Europe Archives - Gizmochina

Xiaomi 14 Ultra and Xiaomi 14 Get a Price cut in the UK

Simranpal Singh — Sun, 19 May 2024 17:41:27 +0000

Xiaomi 14 Ultra went global a few weeks ago and gathered positive feedback. However, to make the smartphone deal more lucrative, the company dropped the Xiaomi 14 Ultra price by £200, while the Xiaomi 14 costs £100. The new pricing is now visible on Amazon UK for both smartphones.

Xiaomi 14 Ultra

The Xiaomi 14 Ultra is now available for £1099 with a £200 discount, instead of the early price of £1299. The reduced price is currently applicable to the white color option only. It seems like a temporary discount on the smartphone, or until the stock lasts.

Xiaomi 14 Ultra smartphone comes with a 6.73-inch LTPO AMOLED display with 1440 x 3200 pixels resolution. There’s a non-removable Li-Po 5000 mAh battery with 90W wired and 80W Wireless fast charging. It features a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC, an Adreno 750 GPU, up to 16GB of RAM, and 1TB of storage. A quad-rear camera sensor bundles the smartphone with a 50MP wide, 50MP periscope, 50MP telephoto, 50MP ultrawide sensor, and a TOF 3D sensor. A 32MP sensor sits on the front, featuring a display accelerometer, proximity, gyro, compass, barometer, and two-way satellite.

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Xiaomi 14

Further, a £100 discount is applicable on the Xiaomi 14 smartphone in a similar way. The vanilla model seems to offer all the features of an Ultra, but everything is slightly reduced to fit in the smaller size. The smartphone usually retails for £896, but with the £100 discount, the user can get it for £799.

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Redmi Note 13 Pro

Further, there’s also a discount on the Redmi Note 13 Pro, which is currently retailing for £269 with a 19% discount. The smartphone bundles some exciting specifications in the mid-range segment. It is a bag mix of all colors and features, offering value for money.

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OnePlus Watch 2 goes on sale in the US, Canada, UK, and Europe

Simranpal Singh — Tue, 05 Mar 2024 07:44:47 +0000

A day after its official arrival in India, the OnePlus Watch 2 is finally up for sale in North America, the UK, and Europe. The 46mm-sized smartwatch is available in two color options: radiant steel and Black Steel. The OnePlus Watch 2 registered massive pre-orders in comparison with its predecessor, i.e., the OnePlus Watch. Some good introductory offers are going on for the US, Canada, UK, and European markets.

OnePlus Watch 2 Offer Details in the US, Canada, UK, and Europe

Interested folks in the US can grab the OnePlus Watch 2 for $299, and an additional trade-in discount of $50 is applicable on any old device in any condition. On top of that, there’s an additional 10% discount for students. There’s also an exclusive 10% discount coupon in the OnePlus Store app. There’s an additional discount of 30% on any add-ons you buy along with the smartwatch. Potential buyers can also get the OnePlus Watch 2 from Amazon with similar offers.

A similar campaign is going on for the OnePlus Watch 2 in Canada at the price of $CAD 399. The users can get up to a $CAD 60 discount on the trade-in of any old device. Meanwhile, an increased discount is applicable if you have an old smartphone, smartwatch, tablet, or other digital device. Further, there are the same 10% student discounts, and a 10% coupon if you purchase via the OnePlus Store App.

For buying enthusiasts in the UK, the OnePlus Watch 2 costs around £269.00 for a limited time. OnePlus is offering a free OnePlus Nord Buds 2 along with the purchase. An additional 10% student discount is available for the applicable buyers. There’s an additional 10% discount on add-ons.

In the European continent, the OnePlsu Watch 2 retails for €299.00 and is 46mm in size with Bluetooth, and WiFi connectivity. Users in Germany and France are available for €299.00.

OnePlus Watch 2: Specs and Features

The Chinese electronics maker unveiled the OnePlus Watch 2 at MWC 2024 a week ago. It bundles a 1.43-inch AMOLED display offering 600 nits of peak brightness. Google’s Wear OS 4 running smartwatch is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 SoC and the BES 2700 MCU power efficiency chip. Further, the Watch couples a 500 mAh battery that can sustain for around 48 hours with heavy use. It can charge 7.5W VOOC in just 60 minutes.

BYD’s Denza D9 Minivan Makes a Grand European Debut at Geneva Motor Show

Anubhav — Tue, 27 Feb 2024 15:49:53 +0000

As the Geneva Motor Show opens its doors, it’s clear that the event is missing many global auto giants this time around. Yet, it’s the perfect stage for Denza, a brand born from a collaboration between China‘s BYD and Germany’s Mercedes, to make its European entry with the D9 minivan. Since its creation in 2010, Denza has evolved, with Mercedes scaling down its stake to 10% in 2021. This move hasn’t dimmed Denza’s ambition, as evidenced by the launch of the D9, a model that promises to redefine luxury in the minivan segment.

The D9 was previously launched in China in 2022, and it’s been a hit since.

The D9 isn’t a newcomer to the automotive scene, having already made waves in China since 2022. European consumers can look forward to a vehicle that doesn’t skimp on luxury or versatility, available as either a plug-in hybrid or a full electric vehicle (EV). Its design, featuring a boxy silhouette and large sliding doors, maximizes interior space without sacrificing style. The interior is where the D9 truly shines, boasting leather finishes, adjustable seating with luxury features like ventilation and massage, and innovative tech for both driver and passengers.

Denza’s strategy is clear: offer a luxurious alternative to the typical SUV without compromising on space or comfort. The D9’s specifications, while still under wraps in Europe, hint at impressive performance and range, especially in its electric variant. With options for both front-wheel and all-wheel drive, the D9 is as versatile as it is luxurious.

While the Geneva Motor Show also sees the introduction of the electric N7 SUV, Denza’s focus on the D9 highlights its commitment to offering high-end, eco-friendly family vehicles. With plans to enter the European market by year’s end, Denza is poised to challenge traditional luxury carmakers, but only time will tell if the company’s challenge stands the test of time, and well, competition.

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OnePlus Overcomes Legal Challenges, Returns to the Once Banned European Market

Oğuz Çakır — Mon, 29 Jan 2024 14:04:01 +0000

Tech companies often grab headlines for legal disputes. For example is Apple, which recently faced a lawsuit from Masimo over pulse oximetry technology in its smartwatches. This resulted in a sales ban on certain models until Apple removed the disputed tech. Likewise, BBK Group, home to brands like Oppo, OnePlus, Realme, and Vivo, had a patent disagreement with Nokia. In some countries, like Germany, smartphone sales from these companies were temporarily banned. Thankfully, the issue has been resolved, and OnePlus is back in the European market. Here are the details…

OnePlus Resumes European Market Presence

Nokia and BBK Group recently settled their dispute with a signed agreement. Nokia had sued Oppo, a BBK Group member, for allegedly infringing on its 5G technology patents. The court ruled in favor of Nokia, requiring BBK to pay licensing fees. BBK, finding the fees too high, stopped 5G smartphone sales in Germany. Despite an appeal, the appellate court sided with Nokia. Thankfully, the issues were resolved through a patent licensing agreement between the two companies.

Following this agreement, OnePlus, a part of the BBK brands, has re-entered the European market. Tipster Max Jambor discovered the OnePlus Open foldable for sale on the OnePlus Germany website, along with pre-order pages for the OnePlus 12 and OnePlus 12R. Meanwhile, Oppo and Vivo’s German websites still display a message stating that their products are currently unavailable in the market. Nonetheless, it’s anticipated that this will change soon, and sales for these brands will kick off.

The agreement led to substantial benefits for both companies. Nokia saw a boost in patent revenues, and Oppo, OnePlus, Realme, and Vivo set the stage for a return to the European market. Although Apple holds a dominant position in the US, its market share in the EU is 28%, meaning 72% of the population opts for Android. With half a billion people residing in the region, it stands as a crucial market. Prior to facing challenges with Nokia, BBK held a 20% share in the EU smartphone market. Now, there’s anticipation for a further increase in this market share.

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A Digital Milestone is Achieved as EU Achieves a Deal for an AI Regulatory Framework

Anubhav — Sat, 09 Dec 2023 02:52:55 +0000

Europe is making headlines with a groundbreaking deal on artificial intelligence (AI) regulations. This isn’t just any agreement; it’s a first-of-its-kind effort to bring legal oversight to AI technologies, including popular generative AI services like ChatGPT. These technologies are more than just buzzwords; they’re changing our lives, but not without raising some serious concerns.

Europe will be the first continent to draft and pass legislations around AI

After some intense negotiations, the European Union has achieved a tentative political agreement for the Artificial Intelligence Act. This act is a big deal because it’s going to set clear rules for using AI, making the EU the first continent to do so. The agreement was hard-won, with discussions lasting hours and tackling hot-button issues like generative AI and the use of facial recognition by the police.

