Category: All News

  • Stable Android 15 Now Available on Pixel Devices: What’s New

    Stable Android 15 Now Available on Pixel Devices: What’s New

    Following the release of AOSP, Android 15’s stable version is now being made available for the Pixel 6 series and newer devices, which includes both Pixel foldables and the Pixel tablet. This update brings along several new features like Theft Detection Lock, Private Space, and App Archiving. Users who have compatible devices can check for the update by navigating to Settings > About phone > System updates.

    Exciting New Features

    Have you heard about Samsung’s Secure Folder? Well, Google has introduced a similar function in Android 15. This feature allows users to create a distinct area on their device to store sensitive applications, protected by an additional layer of authentication.

    Moreover, Android 15 offers App Archiving, a feature that takes inspiration from iOS. This allows users to remove and restore an app’s installation along with its cached files, directly from the Settings app. It’s a handy way to free up storage space when necessary.

    Enhanced Security Measures

    One of the key new additions is the Theft Detection Lock feature, which automatically locks your phone if it gets stolen. But what’s the method for detecting theft?

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    “Through on-device machine learning, Theft Detection Lock can analyze various signals from the device to identify possible theft attempts. If the system detects a theft attempt when your device is not locked, it will secure your screen to prevent unauthorized access,” Google stated.

    Improved User Experience

    With Android 15, users can also easily share their screens without the fear of unintentionally showing sensitive information like notifications, OTPs, and login screens that have passwords. When you perform the back swipe gesture, a preview of the next page will appear. This allows you to quickly decide whether to navigate to that screen or not.

    Additionally, there’s a new feature designed for larger screen devices, enabling users to pair two commonly used apps in split-screen mode. This functionality is notably inspired by Samsung’s OneUI.

    However, it’s worth mentioning that Pixel devices aren’t the first to receive these features. Vivo has already launched its Android 15-based Funtouch OS 15 skin for the iQOO 12.


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  • Lenovo Launches AI Buddy: Your Friendly Smart Assistant

    Lenovo Launches AI Buddy: Your Friendly Smart Assistant

    At the 2024 Lenovo Innovation Technology Conference, Lenovo revealed a prototype of a smart home assistant called “AI Buddy.” This device is meant to rival popular smart assistants like Amazon’s Echo, featuring distinct designs and fresh functionalities that differentiate it from others in the market.

    Specifications of Lenovo AI Buddy

    The Lenovo AI Buddy has a unique shape resembling a large, foldable MagSafe charging base. On top, it has a round display that shows animated eyes in the form of emojis to mimic emotions and improve user engagement. The facial expressions are similar to those of the JoyfulRobotics Android Desktop Robot, which was created by a former Xiaomi employee last year. This display also provides essential information such as the time, weather updates, music selections, and personal photos.

    With USB-A and USB-C ports along with a headphone jack at the base, the AI Buddy offers various connectivity options for those who seek versatility in their smart home devices. Its sleek and minimalist design reflects Lenovo’s design philosophy while ensuring that it remains functional in a compact size.

    Partnership Announcement

    During the conference, Lenovo’s CEO Yang Yuanqing unveiled the AI Buddy with Meta’s CEO Mark Zuckerberg, announcing a collaboration between Lenovo and Meta to introduce AI Now, a personal AI assistant tailored for PCs based on Meta’s Llama large model. This advanced technology is integrated into the AI Buddy, providing a more natural and adaptive experience for users. The device utilizes sentiment-based AI to tailor its responses and manage tasks like scheduling, reminders, and daily activities while evolving with user preferences over time.

    The AI Buddy features a rotating display that adjusts to keep eye contact with the user, similar to Amazon’s Echo Show 10. This capability makes interactions feel more engaging and personalized, as the AI Buddy tracks users’ movements within the room.

    Task Management and Security Features

    Thanks to the AI Now integration, the AI Buddy can help users efficiently manage their daily tasks. Lenovo also emphasizes the importance of data security in this device, ensuring that sensitive information is treated with care and that user interactions with the AI Buddy are kept private.

    At the same event, Lenovo showcased other prototypes in addition to the AI Buddy, including the AI Mouse, which features a dedicated AI Now button for seamless integration within Lenovo’s AI ecosystem. Lenovo also hinted at the Lenovo Home AI Brain, aimed at managing, organizing, and protecting family memories by creating AI-generated highlight reels for beloved moments.


