Samsung Galaxy Fit 3 leaks in early hands-on video

Samsung’s upcoming fitness tracker, the Galaxy Fit 3 has been prematurely revealed in multiple ways. Samsung itself accidentally included the Galaxy Fit 3 on its website, and the official user manual is now even available online. Adding to this, a hands-on video showing the Galaxy Fit 3 has now surfaced online.

In the video, we can see the fitness tracker in two color options — black/dark gray and silver with a white wrist strap. Additionally, we can also see a couple of watch faces for the Galaxy Fit 3.

The new generation of Samsung’s fitness tracker differs notably from its predecessor, the Fit 2. While the Fit 2 had a capsule-style display, the Fit 3 boasts a wider rectangular display which should improve readability for texts and overall user experience. 

Reports suggest it features a 1.1-inch always-on AMOLED display with a 5ATM rating for water resistance. Similarly, previous reports indicate that the tracker is equipped with an optical heart rate sensor for precise health monitoring. 

Samsung Galaxy Fit 3 hands-on
Galaxy FIt 3 render.

It will track vital metrics such as heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and stress levels, while also offering features like step counting, exercise tracking, and sleep pattern analysis for comprehensive well-being insights.

Likewise, the Galaxy Fit 3 may sport a 200 mAh battery capacity, which is a notable increase of 41 mAh compared to its predecessor. It is expected to support 5W charging.

However, being a fitness tracker, it will lack support for third-party apps. While Samsung hasn’t officially announced a release date for the Galaxy Fit 3, the retail sightings suggest an imminent launch is highly likely.

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Microsoft confirms upcoming release — it’s Windows 11 24H2, not Windows 12

Previous speculation about Microsoft moving away from a three-year update cycle for Windows turned out to be true. In an official blog post, Microsoft announced that “Windows 11 24H2” will be the major feature update for 2024, pushing the anticipated release of Windows 12 into 2025 or later.

Microsoft subtly revealed this strategy shift in the changelog for a recent Windows 11 Insider Preview Build. The changelog states:

“Starting with Build 26-xx today, Windows Insiders in the Canary and Dev Channels will see the versioning updated under Settings > System > About (and winver) to version 24H2. This denotes that Windows 11, version 24H2 will be this year’s annual feature update. As mentioned here, Windows 11 will have an annual feature update cadence that releases in the second half of the calendar year.”

The company is now clearly committed to one annual feature update for Windows 11, scheduled for release in the second half of each year. This marks a change from smaller, more frequent “Moments” updates seen in the past.

This decision may stem from Microsoft’s concern about exacerbating userbase fragmentation. Windows 10 continues to hold a dominant 66% market share, while Windows 11 trails behind at 28%. Introducing Windows 12 in 2024 could further divide the Windows ecosystem, a situation Microsoft likely wants to avoid.

Instead, users can expect substantial AI-powered features and other advancements with the Windows 11 24H2 update. The exact details of what these AI features will be are still up in the air, but we can expect more details to come out in the coming months. 

However, previously rumored concepts, like a redesigned desktop interface with a “floating taskbar”  as a characteristic of Windows 12 won’t materialize in the immediate future. So a significant visual overhaul for Windows is unlikely before 2025.

Regarding release timing, Windows 11 24H2  builds will reach manufacturers (RTM) in April 2024. General public availability is tentatively expected sometime between September and October 2024.

Let us know your thoughts. Are you disappointed about the Windows 12 delay?

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Xiaomi faces hurdles as smartphone suppliers hesitate to establish presence in India

Xiaomi has reportedly raised concerns over India’s strict scrutiny of Chinese companies, which is impacting the setting up of operations by smartphone parts suppliers in the country. According to a Reuters report, Xiaomi has informed New Delhi that due to the stringent oversight, component suppliers are exercising caution in establishing operations in India. Xiaomi, which holds the largest share of the Indian smartphone market, has requested manufacturing incentives and reduced import tariffs on certain smartphone components to alleviate the situation.

Regulatory scrutiny and visa concerns deter component suppliers

The letter from Xiaomi to India’s Ministry of Information Technology, dated February 6, was a response to an inquiry on how India can further develop its domestic parts manufacturing. Xiaomi’s president in India, Muralikrishnan B., emphasized the need for trust-building measures to encourage component suppliers to conduct business locally. Concerns raised in the letter include challenges faced by Indian subsidiaries of Chinese companies, particularly regarding compliance and visa issues.

