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Category: Gadgets

Exciting News for Google Pixel 8 Users: New Color and Awesome Features

In the world of Android phones, people are talking a lot about the Samsung Galaxy S24 and OnePlus 12. But wait, there’s some big news from Google. They just announced five cool updates for the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. First up, there’s a brand-new color called Mint. This fresh color is now available for both the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, and it looks really nice. Mint is a calming shade that’s not too bright and not too dull. Many people think it might be one of the best colors for Pixel phones in a long time.

Starting from January 25, you can get the Mint color, but there are a few things to know. You can only get it from the Google Store and Google Fi, and if you choose Mint, you can only get it with 128GB of storage.

But the color isn’t the only good news! Google is rolling out its January 2024 Feature Drop, and it brings four main updates for Pixel 8 users.

The first one is called Circle to Search. This cool feature lets you circle anything on your phone’s screen, and then it does a Google Search for you. It’s like magic – just press and hold the home button or navigation bar, draw a circle around what you want to know more about, and that’s it!

Another exciting update is Magic Compose in Messages. It uses Google’s smart AI technology to help you write messages in different styles. You can make your words sound more professional, short and sweet, or even like something Shakespeare would say!

Last but not least, Pixel 8 Pro users have something special. The January 2024 Feature Drop lets you use the Pixel 8 Pro’s temperature sensor to check body temperature. Just use the Thermometer app, scan your body temperature, and save the results to the Fitbit app. It’s a handy way to keep track of your health.

Apart from these Pixel-specific updates, the Feature Drop has more good stuff. Quick Share, which Google talked about at the beginning of the month, is now available for all Android devices with Android 6.0 or newer, Chromebooks with Chrome OS version 91 and newer, and Windows PCs running a 64-bit version of Windows 10 or newer. Also, Seamless Audio Switching is expanding to the Pixel Watch and Pixel Watch 2, making it easy to switch your Pixel Buds Pro between your Pixel phone, smartwatch, and tablet.

January 26, 2024
Top Affordable Samsung Phones: Best Picks for 2024

Samsung offers a range of affordable phones that may not have the same power as their high-end counterparts but still deliver reliable performance for everyday tasks. Let’s explore some of the best cheap Samsung phones available in 2024.

Samsung Galaxy A54 5G

The Galaxy A54 5G, despite its affordable price, boasts a premium look and feel, resembling the higher-end Galaxy S23+. With Gorilla Glass 5 on the front and back, an IP67 durability rating, and Samsung’s user-friendly One UI Android skin, it stands out in its class. What sets it apart is the impressive OLED display with a 1,000-nit peak brightness, HDR10+ support, and a 120Hz refresh rate. Surprisingly, it even features a microSD card slot, a win over some flagship models.

Samsung Galaxy S23 FE

While the Galaxy S23 FE may stretch the definition of “cheap” at $600, it’s a worthwhile choice for those seeking high-end features at a lower cost compared to the flagship S23+. With an OLED display, Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset, and excellent camera performance, it offers a compelling package for users who want top-notch features without breaking the bank.

Samsung Galaxy A14 5G

The Galaxy A14 5G catches attention for its stellar 5G performance in the entry-level segment. Despite its hardware being a step down from higher-tier Samsung models, it provides satisfactory performance for everyday use. The inclusion of features like microSD storage expansion and a headphone jack adds to its appeal. The 90Hz display and surprisingly decent camera performance make it a solid choice in its price range.

Samsung Galaxy A23 5G

Stepping up from the A14, the Galaxy A23 5G offers a faster Snapdragon 695 chipset and a rare 120Hz display among $300 phones. While its main camera performs well, the additional lenses may not impress. Availability can be a challenge, but for users looking for 5G support and a taste of Samsung’s Android implementation, the A23 is a noteworthy option.

Samsung Galaxy A03s

The Galaxy A03s is designed as a budget-friendly device, focusing on delivering the Samsung experience in a basic package. It may not match the performance or features of mid-range or high-end phones, but it serves its purpose well. Despite limited internal storage, it runs most Android apps reasonably well and received an Android 13 update. Its affordability, especially during sales or carrier promotions, makes it a competent backup phone or an entry-level choice for those on a tight budget.

