Page 319 – GadgetByte Nepal

Samsung completes first batch of coding & programming course at Pulchowk Innovation Campus

Events in Nepal

Sonika Bhandari

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May 25, 2023

Samsung completes first batch of coding & programming course at Pulchowk Innovation Campus

Samsung brought its Innovation Campus program to Nepal last December. The company collaborated with Tribhuvan University Institute of Engineering to provide ICT students with different training and practical education at the Pulchowk Campus. The campus has already concluded the first batch of coding and programming courses and is preparing to launch its second course on Artificial Intelligence.

Insights on Samsung Innovative Campus Event

Samsung held an event to announce the completion of the first batch of its Innovation Campus students at the Pulchowk Engineering Campus. During the ceremony, guests of honor included Ms. Pramila Kumari, the Hon’ble State Minister of Education in Nepal, Mr. Sung June Park from Samsung Southwest Asia, and Dr. Shashidhar Ram Joshi, a professor and dean at Tribhuvan University Institute of Engineering.

The students who took the Coding and Programming course provided positive comments. They pointed out the significant improvement in their digital literacy, learning capacities, creativity, and employability – the program’s primary objectives. In addition, the course provided soft skills training to bridge the gap between academic learning and the demands of the workplace.

Samsung also announced that the future AI course would contain a practical project component. This will encourage students to present socially significant ideas incorporating AI, Big Data, Coding & Programming, and IoT. This hands-on approach provides students with real-world knowledge. Basically, it prepares them for the challenges they will face in the workplace. We can say that it is a promising development in Nepal’s education sector, emphasizing the value of practical skills in addition to theoretical knowledge.

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Bridging the Academic and Workplace Differences

A key aspect of the course that holds attention is the emphasis on practical training and its impact on students’ job market preparation. Further, students receive a vital experience beyond academic understanding by participating in practical tasks and real-world applications.

This approach not only improves their technical skills but also helps them think critically, solve problems, and communicate effectively. As a result, students are more prepared to face job hurdles, making them more appealing to future employers. The inclusion of practical training is a good shift in educational practices, making sure graduates are well-prepared to excel in their chosen areas.

Samsung Innovation Campus

Samsung is among the world’s leading consumer brands and is a known name even in Nepal. The company is primarily known for its wide range of Galaxy smartphones. However, it also offers other consumer electronics and home appliances as a part of its diverse portfolio.

Samsung launched the Innovation Campus back in 2019 as part of its global Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program. With the motto of “Together for Tomorrow! Enabling People” the program aims to prepare students for the 4th Industrial Revolution.

The Innovation Center equips ICT students with technical and soft skills training to help them with their future employment prospects.

Samsung Innovation Campus at Pulchowk IOE, Nepal

Last December, Samsung held a ceremony at the Pulchowk Campus of Tribhuwan University Institute of Engineering, where Mr. Devendra Paudel, Hon’ble Minister of Education, Science and Technology inaugurated the Innovation Campus along with Mr. Sunj June Par, Head of Samsung Nepal Office, Mr. Park Chong-Suk. Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Nepal and Dr. Shasidhar Ram Joshi, Dean of Tribhuvan University Institue of Engineering.

“At Samsung, co-prosperity is one of our core values and we stand by it at all times. With our global CSR program Samsung Innovation Campus, we aim to positively impact the lives of youth in Nepal, enhancing their skills in high-tech domains such as AI, IoT, Big Data, and Coding & Programming that are in demand among businesses today,”

What will students learn at Innovation Campus in Pulchowk Campus?

Students at the Samsung Innovation Campus get to enroll in courses related to Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, coding, programming, and the Internet of Things. (IoT). Since these are all ICT-related courses, students will need to have some knowledge of algorithms, data structures, and programming to get selected.

These courses will encourage ICT students to implement their knowledge in real-life with projects with social significance. In addition, students will also get to improve their employability with different soft and job preparation skills training.

Meanwhile, check out our review of the Pixel 7.

