Category: All News

  • Oppo Find X8S Screen Size and Chipset Details Revealed Early

    Oppo Find X8S Screen Size and Chipset Details Revealed Early

    Tipster Digital Chat Station shared in November that Oppo is set to unveil several new flagship smartphones in China during the first half of 2025. Among these are the Find X8 Ultra, Find X8 Mini, Find N5, and the Find X8S series. A new update on Weibo from the same source has disclosed further information regarding these upcoming devices.

    Oppo Find X8S Rumored Specs

    The latest leak indicates that the initial launch will feature the Find X8 Ultra and Find X8 Mini, while the X8S is still in development. The X8S is expected to come with the new Dimensity 9400+ processor, taking the place of the Find X8. However, there is still no information on whether Oppo will also introduce a Find X8S Pro model.

    Screen Sizes for New Models

    The leak forecasts that three flagship models will be launched in the first half of next year, each with a distinct screen size: 6.3 inches, 6.6 inches, and 6.8 inches. According to the information, the Find X8 Mini will have a 6.3-inch display, the Find X8S will feature a 6.6-inch screen matching the Find X8, and the larger Find X8 Ultra will come with a 6.8-inch display.

    Find N5 Launch Event

    Recent leaks from DCS suggest that the Find N5 foldable device will be unveiled in February 2025, followed by a launch event for the Find X8 Ultra and Find X8 Mini (also referred to as Find X8 Next). This event is anticipated to take place in March.

    The Find X8 was first introduced in October. Typically, incremental updates follow a biannual release pattern, so it is expected that the Find X8S will launch at least six months after the original Find X8. Therefore, the Find X8S could be revealed around April or May 2025.

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  • WhatsApp Ending Support for These Android Devices in 2025

    WhatsApp Ending Support for These Android Devices in 2025

    As technology keeps moving forward, older devices struggle to match up with new software updates. WhatsApp, a leading messaging app globally, faces the same issue. From January 1, 2025, WhatsApp will stop supporting various older Android phones, signaling the conclusion for gadgets launched over ten years ago.

    WhatsApp’s End of Support for Old Android Phones

    WhatsApp has revealed the list of Android phones that will lose support come January 1, 2025. This decision mainly stems from the app’s ongoing transformation. With the recent addition of groundbreaking features like Meta AI, which allows users to inquire, create images, and craft content within the app, maintaining compatibility with older Android versions has become a significant challenge.

    Devices operating on Android KitKat (4.4), introduced in 2013, will be unable to access WhatsApp. Even though the app will still be installed, users won’t be able to connect with Meta’s servers, making it impossible to use the messaging and other functions.

    List of Phones Affected

    Here are the phones that will be affected:

    • Samsung: Galaxy S3, Galaxy Note 2, Galaxy Ace 3, Galaxy S4 Mini (2013)
    • Motorola: Moto G (1st Gen), Razr HD, Moto E (2014)
    • HTC: One X, One X Plus, Desire 500, Desire 601
    • LG: Optimus G, Nexus 4, G2 Mini, L90
    • Sony: Xperia Z, Xperia SP, Xperia T, Xperia V

    The complete list includes devices that were released between 2012 and 2014, which are now deemed outdated for WhatsApp’s advanced needs.

    WhatsApp consistently introduces new features to enhance user experience, but older Android versions impose restrictions that limit innovation. If WhatsApp were to continue supporting legacy devices, it would have to modify its features to fit the limitations of outdated hardware, hindering the app’s advancement.

    Time to Upgrade?

    For those who still depend on these older gadgets, upgrading to a newer Android phone that can run modern software and support WhatsApp’s latest capabilities is the only fix.

    Since these devices have been around for over a decade, it’s likely that many users have already moved to newer models. However, for those still using these older phones, an upgrade is crucial for uninterrupted use of WhatsApp and other contemporary applications.

    This decision from WhatsApp underscores the necessity of adapting to new technology to enjoy a smooth user experience. If your phone appears on the list, now is the ideal moment to think about switching to a more current Android device.

    Source: Link

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  • Samsung’s Dominance in the Android Ecosystem Explained

    Samsung’s Dominance in the Android Ecosystem Explained

    Samsung has clearly positioned itself as a frontrunner in the Android market, achieving excellence in hardware advancements, software refinement, and seamless ecosystem integration. Their supremacy isn’t just about having the largest market share; it’s the result of significant investments in research and development, a strong supply chain, and a distinctive strategy for software uniqueness. Below is a detailed examination of how Samsung sustains its competitive advantage over other Android brands.

    Cutting-Edge Hardware

    Samsung’s strength as a hardware giant is primarily due to its vertical integration approach. The company not only designs but also produces vital components such as OLED screens, Exynos chips, DRAM, NAND memory, and camera sensors all in-house. This vertical control allows Samsung to innovate faster than its rivals.

