Apple discontinues iMac Pro; base variant to be available till supplies last

Just days after we learned that a new iMac model is currently in the works, Apple has reportedly discontinued the current generation iMac Pro. You can no longer opt for the made-to-order option for the model on the Apple Store, and while you may be able to get other configurations from certain third-party resellers, the base configuration is the only variant that you can purchase directly from Apple till supplies last.

9to5Mac first spotted this change and the publication makes an interesting point about how Apple never disclosed any information about iMac Pro sales. The report notes that since the iMac Pro is a niche product, due to its premium $4,999 price tag, the existence of the regular iMac for casual users, and the more powerful Mac Pro tower for professionals, it may not have done well in terms of sales. This could’ve been the reason behind Apple’s decision to discontinue it before the new model is unveiled. We can confirm that this change has hit both Apple stores in the US and India.

Apple is expected to launch a new version of the iMac later this year and a new refresh for the Pro variant could also be on the cards. According to leaked information from YouTuber Jon Prosser, Apple is revisiting the iconic iMac G3 from 1998 for the upcoming iMac’s design. The upcoming models will reportedly come in various colors that will likely be similar to what we saw on the iPad Air 2020. This means that we can expect colors like Silver, Space Gray, Green, Sky Blue, and Rose Gold. For those of you who don’t know, the iMac G3 was an iconic product from Apple that came with a unique translucent back panel available in five colors: lime, strawberry, blueberry, grape, and tangerine. The upcoming iMac models will most likely be powered by an upgraded version of Apple’s ARM-based M1 silicon chips.

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The ASUS ROG Phone 5 will pack up to a whopping 18GB of LPDDR5 RAM

How much RAM does a smartphone really need? If you’re an Asian phone brand making gaming phones, the answer is “as much as technically and humanly possible.” That’s the approach ASUS is taking with the ROG Phone 5, which will pack up to 18GB of RAM.

The 18GB LPDDR5 mobile DRAM module comes from SK Hynix, a semi-conductor based out of Seoul, South Korea. In a statement released today, SK Hynix said the new chip runs at a maximum of 6,400Mbps, which is around 20% faster than previous LPDDR5 DRAMs on the market. The release also says SK Hynix has officially begun mass production of the chips, and the first batch is making its way to ASUS’ ROG Phone 5.

The ROG Phone 5, which is scheduled for unveiling on March 10, is expected to be powered by all the latest, highest-end specs, including a Snapdragon 888, high-refresh OLED display, and of course, that 18GB of RAM in the top end variants. The device is also likely to sport a back design with dot-matrix technology built-in. The beloved shoulder trigger buttons are expected to return as well.

We here at XDA loved the ROG Phone 3, so this direct sequel (the brand skipped the number 4 due to Chinese superstitions) has a lot to live up to. We know it won’t be lacking in memory, that’s for sure. SK Hynix’s statement also added the chip is designed for “premium smartphones to support an optimal environment for games with high-resolution image and also high-quality videos,” and the ROG Phone 5 definitely will make use of this.

Recent leaks also suggest that ASUS will bring back the 3.5mm headphone jack with the ROG Phone 5 and it could sport 65W fast wired charging. The device will likely run a near-stock build of Android 11 out of the box, with a couple of gaming-related additions from ASUS. We’ll let you know as soon as we learn more about the ROG Phone 5.

The post The ASUS ROG Phone 5 will pack up to a whopping 18GB of LPDDR5 RAM appeared first on xda-developers.

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The ASUS ROG Phone 5 will pack up to a whopping 18GB of LPDDR5 RAM

How much RAM does a smartphone really need? If you’re an Asian phone brand making gaming phones, the answer is “as much as technically and humanly possible.” That’s the approach ASUS is taking with the ROG Phone 5, which will pack up to 18GB of RAM.

The 18GB LPDDR5 mobile DRAM module comes from SK Hynix, a semi-conductor based out of Seoul, South Korea. In a statement released today, SK Hynix said the new chip runs at a maximum of 6,400Mbps, which is around 20% faster than previous LPDDR5 DRAMs on the market. The release also says SK Hynix has officially begun mass production of the chips, and the first batch is making its way to ASUS’ ROG Phone 5.

The ROG Phone 5, which is scheduled for unveiling on March 10, is expected to be powered by all the latest, highest-end specs, including a Snapdragon 888, high-refresh OLED display, and of course, that 18GB of RAM in the top end variants. The device is also likely to sport a back design with dot-matrix technology built-in. The beloved shoulder trigger buttons are expected to return as well.

We here at XDA loved the ROG Phone 3, so this direct sequel (the brand skipped the number 4 due to Chinese superstitions) has a lot to live up to. We know it won’t be lacking in memory, that’s for sure. SK Hynix’s statement also added the chip is designed for “premium smartphones to support an optimal environment for games with high-resolution image and also high-quality videos,” and the ROG Phone 5 definitely will make use of this.

Recent leaks also suggest that ASUS will bring back the 3.5mm headphone jack with the ROG Phone 5 and it could sport 65W fast wired charging. The device will likely run a near-stock build of Android 11 out of the box, with a couple of gaming-related additions from ASUS. We’ll let you know as soon as we learn more about the ROG Phone 5.

