The phone offers great battery life, a large 6.82-inch, 1440p resolution display, and a triple-camera setup with a main 50-megapixel sensor, a 48-megapixel ultrawide, and a 64-megapixel telephoto with a 3x optical zoom.

Notably, the OnePlus 12 also includes wireless charging support, an improvement on its predecessor, the OnePlus 11. The smartphone is built around a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 with a Trinity Engine software and a vapor chamber-based cooling system.

OnePlus 12R becomes first R-series model to go global

Additionally, OnePlus launched the lower-end OnePlus 12R alongside the OnePlus 12, marking the first time that the R-series device has been released outside of China and India.

The 12R features a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, IP64-rated dust and water resistance, and a 5,500mAh battery, among other features.

The phone has a slightly lower-specification camera configuration, consisting of a 50-megapixel main and eight-megapixel ultrawide, and a two-megapixel macro camera. The phone comes in blue and gray color options and will start at $499.99 in the US, as stated in the company’s press release.

OnePlus is also launching its third-generation true wireless earbuds, the OnePlus Buds 3, with an open sale on February 5th in the US. The earbuds include active noise cancellation, which will adjust to the wearer’s ear canal, and multipoint support for use with multiple devices.

They also feature sweat resistance and an IP55 rating, with a battery life of up to 6.5 hours with ANC on or up to 10 hours with it turned off, rising to 28 and 44 hours, respectively, when combined with the earbud case. The earbuds will cost $99.99 in the US.

Have any thoughts on this? Drop us a line below in the comments, or carry the discussion to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Review: OnePlus Open
• OnePlus 12 to get a wood finish back like the first OnePlus phone
• Google Pixel 9 Pro design leaks in new renders with a familiar look
• Galaxy S24 series gets a seven-year Android update promise

The post OnePlus 12 and 12R make global debut; to hit US stores in February appeared first on KnowTechie.

According to the newly-leaked renders, the upcoming smartphone by the search engine giant will feature a circa 6.5-inch flat display with a centered punch-hole cutout for the front-facing camera.

The renders also confirm that Google Pixel 9 Pro will flaunt thin bezels on all four sides of the display, making for a sleek and modern design.

Google going the Apple and Samsung way with Pixel 9 Pro

OnLeaks suggests that the flagship smartphone will sport a flat frame with the power button and volume rockers on the right side of the device. The overall design is similar to what we’ve seen on the iPhone, and more recently, the Samsung Galaxy S24 series.

The left side of the device will remain clean, except for the antenna markings. The bottom of the device will feature a USB Type-C port, speaker grille, and SIM card tray.

In terms of measurements, the Google Pixel 9 Pro will reportedly measure 162.7 x 76.6 x 8.5 mm. The camera bump will push that area’s thickness to 12mm. The smartphone will also have an mmWave antenna cover and a microphone on top.

While both the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro have a microphone on the top area, only the Verizon-version of the Pixel 8 Pro has the mmWave antenna.

But what caught our attention the most was the rumored refreshing design upgrade for the rear cameras. The leaked renders indicate that Google might introduce a new triple-camera setup that will feature a telephoto sensor, along with the standard wide-angle camera sensor.

The large camera island suggests that the smartphone might support variable aperture, making it one of the most sought-after smartphones for photography enthusiasts.

As of now, nothing is official because we still have many months to go before the release of the new Pixel 9 line. However, with the recent leaks and rumors, we can undoubtedly say that the Google Pixel 9 Pro is one of the most eagerly awaited flagship smartphones of the year.

Until then, however, we’re still hoping to get the Google Pixel 8A this spring.

Have any thoughts on this? Drop us a line below in the comments, or carry the discussion to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• New Google Pixel 8A render gives us the best look at the phone yet
• Google Pixel 8A dummy unit gives a close look at the phone’s design
• Galaxy S24 series gets a seven-year Android update promise
• Wi-Fi, RAM, and modem upgrades rumored for iPhone 16 series

The post Google Pixel 9 Pro design leaks in new renders with a familiar look appeared first on KnowTechie.

