List of Xiaomi models that are expected to first get MIUI 12 update leaks

-

Apr 8, 2020

Despite the PlayStation 5 being months away from actual release, Sony has unveiled the new DualSense controller that will arrive with the new generation of the gaming console.

The new controller bigs a couple of major changes both in design and in the internals. Unlike the PlayStation 4‘s DualShock controllers, the old ruble technology is being replaced by new haptic feedback and the new “adaptive triggers” can have their resistance for triggers adjusted for different gameplay effects. Meaning, more immersive experience can be gained through this.

The DualSense controller now features an in built integrated microphone along with a USB Type-C port (which has been highly requested). Coming to the design, the new controllers follow a dual tone color scheme which makes it look similar to the PSVR gear. Its design has also been overhauled, with a more rounded design that is said to aid in grip and button controls.

Among the new changes, the share button has now been rebranded as the “create” button. This will allow for “new ways for players to create epic gameplay content to share with the world.” Although, exact details of how this gameplay sharing feature actually works, is currently unknown. But Sony plans on sharing additional information close to the launch date.

Another new aesthetical change is the PlayStation button, which is now an actual cut out of the console’s logo and not just a button that features it. In terms of similarity, the overall button layout and format have been kept relatively untouched, so users will still feel comfortable with the newer design. It follows the same symmetrical pattern with the D-pad and face buttons on the top half and the matching analog sticks on the bottom.

Leak reveals the OnePlus 8 Pro has an IP68 certification

By

Habeeb Onawole

-

Apr 8, 2020

The OnePlus 8 Pro is packing a number of “firsts” for a OnePlus phone. We already know it is the first OnePlus phone with support for wireless charging. We also know it is the first to have a MEMC chip that upscales videos and games from 24fps to a higher frame rate. A complete spec sheet leak by Winfuture.de has revealed the phone will also be the first with an IP68 certification.

While some of OnePlus’s previous phones are waterproof to an extent, OnePlus has never gotten an IP certification for any of its devices. If you remember, OnePlus said you can dunk the OnePlus 7 Pro in a bucket of water even though it doesn’t have an IP-rating. In the video ad, they explained why the phone does not have an IP-rating and that is because it costs money which they would have to include in the cost of production and then pass on to buyers.

With the OnePlus 8 Pro getting an IP-rating, it means buyers will be paying more for the phone. Yes, we already expect the new phone will cost more compared to its predecessor. However, it also means OnePlus can further justify the higher price tag with the IP-rating.

Sadly, the OnePlus 8 doesn’t have an IP-rating but it will be nice to know if it is water-resistant to an extent.

The OnePlus 8 series launches on April 14, a month earlier than the launch date of the OnePlus 7 series last year. OnePlus will also announce a couple of new accessories including a wireless charger and a pair of new Bullets Wireless earphones.

Wait! Carl Pei teased a power bank back in February but we have not heard anything new. Let’s hope OnePlus surprises us with a new power bank with support for Warp Charge.

(Source)

OnePlus announces Crackables 2.0, with a $10,000 prize for Puzzle Enthusiasts

By

-

Apr 8, 2020

OnePlus has just announced the Crackables 2.0, which is the second competition it is hosting that was brought back after popular demand. The original was a cryptic, yet addictive, puzzle phenomenon that was conceptualized alongside Google.

The Crackables 2.0 will be available for free via mobile gameplay on 14th April 2020. Similar to the original, it is a cypto puzzle based competition and will feature digital puzzles with enhanced state of the art design, user experience, and cryptography. The global registration are already open, so users can go apply by clicking here and following the link.

The difficulty of the puzzles will start low so as to bring more people an oppurtunity to participate and have fun in the game. Once a challenge has been passed, players will advance through “gates” to get to the next level. Notably, a few of the levels have been orated through community participation, meaning the game will test people’s ability to work together to cross the hurdles and obstacles.

