Category: All News

  • Vivo X Fold 3 Pro India Launch Teased on Flipkart Microsite

    Vivo X Fold 3 Pro India Launch Teased on Flipkart Microsite

    Vivo is gearing up to launch its X Fold 3 Pro in the Indian market, with an anticipated release scheduled for early June. This device stands out as one of the most powerful foldable smartphones currently available, boasting impressive performance specs and a robust camera system.

    Official Tease on Flipkart

    The company has now hinted at the imminent launch of the device via a Flipkart microsite. Although the microsite does not divulge specific details about the device's specs or features, it is expected that the Indian variant will mirror the specifications of the Chinese model.

    Vivo X Fold 3 Pro (Indian Model) Expected Specifications

    The Indian model of the Vivo X Fold 3 Pro is anticipated to feature an 8.03-inch primary display and a 6.53-inch external display. The inner display will have a resolution of 2,748 x 1,172 pixels, while the outer display will offer 2,480 x 2,200 pixels. Both screens will incorporate LTPO technology and support refresh rates of up to 120Hz, with a peak brightness of 4,500 nits. Security will be enhanced by an ultrasonic fingerprint scanner.

    The device will be powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, coupled with up to 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM and 1TB of UFS 4.0 storage. It will house a 5,700mAh battery that supports 100W wired fast charging and 50W wireless charging. The camera setup is expected to include a 50MP main camera, a 50MP ultra-wide lens, and a 64MP periscope lens with 3x optical zoom. A 32MP front camera and the V3 imaging chip from Vivo will also be part of the package.

    Additional features will include stereo speakers, wireless hi-fi audio support, Wi-Fi 7, dual 5G SIM slots, and NFC support.

  • “Upcoming CMF Phone (1): A Redesigned Nothing Phone (2a)?”

    “Upcoming CMF Phone (1): A Redesigned Nothing Phone (2a)?”

    Nothing's sub-brand CMF, which emphasizes Color, Material, and Finish, is gearing up to introduce its inaugural smartphone soon. Earlier reports this month indicated that it might be a budget-friendly device packed with impressive features. Recently, a leak from tipster @realMlgmXyysd on X (formerly known as Twitter) has unveiled the specifications of the forthcoming CMF smartphone, hinting that it could be a rebranded variant of the Nothing Phone (2a).

    Specifications Revealed

    According to the post on X, the tipster suggests that the engineering prototype of the CMF phone, model number A015, is equipped with a MediaTek Dimensity 7200 SoC, a 5,000mAh battery, and supports 33W fast charging. The report also indicates that the phone will boast a 6.67-inch OLED display with a 120 Hz refresh rate.

    The device will reportedly come with 8GB LPDDR4x RAM and options for 128GB or 256GB of UFS 2.2 storage, along with a MicroSD card slot for additional storage. Furthermore, the leak suggests a 50MP primary camera accompanied by another camera in a vertical alignment on the back, while the front will house a 16MP sensor.

    Design and Features

    The back cover of the device will be made of replaceable plastic, and this model will not feature any Glyph lights. The operating system is expected to be the Android 14-based Nothing OS 2.5, with support for Widevine L1 certification for HD streaming. The phone will be offered in Black, Green Blue, and an India-exclusive Orange color option.

    Launch Details

    Additionally, the tipster states that the phone is expected to launch in July 2024, with a price range between $249 to $279 USD. This contradicts an earlier report that suggested a budget price of around Rs 12,000 (approximately $140). The specifications closely mirror those of the Nothing Phone (2a), hinting that the CMF phone could be a rebranded version featuring some design tweaks. However, as these specs are from an engineering sample, readers should treat this information cautiously and watch for further updates.

  • Anker Soundcore P30i Launches with 42dB ANC and Built-In Kickstand

    Anker Soundcore P30i Launches with 42dB ANC and Built-In Kickstand

    Anker recently expanded its audio lineup by introducing the Soundcore P30i earbuds, which feature active noise cancellation (ANC) and come at an affordable price of under $50. A distinctive aspect of the charging case is its built-in kickstand, allowing users to conveniently watch videos on their phones without needing additional accessories.