The concerns highlighted in the letter underscore the broader challenges faced by Chinese companies operating in India. Indian authorities have previously accused Chinese smartphone company Vivo of violating visa regulations and embezzling significant sums from India. Additionally, Xiaomi faced asset freezes amid allegations of illegally transferring funds to foreign entities.

India’s regulatory scrutiny extends beyond smartphone manufacturers, with over 300 Chinese apps banned since 2020 and halted projects involving Chinese companies such as automaker BYD and Great Wall Motors. Executives from Chinese electronics firms have reportedly encountered difficulties in obtaining visas and facing delays in investment approvals due to the strict scrutiny.

In response to these challenges, Xiaomi has called for further reductions in India’s import duties, following recent moves by New Delhi to reduce import duties on certain components. Xiaomi believes that lowering import tariffs could enhance the competitiveness of Indian manufacturing in terms of cost. However, the company also acknowledges that greater incentives will be necessary to persuade component makers to establish factories in India.

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Xiaomi 14 Pro won’t see global release, European price leaks for vanilla Xiaomi 14

Xiaomi‘s latest flagship smartphone, the Xiaomi 14, will debut globally on February 25th. According to a new leak from Techmaniacs, the smartphone will have a starting price of €1,099 in Greece for the 12GB RAM and 512GB storage model.

It’s an increase over the Xiaomi 13’s price, which launched last year at €999 with 8GB RAM and 256GB storage. And unfortunately, it seems Xiaomi isn’t being as generous with RAM outside of China.

Chinese Xiaomi 14 models with 512GB storage (or more) boast an impressive 16GB RAM, but it appears to be downgraded for global consumers as the leak shows the 512GB variant is paired with 12GB of RAM.

On the other hand, the leak also supports previous rumors that the Pro version of the Xiaomi 14 will remain exclusive to China. This is likely because the company will also launch the Xiaomi 14 Ultra alongside the vanilla model.

So Xiaomi seems to be betting that consumers will opt either for the base Xiaomi 14 or go all-in on the feature-packed Ultra. This could make the Xiaomi 14 Pro a less desirable option among consumers.

Additionally, a recent report suggests that there’s a special titanium edition of Xiaomi 14 Ultra in development which is said to come in 16GB+1TB configuration only.

There will also be a standard model in 16GB+1TB configuration, which is expected to start at a 7299 yuan ( ~ USD 1,000) price tag, but the titanium edition will cost more, at least by 500 yuan (~ USD 70).

Regardless, both the vanilla and Ultra models will come with flagship features like Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, Leica co-engineered camera, and high-res AMOLED display. We will be sure to keep you informed about the Xiaomi 14 series as soon as any new details become available.

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HMD Legend, LegendPro arrive on Geekbench with Unisoc chip

At the end of last month, HMD confirmed that it will be soon releasing self-branded products. At least 9 smartphones are expected from the company shortly.

One of these was recently leaked revealing its design and main camera. Now, two more have been spotted on Geekbench. 

HMD Smartphone
HMD Smartphone with 108MP Camera

Two upcoming HMD-branded smartphones codenamed Legend and LegendPro have appeared in the Geekbench database. Their listings disclose a common chipset and different RAM capacities.

These handsets will be powered by an entry-level Unisoc T606 chip. The Legend will house a 4GB RAM module, while the LegendPro will arrive with 8GB RAM.

As for software, both of them will boot Android 14. They will likely offer a near-stock Android experience as Nokia-branded phones.

Unfortunately, that’s all the information we have on these forthcoming products. We expect to learn more about them in the next few days.

Apart from these handsets, HMD is expected to release a smartphone featuring a 108MP camera with OIS. Prolific tipster Evan Blass also shared the codenames of 6 HMD phones recently.

Two of these products are the aforementioned Legend and LegendPro. The others are Pulse, Pulse+, PulsePro, and Legend.

HMD (Human Mobile Devices) has scheduled its MWC 2024 event for February 25. Some of these or perhaps all of these handsets could be announced at the conference.

Also, it is worth noting that HMD has confirmed that it will continue to release Nokia-branded smartphones. In fact, more than 17 models are expected in 2024.

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Here’s a Pen that turns Handwriting into Digital Notes and brings ChatGPT Access

One of our childhood dreams, having a magic pen that can search, edit, and enhance writing, seems to be materializing with the recently announced XNote, a cutting-edge smart pen revolutionizing note-taking worldwide. Coupled with a special dotted notebook and iPhone app, the XNote brings a whole new sphere of features for editing and searching and even adds the ability to integrate reminders. Moreover, it can integrate with ChatGPT to answer your questions, summarise the keynotes, and solve puzzles.

