Another year is about to go down, and we’re on the verge of entering a new one. Last year, we witnessed hundreds of smartphone launches, from affordable flagships to folding smartphones, from everything to nothing. Now, it’s time to look ahead and here are all the best upcoming smartphone launches we expect to see in 2023.
Samsung Galaxy S23
Every year, Samsung launches the best of their smartphones at the annual unpacked event. According to trusted tipsters, the company might launch the Galaxy S23 series smartphones at the event, which is expected to happen in February. The series includes three smartphones Galaxy S23, Galaxy S23 Plus, and Galaxy S23 Ultra.
Like always, there won’t be massive changes in terms of design, but there’ll be some hardware improvements. The series is expected to be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC, which is built on the 4nm fabrication process by TSMC and might come with a 200MP primary rear camera. The Galaxy S23 series smartphones could start at around ₹80,000.
OnePlus 11 Pro
OnePlus would start its 2023 journey with a flagship smartphone, the OnePlus 11, and it is expected to come with typical high-end features like Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, Android 13 OS out of the box, cameras powered by and fine-tuned using Hasselblad technologies and more. The smartphone is believed to sport a 6.7-inch 2K LTPO display with a 120Hz refresh rate and two variants – 8GB/128GB and 12GB RAM/256GB storage.
Google Pixel Fold
We have been waiting for the launch of Google Pixel Fold for the last couple of years, but there’s no sign of the launch, yet we’re excited about it every year. According to recently leaked Pixel phone plans, the company might launch the Pixel 7a (codename “lynx”) and Pixel Fold (codename “felix”) in the Google I/O event in April or May 2023.
OnePlus Nord 3
OnePlus is planning to launch the OnePlus Nord CE 3 in Feb 2023, which will succeed the Nord CE 2, which was launched earlier this year with MediaTek Dimensity 900 and triple rear cameras. The leaked design of the Nord 3 looks like it is heavily inspired by the OnePlus’ famous OnePlus X and recent iPhones. The smartphone is expected to boast a 6.7-inch IPS LCD display with up to 120Hz refresh rate and would be powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 695 chipset paired with up to 12GB of RAM and 256GB internal storage.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5
The Galaxy Z Fold 4 is the best folding phone we’ve ever seen, and if the rumours are right, the South Korean company will launch the Z Fold 5 in 2023. The 5th gen fold from Samsung is expected to arrive with an even slimmer design, faster charging, and a built-in S-Pen. Hope, it will come with an invisible crease in the centre.
They say sharing is caring, but Netflix believes in the opposite. Earlier, people were allowed to share their Netflix passwords with friends, colleagues, relatives, etc. However, according to the new rule, sharing your Netflix password with people outside the household can be hailed as a criminal offence.
Sharing a password with others is not new; even the platform creators know about it. Netflix, being one of the top most OTT platforms in the world, is already tasting a subscriber loss in the last couple of years, and that’s the sole reason the platform is testing a new way of allowing account sharing, but for an additional fee.
The platform addressed the issue long ago, but they only looked into it seriously once they started noticing a revenue fall. The company lost a massive number of subscribers for the first time in 10 years and realized the need to end password sharing for their benefit. As per reports, to stop password sharing, the company might start charging per head.
Netflix has been testing the new password-sharing option in some countries and charging $3 (₹250 approx) for people who wish to use their friend’s Netflix account. The company has not revealed its plan to start the same in India yet, but the day is not far when you’ll have to pay an additional amount for consuming Netflix content from your friends’ accounts.
Netflix is trying its best to cover the loss by initiating new schemes, and charging people for account sharing is one of them. Recently, they started a new affordable ad-supported plan in the US, and the results are positive. In India, Netflix offers four plans – mobile-only plan @₹149, basic plan @₹199, standard plan @₹499, and premium plan @₹649.
Ahead of CES (Consumer Electronics Show) 2023, Lenovo unveiled a bunch of affordable devices loaded with standout features. The annual tech event is destined to happen from 5th January to 8th January 2023 and will showcase the best of the tech world. The list of devices unveiled by Lenovo ahead of CES includes IdeaPad Flex 3i Chromebook (12”, 8), IdeaCentre Mini (1L, 8), Lenovo Tab M9 and Lenovo 500 USB Type-C® Universal Dock.