The first 10 people to finish the final level of the competition will be eligible to compete for an oppurtunity to win 10,000 US Dollars. Interestingly, OnePlus is also giving out another 10,000 US Dollars to the winner, but this will be directly donated to charity to support those affected by the ongoing Coronavirus Pandemic. The competition ends on 30th April 2020, with its grand finale tournament being live streamed across the globe on 7th Mar 2020.

(Via)

Alibaba DAMO institute develops new ISP with 10% better night image recognition for self driving vehicles

By

-

Apr 8, 2020

Alibaba has just announced that its DAMO institute has developed a new ISP process. This advancement will bring about a better vision technology for autonomous cars or self driving cars, especially during the night or in low light scenarios.

According to official notes, the new ISP will allow for greater safety for self driving cars since it improves upon the 3D noise reduction and image enhancement algorithms that were previously developed. In other words, this will allow the autonomous automotive to “see” clearer. At the moment, the process is already being utilized by unmanned logistics vehicles, while it’s on road tests that have already reached industry leading levels, according to the Alibaba institute.

For those unaware, ISP stands for Image Signal Process and is an integral part of a camera. Its primary function is to process and perform the arithmetic behind the signal output by the image sensor on the front, namely the CMOS. Through the ISP, a self driving vehicle can “see” the environment around it clearly. In simpler terms, it enables the car to understand and guide the car through the environment using the camera sensor.

According to the DAMO institute, the self developer ISP process has greatly been improved upon. Its image recognition capabilities are better during the day and night. Test results have revealed an improvement of more than 10 percent in object detection and recognition capabilities even during the night. The range has also been improved and the sensor now trumps the industry’s current mainstream processors.

(Via)

Xiaomi patents leaked, showcases 3 different designs for a mid range phone

By

-

Apr 8, 2020

A new Xiaomi patent has recently surfaced online. It is currently unknown if the patent application has been granted. The patent reveals 3 different designs for a single smartphone, which features a dual camera setup on the front.

The patent was leaked online on Weibo, a Chinese microblogging website, and carries images that reveal three configurations for the dual front cameras. These selfie shooters are housed in punch hole format and can be seen in three different configurations. The first is where the dual selfie shooter is placed in the middle just under the top bezel.

The other two patents depict the same dual selfie shooter, but on the top left corner. However, one of these is vertically stacked while the other is horizontally placed. Notably, each patent image depicts both sensors being joined together. This area might feature other essential features like proximity and ambient light sensors. On the rear, a vertically stacked triple camera setup can be observed, alongside either a dedicated zoom lens or fingerprint scanner.

Another important aspect of the design that can be observed is its screen to body ratio, which is not relatively high. One can easily notice the bezels on all four edges, which may suggest that it is a new Xiaomi entry level or even mid range handset. Unfortunately, this has yet to be confirmed officially by the company. So, take it with a grain of salt.

Huawei could launch a 65W Gallium Nitride (GaN) Charger alongside P40 series in China

By

-

Apr 8, 2020

Huawei will be hosting the Spring 2020 Launch event tonight in China to unveil Huawei P40 series in its home country. According to supply chain insiders, the company will also launch a 65W Gallium Nitride multi-device charger at the same event, which will begin in a few hours from now.

For years, we have been using silicon chargers to fuel up our electronic devices. But that will change soon as Gallium Nitride (GaN) chargers, simply known as Nitride chargers are expected to take over the world soon.

We already have a number of nitride chargers in the market from the likes of Xiaomi, Anker, RAVPower, Aukey, and more. Now, Huawei will be also joining the list with its upcoming 65W Gallium Nitride Charger. This charger will have both USB Type-A and Type-C to charge smartphones, tablets, and even laptops.

Smartphone manufacturers have been already shipping some of its phones with Gallium Nitride Chargers. Oppo Reno Ace, Realme X50 Pro 5G, and Nubia Red Magic 5G are the phones that come bundled with GaN chargers. Additionally, all of them charge at the rate of 65W similar to the Xiaomi charger and the forthcoming Huawei charger.

Gallium Nitride (GaN) is a better alternative to silicon in chargers because it can withstand more power and temperature. Also, these chargers are relatively smaller than the regular high capacity silicon chargers. This makes them better in portability and can also be used to charge multiple devices with its high power capacity.

