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Galaxy Z Fold 6 Slim will be expensive than regular Fold even without S Pen

We’ve been hearing rumors about a new addition to Samsung’s foldable line, but the name—whether it will be Galaxy Z Fold 6 Slim or Ultra— is still unclear. A usually reliable leaker Ice Universe seems to have shed some light on the matter.

The tipster revealed on Weibo that Samsung is working on a Galaxy Z Fold 6 Slim and not an “Ultra” variant. The Weibo post simply translates to “It’s not called Ultra because it’s not Ultra, it’s just thin.” This suggests the Fold 6 Slim won’t boast upgraded specs compared to the standard Fold 6. Instead, it appears to be a thinner version focused solely on portability.

Ice Universe corroborated this while responding to a user’s comment about the Slim’s configuration. The tipster clarified that there won’t be a downgrade, but there won’t be any upgrades either.

The trade-off for a slimmer design appears to be S Pen support. Ice Universe confirmed while replying to another user’s comment that Fold 6 Slim won’t work with the S Pen. Apparently, Samsung is making the foldable thinner by ditching the digitizer needed for pen input, which means no S Pen for this model.

Perhaps most surprisingly, even without any upgrades or the S Pen support, Ice Universe suggest the Fold 6 Slim will be priced higher than the standard Fold 6.

Samsung has yet to officially confirm the Galaxy Z Fold 6 or Flip 6, but these devices are likely to be launched at the Unpacked event rumored for July 10. 

According to a previous report, the Fold 6 Slim will not be part of this launch event. Instead, Samsung is planning to launch the slimmer Z Fold 6 alongside the Galaxy S25 series in early 2025. The rumored Galaxy Z Fold 6 FE and Z Flip 6 FE are also in the working that will target a more affordable foldable market. 

Oppo Reno 12 series revealed for global market, launch imminent

Last month, Oppo unveiled the Reno 12 and 12 Pro, equipped with the Dimensity 8250 and Dimensity 9200+ chipsets, respectively. The brand recently confirmed that it will unveil the Reno 12 series globally later this month. Finally, the brand has released the first teasers of the Reno 12 lineup for the global market. Here is a look at the design of the next-generation Reno phones.

Oppo Reno 12 series teased

OPPO Reno 12 series
OPPO Reno 12 series

Oppo Europe and Global’s X handles have begun to tease the Reno 12 series. The official community platform is running a contest to choose a product ambassador for the Reno 12 series. The brand is accepting applications until June 30. This suggests that the global launch is likely on this date or sometime after this date. However, since the brand has not officially confirmed the launch date, it is advisable to wait for the official announcement.

To recall, the Reno 11 and 11 Pro were announced at the beginning of this year. Both came equipped with a front curved-edge display. The back panel of both phones featured a vertical pill-shaped camera module that housed three cameras and an LED flash. Although the front design of the Reno 12 series remains undisclosed, its rear camera module appears less prominent than those of previous generations. In fact, it looks a bit similar to the camera module of the Reno 6 series, which debuted back in July 2021.

Shown above are some of the official images of the Reno 12 Pro. The Reno 12 Pro features a rectangular camera module that houses three cameras and an LED flash. The official images also indicate that the 12 Pro will come with dual speakers and an IR blaster. It appears that the brand will offer some AI-driven features, such as AI Portrait and AI LinkBoost, on the Reno 12 lineup.

Oppo is yet to disclose the key specifications of the Reno 12 and 12 Pro. Reports suggest that both phones could feature the recently announced Dimensity 7300 chipset. Hopefully, the company will reveal more details about the Reno 12 duo later this week.

Poco M6 launched with 90Hz display, Heilo G91 Ultra, 108MP dual cameras

Poco has silently listed the M6 on its global website, revealing all its specifications and features. In addition, the brand recently released an X post to confirm the prices of the Poco M6’s two variants. Here is a look at what’s packed inside the M6.

Poco M6 specifications and features

Poco M6
Poco M6

Starting from the front, the Poco M6 features a 6.79-inch IPS LCD panel that offers an FHD+ resolution, a 20.5:9 aspect ratio, up to 550 nits of brightness, and DC dimming. The display punch-hole houses a 13-megapixel camera for selfies and video calls.

The Poco M6 has a premium look thanks to its glass back. The rear panel houses a 108-megapixel main camera and a 2-megapixel macro camera. The device runs Android 14, with a layer of HyperOS on top.

Under the hood, the Poco M6 has the Helio G91 Ultra chipset, up to 8 GB of LPDDR4x RAM, and up to 256 GB of eMMC 5.1 storage. It packs a 5,030mAh battery with 33W fast charging. For more storage, the device has a hybrid SIM slot for adding a microSD card.

