The second-generation Rivian R1T EV pickup truck and the Rivian R1S EV SUV have been revealed. The two new models come with significant improvements from their respective predecessors and also feature new drive systems. The performance upgrades also include a new user interface and experience software platform. The models also offer greater power and a higher range than their predecessors.
Rivian describes the second-generation EVs as completely re-engineered. The two new models will come with Rivian’s self-developed Dual-Motor, Tri-Motor, or Quad-Motor powertrains. The new R1T with a Quad-Motor system has a 1,025 horsepower capacity and 1,198 lb-ft of torque. It can achieve an acceleration of 0-60mph in less than 2.5 seconds. The models come with newer battery packs that will have a range of 420 miles (676km) on a full charge.
The unveiling of the new Rivian R1T EV truck and the R1S EV SUV is targeted at the very vibrant US market and elsewhere. In the US, truck and SUV sales currently account for a substantial proportion of new EV sales. It is noted that truck sales have been the bestseller for quite a while in the US. The second-generation Rivian R1T will however have to compete with some highly-established models in the market including the Ford F-150 series and the RAM 1500 series.
Rivian was the first to release an all-electric truck on the market and the R1T was praised for its innovative features. Rivian then followed up with the release of the R1S and the new upgrades do not preclude the brand from other releases outside its first two original models. Rivian says it will continue to evolve its flagship R1 vehicles, offering quality and performance without compromise.
The new models also come with a new thermal management architecture that enhances efficiency and comfort. The 22-inch wheels combined with its improved aerodynamics contribute to the extended range of the models.
The new Rivian offerings come with a new system for driver assist applications. It uses 11 cameras, 5 radar devices, and AI predictive features for optimal driver assistance. The Rivian R1T is available in the US and starts at $69,900 while the Rivian R1S has a starting price of $75,900. The new models are available for immediate order and it is unclear whether the EVs will be available outside the US.
A mysterious “wireless device” from Google recently appeared in the documents of the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC). It indicates that Soli radar technology will usher in new application opportunities. The device equips short-range 60GHz Soli radar technology, 802.11n Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth connectivity, and also comes with a base plate.
A mysterious device with 60GHz Soli radar technology
According to IT Home, Soli radar is a 60GHz mm-wave radar technology developed by Google and Infineon specifically for close-range perception tasks. Google is reportedly responsible for developing the signal processing and software parts, while Infineon Technologies owns the intellectual property rights of chip hardware technology. Notably a similar product was first released in 2016. The second generation of the technology was released in 2018, which was used in the gesture recognition module of the Pixel 4 and the sleep monitoring function of the Nest Hub.
Google, with the help of its developer program, has been able to launch a series of innovative applications around the world.
According to ITHome, the mysterious product could be a new Nest Thermostat. FCC documents reveal that the device has no other radio modules except the 2.4GHz and 60GHz bands.
The Nest Thermostat released in 2020 also only supports these two frequency bands and uses Soli radar to automatically light up the display when the user approaches the device. The device will likely require a constant power supply to operate since there is no mention of a battery. It only supports 802.11n Wi-Fi on the 2.4GHz band, which is unlikely for a smart speaker. Even Google’s more affordable Nest Mini supports the 5GHz band.
It can be a smartwatch from Google, as they don’t use a 5GHz band in the product category. For the Wi-Fi-only version of the watch, 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, and the new radar technology should be sufficient. However, the device will keep a distance of at least 20 cm from the human body under normal use. So it’s unlikely to be a smartwatch and seems to be similar to the Nest Thermostat released in 2020.
The recently-released Xiaomi magnetic power bank has now gone on sale in China. The Magsafe-compatible Magnetic Power Bank 5000mAh 7.5W is now available on JD.com and other online platforms. The power bank utilizes magnetic safe charging technology via its 10N magnetic suction force. It uses automatic induction technology, there is no need to press a button to charge an iPhone wirelessly. It delivers precise absorption and is compatible with iPhone models from iPhone 12 and later.
The Xiaomi Magnetic Power Bank 5000mAh uses automatic wireless charging sensing. It charges the connected device with a single suction and features USB-C two-way fast charging. The Xiaomi Magnetic Power Bank has a slim design with a thickness of 12mm and does not block the iPhone lens while charging. Thus, the smartphone can be used while charging. The magnetic power bank has a power capacity of 7.5W and can provide a maximum power of 18W via wired charging. The maximum input power of the power bank is 20W with a charging time of about 2.2 hours.
When using both wired and wireless charging, the power bank has a charging speed of 10W for both outlets. During self-charging, the Xiaomi Magnetic Power Bank 5000mAh 7.5W supports wireless charging only. The power bank can fully recharge an iPhone 15 only once, serving as a backup battery for the smartphone. There are two NTC thermistors on the Xiaomi Magnetic Power Bank 5000mAh. The hardware works with the built-in software to form a temperature control system that can actively adjust the power as the temperature changes.
Pricing & Availability
The Xiaomi Magnetic Power Bank 5000mAh 7.5W is priced at 129 yuan ($18). It can be purchased from JD.com as well as other retail platforms in China.