XNote Pen: Digitise and Enhance Notes Using ChatGPT

The XNote pen uses dotted regular paper, and the dots help the pen track the paper’s position. It, in turn, enables easy digitization, helps you summarize key points, and answers the questions that you write on the paper. It even highlights past occurrences of the content you’re writing and even helps to extract action points like meetings and other significant information.

It is more of a convenience while enjoying pen writing and efficient digitization of the text. It keeps track of your old writings and ensures the user never misses anything important or overlooks unimportant details. Imagine being able to ask your notebook questions and receive answers instantly. With XNote’s AI-powered chat and search functionality, it’s now possible. Simply conversationally interact with your notes and let XNote fetch the information you need, right when you need it.

The XNote pen is currently on Indiegogo for the price of $199, which roughly translates to Rs 16,520. There’s an additional AI subscription that users could avail of to harness the full potential of the pen. It costs a one-time fee of $59 (~Rs 4898). It enables users to enjoy the traditional writing experience while making digital notes automatically using the XNote pen.

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MechRevo adds i5-13450HX to the Aurora Pro 2024 gaming laptop lineup priced at 5799 yuan (~$806)

MechRevo has recently added an Intel i5-13450HX version to the Aurora Pro 2024 gaming laptop lineup. The Aurora Pro 2024 originally launched with i7-13650HX paired with RTX 4060 and RTX 4070 graphics for 6499 Yuan ($903) and 6999 Yuan ($973) respectively. This new version with i5 still includes the RTX 4060 graphics.

Technical details of the Aurora Pro 2024 i5 edition

The introduction of the i5-13450HX + RTX 4060 version provides an affordable entry point for gamers, with a starting price of 5,799 yuan. The Intel Core i5-13450HX processor boasts a 6 large core + 4 small core design, delivering impressive performance with a turbo frequency of 4.6GHz. On the other hand, the i7-13650HX offers even more power with its 6 large core + 8 small core design and a turbo frequency of 4.9GHz, catering to users seeking top-tier performance.

The Aurora Pro 2024 features a stunning 16-inch 2560×1600 resolution display with a blazing-fast 165Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth and immersive gaming experiences. The screen also supports 500nits brightness, 100% sRGB color gamut, DC dimming, and ΔE < 2, delivering vibrant visuals with remarkable accuracy. Equipped with a 140W full-power RTX 4060 graphics card and dual copper tube fans, the notebook offers exceptional graphics performance and efficient heat dissipation.

In terms of memory and storage, the Aurora Pro comes with 16GB DDR5 memory (dual slots) and a 1TB SSD with impressive reading speeds of 7000MB/s, thanks to its dual M.2 interfaces. The machine is powered by a 240W silicon carbide power adapter, ensuring reliable and efficient power delivery during intense gaming sessions.

Furthermore, the Aurora Pro offers a wide range of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 6 support, an SD card slot, USB-A, USB-C, HDMI 2.1, Mini DP, and a wired network port. This extensive array of ports ensures seamless connectivity with various peripherals and external devices, enhancing the overall gaming experience.

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Redragon launches M68 wired magnetic axis keyboard for just $47

Redragon has expanded its mechanical keyboard lineup with the release of the wired M68. The keyboard features a unique magnetic axis design, a sleek 68-key layout, and a host of advanced features designed for competitive gamers and enthusiasts. So let’s get into its detail here.

Redragon M68 keyboard launched

Redragon M68 keyboard specifications

The standout feature of the M68 is its magnetic axis design. Utilizing Hall effect technology, the keyboard eliminates traditional mechanical contact points for fast, incredibly precise key actuation. This translates to a more responsive and satisfying typing or gaming experience.

On the other hand, the M68’s linear magnetic switches offer impressive customizability. The actuation distance (the point where a keystroke registers) can be precisely adjusted within a range of 0.2 to 4.0mm. This allows users to tailor the keyboard’s response to their exact preferences.

You also get an 8K response rate for ultra-fast responsiveness, ensuring minimal delay between your keypresses and actions on the screen. 

It also features DKS dynamic key travel, allowing you to fine-tune how far you need to press a key before it registers, further optimizing your performance.  

Furthermore, the keyboard includes RGB backlighting, full-key hot-swap functionality, and the ability to program macros for complex tasks or game commands.

