The Vivo V40 Lite is not a mile different from its sister phones, it embodies a fusion of aesthetic brilliance and cutting-edge innovation in its design. According to the company, the V40 Lite is poised to become a symbol of style and a powerhouse of technology. Combining a chic design with groundbreaking AI camera features, it transcends the ordinary smartphone experience.

“Vivo V series has always been a trendsetter in the smartphone industry, serving as the perfect companion for our users around the clock,” said James Irungu, Brand and Communications manager at Vivo Kenya in a press statement. “We are eagerly anticipating the market’s response to the upcoming vivo V40 Lite.” He added, “At the core of our product design is a steadfast focus on user needs. We strive to make premium materials and cutting-edge innovations accessible to everyone.”

The Vivo V40 Lite is set to captivate the market with its fashionable sleek design, powerful performance, and advanced camera capabilities.

The V40 Lite will come with an AMOLED Display with a refresh rate of 120Hz, under the hood; a Snapdragon 685 Processor, Android 14 OS, 8GB RAM (which can be expanded to 16GB), 256GB onboard storage, and 5,000mAh battery support 80W fast-charge.

Despite its ultra-slim profile, vivo V40 Lite offers unparalleled durability, ensuring robustness for its users. The device boasts an IP64 Dust and Water Resistance, providing reliable protection against dust intrusion and accidental splashes. It also incorporates Wet-hand Touch Technology, ensuring that the phone remains responsive even when users interact with it while their hands are wet.

As the newest member of the vivo V series family, V40 Lite is poised to elevate photography to new heights. Armed with a 50 MP Main Camera, a 2MP Bokeh Camera, and the iconic AI Aura Light, the V40 Lite will be capable of crafting high-quality portraits with ease. The AI Aura Light Portrait feature is expected to help users capture stunning portraits in nighttime settings. The device incorporates a suite of AI-powered photography features, such as AI Erase for effortlessly removing unwanted elements and AI Photo Enhancement for boosting image clarity.

The rear camera setup and AI Aura Light are exquisitely crafted in a Cushion-Cut Diamond Camera Shape module, merging the softness of rounded edges with the precision of sharp geometric lines. This innovative design marks a bold step away from the V series’ signature rounded design, achieving a harmonious blend of modern innovation and enduring elegance. It promises to provide users with a revitalizing, premium visual experience.

The Vivo V40 Lite will be available in two colors; Titanium Silver and Emerald Green. It will be priced at around KSH30,000.

The post Vivo Set to Unveil a Lite Version of the V40 Smartphone in Kenya appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

Vivo V40 is a top-tier flagship that seamlessly blends innovation with sophistication, boasting a sleek design, state-of-the-art photography features, a lasting battery, and an array of eye-catching colors. For consumers seeking professional-grade portrait photography, vivo V40 stands as an unparalleled choice.

“With the Vivo V40, we’ve focused on blending powerful mobile portrait photography, lasting battery performance, and sleek design to enhance the overall user experience,” said Mr. James Irungu, Brand and Communications Manager. “We partnered with ZEISS to co-engineer a professional-level portrait system that provides endless opportunities for creativity and self-expression. The long-lasting battery, effortless performance, immersive display, and intuitive interface ensure that users stay connected, productive, and entertained throughout their day.”

Specifications

The Vivo V40 is a Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) and also supports eSIM or Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by). The phone comes with a 6.78-inches AMOLED, HDR10+ display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a screen resolution of 1260 x 2800 pixels, and its peak brightness reaches 4500 nits, 60.7% higher than the previous generation, providing a clear and vibrant display under bright sunlight.

Under the hood, the phone comes with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 (4 nm) chipset, an Octa-core processor, an Adreno 720 GPU, 12GB RAM (which can be virtually extended by another 12GB), and an onboard storage of 256GB. The phone runs on Android 14 coupled with Funtouch 14 and is powered by Li-Ion 5500 mAh, a non-removable battery that supports 80W wired fast charging —and also supports reverse wired charging. The vivo V40 is the slimmest vivo phone to date packing a huge battery, measuring 7.58 mm in thickness.

