This could be our first look at LG’s rollable smartphone

The foldable phone is becoming a more prominent part of the smartphone conversation. But we may soon start seeing what comes after. LG has once again teased its rollable smartphone, a device that we could see arrive sometime later this year.

At CES 2021 on Monday, via Android Authority, the company gave us a better glimpse at what it’s calling the LG Rollable. According to LG, the rollable smartphone features a “unique resizable screen” that is capable of transforming. In the video at the source link, you can see how the LG Rollable seamlessly shrinks from a tablet into a smartphone.

LG’s rollable smartphone is currently in the concept stage, so nothing has been finalized. But LG seemingly feels confident enough to show the device off. The concept is part of LG’s “Explorer Project,” which aims to deliver devices that are distinctive and feature “unexplored usability experiences.” The LG Wing, which features a swiveling main display, was the first smartphone as part of the Explorer Project.

Last year, reports out of South Korea claimed LG would release a smartphone with a rollable display this March, which suggests that LG’s rollable smartphone concept is nearly finalized. While we’re intrigued by LG’s latest concept, we have a lot of questions about how it works.

Do you press a button to switch between phone and tablet modes? How does it effect battery life? What’s the warranty like on a rollable smartphone? How much will the LG’s rollable smartphone cost?

These questions and many others will hopefully be answered later this year when/if the LG Rollable makes it to market. LG isn’t the only company to be exploring the possibility of a rollable smartphone; TCL and Oppo have also shown off rollable phone concepts. But based on what was shown off today, LG certainly looks like it’s the closest to making rollable phones a reality.

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TCL announces the TCL 20 smartphone series, starting with the TCL 20 5G and TCL 20 SE

TCL made a comeback of sorts into the smartphone market with last year’s launches, namely the TCL 10L, TCL 10 Pro, and TCL 10 5G. While the phones were not absolute runaway successes, they were well received generally in the US market, enough to warrant another round. At CES 2021, TCL is back with just that as it introduces the new TCL 20 series smartphones, comprising of the TCL 20 SE, TCL 20 5G, TCL 20 Pro 5G, TCL 20L, and TCL 20S. Of these, the company is currently focusing on the TCL 20 5G and TCL 20 SE. The company also launched the TCL NXTPAPER, the TCL Tab 10s, and the TCL MoveAudio S600 TWS.

TCL 20 5G: Specifications

Specification	TCL 20 5G
Build	Glass front and back
Dimensions & Weight	166.2 x 76.8 x 9.1 mm 206g
Display	6.67″ FHD+ LCD 20:9 aspect ratio HDR10 Hole-punch display
SoC	Qualcomm Snapdragon 690: 2x Kryo 560 Gold @ 2GHz + 6x Kryo 560 Silver @ 1.7GHz Adreno 619L
RAM & Storage	6GB LPDDR4X + 128GB UFS 2.1 6GB + 256GB MicroSD card support
Battery & Charging	4500 mAh battery 18W Qualcomm Quick Charge 4.0+
Security	Side-mounted fingerprint scanner
Rear Camera(s)	Primary: 48MP, f/1.8, 1/2″ sensor Secondary: 8MP wide-angle, f/2.2, 118° FoV Tertiary: 2MP macro, f/2.4 Video: 4K @ 30fps 1080p @ 60/30fps
Front Camera(s)	8MP, f/2.0
Port(s)	USB Type-C USB 2.0
Audio	3.5mm headphone jack
Connectivity	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac Bluetooth 5.1  Bands: 2G: GSM 850/900/1800/1900 3G: B1/2/5/8 4G: B1/3/5/7/8/20/26/28/32/38/40/41 5G: n1/3/5/28/41/78  GNSS: GPS Galileo GLONASS BeiDou Dual SIM models available in select regions NFC
Software	TCL UI based on Android 10 (promised update to Android 11)
Other Features	Dedicated Google Assistant hardware button Super Bluetooth: Connect up to 4 devices to play audio simultaneously

As the name would imply, the TCL 20 5G is the successor to the TCL 10 5G. It’s a 5G-enabled smartphone, though it is not a flagship. The specifications are thus in tune with what you can expect on a device that is aiming for the mid-range. The display on the device is an FHD+ LCD. TCL calls it the “Dotch” display, which presumably refers to the hole-punch cutout. A higher refresh rate is not specified, so we presume this retains the 60Hz standard refresh rate. The device also features NXTVISION 2.0, which is TCL’s proprietary display (and camera) optimization technology. This allows you to get HDR10 video playback support, as well as an SDR-to-HDR conversion tool.

