POCO announced its first phone since the brand went solo last week. The POCO X2 went on sale for the first time today and we expect the device to be a hot-selling one. For folks that are still not convinced about making the X2 their next smartphone, the camera samples that have been obtained from early reviews may just turn out to be the deal sealer.
The POCO X2 features a dual-LED flash assisted quad-camera system where the main camera is a Sony IMX686 64-megapixel main lens, teaming up with an 8-megapixel ultrawide lens with a field-of-view of 120 degrees, a 2-megapixel dedicated lens for macro shots and a 2-megapixel depth assist sensor. The POCO X2 offers plenty of camera features such as raw camera capture, bokeh, 4K video shooting at 30fps, HD video shooting at 960fps, video blogging mode, ultrawide video recording. The camera performs impressively both under low light and bright lighting conditions.
The selfie camera also performs well in capturing beautiful shots. As a reminder, the X2 is equipped with a 20MP+2MP dual camera setup at the front. The front cameras support AI portrait mode, screen flash and full HD video recording at 30fps.
We’ll still wait for more reviews, especially DXOMark’s to know where the POCO X2 stands in the ranking of premium midrange phone cameras. Find more camera samples shot by the POCO X2 from below.
Redmi launched a new variant of its most affordable last-generation entry-level smartphone in India: the Redmi 8A Dual. The release came a few days after the launch of the Realme C3, which is the last-generation entry-level handset from Realme. I personally believe that Redmi 8A Dual and Realme C3 are the best last-generation smartphones you can get for less than €100. That is why we decided to make a specs comparison between them. We usually choose three devices for comparisons, but in this case, we do not believe there is a better choice than these ones in that price range on the paper, at least from mainstream brands. Now, let’s find out which is the best among these kings of entry-level phones.
Dual 12 + 2 MP f/1.8 and f/2.4
5 MP f/2.4 front camera
Single 12 MP f/1.8
8 MP f/2.0 front camera
BATTERY
5000 mAh, battery charging 10W
5000 mAh, fast charging 18W
ADDITIONAL FEATURES
Dual SIM slot, reverse charging
Dual SIM slot
Design
The Aura XGrip Design of the Redmi 8A is simply amazing not only for the look but also for the grip. Thanks to a mesh texture, you can get a firm grip and keep fingerprint marks out of the picture. Further, it is a very original design scheme. Last but not least, Redmi 8A Dual is way more compact and easy to use with one hand than Realme C5. Unfortunately, both the devices do not feature a fingerprint reader, but they are both splash resistant. The Redmi 8A Dual even comes with a P2i coating. You can choose among three color variants for Redmi 8A Dual (Sky White, Sea Blue and Midnight Grey) and two color variants for Realme C3 (Frozen Blue and Blazing Red).
Display
The only big difference between the displays of Realme C3 and Redmi 8A Dual is the size. In each case, you get a modest IPS panel with an HD+ resolution. Not a big deal, but a sufficient display for every task. What really changes is the size: Redmi 8A Dual has a compact 6.22-inch display, while Realme C3 offers a wide 6.5-inch panel. If you want a device easier to use with one hand and easier to keep in a pocket, go for the Redmi 8A Dual. But if you often use your device for advanced tasks such as reading, watching movies, playing games or so, then Realme C3 might be a better option due to its wide panel.
Specs & Software
Redmi 8A Dual and Realme C3 are fueled by different chipsets: the former has a Snapdragon 439 under the hood, while Realme C3 is powered by the MediaTek Helio G70. The new Helio G70 is a lot more powerful than Snapdragon 439 and benchmarks proved it several times. Further, Realme C3 comes in a higher-end memory configuration boasting 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of internal storage. Last but not least, Realme C3 has Android 10 out of the box (customized by Realme UI), while Redmi 8A Dual ships with Android 9 Pie.
Camera
As its name suggests, Redmi 8A Dual mainly differs from the vanilla Redmi 8A for its dual rear camera. But despite this big change, Realme C3 remains a better camera phone, at least on the paper. Its main 12 MP sensor boasts a brighter focal aperture and it should be able to shoot better photos. In both case, you get a secondary depth sensor and an 8 MP selfie camera, so the real big difference is the main sensor of the rear camera. Both are just sufficient camera phones, but it is impossible to find anything better at those prices.
Redmi 8A Dual and Realme C3 are champions of battery life. They feature a huge 5000 mAh battery that is awesome for an entry-level smartphone. Due to its smaller display, we believe Redmi 8A Dual will feature a longer battery life than Realme C3. Expect the same amazing battery life as the vanilla Redmi 8A. Further, 8A Dual charges faster than Realme C3 thanks to an 18W fast charging technology. However, Realme C3 still remains one of the best battery phones, so you should not worry so much about batteries here.
