Home Blog Page 174

Apple’s Foldable iPhone May Feature Liquid Metal Hinge To Achieve Better Fold Mechanism

0

Highlights

  • Apple’s upcoming foldable iPhone may feature a liquid metal hinge.
  • It is designed for better durability, reduced creases and improved screen flatness.
  • Manufactured by Dongguan EonTec and each unit costs is estimated to be around $9–$14.
  • Expected in 2026, Apple’s foldable iPhone will compete with Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8.

image

Caption – Representative image of Apple’s future foldable phone. (Image credit – Gizmochina)

Apple is reportedly working on a foldable iPhone and it could come with a liquid metal hinge for a more durable and seamless folding experience. According to well-known analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple plans to use liquid metal technology in the hinge mechanism to improve screen flatness and reduce creases, one of the biggest issues with foldable displays today.

Kuo shared details of Apple’s plans in a detailed post on X (formerly Twitter). Kuo wrote, “Apple is focused on improving durability, enhancing screen flatness, and minimizing crease marks in its foldable iPhone design. To achieve these goals, key components like the hinges will be crafted from liquid metal using a die-casting process. As the exclusive supplier of liquid metal, EonTec is expected to be the primary beneficiary of this shift.”

Why Is Liquid Metal better?

The liquid metal hinge is expected to offer two major advantages:

  • Better durability – It will help the foldable iPhone last longer.
  • Reduced crease visibility – The display will look smoother with fewer signs of folding over time.

The hinge will reportedly be supplied by Chinese manufacturer Dongguan EonTec, with each unit costing between $9 and $14. “The ASP of liquid metal per foldable iPhone is estimated at RMB 70–100. Based solely on the first-generation foldable iPhone, EonTec could see revenue of RMB 1.5–2 billion—a potential 100–200% increase driven by this single order,” Kuo revealed.

Apple’s first foldable iPhone is rumoured to launch in 2026 and will go head-to-head with Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8. Industry insiders suggest Apple’s device could be at least 20% more expensive than Samsung’s flagship foldables. However, the liquid metal hinge could be a major selling point.

This won’t be Apple’s first use of liquid metal as it has previously used it in small iPhone components like SIM ejector tools. However, this would be its most significant application yet.

Apple’s foldable debut will come with challenges. The 8th-gen Galaxy Fold will likely have refined multitasking software, and Chinese foldables have already tackled durability issues. However, the crease problem still remains, and Apple’s new hinge design could be the breakthrough that sets it apart.

FAQs

Q1. What innovative feature is Apple planning for its foldable iPhone?

Answer. Apple plans to use a liquid metal hinge to enhance durability, minimize crease marks, and improve screen flatness for a seamless folding experience.

Q2. Who is manufacturing the hinge for Apple’s foldable iPhone?

Answer. The hinge will be supplied by Dongguan EonTec, with each unit priced between $9–$14, significantly boosting the manufacturer’s revenue.

Q3. When is Apple’s foldable iPhone expected to launch, and who are its competitors?

Answer. The foldable iPhone is rumored to launch in 2026, competing with Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8 and other foldable devices in the market.

Also Read: Apple Enables AirPods Max Update with Lossless Audio Support and Wired Playback, Launches USB-C to 3.5 mm Cable

MediaTek Dimensity 9500 Specs Leak, To Launch On April 11

0

Highlights

  • A recent leak reveals MediaTek’s flagship chip will feature TSMC’s N3P process.
  • It will also include an all-big-core ARM CPU design with a 1+3+4 configuration for enhanced performance.
  • Set to debut mid-2025, Dimensity 9500 is aiming to rival Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite 2.

image

Caption – Details of upcoming MediaTek Dimensity 9500 processor leaked. (Image credit – MediaTek)

MediaTek has confirmed that the Dimensity 9400+ will launch on April 11, bringing a minor refresh to last year’s Dimensity 9400. But the real excitement is around the upcoming Dimensity 9500, which is shaping up to be a major upgrade. If a new leak is accurate, we now have a glimpse of what MediaTek’s next flagship chip will offer.

Here’s what we know so far.

