The rumor mill surrounding Nvidia’s next generation of RTX graphics cards is hotting up.

Nvidia’s most recent RTX 4000 Ada Lovelace release has had mixed reviews, mainly because the increased prices of the higher-end cards have put many gamers off. The mid-range models have proved to be a hit, though.

But now attention is switching to what the company has in store with the Nvidia 5000 series as rumors surrounding its impending release increase.

As expected, there is a lot of expectation surrounding the Nvidia 5000 series.

Nvidia 5000 Series: Everything we know

Specs

The Nvidia 5000 series will be based on the company’s Blackwell architecture and while there has been discussion in the past that Nvidia would be switching its Blackwell GPUs to a multi-chiplet module (MCM) design, it’s not yet clear whether that will happen with the Nvidia 5000 series.

Switching to MCM would provide Nvidia graphics cards with a large performance boost. Rivals AMD and Intel have already made the switch, so Nvidia will have to do the same eventually if they’re to remain competitive.

Meanwhile, we could see a bit of a numbering change with the Nvidia 5000 series GPUs. A leak on Chinese hardware forum Chiphell and known online leaker Kopite7kimiwith,  the variants supposedly set to be are as follows…

GB202 12*8 512-bit GDDR7
GB203 7*6 256-bit GDDR7
GB205 5*5 192-bit GDDR7
GB206 3*6 128-bit GDDR7
GB207 2*5 128-bit GDDR6

— kopite7kimi (@kopite7kimi) June 11, 2024

Reliable leaker, Panzerlied, previously revealed in a now-deleted Chiphell forum post that the flagship RTX 5090 is in line for some huge upgrades over the RTX 4090, with a performance boost making it 1.7 times faster. There have been other rumors that suggest a smaller 50-60% boost in performance.

To make those performance upgrades possible, its rumored the RTX 5090 will boast 192 Streaming Multiprocessors, 24,576 CUDA Cores, 768 Tensor Cores, 192 Ray Tracing Cores, a 2.9 GHz Boost Clock, 128MB L2 Cache and a Memory Bandwidth of 1,532 GB/s.

Add to that the expected VRAM loadout of 28GB and 448-bit memory bus and it appears we could be in line for something very impressive from the RTX 5090.

Rumours have indicated the RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 are likely to launch with 28Gbps GDDR7, this is a major shame, as it seems 32-40Gbps GDDR7 is not that far behindhttps://t.co/p6HJg6bMES

— Charlie (@ghost_motley) July 30, 2024

Indeed, that means a lot of power will be required to deliver such a huge performance. It has been reported that the TDP range will be 100-500W, while some rumors suggest Nvidia is testing 250-600W coolers.

Overall, the Nvidia 5000 series is expected to use GDDR7 memory and a 3nm manufacturing process.

There are, of course, question marks over the accuracy of some of those rumors and leaks. Such a large gen-on-gen performance increase almost seems too good to be true but the expectation is that the Nvidia 5000 series is set to be the best and most powerful graphics card Nvidia has ever made.

When can we expect the Nvidia 5000 series to be released?

Nvidia releases its graphics cards on a two-year cycle and has done so since its 900 series. As a result, the expectation is that we should see the Nvidia 5000 series launching in the fall of 2024.

However, the online leaking community are hinting towards an early 2025 release instead, including popular leaker kopite7kimi, who claimed on X in July that he thinks the Nvidia 5000 series will be released at CES, which is in January 2025. That’s despite him claiming a late 2024 release back in April.

I think we won't see RTX 50 until CES.

— kopite7kimi (@kopite7kimi) July 22, 2024

However, with talk of a Nvidia 6000 release coming in 2026, that would certainly mess with Nvidia’s usual two-year release cadence.

In terms of which graphics cards will be launched first, it’s believed both the RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 are set to be the first to be introduced.

How much could the Nvidia 5000 series cost?

We won’t know for sure what Nvidia plans to do with its Nvidia 5000 series pricing strategy until release, but there are expectations that we’ll see it in a similar range to the 4000 series, which is between $300 and $1,600.

Nvidia may be forced into increasing its prices due to pressure from its manufacturing partners, with TSMC previously teasing potential rises targeted at Team Green.

If that’s the case, Nvidia may either opt to take that hit in additional costs and settle for smaller profits, or pass those costs down to the consumer.

Remember, Nvidia is one of the most valuable companies in the world and is the most dominant creator of consumer graphics cards. As a result, they have an element of power when it comes to setting their own prices.

What they decide to do is still unclear.

Featured Image: AI-generated using Ideogram

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Atlus’ Persona franchise is gearing up for its latest edition to the hugely popular series, with rumors of a Persona 6 picking up pace.

Its most recent main release was Persona 3 Reload, although we did get Persona 5: The Phantom X after that, but it was designed only for Android, iOS and Windows platforms.

With Persona 3 Reload being released in February 2024, eyes are now firmly on Atlus’ next release thanks to several hints from the Sega-owned gaming giant that more additions to the series are in the works.

Series producer Kazuhisa Wada said in a 2018 interview that “we are working on mid-to-long term plans, including new entries so that fans can constantly enjoy the Persona series starting next year.”

What is Persona 6?

Persona 6 is set to be the 25th installment of the JRPG Persona series across multiple platforms and the sixth of its main releases The first, Revelations: Persona, was released way back in 1996 on Playstation and, since then, fans have been treated to an ever-evolving series that has become one of the most popular in the gaming world.

Every Persona game loosely revolves around a high school protagonist, fellow students and their ability to call upon a ‘persona’, a spirit-like entity that reflects the characters’ personality in some way. Ever since Persona 3 in 2006, the main series has become known for its focus on social simulation elements in addition to Social Links, which are directly linked to the evolution of Personas within the game.

The overall theme of the series is the exploration of the human psyche and how all of the characters are on a journey to find their true selves.

Persona 6: What we know so far

Storyline and Characters

The big rumor doing the rounds at the moment is that there will be two main characters, one of which is heavily tipped to be female.

The leaker behind that claim made on ResetEra forums, Head on the Block, said one of the characters will have a name starting with K, the other starting with S. They hinted that players will be able to control the female character.

However, the same leaker also went on to suggest the main Persona 6 character “is not a woman” which has understandably caused a lot of confusion surrounding the actual truth.

As things stand, that’s the only key rumor surrounding the actual storyline of the game, although there is some information regarding downloadable content (DLC) that perhaps gives a few more things away.

Head on the Block also hinted that Persona 6 will have a lot of DLCs for customizing, one of which is the ability to fly. It’s claimed there will also be a DLC where players can control a female character in and outside dungeons.

What we do know is that Atlus has bold plans for Persona 6.

It’s widely tipped to be the biggest and best game of the franchise yet. According to Persona Central, Atlus posted a job recruitment page in 2017 which included interviews with Atlus staff alongside the listings.

In one of those interviews with the studio director, Naoto Hiraoka, he said the goal was to “create a [Persona] 6 which exceeds [Persona] 5” and that the reason behind the recruitment drive was because “exceeding 5 will be difficult with the current staff.”

That certainly points to some very big plans from Atlus to push the franchise’s boundaries even further. It is an interesting move considering Persona 5 is already considered to be the series’ most ambitious and biggest game to date.

Color scheme

The Persona franchise takes on a different color scheme with every release and is known for its striking, distinctive art style.

Persona 3 was primarily gothic blue, Persona 4 went with yellow and Persona 5 was red.

The belief with Persona 6 is that Atlus intends to go green, purely based on a leaked artwork image for the series’ 25th-anniversary event.

The image depicts a lineup up of all the lead characters throughout the series’ six mainline releases. The hint for Persona 6, according to fans, is the bucket of green paint on the floor next to Persona 5’s Joker.

Atlus leaker, Midori, via IGN, has fueled those rumors by claiming in April that “the color theme for Persona 6 is green.

There is of course no confirmation of this just yet, but things do appear to be adding up towards a green color scheme for Persona 6.

Platforms

It’s hard to know exactly what platforms Persona 6 will launch on without any official confirmation, but rumors are pointing towards a pretty big shift in Atlus’ intentions for the next addition to the franchise.

Previously, all mainline Persona releases have debuted exclusively on Playstation. That, though, may no longer be the case, according to IGN.

Perhaps the biggest hint that Atlus’ attitude towards Sony exclusivity has changed is the fact all of Persona 3 Portable, Persona 4 Golden and Persona 5 Royal were also released on PC, Xbox and Switch. Persona 3 Reload was also added to Xbox Game Pass at launch.

The franchise has become so popular that it could be that Atlus believes exclusivity to one platform on release no longer makes any sense, and allowing for a mainline release to be available across multiple platforms ensures a much larger reach of audience.

Midori, via GameRant, has also weighed in with these rumors by claiming Xbox will get Persona 6 at launch, as well as hinting that the Nintendo Switch 2 will also get it.

When is Persona 6 release speculation?

We don’t yet have a confirmed date of release for Persona 6 but a lot of information is pointing towards a 2025 release.

According to ComicBook, leaker Head on the Block has said on Reset Era that the game is 95% complete and will be released next year with DLC.

Meanwhile, others speculate we might see Atlus use The Game Awards in December 2024 as the perfect opportunity for the big Persona 6 reveal.

The Game Awards is both a celebration of the year’s gaming achievements and a chance to look ahead to future releases. Persona also has previously used the show as something of a launch event, when Persona 5’s Joker was revealed as a guest character in Super Smash Bros at the 2018 awards.

This naturally exposed the Persona franchise to a more mainstream audience and, with that particular announcement being well-received throughout the gaming community, you wouldn’t blame Atlus for wanting to do something similar this year.

How much can we expect Persona 6 cost?

Persona 6 will likely launch with a $70 price tag.

Persona 3 Reload was priced the same when it launched earlier this year and while Persona 5 retailed at $60 in 2016, the cost of games has increased since then.

Featured Image: Atlus

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Infinix has become known for its mid-range smartphones, laptops and televisions, and now it has made its debut in the tablet space with an impressive and affordable instalment to take on the likes of OnePlus and Xiaomi, Lenovo and Oppo.

There is a great deal of competition at all stages of the tablet market at the moment. Apple and Samsung have recently launched their high-end tablets, while the aforementioned OnePlus and Xiaomi have also launched new models in 2024.

The Infinix XPad was revealed in August 2024 and has already earned impressive reviews from fans of mid-range tablets who want something versatile and affordable. That’s no real surprise given its powerful specs, AI connectivity and gaming abilities.

