The OnePlus 13, unveiled last month in China, has picked up a software update that comes with a Macro Mode. Once you download and install this update, you’ll see a petal icon in the OnePlus 13’s default camera app, allowing you to click pictures in macro with the 50MP ultrawide camera.
With the “macro close-up” feature, the phone has become a little more versatile for smartphone photography. As for the camera setup itself, the OnePlus 13 sports a 50 MP Sony LYT-808 primary camera on the rear. It’s paired with the Sony LYT-600 50 MP periscope telephoto and Samsung S5KJN5 ultrawide. On the front, there’s a 32 MP selfie shooter.
According to early reviews, the camera setup of the OnePlus 13 is more capable than that of its predecessors. It’s also worth mentioning that this Snapdragon 8 Elite flagship features the same Hasselblad Master Imaging algorithm that the Find X8 series sports, which aims to offer enhanced photos.
The OnePlus 13 is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite and runs Android 15-based ColorOS 15 out of the box. However, the international models will boot OxygenOS 15. The smartphone comes with up to 24GB RAM and 1TB of storage onboard, but the global versions are rumored to have only two options – 12GB/256GB and 16GB/512GB.
The Snapdragon 8 Elite-powered flagship is built around a 6.82″ 1,440p 120Hz LTPO AMOLED display with an ultrasonic fingerprint scanner embedded. Fueling the smartphone is a 6,000 mAh battery with 100W wired and 50W wireless charging. The OnePlus 13 also has an IP69 rating.
The OnePlus 13 is currently only available in China.As for the global launch, OnePlus has yet to share details on it, but it’s expected in early 2025.The phone could also likely launch alongside the OnePlus 13R, which will reportedly be a rebrand of the Ace 5 that will launch in China in December.
The Digital Wellbeing app is getting a new feature to help you spend less time in distracting apps.Instead of blocking users from using the app, it gently reminds them when they’ve spent too much time on it.
This feature was first spotted in a teardown of the Digital Wellbeing app last month. It has now started showing up for some users.Google has made some changes to the feature since the previous report. It’s now called Screen time reminders instead of Mindful Nudge.
The feature brings up a pill-shaped notification at the top of the screen after you’ve used one of the selected apps for a long time. The notification will show the amount of time you’ve spent on the app, prompting you to close the app and make better use of your time.
You can enable the feature on your phone by navigating to the new Screen time reminders option in the Digital Wellbeing & parental controls settings. Enable the Use reminders option on the following page and select the apps you want to see reminders for to set things up. The feature will then automatically show you a reminder when you spend too much time on one of the selected apps.
This new feature is a welcome addition to the Digital Wellbeing app. It can help users become more aware of how much time they are spending on their phones. This can help them make better choices about how they spend their time and which apps are the ones that tend to be the time-wasters. Although Digital Wellbeing apps in general already do this, the fact that this doesn’t completely lock you out of using the apps, but instead gently nudges you, it’s a different implementation.
Samsung’s reputation for software updates has been excellent in recent years. One UI has received timely updates almost every year, with a comprehensive beta program leading up to the release of a stable version. One UI 7 hasn’t lived up to that, though, and as we wait for the first beta to launch.
The first One UI 7 beta is expected to arrive in the next week but it looks like it’ll be a lot less stable than we’d hoped, given how many times it’s been delayed.Leaker Ice Universe claims that this will be a pretty rough beta, with many animation-related bugs, including new ones that have been introduced in the latest internal test builds.
This is disappointing to hear if true, but it isn’t necessarily unexpected. One UI 7 is a complete overhaul of Samsung’s Android skin. The six major versions of One UI that have existed so far have felt similar, and while the design has been tweaked here and there, and fully updated in places, it’s still the same fundamental experience. One UI 7 is changing everything, though, with an overhauled animation system, a new notification and quick settings interface, app icons, and more.
While Ice Universe mentions Samsung has “fallen behind” in a lot of ways, software-wise, in recent years, he is optimistic about the Korean company’s ability to fix all of the problems in the near future. Stable or not, One UI 7 is going to be a big update and some of the rumored changes to the notification and quick settings panels are controversial.
Apple launched the new MacBook Pro with M4 chips at the end of last month, and it looks like these have a previously not spoken about upgrade.
The M4 MacBook Pro models feature quantum dot display technology, according to display analyst Ross Young. Apple used a quantum dot film instead of a red KSF phosphor film.
