Samsung Galaxy Fold 2 unlikely to feature S Pen stylus

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Jun 9, 2020

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) has officially revealed the existence of a new 4nm manufacturing process which has remained unannounced before now. The manufacturing process falls between the 5nm and 3nm nodes that are already on the company’s roadmap.

TSMC Fab 6 — Source: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd

TSMC CEO Liu Deyin is reported to have announced at the company’s shareholders meeting, Tuesday, that the Taiwanese foundry will launch a 4nm process “N4”. The N4 process is an enhanced version of its most advanced 5nm process “N5P”, and is expected to enter mass production in 2023.

TSMC is obviously repeating the old routine of the 6nm process N6. It is an upgraded version of the strongest 7nm process N7+ . The advantage is that while performance and power consumption continue to be optimized, the design is compatible with each other. Customers can easily migrate and obtain it at a lower cost.

TSMC’s mobile chipset routine started at 16nm and it strictly adhered to the technical standards at that time but Samsung’s similar process was called 14nm. From the paper, TSMC’s 16nm process fell behind Samsung’s 14nm, so it strengthened and upgraded its 16nm node and that gave birth to the 12nm process. The rest, as they say, is history.

According to the plan, TSMC will mass-produce the first generation of 5nm in the fourth quarter of this year. The company has also completed the design framework of the 3nm process. The 3nm process is expected to enter trial production in the first half of 2021. The Taiwanese semiconductor giant is also accelerating the 2nm process.

(via)

Vivo X60s 5G powered by Snapdragon 765 appears on Geekbench

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Jun 9, 2020

The Vivo X50 series launched last week in China. The trio includes the Vivo X50, the Vivo X50 Pro, and the flagship Vivo X50 Pro+. Now Vivo is set to announce a new phone called the Vivo X60s 5G.

The Vivo X60s 5G has model number V2006 according to its Bluetooth certificate. Ahead of its release, the device has been spotted on Geekbench and the benchmark result reveals some key specs.

Benchmarked as the “vivo vivo 2006”, the phone runs Android 10, has 8GB of RAM and is powered by a Qualcomm processor said to be the Snapdragon 765 5G Mobile Platform.

There is a lot we still do not know about the phone including its design. Its launch date is also unknown but we do not think Vivo will announce the X60s 5G in its home country seeing as the X50 series just launched.

(Sources: 1, 2 |Via)

OnePlus TV 32-inch & 43-inch models with their remotes are Bluetooth certified

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Jun 9, 2020

OnePlus CEO Pete Lau earlier today confirmed that the company would launch the much-touted OnePlus TV on June 2. The smart TV has now reportedly been certified by Bluetooth SIG ahead of its launch.

The certification reveals the presence of two models – a 32-inch model and 43-inch variant. The remote controls for the two smart TVs were also certified. The 32-inch model comes with the model number 32HA0A00 while the 43-inch version has model number 43FA0A00 from which we infer the screen sizes.

Pete Lau also hinted that the smarter TV will come with an affordable pricing. This isn’t OnePlus’ first smart TV as the company took the veil off the OnePlus Q1 and Q1 Pro premium smart TVs last year in India. The Q1 is priced at INR69,900 while the Pro model carries a price tag of INR99,900. But Amazon India posted a landing page for the upcoming launch and subsequent sale, revealing prices will be starting from INR1X,999. There are rumours it could start at INR15,000 but if it goes higher, the highest it could get is INR19,999 (~$265).

There are speculations that OnePlus TV may share hardware with the Realme TV which also features a 32-inch and 43-inch model. This may be true since both companies are BBK subsidiaries.

Xiaomi launches the MIJIA T500C Sonic Electric Toothbrush

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Jun 9, 2020

Xiaomi has launched the MIJIA T500C Sonic Electric Toothbrush in China. The toothbrush is now on sale on Xiaomi Youpin for 269 yuan (~$38). The toothbrush is an upgraded variant of the T500 Sonic Electric Toothbrush launched last year.

