Google announced that it will host a launch event on August 13 to unveil its next generation of Pixel smartphones, the Pixel 9 series. While we have already seen a lot of leaks revolving around the devices, a new one suggests that Google will opt for an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor in its upcoming Pixel 9 series.
The Pixel 9 will use an ultrasonic fingerprint scanner, with the specific unit being Qualcomm’s 3D Sonic Gen 2 (QFS4008) — the same exact model that has also been equipped inside the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, as per a report by Android Authority. This would be a significant switch for the Google Pixel lineup, considering the optical fingerprint Sensors Google has been using for the past few years aren’t exactly the most promising in terms of speed of unlocking.
In comparison to an optical sensor, which shines a bright light on the sensor so it can read your print, an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor relies on inaudible sound waves to read a finger‘s valleys and ridges and then create a reproduction of the scanned fingerprint. These sensors can not only read your fingerprint even when it’s wet (which an optical sensor cannot), but they are also quicker in reading the print and are more reliable than optical sensors.
In addition, the new ultrasonic fingerprint scanner will be available on all variants of the Google Pixel 9 series except the Fold, which will get a side-facing sensor integrated into the power button itself.
Other details about the Pixel 9 series include that the lineup is expected to consist of three smartphones this year, including the Pixel 9 Pro XL, Pixel 9 Pro, and the Pixel 9. All three devices will have a similar design. The whole camera bar is now pill-shaped, compared to rectangular on the Pixel 8 Pro, with only the camera cutout inside it having the pill shape.
Lava recently announced the launch of a new Blaze series smartphone dubbed Lava Blaze X. The Blaze X is set to launch on July 10, the same day as the Galaxy Z Flip 6 and the Z Fold 6 from Samsung. Ahead of the launch, the specifications of the Lava Blaze X have now surfaced online and here’s what you can expect from the device.
Lava Blaze X: Leaked Specs
According to YTechb, the Lava Blaze X will be powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7050 processor, which is the same as the Lava Blaze Curve 5G and the Agni 2 5G. In addition, it will be available in 128GB and 256GB storage options.
Then, it may sport an FHD+ curved display while the main camera is expected to be a 64MP IMX882 sensor paired with an 8MP sensor. The front will have a 32MP camera. The device will be backed up by a 5000mAh battery paired with 33W fast charging. Fortunately, the Blaze X will come with Android 14 operating system preloaded.
As per the offically confirmed details though, the handset will be available in 4/6/8GB RAM options, a 64MP main camera, a curved display, a circular camera island at the centre of the back panel housing two rear cameras.
The handset’s colour options will include Purple and Cream. In addition, the publication claims that the handset will be available in offline markets a month after it goes on sale online, which means sometime in August.
Lava Blaze X: Leaked Price
The report claims that the base variant of the Blaze X should cost under Rs 15,000, while the top-end model, likely to be the 8GB + 256GB variant, can go beyond this price point.
While Samsung is all set to debut the Galaxy Z Flip 6 and the Z Fold 6 next week, leaks have already begun speculating what next year’s Galaxy S25 series could bring to the table. A recent report suggesting that Samsung won’t be bringing the Galaxy S25+ has now been contradicted by another report, which states that the Plus model is still in development and will indeed be launched.
The report stating that Samsung won’t be making the Galaxy S25+ came from Android Headlines, citing IMEI database as its source where the concerned model simply wasn’t listed. As a result, the publication concluded that the device does not exist. However, GalaxyClub, which is another publication that popularly reports about Samsung and its upcoming products, contradicts the report and says, “like all recent Galaxy S generations, the S25 series again consists of three devices (translated).”
As per GalaxyClub, these are internally referred to by the code names F1, F2 and F3, among others, while the model names attached to them are S25, S25+ and S25 Ultra, respectively. Furthermore, they carry model numbers SM-S931, SM-S936 and SM-S938 which is the usual scheme the Korean brand follows.