Young says that Apple has opted for KSF for prior MacBook Pro models because it doesn’t use toxic element cadmium (typical for quantum dot) and is more efficient (and thus less expensive). Way back in 2015, when Apple introduced support for P3 wide color on the iMac, Apple executives said that quantum dot technology had been considered for its LED displays, but rejected because of the cadmium requirement.
The QD film delivers better color gamut and better motion performance compared to the red KSF phosphor film, and is now cadmium-free too. It didn’t use to be, and that apparently is the reason why Apple has stuck with the KSF solution until now.
Apple didn’t highlight specific color improvements with the M4 MacBook Pro models, but max SDR brightness increased to 1,000 nits, up from 600 nits in the prior model.
This improvement applies to all new MacBook Pros, with or without nano texture. Keep in mind that the new laptops still have LCD screens, and this QD film won’t make them perform as well as QD-OLED displays do.
Laptop batteries power portable devices but can degrade over time, impacting your laptop’s performance. Understanding how batteries work and what affects their lifespan, diagnosing common issues, and maintaining them can extend their life. This article will guide you on how to repair a laptop battery — optimizing battery performance, exploring upgrade options, and deciding whether to replace or upgrade your battery.
Understanding your battery is key.
Most modern laptops are powered by lithium-ion batteries, which are the industry standard due to their efficiency and reliability. However, these batteries come with a finite number of charge cycles. A charge cycle is defined as a full discharge of the battery from 0% to 100% and then back to 0% again. It’s important to note that partial discharges also contribute to these cycles. For example, using 50% of your battery one day and recharging it, then using 50% the next day, counts as one full charge cycle.
Each charge cycle gradually diminishes the battery’s capacity to hold a charge. When new, a lithium-ion battery might allow you to work for several hours on a single charge, but after numerous cycles, you may notice that your laptop doesn’t last as long. This is a natural ageing process for the battery, as the chemical reactions within it slowly degrade over time.
Understanding this concept can help you better manage your laptop’s battery life. For instance, avoiding full discharges and instead keeping your battery between 20% and 80% can significantly extend its lifespan. Employing features like Battery Saver mode can reduce the number of cycles your battery undergoes, helping to preserve its capacity.
By taking care of your battery and being mindful of its charge cycles, you can ensure that your laptop remains reliable and efficient for a longer period.
How To Repair A Laptop Battery
If your laptop battery isn’t performing well post-calibration or shows charging errors or power fluctuations, you may need to repair or replace it. Here’s how you can diagnose and troubleshoot the problem:
Use Windows Battery Report: This built-in feature provides a detailed report on your battery’s history and current condition. You can access it by opening the Command Prompt as an administrator, then typing powercfg /batteryreport.
Use macOS System Information: This built-in feature summarizes your battery’s health and status. Access it by clicking the Apple menu > About This Mac > System Report > Power.
Use BatteryCare software: This free application monitors and optimizes your battery’s performance and health, providing real-time information about your battery’s temperature, discharge rate, wear level, and calibration status.
Common battery problems and solutions include:
Battery Not Charging:This could be due to a faulty power adapter, damaged power jack, loose connection, or software glitch. Check and clean the power adapter, power jack, and battery contacts, update your laptop’s BIOS and drivers, and run a system scan with your antivirus.
Rapid Battery Drain:This could be caused by high power consumption, excessive heat, or a worn-out battery. Reduce your laptop’s brightness and volume, close unnecessary programs, disable unused devices, use a cooling pad, and check your battery’s wear level and capacity.
If these solutions don’t work, consider DIY battery replacement or professional repair services. DIY replacement is cheaper and faster but requires technical skills and may void your warranty. Professional repair services know for sure how to repair a laptop battery. They are more expensive and time-consuming but ensure quality service and preserve your warranty.
Secrets To Effective Battery Maintenance
To keep your laptop battery in good shape post-repair or replacement, follow these tips:
Optimize Power Settings:Adjust your laptop’s power settings to suit your needs and conserve battery power. Use Windows Power Options or macOS Energy Saver to customize settings like display brightness, sleep and hibernate modes, wireless and Bluetooth connections, and processor speed. Use Windows Battery Saver or macOS Low Power Mode to activate power-saving features when your battery level is low.
