iQOO Neo9 Pro launched in India

iQOO has unveiled the Neo9 Pro, its latest flagship smartphone in the Neo series, featuring a 6.78-inch 1.5K LTPO AMOLED display with 1-144Hz refresh rate and 2160Hz PWM dimming. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC, it integrates a Q1 self-developed chip for optimized gaming performance. The device offers up to 12GB LPDDR5X RAM and 256GB UFS 4.0 storage, coupled with a 5160mAh dual-cell battery supporting 120W fast charging. Sporting a 50MP Sony IMX920 VCS main sensor with OIS and an 8MP ultra-wide camera, it ensures top-notch photography. Running on Android 14 with Funtouch OS 14, it guarantees three years of OS updates and four years of security updates, a first for the iQOO Neo series. Available in Fiery Red and Conqueror Black, prices start at Rs. 35,999, with launch offers including discounts, exchange bonuses, extended warranty, and no-cost EMI options.

Sony PlayStation 5 'Pro' expected launch date

Reports suggest that Sony is developing a 'Pro' version of the PlayStation 5 set for release later this year, aiming to reignite sales momentum. Despite exceeding 50 million unit sales since its 2020 debut, recent figures show a slight decline, prompting Sony to revise its fiscal year forecasts. The PlayStation 5's December quarter sales fell below expectations by approximately one million units, leading to a downward adjustment from 25 million to 21 million units overall. This news resulted in a $10 billion market capitalization loss for Sony. Industry analyst Serkan Toto noted a widespread belief within the gaming community regarding the PS5 Pro's imminent launch in the latter half of 2024. Anticipated to coincide with the release of Grand Theft Auto 6 in 2025, the PS5 Pro mirrors the rollout strategy of its predecessor, the PlayStation 4 Pro, which arrived three years after the original console with upgraded internals and 4K gaming capabilities.

Google new sign-in page

Google is unveiling a refreshed sign-in page with a "more modern look and feel," aligning with Material Design principles. While reminiscent of the previous design, it now offers a horizontal layout for better compatibility across various screen sizes, including larger ones like the Pixel Fold or Pixel Tablet. Functionally, it remains the same, prompting users for authentication methods like passwords or passkeys. Unlike some controversial Google changes, this update appears less contentious. However, users won't have a choice in its rollout, as both Workspace admins and personal Google account users are subject to a gradual deployment starting February 21st, with completion slated for March 4th, 2024. Afterward, encountering the old login page may only occur with outdated browsers.

Apple launches Sports app for iPhone

Apple has unveiled a new app tailored for sports named Apple Sports. This exclusive app for iPhone users promises real-time scores, stats, and more, prioritizing speed and simplicity in its presentation. Crafted with Apple's signature user-friendly interface, the app offers personalized experiences by highlighting users' preferred leagues and teams. Eddy Cue, Apple's senior vice president of Services, highlighted the company's goal, stating, "We created Apple Sports to give sports fans what they want — an app that delivers incredibly fast access to scores and stats." Available for free on the App Store, the app is accessible in the U.S., the U.K., and Canada, covering various popular leagues like MLS, NBA, NHL, and more. While initially focusing on current seasons, Apple Sports plans to expand its coverage to include additional leagues as their seasons begin. Users can customize their experience by selecting favorite teams, tournaments, and leagues, while also accessing features like live game streaming through integration with the Apple TV app. Compatible with all iPhone models running iOS 17.2 or later, Apple Sports aims to offer a tailored and convenient sports experience for enthusiasts seeking to stay updated on their favorite teams and leagues.

Signal Could Soon Allow Sharing Usernames Instead of Phone Numbers to Start Chats

Signal, a competitor of WhatsApp known for its encryption, is introducing usernames for chats to safeguard users' phone numbers. Instead of displaying phone numbers to all users by default, Signal will now allow users to create distinct usernames while still requiring a phone number for registration. According to the company, usernames won't be permanent handles or visible to communication partners but serve as a way to connect on Signal without revealing phone numbers. Moreover, a new privacy setting prevents users from initiating conversations or knowing about an account without the exact username. These features, currently in beta, will be available to all users in the coming weeks. Signal also plans to launch a feature enabling users to manage who can find them by phone number. Users can create usernames through the Settings menu, providing an additional layer of privacy and security for their communications.

Oppo F25 Pro 5G expected launch date

Oppo reveals its next F series phone, the Oppo F25 Pro 5G, set to launch in India this month. Alongside unveiling its design and key specs, it's speculated to be a rebranded version of the Oppo Reno 11F 5G recently introduced in Indonesia. The Oppo F25 Pro 5G will debut in a Lava Red hue under the sub-Rs. 25,000 segment on February 29, with a potential blue variant. Featuring a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and Panda Glass protection, it boasts a 93.4% screen-to-body ratio. The rear houses a triple camera setup, including a 64MP primary sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, and a 2MP macro camera, while the front sports a 32MP selfie shooter. Oppo emphasizes AI-driven features like AI Smart Image Matting and enhanced beauty filters. The phone is speculated to carry a MediaTek Dimensity 7050 chipset, up to 8GB RAM, 256GB storage, and a 5,000mAh battery with 67W wired fast charging support.

WhatsApp introduces enhanced text formatting choices to enhance messaging experience

WhatsApp introduces four new text formatting options to enhance communication effectiveness. As of today, users can utilize bulleted and numbered lists, block quotes, and inline code to organize and emphasize their messages, facilitating the breakdown of lengthy texts for improved readability.

These formatting features, previously in development, are now accessible across WhatsApp for Android, iOS, Web, and Mac, including support for Channels. They complement the existing bold, italic, strikethrough, and monospace formats. Users can employ markdown-style syntax directly within messages:

• Bulleted lists: Begin with a "-" followed by a space.
• Numbered lists: Start with one or two digits, a period, and a space ("1. ").
• Block quotes: Prefix text with ">" and a space.
• Inline code: Enclose text with "" symbols, such as like this.`

Vivo Y200e 5G launched in India

Vivo expands its Y series lineup with the introduction of the Y200e 5G smartphone, featuring India's pioneering durable eco-fiber leather and patented anti-stain coating. Available in Saffron Delight and Black Diamond variants, the Y200e 5G is priced at Rs 19,999 for the 6GB+128GB version and Rs 20,999 for the 8GB + 128GB model. Pre-booking commences today across Flipkart, Vivo India e-store, and authorized retail outlets, offering consumers instant cashback up to Rs 1,500 with SBI, IDFC First Bank, Bank of Baroda, IndusInd, Federal Bank, and Yes Bank. Boasting IP54 dust and water resistance, it flaunts a triple camera setup featuring a 50MP Main Camera, 2MP Bokeh Camera, and 16MP Portrait Camera, along with a 16MP front sensor for selfies. Equipped with a Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 processor and a 5000mAh battery supporting 44W fast charging, it also integrates Extended RAM 3.0 for an additional 8GB of RAM, ensuring smooth performance over a 48-month period. Powered by FuntouchOS 14, the Y200e offers a seamless user experience on its 6.67-inch 120Hz Ultra Vision AMOLED Punch Hole Display.