TPV Technology has introduced the Philips TAS2218 and TAS2228 Bluetooth speakers in India. These speakers are designed to appeal to audio enthusiasts looking for a blend of classic design and contemporary features.
Philips TAS2218 and TAS2228 Bluetooth speakers: Key features
Philips TAS2218
The Philips TAS2218 features a 2.0 channel setup with 10W sound output, delivering a rich audio experience through its dual 5W speakers. It promises crystal-clear sound quality, making it ideal for enjoying music, movies, or podcasts.
On the other hand, the TAS2228 offers a more powerful 20W output with dual 10W speakers, enhancing the immersive audio experience further.
Both models sport a charming wooden antique design that adds a vintage touch to any living space. Despite their retro appearance, they are equipped with modern connectivity options such as Bluetooth 5.0 for wireless streaming, USB playback, FM radio, and mic input. They also support True Wireless Stereo (TWS) technology, allowing users to pair two identical models for a synchronized sound experience.
Philips TAS2228
With a battery backup of up to 6 hours at 70% sound output, these speakers provide flexibility for enjoying audio content without needing to be constantly plugged in. Whether used for parties, home relaxation, or simply appreciating high-quality sound, the Philips TAS2218 and TAS2228 promise to enhance the listening experience with their unique blend of style and functionality.
Philips TAS2218 and TAS2228 Bluetooth speakers: price in India
Available at Rs 4,490 and Rs 5,490 respectively, the Philips TAS2218 and TAS2228 Bluetooth speakers are accessible through online channels and leading stores across the country.
We have seen multiple rumors about the Galaxy Buds 3 at this point. The earbuds will ditch the bean-shaped design with a more conventional one with a stem. The latest news is that the earphones will also come with some changes in functionality, To be more precise, the swipe gesture will reportedly be replaced with a pinch. However, it is unclear whether the pinch gesture will be available to both the Galaxy Buds 3 and Buds 3 Pro or will be exclusive to the Pro model.
The information comes from the Samsung Members app
Notably, the pinch gesture isn’t entirely new to the product category. In fact, Apple, Nothing, Xiaomi, and several other companies have already used pinch sensors in their products.
The information is revealed through the APK teardown of the Samsung Members app, which suggests the use of pinch sensors in the Galaxy Buds 3 series. AssembleDebug discovered references to pinch sensors in the Samsung Members app version 5.0.00.11. It also includes images showing how to use the gesture.
It’s not clear from the APK teardown how Samsung may utilize the new sensor. However, the brands that have previously offered the pinch sensor, have used it for basic controls like pinching once to pause, pinching twice to skip, and thrice to go back. The earbuds from Xiaomi, Apple, or Nothing also let you enable or disable noise cancellation and transparency modes with pinch gestures.
It’s possible that Samsung will offer a similar implementation of the pinch gestures in the upcoming Galaxy Buds 3 series. Samsung’s shift in functionality could be due to the fact that a pinch gesture feels more natural to use and has a lower rate of false triggers.
However, the leaked real-life images of the Galaxy Buds 3 packaging box reveal a rather underwhelming design. it could be especially disappointing for those familiar with the previous design.
Mchose has launched a new magnetic axis keyboard called the Zero 75 in the Chinese market, boasting an industry-leading 8000Hz polling rate. This keyboard is designed for competitive gamers who demand the fastest possible response times and the most customizable experience. Let’s delve into its key specs.
Mchose Zero 75 Keyboard Specifications:
The Zero 75 features custom-made Jiadalon magnetic jade axis switches with a 3.4mm stroke and a 100 million keystroke lifespan. These switches are said to offer a satisfying typing experience and excellent durability.
The Zero 75 offers top-notch performance with an 8000Hz polling rate, ensuring keystrokes are registered with minimal delay. Additionally, it boasts a 16000Hz single key scan rate and a 2000Hz full key scan rate, guaranteeing accurate capture of even the fastest key presses.
The keyboard also boasts an incredibly low latency of just 0.2ms, which means that there will be virtually no perceivable lag between pressing a key and the corresponding action happening on screen.
Users can adjust the travel distance of each key from 0.1mm to 3.3mm in increments of 0.05mm. This allows gamers to fine-tune the keyboard to their exact preferences, whether they prefer a hair-trigger actuation for lightning-fast reflexes or a deeper press for more deliberate keystrokes.
The Zero 75 is built with a premium aluminum alloy construction, featuring a 6063 anodized aluminum top cover, an aluminum alloy positioning plate, and a 1.6mm top-mounted RGB PCB board. The keyboard also comes equipped with PBT keycaps, which are known for their durability and resistance to wear and tear.
The keyboard features a dual mode system, allowing users to switch between a game mode for optimized gaming performance and a normal mode that suits everyday office tasks, facilitated by a side one-button switch.
Pricing and Availability
The Mchose Zero 75 magnetic axis keyboard is available in silver and starts at 599 Yuan (approximately $83). It can be purchased from JD.com in China.
The CrealityFalcon series has rapidly gained popularity in the laser engraving market due to its high-quality performance and affordability. The series now includes the CR-Laser Falcon, Falcon Pro, Falcon2, and Falcon2 Pro models, with wattages ranging from 5W to 60W. For those new to laser engraving, the CR-Laser Falcon 5W and 10W models stand out as the best budget-friendly options.
