Author: Yashonil Gupta

Xiaomi Launches The Mi 9 In China
Xiaomi has launched its latest flagship, the Mi 9 in an event in Beijing, China. The smartphone offers top-tier specifications and has a glass sandwich design. The device is targeted towards power users who don’t want to spend a lot of money on a smartphone.

Build & Features

The Xiaomi Mi 9 measures 155 x 75 x 7.6 mm and weighs 173g. The device features an all-glass design on the front and the rear. For protection against scratches and drops, the display on the smartphone has Gorilla Glass 6. The back of the smartphone features a holographic gradient design and houses the triple rear cameras with the company’s branding. It sports a 6.39-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 2280 x 1080 px. The screen has an aspect ratio of 19.5:9 and a screen to body ratio of 90.7%. The device has an in-display fingerprint sensor and supports Face Unlock.

The Mi 9 has a triple rear camera setup which comprises of a 48 MP, f/1.75 Sony IMX586 sensor combined with a 16MP, f2.2 ultra-wide sensor and a 12MP, f/2.2 telephoto sensor. The device has a 20MP selfie camera which is housed in the waterdrop notch above the display. The device can shoot 2160p video at 30fps and is capable of shooting super slo-mo video at 960fps. Under the hood, the Mi 9 runs on the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 SoC which is manufactured using a 7nm architecture. It has an Octa-core CPU combined with an Adreno 640 GPU.

The smartphone has a 3300mAh battery with fast charging support up to 27W. Noteworthy, the latest Xiaomi flagship also supports wireless charging. In addition to the regular variant, the company has also announced its Explorer Edition variant which has a transparent back and higher RAM and ROM storage. Additionally, t at the event announced a special edition of the Mi 9. The Mi 9 will be available in following storage variants:
- 6GB RAM and 128GB ROM
- 8GB RAM and 128GB ROM
- 12GB RAM and 256GB ROM (Mi 9 Explorer Edition)
Xiaomi has also launched a wireless charging power bank with a battery capacity of 10,000mAh at the event along with the Mi 9.

Price & Availablity

Also read: PUBG Mobile Zombie Survival Mode Is Live Now

The Xiaomi Mi 9 has been launched at a price of CNY 2,999 (around Rs 32,000) for the base model and CNY 3,299 (around Rs 35,000) for the version with 8GB of RAM. The Explorer Edition has been priced at CNY 3,999(around Rs 42,000). Unfortunately, the company has not provided any information about its India launch.
February 20, 2019
Netflix Cancels Jessica Jones & The Punisher, Putting An End To Marvel Partnership

Netflix on February 19 has cancelled two more Marvel series on its platforms. The streaming giant has cancelled ‘Jessica Jones’ after three seasons, and ‘The Punisher’ after two seasons. This has officially put an end to its partnership with Marvel. Jessica Jones was scheduled to arrive for the third season, but the show won’t be renewed for a fourth season.

These TV shows are the fourth and fifth respectively, to be taken off from the platform after ‘Iron Fist’ was cancelled last October after two seasons. It was then followed by ‘Luke Cage’ which was cancelled the same month after airing two seasons. Then ‘Daredevil’ took the axe after three seasons.

What’s Next For Marvel’s Shows?

While all the shows by Marvel have been cancelled, it doesn’t mean that they won’t be returning soon. In a statement, a senior executive at Marvel hints that these series may have a chance of survival. Disney, who owns Marvel, is all set to launch its own streaming service Disney+ in a few months. The shows may come back on the said platform or on Hulu, on which Disney will hold a majority stake in after its acquisition of Fox is complete. But there may be problems in doing that, as the reported contracts between Netflix and Marvel TV wouldn’t allow such a move for two years.

Also read: Android To Replace The Back Navigation Button With Gestures In Android Q

Reports were also afloat that Disney was looking to procure back all the properties of Marvel from streaming services. The company would then stream on its own service, where it will be available exclusively. The service will also feature original shows and movies, including original Marvel and Star Wars series. Marvel fan favourite character Loki, played by Tom Hiddleston, will get an original series on the Disney+ service. A prequel series to Star Wars movie is also planned for the platform. The upcoming Avengers movie, Endgame will be exclusive to Disney+. The service will reportedly launch in late 2019.

