LG G8S ThinQ with Z Camera, Hand ID launched

Expanding its G-Series smartphone line-up, LG has now launched the G8S ThinQ for select markets, including Europe, Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East. The device follows the LG G8 ThinQ that was launched at MWC Barcelona earlier this year. The LG G8S ThiQ is basically a watered-down version of the LG G8 ThinQ. It borrows some of the features, like Z Camera and Hand ID from the flagship and comes equipped with some enhanced specifications, which include a wide-angle camera with 137-degree field of view. The South Korean company has announced that the pricing and details of availability of the handset will be announced locally.

LG G8SThinQ features and specifications:

The LG G8S ThinQ sports a 6.2-inch FHD+ OLED FullVision display with an aspect ratio of 18.7:9 and 2248 x 1080 pixel resolution. In comparison, the LG G8 ThinQ was launched with a 6.1-inch QHD+ OLED FullVision display with 3120 x 1440 pixel resolution and 19.5:9 aspect ratio. Both devices have Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 processor with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage under the hood. Apart from that, both devices run Android 9.0 Pie, have a fingerprint sensor on the back and sport the Z Camera that was first introduced in the original G8 ThinQ handset.

The Z Camera utilises Time-of-Flight (ToF) sensor technology for multiple secure biometric recognition options like Hand ID (watch video below) and Face Unlock. The Hand ID uses the Z Camera’s ability to scan a user’s circulatory pattern of the blood in hand using infrared light. LG says that with this tech tech, the phone can be unlocked in the dark just as accurate as during the day. The same technology is used in the Face Unlock feature, which is also claimed to be “extremely accurate and fast.” LG says that the Z Camera’s use of infrared light and 3D point clouds accurately traces the contours and features of the face. The third feature that utilises Z Camera is Air Motion. It is a touchless command interface that allow users to perform various actions without touching the screen. You just need to hover your hand over the Z Camera and perform tasks like answering calls, adjusting volume, snapping screenshots and switching between apps.

In the camera department, the phone borrows a refreshed triple camera setup. There is a 13MP super-wide sensor with an f/2.4 aperture lens, and 137-degree field of view. It is assisted by a 12MP standard sensor with an f/1.8 aperture lens and a 12MP telephoto lens with an aperture of f/2.6. On the front is an 8MP standard lens with f/1.9 and Z Camera. In comparison, the LG G8 ThiQ has a 16MP super wide sensor along with an f/1.9 aperture lens with 107-degree filed of view.. There’s a 12MP standard lens with an f/1.5 aperture and 12MP telephoto lens with f/2.4 aperture. On the front is an 8MP sensor with an f/1.7 aperture lens.

The handset is powered by a 3550mAh battery (LG G8 ThinQ has 3500mAh battery) that supports Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0 technology. It is fitted with audio hardware like stereo speakers (instead of Boombox Speaker + Crystal Sound OLED Stereo Speaker in LG G8 ThinQ). The handset gets IP68 Water and Dust Resistance rating and MIL-STD 810G compliance. It will be available in Mirror Black, Mirror Teal and Mirror White colours.

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Apex Legends Introduces Ranked Leagues, Brings Tier-Based Progression, Series Rewards, Penalties, and More

Apex Legends has introduced Ranked Leagues, a new tier-based mode that introduces new rewards, penalties and more new elements to the game.

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Vivo Z1Pro with Snapdragon 712, 32MP selfie camera launched in India: Price, availability, launch offers and all you need to know

Vivo has added a new smartphone to its ‘Z’ series line-up with the launch of its new Vivo Z1Pro smartphone in India. The new device is a mid-range handset powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 712 SoC and priced starting at Rs 14,990. It goes up against the likes of the Redmi Note 7 Pro, Realme 3 Pro and other phones that are similarly priced. The Vivo Z1Pro features a punch-hole display design, which features a 32MP sensor with f/2.0 aperture lens. It will go up for sale via Flipkart in India. 

Vivo Z1Pro specifications and features

The Vivo Z1Pro features a ‘3D curved design’ for the rear panel and it comes equipped with a 6.53-inch display that sports a 2340x1080p resolution. The screen has a 19.5:9 display aspect ratio and the device is said to feature a screen to body ratio of 90.77 percent. As expected, the smartphone runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 712 SoC and the chip debuts in India with the Vivo Z1Pro. The 10nm chip comes equipped with third generation Kyro Octa-core CPU that can clock speeds of up to 2.3GHz and is paired with Adreno 616GPU. 

The Vivo Z1Pro also features Multi-Turbo technology that is said to help optimise the overall smartphone in key areas like cooling, AI, internet, gaming and more. When the feature is turned on, the Center Turbo feature, which is a part of Multi-Turbo tech, is said to deliver up to 78 percent improvement for anti-frame drops and Cooling Turbo is touted to drop the handset’s temperature by 1-1.5 degrees. There’s also Game Turbo that is said to help improve the device’s gaming performance with a dedicated SDK.

