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Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro goes on sale in India today

Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro goes on sale in India
Image: Redmi

Xiaomi’s Redmi announced the Redmi Note 11 Pro and Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G in India two weeks ago. The Note 11 Pro+ 5G is already on sale in the country, and starting at noon local time today, the Note 11 Pro will also be available for purchase in India through Mi.com, Amazon.in, Mi Home, and other retail partners.

The Redmi Note 11 Pro is offered in Stealth Black, Phantom White, and Star Blue colors and comes in 6GB/128GB and 8GB/128GB memory versions priced at INR17,999 ($235/€215) and INR19,999 ($260/€240), respectively.

The Note 11 Pro is powered by the Helio G96 SoC and boots Android 11-based MIUI 13. It’s built around a 6.67″ 120Hz FullHD+ AMOLED screen and packs a 5,000 mAh battery with 67W fast charging.

For photography, there’s a 16MP unit on the front inside the punch hole, and on the back is the 108MP primary camera joined by 8MP ultrawide, 2MP macro, and 2MP depth sensor units.

The rest of the Redmi Note 11 Pro’s highlights include a side-mounted fingerprint scanner, 3.5mm headphone jack, dual speakers, Hi-Res Audio certification, IR Blaster, and IP53 rating.

From Gsmarena

Motorola executive teases 125W charger

Motorola executive teases 125W charger
Image: Weibo

Motorola’s latest flagships are the Edge 30 Pro and Edge 30 Ultra, which come with speedy 68W fast charging. The company is apparently thinking this is not enough and has developed an even faster charger – 125W.

The adapter was revealed by Chen Jin, General Manager of Lenovo Mobile Phone Business Department in China, on his personal Weibo page. He also said the brick weighs just 130 grams, which is a lot lower than any other charger with the same speeds on the market.

The race for delivering 125W chargers and above is heating up, and we have at least five makers with an adapter that can reach those or higher speeds. A quick comparison reveals that Xiaomi’s brick is 195 grams, vivo’s adapter is 210 grams, and all the other we have laying around in the office are around the same weight.

The 130g body of Motorola is truly impressive, but should not surprise anyone – the company is capable of building tight charging packages. Its current 68W adapter is under 100 grams.

The bigger question behind this teaser is what phone is this 125W charger designed for. Rumors are the brand is preparing a device code-named Frontier with a 194MP camera, which seems suited to pushing the charging boundaries as well.

From Gsmarena

Nvidia unveils RTX A5500 workstation GPU with 24GB ECC RAM, also a laptop version

Nvidia RTX A5500 workstation GPU based on the Ampere architecture with 24 GB of ECC GDDR6 VRAM
Image: Nvidia

Nvidia unveiled new GPUs, but no, it’s not the RTX 4000 series. Instead the company is introducing a number of workstation GPUs – one for the desktop and several for professional laptops.

The Nvidia RTX A5500 is based on the GA102 GPU with 10,240 CUDA cores. This is the same configuration as an RTX 3080 Ti. However, this GPU uses ECC memory (Error Correction Code), which can detect and correct errors. This doesn’t matter so much for games, but it is crucial for professional tasks – simulations, 3D design, machine learning and so on – where errors can lead to incorrect results.

The A5500 has a whopping 24 GB GDDR6 (with ECC) and that can be expanded to 48 GB using Nvidia NVLink to hook up a second GPU. The A5500 offers double the performance for ray tracing compared to the previous generation and can be up to 12x as fast for machine learning tasks. A single card can be used by multiple remote users thanks to virtualization.

From Gsmarena

Apple and Samsung are developing under-display camera tech for the iPhone 15 Pro

Image: Ian Zelbo/Front Page Tech

When the iPhone 14 Pro arrives this fall, there’s a very good chance that it won’t have a notch. Numerous rumors, including schematics leaked just this week, point to Apple switching to a hole+pill cutout design that significantly trims the area around the camera.

The iPhone 15 might take it one step further. According to a report in Korean publication The Elec, Samsung is working on a new under-panel camera technology for Apple to hide the Face ID components in the 2023 iPhone. The report says the tech is only for the sensors related to Face ID and not for the selfie camera, which would still need a hole.

The new tech will reportedly hide the sensors when not in use, in a manner similar to the Galaxy Z Fold 3’s selfie camera. However, that camera received widespread criticism for both how it looks and how it functions. Apple is obviously extremely particular when it comes to its displays, so the company is surely working closely with Samsung to ensure the in-display sensors are invisible to the naked eye. The report goes into detail about the development of the new screen, which includes transparent cathodes that “absorb light from the outside at the same time.”

