Virtual Content Has No Border

Tag: Gadgets

Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) vs. Moto G Stylus 5G (2023): What’s New?

Motorola has updated its Moto G Stylus 5G smartphone for 2024, adding several improvements over the 2023 model. These updates include a better display, a newer look, and changes to the camera setup. Let’s look at how different the new model is from the last year’s.

Price and Availability
Both the 2024 and 2023 models have the same starting price of $400. However, the older 2023 model is now reduced to $250. The 2024 model comes in two new colors, Caramel Latte and Scarlet Wave, while the 2023 model is available in Cosmic Black and Rose Champagne.

Design and Display
The 2024 model has a more modern design with straighter edges and a leather-like back instead of plastic, giving it a fancier look. It’s also lighter and thinner but a bit wider than the 2023 model.

The biggest change is the screen. The 2024 model has a 6.7-inch P-OLED screen that shows brighter and more colorful images compared to the 6.6-inch LCD screen on the 2023 model.

Software
The software on the 2024 Moto G Stylus has some issues and bugs, which Motorola needs to fix. Both the 2024 and 2023 models run Android 14, but the 2023 model had fewer problems when it launched.

Performance and Battery
Both models use the same Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 processor and have a 5,000mAh battery. The 2024 model includes extra features like 30W fast charging and 15W wireless charging, which the 2023 model does not have.

Camera
The camera setup has been slightly improved in the 2024 model. It includes a 50MP main camera that works better, especially in low light. However, unlike the 2023 model, it cannot record 4K videos.

Which to Buy
The 2024 model offers enough new features to make it a better choice over the 2023 model, such as a better screen, newer design, and improved camera. It also has extra RAM and wireless charging. However, if you already own the 2023 model, the changes might not be big enough to need an immediate upgrade. You might want to wait for future models for more significant upgrades.

June 19, 2024
New Tool in Phone App Helps Avoid Scammers

Scam calls are a significant concern for many phone users, and Google’s Phone app has just introduced a new tool to make it easier to identify and avoid these unwanted calls. The “Lookup” button is a feature that allows users to quickly and easily identify unknown callers, providing valuable information about the caller and helping users make informed decisions about whether to answer or report the call.

How the Lookup Button Works

Before the Lookup button, users had to manually search for unknown numbers on Google or other apps like Truecaller to find out who was calling. This process could be time-consuming and frustrating, especially if the caller was a scammer. With the Lookup button, users can simply tap the button when they receive a call from an unknown number, and the app will automatically search for information about the caller.

Benefits of the Lookup Button

The Lookup button provides several benefits to users. If the caller is a scammer, the app can show what kind of scam they are attempting, helping users decide whether to answer or report the number. Even if the Lookup button doesn’t provide definitive answers, it can still be helpful. If the caller is legitimate and users miss their call, they can leave a voicemail or send a text.

Availability of the Lookup Button

The Lookup button was initially announced as part of the June Feature Drop for Pixel devices. However, according to Android Police, the update is now rolling out independently, which means not all phones will receive the feature at the same time. The good news is that users don’t need to do anything special to get the Lookup button; it will appear in the Phone app during the update.

The Lookup button is a valuable addition to Google’s Phone app, providing users with a simple and effective way to identify and avoid scam calls. With this feature, users can make more informed decisions about who they answer and report, helping to reduce the impact of scam calls on their daily lives.

June 16, 2024
Oppo Reno 12 Series Global Launch Confirmed for June 18

Oppo, a leading smartphone manufacturer, has officially confirmed the global launch of its new Reno 12 series on June 18. The event will take place in Ibiza, Spain, and marks the debut of the Reno 12 and Reno 12 Pro in the European market.

Features and Specifications

The Reno 12 series boasts a range of impressive features and specifications, including:

– 6.7-inch AMOLED FHD+ 120Hz display with up to 1200 nits of brightness
– MediaTek Dimensity 7300-Energy SoC for powerful performance
– Up to 12GB of RAM and up to 512GB of internal storage
– Triple rear cameras on the Reno 12, including a 50MP main camera, an 8MP ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 2MP macro shooter
– Quad rear cameras on the Reno 12 Pro, featuring a 50MP main camera, an 8MP ultra-wide-angle lens, a 50MP telephoto camera with 2x optical zoom, and a 2MP macro shooter
– 32MP front camera on the Reno 12 and 50MP front camera on the Reno 12 Pro
– 5,000mAh battery with 80W fast charging support
– ColorOS 14.1 based on Android 14 with AI features like AI Eraser 2.0, AI Clear Face, AI Portrait Retouching, and more

Availability and Pricing

The Reno 12 series will be available in various colors, including Black Brown, Astro Silver, Nebula Silver, and Nebula Black. The pricing for the series is expected to be:

– €457.83 for the Reno 12 (12+256GB)
– €549.40 for the Reno 12 Pro (12+512GB)

The Oppo Reno 12 series promises to deliver a premium smartphone experience with its advanced features, powerful performance, and sleek design. The global launch on June 18 marks an exciting milestone for Oppo, as it expands its presence in the European market.

