Oppo K1 to go on sale in India today for the first time, costs Rs. 16,990 ($239)

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Feb 11, 2019

About this time last year, Huawei was at the forefront of China’s bid to beat the US in the race to roll out 5G technology. Who would have thought a year after, the company would be battling to stay in the race to supply carriers 5G hardware? The US thinks Huawei and other Chinese tech companies are security threats and have advised its allies to boycott using 5G infrastructure manufactured by Huawei. That advice from Trump’s US has been positively received by a few countries like Japan, Australia and New Zealand. Some other countries are said to be reviewing their final position about allowing Huawei to supply their country’s 5G hardware.

Chinese firms like Huawei and ZTE are already considered as threats to national security by the US Congress since 2012. Huawei was effectively prevented from releasing its smartphones in the US and the government has already banned the US of Huawei’s hardware and smartphones inside US security facilities. In order to further drive home its seriousness, the US government is reportedly planning to sign an executive order that will ban U.S. carriers from using networking equipment from any Chinese manufacturer, according to a report in Politico.

The report says Donald Trump is expected to sign the order next week, just before the commencement of the Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona. The trade show is expected to hold from February 25th to February 28th. According to an anonymous industry source, “There’s a big push to get it out before MWC.” The source also hinted that the timing is designed to let the wireless world know that the U.S. is putting cybersecurity first. Presently, Huawei is the world’s number one source of networking equipment, and major carriers around the world are already planning to utilise Huawei’s equipment for their next-gen 5G networks. We can’t tell if the US ban will effectively tilt the balance in favour of Trump’s stance or if Huawei still gets to retain much of its 5G contracts. It is unclear how this ban will affect other Chinese tech firms will fare but this definitely doesn’t look good if it turns out to be true.

Nubia teases launch of flexible device at MWC 2019

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Feb 11, 2019

Nearly six months ago, Nubia teased a concept phone with a flexible display in a body similar to a smartband. Called the Nubia α, the device was showcased at IFA 2018. A new teaser from the company teases the official launch of the Nubia α at MWC 2019.

The poster was shared on the official Weibo page and it not only confirms that Nubia will be in attendance but also teases what we might see. The poster has the words “Flex Your Life” which hints at a flexible device and since the Nubia α is the only device we know is associated with the company, it might as well be it launching at the Mobile World Congress in a few weeks.

There is a possibility Nubia is also teasing the marketing name of the device, so rather than the Nubia α, we may see it go by the name Nubia Flex. Nubia will be at booth 1C40 in Hall 1 at the event.

Moto G7 Play vs Honor Play 8A vs Xiaomi Mi Play: Specs Comparison

By

Michele Ingelido

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Feb 11, 2019

Smartphones that contain the word “Play” in their model name are usually affordable devices that have the quality-price ratio as one of their strongest points. Moto G7 Play was announced a few days ago as the most affordable phone from the G7 series, and it is one of the most interesting last-generation handsets for people with a low budget. Even Xiaomi and Huawei released two low-end “Play” devices: the Xiaomi Mi Play and the Honor Play 8A. Here is a comparison that will help you find out which of these devices actually offers the best value for money.

Motorola Moto G7 Play vs Huawei Honor Play 8A vs Xiaomi Mi Play

	Motorola Moto G7 Play	Huawei Honor Play 8A	Xiaomi Mi Play
DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT	147.3 x 71.5 x 8 mm, 149 grams	156.28 x 73.5 x 8 mm, 150 grams	147.76 x 71.89 x 7.8 mm, 150 grams
DISPLAY	5.7 inches, 720 x 1512p (HD+), 294 ppi, IPS LCD	6.09 inches, 720 x 1520p (HD+), 290 ppi, IPS LCD	5.84 inches, 1080 x 2280p (HD+), 432 ppi, IPS LCD
PROCESSOR	Qualcomm Snapdragon 632, octa-core 1.8 GHz	MediaTek Helio P35, octa-core 2.3 GHz	MediaTek Helio P35, octa-core 2.3 GHz
MEMORY	2 GB RAM, 32 GB – micro SD dedicated slot	3 GB RAM, 32 GB – 3 GB RAM, 64 GB – micro SD slot	4 GB RAM, 64 GB – micro SD slot
SOFTWARE	Android 9 Pie	Android 9 Pie, EMUI	Android 8.1 Oreo, MIUI
CONNECTIVITY	Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.2, GPS	Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.2, GPS	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.2, GPS
CAMERA	13 MP f/2.2 8 MP f/2.2 front camera	13 MP f/1.8 8 MP f/2.0 front camera	Dual 12 +2 MP 8 MP front camera
BATTERY	3000 mAh, fast charging 10W	3000 mAh	3000 mAh
ADDITIONAL FEATURES	Dual SIM slot	Hybrid Dual SIM slot	Hybrid Dual SIM slot