The same publication recently also shared the camera specs of the regular S25 and the S25+. According to that report, Samsung will be using the same 50MP primary rear camera sensor in the Galaxy S25 and S25+ which it used in the Galaxy S24 series. The website didn’t reveal further details about the sensor, such as sensor size and Pixel size. In addition, they will also pack the same 12MP front-facing sensor seen in Galaxy S24 and the S24+.
“If exciting things are going to happen with the Galaxy S25’s camera in 2025, this must be done with the ultra-wide-angle and telephoto cameras,” the report read. There’s no information regarding these two Sensors as of now.
Motorola has launched the follow-up smartphone to last year’s Razr 40 Ultra, dubbed Razr 50 Ultra in India with Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 powering it along with the brand’s own set of AI features under the moto AI system. The device launched internationally last month along with the Razr 50 whose India arrival is unclear at the moment.
Motorola Razr 50 Ultra carries a hefty price tag of Rs 99,999 in India for the sole 12GB + 512GB model. It’ll be available in Spring Green, Peach Fuzz and Midnight Blue colours via Amazon India, alongside motorola’s website and other leading retail stores. The pre-booking for the handset begins on July 10. As a part of a limited-time launch offer, Motorola is bundling the Moto Buds+ (worth Rs 9,999) for free alongside the purchase of its new foldable smartphone.
Motorola Razr 50 Ultra: Specs
The Motorola Razr 50 Ultra sports a 4.0-inch external cover display which is a pOLED LTPO screen with a 165Hz refresh rate, HDR10+ support, 2400 nits peak brightness, 1272 x 1080 pixels Resolution with 417 ppi and Glass Victus protection. Then there is a 6.9-inch FHD+ pOLED folding display with a 165Hz refresh rate, HDR10+, 3000 nits peak brightness, Dolby Vision support, and 1080 x 2640 pixels resolution.
It is powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 Processor with 12GB of LPDDR5x RAM and 512GB of UFS 4.0 storage. It packs a 4000mAh battery with 45W TurboPower Fast charging, 15W wireless charging support and 5W reverse wired charging. There’s a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for biometrics.
For optics, you get a 50MP f/1.7 primary camera with OIS, and a 50MP f/2.0 2x telephoto camera. There’s a 32MP front camera for selfies and video calls. Connectivity options include 5G, dual 4G VoLTE, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, USB Type-C port, and NFC. It is further equipped with stereo speakers, and Dolby Atmos. Lastly, the Razr 50 Ultra runs on Android 14 with MyUX on top and packs Google Gemini integration with other moto AI features. The device is also IPX8 rated.
Stay updated on the latest smartwatch releases in India with our detailed guide, featuring the newest offerings from renowned brands like Noise. Explore the most recent smartwatches launched and stay informed as of July 2024.
Realme Watch S2
Available in colors including Metallic Grey, Midnight Black & Ocean Silver, this smartwatch is starting at Rs 4,499. Its features include:
1.43-inch AMOLED display, up to 60Hz refresh rate, LTPS technology, Always-on display support
Launching in a range of six colours – Jet Black, Deep Wine, Rose Gold, Space Blue, Black Link, and Calm Silver Link, the Noise ColorFit Pulse 4 Max smartwatch will be available for Rs 2,499 ongonoise.com, Amazon, and Flipkart, starting 20th July, 2024. Its features include:
1.96-inch HD AMOLED display, AI-based watch faces, Always-on support
Bluetooth Calling via in-built mic & speaker, Dial Pad, Recent Call History
Emergency SOS, Scheduled DND, Notification display, weather updates, Reminders, Alarm, camera control, music control, calculator, QR code scanner
