Get the Samsung Galaxy A54 or A34, plus other deals from Australia

The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE arrived on Australian shores recently and it offers a near-flagship experience at a lower cost. But there are other ways to get that as well. The local version of the S23 FE is the one with the Exynos 2200. Last year’s model, the S21 FE, got the previous Samsung chip, the Exynos 2100, but we’ll get to that phone in a moment. Besides the faster chipset, the 2023 FE model has a better main camera – a 50MP sensor instead of 12MP. However, everything else is fairly similar, including the 6.4” FHD+ 120Hz AMOLED display, the 8MP 3x tele and 12MP 123° ultra wide...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/get_the_samsung_galaxy_a54_or_a34_plus_other_deals_from_australia-news-60546.php

Samsung Galaxy A15 5G runs Geekbench test

Samsung is expected to launch at least two Galaxy A15 models in Q1 2024. We’ve seen specs and renders for the A15 4G and we now have a Geekbench listing for the A15 5G which confirms it is equipped with a MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ chipset. Galaxy A15 5G (SM-A156B) managed 664 single core points and 1,717 points on the multi-core test which is in line with the Galaxy A15 4G (SM-A155F) which also appeared in a Geekbench listing last month. The 5G model is also equipped with 4GB RAM and boots Android 14 presumably with One UI 6 on top. Samsung Galaxy A15 5G Geekbench scorecard...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_a15_5g_runs_geekbench_test-news-60554.php

Samsung Galaxy M44 makes its international debut in South Korea with surprising chipset

Samsung has just made the Galaxy M44 official for its home market of South Korea, though not under that name. Over there it's called Galaxy Jump 3, but it should be the same phone that we'll (hopefully) soon see internationally as the M44 - the "M44" part of the SM-M446KZKAKTC model number gives it away as an M44 under another name. The design is exactly what you'd expect from a Samsung mid-ranger in late 2023, with three camera circle-islands on the back and a circular LED flash to the right in between the topmost and the middle cameras. The screen has a V or U shaped notch (we still...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_m44_makes_its_international_debut_in_south_korea_with_surprising_chipset-news-60556.php

US smartphone shipments grow sequentially in Q3 fueled by Apple's iPhone 15 series

In the third quarter of this year (July to September), smartphone shipments in the US grew sequentially (compared to Q2) by 21% to 31 million units, according to the latest report by Canalys. This growth was driven by Apple's release of the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max, which accounted for 34% of all iPhone sales in the US in Q3 despite only being on sale for a few days. However, the market was down 5% year-on-year. Carrier promotions targeting premium device upgrades helped that downward trend not be any worse, but Apple's very late in the quarter...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/us_smartphone_shipments_grow_in_q3_fueled_by_apples_iphone_15_series-news-60555.php

Samsung releases One UI 6 update for the Galaxy S23 series in the US

Samsung is finally ready with the US One UI 6 update for the Galaxy S23 series, nearly two weeks after the firmware was issued to European users. It seems Samsung needed more time to iron out some early bugs and bring the firmware up to the November security patch - you'll remember EU units got bumped to the October patch. T-Mobile users in the US are reporting on Reddit that they're receiving the One UI 6 update. It's around 3.3GBs. It seems the update hasn't reached Verizon or AT&T units just yet. The firmware update, source: Reddit Source 1 | 2

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_issues_one_ui_6_update_for_the_galaxy_s23_series_in_the_us-news-60540.php

ECJ deals a blow to Apple over $14 billion tax lawsuit

Apple might have to pay $14 billion in taxes to Ireland after a court order in 2020 was found to have legal errors. The European Court of Justice (ECJ) said the EU General Court committed a series of errors in law and must revise its decision. Three years ago, Apple was found not guilty of exploiting a legal loophole that allowed the company to save $14 billion in taxes that were owed in Ireland between 2003 and 2014. Back in 2016, Apple was accused by the European Commission of receiving preferential treatment and tax cuts in Ireland. The company was charged 1% corporate tax...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/apple_might_have_to_pay_14_billion_in_taxes_after_all-news-60539.php

Humane Ai Pin puts AI on your shirt in a dorky-looking gadget with a screenless UI

There's a startup in San Francisco called Humane (or rather, hu.ma.ne if you go by the official logo and domain name), and today it's unveiled the first product it's been working on. It's called Ai Pin and seems to answer the following question that no one asked: What if almost a smartphone, but with no screen and attached to your shirt? Oh, and with AI! And that's what it is. A honky, dorky-looking pin you put on your shirt or hoodie or blazer or whatever, and wear all day. It's not meant to blend in at all, with a "look at me!" design that may polarize people who don't live in Silicon...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/humane_ai_pin_puts_ai_on_your_shirt_in_a_dorkylooking_gadget_with_a_screenless_ui-news-60538.php

