Samsung’s new foldables are getting a much needed update to reflect a new era spearheaded by Galaxy AI. The new Galaxy Z Fold6 and Galaxy Z Flip6 are powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and 12GB of RAM. Both come with some meaningful updates that make them easier to use and more useful. The Z Fold6 is slimmer and sleeker than ever before with more powerful features that take Galaxy AI to the next level. The Flip6, on the other hand, takes self expression and customisation to the next level with more accessories.
Category Archives: Android
Nothing Proves Style Doesn’t Compromise with The CMF Phone 1
CMF by Nothing has launched its first smartphone – the CMF Phone 1. Aimed at the budget-conscious consumer without compromising on style or substance, the phone embodies the brand’s philosophy of transparent design and accessible technology.
At the heart of the CMF Phone 1 is its distinctive aesthetic. The transparent back panel offers a unique glimpse into the phone’s internal components, a design choice that sets it apart from the competition. This design element is complemented by a customizable back panel, allowing users to personalize their devices to match their style.
Performance-wise, the phone is equipped with a MediaTek Dimensity 7300 processor, ensuring smooth operation for everyday tasks. A dual rear camera system, featuring a 50MP main sensor, handles photography and videography needs adequately. The 6.67-inch AMOLED display delivers vibrant visuals, enhancing the overall user experience.
Battery life is a standout feature. The CMF Phone 1 houses a substantial 5000mAh battery, promising all-day usage without the constant worry of running out of juice. This, combined with the phone’s efficient processor, ensures users can enjoy their device without interruptions.
The CMF Phone 1 isn’t just about hardware; it’s also about user experience. The phone’s side-mounted dial offers a quick and convenient way to access frequently used functions. Additionally, the device is compatible with a range of customizable back covers, allowing users to personalize their phone beyond the initial design.
Pricing & Availability
Priced competitively at USD$199 internationally and RM1,099 in Malaysia for the version with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. It will be available in Black, Orange, and Light Green colour options, the phone also comes with customizable back panels to suit individual preferences. Pre-orders for the CMF Phone 1 commenced on July 8th, 2024, with official sales starting on July 15th.
The CMF Phone will also have accessories available. The case which will be available in Black, Orange, Light Green and Blue will be priced at RM99. The phone stand will be priced at RM59, the Lanyard at RM59 and the Card Case at RM59.
Play For Dream MR Takes on Apple’s Vision Pro at a Lower Price Point
Play for Dream Technology, a mixed reality company currently based out of China, is taking Apple’s Vision Pro head-on with its new Play for Dream MR. The new mixed reality headset is not only bringing a lot of the features that made Apple’s Vision Pro notable, but it’s also making some big improvements.
The Play for Dream MR headset runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon XR+ Gen 2. The processor is built from the ground up for Mixed and Extended-reality experiences. It has 16GB of RAM supporting this processor and is available with up to 1TB of onboard storage. When it comes to optics, the Play for Dream MR comes with two 8K micro OLED screens – one per eye. Unlike other mixed-reality headsets, the Play for Dream MR headset comes with a Pancake optics solution that is developed by the team at Play for Dream Technologies. The company’s solution is made of ultra-lightweight resin which reduces the weight of the lenses tremendously. According to the company, it’s the lightest available right now.
Design-wise, the same approach is also being used when it comes to the design of the wearable. The MR headset is built to not only look futuristic but also be light. The main factor behind this approach is simply the comfort of wearing the headset over prolonged periods of time. The headset is only 33mm thick and even has a built-in battery. You can also get extra juice with an additional power bank for even longer MR sessions. It’s also designed with a 3:2 weight distribution to minimise neck strain.
There are a total of 11 high-performance cameras that are paired with 7 different types of sensors and 22 infra-red LEDs for precise multimodal interaction. The main cameras on the Play For Dream MR are dual 32-megapixel sensors which are used for view through for extended and augmented-reality application. In addition, these cameras can also be used to capture immersive, 3D content that can be used with the Play for Dream MR. The MR also has a large 103° field of view with about 45 pixels per degree (PPD).
On top of these specs, Play for Dream Technologies has also developed its own MR OS called DreamOS based on Android. This OS while built on Android expands the capabilities of it to include productivity features, the ability to create 3D content and more. What could be a hallmark feature when it comes to the MR is its AI Assistant, Xiao Hu. The cute, furry little creature is the Play for Dream MR’s visual manifestation of Iron Man’s Jarvis. For now, Xiao Hu is able to handle searches, music composition, translation and precise voice control. That said, Xiao Hu is only one of the AI features that will be coming with the MR.
