Software

Huawei has provided the Watch GT 2 and Watch GT 2 Pro with new software updates. Rolling out as firmware versions 11.0.17.6 and 11.0.11.6, respectively, the updates are said to improve system security but no new features to speak of.

Google is now rolling out the first update of 2023 for the Pixel Watch. While this month's update focuses on security improvements, it also addresses a bug that affected third-party watch faces. The update should be available now as RWD9.220429.073.

OmniVision issues a challenge to other mobile CMOS-makers such as Sony and Samsung with its latest 8K-capable mobile image sensor. The OV50H has an on-trend 50MP resolution, as well as support for staggered HDR thanks to in-house technology. It also debuts a new kind of quad-phase detection (QPD) touted to deliver improved auto-focus. Therefore, its maker backs it as a worthwhile component for the flagship-grade smartphones of the future.

Xiaomi is now recruiting beta testers who want to try MIUI 14 early. Available on the Xiaomi 12 Lite, MIUI 14 Beta is open to devices enrolled on MIUI's Global and Indian branches. The update is based on Android 13 and should contain several changes from the MIUI 13 with which the Xiaomi 12 Lite ships.

Fiido has announced that it will start the new year with a new website, which comes with hints as to the launch of a whole new range of electric bikes, some of which may come in brand-first form-factors. They include one touted to come with a display of unprecedented upgrades; a first-gen mountain-style vehicle and something with "bigger wheels, bigger power and bigger adventure".

Google is now issuing its January 2023 round of updates for recent Pixel smartphones. While this month's patch is available from the Pixel 4a onwards, it mainly brings improvements to the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro.

Available since late October 2016, Sid Meier's Civilization VI has received a rich set of expansion packs and updates. Even now, the game remains in active development. Those interested can grab it for an impressive 90% discount that applies to the base game while the 19-item Anthology package is available for 86% off.

Skyworth's bendable OLED TV is on display during CES 2023, alongside other TVs with tech such as mini-LED backlighting. The OEM is also demonstrating its own in-house OS as an alternative to the Google TV of its upcoming outdoor screen at the major Las Vegas conference.

Samsung hypes its latest addition to the Galaxy F series of Android smartphones as "F for Fast" (amid other things beginning with F). However, it is hard to see how it will live up to this hype with its well-worn ultra-budget specs. Then again, it now starts for under US$100 in India.

The new Lenovo ThinkCentre Neo 50q Gen 4 is a desktop of just one liter (l) in volume, yet is rated to fit SSDs and HDDs of up to 1TB in size, as well as up to 32GB of DDR4 RAM. It is also WiFi 6-capable thanks to choice of its 13th-gen Intel platforms, and supports business-class IGEL operating systems as well as Windows 11 installs.

OnePlus has debuted its second-gen Buds Pro today (January 4, 2023) as TWS earbuds that step up to spatial audio and Dynaudio co-branding for the first time. They also have active noise cancellation (ANC) touted as significantly improved compared to that of their predecessors, not to mention Bluetooth 5.3 and up to 39 hours of battery life. However, it is possible that one might need to pair them with a new 11 flagship smartphone to get the best out of the new TWS earbuds.

Qualcomm has arrived at the Las Vegas Convention Center to highlight the current and ongoing role of its Snapdragon Ride Platforms as prominent automotive processing solutions. This involves a debut for the inaugural Ride Flex SoC, a new way to put automated driving (AD) and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) on the same chip. It is also to come pre-integrated with Snapdragon Ride Vision for potentially unified hardware- and software-based vehicular development.

OnePlus still has until tomorrow (January 4, 2022) to unleash the 11 as its first top-end Android smartphone of the year. However, it has chosen to reveal its triple rear camera set-up in advance of this event. The brand asserts that each shooter is of "flagship" quality - however, a certain on-trend, cutting-edge attribute many fans may have wished to see has officially been left out.

MediaTek has introduced a new addition to the Genio family of internet of things- (IoT) specific platform at CES 2023. The 700 is an octa-core chip rated to support FHD and 4K displays - both at the same time if necessary, in fact. It is also compatible with some of the most advanced interfaces typically available to IoT, and is touted to handle industrial-grade conditions with ease.

Xiaomi's main sub-brand Redmi has kicked the new year off with sales of the 12C in China. Its main features are far from anything new, although they come in an eye-catching new chassis in four potentially appealing colors. It starts at around US$100, albeit for lackluster specs, the best of which are a large battery, a 3.5mm jack and a 50MP main rear camera, and the worst of which one would not think would even have a place in 2023.

OnePlus has spilled some more specs and features for its upcoming Android flagship smartphone ahead of its launch. They include haptics apparently upgraded with the latest technology to rival those of other premium mobile devices, as well as new software-based frame-rate enhancements. They have been officially confirmed in advance, as well as a charging update for the imminent 11.

