News
This wallpaper is somehow causing Android devices to crash [Update: Samsung to roll out patches]
Something about the color
Wallpapers are one of the most personal ways to customize our phones. Whether it’s a photo of a loved one, a pop culture icon, or just a default one, smartphones become much more colorful and dynamic because of wallpapers. That said, the only time you should fear a wallpaper is when you accidentally show off a very NSFW wallpaper to a very SFW public. However, a new and mysterious wallpaper is striking fear into the hearts of every Android user.
WARNING!!!
Never set this picture as wallpaper, especially for Samsung mobile phone users!
It will cause your phone to crash!
Don't try it!
If someone sends you this picture, please ignore it. pic.twitter.com/rVbozJdhkL— PhoneArt (@UniverseIce) May 31, 2020
On their official Twitter page, renowned Samsung leaker Ice Universe posted a seemingly innocuous wallpaper with a dire warning: “Never set this picture as wallpaper, especially for Samsung mobile phone users!” The photo depicts a picturesque lakeside sprinkled with tall, coniferous trees; a minuscule island stands at the lake’s center; warm sunlight filters through thick clouds, disturbed only by towering mountains.
Further, when posted to Weibo, the photo changes, losing its purplish-orange hue. In its altered form, the wallpaper becomes harmless. The leaker suspects that the Chinese social network filters out the photo’s “harmful ingredients.”
(As I was writing this article, I tried putting the photo on Photoshop to analyze its elements. When I downloaded it directly from Twitter and placed it on the software, Photoshop also filtered the hue out. There’s something off about this photo.)
Naturally, after the leaker posted the photo, curious users tried the wallpaper for themselves. As expected, Ice Universe’s warning turned into reality for some. Strangely, the wallpaper’s mysterious power picks and chooses which smartphones to brick. However, based on the flurry of responses, it’s exclusively an Android issue. Besides Samsung models, Google’s Pixels and Xiaomi’s phones are victims. Curiously, only newer models are affected.
@UniverseIce This is an android issue sadly is affecting also google pixels as well pic.twitter.com/HZTtogLfwB
— Sebastian (@seb_mc2) May 31, 2020
According to a Korean forum, the problem lies in the wallpaper’s image profile. Apparently, the raw image was created using GIMP, a Photoshop alternative. Unlike other image manipulation software, GIMP operates in color profiles beyond those that Android is compatible with. As such, Android gets confused when loading the photo as a wallpaper, causing crashes and bricks. Some have also speculated on an error in encoding. Regardless, it seems that the photo’s color profile is at fault.
Still, don’t try it out. If you do try it out, convert it to sRGB first.
UPDATE: According to a follow-up tweet from Ice Universe, Samsung has already received similar complaints in mid-May. The company has resolved the concern and will start rolling out fixes to affected models soon. It’s time to wait whether other brands will release similar patches, if they haven’t already.
Update: Samsung has received feedback on this type of bug in mid-May, and has resolved this issue. Just wait for the subsequent firmware update and do not take the risk. pic.twitter.com/oa7rxnkSkb
— PhoneArt (@UniverseIce) June 1, 2020
SEE ALSO: Samsung Galaxy Fold 2 might now be in mass production
News
vivo V60 Lite starts at 14,999 pesos in the Philippines
V60’s smaller sibling focuses on gaming, entertainment
The vivo V60 Lite is now available for preorder in the Philippines, offering customers a stylish smartphone for gaming and entertainment.
It starts at PhP 14,999 for the 4G variant and is priced at PhP 17,999 for the 5G variant. These models both have 8GB of RAM and 256GB internal storage.
Available colors for the device are Pop Pink, Titanium Blue, and Elegant Black.
Customers can now preorder via vivo concept stores, kiosks, and authorized dealers. Preorders until October 30 also come with the following perks:
- vivo VIP Card worth PhP 4,020 (with 6-month Broken Screen Insurance and Extended Warranty)
- Limited-edition vivo Buds worth PhP 1,699
- PhP 1,000 discount
- Extra PhP 500 off via Home Credit
In addition, there is a 5G variant with 12GB of RAM and 512GB storage for PhP 20,999.
The vivo V60 Lite is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 7360 Turbo chipset. This allows users to experience performance boost with faster frame rates, smoother graphics, and lag-free gameplay.
