Software

A heretofore-unreleased OnePlus smartphone has reportedly achieved a score of just over 1.1 million on the AnTuTu benchmark. Should this leak prove genuine, it would be the best result known to devices suspected of rocking the new Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 SoC. Then again, there are some inconsistencies between it and previous tips related to this supposed 10 Pro refresh.

Baseus' latest personal audio product has launched as the Bowie H1s, headphones with a slightly Apple AirPods Max-like build and hybrid active noise cancellation (ANC). They are rated for an extremely long battery life (under certain conditions), Bluetooth 5.2 and an in-house low-latency mode. They are available via AliExpress from now.

Garmin has presented software version 11.12 for the Forerunner 955 series, a stable update that is gradually reaching eligible smartwatches. Released a month after the series' introduction, software version 11.12 aims to fix a few outstanding bugs, while also making a few improvements to the smartwatch's operation.

Xiaomi may have just announced the Band 7 Pro, but it has already issued a firmware update. Released in China, firmware 1.2.22 brings WeChat support, among other changes. The Band 7 Pro sells in China for CNY 399 (~US$60), where it is available in multiple colours.

Huawei has revealed HarmonyOS 2.1.0.237, an update for the Watch 3 and Watch 3 Pro that the company is rolling out globally. Available through the Huawei Health app, the update brings the Huawei Watch 3 series onto HarmonyOS 2.1, as well as expanding the smartwatch series' language support.

DJI has released a firmware update for the Mini 3 Pro, its latest 249 g drone. Not only has the company updated the drone's firmware, it has also issued updates for its RC-N1 and RC remote controllers. All updates are rolling out now as over-the-air (OTA) updates.

Garmin has announced a new Alpha software update for the Fenix 6 series, also available to Enduro, Tactix and MARQ series smartwatches. With Alpha version 22.73, Garmin has added several features while also fixing over half-a-dozen outstanding bugs. Alpha version 22.73 is to download and install now.

Samsung is rolling out a new update to the Galaxy Watch4 and Galaxy Watch4 Classic. Currently, the pair are eligible for One UI Watch 4.5 Beta 3, which Samsung still bases on Wear OS 3.5. Packed with various changes and optimisations from its predecessor, One UI Watch 4.5 Beta 3 arrives alongside an updated Watch4 Manager app.

The latest set of alleged AirPods Pro 2 renders arrived with claims that these upcoming flagship TWS earbuds would become increasingly powerful health-trackers as well. However, a well-known tech correspondent purports to debunk these claims. Then again, 2022's Apple Watch is apparently in a better position to launch with the new features in question.

Leica has officially jumped ship to Xiaomi today (July 4, 2022) in terms of premium camera smartphone collaborations. Its former partner, Huawei, has responded by instituting something new called XMAGE, a spin-off of sorts from the OEM's Mobile Imaging division touted to keep its reputation for photography prowess going in the future.

A Redditor claiming to work at Fossil has posted "an update" assuring the smartwatch brand's fans that it is making progress on completing and launching its latest UI and smartphone companion app for its devices. This, apparently, involves the long-awaited upgrade to Wear OS 3, thereby purporting to confirm that it is still on track to drop in 2022.

Innocn's latest monitor has a lesser-spotted combination of a 43.8-inch length, a WFHD resolution and an aspect-ratio of 32:9. The resulting "Super Ultrawide" form-factor also has a 3-side-near-bezelless design, DisplayPort, HDMI and USB type-C connectivity. Accordingly, the OEM touts its new display as ideal for work, gaming and much more.

The T-Rex 2 is Amazfit's latest AMOLED smartwatch pitched at "extreme" or "outdoor" use, and is as such rated to have passed 15 military-grade tests of robustness. The OEM has decided to test these durability-enhancing attributes by partnering with a group that launches things over 100,000 feet into the air to see if the watch could survive such near-outer-space conditions.

Infinix has debuted 180W ThunderCharge, a new and ground-breaking fast-charging technology for its smartphones. The first-gen device with this new power standard will launch as an "upcoming flagship" in the near future. The OEM asserts that, despite this new top speed, it has been designed for battery safety and integrity in mind.

It's no wonder open world games are consistently some of the most popular ones out there—the genre has a lot of variety to offer. If done well, there is almost endless replay value in an open world game, making bargains like those you'll find in the Steam Summer Sale even more tantalising.

Google has released new updates to the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL, its most recent flagship smartphones whose software coverage has expired. For some reason, Google has still decided to introduce VoLTE roaming for both smartphones nearly four years after their release.

