Category: All News

March 18, 2024
OnePlus Ace 3V Launch Confirmed in China on March 21
OnePlus has been teasing the features of the Ace 3V in the lead-up to its launch. The official launch date for the smartphone in China has now been confirmed as March 21, scheduled for this Thursday.
Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 Chip and Storage
The Ace 3V will be powered by Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 chip, to be announced at an event today. This chip will be coupled with up to 16GB of LPDDR5x RAM and 512GB of UFS 4.0 storage.
Design and Colors
Compared to its predecessor, the Ace 3V showcases a distinct design with a vertical camera stack in a single column, featuring smaller camera rings. Additionally, an alert slider is located on the left side. The phone will be offered in violet, black, and potentially a white color variant.
Rumored Specifications
While OnePlus has not officially disclosed additional details, rumors suggest that the Ace 3V may sport an OLED panel with 1.5K resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. On the camera front, expectations include a 50-megapixel (Sony IMX890, OIS) + 8-megapixel (ultra-wide) + 2-megapixel (macro) triple camera setup at the back and a 16-megapixel front camera.
Furthermore, battery performance is anticipated to surpass that of the OnePlus 12, with rumors pointing to a 5,500 mAh battery capacity, 100 mAh more than the 12. The device is also likely to support 100W charging. The phone is expected to run on OxygenOS 14 based on Android 14.
It is speculated that the OnePlus Ace 3V might launch globally as the OnePlus Nord CE 4, set to debut in India on April 1st.
Tags: OnePlus Ace 3V, Smartphone Launch Event, Tech Rumors
March 18, 2024
Blackview Oscal Modern 8: Budget Phone with Unisoc T616, Android 13 – Starting at $95.99
Chinese smartphone manufacturer Blackview has introduced the Oscal Modern 8, a budget-friendly device that combines decent specifications with an affordable price point. The initial pricing for this smartphone, which is powered by Unisoc’s T616 SoC, starts at just under $100 for the base configuration.
Specs Overview
The Oscal Modern 8 operates on the Android 13-based DokeOS 4.0 mobile operating system. Sporting a 6.75-inch IPS display boasting a resolution of 1600 x 720 pixels, this device also packs a sizable 6,000mAh battery with support for 18W fast charging.
Performance and Camera Features
Equipped with the Unisoc T616 chipset, an entry-level processor, the Modern 8 underwent rigorous reliability tests, showcasing impressive results, including an AnTuTu score of 285,000. Its camera setup includes a 50MP Samsung ISOCELL JN1-based rear camera and an 8MP Samsung ISOCELL 4H7 front camera. The rear camera, introduced in 2021, features a 1/2.76-inch sensor and a pixel size of 0.64 micrometers. The smartphone also boasts a peak brightness of 450 nits and a 90Hz display refresh rate.
Additional Features and Connectivity Options
The Oscal Modern 8 incorporates an integrated cooling system to maintain optimal temperatures during demanding tasks. Its 6,000mAh battery can deliver up to 8 hours of gaming on a single charge and offers an impressive standby time of up to 744 hours. While basic connectivity features are available, the smartphone lacks support for NFC and 5G networks. Customers can select from three color options: Ash Grey, Ripple Blue, and Wisteria Purple.
Pricing and Availability
For a limited time until March 27, the Oscal Modern 8 is available at a discounted rate. The 8/128GB variant is priced at $95.99, while the 8/256GB model costs $108.21. With an early bird discount of 52%, interested buyers can purchase the Oscal Modern 8 online through AliExpress.
Tags: Blackview BV9300 Pro, Budget smartphone, Oscal Modern 8
March 18, 2024
Baseus Bowie E10 TWS: 12mm Drive, 30-Hour Battery Life, $23
Baseus has recently introduced its latest offering, the Baseus Bowie E10 TWS earbuds in the Chinese market. These earbuds boast a 12mm dynamic driver and a total playback time of 30 hours. Available in four different colors – Bright Moon White, Floating Powder, Stardust Purple, and Star Black – these earbuds cater to various style preferences.
Baseus Bowie E10 Specifications & Features:
Crafted with durable ABS and polycarbonate materials, the Baseus Bowie E10 earbuds are both sturdy and lightweight. Each earbud weighs merely 3.5 grams, while the entire case weighs 40 grams.
Connectivity and Performance:
Equipped with Bluetooth 5.3, the Baseus Bowie E10 offers a range of 10 meters. Gamers will appreciate the 60ms low latency feature, providing a decent performance considering its price point. In comparison, the vivo TWS 3e, priced slightly higher at 179 Yuan, offers a marginally better 55ms latency.