IdeaPad Flex 3i Chromebook (12”, 8)
The IdeaPad Flex 3i is a ChromeOS-powered two-in-one thin and light chromebook with plenty of connectivity options. The yet-to-be-launched chromebook sports a slightly larger 12.2-inch display than the previous generation and is available in two configurations – 4GB + 64GB or 8GB + 128GB with updated Intel N100 or N200 Processors and with either integrated Intel graphics or dedicated NVIDIA graphics.
The two-in-one chromebook can be used as a laptop or tablet and can be held in various modes, such as stand-in tent mode, on a table or a desk. The chromebook is promised to have a long battery life of up to 12 hours and a couple of stand-alone features like Rheinland low blue light certification, an optional backlit keyboard, and an ergonomic drop-hinge that lifts the keyboard 15 degrees for a comfortable typing experience.
IdeaCentre Mini (1L, 8)
Another exciting gadget Lenovo unveiled ahead of CES 2023 is its next-gen IdeaCentre Mini, a sleek 1L desktop PC with a built-in power supply unit (PSU) and an updated design. The sleek and compact device can be placed anywhere and will play another role as a room decor. The chassis of the IdeaCentre Mini is designed in such a way that it allows easy access to its dual-vortex cooling fan and memory chip.
The IdeaCentre Mini (1L, 8) features the latest Intel Core processor, two DDR4 memory chips, SSD storage8 of up to 1 TB, Wi-Fi 6 connectivity, and ample ports with a Type-C Thunderbolt 4.0. Through Lenovo Smart Storage Solution, one can store all the files in the cloud and access them with a tablet, smartphone, or laptop when needed and when they are away from the desk.
Lenovo Tab M9
The lightweight M9 tablet boasts a 9-inch display with a 1340 x 800 px resolution to help you have never-ending entertainment with a satisfying multi-media experience. The Tab M9 is powered by the MediaTek Helio G80 (octa-core) chipset, and its display is housed in a stylish dual-tone metal casing. The M9 has a 5,100 mAh battery with support for 15W charging via USB-C.
The tablet offers up to 128GB of storage and is enhanced by Dolby Atmos® spatial audio experience with dual stereo speakers, making it a perfect choice for someone who wants to enjoy OTT shows and movies on the go. The M9 tab offers a comfortable in-hand experience and is backed by the MediaTek® Helio G80 Octa-Core processor, Android™ 12 operating system, along with a 2MP front-facing camera and an 8MP main shooter.
You can’t say you haven’t heard the name Disney. The mass media and entertainment conglomerate has been in the show business for about 100 years, and thanks to its iconic cartoon character ‘Mickey Mouse’, who helped them become a household name throughout the globe. The company was founded by brothers Walt Disney and Roy O. Disney on October 16, 1923, with the name Disney Brothers Studio.
Laugh-O-Gram
Disney Brothers Studios wasn’t the first company co-founded by Walt Disney. Before Disney, he started a film studio, Laugh-O-Gram, with his friend and animator Ub Iwerks. In here, Walt made a short film called ‘Alice in Wonderland, the first in his series of famous Alice Comedies. The company went bankrupt, but the short became a hit after New York film distributor Margaret J. Winkler bought it.
Walt Before Mickey
Walt’s fate changed when he got a contract to create six Alice Comedies series, but before signing it up, he decided to move from Kansas City to Hollywood. He convinced his business associate Iwerks to move, and he agreed due to the then circumstances – Walt’s brother, Roy, was recovering from tuberculosis there, and he wanted to become a live-action film director.
In 1926, the first ever official studio was established at Hyperion Avenue,and it was named Walt Disney Studio. Margaret J. Winkler, the distributor of the Alice Comedies series, handed over the distribution work to her husband, Charles Mintz. The relation between Walt and Charlez wasn’t going well, as Walt wanted to move away from the mixed format to all animation.
In 1927, Charlez decided to start a new series of films under the distribution of Universal Pictures. He asked Walt to create a new character, and as a result, along with Iwerks, he created Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, one of the peppiest artworks from the studio. Later on, Charlez decided to reduce fees of Walt instead of raising them, and it became the reason Walt backed out with Iwerks.