Poco M6
Poco M6

The Poco M6 features a side-facing fingerprint sensor for security. The device offers other features, such as dual SIM, 4G VoLTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, a 3.5mm audio jack, and a USB-C. Lastly, the device measures 168.6 x 76.28 x 8.3mm and weighs 205 grams. This device is nothing but a rebranded version of the Redmi 13 4G, which debuted in the previous week.

Poco M6 price

The Poco M6 comes in two options, such as 6 GB RAM + 128 GB storage and 8 GB RAM + 256 GB storage. The prices for these variants are $129 and $149, respectively. It comes in three shades, such as Black, Silver, and Purple.

iPhone 16’s battery has a metal casing & higher capacity; could be a new battery technology

Tipster Majin Bu on X has shared some images of the iPhone 16‘s battery pack. Surprisingly, the battery comes with a metal casing instead of the soft foil packaging. Although initially it seems like dummy units, upon a closer inspection it appears to be an actual battery, with an extra metal casing on top of the plastic foil packaging.

The metal casing will reportedly improve the heat dissipation

The battery pack retains the familiar shape but packs a higher 3,597mAh capacity as compared to the iPhone 15’s 3349 mAh. The battery capacity is engraved on the metal surface.

While the exact reason behind Apple going back to the hard casing design is unknown, reports mention that it could be aimed at dissipating the heat from the battery quickly. The iPhone 15 series indeed suffered from overheating after the launch. While for most people the issue has also been solved with subsequent software updates, a further improvement in heat dissipation is expected with this change in the battery.

Inside the metal casing could be a different battery tech

The iPhone 13 Pro Max and 14 Pro Max weigh a staggering 240 grams, which is heavier than the book-style foldable Honor Magic V2 (231g). Last year Apple replaced the stainless steel middle frame with titanium. As a result, the iPhone 15 Pro Max became 19g lighter than its predecessor.

The extra metal casing for the battery will make the iPhone 16 heavier as compared to the 171g iPhone 15. The higher battery capacity should also add some weight to the device.

In addition to that, the use of a metal casing also takes up a significant portion of precious internal space, which was also one of the biggest reasons behind smartphone makers switching to the much thinner plastic foil packaging. The soft packaging is also safer as it allows the gas (if it forms due to an accident) to expand and easily exit the battery pack without risking the user’s life.

That being said, there could be a new battery tech inside that requires a hard casing but might not have a similar risk of explosion. It may also offer a higher energy density as otherwise, the phone will have to become thicker to house the 3597mAh metal-encased battery. For example, the vivo X Fold3 Pro houses a 5700mAh battery (the biggest battery in a foldable). The battery packs a relatively new Silicon carbide (Si/C) composite material.

(Source)

Blink Mini camera two-pack is on sale for $30 at Amazon

If you’re looking to grab some security cameras for varied purposes, you should grab the Blink Mini Camera. The famous cameras are now retailing at a discount price of $30. It is over 40 percent cheaper compared to the usual retail price of $50.

Grab from Amazon

Interested buyers can also grab the single piece with a 33% discount and the triple pack with a relative discount. However, Blink Mini is not the latest iteration, but it is capable of recording video at 1080p with WiFi connectivity. It can even alert users directly with motion detection, thanks to its ability to capture infrared signals.

The cameras support two-way audio, which can be quite useful in some scenarios. Further, the compatibility with Alexa makes the Blink cameras easily accessible across smart devices. However, the inserted buyers will get an Amazon Prime subscription with a free 30-day trial.

Moreover, Interested users can customize motion detection and set motion zones for instant alerts. To easily manage the cameras, there’s a dedicated Blink app that lets you watch, listen, and communicate. It can also be used as an indoor plug-in chime for Blink Video Doorbell.

Users can grab the Blink Mini in black and white color options.

Related:

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Meizu 21 Flyme 10.5.5.1A update lets you generate images from text and remove distractions from images

Meizu 21 (our review) has received the Flyme 10.5.5.1A stable version. The update adds a couple of generative AI features including text generation and object removal. So let’s take a look.

The additions and improvements are as follows:

Aicy Voice:

Enables image generation from text description. You can describe your imagination in text and the phone will offer images based on that. This is no doubt a fast and easy way to bring your imagination to reality.

Object removal:

You can easily remove unwanted objects from an image by circling around it. AI will recognize the object, remove that, and generate what the contents in the area could look like. To use the feature you can go to Image Editing > AI Tools > Remove in the gallery app.

