Author: chris eilers

We have heard news and rumors about a 1000 yuan Meizu phone for a long time now. While Meizu officials never clearly confirmed the existence of a new Meizu phone, details of a new Meizu gadget appeared on GFX Bench. This new phone is very likely the Meizu 1000 yuan phone.

The new Meizu phone comes with the temporary code name Meizu K52.

• Original Meizu MX4 16GB for RM1074 – Limited Stock  Please use Voucher Code LAZADAMOB88

The details show that the Meizu K52 will sport a Mediatek processor like the MX4. The K52 uses a 64BIT OctaCore MT6752 CPU with LTE support and Mali-T760 GPU. The MT6752 CPU 8 Cores are clocked at 1.7Ghz. For sure at this price level, the MT6752 is not as powerful as the Meizu’s MX4 MT6595 CPU, but at least you get 64BIT and LTE Support.

This new mysterious device sports a 4.6″ Full HD screen with 1920x1080p resolution. If we are taking into account that this data on the GFX Bench is not the final data, there is a good chance that this screen is going to be larger then 4.6″. Other Specs for the Meizu K52 include 2GB of RAM and 16GB of internal memory. ITs running on Flyme based on Android 4.4. So far we dont have information on the cameras included.

You also get a few Benchmarks about the K52 3D Graphics Performance tested on Manhattan and T-Rex. Based on the results the Meizu K52 is relatively close to the Oppo U3, but quite far away from the performance of the Meizu MX4 and MX4 Pro. This should not come as a surprise though, at this price level.

Overall these reports confirm the insider information we had before about a new Dual Sim Meizu 64BIT LTE Low Cost phone that would sport the same CPU solution as the HTC Desire D820s. Meizu has said before that a 1000yuan (RM580) phone can not be ideal. Since Meizu faces intense competition from Xiaomi and other brands, the introduction of cheaper phone models next to their flagships is unavoidable to gain market share.

What do you think about the new Low-Cost Meizu Machine?

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The OnePLus One is one of the hottest smartphones on the market. If you research about the OnePlus One, you will find that a numbers of users have problems with the touchscreen of the OnePlus One. Now it seems a User has fixed the OnePlus One Touchscreen issues all by himself.

The OnePlus One is fairly hard to get, up till now Users had to wait for invitations to buy one. The more users got disappointed when there were oneplus one touchscreen issues. For those users some touches were not registered, double taps changed into single taps and unpredictable typing and the list got even longer. Some users even complained about yellow tints on their touchscreens.

Since OnePLus One cant replace those products, simply because there is not enough stock for those issues. OnePlus has since adressed the issue as a “software problem” and promised future updates.

This special user was not satisfied with the software updates, since they problem still stayed there even with other versions of CM11S. This particular user decided to fully disassemble the OnePlus One including removing the Screen!

As the user could prove, the digitizer flex is in direct contact to the chassis, before the connection to the logic board, similiar to the problem on the iPAD Mini.

After the User isolated the Flex Digitizer from the chassis, the touchscreen problem, completely disappeared. The OnePlus One registered all 10 touches and was much more responsive then ever before.

Going from there the issue is quite obvious – the Digitizer Flex needs to be isolated from the chassis. He took some insulating tape and put it on the chassis where it before touched the flex, for this purpose any kind of tape is okey.

After using this fix and reassembling the phone, the issues disappeared completely and the phone worked even better then before.

You might ask why some screens on the OnePlus One work perfect and some screens have those touchscreen issues. It seems that unlike big mainstream manufacturers like Apple and Samsung who use isolated digitizers or double-sided 3M tape for their phones, OnePLus uses glue instead. You can actually see quite clear in the pictures that it is glue and not tape holding the screen in place.

Because of the used glue every phone has a different gap between the chassis and digitizer flex and hence only some phones with this problem. According to OnePLus newer Units do not have this problem, but we cant confirm on how OnePlus exactly fixed it.

We find it pretty amazing that a one user took the risk to fix the oneplus one touchscreen issues by himself and potentially destroy his own phone. Also we hope that OnePLus really fixes the issue for all users permanently since this is clearly a great phone!

Read the full report here

Today Taiwan’s DigiTimes Research agency published a new report about China’s Smartphone Landscape. In this report Huawei, not Xiaomi, is ranked first with a shipment of 14.8 Million Smartphone for Q3 2014.

Xiaomi is ranking still very close second with 13.5 Million. Still this report is very controversial to the international reports of IHS iSuppli and IDC. According to the DigiTimes Report Xiaomi is the fifth in global Shipments for Q3 2014 after Samsung, Apple, LG and Huawei.

