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Google Goes Overboard With A Foldable Device That Resembles A Textbook

American multinational company, Google is at the forefront of technology, be it software or hardware. Following the commendable success it has had with Android in the software domain, the company now plans to dip its toes in futuristic hardware as well. At the 2019 Google I/O developers conference, the company announced that it is working on several foldable smartphones or rather foldable devices.

A freshly granted patent to the company goes in line with the previous announcement. Google has been granted a patent for a unique electronic device which surprisingly resembles a textbook. The device is somewhat similar to the Samsung Galaxy Fold but with a couple more displays or should we say pages.

Upon close inspection of the patent, it can be divulged that the multiple screens are held together with the main body by a sort of book spine. Speaking of the body, it may be the place where all the electronic components including chipset, motherboard and battery will be placed.

Although any concrete information about the claim cannot be derived. It is even possible that during its initial prototyping stages, the foldable device from Google may be devoid of any internal components. Instead, it could just be used a multi-fold display which is powered and provided transmission information via an external cord.

The fundamental aim behind any foldable device is to pack a large display in a body which is significantly smaller or compact than its actual dimensions. The foldable smartphone/device from Google may be conceptualised to run multiple apps simultaneously. In order to switch between applications, the user could scroll between different displays instead of swiping back and forth between apps.

Also Read: New PUBG Game Announced By The Developer Of Call of Duty, Dead Space

To sum it all, the concept or technology seems visionary and promising but such a device seems a bit farfetched when considering the development that has been achieved in the field of the foldable display.

However, when and if Google is able to successfully develop a device with these aspects and features, it would rather patent the technology and license it to other OEMs than retailing it own devices.

June 27, 2019
New PUBG Game Announced By The Developer Of Call of Duty, Dead Space

PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds or PUBG for short, was released back in the year 2017 for PCs; and has since seen unprecedented popularity. It was later ported to major consoles like the Microsoft Xbox, the Sony PlayStation and was also available on smartphones last year. The game has been credited for popularizing the Battle Royale genre; in which users fight out to remain the last one standing. Now, the publisher of the title, PUBG Corporation has announced a new PUBG game, which will be overseen by the developer of the famous games such as Call of Duty and Dead Space.

About The Game

As mentioned above, a new PUBG game has been announced by its publisher. It has not been provided with a title yet and is being developed by a new studio called Striking Distance. The most notable part about the studio is its CEO Glen Schofield; as mentioned above, he has many famous games like Call of Duty and Dead Space to his credit. The game is still in its early stages, so not much information is available regarding how the gameplay will be. However, in a press release, the PUBG Corp has said that the game is an original narrative experience within the PUBG universe. Unfortunately more details like the release date are not available as of yet.

Also read: BlackBerry And LG Are Making Autonomous Cars

It is also confirmed that the upcoming title will not carry forward the battle royale legacy of the original. It will rather focus on a storyline, which PUBG lacks in its current state. What this storyline will be is not known yet, but what is known is that it will be set in the same universe as the original. This is similar to what Respawn Entertainment did with the game Apex Legends. That title is set into a much larger Titanfall universe but features a battle royale genre as a base. It is being stressed that the upcoming game from the PUBG Corp is not a sequel to PUBG but is merely set in the same universe. So maybe the new game will finally reveal the reason behind the mysterious locations and the history behind them.

June 27, 2019
Samsung To Launch A Second Foldable Phone Before Huawei Mate X Launch

In the month of February, Samsung held the Galaxy Unpacked 2019 event where it unveiled its first foldable smartphone, the Galaxy Fold alongside the Galaxy S10 lineup, 2. A lot rested on the foldable smartphone’s shoulders as Samsung is the first mainstream company to launch a device with this form factor. However, due to display issues faced by the initial users of pre-sale Galaxy Fold, the company had to push back the launch date of the smartphone to Q2 which was also not met.

Following the issues faced by the Samsung Galaxy Fold, Huawei pushed the launch date of its Mate X which was originally set to launch in June. The Mate X has now been set to launch in the month of September. However, it is unclear whether the step was actually taken to improve 5G integration on the foldable phone, as reported by a senior company executive or due to the trade ban that the US had imposed on Huawei.

