In the past week’s top tech news, Vivo’s iQOO sub-brand is considering larger batteries over faster charging, while Oppo’s Find N3 marks its first horizontal folding smartphone launched globally. Samsung reveals a competitively priced Galaxy S23 FE for China, and Huawei teases an entry-level foldable phone, possibly rivaling Samsung’s future offering.

Honor’s Play 8T debuts with impressive specs at an affordable price, and Xiaomi’s HyperOS hints at a clean break from MIUI. Huawei’s Mate 60 Pro+ showcases exceptional macro photography capabilities, and Apple’s iOS 17 FaceTime reactions stir discussions. Lastly, Minecraft cements its legacy, reaching a whopping 300 million copies sold, becoming the best-selling video game of all time.

Dive into these stories and more in our comprehensive roundup below.

OnePlus Open Finally Debuts With Dual LTPO Displays, Hasselblad Cameras

The OnePlus Open is finally here. The company took the wraps off of its first-ever foldable phone at a global event held in Mumbai, India last week. Leaks and rumors leading up to today’s launch event left nothing about the device to the imagination. Notably, the OnePlus Open is for the global markets what the OPPO’s Find N3 (that was also announced last week) is for the Chinese market. In short, both are the same devices. 

Future iQOO flagships may opt for larger 6,000mAh batteries over 200W fast charging

Vivo and its sub-brand iQOO may not offer 200W fast charging in their upcoming smartphones, instead focusing on enhancing battery capacity. The iQOO 12 Pro is expected to have a 120W/100W fast charging system and a 6,000mAh battery, with a 5,000mAh battery and 50W wireless charging only on the 12 Pro.

Oppo Find N3 launched with Hasselblad Camera, SD8Gen2, & tall 7.82″ main display

Following various rumors and teasers, the Oppo Find N3 has finally been unveiled in the Chinese and the global markets. This announcement also marks the first time the brand has launched a horizontally folding smartphone outside of its home market, so here are all the details in the article above.

Samsung Galaxy S23 FE price confirmed for China, more affordable than India

Samsung has officially announced the price of its Galaxy S23 FE in China, available in two configurations with 8 GB RAM and 128 GB storage. The device comes in four colors and runs on Android 13 with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip. It features a 10-megapixel front camera and dual speakers.

Huawei’s entry-level foldable phone in works, Samsung’s rumored Galaxy Z FE may rival it

Huawei is working on an entry-level foldable phone with expected pricing of $735 or lower, likely unveiled in the first half of 2024. The device is likely to come in multiple shades, similar to the affordable Huawei Pocket S. Samsung is also developing a similar device, the Galaxy Z FE.

Honor Play 8T launched with 6.8-inch LCD display, Dimensity 6080, 50MP dual cameras

The Honor Play 8T is a mid-range smartphone launched in China, featuring a 6.8-inch IPS LCD panel, a 6,000mAh battery, and a 50-megapixel primary camera. It has a 6,000mAh battery, 12GB LPDDR4x RAM, 8GB virtual RAM, and 256GB storage. The device is priced at 1,099 Yuan (~$150) and 1,299 Yuan (~$178) in China.

Oppo Find N3’s “Boundless View” Feature coming to Tablets and previous-gen Foldables

Oppo Find N3 is a premium horizontal foldable device with sophisticated features like Boundless View, Canvas Shift, and Smart Split Screen. The device is Oppo’s first horizontal foldable device to launch outside its home country, and will be available on Oppo tablets with slight changes. The device features a 6.31-inch AMOLED panel, Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, 16GB LPDDR5X RAM, and 512GB storage.

Google Pixel 8 Series bundles support for display output via USB Type-C, despite Google’s Denial

Google has disabled DisplayPort Connection on the Pixel 8 Series, despite its potential benefits. The feature works on the device, but the DP Alt Mode is disabled with a firmware update. The feature could be introduced via a QPR1 or QPR2 update next year.

Redmi Note 13 4G could be powered by the Snapdragon 685 chip like last year

The Redmi Note 13 series, including the Redmi Note 13 Pro, Pro+, and Redmi Note 13 Pro+, is set to launch globally, with the 4G model running on a Snapdragon 685 SoC. The phone features a 6.67″ AMOLED display, dual camera setup, 5000 mAh battery, and up to 12GB RAM and 256GB storage.