June 16, 2024
Nokia Revolutionizes Voice Calling with Immersive Audio Technology

Nokia, a multinational technology company, has made significant strides in voice-calling technology by introducing immersive audio and video calling. This innovative approach utilizes three-dimensional sound to create a more lifelike and engaging experience for users. The technology, which is part of the upcoming 5G Advanced standard, promises to revolutionize the way we communicate over voice calls.

Current Limitations of Monophonic Technology

Currently, voice calls rely on monophonic audio, which compresses sound elements together and results in a flat and less detailed listening experience. This can make the voice on the other end sound mechanical, lacking the intimacy and realism that immersive audio technology offers.

Nokia’s Immersive Audio Technology

Nokia’s immersive audio technology uses spatial audio to create a more immersive experience. This technology leverages the capabilities of existing smartphones, most of which feature at least two microphones. This immersive audio experience can be implemented without requiring significant hardware upgrades by transmitting the spatial characteristics of a call in real-time.

Benefits of Immersive Audio Technology

The benefits of immersive audio technology are numerous. For consumers, it allows for a more lifelike and engaging experience, making it feel like the person is sitting next to you. For enterprise and industrial applications, it enables safer and more efficient remote collaboration and control. The technology also has the potential to enhance extended reality and metaverse applications.

Future of Voice Calls

The CEO of Nokia, Pekka Lundmark, has described this technology as the biggest leap forward in live voice calling since the introduction of monophonic telephony audio used in smartphones and PCs today. The technology is expected to become standardised, paving the way for network providers, chipset manufacturers, and handset manufacturers to integrate it into their products.

Timeline for Market Availability

Although the technology is still under investigation, it is expected to hit the market within a few years. If it becomes possible, there is no doubt that it will bring a revolutionary change in voice calling. Nokia’s immersive audio technology has the potential to transform the way we communicate over voice calls. By providing a more lifelike and engaging experience, it can enhance the quality of calls and make them feel more intimate. As the technology continues to evolve, it is likely to have a significant impact on the way we communicate in the future.

June 15, 2024
HTC U24 Pro Launches with Impressive Cameras

HTC has recently launched its latest smartphone, the U24 Pro, which boasts an impressive array of features, including a large 6.8-inch OLED screen, powerful cameras, and advanced hardware specifications.

Display and Design

The U24 Pro features a 6.8-inch OLED display with a high refresh rate of 120 Hz, ensuring a smooth and vibrant visual experience. The screen is protected by strong Corning Gorilla Glass, providing durability against scratches and drops. The phone’s design is characterized by a simple and sophisticated aesthetic, with a vertically aligned camera setup and a metal frame.

Cameras

The U24 Pro is equipped with a quad-camera setup, consisting of a 50MP primary camera with optical image stabilization (OIS), an 8MP ultra-wide-angle sensor, a 50MP telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom, and a 50MP front camera for selfies. The camera app includes AI-powered features such as group photo mode, AR stickers, and improved low-light performance.

Performance and Storage

The phone is powered by the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 processor, paired with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage. This configuration provides fast performance and ample storage for users. The phone also supports expandable storage via a microSD card slot.

Battery and Charging

The U24 Pro features a 4,600mAh battery that supports fast charging at 60W via a cable and wireless charging at 15W. Additionally, it includes reverse wireless charging, allowing users to charge other devices wirelessly at 5W.

Additional Features

The phone includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, a notification LED indicator, and IP67 water and dust resistance. It runs on Android 14 and supports 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.3.

Pricing and Availability

The HTC U24 Pro is priced at €564 in Europe and is available in two storage configurations: 12GB RAM + 256GB storage and 12GB RAM + 512GB storage. Although the phone is currently only available in Taiwan, it is expected to expand to other markets in the future.

The HTC U24 Pro is a notable addition to the smartphone market, offering a compelling combination of features, performance, and design. While it faces stiff competition from other brands, it demonstrates HTC’s continued commitment to producing high-quality smartphones.

