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How Touchscreen Smartphones Killed the Blackberry

Blackberry was a household name in mobile communications in the early 2000s. Thanks to its iconic physical physical QWERTY keyboard and secure email system, phones from the brand also became popular amongst business professionals. However, the arrival of touchscreen smartphones completely transformed the mobile landscape, starting the downfall of Blackberry’s dominance. So here’s a closer look at how touchscreen technology revolutionized the industry and ultimately killed Blackberry.

Blackberry

1. The Rise of Touchscreen Technology

Despite initial pushback against the removal of touchscreens, the iPhone helped lead the shift in industry standard. 2007 was a pivotal year as the first iPhone was released with a sleek design and intuitive all digital UI. The touchscreen enabled dynamic interactions, various gestures, and a flexible user interface that could adapt to numerous applications. In just a short amount of time, the touchscreen shifted consumer expectations away from physical keyboards to interactive screens.

2. Blackberry’s Struggle to Adapt

Blackberry played on its strengths that included its tactile QWERTY keyboards and focus on security. While it remained a staple for certain users, the company struggled to adapt to the shifting market. Blackberry stuck to the formula that worked well for them but smartphones were the future. While competitors were embracing full screen displays and developing robust app ecosystems, Blackberry continued to prioritize its traditional keyboard and enterprise-centric features. This slow change made it difficult for Blackberry to compete with the sleek, multifunctional devices that quickly captured market share.

3. Shifting Consumer Preferences

Over time, people began seeing all the positives for the touchscreen over physical keyboards. Touchscreens offered a platform for multi-touch gestures, app integrations, and customizable interfaces. Meanwhile, Blackberry’s offerings began to seem outdated and less engaging. The shift in user preferences towards media consumption, social networking, and gaming hastened Blackberry’s decline, as these activities were best experienced larger screened devices.

4. Impact on the Enterprise Market

Blackberry had a stronghold in the corporate world, where security and productivity were crucial. However, even businesses began to favor phones that could offer both security and a modern user experience. With companies eventually adopting platforms that used a wide range of apps and services, touchscreen smartphones became a necessity. Taking all of this into account, Blackberry’s inability to quickly adapt cost them the business side of its customers as well.

5. Conclusion

Touchscreen smartphones have changed the way we interact with technology. These have reshaped the mobile world and Blackberry, who was once a leader in mobile communications, was unable to make a swift evolution. As a result, the company had sealed its fate. The evolution of mobile technology reminds us that in the tech world, innovation is key to survival.

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Oppo Find N5 is Here, and It’s Thinner Than Ever

Oppo has officially unveiled the Find N5, its latest premium foldable smartphone, in both global and Chinese markets. As the successor to the Find N3, the new model introduces notable improvements in hinge durability, crease reduction, and software integration, particularly with Mac devices.

Oppo Find N5

Oppo Find N5 Specifications

The Find N5 features a 6.62-inch outer AMOLED screen with an 1140×2616 resolution and 1-120Hz LTPO refresh rate, reaching up to 2,450 nits peak brightness. The inner foldable display measures 8.12 inches with a 2248×2480 resolution, also supporting 1-120Hz LTPO adaptive refresh rates and 2,100 nits peak brightness.

Both displays utilize 2160Hz high-frequency PWM dimming for reduced eye strain and improved brightness control. Additionally, Oppo has integrated Ultra-Thin Glass (UTG) and Nano-Crystal Glass for enhanced durability and a smoother touch experience. Both displays support the Oppo Pen stylus, which is available separately.

Oppo Find N5

Oppo has managed to keep the Find N5 incredibly slim. When unfolded, the device is just 4.21mm thin, making it one of the slimmest foldables available. When folded, it measures 8.93mm, aligning closely with the thickness of its USB-C port. The glass version weighs 229g, while the leather version is slightly heavier at 239g.

Under the hood, the Find N5 runs on the Snapdragon 8 Elite, Qualcomm’s latest 3nm chipset, with up to 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 1TB of UFS 4.0 storage for high-end performance.

It features Android 15 with ColorOS 15, bringing improved multitasking, AI-powered search, and AI call summaries. The company has also improved cross-device functionality with O+ Connect, enabling seamless file sharing and remote access between the Find N5 and Mac devices.

Oppo Find N5

The Find N5 is equipped with a 50MP Ultra Vision main sensor with OIS, a 50MP periscope telephoto lens supporting 6x optical zoom, and an 8MP ultra-wide-angle camera with a 116° field of view. Oppo has collaborated with Hasselblad to fine-tune the imaging capabilities, delivering richer colors and sharper details. On the front, both the cover screen and the main foldable display house an 8MP selfie camera, supporting up to 4K video recording.

The device packs a 5600mAh Glacier battery for extended use while maintaining a slim design. It supports 80W SuperVOOC wired charging, reaching full charge in 42 minutes, along with 50W wireless and 10W reverse wireless charging for accessories.

