Friday, February 4, 2022

Specs Comparison: Honor Magic V vs Galaxy Z Fold 3

The new generation of smartphones is Foldables. They are perfect if you are looking for a phone with a large screen, but it should fit right into your pocket, Foldable is the answer for you! Here we will compare the two among the best devices available— Honor Magic V and Galaxy Z Fold 3.

Magic V vs Galaxy Z Fold 3

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The Honor Magic V was launched this year in January, while Galaxy Z Fold 3 is a 2021 production by Samsung. Therefore, the devices do not have much in common besides a few connectivity options, sensors, and storage configuration. We have portrayed a table here to compare the Honor Magic V and Galaxy Z Fold 3 based on their key specifications.

Magic V vs Galaxy Z Fold 3


[table id=63 /]

To mention, Galaxy Z Fold 3 5G is the first time Samsung has introduced S Pen support on a foldable smartphone. Also, it is IPX8 rated for splash resistance. Now, we hope that you have picked up your favorite device.
Related: Comparing allies: Xiaomi 12 vs Xiaomi 12 Pro

Thursday, February 3, 2022

Specs Comparison: Vivo V23 vs Vivo V23 Pro

Vivo welcomed this year with the launch of the Vivo V23 series. The lineup includes three smartphones— Vivo V23 5G, Vivo V23 Pro, and Vivo V23e. Considering that the latter model is a lower-range phone, we will emphasize the former two smartphones. Here you can compare the Vivo V23 5G and Vivo V23 Pro based on their key specifications.

Vivo V23 vs Vivo V23 Pro

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Needless to say, the Pro variant has something extra to offer than the standard model. Anyway, here are the homogenous specification of the Vivo V23 and Vivo V23 Pro.

Similarities



  • Operating System: Android 12 with Funtouch 12

  • Storage Configuration: 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM

  • Front Camera: 50 MP wide and 8 MP ultrawide

  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot, Bluetooth 5.2, GPS with A-GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS, NavIC

  • Sensors: under-display & optical fingerprint reader, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, and Color changing back panel when in sunlight

  • Colors: Sunshine Gold, Stardust Black


Moving on, here is what Vivo V23 Pro has extra to offer in comparison to Vivo V23

Vivo V23 vs Vivo V23 Pro


[table id=62 /]
Related: Specs Comparison: Redmi Note 11T vs Redmi Note 10T

Specs Comparison: Xiaomi 11T Pro vs OnePlus 9 RT

Xiaomi 11T Pro and OnePlus 9 RT are the higher midrange devices by respective companies. The smartphones are a good offer powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G. Here, we will compare the two phones based on their key specifications and features.

Xiaomi 11T Pro vs OnePlus 9 RT
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Before we start differentiating the smartphones, let's see take a look at the common grounds of Xiaomi 11T Pro and OnePlus 9 RT. There's plenty of them!

Similarities



  • Aluminum frame, Dual SIM technology

  • AMOLED HDR10+ display with 120Hz refresh rate

  • 1080 x 2400 pixels resolution and 20:9 aspect ratio

  • Android 11 OS out of the box

  • Octa-core processor based on Snapdragon 888 5G SoC with Adreno 660 GPU

  • Storage configurations: 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM

  • 16 MP front facing camera

  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot, Bluetooth, NFC, USB Type-C 2.0, USB On-The-Go

  • Sensors: Fingerprint, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass


Now that we know what will not change whatever phone you pick, below is a table portraying the difference between Xiaomi 11T Pro and OnePlus 9 RT.

[table id=61 /]
Related: Specs Comparison: Redmi Note 11 vs Realme 9i

Specs Comparison: Redmi Note 11 vs Realme 9i

Are you looking for an affordable smartphone with decent features? Well, we have two good options for you that are recently released. Both Redmi and Realme started the year by introducing their new flagship— Redmi Note 11 and Realme 9i. Both are mid-range offerings that can prove to be a great partner of yours! You can compare the two devices based on their key specifications and features.