Store and Charge Properly:Keep your battery in a cool, dry place away from sunlight, heat, and moisture. Avoid overcharging or undercharging; aim for 40-80% charge most of the time. Don’t use your laptop while it’s charging to avoid generating extra heat and stress for your battery. Once a month, fully charge and discharge your battery to maintain its calibration and capacity.
Keep Your Laptop Cool:High temperatures can harm your battery cells, so keep your laptop ventilated. Don’t place it on soft or uneven surfaces that can block air vents and fans. Use a cooling pad or fan to improve airflow and heat dissipation. Clean your laptop regularly to prevent dust or debris from clogging the vents and fans.
Maximizing Battery Life For Enhanced Performance
Boosting your laptop battery’s lifespan and performance involves using power-saving features, minimizing battery-draining activities, and managing connected devices efficiently. Here’s how:
USE POWER-SAVING FEATURES AND SOFTWARE:
Windows Battery Report or macOS System Information: These help monitor and analyze battery usage and health, identifying potential issues or improvements.
Windows Task Manager or macOS Activity Monitor: Use them to manage and close unnecessary or resource-intensive programs and processes, freeing up memory and CPU power.
Windows Disk Cleanup or macOS Storage Management: These help delete unwanted or temporary files, freeing up disk space.
Windows Defender or macOS Security & Privacy: Protect your laptop from threats that may slow down or damage your laptop and battery.
BatteryCare or coconutBattery software: Optimize and customize battery performance and settings, like switching power plans, disabling Aero effects, and notifying you when to calibrate your battery.
MINIMIZE BATTERY-DRAINING PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES:
Games, videos, music: Lower the resolution, frame rate, and quality settings of these programs or use offline or low-power modes to save battery power.
Multiple browsers, tabs, and windows: Close unnecessary ones or use extensions or plugins that can suspend or block them.
Updating or downloading large files or programs: Postpone or schedule these tasks for later or use a wired or faster connection.
MANAGE EXTERNAL DEVICES AND PERIPHERALS EFFECTIVELY:
USB devices: Unplug unnecessary ones or use a powered USB hub to save battery power.
Bluetooth devices: Turn off unnecessary ones or use wired or low-energy alternatives.
External monitors: Lower the brightness, resolution, and refresh rate, or use a single or smaller screen to save battery power.
These steps will help maximize your battery’s life, keep your laptop running smoothly and let avoid the necessity of googling how to repair a laptop battery again.
Gemini officially landed as a standalone app on Android back in February. Now, only a few days after a stray report about a dedicated Gemini app landing on iOS did the rounds, the Mountain View, California-based tech giant has officially confirmed its launch.
The new app allows iPhone users to interact with Google’s AI through text or voice queries and includes support for Gemini Extensions. A key feature is Gemini Live, which wasn’t available in the previous Google app implementation. When engaged in a conversation, Gemini Live appears in both the Dynamic Island and Lock Screen, letting you control your AI interactions without returning to the main app.You can continue talking to the AI assistant even with your iPhone locked.
The app also aids with learning by allowing users to ask questions on any topic, receive personalized study plans, and access custom, step-by-step guidance tailored to their learning style. Additionally, Gemini can assess knowledge with quizzes, including those based on complex diagrams.
Furthermore, the Gemini iPhone app seamlessly connects with other Google apps through Extensions. This integration enables Gemini to access and display relevant information from apps such as YouTube, Google Maps, Gmail, and Calendar within a single conversation.
The app is free to download, and Google offers premium features through Gemini Advanced subscriptions available as in-app purchases. Gemini Advanced is part of a Google One AI premium plan costing $18.99 per month. Apart from Gemini in Mail, Docs, and more, it includes access to Google’s next-generation model, 1.5 Pro, priority access to new features, and a one million token context window. Users need to sign in with a Google account to access the service.
It’s worth noting that the app is only available for users running iOS 16 and above. Also worth noting is that even though the standalone app is rolling out worldwide, users would only be able to make use of Gemini Live in the following languages:
The Samsung Galaxy S25 has had a tentative early 2025 launch date for months now, but we might finally have an actual date to look forward to. The Korean site FN News (via Jukanlosreve) claims that Samsung will hold a Galaxy Unpacked event on January 23 next year in San Francisco.
At the first Unpacked event of the year, Samsung is expected to launch the next generation Galaxy S25 series, including the base Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25 Plus and the flagship Galaxy S25 Ultra,every phone to run on Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon 8 Elite processors.According to FNN, Samsung will also debut the much-rumored Galaxy S25 Slim.