MediaTek Dimensity 9500 – Leaked Specs

A now-deleted post from popular tipster Digital Chat Station on Weibo claims that the Dimensity 9500 will be built on TSMC’s N3P process and feature an all-big-core ARM CPU design, a major shift in mobile chip architecture.

image
Tipster Digital Chat Station’s recent post on Weibo. (Translated Via Google Translate)

Expected CPU Configuration

The leak suggests that the Dimensity 9500 will have a 1+3+4 core setup, including:

  • 1x Cortex-X930 (Travis core)
  • 3x Cortex-X930 (lower clocked, Alto cores)
  • 4x Cortex-A730 (Gelas cores)

The Travis and Alto cores belong to ARM’s upcoming X9 generation, which supports Scalable Matrix Extension (SME) for better multi-threaded performance. Meanwhile, Gelas cores are said to be ARM’s next-gen A7 series cores.

This is different from an earlier leak, which suggested a 2+6 CPU setup with two Travis cores and six Gelas cores. Since those were early specifications, it looks like MediaTek has refined its design.

The Dimensity 9500 is expected to launch in mid-2025, likely giving it an edge over Qualcomm’s next flagship, the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2, which is rumored for an October 2024 debut.

Interestingly, another leak suggests that MediaTek is also working on a second all-big-core chip called the Dimensity 9450. Similar to the Dimensity 9500, it will reportedly use TSMC’s 3nm process, but details remain scarce for now.

FAQs

Q1. What are the key specifications of the MediaTek Dimensity 9500 chip?

Answer. The Dimensity 9500 is built on TSMC’s N3P process and features an all-big-core ARM CPU design with a 1+3+4 core configuration, including Cortex-X930 and Cortex-A730 cores.

Q2. How does the Dimensity 9500 improve performance?

Answer. It incorporates ARM’s X9 generation with Scalable Matrix Extension (SME), enhancing multi-threaded performance and providing a refined architecture for flagship devices.

Q3. When is the Dimensity 9500 expected to launch?

Answer. MediaTek plans to launch the Dimensity 9500 in mid-2025, positioning it as a competitor to Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite 2, which is rumoured for an October 2024 debut.

Also Read:MediaTek Unveils Dimensity 8400: The First All-Big Core Chip

Also Read: MediaTek Dimensity 9400 Launch Confirmed on April 11: Know About Phones Expected to Feature It

ChatGPT’s New AI Image Tool Sparks An Online Trend Of Studio Ghibli-Style Art

0

Highlights

  • ChatGPT’s new image-generation tool has sparked an online trend of recreating images in Studio Ghibli’s whimsical art style.
  • Some artists criticise the tool for imitating Ghibli’s signature style without proper credit and raised concerns about copyright and artistic respect.
  • The tool is available only to ChatGPT Plus users due to high demand.

image

Caption – Popular internet memes reimagined into Studio Ghibli-style art. (Image credit – Studio Ghibli/ OpenAI/ @heyBarsee on X)

ChatGPT has introduced an improved image-generation tool powered by GPT-4o and it’s already a massive hit. Users have been using it to create AI-generated images in various art styles, but one trend stands out, the Studio Ghibli-style AI art.

People are uploading photos, memes, and existing images into ChatGPT and asking it to recreate them in the signature Studio Ghibli look.

Even OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has joined in, changing his X profile picture to an AI-generated image in this style.

But there’s a catch! Due to overwhelming demand, Altman later announced that free users will have to wait before they can access the tool.

What Is Ghibli-Style AI Art?

image

Caption – Hayao Miyazaki. (Image credit – Studio Ghibli)

The “Ghibli style” comes from Studio Ghibli, the legendary Japanese animation studio co-founded by Hayao Miyazaki. Known for its hand-drawn, whimsical, and dreamy aesthetic, Studio Ghibli has created some of the world’s most beloved anime films over the past 40 years.

Ghibli-style images have a distinctive mix of soft colours, natural elements, and detailed backgrounds, making them both artistic and nostalgic.

Now, with ChatGPT, users can recreate their own images in this iconic anime style with just a few clicks.

