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Google Map Gets AR Walking Feature
Google Maps is one of the most popular apps for navigation. The search giants map application helps millions of users every day find their way around the town. It even helps businesses like Uber and Ola in finding customers as well. Now, Google is seeking to finally integrate its AR capabilities to the maps for real-time directions. The new feature was announced earlier this year and is finally rolling out for Android and iOS.

Google Maps Live View

Google has already shown its prowess with augmented reality being integrated into smartphone cameras. It first appeared on Pixel phones and showcased real-time navigation in Google Maps through the lenses of handsets. The new feature allows users to hold up their phones and be directed via an arrow that provides direction to the destination.

The navigational features overlap on top of the camera view and make it far easier to locate buildings and landmarks around you. Nowadays, most modern smartphones feature an inbuilt function that facilitates augmented reality. In Android, it is called ARCore while iOS includes Arkite support. It allows devices to access Google Maps Live View which is in beta this week.

How To Try It Out
- Users must first search for a location by typing it out or selecting it on the map.
- Tap on the directions button at the bottom to start navigating.
- Users must now select walking directions at the top of the screen.
- Finally, tap on the new Live View option at the bottom of the screen.
Also Read: Google Pixel 4 Series Rumour Roundup: 90Hz Display, 12MP Camera, SD855 And More

The new Google Maps Live View feature is just a part of a much larger update to the mapping service. The company wants Travel and Maps to be a complete service through which trips are planned from the start to the end.
August 8, 2019
Moto One Zoom Leaked With Quad Camera And Snapdragon 675

Motorola had launched the Moto One series back in 2018 with the Moto One Power. The series was distinctive due to their inclusion in the Android One program. These smartphones were guaranteed with two major Android OS updates and up to 3 years of security updates. Now, Moto One Zoom, a new entry in the series has been leaked alongside a few of its key specifications.

Specifications

According to the source, Moto One Zoom will feature a 2,340 x 1080px FHD+ display. It is reportedly a 6.2 inch display which supports HDR. Similar to its Moto One Action, it also offers a tall aspect ratio of 21:9 with a waterdrop notch on the front.

Furthermore, the smartphone features Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 675 SoC. It will be offered in two storage variants which include 4GB RAM + 64GB ROM and 6GB RAM + 128GB ROM. The device will be powered by a large 4,000mAh battery and offers NFC connectivity as well.

Camera

Unlike Moto One Action, The One Zoom features a quad camera setup on the rear. Its primary camera is a 48MP sensor which employs the Quad Pixel Technology that combines 4 pixels into one. This enables it to capture 12MP shots in low light scenarios.

Furthermore, a depth sensor is included alongside a rumoured wide angle and telephoto lens. The quad-camera features dual OIS, 1.6 micron pixel size, focal length from 13mm to 81mm and 5x hybrid zoom. The front camera is a 16MP sensor for capturing selfies.

Price, Availability and Colours

Also Read: Apple Is Locking iPhone Batteries To Stop 3rd Party Repairs

According to the leak, the Moto One Zoom will be offered in Grey, Purple and Brown colours. Notably, the handset also features a 3.5mm headphone jack and rear-mounted fingerprint scanner.

The Android One device is likely to ship with Android 9 Pie out of the box. Moto One Zoom is expected to be offered at a price of EUR 429 (approx. INR 34,000). The device will probably get showcased at the upcoming IFA 2019 tech expo that will be held in September. Its launch date should be announced thereon. Stay tuned for more updates.

August 8, 2019
Nubia Launches Flagship Grade Z20, Features Dual Super AMOLED Displays
Nubia is a less known smartphone manufacturer from China. In an effort to grab the attention of potential customers, the company focuses on handsets with unique features that make them stand out of the crown and have low competition. One prime example of this is the Red Magic lineup which is focused towards gamers.

On the 8th of August 2019, the company launched its latest flagship smartphone which is dubbed the Z20. The key highlighting feature of the device is its dual display which is placed on the front and rear.

Nubia Z20 Design and Features

The front of the Nubia Z20 is dominated by a 6.42 inch AMOLED display that has FHD+ resolution. Similar to flagships like the OnePlus 7 Pro, it also has a display panel that tapers towards the sides. The bezels around the display are marginalised which provides the device with a high screen to body ratio and elegant design.

The rear side of the Nubia Z20 is occupied by the triple camera setup and the secondary 5.1 inch AMOLED display that supports always-on graphics, gifs or customizable texts. The camera module on smartphone consists of triple sensors which are as follows:
- 48 MP (Sony IMX586)
- 16 MP Ultra Wide Sensor
- 8 MP Telephoto Sensor (3x lossless zoom)
Under the hood, the Nubia Z20 packs the Snapdragon 855 which is seen on several other flagship-grade Android smartphones including the Galaxy S10 lineup. The chipset consists of an Octa-Core CPU and the Adreno 640 GPU.