The Elec says that while Samsung uses “laser drilling” for its under-display cameras, Apple has opted for a different method and is “looking for alternative options.”

From Macworld

Galaxy S22 Ultra’s 1TB variant will be launched in India soon

Image: Sammobile

Earlier this month, Samsung launched the Galaxy S22, Galaxy S22+, and the Galaxy S22 Ultra in India. However, the company had only launched 256GB and 512GB variants of the Galaxy S22 Ultra. Today, the company has announced that it will soon launch the 1TB version of its latest flagship smartphone in India.

The 1TB version of the Galaxy S22 Ultra will be launched in India on March 28 at 6:00 PM IST. The device is priced at INR 134,999 (around $1,776), and it will be available exclusively through Samsung E-store. When the phone goes on sale initially through Samsung Live, the South Korean firm’s live commerce platform, customers who buy the device will be able to get the Galaxy Watch 4 by paying just INR 2,999 (around $40).

Samsung is also offering an upgrade bonus of INR 8,000 (around $105) to those trading in a Galaxy Note or Galaxy S series smartphone. Buyers who trade in other smartphones will get an upgrade bonus of INR 5,000 (around $65). The company hasn’t revealed the Galaxy S22 Ultra 1TB variant’s color options yet.

The 256GB version of the Galaxy S22 Ultra is priced at INR 109,999 (around $1,447) in India. The 512GB version of the smartphone comes with a price tag of INR 118,999 (around $1,565). All variants of the Galaxy S22 Ultra come with a bundle offer where buyers can get the Galaxy Watch 4 for just INR 2,999 (around $40).

From Sammobile

Nothing’s First Phone Will Arrive After a “Nothing OS” Android Launcher

Image: Nothing

As expected, Nothing used its March 23rd “The Truth” event to announce its first smartphone, called the “phone (1).” While the company still hasn’t shared any images or specs related to the phone, it did give us a look at Nothing OS, a custom Android skin that will debut as a launcher on the Google Play Store this April.

According to Nothing, the custom operating system “captures the best features of pure Android, distilling the operating system to just the essentials.” I feel like I’ve heard these same words applied to OnePlus’ OxygenOS, which makes sense, given that Nothing CEO Carl Pei is the co-founder of OnePlus.

The only substantial thing we know about phone (1) is that it features three years of OS updates and four years of security updates. We rarely see this kind of software support in Android devices, and it’s good to see it in Nothing’s first smartphone.
Early images of the Nothing OS tell us very little about the operating system or launcher. All we know is that it’s a clean, simple, stripped-down version of Android with a few hints of flavor (particularly in the UI, fonts, and sounds). While Nothing tends to pad its announcements with fluffy language, the company clearly understands that customers don’t want their products full of the same fluff.

Here’s one weird thing; the only custom app featured in this announcement is a Nothing audio recorder. The company previously talked about its interest in a unified product ecosystem, which may require proprietary apps, so I assume that it has more than just an audio recorder in the works.

The Nothing OS launcher will arrive sometime this April, presumedly so customers can “try” a Nothing phone (1). More details related to the Nothing phone (1) will seep out before it goes on sale this summer.

From Reviewgeek

Sorry, Apple Car hopefuls – Xiaomi’s on track to win the electric car race

Image: Shutterstock / zhangjin_net

Chinese mobile giant Xiaomi has reaffirmed its commitment to bringing an electric car to market as soon as 2024.

The company announced its move into automotive manufacturing in 2021, but eyebrows were raised at the mere three-year window internally assigned to complete the so-called Xiaomi Car project. 

In 2022, though, Xiaomi claims its projected 2024 release date remains accurate, adding that it currently has more than 1,000 people working on the swift development of the electric vehicle (EV). 

As GizChina reports, Xiaomi is also on track to present a prototype model of its car in the third quarter of 2022 – meaning we could see it in the flesh as early as July – after the CEO of the company’s Beijing branch revealed there had been a “breakthrough” in its development. 

Naturally, no concrete details about the Xiaomi Car are public knowledge at this stage. Per GizChina, the company has alluded to pricing the vehicle between 100,000 and 300,000 Chinese yuan (around $16,000 to $47,000), and hinted that it could be an SUV – but neither feature should be taken as gospel prior to official confirmation. 

