Tech
Whistleblower allegation: Harvard muzzled disinfo team after $500 million Zuckerberg donation
A prominent disinformation scholar who left Harvard University in August has accused the school of muzzling her speech and stifling — then dismantling — her research team as it launched a deep dive in late 2021 into a trove of Facebook files she considers the most important documents in internet history.
The actions impacting Joan Donovan's work coincided with a $500 million donation to Harvard by a foundation run by Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and his wife Priscilla Chan. In a whistleblower disclosure made public Monday, Donovan seeks investigations into “inappropriate influence" from Harvard's general counsel, the Massachusetts attorney general's office and the U.S. Department of Education.
The CEO of Whisteblower Aid, a legal nonprofit supporting Donovan, called the alleged behavior by Harvard's Kennedy School and its dean a “shocking betrayal” of academic integrity at the elite school.
"Whether Harvard acted at the company’s direction or took the initiative on their own to protect (Facebook's) interests, the outcome is the same: corporate interests are undermining research and academic freedom to the detriment of the public,” CEO Libby Liu said in a press statement.
In response, the Kennedy School rejected the disclosure’s allegations of unfair treatment and donor interference. “The narrative is full of inaccuracies and baseless insinuations, particularly the suggestion that Harvard Kennedy School allowed Facebook to dictate its approach to research,” spokesman James F. Smith said in a statement.
The Whistleblower Aid statement quotes Donovan accusing Dean Douglas Elmendorf of subjecting her team to “death by a thousand cuts” after she began making robust plans in October 2021 to create a research clearinghouse for the so-called Facebook Files, which were gathered by former employee Frances Haugen to highlight public harms.
Following the disclosures, Zuckerberg changed Facebook's name to Meta.
Meta spokesman Andy Stone said the company had no comment on the dispute between Donovan and Harvard.
Despite the company's public stance that Haugen was blowing internal research out of proportion, Donovan and other independent researchers considered the documents confirmation that Facebook's design had radicalized people, its algorithms fomenting racial animosity, encouraging ethnic cleansing and damaging teen mental health.
"I believed, honestly, that these were the most important documents in internet history,” Donovan said in an interview Monday. “Our role as academics is not to play favorites. It’s not to do P.R. It’s to tell the truth, no matter how uncomfortable it makes us. And unfortunately, I lost my job for it.”
Donovan claimed Elmendorf “made it so that I couldn’t hire and I couldn’t start doing projects,” halting her fundraising, barring her from holding conferences with more than 30 attendees, and preventing her from launching "a podcast because he didn’t want to, quote unquote, raise my public profile.” She said that led her to halt media interviews and publish opinion pieces.
“Our plan was to go at the elections in 2024," Donovan said. "I had raised. $4.5 million at one point so that we could do our work through 2024.”
Donovan said that after her contract was cut short, she refused a severance package because she felt she would be complicit "if I were to take in a payoff for my silence.”
Harvard hired Donovan, now an assistant professor at Boston University, in 2018, where she led the Technology and Social Change Research Project. In May 2020, she was promoted to research director of the Kennedy School's Shorenstein Center, where she lectured.
In its statement, the Kennedy School denied that Donovan was fired. It said she was a staff member — not a faculty member — and all research projects at the school must be led by faculty members. The school “tried for some time to identify another faculty member who had time and interest to lead the project. After that effort did not succeed, the project was given more than a year to wind down" and most members of the research team remained in research roles. Donovan said Harvard offered to let her continue as a lecturer but without health insurance.
Donovan said she was not aware of any search for someone to take over as head of the research project, which she founded and for which she said she had raised $12 million.
In its statement, The Kennedy School said it “did not receive any portion of the Chan-Zuckerberg gift,” which went to Harvard University for an unrelated artificial intelligence initiative.
Both Chan and Zuckerberg went to Harvard, where Facebook was first launched.
Harvard ultimately did release an archive of the Facebook Files though Donovan said it was considerably less ambitious and open than she envisioned.
Meta was consulted on redactions to the roughly 20,000 images in that archive and the Kennedy School team managing it decided to make about 160 of the more than 800 redactions requested by the company — in nearly every case to remove the name of low-level Meta employees or outside people for privacy reasons, Smith said. He added that the Kennedy School’s Public Interest Tech Lab gave researchers early access to the archive in May 2023 and it became more fully public in October.
Walton NexG N8 Review: Budget-friendly phone with essential features
Walton is recognized for offering budget-friendly smartphones that offer plentiful features and performance. Their devices have gained popularity for their economical pricing, elegant designs, and functionality, catering to a diverse consumer base seeking dependable and stylish smartphones at an affordable price point. Walton has recently launched the NexG N8. Let’s take a look at the specs and price of this device.
Key Features of Walton NexG N8
Design
The Walton NEXG N8, a stylish smartphone, boasts a slender build with dimensions of 168.5 x 76.6 x 8.3 mm and a weight of 195g (including the battery). Its sleek glass front adds an element of sophistication. It is available in Arctic Blue and Cosmic Aurora colors.