The Find N5 is designed with Oppo’s new Titanium Flexion Hinge, utilizing aerospace-grade titanium alloy to improve durability while maintaining a thin and lightweight structure. The hinge is 26% slimmer than its predecessor, with a crease width reduced by 10% and depth by 30%, enhancing the overall viewing experience. The device also boasts TÜV Rheinland dual foldable durability certifications, ensuring longevity even after 100,000 folding cycles.

Oppo Find N5

The Find N5 also comes with IPX6, IPX8, and IPX9 ratings, offering strong water resistance against splashes and submersion. The device includes stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos, a side-mounted fingerprint scanner, and USB Type-C audio for enhanced connectivity. The device also features an alert slider for quick sound profile adjustments, further improving usability.

Pricing and Availability

The Oppo Find N5 is available in Misty White and Cosmic Black for global markets, priced at 2,499 SGD ($1,868) in Singapore, with sales beginning February 28.

In China, an additional Dusk Purple color option with a leather back is offered. The pricing in China is as follows:

12GB+256GB – 8,999 yuan ($1,235)
16GB+512GB – 9,999 yuan ($1,372)
16GB+1TB (with satellite communication) – 10,999 yuan ($1,510)

Pre-orders in China began on February 20 at 8:00 PM, with official sales starting on February 26 at 10:00 AM.

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iPhone SE 3 Transformed into a Classic Windows Phone With a Hardware Mod

It has been nearly a decade since the last Windows phone was released. But a DIY hardware mod has unofficially revived the Lumia phone. A bizarre project has managed to build an iPhone into the chassis of a classic Windows Lumia phone. So let’s check it out.

Lumia 1020 reimagined with an iPhone SE 3 Mod

iPhone transformed into Windows Phone
iPhone SE (2022) fused into a Nokia Lumia 1020 body

The project was undertaken by a Redditor who shared images of his jerry rigged ‘Windows iPhone’ on the r/hackintosh subreddit. Keep in mind that this is just a hardware mod, so the iPhone SE 2022 isn’t running on the Windows Mobile operating system. So if you were curious to see what an iOS running Windows Phone looks like, this is your best bet. The fusion includes the iconic design of the Nokia Lumia 1020 with a modern iPhone.

As crazy as it sounds, the Frankenstein device is fully functioning, which means you can use the 12MP camera on the rear, get access to Touch ID (but it has been moved to the back), and get the Taptic engine. But that’s not all, 5G is fully functioning as well as a SIM card tray, and flash module. There is also the dated Lightning port, but this is technically an upgrade considering how the old Lumia phone offered the older micro USB.

iPhone transformed into Windows Phone

This is a pretty impressive hardware mod that brings all of the functionality of the iPhone, but even managed to include a way to use the Lumia 1020’s camera shutter button. In the post, the person basically made the shutter button as a second volume down button to allow for similar functionality. But there is always a catch and that is the loss of the headphone jack. This project arrives as Apple discontinued the iPhone SE model, so you can even look at this as two discontinued models joining hands for a new life.

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Vivo X200 Ultra’s latest leak reveals Action Button, mid-to-late April launch timeframe

Vivo is expected to unveil the Vivo X200 Ultra in the second quarter of this year. Today, tipster Digital Chat Station took to Weibo to reveal the launch timeframe and the inclusion of a new Action button, apart from reiterating the camera specifications of the device.

Vivo X200 Ultra to feature an Action Button

According to the leak, the Vivo X200 Ultra will introduce an Action Button on the lower right side of the device, designed primarily for quick access to photography and videography functions. He further mentioned that the X200 Ultra will come equipped with a powerful camera setup featuring a 50-megapixel primary sensor, a 50-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and a 200-megapixel periscope telephoto camera.

These sensors will be paired with a customized optical system and a dedicated in-house imaging chip, ensuring seamless hardware-software integration. The tipster has previously claimed that the primary camera will offer a 35mm focal length by default.

Other reports have revealed that the X200 Ultra will support 4K 120fps video recording across all focal lengths. This upgrade is expected to minimize abrupt transitions when switching between focal lengths, positioning Vivo’s latest flagship as a strong contender against Apple’s Pro series in video recording capabilities.

The Vivo X200 Ultra is expected to feature the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset and a 2K OLED quad-curved display with high refresh rate support. It may house a 6,000mAh battery with 90W wired and 50W wireless charging support.

DCS claimed that the Vivo X200 Ultra is tentatively scheduled to launch by mid-to-late April this year. The leak also suggests that Vivo may launch the Vivo X200S alongside the Ultra model, featuring the Dimensity 9400+ chipset and a flat display, as well as a flagship tablet, possibly the Vivo Pad 4 Pro. In another leak, DCS revealed that the X Fold 4 foldable phone is expected to launch by mid-2025, but after the Honor Magic V4, which is expected to launch in June.

