Apple iPhone 12’s late launch had temporarily cleared $100 billion off its stock value

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Oct 30, 2020

The Apple iPhone 12 series was just recently launched. However, its announcement arrived later than when the company traditionally launches its annual flagship, which caused it to see the sharpest quarterly decline in iPhone sales in two years.

According to a Reuters report, the Cupertino based giant fell by over 5 percent during a point in after hours trade. This had the company’s stock market value fall by a sizeable 100 billion US Dollars. For those unaware, Apple annually launches its iPhone series every September. But due to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, the company had to delay the announcement by an entire month.

Despite Macs and AirPods seeing an increase in sales during this period with the overall revenue and profit surpassing expectations, iPhone sales had plummeted by 20.7 percent down to 26.4 billion US Dollars. While lower sales had been anticipated, the holdback from consumers right before the launch of the new iPhones turned out to be a lot worse than what was initially projected, especially in China, where smartphone users already have access to 5G networking.

But apart from the initial shock, the company has outperformed its own expectations. In 2020, its product launches and services were also received fairly well. Tim Cook, Apple Chief Executive stated that, “5G is a once-in-a-decade kind of opportunity. And we could not be more excited to hit the market exactly when we did.” He further added that, “What we’re seeing in the early going in the first five days gives us a lot of confidence that China will return to growth in our fiscal Q1.”

Yahoo teams up with ZTE to launch the $50 Yahoo Mobile ZTE Blade A3Y

By

Jed John Ikoba

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Oct 30, 2020

Yahoo mobile is currently owned by US carrier Verizon. Well, the carrier has launched a smartphone under the Yahoo brand. The device is the product of a partnership with Chinese phone maker ZTE and it is dubbed Blade Z3Y.

The phone listed on Yahoo’s official store as Yahoo Mobile ZTE Blade A3Y packs a 5.45-inch display with an HD resolution of 720 pixels and 18:9 aspect ratio. The display has a considerable bezel size on the top and bottom edges. There is no notch design.

The phone is powered by a MediaTek quad-core processor paired with 2GB of RAM and there is 32GB storage option which is expandable up to 2TB. The phone packs a capacitive fingerprint sensor at the back. It also comes with Face Unlock.

For photography, the phone packs a single 8MP sensor at the back, as well as two LED flashlights. The rear camera and flash are stacked vertically at the top left corner of the back panel just like a dual or triple camera setup. For selfies, there is a 5MP sensor on the front with an LED flash as well.

The phone is powered by a disappointing 2,660mAh battery but Yahoo says it features Smart Power efficiency that can go all day. On the flip side, it runs on Android 10 OS out-of-the-box which is quite impressive. The Android isn’t entirely pure Android though, as the phone comes pre-installed with Yahoo apps such as Yahoo Mail, Yahoo News, Yahoo Sports, Yahoo Finance, and Yahoo Weather.

As for the price, the Yahoo Mobile ZTE Blade A3Y is available to grab for free if you are willing to trade your current smartphone. It is available for an introductory price of $50 even though the phone is worth up to $100.

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

Huawei unveils AR Map 2.0, arrives with the Mate 40 series alongside various improvements

By

Sean

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Oct 30, 2020

Earlier today (30th October 2020), the Huawei Mate 40 series was finally launched in China. The company’s Consumer Business CEO and Executive Director Yu Chengdong launched the latest flagship, along with Huawei AR Map 2.0.

For those unaware, Huawei AR Map was originally launched with the P40 series earlier this year. Now, the next iteration has been unveiled for the Mate 40 series. The latest version arrives with various improvements in areas like speed, accuracy, AI recognition through visual positioning that works with coordinated optimization of software and hardware. It supports various new locations as well alongside the ones that were previously available.

The new Huawei AR Map 2.0 is said to be based on the Hetu technology, which should make mapping more accurate and quicker. Furthermore, this system also relies on an improved AI recognition solution. AR Maps is essentially an augmented reality feature that lets users experience notable landmarks and areas with a 1:1 ratio with the real world through their smartphones. Fun activities such as mythical creatures and virtual characters can be found when using the map in the real world as well.

Moto E7 bags multiple certifications, Launch seems imminent

By

Anvinraj Valiyathara

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Oct 30, 2020

Earlier this month, a retailer listing had revealed the entire specifications of the unannounced Motorola Moto E7 smartphone. The listing had also carried the renders of the device. It appears that the announcement of the device is close at hand as the Moto E7 has bagged approval from bodies like (Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the U.S., National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) in Thailand, and TUV. These certifications show that the Moto E7 will break cover soon.