The device has IP68 and IP69 dust and water resistance, ensuring durability in various environments.

The vivo V40 has two 50 MP cameras on the back and at the front a 50MP shooter as well. All the cameras can record up to 4K at 30fps. The cameras are the main focus of the phone. It is attentively engineered for professional-level portrait photography, meeting the high standards jointly defined by Vivo and ZEISS. This will allow users to capture stunning portraits and videos with cinematic quality —even in low-light conditions, as claimed by the company. The cameras have Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) that reduces blur, achieving consistently sharp and bright images.

The V40 offers a variety of ZEISS Style Bokeh effects, all expertly designed to give user portraits a unique and refined visual appeal. Building on this foundation, the AI Aura Light Portrait feature offers professional lighting, perfect for low-light portrait photography. The upgraded AI 3D Studio Lighting enhances image quality with precise and natural fill light, making it ideal for indoor and backlit scenarios.

The V40 doesn’t come with an audio jack. In terms of communications; it supports Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Bluetooth V5.4, NFC, and USB Type-C 2.0.

Availability, price, and color

The Vivo V40 is available for purchase at KSH64,999 —and comes in two color variants; Moonlight White; a soft mix of blue and white with an Anti-Fingerprint Coating, and Stellar Silver; an elegant shade featuring AG technology for enhanced scratch and fingerprint resistance.

See also: Infinix records impressive 18.8% growth in global smartphone shipments for Q2 2024

The post Vivo V40 Launched in Kenya: Price, Specs, and Availability appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

ZEISS has been developing the most advanced imaging technologies, some of which are breakthroughs for photography and cinematography. As an imaging pioneer, ZEISS inspires generations to see beyond, enabling countless iconic images —from Oscar-winning films to humanity’s first steps on the moon.

The collaboration between vivo and ZEISS will bring an outstanding imaging system to vivo V40, empowering users to capture high-quality visuals with sophistication. The groundbreaking ZEISS All Main Camera brings the refinement of a pro-level cinematic look and feel into your pocket.

James Irungu, Vivo Kenya Brand and Communications, said that since the end of 2020, Vivo has embarked on a global strategic partnership in imaging innovation with ZEISS. “Our collaboration encompasses in-depth research and development, joint product creation, and cultural branding efforts,” he said —adding “Now, V series users can also enjoy the thrill of professional portrait creation as the collaboration between vivo and ZEISS extends to V40, bringing top-tier mobile photography capabilities to a wider audience than ever before.”

The latest vivo V40, co-engineered with ZEISS, exemplifies Vivo’s persistent pursuit of professional portrait photography.

Vivo is continuously raising the standard for smartphone portrait photography tracks, aiming to provide every user with cinematic quality for personal creation and expression in the mobile imaging era. V40 will incorporate the ZEISS Cinematic Portrait Video feature to elevate users’ mobile videography experience to new heights.

With ZEISS Focus Transition and ZEISS Cinematic Video Bokeh, users can expect to capture professional-grade videos with stunning bokeh effects and smooth focus transitions with ease. V40 will introduce ZEISS Style Bokeh, which adds portraits with a distinct character, unlocking a world of creative possibilities and professional-grade results.

Furthermore, vivo remains committed to exploring the boundaries of smartphone portrait photography, driven by a determination to empower users to capture stunning portraits. A hallmark of the V series, the Aura Light Portrait has been completely revamped in the upcoming V40, delivering a brighter Aura Light for improved illumination. V40 is set to introduce AI 3D Studio Lighting, a feature that utilizes advanced AI algorithms for 3D facial light recognition. This technology enhances lighting in challenging conditions, providing precise illumination to shadowy areas and creating an even, three-dimensional effect.