Here’s everything you need to know about the Infinix XPad…

Infinix XPad: Everything you need to know

Design and Display

The XPad boasts a streamlined metal unibody design and has a shiny, patterned design on part of the back of the tablet. It sports symmetrical bezels on all sides of its 11-inch, FHD+ and 90Hz display.

That provides an 83% screen-to-body ratio with 440 Nits of brightness and a resolution of 1200×1920 resolution, all of which provides a display that makes gaming, streaming video, or browsing the internet a seamless, powerful, and enjoyable experience.

The Infinix XPad is available in three colors: Titan Gold, Frost Blue and Stellar Grey.

On the back, you have a single 8MP camera lens and an LED flash. The XPad’s front-facing camera is also 8MP for high-quality video calling and selfie-taking.

The tablet also boasts USB-C and microSDXC slots.

Specs

The Infinix XPad is powered by the MediaTek Helio G99 processor, which for a budget tablet is a powerful chipset and allows for a more efficient gaming experience. Essentially this is a high-end chipset powering a mid-range tablet.

It also features 8GB RAM and 256GB internal storage, with up to 1TB expandable storage via a microSD card.

The XPad runs on Infinix’s custom XOS, which is based on Android 14 and has 2-year security patch updates.

Meanwhile, the Infinix XPad includes basic, yet essential, connectivity features, such as WiFi, Bluetooth and GPS, while it also supports dual SIM connectivity. However, it does not support 5G bandwidth connectivity.

From a sound point of view, the XPad comes equipped with a four-speaker stereo sound system, which Infinix claims gives users immersive audio “just like a home theatre.”

Battery

For an affordable tablet, the Infinix XPad comes packed with an impressive 7,000mAh battery that supports 18W charging.

Infinix claims users can get 50 percent charge with just 40 minutes of charging time.

Features

The standout feature on the Infinix XPad is the Folax Assistant, which is powered by OpenAI’s ChatGPT. In the ever-expanding world of AI, especially as tech companies seek to introduce it to their product, it’s no surprise Infinix has done the same.

Folax Assistant works very similarly to other AI assistants, where simply saying “Hi Folax” in the vicinity of your XPad will activate Folax Assistant, where you can ask it questions and have seamless and natural conversations with it.

This type of AI functionality is quickly becoming a standard feature of smartphones and tablets, with Google, Apple and Samsung all launching their own, impressive versions in the last year or so.

Also on the XPad, users will have access to the built-in XArena Game Space giving gamers the option to switch between three different gaming modes – Power-Saving, Equilibrium and Performance – for a customized and optimized gaming experience.

There is a particular focus on gaming with the Infinix XPad, which makes sense after the China-based tech company recently launched its first gaming laptop – the Infinix GT Book – in India.

The XPad also offers multi-device collaboration, making it quick, easy, and convenient for users to transfer files or stream music across their Infinix smartphone, laptop, and tablet.

Meanwhile, there were rumors that the XPad would also launch a keyboard, similar to Apple’s Magic Keyboard for the iPad Pro, but despite it seemingly appearing in Infinix’s promotional video for the XPad above, there’s currently no mention of it on their website. This could be something that Infinix will launch once it’s fully released to all markets.

What is the expected Infinix XPad release date?

Infinix revealed the XPad in August 2024 and it will hit the shelves in Asian markets first before being released to other regions. 

Gadget Pilipinas, a tech site in the Philippines, has reported the tablet will launch there on August, 26. Indonesia is rumored to be getting the Infinix Xpad launched on August, 28.

Whatever the exact date for release, it’s safe to assume we don’t have long to wait.

How much could the Infinix XPad cost?

As this is Infinix’s debut tablet, there isn’t anything to base a potential price on but some believe, as this is intended to be a competitive entry to the mid-range tablet market, that it could hit the shelves at around $178.

That’s based on the fact it has launched in India at 15,000 rupees, which converts to roughly $178.

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Google has launched the Pixel Buds Pro 2, almost two years after they entered the wireless earbuds market with the Pixel Buds Pro.

This week’s Made by Google event was mostly centered around the launch of the Google Pixel 9 smartphones but, the introduction of the Pixel Buds Pro 2 seemingly ensures Google remains one of the major players in the wireless earbuds market.

Several notable upgrades back that up, as well as a variety of very bold claims made by Google that may pique the interest of users currently in the market for new wireless earbuds.

So, here’s everything you need to know about the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 before you part with your hard-earned money.

Google Pixel Buds Pro 2: How good are they?

Design

While Samsung recently followed Apple’s lead by switching to stemmed wireless earbuds with the Galaxy Buds 3, Google has kept its original look and feel by remaining stemless.

In comparison to the first-generation model, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 are 24% lighter and 27% smaller, adding to a more secure and comfortable fit. Google claims they are “the smallest premium earbuds on the market.”

According to Google, they were designed using 45 million data points from different ears, leading to the type of comfort that will allow users to “wear them all day.” The Pixel Buds Pro 2 comes equipped with a helpful twist-to-adjust stabilizer that gives users the ability to adjust the type of fit inside their ear. A slight twist of the earbuds can make them tighter for when working out, or more loose for all-day comfort.

There are also four colors available: Hazel, Peony, Wintergreen and Porcelain.

Hardware

Google’s new Tensor A1 chipset debuts in the Pixel Buds Pro 2, which is the first time a Tensor chip has been used in earbuds.

According to Google, the Tensor A1 chip runs “90 times faster than the speed of sound” and was built for Google AI. Therefore, it is the very thing behind all the impressive upgrades made to ANC and overall audio quality.

Google says the chip introduces multi-path processing to the Pixel Buds Pro 2, which means all audio passes from the source directly to your ears on a dedicated path, completely separate and unaffected by ANC processing, leading to a more pure listening experience.

Battery

There is also a noticeable improvement to battery life on the Pixel Buds Pro 2, with up to eight hours of playback with ANC turned on. Alongside the charging case, users can get up to 30 hours of listening time.

The charging case supports Qi-certified wireless charging.

Sound Quality and ANC

The Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 comes with 11mm in-house acoustic drivers that provide more balanced audio, powerful bass, smooth treble and spatial audio for head tracking.

Arguably the biggest upgrade is the improvements made to Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), which has been enabled by the new Tensor chipset.

The Pixel Buds Pro 2 have ‘Silent Seal 2.0’ which adapts to your environment 3 million times per second and cancels twice as much noise, with ANC now capable of working on higher frequencies than the first-generation Pixel Buds Pro.

Features

The standout feature on the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 is how it’s built to work seamlessly with Google Gemini, thanks to the Tensor chip.

This doesn’t come as much of a surprise given Gemini is the default assistant on Pixel 9 smartphones, and the Pixel Buds Pro 2 have been designed to work and communicate seamlessly with the AI assistant.

What makes this more impressive is the introduction of Gemini Live, which allows users to engage in free-flowing conversations with Gemini. It’s so accurate that you can even interrupt it and ask it to elaborate or clarify certain things further. Users will be able to choose from a variety of natural voices for their own personal Gemini experience.

On top of that, Conversation Detection uses AI to know when users start speaking, which leads to audio being stopped and ANC being switched off. Audio then restarts and ANC is switched back on as soon as it no longer detects a conversation is being had by the user.

Also on the Pixel Buds Pro 2 is seamless audio switching between two devices and Find My Device capabilities.

What is the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 release date?

The Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 are available to pre-order now after launching at Google’s Made by Google event on August 13.

The official release date is September 26, so we’re a little over a month away from them officially hitting the shelves.

How much will Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 cost?

The Pixel Buds Pro 2 is priced at $229, which is a slight increase compared to the Pixel Buds Pro, which launched at $199.

That price increase is likely down to a combination of increased costs and the introduction of a more powerful chipset.

Featured Image: Google

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The reMarkable Paper Pro is the third iteration of the e-ink tablet from Norwegian start-up, reMarkable.

E-ink devices such as the reMarkable models give users the ability to take notes, draw, and sketch on the tablet screen via electromagnetic resonance technology that makes it seem like they’re writing on actual paper. Then, users can easily organize their documents and sync them to other devices. Think of it as a digital notepad that never runs out.

Here’s what we know about the newly released reMarkable Paper Pro.

reMarkable Paper Pro release date

Announced via a surprise X post, the reMarkable Paper Pro (or reMarkable 3) was released on September 4, 2024.

Lights, color, action: the future of paper is here. Want to know more? Visit https://t.co/JjIDNHXKAy. pic.twitter.com/MTO0azBVNY

— reMarkable (@remarkablepaper) September 4, 2024

What are the reMarkable Paper Pro specs?

As the reMarkable Paper Pro has already hit the market we now have the complete set of specs.

Size and weight

• 274.1 x 196.6 x 5.1 mm (10.8 x 7.8 x 0.24 inches)
• 525 g (1.16 lb)

Display

• Canvas Color display (based on E Ink Gallery 3)
• 11.8” (4:3 aspect ratio)
• 2160 x 1620 resolution (229 pixels per inch)
• Palm rejection
• Adjustable reading light

Processor

• 1.8 GHz quad-core Cortex-A53

Storage and RAM

• 2 GB LPDDR4 RAM
• 64 GB internal storage

Battery

• Built-in rechargeable (Li-ion) battery
• USB-C charging
• Up to 2 weeks battery life (5,030 mAh)

Connectivity

• Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz
• USB-C port
• Accessory port

Auto-wake/sleep

• Sensors detect when a folio is open or closed

Operating system

• reMarkable OS (a custom, Linux-based operating system for digital paper displays)

Document support

• PDF, EPUB (importing)
• PDF, PNG, SVG (exporting)

Apps and extensions

• reMarkable apps available for macOS, Windows, iOS, and Android
• Read on reMarkable extensions available for Google Chrome and Microsoft Office

Device storage

• 64 GB internal storage

Security

• Data encryption on device, at rest, and in transit
• Multifactor authentication
• Secure boot
• Developer mode
• Optional passcode
• Device locks automatically after 20 minutes of inactivity

How much could the reMarkable Paper Pro cost?

The reMarkable Paper Pro is available for $579 (or £559).

If that is out of your budget the reMarkable 2 can be purchased for $399/£389 from the company’s store.

Featured Image: reMarkable

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Samsung’s flagship range of Android tablets is regarded as some of the best in the market, giving Apple’s iPad a run for its money at every release.

