Category: All News

  • Xiaomi Mix Flip: Brand’s First Clamshell Foldable Phone Unveiled

    Xiaomi Mix Flip: Brand’s First Clamshell Foldable Phone Unveiled

    Xiaomi made its debut in the foldable smartphone arena in March 2021 with the Mi Mix Fold. However, the company has yet to introduce a flip smartphone. Since January of the previous year, there have been reports indicating that Xiaomi is working on a flip device. This upcoming smartphone, named the Xiaomi Mix Flip, appears to be approaching its release as it undergoes essential certification steps such as China’s 3C. Here’s what to anticipate from this new flip phone.

    Certification and Launch

    The Xiaomi Mix Flip is progressing through crucial certification processes, suggesting that its launch is imminent. These certifications are necessary for ensuring that the device meets regional regulations and standards, which is a significant step towards making the phone available to consumers.

    Specifications and Features

    Details about the Xiaomi Mix Flip’s specifications and features are still under wraps, but given Xiaomi’s track record with innovative designs and high-performance devices, expectations are high. The phone is likely to include advanced technology and features that will position it competitively in the market.

    Market Impact

    Entering the flip smartphone segment is a strategic move for Xiaomi. It will allow the company to compete with other major players who have already established a presence in this niche market. The success of the Xiaomi Mix Flip could further solidify Xiaomi’s standing as a key player in the global smartphone industry.

  • Moto G85 5G Spotted on Geekbench with New Snapdragon Processor

    Moto G85 5G Spotted on Geekbench with New Snapdragon Processor

    Motorola unveiled the Edge 50 Fusion in India earlier today, and it seems the brand, owned by Lenovo, is gearing up to introduce a new addition to its G-series lineup. The Moto G85 5G was recently spotted on a European retailer's website and has now appeared on the Geekbench benchmarking platform, revealing some of its hardware details. This new model is set to succeed last year's Moto G84 5G.

    Moto G85 5G appears on Geekbench

    The Geekbench listing shows the Moto G85 5G with a motherboard codenamed ‘malmo’. It features an octa-core setup, with six cores running at 2.02GHz and two cores at 2.30GHz. The device includes an Adreno 619 GPU. The processor appears to be an unannounced model but is speculated to be the Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 3, as the GPU is similar to those found in the Snapdragon 695 and 480, albeit with different clock speeds.

    The Moto G85 5G will come with 8GB of RAM and will run on Android 14 out of the box. In Geekbench’s tests, it scored 939 points in the single-core test and 2,092 points in the multi-core test. However, the benchmarking database does not provide any further details about the smartphone.

    Expected Pricing and Specifications

    According to the retailer listing, the Moto G85 5G might be available in a 12GB RAM and 256GB storage variant. The price is expected to be around €300, similar to its predecessor.

    To put this in perspective, the Moto G84 5G featured a 6.55-inch FHD+ pOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a 50MP OIS main camera paired with an 8MP ultra-wide-angle lens, and was powered by a Snapdragon 695 chip. It also had a 5,000mAh battery with 30W charging support.

  • iQOO Z9x 5G Launched in India: 120Hz Display, Snapdragon, ₹12,999

    iQOO Z9x 5G Launched in India: 120Hz Display, Snapdragon, ₹12,999

    iQOO has introduced the Z9x 5G to the Indian market, positioning it as a budget-friendly smartphone with a focus on extended battery life, a fluid display, and reliable performance. This launch follows its release in China last month. Let's delve into its specifications.

    iQOO Z9x 5G Specifications

    The iQOO Z9x 5G sports a 6.72-inch Full HD+ (2408 x 1080 pixels) LCD display that offers a smooth 120Hz refresh rate and a pixel density of 393 PPI. The display also achieves a peak brightness of 1000 nits, ensuring visibility even in bright outdoor settings. Furthermore, it includes Rheinland Low Blue Light Certification to reduce eye fatigue.

    Under the hood, the phone is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 4nm processor, accompanied by the Adreno 710 GPU. This chipset, while not top-tier, is adequate for daily activities and light gaming.

    The device is available with 4GB, 6GB, or 8GB of LPDDR4x RAM and comes in 128GB and 256GB internal storage options (UFS 2.2). iQOO also provides up to 8GB of virtual expandable RAM, which uses storage space to enhance multitasking performance. Storage can be further expanded up to 1TB via a microSD card.

    Running on Android 14 with Funtouch OS 14, the iQOO Z9x 5G includes a 3.5mm headphone jack and stereo speakers with Hi-Res Audio certification. A five-layer 3D cooling system is implemented to manage heat during intense gaming sessions. Additional features include App Retainer for restoring background apps and Hidden Photos for extra privacy.