Steam Deck OLED is here with HDR and better battery life

Valve launched the Steam Deck handheld gaming PC back in 2021, and now it's finally time for a refresh. The new Steam Deck OLED is here, and the name gives away its main upgrade. No more LCD screens, you get an OLED this time around, with HDR support no less, and the capability to go up to 1,000 nits in brightness while of course showing the deep blacks OLEDs are known for. The Steam Deck OLED will become available on November 16 at 10 AM Pacific. You can get one with 512GB of storage for $549/€569, or with 1TB for $649/€679. The 256GB LCD model has also received a price cut to...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/steam_deck_oled_is_here_with_hdr_and_better_battery_life-news-60537.php

Google brings Generative AI in search to 120 new countries and territories

Google just announced that it's bringing Generative AI in search to more than 120 new countries and territories. Thus, the Search Generative Experience (SGE) got its largest international expansion so far. SGE initially became available only in the US, then expanding recently to India and Japan. Now, it's in a lot more places, including Mexico, Brazil, South Korea, Indonesia, Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa. The full list of countries and territories is available here. Right now, in the new countries, you can enable SGE in Chrome on desktop by going to Search Labs. Over the coming...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/google_brings_generative_ai_in_search_to_120_new_countries_and_territories-news-60524.php

Samsung announces "a new era of Galaxy AI", starting with AI Live Translate Call

AI is the buzzword of the year for sure (thanks, ChatGPT!) and Samsung has decided it doesn't want to be left out of the let's AI-ify everything everywhere game. So today it's announced that "a new era of Galaxy AI is coming". Wondering what that means? Only one example is given, and that is AI Live Translate Call, which is exactly what the name implies, at least in theory. "Soon", users "with the latest Galaxy AI phone" will have a personal translator whenever they need it. This will be integrated into the native call feature, so "the hassle of using third-party apps is gone", Samsung...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_announces_a_new_era_of_galaxy_ai_starting_with_ai_live_translate_call-news-60523.php

Xiaomi phones with unlocked bootloader won't get HyperOS updates

With the announcement of the new Xiaomi 14 series, the company also introduced a new Android skin overlay replacing the old MIUI with HyperOS. However, the company now issued a statement regarding bootloader-unlocked devices. Xiaomi said it won't be updating any devices with unlocked bootloaders, no matter if they are running HyperOS or MIUI 14. In addition, HyperOS devices will be harder to unlock. Right now, to unlock a Xiaomi phone, the company requires you to submit an application via their Windows app and wait one week until you can finally unlock the bootloader. Chinese HyperOS...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/xiaomi_phones_with_unlocked_bootloader_wont_get_hyperos_updates-news-60521.php

WhatsApp can now hide your IP address during calls

The latest version of WhatsApp for Android and iOS now supports hiding your IP address. The feature will hide your IP address from the other party on your call through WhatsApp servers and your real-world location. WhatsApp is also adding another new privacy feature which allows users to silence unknown callers. This feature will block even more sophisticated cyber-attacks on users’ data. To enable the new Protect IP address in calls feature, you'll need to go through the following steps inside the WhatsApp app: Tap Settings Go to Privacy Select Advanced Tap Protect IP address...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/whatsapp_can_now_hide_your_ip_address_during_calls-news-60522.php

Gurman: Apple briefly delays development of iOS 18, macOS 15

Apple paused work on iOS 18, macOS 15, watchOS 11, and tvOS 18, revealed Mark Gurman in his report for Bloomberg. The delay in development was needed as the software team was tasked with addressing bugs in current-gen software for iPhones, iPads, wearables, TVs and Macs. Employees at Cupertino were told to stop working on future versions, and engineers had to re-focus on fixing current flaws and boosting software performance. Craig Federighi, Senior VP and chief of software at Apple has been working in the past few years to make sure software bugs are addressed, meaning some future...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/gurman_apple_briefly_delays_development_of_ios_18_macos_15-news-60509.php

Samsung Galaxy A25 confirmed to have 25W charging

Samsung is preparing to launch the Galaxy A25 smartphone. One of its big improvements over the Galaxy A24 will be the Exynos 1280 chipset with 5G connectivity. We now got confirmation of the 25W charging rate, matching that of its predecessor. A listing by FCC in the US shows some details about the upcoming SM-A256U. Odds are the Galaxy A25 will keep the same 5,000 mAh battery as well. Samsung Galaxy A25 renders The Federal Communications Commission ensures every device is compliant with laws and regulations in the United States. The listing also revealed Galaxy A25 will...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_a25_confirmed_to_have_25w_charging-news-60508.php

iOS 17.1.1 fixes wireless charging related issues, watchOS 10.1.1 fixes Apple Watch battery drain

