Tuesday, February 6, 2024

Nothing Phone 2(a) design leaked

The eagerly awaited Nothing Phone 2(a) is on the verge of release, and ahead of its official debut, intriguing details about its design have surfaced. Nothing, known for its unique smartphone designs with semi-transparent back panels on Phone (1) and Phone (2), is diverging from this norm with the Phone 2(a). Unlike its predecessors, which had circular lines, the Phone 2(a) sports two camera lenses at the top left corner and a sizable circular element at the top. The absence of the iconic Glyph Interface, a notable feature of past Nothing models, is striking. Initial renders suggesting LED lights on the back panel may have been based on pre-production samples. The intentional omission of the Glyph Interface aims to distinguish the mid-range Phone 2(a) from its flagship counterparts, highlighting its unique identity within the more affordable 'a' series. Despite retaining some design elements, the Phone 2(a) introduces significant deviations, prompting questions about Nothing's strategic direction for this mid-range offering. As the official release draws near, tech enthusiasts eagerly anticipate further insights into Nothing's innovative approach to redefine the mid-range smartphone market.

Monday, February 5, 2024

NoiseFit Grace smartwatch

Noise, a leading player in the Indian smartwatch and connected lifestyle sector, has expanded its women's smartwatch portfolio with the launch of NoiseFit Grace on February 5, 2024. Tailored to meet the refined tastes of modern women, the NoiseFit Grace combines elegant aesthetics with advanced functionality. Featuring a unique cut dial design, metallic build, and a metal link strap available in Metal Silver, Rose Gold, and Jet Black, it is now available on Flipkart and gonoise.com for INR 2,999. The NoiseFit Grace boasts a 1.1-inch AMOLED Always on Display with 600 nits brightness and a resolution of 360×360 pixels, ensuring clarity in various lighting conditions. Equipped with AI voice assistance, Bluetooth calling, in-built calendar, and storage for up to 10 contacts, it enhances convenience and efficiency. The Noise Health Suite™ monitors health metrics, while the Productivity Suite aids in daily task management. With an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance, it ensures durability. Offering four smartwatch menu styles, over 100 watch faces, and sports modes, the NoiseFit Grace is designed for women valuing both style and functionality.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Causes Android Auto Malfunction in Certain Users

Samsung's latest flagship, the Galaxy S24 series, is facing Android Auto issues reported by some users, prompting acknowledgment from Samsung. The problem appears to be car-related, not due to the Galaxy S24 or Google's software. Samsung noted on its UK support page that SEAT, Skoda, and Volkswagen owners reported problems with Android Auto compatibility. The company suggests temporary fixes, such as using different USB cables and checking infotainment settings. Samsung emphasizes that car manufacturers are actively working on software updates to address the Android Auto glitches. The issue primarily involves IP address usage in Volkswagen cars, where a discrepancy with Android Auto's updated protocol causes connectivity problems, a situation manufacturers are working to resolve through forthcoming software updates.

Lava Yuva 3 launched

Lava International, a domestic smartphone manufacturer, has introduced the Yuva 3 smartphone, emphasizing its combination of stylish design, performance, and features at an affordable starting price of Rs 6,799. The device, available with 64GB and 128GB storage options, is set to debut on Amazon from February 7, 2024. Lava Yuva 3, in Eclipse Black, Cosmic Lavender, and Galaxy White color variants, will be accessible through Lava's retail network and online store starting February 10, 2024. Highlight features include a side fingerprint sensor, 4GB + 4GB (Virtual) RAM, 64GB/128GB UFS 2.2 ROM, 18W Fast Charging, a 13MP Triple AI rear camera, 5MP front camera, bottom-firing speaker, stock Android 13, and face unlock. The smartphone is equipped with a UNISOC T606 Octa-core Processor, a 5000 mAh battery, and a 6.5-inch HD+ Punch Hole Display with a 90Hz refresh rate, ensuring an enhanced viewing experience. Lava promises 2 years of assured security updates and a guaranteed Android 14 upgrade for Yuva 3 users.