Credit: Markus Winkler

What’s interesting is that the details of the law are still a bit hazy. It won’t take effect until 2025 at the earliest, and there’s still some fine-tuning to be done. It looks like Europe is trying to set a global standard with this act, having already taken an early lead in 2021. But with the rapid growth of generative AI, they’ve had to update their plans.

This act isn’t just about making rules; it’s about addressing the risks AI poses, like job loss, privacy invasion, and even threats to human life. The EU is setting a precedent for the world, and other major players like the US, UK, and China are also getting in on the action with their own AI regulation proposals.

One key aspect of the EU’s AI Act is its focus on foundation models, which are the sophisticated systems behind services like ChatGPT. These models, which are based on vast amounts of internet data, can create new content, unlike traditional AI. The act aims to place extra scrutiny on the most advanced models, especially those that pose significant risks.

The debate over AI-powered facial recognition was particularly tricky. European lawmakers wanted a full ban on public use due to privacy concerns, while member countries sought exceptions for serious crimes. A compromise was eventually found, balancing privacy with security needs.

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Smartphone Shipments Decline Narrows in Europe; Market to Move Towards Greener Pastures in 2024

Simranpal Singh — Tue, 28 Nov 2023 08:58:29 +0000

A new Canalys report unveils the continuous decline in smartphone shipments but hints at a slight increase in demand next year. It also cites that the decline has been narrowed to 6%, with total shipments reaching 32 million in Q3 2023. However, Samsung and Apple retained their top positions with a market share of 25% and 22%, respectively. Xiaomi, Motorola, and TCL garnered good sales in the quarter, and their overall sales are expected to grow in Europe.

Must See: Four iPhones Among The Best-Selling Flagship Phones In Q1, 2023: Canalys

Samsung and Apple Sales Saga in Europe – Q3 2023

There have been challenges for Apple and Samsung this quarter, as the retailers tried to reduce stocks of old smartphones, which led to a decline in shipments. Even Samsung’s strategy to shift focus from the Galaxy A Series to the more profitable mid-range smartphone, the S Series Flagship, and foldable led to a resilient demand. For Apple, the USB Type-C cable-led iPhone 15 increased its shipments by 59%. But, to reduce overstocking of iPhone 14 and older models, the retailers paused the shipments, which led to an overall decrease in shipments in Q3 2023.

Samsung remained at the top with 35% overall smartphone market share, and Apple at 22%. Xiaomi’s strong demand in the mid-range with its Redmi Series led to fetching 19% of the market share. Motorola and TCL gained 5% and 3% market share, respectively.

Meanwhile, Xiaomi, Motorola, and TCL registered significant growth in shipments, but it was limited to the low-to-mid-range segment. Buffer created by Samsung’s focus shift from low-end to high-end market paved the way for these OEMs to usher. Xiaomi gained the largest chunk with the sale of Redmi and Redmi Note 12 models in the Central and Eastern Europe regions. Motorola maintained its prowess with its best quarterly performance and registered a 30% YoY increase in shipments.

Better 2024 for Smartphone OEMs in Europe

“Canalys predicts the market will grow by 4% in 2024. The rest of this year remains important for vendors seeking to redeem their performance in 2023, start 2024 with positive momentum, and clear out channel inventory ahead of new product launches in the first half of 2024,” said Runar Bjørhovde, Analyst at Canalys.

Though the year 2023 remained not so well for the smartphone companies globally, as per the market experts, the European market will improve in 2024. It will move 4% up due to a refresh cycle of the mid-range devices bought in 2020 and 2021. Other reasons and the market’s positive momentum will further fetch good sales in the coming year. Even the ongoing festive season and enticing discounts are luring customers to grab or replace their smartphones.

Europe’s EV Registrations Exceed Diesel Sign-ups, Indicating a Shift in the Market

Anubhav — Thu, 23 Nov 2023 14:04:04 +0000

Europe’s car market is undergoing a huge transformation. For the first time, new registrations of electric vehicles (EVs) in the European Union have overtaken those of diesel cars. This change indicates a growing preference for cleaner, battery-powered transportation over traditional diesel vehicles, once the mainstay of European roads.

Battery-electric car registrations jumped by more than 36% compared to 2022

The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) reported that from January to October, EV registrations soared, positioning them as the third most popular vehicle type in the EU, following gasoline and hybrid cars. Notably, in October alone, battery-electric car registrations jumped by 36.3% compared to the previous year, marking a significant uptick in EV popularity.

This surge in EV registrations is a clear indicator of the changing landscape of the automotive industry in Europe. With a 53.1% increase in new EVs registered, totaling 1.2 million units, and achieving a 14% market share in the first ten months of the year, EVs are rapidly becoming a mainstream choice for European drivers.

In stark contrast, diesel-powered cars, which once dominated the European market with a 50% share in 2015, have seen a dramatic decline. Their market share has plummeted to just 12% this year, from 15.9% in the previous year. This decrease is a telling sign of the shifting preferences of consumers who are increasingly opting for more environmentally friendly vehicles.

Hybrids, too, are enjoying a rise in popularity with 2.2 million new registrations, a 29.8% increase from last year. However, plug-in hybrids are experiencing a dip in demand.

Gasoline-powered cars, while still leading in overall registrations, have seen a slight contraction in their market share. This trend, coupled with the rise of EVs and hybrids, signals a gradual but definite move away from traditional fuel sources.

The transition towards electric and hybrid vehicles aligns with broader environmental goals. The European Union Parliament’s decision to ban the sale of all new cars producing carbon dioxide emissions from 2035 underscores this commitment to a more sustainable future.

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Europe Smartphone Shipments remain sluggish in Q3 2023

Simranpal Singh — Tue, 21 Nov 2023 06:37:12 +0000

Like the global smartphone shipment trends, Europe also registered a decline in shipments in the quarter that ended on 30th September 2023. According to a new Counterpoint Research report for Market Monitor Service, smartphone shipments declined 11% YoY in Q3 2023. Major OEMs like Samsung and Apple recorded their worst quarter after 2011 and 2014, respectively.

Must See: TWS Shipments In India Record A Whopping 85 Percent YoY Growth In 2022: Counterpoint Research

As per the report, the demand in the Western European market declined by 8%, and Eastern Europe further dipped by 15%. The ongoing economic and geopolitical challenges in the region are the primary reasons behind sluggish sales.

Amid the decline, Samsung maintained its primary position with 32% market share, Apple preceded with 24%, while Realme raked 22% market share. Honor evolved by 8% from the previous year with a 4% market share.

Speaking on the statistics, Research Analyst Harshit Rastogi said, “Q3 2023 saw the lowest Q3 smartphone shipments since 2011. However, some OEMs have managed to gain a foothold in the market, such as Transsion brands TECNO and Infinix (particularly in Russia), while HONOR is doing well in Western Europe. Even as the market shares of top players remain the same, Chinese OEMs are switching ranks among themselves.”

Samsung retained its position with good demand for its foldable in the region; meanwhile, Apple will rake up some sales this quarter with the iPhone 15 series. Xiaomi is facing backlash from some Western European countries due to its presence in the Russian market. It’s market share declined by 13%. Oppo is also losing ground in the European region due to some issues. Surprisingly, Honor, TECNO, and Infinix registered exceptional growth in comparison with the previous year.

Commenting on the new statistics, Associate Director Jan Stryjak said, “While the market continued to decline, major launches like the iPhone 15 series and Samsung’s fifth-generation foldables softened the fall. The rate of decline is slowing and, while we aren’t holding out a return to growth just yet, we are optimistic about a strong end to the year in Q4. Economic conditions continue to be tough, though, and people are holding on to their devices for longer than ever. Therefore, we expect the market to remain muted for the foreseeable future.“

The future growth prospect seems a dream for some unforeseen future in the European smartphone market.

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Microsoft finally lets you uninstall Edge, Bing, and Cortana, but there’s a catch

Sean — Mon, 20 Nov 2023 11:00:09 +0000

Microsoft is bringing a new update for Windows users in Europe. The company is finally allowing its users to uninstall some of its basic apps like Edge (browser), Bing (search), and Cortana (voice assistant). So here’s everything you need to know.

Microsoft Edge, Bing, and Cortana can finally be removed

The American tech giant isn’t rolling out this change for an improved user experience and choice freedom, rather, it is bringing the update to comply with the DMA (Digital Markets Act). For those unaware, the DMA was announced by the European Union, which is enforcing Microsoft to make all of its basic apps removable. It is worth noting that the act will come into effect from March 2024 in the European Economic Area (EEA).

This includes all EU nations along with Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway. In an official blog post, Microsoft announced that the change is exclusive to Europe. This means that the new change isn’t global. So now, you can uninstall the Edge web browser and change the Bing web search. This is something that many Windows users have been requesting for a long time now.

