Tech giant Apple is closing its stores outside of China for two weeks and will only sell online as part of efforts to fight the global viral pandemic.

"In our workplaces and communities, we must do all we can to prevent the spread of COVID-19," CEO Tim Cook tweeted Saturday. "Apple will be temporarily closing all stores outside of Greater China until March 27 and committing $15M to help with worldwide recovery."

In a lengthier online statement, Cook said that Apple's stores in China have all now reopened and what the company has learned there has helped it develop "best practices that are assisting enormously in our global response."

One of the lessons Apple learned in China is that "the most effective way to minimize risk of the virus's transmission is to reduce density and maximize social distance," he said. That's why the company is taking new steps to protect workers and customers as the infection rate rises in other places.

Apple's online stores remain open. Workers will continue to be paid and office staff will work remotely if possible, Cook said in the statement issued Friday.

The company has hundreds of retail stores worldwide, including 42 in China that closed or operated with reduced hours at the height of the country's outbreak.

The announcement came hours after Apple said its annual Worldwide Developers Conference would take place entirely online this year. Thousands of engineers and customers attend the event in San Jose, California, which is in its 31st year.

The virus has infected 137,000 people worldwide. Most patients have only mild or moderate symptoms and recover fully, but the elderly and people with existing health conditions are particularly vulnerable. More than 5,000 have died.

Vivo, a mobile phone manufacturer headquartered in south China's Guangdong Province, said Tuesday it has launched 6G research and development to cope with new challenges brought by data explosion in the future.

"Although the commercial use of 5G has just started, Vivo has already rolled out layouts for 6G, exploring the next-generation technology ahead of time," said Qin Fei, head of the Vivo Communications Research Institute.

According to Qin, the company's exploration of 6G is still at an early stage, and the institute has set up a specialized team to demonstrate the application scenarios of 6G technology and has participated in several industry-initiated thematic discussions.

Qin said the team would cooperate with domestic and foreign universities for further in-depth research on the technology.

Vivo became the world's fifth-largest smartphone maker in the fourth quarter last year, market research firm Counterpoint said in a report. Data provided by Vivo shows that the number of its network users has reached about 300 million.

Vivo, a Chinese multinational technology company, is going to launch world’s first under display front camera incorporated smartphone APEX 2020 shortly.

Vivo Bangladesh informed that the company is going to launch the smartphone soon and it is yet to confirm the price, said a press release.

Vivo APEX 2020 will have a 120° Full View Edgeless Display that removes side edges and bezels from the front view. It will be wrapped in a 6.45-inch curved display, with 2330*1080 screen resolution, that bends at an angle of up to 120° on both sides. With the 16 mega pixel In-Display Camera and vivo Wireless Super Flash Charge 60W, the phone will have a Super Unibody Design with no openings.

So the phone will not have any charging ports too and vivo also successfully embeds a gimbal-like structure into APEX 2020’s 48-megapixel main camera, which is equipped with a 5x-7.5x Continuous Optical Zoom.

Samsung’s latest Galaxy S20 flagship can make you break up with your dearest Smartphone. Ending all the leaks and rumors, Samsung is releasing their awaited Galaxy Series flagship smartphones S20, S20 Plus and S20 Ultra on 6th March, 2020 in the USA. Though this trio share some common features, the Ultra model is the crackerjack of S20 line dominating with some advanced level features.

The Galaxy hot shot S20 Ultra will amaze you with its 6.9-inch AMOLED display, which outperforms Apple 11 Pro Max model’s 6.5-inch display. The S20 Ultra comes with a bigger appearance (76.0 x 166.9 x 8.8mm) with a bold look. This Ultra model weighs about 220g, which is quite bulkier than its Basic and Plus counterparts. However, it can be a deal breaker, if you are looking for a lightweight smartphone. The Ultra model also overpowers the other two S20 models with its 5000 mAh battery capacity. Samsung has launched several versions of the Ultra model depending on memory and storage capacity. Starting from 12 GB RAM and 128 GB internal storage capacity, S20 Ultra maximizes at 16GB RAM and 512 GB space. Its storage capacity can be expandable up to 1TB. Another amazing feature of the Ultra model is its design and construction. If you want to buy a durable phone, go for the Ultra one. Samsung has built this elite model with stainless steel frame while for the other models (S20 and Plus) they have used aluminum frame. From ins and outs the S20 Ultra is the top grade smartphone in their S20 line up.