Xiaomi HyperOS leaked screenshots show a cleaner interface than MIUI 14

Xiaomi is ready to replace MIUI with a new operating system, HyperOS. MIUI currently powers all Xiaomi, Redmi, and Poco devices, and has seen 14 iterations so far. The custom software is known for its heavy customizations and an overall look inspired by Apple’s iOS. However, MIUI will soon be a thing of the past, as the company will introduce the new HyperOS with the Xiaomi 14 series. While we wait, some leaked screenshots of the upcoming OS reveal some nitty-gritty details.

The Best Macro Camera on a Smartphone: Huawei Mate 60 Pro+ Macro Camera Captures Stunning Footage of Nature

Huawei continues to make waves in the smartphone world with its Mate 60 series, particularly with its camera capabilities. We recently told you about how the Huawei Mate 60 takes surprisingly good photos of the Moon and outperforms the iPhone 15 Pro Max. Now, the phone’s macro photography abilities have been revealed. Photos taken by a social media user with the Huawei Mate 60 Pro+‘s macro lens vividly capture the detailed feeding process of a mosquito. Details in the link above.

Apple’s New Facetime Reactions are Getting Triggered during FaceTime Calls

Apple’s recent update for iOS 17 and macOS Sonoma is full of fresh additions to make your device more fun and interactive. While these updates promise to make communication more lively, they’ve also been causing quite the stir, especially in settings where a more somber tone is required.

Minecraft is the best selling video game of all time, over 300 million copies shipped

Minecraft, the world’s best-selling video game, has sold over 300 million copies since its launch 15 years ago. Mojang Studios announced the milestone during a Minecraft Live event, revealing new features like a trial chamber and upcoming DLCs. The game’s success is a major milestone for the company.

Upcoming Smartphones: Xiaomi 14, Vivo Y200, and more

Based on leaks, three new phones could go official next week. Out of these three, two of them will be flagships from Xiaomi — Xiaomi 14 and Xiaomi 14 Pro. Whereas, the third one will be a budget model from Vivo. The Vivo device will succeed the Vivo Y100 from earlier this year. On the other hand, the Xiaomi handsets will replace the Xiaomi 13 models from late last year.

Redmi Note 10 Pro has not received MIUI update in India for 6 months

Xiaomi’s Redmi Note 10 Pro and Redmi Note 10 Pro Max have been experiencing issues in India, with both running the same software builds and not receiving system updates for months. The lack of updates could be due to hardware issues caused by new MIUI updates. Xiaomi has offered an additional year of warranty in May, but the hardware failures remain unresolved.

The post Top Tech News Stories of Last Week: OnePlus Open Launch, Xiaomi HyperOS, Find N3 & More appeared first on Gizmochina.

In an interesting week for tech enthusiasts, Apple’s latest iPhone 15 Pro’s widely reported overheating issue gets a fix, but not without further controversy. Interestingly, while Apple moves away from the titanium build for its flagship device, Samsung might be leaning into it for its forthcoming Galaxy S24 series. Speaking of luxury, Huawei adds a touch of premium with its Ultimate Gold Edition smartwatch for European consumers, flaunting 18K gold accents and a stunning ceramic frame.

Meanwhile, Samsung extends its product line with the launch of the Galaxy SmartTag 2 and the much-anticipated Fan Edition devices, marking its strong presence in both the Indian and global markets. Google’s Pixel 8 series announcement emphasizes the brand’s commitment to longevity, promising seven years of spare parts.

OnePlus diversifies its portfolio with the new Pad Go for Indian tech aficionados, and in the durability showdown between Apple and Samsung, the results might surprise many. Furthermore, global streaming giant, Netflix, hints at a price surge post the Hollywood actors’ strike resolution.

Check out all the important tech news stories from last week down below!

Apple finally addresses iPhone 15 Pro overheating issue with new iOS 17 update

Apple has addressed the overheating issue on the iPhone 15 lineup, claiming third-party apps and optimization issues with iOS 17. The latest iOS 17.0.3 patch targets iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max models, removing the titanium build.

