Xiaomi Youpin launches the Viomi IH Sugar-free Rice Cooker

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Apr 3, 2020

Meizu is expected to soon launch its next flagship smartphone called Meizu 17. The device has been leaked multiple times over the last few weeks revealing some of its specs. We even got to see a live image of the device earlier this month. Now, once again, the handset leaks in real life in a subway exposing its rear design.

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The new purported Meizu 17 live image leak confirms the render leak from yesterday. As per the image and the previous render, the Meizu 17 will take a different approach in terms of camera placement. Instead of a rectangular/square matrix array, the cameras on this device will be placed in a horizontal manner similar to the Galaxy S10 series.

Although this image does not show us the front of the device, the render leak from yesterday revealed the phone to sport a display with a punch-hole camera at the top right corner. Additionally, the render confirmed the Meizu 17 to feature the signature ring flash with two cameras on either side in a horizontal alignment.

As for specifications, the device is rumoured to come with FHD+ OLED display with 90Hz refresh rate, Qualcomm Snapdragon 865, LPDDR65 RAM, UFS 3.0 storage, 64MP (primary) + 8MP (ultra-wide) + 5MP (telephoto) + 2MP (depth) quad-camera setup, stereo speakers, WiFi 6, NFC, 4,500 mAh battery, 30W fast charging, and 3,999 Yuan ($564) starting price.

(Via)

Xiaomi crowdfunds a cool and breathable sun protection Jacket for ¥179 (~$25)

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Apr 3, 2020

Xiaomi Youpin has played host to a countless number of third-party products since Xiaomi carved it out of the MIJIA brand. One thing that makes the platform stand out is the array of products it houses, including non-tech gadgets as long as it is an innovative one. During the winter period, there were several clothes and apparels including heated goosedown jackets manufactured to meet the various needs. For summer, Xiaomi Youpin has launched a prime full-band high-index ice-cooling breathable sun protection clothing for crowdfunding.

The clothing is called Supield full-band high-index cool breathable sun protection clothing. It is produced using a patented sunscreen fabric which has an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) rating of ≥ 600+.

According to reports, this sun protection clothing uses high sun protection factor optical technology fabrics, combined with new textile technology and functional finishing technology. This design makes it capable of effectively blocking harmful light sources from harming the skin. The average UPF of knitted fabrics is 600+ and it has a visible and near-infrared blocking rate of more than 95%. It can block most of the sun’s rays that are harmful to the skin. The clothing is said to have 15 times more protective power than the ordinary sun protection clothing.

The Supield full-band high-index cool breathable sun protection clothing also uses special yarns with high thermal conductivity. It has contact cooling function and breathability. The measured contact cooling coefficient is 0.24 which can quickly dissipate heat from the human body.

This sun protection suit supports 360 ° circulation which improves the feeling of dryness and helps the body adjust easily to temperature changes in the morning and evening, and can also be used as a thin skinny jacket. It can also prevent mosquito bites.

The Supield full-band high-index cool breathable sun protection Jacket comes with a retail price of 249 yuan (~$35) but backers will pay 179 yuan (~$25) during the crowdfunding exercise.

Lenovo Smart Electric Scooter M2 launching soon: Design & Features

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Apr 3, 2020

Lenovo has carved a name for itself in the PC market where it is presently ranked among the top 2 manufacturers worldwide. The brand has also made some impact in the smartphone sector even though it is struggling in that aspect presently. Lenovo has equally dabbled into the manufacture of smart products such as smart band, smartwatches, hearable devices (earbuds, earphones), robot vacuum cleaners and several others. The Chinese tech giant has now revealed its intention to launch a smart electric scooter soon.

Electric vehicles (EV) are the future of transportation as a result of their lesser impact on climate change. Countries are already enacting regulations that would see manufactures migrate from gasoline vehicles to EVs. Already, electric scooters are extremely popular means of transportation in China and other parts of the world where public transports are often crowded especially during rush hour. Lenovo is aiming to catch in on the trend with what would be its first electric vehicle.