Price
Realme C3 is available in India with a starting price tag of just Rs. 6,999 / $97 / €90 in its 3/32 GB memory configuration, while for the Redmi 8A Dual you need Rs. 6,499 / €84 / $90 to purchase the version with 2 GB of RAM and 32 GB of internal storage; for the 3/32 GB you need Rs. 6,999 just like the Realme C3. Given its great camera, wider display and better chipset, I would personally go for the Realme C3. But Redmi 8A Dual is a more compact device and it has a longer-lasting battery, so do not underestimate it.
Xiaomi Redmi 8A Dual vs Oppo Realme C3: PRO and CONS
On February 9th, Oppo confirmed reports about it dispatching workers along with a group of technicians in an attempt to help similar businesses to manufacture masks.
Reports about Oppo and Vivo arranging workers and increasing production capacity to make masks have been doing the rounds online, claiming the companies plan to boost the mask production capacity. The Chinese smartphone maker admitted that it has assigned mask production duties to a group of workers and technicians, hoping to support similar enterprises in making masks.
Oppo plans to cash in on its vast experience and noteworthy capabilities to help prevent and control of the coronavirus outbreak. Keeping in line with that, the company recently donated RMB 30 million to the Wuhan Charity Federation for the restriction and prevention of pneumonia and the recently surfaced coronavirus epidemic.
Also, to make sure Oppo products that are currently under warranty in China can be repaired in time despite the severe epidemic situation, the company has decided to extend the warranty period of the users and may opt to continue updating it depending on the development of the epidemic. For more details, all you need to do is to follow Oppo’s official account and get notified about updates.
The Motorola Razr 2019 is already available for purchase. The foldable device is priced at $1500 and is available in a single color variant called Noir Black. However, if you prefer the Blush Gold variant that leaked last week, Motorola says it will be available this spring.
Renders of the Blush Gold variant were posted on the web by Evan Blass (@evleaks). This variant has the bottom half of the phone coated in gold paint. The chin where the fingerprint scanner is placed is also gold and there is a gold ring around the rear camera too.
There will be no difference with respect to the specs and price between this new colorway and the currently available Noir Black. So you get a 6.2-inch FHD+ foldable display with a notch, a 2.7-inch secondary display, a Snapdragon 710 processor, 6GB of RAM, 128GB of storage, and a 2510mAh battery.
Motorola ships the Razr with Android 9 Pie out of the box. We hope an Android 10 update is available by the time the Blush gold variant is ready to ship.
Xiaomi recently announced that it would unveil a new wireless router that uses the WiFi 6 protocol alongside the Mi 10 series. The company has now released more details of the new router via a Weibo post.
The new router is revealed to go by the moniker “Xiaomi AIoT Router AX3600” and as stated, it comes with WiFi 6 which will also be onboard the Mi 10 series. The new WiFi standard delivers a fast network with low latency. According to the details the device’s theoretical dual-frequency concurrent rate is up to 2976Mbps. It also uses OFDMA technology which allows users to send data for multiple terminal devices at the same time in one transmission. In this regard, the transmission is more efficient. The Mi AIoT Router also comes with MU-MIMO technology that allows multiple antennas of the router to serve multiple devices at the same time, making the Internet smoother.
These features are in addition to the latest WiFi 6 features which includes optimized power consumption and wider coverage capabilities. It also brings support for multi high-speed concurrent connections. In other words, the connection is stronger with a wider range and can better support multiple connections at the same time. Other benefits include lower latency overall, high rate of data transmission and more.
Much to the dismay of those restlessly waiting to get their hands on Realme’s yellow-tinted Buds Air, the Chinese smartphone maker has postponed its plan to launch this variant of the earbuds in China amid the coronavirus epidemic.
In an official apology letter, which was released on February 11th, Realme said consumers making the final payment on February 14th will be first in line to receive Buds Air yellow version. The Shenzhen-based company is expected to resume normal production as soon as it can while ensuring the utmost protection of its employees and consumers against the coronavirus outbreak.
Realme took the covers off its Buds Air wireless headset in January in China this year. The earphone is powered by an R1 chip with a 119.3ms delay. Furthermore, it supports an impressive array of features including wear detection, Type-C, and wireless charging, smart touch, and adopts the ENC call noise reduction technology for a superior calling experience. The Realme Buds Air bears a price tag of 369 yuan ($53).
You can check out realme’s apology letter below:
Dear Realme User,
In order to strengthen the prevention and control of pneumonia epidemic of the new type of coronavirus, governments across the country, Guangdong and other regions have introduced regulations and measures such as extended holidays, postponed resumption of work, and traffic control. Enterprise rework and production have been affected to varying degrees. Therefore, the delivery time of the Realme Buds Air yellow version headphones will also be delayed. For customers who deliver the final payment on February 14, we expect to start shipping on March 3.
