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Monday, July 1, 2019

Japan’s Trump-style trade move could be bad news for foldable phones

Japan has announced that it is increasing export controls of tech-related materials to South Korea.
Materials affected by Japan's move include materials used for flexible displays and semiconductors.
The move could potentially affect the foldable phone market, as well as the mobile market at large.

Japan has announced that it will tighten export controls of materials used in smartphones and chips by South Korean tech companies.

According to the Wall Street Journal, Japan has introduced significant export controls on fluorinated polyimide, which is said to be used in flexible smartphone displays, as well as resist. The controls also apply to high-purity hydrogen fluoride, used to create circuits on semiconductors.

South Korean companies will reportedly need to apply for special permission for each batch of the materials it orders. This doesn't sound too bad at first glance, but it's believed that the process could take roughly 90 days. The move is set to come into effect from Thursday, and it's believed that Samsung, LG, and SK Hynix are affected by it.

Read: Huawei will be allowed to do business with U.S. companies again

A South Korean government official told the Wall Street Journal that the move was "economic retaliation" for a recent South Korean Supreme Court ruling. The court found that Japan's Nippon Steel company should compensate South Koreans for slave labor during World War II.

"We have no choice but to say that the relationship of trust between Japan and South Korea has been strikingly damaged," Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry was quoted as saying.

What does it mean for smartphones?

LG has confirmed that it doesn't use fluorinated polyimide in its flexible displays, but it could potentially be a setback for Samsung in its quest to release the Galaxy Fold. Samsung's first foldable phone, the Galaxy Fold, has already been delayed due to hardware woes.

Display Supply Chain Consultants told Bloomberg that Japan controls 90 percent of the market for polyimide used in flexible screens, so finding alternative sources could prove difficult. We've contacted Samsung's representatives for any comment in this regard and will update the article accordingly.

Editor's Pick

Foldable phones with flexible displays – Here are the ones we know about so far

Phones with true flexible and foldable displays are on the way! After a brief flirtation with phones like ZTE Axon M, which joins two screens with a hinge in a clamshell design, ww now know that the …

The move could also be a stumbling block for the smartphone industry at large. Samsung and SK Hynix supply the smartphone sector in general, producing RAM, storage, and other mobile components. This suggests that we could be in for a smartphone component shortage and/or higher prices as Korean firms try to source alternative materials and manufacturers search for more component suppliers.

Japan's decision could also hurt the country's own smartphone sector, as it's not uncommon for manufacturers such as Sharp and Sony to use Korean components. Sharp, for example, has reportedly used Samsung's flash storage in its own phones in recent years. Meanwhile, Sony is said to have signed an agreement with LG Display earlier this year for flexible screens.

NEXT: No, your OnePlus 7 Pro notifications aren't hacked

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Phones with 12GB of RAM — what are your best options?

Phones with 12GB of RAM

More companies are releasing phones with 12GB of RAM including big names like Samsung, as well as Chinese manufacturers like OnePlus and Xiaomi. We'll show you the best ones in this post, but before we jump in, it's important to note that 12GB of RAM is an overkill for a smartphone in 2019. As our very own Gary Sims said, "Once you go over 8GB, you enter Nonsense land where Mr. Silly lives." — learn more here.

That being said, having as much RAM as possible does make sense if you plan to keep your phone for a longer period of time. So while 12GB of RAM for a phone may be overkill now, it could become standard on flagships a few years down the line.

Phones with 12GB of RAM:

Editor's note: We'll be updating this list of the best phones with 12GB of RAM regularly as new devices launch.

1. OnePlus 7 Pro

OnePlus 7 Pro selfie open on table

In addition to sporting 12GB of RAM, the OnePlus 7 Pro is also available with 6 or 8GB of memory. The phone sports a large 6.67-inch display with QHD+ resolution, a 90Hz refresh rate, and curved edges.

The flagship has a high screen-to-body ratio thanks to its motorized pop-up selfie camera. It runs the latest version of Android with OnePlus' OxygenOS on top, which is the best skin out there in my opinion. Other specs and features include an in-display fingerprint scanner, three rear cameras, and a decently-sized 4,000mAh battery.

The 7 Pro is OnePlus' most expensive smartphone to date, although it's still cheaper than the Galaxy S0 Plus and Huawei P30 Pro. However, it lacks a few features found on other high-end phones including an official IP rating and wireless charging.

