Expert reviews and news on laptops, smartphones and tech innovations

The new LG XBOOM Go speakers. (Source: LG)

LG announces new additions to its XBOOM Go series of portable speakers

LG has updated the portable variants of its XBOOM speaker line-up. These new PL7, PL5 and PL2 models feature an equally renewed design that incorporates Meridian technology for their audio clarity. They can also be controlled via an iOS or Android app and respond to voice commands.

Deirdre O'Donnell, 05 Jul 2020 22:45

The new Durabook R11. (Source: Durabook)

Durabook claims that its new ultra-slim yet rugged tablet is ideal for fieldwork in 2020

Durabook has launched its latest tablet, the R11. Like others from this OEM, it has military-grade drop, shock, ingress and temperature resistance. However, this one is also only about 20 millimeters (mm) in height and weighs 1.2 kilograms. This may make it more amenable to work in the hazardous environments of today.

Deirdre O'Donnell, 05 Jul 2020 22:00

MIUI 12 may have an even more staggered rollout than anticipated. (Image Source: Beebom)

Alleged MIUI 12 Phase 2, Phase 3, and Phase 4 roadmap raises further questions on update timelines; here's a list of all purported Xiaomi and Redmi devices under each phase

An alleged roadmap was posted on the Mi Community forums detailing Phase 2, Phase 3, and Phase 4 rollout of the MIUI 12 stable ROM in China. While this does list all the Xiaomi and Redmi devices likely to be covered in each phase, it does not indicate any definite timeline. Interestingly, this roadmap also includes older devices such as the Redmi 4X and the Redmi Note 4X.

Vaidyanathan Subramaniam, 05 Jul 2020 20:09

The new Panasonic RZ-S300W TWS earbuds. (Source: Panasonic)

Panasonic launches its latest TWS earbuds, complete with noise-cancelling variants

The Panasonic RZ-S300W are new TWS earbuds with a non-AirPod-clone form-factor and a unique finish. A further variant of the same (the RZ-S500W) have "Dual Hybrid Noise Cancelling Technology" with an ambient mode for "best-in-class" audio isolation. The OEM also has a 3rd pair of new buds launched under its high-end Technics brand.

Deirdre O'Donnell, 05 Jul 2020 17:53

Android 10 update for the Redmi Note 8 gets a tentative ETA

Nine months after release, the Redmi Note 8 is yet to receive a major OS update, even though the Redmi Note 8 Pro got its Android 10 update months ago. That is set to change, however, with new information giving Redmi Note 8 owners around the world an idea of when the Android 10 update will finally arrive.

Ricci Rox, 05 Jul 2020 17:00

The Vuzix M400 smart glasses. (Source: Vuzix)

3C clears Vuzix to sell its M400 smart glasses in China

The smart-glasses company Vuzix has announced that it has 3C certification for its M400 model. Therefore, it may now target the market in question with this IP67-rated, drop-resistant smart viewer. As with many other products in this category, it is directed at professional and industrial applications.

Deirdre O'Donnell, 05 Jul 2020 16:58

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2020: Just get the 2019 model and save some money

The major update of the compact 2020 ThinkPad X1 Carbon is the more compact power adapter. You also get new processors, but they do not offer a performance advantage. The new X1 Carbon is once again a very good business laptop, but you can just get the previous model and save money.

Andreas Osthoff, 05 Jul 2020 16:24

The Galaxy M01s' new support page. (Source: MySmartPrice)

A new Samsung India support page implies an imminent launch for the Galaxy M01s

Samsung India has reportedly posted a support page for a phone called the Galaxy M01s (or SM-M017F/DS), despite the fact that this phone is not on sale in the same country yet. This official leak shows that the upcoming device has 3GB of RAM. However, additional tips show that it may not be a brand-new product on its launch.

Deirdre O'Donnell, 05 Jul 2020 16:22

Three months after launch, the OnePlus 8 Pro looks to be a major sales success

The OnePlus 8 Pro was launched back in April but has routinely been out of stock since then. The phones has received mostly positive reviews and that appears to have translated into sales, with the implication of OnePlus selling a lot more units than it projected.