    Camera and Battery

    The device features a distinctive porthole-shaped dual camera setup on the back, comprising a 50MP main sensor with an f/1.8 aperture and a 2MP depth sensor. For selfies and video calls, there's an 8MP front camera with an f/2.05 aperture. Despite the seemingly basic camera setup, iQOO highlights the phone’s AI capabilities for taking good photos. The 8GB RAM variant can also record videos in up to 4K resolution.

    The standout feature is the enormous 6000mAh battery. According to the company, the phone can provide up to 21 hours of video playback, 71 hours of music playback, and 30 hours of social media browsing on a single charge.

    The phone supports 44W FlashCharge fast charging, allowing for quick battery top-ups. iQOO also emphasizes a four-year battery health guarantee and an anti-aging charging algorithm to prolong the battery’s lifespan.

    Design and Connectivity

    Despite its large battery, the Z9x 5G maintains a lightweight design, with a thickness of just 7.99mm and a weight of 199g. It also has an IP64 rating for dust and water resistance, making it suitable for use in light rain or dusty environments.

    The device offers a range of connectivity options, including Hybrid Dual SIM, 5G support, Bluetooth 5.1, and USB Type-C. There’s also a side-mounted capacitive fingerprint sensor for secure and quick biometric authentication.

    Pricing and Availability

    The iQOO Z9x 5G is available in two color options: Tornado Green and Storm Grey. The pricing starts at ₹12,999 (approximately $156) for the 4GB RAM + 128GB storage variant. The 6GB RAM + 128GB storage model is priced at ₹14,499 ($174), and the top-end 8GB RAM + 128GB storage option costs ₹15,999 ($192). The phones will be available for purchase starting 21st May via iQOO’s online India store and Amazon.in.

    iQOO Z9x 5G also comes with attractive bank offers. Customers can avail a flat ₹1,000 instant discount on ICICI Bank and SBI credit/debit cards and EMI purchases, or a flat ₹500 coupon discount on Amazon.in for the 6GB and 8GB RAM variants.

  • Vivo S19 Pro Specs: Display, Processor, Camera, Battery Details

    Vivo S19 Pro Specs: Display, Processor, Camera, Battery Details

    Vivo’s upcoming S-series smartphones, the S19 and S19 Pro, were recently seen on China’s MIIT certification platform. This indicates that their launch could be imminent. Industry insider Digital Chat Station has now shared some key specifications for both devices.

    Vivo S19 Pro Specifications

    The Vivo S19 Pro is rumored to feature a large 6.78-inch OLED display with a resolution of 1.5K (2800 x 1260 pixels). It will be powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 9200+ chipset, and customers can expect up to 16GB of RAM and 512GB of internal storage.

    In terms of camera capabilities, the S19 Pro will sport a triple-camera setup on the back. This includes a 50MP primary sensor, an 8MP ultrawide sensor, and a 50MP telephoto lens for portrait shots.

    For selfies, the front camera will also be a 50MP lens. The device will be fueled by a 5500mAh battery that supports 80W fast charging.

    Vivo S19 Details

    Information about the standard Vivo S19 is less detailed at the moment. It is speculated to feature a Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 chipset, placing it in the upper mid-range category. The S19 will come with a larger 6000mAh battery and will support the same 80W fast charging as the Pro variant.

    Launch Timeline

    Vivo typically updates its S-series smartphones every six months. Since the Vivo S18 series was launched in China last December, it is likely that the Vivo S19 series will be unveiled around June. Stay tuned for more updates on these upcoming smartphones.

  • Vivo Y200 Pro Teased in India: Slim Phone with 3D Curved Display

    Vivo Y200 Pro Teased in India: Slim Phone with 3D Curved Display

    Vivo has recently released a new teaser that offers a glimpse of its forthcoming smartphone. The device in question is the Vivo Y200 Pro, which is slated to debut in India soon. This mid-range handset is designed to be visually appealing. Let’s dive into the details.

    Vivo Y200 Pro Teaser: Slim yet Curvy

    The Chinese company posted a short video teaser on its official X handle (formerly known as Twitter). This teaser provides the first official look at the Y200 Pro, highlighting its ultra-slim body and curved display. Vivo claims this is the slimmest smartphone featuring a 3D curved display. The teaser also reveals one color variant of the Vivo Y200 Pro.

    The smartphone is shown in a green color option, with the back featuring a dual-camera setup accompanied by an LED flash. These camera sensors and flash are housed within a rectangular camera island. The exact camera specifications remain unknown at this point. However, a previous sighting on the Google Play Console confirms that the phone will have an FHD+ display and will be powered by the Snapdragon 695 SoC.