Up to 7 days of battery backup
IP68 rated
OnePlus Watch 2R
Priced at Rs 17,999, the OnePlus Watch 2R comes in Forest Green and Gunmetal Gray colours. It will be available for purchase via Amazon, Flipkart, OnePlus.in, OnePlus Store App, Myntra, OnePlus Experience Stores and select offline partner stores starting July 20. Its features are:
Bluetooth v5.3, in-built speaker & mic for calling
Dual frequency L1+L5 Beidou, GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, QZSS
500mAh battery; up to 100 hours runtime in smart mode, 48 hours runtime with heavy use, 12 days runtime in Power Saver Mode
Titan Celestor
Priced at Rs 9,995, the Titan Celestor is available in Black Eclipse, Aurora Blue, and Moonlight Edition (Beige) shades. The smartwatch is available for purchase via Amazon and Titan World Stores in India. As part of launch offers, the company is giving an additional discount of Rs 1,000 on the smartwatch. Its features include:
Integrated Altimeter, Barometer, and Compass (ABC)
Aluminium body, Silicone strap
SingleSync Bluetooth calling
Up to 7-day battery life
100+ sports modes, Swim mode with auto lock
Water resistant
Stress monitoring, heart rate tracking, Cadence tracking, and more
Pebble Ultra Rapid
Launched at an introductory price of Rs 1,699, Pebble Ultra Rapid is available in Light Blue, Black and Royal Blue colour variants. They can be purchased exclusively via Pebble’s website. Its features include:
Bluetooth calling, Quick Dial Pad, Loudspeaker, Call Logs, Contacts access
Google Assistant, Siri Assistant access
NEXGEN Health Suite
Smart Alarm, Find Phone, Weather, Calendar
Functional crown
Pebble Dome
Launched at an introductory price of Rs 2,999, Pebble Dome is available in Onyx black and Whisky Brown strap colour variants. They can be purchased exclusively via Pebble’s website. Its features include:
1.52-inch 3D Spherical AMOLED display, 200+ watch faces, Always-on support
Functional crown
Leather strap
Up to 4-day battery backup
Voice Assistant support
Heart rate, stress, sleep, and female health tracker
Bluetooth calling, Quick Dial Pad, Loudspeaker, Call logs, Contacts access
Multiple sports modes
NoiseFit Javelin
The NoiseFit Javelin limited edition smartwatch is priced at Rs 3,999 and available for purchase on gonoise.com, Amazon and Myntra starting July 15, 2024. Its features include:
1.46-inch HD AMOLED display, 466 x 466 pixels resolution, 100+ cloud-based watch faces
Bluetooth Calling via in-built moc & speaker, Dial Pad, Recent Call History
Emergency SOS, Scheduled DND, Notification display, weather updates, Reminders, Alarm, camera control, music control, calculator.
Up to 7 days of battery backup
IP68 rated
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra
Priced at Rs 59,999, the Watch Ultra is available in a single 47mm size with shades including Titanium Gray, Titanium White, and Titanium Silver. It will be available from July 24 with features like:
1.5-inch Super AMOLED display, Sapphire Crystal covering, 480 x 480 pixels resolution, 3000 nits peak brightness
The Galaxy Watch 7 is available in 40mm (Green, Cream) and 44mm (Green, Silver) sizes. The Watch 7 40 mm BT costs Rs 29,999, Watch 7 44mm BT costs Rs 32,999, Watch 7 40mm LTE costs Rs 33,999 and the Watch 7 44mm LTE costs Rs 36,999. Its features include:
Up to 1.5-inch Super AMOLED display, Sapphire Crystal covering, 480 x 480 pixels resolution
LTE, Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi 2.4+5GHz, NFC, GPS(L1+L5)/Glonass/Beidou/Galileo
5ATM rated, IP68 rated
Gestures
100+ workout modes
Cult Sprint
The smartwatch will be available at an introductory price of Rs 2,499 for Amazon Prime members beginning July 12. Pre-order for the smartwatch is now live. Its features include:
1.43-inch HD always-on AMOLED screen, Multiple watch faces, 466 x 466 pixels Resolution
Heart rate, SpO2, and Step tracking, calorie counter, and Sleep counter, aerobic, anaerobic, and Vo2 Max
Cultsport Watch App support, Strava, Google Fit, and Apple Health apps support
IP68 rated
up to 7 days of runtime
CMF Watch Pro 2
Priced at Rs 4,999 for the Dark Gray, Ash Gray variants at Rs 5,499 for the Blue and Orange in Vegan leather options, the Watch Pro 2 from CMF will be available to purchase from cmf.tech and retail partners, with open sales commencing on July 12 at 12 noon. The separate bezel plus strap set will retail for Rs 749. Its features include:
Remote control for camera, music control, weather information
Functional crown
In-built GPS
Gesture control
Bluetooth v5.3
BoAt Lunar Oasis
The boAt Lunar Oasis is now on sale starting at Rs 3,299. One can purchase it from boAt-lifestyle.com, Flipkart, and Amazon. Its features include:
Hi-Tech SIFLI chipset
X1 processor
1.43-inch 2.5D Super AMOLED display, 466 x 466 ppi, 600 nits brightness, DIY Watch face studio
In-built GPS, MapmyIndia navigation support
BoAt Crest app support
Heart rate, sleep, SpO2 levels, and stress tracking
Sedentary reminder, Fitness Buddies, Wellness Crew, Custom Run plans, 700+ Active Modes, achievement badges
Music & camera control, Weather updates, Uber ride hailing, QR Code tray, Emergency SOS mode
Bluetooth calling
IP68 rated
Up to 7-day battery life
Noise Triumph
The Noise Triumph carries a special price tag of Rs 1,899. It is offered in Black, Brown, Grey, and Dark Grey colours. The smartwatch can be purchased via Flipkart. Its features include:
July 2024 ushers in the release of new TWS earbuds, a rapidly expanding market featuring brands like CMF and more. Here’s a roundup of all the TWS earbuds launched in India this month. We have also maintained a roundup of all launches that happened last month, including the likes of Lyne Pods, BoAt Airdopes 131 Elite ANC, and more.
Itel Buds Ace ANC
The itel Buds Ace ANC comes in Cranberry Juice, White, and Midnight Blue colours. It is priced at Rs 1,399 and is available at retailers across India. Its features are:
10mm drivers
25dB ANC
Dual mics
ENC
Touch controls
Bluetooth v5.3
60ms low-latency gaming mode
IPX5 rated
AI voice assistant support
40 mAh buds battery, 500mAh case battery, Up to 50-hour playback time
Just Corseca Strider SmartTouch TWS
Available in black at Rs 2,999, these earbuds are available for purchase via company’s website, leading e-commerce platforms and offline stores. Its features includes:
2.01-inch screen on case with retina resolution
Touch controls
Digital Smart Case
ANC
ENC
Quad mics
10mm dynamic drivers
Bluetooth v5.4
Bluetrum 5636F chip
Just Corseca Spectre TWS
These earbuds are available in Black and Silver at a special launch price of Rs 1,399. It can be bought via company’s website, leading e-commerce platforms and offline stores. Its features include:
ANC
ENC
13mm dynamic drivers
Smart volume control
Up tp 45-hour playtime
Just Corseca Sonnet TWS
Available in Black & Red and White & Red color combinations, these buds have launched at a special launch price of Rs 1,099 and are purchaseable via company’s website, leading e-commerce platforms and offline stores. Its features include:
IPX4 rated
Up to 42-hour playtime
50mAh buds battery, 350mAh case battery
13mm drivers
ENC
Quad mics
Realme Buds T310
Available in three colors: Monet Purple, Vibrant Black, and Agile White, these earbuds are priced at Rs 2,199. The first sale starts from August 5, 12 PM onwards on realme.com, Flipkart and Mainline channels. Its features include:
12.4mm dynamic bass drivers
46dB Hybrid ANC
360° Spatial Audio Effect
AI deep call noise reduction
Up to 40-hour payback time