The device has the usual design, with the power button and volume rocker conveniently positioned on the phone's side. The tactile power button and volume rocker enhance the user experience, providing quick and effortless control.
Read more: Google Pixel 8 Pro Review: Is this the best Android phone of 2023?
Display
The Walton NEXG N8 features a generous 6.8-inch (17.27cm) punch-hole FHD+ IPS display, measured diagonally from one corner to the opposite corner. This expansive screen size enhances productivity and multitasking, providing ample space for various applications and activities. The display boasts a crisp resolution of 1080x2460 pixels and a modern 20:9 aspect ratio, ensuring vibrant colors, sharp text, and commendable image quality.
Utilizing IPS INCELL Technology with 2.5D Glass, the display of the NexG N8 ensures standard color reproduction and offers a capacitive touch screen. Its 90-Hz refresh rate contributes to smoother scrolling and improved responsiveness.
Camera
The Walton NEXG N8 is equipped with an impressive camera setup, featuring a powerful 50MP + 2MP + 2MP AI Triple Cameras on the rear. This setup comes with a wide range of features, including autofocus with PDAF, LED flash, etc.
The main 50MP shooter comes with an F/1.8 aperture and a large 1/2.76" sensor size, enabling excellent photo quality. Various camera features, such as face detection, digital zoom (4.0x), HDR, and AI scene recognition, enhance the photography experience.
Read more: realme GT5 Review: A gaming phone with high capability
The camera offers versatile shooting modes like photo, portrait, video, PRO mode, panorama, time lapse, slow motion, and more. Video recording reaches 1080P Full HD quality.
Its 13MP front shooter with an F/2.0 aperture supports features like face detection, HDR, and AI portrait recognition.
10 Best Free Metaverse Games for Android
The world is stepping into the dynamic realm of metaverse games, where virtual worlds intertwine with blockchain technology, creating immersive and decentralized gaming experiences. These games redefine traditional gameplay by allowing players to own, trade, and customize in-game assets. From magical creature collections and economic simulations to cooperative building adventures and sci-fi exploration, metaverse games represent the forefront of a revolutionary gaming landscape that goes beyond traditional boundaries.
Top 10 Open-Source Metaverse Games for Android Users
Axie Infinity
Axie Infinity, created by the Vietnamese startup Sky Mavis in 2018, is a game that takes inspiration from Pokémon. In this game, players get to make, customize, collect, and trade magical creatures known as Axies.
These Axies come with more than 500 body parts that players can customize. The interesting part is that when Axies have offspring, they inherit new abilities and traits based on their genes.
In Axie Infinity, players can send their Axies on quests to find treasure or engage them in battles against other Axies to earn rewards. The game even allows players to buy land and construct houses for their Axies using the platform's resources.
The value of virtual pets and other in-game items is determined by non-fungible tokens (NFTs), which are digital certificates of ownership powered by blockchain technology.
One unique feature is that players can earn tokens by finding scholars or people willing to lend three of their Axies. The primary currency in the game is Axie Infinity Shards, or AXS. Players can also earn Sweet Love Potions (SLP) tokens by defeating opponents and completing in-game quests during specific periods. Both AXS and SLP tokens are essential for generating new Axies.
Read more: Best Free Multiplayer Winter Simulation Games for Android in 2023
Decentraland
In 2020, two individuals from Argentina, Ari Meilich and Esteban Ordano, introduced Decentraland to the public. This virtual space comprises over 90,000 plots where you can use the cryptocurrency MANA to create avatars, buy clothing, and acquire real estate.
As an owner, you have the option to rent individual plots or the entire property, including houses, hotels, parks, cinemas, and casinos. What makes it interesting is that you can make money by hosting shows, selling tickets, organizing exhibitions to auction digital art, and even using MetaMask, a popular digital wallet.
Sandbox
Initially launched as a mobile game in 2012 by French co-founders Arthur Madrid and Sébastien Borget, The Sandbox has evolved into a user-generated platform where users, represented by block-like avatars, claim ownership of their work via blockchain and smart contracts.
The Sandbox offers three main products. VoxEdit is a 3D modeling application for creating avatars, vehicles, plants, animals, tools, and other objects. You can sell these creations on the marketplace, the second product. The third, Game Maker, allows users to develop 3D games without coding. The primary currency is Sand, used to buy, trade lots, and market properties on the Open Sea NFT marketplace.
Read more: Top 5 Eid-Ul-Azha, Animal Market Games for Android, iOS
Illuvium
Illuvium, a pioneering decentralized studio, is crafting the first-ever Interoperable Blockchain Game (IBG) universe on the Ethereum blockchain. Comprising an open-world exploration game, industrial city builder, and autobattler, Illuvium invites players on a visually stunning sci-fi adventure across seven alien landscapes.
Positioned as a "true triple-A 3D blockchain game," it's generating significant buzz in the gaming world. Players hunt, shard, and heal god-like creatures called Iluvials, tradable NFTs whose rarity directly influences their value.