January 25, 2024
Future-Forward 7 Android Phones Coming in 2024

Looking ahead to 2024, we anticipate an exciting lineup of Android smartphones, building on the successes of the previous year. As we reflect on the standout releases of 2023, we hope to see further innovation in flagship devices justifying their high costs, while also witnessing mid-range and budget-friendly options challenging the necessity of spending exorbitant amounts on a smartphone. Here are the phones we are most eager to see in the upcoming year.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

Although officially unveiled recently, the Galaxy S24 Ultra has yet to hit the shelves, securing its spot on our list. Samsung’s Ultra devices have consistently delivered exceptional performance, premium build quality, and reliable software updates. With the move to titanium construction, the Galaxy S24 Ultra promises increased durability. The integration of AI-enhanced software adds another layer of excitement, making it a standout release for 2024.

Motorola ThinkPhone 2

The ThinkPhone from Motorola quietly impressed in 2023 with its aramid fiber construction, remarkable battery life, and fast charging capabilities. Despite potential marketing challenges, a ThinkPhone 2 could build on its predecessor’s success. Retaining the aramid fiber backing and addressing marketing issues could position it as one of the noteworthy phones of 2024.

OnePlus Open 2

OnePlus entered the foldable arena in 2023 with the OnePlus Open, offering a refreshing alternative to existing foldable options. The Open addressed concerns with a wider outer display, lightweight construction, and excellent multitasking capabilities. A future iteration, the OnePlus Open 2, holds the potential to become a favorite folding phone in 2024, especially with improvements in OxygenOS.

Google Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro

Google made strides in 2023 with the Pixel 8 Pro, addressing display brightness issues and optimizing Tensor performance. For 2024, maintaining the design with subtle refinements and enhancing raw performance with a potential Tensor G4 could position the Pixel 9 Pro as a strong competitor, particularly with AI features and robust software support.

Samsung Galaxy A55

Building on the success of the Galaxy A54, the A55 could further elevate Samsung’s mid-range offerings. With improved power and enhanced cameras, the Galaxy A55 aims to compete with potential releases like the Google Pixel 8a. As mid-range phones continue to impress, the Galaxy A55 promises a quality OneUI Android experience at an attractive price point.

Motorola Razr+ 2

The Motorola Razr+ stood out as a playful and enjoyable foldable phone in 2023. A potential Razr+ 2 could refine the build, upgrade specs, and introduce new colors, solidifying Motorola’s position as a leader in flip phones. With subtle improvements, the Razr+ 2 could capture the charm of flip phones in 2024.

LG Wing 2

While acknowledging LG’s exit from the smartphone market, we express a longing for unique form factors in 2024. This includes a hypothetical LG Wing 2 or other unconventional designs. In a landscape dominated by glass slabs, we yearn for companies to explore slider phones, wider form factors, and rotating hinges. While anticipating unfavorable reviews and modest sales, a return to classic niche phones would be a welcome surprise.

January 22, 2024
Samsung might offer seven years of updates for Galaxy S24 series

Samsung, known for its top-notch smartphones, is gearing up to unveil the Galaxy S24 series, with leaks revealing significant details. Besides the expected focus on AI features, there’s speculation about an impressive software surprise—Samsung may provide seven years of support for the new Galaxy flagships. The report, while not confirming if it’s about security patches or full Android/One UI updates, is a potential game-changer for Android. Google set a precedent with seven years of updates for Pixel 8, and if true, Samsung’s move could influence other smartphone makers.

While the exact details remain uncertain, Samsung’s possible move to extend software support is gaining attention. If it includes Android and One UI updates, it would be a substantial commitment, setting a new standard for the Android ecosystem. Google’s announcement of seven years of updates for Pixel 8 last October drew considerable attention, and Samsung appears to be considering a similar strategy for its flagship Galaxy S24 series.

The report suggests that the seven-year support might encompass both security patches and full Android/One UI updates. If implemented, it would be a welcome move for users, assuring them of long-term software support for their devices. This could significantly impact the Android ecosystem, urging other smartphone manufacturers to extend their support timelines, thereby enhancing the overall user experience.