We apologize for any inconvenience caused by this delayed shipment. Realme will resume normal production as soon as possible under the premise of protecting the health of customers and employees. Thank you for your understanding and support.
The Mobile World Congress is billed to commence later this month. Just when the hype was building as regards the products that would be released at MWC, the mobile show has been hit by a wave of withdrawals. It all began with Amazon announcing its withdrawal from participating at MWC, citing fears over the Coronavirus ravaging China. Other companies like Sony, NVIDIA, LG, Ericsson have also announced their withdrawal from the exhibition.
Xiaomi is expected to announce the Mi 10 & Mi 10 Pro at MWC 2020
But in a twist, Xiaomi has reaffirmed that it will participate at MWC 2020. Since some of its team members will come from China, the company released some safety guidelines that would be followed to ensure that any infected person doesn’t make the trip and the safety of fans, the media, partners and others in Barcelona are assured.
In a press release earlier today, the Chinese tech giant stated that in order to align with personal and product safety during MWC, certain core measures will be adopted. Find the full text of the statement below;
“With the continuing spread of the novel coronavirus pneumonia, we would like to inform our fans, media friends, partners and users that the health and safety of everyone is a top priority for all of us at Xiaomi.
Also, we will attend Mobile World Congress Barcelona 2020 as planned and launch our latest smartphones as well as a range of smart hardware.
Xiaomi is committed to containing the current outbreak by following all effective recommended measures to safeguard the health and well-being of his employees, fans, media friends, partners and users who are coming to visit us around the world.
Thus, we have put in place further instructions regarding our global product launch on February 23 as well as at our MWC booth located at 310, Hall 3, Fira de Barcelona Gran Via, from February 24 to 27.
We will make sure that all employees travelling from China show no symptoms and would have been out of China for at least 14 calendar days before their arrival in Barcelona for our launch event and MWC.
We will make sure all senior executives of the company scheduled to take part in any kind of activities and meetings will have been out of China for at least 14 calendar days prior to our launch event and MWC.
We will follow GSMA’s guidance and ensure that the exhibition booth and all displayed products are disinfected on a frequent basis
We will make sure that all the staff with booth presentation duty are from our local offices across Europe. We will also ensure they have no symptoms for 14 calendar days before offering on ground support at our launch event and MWC booth. Thank you all for your understanding and support hashtag no me without you”
Xiaomi is taking a different path from those taken by fellow Chinese firms Vivo which announced it is pulling out from MWC 2020. MediaTek and Intel also announced their withdrawal recently. The event may get cancelled considering the number of companies that have already announced they won’t be attending. Apart from that, two persons have reportedly been infected by the Coronavirus in Spain where the event would take place.
The Samsung Galaxy M31 will launch in India on February 25 and it will be exclusively for purchase through Amazon India. Some of the key highlights of the smartphone were revealed earlier including screen resolution, battery capacity, and camera specifications. The latest report on PriceBaba reveals exclusive information on the processor, RAM and storage variants.
The latest batch of data comes from reputed leakster Ishan Agarwal. According to the report, The Galaxy M31 flaunts a 32-megapixel front camera with an aperture rating of f/2.0. As per earlier reports, we know that the rear camera includes a quad-sensor module comprising of a 64-megapixel primary lens with an aperture rating of f/1.8. The latest report reveals an 8-megapixel secondary lens with an aperture rating of f/2.2, and two 5-megapixel sensors with aperture ratios of f/2.2, and f/2.4 respectively.
The Galaxy M31 comes in two variants, with 6GB of RAM and 64GB of storage, and 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage respectively. An earlier report on 91mobiles revealed that Samsung might launch a third variant with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of native storage. However, the recent report lacks any information on the latter.
The smartphone is rumored to flaunt a 6.4-inch Super AMOLED Infinity-U display and draw power from an Exynos 9611 SoC. The handset is likely to be powered by a massive 6,000 mAh battery with a 15W fast charge. The Galaxy M31 runs on Android 10-based One UI 2.0 skin on top and flaunts USB Type-C connectivity and a 3.5mm AUX port. The smartphone flaunts a rear-mounted fingerprint scanner for additional security.
Although there is no formal word on pricing, the Samsung Galaxy M31 is rumored to be priced around the Rs. 15,000 (~$211) mark. Watch this space for more, as we bring you the latest updates on the Samsung Galaxy M31.
The Samsung Galaxy A50 recently received a price cut of Rs. 4,500 in India. It is a limited period price cut that it is valid until Feb. 21. The new price cut comes just days after Samsung launched its newest model in the A series, Galaxy A51.