Nevertheless, by the time the Huawei Mate X is commercially available, Samsung will reportedly launch its second foldable phone that also has an outward folding mechanism, similar to the former.

According to a report published by the Korea Herald, Samsung had a working prototype of an outward foldable smartphone in the year 2017. Instead, it opted for an inner folding device and rather unveiled the current gen Galaxy Fold. The report further states that Samsung is currently working on a variety of foldable smartphones which include a clamshell-like design, as seen on the Moto Razr renders. Notably, Samsung is planning about bringing these foldable smartphones to the market, as soon as early 2000.

Also Read: WhatsApp Tests Feature That Allows Sharing Status To Facebook

The outward foldable Samsung phone could be similar to the one that the company patented a few days ago. All in all, Samsung who is currently the world’s number one smartphone maker is working rigorously to defend its top spot. In order to get precise details about the foldable devices, we will have to wait patiently until Samsung makes an official announcement.

June 27, 2019
BlackBerry And LG Are Making Autonomous Cars
A press release has announced the partnership of BlackBerry Limited with LG Electronics Inc. for a major new project. The aforementioned brands are recognisable for their consumer grade electronic products. However, the new project that is being spearheaded by the two companies will encompass the automobile industry, namely self-driven (autonomous) cars.

Historically, LG and BlackBerry were popular smartphone brands. The companies were critically acclaimed worldwide for their handsets, including India. The onset of the smartphones industries tech race had rendered BlackBerry and its business-centric devices obsolete. LG faired much better in comparison but has also seen a decline in the last couple of years. Though, the company is well known for its home appliances such as televisions and refrigerators.

The new project for autonomous cars is a heavy task. Self-driven cars are unlikely to hit Indian market anytime soon but are already being tested in developed nations like the US. Google, Apple, Uber and other such companies have been testing the technology for a while now. The automobile industry would greatly benefit from the expertise of both the companies in the arriving years.

The new agreement formed between the companies carries statements of the joint expansion through the partnership. Both the companies are large corporations that have only a small part of their business models aimed at the smartphone industry. Blackberry is well-renowned for its QNX software-based services and safety solutions that are being utilized by a multitude of companies.

Google’s Autonomous Vehicle

The companies have formed a conjunction to push forward the development and commercial availability of autonomous vehicles. The entire automobile industry has been working on numerous autonomous locomotives for years now. This new collaboration will seek to accelerate the transitional process between traditional to self-driving cars. The project will encompass a network of self-driving vehicles that are connected to one another. It will also help boost the myriad of suppliers that automobile OEMs are working with.

According to the report, BlackBerry’s QNX-based software solutions are planned on being incorporated by LG Electronics. The South Korean company’s hardware expertise will use QNX solutions to build numerous next-gen components such as:
- A security solution designed to help safeguard the system against malware and cyber threats and prevent malfunctions.
- Incorporate an improved voice and sound quality systems, namely media entertainment system, for the car’s internals.
- To build the control system for autonomous cars.
- An accessible mobile interface with control over multimedia functionalities.
Furthermore, the companies’ goals are to “produce cutting-edge cars for the future of the automotive market”. BlackBerry, unlike LG, has shifted its focus on its software services that are used in the mobile and automobile industry. The Canadian company is already supplying its technology to manufacturers developing driverless cars. LG, however, is still present in the smartphone market with its latest W series entries being launched in India. The company is still a big name in household products and is planning diversification in new ventures such as this.

LG W10

Also Read: WhatsApp Tests Feature That Allows Sharing Status To Facebook

The implications of the joint venture could be huge. Both LG and BlackBerry could potentially reduce the time frame for commercially available self-driving cars. The companies will rely on each other’s strong suits for the partnership. It might not be too long before the project bears its fruits. Unfortunately, it is just an announcement and not an actual product launch. We are still years away from actually seeing such cars in real-world practice.
June 27, 2019
These Renders Of The Google Pixel 4 Mini Look Amazing

Google is gearing up for the launch of its flagship smartphones, the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL which are expected to launch in the month of September. Besides the two high end devices, the company is also rumoured to launch a smaller handset which might be called the Pixel 4 Mini.

