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Xiaomi Black Shark 2 spotted on TENAA with dual-rear cameras, fingerprint sensor

Xiaomi launched its first gaming-centric smartphone, the Black Shark, back in April this year. The handset is yet to be released globally but it seems that the company is already working on another iteration of the device, as per a new TENAA listing, via Slashleaks. The listing gives a look at the upcoming device but doesn’t reveal much in terms of specifications, except the handset’s screen size, battery capacity and dimensions. As per the listing, same as its predecessor, the Black Shark 2 could feature a 5.99-inch display and come equipped with a large 4000 mAh battery. However, it could be slightly thicker with dimensions of 160mm x 175.26mm x 8.7mm.  The current Black Shark smartphone features a horizontally placed rear camera setup, however, the new Black Shark phone could feature a vertically stacked camera on the back. There could also be a fingerprint sensor on the rear this time. The volume and power buttons can be seen on the phone’s right edge, while the dedicated key to increase the device’s performance while gaming is placed on the left. The phone's display features slimmer bezels as compared to its predecessor and on the upper left is a front-facing camera.  The Xiaomi Black Shark was launched in China at a starting price of RMB 2,999 (Rs 31,200 approx). It is meant to take on the Razer phone and the ASUS ROG phone that are also aimed at wooing mobile gamers. The Xiaomi Black Shark comes with a liquid cooling system, detachable gamepad and more. It features a 5.99-inch Full HD+ IPS LCD display and is powered by the Snapdragon 845 SoC with 6GB and 8GB RAM, coupled with 64GB and 128GB of internal storage variants. There is a dual camera setup at the back, 12 MP f/1.75 + 20 MP f/1.75 with 6P lens and a dual-LED flash. The primary sensor has a 1.25um Pixel size while the secondary sensor has a 1um sensor size. On the front is a 20-megapixel with f/2.2 aperture.  Read our first impressions of the Xiaomi Black Shark smartphone here.
Panasonic announces Lumix S1R and S1 Full Frame Mirrorless cameras

Panasonic has announced its first Full-Frame Mirrorless cameras, the Lumix S1R and the Lumix S1, during the ongoing Photokina 2018 event. They are the company's’ first digital single lens mirrorless cameras with a 35mm full-frame image sensor and are claimed to be the world’s first to support 4K 60p/50p video recording in a full-frame digital single lens mirrorless camera and come with the Dual I.S. image stabilization system. The two cameras feature a newly developed image processing engine with 47MP effective pixels on the S1R and 24MP on the S1. The company has also announced that it will expand LUMIX S series lineup of compatible lenses by developing more than ten by 2020. This lineup is said to include a 50mm/F1.4 fixed-focus lens, 24-105 mm standard zoom lens, and a 70-200 mm telephoto zoom lens.  “The cameras have the user-friendliness and robustness essential as tools for photography or videography by professionals. They incorporate an entire array of our technology refined over a century in the consumer electronics business and ten years developing Digital Single Lens Mirrorless cameras. Such innovations include digital technology like image or signal processing, plus optical and heat treatment technology and more. The combination of these will provide our customers with new value for photography and videography,” Panasonic stated in its media release.  The two cameras come with two XQD memory cards and SD memory card slots, which is a first for Panasonic. There is also a triaxial tilt LCD display and the cameras with Leica L mount will also come with support for third-party lenses, starting with Sigma. Talking about its LUMIX G series of Micro Four Thirds Digital Single Lens Mirrorless cameras, the company says that it will commence developing a Leica DG VARIO-SUMMILUX 10-25 mm F1.7 lens, which will be able to “achieve the world’s first zoom with a constant aperture value of F1.7.” The Panasonic Lumix S1R and the S1 Full Frame Mirrorless cameras will be released globally by next spring.
Huawei Mate 20 Pro leak shows triple rear camera in square enclosure

When it comes to innovation, Huawei has been the front runner lately. Earlier this year, the Chinese giant brought P20 Pro with a triple rear camera setup and a gradient colour pattern on the back panel. It seems that the company is again planning to take another leap with camera design in Huawei Mate 20 Pro. Citing a leak, Slashgear claims that the smartphone could come with a triple camera setup again but with a major change in the placement of the camera setup on the back panel. The photo shared by the tech news platform shows a smartphone with three cameras and an LED flash enclosed in a square array with three cameras taking up three corners of the array and the LED flash sitting in the remaining fourth spot. Further, the cameras are said to have Leica lenses. TheThe Mate 20 Pro may feature a massive 6.9-inch AMOLED display and an in-display fingerprint sensor. The phones are expected to run EMUI 9.0 based on Android P out-of-the-box. The company may incorporate a 4000mAh pack with the Huawei Mate 20 Pro and to charge the rumoured massive battery, Huawei may also launch a 15W wireless and 40W wired charger at the event. Earlier this month, Huawei confirmed that it will launch the highly-anticipated successors of the Huawei Mate 10 series smartphones, the Huawei Mate 20 and Huawei Mate 20 Pro on October 16 in London, Britain. The Chinese tech giant had sent out the invites for the launch event. The invite poster suggests that both the smartphones will be powered by company’s latest Kirin 980 processor and will come loaded with Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered features.
Apple iPhone Xs, iPhone Xs Max feature Intel modems instead of Qualcomms