The product is said to go by the moniker Lenovo Smart Electric Scooter M2 and will adopt a patented folding design for ease of carrying. Lenovo Smart Scooter M2 uses magnesium alloy materials widely used in aerospace, automotive and military fields. Compared with the more popular aluminium alloy material, this material has a stronger impact resistance which further guarantees user safety.

At the same time, unlike the usual folding design of similar products on the market, in order to reduce wear during continuous folding and also enhance the stability and portability of the vehicle, the Lenovo Scooter M2 uses a patented flat gear lock folder innovation technology for the folder. This patented technology not only fixes the body better and improves the handling of the smart scooter, but it also folds more easily than competing products. In addition, Lenovo Smart Scooter M2 comes with several smart features which allow users to lock the scooter through an app. Users can also view parameters such as battery level and others.

The M2 scooter packs a 350W power, three gear levels, triple braking, and triple shock absorption systems. The battery is said to last for a mileage of 30Km which isn’t any different from that of the MIJIA Electric Scooter.

The pricing and availability details are yet to be revealed. We’ll have to wait until the product is officially launched. For now, no launch date has been set.

Grab Elephone E10 featuring a quad camera at a discounted price of $109.99

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Simranpal Singh

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Apr 3, 2020

Elephone always tends to bring Android smartphones for every segment of users They have announced several devices ranging from entry-level to high-end and powerful devices. Similarly, the company unveiled Elephone E10 featuring high-performance specifications, and now they are offering a massive discount of $30 on the usual price. It can be yours if you have

The smartphone is powered with a MediaTek MT6762D chipset coupling an Octa-Core processor having a clocking speed of 2.0GHz. It can handle graphics-intensive tasks via IMG GE8320 GPU. Elephone E10 comes in 4GB RAM and 64GB storage configuration. A 6.5-inch Waterdrop display offers 720 x 1560 pixels resolution having a 19:9 aspect ratio. It brings immersive experience thanks to the smaller bezels and 90.3% screen-to-body ratio.

Elephone E10 houses a true Quad module camera features a primary 48-megapixel sensor + 13 megapixels 120-degree ultra-wide-angle lens, 2-megapixel depth-sensing camera and a 5-megapixel macro lens to shoot nearby objects. The larger rear camera with large aperture can do magic while shooting photos in the dark or low light scenario. However, a 13-megapixel AI camera is present for taking breathtaking selfies.

The user can do wireless payments via a multi-function NFC using apps like Google Pay. The smartphone features a powerful 4000 mAh battery with Android 10.0 on board.

Elephone is offering a limited time discount and the user can buy it for $109 which is usually $30 off from the usual price. The interested users can also enter the giveaway and can get the Elephone E10 or other accessories for free. You can enter the giveaway here and can win the smartphone. Before proceeding, make sure to read the rules below.

It is a wise decision to buy a quad-camera device at such a groundbreaking price. Moreover, you can know more about the Elephone E10 over here.

Xiaomi announces New Mi Backpacks and Mijia Sneakers 4

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Apr 3, 2020

Xiaomi announced a ton of products ahead of Mi Fan Festival 2020 including new smart TVs, security cameras, smart doorbells, a humidifier, Redmi Band, and even a limited edition Redmi Note 9S. Apart from these products, the company also unveiled a new variant of its popular Mi Backpack and a brand-new Mijia Sneakers 4.

Xiaomi Mi Backpack Starry / Camouflage

The new Xiaomi Mi Backpack is exactly the same 10L-sized model from 2018, which comes in 8 colors and was recently even updated with a 20L variant. But what makes it different from the previous models is the unique color and pattern they come in, albeit there are only two – Starry and Camouflage.

That means this variant of Mi Backpack measures the same 34 x 22.5 x 13 cm but weighs 8g lesser at 157g. It is made of polyester with 4 levels of water splash resistance and features EPE shoulder straps. It has a single compartment, an accessory pocket, and two bottle holders on either side.