Controversy Around AI-Generated Ghibli Art

While many users are loving the Ghibli-style AI edits, some artists and fans aren’t happy. Critics argue that ChatGPT is copying a style that took decades to develop without giving credit to the artists behind it.

There’s also a potential copyright issue. ChatGPT refuses to generate Disney or Marvel characters due to copyright restrictions, but it still allows users to mimic Ghibli’s style. This raises concerns about whether AI-generated images should be allowed to imitate well-known artistic styles.

Some artists see this as a disrespect to Miyazaki’s legacy, while others believe it’s just a fun tool for users to experiment with different art styles. The debate is ongoing.

How to Create Ghibli-Style Anime Images in ChatGPT?

If you want to try this feature, you’ll need a ChatGPT Plus subscription ($20/month or approx. ₹1,715). OpenAI had planned to release this for free users, but due to high server load, it’s currently available only to paid users.

Here’s how you can generate Ghibli-style AI images in ChatGPT –

  • Upgrade to ChatGPT Plus
  • Upload an image to ChatGPT
  • Use the prompt: “Convert this image into Ghibli-style anime”
  • Wait a few seconds or a minute, depending on server load

ChatGPT will analyse your image and edit it to match the classic Japanese animation style seen in Ghibli films. That’s why many of these AI-generated images look like they belong in an animated movie.

FAQS

Q1. What is the Studio Ghibli-style AI art trend with ChatGPT?

Answer. ChatGPT’s improved image-generation tool allows users to recreate photos and images in Studio Ghibli’s whimsical, dreamy art style, sparking an online trend.

Q2. Is the Ghibli-style AI tool available for free users?

Answer. No, the tool is currently accessible only to ChatGPT Plus users due to high demand. Free users will need to wait for future access.

Q3. How can users create Ghibli-style anime images with ChatGPT?

Answer. Users need ChatGPT Plus. Upload an image to ChatGPT and use the prompt: “Convert this image into Ghibli-style anime” to generate the art.

Also Read: ChatGPT Can Now Replace Gemini As Your Default AI Assistant on Android

Also Read: OpenAI Introduces GPT-4o Mini for Faster and More Accessible AI – What You Need to Know

Facebook Adds New Friends Tab To Bring Back “OG” Experience

0

Highlights

  • Meta introduces the Friends tab in the Facebook app for iPhone.
  • The company is focusing on updates from friends and family, echoing the “OG Facebook” vibe.
  • It provides a dedicated feed for posts like photos, stories, birthdays, and friend requests, replacing suggested friends.
  • The feature is initially available in the U.S. and Canada.

image

Caption – Meta is focusing on bringing back the OG Facebook experience for the user. (Photo by Firmbee.com on Unsplash)

It appears Meta is serious about making good on Mark Zuckerberg’s promise to bring back the “OG Facebook” experience. Zuckerberg earlier this year mentioned one of company’s key priorities for the year would be “to get back to some OG Facebook.”

Now, Facebook is rolling out a new Friends tab in its iPhone app, bringing the focus back to updates from your actual friends and family, just like the good old days. Here’s what we know so far.

In a recent The New York Times report, Mike Isaac explains, “The company said the Facebook app would now include a separate news feed for users that featured posts shared exclusively by people’s friends and family. The feature, called the Friends Tab, will replace a tab in the app that showed new friend requests or suggested friends. Friends Tab will instead show a scrolling feed of posts, such as photos, video stories, text, birthday notifications and friend requests. For now, it will be available to Facebook users only in the United States and Canada.”

Previously, during Meta’s earnings call, the CEO explained, “Facebook is used by more than 3 billion monthly actives and we’re focused on growing its cultural influence. I’m excited this year to get back to some OG Facebook.”

This shift is a major change for Facebook, which over the years has filled the main feed with suggested posts, brand content, and other distractions. The new Friends tab aims to bring back what originally made Facebook popular, a simple way to see updates from people you actually know.

The head of the Facebook app, Tom Alison also adds, “This idea of having a central place of what’s going on with your friends, that was like the magic of the early days of social media. We’re making sure that there’s still a place for this stuff on Facebook. It is something that shouldn’t get lost in the modern social media mix.”