The NBTC certification revealed that the upcoming Moto E7 has the X2095-3 model number. A variant of the phone with model number X2095-1 appeared in the database of FCC to reveal some of its accessories such as AC adapter, battery, earphones, and USB cable.

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The battery of the Moto E7 has a KG40 model number. This battery appeared in TUV certification to reveal 4,000mAh capacity. The listing also suggests that the device will arrive with a 5W charger. Only these details were revealed through the certifications.

Editor’s Pick: Motorola Kiev live shot and key specs appear, Expected to launch as Moto G 5G

Moto E7 specifications and price (Rumored)

The Moto E7 has a 6.2-inch LCD display with a waterdrop notch that offers HD+ resolution. It could be powered by the Snapdragon 632 chipset and 2 GB of RAM. The phone may come with an internal storage of 32 GB. The retailer listing had revealed that it has a 3,550mAh battery, but the TUV appearance tells a different story.

The Moto E has a selfie camera of 5-megapixel and it has a dual-camera setup that includes a 13-megapixel main camera and a 2-megpaixel depth sensor. Its other feature includes a microSD card slot, Android 10 OS, 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, microUSB, and a 3.5mm audio jack.

(via)

BL6000 Pro – World’s First 5G Rugged Phone Will Soon be Launched via Indiegogo

By

Greeva Agnihotri

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Oct 30, 2020

4G is soon becoming a thing of the past as many new smartphones are launching with 5G network connection. Taking this into consideration, Blackview, recently introduced the much anticipated Blackview BL6000 Pro 5G- the world’s first 5G powered rugged phone. Along with outstanding durability, this smartphone will also provide ultra-fast connectivity.

5G Connectivity

5G network promises high-speed data connection and is expected to be almost 10 times faster than the current 4G network carrier. With its ultra-speed internet connection, BL6000 Pro will expand its horizons and deliver a foreign experience of using rugged smartphones. Along with internet browsing and downloading, the user can conduct uninterrupted, high-quality video conferencing, watch live and 4K video streams, and play online VR games, among other things. Additionally, its 5G NR modem provides full 2G-5G compatibility for added versatility.

Sturdy Built

Living up to its MO, Blackview BL6000 Pro is made from a robust metal frame and meets IP68, IP69K, and MIL-STD-810G certification. In other words, this rugged phone can withstand water immersion, drops, bumps, and shocks, making it an ideal companion to all adventures and beach trips. This device is also enhanced with one of a kind feature- IceMode that can withstand extreme cold conditions for up to -30℃. This attribute is a major plus point, given that winter is just around the corner.

Camera

BL6000 Pro packs a Sony IMX582 triple rear camera and Samsung S5K3P9-SP 16MP front camera, coupled with advanced software and processing features like PortraitColor, HDR, Night Mode, Underwater, Ultra-Wide, 4K 30fps, 1080P 60fps. Its optimized camera will let the users capture all their adventurous moments in decent quality pictures and videos.

Configurations and Additional Functions

BL6000 Pro features an FHD+ punch-hole display and runs on the Android 10 OS. It hosts a MediaTek Dimensity 800 processor with a 7mn chip to support the 5G network connection. The full-screen format will offer users an immersive experience while viewing content. This Blackview phone boasts a powerful 5280mAh battery that can last almost a day in a single charge. Other functions like GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, and Galileo come in handy during camping and hiking trips. NFC, fingerprint, and air pressure sensor further adds to its versatility.

BL6000 Pro is an ideal accessory for almost everyone; more so for people leading active lifestyles or people who work in harsh environments where water and rough grounds could cause harm to their device. Its price and availability time are not yet announced by the company; however, we do know that it will first be up for purchase on Indiegogo. Interested readers can subscribe to their newsletter to be updated about it.

For more information about the product, readers can click here.

Samsung to expand its foldable smartphone portfolio in 2021

By

Sean

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Oct 30, 2020

Earlier this week, Samsung Electronics revealed its operating profit and other details with its latest financial report. The South Korean tech giant accredited its growth and profits to various different factors and also stated its plans on expanding its foldable smartphone portfolio in 2021.