February 20, 2019
PUBG Mobile Zombie Survival Mode Is Live Now

PUBG Mobile was released for smartphones a little over a year ago. The game has since become a phenomenon worldwide. Essentially a version of an already hit PC and console game optimised for smartphones, PUBG Mobile has seen tremendous success. A few weeks ago, it announced a partnership with Capcom’s new game Resident Evil 2 in which a zombie mode was promised in the game. On February 19, the creator of PUBG Mobile, Tencent released an update that adds the much-awaited event to the game. The zombie survival mode is live on the latest PUBG Mobile v0.11.0.

PUBG Mobile v0.11.0: What’s New?

The new update adds two significant updates to PUBG Mobile. One is the aforementioned zombie survival mode. This mode has been made available for a limited time and is only limited to the Erangel map in the game. The players will be able to participate in the game as a team or can go solo for the event. Besides the regular battle royale mode wherein the players have to eliminate each other to become the last man standing, zombies and monsters will also be introduced in the game. Eliminating them will get the players treasures and items. The players will also be able to listen to the Resident Evil 2 theme music in the main menu and while playing the game.

Also read: Android To Replace The Back Navigation Button With Gestures In Android Q

Another noteworthy addition is the introduction of new weather called moonlight on the Vikendi map. This is expected to be an iterative addition and does not affect its playability in any manner. More features in the update include new frames and emotes, new player spaces to get information about a player, and the availability of Sanhok map in the Quick match mode. The update weighs around 440MB on Android devices and is assumed to enhance the excitement about the game.

February 20, 2019
Vivo V15 Pro Unboxing And Hands-On
Vivo launched its latest smartphone, the V15 Pro in India today. The smartphone features an edge to edge display with a pop-up selfie camera. The phone also features a triple-rear camera setup and has an in-display fingerprint sensor. The smartphone is targeted towards photography enthusiasts and people who click a lot of selfies. Here is our experience with the Unboxing and Hands-On with the device.

What’s In The Box?
- Vivo V15 Pro
- In-Ear Headphones
- Quick Start Guide
- MicroUSB Cable
- Power Adapter
- SIM Ejector
- Protective Case
Design

The Vivo V15 Pro has a 6.39-inch display with a high screen to body ratio. The right side of the device makes room for a volume rocker and a power button underneath it. The left side has the Assistant button which can be pressed to quickly bring the Google Assistant on screen. The bottom of the device has the dual SIM Card tray, the MicroUSB port and the loudspeaker grille. The top houses the 3.5mm headphone jack and the pop-up selfie camera. The design of the device is clean and stylish and the gradient finish on the back give it a distinct look.

Display

The Vivo V15 Pro has a 2.5D, 6.39-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 2340 x 1080px and a pixel density of 401PPI. The display of the device also houses the in-display fingerprint scanner. The display of the device is surrounded by very thin bezels with no obtrusions like a notch or a hole-punch. The device has a screen protector on the display pre-installed out of the box.

Processor

The Vivo V15 Pro runs on the recently announced Qualcomm Snapdragon 675 SoC. The chipset has an Octa-core CPU featuring an 11nm architecture which is combined with the Adreno 612 GPU. The CPU consists of eight Kryo 460 cores and has a clock speed of up to 2.0GHz. The Snapdragon 675 is a mid-range chipset which should be fine for day-to-day tasks and some casual gaming.

Memory & Storage

The Vivo V15 Pro has 6GB of RAM. As for the internal storage, the device has 128GB of storage. There is also support for microSD cards up to 256GB which can be installed in the dedicated MicroSD Card slot present on the left side of the device.

Camera

The Vivo V15 Pro has a triple rear camera setup, which comprises of a 48MP f/1.8 sensor combined with an 8MP f/2.2 ultra-wide sensor and a 5MP f/2.4 depth sensor for portrait mode. The selfie camera is housed in the pop-up slider on the top of the device and has a 32MP f/2.0 sensor. The smartphone can also capture 4K videos at 30fps from the rear camera and 1080p videos at 30fps from the front camera.

Battery

The Vivo V15 Pro is powered by a 3700 mAh battery which supports fast charging via the bottom mounted MicroUSB port. The device also supports Vivo’s proprietary dual engine fast charging of up to 18W with the bundled charger.