Google’s initiative last year highlighted the importance of prolonged software support in building user trust. If Samsung follows suit with a seven-year commitment, it could reinforce the idea that manufacturers are invested in ensuring their devices remain relevant and secure over an extended period.

It remains to be seen whether Samsung will include its 2023 flagship devices, like the Galaxy S23 series, under this extended support program. Past trends, such as the extension of Android and One UI upgrades from three to four years, suggest that the company might adopt a similar approach.

Additionally, the report hints at another move by Samsung to provide Galaxy AI features for free until at least 2025. However, from 2026 onwards, there might be a shift toward monetizing some of these AI capabilities. This strategy could be aimed at creating a balance between offering innovative features and establishing revenue streams for sustained development.

January 15, 2024
CES 2024 Smartphone Roundup: From Gaming Titans to Budget-Friendly TCL

Let’s talk about the best smartphones we saw at CES 2024. CES is a big tech show in Las Vegas where companies show off new gadgets. We usually see cool TVs and car stuff, but this year, there are also awesome new smartphones. Here are some of the best ones!

First, we have the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro. Asus is famous for gaming, and this phone is like a gaming beast. It runs on Android 14 and has a super-fast chip inside. The phone comes with 16GB of memory and 512GB of storage, but you can get an even fancier version with 24GB of memory and 1TB of storage.

The screen is big, 6.78 inches, and it can refresh really fast, especially when playing games. The display is also bright and clear. The phone is tough too – it can handle water and dust. The cameras on this phone are top-notch, with a 50MP main camera and other cool features. The battery is huge, 5,500mAh, and it won’t overheat even if you play games for a long time. It charges really fast, either with a wire or without wires. Plus, there’s a little LED display on the back that shows fun animations.

They also have a special edition called the ROG Phone 8 Pro Edition. This one has a cooling fan to keep it from getting too hot during intense gaming. It even has a headphone jack!

Now, Asus has another good phone, the ROG Phone 8. It’s almost the same as the Pro version but without the cool LED animations on the back. It’s still a great gaming phone with a big screen and powerful features.

Next up, TCL. TCL is known for affordable phones, and at CES 2024, they introduced seven new ones! Let’s focus on the TCL 50 XL 5G. It has a huge 6.8-inch display with great sound. The phone starts with 8GB of memory and has a big battery, 5,010mAh, so it lasts a long time. It’s a good choice for people who are always on the move.

TCL also has something unique – NxtPaper smartphones. These phones have screens that look and feel like paper, so there’s no glare, especially when you’re outside. TCL didn’t share all the details, but it sounds interesting and different.

January 12, 2024
Keep Your Apple Watch in Top Shape: Battery Health Tips

If you want to check your Apple Watch’s battery health and usage, you can easily find this information in the Settings app. Whether you’ve noticed your Apple Watch’s battery life isn’t lasting as long as before or you simply want to ensure it stays in top condition, checking its battery health is a good idea.

How to Check Apple Watch Battery Health and Usage

A shorter battery life doesn’t always mean there’s a problem with your watch. Batteries naturally age over time, and this happens to all rechargeable devices, including your iPhone. While you can’t stop this aging process, you can slow it down. Checking your Apple Watch’s battery health can provide insights into its current condition.

Here’s a simple guide on how to check your Apple Watch’s battery health:

1. Press the Digital Crown on your Apple Watch to display all apps.

2. Navigate to Settings.

3. Scroll down and select Battery.

4. Continue scrolling down and tap on Battery Health.

Once you’re in the Battery Health section, you’ll see the “Maximum Capacity” percentage, indicating your Apple Watch’s current battery capacity compared to its original capacity. A common benchmark is 80%; if your battery reaches or falls below this, it might be considered consumed and could benefit from replacement.

Additionally, you’ll find a toggle to enable or disable Optimized Charging for your Apple Watch. While the details you see might not be as precise as those for your iPhone, monitoring your Apple Watch’s battery health and usage gives you a better understanding of its overall performance, especially as it continues to age.

January 7, 2024
Clicks: Bringing Back Buttons to Your iPhone, but Is It Worth It?