According to TheElec report, the operating profits of Samsung were the highest in two years, with sales also reaching an all time high for a quarter. From its overall profits of 12.35 trillion won (roughly 10.9 billion US Dollars), its smartphone business accounted for nearly a third or 4.45 trillion won (roughly 3.9 billion US Dollars), which is also a rise of 1.54 trillion won (roughly 1.35 billion US Dollars) from the same period back in 2019. The company stated that efficient management of costs and marketing is what helps in its profitability.

At the conference call, Samsung revealed that it plans to expand the price range of foldable smartphones as well. In other words, we would likely see foldable handsets with a bit more affordable price tag. At the moment, foldable devices only account for a small fraction of the company’s total smartphone sales, but it is projected to grow every year. Despite seeing a strong third quarter, Samsung is expecting profits and sales to drop by the final quarter due to increased competition from its rivals during year end sales.

The company stated that the pent up demand caused by the Coronavirus pandemic for smartphones also helped boost sales during the third quarter of 2020. This wasn’t limited to just smartphone sales, but also the company’s other consumer electronics product lineup as well. Larger screen devices also rose in popularity as the work from home scenarios have become the norm in 2020.

Motorola Kiev live shot and key specs appear, Expected to launch as Moto G 5G

By

Anvinraj Valiyathara

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Oct 30, 2020

Last month, a German publication (TecknikNews) broke news about the existence of a Motorola phone codenamed as Kiev. The same publication revealed yesterday that this phone will break cover as the Motorola Moto G 5G. The name suggests that it will be an inferior version of the Moto G 5G Plus (available as Motorola One 5G in the U.S.) that debuted in July. Equal Leaks telegram channel has shared a live shot of the smartphone to reveal its front design.

The live shot shows that the Moto G 5G aka Kiev has a tall aspect ratio display with top-center selfie camera cutout. The leak claims that the smartphone features an AMOLED HDR display that supports 1080 x 2400 pixels. Previous leaks have claimed that the Kiev is powered by the Snapdragon 690 5G chipset. Strangely, the new leak tells it has Snapdragon 765Gv, which seems to be incorrect.

The leak further states that the device has 128 GB of UFS 2.1 storage, and it is packed with a 5,000mAh battery. It has a quad-camera setup that is lead by a 48-megapixel primary lens. The camera leak also contradicts with previous that said that the Kiev phone has a 48-megapixel triple camera system. The leak concludes by saying that the phone will launch globally.

Editor’s Pick: Motorola XT2091 will be also launching as a Lenovo smartphone

Previous reports have said that the Motorola Kiev’s support screen supports a 90Hz OLED refresh rate, and it has a 16-megapixel front camera. Its rear has a 48-megapixel Samsung GM1 main camera, an 8-megapixel telephoto lens, and a 2-megapixel depth sensor. It has other features like 6 GB of RAM, 128 GB of storage, Android 10 OS, microSD card slot, and NFC. It is said that the XT2113-2 and XT2113-3 are the two variants of the phone.

(source|via)

Apple led the global tablet market in Q3 2020; Huawei slipped to fourth place

By

Sudarshan Ravichandran

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Oct 30, 2020

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the demand for tablets continued to sustain even in Q3 2020. According to the latest report by IDC, the global tablet shipments reached 47.6 million units in the last quarter with 24.9% YoY growth. Apple continued to be the market leader, whereas Huawei slipped to fourth place.

As per the report, Apple shipped 13.9 million iPads in Q3 2020. The company’s growth increased by 17.4% YoY and captured 29.2% of the market. The iPad 7th Generartion (2019) and iPad 8th Generation (2020) shipped the most

In the second place with 9.4 million units, Samsung’s Galaxy Tab shipments improved by 89.2% YoY and the company accounted for 19.8% of the market. During this period, the brand introduced Galaxy Tab S7+ 5G as one of the first global 5G-enabled tablets.

Further in third place, Amazon acquired an 11.4% market share with 5.4 million units in shipments despite declining by 1.2% YoY. The Fire HD 8 2020 accounted for most of the shipments, closely followed by the 10.1-inch model. The Kids Edition of both these tablets also did well.

Despite 32.9% YoY growth, Huawei dropped to the fourth position with 4.9 million shipments and a 10.2% market share. The company’s decline was mostly due to Amazon’s better performance than Q2 2020. Nevertheless, Huawei’s tablet business is uncertain without component suppliers and GMS (Google Mobile Services).