The CR-Laser Falcon Engravers by CrealityFalcon are top-rated entry-level tools, perfect for beginners exploring the world of laser engraving. These machines are designed to be affordable and user-friendly, making them accessible to those starting their engraving journey without needing a steep learning curve or high initial investment.
Key Features
The CR-Laser Falcon Engraver is available in two versions: 5W and 10W. Both models feature a compact and user-friendly design, reliable and precise performance, and versatility in handling various materials. Here are some key specifications:
Optical Power: 5W and 10W
Engraving Precision: Up to 0.1mm for 5W and up to 0.06mm for 10W
Cutting Ability: 5mm basswood for 5W and 12mm basswood for 10W in one pass
The CR-Laser Falcon Engravers are compact and easy to set up, making them perfect for home workshops, classrooms, and small craft studios. The straightforward setup process allows users to start engraving quickly without needing extensive technical knowledge. This user-friendly design is particularly beneficial for beginners.
Reliable and Precise Performance
Equipped with either a 5W or 10W laser, the CrealityFalcon Engraver delivers precise and reliable engraving. The 10W model offers finer precision (up to 0.06mm) compared to the 5W model (up to 0.1mm). Both models can achieve intricate designs at speeds up to 10,000mm/min, making them suitable for detailed artwork and personalized gifts.
Usage Scenarios
These engravers are ideal for personal projects, small crafts, and educational purposes. Hobbyists can create custom decorations, personalized gifts, and unique home decor items. In educational settings, the CrealityFalcon Engraver provides a hands-on learning experience, making it an excellent tool for teaching the basics of laser engraving.
Versatile and Wide-Ranging Materials
One of the standout features of the CrealityFalcon Engraver is its versatility. It can work with a wide array of materials, including wood, leather, paper, acrylic, metal, felt, and stone. This versatility allows users to experiment and expand their creative horizons, creating custom wooden plaques, leather keychains, paper cards, acrylic signs, metal tags, felt coasters, and engraved stones.
Recommended Users
The CrealityFalcon Engraver is designed for beginners and hobbyists looking for an affordable and easy-to-use laser engraver. Its simple interface and reliable performance mean that even those with no prior experience can achieve professional-quality results. It’s also ideal for educators aiming to enhance STEM education with hands-on learning tools.
Deal and Price Information
Currently, there is a limited-time promotional offer for the CrealityFalcon Engravers. The 5W model is available at a discounted price of US – $189 (originally $299), EU – €299 (Original Price: €399) and the 10W model is priced at US- $269 (originally $379), EU – €299.25 (Original Price: €509). Additionally, by using the promotion code ZBFCR10, customers can enjoy an extra 10% off.
Accessory Package for 5W and 10W Laser Engraver Models
Enhance your CrealityFalcon laser engraving experience with the Accessory Package for 5W and 10W models. This package includes a honeycomb table, honeycomb table protection, a cutting table with protective sleeves, and raisers. These tools help achieve neater and cleaner wood edges and better carving results. The honeycomb table (235*235mm) aids in judging cutting depth and protects the table from laser damage. The cutting table works with various engravers, and the raisers increase the height up to 150mm, making it suitable for working with a rotary roller.
Protective Cover for 5W and 10W Laser Engravers
The Protective Cover is crucial for safe operation. It helps contain debris and dust generated during the engraving process, protecting both the user and the machine. The cover also reduces noise levels and light emitted by the laser, making it safer and more comfortable to use, especially in a home or classroom setting. This accessory ensures a cleaner and safer working environment, enhancing your overall engraving experience.
Availability: CrealityFalcon Official Online Store
For convenient and tailored shopping, users can purchase CrealityFalcon products from their respective regional stores. The CrealityFalcon Official Online Store offers dedicated platforms for various regions, ensuring a seamless shopping experience. Customers can choose from the following stores based on their location:
This regional approach ensures that customers receive products, services, and support suited to their specific country, enhancing the overall purchasing experience.
Apple shared iOS 18 beta release notes on Apple Developer last week. It has revealed some changes (improvements) to FaceTime, Siri, and the Wallet app.
iOS 18 is currently available in Beta for Apple Developer Program members and the public beta version will be released in July. The update could be released on a large scale in September. The SDK comes bundled with Xcode 16, available from the Mac App Store. Some of the improvements are discussed below.
Audio enhancement in Siri
According to Apple, iOS 18 includes a new setting that can “significantly” improve the audio quality of Siri in Bluetooth car devices without CarPlay. The new option can be found in the Settings app under Siri > Siri Responses > “Respond over Media Source.” The description for the setting says “Siri will respond over A2DP car stereos, which is ideal while listening to media from your phone.”
Improvements in FaceTime
According to Apple, FaceTime will use more data in Low Power Mode on iOS 18 when network conditions are good, for improved video call quality.
Security improvement in the Wallet app
When users add an ID to the Wallet app on an iPhone, it may now ask the user to take a live photo instead of or in conjunction with a series of head and facial movements. According to Apple, the device will evaluate the Live Photo to ensure that the person adding the document is a real and valid person.