Design

Xiaomi put a lot of efforts in the design and build quality of the Mi Play and it is definitely one of the most beautiful devices you can buy with a price tag inferior to $200. It is equipped with a stunning glass back that you can get in reflective and gradient color variants. And it also has a very small dewdrop notch that minimizes the bezels around the display. Moto G7 Play has original but uglier aesthetics than both Xiaomi Mi Play and Honor Play 8A, but it has a more solid build quality and it is splash resistant. Further, it is the only to integrate a fingerprint reader on the back, and its display is protected by Gorilla Glass 3.

Display

Among these devices, only Xiaomi Mi Play comes with a Full HD+ display, so it delivers a much higher definition and image clarity. However, you’ll want to know that Honor Play 8A has a significantly bigger display that is preferred by a lot of users. But it is only an HD+ display, so if you are looking for the best sharpness this is not the device for you. Moto G7 Play is even less interesting: not only it comes with the HD+ resolution, but it also has a way bigger notch and an even smaller display than the Xiaomi Mi Play. On the other hand, it is a more compact and lightweight smartphone.

Specs & Software

If we talk about the chipset, all these devices should deliver more or less the same level of performance. The Helio P35 found on the Xiaomi Mi Play and Honor Play 8A is at the same level as the Snapdragon 632 in most of the scenarios. The element making the difference on these handsets is the memory configuration. Indeed, Xiaomi Mi Play has whopping 4 GB of RAM, Honor Play 8A has 3 GB and Moto G7 Play just 2 GB of RAM which represent an important limit for a midrange-class chipset such as the Snapdragon 632. Further, note that Xiaomi Mi Play has 64 GB of internal storage while Moto G7 Play stops at 32 GB. Xiaomi Mi Play and Honor Play 8A have custom user interfaces, while Moto G7 Play has stock Android.

Camera

Unlike its rivals, Xiaomi Mi Play sports a dual camera setup on the back with a depth sensor. But despite the double sensor, Honor Play 8A impressed me more with its rear camera quality. It does not provide a so good bokeh effect, but it captures a lot of detail, even when light conditions are not the best. It also comes with accurate and pretty fast autofocus. If you prefer to have a better front camera, then Moto G7 Play is for you as it comes with a great front snapper and a front-facing LED flash.

Battery

You get exactly the same battery capacity for all of these handsets: 3000 mAh. But we believe Xiaomi Mi Play will not reach the same battery life of its opponents due to its less efficient Full HD+ display. We still did not have a chance to test the Moto G7 Play, but I personally prefer it because it is the only to feature a fast charging technology (10W is not much, but still faster). However, note that fast charging will come only in selected markets and not on all the units.

Price

You can grab a unit of the Honor Play 8A for just €100/$113, Xiaomi Mi Play, that is the winner of this comparison, costs about €170/$191, while Moto G7 Play will cost about €150/$170.

Read More: Xiaomi Mi Play goes on sale in China today, priced at 1,099 Yuan ($160)

Motorola Moto G7 Play vs Huawei Honor Play 8A vs Xiaomi Mi Play: PROs and CONS

Motorola Moto G7 Play

PROs

Compact design
Fast charging
Affordable
Android Pie
Fingerprint reader
Front-facing LED flash

CONS

Less impressive cameras

Xiaomi Mi Play

PROs

Compact and lightweight
Good design
Android Pie
Better hardware

CONS

Average cameras
No fingerprint reader

Honor Play 8A

PROs

Very affordable
Good cameras
Android Pie
Fast charging

CONS

No fingerprint reader

Realme CEO reveals update plans for February, all phones to get Android Pie in H1

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Feb 11, 2019

Updates are an important part of a phone’s life cycle. You want to know that there is software support for your phone after purchasing it that will bring new features and fix issues associated with the device. If you own a Realme smartphone, you should expect an update this month as the CEO has announced new features coming to a number of its devices and when you should expect them.