With Apple releasing their newest iPad Pro earlier this year, speculation surrounding Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S10 is growing.

Here’s everything we know about the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 so far…

Samsung Galaxy Tab S10: What we know so far and rumors

Screen Size

Reports from Korean media outlet The JoonAng state Samsung will scrap its 11-inch base model and instead focus on delivering two Galaxy Tab S10 models – a Galaxy Tab S10 Plus with a 12.4-inch display and a Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra that boasts a 14.6-inch display.

These are the same screen sizes as the Tab S9 Plus and Tab S9 Ultra, but the decision to ditch the smaller model raises questions over whether Samsung will stick to the same names for both or mix them up a little.

Design

There’s nothing to suggest any major design changes to the Tab S10 series right now, with many believing Samsung will choose to continue with its fully aluminum casing and high-end-looking design, beyond potentially installing slimmer bezels to further accentuate the larger screen sizes.

With that in mind, we should expect to see something very, very similar to the Tab S9, complete with S Pen attachment.

Hardware

The JoonAng report suggests the Tab S10 Plus and Tab S10 Ultra will run on completely different processors.

The rumor is that the Ultra will boast a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, while the Plus will come equipped with MediaTek’s Dimensity 9300+SoC chip.

Meanwhile, it’s believed the Snapdragon chip will only be used in tablets sold in certain markets, due to the increased cost of making them. In other markets, it’ll likely be MediaTek’s chip being used as an alternative.

Specs and Features

According to Korean blogger Hakui on Naver, Samsung held a focus group with students about what they’d like to see in future products.

The likes of improved cross-device document sharing, improved speakers and cameras and lower latency for the S Pen were discussed so this may be something to watch for.

Battery

It’s likely the Tab S10 will be equipped with similar batteries to its predecessor.

However, with a more powerful chipset being rumored, battery life could be improved somewhat. The Tab S9 Plus currently gets around 10 hours of basic usage but that drastically reduces once you start streaming videos and playing games. It’s a similar story for the Tab S9 Ultra.

When is the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 expected to come out?

It was initially expected that Samsung would announce the Tab S10 series alongside the Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Galaxy Z Fold 6 at the Samsung Unpacked event earlier in July, but it never arrived.

We can now estimate it’ll either be later this year or in Q1 2025. Early 2025 is probably more likely given Samsung has historically released its flagship Galaxy S tablets in Q1 of each year.

How much could the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 cost?

Samsung has made a habit of increasing the prices of their new Galaxy tablets each year, so don’t be surprised if that happens again when the Tab S10 is eventually released.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 started at $699 for the base model, $899 for the Plus and $1,099 for the Ultra. The Tab S9 saw an increase to $799, $999 and $1,199 respectively.

If Samsung opts for the same again this time around, then we could be looking at around $1,099 for the Tab S10 Plus and $1,299 for the Tab S10 Ultra.

Featured Image: Samsung

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We may have only just been introduced to the Apple iPhone 16  but already folk are anticipating the iPhone 17.

That’s because there are several significant changes expected with the iPhone 17.

So, here’s what we know so far…

iPhone 17: What we know so far and rumors

Design

The iPhone 15 was the subject of Apple’s most recent design changes to its iPhone range, with a matte glass back using color infusion technology and a new Titanium chassis. That’s expected to remain for the iPhone 16 later this year.

However, there aren’t currently any indications that Apple is planning anything significant in the way of design changes for the iPhone 17.

Models

One of the biggest things to look forward to with the iPhone 17 is the introduction of a new model to Apple’s usual four-model line-up for every release. We saw with the iPhone 14 that Apple scrapped the ‘mini’ and introduced the ‘Plus’, which had a larger 6.7-inch display.

Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has hinted that a new iPhone Ultra could ultimately replace the ‘Pro Max’ model, while Ming-Chi Kuo once referred to the iPhone 15 Pro Max as the iPhone 15 Ultra before it was released.

Meanwhile, Gurman has also insinuated that an Ultra model could be introduced as “something even higher end” than the Pro Max.

As a result, there is an expectation that, sooner or later, Apple will go with an Ultra model in the future. It wasn’t included in the iPhone 15 lineup up and while there are rumors there could be an iPhone 16 Ultra, it might be more realistic to expect to see it in the iPhone 17 lineup.

After all, it certainly makes sense. Apple already has the Apple Watch Ultra, so bringing synchronizing names across multiple devices seems like a natural step to take.

Elsewhere, there are some 9to5Mac reports that Apple could introduce an iPhone 17 Slim. If that’s the case and the Ultra does also make its debut, then we might be looking at a six-model series for the first ever time.

Display

In terms of display technology, the biggest rumor on the grapevine is that iPhone 17 is the introduction of a low-temperature polycrystalline oxide (LTPO) display to every model in the line-up. LTPO is the technology that powers OLED displays in Apple’s premium Watches and iPhones, but now it could be extended to all models.

Earlier in 2024, reliable Korean news site, The Elec, claimed all of Apple’s iPhone 17 models would include Apple’s Always-On Display and a 120Hz Pro Motion refresh rate. This has been reported by several other outlets, so there seems to be a lot of truth in the reports.

Hardware

As reported by DIGITIMES, Apple will be first in line to receive chips made using the 2nm process. The iPhone 16 will be powered by the all-new A18 chips that were built using 3nm.

But it’s believed the iPhone 17 will boast a more powerful, compact and dense A19 chip that estimates suggest will add 10-15% to overall performance and a 25-30% reduction in power consumption.

Camera

We’re used to seeing the three-lens camera set-up on iPhones, with the main camera, Ultra Wide and Telephoto lens becoming staples on iPhone models.

According to industry analyst Jeff Pu (via @TheAppleHub), plans are in place to do the same with the telephoto camera for the iPhone 17 Pro Max, which would mean all three cameras would then be capable of shooting in 48MP ProRaw format.

Meanwhile, in January 2024, Ming-Chi Kuo said there were plans to significantly upgrade the iPhone 17’s front facing camera lens, which could see a boost from 12MP to 24MP. Fantastic news if you love taking selfies, even more so if you spend a lot of time on video calls.

The iPhone 17 lineup will reportedly feature an updated design with a new “Slim” model, smaller Dynamic Island on Pro Max model, 24MP front camera, and more

Source: analyst Jeff Pu pic.twitter.com/yLXxhlSfrj

— Apple Hub (@theapplehub) May 6, 2024

Specs

The aforementioned upgrade to the front-facing camera could also help power Face ID under the display.

According to Ross Young’s Apple release roadmap, “under panel Face ID” could be introduced to the iPhone 17 lineup, which will certainly aid the previously mentioned design changes to the Dynamic Island.

It’s believed Apple is working on its own WiFi chips to reduce its reliance on third-party suppliers, but it’s said to be quite ambitious to expect that to be ready in time for the iPhone 17.

The iPhone 16 is thought to feature WiFi 6E, which is the same as the iPhone 15 Pro. The iPhone 16 Pro, therefore, is expected to get WiFi 7. That means we might see WiFi 7 in the entire iPhone 17 series.

What is the expected iPhone 17 release date?

We know by now that Apple’s release schedule is almost sacrosanct.

With the iPhone 16 series expected to launch in September 2024, it means we should expect to see the iPhone 17 series in September 2025, and there’s  no reason to suggest Apple will change the way they do things. – though at time of writing there remains no official confirmation.

Featured Image: Photo by Sophia Stark on Unsplash

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As we approach the tenth anniversary of the Apple Watch, everyone’s building up to the expected launch of the Apple Watch 10.

In some corners of the internet, it’s being labeled as the Apple Watch X, although no confirmation on the name has yet been issued. Of course, the tech giant’s tenth-generation smartphone was called the iPhone X, so it’s rational to expect the same format again.

Apple Watch X: What we know so far and rumors

New Design & Bigger Screen

Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has reported that the Apple Watch 10 is set to have a bigger display than its predecessors, but not quite as big as the screen found on the Apple Watch Ultra 2 or the bigger screen rumored to be on the Apple Watch Ultra 3.

The Apple Watch 9 has a screen size between 1.6 and 1.8 inches, but it is believed the Apple Watch 10’s screen will be nearer two inches in size.

This might suggest a slight design change to accommodate a larger screen. A previous CAD file leak from 91mobiles shows a thinner model with a bigger screen.

One of the more controversial changes anticipated is the potential introduction of a new magnetic band mechanism. That may mean bands will no longer be universal across all Apple Watch generations. That might be a very controversial move in the eyes of those with a collection of Apple Watch bands that they may not be able to use on the Apple Watch 10.

New Features

There are three new features Apple has been working on for the Apple Watch, according to Gurman. However, two of them may not be available in time for the Apple Watch 10.

Firstly, the blood-pressure monitor has been in production for some time now but, there have been several snags in testing which may or may not be ironed out before the 10th-generation Watch’s release.

Then there’s the sleep apnea sensor, which relies on reading blood-oxygen levels. Apple has been forced to disable its blood-oxygen tool in Apple Watch devices due to an ongoing legal dispute with Masimo Corp. If that isn’t resolved in time, a sleep apnea sensor is unlikely to be present in the next Apple Watch release.

The only other new feature that will reportedly be included is a glucose monitor. This might use short-wave infrared absorption spectroscopy. That involves shining lasers through the skin into the interstitial fluid between blood vessels and cells. The intensity of the light’s reflection can supposedly be used to calculate the glucose concentration in the bloodstream.

Elsewhere, we can expect watchOS 11, which was announced at WWDC in June, to be present out of the box, which includes a stack of new features, including new training modes, a new vitals app, and an update to the Photos watch face.

New Chip

Meanwhile, the Apple Watch 10 is set to receive a brand new chip, named S10, according to Gurman. Like the rumored Apple Watch Ultra 3, this new chip will be able to power new AI features in the future.

However, there are no expectations to find Apple Intelligence present in Apple Watch models for the foreseeable future. AI features are going to be limited to the likes of iPhones and iPads for now but the inclusion of powerful chips suggests Apple is planning to bring AI to its wearable range at some point.

Battery Life

Apple has always promised users will get the same battery life regardless of all the new features it adds to future generations of Apple Watches.

However, with a potential new case design and larger display, we may be in line for more than the usual 18 hours a day users are used to getting.

According to The Elec, this may happen via tweaks to the device’s display, such as including low-temperature polycrystalline oxide (LTPO) and thin-film transistor (TFT) technology which could improve the display’s power consumption.