Apple first announced the ability to add a driver’s license or ID to the Wallet app in 2021. However, only four U.S. states (Arizona, Maryland, Colorado, and Georgia) have rolled out the feature so far. The feature provides a convenient, contactless way to show identification or proof of age at select airports, businesses, and venues.
The Motorola Moto X50 Ultra is a high-performance smartphone combining power, style, and cutting-edge technology. Designed for tech-savvy users with fast-paced lifestyles, this device ensures you stay ahead of the curve. You can now get Motorola X50 Ultra for $699 at GeekWills. The phone comes in Black, Gold, and Pink color variants.
At the heart of the Moto X50 Ultra lies the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 processor, coupled with the Adreno 735 GPU. This powerful combination delivers lightning-fast speeds, making multitasking smooth and effortless. Whether gaming, streaming, or juggling multiple apps, the Moto X50 Ultra can easily handle it.
Stunning Display
The Moto X50 Ultra features a 6.7-inch 1.5K P-OLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate. This means every swipe, tap, and scroll feels incredibly responsive and fluid. The display supports HDR10+ and offers up to 2800 nits peak HDR brightness, ensuring vibrant colors and stunning visuals in any lighting condition. With DCI-P3 color gamut and the ability to display 1 billion colors, every image and video looks remarkably true to life.
Powerful Battery
Battery life won’t be a concern with the Moto X50 Ultra. It boasts a 4500mAh battery that supports 125W fast wired charging. This means you can go from zero to fully charged in just minutes. Additionally, it supports 50W wireless charging and 10W reverse wireless charging, providing versatile and convenient power options.
Gaming Beast
For gaming enthusiasts, the Moto X50 Ultra is equipped with advanced VC-Liquid cooling technology and a dedicated gaming mode. This ensures that the device remains cool and performs optimally even during intense gaming sessions. An independent graphic chip further enhances the gaming experience, delivering smooth and immersive graphics.
Photography Excellence
Capture life’s moments in stunning detail with the Moto X50 Ultra’s impressive camera setup. The rear camera system includes a 50MP primary camera with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), a 64MP periscope telephoto lens with OIS and 100x hybrid zoom, and a 50MP ultra-wide sensor with a 122˚ field of view. Whether you’re shooting landscapes, portraits, or distant subjects, the Moto X50 Ultra has you covered. The 50MP front camera ensures your selfies are equally impressive, with sharp and vibrant detail.
Software
Running on the latest OriginOS, based on Android 14, the Moto X50 Ultra offers a smooth and intuitive user interface. With plenty of customization options, you can tailor the phone’s functionality to suit your preferences and needs.
Battery: 4500mAh with 125W fast wired charging, 50W wireless charging, 10W Reverse Wireless
OS: MYUI 7.0 based on Android 14
Connectivity: 5G, 4G, 3G, 2G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC
The Motorola Moto X50 Ultra is a powerhouse smartphone designed to meet the demands of modern life. With its top-tier performance, stunning display, powerful battery, and advanced camera system, it’s the perfect companion for anyone looking to elevate their mobile experience.
After debuting the Oppo A3 Pro smartphone in China, which was recently rebranded and launched in India as the Oppo F27 Pro+ (review). Interestingly enough, the brand is also working on an Indian version of the Oppo A3 Pro, which has now emerged in live shots courtesy of tipster Sudhanshu Ambhore and 91mobiles.
Image via 91mobilesImage via 91mobilesImage via 91mobiles
The live image shared reveals a totally different design compared to the Oppo F27 Pro+ Chinese model. The device has a rectangular camera module, with two camera sensors on the back along with a third cutout holding a ring LED light. The live image confirms that the device will come with a shiny Purple color back.
Image via 91mobilesImage via 91mobiles
On the front, the device is shown to feature a flat display with thick bezels. The display also has a punch-hole cutout for the front camera. The box image of the device confirms that it comes with a 360-degree damage-proof armor body, a feature also present on the Chinese variant of the Oppo A3 Pro. Additionally, it also has a Splash Touch feature, which will allow the touch screen to operate normally even when the display is wet.
Moving on to the specifications, the Oppo A3 Pro Indian variant will come with a 6.6-inch display panel offering 120Hz refresh rate. Under the hood, the device houses a MediaTek Dimensity 6300 SoC, paired with 8GB RAM and 128 GB / 256 GB storage. The device will draw power from a 5,100mAh battery, paired with 45W SuperVOOC charging.
For optics, the smartphone is said to feature a 50 MP primary camera and an 8 MP ultra-wide-angle camera on the back. On the front, it has a 16 MP selfie shooter.
As for pricing, tipster Sudhanshu Ambhore has claimed that the 8 GB + 128 GB model will have a starting price of Rs 17,999, while the 8 GB + 256 GB model will cost Rs 19,999. Since the device has a box price of Rs 20,999, these claims are more than likely to be true.
We heard a lot about the rumors on upcoming Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 to feature Apple‘s “AirPods-like” design have been circulating online. It seems true, as Samsung appears to be moving away from the classic “bean” shape of Galaxy Buds. However, leaked hands-on images actually reveal that these might be Samsung‘s cheapest-looking earbuds yet.