Through tournaments and missions, players earn ILV cryptocurrencies, valuable assets redeemable on the IlluviDEX platform. Illuvium redefines gaming with its immersive experience, blockchain integration, and dynamic economy.
Chain Of Alliance
Chain of Alliance, launched in 2020, is an RPG Multiverse game where players engage in turn-based battles, customize characters, and collect NFTs on the Ethereum blockchain.
Developed by indie game developers Simon and Dennis, it features a fantasy/sci-fi scenario where players control a party of adventurers, battling others or AI-controlled monsters. The unique NFTs, including characters and lands, offer customization and strategic gameplay. The native token, COA, serves as in-game currency and a governance token.
Read more: Top 10 Free Medieval Fantasy, War Games for Android, IOS
With a 2.4M USD seed investment, Chain of Alliance has strong partnerships with Animoca Brands, Spartan Group, and other top Blockchain Games. The community boasts 33.8K Twitter followers and 21.4K Discord members.
US Navy plans to raise jet plane off Hawaii coral reef using inflatable cylinders
The U.S. Navy plans to use inflatable cylinders to lift and roll a jet plane off a coral reef in Hawaii before removal from the ocean waters where the aircraft crashed on Nov. 20.
Rear Adm. Kevin Lenox, the commander of Carrier Strike Group 3 who is leading the salvage effort, said Friday he is confident the operation can be carried out without further damaging the reef.
The P-8A slammed into an environmentally sensitive bay about 10 miles (16 kilometers) from Honolulu when it overshot the runway at Marine Corps Base Hawaii. None of the nine people on board at the time were injured. The Navy is investigating the mishap.
The Navy released underwater video on Wednesday showing landing gear wheels resting on parts of crushed coral and much of the rest of the plane floating above the reef in Kaneohe Bay.
A Navy team already has removed nearly all of the estimated 2,000 gallons (7,500 liters) of fuel that was on the aircraft.
Lenox said he expected the removal operation to get underway on Saturday. He didn't want to commit to a date when the work would be done given the weather and other conditions that could affect the timeline.
Contractors began sliding the bags under the plane on Friday. When inflated, the bags will float across the water toward the runway. When they reach land, machines will pull and roll them onto and across the runway.
Read: North Korea will try again to launch a military spy satellite in the coming days
Lenox said it's possible one of the bags may touch a small band of coral but that is not guaranteed.
The force of the plane will be distributed across the entire area of the bags, so there will only be 3 to 5 pounds (1.3 to 2.3 kilograms) of pressure on any given point where they touch the ground, he said, noting that was significantly less than a person standing on the ground.
“We have high confidence that we will be able to execute this whole thing with no further impact to the ecosystem here,” Lenox said.
Hawaii state officials are due to examine the reef for damage once the plane is removed.
Kaneohe Bay is home to coral reefs and a range of marine life, from sharks to octopus and fish. The area hosts an ancient Hawaiian fishpond being restored by community groups.
Contractors performed a similar feat when they removed a barge weighing 1,000 tons (907 metric tons) from sensitive seagrass habitat in the Outer Banks of North Carolina after Hurricane Florence in 2015. The plane, about 60 tons (54 metric tons), is much lighter than the barge, Lenox said.
Read: How are ancient Roman and Mayan buildings still standing? Scientists are unlocking their secrets
The Navy considered floating the jet within range of a crane on the runway and then lifting the plane onto land. But Lenox said the inflatable cylinder option was the safer method, was expected to have little to no effect on the coral and would not impact the aircraft.
The airplane is in good condition and the Navy hopes to get it flying again, Lenox said.
The Navy uses the P-8A, the military’s version of a 737 jet, to search for submarines and conduct surveillance and reconnaissance.
The Boeing-made plane is assigned to Patrol Squadron 4 stationed at Whidbey Island in Washington state. A separate crew from Whidbey Island has deployed to Hawaii to take over the squadron's patrol missions near Hawaii.
vivo X100 Review: The Flagship Killer of 2023
vivo phones are famous for their flagship-level designs and features offered at reasonable price ranges. The Chinese tech giant vivo’s X series represents a top-of-the-line smartphone experience. vivo launched its flagship X100 series on November 21, 2023, in China. Let’s check out what it offers.
Key Specifications of vivo X100
Design and Build Quality
The design of the vivo X100 is somewhat reminiscent of the X90. There is a curved front panel, a slim profile, a frosted finish, and a large camera housing at the back. Except in X100, the camera housing has been moved to the center. The device dimension comes in at 164.05 mm by 75.19 mm by 8.49 mm or 8.74 mm (Sunset Orange variant) with either 202 or 206 g weight.
The standard variant has a brushed finish, which complements the large circular triple camera housing. The surrounding aluminum ring also adds to the design dimensions. Ports and buttons are carried over from the X90, with the power button, volume rocker, and SIM slot all retained in their usual places. The device also has IP68 water and dust resistance.
