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Google pulls the plug on 1GB RAM Android devices

As time passes and tech gets updated every year or so, it has become common for Android phones to feature 6GB and 8GB RAM. Whereas, flagship and gaming devices come with RAM storage of 18GB or 16GB. While the RAM storage seems to be going higher and higher on Android devices, the other end of the spectrum has been taking a blow. The minimum requirements to run Android on a device have been going up at a gradual rate and now, Google has decided that it will pull the plug on devices with 1GB RAM.

Google recently announced on its developer blog that starting with Android 13, it will no longer be supporting devices with 1GB RAM. The devices now need at least 2GB Ram and 16 GB storage to run Android. The same now stands for Android Go devices, which are configured for low-RAM devices.

The entry-level smartphone market relies heavily on the Android Go version which is a lighter edition of Android. Starting from Android 8, the required minimum RAM for Android Go was just 512MB back in 2017. It was in 2020 when Android upped the minimum requirement to run Android Go to 1GB RAM. Now, in 2022, with Android 13, the lighter version will run only on 2GB RAM devices and above. This allows users to push entry-level devices to a much-needed upgrade.

Why Android Go?

Android (Go edition) is a mobile operating system built exclusively for entry-level smartphones sporting low RAM. The Go edition runs lighter and saves data which allows manufacturers to build affordable entry-level devices catered to the masses. With the update to the minimum requirements of running Android Go, the end users benefit undoubtedly as manufacturers will have to give them a device with higher Ram and storage as opposed to devices running 1GB RAM which are known to be slower.

iOS 16: Apple rolls out its biggest update of 2022

iOS 16 is just around the corner and eligible users will start receiving the update soon. The newly designed iOS 16 is all set to revamp the iPhone feel with multiple personalization options and a redesigned lock screen. Here is everything you need to know about the latest iOS 16:

iOS 16 supported devices

iOS 16 will be compatible with the iPhone 8 and higher. The new OS can be installed on iPhone 8 released in 2017 and higher. The extended list of all supported devices is as follows:

iPhone 14
iPhone 14 Plus
iPhone 14 Pro
iPhone 14 Pro Max
iPhone 13
iPhone 13 mini
iPhone 13 Pro
iPhone 13 Pro Max
iPhone 12
iPhone 12 mini
iPhone 12 Pro
iPhone 12 Pro Max
iPhone 11
iPhone 11 Pro
iPhone 11 Pro Max
iPhone XS
iPhone XS Max
iPhone XR
iPhone X
iPhone 8
iPhone 8 Plus
iPhone SE (2nd generation or later)

New Lock screen interface

iOS 16’s new lock screen has been completely revamped and now sports multiple new features. Besides widgets and an extended notification panel, users will also be able to add customizable fonts. The lock screen will also come with an option of Live Activities, where users can check sports scores and track other information like food delivery.

iMessage update

The new iMessage update allows users to change or delete a message up to 15 minutes after sending it. Users also get an option to restore recently deleted communications for 30 days. The new iMessage update allows users to mark read messages as unread.

Apple Maps update

The new iOS 16 update brings a refresh to the Maps application. Now, users can add multiple stops to their route, a feature long available in Google Maps. Apple Maps users will now also be able to check out public transport fares. 3D-like visuals for Apple CarPlay are also included. Apple’s iOS 16 rollout will start in India on September 12 at 10:30 PM (IST).

New iPhone features that Android has for years

Apple Vs Android is a battle known to heat up each year around the new iPhones being launched. Every year with the release of the new iPhone lineup, loyal Android users make their way to social media to criticize if not troll Apple for not including enough upgrades in the devices. Whereas, some are also quick to share how Apple is late to the party in providing features that Android devices possess for years. We do not know if Apple uses new Android features as a blueprint to design their latest iPhones, however, the similarities are surely uncanny. Here are some latest iPhone 14 features that Android devices have been sporting for years:

Always-on Display

Apple recently announced that the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max models will have an always-on display. The display will provide information like time and other widgets. While Apple has finally brought the feature of the always-on display just now, it has been a staple for Android devices for a long time!

48MP Camera

iPhones are notoriously slow when it comes to resolution upgrades. The company has always stood its ground with the ‘Why Fix What Isn’t Broken’ approach for its camera resolution. With the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max, Apple has finally given its devices a higher resolution camera. The new flagship devices from Apple feature a 48MP camera. However, Android introduced the 48MP lens long back. In 2022, having camera resolutions of 50MP and 108MP is quite common.

Crash Detection

Apple has recently been emphasizing its health and safety features. While introducing the crash detection feature in iPhones during the ‘Far Out’ event, Apple instated that this is a feature they never want people to use. As noble as that sounds, Crash detection is undeniably an important feature. However, the Google Pixel 4a was the first device to have this feature.

