Tag: Design Changes

  • Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 Price Leaks for US, UK, Europe

    Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 Price Leaks for US, UK, Europe

    Yet another leak has surfaced regarding the upcoming Pixel Buds Pro 2, and this time, it sheds light on the price of Google‘s next flagship earbuds.

    The leak comes from the publication Dealabs (via reliable tech insider @billbil_kun) which revealed that the Pixel Buds Pro 2 will be priced at £219 in the UK, $229 in the US, and €249 in the Eurozone. Interestingly, the European price for the Buds Pro 2 matches the launch price of the original Pixel Buds Pro, but it is a $30 increase for the US market.

    Design and Aesthetic

    We’ve also gotten a good look at the Pixel Buds Pro 2 design through previous leaks. But there don’t seem to be many upgrades — the earbuds maintain a familiar silhouette and have minimal aesthetic changes.

    The case also retains the recognizable egg-shaped form. However, there’s a new cutout near the bottom’s USB-C port. It could accommodate a wrist strap for easier carrying or a speaker for Google’s Find My Device network to locate misplaced earbuds easily.

    Minor Changes

    The earbuds might also see a change in the grille design which is slightly bigger than its predecessor. And unlike the previous model, where the grille has a black paint job regardless of the color variant, the Buds Pro 2 will feature a grille that matches the color of the earbuds.

    Specifications

    As for other specs, a certification listing from April 2024 suggests that the Pixel Buds Pro 2 case might feature a 650mAh battery, a 30mAh increase compared to its predecessor.

    With a nearly two-year gap between the original Pixel Buds Pro and its successor, it’s reasonable to expect improvements in terms of audio quality and noise cancellation capabilities. More details regarding features and specifications are likely to emerge closer to the official launch date.

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  • Oura Ring 4: New Design Revealed in Certification

    Oura Ring 4: New Design Revealed in Certification

    The competition for dominance in the finger-worn health tracker market is intensifying. As Samsung’s Galaxy Ring becomes available, new information about its primary rival has surfaced. Android Authority discovered the “OA11” in a certification process, strongly suggesting it’s the Oura Ring 4.

    New Certification Details

    The certification documents provide clear evidence. They specifically name the wearable as “Oura Ring 4” and mention another variant with the model number “OA12,” which could be a different design of the ring.

    Design Changes Revealed

    Images in the certification reveal a design shift from the Oura Gen 3 and its Horizon variant. The Oura Ring 4 features a slightly raised middle section with a clear gradient towards the edges, replacing the seamless transition seen in the previous model. The outer shell appears metallic, and there is still a transparent sensor cover, likely made from synthetic resin.

    The sensor layout seems to have been altered, though specific details are scarce. It’s uncertain if the Oura Ring 4 will introduce new sensors beyond the skin temperature, SpO2, and heart rate sensors found in the Oura Gen 3.

    Size Options and Availability

    There are reportedly numerous size options, with the ring tested in sizes 7, 9, 13, and 15. This suggests that the Oura Ring 4 will likely be available in sizes ranging from at least 7 to 15. The listed images supposedly show a size 10 ring.

    While Oura has not officially announced the launch details for the Ring 4, the ongoing certification process indicates that the release is imminent.

    The upcoming information should help determine whether the Oura Ring 4 will retain its lead in the smart ring market or if the new design is merely a cosmetic enhancement.

    Oura Ring 4: New Design Revealed in Certification
    Oura Ring 4: New Design Revealed in Certification
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  • Galaxy Buds 3 Pro: Enhanced Audio and New Design

    Galaxy Buds 3 Pro: Enhanced Audio and New Design

    Samsung is gearing up to introduce the Galaxy Buds 3 series along with other new products, including the sixth generation of Galaxy foldables, at its Galaxy Unpacked event set for July 10. Prior to the event, images of the new Galaxy Buds 3 series earphones have surfaced online. The question remains whether the transition from the bean-shaped design to one with a stem is merely for a refreshed look or if it impacts the audio quality.

    Enhanced Audio Experience

    Tipster Ice Universe suggests that the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro will bring notable enhancements to the listening experience in addition to the new design. He indicates that the TWS earphones will support 24-bit 96Hz audio, a potential boon for audiophiles. For those who may not know, these numbers indicate that the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro will deliver higher-quality audio.