As for pricing, the new Mi Backpack costs only 29 Yuan ($4) and will be available from April 9.

Xiaomi Mijia Sneakers 4

Coming to the new Mijia Sneakers 4, as the name suggests, it is the fourth generation footwear from the company. It follows the same light-weight design as its predecessors but with a better shock absorption technology to avoid shaking and spraining of the foot while intense activities, which further avoids damage to the knees.

The sneakers are manufactured by a uni-molding process by placing the E-TPU material along with other four types of sole components in the mold in a way they are tightly glued to offer longevity. They also feature Microban antibacterial compounds to reduce odor.

Also, these sneakers are machine washable and hence the wearer need not worry when they accumulate dirt. The Mijia Sneakers 4 is priced at 199 yuan ($28) come in Black, Blue, and Grey color options. It will go on sale from April 9 like most of the products announced by Xiaomi today.

MIJIA Night Light 2 becomes smart with a ¥59 (~$8) Bluetooth version

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Apr 3, 2020

Xiaomi first launched the MIJIA Night Light 2 in August 2019 as a fitting replacement for the MIJIA Induction Night Light that made its maiden outing in 2017. The MIJIA Night Light 2 was recently launched as Mi Motion Activated Night Light 2 in India. Among the avalanche of products that was launched today was a MIJIA Night Light 2 Bluetooth version.

Yes, the product has now joined the list of smart home gadgets as it can be integrated with other smart home products via the MIJIA app with this Bluetooth connectivity onboard. The Bluetooth version comes with a 59 yuan ($8) price tag, a tad higher than the non-Bluetooth version which has a price tag of 49 yuan (~$6). The product is expected to go on sale on April 9.

Apart from the Bluetooth connectivity, the Mijia Night Light 2 Bluetooth version has the same design and features with the regular version. As a reminder, the device is equipped with a dark magnetic mount and a 360 rotating hinge. The light adopts the minimalist design that Xiaomi’s products are best known for. As per the performance, the MIJIA Night Light 2 Bluetooth version features 25 lumens brightness and the level can be adjusted. It is activated when motion is detected and conserves energy by shutting off in 15 seconds if no motion is detected. The owner can also turn off the light as desired.

The MIJIA Night Light 2 Bluetooth version still has a built-in photosensitive + human body dual sensor, with a sensing range within a 120 ° radius. The device uses three AA batteries with a cumulative power of not less than 1500mAh. The battery can last up to 365 days, especially when used under low brightness.

The MIJIA Night Light 2 Bluetooth version is presently available on Xiaomi Mall.

Xiaomi MIJIA Electric Shaver S300 goes official for 99 yuan (~$13)

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Apr 3, 2020

Xiaomi today announced a slew of smart home products ahead of the Mi fan festival which would hold soon. One of the products is the MIJIA Electric Shaver S300. This model is a trimmed-down version of the MIJIA Electric Shaver S500 and S500C.

The MIJIA Electric Shaver S300 shares a similar design with the S500C as well as several features. It uses a three-tip design and comes with a 360-degree floating veneer system and has a dual-layer blade. The company says that the auxiliary blade first lifts the beard, and then the main blade quickly cuts off the beard which ensures the surfaces are trimmed properly and reduces the chances of developing bumps.

This model doesn’t seem to have a removable head like the S500C but the device equally comes with an IPX7 waterproof build which makes it suitable for use in the bathroom or under wet conditions. The gadget adopts a USB-C charging port which will charge the battery way faster than the USB 2.0 port. The product is also expected to have a durable battery onboard. There is no display that shows the battery percentage left but it has an LED indicator which shows when it is charging or in use. The LED will turn red when the battery power is low.

Further, the gadget has a power button located at the top half of the handle, apparently to prevent interference during use. Should you want to travel with the portable electric shaver, there is a lock mode that you can turn on which will prevent the device from coming on if something accidentally compresses the power button inside your traveling bag. There is an indicator that shows when the shaver is in lock mode.