Beyond advanced imaging capabilities, V40 will redefine perceptions of stylish slim smartphones. The phone will come in captivating color options; Moonlight White, and Stellar Silver, and according to the company, it will allow users to showcase their style effortlessly.

The V40 is equipped with a 5,500 mAh battery offering long-lasting power and challenging the traditional notion that large-capacity batteries result in bulky devices. V40 is backed by 80W FlashCharge for rapid recharges. The actual charging power is dynamically adjusted as the scenario changes, and subject to actual use.

The phone has been tested under controlled laboratory conditions and is rated as IP68 and IP69 under IEC standard 60529. The resistance to splashes, water and dust is not permanent and may be reduced due to daily use.

The phone will be launched on October 14th in the Kenyan market. “The Vivo V40 is about to debut, and this revolutionary device will transform how you record life, empowering everyone to become the director of their own story,” said Irungu.

The post Vivo V40 Release Date in Kenya Announced, its Cameras are Co-engineered With ZEISS appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

“The Spark 30 Series is poised to revolutionize the smartphone experience, offering a symphony of unparalleled features and a coveted exclusive Transformers Edition,” said Jack Guo, General Manager of Tecno Mobile. “With continuous enhancements to the SPARK Series, we ensure that vibrant, tech-savvy youth embrace and revel in the power of our innovations to create new possibilities.”

Complementing its ultimate performance, the Tecno Spark 30 Series features a trendy, sleek, and tech-infused design. The Spark family’s signature large circular design is now enhanced and refined for a more streamlined appearance. With a 7.4mm ultra-thin body, the Spark 30 Pro embraces the emerging minimalist technology trend, bringing an unprecedented grip experience in hand. With evolved Magic Skin 3.0, it provides a blend of soft plush and premium leather with an ultra-refined texture.

Taking inspiration from the unstoppable Transformers robots, Optimus Prime and Bumblebee, the Spark 30 Series Transformers Edition infuses technology with a Cybertronian-inspired design texture. The integrated DECO design is crafted with a metallic sheen and precision color coordination, adding a vibrant look while paying homage to the resilience of the iconic characters. Additionally, the edition debuts a customized interface adorned with Transformers motifs, bringing the iconic world to life and providing a dynamic platform for users of all ages to express their love for the franchise.

The Spark 30 Series comes with onboard storage of up to 256GB and RAM of 8GB that can be extended up to 16GB. The Spark 30 has a 6.78-inch 90Hz FullHD+ screen with 800 nits peak brightness and support for wet and oily touch. It also has a centered punch-hole for the 13MP selfie camera while on the other hand, the pro version has a 6.78-inch AMOLED with FullHD+ resolution, up to 120Hz refresh rate, and 1,700 nits peak brightness. The pro also has a 13 MP selfie camera under a punch hole.

As for the rear cameras, the Spark 30 comes with 64MP while the Pro comes with a 108MP primary camera, and the other is called “AI Camera,” likely a depth sensor that assists with background blur in portrait photos. Equipped with Tecno AI, the Spark 30 Series offers advanced AI-driven features, including AIGC portrait, AI Eraser, and AI Artboard, enhancing your productivity and creativity.

The Spark 30 Pro is powered by a MediaTek Helio G100 SoC and the Spark 30 is powered by Helio G91 SoC. The smartphones run Android 14 coupled with the company’s HIOS.

The series is equipped with exceptional battery capacity, impressive storage, and powerful performance, and according to the company the phones have a battery health of 80%+ enduring after 1,000 charge cycles. While both smartphones come with a 5,000 mAh battery, the Spark 30 supports 18W charging and the Pro version supports up to 33W fast charging. According to the company, the Pro version’s convenient 33W Fast Charge offers 3 intelligent charging modes and can charge the device from 0-100% in approximately 70 minutes.