Xiaomi has added the Redmi 8 and POCO X2 (Redmi K30) to its ever-growing end-of-support (EOS) product list. In addition to those two popular smartphones, the most recent members of the dreaded list also include the Redmi 8A and the Redmi K30 5G. There are now 90 Mi and Redmi-branded smartphones that will no longer receive official software support.

LG has announced that it will unveil its new 2023 range of TVs during its CES 2023 exhibition. However, it has revealed that it has prepared new soundbars as the "perfect match" for these upcoming big-screen devices. Their combination is touted to result in powerful new features such as a WOW Orchestra soundstage.

Realme has announced that it will reveal the final instalment of its fast-charging saga in January 2023. The smartphone brand asserts that it will "leapfrog" its competition to a leading position in this field with this "breakthrough". The first device to be equipped with it is now also thought to launch with a powerful chipset and a new high-end main rear camera.

A database containing an allegedly "devastating" amount of personal data is reportedly being offered for sale by a "threat actor" that claims to have derived the information from a vulnerability in Twitter's defences. According to a cybersecurity company, the users affected number in the hundreds of millions and include "high profile" individuals such as Ether creator Vitalik Buterin.

Honor's latest tablet has debuted with an advanced 144Hz refresh rate for its "IMAX Enhanced" display. Nevertheless, the Pad V8 Pro manages a mid-range price thanks to its Dimensity 8100 processor. It has emerged alongside a new GT version of its 80-series smartphones, with a new rear panel to go with its higher-end specs.

Meizu has officially confirmed a launch window for its new, 20-series premium Android smartphone. It seems the flagship will not arrive alone, however – it will be joined by a new dedicated audio player. The OEM claims to have developed new in-house DAC technology for the upcoming M3 variant.

In a reply to the UK CMA back in October, Microsoft has stated that Sony has permanently blocked popular titles such as Final Fantasy VII Remake (FF7R), Final Fantasy XVI (FFXVI), Bloodborne, and Silent Hill 2 remaster from coming to the Xbox. Microsoft, in turn, will be making three upcoming Bethesda games, likely Starfield, Redfall, and another unknown title, Xbox and PC exclusive.

Oukitel's latest rugged tablet has launched just in time for end-of-year celebrations. It has emerged as an even more portable version of its RT1 predecessor, although it debuts with more up-to-date software out of the box. It is now available with a sizeable discount off its listed retail price for a limited time.

AnTuTu Benchmark now claims to have tested a device with a model number previously linked to the OnePlus 11, and to have found that it excels in terms of performance thanks to high-end internals such as the new Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC. Meanwhile, the OEM is ramping up hype for its updated design through fresh teasers for its upcoming flagship Android smartphone.

Bose has revealed that it is now an audio partner for Volvo in-car systems, starting with the new EX90. The new all-electric vehicle thus comes with a branded multi-speaker array optimized for its sports utility vehicle (SUV) design. It is rated to create a surround-sound effect that serves each seat with "accurate" bass and noise-dampening technology.

Skyworth has announced that the Clarus will be the first TV of the type that can be installed outdoors with Google's stock UI on its launch. It is also touted as ideal for its target setting thanks to its bright mini-LED-based display and ingress-resistant metallic housing. The upcoming outdoor TV should become available to pre-order in 2023.

Dubbed "Apex Predators" and labeled 2.23, War Thunder's final update of the year introduces three iconic rank VIII 4th generation fighters, namely the F-16, the MiG-29, and the Tornado. Other changes include new and updated ground vehicles, new locations and missions, interface updates, as well as new music and sound effects.

The California-based OEM ViewSonic has announced that its X1 and X2 FHD LED short-throw projectors are the first to attain the new TÜV SÜD certification for eye protection for their category of display devices. Therefore, ViewSonic can now say that the projectors' up-to-100 inch output can be enjoyed by users of all ages without fear of fatigue or discomfort, despite their high brightness ratings.

Realme's latest addition to its new 10 series of Android smartphones is the cheapest yet - nevertheless, it starts at a once-premium amount of RAM (8GB) for well under US$200. It also packs a 5G-capable 2021 MediaTek Dimensity processor, a generous 5,000mAh battery and a 90Hz display for all of that. Then again, the 10s might not be one for fans of photography or an up-to-date OS out of the box.

OnePlus has unveiled plans for a move into PC accessories today (December 17, 2022) as part of its ninth anniversary event. The well-known mobile device brand has outlined plans to make its own mechanical keyboard, complete with its own custom switches and gaskets. They are touted to fit into a "meticulously crafted" metallic casing for a unique typing experience.

The TicWatch GTH 2 is a fitness-tracking smartwatch rated to track the user's skin temperature as well as their heart rate and blood-oxygen levels. It has a display 10% larger than its predecessor, yet is rated for up to 10 days of battery life. The GTH 2 is now available at a price of under US$100.

Nothing has released the first Android 13 beta to the Nothing Phone (1), its only smartphone released to date. Offered as Nothing OS 1.5, the Android 13-based update will not reach stable status until early 2023.