June 14, 2024
Transforming the Rabbit R1: A Surprising Success with Android

It turns out that Android works very well on the Rabbit R1. It seems like Android was meant to be on this device from the start. The Rabbit R1 has been a controversial gadget. It was supposed to use advanced AI technology but ended up disappointing many people. The device uses a custom operating system made by Rabbit, which is different from typical systems because it is supposed to understand and act on spoken commands.

This didn’t work well in practice. The device was slow and did not do what Rabbit promised at its launch. Many see it as an unfinished product from a startup trying to release a device too soon.

A YouTube channel called HowToMen changed the software on their Rabbit R1. Instead of using Rabbit’s custom software, Facundo, a member of HowToMen, installed Android on it. This made the device work much better.

The Rabbit R1 is actually built on a version of Android designed for it, even though the company initially denied this. Soon after it was released, someone installed a common Android version called LineageOS on it.

HowToMen did something similar, and they got Android to run almost perfectly on the Rabbit R1. With Android, the keyboard works better, the camera can be used freely, and even a new feature lets you easily control the camera’s privacy settings.

One of the best things now is that Google’s AI assistant, called Gemini, works great on this device. The Rabbit R1 now has useful buttons that make it easy to take screenshots and adjust the volume.

If you want to install Android on a Rabbit R1, you can find the instructions on a website called GitHub, under the project name “R1 Escape.” HowToMen used these instructions, but be careful if you try it because we haven’t tested it ourselves. If you follow the steps, you might end up with a fully working device.

June 13, 2024
Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 6 Slim: New Era of Portability Over Power

Samsung’s Innovation will prosper the world with The Galaxy Z Fold 6 Slim. Rumors have been swirling about Samsung’s latest venture into the foldable smartphone market, and recent insights from the reputable leaker Ice Universe have brought clarity to the speculation. According to the leaker’s Weibo post, Samsung is set to introduce the Galaxy Z Fold 6 Slim, a device that prioritizes sleek design over additional features.

The Design Philosophy Behind the Galaxy Z Fold 6 Slim: The Galaxy Z Fold 6 Slim is not intended to be an “Ultra” model with superior specifications. Instead, Samsung is focusing on creating a more portable version of its popular foldable phone. The Slim variant will maintain the same specifications as the standard Fold 6, ensuring that users will not experience a downgrade in performance.

S Pen Support Sacrificed for Sleekness: In pursuit of a slimmer profile, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 Slim will forego the S Pen support, a feature that requires additional space for the digitizer. This design choice aligns with Samsung’s goal to enhance the device’s portability, even though it means parting with the beloved S Pen functionality.

Pricing Strategy: Slimmer Design at a Premium Cost: Despite the absence of any hardware upgrades or S Pen compatibility, Ice Universe has indicated that the Fold 6 Slim will carry a higher price tag than its standard counterpart. This pricing approach suggests that Samsung is banking on the appeal of a thinner design to justify the increased cost.

Anticipated Launch and Future Foldable Plans: While Samsung has not officially announced the Galaxy Z Fold 6 or Flip 6, rumors point to a potential unveiling at the Unpacked event rumored for July 10. The Fold 6 Slim is expected to make its debut alongside the Galaxy S25 series in early 2025, positioning itself as a premium offering in the foldable segment. Samsung is reportedly developing more budget-friendly options with the Galaxy Z Fold 6 FE and Z Flip 6 FE, targeting consumers seeking affordable foldable technology.

June 12, 2024
Samsung’s Human-Centric Hybrid AI Opens Up New Possibilities

We are at the dawn of a historic era in technology—the era of mobile AI. Samsung is pioneering this transformation with the introduction of Galaxy AI features on the Galaxy S24 series, marking our first AI-integrated phone.

Revolutionizing Mobile Experiences with a Hybrid AI Approach

To deliver the tangible benefits of generative AI technology to the Galaxy S24 series, we employed a hybrid AI integration approach. Mobile devices are the primary access points for unlocking AI’s potential, as they are indispensable tools that users rely on daily.

Recognizing the essential role mobile devices play in critical and memorable moments, we believe smartphones should enhance these experiences in a simpler, more intuitive, and epic way. Privacy is paramount, so we ensure users have full control over what they share and what they keep private.

Our hybrid approach offers the best of both worlds: the immediate responsiveness and privacy of on-device AI, coupled with the versatility of cloud-based AI through partnerships with industry leaders. This strategy places Samsung at the forefront of AI innovation, providing a variety of functions that cater to daily life.

