OPPO teases its smartwatch with a square design

At last year’s OPPO Inno Day event in China, the company confirmed that it will be launching a variety of new products in Q1 2020. The company revealed that following the launch of the Reno3 and Reno3 Pro 5G, it will be bringing a new smartwatch, smart wireless headphones, a 5G hub, and AR glasses to the market. At the time, OPPO had been teasing a new smartwatch for a while and the company’s VP, Head of Research, Levin Liu, also confirmed that the upcoming OPPO smartwatch will be unveiled in Q1 2020. As expected, OPPO has now released the first teaser of the upcoming smartwatch which showcases its Apple-watch like square design.

The teaser in question was recently shared by OPPO’s VP Shen Yiren on Weibo, who now goes by the name ‘Confident eyebrows’ on the platform. The image showcases a square smartwatch with rounded corners and a slightly curved display. The watch has a gold-colored case with two buttons on the right edge and a cream-colored watchstrap. The design is undeniably inspired by the Apple Watch, much like the Xiaomi Mi Watch from last year, to the point that even the wallpaper in the teaser looks like something straight from the Apple’s collection.

As of now, OPPO has released no technical information about the upcoming smartwatch. However, the company did talk about having the “technological know-how” to enable eSIM support at the Inno Day event, which leads us to believe that the smartwatch will most likely feature eSIM support.

---

Source: Weibo

The post OPPO teases its smartwatch with a square design appeared first on xda-developers.

from xda-developers https://ift.tt/316YCRx
via IFTTT

Samsung expects major declines in profits in mobile

Samsung Electronics has posted its financial results for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2019. The company posted KRW 59.88 trillion ($50.54 billion) in consolidated quarterly revenue and KRW 7.16 trillion ($6.04 billion) in quarterly operating profit. For the entire year, it reported KRW 230.40 trillion in revenue and KRW 27.77 trillion in operating profit.

It’s no surprise that the Q4 profit is down year-over-year because of the continued fall in memory chip prices and weakness in display panels. However, increased demand for memory used in servers and mobile products, as well as “solid sales” of flagship smartphones helped ease the decline in overall earnings, according to Samsung.

There was mixed news for the mobile business. In annual terms, the earnings were an improvement. The flagship Galaxy phones have sold well, and Samsung’s lineup changes to improve profitability for mass-market models paid off. However, the company notes that profit fell from the previous quarter due to what it calls “the fading effect from a new flagship product launch”.

Samsung is expecting weak sales in the first quarter of 2020 due to seasonality memory chips, OLED and consumer electronics. The outlook for the mobile business is seen as “steady”, as the new flagship and foldable models (the Galaxy S20 series and the Galaxy Z Flip) are expected to improve sales but incur additional marketing costs.

The company notes that the actual pace of 5G expansion and its effects on DRAM content remain to be seen. Its System LSI business will offer 5G SoCs and high-resolution sensors in 2020. The Foundry business plans to expand production from the 5nm and 7nm EUV processes, while working on developing next-generation 3nm GAA (gate-all-around) technology. In displays, it will prioritize on OLED and folding screens.

The IT & mobile telecommunications (IM) division

The mobile business aims to improve profits by expanding sales of premium models, such as the enhanced 5G lineup and new foldable devices. In Q4 2019, it posted KRW 24.95 trillion ($21.05 billion) in consolidated revenue and KRW 2.52 trillion ($2.12 billion) in operating profit. The company states that overall demand for phones and tablets increased quarter-on-quarter because of year-end seasonality, but the revenue decreased because of the time gap from launching flagship models. The profitability of major phones including the Galaxy A series is said to have held steady.

Samsung forecasts weak demand for phones and tablets in Q1 2020 because of low seasonal demand. However, it still expects phone revenue to rise because of launch of new flagship models and foldable phones. The operating profits are expected to remain flat.

Demand for 5G phones is expected to increase in 2020. Samsung also says it will introduce new designs for foldable products and expand its 5G product portfolio.

The System LSI business

Earnings for the System LSI business declined on-quarter because of the peak season for mobile handsets faded. In Q1 2020, Samsung plans to maximize shipments of APs, image sensors, and DDIs adopted by Samsung’s major customers for flagship phones.