The post The ASUS ROG Phone 5 will pack up to a whopping 18GB of LPDDR5 RAM appeared first on xda-developers.

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Instagram prepares for Clubhouse-like audio rooms and end-to-end encryption in chats

The recent surge in Clubhouse’s popularity shows voice-based interactions are the future of social networking. Clubhouse is currently limited to iOS and you can only access it if another user invites you. Seeing this as a potential opportunity, social media giants including Facebook and Twitter are working on their own adaptations for a wider audience. While Twitter Spaces is already being tested, we have learned that Facebook is also working to bring live audio rooms to the Instagram app. Besides audio rooms, Instagram is also working to enable end-to-end encryption (E2EE) in chats.

Instagram Live is already a popular means for creators to interact with their followers. Adding to that, Instagram rolled out Live Rooms recently, allowing anyone going live to add up to three more users. In line with this, Instagram also appears to be working on live audio rooms wherein a host can add a bunch of other users during the live audio session. App Researcher Alessandro Paluzzi shared screenshots of the under-development Instagram feature on their Twitter account.

#Instagram is working on audio rooms pic.twitter.com/5TI6YzLi9A

— Alessandro Paluzzi (@alex193a) March 6, 2021

In one of the screenshots, we see a microphone icon beside the regular camcorder icon that usually appears during live video sessions. Paluzzi did not share any details about the functionality of Instagram’s live audio rooms but, the placement of the microphone icon right next to the camera icon suggests Instagram could integrate audio and video live rooms.

Facebook’s intention to clone Clubhouse was first reported last month. In its announcement of Live Rooms, Instagram also confirmed it is “exploring more interactive tools such as offering moderator controls and audio features that will be available in the coming months.” While the functionality of the audio room is relatively new, the app is also set to get a feature that was reportedly first commissioned at least two years ago.

Facebook started unifying chats from Instagram and Messenger last year, allowing users to use either of the two apps to connect with contacts on the other. The said unification was first ordered by Facebook chief Mark Zuckerberg in January 2019. Alongside this plan to integrate chats from Facebook Messenger, Instagram, and WhatsApp into a single messaging platform, Zuckerberg also asserted the need to implement end-to-end encryption across all of its messaging apps — a feature that is limited to WhatsApp at present.

Although Facebook introduced disappearing messaging under the recently-announced Vanish mode for the sake of privacy, end-to-end encryption adds a layer of security to chats and prevents anyone other than the users to interpret the communications even if they are intercepted. This feature is suggested to be under development by App Researcher Alessandro Paluzzi who did not share more information about the same.

#Instagram is working on end-to-end encrypted (E2EE) chats pic.twitter.com/XSb4DqHtU6

— Alessandro Paluzzi (@alex193a) March 6, 2021

The features are currently under development and not available to users. We shall add more details when we learn about them.

The post Instagram prepares for Clubhouse-like audio rooms and end-to-end encryption in chats appeared first on xda-developers.

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OnePlus confirms the OnePlus 9 will come with a charger

OnePlus is all set to unveil its upcoming OnePlus 9 series later this month and although it would appear there’s nothing left to the imagination anymore at this point, new details keep pouring in. The latest update comes from OnePlus’ CEO Pete Lau, who has officially confirmed that the OnePlus 9 series will ship with a charger in the box.

In a recent comment on the OnePlus Community forums, Lau revealed that the OnePlus 9 series will not be following the footsteps of its competitors and will ship with a charger inside the box. “Don’t worry about it. We have the charger inside the box”, said Pete while responding to a OnePlus forum member’s concern about whether the company will too join the latest trend of ditching the in-box charger. Although rumors so far have unanimously claimed that the OnePlus 9 series would come with a charger inside the box, an official confirmation from the company itself is always nice.

This is newsworthy since Apple and Samsung both no longer offer a charger in the box for their respective flagships. Xiaomi also doesn’t offer a charger in the box of the Chinese Mi 11 but does offer a charger with European models.

As for what we’re expecting from OnePlus at its launch event, the OnePlus 9 and OnePlus 9 Pro will most certainly be there and we might also see a third device in the form of the OnePlus 9R. The standard OnePlus 9 is expected to feature a flat 6.55-inch full HD+ AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate screen, Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset, 8GB RAM, 128GB UFS 3.1 storage, two 48MP cameras along with a third unspecified sensor, and a 4,500mAh battery with a 65W fast charging support.

The OnePlus 9 Pro, on the other hand, is rumored to feature a curved 6.7-inch LTPO AMOLED display with Quad HD+ resolution and a 120Hz screen refresh rate. On the inside, it’s expected to feature the same Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset, but supposedly with more RAM and storage. Additionally, OnePlus has also partnered up with Swedish camera legend Hasselblad to optimize the camera system of the OnePlus 9 series, in the hope to finally bring the camera performance in-line with other flagships.

Not much is known about the rumored OnePlus 9R but it’s believed to pack the Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 chipset and is expected to be the cheapest of the trio. With the official launch taking place on March 23, we will not have to wait too long to find out more about the new lineup.