    Superior Audio Quality

    To provide some context, the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro supports 24-bit 48KHz audio transmission. In comparison, the Buds 3 Pro should enable Samsung devices to transmit near-lossless audio, enhancing the listening experience in specific situations. However, it is crucial to note that this codec will likely be exclusive to Galaxy devices. The Galaxy Buds 2 Pro introduced the SSC Hi-Fi audio codec, and it remains to be seen whether Samsung will rename this codec for the new model or keep it the same.

    Unique Design and Features

    Regarding the design, the Pro model features a unique triangular stem with an LED strip, distinguishing it from other TWS earphones with stem designs. Additionally, a previous rumor suggests that the Buds 3 Pro might offer a 30-hour battery life and new gesture controls. It is also expected to support Adaptive ANC, Adaptive Equalizer, and Ambient Sound, and will likely utilize Bluetooth 5.4 for audio transmission.

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  • Galaxy Buds 3 May Replace Swipe Gestures With Pinch Controls

    Galaxy Buds 3 May Replace Swipe Gestures With Pinch Controls

    We have seen multiple rumors about the Galaxy Buds 3 at this point. The earbuds will ditch the bean-shaped design for a more conventional one with a stem. The latest news is that the earphones will also come with some changes in functionality. Specifically, the swipe gesture will reportedly be replaced with a pinch. However, it is unclear whether the pinch gesture will be available to both the Galaxy Buds 3 and Buds 3 Pro or will be exclusive to the Pro model.

    Information from the Samsung Members App

    Notably, the pinch gesture isn’t entirely new to the product category. In fact, Apple, Nothing, Xiaomi, and several other companies have already used pinch sensors in their products.

    The information is revealed through the APK teardown of the Samsung Members app, which suggests the use of pinch sensors in the Galaxy Buds 3 series. AssembleDebug discovered references to pinch sensors in the Samsung Members app version 5.0.00.11. It also includes images showing how to use the gesture.

    Functionality and Implementation

    It’s not clear from the APK teardown how Samsung may utilize the new sensor. However, the brands that have previously offered the pinch sensor have used it for basic controls like pinching once to pause, pinching twice to skip, and thrice to go back. The earbuds from Xiaomi, Apple, or Nothing also let you enable or disable noise cancellation and transparency modes with pinch gestures.

    It’s possible that Samsung will offer a similar implementation of the pinch gestures in the upcoming Galaxy Buds 3 series. Samsung’s shift in functionality could be due to the fact that a pinch gesture feels more natural to use and has a lower rate of false triggers.

    However, the leaked real-life images of the Galaxy Buds 3 packaging box reveal a rather underwhelming design. It could be especially disappointing for those familiar with the previous design.

    Galaxy Buds 3 May Replace Swipe Gestures With Pinch Controls
    Galaxy Buds 3 May Replace Swipe Gestures With Pinch Controls
    Galaxy Buds 3 May Replace Swipe Gestures With Pinch Controls
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  • Galaxy Buds 3 Pro Abandons Bean Shape, New Render Confirms

    Galaxy Buds 3 Pro Abandons Bean Shape, New Render Confirms

    A recent leak indicates that Samsung plans to abandon the well-known bean-shaped design for the upcoming Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, marking the most significant design overhaul since the earbuds' launch.

    New Design Hints

    Tech leaker Evan Blass (@evleaks) shared an obscured image hinting at this new design. The silhouette appears similar to Apple’s AirPods, featuring an elongated stem.

    This design shift could offer numerous advantages, such as better call quality since the microphone would likely be positioned closer to the user’s mouth. However, it signifies a departure from the unique style Samsung introduced in 2020.

    Features and Launch Date

    The leak supports earlier reports suggesting Samsung's transition to a stem design. The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro is also rumored to integrate deeply with Samsung’s Galaxy AI suite, potentially offering features like real-time language translation. Enhanced active noise cancellation (ANC) is another expected feature.

    Switching to a stem-style design could allow Samsung to include a larger battery and provide more room for audio components.