Column by Ricci Rox, 05 Jul 2020 11:16

Innocent nostalgic post or tease of an upcoming small phone from Redmi or Xiaomi? (Image source: Lu Weibing/Weibo)

Xiaomi Mi Mix 4 might have a small phone variant as Lu Weibing sparks speculation with Redmi Note 8/Apple iPhone 4 comparison

A post on Weibo by Redmi boss Lu Weibing has sparked speculation that either Xiaomi or Redmi is planning on releasing a small phone. A small-screen flagship variant of the rumored Xiaomi Mi Mix 4 was suggested by many of his post’s commentators. Weibing shared an image showing a size comparison of the Apple iPhone 4 and Redmi Note 8.

Daniel R Deakin, 05 Jul 2020 09:16

Huawei smartphones would share the same ecosystem as Huawei Display monitors. (Image source: Huawei)

Huawei Display monitors expected to come in three model ranges to take on Redmi Display and Xiaomi Mi Display external monitors

It has been rumored that Huawei will be releasing its own Display ranges of monitors set at three different price points, and a 32-inch model is expected to be part of the lineup. It’s likely Huawei Display monitors will target the space that will be occupied by Redmi Display and Xiaomi Mi Display external monitors.

Daniel R Deakin, 05 Jul 2020 03:23

The PS5 Digital Edition could be US$100/£100/€100 cheaper than the Blu-ray model. (Image source: Sony)

PS5 random pricing in Nielsen survey could indicate that Sony has plans to price the PlayStation 5 consoles at an irresistible point

A Reddit user has offered up an interesting insight into what Sony’s plans could be in regard to the PS5 price. It’s arguably one of the most crucial factors for the manufacturer to decide on, as Microsoft has more leverage in this key area. A Nielsen survey suggested random pricing that could give an idea of how the PlayStation 5 might be priced.

Daniel R Deakin, 05 Jul 2020 01:52

Lenovo updates the 16:10 IdeaPad S540-13 laptop with AMD Ryzen 4000

Lenovo has quietly updated one of the most interesting consumer laptops made by the Chinese company in the last year: The Lenovo IdeaPad S540, which sports a screen in the rare 16:10 aspect ratio. The new version S540-13ARE sports AMD Ryzen 4000. The catch: It is not available in the USA, at least for now.

Benjamin Herzig, 05 Jul 2020 01:34

Dell Inspiron 14 5000 2-in-1 with Ryzen 7 3700U, 512 GB NVMe SSD, and 16 GB RAM is $685 USD right now (Image source: Dell)

Deal | Dell Inspiron 14 5000 2-in-1 with Ryzen 7 3700U, 512 GB NVMe SSD, and 16 GB RAM is $685 USD right now

Dell's July 4th weekend sale is cutting $50 off last year's Inspiron 14 5000 convertible. Its chassis and hardware aren't half bad especially for a 1080p subnotebook convertible with the performance level of a Core i7.

Allen Ngo, 05 Jul 2020 01:02

The iQOO Z1x's launch teaser. (Source: Weibo)

iQOO will launch a mid-range version of its Z1 on July 9, 2020

iQOO has announced that its new addition to the Z1 series of phones will debut later in July 2020. According to recent leaks, this one will be powered by the Snapdragon 765G processor, whereas the flagship has the MediaTek Dimensity 1000+ SoC. Its mid-range sibling may also have a 6.57-inch FHD display and triple rear cameras.

Deirdre O'Donnell, 04 Jul 2020 21:49

Despite the low price, the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 3 is not a stunner

A small, affordable convertible that does not have a fan sounds like a good second laptop or a recommendable notebook for schoolchildren, but the impression is deceptive: To push the price down, the manufacturer makes too many compromises with the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 3 11IGL05.

Benjamin Herzig, 04 Jul 2020 21:36

The latest Chrome Dev for Android 10 is 64-bit.

Chrome for Android upgrades to 64-bit in its latest few versions

Android has been a 64-bit OS for some time now. However, this transition has not resulted in a wholesale switch to the same in all apps. Nevertheless, Chrome has finally shown signs of migrating to this platform, starting with its newest Dev and Canary versions.