Mobvoi’s TicWatch Pro 5 is a flagship smartwatch with Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1 chip

Mobvoi

Mintu

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May 25, 2023

1

Mobvoi’s TicWatch Pro 5 is a flagship smartwatch with Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1 chip

Mobvoi is a widely heard name among smartwatch enthusiasts. The China-based company has unveiled its flagship smartwatch, the TicWtach Pro 5. Packing a Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1 flagship chip, this smart wearable is set to compete against the likes of Galaxy Watch 5 Pro in the Android arena. Without further ado, let’s get into the specs, features, and expected price of the Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5 in Nepal.

Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5 Overview:

Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1 Chip

One of the key highlights of the smartwatch is the Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1 chip. This flagship SoC for smart wearables was launched in 2022. Fabbed under a 4nm process, the chipset is 50% more battery efficient, thanks to the 22nm highly integrated AON Co-Processor. Talking of its performance, the dual GPUs, a new ML core, and upgraded memory can cater to a buttery smooth experience on the TicWatch Pro 5.

The chip is coupled with 2GB RAM and 32GB internal storage. Running the UI is Google’s WearOS 3 allowing 3rd party app support like Google Maps, Youtube Music, Google Pay, and such. You also get Bluetooth Calling and Quick Reply functions.

Design and Display

The TicWatch Pro 5 brings in a masculine vibe with its 50mm case. The watch weighs 44.3g (without straps) and is 12.2mm thick. And most importantly, it bags a US-MIL-STD 810H certification, proving its endurance against rain, sand, ice, shock, and vibration. For navigation, you get a button and a digital crown on the right side. While on the bottom, there is a PPG sensor for those health monitoring activities. Likewise, the watch also secures 5ATM water resistance for those water adventures.

Coming to the display, you get a dual-tone AMOLED 1.43-inch display with ultra-low-power mode. This mode turns on the analog mode with a single color tone to save battery life. Still, it can show other info such as heart rate, calories, compass, and blood oxygen. And the display gets Corning Gorillas Glass protection.

Meanwhile, check all the prices and specs of Mobvoi smartwatches

Fitness Tracking and Sensors

As a full-fledged smartwatch, the TicWatch Pro 5 bears all those necessary sensors for tracking your day-to-day activities or even adventure. For instance, it comes with a barometer for measuring barometric pressure and altitude fluctuations with linear progression.

Adding more value to the adventure seekers is its built-in GPS, altimeter, and compass for navigation. Other included sensors are Accelerometer, Gyro Sensor, PPG Heart Rate Sensor, SpO2 Sensor, Skin Temperature Sensor, and Low Latency Off-Body Sensor. Likewise, it is also rated to measure VO2 max plus 24 hours heart rate monitoring with health alerts.

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Battery, Connectivity, and Others

Fueling the smartwatch is a 628mAH battery which as per Movboi, lasts for 80 hours on typical usage. It also supports fast charging with 65% battery filling in just 30 minutes. Moving on, the wearable connects to the smartphone via Bluetooth 5.2 and Mobvoi Health app. Furthermore, you can also customize the TicWatch Pro 5 through multiple watch faces options.

Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5 Specifications:

Weight: 44 grams (without strap)
Dimension: 47 x 48 x 12.2 mm
Display: 1.4-inch AMOLED, 466 x 466 pixels, 326 PPI, Corning Gorilla Anti-fingerprint Cover Glass
Strap: Solid silicone, 24mm (interchangeable)
Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1 (4nm) + 22nm AoN co-processor
Software: Wear OS 3 by Google
Memory: 2GB RAM, 32GB storage
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.2, Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n, NFC
Audio: Speaker, Microphone
Certification: 5ATM, MIL-STD-810G
Sensors: Accelerometer, Gyro, HD PPG Heart Rate, SpO2, Low Latency Off-Body, Barometer, Compass, Altimeter
Navigation: GPS / Beidou / Glonass / Galileo / QZSS
Functions: 24-hour heart rate and stress monitoring, SpO2 tracking, Step counting
Battery: 628mAh (Up to 80 hours under Smart Mode)
Companion App: Mobvoi Health

Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5 Price in Nepal and Availability

The official price of the TicWatch Pro 5 is USD 349. We can expect the Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5 price in Nepal to be NPR 55,000 when it launches here.