The Birth of Mickey Mouse
Walt lost the rights to Oswald’s character in 1928, and to conquer that, he co-created a new character who resembled Oswald in appearance, Mickey Mouse, one of the most famous cartoon characters in the world. The world thinks that Walt Disney is the man who created Mickey Mouse, but it was actually his best friend, Ub Iwerks, who designed the cartoon in 1928.
Mickey is the offspring of two fathers, Walt – the known father and Iwerks – the father who never got the limelight. Mickey is an anthropomorphic mouse who usually wears red shorts, large yellow shoes, and white gloves. He is one of the world’s most recognisable fictional characters of all time, and his calm personality is inspired by the character of Champ, portrayed by Charlie Chaplin in many silent films.
The Gutsy Move by Walt Disney
After the formation of Mickey Mouse and enjoying the success of movies from the Silly Symphonies series, Walt decided to make Disney’s first-ever feature-length animated film, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. When Walt decided to go for a realistic approach to make the film, his brother Roy warned him by saying it would bankrupt the studio.
However, Disney decided to trust his guts and created scenes from the movie as if they were live-action. It took Disney three years to make the movie, as the budget lifted from $0.15 million to $1.5 million. The gutsy move helped the movie to become the highest-grossing film of all time; it collected around $8 million at the box office, equivalent to $150,796,296 in 2021.
La La Disneyland
The idea of creating an amusement park came into Walt Disney’s mind when he visited Griffith Park with his daughters, Diane and Sharon. While watching them ride the merry-go-round, he started thinking about the idea of a place where adults and their children could have fun together, and the answer to his question resulted in him constructing Disneyland.
The Halt of a Walt
Walt Disney Studio and the other ventures associated with the company made Walt Disney one of the most popular personalities in the world. The pioneer of the American animation industry died on 15th December 1966 after a month-long fight with lung cancer. He was the first to be nominated for Academy Awards in six categories, and throughout his career, he won 22 Oscars from 59 nominations.
The Disney Renaissance
After the death of Walt Disney, the company continued making live-action films but almost abandoned the animation industry until the late 1980s when the “Disney Renaissance” began with the 1989 released movie – The Little Mermaid. The Renaissanceperiod was from 1989 to 1999, when the company produced critically and commercially successful animated films, mostly musical adaptations of well-known stories.
Valuation
Assets: US$203.63 billion (2022)
With over 2,00,000 employees, Disney’s current* net worth is about $98.88 billion.
Television and Entertainment Networks Owned by Disney
American Broadcasting Company (ABC)
National Geographic Channel
ESPN (Disney owns an 80% stake)
A&E (50% equity holding with Hearst Corporation)
The History Channel (50% equity holding with Hearst Corporation)
Fusion TV
NBC Universal
Disney Junior
Disney Radio
Disney Channel
Streaming Services Owned by Disney
Disney+
ESPN+
Hulu
Hotstar
ABC+
Studios and Other Companies that Disney Owns
Pixar Animation Studios
Marvel Entertainment Inc
Caravan Pictures in Hollywood
Core Publishing
Walt Disney Studios
Vice Media (10% stake)
Lucasfilm Ltd
Hollywood Records
Theme Parks Owned by Disney
Walt Disney World Resort
Magic Kingdom Park
Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park
Disneyland Resort
Disneyland Paris
Fantasy Land
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
Mermaid Lagoon
American Waterfront
Mickey’s Toontown
Avengers Campus
Arendelle – World of Frozen
Image of Adventureland
Adventureland
Image of Liberty Square
Liberty Square
Image of American Waterfront
Shanghai Disneyland Park
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
Key People
Walt Disney, Founder
Roy O. Disney, Founder
Susan Arnold, Chairwoman
Bob Iger, Chief Executive Officer
7 Interesting Facts about Disney!
Before changing its name to the Walt Disney Company in 1986, the company operated under names like Disney Brothers Studio, Walt Disney Studio and Walt Disney Productions.
When Charlez threatened Walt to start his own studio and kept most of his animation staff with him, Iwerks was the only animator who remained with Walt.
Mickey Mouse was originally named Mortimer Mouse, but Walt’s wife urged him to change it to Mickey Mouse, and the rest is history.