Back in July, a Qualcomm executive said that Apple might solely depend on Intel for their upcoming device’s modems. Fast forward to September, the new iPhone XR, iPhone Xs and the iPhone Xs Max are here and it seems that the previously mentioned statement held true. As per an iFixit teardown of the iPhone Xs and the iPhone Xs Max, the two devices come equipped with Intel PMB9955 baseband processor, which is likely the XMM7560 modem chip. Additionally, the teardown reveals that both the phones feature a flash storage module, which is manufactured by Toshiba.  Apple using an Intel modem doesn’t come as a surprise as Qualcomm and Apple have been in legal battles over patent issues. However, users that buy the new expensive 2018 iPhones might end up bearing the brunt of the feud between the two companies as a recent SpeedTest report by Ookla and Qualcomm revealed that phones powered by the Qualcomm chips are considerably faster than Apple’s iPhones that employ Intel modems. It should be noted that Apple sometimes has more than one supplier for sourcing the same parts and the part used on these iPhones might not be used in others.  The iFixit teardown also gives a look at the device's other internals, which have been sourced from companies like Texas Instruments, Broadcom, Murata, Avago, Skyworks Solutions, NXP Semiconductors, Cypress Semiconductor, and STMicroelectronics. The 2018 Apple iPhones come equipped with new cameras and as per the teardown, the size of the wide-angle sensor has increased by 32 percent and the Pixel size has also increased for improving the cameras low-light performance and enabling the new "Smart HDR" feature. Apple didn’t announce what was the battery capacity on its phones but the teardown reveals that as well. The iPhone Xs is said to come equipped with a 2659 mAh battery, while the larger iPhone Xs Max reportedly comes equipped with a 3179 mAh battery. This is in line with a previous TENAA listing that indicates the same. The shape of the battery has changed though. To save up on space, Apple has equipped the iPhone Xs with an L-shaped single cell battery. Meanwhile, the Xs Max also sports an L-shaped battery but with two cells instead of a single block. 
Vivo V11 with Halo FullView Display, Jovi AI-powered cameras launched in India

Expanding its V series of smartphones, Vivo has launched the V11 smartphone with Halo FullView Display and Artificial Intelligence (AI) assistant Jovi-powered cameras for Rs 22,990 in India. Basically a toned-down version of the recently-launched Vivo V11 Pro, the V11 will be available in Starry Night Black and Nebula Purple colours on the Vivo E-Store, Flipkart and offline stores from September 27. Vivo has launched the smartphone in only 6GB RAM and 64GB on-board storage variant. The Chinese smartphone player says that the Vivo V11 is manufactured at Vivo’s Greater Noida facility under the “Make in India” programme. Consumers can avail an array of offers. Vivo is offering flat 5 percent cashback with Capital First. There is a flat Rs 2,000 Paytm Cashback Coupon if purchased using PayTM Mall QR code in offline stores and flat Rs 2,000 cashback on HDFC bank Credit - Debit cards and Paper Finance. Consumers can also get an additional up to Rs 2000 off on exchange on Flipkart and a buyback guarantee (Post 6 to 8 months of usage). There is One Time Screen Replacement in case of screen damage during first six months and the No Cost EMI starts Rs 1,533 (upto 15 Months on Bajaj Finance, Home Credit, Capital First and HDBFS, HDFC paper finance). Reliance Jio customers can avail instant benefits worth Rs 4050 on recharge of Rs 198. Customers can also get Myntra, Paytm and Swiggy Partner Coupons worth Rs 2100, and Jio Vouchers worth Rs 1950 (39 Vouchers of Rs 50 each). With the smartphone, Jio users can also get Jio Platinum Device Security (Device Theft & Malware Protection) under the offer period that runs from September 6 to September 30. For Vodafone-Idea customers, Vivo is offering Liquid and physical damage with Rs 499 and above Post-Paid Plans. Pre-paid customers can get 820GB Data and Postpaid Customers can get 600GB data (on RC 198 and Rs 399 above plans respectively). “At Vivo, it has always been our priority to bring constant innovation in technology and phone design. With the launch of the V11, we are adding to the plethora of options our consumers have to choose an innovative smartphone that meets their day-to-day needs. We are optimistic that this smartphone will be well received by the audience,” Jerome Chen, CMO, Vivo India said in a statement. Vivo V11 specifications and features The V11 comes equipped with a 16MP + 5MP dual rear camera setup and a 25MP Selfie
iPhone Xs Max demand is 3-4 times better than iPhone Xs: Ming-Chi Kuo