Apple Watch X: Will there be a cheaper SE model?

There is a general expectation that we can also expect to see a new, cheaper SE model when the Apple Watch 10 is released.

However, what that looks like in terms of design and features remains to be seen at this point.

Apple last released an Apple Watch SE model alongside Apple Watch 8 in September 2022, two years after its first SE edition which arrived at the same time as Apple Watch 6.

What is the expected Apple Watch X release date?

Apple’s release schedule for its smartwatches is pretty set in stone, with a new one arriving every September.

Therefore, we should expect Apple to announce its 10th-generation Watch in September 2024, alongside the reported iPhone 16 and Watch Ultra 3.

How much will the Apple Watch X cost?

There’s a widespread belief that we won’t see Apple steer too far away from the pricing we’ve come to expect from Apple Watches in the past.

With that in mind, we should expect prices for the Apple Watch 10 to start at around the $399 mark for its baseline model, with the larger model being priced at around $429.

Meanwhile, if there is going to be an SE model, then we could be in line for another price cut, although that’s purely based on Apple’s previous two SE releases. Its first, in 2020, launched at $279 but 2022’s SE model launched at $249. Could Apple make its next SE model even cheaper? Who knows just yet, but it’s a possibility.

Featured Image: Apple

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It’s coming up to two years since the release of the Apple AirPods Pro 2, which earned high acclaim amongst fans and experts alike as one of the leading in-ear buds on the market at the time – pipping the likes of Sony and Bose.

Now anticipation is building for what Apple has in store for its third-generation of AirPods Pro.

AirPods Pro 3: What we know so far and rumors

Design

The first two generations of the Apple AirPods Pro were almost indistinguishable externally, with them only being separated by distinct differences internally.

But that could be about to change if a 2023 report from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman is to be believed. Gurman  reported last year that the AirPods Pro 3 are “expected to get a new design.”

It sounds like Apple wants to continue to ensure the AirPods and AirPods Pro are distinguishable. That’s because the third-generation Apple AirPods launched in 2021 with a new design that was very similar to the AirPods Pro, ditching the famous long stem for a shorter, more compact in-ear design.

Hardware and Specs

The Apple AirPods Pro 2 uses the H2 chip but the question remains if the AirPods Pro 3 will come equipped with a faster, more powerful chipset – probably the H3 chip.

The H2 chip powers Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), adaptive EQ, Siri functionality and fast switching.
The H3 chip will likely do all of that plus allow more power for additional features Apple is planning to bring to the third-generation AirPods Pro.

One of those features, according to Gurman, via MacRumors, could be health-related. The Bloomberg journalist suggests Apple is working on a hearing test feature, as well as developing sensors for measuring body temperature, which is said to be more accurate than the latest Apple Watch and Apple Watch Ultra models.

When can we expect the AirPods Pro 3 to be released?

Tech industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes we could see the AirPods Pro 3 in late 2024 or early 2025, while Gurman is suggesting a late 2025 release.

Apple traditionally releases new AirPods in the fall, which was true for the first two generations of AirPods Pro—launched in October 2019 and September 2022.

While the AirPods Pro 3 could potentially arrive earlier, based on Apple’s past release patterns, a fall 2025 debut is the most likely scenario.

How much could the AirPods Pro 3 cost?

The previous two generations of the AirPods Pro launched at $249 and there is currently no indication that the AirPods 3 will be priced any differently.

However, there is a possibility of a price increase depending on how significant the upgrades are and, of course, the cost of materials.

However, at this stage, there is nothing to indicate a change in pricing strategy for the third-generation AirPods Pro.

Featured Image: Photo by Omid Armin on Unsplash

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Not having a password manager and reusing passwords is like using the same key for your front door, back door, windows, cars, shed, safe, and anything and everything else that requires a key to use or access.

In short, you just wouldn’t do it. So why, in 2024, would you take the same risks online?

Having a password manager to not only keep all of your login details in one, secure place, but also to ensure you’re not using the same password across multiple accounts, is crucial for your online safety.

Here, we’ve listed the five best password managers available right now.

Bitwarden

What is it?

Bitwarden is arguably the best and most comprehensive password manager that appeals to both individuals and businesses.

That’s because its free version already has everything you would want or need from a password manager and it’s open source. The fact its open source means it regularly undergoes audits from independent researchers, which heavily reduces its vulnerability to hackers or data breaches.

Why use it?

Bitwarden comes fully equipped with passkey support, emergency access options, data breach monitoring, browser extension support and many more crucial password manager features.

It’s fully end-to-end encrypted and is zero-knowledge, meaning your passwords aren’t shared with Bitwarden. Not even the password used to access Bitwarden.

It’s simple to use, has a nice interface and does not have a limit on password storage. Moreover, it’s fully synchronized across all of your devices at no additional cost.

How much does Bitwarden cost?

Bitwarden’s free plan includes one Bitwarden vault, use across unlimited devices, passkey management and all of its core functions. For most individuals, that’s all you’re going to need from a password manager.

If you’re looking for a little bit more, you can pay for a Premium account at $10 a year, which offers all of the free features plus an integrated authenticator, file attachments, emergency access and security reports.

You can even open a Family account, which is $40 annually and includes access to up to six premium accounts, unlimited sharing, collections and storage.

Bitwarden’s business plans are a little more pricey, with their Teams plan coming in at $4 per month, per-user. That includes all of the premium features, plus secure data sharing, event log monitoring and directory integration.

The Enterprise plan is priced at $6 per month, per user, and includes all of the above plus Passwordless SSO, account recovery and enterprise policies.

NordPass

What is it?

From the company behind NordVPN, NordPass is one of the newer password managers on the market but it still packs a punch when it comes to delivering as a secure password manager.

Available across multiple platforms, including Windows, Mac, Linux and on desktop, its free versions offer essential features such as unlimited password storage, automatic sync across devices, autosave, autofill, and multi-factor authentication. However, you’re unable to use it on multiple devices at the same time, meaning you have to keep logging in and out when switching from, say, your computer to your smartphone.

Why use it?

Its user interface is clean and easy to use, which makes it an attractive option compared to some of its competitors,

NordPass uses XChaCha20 encryption and has zero knowledge. Your password vault is never available to NordPass to view, meaning it’s also not accessible for hackers via the company’s servers.

How much does NordPass cost?

The free version is pretty comprehensive but does have some limitations that you don’t get with Bitwarden’s free plan.

The Premium Plan is $1.69 a month and gives users the ability to stay logged in when switching devices, file attachment capability, email masking functionality, password sharing and emergency access.

The Family Plan is $2.99 a month and offers all of the Premium features, plus access for six Premium users.

As is often the case with password managers, things get a little pricer for business plans. The standard Business Plan is $3.99 per user, per month (a maximum of 250 users. You get all the Premium features plus company-wide settings, Google Workspace SSO, Security Dashboard and Integration with Vanta.

1Password

What is it?

1Password is reliable and easy to use and comes with all the features you want from a password manager.

Why use it?

Two of its stand-out features are Travel Mode, which allows users to hide logins and access recently deleted data, and VPN access at no additional cost.

Its core service includes the standard autofill, 2FA and passkey support, multi-platform access and support and unlimited password storage.

You also get access to Watchtower, which is 1Password’s feature that analyses your data and lets you know if it has been compromised or if weak passwords need to be made stronger. It also notifies you of data breaches involving websites you use, so you can move quickly to protect yourself.

1Password uses AE2-256 encryption to keep your data secure on all of your devices. Users have a 34-character Secret Key to access their vault, which is stored locally and prevents hackers from accessing data remotely.

Its user interface is clean and simple to navigate but, unlike many of its competitors, there is no free plan available.

How much does 1Password cost?

There is no free plan, but 1Password’s Individual Plan costs just $2.99 a month and gives you complete access to all features across all of your devices, as well as 1GB of storage.

The Family Plan costs $4.99 a month and offers full access to up to five family members.

You get a 14-day free trial on both of the above plans.

For businesses, the Team Starter Pack plan is $19.95 a month, protects up top 10 team members and comes with built-in risk detection, selective sharing and expert support.

Or you can opt for the Business Plan, which costs $7.99 per user, per month, and includes integrations with the likes of Slack, OneLogin and Duo, as well as custom security policies, reporting and admin controls.

Dashlane

What is it?

Dashlane is one of the most premium password managers on the market and backs up that label with a very easy-to-use interface across all platforms, which includes Mac, Windows, Linux, Chrome OS on desktop, iOS and Android.

It does offer everything a password manager should, but also gives users a VPN and Dark Web Monitoring, which more than makes up for its rather pricey plans.

Why use it?

As standard, you get autofill, passkeys, passwordless login, cross-device syncing, password generator, phishing alerts, Dark Web Monitoring, password sharing, digital wallet, VPN, 2-factor authentication and secure notes.

It is one of the most popular password managers on the market, most notably for its VPN offering. A VPN service can be costly in its own right, so it’s a very attractive perk to have.

This means if you already pay for a VPN and a password manager separately, it might be worth signing up to Dashlane to merge the two.

How much does Dashlane cost?

Unlike some of its competitors, Dashlane’s Free Plan is heavily restrictive. So much so, that it’s hardly worth having. With the Free Plan, all you get is access on one single device, a maximum of 25 passwords and secure sharing.

You’ll likely want more than that so to upgrade to Dashlane’s Premium Plan, you’ll pay $4.99 per month. With that, you get unlimited devices, unlimited passwords and passkeys, secure sharing, Dark Web Monitoring, a VPN, real-time phishing alerts and passwordless login.

Meanwhile, Dashlane’s Family Plan offers more accounts than many of its competitors for $7.49 a month. You get 10 accounts with full Premium access, although the VPN is only available to one user only.

For businesses, the Standard Plan is aimed at small businesses. It costs $20 per month for 10 employees and includes everything from the main Premium account plus the likes of Unlimited Collection Sharing, Basic Activity logs, account recovery and password health scoring. However, this doesn’t come with a VPN.

If you want VPN for business, the Business Plan is priced at $8 per month, per-user, and includes everything in the Standard Business Plan plus single sign-on integration (SSO), security policies, a VPN, free friends and family plans for each user and unlimited users.

Enpass

What is it?

Enpass is another password manager that has a nice-looking, easy-to-use interface that does provide everything you’re going to need from it.

Two of its key features include password auditing, where it will tell you how strong your passwords are and recommend changing anything it sees to be weak or at risk, and data breach monitoring.