    Expected Specifications

    This chipset is anticipated to be paired with 8GB of RAM, and the device will come with Android 14 OS pre-installed. Another report has leaked the price range of the Vivo Y200 Pro, suggesting it may be launched in the Indian market with a price tag under 25,000 INR. The phone was also recently spotted on BIS and Bluetooth SIG certifications, indicating that its launch is imminent.

  • Meizu 21 Note Specs Leaked: 5000nit Display, Chipset Downgrade

    Meizu 21 Note Specs Leaked: 5000nit Display, Chipset Downgrade

    Meizu has not exited the smartphone market. While the company is now also focusing on AI products, it continues to release new smartphones. The latest addition is the Meizu 21 Note, set to be launched in China at 14:30 PM CST today.

    A Weibo tipster, Digital Chat Station, has leaked almost all the significant specifications of the device ahead of its official release.

    Meizu 21 Note Specifications (Rumored)

    The device features a 6.78″ flat AMOLED display with a 1.5K resolution and a refresh rate of 144Hz. This 8T LTPO panel can reach up to 5000 nits of peak brightness and supports 2160Hz high-frequency PWM dimming. The display has uniform bezels around all four sides and includes an optical fingerprint scanner for unlocking.

    In terms of performance, the Meizu 21 Note appears to be a step down as it utilizes the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset. In contrast, last year's Meizu 21 and Meizu 21 Pro were equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is coupled with 16GB of RAM. The phone also includes a 5000 mm² VC cooling system to handle heavy workloads. It is powered by a 5500 mAh battery and supports 66W wired fast charging.

    Design and Build

    The Meizu 21 Note has a glass front and back with a metal frame and is available in two colors: white and black. It features a dual rear camera system with an RGB ring LED flash. According to the tipster, the phone measures 8.2mm in thickness and weighs 205 grams.

    Comparison with Meizu 21

    While the Meizu 21 features a slightly smaller 6.55″ display with a resolution of 2340 x 1080, it has a lower 120Hz refresh rate and a 1920Hz PWM dimming. The display can achieve up to 1800 nits of peak brightness. However, it offers more color options, including smart purple and sharp blue.

  • Samsung Galaxy Watch FE Revealed in Latest One UI Update

    Samsung Galaxy Watch FE Revealed in Latest One UI Update

    Samsung's FE series has been quite successful with their Galaxy S smartphones, and there are speculations that they might expand this to foldable phones. The FE branding may not stop at phones alone. Reports indicate that Samsung is also planning to introduce a smartwatch to the FE series – the Galaxy Watch FE.

    Recently, Android Headlines discovered the newest firmware builds for the Galaxy Watch FE on Samsung’s OTA servers. The watch is identified with the model number SM-R861, which is a WiFi version, according to the report.

    Firmware Details

    The software version R861XXU0AXE5/R8610XM0AXE5 for the smartwatch features the letter “A,” indicating it is the first One UI build for the device, and “XE,” which points to a May 2024 release of the firmware.

    Additionally, the publication mentions that it has seen five test builds on the server, implying that Samsung is actively developing the Watch FE. These test builds also show that the Wi-Fi variants of the Watch FE will be available in Korea, Europe, and Turkey.

    Similarities to Galaxy Watch 4

    Examining the model number more closely, the Watch FE (SM-R861) is similar to the Galaxy Watch4 (SM-R860). Rumors suggest that the Watch FE will share specifications with the Galaxy Watch 4, and this leak further supports that theory.

    Moreover, the smartwatch was previously seen with model numbers SM-R866F, SM-R866U, and SM-R866N in the IMEI database. According to Android Headlines, these are likely the LTE variants of the Watch FE.

    Historically, FE devices maintain the essential features of their premium counterparts while omitting non-essential elements to reduce costs. The upcoming Galaxy Watch FE is expected to continue this trend.

  • Lenovo Unveils MK9 Mechanical Keyboard: 98 Keys, Type-C

    Lenovo Unveils MK9 Mechanical Keyboard: 98 Keys, Type-C

    Lenovo has recently introduced the MK9 wired mechanical keyboard, now available on e-commerce sites like JD.com. This keyboard is priced starting at 99 yuan ($14) and is expected to be available for pre-sale on JD.com soon. The MK9 is offered in four colors: Sakura White, Obsidian Black, Elegant Pink, and Sky Blue, catering to various aesthetic tastes.