Samsung Galaxy S24 series may feature a Titanium body, similar to the iPhone 15 Pro

Rumors suggest Samsung may use titanium for the Galaxy S24 series’ body, similar to Apple’s iPhone 15 series. The Galaxy S24, S24+, and S24 Ultra models may feature titanium frames, potentially reducing weight. Samsung may use titanium frames as a marketing term for their premium devices, expected to launch in early 2024.

Huawei Watch Ultimate Gold Edition luxury smartwatch now available in UK & Europe

Huawei has introduced the Huawei Watch Ultimate Gold Edition to Europe, featuring 18K gold sections, a crown, PVD strap, and butterfly buckle. The watch is built with a nano-crystalline ceramic frame and CNC machining, and features a 1.5-inch LTPO OLED display, 530 mAh battery, and health monitoring features. The watch is priced at €2,999 in the Eurozone and £2,699 in the UK.

Samsung Galaxy SmartTag 2 unveiled with up to 700 days battery life

Samsung has launched the Galaxy SmartTag 2, an improved version of its popular item tracker. The device features improved Compass View functionality, Power Saving Mode, and a sleek design. It is rated IP67 for water and dust resistance and integrates with SmartThings Station for easy tracking of tagged items.

Google Pixel 8 Pro launched with Tensor G3 chip, upgraded cameras, thermometer

After months of leaks and rumors, Google has finally made the Pixel 8 Pro official. The handset was unveiled last week during the Made by Google event alongside the Pixel 8 and Pixel Watch 2. The new Pixel brings several improvements, with the latest Tensor G3 chip being the major one. Google has also packed a thermometer on the back of the phone. The cameras also see a slight improvement and so does the display. Check out the article for more details on the new Pixel 8 series.

­Amazfit Active launched with 1.75” AMOLED, 14 days battery, lightweight build

Amazfit makes some amazing smartwatches that don’t cost you a fortune but offer a premium experience. The wearable maker has today announced a new smartwatch for the global market called the Amazfit Active. It brings a large 1.75-inch AMOLED display and lightweight design. The wearable has square dial and is claimed to last up to 14 days. You also get GPS services and 5 ATM water resistance.

Samsung Announces India Prices And Availability Of Galaxy Buds FE, Galaxy Tab S9 FE, S9+ FE

After a long wait and plenty of leaks and rumors, Samsung finally unveiled Fan Edition devices globally. These include the S23 FE smartphone, Tab S9 FE, S9+ FE and the Galaxy Buds FE. The South Korean brand says that the new FE devices are the perfect entry point for those who want to experience Galaxy flagship devices for the first time. Now Samsung India has revealed the pricing and availability of all four devices in the country.

Google Will Offer 7 Years Of Spare Parts For The Pixel 8 Series To Align With The Software Policy Commitment

Google has announced that it will provide spare parts for the Pixel 8 series for the same 7-year duration, aligning with its software policy commitment. This ensures that the latest-generation Pixel 8 series lasts its entire lifespan for customers. Google’s hardware and software commitment is expected to be shared in the coming weeks.

OnePlus Pad Go with MediaTek Helio G99, 2.4K display launched in India

OnePlus has launched the Pad Go in India, a watered-down version of the original OnePlus Pad. The device features a flat-edge design, an Oreo-style camera cutout, and an 11.35-inch IPS LCD display with a 2.4K resolution and 90Hz refresh rate. It runs on OxygenOS 13.2 and has 8MP cameras on both sides. The Pad Go supports Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.2, GPS, and USB-C ports. It will be available for open sale on October 20th and pre-order on Amazon, Flipkart, and OnePlus Experience Stores.

iPhone 15 Pro Max Loses to Galaxy S23 Ultra in Drop Test, Despite Titanium Build

Apple’s new titanium case for the iPhone 15 Pro Max is one of its biggest selling points. It’s supposed to be stronger and more durable than the aluminum used in previous iPhones. However, a recent drop test by YouTuber PhoneBuff shows that the titanium body doesn’t offer any significant real-world benefit in terms of drop protection.

Netflix plans subscription price increase post Hollywood Actors’ strike

Netflix is set to increase subscription prices globally following the resolution of the Hollywood actors’ strike. The hike follows a trend in the industry, where competitors have previously increased prices by 25%. Netflix’s approach to financial challenges, such as cracking down on password sharing, has attracted 6 million new subscribers and boosted its membership to 238 million globally.