(Via)

Honor shares Honor 30 Pro Camera Samples, May Feature Moon Mode

By

-

Apr 8, 2020

Last night, the world witnessed the largest and the brightest super moon of the year. Using this opportunity, Honor captured two pictures of the phenomenon on its upcoming Honor 30 Pro smartphone and shared them on Weibo to tease the capability of the handset’s camera setup.

Huawei was the first to introduce ‘Moon Mode’ in P30 Pro early last year to click images of the moon. The company even marketed this feature in a number of teasers and advertisements, including a special one at the end of Avengers Endgame movie in selected theatres.

Following the footsteps of its parent company, Honor seems to be also adding the ‘Moon Mode’ in its forthcoming Honor 30 Pro smartphone. The brand has shared two camera samples from the phone teasing the prowess of its new improved camera setup.

Out of the two pictures, one looks to be shot from the main sensor, which as per the previous render leak, could be the 50MP Sony IMX700 from the Huawei P40 series. Whereas, the second closeup picture of the super moon is definitely from the periscope camera, which was also confirmed by the same render leak.

Though we cannot judge the phone’s camera performance simply from the samples shared by the brand, they do look impressive anyway. Honor 30 Pro will officially launch on April 15 but the device has already leaked multiple times confirming most of its specs. The recent TENAA listing of the device is more than enough to know about it wholly.

Oppo A52 & A92 to launch soon with Snapdragon 665, FHD+ Display, and more

By

-

Apr 8, 2020

Oppo just recently announced its Find X2 series of premium phones with ColorOS 7.1 on board. And now, the company is set to bring Oppo Ace 2, another high-end device. Between all this, the brand is also expected to announce two budget smartphones named A52 and A92 as both of them were recently spotted on Google Play Console.

Oppo A52 & A92 Google Play Console Listings

1 of 2

According to the listings on Google Play Console, the upcoming Oppo A52 and Oppo A92 seem to be similar in terms of specifications except for RAM. The listings reveal some of the key specifications of these phones but unfortunately, they do not have the renders of the phones yet and hence the design of these handsets is a mystery for now.

Since both the Oppo A52 and A92 share specifications as mentioned earlier, they will be powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 SoC paired with Adreno 610 GPU. However, the former will only have 6GB RAM compared to 8GB RAM on the latter. Further, both will sport an FHD+ (1080 x 2400 pixels) display and will run Android 10 (ColorOS 7) out of the box.

The Oppo A92 is not new since it was earlier certified in Singapore and Indonesia but this is the first time we are hearing about the Oppo A52. These devices may simultaneously launch in the above markets and might slowly make their way to other markets like India.

(Via)

People stuck indoors spend a record $23.4 billion in Apps in Q1 2020

By

-

Apr 8, 2020

While many economies and industries across the globe have been seeing a decline due to the ongoing crisis, the software side sees a contrary pattern. The time people spend on their smartphones has increased, and with it, the amount of spending on apps as well. Since people are stuck indoors, a record 23.4 billion US Dollars have been spent in Q1 of 2020 alone.

According to a new report from App Annie, the first quarter of 2020 saw the largest number of purchases and consumer spending on applications. Furthermore, statistics have even revealed that the average weekly time spent on apps and games worldwide has increased by about 20 percent over 2019. This translates to a record increase in consumer spending on the app stores that are available across the globe.

App Annie reported on a total of 23.4 billion US Dollars in consumer purchases, out of which $15 billion came from the iOS App Store from Apple and $8.3 billion from Google Play on the Android OS. Both popular platforms saw a year on year increase of 5 percent over 2019. Additionally, non-gaming applications accounted for about 35 percent of consumer spending on iOS and 15 percent on Google Play.

Thus, a vast majority of 16.7 billion US Dollars has been spent on games in this quarter. Data reports show that the US and China were the largest contributors to consumer purchases on iOS, while Japan and South Korea were the largest for Google Play. Popular apps in Android OS include games, social media and entertainment apps, including streaming services like Disney+ and Twitch.