The Samsung Galaxy A50 midrange phone had launched last year in February with an original starting price of Rs. 21,490 (~$301). With the current limited period discount offer, its current price stands at Rs. 16,990 (~$238). Of the two variants that Galaxy A50 has to offer, the discount is applicable only for its 6 GB RAM + 64 GB storage high-end model. The 4 GB RAM + 64 GB storage base model continues to enjoy no price cut and is available on Flipkart for a price of Rs. 17,499 (~$245).
Galaxy A50 key specifications
The first thing worth noticeable in terms of the phone’s features is its triple camera setup on the rear-side. It houses a 25-megapixel primary sensor, an 8-megapixel ultra-wide lens and a 5-megapixel additional depth sensor. For selfies, the phone has a 25-megapixel sensor at the front.
Powered by an octa-core Exynos 9610 processor, Samsung A50 comes with 6 GB RAM and 128 GB storage, additionally extensible up to 512 GB. It is backed with a battery of 000mAh and supports 15W fast charging via USB Type-C port. The Galaxy A50 has a 6.4 inches Infinity-U Super AMOLED display with FHD+ resolution. Reports say that the handset would soon get the latest Android 10 OS with Android Pie-based One UI skin.
Bolstering its A-series line up, Samsung launched its newest model Galaxy A51 in January 2020. The phone has a 6.5 inches AMOLED Infinity-O display with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels. It runs One UI 2.0 based on Android 10 and is powered by a 4000 mAh battery with proprietary 15W fast charging. It packs an inbuilt storage of 128 GB extensible by a microSD card (up to 512 GB).
At its rear, Samsung Galaxy A51 comes with a whooping 48-megapixel primary camera, a second 12-megapixel camera and third lens of 5-megapixel. The front camera for shooting selfies is 32-megapixels in resolution. The Exynos 9611 chipset powers the device with up to 6 GB of RAM.
The Samsung Galaxy A51 arrived in launched in India in Prism Crush Blue, Prism Crush Black, Prism Crush Pink, and Prism Crush White colours. The Galaxy A51 has a starting price of Rs. 23,999 (~$329) in India.
Last year, Google announced Ambient Mode, a Google Assistant feature that allows you to be able to use the Google Assistant even when the device is being charged. It debuted on the Nokia 7.2 and Nokia 6.2. In Ambient Mode, your phone will be able to function as a digital photo frame, control smart home devices, and even display reminders and weather info.
OnePlus has announced that the feature is now available for its devices. Ambient Mode is available on OnePlus phones starting with the OnePlus 3.
If you own a supported OnePlus device, you can opt-in for the feature by connecting your phone to your charger. You should get a notification for Ambient Mode and all you have to do is follow the instructions to set it up. You can also enable the feature by launching the Google App Settings > Assistant > Devices (Phone).
OnePlus says it is a staged rollout, so it will not be available yet for all users and might take up to a week for full release.
Nokia first announced the Nokia N9 in June 2011 with a design that can become a precursor to the Lumia lineup. The device featured a rounded “Oreo” camera which was adopted recently on the Nokia 7.2 and OnePlus 7T. HMD has made some efforts to return to the glory days with the relaunch of several classics such as the Nokia 3310, Nokia 800 etc. The device has now got a remake with the Nokia N9 2020 Concept design. shared recently by Concept Phones.
The design was created by designer Antony Andreas with several features borrowed from the original design but with expanded functionality. Instead of a plastic body, the device is envisioned with an aluminium unibody and a more refined design. It retains the angular edges of the original N9 but the sides are perfectly curved. The design could easily pass for that of an iPod. The fuselage even extends on the display edges just like on the original model resulting in thick bezels on the top and bottom. The device adopts a pink hue which looks attractive. The designer even thinks the Lumia 1020’s yellow hue won’t be a bad idea.
The Nokia N9 would be 10 years old by 2021 and Nokia may decide to relaunch the device again. n my opinion, the design has outlived its usefulness. The design should take its rightful place among the classic. If the N9 is to be relaunched, Nokia may likely go for an entirely different design just as it did with the Nokia 3310. What do you think about the design? Give us your thought in the comment section below.
Better Internet Speeds have become a reality throughout the world. In the last decade, connectivity has improved a lot, thanks to the evolution of fiber-optics and rollout of next-generation communication networks. Parallelly, smartphones have also improved in the recent past with powerful hardware and optimized software. Overall, the Internet has become an integral part of our lives, and now we can’t imagine our life without it. Android as a platform has helped the smart telephony to improve a lot. It has emerged as the world’s largest smartphone platform. There are tons of apps in the Play Store to ease our day-to-day lives. In this well-connected world, sometimes the user needs to display realtime internet speeds in the status bar, so we have concluded a whole list below.