The Galaxy S20 Plus features a 6.7-inch AMOLED display. It is a noticeable improvement from the ancestor S10 plus model’s 6.4-inch screen. Unlike the Ultra model, the Plus comes with a manageable weight (186g). In terms of power storage capacity, the 4500mAh battery life of S20 Plus model surpasses iPhone 11 Pro’s 3046 mAh battery. The Plus model comes with 12 GB RAM which is certainly a big advantage compared with the rival iPhone 11 Pro’s 4GB memory. Depending on internal storage capacity, the S20 Plus comes in two versions starting from 128 GB. The highest storage capacity of Plus model reaches up to 512GB; whereas its predecessor S10 Plus offered 1TB space at maximum. However, at this point the S20 Plus model falls behind its forerunner S10 Plus model. But don’t worry! You can expand the memory of S20 Plus up to 1TB inserting an additional memory card.

Samsung Galaxy S20 Lineup

S20 is the basic model among the Galaxy S20 series. Its 6.2-inch AMOLED display offers comfortable user-experience. Like its Plus and Ultra counterparts the basic model is blessed with Corning Gorilla Glass 6 protection. Considering appearance S20 is the smallest gadget among these trio flagships. Weighing 163g, the basic model appears lighter than its Plus and Ultra counterparts. The ancestor S10 offered 8GB RAM, which has been upgraded to 12 GB RAM in the descendant S20 model. Moreover, this basic model is provided with 128GB internal storage, which is fairly enough for regular use. Samsung has also enhanced the battery power of S20 up to 4000 mAh. Though this capacity is lesser than the other two S20 Flagships, it overpowers the 3400 mAh battery of ancestor S10. 

These Galaxy S20 flagships are blessed with 5G network enabled technology. Samsung provides Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 (7 nm+) chipset with Adreno 650 graphic unit for these S20 trios released in the USA. But for other countries, these Galaxy hotshots are equipped with Exynos 990 (7 nm+) chipset with Mali-G77 MP11 GPU. Though both the USA and Global versions come with Octa-core processors, there are slight differences in their configurations. However, you won’t find any difference in terms of performance. Not to mention, Galaxy S20 series smartphones will provide robust performance in running the advanced level gaming software. Adding to these, you can download the latest apps and software utilizing the latest Android 10 OS of these S20 series flagships. What is more? The whole S20 line up feature 120Hz display which will make the surfing experience smoother and lag-free.

Now what makes the Samsung Galaxy S20 series exclusive from competitors? Hold your breath! Samsung has brought unprecedented improvement in the camera features of their S20 line up flagships. Both S20 basic and Plus models offer 12MP wide angle camera, which can do a good job in taking large sized photos. But the Ultra model steals the show with its ground-breaking 108MP wide angle camera. However, the Ultra model’s 48MP Telephoto camera falls behind its basic and Plus counterparts offering 64MP sensor each. Furthermore, each of these trios has 12MP ultra-wide camera. But the Plus and Ultra models are blessed with Time of Flight (ToF) features. This cutting edge technology can help you in taking the best possible shots in terms of quality and detailing. Both the S20 basic and Plus model have 10MP Selfie camera; while the Ultra model offers four times powerful (40MP) sensor. The Ultra model again takes the supremacy featuring up to 100x zooming capacity combining its Optical plus Digital zoom; whereas, the other two S20 models can deliver up to 30x zooming capacity. What is more? Doubling up the 4K video recording capacity of ancestor S10 line up, the trio S20 flagships can capture videos up to 8K resolution.  What else do you need?