The device runs on the latest Android 9 Pie which is skinned with Nubia UI 7.0. It is powered by a 4,000 mAh battery which supports 27 W fast charging.

Other notable features of the Nubia Z20 include dual fingerprints sensors which are present on the left and right side. Like the Pixel 3XL, it also has a pressure-sensitive frame which can be squeezed to toggle different functions.

Nubia Z20 Quick Specs
- Primary Display: 6.42 inch, Super AMOLED
- Secondary Display: 5.1 inch, Super AMOLED
- Camera: 48 MP, 16 MP, 8 MP, Dual Flash Modules
- Battery: 4,000 mAh, 27 W fast charging
- Security: Face Unlock, Dual Fingerprint Sensor
- Chipset: Snadragon 855
- Connectivity Options: 802.11 ac Wi-Fi, 4G LTE, USB Type C, GPS
Nubia Z20 Price, Colours and Availability

The Nubia Z20 is offered in three colour variants which include Black, Red and Blue. It is offered in two storage variants for which the price is as follows:
- 6 GB RAM + 128GB storage: CNY 3499 (around Rs. 35,000)
- 8 GB RAM + 128 GB storage: CNY 3699 (around Rs. 37,000)
- 8 GB RAM + 512 GB storage: CNY 4199 (around Rs. 42,000)
What are your thoughts on the unconventional looking Nubia Z20? Let us know in the comments below.
August 8, 2019
Apple Is Locking iPhone Batteries To Stop 3rd Party Repairs

Apple is known to be against 3rd party repairs. Previously, it was confirmed by the company itself that the T2 chip in Macs were also made to discourage 3rd party repairs. Apple has cited reasons for this with the foremost being security and fraud. It is understandable that unsuspecting people can be scammed with inferior repairs which are cheaper than Apple’s services.

However, known Apple repairers such as iFixIt have accused the company of monopolizing its products after-sales services. Now, Apple has reportedly activated a software lock on iPhone batteries to make it difficult for unofficial replacements as well.

According to an iFixit report, Apple appears to have intentionally added a feature in which replacement batteries lacking Texas Instruments microcontroller with a unique Apple authentication key are barred from providing crucial battery health data to users. In other words, the battery health data is not shown to the users or repairers. It also includes data regarding the max capacity and peak performance capability. Furthermore, users receive a service indicator that informs them to contact an Apple-authorized repair service.

Additionally, official Apple batteries will not work properly until they have been verified by the company. As an example, imagine if you have a car with a check engine light on which can only be deactivated if you receive service from the official dealer; and getting the car repaired from local mechanics does not help either.

Notably, the feature has been rolled out to iPhone XR, iPhone XS and XS Max models that run the latest iOS 12 versions. The news isn’t a good public relations move considering it arrives after Apple’s controversial throttling of iPhone devices performance.

Also Read: Google Pixel 4 Series Rumour Roundup: 90Hz Display, 12MP Camera, SD855 And More

Apple has fought the repair legislation in the past which prevents them from voiding warranties or discontinuing support if consumers have had 3rd party repairs. As mentioned above, Apple has insisted it is motivated to control repair qualities but does not sell fresh device parts to outsiders.

There is a clear monetary incentive for the tech giant here and it is openly against lobbying for the right to repair bills. Conclusively, users are advised to always get repairs done from authorized services as Apple has more or less crippled 3rd party repairers to a certain degree.

August 8, 2019

Samsung Galaxy Note 10 India Pre Bookings Are Now Live

On the 7th of August, Samsung held the Galaxy Unpacked event in New York where it unveiled the Galaxy Note 10 lineup of flagship smartphones. At the launch event, the company did not reveal any India specific launch details.

Surprisingly, hours after the launch, Samsung has listed the Note 10 smartphone duo on its India website and interested buyers can now pre-book them. Talking about their delivery, Samsung will commence shipping of pre-booked units from the 23rd of August.

Besides users who pre-book the Galaxy Note 10 or Note 10+ get a special offer to buy the Galaxy Watch Active at a discounted price of Rs 9,990. Without an offer, the smartwatch retails for Rs 19,990 which is twice as much.

The price for the different variants of the newly launched Samsung flagships are as follows:

Colours

Price & Storage

Samsung Galaxy Note 10

Aura Glow

Aura Black

Aura Red

8 GB + 256 GB: Rs 69,999

Samsung Galaxy Note 10+

Aura White

Aura Black

Aura Glow

12 GB + 256 GB: Rs 79,999

12 GB + 512 GB: Rs 89,999

Praiseworthy, Samsung has managed to keep the pricing of the smartphones in India identical to the US. For reference the Note 10 start at Rs US $ 949 (around Rs 67,500 ) while the Note 10+ starts at US $1,099 (around Rs 78,000 ).

Listed below are the features and specifications of the Galaxy Note 10 duo.