    Specifications of Anker Soundcore P30i Earbuds

    The P30i earbuds are designed to reduce ambient noise by up to 42 decibels and include a transparency mode to stay aware of one’s surroundings when necessary. They are equipped with 10mm drivers that produce robust sound quality and boast an impressive battery life, providing up to 45 hours with the case when ANC is turned off, or 30 hours with ANC on. Each earbud can last up to 7 hours on a single charge.

    Additionally, the earbuds feature four microphones to ensure call clarity and utilize Bluetooth 5.4 for a reliable connection. They also offer IP54 water resistance, making them suitable for use during workouts or in light rain.

    Pricing and Availability

    The Soundcore P30i earbuds are now available in the US for just $50. They can be purchased through Amazon and other retail platforms.


  • Android 15 Boosts Battery Standby by 3 Hours with Faster Doze Mode

    Android 15 Boosts Battery Standby by 3 Hours with Faster Doze Mode

    At the recent Google I/O developer conference, Google introduced several new features for Android 15, focusing on enhancing user privacy and security. However, one of the standout features promises to improve battery life for all users.

    Enhanced Doze Mode

    Android 15 brings an optimization to Doze mode, a feature already embedded in the operating system designed to conserve battery when the phone is not in use. The key improvement is the speed at which devices enter Doze mode. Google claims that devices running Android 15 will enter Doze mode 50% faster than those on Android 14.

    Doze mode conserves battery by limiting background activities and app access to system resources when the phone is idle for extended periods. This results in reduced battery drain, particularly from apps that may run unnecessary background processes.

    Battery Life Impact

    According to Google’s internal tests, the quicker activation of Doze mode could result in up to three additional hours of standby time on some devices. However, the exact benefit may vary depending on the hardware and usage patterns of the specific device.

    This enhancement will be available for all devices updating to Android 15, leading to a general improvement in battery life across the board.

    Wear OS 6 Integration

    In addition, this feature is expected to be included in Wear OS 6, the upcoming version of the smartwatch operating system based on Android 15. Although a release date for Wear OS 6 hasn’t been confirmed yet, it is anticipated to launch sometime next year.

    The improvements to Doze mode in Android 15 mark a significant step toward better battery management for Android users. While the exact impact may vary from device to device, the faster transition to Doze mode offers a promising enhancement for extending standby battery life.

  • Thunderbird Launches Bluebird Wallpaper TVs at 4199 Yuan ($640)

    Thunderbird Launches Bluebird Wallpaper TVs at 4199 Yuan ($640)

    Thunderbird has introduced its latest TV lineup, the “Bluebird,” tailored to be the ideal wall-mounted solution for home entertainment. The series comes in four different sizes: 55-inch, 65-inch, 75-inch, and 85-inch, and is marketed as “true wallpaper TVs.” These models feature sleek designs and advanced functionalities, starting at 4,199 yuan (around $640 USD).

    Hidden Wiring and Sleek Design

    The 55-inch and 65-inch Bluebird models stand out with their ultra-thin 27.9mm profiles, giving them a slim and stylish appearance when wall-mounted. To maintain a clean look, Thunderbird has incorporated a hidden wiring system, effectively managing cable clutter and keeping your space organized. The TVs sport a unique aviation aluminum alloy magnetic frame, available in three colors: elm, mint green, and dawn wood, allowing you to match the frame with your interior decor.

    High Refresh Rate and Impressive Color Reproduction

    Offering a seamless viewing experience, the Bluebird series features a 144Hz ultra-high refresh rate display, with support for 240Hz dynamic acceleration. This ensures sharp, clear visuals with minimal lag, perfect for high-speed content such as sports or action films.

    The Bluebird TVs also excel in color reproduction. With 93% DCI-P3 color gamut coverage, they deliver vibrant and true-to-life colors. The color accuracy of ΔE≤0.99 further ensures that the on-screen colors closely match the real-world hues.

    Powerful Performance and Connectivity

    Powered by an MT9653 chip (quad-core A73) and equipped with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage, the Bluebird series ensures smooth performance. The TVs come with two built-in 10W speakers for satisfactory audio output.