Today Apple has pushed iOS 17.1.1, iPadOS 17.1.1, and watchOS 10.1.1 to compatible devices. As the small increments imply, these aren't big updates that bring with them new features. Instead, they fix some nasty, glaring bugs that have popped up recently. iOS 17.1.1 fixes the Weather lock screen widget's incorrect display of snow, but also, perhaps more importantly for some people, issues with Apple Pay and other NFC features becoming unavailable on all of the iPhone 15 models "after wireless charging in certain cars", according to Apple. The cars in question? BMWs. That sounds like...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/ios_1711_fixes_wireless_charging_related_issues_watchos_1011_fixes_apple_watch_battery_drain-news-60507.php

Samsung Galaxy A25 leaks in official-looking renders

We first saw the upcoming Samsung Galaxy A25 in leaked CAD-based renders all the way back in June, and today we're back with a new set of renders of the device. These look like they could be official renders leaked from Samsung itself, but of course we can't know for sure. Still, if they are, then they're more reliable than the CAD-based ones, as they can give you a more accurate impression of the phone's looks. Not that anything about its looks is likely to surprise you. Samsung Galaxy A25 leaked renders The Galaxy A25 is said to come in four colors: black, light blue, lime...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_a25_leaks_in_officiallooking_renders-news-60506.php

Realme GT5 Pro display teased to reach 3,000 nits of brightness

The Realme GT5 Pro is yet to get its announcement date, but its Chief Marketing Officer revealed more details about the phone. Two weeks after he confirmed the phone will be powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, he revealed the screen of the new flagship will reach 3,000 nits of brightness. The executive said this will be the industry's brightest display, and the GT5 Pro will achieve it, because it will be an “all-around epic” upgrade, and the screen experience will be the best on the market. Realme GT5 Pro teasers The panel is likely to be built by BOE, as the display company...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/realme_gt5_pro_display_will_reach_3000_nits_brightness-news-60495.php

Google's November update for Pixels is out with fix for reboot loops

It seems like almost every big Android update Google pushes has some kind of issues initially, and the rollout of Android 14 last month was no different. For some people who had multiple user accounts on their devices, there could be an "out of space" error, or, more egregiously, their device would get stuck in a reboot loop after applying the update. That's not ideal, to say the least. Today Google is releasing the November Android update for supported Pixels, and thankfully the bug that caused the above issues is now fixed. The problem occurred on a lot of devices, as it turns out: the...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/googles_november_update_for_pixels_is_out_with_fix_for_reboot_loops-news-60494.php

Apple says there won't be a 27-inch iMac with Apple Silicon

Last week Apple unveiled the revamped 24-inch iMac with the M3 chip, and rumors have been swirling for a while about the company also releasing a 27-inch version with its latest silicon. Today, however, the company decided to uncharacteristically issue a statement about a rumor, unfortunately denying it outright. According to Apple PR representative Starlayne Meza, there won't be a 27" iMac with an M-series chip, fullstop. For those who think the 24" iMac's screen is too small, Apple recommends pairing a 27" Studio Display with a Mac Studio or Mac Mini, but of course that means you...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/apple_says_there_wont_be_a_27inch_imac_with_apple_silicon-news-60493.php

Samsung Galaxy S23 FE in for review

It took its sweet time but the Galaxy S23 FE is finally here, so let's unbox it. You get the phone, a USB-C cable, a SIM tool, and leaflets. The series skipped over an entire generation and left fans of the affordable flagship wanting for the last year or so. Now the FE is back with the same formula - get the base off the acting S series but with some older components to keep the price down, like the chipset and cameras. The Exynos 2200 (or Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 if you live in North America) is still a pretty capable chip, 'issues' with efficiency notwithstanding. We got the...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_s23_fe_in_for_review-news-60490.php

