Category: Phones

  • New Android App Tool Helps Avoid Scammers

    New Android App Tool Helps Avoid Scammers

    Unwanted calls are a frequent nuisance, and scam calls have become a serious issue for many phone users. While the Google Phone app already included some caller ID functionalities, Google has now introduced a new “Lookup” button to simplify identifying unknown callers.

    Identify Unknown Callers More Easily

    Typically, when you receive a call from an unknown number, you face the dilemma of whether to answer it or risk missing an important call. If you opt not to pick up, you might end up manually entering the number into Google or directories like Truecaller to find any relevant information.

    This inconvenience will soon be eliminated with the Lookup feature on Google’s Phone dialer. Now, when you receive a call from an unknown number, you can simply tap the Lookup button within the Phone app. The app will then automatically search for information about the number without requiring you to switch to another app or manually copy and paste the number.

    Efficient Scam Identification

    The results from the Lookup feature can vary based on the number’s activity. Ideally, for scam calls, a search should reveal the nature of the scam being attempted. This confirmation can help you decide whether to answer the call and, if it is a scam, you can report the number.

    Even if the “Lookup” button doesn’t give definitive answers, it can still be useful. If the caller is legitimate and you didn’t pick up, they can leave a voicemail for you to check later. For less important calls, the caller can also follow up with a text message.

    Gradual Rollout

    The Lookup feature was initially announced as part of the June Feature Drop for Pixel devices. However, according to Android Police, the update now appears to be rolling out independently. This means it might not be immediately available on all devices, including those that received the Pixel update.

    The positive aspect is that the Lookup button doesn’t seem to need any user activation. It should simply appear within the Phone app at some point during the current rollout. So, keep an eye out for this new feature and make the most of the additional information it provides when dealing with unknown callers.

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  • OnePlus Nord 3 Update: Enhanced Gaming, Bug Fixes & New Features

    OnePlus Nord 3 Update: Enhanced Gaming, Bug Fixes & New Features

    OnePlus Nord 3 has received a fresh update aimed at resolving various issues and enhancing user experience. The OxygenOS 14.0.0.520 update also incorporates the latest Android security patch, addressing multiple system vulnerabilities.

    OnePlus Nord 3 OxygenOS 14.0.0.520 Update Changelog:

    System

    • Option to hide the track while drawing the Lock screen pattern to unlock your device.
    • Volume can now be adjusted in Quick Settings.
    • Floating window size can now be adjusted by dragging its bottom and swiping up to close a mini window.
    • Home screen widgets display improvements.
    • Fix for system data occupying excessive storage space.
    • Integration of the June 2024 Android security patch to enhance system security.
    • Fix for simultaneous appearance of the volume slider in Quick Settings and the physical volume button.
    • Fix for issues with using NFC-enabled payment.

    Communication

    • Fix for device not vibrating for phone calls.
    • Fix for phone numbers not displaying for call forwarding.

    Games

    • Improved gaming stability.
    • Fix for screen turning black while playing a game.

    Rollout and Manual Update Check

    The update is being gradually rolled out to users in India. If the OTA update notification hasn't appeared yet, users can manually check for it by going to Settings, selecting About Device, then OxygenOS, and finally tapping on Check for Update.

    Reporting Issues

    Indian users experiencing problems after the update can submit bug reports through the Google Dialer by dialing *#800#.

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  • Why Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 Costs More Than 8 Gen 3

    Why Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 Costs More Than 8 Gen 3

    Qualcomm has announced that the Snapdragon Summit is set for October 24th to 26th, where the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chipset will be unveiled. This new processor is intended to power flagship smartphones in 2025.

    The Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 has been a topic of discussion for months, with speculation that it will be more costly, leading to increased prices for future flagship phones.

    Price Increase Details

    Industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has provided insights into the anticipated price rise for Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 processor, codenamed SM8750. According to Kuo, the chip, expected to begin mass production in the latter half of 2024, may see a 25-30% price increase compared to the current Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (SM8650), which is priced around $190-$200 per unit. This would place the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4’s price between $237.50 and $260.

    The primary driver for this price increase is the utilization of TSMC’s latest and more advanced N3E production node for the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4, according to Kuo. Although the new node will offer performance enhancements, it also incurs higher manufacturing costs.

    Market Demand and Future Prospects

    Despite the increased price, Kuo anticipates robust demand for the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 due to the expanding high-end smartphone market, particularly those featuring AI capabilities. The new chip's shipments are expected to grow at a “high single-digit rate” compared to its predecessor.