Guys update plans for Feb:
RM 1: End of Feb
* Bootloader Unlock Function
* Add Reboot Feature
* Security Level: Feb'19
RM 2 / C1: End of Feb
* Security Level: Feb'19
RM 2 Pro: End of Feb
* Fingerprint Shutter
* Security Level: Feb'19
RM U1: End of Feb
* Security Level: Feb'19

— Madhav Sheth (@MadhavSheth1) February 11, 2019

CEO Madhav Sheth revealed in a Tweet this morning that it will be updating its lineup by the end of February. Below are the devices getting updated and the changelog:

Realme 1

Bootloader unlock function.
Reboot feature.
February 2019 security patch.

Realme 2 and Realme C1

February 2019 security patch.

Realme 2 Pro

Fingerprint shutter – this should allow you to use the rear-mounted fingerprint scanner as a shutter button which comes in handy when taking a selfie.
February 2019 security patch.

Realme U1

February 2019 security patch.

Hey, all our Realme smartphones up to date will get ColorOS 6 update in the first half of 2019. Keep an eye on our social media handles as well as our official community for more updates on the same. https://t.co/NHQVnLIK0p

— realme India Support (@realmecareIN) February 11, 2019

Hey, all our Realme smartphones up to date will get Android Pie update in the first half of 2019. Keep an eye on our social media handles as well as our official community for more updates on the same. https://t.co/NHQVnLIK0p

— realme India Support (@realmecareIN) February 11, 2019

In separate tweets, the official Twitter account for Realme India Support confirmed that all their phones will get Android Pie and ColorOS 6 in the first half of 2019.

(Sources: 1, 2, 3)

Alleged Samsung Galaxy S10 Cinnabar Red render brings the heat

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Feb 11, 2019

A few days ago, we saw the very first render of the Canary Yellow Galaxy S10e. There have also been renders of the Galaxy S10 and Galaxy S10 Plus in a variety of colors including green, black, and white. However, today is the first time we are seeing the Galaxy S10 in red – Cinnabar Red to be precise.

The Galaxy S10 Cinnabar Red looks gorgeous but we are not sure how genuine it is since the wallpaper is of an anime character and not the ones we have seen on other renders. Nevertheless, Samsung isn’t new to releasing red phones. The Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ got a Burgundy Red color variant a few months after they were announced.

Just like the other color variants, the red Galaxy S10 has a silver frame, so you can’t tell what color it is if the phone is inserted in a case or facing up.

Google Maps AR Navigation feature will reportedly become available soon to selected users

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Feb 11, 2019

During Google I/O conference last year, the tech giant introduced a new Augmented Reality (AR) navigation feature for Google Maps. The feature was one of the biggest announcements which commanded lots of attention at the 2018 keynote event. There are indications that the AR navigation feature will soon be available on Google Maps.

Google recently granted US tabloid, The Wall Street Journal early access to the AR mode feature where it had the opportunity to test the capabilities of the new feature. According to WSJ, the Maps app has a dedicated virtual button that switches on the AR mode. This opens up the camera and starts analysing your surroundings using Street View data. The app then superimposes arrows on to the real world to show where you have to head next. The feature also gets activated if you hold your phone upright for the camera to capture the real world. The feature overlays arrows, landmarks, maps, and possibly even an animated creature to show the way in a camera view that is displaying the actual environment around the users. WSJ also noted that Google Maps repeatedly displays a message that reads, “For your safety, keep your phone down while you walk”. It reportedly also advises users to be alert while walking, as using the feature could be distracting, and lead to accidents.

The feature that has been under testing since it was first announced, will soon be released to a few local guides who are essentially advanced Google Maps users. This doesn’t mean the feature will be available to the public soon as the company indicates that the commercial release will only happen when it is completely satisfied that it’s ready.