The MIJIA T500C comes with a high-frequency vibration motor, supports IPX7 waterproof rating, overvoltage sensor reminder and wireless induction charging. The toothbrush can be customized through the Mijia app to personalize the cleaning mode.

The toothbrush is equipped with a high-precision acceleration sensor which can monitor the user’s brushing posture, angle and range. The brush supports smart overpressure reminder when the brushing force is too strong. When this happens, the toothbrush power indicator flashes automatically reduces the vibration intensity.

In addition, the MIJIA T500C is equipped with a second-generation magnetic suspension sonic motor that supports 31,000 vibrations per minute. The brush features three modes; standard mode for daily cleaning. There is a soft mode suitable for sensitive gums and a default novice mode that can be customized inside the MIJIA app.

Realme X3 SuperZoom to launch on June 26 in India

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Jun 9, 2020

It is no news that the Realme X3 SuperZoom will be launching in India but the date has not yet been officially released. However, we do not have to wait until the official announcement.

The Indian blog, 91Mobiles, has revealed that the Realme X3 SuperZoom will be announced on June 26. The info is reported to have come from retail sources.

The launch date is exactly a month after its debut in Europe. There is no mention of other devices launching alongside but there is a chance there will be at least one other phone.

Another product that may launch at the event is the Realme Buds Q. The TWS earbuds already launched in Europe and China last month, and have been confirmed to arrive in India with a price tag under INR 2000 (~$26). The Realme X3 SuperZoom launch event will be the perfect chance to announce the earbuds.

The Realme X3 SuperZoom has a price tag of €499 (~INR 42,738) in Europe. While India usually gets a lower price tag for a lot of phones, we expect it to be priced under INR 40,000 when it launches. It may even launch for significantly less if it comes with a different processor as hinted by the company’s CMO.

The phone has a 6.6-inch FHD+ LCD display with a 120Hz refresh rate. Its screen has a punch hole for two selfie cameras – a 32MP + 8MP ultrawide angle camera. There is a Snapdragon 855+ processor under the hood along with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage.

The Realme X3 SuperZoom also has 64MP quad cameras with 5x optical zoom and 60x digital zoom. It has a side-mounted fingerprint scanner, Bluetooth 5.0, and a USB Type-C port. Its battery capacity is 4200mAh and there is support for 30W fast wired charging. Realme ships it with Android 10 out of the box.

(Source)

Timex partners with Huami to launch two Metropolitan smartwatches priced at $179

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Jun 9, 2020

Timex began manufacturing watches in 1854 and has over the decades built a reputation for itself as a world leader in watchmaking. The brand in 2018 announced a partnership with Huami that would help its foray into the smartwatch business. The Timex R300 was the brand’s first smartwatch launched in February 2020.

Timex Metropolitan R in Gunmetal (PRNewsfoto/Timex)

The US watchmaker is now set to launch its second smartwatch on June 10. The product will fall under the lifestyle-focused Metropolitan smartwatch collection and will feature software that was developed in partnership with Huami.

The Timex Metropolitan models feature an impressive high-resolution AMOLED touch display with vibrant colors that look bright under any ambient light condition. The watch also promises two weeks of battery life, making it a standout among competitors. The Metropolitan offers all the functionalities of a smartwatch, without sacrificing style, and continues the Timex Smart mission to provide accessibly priced, high-quality and durable smartwatches for people who live an active lifestyle.

Timex’s watchmaking expertise, combined with Huami’s enhanced sports, healthcare and AI technology, brings cutting-edge wearable technology to consumers around the world. The appetite from consumers for this wearable technology has been an influence in future launches from the brands that consumers will see over the next 12 months.