Microsoft is constantly pushing Edge and Bing to convince you to switch over to its own platforms. Apart from this, the company will also let users uninstall Cortana, Camera, and Photos from the Windows experience. In related news, the company patented the multi-device virtual web browser to improve users’ internet accessibility just last month.

BYD is Gearing Up to Establish its First European Car Factory in Hungary

Anubhav — Mon, 06 Nov 2023 03:03:29 +0000

BYD, the titan of EV manufacturing, is reportedly gearing up to establish its first European car factory in Hungary. This news, emerging from unofficial sources cited by a German newspaper, is yet to be confirmed by the company but aligns with BYD’s strategic expansion plans.

The company has its sights on even more international markets

The choice of Hungary is a logical step for BYD, given its existing presence in the country with an electric bus production line. Moreover, Hungary’s membership in the European Union offers BYD the significant advantage of seamless access to the broader EU market. This step could prove to be particularly savvy in light of the EU’s scrutiny of Chinese EV imports, which might lead to future tariffs aimed at protecting local industries.

The implications of such a development are far-reaching. BYD’s move aligns with a larger trend of Chinese investment in Hungary, highlighted by the construction of a significant battery plant by CATL, another Chinese heavyweight in the EV battery market.

BYD’s aggressive expansion isn’t just limited to Europe. With sales figures shadowing those of Tesla, and exports on a steady rise, the company has its eyes set on international markets, including the United States. Interestingly, BYD has already made a foray into the US with an electric bus factory in California, a strategic decision that may anticipate further expansion into North American EV production, potentially leveraging benefits from the Inflation Reduction Act.

As BYD’s global footprint grows, its international investments, such as the anticipated Hungarian factory, are not just business moves; they are strategic chess plays in the dynamic game of global EV dominance. With its rapid sales growth and aggressive market strategy, BYD is not just riding the electric wave — it’s aiming to steer it.

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OnePlus Open Discounts For the US and European Markets

Simranpal Singh — Wed, 18 Oct 2023 08:39:28 +0000

After all the hype over the past few months, the OnePlus maiden foldable smartphone launch is just a few hours away. The device gained much buzz before the official release following multiple rumors and leaks. The rebadged Oppo Find N3 aka OnePlus Open is also teased via official sources, and some details about its pricing is already live. Let’s shed some light on the Deals and Offers on OnePlus Open for the US and the European Markets.

Must See: Here’s a Hands-On of the OnePlus Open/Oppo Find N3: Video Leak

OnePlus Open Deals in Europe

After announcing the Pre-Orders for the device in the US, Europe, and India, the company also detailed some exciting trade-in deals and student discounts in some regions.

Under the Early Bird Offer in Europe, the users can avail €250 discount on the OnePlus Open and a free pair of OnePlus Buds 2 Pro worth €179 if the user deposits €99. To avail of the offer, the user is liable to pay the remaining balance on October 20 – October 23 when the device will start revealing. However, the full pricing information about the phone will be live by October 19, on the launch day.

Source

OnePlus Open Deals in the US

Similarly, OnePlus is bundling a guaranteed Trade-in bonus of $200 for the US market with any device in any condition. Further, the users are liable to get up to $1000 trade-in value depending on the condition of your device. There’s also an additional 15% student discount or 10% employee discount. The company even bundles 100GB of Google One cloud storage for 6 months and YouTube Premium for 3 months. Surprisingly, the user will save 60% if the user replaces with any other OnePlus device within 12 months.

Source

As an example, the user may receive a $800 trade-in value if you own a OnePlus 11 256GB model.

Previously, Oneplus introduced a Reservation Pass worth Rs 5000 for Indian users to get the “Early Bird” discounts and OnePlus Buds 2 Pro as a complimentary gift.

We all are excitedly waiting for the OnePlus Open inaugural to see if the smartphone is worth the hype.

OnePlus Open Specifications and Features

As per the latest leaks, the smartphone will bundle a triple-rear camera featuring a 48MP primary Sony LYTIA-T808 camera, another 48MP ultrawide sensor, and a 64MP 3x Telephoto lens. It would come in two color variants Emerald Dusk and Voyager Black.

There will be a 6.31-inch outer display protected with Ceramic Glass coating. OnePlus Open will house a 7.82-inch inner display with 2800 nits brightness.

You can know more about its specifications and features concluded from leaks over the past some time.

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Meta considering ad-free versions of Instagram and Facebook in Europe

Rajesh — Tue, 03 Oct 2023 17:42:33 +0000

Meta, the parent company of Instagram and Facebook, is reportedly considering offering ad-free versions of its social media platforms in Europe, according to a report from The Wall Street Journal. This move comes in response to new EU privacy regulations that require Meta to get users’ consent before showing them targeted ads.

Asking users for their consent could hurt the company’s bottom line since most users are unlikely to willingly share their data. This could reduce Meta’s advertising revenue, which is its primary source of income.

To tackle this, Meta is considering charging users a monthly fee to remove ads from their social media feeds. Under the proposed plan, users in Europe would need to pay a monthly fee to remove ads from their Instagram and Facebook. This would be the first time that Meta will be charging users for access to its core services.

The ad-free subscription plan is expected to cost around EUR 13 per month on mobile devices and EUR 10 per month on web browsers. Users would also need to pay an additional EUR 6 for each additional account.

It is unclear when the ad-free subscription plan would be launched in Europe, and if it would be offered in other regions in the future. However, Meta is said to be in discussions with privacy watchdogs in Belgium and Ireland about the plan. The company has reportedly named it “subscription no ads,” or SNA, and it might start rolling out in the coming months.

Meta’s current business model relies on targeted advertising, which is based on user data. However, the new privacy regulations in the EU will make it more difficult for companies to collect and use user data for advertising purposes.

The ad-free subscription plan is one way that Meta could continue to generate revenue from its social media platforms in Europe, while also complying with the new privacy regulations.

Huawei Faces Even More Difficulties in the European Market due to 5G Complications

Anubhav — Fri, 29 Sep 2023 01:51:14 +0000

As Europe navigates the complexities of 5G rollouts, Germany is the latest country to contemplate excluding Chinese tech giants Huawei and ZTE from its networks. According to a Reuters report, Germany’s Interior Ministry is suggesting the removal of critical hardware from these manufacturers by 2026. The move would indicate a substantial shift for Germany, which had previously shrugged off U.S. requests to distance itself from Huawei.

Only one third of EU nations have agreed to ban Huawei’s 5G involvement – yet.

This decision by Germany isn’t just another episode in the ongoing tech cold war between China and the U.S.; it has broader implications. Germany is not only Europe’s largest economy but also China’s most substantial trading partner in the EU. A whopping 65% of Germany’s 5G infrastructure is built using Huawei components, according to Janka Oertel of the European Council on Foreign Relations. Any changes here could show effects across Europe’s telecom economy.

In a recent radio interview, Carsten Senz, a Huawei executive in Germany, pointed out that Huawei’s technology has been employed without any security issues in Germany for years. The company further cautioned that the ban would escalate costs for both telecom operators and consumers in Germany.

While Huawei’s argument centers around economic consequences, the EU has been nudging its members to be cautious. In 2020, the EU recommended restricting or banning Huawei’s involvement in 5G rollouts. However, only a third of EU nations have followed suit so far.

The telecom industry in Europe finds itself caught between two giants: China and the U.S. What’s more, Huawei has been deeply intertwined with Europe’s 5G development since its early stages. As of 2019, almost 60% of Huawei’s global 5G contracts were with European operators.

Given these economic and strategic considerations, Germany’s decision could serve as a tipping point for Europe’s 5G direction. If Germany follows through on the ban, it could catalyze a domino effect, pressuring other European nations to reconsider their 5G partnerships. Thus, Germany’s deliberations reach far beyond its borders and might just reshape Europe’s telecom landscape.

The coming months are crucial for the Chinese company. While security remains a focal point, the economic problems are too significant to be ignored. Germany’s final decision could very well set the tone for Europe’s digital future.

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Samsung’s Galaxy S24 may be Powered by the Exynos 2400 Chip in Europe

Anubhav — Wed, 30 Aug 2023 03:41:44 +0000

European Samsung fans might be in for a surprise. The forthcoming Galaxy S24 series is set to be powered by Samsung’s own Exynos 2400 chip, rather than the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. This info comes courtesy of reliable leaker Ice Universe, who claims this will be the case for “at least Europe.”

Samsung might be looking to cut costs with the Galaxy S24’s chipset

This marks a sharp detour from last year when all Galaxy S23s came equipped with Snapdragon’s 8 Gen 2 chips. Interestingly, before that, Samsung had traditionally favored its in-house Exynos chips for its global releases. So, is this a nostalgic return to form or a clever business strategy?