Check pricing

OnePlus 7 Pro specs:

Display: 6.67-inch, QHD+
SoC: Snapdragon 855
RAM: 6/8/12GB
Storage: 128/256GB

Cameras: 40, 16, and 8MP
Front camera: 16MP
Battery: 4,000mAh
Software: Android 9.0 Pie

2. Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus

Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus -- 12GB RAM phone

The 12GB RAM version of the Galaxy S10 Plus is paired with a whopping 1TB of storage, which you can expand for an additional 512GB via a microSD card. You can also get the device with 8GB of RAM and 128/512GB of space.

Samsung's flagship features an in-display fingerprint scanner, a triple-camera setup at the back, and a massive, 4,200mAh battery. There's even a headphone jack on board. The phone supports wireless charging as well as reverse wireless charging and has a punch-hole display for a modern look.

Speaking of the display, it comes in at 6,4 inches and sports curved edges. You also get an IP68 rating for protection against water and dust. All these things combined make the Galaxy S10 Plus one of the best phones with 12GB of RAM you can get.

Check pricing

Galaxy S10 Plus specs:

Display: 6.4-inch, QHD+
SoC: SD 855 or Exynos 9820
RAM: 8/12GB
Storage: 128/512GB and 1TB

Cameras: 12, 12, and 16MP
Front cameras: 10 and 8MP
Battery: 4,100mAh
Software: Android 9.0 Pie

3. Xiaomi Black Shark 2

Black Shark 2 Review with 12GB of RAM

Xiaomi Black Shark 2 is a gaming-centric phone that stands out from the crowd due to its design. It sports a rear panel with aggressive angles and RGB lighting for the Black Shark logo and side strips.

In addition to the 12GB of RAM version, the phone also comes with 6 or 8GB of RAM. It uses dual-layered vapor chambers for keeping the phone cool under load and comes with the latest and greatest Snapdragon 855 chipset under the hood. Then there's the in-display fingerprint scanner, stereo speakers, and a 4,000mAh battery that gets you an hour of gaming with a 10-minute charge.

The Black Shark 2 is a great phone, but it isn't for everyone due to its looks. It's available in a number of regions including Europe, but it wasn't released in the U.S. — get it via the button below.

Check pricing

Xiaomi Black Shark 2 specs:

Display: 6.39-inch, Full HD+
SoC: Snapdragon 855
RAM: 6/8/12GB
Storage: 128/256GB

Camera: 48 and 12MP
Front camera: 20MP
Battery: 4,000mAh
Software: Android 9.0 Pie

4. ZTE Axon 10 Pro

ZTE Axon 10 Pro

There are a couple of reasons that make the Axon 10 Pro one of the best phones with 12GB of RAM. It packs top-of-the-line specs including the Snapdragon 855 chipset, three rear cameras, and an in-display fingerprint scanner.

It also sports a great design and a large 6.47-inch display witch curved edges, just like Samsung's Galaxy S and Note series. The phone also offers a near-stock Android experience, has a microSD card slot on board, and supports wireless charging.

The problem with the phone is its availability. Although the Axon 10 Pro did launch in Europe, only the version with 6GB of RAM is available. To get the 12GB variant, you'll have to buy it from a site like AliExpress for now.

Check pricing

ZTE Axon 10 Pro specs:

Display: 6.47-inch, Full HD+
SoC: Snapdragon 855
RAM: 6/8/12GB
Storage: 128/256GB

Cameras: 48, 20, and 8MP
Front camera: 20MP
Battery: 4,000mAh
Software: Android 9.0 Pie

5. Nubia Red Magic 3

Red Magic 3 Upshot

This is the second — and last — gaming phone on this list. In addition to coming with as much as 12GB of RAM, the Nubia Magic 3 also sports a 6.65-inch display with a 90Hz refresh rate, stereo front-facing speakers, and shoulder triggers.

The phone has an aggressive design that you'll either love or hate and includes RGB lighting on the back, allowing you to customize the look of the panel using built-in lighting effects with support for over 16.8 million colors. There's plenty of power under the hood thanks to the latest Snapdragon 855 chipset, which should handle any task you throw at it.

The Nubia Magic 3 runs a stock-like version of Android, features a massive 5,000mAh battery, and has as much as 256GB of storage. However, it doesn't support expandable storage or wireless charging. The phone also lacks NFC.