The iPhone Xs Max demand is “better than expected” and is outselling the iPhone Xs by three to four times with the 256GB storage option of the 6.5-inch model being the most popular of the lot, MacRumors has reported citing a research note by famous Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. The latest note by Kuo includes details and predictions, and provide takeaways for the iPhone Xs, iPhone Xs, and Apple Watch Series 4. “We have determined that the demand for Xs Max is better than expected (3–4 times that of XS). The Gold and Space-Grey colours are significantly more popular than the Silver. 256GB is the most popular, and 512GB is subject to a serious shortage because only Samsung can currently ship NAND Flash well. We are positive that Xs Max shipments will grow steadily in 4Q18 thanks to demand from Asia market and the gift season,” Kuo was quoted as saying. The analyst also claims that the demand for Apple Watch Series 4 is “much better than expected,” and the Cupertino-based tech giant may face a supply shortage initially. He says that the only way that Apple can meet the high demand is by roping-in an extra assembler of the watch. “Apple Watch Series 4 demand is much better than expected. The capacity of the assembler Quanta is full already; therefore, the supply cannot improve significantly until second supplier Compal's mass production for Apple Watch Series 4 starting from November. We have increased the Apple Watch shipment forecast in 2018 from 18mn to 18.5–19.5mn units,” Kuo noted. When it comes to the iPhone Xr, Kuo believes the most affordable iPhone of the 2018 lineup will be a hot seller and more customers will be upgrading to the model than the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus that were launched last year. The analyst is also confident that “the device's display-related production bottleneck will ‘markedly improve’ beginning in mid to late October. iPhone Xr pre-orders begin October 19.”
Best microwave deals on Amazon: Offers on LG, Whirlpool, IFB and more

If you’re looking for a new microwave for your home then we’ve got your back. We have handpicked the best microwaves that are available on Amazon with a pretty good discount. The products in the list down below are from brands like LG, Whirlpool, IFB and more.  LG 28L Convection Microwave Oven  Price: Rs 15,590 Deal price: Rs 11,990 The LG 28L Convection Microwave Oven comes with 365 auto cook preset menu, which allows you to select the dish you want to cook easily. The oven comes with a quartz heater that prevents the risk of any hand injury. The auto cook menu also includes Health Plus menu that is specially designed for health and calorie conscious people. Click here to buy.  Bosch 23L Convection Microwave Oven  Price: Rs 15,490 Deal price: Rs 11,690 The Bosch 23L Convection Microwave Oven features 121 auto cook menus. The microwave comes with a safety door that automatically stops the operation even when the door is slightly open. The Bosch microwave oven goes through rigorous testing, which means buyer does not need to worry about the product safety. Click here to buy.  Whirlpool 30L Convection Microwave Oven   Price: Rs 14,290 Deal price: Rs 10,708  The Whirlpool 30L Convection Microwave Oven comes with 200 auto cook menus, which gives you a wide range of Indian dishes option. The Whirlpool multi-stage cooking function allows you to cook at different power settings and different stages of the cooking cycle. Click here to buy.  Godrej 30L Convection Microwave Oven  Price: Rs 14,888 Deal price: Rs 10,549  The Godrej 30L Convection Microwave Oven comes with five power levels that let you cook your food at different power levels. It also has a preset cooking option that lets you schedule the cooking for a later time, which means you can have a hot coffee in the morning ready the time you wake up. It comes with a child lock as well that prevents your kids from using the microwave when you are not around. Click here to buy.  IFB 30L Convection Microwave Oven  Price: Rs 16,590 Deal price: Rs 12,499 The IFB 30L Convection Microwave Oven comes with a Deodorizer that keeps the oven free from germs and odor. It has preset 101 auto cooking menus and a multi-stage cooking function as well. Click here to buy
Google Pixel 3 XL Black colour model leaks