There are several ways to show internet speeds in the Android status bar. The users can rely on custom MODs, custom ROMs or can simply install a third-party app for the purpose. However, manufacturers like Motorola, OnePlus and Xiaomi already packs an inbuilt Network Activity Monitor, but users of other devices still have to rely on third-party apps.
So let’s see the best network activity monitors to show internet speeds in the status bar.
Best Apps to show Internet speed in the Status bar
Internet Speed Meter Lite
It is an important speed and usage monitor application. Internet Speed Meter Lite displays the internet speed in the status bar and shows more metrics in the notification panel. The user can see the connection speed anytime while using any app.
The app is completely free and even does not show any advertisements. The primary features of the app include real-time speed update in the status bar, daily data usage, separate status for Mobile and WiFi network. It monitors traffic data for the last 30 days, and it does not impact battery life much. The user can customize the UI color and status bar icon from the settings menu. It also shows the speed meter on the device’s lock screen.
There’s an Internet Speed Meter Lite Pro version also with advanced features. The user will get graph, time and usage of the current session, app usage for mobile and wifi, and realtime speed of running apps.
If you want more intuitive User Interface and compatibility with the present-day notch displays, then Net Speed Indicator is the best choice. It is a small nifty monitoring tool that allows checking realtime internet speed from the status bar. The user can also check the network speed in the notification or in-app itself.
It monitors every single byte being sent and received from the smartphone and then filters into week and month wise. However, WiFi and Carrier data are monitored differently. The developer has a long to-do list of features that will gradually roll out in the future.
It is another small app that monitors Internet Speed “smartly, safely and in a correct way.” It keeps a record of data transfer on a daily and monthly basis. The beautiful yet intuitive user interface of the app makes it easier to use. It also shows information including WiFi frequency, IP address, Link Speed, SSID and much more.
There are many customization options available in the settings panel. The user can easily customize settings for the application, notification, and floating widget. The position, color, and size of the floating widget on the status bar can be set.
These are some best speed monitor apps available for Android smartphones. If there’s any other that we have missed, then let us know via the comments below.
Huawei is slated to unveil the Nova 7i at an event in Malaysia later this week. The device is rumored to be a rebadged Nova 6 SE that was launched in China in 2019. The smartphone packs in quite the punch with its robust specifications and trendy design. The only drawback being the lack of Google Services due to the unending US trade ban. The company unveiled the price of the handset during the announcement earlier today.
Huawei Nova 7i Price
The Huawei Nova 7i is priced at RM 1,099 (~$265). This comes as a major surprise since the Nova 6 SE is priced at CNY 2,199 (~$312) despite being the same device. Not that we are complaining! The Nova 7i will launch in three color options, namely Emerald Green, light blue and pink gradient and black. Buyers in Malaysia will be provided with a free Huawei Band 4 on purchase of Huawei Nova 7i.
Huawei’s press release confirms that the smartphone will launch on February 14. Although the Nova 7i is the first device to flaunt the ‘7’ moniker, it is not a new design. In fact, Huawei Nova 7i moniker is a rebranded version of the Huawei Nova 6 SE that went official in China in December 2019. Due to the lack of Google Services on the Nova 7i, users will have to rely entirely on installing unverified APKs, and the Huawei App Gallery.
The Nova 7i flaunts a 6.4-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 2310 x 1080 pixels. The smartphone features a side-mounted fingerprint scanner instead of a conventional rear panel-mounted design or under-display module. The smartphone is powered by a 2.27 GHz octa-core Kirin 810 chipset with 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB of native storage, expandable up to 256 GB via a microSD card.
In terms of optics, the Huawei Nova 7i flaunts a quad-camera setup at the rear, complete with a 48-megapixel primary sensor, an 8-megapixel ultrawide lens, and two 2-megapixel sensors for macro and depth photography. The camera module also features an LED flash unit. On the front, the Nova 7i flaunts a 16-megapixel camera housed within the punch-hole located near the top left corner.
The Huawei Nova 7i draws power from a 4,200 mAh battery with 40W fast charge support and runs on Android 10-based EMUI 10. The handset uses a hybrid nano-SIM slot with support for 4G LTE. The other features of the Nova 7i include dual 4G VoLTE, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, USB-C, GPS, 3.5mm AUX port and side-facing fingerprint reader.
Amid growing concerns about Huawei’s global dominance in the field of technology, the US could be looking at potential rivals to counter Huawei’s success in the coming days. While a faction of the US administration is considering the possibility, the idea has not gone down well with many individuals. Especially from people in the private sector who believe the government’s involvement in private American or allied companies does not bode well for the future.
