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OPPO will stop including free chargers next year

Which models are losing it?

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Every day, the world loses one more smartphone box with a free charger inside. According to several smartphone companies, losing the charger creates a more environmentally friendly package and allows for more boxes to be shipped around the world. Today, one more brand joins this group: OPPO.

Today, OPPO launched the new Reno8 series. While the spotlight is firmly on the new flagship series, a statement from the company (via Android Headlines) has revealed what’s coming for upcoming devices. Given how similar decisions were received in the past, it might not be a huge hit for most consumers.

According to the brand’s vice president for overseas sales and services Billy Zhang, OPPO will take out the free chargers out of the box starting next year. As expected, the brand’s chargers will come to stores instead.

It’s not a cold turkey stop, though. Only “several products” will get a thinner box next year. Some phones will still get a charger in the box. Unfortunately, Zhang did not say which device will still get the charger.

Now, unlike other brands without a charger inside the box, OPPO’s own chargers have a premium feel about them. The company persistently develops better and better charging standards through the SuperVOOC proprietary technology. There is some sense to keeping the blazing fast charger in its own category inside stores. However, consumers might not think so. If you’re getting an OPPO device anytime soon, remember to keep the charger for safe keeping.

SEE ALSO: OPPO Reno8 series: Price and availability in the Philippines

News

vivo X300 Ultra goes global with ZEISS Master Lenses

Pro imaging flagship debuts globally

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vivo has officially announced the global launch of the X300 Ultra, marking the first international debut of its top-tier imaging flagship.

The device introduces the ZEISS Master Lenses Collection, featuring triple prime focal lengths at 14mm, 35mm, and 85mm. It supports up to 200MP output across key focal lengths and can extend reach to 200mm and 400mm using optional telephoto extenders.

A 200MP 85mm telephoto camera with gimbal-level stabilization and 60fps AF tracking enables detailed long-range shots. Meanwhile, the 35mm camera uses a large Sony LYTIA sensor for natural perspective and improved low-light performance.

vivo X300 Ultra

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

For video, the X300 Ultra supports multi-focal 4K 120fps recording in both 10-bit Log and Dolby Vision formats. It also introduces Pro Video mode with LUT support and compatibility with ACES workflows for advanced color grading.

The phone runs on Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, paired with a dedicated imaging chip. It packs a 6600mAh battery with 100W wired and 40W wireless charging.

Other features include a 2K ZEISS Master Color Display, quad-mic audio recording system, IP68/IP69 durability, and up to five years of OS updates.

Pricing and availability will depend on the region.

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Enterprise

Allbirds suddenly turns into an AI company

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Allbirds is an odd shoe company. Though it already enjoyed a cult following in some circles around the world, the brand suddenly expanded its reach everywhere, offering a lighter and more environment-friendly alternative to the usual suspects of the shoe world. Now, getting even odder, Allbirds is ditching the shoes and going barefoot into the world of AI.

It’s one of the oddest transitions in the corporate world. In an official statement, Allbirds has confirmed that it will pivot fully into a “fully integrated GPU-as-a-Service and AI-native cloud solutions provider.” From Allbirds, it will be known as NewBird AI.

It’s not an incredibly abrupt change, though. The shoe brand and its stores won’t disappear overnight. The company will still hold a shareholder vote on May 18. If approved, they will transition into the new brand gradually.

The transition to AI, itself a gremlin of a keyword in today’s financial world, has resulted in the company’s stock value rising up. However, its long-term viability is in question, especially for a company with no experience in a world already drowning in AI.

From last year to today, AI has been the darling child of investors and a plague to consumers. While the former salivates over the short-term gain of AI adoption, the latter ruminates on the technology’s projected effects on the world.

SEE ALSO: Lenovo accelerates production-ready enterprise AI with NVIDIA

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News

vivo X300 FE launches with ZEISS telephoto system

Compact phone with pro zoom

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vivo X300 FE
Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

vivo has announced the vivo X300 FE, a compact flagship built around pro-grade imaging, long battery life, and extended software support.

The device features a ZEISS co-engineered camera system, led by a 50MP Super Telephoto camera with up to 200mm equivalent focal length via the all-new Telephoto Extender Gen 2. It also includes a 50MP main camera alongside a 110° ultra-wide lens.

This camera system is designed for flexible shooting across travel, concerts, and street photography.

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

AI imaging powers much of the experience, with features like AI True Clarity Engine, Stage Mode for low-light concerts, and AI editing tools such as AI Erase and AI Image Expander. Video capabilities go up to 8K at 30fps and 4K at 120fps.

The X300 FE adopts a compact flat design with a 6.31-inch display, weighing 191g and measuring 7.99mm thin. It comes in Mist Purple, Glow White, Luxe Black, and Urban Olive colorways.

vivo X300 FE

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

Powering the device is the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5. You should not confuse it though with the more superior Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5.

Moreover, it has a 6500mAh battery paired with 90W wired charging plus 40W wireless charging that the newer V70 series lacks.. It also features a vapor chamber cooling system for sustained performance.

vivo X300 FE

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

The phone runs OriginOS 6 with cross-device features and promises five years of OS updates, seven years of security patches, and long-term smooth performance.

The vivo X300 FE also carries IP68 and IP69 ratings for dust and water resistance.

Pricing and availability will depend on the region.

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