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Grab Galaxy Watch 7 at 43% Off, retailing for $170

Samsung is offering some decent discounts on its latest flagship launches. After the Galaxy Watch Ultra and other smartphone discounts, the Korean giant is offering a 43% discount on the Galaxy Watch 7 40 mm. It is up for grabs at the price of $170 with a $130 discount on its actual retail price. It is a steal deal if you want to enjoy the latest features on a smartwatch.

Samsung GAlaxy Watch 7

Samsung is offering lucrative discounts under the Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25+, and Galaxy S25 Ultra campaigns on all the latest stock. Otherwise, the Galaxy Watch 7 is available for $189 if you purchase it along with the Galaxy S25 Smartphone. Presently, it is the lowest price at which the Galaxy Watch 7 is currently retailing on Woot.

It is once in a once-in-a-while opportunity for buyers to grab the Galaxy Watch 7 400 mm in Cream colors at the jaw-dropping price of $170. Surprisingly, the same watch is currently on sale for $230 via Amazon. It’s a tremendous discount on the Woot right now, and you should hurry to grab it before stocks deplete.

Released in July 2024, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 combines sleek aesthetics with robust performance. Available in 40mm and 44mm aluminum variants, it features vibrant RGB stripe AMOLED displays (1.31-inch and 1.47-inch) protected by scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. Under the hood, the Exynos W1000 chipset with a 5-core CPU and 2GB RAM ensures smooth multitasking, while 32GB storage accommodates apps and media. The watch boasts up to 40 hours of battery life (Lifewire) and supports 15W wireless charging for quick top-ups.

Beyond standard metrics like ECG, SpO2, and blood pressure, it adds bioelectrical impedance analysis and a temperature sensor for holistic insights. LTE and Bluetooth models ensure seamless connectivity, supported by Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, and GPS.

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Apple discontinues iPhone 14 series & iPhone SE following the iPhone 16e launch

Apple finally released a new “budget” iPhone after months of rumors and leaks. The iPhone 16e debuted with various improvements over older iPhone SE models, but the new release also brings discontinuation of older generation iPhones. So here’s everything you need to know.

Apple iPhone 14 Series & iPhone SE Officially Discontinued

Apple-iPhone-14
Apple iPhone 14

The Cupertino based giant has discontinued the iPhone 14 series and iPhone SE 3. Notably, the iPhone SE was the last phone to ever feature the Touch ID fingerprint scanning system, and we might not see this technology return on iPhones ever again. Similarly, Apple has also finally completely transitioned to the USB Type-C port as there is no longer any model officially being sold with the dated Lightning Port for charging and data transfer.

Apple iPhone SE 2022

An official discontinuation means that the iPhone 14 series and iPhone SE have been removed from the brand’s official website. However, these devices could be selling for a decent discount right now from retailers or online e-commerce platforms. But these are likely limited till the time existing stocks last.

Apple iPhone 16e
Apple iPhone 16e

Talking about the new iPhone 16e, the device has a price tag that nearly matches the base iPhone 15. Although, you get the newer Apple A18 chipset, Apple Intelligence, C1 modem for improved 5G connectivity and a USB-C port. It sports a 6.1-inch OLED XDR Retina display on the front along with a 12MP selfie shooter and Face ID technology. Meanwhile, the rear features a long 48MP camera that offers 2x optical zoom. Other notable features include, Haptic Touch, 1200 nits of peak brightness, fingerprint resistant oleophobic coating, and more.

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Baseus launches MC1 clip-on earbuds globally with AI-enhanced bass, 40h playback & IP57 rating

Baseus has officially launched its MC1 clip-on open-ear earbuds in global markets, following their initial debut in China last November. Designed for all-day comfort and immersive sound, the MC1 earbuds introduce an innovative open-fit clip-on design, catering to users who want high-quality audio while staying aware of their surroundings.

Baseus Bowie MC1

Baseus Bowie MC1 Specifications

The Bowie MC1 earbuds ditch the traditional in-ear approach in favor of a clip-on mechanism that sits securely on the outer ear. This open-ear design eliminates pressure on the ear canal, making it ideal for prolonged use.

To enhance comfort, Baseus integrates its self-developed cloud airbag cushions, which conform to different ear shapes for a snug yet lightweight fit. The flexible C-bridge structure ensures stability, even during intense activities like running or cycling, and works seamlessly with glasses and accessories.

Sound quality remains a priority, with the MC1 featuring a tri-magnetic circuit driver and a nano-polymer three-layer composite diaphragm. This setup enables a vibration amplitude of 0.8mm, delivering crisp highs, detailed mids, and punchy bass.

Baseus further refines audio output with its AI Dynamic Bass Enhancement algorithm, which performs 48,000 checks per second to intelligently optimize low-end frequencies. It also comes with directional sound technology that minimizes sound leakage, creating a more immersive listening experience without disturbing those nearby.

