Category: All News

  • Xiaomi BW500 Outdoor Camera: 6-Month Battery, Solar Charging

    Xiaomi BW500 Outdoor Camera: 6-Month Battery, Solar Charging

    The Xiaomi Outdoor Camera BW500 has been introduced in China, featuring a battery life that can extend up to 6 months and supports solar charging. Xiaomi also recently launched a 5W solar panel with a USB-C cable compatible with both the Xiaomi Outdoor Camera BW500 and BW300. The BW500 outdoor camera will be available for crowdfunding starting on May 29.

    Features

    The Xiaomi Outdoor Camera BW500 boasts a resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels and a FOV 136º wide-angle lens with an aperture of F1.6. It is equipped with powerful infrared and full-color LED lights for effective lighting, capable of illuminating intelligently in low-light environments within a 10-meter radius. The camera utilizes a 1.2TOPS AI computing power chip, enabling it to accurately detect people, vehicles, animals, and other objects. When any object enters the camera’s field of view, an alarm is triggered, and the white light turns on, acting as a deterrent. Additionally, the MI Home App sends an alarm notification.

    The BW500 supports intelligent noise reduction for clearer human voice communication and operates an intercom within a 7-meter range. It also includes an MIJIA security chip to guard against data breaches. The optional solar panel connection boosts its versatility and reliability, with the panel angle adjustable for optimal battery life. The camera features a 10,000mAh battery, claimed to last up to six months, with an algorithm that employs low-power technology to adjust battery usage based on the captured scene.

    Storage and Durability

    The Xiaomi Outdoor Camera BW500 includes built-in eMMC 32GB storage and supports cloud storage. It is rated IP67 for dust and water resistance.

    Pricing & Availability

    The BW500 camera will be available for crowdfunding at a price of 369 yuan ($51), starting on May 29 on Xiaomi Youpin.


  • OnePlus 12: New Animations & Features in OxygenOS 14.0.0.802 Update

    OnePlus 12: New Animations & Features in OxygenOS 14.0.0.802 Update

    Earlier this month, OnePlus began distributing a significant update for many of its premium smartphones, introducing numerous new features, improvements to user experience, and bug fixes. This update, named OxygenOS 14.0.0.802, has at last reached the flagship OnePlus 12. Below is the detailed changelog outlining what’s new and enhanced in this update.

    OnePlus 12 OxygenOS 14.0.0.802 Update:

    New Smooth Animations

    • Adds wallpaper zoom and seamless icon transitions during app launch and exit for a smoother visual experience.
    • Adds a bounce animation effect when sliding to the bottom of the notification drawer and optimizes the layer effects of Quick Setting icons and widgets, providing a more natural and delicate visual effect.
    • Optimizes the transition animations for Home screen icons and widgets and adds wallpaper zoom animations upon device unlock.
    • Adds wallpaper zoom animations and gradual brightness transitions when the screen is turned on or off.
    • Optimizes the background colors and Gaussian blur effects in Quick Settings, Notification drawer, Home screen drawer, and Global Search.
    • Optimizes the transition animation when the Lock screen clock and buttons disappear upon device unlock.
    • Optimizes animations when entering and exiting Global Search, ensuring a smoother and more consistent visual experience.

    New Touch Control Experience

    • Adds a transition animation when swiping in from one side of the screen to exit an app before it starts up.
    • Adds a transition animation when swiping in from one side of the screen to go back to the previous page before a new page is opened.
    • Adds a transition animation when swiping inward from a side of the screen or swiping up to exit an app in landscape mode.
    • You can now tap the lower right corner of a large folder to view more apps.
    • You can now pull down app icons in large folders and then open an app in just one move.
    • Improves touch control responsiveness. Tapping and swiping on the Home screen and Recent tasks screen is now faster and more stable.
    • Increases touch responsiveness for app usage scenarios, such as when opening and closing apps, entering and exiting recent tasks, or swiping on the gesture guide bar to switch between apps.
    • Optimizes animations when using large folders. Dragging apps on the Home screen is now smoother.