The Exynos 2400 is no lightweight; it boasts a deca-core setup, with a top clock speed of 3.19 GHz on its prime CPU core. It’s virtually neck and neck with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, which has its prime core running at an identical clock speed. Yet, there are nuanced differences: Snapdragon is rumored to have a 1+5+2 core configuration, compared to Exynos’s 1+2+3+4 layout, which could potentially offer diverse performance metrics.

One reason might be cost. Snapdragon chips don’t come cheap and come with licensing fees. By opting for Exynos, Samsung could be looking to cut costs, particularly given that they’re beefing up RAM in the 2024 flagship phones, which is another expense to consider.

Samsung’s decision could have mixed reactions. On one hand, Samsung purists may rejoice the return of the homegrown Exynos chips. On the other, skeptics might see this as a cost-cutting move, potentially sacrificing performance for savings. Either way, the verdict will be out once the Galaxy S24 hits the European market. For now, all eyes are on Samsung to see how this gamble pays off.

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Decathlon launches new Stilus E-Touring e-bike with 130km range in Europe

Sean — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 16:50:16 +0000

Decathlon has just launched a new e-bike for the European market. The model in question is the Stilus E-Touring e-bike, which claims to offer a range of 130 kilometers on a single full charge. So let’s have a look.

Decathlon Stilus E-Touring Specifications

The e-bike features a mid-mounted Bosch Performance Line CX motor. This can allow you to speed up to 25 kph (roughly 16 miles) and deliver up to 85Nm of torque. A large 750Wh Bosch PowerTube battery that offers a 130-kilometer range (roughly 81 miles) on a single full charge. Decathalon’s new electric bicycle features Schwalbe AL Grounder 29 x 2.35-inch tires, a 10-speed Microshift Advent X rear derailleur, and 180mm Clarks M2 hydraulic disc brakes.

It features a torque sensor that helps in making the pedaling experience feel natural even with the added power. Other notable features include Spanninga Axendo 40 front and rear lights, and a Bosch Kiox display to show journey details and directions. The Decathlon Stilus E-Touring e-bike also connects with the eBike Flow app, which enables the trigger for eBike Lock. The electric bicycle arrives in three sizes, namely small, medium, and large.

Its medium variant weighs around 26.2 kilograms and is built using an Aluminum 6061 frame. The e-bike has a maximum load support of up to 145 kilograms. Decathlon is selling this model in the Netherlands, France, and Germany for EUR 3,499. Although, customers in the Netherlands and Germany can get a 14 percent discount, which reduces its price tag to EUR 3,019.

The HiPhi Y is a New, Affordable Electric Crossover Coming to Europe Next Year

Anubhav — Tue, 18 Jul 2023 02:30:24 +0000

The HiPhi Y, an electric crossover, has been launched in China with a starting price of ¥339,000 ($47,265). European consumers can expect to see it in their markets next year, which is great news. Buyers will be able to choose from two battery pack options, offering a range of approximately 347 to 503 miles, though real-world figures are likely to be around 250-370 miles, as CLTC estimates tend to be almost always a little too optimistic.

This will be one of the cheaper cars in the company’s lineup when it officially launches

With a dual-motor setup, the HiPhi Y delivers 497 horsepower, providing a 0-60 mph acceleration in around 4.5 seconds. For the rear-wheel-drive version, acceleration figures have not been disclosed yet, but it is expected to be less powerful at 331 hp. Inside, the HiPhi Y boasts a 17-inch OLED center display, a 15-inch HD touch screen for passengers, and a 12.3-inch full LCD instrument cluster for the driver. Standard features include a Meridian sound system, camera rear-view mirror, and heads-up display.

The HiPhi Y’s rear doors are unique, with the lower half opening traditionally and the upper section adopting a gullwing-style opening. Seemingly, one might even be able to fit something a little taller through the door slot.

HiPhi already offers two other models, the X SUV and Z sedan, launching in Europe later this year with prices starting at over €100,000 ($112,330). As the cheapest option, the Y is expected to become available for European orders later this year, with deliveries commencing in 2024.

The HiPhi Y’s introduction in China marks a significant milestone, and its upcoming launch in Europe is expected to further establish it as a competitive player in the electric crossover market. As the automotive industry continues its shift towards sustainability, the HiPhi Y is a clear example of electric vehicles and the ongoing innovation shaping the future of transportation.

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Huawei Watch 4 and Watch 4 Pro launched in Europe; goes on sale from June 13

Jeet — Fri, 09 Jun 2023 03:53:20 +0000

Huawei recently launched its two new smartwatches in its home country China, and the devices were available for purchase in the Chinese market since last week.

Now, the new devices, Huawei Watch 4 and Watch 4 Pro, are getting launched in the European market. Notably, they are the first smartwatches to run the company’s self-developed HarmonyOS.

The smartwatches feature a 1.5-inch AMOLED screen offering a 466 x 466 pixels screen resolution and a 310 PPI pixel density. Under the hood, they are powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 processor, coupled with 2GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage.

Both smartwatches have an Always-on display with a number of watch faces to choose from. Further, they are also rated to be water-resistant up to 5 meters. The Pro model in the series comes with a larger case that measures 48mm in diameter and 12.9mm in depth, while the standard model has a 46mm dial and 10.9mm depth case.

The Huawei Watch 4 Pro is powered by a bigger 780mAh battery, compared to the 530mAh battery powering the Watch 4. In terms of build, the standard model has stainless steel, composite fiber, and 3D glass, while the Pro model has titanium, ceramic, and sapphire crystal glass.

In the health and fitness department, this new series of smartwatches is equipped with a heart rate monitor, SpO2 sensor, ECG, skin temperature, stress tracker, arterial stiffness indicator, and respirator health data. It can gather all seven parameters into a one-minute seven-point health overview. It supports over 100 workout modes and an AI running coach.

It also has a fall detection feature that sends SOS in a single tap. Additionally, the Huawei Watch 4 Pro gets LTE connectivity via an eSIM as well as a built-in GPS, which the standard variant lacks.

The Huawei Watch 4 and Watch 4 Pro will be available for purchase in the European market from 13th June, priced at €449 and €549, respectively. The company says that those who order the device between June 13 and June 27 will get a free pair of FreeBuds 5i.

Portugal plans to ban Huawei from 5G networks amid security concerns

Jeet — Mon, 29 May 2023 04:22:50 +0000

Portugal is reportedly planning to ban Huawei from its national 5G network, as per the latest report coming from Reuters based on the document from the country’s cyber security council.

As per the report, the country’s government is concerned about the security of Huawei’s equipment. The document outlines a plan to restrict the use of high-risk kits, which includes Huawei, among other companies.

It recommends barring local carriers from sourcing 5G equipment from suppliers based outside of the European Union or from countries that are not a part of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) or Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OCED).

The decision is a major blow to the Chinese giant Huawei, which is the world’s leading supplier of 5G equipment. If the government does ban Huawei, then it will have a significant impact on the Portuguese 5G rollout. Altice Portugal, the largest wireless carrier in the country, signed a deal a few years ago to use Huawei equipment for part of its 5G rollout.

Huawei has said that it is disappointed by the decision of the Portugal government and added that it will continue to work with the government to address its concerns. It further states that the company is confident that it will be able to meet the security requirements.

The development comes amid growing concerns about the security of equipment from Huawei, as the company has been accused of being vulnerable to Chinese spying. A number of countries have banned Huawei from their 5G networks, including the United States, and countries like the United Kingdom, Australia, and Japan have imposed restrictions.

If the Portuguese government goes ahead with the ban, then it would join Canada and a handful of other European countries, including Denmark, Sweden, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, that have recently banned the Chinese company from participating in their 5G networks.

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The Great European Exit: Are Oppo and OnePlus Preparing to Withdraw?

Oğuz Çakır — Tue, 09 May 2023 21:21:59 +0000

Oppo is one of the world’s largest smartphone manufacturers, with its headquarters located in China. The company operates in numerous countries, striving to increase its market share. Or at least, that’s what we thought. Recently, some claims have emerged, suggesting that the situation might not be as it seems. It appears that Oppo and OnePlus, both under the BBK Group umbrella, are preparing to withdraw from Europe. The first country where they plan to cease operations is France. Here are the details…

All signs hint toward Oppo and OnePlus leaving France. Rest of Europe next?

Rumors have been swirling that Oppo and OnePlus are planning to leave Europe, with France reportedly being the first country where this withdrawal will take place. Although both companies deny these claims, people who have worked for Oppo in retail stores think otherwise, confirming that the situation is indeed bad. Employees have verified the companies’ cost-cutting measures, and another concerning detail comes from their advertising activities.

As in the rest of the world, brand awareness created through advertising is important in France. However, Oppo has ceased its commercial activities, which it had been actively pursuing for a long time, in recent weeks. It has also been alleged that the company is working to clear inventory in its French stores and not replenishing sold-out stocks.

One employee commented on the matter, saying, “We understood that they were leaving because we were no longer trained on new products. We saw the Find X being released in China, but not in France. The Reno 8 series arrives, but it’s not coming to France either. When the Find N2 Flip was launched, we were told about a store release, but in the end, it was only available on the website.”