The Amazfit T-Rex 2 is gearing up to become India's latest GPS-enabled, AMOLED-display smartwatch. It is also touted as "ready for action" with a second-gen rugged build and specs such as 10ATM water-resistance and an up-to-24-day battery life. The T-Rex 2 will become available through Amazon.in imminently.

According to reports, Google continues to develop face unlock support for the Pixel 6 Pro. The feature's release may now coincide with Android 13 and the Pixel 7 series though, both scheduled for the autumn.

Evan Blass has provided details about One UI Watch 4.5, the launch software for the Galaxy Watch5 and Galaxy Watch5 Pro. Based on Wear OS 3.5, One UI Watch 4.5 will support dual-SIM connectivity and a full keyboard, among other changes.

There are few things better than a good game, however, two things that are better than a good game are a good game at a great price and a good game you can share with friends. That being said, let's have a look at some great co-op games that you can get for a great price during the 2022 Summer Steam Sale.

Garmin has brought a raft of new features to several of its latest flagship smartwatches. With Alpha version 9.14, Garmin is testing out multiple changes for the Epix 2, Fenix 7 and Quatix 7 series. However, there are a few known issues, including a possible lag incurred when using Connect IQ widgets.

Huawei has released HarmonyOS 2.0.0.26 to the Band 7, an update that is rolling out now in some markets. Available as an 11 MB download, HarmonyOS 2.0.0.26 brings a few improvements to the Band 7, which Huawei released last month globally.

It must be difficult to be a Google project, never knowing when the technicolour tech giant will inevitably pull the plug on you like it has for so many of your compatriots. Google's latest victim is the much-maligned Hangouts—which will merge into Google Chat—but let's have a look at some of the more interesting projects Google axed before Hangouts.

Nokia has already launched the G11 as one of its most affordable Android smartphones of 2022. Now, it is apparent the HMD Global brand plans to release a new Plus version of the same device. They have many specs in common - however, the newer model offers upgrades in terms of its main camera, RAM and software support.

Garmin has updated its Connect IQ app with support for two new major features. Seemingly, Garmin could soon offer blood glucose monitoring on some smartwatches, as well as the option of setting a swimming aerobic threshold.

OPPO is now tipped to devote its second half of 2022 to the launch of a salvo of new and premium mobile ecosystem devices, the latest upgrades to its flagship smartwatch and fitness tracker series included. They are apparently to be known as the Watch 3 and Band 2 respectively, and may come in a range of colors and possibly keep pace with the market in terms of specs and connectivity.

Tecno has finally released the Pova 3 via its store on Amazon.in. The new Android smartphone features the promised FHD+ 90Hz display, powered by an extra-large battery that benefits from a power brick for its top charging speed that comes in the box. It starts at just under US$185 in its new market, although it also comes with discounts of up to 23% right now.

Samsung has now made the Galaxy XCover6 Pro official. The OEM's latest rugged smartphone is also its most premium, being the first of its line with a 5G-capable SoC, a high-refresh-rate display and a 50MP main camera. Then again, these specs are tipped to make the 6 Pro surprisingly expensive for what is often a standard-issue work phone.

LG has begun upgrading the Wing to Android 12, seven months on from the device's last OS update. Android 12 brings several changes to the device and contains the latest set of Android security patches. Rolling out in South Korea first, Android 12 is over a 1.5 GB download and is the LG Wing's penultimate OS upgrade.

At WWDC22 Apple introduced a breakthrough new way to leverage the sophisticated cameras on modern iPhones to deliver a unique set of webcam features that will work seamlessly between smartphones running iOS 16 and Macs running macOS Ventura. Take a deep dive into this flagship feature coming to compatible Macs and select iPhone models later this year.

HTC has been hinting at the imminent launch of a 'Viverse phone' for some time, and has now made good on these teasers with the new Desire 22 Pro. The OEM asserts that it comes with internals powerful enough to run metaverse apps as well as visit virtual spaces. Then again, the same specs are hardly flagship-grade, although you wouldn't guess it from its starting price.

According to reports, Samsung is preparing to release this year's major One UI update a month earlier than One UI 4.0. Also, One UI 5.0 beta availability could start as soon as next month, with Samsung looking to begin Android 13 public beta testing with the Galaxy S22 series.

Nura's latest offerings are already shaping up to be a crowdfunding hit thanks to claims that these new Pro accessories are the world's first wireless earbuds to ship with support for lossless audio over Bluetooth. They will do so thanks to Qualcomm's latest aptX technology, rated for "CD-quality" sound and a high bit-rate.