In the era of touchscreen smartphones, the Clicks keyboard aims to satisfy the nostalgia for physical buttons on the iPhone. Designed as the first “creator keyboard” for iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max, Clicks offers a unique solution for those who miss the tactile feel of typing.

Developed by tech reviewer Michal Fisher, Clicks is a lightweight keyboard accessory that attaches to the bottom of the iPhone, reminiscent of the classic 2009 Palm Pre look. Weighing just a fraction of a pound, it promises a “perfect balance” of click resistance and feedback, aiming to provide a familiar and satisfying typing experience.

Clicks retains the standard layout of the iPhone keyboard, ensuring ease of use for users. The keyboard also includes keys for voice input, commands, and tab, catering to various typing needs. Depending on the iPhone model, the Clicks keyboard is priced between $139 and $159.

While Clicks brings back the physical keyboard concept, it’s not the first attempt at reintroducing buttons to iPhones. In 2014, Typo introduced a physical keyboard that covered the Touch ID home button, mimicking the BlackBerry look. However, Clicks distinguishes itself by snugly attaching to the iPhone’s bottom while maintaining a protective case.

For users contemplating whether a physical keyboard is the solution to their typing preferences, alternative options exist. Keyboard apps, like Gboard, offer features such as resizing the keyboard on the display, addressing spacing challenges during typing. Some developers are integrating AI into digital keyboards, with Samsung rumored to add AI features to enhance typing experiences.

Despite Clicks’ attempt to revive the physical keyboard trend, it faces competition from existing digital solutions and the evolving capabilities of touchscreen keyboards. The question remains whether users are willing to embrace a physical attachment, especially considering the availability of cost-free alternatives.

In conclusion, Clicks brings a nostalgic touch to iPhone typing, catering to those who miss the sensation of physical buttons. However, with advancements in digital keyboard technology and alternative solutions, the success of Clicks in the market may depend on how users perceive the value of reverting to physical buttons on their iPhones.

January 7, 2024
Oukitel WP33 Pro: A Phone with massive 22,000 mAh Battery

Introducing the Oukitel WP33 Pro, a smartphone that proudly stands out with its massive 22,000 mAh battery, claiming to be the largest ever seen in a phone. This device defies the trend of slim and lightweight smartphones, weighing 577.5g and measuring 27.2mm in thickness. It’s not your typical pocket-friendly phone, and you’ll surely notice its presence due to its weight and size.

The Oukitel WP33 Pro boasts dimensions that challenge the norms, with a width of 84 mm, making one-handed operation nearly impossible for anyone, even NBA players. However, it maintains a relatively standard height of 175.4 mm.

It is powered by MediaTek’s Dimensity 6100+ chipset, accompanied by 8GB of LPDDR4x RAM and a spacious 256GB of UFS 2.2 storage. The device features a 6.6-inch 1,080×2,408 IPS panel with a 60 Hz refresh rate and 450-nit brightness, protected by Gorilla Glass 5.

In the camera department, the Oukitel WP33 Pro sports a 64 MP Sony IMX686 sensor for its main rear camera, along with a 20 MP night vision camera featuring the Sony IMX350 sensor and a 2 MP macro camera. Selfies are handled by a 32 MP front camera with the Sony IMX616 sensor.

The standout feature is not related to the cameras but the colossal 5W speaker on the back, capable of reaching an astounding 136dB maximum loudness. This dwarfs the speakers of an iPhone 15, an alarm siren, and even a jet engine. The phone touts “8D Immersive Stereo Surround” sound, a claim that emphasizes its audio capabilities.

The WP33 Pro supports 33W wired charging, taking around 5 hours to fully charge its mammoth battery. Additionally, it offers 18W reverse wired charging to replenish other devices. With an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, IP69K certification to withstand high-pressure water jets, and MIL-STD-810H certification for a 1.5m drop, the phone is designed to endure various conditions. A side-mounted fingerprint sensor provides security, and it runs on Android 13. The Oukitel WP33 Pro is currently available on AliExpress from Oukitel’s official store, priced at $595 before applying any coupons or discounts.

January 7, 2024
Vivo X100 vs Vivo X100 Pro: which one is the best for you?