Samsung Galaxy S20 Camera

Samsung Galaxy S20, Plus and Ultra Price

Samsung Galaxy S20 is currently available at $999 (84,715 BDT Apx) for 12GB/128GB configuration. For the same storage capacity the S20 Plus model asks for $1199 (101,707 BDT Apx); whereas, it costs $1299 (110,190 BDT Apx) for 12GB/512GB version. Therefore, spending an extra $100 for S20 Plus, you can get quadruple internal storage. 

Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra bears a sky rocketed price-tag which coincides with its top-notch features. The price starts from $1399 (118,604 BDT Apx) for the basic level configuration 12GB/128 GB storage. To enjoy immense storage capacity (16GB/512GB) you need to spend about $1700 (144,122 BDT Apx). Depending on your precise need you can choose the right model.

Disclaimer: The price levels have been converted from USD to BDT considering the current rate of currency ($1 equivalents to 84.77 BDT), which is subjected to change.

Read: Samsung Galaxy A71 Review.

Do you find pleasure in flipping your Smartphone? The style and comfort of folding phones vary with the advancement of technology. Read this article to know about some groundbreaking folding Smartphones who thundered the world with their elegant looks, exclusive features and trendy designs.

Royole FlexPai

The renowned Electronics Company Royole Corporation started a new era in the realm of technology through developing the world’s first folding Android smartphone Royole FlexPai in December, 2018. The unfolded 7.8-inch AMOLED screen of FlexPai looks more like a tablet than a mobile phone. In the folding state, it shrinks into a handy 4-inch device. The width of FlexPai is 7.6mm in unfolded mode. It doesn’t fold fully keeping a narrow gap near the hinge.

What makes the Royole FlexPai superior from its contemporary rival flat smartphones is its Snapdragon 8150 7nm chipset. Manufacturer launched FlexPai in three configurations. The basic version comes with 6GB RAM with 128GB internal storage. The manufacturer has enhanced its memory to 8GB doubling the storage capacity at 256GB in FlexPai’s medium configuration. While the top-of-the-line version comes with mammoth storage capacity of 512GB coupled with 8GB RAM. What is more? Royole FlexPai accompanies a fast charging system called Ro-Charge.

Royole FlexPai has been programmed with intelligent software called dubbed Water OS. In fold mode, the half-screen gets active for surfing, while the other half displays wallpaper. Interestingly, FlexPai has a wider screen in one half, as the other half gets a narrower screen due to sharing space with dual cameras. You can choose which half to work with. Its main camera has a 20MP sensor; whereas the other camera is blessed with a 16MP Telephoto lens.

Though Royole FlexPai has been criticized for its less intuitive touchscreen display, it won the hearts of millions of folding phone fans worldwide for its foldable design holding next-gen chipset. The price of Royole Flexpai has started from $1,300 equivalent to 110,248 BDT (@ $1= 84.80 BDT).

Samsung Galaxy Fold

Samsung launched their futuristic folding smartphone Galaxy Fold on September 6, 2019. Like the Royole FlexPai, the Galaxy Fold also looks like a tablet in unfolded mode. Its 4.6 inch folded screen expands into 7.3-inch wide screen after opening the bend. Currently, Galaxy Fold 5G is available at 170000 BDT (Apx.) in Bangladesh.

During the unveiling, Galaxy Fold came with Android v9.0 Pie OS.  But don’t worry! Like all Galaxy devices, the Fold one can be upgraded to Android 10 Go OS. This flip phone was equipped with 2.84GHz Octa-core processor. This hotshot folding smartphone amused the crazy gamers with its Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 Chipset. By virtue of its 12 GB RAM, Galaxy Fold can smoothly operate latest apps, software and online games. In addition to these, the 512GB huge internal storage makes this folding smartphone operate like a palm size computer. Moreover, 4380 mAh battery life will keep this folding smartphone active for long hours.

Galaxy Fold shook the world with its versatile camera features. The triple rear cameras include 12MP primary sensor, 12MP Telephoto sensor and a 16MP ultra-wide sensor. On the front screen it has two selfie cameras (10MP and 8MP). To capture a photo without flipping the phone, Galaxy Fold offers a 10MP camera on its flip cover.