Connectivity & Other Features

Connectivity options on the Vivo V15 Pro include dual 4G VoLTE, Bluetooth 5.0, 802.11 Wi-Fi, GPS, and has the dated Micro-USB port for charging and data syncing. The device also has a 3.5mm audio jack on the top.

Price & Availablity

The Vivo V15 Pro has been launched in India for the price of Rs 28,990. The device will be available starting today, February 20 from major online and offline stores.

Click here to buy the Vivo V15 Pro on Amazon

Click here to buy the Vivo V15 Pro on Flipkart
February 20, 2019
Vivo V15 Pro With Pop-Up Selfie Camera Launched In India

Chinese smartphone maker Vivo has launched its latest mid-range offering, the Vivo V15 Pro in India today, February 20. The device features a 32MP pop-up selfie camera and triple rear cameras. The placement of the front-facing camera gives the device an edge-to-edge screen with a high screen to body ratio.

Build & Features

The Vivo V15 Pro measures 157.25 x 4.71 x 8.21mm and weighs in at 185 grams. On the front of the device sits a 2.5D, 6.39-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 2340 x 1080 px. The top of the device has a 32MP, mechanical pop-up camera that can also capture 1080p videos at 30 fps. For securely and swiftly unlocking the device, it also has an in-display fingerprint sensor and also supports Face Unlock technology.

The rear panel of the V15 Pro has an attractive appearance with a gradient finish. The back of the smartphone houses the triple camera setup, which comprises of a 48MP f/1.8 sensor combined with an 8MP f/2.2 ultra-wide sensor and a 5MP f/2.4 depth sensor for portrait mode. For connectivity, the Vivo V15 Pro features dual 4G VoLTE, Bluetooth 5.0, 802.11 Wi-Fi, GPS, and a bottom mounted Micro-USB port for charging and data syncing. The device also has a 3.5mm audio jack on the top.

In terms of storage, the Vivo V15 Pro has 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. The device also supports memory expansion up to 256 GB via the dedicated MicroSD card slot. Under the hood, the device packs the Snapdragon 675 SoC. The chipset is manufactured using 11 nm manufacturing technology and it comprises of an Octa-core CPU and Adreno 612 GPU. The device is powered by a 3700 mAh battery that supports Vivo’s dual engine fast charging. The dual engine technology allows the smartphone to be charged with 18 watts of maximum power

Price & Availablity

The Vivo V15 Pro has been launched in India for the price of Rs 28,990. It is available for pre-order starting today while the deliveries will commence from the 6th of March. The handset will be available from both online and offline channels.

Click here to buy the Vivo V15 Pro on Amazon

Click here to buy the Vivo V15 Pro on Flipkart

February 20, 2019
Android To Replace The Back Navigation Button With Gestures In Android Q

The latest version of Google’s mobile operating system, Android 9 Pie was launched in August last year. The version included many changes in UI and introduced the long-awaited navigation gestures. The navigation gestures saw the removal of the multitasking navigation button from Android OS and instead it relied on just the ‘pill’ style navigation.

The back navigation button was still present on the OS and made an appearance whenever in an application. This half-baked approach turned out to be polarising with many people ending up liking the change; and many people straight-up hating it. Recent reports suggest Android will let go of the back navigation button completely and instead rely upon gestures in the upcoming Android Q.

Android Q Gestures

A device running a leaked version of Android Q revealed that Google may be planning to forego the back navigation button entirely in favour of one pill navigation. This would allow the users to go back with a single left swipe on the home ‘pill style’ button. This is expected to make Android easier to navigate and more intuitive. Notably, Google was inspired by Apple when it introduced gestures with the latest generation of Android.

Going by the release schedule Google follows while releasing the developer preview of the devices, the first developer preview of Android Q is expected to be out in a few weeks. It is, however not expected to introduce new gestures with the initial release. Google may wait for the second developer preview to reveal them, which will see the light of the day at the Google I/O 2019, a developer conference scheduled for the month of May. The new version of Android is also expected to bring in changes like a native dark mode, smoother transition animations, revamped app permissions and a new desktop mode. Earlier reports also claimed that Android Q may also support FaceID like face authentication.