Beyond its performance, Redragon has built the M68 with durability in mind. The keyboard boasts a metal top cover, noise-reducing materials, and dustproof switches. There are also high-quality PBT keycaps that provide extra resilience for long-term use.

Pricing and Availability

The Red Dragon M68 comes in white, black, and a stylish gradient gray option. Its pricing starts at 339 yuan (~ USD 48), with a slight cost increase to 349 yuan for certain colorways. There’s no word on global availability yet, but you can purchase it from JD.com in China.

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Xiaomi requests the Indian government to revise its policies about Chinese companies

Amidst the backdrop of strained India-China relations and increased scrutiny of Chinese businesses in India, Xiaomi, a prominent player in the Indian smartphone market, has voiced its concerns and made requests to the Indian government in a bid to navigate the challenging landscape.

With an 18% share in India’s smartphone market, Xiaomi has raised alarm over the intense scrutiny faced by Chinese companies operating within the country. Muralikrishnan B., President of Xiaomi India, stressed the importance of establishing “confidence-building” measures to facilitate the local setup of component operations. Xiaomi has urged the Indian government to consider offering manufacturing incentives and reducing import tariffs for specific smartphone components, aiming to alleviate the burdens faced by Chinese companies.

source:mi.com

Background on India- China relations and challenges faced by Chinese companies

The strained India-China relations stem from a 2020 border clash, which prompted India to heighten scrutiny of Chinese businesses, disrupting investment plans and drawing protests from Beijing. Accusations against Chinese companies like Vivo Communication Technology and Xiaomi have underscored Indian authorities’ concerns about alleged breaches and illegal remittances. This has resulted in actions such as freezing Xiaomi assets and banning over 300 Chinese apps, while also halting projects by Chinese automakers.

Chinese electronics companies, including Xiaomi, have encountered various challenges, ranging from difficulties in obtaining visas for executives to facing slow investment clearances due to heightened scrutiny by the Indian government. To address these issues, Xiaomi has proposed policy changes, advocating for further reductions in India’s import tariffs, particularly on sub-components such as batteries, USB cables, and phone covers. The company believes that such reductions could enhance India’s manufacturing competitiveness in terms of costs but stresses the necessity for bigger incentives to attract component manufacturers.

Government response and potential policy shift

In response to Xiaomi’s concerns and requests, Rajesh Kumar Singh, India’s top industrial policy bureaucrat, hinted at the potential easing of scrutiny of Chinese investments if the border situation between India and China remains peaceful. This suggests a potential policy shift that could provide some relief to Chinese companies operating in India, albeit contingent upon geopolitical developments.

As Xiaomi continues to navigate the complex landscape of India-China relations and grapple with the challenges faced by Chinese businesses in India, the company’s proactive engagement with the Indian government reflects its commitment to finding viable solutions amidst ongoing tensions. However, the path forward remains uncertain, with the outcome hinging on a delicate balance of geopolitical dynamics and policy decisions.

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Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra HQ renders leaked, showcase design, color variants

Recent reports indicate that Asus is preparing to unveil the Zenfone 11 and Zenfone 11 Ultra in various markets. A recent leak has divulged almost everything about the Zenfone 11 Ultra, suggesting similarities with the ROG Phone 8. In a recent leak, prominent leaker Evan Blass shared high-quality renders of the device, showcasing its four color options.

Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra HQ renders

Asus zenfone 11 Ultra
Asus zenfone 11 Ultra

The previous leak revealed that the Zenfone 11 Ultra will be available in five shades, such as Eternal Black, Skyline Blue, Misty Gray, Verdure Green, and Desert Sienna. However, the HQ renders shared by Blass do not show the green variant of the device.

Asus zenfone 11 Ultra

The general design of the Zenfone 11 Ultra is not different from the ROG Phone 8 series. Apart from a slight change in the rear camera design, all the other design elements are quite similar between the Zenfone 11 Ultra and the ROG Phone 8 series. Here is a look at the previously leaked specifications of the 11 Ultra.

Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra specifications

The Zenfone 11 Ultra is expected to feature a 6.78-inch FHD+ AMOLED LTPO panel that will support up to a 144Hz refresh rate. The device is expected to ship with the Android 14 OS and feature an in-screen fingerprint scanner for security.

The 11 Ultra will have a 32-megapixel front-facing camera. The back panel of the device will feature a gimbal OIS-enabled 50-megapixel IMX890 main camera, a 13-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and an OIS-assisted 32-megapixel telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom.