While augmented- and mixed-reality are amazing, it’s not worth much if there’s no content. Play For Dream Technologies is partnering with over 100 content companies to ensure that the platform has a robust app and content ecosystem. In addition, partners like Unity are helping the company figure out apps as both immersive 3D experiences and regular app experiences. When it comes to content, the headset is able to provide an immersive theatrical experience as the in OS screen can provide experiences that mimic a screen that is over 1000-inches big.
The development of immersive content experiences has also influenced the design and features of the headset. The Play for Dream MR comes with speakers that are able to deliver DTS:X audio and IMAX immersive audio. These speakers are developed in partnership with Xperi (the company behind DTS:X) and IMAX. The built-in speakers are able to deliver simulated 7.1-channel audio that has been IMAX Enhanced certified. The built-in speakers are also able to create 3D immersive sound. CEO and Founder of Play for Dream, Huang Feng, mentioned that the company chose to go with built-in speakers to create a more immersive experience but more importantly, to provide an integrated experience that is more conducive to long hours of use. He iterated that using earbuds may not be the best option.
Like other VR headsets, the MR comes with controllers or joysticks. These controllers come with 6DoF and lack the halo design we’re used to seeing in other systems. However, they are more accurate and have better range of movement. In addition, the Play for Dream MR has basic and advanced gesture controls. These gestures are developed in collaboration with Sogou, a company that has already made waves with gestures based controls in the past. These gestures are detected by the large number of sensors on the headset. These sensors are supposedly able to track the gestures with increased accuracy and precision.
Pricing & Availability
The only official pricing announced during the launch of the Play for Dream MR is USD$1X99 – which is a fraction of the price of the Apple Vision Pro. However, the MR will be rolling out officially in Malaysia and Singapore starting in October 2024. Other Asia Pacific countries like Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand and more will follow in 2025.
We expect that the headset will be priced at about USD$1,899 or just a tad bit lower. However, at this point, the MR is entering a market which is stagnating barring the interest behind the Apple Vision Pro. However, with an option that is not only cheaper, but more open for everyone with a lower price point and what looks like to be a promising competitor that can invigorate the space when it comes to gaming and even how we consume our conent.
Infinix Collaborates with BMW Designworks for a High-Speed Edition of the Note 40 Series
BMW Designworks seems to be seriously considering the mobile makret with the company’s many partnerships. Hot off its partnership with Vivo’s iQOO 12, the company is now collaborating with up and coming mobile brand – Infinix. The new collaboration sees the Infinix’s midrange hero – the Infinix Note 40 5G series – get a design refresh befitting the snappy, zippy charging that it champions.
The refreshed Infinix Note 40 5G Racing Edition and Note 40 Pro 5G Racing Edition come in BMW’s signature Rodonite Silver with streaks that integrate the BMW Designworks logo subtly into the smartphone’s design. The sheen of the silver finish elevates the Infinix Note 40 5G and Note 40 Pro 5G in terms of design outlook. The tricolor logo of Designworks sublty highlights the triple camera setups in the smartphones; both featuring a 108-megapixel main sensor. Of course, the package isn’t complete without a matching interface. BMW Designworks has also leveraged the customizability of Infinix’s XOS and designed icons, a wallpaper and customised the interface to infuse a more refined feel to the smartphones.
Specc’d for Speed
The Infinix Note 40 series was launched earlier this year. The racing edition builds on the foundations of Infinix’s MagSafe touting series. The Note 40 Series Racing edition comes with a supped up Mediatek Dimensity 7020 5G processor. This is complemented by 8GB of RAM on the Note 40 Pro Racing Edition while the Note 40 comes with a larger 12GB of RAM. Both support RAM expansion for that extra boost when needed. The regular Note 40 also comes with 512GB of internal storage while the Pro comes with 256GB onboard storage.
Both smartphone come with a 108-megapixel main camera with a an f/1.8 aperture with phase detection autofocus. The Pro has the added advantage of OIS. The sensor is complemented with dual 2-megapixel sensors for depth and and bokeh. The setup is capable of shooting 1440p (4K) at 30fps and 1080p video at 30fps and 60fps. Upfront is a 32-megapixel sensor. Both sport 1080p AMOLED displays. However, the Pro 5G has a dual curved design while the vanilla Note 40 comes with a flat panel design. Of course, the audio on the smartphone is still tuned by JBL.
However, the Infinix Note 40 Pro 5G and Infinix Note 40 5G are more impressive when it comes to charging speed. Both boast 5,000mAh batteries which are capable of fast charging at 45W for the Pro and 33W on the Note 40 5G. Both of them are able to charge to 50% in about 30 minutes. If you want to be more specific it’s 26 minutes on the Pro and 31 minutes on the regular Note 40 5G. Both also support Infinix’s MagCharge.