Also read: Sony Teases The Launch Of Xperia XZ4 In The New Teaser Video

The new gestures that are speculated to arrive with the new version of Android, seem like a step in the positive direction for the operating system. The final, stable build of Android Q is expected to be out in August. It will be when Google also uncovers what desert this generation will be called.

February 19, 2019
Huawei Confirms It Will Launch The P30 On March 26

Huawei launched its current flagship device, the Mate 20 Pro late last year. The smartphone received raving reviews for its commendable performance and innovative camera capabilities. Seems like Huawei is looking to step up their game with their new flagship, the Huawei P30. Reports and leaks of which have been widespread for a few weeks. In a freshly shared Tweet, the company has announced the launch date and venue of the anticipated device.

Rules were made to be rewritten. Paris, 26.03.2019. #RewriteTheRules #HUAWEIP30 pic.twitter.com/hFzZI3pVYr
— Huawei Mobile (@HuaweiMobile) February 19, 2019

The tweet reads “Rules were made to be rewritten. Paris, 26.03.2019”. The hashtag used in the tweet confirms that the device the company is planning to launch at the event is indeed the P30. The video shared also shows off what seems like the lossless zoom feature of the device. The device will be unveiled in Paris on March 26.

Huawei P30 Specifications

The P30 will be Huawei’s next flagship for most of 2019, so it is expected to offer top-tier specifications. According to the leaked images of the device, it will feature a glass-sandwich design with high screen-to-body ratio display that has a waterdrop style notch up top. The smartphone may feature a gradient back similar to the Mate 20 Pro. A surprising addition to the smartphone in the renders is the revival of the headphone jack as Huawei previously removed the headphone jack from the P20. The smartphone is expected to pack the latest HiSillicon Kirin 980 SoC which is also present on the Mate 20 Pro. The chipset is based on 7 nm architecture and comprises of an Octa-Core CPU and Mali G76 GPU. A Pro variant of the smartphone is also assumed which will feature better optics. Both the smartphones may have up to 8GB of RAM and up to 256GB of Internal Storage.

The notable feature of the smartphone will be its camera performance. The P series by Huawei is known for its innovative features in the cameras. According to the leaked images, the P30 will feature three rear cameras while the elder P30 Pro will have a quad rear camera setup. Unfortunately, details about the camera sensors aren’t known yet. However, both the devices are reported to feature a 40MP main camera sensor. While the second and third camera will make use of a sensor capable of 3x optical zoom and an ultra wide angle sensor. As shown in the announcement video, the smartphone will support 5x lossless zoom. The fourth lens on the Pro variant may either be a monochrome sensor as found on the P20 Pro or a depth sensor like the one present on the Samsung Galaxy A9. Both the smartphones are reported to have a 24MP selfie camera.

Also read: Leaks Show Official Cases Arriving With The Galaxy S10 Series Of Devices

More details about the P30 and the P30 Pro is expected to arrive in the coming weeks.

February 19, 2019
Leaks Show Official Cases Arriving With The Galaxy S10 Series Of Devices

Samsung is all set to launch its next generation of flagship smartphones on February 20 at the Galaxy Unpacked 2019 event. The upcoming smartphones are of significant importance for the company. As they will mark the tenth year anniversary of Galaxy S smartphones which were first launched in the year 2010. Details about the upcoming Galaxy S10 lineup have leaked so much so that Samsung only needs to confirm their price and availability. Fresh leaks state that alongside the flagship smartphones, Samsung will also unveil several cases.

Samsung Galaxy S10 Cases

The Galaxy S10 lineup of accessories includes a variety of cases. These include a flip cover that Samsung releases with its flagship smartphones every year and will have the functionality to view important information like the time and notifications. The company is also expected to release silicone cases for the devices that will be available in different colours. The images also reveal some unusual cases for the devices. This includes a case for the S10e that is riddled with holes. The case does not provide any functionality and will just be used as a cosmetic accessory for the device.

Also read: Samsung Galaxy S10 Lineup: What To Expect On February 20?