New concept renders of the device have been shared on Twitter by user PhoneDesigner. Although the renders are based on leaks and reports which lack any real evidence, they look enticing enough that Google must draw inspiration from, if it ever plans to build a miniature variant of the Pixel smartphones.

According to the concept renders, the Google Pixel Mini 4 has a compact form factor which will easily fit even in hand of users that have the smallest of hands. The bezels around the display of the device are almost negligible which provide it with an appealing look. The rear of the alleged Pixel 4 Mini seems to made out of glass that houses the company logo and a square camera module. Like the Pixel 4, the smaller device also features dual rear cameras and a dual LED flash. Speaking of ports and buttons, the device has a bottom mounted USB C port and a right side mounted power button.

Pixel 4 Mini Render- From March

Besides, the user had previously shared another set of renders of the Pixel 4 Mini which also has a fascinating design. The key difference between the two render sets is a punch hole camera which was first introduced with the Galaxy A8s. Furthermore, the rear of the device in this render looks more like the Pixel 3 lineup rather than the official Pixel 4 teasers.

Also Read: WhatsApp Tests Feature That Allows Sharing Status To Facebook

Google is yet to confirm whether the smaller Pixel 4 Mini smartphone will ever see the light of the day or not. Till the time precise details about the device are revealed by the company itself, we recommend taking these reports and renders with a grain of salt.

June 27, 2019
WhatsApp Tests Feature That Allows Sharing Status To Facebook

WhatsApp is one of the largest social media platforms in the world. Indians are reportedly the highest users (estimated 200 million) of the chatting app that is owned by Facebook Inc. The company is now testing a new feature, which would allow users to seamlessly share their WhatsApp status on Facebook. The move will bridge the gap between both these massively popular standalone social media applications.

WhatsApp’s status is essentially the same feature as ‘stories’ from Snapchat and Instagram. It allows users to share instances from their lives or any other creative messages intended for a broader audience. The new feature would allow such status to be directly portable to Stories on the parent company’s Facebook app. Furthermore, the status can also be shared to Instagram, Gmail and Google Photos.

According to the report, WhatsApp will not require the linking of its users’ accounts to their separate Facebook profiles to share stories. The trade, however, is made via the data-sharing API used by Android and iOS platforms. This will allow the content being shared on either platform without a direct link being established on the accounts. The feature is not activated by default and users will have to manually share their status. WhatsApp’s new status sharing feature is claimed not to share any additional user data with the Facebook app.

The link between the two social media apps has always been a serious subject. Facebook had initially acquired WhatsApp back in 2014 for a sum of US$ 19.3 billion (approx. Rs. 1,33,600 crores). The parent company has been a target of numerous allegations and scandals regarding user privacy and data tracking. Hence, the implications also affect WhatsApp’s business practices. Additionally, Facebook has already hinted at a single streamlined messaging app that combines the Messenger app, Instagram DMs and Whatsapp.

Also Read: YouTube Home Feed Update Provides Better Control Over Recommendations

WhatsApp status was originally introduced back in 2017 and is actively used by an estimated 500 million users. The number is a large chunk of the total user base (1.5 billion) and in 2020 will become the largest platform to generate ad revenue for the company. The new feature is a welcome change that eases the transition between the two apps but the heavy implications do warrant caution. It is currently available for interested users under Whatsapp’s beta program.

June 27, 2019
YouTube Home Feed Update Provides Better Control Over Recommendations

YouTube is one of the largest and most recognisable platforms for viewing online content. However, the company has been a target of various criticism over the past couple of weeks. The media giant has faced multiple critiques regarding it’s Home Feed and recommendations column.

Now, YouTube has sought to give users more control over which videos that may possibly show up on their Feed.