Bug fixes:

  • Fixed an issue where the media controls in the Control Center would not respond when clicked after resizing the display
  • The issue related to activating TalkBack is now fixed
  • Fixed the issue of being unable to use TikTok occasionally
  • Fixed the issue where the camera’s front camera would crash when activating gesture photography
  • Fixed the issue where contacts and call logs were not displayed when entering the phone
  • Fixed the issue related to sharing images using Aicy screen recognition, where previously an error message ‘failed to obtain resources’ used to appear.
  • Fixed an issue in Calendar
  • The issue related to changing the wallpaper has also been fixed

The Meizu 20 Pro has also received the generative AI-based object eraser feature with the Flyme 10.5.5.1A update. However it didn’t get the ability to generate images based on text prompts. In addition to that, it also received some bug fixes.

Siri in iOS 18 will get these new AI features

Apple‘s annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) is a hotbed for rumors about upcoming software updates, and this year, Siri, Apple’s digital assistant, has been at the center of attention. A fresh leak from Apple Insider, reportedly from sources close to Apple’s AI projects, offers the clearest look yet at Siri’s upcoming features for various iPhone apps.

The leak suggests Apple has been focusing majorly on improving Siri’s ability to understand natural language commands. Apparently, the tech giant has been training Siri with intentionally vague user requests, such as “I want to make a blog” or “I’m feeling nostalgic right now.” 

Siri AI Features iOS 18

The aim is to move Siri beyond needing specific syntax for tasks. Ideally, users won’t have to use precise commands like “turn on the coffee machine,” but can instead say something more natural like, “Hey Siri, I want some coffee.”

The leak also details Siri’s integration with no less than 18 built-in iPhone apps. Here are some of the most noteworthy highlights:

  • Camera: Siri will be able to respond to the user’s voice commands for camera control. Users can switch between video and photo modes, start a shutter timer, and toggle between front and rear cameras using voice commands. 
  • Mail: For the Mail app, Apple is borrowing a page from Gmail by using machine learning to automatically classify emails. Moreover, Siri will handle tasks like composing, sending, and scheduling emails, marking emails as junk, setting reminders, summarizing emails, and creating “smart replies.”
  • Photos: Apple might also introduce a suite of photo editing features powered by generative AI. The list of feature sets might be similar to those available on Pixel phones like the ability to remove unwanted objects from photos and fill in the gaps using generative AI, searching for specific photos based on people or animals in them, and applying AI-powered filters.
  • Safari: Siri integration in Safari could offer webpage summaries, similar to the functionality offered by Google’s Gemini on Android. Additionally, users can expect voice commands for creating new tab groups and opening private tabs.
  • Voice Memos: Siri will enable completely hands-free voice memo recording. Users can instruct Siri to create a new recording, begin speaking, stop the recording, assign a specific name, and even move it to a designated folder – all through voice commands.

Apple Insider’s report spills the beans on nearly everything Siri will bring in upgrades, so it’s worth a read if you want the full details.

Regarding the launch, Apple leak specialist Mark Gurman notes that not all these features will be available immediately. While some might be announced at WWDC, their actual release could be spread out until 2025 through software updates.

Poco Pad 5G spotted on Bureau of Indian Standards website ahead of global debut

POCO recently launched its first tablet in the global market called the POCO Pad. This mid-range tablet is marketed as a multimedia and productivity-focused device as it comes with a high-resolution display in the 16:10 aspect ratio. Currently, Poco offers a Wi-Fi-only model of the tablet, however, it looks like a 5G model might be on its way to India.

Poco Pad BIS

The Poco Pad 5G with model number 24074PCD2I has been spotted on the Bureau of Indian Standards certification website. This seems to be the POCO Pad 5G connectivity variant, as its model number closely resembles that of the Redmi Pad Pro 5G. For reference, the Redmi Pad Pro 5G, which recently launched in China has the model number 24074RPD2I. Other than the added 5G connectivity, we expect the remaining specifications to be the same as the Wi-Fi-only Poco Pad.

Poco Pad

Poco Pad 5G expected specs:

The Poco Pad 5G will likely come with a 12.1-inch 120 Hz LCD display, offering a 2.5K resolution with a 16:10 aspect ratio and 600 nits of peak brightness. The tablet will offer DC dimming to reduce the strain on your eyes when you are using the tablet at lower brightness levels. The tablet will be certified with Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision support for enhanced video streaming.

Poco Pad Display

Under the hood, the tablet will be powered by the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 SoC, paired with up to 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB storage. Like the Wi-Fi-only model, the 5G variant is also expected to feature a microSD card slot that supports up to 1.5TB storage expansion.