Smartwatch Model	Price in the US	Price in Nepal (Expected)
Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5	USD 349	NPR 55,000

Meanwhile, you can check our Apple Watch Ultra review.

Realme announces Shah Rukh Khan as the brand ambassador for its upcoming 10 Pro series!

Realme

GadgetByte

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May 25, 2023

0

Realme has announced superstar Shah Rukh Khan as its brand ambassador for the realme smartphones. The announcement comes at a time as realme prepares to launch its highly anticipated premium midrange smartphone series, the realme 11 Pro Series 5G in India.

This collaboration further reinforces the brand’s commitment to inspiring the millennial generation and setting new benchmarks in the smartphone industry. Shah Rukh’s incredible contribution to the film industry and society has won him love and admiration from people across the world. By joining forces with an iconic personality and an inspiration to millions, realme is showcasing its focus on delivering powerful, stylish, and youth-oriented smartphones that resonate with the aspirations and ambitions of today’s youth.

The first product Shah Rukh Khan will endorse for realme is the realme 11 Pro Series 5G, which is launching globally very soon. With this collaboration, realme is poised to continue thriving and growing in the future, while staying true to its ‘Dare to Leap’ philosophy

Shah Rukh Khan shared, reflecting on the collaboration, “Realme’s ‘Dare to Leap’ philosophy truly resonated with me. The brand’s unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries aligns perfectly with my own pursuit of excellence. Together, we aim to ignite innovation and fuel the growth of realme globally. I am looking forward to joining the realme family as their brand ambassador and hope to inspire others to embrace challenges, take bold steps, and achieve greatness.”

Commenting on the association, Tao, Chief Marketing Officer at realme India, stated, “We are extremely excited to have Shah Rukh Khan on board as the brand ambassador for the realme smartphone category. His dare-to-leap spirit perfectly resonates with our brand’s philosophy. With this collaboration, we aim to reach new heights of innovation and redefine the smartphone experience for our users.”

Nepal can learn from India’s new AI spam call filtering system

Nepal Telecommunications Authority

Aarohan Niraula

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May 25, 2023

0

Nepal can learn from India’s new AI spam call filtering system

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) recently announced a new set of rules for the country’s telecom companies, including AI spam filters, caller IDs, and a ban on promotional calls. This move is expected to have a notable impact on bringing down call-based fraud and harassment cases in India. And we definitely think Nepali telcos should adopt this system as well.

India TRAI AI spam filters: Overview

TRAI is the primary regulatory authority of India’s massive telecommunications sector. It has been working to combat fraudulent and spam calls and ensure consumer safety. Back in March, it imposed regulations regarding Unsolicited Commercial Communications (UCC). And now, the organization has imposed a new set of rules that kicked off on May 1, the first of which is the AI spam filter.

TRAI has mandated all telecom companies in India to implement AI spam filtering mechanisms for calls and SMS. Telecom giants like Jio and Airtel have already complied while others are expected to follow suit soon. This system will analyze patterns in call records and pool from the giant telecom databases to mark certain calls as spam.

It is similar to how spam filtering works in SMS. Fake calls meant to trick users, fraudulent calls meant to extort money, impersonations, and annoying sales calls will all be identified by the system and blocked.

Caller ID and other regulations

Alongside the AI filters, TRAI also guided Indian telcos to implement “Caller ID” systems that show the caller’s name alongside their picture (if available). Something similar already exists in third-party apps like “Truecaller“. But implementation pan-India is going to be much more effective at stopping impersonations and spam calls.

On top of this, TRAI has also requested a ban on all kinds of promotional calls on 10-digit numbers. When implemented, daily sales calls and promotional offers won’t be a nuisance anymore.

Except for the AI spam filter, the rest of these features aren’t going to be implemented just yet. But users in India can still activate DND (Do Not Disturb) on their cell numbers to block telemarketing and promotional messages from certain categories without messing with the important stuff like bank alerts or bill notifications.