Earlier, the Samsung Members app actually revealed an image for the Galaxy Buds 3. The design on the image resembles Apple’s AirPods, the image on Samsung Members app actually turned out to be true. Additionally, the earbuds feature four generic-looking LEDs instead of the usual colored ones that indicate charge levels. Everyone knows and loves the colored LEDs on Samsung’s Galaxy Buds series. The new design of Galaxy Buds 3 actually shows that Samsung is moving away from its traditional colored LEDs found in Galaxy Buds models.
According to 91mobiles, the Galaxy Buds 3 offers a 6-hour battery life on a single charge. While not all specs are available yet, the Buds 3 may be unveiled at the upcoming Galaxy Unpacked event on July 10. These are the initial leaks on the hands-on image of Galaxy Buds 3, regular Galaxy Buds series always featured a premium design in the past so we hope this one not to be real actually. The packaging on the image shared by 91mobiles team actually looks like not something Samsung would prefer to release. These images might be fake, so take those with a pinch of salt at the moment.
Two months ago, OnePlus launched the Nord CE 4 globally. Now, the brand has announced the arrival of the Lite variant of the phone i.e. the Nord CE 4 Lite 5G. OnePlus has put up a microsite of the upcoming offering revealing its design. Additionally, the smartphone’s availability from Amazon has also been confirmed in India. The device will arrive as the successor to the last year’s Nord CE 3 Lite 5G.
OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite 5G launch date is out
The OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite 5G is set to launch on June 24 at 7 pm IST. Commenting on the launch announcement, OnePlus stated that the Nord CE 4 Lite 5G is set to revolutionize the budget smartphone market. It is designed to alleviate the typical everyday anxieties faced by consumers when it comes to smartphone use.
The OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite 5G will feature the same design as the Nord CE 4 (review). However, it will lack an alert slider as the left side has a SIM tray slot and the power and volume rocker buttons are located on the right. The phone has a flat frame design and a pill-shaped protruding camera module. The microsite confirms a 50MP Sony LYT-600 main camera along with a secondary lens that remains unknown. The Nord CE 4 Lite 5G will be available in Mega Blue colour.
OnePlus has also confirmed that the Nord CE 4 Lite 5G will have a 120Hz AMOLED display with 2,100 nits peak brightness. This is a significant upgrade compared to the LCD panel and 550 nits peak brightness on its predecessor. The device will feature Aquatouch technology for interacting with wet hands. It is also found on the Nord CE 4 and premium OnePlus 12 series. The upcoming offering si also confirmed to be backed by a 5,500mAh battery unit with support for 80W wired and 5W reverse charging.
The rest of the details including the Nord CE 4 Lite 5G’s processor, configurations, and camera could be revealed in the days leading up to the launch event.
The new OxygenOS 14.0.0.601 update for the OnePlus 9R is rolling out! If you don’t see the update yet, be patient—it’s not released simultaneously for all devices. It may take a while to appear on your decice.
The update released in India appears with the build number LE2101_14.0.0.601(EX01), includes the June security patch and fixes significant bugs in the user interface.
OnePlus 9R
OnePlus 9R OxygenOS 14.0.0.601 update changelog
Adds a horizontal layout for the Lock screen clock.
You can now adjust the volume in Quick Settings.
You can now choose not to show the track when drawing the Lock screen pattern to unlock your device.
Improves system stability.
You can now adjust the size of a floating window by dragging its bottom and swiping up to close a mini window.
Integrates the June 2024 Android security patch to enhance system security.
This update for OnePlus 9R actually brings UI features already available on some OnePlus devices. We can basically say this update brings some new UI changes and June security patch. For more details, visit the OnePlus Community.
The Moto G85 was recently spotted on TENAA certification site. It is launching as the Motorola S50 Neo in China on June 25. Now, the global variant has appeared on China’s 3C certification site as well as on European retailer listing revealing some key details. The Moto G85 is expected to arrive as the successor to the Moto G84 5G.
Moto G85 spotted on 3C and European retailer
On the 3C certification site, the Moto G85 is listed with model number XT2427-4 which is for the China variant of the S50 Neo. The global variant has model numbers XT2427-2 and XT2427-3. As per the certification listing, the Moto G85 will come with support for 33W fast charging compared to 30W on its predecessor. The charger has model number MC-338 supporting speeds at 15W, 27W, 30W, and 33W during testing.
Meanwhile, the Moto G85 was also spotted on the European retailer site. The device will be available in Gray, Olive, and Surf colors. The upcoming offering carries a price tag of EUR 349 for the 12GB + 256GB RAM and storage configuration.
The Moto G85 is expected to launch soon in the global markets. The smartphone’s leaked renders revealed a curved display and a raised camera island on the back panel. The later is expected to accommodate 50MP and 8MP camera sensors whereas up front there will be a 32MP selfie snapper. As per TENAA, the device will be backed by a 5,000mAh battery unit. The Moto G85 is rumoured to be powered by a Snapdragon 4 Gen 3 SoC. It will come with a 6.6-inch FHD+ OLED display integrated with a fingerprint scanner.