    For example, Samsung’s AMOLED screens are considered the standard of excellence in the market, found not only in Galaxy devices but also in high-end smartphones from competing brands. Samsung’s advancements also include its CMOS image sensors, like the 200MP ISOCELL HP2, which boasts features like pixel-binning, 8K video capture, staggered HDR, and incredibly fast autofocus capabilities. These sensors are utilized in Galaxy smartphones as well as in devices from other manufacturers, highlighting Samsung’s expertise in camera technology.

    Pioneering Foldable Phones

    In the realm of foldable smartphones, Samsung is significantly ahead of its rivals. The Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip series have established new standards for durability, hinge design, and software optimization tailored for foldable screens. While competitors such as Xiaomi and Huawei have introduced their own foldable devices, none can compete with the global reach, dependability, and ecosystem support that Samsung offers.

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  • Oppo Reno 13 and 13 Pro 5G: India Storage Options Revealed

    Oppo Reno 13 and 13 Pro 5G: India Storage Options Revealed

    Oppo is getting ready to unveil its Reno 13 Series 5G smartphones in India and Malaysia, after they were first introduced in China. While the exact launch date is still not confirmed, pre-orders for the series have already begun in Malaysia, and a special microsite is accessible on Flipkart for customers in India.

    Oppo Reno 13 5G Models

    The Reno 13 Series for India will consist of two models: the Oppo Reno 13 5G and the Oppo Reno 13 Pro 5G. Both of these smartphones will come with a lightweight design and a frame made of aerospace-grade aluminum. The Reno 13 has a thickness ranging from 7.24mm to 7.29mm, whereas the Pro version is a bit thicker at 7.5mm. The weight of the devices is 181 grams for the Reno 13 and 195 grams for the Pro, which also features a one-piece sculpted glass back.

    Storage and Display Specifications

    Before the official launch, Thetechoutlook has revealed some details about the storage options for the Indian models. According to the report, the Reno 13 5G in India will come with 8GB of RAM and either 128GB or 256GB of internal storage. The Pro variant will sport 12GB of RAM and offer either 256GB or 512GB of storage. Both models are equipped with OLED displays that have Gorilla Glass 7i for protection. The Reno 13 5G achieves an impressive screen-to-body ratio of 93.8% with 1.62mm bezels, while the Pro model has a slightly lower ratio of 93.4% with 1.81mm bezels.

    Color Choices and Durability

    For the Indian market, the Reno 13 5G will be available in two color options: Ivory White and Luminous Blue, with the latter offering a unique reflective glow effect. The Reno 13 Pro 5G will come in Mist Lavender and Graphite Grey. Additionally, both devices are designed for durability, holding IP66, IP68, and IP69 ratings.

    Underneath the surface, the global version of the Reno 13 Pro is likely to be powered by either the Dimensity 8350 or the Dimensity 8300 chipset, along with 12GB of RAM and Android 15, as per a listing on Geekbench. More information is expected to be released soon, so keep an eye out.

    Source: Link

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  • Redmi Book 16 2025: 19-Hour Battery Life & Intel Core Processor

    Redmi Book 16 2025: 19-Hour Battery Life & Intel Core Processor

    Redmi has introduced the Redmi Book 16 2025 laptop, which is now up for pre-order before its official launch at the Redmi Turbo 4 event happening on January 1, 2025. This notebook is crafted to offer a perfect mix of light weight, strong performance, and long-lasting battery life. It comes equipped with the latest Intel Core processor and features an impressive battery life of 19.05 hours, thanks to AI scheduling that enhances energy efficiency.

    Software and Compatibility

    The device operates on Xiaomi’s HyperOS 2, ensuring smooth integration within the Xiaomi Pengpai Zhilian ecosystem, which boosts its compatibility with other Xiaomi smart devices. While additional specifications are still not disclosed, we can anticipate some enhancements over the previous Redmi Book 16 2024 model, which was released in November 2023.

    Features of the Redmi Book 16 2024

    The Redmi Book 16 2024 laptop sports a 16-inch 2.5K display with a refresh rate of 120Hz, 100% sRGB color range, and a brightness of 400 nits. Its sleek and lightweight metal chassis weighs just 1.68 kg and has a thickness of 15.9 mm. It is powered by the i5-13500H processor and includes dual fans along with dual 8mm heat pipes for efficient cooling. The laptop is equipped with 16GB of LPDDR5-6400 RAM and offers storage options of up to 1TB SSD, plus an extra M.2 SSD slot for further expansion.

    Connectivity and Charging

    This laptop has a 72Wh battery and a variety of connectivity options, which include Thunderbolt 4, USB-A ports, HDMI, and a 3.5mm audio jack. The Redmi Book 2024 series utilizes a 100W GaN adapter that allows for fast charging. This compact adapter also supports bi-directional USB-C cables and PD fast charging, enabling devices to reach 50% charge in just 35 minutes.

