Xiaomi has officially announced that the Xiaomi 13T series will launch on September 26 2023. The event will be held in Berlin, Germany, and will be live-streamed on Mi.com. This lineup is co-engineered with Leica, promising Leica filters and other camera enhancements in the default camera app. However, Xiaomi has not revealed how many smartphones will be included in this series.
Both the Xiaomi 13T and 13T Pro will boast a 6.67-inch OLED display with a 144 Hz refresh rate and a remarkable maximum brightness of 2,600 nits. These phones will be powered by MediaTek Dimensity 9200 and Dimensity 9200 Plus processors, supported by up to 16 GB of RAM and 1 TB of internal storage. Battery capacity is set at 5,000 mAh, and the main camera on the Xiaomi 13T Pro will feature a 50 MP sensor with OIS and an f/1.9 aperture, offering impressive photography capabilities. Other notable specs include a 13 MP ultra-wide camera and a 50 MP telephoto zoom camera, both equipped with OmniVision sensors. Lastly, the front-facing 20 MP camera will sport a Sony IMX596 sensor.
Xiaomi 13T Series Comes with Extended Software Support
Both the Xiaomi 13T and 13T Pro models are promised to receive five years of security updates. This commitment to software support exceeds Google’s three-generation update policy for Pixel phones. The Xiaomi 13T series is expected to ship with Android 13-based MIUI 14 out of the box, with the potential for updates up to Android 17.
We are proud to announce a significant enhancement to our commitment to providing exceptional software support. Xiaomi 13T and Xiaomi 13T Pro will include 4 generations of Android OS upgrades, as well as 5 years of security patches.
Samsung is back with a mesmerizing blend of tradition and technology in their latest release: the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic Astro Edition. Drawing inspiration from ancient astrolabes, this timepiece is more than just a smartwatch; it’s a work of art.
Inspired by ancient astronomy
The Galaxy Watch6 Classic Astro Edition’s standout feature is its astrolabe-inspired bezel. But what exactly is an astrolabe? Think of it as an ancient astronomical calculator used for navigation. Samsung’s innovation lies in reimagining this ancient tool as a functional, rotating bezel on a modern smartwatch.
This bezel not only adds a touch of sophistication but also serves as an intuitive navigation tool. It retains it standard function of effortlessly scroll through apps and menus with a satisfying click. The highlight are the depictions of constellations, stars, and other lunar bodies, along the top of the bezel.
Honoring the legacy of astronomy in the MENA region
Samsung has chosen to launch their wearable masterpiece exclusively in the MENA region, adding an element of exclusivity to the Galaxy Watch6 Classic Astro Edition. The countries in the region include UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Egypt, Jordan, Türkiye and Morocco.
Samsung stated that the astrolabe was chosen as it “symbolises the (MENA) region’s legacy of scientific and innovative contributions, particularly in time, astronomy and mathematics”. It’s a testament to Samsung’s commitment to tailoring their products to specific markets.
Exclusive astronomy-inspired features
Beyond its stunning design, this smartwatch packs a punch when it comes to technology. It is only available in the 47mm variant and features all the essential functions you’d expect from a premium smartwatch, including heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and fitness tracking.
On top of that, you get exclusive, astrolabe-inspired complications. These include a compass complication on the dial and solar/lunar phase tracker that lets users track the movement of the sun and moon.
Bridging the past and future on your wrist
The Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Classic Astro Edition is a celebration of craftsmanship and innovation. It will be available starting 2nd August 2023, with no official pricing available as of yet. There will be an exclusive purchase offer that includes an additional fabric strap, Astro Edition collectibles, and access to Samsung’s VIP exclusive promotion store.
By integrating traditional design elements with modern innovation, Samsung has created a wearable that bridges the past and the future.
Apple‘s upcoming mixed-reality headset, the Apple Vision Pro. The upcoming headset is set to blur the lines between the virtual and real worlds, and Apple is taking steps to ensure that users have a multitude of apps at their fingertips from day one.
The Vision Pro is set to launch with its own OS dubbed visionOS and it’s set to face an uphill climb when it comes to apps. It looks like Apple is looking to tackle this challenge head-on. The company has announced that iPhone and iPad apps will seamlessly integrate into the visionOS App Store. This means that users will have access to their favourite apps and games, creating a more connected, productive, and entertaining experience.