For optics, we can expect an 8 MP sensor on both the front and back sides of the tablet. The battery onboard is expected to be of 10,000mAh capacity paired with 33W fast charging. And last but not least, it will likely come with an Android 14-based HyperOS operating system out of the box.

(Source)

Google updated its controversial repair policy; will now “work with you” instead of keeping your device

The previous repair policy for Pixel devices stated that Pixel devices with unauthorized parts should not be sent to Google for repair. If someone does so, he/she won’t get the device back. So ignoring the repair policy could be a big mistake for users. The policy had been there since mid-2023.

Pixel-8-Pro

The previous repair policy mentioned:

Unauthorized Parts: You will not send in a Device containing non-Google-authorized parts – if You do, Your Device will not be returned to you.

Recently, this repair policy (which states that Google may not return a device with non-Google authorized parts) has come to light thanks to right-to-repair activist Louis Rossman. Google responded in a statement to Android Authority that they will update the repair policy.

Now Google has updated its repair policy stating that if Google decides not to return the device (with unauthorized parts) due to health and safety reasons, it will at least contact the user and take steps to resolve the matter.

The updated policy for unauthorized parts reads:

Unauthorized Parts: If You send a Device containing non-Google-authorized parts for repair, in certain situations (e.g., safety), the Service Provider may not be able to repair Your Device. Service Provider will return Your Device except when health or safety requirements prevent us from doing so. If the Service Provider can’t return Your Device, Google will work with You on the next steps.

The updated repair policy states that the service provider may or may not repair the device. This means that Google may in deed repair a device and return it (a shift from the previous policy) if they consider the use of the unauthorized part safe. If the device is considered unsafe to repair or use, they “will work with You on next steps.”

As you can see, the updated policy is kept open-ended and it can still take some time for Google to work with you to be able to return the device without risking your health and safety. You will either get it back fixed, or just as it was, or work with Google on the next steps.

Audio-Technica Launches New Condensor Microphone Designed for Content Creators, Musicians, Streamers

Audio-Technica has introduced a new condenser microphone, the AT2020USB-XP, designed for content creators, streamers, and musicians. It features a cardioid directional pickup pattern to focus on the sound source in front of the microphone, ideal for recording vocals, voiceovers, and instruments.

The microphone has an auto gain control feature for handling fluctuating audio levels

The AT2020USB-XP integrates digital noise reduction technology that can be adjusted using a button on the base of the microphone. This helps reduce unwanted background noise from air conditioners and PC fans, ensuring cleaner audio recordings. The microphone also boasts an automatic gain control (AGC) function. When enabled, it automatically adjusts the microphone’s output level to maintain a consistent signal strength, especially beneficial for situations with fluctuating audio levels. The AGC function works in conjunction with an 80Hz high-pass filter to eliminate low-frequency noise without affecting the quality of your voice recordings.

Keep in mind that noise reduction and AGC functionalities are only available at specific sampling rates: 44.1kHz and 48kHz for noise reduction, and 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, or 96kHz for AGC.

The AT2020USB-XP offers versatile connection options. It utilizes a USB Type-C connector and includes a USB Type-C to Type-A cable for compatibility with various devices. Additionally, a USB conversion adapter is included for added convenience.

The microphone boasts a built-in high-output headphone amplifier, allowing you to directly monitor your audio with headphones at a maximum sampling rate of 24-bit/192kHz. This ensures you can hear exactly what you’re recording in real-time.

A pop filter is included to minimize plosive sounds, like p’s and b’s, that can create unwanted pops in your recordings. The microphone also comes with a microphone stand for desktop placement. For added control and ease of use, the AT2020USB-XP features a touch sensor that allows you to mute the microphone with a tap. The status is indicated by a built-in LED light: blue for recording and red for mute.

(Via)

ViewSonic Unveils XG2536, a 280Hz IPS Monitor for Competitive Gamers

ViewSonic has launched a new monitor overseas targeted towards FPS gamers and fast-paced action: the XG2536. This 24-inch display boasts a high refresh rate of 280Hz combined with a 1080p resolution, offering smooth visuals for competitive gaming. While the official launch date remains unknown, the price is set at US$290 (around RMB 2,104).

The monitor also has 2 2W speakers for basic audio needs

The XG2536 features a 1920 x 1080 resolution IPS panel with a 280Hz refresh rate, ensuring a tear-free and responsive gaming experience. It delivers a respectable brightness of 300 nits, a 1000:1 static contrast ratio, and a 5ms response time. Additionally, the monitor offers good color reproduction with 8-bit color depth and covers 99% of the sRGB and 98% of the NTSC color gamuts.