    In other news, Kuo also discussed the future of Windows on ARM (WOA) processors. He projects shipments of Qualcomm’s existing X Elite and X Plus chips in WOA devices to reach approximately 2 million units in 2024. Kuo predicts that this segment will see year-on-year growth of at least 100-200% in 2025.

    Low-Cost WOA Processors

    Additionally, Kuo suggests that modified versions of the X Elite and X Plus chips will be released in 2025, which will reduce the cost of WOA devices.

    Qualcomm is reportedly planning to introduce a low-cost WOA processor codenamed Canim for mainstream devices priced between $599 and $799. This budget-friendly chip, produced on TSMC’s N4 node, will maintain the same AI processing power (40 TOPS) as its more expensive counterparts, according to Kuo.

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  • Xiaomi Fires Executives Over Corruption in Key Markets

    Xiaomi Fires Executives Over Corruption in Key Markets

    Xiaomi, the prominent smartphone manufacturer, is taking a strong stance against corruption with the dismissal of two regional general managers in its International Business Department.

    Corruption Crackdown: Xiaomi Sends Strong Message with Dismissals of Regional Leaders

    According to a report by Sina Technology, Chen Bingxu, the former general manager for the Latin American region, was accused of soliciting bribes, accepting expensive gifts, and indulging in lavish entertainment funded by business partners.

    Owen, the ex-general manager of Western Europe, is alleged to have fabricated outsourcing deals involving substantial sums of money. Both executives were reportedly key figures in propelling Xiaomi’s overseas expansion.

    Decisive Action

    Xiaomi has taken decisive action. Chen Bingxu has been dismissed, stripped of stock options, and is reportedly required to compensate the company for financial losses. In Owen’s case, not only has he been fired, but the company has also initiated legal proceedings against him, pursuing both criminal charges and civil damages.

    The company’s “Zero Tolerance” approach to corruption sends a clear message to its employees worldwide. It’s particularly noteworthy considering the timing – Xiaomi is currently battling Samsung and Apple for market dominance in Europe, and Latin America presents a promising growth opportunity. Losing key regional leaders due to misconduct could have significantly hampered Xiaomi’s progress.

    Market Performance

    Looking at Latin America, the Canalys report indicates that Xiaomi shipped a healthy 5.3 million units in Q1 2024, capturing a 15.3% market share. This represents an impressive 45% year-on-year growth for the company. Meanwhile, in the European market, Xiaomi has secured the third position with a respectable 16% market share in Q1 2024.

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  • Rename Siri Wake Word to Anything with iOS 18 Update

    Rename Siri Wake Word to Anything with iOS 18 Update

    Apple’s iOS 18 beta has rolled out a new accessibility feature named Vocal Shortcuts. While primarily designed to offer alternative control methods, users have found an unintended use: assigning a new wake word for Siri.

    Custom Voice Phrases for Shortcuts

    Vocal Shortcuts allows users to designate custom voice commands to initiate shortcuts and perform various tasks on their iPhones. Remarkably, one of these shortcuts can be set up to activate Siri itself. This means users can replace “Hey Siri” with a personalized wake word through Vocal Shortcuts.

    To try this on iOS, go to the Settings app, then Accessibility, and select Vocal Shortcuts. From there, choose “Set Up Vocal Shortcuts” and select “Siri” (not “Siri Request”). Next, type in your preferred wake word, such as “Computer,” as shown in the image below.

    How to Activate Siri with a Custom Wake Word

    Once everything is set up, you can use your chosen phrase to activate Siri on your iPhone. However, it’s important to note a few limitations. The custom wake word will only function on the specific device it was configured on and won’t sync across other Apple devices, like the HomePod, which still require “Hey Siri” for activation.

    Moreover, you won’t be able to seamlessly chain commands like “Hey Siri, what time is it?” with the new wake word. You’ll need to pause briefly after saying the custom wake word before making your actual request, which might interrupt the natural flow of interaction.

    Considerations and Current Limitations

    Due to these constraints, many users might choose not to utilize this feature. Nonetheless, it offers an alternative activation method for those who prefer it or have specific accessibility needs. It’s also worth mentioning that “Hey Siri” will continue to function as a wake word even when a custom one is set up through Vocal Shortcuts.