OnePlus Nord 2T received a new update today, applying the June security patch. OnePlus introduced the Nord 2T in May 2021, initially debuting with Android 12. This means major Android upgrades for the Nord 2T have ended.
OnePlus Nord 2T
OnePlus promised 2 years of major Android upgrades and 3 years of security patches for OnePlus Nord 2T. Although the OnePlus Nord 2T won’t get more Android upgrades, we can say that it will continue receiving security patches for another year as we’re in 2024 June. The latest update focuses solely on security patches. According to a thread on the OnePlus Community, the OxygenOS 14.0.0.605 update is currently rolling out for Indian devices (Update version: CPH2401_14.0.0.605(EX01)).
The update is available in India and will expand to more regions soon. If you encounter any bugs after the update, OnePlus advises reporting them by dialing *#800#.
Apple announced AI features called Apple Intelligence last week at the annual WWDC. They will be integrated into iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia on iPhones, iPads, and Macs respectively. While the newly announced software version will be released for the public later this year, it’s common to expect them loaded with Apple Intelligence features. However, that won’t be the case. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports that you will need to wait longer as the rollout will be slow and stretch into 2025.
Apple Intelligence’s rollout will be slow
Apple Intelligence
Gurman reports that Apple will roll out the new Intelligence features in a phased manner spanning across months. The Cupertino-based tech giant wants to avoid the difficulties that other AI systems have faced. The company traditionally rolls out features announced at WWDC in September when the new iPhones go on sale. This time, Apple has revealed that the latest AI technology won’t follow a strict timeline. At the recent keynote, the company just gave a roadmap of what’s arriving later this year and early next year.
Gurman notes that the delayed arrival of Apple Intelligence is better in several ways. It will help the company in managing its resources by not overwhelming its staff in getting out all features done at once. Apple will only focus on American English so that it has more time to train its AI models in other languages although it may take years. The Cupertino-based tech giant will be taking its time to strengthen its cloud infrastructure. This will help mitigate the risk of servers crashing due to too much user load. Apple is also said to work on fixing the nonsensical information delivered by AI services by starting with a small user base.
Citing employees involved in Apple Intelligence’s development, a subset of the service’s features won’t be available until next year. These include the upgraded Siri assistant features that stole the show at WWDC including finding things based on context, on-screen awareness features, and more. The ChatGPT integration will also arrive in 2025. But on the bright side, the initial version of Apple Intelligence will still pack features like prioritizing notifications, summarising webpages, writing tools, image generation, and Genmoji.
Gurman also notes that non-AI features including changes to the Mail app, the ability to edit spatial video, and more won’t arrive with the initial software version updates.
OPPO has silently launched its new TWS earbuds in Ukraine. The OPPO Enco Air 4 Pro is now officially available in Ukraine. OPPO’s new earbuds is listed on OPPO’s Ukraine website for 3,999 UAH, which is approximately $98. According to TheTechOutlook, these earbuds have previously visitted Singapore’s IMDA website, indicating the earbuds should be available in other regions as well.
OPPO Enco Air 4 Pro comes in two colors: black and white. The earbuds features active noise cancellation up to 49 dB and each bud is equipped with 12.4mm drivers. Additionally, the earbuds have three microphones for clearer calls and enhanced noise cancellation. They support Bluetooth 5.4 and have a latency of 47ms.
OPPO Enco Air 4 Pro offers a total of 44 hours of usage time with the charging case. Each earbud provides 12 hours of listening time on a single charge. It also has an IP55 rating for splash and dust resistance. Visit OPPO Ukraine‘s official website to learn more about the buds and purchase if you’re in Ukraine.
1. Motorola Edge 50 Ultra vs Xiaomi 14 Civi: Moto’s Smartphone made out of wood
Vegan leather has been the recent trend in the materials used in smartphones. Both the Motorola Edge 50 Ultra and the Xiaomi 14 Civi come with such an option. But while there’s a glass variant as well on the Chinese phone, Motorola is offering a unique wooden back as well. This is real wood that is being used and also gives off a pleasant fragrance.
The two models also offer an aluminum frame on the side. But that’s not all, the Edge 50 Ultra comes with an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance. Meanwhile, Xiaomi’s new flagship killer doesn’t have an official rating. There are likely some measures in place, but the lack of an IP rating could be to save on cost.
2. Taller display vs brighter display
Moving to the front, we get an OLED screen on both models. However, the Motorola Edge 50 Ultra sports a taller 6.7-inch panel compared to the 6.55-inch screen on the Xiaomi 14 Civi. But the latter also has a higher 3,000 nits of peak brightness, which is higher than Motorola’s 2,500 nits peak. But the Edge 50 Ultra swings back with a higher 144Hz refresh rate over the 120Hz on the Xiaomi model. Both devices offer 1.5K resolution, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus protection (Victus 2 on the Civi), and HDR10+.
3. Similar performance, but Moto charges faster
Regardless of which smartphone you choose, you can expect high-end performance on both. The duo are equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 SoC that is a chip made for budget flagships. Under the hood, the Edge 50 Ultra is powered by a 4,500mAh battery pack that supports 125W wired fast charging, 50W wireless fast charging, and 10W reverse charging. The Xiaomi 14 Civi manages to offer a slightly large 4,700mAh battery pack but only offers wired fast charging up to 67W.