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  • Apple Unveils New iPad Mini with A17 Pro and Increased Storage

    Apple Unveils New iPad Mini with A17 Pro and Increased Storage

    Apple has quietly revealed a new iPad Mini tablet without much excitement. Contrary to earlier speculations, it does not feature a mini LED display. Instead, it continues to utilize the reliable 8.3-inch LCD screen that was previously seen on the 2021 iPad Mini. Moreover, the base storage has been increased to 128 GB, similar to the recent iPad Air models, which now have a much-needed storage option of 256 GB.

    Pricing and Availability

    The starting price for the Wi-Fi model is set at $499, while the 5G version begins at $649. The new iPad Mini is available in four color options: Blue, Purple, Starlight, and Black. Besides the storage enhancement, it is powered by the new Apple A17 Pro SoC. However, it features a lower-binned 5-core GPU, unlike the 6-core GPU that comes with the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max.

    New Features

    The upgraded SoC (and a quiet RAM upgrade that Apple is not disclosing) enables Apple Intelligence to operate on the tablet natively. However, not all features will be accessible right after purchase. The new iPad Mini is equipped with iPadOS 18, giving users an experience comparable to that of the iPad Air. You can now pre-order the new iPad Mini, with deliveries set to start tomorrow.

  • 3 New Android Phones with Magnetic Wireless Charging You Can Try

    3 New Android Phones with Magnetic Wireless Charging You Can Try

    Apple has introduced wireless charging on its devices like iPhones through its MagSafe technology. Now, Android manufacturers are set to offer a similar feature in their next flagship smartphones. Below is a list of 3 upcoming Android phones that will include magnetic wireless charging and how you can try it out for yourself.

    OnePlus 13

    OnePlus 13 is among the first smartphones confirmed to include Magnetic Wireless Charging. Recently, Liu addressed a fan’s inquiry about the return of bamboo cases for the OnePlus 13, confirming that wooden cases won’t be coming back. However, he did mention a new case with a “magnetic suction function.”

    To support this innovative technology, OnePlus is also developing a variety of magnetic accessories, such as a power bank. This shows that the company is competing with Apple not just with its flagship smartphones but also with a diverse range of accessories. For more details about the OnePlus 13, click here.

    Oppo Find X8

    Oppo has just released a demo video showcasing the Find X8 series featuring magnetic wireless charging technology. The product manager, Zhou Yibao, demonstrated this feature on Weibo, a popular Chinese microblogging platform. The Find X8 may support wireless charging at speeds up to 50W, along with reverse charging capabilities. The executive also mentioned that Oppo intends to launch several magnetic wireless charging accessories.

    These accessories are expected to include an ultra-slim magnetic case, portable magnetic power banks, and 50W magnetic chargers. It’s likely that these items will also be compatible with devices from other brands, including iPhones. Therefore, accessories designed for the OnePlus 13 might also work with them.

    Xiaomi 15

    Although wireless charging has been available on Android devices for a while, the introduction of magnetic charging coils will be a new feature. Apple is recognized for this technology, but Oppo, OnePlus, and Xiaomi are likely to be the first Android brands to incorporate it.

    Similar to the OnePlus 13 and Oppo Find X8, the Xiaomi 15 is anticipated to launch with magnetic wireless charging akin to Apple’s MagSafe. Reports suggest that Xiaomi has developed a 30W ultra-thin magnetic wireless charger, aligning with the specifications of the two other devices.

    How to Experience Magnetic Wireless Charging Now

    Even though MagSafe is a product of Apple, it operates on Qi wireless charging, which is not limited to Apple devices. As long as your Android phone supports Qi wireless charging, it can utilize MagSafe accessories. Thanks to third-party manufacturers, Android users can acquire magnets that allow their devices to connect with MagSafe-compatible cases or adapters.

    Anker is one brand providing MagSafe products, while other companies offer cases with magnetic rings or sell magnetic rings separately. These accessories enable your Android phone to function similarly to an iPhone on a MagSafe charger.