The Display
The display on the X100 is an LTPO AMOLED panel with 1B colors and a 120Hz refresh rate with 3000 nits of peak brightness. The 6.78-inch display has a 1260 by 2800 pixel resolution with a 453 ppi density. The display also has an 89.9% screen-to-body ratio, thanks to the slim bezel and curved screen. Other features include 8000000:1 contrast and 105% NTSC. The display performance is great.
The Camera
There is a triple camera sensor on the X100, with the main camera being a 50 MP, f/1.6 wide-angle shooter with PDAF, laser AF, and OIS. The secondary sensors are a 64 MP, f/2.6, 70mm telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and a 50 MP, f/2.0, 15mm ultrawide shooter.
The cameras on the X100 use Zeiss Optics T* lens coating and custom LUT imports. The specialization of the images is their natural renditions with true tone colors. Images taken with the main sensor had sharp details and contrast in them. The same held true for the adjoining sensors as well, with great performance during daylight. Image quality remained more or less the same in artificial lights as well, with a slight sharpness loss.
There’s also a 32 MP (f/2.0) front camera on the X100, which can take some great selfies. The videography on the X100 is rated at 4K and 1080p. It supports Cinematic Mode too.
Processor and Performance
The processor on the X100 is the new MediaTek Dimensity 9300 based on the 4 Nm architecture. The graphic section is enriched with an Immortalis-G720 MC12 GPU.
The performance of the X100 is every bit like a flagship. Casual usage was a breeze considering the processor blazed past every task thrown at it. Dimensity 9300 also brings significant improvements to the gaming aspect, with 3D games running at maximum settings without any frame drops or jitters.
The X100 is running OriginOS 4 for the Chinese region and Funtouch 14 based on Android 14 for the international regions. The UI still has that characteristic bloatware, which might negate the experience a bit. But other than that, the experience has been fast, smooth, and snappy.
Battery and Charge Time
The battery capacity is either 4880 mAh or 5000 mAh. The X100 supports up to 120W Ultra-Fast flash charging. It can go from 1 to 50% in 11 minutes. This device allows reverse wiring, which is a user-friendly feature.
Pros and Cons of vivo X100
Pros:
- Great display - Good camera system - Improved flagship processor - Updated design - Ultra-fast charging
Cons:
- Bloatware in the OS
Price of the vivo X100
The vivo X100 comes in 12/256 GB, 16/256 GB/ 16/512 GB, 16 GB/1 TB, and 16 GB LPDDR5T RAM/ TB options. The prices are 3999, 4299, 4599, 4999, and 5099 RMB, respectively. It roughly translates to 62,019 BDT, 66,671 BDT, 71,324 BDT, 77,527 BDT, and 79,078 BDT, respectively. Here the conversion rate is 1 RMB equivalent to BDT 15.51 approx. However, the official price of the vivo X100 may vary in Bangladesh due to tax and other issues.
Verdict
The vivo X100 can be categorized as a flagship killer given its performance compared to its price. The smartphone inherits many features from the X90 and alleviates certain aspects to make it an even more compelling and complete device. For anyone looking for a flagship experience at a relatively lower price, the vivo X100 can be a good choice.
Read more: Most Hyped Smartphones Releasing in December 2023
Most Hyped Smartphones Releasing in December 2023
Throughout the year, the smartphone industry has offered hundreds of devices, ranging from basic to flagship, featuring user-friendly, innovative, and cutting-edge technologies. And the momentum continues in the last month of 2023. Let’s take a look at the most hyped smartphones releasing in December.
8 Most Anticipated Smartphones in Bangladesh in December 2023
OnePlus 12
The upcoming OnePlus 12, set to release in the first week of December, boasts impressive specifications that promise a high-performance mobile experience.
Running on the latest Android version 14, the device is powered by a robust Octa-core processor, featuring a combination of a 3.3 GHz Single Core, a 3.2 GHz Penta Core, and a 2.3 GHz Dual core, all supported by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset.
Read more: itel A70 Review: A standard entry-level phone
With a substantial 8 GB RAM, users can expect smooth multitasking and efficient operation. The phone sports a spacious 6.82-inch LTPO AMOLED display with a remarkable 510 PPI density and a 120 Hz refresh rate, ensuring vibrant visuals and smooth interactions.
The camera setup is equally impressive, featuring a 50 MP + 48 MP + 64 MP Triple Primary Cameras along with a 32 MP Front Camera for stunning photos.
Keeping the device powered throughout the day is a 5400 mAh battery with fast charging capabilities through the USB Type-C port. Overall, the OnePlus 12 promises a powerful and feature-packed smartphone experience.
Read more: DNCC Smart Parking App: How to Utilise Smart Parking
Samsung Galaxy A25
Anticipated for an announcement in November 2023 with an expected release in December, the rumored smartphone showcases a sleek design with a glass front, plastic frame, and plastic back. Offering flexibility, it accommodates either a single Nano-SIM or a dual Nano-SIM setup.
The device features a 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring vibrant visuals. Running on Android 14 with One UI 6, it is powered by the Exynos 1280 chipset and an octa-core CPU. Storage options include 128GB with 6GB RAM or 256GB with 8GB RAM, expandable via microSDXC.
