Poco has now announced that it’s officially launching the M6 Plus in India on August 1. This phone will be the newest member of the M6 family, and Poco has already teased the fact that it has a 108 MP main camera with 3x in-sensor zoom and f/1.75 aperture.

Interestingly, this looks a lot like the Redmi 13 5G which launched earlier this month, so it could be a rebranding of that model. It definitely wouldn’t be anything out of the ordinary for Poco.

If this pans out, then expect the Poco M6 Plus to sport a 6.79-inch 1080×2460 120 Hz LCD touchscreen, the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 SoC, 6/8GB of RAM, 128/256GB of storage, a 2 MP macro camera alongside the 108 MP main, a 13 MP selfie shooter, and a 5,030 mAh battery with support for 33W wired charging.

The Poco M6 Plus will be sold by Flipkart.

Via

Apple has cut iPhone prices in India, following a recent decision by the government to reduce import taxes on smartphones.

The price cuts include the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max models, the first time Apple has ever reduced the prices of current premium models in the country …

Cheaper imports

We learned earlier this week that a cut in import duties would make it cheaper for Apple to import iPhones into India.

India has announced that import duties on mobile phones and some key components will be reduced from 20% to 15%, with Apple expected to be one of the main companies to benefit.

We noted at the time that while iPhone manufacturing in India has continued to expand, Apple does still import some premium models for sale in the country.

iPhone prices cut in India

Apple seems to have decided to pass on some of the savings to customers, with TechCrunch reporting modest price reductions across the line-up.

The price cuts range from 3000 rupees ($36) for models like the iPhone 13, 14 and 15, and to up to 6,000 rupees ($72) for the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max units.

But pricing still 1.5x higher than US

However, while the reduction in import duties is welcome, the revised rates are still punitive. This is the main reason that iPhones are around 1.5 times more expensive in India than in the US.

The base-iPhone 15 Pro, which costs $999 in the U.S., is still priced at $1,550 in India.

Photo: Apple

Being passionate about skin care means my quest for the perfect daily SPF is practically never-ending. While many sunscreens are effective, finding one that includes everything I’m looking for isn’t as straightforward as it may seem. For me, a tinted formula that offers broad-spectrum protection is a non-negotiable. As the Digital Content Writer at Eminence Organic Skin Care, I have the opportunity to try a wide range of skin care products. When I was gifted the Daily Defense Tinted SPF, I was excited to explore its potential benefits and see how it would fit into my skin care routine. Here’s how it went.

A Quick Reminder That SPF Is Essential

Let’s talk about why SPF should be your skin care BFF. Defending your skin against sun damage is one of the most effective ways to slow down the visible signs of aging and keep your skin firm and healthy. By now, we (probably) all know the drill about SPF, but misconceptions about sunscreens being thick and greasy can scare many people away from using them regularly. Here are a few reasons why incorporating sunscreens into your daily routine is a game-changer:

• Prevents Premature Aging: Think of SPF as your shield against premature wrinkles, fine lines and dark spots. Regular use helps keep your skin firm and youthful by protecting it from harmful UV rays that break down collagen and elastin, which are essential for maintaining a firm-looking complexion.
• Lowers Skin Cancer Risk: Consistent use of sunscreen significantly reduces the risk of developing skin cancers, including melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma. These lesions are often caused by sun exposure, so layering on the sunscreen is a simple step with big benefits.
• Protects Against Sunburn: One of the immediate benefits of using SPF is its ability to prevent sunburn. Sunburn not only causes immediate pain and discomfort but also increases the risk of skin cancer and contributes to long-term skin damage, such as saggy or wrinkled skin. 

With these reasons in mind, I decided to try the Daily Defense Tinted SPF to see how it fits into my routine and to experience it firsthand.

Applying the Daily Defense Tinted SPF

I started incorporating the Daily Defense Tinted SPF as the finishing step in my morning skin care routine. One of the features that immediately caught my attention was its SPF 50+ broad-spectrum protection that provides a reliable shielding effect from harmful UVA and UVB rays. This tinted SPF also contains a unique blend of mineral-derived compounds designed to add a subtle, even-toned glow to the complexion so I was curious to see if it worked well for me.

Following the instructions on the packaging, I shook the bottle before applying 1/4 tablespoon of this SPF evenly across my face and neck. The lightweight formula pleasantly surprised me, and I found it blending seamlessly into my skin without a greasy residue. The subtle tint also helped to even out minor imperfections, making my skin look fresh and healthy. 