But what if there was a way to stop that mid-journey face-palm? Meet the Prox PRD, the Bluetooth buddy that’s hoping to be your smartphone’s new best friend.

Our phones are practically extensions of our bodies; it’s almost comical how often they’re forgotten.

Wallet, keys, phone – the holy trinity of “Things We Routinely Pat Our Pockets For” – and yet, the phone, our digital lifeline, is the one we manage to leave behind. Every. Single. Time.

Enter the Prox PRD. With its minute dimensions of 1.77 inches by 1.77 inches, it’s as unobtrusive as the common car key fob. Pair it with your phone, and the Prox PRD will sound an alert if you start to walk away without it. 

To get a better understanding of what makes the Prox PRD stand out, I reached out to Michael McCrary, the CEO of Prox Devices. He was quick to clarify a few misconceptions:

‘We know what you’re thinking!’ McCrary said in our conversation. ‘NO – it’s not a tracker; NO – it’s not a key finder; NO – it’s not an item finder; NO – it’s not a phone finder; NO – you don’t already have one when you have an AirTag or Tile; YES – it will keep you from forgetting your phone.’

The Prox PRD is a Phone Reminder Device that alerts you before you forget your phone and leave it behind, with no subscription, no data collected or sold, no app, no sign-up, no registration, no passwords, and no tracking ‘Location Services’ used to invade your privacy and drain your phone’s battery.

Prox PRD

4.0

$69.95 $57.95

Designed by Prox Devices, this little guy is a no-hassle solution to keep your phone by your side. Forget complex setups. This is a simple, no-subscription, no-app-required approach to ensure your smartphone isn't left behind.

What We Like:

• Privacy Champion: It doesn't collect data or need an app, ensuring your personal details stay personal.
• Forget-Me-Not: This device alerts you before you leave your phone behind, acting as your digital leash.
• Year-Long Vigil: A long-lasting battery life means fewer worries about maintenance.
• Effortless Setup: Attach it to your keychain or bag, pair it with your phone, and go about your day with one less worry.

Amazon Website - Promo Code: AN15%OFF

KnowTechie is supported by its audience, so if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale.

01/25/2024 07:41 pm GMT

Ever find your phone in the fridge? Guilty as charged. So naturally, I jumped at the chance to test the Prox PRD.

Indoors, the PRD’s alerts are crystal clear. Step outside, however, and the bustling city may easily drown out its alarm.

Battery life is another consideration. The PRD joins the club of devices that nudge us to stockpile batteries. While it’s not a major inconvenience, it’s certainly an addition to the mental checklist.

The team at Prox Devices claims that the Prox PRD is energy efficient, but how long can it really last? And what about its performance in different environments? Airports, shopping centers, and places teeming with Bluetooth signals – can it hold its own?

For the most part, yes, it can. From its easy setup to its reliable alerts, this little device seems to stand tall amidst the ocean of forgetful phone owners.

The folks at Prox Devices are pretty open about what this thing can and can’t do. Even its troubleshooting page is upfront about potential issues, a refreshing nod to transparency.

According to McCrary, Prox Devices CEO, the thoughtfulness behind the Prox PRD’s design comes from a careful examination of the market; he tells KnowTechie in an email. McCrary shared that a friend asked him to create a simple device to remind him about his phone before leaving it behind.

And Prox Devices isn’t stopping there. McCrary shared that the company is currently developing three new products, all of which will be easy to use and reliable. The first of these is expected to be released sometime in 2024.

So, if you’ve ever felt the cold dread of Phone Separation Anxiety, the Prox PRD might just be the gadget for you. It won’t solve world peace, but if it prevents that heart-stopping ‘Where’s my phone?’ moment, it could be worth its weight in gold.

It won’t solve world peace, but if it prevents that heart-stopping “Where’s my phone?” moment, it could be worth its weight in gold.

The Prox PRD retails for $57.95 and can be purchased directly from the company’s website or Amazon. As an added bonus, KnowTechie readers can use promo code AN15%OFF for a 15% discount via the company’s website.