Developers, in particular, will appreciate Apple’s approach. The company is streamlining the process by ensuring that most iPad and iPhone apps can run on visionOS without any modifications. This decision eliminates the need for developers to rework their existing apps for the new platform.
According to Apple, “By default, your iPad and/or iPhone apps will be published automatically on the App Store on Apple Vision Pro. Most frameworks available in iPadOS and iOS are also included in visionOS, which means nearly all iPad and iPhone apps can run on visionOS, unmodified.”
While the automatic integration of existing apps is a significant advantage, Apple is also empowering developers to take things further. The visionOS Software Development Toolkit (SDK) provides developers with the tools they need to optimize their apps for the Vision Pro headset. This includes adding elements such as 3D content designed for eye and hand input, creating a more natural and immersive user experience.
The company plans to release a developer beta version of visionOS in the fall. This beta will include the App Store, ensuring that developers can test their apps on the platform well in advance of its official launch.
Users can expect to explore their favourite iPad and iPhone apps side by side with new visionOS apps on the expansive canvas of the Apple Vision Pro. The headset is slated for release early next year, making it a highly anticipated addition to Apple’s product lineup.
Apple’s decision to seamlessly integrate iPhone and iPad apps into the Apple Vision Pro ecosystem is a strategic move that potentially simplifies the user experience and streamlines development. It’s a step towards ensuring that the new platform has a rich library of apps from the get-go which ultimately benefits users and developers alike. As we await the Vision Pro’s official launch, it’s clear that Apple is committed to ensuring that it leaves a mark while trying to redefine the mixed reality experience.
In the ever-competitive scene of high-performance smartphones, Realme is stamping its mark with the GT 5 series, promising to redefine the limits of mobile performance.
Power-packed performance
The heart of the Realme GT 5 series is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, the powerhouse behind the lightning-fast operations. You can expect snappy app launches, seamless multitasking, and smoother gaming experiences. With a jaw-dropping 24GB of RAM on the highest-end model, the Realme GT 5 series ensures you have room to spare for all your multitasking needs.
Realme has raised the bar when it comes to charging speed. Their top-tier model boasts a staggering 240W wired charging capability with a 4600 mAh. There is also a 150W wired charging variant which promises impressive charging speeds while having a higher battery capacity of 5240 mAh. Regardless of the variant you choose, battery anxiety will be a thing of the past.
Audio and Visual Brilliance
The Realme GT 5 doesn’t just excel under the hood. Its 6.7-inch AMOLED display delivers vibrant colors and deep blacks, making your content pop. The 1,240 x 2,772 pixel resolution ensures crisp visuals, while a 144Hz refresh rate provides a silky-smooth experience, perfect for gaming and scrolling through social media. Game visuals are juiced up further with the Adreno GPU and X7 display chip that can boost framerates while gaming.
Sound quality is often an overlooked aspect of smartphones, but not for Realme. The GT 5 series features stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos, that are both Hi-Res Audio and Dolby certified. While it does not have a 3.5mm audio jack, it does have support for aptX HD, LHDC, LDAC and LC3 audio codecs over its Bluetooth 5.3 connection. This means that you can enjoy the highest quality of audio over wireless connection.
Get snapping and….burning?
The camera setup is equally impressive. Realme knows the importance of a good shot, and they’ve equipped the GT 5 series with top-notch cameras. It consists of a 50MP main camera with Sony’s IMX890 sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide lens and a 2MP macro camera. To help with lighting, there is LED light with 26 customizable colors and 5 levels of brightness. For selfies, it sports a 16MP front camera.
An interesting feature that will be available is the Burning mode. This mode allows the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset to run at a sustained, full-frequency speed when paired with a clip-on fan. There is no word yet if this mode works with any clip-on fan or a specific one.
Pricing and Availability
The Realme GT 5 series is now available in China through Realme’s official Chinese website. The 150W charging variant is available in two configurations; 12 GB RAM and 256 GB of storage retailing at 2999 Yuan (~RM 1915) and 16 GB RAM and 512 GB of storage for 3299 Yuan (~RM 2106). The top-shelf 240W charging variant is available with 24GB RAM and 1TB of storage retailing at 3799 Yuan (~RM 2425). Two colors are available; silver with a mirror finish and matte Green finish.
