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Category: Tech Gadgets

Hexa²Pixel” Trademark: Samsung’s Path to a 432MP Camera Sensor

In July 2022, Samsung filed for a trademark called “Hexa²Pixel,” hinting at a new camera sensor technology. This technology, when applied to a camera sensor, would enable 36:1 pixel binning, a process where data from neighboring pixels is combined to produce better photos with reduced noise.

The name “Hexa²Pixel” suggests a pixel binning factor of 36, as hexa means six, and six squared equals 36. When Samsung filed for this trademark, they showcased post-binning images with resolutions ranging from 12MP to 12.5MP, using the 108MP sensor found in the Galaxy S22 Ultra. By multiplying these resolutions by 36, we arrived at a potential range of 432MP to 450MP.

Recent information from a reputable source, known as Revegnus, indicates that Samsung is indeed working on a new camera sensor series called ISOCELL HW. The first two sensors in this series, HW1 and HW2, are expected to feature nearly 1-inch sensor sizes. The HW1 sensor will offer an impressive 432MP resolution with a sensor size of 1/1.05″ and a pixel size of 0.56 micrometers. Meanwhile, the HW2 sensor will also boast a 432MP resolution and a size close to 1-inch, measuring at 1/1.07″ with a pixel size of 0.5 micrometers.

Revegnus also provided insights into Samsung’s upcoming foldable devices. The Galaxy Fold 6 is rumored to continue using the 50MP GN3 image sensor, which is currently employed in the Galaxy Z Fold 5. On the other hand, the Galaxy Fold 7 is expected to feature a significant upgrade in its camera department, with a 200MP ISOCELL HP5 sensor. This sensor will have a sensor size of 1/1.3-inch and a pixel size of 0.5 micrometers.

Back in August, the same source revealed that Samsung is gearing up to mass-produce several new ISOCELL image sensors in the second half of 2024. These include the 200MP HP7 sensor with 0.6μm pixels, a 50MP GN6 sensor, and an impressive 440MP HU1 sensor.

It’s fascinating to see how a simple mathematical deduction based on the “Hexa²Pixel” trademark filing accurately predicted a camera sensor with a 432MP resolution. However, what remains uncertain is when Samsung will introduce a smartphone with this remarkable 432MP camera. The Galaxy S24 Ultra might not be the candidate, so the earliest possibility could be the Galaxy S25 Ultra in 2025. But it’s more likely that we’ll see this advanced camera sensor in either the Galaxy S26 Ultra or the Galaxy S27 Ultra.

October 9, 2023
Durable by Design: The 5 Best Rugged Smartphones

Rugged smartphones are tough and durable devices designed to withstand harsh environments and conditions. They come equipped with special features that set them apart from regular smartphones used in everyday life. In this article, we will discuss the top 5 rugged smartphones available today.

1. Nokia XR20

Nokia introduced the XR20 in 2021, showcasing its commitment to producing durable devices. This smartphone is designed to meet the military standard of MIL-STD-810H, ensuring its ruggedness. Nokia has a strong reputation for producing reliable and long-lasting phones. The XR20 also supports 5G connectivity, making it a versatile choice for users.

2. Motorola Defy

The Motorola Defy is far from an ordinary smartphone. Its thermoplastic frame design sets it apart. The phone is certified to military standards, allowing it to thrive in extreme conditions. It can withstand exposure to sand, dust, and water. The display is protected by Victus Gorilla Glass, and the Defy features a high-quality camera for various photography needs.

3. Doogee S98 Pro

The Doogee S98 Pro is considered one of the best rugged smartphones of 2023. It boasts exceptional battery life, a bright display, night vision capabilities, and a thermal imaging camera. Its rugged and durable design is reinforced with Gorilla Glass, ensuring its longevity. However, it’s important to note that this phone does not support 5G connectivity.

4. Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro

Samsung’s Galaxy XCover Pro is another strong contender in the rugged smartphone category. Initially released in 2020, it meets military grade MIL-STD-810G certification standards. This smartphone is tailored for business settings and offers enhanced security features. To unlock the phone, users can utilize both a fingerprint scanner and facial recognition.

5. CAT S62 Pro

The CAT S62 Pro, part of the CAT Phone lineup by Bullitt Group Limited, earns its place among the best rugged smartphones in 2023. This advanced device provides instant access to professional-grade thermal imaging. As a durable smartphone, the CAT S62 Pro is waterproof, dustproof, and more, making it suitable for challenging environments.

These rugged smartphones cater to users who require a device that can handle tough conditions, whether for work or adventure. While each phone comes with its own set of features and specifications, they all share a commitment to durability and resilience. Whether you’re in a demanding job or simply seeking a phone that can withstand the elements, these rugged smartphones have you covered.

October 9, 2023
Is the Waterdrop Hinge the Future of Foldable Laptops?

Samsung is working on a new kind of laptop that can fold, like a book. This new laptop is expected to come out in the second half of 2024. It’s going to be very slim, and it will have a special way of folding called a “waterdrop hinge.” This is a bit like the way a water droplet looks when it falls from a leaf.

The waterdrop hinge is not something completely new for Samsung. They’ve used a similar design in their recent foldable smartphones like the Z Flip 5 and Z Fold 5. This hinge allows the laptop to fold in a way that the screens fit together very closely, and it reduces the creases or lines you see when you fold it. This could make the laptop thinner, although there are concerns about whether it will be strong enough.

But some people in the tech industry are wondering if this waterdrop hinge is really necessary for laptops. Unlike smartphones, which you hold close to your eyes, laptops are used differently. They are heavier, and when you fold them, they become thicker. So, some experts think a different type of hinge, like a U-shape, might be more practical for laptops. They say that the benefits of the waterdrop hinge might not be that important for laptop users.

It’s also important to note that LG has already released a foldable laptop called the Gram Fold. So, Samsung is not the first to try this, but they are waiting a bit to launch their product. Some people think this is because the tech industry is facing some challenges right now. They believe that Samsung might not be able to make a lot of money from foldable laptops, especially because they are not as strong in the laptop market as some other companies.

When it comes to the laptop’s screens, Samsung might get them from their own company, Samsung Display, or from another company called BOE Technology Group. By the way, there’s a rumor that Apple is also working on a foldable MacBook, but that’s not expected until 2026.

October 8, 2023
OnePlus 11R 5G Solar Red Edition: Smartphone with Eco-Friendly Leather

OnePlus is set to launch a new smartphone, the OnePlus 11R 5G Solar Red Edition, on October 7. This special edition device will be introduced in India and comes with distinctive features.

The standout feature of the OnePlus 11R 5G Solar Red Edition is its red back panel made from eco-friendly leather, setting it apart from the standard model. It boasts an impressive 18GB of RAM and a spacious 512GB of built-in storage.

Aside from these unique aspects, the phone retains its core specifications, including a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, powered by the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor. The device features a camera setup comprising a 50MP primary camera, an 8MP ultra-wide camera, and a 2MP sensor. To keep you going all day, it comes with a substantial 5000mAh battery, supporting fast charging at 100W.

While the phone’s standout features have been highlighted, its price remains undisclosed for now. OnePlus enthusiasts can look forward to the official launch of the OnePlus 11R 5G Solar Red Edition in India on October 7.

October 5, 2023
Huawei’s Remarkable Chipset Advancements: The Kirin 9000 5G

Despite facing significant challenges and bans in recent years, the Chinese tech giant Huawei has managed to make waves in the world of chipsets. Huawei’s achievement is particularly remarkable because the company currently lacks access to critical technology for chipset production. Yet, they’ve succeeded in developing advanced chipsets.

This year, Huawei quietly released its new smartphone, the Mate Six Pro, in China, featuring a notable innovation in chipsets—the Kirin 9000 5G.