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  • Black Shark Unveils Gaming Keyboard: Triple Connectivity & RGB

    Black Shark Unveils Gaming Keyboard: Triple Connectivity & RGB

    Black Shark has introduced a new wireless gaming keyboard named BKB02 in China. The keyboard is available for purchase at 699 yuan ($98) on JD.com. Let’s dive into its main specifications.

    Key Features of Black Shark BKB02

    This gaming keyboard showcases an 84-key layout along with a sleek multimedia knob, enabling users to easily manage volume and other multimedia functions. It’s designed specifically for high-performance gaming, featuring Tesla Inductive Switches that use dual-directional active inductance, which guarantees stable and quick keypresses, regardless of environmental conditions. Users can adjust the actuation distance anywhere from 0.2mm to 3.3mm, making it suitable for both gaming and office tasks. It also boasts a low latency of 1ms, perfect for competitive gaming.

    Durability and Comfort

    The BKB02 is constructed with a five-layer Gasket structure that not only enhances its durability but also provides effective shock absorption and a quieter typing experience. It integrates Quick Trigger and Reset (RT) Technology for swift key activation, and it features N-Key Rollover (NKRO) and anti-ghosting capabilities, ensuring trouble-free gameplay. Additionally, it is fully hot-swappable, giving gamers the flexibility to customize their key switches as they desire.

    Connectivity and Aesthetics

    In terms of connectivity, this Black Shark Wireless Gaming Keyboard supports Wired, 2.4GHz wireless, and Bluetooth modes, making it compatible with a variety of devices. The keycaps are made of translucent pudding-style PBT material for better grip, and the keyboard has a black base highlighted with purple and blue accents for a mechanical-inspired look. Black Shark’s dedicated software allows users to customize key travel, lighting, and macros, appealing to gamers who value both practicality and aesthetics.

    Moreover, it features Neon RGB backlighting and a breathing Black Shark logo, which lets users personalize the lighting to match their style, adding a trendy touch to any gaming setup. Users can control the lighting with various modes and brightness levels using dedicated function key shortcuts.

    Battery Life and Package Contents

    The keyboard promises up to 120 hours of battery life, depending on the backlighting and connection mode. It comes with a USB-C port for easy C-to-C charging. Weighing in at 960g, it is designed for easy portability. The package includes the keyboard itself, a 2.4GHz receiver, a USB-C cable, a keycap and switch puller, along with a clear keyboard cover.


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  • Samsung to Replace ‘Settings’ App with AI Feature

    Samsung to Replace ‘Settings’ App with AI Feature

    The present movement of bringing AI into smartphones began with simple tasks like text summarization, but it’s advancing rapidly. According to ETNews, a South Korean news outlet, Samsung is developing an AI-driven system that could completely replace the ‘Settings’ app on its Galaxy smartphones.

    Predictive Technology

    This new system aims to anticipate user needs by analyzing real-time interactions. By doing this, it can help users make adjustments quickly without having to delve into the app itself.

    A Growing Trend

    While this may sound a bit like science fiction, many smartphone manufacturers have been heading in this direction for the past few years. For example, smartphones now have cameras that change their image processing based on what they detect—be it a document, landscape, or person. The AI on the device identifies the type of scene you want to capture and automatically makes adjustments.

    There are numerous applications of AI in various apps and user interfaces designed to simplify tasks for users. Samsung, in particular, is working to further elevate the user experience through a deeper integration of AI in its OneUI interface. This latest development aligns with their main strategy.

    Samsung’s Bixby

    AI-enabled voice assistants have been a part of smartphones for quite some time now, yet their capabilities remain quite basic. These smart assistants can help with simpler tasks, like setting alarms, but they often lack comprehensive control over the device. It remains to be seen if this new development will offer a more advanced AI that can handle complex tasks independently.

    Current AI Features in Galaxy Devices

    Samsung’s Galaxy AI currently comes with a range of useful features, such as easier photo editing and facilitating conversations between people who speak different languages. The enhanced "ProVisual Engine" supports the camera, enabling it to produce clearer and more stable images, even in poor lighting.

    Additionally, the AI-powered Note Assist feature streamlines the process of taking notes and retrieving information. While these AI features do save time, their usage is still confined to certain apps and areas of the user interface. Nevertheless, Samsung’s ongoing work could enhance accessibility, leading to a significant improvement in the overall user experience.