Reapplying sunscreen every two hours is essential for continuous protection. But on those days when my skin is exposed to pollutants, sweat or debris, the Eminence Organics Product Support Team reminded me to cleanse and refresh my skin before reapplying. This quick three to four-step routine ensures the SPF stays effective without trapping any impurities underneath, which may result in clogged pores. Please note that when I say a “quick three to four-step routine,” I mean a simplified skin care routine to keep your skin refreshed before reapplying SPF. This might include:

• Cleanse: Use a gentle cleanser to wash away dirt and impurities.
• Tone: Apply a refreshing toner to balance your skin’s pH.
• Moisturize: Use a light moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated.
• Reapply SPF: Finally, reapply 1/4 tablespoon of your Daily Defense Tinted SPF to your face and neck to maintain protection.

A routine similar to this helps the skin to remain clean and fresh, preventing any trapped impurities beneath the SPF layer while maintaining effective sun protection. 

Testing The Daily Tinted SFP: The Results

Since I was heading to the lake for the weekend, it was the perfect opportunity to give the Daily Defense Tinted SPF a longer test run. On a scorching 86-degree day (30-degree Celsius), I spent my time swimming, paddleboarding and lounging on the sand. I made sure to reapply every two hours, or immediately after each dip in the water. The sunscreen provided excellent protection without feeling heavy or greasy. The tint gave my skin an even, natural glow, keeping my complexion radiant throughout the day. This was especially appreciated on lake days when I didn’t feel like applying makeup to have it washed away immediately. I felt confident and protected, knowing my skin was well-shielded from the sun’s harmful rays, allowing me to enjoy my weekend worry-free.

The initial apprehension about it being thick and oily was completely dispelled. I was also worried about how the product would blend in with my skin. Instead, I found the tinted formula provided natural-looking coverage that evened out my skin tone and blurred out some of the dry patches on my skin. 

Ingredients That Make a Difference

Curious about what makes the Daily Defense Tinted SPF so effective, I took a closer look at its key ingredients. One major asset? It’s an all-mineral sunscreen, meaning that the sun-blocking minerals sit on top of the skin rather than being absorbed, which reduces the likelihood of clogged pores or skin irritation. Unlike chemical sunscreens that get absorbed, the minerals in this formula provide a protective barrier on the skin’s surface.

• Zinc Oxide: A natural mineral that blocks UVA and UVB rays, providing broad-spectrum protection.
• Rosemary Extract: Rich in antioxidants, this extract helps protect the skin from drying environmental stressors.
• Prickly Pear Seed Oil: A botanical emollient that maintains hydration, supports the skin’s moisture barrier and visibly minimizes the look of dark spots.
• Jojoba Seed Oil: An emollient and source of vitamin E, known for nourishing the skin.
• Aloe Leaf Juice: Derived from the leaves of the aloe plant, it hydrates and softens the look of the skin.
• Rice Bran Extract: A powerful antioxidant that brightens and improves the overall appearance of the skin.

Final Verdict

The Daily Defense Tinted SPF provides excellent sun protection, but it also enhances my skin’s appearance with its lightweight, tinted formula. It has debunked the myths I was holding onto that say SPF products are thick and oily, proving that a good sunscreen can be a seamless part of your daily regimen. This product has earned a permanent spot in my morning skin care routine, ensuring my skin stays protected and radiant every day.

Have you tried the Daily Defense Tinted SPF? Share your experiences in the comments below or connect with us on social media.

HMD has been launching Android phones under its own brand recently – the HMD Pulse trio, the HMD Aura and more recently the HMD Skyline, but none of those are available in India.

The HMD Crest the first HMD smartphone available in India. Even better, it’s the first HMD smartphone that is made in India too. The phone is joined by the slightly more capable HMD Crest Max, which has more memory and an upgraded camera.

HMD Crest • HMD Crest Max

In short, the HMD Crest is an entry-level 5G phone based on the Unisoc T760 chipset. It’s a 6nm chip with four Cortex-A76 and four A55 cores (2.2GHz), plus a Mali-G57 GPU and, of course, a 5G modem.

Unisoc T760 chipset with 6/8GB of RAM

On the Crest, the T760 is paired with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, which is expandable via microSD.

The HMD Crest Max has more memory – 8GB of RAM and 256GB storage – along with one more improvement.

The phones are equipped with the same 6.67” FHD+ OLED displays that run at 90Hz refresh rate. The display is protected by strengthened glass, the back is also made out of glass. The phones are rated IP52 for basic splash resistance.