OpenAI plans In-House AI Chip Production amidst industry challenges

OpenAI is considering developing its own AI chips to address a shortage of high-performance processors and operational costs. CEO Sam Altman prioritizes reducing reliance on third-party vendors, including Nvidia. OpenAI is exploring options like building its own chips, collaborating with existing chipmakers, and diversifying its supplier base.

iPhone 16 trial production to start in Chengdu, China this December

iPhone 15 series has just launched and leaks of iPhone 16 have already started to surface. A leak from tipster Fixed Focus Digital, reported by CNMO, suggests that Apple has started working on its next flagship series iPhone 16.

China’s Smartphone Market Shows Signs of Revival, Thanks to Huawei’s New Releases

China’s smartphone market is expected to recover in 2023, with Huawei’ launch of the 5G-enabled Mate 60 Pro series boosting sales by 41%. The Mate 60 Pro series, backed by Huawei’s HarmonyOS, could attract new customers and reintroduce those who switched to other brands.

OnePlus Open is the Best Foldable Smartphone Right Now, Says Company CEO Pete Lau

OnePlus and OPPO have partnered to create the OnePlus Open, a foldable phone with a unique blend of expertise in foldable design and camera technology. The phone will feature high pixel density, a streamlined hinge, and the brand’s signature textured alert slider. The collaboration aims to redefine the foldable phone market.

Google Pixel 9 Lineup will Have Bigger Displays than its Predecessors, Reliable Leak States

Just days after the launch of Google’s Pixel 8 series, reliable tipster Ross Young has already shifted the spotlight onto the next big thing from the tech giant. Young recently tweeted details about the display sizes for the upcoming Google Pixel 9 series, hinting that the devices will sport larger screens compared to their predecessors.

Huawei is working on self-developed CMOS image sensors

Huawei is developing its own CMOS image sensor due to sanctions and a rift with Sony. The development process includes thinning stop layers and epitaxial layers, enabling compatibility with back-illuminated technology. This move is not exclusive to Huawei, as other Chinese manufacturers are exploring CMOS sensor development.

Pixel 7 Pro now has Pixel 8 Pro’s exclusive camera features—thanks to mod!

Google announced new camera features for its Pixel 8 series smartphones, including manual focus, shutter speed adjustments, and ISO controls. Tipster Kamila Wojciechowska managed to run these features on her Pixel 7 Pro by modding the Pixel 8’s Google Camera APK. The Pixel 8 Pro’s exclusive camera features may be available on Samsung or Xiaomi phones in the future.

Meanwhile, Google has now shipped nearly 40 million Pixel smartphones since the launch of the Pixel series in 2016.

Here’s some amazing deals that you might have missed during the ongoing sale in India:

• Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) down to Rs. 16999 today on Amazon India
• Grab Incredible Discounts on Top Smartphones in India: Amazon Great Indian Festival
• Super Deal: Apple M1 Macbook Air is down to its lowest price of Rs. 52999 on Amazon India

The post Top Tech News From Last Week: iPhone Overheating Fix, OnePlus Pad Go, Huawei’s Luxury Watches & More appeared first on Gizmochina.

Welcome to our weekly tech roundup, where we compile the most compelling stories that are shaping the technology landscape.

We delve into the latest IDC report that unveiled a 2.1% decline in China’s smartphone market in Q2 2023, contrasted starkly by Huawei’s stunning surge of 58% in smartphone sales in the same quarter. This uptick for Huawei amidst an overall market contraction illustrates the company’s new strategies.

Apple’s AirTag played an unlikely hero role in tracking down a restaurant burglar who absconded with $15,000 worth of goods. For audiophiles, Sony unveiled its latest offering – the WF-1000XM5 earbuds. Touted for their top-notch sound quality and active noise cancellation, they are setting new standards in the audio industry. We also read about how a YouTuber managed to run GTA 5 on an overclocked Nintendo Switch, pushing the boundaries of the console’s capabilities.

Stay tuned as we dive deeper into these stories and more in this exciting roundup of the week’s top tech news below.

Latest IDC report shows China’s smartphone market declined by 2.1% in Q2 2023

The IDC report shows a 2.1% decline in China’s smartphone market in Q2 2023, with 65.7 million smartphones shipped. The market experienced a 7.3% year-on-year decline, with Huawei and Apple showing positive YoY growth. Other leading brands, including Oppo, Vivo, Honor, Apple, and Huawei and Xiaomi, experienced flat or declining performance.