Expanding Possibilities with On-Device AI

One standout feature is ‘Live Translate,’ which is fully on-device. This is crucial as voice calls are intimate and private means of communication. Our commitment to enabling seamless, safe, and private communication without language barriers is exemplified in this feature.

Our R&D teams worldwide collaborated intensively to bring this feature to life. From selecting the appropriate AI language models to rigorous real-world testing, our teams pushed the boundaries of possibility. Samsung’s global R&D networks, including centers in Poland, China, India, and Vietnam, played pivotal roles in developing and expanding the languages supported by Galaxy AI. These efforts ensure that users in more regions than ever can benefit from breaking down language barriers.

Extending Galaxy AI Beyond Native Apps

Soon, Samsung will expand the power of Galaxy AI beyond our native calling app by integrating Live Translate into third-party messaging apps for voice calls. This will allow users to communicate in multiple languages on their favorite apps, ensuring privacy since the translation is handled on-device.

The Future of Mobile AI

As AI computing power advances, particularly with the latest NPUs, more mobile AI features will be incorporated into devices. This will enable broader adoption of AI, making everyday tasks more convenient and secure.

June 12, 2024
The Iconic Nokia 3210 Returns with 4G and Modern Features

Last month, a company named HMD launched a new phone called the Nokia 3210 (2024) 4G in China. It was very popular and sold out fast. Now, this phone is available in India too. This phone is a new version of an old phone from 1999 called the Nokia 3210. The new phone has many updated features but looks similar to the old one.

Design and Colors

The new Nokia 3210 4G has a classic look and comes in three colors: gold (Y2K Gold), blue (Scuba Blue), and black (Grunge Black). It has a small screen, 2.4 inches across, which shows pictures and texts clearly but in basic quality.

Camera and Lights

There is a small camera (2 megapixels) on the back of the phone. It can take simple photos and comes with a light (LED flash) that helps in dark places.

Inside the Phone

Inside, the phone has a basic chip (Unisoc T107 processor) that helps it run smoothly. It doesn’t have much memory — 64MB for running apps and 128MB for storing things like photos and messages. You can add a microSD card to store more things, up to 32GB.

The phone uses a simple operating system made by Nokia called S30+. It has a battery that can last a long time (up to 9.8 hours of talking) and you can take it out if needed.

Features and Apps

The Nokia 3210 4G can do more than just make calls. It has some apps that connect to the internet, like YouTube, and apps for watching short videos and checking the news or weather. You can also play a colorful version of the classic game Snake.

One special feature is UPI, which lets you pay for things by scanning a code. The phone can connect to the internet with 4G and has Bluetooth for connecting to other devices like headphones. It also has a port for charging (USB-C) and a spot to plug in headphones (3.5mm jack).

June 12, 2024
Huawei Overtakes Apple in China’s Premium Smartphone Market

In today’s tech news roundup, Xiaomi’s CEO Lei Jun was spotted using the upcoming MIX Flip, the brand’s first flip phone, set to debut in July. Additionally, Xiaomi is preparing to launch a 25,000mAh power bank with lightning-fast 212W charging capabilities. In a significant market shift, Huawei has outpaced Apple in China’s high-end smartphone sector during the 618 sales event.

Xiaomi’s Upcoming Innovations

Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun has been spotted using the forthcoming MIX Flip foldable smartphone, marking the brand’s foray into the flip phone market. This highly anticipated device, expected to feature unique and innovative elements, will be officially unveiled in July alongside other Xiaomi products, such as the MIX FOLD 4 and the Redmi K70 Ultra.

High-Capacity Power Bank with Lightning-Fast Charging

Xiaomi is also preparing to release a 25,000mAh power bank that will reportedly offer lightning-fast charging speeds of up to 212W. Boasting a futuristic design with a transparent front panel showcasing its internal components, this powerful device includes three ports for versatile charging options, making it ideal for all your gadgets.

Huawei Surpasses Apple in China’s High-End Market

In a surprising shift, Huawei has triumphed over Apple in China’s upscale smartphone market during the 618 sales frenzy. This remarkable change sees seven Chinese models among the top ten high-end best-sellers. Notably, Huawei leads with five entries, including the popular Mate 60 Pro series, while Apple secures three spots with its iPhone models.

Anker has announced a recall for its 321 Portable Power Bank due to a manufacturing defect that poses a fire hazard. The affected model (A1112) produced after March 2023 may overheat, presenting safety risks. Owners are encouraged to check for recalls on Anker’s website, obtain a free replacement if affected, and dispose of old batteries responsibly.

June 10, 2024