In just about two weeks time, Google will unveil the third generation of Pixel smartphones, and given the number and details of leaks around these devices, it seems there is not much left for Google to announce on the launch day unless the company plans on surprising us all. We have already seen a ‘Clearly White’ coloured Pixel 3 XL in several leaks and now WinFuture has published the alleged Black colour variants of the Pixel 3 XL and the Pixel 3 as well as a White colour variant of the latter. The report does not offer any new information but shows the “notched” display on the Pixel 3 XL, and a Pixel 2 XL-ish design on the Pixel 3. The images show the smartphones from front and the back. Previous leaks have shown a Mint coloured power button on the White coloured Pixel 3 XL. According to the images by WinFuture, the Pixel 3 will also have a Mint coloured power button. From the back, both the phones look identical with a single camera and a flash that are located on the top left corner of the smartphone. The fingerprint sensor is centrally located on the back panel. The Pixel 3 might come with a 5.4-inch AMOLED display with 2160x1080 resolution, while the Pixel 3 XL might come bearing a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 1440 x 2960. Both the Pixel 3 devices are expected to be powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 chipset and have 4GB of RAM. There is no information on the storage options available with the new smartphones. When it comes to the camera, it’s expected that the two front-facing shooters on both the phones have 8MP sensors each. While the primary camera is reported to have f/1.8 and f/2.2 variable aperture, the front shooters may come with a static f/1.8 aperture. The battery on the Pixel 3 XL is expected to have a 3,430mAh capacity, while the Pixel 3 could get a 2,915mAh battery. Both phones should run Android 9.0 Pie out-of-the-box. It is reported that Google will offer a wireless charging dock called the Pixel Stand with both the smartphones.
Apple macOS Mojave now available for download on Mac App Store, brings Dark Mode, Dynamic Desktop, Continuity Camera and more

macOS Mojave, the new operating system version 10.14 for MacBooks and iMacs is finally available for download to all users of compatible devices. macOS Mojave can be downloaded from the Mac App Store as a free software update for the following models: MacBook models introduced in early 2015 or later MacBook Air models introduced in mid 2012 or later MacBook Pro models introduced in mid 2012 or later Mac mini models introduced in late 2012 or later iMac models introduced in late 2012 or later iMac Pro (all models) Mac Pro models introduced in late 2013, plus mid 2010 or mid 2012 models with recommended Metal-capable graphics processor, including MSI Gaming Radeon RX 560 and Sapphire Radeon PULSE RX 580 Those updating to macOS Mojave should ideally have 20GB (recommended by Apple) of storage space free to download the 5.70GB software update. Users should also ideally backup their machines before installing the update so as to prevent any possible data loss. macOS Mojave brings with it a slew of new features to compatible devices, including the system-wide Dark Mode, changing desktop images with Dynamic Display, the ability to automatically Stack files by kind, date or tag, and much more. One of the most useful features of macOS Mojave besides Dark Mode is Continuity Camera. The feature allows iPhone users to photograph an object or scan any document using their iPhones to automatically make it appear of their Macs. The Mac App Store also gets an overhaul with macOS Mojave, and features new sections like Discover, Create, Work and Play. iTunes can now be used to search for songs by just typing in few words from the lyrics. Safari gets an Intelligent Tracking Prevention feature, similar to one recently seen on Mozilla Firefox. Safari will no longer let Share and Like buttons, as well as embedded content and comments widgets track users around the web. The browser also adds support for website icons in browser tabs so users can easily identify their open tabs with a glance. Website icons can be enabled in System Preferences. ​The Apple News, Stock and Voice Memos apps will also make their way from iOS to macOS Mojave. HomeKit users will now get real-time notifications from their connected devices on their Macs and will be able to control all their devices from their desktops. There’s also a new Gallery View which will make browsing files easier by creat
Apple completes Shazam acquisition, music recognition app will be ad free for all users soon

Apple has completed its acquisition of music discovery and recognition service Shazam. The Cupertino-based tech company announced its acquisition of Shazam through a press release, stating that the music identifying app will soon become ad free for all users. Apple has been negotiating the purchase of Shazam since last year and the acquisition has finally come to pass after the deal faced resistance from the European Commision which was concerned that the acquisition could reduce choice for users’ of music streaming services and Apple would obtain access to commercially sensitive data about customers of its competitors for the provision of music streaming services in the European Economic Area. The now completed takeover of Shazam has reportedly cost Apple close to $400 million, although the terms of the acquisition were not officially revealed. “Apple and Shazam have a long history together. Shazam was one of the first apps available when we launched the App Store and has become a favourite app for music fans everywhere,” said Oliver Schusser, Apple’s Vice President of Apple Music. “With a shared love of music and innovation, we are thrilled to bring our teams together to provide users even more great ways to discover, experience and enjoy music,” he added. Shazam already put out Apple Music links to identified songs on its service and with the new development, one can expect the Shazam app to be more well integrated with Apple’s music streaming service. Shazam was founded back in 1999 and in 2013, it became one of the top ten most popular apps in the world. Since then, the app has been downloaded over 1 billion times and according to Apple, users identify songs using the Shazam app over 20 million times each day.