Weighing 263g Galaxy Fold appeared a way heavier than its co-launched smartphones from Galaxy S10 series. Samsung Galaxy Fold came with a touchscreen AMOLED display measuring about 160.9 mm x 117.9 mm x 7.6 mm. What is more? This dynamic screen makes your gaming/movie experience memorable with an awesome resolution (1536 x 2152 pixels) and picture quality (362 ppi). The Samsung fans loved its gorgeous foldable design backed up with sturdy hinges. However, the narrow space in the hinge can store debris.

Motorola Razr V4

If you want to buy a small flip smartphone with trendy outlook Motorola Razr V4 deserves your attention. On 13th November 2019, Motorola launched the Razr V4. It is the revamped version of Motorola’s iconic android folding phone Razr V3 – released in 2003.

In unfolded state, Razr V4 opens up to a 6.2-inch display. You can enjoy movies or online games by virtue of its superb resolution (876x2142 Pixel with 21:9 aspect ratios). Razr V4 weighs about 205g. But surprisingly it folds into a pocket friendly (72 by 94 by 14mm) size. Its folding cover sports a 2.7-inch touchscreen. Thanks to Motorola for providing a comfy secondary display featuring 800x600 pixels resolution with 4:3 Aspect Ratio. The flip is easy to open by one hand, which makes this phone fairly handy for busy persons.

Razr V4 is equipped with 2.2GHz octa-core processor with Qualcomm Snapdragon 710 chipset, which failed to excite us; because we have seen better configuration in the Galaxy Fold. This folding smartphone comes with a fairly standard memory (6GB RAM) with adequate storage (128GB). The new Razr has a 16MP rear camera with a 5MP selfie camera. However, compared with price tag, the camera features seem quite mediocre.

Motorola was criticized for installing Android 9.0 Pie OS in their elite product Razr V4, as the Android 10 GO OS was available back then. Moreover, 2510mAh battery downgrades Razr V4 to the category of average grade smartphones, but it’s fast charging mechanism promises quick recovery. Razr V4 is a single eSIM handset, which can be a deal breaker for many Motorola fans. You have to spend 128000 BDT (Apx.) to buy Motorola Razr V4 in Bangladesh.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip

Samsung launched Galaxy Z Flip on 14th February 2020, as a valentine gift to their fans. In folding mode, Galaxy Z Flip takes a tiny shape (87.4 x 73.6 x 17.3 mm) which will consume a limited space in your pocket. Weighing 183g Z Flip appears quite lighter than its ancestor Fold (263g) model. Z Flip offers opens up to 167.3 x 73.6 x 7.2 mm space after flipping. In addition to shrinking the size, Samsung also reduced the battery capacity of Z Flip at 3300mAh battery. Thankfully, it supports wireless charging. Z Flip runs by the latest Android 10 OS. So, you don’t need to face the hazard of OS up-gradation.

Galaxy Z Flip’s 6.7-inch primary display and 1.1-inch cover display both appear a bit smaller than its ancestor Galaxy Fold’s inner (7.3-inch) and outer (4.5-inch) screen. Samsung has provided 1080x2636 pixels of resolution with 425 ppi pixel density on the primary touchscreen display. While the secondary display features 112x300 pixels resolution with 303 ppi.

Z Flip is equipped with 8GB RAM with 256GB internal storage capacity. Though this space is quite adequate for regular use, the predecessor Galaxy Fold offered greater space (12GB/512GB). Samsung has powered up the Z Flip with top-notch CPU configuration (octa-core processor with 2.95GHz clock speed and Qualcomm Snapdragon 855+ chipset), which is certainly praise worthy.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip packs dual rear cameras including a 12MP primary camera with another 12MP ultra-wide sensor. You will get autofocus in these rear-end cameras. Z Flip has a 10-megapixel selfie camera but no camera is provided on the flip cover. The price of Samsung Galaxy Z Flip starts from $1379, 99 or 116,998 BDT (@ $1= 84.78 BDT).