Viewsonic Monitor

For ergonomics, the stand provides a wide range of adjustments including tilt, rotation, horizontal and vertical movement, and pitch. The monitor is also equipped with two 2W speakers for basic audio needs and an ambient light on the back for a touch of atmosphere. Connectivity options include two HDMI 2.0 ports, one DisplayPort 1.4, a USB-C 3.2 port with 65W Power Delivery for charging laptops, and a standard 3.5mm headphone jack.

(Via)

Groovers Theta gaming earbuds with 45 ms low-latency mode, LED lights & touch controls launched for ₹1,999

Grooves has unveiled a new pair of TWS earbuds called the Grooves Theta earbuds. These earbuds are targeted toward gamers and feature RGB lights and a super low latency mode.

Grooves Theta

Grooves Theta earbuds specs:

The Grooves Theta gaming TWS earbuds come with 10 mm custom composite diaphragm drivers tuned by Langsdom Audio Wireless to produce rich sound. The earbuds feature a Blurtrum chipset and use Bluetooth 5.3 for connectivity. This allows the earbuds to offer a super low latency mode of 45 ms which is necessary for gaming and watching videos without any audio lag. The earbuds also have support for AAC and SBC audio codecs.

Although it does not feature active noise cancellation (ANC), the brand has included an AI called noise reduction, which comes in handy to provide clear, disturbance-free audio through your mic while making calls or playing multiplayer games.

These earbuds offer touch controls for managing audio levels, responding to calls, and switching tracks. As for the battery, the earbuds offer 30 hours of audio playback on a single charge. They come with a USB-C port for charging, and a full charge takes 90 minutes. Lastly, the earbuds come with IPX5 water and sweat resistance, making them the perfect workout partner.

Pricing & availability

The Grooves Theta gaming TWS, available in Black and White, is priced at ₹1,999. These earbuds can be purchased on Amazon.in, Flipkart, Tata Cliq, JioMart, and Moglix.

In related news, Grooves also launched the Alpha Gaming TWS earbuds a couple of weeks back which also feature an attractive RGB design, 13mm dynamic drivers, dual-label ENC chip, and Active Noise Cancellation. These earbuds also come with the same ₹1,999 price tag.

Poco M6 Plus 5G: What to expect from this budget smartphone?

Poco, a sub-brand of Xiaomi, is gearing up to launch the Poco M6 Plus 5G in India. This smartphone is expected to be a budget-friendly option powered by the new Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 processor. Leaks suggest it will be a rebranded version of the Redmi Note 13R, which recently launched in China. Here’s a closer look at what you can expect from the Poco M6 Plus 5G.

Xiaomi-Redmi-Note-13R

1. Display

The phone is expected to flaunt a 6.79-inch Full HD+ (1080 x 2460 pixels) LCD display with a 120Hz refresh rate. This high refresh rate promises a smoother user experience. The display will likely feature a center punch-hole design for the front-facing camera.

2. Performance

The Poco M6 Plus 5G is rumored to be equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 processor. This chipset is designed to provide balanced performance, suitable for everyday tasks and light gaming. It will likely be paired with 6GB or 8GB of RAM and offer up to 512GB of storage, ensuring smooth multitasking and ample space for your files.

3. Camera

This is where the Poco M6 Plus 5G deviates from expectations. Leaks suggest a significant upgrade compared to the Redmi Note 13R. While the Redmi Note 13R features a 50MP primary camera, the Poco M6 Plus 5G is rumored to boast a whopping 108MP main sensor. This sensor is expected to be accompanied by a 13MP secondary ultra-wide sensor. For selfies and video calls, the device is expected to feature an 8MP lens.

If these leaks are true, the Poco M6 Plus 5G could be a great option for budget-conscious users who prioritize camera quality. A 108MP sensor promises high-resolution photos with greater detail, especially in well-lit conditions.

4. Software

The Poco M6 Plus 5G is expected to run on Android 14 with Xiaomi’s custom skin, HyperOS. This UI offers a variety of features and customization options for a personalized user experience. You can expect regular updates from Xiaomi to ensure the phone stays secure and up-to-date.

5. Battery and Charging

The Poco M6 Plus 5G is likely to pack a 5030mAh battery, similar to the Redmi Note 13R. This capacity should provide a full day’s worth of usage on a single charge for most users. The phone is also expected to support 33W fast charging.