The triple main camera setup comprises 50 MP wide, 8 MP ultrawide, and 2 MP macro lenses, while the selfie camera is a 13 MP wide lens. Boasting a 5000 mAh battery with 25W wired charging, the phone is equipped with essential features like a side-mounted fingerprint sensor and various sensors for enhanced functionality. Available in Black, Blue, and Yellow, it combines style with performance.
Read more: Google Pixel 8 Pro Review: Is this the best Android phone of 2023?
Xiaomi Poco X6 Neo
The Poco X6 Neo, a forthcoming addition to Xiaomi's lineup, is a feature-packed smartphone with rumored specifications that are generating significant anticipation. Expected to be officially released in December 2023, the device boasts a 6.67-inch OLED display with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels, protected by Corning Gorilla Glass, and a high refresh rate of 120 Hz.
Under the hood, it is powered by the Mediatek MT6833P Dimensity 6080 Octa-core processor and Mali-G57 MC2 GPU, complemented by a substantial 12 GB RAM and 256 GB internal storage. The phone runs on Android 13 with MIUI 14.
In the camera department, the rear setup features a 64 MP wide lens paired with a 2 MP depth sensor, while the front camera is a 16 MP wide lens. The Poco X6 Neo is equipped with various sensors including a side-mounted fingerprint sensor and supports Dual SIM functionality with IP54 dust and splash resistance.
The non-removable 5000 mAh battery with 33W wired charging ensures lasting power for this sleek and capable device.
Read more: realme GT5 Review: A gaming phone with high capability
Lava Agni 2S
Lava is set to launch the Agni 2S smartphone, following the success of its predecessor, the Lava Agni 2 5G. Expected to debut early in December, the Agni 2S is rumored to retain similar specifications as the Agni 2 5G, with the possibility of featuring a new chipset.
The Agni 2 5G impressed in the 20K to 25K segment with its MediaTek Dimensity 7050 SoC, ARM Mali-G68 GPU, 8GB RAM, and 256GB storage. The Agni 2 5G boasted a 6.78-inch FHD+ Curved AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+ support, and a quad-camera setup including a 50 MP main camera.
Running on stock Android 13, Lava promises updates till Android 15, and the device supports 13 5G bands. With a 4,700 mAh battery and 66W fast charging, the Agni 2 5G set a high standard, and expectations are high for its successor, the Agni 2S.
Read more: Honor X6a Review: A minimalist budget-friendly phone with standard features
realme GT5 Pro
realme has officially announced the arrival of the realme GT5 Pro on December 7, showcasing its emphasis on top-notch performance and photography. The smartphone is set to feature the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC and the Sony IMX890 sensor for its telephoto lens, promising a powerful combination for stellar imaging. realme has expressed confidence in the IMX890 sensor, touting it as a game-changer that will establish a new standard for telephoto imaging quality.
The company has collaborated with ArcSoft to enhance the device's photography capabilities, incorporating semantic perception, image quality enhancement, and computational lighting. The realme GT5 Pro's debut signifies a strategic move toward cutting-edge technology in the smartphone market.
Infinix Smart 8 HD
Infinix is set to launch the Smart 8 HD on December 8, following the recent unveiling of the Smart 8 in November. The Smart 8 HD will be available in Crystal Green, Shiny Gold, Timber Black, and Galaxy White color options, showcasing a distinctive squircle-shaped camera island on the back housing two cameras and a circular flash. Infinix emphasizes a design shift with flat frames and placement of the power button and volume rocker on the right, while the left side accommodates the SIM card slot.
Read more: Infinix Smart 8 Review: Affordable Excellence in Entry-Level Smartphones
Although specific details about the Smart 8 HD's specifications are yet to be disclosed, Infinix has confirmed a 6.6" HD+ Sunlight Readable punch-hole display with a 90 Hz screen refresh rate and 500 nits peak brightness.
Notably, the smartphone will feature a side-mounted fingerprint scanner, a USB-C port, and utilize UFS 2.2 storage, promising several upgrades compared to its predecessor. With two weeks until launch, additional features are expected to be revealed by Infinix.
realme V50s
Weighing 187.7 grams, Realme V50s features dual Nano-SIM support and lacks specific dimensions. The device sports a 6.72-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels, providing a sharp pixel density of 392 ppi.
Running on Android 13 with realme UI 4.0, the device is powered by the Mediatek MT6835V/ZA Dimensity 6100+ chipset, comprising an octa-core CPU (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) and Mali-G57 MC2 GPU. Its storage options include 128GB with 4GB or 6GB RAM, as well as a 256GB variant with 8GB RAM, expandable via microSDXC.
Read more: Honor X5 Plus Review: A decent budget-friendly phone
The dual main camera setup consists of a 13 MP wide lens and a 2 MP depth sensor, while the selfie camera is an 8MP wide lens. The phone boasts a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, a 5000 mAh non-removable battery, and comes in Black and Blue color options. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.2, GPS, and USB Type-C 2.0, catering to essential user needs.