The Realme GT 5 is shaping up to be a great option for a tech enthusiast, a gaming aficionado, or even a multitasking pro!
vivo announces its latest mid-range entry, the vivo V29e to be available in India starting 7th September 2023.
A decent mid-range entry for vivo
The device comes with all the expected features of a modern mid-range device. It is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 chipset, which is becoming a mainstay for mid-range devices. It offers decent performance and power efficiency despite being an older chipset. The chipset is supplemented with 8GB of RAM and the either128GB or 256GB storage, expandable with a microSD card. To keep things powered, there is a 5000 mAh battery which supports 44W wired fast charging. The device will also run Funtouch OS 13 on top of Android 13 out of the box.
Cameras are a 64MP main shooter with OIS and an 8MP ultrawide module that are housed in the camera rings. It does come with an impressive front camera, a 50MP module with eye autofocus. There is also an exclusive Wedding Style Portrait feature, which allows snapping of bridal pictures with exclusive color palettes from top Indian photographers.
Color-changing glasses and 120Hz AMOLED display
The Artistic Red glass panel changes from red to black when exposed to UV light. Image source: GSMArena
Another highlight feature is the color options for the vivo V29e. It features vivo’s Artistic Design finish, which are color-changing glass backs. The Artistic Red variant can change from a vibrant ruby red to black when exposed to UV light. There is an Artistic Blue option that does not seem to have a color change feature. The color-changing glasses are also accentuated with prism-like designs, making the device aesthetically pleasing. The vivo V29e is rounded out with a 6.78-inch AMOLED display, offering vibrant colors and a 120Hz refresh rate. The display is also curved further feeding into the aesthetics of the device.
Pricing and availability
The vivo V29e will be available in India starting 7th September 2023, with pre-bookings open on the vivo India official website and local retail partners. Pricing is INR 26,999 (~RM 1518) for the 128GB storage version and INR 26,999 (~RM 1630) for the 256GB storage version. At the moment, there is no official announcement of availability in other regions.
Huawei silently launched its Mate60 series, featuring Harmony OS, a whole new set of XMAGE cameras and even 5G
Source: HUAWEI VMALL
In a rather uncharacteristic move, Huawei has quietly rolled out its latest additions to the smartphone arena – the Huawei Mate60 Pro and the Mate60. Let’s dive into what makes these devices worth the buzz.
HUAWEI Mate60 Pro
The Mate60 Pro comes with a 6.82-inch 10-bit LTPO OLED screen boasting a resolution of 2720 x 1260 pixels complete with an adaptive 120 Hz refresh rate. Huawei has also integrated a second-generation Kunlun Glass for added durability.
Source: HUAWEI VMALL
Source: HUAWEI VMALL
Source: HUAWEI VMALL
Source: HUAWEI VMALL
However, it’s the triple punch holes at the top of the display that steal the spotlight. Here, Huawei houses the selfie camera and a 3D Time-of-Flight (ToF) sensor. This clever setup enables facial recognition and Face ID-like features. The 13 MP ultrawide selfie camera, paired with sensors and lasers, ensures sharp and secure face mapping.
Flipping the phone reveals a circular camera module housing three more cameras. The headliner is a 50-megapixel main camera with Optical Image Stabilisation (OIS) and Phase Detection Autofocus (PDAF). The camera setup was previously featured in the Mate50 Pro and P60 Pro. The 50-megapixel sensor features a variable aperture ranging from f/1.4-f/4.0 variable aperture. This is complemented by a 12-megapixel, ultrawide-angle camera with an f/2.2 lens and a third 48-megapixel sensor with an f/3.0 telephoto lens with OIS and AF.
Source: HUAWEI VMALL
The Mate60 Pro even features satellite messaging capabilities. However, this feature is only available in China.l The Pro also sports a 5,000 mAh battery that supports rapid 88W wired and 50W wireless charging, as well as 20W reverse wireless charging.
Huawei’s Mate60 series is launching with HarmonyOS 4. making it the first device to showcase this UI out of the box. While the phone’s chipset remains undisclosed, it is rumoured to feature an in-house Kirin 9000S processor with eight CPU cores, including a Cortex-A78, three more Cortex-A78 performance cores, and four efficiency Cortex-A510 cores, all powered by a Maleoon 910 GPU.
Huawei Mate 60
The Mate60 shares many features with its Pro sibling. However, there are a few differences that set it apart.