Prox PRD

4.0

$69.95 $57.95

Designed by Prox Devices, this little guy is a no-hassle solution to keep your phone by your side. Forget complex setups. This is a simple, no-subscription, no-app-required approach to ensure your smartphone isn't left behind.

Amazon Website - Promo Code: AN15%OFF

KnowTechie is supported by its audience, so if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale.

01/25/2024 07:41 pm GMT

Have any thoughts on this? Drop us a line below in the comments, or carry the discussion to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• How to locate a lost cell phone that’s turned off
• More phones are lost in summer, but you can increase the chance of finding yours
• How to clear your app cache on Android
• You can disable ‘OK Google’ on your Android phone – here’s how

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

The post The Prox PRD is the perfect solution for forgetful phone users appeared first on KnowTechie.

As usual, the Samsung Galaxy Unpacked event was stuffed with several exciting announcements, including the stars of the event – the Galaxy S24 series and Galaxy AI.

The company also announced various other services and features. However, the event’s biggest surprise was the Galaxy Ring.

The surprise Galaxy Ring announcement

Samsung spent the final phase of the show discussing Samsung Health. The company is bringing groundbreaking improvements to health tracking with the implementation of the Galaxy AI.  

However, before the speaker finished his talk and the event came to an eventual end, Samsung announced the Galaxy Ring. 

Based on the presentation, Samsung isn’t going out of its way to make the ring look different. 

It’s a traditional-looking smart ring with a shiny chrome-like exterior, and all the expected sensors will be available inside. 

However, the design of the smart ring is pretty much all we got. It probably was a last-minute addition to the presentation as Samsung didn’t provide any details about the device’s capability, the price, or when it will launch. 

Oura responds to Samsung’s announcement 

Besides Samsung’s Galaxy Ring announcement, the second exciting event of the day would be Oura’s response to its new competitor. Oura has been a pioneer in the smart ring space.

Wasting almost no time, Oura CEO Tom Hale provided the following statement to Android Central via email. 

Since our founding over a decade ago, we’ve invested relentlessly in [the] service of creating the best smart [ring] that gives [everybody] a voice. Our members span from Gen Z to Boomers, from pro athletes to those seeking to improve their sleep and health, from women tracking their cycles to those who want to better manage their stress.

With new features released regularly, Oura has the strongest IP portfolio—in both hardware and software—for the smart ring form factor, with 100 granted patents, 270 pending patent applications, and 130+ registered trademarks. New players entering the space is validation for the category and drives us to aim higher to serve our members and community.

The statement clearly indicates that Oura isn’t even worried a bit about a big name like Samsung throwing its hat in the game. 

That said, Samsung will also have its hands full as a newcomer into the smart ring space.

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Have any thoughts on this? Drop us a line below in the comments, or carry the discussion to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Apple smart ring is real, according to a patent filing
• Rabbit R1 puts a tiny AI assistant in your pocket for $199
• Humane launches wearable $699 AI Pin to replace your smartphone
• I did my holiday lighting with smart lights, and it was glorious

The post Samsung Galaxy Ring announced; Oura responds to new competition appeared first on KnowTechie.

Quick Answer: Yes, AirPods work on planes and you can even use them during your flight. Airlines treat them no differently than wireless headphones. However, you should be aware of a few limitations.

True wireless earbuds like Apple AirPods are great for work, home, and working out. But what about travel? More specifically, do they work on a plane?

At first thought, it seems obvious. But sometimes, things aren’t as simple as ‘yes’ or ‘no.’ While AirPods might technically work on an airplane, rules can change.

For example, the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) rules over device use on aircraft. So what’s the deal with using your AirPods and AirPods Pro on a plane?

So, will AirPods work on a plane?

Short answer: Yes

Yes, your AirPods will work on a plane, and yes, you can use them in the air. And, of course, you can use AirPods on in-flight TVs. Airlines treat them no differently than wireless headphones.

This functionality comes right out of the box available across all models includeing the second generation airpods, all the way to Apple AirPods Max.