Battery Life and Audio Quality:
The earbuds alone deliver 7.5 hours of battery life, with a total of 30 hours with the charging case at 70% volume. Each earbud houses a 40mAh battery, while the case includes a 400mAh battery and supports Type-C charging, requiring approximately 1.5 hours for a full charge. The package includes a 0.3m cable for added convenience.
In addition to supporting SBC, the Baseus Bowie E10 earbuds also feature the AAC audio codec for improved audio transmission when connected to compatible devices, covering a frequency range from 20Hz to 20kHz.
Pricing Details:
The Baseus Bowie E10 TWS earbuds are now available on JD.com at a price of 169 Yuan, which translates to around $23 or 1990 INR.
[Here](image link) is an image of the Baseus Bowie E10 TWS earbuds for reference.
Tags: Baseus Bowie E10, Bluetooth 5.3 LE, True Wireless Earbuds
March 18, 2024
Vivo V30 & V30 Pro Sale in India: 10% Off Instantly Available
Last week, Vivo introduced its V30 series smartphones in India, unveiling two models: Vivo V30 and V30 Pro. These newly launched devices are now accessible for purchase in India through various avenues.
Vivo V30 series pricing & availability
The standard V30 model is offered in three variants: 8GB + 128GB priced at Rs 33,999 ($410), 8GB + 256GB at Rs 35,999 ($435), and a 12GB + 256GB model for Rs 37,999 ($460).
On the other hand, the V30 Pro comes in two versions: 8GB + 256GB and 12GB + 512GB priced at Rs 41,999 ($505) and Rs 46,999 ($565) respectively. The V30 Pro is available in Andaman Blue and Classic Black, while the standard V30 has an additional Peacock Green color option. Both models can be purchased through Flipkart and the official Vivo India website.
Discounts and Offers
Customers using HDFC & SBI cards for the purchase on Flipkart can avail a 10 percent instant discount. A similar discount is available for HDFC and ICICI bank card users on Vivo's official website and stores.
Vivo V30 series specifications
The Vivo V30 Pro boasts a 6.78-inch curved AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+, 1.5K resolution, and a peak brightness of 2800 nits. It runs on the MediaTek Dimensity 8200 SoC, paired with up to 12GB of RAM and up to 512GB of UFS 3.1 storage.
Featuring a triple rear camera setup with a 50-megapixel main camera equipped with OIS and Zeiss optics, a 50-megapixel telephoto lens offering 2x optical zoom, and a 50-megapixel ultra-wide lens, the V30 Pro also includes a 50-megapixel front camera. Notably, this setup with three 50-megapixel sensors is a characteristic found in flagship models.
Other key features include a 5,000mAh battery with 80W fast charging, Android 14 with FunTouch 14, IP54 water and dust resistance, an in-display fingerprint scanner, and LED ring lighting.
The standard Vivo V30 shares the same 6.78-inch display and 120Hz refresh rate as the Pro model but features an FHD+ resolution and a Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 SoC. It is powered by FunTouch OS 14, equipped with a 5,000mAh battery supporting 80W charging, and ensures two Android and three years of security updates.
Its rear cameras consist of a 50-megapixel primary and ultra-wide sensors, along with a 2-megapixel portrait lens, diverging from the Pro model's telephoto lens option. The front camera also boasts a 50-megapixel sensor. While lacking the Zeiss bokeh and processing features, this version retains the IP54 rating, HDR10+, ring LED lighting, and an in-display fingerprint scanner.
Tags: Smartphone Launch Event, specifications, Vivo V30 Series
March 18, 2024
Steam Breaks Record with 36M Concurrent Players This Week
Steam, a widely used digital platform created by Valve Corporation, serves as a hub for purchasing, downloading, and playing video games while offering additional features like matchmaking and community engagement. Despite its longstanding presence, Steam continues to set new user records with a recent surge in online activity leading to three consecutive weeks of peak concurrent players.
Record Breaking Success
During the three-week period:
- March 2nd: 34,298,950 concurrent users
- March 10th: 35,385,530 concurrent users (previous record)
- March 18th: Achieved a new record with 36,354,393 concurrent users
Popular Games on Steam
The top 10 games played in the last 24 hours include:
1. CS:GO (Counter-Strike: Global Offensive) – 1,425,033 players
2. DOTA 2 – 725,429 players
3. PUBG (PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds) – 706,785 players
4. Apex Legends – 434,411 players
5. Jedi Fallen Order 2 – 378,370 players
6. Escape from Tarkov – 276,440 players
7. Source SDK Base 2007 – 216,523 players
8. Rainbow Six: Siege – 201,933 players
9. GTA 5 – 185,713 players
10. Baldur’s Gate 3 – 149,943 players
Evolving Game Trends
Counter-Strike saw a rise in popularity post the Source 2 Engine update. Notably, the top 10 games list shifted from the previous day, with titles like "Phantom Parlu" and "Last Era" dropping out. "Phantom Parlu" slipped to 11th place with 138,585 players, while "Last Era" peaked at 119,642 players in the past 24 hours.