The display on the Mate60 is a 6.69-inch LTPO OLED with a resolution of 1216 x 2688 pixels and a 120Hz refresh rate. Like the Mate 60 Pro, it also features second-gen Kunlun Glass for added protection.
Source: HUAWEI VMALL
The camera setup is slightly different, with a 12-megapixel periscope offering 5x optical zoom replacing the 48-megapixel telephoto lens found on the Mate 60 Pro. The main 50-megapixel camera with a variable f/1.4-f/4.0 aperture and the 12-megapixel ultrawide modules are the same.
The Mate60 is likely powered by the same in-house Kirin 9000S SoC as its Pro counterpart and features 12 GB of RAM and 512 GB of storage. Its 4,750 mAh battery supports 66W wired charging, offering a slightly reduced charging speed compared to the Pro model.
Like the Mate60 Pro, it supports satellite messaging in China and comes in four colour options.
Pricing & Availability
The HUAWEI Mate60 Pro comes in an array of striking colours including White, Green, Purple, and Black, with glass or faux leather materials. Prices for the Mate60 Pro start at CNY 6,999 (USD$960/MYR4,468.68) for the 512GB version. The regular Mate60 comes in at CNY 5,999 ($824/MYR3,830.21).
Huawei has not divulged any plans for an international launch.
Huawei is making headlines once again with two significant developments that promise to reshape its future trajectory. From securing a cross-licensing agreement with Ericsson to the exciting resurrection of Kirin chips, Huawei is demonstrating its commitment to collaboration and innovation.
Cross-Licensing Agreement with Ericsson
Huawei partners up with Ericcson via cross-licensing. Image source: GSMArena
Huawei, a global technology giant, recently inked a cross-licensing agreement with Ericsson, a leading telecommunications equipment provider. This move is poised to have far-reaching implications in the realm of essential telecommunication standards. But what exactly does this agreement entail?
Simply put, a cross-licensing agreement allows both Huawei and Ericsson to access each other’s patents and technologies, fostering a spirit of cooperation rather than competition. The agreement covers the sharing of technologies between the two giants that covers standards such as 3GPP, ITU, IEEE, and IETF for 3G, 4G, and 5G cellular technologies.
One of the primary benefits of this agreement is the potential to reduce patent-related disputes and legal battles, which have plagued the tech industry in recent years. By sharing their intellectual property, Huawei and Ericsson aim to accelerate the pace of innovation and ensure that consumers worldwide benefit from cutting-edge technologies without unnecessary hindrances.
The Resurrection of Kirin Chips
In another intriguing twist, Huawei is reportedly reviving its Kirin chipset series. The Kirin chips were highly regarded for their impressive performance and power efficiency until they faced disruptions due to U.S. sanctions. Now, Huawei is making strides to reintroduce these chips into the market.
The resurrection of Kirin chips marks Huawei’s determination to regain its foothold in the smartphone industry. These chips are known for their exceptional AI capabilities, which contribute to improved device performance and energy efficiency. Huawei’s decision to revive Kirin reflects its commitment to providing consumers with top-tier, in-house developed hardware.
Huawei strategic moves to become an industry leader
In conclusion, Huawei’s recent moves demonstrate its strategic vision and commitment to advancing technology in collaboration with industry peers. The cross-licensing agreement with Ericsson paves the way for smoother cooperation in essential telecommunication standards. This fosters innovation between both companies while reducing potential patent disputes. Simultaneously, the revival of Kirin chips signifies Huawei’s determination to remain a significant player in the smartphone industry, promising exciting possibilities for tech enthusiasts and consumers alike.
Samsung’s collaboration with AMD goes beyond flagships.
Not long ago, Samsung and AMD decided to work together to bring better graphics performance to Samsung’s Exynos chipsets. Since then, only the Galaxy S22 models, powered by Samsung’s Exynos 2200 chipset, were equipped with AMD GPUs (graphics processing units). While Samsung may have opted for Qualcomm chips for their next flagship Galaxy S family, the partnership is far from over. In fact, it’s set to extend to mid-range smartphones.
Source: Samsung
Revegnus (@Tech_Reve), a reliable leaker, has dropped some intriguing information about Samsung’s plans for their upcoming mid-range devices. These smartphones, expected to be announced and released next year, will feature AMD graphics technology. Specifically, the mid-range Exynos chipsets like the 1480 and 1430 will be equipped with mRDNA AMD GPUs.