Enpass can also automatically fill in payment details for you when shopping online to help protect you from phishing attacks.

Another of its useful features is the ability to have several vaults for different needs, such as personal, work and family, making it easy to keep your login credentials nicely organized and easily accessed.

Enpass encrypts passwords, passkeys, files and everything else locally, not on their servers. Users can even choose where their data is stored and synced, including iCloud, Google Drive, One Drive, Dropbox or offline.

It’s available on all devices and platforms, including desktop, mobile and web browser.

How much does Enpass Cost?

Enpass is free for desktop users but if you’re looking to sync your passwords across multiple devices, it will only do so for 25 items. Beyond that, you’ll need to upgrade to Enpass’ Individual Plan.

For $1.99 a month, you get passkey support, unlimited passwords, unlimited vaults, unlimited devices, security breach alerts and account identification via 2FA. For the Family Plan, $2.99 a month gets you everything in the Individual Plan but for up to six members.

Or, you can pay for a lifetime license, which costs a one-time $99.99 and gives you full access to Enpass’ features laid out in the Individual Plan. If you’re committed to Enpass then this is probably the plan for you.

For businesses, the Starter Plan costs $9.99 per month for up to 10 users and includes Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace Integration, seamless vault sharing, access recovery, security auditing, and unlimited items and vaults.

The Standard Business Plan costs $2.99-per-month, per user, and is essentially the same plan as the Starter Business Plan but for bigger businesses.

Meanwhile, the Enterprise Plan costs $3.99 per month, per user, and includes everything in the Standard Plan plus advanced corporate policy enforcement, automatic user provisioning and a free family plan for every user.

Featured Image: Ideogram

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Despite the expectation the next major Windows update would indeed be Windows 12, it appears we’re going to have to wait a little bit longer for it.

That’s because Windows 11 24H2 is expected to be the name of the next major Windows OS update in the second half of 2024.

This version is reportedly very AI-focused, which follows on from Microsoft’s recent theme of pushing the boundaries of what AI can do with many of its products and software.

Here’s what we know so far from rumors and news reports.

Windows 12: What we know so far and rumors

New AI Features

AI is at the forefront of everything Microsoft is doing at the moment, so there’s likely going to be an array of new AI features, powered by Microsoft Copilot.

Windows 11’s 23H2 update came packed with a bunch of powerful AI tools and features and this year’s 24H2 will likely be much of the same.

New Desktop UI

Windows may be very tightlipped about Windows 12, but they may have already given us a sneak peek on what to expect with the desktop layout when it arrives.

At Microsoft Ignite 2022, a snapshot of a Windows desktop, via ExtremeTech, was shared that appeared to be very different to what users were used to in Microsoft 11.

It includes a floating taskbar, a floating search panel, as well as weather information in the top left of the screen.

Windows Central’s Zac Bowden added that it might just be the first sighting of Windows 12 in the wild, with the design looking very similar to other Windows 12 designs Microsoft had been experimenting with that he had seen.

He confirmed the interface was “representative of the design goals that Microsoft is hoping to achieve with the next version of Windows.”

That suggests that, while what we’re seeing here might not be the final OS user interface, we should expect some significant changes to the desktop layout in Windows 12.

When is Windows 12 expected to be released?

The initial expectation was that it would arrive in the second half of 2024. However, with the next update confirmed to be Windows 23H2, it likely won’t be until the second half of 2025 that we finally get access to Windows 12.

There were six years between Windows 10 and Windows 11, which launched in October 2021. Before that, a major Windows release came every three years.

Windows has since announced an annual feature update for its OS, meaning September or October 2025 is now the expected time Windows 12 will debut.

How much could Windows 12 cost?

As is the case with all Windows OS updates, it costs nothing to update for those with devices that run Windows. As long as you have a valid license for Windows 10 or 11, you should be able to run Windows 12 for free.

However, there may be certain subscription models available on top, especially where its more powerful AI features are concerned, although that’s just speculation at this point.

If you want to buy Windows 12 as a standalone, we can look at Microsoft’s pricing strategy for Windows 11 as guidance. This means Windows 12 Home might cost around $139, while Windows 12 Pro will be nearer $199.

Featured Image: Photo by BoliviaInteligente on Unsplash

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It may be less than six months ago that we were introduced to the OnePlus 12, but attention is quickly switching to the potential release of the OnePlus 13.

The Chinese tech giant arguably released its best smartphone yet when the OnePlus 12 hit the shelves back in February of this year, but rumors are already pointing to significant upgrades for the 13th edition of its smartphone range.

A few details have already started passing along the grapevine. From a slight redesign to minor camera improvements and a battery upgrade, the early signs of what the OnePlus 13 might be like are beginning to surface.

So here’s what we know so far…

OnePlus 13: What we know so far and rumors

Design

Currently, there aren’t many expectations that OnePlus plans to make drastic design changes to the OnePlus 13, but drawings released by credible tipster and data engineer, Yogesh Brar on X suggest the circular camera array could be moved to the center of the smartphone’s rear. It was located slightly to the left of the OnePlus 12.

If there are no big changes, the OnePlus 13 and 13R could end up looking like this..

Thoughts? pic.twitter.com/S2njBpecJ5

— Yogesh Brar (@heyitsyogesh) May 10, 2024

It also shows a rectangular camera array for the OnePlus 13R, presumably as a way of setting apart both OnePlus’ mid-range and budget handsets.

Beyond that, we’re in the dark about any more potential OnePlus 13 design changes.

Display

Brar has also said that he expects the OnePlus 13 to boast a micro-quad curved display, with the top and bottom of the display curving like the left and right edges. Curved edges on smartphones normally just curve on the sides, so this would certainly be a stand-out feature for OnePlus.

However, Android Authority has reported that the OnePlus 13 might go with a flat display with a four-sided curved display covering it to create a bezel-free look. The same source of the information (a Chinese tech blog on Weibo) also suggests the OnePlus 13 will have a 2k OLED panel.

Camera

To accompany the potential camera array change, OnePlus may be considering a few minor tweaks to the OnePlus 12’s camera set-up.

The OnePlus 12’s camera comes with a 50MP main camera, 48MP ultrawide shooter and 64MP telephoto lens that supports 3x zoom.

At the moment, only slight improvements are rumored to be in the pipeline for OnePlus 13’s periscope-style telephoto lens, claim Android Authority.

OnePlus’ recent major improvements in the camera department came following their partnership with lens specialist Hasselbad. We’ll have to wait a little longer to find out if both companies have any further camera upgrades lined up.

Battery

Chinese tech news outlet Digital Chat Station reported that OnePlus plans to drop wireless charging from the OnePlus 13, which is unexpected given it was restored to the OnePlus 12 after being dropped for the OnePlus 11.

That said, the OnePlus 12 had one of the best batteries on the market for lifespan, with Tom’s Guide reporting it lasted for 17 hours and 41 minutes in testing.

That means we should expect to see that at the very least on the OnePlus 13, while Digital Chat Station also believes the OnePlus 13 will enjoy a battery upgrade to 6,000 mAh from the OnePlus 12’s 5,400 mAh.

Performance & Specs

OnePlus can be expected to use Qualcomm’s upcoming Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chip, which is due to debut in October.

We can make this assumption based on the fact OnePlus uses the leading Qualcomm chip in all its flagship phones, with the OnePlus 13 being powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, which allowed it to compete with the Samsung Galaxy S24 series.

Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 will deliver big performance gains for Android devices once it debuts.

The only other major improvement that could be in line for the OnePlus 13 is its water resistance rating, reported via GSMArena, which may be upgraded from IP65 to either IP68 or IP69.

That means the OnePlus 13 will be able to survive more than just a few sprays of water, which is all the OnePlus 12 is capable of now.

What is the expected OnePlus 13 release date?

The company behind the OnePlus has officially revealed the release window for its next iteration.

Louis Lee, the company’s President in China, made an announcement on Weibo that strongly suggested the upcoming release of a next-generation flagship device in October 2024. Although Lee didn’t directly reveal the smartphone’s name, the details indicate it will be the OnePlus 13, which is expected to follow the OnePlus 12, launched last year.

How much could the OnePlus 13 cost?

It’s too early to deliver anything other than speculation surrounding the OnePlus 13’s potential price.

The OnePlus 12 started at $799 so we should expect the OnePlus 13 to be in a similar ballpark, especially given the potential of a new chipset and a handful of different upgrades throughout.

Featured Image: OnePlus 12 via OnePlus

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Apple Watch fans had been hoping to see something significant from Apple this year to mark the 10-year anniversary since it was introduced to the masses.

The tech giant’s first smartwatch was unveiled in 2014 before going on sale in 2015, so there is some anticipation that Apple is preparing to mark the occasion with something big.

Here’s what we know about the Apple Watch Ultra 3 so far…

Apple Watch Ultra 3 rumors

Design

Let’s start with what’s likely to be the only major upgrade to the Watch Ultra 3.

It’s unlikely that Apple will steer away from its iconic smartwatch design for this model but, according to TrendForce, the Watch Ultra 3 is going to be bigger than the Watch Ultra 2, which already comes in at 1.93-inches.

TrendForce’s report at the back end of 2023 hinted that we could be treated to a 10% increase in size to 2.12 inches.

This has raised some eyebrows, with many pointing out the fact the Ultra Watch 2 is already pretty hefty for a smartwatch and can feel heavy on the wrist. So much so, it’s difficult to wear all of the time.

Specs and Features

Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has already warned Apple Watch fans that they should expect “almost no” hardware upgrades in the Apple Watch Ultra 3.

It had initially been rumored that sleep apnea and hypertension detection could be introduced to the next Apple Watch release, but a current legal battle with California-based health tech firm, Masimo, could postpone those plans.

That’s because Masimo has claimed that Apple’s blood oxygen monitoring feature, which debuted with the Apple Watch Series 6, relies on technology owned by them. That feature has remained present in every Apple Watch launch since, despite Masimo filing a lawsuit in 2021, claiming it violated their patents.

It led to Apple agreeing to disable blood monitoring features on their watches until further notice.

That legal battle is still rumbling on so, unless a workaround is found by Apple, any new features that rely on that same technology will likely not be present in the Apple Watch Ultra 3, or any other Apple Watch for that matter.

Elsewhere, the only real major upgrade to get excited about is the potential introduction of microLED technology in the Watch Ultra 3’s screen. That would be a significant, brighter and thinner upgrade than OLED. But there are also conflicting reports on this.