Pricing & Availability
The Infinix Note 40 5G Racing Edition and the Infinix Note 40 Pro 5G Racing Edition will be available starting 19th June 2024. Purchases of the smartphones will come with a Free Magpower Racing Edition kit while stocks last. The smartphones will be available on the Infinix official online stores on Shopee, Lazada and TikTok.
The vanilla 40 5G Racing edition will be priced at RM1,299. There is only spec announced at the time of writing – 512GB of onboard storage and 12GB of RAM.
The40 Pro 5G Racing edition will be priced at RM1,098 and will only be available with 256GB of internal storage and 8GB of RAM.
vivo V30 Series: The Official Smartphone to Capture the Magic of UEFA EURO 2024
Football fans, get ready to capture the electrifying atmosphere and unforgettable moments of the UEFA EURO 2024™ with the vivo V30 series! As the official smartphone partner of the tournament, vivo empowers users to become storytellers of this historic event.
The innovative V30 series boasts industry-leading technologies that ensure you never miss a single heart-stopping goal or a passionate fan celebration. Its innovative Aura Light Portrait technology adjusts lighting conditions on the fly, even in the dynamic environment of a stadium, guaranteeing stunning portrait shots.
Capture Studio-Quality Portraits on the Pitch
The vivo V30 Pro takes center stage with its powerful vivo ZEISS Co-Engineered Imaging System. This innovative technology delivers professional-grade mobile photography, allowing you to capture the raw emotions of the players and the electrifying energy of the crowd in vivid detail.
The 50MP Professional Portrait Camera ensures minimal distortion, replicating exactly what your eyes see. This is particularly important for capturing the intensity and passion of the game.
Feeling creative? The vivo V30 Pro’s ZEISS Style Portrait mode allows you to transform your photos into artistic masterpieces. Choose from six distinct styles, including ZEISS Biotar, Sonnar, and Planar, and add a professional touch with the ZEISS Border Watermark – perfect for sharing your unique UEFA EURO 2024™ experience on social media.
Celebrating the Joy of Humanity Through Sports
The UEFA EURO 2024™ is more than just a football tournament; it’s a global celebration of sportsmanship and human connection. vivo, through its partnership with the event, aims to share its brand message of “The Joy of Humanity” with fans worldwide.
As a leader in smartphone innovation, vivo continuously pushes boundaries in mobile imaging through cutting-edge technology, strategic partnerships, and meticulous product development. The V30 series’ unparalleled imaging capabilities empower football enthusiasts and photographers alike to capture the beauty and drama of the UEFA EURO 2024™ with ease.
“We’re thrilled to enhance the user experience by enabling everyone to enjoy the beautiful game and capture lasting memories,” said Yongduan Zhou, General Manager of the Overseas Product Department at vivo. “The UEFA EURO 2024™ unites people from all corners of the world, and with the V30 Pro, we want to fuel that passion by empowering users to become storytellers of this unforgettable journey. We’ll continue to develop cutting-edge mobile photography technologies, ensuring everyone can be a storyteller with a single tap.”
Honor will be Unveiling its First Flip Device on 13 June 2024
Honor is set to enter the foldable phone market with the upcoming launch of the Magic V Flip on June 13, 2024. This announcement comes after a period of speculation and rumours surrounding the new device.
The Honor Magic V Flip adopts a clamshell design, similar to the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip series. Images from Honor’s official Weibo account reveal a sizeable cover display that occupies more than half the phone’s back when folded. This display is rumoured to be over 4 inches diagonally, potentially offering a more expansive viewing experience for notifications and quick actions without unfolding the phone.
Confirmed Specifications and Potential Features
Honor has confirmed some key specifications for the Magic V Flip. The phone will be equipped with 12GB of RAM and users will have storage options ranging from 256GB to 1TB. Fast charging capabilities are also confirmed, with support for 66W charging. Previous certifications hint at a 4,500 mAh battery, which could potentially be the largest battery capacity yet seen in a flip phone. While the official camera specifications haven’t been revealed, rumours suggest a 50MP main camera on the rear.
A dedicated launch event scheduled for June 13th in Shanghai, China is expected to unveil the complete specifications, features, and pricing details of the Honor Magic V Flip. Reports suggest three colour options: Camellia White, Champagne Pink, and Iris Black.