On the inside, the TCL 20 5G is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 690 SoC, which is a mid-range SoC that focuses on 5G as one of its selling points.

Pricing and Availability

The TCL 20 5G will be available starting at €299 for the base 6GB + 128GB variant in Europe. The phone will be available in Mist Gray and Placid Blue colors. The device will also be rolled out to multiple countries in the coming months.

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TCL 20 SE: Specifications

Specification	TCL 20 SE
Build	<no information>
Dimensions & Weight	172.08 x 77.14 x 9.1mm 206g
Display	6.82″ HD+ LCD display 20.5:9 aspect ratio Waterdrop notch
SoC	Qualcomm Snapdragon 460: 4x Kryo 240 based on Cortex-A73 @ 1.6GHz + 4x Kryo 240 based on Cortex-A53 @ 1.8GHz Adreno 610
RAM & Storage	4GB + 64GB eMCP 4GB + 128GB UFS 2.1 Supports microSD card expansion
Battery & Charging	5000 mAh battery 18W fast charging
Security	Rear fingerprint scanner
Rear Camera(s)	Primary: 48MP, f/2.0, 1/2″ sensor, 79° FoV Or 16MP, f/1.8/, 1/2.77″ sensor, 77° FoV Secondary: 5MP, wide angle, f/2.2, 115° FoV Tertiary: 2MP, macro camera, f/2.4 Quarternary: 2MP, depth, f/2.4
Front Camera(s)	13MP, f/2.2, 1/3″ sensor Or 8MP, f/2.0, 1/4″ sensor
Port(s)	USB Type-C USB 2.0
Audio	<no information>
Connectivity	Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n Bluetooth 5.0  Bands: 2G: GSM 850/900/1800/1900 3G: EMEA:APAC: B1/2/5/8 LATAM: B1/2/4/5/8 4G: EMEA/APAC: B1/3/5/7/8/20/28/38/40/41 LATAM: B1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/13/17/26/28/66  GNSS: GPS Galileo GLONASS BeiDou Dual SIM models available in select regions NFC
Software	TCL UI based on Android 11
Other Features	Dedicated Google Assistant hardware button

The TCL 20 SE is a new addition to the lineup, extending the portfolio to an even lower price point. It’s a budget smartphone, and the specs match up to that claim. NXTVISION makes an appearance here too, with claimed SDR-to-HDR video playback.

There are two versions of this device, based on the storage, which further changes the spec on the primary rear and on the front camera. Going for the higher storage variant will be advisable, as the spec sheet indicates the bump up in camera prowess might be worth it too.

Pricing and Availability

The TCL 20 SE will be available this month in Nuit Black and Aurora Green in Europe for €149. Based on the band information available, the phone should also be making its way to APAC and LATAM later on.

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Start your career in project management with 22 courses for just $46

In these challenging times, many of us are thinking about how to earn more over the next 12 months. The Premium 2021 Project & Quality Management Certification Bundle can help you climb the career ladder, with 22 courses on the most popular frameworks used in business. The training is worth over $4,000, but you can get it today for just $45.99 at the XDA Developers Depot.

There are two primary ways to increase your salary: earn a promotion or take on a new leadership role. To pursue either option successfully, you need to get some leadership skills and certifications under your belt.

This learning library provides the perfect launchpad. Containing 22 courses and 2,261 individual lessons, the bundle helps you master a vast range of valuable skills. 

Starting from scratch, you learn how to implement Six Sigma, Lean, Scrum, Agile, and other key frameworks. The courses take you through each level of expertise, so you can fill your résumé with certifications.