6. Design and Build

According to a leak from the Google Play Console, the device appears to closely resemble the Redmi Note 13R, particularly from the front. Although there are no official details regarding the back panel’s design, it is likely to mirror the Redmi Note 13R, assuming it’s a rebrand. The Redmi Note 13R sports a glass back with a wave-textured finish and includes a side-mounted fingerprint scanner for security.

7. Price and Availability

The Poco M6 Plus 5G is expected to launch in India soon. The exact launch date remains unconfirmed, but leaks suggest it could arrive sometime this month. Pricing details are also unknown, but considering the Redmi Note 13R’s pricing in China (starting around $193), we can expect the Poco M6 Plus 5G to be a budget-friendly smartphone.

8. Conclusion

The Poco M6 Plus 5G appears to be a promising option for budget-conscious smartphone users in India. The phone offers a good processor, a smooth display, and a long-lasting battery. The surprise camera upgrade with a rumored 108MP sensor makes it even more appealing.

However, it’s important to note that these are based on leaks and rumors. We’ll have to wait for the official launch to confirm the exact specifications, pricing, and availability of the Poco M6 Plus 5G.

Nikon Z6 III tipped to launch on June 11 with 6K RAW, 120 fps JPEG burst, others

Renowned camera brand Nikon is rumored to be planning to unveil its latest model under the Z6 lineup. It is the Nikon Z6 III which comes with significant improvements over its predecessor, the Nikon Z6 II. The new full-frame camera is slated for release in June according to the rumor. It will support 4K ProRes RAW video and also 6K, while the maximum frame rate is 120 fps. The new autofocus setup of the model is hyped to be at par with the flagship Z9.

Nikon Z6 III

The Nikon Z6 II has been an exciting and functional camera for professionals and other users since it was released in 2020. It is a mid-range full-frame mirrorless camera that has now berthed a new iteration. The rumors relating to the upcoming Nikon Z6 III emanated from New Camera and Nikon Rumors. The upgrades available in the new model will further enhance the appeal of the camera for both photo and video engagements. The Z6 III reportedly retains the same 24.5MP BSI CMOS sensor as its predecessor but it comes with dual Expeed 7 processors. This allows for higher-resolution videos and frame rates.

The leaks indicate that the Z6 III is capable of capturing 6K videos in 12-bit NRAW format but the frame rate under this scenario was not specified. In contrast, the Z6 II is limited to 4K @ 60fps. Full HD video capability remains the same in the new model, at 240fps in 8-bit with a crop. The autofocus system in the Z6 III is also very impressive, comparable with some of the Nikon flagship models, the Z8 and Z9. The Z6 III also comes with a better cooling system and greater ergonomics. Pricing confirmation of the Nikon Z6 III and other optics will be established at its launch.

(source)

Disappointing leak: Galaxy Z Fold 6 camera reportedly unchanged

Samsung fans hoping for a camera upgrade with the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 6 might be disappointed. A leak from a usually reliable source Ice Universe suggests the Fold 6’s cameras will be identical to the Fold 5 which is identical to the Fold 4

The leak states that “all camera specifications, including front camera, rear camera, UPC [Under Panel Camera] and aperture value, are exactly the same, and there is no change.” 

This means the Fold 6 will feature the same 50MP main sensor with an f/1.8 aperture, a 10MP telephoto lens with an f/2.4 aperture and 3x optical zoom, and a 12MP ultrawide lens with an f/2.2 aperture and a 123-degree field of view. The main and telephoto lenses will likely continue to include optical image stabilization (OIS).

Samsung’s pace of innovation in its foldable phones has been sluggish in recent years, while Chinese brands like Vivo and Oppo have been consistently pushing boundaries.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 CAD render | Galaxy Z Fold 6 Camera
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 CAD render by SmartPrix / OnLeaks

For instance, Vivo’s latest X Fold 3 Pro foldable claims the title of the world’s lightest foldable phone, weighing just 236 grams, despite housing a substantial 5700mAh battery — larger than some well-known bar phones like the iPhone 15 Pro Max. Additionally, the X Fold 3 Pro has an impressive camera setup making it probably the best foldable camera phone.

On the other hand, Samsung has been keeping the upgrade list pretty minimal, only bringing the expected generational upgrades such as a new processor. 

This year, though, there might be a notable change in the Fold 6’s design. Samsung is reportedly planning to provide a wider cover screen to make it feel more like a conventional phone when closed. Apart from this, leaks so far suggest no major change or upgrade in the upcoming foldable.

Qualcomm unveiled Snapdragon 6s Gen 3: new chip or rebranded Snapdragon 695?

Qualcomm secretly unveiled the Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 5G chipset for mid-range devices. The chipset is built on a 6nm process node.

Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 specs and features

This is an octa-core chipset with a (2+6) core cluster that achieves a maximum clock speed of 2.3GHz. It equips undisclosed Qualcomm Kryo CPU cores. The Adreno GPU is also undisclosed, which supports H.264 (AVC), H.265 (HEVC), VP8, and VP9 playback. According to a benchmark listing, it could be the Adreno 619, the same GPU that powers the Snapdragon 695.

It supports FHD+ (1080 x 2520) display output at 120Hz.

Speaking of the camera system, smartphone makers can offer 108MP photo capture, a 32MP single camera, a 25MP + 13MP dual-camera system, or a 13MP triple camera system. This chipset supports 1080p video capture at 60 fps and 720p slow motion video capture at up to 120 fps. However, it depends on the smartphone maker how they will utilize the resource.

For image processing the chipset equips Qualcomm Spectra triple ISP (Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 offers the same).

The chipset supports Hi-fi audio, up to 384 kHz/32-bit, and an AI-based echo cantillation and noise cancellation.

For cellular connectivity, it equips the Snapdragon X51 5G Modem-RF System that offers 2.5Gbps maximum download speed. It supports mmWave, 5G NR, LTE support for CBRS, HSPA, sub-6 GHz, TDD, WCDMA, FDD, SA (standalone), NSA (non-standalone), TD-SCDMA, 5G mmWave, CDMA 1x, EV-DO, GSM/EDGE.

Speaking of WiFi and Bluetooth, you get WiFi 4, WiFi 5, and Bluetooth 5.2 support with Qualcomm FastConnect 6200 System. The chipset also supports Qualcomm’s proprietary TrueWireless technology for improved experience with compatible Bluetooth earphones and other devices.

Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 supports LPDDR4x memory (up to 2133 MHz) UFS 2.2 storage, and Quick Charge 4+ technology for fast charging.

A rebranded Snapdragon 695?

As Android Authority pointed out, this new chipset could be a rebranded version of the Snapdragon 695 5G.

The chipset comes with two part numbers – SM6375-AC and SM6370. According to the documentation, the latter one is not 5G capable. The company didn’t mention any other difference between the two parts. It means that the latter one (4G) also equips the same 5G Snapdragon X51 modem.

Citing this Android Authority speculated that the new Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 could be just a rebranded version of the Snapdragon 695 chipset, where the 4G version has the 5G modem disabled. For context, the Snapdragon 695 chipset was launched back in 2021.

(Source)

Samsung Galaxy Watch FE prematurely listed on Amazon with price

The Galaxy Watch FE looks determined to steal its own thunder. Following design leaks, the wearable has now prematurely appeared on an Amazon listing, spilling the beans on its price and some key details.

We already knew the Galaxy Watch FE would likely fall into the budget category, and the Amazon listing confirms this. It’s priced at €199, which translates to roughly $215. The listing also confirms that the Watch FE will be available in a 40mm size and three colors – Black, Silver, and Pink Gold.

Samsung Galaxy Watch FE Price

As we know, the Galaxy Watch FE will borrow heavily from the three-year-old Galaxy Watch 4. The design features wider bezels, a look that feels dated compared to current smartwatch trends.

The Amazon listing itself is light on details beyond size, dimensions (40 x 10 x 39 mm), and weight (26.6 grams). Thankfully, previous leaks have filled in the blanks. 

The Watch FE will feature a 1.2-inch Super AMOLED display with a 396 x 396 pixel resolution. Powering the watch will be a dual-core Exynos W920 processor clocked at 1.18 GHz, backed by 1.5GB of RAM and 16GB of storage.

On the software side, the Galaxy Watch FE is expected to run the latest Wear OS 4 with Samsung’s One UI Watch 5 on top. Battery life is expected to be around 30 hours thanks to the 247mAh battery. 

The watch will also boast features like magnetic wireless charging, 5 ATM water resistance, an aluminum body, and MIL-STD-810H durability certification.

Now, the launch date is a bit of a mystery. Samsung’s Unpacked event is on July 10, and that’s when we expect to see Watch FE alongside the Galaxy Watch 7 and Ultra. 

But Samsung is already offering the Watch FE for free with the purchase of S24 phones in Belgium (ending June 30). That got us thinking that the Watch FE might launch earlier than July. And guess what? A reliable source now claims the Watch FE will launch on June 24th. Now, we just need Samsung to make the smartwatch official, as we already know the details about it.

(Via)

Nintendo Switch Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD trailer surfaces ahead of its June 27 release

Nintendo has released an official trailer for the Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD game on Nintendo Switch. The four-minute introduction video of the new game details the main gameplay, mechanisms, maps, and multiplayer cooperation mode.