The HMD Crest and Crest Max have 6.67” FHD+ 90Hz OLED displays

The Crest has a 50MP camera on the back and a depth sensor. It looks like half of the camera budget went to the selfie module, which also has a 50MP sensor. The hands-free selfie feature is a focus in the marketing materials, you can trigger it with one of several gestures (peace sign, thumbs up or heart sign, for example).

50MP selfie camera with hands-free mode

The HMD Crest Max upgrades to a 64MP main camera, adds a 5MP ultra wide and switches the helper module for a 2MP macro. The front-facing camera is still at 50MP.

Both models use the same 5,000mAh battery, which is rated for 800 charge cycles. It’s charged using the 33W adapter that is included in the package.

Besides the USB-C port, there is also a 3.5mm headphone jack. Wireless connectivity includes 5G (dual-SIM), Wi-Fi 5 (ac) and Bluetooth 5.0.

The HMD Crest phones have 5,000mAh batteries and are repairable

The duo is coming out with Android 14 out of the box (and it is free of bloatware, promises HMD). The company is only committing to 2 years of security patches, which isn’t much and doesn’t say anything about OS updates.

The Crest models are built with what HMD calls “Gen 1 repairability” in mind. This means that several components are easy to self-replace at home: screen, battery, charging port and the back panel – all you need is a toolkit and a quick tutorial.

The HMD Crest and Crest Max will go on sale on Amazon India during the retailer’s Great Freedom Sale in August. The Crest (6/128GB) costs ₹14,500 ($175/€160), while the Crest Max (8/256GB) is ₹16,500 ($195/€180). That’s their MSRP, anyway, Amazon’s sale will see their prices drop to ₹13,000 and ₹15,000, respectively.

Source

Max SharePlay is now rolling out to all ad-free subscribers worldwide, allowing anyone with a compatible Apple device to host a watch party via iMessage or FaceTime …

SharePlay support was first offered to US subscribers back in 2022.

Subscribers in the U.S. with an ad-free plan and an iPhone or iPad can now use SharePlay to watch their favorite HBO Max programs in sync with friends and family while on a FaceTime call.

The company says that it’s now available worldwide.

Starting today, all StreamOnMax Ad-Free & Ultimate Ad-Free subscribers will be able to use SharePlay on Apple devices. Subscribers can watch programming with family and friends over FaceTime, including House of Dragon and upcoming series like Industry HBO, The Penguin & more.

Engadget explains how it works.

Users can start watching with friends by hitting the “share” button either on the details section of each title or within the FaceTime app. Each session can have as many as 32 participants, but they all have to be Max subscribers […]

SharePlay for Max works on iPhones, iPads, Apple TVs and Vision Pro headsets. To initiate a watch party on iPhones, iPads and Vision Pros, users have to find the Share icon on the details page of a show or a movie, enter the contacts they want to share with and initiate a FaceTime call. If they choose Messages on their mobile devices, their friends will get a message asking them to join SharePlay. On Apple TV, users will have to open FaceTime first before clicking the SharePlay button and choosing Max from the app list.

9to5Mac collages of images from Max and Martin de Arriba on Unsplash

Meta Quest VR headsets are to get AI features ahead of Vision Pro, with Meta updates rolling out next month.

The move will see the artificial intelligence features currently available in Ray-Ban smart glasses brought to the Quest too, initially as an experimental feature …

No AI for Vision Pro this year – or at all

Previous reports have suggested that Vision Pro won’t get any Apple Intelligence features this year – and possibly not at all.

Earlier this month, John Gruber suggested that AI wasn’t coming to Vision Pro at all, because the devices simply don’t have enough spare processor capacity to run it.

One other surprising revelation is that Apple Intelligence won’t be supported by Vision Pro, despite the M2 chip being powerful enough to do so. The reason here, says Gruber, is that the chip is already running at close to capacity, so doesn’t have enough spare capacity for Apple Intelligence.

“According to well-informed little birdies, Vision Pro is already making significant use of the M2’s Neural Engine to supplement the R1 chip for real-time processing purposes — occlusion and object detection, things like that.”

Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman posted a conflicting report, saying that AI would be coming to Vision Pro next year.

Either way, it appears there will be no AI features in 2024.

Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses already include AI features, and the company says they will now be coming to Quest headsets too.

Engadget reports that the rollout will initially be limited to North America.

The assistant will still be in experimental mode, however, and it’s availability will be limited to users in the US and Canada […]

[This will include] the “Meta AI with Vision” feature, which will let them ask the assistant for information on what they’re seeing, while using Passthrough on the Quest. Passthrough lets users see their environment through a video feed while watching or doing something else on their headsets.