Dual-device connection
45ms low latency
Noise Buds VS102 Elite
Launching in a range of four colours – Black, Beige, Green, and Purple, the starting price of the Noise Buds VS102 Elite is Rs 899. The product is available on gonoise.com, andFlipkart. Its features include:
11mm drivers
Up to 50-hour playtime
InstaCharge technology
Quad mics
Environmental Noise Cancellation
Bluetooth v5.3
IPX5 rated
U&i Plus Series, Energy Series Neckbands
The Plus series and Energy series neckbands are available in all U&i outlets and other leading retail stores across India and are priced at Rs 2,499 each. Their features include:
Priced at Rs 3,299, the Nord Buds 3 Pro come in Starry Black and Soft Jade colours and will be available from Amazon, Flipkart.in, OnePlus.in, OnePlus Store App, Myntra, Blinkit, OnePlus Stores and select offline partner stores starting from July 20th. Its features include:
4 Equalizer modes: Balanced (Default), Seranade, Bold and Bass modes
58mAh buds, 440mAh case battery
Up to 12 hours (ANC OFF) / 5.5 hours (ANC ON) playback time on single charge
Up to 44 hours (ANC OFF) / 20 hours (ANC ON) total playback time
BoAt Nirvana Space
Nirvana Space TWS earbuds will be available exclusively on Amazon during Prime Days (July 20-21) – in Cosmic Black and Celestial White colour variants at a special price of Rs 1,999. Its features include:
Available in Grey, Blue, and Black, the Superior Series is priced at Rs 2,499 and is available via all U&i outlets and other leading retail stores across India. Its features include:
Bluetooth v5.3
EDR chip
Up to 40-hour total playback time
28mAh buds battery, 320mAh case battery
Game mode for low latency
U&i Memory Series TWS
Priced at Rs 3,699, the Memory Series comes in White, Grey, and Black. It can be purchased via all U&i outlets and other leading retail stores across India. Its features include:
Available at Rs 1,599, the GM Modular TWS has features like:
30dB Active Noise Cancellation
10mm drivers
ENC, dual mics
Wireless charging
Touch controls
45ms low latency
Up to 24-hour total playback time, up to 5-hour playtime on single charge
IPX4 rated
Bluetooth v5.3
Marshall Major V
The Marshall Major V Wireless headphones are priced at Rs 14,999. It is available in a single black colour via Marshall’s website. Its features include:
MOMENTUM Sport will be available at a special price of Rs 27,990 in three colorways- Polar Black, Burned Olive, and Metallic Graphite from today, 15th July, 12pm onwards with 2 years of warranty. The earbuds are available on the brand webshop at www.sennheiser-hearing.com, Amazon.in. and Flipkart. Its features are as follows:
Photoplethysmography (PPG) heart rate sensor, body temperature sensor
Priced at Rs 19,999, the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro come in White and Silver shades and will be available from July 24 via leading retail stores. Customers pre-booking Buds 3 Pro will receive multi-bank cashback of Rs 4,000 or an upgrade bonus of Rs 4,000. Here are its features:
10.5mm dynamic driver + 6.1mm planar tweeter
3 mics + VPU
UHQ, 24-bit Hi-fi audio streaming
SSC, AAC, SBC codecs supported
360 Audio with Direct Multi-Channel
ANC with Ambient Sound and Voice Detect
53mAh earbuds battery, 515mAh case battery
Up to 30-hour total playback time, up to 7-hour playtime on single charge
Bluetooth v5.4, Auto switch support
IP57 rated buds
Samsung Galaxy Buds 3
Priced at Rs 14,999, the Galaxy Buds 3 come in Silver and White shades and will be available from July 24 via leading retail stores. Customers pre-booking Buds3 will receive multi-bank cashback of Rs 4,000 or an upgrade bonus of Rs 4,000. Here are its features:
11mm dynamic driver
3 mics + VPU
UHQ, 24-bit Hi-fi audio streaming
SSC, AAC, SBC codecs supported