Check pricing

Nubia Red Magic 3 specs:

Display: 6.65-inch, Full HD+
SoC: Snapdragon 855
RAM: 6/8/12GB
Storage: 64/128/256GB

Cameras: 48MP
Front camera: 16MP
Battery: 5,000mAh
Software: Android 9.0 Pie

6. Xiaomi Mi 9 Transparent Edition

best phones with 12GB of RAM

The last model on our list of the best phones with 12GB of RAM is the Transparent Edition of the Xiaomi Mi 9. What makes it different from the regular version of the device is that it features more RAM as well as storage and that it sports a fancy see-through back cover.

Like the rest of Xiaomi's phones, the Mi 9 offers great value for money. It sports high-end specs including the Snapdragon 855 chipset, three rear cameras, and an in-display fingerprint scanner. The battery comes in at 3,300mAh and supports fast charging that gets it from 0 to 100 percent in around 65 minutes.

For now, the Transparent Edition of the Xiaomi Mi 9 is only available in China, while the regular version with 6GB of RAM can be purchased in Europe and other markets. Xiaomi said it might release the Mi 9 Transparent Edition globally somewhere down the line if there will be enough demand. Fingers crossed!

Check pricing

Xiaomi Mi 9 Transparent Edition specs:

Display: 6.39-inch, Full HD+
SoC: Snapdragon 855
RAM: 12GB
Storage: 256GB

Cameras: 48, 16, and 12MP
Front camera: 20MP
Battery: 3,300mAh
Software: Android 9.0 Pie

These are the best phones with 12GB of RAM you can get in our opinion, although there are a few others to choose from as well. We'll make sure to update this post with new models once they are announced.

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No, your OnePlus 7 Pro notifications aren’t hacked

OnePlus has confirmed that strange notifications reported by scores of OnePlus 7 Pro users were accidentally sent during internal testing. The company revealed the error on Twitter, apologizing for the inconvenience while adding that they were investigating the issue.

OnePlus's statement comes a short while after OnePlus 7 Pro users on reddit reported receiving a notification with Chinese characters. The characters purportedly translate to "hahaha," sparking suggestions that it was either a throwaway test notification or the work of hackers.

During an internal test, our OxygenOS team accidentally sent out a global push notification to some OnePlus 7 Pro owners. We would like to apologize for any difficulties, and assure you that our team is currently investigating the error. We'll share more information soon.

— OnePlus (@oneplus) July 1, 2019

Aside from the Chinese-language notification, users also reported seeing a second notification, showing random English letters. In any event, the erroneous notifications were reported by users in the likes of Australia, Belgium, France, Germany, Hong Kong, and Netherlands.

It wouldn't be the first time notifications sparked controversy in the Android space, as HTC previously drew the ire of its users by pushing out a notification ad for the Fantastic Four movie in 2015. Unlike that ill-advised ad, the OnePlus incident seems to have been simply an accident. Have you received the test notifications? Give us the details in the comments section!

NEXT: Fast Share is Google's Android Beam replacement — Here's what you need to know

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Trump officials might kill encryption, hurting WhatsApp, iMessage, and more

Senior members of President Donald Trump's administration are reportedly considering the idea of banning or watering down the encryption used by scores of communication apps and services.

According to Politico, citing three sources familiar with the matter, the debate took place during a National Security Council meeting. It added that the number two officials from a few "key" agencies were present at the meeting.

More specifically, the officials debated whether they should ask Congress to "effectively outlaw" end-to-end encryption. The meeting reportedly failed to reach a decision in this regard.

Read: Under-screen 3D cameras could truly kill the notch

"The two paths were to either put out a statement or a general position on encryption, and [say] that they would continue to work on a solution, or to ask Congress for legislation," a source told Politico.

Encryption is used by everyone from Apple and Facebook to Google and Telegram. The technology allows users to safely text and call others, knowing that (for the most part) their communications are private. Smartphone manufacturers and platform-holders also use encryption to protect data stored on devices.

Editor's Pick

How does encryption work? – Gary explains

You probably use encryption, in one form or another, every day. You might not know that you are, but you are. And my guess is that you don't give it a second thought. Do you …

Proponents of an encryption ban suggest that banning it or reducing its effectiveness would allow authorities to better tackle terrorism and other crimes. But such a move would also make it easier for cyber-criminals and other governments to intercept communications and other sensitive data.

A move to ban encryption would be akin to banning door locks. Sure, that means police officers could come and go as they please in order to enforce the law, but it also means criminals can make off with your TV.

What do you think of an encryption ban? Give us your thoughts in the comments section.

NEXT: 10 best legal free movie apps and free TV show apps

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Smash hit Redmi K20 series passes 1m shipments and India is still to come

Xiaomi

Xiaomi's Redmi K20 series came as a pleasant surprise back in May, touting a pop-up camera design and cheap price tag. Now, the Chinese brand has confirmed that it has shipped one million devices.