Autofocusing Front Camera and Action Mode

smartphones do not include autofocus in the front-facing camera as the front of the device does not support enough real estate to fit one. Apple integrated autofocus in the selfie camera as one of its key features in 2022, however, Samsung had already conquered that feature back with the S8 in 2017. Apple also introduced the Action Mode in video recording to capture steady videos in bumpy conditions. This feature was first introduced in Samsung Galaxy as ‘Super Steady’ video.

Apple to start renting iPhones through subscription model?

Subscription services have seen a significant boom in the past decade. While users are paying a considerable for OTT entertainment like Netflix, Amazon Prime, etc. others also pay for lifestyle product subscriptions like SugarBox, Fab Bag, and more. Well, it looks like now tech giants like Apple are looking to dig into the subscription model and bring their products to the customer with a monthly fee.

Apple Subscription model

Apple recently announced its latest lineup of iPhones with the iPhone 14 series. The devices as flagship as they are, come with a flagship price too. The standard iPhone 14 is priced at 79,900 whereas the pro variants start at 1,29,900 which is undoubtedly a hefty amount to shell out. While there are many ways for users to pay for the device gradually, there hasn’t been a subscription model which allows users to rent a device from Apple directly.

The new hardware subscription service could possibly tie into Apple One Bundles and AppleCare. With the option to get iPhones on a subscription model, users will also be able to get access to bundled services like Apple TV+ and extra iCloud storage. While the new model does sound interesting it is unclear what the pricing of this model will be. It is being reported that the subscription model was not introduced in the latest Apple event to minimize launch day complexity. However, with the next Apple event lined up in October, it is likely that the subscription model will get announced then. However, there have been no official confirmations about the same.

With the latest subscription model, users will be able to rent a device for a year or two. It is not sure whether Apple will allow users to keep the device after the end of the rent tenure. Details about how the subscription model would work if users end up causing any damage to the device are also yet unknown. Would you be interested in renting an iPhone as opposed to buying one?

What’s ultra special in Apple’s ₹89,900 Watch Ultra?

Hurray, finally, we have a new iPhone, but to our disappointment, there’s nothing new except the pro models who played the role of a night watchman really well. Everyone expected a lot from Apple, but the Cupertino-based company surprised us with something different this time. Instead of focusing on new iPhones and AirPods, Apple pushed the workforce toward the Apple Watch Ultra.

To be frank, the Apple Watch Ultra is not made for you. Don’t get us wrong, but it’s not for everyone, actually, and we’re not saying it just because it has an ultra-big price tag of ₹89,900. The Apple Ultra Watch is made for a specific target audience, such as athletes or those who aspire to push beyond their limits. The unique design of the watch provides a secure and comfortable fit for every adventure.

“Inspired by explorers and athletes from around the world, we created an entirely new category of Apple Watch designed for new and extreme environments — it’s the most rugged and capable Apple Watch yet. Apple Watch Ultra is a versatile tool that empowers users to push their boundaries with adventure, endurance, and exploration,” said Jeff Williams, Apple’s chief operating officer.

The ultra-expensive watch from Apple is made from aerospace-grade titanium and provides the perfect balance of weight, durability, and corrosion resistance. It has all the features of a standard Apple Watch, plus a 49mm titanium case, the biggest and brightest Apple Watch display of all, the best battery life of any Apple Watch, a water depth and temperature sensor.

The Ultra Watch is the most-rugged product Apple has ever made and comes only in one variant. The watch has a customisable action button that offers instant access to various valuable features. The rugged watch has a built-in Siren that has 86-decibel of loudness and can be heard up to 600 ft away, indeed a helpful device when someone is lost or injured.

The watch has a Wayfinder watch face with Night Mode that can be transformed into a live compass. The Ultra Watch also brings three new bands – Trail Loop, Alpine Loop, and Ocean Band. The dual-frequency GPS of the Ultra Watch allows the watch to deliver accurate distance, pace and route calculations. Besides these features, the watch is also loaded with all-new Crash detection, Sleep tracking, Fall detection, SpO2 and more.

ASUS ROG Phone 6 Batman Edition leaked

While the cookie-cutter cinematic universe of Marvel has received multiple tech collaborations over the year, the dark and gritty DC universe has been in the backseat. Much like box office, Marvel also dominates mainstream collaborations with multiple consumer products around the world, But that does not mean that the grey superheroes from the DC universe do not deserve the same treatment. Be it breakfast cereal or hybrid cars, superhero collaborations have been one way to gain the attention of the market of potential buyers. Now, it looks like DC is finally catching up to the trend by collaborating with ASUS for the ASUS ROG Phone 6 Batman Edition.