Now, what makes this move particularly interesting is that these GPUs won’t primarily focus on gaming. While AMD GPUs are known for their prowess in gaming, Samsung’s strategy for their mid-range phones is different. Instead of amping up gaming capabilities, these GPUs will concentrate on improving image signal processing (ISP).
Source: Samsung
This strategic shift aligns with the mid-range smartphone market. Unlike flagship devices, mid-range phones typically don’t boast the hardware required for an enhanced gaming experience – think powerful CPUs, advanced cooling systems, and high-refresh-rate displays. Therefore, focusing on enhancing the ISP is a wise move and would provide a significant performance boost when it comes to smartphone performance.
If these rumours are true, Samsung could leverage the performance improvements from incorporating AMD’s mRDNA technology to bolster its already popular midrange Galaxy A series. As mid-range phones continue to gain popularity, it’s a smart strategy that could pay off handsomely.
OPPO Malaysia has introduced a new offering into their entry-level lineup – the OPPO A38. The new smartphone brings OPPO’s now signature SUPERVOOC charging to its lower-end devices. However, the new A38 is still packing the heat when it comes to the cameras.
The OPPO A38 comes with a design akin to the one we’ve seen on OPPO’s A78 and A98. Sleek, slender and ergonomically angled are the best descriptors for the A-series this year. The A38 has a sleek body and a textured back to help with grip and ergonomics. The back is also etched with OPPO’s Glow design technique that makes the smartphone shimmer under the light. It’s also got a matte finish to ensure that fingerprints don’t soil the details of the smartphone.
It’s not just about the design when it comes to the A38. OPPO is packing the entry-level device with enough features to make Santa Claus look stingy. When it comes to biometrics, the OPPO A38 comes with a side-mounted fingerprint reader which is embedded into the power button. The volume rocker and power buttons are also slightly raised for tactility.
The display on the smartphone is a 6.56-inch IPS LCD display. It has an HD+ resolution of 720×1612 pixels, a peak brightness of 720 nits and a 90Hz refresh rate. OPPO’s Sunlight Display also allows for better visibility under harsh lighting conditions and covers 96% of the DCI-P3 colour gamut for close-to-life colour reproduction.
On the back is a dual camera setup with a 50-megapixel main sensor. This is complemented by a 2-megapixel depth sensor. Up front, is a 5-megapixel selfie camera. The A38’s cameras are also feature-packed with AI-enabled features such as Portrait mode. The main camera sensor also uses pixel-binning technology for more detailed pictures even in low light. On the A38, this technology combines 4 individual pixels into a single pixel allowing more details to be observed by the sensor for better details in the picture.
The OPPO A38 is running on the Mediatek Helio G85 platform. The processor features two high-performance Cortex-A75 cores and six Cortex-A55 cores which allow it to strike a balance between performance and power efficiency. This is complemented with 4GB of RAM and 128GB of onboard storage.
OPPO touts an all-day battery with the smartphone’s large 5,000mAh battery. If you’re ever in need of a top-up, the 33W SUPERVOOC charging gives you a full charge in about 75 minutes. Oh… did we forget? It also has IP54 dust and water resistance.
Pricing & Availability
The OPPO A38 is already available in stores in Malaysia. The smartphone will be available in 2 shades: Glowing Gold and Glowing Black. It will cost MYR599.
Apple fans, mark your calendars! Apple is expected to unveil the latest iPhone on 12 September in a livestream event broadcasted from Apple Park. While the official invitation included some cryptic clues, we’re here to decode the details for you.
The invitation sent to the media featured a mysterious image and a single intriguing word: “Wonderlust.” While it doesn’t explicitly state that the event will revolve around the iPhone, history suggests this is precisely what we can expect. As the theme alludes to a sense of wanderlust, it’s safe to say whatever they’ll be announcing that day will be something for travelling enthusiasts.
So far, leaks and insider reports have given us a glimpse into the upcoming iPhone. Anticipate significant changes, including the long-awaited shift from Lightning to USB-C, upgraded processors, the introduction of the Dynamic Island feature on non-Pro models, and a transition from stainless steel to titanium finish for the Pro models.
If you want to catch the announcements live, you can visit the apple.com website on 13 September at 1 AM (Malaysia time). In the meantime, we’ll hold on to our seats for these exciting updates. Watch this space for more news!