Tech industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has claimed plans for this have been shelved “for the foreseeable future” due to Apple’s planned supplier delivering disappointing results.

One report by Koren tech new outlet The Elec suggests we might have to wait until 2026 for micro-LED.

Hardware

Despite Kuo’s “no hardware upgrades” claim, Gurman has said the Apple Watch Ultra 3 will feature a new processor to succeed the Watch Ultra 2’s S9 chip.

This could, via MacRumours, “lay the groundwork for some AI enhancements down the road.”

Colors

The Watch Ultra 2 came in the same titanium color as the first-generation Watch Ultra. There were rumors ahead of the Watch Ultra 2’s release that a darker color may also be introduced, but that wasn’t the case at the time.

Apple also designed a dark ceramic back for the first-generation Apple Watch Ultra, which was never released, so there is hope it might finally arrive for the Watch Ultra 3.

What is the expected Apple Watch Ultra 3 release date?

There were expectations we should expect the Apple Watch Ultra 3 to be launched in September 2024 alongside the iPhone 16.

However, at Apple’s Glowtime event on September 9, the anticipated Apple Watch Ultra 3 was not unveiled. Instead the company introduced a new color option for the Apple Watch Ultra 2: a satin black titanium finish.

New Apple Watch Ultra 2 finish – and yes, they've successfully re-named the colour black again (satin black this time) #AppleEvent pic.twitter.com/ujq8gY2o2k

— Arun Maini (@Mrwhosetheboss) September 9, 2024

This variant features a deep black hue with a brushed texture.  Additionally, there is now the option of a Milanese loop bracelet in the same satin black finish.

The lack of an Apple Watch Ultra 3 reveal at Glowtime means we have no confirmed release window for when we might see the next iteration of Apple Watch.

How much will the Apple Watch Ultra 3 cost?

Unless Apple has been successful in keeping any major upgrades under wraps until now, it’s difficult to see a scenario where they increase the price from $799, which was the cost of the first two generations of Apple Watch Ultra.

Given there are currently no significant changes being made, aside from a potentially larger design, the prediction throughout the industry is that the Apple Watch Ultra 3 will be priced the same. However, if Apple includes more advanced features like microLED display technology or new health sensors, a slight price bump could be possible.

Featured Image: Apple

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Google’s acquisition of Fitbit in 2021 has led to a very busy few years for the popular fitness wearable.

Following the arrival of the Fitbit Charge 6 towards the end of 2023, which was a significant upgrade on the Charge 5, we’ve also seen a revamped Fitbit app to go with it and a Fitbit Ace LTE for Kids.

Now, Fitbit fans anticipate Google’s next move as they look to remain competitive in an ever-increasing marketplace.

Fitbit Charge 7 wishlist

Confirmed details about the Fitbit Charge 7 are sparse. However, there are several features and updates we can add to our wishlist.

Display

Rumors are pointing towards a new 1.5-inch, 240×240 pixels display, which is larger than the Charge 6’s 1.04-inch, 206×124 resolution, HD AMOLED display.

This is likely to be in an attempt to bring the Fitbit Charge 7 into closer competition with its rivals, such as Garmin, Amazfit and Xiaomi.

Continuous Blood Glucose Monitoring

The likes of Samsung and Huawei already have Continuous Blood Glucose Monitoring, in their wearables, so it would be an ideal addition to bring Fitbit for those who need this feature.

Menstrual Health Tracking

Menstrual Health Tracking is a regular feature found in many other fitness and smartwatch wearables already on the market.

AI powered heart-rate sensor

We also saw the introduction of an AI powered heart-rate sensor in the Charge 6, which is expected to remain in the Fitbit Charge 7.

Altimeter

We also expect to see the return of an altimeter, which is designed to provide accurate elevation tracking. For some reason, it was missing in the Charge 6 but it is believed that Fitbit are ready to heed the calls of disgruntled users by bringing it back.

GPS upgrade

As many would expect from a fresh edition to the Fitbit lineup, GPS and workout tracking should receive an upgrade, too. It’s believed Fitbit plans to do that by using Google Maps and WiFi networks to boost precision.

Operating System (OS)

Since Fitbit came under Google’s ownership, questions surrounding the future of Fitbit’s OS have done the rounds.

Rumors suggest the Fitbit Charge 7 could be the first Fitbit to include Google’s Wear OS, which is found on many fitness wearables and smartwatches on the market, including those from the likes of Samsung, LG, Motorola, Asus, Sony and Huawei.

This might seem like an obvious move from Fitbit if it aims to become more competitive, although all these Google-inspired upgrades to the Fitbit might become something of a conflict of interest for the tech giant.

Google already has its own range of Smartwatches, with the Pixel Watch 3 expected to launch later in 2024.

Therefore, introducing the likes of Wear OS may blur the lines between the overall differences between Fitbit and Pixel Watch.

Battery

The previously impressive seven-day battery life is no longer a selling point when you compare it to the likes of the Amazfit Band 7, which has a battery capable of lasting around 18 days.

That may mean a significant battery upgrade is in the works, but it’s not confirmed and remains on the wishlist for now. To match Amazfit’s promises, the Fitbit Charge 7 would need a 232 mAh battery capacity at the very least.

If Fitbit does opt for a larger battery to prioritize battery life, then that should all but rule out Wear OS, which would require a far bigger battery that isn’t centered around long life.

When is the Fitbit Charge 7 expected to come out?

There isn’t a specific Fitbit Charge 7 release window yet. However, there is a common expectation throughout that it could launch in September 2024, 12 months after we were introduced to the Charge 6.

How much could the Fitbit Charge 7 cost?

Fitbit hasn’t been consistent in its pricing strategy for the Charge series. If anything, it has been quite erratic. The first edition launched at $130 before the price went up to $149.95 for the Charge 3 and Charge 4.

Another increase to $179.95 occurred for the Charge 5 before the Charge 6 hit the shelves at the cheaper rate of $159.99.

So for the Fitbit Charge 7, it might launch for around the same rate as the Charge 6 but, if there is a price increase to account for all of the rumored upgrades, it still shouldn’t be more expensive than the Charge 5 at $179.99.

Featured Image: Fitbit

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In a highly competitive smartphone market which includes giants such as Apple, Samsung, Huawei and Google, it’s tough for newcomers to arrive and make an impact – but that is what Nothing Phone 3 intends to do.

Nothing already defied the odds with their current trio of Nothing Phones (1, 2 and 2a). The London-based, Google Ventures-backed tech company prides itself on “making tech fun again” via quirky designs and features that seek to excite users in an age where the excitement of owning new tech has become “uninspired.”

Nothing’s previous two smartphones were released in July 2022 and July 2023, so there have been lots of rumors surrounding the potential of a Nothing Phone 3 and its expected announcement.

Nothing Phone 3: What we know so far and rumors

From AI to improved features, a better camera and more powerful hardware, there’s a lot in the pipeline for Nothing 3, and we’ve even been treated to teasers by Nothing’s CEO, Carl Pei, who is renowned for using X as a platform to speak to Nothing’s fans.

The other day I couldn't help but shed a tear reviewing future product designs with the team. I'm really proud of how far we've come.

Our first phone was 2022. It's really only been two years. We've got so much ahead of us.

July 8 can't come soon enough. It's time to put… https://t.co/fgv2BzupXE

— Carl Pei (@getpeid) July 3, 2024

Design

The Nothing Phone’s design has become iconic, with its semi-transparent LED back which Nothing calls the Glyph Interface.

It’s not just a design perk, though, as it doubles up as a torch, and volume level indicator which flashes when you receive calls or notifications. Ideal when your phone is face down. Not so much if it’s face down because you’re trying to avoid being distracted. It’s also able to collaborate with specific apps that allow it.

We don’t expect Nothing to steer away from this design for the Phone 3. We’re led to believe we should expect a Glyph Interface on the next edition too.

One change that has been teased by Carl Pei is the introduction of a new button below the existing power button. Pei posted an image on X to show off some changes to Nothing Phone’s OS design, but eagle-eyed followers noticed a mysterious new button. Speculation surrounding its purpose points towards it serving a similar function as Apple’s new Action Button on the iPhone 15 Pro Max.

Display

The Nothing Phone 2 boasts a 6.7-inch LTPO AMOLED display with a peak brightness of 1600 nits and support for HDR10+.

Some rumors suggest we might expect to see improvements to the brightness, but its current 120Hz refresh rate may remain the same.

Specs

To remain competitively priced, Nothing Phones tend not to offer the latest hardware. For example, the 2023’s Nothing Phone 2 featured Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 SoC, which was released a year earlier.

Since then, Qualcomm has released Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, but we’re not expecting to see that in the Nothing Phone 3, with Gen 2 a more likely inclusion.

However, 91Mobiles reported we could see the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3’s processor – released in June 2024 – included.

Software-wise, we should expect to see Android 15 out of the box underneath Nothing’s own OS (either 2.5 or 3), which we’ve already been given a glimpse of by Pei in the image above.

There will be quite a nice refresh for Nothing OS 3.0 in terms of UI, but what more excited about are new apps and features…

— Carl Pei (@getpeid) May 30, 2024

Camera

In another attempt to keep costs down, Nothing hasn’t put a great deal of attention into making its cameras competitive in the mid-range market.

The Nothing Phones 1 and 2 both had a two-camera set-up, with the latter boasting a newer Sony IMX890 for its main sensor with a 50MP output, phase-detect autofocus and optical image stabilization.

There are no rumors to suggest Nothing is planning to move away from the current dual camera set-up, but there may still be some improvements to quality and performance, as is generally standard for new smartphone releases.

For example, Phone Arena has reported that the Phone 3 may boast Sony’s latest LYTIA sensor lineup, which could lead to increased control and a richer photographic experience in both light and dark conditions.

Battery

One of the most impressive aspects of the Nothing Phone 2 was its 4,700mAh battery, alongside support for 45W wired fast charging. That’s better than the latest premium offerings from the likes of Apple, Samsung and Google.

It’s rumored that Nothing will look to add more advanced fast-charging technology to Phone 3 and perhaps increase battery capacity.

AI

Pei announced on X in June 2024 that Phone 3 will be centered around the company’s AI plans.

He didn’t go into any more detail than that but if that’s the case, we should expect Phone 3 to be packed with AI features.

No surprise there given AI is a focus for almost every new smartphone entering the market today.