The business also plans to expand its 5G chip business by promoting one-chip solutions for mass-market devices. Notably, the Exynos 990 doesn’t have an integrated 5G modem, just like its major competitor, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865. The mid-range Exynos 980, on the other hand, does have a 5G modem like the Qualcomm Snapdragon 765/G.

Demand for image sensors will rise in 2020 because of the focus on camera specifications.

Finally, Samsung Foundry saw solid results in the fourth quarter on 5G chips and high-resolution image sensors. In 2020, revenue growth is expected to climb and reach double-digits on mass production of 8nm chips and demand for 5G related chips. Samsung states that it plans on competing the product design for the 4nm process in 2020 as well as a number of 5nm-based product designs to diversify its customer base. It should be noted that the outlook doesn’t look good here because Samsung Foundry has lost two major customers in the form of Qualcomm and Apple. The Snapdragon 865 and the Apple A13 are both manufactured on TSMC’s 7nm (N7P) node, and Samsung’s newer 7nm EUV process is only used for the mid-range Snapdragon 765G.

---

Source: Samsung

The post Samsung expects major declines in profits in mobile appeared first on xda-developers.

from xda-developers https://ift.tt/37InwJy
via IFTTT

Google Podcasts is getting a Queue feature, Discover tab, and bottom bar

The Google Podcasts app launched way back in the middle of 2018, yet it lacks a number of features that many would deem core to their podcast listening experience. While it gets the job done, I can understand why others may opt to use another podcast application instead. With a barebones UI, lack of queueing, and no customization, the Google Podcasts app leaves a lot to be desired if you’re after more than just a podcast app. Thankfully, the app is set to be fleshed out thanks to some discoveries that were found in the app after decompilation by 9To5Google.

As you can see from the screenshots above, the home page is now entirely fleshed out and, while it still has a grid of the shows that you listen to, there are also descriptions and an “Add to queue” button inline with each recommendation. You can operate nearly entirely from the home screen, which is what a home screen should serve to do.

However, tapping the magnifying glass on the bottom bar reveals an entirely new section that currently isn’t present in the Google Podcasts app. This section is called “Discover” and offers a “For You” experience, along with the ability to show by topic as well. You can also see “Popular and Trending” shows, too.

The pages for an individual show hasn’t really changed, though there is now a queue and a download button right next to the play button.

While it’s great to finally have a queueing option in the Google Podcasts app, it took Google a surprisingly long time to actually add it. It’s a feature that just makes sense, especially as many (like myself) listen to podcasts when going to sleep. Even if you’re a person who listens to podcasts while commuting or going about your day, it can be annoying to have to then take out your phone and navigate to the next podcast when your current one is finished.

9To5Google says that the app is seemingly finished, though it’s not switched on in the latest beta version of the Google app yet.

---

Source: 9To5Google

The post Google Podcasts is getting a Queue feature, Discover tab, and bottom bar appeared first on xda-developers.

from xda-developers https://ift.tt/3aP4EdQ
via IFTTT

Fossil Sport’s Wear OS H update has some bugs, though the company is fixing them

Despite coming out nearly a year and a half ago, Fossil has only updated the Fossil Sport to Wear OS H – the Android Pie version of Wear OS. Admittedly, most aspects of Wear OS are upgraded through the Google Play Store, but there are a select few (such as core system updates) that must be distributed via OTA. Even though it took so long to come out, the update is far from perfect according to multiple reports on Reddit. The worst issue that users are having is that the display immediately goes back to sleep after switching on, meaning that the watch can’t actually be used.

Fossil Sport Always On Screen Bug

The company was contacted by AndroidPolice, who gave the following statement in response.

Fossil is aware of a reported issue as a result of a recent update. Rest assured our team is currently working on a fix! We always appreciate the feedback so that we can quickly improve our customer experience.

The bugs don’t appear to affect everyone. Another user on Reddit mentioned that having a weather complication added to their watch face would have it pulled up randomly, which didn’t happen before. Other users noted that their Fossil Sport is entirely unusable, as every time it wakes, it goes back to sleep nearly straight away. Meanwhile, other users are very happy with the Wear OS H update, saying that it has made their device better than ever.