Disneyland Park (previously Disneyland), a theme park constructed in 1955 in Anaheim, California, is the only park designed and constructed under the direct supervision of Walt Disney.
The Jungle Book (1967) was one of the last films Walt worked on, and it remained as Disney’s most successful film for the next two decades.
The actors who voiced Mickey (Wayne Allwine) and Minnie (Russi Taylor) began dating, and the cartoon romance became real life as they got married.
When Mickey Mouse turned 50, they put him on the Hollywood Walk of Fame to celebrate his achievement in the entertainment industry. He was the first animated character to get a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Samsung officially tosses two budget smartphones, the Galaxy A04 and Galaxy A04e, to the Indian market. The company has decided not to partner with Amazon or Flipkart for the sale of these smartphones. They will only be available on the Samsung India website and select retail stores across India.
The budget smartphone duo sports a 6.5-inch HD+ LCD Infinity-V display with 1560×720 pixels of screen resolution. Overall, both smartphones are pretty similar except for the camera setup; the Galaxy A04 is rigged with a 50MP dual rear camera, while the Galaxy A04e arrives with a 13MP dual camera setup.
The A04 series smartphones are powered by MediaTek Helio P35 CPU and have a maximum clock speed of 2.3GHz. The Galaxy A04 is available in two variants – 4GB+64GB at Rs 11,999 and 4GB+128GB at Rs 12,999, while the A04e is available in three variants – 3GB+32GB at Rs 9,299, 3GB+64GB at Rs 9,999, and 4GB+128 GB at Rs 11,499.
The Infinity-V display of the smartphones resembles a waterdrop notch. The A04 series smartphones will come with a 5MP front camera to capture selfies and have a back depth live focus camera. Both smartphones feature Adaptive Power Saving mode and have a Type-C charger in the packaging.
The A04 series smartphones will arrive with the Android 12 full version out of the box and pack a 5000mAh battery. The A04 smartphone will be available in three colour options – Green, Copper and Black, while the A04e smartphone will be available in two colour options – Light Blue and Copper. The sale of the smartphone will begin on 20th December.
We are only 2-weeks away from CES 2023, the most awaited tech show in the world. The 2023 edition of the show will begin on the 5th of January, which is why brands have started teasing us with new gadgets. Recently, HTC announced that they will unveil a new consumer-friendly flagship AR/VR headset next month during CES 2023.
The verge first revealed the unnamed headset with VR and AR capabilities with some details when they had a conversation with HTC’s global head of product Shen Ye. The upcoming headset by HTC will have front and side-facing cameras along with support for a controller. The self-contained headset is expected to be lightweight, comfortable, and powerful.
The headset will have a colour passthrough to help users view their surroundings and enable a mixed-reality experience. The company has claimed that the headset will have a higher dynamic range to help users read finer details like text without taking the headset off. The headset looks pretty slick and will have at least two hours of battery life.
We expect the company to reveal the full details of the product at CES 2023, and it would be interesting to see at what price it will be priced. Meta released a high-end $1500 Pro model just a couple of months ago, and soon, they will release a successor to the Quest 2. Along with Meta, Apple has long been rumoured to be working on a mixed-reality headset. Let’s hope for the best.
Nowadays, we find better storylines in games than in movies, and they’re so compelling that we often lose track of time. Gaming has recently gained a lot of traction in India, which raised huge demand for gaming keyboards, gaming mice, gaming headsets, etc.
Your gaming gear is one of the most important aspects of gaming, as it can make or break your experience. So before going ahead with random accessories, think twice because the gear is the only thing which brings solace to your gaming experience.
Gaming Keyboard
Old-school gamers will always prefer a keyboard and mouse combo over a controller as it brings more versatility to the table. Today, we have keyboards specifically designed for gaming but choosing one would be a tricky code to crack.
When looking for a gaming keyboard, one should look for one with great built quality, layout, size, backlighting, cost and, of course, typing experience in case you want to get some work done. Let’s take a look at the top 3 gaming keyboards in India.
The gaming industry has grown up so rapidly, and when you’re into multiplayer games, having proper gaming headphones is a must-have accessory. The headsets help you focus on the game and prevent others from loud, unwanted sounds like gunfire.