Led by the masterful Spark 30 and Spark 30 Pro, the new Spark 30 Series also features the exceptional Spark 30C, Spark 30 5G, and Spark 30C 5G. The Transformers edition of the Spark 30 and Spark 30 Pro have two different paint jobs. Tecno gave the Spark 30 a black and yellow Bumblebee-inspired look, while the Spark 30 Pro comes in Blue, Red, and Silver, which are the colors of Optimus Prime.

Tecno stated in a press release that its partnership with Hasbro, the company that holds the rights for Transformers, aims to add a “layer of excitement for energetic youth.” The phone will come with exclusive branded merchandise and gift sets.

The post Tecno Spark 30 Series Debuts: 5 Models, 5-Year Lag-Free Guarantee, and a Transformers Edition Twist appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

Infinix Zero Flip is expected to be unveiled soon as the company officially teased its arrival via X, however, the launch date and availability details weren’t revealed. Ahead of anything concrete, alleged promotional images of the foldable smartphone have surfaced online. The images suggest the design of the phone alongside some key features such as it will come with 8GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. It will also have two vertically aligned cameras integrated into cutouts from a big square cover display.

Promotional images of the handset have been leaked in a Facebook post by Queen Mobile, a Vietnam-based retailer. The phone is expected to come in Titanium Black and Pink colors —and per leaked images, the phone could have a 6.7-inch full-HD+ AMOLED main screen and a 3.64-inch AMOLED cover display. Both displays are tipped to support a 120Hz refresh rate and Corning Gorilla Glass protection.

The Infinix Zero Flip 5G will be powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 8020 SoC. It is expected to run on Android 14-based XOS 14.5 powered by a non-removable 4,590mAh battery with 70W wired fast charging support. Connectivity options of the phone are expected to include 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, and NFC.

The handset is expected to carry dual stereo speakers with support for DTS, Hi-Res Audio, and TUV certification.

For optics, the Infinix Zero Flip will likely be equipped with a dual rear camera unit, including a 50-megapixel primary sensor and a 10.8-megapixel secondary sensor. The front camera is tipped to house a 12-megapixel sensor. The front and rear cameras are said to support 4K 30 FPS video recording.Preview (opens in a new tab)

These are all the specs that have been outed so far. Since Infinix plays the mid-range game, don’t expect this one to come with a flagship chipset or a high price.

The post Infinix Mobile Teases The Arrival of its First Foldable Smartphone, the Infinix Zero Flip appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

“Today we bring you a product that everyone can think of but could not make. Our team has been working hard for five years and has never given up,” Huawei Executive Director Richard Yu said at the launch. “Today we will once again rewrite the history of the industry, turn science fiction into reality, and lead a new era of folding devices.”

Huawei Mate XT pricing starts at CNY 19,999 (approx. UGX10.5 million) for the base model with 16GB of RAM and 256GB of inbuilt storage. The handset will also be available in 512GB and 1TB storage variants priced at CNY 21,999 (approx. UGX11.5 million) and CNY 23,999 (approx. UGX12.6 million), respectively.

The foldable tri-fold smartphone comes in Dark Black and Rui Red color options and can be pre-ordered via Huawei Vmall and will go on sale in China starting September 20 —the same date as the iPhone 16 series —and according to the company’s website, they have already received more than 4 million pre-orders, for which no deposit is required.

But with this hefty price tag —which is more than twice the starting price of the comparable iPhone 16 Pro Max —and limited production, the tri-fold phone is likely to become more of a symbol of Huawei’s tech prowess than a major sales driver, analysts said, reports by Reuters.

“Production constraints and the high price point mean the new phone will likely not have a huge impact in terms of shipments,” said Will Wong, a Senior Researcher at consultancy IDC. Adding “But it’s telling the consumers that Huawei is still the tech leader and the potential challenge it brings to Apple may be far beyond just market share.”

Specifications and features

The Huawei Mate XT comes with a 10.2-inch OLED display screen. The company says the display is made of flexible materials that can be bent in multiple directions. When folded, it has a 10.2-inch screen that turns into a 7.9-inch screen when folded once, and a 6.4-inch screen when folded a second time. At 3.6mm wide, Huawei said the tri-fold smartphone is the world’s slimmest foldable phone and has a keyboard attachment that fits in your pocket.