The MIJIA Electric Shaver S300 comes in black and will retail for 99 yuan (~$13). The product is expected to go on sale on April 9 but is now open for reservations on Mi Mall.

Huawei joins the OIN, the largest open source patent protection group

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Apr 3, 2020

Huawei is officially joining the OIN (Open Invention Network), the largest patent production group which will arrive as a shock to many. On the one side, the Chinese tech giant has been accused of stealing trade secrets from the US, while at the same time the company made $6 billion in patent royalties since 2001 from US based companies alone.

For those unaware, OIN is a major patent non-aggression community. Its mission is to enable Linux, its related software and programmers to develop and monetize the Linux and open source software. The primary focus of this being able to monitize without having face issues regarding patent infringement and lawsuits. This is done by practicing patent non-aggression in core Linux and its open source technology. In simpler terms, companies in the group cross license the Linux System to one another without the need for a royalty fee.

Now, with Huawei joining the group, the impacts could be huge. This is due to the Chinese brand holding a massive portfolio of IP Information and communications technology (ICT) patents. According to OIN CEO, Keith Bergelt, he “appreciates Huawei joining OIN and supporting patent non-aggression in the core of Linux and adjacent open-source software.”

A little known fact about Huawei which is generally unknown is that the company is one of the top contributors to the Linux Kernel. It is also a Platinum member of the Linux Foundation through its other key open source projects. This move is being appreciated since it portrays Huawei’s strong support for open source and open collaboration. Meaning, shared patents, and technology that benefits all.

Huawei’s Head of Global Intellectual Property, Jianxin Ding, stated that “Huawei is committed to offering the highest quality ICT and smart devices.” He mentioned that supporting the non-aggression patent in Linux will showcase the company’s commitment to innovation. Furthermore, Jianxin also said that the company is always open to working with both US based and non-US based firms.

(Via)

Ulefone Armor X7 passes with flying colors in Drop Test

By

Simranpal Singh

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Apr 3, 2020

Ulefone Armor X7 is leaving no stone unturned to woo the customers of its rugged and stealthy design. After the hands-on video, the Ulefone has released Drop test video on YouTube showing its indestructible design. Along with the durability, the Ulefone Armor X7 also excels in bringing value for money to the users. The entry-level smartphone offers a bag full of competitive features at such an affordable price. Here’s the full Drop test video showing its ability to sustain usual falls.

As we can see in the video, Uelfone Armor X7 sustained without a scratch even after several drop tests from different heights. It is dropped on a concrete floor, from stairs and even resists damage after a free fall. The ultra-tough structure and stealthy body have completely improved the device’s build. It appears to be a pure rugged device.

Apart from its design excellence, the Armor X7 ensures powerful performance with MediaTek MT6761 Helio A20 chipset coupled with an octa-core processor and PowerVR GE8320 GPU. It houses a 13-megapixel rear camera and a 5-megapixel front-facing camera for selfies and video calling.

A vivid 5.0-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels with an aspect ratio of 16:9 is present. It comes in a 2GB RAM and 16 GB internal storage variant. Moreover, the users can unlock the device using face and fingerprint metrics. In connectivity, you get NFC for wireless payments across Google Pay and other services.

The users can enjoy Android 10 out of the box. Ulefone Armor X7 is certified by IP68/IP69K/MIL-STD-810G for waterproof, dustproof and scratch proof abilities.

The new entry-level smartphone from Ulefone fares well against CAT S41. Such a strong and powerful device is available for discounted pricing of $89.99. You may opt for a bicycle phone holder with Armor X7 for $99.99. The discounts will be in force till April 6th, more details about the device are available at their official website.

Apple patents reveal an iPhone that can used underwater, another shows automatic screen adjustment

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Apr 3, 2020

A pair of brand new Apple patents have surfaced online. Both documents depict a very unique function which is different from each other. One suggests an Apple iPhone that can function underwater, while the other showcases a design for automatic screen orientation adjustment according to the users’ face.