However, you’ll have to enable your phone’s Airplane Mode to disable cellular radio. Then, turn Bluetooth back on. Thankfully, that’ll keep you inside the FAA’s rules.

READ MORE: AirFly connects your wireless headphones to in-flight entertainment systems

If your flight has onboard WiFi, you can connect that too. That’s all because, in 2013, the FAA relaxed its regulations on in-flight device use:

Can you use AirPods for phone calls on an airplane?

Sadly, no. The only thing you can’t do is make voice calls, even over WiFi, thanks to FCC regulations prohibiting airborne calls from using cell phones.

Do Apple AirPods 2nd generation work with in-flight entertainment?

Ah, in-flight entertainment. The best way to snooze through red-eye transatlantic flights. But there’s a problem.

Airlines don’t often give out headphones for free anymore. That’s okay; most of us have earbuds in our pockets, but do your AirPods work on a plane to watch movies?

The answer is yes, but you’ll need an adapter to connect things. We like Twelve South’s AirFly range, which works with in-flight entertainment systems or the TVs at your local gym.

If you don’t have a Bluetooth adapter, thankfully you can use AirPods or any other Bluetooth device for more than just watching movies on a plane. For instance, you can listen to music, podcasts, or audiobooks via your laptop or smartphone.

Using AirPods on a plane without Wi-Fi

No worries if you don’t have a Bluetooth adapter! Thankfully, you can still use AirPods or other Bluetooth devices for more than just watching movies on a plane.

For instance, jam out to music, catch up on podcasts, or get lost in audiobooks via your laptop or smartphone, all without Wi-Fi.

AirPods connect to your device using Bluetooth, so you don’t need an internet connection. Just remember to set your device to airplane mode and enable Bluetooth while you’re in the sky.

Can you use AirPods on a plane?

Yup, AirPods work basically anywhere.

So the next time you fly, remember to use your Apple AirPods in the air, at the terminal, or anywhere gate-to-gate as long as your phone is in Airplane Mode.

And there you have it, folks, your comprehensive guide to using AirPods on a plane, all neatly packed in the table above.

It’s clear that whether you’re cruising at 30,000 feet with no Wi-Fi in sight or just want to tune out the world around you, AirPods have got your ears covered.

Where do you use your AirPods? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Can Apple AirPods give you cancer?
• Can you use AirPods with non-Apple products?
• How to connect AirPods & AirPods Pro to Samsung TV?
• Study shows AirPods can be used as affordable hearing aids

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s but one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

The post Can you use AirPods on a plane? appeared first on KnowTechie.

However, in a new report, renowned Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says that international buyers may not have to wait that long. 

Why the Apple Vision Pro isn’t available in non-US markets

The journalist said, “Apple is likely to release Vision Pro outside the U.S. market before WWDC 2024.” And he attributes different factors to back up his statement. 

Kuo states that Apple is planning to share visionOS’s development information with the global developers before WWDC 2024, as it would benefit the company and the global development ecosystem of visionOS if it could launch the headset in non-US markets.

As for the reasons behind Apple’s exclusion from the non-US markets, Kuo had the following to say, 

1. Apple Vision Pro’s initially limited supply
2. To ensure the sales process in the United States goes smoothly
3. They also needed more time to modify the algorithm to comply with other country’s regulations. 

Besides these, Apple also has to go through numerous logistical hurdles to make the device available internationally.  

For example, the protocol for adding prescription lenses varies from country to country. And, of course, for the sales process, Apple’s physical stores also play a crucial role.

They have to train all the store employees properly. 

However, Kuo believes there’s a possibility that Apple can overcome all these issues and be ready to launch the device before June, at least in some countries.

Have any thoughts on this? Drop us a line below in the comments, or carry the discussion to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Apple Vision Pro finally gets FCC approval as launch inches closer
• Apple Vision Pro apps finally begin arriving to the App Store
• Apple Vision Pro demo will take a good chunk of your time
• Apple Vision Pro box contents revealed ahead of pre-orders

The post Apple wants to launch Vision Pro outside the US before WWDC 2024 appeared first on KnowTechie.