    Lenovo MK9 Keyboard Specifications

    The Lenovo MK9 keyboard features a Gasket structure and a 98-key layout, reducing the size by roughly 20% compared to traditional 104-key layouts, making it more compact and efficient in terms of space usage.

    The keyboard is constructed with double-shot injection keycaps, which use two colors of plastic to ensure clear and sharp fonts, minimizing character wear and extending the lifespan of the keys. It employs red switch key switches designed for a smooth typing experience, offering excellent tactile feedback.

    The key switches have a lifespan of 20 million keystrokes, utilizing special material contacts that reduce oxidation, meeting long-term usage needs.

    Additional Features

    The keyboard also includes a PET soundproof cushion that optimizes keystroke sound performance, making it quieter and more suitable for office use. It features a Type-C interface with a detachable cable design, enhancing portability and ease of storage.

    From an ergonomic perspective, the MK9 is equipped with a two-stage foot support design, offering three adjustable heights for comfort and adaptability to various typing positions. It also includes a satellite-axis balancing rod, which improves the stability and performance of larger keys.

    Convenient Controls

    The MK9 is also fitted with a rotary volume adjustment knob for intuitive and easy control of audio levels, which also supports a one-key mute function, adding to the keyboard's convenience. The dimensions are approximately 389.79 x 143.79 x 41.72mm, and it weighs around 780g±50g, making it a solid and sturdy option for users.

  • Ubisoft Announces Assassin’s Creed: Shadows, Release on Nov 15

    Ubisoft Announces Assassin’s Creed: Shadows, Release on Nov 15

    Ubisoft has revealed that Assassin’s Creed: Shadows will be released on November 15, 2024. Gamers can look forward to playing it on various platforms, such as Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, and Apple Silicon Macs.

    Setting and Customization

    Set in Japan, the game allows players to customize numerous elements. The official PlayStation Weibo account dropped the world premiere trailer, showcasing a gripping historical adventure in Japan. Players will take on the roles of two unique characters – a lethal ninja assassin and a formidable warrior – who must unite for a shared destiny. The game features a mix of action and stealth, offering players the chance to master various combat techniques, personalize their ninja hideout, and influence historical events.

    Open World and Technical Enhancements

    Ubisoft touts a vast open world brimming with life. The game promises diverse landscapes that change with the seasons, including lively port cities, peaceful shrines, extensive castle towns, and picturesque countrysides. Reports indicate that the game uses an upgraded Anvil Pipeline engine, which improves animations, the parkour system, and dynamic weather effects. This engine is also speculated to support advanced visual technologies like ray tracing and global illumination.

    Base-Building Elements

    In addition to stealth and combat, Assassin’s Creed: Shadows incorporates base-building components. Players can create their own hideouts, featuring armories for storing weapons, dojos for practicing combat, churches (with an unspecified role), and other functional buildings.

  • Apple Unveils New Accessibility Features

    Apple Unveils New Accessibility Features

    Apple unveiled a series of accessibility features that will be rolled out later this year, aimed at enhancing the experience for users with disabilities across iPhones, iPads, and CarPlay. A standout feature is eye tracking, which allows users to control their devices solely with their eyes through built-in AI. This advancement removes the necessity for physical interaction, making technology more accessible for individuals with limited mobility.

    Apple’s Commitment to an Inclusive Ecosystem

    Hearing-impaired users will benefit from Music Haptics, a feature that translates music into taps, textures, and vibrations using the iPhone’s haptic engine. This unique sensory experience will also be available to developers, potentially enhancing music experiences in various apps.

    Customizable voice commands enable users to create personalized sounds to trigger specific actions, which is particularly useful for those who have difficulty remembering complex commands. Additionally, the “Listen for Atypical Speech” feature improves speech recognition for users with conditions like cerebral palsy.

    Enhancements for Various Needs

    For individuals prone to motion sickness, Vehicle Motion Cues display animated dots that move with the vehicle, reducing the sensory conflict that can cause nausea. CarPlay receives notable accessibility upgrades, including voice control, color filters for colorblind users, and sound recognition to alert hearing-impaired passengers of car alarms and sirens.

    VisionOS, the operating system for Apple’s smart glasses, introduces system-wide live captions for all audio, ensuring that everyone can follow conversations and comprehend app content without difficulty. FaceTime calls on VisionOS will feature real-time subtitles, improving communication.

    A Step Towards an Inclusive Future

    These new features, along with existing accessibility options, reinforce Apple’s dedication to building a technology ecosystem that empowers all users. By addressing a broad spectrum of disabilities, Apple is leading the way toward a future where technology acts as a vital tool for those who need it most.