The Problem

Users are shown a collection of videos when browsing YouTube which is cleverly provided based on their preferences and browsing history. YouTube uses an algorithm to cater to its millions of visitors every day in a personalised fashion. Advertising strategies and paid artificial boosting from content creators have unfortunately caused an issue. Users have started receiving recommendations of videos that they have neither subscribed or would likely never see. The problem lies in the implementation, not the system itself. Artificial boosting offers a healthy growth to any channel but not if it is received by a person that is not inclined to watch their videos.

New Suggestions

After numerous backlash, YouTube is finally offering more choices to its consumers. People who wish to stop receiving unwanted content can remove suggestions from their Home Feeds. Users can do this by tapping the three-dot menu next to a video on the homepage or Up Next, then “Don’t recommend channel.” The option, once activated, removes any unnecessary videos that one might end up receiving via notifications or in their feeds. Furthermore, users can still look up the dismissed channel by simply searching for it or their videos.

Explore Topics & Videos

The addition of the new explore topics and related videos options now allows one to browse more videos of their preferred genres. The suggestions could be related to the video a person is watching or more from the same channel. The options presented are based on users existing personalized suggestions and are meant to help them quickly find what they are looking for. Explore feature can be found on the homepage when you scroll up or on the Up Next when browsing.

Transparency

YouTube has stated that it uses the data collected via the channels a person visits and their similar interests to recommend videos. The company now plans to include a small box underneath a video that provides more information when recommending similar content. For example, a cooking video recommended might carry a tag of baking in the small box. This is done to explain why certain videos from unfamiliar new channels may end up on the homepages.

Also Read: Lenovo India Introduces “Made To Order” Customisable Laptops

The new features will be made globally available. An update for the YouTube app on iOS will be released prior to the Android counterpart and even the desktop main website. The company has added a great new feature which is a pro-consumer move. It should help the company regain lost reputation over past mishaps and pave the way for a user-friendly business model. It is also likely to ensure YoutTube’s long-standing reign in the online multimedia segment.

June 27, 2019
Xiaomi Mi CC9e Colour And Storage Variants Leaked
Chinese smartphone maker Xiaomi introduced the Mi CC series a while ago. The device lineup was introduced in partnership with another OEM from the country, Meitu; of whose operations the former took control of last year. It was later revealed that the company is planning to launch the first two handsets in the series, which were purportedly called the Mi CC9 and Mi CC9e at an event on the 2nd of July. In a fresh report, the colour and storage variants of the latter have been leaked online.

Xiaomi Mi CC9e

The Mi CC9e will be the more affordable offering in Xiaomi’s upcoming CC series. Latest reports reveal that the smartphone will be offered in three colours namely, White, Blue Planet and Night Prince. In terms of memory and storage, the device will be sold in four storage variants which are listed below.
- 4GB RAM and 64GB ROM
- 4GB RAM and 128GB ROM
- 6GB RAM and 64GB ROM
- 6GB RAM and 128GB ROM
The leak claims the Mi CC9e will have a 5.97 inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 2340 x 1080 px. It will run on the 10nm Snapdragon 710 SoC which is also found in the Mi 8 SE and the Realme 3 Pro. The chipset is comprised of an Octa-core CPU and the Adreno 616 GPU. In terms of optics, the smartphone may have a triple rear camera setup, which is expected to pack a 48MP Sony IMX 582 sensor primarily; alongside an 8MP secondary and a 5MP tertiary sensor. The camera will also have a specialised beauty mode developed by Meitu.

Also read: Lenovo India Introduces “Made To Order” Customisable Laptops

The Mi CC9e is reported to be powered by a 3500 mAh battery with support for 18W fast charging. As far as the pricing of the smartphone is concerned, it is expected to start at CNY 1,599 (Rs. 16,100) for the base storage variant. The variant with top tier configurations may be priced at CNY 2,199 (Rs. 22,100). As mentioned above, the Mi CC9 will also make an appearance alongside the CC9e on the 2nd of July. Unfortunately, it is not known if the devices will later be introduced in the Indian market, as Meitu did not exist in the country prior to its undertaking by Xiaomi.
June 27, 2019
Apple Hires Ex ARM CPU Architect, Could Launch ARM Based Mac By 2020
Claims in the past have suggested that Apple is developing ARM based Mac computers which will replace Intel processors. The company has hired one of ARM’s top CPU architect, Mike Filippo who led the development of several chips at the latter corporation between 2009 and 2019.