What’s the state of spam call filter in Nepal?

Though sales calls are pretty common in Nepal, we don’t get as many scam calls as in India. Most promotional marketing calls—while annoying—are usually harmless. But there have been instances of international call scams like “Wangiri”. Under this, scammers would give one-ring missed calls from international numbers, and if you dial them back, it would cost you a lot of money. Thus, such spam filters do have a role in Nepal.

AI spam filters: Final thoughts

India has had a massive problem with such spam calls, so it is only logical for TRAI to crack down on it via some robust regulations. That being said, we’ll have to wait and see how effective this will actually be. By contrast, Nepal doesn’t have such an endemic, so spam call laws are much more lax here.

Still and all, NTA should be closely working with Nepal’s telecom companies to block fishy numbers as a defensive mechanism. And we can learn from India’s implementation of such spam call filtering systems and model a similar one suitable for Nepal.

Meanwhile, check our picks for the best phones under INR 20,000 / USD 300

Sony announces “Project Q” PlayStation handheld to stream PS5 games

GadgetByte

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May 25, 2023

1

Sony announces “Project Q” PlayStation handheld to stream PS5 games

The rumors were true—Sony is indeed working on a handheld PlayStation. Today, the company announced Project Q at the PlayStation Showcase amidst all the new trailer releases. So, let’s get into the specs, features, and everything we know about the Sony Project Q PlayStation handheld.

[Update: Sony has officially announced PlayStation Portal for USD 200]

Sony Project Q PlayStation Handheld:

Before you start comparing Project Q with Steam Deck and Asus ROG Ally, it is a different concept altogether. Instead of being dedicated handheld hardware, Project Q is designed to go with PlayStation 5, like an accessory. It won’t play any games natively but will stream them over the Wi-Fi as long as the game is not based on VR and is installed on your PlayStation. Sony Project Q will rely on Sony’s proprietary Remote Play for the same.

Remote Play is currently available on all major platforms, including Android and iOS. It allows users to stream games from their PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 on compatible devices over a Wi-Fi connection. It is most effective when streaming games from different rooms in the same house, so it’s interesting to see if this will also be a limitation on Project Q.

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As the device is still pretty much in development, there was not much to discuss at the event. Still, Sony confirmed that the Project Q will feature an 8-inch LCD screen. The device will also have all the controls and haptics of the DualSense wireless controller. According to the press release, Project Q will be capable of running 1080P games at 60fps.

PlayStation Earbuds

Sony also announced that the company is launching the first PlayStation wireless earbuds. It will be compatible with PlayStation 5 and PC. At the heart of the earbuds will be a new lossless audio tech developed by Sony itself.

Sony Project Q and PlayStation Earbuds Lunch Date

The Project Q and PlayStation Eearbuds will have an official launch later this year. Sony has not given any specific date to look out for since the two PlayStation 5 accessories are still in development.

Meanwhile, check out our review of AYANEO Air.

iQOO Neo 8 Pro official with flagship Dimensity 9200 +, 120W fast charging

Aarohan Niraula

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May 24, 2023

1

iQOO Neo 8 Pro official with flagship Dimensity 9200 +, 120W fast charging

Just a few months after the global release of the iQOO Neo 7, its successors are already available for pre-order in China. iQOO Neo 8 and Neo 8 Pro feature flagship chips, impressive charging speeds, and AMOLED screens. Let’s talk in detail about the design, specifications, price in Nepal, and availability of the iQOO Neo 8 Pro in this article.

iQOO Neo 8 Pro: Overview

Design and Display

The iQOO Neo 8 Pro features a large 6.78-inch 144Hz AMOLED screen. The 1.5K (2800 x 1260) display has an aspect ratio of 20:9 alongside a touch sampling rate of 300 Hz. The phone is available in 3 color options that include Night Rock, Surf, and Match Point (Red). The first two have glass on the front and back with a plastic mid-frame, whereas the Match Point variant has a special textured leather back. The phone weighs under 200 grams regardless of which variant you choose.