Vivo V30 Launched

Vivo has discreetly introduced the Vivo V30 in select global markets, featuring Qualcomm's Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 SoC and up to 12GB of RAM. The smartphone boasts a 3D curved AMOLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate and a triple rear camera setup, led by a 50-megapixel primary sensor. Evidently a rebranded Vivo S18, the device is powered by a 5,000mAh battery. Expected to launch in over 30 markets, including India, the pricing remains undisclosed. Running on Android 14 with FuntouchOS 14, the Vivo V30 showcases a 6.78-inch full-HD AMOLED display with HDR10+ support. With various RAM and storage configurations, including 8GB+128GB and 12GB+512GB, the device features a triple aura light rear camera setup and a 50-megapixel front camera. The Vivo V30 will be available in Bloom White, Lush Green, Noble Black, and Waving Aqua color options, catering to users seeking advanced features in a stylish package.

NoiseFit Vortex Plus smartwatch

Noise, a prominent smartwatch and connected lifestyle brand in India, has introduced the NoiseFit Vortex Plus, featuring the innovative Noise OS designed for smartwatches. Available on Amazon and gonoise.com at Rs. 1,999/-, the smart wearable combines a sleek design with enhanced UI performance, delivering a seamless and intuitive user experience. Offered in nine elegant colors with silicon and metallic strap options, including Jet Black, Space Blue, and Vintage Brown, the NoiseFit Vortex Plus stands out in both style and functionality. The 1.46-inch AMOLED display with 466 x 466 pixels ensures a captivating visual experience, complemented by a premium metallic build. With features like UV index and rainfall probability, multitasking capabilities, Tru Sync Bluetooth calling with Bluetooth 5.3, and the Noise Health Suite for health monitoring, the NoiseFit Vortex Plus offers a comprehensive suite of features. With up to 7 days of battery life, IP68 water and dust resistance, and seamless pairing with the NoiseFit App, this smartwatch caters to users seeking sophistication and advanced functionality in one device.

HONOR X9b, CHOICE X5 Earbuds and CHOICE Watch to launch on February 15


Consumer tech brand HONOR is expanding its product lineup in India with the introduction of two new categories: the HONOR Choice Earbuds X5 and HONOR Choice Watch, accompanying the launch of the HONOR X9b smartphone on February 15. The HONOR X9b, featuring a 6.78-inch 1.5K curved AMOLED 'Ultra-Bounce Anti-Drop' display, highlights a 5,800 mAh battery with a three-year anti-ageing guarantee, ensuring lasting power. Expected to run on MagicOS 7.2 UI based on Android 13, this marks HONOR's second offering in India following its comeback in the market last year with the HONOR 90 5G. The HONOR Choice Earbuds X5, offering ANC up to 35 decibels and a 35-hour battery life, comes with the HONOR AI Space companion app. The HONOR Choice Watch features a 1.95-inch AMOLED Ultra-thin display, built-in GPS, and a one-click SOS calling function, providing a 12-day battery life and 5 ATM water resistance. All three devices will be exclusively available for purchase on Amazon.

WhatsApp Introducing 'Favorite Contacts' Feature for Swift Call Placement

WhatsApp, the instant messaging platform owned by Meta, is reportedly in the process of developing a new feature that will enhance call placement convenience for iOS users. The upcoming 'favourite contacts' feature, discovered by WABetaInfo, aims to boost overall accessibility by offering users a quick and intuitive shortcut to directly call their preferred contacts from the calls tab. Positioned prominently at the top of the calls tab, this feature ensures a phone call is just one tap away, streamlining the communication process. According to the report, designating certain contacts as favorites will ensure their visibility at the forefront of the calling interface, promising a more personalized and efficient user experience. Although still in development, this feature is expected to be included in a future app update.

Meanwhile, WhatsApp has introduced another feature for iOS users, enabling them to create, edit, and share stickers derived from their photos. This creative addition enhances the platform's functionality, allowing users to customize and share their sticker creations within group chats. The rollout of this sticker feature on iOS was announced by WhatsApp through a post on Instagram.