Starting with the underwater functioning iPhone, Apple patented a device to run an interface specifically designed for submerged usage. The US Patent No. 20200104021 refers to an “Underwater User Interface.” This essentially mentions that the UI of an iOS device simplifies when it detects that one is underwater. It is a notable step in the software direction since OEMs primarily focus on the hardware aspects of securing the device.

However, taking practicality into account, one would more likely be focused on swimming underwater to be able to navigate the general UI. According to the patent, “Current methods for displaying user interfaces while an electronic device is underwater are outdated, time consuming, and inefficient. For example, some existing methods use complex and time-consuming user interfaces, which may include multiple key presses or keystrokes, and may include extraneous user interfaces.”

In other words, Apple wishes to cut down on the UI when submerged to make it instantly usable and viable as a product underwater. Through this, the Cupertino based giant plans on saving users time by not having them navigate through the general software/custom skin. Examples of this include prompts or querries requiring multiple confirmations.

The second patent, with the US Patent No. 20200104033, detailed “Using Face Detection to Update User Interface Orientation.” In other words, it mentioned rotating the display to the right position, according to the orientation of the user’s face. An example of this is with the iPads. The tablets from Apple can be rotated and oriented in the landscape or even portrait mode.

However, sometimes the device may orient it in the wrong position, requiring one to shift the device over again till it is corrected. Apple aims to remove this tedious process by orienting the screen in accordance with the position of the users’ face. This will be especially helpful when the iPhone or iPad is kept on a flat surface, where the sensors can adjust the screen according to the users’ position.

(Via)

Xiaomi Smart Door Bell 2 and Lite Edition Launched

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Apr 3, 2020

Xiaomi has been launching various new products for its ongoing Mi Festival. The company is primarily aiming at different IoT appliances in a smart home, which includes the latest Smart Door Bell 2 and Smart Door Bell Lite Edition.

Starting with the Xiaomi Smart Door Bell 2, the company has launched another home appliance that serves the purpose of security for houses. It is essentially a small door knob with a camera, intercom and ring button. This allows for users to talk in a two way audio system to enquire regarding who is at the door without opening the door itself. The camera of the Xiaomi Smart Door Bell 2 records at 1080p and can recognized humanoid figures thanks to AI assistance.

The device also supports the XiaoAI voice assistant and can be remotely accessed and operated. It has a 100 degree field of view and can sense people from up to 5 meters away. When paired with a smart display or a smartphone, this allows users to receive notifications when the door is rung, allowing a conversation without ever having to open the door. Thus, further helping in keeping users informed and safe.

Alongside this, Xiaomi also launched the Smart Door Bell Lite Edition as well. As the name suggests, it is a cut down version of the Smart Door Bell 2 and is priced appropriately too. This version also features XiaoAI voice assistant and can even be operated remotely as well. However, its camera only captures in HD quality but are capable of infrared footage during night time. Its field of view is also 100 degrees but the range is only 3 meters.

The Xiaomi Smart Door Bell 2 is priced at 199 Yuan, which roughly translates to about 28 US Dollars. On the other hand, the Smart Door Bell Lite Edition carries a price tag of half of the former, coming in at only 99 Yuan (or about 14 US Dollars). Notably, both devices look nearly identical and are currently available for pre order on Xiaomi’s official website in China.

Xiaomi Youpin launches the MIJIA Humidifier 1S, features an OLED display

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Apr 3, 2020

Earlier today (3rd April 2020), Xiaomi launched a bunch of new products through its Mi Festival event. Many products and home appliances were announced. However, on the company’s Xiaomi Youpin platform, the MIJIA Humidifier 1S was launched as well.

The MIJIA Humidifier 1S is as the name suggests a humidifier in purpose but also arrives with notable features like sterilization and more. The device uses ultraviolet germicidal lamps imported from Japan and uses anti bacterial materials with a 99 percent rate of eliminating bacteria, preventing the formation of molds, according to the official notes.