    In addition, the event will also feature the Redmi Turbo 4 smartphone, which is expected to be the first global device using MediaTek’s Dimensity 8400-Ultra processor. This new chipset includes eight Cortex-A725 large cores and can achieve a maximum frequency of 3.25GHz. In comparison to its predecessor, the Dimensity 8400-Ultra shows a 10% improvement in single-core performance while also reducing power usage by 35%.

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  • Overclock X5: Compact PC with Dual SSD Slots & Intel Core i5

    Overclock X5: Compact PC with Dual SSD Slots & Intel Core i5

    The MeLE Overclock X5 is a brand-new compact PC from the company with the same name, and it shows a strong similarity to the MeLE Overclock C4 in design. However, it’s notably larger and heavier, measuring 180 x 103 x 31 millimeters and weighing 540 grams. Users will appreciate the enhanced processing power of the Overclock X5, which is equipped with an octacore Intel Core i5-12450H processor, a significant upgrade from the Intel N100 found in the MeLE Overclock 4C. It also features 16 GB of RAM and 512 GB of storage, priced at $399.99. For an additional $100, customers can opt to double the RAM and storage to 32 GB and 1 TB, respectively.

    Memory and Storage Options

    The MeLE Overclock X5 supports up to 64 GB of DDR4 3200 MHz RAM, allowing for impressive multitasking capabilities. Users can also install two M.2 2280 SSDs—one using PCIe and the other through SATA. Connectivity options are robust, with two Ethernet ports included, one being Gigabit and the other 2.5 Gigabit. Powering the device is done via USB PD, which also enables video output. Furthermore, the PC is equipped with two HDMI 2.0 ports and an additional USB-C port that supports DisplayPort 1.4, allowing for the connection of up to four monitors, provided that USB PD is not being utilized. A microSD card slot is also present for expanded storage options.

    Consider Alternative Options

    For those who are interested in an AMD option that boasts even better specs and the potential for hardware upgrades, checking out the GMKtec K11 is recommended.

    Source: Link

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  • Pilot 1: Rugged Smartphone with Long Battery, Loud Speakers, Bright Light

    Pilot 1: Rugged Smartphone with Long Battery, Loud Speakers, Bright Light

    Blackview, a brand well-regarded for its durable smartphones, has just unveiled its latest model. The Oscal Pilot 1 is not particularly notable for its processor or connectivity features; instead, it stands out due to its extra functionalities. The device comes equipped with stereo loudspeakers that can deliver a maximum output of 5 watts, achieving a sound level of up to 138 dB. Additionally, it includes a flashlight on the top, featuring two LEDs that purportedly produce as much as 170 lumens. While a sizable battery is common in smartphones, this one is impressive, boasting a capacity of 15,000 mAh. It supports charging at 33 watts and can also function as a power bank to charge other devices at a rate of 10 watts.

    Specifications and Performance

    This model houses a MediaTek Helio G81 processor, paired with 6 GB of RAM and 256 GB of eMMC 5.1 storage, which can be expanded using a memory card. However, data transfer through USB-C is limited to the slower USB 2.0 standard. The smartphone features a 6.67-inch display, protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5, with a resolution of 720 x 1,604 pixels and a refresh rate of 90 Hz. The operating system running on it is Doke OS 4.0, based on Android 14.

    Design and Durability

    Due to its large battery and sturdy build, the Oscal Pilot 1 has considerable dimensions and is relatively heavy. The smartphone measures 22 millimeters in thickness and weighs 540 grams, and it carries IP68, IP69K, and MIL-STD-810H certifications for durability.

    You can purchase the Blackview Oscal Pilot 1 directly from the manufacturer for approximately $320.

    Source: Link

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  • Astell & Kern x Bandai Namco: Limited Edition AK HC4 USB DAC

    Astell & Kern x Bandai Namco: Limited Edition AK HC4 USB DAC

    Astell & Kern along with Bandai Namco has teamed up to introduce the special AK HC4 Idolmaster Cinderella Girls Edition USB digital-to-analog converter (DAC), aimed at fans of Idolmaster music. This DAC offers support for both USB Audio Class 1 (UAC 1) and USB Audio Class 2 (UAC 2) through USB-C, making it compatible with various smartphones, tablets, computers, and gaming consoles. It provides a low-latency, wired headphone output. The casing is made of royal blue aluminum, featuring the Idolmaster logo, and the packaging prominently displays Nao Kamiya.