360 Audio with Direct Multi-Channel
ANC
48mAh earbuds battery, 515mAh case battery
Up to 30-hour total playback time, up to 6-hour playtime on single charge
Bluetooth v5.4, Auto switch support
IP57 rated buds
Promate Leap Neckband
Backed by a 24-month warranty, the Leap neckband is priced at Rs 1999 and can be purchased at leading retail stores across India. It comes in Black and Silver colours. Its features include:
12mm drivers
Built-in mic
Bluetooth v5.3
Rain and sweat resistant
800mAh battery; 150 hours of playtime
In-line buttons
LCD screen
Grooves Delta
The Grooves Delta Gaming TWS are now available for Rs 1,699 on Amazon, Flipkart, Tata Cliq, JioMart, and Moglix. Its features include:
LED strip
Bluetooth v5.0
Up to 51ms low latency
ENC
Dual mics
Touch controls
IPX5 rated
400mAh case battery
Redmi Buds 5C
Priced at Rs 1,999, the Redmi Buds 5C will be available for purchase from July 20 at 12PM IST in Acoustic Black, Symphony Blue, and Bass White shades. It will be available via Amazon, Flipkart, Mi online store, and Xiaomi retail stores as well. Its features include:
12.4mm titanium drivers
Up to 36-hour playback time
Google Fast Pair
Xiaomi earbuds app support
IP54 rated
40dB Active Noise Cancellation
Bluetooth v5.3
Quad Mics AI ENC
CMF Buds Pro 2
The CMF Buds Pro 2 (Review) are priced at Rs 4,299. It will be available to purchase from cmf.tech and retail partners, with open sales commencing on July 12 at 12 noon. Its features include:
11 mm bass driver + 6 mm tweeter
LDAC codec support
Dirac Opteo certified
Hybrid ANC up to 50dB
Smart Dial on case
Touch controls
6-mic setup, Clear Voice Technology 2.0
Spatial Audio mode
Low-latency mode
Up to 43-hour total playback time, Up to 11-hour single charge playback time
Truke Buds Liberty OWS
Buds Liberty is set to go on sale from July 10. Following the launch, the regular price of Buds Liberty will be Rs 1699. Consumers can prebook the product till July 10 for 1599 (pre-booking by paying Rs 99) and it would be available for ₹1699 from 10th onwards. Its features are:
Dual-tone finish
Open-ear design
360-degree spatial audio
Quad mics
PureVoice ENC
IPX5 rated
Up to 60-hour playtime with case, up to
BoAt Bassheads 122 ANC Wired Earphones
The boAt Bassheads 122 ANC earphones are available for a special introductory price of Rs 999 via boAt-lifestyle.com, Flipkart, and Amazon, or your nearest Reliance Digital, Croma, or Vijay Sales store. Its features include:
USB-C wired connectivity
25dB ANC
13mm drivers
In-line controls
In-line microphone
Compatible with Apple/iOS devices, Android smartphone/tablet, Windows laptops
Grooves Infinity
Available in White and Black colour options, the Grooves Infinity TWS will be available for a special launch price of Rs 1099 (limited period offer) only on brand’s own website. The Infinity is also available on Amazon, Flipkart, JioMart, and Moglix. Its features include:
OnePlus is all set to conduct its Summer Launch event on July 16 in Milan, Italy. The brand is expected to debut a new Nord series device at the event, dubbed OnePlus Nord 4 5G which will succeed last year’s Nord 3. The Indian pricing, specifications, as well as the design of the OnePlus Nord 4 5G have now been leaked in advance and interestingly, the device may be priced lower than its predecessor, at least in India.
OnePlus Nord 4 5G: India Price Leak
The OnePlus Nord 4 5G, as per a tipster on X, is said to have a price tag of Rs 31,999 in India. The Nord 3 5G launched with a price tag of Rs 33,999 in India last year, which suggests OnePlus may opt for an aggressive pricing strategy for the handset this time. It is also possible that this price is inclusive of all the bank discounts. Whatever the case may be, we’ll know for sure once the device debuts on July 16.