You also pick up practical knowledge for management in the workplace: time management, productivity tips, waste reduction, risk management, compliance, and so on. 

The bundle even includes a masterclass on using Jira, the software preferred by many project managers.

You learn from several highly-qualified instructors, such as Paul Ashun, a certified Scrum Master who founded his own consulting firm. Each teacher has great reviews.

Order today for just $45.99 to get lifetime access to all 22 courses, worth $4,400.

 

The Premium 2021 Project & Quality Management Certification Bundle – $45.99

See Deal

Prices subject to change 

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Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 gets updated to Android 11 with One UI 3.0

Back in November last year, Samsung announced the One UI 3.0 beta program for Galaxy Z Fold 2 users in its home country of South Korea. Following that, the company rolled out the beta build based on Android 11 through the Samsung Members app. The Korean OEM had promised to bring the stable version of One UI 3.0 to its current flagship foldable device within January 2021. Staying true to their word, Samsung is now rolling out the long-anticipated update to the Galaxy Z Fold 2 in South Korea and Germany.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 XDA Forums

As reported by SamMobile, the global variant (model number SM-F916B) is receiving the new update in Germany in the form of software version F916BXXU1CTLL. The Korean variant of the device (model number SM-F916N) has also jumped on the One UI 3.0 bandwagon, albeit its update is tagged with software version F916NKSU1BTLL. In both cases, the new build bumps the Android security patch level (SPL) to January 2021.

Thanks to XDA Senior Member henklbr for the screenshot!

Interestingly, the underlying bootloader version hasn’t been incremented in this update. As a result, experienced users have the freedom to perform a manual downgrade to an older Android 10-based firmware on their Galaxy Z Fold 2 units, but we would still advise caution before doing so.

As mentioned earlier, the update for the global variant of the Galaxy Z Fold 2 is currently available to users in Germany, and we have no information regarding a wider rollout. Considering the recent trends, the OTA may take several weeks to reach other regional markets. In case you prefer to grab the update right now, don’t forget to check out our community-developed tools which can help you to download the new build directly from the company’s update server. We expect Samsung to roll out a similar update for the US variant of the device in the near future.

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OPPO may launch the Reno5 5G as the Find X3 Lite in some markets

After debuting the Reno5 5G series in China last month, OPPO is now gearing up to bring the Reno5 Pro 5G to India. The upcoming device will likely feature the same specifications as the Chinese variant, which is quite surprising because OPPO has a history of launching two different devices with the same marketing name in and outside of China. But while OPPO may bring the same Reno5 Pro 5G to India, a recent leak suggests that the company may launch the Reno5 5G as the Find X3 Lite in some markets.

According to a recent Voice post from renowned leaker Evan Blass (@evleaks), OPPO’s upcoming Find X3 Lite will be a rebranded Reno5 5G with minor branding changes on the back panel. Instead of featuring the ‘Reno Glow’ logo, the Find X3 Lite will feature a more traditional OPPO logo. Other than this change, there won’t be any difference between the two devices.

As a result, the OPPO Find X3 Lite will feature a 6.3-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels, 90Hz refresh rate, and a hole-punch cutout for the selfie camera. The device will pack Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 765G chip, 8GB of RAM, 128GB of onboard storage, and a 4,3000mAh battery with 65W SuperVOOC 2.0 fast charging support. Much like the Reno5 5G, the device will also feature an in-display fingerprint scanner.

In the camera department, the OPPO Find X3 Lite will come with a quad-camera setup on the back. It will consist of a 64MP primary camera, an 8MP wide-angle camera, a 2MP depth sensor, and a 2MP macro camera. Over on the front, the device will sport a single 32MP selfie shooter. The device will reportedly be available in three colorways — galactic silver, azure blue, and starry black. In terms of software, it will run ColorOS 11.1 based on Android 11.

While OPPO is yet to release any details about the Find X3 series, the leaker claims that it will be unveiled early in March this year. The device will hit the shelves about a month later in April.