One notable accessory that Samsung will launch is the LED Cover for the Galaxy S10 lineup. This unconventional case will feature LED lights on the back which light up for notifications and can be used to form patterns or to set up widgets like a clock. Samsung is expected to call this an ‘Emotional LED Lighting’ which suggests that the LED might glow in different colours depending on the time of day or mood of the user. Reports suggest that the S10 series will support reverse wireless charging, so the case may take advantage of the feature to draw power. The cases are expected to debut alongside at the Galaxy Unpacked event on February 20 in San Fransisco. The price of the cases are currently unavailable and will be made public once Samsung officially announces them.

February 19, 2019
LG to Launch An ‘Attachable Dual-Screen’ with the V50 ThinQ

LG is expected to launch the next-generation of its flagship smartphones, the G8 ThinQ and the V50 ThinQ, at the Mobile World Congress 2019. The V50 ThinQ will be one of the first smartphones to support 5G networks. Reports were rife that LG might use the MWC stage to announce their take on a foldable smartphone but they all turned out to be inaccurate. LG has declared it won’t be releasing a foldable smartphone in 2019. Instead, it will launch a distinctive accessory in the form of an “Attachable Dual-Screen” which will be compatible with V50 ThinQ.

LG’s Attachable Dual Screen

A senior LG executive has confirmed the launch of the attachable dual screen accessory for the upcoming LG flagship smartphone. The innovative accessory will be an attachable flip-cover style display for the V50 ThinQ. Interestingly, the V10 and the V20 were known for a secondary display, which was located on top of the main display. LG discontinued this feature since the V30, instead relying on a software counterpart of it. The LG V50 ThinQ with the attachment may end up looking like the ZTE Axon M, which was the first dual-screen smartphone.

The V50 ThinQ is expected to sport a 6.4-inch OLED display with a wide notch up top. The device will reportedly run on the latest Snapdragon 855 SoC from Qualcomm. As the device will be 5G compatible, it is likely to feature the X50 modem from Qualcomm. Previous reports have claimed that running 5G generates a lot of heat, therefore, the upcoming smartphone is likely to have some sort of cooling technology. The device can have the vapour chamber technology that it had previously showcased. As far as optics go, the device will feature 5 cameras in total. This would comprise of three cameras on the back and two front-facing cameras housed in the notch.

Also read: Samsung Galaxy M30 To Launch On The 27 February In India

The V50 ThinQ is expected to be priced at between KRW 1.3 million and KRW 1.5 million (around Rs. 83,000 – 98,800 ). The smartphone will go on sale in the US in the month of March.

February 18, 2019
Apple’s Device Lineup For 2019 Leaked

Each year Apple releases new versions of its devices with significant upgrades over their predecessors. The devices that generally see an update each year include the iPhones, MacBooks and iPads. According to noted analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple is bound to have a busier 2019 than usual, with more devices planned to launch in the year than usual. This would include three iPhones, a new MacBook Pro, new iPads and a 31-inch monitor with 6K resolution.

Mobile Devices

According to Kuo, Apple will launch these devices over the course of the year. Like yesteryear, Apple will reportedly launch three iPhone models in the year 2019. These would have the same screen size and display types as the current iPhones. This means that two out of three iPhones will have an OLED display with a screen size of 5.8 inch and 6.5 inch. While the third iPhone will have a 6.1 inch Liquid Retina display.

The smartphones will feature an upgraded frosted glass casing, reverse wireless charging, upgraded FaceID, larger batteries and triple rear cameras. Unfortunately, the feature distribution in the devices isn’t known but reports suggest the triple cameras will only be offered in the 5.8-inch and the 6.5-inch iPhones. Also, contrary to the reports that the new iPhones will have a Type-C port, the devices are expected to retain a lightning port in 2019.

Computing Devices

The 2019 iPad models are also expected to receive significant update over their predecessors. The reports suggest Apple will release two new iPad Pro models which will have upgraded processor and thinner bezels around the display. An iPad mini with an upgraded processor is also expected in 2019.

The new MacBook Pro will be the most notable launch by Apple this year. The report claims that the company will bump the screen size of the 15-inch model to accommodate a display between 16-inches and 16.5-inches. This change suggests a decrease in bezel size around the display. Reportedly, the upcoming 13-inch MacBook Pro is will be offered with up to 32 GB of RAM storage which is an appreciable addition. As the current model maxes out at 16 GB of RAM.