In my opinion, HyperX Cloud Stinger Gaming Headset is one of the best gaming headsets in the current market. They’re lightweight, extremely comfortable to wear, sound incredible and have a swivel-to-mute microphone. What else do you need?
Gaming Chair
A true gamer must know the time gamers spend in one sitting, and everyone knows what happens afterwards. Yes, back pain and several other health issues. Well, to remain in the gaming community, one must get an adjustable gaming chair that offers good lumbar support to help prevent pain in the lower back. If the chair supports all the way up from the head and neck to the lower back, that’s a heavenly ride.
Now that you have purchased a gaming keyboard, headset and chair then, why are you keeping yourself away from buying the gaming mouse? Just go and get it because, without it, you are not going far away in the game.
Logitech G402 is the all-time best-selling gaming mouse. It features Fusion Engine High-Speed Tracking technology which helps you achieve a tracking speed of 500IPS. It has an ergonomic design and is comfortable for extended hours of gaming.
Blue Light Glasses
When you play for long hours, it’s obvious your eyes are going to get tired, and we don’t realise it until we start dealing with regular headaches and screen fatigue. Getting blue light-blocking glasses would be a recommended accessory, even though they have not been scientifically proven to relieve eye strain. They’re made to block blue-light wavelengths from your screen, which makes them a must-buy for every gamer or perhaps for everyone who spends a long time in front of the screen.
After several leaks and rumours, Xiaomi finally announced its 13-series smartphone lineup in China on Sunday. The flagship lineup consists of two smartphones, Xiaomi 13 and Xiaomi 13 Pro, will feature a 120Hz OLED display, up to 120W fast charging support, a triple-camera setup with Leica branding and Qualcomm’s latest and greatest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset. Along with the smartphones, Xiaomi also announced its next-gen skin, the MIUI 14.
What’s New?
The first MIUI was launched in 2010, and over the last 12 years, we have seen how Xiaomi jumped up from offering a budget smartphone segment to a premium smartphone segment. MIUI 14 is the latest Android 13-based interface for Xiaomi devices which is focused on providing a simpler experience to users without taking up too much space on their smartphones. Ex. Compared to MIUI 13 and MIUI 14 takes up to 1.5GB less smartphone space.
The latest custom Android skin from Xiaomi arrives with fewer pre-installed apps, and now users will have to encounter only 8 uninstallable pre-installed apps. With MIUI 14, the company aims to provide the most optimised and streamlined MIUI to date. The new MIUI 14 runs 60% smoother compared to its predecessor and has features like duplicate file merge, automatic compression of low-frequency apps, and the ability to easily turn off permanent notifications.
The design of MIUI 14 features customisable folders with normal and large icons like we’ve seen earlier on the Nothing (1) phone, as well as new widget options in different shapes and sizes. Along with all the changes mentioned above, the design changes also include animated cat/dog avatars on the home screen. Xiaomi also claims that end-to-end encryption and local data processing with a new user interface offer better privacy.
Which devices will get MIUI 14?
Xiaomi 13 and Xiaomi 13 Pro will be the first lineup of smartphones to feature MIUI 14. In contrast, the rest of the smartphones* will receive the update by Jan 2023.
MIUI 14 by Jan 2023
Xiaomi 12S, Xiaomi 12S Pro, Xiaomi 12S Ultra
Xiaomi 12, Xiaomi 12 Pro, Xiaomi 12 Pro Dimensity Edition
Hey, 9 to 5 buddies! Spotify wrapped has come, and it’s time to buckle up to mark something off of your bucket list. Due to our busy lifestyle, most of us haven’t tried something exciting which can be an unforgettable experience for the rest of our lives, right? Well, you don’t have to worry about it, as we still have a few weeks left, and with a proper plan, one can definitely make things happen.
Bungee Jumping
We have moved on from the likings of parasailing, scuba diving, paragliding and etc. Now, one of the most popular and extremely adventurous sports in India is Bungee Jumping. The activity involves jumping from a tall structure while connected to a large elastic cord, and definitely not for the faint-hearted. Bungee Jumping has gained popularity in the last couple of years, but due to its extremeness, only a few people have dared to take a faith of leap. Are you up for it?
Free Solo Climbing
When they said your fate is in your hands, they were talking about Free Solo Climbing. It is one of the most popular extreme sports of current times, in which only madcaps can dare to participate. You must climb the steep mountains without a harness or any safety equipment, and every time you mistime the judgement, death is ready to catch you.