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip will power the Zenfone 11 Ultra. It will arrive with up to 16 GB of LPDDR5x RAM and up to 1 TB of UFS 4.0 storage. The device will pack a 5,500mAh battery with 65W wired and 15W wireless charging support.

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Vivo V30 series to launch in India next month with ZEISS co-engineered cameras

Vivo is prepping to launch its V30 smartphone series in the Indian market soon. The lineup will include a standard Vivo V30 and a Vivo V30 Pro model.

Although Vivo has already released the Vivo V30 in some global markets, it hasn’t shared any details about the V30 Pro yet. However, earlier today, the smartphone appeared in a GeekBench listing, revealing that it will feature a Dimensity 8200 chipset, 12GB of RAM, and will run on the latest Android 14 operating system.

Vivo V30 series will have ZEISS co-engineered cameras in India

In exclusive news, MySmartPrice reports that the Vivo V30 series will hit the Indian market next month, that is in March. The report also reveals that the V30 series will come with a “ZEISS co-engineered camera system designed specifically for the Indian market.”

Vivo has been collaborating with Zeiss for its flagship X-series, starting from the X60 series smartphones. However, with the V30 series, Vivo will extend Zeiss’s premium camera technology to its mid-range smartphones for the first time. Zeiss’s optimization should bring better image sharpness, less distortion, and distinctive bokeh effects.

The report doesn’t indicate any change in hardware specifications though. Vivo launched the V30 with a 50-megapixel main camera with OIS support and a 50-megapixel ultra-wide lens on the rear. 

Vivo V30 India launch

There’s also an Aura LED flash, equipped with smart color temperature adjustment support. For selfies, you get a 50MP lens on the front punch-hole cutout. Powering the device is a Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 chipset coupled with up to 12GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. 

The phone is built around a  6.78-inch curved-edge AMOLED panel offering 1.5K resolution and 120Hz refresh rate. Other features of the smartphone include an IP54 rating, and a lightweight body weighing 186 grams. 

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Oppo K12 hinted to launch as OnePlus Nord CE 4 with these specs

Oppo is gearing up to launch a new K series smartphone in China. A few days back, we learned about the chipset powering the upcoming Oppo K12.

Now, more details about this handset have emerged. The source also hints at a OnePlus phone with a similar set of features.

Oppo K11
Oppo K11

Oppo K12 may not be a huge upgrade over Oppo K11

According to Chinese tipster Smart Pikachu on Weibo, the Oppo K12 will flaunt a flat display and a right-angle (flat) frame. In other words, it will be similar to its predecessor Oppo K11.

Further, the leaker says that the device will support 100W fast wired charging. Also, it will sport a decentralized flagship camera sensor. These specs again match its forerunner.

Lastly, the source reveals that the phone will be powered by a new Qualcomm Snadraagon 7 series chip. Thanks to the previous leak by Digital Chat Station, we know that the handset will house a Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 SoC.

This means the only major upgrade on the Oppo K12 will be its chipset. Perhaps, it may also arrive with an updated main camera.

Lastly, Smart Pikachu claims that the device will be priced around ¥2,000 (~$280), just like its predecessor. He also mentions that there will be a OnePlus smartphone with the same feature set.

Since Oppo K11 was released outside mainland China as OnePlus Nord CE 3 (review), the forthcoming Oppo K12 will likely be called OnePlus Nord CE 4 in global markets.

Unfortunately, we don’t have info on the launch timeline for either of these products.

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Poco X6’s variant with 12GB RAM, 256GB storage goes on sale in India

Last month, Poco unveiled the Poco X6 5G and Poco X6 Pro 5G in multiple markets. At launch, the company announced three variants for the X6, such as 8 GB RAM + 256 GB storage, 12 GB RAM + 256 GB storage, and 12 GB RAM + 512 GB storage. At that time, the company also confirmed that the 12GB+256GB will be up for purchase in February. The time has arrived and now the variant is available for purchase via Flipkart.

Poco X6 5G 12GB+256GB variant goes on sale

Xiaomi Poco X6
Poco X6

The Poco X6 5G’s 12GB+256GB variant is priced at Rs 23,999. With Rs 3,000 discount via ICICI Bank credit / debit cards or EMI transactions, or by availing Rs 3,000 exchange bonus, the new variant can be bought for as low as Rs 20,999. The device can be purchased in two shades, such as Mirror Black and Snowstorm White.