Nokia 5.1 Plus to launch in the USA as a B&H exclusive

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Feb 11, 2019

Following the launch of the Nokia 2V and the Nokia 3.1 Plus in the USA, HMD Global is planning to launch yet another phone in the North American company. This time around, it is bringing the Nokia 5.1 Plus and it will be available unlocked.

The Nokia 5.1 Plus first launched in China as the Nokia X5 back in July last year. It later arrived as the Android One Nokia 5.1 Plus in other markets. The phone is already listed on B&H for $199.99 with availability in 7 to 10 business days.

The phone comes in three variants – 3GB RAM + 32GB, 4GB RAM + 64GB, and 6GB RAM + 64GB. Unfortunately, the listing doesn’t state which variant will be available for sale. It doesn’t even list the specs save for revealing it will have dual SIM support and be available in white.

iPad Pro 2018 tops AnTuTu’s list of most powerful iOS devices for January 2019

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Feb 11, 2019

Last week, AnTuTu released its list of the top ten Android devices for the month of January 2019. Today, it has followed it with the top 10 iOS devices.

Unlike the Android list which is filled with phones, the iOS list is a mix of smartphones and tablets. The 11-inch iPad Pro 2018 is even at the top of the list with a total score of 562,279 points. The 12.9-inch model comes next with a score of 553,258 points. Both iPads are powered by the Apple A12X Bionic which has four 2.5GHz Vortex cores and four 1.6GHz Tempest cores.

The first iPhone on the list is the iPhone XS with a score of 361,035 points. It is followed by the iPhone XS Max and the iPhone XR. All three phones have the A12 Bionic chipset under their hoods. Unlike the A12X which has four Vortex cores, the A12 has just two but keeps the same number of Tempest cores. It also has four GPU cores instead of the A12X’s seven.

Snapdragon 712 explained by Qualcomm: It’s about enhanced Gaming performance

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Feb 11, 2019

US fabless chip maker Qualcomm went official with its latest premium mid-range chipset dubbed Snapdragon 712 a couple of days back. The latest iteration of the Snapdragon 700 series is the second after the Snapdragon 710 was released last year. The SD712 uses the same 10nm FinFET process as the Snapdragon 710 and also integrates eight Kryo 360 CPU cores and the Adreno 616 GPU, but has 10% improved performance than the Snapdragon 710.

With just 10% improvement over the Snapdragon 710, one wonders the essence of the chipset as some may not consider it much of an upgrade. However, Qualcomm has now come out to disclose some more details of the Snapdragon 712. Qualcomm says the SDM712 mobile platform not only inherits all the AI intelligence and top features of the previous generation Snapdragon 710 mobile platform, but it also enhances the gaming and other experience through performance. Details of how the enhanced gaming experience is achieved weren’t disclosed but we believe that is tied to the slightly higher 2.3GHz clock frequency which the new chipset achieves over the Snapdragon 710.

An official of Qualcomm is reported to have hinted that compared to the Snapdragon 710, the Snapdragon 712 achieved a 10% performance improvement, not only bringing technical improvements to multimedia and other mobile experiences but also bringing higher efficiency and more economic benefits. The Snapdragon 712 processor is said to be capable of achieving faster processing speed and graphics rendering during gaming, allowing heavy games, multiplayer games and other types of games to run smoothly and respond quickly. At the same time, Qualcomm emphasized that the Adreno 616 GPU is designed to enjoy host-like gaming quality and cinematic movie experience on smartphones, capable of rendering more than 1 billion colors. The audio aspect is also improved to deliver superb sound quality and more immersive gaming experience.

In addition to enhanced game features, the Snapdragon 712 integrates the X15 LTE modem to support multiple enhanced 4G LTE features, as well as support for 4×4 MIMO and Licensed-Assisted Access (LAA). According to the official, the download speed of the Snapdragon 712 is more than twice that of the traditional LTE Advanced. On the camera aspect, the Snapdragon 712 uses the Qualcomm Spectra 250 camera ISP, which supports 10-bit color depth and supports 4K video capture. In addition, static shooting is enhanced; multi-frame noise reduction allows users to take multiple photos at the same time. Finally, the Snapdragon 712 also supports Qualcomm Quick Charge 4+ technology, and the official said that it takes only 15 minutes for the battery to charge from 0% to 50%.