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  • Vivo Y300 Plus Launch in India: Affordable Tall Curved AMOLED Display

    Vivo Y300 Plus Launch in India: Affordable Tall Curved AMOLED Display

    Vivo has launched the Y300 Plus in India, providing a high-end experience at a reasonable cost. This new device features a tall curved AMOLED display, which is not very common in the mid-range market. This release comes more than a month after the introduction of the Vivo Y300 Pro, so let’s explore the details.

    Key Features of Vivo Y300 Plus

    The standout feature of the Vivo Y300 Plus is its display. For a mid-range price point, it offers a large 6.78-inch curved AMOLED display with an FHD+ resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, and an impressive 1,300 nits of peak brightness. Displays like this are typically found on premium mid-range or flagship smartphones. Inside, the Vivo Y300 Plus is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 695 SoC, along with the Adreno 619 GPU.

    Performance and Battery Life

    The Snapdragon 695 chip is a bit older and reveals where cost savings were made by the company. The device comes with 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM and 128GB of internal UFS 2.2 storage, which can be expanded up to 1TB using a microSD card slot. The Vivo Y300 Plus operates on Android 14 OS with FuntouchOS 14 custom skin out of the box. It is backed by a big 5,000mAh battery that supports 44W wired fast charging.

    Camera and Connectivity Options

    On the back, the Vivo Y300 Plus has a dual-camera system, featuring a 50MP primary camera with an f/1.8 aperture and a 2MP secondary sensor. The front of the phone includes a 32MP selfie camera, which has an f/2.45 aperture. Additional important features consist of dual-SIM support, 5G, 4G LTE, Bluetooth 5.1, dual-band Wi-Fi, an in-display fingerprint scanner, and an IP54 rating for protection against water and dust.

    Pricing and Where to Buy

    The Vivo Y300 Plus is available in two colors: Silk Black and Silk Green. It has a price of 23,999 INR for its single storage option. Vivo is also offering a discount of 1,000 INR for customers using HDFC, SBI, and ICICI bank cards. There’s an option for no-cost EMI too. Those interested in purchasing can do so from Vivo India’s official e-store. You can also explore other top mid-range smartphones here.

  • Redmi 14C 5G Geekbench: Over 100% Performance Boost vs 4G

    Redmi 14C 5G Geekbench: Over 100% Performance Boost vs 4G

    Redmi 14C 4G was introduced in August with the Helio G81 Ultra processor. Now, a 5G variant has appeared on Geekbench, showcasing a new chipset that achieves scores of 917 for single-core and 2182 for multi-core performance.

    Performance Comparison

    In comparison, the Redmi 14C 4G scores about 418 and 1390 in the same tests. Therefore, the new 5G model promises a much smoother experience for everyday tasks along with faster internet connectivity.

    Chipset Details

    The motherboard details revealed in the Geekbench listing confirm that the new chipset is the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2, which is manufactured using an efficient 4nm process. This chipset features a 6+2 core setup: six cores running at 1.96GHz for efficiency and two high-performance cores at 2.21GHz. The listing also indicates that it supports 8GB of RAM and runs on Android 14.

    What’s Coming with Redmi 14C 5G?

    Previous reports indicate that this phone is essentially a rebranded version of the Redmi 14R 5G, which was released in China the previous month. The 14R 5G boasts a substantial 6.88-inch HD+ (720 x 1640) display that achieves a peak brightness of 600 nits in direct sunlight and 450 nits manually. This brightness level is decent for its price range. It also houses a large 5160mAh battery.

    Camera and Storage Specs

    When it comes to cameras, the phone features a dual-camera setup on the back: a 13MP main camera paired with a 2MP macro lens, along with a 5MP front-facing camera for selfies. The Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chip is combined with UFS 2.2 storage, offering an upgrade from the slower eMMC storage found in the Redmi 14C 4G, which is likely to result in quicker app loading times.

    Release and Pricing Insights

    The Redmi 14C 5G has already been spotted in Xiaomi’s HyperOS source code and the IMEI database, hinting at a near release. As for the price, 91mobiles reports that it could be launched in India at a price range of Rs 10,000 – 12,000. For reference, the 4G version was launched globally at a price of $119 USD, which is approximately Rs 10,000.