Sudden End to Collaboration

Most of Oppo’s sales force worked for a subcontractor called Atmosphères. This company, which specializes in the sector, placed all external collaborators working for Oppo on partial unemployment, including store employees, regional managers, brand ambassadors, and trainers. The contract with this critical company for the Chinese tech giant’s operations in the country was set to expire on June 30th and was expected to be renewed soon.

However, instead of the collaboration ending as scheduled, the general manager of Atmosphères, Arnaud Dutin, announced that it was over. Philippe shared that Dutin told them, “Stop everything for Oppo.” When they mentioned that they still had ongoing tasks, Dutin responded, “We’re not doing anything anymore.”

Taking all these details into account, it seems possible that Oppo could indeed withdraw from France. The company has not yet confirmed this with an official statement, but future moves would not be surprising for anyone. Oppo has already suspended its operations in Germany due to a lawsuit involving Nokia.

When these two events are combined, it leads to the conclusion that the entire European operation could be halted. Unfortunately, this situation means that competition in the region will decrease, and consumers are always the ones who suffer the most from reduced competition. Therefore, as the Gizmochina team, we hope that the rumors remain just rumors and do not become reality.

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Huawei P60 Pro launched in Europe with quad-curved display, variable aperture lens

Soumyakanti — Tue, 09 May 2023 14:16:40 +0000

Huawei has announced its latest flagship smartphone, the P60 Pro alongside Mate X3 in Europe. The device was launched in China back in March this year. Let’s take a closer look at the specifications of the P60 Pro.

Huawei P60 Pro Specifications

Huawei P60 Pro features a large 6.67-inch FHD+ OLED quad-curved display with a 120Hz refresh rate and LTPO technology. It also boasts a 1.07 billion color display with support for 1,440Hz PWM dimming and a punch-hole screen. The P60 Pro is protected by Huawei’s exclusive durable Kunlun Glass panel and features anti-fingerprint feather sand technology and bright glass finishes.

Under the hood, the P60 Pro is powered by up to a 3.2GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 4nm chipset with Adreno 730 GPU, along with 8GB or 12GB of RAM and 256GB, 512GB of storage. The phone runs on Huawei’s latest EMUI 13.1 operating system and features a dual SIM slot.

The P60 Pro comes equipped with a triple rear camera setup that includes a 48MP main camera with f1.4-f4.0 ten steps variable physical aperture, a 13MP ultra-wide lens, and a 48MP telephoto module with a super large aperture of f2.1 and equipped with a three-axis sensor for stabilization. The telephoto module offers a 3.5x optical zoom range and a 100x digital zoom range, with an option to shoot macro through the telephoto lens. On the front, there is a punch-hole 13MP camera with an f/2.4 aperture.

Other notable features of the P60 Pro include an in-display fingerprint sensor, water and dust resistance with an IP68 rating, USB Type-C audio and stereo speakers, and support for dual 4G VoLTE, Wi-Fi 802.11 ax, Bluetooth 5.2 LE, GPS (L1 + L5 Dual band), NFC, and USB 3.1 Type-C (GEN1). The device is powered by a 4815mAh Li-ion battery with 88W Huawei SuperCharge and 50W wireless charging.

Pricing and Availability

The devices are available in two variants 8GB RAM with 256GB storage and 12GB RAM with 512GB storage. Check out the prices.

8GB RAM+256GB Storage – EUR 1199 | GBP 1199.99
12GB RAM+512GB Storage – EUR 1399 | GBP 1299.99

P60 Pro comes in Black and Rococo Pearl colors. But in the UK the 8GB RAM variant is available only in Black while the 12GB variant is available in Rococo Pearl.

The P60 Pro will be available in Europe from May 9th via Huawei ecommerce, with selected retailers offering the device from May 22nd. Consumers who will purchase from the UK Huawei Store by the 5th of June 2023 will get a free Huawei Watch GT 3 (while stocks last). Customers purchasing the 512GB storage variant (also by 5th June) can also claim an additional £100 voucher which can be redeemed on the UK Huawei Store.

Redmi Note 12S and Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G smartphones launched in Europe

Jeet — Thu, 06 Apr 2023 03:48:24 +0000

Xiaomi launched its Redmi Note 12 series smartphones in the European market a couple of weeks ago, and now the company has added two more phones to the lineup in Europe.

Redmi Note 12S and Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G are the two new smartphones that have been launched in the European market. The Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G is priced at €329, while the Redmi Note 12S costs €289 and comes in Onyx Black, Ice Blue, and Pearl Green colors.

The Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G was first launched in the Indonesian market a couple of days back and is now making its debut in Europe. It features a 6.67-inch AMOLED display offering a Full HD+ screen resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels and a refresh rate of 120Hz, similar to other Note 12 series smartphones.

Under the hood, the phone is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 732G processor, coupled with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage. It comes with support for dual SIM, 4G VoLTE, Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 5.1, GPS, NFC, an IR blaster, and a side-facing fingerprint scanner for added security.

In the camera department, there’s a 108-megapixel primary camera sensor, an 8-megapixel ultra-wide lens, a 5-megapixel macro lens, and a 2-megapixel depth sensor. On the front side, the phone features a 16-megapixel sensor for taking selfies and video calling. It runs the Android 12 OS with MIUI 13 and is powered by a 5,000mAh battery with 67W fast charging support.

On the other hand, the Redmi Note 12S smartphone is making its debut with the launch in the European market. It features a 6.43-inch AMOLED display with Full HD+ screen resolution and a smooth 90Hz refresh rate.

Under the hood, the smartphone is powered by the MediaTek Helio G96 chipset, paired with up to 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. In the camera department, there’s a 108-megapixel primary sensor, an 8-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and a 2-megapixel macro sensor. On the front side, it features a 16-megapixel snapper for taking selfies and video calling.

Unlike the Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G, the Redmi Note 12S runs the Android 13 operating system out-of-the-box with the company’s own MIUI 14 custom user interface. The device is powered by a 5,000mAh battery and comes with support for 67W fast charging.

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Apple iPhone 15 lineup with eSIM-only version to launch in more countries

Jeet — Tue, 28 Mar 2023 03:14:43 +0000

Apple’s current generation of iPhone 14 lineup comes with eSIM connectivity, continuing the feature that was first introduced a few years back with the launch of the iPhone XS in 2018.

However, for the first time, the Apple iPhone 14 lineup launched in the United States comes without a physical SIM card slot and only supports eSIM connectivity.

Apple iPhone 14 Pro

Now, as per the latest report, it is claimed that the Cupertino-based technology giant is planning to expand this further, and along with the United States, there will be some more countries that will get eSIM-only iPhones this year.

While the list of countries for this feature has not been confirmed yet, the report coming from a French website indicates that the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro series will have eSIM-only support in France. If that’s the case, then we expect the company to follow the same in other European countries.

Apple is claiming that the eSIM is more secure than the physical SIM as it is not possible to physically remove them when the device is stolen. Also, the company adds that the user can add and manage up to eight eSIMs in the device, eliminating the risk of swapping SIM cards and keeping them safe when traveling.

More smartphone manufacturers are now bringing devices with support for eSIM and because of this, it is being speculated that eSIM smartphone shipments are expected to increase by 15% this year. Samsung recently introduced eSIM support to its mid-range smartphones with the launch of the Samsung Galaxy M54.

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OnePlus Exec denies rumors of company exiting the European market

Sean — Mon, 27 Mar 2023 13:58:14 +0000

A new rumor had hinted at Oppo planning on exiting the European market. Apparently, the brand and OnePlus will be pulling out of this region, but an executive has now denied this rumor. So here are all the details.

For those unaware, recent rumors had hinted at Oppo and OnePlus exiting the European and UK markets. However, senior official James Paterson has stated otherwise, at least for OnePlus that is. The Global Public Relations Manager from the Chinese smartphone maker stated that “OnePlus will not exit from Europe and the UK and maintains stable operations in local markets. OnePlus will continue to invest in Europe and provide more innovative product and solutions for its users.”

Unfortunately, it is still unclear if Oppo still plans to exit this region. The original report claimed that the companies are exiting the region due to a rough market condition in Europe. This includes issues with high sales costs while consumer purchasing power fell due to economic decline. In other words, it became difficult for both brands to operate profitably in those markets. Thus, Oppo decided to scale down its operation in Europe to better deal with the conditions in Europe.

Based on a Counterpoint Research report, smartphone shipments overall in Europe fell by 17 percent in 2022. This marked the worst year for the industry with Oppo seeing a sizeable decline of sales by 39 percent year on year in the fourth quarter in 2022. But it is confirmed that at least OnePlus is planning on continuing its operations in the region. So stick around for more updates regarding this matter.