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HP unveils new Envy, Elite Dragonfly, and Elitebook laptops, the 2-in-1 Elite Folio, and more

HP has introduced its updated range of notebooks at CES 2021, including new models under the Elite range, the new Envy 14 as well as the HP Elite Wireless Earbuds. Like all other OEMs, HP is also making use of Intel’s 11th-gen Tiger Lake processors with the Intel Iris Xe graphics. There are six new laptops under the Elite range including the HP Elite Dragon G2, HP Elite Dragonfly Max, HP EliteBook x360 1030 G8, HP EliteBook x360 1040 G8, HP Elite x2 G8 laptop, and HP EliteBook 840 G8 Aero. HP has also introduced the Elite Folio which is a new tablet-PC powered by a Qualcomm chipset.

Envy 14 2021

First, let’s talk about the Envy 14. The notebook comes with a 14-inch WUXGA (1,920 x 1,200 pixels) resolution touch IPS display. It is powered by Intel’s 11th-gen Core i5-1135G7 processor and apart from the integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics, the notebook can also accommodate an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Ti with Max-Q graphics. As for memory and storage, there is 16GB of DDR4 RAM, and 256GB SSD storage. Other notable features include a 720p HD camera with camera shutter, integrated dual-array digital microphones, dual speakers tuned by Bang and Olufsen, and a backlit keyboard. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5 and port options include Thunderbolt 4, two USB Type-A, HDMI 2.0. The 4-cell 63.3Whr battery is said to last 16.5 hours and HP says that the notebook is optimized for audio calls as it comes with AI Noise Removal to mute background noise when using speakers, headphones, or the microphone during video chats, audio calls, and recordings.

Pricing and Availability

The HP Envy 14 will be available starting January 2021 with prices starting at $999. The notebook will be available via HP’s online store.

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HP Elite 2021

HP Elite Dragon G2 and HP Elite Dragonfly Max

The Elite series is getting a massive update with a bunch of new models. There is the HP Elite Dragon G2 and HP Elite Dragonfly Max both of which are convertible 2-in-1 notebooks. Both feature 13.3-inch displays while the Elite Dragonfly G2 weighs less than 1kg. These two also run on the latest Intel 11th-gen Core processors with the new Intel Xe graphics. The notebooks can be configured with up to 32GB of RAM, four wide-range microphones with AI-based audio optimization, and a 5-megapixel IR web camera with a manual shutter for privacy.

HP Elite Dragonfly Max

HP EliteBook x360

Next is the HP EliteBook x360 1030 G8 and the HP EliteBook x360 1040 G8, both available 11th Gen Intel Core i5 or i7 processors with Intel Iris Xe graphics. The EliteBook x360 1030 G8 comes with a 13.3-inch FHD resolution or UHD display, while the EliteBook x360 1040 G8 features a 14-inch FHD or UHD display. Both notebooks can be configured with 32GB of RAM and up to 2TB of SSD storage. Just like the two laptops above, these are also convertibles and can be used on various modes like tent-mode, tablet mode, etc. These also come with Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5 support.

HP EliteBook x360 1030

HP EliteBook 840 G8 Aero

Then we have the EliteBook 840 G8 Aero that features a traditional notebook design powered by the latest 11th Gen Intel Core processors with Intel UHD graphics. This can be configured with up to 64GB of RAM and 2TB SSD. You also get Wi-Fi 6 alongside 5G connectivity, an integrated 720p HD camera with a privacy shutter. The notebook also features a world-facing third microphone on the outside of the lid, top-firing speakers, and AI-powered audio support.

HP Elite X2 G8

HP has also launched the Elite x2 G8 laptop that is sort of like a Surface tablet, with an Aerial detachable keyboard and a kickstand for the display. This portable machine can be configured with an 11th-Gen Intel Core i3/i5/i7 processor paired with up to 16GB RAM and up to 2TB SSD storage. The 13-inch touchscreen display is offered in either a FHD resolution with either 400-nits or 1000-nits brightness or a 3,000 x 2,000 resolution option with 450 nits brightness. There is also Gorilla Glass 5 on top for improved screen protection. Other features include Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth connectivity as well as optional LTE and GPS. HP is also offering the notebook with an integrated Bluetooth tracker from Tile.

