next Galaxy S21 series Flagship a month earlier in 2021. With this, it might be planning to bank on the US ban on Huawei and grab its market share. And in turn, thwart Apple from gaining any more grounds. In fact, the report says that Samsung is preparing to launch the new Galaxy S21 early as late-January 2021.

This way it is likely to jump the launch by more than a month compared to 2020 when the Galaxy S20 series debuted in 2019. Plus, this corroborates with the earlier report that has speculated January 14 as the announcement date.

Besides, a source for Reuters says that Huawei’s stockpiles will run out by early next year. This is understandable considering the company has not launched a lot of devices outside of China in 2020. And it’s recent Huawei Mate 40 series is already facing shortage in some regions in its home country.

Can Samsung succeed by jumping the gun?

To take advantage of this, and stiffen the competition to Apple, Samsung is reportedly on course for the launch next year. Samsung has had a roller coaster of a year in 2020. To recall, it temporarily lost the lead to Huawei back in Q2 2020. But quickly grabbed it back in Q3 with a 2.9% YoY growth amongst an intense pandemic situation.

Similarly, the company recorded less than a 59% YoY shipment decline in the US compared to Apple. That is the latter reportedly sold 15% iPhone 11 there which is the world’s best selling smartphone in H1 2020. But it has risen back to fame in the US and Europe.

Thus, the company will be keenly looking to attack early rather than playing the defense this time considering 2021 will be a revival year. That said, industry officials from South Korea hope that the US President-elect Joe Biden will ease some restrictions. This could happen albeit the country looks to show a sturdy attitude against China.

This uncertainty, adds fuel to the fire as it already faces tough competition from Xiaomi and Oppo. All this could have made Samsung to take an early jump with Galaxy S21 series.

OPPO Reno4 Mo Salah Edition launched in Egypt for EGP 6,590 (~$420)

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Jed John Ikoba

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Nov 9, 2020

In March this year, OPPO signed up Egyptian and Liverpool football star Mohammed Salah as a brand ambassador. The collaboration first featured with the Reno3 Pro and the football star has even featured on several promotional ads. Right now, the company has launched the Reno4 Mo Salah edition in Egypt. The edition is a way of showing appreciation to the football star for his loyal support.

The Oppo Reno4 Mo Salah Edition comes with several customizations but in terms of the core design, it is the same as the Reno4. It features a 6.4-inch OLED screen with FHD+ resolution. The device is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G chipset with 4G capabilities. It also features VOOC 4.0 Flash Charge at 30W.

The main difference between this model and the regular version is in the paint job. The Reno4 Mo Salah Editionis painted in Dark Grey and Red. There are also some awesome design accents as well as the footballer’s photo and autograph on the back panel. Further, the phone’s rim transitions between red and dark grey/black and some might say this is an homage to the Egyptian black-white-red flag.

The software side also sees some customization in form of an exclusive theme for ColorOS 7.2 with a Mo Salah wallpaper, red icons with a slight redesign. OPPO even included Mo Salah’s face on the Contacts app.

As for the pricing and availability, the Reno4 Mo Salah Edition is presently available on the Oppo Egypt website. It comes in 8GB RAM + 128GB storage version priced at EGP 6,590 (~$420).

UP NEXT: Xiaomi XiaoAI Speaker Art Battery Edition launched for 399 yuan ($59)

OnePlus Nord users can now sideload OnePlus Messages & OnePlus Contacts apps

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Nov 9, 2020

OnePlus Nord is probably the most hyped smartphone of 2020 though it is just another mid-range 5G smartphone. That said, despite running OxygenOS 10 based on Android 10, it comes with Google’s own suite of apps for dialer, contacts, and messages. But now, interested users can install OnePlus’ first-party apps if they want to.

The OnePlus Nord is the brand’s first-ever mid-range smartphone in years. But it isn’t the most affordable OnePlus handset as the company announced two more phones even cheaper than the Nord going by the names of OnePlus Nord N10 5G and OnePlus Nord N100.

Anyway, the other two phones are yet to hit the shelves. Hence, there’s nothing known about their software except for the fact that they run OxygenOS 10. On the other hand, the OnePlus Nord has been on sale in a number of countries for a while now.

Turns out some users don’t like the Google suite of apps. According to PiunikaWeb (via XDA Developers), with feedback from these users, OnePlus has finally updated the OnePlus Messages and OnePlus Contacts to support the OnePlus Nord.

Hence, if you are one of those users, you can download and install the latest version of these two OnePlus first-party applications on your Nord. Since these apps are not part of system apps on Nord, you cannot get it from the Play Store.