Today, the FCC has published filings from Apple and test reports confirming that Vision Pro can be sold in the United States.

However, it wasn’t a secret that the Apple Vision Pro didn’t have FCC’s approval up until now – the company has always been upfront about it, and even its marketing material included the disclaimer.

Apple Vision Pro has not been authorized as required by the rules of the Federal Communications Commission. This device is not, and may not be, offered for sale or lease, or sold or leased, until authorization is obtained.

So, Apple can finally remove this disclaimer from its marketing materials, courtesy of the FCC.

That said, several FCC documents are still labeled as short-term confidential, with more details set to become available on July 14, including internal photos, setup photos, and more.

Apple Vision Pro lacks UWB and the latest Wi-Fi chip used in the M3 Macs

The FCC filing has revealed an interesting new detail for the Vision Pro. Apparently, Apple’s mixed-reality headset lacks Ultra Wideband and Wi-Fi 6E or 7 chips.

However, this shouldn’t come as a surprise, as the hardware inside the Vision Pro was developed around Apple’s M2 silicon. Apple has since moved on to the M3 chip. 

So, the absence of these chips was speculated. The FCC filing just supports these assumptions.

For this same reason, the Apple Vision Pro will support Wi-Fi 6, not the Wi-Fi 6E. And for those who were expecting Wi-Fi 7, according to MacRumors’ Joe Rossignol, there’s always Apple Vision Pro 2, but we will likely have moved on to Wi-Fi 10 by then. 

In addition, the FCC filing reveals that Apple Vision Pro will not come with Ultra Wideband capabilities.

Reportedly, the iPhone 15’s UWB is of a specific kind, and the Vision Pro lacks that. Apparently, Apple’s UWB chip is all about spatial awareness, but it is also different from spatial computing.

Now that the FCC has officially granted its approval, Apple can officially launch the Vision Pro in the United States. 

However, if you are disappointed about the $3,499 Vision Pro not having UWB and Wi-Fi 6E/7, don’t worry. Apple Vision Pro has plenty of things to get excited about. 

Have any thoughts on this? Drop us a line below in the comments, or carry the discussion to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Apple Vision Pro apps finally begin arriving to the App Store
• Apple Vision Pro demo will take a good chunk of your time
• Apple Vision Pro box contents revealed ahead of pre-orders
• Why the Apple Vision Pro might be a challenge to get your hands on in 2024

The post Apple Vision Pro finally gets FCC approval as launch inches closer appeared first on KnowTechie.

The headset arrives on February 2, and the Cupertino company has made it possible for developers to submit their apps. The visionOS applications are finally rolling out today. 

Apps for the Apple Vision Pro have started rolling out 

The developers who submitted their application for the visionOS for the App Store Review at the beginning of this month are getting email notifications today. 

The email is basically telling them that the applications submitted by them have been approved. And now, they are available for download on the visionOS App Store.

However, developer Dylan McDonald also noticed that the iOS App Store is also showing which apps are compatible with the device.

While there are still a few weeks left for the Apple Vision Pro’s launch, select journalists and developers have been publishing hands-on experiences. So, it’s not surprising that Apple has made the visionOS apps available on the App Store right now.

Since the spatial computer’s announcement back in 2023, Apple has been hosting labs all around the globe for developers to test their apps. 

A few of them were even able to obtain a developer’s kit, which needs to be returned to Apple after the headset’s launch. 

Apple Vision Pro starts at $3,499 in the configuration with 256GB of storage. The official launch is set for February 2.

Have any thoughts on this? Drop us a line below in the comments, or carry the discussion to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Apple Vision Pro demo will take a good chunk of your time
• If you plan on preordering Apple’s Vision Pro, better own an iPhone
• Apple Vision Pro box contents revealed ahead of pre-orders
• Why the Apple Vision Pro might be a challenge to get your hands on in 2024

The post Apple Vision Pro apps finally begin arriving to the App Store appeared first on KnowTechie.

Ahead of the launch, we have some insight into the applications for productivity, streaming, and others for the company’s new “Spatial Computing” platform that you can expect at launch.