Galaxy Note 10

Galaxy Note 10+

Display

6.3 inch

Dynamic AMOLED

2280 x 1080 px

Punch Hole

6.8 inch

Dynamic AMOLED

3040 x 1430 px

Punch Hole

Front Camera

10 MP

f/2.2

10 MP

f/2.2

Rear Camera

16MP Ultrawide f/2.2

Wide Angle 12 MP f/1.5-f/2.4

Telephoto 12 MP f/2.1

16MP Ultrawide f/2.2

Wide Angle 12 MP f/1.5-f/2.4

Telephoto 12 MP f/2.1, OIS

ToF (Time Of Flight)

Battery

3500 mAh

25 W Fast Charging

Wireless Charging

Reverse Wireless Charging

4300 mAh

45 W Fast Charging

Wireless Charging

Reverse Wireless Charging

Chipset

Exynos 9825

Octa Core CPU

Mali-G76 MP12 GPU

Exynos 9825

Octa Core CPU

Mali-G76 MP12 GPU

Security

Ultra Sonic Fingerprint Sensor

Face Unlock

Pattern Unlock

Ultra Sonic Fingerprint Sensor

Face Unlock

Pattern Unlock

Readers who are interested in checking detailed features of the Note 10 can do so by clicking here.

Also Read: Google Pixel 4 Series Rumour Roundup: 90Hz Display, 12MP Camera, SD855 And More

For users who plan to buy the latest and greatest smartphone from Samsung, this could be the right time as they also get an option to buy the Galaxy Watch Active at a heavily discounted price.

August 8, 2019

Google Pixel 4 Series Rumour Roundup: 90Hz Display, 12MP Camera, SD855 And More

Google’s upcoming instalment in the Pixel series has been much-awaited worldwide. August and the arriving two months see the launches of certain big names in the industry such as Samsung, Apple and Google themselves. The Pixel 4 series had a lot of rumours and leaks surrounding them already. Now, it has been reported that both search giant’s flagships will feature a 90Hz display panel.

Faster Refresh Rate Displays

A higher refresh rate panel on a smartphone isn’t something new. Previously, gaming smartphones such as Razer Phone 2, Asus ROG Phone 2, Nubia Red Magic 3 and more employ higher displays. However, the OnePlus 7 Pro certainly helped in making it a hot new feature for the mainstream audiences. Reportedly, Google Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL will sport a 90Hz AMOLED display. The base variant features a 5.7-inch FHD+ display while the larger variant will have a 6.3-inch QHD+ display. Google has aptly dubbed the new faster display panels as “Smooth Display.”

Camera

Google, for the first time, is finally employing more than one photographic sensor on its rear camera module. According to the report, the primary sensor is still a 12MP shooter with PDAF like previous iterations. The Pixel 4 series will also include a 16MP telephoto lens. Interestingly, Google is also claimed to be working on a DSLR-like attachment for the Pixel series this year. It will probably be an accessory that can be purchased separately post the smartphone launch.

More Rumours

Google’s Pixel 4 will be powered by a 2,800mAh battery, while the Pixel 4 XL houses a larger 3,700mAh battery. It is a slight downgrade from the Pixel 3 (2,915mAh) for the smaller variant. However, the larger version benefits from a noticeably improved over the Pixel 3 XL (3,430mAh). The Pixel 4 series will feature Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 855 and finally cross the 4GB of RAM to 6GB. The devices will be available in a 64GB or 128GB of internal storage models.

Also Read: Motorola One Pro Official Renders Spotted Online

Furthermore, the Pixel 4 series will have stereo speakers, the Titan M security module and the latest Android with 3 years of software support. Additionally, we can also expect that Google will showcase its device alongside new Google Assistant features that will be exclusive to the devices as well. Google Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL will arrive in October at the company’s 4th annual Made by Google event. The event will also be held alongside the hardware developments from Mountain View company.

August 8, 2019

Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Lineup Launched

The wait is finally over. Samsung has officially lifted covers from the highly anticipated Galaxy Note 10 and Galaxy Note 10+. Besides the company has also unveiled 5G variants of both devices, that have heterogenous specifications to the standard variant.

Samsung Galaxy Note 10 S Pen — Samsung Galaxy Note 10

Falling in line with chronological name scheming, the newly launched Galaxy Note duo succeeds the Galaxy Note 9 from the year 2019. In comparison to its predecessor, the handsets are a significant step up both in terms of design and features.

The two Galaxy Note 10 smartphones have similar specifications with the key differences being the screen size, battery capacity, rear camera setup and storage size.

Galaxy Note 10 and Galaxy Note 10+

Both the flagship-grade Samsung smartphones feature a Dynamic AMOLED display with a punch-hole selfie camera and an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor as seen on the Galaxy S10 lineup.