The news comes via Xiaomi executive Donovan Sung, revealing that it hit the one million figure in a month. It's worth noting that these are units shipped to retailers and other distributors, rather than devices sold to customers.

Great news, Mi Fans. Excited to announce that shipments of the #RedmiK20 series hit 1M units in the first month!

Thank you to our Mi Fans for your support! #Redmi #InnovationForEveryone pic.twitter.com/lCpkOSrJdC

— Donovan Sung (@donovansung) July 1, 2019

Redmi's high-end duo first launched in China, but the standard model also made its way to Europe several weeks ago as the Mi 9T. In any event, the figure is pretty encouraging for the Xiaomi sub-brand, and it's only set to accelerate when the device series hits India in the coming weeks.

Editor's Pick

The Redmi K20 Pro is everything the Pocophone F2 should be

Xiaomi The Pocophone F1 was one of the most talked about phones of 2018 and the smartphone world is eagerly awaiting a sequel. It hasn't been confirmed yet, but Xiaomi may have snuck out …

The Redmi K20 series stands out from the pack by being two of the cheaper devices with a pop-up selfie camera. The two phones also share an OLED screen with an in-display fingerprint sensor, a 4,000mAh battery, a 3.5mm port, and a similar triple rear camera trio.

The Pro model offers a Snapdragon 855 chipset, 27 watt fast charging, and a slightly different 48MP main camera (IMX586 vs IMX582 on the K20). Meanwhile, the standard Redmi device delivers a Snapdragon 730 processor, and 18 watt charging. Interested in the device series? Then you can check out the Mi 9T Amazon listing via the button below.

Xiaomi Mi 9T

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Fast Share is Google’s Android Beam replacement: Here’s what you should know

Android Beam was Google's attempt to provide seamless local sharing functionality, but the company removed the feature in Android Q's developer preview. Thankfully, it's now emerged that the search giant has a replacement, dubbed Fast Share.

The new feature, spotted by 9to5Google, is reportedly similar to the local file-sharing functionality in the Files By Google app. It set to be available via the standard Android sharing sheet or via Settings > Google > Fast Share, and it'll let you share files, URLs, and text snippets with nearby users.

The functionality apparently requires Bluetooth and location services (while also using peer-to-peer Wi-Fi), and the devices need to be brought close together. Interestingly enough, the outlet's screenshots (seen above) suggest that the functionality is compatible with Chromebooks, smartwatches, and iPhones too.

Editor's Pick

Google confirms Android Beam won't be available in Android Q

Android Beam was one of the most prominent features when Google released Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich back in 2011. The feature allowed for peer-to-peer file sharing via NFC, but it looks like it won't …

Receiving a file is similar to receiving a file via Bluetooth, as you can quickly accept or decline the shared content via the notification shade. The feature even includes a "preferred visibility" option so people can see your Fast Share-enabled device when you're nearby, even if you don't have the functionality enabled at that moment.

It's believed that Fast Share might not be limited to Android Q devices, as it's purportedly a Google Play Services feature. This means you might see it on much older devices too, so hopefully those with phones stuck on Nougat or Oreo can get in on the action. What do you make of Google's new file-sharing feature? Give us your thoughts in the comments!

NEXT: How to text from Windows 10 using an Android phone

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Sunday, June 30, 2019

The best Original Hindi movies and series on Netflix

Netflix

Netflix is making a big push in India and understandably so. With a population of over 1.3 billion, even ten percent of that will almost double Netflix's global subscriber base. Not only is it rapidly expanding its Indian catalog, but is also testing out cheaper mobile-only plans to make it more accessible. But Netflix is also doing what it does best – create original content.

There's a growing number of Hindi and regional language movies and TV shows that Netflix has bought or produced and it has even bigger plans going forward. It's limited for now, but here are some of the best original Hindi movies and series on Netflix!

Best original Hindi movies and series on Netflix:

Best Netflix Original Hindi movies

Best Netflix Original Hindi series

Note: This list focuses on original Netflix content because there's too many to choose from otherwise. I'll include some recommendations in the special mentions section though. We'll continue to update this list as more original Hindi movies and series are released on Netflix.