Poco X6 5G specifications

The Poco X6 5G has a 6.67-inch AMOLED display that offers a 1.5K resolution (1220 x 2712 pixels), a 120Hz refresh rate, and an in-screen fingerprint scanner. For durability, the device offers Gorilla Glass Victus protection for the screen and an IP54-rated chassis.

The X6 is confirmed to receive three Android OS upgrades and four years of security patch updates. It ships with the MIUI 14-based Android 13 and is expected to soon receive the HyperOS upgrade. The X6 features the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chipset, LPDDR4x RAM, UFS 2.2 storage, and a 5,100mAh battery with 67W fast charging.

The X6 has a 16-megapixel camera on the front. On the back, it has an OIS-enabled 64-megapixel main camera, an 8-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and a 2-megapixel macro camera.

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Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pre-booking starts in India, Benefits Worth INR 5000

Samsung introduced the Galaxy Book 4 a month ago in South Korea, and now it is set for a global launch. Ahead of the Galaxy Book 4 India launch, the company has started pre-bookings in the country. It is expected that the new laptops will hit the shelves in the last week of the month.

Customers can pre-book the Galaxy Book4 series by paying a token amount of INR 1999 via Samsung.com, the offline Samsung retail store, and other multi-retail stores and select e-portals across the country. The benefits worth INR 5,000 will be available for the users on the purchase of the new Galaxy Book4 Series laptops. Details about the benefits are not yet live.

The Samsung Galaxy Book 4 series comprises the Galaxy Book 4 Pro, Book 4 Pro 360, Book 4 360, and Galaxy Book 4 Ultra. The most powerful model is expected to launch later, while the remaining three models will launch by the end of this month.

Samsung Galaxy Book4 Features

The Galaxy Book 4 Pro comes with either an Intel Core Ultra 5 or Ultra 7 CPU, paired with Intel Arc graphics. It runs on the Windows 11 Home OS and offers a choice between a 14-inch or 16-inch AMOLED display with touch options. The notebook includes AKG quad speakers with Dolby Atmos, WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, and a 63Wh/76Wh battery pack with 65W USB-C charging. Depending on the display size, it weighs either 1.23kg or 1.56kg.

Its sibling, the Galaxy Book 4 Pro 360, shares similar specifications but adds a 360-degree hinge for tablet mode. It sports a 16-inch AMOLED touch display, similar CPU options, and Intel Arc graphics. Additional features include Dolby Atmos support, S-Pen compatibility, and a 76Wh battery pack with 65W charging. It’s available with 16GB or 32GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 512GB or 1TB of storage.

The top-tier model, the Galaxy Book 4 Ultra, boasts a 3K AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and options for the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 or RTX 4050 GPU. It’s powered by an Intel Core Ultra 9 or Ultra 7 processor, offering up to 64GB of LPDRR5X RAM and up to 2TB of SSD storage. Connectivity options include Thunderbolt 4, USB Type-A, HDMI 2.1 ports, and a 76Wh battery with 140W USB-C fast charging. Weighing around 1.86kg and measuring 16.5mm in thickness, it’s the most robust of the series.

In South Korea, the Galaxy Book 4 Pro starts at 2,150,000 won ($1,605), the Galaxy Book 4 Pro 360 at 2,650,000 won ($1,978), and the Galaxy Book 4 Ultra at 3,730,000 won (~$2,785).

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Android 14 easter egg hints at imminent Android 15 release

The latest update from Google, Android 14 QPR 3 Beta 1, brings more than just the useful “Circle to Search” feature to Pixel phones. Within this update, there’s a hidden surprise—an Easter egg hinting at the Android 15.

As reported by 9to5Google, keen-eyed observers noticed a subtle change in the Android 14 logo—it now resembles an inverted triangle, reminiscent of the letter “V.”

Google has a tradition of including a hidden mini-game in each Android release, accessible by tapping the logo multiple times. However, there’s no such game teasing the next Android version just yet. Nevertheless, we can see the codename “Vanillaicecream,” which aligns with the internal name for Android 15. 

This follows Google’s established tradition of naming Android versions alphabetically after desserts, with Android 15 being affectionately called “Vanilla Ice Cream.”

While an official release date for the Android 15 Developer Preview hasn’t been announced, Google’s history suggests it could arrive later this month. 

Based on the timelines of Android 13 and 14, the first betas might become available a few months after the Developer Preview. In keeping with their usual schedule, a stable Android 15 release could land in October, likely alongside the launch of new Pixel phones.

