Gadgets Weekly: Vivo Y29 5G and more

Technology companies Vivo, Zebronics, Lava International Ltd and others launched new phones, accessories, and more this week (December 23-29, 2024).

DH's Gadgets Weekly edition lists the latest personal technology products to keep you abreast of everything happening in consumer electronics.

. It features a 6.68-inch HD+ (1608 × 720p) display, supports 120Hz refresh rate, 1000 nits of brightness, Eye Protection Mode and TÜV Rheinland certified.

It also comes IP64 dust-and-water splash-resistant rating, shock-absorbing corners, a type-c port, a hybrid dual-SIM slots (nano SIM-1 + nano SIM-2 or microSD card) and a side-mounted fingerprint sensor.

It houses MediaTek Dimensity 6300 octa-core processor, Android 14-based Funtouch OS, 4/6/8GB RAM, 128/256GB storage and a 5,500mAh battery with 44W charging speed.

It also features a main 50MP (f/1.8) camera with a secondary sensor and LED flash on the back. It houses an 8MP front camera for selfies and video calling.

It will be available in two colours titanium gold and midnight black. It comes in four configurations -- 4GB RAM + 128GB storage, 6GB RAM + 128GB storage, 8GB RAM + 128GB storage and 8GB RAM + 256GB storage-- for Rs 13,999, Rs 15,499, Rs 16,999 and Rs 18,999, respectively.

.Best of 2024: Top smartphones launched in India this year. It features a 6.67-inch HD+ display with up to 700 nits brightness and 90Hz refresh rate. It also has dual stereo speakers, a side-mounted fingerprint sensor and a Face unlock security system.

It comes with 6nm class Unisoc T760 octa-core processor with Android 14 OS, 4GB RAM, 128GB (UFS 2.2) storage and a 5,000mAh battery with 18W charging speed capability.

It houses a dual-camera module--50MP and 2MP-- with LED flash on the back. And, it features 8MP front camera for selfies and video calling.

It comes in two colours--Marble Black and marble White-- for Rs 9,499.

.Xiaomi Pad 7 to hit stores in India next month. With 5-high performance drivers & dual passive radiators, the Zeb-Axon 200 can produce 180W RMS output with crystal clear sound and bombastic bass.

Zebronics' new speaker is also equipped with RGB lights, which can sync with music to deliver pulsating light shows.

It supports Bluetooth v5.3 for seamless wireless connection and when needed can switch to AUX or USB for added versatility.

It also features an IPX6 rating. Besides being rugged, it is a portable gadget that comes with a sturdy handle to carry around the speaker.

The speaker includes easy-to-use buttons for power, volume, and modes of connection, all located on the top for quick access. With a full charge, it can last up to 10 hours. It can be charged rapidly with a Type-C cable.

Zeb-Axon 200 will be available on Amazon for Rs 9,999.

.Vivo X200 5G review: Top-class premium phone with amazing camera . The company has a triple-coated soleplate for the dry iron and a Weilburger non-stick soleplate for the wet iron. Both are ensured to offer smooth gliding and protect the garments.

They come with convenient controls and indicators for precise temperature regulation. Some models also feature dual indicators for power and heating.

Both the dry and steam irons feature a 360-degree swivel cord. It allows for easy manoeuvrability, ensuring hassle-free ironing, without tangling or twisting of the cord.

The wet iron features anti-drip and anti-calc systems that prevent water stains and ensure a longer lifespan for the iron. The prices start at Rs 1,199.

.Oppo Reno13 5G set for launch in India in January 2025. Xiaomi earlier this week kicked off the Xplorers Programme in India. Xiaomi will announce the names of the 100 selected Xplorers by the end of December 2024 through their social media channels.

The program will reward fourteen participants who perform exceptionally well in the challenges with prizes worth Rs one Lakh each. In addition, the top-performing participant will receive an exclusive Xiaomi Smart Home Makeover, offering a complete transformation of their home with Xiaomi’s advanced smart home solutions.

.Google rolls out Android 16 developer preview 2 . PG Electroplas has signed an agreement with Whirlpool to manufacture select models of Whirlpool-branded semi-automatic washing machines.

“We are excited to announce that Whirlpool has tied up with PG Electroplast to manufacture certain SKUs of its semi-automatic washing machines. With Whirlpool’s exceptional designs and technology and PGEL’s manufacturing expertise, today’s announcement reaffirms our commitment to the Government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative and providing best-in-class products to our consumers at an affordable price point,” said Narasimhan Eswar, Managing Director of Whirlpool of India Limited.

Under the arrangement, PGEL will manufacture some of the SKUs for Whirlpool at its factory in Roorkee. It should be noted that PGEL is an existing supplier of Whirlpool-branded Air Conditioners and both companies will continue to evaluate the potential expansion opportunities.

“We are pleased to deepen our relationship with Whirlpool. As a leading home appliance manufacturer in India, Whirlpool is renowned for their industry-leading products. With this association we aim to unlock new opportunities for growth and help Whirlpool deliver exceptional value to its customers while setting new benchmarks in efficiency,” said Vikas Gupta, Managing Director (Operations) of PG Electroplast Limited.

.Google opens access to Gemini AI-powered Deep Research feature; to be available in Kannada, Hindi, Tamil and more. With the new initiative, Vivo is offering Students an opportunity to submit individual or group entries (with a maximum of three members per group) in the Prototype category under diverse themes, including Software-Tech Innovations, Agriculture &amp; Climate Change, Community Development Innovations, with overarching alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The competition will be conducted in three phases, culminating in a Grand Finale on June 8, 2025, where the Top 10 prototypes will be presented and felicitated by the grand jury and stand a chance to win educational scholarships and rewards worth up to Rs 35 lakhs in total.

“The T&I Initiative is more than just a competition – it’s a commitment to building a future where innovation and sustainability go hand-in-hand. We are dedicated to empowering young visionaries with the tools, mentorship, and platform they need to transform groundbreaking ideas into tangible solutions. As we launch the third edition of T & Initiative, we are confident that India’s youth will rise to the challenge of addressing the world’s most pressing issues,” said Geetaj Channana, Head of Corporate Strategy, Vivo India.

.Apple working on smart doorbell with FaceID-like camera security feature. South Korean consumer electronics major has plans to introduce over a dozen inverter Air Conditioners in early 2025.

The upcoming Samsung AC will boasts of the company's propreitary Bespoke Artificial Intelligence features.

Like the Bespoke range of refrigerators and washing machines launched earlier this year, the new Samsung AC will be placed in the premium segment.

.Apple may bring AirDrop and AirPlay support to Android phones to comply with EU's new DMA draft. Get the latest news on new launches, gadget reviews, apps, cybersecurity, and more on personal technology only on DH Tech .