The Huawei Mate XT comes with dual-SIM (Nano+Nano) support and runs on HarmonyOS 4.2 mobile operating system. Under the hood, the tri-fold smartphone comes with a Kirin 9010 7nm chipset, octa-core processor, Maleoon 910 GPU, 16GB of RAM, and 256GB (also available in 512GB, and 1TB) onboard storage.

It comes with a triple outer camera setup with a 50-megapixel primary camera, a 12-megapixel ultrawide camera, and a 12-megapixel periscope telephoto camera. The primary and telephoto cameras come with optical image stabilization (OIS). As for the front, there’s an 8-megapixel camera housed in a center-aligned hole-punch cutout on the display. Both cameras can shoot videos in 1080p and 4k.

The Huawei Mate XT is equipped with a non-removable Si/C 5,600mAh battery —with supports for 66W wired and 50W wireless charging —as well as 7.5W reverse wireless and 5W reverse wired charging.

As for connectivity, the Huawei Mate XT Ultimate includes 5G, 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, GPS, NFC, and a USB 3.1 Type-C port.

There’s a side-mounted fingerprint scanner for biometric authentication.

The launch of the Huawei Mate XT underscores Huawei’s ability to navigate U.S. sanctions and solidifies its position against Apple in China.

According to IDC, the foldable smartphone market grew 57% year-on-year in the second quarter with 3.9 million units shipped, largely as Chinese smartphone makers pushed into overseas markets. “That remains just 1.3% of the wider smartphone market, with 292.2 million smartphones shipped in the second quarter,” IDC said.

Huawei ranked as the world’s biggest foldable smartphone seller in the second quarter with a 27.5% market share, ahead of South Korea’s Samsung, with 16.4%, according to IDC.

The post Huawei Mate XT Launch Highlights Resilience Amid U.S. Sanctions, Challenges Apple in China appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

The event was kicked off by Apple CEO, Tim Cook live from Apple Park —as he commenced the event with a focus specifically on Apple Intelligence and its capabilities. He called upon the company’s COO, Jeff Williams to introduce the latest smartwatch, the Apple Watch Series 10 which comes in two variants. Jeff revealed that the series is slimmer than its predecessor, but features a larger OLED display that is up to 40% brighter when viewed at an angle, making it easier to glance at information, while still offering the digital crown and the physical button on the right side of the watch.

Under the hood, the Apple Watch Series 10 is powered by a new S10 chipset with a four-core neural engine which according to Apple is 30 percent smaller. With a new change in design, users can now play music and podcasts directly on their smartwatch using the built-in speaker if they don’t have their AirPods.

Water resistance was upgraded and a new depth gauge automatically comes on when you dive into the water, allowing you to go down up to 5m. Apple says the smartwatches are perfect for snorkeling and are even getting the Oceanic+ app.

The watches support the fastest charging yet, you can get up to 80 percent of the charge achieved in just 30 minutes.

Apple Watch Series 10 with the GPS model starts at $399, and the GPS+Cellular one is $100 more while the Ultra 2 starts at $799. Pre-orders have commenced, and they will be available for purchase starting September 20th.

AirPods 4

Apple went on to introduce the next product, the AirPods 4 which comes in two variants; standard AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation. The AirPods 4 are touted as the best-sounding non-Pro AirPods and the most comfortable ones. Apple has used special mapping technology to examine a large pool of users’ ears and make the earpods more comfortable.

The AirPods 4 are powered by Apple’s H2 chip and feature a new acoustic architecture which is claimed to improve sound quality. AirPods 4 also offer personalized spatial audio, adaptive audio, and conversational awareness.