Oppo Reno11 Series
The Oppo Reno11 series is set to be official, promising SLR-grade portraits and showcasing four color options: Fluorite Blue, Moonstone, Turquoise, and Obsidian Black.
The Reno11 Pro, as per recent leaks, features a curved OLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate, Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 SoC, LPDDR5x RAM, and UFS 3.1 storage. It houses a robust 4,700 mAh battery with 80W fast wired charging support.
Read more: OPPO Find N3 Review: A New Standard for Foldable Smartphones
Camera-wise, it boasts a triple setup with a 50 MP Sony LYT-700 main sensor with OIS, an 8 MP ultrawide, and a 32 MP IMX709 sensor 2x telephoto camera. Additional features include dual speakers, an X-axis vibration motor, a plastic frame, and a weight of 190g.
The standard Reno11 is expected to offer a similar design with a lower resolution screen, powered by the Dimensity 8200 chipset, a 4,800 mAh battery with 67W fast wired charging, and a lighter build at 184g.
Closing Lines
In December 2023, the smartphone sector is set for an exciting lineup. The OnePlus 12 leads with its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset and impressive display, while Samsung's Galaxy A25 offers sleek design and robust camera features. The Poco X6 Neo, Realme GT5 Pro, and Infinix Smart 8 HD bring cutting-edge tech like high-refresh-rate displays and powerful processors. Lava's Agni 2S follows its predecessor's success, and Realme's V50s offers a balanced feature set. The Oppo Reno11 series, especially the Reno11 Pro, stands out with its curved OLED display and top-tier specs.
Overall, December promises a diverse range of smartphones, catering to various preferences and setting the stage for a competitive market.
Read more: itel S23+ Review: Budget-friendly phone with AI-assistant
itel A70 Review: A standard entry-level phone
itel shares the same parent company with Infinix and Tecno. In a sense, the brand trio is known for offering standard entry-level to mid-range smartphones. itel particularly specializes in the budget-friendly segment with its range of smartphones. Recently, the itel A70 was announced on 30th October 2023 for a global release. Let’s check out how it stacks against the competitors.
Key Specifications of itel A70
Design and Build Quality
Itel A70 has a plastic frame and back with a front LCD panel. The front and the back of the device aren’t flush with each other which is a unique design choice on its own. The exact dimension and weight of the device couldn’t be confirmed but the thickness comes in at 8.6 mm. The frosted finish on the back and the iPhone-like camera housing give the A70 a premium look.
The headphone jack and other features come as standard on the A70. Overall the design isn't anything new, but rather a repacked version of a common entry-level smartphone design.
Read more: Google Pixel 8 Pro Review: Is this the best Android phone of 2023?
The Display
The display on the A70 is an LCD with 720 x 1612 pixels resolution and 267 ppi density. The water drop notch and the chin bezel are again something that’s very common in budget smartphones. The 6.6-inch panel has 500 nits of peak brightness and 60 Hz refresh rate. It performs well for an HD+ LCD panel with good contrast and viewing angles.
The Camera
There is a dual camera setup on the itel A70. Even though the back camera is arranged like that of the iPhone, one of the three cutouts is actually for the LED flash. The main camera is a 13 MP sensor with HDR and AI enhancement. The secondary sensor is a 0.08 MP auxiliary sensor.
Pictures taken on the A70 during the daylight are decent. Dynamic range was on the average side but there were good details on the subject. However, the image quality dropped significantly in low light as there was noticeable noise and grains in the pictures.
There is also a generic 8MP front sensor that produces good photos with AI enhancements. The videography on the A70 is rated to be 1080P at 30 fps.
Read more: realme GT5 Review: A gaming phone with high capability
Processor and Performance
The processor on the itel A70 is Unisoc T603. The octa-core processor is an entry-level chip that is designed for basic use. The processor handles day-to-day tasks like browsing the web, social media, or watching YouTube videos pretty well. The processor isn’t really made for gaming as there were a lot of heating and frame drops on 3D games. Considering the low processing power, itel has opted for the Android 13 Go edition for the A70. It is a lightweight OS with basic Android features.
Overall the performance of the itel A70 is satisfactory if the price is taken into account.
Battery and Charge Time
The battery on the itel A70 is 5000 mAh. There is an included 10W wired charger with the device. Expect to get an all-day battery out of the A70 on a full charge with moderate use.
Pros and Cons of itel A70
Pros:
- Stylish design - Dynamic bar - AI features on the camera - Good battery life.
Read more: Honor X6a Review: A minimalist budget-friendly phone with standard features
Cons:
- Basic Android experience - Below-par processing power
Price of the itel A70
Itel A70 is available in the 4/128 GB variant in India. The price of the A70 is 7,490 INR or 9,899 BDT (1 INR = 1.32 BDT). However, the official price is expected to differ once the device becomes officially available in Bangladesh.
Verdict
For a sub-10,000 BDT device, the itel A70 gets a lot of the things right. There are obvious cut corners in the form of processing power. But that is well compensated with a good display and camera.