4. Camera: It’s a close one
It is hard to definitively state which smartphone has the better camera setup. Both offer an edge in some situations, at least on paper. Motorola is offering a 50-megapixel main sensor (supports Optical Image Stabilization) paired with a 64-megapixel periscope telephoto shooter (3x Optical Zoom), and a 50-megapixel ultra wide angle lens on the rear. The front houses a 50-megapixel selfie camera.
On the Xiaomi 14 Civi, you get three cameras again but the primary and telephoto both are 50-megapixel sensors. The telephoto lens only offers 2x optical zoom and the third camera is a 12-megapixel ultra wide angle lens. This might seem a bit lackluster compared to the Edge 50 Ultra, but the selfie camera has always been a selling point of the Civi series in China. The device houses a dual camera setup with a 32-megapixel wide and another 32-megapixel ultra-wide angle lens on the front.
5. Pricing & Verdict
Pricing is a major factor when buying a smartphone. Both of these models fall into similar categories but have a noticeable difference in pricing. The Xiaomi 14 Civi starts from 39,999 INR in India and the Edge 50 Ultra costs 59,999 INR. But it is worth noting that the Motorola model only comes in a 12GB + 512GB option. Although, Xiaomi’s 12GB + 512GB version also costs 44,999 INR, which is still cheaper.
If you want a refreshing new device with a wooden panel, fast charging, and wireless charging support, the Motorola device is clearly for you. But if you’re on a strict budget and just want the flagship hardware without breaking the bank, Xiaomi’s 14 Civi is a sweet deal, especially with bank discounts. The Edge 50 Ultra can be purchased for as low as 49,999 INR with bank discounts and launch offers, so check it out ASAP!
Huawei‘s homegrown operating system, HarmonyOS, is experiencing rapid growth in China. The platform, launched in 2019 as an alternative to Android after U.S. sanctions restricted access to Google’s mobile OS, now holds the second-largest market share in China at 17%.
That’s higher than the share of Apple’s iOS, which sits at 16% while Google’s Android remains dominant with a commanding 68% share. Huawei’s quick ascent in its domestic market seems to be fueling a shift in its strategy towards app developers.
Currently, Huawei doesn’t charge developers for using its HarmonyOS platform. However, a new report by Bloomberg suggests the company is considering implementing a 20% commission fee on app revenue.
Charging developers a commission on revenue is a common industry practice, with leaders like Apple and Google charging rates ranging from 15% to 30%. Huawei has yet to officially comment on this change.
Huawei’s recent success appears more hardware-driven than software-focused. The company’s smartphone business has seen a significant rise since the Mate 60 series launch last year which was powered by the in-house Kirin chips with 5G capabilities despite ongoing U.S. sanctions.
Their latest flagship, the Pura 70 series also enjoyed a rapid sell-out upon its April release. This resurgence seems to be impacting Apple’s market share in China, based on market research data. Looking ahead, Huawei is expected to unveil the Mate 70 sometime between September and October.
The Mate 70 is expected to be the first Huawei phone to feature the stable version of HarmonyOS NEXT, which will completely drop support for Android apps. HarmonyOS NEXT is currently in the testing phase, with recent reports suggesting that the Developer Preview 2 offers better animation effects than Android.
It remains to be seen if the company officially implements the rumored commission fee and how developers will respond to this change in the HarmonyOS ecosystem.
Recently, we tested the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 against the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (see the comparison here), and the latter was way ahead of the 8s Gen 3 in all aspects. However, it’s a close competitor of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2.
Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 and 8 Gen 2 both are octa-core chips built using TSMC’s 4nm process node. However, they share a lot of dissimilarities. In this post, we’ll compare the two chips to find out which one is ahead of the other.
SD 8s Gen 3
SD 8 Gen 2
Release Date
March 2024
November 2022
Model number
SM8635
SM8550-AB
Process node
4nm TSMC
4nm TSMC
CPU
1 x Cortex-X4 @ 3.0 GHz 4 x Cortex-A720 @ 2.8 GHz 3 x Cortex-A520 @ 2.0 GHz
1 x Cortex-X3 @ 3.2 GHz 2 x Cortex-A715 @ 2.8 GHz 2 x Cortex-A710 @ 2.8 GHz 3 x Cortex-A510 @ 2.0 GHz
GPU
Adreno 735 Vulkan 1.3, OpenGL ES 3.2, OpenCL 2.0 FP
Adreno 740 Vulkan 1.3, OpenGL ES 3.2, OpenCL 2.0 FP
GAMING
Snapdragon Elite Gaming Hardware-accelerated Ray Tracing Game Post Processing Accelerators Qualcomm® Adreno™ Frame Motion Engine 2.0
Snapdragon Elite Gaming Hardware-accelerated Ray Tracing Game Post Processing Accelerators Unreal Engine 5 MetaHumans framework
5G / 4G / 3G / 2G Wi-Fi 7 NFC Bluetooth 5.4 NavIC support
5G / 4G / 3G / 2G Wi-Fi 7 NFC Bluetooth 5.3 NavIC support
Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 vs 8 Gen 2: Benchmarks
Geekbench 6
Geekbench v6
Single Core
Multi Core
SD 8s Gen 3
2013
5247
SD 8 Gen 2
1984
5356
AnTuTu 10
AnTuTu 10
SD 8s Gen 3
SD 8 Gen 2
CPU
363576
392389
GPU
490838
603295
Memory
331461
310704
UX
253767
287289
Total Score
1439642
1593677
Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 vs 8 Gen 2: CPU
The Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 features a (1+4+3) core cluster, while the 8 Gen 2 has a (1+2+2+3) core cluster.