“I do not think it’s a good idea”, revealed Randall Stephenson, CEO at AT&T, when CNBC asked for his opinion on the US Attorney General’s comments on the government investing in Nokia and Ericsson. In his defense, Stephenson said, “Governments generally do not have the greatest reputation when it comes to investing in the private sector”.
Stephenson’s comments came shortly after US Attorney General William Barr suggested that the US should take the initiative to acquire a stake in private sector companies like Nokia and Ericsson to secure 5G equipment for future use. He said instead of simply asking allies to avoid using Huawei’s products, the US government should work on a substitute. Shares of Nokia and Ericsson opened strong post the Attorney General’s comments, with shareholders suggesting the companies accept the offer.
Stephenson, however, agrees with some of the ideas shared by the Attorney General. For example, AT&T has been working closely with Microsoft and Dell along with the White House to develop a software-based alternative to Huawei’s 5G equipment.
Speaking on the subject Stephenson said, “AT&T has been the pioneers of software-based architecture in networking. We are using hardware that would have been considered unconventional half a decade ago. We use generic hardware since it can run any software with ease. We prefer using unconventional ways to avoid a competitive comparison with Huawei, using innovation and software over government mandates to achieve our goals”.
Stephenson further explained the precarious situation the US Government is facing as its 328 million citizens is far outnumbered by China’s population of 1.4 billion. “If Huawei gets a market share of over 90% in China, they control 30% of the global market. If the US does not use Huawei’s equipment in its network, we have to rely on a sub-scale supply chain, which is why we need an innovative solution to the problem”.
AT&T has already made some major investments into developing software-based networks, although it had previously pointed at cost-cutting as the motive behind the move. The company previously vowed to virtualize 75% of existing networks by 2020 using SDN (Software-Defined Networking). It has also made significant investments to include open-RAN (Radio Access Network) in its networks.
Privacy is a major concern in this digital era. It is now possible to place a spy cam inside a hotel room or even a public restroom and share the nude or private content of individuals who visit the place online for a profit. This has made it important to scan a hotel room for hidden cameras while on vacation among other applications. One of Xiaomi’s ecological chain companies has launched the Smoovie Multifunctional Infrared Detector.
The Smoovie Multifunctional Infrared Detector comes with a built-in 3D all-around vibration sensor chip. The sensor is very sensitive such that it can be used as an anti-theft/anti-lost device as well. In this case, you just need to attach it to the valuable possession and it vibrates and blasts an alarm to effectively prevent the loss of items.
The infrared detector is equipped with a 230 mAh lithium battery and supports USB charging, thus eliminating the need to replace the battery frequently. The battery is also durable as it can be used continuously for 24 hours on a single charge in the camera detector mode. If the device is put in alarm mode, it can be used continuously for 72 hours continuously.
The design of the camera detector adopts a compact and lightweight style. It weighs just 34g and has a lanyard which can be used to hang the device anywhere.
It is also very simple to use, let’s talk about the infrared scanning function first. The first step is to turn on the side power switch. The second step is to short press the function key to enter the infrared scanning mode, with the eyes close to the detection window. The third step can short press the function key to adjust the red light flashing frequency or turn off. The fourth step is to scan the environment and observe the abnormal red flashpoint through the window to find suspicious items.
To turn on the one-button alarm display function, the first step is to turn on the side power button, the second step long-press the function button for 2 seconds to enter the alarm mode. Pressing for 2 seconds also exits the alarm mode to sleep mode.
The Smoovie Infrared Detector is priced at 99 yuan ($14).
iQOO India is expected to launch its first flagship phone in India in this month. The name of the device is currently under the wraps. Meanwhile, iQOO China today confirmed that its next phone will be debuting as iQOO 3 in the home market. While the launch date for the iQOO 3 in China is yet to be confirmed, a new leak states that iQOO India will be announcing its first phone in India on Feb. 25. It remains to be seen whether the smartphone carries the same iQOO 3 moniker. Another publication has revealed some information on the pricing on the two rumored iQOO phones that are expected to arrive in India.
Citing information from industry sources, 91mobiles has claimed that the only the launch date of the phone is confirmed, and its name is still a secret. The said device has Snapdragon 865 mobile platform onboard and carries support for 5G connectivity. It is already known that the upcoming iQOO phone for India will be equipped with liquid cooling technology.
Previous reports had claimed that iQOO India will be launching two smartphones. The first one could be SD865 powered iQOO 3 whereas the other one is said to be a 4G ready device. Probably, the second phone from iQOO for India may arrive some time later. According to The Mobile Indian, the 4G phone will be priced under Rs. 35,000 (~$491) whereas the 5G phone is said to be priced under Rs. 40,000 (~$561).