Redmi Note 11 vs Realme 9i

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Before we see the difference between Redmi Note 11 and Realme 9i, let's take a look at the common factors of the phones.

Similarities



  • Both smartphones support Dual-SIM technology

  • Common display features include a 90Hz refresh rate and a 20:9 aspect ratio

  • Android 11 OS out of the box

  • Octacore processor based Snapdragon 680 4G under the hood with Adreno 610 GPU

  • Available in three storage configurations: 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, and 128GB 6GB RAM

  • Connectivity and sensors options include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS with A-GPS, USB Type-C port, and a side-mounted fingerprint reader.

  • Battery capacity stands at 5,000 mAh supports 33W of fast charging


Now that we are familiar with the common grounds of the Redmi Note 11 and Realme 9i, let's move to the differences. To make it easier for you, we have portrayed a table with all the major factors.

Redmi Note 11 vs Realme 9i


[table id=60 /]
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Download Smart Sidebar Latest Version [Old Versions Archived]

Smart Sidebar is where you can enjoy multitasking at its best. It allows you to have quick access to your favorite apps and tools. You can jump between different apps, reply to a text, take screenshots, transfer files, and do more while playing a game or watching a video. Prior, you have to enable Smart Sidebar via Settings > Smart & Convenient > Smart Sidebar, and toggle the button.

Smart Sidebar

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Here are all the updates Realme spun for the Smart Sidebar. You can find the latest build at the top followed by the previous release. Just find your required version and click on the download button.

Download Smart Sidebar



  • [February 3, 2022]: The Smart Sidebar is receiving a new update on version v12.0.36. The build is live for the global users of Realme UI and ColorOS 7


Download version v12.0.36




  • [January 3, 2022]: A new build with version v12.0.32 is rolling out for the Smart Sidebar. The update is compatible with the global users of Realme UI and ColorOS 7


Download version v12.0.32




  • [December 5, 2021]: The global users of Realme UI and ColorOS 7 can flash the new update of Smart Sidebar with version v12.0.31


Download version v12.0.31




  • [November 15, 2021]: Download the new version v12.0.29 of the Smart Sidebar on your smartphones running Realme UI and ColorOS 7


Download version v12.0.29



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Pixel 6 and 6 Pro users face Bluetooth connection issues

Pixel 6 series is one of the best smartphones Google has ever made. However, with every pro, there are cons. Besides a feature-packed device, there are a plethora of bugs that users are facing.

Pixel 6
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This time, users have reported that their smartphone denies a strong Bluetooth connection. In certain scenarios like when the device is connected to a car, the phone cycled through disconnecting and reconnecting over and over again. The same is the case with wireless headphones and other supported devices, which is really annoying.

To resolve the issue, users tried all possible methods including restarting the device and forgetting the Pixel 6 via a connected device. However, the phone failed to reconnect to the head unit. To mention, the January update for the series was supposed to fix the problem. Unfortunately, we know how that failed! Here are some of the complaints:
Please help me. I traded in my Samsung so I’m stuck with this phone and this Bluetooth issue is driving me nuts.

My pixel 6 pro disconnects Bluetooth phone calls in my Prius after a few minutes on the phone call and sometimes will drop the call in the process. The car will then disconnect and reconnect the Bluetooth in a loop. After that, I have to restart the phone for the Bluetooth to work again.

Pixel 6 pro keeps skipping during songs when on Bluetooth

At the time of writing, there is no official word from the company. But, we expect this issue to be resolved in future developments. Also, let us know if you face any difficulty with your Pixel device in the comment section below.
Read more: Chrome 98 Released: Check Out What's New!

Telegram 8.5 updates with video stickers, better reactions, and more

Telegram is the leading app if we talk about updates and features. The platform never fails to amuse users with its improvements, luring more users. In the latest update, Telegram 8.5 brings in new elements, including video stickers, better reactions, and more.