With the wealth of chip making the new Apple recruit brings, reports about the aforementioned ARM based Mac computers may soon turn into a reality. Users who are unaware, ARM is the company responsible for developing Cortex cores which are found on most Android mobile chipsets.

As previously mentioned, Apple designing its own ARM-based processors will allow the company to move away from Intel processors which are currently seen on all its offerings. Besides, sources within Intel have confirmed to Axios ( an American News Website) that Apple plans to transition to ARM architecture based Macs starting 2020.

As of now, the A series chipsets found on the iPhone and iPad are developed in house by Apple. Furthermore, the custom T2 security chip present in the latest Mac models is also developed in house. Some benefits that Apple will reap upon switching to self-developed ARM processors are as follows:
- Due to the same underlying hardware architecture, applications designed for iOS i.e iPhone, iPad or iPod will be compatible with Mac computers. Furthermore, Apple in the past has showcased ‘Project Catalyst’ which is intended toward unifying and cross compatibility between MacOS and iOS apps.
- It won’t be wrong to assume that this move will help the company to save up production costs as in house developed components are generally more economical. Besides if the company decides to pass on the benefit to customers by lowering prices of its offerings. This will result in a sales boost for Mac computers.
- Apple iPhones are generally considered more secure than its Android counterparts, because of a closed ecosystem between software and hardware which are both developed by the same company. Likewise, Mac computers which are already regarded for a high level of security will become even more secure with a combination of proprietary software and hardware.
All in all, the idea of a Mac computer with ARM processor doesn’t seem farfetched at all. Aside from the fact, the current gen iPad Pro with A12x Bionic SoC is regarded as powerful as a MacBook Pro with an i7 processor. With the high end tablet computer, Apple has proved that ARM computers can not only provide a better battery backup, they are on par in terms of processing with dektop grade CPUs.

Also Read: Lenovo India Introduces “Made To Order” Customisable Laptops

Even though Apple has not revealed a launch date for an ARM based Mac, as mentioned previously, they could be expected in the year 2020.

What are your thoughts on Apple’s departure from Team Blue’s offering to its own chipsets? Do let us know what is your take on this!
June 27, 2019
Lenovo India Introduces “Made To Order” Customisable Laptops
One of the key benefit desktop PCs have had over laptops is choice in the configuration. Apart from pre-built computers, most users or even enthusiasts have always chosen which parts they needed for their desktops. Laptops have generally almost always sold with set internal hardware as specified by various electronic companies. However, Lenovo has now started a new ‘Make Your Own’ initiative that offers users the ability to customise their laptops before purchase.

How It Works

The new ‘Made To Order’ service for ThinkPad laptops is currently available in India and will soon expand to other laptop lineups within 90 days. Options for customising laptops is available on Lenovo’s official website. The company is claiming to offer over 100,000 configurations. Lenovo has stated that the custom ordered laptop will be made in its automated facilities which promise to deliver in two weeks time.

According to the company, users with varying needs are being taken into account. Growth has been observed in the demand for personalised laptops and Lenovo plans on delivering. The launch of the service will mark a pro-consumer focused business model being adopted by the tech giant.