The Galaxy Note 10 sports a 6.3-inch display that has a full HD resolution of 2280 x 1080 px whereas the Galaxy Note 10+ has a 6.8-inch display that has Quad HD resolution of 3,040 x 1,440 px.

Under the hood, both the smartphones pack the Qualcomm made Snapdragon 855 SoC which is manufactured using 7 nm fabrication process. The chipset consists of an Octa-Core CPU along with the Adreno 640 GPU. Equally important, the eight CPU cores a divided into three clusters which provides the best of battery and performance. The clusters are as follows:

1x 2.8 GHz Kryo 485
3x 2.4 GHz Kryo 485
4x 1.7 GHz Kryo 485

For photography, the Galaxy Note 10 duo has a 10 MP front-facing selfie camera which is placed in the previously mentioned punch hole. The rear camera setup on the two smartphones consists of a 12 MP telephoto sensor, 12 MP wide-angle and 16 MP ultra-wide sensor. In addition, the Galaxy Note 10+ also has a ToF (Time Of Flight) sensor which is used for capturing depth information.

Talking about the battery, the Galaxy Note 10 has a 3500 mAh battery while the Note 10+ has a 4300 mAh battery. Both the devices, also support fast charging, though the former supports 25 W charging whereas the latter supports 45 W charging which is implemented for the first time by Samsung. They also support wireless charging and reverse wireless charging.

Like OnePlus 7 Pro and iPhone XS, Samsung has also done away with the 3.5 mm headphone jack on the10th Gen Note smartphones. Though, in order to compensate for the removal of the port, the devices are shipped with a USB c to 3.5 mm adapter in addition to a pair of AKG tuned earphones.

One of the key highlighting features of the Galaxy Note 10 lineup is the all new S-Pen which supports air gestures. As the name suggests, the S-Pen can be used to control several functions by like controlling the camera shutter, zoom in or out and switching between applications by executing certain gestures in the air.

Samsung Galaxy Note 10 and Note 10+ Price, Colours, Storage And Availability

Also Read: Motorola One Pro Official Renders Spotted Online

Both the smartphones are offered in three colours which include Aura Black, Aura White, Aura Glow. Additionally, the Note 10+ will also be available in Aura Blue colour which will be exclusive to Best Buy and Samsung.com.

The price for different variants of the Galaxy smartphones are as follows:

Device Name	Storage
Galaxy Note 10	8 GB + 256 GB: US $ 949 (around Rs 67,500 )
Galaxy Note 10 5G	8 GB + 256 GB: US $ 1049 (around Rs 74,500 )
Galaxy Note 10+	12 GB + 256 GB:US $1,099 (around Rs 78,000 ) 12 GB + 512 GB: US $1,199 (around Rs 85,000)
Galaxy Note 10+ 5G	12 GB + 256 GB:US $1,299 (around Rs 92,000) 12 GB + 512 GB: US $1,399 (around Rs 99,000)

The smartphones are currently available for pre-booking in the US and the deliveries will commence from the 23rd of August. Although Samsung has not yet revealed the India specific launch date of Note 10, they were previously reported to launch on the 20th of August.

August 8, 2019

Samsung Launches The Galaxy Book S With Snapdragon 8CX SoC
Korean electronics giant Samsung has launched the Galaxy Book S at the Galaxy Unpacked event on the 7th of August. The successor to the Galaxy Book 2 and the next generation of the company’s always connected notebooks, it boasts of notable improvements in performance and design over its predecessor. The device has been launched alongside the company’s latest flagship smartphones, the Galaxy Note 10 and Galaxy Note 10+.

Galaxy Book S

As mentioned above, the Galaxy Book S is Samsung’s latest computing device. It measures 305.2 x 203.2 x 11.8mm, weighs 0.96 kg and features a premium anodized aluminium chassis. The laptop has a 13.3-inch touchscreen display with a FullHD resolution. It runs on the Windows 10 OS and promises a full PC experience. For biometric security and easily accessing the laptop, it has a fingerprint sensor which supports the Windows Hello authentication feature.

Under the hood, the Samsung Galaxy Book S is kitted with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8cx SoC. It is manufactured using the 7nm fabrication process and has an Octa-core CPU, combined with the Adreno 680 GPU. The company claims that because of using an ARM-based processor, the device should last for around 23 hours on continuous video playback. In terms of memory and storage, it has 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM combined with either 256GB or 512GB of internal storage. The device also supports memory expansion via Micro SD cards of up to 1TB in capacity.