Exclusive: This is the iQOO 12 design story

Less than 24 hours before the iQOO 12 launch in China, we’re bringing you a sneak peek at the design process that went into the upcoming flagship. Speed, functionality and elegance are the three cornerstones of the iQOO 12 design with each contour and detail on the phone being meticulously crafted to the company’s high standards. The signature design detail on the iQOO 12 is its camera island inspired by ship portholes used on the hull of ships to let in light and air. It features eight subtle arcs and a 3D curved glass which undergoes a hot-bending process. The camera island is...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/exclusive_this_is_the_iqoo_12_design_story_-news-60484.php

vivo X100 Pro appears in more hands-on images and teaser video

The vivo X100 series is launching next week and we’ve already seen several specs and design teasers so far and vivo’s official Weibo page shared some more hands-on images of the X100 Pro alongside a teaser video. vivo X100 Pro The X100 Pro is shown in its blue and orange colors with the former featuring a frosted glass back with white elements inspired by star trails while the latter gets a textured vegan leather back. The new teaser video goes over the X100 Pro’s key specs which include a 1-inch type main sensor working in tandem with vivo’s self-developed...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/vivo_x100_pro_appears_in_more_handson_images_and_teaser_video-news-60483.php

Top 10 trending phones of week 44

Xiaomi 14 Pro was once again on top of our trending chart in week 44. Once again the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra and Galaxy A54 completed the podium, but some way back from the leader. The Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max retained fourth, as the Redmi Note 12 rose to fifth position. The vanilla Xiaomi 14 also gained a spot to place sixth. We then have the Galaxy S23 FE, which slipped to seventh and the Redmi 12 going in the other direction in eight. Redmi Note 12 Pro and Galaxy A34 complete the top ten, relegating the Galaxy S21 FE. How long can the Xiaomi 14 Pro last on top? Keep watching...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/top_10_trending_phones_of_week_44-news-60482.php

XREAL Air 2 review

Introduction If you've been following the AR space, you've probably come across the Nreal brand. The company has been one of the most successful in actually commercializing AR glasses, reaching 100,000 sales in 2022. The company's Air glasses are thus a rather popular product in the growing space. Following a trademark dispute with Epic Games, Nreal rebranded to XREAL and has since been expanding its portfolio, putting out the Beam accessory that extends the functionality of the Air glasses and now a new pair of Air models - Air 2 and Air 2 Pro. The two models are actually nearly...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/xreal_air_2_review-news-60451.php

Weekly poll results: half of users have phones that are 1 or 2 years old

Based on last week’s poll, half of the voters are currently using phones that are a year or two old. But that’s not the average age of a phone and that average may be growing – going forward, half of users will have a phone that’s 3 years or younger. Let’s start with the first question we asked – how old is your current phone? The top answer was “1-year-old”, which suggests that a lot of people upgraded recently. There’s more evidence of that in the other charts too, but we’ll get to those. Beyond a year, it’s a fairly even split between 2-year-old and 3-year-old phones. There is a...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/weekly_poll_results_half_of_users_have_phones_that_are_1_or_2_years_old-news-60449.php

Flashback: the Nokia N86 8MP was the last of the great Symbian sliders

The Nokia N95 was a high point for Symbian, but as we noted in our previous Flashback article, its success was never replicated. It was also the end for this form factor – the Swiss army knife slider phone. The original N95 came in early 2007, followed a few months later by the much-improved N95 8GB. Our destination for today’s story is the N86 8MP, but we have to take a twisty path to get there. 2007 also brought the more affordable Nokia N81. It launched in two versions – one with basically no built-in storage but with an included 2GB microSD card and one with 8GB of built-in storage...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/flashback_the_nokia_n86_8mp_was_the_last_of_the_great_symbian_sliders-news-60456.php

vivo X100 shows up in a live photo

The vivo X100 series is about to debut later this month and numerous leaks of the design showed us what to expect at launch day, but we've never seen a vivo X100 out in the wild until now. Well, a Weibo user shared a live image of what appears to be an X100 from the back. The device shows up in a light blue color, which we've already seen in leaked renders, but the sparkly, concentric pattern isn't as obvious as the renders would make you believe. The wavy forms of the back glass seem in line with the renders, though. vivo X100 The camera island is as expected, except for the...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/vivo_x100_shows_up_in_a_live_photo-news-60481.php

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra confirmed to come with titanium frame

A report obtained by TheElec confirms the previously rumored titanium frame on the Galaxy S24 Ultra. Samsung is at the final stage of securing its titanium orders. The Korean tech giant is working with Chinese suppliers as well as one homegrown manufacturer. Apparently, Samsung started researching titanium about two years ago, but the decision to implement it came only recently, perhaps due to pressure from Apple with the iPhone 15 Pro series. If the reception is good, Samsung plans to use titanium in more devices. The titanium frame offers several benefits - it's lighter than steel...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_s24_ultra_confirmed_to_come_with_titanium_frame-news-60480.php