It's hard to expect anything more from a budget-friendly device. For what it's worth, the A70 can be a great starter android for casual users.
Read more: Infinix Smart 8 Review: Affordable Excellence in Entry-Level Smartphones
DNCC Smart Parking App: How to Utilise Smart Parking
Tackling Dhaka’s ongoing parking challenges just got smarter! The Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) recently introduced the DNCC Smart Parking app. The exciting pilot initiative was launched on November 8 at the DNCC’s Nagar Bhaban in Gulshan 2. So, hopefully struggling to find a parking spot in North Dhaka will soon be a thing of the past with the user-friendly DNCC Smart Parking app. This innovative solution aims to make parking hassle-free and convenient for everyone in the city.
With the smart on-street parking system, users can easily locate nearby available parking spaces, reserve them in advance, and manage payments seamlessly—all through a few simple clicks on the app. This app is expected to reduce parking stress and facilitate a hassle-free experience with the convenience of the new smart on-street parking system.
Key Features of the DNCC Smart Parking App
The ‘DNCC Smart Parking’ app comes with several convenient features. Firstly, users can effortlessly identify available parking spaces in their neighbourhood, making it quick and easy to find a spot. Additionally, the app allows for advance reservation of parking spaces, providing users with the convenience of securing a spot ahead of time and ensuring a hassle-free arrival.
Moreover, handling payments is a seamless experience, thanks to the various online payment options integrated into the app. This functionality not only simplifies the payment process but also adds a layer of convenience for users utilising the parking services.
Read more: DNCC launches ‘Smart on Street Parking’ scheme to stop illegal parking
How to Use DNCC Smart Parking App?
If you are interested in using the app, you can easily download it from either Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Once you have downloaded and opened the app, you will find an option to ‘Create an Account.’ Simply fill in your personal and vehicle details and verify your identity through a one-time password (OTP), and you are all set to access the service. When parking your vehicle, make sure to park it either parallel or at a 60-degree angle in the designated spots marked in white on the sidewalk. To validate your parking, you can use the app or a smart parking card.
Once you have completed the registration process, simply open the app and pick the street where you want to park. Tap on the ‘Parking’ button, select the duration of your parking, and choose your preferred location. The app will then display the parking fees, which you can conveniently pay using various online payment methods. Once the payment is processed, the parking service will be activated, allowing you to park your vehicle securely.
This service enables users to pay for roadside parking on an hourly basis, providing up-to-the-minute information on the availability of parking spaces in Gulshan. In the beginning, the smart parking service won’t accept cash payments. Users can choose to pay through mobile banking or bank cards using the app.
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Alternatively, fee payments can be made at the parking slots using Point of Sale (POS) machines. For individuals without bank cards or mobile banking accounts, authorities will provide parking cards named “Smart Parking Card.” Charges for parking services will be deducted from these prepaid cards.
Google Pixel 8 Pro Review: Is this the best Android phone of 2023?
One of the most anticipated Android releases for 2023 has been the Google Pixel 8 lineup. The Pixel series is often considered the best of what Android has to offer since it brings the true stock Android experience. The Pixel 8 Pro was globally released on October 12, 2023. Here’s what’s changed and what’s better in this year’s 8 pro.
Key Features of Google Pixel 8 Pro
Design
The Pixel 8 Pro is in no way a small phone. At about 162.6 x 76.5 x 8.8 mm and 213 g weight, it’s hard to call the 8 Pro a one-handed phone. The classic visor design is carried over from the last generation. This time, the visor has a glossy finish with the glass back having a matte finish. The durable build, flat symmetrical display along with IP68 rating ensures that the 8 Pro has all the standard features of a premium flagship.
Display
Speaking of the display, the 8 Pro features an LTPO OLED screen with 120Hz refresh rate HDR10+ support along with 1600 nits of HBM and 2400 nits of peak brightness. The resolution of the panel stands at 1344 x 2992 pixels with 489 ppi density. The display quality is impeccable as usual. The fluid response along with the minimalist stock android makes it a treat to interact with the display. The flat screen also has been a welcome addition over the 7 Pro’s curved panel.
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But let’s talk about what most people are excited about, the camera. Pixel phones have forever been known for their camera and post-processing magic. This year, the Pixel 8 Pro takes it a notch further with a higher level of ML and AI integration.
Camera
On paper, users will be getting a 50 MP (f/1.7) wide-angle main sensor, a 48 MP (f/2.8) telephoto, and a 48 MP (f/2.0) ultrawide sensor.
Initially, there were some hiccups with the camera but Google has promptly addressed those with a series of software updates. This year, the improvements aren’t really about the picture quality, but rather what the Pixel is capable of in post-processing.
From Magic Eraser, motion capture, and Best Take to completely changing the background using AI, the post-processing feels nothing less than unreal on the 8 Pro. Beyond that, the pictures themselves are more or less the same as the 7 Pro.
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On the front side 8 pro offers a 10.5MP (f/2.0) selfie shooter.