Deirdre O'Donnell, 04 Jul 2020 21:12

This battery allegedly outclasses even that of the Galaxy M31. (Source: MySmartPrice)

New leaks hint at Samsung's next big thing in smartphone batteries

Move over, Galaxy M31: it looks like your title of "battery monster" will go to a newer phone soon. Samsung has apparently made a new mobile power-pack with a rated capacity of no less than 6800mAh. It has leaked out thanks to a few official certifications for this component from Korean and Chinese regulators.

Deirdre O'Donnell, 04 Jul 2020 20:32

A diagram from the new Huawei patent. (Source: TigerLeaks)

Huawei patents a phone that may have a real mechanical zoom lens

A new phone design patent attributed to the OEM Huawei shows that it has one truly massive lens in an even larger rectangular housing on its back panel. However, there may be a good reason for this: its schematics show that it may also be capable of DSLR-like zoom. Therefore, this IP may one day represent the company's next image-sensor breakthrough.

Deirdre O'Donnell, 04 Jul 2020 19:47

Marshall Emberton is its latest speaker and it's water resistant too

Marshall latest portable Bluetooth speaker has hit the market. The new Emberton speaker utilizes Marshall’s True Stereophonic sound technology and combines it in a compact IPX7 rated design.

Sanjiv Sathiah, 04 Jul 2020 13:34

The Librem 14 brings a larger display and Intel's latest 6-core silicon to its privacy-focused approach. (Image: Librem)

Purism Librem 14 brings its privacy-focused hardware kill switches to a new Comet Lake U Linux-based laptop

Purism is back with its latest privacy focused Linux-based laptop. The latest device in its range is the Librem 14 which effectively crams in a larger display into a similar footprint to its Librem 13 model.

Sanjiv Sathiah, 04 Jul 2020 12:57

Some lucky owners of the Xiaomi Mi 9T in India will be testing out MIUI 12 ahead of the general public rollout. (Image source: Xiaomi)

MIUI 12 beta stable update made available to random Xiaomi Mi 9T/Redmi K20 devices in India ahead of planned public rollout

Xiaomi has officially announced that the MIUI 12 beta stable update (V12.0.2.0.QFJINXM) has started to roll out to some Xiaomi Mi 9T/Redmi K20 devices in India. The firmware has now been pushed OTA and users chosen by random should start receiving notifications to install the MIUI 12 update. The public ROM should be available soon.

Daniel R Deakin, 04 Jul 2020 12:11

Panay posing with his Surface Duo in protective plastic case. (Image: Panay/Twitter)

Panos Panoy shows off his Surface Duo again, this time in a protective case

Microsoft’s hardware chief Panos Panay has taken to Twitter to once again tease the Surface Duo ahead of its impending launch. The device in Panay’s hands features a clear and white plastic case which is the first time it has been shown in any protective armor.

Sanjiv Sathiah, 04 Jul 2020 12:04

The Huawei P30 Pro. (Source: Notebookcheck)

Huawei expands the EMUI 10.1 rollout for the P30 Pro, P30, and Huawei Mate 20 X 5G

Huawei is now expanding its EMUI 10.1 rollout. The company is currently sending out the EMUI 10.1 update to owners of the Mate 20 X 5G in Europe, as well as owners of the P30 and P30 Pro in South Africa, North Africa, South-East Asia, and the Middle East.

Ricci Rox, 04 Jul 2020 11:20

The Apple iMac currently comes in 21.5-inch and 27-inch size choices. (Image source: Apple)

Potential 2020 Apple iMac refresh with unknown 10-core Intel Core i9-10910 CPU and AMD Radeon Pro 5300 desktop GPU spotted on Geekbench

A possible 2020 Apple iMac refresh device has been discovered on Geekbench with some surprising components: An unknown Intel Core i9-10910 processor and an unannounced AMD Radeon Pro 5300 desktop GPU. There has been speculation before of an upcoming refreshed 27-inch iMac being configured with a fast Comet Lake Core i9 CPU.