“We are excited to introduce another edition to our Timex Smart franchise. This new collection delivers on performance and one of the longest battery life on the market today. The Metropolitan collection for men and women combines the ease of soft-touch navigation and performance monitoring, delivering beauty and brains, as is expected for today’s smartwatches,” said Shawn Lawson-Cummings, SVP Advanced Technology & Sports, Timex Group.

Timex Metropolitan series is made up of the Metropolitan R with a round watch face and the Metropolitan S with a square-shaped watch face. The collection delivers always connected, smart technology, with elevated, sleek designs and notifications to stay on top of a busy lifestyle. Custom dials add an extra layer of personalization with over 20 dials to choose from. The water-resistant watch has on-board GPS, optical heart rate sensor, a 24/7 activity and sleep tracker for health and fitness goals and one easy to use app. The Metropolitan has all the bells and whistles of a truly substantial smartwatch.

As for the pricing, the Timex Metropolitan R is available in rose gold and gunmetal, and the Metropolitan S is available in black and rose gold. Both models are available for $179 at timex.com in the US and Canada as well as in select retailers across North America.

Huawei P50 series already in development; will set a new DXOMark record

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Jun 9, 2020

The Huawei P40 Pro currently sits atop DXOMark’s list of phones with the best cameras. Come next year, Huawei aims to retain the crown with the P50 series which is already in development according to an executive.

Details about the development of the next P-series flagship were revealed by Wang Yonggang, the General Manager of the P-series product line. He said that the time frame from development to launch of the P-series phones takes at least 18 months. This means the P50 series has already been in development even before the launch of the P40 series in March.

Wang stated that the global R&D team meets a year before the launch to discuss innovative technologies and solutions that will make it to the devices. Seeing as we are already in June and assuming the P50 series will launch in March next year, this meeting should already have taken place.

The company executive said the next P-series flagships will boast cutting-edge technologies including new breakthroughs when they arrive next year. Huawei is expected to launch the flagships with the new 5nm Kirin 1000 chipset that will appear first in the Mate 40 series after this year.

(Source)

Samsung to use UTG developed by Corning for its foldable phones next year

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Jun 9, 2020

In the past few years, full-screen design, as well as different styles of screen notch, have been the trend in the smartphone industry. However, foldable phones and 5G took the centre stage last year. Already, a few foldable smartphones have been launched, notably by Huawei and Samsung. The Korean company s now rumoured to have decided to use Ultra Thin Glass (UTG) on the upcoming Galaxy Fold 2 phone.

Last year, Corning was reported to be working on a Gorilla Glass for foldable phones. Samsung and Corning are said to be working to accelerate development and to set up a supply chain in the US. Samsung will reportedly use Corning UTG on foldable phones coming out next year. This will not only reduce costs but also reduce the weight of the UTG solution added to the phone. Corning has been reportedly able to make a glass that’s just 0.1mm thick and can fold to a radius of 5mm. Other details as regards the strength of the glass are still unknown.

Samsung is expected to unveil the Galaxy Fold 2 will be unveiled in August alongside the Galaxy Note20. There is the possibility of the company launching a 5G version of the Z Flip as well.

Xiaomi confirms the Mi Mix 3 5G will get MIUI 12 in October but there’s a catch

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Jun 9, 2020

When Xiaomi announced the Mi Mix 3 5G at MWC 2019, the phone came preinstalled with Android 9.0 Pie-based MIUI 10. Since then, the company has pushed a major Android update, at least to some models and has also updated its custom ROM. The 5G phone missed out on both updates and that recently prompted a fan to float a petition on Change.org in a bid to get the Chinese tech giant to update the software.

Mi Mix 3 5G first 5G phone — Mi Mix 3 5G was Xiaomi’s first 5G phone

More tales of woe for the Mix 3 5G owners as Xiaomi has reportedly confirmed that it would push MIUI 12 update to the Mi Mix 3 5G in October. If you think that is good news, wait for the catch. A spokesperson for Xiaomi revealed this detail while responding to an inquiry by a fan. The Xiaomi spokesperson also hinted that the device will still be stuck with Android9 even with the MIUI 12 update. Thus, it is unlikely that the Mix 3 5G will ever be updated past Android 9.