Bothe the front and rear cameras are capable of shooting 4K video footage which is really praiseworthy.
realme GT5 Review: A gaming phone with high capability
The youth-focused smartphone brand realme got popularity for their affordable devices. The brand is now entering the mid-range phone market. In this wave, the realme GT5 was launched on September 4, 2023, in China. This smartphone is grabbing attention for its eye-catching design and impressive core performance. Let’s take a look into the features and functionalities that define the realme GT 5, exploring its strengths and any potential areas for improvement.
Key Features and Specifications of realme GT5
Design
The realme GT5 exhibits a streamlined design, measuring 163.1 x 75.4 x 8.9 mm and weighing 205 g. The silver mirror color scheme and contemporary back design contribute to its overall aesthetic appeal. Constructed with a glass front, aluminum frame, and glass back, the device emanates a premium quality.
Featuring dual SIM capability (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by), it incorporates practicality into its design. The integration of the camera module with the back panel is seamless, enhancing the device's visual appeal. The middle frame, coated with metal, ensures a tactile and visually pleasing experience, enhancing the comfort of holding the realme GT5. This smartphone distinguishes itself through a sophisticated and considerately designed appearance, suitable for both hand-held use and display.
The seamless transition between the camera and back panel, coupled with a 1.5K T7+ screen dimming scheme, enhances both aesthetics and functionality.
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Display
The realme GT5 is equipped with a 6.74-inch AMOLED display, featuring a resolution of 2772 x 1240 pixels and a 20:9 ratio (~451 ppi density). The screen supports a 144Hz refresh rate and HDR10+, reaching a peak brightness of 1400 nits.
The minimized bezel design eliminates the plastic bracket, creating a flat display with slightly curved edges outside the display area. The Tianma-manufactured display utilizes diamond pixels for clarity. Notably, the brightness measurement in Bright HDR Video Mode reaches 905 nits, aided by the Pixelworks X7 chip enabling frame interpolation for smooth video playback up to 120FPS.
The user can choose between 1.5K and 1080p screen resolutions, with a customizable refresh rate for each application. The touch sampling rate, measured at 120 Hz, demonstrates responsiveness, complemented by an in-screen fingerprint sensor providing highly accurate authentication, despite the device being limited to Widevine L3.
Performance and Software
Running on Android 13 with realme UI 4.0, the realme GT5 is powered by the Qualcomm SM8550-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor (4 nm). Its octa-core CPU configuration includes a Cortex-X3 core at 3.2 GHz, two Cortex-A715 cores at 2.8 GHz, two Cortex-A710 cores at 2.8 GHz, and three Cortex-A510 cores at 2.0 GHz. The Adreno 740 GPU contributes to smooth graphics performance.
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The device is available in configurations of 256GB with 12GB RAM and 512GB with 16GB RAM, catering to diverse storage needs.
With its robust processor, the realme GT5 delivers reliable performance. This device excels in handling high-configuration games, delivering a lag-free gaming experience.
Camera
The realme GT5 is equipped with a versatile triple-camera setup on its main camera module. The primary lens boasts 50 MP with an f/1.9 aperture, providing a wide 24mm perspective. It features 1.0µm pixel size, PDAF, and OIS for enhanced focus and stabilization.
Accompanying this is an 8 MP ultrawide lens with an f/2.2 aperture, offering a 112˚ field of view. Additionally, a 2 MP macro lens with an f/2.4 aperture is included for close-up shots. The camera system is complemented by features such as Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, and panorama mode. The video capabilities include recording at 4K@30/60fps and 1080p@30/60fps with gyro-EIS.
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On the front, the selfie camera is a single 16 MP lens with an f/2.5 aperture, providing a wide 25mm perspective. It features HDR and panorama modes, with video recording capabilities at 1080p@30fps with gyro-EIS. The realme GT5's camera system offers a range of functionalities suitable for diverse photography and videography needs.
Battery and Charging
The realme GT5 is powered by a non-removable Li-Po battery with a capacity of 5240 mAh. Notably, it supports rapid charging with an impressive 150W wired charging capability, utilizing Power Delivery (PD). The advertised feature claims a swift 1-50% charge in just 7 minutes, providing efficient and quick replenishment of the device's battery.
Pros and Cons of realme GT5
Pros
-Comfortable grip for a smooth user experience-An attractive array of shades-Ultra-fast charging-Stunning customizable LED indicators-Configurable up to 24GB RAM, 1TB storage
Cons
-Plastic frame-Compromised camera performance-Aggressive background app management-No wireless charging.
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Price of realme GT5
The phone is priced at CNY 2999 or BDT 46,102 for the 12GB+256GB(150W)version. The conversion rate here is 1 CNY equivalent to 15.37 BDT. However, the price of realme GT 5 may vary in Bangladesh.
Verdict
The realme GT5 is great for gaming. It charges super fast, making it perfect for heavy use.
The camera section may disappoint many realme fans. Some contemporary flagships or even mid-rangers like Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro are offering better camera configuration at a much lower price range. Wireless charging could make this package a better deal.
However, those looking for a speedy charging device with overall reliable performance can consider this phone.
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