While changing one tab in the app might not seem like a big deal, it marks a return to Facebook’s roots. If you’ve been missing the days when your feed was just friends’ posts, photos, and updates, this new feature is for you.

The Friends tab is rolling out for users in the U.S. and Canada. If you don’t see it yet, try force-quitting the app and reopening it. If it’s still not there, you should get the update very soon.

FAQs

Q1. What is the new Friends tab on Facebook?

Answer. The Friends tab is a dedicated feed in the Facebook app that focuses on updates from friends and family, showing posts like photos, stories, birthdays, and friend requests.

Q2. Where is the new Facebook Friends tab currently available?

Answer. The Friends tab is currently available to Facebook users in the United States and Canada.

Q3. What is the purpose of the new Friends tab on Facebook?

Answer. The Friends tab aims to bring back the “OG Facebook” experience by prioritizing updates from people you know, reducing suggested posts and brand content.

Also Read: Mark Zuckerberg Hints at a 2025 Comeback for OG Facebook

Also Read: Meta AI Will Now Use Your Facebook and Instagram Activity for Smarter Recommendations

WhatsApp Can Now Work As Your Default Calling And Messaging App on iPhone

0

Highlights

  • With iOS 18.2, Apple now allows iPhone users to set WhatsApp as the default app for calls and messages.
  • This feature is now available worldwide, addressing Apple’s anti-competitive concerns.
  • Users can enable WhatsApp as their default by updating to iOS 18.2 and WhatsApp v25.8.74.
  • It provides seamless communication across iOS and Android.

With the latest iOS 18.2 update, Apple has finally allowed iPhone users to set third-party apps as their default for calls and messages. Now, WhatsApp has rolled out support for this feature, meaning you can make WhatsApp your go-to app for calls and texts on your iPhone.

Set WhatsApp as Your Default Calling & Messaging App

image

Caption – iPhone users can now set WhatsApp as their default app for messages and calls. (Image credit – @WABetaInfo on X)

As first spotted by trusted WhatsApp Beta source WABetaInfo, the newest WhatsApp update for iOS now supports default app selection. This means that when you tap a phone number, your iPhone will automatically use WhatsApp instead of the built-in Phone app to make the call.

While this feature was introduced mainly to comply with the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), Apple has made it available to all users worldwide.

Besides calls and messages, iOS now lets you choose default apps for email, call filtering, web browsing, translation, passwords, payments (in some regions), keyboards, and even maps (only in the EU).

The WhatsApp update is rolling out to all iPhone users, not just beta testers.

How  Make WhatsApp Your Default Messaging & Calling App on iPhone?

You’ll need an iPhone running iOS 18.2 and WhatsApp v25.8.74. If you meet these requirements, follow these steps –

image

  • Open Settings on your iPhone.
  • Scroll down and tap on Apps.

image

  • Select Default Apps.

image

  • Tap on Messaging and choose WhatsApp as your default messaging app.

image

  • Tap on Calling and set WhatsApp as your default calling app.

Once set, WhatsApp will handle all default calls and messages.

If you tap on a phone number in Safari, Messages, Mail, Notes, or other apps, your iPhone will open WhatsApp instead of the built-in Phone, Messages, or FaceTime apps.

What Makes This Change Significant?

Apple has always been strict about default app selection typically favouring its own services. However, due to increasing regulatory pressure especially from the EU’s DMA, Apple has had to make these changes to avoid being labeled anti-competitive.

This update also has big implications for markets like the USA, where the divide between iMessage’s blue bubbles and WhatsApp’s green bubbles has been a long-standing issue.

While it’s unclear how this will impact iMessage’s dominance, iPhone users now have more control over their messaging experience, making communication seamless across iOS and Android.

FAQs

Q1. How can iPhone users set WhatsApp as their default app for calls and messages?

Answer. Users need an iPhone running iOS 18.2 and WhatsApp v25.8.74. Go to Settings > Apps > Default Apps, then select WhatsApp for Messaging and Calling.

Q2. Why has Apple allowed WhatsApp to be set as the default calling and messaging app?

Answer. Apple introduced this change to comply with the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), addressing concerns about anti-competitive practices. The feature is now available globally.