Also read: Motorola One Pro Official Renders Spotted Online

In terms of connectivity, the Galaxy Book S features LTE Cat.18 via a nano-SIM card. It also has Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.0 and a single USB Type C port for charging and data syncing. The device will go on sale later this year at a starting price of US$ 999 (Rs. 70,800). Here is a roundup of all the major specifications of the Samsung Galaxy Book S.
- 13.3-inch FullHD Touchscreen Display
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 8cx, 7nm Octa-core
- 8GB LPDDR4X RAM
- 256GB / 512GB, microSD slot up to 1TB
- 720p HD Webcam
- 42Wh Battery, 23 hours video playback
- LTE, Bluetooth 5.0, Fingerprint scanner
August 8, 2019
PUBG Lite Will Soon Introduce Team Death Match Alongside New Lite Pass

PlayerUnknown’s Battleground is a massively popular multiplayer online shooter. It is set in the battle royale genre and has 100 people dropping into a large map that fight to be the last man standing. PUBG Lite was introduced last month and featured similar mechanics whilst being easier to run on lower specced PCs.

Now, the game is being further streamlined into the PUBG experience with the inclusion of Team Deathmatch and Lite Pass which basically is a seasonal Battle Pass.

4v4 Team Deathmatch

PUBG Corp. is making the move to bring the game more in line with its other entries by adding more content to the current barebones game. In Team Deathmatch, two teams of 4 battle it out in a much smaller arena. Unlike the regular battle royale mode, players do not get eliminated permanently. Rather they respawn after a short duration of time and get back into the fight. The goal of this game mode is to reach the maximum number of kills.

In PUGB Mobile, the objective is to gather up to 40 elimination of enemy players to win. Hence, it is safe to assume the objective remains more or less the same in PUBG Lite. Furthermore, it is reported that the map will be set in a warehouse with both teams spawning on either end. It is very much in line with PUBG Mobile’s team deathmatch arena so players should feel right at home.

https://www.facebook.com/PUBGLITE.IN.OFFICIAL/photos/a.338242673530770/366136177408086/?type=3

Lite Pass

As mentioned earlier, the developers behind the game wish to make the game robust which means content being added. So, to give players more incentive to play via challenges and rewards, a battle pass feature is also being introduced. PUBG Lite battle pass has been aptly named as “Lite Pass”. The base Lite Pass is free and is available to all players. It will reward players that complete their specified missions. Additionally, a premium version of the battle pass is also being offered. The paid version will have players receiving more rewards and exclusive in-game items while levelling up.

Also Read: Amazon Accidentally Leaks Moto One Action Launch Date And Price

PUBG Lite is free to play so any person interested can try the game as well. Conclusively, the new update is a healthy update to the game and help draw in more players in the arriving weeks after. Stay tuned on iGyaan for more gaming related content.

August 7, 2019
The Upcoming Honor TV Will Have A Motorised Popup Camera

After smartphones, Huawei’s subsidiary, Honor plans to enter the Smart TV market. The company claims that the upcoming television has numerous innovative features that will make it stand out of the crowd. Well, that is something only time will tell and will be influenced by several factors.

Days before the official launch, Honor has shared a teaser of its highly anticipated television that will bring to the table, a segment-first feature. According to the teaser, the Honor TV will have a camera which will be placed inside a motorised module.

The said feature is similar to what is found on modern smartphones including the newly launched Honor 9X and the Redmi K20 duo. Like a smartphone, the motorised pop-up selfie camera will allow minimising the thickness of the bezels around the display.

Clearly, the camera will be used for making video calls via certain applications that the upcoming Honor TV will support. Additionally, it could be used to capture pictures or videos. Though it is yet to be confirmed, the camera can aid in playing certain applications like games that need to track the movement of the user.

Noteworthy, due to its retractable nature, the camera on the Honor TV won’t appear as a threat to one personal or working space. This is a huge factor while considering the fact that even laptops or computer webcams can be hijacked by hackers for ill purposes.

Besides, the Honor TV is expected to run on HongMeng which is company’s homebrewed OS that it has been developing since 2012.

Also Read: Amazon Accidentally Leaks Moto One Action Launch Date And Price

Accordingly, it will also support a variety of on-demand video streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime or similar services that are offered in China.

Unfortunately, the teaser does not reveal any other aspects like the display size or processor of the upcoming Honor TV.

Nonetheless, it is expected to launch on the 9th of August which marks the commencement of Huawei’s developer commencement.

August 7, 2019
Amazon Accidentally Leaks Moto One Action Launch Date And Price

A new entry in Moto’s One series of smartphone had leaked earlier this year. The device in question was confirmed to be the Moto One Action. In June, we had covered the first leak of the One Actions design and press renders. Now, Amazon’s German branch has mistakenly revealed the pricing of the smartphone and its availability.

Specification

Moto One Action had most of its specifications leaked last month in July. It was reported that the Moto One Action is equipped with an Exynos 9609 SoC that is also found in the previously launched One Vision. The chipset is manufactured by Samsung and it paired with 4GB of RAM along with 128GB of internal storage. The upcoming smartphone also features an unconventionally tall dispay with an aspect ratio of 21:9. The Moto One action runs on the Android 9 Pie and is part of the Android One program. Therefore, it is guaranteed to get two major software updates (Android Q and R, in this case) and security updates up to three years.