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OPPO to exit Germany, France, Netherlands, UK markets

Soumyakanti — Mon, 27 Mar 2023 08:49:55 +0000

OPPO, one of China’s leading smartphone manufacturers, plans to withdraw from its business operations in Germany, France, Netherlands, and the UK. The company will only retain a few employees to handle basic operations, and the plan is expected to be implemented in mid-2023. The move comes amid tough market conditions in Europe, where high sales costs and declining consumer purchasing power have made it increasingly difficult for companies to operate profitably.

OPPO’s decision to scale back its operations in Europe reflects the challenging environment faced by smartphone manufacturers in the region. According to Counterpoint Research, smartphone shipments in Europe declined by 17% in 2022, marking the worst year for the industry since 2012. This trend was particularly pronounced in the fourth quarter of the year when OPPO’s shipment volume fell by 39% year-on-year.

The decline in smartphone sales in Europe has been driven by a number of factors, including the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian conflict and inflation, which have caused a decline in consumer purchasing power. Additionally, the high operating costs associated with doing business in the region have made it difficult for companies to achieve profitability.

Despite these challenges, OPPO remains committed to the European market and plans to invest accurately and efficiently in key markets in the future. The company recently launched the global version of its OPPO Find N2 Flip in London, UK, and showcased multiple products and technologies at the World Mobile Congress in Barcelona, Spain.

However, OPPO is also facing a difficult patent litigation issue in Europe. Nokia has sued OPPO for patent infringement in Finland, Germany, Sweden, the UK, the Netherlands, and other countries after the company entered the European market.

In response to the challenging market conditions, industry experts suggest that smartphone manufacturers will need to focus on innovation and differentiation to stand out in the crowded market. Companies will also need to work closely with carriers and retailers to effectively market and distribute their products in the region.

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Apple To Reportedly Allow Third-Party App Stores On iPhones And iPads

Jeet — Wed, 14 Dec 2022 06:44:48 +0000

Apple has been pretty restrictive when it comes to allowing users to install applications on their smartphones or tablets. The apps on the iPhones and iPads need to be installed only through the company’s App Store, and for every transaction through those apps, the tech giant charges a commission.

Now, it appears that users will have more choices when it comes to installing applications. As per the report from Bloomberg, Apple is preparing to add support for third-party app stores for the iPhones and iPads in the European Union.

The development comes as the Cupertino-based technology giant works to comply with new competition law in the European Union. The Digital Markets Act has a set of rules designed to create fair and open competition in the digital world, and large companies that fail to comply with the rules could face fines of up to 10% of their global revenue.

Apple is now working to comply with the relies and would allow users to install third-party apps without going through the company’s own App Store, essentially bypassing the tech giant’s restrictions and up to 30% commission that Apple charges on App Store purchases.

Google and Samsung already have their own app stores, but they already allow sideloading of applications, which means that users can download applications from anywhere and are not restricted to their own app stores. On the other hand, Apple has been restrictive, allowing users to only download apps from its App Store, citing security reasons, but it’s most likely to keep the 30% commission.

Apple has been in the hot waters for a couple of years now because of its restrictive policies when it comes to downloading and installing applications on iPhones. While app makers like Epic Games and Spotify have filed lawsuits against Apple because of the App Store restrictions, other giants like Facebook, Twitter, and others have publicly criticized the company.

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Huawei Mate 50 Pro flagship smartphone goes official in Europe; pricing starts at €1,299

Jeet — Tue, 27 Sep 2022 08:23:31 +0000

Huawei launched its flagship smartphone named Huawei Mate 50 Pro in the Chinese market last week, and now the company has confirmed the launch of this smartphone in the International market, starting with Europe.

The Huawei Mate 50 Pro is priced at €1,299 for the Silver and Black color options, while the more eye-catching Orange color model with Vegan Leather back will cost €1,399. As of now, the company has not revealed the list of countries in the European market where the phone will be available for purchase.

There are a few differences between the Chinese model and the global model. Firstly, unlike the Chinese model, the global model doesn’t come with support for the Satellite Connection feature. The other difference is in terms of software, which runs the EMUI 13 based on open source Android, while in China, the phone runs HarmonyOS 3.0.

The Huawei Mate 50 Pro features a 6.74-inch OLED display with support for a 120Hz refresh rate, over a billion colors, and a screen resolution of 2616 x 1212 pixels. There’s a notch on top of the screen that has a 3D depth-sensing facial unlocking system.

Under the hood, the device comes powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor, coupled with 8GB of RAM. The company is offering two internal storage options to choose from — 256GB and 512GB.

In the camera department, there’s a 50-megapixel primary RYYB sensor, and the company calls it an “Ultra Aperture Camera” that comes with optical image stabilization and the ability to manually change the aperture. There’s also a 13-megapixel ultrawide camera which also works as a macro camera. It also comes with a telephoto periscope zoom camera with 3.5x optical zoom and up to 100x hybrid zoom.

The Huawei Mate 50 Pro smartphone, which is rated IP68 for water and dust resistance, is powered by a 4,700mAh battery and comes with support for 66W SuperCharge fast charging and 50W wireless charging.

Huawei Watch D with blood pressure monitoring to soon launch in Europe

Jeet — Tue, 06 Sep 2022 01:35:19 +0000

Last year, Huawei had launched its flagship smartwatch in its home country China, dubbed Huawei Watch D. The device was recently showcased at the IFA Berlin, indicating the device is all set for its global debut.

Now, the Chinese giant has announced that the Huawei Watch D will soon be launched in the European market, but the exact launch date or the name of the countries where it will be officially announced remains unknown.

The company has announced that the Huawei Watch D will be made available in the European market this fall, which means it will be launched by the end of this year. It is expected to be priced at €449.

With such a price tag, it is more expensive than the Galaxy Watch 5 and Watch 5 Pro, given that the smartwatch from Huawei comes with a built-in blood pressure monitor. It also comes with an electrocardiogram (ECG), a heart rate monitor, a skin temperature sensor, and a SpO2 sensor that can monitor blood oxygen levels.

The Huawei Watch D has a custom-made high-hardness aviation aluminum body with improved durability and scratch resistance. It features a 1.64-inch HD display that offers a 326PPI pixel density. The device is rated IP68 for water and dust resistance and is also the industry’s first watch with blood pressure monitoring support to come with such a rating.

It also supports heart rate detection through an eight-channel high-sensitivity optical sensor and has support for 70+ sports modes. As for the battery life, the company says that the device should last for seven days on a single charge when using all the features, and then it can be charged through wireless charging.

Huawei Nova 10 series smartphones announced for the international markets

Jeet — Fri, 02 Sep 2022 05:10:47 +0000

A couple of months ago, Huawei launched its new Nova-series smartphones in the form of Huawei Nova 10 and Nova 10 Pro in the Chinese market as a successor to the company’s Nova 9 series smartphones.

Now, the company is bringing the Huawei Nova 10 and Huawei Nova 10 Pro to the international markets as the phones are set to launch soon in select European countries.

Coming to the specifications, the Nova 10 features a 6.7-inch Full HD+ OLED display. On the other hand, the Pro model features a 6.78-inch Full HD+ OLED display with 2652 × 1200 pixels resolution, and both phones offer a 120Hz refresh rate and 20:9 aspect ratio.

Both smartphones come with an in-display fingerprint sensor for added security. The devices are powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 778 4G processor and pack 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage.

In the camera department, there’s a 50-megapixel primary camera sensor coupled with an 8-megapixel ultra-wide lens and a 2-megapixel macro sensor. On the front side, there’s a 60-megapixel snapper for taking selfies and video calling.

The smartphones run the company’s own HarmonyOS 2.0 operating system. As for the battery, the Nova 10 is powered by a 4,000mAh battery with 66W fast charging, and the Pro model is powered by a 4,500mAh battery with 100W fast charging.

As for the pricing, the company has not yet revealed pricing details, and it will be different based on the country the phones get launched in, but the standard model should cost around €390 while the Pro model should be priced at around €530.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 series tablets start receiving Android 12L update

Jeet — Tue, 30 Aug 2022 04:09:56 +0000

Samsung recently launched the Galaxy Z Fold 4 smartphone, making it the first smartphone from the brand to come with Android 12L out-of-the-box. Now, the company is rolling it out to its tablets.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 series tablets have become the first tablet from the South Korean giant to receive the Android 12L software update with One UI 4.1.1.

The update is currently being rolled out to Galaxy Tab S8, Tab S8+, and Tab S8 Ultra in Europe. Both the versions of the tablet — cellular and Wi-Fi are eligible for this new update that is being rolled out.

The report from SamMobile reveals that the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 comes with firmware version X70xBXXU2AVH2, while the Galaxy Tab S8+ model is getting the update with firmware version X80xBXXU2AVH5. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra is getting the update with firmware version X90xBXXU2AVH2.