Performance and Memory

The iQOO Neo 8 Pro is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9200+ chipset alongside Vivo’s proprietary V1+ processor. The Dimensity 9200+ is an Octa-Core processor fabbed under a 4nm process. The V1+ is there to help with photo processing and AI-related tasks. The phone features an Immortalis G715 GPU.

Complementing the processor, you get 16 GB of LPDDR5 RAM alongside 256/512 GB of super-fast UFS 4 storage.

Battery and Connectivity

iQOO Neo 8 Pro has a massive 5000mAh battery to fuel its processor and display. It is a 2-cell setup with 2440mAh cells to allow faster refueling. It supports 120 W ultra-fast charging via USB-C, which can juice the phone from 0 to 50% in under 10 minutes.

The device has 5G support along with the latest Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi 6. There’s an in-display optical fingerprint sensor as well. iQOO Neo 8 Pro also has NFC and GPS with a bunch of other sensors. These include a gyroscope, proximity, light, gravity, infrared, digital compass, and more.

Camera

The iQOO Neo 8 Pro has 2 cameras on the back with an LED flash as well. The primary camera is a 50MP Sony IMX866V lens, whereas the other one is an 8MP ultrawide camera. The front punch hole features a 16 MP selfie camera.

iQOO Neo 8 Pro Specifications:

Display: 6.78-inches 144Hz AMOLED, 1.5K (2800 x 1260 pixels)
Chipset: MediaTek Dimensity 9200+ (4nm mobile platform)
Memory: 16GB RAM, 128/256GB UFS 4.0 storage (non-expandable)
Software & UI: OriginOS 3.0 UI on top of Android 13
Rear Camera: Dual (50MP primary + 8MP ultrawide)
Front Camera: 16MP (hole-punch cutout)
Security: On-Screen fingerprint sensor
Battery: 5000mAh with 120W wired charging
Wireless Charging: No
Color Options: Night Rock (Black), Surf (Blue), Match Point (Red)

iQOO Neo 8 Pro: Price in Nepal and Availability

The phone is available for pre-order in China with a starting price of CNY 3300 (~ USD 469) for the 16/256GB variant. The 16/512 GB configuration costs CNY 3100, which is roughly USD 510. We’re hoping for a global launch of the Neo 8 series soon. Following last year’s trajectory, we expect the phone to launch sometime in September.

iQOO Neo 8 Pro	Price in China	Price in Nepal (Expected)
16/256GB	CNY 3,300	NPR 66,000
16/512GB	CNY 3,600	NPR 72,000

Meanwhile, check out our review of the iQOO 11.

China bans Micron semiconductor chips as the US-China Tech War escalates

Sonika Bhandari

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May 24, 2023

0

China bans Micron semiconductor chips as the US-China Tech War escalates

China recently banned the sale of Micron Technology products, claiming major risks to cybersecurity and national security concerns. This action is considered a payback for the United States’ increased restrictions Chinese companies and products. This will have a major impact on Micron’s revenue, 11% of which came directly from China. The global technological landscape is seeing immense effects as conflicts between the two major economies rise.

Details of China’s Ban on Micron

China’s Cyberspace Administration (CAC) declared the ban after following a cybersecurity review. Moreover, the review found that Micron products pose “relatively serious cybersecurity risks”. These risks harm China’s important information infrastructure supply chain and national security. Chinese officials are yet to release the details about the inspection process but say the decision came after a 50-day investigation.

Impacted Sectors and Major Customers

Chinese market forbids the sales of Micron products, including DRAM, NAND flash memory, and solid-state drives in critical sectors. These sectors include communication, energy, transportation, water resources, and finance under the ban. Consequently, this move will have a direct impact on Micron’s major Chinese customers; Lenovo, Xiaomi, Inspur Electronics Information, ZTE, Coolpad, China Electronics Corp, and Oppo.