The device is powered by a 3,500mAh battery which is likely to support 15W turbo charging which is staple on Moto smartphones. The main defining feature about the smartphone is its camera module. Moto One Action differentiates itself from the One Vision with its triple camera set up unlike the dual camera found in the latter. The additional new sensor on the One Action will be a wide angle lens which is being dubbed as the ‘Action Cam’. The selfie camera of the upcoming device is rumoured to be a 12.6MP sensor. Its primary sensor has now also been confirmed to be a 13MP sensor.

Also Read: Upcoming Xiaomi Smartphone Will Feature The Samsung GW1 64MP Camera Sensor

Price & Availability

According to the Amazon leak, the Moto One Action will go on sale on 7th September. It would probably follow after the reveal at IFA 2019 which starts a day prior on the 6th. In the leak, the 4GB RAM of 128GB storage variant will be priced at EUR 299 (approx. INR 23,685). The leaks have also further suggested that there will be cheaper configurations available such as 3GB RAM/ 32GB ROM and 4GB RAM/ 64GB ROM. Notably, the handset will be offered in two colour variants.

August 7, 2019
Freshly Patented Xiaomi Smartphone Could Be The Poco F2
In the year 2018, Xiaomi launched the flagship-grade Poco F1 which due to its value for money was well-received across the globe. Six months after its launch, reports via unofficial started surfacing that claimed the company will launch its successor which clearly has not yet happened.

On the 6th of August, Xiaomi was granted patent for an under development smartphone whose design seems familiar. The rear of the device houses a vertically aligned camera setup and a fingerprint sensor which is reminiscent of the Poco F1.

Moreover, the placement of USB Type C port, IR blaster and control buttons and SIM card slot on this device is heterogenous to that of the Poco F1.

Besides the handset in the patent has triple cameras rather than dual cameras. Due to the similar layout or ports, buttons, sensors and camera module, we believe this could indeed be the long-awaited Xiaomi Poco F2.

Talking about the front of the smartphone, it has an elegant looking front fascia. Unlike the original handset that has a wide notch up top, the alleged Poco F2 has a punch hole camera which helps to maximise the screen-to-body ratio.

However, the patent reveals three different arrangements for the placement of the punch hole camera. Therefore, the company is yet to reach a decision as in which design will be implemented in the commercially available device.

Unfortunately, the source does not reveal any specifications of the smartphone. Nonetheless, based on our assumptions, the Poco F2 will have the following features:
- Screen: 6.4 Inch, LCD Display, Full HD Resolution
- Rear Camera: 48 MP + 8 MP + 13 MP
- Front Camera: 20 MP
- Battery: 4,000 mAh, 27 W
- Chipset: Snapdragon 855
- CPU: Octa Core
- GPU: Adreno 640
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0, 802.11 ac Wi-Fi, USB Type C Port, NFC, GPS
- Notable Features: Rear Mounted Fingerprint Sensor, Punch Hole Camera
Also Read: Upcoming Xiaomi Smartphone Will Feature The Samsung GW1 64MP Camera Sensor

Conclusively, based on our assumptions, this device has a high possibility of being the Poco F2. Though we will have to wait patiently until Xiaomi acknowledges the patent or speaks publically about the handset.
August 7, 2019
Upcoming Xiaomi Smartphone Will Feature The Samsung GW1 64MP Camera Sensor

We have previously covered a report regarding Xiaomi working on an upcoming smartphone with a 64MP primary sensor. The company had thereon also proclaimed that it would schedule an event to address the new technology. The date was set for today (7th of August 2019) and took place just a day prior to Realme’s announcement for a similar technology.

We had previously speculated that the upcoming Xioami smartphone will feature the Samsung GW1 Sensor and that assumption has turned into a reality.

Unfortunately, Xiaomi is yet to announce the name of the smartphone or which series it will be a part of. Disparte to what was previously alleged, the handset will launch in the Q4 of 2019 which is still distant. Xiaomi’s President took to stage to announced the 64MP imaging technology to further push the industry standards similar to Realme’s first announcement.

The upcoming Xiaomi smartphone features Samsung Electronics’ GW1 sensors which utilize ISOCELL Plus technology. The imaging technology is used to create pixel to pixel barrier to reduce light interference between individual pixels. In other word words, the sensor can bar light from being reflected off a pixel to another which may reduce colour reproduction or quality.

The GW1 also features smart ISO supported by Dual Conversion Gain technology. It adjusts its ISO sensitivity based on ambient light intensity automatically. This allows the technology to use low ISO in bright scenarios or high ISO in dim lighting to achieve the best image possible.