Therefore, you will have to download the APKs from APKMirror, a reputed website handled by Android Police. Further, for the OnePlus Messages to work, you will have to set it as the default messaging app. As for OnePlus Contacts, it currently buggy as it requires OnePlus Phone apps to work properly, which is yet to add support for the OnePlus Nord.

Download OnePlus Messages

Download OnePlus Contacts

HMD Global announces Nokia 8 V 5G UW; a Nokia 8.3 5G for Verizon

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Nov 9, 2020

HMD Global had a launch event today in the US. The pre-recorded announcement was for the US-exclusive Nokia 8 V 5G UW, a smartphone designed to take advantage of Verizon’s mmWave 5G network.

The Nokia 8 V 5G UW (this is a mouthful) has a massive 6.81-inch FHD+ display with a hole punch at the top left corner and Gorilla Glass protection. It is powered by the Snapdragon 765G processor and comes with 6GB or 8GB of RAM and 64GB or 128GB of storage.

The phone packs four cameras on the back – a 64MP primary sensor, a 12MP ultrawide angle camera, a 2MP macro lens, and a 2MP depth sensor. Nokia says it uses PureView imaging system and ZEISS optics for both the rear cameras and 24MP front-facing camera.

The Nokia 8 V 5G UW also has a side-mounted fingerprint scanner, a dedicated Google Assistant button that is also programmable, NFC, Bluetooth 5.0, an audio jack, OZO audio, and a 4500mAh battery with support for 18W fast charging. It runs Android 10 out of the box but is said to be Android 11 ready.

Does the spec sheet sound familiar? Yes, it does, as this is just the Nokia 8.3 5G with support for Verizon’s mmWave bands n61 and n260. This is a big deal for HMD global as it is the first Nokia flagship on Verizon Postpaid in more than six years.

The phone comes in a single color variant – Meteor Gray – and is priced at $699. However, it is not stated if that is the price of the 6GB RAM or 8GB RAM version. The Nokia 8.3 5G with 8GB of RAM and 128GB storage is also priced at $699.

Xiaomi Mi 10T Lite certified by Thailand’s NBTC, Asian launch imminent?

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Jed John Ikoba

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Nov 9, 2020

Xiaomi first launched the Mi 10T Lite and Mi 10T Lite Pro in Europe on September 30. The models were recently put up for sale in the UK. The Mi 10T Lite is also expected to be launched in India soon. Apparently, India isn’t the only market the models are expected to launch. The Mi 10T Lite has been certified by NBTC in Thailand. The certification is an indication that the model will hit other Asian markets as well.

Mi 10T Lite has now been approved by the NBTC certification.#Xiaomi #Mi10TLite pic.twitter.com/i1bK56G5OP

— Mukul Sharma (@stufflistings) November 9, 2020

Xiaomi is expected to launch the Redmi Note 9 High-end version as a rebadged Mi 10T Lite in China going by recent leaks. Outside China, we now expect the Mi 10T Lite in other markets.

as a reminder, the Mi 10T Lite features a 6.67-inch LCD with an adaptive refresh rate of 120Hz which can also be reduced down to 30Hz. The display comes with an FHD+ resolution of 1080p+, an aspect ratio of 20:9 and is covered with a layer of Corning’s Gorilla Glass 5.

The display is HDR10-certified and has 450 nits of brightness and equally promises 84% NTSC colour coverage. The phone is also armed with dual speakers and a Hi-Res Audio certification.

For photography, the Mi 10T Lite packs a Quad-camera setup at the rear comprising a 64MP main camera with a 1/1.7-inch sensor. There is also an 8MP ultrawide camera as well as a 2MP macro cam and 2MP depth sensor. At the front, the phone packs a 16MP selfie camera is inside a centrally placed punch hole.

As stated earlier, the Mi 10T Lite is the first phone to be powered by the new Snapdragon 750G chipset. The chipset is built on the 8nm silicon wafer and has a built-in 5G modem. It offers sub-6 connectivity along with a slight performance boost over the S730G (+20% CPU performance, +10% GPU). The processor is paired with 6GB of RAM while there is the option of 64GB storage and 128GB storage.

Under the hood, there is a 4,820mAh battery with 33W fast charger.

Xiaomi launches the MIJIA Supercharged Steam Garment Ironing Machine

By

Jed John Ikoba

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Nov 9, 2020

Xiaomi has officially launched a new innovative product under crowdfunding on Xiaomi Mall which would go on sale during the 11.11 shopping festival. The product dubbed MIJIA Pressurized Steam Garment Ironing Machine will retail for 499 yuan (~$75) which is pretty affordable.

The MIJIA Pressurized Steam Garment Ironing Machine uses a pump pressure of up to 500kPa to generate high-pressure steam to avoid the sudden increase and decrease of the steam. The strong penetrating power reaches the depth of the fibre due to the large steam volume of 42g/min that can quickly soften the fibre and smoothen deep wrinkles.