The decision to push MIUI 12 to the 5G phone may be as a result of the company bowing to pressure from users who are agitating for an update. The phone is yet to get MIUI 11 update and may likely skip that entirely. But Xiaomi may likely never give the Mix 3 5G Android 10 update. The company had hinted that only a few units were sold and so software support were halted.

(via)

Redmi Note 7 Pro finally gets Android 10 stable update in China

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Jun 9, 2020

The Redmi Note 7 Pro launched last year but has already gotten two successors in form of the Redmi Note 8 Pro and the Redmi Note 9 Pro. A few months ago, a beta version of Android 10 for it. It has now been reported that a stable update is already rolling out to users in China.

Arriving as MIUI V11.0.1.0.QF and coming in at 2.1GB in size, the update brings the latest version of Android in addition to May 2020’s security patch. You won’t get to see the visual changes that Android 10 brings no thanks to Xiaomi’s MIUI 11 skin but you should get features such as smart replies.

The Redmi Note 7 Pro may already have two successors but it is still a pretty good device. It has a 6.3-inch FHD+ display with a waterdrop notch and Gorilla Glass 5 protection on both sides.

There is a Snapdragon 675 processor paired with up to 6GB of RAM and 128GB of expandable storage. For its cameras, there is a 48MP + 5MP setup on the back while a 13MP sensor sits in front for taking selfies.

The Redmi Note 7 Pro has a 4000mAh battery with support for 18W fast charge. There is a USB-C port at the bottom while an audio jack and IR sensor sit at the top. It also has a rear-mounted fingerprint scanner.

Seeing as the Chinese variant is already receiving the update, we expect Xiaomi to release it soon for the global version too.

(Via)

Xiaomi Mi Mix 4 to be personally handled by recently appointed VP, Yang Zhe

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Giveaway: Win a Mi Band 5

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Jun 9, 2020

Earlier this month, Xiaomi had officially announced the appointment of Yang Zhe as the new Vice President of the group and the Chief Marketing Officer of China. Now, one of the senior executive’s first responsibilities includes the Mi Mix 4, which will be handled by Yang Zhe personally. For those unaware, Yang Zhe has also worked in other popular brands like TLC and Meizu.

According to a new report, Yang Zhe will be heading the launch of the upcoming flagship, the Mi Mix 4. The device has been highly anticipated for a while now and will succeed in the nearly two year old Mi Mix 3. While the Mi Mix Alpha Concept Smartphone has been teased quite frequently, it is doubtful that the handset will ever see a commercial launch. Although, a few of its highlighting features might just make an appearance on the Mi Mix 4.

Previous reports have hinted that the Mi Mix 4 will feature a hyperbolic display on the front with a 120Hz display. Notably, a Pro and base version has also been rumored, although, these reports have yet to be confirmed. Unfortunately, we have no official announcement to go on as of yet. But Yang Zhe being immediately assigned such a crucial smartphone might be suggestive of an imminent launch. So stay tuned for more.

(Via)

[Winners Announced!] Xiaomi Mi Band 5 International Giveaway in partnership with Giztop (2 Units)

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Joel Joseph

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Jun 9, 2020

UPDATE:

The winners of the Mi Band 5 International Giveaway are:

1. Rajkumar anna from India

2. Celia Bermúdez from Spain

We request both the winners to send in your shipping details to [email protected] to claim the prize.

If you couldn’t win in this giveaway, don’t worry, we are giving away two units of the QCY T5 Pro gaming wireless earbuds this week. You can participate in it from here.

Xiaomi is all set to announce the new generation Mi Band 5 on June 11. The wearable will come with multiple upgrades to meet the demands of the 2020 users which includes a brand new magnetic charging design, significantly different and more advanced than its predecessors. It’s going to be a feature-rich upgrade and hence, we have decided to giveaway two units of the Mi Band 5 to our readers.