In terms of optics, the Vivo Z1Pro comes equipped with a triple-rear camera setup. The camera features an 8MP super-wide angle sensor, a 16MP Sony IMX499 sensor and a 2MP sensor for bokeh images. On the front is a 32MP sensor with an f/2.0 aperture lens. It also comes with a dedicated physical button that calls up Google Assistant and Google Lens. The handset is backed by a 5000mAh battery that supports 18W fast charging. It also comes with reverse charging support to top up other devices via an OTG cable. 

Vivo Z1Pro price, availability and launch offers

The Vivo Z1Pro comes in three variants in India. The 4GB RAM + 64GB storage version of the phone is priced at Rs 14,990, while the 6GB RAM + 64GB storage version could cost Rs 16,990. There’s also a 6GB RAM + 128GB storage version of the device that is priced at Rs 17,990. The handset comes in Mirror Black, Sonic Black and Sonic Blue colour models. 

The device will go on sale at 12pm on July 11 via Flipkart and Vivo.com. For launch offers, ICICI credit and debit card consumers will get Rs 750 off on the phone’s purchase. Jio users can also avail benefits worth Rs 6,000 with the handset. 

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Samsung Galaxy A80 headed to India later this month, now available for purchase in select markets

Samsung Galaxy A80, which is the company’s approach towards a bezel-less device, is now available for purchase in select markets. Originally, the device was to go on sale in markets like Asia, Australia, China, Europe, Hong Kong, Middle East, New Zealand, and Russia by the end of May. However, the same was delayed and it is only now going on sale in select European markets, including Spain and Switzerland. 

The major highlight of Galaxy A80 is its rotating camera module which houses a triple camera setup. The phone also features the brand new Snapdragon 730G SoC which was announced back in April.

While the official India launch date has not yet been announced by Samsung, IANS has reported citing Samsung's Product Planning Group's Head of Innovation, Yeon Jeong Kim, that Samsung is bringing its Galaxy A80 to India later this month.

Samsung Galaxy A80 specs and features

The Samsung galaxy A80 stands tall at 6.7-inches. The phone features a Super AMOLED panel with a display resolution of 1080x2400 pixels. The ‘New Infinity Display’, as Samsung calls it, comes with an aspect ratio of 20:9.

Further, the device is powered by Qualcomm’s new mid-range Snapdragon 730G SoC, built on the 8nm technology. The Adreno 618 GPU inside takes care of the graphics performance on this device. It is equipped with 8GB RAM and 128GB onboard storage, with dual SIM support too. The Galaxy A80 runs Android 9 Pie with the One UI on top.

In the camera department, the Galaxy A80 features a triple camera setup housed in a rotating module which also acts as your selfie camera. The camera setup features a 48MP primary sensor with f/2.0 aperture, the secondary 8MP sensor comes with an ultra-wide-angle lens (123-degrees) and finally a TOF 3D camera with an f/1.2 aperture comes as a depth sensor.

Sadly, the 128GB storage on the device isn’t expandable via microSD. Apart from this, the device packs a 3700mAh battery which can be charged via 25W fast charging.

Pricing

As far as the pricing is concerned, the device should be priced somewhere around Rs 50,800, given that the device carries a price tag of EUR 649.

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Huawei allowed to trade with the US again, Android permission from US Department of Commerce pending

In a recent turn of events, US President Donald Trump has seemingly softened his hard stance on the whole Huawei-ban fiasco. The Chinese tech giant has now been allowed to conduct business with American companies again. In a press conference at the G20 summit, Trump said, “American companies will continue” to do business with Huawei. However, it is still unclear to what extent Huawei will and whether the statement extends to the 5G network technology that Huawei has been working on.

In response to the statement, Huawei tweeted: “U-turn? Donald Trump suggests he would allow #Huawei to once again purchase U.S. technology!”

While Huawei was preparing its own operating system (Ark OS), it can most certainly use Google’s Android platform now. To recall, Google was barred from selling the Android license to Huawei a few weeks ago. But a temporary license was soon issued by Google to update the Android OS running on existing Huawei devices. To counter the ban, Huawei was reportedly reaching out to Chinese brands such as Oppo, Vivo, and Xiaomi for OS partnership. 

However, the ban wasn’t technically in effect because of a 90-day reprieve (it expires on August 19). Still, it was already affecting Huawei’s future product developments. It had confirmed that it was working on Ark OS whereas major product launches like the foldable Mate X and the Matebook laptops were delayed. 

In spite of Trump’s statement, Huawei is still waiting for US commerce nod to resume usage on Android. "We acknowledge President Trump's comments related to Huawei over the weekend and will wait for guidance from the Department of Commerce but have nothing further to add at this time," said Tim Danks, Huawei Vice President of Risk Management and Partner Relations, when asked about its access to the Android operating system. Moreover, according to TechCrunch, the Commerce Department has told its staff to continue treating Huawei as blacklisted. 

Huawei will still probably keep working on Ark OS even if it is allowed to use Android again, just to be on the safer side.

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Chandrayaan-2 launch viewing registration starts at midnight

As Chandrayaan-2 nears its scheduled launch window, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) makes preparations for spectators to come watch the launch in person. According to a news update posted on the space agency’s website, “Online registration process for witnessing the forthcoming GSLV MKIII-M1 / Chandrayaan-2 mission will commence @ 00:00 hrs on 04th July 2019”. ISRO has so far not provided a link to the online registration page.