Allegegd iQOO 3 (right) with purported OPPO Find X2 (left)
The publication has further stated the retail package of the upcoming iQOO phone will include earphones among other accessories. It will be made available for purchase through online channel first and later offline platforms will be also selling it. The 4G phone is said to be packed with flagship-grade specs and gaming-centric features. It remains to be seen whether it features the Snapdragon 855 or Snapdragon 845 chipset. The report further mentions the new iQOO phones will be exclusive made for the Indian market and it will be decked with some industry first features.
On Feb. 11, Samsung will be holding a global launch for the Galaxy S20 series. It is yet to be confirmed whether India will be receiving the Exynos 990 chipset or Snapdragon 865 mobile platform powered S20 phones. The Xiaomi Mi 10 series will go official in China on Feb. 13. These phones may not arrive soon in India. Hence, there is a possibility that iQOO could become the first company to launch an SD865 phone in India.
UPDATE: MediaTek has also announced its withdrawal from MWC 2020 this year due to the coronavirus epidemic.
Vivo and Intel are joining the likes of TCL, Sony, and LG to withdraw from MWC 2020 which will be held later this month in Barcelona, Spain. Both the companies expressed concerns about the safety of its employees as well as the public as the reason for backing out of one of the world’s biggest tech shows of the year.
Apex 2020 concept render by Ben Geskin
Vivo was all set to announce its new Apex 2020 concept smartphone at MWC 2020. The phone was expected to showcase Vivo’s advancements in smartphone technology. So, this withdrawal could be a big setback for the company as well as the event. Some brands like Sony have announced online launch events for their products, but Vivo is yet to confirm if the Apex 2020 concept phone will get a similar treatment
Intel also explained to VentureBeat in a statement that its withdrawal was an act of caution in response to the ongoing coronavirus crisis in China. A lot of other brands like LG, NTT Docomo, NVIDIA, Amazon, and TCL have either backed out of the event completely or have reduced their presence at the event.
The GSM Association, which organizes MWC every year also issued a statement detailing the countermeasures taken to combat the spread of coronavirus. The association said it wouldn’t allow anyone from China’s Hubei province and attendees will have to prove that they were outside of China for 14 days before the event. The organizers have also called for a ‘no handshake’ policy at the event this year.
It’s been over a year since Redmi became an independent brand in India. Celebrating its anniversary, the company has entered a new category in the Indian market: Power Banks! The brand has launched two new power banks in the market today, a 10,000mAh one and a 20,000mAh one.
Redmi 10,000mAh power bank
Xiaomi isn’t new to making power banks and neither is Redmi. The independent brand had launched a couple of power banks in China last year in July. It looks like the same power banks have been announced in the Indian market. Both, the 10,000mAh and the 20,000mAh power bank come with dual inputs and dual outputs. So, you can charge them via a MicroUSB or USB-C cable. Also, the two USB-A ports can be used to charge your smartphone, tablet, or even small accessories using smart low power mode.
The Redmi 10,000mAh and 20,000mAh power banks are available in two colors, gorgeous black, and elegant white. They have smooth and round corners and features grooves on the sides for better grip. While the 10,000mAh power bank can input and output at 10W, the large 20,000mAh power bank can charge itself as well as other devices at a slightly faster 18W charging speed. Both power banks feature 12 layer circuit chip protection which includes over-voltage protection, temperature protection, short-circuit protection, and over-current protection.
The Redmi 10,000mAh power bank is priced at Rs. 799 ($11) in India while the 20,000mAh model will set you back by Rs. 1499 ($21). In comparison, the same models are priced at 59 yuan ($8.5) and 99 yuan ($14) in China, respectively.
The Redmi power banks will go on sale for the first time on February 18 at 12PM via Mi.com and Mi Home stores across India.
Xiaomi is among few smartphone manufacturers that really promote third-party development by offering a different set of tools. Xiaomi provides Xiaomi MI Unlock Tool to unlock the bootloader of all the Xiaomi smartphones. It is the primary tool that users have to use before rooting or installing any custom ROM on Xiaomi phones. The interested users can download the Xiaomi Mi Unlock Tool from the table below.
Initially, Xiaomi offered unlocked and pre-rooted devices, but with time and some odd-practices from retailers, the company restricted the root access. Now, it has become essential for the Xiaomi users to first unlock the bootloader using Xiaomi Mi Unlock Tool and then proceed for any customization. It is the safest and the only official way to unlock the bootloader and keep assured about any problem.
In our guide today, we will help our fellow readers to know about how they can unlock the Xiaomi devices using the Mi Unlock Tool. The Mi Unlock Tool v3.5.1128.45 is the latest version, available for all the Xiaomi devices including Redmi Note 8 and all new devices. Before downloading, you must know about the advantages of unlocking the bootloader.
Why Bootloader is locked?