Along with the new version of the Android, the update also comes with the August 2022 security patch. The size of the update is also pretty large at 2.3GB, which means you will need about 2.5GB of free storage on the device.

Android 12L was announced at the Android Developer Summit last year, which brings an optimized user interface for large-screen devices such as tablets, foldable, and Chrome OS devices. Google says it has refined the UI to make Android more beautiful and easier to use on screens larger than 600sp.

Xiaomi Overtakes Apple as the 2nd Most Popular Smartphone Brand in Europe

Leo Wong De Quan — Wed, 24 Aug 2022 05:16:32 +0000

Xiaomi has been growing steadily over the past decade to establish its brand presence in the global market. Whether it be smartphones, tablets, earphones, dashcams, or even weighing scales, this Beijing-based consumer electronics company is now a household name for many regions across the world.

Recently, the Xiaomi Corporation published its quarterly report on the company’s financials and market share for Q2 2022, and surprisingly, the company shares that the brand is now the 2nd most popular smartphone brand in Europe, overtaking Apple.

Source: Xiaomi

In a published report on the brand’s official global newsroom, Xiaomi states that the company is growing its global footprint, and increasing its market share globally steadily for the past few years. As of Q2 2022, the company quotes that it now accounts for 21.7% of all smartphone shipments in Europe, ranking 2nd whilst overtaking Apple in 3rd and behind Samsung at 1st.

Across the world, Xiaomi is ranked within the Top 3 in 55 markets globally in smartphone shipments for Q2 2022, and within the Top 5 across 67 markets globally in smartphone shipments. The Xiaomi corporation states that it has recorded quarter-on-quarter growth in market share across the Middle East, Europe, Latin America, Southeast Asia, and Africa in Q2 2022.

In terms of revenue, Xiaomi has announced that its overseas revenue now accounts for 48.4% of total revenue earned by the company, meaning that almost half of the company’s total revenue is now reliant on its overseas operations outside of China, reducing its reliance in the domestic market in China. For Q2 2022, the company recorded 34 billion RMB (4.95 billion USD) in overseas revenue in a single quarter alone.

Global brand recognition wise, in August 2022, Xiaomi was named on the Fortune Global 500 list for the fourth consecutive year and ranked 266th, advancing 72 spots from 2021. And the Xiaomi Corporation expects its brand recognition on the global stage to continue to rise.

Source: Xiaomi

To quote the report, “In May 2022, Xiaomi announced its long-term strategic partnership in imaging technology with Leica, another milestone in Xiaomi’s premiumization development. In July 2022, Xiaomi announced its first model with Leica, Xiaomi 12S Ultra. It features Leica Summicron lenses and a Sony IMX989 one-inch image sensor, along with the Leica Authentic Look and the Leica Vibrant Look imaging profiles, delivering a highly texturized smartphone photography experience.”

Xiaomi is heavily ramping up R&D investment to establish itself as a premium brand in the market, and with both the professional Leica-branded Xiaomi 12S Ultra and Xiaomi Mix Fold 2 announced, the brand is more closer and confident than ever to claiming the crown in the smartphone industry.

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Motorola Edge 30 Ultra flagship smartphone’s European pricing leaks ahead of launch

Jeet — Tue, 12 Jul 2022 05:12:11 +0000

Motorola has a pretty popular lineup of devices under the Motorola Edge series and the Lenovo-owned company is now gearing up to launch a new flagship smartphone in the market, dubbed Motorola Edge 30 Ultra.

Now, ahead of the official announcement of the Motorola Edge 30 Ultra aka Moto X30 Pro smartphone, its pricing details for the European market has leaked online.

Motorola Edge 30 Ultra Render

As per the new report from tipster Nils Ahrensmeier, the Motorola Edge 30 Ultra, which is the global version of the Moto X30 Pro, will be priced at €899 for the 12GB RAM and 256GB of internal storage model.

It will be interesting to see how the device competes against the likes of the Apple iPhone 13 Pro and the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra, two devices against which Motorola’s smartphone is competing in the premium smartphones segment.

The Motorola Edge 30 Ultra is expected to feature a 6.67-inch AMOLED display offering a Full HD+ screen resolution and a 144Hz refresh rate. Under the hood, the device will be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor.

In the camera department, the phone is said to feature Samsung ISOCELL HP1 200-megapixel primary camera sensor, coupled with a 50-megapixel secondary sensor and a 12-megapixel tertiary sensor. On the front side, the device is rumored to feature a 60-megapixel snapper for taking selfies and video calling.

The phone will run the Android 12 operating system out-of-the-box with the company’s own custom user interface on top. It is said to be powered by a 5,000mAh battery and may come with support for 125W fast charging.

Huawei FreeBuds Pro 2 TWS earbuds officially launched; now available for pre-order in Europe

Jeet — Fri, 24 Jun 2022 04:37:44 +0000

Huawei teased its next-generation FreeBuds Pro 2 TWS earbuds for a few days and the company has now officially launched the wireless audio wearable product at a launch event for Central and Eastern European.

The Huawei FreeBuds Pro 2 TWS earbuds have been made in collaboration with France-based sound technology company Devialet. Compared to the processor, the new earphones come with improved performance and longer battery life.

The newly announced Huawei FreeBuds Pro 2 come with dual drivers and three microphones for 47dB noise suppression. This is a new benchmark for the company in terms of noise cancellation as in the previous generation model, it was at 40dB.

It supports the biggest frequency range for Huawei earbuds, going from 14Hz to 48kHz. The company has also added an adaptive equalizer that learns the user behavior and tweaks the audio for better sound output.

The noise cancellation feature supports three different modes — General Mode, Cozy Mode, and Ultra Mode. There’s also an Awareness Mode when the user wants to be aware of the surroundings during outdoor activities. Unlike its predecessor, this time the earbuds are IP54 compliant for water and dust resistance.

Huawei has not revealed the battery capacity of the FreeBuds Pro 2 but has promised up to 30 hours of battery life with the charging case. It offers four hours of playback on a single charger with ANC enabled and 6.5 hours without Active Noise Cancellation.

The Huawei FreeBuds Pro 2 comes in three color options — Silver Blue, Silver Frost (Black), and Ceramic White and is priced at about €200. Those who pre-order the earbuds will get Huawei Band 7 for free. It is now up for pre-order and will start shipping from 11th July.

Xiaomi Mi Band 7 launched globally; now up for pre-order in Europe

Jeet — Wed, 22 Jun 2022 05:20:37 +0000

Xiaomi has announced the Mi Band 7 fitness tracker for the global market. The wearable device was first unveiled last month when the company took the wraps off the product.

The Mi Band 7 is now available for pre-order in the European market. The Standard Edition of the fitness tracker is priced at €59.99 but as a special early-bird discount, it is being offered for a discounted price of €49.99.

The Xiaomi Band 7 features a 1.62-inch AMOLED display with a 192 x 490-pixels screen resolution, 326 PPI pixel density, and 500nits of peak brightness. It has an Always-On display feature and also features dynamic Mars wallpaper like the one available on MIUI 13.

In terms of design, it is almost similar to the Mi band 6 and weighs just 13.5 grams. It also comes with features like Xiao AI assistant and has support for 120 sports modes including support for four professional sports modes with functions like activity tracking, data analysis, and more for all-around guidance.

There’s also support for all-day blood oxygen monitoring and alerts the wearer if the blood-oxygen levels go below 90%. Other than that, the device comes with a heart rate tracker, and sleep tracker capable of providing data like sleep breathing quality, REM, and nap time quality. It also offers stress monitoring, Female health tracking, and PAI.

The fitness tracker is powered by a large 180mAh battery capable of up to 15 days of use on a single charge. It is also claimed to last around 9 days with heavy usage and similar to its predecessors, uses a magnetic charger.

Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 10.4 LTE model starts receiving Android 12 update

Jeet — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 05:07:07 +0000

Samsung has finally started rolling out the new Android 12 update for the LTE version of its popular mid-range tablet in the market — Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 10.4 which was launched by the company in the year 2020.

Apart from the new version of the Android operating system, the update also brings One UI 4.1 custom user interface and June 2022 security patch. Currently, this new update is available in European countries and could soon be expanded to other regions.

The new update for the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 10.4 (2020) comes with the firmware version T505XXU3CVE7. It is currently available in Austria, Baltic, Bulgaria, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Luxembourg, Nordic countries, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Southeast Europe, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, and the UK.

This is the second and the last major Android version update for the device. When the tablet was launched, it was running the Android 10 operating system with One UI 2, and last year, it received the Android 11 update with One UI 3.1.

As for the specifications, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 10.4 features a 10.4-inch LCD display with a 2,000 x 1,200 pixels screen. Under the hood, it is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 processor, coupled with 3GB RAM and up to 64GB of internal storage.

It has an 8-megapixel camera sensor on the back and a 5-megapixel snapper on the front side for taking selfies and video calling. There are four speakers that support Dolby Atmos. The device is powered by a 7,040mAh battery but it does not come with support for any type of fast charging.