Coronavirus has forced everyone to sit back at their homes. So we have to take active efforts to monitor and maintain our health, especially when Work From Home is being globally practiced. Smart bands are often the cheapest entry point in your fitness journey and the Mi Band 5 is turning out to be an exciting option in the cheap smart band segment. So we hope this giveaway helps kickstart your fitness journey.

Xiaomi Mi Band 5 Giveaway: How to Participate

You just have to follow the steps mentioned in the gleam widget below. We would also like to thank Giztop for sponsoring this giveaway for Gizmochina readers. We are also working towards bringing more such giveaways in the coming weeks for our readers.

This Mi Band 5 giveaway is open to users across the globe.

Xiaomi Mi Band 5: Expected Features

Xiaomi has added a large 1.2-inch OLED display on the Mi Band 5, which is a 26% increase in the screen size. Also, the upcoming smart band is expected to feature an enhanced Sp02 sensor too along with support for 11 professional sports modes. Of course, there’ll be NFC too, enabling hands-free payments. There are even rumors about the new band supporting Amazon Alexa smart assistant outside of China instead of its own XiaoAI assistant.

Be one of the first ones to win the new Mi Band 5 by participating in this giveaway!

Oppo to launch another premium smartphone alongside Reno4 series in India

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Jun 9, 2020

OPPO had recently announced its new Reno4 series. This new series including the base Reno4 and Reno4 Pro is also arriving in India, but alongside a new premium smartphone, according to a recent hint from an Oppo executive.

Grapevine is rife and quite rightfully so! Rejoice over the successful launch of @OPPO Reno4 Pro 👈, but stay tuned for another premium 'sensation' that'll export you to the world of infinite possibilities! 😇🤩#OPPOIndia🇮🇳#OPPOReno4Pro

— Tasleem Arif (@tasleemarifk) June 9, 2020

Earlier today (9th June 2020), Tasleem Arif, Vice President and Head of Oppo India’s R&D, shared a tweet that revealed some interesting news. On the social media platform, the senior official stated that the Reno4 series will be launched in India, along with another “Premium sensation.” The tweet talked about the success of the Reno4 Pro’s launch and hint at a new flagship as well.

Unfortunately, no finer details regarding this new premium grade flagship are currently available. We will have to wait for an official announcement or an unofficial leak for more details. So stay tuned, as we will be providing more coverage regarding any developments of this new Oppo flagship for the Indian market.

Xiaomi to launch a special Mi 10 Youth Ice & Snow Set edition

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Jun 9, 2020

Earlier today (9th June 2020), Xiaomi Founder, Lei Jun, announced a new Mi 10 Youth special version, which is the new Ice & Snow Set Edition. The limited variant will launch later today and features a unique color.

The senior executive announced this through his official Weibo account, a Chinese microblogging website. This special edition arrives with a partnership with the known Chinese ice cream brand, Zhong Xuegao. Looking at the Mi 10 Youth Ice & Snow Set edition, the device arrives with an orange rear panel, which resembles a flavor that the ice cream maker sells.

Apart from aesthetical differences, the device houses the same specs on the inside as the base version. The new color is an inspiration from the Peach Grapefruit color and interested buyers will also receive a box of ice cream along with the smartphone. The Mi 10 Youth Youth Ice & Snow Set edition will launch later today and will be announced through a live stream.

Huawei buys full-page ads in UK newspapers to push back as Government reviews its 5G role

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Jun 9, 2020

Huawei has bought various full page advertisements in popular newspapers in the UK, which seems to be an effort to fight against the government’s fears regarding its involvement in 5G network deployment.

For those unaware, the UK had initially granted Huawei access to develop 5G in non-core areas along with a strict market share cap. However, a few conservatives within the Parliament have raised concerns against the Chinese tech giant and have forced the Prime Minister to review the involvement of Huawei altogether. Thus, the company has bought various full page ads to advocate for its position.