Meizu releases countdown poster for February 14 event, may announce Note 9

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Feb 11, 2019

The Chinese New Year holidays are over and things are expected to pick up pretty fast in the Chinese mobile phone industry. Earlier today, Meizu released a poster to announce that it has an event scheduled for February 14.

The poster which counts down to the event has a silhouette of what appears to be a phone with sound waves emanating from it. There is also some Chinese text which we believe are lyrics from a song written on the poster.

Prior to today’s poster, Meizu shared an image on its Weibo account yesterday that shows the Meizu 16th mobile phone against a background of words related to music awards. There is also a sound wave on the poster. There are speculations both are connected and tease the arrival of Meizu’s AI voice assistant and or its own smart speaker. We believe the silhouette of the phone on the first poster might be hinting at the arrival of the Meizu Note 9.

Apple AirPower and AirPods 2 resembling current AirPods coming this spring

By

Simranpal Singh

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Feb 11, 2019

There are a lot of gossips about the upcoming Apple devices, especially the accessories. As per the new information via MySmartPrice, Apple AirPods 2 will resemble the current AirPods design with improved performance and efficiency. The second-generation Apple AirPods is set to carry various new improvements and is slated for launch later this year. Although currently nothing has been officially confirmed from the Apple side, it is believed to carry Bluetooth 5.0 Low Energy standard.

AirPod 2 Specs

As far as the design and other specs are concerned, there are not many jaw-dropping changes. It will look identical to present the Apple AirPods design. There will be significant changes in overall performance and sound quality. The Cupertino giant seems to have worked a lot to bring an impressive bass response to the AirPods 2. It will carry improved coating as like Google Pixel smartphones to resist slipping issues.

Furthermore, there will be some new sensors which will allow users to get health features. Users can measure heart rate with the AirPods 2. Although, there are no constructive details about its battery life. Apple is expected to retail it in two colour options of Black and White at the price of $200.

The launch date is still yet unknown, but we expect it to launch somewhere in Spring.

AirPower Wireless Charging Pad

There are many speculations about the AirPower Wireless Charging Pad. As per our sources, it will launch in Spring alongside the AirPods 2. The new wireless charging pad will be thicker due to the 8-7-7 coil configuration. It is expected to be available for the price of $150 at launch.

Apple is preparing to launch the Wireless Charging Pad very soon as they are even working on the teasers and other telemarketing materials. AirPower Wireless Charging Pad will work with all the latest and old iPhones featuring wireless charging capability.

The Cupertino giant is still doing reasearch on the new wireless charging product. They ought to bring some exclusive feature to it.

Read More: Apple patents future AirPower wireless charging pad with advanced security features

Moreover, Apple is testing new Macs with Face ID for launch very soon.

A lot of launchings are pending this year from Apple. We hope to see some new devices with outstanding tech in the upcoming time from Apple.

Apple iPhone shipments decline in China as Huawei tightens grip in its home market

By

Jeet

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Feb 11, 2019

In the final quarter of 2018, the shipment of Apple’s iPhone have reportedly declined by 20 percent in China, one of the world’s largest market. This is happening at a time when China’s homegrown Huawei is tightening its grip in the market and recently dethroned Apple from the second position in the world’s top selling smartphone brands.

According to a report from IDC, the domestic market contracted 9.7 percent in the quarter, but Apple declined at about twice that pace. The report further attributes the decline of iPhone sales to three major factors — a slowing economy, lengthening replacement times and the iPhone’s hefty price tag.

However, as per the IDC report, the iPhone maker isn’t the worst performing brand as Xiaomi Corp, another China-based company, fared even worse in the final months of last year as its shipments plunged almost 35 percent. As per the IDC report, Apple was was ranked fourth by shipments in the country during the period, behind China’s Huawei, Oppo and Vivo.

The smartphone users of brands like Apple is now contending with a plateauing global market after years of breakneck growth. The main reason for this is believed to be the lack of innovation, which discourages consumers from replacing devices as often as they used to.