Best Original Hindi movies on Netflix

Love per square foot

"Love per square foot" follows the lives of Sanjay (Vicky Kaushal) and Karina (Angira Dhar). Buying a home is a dream that neither can achieve individually. A couple-friendly home loan scheme leads to a marriage of convenience. Hijinx ensues as they struggle to figure out their increasingly complicated lives. This a fun, quirky comedy that has its fair share of moments. The premise is a touch farcical, but it's ultimately a story about the value of money, family, and love. Strong performances help overcome the constraints of the story. At over two hours, it does run a little long though.

Find out more

Soni

Soni (Geetika Vidya Ohlan) is a young cop in the Delhi police force. She works closely with her superintendent, Kalpana (Saloni Batra), to fight growing incidents of violent crimes against women. A professional setback and difficult personal situations derail their plans.

As loathe as we might be to admit it, Soni is an incredibly relevant film in today's day and age. It tackles the misogyny that women face every day, but without getting preachy or by overtly pointing fingers. It's an uncomfortable truth that any and every woman will attest to. It's also something that those in power and society as a whole need to address. Soni may not be a movie for the masses, but it is one that everyone should see.

Find out more

Lust Stories

Lust Stories is an anthology movie comprised of four short films by some of India's best directors – Zoya Akhtar, Karan Johar, Dibakar Banerjee, and Anurag Kashyap. An apparent sequel to Bombay Talkies (2013), Lust Stories explores love, sex, and relationships in modern India.

Lust Stories provides an honest look at sexuality and modern relationships. It doesn't go out of its way to be provocative or offensive, but tackles a topic that you'll rarely see discussed in mainstream cinema or TV. The good news for fans of their work is that all four directors are set to return for a sequel called Ghost Stories, a horror anthology, that is expected to premiere on Netflix in 2020.

Find out more

Special mentions

One of my absolute favorite recent Hindi movies on Netflix is Andhadhun, starring Ayushman Khurana and Tabu. When the movie ruins its most interesting twist at the beginning, you can't imagine it doing any worse. However, that's just the start of a thrill-ride that is packed with more twists and turns than you'll know what to do with.
Fans of Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, and Akshay Kumar will be impressed by the range of their films available on Netflix. You'll only find a bunch of old Salman Khan movies though.
Some more random favorites of mine – Dhrishyam, Queen, Special 26, Dear Zindagi, Stree, and Piku, just to name a few.

Best Original Hindi series on Netflix

Sacred Games

Indian television is divided into three segments – soap operas, comedies, and reality TV. Compelling, thrilling television with episodes that drop once a week and with limited runs was a foreign concept until the idea of the web series took hold. Some of the best TV you can see in India is online. This segment was ripe for the picking and Netflix was right on the money with its first Original Hindi series – Sacred Games.

It's a familiar enough story. Cops vs Gangsters. But take away the limitations of a Censor board, add the general "anything goes" attitude of web content, and you have a winner on your hands. The ensemble cast, including high flyers like Saif Ali Khan and Nawazuddin Siddiqui, delivers excellent performances as well. The great news for fans is that a second season should drop soon.

Find out more

Delhi Crime

Delhi Crime, starring Shefali Shah, is based around the aftermath of the horrific "Nirbhaya" case from 2012 (I'm not going to go into any detail here) that shocked the nation and jolted the powers that be into action. It's a compelling true crime drama that gets as uncomfortable as the subject matter demands. Shock, grief, and anger are what you'll feel as the show kicks off. The series then focuses on the next few days as the Delhi Police investigate and arrest all those responsible. It's dark, disturbing, and gritty, but an excellent watch nonetheless.

Find out more

Little Things

Little Things, starring Mithila Palkar and Dhruv Sehgal, is a fantastic exploration of modern relationships in India. The ups and downs, the struggle to deal with life, work, love, and everything in between, is beautifully showcased in this series. It was actually a YouTube series produced by Dice Media a couple of years ago. It was then picked up by Netflix for a second season (both seasons are now on Netflix) with more, and longer, episodes. If you're looking for something that's equal parts sweet and heartbreaking, Little Things is a great binge.

Find out more

Ghoul

Netflix followed up Sacred Games with Ghoul. It's a compelling horror series that takes its inspiration from Arab folklore. The story is set in a dystopian future with a fascist regime in power. The interrogation of a suspected terrorist goes wrong, resulting in a variety of supernatural events to occur.

Ghoul is produced by Blumhouse, that has made horror its business with other great releases like Jordan Peele's Get Out. Most good horror in recent years has Blumhouse or Jason Blum involved in some way, and Ghoul is no different. Netflix favorite Radhika Apte stars in this three-part miniseries that is bound to keep your heart racing.

Find out more

Looking for more Netflix recommendations?

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