Configurations Offered
- CPU: Intel and AMD options will be available although only the former is currently listed with options between Core i3, i5, and i7.
- Storage: Standard hard disk drives can be swapped out for the much faster solid state drives.
- Graphics: Customers can choose between the integrated graphics provided or the dedicated graphics card from AMD and NVIDIA.
- Screen: Options vary from Full HD displays panels to the vibrant 4K displays with a touch screen option.
- Pre-Installed Software: Users can opt for certain softwares such as the MS Office, Abode Suite, Anti-Virus applications and much more.
- Accessories: Additional items such as an upgraded extra battery, Ethernet Dongles, Expansion Docks and External monitors are being provided on the side.
- Premier Support: Lenovo is offering extended warranty and Accidental Damage Protection service to those interested.
Also Read: Oppo Showcases A Smartphone With Invisible Selfie Camera

All-in-all, Lenovo has offered a great option for its potential customers. Currently, there are very few options for customising laptops to cater to users specific needs. For example, users may need a powerful CPU but not the expensive GPU that ships with it. Hence, the option of opting out is a good deal. Lenovo’s pro-choice move is a welcomed change to the formula that is prevalent in the mobile computer industry.
June 26, 2019
Oppo Showcases A Smartphone With Invisible Selfie Camera

Since early June, Oppo has been boasting of a smartphone with an invisible front camera. After much hype and anticipation, the technology has finally been unveiled and a prototype device with the visionary feature is currently on display at MWC Shanghai.

As the name suggests, an under display camera or invisible camera stays hidden from the human eye as it is covered by a display on the top that has operational light pixels above which conceals the photosensor. The technology was previously conceptualised by Samsung suggests this patent. Although, the Korean Giant is yet to reveal details about the technology.

The successful development of an under display camera is a praiseworthy feat for Oppo as it is the first company in the world to pioneer this technology. According to the video shared by Oppo, the concerning light pixels above the front camera become transparent as soon as the camera sensor is toggled. This intern allows light to pass through and the sensor beneath is able to capture images or videos.

Actual Prototype Showcase By Oppo

Not many details about the new technology or the resolution of the underlying camera are currently available. Consequently, it is not feasible to determine whether the image quality on a device with under screen camera will take a hit or not.

https://twitter.com/_ssuper_man_/status/1143777767122767877

Although Oppo has not provided a specific timeline for the launch of a smartphone with under display camera, it is expected to be launched soon rather than late. This move will provide the company with a headstart for its latest technological breakthrough.

Also Read: Samsung Galaxy Fold 5G Receives FCC Certification Before Launch

All in all, the technology looks promising and it will surely be adopted by other OEMs as well who want to develop a premium notchless smartphone.

June 26, 2019
LG W10, W30 and W30 Pro Smartphones Launched In India

LG went on stage to unveil three new devices in its budget-mid range W series smartphones. The upcoming devices are a part of the company’s project under the Indian Government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative. The South Korean company has officially launched the LG W10, W30 and W30 Pro.

LG W10

The budget handsets by LG were made to specifically cater to the Indian market. India has one of the largest smartphone userbases, causing OEMs to make devices for every possible price bracket. LG W10 is powered by a 4,000mAh battery along with a MediaTek Helio P22 octa-core processor clocked at 2.0GHz. Memory and Storage are only available in one configuration, 3GB/32GB. Furthermore, the front is equipped with a 6.19-inch HD+ FullVision display panel with 18.9:9 aspect ratio.

LG has invested heavily in marketing the cameras of the W series smartphone. The W10 features a “Smart” dual camera set up which will be placed vertically at the top left corner of the rear panel. The primary shooter is a 13MP sensor with PDAF while the secondary is a 5MP shooter for depth sensing. Front of the smartphone has a relatively large notch that houses the 8MP front camera. Features like face unlock and bokeh are also provided.

LG W30 & W30 Pro

LG is offering a slightly bumped version of the W10 in the form of the W30, that features various improvements. The processor of the W30 is similar to the W10 with a MediaTek Helio P22 octa-core processor clocked at 2.0GHz. Even the memory and storage are the same with a single 3GB + 32GB configuration. However, the screen of the device is slightly larger with a 6.26-inch HD+ IPS FullVision with an aspect ratio of 19:9 and a tear-drop notch.