However, iOS users spent a majority on Games, Entertainment and Photo and Video apps. This includes TikTok, which recently broke into the top 5 of consumer spending apps in iOS, just behind YouTube and Tinder. Notably, 31 billion new apps were also downloaded during this period, which is an increase of 15 percent over last year. This shows the scale of social distancing and isolation that is taking place due to global Coronavirus fears.

(Via)

OPPO successfully conducts first 5G VoNR Voice & Video call with a customized Reno3

By

Joel Joseph

-

Apr 8, 2020

5G is being rolled out in countries all around the world and users are able to experience near gigabit speeds on their smartphones. But 5G was designed to bring about a more comprehensive upgrade to devices which includes significant improvements in voice and video calls too. VoNR (Voice over New Radio) is the next-generation version of VoLTE (Voice over LTE) and OPPO, in partnership with MediaTek and Ericsson has conducted the first VoNR Voice and Video call.

The current 5G networks are built around the existing 4G LTE infrastructure (Non-standalone networks). So your smartphones with 5G data support still use VoLTE for voice calls. However, network operators will soon start deploying SA (Standalone) network architecture for 5G networks which allows carriers and device makers to enable VoNR calls. OPPO’s official press release stated that the VoNR call made with its customized Dimensity 1000L smartphone (likely Reno3) had significantly “lower latency, improved sound quality and picture quality”. The company added that this will eventually lead to an “elevated overall experience for users”.

The 5G VoNR call was successfully carried out under a 5G SA network provided by Ericsson at its headquarters in Stockholm, Sweden. OPPO adds that “after dialing, the two phones connected almost instantly and then seamlessly switched to a high-definition video call with a single keypress”.

OPPO has become one of the first smartphone brands to successfully test VoNR services on its smartphone. With network operators all set to deploy 5G over SA architecture in the second half of 2020, VoNR should become an important feature of 5G phones in the coming years.

A 192MP smartphone will launch next month says leakster

By

-

Apr 8, 2020

In 2019, Qualcomm, the major mobile chipmaker, said that its processors support up to 192 megapixels camera sensors. Back then, that seemed like a ludicrously large sensor, but now, it might be launch as early as next month, according to a leakster.

Back when the aforementioned statement was made, 48 megapixel camera sensors had just been rumored to launch soon. But now, we have already seen smartphone manufacturer’s shipping 108 megapixel sensors. Although, this number is also expected to soon be trumped as a new smartphone with a 192 megapixels camera sensor will reportedly be launched next month.

The news arrives from a post shared by a leakster on Weibo, the Chinese microblogging website. Another additional detail which was leaked included the model number SM7250. This is a model number for the Qualcomm Snapdragon 765 series. In other words, a Snapdragon 765 SoC series handset will sport a 192 megapixels sensor. Unfortunately, this brings the viability of the device into question.

While the Snapdragon 765 can indeed support a 192 megapixels camera, it can only support snapshots. Meaning, other crucial features like HDR or multi-frame processing will not be possible at that high resolution. So, it remains to be seen just how well they optimize the sensor for the smartphone.

Unfortunately, finer details are unknown and there might be a few workarounds to this. While we don’t know for sure which OEM plans on launching such a device, Qualcomm did previously mention it is working with partners to bring 200 megapixel sensors. So, it might not be that far fetched. Although this is a leak, so take it with a grain of salt for now.

Samsung and MediaTek vying for 5G mobile chip orders from Huawei

By

-

Apr 8, 2020

As tensions between Huawei and the US Government are rising, the Chinese company is looking for more ways to reduce reliance on the west. Due to this, Samsung and MediaTek are both eyeing 5G mobile chip orders from Huawei, since it plans on moving away from Qualcomm later this year.

Samsung Exynos 990 featured — Samsung Exynos 990 5G

For those unaware, Samsung, similar to MediaTek, is also a major manufacturer of mobile chipsets. At the moment, there are only 4 major 5G mobile chip makers in the world, including Qualcomm, MediaTek, Samsung, and Huawei. Huawei develops and ships its own HiSilicon Kirin 5G chip ranges on its flagship smartphones, which are processed by TSMC.