The US-based company’s revenue from the iPhone slid 15 percent in the October to December period. To compensate for the loss, Apple is trying to replace phone sales with revenue from services. Apple CEO Tim Cook has seen China as a key part of Apple’s strategy. In the last fiscal year, it generated almost $52 billion in revenue from Greater China, a region that includes Hong Kong.

However, with the country announcing its slowest economic growth since 2009, Apple said its sales fell 27 percent in the holiday quarter. The Chinese slowdown was also the driving factor behind Apple’s first revenue outlook cut in almost two decades.

On the other hand, Huawei, which surpassed Apple to become the world’s No. 2 smartphone brand in 2018, remains the leader in its home market. The company shored up its lead after unit shipments soared 23.3 percent in the December quarter, leading all major brands.

Xiaomi’s 20000mAh, 45W output Mi Powerbank 3 Pro teardown shows the internals

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Feb 11, 2019

About a month ago, Xiaomi unveiled the Mi Powerbank 3 Pro which is the third-generation of power bank the Chinese firm is launching. Xiaomi has got quite a number of power banks in the market but the Mi Powerbank 3 Pro takes things to an entirely new level. The stand out feature, apart from its huge 20,000mAh capacity, is the 45W USP PD input and output support it comes with. The powerful output capacity can charge small and like notebooks such as Apple MacBook, Xiaomi Notebook laptop, Lenovo ThinkPad, Dell and HP notebooks. It can also charge mobile phones and tablets as well. In addition, this mobile power supply also supports a small current charging mode, which can charge small power devices such as Bluetooth headsets and smart bands. The Mi Powerbank 3 Pro has now been dismantled, showing how the setup works.

The Xiaomi Mi Powerbank 3 Pro utilises two USB Type-A and one bi-directional USB Type-C, all supporting multiple fast charging protocols. Among them, the USB-C interface supports 45W USB PD input and output. Through the disassembly of the charging head network, it was found that many innovations and breakthroughs were made on the circuit of the Mi Powerbank 3 Pro in order to accommodate the new features. It features Renesas ISL9238, Jiehuaite JW3651 two surge voltage chips which are quite rare in USB PD mobile power. While the ISL9238 is responsible for USB-C port bi-directional charging and discharging, the JW3651 is responsible for USB-A port fast charging output as well as independent power supply architecture to meet the output of different needs.

In addition, the Mi Powerbank 3 Pro internals show it is equipped with TI BQ29200 battery voltage equalization chip for the integration of two string batteries. Three fast-charging protocols such as QC are implemented using three Scorpio FP6601Q. USB PD fast charging is implemented by using ZMi’s own protocol handshake chip. The powerbank uses two 10,000mAh batteries to give a robust 20,000mAh capacity. In order to enhance heat dissipation, the device comes with a large amount of graphite thermal paste inside to reduce the temperature increase of the board.

Overall, the workmanship and materials used for the Mi Powerbank 3 Pro look solid. The middle frame is designed with multiple roll cages, combined with composite materials in order to give it stability, shock resistance, fire protection and others. The fly in the ointment is that although the multi-layer housing has improved the stability of the product, it also increases the size and weight. Check out the dismantling pictures from below. You can also scoop ore details from the source link.

[envira-gallery id=”235847″]

Apple’s A13 chip production will start in second quarter says TSMC

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Simranpal Singh

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Feb 11, 2019

Apple’s upcoming A13 chipset is in the news from the past sometime. It is going to make its place in the future Apple products such as Laptops and iPhones. The new powerful SoC will give competition to the newly launched Qualcomm Snapdragon 855. Many leaks and rumors have almost unveiled its every detail, but still, nothing has been confirmed by the Cupertino Giant. Today, TSMC CEO Wei Zhejiaha confirmed that they are the exclusive partner of Apple to manufacture the A13 chip in 2019.

Already, TSMC is developing the chipsets for Apple devices. As per the internal sources, TSMC will use the new 7-nanometer process to manufacture the A13 chips. Moreover, the chip foundry giant will start mass producing the A13 chips in the second quarter of this year. It will use the enhanced 7-nanometer process by extreme ultraviolet technology (EUV).