Previous reports suggested that Samsung wouldn’t release the Slim until April. However, it’s suggested that the Slim might be more of an experiment by Samsung with a launch of limited qualities to see how people respond to the device.
FN News is not a site from which we typically see rumors; however, Jukanlosreve has proven reasonably accurate with leaks.
Take this news with some skepticism, though, as Samsung has not confirmed any dates for its Unpacked event yet.
What we expect to see
Samsung confirmed that the Galaxy S25 series would arrive in early 2025 during the Q3 earnings report while also discussing more foldable devices. That report says the S25 “plans to enhance the Galaxy AI experience to drive innovation in everyday life.”
At the same time, Samsung is expected to launch its Android 15-based One UI 7 alongside the S25 lineup. Samsung announced in October 2024 that “the new Galaxy” would launch with the UI upgrade. One UI 7 is expected to considerably overhaul Samsung’s Android skin. It sounds like Samsung is focusing on software upgrades over hardware ones.
Samsung is aiming to capitalize on the recent success of the Galaxy S24 and Galaxy AI. The S24 remained on Counterpoint Research’s top 10 smartphone sell-through list even over the past three months — a rare feat, considering that’s when the new iPhones released — and several midrange Samsung models also claimed a spot on the list.
It’s a nightmare scenario: You’re typing on your laptop when you reach for a glass of water or your morning cup of coffee and—gasp—it tips over, soaking your screen and keyboard. Don’t worry, if liquid spills on your laptop you can still save your device—but only if you act fast. We’ll walk you through what to do to prevent a small spill from turning into a big problem.
Here’s our guide on what to do if you splash or spill water—or any type of liquid—on your laptop.
Turn off your laptop
If water spilled on your laptop keyboard or screen, it’s important to turn off your device immediately. First unplug your laptop , then press and hold the Power button for 5 seconds or longer until it shuts down completely.
Don’t wait to turn off your laptop, since leaving it on while it’s wet could cause a short circuit or other serious damage. Also, be careful—if you or your clothes are wet, don’t unplug your laptop directly from the wall, as you could electrocute yourself. Instead, locate the switch or circuit breaker for the outlet you plugged your device into, then turn it off there.
Remove the battery
After you’ve turned off your laptop, try to remove the battery. Here’s how:
Turn over your laptop so the bottom is facing up and find the battery latch.
Next, unplug any USB drives, dongles, or accessories such as a mouse or charger from your laptop.
Dry and drain your laptop
If you spilled liquid on your laptop, it’s important to dry it as quickly and carefully as possible. First, take a microfiber cloth to dab any excess liquid from your device, making sure to dry the keyboard, vents, trackpad, and USB ports. Then follow these simple steps to drain your laptop:
Turn your laptop upside down, place it on a towel or a microfiber cloth, and let the water drain out.
Allow at least 24 hours for your computer to fully air dry for best results.
Do not place your device in rice. You’ll create more problems if the rice gets stuck in and around the components of your laptop.
Do not use a hairdryer or leave it out in the sun. Too much heat could damage your machine.
Is there a way to help my laptop dry faster? Do not use hairdryers, heaters, or other heat sources. Do not place it out in the sun, as excessive heat can cause more harm than good. High heat can damage delicate components and rice and the dust from rice can create more problems by getting stuck in and around components.
Where do I go if my laptop is still under warranty? If your laptop is under warranty, consider taking it to an authorized service center associated with your laptop’s brand. They are trained to handle specific brands and may offer warranty-covered repairs. Some laptop manufacturers have their own service centers that handle repairs. Contact the manufacturer or check their website for information on authorized service providers in your area.
If your laptop is not covered under warranty. Local computer repair shops often provide services for various brands and models. Do your research and make sure to choose a reputable and experienced shop with positive reviews.
Honor announced the Honor Magic 7 and Magic 7 Pro in October in China, both powered by the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset. During the launch event, the company confirmed that it would unveil the more advanced Magic 7 RSR Porsche Design in December of this year in China. Today, tipster Digital Chat Station shared a post on Weibo revealing the major specifications of this device.
As per the leak, the Magic 7 RSR Porsche Design will feature a 6.8-inch LTPO display with a quad-curved design. The display will offer a 1.5K resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. The front camera setup includes a 50-megapixel AON (Always-On) sensor and ToF 3D facial recognition.