Now, it seems that the Chinese tech giant may look for other alternatives as well, with Samsung and MediaTek being viable options. The former is known for its Exynos chips while the latter released its Dimensity lineup of 5G mobile processors. Notably, Qualcomm’s Vice President, Hou Mingjuan, stated that the 5G market is relatively unaffected by the recent pandemic and will still see a high demand and growth rate this year.

This means that 5G networking and its corresponding technology will still be sought after by OEMs. Thus, companies like Huawei will require a large number of 5G chips for its flagship series or even lower and mid range handsets if it does plan on buying SoCs from other manufacturers. Although, it still remains to be seen what direction Huawei plans on taking, amidst the growing pressure from the US.

(Via)

ColorOS 7 Stable Update is finally here for the First Batch of Devices

By

-

Apr 8, 2020

Oppo announced ColorOS 7 in November of 2019 but unfortunately, the company has only now started to roll out stable updates to the first batch of devices in China. Currently, six devices are receiving the update. Hopefully, the brand will seed out the ColorOS 7 stable update to more devices in the coming days.

The handsets that are currently receiving the ColorOS 7 stable update are as follow.

As you can see from the list above, only the premium and a couple of mid-rangers are being treated with ColorOS 7, which itself is about 5 months old now. Even, the company has now moved on to ColorOS 7.1, which debuted on the recently launched Oppo Find X2 and Find X2 Pro.

Oppo has failed in updating its devices on time and the company claims coronavirus outbreak to be the cause for it. However, the company did manage to roll out beta updates to a number of eligible devices.

The above-mentioned devices were supposed to get early adopter as well as stable updates in Q1. But, the early adopter program was postponed from January to March in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis and thus the stable updates are being released now in Q2.

If you are interested in knowing more about ColorOS 7 and its features, then make sure to check out our announcement coverage.

Foxconn is all set to start manufacturing ventilators with Medtronic

By

-

Apr 8, 2020

Taiwan-based Foxconn, one of the world’s largest contract manufacturer better known for making Apple iPhones, has announced that the company will be making ventilators with U.S. firm Medtronic Plc to help patients afflicted by the coronavirus outbreak.

In a statement, the company says that it is currently cooperating with Medtronic to design and develop ventilators, and added that medical and technical personnel from both firms are working closely on this.

Medtronic Chief Executive Officer Omar Ishrak has said that Foxconn’s Wisconsin plant would be used to make the ventilators. Both the companies are trying to speed up production time so the ventilators can be put to work as soon as possible.

There has been a critical shortage of supply globally for ventilators needed in the treatment of severe cases of COVID-19. Foxconn has been making face masks, used to curb the spread of the virus, in China since February and its subsidiary Sharp has also began making them in Japan since last month.

The development of Foxconn making ventilators comes about a week after Ford Motor Co said that it will produce 50,000 ventilators over the next 100 days at its plant in Michigan in cooperation with General Electric’s healthcare unit. The company also added that it can then build 30,000 per month as needed to treat patients.

(Via)

Redmi Band is now available for Pre-Order on Giztop for $19.99

By

Vinay Patel

-

Apr 8, 2020

Redmi continues to come up with amazing products including appliances, routers, IoT devices, etc after Xiaomi re-introduced it as an independent brand and separated it from the Mi brand. The brand recently gave its huge fanbase a brief glimpse of its first fitness band dubbed, the Redmi Band via a Weibo post.

Available in four eye-catching color options including black, blue, red, and brown, the Redmi Band is now available for pre-order on Giztop for $19.99. The Redmi Band marks the company’s foray into smart wearable business so it is hardly surprising that the device is loaded with impressive features.

The Redmi Band sports a square-shaped 0.95″ AMOLED Color Touch Screen with 2.5D scratch-resistant tempered glass on the top for added protection. Moreover, it adopts Bluetooth 5.0 BLE to connect with smartphones.

It can efficiently dynamic-static monitor wearer’s heart rate and delivers accurate pedometer algorithm and daily heart rate changes. The watch vibrates every time someone calls or sends a message to ensure you do not end up missing an important call or SMS.