The entire machine has a high power of 2200W which enables the iron to quickly atomize the moisture into full steam. The steam iron has an average temperature is 135°C. Xiaomi claims the iron is easy to use without any professional skills.

For ease of use, the MIJIA Steam Iron Machine is equipped with an integrated adjustable ironing board, 0-90° stepless adjustment, making it easy to flat iron long clothes without squatting, and diagonally iron pants without clips.

It is also equipped with a 2L water tank which makes it possible to continuously use it for more than 40 minutes at a stretch when filled with water. It can iron 18 tops or 15 pants, continuously full steam, and has a built-in water shortage protection function. In addition, the water inlet is equipped with a water temperature detection sensor and an intelligent dynamic water inlet speed, which can achieve high-temperature stability of steam regardless of winter or summer.

When you leave the sensing area when using it, the garment steamer will automatically pause the steam output. When the handle sensing area is held again, the steam output resumes. Also, after a pause of more than 30 minutes, the garment steamer will automatically shut down.

UP NEXT: Xiaomi XiaoAI Speaker Art Battery Edition launched for 399 yuan ($59)

Amazfit GTS 2 Mini spotted at the FCC; looks like the Amazfit Bip

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Nov 9, 2020

Huami recently took the wraps off the global version of the Amazfit GTR 2 and Amazfit GTS 2 smartwatches. So far, the Chinese manufacturer has launched nothing less than 6 smartwatches this year but it doesn’t seem to be done yet. A listing on the FCC website has revealed there is a new smartwatch coming called the Amazfit GTS 2 Mini.

The original Amzaift GTS didn’t have a mini version or lite version but the Amazfit GTR had a lite version that didn’t have built-in GPS. It seems this year, Huami is taking a different path by launching a more affordable version of the square-face GTS 2.

The FCC documents reveal the model number of the watch is A2018 and the included diagrams of the upcoming smartwatch show the watch’s design is similar to that of the Amazfit Bip. The watch has thick bezels around the display and a single button on the left side of the frame. The frame itself has rounded corners and is attached to straps that are most likely 20mm in size.

There is still a lot we do not know about the watch but we believe more details will surface in the coming weeks. There is also no news yet as to when the watch will be announced but we believe it will launch this year.

realme X7 series might be the only Dimensity-Powered devices for India this year

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Nov 9, 2020

realme CEO Madhav Sheth has already hinted at the arrival of the realme X7 series smartphones to India. Following it, the X7 Pro 5G has hit India’s BIS certification along with others like NBTC, NCC hinting at a Global launch. Now, Anku Jain, MD, MediaTek India, hints that the X7 series might be the only Dimensity SoC Powered devices for India in 2020.

Realme X7 and Realme X7 Pro — Realme X7 (left) and Realme X7 Pro (right)

Anku Jain has given an exclusive interview to TechRadar. In that, he has brushed upon topics like MediaTek’s evolution, Dimensity SoCs, the future of 5G in India, and more. Regarding Dimensity SoCs, he says that the company is getting very good traction in China. This is evident with its staggering 61.2% YoY surge in September revenue report.

However, the Dimensity SoCs haven’t managed to break the barriers elsewhere. The company only recently announced the MediaTek Dimensity 1000C 5G SoC in the United States. Besides, Anku Jain notes that the company requires OEM partners’ support for Dimensity SoCs to flourish in countries like India. The reason for the delay of Dimensity SoCs is reportedly due to the delay in 5G rollout, perception of the companies, and their outlook on the market.

That said, regarding the Dimensity partnerships, he says the company is working with a lot of partners. And expects to see few phones before 2020 ends. In fact, when asked about the realme X7 Pro topic, he has hinted at a few things here. He expects the company’s existing 4G partners like Xiaomi, Vivo, Oppo. And realme to launch the devices soon.

However, when asked if we would see other brands bring Dimensity SoCs this year, he hints that it might happen only in 2021. This suggests that the realme X7 series, if they launch as expected in December, will be the only smartphones in India with Dimensity SoC this year. Accordingly, realme X7 5G features Dimensity 800U SoC while the X7 Pro 5G has Dimensity 1000+. Anyway, it looks like realme is going to pull the trigger for the wave of Dimensity-powered devices in India.

Samsung is now the US’ largest smartphone brand after 3 years

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Nov 9, 2020

Various research firms have been releasing their reports on key smartphone markets in the past few days. Earlier today, Strategy Analytics published a report on the US Smartphone Market for Q3 2020. According to that., Samsung beat its archrival Apple for the first time in three years to become the country’s largest smartphone maker.