For clearer calls, the MC1 earbuds leverage Baseus’ Deep Neural Network (DNN) noise reduction algorithm, trained on over 30 million samples. The system isolates voices and cancels ambient noise, making conversations clearer in busy environments like subways or outdoor areas. They support Bluetooth 5.4 for stable 10-meter connectivity, while the Baseus app offers EQ adjustments and a low-latency mode.

The earbuds offer up to 40 hours of playtime with the charging case, support fast Type-C charging, and feature an IP57 rating for water and dust resistance, making them ideal for workouts and outdoor use.

Pricing and Availability

The Baseus MC1 clip-on earbuds are available on Amazon in Cosmic Black and Moon White. In the US, they are priced at $49.99 after applying a $20 coupon to the original $69.99 MSRP. In Germany, they are listed at €49.99, but a 10% coupon brings the final price down to €44.99. Meanwhile, in the UK, the earbuds retail for £59.99, but a £20 coupon reduces the price to £39.99.

In related news, Belkin has introduced the SoundForm Rhythm Earbuds with ENC and multipoint connectivity, while boAt’s Nirvana x Dhruv Kapoor collaboration debuts the ‘Flaming Hearts’ audio line.

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Honor Magic V4 tipped for June launch; Will it be thinner than the Find N5?

Oppo has unveiled the Oppo Find N5 as the world’s first Snapdragon 8 Elite-powered foldable phone. Surprisingly, the brand has managed to slim down its design to 8.93mm in the folded state, breaking the 9.2mm record set by last year’s Honor Magic V3. A recent leak revealed that the Magic V4 is in the works and may debut in the second quarter of this year. A new leak by tipster Digital Chat Station has revealed the specific month in which the device will launch. Additionally, he has also shared details of other Honor devices that are expected to launch by mid-2025.

Honor Magic V4 launch timeframe (rumored)

According to DCS, the Honor Magic V4 is set to debut in China in June. Like its predecessor, it will feature an ultra-thin design. While it’s unclear if it will be slimmer than the Find N5, it is expected to be a few millimetres thinner, maintaining the standard set by the Magic V3.

Upcoming Honor devices

Apart from Magic V4, the brand is also working on a couple of new phones, which may launch by mid-2025. These include the Honor 400 series, Magic V2 Flip, and GT Pro.

DCS did not share any information about the specifications of the upcoming Honor devices. However, it appears that the Magic V4 may feature the Snapdragon 8 Elite. The tipster also revealed that the Vivo X Fold 4 will launch in quick succession after the Magic V4.

Reports suggest that Xiaomi may not launch a book-style foldable phone. As far as Huawei is concerned, it may launch the Mate X7 in the second half of this year.

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Meta is finally making Instagram DMs more useful with translation and scheduling

Instagram is rolling out a handful of useful updates to its direct messaging service, including message translation, music stickers, and the ability to schedule messages.

Message translation has been available on Facebook Messenger since 2018, but it’s only now making its way to Instagram DMs. It’s a little ridiculous that it took Meta this long to roll it out— WhatsApp still doesn’t have it—but better late than never, right?

Message Translation in Instagram

Now, you can translate messages in your Instagram chat by simply long-pressing on a sent or received message and tapping Translate. The translated text will appear right below the original.

Another addition to DM is music stickers. The feature lets you share a snippet of your selected song in messages. You’ll find the new Music option under the Stickers tab in your chat, where you can search for a song to share. Just keep in mind that the sticker will only include a 30-second preview of the song.

Music Sticker in Instagram DMs

Instagram is also adding the ability to schedule messages, which should come in handy for things like birthday wishes at exactly midnight. You can long press the send button to schedule a message and select your preferred time from the available customization options.

Group chats are getting a small but useful tweak as well. Each group will now have a personalized QR code that you can share to invite others. However, group admins will still have control over who can join as they can refresh the QR code at any time to limit access.

Group Chat QR code in Instagram DM

And finally, Instagram is expanding last year’s feature that lets users pin up to three chat threads in their DMs. Now, you’ll also be able to pin specific messages within one-on-one or group conversations, making it easier to keep important texts front and center.

These new features have already started rolling out globally, so if you don’t see them yet, they should arrive soon.

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Get a 20% discount on the Logitech MX Series with this coupon code

Logitech MX Series is designed to enhance productivity and promote health with ergonomic design. All Logitech MX Series products, including wireless keyboards, mechanical keyboards, Wireless Mice, and others, are on 20% sale in India. Interested users can grab their favorite accessory with a discount using coupon code LOGIMX20.

Logitech MX Ergo S Advanced Wireless is on sale for the price of Rs 7,995 and with the 2% discount coupon, you will get it for Rs 6,396. The Logitech MX Brio Ultra HD 4K Collaboration Web Cam is on sale for Rs 19,995, and with the coupon code, it is down to Rs 15,996. It’s a whopping Rs 3,999 discount on the list price.