    System

    • Adds a horizontal layout for the Lock screen clock.
    • You can now choose not to show the track when drawing the Lock screen pattern to unlock your device.
    • You can now adjust the volume in Quick Settings.
    • You can now adjust the size of a floating window by dragging its bottom and swipe up to close a mini window.
    • Fixes an issue that might cause the Home screen wallpaper to flicker after you close an app.
    • Improves system stability.
    • Optimizes fingerprint recognition.
    • Fixes an issue where the volume from the speaker and Bluetooth earphones might be low.
    • Fixes a display issue where an app icon on the Home screen might move slightly from where it should be after closing the app.
    • Integrates the May 2024 Android security patch to enhance system security.

    The update is currently being rolled out exclusively in India, with a wider global release anticipated soon. The update is being deployed in batches, so users can expect it to arrive on their devices in the upcoming days.

  • Honor 200 Launched in China: 6.7″ 120Hz OLED, Snapdragon 7 Gen 3

    Honor 200 Launched in China: 6.7″ 120Hz OLED, Snapdragon 7 Gen 3

    Honor has unveiled its latest flagship series, the Honor 200, in China. This series includes two models: the Honor 200 and the Honor 200 Pro. In this overview, we will focus on the specifications of the standard Honor 200 model. Let’s delve into the details.

    Honor 200 Specifications:

    The Honor 200 features a 6.7-inch 2664×1200 OLED four-edge curved display, supporting a 120Hz refresh rate and 3840Hz high-frequency PWM dimming. The display achieves a local peak brightness of 4000 nits, is capable of showing 1.07 billion colors, and includes natural light-like eye protection and sleep-assist display technology. It has also earned the German Rheinland TÜV flicker-free certification.

    Performance and Cooling

    Powered by the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 chipset and Adreno 720 GPU, the Honor 200 ensures efficient performance. To manage heat, it includes the all-domain cold drive cooling system 2.0, featuring an expansive 5029mm² VC area and an impressive total heat dissipation area of 34696mm². Despite its large cooling capacity, the system maintains a thin profile of approximately 0.3mm, keeping the device sleek and user-friendly.

    Storage and Software

    The Honor 200 offers five storage and RAM configurations: 8GB+256GB, 12GB+256GB, 16GB+256GB, 12GB+512GB, and 16GB+512GB. It runs on MagicOS 8.0, based on Android 14, right out of the box.

    Special Features

    The phone includes several unique features such as one-click blockbuster video creation, gallery semantic search, dynamic capsule, magic lock screen, and various intelligent modes for enhanced multitasking and personalization.

    Camera System

    The rear camera setup includes a triple camera system: a 50MP wide-angle camera with an f/1.95 aperture and OIS, a 50MP telephoto camera with an f/2.4 aperture and OIS, and a 12MP ultra-wide-angle macro camera with an f/2.2 aperture. It supports up to 4K video recording and up to 50x digital zoom, along with various shooting modes like night mode, portrait mode, and AI photography. The front camera is a 50MP wide-angle lens with an f/2.1 aperture, supporting up to 4K video recording and multiple shooting modes, including portrait and night mode.

    Battery and Charging

    The Honor 200 is equipped with a 5200mAh battery that supports 100W Super Fast Charge, allowing the phone to charge up to 57% in just 15 minutes. Additionally, the device features an AI intelligent charging mode that smartly identifies users’ charging habits and adjusts charging protection strategies to optimize the charging experience.

    Connectivity and Other Features

    It supports dual SIM cards and various network standards, including 5G and 4G. For connectivity, the Honor 200 includes WLAN protocols 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax, Bluetooth 5.3, infrared remote control, and NFC. It also features an in-screen fingerprint sensor and stereo speakers with Histen 7.1 audio effects.

    Dimensions and Weight

    The device measures 161.5 mm in length, 74.6 mm in width, and 7.7 mm in thickness, weighing approximately 187 grams.