More details in the link above.

Huawei’s Q2 2023 smartphone sales surged by 58%

Huawei’s Q2 2023 smartphone sales surged by 58%, according to Counterpoint Research. The surge can be attributed to regular product release schedules and brand image. Other manufacturers, Realme and Apple, also experienced positive growth. Huawei’s focus on flagship series, midrange phones, and the upcoming Mate 60 series is expected to boost sales.

More details in the article below.

Apple MacBook Air 15-inch model’s demand lower than the company’s expectations

Apple’s anticipated 15-inch MacBook Air model faces lower demand than anticipated, with sales numbers as low as 50% below expectations. The 15-inch model, launched at WWDC, features a larger display and two extra speakers. The company is scaling back production.

Apple AirTag Used to Track Down Restaurant Burglar Who Stole $15,000 Worth of Goods

The Apple AirTag has been used to track down a South Carolina restaurant burglar who stole $15,000 worth of goods. The small, effective device allows users to track their location instantly, preventing theft. The total value of the stolen items is estimated to be between $15,000 and $20,000. The AirTag has been used in theft cases before, but its drawbacks have been reported.

More details in the link above.

Here’s why China loves foldable smartphones

China’s foldable smartphone market experienced significant growth in Q1 2023, with China being the largest market, followed by Western Europe, Asia Pacific, and North America. 

We check out why Chinese consumers love their foldables.

Sony debuts the WF-1000XM5 earbuds with top-notch sound quality and ANC

Sony introduces the WF-1000XM5 TWS earbuds, offering exceptional sound quality, advanced noise cancellation, call clarity, and comfort. The Dynamic Driver X delivers clear highs and bass, supports High-Resolution Audio Wireless, 360 Reality Audio, and head-tracking technology.

More details like pricing and availability in the full article below. 

YouTuber gets GTA 5 running on an overclocked Nintendo Switch

YouTuber Geekerwan overclocked the Nintendo Switch to run popular titles like Grand Theft Auto 5, Titanfall 2, and God of War. He sideloaded Android 11 and overclocked the CPU to 2.3 GHz, allowing him to access Steam and play games.

More details below. 

Honor flip phone coming next year, says executive

Honor is rumored to launch its first flip phone in 2024, aiming to compete with Samsung and Motorola. The Honor Flip is expected to offer a unique experience with a lightweight design, large cover screen, and a competitive price proposition.

The Bumblebee Edition of Nubia Red Magic 8S Pro+ is Now on preorders

Nubia has launched the Nubia Red Magic 8S Pro+ Bumblebee Edition, available for pre-orders at 6,499 Yuan. This special edition features a unique mecha design and a Bumblebee-themed charger, badge, pins, fast charging data cable, protective case, and cooler. 

All iPhone 15 models rumored to feature 48MP camera with hybrid lens

The iPhone 15 series is set to revolutionize smartphone photography with its 48-megapixel camera, featuring advanced 1/1.5-inch stacked CMOS image sensor (CIS) and 2X mode. The non-Pro models will have a slightly smaller sensor, but the CIS increases by 27% from previous iPhone 14 models. The hybrid lens design, f/1.7 aperture, and A16 Bionic chip are expected to improve low-light performance.

Here’s Why People in Indonesia Can’t Access the Rebranded Twitter Website

Elon Musk’s ambitious rebranding of Twitter as ‘X’ has encountered a major obstacle in Indonesia. The social media platform, now known as X, faced a block in the country due to its association with the domain X.com. More details above. 

No Chargers Needed?: Researchers Develop Long-Distance Wireless Charging with 80% Efficiency

Wireless charging is getting more and more popular these days. We can see this technology in our phones and even things like AirPods. However, when we look at the usage rates, the numbers suddenly start to drop suddenly. This is mostly because wireless charging isn’t truly ‘wireless’. Your device needs to touch a charging pad, and that can be harder than just using a USB-C or Lightning cable. However, engineers at Aalto University have developed a new system that can fix this.

The post Top Tech News From Last Week: iPhone 15, Huawei shipments growth, Airtags catch Burglars, & More appeared first on Gizmochina.