Further, the other wireless keyboards and Wireless Mouse are also available at the same price. You can choose between different colors for the Logitech MX Anywhere 3S Compact Wireless mouse. Similarly, the Logitech MX Keys Mini Minimalist Wireless Keyboards is available in five different colors including White, Black, Rose, Pale Grey, and Graphite.

The famous Logitech Wave Keys Wireless Ergonomic keyboard is on sale with a Cushioned Palm rest for the price of Rs 5495. The 20% discount with the coupon code will plummet the price. Logitech Lift Vertical Ergonomic Mouse is also on sale for the price of Rs 5495 in three different colors Graphite pale Grey and Rose.

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Samsung’s One UI 7 Beta 4 rolls out for Galaxy S24

Samsung is rolling out the One UI 7 beta 4 update for the Galaxy S24. This is still the beta version of One UI 7 and not the final build but offers various improvements and fixes to the major update for last year’s flagship phones. So here’s everything you need to know.

Samsung Galaxy S24 gets One UI 7 Beta 4 Update

The South Korean tech giant is bringing out the One UI 7 beta 4 for the Galaxy S24 amid reports of the update seeing delays. While the Galaxy S25 got its first update, the Galaxy S24 users had no launch timeline for the official build of One UI 7. But now, the One UI 7 beta 4 is finally here for the 2024 premium model. This is a major software upgrade, bringing the latest Android 15 OS, new AI features, and various tweaks to the user interface (Via 9To5Google).

Samsung One UI 7 update release date, eligible devices, features
Samsung’s One UI 7 Beta

As of right now, Samsung has only offered this update on the base Galaxy S24, so it has yet to arrive in the Galaxy S24+ and Galaxy S24 Ultra. This update is currently rolling out in the brand’s home market of South Korea. But considering how the beta program is also live in other regions like Europe and the US, we can expect a wider release to follow soon. This is a sizeable update that has a total download of 1.4GB.

The Beta 4 build of the One UI 7 brings various bug fixes and stability improvements along with new AI Filters for the camera, LOG video format, and much more. We still don’t have an official release date for the One UI 7, so stick around for more.

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Vivo T4x to launch with a 50MP AI camera & an IR blaster: Report

Vivo is gearing up to launch a new budget smartphone in the Indian market soon. But ahead of the official announcement, the Vivo T4x model has just been spotted on a new leak that revealed its main rear camera details and more. So here’s what we know.

Vivo T4x may arrive with a 50MP AI rear camera

Vivo T3x 5G
Vivo T3X

According to a MySmartPrice report, the Chinese smartphone maker’s Vivo T4x will reportedly feature a 50MP AI main camera on the back. The artificial intelligence part of this device is the various AI powered tools. This includes AI Erase, AI Photo Enhance, and AI Document Mode. Unfortunately, there is no word regarding any other sensor on the back. But from what we know so far, the Vivo T4x could offer a dual camera setup on the rear.

Apart from this, the report confirmed that the upcoming Vivo smartphones will also offer Military Grade Certified Durability for their design and house an IR blaster. For those unaware, this feature allows you to control TVs and other devices as it can double as a remote control. In a recent teaser, the brand confirmed that the Vivo T4x will pack the largest battery ever in the segment thanks to its massive 6,500mAh battery pack.

Vivo T4x 5G
Vivo T4x 5G teaser

This model will be sold via Flipkart in India, with its Indian release being right around the corner. The smartphone could launch for under 15,000 INR and could arrive in two color options, namely Pronto Purple and Marine Blue. An earlier report also claimed that the T4x is equipped with the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 SoC.

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Tecno to launch its upgraded Universal Tone with Camon 40 series

Back in 2023, Tecno introduced an imaging technology called Universal Tone to improve skin tone accuracy in photos, ensuring that people of all complexions are represented more naturally.

Since then, the company has worked with universities to refine the tech and even launched a web portal to let users identify their true skin tone with just a single click.

Now, Tecno is pushing things even further. The company today announced an upgraded version of Universal Tone that expands its skin tone database and improves its Multi-Skin Tone Color Restoration Engine for even more accurate color reproduction.

What’s new in Tecno Universal Tone?

The latest upgrade to Universal Tone brings a more advanced Multi-Skin Tone color card which now features 372 patches—up from 268 in the previous version. 

In simple terms, this means Universal Tone now has even more skin tone data to work with, so when you snap a photo, your skin tone should look more natural and true to life.

While the new dataset serves audiences on a global scale, Tecno says it has also developed a regional color card specifically for Saudi Arabia. 

Developed in collaboration with the University of Leeds (UK) and Dar Al-Hekma University (Saudi Arabia) in late 2024, the custom color card features 187 unique Saudi skin tone patches that will more authentically depict the nation’s varied skin tones.

