News

Vkworld Mix Plus looks like Xiaomi Mi Mix, costs only $100

Published

on

Vkworld may not be a household name, but the brand could make its mark with the newly launched Mix Plus, which follows this year’s hottest smartphone trend of trimming bezels — only this time, it costs just US$ 100.

Truth be told, it looks like a carbon copy of Xiaomi’s pioneering Mi Mix, except the Mix Plus retails for a fraction of the original’s price. Although some sacrifices obviously had to be made, this phone is surprisingly capable.

For one, its screen has a more manageable 5.5-inch size. The panel is a legit IPS LCD for great viewing angles, but with a resolution of only 1280 x 720 pixels, it isn’t that sharp.

And then we have the processor, which is a low-end MediaTek MT6737 chip. It’s the primary reason why Vkworld was able to bring the Mix Plus to such a low price and it won’t get you far in terms of performance, but the 3GB of memory and 32GB of storage should alleviate the possible hiccups.

The battery is also on the tiny side with a capacity of only 2850mAh. With a display this large, we’re uncertain if the Mix Plus can last more than a day on a single charge.

To our delight, there’s a fingerprint reader right below the 13-megapixel rear camera. That’s something you wouldn’t expect from a handset this cheap. A fairly high-resolution 8-megapixel selfie camera is also present on the front’s bottom bezel.

And in case you’re wondering: Yes, it runs on Android — Nougat to be precise. Based on the sample videos and screenshots, it appears to be a pure version of the operating system.

At its lowest, the Mix Plus retailed for US$ 100 on GearBest.com. Right now, you can purchase it for US$ 109 before it goes back to its original value of US$ 140, which is still a fairly good deal for its looks alone.

SEE ALSO: Xiaomi Mi MIX Review: 6 Months Later

[irp posts=”16594″ name=”Xiaomi Mi MIX Review: 6 Months Later”]

News

HONOR Magic8 Pro gets Android 17 Beta 3 support early

Android 17 arrives early

Published

on

The HONOR Magic8 Pro is among the first smartphones to support Android 17 Beta 3, giving developers early access to Google’s upcoming mobile platform ahead of its wider release.

According to HONOR, the early beta access allows developers to test app compatibility, optimize performance, and integrate new Android 17 features using the company’s flagship smartphone.

Android 17 Beta 3

Android 17 Beta 3 introduces several new multitasking, customization, camera, and privacy tools. One of its biggest additions is the expansion of Bubbles into a system-wide feature. Apps can now run in floating windows that users can minimize and reopen from anywhere on-screen.

The update also adds support for the RAW14 image format. HONOR says this allows developers to better take advantage of the Magic8 Pro’s AiMAGE camera system for improved image processing, dynamic range, and color accuracy in third-party camera and editing apps.

Android 17 Beta 3 also expands UI customization. Users can now hide app labels for a cleaner home screen layout, while developers can adjust Photo Picker layouts with different aspect ratios including portrait-style 9:16 views.

Other updates include separate Quick Settings toggles for Wi-Fi and mobile data, alongside a redesigned screen recording interface that lets users choose between recording the full display or a specific app.

Privacy and security improvements are also part of the update. Android 17 Beta 3 adds session-only precise location access, blocks local network access by default, and introduces protections against code injection attacks. Google is also preparing Android for future cybersecurity threats through support for Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC).

The HONOR Magic8 Pro features the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 Mobile Platform, HONOR’s AiMAGE imaging system, and a 6,270mAh Silicon-carbon Battery. HONOR says its participation in the Android 17 Beta program highlights its continued collaboration with Google ahead of Android 17’s official release.

Continue Reading

News

Dua Lipa is suing Samsung for $15 million

Samsung allegedly used her image without her consent.

Published

on

Samsung has an unlikely rival. Dua Lipa is suing the South Korean company for using her image without her permission.

In the marketing world, brand endorsers are part and parcel of how products are pushed to the market. Famous celebrities are often asked to advertise a product for their potential star power. That said, a company needs the endorser’s consent first.

According to a new suit (via Variety), pop star Dua Lipa is suing Samsung for using her image to endorse TVs without her consent. The South Korean brand is reportedly using Lipa’s photo on the packaging of its TVs. Lipa alleges that the photo’s usage implies that she endorses the TV, which she does not.

The complaint also alleges that Lipa asked Samsung to take down the image last year. However, Samsung’s reply was, to her, “dismissive and callous.” The brand has then continued to use the image in its packaging.

To prove her point, the suit includes anecdotes of Samsung customers who bought the TV specifically because the packaging has Lipa’s image on it. To pay for damages, Lipa is asking for US$ 15 million from the global brand for copyright infringement.

SEE ALSO: These Samsung TVs and sound devices are perfect for summer

Continue Reading

Gaming

The Switch 2 is getting more expensive this year

The price increases will start this month.

Published

on

Gone are the days when consoles get cheaper as time goes by. These days, especially because of the RAM crisis, gaming consoles are getting more expensive. Joining this worrying trend, the Nintendo Switch 2 is getting a price hike.

Even upon launch, the Switch 2 was already pricier than its original counterpart. Currently, without the incoming price hikes, the console retails for US$ 449.99. It’s a lot but not completely out of reach.

Last week, Nintendo announced a price hike that might push the console to less than attainable levels. Starting May 25, the Switch 2 will cost JPY 59,980 (up from JPY 49,980) in Japan. The original generation is also getting a hike: JPY 47,980 for the Switch OLED, JPY 43,980 for the base Switch, and JPY 29,980 for the Switch Lite.

Abroad, you can expect price hikes on September 1. The Switch 2 will jump to US$ 499.99, CAN 679.99, or EUR 499.99, depending on where you live. These are the only official hikes announced right now, but Nintendo has confirmed that price revisions will be implemented in other regions, too.

As you might expect, the price increases are due to the ongoing RAM crisis. Though the console is an undeniable hit, the Switch 2 can’t hide behind its popularity against the price shortage dealt by unnecessary data centers. At the very least, users worldwide have time to grab the console in its original pricing before the hikes.

SEE ALSO: Switch 2 now lets you play old games in 1080p

Continue Reading

Trending