When can we expect the Nothing Phone 3 to be released?

Initial expectations were that Nothing would follow their recent scheduling by announcing Phone 3 in July 2024, 12 months after Phone 2 hit the shelves. But Pei confirmed on X in June 2024 that Nothing Phone 3 will launch in 2025.

He explained that the company is taking its time to “redefine the user interface to enable a highly personalized and dynamic user experience as AI is integrated at a system level across smartphones.”

Therefore, instead of launching a phone in 2024 packed with AI features, Nothing is considering how exactly the introduction of AI will practically benefit its users.

That’s backed up by Pei’s words, where he explained in his announcement that Nothing “wants to get the product right.”

How much could the Nothing Phone 3 cost?

Nothing Phone 2 launched at $600 but with several design and software upgrades expected in Phone 3, we might expect a slight price increase.

The Phone 3 launch price will probably be around the same.

With that in mind, don’t be surprised if it does hit the shelves at north of the Phone 2’s $600 price tag.

Featured Image: Nothing

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As we eagerly await the release of the Apple iPhone 16 family in the fall of 2024, rumors are growing surrounding the potential of an Ultra version being included for the first time.

Talk of an Ultra model has been rumbling on for some time now, especially following Apple’s release of the Apple Watch Ultra in 2022. The feeling was that Apple would likely extend its Ultra offering to its flagship smartphones.

Here’s what we know so far.

iPhone 16 Ultra: What we know so far and rumors

Design & Display

For an Ultra model to stand out from the iPhone 16 family, Apple will likely need to tweak the handset’s overall design. Otherwise, it risks blending in with its siblings.

An Ultra model would need to be worthy of such a title, after all.

So it’s no surprise rumors are pointing towards a potential 6.9-inch display for the iPhone 16 Ultra, which would be the biggest ever screen on an iPhone. In comparison, the iPhone 15 Pro Max’s display is 6.7-inches.

Sticking with the display, we might see the iPhone 16 Ultra opting for a brighter panel to compete with Google’s Pixel 8 Pro display, which peaks at 2,400 nits.

Meanwhile, there are reports from Korean media that tip all iPhone 16 displays to be more power-efficient. Samsung has reportedly switched from using blue fluorescent technology to blue phosphorescence technology in their displays to allow screens to consume less power and, given they provide Apple with display panels for iPhones, it’s fair to assume this could be a feature to include on an Ultra version of the iPhone 16.

One of the key design features rumored to be present in the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max is the display borders, which are reportedly set to be the smallest in the world. According to Setsuna Digitial on Weibo, there will be a 1.2mm bezel around the 16 Pro display and a 1.15mm bezel around the 16 Pro Max’s. To show just how much of an improvement that is, the iPhone 15 Pro’s bezels were 1.71mm.

That’s all due to a new Border Reduction Structure manufacturing process and could mean that while we might expect to find a larger display on the iPhone 16 Ultra, its overall body should be much bigger than the iPhone 15 Pro Max.

Elsewhere, the introduction of Solid State Buttons has been a rumor that extends back to before the release of the iPhone 15 Pro. Despite the introduction of the Action Button, we didn’t see them then, so there is fair speculation that we might see this on the iPhone 16 Pro, or even specifically the iPhone 16 Ultra. Solid State Buttons would replace the current moveable volume and power buttons we see on existing iPhone models with buttons that provide haptic feedback, like the Action Button and newly reported Capture Button which will enhance camera control.

Hardware & Software

The iPhone 15 Pro lineup debuted the A17 Pro chipset, so we might see the introduction of the A18 Pro chip in the iPhone 16 Ultra, although details on that are currently very sparse.

It has been said by analyst Jeff Pu, via MacRumours, that all iPhone 16 models will feature an A18 chip, with the A18 Pro being reserved for Pro models, which would include the Ultra. The A18 Pro is allegedly powerful enough to take on laptops, which is certainly the type of upgrade we’d expect in an Ultra iPhone.

On the storage front, it’s expected that the iPhone 16 Ultra will follow the iPhone 15 Pro Max by offering 256GB at the very least, but we might see the introduction of up to 2TB of storage in the Ultra, according to blogger yeux1122.

As for battery life, there’s not a great deal to go on just yet. The Apple Watch Ultra boasted twice as long battery life compared to a standard Apple Watch but there’s no indication that the iPhone 16 Ultra will be able to make similar promises.

Meanwhile, we would expect iOS 18 to be present out of the box for the iPhone 16 Ultra. iOS 18 has already been announced by Apple and will be released this fall.

Camera

One thing Apple fans always look for on the release of a new iPhone is the improvements to the cameras and, if there’s an iPhone 16 Ultra in the pipeline, the expectation will be that it comes with one of the best smartphone cameras on the market, if not the best.

There could be a more powerful zoom, which would help it compete with Samsung’s Galaxy S24 Ultra, which boasts a 10x optical zoom. On top of that, there are reports that Apple could switch to a different type of telephoto lens that is thinner and will improve magnification.

When is the iPhone 16 Ultra expected to be released?

We’re expecting to be introduced to the iPhone 16 in the fall of 2024 and rumors are growing that this is when Apple might also reveal the iPhone 16 Ultra.

In February 2023, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reported that Apple was working towards “an even higher-end Ultra model for as early as 2024.”

That would add weight to the idea that we could see an Ultra model in the iPhone 16 lineup in September 2024, but there remains nothing concrete on whether that’s yet a viable expectation of still just a hunch.

For example, there’s no mention of an iPhone Ultra in this road map of potential Apple product releases, which is from Samsung Securities. That would suggest not even Apple’s biggest competitor is expecting them to release an iPhone Ultra just yet.

And remember, we’re still waiting on the rumored iPhone Flip.

How much could the iPhone 16 Ultra cost?

As there’s still uncertainty surrounding the true release date of an iPhone Ultra, it’s hard to speculate on how much it would cost. There is currently no indication that an iPhone Ultra will replace, say, the iPhone Pro Max version in the lineup, which means would naturally expect any Ultra version to be north of $1,199, which is what the iPhone 15 Pro Max entered the market at.

To get some guidance, Apple priced its Apple Watch Ultra 2 at $700, which is $400 more expensive than the Apple Watch Series 9. If Apple sticks to that pricing strategy, then an iPhone Ultra will likely cost at least $1,399, given the iPhone 15 Pro costs $999.

That might sound steep, but it’s incredibly competitive when compared to the $1,799 price for Samsung and Google’s foldable phones.

Featured Image: iPhone 16 Ultra concept by Jonas Daehnert on X

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If you’re an Apple iPhone fan but not bothered about having all the latest bells and whistles that tend to come with modern smartphones, then the affordable iPhone SE may be perfect for you.

While Apple’s flagship iPhones come out each year with all the latest technology, features, and perks, the iPhone SE is designed to be an entry-level version and as a result, doesn’t follow the same release schedule as its older siblings.

The third-generation iPhone SE was released two years ago. It kept the home button while the more premium iPhone editions removed it in favor of a full touch screen display and facial recognition unlocking, while its design remained outdated compared to newer models. It also lacked many of the standard features you would expect to find in an iPhone, including trivial things such as night-mode photos.

Here’s what we know so far about a possible future iPhone SE 4.

iPhone SE 4: What we know so far

As it’s been two years since the last installment of the iPhone SE range, it would be fair to expect several upgrades to a fourth-generation handset.

Apple has somewhat fallen behind the curve in the mid-range, affordable smartphone market. Google has the Pixel 8a and Samsung has its A Series, both of which provide the types of features many would come to expect in a premium, top-of-the-range smartphone.

So Apple has a lot of catching up to do if it wants to remain competitive in this market, as the iPhone SE 3 no longer matches up to its mid-range competitors.

Design

The iPhone SE 3 is the smallest device in Apple’s iPhone line-up, with a 4.7-inch display, and is modeled on the iPhone 8 in terms of its thick bezels and Touch ID home button.

Rumors reported by Mac Rumours suggest the iPhone SE 4 will ditch the Touch ID home button and join the rest of the flagship iPhone lineup in having an all-screen display, while the overall design is expected to look similar to the iPhone 14. Meanwhile, John Prosser believes the SE 4 will adopt a similar design to the iPhone XR.

Speculated CAD renders, though, suggest it’s likely going to be similar to the iPhone 14 after all.

We could also see the first introduction of the notch to the SE range, thanks to the removal of the Touch ID home button, allowing for a front-facing camera and, likely, Face ID.

One thing we can be certain of is the introduction of a USB-C charging port, thanks to the EU’s ruling that every smartphone must have it by 2024.

Display

All of Apple’s iPhones have OLED technology, except the SE 3, which has an LCD display.

Therefore, it’s likely the fourth-generation SE will OLED technology.

Screen Size

If Apple is modeling the SE 4 on the iPhone 14, then we can likely expect a 6.1-inch display, according to Mac Rumours.

That’s much bigger than the current 4.7-inch display on the third-generation SE, so those who prefer a smaller, more compact handset might be disappointed.

Camera

There is likely to be a camera upgrade in the iPhone SE 4. The current third-generation SE boasts a single-lens, 12-megapixel camera but rumours suggest the SE 4 will be upgraded to a single-lens 48-megapixel camera.

While the iPhone 14 has a dual-lens camera, it’s believed the SE 4 will keep a single-lens in order to keep costs down.

When is the iPhone SE 4 expected to be released?

The iPhone SE release schedule hasn’t followed the same pattern as the company’s flagship models. The first iPhone SE arrived in March 2016 and we didn’t get a second-generation until April 2020. The third-generation SE came in March 2022.

One thing is almost certain, and that’s that we won’t see anything in 2024. As a result, a Spring 2025 release is more likely at the very earliest. This is backed up by tech analyst and researcher Ming-Chi Kuo, who claimed in April 2023 that a fourth-generation iPhone SE wasn’t on Apple’s roadmap for 2024/2025.

I think SE 4 is not currently part of Apple's new product planning for 2024/2025. https://t.co/5TVl0mkTpb

— 郭明錤 (Ming-Chi Kuo) (@mingchikuo) April 14, 2023

How much could the iPhone SE 4 cost?

The iPhone SE 3 hit the shelves at $429, which was a small increase on the SE 2’s $399.

We can expect to see another increase for the SE 4, with some reports claiming it to be $499. Any higher, and Apple risk competitiveness in the mid-range market.

This means $499 is arguably going to be the absolute maximum Apple will go to in terms of pricing.