OnePlus Nord 4 5G: Specs, Design Leak
The same tipster also posted the specs of the handset, which are in line with the OnePlus Ace 3V that debuted a while back in China. OnePlus Nord 4 5G is expected to sport a 6.74-inch 120Hz AMOLED Display with a 1.5K resolution of 2772 x 1240 pixels, 100% DCI-P3 support, HDR10+ and 2150 nits of peak brightness. It should be powered by the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 SoC. While RAM and storage variants are unknown, it may pack up to 12GB of LPDDR5x RAM and up to 256GB of UFS 4.0 RAM.
It has a dual rear camera setup which includes could include a 50-megapixel f/1.8 primary shooter and an 8-megapixel IMX355 f/2.2 ultra wide angle lens. On the front, there is a 16MP f/2.4 camera sensor for selfies.
The device runs on OxygenOS 14 based on Android 14 out of the box. It will receive 3 years of major OS upgrades and 4 years of security patches. The handset is backed by a 5500mAh battery with 100W fast charging support. Further, the phone also includes an in-display fingerprint scanner and a stereo speaker setup. Connectivity options include 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, and a USB-C port for charging. The device may also be IP65 rated.
As for the design, for the Nord 4 5G, OnePlus won’t be opting for the same design as the OnePlus Ace 3V but will give it a completely revamped one. The device is expected to have a metal unibody design as per OnePlus’ own teasers. Further, the device may get a dual-tone look with the camera placed inside a reflective bar, similar to what we saw on Realme GT 6 and the GT 6T.
Honor launched the Honor 90 in India last September. Compared to other brands in its segment, Honor has been slower in rolling out the Android 14 update. Now, Honor has begun the phased rollout of the Android 14-based Magic OS 8 update for the Honor 90 in India.
Madhav Sheth, CEO at HTech, announced on X that “the Honor 90 has been updated to Magic OS 8, based on Android 14.” He further listed the new features that’ll be made available in the update, such as Magic Portal, Magic Capsule, and Parallel Space, along with “flagship-level AI features.” The update will reach the devices in a phased manner before July 11.
Sheth told us back in May that Magic OS 8.0 will be coming to the brand’s older devices around the same timeframe as the launch of the Honor 200 5G series in India, and that seems to hold true as the Honor 200 5G series is expected to debut in India on July 17.
When compared with the competition, the brand is definitely behind in the updates race, considering many of the OEMs have even pushed out the Android 15 beta update. In fact, Honor itself has released the Android 15 Beta update for its Magic 6 Pro 5G and Magic V2 smartphones internationally.
As for the features of Magic OS 8, the Magic Portal is an intent-based shortcut recommendation feature that lets users seamlessly switch and access services between apps and devices with a simple swipe. In safeguarding privacy and security, MagicOS 8.0 introduces system-wide Parallel Spaces and adds bar smartphones to the list of supported devices. Images and files can also be loaded into the private space through Magic Portal. The update also comes with MagicLM, HONOR’s Proprietary on-device AI large language model.
Finally, HTech CEO further confirmed to The Mobile Indian sometime back that the Honor Magic 6 Pro 5G will launch in India before Diwali, and could be manufactured in India.
Instant MessagingApp Telegram, with over 900 million monthly active users, has unveiled eight new features and updates designed to enhance user experience, empower content creators, and make the app more versatile and engaging.
These updates include the Mini App Bar for streamlined multitasking, Paid Media for monetizing exclusive content, Story Search for discovering stories via hashtags and location tags, and the Premium Link Widget for enriched storytelling.
Mini App Bar
Users can now collapse mini-apps into a bar at the bottom of their screen with the new Mini App Bar. This feature allows users to respond to messages or open other mini-apps and then return to a mini-app without waiting for it to load again. To minimize an app, users simply swipe down on its header. To reopen, they can tap the app bar at the bottom of the screen and select one of their active apps.