    Pricing and Availability

    The Honor 200 is available in Moonlight White, Coral Pink, Velvet Black, and Sea Blue colors.

    • 12GB+256GB – 2699 Yuan ($372)
    • 12GB+512GB and 16GB+256GB – 2999 Yuan ($414)
    • 16GB+512GB – 3199 Yuan ($442)

    Pre-sale starts on May 27, 2024, at 20:30, with official sales beginning on May 31, 2024, at 10:08. These devices can be purchased from various platforms, including the Honor Mall, major authorized e-commerce platforms, Honor Experience Stores, and authorized retail stores.


  • Honor 200 Pro Launch: 6.78″ 120Hz OLED, Snapdragon 8s Gen 3

    Honor 200 Pro Launch: 6.78″ 120Hz OLED, Snapdragon 8s Gen 3

    Honor has unveiled its high-end Honor 200 Pro smartphone in China, complementing the Honor 200. Here’s a detailed look at its specifications, pricing, and color options.

    Honor 200 Pro Specifications

    The Honor 200 Pro sports a 6.78-inch 2700×1224 OLED four-edge curved display with a 120Hz refresh rate, 3840Hz high-frequency PWM dimming, and a peak brightness of 4000 nits. It supports a 1.07 billion color display, natural light-like eye protection, AI sleep-assist display, Natural Color Display 2.0, and 360-degree adaptive dimming technology.

    The device has achieved the German Rheinland TÜV flicker-free certification and is the first to receive the German Rheinland TÜV Global Eye Care 3.0 certification. It also supports touch functionality even in wet conditions.

    Powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset and Adreno 735 GPU, the Honor 200 Pro offers various storage options, ranging from 12GB+256GB to 16GB+1TB. It runs on MagicOS 8.0, based on Android 14.

    Camera and Battery

    The Honor 200 Pro boasts a triple camera setup at the back, featuring a 50MP main camera with a 1/1.3″ H9000 image sensor, OIS optical image stabilization, and an f/1.9 aperture. This main camera utilizes a 4-in-1, 2.4μm equivalent large pixel, 8-line SMA AF+OIS 2-in-1 motor, and a 7P lens.

    Additionally, the device includes a 50MP telephoto lens with a customized IMX856 sensor developed with Sony, supporting 2.5x optical zoom, up to 50x digital zoom, and OIS, with an f/2.4 aperture. There’s also a 12MP ultra-wide-angle macro lens with a 112° field of view and a 2.5 cm ultra-short focusing distance.

    For selfies, the front is equipped with a 50MP SLR-level portrait lens with an f/2.1 aperture, enhanced by a selfie light and shadow algorithm optimization. Both the rear and front cameras support up to 4K video recording.

    The Honor 200 Pro is powered by a 5200mAh "Qinghai Lake Battery" with 100W wired super fast charging and 66W wireless charging. It also features an AI-intelligent charging mode to prolong battery life.

    Audio, Connectivity, and Dimensions

    For audio, the device is equipped with stereo dual speakers with Histen 7.1 spatial audio effects. The GPU Turbo X game engine enhances gaming performance, ensuring smooth gameplay.

    In terms of connectivity, the Honor 200 Pro supports 5G, Bluetooth 5.3, dual-band Wi-Fi, NFC, and multiple positioning systems such as GPS and GLONASS.

    The Honor 200 Pro measures 163.3 mm in length, 75.2 mm in width, 8.2 mm in thickness, and weighs about 199 grams, including the battery.

    Pricing and Availability

    The Honor 200 Pro comes in Sky Blue, Coral Pink, Moonlight White, and Velvet Black colors. It is available in several configurations:

    • 12GB+256GB version: 3499 Yuan ($483)
    • 12GB+512GB variant: 3799 Yuan ($525)
    • 16GB RAM with 512GB ROM: 3999 Yuan ($552)
    • 16GB RAM with 1TB ROM: 4499 Yuan ($621)

    Pre-sales for the Honor 200 Pro will begin on May 27, 2024, at 20:30, with the official sale starting on May 31, 2024, at 10:08. The smartphone will be available for purchase through the Honor Mall, various authorized e-commerce platforms, Honor experience stores, and authorized retail stores.