The manufacturing of chipsets is a complex process, and Huawei relies on the Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation (SMIC) for this crucial component. The Kirin 9000 5G chipset promises to provide Huawei’s new device with the advantages of 5G connectivity. What’s noteworthy is that this chipset is manufactured using a 7-nanometer process.

You might wonder why the nanometer size matters. Well, the smaller the nanometer size, the more powerful and efficient the chipset can be. Huawei has made significant strides in this regard, even though the company has not officially commented on this particular feature. The question that arises is how they managed to achieve this without full access to the required technology.

Experts are cautiously optimistic about Huawei’s new chipset. While SMIC can currently produce 7-nanometer chipsets, questions linger about their efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and scalability on a larger scale. Huawei’s new chipset is likely undergoing rigorous testing, and its true potential will become clear over time.

Huawei’s ability to develop chipsets in challenging circumstances reflects the company’s determination and resilience. However, it remains to be seen whether SMIC can consistently produce profitable chipsets for Huawei despite the odds and obstacles.

In the past, Huawei was a direct competitor to Apple in the Chinese market, where Apple’s iPhone faced challenges. The Chinese tech giant’s ability to innovate and adapt in the face of adversity has allowed it to maintain a strong presence in the global smartphone industry.

As Huawei continues to navigate a complex and ever-changing technological landscape, its achievements in chipset development demonstrate its commitment to providing cutting-edge technology to consumers worldwide. Time will reveal the full potential and impact of Huawei’s new Kirin 9000 5G chipset, which could play a pivotal role in the company’s future endeavors.

October 2, 2023
Nokia Rugged Phones: Built to Last in Harsh Conditions

Nokia is making a comeback in the smartphone market with a focus on rugged phones designed for industries like oil, where workers need robust devices. While we won’t see an industrial version of the Nokia XR21 like the Nokia XR20, the company has introduced two new phones: the Nokia HHRA501x and the Nokia IS540.1.

Nokia has partnered with the German company i.safe MOBILE GmbH for this venture. These phones are classified as ‘EX’ and share the same technical platform. They have undergone extensive testing and received approval to meet the connectivity requirements of industries such as oil, gas, mining, and chemicals.

Nokia assures that these phones can be used safely in locations with explosion risks, such as ATEX Zone 1, or in areas with lower risks, like ATEX Zone 2. These phones also support all the necessary frequency bands and have obtained all the required certificates, making them suitable for use in companies worldwide.

While the official statement did not provide extensive details, some specifications are available for the Nokia IS540.1. This phone features a 6-inch screen protected by Gorilla Glass 3. Under the hood, it is equipped with the dual-core QCM6490 chip developed by Qualcomm, which offers performance similar to the Snapdragon 778. The Nokia IS540.1 comes with 8 gigabytes of RAM and 128 gigabytes of internal storage.

For those who love capturing moments, there is ample storage space for images, thanks to its 48-megapixel rear camera with autofocus. On the front, there is a 5-megapixel camera. The device is powered by a 4400 mAh removable battery. Unfortunately, price information is not yet available.

September 30, 2023
Google’s new At a Glance widget: What’s Changing and Why You’ll Love It

Google’s At a Glance widget is getting a fresh new look, and it’s bringing some exciting updates to your smartphone. This widget is a handy tool that keeps you informed about your upcoming appointments, weather alerts, commute details, and even flight information. However, its design has been a bit outdated, but Google is changing that with its latest feature drop.

The new At a Glance widget has started showing up on various devices with Google app version 14.39.35.28, which is currently in beta. Although some users have reported seeing it with different versions, it seems like this change is being rolled out through a server-side update. After updating the Google app, the new widget might not appear right away; in some cases, a simple device restart did the trick. If you’re already using the At a Glance widget, don’t worry – the new version will automatically replace the old one, so there’s no need for manual steps.

Now, let’s talk about the redesigned At a Glance widget. It’s quite a departure from the old design and even the current one on Pixel phones. While its core functionality remains the same, the new widget sports a pill-shaped outline with weather information presented in a small, Material You-inspired shape on the right side. Plus, there’s a new three-dot menu in the middle, positioned between the date (or current activity) and the weather.