ASUS ROG Phone 6 Batman Edition leaks:

Tipster Evan Blass in collaboration with 91 Mobiles recently leaked render of the ASUS ROG Phone 6 Batman Edition. The new device is rumored to have multiple themes tailored to Batman’s dark aesthetics. However, there won’t be much of an upgrade when it comes to the design aspect as it will only feature a simple ‘Batman’ tag at the back of the device coupled with Blue and Purple shades. The ‘ROG Phone 6 Batman Edition’ branding is also placed on the right side of the rear panel, thus confirming the edition’s name. Besides this, the device looks similar to the standard ASUS ROG Phone 6.
It is expected that the device will come with similar specifications as the ROG Phone 6. Users can expect the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 SoC coupled with Adreno 730 GPU, up to 12GB LPDDR5 RAM, and a max storage of 256GB USF 3.1. The device is likely to feature the 6.78-inch Full HD+ AMOLED display which offers a high 165Hz refresh rate and 720Hz touch sampling rate. The display will be backed by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus. The camera setup of the device includes 50-megapixel Sony IMX766 main camera, a 5-megapixel macro unit, and a 13-megapixel ultrawide camera.
The superhero-themed special editions of popular smartphones are not a new direction to explore. Previously, OnePlus delivered an Avengers-themed OnePlus 6 which featured an Iron Man back. Oppo had also offered an Avengers-themed Reno 5 Marvel edition device back in 2021.

Vivo launches the Vivo Y75s with Dimensity 700 & 64MP triple camera

Vivo’s Y-series has been one of the most beloved midrange series in India. The China-based company has launched a number of Y-series devices which pack competitive specifications in the budget range. Recently the company launched its latest Y-series device, the Vivo Y75s in China. Read below to know more about the device which could see a possible launch in India soon:

Vivo Y75s

The latest device to be launched by Vivo in China is the Vivo Y75s. The smartphone comes with the much beloved MediaTek Dimensity 700 SoC which has proven its prowess in multiple previous smartphone releases. While there is no significant upgrade when it comes to the processor, the charging unit gets a considerable bump. The device comes with 18W fast charging which is backed by a 5000mAh battery. Whereas, surprising for a budget device with Dimensity SoC, the device has launched with 8GB and 12GB LPDDR4x RAM variants.

The Vivo Y75s comes with a 6.58-inch full-HD+ LCD display. At a time when more and more device manufacturers are offering AMOLED in the midrange to the budget segment, Vivo’s decision to go ahead with an IPS LCD display does stick out like a sore thumb. The MediaTek Dimensity 700 chip comes with a clock speed of 2.2GHz and the support of the SA/NSA dual-mode 5G network.

The triple camera setup at the rear sports a 64MP main shooter. Whereas, the other two lenses are 8MP and 2MP respectively. While the 8MP is an ultra-wide sensor, the 2MP lens is a macro camera with an f/2.4 aperture. The front camera is also an 8MP shooter.

Surprisingly, at a time where Android 13 is rolling out, Vivo has decided to launch the new device with Android 11 out of the box. The device clearly has its plus and minuses, however, that does not stop it from being a worthy contender in the budget segment.

Realme Watch 3 Pro with 110+ sports mode launched in India

Realme launched its popular Watch 2 Pro back in May 2021 which aimed to disrupt the budget smartwatch segment and was somewhat successful in doing so. It was back in 2020 when the company claimed to have sold over 15k units under 2 minutes of their initial smartwatch launch. However, the Realme smartwatch category is somewhat lost in the glory of the oversaturated budget smartwatch category in India. Looking to capture the same magic as back in 2020, Realme has now launched its Realme Watch 3 Pro. Read below to know all the details about the latest Realme smartwatch offering:

Realme Watch 3 Pro

The Realme Watch 3 Pro was launched alongside the Realme C33 budget device and the Realme Buds Air 3S TWS earbuds. It is the premium offering of the Watch 3 which debuted a few months back. The smartphone sports an AMOLED display, unlike its standard variant which comes with an IPS screen. It also includes features like GPS and Bluetooth calling which has now emerged to become a required feature on smartwatches.

The Realme Watch 3 Pro comes with a dynamic 1.78-inch AMOLED display having 368×448 pixel resolution. It has 500 nits brightness and support for always-on-display. The smartwatch’s dial has a rectangular form factor and a removable 22mm silicone strap. High-performance speakers back the support for Bluetooth calling, an AI noise cancelling algorithm and a built-in smart power amplifier.

The health features of the Realme Watch 3 Pro include heart rate and blood oxygen sensors. The capable sensors offer all-day heart rate and blood oxygen monitoring, along with sleep and stress monitoring. The watch also features female physiological cycle tracking.

The 110+ sports modes include five major sports walking, jogging, cycling, rowing, and elliptical. These modes track users with Cywee’s professional sports algorithms, allowing users to gather helpful data regarding their training sessions. The company claims that the watch can achieve up to 10 days of battery life. Some other features include Find My Phone, camera control, event reminder, timer, message notification, hydration reminder, and many more. The Realme Watch 3 Pro is priced at Rs 4,499.