Beyond the expanded database, Tecno says it has also improved its Multi-Skin Tone Color Restoration Engine with a refined CCM Skin Tone Calibration Algorithm and an upgraded Spectrum-Based Automatic White Balance (AWB) Algorithm.

The CCM algorithm which is now trained with the updated Multi-Skin Tone color card dataset is designed for more precise color calibration. Meanwhile, the AWB Algorithm is said to tackle color shift issues in monochromatic photo scenarios to improve exposure and white balance when capturing diverse skin tones in the same frame.

Together, these upgrades boost skin tone accuracy by over 50%, according to Tecno—making Universal Tone its most advanced skin tone aesthetic data model. 

The new and updated Universal Tone will make its debut in the upcoming Tecno Camon 40 series set to launch at MWC 2025. 

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Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro with sleek new design leaked: Global launch set with the Xiaomi 15 series

Xiaomi‘s next gen flagship TWS earbuds has just been revealed. A fresh leak has showcased the entire design of the upcoming Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro, offering us a look at its sleek new design, multiple color variants, and more. So here are all the details.

Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro Renders Leaked

The latest leak arrives from known tipster Sudhanshu Ambhore who shared renders with MySmartPrice. The entire design of the Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro has just been revealed via this leak. We can see an in-ear design with silicon tips and stems. It has a charging case that is shaped like a pebble along with an LED indicator as well. The bottom houses a USB Type-C port for charging, a multi purpose button, and an etching that confirms audio tuning by Harman AudioEFX.

Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro
Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro

The Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro can be seen in three sleek colors, namely Titanium, White, and Black. All of these carry a glossy finish as well. Unfortunately, the leaked official looking renders only offer us a glimpse of its design and don’t reveal any details regarding its specifications or features. However, we can expect improved audio quality over its predecessor, support for ANC (Active Noise Cancellation), and possibly even spatial audio.

Keep in mind that this is still just speculation at this point, so take this with a pinch of salt. The Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro is set to make its global debut along with the Xiaomi 15 series next month. To recall, the flagship phones will be announced on 2nd March 2025, so stay tuned for more as we will be covering the launch event.

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Samsung starts testing One UI 7 for Galaxy Z Fold 7, launch nears

After launching the Galaxy S25 series, Samsung has now shifted its focus to its upcoming foldable—the Galaxy Z Fold 7. The first firmware for the device has been spotted on Samsung’s servers, signaling that the company has started working on it.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6

One UI 7 testing underway for Galaxy Z Fold 7

According to X tipster @tarunvats33 (via Sammobile), the first software build for the US variant of the Galaxy Z Fold 7 (model number SM-F966U) has been discovered on Samsung’s servers. The firmware, labeled F966USQU0AYB3, is reportedly based on Android 15 and One UI 7.x.

This leak reaffirms a recent report suggesting that Samsung will skip One UI 7.1.1, the reason behind which is reportedly the delay in rolling out the stable One UI 7.0 update for existing devices.

What to expect from the Galaxy Z Fold 7

As for the hardware, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is rumored to come with a redesigned hinge mechanism, which reportedly reduces the crease. The displays are also expected to be larger this time—a 6.5-inch cover display paired with an 8-inch foldable one. This is up from the 6.3-inch and 7.6-inch panels of the Galaxy Z Fold 6.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6

However, not everything is expected to be impressive: recent reports suggest that the phone might lose some S Pen features. While it could make the device a bit slimmer to compete with some of its Chinese counterparts, some people may find it hard to accept the reduction of S Pen features. Nonetheless, there’s no word on which specific features the S Pen will lose, so we’ll have to wait for it before commenting further.

As for the performance, recent rumors claim the phone will pack the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, contradicting earlier reports that suggested the Z series would adopt Exynos.

There’s no word on the adoption of the Si/C battery tech as of now, so don’t expect a reasonable increase in battery capacity.

The camera setup could include a 200MP primary sensor, an ultrawide lens, a 3x telephoto lens, and an improved under-display camera.

The phone is expected to measure around 10mm when closed, down from 12.1mm. This, combined with the larger displays and improved hinge technology, could make it one of the most refined foldables yet.

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(Source | Via)

Samsung Galaxy A26 5G support pages go live globally, launch seems imminent

Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy A26 5G is inching closer to its official launch. Now the support pages for the device have gone live in several markets, including the UK, Ireland, and Latin America. This follows earlier sightings of the phone on several certification platforms including BIS, TUV Rheinland, and Bluetooth SIG.

While the support pages don’t reveal much information about the device itself, they strongly suggest that the Galaxy A26 5G could debut soon, possibly alongside the Galaxy A36 and Galaxy A56 in March. For reference, the Galaxy A25 5G was announced back in December 2023.

The support pages, spotted on Samsung’s regional websites, don’t explicitly mention the Galaxy A26 5G by name. However, they list the model number SM-A26B/DS, which has been previously linked to the A26 in Bluetooth SIG listings. This confirms that the device is indeed the Galaxy A26 5G.