The company states that the MIJIA Humidifier 1S has a total capacity of 3.5 liters and consumer about 400ml every hour. This provides up to 16 hours of continuous usage on a single full tank. To fill the gadget up, water can be conveniently injected in the middle and the transparent water gauge clearly depicts the water levels on the inside, meaning you can always tell how much water is remaining.

Notably, it also arrives with an OLED display, which users can adjust the brightness of and even control through buttons. It is controlled by the MIJIA app and supports an AI voice assistant as well, alongside multi device pairing, which is useful for smart IoT products. The MIJIA Humidifier 1S is available for a price of 799 Yuan (roughly 112 US Dollars) on the Xiaomi Youpin platform.

Xiaomi announces Redmi Note 9S MFF 2020 Limited Edition

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Apr 3, 2020

Xiaomi launched the Redmi Note 9 Pro last month in India. A couple of weeks later, the same device was rebadged to Redmi Note 9S for other markets. Now, the brand announces a Mi Fan Festival (MFF) 2020 Limited Edition of this handset on its official Twitter handle.

Xiaomi will be hosting its annual Mi Fan Festival Sale from April 6. During this period, the company will be also selling 2,020 units of Redmi Note 9S MFF 2020 Limited Edition.

This special edition of the phone will feature the logo of Mi Fan Festival 2020 above the Redmi branding on the rear glass panel. Other than that, this is expected to be the same phone but maybe with a special theme outside the box.

However, we are not sure what will be storage configuration on this limited edition handset by Xiaomi. But we are certain it will retain all other specs of the standard Redmi Note 9S such as Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G, 6.67-inches FHD+ IPS LCD punch-hole screen, Gorilla Glass 5 protection, side-mounted fingerprint sensor, 48MP (primary) + 8MP (ultra-wide) + 5MP (macro) + 2MP (depth) quad-camera setup, USB Type-C port, 3.5 mm headphone jack, IR blaster, 5,020 mAh battery, and 18W fast charging.

Unfortunately, Xiaomi is yet to reveal the price of the Redmi Note 9S MFF 2020 Limited Edition.

(Source)

Xiaomi Mi Smart Camera PTZ and PTZ Pro versions launched with 2K video recording

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Apr 3, 2020

Xiaomi is hosting the Mi Festival event today (3rd April 2020) and is hosting the launch conference for various new products. Among the various gadgets being released, a pair of Mi Smart PTZ cameras have also been announced.

The two new cameras include the Xiaomi Mi Smart Camera PTZ and the PTZ Pro variant. The cameras are a part of the Chinese tech giant’s smart home appliances and essentially serve as security cameras in the users’ homes. Meaning, they can be used to monitor your house remotely or even inform you of illegal entry in the worst case scenario.

Starting with the Mi Smart Camera PTZ, it features a 3 megapixel camera with a f/1.4 aperture. The device supports low light recording and the video is captured with full colors as well. A notable aspect of this version is that it supports 2K recording. In other words, it can capture videos in higher fidelity, which allows for more details being captured. The device features a 6P lens and can offer a 360 degree field of view, since it is capable of rotating.

Arriving at the Xiaomi Mi Smart Camera PTZ Pro, this is the higher end version in the series. A notable inclusion in this version is that it has more Bluetooth gateway functions and also supports Dual band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz + 5GHz). It also features the same 3 megapixel camera with AI human detection and a 360 degree field of view via a panorama sweep.

The Standard Mi Smart Camera PTZ is priced at 199 Yuan, which roughly translates to about 28 US Dollars. On the other hand, the Mi Smart Camera PTZ Pro will be sold for 249 Yuan (or roughly 35 US Dollars). The security cameras are currently available for pre booking and can be found on Xiaomi’s official website in China.