Xiaomi smartphones were primarily known for its unlocked bootloader, but after some fake devices, the Chinese company started to lock the bootloader. It helps the company and users to keep away from malpractices done by some retailers. They usually install malware or some illegal code that devalues the user experience.
The unlocked devices are quite difficult to trace, locking the bootloader even enhances the overall security of the smartphone. It even helps the user to track the smartphone if lost somewhere.
Benefits of Unlocking the Bootloader
It is a window to root your smartphone.
Brings the ability to install Custom Recovery and Custom ROMs.
The user can flash files without losing data.
Ability to remove bloatware and other pre-loaded applications.
Complete backups of your Android Phone or Tablet.
Ability to install custom frameworks like Substratum, Xposed and others.
Download Xiaomi Mi Unlock Tool
Xiaomi Mi Unlock Tool can be downloaded from the link below.
Follow the steps below to unlock your Xiaomi device normally.
Prerequisites:
You must have a fully running Xiaomi Mi device with Mi account signed in.
Also, ensure your PC has the necessary USB drivers.
Your device should be running the latest official MIUI ROM before proceeding.
Steps:
Enable Developer Option by heading to the Settings>About Phone>MIUI.
Enable USB Debugging and bind your Mi account under Mi Unlock Status by heading to Settings>Additonal Settings>Developer Options.
Now login to your Mi account by heading to the Settings > Mi account > Mi Cloud > Enable Sync and Find Device. (If other devices are in sync with the same account, we suggest to disable Sync on them temporarily.)
Download and Extract the Mi Flash Unlock tool on the PC.
Upon extracting, open the MiFlashUnlock.exe file from the folder and click Agree on the disclaimer page.
Enter the login details of the same Mi account you logged-in on the Mi 9.
Now boot the device into the Fastboot/Bootloader mode by pressing and holding the volume keys + Power key for about 10 seconds.
After booting into fastboot mode, now connect it to your PC via the USB cable.
The Mi Flash Tool will show the Mi device as successfully connected.
Once connected, then click on the Unlock button.
Sometimes Xiaomi will make you wait for 48-72 hours to unlock a phone when it is at 90%. Otherwise, it will complete to 100%, and you will get ‘Unlocked Successfully’ notification.
After acquiring the unlock permissions, Turn off your device, press the Power button and Volume – button at the same time to enter bootloader mode.
Log into the unlocking tool on PC with the same Mi account. Connect the device to the PC using a USB cable
Press ‘Unlock’ and follow the timer/ waiting period shown in Mi Unlock Tool to unlock successfully.
So, you can now easily download and install Mi Unlock Tool. If you get any issue then do let us know via the comments below.
iQOO is expected to soon announce its next flagship smartphone in China. Earlier today, the company confirmed that it will be debuting as iQOO 3. The smartphone is also expected to land in India. In fact, it is expected to go official in India first before landing in China. Recently, the Indian variant of the iQOO 3 that has a model number of I1927 was recently seen on Geekbench with 8 GB of RAM. The iQOO 3 that is heading to China has V1955A model number. The V1955A recently appeared on the same benchmarking platform.
The V1955A Geekbench listing reveals that it is powered by the Snapdragon 865 mobile platform that is mentioned with its “kona” codename. The base frequency of the chipset is 1.80GHz. The SoC is coupled with 12 GB of RAM and the phone is loaded with Android 10 OS. On Geekbench, the iQOO 3 has recorded a single-core test score of 899 and 3229 points in the multi-core test.
Recently, the iQOO 3 5G was found listed on TENAA with its entire specifications. The listing revealed that China may receive the handset is RAM options like 6 GB, 8 GB and 12 GB. iQOO 3 could possibly arriving as the world’s first smartphone with UFS 3.0 storage. TENAA listing revealed that the iQOO 3 5G could be coming to China in storage variants like 128 GB and 256 GB.
The other specs of the iQOO 3 5G that have been revealed through its TENAA listing include 6.44-inch AMOLED display with full HD+ resolution support, 16-megapixel selfie camera, 64-megapixel quad camera, and 4,410mAh battery. Interestingly, the official poster of the phone suggests that it has a primary lens of 48-megapixel on its back. It is said to come equipped with a 55W fast charger. The iQOO 3 is expected to support only 60Hz refresh rate and its leaked photos have revealed that it will be flaunting a punch-hole display.
India is not yet a 5G-ready country, but iQOO seems to be determined at launching its first smartphone with 5G support in the country. Some reports have claimed that iQOO India is in plans to launch two phones in India. One will be probably the iQOO 3 phone with 5G support and the other one is expected to arrive as a 4G phone. Hopefully, the Chinese firm will confirm more details on these phones in the coming weeks.
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Also, to make sure Oppo products that are currently under warranty in China can be repaired in time despite the severe epidemic situation, the company has 
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