Galaxy A26 5G rumored specifications:

Based on previous leaks and rumors, the Galaxy A26 5G is expected to feature a 6.64-inch or 6.7-inch display with a waterdrop notch design. The screen will likely support FHD+ resolution and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate.

Under the hood, the phone could be powered by an overclocked version of the Exynos 1280 chipset, though some rumors suggest it might feature the Exynos 2400e SoC instead.

For those unfamiliar, the Exynos 2400e is a slightly downclocked version of the flagship Exynos 2400, and it powers the more premium Galaxy S24 FE. So, it’s less likely that Samsung will use this chip to power a device that is expected to offer a water-drop notch in 2025. It could be paired with up to 8GB of RAM, 256GB of internal storage.

Now here’s another surprise: according to a previous report, the phone could pack a battery smaller than its predecessor—4,565mAh down from 5,000.

On the software front, it will likely run Android 15-based One UI 7, similar to the recently launched Galaxy S25 series. However, don’t expect the AI features as part of the Android 15-based skin.

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iPhone 16e brings these 5 key changes

The launch of the iPhone 16e marks a new chapter for Apple, but this progress comes at a cost. It’s a story of evolution, where the new replaces the old, leaving behind a series of sacrifices that reflect a significant shift in Apple’s design philosophy. Let’s take a closer look at what the iPhone 16e has left behind.

Apple iPhone 16e
Apple iPhone 16e

1. The Demise of Compact Design

The Apple iPhone 16e, while still relatively sleek, represents a clear departure from the compact design that many users cherished. Measuring 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8 mm, it’s notably larger than the iPhone SE 2022’s 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm, resulting in a volume increase of over 20%.

While it maintains a size comparable to the iPhone 16 (147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm), the 16e’s growth signals a shift away from truly pocket-friendly devices. This increase in size impacts one-handed usability and the overall feel of the device.

2. The End of the “SE” Era

With the launch of the iPhone 16e, Apple has effectively retired the “SE” branding. This shift may signify a change in Apple’s product strategy, potentially indicating a move away from the budget-friendly “Special Edition” line. This rebranding could also represent an effort to streamline Apple’s product naming conventions.  

Apple hasn’t officially revealed what the ‘e’ in iPhone 16e stands for. It could represent “economical,” “essential,” “edition,” or even “enhanced.” Without an official confirmation, the meaning remains open to interpretation, leaving room for speculation among Apple enthusiasts.

3. The Farewell to the Touch ID Sensor

The removal of the Touch ID sensor marks a significant shift in Apple’s biometric authentication strategy. Face ID now stands as the sole method, representing a complete transition away from the fingerprint-based security that many users had grown accustomed to. This change, while offering advanced facial recognition, eliminates the tactile convenience of Touch ID.

4. The Sunset of the Lightning Port

The death of the Lightning Port signals Apple’s full embrace of USB-C. This move aligns Apple with industry standards and offers users a more universal charging and data transfer solution. However, it also signifies the end of an era for Apple’s proprietary Lightning connector, a staple for many years.

5. The Silent Extermination of Previous Models

The launch of the iPhone 16e has effectively marked the end of a few older iPhone models, most notably the iPhone SE 2022 and the iPhone 14, both of which have been removed from Apple’s official website.

With the 16e taking the spot that many expected for an SE 4 and offering newer technology in a similar form factor, it significantly diminishes the appeal of the iPhone 14. By striking a balance between features, performance, and affordability, the 16e accelerates the obsolescence of these older models within Apple’s lineup.

iPhone 16e specifications and price

The iPhone 16e features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED 60Hz display with a resolution of 2532 x 1170 pixels, reaching a local peak brightness of 1200 nits and protected by Ceramic Shield. It is powered by the Apple A18 chip and 8 GB of RAM. Charging options include 20W wired and 7.5W wireless (without MagSafe).

The iPhone 16e runs on iOS 18, which brings support for Apple Intelligence. For photography, it features a 12-megapixel front camera with Face ID and a 48-megapixel rear camera offering 2x lossless zoom.

Other features of the iPhone 16e include an Apple C1 modem, satellite connectivity, an Action Button (without camera controls), Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, a USB-C port, and an IP68-rated chassis with an aluminium alloy middle frame.

In India, the iPhone 16e is priced at Rs 59,900 for the 128GB variant, Rs 69,900 for the 256GB version, and Rs 89,900 for the 512GB model. In the US, these variants are priced at $599, $699, and $899, respectively Available in White and Black, pre-orders start on Feb. 21, and sales commence on Feb. 28.  

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Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 / Dimensity 9500 are coming early—and so are the phones powered by them

Qualcomm and MediaTek are already working on their next-generation flagship chips and both are rumored to launch their new SoCs earlier than their predecessors. According to reports, MediaTek could launch Dimensity 9500 in mid-2025 while the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 might go official in early October.