The camera of the device also receives an improvement with a 16MP front camera with face unlock functionality. Notably, on the rear, it sports a triple camera setup with a 12MP AF primary shooter that has a special low light mode. LG W30 receives an additional 13MP AF wide-angle lens along with a 2MP depth sensor for bokeh shots. LG W30 Pro has not been unveiled in the event although an announcement is expected soon. The company has teased its specs which point at a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, FullVision display with a tear-drop notch and stereo speakers (StereoPulse Sound)

Price and Availability

LG’s W series smartphones were developed and built in India, with plans to start shipping in the southeastern nation soon. The LG W10 carries a price tag of Rs.8,999 and will be available in two colours, Tulip Purple and Smokey Grey. On the other hand, LG W30 will have customers shell out Rs.9,999 for three colour options, Thunder Blue, Platinum Grey and Aurora Green. Announcement regarding the LG W30 Pro is expected soon with pricing that will most likely cross the INR 10k price bracket.

Also Read: Apple Watch Could Soon Receive A Camera

LG’s ‘Make in India’ product is a great new addition to the company’s budget line up of smartphones. This will help the company capture a broader audience of potential customers after launch. A homegrown device is widely appreciated as it is better for the country in terms of employment and economy during sales. Apple is also seeking to shift a certain portion of its production to India as well. The reception of these devices will be clear in the arriving weeks alongside the W30 Pro launch.

June 26, 2019
Samsung Galaxy Fold 5G Receives FCC Certification Before Launch

Samsung was one of the first companies to launch a foldable smartphone. The Galaxy Fold was first introduced in February 2019 and had a scheduled launch date set later in April. Unfortunately, the commercial availability of the device has since been delayed due to multiple instances of malfunctioning caused by a premature release.

It is now reported that Samsung will also launch a new Galaxy Fold variant capable of 5G networking, as seen in an FCC (Federal Communications Commission) certification.

The South Korean electronics company will most likely launch the upcoming 5G variant alongside the standard Galaxy Fold model. The tech giant has reportedly fixed all the issues that had plagued the device pre-launch and is expected to be available soon. Both the 4G and 5G variants of the Galaxy Fold will probably have identical features and specifications, except connectivity and battery size. The standard version is a dual SIM device with 4380mAh battery capacity while the 5G model is only equipped with a single SIM and slightly smaller 4235mAh battery.

5G network bandwidth has yet to see widespread commercial adoption in various countries developed and developing alike. In countries like India where even 4G network has not had complete penetration, it is unlikely to see the release of any devices capable of the faster bandwidth. South Korea, on the other hand, has seen great integration with 5G and devices capable of it. Samsung’s Galaxy S10 5G is one of the biggest examples with over 1 million units sold in just a short amount of time.

Galaxy S10 5G

Besides, Samsung has reportedly been working on a new foldable smartphone with a curved edge. It is highly unlikely that any of the aforementioned foldable phones would sport the new design immediately. Since Samsung has announced that a new foldable phone will be launched annually, it is probable that the Galaxy Fold 2 may incorporate the new aesthetical feature.

Also Read: Samsung Galaxy A90 Leaked, To Feature Snapdragon 855, 5G Support

The Galaxy Fold is a revolutionary smartphone which had a failed start. Samsung has stuck to the device and is planning to make good on all the promises it has made for its customers. The upcoming foldable handsets are expected to release around the launch of the Galaxy Note 10, probably between August end and September. More information regarding this will soon be available in the coming weeks.

June 26, 2019
MediaTek Helio P65 Chipset Launched, Supports 21:9 Display

While the premium smartphone segment is dominated by chipsets from Qualcomm and Samsung, Taiwan based MediaTek with its affordable SoCs mainly targets the budget and mid range handset segment.

The company has unveiled a new chipset called the Helio P65 which features a handful of improvements over the Helio P60 and the Helio P70. The latest SoC consists of the Mali G52 GPU and 64 bit Octa Core CPU which is divided into two separate clusters.

The Octa Core CPU on the Helio P65 is comprised of 2x Cortex A75 cores which are clocked at 2 GHz and 6x Cortex A55 cores that have an unspecified clock speed. This combination of two CPU core groups with different architecture and clock frequency helps in providing the best of both worlds i.e battery life and performance on smartphones that employ the chip.