Last but not least, Lenovo continued to remain in fifth place with an 8.4% market share. The company shipped 4.1 million units with 62.4% YoY growth.

Japan to shut out China from its Drone supply chains over security concerns: Report

By

Sean

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Oct 30, 2020

Japan is seeking to shut out China from supplying drones to its government. The primary reason is over security concerns, with the government aiming to protect sensitive information as per sources close to the matter.

According to a Reuters report, the news arrives from a few sources within the government and the ruling party. These sources have claimed that the move is a part of the country’s efforts to strengthen its national security. With the advancements in technology, the primary concern is being centered around information technology, supply chains, cybersecurity, and intellectual property. These concerns are also shared by various other governments as well in recent times.

Thus, the move to reduce its dependency on China, especially in regards to sensitive technology such as drones and security cameras is understandable. Furthermore, the situation also requires careful manoeuvering between the ongoing US-China trade tensions. As per a senior government official, “China is a big market and it is important for Japan. On the other hand, there are worries that advanced technologies and information could leak to China and could be diverted for military use.” At the moment, the defense ministry has several hundred drones, which includes those that have been manufactured by Chinese companies. Although, government bodies have clarified that these drones are not used for security related matters.

It is unclear if Japan would seek to replace all such drones or just employ a stricter screening process for data leaks over a newly reinforced policy. Notably, this would likely help boost the local drones business, since the government would likely seek drones sourced from within its own borders. However, this move also does not imply a cut in ties or souring relations with China. Another senior official added that “Japan will keep diplomatic ties with China but we will be more carefully respond to sensitive technologies and information.”

Check out HUAWEI Mate40 Pro+ Master Lu Benchmark scores here

By

Sudarshan Ravichandran

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Oct 30, 2020

Last week, the HUAWEI Mate40 series made its global debut. These smartphones launched in China today. But ahead of it, Master Lu, a popular Chinese benchmarking platform had revealed the scores of HUAWEI Mate40 Pro+ on Weibo in the morning.

The scores of HUAWEI Mate40 Pro+ with HiSilcion Kirin 9000 are better than Xiaomi Mi 10 Ultra powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 865. But since the handset is yet to go on sale, the scores may come down as Master Lu Benchmark uses average score rather than the highest score.

But still, it will beat the older Snapdragon 865. The bigger question is how well it will stand against the upcoming Snapdragon 875, which is also reported to be based on 5nm manufacturing process.

That said, here’s a table comparing the current scores of HUAWEI Mate40 Pro+ and Xiaomi Mi 10 Ultra.

Master Lu Benchmark Scores	HUAWEI Mate40 Pro+ (NOP-AN00)	Xiaomi Mi 10 Ultra (M2007J1SC)
CPU	302,075	289,842
GPU	327,431	319,813
RAM	102,530	103,965
Storage	176,690	140,523
Total	908,726	854,143

Anyway, benchmark scores don’t translate real-world performances. Hence, we do not recommend anyone buying a smartphone purely based on the points scored by it on multiple benchmarking platforms.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 may arrive with an S Pen: Report

By

Sean

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Oct 30, 2020

Samsung had recently launched the Galaxy Z Fold 2. This was the successor to the company’s first foldable smartphone and arrived with various improvements. Now, a new patent reveals what appears to be the Galaxy Z Fold 3, which may arrive with an S Pen.

Earlier this year, the South Korean tech giant filed a patent with the WIPO (World Intellectual Property Office) for a new smartphone. The documentation describes the device while also offering various sketches as well. Looking at these images, it is clear that the handset in question is a foldable device, and on the bottom right corner is where the S Pen will be housed. The patent is also indicative of the company’s plans to include the stylus in future foldable handsets.

The device in the image resembles the original Galaxy Fold in design, but with the inclusion of a new S Pen. For those unaware, Samsung ships the stylus with larger screen smartphones like the Galaxy Note series or some of its tablets like the Galaxy Tab S series. Although, the stylus on the latter is larger than the former’s. Interestingly, the LetsGoDigital report also stated the company is also looking to use a new ‘Active Electrostatic Solution’ (AES) technology in the future. The application of this technology would work well with foldable smartphones since Samsung is also planning on raising the thickness of its UTG (Ultra Thin Glass) from 30 micrometers to 60 micrometers.