    Rename Siri Wake Word to Anything with iOS 18 Update
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  • OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite: Budget Smartphone Features and Expectations

    OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite: Budget Smartphone Features and Expectations

    The OnePlus Nord series has established itself as a strong contender in the mid-range smartphone market. Following the April release of the Nord CE 4, OnePlus is preparing to introduce another device under the Nord brand – the OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite. While official details are still under wraps, leaks and speculations give us a good idea of what to expect from this affordable option.

    Possible Oppo K12x Rebrand

    A major rumor is that the Nord CE 4 Lite might be a rebranded version of the Oppo K12x, which debuted in China earlier this year. This could mean that both devices will share similar specifications.

    Display and Design

    If the Nord CE 4 Lite mirrors the K12x, it will likely feature a 6.67-inch AMOLED display with FHD+ resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. Additionally, it is expected to include an in-display fingerprint sensor and reach a peak brightness of 2100 nits. Leaked images show a sleek design with a flat frame and a glass back panel, adding a touch of elegance.

    Performance

    Rumors about the processor are mixed. The Oppo K12x uses the Snapdragon 695 chipset, but the Nord CE 4 Lite might come with the new Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 processor. Despite the new chipset, don't expect a massive performance boost, as both processors have similar architecture. The phone is anticipated to come in 8GB or 12GB RAM variants with storage options ranging from 128GB to 256GB.

    Camera

    In terms of photography, the Nord CE 4 Lite is expected to have a dual-lens rear camera system, featuring a 50MP primary sensor and a 2MP depth sensor. This setup should deliver good photo quality, particularly in well-lit environments. For selfies, a 16MP front camera is rumored.

    Battery and Charging

    The device is likely to come with a sizable 5,500mAh battery, which should easily last through a day of heavy usage. Additionally, it is rumored to support 80W fast charging, ensuring quick recharges.

    Software

    The Nord CE 4 Lite is expected to run OxygenOS 14, based on Android 14, right out of the box. This should offer a smooth and user-friendly experience with the latest features and security updates. It's also likely to include a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is becoming rare in modern smartphones.

    Pricing and Availability

    Although there is no official pricing yet, considering the expected specifications and the pricing of the Oppo K12x, the Nord CE 4 Lite is likely to be priced under Rs. 20,000 in India. The official launch is scheduled for June 18, 2024, so stay tuned for more details.

    Conclusion

    Judging by the leaks, the OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite seems to be a strong contender in the budget smartphone category. It offers a large, smooth display, a decent camera system, a long-lasting battery, and fast charging. For those in search of a reliable and affordable smartphone for everyday use, the Nord CE 4 Lite is worth considering. However, it's advisable to wait for the official launch to confirm all specifications and pricing before making a purchase decision.

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  • Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 Specs Leaked Before Official Launch

    Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 Specs Leaked Before Official Launch

    The specifications for the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 have surfaced online ahead of its official unveiling! Samsung is gearing up to introduce a new lineup of smart devices shortly. The Galaxy Z Flip6 is anticipated to debut alongside the Galaxy Z Fold6, Watch7, and Watch Ultra.

    Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 Specifications

    The Galaxy Z Flip6 boasts a Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen with a resolution of 2640 x 1080 (FHD+) and a 120 Hz refresh rate. Additionally, the Z Flip6’s external display measures 3.4 inches and has a resolution of 720 x 748. This device will be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset specifically designed for the Galaxy series.

    The team at Smartprix has revealed that the forthcoming Flip6 will feature cores clocked similarly to this year’s Galaxy S24 series. The chipset includes cores with clock speeds of 3.39 GHz, 3.1 GHz, 2.9 GHz, and 2.2 GHz. Storage options for the phone will include 256 GB and 512 GB variants.

    Camera and Connectivity Features

    The Galaxy Z Flip6 is equipped with a 50 MP f/1.8 primary camera and a 12 MP f/2.2 ultra-wide-angle lens. For selfies, it has a 10 MP front camera, although it lacks autofocus. Video recording capabilities include 4K60, 1080P60, and 1080P resolution at 120 FPS or 240 FPS for slow-motion videos. The phone will support Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 standards for connectivity. It will also include USB 3.2 Gen 1 for quick data transfer and display output.

    Design and Battery

    When folded, the Flip6 fits comfortably in your pocket with dimensions of 85.1 x 71.9 x 14.9 mm and weighs 187g when unfolded (165.1 x 71.9 x 6.9 mm). It houses a 4000mAh battery, which offers decent battery life for a foldable device, although the 25W fast charging might seem limited to some users.

    Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 Specs Leaked Before Official Launch
    Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 Specs Leaked Before Official Launch
    Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 Specs Leaked Before Official Launch
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  • OnePlus Unveils New Logo for Ace Series Before Ace 3 Pro Launch

    OnePlus Unveils New Logo for Ace Series Before Ace 3 Pro Launch

    OnePlus China President Li Jie hinted on social media on June 14th about the upcoming launch of the Ace 3 Pro. His post suggested that the release is imminent, stating “Everything is ready, a performance beast, see you next week!” along with an image highlighting the new logo for the Ace series.

    The new logo combines the words “ACE” and “PERFORMANCE” in English, emphasizing the phone’s high-performance features. Previous leaks about the OnePlus Ace 3 Pro suggest it is designed to live up to this performance-centric branding.

    Battery Life and Charging

    The Ace 3 Pro is speculated to be the first OnePlus phone to feature a massive 6100mAh battery with ultra-high density. This will be complemented by their standard 100W fast charging technology. The internal codename for this device is “Dayu”.

    Design and Display

    The Ace 3 Pro is expected to showcase a stylish design with a metal middle frame and a 3D integrated ceramic back. Leaks indicate there will be multiple material options for the back panel, including a “hot forged white ceramic body”, a “hot forged bright silver glass body”, and a “plain leather body”. The display is rumored to be a large 6.78-inch 1.5K 8T LTPO curved screen.

    Camera

    While specific details are yet to be confirmed, leaks suggest the Ace 3 Pro will feature a triple-camera system on the back, with a 50MP “large bottom main camera” alongside 8MP and 2MP sensors.

    With the official launch anticipated next week, these leaks have generated significant excitement around the OnePlus Ace 3 Pro. Leaks are claiming that the phone won’t have a significant competitor for a long time. Are you looking forward to the launch?

    OnePlus Unveils New Logo for Ace Series Before Ace 3 Pro Launch
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  • Xiaomi 14 Ultra Gets HyperOS Update for Better Telephoto Shots & Focus

    Xiaomi 14 Ultra Gets HyperOS Update for Better Telephoto Shots & Focus

    Xiaomi’s top-tier camera phone, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra, has been enhanced with a fresh HyperOS update. With its collaboration with Leica, Xiaomi has made significant strides in the camera space, though there’s still room for improvement. The company continues to offer top-notch hardware and is constantly refining its camera software.

    Xiaomi 14 Ultra – HyperOS 1.0.12.0.UNACNXM

    The latest HyperOS update for the Xiaomi 14 Ultra carries the build number OS.1.0.12.0.UNACNXM. As of now, this camera update is accessible only in China. If you’re outside of China, you may have to wait a bit longer to receive this update. Xiaomi’s changelog indicates that this 246 MB update fixes several camera issues, with the complete package being 6.8 GB in size.

    Enhanced Telephoto Lens and Noise Reduction

    This update improves the outcomes when using the telephoto lens. It also minimizes noise in photos captured with the telephoto camera and boosts focus performance during photo shoots. Focusing with telephoto lenses can sometimes be problematic, so it’s encouraging to see Xiaomi addressing this concern.

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  • OnePlus Ace 3 Pro Box Leaked, Launch Date Nears

    OnePlus Ace 3 Pro Box Leaked, Launch Date Nears

    We can anticipate the launch of the OnePlus Ace 3 Pro very soon, as images of its packaging have surfaced online. The phone is expected to premiere in China, potentially as early as July.

    The "OnePlus Ace" series is renowned for its robust performance, albeit not excelling in the camera domain. The OnePlus Ace 3 Pro is anticipated to be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, a detail that the leaked packaging seems to confirm.

    OnePlus Ace 3 Pro

    Rumors about the phone have been circulating online, and a recent update has unveiled the box of the forthcoming device. The phone will be encased in the classic red OnePlus packaging, and the label on the box confirms a variant with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, along with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset.

    Typically, entry-level or mid-range phones feature large batteries, but OnePlus appears to be taking a different approach with the Ace 3 Pro. Despite its powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, the phone will feature a massive 6100 mAh battery. This substantial battery is to be manufactured by CATL (Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited). Consistent with previous OnePlus models, the device will sport a dual-cell battery, with each cell having a 2970 mAh capacity, totaling a rated capacity of 5940 mAh and a typical capacity of 6100 mAh.

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