When the user is running resource hungry tasks like games on their device with the Helio P65 chipset, the two Cortex A75 cores come into play. Inversely, when the device is put to sleep or is being used to run lightweight tasks like making phone calls or messaging, the 6 core Cortex A55 will be put to the use which will help in prolonging the battery backup. Do note that this is not a proprietary technology as most chipsets in the modern era have this type of architecture.

Smartphones kitted with the Helio P65 chipset are capable of supporting upto 8 GB of LPDDR4x RAM (fastest memory standard available as of now). However, unlike the Helio P70 which supports dual memory modules, the new chipset only supports a single RAM module, therefore, limiting the full potential highest capacity of supported memory.

In terms of memory, the Helio P65 only supports eMMC 5.1 (embedded multimedia card) storage and lacks support for faster UFS. However, most devices that feature chipsets from MediaTek’s affordable lineup would rarely incorporate this fast storage standard. Usually, flagship grade devices including OnePlus 7 Pro and Galaxy Fold use UFS which is considerably more expensive than eMMC.

Redmi Note 7 With 48 MP Camera

Xiaomi with its Redmi Note 7 Pro that features a 48 MP camera turned a lot of heads around the globe. However, in order for a smartphone to be able to process images of this high resolution, the chipset should be developed with this feature. Taking into consideration the demand for budget smartphones high res cameras, MediaTek has added support for such sensors in the new Helio P65.

Moto One Vision With 21:9 Display

Another notable feature that the Helio P65 brings to the table is support for 21:9 display. An aspect ratio which is slowly gaining popularity as seen with the Moto One Vision and Sony Xperia 1.

All in all, MediaTek has designed and developed the Helio P65 chipset after thoroughly researching the budget smartphone market while also studying the features that consumers like to see in such devices.

Also Read: Xiaomi Mi CC9 Design Revealed In Official Images

As of now, no details about a smartphone launching with the chipset has been revealed. Though, going by past experiences, companies like Realme and Oppo will be one of the first ones to launch a handset that employ the Helio P65

June 26, 2019
Xiaomi Mi CC9 Design Revealed In Official Images

Chinese technology giant Xiaomi unveiled the Mi CC series of smartphones earlier this month. While no devices were announced at the time, it was revealed that an official launch will take place on the 2nd of July. Two handsets purportedly called the Mi CC9 and Mi CC9e are expected to be introduced at the event. The company, in a bid to build up the hype for the series, has been sharing teasers on Chinese social networking website Weibo. Now, a senior Xiaomi executive has revealed official images of the Mi CC9 in white colour and its retail box in its entirety before the launch.

Xiaomi Mi CC9

The Mi CC9 smartphone from Xiaomi will be a mid-range smartphone. The images revealed officially on Weibo showcase the device in an attractive pearl white colour. Notably, the handset in question was earlier known to be launched as the less specced variant of the series; Mi CC9e. However, it may be the case that the images are of the Mi CC9 after all. The smartphone will have a glass sandwich design with a gradient back panel and a revised company branding on the back. It has been revealed to have a triple camera set up at the back. The primary sensor used in the device will be a 48MP sensor as mentioned in the text under the camera module.

The right side of the Mi CC9 houses the volume rockers and the power button; while the top seems to have a 3.5mm headphone jack and SIM card tray. The bottom has a USB Type C port flanked by speaker grilles on either side. The retail box of the device does not reveal anything new than what we already know about it. While the front of the handset has not been showcased, a previous leak on certification website TENAA uncovered some images of the Mi CC9. The smartphone will have a waterdrop notch to maximise the screen real estate and house the 32MP front-facing camera; it will also use an in display fingerprint scanner as it is the norm in modern devices.

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Other specifications of the Xiaomi Mi CC9 that were leaked in the past; reveal it will have a 6.39 inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 2340 x 1080px. The device will be kitted with the Snapdragon 730 SoC which Qualcomm’s latest offering for premium mid-range smartphones. The handset will be offered in three variants with up to 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage. It may be priced starting CNY 2599 (Rs. 26,300) for the base storage variant when it launches on the 2nd of July.

June 26, 2019