Unfortunately, this is just a design patent and we have no confirmation from the company regarding its plans for the future. The patent also doesn’t explicitly state the name of the device, so take this report with a pinch of salt as well. We had also previously covered another patent regarding a foldable device with a sliding keyboard, which might have also been another possible design for the Galaxy Z Fold 3. Samsung would likely launch its next gen foldable handsets next year, so we can expect to see more information arrive in a few weeks or even a couple of months.

Samsung reclaims Global Smartphone Market throne, outperforms expectations in Q3 2020

By

Sean

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Oct 30, 2020

The global smartphone market is showing signs of recovery in the third quarter of 2020. During this time, shipments declined by just 1.3 percent over 2019, with a total of 353.6 million smartphone units being shipped. Samsung Electronics took the top spot in this quarter and even performed better than expected.

The global smartphone market’s shipment results have shown a stronger performance than what was previously estimated. According to an IDC report, the market was initially expected to decline by 9 percent year on year due to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic. Although, the improvements can also be accredited to various nations reopening their economies and gradually relaxing restrictions as well.

Notably, key markets have also shown strong recovery, with certain nations rebounding faster. India, the second largest smartphone market witnessed high volumes of sales during this quarter despite the pandemic. Similar to its global position, Samsung even reclaimed its throne as the market leader in the Indian market as well. This was likely also due to the pent up demand, which boosted the market growth. Furthermore, aggressive promotions and discounts also played a major part in the recovery.

Samsung Galaxy M31s Mirage Blue — Samsung Galaxy M31s

The South Korean tech giant had a global market share of 22.7 percent in Q3 2020, shipping 80.4 million smartphones overall. This marks a growth of 2.9 percent year on year as well. The largest market for Samsung, which accounted for 15 percent of its total volume, was India. In this region, the company saw great success in the sub 250 US Dollars segment with its latest Galaxy M series of smartphones.

Apple iPhone 12’s edges are dangerously sharp: Report

By

Sean

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Oct 30, 2020

The newly launched Apple iPhone 12 might have a serious design flaw. A new report has suggested that the company’s 2020 flagship might have dangerously sharp edges that may cause injuries to its users.

The iPhone 12 series has just recently been launched and arrives with few changes in design over the iPhone 11 lineup. Its edges aren’t rounded, unlike the previous generation, with a more box-like design that was seen in the iPhone 5 and iPhone 4. Furthermore, the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 12 also feature an aluminum frame, unlike the stainless steel one found in the Pro variants.

According to a MyDrivers report, early buyers of the new flagship from the Cupertino based giant have taken to social media platforms like Weibo and Tieba to share images of their injuries caused by the handset. As per these users, the device’s edges are really sharp and hard, which keeps digging into the palm of the users. A few users have even claimed that these handsets are hard to grip because of their flat sides.

Reportedly, users have also complained that holding the iPhone 12 tightly since it is a new product, leads to further injuries like cuts and clear marks being left behind. At the moment, these issues have only surfaced in China, and it remains to be seen if it’s a more widespread concern. However, looking at the design of the new Apple iPhone, it might not be too far fetched to believe the issue.

Mobile by Peak Design Raised More than A Million Dollars via Kickstarter

By

Greeva Agnihotri

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Oct 30, 2020

In today’s day and age, mobile phone is one of the most important and valuable accessories that people carry. One does everything to keep it safe and always finds ways to enhance its looks or make it more versatile. Peak Design is one such company that comes up with new concepts and products that better integrates a phone with the user’s life. Its most recent introduction- Mobile, is crowdfunded through Kickstarter and has raised more than $1,195,000. Mobile offers everything from mounts, cases, accessories, and chargers to make life convenient for mobile users.

SlimLink is one such introduction by Mobile, in the mounting category, that features an ultra-strong, low-profile, and a dual locking system. Its soft-lock mechanism is compatible with Apple’s MagSafe and simply requires a corresponding magnet array for a secure connection. The hard lock features a zirconia ring and aluminum teeth mechanism to keep the device securely attached to the mounts. This piece is sleek and has a height of just 2.4mm.

Apart from SlimLink, Mobile has given just a sneak of its other introductions to let the users know what to expect.

ARRAY of PRODUCTS

Everyday Case has a sleek 2.4mm profile and offers 360-degree drop protection. It is made from weatherproof nylon canvas that is Bluesign certified. This case is also compatible with wireless charging and Apple MagSafe. Compatible with all models of iPhone 11, iPhone 12, and Samsung 20. Strap.