Vivo has introduced its new X100 series smartphones in India, comprising the Vivo X100 and Vivo X100 Pro. These flagship models are available for pre-booking, with sales commencing on January 11.

Vivo X100 Pro

Display: The phone features a 6.78-inch AMOLED 8T LTPO curved display with 3000nits peak brightness, 2160Hz high-frequency dimming, and a 120Hz refresh rate.

Processor: Equipped with an octa-core 4nm MediaTek Dimensity 9300 SoC, accompanied by Vivo’s V3 chip.

Camera: The device boasts a collaboration with Zeiss, incorporating a 50MP primary camera, 50MP ultra-wide camera, and a 50MP Zeiss APO super-telephoto camera. It offers 4.3x optical zoom, 100x digital zoom, and a 32MP front camera.

Storage: The phone provides a storage option of 16GB + 512GB.

Battery: Featuring a 5,400mAh battery with 100W wired fast charging and 50W wireless charging support.

Vivo X100

Similar Display: Like its counterpart, the X100 has a 6.78-inch AMOLED 8T LTPO curved display with shared specifications.

Processor: It is powered by the same octa-core 4nm MediaTek Dimensity 9300 SoC and Vivo V2 chip.

Camera: The X100 includes a Zeiss-branded triple rear setup with a 50MP primary camera, 50MP ultra-wide camera, and a 64MP Zeiss super-telephoto camera. It also features a 32MP front camera.

Storage: The X100 offers two storage options: 12GB + 256GB and 16GB + 512GB.

Battery: It is equipped with a 5,000mAh battery and supports 120W fast charging.

Pricing for Vivo X100 series smartphones:

Vivo X100:
– 12GB + 512GB at 63,999 INR or 765 USD
– 16GB + 512GB at 69,999 INR or 830 USD

-Vivo X100 Pro:
– 16GB + 512GB at 89,999 INR or 1080 USD

The pre-booking for these smartphones is currently open, and the official sales will commence on January 11. Customers can pre-book the Vivo X100 series online at the Vivo store and Flipkart. This new series from Vivo promises advanced features, powerful performance, and impressive camera capabilities for smartphone enthusiasts. As technology continues to evolve, Vivo aims to provide users with cutting-edge devices that cater to diverse needs.

January 5, 2024
Samsung Z Fold 6: What to Expect in 2024?

The Z Fold 5 came out in August, and now there are talks about the next one. Let’s see what we already know about the Z Fold 6. Normally, Z Fold phones come out in late summer. Samsung usually tells us about them in July, and they become available in August. We think this will happen again.

The Galaxy Z Fold 5 starts at $1,800 if you want 256GB of memory. If Samsung keeps that choice, we guess the Z Fold 6 will start at the same price (and the Fold 5 might cost less). If you want more storage, you might have to pay more money.

The price could be higher if there are new features, but we believe $1,800 is the least it could be. When the Z Fold 6 is officially out, Samsung will tell us when we can start pre-ordering it. Come back here for more details when that happens.

Right now, we only have rumors. The Z Fold 5 wasn’t very different from the one before, but people say Samsung might make some changes with the 6. The biggest change might be with how it looks, including the size of the screen. Someone who often shares early info, called Revegnus on X (used to be Twitter), says the screen will be bigger, but the phone will be lighter.

Another small but nice change might happen with the Fold 6: it might resist dust. T.M. Roh, the head of Samsung’s mobile part, said they know people want dust resistance, and they are trying hard to make it happen. However, because foldable phones have many moving parts, it’s not easy to make them dustproof.

We don’t know for sure, but some things might stay the same. Revegnus says the Fold 5’s camera will stick around for now, and new camera stuff will come with the Fold 7.

Here are the details for the Fold 6’s back cameras (we don’t know if the front ones will change, but rumors say no):

– 50MP wide
– 12MP ultra-wide
– 10MP telephoto with 3x zoom
– 30X space zoom

Like dust resistance, another thing that might come with the Fold 6 is a special pen you can use with it, called an S Pen. Having a pen with a phone means the phone can’t be too thin, and the battery might not last as long because you have to charge both the phone and the pen. Samsung isn’t saying no to having a pen, but they haven’t figured out the best way to do it yet.

December 29, 2023