Volkswagen has now officially elaborated on teasers of a concept car known as the ID. AERO. The company has affirmed that it is to be a real-life vehicle and will, despite initial hints at Chinese-market exclusivity, eventually be rolled out worldwide. Some more prospective specs and design features of the upcoming 'e-Passat' have also now been shared.

Google has announced Android Beta 13.3, the third beta build since Android 13 reached Platform Stability. The latest beta build contains a surprising number of fixes, especially considering the impending arrival of Android 13 Beta 4. Beta 3.3 contains several bug fixes for Pixel smartphones, starting with the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL.

Google has brought another feature from Android and Chrome OS to Wear OS. According to a new support document, Google's smartwatch OS now supports Fast Pair, presumably to make upcoming flagship smartwatches compatible with one of the Pixel Buds Pro's major features.

LG's latest S-series soundbars go up to 9.1.5-channel sound with auto low latency mode (ALLM) and variable refresh rate (VRR) over HDMI 2.1. The line also boasts a world-first central up-firing speaker design for potentially increased aural realism and clarity. They also now have pricing and availability for the United States market.

Have you ever wanted to 3D print with chocolate rather than plastics? You might now be able to, thanks to the new Wiiboox LuckyBot. It is a "food extruder", or a device touted to adapt a variety of FDM printers to compatibility with edible materials. Its maker asserts that a user can make all kinds of shapes and figures with high accuracy and definition.

OnePlus has indicated that it will add a new member to its Y series of TVs via Amazon.in soon. The Y1S Pro will ship with a 50-inch 4K screen on its release. It is also rated for HDR decoding, Dolby Audio and the latest in-house ecosystem features for homes containing other devices from the same brand.

Fossil has just added a Hybrid variant to its Gen 6 series of Wear OS smartwatches. The new model comes in 2 sizes, both of which upgrade to blood-oxygen measurements as well as heart-rate monitoring for the first time. It is also rated for sleep tracking, step-counting and Amazon Alexa support.

A number of smartphone OEMs, Realme, included, are expected to launch a new smartphone powered by the top-end Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 processor. A new Geekbench listing that might be for this "GT2 Explorer Master Edition" might confirm it has that SoC, as well as some other high-end specs. Meanwhile, there may be more new clues to when it might launch.

Garmin has released Beta update 6.04 for the Forerunner 945 LTE smartwatch. The software includes several new features, such as Real Time Stamina, Sleep Insights and Run/Walk Detection. There are also improvements to the media player stability and fixes for crashes and missing data.

Huawei is now linked to the imminent launch of second-gen FreeBuds Pro that might improve on their forebears with improved active noise cancellation (ANC). Furthermore, they are projected to become the first of their line to debut with the OEM's new high-end audio partner's branding, as well as a new dual driver system and new color options.

The freshly-launched Nova Y90 has a camera hump that might be familiar to Huawei fans, although the rest of its chassis might be less so. The new design contains a new-ish Qualcomm 4G/LTE-only processor, which drives a 90Hz display and runs EMUI 12 out of the box. Therefore, this Nova might be intended for international markets on its release.

Volkswagen has confirmed it has plans for an upmarket, variant of the all-electric ID. vehicle line. The AERO is in fact being teased as a flagship of the series, although it is only aimed at one market. Then again, it only exists as design sketches showing a car of a long, flowing silhouette with hallmark e-VW accents.

Samsung has added a new 200MP mobile image sensor to its arsenal. Not only does the ISOCELL HP3 have the world's highest resolution available to smartphone cameras, it also has the world's smallest pixels, as well as new tech including Super QPD and Smart-ISO Pro. The OEM thus rates the HP3 for improved (14-bit, even) colors and quality in photos and when recording at up to 8K.

Apple recently released iOS/iPadOS 16 Beta 2 for registered developers with extended options for customizing the Lock Screen, new filtering tools in the Messages app, Apple Card enhancements, and more to help users stay organized. Take a deeper look at what is new in the latest beta release.

Samsung continues to issue One UI Watch 4.5 beta builds, which it bases on Wear OS 3.5. Distributed as R8xxXXU1ZVF5, the beta build addresses power consumption and GPS issues, among other changes. One UI Watch 4.5 may make its stable debut in the Galaxy Watch5 series.

Let's face it, we've all just about had it with the same cookie-cutter games featuring the serious, grizzled men with big guns and muscles in place of personality. Fortunately, game developers have caught on to this and there are some incredible gems out there that don't take themselves too seriously. Let's have a look at some of the most outlandish premises in PC gaming.

Xiaomi has started rolling out an update for the Smart Band 7, the same day that the fitness tracker launches globally. Software version 1.16.0.7 is available in China and features several changes. Xiaomi has included several fixes in the fitness tracker's latest update too.