There’s one Cortex-X4 prime core in the Snapdragon chip clocked at 3.0 GHz, four Cortex-A720 performance cores running at 2.8 GHz and three Cortex-A520 power-efficient cores at 2.0 GHz.
In the Snapdragon 8s Gen 2 chip, we have one Cortex-X3 prime core running at 3.2 GHz, four performance cores (two Cortex-A715 at 2.8 GHz, two Cortex-A710 cores at 2.8 GHz), and three Cortex-A510 power-efficient cores clocked at 2.0 GHz.
The Cortex-X4 and Cortex-A720 cores in the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 are better in terms of performance and power efficiency compared to the Cortex-X3, Cortex-A715, and Cortex-A710 cores in the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. These new cores in the SD 8s Gen 3 chip sustain a high workload on its CPU without sacrificing performance.
Within 15 minutes of a CPU throttling test, the SD 8s Gen 3 throttled to 94% of its maximum performance, whereas the SD 8 Gen 2 throttled to 75%. Please note that CPU throttling also depends on the cooling system implemented on the device.
The bottom line is that the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 has better CPU performance than the SD 8 Gen 2. However, the difference is not too big.
Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 vs 8 Gen 2: GPU
The SD 8s Gen 3 is equipped with the Adreno 735 GPU, while the SD 8 Gen 2 has Adreno 740.
Benchmarking phones powered by these two chips on platforms like Wild Life Extreme and Solay Bay Stress Test reveals that the SD 8 Gen 2 has better gaming performance than the SD 8s Gen 3. Also, the average FPS is higher with the SD 8 Gen 2.
Both chips feature Snapdragon Elite Gaming for a better gaming experience. They support hardware-accelerated ray tracing and game post processing accelerators. The chips support Vulkan 1.3, OpenGL ES 3.2, and OpenCL 2.0 FP APIs.
Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 vs 8 Gen 2: Memory and Storage
Both chips have the same memory and storage technologies. They support up to 24GB LPDDR5X RAM at 4200 MHz and UFS 4.0 storage. These are fast RAM and storage technologies found in flagship chips.
Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 vs 8 Gen 2: Multimedia
Both flagship chipsets feature a Qualcomm Spectra 18-bit Triple ISP with up to 200-megapixel single camera support. They also support a 108MP single camera with Multi-frame Noise Reduction (MFNR) and Zero Shutter Lag (ZSL). The SD 8s Gen 3 also supports 64+36 MP dual cameras (MFNR, ZSL) and 36+36+36 MP triple cameras (MFNR, ZSL).
The SD 8s Gen 3 and SD 8 Gen 2 chips are equipped with camera features like AI-based auto exposure, low light photography, an engine for visual analytics 3.0, AI-based face detection, locally motion compensated temporal filtering (MCTF), and real-time semantic segmentation.
Coming to video, the SD 8s Gen 3 is capable of taking up to 4K videos at 60 FPS, whereas the SD 8 Gen 2 can record 8K videos at 30 FPS or 4K videos at 120 FPS. The SD 8s Gen 3 takes 1080p slow-mo videos at 240 FPS, while the SD 8 Gen 2 takes up to 720p slow-mo videos at 960 FPS.
Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 vs 8 Gen 2: Display
Both chips support the same on-device display resolution – QHD+ @ 144 Hz or 4K Ultra HD @ 60 Hz, although they have dissimilar external display resolution support.
The maximum external display resolution for the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 is 8K @ 30 Hz, while it is 4K @ 60 Hz for the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2.
Both chips support 10-bit colour and multiple HDR formats – HDR10, HDR10+, and HDR Vivid.
Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 vs 8 Gen 2: Connectivity
The connectivity features on both chips are largely the same, but several minor tweaks that could make a difference to you.
Both chips have the Snapdragon X70 5G modem, but the peak downloading speed in the SD 8 Gen 2 is 10 Gbps, significantly higher than the 6.5 Gbps peak download speed in the SD 8s Gen 3.
Another difference is the Bluetooth standard. While the SD 8s Gen 3 supports Bluetooth v5.4, the SD 8 Gen 2 uses a slightly older version – Bluetooth v5.3, although the difference is very minimal.
Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 vs 8 Gen 2: Which is Better?
The Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 has CPU advantages over the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. It reflects on the spec sheet as well as on the benchmarks. However, the 8 Gen 2 gets a slight edge in terms of GPU performance, offering better gaming performance.
The rest of the specifications are pretty much similar.
So, if gaming is my primary concern, I’d go all in with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, but for anything else, I prefer the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3.
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