Tags: Gaming Platform, Steam Gamers, video games market
March 18, 2024
Vivo V40 SE Leaks: Full Specs, Renders, Possible Y200e 5G Rebrand
Vivo V30 series smartphones recently made their global debut, but there are already talks about the upcoming V40 series, with the Vivo V40 SE appearing in certifications like Bluetooth SIG and GCF. A leak by Appauls has revealed renders and specifications of the Vivo V40 SE.
Vivo V40 SE Renders and Specifications
The leaked renders showcase a design for the V40 SE that differs significantly from the V30 series but bears a striking resemblance to the recently released Vivo Y200e 5G. The V40 SE is expected to come in a blue color option similar to the Y200e, with a potential light purple variant as well.
The specifications of the V40 SE appear to align closely with those of the Y200e. Rumors suggest that the V40 SE will be equipped with the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 processor, LPDDR4X RAM, and UFS 2.2 ROM.
Featuring a 6.67″ AMOLED display offering FHD+ resolution (2400×1080 pixels) and a 120Hz refresh rate, the V40 SE is poised to deliver an immersive visual experience.
Camera and Additional Features
The rear camera setup of the V40 SE is rumored to include a 50MP main lens, an 8MP ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 2MP lens for portrait or macro shots. On the front, users can expect a 16MP selfie camera. Security features may include an in-display optical fingerprint sensor.
The device is speculated to house a 5000mAh battery with 44W fast charging support, potentially featuring an IP54 protection rating. Additional rumored features encompass MicroSD support for storage expansion up to 1TB, Dual SIM functionality, Wi-Fi 5GHz, Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C 2.0, and GPS.
Expected Price and Launch
Rumors suggest that the Vivo V40 SE in an 8/256GB configuration could be priced between EUR 250 to EUR 300.
Although the official launch date of the V40 SE remains undisclosed, an association with UEFA Euro 2024 hints at a possible launch around the commencement of the Champions League on June 14th, marking Vivo as the official smartphone brand for the event.
Tags: Rumored specifications, Smartphone Leaks, Vivo V40 SE
March 18, 2024
Vivo X Fold 3 Pro Design Revealed: Key Specifications Unveiled
Vivo is gearing up to introduce its latest lineup of smartphones, the Vivo X Fold 3 series. This upcoming series will comprise a standard X Fold 3 and a premium X Fold 3 Pro model. Recent leaks have shed light on the camera specifications of the X Fold 3 Pro, and now, Vivo’s Vice President, Jia Jingdong, has disclosed further insights into the X Fold 3 series, including a glimpse of the X Fold 3 Pro’s design.
Thinnest and Lightest Foldable Yet
Jia Jingdong took to Weibo to announce that the X Fold 3 series will claim the title of being the "thinnest and lightest" flagship foldable device to date. These foldables are expected to pack a punch with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset powering them.
Impressive Features and Performance
Accompanying the camera previews of the Vivo X Fold 3 Pro, Jia also unveiled three product images that likely belong to the X Fold 3 Pro. Noteworthy specifications include an AnTuTu score surpassing 2.17 million, an 8.03-inch Samsung E7 display, and top-tier imaging capabilities inherited from the vivo X100 series. The device boasts Zeiss T* lenses, a 50-megapixel primary camera, and Vivo’s V3 imaging chip.
Durability and Innovation
The X Fold 3 series stands out with its robust build, thanks to the specially designed "Armor Feather" body structure tailored for foldables. This construction has earned the device the world’s first foldable SGS five-star anti-drop certification and IPX8 water resistance rating. To address battery longevity concerns, the phones will incorporate a cutting-edge "Blue Ocean" battery system, promising sustained performance even in challenging conditions. Moreover, Vivo’s "Blue Heart" AI model will be seamlessly integrated into these futuristic foldable devices.
Tags: Flagship Technology, foldable smartphones, Vivo X Fold 3
March 17, 2024
Xiaomi Introduces Smart Camera C500 Pro in Europe
Xiaomi has broadened its array of intelligent home gadgets in the European market by introducing the Smart Camera C500 Pro. This innovative device, now on sale in regions like France, Spain, Germany, Italy, and the UK, offers a 360-degree rotatable camera for diverse surveillance needs.