As per reports, the new A13 is being called ‘Lightning’ with the model number T8030. As per the recent leak from a renowned source, it will take place in MacBooks. As like of the Huawei and Samsung, Apple is also keen to announce their slim notebooks.

Following the production, TSMC manufactured 56% of the global foundry market in 2018. Similarly, they are cooperating with other giants for foundry production this year. Already, they are also working with Huawei, Qualcomm, and other chipmakers. They have become the exclusive partner to manufacture Apple’s A13 chips.

Further, TSMC CEO Wei Zhejia said that the company is expected to gain 25% of total revenue by manufacturing the chips on the 7nm process. He even proclaimed that the 7-nanometer portfolio would tremendously increase this year. Vast demand from high-end computing and the automotive market will fuel the growth of 7nm chip.

TSMC expects 2019 to be the “deceleration year” for the company. The overall industry growth will remain the same as like of the last year.

Read More: TSMC factory glitch affects Nvidia and Huawei Kirin chips production

Moreover, Apple is expected to debut another chipset before the launch of A13 later this year. Most probably it is going to be the A12X with improved performance and efficiency over the A12 Bionic chipset.

(Via)

Moto RAZR 2019 realistic renders showcase its irresistible foldable design

By

Anvinraj Valiyathara

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Feb 11, 2019

Motorola is expected to soon introduce the RAZR 2019 clamshell phone with foldable screen in the next few months. The deign of the phone has been already through the images that have surfaced through its patent filings. Popular designer Waqar Khan has created realistic renders of the Moto RAZR 2019 foldable phone based on its patent images and rumors surrounding it.

The concept video begins by showing the black variant of the Moto RAZR 2019 foldable phone. The rear view of the phone reveals that the upper and lower halves of the phone are attached to each other by means of a hinge. When the device is folded, it treats users with a small-sized display on the front. A camera is placed below the display which serves as a front-facing shooter when the RAZR 2019 is closed and it can be used as a rear-facing snapper when the device is opened.

The lower half of the device has a Motorola batwing logo which is said to be equipped with a fingerprint reader. Once the device is opened, the marvelous elongated screen of the Moto RAZR 2019 phone can be seen. Above the tall aspect ratio display, there is a notch that features an earpiece and some sensors. Unlike the yesteryear RAZR series phones that sport very slim design, the RAZR 2019 concept model has a slightly thicker appeal when closed. Apart from Black, the renders show the Moto RAZR 2019 concept model in Silver, Blue and Red colors.

Read More: Moto G7 series models- Moto G7, G7 Plus, G7 Play and G7 Power officially launched

A recent report on The Wall Street Journal had revealed that the Moto RAZR 2019 will be hitting the U.S. markets with a price tag of $1,500. It had also revealed that the Verizon Wireless will be exclusively selling the RAZR 2019 phone in the country. Initially, the company may produce 200,000 units of its foldable smartphone.

What’s your opinion on the above shown concept renders of the Motorola RAZR 2019? Share us your views by posting your comments below.

Google Pixel 3A powered by MSM8953 (SD625) appears on Geekbench

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Feb 11, 2019

Google is expected to release less-powerful variants of its Pixel 3 smartphones. Months ago, live images and even a hands-on video of one of the phones called the Pixel 3 Lite leaked on the web. The second phone is expected to launch as the Pixel 3 XL Lite.

According to reports, the Pixel 3 Lite will be powered by a Snapdragon 670 processor while the Pixel 3 XL Lite will have a Snapdragon 710 processor under its hood. However, a device which is said to be the Pixel 3 Lite was seen on Geekbench yesterday and it is powered by a less-powerful and older processor.

The device was benchmarked as the “Google Pixel 3A”. It runs Android 10 and rather than a Snapdragon 670 processor, it is powered by the MSM8953 a.k.a. Snapdragon 625. It also has just 2GB of RAM.

Is this really the Pixel 3 Lite? We do not think so. This might probably just be a test device just like the “Pixel 4” that showed up a few days ago on the same platform with 2GB of RAM too. Also, unlike other devices powered by the Snapdragon 625 processor (Mi A1, Redmi Note 4, and BlackBerry KEYone), the Google Pixel 3A’s base frequency is 1.80 GHz instead of 2.02 GHz. Its multi-core score is also pretty low.