Q3. What implications does this update have for users?

Answer. It enhances messaging control, enabling seamless communication across iOS and Android. It may also impact iMessage’s dominance in markets like the USA.

Also Read: iOS 19 Will Bring Major Texting Upgrades and a Fresh Design Overhaul: Report

Also Read: iPhone Users Report Rapid Battery Drain After iOS 18 Update

Also Read: WhatsApp Beta Tests Online User Counter and Reminder Notifications

Instagram Adds Fast-Forward Feature for Reels, Just Like TikTok

0

Highlights

  • Meta introduces a fast-forward feature for Instagram Reels.
  • It will allow users to watch Reel videos at 2x speed by holding either side of the screen.
  • The feature addresses viewer needs for more control over lengthy videos.
  • Instagram’s upcoming video editing app Edits has been delayed and won’t launch as planned this month.

Meta has introduced a new feature for Instagram, making it easier for users to fast-forward Reels videos. This update is especially useful for those who enjoy short videos but want more control over playback speed.

Fast-Forwarding Feature Comes to Instagram Reels

Over the years, both TikTok and Instagram Reels have increased their video length limits to allow users to upload clips that run for several minutes. While this gives creators more flexibility, it also means that viewers sometimes want to skip ahead or fast-forward through content.

In a statement, Instagram said, “Today, we’re globally launching the ability to play an Instagram Reel at 2x speed. This has been a highly requested feature from our community, and we hope being able to fast forward helps give you more control over your Reels experience as you connect with friends over content you love and enjoy.”

Caption – Now you can fast-forward Instagram reels. (Image credit – Meta)

TikTok already had a fast-forward option, and now Instagram is catching up. According to a recent TechCrunch report, users who have received the update can watch Reels at 2x speed by simply pressing and holding either side of the screen while watching.

As for rollout, a spokesperson told CNET, “Everyone on IG should have access by the end of the day. Oftentimes, our rollouts take 24 hours or so.”

While this feature is great for viewers, some content creators might worry about how it impacts audience engagement and whether it further reduces attention spans for longer content.

Instagram’s Video Editing App Faces Delays

In related news, Instagram has been working on a new video editing app called Edits. Originally expected to launch this month, the app has been delayed again.

Meta’s new tool is designed to compete with TikTok’s video editor CapCut, which offers users more shooting and editing options directly on their smartphones.

FAQs

Q1. What new feature has Instagram introduced for Reels?

Answer. Instagram has added a fast-forward feature, allowing users to watch Reels at 2x speed by pressing and holding either side of the screen.

Q2. Why was the fast-forward feature introduced for Reels?

Answer. The feature addresses viewer needs for more control over playback, especially for longer videos, as both TikTok and Instagram have increased video length limits.

Q3. What is the current status of Instagram’s new video editing app Edits?

Answer. Instagram’s video editing app, Edits, which is designed to compete with TikTok’s CapCut, has been delayed and won’t launch as originally planned this month.

Also Read: Instagram Rolls Out New Features for Cricket Fans During IPL Season

Realme 14 5G Debuts with Snapdragon 6 Gen 4, 6000mAh Battery, IP69 Rating and More

0

Highlights

  • The Realme 14 5G launches in Thailand.
  • Key features – 6.67-inch AMOLED display, Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 processor, 12GB RAM, up to 512GB storage, 50MP Sony sensor, 6,000mAh battery with 45W charging and more.
  • Available in Warrior Pink, Storm Titanium and Mecha Silver colors.
  • Realme 14 5G price starts at 13,900 THB for the 12GB+256GB variant.
  • The phone can be purchased via Shopee, Lazada and TikTok Shop.

Realme has officially launched the Realme 14 5G in the global market, starting with Thailand. This mid-range smartphone brings a powerful battery, a new chipset and solid durability. Here’s everything you need to know about its specs, features, pricing and availability.

image

Caption – Realme 14 5G. (Image credit – Realme)

Realme 14 5G – Key Specifications

The Realme 14 5G sports a 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, FHD+ resolution, 180Hz touch sampling rate and 2000 nits peak brightness.