Daniel R Deakin, 04 Jul 2020 10:42

The Meizu 17 Pro has LPDDR5 RAM and UFS 3.1 storage. (Image source: AliExpress)

Meizu 17 Pro beats out the OnePlus 8 Pro as it muscles in on the Snapdragon 865-dominated June AnTuTu flagship smartphone chart

The Meizu 17 Pro has managed to squeeze its way into an increasingly tight AnTuTu flagship smartphone performance chart. The table for June shows the Meizu 17 Pro beating out the OnePlus 8 Pro, while a total of just 23,453 points separates the first place device with the last place device in the Snapdragon 865-dominated chart.

Daniel R Deakin, 04 Jul 2020 09:41

The Intel Core i9-10850K could do well in the CPU market if priced appropriately. (Image source: Newegg)

10-core Intel Core i9-10850K speeds past 5 GHz in Geekbench and posts rousing scores that reveal it to be a possible budget i9-10900K

An Intel Core i9-10850K processor has been spotted on Geekbench, where it was recorded reaching a maximum frequency of 5.17 GHz. The Comet Lake part also amassed strong benchmark results that stand up well against an i9-10900KF and an i9-10900K. It’s possible Intel could launch the i9-10850K as a cheaper alternative to the i9-10900K.

Daniel R Deakin, 04 Jul 2020 08:41

Eurocom MXM-to-PCIe x16 adapter lets you put a laptop GPU inside of a desktop PC

In what is essentially an eGPU docking station in reverse, the Eurocom Riser card allows users to install laptop MXM3 graphics cards directly onto their desktop PCIe slots. The product is aimed at professionals and workstation environments for specialized SFF PCs rather than a home office.

Allen Ngo, 04 Jul 2020 07:32

Owners of the Redmi Note 9 in Europe will have to wait longer for MIUI 12. (Image source: Xiaomi)

MIUI 12 update for Redmi Note 9 users in Europe apparently on hold as new MIUI 11 stable update rolls out

It seems likely that the MIUI 12 update for Redmi Note 9 smartphone users in Europe has been temporarily halted. A new MIUI 11 stable update has started rolling out for the Redmi Note 9 instead, which will bring the device up to date in terms of security patches. Owners of the phone in China have already started receiving MIUI 12.

Daniel R Deakin, 04 Jul 2020 04:51

The Redmi 10X Pro 5G smartphone is the new midrange performance champion. (Image source: Xiaomi)

Dimensity 820 vs Dimensity 1000L: Redmi 10X Pro 5G leapfrogs the OPPO Reno3 5G in AnTuTu midrange phone chart for June

A potent combination of Redmi and MediaTek has made some waves at the top of the latest AnTuTu midrange smartphone performance chart. Both the Redmi 10X Pro 5G and Redmi 10X 5G devices have snatched up first and third places, respectively, with the help of their MediaTek Dimensity 820 processors.

Daniel R Deakin, 04 Jul 2020 03:02

The bright, evenly illuminated and high-contrast OLED panel is the highlight of the mid-range mobile phone.

The Oppo Find X2 Lite lacks unique selling points – AMOLED alone is not enough

At a street price of around 440 Euros (~$494), the Find X2 Lite lacks the purchase arguments against the strong mid-range competition in this price segment. The Snapdragon 765 mobile phone doesn't have the sophisticated looks of its sibling models, the Find X2 Neo and Find X2 Pro, to attract the attention of potential buyers.

Marcus Herbrich, 04 Jul 2020 01:04

The current Motorola Razr. (Source: Motorola)

3C clears a device that might be the next new Motorola Razr

The Chinese telecomms regulator 3C has reportedly certified a new Motorola device called the XT2071-4. This model number is rumored to correspond to the 2nd-generation foldable Razr. This new clamshell is thought to have the same screen size as its predecessor, although it may have an updated 5G SoC.

Deirdre O'Donnell, 04 Jul 2020 00:16

The supposed PS5 looks much larger than the Xbox Series X console. (Image source: Reddit - u/xVespidx)

PS5 size comparison: PlayStation 5 towers over the Xbox Series X and even looks down on the king-sized PS3

New attempts at estimating the PS5’s measurements have surfaced recently, with a general picture starting to form in regard to the size of Sony’s next-gen console. Using the disc drive and USB ports as reference points, it’s clear to see that the PlayStation 5 towers over the competition, including the Xbox Series X and the not unsubstantial PS3.