In the ads, Huawei shared that, “For nearly 20 years, we’ve supplied the U.K.’s mobile and broadband companies with 3G and 4G, But some now question our role in helping Britain lead the way in 5G.” This was seen in Britain’s national newspapers, like The Guardian, Daily Telegraph, Times, Mirror, Sun, and Daily Mai. A few regional newspapers have also featured this ad.

According to their respective websites, this would’ve cost Huawei £18,000 (roughly $23,000) for a full page advertisement in The Guardian, and £46,000 (roughly $58,000) for Daily Telegraph. Furthermore, the company has also extended this social campaign towards business publications, digital platforms, and newsletters as well.

Earlier this year, the UK Government had labeled Huawei as a “high risk vendor.” However, it later allowed for its participation with a 35% market cap. Although now, the country seems to be moving ahead to replace all existing and planned telecom equipment provided by the Chinese company. With a complete replacement being impossible by 2023, but the prohibition of new purchases and installations starting the same year.

(Via)

OPPO confirms it will work with key suppliers for its independent smartphone chip

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Jun 9, 2020

Oppo has just confirmed that it will be developing its own custom made mobile processors for its smartphones. The Chinese tech giant will be working with key suppliers for this endeavor and has already begun its efforts in the field.

According to Liu Bo, President of Oppo’s China business, “We have to tackle the chip technology and make the technology the crucial driving force for our future growth.” The senior executive revealed this information after rumors had been going around for weeks, while also mentioning the numerous challenges the company would face. Liu even mentioned that the company will start by working with key suppliers to design and develop its own smartphone chipsets.

At the moment, Oppo’s primary partners and chip suppliers include the US chip giant, Qualcomm, Taiwan based MediaTek, and South Korea’s Samsung. The chips from these companies can be found in Oppo handsets, although, the further news regarding its plans on developing its chip system has yet to be divulged. The new custom made chips will also help differentiate the company’s products over other companies that utilize more readily available chips in the market.

Notably, the company has been hiring chip engineers and other high level executives from top chipmakers like Qualcomm, MediaTek, and more since 2019. This is indicative of its plans on proprietary chip technology. Interestingly, this news arrives mere weeks after its rival, Huawei lost its chip supply from TSMC due to recent US sanctions. So we can assume that the event kickstarted the race for custom made chips even more for Oppo, so as to avoid complications like this later on.

(Via)

OPPO VP: Don’t be too Excited about Under Screen cameras this year

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Jun 9, 2020

Back in 2019, the world had caught another glimpse of the future generation of smartphones after the foldable devices. These were smartphones with a camera hidden beneath the display. Despite being seen nearly a year ago, no smartphones have featured this technology yet and OPPO‘s VP has revealed that the technology will probably not be seen in 2020 at all.

According to Brian Shen, the Vice President of OPPO, people shouldn’t put high expectations of the technology at the moment. The primary reason for this is the image quality. Unlike regular selfie cameras, the under screen sensors will struggle with high resolution image quality. The senior executive stated that the technology is quite complicated and it will take some time to perfect. OPPO had previously teased the technology through a prototype, as did Xiaomi through a video teaser.

Furthermore, the technology may also be expensive and could only be sported on high end flagship models. But since the image quality is taking a noticeable hit, companies will likely not opt for this technology for now. According to Shen, the process of achieving the desired result from the under screen camera is a long and difficult one. Although, a commercial appearance may just arrive soon after 2020.

Oppo Under-Display Camera Smartphone Prototype

Currently, various smartphone brands have had their R&D departments try and develop a viable under screen camera setup. While a few have unveiled their prototypes, none of them have been mass produced or sold commercially. So stay tuned, as we will be covering any developments regarding this highly anticipated smartphone camera technology.

TSMC confident in replacing Huawei orders through other customers after US sanctions

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