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Impact on Micron and Competitors

Micron, the world’s fourth-largest semiconductor company, is now reviewing its next steps and is expressing a wish to have discussions with Chinese officials. The restriction might cost Micron a “high single-digit” proportion of its yearly revenue, posing financial issues for the company. According to industry observers, this prohibition may assist other memory chip players. This includes South Korean heavyweights Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, as well as Chinese supplier Yangtze Memory Technologies Corp.

The geopolitical conflicts shaped the global technological environment, with major democracies increasingly concerned about China’s actions. Besides, the US Department of Commerce slammed China’s decision, repeating its strong opposition to restrictions that lack a factual basis. To address the disruptions caused by China’s actions in the memory chip industry, the US government aims to engage with Chinese authorities and important allies.

Lastly, the ban of China on Micron products is a major step forward in the ongoing economic and technological conflict between the United States and China. The tightened restrictions and imposed bans from both governments disrupt the global IT supply chain. Micron, a well-known participant in the semiconductor sector, must negotiate these obstacles and weigh its alternatives for the future. This ban’s geopolitical effects highlight the complicated relationships between the world’s two largest economies and their impact on the global technology scene.

Meanwhile, check out our review of the Samsung Galaxy A24.

iQOO steps into the tablet arena with the Dimensity 9000+ powered iQOO Pad

iQOO
Tablet

Mintu

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May 24, 2023

0

iQOO steps into the tablet arena with the Dimensity 9000+ powered iQOO Pad

Brands these days are unleashing their latest tablets into the competition. iQOO has also thrown the hat in the ring with its iQOO Pad tablet. Coming with a Dimensity 9000+ chipset, the tab bears similarities to the Vivo Pad 2. Without further ado, let’s get into the specs, features, and expected price of the iQOO Pad in Nepal.

iQOO Pad Overview:

Design and Display

The iQOO Pad takes a lot of cues from its Vivo Pad 2 sibling. The build here is thin at 6.59mm, yet sturdy, thanks to the almunium body. The rear side houses a circular camera module on the top. While you get the tab in only one color option: Stargray.

On the front side, you are greeted with a 12.1-inch display with a 144Hz refresh rate. This IPS LCD screen has a 2.8K resolution of 2880 x 1800 pixels. Besides that, it boasts 600nits peak brightness, 100% DCI-P3 color gamut support, and HDR 10 certification.

But the main highlight of the screen is its 7:5 aspect ratio, which is identical to both Vivo Pad 2 and OnePlus Pad. As per Vivo, this aspect ratio provides a more natural experience when reading web pages and other content.

Performance

To keep some variations, the iQOO Pad gets the Dimensity 9000+ SoC under the hood as compared to the vanilla Dimensity 9000 on the Vivo Pad 2. This 5G silicon features a slightly overclocked Cortex-X2 prime core at 3.2GHz, offering a slight boost to the CPU performance. Handling the graphics is a Mali-G710 MC10 GPU.

For keeping the thermals in check, the iQOO Pad implements a 14442m2 double-layered graphite cooling solution. As for the memory options, the tablet is available in four configurations: 8/128GB, 8/256GB, 12/256GB, and 12/512GB. And booting the device is Vivo’s Origin OS 3 built on top of Android 13.

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Accessories

The tab is compatible with iQOO Touch Pad Smart Keyboard and iQOO Pencil which are sold seperately at CNY 599 and CNY 499 respectively.

Remaining Specs

Talking of the optics, the tab sports dual cameras on the back, including a 13MP primary camera and a 2MP macro unit. Upfront, you get an 8MP camera for selfies and video calls. The audio output is produced by four full-range speakers and two tweeters that produce up to 6W of sound output. And keeping the tablet’s power on is a 10,000mAh battery with 44W fast charging support.

iQOO Pad Specifications:

Dimensions: 266.03 x 191.60 x 6.59mm; 585 grams
Display: 12.1-inches IPS LCD, 144Hz refresh rate, DCI-P3, HDR 10, 7:5 aspect ratio
Resolution: 2.8K (2800 × 1968 pixels)
Chipset: MediaTek Dimensity 9000+ (4nm)
Memory: Up to 12GB LPDDR5 RAM, Up to 512GB UFS 3.1 storage
Software & UI: OriginOS 3
Rear Camera: Dual (13MP primary, 2MP macro)
Front Camera: 8MP
Audio: Quad-stereo + two tweeter speakers (6W)
Battery: 10000mAh with 44W fast charge
Color Options: Starlight Grey

iQOO Pad Price in Nepal and Availability

The official price of the iQOO Pad begins at a starting price of CNY 2,599 for the baseline 8/128GB trim and goes up to CNY 3,499 for the 12/512GB model. We can expect the iQOO Pad price in Nepal to commence from NPR 55,999 if and when it launches here.

iQOO Pad	Price in China (Official)	Price in Nepal (Expected)
8/128GB	CNY 2,599	NPR 58,000
8/256GB	CNY 2,899	NPR 67,000
12/256GB	CNY 3,199	NPR 72,000
12/512GB	CNY 3,499	NPR 80,000

Meanwhile, you can check out our Samsung Galaxy A24 Review.

iQOO Neo 8 unveiled with 120W fast charging and Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset

Aarohan Niraula

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May 24, 2023

0

iQOO Neo 8 unveiled with 120W fast charging and Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset

Just a few months after the global release of the iQOO Neo 7, Vivo unveiled its successor, the iQOO Neo 8, in China. Sporting a faster AMOLED display, powered by the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 and fueled by a massive 5000 mAh battery, iQOO Neo 8 is solid all around. Let’s talk about the design, specifications, price in Nepal, and availability of the iQOO Neo 8 in this article.

iQOO Neo 8: Overview

Design and Display

The iQOO Neo 8 features a large 6.78-inch 144Hz AMOLED screen. The 1.5K (2800 x 1260) display has an aspect ratio of 20:9, alongside a touch sampling rate of 300Hz. The phone is available in 3 color options that include Night Rock, Surf, and Match Point. The first two have glass on the front and back with a plastic mid-frame, whereas the Match Point variant has a special textured back. The phone weighs under 200 grams regardless of which variant you choose.

Performance and Memory

The iQOO Neo 8 brings the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset alongside Vivo’s proprietary V1+ processor. The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 is an octa-core processor fabbed under a 4nm process. The V1+ is there to help with photo processing and AI-related tasks. The phone features an Adreno 730 GPU for gaming.

Complementing the processor, you get 12GB of fast LPDDR5 RAM on the base models. There is also an option to configure it to 16GB on purchase. For long-term memory, you get 256/512GB of UFS 3.1 storage.

Battery and Connectivity

iQOO Neo 8 has a massive 5000 mAh battery to fuel its processor and display. It is a 2-cell setup with 2440 mAh cells to allow faster refueling. It supports impressive 120W ultra-fast charging via USB-C.

The device has 5G support along with the latest Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi 6. iQOO Neo 8 also has NFC and GPS with a bunch of other sensors. These include a gyroscope, proximity, light, gravity, infrared, digital compass, and more.

Camera

The iQOO Neo 8 has 2 cameras on the back with an LED flash as well. The primary camera is a 50MP shooter, whereas the other one is a 2MP depth sensor. The front punch hole features a 16 MP selfie camera.

iQOO Neo 8 Specifications:

Display: 6.78-inches 144Hz AMOLED, 1.5K (2800 x 1260 pixels)
Chipset: Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4nm mobile platform)
Memory: 12/16GB RAM, 128/256GB storage (non-expandable)
Software & UI: OriginOS 3.0 UI on top of Android 13
Rear Camera: Dual (50MP primary + 2MP depth)
Front Camera: 16MP (hole-punch cutout)
Security: On-Screen fingerprint sensor
Battery: 5000mAh with 120W wired charging
Color Options: Night Rock, Surf, Match Point

iQOO Neo 8 Price in Nepal and Availability

The phone is available for pre-order in China with a starting price of CNY 2499 (~ USD 350) for the 12/256GB variant. The 16/512GB configuration costs CNY 3100, which is roughly USD 440. We’re hoping for a global launch of the Neo 8 series soon. Following last year’s trajectory, we expect the phone to launch sometime in September.

iQOO Neo 8	Price in China	Price in Nepal (Expected)
12/256GB	CNY 2,499	NPR 50,000
12/512GB	CNY 2,799	NPR 56,000
16/512GB	CNY 3,099	NPR 62,000

Meanwhile, check out our review of iQOO Neo 7.