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  • Nothing Phone (2a) Community Edition Launches on October 30

    Nothing Phone (2a) Community Edition Launches on October 30

    Nothing has kicked off a community project earlier this year to co-design the Nothing Phone (2a) with its users. The project reached its conclusion, and a unique version named the Nothing Phone (2a) Community Edition is set to launch on the 30th of this month. Let’s explore the notable differences.

    Unique Features of the Community Edition

    The Community Edition stands apart from the original Phone (2a) in four main areas: its look, the packaging, new wallpapers, and the marketing strategy. The most striking change is in the phone’s back design, which incorporates Phosphorescence for a glow-in-the-dark effect, a rather unusual feature for smartphones.

    Custom Wallpapers and Packaging Design

    Another highlight of this special edition is its custom wallpapers. These wallpapers are said to blend hand-drawn components with various sketching, digitalizing, AI generation, and post-editing techniques, resulting in a unique and layered aesthetic. This outcome aligns with Nothing’s design philosophy while providing a fresh look for the Nothing Phone (2a) Community Edition.

    The packaging has also been revamped to complement the new hue of the phone. Besides the color change, the newly designed box features only one camera lens instead of two, which the company claims is a visually interesting update.

    Specifications Remain Unchanged

    Despite these changes, the internal hardware of the Community Edition stays identical to the original. For those who may not be aware, here’s a summary of the Nothing Phone (2a) specifications:

    • The phone boasts a 6.7″ FHD+ AMOLED display that can reach brightness levels of 700 nits manually, 1100 nits in bright sunlight, and 1300 nits during HDR playback. Although this may not be the top-tier offering for its price, it’s certainly adequate for a variety of lighting situations.
    • Under the hood, it runs on the Mediatek Dimensity 7200 Pro (4 nm) chip, features a 5000 mAh battery, and supports 45W fast charging.
    • Regarding the cameras, the phone has two 50MP sensors on the back—a 1/1.56″ main sensor with OIS, and a 1/2.76″ ultrawide lens. For selfies, it includes a 32MP front-facing camera.

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  • Realme GT 7 Pro Launching This Month: Specs and Teasers Revealed

    Realme GT 7 Pro Launching This Month: Specs and Teasers Revealed

    This October is proving to be quite hectic for smartphone manufacturers in China. Vivo has recently introduced the Vivo X200 series, which runs on the Dimensity 9400 chipset. On October 24, Oppo is set to present the Find X8 and Find X8 Pro models. The Honor Magic 7 series is scheduled for reveal on October 30. Additionally, the last week of this month will likely see launches from the Xiaomi 15 series, OnePlus 13, and iQOO 13. Furthermore, Realme has confirmed that its GT7 Pro will also make its debut this month.

    Realme GT 7 Pro: Exciting Specs Ahead

    According to a Weibo post by Xu Qi Chase, the President of Realme China, the upcoming Realme GT 7 Pro is being promoted as a new dual-engine flagship. It highlights a strong pairing of Qualcomm’s upcoming flagship processor, the Snapdragon 8 Elite, which uses TSMC’s advanced 3nm process tech, along with a periscope telephoto lens. This setup promises high performance and impressive photography features, staying true to the GT branding. Moreover, the brand has shared an image of the retail packaging for the phone.

    Display and Features That Impress

    Earlier reports noted that the Realme GT 7 Pro will boast a custom Samsung 1.5K resolution display with full DC dimming support. It will also include state-of-the-art eye care technology to improve visual comfort. This model will be the first from Realme to have an ultrasonic in-screen fingerprint sensor.

    Camera and Battery Life Details

    There are also suggestions that the GT 7 Pro will sport a square camera module with a trio of cameras. It is anticipated to feature a 50-megapixel LYT-700 primary camera with OIS support, an 8-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and a 50-megapixel periscope telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom capability.

    When it comes to battery performance, the GT 7 Pro will be equipped with a massive 6,500mAh silicon battery that supports 120W fast charging. This innovative battery design not only boosts capacity but also makes the device slimmer, enhancing portability compared to earlier models. It will operate on Android 15 alongside Realme UI 6. Lastly, it is likely to feature an IP69-rated chassis for added durability.


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