Vivo Unveils the S19 Series: Striking Design, Powerful Cameras
Vivo Unveils the S19 Series: Striking Design, Powerful Cameras, and Long Battery Life
Vivo has unveiled its latest smartphone lineup – the S19 series. Comprising the S19 and S19 Pro, these mid-range devices boast a sleek design, impressive camera capabilities, and long-lasting batteries, making them strong contenders in the competitive smartphone market.
Both the S19 and S19 Pro feature a near bezel-less display with a waterdrop notch housing the front camera. The 6.78-inch AMOLED display boasts a Full HD+ resolution (1260 x 2800 pixels) and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate for a visually immersive experience. The S19 and S19 Pro come in three colourways. The S19 Pro will be available in Misty Rain, Mountain Green and Sword Shadow Gray. The vanilla S19, on the other hand, will be available in Misty Rain, Peach Blossom and Pine Smoke.
Under the hood, the S19 packs a Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 processor, while the S19 Pro opts for the MediaTek Dimensity 9200+. Both processors offer reliable performance for everyday tasks, light gaming, and multitasking. The devices come pre-installed with OriginOS 4 on top of Android 14, offering a user-friendly interface with customization options.
Cameras with Aura Light
The camera system is a key highlight of the S19 series. Both models boast a dual rear camera setup featuring a 50-megapixel main sensor with OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) for capturing sharp and stable photos in various lighting conditions. The S19 pairs this with an 8-megapixel ultrawide sensor, while the S19 Pro upgrades to a secondary 50-megapixel sensor, potentially offering stronger zooming capabilities.
On the front, both devices sport a high-resolution 50MP selfie camera, catering to the growing demand for high-quality video calls and selfies. Whether you’re a social media enthusiast or simply enjoy capturing personal moments, the S19 series promises exceptional front-facing photography.
The S19 series prioritizes long battery life. The S19 is equipped with a 6000mAh battery, while the S19 Pro features a slightly smaller 5500mAh battery. Both support 80W fast charging, allowing you to quickly power up your device when needed.
With a focus on design, camera capabilities, and battery life, the Vivo S19 series appears to be a compelling option for users seeking a stylish and well-rounded mid-range smartphone. While official reviews are yet to come in, the specifications on paper suggest that the S19 series could be a strong contender in the market.
Pricing & Availability
The Vivo S19 series is currently only available for pre-order in China. Here’s a breakdown of the variants, colourways, and pricing (as of June 2, 2024):
- Vivo S19:
- 8GB RAM + 128GB storage: ¥2,999 (approximately RM1,948.94 or USD$414.13)
- 8GB RAM + 256GB storage: ¥3,299 (approximately RM2,143.90 or USD$455.56)
- 12GB RAM + 256GB storage: ¥3,599 (approximately RM2,338.86 or USD$496.99)
- Vivo S19 Pro:
- 8GB RAM + 256GB storage: ¥3,699 (approximately RM2,403.84 or USD$510.80)
- 12GB RAM + 256GB storage: ¥3,999 (approximately RM2,598.80 or USD$552.22)
- 12GB RAM + 512GB storage: ¥4,299 (approximately RM2,793.76 or USD$593.65)
Realme C63: A Budget Smartphone with a Big Battery and Triple Camera
Realme, a popular smartphone brand known for its budget-friendly offerings, has unveiled its latest addition to the C series – the Realme C63. This entry-level phone caters to users looking for a smartphone that prioritizes a long-lasting battery, a large display, and a triple-camera system, all at an affordable price point. Let’s take a closer look at what the Realme C63 has to offer.
Display and Design
The Realme C63 boasts a large 6.75-inch display with a waterdrop notch at the top housing the front-facing camera. The display utilizes a 720 x 1600 resolution, offering a decent viewing experience for everyday tasks like browsing the web or watching videos. While not the sharpest on the market, the resolution keeps costs down, making it a suitable choice for budget-conscious users.
The design of the Realme C63 adheres to a very familiar formula with even more familiar design cues. The back panel is constructed from plastic and features a glossy finish that comes in two colour options: Leather Blue and Jade Green. A rectangular camera module on the back houses the triple-lens camera system and LED flash. A fingerprint sensor is conveniently located on the back for added security.
Performance and Battery
Under the hood, the Realme C63 is powered by the Unisoc Tiger T612 processor, a chipset commonly found in budget smartphones. While it won’t be a powerhouse for demanding games, it should handle everyday tasks like social media browsing, messaging, and web browsing with ease. The phone comes in two RAM configurations: 6GB and 8GB, paired with 128GB of internal storage.
One of the highlights of the Realme C63 is its massive 5000mAh battery. According to Realme, this battery can deliver a full day’s worth of usage on a single charge, making it ideal for users who are on the go and don’t want to worry about running out of juice in the middle of the day. The phone supports 18W fast charging, which helps to reduce charging times.