Chandrayaan-2 is scheduled to blast off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR spaceport in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh on July 15 at 2:51 AM. The launch vehicle for this mission will be ISRO’s tried and tested Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III (GSLV Mk-III). Chandrayaan-2’s one and only destination will be the moon. On September 6, the spacecraft is expected to make a soft landing in the lunar south pole after what ISRO likes to call “15 terrifying minutes” of slow entry into the lunar orbit.

Chandrayaan-2, India’s second uncrewed lunar mission, consists of a lunar lander (Vikram), rover (Pragyan), and orbiter modules. All of them are stacked together in a composite structure and interfaced mechanically. When Chandrayaan-2 reaches the lunar orbit, the lander, with the rover inside it, will decouple itself from the orbiter and make its way to the surface. The rover is equipped with six wheels to help it move about the rocky and sandy lunar surface in search of fossils.

Chandrayaan-2 began its journey from ISRO’s satellite centre in Bengaluru to the spaceport in Sriharikota by road some two weeks ago. ISRO has yet to supply more information on how interested viewers can attend the launch on July 15. The airports closest to barrier island of Sriharikota are the Tirupati International Airport (88 km) and Chennai Domestic Airport (121 km). Sriharikota is also connected by train (via Sullurupeta) and road (National Highway 5).

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Xiaomi CC9, CC9e, and CC9 Meitu Edition launched in China: Specs, price and everything you need to know

Xiaomi’s spin-off brand CC has launched the first lot of smartphones in China. Called the CC9, CC9e and a special CC9 Meitu Edition, the phones will be available for purchase in China starting July 5. CC is Xiaomi Corporation’s third brand after Redmi and Mi. The company already has the flagship Mi9 and Mi9SE from the Mi brand, Redmi K20 and Redmi K20 Pro from the Redmi brand in the country. Since the CC-Series handsets are aimed at youngsters, these fall under the mid-range category.

Xiaomi CC9, CC9e, and CC9 Meitu Edition Prices

The 6GB/64GB variant of Xiaomi CC9 is priced at CNY 1,799 (approx Rs 18,000) and the 6GB/128GB will cost CNY 1,999 (approx Rs 20,000). Unlike CC9, the CC9e is offered in three variants: 4GB/64GB for CNY 1,299 (approx Rs 13,000), 6GB/64GB for CNY 1,399 (approx Rs 14,000), and 6GB/128GB for CNY 1,599 (approx Rs 16,000). The Meitu Edition of the CC9 comes for CNY 2,599 (approx Rs 26,000). Customers can also purchase a clear bracelet case for CNY 199 (approx Rs 2,000) and a clip-on LED soft light for CNY 49 (approx Rs 500).

Xiaomi CC9 specifications:

The Xiaomi CC9 features a 3D curved glass design and is offered in three finishes. The first one is called Blue Planet, and it sports a breathing ‘S-shaped’ pattern that moves depending on the angle of light that falls on it. The finish is called White Lover, which leaked in hands-on images last month. It is said to be inspired by different hues in snow. The third one is called Black Prince and it sports a satiny black panel.

The handset is equipped with a 6.39-inch FullHD+ AMOLED display with a dewdrop notch. The phone uses a Samsung display, and features an in-display fingerprint scanner. Xiaomi has also added the support for DC Dimming technology to reduce strain on eyes when they use the smartphone in low light. The CC9 also comes with an Always-on Display with a lock-screen clock widget that can be customised. Under the hood, the phone is equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 710 processor.

In the camera department, the Xiaomi CC9 is equipped with a 48MP primary camera sensor with an f/1.79 aperture lens on the back. It is supported by an 8MP wide-angle sensor and a 2MP depth sensor. On the front is a 32MP sensor. The phone features Mimojis - Xiaomi’s version of Apple’s Animoji. The company claims that the CC9 supports up to 165 face elements. A 4030mAh battery with 18W charging support keeps the phone’s lights on.

Xiaomi CC9e specifications:

As expected, the Xiaomi CC9e is a toned-down version of the CC9, but it's offered in the same finish as the CC9. In fact, the CC9e is the most affordable device in the lot. This device sports a 6.088-inch AMOLED display with HD+ resolution and has the Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 at its heart. The Xiaomi CC9e is the first smartphone to be powered by a Snapdragon 665 mobile platform. It borrows the in-display fingerprint sensor and both front and rear camera sensors from the CC9. Even the battery capacity in both the phones is the same at 4,030mAh, however, the CC9e comes with a 10W charger in the box even though it supports up to 18W charging.

Xiaomi CC9e Meitu Edition specifications:

The third smartphone launched under the same series is the CC9 Meitu Edition. Except 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage storage, the phone borrows the same specifications from the Xiaomi CC9. There are significant changes on the software level and it is primarily focussed on shooting selfies, portraits and blur-free videos. Firstly, this special edition device ships with a customised camera app which is designed by Meitu. Apart from this, there is a customised version of MIUI with Meitu apps and special themes.

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