Sony ZV-1 II is a compact vlogging machine with 1-inch sensor and wider lens

Camera
Sony

Mintu

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May 24, 2023

0

Sony ZV-1 II is a compact vlogging machine with 1-inch sensor and wider lens

Sony has unveiled the second iteration of its ZV-1 vlogging camera, the ZV-1 II. This new compact vlogging machine from the Japanese tech giant adapts a wider 18-50mm f1.8-4 lens compared to the 24-70mm f1.8-2.8 lens on the ZV-1. In this article, we’ll delve into the specs, features, and expected price of the Sony ZV-1 II in Nepal.

Sony ZV-1 II Overview:

Design

As a vlogging camera, the camera boasts a pretty lightweight body at just 266 grams. Adding the battery and SD card would total 292 grams which is still pretty handy for carrying it around. For controls, you get a 3-inch TFT vari-angle touchscreen and function buttons for those vlogging actions.

20.1 MP 1-inch Sensor

Let’s begin with the sensor first. Sony has used a 1-inch Exmor RS CMOS sensor with 21MP resolution with electronic shutter. The newly developed ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T* lens is an 18-50 mm shooter with an aperture of F1.8-4. This grants the ZV-1 II to capture wider scenes and more zoom field than its predecessor, the ZV-1, released back in 2020. On top of that, the variable f1.8 to f4 allows playing between richer bokeh shots or capturing more light in low-light conditions.

Stabilization, Hybrid AF

The camera can capture up to 4K videos at 30fps while the slow-mo video is capped at Full HD resolution with 120fps. There is no OIS here so it relies on EIS instead. All in all, it supports ‘Multiple Face Recognition’ to keep everyone in focus. And the ‘Cinematic Vlog Setting function’ allows the users to set a CinemaScope size (2.35:1) and a frame rate of 23.98 fps.

Moving on, the ZV-1 II has an ISO sensitivity spanning from 125 to 12800. It also includes fast hybrid AF which should offer similar performance as on the expensive Alpha lineup. Here, the AF Subject Shift Sensitivity controls whether the camera switches its focus from one subject to another while recording video.

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And the AF Transition Speed controls the focusing speed. Likewise, the Real-time Eye AF can precisely maintain focus on people or animals in both photos and moving pictures. Besides that, you can capture stills in three formats: RAW, RAW+JPEG, and JPEG.

Remaining Specs

Furthermore, the ZV-1 II boasts a built-in three-capsule stereo mic and monaural speaker. There is a USB-C port with Hi-Speed USB 480 Mbps speed and USB 2.0 compatibility. Due to it, the camera can double as a webcam as well as a live streaming machine. And the wireless connectivity includes WiFi (2.4GHz) and Bluetooth 4.2. Furthermore, you get an HDMI Connector and multi-interface shoe as well.

Sony ZV-1 II Specifications:

Lens: 20.1MP EXMOR RS CMOS Sensor, 1-inch
Auto Focus: Hybrid AF, AF Subject Shift Sensitivity, AF Transition Speed
Stabilization: EIS
Video: Up to 4k 30fps
Microphone: 3 Microphones
Wireless Connectivity: WiFi (2.4GHz), Bluetooth 4.2 (2.4GHz)
Smartphone Companion App: Creator’s Studio

Sony ZV-1 II Price in Nepal and Availability

The official price of the Sony ZV-1 II is USD 899.99 with its availability starting from June 2023. We can expect the Sony ZV-1 II price in Nepal to be NPR 136,999 when it launches here.

Camera	Price (Official)	Price in Nepal (Expected)
Sony EV-1 II	USD 899.99	NPR 136,999

Meanwhile, you can check our Poco F5 Review.