  • Upcoming Lenovo Laptops with Snapdragon X Elite CPUs

    Upcoming Lenovo Laptops with Snapdragon X Elite CPUs

    Several upcoming Lenovo laptops appear to be incorporating the latest Qualcomm technology, based on recently revealed Bluetooth certification on May 27. These laptops, which utilize the Qualcomm NCM825 network card (WCN785x, also known as FastConnect 7800), include:

    • ThinkBook 16 Gen 7 QOYYOGA Air 14s Q8X9
    • Yoga Slim 7 14Q8X9
    • ThinkPad T14s Flex Gen 1
    • ThinkPad T14s Gen 5
    • ThinkPad T14s Gen 6
    • ThinkPad T14 Gen 5

    Confirmed Snapdragon X Elite Models

    Notably, the YOGA Air 14s Q8X9, Yoga Slim 7 14Q8X9, and ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 are already confirmed to be the first Lenovo laptops powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite processor. The ThinkBook 16 Gen 7 QOY is also likely to feature a Qualcomm Snapdragon X series processor. The ThinkPad T14s Flex Gen 1 is anticipated to be a variant of the T14s with a 360-degree hinge for convertible functionality.

    Uncertain Snapdragon Integration

    The question remains regarding the Snapdragon processors in the remaining listed models (ThinkPad T14s Gen 5 and ThinkPad T14 Gen 5). These could either utilize Qualcomm network cards exclusively or potentially house Snapdragon processors as well. For more concrete details such as specifications, pricing, and release dates, official announcements from Lenovo are crucial. We will just have to wait for the same.

  • BenQ SW242Q 24″ High Color Accuracy Monitor Launched in India

    BenQ SW242Q 24″ High Color Accuracy Monitor Launched in India

    BenQ has launched the SW242Q monitor in India, aiming at professionals who require high color accuracy in their work.

    BenQ SW242Q Specifications

    The SW242Q model boasts a 24.1-inch 2K resolution display (2560 x 1600) and incorporates BenQ’s AQCOLOR technology, offering 99% Adobe RGB, 98% DCI-P3, and 100% sRGB coverage. It comes with a 16-bit 3D LUT, vital for precise color calibration, making it ideal for professional color tasks.

    Additional Features

    The SW242Q includes an anti-glare panel, HDR10 support for enhanced video contrast, and SDI connectivity for seamless integration with other professional video equipment. It also allows hardware calibration using tools like Palette Master Ultimate and Paper Color Sync to ensure accurate color reproduction on prints.

    The SW242Q features a leatherette base, an easy-carry handle, improved cable management, and a 5-way navigation key for efficient color adjustments during retouching.

    Pricing & Availability

    The BenQ SW242Q is available for Rs. 38,500 and can be purchased through the BenQ India E-store, Amazon.in, and major photography retailers across India.


  • Realme C63 Spotted on Geekbench Before Next Week’s Launch

    Realme C63 Spotted on Geekbench Before Next Week’s Launch

    Realme is gearing up for the debut of the C63 smartphone in Malaysia on June 5. This new model is the follow-up to last year's Realme C53. The upcoming device has already received multiple certifications, including from FCC, TUV, BIS, among others. With the launch event approaching, the smartphone has now appeared on the Geekbench benchmarking site, providing some key insights.

    Realme C63 Appears on Geekbench

    The Realme C63, identified by the model number RMX3939, is listed in the Geekbench database. It features a motherboard codenamed ums9230_latte with eight cores running at 1.82GHz. This indicates that the phone may be powered by a UniSoC T612 processor. The listing also shows that the device will have 6GB of RAM and run on Android 14 OS right out of the box.