Xiaomi isn’t the only tech firm weighing into the automotive space, though its ambitious 2024 target could mean the Xiaomi Car is the first of its kind to hit the road. 

Consider the Apple Car project (codenamed Project Titan), which seemingly lies dormant as it undergoes a regime change. Apple insiders recently revealed that the company has set an internal release target of 2025 for its coveted vehicular debut, but a revolving door of employees working on its development appears to be hampering progress. 

Former Apple Car software engineering manager Joe Bass, for instance, was poached by Silicon Valley rival Meta at the turn of the year, while Apple has since hired ex-Tesla executive Christopher Moore to make headway on the potentially autonomous EV. 

From Techradar

Google Home app updates bring simpler controls and improved privacy

Google Home app control and event updates
Image: Google

The Google Home app should soon be more convenient — and familiar, if you’re an Android user. Google is rolling out updates to Home for Android and iOS that should provide more powerful controls even as they remove some of the clutter. Most notably, you’ll see simpler, Android 11-inspired smart home controls in the main view over the weeks ahead. You can tap devices to turn them on, use sliders to quickly dim lights or raise a speaker’s volume and long-press if you need more control.

Privacy will also improve. As of this week, you’ll find a settings section that lets you manage privacy controls, Assistant data and home activity within the Google Home app. You won’t have to hop between software to set tighter restrictions.

Another update arriving by the end of March will help you parse what’s happening in your household. The home feed will automatically sort events and group anything that happened within a short space of time. You won’t have to slog through multiple status updates if the neighbor’s dog repeatedly set off your Nest Cam, for example. All told, you might have more reasons to delve into the Home app rather than relying on voice controls and notifications.

From Engadget

Premium smartphone sales reach new record high globally, with Apple leading in every region


Image: Counterpoint

Premium smartphone sales reached a new record high in 2021, according to a new report today, with Apple taking the top slot in each of the six global regions covered.

The iPhone maker is also said to be best-placed to take advantage of Huawei’s effective demise …

Counterpoint Research says that growth in the premium segment (defined as >$400 wholesale price) is far out-stripping the market as a whole.

The global premium smartphone market sales grew 24% YoY in 2021 to reach their highest ever level, according to Counterpoint Research’s Market Pulse Service. The growth in the premium segment outpaced the 7% YoY growth in the overall global smartphone sales in 2021. The premium segment alone contributed to 27% of the global smartphone sales, its highest ever share.

The firm believes that a range of factors are behind this. Demand for 5G phones is an obvious one. The pandemic pushed some planned 2020 launches into 2021, and the global chip shortage meant that companies like Apple couldn’t keep up with demand, delaying what would normally have been 2020 purchases into early 2021. Additionally, smartphone companies have prioritized the premium segment at a time of component shortages, because it makes sense to apply limited resources to the most profitable product lines.

Apple achieved its highest share of the premium market since the launch of the iPhone X in 2017.

From 9to5Mac

YouTube Adds Nearly 4,000 Free Episodes of TV as It Plays Catch-Up With the Competition

Image: Youtube

You might consider opening the YouTube app the next time you’re mindlessly scanning streaming apps for the next TV show to watch. At least, so long as you can stomach ads.

Google’s popular video platform announced today that users can now stream nearly 4,000 episodes of various TV shows for free with ads. You can browse the full list in the “Free to watch shows” section of the “Movies and shows” category on YouTube. Some of the more popular titles of the 100 or so shows available include Hell’s KitchenAndromedaHeartlandAscension, and Kitchen Nightmares. Older releases include Unsolved Mysteries21 Jump StreetThe Carol Burnett ShowThe Lone RangerHopalong Cassidy, and The Dick Van Dyke Show.

The shows join some 1,500 ad-supported movies from companies like Disney Media & Entertainment Distribution, Warner Bros., Paramount Pictures, Lionsgate, FilmRise, and others. New additions to the platform include Gone in Sixty SecondsRunaway Bridge, and Legally Blonde.

Google is attempting to bolster its YouTube offerings to compete with other streaming apps after removing the Google Play Movies and TV apps from most TV platforms. The company’s attempt to take on Netflix with original TV shows and movies via YouTube Originals faltered. Although it released some hits like Cobra Kai, YouTube could never keep pace with its competitors and eventually made its originals free to watch before scaling them down altogether.

From Gizmodo

I’m a tech savvy person who occasionally cook and party. I am an engineer by profession and tech enthusiast by passion.
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