The company is also expected to launch a brand new monitor which will feature a 31.6-inch 6K display. It may sport a Mini-LED like backlight design. The company is also expected to announce a new Mac Pro desktop computer which will have the ability to upgrade components as per the need of the user. It is likely to be launched alongside the 31.6 inch monitor with 6k resolution.

Wearables & More

Talking about wearable devices, the report claims that Apple is expected to introduce the ECG function to more countries this year, along with launching a new ceramic casing design. The AirPods 2 will also be significantly different than the first generation, offering features like wireless charging and upgraded Bluetooth connectivity. The company is also expected to ship the AirPower wireless charging mat before the first half of 2019 ends. There is also the new iPod Touch that is expected, arriving this year with an updated processor.

Also read: Galaxy S10, S10+ Leaked In Video, Prices Tipped

With a lineup like the one above, seems like Apple has a busy year ahead of it. Unfortunately, the report doesn’t mention the launch date and the prices of the devices. But, they are expected to launch during the course of the year, with first announcements starting in the month of March.

February 18, 2019
Galaxy S10, S10+ Leaked In Video, Prices Tipped
Samsung will release its next generation of flagship smartphones on February 20. The smartphones that will launch at the event include the Galaxy S10e, Galaxy S10 and the Galaxy S10+. A freshly leaked video on Chinese social networking website Miaopai, reveals the Galaxy S10 and the S10+ in their entirety. The video also shows the Galaxy Buds that will be announced at the event.

Galaxy S10, S10+ Leaked Video

The Galaxy S10 and the S10+ video that has been leaked reveals the features and details of the devices. Most of these details were reported earlier. The S10 in the video is shown to have a 6.1-inch display. This will be a Dynamic AMOLED, Infinity-O display with a resolution of 3040 x 1440 px. While other aspects of the display remain the same for the S10+, the display size bumps up to a massive 6.4-inch. The devices have a futuristic design with thin bezels on all four sides. Both devices make use of a hole-punch display to accommodate the front-facing camera. The S10 has a single 10MP f/1.9 camera while the S10+ features dual cameras.

The S10 and the S10 + are shown to have triple cameras at the back. This setup is comprised of a 12MP (f/1.5-2.4) camera combined with a 12MP (f/2.4) telephoto camera and a third 16MP (f/2.2) ultra-wide camera. Pleasantly, Samsung will retain the headphone jack on both handsets. The video also reveals that the S10 and the S10+ feature an Ultrasonic In-Display fingerprint scanner. The smartphones will support reverse wireless charging feature which will be called Wireless Power Share.

The video then proceeds to show the upcoming Galaxy Buds that will be announced alongside the Galaxy S10 series. The Buds will support wireless charging and are reported to feature significant upgrades over its predecessor. All the devices in the Galaxy S10 lineup will feature either the latest Snapdragon 855 SoC from Qualcomm or the Exynos 9820 SoC by Samsung. Choice of the chipset will depend on the region the devices will be available. The S10 and the S10+ will arrive in the following storage variants:
- 6GB RAM and 128GB ROM
- 8GB RAM and 512GB ROM
- 12GB RAM and 1TB ROM (S10+ exclusive)
Galaxy S10, S10+: Pricing

Also read: Apple Is Working On A Foldable Phone, Claims Patent

The Galaxy S10 and the S10+ leaked pricing suggest that they will be one of the most expensive devices Samsung has ever made. The S10 will reportedly start at Rs 65,000 for the variant with 6GB RAM and 128GB internal storage. The version with 8GB RAM and 512GB internal storage will cost Rs 70,000. The S10+ with the above variants will cost Rs 75,000 and Rs 80,000 respectively. The version with a ceramic back, 12GB RAM and 1TB internal storage is reported to cost almost Rs 1,00,000.
February 18, 2019
Apple Is Working On A Foldable Phone Claims Patent

Samsung will announce the first foldable smartphone of 2019 at the Galaxy Unpacked event on February 20. Several reports and leaks have revealed that many other major OEMs are also working on smartphones with a foldable display. Notably, Apple also may be looking to join the foldable smartphone bandwagon. A patent listing on the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) website by Apple hints that the company is working on a foldable smartphone.