This menu allows you to dive right into the widget’s options, where you can choose which events and reminders you want to see and customize the widget’s appearance with style settings. These style settings offer options for a solid, transparent, or semi-transparent background, allowing you to tailor the widget to your preferences.

Google initially announced this revamped widget as part of its quarterly feature drop for Android in September. Google stated that the new version would utilize AI to provide you with the most relevant information at your fingertips. However, as of now, there haven’t been any new AI-driven features spotted as part of the redesign. Google had hinted at these changes in previous app teardowns, but no significant AI features have surfaced.

It’s worth noting that the At a Glance widget on Pixel phones may not see the same style overhaul. Google might choose to maintain its current appearance on its own phones, especially considering that this widget is not removable on Pixel devices. This approach allows the widget to remain unobtrusive, ensuring that your favorite wallpaper remains prominently displayed.

In addition to the At a Glance widget update, Google is also rolling out a Material You-inspired redesign for its weather forecast feature. This complements the new look of the At a Glance widget perfectly, providing a cohesive visual experience across your device.

September 28, 2023
Capture the Skies with DJI Mini 4 Pro: Extended Battery Life and More

DJI, a prominent name in the world of drones, has recently unveiled the DJI Mini 4 Pro, offering drone enthusiasts a more accessible option without compromising on features. Priced at just $759, significantly lower than the DJI Air 3, this drone boasts some impressive qualities that set it apart.

The DJI Mini 4 Pro is equipped with a 48-megapixel camera featuring an f/1.7 aperture. This powerful camera allows for stunning photography and videography with the ability to shoot in 4K at 100fps and 1080p at 200fps. Whether you’re capturing breathtaking landscapes or dynamic action shots, this camera delivers exceptional results.

One standout feature of the Mini 4 Pro is its remarkable battery life. With up to 40 minutes of flight time on a single charge, you can confidently explore the skies and capture all the footage you desire. This extended battery life sets it apart from many other drones in its class.

The DJI Mini 4 Pro offers a maximum range of up to 20 kilometers, providing you with the freedom to explore vast areas and capture footage from different perspectives. This extensive range allows you to push the boundaries of your creative endeavors.

For those who already own the Mini 3 Pro, there’s more good news. The DJI Mini 4 Pro is compatible with the same batteries, making the transition to this upgraded model even more convenient. You can continue to use your existing batteries, reducing the need for additional investments.

One of the most notable features of the DJI Mini 4 Pro is its omnidirectional obstacle avoidance system. This cutting-edge technology enhances safety and prevents collisions by providing a 360-degree view of the drone’s surroundings. It detects obstacles from all directions, giving you peace of mind while flying in challenging environments.

Staying true to the Mini series, the DJI Mini 4 Pro maintains its compact and lightweight design. It’s easy to transport and ideal for adventurers and travelers who want to capture stunning aerial footage without the bulk of larger drones. Its portability ensures that you’re always ready to seize the perfect shot, wherever your adventures take you.

While the DJI Mini 4 Pro is not yet available in all countries, we can make an informed estimate based on the current price of the Mini 3 Pro, which is approximately USD 759. Considering its enhanced features and capabilities, the Mini 4 Pro is expected to be in a similar price range, offering incredible value for drone enthusiasts.

September 28, 2023
Xiaomi 14 Pro: Unveiling the Revolutionary Variable Aperture Camera

The Xiaomi 14 Pro is generating significant buzz in the smartphone world, and it’s not without reason. This upcoming device is rumored to boast some impressive specifications, ranging from a high-resolution display to an elegant design and an enhanced camera setup. Speaking of cameras, a well-known tipster, Digital Chat Station, has recently leaked some details about the Xiaomi 14 Pro’s camera specifications.