The case has also been revamped and Apple says it’s the lightest and most portable one yet. With the said case, the buds can go for 30 hours of continuous playback, so no compromises in battery life. The case also gets a small speaker so you can find your AirPods 4 easily or notify you of incoming calls, for example. Right next to the speaker, Apple has added a USB-C connector for charging. Now, the AirPods can be charged wired or wirelessly.

As for the pricing, the standard AirPods 4 without ANC will go for $129 and the ANC version will ask for $179. Pre-orders have commenced, and they will be available for purchase starting September 20th.

iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus

As expected not much has changed compared to its predecessor. Starting with the display, the panels are the same size as before, 6.1-inch for the iPhone 16 and 6.7-inch for the iPhone 16 Plus. They still run at 60Hz and can go from 2,000 nits in the sun to as low as 1 nit in the dark. According to Apple, the latest Ceramic Shield protection is 50% tougher than the original formulation and is twice as tough as the strengthened glass used by other phones.

The big upgrade is the Apple A18 chipset, which is two generations ahead of what the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus had, A16. This is a second-gen 3nm chip that is both more powerful and more efficient. The bionic chip is 30% faster than the iPhone 15 CPU and 60% faster than the iPhone 12 CPU. The GPU is 40% faster than the iPhone 15 and twice as fast as the iPhone 12. The iPhone 16 can offer the same CPU as the iPhone 15 performance while using 30% less power and the same GPU performance while using 35% less power. Apple also improved the system memory bandwidth by 17%.

The 48MP main camera hasn’t changed much, what has changed is the imaging pipeline behind it. Apple has introduced an intermediate mode that captures 24MP photos —they offer more detail than 12MP shots combined with smaller file sizes than 48MP images. There is a new ultra-wide camera —it’s the same 12MP module as last year’s Pros. It has autofocus, which enables a macro mode. Also, the brighter lens allows it to capture 2.6x more light than before for better nighttime images.

As for video, it can record 4K video with Dolby Vision at 60fps. The new AI features also include wind noise reduction for videos. There’s no dedicated telephoto lens yet, but instead the main camera and processing pipeline offer 2x zoom with optical quality at 12MP or you could choose a high-resolution 48MP option.

The two new models will be available from September 20, pre-orders will start this Friday. Both phones have 128GB base storage and you are looking at the same prices as last year —the iPhone 16 starts at $800 and the iPhone 16 Plus at $900.

58 countries and regions, including Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, South Korea, Turkiye, the UAE, the U.K., and the U.S. are in the first wave to get the new iPhone 16 and 16 Plus on September 20. The second wave of countries includes Macao, Vietnam, and 19 other countries and regions and they will get the new iPhones starting from Friday, September 27.

iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max

These are Apple’s most top-notch smartphones and are powered by the top-of-the-line A18 Pro chip, which also powers the new Apple Intelligence features that are part of iOS 18. The new iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max also feature larger displays than their predecessors. The iPhone 16 Pro has a 6.3-inch screen and the Pro Max goes to 6.9-inch.

The A18 Pro is built on a 3nm process and has a new 16-core Neural Engine. There’s a 17% increase in total system memory bandwidth, which also benefits the 6-core GPU which is up to 20% faster than the previous generation. The new 6-core CPU is “the fastest in a smartphone”, boasting two performance cores and four efficiency cores that can run the same workload as the iPhone 15 Pro 15% faster while using 20% less power.

Both iPhone 16 Pro models are equipped with a triple rear camera setup that comprises a 48-megapixel wide primary camera, an upgraded 48-megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera, a 12-megapixel telephoto camera, and a ‘tetraprism’ periscope lens that offers up to 5x optical zoom performance. In the front, you have a 12-megapixel TrueDepth camera for taking video calls and capturing selfies.

The phones also support 4K 120fps recording.

The two Pro iPhone 16s will be available in black titanium, natural titanium, white titanium, and desert titanium. Pre-orders will start on September 13, and they will become available on September 20 for $999 and up for the Pro and $1,199 and up for the Pro Max.