While Fossil hasn’t really given a timeline for an update, the affected Fossil Sport owners can only hope that the update will be available soon.

---

Source 1: /r/WearOS // Source 2: /r/WearOS // Source 3: /r/WearOS

Via: AndroidPolice

The post Fossil Sport’s Wear OS H update has some bugs, though the company is fixing them appeared first on xda-developers.

from xda-developers https://ift.tt/2vsdiyE
via IFTTT

Project Managers Are Earning Big in 2020. Here’s How You Join Them

It’s not just design and programming skills that can take you far in your tech career. Project managers are highly valued, with many top professionals earning six figures. The Lean Six Sigma Expert Training Bundle helps you break into this lucrative career path, with four courses covering key skills and working towards certification. You can get the training now for $49 at the XDA Developers Depot.

Lean Six Sigma combines two separate systems into one super-framework for managing projects and reducing waste. If you want to take a leadership role in technology, manufacturing, finance, or any other industry, it’s a smart move to learn the methodology.

This bundle helps you become a certified expert, with over 44 hours of video tutorials. The training starts with the basics, helping you understand the principles and languages of Lean Six Sigma. You then dive into the foundational concepts behind the Green Belt certification, before studying for the Black Belt exam. This effectively makes you a Lean Six Sigma whiz — a valuable asset for any company.

The final course helps you work with Minitab, the popular project management tool for crunching numbers and streamlining workflows. In this track, you also learn about analytics.

It’s worth $2,096 in total, but you can grab the training now for $49.

 

The Lean Six Sigma Expert Training Bundle – $49

See Deal

You can’t beat free! Get $70+ worth of premium Mac apps for free today!

Prices subject to change

The post Project Managers Are Earning Big in 2020. Here’s How You Join Them appeared first on xda-developers.

from xda-developers https://ift.tt/36uVf7W
via IFTTT

Realme X2 Pro and Realme C2 get updates with January 2020 security patches, and more

India’s smartphone market booming and that’s because of the high demand for new features at affordable prices. Brands of Chinese origin, such as Xiaomi, Realme, Vivo, OPPO, etc. occupy four out of the top five positions. Among these brands, Realme has launched the highest number of noteworthy devices in 2019 and a large number of launches were followed by a staggering growth in shipments globally during the first half of 2019. Although Realme’s market share declined in the last quarter of 2019 after a busy festive season, its shipments are still growing positively. Besides launching so many devices, Realme has also paid attention to regular security updates and the company has now rolled out January security patches for the flagship Realme X2 Pro and the entry-level Realme C2 along with VoWi-Fi support for the former.

XDA Forums: Realme X2 Pro || Realme C2

Realme X2 Pro was launched in November 2019 as the company’s first true flagship. It is powered by the Snapdragon 855+ mobile platform and really impressed us with its performance. The latest update brings security patches from January 2020 along with performance improvements. The update also brings voice over Wi-Fi (VoWiFi) and currently supports Airtel and Reliance Jio. The VoWiFi release timeline for other Realme phones is mentioned at the end.

The full changelog for the Realme X2 Pro’s update is as follows:

• Security
  • Android security patch: January, 2020
• Network
  • Added Airtel and JIO VoWIFI
• System
  • Fixed partial known issues, and improved system stability
• Fixed
  • Fixed Instagram upload video failure

Realme C2 is an entry-level smartphone from the company and was launched in April 2019 alongside the Realme 3 Pro. The latest update based on ColorOS 6.0 brings January 2020 security patches along with a fix for a WhatsApp video calling bug. The changelog for the update is:

• Security
  • Android security patch: January, 2020
• WhatsApp
  • Fixed video call restart issue of WhatsApp

The OTA for the Realme X2 Pro and the Realme C2 are rolling out but if you don’t want to wait, you can download the full firmware packages from the links below and install the updates.