As per the report, Samsung captured the first position in the US Smartphone Market in the third quarter of 2020 with a 33.7% share. Whereas, Apple came second with a 30.2% market share, followed by LG in the third place with a 14.7% share.

The report says that Samsung’s market share grew 6.7% YoY. The company achieved this feat with the help of its budget and mid-range devices, in addition to flagship models like Galaxy Note20 and Galaxy Z Fold2.

Above all, Apple’s delayed iPhone 12 series launch further helped the South Korean tech giant to become the US’s largest smartphone brand after 3 years. Samsung was in this position back in Q2 2017.

That’s not all, Samsung was also the world’s largest smartphone brand in the last quarter. That said, the company’s market share may drop in this quarter in the US as the iPhone 12 series is expected to sell exceptionally well despite the economic crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Galaxy S21 Ultra could be the first Samsung device to support 120Hz at QHD+ resolution

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Nov 9, 2020

Samsung is gearing up to be the frontrunner of launching Flagship Smartphones in 2021. The company’s next S series of flagships, touted to be the Galaxy S21 series will have three smartphones. Amongst them, the Galaxy S21 Ultra(Tentative) is now tipped to sport a 120Hz refresh rate screen.

The new tip comes from a well-known Ice Universe who says(via Sammobile) that Galaxy S21 Ultra will have a display up to 2K resolution. For the unware, 2K is between 1080p and 4K. Depending on the size of the display panel, it can be up to 1440×3088 pixels. Plus, the tweet reads, “2K+120Hz”. This could mean that the display will support 120Hz at 2K resolution. If this is true, then it will be the first of its kind for a Samsung device.

First-ever Samsung to sport 120Hz at 2K?

This is because Samsung’s flagships ~~or any other devices~~, albeit having a 120Hz refresh rate screen, don’t support it on the highest resolution. In fact, if you select 120Hz as a refresh rate on Samsung, you are basically downscaled and locked to FHD+(1080p) resolution. And its latest flagships like Galaxy Note 20 Ultra is no exception to this. The best Samsung has done so far, is having an “Adaptive Mode” on devices like the Note 20 Ultra.

This basically toggles(60Hz or 120Hz) the refresh rate based on what you do. This is probably to help the panel, and battery last longer. However, with Galaxy S21 Ultra, it looks like Samsung is going to break the barriers. If the tip is true, the next flagship could have an option to lock the 120Hz at 2K resolution ~~which is a first in any phone~~.

Galaxy S21 Ultra: Specifications(Expected)

The Galaxy S21 series, as a whole, will reportedly enter production by mid-December. However, a tip says that the part production of Galaxy S21 Ultra like DVT/PVT might have already begun. Anyway, the device(SM-G998U), which has already got NFC certification, will likely sport a 6.8-inch display with a centered punch-hole.

Besides, leaked specifications of the device say the display will be dynamic AMOLED. For cameras, we can expect a new 108MP 0.8µm HM3 primary sensor, laser autofocus, and no ToF sensor inside the quad/Penta camera setup. Other expected specifications include a 40MP selfie shooter, Qualcomm Snapdragon 875/Exynos 2100 SoC based on regions, 5,000mAh battery with 60W charging, Android 11, and more. It is expected to launch on January 14 and open for sale by January 29.

Panasonic builds vacuum to rescue earbuds like AirPods from Train Tracks

By

Sean

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Nov 9, 2020

With technology becoming more compact and expensive, replacing lost items like an expensive TWS earbuds could be quite the financial burden for some. Luckily, Panasonic has built a new vacuum device that is designed to rescue such small gadgets from train tracks in Japan.

The known consumer grade electronics maker has developed a new device with the help of Japan’s JR East rail group to recover small cordless devices like AirPods, as per an Engadget report. Usually, the rail authorities utilize a mechanical grabber to recover lost objects or other things that might have fallen on train tracks. But unfortunately, this only works well with items like shoes or other relatively large products. Small gadgets like truly wireless earbuds are too small to be picked up, as they can even get stuck in between gravel.

This is where the new Panasonic vacuum comes in handy, as it features finger sized tubes that can pick the earbuds up through suction. After picking them up, the suction also holds the device in place long enough to be recovered by the authorities. Apparently, the need for such a device was required since JR East had reported over 950 incidents of earbuds being dropped in 78 stations between the period of July and September 2020 alone.

Thus, the new gadget arrives to reduce the “burdensome” task, as per workers. The issue isn’t limited to only Japan as other nations like the US are also dealing with a similar issue, especially in regions like New York. It has become quite a big issue and “It happens all the time,” according to officials. This has also led to commuters making risky and dangerous situations like jumping off the platform and onto the tracks.

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