In addition to the Action button that replaced the mute switch last year, Apple has equipped the new iPhone 16 series with a touch-sensitive Camera Control button that can be used to quickly launch the camera.

The post Apple ‘Glowtime’ Event: iPhone 16s, Watch Series 10, and AirPods 4 Launched alongside the A18, A18 Pro Chipsets appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

The new concept offers a glimpse into a more immersive, convenient, and exciting future foldable smartphone experience. Building on previous designs, it addresses key points like hinge durability, camera performance, and software optimization, marking a significant leap forward in foldable innovation.

Phantom Ultimate 2’s tri-fold screen transforms from a standard smartphone into an incredible tablet-like large-screen device. Crucially, the tri-fold design does not mean a major compromise on thickness, measuring 11mm when folded, thanks to an innovative and thinner hinge that enables existing bi-fold models to achieve a thickness of less than 9mm. In addition, the Phantom Ultimate 2 features the smartphone industry’s thinnest battery cover measuring 0.25mm compared to the industry’s current thinnest 0.45mm thickness —thanks to super-compressed Titan Advanced Fiber material, it brings sufficient strength while allowing a thinner form.

The streamlined camera design also contributes to the thinness and lightness of the device without sacrificing image quality and its position to one side of the device makes it easier to find the center of gravity when holding.

Huge immersive and less creased screen with super durability and thinner hinges

The Phantom Ultimate 2 unfolds from a 6.48-inch candy bar smartphone into an impressive 10-inch 4:3 ratio large-screen tablet-style device giving users more flexibility to use the device. To support this upgrade in convenience, the device features OLED Touch and Display Driver Integration (TDDI) and an advanced 3K LTPO screen with 392 PPI.

Empowering the tri-fold screen experience is a state-of-the-art hinge design with incredible 2100MPa strength. The hinges can support over 300,000 folds, exceeding most folding devices and offering exceptional device longevity and folding smoothness. In addition, the hinges also contribute to the device’s superbly flat screen, minimizing the crease visibility for more immersive viewing pleasure.

Versatile scenarios and optimized UI for a foldable experience

The Phantom Ultimate 2 supports screen hovering to open up new possibilities across various scenarios, from work to entertainment and daily life. For instance, the screen hovering with the base of the screen is used flat for typing on a keyboard while the upright screen provides a laptop-style display for convenient note-taking in meetings or university lectures.

The device can be folded into tent mode for dual-screen face-to-face real-time AI translation to communicate across language barriers. For everyday browsing, the foldable screen supports a multi-window mode to improve efficiency —users can entertain themselves; by gaming or watching movies —and simultaneously social networking, working, studying, or browsing the internet. And for more inventive images, users can explore creative unfolded angles enabled by the tri-fold design.

See also: A comprehensive guide: breaking down the benefits of AI translation

The Phantom Ultimate 2’s software and UI are optimized for the tri-fold design further enhancing the utility of its cutting-edge hardware. For example, the device supports dynamic wallpapers and adaptive icons that adjust with folding and unfolding —the UI layout on the other hand is adapted for diverse use cases such as large-screen viewing and tent mode —and has the potential for exciting third-party app adaption.

The Phantom Ultimate 2 is not the first innovative concept from Phantom. Its predecessor, the Phantom Ultimate rollable concept demonstrated Phantom’s exceptional capabilities in advanced screen development.

Phantom is a premium technology sub-brand of Tecno that offers advanced and stylish technologies for users seeking the best experiences —and with the new Phantom Ultimate 2 and its tri-fold design, underscores Tecno’s commitment to exploring and innovating the most advanced new technologies to revolutionize users’ experience. The concept brings a new dimension to the relationship between users and their smartphones, creating exciting large-screen possibilities and ushering in a new future of advanced devices.