Also Read: Xiaomi Independence Day Sale 2019, Discounts On Redmi Note 7 Series And More

Samsung’s GW1 outputs 64MP photos that carry a resolution of 9248 X 6936 pixels. Additionally, the sensor features real-time hardware support for high dynamic range (HDR) of up to 100 decibels as well. In comparison, a conventional image sensor has a dynamic range of 60 decibels. This translates to an overall better colour capturing capabilities. Hence, we can assume that Xiaomi’s upcoming smartphone might just be one of the best photography centric devices that the company has ever offered.

August 7, 2019

What We Know About The Soon To Launch: Galaxy Note 10 Lineup

The simple answer to the question is Everything. Yes, you read that right, except for the price and availability details, the design and specifications of the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Note 10 lineup have already been leaked via unofficial sources.

For easy reference we have presented the specs of all three upcoming Galaxy Note 10 smartphones in a tabular manner which are as follows:

Samsung Galaxy Note 10

Samsung Galaxy Note 10+

Samsung Galaxy Note 10+ 5G

Design

Cinematic Infinity-O Display

Aluminium &Gorilla Glass

Screen protector included

Cinematic Infinity-O Display

Aluminium & Gorilla Glass

Screen protector included

Cinematic Infinity-O Display

Aluminium & Gorilla Glass

Screen protector included

Display and OS

6.3″ FHD+

502 ppi

Dynamic AMOLED

One UI, Android 9 Pie

6.8″ WQHD+

502 ppi

Dynamic AMOLED

One UI, Android 9 Pie

6.8″ WQHD+

502 ppi Dynamic AMOLED

One UI, Android 9 Pie

Camera

Triple rear camera: 12MP Dual Pixel + 12MP Zoom + 16MP Ultrawide

Dual Aperture I Live Focus Video I SuperSlow-mo

Front camera: 10 MP

Quad rear camera: 12MP Dual Pixel + 12MP Zoom + 16MP Ultrawide + 3D Depth Lens

Dual Aperture I Live Focus Video I SuperSlow-mo

Front camera: 10 MP

Quad rear camera: 12MP Dual Pixel + 12MP Zoom + 16MP Ultrawide + 3D Depth Lens

Dual Aperture I Live Focus Video I SuperSlow-mo

Front camera: 10 MP

Audio

AKG Tuned Stereo Speakers

Dolby Atmos 3D Sound

AKG Tuned Stereo Speakers

Dolby Atmos 3D Sound

AKG Tuned Stereo Speakers

Dolby Atmos 3D Sound

Chipset & Storage

Exynos 9825

6GB RAM

256GB ROM

Expandable Upto 1TB

Exynos 9825

12GB RAM

256GB / 512GB

Expandable Upto 1TB

Exynos 9825 Processor & 5G Modem

12GB RAM

256GB /512GB

Expandable Upto 1TB

Power

3800 mAh

PowerShare 25W Super Fast Charge

Wireless Charging 2.0

4300 mAh

PowerShare 45W Super Fast Charge

Wireless Charging 2.0

4300 mAh

PowerShare 45W Super Fast Charge

Wireless Charging 2.0

Security

Ultrasonic Fingerprint Scanner

Knox security

Face Recognition 2.0

Ultrasonic Fingerprint Scanner

Knox security

Face Recognition 2.0

Ultrasonic Fingerprint Scanner

Knox security

Face Recognition 2.0

Connectivity

BIXBY

LTE-A Cat. 20

WiFi a/b/g/n/ac

BT5.0

USB Type-C

BIXBY

LTE-A Cat. 20

WiFi a/b/g/n/ac

BT5.0

USB Type-C

BIXBY

WiFi a/b/g/n/ac

BT5.0

USB Type-C

Additional Features

IP68 rating for dust and water resistance

Now that the specs are out of the way, let’s have a look at other elements of the upcoming Galaxy Note 10 lineup.

Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Design & Features

In comparison to the preceding devices, the Samsung Galaxy Note 10, Galaxy Note 10+ and the Galaxy Note 10+ 5G have a significantly different design.

The latest smartphones will have a centre-mounted punch hole near the top bezel that houses the front-facing selfie camera. As the images exhibit, they have an extremely high screen-to-body ratio which is due to minimal bezels that surround the display.

The rear panel of the upcoming Galaxy Note 10 lineup has a gradient finish which houses a capsule-shaped camera module and the company branding. While the standard variant has 3 sensors, the Note 10+ and its 5G variant have four camera sensors on the back.

The left side of the all three Galaxy Note 10 smartphones has right side-mounted volume rockers and power button, while their bottom houses USB Type C Port, loudspeaker grille and microphone grille.

Also new with the 10th gen of Note smartphones, Samsung will introduce an upgraded S-Pen which will offer similar functionality to the one offered on the newly launched Galaxy Tab S6.

Notably, as the user writes on the display with the S-Pen, the smartphone will artificially mimic the sound that is produced when a marker is used to write on paper. Besides, users will be able to switch between applications wirelessly with the help of the updated S-Pen.