Telegram

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Most of the features of Telegram 8.5 intend to make your conversations more gripping. The update is rolling out for all iOS and Android users and here is what it carries.

Video Stickers


Telegram 8.5 allows you to convert regular videos into stickers. This implies that anyone can create custom stickers in any video editing program.

Better Reactions


Reactions will now be synchronized and will display packed animations. You can press and hold on to a reaction to give it a larger effect. And the recipients will see the animations in real-time. In addition, there will be a "read status" for reactions as well. A new ♡ button will appear when your messages have unseen reactions.

New Reactions and Interactive Emoji


You will get five new reactions: 🥰🤯🤔🤬👏 after updating to Telegram 8.5. Moreover, you can see them in a synchronized fullscreen effect by tapping on the animated emoji.

Navigating Recent Chats


We often switch chats in between. It is now easy as you just have to press and hold the 'Back' button to return to a specific chat. Add your conversation to the list and jump at the dance of your fingertips.

Bug Busting and More


Telegram 8.5 squash several known bugs and improves the call quality. Furthermore, it now enables you to send silent messages from the sharing menu. Along with a bunch of other improvements, it also supports translation to Instant View pages. In the end, there's an animated surprise for iOS users.


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Chrome 98 Released: Check Out What's New!

Adhering to its 4-week update schedule, Google released the Chrome 98. The version arrives with upgraded emojis, a new screenshot tool. The February release emphasizes the "Privacy Guide" for checking and gauging your privacy settings. Let's check out these changes in detail.

Chrome 98

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Upgraded Emojis


Emojis in Chrome look cleaner as they are scaled better and are smaller in size. Technically, Chrome 98 executes a new set of COLRv1 Color Gradient Vector Fonts. Well, you may not see improvement in small emojis, try zooming in and change your mind!


Moreover, Google is also experimenting with the ability to add emojis to screenshots on Android. You need to activate the feature to test, after which it adds a new “Add Emotion” button to the share menu. To do so, look for the below flag




  • chrome://flags/#lightweight-reactions-android.


Screenshot Tool


Unlike before, Chrome 98 will allow you to take screenshots without having to crop them. Thanks to the built-in screenshot tool. To find the option, click on the share icon in the address bar > Screenshot button. The option is fun, however, the feature is not stable. If you are interested to test, enable these flags.

  • chrome://flags/#sharing-desktop-screenshots

  •  chrome://flags/#sharing-desktop-screenshots-edit



Privacy Guide


Privacy Guide is the major feature of Chrome 98. As the name suggests, you can track your browser's privacy and security with this feature. The option can be found under the “Security & Privacy” settings of Chrome. This as well is hidden behind a flag that you have to enable from

  • chrome://flags/#privacy-review




This is a server-side update and will be installed automatically on your device. To track the version, click on the three-dot menu icon > Help > About Google Chrome.
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Wednesday, February 2, 2022

YouTube video player gets a new UI on Android and iOS

YouTube is rolling out a new update for its mobile app via version 17.03.35. After updating, the Android and iOS users will receive a new video player UI. It will bring in a full-screen player containing all key elements.


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The update will add adds a row of icons in the bottom left corner, making it easier for the user to like/ dislike a video, view comments, and share. On the right side, there are more recommended videos. Earlier, the options were hidden behind a swipe-up gesture. Also, you get listening controls while watching a music video in the middle.

Moreover, the comment section is easily accessible on the right side while playing the video in landscape. You just have to tap and pull the comment button. Earlier, you had to hap on the comment section while in portrait mode.

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To note, you can only note the difference while watching on full-screen or landscape mode. Your interaction with key functions is minimized and more flexible. However, while watching a video in portrait mode, it's almost the same. As mentioned, you can like/dislike the video conveniently. On the contrary, you can not see the numbers.




The server-side update started rolling out already on Monday. That means it will automatically find a way to hit your device in a while. Alternatively, you can try checking in to the Play Store and look if the new version is available for your smartphone.
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