    In Geekbench’s performance tests, the Realme C63 achieves scores of 423 in single-core and 1,472 in multi-core tests. While the benchmarking platform doesn't provide further specifications, TUV certification hints that the smartphone will come with a 4,880mAh battery supporting 45W fast charging.

    Design and Features

    In terms of design, the Realme C63 will sport a flat frame and a square camera module housing two sensors and an LED flash, resembling the iPhone's design. The phone will be available in Green and Blue colors, with the Green variant featuring a gradient pattern and the Blue variant boasting a faux leather textured back. The device is also confirmed to have a 50MP main camera.

    We can expect to learn more official details about the Realme C63 next week.

  • Lava Yuva 5G With 50MP Camera Launches in India This Week

    Lava Yuva 5G With 50MP Camera Launches in India This Week

    Lava is preparing to introduce a new smartphone in India. The domestic brand has now announced the launch date of its forthcoming product. They have released a teaser for the Lava Yuva 5G, showcasing its design. Additionally, Amazon has set up a product page for the device, confirming its availability on the online shopping platform. Read on for all the details below.

    Lava Yuva 5G launching in India this week

    The Lava Yuva 5G is scheduled to debut in India on May 30 at 12 pm local time. A teaser video from the company reveals that the device will feature a flat frame. The power button is anticipated to serve as a fingerprint scanner as well. There is a circular camera module on the back. The smartphone will be offered in Blue and Green color options. The brand mentions that the phone will have a premium glass back with a matte finish.

    Camera and Design Details

    The Lava Yuva 5G is confirmed to sport dual cameras, led by a 50MP primary sensor. On the front, the device will have a centrally-aligned punch-hole cutout and a noticeable chin at the bottom. The SIM tray, USB-C port, and speaker grille will be located at the bottom, while the top will feature a 3.5mm headphone jack.

    Speculations and Additional Information

    The rest of the Lava Yuva 5G’s specifications remain unknown for now. Recently, a Lava phone with the model number LXX513 was spotted on the Geekbench benchmarking site. It is rumored to be powered by either a Dimensity 6080 or 6300 chipset. Meanwhile, tipster Paras Guglani suggests that the Lava Yuva 4 Pro 5G, which surfaced earlier in January this year, will be launched as Yuva 5G due to a change in plans.

  • Oppo Find X8 and X8 Pro Design Details Leaked

    Oppo Find X8 and X8 Pro Design Details Leaked

    Rumors about the Oppo Find X8 series are circulating even though the Find X7 series was launched just a few months ago. Today, tipster Digital Chat Station shared some insights on Weibo about the forthcoming series.

    According to Digital Chat Station, the Find X8 Ultra will make its debut next year. The tipster confirmed that this year’s top imaging flagship from Oppo is the Find X7 Ultra.

    Features and Specifications

    While specific details about the Find X8 phones weren’t provided in the post, the tipster mentioned in the comments that the Find X8 and X8 Pro will come with a glass back. Additionally, one of the models may feature a flat screen, while another could have a 2.7D curve on all four sides.

    Chipset and Battery

    Another insider previously hinted on Weibo that both the Find X8 and Pro models will be equipped with the Dimensity 9400 chipset. However, the high-end Ultra model is rumored to have a Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chipset.

    A separate leak earlier today suggested that the Find X8 series might sport a 6000mAh battery, which is larger than the 5000mAh battery found in the Find X7 phones. Another rumor indicated that the official announcement for these devices might occur sometime in October.

    Competitive Landscape

    There have also been mentions of the Xiaomi 15 and Vivo X200 phones launching in October. Qualcomm is expected to unveil its Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 flagship chip in the same month, and MediaTek is likely to announce the Dimensity 9400 around that time. Smartphone manufacturers are gearing up for a race to be the first to feature these new SoCs.