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Featured image: OnePlus Warp Charge 30 charger

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Instagram prepares for Clubhouse-like audio rooms and end-to-end encryption in chats

The recent surge in Clubhouse’s popularity shows voice-based interactions are the future of social networking. Clubhouse is currently limited to iOS and you can only access it if another user invites you. Seeing this as a potential opportunity, social media giants including Facebook and Twitter are working on their own adaptations for a wider audience. While Twitter Spaces is already being tested, we have learned that Facebook is also working to bring live audio rooms to the Instagram app. Besides audio rooms, Instagram is also working to enable end-to-end encryption (E2EE) in chats.

Instagram Live is already a popular means for creators to interact with their followers. Adding to that, Instagram rolled out Live Rooms recently, allowing anyone going live to add up to three more users. In line with this, Instagram also appears to be working on live audio rooms wherein a host can add a bunch of other users during the live audio session. App Researcher Alessandro Paluzzi shared screenshots of the under-development Instagram feature on their Twitter account.

#Instagram is working on audio rooms pic.twitter.com/5TI6YzLi9A

— Alessandro Paluzzi (@alex193a) March 6, 2021

In one of the screenshots, we see a microphone icon beside the regular camcorder icon that usually appears during live video sessions. Paluzzi did not share any details about the functionality of Instagram’s live audio rooms but, the placement of the microphone icon right next to the camera icon suggests Instagram could integrate audio and video live rooms.

Facebook’s intention to clone Clubhouse was first reported last month. In its announcement of Live Rooms, Instagram also confirmed it is “exploring more interactive tools such as offering moderator controls and audio features that will be available in the coming months.” While the functionality of the audio room is relatively new, the app is also set to get a feature that was reportedly first commissioned at least two years ago.

Facebook started unifying chats from Instagram and Messenger last year, allowing users to use either of the two apps to connect with contacts on the other. The said unification was first ordered by Facebook chief Mark Zuckerberg in January 2019. Alongside this plan to integrate chats from Facebook Messenger, Instagram, and WhatsApp into a single messaging platform, Zuckerberg also asserted the need to implement end-to-end encryption across all of its messaging apps — a feature that is limited to WhatsApp at present.

Although Facebook introduced disappearing messaging under the recently-announced Vanish mode for the sake of privacy, end-to-end encryption adds a layer of security to chats and prevents anyone other than the users to interpret the communications even if they are intercepted. This feature is suggested to be under development by App Researcher Alessandro Paluzzi who did not share more information about the same.

#Instagram is working on end-to-end encrypted (E2EE) chats pic.twitter.com/XSb4DqHtU6

— Alessandro Paluzzi (@alex193a) March 6, 2021

The features are currently under development and not available to users. We shall add more details when we learn about them.

The post Instagram prepares for Clubhouse-like audio rooms and end-to-end encryption in chats appeared first on xda-developers.

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OnePlus confirms the OnePlus 9 will come with a charger

OnePlus is all set to unveil its upcoming OnePlus 9 series later this month and although it would appear there’s nothing left to the imagination anymore at this point, new details keep pouring in. The latest update comes from OnePlus’ CEO Pete Lau, who has officially confirmed that the OnePlus 9 series will ship with a charger in the box.

In a recent comment on the OnePlus Community forums, Lau revealed that the OnePlus 9 series will not be following the footsteps of its competitors and will ship with a charger inside the box. “Don’t worry about it. We have the charger inside the box”, said Pete while responding to a OnePlus forum member’s concern about whether the company will too join the latest trend of ditching the in-box charger. Although rumors so far have unanimously claimed that the OnePlus 9 series would come with a charger inside the box, an official confirmation from the company itself is always nice.

This is newsworthy since Apple and Samsung both no longer offer a charger in the box for their respective flagships. Xiaomi also doesn’t offer a charger in the box of the Chinese Mi 11 but does offer a charger with European models.

As for what we’re expecting from OnePlus at its launch event, the OnePlus 9 and OnePlus 9 Pro will most certainly be there and we might also see a third device in the form of the OnePlus 9R. The standard OnePlus 9 is expected to feature a flat 6.55-inch full HD+ AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate screen, Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset, 8GB RAM, 128GB UFS 3.1 storage, two 48MP cameras along with a third unspecified sensor, and a 4,500mAh battery with a 65W fast charging support.

The OnePlus 9 Pro, on the other hand, is rumored to feature a curved 6.7-inch LTPO AMOLED display with Quad HD+ resolution and a 120Hz screen refresh rate. On the inside, it’s expected to feature the same Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset, but supposedly with more RAM and storage. Additionally, OnePlus has also partnered up with Swedish camera legend Hasselblad to optimize the camera system of the OnePlus 9 series, in the hope to finally bring the camera performance in-line with other flagships.

Not much is known about the rumored OnePlus 9R but it’s believed to pack the Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 chipset and is expected to be the cheapest of the trio. With the official launch taking place on March 23, we will not have to wait too long to find out more about the new lineup.

---

Featured image: OnePlus Warp Charge 30 charger

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