Oppo Reno 13 5G Series India Pricing Leaked Ahead of January 9 Launch

Oppo is gearing up to launch its Reno 13 5G series in India on January 9. The upcoming lineup will consist of two models: the Oppo Reno 13 and the Reno 13 Pro. Both smartphones will be powered by MediaTek Dimensity 8350 SoCs and will also feature Oppo’s custom SignalBoost X1 chips, aimed at enhancing network performance. The company has already unveiled key details about the phones, including their design, color options, and storage configurations. Ahead of the official launch, leaked pricing details for the Indian market have emerged, building excitement among potential buyers.

According to leaks, the Oppo Reno 13 5G is expected to start at Rs. 37,999 for the base model with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. Another variant with 256GB storage is rumored to be priced at Rs. 39,999. Meanwhile, the Oppo Reno 13 Pro 5G will reportedly be available in two configurations: a 12GB + 256GB variant priced at Rs. 49,999 and a higher-end 12GB + 512GB model costing Rs. 54,999. This information comes from a post by tipster AN Leaks (@LeaksAn1) on platform X, adding to the anticipation surrounding the launch.

These pricing details place the Reno 13 5G series slightly above its predecessor, the Oppo Reno 12 5G series, which launched in July 2024. The Oppo Reno 12 5G was priced at Rs. 32,999 for the 8GB + 256GB variant, while the Reno 12 Pro 5G started at Rs. 36,999 for its 12GB + 256GB model. The increase in price reflects the expected upgrades in hardware, including the new Dimensity 8350 chipset and Oppo’s proprietary SignalBoost X1 technology.

With its premium specifications and updated pricing, the Oppo Reno 13 5G series aims to compete in the mid-range to flagship smartphone segment in India. The inclusion of advanced connectivity features and high-performance chipsets suggests that Oppo is targeting users who value both speed and reliability in their devices. The official launch on January 9 will provide more clarity on these features and confirm whether the leaked pricing aligns with Oppo’s final announcement.

Samsung Galaxy Watch Could Soon Support TV Control via Air Gestures: Report

Samsung is reportedly working on a new feature for its Galaxy Watch lineup that could enable users to control supported TVs using air gestures. Known as “Pointer Mode,” this functionality was discovered through an APK teardown of the SmartThings app for Wear OS, as reported by Android Authority. While still in development, Pointer Mode appears to draw inspiration from the seamless cross-functionality between the Apple Watch and Apple Vision Pro, aiming to enhance integration across Samsung’s ecosystem.

Details of Pointer Mode suggest that it could allow Galaxy Watch users to interact with TVs, but only those compatible with the feature. Android Authority’s report, which analyzed the code of the SmartThings app version 1.3.12.9 for Wear OS, indicates several references to this upcoming functionality. However, it is worth noting that not all apps or TV models may support this feature, which is likely to remain exclusive to Samsung’s Galaxy smartwatches.

According to the code strings uncovered, users may activate Pointer Mode by shaking the hand wearing the Galaxy Watch. This gesture would require the prior deactivation of Universal Gesture, an accessibility feature that lets users control the smartwatch without touching its screen. Once Universal Gesture is disabled, shaking the watch hand would enable Pointer Mode, allowing users to perform specific actions on their TVs without physically interacting with the devices.

If fully implemented, Pointer Mode could become a significant addition to Samsung’s wearable devices, enhancing their utility in smart home settings. By allowing users to control TVs with a simple gesture, the feature promises to streamline the viewing experience and reinforce Samsung’s position as a leader in interconnected devices. However, further details, including supported devices and release timelines, are yet to be revealed as the feature remains in the developmental phase.

Brazil Judge Demands Big Tech Compliance with Local Laws to Continue Operations

Brazilian Supreme Court judge Alexandre de Moraes stated on Wednesday that tech firms must comply with local laws to remain operational in the country, highlighting the government’s firm stance on regulating online platforms. While he did not name any specific companies, his remarks followed a recent announcement by Meta to scale back its U.S. fact-checking program and reduce restrictions on discussions about sensitive issues like immigration and gender identity.

Moraes, speaking at an event marking the second anniversary of the 2021 riots in Brazil, emphasized that the court would not allow companies to profit from hate speech. “In Brazil, (the companies) will only continue to operate if they respect Brazilian legislation, regardless of the rant of Big Tech managers,” he asserted.

This statement comes after Brazil’s Supreme Court had temporarily suspended the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) for over a month last year for failing to comply with court orders, including those related to moderating hate speech. Judge Moraes issued the initial suspension order, which was later unanimously upheld by a five-member panel. In response, X’s owner, Elon Musk, denounced the action as censorship but ultimately complied by blocking certain accounts to resume operations in Brazil.

In a separate development, Brazilian prosecutors have ordered Meta to clarify whether its changes to the fact-checking program in the U.S. will also apply in Brazil. Meta, which did not comment on the matter through its Brazil office, was given a 30-day deadline to respond. This order is part of an ongoing investigation into how social media platforms address misinformation and online violence in Brazil.