    Running on the Android 11.0 operating system, the Bluebird TVs support Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi 5 for a connected smart experience. They also offer various connectivity options, including HDMI 2.1, USB 3.0, and USB 2.0 interfaces, allowing you to connect multiple devices for a versatile entertainment setup.

  • Beelink SEi14 Mini PC with Intel Meteor Lake Now Available

    Beelink SEi14 Mini PC with Intel Meteor Lake Now Available

    The Beelink SEi14 mini PC has made its global debut following its initial launch in China earlier this month. This mini PC is equipped with the Intel Meteor Lake Core Ultra 5 125H chip. The Intel Core Ultra 5 125H, a mid-range chip, is complemented by 32GB of RAM and 1TB of storage. It supports triple display output and includes dust protection.

    The Beelink SEi14 mini PC is the first from Beelink to be powered by the Intel Meteor Lake Core Ultra 5 125H processor. This processor is accompanied by an Arc iGPU with 7 cores and can also connect to an eGPU through its Thunderbolt 4 port, which offers a maximum speed of 40Gbps.

    In comparison, the Beelink SEi14 is on par with the GMKtec K9, offering similar performance and configurations. The SEi14 is equipped with two SODIMM slots that support up to 96GB of DDR5 RAM at 5,600MHz. Additionally, it has two PCI 4.0 slots for up to 8TB of storage. Alongside its Thunderbolt 4 port, the mini PC also includes USB-C (x1), USB 3.2 (x2), DP 1.4 (x1), and HDMI (x1) interfaces. Wireless connectivity options for the Beelink SEi14 include Bluetooth 5.2 and WiFi 6.

    Compact Design and Efficient Cooling

    With dimensions of 135 x 135 x 44.7mm, the SEi14 fits seamlessly into any workspace. The mini PC features rounded corners akin to the Apple Mac Mini and is equipped with an efficient cooling system. It utilizes the MSC3.0-Vc vapor chamber for effective heat dissipation.

    Pricing and Availability

    The Beelink SEi14 was initially launched in China at a price of 2,699 yuan ($373). However, its global version is available for $799. It is also worth noting that the product was launched in China with multiple configuration options for RAM and storage. The barebone version of the mini PC is priced at $540.


  • Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 Price Hike May Raise Flagship Phone Costs

    Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 Price Hike May Raise Flagship Phone Costs

    Qualcomm is gearing up for a significant shift with the forthcoming Snapdragon 8 Gen 4, slated for an official reveal in October. This new SoC will incorporate in-house CPU designs featuring custom Oryon cores. However, this move towards greater autonomy may come with a price for smartphone producers.

    Advanced Technology and Higher Costs

    Much like Apple’s M-series chips, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 is speculated to use TSMC’s cutting-edge 3nm process (N3E). This will mark Qualcomm’s first utilization of 3nm technology for its SoCs, promising enhanced performance and efficiency. However, this advancement will result in increased production expenses.

    According to Weibo tipster Digital Chat Station, the wafer price for the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 has escalated, which will directly influence the final cost of the SoC.

    Impact on Market Pricing

    This price surge isn't entirely unexpected. Qualcomm had previously hinted at a higher price point for the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 due to the integration of Oryon cores.

    The increased cost could trigger a domino effect in the smartphone market. With a more expensive chip, manufacturers might need to strategically evaluate their devices’ overall configurations to maintain competitive pricing.

    For instance, the Redmi K70 Pro from last year, powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, was among the most affordable flagship models. However, with a pricier Snapdragon 8 Gen 4, achieving a similar price point for its successor could be challenging for companies like Xiaomi.

    Manufacturer Dilemmas

    It's important to note that even the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 wasn't cheap for manufacturers, reportedly costing around $200 per unit. An additional price increase for the Gen 4 could place phone makers in a tough spot, compelling them to either reduce their profit margins or potentially hike the end price for consumers.

  • Poco to Launch New Tablet on May 23

    Poco to Launch New Tablet on May 23

    Xiaomi's sub-brand Poco is preparing for a significant launch event on May 23rd. They have already announced the upcoming release of the Poco F6 and Poco F6 Pro smartphones. Additionally, they have teased their first tablet, the Poco Pad, on their official website.