But it’s not just the chips that could see an early release—smartphones powered by them might also hit the market ahead of schedule. That’s according to a new rumor from China that suggests manufacturers could roll out devices a month earlier than expected.

According to Digital Chat Station on Weibo, the first wave of Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 and Dimensity 9500 phones is “definitely” launching in October. But some manufacturers could push their releases even earlier, with the first devices potentially arriving by late September.

If past trends hold, either Vivo or Oppo will likely be the first to launch a Dimensity 9500-powered phone, while Xiaomi could be among the first to launch a device featuring the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2.

Dimensity 9500 might see a big change

Fortunately, we already have some early details on what to expect from these new chips—and MediaTek’s Dimensity 9500 appears to be in for a major overhaul.

According to a previous report, the upcoming MediaTek flagship will adopt a 2+6 CPU cluster layout, a big departure from the all-big-core architecture seen in the Dimensity 9300 and 9400. 

The reasoning behind the shift isn’t entirely clear, especially since MediaTek was the first to go all-in on big cores, but the new chip is expected to feature two Cortex-X930 “Travis” cores alongside six Cortex-A730 “Gelas” cores.

Meanwhile, Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 is rumored to support ARM’s SME (Scalable Matrix Extension) instruction set, which could bring its performance closer to the Apple M4 chip.

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Galaxy S25 Edge reportedly features a ceramic back: more brittle?

Samsung showcased the Galaxy S25 Edge at the Galaxy Unpacked event earlier this year, without revealing any details about the phone. According to leaks, the phone is less than 6mm thick, which raises durability concerns for some. In the latest news, sources inside Sammobile claim that the back plate of the phone is made of ceramic.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge
Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge

Ceramic is harder, but more brittle

While the back plate will be more scratch-resistant, it will also be more prone to breaking if dropped on a hard surface. In comparison, the other models in the Galaxy S25 series use the Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the back, and the Ultra model has survived head-height drops onto concrete.

While the S25 Edge will be much lighter than the Ultra model (160 grams, according to Ice Universe), ceramic is still a relatively uncommon material for a smartphone back plate and it will be interesting to see how it handles an accidental drop.

If this rumor is true, Samsung may have chosen it to reduce the phone’s weight. While traditional ceramics (like those used in pottery) are usually denser and heavier than glass, advanced ceramics (like those used in smartphones) can indeed be lighter than glass while being more durable.

Other than that, the middle frame will reportedly be made of aluminum, the same as the base and plus model of the series.

As for the internals, the phone is expected to be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, and a 3,900 mAh battery—100 mAh less than the base model. While there is a 7-core version of the Snapdragon 8 Elite, rumors claim the S25 Edge will boast an 8-core version, the same one as the other models in the series. The phone has recently surfaced on Geekbench, which reaffirms the core count.

This super-slim Galaxy flagship is expected to launch sometime in the second quarter of this year. We’ll share more information as soon as they become available.

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Honor 400 Lite chipset, RAM, design revealed via Google Play Console listing

Honor is gearing up to expand its number-series lineup with the upcoming Honor 400 series. The spotlight is now on the Honor 400 Lite, which has recently appeared on the Google Play Console. Interestingly, the Honor 300 series didn’t offer a ‘Lite’ model. So, this device will succeed the Honor 200 Lite launched back in April last year.

The listing has revealed some key specifications and a glimpse of the phone’s design, giving us a hint at what to expect.

Key details revealed by the listing

The Honor 400 Lite listing (model number ABR-NX1) confirms that the device will be powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 7025 chipset, which features a CPU with two Cortex-A78 cores clocked at 2.2GHz and six Cortex-A55 cores running at 2GHz.

This chip has previously been featured in the Moto G55 and the Redmi Note 14, and it promises a balance between performance and power efficiency. Overall, it’s suitable for everyday tasks as well as lightweight games.

The configuration listed on Google Play Console packs 8GB of RAM, and we also expect a 12GB version as the Honor 200 Lite comes in both configurations. As for software, the 400 Lite will come with Android 15 out-of-the-box.

The Play Console listing also includes a render of the device, which looks very similar to the predecessor. From the pill-shaped cutout in the display to the bezels, the overall design language of the phone appears to be very similar to last year’s model. Nonetheless, this is still a render and the bezels could be slimmer than what’s depicted in the render.

Honor 200 Lite specs

While most of the specifications remain under wraps, we can refer to its predecessor to get an idea of what to expect. The Honor 200 Lite packs a 6.7″ FHD+ AMOLED display on the front and a triple camera setup on the back—108 MP main + 5 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro camera. The pill-shaped cutout includes a 50MP selfie camera.

Honor 200 Lite

On the inside, the 200 Lite packs a relatively small 4,500mAh battery which supports 35W wired charging. With the recent trend of using the high-density Si/C battery, we expect at least a slight increase in capacity with the Honor 400 Lite.

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