Furthermore, the smartphones in the Galaxy Note 10 lineup will support Audio Zoom functionality. In simple words, as a user zooms in or zooms out on a subject while recording a video, the audio volume is also boosted or reduced which allows capturing life-like videos.

Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Accessories

With the Galaxy Note 10 lineup, Samsung will introduce several new accessories that have already been leaked.

First in line is the Flip cover that has a transparent edge. This will allow the user to quickly grab hold of notifications like missed calls, mail, message prompt. Also, it can be used to see the remaining battery percentage and charging status of the Note 10 smartphones. In addition, users will have the option to buy the LED rear case which first debuted with the Galaxy S10.

The USB cable that Samsung ships with the Galaxy Note 10 smartphones will have USB C port on either end which will be accompanied with a corresponding power charger. The devices will be shipped with a USB C to 3.5 mm adaptor which confirms that the company has done with the connector that most earphones and headphones have.

Conclusion

Also Read: Xiaomi Independence Day Sale 2019, Discounts On Redmi Note 7 Series And More

To sum it up, the Galaxy Note 10 seems like powerful Android flagship devices which can easily take on the likes of OnePlus 7 Pro which has been well appreciated. Furthermore, it seems geared to compete against the highly anticipated iPhone 11.

Even though all the leaked details about the Galaxy Note 10 smartphone seem genuine, we will have to wait until they are officially confirmed. Speaking of which; specs, price and availability information of the devices will be revealed at the Galaxy Unpacked event which is set for the 7th of August (later today) in New York.

August 7, 2019

Xiaomi Independence Day Sale 2019, Discounts On Redmi Note 7 Series And More

Xiaomi is one of the most recognisable smartphone brands in India. The company has been successful in capturing the Indian audience and have carved a permanent spot due to its aggressive strategies. To boost sales, the Chinese manufacturer is hosting an Independence Day sale in India on Flipkart.com and its official website.

The Xiaomi sale beings at 12 pm (IST) today (7th August) and will continue till 11th August. Furthermore, the company has already updated the online listing of its products with offers during Flipkart’s National Shopping Days sale which is scheduled to kick off from 8th August till 10th August.

Additionally, Amazon Freedom Sale is also being held from 8th August till 11th August. The smartphones which will be receiving discounts are as follows.

Redmi Note 7S & Redmi Note 7 Pro

The Redmi Note 7S and Note 7 Pro are extremely popular devices in the country and have collectively sold over 5 million units in India since launch. Note 7S now has its prices start from INR 9,999 for the 3GB RAM/ 32GB ROM variant. The 4GB RAM/ 64GB ROM variant is now priced at INR 11,999; it means that the prices have effectively been reduced by at least Rs. 1,000 throughout.

Redmi Note 7S

The Redmi Note 7 Pro is now priced at INR 12,999 for its base 4GB RAM + 64GB storage variant. The higher variant with 6GB RAM + 128GB storage will be sold for INR 15,999 during the sale. Both smartphones are currently available on Flipkart and Mi.com.

Click here to buy the Redmi Note 7S

Click here to buy the Redmi Note 7 Pro

Redmi 7

In the sale, the Redmi 7 will start at INR 7,499 for the 2GB RAM/ 32GB ROM variant. The 3GB RAM/ 32GB ROM variant will have buyers shell out INR 8,499. The device is offered in Comet Blue, Eclipse Black, and Lunar Red from Amazon.in, Mi.com and Flipkart.com as well. An INR 500 discount has been observed on both.

Click here to buy the Redmi 7

Redmi 7

Redmi Y2 & Y3

Both Redmi Y2 & Y3 are also available at discounted rates during the sale. Redmi Y2’s 4GB RAM + 64GB storage is available for INR 7,999, instead of INR 10,999. The Redmi Y3 will will start from INR 8,999 and INR 10,999 for its 3GB RAM + 32GB ROM and 4GB + 64GB ROM variant respectively. Furthermore, Note 6 Pro will also be priced at INR 12,999 instead of 13,999 for its 6GB RAM + 64GB ROM variant as well.

Click here to buy the Redmi Y2

Click here to buy the Redmi Y3

Redmi Y3

Also Read: Realme 5 Confirmed With 64MP Quad Camera, May Feature Snapdragon 855

Xiaomi Mi A2

Xiaomi Mi A2

The Xiaomi Mi A2 during the sale will sell for INR 8,999 for the 4GB RAM + 64GB ROM variant. Although the sale is currently live, the price is not yet updated, but that is expected to happen soon.

The Redmi 6 (3GB RAM + 32GB ROM) will be available at INR 6,999, and 6 Pro (4GBRAM + 64GB ROM) is priced at INR 9,999. Redmi 6A is the most affordable offering starting at INR 5,999 for its 2GB RAM + 32GB ROM variant.

Click here to buy the Xiaomi Mi A2

Click here to buy the Redmi 6A

August 7, 2019