    Interestingly, the company has been relatively quiet about this on their social media channels. Nonetheless, it is now confirmed that Poco is stepping into the tablet market with the Poco Pad, which will debut alongside the F6 smartphones on May 23rd.

    Anticipated Features

    While official details about the Poco Pad are still sparse, rumors indicate it will be a rebranded version of the recently launched Redmi Pad Pro. Users can expect a 12.1-inch IPS display featuring a 120Hz refresh rate. The device is likely to be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chipset.

    Camera and Accessories

    The camera setup is expected to be similar to the Redmi Pad Pro, with an 8MP sensor on the rear and another 8MP sensor on the front for selfies and video calls. There are also hints that the Poco Pad might support a stylus and a keyboard case, as suggested in a report last month.

    Audio and Battery

    For audio, the Poco Pad is likely to feature a quad-speaker system with Dolby Atmos support, providing an immersive sound experience. The tablet will probably come with a large 10,000mAh battery capable of 33W fast charging.

  • Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6: Durable UTG Panel for Crease-Free Experience

    Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6: Durable UTG Panel for Crease-Free Experience

    Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip 6 may feature a significant display improvement. Reports from Korean media outlet TheElec suggest that Samsung plans to use a thicker Ultra Thin Glass (UTG) on the Z Flip 6’s foldable screen.

    The new UTG is expected to be 50 microns thick, compared to the 30 microns on the Z Flip 5. This increased thickness aims to make the crease on the foldable display less visible and enhance the screen's overall durability.

    Galaxy Z Flip 5

    Samsung has already made strides to reduce the display crease on its current foldable model. For the Flip 5, the company moved away from the traditional hinge mechanism used in previous models and introduced a new waterdrop-style hinge design.

    This new hinge design allows the foldable device’s two halves to close flat without putting excessive pressure on the screen. According to TheElec, the Z Flip 6 will retain the same hinge mechanism as its predecessor.

    Potential Upgrades

    However, the next iteration might see enhancements with a new UTG structure and hinge design. These improvements could further reduce the crease visibility and enable slimmer bezels around the display.

    If the reports are accurate, the thicker UTG could help Samsung better compete with Chinese brands that have been offering nearly crease-less displays on their foldable devices for several years now.

    Additional Features

    Besides the new screen, the Flip 6 is anticipated to come with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, an upgraded primary camera, and a larger battery.

    Samsung is likely to unveil the Galaxy Z Flip 6 alongside the Fold 6 during the Unpacked event, which is rumored to take place in July. We will keep you updated with any new information that comes in regarding these foldable devices.

  • Chuwi CoreBox Mini with Intel i5-13500H and Expandable Memory

    Chuwi CoreBox Mini with Intel i5-13500H and Expandable Memory

    The Chuwi CoreBox mini host has recently been introduced in China. This compact tower computer is equipped with Intel’s 13th generation Core i5-13500H processor and features a 2.5G network port. The starting price for the barebone version is set at 1,999 yuan ($274).

    Features

    The Chuwi CoreBox mini host boasts a 54W TDP performance, with the processor offering 12 cores and 16 threads. The processor's turbo frequency can reach up to 4.7GHz and it includes an 18MB cache. This mini host has a native DDR5 dual-channel slot that supports up to 64GB and accommodates two DDR5 5,200MHz memory sticks. Additionally, it supports full-speed operation with a native PCIe 4.0 Gen 4*4 SSD.

    For display outputs, the mini PC includes four options: HDMI 2.0 (x2), USB-A (x6), DisplayPort 1.4 (x2), and a 2.5G network port. It also supports up to 4K video output at a 60Hz refresh rate. Other features include a DC power supply interface and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

    The CoreBox mini PC is designed with a downward-pressure all-aluminum cooling fan to ensure uniform and effective heat dissipation. According to Chuwi, this cooling system allows for quiet and stable heat dissipation.

    Pricing

    The Chuwi CoreBox mini host is priced between 1,999 yuan ($274) and 2,699 yuan ($374). It is available for purchase on various retail platforms in China, including JD.com. There is currently no information on the global availability of the new Chuwi CoreBox mini host.