Though it’s too early to know everything Android 15 will offer, some clues have emerged.  In the recent Android 14 QPR3 beta, an “App Pairs” feature appeared, suggesting the next Android version will offer better multitasking capabilities.

Google has yet to make any official announcements regarding a firm release date for Android 15. However, it’s certain that the next iteration of Android is actively under development. 

As we get closer to an official announcement, speculation on the range of new features and improvements coming with Android 15 will undoubtedly grow.

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OnePlus 12R now comes with Rs 4,000 exchange bonus apart from bank discount

OnePlus introduced the OnePlus 12R alongside the OnePlus 12 and Buds 3 TWS on Jan. 23 in India. The 12R became available for purchase for the first time on Feb 6. Shortly after its release, the company announced that the 12R received an excellent response from the market, quickly going out of stock. The next sale of the 12R is planned for Feb 13. Before the upcoming sale, the company revealed an enticing exchange bonus for buyers of the 12R.

OnePlus 12R’s new offer confirmed

The updated page on OnePlus India’s website states that buyers can benefit from a Rs 1,000 instant discount via ICICI Bank or OneCard credit card and credit card EMI transactions. In addition, the offer is also applicable via ICICI Bank net banking. Buyers can also benefit from up to Rs 1,200 off on OnePlus Audio in RCC-linked device benefits. Additionally, users can avail themselves of benefits worth Rs. 2,250 on the JioPlus Postpaid Plan.

On Amazon India, the OnePlus 12R is also available with a new offer of up to Rs 4,000 (~$48) extra discount with the exchange. The ICICI and OneCard offers are also applicable on Amazon.

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2-powered OnePlus 12R is priced at Rs 39,999 (~$480) for the base variant that offers 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage. On the other hand, the higher 16 GB RAM + 256 GB storage model is priced at Rs 45,999 (~$555).

By applying the bank and exchange bonus offers on Amazon, the 12R can be purchased with an effective starting price of Rs 33,999 (~$410). The device comes in two shades, such as Ice Cool and Iron Gray.

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Redmi Buds 5 launched in India with ANC, Google Fast Pair, 38-hour battery life, and more

As scheduled, Xiaomi launched the Redmi Buds 5 in India today. These pair of truly wireless earbuds made their initial debut in China in late September. They were later announced globally in January.

Now, almost five months later, the audio accessory has made its way to India as part of Xiaomi’s Valentine’s Day celebration. Let’s check out the features offered by these TWS earbuds and how much they cost in the country.

Redmi Buds 5

Redmi Buds 5 Specifications

The Redmi Buds 5’s design is inspired by Apple and Samsung. The buds look like the AirPods Pro, while the case resembles that of Galaxy Buds.

The in-ear earbuds house 12.4mm dynamic drivers with a titanium diaphragm. They also nest a 1.6mm coile with fine winding, an N52 neodymium magnet, and an independent sound chamber.

The buds connect wirelessly via Bluetooth 5.3. They support Google Fast Pair for seamless pairing with Android and ChromeOS devices. They can be also connected with two devices at a time for quick switching.

Like most TWS earphones, they also offer ANC (Active Noise Cancellation). They are rated to reduce external noise up to 46dB. 

The buds offer three levels of noise cancellation. There’s also an ambient mode and an enhanced voice mode.

Additionally, the IP54-rated earbuds offer AI-based noise cancellation for calls and touch gesture controls. They are compatible with the Xiaomi Earbuds app, which can used for customization (including equalizer).

With ANC turned off, the earphones are rated to last for up to 10 hours on a single charge and up to 38 hours with the charging case.

Redmi Buds 5 Price in India

The Redmi Buds 5 are priced at ₹2,999 (~$35) in India. They can be availed in either Black, White, or Purple color options.

The accessory will be available starting February 20 via Mi.com, Amazon, Flipkart, and offline retail stores.

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Microsoft to revamp Sticky Notes App with fresh design

Microsoft appears to be gearing up for a significant visual overhaul of its beloved Sticky Notes app. A leaked screenshot shared by Windows insider FireCube (@FireCubeStudios) reveals a fresh interface featuring light shades of purple, complemented by a purple new logo reminiscent of Microsoft’s OneNote app.

These visual changes hint at a potential deeper integration between Sticky Notes and the broader OneNote platform. Despite the facelift, Sticky Notes’ core functionality appears to remain the same. 