Universal Adapter has an adhesive back, making it ideal for all phones and cases with a flat surface. It has a slim 2.5mm profile and is made from weatherproof nylon canvas. 3M VHB adhesive is super strong and keeps it securely placed.

Mobile Tripod features an articulating ball head with an integrated tuning key for optimal use. One can easily set it for landscape or kickstand mode.

As the name suggests, Kickstand Wallet can convert into a 7 card wallet with an ID sleeve or become a stand within seconds. It is compatible with Apple MagSafe.

Car Mount, Wall Mount, Universal Bike Mount, Motorcycle Bar Mount, Motorcycle Bar Mount are mostly made from weatherproof anodized aluminum. These accessories are easy to latch on and use.

Wireless Charging Stand can be adjusted according to preferences and be used for simultaneous charging and viewing.

Mobile Creator Kit can connect the user’s phone to 4 mounting or connection systems. It is compatible with mounts like Go-Pro, Capture Camera Clip, and Arca Tripod heads. Its hard-locking mechanism keeps the device securely-placed.

With an impressive million dollar funding, Peak Design’s Mobile is off to a great start. All the interested readers can head on to the Kickstarter website to know more about the products.

Grab the Lenovo IdeaPad Duet Chromebook for only ₹23,749 with this coupon

By

Sudarshan Ravichandran

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Oct 30, 2020

Lenovo unveiled IdeaPad Duet Chromebook at CES 2020 earlier this year. It went on sale in the US starting May but like most Chrome OS devices, it has been mostly out of stock due to the demand caused by the pandemic. The product made its way to India in September but now a little over a month later, the tablet is already discounted ahead of Diwali festive season.

The IdeaPad Duet Chromebook is the only Lenovo Chrome OS device available officially in India. Also, it can be only purchased from the company’s official website.

The tablet launched in the country for ₹27,999. But for a limited time, its price has been dropped by ₹3,000 ahead of Diwali. Hence, it is currently listed at ₹24,999. However, you can get it for only ₹23,749 with the coupon code – LENTAB.

I have been personally this device ever since it debuted in India. In fact, I am writing this deal article on it, thanks to the magnetic keyboard accessory and kickstand case that come bundled with it unlike any other tablet in the market.

It is powered by MediaTek helio P60T paired with 4GB LPDDR4X RAM and 128GB eMMC internal storage. But I would advise you to not go by the specs as this device is really fast. Above all, it is slated to receive Chrome OS updates until June 2028 and it can also run Android as well as Linux applications.

The tablet sports a 10.1-inch IPS LCD panel with a resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels and 400 nits peak brightness. It also supports USI Styluses but none of them are available in India.

On the connectivity front, it features dual-band WiFi, Bluetooth 4.2, and USB Type-C. Unfortunately, it does not have a 3.5mm headphone jack but comes with dual stereo speakers powered by Dolby Audio, however, they are not great. Anyway, you do get a USB Type-C to 3.5mm headphone jack inside the box

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Further, it also has an 8MP rear camera if you are into clicking pictures on tablets and a 2MP front-facing camera for video calls and selfies. Lastly, it is backed by a 7,000mAh battery and offers up to 10 hours of battery life. Although it supports 15W USB PD charging, the company ships it with a 10W charger.

The only letdown of Lenovo IdeaPad Duet Chromebook is its 450g weight. With the keyboard and the kickstand case, it weighs even more at 920g.

Buy Lenovo IdeaPad Duet Chromebook

Sony gets license to supply camera sensors to Huawei

By

Jeet

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Oct 30, 2020

Huawei has been restricted by the United States after the company has been put on Entity List last year. A couple of months ago, new sanctions were imposed on the Chinese giant, cutting its access to several necessary components, including chipsets.

But now, more and more companies are getting approval from the United States government to continue doing business with Huawei. In the latest development, Sony and Omnivision have been granted licenses to supply components to Huawei.

As per the report, Sony and OmniVision, two of the world’s leading companies that provide camera imaging sensors, have received approval from the United States and can now ship products to Huawei Technologies.

Sony is the world’s leading supplier of camera imaging sensors while Omnivision is the third-largest supplier after Samsung. While Omnivision is headquartered in California, the company was acquired by a China-based fund in 2014.

The development could be a major relief for Huawei as high-end camera performance is one of the factors behind the success of the company’s premium Mate-series and P-series smartphones globally. With this development, Huawei can continue to offer smartphones with advanced camera features.