Apple Foldable Smartphone

While this patent for a foldable smartphone was filed by Apple on October 12 last year, the patent was granted to it on February 14. Interestingly, the patent by Apple for a foldable device goes back to July 2011, when it filed the first patent. The images posted by Apple in the patent show various concepts of how the smartphone could fold, with a different design shown in each image. Most of the designs show a smartphone fold into half. The Apple foldable smartphone is expected to make use of a flexible OLED display to provide it with the foldable functionality. Most of the devices in the freshly granted patent have a bottom mounted connector which is likely to be the lightning port.

While most of the patents show a device with a display folding outwards, some of them employ an inner folding display. According to some of these images, Apple may also be considering a device with an asymmetrical fold. The images do not disclose the position of the camera sensor. Hence, it cannot be confirmed whether the device will have one or not.

Also read: Xiaomi To Launch A Wireless Charger Power Bank Alongside The Mi 9

Past reports claimed that Apple is unlikely to launch a foldable smartphone in the year 2019. Going by its track record, it will wait until the technology is perfected for mass implementation. As of now, it is unclear whether the technology from these patents makes its way into future iPhones or not. Perhaps the iPad or MacBook will make use of this technology.

You can view the patent filed by Apple here.

February 18, 2019
Xiaomi To Launch A Wireless Charger Power Bank Alongside The Mi 9

Xiaomi will launch its next flagship, the Mi 9 at an event on February 20 in China. The smartphone will be a successor to the Mi 8, the company’s flagship device of last year. The upcoming device is likely to see significant changes in terms of design and features over its predecessors. According to fresh reports, the Mi 9 won’t be the only new product Xiaomi will launch at the event. In addition to the flagship smartphone, the company is also to launch a power bank with wireless charging support.

History Of Wireless Charging

Wireless charging is a feature that allows devices to charge via electromagnetic induction. This allows the transfer of power without the hassles of cables and wires. Wireless charging has grown to become immensely popular in smartphones lately. The feature was first introduced with the Nokia Lumia 820 and 920 back in September 2012. Soon after that, OEM’s like LG and Samsung brought this feature to the mainstream market. In today’s day and age, the feature is more common and is generally observed in flagship smartphones. This feature can only be observed in smartphones that use glass, plastic or a ceramic back because metal does not allow electricity to pass via induction technology.

The smartphones that have this feature mostly use the Qi standard. The Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) was established in 2008. The WPC established the Qi standard in 2010. Some modern smartphones that make use of the Qi standard to pack wireless charging include Samsung Galaxy S9 and Note 9, Apple iPhone XS, XS Max and XR, LG G7 ThinQ and V40 ThinQ and the Pixel 3.

Xiaomi Wireless Charger Power Bank

While not much is known about the wireless charger power bank, the reports say that only a version with 10,000 mAh capacity may launch at the event, with a 20,000 mAh one coming later. It will be the first power bank that supports wireless charging that Xiaomi has ever made. The launch of the charger may be an indication that the Mi 9 will support wireless charging. However, Xiaomi is not the first company to make a power bank with wireless charging support. Companies like Mophie and Haier have already released power banks capable of wireless charging.

Also read: Samsung Galaxy Tab Active 2 Launched In India

A differentiating factor in the Xiaomi Wireless charger power bank is expected to be fast, wireless charging. The device may also feature a USB Type-C port as an alternate way to charge.

February 16, 2019
Redmi Note 7 Pro Leaked With 18W Fast Charging Support
Redmi separated from its parent company Xiaomi in January to become an independent brand. It then went on to release the Redmi Note 7 the same month in China. At the launch of the device, it was hinted that the company will launch a slightly upgraded version of the smartphone soon. This smartphone was later reported to be the Redmi Note 7 Pro. Despite the leaks and the official confirmation from the company, no details about its launch date were revealed. Fresh leaks show that the Redmi Note 7 Pro has passed China’s Compulsory Certificate (3C).

The model number of the leak is similar to the one assigned to the Redmi Note 7. The slight variation in the model number suggests that the listing belongs to the Redmi Note 7 Pro. Previously, Xiaomi’s President Lin Bin posted a picture with the text ‘Pro’ on Chinese social networking site, Weibo. This affirms that the launch of the device is imminent.