Your notes will still be housed within their familiar rectangular windows, now neatly grouped within a “Recent Notes” section for enhanced organization.

In addition to the visual revamp, a convenient search bar has been introduced to help users quickly locate their older notes. 

Moreover, a dedicated pop-out window for composing notes is included, boasting basic rich-text formatting options such as bold, italics, underline, strikethrough, and bulleted/numbered lists.

Originally exclusive to Windows 10, Sticky Notes later expanded its presence to Android and iOS devices, facilitating seamless cross-device syncing for users. 

Microsoft had previously tied Sticky Notes to OneNote, enabling users to access their notes directly from the OneNote app across various devices.

While this recent redesign isn’t the first significant update for Sticky Notes, it signifies Microsoft’s ongoing commitment to enhancing this widely-used organizational tool, ensuring it remains relevant and useful for users across different platforms.

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Vivo V30 Pro spotted on Geekbench with Dimensity 8200 chip & 12GB RAM

Vivo is preparing to launch a new premium mid-range smartphone in the global market called the Vivo V30 Pro. Rumor has it that the device is a rebranded version of the Vivo S18 Pro, which was launched in China back in December. The device has already picked up a few certifications, including Bluetooth SIG and GSMA IMEI, and now it has made an appearance on Geekbench.

Vivo V30 Pro Geekbench

On Geekbench, the Vivo V30 Pro has emerged with model number V2319, featuring an octa-core Dimensity 8200 SoC with a peak clock speed of 3.10GHz. It has 12GB RAM onboard along with a Windows 14-based operating system. Moving over to the test results, the device scores 1045 points in the single-core test and 3637 in the multicore test.

Vivo S18 Series

While the Vivo V30 Pro appears to feature a Dimensity 8200 chip, its supposed Chinese counterpart launched with the Dimensity 9200+ chip, meaning that the rebrand will likely come as a cut-down version. If other specifications remain the same, then we can expect the phone to feature a 6.78-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with HDR10+ support, a 120Hz refresh rate, and a peak brightness of up to 2800 nits.

The Chinese model comes with 8GB, 12GB & 16GB RAM options, paired with 256GB or 512GB UFS 3.1 storage. In the camera department, it could feature a 50MP Sony IMX920 main sensor, a 50MP Samsung JN1 ultra-wide sensor, and a 12MP 2x telephoto portrait camera. As for selfies, it is likely to boast a 50MP sensor with a dual soft LED flash. Lastly, the battery onboard will likely offer a 5,000mAh capacity, with 80W fast charging support.

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Xiaomi 14 Ultra price, configurations leaked, special titanium also tipped

Xiaomi 14 Ultra is most likely to go official on Feb. 25 for the global market. However, it is being said that there could be a dedicated Chinese launch event for the phone on Feb. 22. Ahead of the expected launch, a new leak that has surfaced on Weibo has revealed its configurations and price.

Xiaomi 14 Ultra configurations (rumored)

According to tipster Experience More, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra will arrive in three configurations in China. These include 12 GB RAM + 256 GB storage; 16 GB RAM + 512 GB storage; and 16 GB RAM + 1 TB storage.

Xiaomi 14 Ultra price (rumored)

The leak further claims that the Xiaomi 14 Ultra will also come in a special titanium edition, which will come in a single 16GB+1TB configuration. The leaker claimed that if the cost remains unchanged for the 16+1TB variant (as compared to the previous generation), it will be priced at 7299 Yuan (~$1,000), while opting for the titanium version will add 500 Yuan or more. Should there be a price hike, the titanium variant is expected to be priced at approximately 8,000 Yuan (~$1,110).

Xiaomi 14 Ultra specifications (rumored)

Xiaomi 14 Ultra mock render

As per reports, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra will have a 6.73-inch OLED 2K display with curved edges. The 120Hz refresh rate screen is expected to arrive with an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint scanner. It will run on HyperOS-based Android 14. The 14 Ultra is likely to feature the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, LPDDR5x RAM, UFS 4.0 storage, and a 5,300mAh battery with 90W wired and 50W wireless charging support.

The back panel of the device is said to have a 50-megapixel LYT-900 main camera with OIS and variable aperture support. There will probably be three IMX858 50-megapixel cameras with the main camera, including an ultra-wide camera, a 3.2x telephoto lens with OIS, and a 5x periscope telephoto camera with OIS. For selfies, it will have a 32-megapixel front-facing camera.

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