EDITOR’S PICK: Xiaomi surpasses Apple to become the world’s third-biggest smartphone brand in Q3 2020

Since the U.S. government added new sanctions on the Chinese giant, Sony had trimmed its capital spending plan for three years, as the restrictions created a gap of billions of dollars in sales from supplying image sensors to Huawei.

Apart from these two companies, Intel, AMD, and Samsung Display have also received approval from the United States to continue doing business with Huawei. While Samsung Display will be able to provide OLED panels, AMD and Intel are supplying the Chinese giant with chipsets for its laptop business.

More than 300 countries have applied for a special license with the United States government to keep doing business with Huawei, including companies like Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix. Recently, it was revealed the U.S. is granting licenses as long as the component supplied is not related to the company’s 5G business.

OnePlus 8T Cyberpunk 2077 Limited Edition set to launch on November 2

By

Anvinraj Valiyathara

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Oct 30, 2020

Earlier this month, OnePlus announced its OnePlus 8T flagship phone in global markets. It held a dedicated launch event in China to unleash the same phone. At the event, the company also confirmed that it will be launching a special and limited version of the OnePlus 8T called the OnePlus 8T Cyberpunk 2077 Limited Edition. Today, the Chinese brand official confirmed that the special edition will be made official on Nov. 2 at 2 PM (local time) in the home market.

For the OnePlus 8T Cyberpunk 2077 Limited Edition, OnePlus has teamed up with a forthcoming action role-playing video game developed and published by CD Projekt. A product page of the phone is now available on the official website of OnePlus China. The page only has a trailer of the phone. Here is a look at the official poster of the OnePlus 8T Cyberpunk 2077 Limited Edition that confirms the Nov. 2 launch date.

The poster gives a glimpse of the special edition OnePlus 8T. Probably, the device may come with a special package that will include some goodies. A Cyberpunk themed version of OxygenOS could be gracing the smartphone. OnePlus CEO and co-founder Pete Lau had recently teased the OnePlus 8T Cyberpunk 2077 Limited Edition. The teaser image only suggested that it could be sporting a grayish-black colored rear and it has a yellow-colored Cyberpunk branding.

Editor’s Pick: HeyMelody app allows you to update OnePlus and OPPO TWS earbuds on non-OnePlus phones

It is already known that the pre-orders of the OnePlus 8T Cyberpunk 2077 Limited Edition will begin on Nov. 4. There is no word on the pricing of the device.

OnePlus 8T specifications

The OnePlus 8T has a 6.5-inch Fluid AMOLED FHD+ 120Hz display with a punch-hole design. It has a 16-megapixel front camera and a 48-megapixel + 16-megapixel + 5-megapixel + 2-megapixel quad rear cameras. It is powered by Snapdragon 865 SoC and up to 12 GB of LPPDDR5 RAM and up to 256 GB of UFS 3.1 storage. The OxygenOS based Android 11 OS runs on the OnePlus 8T. Its 4,500mAh battery supports 65W fast charging.

Selpic is Offering a Flat 20% off on All its Products for Halloween

By

Greeva Agnihotri

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Oct 30, 2020

Selpic offers a range of printers and cartridges that provide versatile use. With their handheld and compact design, these printers have made labeling and printing even more fun and convenient. All the arts, crafts, and stationery lovers can now enjoy a flat 20% off on all their products.

Selpic S1 has 600DPI and a speed of 100mm/s to provide decent prints. Its built-in roller sensor can conveniently work even on uneven surfaces like wood, textiles, leather, glass, and walls to offer versatility. This unit can print content in up to up to 9 languages.

Its upgraded version S1+ boasts some similar features like printing on uneven surfaces and text printing. However, this unit can print content in all languages that are compatible with the user’s phone. This Selpic printer enables vertical, curved, and multi-sentence printing to offer more room for creativity. It has a speed of 30-300mm/s and can be connected to an app to control various functions. Both S1 and S1+ can print text, design, and customized pictures by simply uploading the content using an app.

These models work on a pigment-based ink that has a quick-drying feature to prevent accidental smudges. The water-resistant and skin-friendly formula of cartridges delivers decent quality prints. They come in multiple colors like black, white, yellow, green, and blue for vivid printing. Selpic S1 and S1+ have a difference of 0.5-inches in the nozzle and hence require different cartridges.