Samsung Galaxy A13 5G Europe launch imminent as support page goes live

Sean — Wed, 27 Apr 2022 05:51:48 +0000

While Samsung has already launched the Galaxy A13 5G and Galaxy A13 4G globally back in March 2022, the company had yet to release the 5G variant in Europe. But now, it seems that the Galaxy A13 5G model’s launch is just around the corner in the region.

Samsung Galaxy A13 5G

For those unaware, The South Korean tech giant had previously launched the Galaxy A13 5G in March, however, it did not release the 5G model. Now, a new report has suggested that the brand is apparently gearing up to release the 5G variant for the European market soon. The news arrives from GalaxyClub who found an online support page on the official Samsung website in Greece.

In other words, it is highly likely that the company is planning on releasing the device in Europe soon. As of right now, there is still no word regarding an official release date for the smartphone in the market. But, the support page that depicts a device with model number “SM-A136B” hints that the launch is just around the corner. Apart from the model number, no other specifications for the Europe variant of the Galaxy A13 5G were listed on the website.

Although, it is likely to be identical to the globally available version. So, we can expect the smartphone to sport a 6.5 inch PLS LCD panel with a 90Hz refresh rate and an HD+ resolution. Under the hood, the handset is equipped with the MediaTek Dimensity 700 chipset, which is paired with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage that can be further expanded via a MicroSD card slot. On the rear, the device features a 50 megapixel triple camera setup, while the front has a 5 megapixel selfie shooter. So stick around for more updates.

OnePlus 10 Pro confirmed to launch in the US, Europe and India by the end of this month

Jeet — Tue, 01 Mar 2022 03:11:20 +0000

Earlier this year, in the month of January, OPPO-backed OnePlus announced its latest flagship smartphone, dubbed OnePlus 10 Pro. However, this time, the company initially limited the device to its home market China.

Now, a couple of months after its debut in China, the company is all set to launch the smartphone globally. At the Mobile World Congress, OnePlus confirmed that the flagship smartphone will launch in the US, Europe, and India by the end of this month.

The company has also confirmed that the global version of the OnePlus 10 Pro will keep using the OxygenOS operating system. This is unlike the Chinese model which comes pre-installed with OPPO’s ColorOS.

Initially, the device will be running OxyenOS 12.1 but the company has promised that it will soon be updated to OxygenOS 13. It has also been confirmed that the model sold in China will continue to have ColorOS pre-installed.

The specifications of the OnePlus 10 Pro will mostly remain the same. It features a 6.7-inch second-generation LTPO AMOLED display with support for variable refresh rates from 1Hz to 120Hz. It offers a screen resolution of 3216 x 1440 pixels, 525 PPI pixel density, 1300 nits peak brightness, 5000000:1 contrast ratio, 20.1:9 aspect ratio, 92.7% screen-to-body ratio, and Gorilla Glass Victus for protection.

It also comes with an under-display fingerprint sensor for added security. Under the hood, the device comes powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset, coupled with up to 12GB LPDDR5 RAM and 256GB UFS 3.1 internal storage.

Coming to the camera configuration, the phone comes with a 48MP Sony IMX789 primary sensor with OIS, a 50MP Samsung ISOCELL JN1 sensor 150-degree ultra-wide unit, and an 8MP 3.3x telephoto shooter with OIS. On the front side, the device has a 32MP Sony IMX615 snapper for taking selfies and video calling. All these cameras are co-tuned by Hasselblad with features like Hasselblad Natural Color Optimization 2.0.

The phone is running the Android 12 operating system with a custom interface on top. It is powered by a 5,000mAh battery and comes with support for 80W SuperVOOC fast charging, 50W AirVOOC fast wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging.

Realme Buds Q2s color options and European pricing leak ahead of launch

Jeet — Tue, 15 Feb 2022 06:48:06 +0000

Realme is gearing up to launch a few new products in the market, including the 9 Pro, 9 Pro+, and 9i smartphones in Europe. The company is also set to launch new TWS earbuds in the market, dubbed Realme Buds Q2s.

A new report from 91Mobiles claims that the Realme Buds Q2s will soon be launched in the European market as budget true wireless earbuds. The report also reveals the color options as well as pricing for the earphones.

It is said that the TWS earphones will come in three color options — Night Black, Paper Green, and Paper White. As for the pricing, the report adds that it is expected to cost around EUR 29 in the European markets.

The Realme Buds Q2s are expected to go official later this month or next month but the company is yet to officially confirm this. It has already been spotted on BIS certification, which means that the earbuds could soon get launched in India as well. In the Indian market, they are expected to be priced at around ₹2,000.

As the name itself indicates, the Realme Buds Q2s will launch as a variant of the Buds Q2 that launched in India in June last year. It comes with 10mm drivers, Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), IPX5 water resistance, 88ms low latency, USB Type-C fast charging, 28 hours of battery backup, and more.

XPENG Motors becomes the first Chinese EV company to enter Sweden

Jeet — Thu, 03 Feb 2022 08:10:06 +0000

XPENG Motors, the China-based electric vehicles manufacturers, has become the first Chinese EV company to enter Sweden. This marks the second European market for the company after entering Norway.

The smart car-making company is currently setting up its first store in Sweden and images of the store have leaked on Reddit. As for the location, the experience center is located in Westfield Mall of Scandinavia.

The development is in line with the company’s plan for overseas operations. A few weeks ago, XPENG Motors had revealed that it was planning to enter more European markets in the year 2022 to boost its exports.

The company had previously announced that Xpeng Experience Center will open in Sweden in the first quarter of 2022, i.e. somewhere between January to March. Based on that timeline, we expect the store to open doors in the coming weeks.

Elvis Cheng, Nordic Region Manager for the company claimed that Westfield Mall of Scandinavia is the best place to reach many people in the country. The company will be providing test drives of its models at the location.

He Xiaopeng, co-founder, Chairman, and CEO of the company has said that apart from Sweden, the company also has plans to enter two more European markets this year — Denmark and the Netherlands. It will also put in efforts to expand its presence in Norway.

XPENG Motors is currently building its EVs in Zhaoqing, China and is in the process of setting up new factories in Guangzhou and Wuhan. Once these new units as up and running, the company will have a production capacity of more than 400,000 units. With double-shift, it has the potential to roll out up to 600,000 electric cars annually.

Xiaomi launches Redmi Watch 2 Lite smartwatch in Europe for €69.99 (~$79)

Jeet — Tue, 14 Dec 2021 04:01:48 +0000

Xiaomi had launched the Redmi Watch 2 Lite smartwatch last month and now the company has officially unveiled this new wearable device in the European market and can be purchased through the Mi Store.

The device is currently available only in Germany and not in France, Italy, or Spain but the product has been listed for those regions as well. Nonetheless, it should be available for purchase in those countries pretty soon.

The Redmi Watch 2 Lite is priced at €69.99 which roughly converts to $79. It is currently available in only the Black color option but the device will soon come in two more color options to choose from — White and Blue.

Coming to the specifications, the smartwatch comes with a 1.55-inch touchscreen display that offers a screen resolution of 360 x 320 pixels. It comes with support for features like heart rate monitoring, steps country, blood oxygen levels measuring, and more.

There are over 100 sports modes and the device also comes with support for GPS along with Galileo, GLONASS, and BDS. The product, which is rated 5ATM for water resistance, has a plastic build, making it lightweight.

It is running the company’s own proprietary operating system and has support for more than 100 watch faces to choose from. The device is powered by a 262mAh battery which is claimed to offer 10 days of battery life on a single charge.

Huawei to launch its self-developed 5G chipset for flagship phones, claims executive Derek Yu

Jeet — Tue, 07 Dec 2021 06:22:07 +0000

Ever since the imposition of sanctions on the Chinese technology giant Huawei by the United States, the company is rapidly losing out in terms of market share globally. Not just phones, but the firm is also barred from making its own chipsets.

However, the company is still hopeful about its future in the smartphone market. Derek Yu, President of Huawei’s Consumer Business in Central and Eastern Europe, Northern Europe, and Canada made remarks about the company’s future.

He said that Huawei will keep investing in the development of flagship smartphones, especially those with foldable displays. The company will also keep the focus on its premium Mate-series and P-series flagship phones.

Further, he added that the Shanghai R&D Center is also working on a solution for 5G chips which means that Huawei’s flagship smartphone could again come with support for 5G connectivity one day.

Currently, Huawei is barred from procuring chips with support for 5G connectivity because of the sanctions and that is the reason most of the phones getting launched by Huawei come with 4G-only support.

Derek Yu has also confirmed that the Huawei Mate 50 series smartphones are all set to be officially launched in 2022. While the company’s phone comes pre-installed with the Android operating system in markets outside of China, Huawei is scheduled to open its HarmonyOS for the European market sometime next year.