Daniel R Deakin, 03 Jul 2020 23:58

MSI's latest workstations. (Source: MSI)

MSI releases its 2020 line of workstations

MSI presents its new notebooks that, while being powerful enough for many enthusiasts and creators, retain decently portable dimensions. The series consists of 15.6- and 17.3-inch machines that feature up to Intel Xeon processors and NVIDIA Quadro GPUs across the board. They are available to buy now from platforms such as Newegg.

Deirdre O'Donnell, 03 Jul 2020 23:36

NBA 2K21 will cost US$69.99 for the PS5 and Xbox Series X. (Image source: 2K via GamesIndustry.biz)

PS5 and Xbox Series X games expected to hit starting price point of US$69.99 as NBA 2K21 gets that price tag for the next-gen consoles

It seems likely that future PS5 and Xbox Series X owners can expect to pay a starting price of US$69.99/£64.99 for upcoming triple-A releases for the next-gen consoles. 2K Sports has set a price tag of US$69.99 for the PS5/Xbox Series X edition of NBA 2K21, which is US$10 more than what previous-generation console owners will pay.

Daniel R Deakin, 03 Jul 2020 22:47

What's old is new again: new iOS 14 features that were first seen on Android

Every year, Android and iOS get new features, and every year, the differences between the platforms diminish. The recent announcement of iOS 14 showcased a bevy of new features, and some of them will look quite familiar to Android users.

Column by Sam Medley, 03 Jul 2020 21:34

MIUI 12 beta update lands for the Redmi Note 8 and Redmi Note 7 Pro in China

After sending out a global beta MIUI 12 update to the Redmi Note 8 Pro, Xiaomi has now also released a MIUI 12 update to the Redmi Note 8 and Redmi Note 7 Pro in China. The update bears the build designation "MIUI 12.20.7.3", and is only available for those who opted into the MIUI 12 China beta testing program.

Ricci Rox, 03 Jul 2020 21:04

The Redmi K30 Ultra will feature a pop-up camera like the Redmi K30 Pro, pictured. (Image source: AKKett)

Leak confirms Xiaomi Redmi K30 Ultra with a MediaTek SoC, a 64 MP primary camera and a pop-up camera as 120 W Xiaomi charger appears at the 3C

A leak has confirmed that the Redmi K30 and Redmi K30 Pro will soon be joined by a device called the Redmi K30 Ultra. Possibly the real name for the rumoured Redmi K40, the device has been spotted with a 64 MP primary camera and a pop-up selfie camera. Xiaomi has just certified a 120 W with the 3C too.

Alex Alderson, 03 Jul 2020 18:56

The Huami Amazfit Band 5 will arrive with a heart rate monitor and an AMOLED panel. (Image source: FCC)

Amazfit Band 5: FCC confirms 5 ATM water resistance, a heart rate monitor, an AMOLED panel and the battery capacity of upcoming fitness tracker

The FCC has confirmed multiple aspects of the Amazfit Band 5, Huami's new fitness tracker. Set to feature 5 ATM water resistance, a heart rate monitor, an AMOLED panel and a 125 mAh battery, there is talk of the Amazfit Band 5 resembling the upcoming Xiaomi Mi Smart Band 5.

Alex Alderson, 03 Jul 2020 18:49

Many S20-series phones are in line for this OTA. (Source: Samsung)

Samsung updates select newer phones with the July 2020 security patch

Some phones from 2019 and 2020 that bear the Samsung Galaxy name now have OTA updates that contain the latest Android security patch. They include the S20 series, as well as the Note 10s. Some higher-end Ax0 devices are also included in this list, which has appeared markedly early in the month.