For the Chinese Local Market in Q3 2014, Lenovo is third with 10.1 Million Units, TCL with 10 Million units, OPPO with 9.8 MIllion UNits, BBK 8Million Units, Coolpad 6.4 Million. Gionee 6.3 Million and ZTE 5.9 Million Units.

Xiaomi 2014 Product Assortment, Beautiful Pic by: Ginie Chin and Aslyy Chin

All together Chinese manufacturers produced an staggering 111.1 Million Smartphones for Q3 2014, that is an increase of 44.1 compare to the last year according to the Digitimes Research. Nearly 40% of those shipments, 39.2% went to export in oversea markets, which is a 53% increase compared to last year.

Very interesting if you look at the export numbers is how different those strategies are. While companies like TCL exports 93.1 % of their shipments, Huawei 42.6% , Xiaomi only exports 5.4%.

Out of the Top 10 Smartphone Vendors this year, 5 were from China , with Xiaomi leading them with a 200% growth compared to last year. Out of those numbers you can clearly see that the future of smartphones seems to be from China. Already know China’s brands are learning fast that prices AND quality matter and the fans and customers are thankful for that.

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Slowly we are coming closer to the launch of Xiaomi’s next tablet, the Mi pad one, a tablet that will co-exist with the Xiaomi MiPad 7.9″ tablet. In October we already reported about the Benchmarks off Xiaomi’s new tablet and a first look at the tablet’s Specs.

Now Xiaomi has taken the next step, the new Xiaomi mi pad one tablet got certified by China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (SIRIM DB in Malaysia). This listing gives us new information, mainly that the new low-cost tablet will support 4G LTE!

• Original Meizu MX4 16GB for RM1074 – Limited Stock  Please use Voucher Code TUNEINSURE12

While the Xiaomi MIPAD 7.9″ never launched outside of China it seems Xiaomi is preparing a global launch for their new low-cost tablet, the xiaomi mi pad one. According to the listing the tablet is not just supporting TD-LTE, but also LTE FDD, the LTE standard that is nearly used everywhere outside of China.

Additionally it seems like the tablet will be able to support voice calls, despite its large 9.2″ screen size. From the previous reports we know already that the tablet will probably sport a 9.2″ display with HD 1,280×720 resolution, 1GB of RAM and extendable 8GB of ROM. The tablet will be powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 410 with a 64BIT 1.2 Ghz Quad-Core Cpu.

The most interesting price about this new Xiaomi tablet is surely the pricing though. If we can trust most of the reports this tablet will sell at not more then 599CNY, but will likely retail at 499CNY, that is 81USD or an amazing RM270.

Finally the long rumored Meizu MX4 Ubuntu version will launch and gets ready for the Launch in China and Oversea Markets for early 2015.

Today Meizu officially announced a strategic cooperation with Ubuntu and signed an agreement in their Meizu Headquarters in China. Both sites Meizu and Ubuntu decided to build together a Ubuntu Ecosystem and jointly promote the Meizu OS Flyme based on Ubuntu.

Meizu said the first Meizu MX phones with Ubuntu are expected to go on Sale for the first quarter of 2015 in China and Europe. Meizu did not disclose specifically which models will get the Ubuntu Version, but our guess is that the Meizu MX4 will definitely be included.

Meizu and Ubuntu showed off a Meizu MX3 prototype based on Ubuntu this year on the MWC User show, which got the attention of a lof of fans. Unfortunately after this brief presentation of the Meizu Ubuntu prototype, we did not get any more news after.

Ubuntu Touch essentially uses the same core technologies as Ubuntu Desktop, so apps that are designed for Ubuntu Desktop will also run on Ubuntu Touch and vice cersa. Additionally Ubuntu Desktop parts support the Ubuntu Touch System.That means that your Ubuntu Touch Device can provide a full desktop experience when connected with an external monitor or docking station

From the presentation we could already see that a lot of fans are waiting eagerly for an Meizu Ubuntu Launch. As the next step for Meizu is a broader global expansion into Europe and other asian countries, Ubuntu could be a very important strategic partner.

Since Meizu is also working with AliBAba and using their Cloud Services we dont think that Meizu will give up FlyMe alltogehter.
The most probable version is that Meizu will keep their FlyMe UI and it well be based on a Ubuntu Core – which we find definitely awesome!

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Do you think there is a chance for Xiaomi to make one of the best power banks on the market even better? Xiaomi seem to have achieved exactly this with a new super sleek 5000mAh Power Bank that will sell at 8USD, or RM26.

The new 5000mAH Power Bank is the complementary product to the large 16000mAH Mi Powerbank that was also recently launched in China. The big difference is that the 5000 MI Power Bank is really incredibly sleek with just 9.9mm, that is less then 50% of the currents 5200 mAH Mi Power Bank thickness.