RMX1931EX_11.A.09 for Realme X2 Pro (3.08GB)
RMX1941EX_11.A.23 for Realme C2 (1.97GB)

---

Realme VoWiFi update timeline

Realme recently announced that VoWiFi will be rolled out to nearly all of the devices within the first quarter of 2020. Here’s the month-wise division for the update:

• January 2020
  • Realme X2 Pro
• February 2020
  • Realme X2
  • Realme XT
  • Realme X
  • Realme 5 Pro
  • Realme 3 Pro
  • Realme 5
  • Realme 5i
  • Realme 5s
• March 2020
  • Realme C2
  • Realme 2
  • Realme C1
  • Realme 1
  • Realme U1
  • Realme 2 Pro
  • Realme 3
  • Realme 3i

Source: Realme

The post Realme X2 Pro and Realme C2 get updates with January 2020 security patches, and more appeared first on xda-developers.

from xda-developers https://ift.tt/3aTwWnC
via IFTTT

[Update: Launched in India] Samsung Galaxy A51 is now official with a hole punch display and quad rear cameras

Update 01/29/2020 @ 6:07 AM ET: Samsung has launched the Galaxy A51 in India at a price of ₹23,999 ($336). Scroll to the bottom for more information. The article as published on December 12, 2019, is preserved as below.

Just a couple of months after Samsung announced the Galaxy A50s, the company has launched the Galaxy A51 in Vietnam. We’ve already seen plenty of leaked renders of the device showcasing the punch-hole display and 48MP quad rear camera setup. And now we have more information about the device’s internal specifications. The all-new Galaxy A51 is powered by an octa-core processor coupled with 6GB RAM and 128GB of internal storage.

The Galaxy A51 features a 6.5-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED Infinity-O display with a repositioned hole-punch cutout. Unlike the off-center hole-punch on Samsung’s flagship Galaxy S10 series, the one on the Galaxy A51 has been moved to the center. Embedded in the display is a fingerprint sensor, much like the one found on the Galaxy A50s and the phone even includes support for face unlocking. In terms of optics, the device features a 40MP f/2.0 primary shooter, a 12MP f/2.2 ultra-wide-angle lens, a 5MP f/2.4 macro lens, and a 5MP f/2.2 depth sensor. On the front, the device has a single 32MP f/2.2 selfie camera.

Specification	Samsung Galaxy A51
Dimensions and Weight	158.5 x 73.6 x 7.9 mm; 172g
Display	6.5″ FHD+ (1080 x 2400) Super AMOLED; Infinity-O display
SoC	Octa Core processor (Quad 2.3GHz + Quad 1.7 GHz)
RAM and Storage	6GB + 128GB Expandable through dedicated microSD card slot
Battery	4,000 mAh; 15-watt fast charging
USB	USB Type-C
Rear Camera	48MP, f/2.0  primary + 5MP, f/2.2 depth sensor + 5MP, f/2.4 macro + 12MP, f/2.2 ultra-wide
Front Camera	32MP, f/2.2

The Galaxy A51 comes with dual-SIM support and it even has a microSD card slot for expansion (up to 512GB). The device is backed by a respectable 4,000mAh battery and it includes support for 15-watt fast charging which will get you up to 3 hours of calling, 3 hours of video consumption and 10 hours of music playback with only a 10 minute charge.

The device has been priced at 7,990,000 VND (~$346) and will be available in three color variants — Blue Crush Multicolor, White Crush Sparkling, Black Crush Diamond (translated). The Galaxy A51 will be available for pre-order in Vietnam starting from December 16th and it will go on sale starting from December 27th. As of now, there’s no information from the company regarding its launch in other regions.

Source: Samsung Newsroom

---

Update: Samsung Galaxy A51 launched in India for ₹23,999 (~$336)

Samsung has launched the Galaxy A51 in India, with the singular 6GB/128GB variant costing ₹23,999 (~336). The phone will be available in Blue, White, and Black colors, from January 31, 2020 onwards across leading online and offline portals.

Samsung Galaxy A51 — Hands On

The post [Update: Launched in India] Samsung Galaxy A51 is now official with a hole punch display and quad rear cameras appeared first on xda-developers.

from xda-developers https://ift.tt/2YFbmgQ
via IFTTT