HP Elite X2 G8

HP Elite Folio Tablet PC

Lastly there is the Elite Folio tablet PC. This is one of the rare ARM based Windows devices from HP and features a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8cx Gen 2 5G compute platform. This chipset is said to offer an 18% increased system performance over Intel’s 10th Gen Core i5 processor. It features a 13.5-inch touch display with FHD (1920 x 1280) resolution with an optional HP Sure View Reflect privacy panel. It is also said to come with a battery life of 24.5 hours while playing video while there is also support for HP Fast Charge which is claimed to charge up to 90% in 90 minutes.

HP Elite Wireless Earbuds

The company has also announced the Elite Wireless Earbuds. According to HP, these are the world’s ‘most advanced earbuds’ for a collaboration featuring personalized audio tuning, adjustable noise cancellation, and sound situation presets. These earbuds can seamlessly switch from a conference call on a PC to listening to music on a phone using the dedicated app available for Windows 10, iOS, or Android.

HP Elite Wireless earphones

Pricing and Availability

HP hasn’t revealed the pricing of its new range of notebooks however the company has revealed the availability timelines. The HP Elite Dragonfly G2, HP Elite Dragonfly Max, HP EliteBook x360 1030 G8, and HP EliteBook x360 1040 G8 will be available this month. The HP EliteBook 840 Aero G8 is expected to be available in March, while the HP Elite x2 G8 is expected to launch in April.

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The Mi Smart Clock is a cheap bedside alarm clock with Google Assistant built-in

Alongside the launch of the Redmi 9T and the Redmi Note 9T in Europe earlier this month, Xiaomi launched a new Google Assistant-powered smart alarm clock called the Mi Smart Clock. The Mi Smart Clock features a 3.97-inch color display with a resolution of 800 x 480 pixels, and it packs a 1.5-inch full frequency speaker with two far-field microphones to help you interact with the Google Assistant.

There are so many smart features on #MiSmartClock to help you, start living smart! Which one do you like best? Comment below! #SmartLifeMadeSimple pic.twitter.com/CoFIis442q

— Xiaomi (@Xiaomi) January 8, 2021

As you’d expect, the Mi Smart Clock offers pretty much all of the features that you’d get with the Mi Smart Speaker. But thanks to its display, the affordable alarm clock has a couple of additional tricks up its sleeve. For instance, you can use the Mi Smart Clock to connect with compatible security cameras and access their live feed on the display. You can also use the Mi Smart Clock as a smart hub to control all of your other smart home devices or as a photo frame to display your cherished memories. Furthermore, the Mi Smart Clock features a Sunrise alarm feature that gradually increases the display brightness and the alarm sound, which ensures that waking up each morning isn’t a jarring experience.

No need to sleep with your phone anymore!#MiSmartClock shows the time, provides alarm clocks and can also respond to Google Assistant voice commands, for checking the weather, playing music, controlling smart home devices, and summarizing the day’s agenda. #SmartLifeMadeSimple pic.twitter.com/X7lkGuKOP3

— Xiaomi (@Xiaomi) January 10, 2021

Additionally, the Mi Smart Clock comes with Chromecast built-in, so you can stream music from your phone to the alarm clock with ease. In terms of connectivity, the smart alarm clock supports 2.4GHz b/g/n WiFi and Bluetooth 5.0 BLE. The Mi Smart Clock packs 1GB of RAM to ensure snappy performance, and it even features 4GB of onboard storage. It’s compatible with Android devices running Android 4.4 or above and iOS devices running iOS 9.0 or above.

Pricing & Availability

The Mi Smart Clock is priced at €49.99 (~$61), and it’ll be available in a single colorway with a white shell. As of now, Xiaomi hasn’t shared any availability information, but we’ll update this post as soon as the smart alarm clock goes on sale in Europe.

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