According to Xiaomi, and if we can believe the pictures, the new Mi Power Bank is so slim that you can easily fit it into your Shirt Pocket. The surface is made from brushed alluminium alloy and according to Xiaomi it gives the same design feeling as a “Macbook Pro”.

Despite having the same Texas Instruments Control Chipset as the other Xiaomi MI Power Banks, Xiaomi achieved to make the new Mi Power Bank 5200 mAH more efficient. It has a 93% energy conversion , that is 8% higher then the conversion rate on the current 5200mAH model. Also the new 5000mAH Power Bank gets a 2.1A output versus the 1.5A output on the older model.

Despite what you think of Xiaomi, it looks like with this new Mi Power Bank for just 8USD they will have another product that will sell like Hot Cakes and help to spread the Xiaomi brand. The product went on Sales today in China for 49 yuan (26RM) and will be sold alongside the current models. So far Xiaomi does not announce yet, if and when they will launch in other global markets.

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By now most of you know the popular OnePlus One phone, the 300USD Flagship, that is very hard to get your hands on. This morning OnePlus announced the launch of new rear covers, like sandstone black and others for 27.11 on their official Weibo Account, but that is not all. There might be something very big coming for all you OnePlus Fans!

OnePlus posted this message in their official Weibo Account:“The theory of evolution applies to all things in the world, including technological devices, so stayed tuned!” The photo attached says “Its time to evolve”

In earlier reports OnePlus CEO already confirmed that OnePlus is working on their own Operating System for the OnePlus Two. Could this message mean the OnePlus Two will launch very soon?

OnePLus Two by Nikolar Prettner

A source very close to OnePLus told Business Insider more infos about the OnePlus Two as well:

• The OnePlus Two will get more customizable, because OnePlus wants to produce more of their SwapStyle Back Covers, in Bamboo etc.
• The OnePLus Two will be definitely cheaper then other Android Phones off Contract. No big surprise here, with the 300USD PriceTag of the OnePlus One, but still comforting to hear.
• The OnePlus Two will have OnePlus own Custom Rom as an option. We still dont know if Cyanogen Mod will be an Option as well, or if OnePLus will put all eggs in one basket with their own OS.
• There will be “surprises in store when it comes to hardware.”: Whatever that means, we surely hope to see the new Snapdragon 810 Chipset and 4GB of RAM – minimum 😉

Anyways lets hope that “Its time to evolve” really means that we will see the next generation of OnePlus One, the OnePlus Two launching soon! It might be also the launch of Cyanogen Mod 12!

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The next Generation of Smartphones with Ultra HD Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 and 4GB RAM just launched and are available to order. These Spec Beasts are sold by the Canadian manufacturer Intrinsyc and are truly high end models. They are meant for smartphone producers and Android Developers for testing and optimization of the next generation of Android Flagships and Apps. 

The Spec Beast sports a 64 Bit Qualcomm Octa-Core Ultra HD Snapdragon 810, with Adreno 430 and Qualcomm Hexagon V56 DSP. Further Specs include a whopping 4GB of LP-DDR4 RAM, 32GB of RAM, Micro-SD, and 2K 6.2″ screen with a 2560 x 1600 resolution. The battery is at 3020 mAh and gets charged with Qualcomm’s Quick Charge 2.0. The phone is running on Android L.

The Main Camera of the phone is a 13MP shooter with 4K video function and 4MP front camera with 1080p video function. The phone has 8 inbuilt mics and you get additional features with fingerprint sensor, temperature and humidty sensor.

At the same time Intrinsyc is launching a tablet with the same Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 and 4GB of RAM. The tablet features a 10.1″ screen with 3840 x 2160 resolution. The internal memory is at 64GB and extendable via Micro-SD. The tablet features the same 4K 13MP main camera and 4MP front shooter. Additionally it has two 3D IR cameras on board. It will be delivered with a huge 7560mAH battery.

Both the phone and the tablet will start shipping in the middle of december for 799USD and 999USD each. They are not intended for normal customers, but show us really well what we can expect of new flagships in 2015!

Snapdragon 810 Phone Specs:

• Processor : Snapdragon 810 64-bit octa-core processor
• Display: 6.17” QHD (2560×1600) 490ppi
• Memory: 4 GB LP-DDR4 and 32 GB eMMC 5.0
• Cameras : Rear: 13 MP with OIS, Dual LED flash (4K at 30 fps, 1080p @ 60fps)  and Front: 4 MP AF(1080p at 120 fps)

Nokia, from many believed to be dead after the acquisition by Microsoft stays in the news. First Nokia is launching a new low-cost Android tablet now the Nokia Lumia took the “world largest selfie” up to date. The picture was taken by the Nokia Lumia 730 that is officially ” Made for Selfies” with its 5MP Front Camera.