According to the latest rumors, the Xiaomi 14 Pro is slated to feature a primary camera sensor with a whopping 50-megapixel resolution. What makes this sensor even more intriguing is its variable aperture, which can adjust from a wide f/1.4 to a smaller f/4.0. As of now, variable aperture technology has been exclusive to Xiaomi’s flagship model, the 13 Ultra. However, it appears that Xiaomi is expanding this feature to the Pro version of the upcoming 14 series. This variable aperture will enable the smartphone’s camera to capture abundant light, even in challenging low-light conditions.

In terms of camera hardware, the leaks suggest that the Xiaomi 14 Pro will house three rear cameras, all with 50-megapixel sensors. The main camera will boast an impressive 1-inch Sony IMX9xx series sensor, promising exceptional image quality. Additionally, one of the other cameras is expected to be a telemacro camera, which could enhance the device’s photography capabilities even further.

Beyond its camera prowess, the Xiaomi 14 Pro is anticipated to sport a 2K display with ultra-thin bezels, delivering a visually stunning experience. Xiaomi is also introducing a new base material aimed at reducing eye strain, demonstrating its commitment to user comfort. The device is expected to be powered by a robust 4860mAh battery, ensuring prolonged usage on a single charge. Furthermore, it will feature a large X-axis motor for haptic feedback, enhancing the overall user experience.

Regarding other key specifications, previous reports have suggested that the Xiaomi 14 Pro will be equipped with the highly-anticipated Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, promising top-tier performance. The device is also rumored to incorporate a titanium alloy frame, which not only adds to its durability but also gives it a premium look and feel. Another interesting addition is support for satellite connectivity, which could be particularly useful in regions with limited traditional network coverage.

September 28, 2023
Enduring Appeal of iPhone: What Makes It So Loved Worldwide

The iPhone is beloved by people all around the world, and its popularity only seems to grow with each new model release. Despite its higher price point compared to other smartphones, the iPhone’s appeal remains strong. Let’s explore some of the key reasons why people have such a deep affection for the iPhone.

The iPhone boasts a unique and iconic design that sets it apart from other devices. Its distinctive appearance ensures that you can easily recognize an iPhone at a glance.

Apple’s dedication to simplicity and user-friendliness is evident in the iPhone’s interface. With just a single button, users can navigate through various functions and access the main menu effortlessly. In contrast, many Android devices feature multiple buttons, which some users find cumbersome to operate.

iPhones are known for delivering a smooth and seamless software experience. Apple’s iOS is meticulously designed to minimize bugs and glitches, ensuring a stable and enjoyable user experience.

In an era where digital security is paramount, the iPhone stands out as a secure choice. Apple places a strong emphasis on protecting user data, making it difficult for hackers to breach iPhone security. Even when requested by intelligence agencies or authorities, Apple is reluctant to divulge users’ personal information.

Apple’s strict policy of allowing only approved, third-party applications on its devices enhances security. Users can confidently download and install apps from the Apple App Store, knowing that they have been thoroughly vetted. In contrast, Android devices are more susceptible to unauthorized and potentially harmful third-party apps.

Apple manufactures many of the iPhone’s components in-house, ensuring both quality and consistency. This commitment to excellence sets iPhones apart from some Android devices, which may compromise on the quality of their components.

The iPhone’s operating system continuously introduces innovative features and surprises that captivate users. Apple’s commitment to providing regular software updates ensures that even older iPhone models receive new features and improvements.

Apple has built an impressive ecosystem of devices that seamlessly integrate with one another. iPhones, iPads, and Apple Watches can all be connected to create a cohesive ecosystem. Additionally, users can easily connect their Apple devices through features like AirPods and Bluetooth.

Apple’s dedication to providing software updates for its devices for several years ensures that iPhone users can enjoy the latest features and security enhancements. This long-term support contributes to the iPhone’s popularity.

Apple’s widespread network of service centers and customer support facilities ensures that users have access to assistance when needed. This convenience further enhances the overall iPhone experience and makes it a practical choice for daily life.

September 27, 2023