    High-Quality Sound Performance

    The A&K is engineered to deliver high-resolution music playback while maintaining an ultra-low noise level (118 dB @ 1 KHz unbalanced, 118 dB @ 1 KHz balanced) and minimal distortion (0.0005% @ 1 KHz unbalanced, 0.0009% @ 1 KHz balanced). The 32-bit AK4493S chip allows for direct decoding of native DSD256 and 32-bit 384 kHz PCM music streams. Additionally, the Digital Audio Remaster (DAR) technology in the AK4137EQ sample rate converter upscales lower-quality PCM and DSD music streams.

    Versatile Audio Connections

    Audio is transmitted to headphones using standard 3.5 mm or balanced 4.4 mm connections, delivering substantial power (2 Vrms unbalanced, 3 Vrms balanced) capable of driving high-impedance headphones. The frequency reproduction is impressively accurate (+/- 0.066 dB @ 20 Hz to 70 kHz unbalanced, +/- 0.067 dB @ 20 Hz to 70 kHz balanced). The dimensions of the AK HC4 are 1.16 x 2.54 x 0.57 in. (29.5 × 64.5 × 14.5 mm), and it has a weight of 1.09 oz. (31 g).

    Iriver’s authorized dealers in Japan are now taking preorders for the Astell & Kern AK HC4 Idolmaster Cinderella Girls Edition USB DAC, with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of 33,000 yen (~$209). The expected shipping date is January 18, 2025. For those who might not be fans of Idolmaster or Nao-chan but still seek a high-resolution USB DAC for gaming or music, the standard Astell & Kern HC4 is available for purchase on Amazon today.

    Source: Link

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  • OnePlus Open 2 Launching Early: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 Rival

    OnePlus Open 2 Launching Early: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 Rival

    Samsung is likely to dominate the foldable market in 2025, particularly in Europe, but its market share is decreasing quickly due to rising competition and exciting new options that are set to launch next year. Among these are the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold, anticipated to debut in the latter half of the year, as well as the Honor Magic V4/Magic V5, Vivo X Fold 4/X Fold 5, and the next version of Oppo’s Find N3.

    New Developments from Oppo/OnePlus

    Despite the critics, Oppo and OnePlus are planning new foldable devices. Their timeline has shifted just a bit from the typical yearly schedule, which is actually a good thing. The Oppo Find N5, which will be released globally as the OnePlus Open 2, is expected to be among the first foldables with the Snapdragon 8 Elite in the upcoming year. This was recently stated by Zhou Yibao, Product Manager for the Oppo Find Series, when responding to a question on Weibo. The Oppo Find N5 is set to arrive in China ahead of the Oppo Find X8 Ultra, which is likely to come after the Chinese New Year.

    Anticipated Launches

    Indian tipster Yogesh Brar also believes that the global version or the successor to the OnePlus Open (which can be found here at Amazon) will be unveiled shortly.

    Insights on what OnePlus/Oppo might offer as alternatives to the Galaxy Z Fold 7 were recently shared by Chinese leaker Digital Chat Station in a Weibo post. He mentioned that the Find N5/Open 2 will be both lighter and slimmer, and that the trend in the industry will not just include Hasselblad camera foldables. The foldable tablet is also rumored to have an IPX8 waterproof rating, a 50 MP periscope telephoto lens, and a bigger battery that can now be charged wirelessly, unlike previous models.

    Zhou Yibao Weibo, Digital Chat Station Weibo, Yogesh Brar.

    Source: Link

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  • Oppo Find X8 Ultra Specs Leaked: A Global Rival to Galaxy S25 Ultra

    Oppo Find X8 Ultra Specs Leaked: A Global Rival to Galaxy S25 Ultra

    Those who are fans of the Hasselblad tuning and camera features of the Oppo Find X8 Pro, which has recently made its way to Europe, might have something to celebrate in 2025. Even though an Oppo employee in the UK seemed to dismiss the idea of a global release for the Oppo Find X8 Ultra, fresh evidence suggests a launch could happen outside of China.

    New Launch Speculations

    Indian leaker Yogesh Brar recently shared insights in an article on Smartprix, hinting that the favorable response to the global releases of the Find X8 and Find X8 Pro, paired with strong sales numbers, has caused Oppo’s management to reconsider their stance. The report indicates that initial tests for a worldwide release of the Oppo Find X8 Ultra are underway, alongside plans for the global launch of the Oppo Find N5, which is anticipated to be the OnePlus Open 2.

    Design and Features Insights

    In the last few days, well-known Chinese leaker Digital Chat Station has provided multiple updates regarding the design, features, and specifications of the Oppo Find X8 Ultra. He notes that the design won’t differ much from the Oppo Find X7 Ultra, but the 6.82-inch 2K AMOLED display from BOE will feature a slightly curved, more contemporary aesthetic. As for the camera technology, it will be similar to that of the Oppo Find X8 Pro, although it will have a bulkier camera bump. The Snapdragon 8 Elite flagship is anticipated to include a 1-inch primary camera, a dual periscope telephoto, and a new IMX882 ultra-wide camera.

    Source: Link

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