Nintendo Switch 2

Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD is a remake of the Luigi’s Mansion 2: Dark Moon game which was released as a Nintendo 3DS game in 2013. There are multiple modes in the game and it supports multiplayer online games. Up to four persons can play the game online. It also supports local multiplayer functionality in the ScareScraper mode. The game itself features Luigi who uses flashlights to stun ghosts and vacuum cleaners to catch ghosts. Each level is themed around different places including greenhouses and ice palaces. King Boo is the villain in the game and Luigi’s mission is to find the missing fragments of the dark moon and stop King Boo.

The Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD game has an ultra-powerful ghost hunting tool Poltergust 5000 to suck out the ghosts. The tool also puffs air to enable Luigi to thoroughly search every nook and cranny of the charming but creepy mansion. The visual enhancements of HD offer a better user experience for the game than its predecessor.

The Nintendo Switch Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD game is available for pre-order from the Nintendo Switch eShop at a price of around 397 yuan ($55). The official release date for the new game is June 27 and the game supports Chinese.

Huawei MatePad SE 11 launched as an affordable tablet with a premium metal build

Huawei has launched a new budget tablet, the MatePad SE 11, globally. The device focuses on affordability while offering features like a large display, long battery life, and stylus support. Let’s walk through its specs, price, and availability details here. 

Huawei MatePad SE 11 Specifications

The MatePad SE 11 features a thin and lightweight metal body for a premium look. It comes in two colors, Crystal Blue and Nebula Gray, and measures 252.3 x 163.8 x 6.9mm, weighing 475 grams.

The display is an 11-inch TFT LCD (IPS) panel with FHD+ resolution (1920 x 1200 pixels) and an 85% screen-to-body ratio. The screen has 400 nits peak brightness, 1400:1 contrast ratio, 16.7 million colors, 100% sRGB color gamut, and eBook mode for comfortable reading. 

Huawei has not officially confirmed the processor, but reports suggest it could be either a Kirin 710A or a Snapdragon 680 chipset. The tablet runs on HarmonyOS 2.0, offering features like multi-screen collaboration for seamless data transfer and screen sharing. 

Other features include multi-window, a kid’s corner for safe and controlled use, and MeeTime calling for video communication. Storage options include 64GB or 128GB, with RAM options of 4GB, 6GB, or 8GB.

The MatePad SE 11 features a basic camera setup with an 8MP rear lens and a 5MP front-facing camera for video calls and selfies. The tablet packs a 7700mAh battery with support for 22.5W fast charging.

The MatePad SE 11 also supports the M-Pen Lite stylus for writing, drawing, and note-taking. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi (2.4GHz and 5GHz), Bluetooth 5.1, and a USB Type-C port. It also has a gravity sensor, ambient light sensor, microphone, quad speakers with Huawei Histen 9.0 audio, and support for USB OTG. 

We don’t yet know how much the Huawei MatePad SE 11 will cost.

Xiaomi launches the MIJIA Weighing Scale S200 Blue Edition for 69 yuan ($10)

Just last month, Xiaomi launched the MIJIA Weighing Scale S200. The Xiaomi MIJIA Weighing Scale S200 Blue color option has now been unveiled in China. The S200 weighing scale is capable of measuring four body parameters at a time. It delivers high-precision measurements thanks partly to its E-shaped and high-precision manganese steel sensor. The sensor has a minimum division of 0.05kg while the scale has a weighing range of 0.1kg to 150kg. It can intelligently determine modes for its efficient measurement.

MIJIA Weight Scale S200 Blue Edition

The Xiaomi MIJIA Weighing Scale S200 can also calculate the standard weight based on the user’s height and age. It offers a reasonable weight control suggestion to the user to reduce the health hazards caused by unmonitored weight loss regimens. It also measures body parameters such as weight and BMI in real time. The MIJIA mobile application provides users with a slew of data including weight trends over specified time intervals of weeks, months, and years.

The smart scale supports balance testing. The user can stand on one foot on the scale and use the MIJIA app to obtain data and understand the body’s coordination, stability, and responsiveness. The app can store information for up to 36 individuals at the same time. It also supports connection to a Bluetooth gateway, as well as random weighing of persons without saving the accompanying data.

MIJIA Weight Scale S200 Blue Edition

Pricing

The Xiaomi MIJIA Weighing Scale S200 Blue Edition is priced at 69 yuan ($10). It can be purchased from Xiaomi Mall, Xiaomi Youpin, and JD.com. There are no indications at this time on the global availability and pricing of the new Xiaomi MIJIA scale.