Arranged by Microsoft and CocaCola was a Selfie taken of 1151 people taken by the 5 Megapixel Camera of the Lumia 730. The “World’s biggest Selfie” was taken in Bangladesh, and all participants needed to sign in to join the Selfie.

Previous Selfie Records by Guiness Book of Records are the biggest selfie chain, with 279 people standing in line and taking selfies. Also the internet hyped Oscar Selfie from Ellen DeGeneres got approved. Microsoft and Nokia are still waiting for confirmation if the picture really will make the “worlds largest Selfie”.

There are already some competitors with the same Idea, as Lava tried to get the record by taking a selfie of 1000 people with the camera of their Iris X5 phone. This selfie has not been confirmed either though.

When Xiaomi launched the popular Xiaomi MI4, they also introduced the MI BAND. The MI BAND, is Xiaomi’s first fitness tracker at a very affordable price of only 79 Yuan, thats 13 USD or RM43.

Now the Xiaomi MIBAND already passed the certifications on the local malaysian SIRIM database, which means it could be coming very soon officially to Malaysia. We cant say exactly how fast though, we are also still waiting for the Xiaomi MI Router with 1 Terrabyte Harddrive.

The Xiaomi MI Band targets other fitness trackers like the FitBit, and Xiaomi is following the trend of smart wearables. Although of course you can not compare it to super high end fitness trackers, like Polar Watches, you still get IP67 water resistance and a 30 days lasting battery.

The Xiaomi Mi Band can connect via bluetooth 4.0 to all Android devices, not only Xiaomi phones. Ios support is in development and will launch in december.

For the functionality in tracking your steps and sleeping patterns, it seems to work surprisingly well for this price level. It does not sport a LCD display as you can see, but the Xiaomi MI BAND comes with LED notification lights and even vibration for alerts. Summarized if you search for a stylish entry level Fitness tracker, a price under RM50 for the Xiaomi MI Band is definitely a good deal.

By now a lot of other chinese companys have taken the popular Xiaomi MI4 as an inspiration and rolemodel. Of those smartphones the Zeaplus M4 seems to be by far the cheapest up to now.

If you have never heard off Zeaplus so far, that is because the brand is completely new and hasnt launched a single physcial device yet. Zeaplus has some good ideas though, they want to be mainly launching low-cost versions of the Fan’s favourite phones.

For the Zeaplus M4, after the Xiaomi MI4, its produced in the same factory as other chinese brands like the Elephone P4000, Doogee DG850 and No1. Mi4. Zeaplus plans to launch the M4 for under 100USD (333RM)

The Zeaplus M4 will sport a 5″ HD display 1280 x 720, metal alloy body, 8MP Camera and 2MP Selfie Cam. The phone runs on Android 4.4 KitKat. The Zeaplus M4 will be powered by a quadcore MT6582, and doesnt sport LTE.

I cant really say I like clone fones, but for this price the Zeaplus M4 has some interesting features like Gorilla Glas display, SD Card, alloy body and big HD display. For 99USD this is quite an interesting phone.

What do you think of the Zeaplus M4? Could this be interesting, maybe as a present?

No matter if you like Xiaomi or not, it is really remarkable what Xiaomi achieved so far. Xiaomi, just founded in 2010, produced their first smartphone ever, just mere three years ago in 2011. Now in 2014 – with the Xiaomi Mi4 and Redmi models, Xiaomi is officially the world’s third largest smartphone maker judging by Sales. Xiaomi achieved this just by selling in Asia so far – they didnt attack Apple as Nr 2. and Samsung Nr 1. in their Home Markets just yet.

To really have the knowledge to see that Xiaomi just needed three years in producing smartphones to be the Number three in the Business, is necessary to understand Xiaomi’s CEO Lei JUN newest statement. Lei JUn just announce on a press conference in China that Xiaomi will be the Number 1 in Smartphone Sales Worldwide in 5-10 years, kicking Samsung and Apple from their throne!

Top Five Smartphone Vendors Q3 2014

Naturally in 5-10 years a lot of things can happen. For once especially Samsung could wake up and see that Xiaomi is not too far behind and eating up their market shares. Judging by Xiaomi’s success and popularity so far, we and also Xiaomi’s competitors should take Lei Jun very serious with this plan and consider this possibility to be true.

In fact, if Xiaomi had the producing capacity, they could expand to USA and Europe right now and their Sales would jump instantly by a lot.

Lei Jun said that Xiaomi plans to be Number 1 Worldwide at a press conference in China, where he also announced that Xiaomi has 70 Million active users at the moment. Xiaomi plans to raise this number to 200 million active users in 2015, so they plan to sell a further incredible 100 Million Smartphones for the next year.

What do you think of Lei Jun’s Claim? Is it realistic?

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