Redmi Note 7 Pro

Other than the updated processor and the camera sensor, the Redmi Note 7 Pro will have the same features and design as the regular version of the device. This would imply a glass sandwich design with gradient colour scheme on the back. The display of the device will sport a 6.3-inch IPS panel with a resolution of 2340 x 1080 px. It has thin bezels around the display and a waterdrop style notch up top. Under the hood, the device will feature the Snapdragon 675 chipset which is comprised of an Octa-core CPU along with the Adreno 612 GPU. The handset will have many notable features brought over from the regular variant; like a massive 4000mAh battery with 18W fast charging support, MIUI 10 based on latest Android 9 Pie, a USB Type-C port, rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, 3.5mm headphone jack and an IR blaster present on the top of the device.

Despite having the same resolution, the main sensor on the Redmi Note 7 Pro will be different from the regular variant. It will use a 48MP Sony IMX598 sensor instead of the 48MP Samsung GM-1 sensor present on the Redmi Note 7. Interestingly, the Sony sensor is seen on flagship devices like the Honor View20 and the rumoured Xiaomi Mi 9. This sensor is expected to deliver a better image quality than the regular variant. Like the Redmi Note 7, the upcoming device also has a 13MP camera front-facing selfie camera. In terms of memory and storage, the smartphone is expected to be offered in the following variants:
1. 4GB RAM and 64GB ROM
2. 6GB RAM and 128GB ROM
Also read: LG V50 Image Leaks, Confirms A Notch And 5G Connectivity

The Redmi Note 7 Pro is expected to be unveiled in China in the last week of February. Unfortunately, details about the pricing of the device are currently unavailable. But it is expected to be priced around the CNY 1500 mark (around Rs. 15,700). The smartphone may arrive in India in the month March.
February 16, 2019
Google Is Planning To Launch Atleast Five Products in 2019
Google started launching devices with its branding with the first generation of Pixel smartphones. Some praiseworthy devices that the company has launched since then include the Google Home smart speakers and Pixel range of smartphones. However, the company has only had a handful of devices to its credit. Fresh Reports claim that Google is working on several new devices, and it might launch a total of five products this year. These are expected to be the Pixel 3 Lite series, the Pixel 4, a new version of Google Home, Pixel smartwatch and a Google Security Camera.

This news arrives after numerous leaks of the Pixel 3 Lite and Pixel smartwatch have surfaced on the internet. Other products, like the Google Home refresh and a cheaper Pixel smartphone, also have been due for a while now. These products are expected to make their way to the markets in the coming months.

Google’s Product Lineup For 2019

One device that company is likely to launch is the Pixel 4 smartphone which will succeed the Pixel 3 lineup from yesteryear. The handset is expected to launch in the month of October this year. It is assumed to have an improved design and upgraded cameras. Going by the company’s past chipset selection, the future Pixel smartphone is likely to run on the latest Snapdragon flagship SoC which is the Snapdragon 855. In terms of memory and storage, the device is expected to be offered in the following storage variants:
- 6 GB RAM + 64 GB ROM
- 6 GB RAM + 128 GB ROM
The Google Pixel 3 Lite series is also expected to be unveiled this year. This includes the Pixel 3 Lite and the Pixel 3 Lite XL. The devices have been leaked countless times online and are expected to launch at the Google I/O in May. The leaks suggest that Pixel 3 Lite will feature the Snapdragon 675 while the Pixel 3 Lite XL will feature the Snapdragon 710. Google is expected to target the mid-range smartphone market with these devices. The anticipated smartphones will be available in the following storage variants:
- 4GB RAM and 32GB ROM
- 4GB RAM and 64GB ROM
Another product that Google may launch this year will be a revised version of its Google Home speakers. They may launch alongside the Pixel 4 in October and are expected to have an updated design and refined audio quality. The Pixel Smartwatch is another product that is expected this year. It has been leaked several times and will compete against the likes of Apple Watch. Interestingly, it will be the first smartwatch that the company releases.

Also read: Xiaomi Mi 9 Full Specs and Images Leak Before Launch

Google is also planning to launch the Google Home Security Camera later this year. It will be made in collaboration with Nest, which is an American company best known for making smart home products. The Nest products may be rebranded as the company got integrated into Google early last year. So the Google Home Security Camera could be part of the Google Home range of devices or feature the Nest branding. The device is expected to be announced in October at the Pixel 4 launch event.
February 16, 2019