Huawei Nova 7, 7 SE, 7 Pro likely to debut on April 23

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Anvinraj Valiyathara

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Apr 3, 2020

Multiple reports have claimed that Huawei will be also announcing the Nova 7 series in April. As of this writing, there is no official confirmation on the arrival of the Nova 7 phones from Huawei. However, a fresh leak states that the Nova 7 models will be breaking cover on April 23.

The new leak states that the Nova 7 series include three models such as Nova 7 SE 5G, Nova 7 5G and Nova 7 Pro 5G. The Nova 7 series may feature three different processors such as Kirin 820 5G that went official recently, the unannounced Kirin 985 chipset and the Kirin 990 5G flagship SoC.

The Nova 7 SE could be priced between 2,000 Yuan (~$282) and 3,000 Yuan (~$423). The Nova 7 may cost around 3,000 Yuan and the Nova 7 Pro could be costing between 3,500 Yuan (~$493) and 4,000 Yuan (~$564).

Editor’s Pick: Huawei Pay launches in Singapore, P40 Series Sale from April 4

A previous report had claimed that the Nova 7 SE is powered by a mid-range Kirin 5G chipset which could be the Kirin 820 5G. It may come with a 6.5-inch punch-hole display. Its rear may house a 64-megapixel primary shooter. It is likely to arrive with support for 22.5W rapid charging. There is a possibility that the Huawei Nova 7 could be driven by the Kirin 985 chipset and the Nova 7 Pro could be fueled by the Kirin 990.

Huawei and its sub-branding will be the flooding the Chinese markets with many 5G phones across different price points. The Honor 30S recently debuted with a price tag of 2,399 Yuan (~$338). The Huawei P40 series will debut in China on April 4^th and it may start at 4,498 Yuan (~$634). The Honor 30 and Honor 30 Pro are scheduled to go official April 15. The 4G Honor 9A budget-friendly phone recently debuted in China. The Honor Play 4T and Play 4T Pro 4G phones are slated to debut on April 9.

(source)

Samsung Galaxy S20 ships with Snapdragon in South Korea, Humiliates the company’s Chip Division

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Apr 3, 2020

The dilemma Samsung faces regarding its smartphones have surfaced again. The company has always shipped two variants of its flagship series, namely the Snapdragon variant from Qualcomm, or the proprietary Exynos version. For those unaware, Samsung only shipped the former in the US and China while the Exynos is more commonly found in global markets, especially it’s home country South Korea

But in 2020, the company made a decisive move to shift towards the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 processor for South Korea. This has led to a reported humiliation of Samsung’s Chip Division. To provide context, the Snapdragon 865 SoC clearly edges out in comparison to the Exynos 990 SoC. The former has proved to be a better processor both with performance and networking in mind.

Samsung Exynos 990 featured — Samsung Exynos 990

Due to this reason, top management in a general meeting with shareholders discussed the issue with the struggling Exynos chipset. Apparently, a lot of customers in markets like South Korea were unhappy for receiving an inferior product despite having paid the same amount of money for the Galaxy S20 series. These regions complained about power efficiency and battery life as a big factor for their concerns.

Thus, the shareholders grilled the top executives from the company, in hopes to see improvement in the proprietary technology. DJ Koh, President of Samsung’s mobile division stated that “competitive logic” is the reason Samsung stuck to Exynos chipsets over Snapdragon, and not due to the significant revenue smartphone sales bring to the System LSI division.

According to reports from South Korea, the decision from the company to ship the Galaxy S20 with Snapdragon in the country took many at Samsung by surprise. Reportedly, the decision for the move was made after the Exynos 990 failed to perform according to expectations. The report also mentioned rumors regarding the System LSI Division feeling “humiliated” because of the unannounced shift from Exynos to Snapdragon.

Apparently, officials also tried to convince the mobile division to roll back the decision, but to no avail. However, this does not mean that Samsung is abandoning its Exynos chipsets entirely. Rather we can expect the company to invest further for its advancement to beat the Snapdragon counterparts. But as of right now, it seams its Quacomm’s win in this regard.