Under the hood, it is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 processor, paired with 12GB of RAM and up to 512GB of internal storage. Keeping it running is a massive 6,000mAh battery, which supports 45W fast charging.

The phone runs on Android 15 with Realme UI 6.0 out of the box.

image

Caption – Realme 14 5G key features. (Image credit – Realme)

In the camera department, the rear setup includes a 50MP Sony primary sensor alongside a secondary camera, while the front has a 16MP selfie shooter. Realme has also packed several AI-powered camera features, including AI Eraser, AI Clear Face and AI Snap Mode.

Other key features include an IP69 rating for water and dust resistance, dual stereo speakers and UFS 3.1 storage for faster performance. The Antenna Array Matrix 2.0 promises 30% smoother connectivity in challenging environments like subways and underground garages,

It comes with the AI-powered GT Boost feature and tools such as AI Motion Control and AI Ultra Touch Control to ensure better gaming. Realme has partnered with Free Fire, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) and Honor of Kings (HOK) in some countries to enhance phone gaming performance.

Realme 14 5G – Pricing and Availability in Thailand

image

Caption – Realme 14 5G colour options. (Image credit – Realme)

The Realme 14 5G is available in three colour options, which include Warrior Pink, Storm Titanium and Mecha Silver. In Thailand, the pricing is as follows:

  • 12GB + 256GB variant: 13,900 TBH
  • 12GB + 512GB variant: 15,999 TBH

The phone is available for purchase on Shopee, Lazada and TikTok Shop.

Realme 14 5G – Key Specs

Feature Details
Display 6.67″ AMOLED, 120Hz, FHD+, 180Hz touch, 2000 nits
Processor Snapdragon 6 Gen 4
RAM & Storage 12GB RAM, 512GB UFS 3.1
Battery 6,000mAh, 45W fast charging
OS Android 15, Realme UI 6.0
Cameras 50MP Sony + secondary, 16MP front
Features IP69, stereo speakers, AI camera
Gaming GT Boost, AI Motion, Ultra Touch
Colors Warrior Pink, Storm Titanium, Mecha Silver
Price 12GB+256GB – 13,900 THB, 12GB+512GB – 15,999 THB
Availability Shopee, Lazada, TikTok Shop

FAQs

Q1. What are the display features of the Realme 14 5G?

Answer. The Realme 14 5G sports a 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, FHD+ resolution, 180Hz touch sampling rate, and 2000 nits peak brightness.

Q2. Which processor powers the Realme 14 5G and what are its storage options?

Answer. The smartphone is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 processor and comes with 12GB of RAM and up to 512GB of internal storage.

Q3. What is the battery capacity and charging speed of the Realme 14 5G?

Answer. It features a 6,000mAh battery that supports 45W fast charging.

Q4. What camera setup does the Realme 14 5G offer?

Answer. The phone has a 50MP Sony primary sensor and a secondary rear camera, along with a 16MP front selfie camera. It includes AI-powered camera features like AI Eraser, AI Clear Face, and AI Snap Mode.

Q5. What is the pricing and availability of the Realme 14 5G in Thailand?

Answer. The 12GB + 256GB variant is priced at 13,900 THB, and the 12GB + 512GB variant costs 15,999 THB. It is available in Warrior Pink, Storm Titanium, and Mecha Silver colors and can be purchased via Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop.

Also Read: Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 Introduced: Faster, More Efficient, Built on TSMC’s 4nm Process, and First with ARMv9 CPU Cores

Also Read: realme P3 Ultra 5G: World’s First Glow-in-the-Dark Lunar Design, Slimmest Quad-Curved Display

Oppo Find X8s Series Spotted on Geekbench With Dimensity 9400 Plus

0

Highlights

  • Oppo Find X8s and X8s+ spotted on Geekbench revealing MediaTek’s Dimensity 9400+ chipset.
  • The Oppo Find X8 Ultra with Snapdragon 8 Elite, 16GB RAM, 1TB storage also appears on Geekbench.
  • Oppo will unveil the Find X8 series on April 11 in China, alongside other products.

image

Caption – Oppo Find X8s Series details revealed via Geekbench listing. (Image credit – Oppo)

It seems Oppo’s next-gen flagship lineup is getting ready and new Geekbench listings have revealed key details about the Find X8s series. Two phones with model numbers PLB110 and PKT110 have surfaced, which are believed to be the Oppo Find X8s and Find X8s+. Here’s what we know far.