One can choose from buying individual printers and cartridges or opt for economical set options offered by Selpic. All interested readers can purchase these printers, cartridges, and sets for a flat 20% off on their website. Hurry, this Halloween exclusive offer ends on 1st November. selpic p1 printers

Faro – A Smart Helmet by UNIT 1 has Raised $300,000 via Kickstarter

By

Greeva Agnihotri

-

Oct 30, 2020

Cycling is a fun activity but becomes a task in the cities due to rising accidents. The primary cause of these mishaps is a lack of communication or miscommunication between the rider and driver. To resolve this issue and make life easy, UNIT 1 has introduced Faro, a smart, sleek, and stylish helmet. The company has raised more than $300,000 through Kickstarter, a crowdfunding platform for innovative products.

Rider’s visibility at night is very important; hence, Faro is designed with 40 LEDs at the back that can be used to send various signals. The rider can choose from flashing patterns, day and night mode, color combinations, and more. Apart from visibility, the user can also signal other drivers if they’re about to make a turn or stop with a navigation remote. One can simply incorporate an automatic brake light and turn signals with a handlebar remote for this upgrade(The remote is an add-on bonus that Faro offers).

While all this sounds cool, adding lights on a helmet instantly increases the rider’s chances of looking like a sci-fi character. And to avoid that, Faro has smartly tucked away all these LEDs under a fabric-covered portion at the back. This fabric liner is tear- and water-proof. The helmet also has an IPX6 rating, making it perfect for unruly weather conditions. Couple that with weather-specific light behaviors for enhanced visibility, and you have a versatile piece for an accessory.

UNIT 1 has designed this helmet up to International Certification standards and partnered up with MIPS – a Swedish company that specializes in helmet safety. Its outer shell is made from ABS and PC materials that are sturdy and durable to keep the rider safe. With magnetic button closure, Faro stays well-positioned while its multiple vent design offer enhanced breathability.

Faro is also developing an app that will allow the rider to customize functions like lights, sensors, and track distance or pace, among other things. The company will be coming up with a fall detection feature that will send a message to SOS if the rider is unresponsive after a hard fall. It will also alert a predetermined emergency contact, who will receive a distress call with your location details.

Faro comes in 3 different sizes and colors to cater to offer a wide variety of options. This helmet has a 1850mAh rechargeable battery that can last up to 10 hours, depending on the active functions. With multiple safety certifications and a versatile form, this piece is an ideal addition to one’s cycling gear. To know more about Faro, interested readers can visit the Kickstarter website.

Global Smartphone Market recovers in Q3 2020 with 32% quarterly growth

By

Jeet

-

Oct 30, 2020

In the third quarter of this year, the global smartphone market witnessed a decline of 4 percent year-on-year but grew 32 percent quarter-on-quarter with total shipments reaching 366 million units, reveals the latest research report from Counterpoint.

As per the report, recovering in the global smartphone market is mainly because of increased demands in key markets such as the United States, India, and Latin America. Also, several regions are slowing opening up after COVID-19 precaution measures taken by various countries, which also included total lockdown.

Samsung has kept its position as the leader of the smartphone market globally, enjoying a healthy market share of 22 percent as the company witnessed 2 percent YoY growth and 47 percent QoQ growth. It also managed to dethrone Xiaomi in the Indian market to become the leading smartphone brand.

China-based Huawei, which is facing several issues because of restrictions imposed by the United States, managed to become the second leading smartphone brand with a 14 percent market share in Q3 2020. However, the Chinese giant witnessed a significant 24 percent year-on-year decline and 7 percent QoQ decline in terms of shipments.

EDITOR’S PICK: Huawei leads the Chinese Smartphone Market in Q3 2020; 5G handsets accounted for over 50%

One interesting outcome is Xioami surpassing Apple for the third position with a 13 percent market share. It witnessed 46 percent and 75 percent YoY and QoQ growth respectively. Apple, on the other hand, held an 11 percent market share with a 7 percent YoY decline.

OPPO and Vivo took fourth and fifth positions with both the companies having 8 percent of the market share. OPPO-backed Realme emerged as the seventh leading smartphone brand globally with a four percent market share. But the company posted impressive growth — 45 percent YoY and 132 percent QoQ.

The report shows impressive growth from two brands — Xioami and Realme. This is mainly because of the increasing demand in key markets like China, India, Indonesia, the Philippines, and other Southeast Asian countries.

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