The rear camera system boasts an OIS-enabled 50-megapixel OmniVision OV50K main sensor with a 1/1.3-inch variable aperture, a 50-megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera, and a 200-megapixel 3x periscope telephoto lens with a 1/1.4-inch sensor and OIS support.
The device will operate on Magic OS 9, based on Android 15. It will support fast charging capabilities of 100W and 80W. While the leaker has not specified the battery capacity, it is anticipated that it will utilize the same 5,850mAh battery found in the Magic 7 Pro. Additional features of the Magic 7 RSR Porsche Design will include a single-point ultrasonic fingerprint sensor and an IP68/IP69 rating for water and dust resistance.
The CMIIT certification of the device (PTP-AN20 model number) has revealed that it will support dual satellite connectivity with TianTong (real-time voice calling) and BeiDou (two-way messaging) satellites. The company has already confirmed that the device will be available in two shades, Provence Purple and Agate Gray. It is speculated that the Porsche Design variant will be in two configurations, such as 24GB+512GB and 24GB+1TB.
Apple recently unveiled a new lineup of Macs, all powered by the next-generation M4 chips that deliver enhanced performance and efficiency. These models come equipped with either the M4, M4 Pro, or M4 Max chips. While the M4 powers the base models, the M4 Pro and M4 Max provide additional horsepower and incorporate advanced technologies like Thunderbolt 5, a high-speed data transfer protocol co-developed by Intel and Apple.
This’ the first major bandwidth increase since Thunderbolt 3 debuted in 2015.
What is Thunderbolt 5?
Thunderbolt 5 represents a significant leap in data transfer capabilities, supporting speeds up to 80 Gbps and up to 120 Gbps with the Bandwidth Boost feature, making it up to thrice as fast as Thunderbolt 4, which peaks at 40 Gbps. This allows for connections to high-resolution (up to 8K) high-refresh-rate monitors using a single USB-C port, though a Thunderbolt 5-compliant data cable is necessary.
Introduced in September 2023, Thunderbolt 5 is now available in Apple’s latest Macs, making them among the first commercial devices to support this technology.
With Thunderbolt 5, a device like the Mac Mini M4 can achieve up to 80 Gbps of bi-directional data transfer, meaning it can send and receive data at that speed simultaneously. This feature is perfect for high-resolution displays and enables rapid transfer of large files, such as 4K and 8K video footage.
A single Thunderbolt 5 port can power up to three 4K monitors at 144Hz or two 8K monitors, while also supporting connectivity to a wide array of accessories like monitors, external GPUs, storage drives, and more through a single connection. However, Apple Silicon currently does not support external graphics, limiting this feature to Intel-powered Thunderbolt 5 PCs.
Thunderbolt 5’s USB-C compatibility
A major benefit of Thunderbolt 5 is that it utilizes a standard USB-C port. To maximize the potential of Thunderbolt 5, you’ll need a certified Thunderbolt 5 USB-C cable, which is priced slightly higher than a regular USB-C cable.
Thunderbolt 5 is also backwards-compatible with Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 v2, so you can continue using existing accessories, albeit at Thunderbolt 4 speeds of 40 Gbps.
Do I Need Thunderbolt 5?
For most users performing everyday tasks like web browsing, document editing, or even photo editing, Thunderbolt 4’s 40 Gbps bandwidth remains more than adequate. Even 4K video editing and working with large file sizes works smoothly with Thunderbolt 4 connections, as many professionals will attest. The new Mac mini and base 14-inch MacBook Pro with M4 chip includes Thunderbolt 4 ports that should serve most of these users.
It’s worth considering Thunderbolt 5 if you work with 8K video, require multiple high-resolution displays, or regularly transfer extremely large files. The technology will be particularly beneficial if you work with virtual reality, 3D rendering, or high-end video production where every bit of bandwidth matters. However, remember that taking full advantage of Thunderbolt 5 requires compatible peripherals, which are just beginning to enter the market and typically command premium prices.
For most users, the presence of Thunderbolt 5 shouldn’t be the deciding factor when choosing between M4 and M4 Pro/Max Macs. The standard M4 models with Thunderbolt 4 will continue to serve the majority of users well, making Thunderbolt 5 a “nice-to-have” rather than a necessity for typical Mac buyers. The technology’s true benefits will likely become more apparent as compatible peripherals become more available and affordable over time.