Featured Image: Apple

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It’s almost two years since we were introduced to the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2, and now we’re hearing more and more about plans for the Galaxy Buds 3 and Galaxy Buds 3 Pro.

To date, Samsung has struggled to compete alongside Apple, Sony and Bose for sound quality in the wireless earbud market. As a result, rumors and leaks are currently pointing toward a number of drastic changes for the third-generation Galaxy Buds.

Samsung Galaxy Buds 3: What we know so far

Design changes, active noise canceling, improved battery life, hi-res audio and, most interestingly, AI capabilities are the order of the day when it comes to news surrounding the Galaxy Buds 3 and Galaxy Buds 3 Pro.

Design

Previous editions of the Galaxy Buds 3 have taken on a bulbous design without a stem, making them quite distinctive against their competitors. However, according to recent leaks, Samsung may be about to completely switch up their design by moving towards a more Apple AirPods style look.

An image posted by a South Korean retail site, via SamMobile, portrays buds that look remarkably similar to the AirPods, while the charging case is also very similar to Apple’s.

The introduction of a stem for the first time on the Galaxy Buds 3 helps with the similarities, for sure, but Samsung appears to have gone for a more angular design to help set them apart from Apple’s smoother edges.

In this particular image, the Galaxy Buds 3 are a metallic/silver color, while we don’t yet know for sure if there will be other colors available, although Android Headlines are reporting that there may be two colors available: Silver and White.

Specs & Features

According to Android Headlines, we can expect a one-way speaker in the Buds 3 and a two-way speaker in the Buds 3 Pro.

The Pro version will also likely feature adaptive noise control, blade lights and ambient sound. The standard Galaxy Buds 3 will not include any of those features. What are blade lights? No one really knows at the moment.

The two things that will be available on both versions of the Buds 3 are Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Ultra High-Quality Sound with 24 bit/96 kHz. That will really improve the sound quality compared to previous generations, especially when listening via a Samsung smartphone.

Both versions will offer support for 360-degree audio and will, as standard, have an IP57 durability rating. On top of that, they’ll both offer 5.4 Bluetooth protocol and Auto Switch, which allow users to seamlessly switch between listening on multiple Galaxy devices via Bluetooth multipoint.

Battery Life

Android Headlines’ report suggests the Galaxy Buds 3 will last for five hours with ANC on, while you’ll get six hours with ANC on with the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro. You’ll be able to get an extra hour of battery life on each with ANC switched off.

The charging cases will be slightly different in size for both, with the Buds 3 offering up to 24 hours of battery life and the Buds 3 Pro giving us 30 hours.

AI Features

Perhaps one of the most anticipated features of the Galaxy Buds 3 is the introduction of AI capability. Samsung went heavy with AI features on the new Galaxy S24 Ultra smartphone, so it’s no real surprise that rumors suggest they intend to extend that to their wireless buds range.

These rumors are being fueled by a post on Samsung’s own community forum, via Tom’s Guide, which features what appears to be marketing material that says the Buds 3 range will be “where audio meets AI.”

What this means exactly remains to be seen, but perhaps the Buds 3 will have Google Gemini and or Galaxy AI support, which will make it easier for users to interact with these features without having to take their Galaxy smartphone out of their pocket.

When will the Galaxy Buds 3 be released?

The Galaxy Buds 3 and Galaxy Buds 3 Pro were launched at Samsung’s Unpacked event on July 10, alongside the Samsung Z Fold 6, Flip 6, Watch 7 and more.

They became available to buy on July 24, 2024.

How much will the Galaxy Buds 3 cost?

The Galaxy Buds 3 and Galaxy Buds 3 Pro cost $249, which is more than the 2022 Buds 2 Pro.

Featured Image: Coupang

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The wearable market is as competitive as it’s ever and gadget addicts had been left wondering when thePixel Watch 3 will be launched.

Giants like Samsung, Apple and Huawei all have wearable smartwatches that seek to perfectly complement not only their flagship smartphones but also their user’s everyday lifestyle.

Google is also seeking to gain a foothold in the wearable market after successful entries with the Pixel Watch and Pixel Watch 2. However, unlike their competitors, both previous wearable editions have been available in just one size.

When is the Pixel Watch 3 expected to be released?

The Pixel Watch 3 is here. It was officially launched at the Made By Google event on August, 12, 2024.

The Google Pixel Watch 3 is available for preorder now and was due to shart shipping September 10, 2024.

Pixel Watch 3 price

The smaller 41mm version of the Pixel Watch 3 is $349 for the Bluetooth-only model and the larger 45mm is $399. Alternatively you can upgrade both models to the LTE edition for $449 and $499 respecitvely.

Pixel Watch 3 Specs

Featured Image: OnLeaks/Android Headlines

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As flip and foldable smartphones become more and more popular in the smartphone market, it’s surprising that we’re still waiting for Apple to throw its hat in the ring with its own iPhone version.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5, Galaxy Z Fold 5, Google Pixel Fold, and Motorola Razr+ are just some of the leading phones in this corner of the smartphone market right now and, as things stand, Apple is quite happy for that to remain the case. For now.

Why hasn’t Apple released a flip phone yet?

Apple are never too bothered about being first to market with its products. It’s always about quality. They’d rather be last to market with the best product and, perhaps, this is why they’re taking so long with the iPhone Flip.

We can safely assume there won’t be an iPhone Flip this year, with the iPhone 16 models coming later in 2024.

Regardless, here’s what we know so far.

iPhone Flip: What we know so far and rumors

From patent leaks, foldable glass samples, Apple Pencil compatibility suggestions, and loads more, rumors centered around the iPhone Flip do appear to vary depending on the source.

However, it’s fair to say they all point towards Apple doing its best to ensure its version of the flip phone is not only the best on the market, but also breaks new ground when it comes to design, durability, and quality.

Design

In February 2019, Apple filed patents with the US Patent and Trademark Office that showed various designs for a foldable handset. Some included large internal displays with single folding hinges, while there was also one that included two hinges, three displays and a Z-shaped folding style.

Furthermore, in March 2020 a patent was discovered which suggested Apple may be considering a foldable with two displays, separated by a single hinge. This particular patent also made reference to “joint operating mode” which allows for a single screen to be joined by a magnetically connected secondary display. This points us towards Apple thinking of a foldable tablet, but we can’t be sure.

Blink twice if is coming this year!?

— Paul J (@1PaulJ_) June 13, 2020

Leaker Jon Prosser further fuelled reports of an upcoming iPhone Flip on Twitter in June 2020.

Another leaked patent, unearthed in 2018 by PatentlyApple, shows a device with a foldable display that doesn’t completely fold half-and-half, but instead leaves a small strip at the bottom for things like notifications and other information (below).

Therefore, it’s quite clear Apple are toying with various design ideas and are seemingly leaving no stone unturned in their quest to find the right design to enter the market with. The first iPhone Flip patent leak was unearthed in 2016 and eight years on, we’re still no closer to anything concrete.

Screen & Display

This is arguably where Apple is facing its biggest challenge. One of the biggest obstacles is the visible display crease in a foldable handset. Apple, with its notoriously high standards, is understandably investigating ways in to eradicate it.

The glass and plastic mix that Samsung uses for the Z Fold and Z Flip models shows a visible crease when folded out and, as Samsung makes a large amount of iPhone displays, Apple is likely not convinced they can do it with their help. A report in May 2024, though, suggested Apple had signed a pact with Samsung Display for a foldable device.

Corning, Apple’s glass provider, would need to create a bendable version of its Ceramic Shield screen for Apple to achieve what we think they want to achieve but, while they are already working on it, there’s no official launch date for it yet.

It may mean, though, that if a fix for the fold can’t be found, Apple may opt for a dual-display device with a single central hinge.

But in May 2024, Design Boom reported that Apple had filed a patent for a foldable device with a self-healing screen, designed to fix minor dents and scratches on its own and without the user’s help. This process uses heat, light or electric current to speed up the self-healing process.

In terms of size, there are different reports here, too. According to a report by The Information, Apple halted plans for an iPhone Flip around 2020, as it pivoted attention towards a folding iPad with an 8-inch display. Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo further backs this up.

Meanwhile, one leak suggests the display is likely to be 7.3-inch or 7.6-inches across. Elsewhere, there are also rumors that it could be nearer 7.9-inches and that the foldable display could be on the outside of the handset, like the Huawei Mate Xs 2, and would likely be a large enough display for Apple Pencil compatibility.

Here’s a concept video of how the finished product might look…

Features & Specs

One recent patent won by Apple details a self-preserving mechanism, which will enable the hing to close mid-drop and, in turn, protect the screen from damage.

Apple is also toying with plans to use a color e-ink display on the outside of the handset. That would go a long way in preserving battery life.

From a specs perspective, we should naturally expect 5G support, strong battery life and high-end processing capabilities.

Software and Capabilities

This depends on whether Apple launches with a phone or a tablet for their first foldable device.

If it’s an iPhone, we should expect it to come with the latest iOS at the time of release, but with additional capabilities for a foldable device. If it’s a tablet, we should expect the same but for it to be the latest iPadOS when released.

iPhone Flip: Release date rumors

Apple is actively developing a foldable iPhone, which might debut as soon as 2026, according to a report by The Information. This upcoming model is expected to feature a horizontal fold, similar to the clamshell-style Samsung Galaxy Z Flip.

In February, The Information revealed that Apple was exploring two prototypes for a foldable iPhone. It now appears that Apple has made significant progress, as the device is reportedly known internally as V68, signaling that it has advanced past the conceptual phase and is currently in development with suppliers.

Apple is focusing on improving the phone’s design by reducing the crease visible when the device is unfolded and making it thinner. This aligns with a recent report from DigiTimes, which also details Apple’s plans for a foldable phone. Additionally, there are rumors about Apple working on a foldable MacBook that could begin shipping in 2026.

How much could the iPhone Flip cost?

This will be determined by how Apple eventually approaches the design and the materials and technology they use.

If it opts for a small foldable then it may be priced similarly to something like the iPhone 15 Pro Max ($1,199) but, if they go for a larger handset, has new technology and/or can be both a phone and a tablet, then it’s more likely to enter the market around the $2,000 price point, much like the Galaxy Fold when it debuted.

They could launch with both – a premium version alongside a cheaper model. We may then see both handsets fall at either end of the pricing spectrum.

Featured Image: iPhone Flip concept design by Technizo Concept/LetsGoDigital

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