  • Oppo Devices Getting Android 15 (ColorOS 15) Update

    Oppo Devices Getting Android 15 (ColorOS 15) Update

    The release of Android 15 is still a few months away, but the anticipation among Android enthusiasts is palpable. Unlike its predecessors, Android 13 and 14, the upcoming Android 15 promises a plethora of exciting features and enhancements that make the wait worthwhile.

    As you wait for the official release, it’s crucial to check if your Oppo smartphone is eligible for the Android 15 update. This will ensure you get to enjoy the newest features and improvements as soon as they are available for your device.

    Oppo Phones Eligible for Android 15 (ColorOS 15) Update

    Oppo Find series

    • Oppo Find X7
    • Oppo Find X7 Ultra
    • Oppo Find X6
    • Oppo Find X6 Pro
    • Oppo Find X5
    • Oppo Find X5 Pro
    • Oppo Find N3
    • Oppo Find N3 Flip
    • Oppo Find N2
    • Oppo Find N2 Flip

    Oppo Reno series

    • Oppo Reno 12
    • Oppo Reno 12 Pro
    • Oppo Reno 11
    • Oppo Reno 11F
    • Oppo Reno 11 Pro
    • Oppo Reno 10
    • Oppo Reno 10 Pro
    • Oppo Reno 10 Pro+
    • Oppo Reno 9
    • Oppo Reno 9 Pro
    • Oppo Reno 9 Pro+
    • Oppo Reno 8T
    • Oppo Reno 8T 5G

    Oppo K series

    • Oppo K12
    • Oppo K12x
    • Oppo K11
    • Oppo K11x

    Oppo F series

    • Oppo F25 Pro
    • Oppo F23

    Oppo A series

    • Oppo A3 Pro
    • Oppo A1 Pro
    • Oppo A79
    • Oppo A60

    This list is not final, as the official list of Oppo devices eligible for the Android 15 upgrade is yet to be released. However, given the known software update policy for most devices, it was relatively straightforward to compile this preliminary list.

    Oppo has committed to providing four Android upgrades for its flagship phones launched in 2023 and later. Devices launched before 2023 will get three Android upgrades.

    Software Update Policy

    Mid-range Oppo phones from the Reno, F, K, and Find Lite/Neo series will receive two major Android updates. Budget A-series phones will mostly get one upgrade, although some may receive two major OS updates.

    If your Oppo device isn’t listed, don’t fret. Wait for the official list, as Oppo may add more devices for the upgrade. You can then decide whether you need to upgrade to a newer model.

    When Will Oppo Start Rolling Out the Android 15 Update?

    Android 15 is still in development, with the stable release expected around October, similar to last year’s Android 14. Post-release, smartphone manufacturers usually take a few weeks to optimize their custom skins (ColorOS for Oppo) to work with the new Android OS.

    Thanks to the beta program, not every Oppo user has to wait until the official release to explore new features. The Android 15 beta is already available for Oppo Find N3 and Find X7, giving users an early look at the new OS. More devices will join the beta program as time progresses. If you plan to install the beta, be aware that these builds might contain bugs and missing features.

    Last year, Oppo began rolling out the stable Android 14 update to eligible devices in November. We expect a similar timeline for the Android 15 rollout this year.

    Flagship phones will be the first to receive the new OS, followed by mid-range and budget devices.

    Android 15: What to Expect?

    While Android 15 may not introduce a significant UI redesign, it offers many exciting features. One of the biggest changes is the addition of satellite connectivity support, allowing you to text even without nearby cell towers. Unlike Apple iPhones, this feature on Android won’t be limited to emergency use.

    The new OS also enhances the Find My Phone feature, helping you locate your lost phone and assist others in finding theirs. All Android 15 devices can ping each other via Bluetooth, contributing to the network.

    Android 15 introduces App Archiving, allowing you to save storage by uninstalling apps while retaining user data. When you reinstall the archived app, you can pick up where you left off without losing any data.

    Another useful feature is partial screen-sharing, which lets you share or record a single app instead of your entire screen. The "Notification cooldown" feature reduces the volume of consecutive notifications from the same app.