Xiaomi Smart Camera C500 Pro Specifications
The Xiaomi Smart Camera C500 Pro boasts a 5MP camera capable of producing 3K resolution footage in HDR mode, ensuring top-notch image quality. Noteworthy features include an ultra-low light setting for colored footage in dim environments and an IR illuminator for clear black-and-white images in total darkness.
To provide a comprehensive view of the surroundings, it supports a 360° horizontal and 114° vertical pan and tilt function. Moreover, for privacy-conscious users, a physical lens shield allows for concealing the camera discreetly.
Additional Features and Functionality
The Xiaomi C500 Pro is equipped with a microphone and speaker for seamless two-way communication, dual-band Wi-Fi support, and secure data transfers with optional cloud storage for enhanced privacy protection. Through the Mi Home app, users can conveniently control the camera, adjust settings like motion detection, noise alerts, and create customized monitoring zones. Furthermore, compatibility with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant offers voice control capabilities.
Pricing and Availability
The Xiaomi Smart Camera C500 Pro is presently available for €69.99 in France, Spain, Germany, and Italy, and £59.99 in the UK. Information regarding its availability in other markets has not been disclosed at this time.
Tags: Smart Camera C500 Pro, Smart Home Security, Xiaomi
March 17, 2024
OnePlus hints at leaving Indian TV and Monitor market, removes categories from website
A report from the previous year hinted at OnePlus potentially withdrawing from the smart TV market in India. Recent developments seem to confirm this speculation, with OnePlus removing the TV and Displays sections from its website.
Removal from Website
When attempting to access the TV section on the OnePlus India website, users are now met with a 404 error page. Notably, the TV category is absent from both the OnePlus Store page and menu. However, it’s important to mention that OnePlus has not yet eliminated all references to TVs from the site’s footer.
History and Speculation
OnePlus made its entry into the Indian smart TV market in 2019 with the OnePlus TV Q1 series, subsequently introducing various affordable and mid-range models. However, there have been no new TV launches in India since the previous year, possibly indicating the company’s intentions to exit the TV sector.
Monitor Market
In a related development, OnePlus appears to be phasing out its presence in the monitor market in India, as there are no monitor listings on the website. The company had introduced two products in this category, the X 27" and E 24", in December 2022, but no new releases have followed.
The same report that hinted at OnePlus’ potential exit also suggested that Realme might be considering leaving the Indian TV market. This decision is surprising given that Realme’s TVs were reportedly performing well in the smart TV segment.
Industry Insights
Despite being identified as one of the fastest-growing smart TV brands in 2022 by a Counterpoint Research study, OnePlus seems to be taking a step back from the TV business in India. Xiaomi, on the other hand, continues to be a prominent smartphone brand in India that remains active in the TV market.
It’s worth noting that OnePlus has not issued an official statement regarding its departure from the TV and Display business in India. It is advisable to await the company’s official announcement before making any definitive conclusions.
Tags: Indian update, Oneplus, Smart TV Market
March 17, 2024
Android 15: Locate Your Smartphone Even When Off
Finding a lost or misplaced Android phone can be a troubling ordeal, especially when the device is powered off. Google's Find My Device service, while helpful, faces constraints when the device is not connected. With the advent of Android 15, Google is addressing this challenge through the introduction of a new Powered Off Finding API.
Enhanced Device Location with Android 15
A recent article from Android Police reveals insights into how this API could aid in locating devices even when they are turned off. The mechanism involves storing pre-calculated Bluetooth beacons in the Bluetooth controller's memory.
Hardware Requirements and Compatibility
However, there is a requirement for specialized hardware to enable the device to power the Bluetooth controller, enabling its operation even when the phone is completely shut down. This functionality may necessitate a small battery reserve to remain active.
Potential Device Compatibility
Initial speculations hinted at the Pixel 9 being the first to feature this capability. Yet, the latest report from Android Police suggests that the Pixel 8 could also enjoy this functionality upon upgrading to Android 15.
Apart from the hardware prerequisites, substantial software development efforts are essential to support the Bluetooth Finder HAL (Hardware Abstraction Layer). Users are advised to update to Android 15 and ensure they have the most recent version of Google's Find My Device service installed.
Regrettably, older devices like the Pixel Fold, Pixel 7 series, and Pixel 6 series may not be as likely to receive this feature. It remains uncertain whether these devices lack the required hardware or if the limitations are solely software-related.
Nonetheless, there is a potential for this feature to expand to select older devices in the future, especially for recent premium models like the Pixel Fold.
Tags: Android 15, Google Find My Device