Running of the Bulls
Yes, you’ve guessed it right. We’ve witnessed the thrill of the running of the bulls in the movie Zindagi Naa Milegi Dobara, and we’ve seen how the lead characters survived in the game. However, in real life, if you travel to participate in the sport and decide to make a reel of it for your beloved social media handles, people will find splashes of your blood in La Tomatina.
Ice Climbing
Without agility, strength and endurance, no one can come back alive from extreme sports; that’s why they’re named like that. Ice climbing is one such sport where you need to climb dangerous snow-capped mountains, and it requires a lot of preparation. The sport definitely requires a lot of planning, as one must be extra careful and pay attention to the weather conditions before beginning the climb.
The Cage of Death
You must’ve heard animal lovers exaggerating at the zoo, “people should be in cages instead of animals.” Well, wait until you visit the Austalia’s cage of death, especially Darwin’s Crocosaurus Cove, where they put you in a safely enclosed glass box, and the deadliest reptiles, like crocodiles, roam around you freely. Sometimes, even tries to knock you out of the box.
Cave Diving
You won’t believe it, but only 5% of the ocean has been explored and charted by humans. So, you still have a chance to name something after your name, but before that, you must know how to swim through the caves. Even excellent scuba drivers can turn claustrophobic, that’s the kind of danger these caves holds within. Well, if you decide to take the cave diving challenge by any chance, keep yourself safe from the cave ceilings.
Every smartphone-making company has been driven by the idea of having its ecosystem only to have a strong base of customers and, of course, revenue. OnePlus ventured into the business of earbuds, wearables, headphones and smart TVs in recent times. The company tasted success in all fields, and to reach more people, they launched several affordable products. The list includes Nord smartphones, Nord Buds, Nord Watch and Y Series televisions.
Today, OnePlus launched a new TV belonging to the company’s Y series – a 55-inch Y1S Pro TV, a follow-up to the brand’s 50-inch Y series TV that debuted on 4th July 2022. The affordable series is popularly known for offering minimum but necessary features. The 55-inch OnePlus TV offers one of the massive screens consumers can buy for around ₹40-45k and serves the same purpose as its siblings, along with a few new features.
Design & Display
The latest addition to the OnePlus’ Y series lineup boasts a 4K display with a premium bezel-less design. It provides you with an edge-to-edge screening experience with catchy visuals. The 4K TV is delivered with a sturdy base stand and a beautiful design that accentuates the beauty of your living room.
The TV features various picture modes, such as AI picture, vivid, eye comfort, movies, HDR10+ and sports. With over a billion colours, the 4K TV offers 10-bit colour depth and outstanding colour accuracy in every frame. However, in our observations, TV works best and provides an enjoyable viewing experience only in movies and eye comfort mode.
Audio
In terms of sound quality, the TV has speakers that can produce up to 24W of audio output, and it guarantees a well-balanced sound profile for a complete cinematic audio experience without missing any details. In addition to strong speakers, the TV supports Dolby Audio, which provides you with excellent sound capabilities and a genuine surround sound experience.
Connected Ecosystem
The TV can be connected to the OnePlus Smart Watch, from where you can turn it on and off. The smart sleep control feature of the TV lets you sleep peacefully. How? Once you fall asleep while watching the TV, it will automatically turn the TV off. In addition to a smartwatch, the TV can be connected to any OnePlus Buds to enjoy the truly connected ecosystem.
Thanks to the ecosystem, the TV can be connected to the OnePlus smartphones by using the app – OnePlus Connect 2.0. You can use your OnePlus smartphone as an alternate option for a remote. The features of the app can be utilised without Wi-Fi or a data connection and allow you to cast stored videos easily.
Modes
The TV offers AI-powered visuals and has an advanced Gamma Engine, which optimizes display quality to bring every scene to life, along with ultra-clear content with dynamic contrast and vibrant colour. Along with various other modes, the TV has a few more special modes like Gaming Mode, which enables users with the special ALLM feature (Auto Low Latency Mode) to enjoy a faster and more interesting gaming experience with lower latency levels and Kids Mode, which allows your kids to consume healthy content.