Deirdre O'Donnell, 03 Jul 2020 18:04

A render of what the Galaxy Tab S7+ will apparently look like. (Image source: Pigtou & @OnLeaks)

Samsung Germany confirms 5G version of the Galaxy Tab S7+; 15 W charger expected for 10,000 mAh tablet

Samsung Germany has confirmed that it will be releasing a 5G version of the upcoming Galaxy Tab S7+. Rumoured to be launching on August 5, the 12.4-inch tablet is thought to have a 120 Hz refresh rate, a Snapdragon 865 SoC and a 10,000 mAh battery. A 15 W charger is expected to be included in the box now, too.

Alex Alderson, 03 Jul 2020 18:02

The OnePlus Nord likes quite a lot like the OnePlus 8 Lite that @OnLeaks and 91Mobiles leaked in December 2019. (Image source: OnePlus)

OnePlus teases the design of the OnePlus Nord with a flat screen, multiple rear-facing cameras and a punch-hole selfie camera

OnePlus has teased the design of the OnePlus Nord. Spotted on an Instagram video, the company has revealed that the device will feature a flat screen, multiple rear-facing cameras and at least one, if not two, front-facing cameras.

Alex Alderson, 03 Jul 2020 17:19

The new Beelink GT-R mini PC comes with premium features such as magnesium alloy case, fingerprint scanner and silent cooling with triple heatpipes. (Image Source: Beelink)

Beelink presents GT-R mini PC with AMD Ryzen 5 3550H APU and fingerprint scanner

The Beelink GT-R comes with premium features like a fingerprint scanner, magnesium alloy case and triple heatpipe silent cooling system. Besides the Ryzen 5 3550H APU with Vega 8 iGPU, there is support for up to 32 GB of RAM, and the storage solutions can include PCIe 3.0 4x NVMe and SATA 3 SSDs, along with a 2.5-inch HDD. There is support for four video outputs, as well.

Bogdan Solca, 03 Jul 2020 17:18

The Galaxy M series are popular e-store phones in some markets. (Source: Samsung)

Update | TUV Rheinland certifies a new battery that may be for the Samsung Galaxy M31s

Some recent leaks have raised the possibility of a successor for the Samsung Galaxy M30s. Now, the OEM has certified a battery that could conceivably have been made for this phone. However, those hoping for even more screen-on time between charges may be slightly disappointed in its specs.

Deirdre O'Donnell, 03 Jul 2020 16:59

Some of the POCO M2 Pro's new teaser material. (Source: Twitter)

POCO M2 Pro: more evidence of Redmi Note 9 Pro-clone status emerges

POCO has confirmed the existence of the M2 Pro, and is currently teasing it on Twitter and Flipkart ahead of its July 7, 2020 launch. These official leaks show some inextricable links between it and the pre-existing Redmi Note 9 Pro. For example, both phones are now known to have quad rear cameras and 33 watt (W) charging.

Deirdre O'Donnell, 03 Jul 2020 16:48

The tray models of the top-of-the-line Ryzen 4000 desktop APUs are apparently already up for pre-order. (Image Source: AMD)

AMD's Ryzen 4000 desktop APUs already available at Dutch retailer, tray model prices revealed

Dutch online retailer Centralpoint.nl is already offering tray versions for AMD's top-of-the-line 65 W Ryzen 4000 desktop APUs. These are Euro prices, but we can estimate that the Ryzen 7 Pro 4750G 8-core / 16-thread should cost around US$300, while the Ryzen 5 Pro 4650G 6-core may be priced at around US$200, and the Ryzen 3 Pro 4350G quad-core may end up costing around US$150.

Bogdan Solca, 03 Jul 2020 16:40

A Redmi K30 performing better a Ryzen 9 3950X? It's obviously fake. (Image Source: Gizmochina)

Ridiculous Xiaomi Redmi K30 Geekbench entry shows why healthy skepticism is a prerequisite when it comes to interpreting benchmark data

An anomalous Geekbench 5 listing of a Xiaomi Redmi K30 shows scores that are many times more than even a Ryzen 9 3950X. The fact that such a record exists in the official Geekbench database is the reason why buyers should exercise due diligence when considering synthetic benchmarks as a sole yardstick for overall device performance.

Vaidyanathan Subramaniam, 03 Jul 2020 16:16

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