Oppo Find X8s Series To Feature Dimensity 9400+

The Find X8s and X8s+ will debut with MediaTek’s Dimensity 9400 Plus chipset, set to be officially announced on April 11. The Geekbench listing shows the Dimensity 9400+ featuring –

  • One Cortex-X925 prime core at 3.73GHz
  • Three Cortex-X4 cores at 3.30GHz
  • Four Cortex-A720 cores at 2.4GHz
  • Mali-G925 Immortalis MC12 GPU

image

Caption – Oppo phone with model numbers PLB110 on Geekbench. (Image credit – XpertPick)

In terms of performance, the PLB110 model scored 2,770 (single-core) and 8,500 (multi-core) on Geekbench. That’s a 6% boost in single-core and 5% in multi-core performance compared to the standard Dimensity 9400.

image

Caption – Oppo phone with model numbers PKT110 on Geekbench. (Image credit – XpertPick)

As for the Oppo phone with model number PKT110, it scored 1,984 (single-core) and 8,061 (multi-core) on Geekbench.

While Oppo hasn’t confirmed which model corresponds to which device, the Find X8s is expected to have a 6.3-inch display, while the Find X8s+ will feature a larger 6.6-inch screen.

Oppo Find X8 Ultra with Snapdragon 8 Elite

image

Caption – Oppo phone with model numbers PKU110 on Geekbench. (Image credit – XpertPick)

Meanwhile, the Oppo Find X8 Ultra Satellite Communication Version (PKU110) also recently popped up on Geekbench. It’s powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite, scoring 3,134 (single-core) and 9,176 (multi-core). This variant will come with 16GB RAM and 1TB storage.

Launch Details

Oppo will officially unveil the Find X8 series on April 11 in China, alongside the Oppo Pad 4 Pro, Watch X2 Mini, and Enco Free 4. There’s no word yet on global availability, but considering Oppo’s recent launches, a wider release seems likely.

FAQs

Q1. What chipsets power the Oppo Find X8s and Find X8 Ultra?

Answer. The Oppo Find X8s series features MediaTek’s Dimensity 9400+, while the Oppo Find X8 Ultra is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite.

Q2. When will the Oppo Find X8 series be officially launched?

Answer. The Oppo Find X8 series will be officially unveiled on April 11 in China, along with other products like Oppo Pad 4 Pro and Watch X2 Mini.

Q3. What are the expected display sizes for the Oppo Find X8s and X8s+?

Answer. The Oppo Find X8s is expected to have a 6.3-inch display, while the Oppo Find X8s+ will feature a larger 6.6-inch screen.

Also Read: OPPO’s 120W Adapter Charges Two Devices at Once

Nothing Phone (3a) Community Edition Announced – A New Chance For Nothing Fans To Co-Create

0

Highlights

  • Nothing launched the Phone (3a) Community Edition as it invites fans to co-create the phone’s design, accessories, software and marketing.
  • Fans can submit proposals for hardware, software, accessories or marketing by April 23rd.
  • Four winners will receive £1,000 each and see their ideas brought to life.
Application for Nothing Phone (3a) Community Edition invited. (Image credit – Nothing)

Nothing is back with another community-driven design project, and this time, there’s even more to create. Following last year’s glow-in-the-dark Phone (2a) Community Edition that won a Gold iF Design Award, the company is now inviting fans to help design a special edition of its latest mid-range smartphone, the Nothing Phone (3a).

What is the Nothing Phone (3a) Community Edition?

Nothing’s Community Edition phone is a new found way of the marketing team to engage more with the fan base. Unlike a simple colour refresh or limited-edition variant, the Community Edition is a collaborative project where users actively shape the phone’s design, accessories, and even its marketing.

How to Participate in Nothing Phone (3a) Community Edition?