    Samsung will also release a non-Pro variant of the Galaxy Buds alongside the Pro model. Both versions are speculated to launch on July 10th, alongside the next-generation Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Flip 6 phones.

    Additional Announcements

    The event may also introduce new Wear OS-powered Galaxy Watch 7 and Galaxy Watch Ultra smartwatches. Moreover, Samsung is expanding its wearable lineup with the Galaxy Ring. We'll need to wait for the official announcement to get a comprehensive understanding of the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro's design, features, and performance.

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  • Don’t Expect a Design Change with the iPhone 16 from Apple

    Don’t Expect a Design Change with the iPhone 16 from Apple

    The Only Design Change in iPhone 16 Will Be the Capture Button

    Apple revealed the iPhone 15 series just a few months ago in September, but as usual, focus swiftly turned to the next model, the iPhone 16. Leaks about this upcoming smartphone are already surfacing, like the recent discussion about the Geekbench 6 Score of the A18 Pro, set to be featured in the iPhone 16. However, not all the news is good. According to Kuo, the iPhone 16 might lack significant design changes, except for the capture button. Here are the details.

    Monitoring Apple closely, supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo often predicts the company’s future moves. Known for accurate forecasts, Kuo shares both good and bad news. Unfortunately, his recent analysis falls into the second category, indicating that the iPhone 16 series won’t showcase any “significant design changes.”

    “It is expected that Apple will not launch new iPhone models with significant design changes and the more comprehensive/differentiated GenAI ecosystem/applications until 2025 at the earliest,” wrote Kuo in a blog post today.

    Apple is known for sticking to a consistent design, which has led to accusations of selling similar phones repeatedly. This year, the introduction of Dynamic Island on iPhone 15 and iPhone Plus diverted attention from such criticisms. However, if Kuo’s claims are correct, the company might face criticism again, as the only significant change seems to be the addition of a “capture” button.

    The upcoming button is set to bring a noteworthy innovation to the iPhone. As you’re likely aware, the company recently unveiled an action button that enables users to assign tasks to the mute button. Now, the capture button is poised to become a significant enhancement for photo and video enthusiasts.

    According to reports, users will be able to zoom in and out in the Camera app by swiping left and right on the button, focus with a light press, and start video recording with a more forceful press. It’s important to note that this information has not been officially confirmed.

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  • All Potential Design Modifications Suggested by Recent iPhone 16 Renders

    All Potential Design Modifications Suggested by Recent iPhone 16 Renders

    The latest iPhone 15s didn’t offer much in the way of a fresh look. They stuck with the familiar design of their predecessors. But things could shake up for the iPhone 16, with hints of a button and camera makeover in new renders.

    MacRumors obtained a pre-production design for the iPhone 16, which they shared through renders while keeping their source anonymous. They shared three possible renders, each showcasing a different stage in development (so none might be the final phone).

    iPhone 16 renders shows possible design changes

    These renders hint at some interesting changes for iPhone 16: a vertical camera layout instead of the current diagonal one, and possibly different button placements.

    Interestingly, the colors shown (yellow, pink, and midnight) are based on prototypes Apple is testing while MacRumors also mentions that other color options originally considered for the iPhone 15 were also tested for the 16 at some point.

    The yellow model is apparently the earliest design for iPhone 16. It has a single volume rocker, an “Action” button, and a camera bump reminiscent of the iPhone X. The pink one has separate volume buttons, an Action button, and a camera bump like the iPhone 12.

    The midnight iPhone, on the other hand, features a larger Action button and a new “Capture” button. The source believes that the black variant is the most likely the final design for the iPhone 16.

    Something common across all the rendered models is the vertically stacked cameras. This change in camera layout will make the new iPhone recognizable as the latest model. While this setup seems confirmed, Macrumors suggests Apple is considering two different camera bump designs:

    1. iPhone 12 style: Two camera lenses, one above the other, like the iPhone 12.
    2. iPhone X style: A single, pill-shaped camera enclosure, like the iPhone X.

    However, as seen in the above renders, current prototypes favor the iPhone 12 style. But remember, these are just early glimpses. The iPhone 16 launch is still nine months away, and any details could change before the official reveal.

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