OPPO's already action-packed Inno Day event has also introduced the OEM's latest augmented reality (AR) device. The second-gen Air Glass is touted as durable yet super-lightweight, and to come in various styles and support corrective lenses if necessary. They are rated for AR applications such as real-time captions and translation, head-mounted navigation and conferencing.

After spending a few weeks in the Beta testing stage, the stable Android 13-based realme UI 4.0 update for the Realme 9 Pro+ is finally rolling out. This piece of code comes with customizable Omojis, a redesigned notification panel, Spotify control in the AoD screen, and other visual and functional refinements.

If the words of a prominent Apple analyst are to be believed, Apple could soon introduce sideloading to iOS. This would allow users to install applications on an iPhone without using the App Store, opening the door to applications not officially sanctioned by Apple.

Now that Wi-Fi 7 is all but here, Qualcomm has anticipated demand for new total-home or home mesh systems compatible with this new standard. The OEM's latest Immersive Home Platforms are touted as small yet powerful enough to deliver 20 gigabit per second (Gb/s) worth of broadband capacity in unobtrusive form-factors.

Apple has released a raft of OS updates, with the company upgrading all core product lines ahead of the holiday season. macOS Ventura 13.1, tvOS 16.2 and watchOS 9.2 are rolling out now, as are iOS 16.2 and iPadOS 16.2.

Apple has now made a stable version of iPadOS 16.2 available to download. While the update is available for iPads as old as the iPad 5 or the iPad Air 3, the company continues to lock elements of Stage Manager behind those with Apple M series chipsets. iPadOS 16.2 adds Apple's Freeform app too, among other changes.

Apple has now released a stable version of iOS 16.2 for the iPhone 8 and later. Apple reserves some new features for its latest iPhones though, as it has also done with iPadOS 16.2 and Apple M1 or Apple M2-powered iPads.

Sony is well underway with its Android 13 upgrade plan, having now rolled out the update to the Xperia 1 IV and Xperia 5 IV. The Xperia 1 III, Xperia 5 III and Xperia PRO-I are next in line, with Sony ignoring its mid-range smartphones for now.

Samsung has now registered the Galaxy A14 5G with the US Federal Communication Commission, thereby suggesting that the new possibly mid-range Android smartphone may be here soon. Meanwhile, devices that may be very similar counterparts from both the Galaxy F- and M-series have reportedly popped up on another regulator's database.

Xiaomi has made a new Pro version of its Sound smart speaker official . It has upgraded to a new adjustable ambient lighting effect as well as a new "7-part" speaker system. The Sound Pro also supports NFC and the latest ecosystem support baked into MIUI 14 for easy pairing and control using a new 13-series flagship smartphone.

Carl Pei's company Nothing has indicated that it is "in talks" with carriers in the US to sell new smartphones through their stores. Meanwhile, it has also opened its own shop-front in London this weekend. It will sell accessories such as its TWS earphones as well as its inaugural Android-powered phone (1) seven days a week.

Xiaomi has now revealed its plans for the MIUI 14 rollout in China. The company has released a long list of devices that will get the MIUI 14 update first in its home market, including models in the Xiaomi 12, Xiaomi 12S, and Redmi K50 series. Tablets including the Redmi Pad are slated to receive MIUI 14 in Q2, however.

Xiaomi has prefaced its launch for its latest 13 series of flagship smartphones with an introduction to the new software the devices will run out of the box. MIUI 14 is based on Android 13, and is rated to bring improvements in terms of user privacy, UI layout and system resource usage with it. The new OS is also backed to improve control over connected devices throughout the home and the user's life.

The ZenFone 9 is one of the most compact smartphone with flagship specs to be released in 2022. Now, its software is also becoming more up to date with the release of a new OTA. It upgrades the dual rear camera device to Android 13, thereby adding potentially improved UI, UX, media and user privacy controls to the 5.9-inch display device.

The Realme 10 Pro Plus (or Pro+) has now launched internationally to bring its "flagship-level" curved display and Hyperspace Design rear panel style to the mid-range Android smartphone market. It has arrived alongside the flat-screened Pro variant of its series, along with prices for both in USD and INR.

MediaTek and iQOO have synced up to introduce the Neo7 SE, the first new Android smartphone to be powered by the Dimensity 8200 SoC today (December 8, 2022). The device leverages its new 4nm octa-core chipset to drive a flat FHD+ 120Hz AMOLED display, kept on with a battery capable of charging at 120 watts (W). The triple rear camera handset starts for just around US$300 in China from now.

The iQOO 11 has officially won the race to be the first Android smartphone to make the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor international today (December 8, 2022). Like its Pro sibling, it combines this new top-end SoC with new UFS 4.0 storage and cutting-edge LPDDR5X RAM; however, it is the only member of its series to debut both inside and outside China today (December 8, 2022). It also boasts fast 120W charging for a 5,000mAh battery in both regions.