Pay for Content with Telegram Stars
Telegram Stars, launched last month for purchasing digital products in mini-apps, can now be used by content creators to accept payments for paid photos or videos on their channels. Subscribers can view these exclusive posts only after paying to unlock them. Content creators can use Stars to receive cryptocurrency rewards in Toncoin or to advertise their channels with minimal commission fees.
Search Stories by Hashtag
The new update allows users to search for stories using hashtags. Tapping a hashtag in any chat now displays search results from chats and public channels, and tapping hashtags in story captions shows public stories with matching tags. This feature helps content creators and businesses grow their audience organically by making their profiles and channels more discoverable.
Search Stories by Location
Users can add location tags to their stories, allowing others to find stories from the same place. Tapping a location tag lets users browse public stories from the same location, enhancing discoverability and engagement. Only stories that users are allowed to view appear in these searches, ensuring privacy.
Link Widget in Stories
Premium users can enhance their stories with the new Link Widget, creating a stylish link preview on their photos or videos. This widget supports both light and dark backgrounds and allows users to add a custom link name, replacing the URL text at the top of the preview.
Rewards for Content Creators and Developers
Bot developers and content creators can now use Telegram Stars to receive rewards in Toncoin or buy Telegram Ads with a 30% discount. Telegram takes practically no commission from transactions in Stars, covering third-party payment system fees to ensure cost-effectiveness.
Toncoin Rewards
Channels and bots with a balance in Stars can withdraw them as Toncoin rewards via Fragment. Toncoin is the main currency on The Open Network (TON) and can be easily exchanged for other cryptocurrencies. This feature provides a seamless way for creators to convert their earnings into digital assets.
Subsidized Ads for Creators and Developers
Telegram now offers subsidized ads for bot developers and content creators, allowing them to promote their bots or channels at a special rate with a 30% discount. This feature provides a cost-effective way to reach new users and grow their audience.
Samsung has launched the Galaxy Book 4 Ultra in India, expanding its lineup of high-performance laptops. This top-tier Galaxy Book 4 series model was first unveiled globally in December 2023. It features the latest hardware, including Intel Core Ultra 9 processors and Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 GPUs.
Pricing and Availability
The Samsung Galaxy Book 4 Ultra is available in India at a starting price of Rs 2,33,990 for the variant equipped with an Intel Core Ultra 7 CPU, 16GB RAM, and Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 GPU. The higher-end model, featuring an Intel Core Ultra 9 CPU, 32GB RAM, and Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 GPU, is priced at Rs 2,81,990. The laptop can be purchased through Croma and the Samsung India website, and it is offered in a Grey colour option.
Specifications and Features
One of the standout features of the Galaxy Book 4 Ultra is its advanced Intel Core Ultra processors, which incorporate Neural Processing Units (NPUs) to enhance on-device AI performance. Samsung has promoted the Galaxy Book 4 series as its most intelligent laptop line to date. This series also includes the previously released Galaxy Book 4, Galaxy Book 4 360, Galaxy Book 4 Pro, and Galaxy Book 4 Pro 360 variants.
The device features a 16-inch WQXGA+ (2,880 x 1,800 pixels) touch AMOLED Display with a brightness level of 400 nits and a responsive touch interface. The laptop runs on Windows 11 Home, offering Microsoft’s latest features and security updates.
For audio and communication, the Galaxy Book 4 Ultra is equipped with Dolby Atmos-backed quad speakers and dual microphones. It also includes a full-HD webcam and a backlit numeric keyboard.
In terms of connectivity, the Galaxy Book 4 Ultra offers two Thunderbolt 4 ports, one USB Type-A port, an HDMI 2.1 port, a microSD card slot, and an audio jack.
The laptop’s battery is 76Wh, and it supports 140W Fast charging via a USB Type-C adapter. The Galaxy Book 4 Ultra measures 355.4 x 250.4 x 16.5mm and weighs 1.86kg.