See also: Tecno buds 3 earbuds review: could be audiophile’s delight

The post The Phantom Ultimate 2 Concept Offers a Glimpse into an Immersive Future of Foldable Smartphone appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

In a press statement, James Irungu, the Brand and Communications Manager at Vivo said, “Vivo’s smartphone range has witnessed consistent and significant technological advancements to keep pace with rapidly evolving consumer demands. With the Y28, we are reinforcing our commitment to smartphone users by offering a beautifully crafted device that boasts a captivating design and ensuring users enjoy an unrivaled experience.”

The vivo Y28 comes ultra-slim 7.99 mm body (glass front, plastic frame, and plastic back) that surprisingly accommodates a massive 6,000 mAh battery that the company claims can take you a day on a single charge on heavy usage. The company adds that the battery’s durability is further highlighted by its 4-year health ensuring that it remains robust, retaining at least 80% of its capacity after 1,600 charge cycles.

The vivo Y28 comes with a 44W FlashCharge to fully juice up in less than an hour and a half.

Under the hood, the phone comes with MediaTek Dimensity 6020 chipset, Octa-core processor, 8GB RAM which is expandable to 16GB, onboard storage of 128GB & 256GB, and runs on Android 13 coupled with Funtouch 13.

The vivo Y28 has a 6.56-inch IPS LCD with a refresh rate of 90Hz, a screen resolution of 720 x 1612 pixels, and a screen ratio of 20:9. The refresh rate will be able to produce clearer images and less motion blur, making it perfect for gaming and watching multimedia content. The 400 nits on the other hand is slightly enough for the phone to be used in bright rooms or outside in sunny weather/conditions —coupled with a Sunlight Eye Protection and High Brightness Mode (HBM) to ensure smooth visuals and reduced eye strain. Additionally, the display boasts TUV Rheinland Low Blue Light Certification, ensuring that eyes are protected from harmful blue light.

Imaging and optics, the vivo Y28 comes with a dual rear camera setup; 50MP (primary camera, wide) and 2MP (depth) which the company claims produce detailed photos/videos with clarity and precision. The cameras can shoot videos up to 1080p at 30fps —while on the other hand, the front camera comes with an 8MP sensor and similar to the rear camera, can as well shoot videos up to 1080p at 30fps. The front camera has an aura screen light that enhances selfies by providing even illumination, ensuring that portraits are bright, detailed, and vibrant.

Audio-wise, the phone comes with dual stereo speakers featuring a 300% audio booster —the Y28 delivers an unparalleled audio-visual experience that’s rich, crisp, and immersive, claims the company.

Vivo Y28 is available for purchase starting at KSH22,999 for the 128GB version and KSH25,999 for the 256GB version. It comes in two color choices, each with its unique inspiration and craftsmanship. The Gleaming Orange edition is inspired by the first light of dawn, utilizing flowing glitter particle technology for a shimmering effect that moves with the phone while the Agate Green edition draws inspiration from the agate stones, and features a glitter AG technique that offers a delicate sparkle while being resistant to dirt, wear, and fingerprints.

With its debut in Kenya, the vivo Y28 showcases a captivating and sophisticated design that mesmerizes users. It emerges as the ideal companion, effortlessly merging stylish aesthetics with practical functionality, making it a versatile choice for any user.

The post Vivo Y28 Launches in Kenya, Tailored For The Modern Users appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

Using your phone to connect a laptop, tablet, or even another phone to the internet is called tethering. It’s a bit like using 4GEE Wi-Fi but you can use either Bluetooth, USB cable or portable Wi-Fi hotspot to connect your phone to another device.

Let us start with how you can tether using your iPhone:

To set up your iPhone;

You then need to connect your iPhone to your laptop or tablet. Follow the instructions below to connect using either a USB cable, a portable Wi-Fi hotspot or Bluetooth.

Connecting using a USB cable

Connecting using Bluetooth

Connecting using a portable Wi-Fi hotspot (the common way)

To pair your iPhone with an iPad or Mac

To pair your iPhone with a Windows tablet or laptop

You can tether on most, but not all, 3G, 4G, and 5G devices.

Now let us replicate the same for an Android phone.

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