The phone also houses a 6500mAh BlueVolt Battery with 90W FlashCharge. Furthermore, the battery supports Bypass Charging, which is a common feature among gaming-centric handsets.
Other gaming features include Game Boost, Esports Mode, Mistouch Prevention, and Game Small Window for zero interruptions.
In front is a 6.77-inch 120Hz AMOLED display with HDR10 visuals, on a 94.2% screen-to-body ratio. This is complemented by dual stereo speakers with up to 400% volume mode.
Not to be outdone in the camera department, the V60 Lite features a 50MP Sony IMX882 sensor. This has a large 1/1.95-inch size and ensures 2x lossless zoom for crisp captures.
Just days after vivo’s widely-anticipated X300 series, its sister brand OPPO releases the Find X9 series. It’s their latest line of flagships for 2025.
Flagship Find
The OPPO Find X9 and Find X9 Pro are the next line of smartphones equipped with MediaTek’s latest Dimensity 9500 SoC based on a powerful and power-efficient 3nm process.
Much like its closest cousins, the base and Pro models of the Find X9 differ in certain aspects.
First and foremost, the Pro has the bigger 6.78-inch display. Meanwhile, the vanilla variant has a “more compact” 6.59-inch.
OPPO says though that both units boast an ultra-thin 1.15mm symmetrical bezels on all sides.
Moreover, battery capacities are also different.
The Find X9 has 7025mAh while the Find X9 Pro possess a larger 7500mAh battery.
These phones are expected to run the all-new ColorOS 16 with primary focus on silky-smooth animation, as well as smarter AI feats, seamless connectivity between PCs, Macs, and other accessories, as well as band overall user experience.
Hasselblad Legacy
Different from what OnePlus is doing, OPPO continues to strengthen its partnership with the renowned Swedish camera-maker Hasselblad.
With this continuous collaboration, both the Find X9 and X9 Pro feature the Hasselblad Camera System alongside OPPO’s all-new LUMO Image Engine.
Furthermore, the Find X9 Pro offers a 200MP telephoto camera co-developed with Hasselblad — both in sensor calibration and optical design.
Additionally, these Find models also deliver exceptional video capabilities with up to 4K / 120fps Dolby Vision support as well as LOG recording with ACES support for that seamless and professional workflow.
The Find X9 series are also concert-ready with cutting-edge telephoto optimizations such as Stage Mode and AI Sound Focus.
Pricing and Availability
The OPPO Find X9 are available in three colorways: Titanium Grey, Space Black, and Velvet Red.
Meanwhile, the Find X9 Pro is being offered in two shades: Silk White and Titanium Charcoal.
In line with the China-exclusive launch, the announcement of the Find X9 series slated for global markets will be held in Barcelona, Spain on October 28th.
Mark your calendars!
Accessories
Samsung launched a charger that’s incompatible with all its phones
None of their phones have built-in Qi2 magnets.
In the world of wireless charging, Qi2 is where it’s at. The newer magnetic system automatically aligns the phone with the best positions to charge wirelessly. That said, it’s taking a while for most smartphones to get the charging standard. In an odder twist, Samsung, who does not currently have any native Qi2 devices, has launched its own Qi2 chargers.
In the United States, Samsung rolled out the Qi2-compatible Single Wireless Charger and Car Wireless Charger. As both their names indicate, the chargers will allow for wireless charging in a variety of situations.
Retailing for US$ 34.99, the single puck can charge by up to 25W when paired with a charging adapter (sold separately). The car charger, on the other hand, comes with its own 12V car adapter and a rotating mount. It’s very pricy, coming in at US$ 84.99.
Now, the kicker is that the chargers are compatible with Samsung’s current flagships including the Galaxy S25, the Flip7, and the Fold7. Technically, yes, these smartphones can charge using this duo. However, none of them have the built-in magnets to natively connect to the pucks. They need a separate case with a Qi2-certified magnet included.
It seems pretty scummy to offer a Qi2 charger for smartphones without the magnets built inside. On the bright side, it’s a good sign that Samsung’s upcoming smartphones, starting with the Galaxy S26 early next year, will likely offer Qi2 charging natively. (At least, we hope. Otherwise, this might be the priciest charger in recent memory.)
SEE ALSO: Samsung Galaxy S25 FE review: Closer to flagship than ever
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