(Via)

TikTok announces Donation of Medical Equipment worth ₹100 crores to India

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Apr 3, 2020

TikTok, the viral video-sharing platform has announced to donate medical equipment worth ₹100 crores to India. The aid will include 200,000 masks and 400,000 hazmat suits to fight the coronavirus outbreak in the country.

India is one of the latest countries to have a high rise in COVID-19 cases. As of writing this, the nation had a total of 2,567 cases with 72 deaths. This although seems to be a smaller number compared to other countries like the USA, it is enough to widespread the virus as India is a packed country with over 1.3 billion population.

But thanks to the measure taken by the government to lock down the country for 21 days has helped to contain the rise of cases that other nations. However, India is in dire need of medical equipment and funds, which thankfully are being donated by citizens as well as various companies.

TikTok is the latest firm to join this contribution as it alleges to be working with Union Ministry of Textile to provide medical equipment to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The social media company recognizing the safety of medical staff working at the front line, have announced to donate 400,000 hazmat suits to the Indian government.

The donation by the company will also include 200,000 masks to the local / state level medical workers of Delhi and Maharashtra governments. Additionally, TikTok is willing to further extend its support if there is a need in the future.

(Source)

Xiaomi’s 75-inch Full Screen TV Pro launched, Mi TV 4A gets a 60-inch version too

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Apr 3, 2020

The Xiaomi Mi Fan Festival is here, and the company is already announcing various new products as we speak. Among the new launches are two new smart TV’s which include the Xiaomi 75 inch Full-Screen TV Pro and a new 60 inch model for the Mi TV 4A.

Xiaomi Full Screen TV Pro 75 inch

The Chinese tech giant has just launched the largest variant in one of its TV family. The Xiaomi Full Screen TV Pro 75 inch has been announced and will be placed right above its 43 inch, 55 inch and 65-inch variants that were launched last year, in September 2019. These are one of the company’s premium lineup of TV’s and feature an aluminum alloy for its design and build.

Xiaomi Full Screen TV Pro 75 inch features extremely narrow bezels on every side, which also provides them with an impressive screen to body ratio of 97 percent. However, the top bezel also carries the ‘Mi’ brand logo and is a bit thicker than the other three sides. The middle frame of the 75 inch TV is made out of Aluminium alongside a metal base plate.

The Xiaomi Full Screen TV Pro 75 inch features a quad-core 64-bit processor that has a clock speed of 1.9GHz. This is a custom-built 12nm FinFET process chipset which makes them highly power-efficient, according to the company. Alongside the processor, 2GB of RAM is housed along with built-in storage of 32GB. The TV also runs the PatchWall operating system and is shipped with several video streaming services pre-installed, like Tencent Video, Youku and VOD from iQiyi.

A few other notable features include, Dolby Audio, XiaoAi assistant, voice commands and option to connect with IoT devices, to both control them and display their status. The display of the Xiaomi Full Screen TV Pro 75 inch is a 4K panel while the chipset is capable of natively supporting 8K content as well. It will be sold for a price of 5,999 Yuan or roughly 846 US Dollars.

Mi TV 4A 60 inch

Xiaomi has also launched a new variant for its pre-existing Mi TV 4A model. This version is a 60-inch model and will fit right between the other smaller and larger iterations of the same. It features a 4K LCD display and also sports relatively thin bezels on every side of the display.

Being a smart TV, it features XiaoAI built-in voice assistant on the PatchWall OS. So, one can stream videos, movies and more if connected to the internet. Under the hood, a 64-bit amlogic processor can be found alongside 2GB of RAM and 16GB of storage. It also houses the basics like HDMI ports, USB ports, AV input and offers Dolby Audio and DTS-HD as well.

The new Mi TV 4A 60-inch is priced at 1,999 Yuan (or roughly 281 US Dollars). Interestingly, the slightly outdated Mi TV 4A 58-inches is priced at a lower 1,599 Yuan (or roughly 225 US Dollars), so that might be a viable option for those looking under a particular budget.

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