The 2025 Community Edition is split into four key stages –

  • Hardware Design: Create a unique visual identity for the Phone (3a).
  • Software Design: Go beyond wallpapers—this time, participants can design widgets and a clock icon pack.
  • Accessory Design: A new category where you can create an exclusive collectible or accessory to be included with the phone.
  • Marketing Campaign: Pitch ideas for key visuals, launch moments, or promotional events.

To join, submit a proposal in one of these categories before April 23rd at 6 AM EST / 11 AM BST.

After submissions close, the Nothing community will vote for 24 hours, helping shortlist ideas. Then, an internal jury will pick four winners, who will see their concepts brought to life.

What’s In It For You?

Each winner gets a £1,000 cash prize and a chance to showcase their work to a global audience. Whether you’re a designer, developer, or marketer, this is a rare opportunity to work on a real-world project with a cutting-edge tech brand.

FAQs

Q1. What is the Nothing Phone (3a) Community Edition?

Answer. It is a collaborative design project by Nothing, allowing fans to co-create the phone’s design, accessories, software, and marketing.

Q2. How can fans participate in the Nothing Phone (3a) Community Edition project?

Answer. Fans can submit proposals in hardware, software, accessories, or marketing categories by April 23rd, followed by community voting and jury selection.

Q3. What rewards will the winners of the Nothing Phone (3a) Community Edition receive?

Answer. Each winner will receive £1,000 and have their ideas brought to life, gaining global recognition for their contributions.

Also Read: Nothing Updates Essential Space with Camera Capture

Also Read: Nothing Phone (2a) Plus Gets Stable Android 15-Based Nothing OS 3.0 Update with AI-Powered Smart Drawer and New Customisations Features

Google to Develop Android OS In Private: Report

0

Highlights

  • Google is moving all Android OS development to internal branches.
  • The company is ending its traditional dual-branch approach with AOSP and internal development.
  • While the Android OS remains open-source, contributing developers will need a Google Mobile Services (GMS) license.
  • Custom ROM developers won’t be significantly affected.

image

Caption – Android OS to shift for private development process. (Photo by Denny Müller on Unsplash

Google is changing the way it develops Android OS and is shifting to a fully private development process, according to a new report. While Android has traditionally been developed on both a public and an internal branch, Google will now move all development to its internal branches.

The company will still publish source code for new Android releases, meaning this shift shouldn’t affect custom ROM developers or other platform developers. Here’s what we know so far.

Why Google Is Changing Android Development Process?

According to Android Authority, Google will start making this change as early as next week. Instead of working on both a public Android Open Source Project (AOSP) branch and an internal branch, development will now happen entirely behind closed doors.

In the past, the AOSP branch often lagged behind the internal one, leading to delays in new features and errors when merging patches between the two. To avoid these issues, even components like Bluetooth, which were previously developed in public, will now be handled privately.

Google confirmed these changes and assured that Android will remain open-source. It will continue to publish Android’s source code and the Android kernel (which is forked from the Linux kernel). However, developers who want to contribute to Android OS development will need a Google Mobile Services (GMS) license to work on the internal branch.

What This Means for Developers and Users?

For most users and app developers, nothing will change. Custom ROM developers like LineageOS rely on Google’s stable release tags, so they shouldn’t be affected either. However, news outlets that used to track Android updates through public AOSP patches will no longer have access to those early details.

While this move might make Android development more streamlined, it also makes the process less transparent, leaving many to wonder what this means for the future of open-source Android development.

FAQs

Q1. What change is Google making to Android OS development?

Answer. Google is shifting all Android OS development to internal branches, ending the dual-branch approach that included public AOSP development.

Q2. Will this change affect custom ROM developers?

Answer. No, custom ROM developers like LineageOS won’t be significantly affected since they rely on Google’s stable release tags.

Q3. What concerns does this new Android OS development process raise?

Answer. This move reduces public transparency into Android updates, leading to concerns about the future openness of Android’s development process.

Also Read: Qualcomm & Google Extend Android Updates Up to 8 Years with Snapdragon 8 Elite

Also Read: Google Unveils Gemini 2.5 – A Smarter AI Model That Thinks Before Answering