Camera System and UI
The Realme C63 features a triple-camera system on the back, consisting of a 50-megapixel main sensor, an 8-megapixel secondary sensor, and a black and white sensor. The front-facing camera for selfies is clocked at 8-megapixels.
The smartphone on Realme UI, a custom interface based on Android 12. This user interface provides a familiar Android experience with some additional customizations from Realme. The phone also boasts basic features like dual SIM card support, a microSD card slot for expandable storage, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. It’s worth noting that Realme hasn’t announced any guarantees for updates for its C series smartphones.
Pricing & Availability
The Realme C63 comes in two memory configurations, with confirmed pricing available for the Indonesian market:
- 6GB RAM + 128GB storage: Starting price of IDR 1,499,000 (approx. RM578, approx. USD $138) – Available on Realme Indonesia
- 8GB RAM + 128GB storage: IDR 2,299,000 (approx. RM883, approx. USD $209)
Specific details on the Malaysian launch date are yet to be announced.
Android Gets Smarter: Seamless Connections and Easier Everyday Tasks
Hold onto your hats, Android users, because Google is rolling out a suite of impressive new features in its May 2024 update! This update focuses on enhancing user experience by making everyday tasks smoother and fostering a more connected ecosystem across your Android devices.
Let’s dive into the highlights. A long-awaited feature for many, “Instant Hotspot” simplifies sharing your phone’s data connection with other devices. Gone are the days of manually entering passwords – with a single tap, your Android tablet or Chromebook can connect to your phone’s hotspot, eliminating the frustration of lengthy setup processes.
But the magic doesn’t stop there. Google introduces “Cross-device Services,” a game-changer for multi-device users. Imagine seamlessly transitioning a Google Meet call from your phone to your laptop mid-conversation. This functionality allows you to pick up right where you left off, regardless of the device you’re using. No more scrambling to find your phone or missing a crucial part of the call – just a smooth and effortless switch between devices.
The update also brings some love to the messaging app. We’ve all been there: sent a text with a typo and desperately wished you could take it back. Well, fear not! The ability to “Edit Messages” in Google Messages is finally here. This feature allows you to edit typos or clarify your message within a 15-minute window, saving you the awkwardness of sending a follow-up correction.
These are just a few of the exciting features in the May 2024 Android update. Google’s focus on seamless connectivity and user convenience shines through. Whether you’re a productivity powerhouse juggling multiple devices or simply someone who appreciates a smoother mobile experience, this update has something to offer. So, get ready to update your Android devices and experience the smarter, more connected future of mobile.
The Google Play Store Now Lets You Uninstall Apps Remotely
Managing apps across them can sometimes feel like a chore for those of us who juggle multiple Android devices. The good news is that a long-awaited feature has finally arrived: Google Play Store now allows users to uninstall apps remotely from other devices connected to their account.
The ability to remotely uninstall apps has been a user request for some time. While the functionality was initially spotted in testing stages last year, Google has now officially rolled it out to a wider audience. This new feature streamlines device management for users with multiple phones, tablets, or even smartwatches running on Android.
How it Works
Uninstalling apps remotely is a breeze. Simply open the Google Play Store app on your primary device (smartphone, tablet etc.). Next, tap on your profile icon located in the top right corner of the screen. From the menu that appears, select “Manage apps & devices” followed by the “Manage” tab.
Source: PhoneArena
Source: PhoneArena
Source: PhoneArena
Source: PhoneArena
You’ll then see a list of all devices connected to your Google Play Store account. These devices will be identified by their model names or custom labels you may have assigned. To uninstall an app remotely, simply select the desired device and browse the list of installed apps. A checkbox will be located next to each app. Tick the box next to the app you wish to uninstall, and a trash can icon will appear in the top right corner of the screen. Tapping the trash can icon will initiate the uninstallation process, prompting you to confirm your choice before proceeding.
Remote Management Done Easily
The ability to uninstall apps remotely offers several benefits. For parents managing their children’s devices, it allows for easier control over app usage. Additionally, it simplifies the process of cleaning up unused apps on devices you may not have readily available, such as a seldom-used tablet or a work phone.
It’s important to note that while uninstalling occurs remotely, the device you’re managing will still require an internet connection to complete the process. Furthermore, this feature is currently limited to app uninstallation. Remote updates or installations still require direct access to the device.
Looking ahead, this feature represents a step towards more integrated device management within the Android ecosystem. While the current iteration focuses on uninstallation, it’s possible that future updates may introduce additional remote management functionalities.