Furthermore, the Redmi Band comes with 5 professional sports modes and supports an intelligent alarm function that wakes you up every morning, and also offers idle alert. The watch is compatible with Android 4.4 or above and iOS 9.0 or above with Bluetooth 5.0.

The Redmi Band is backed by a robust battery that offers a 14-day battery life and supports fast plug direct charging, which means, you can directly plug it into the USB-A port to charge. The watch is made using soft, skin-friendly material which makes it comfortable to wear for a longer duration.

You can visit this link to check out more details about the Redmi Band and place your pre-order through Giztop. Note that the Redmi Band will start shipping from April 20.

The Gizmochina Coupons is a community that finds, reports and evaluates deals and coupons of Chinese products from online shops. Please visit it here to find more coupons to save money on mobiles and smart gadgets.

Redmi Band

Xiaomi patents a smart speaker design which looks similar to Apple HomePod

By

-

Apr 8, 2020

Xiaomi has many times been accused of copying Apple’s design and it seems that the company has no issues with this. Xiaomi has patented a new smart speaker which looks very similar to the Apple HomePod.

The patent has been published on the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) website and the included schematics for the smart speaker with a cylindrical design looks awfully similar to the Apple HomePod.

It suggests that the smart speaker will come with a 360-degree sound output and could include a touch-sensitive surface area which will enabled users to interact with the device even when voice commands don’t work.

The upper part of the speaker may include a circular disc-like surface that could offer two things — Mini OLED display for showing connectivity status, volume, etc. or touch-sensitive surface for gesture-based controls. Which one of this will be adopted by Xiaomi has not been confirmed yet.

However, it seems more likely that the top part of the Xiaomi Smart Speaker will include a touch-based control system given that there are no control buttons on the device. While smart speakers are powered by voice assistants, they also come with physical buttons to control various aspects of the device.

If the device is limited to the Chinese market only, then we expect Xiaomi to use its own XiaoAI smart assistant. But, if the company has plans to make it available in other regions as well, then we expect the company to use Google Assistant or Amazon’s Alexa. It will be interesting to see which one of these gets picked up by Xiaomi.

Huawei Korea to reportedly enter GPU server market later this year

By

-

Apr 8, 2020

Huawei, the Chinese giant which is the world’s leading telecom equipment manufacturer and the second largest smartphone maker, has been actively in the process of becoming self-sufficient and dominate various markets ever since the U.S. government put the company on Entity List last year, effectively banning it.

While Huawei already is one of the very few smartphone chipset markers, the company is now planning to enter the Graphic Processing Unit aka GPU server market which is currently being dominated by NVIDIA.

As per the report coming from Korea, Chinese giant Huawei will be setting up a Cloud and AI Business Group in South Korea in year. It also adds that the business group will later be spun off for further growth.

Huawei Korea has three different divisions: Carriers, Enterprise and Consumer. The new Cloud & AI BG in Korea will be placed under the Enterprise division. The report mentions that the company is currently recruiting experts for this new business organisation, including former and current employees, as well as executives from NVIDIA.

Huawei already has experience in developing chipsets, apart from smartphone processors. In August last year, the company unveiled Ascend 910 touting it to be the world’s most high-quality AI processor which recorded a speed of 256TeraFLOPS — twice the speed of NVidia’s GPU Tesla V100.

After that, the company announced Atlas 900 as the world’s fastest AI training cluster and Huawei claims that it will help make AI more readily available for different fields of scientific research and business innovation.

Atlas 900 combines the power of thousands of Ascend processors and takes only 59.8 seconds to train ResNet-50 for measuring AI training performance. This is 10 seconds faster than the previous world record.

Earlier this year, the Chinese company also launched Kunpeng 920 server CPU aimed at big data calculations and dispersed storage. It is based on the ARMv8 architecture, and formed of the 2.6GHz 64 Core.

(Source)

OPPO Ace2 teaser poster confirms Snapdragon 865 SoC and quad rear cameras

By