Applications available for Apple Vision Pro

We are not entirely sure which or how many applications will be available at the Apple Vision Pro launch, but Apple has shed some light on the matter.

According to the company’s latest press release, there are “more than 1 million familiar apps across iOS and iPadOS are available on Apple Vision Pro and automatically work with the new input system.”

That said, the device’s Apple Store will feature apps with custom-designed “spatial computing experiences unlike any other platform” – allowing apps to scale and be arranged almost anywhere.

Here’s the list of applications that would offer a full spatial computing experience, according to Apple.

Productivity apps

• Microsoft 365 apps (specifics TBA)
• Fantastical
• JigSpace
• Slack
• Apple’s Freeform

Communication apps

• FaceTime
• Zoom
• Cisco Webex
• Microsoft Teams

The headet’s Persona feature will also be available at launch, but it is to be considered a beta version.

Vision Pro streaming apps

The following streaming services will be ready for Vision Pro.

• Apple TV+
• Disney+
• Max (HBO Max + Discovery)

Gaming

• Access to 250+ games with Apple Arcade
• Support for PS5 and Xbox wireless controllers (and others)
• More games could be supported outside of Apple Arcade

That’s all! Interestingly, not even a single Google productivity or entertainment services were explicitly mentioned.

In terms of entertainment services, we are getting Disney+, HBO Max, and other services. On the other hand, Microsoft 365 and Slack were the big work names.

Have any thoughts on this? Drop us a line below in the comments, or carry the discussion to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Apple Vision Pro might be missing an announced feature at launch
• Apple Vision Pro 2 to get brighter, more efficient Samsung display
• Why the Apple Vision Pro might be a challenge to get your hands on in 2024
• Sony (kind of) announces its Vision Pro competitor at CES 2024

The post Apple reveals which apps will work on Vision Pro at launch appeared first on KnowTechie.

For example, recently, we got to know Apple’s demo process for the Vision Pro and the contents of the box.

However, a new leak has revealed that Apple has likely cut a singular feature from the final version of the Vision Pro, called Open Sky Entertainment.

Apple Vision Pro may get the feature back through a future VisionOS update

Apple recently updated a video – Introducing Apple Vision Pro – to introduce and further hype up the product.

The video is available on YouTube and, of course, on Apple’s official website. 

However, according to the M1Astra on X/Twitter, one of the features showcased at the WWDC 2023 is missing from the new video. 

Specifically, Apple introduced an Open Sky Entertainment feature back in the day of WWDC 2023, enabling users to replace the view of their ceiling with a virtual sky.

The new video no longer shows the feature. 

The original clip showed a person lying in bed with the Vision Pro, looking up at the ceiling to see the sky. 

Interestingly, we believe this removal is not accidental but deliberate. 

On the Vision Pro webpage, there’s a section that details how the Environments feature works. That page no longer lists the option to view an open sky.

More specifically, the phrase “magically replace your ceiling with a clear, open sky” has been replaced by “turn your room into a personal movie theater with the Cinema Environment.”

Hence, it is clear at this point that Apple removed the feature deliberately. But the reason remains a question mark. 

The most plausible assumption would be Apple failed to polish the feature before the official launch or that the feature never worked as expected to begin with and was scrapped. 

However, there’s still a possibility of Apple adding it later in the future with a VisionOS update. 

Who knows what will happen ultimately, but currently, in all likelihood, you will not get the Open Sky Entertainment feature at launch, which is set for February 2.

Apple Vision Pro starts at $3,499 in the configuration with 256GB of storage. Pre-orders are starting on January 19.

Have any thoughts on this? Drop us a line below in the comments, or carry the discussion to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Apple wants Vision Pro apps to use the “Spatial Computing” branding
• Apple Vision Pro 2 to get brighter, more efficient Samsung display
• Why the Apple Vision Pro might be a challenge to get your hands on in 2024
• Sony (kind of) announces its Vision Pro competitor at CES 2024

The post Apple Vision Pro might be missing an announced feature at launch appeared first on KnowTechie.