I’ve been using Ray-Ban Meta glasses for a couple of months now, and while I have mixed views on the current AI capabilities, I am very excited about the future.

Photo by Adrià García Sarceda on Unsplash

vivo has officially confirmed that the V40 series is coming to India “soon”. Even better, the company shared details about the four 50MP cameras on the vivo V40 Pro, which is “an upgraded collaboration with Zeiss”.

The main camera on the back features the 50MP Sony IMX921 sensor and has an OIS enabled Zeiss lens. The IMX921 is a 1/1.56” sensor with 1.0µm pixels and is used on the vivo S19 Pro. That phone looks quite similar, by the way, but it is not the V40 Pro (different ultra wide camera).

vivo V40 Pro camera details

Next up is the 50MP telephoto camera with a Sony IMX816 sensor. This 1/2.51” sensor is the same one that was used on the V30 Pro. This will have 2x optical zoom and up to 50x “Zeiss Hyper Zoom”.

2x telephoto lens with 50x Zeiss Hyper Zoom

Then there is the 50MP ultra wide camera. It features a wide 119° lens – this is quite a bit better than the 8MP 106° module that’s on the S19 Pro.

Finally, the 50MP selfie camera on the front has a wide 92° lens. This sounds similar to what the V30 Pro had punch holed into its display.

Additional details about the phone include an IP68 rating, which allows the phone to survive 1.5m underwater for up to 30 minutes.

The vanilla vivo V40 is also rated IP68, but for now we’re not 100% sure whether this exact model will be launched in India or whether there will be some changes.

Anyway, advancing battery tech has allowed vivo to fit a large 5,500mAh battery inside the phones and they support zippy 80W charging.

vivo was also kind enough to provide images of both the V40 and V40 Pro in several colorways: Ganges Blue, Titanium Gray and (this one only for the vanilla model) Lotus Purple.

vivo V40 Pro in Ganges Blue and Titanium Gray • vivo V40 in Lotus Purple, Ganges Blue and Titanium Gray

Check out the landing page for the upcoming vivo V40 series – it should be updated with more details in the days to come. For example, vivo might reveal when the V40 series will launch, since right now this is only specified as “soon”.

Source

Are you diligently following a skin care routine and seeing some improvements, but still battling persistent skin issues like acne, eczema or rosacea? Emerging research suggests a strong connection between our gut health and the condition of our skin, also known as the gut-skin axis. While your skin care routine is making a difference, you can achieve even clearer, healthier skin by synergizing your efforts with a focus on both skin and gut health.

What Is Gut-Skin?

The term “gut-skin” refers to the connection between the digestive system and the skin, highlighting how the health of the gut can influence the skin. This relationship is based on the gut-skin axis, a communication network that links the gut microbiome to skin conditions. The gut even plays a role in your nervous system, with your stomach containing more than 100 million nerve cells that communicate with the brain. With this in mind, it’s clear that your is important in your overall health. Science is uncovering the role that maintaining a healthy gut can play in revealing clearer, more radiant-looking skin.

Historical Perspective

Nearly a century ago, dermatologists John H. Stokes and Donald M. Pillsbury proposed a groundbreaking theory linking the gut, brain and skin, now known as the gut-brain-skin axis. They suggested that emotional states like stress, worry and fear could disrupt gut health, leading to skin issues. Certified Holistic Nutritionist Maria Marlowe explains, “Research has increasingly supported their ideas, showing how stress and emotional disturbances can impact gut health and, in turn, skin health.”

How Gut Health Affects Skin

While science has validated certain aspects of their hypothesis, much remains unknown about the intricate workings of the gut-brain-skin connection. We understand that stress-induced changes in the gut microbiome can reduce beneficial bacteria like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, while allowing harmful bacteria to thrive. This imbalance triggers inflammation and impairs immune function, which are key factors in conditions like acne, psoriasis and rosacea​​. Marlowe highlights that “stressful thoughts can negatively alter the gut microbiome’s composition,” ultimately affecting skin health by promoting the growth of opportunistic bacteria​. 

“We now also know that certain foods and medications can also disrupt the gut (whether you are stressed or not) setting off that same set of events — negative changes in the gut microbiome, which leads to inflammation in the body and ultimately inflammation in the skin,” explains Marlowe.

“Note that most common skin disorders (such as acne, psoriasis and rosacea) are considered inflammatory skin disorders. All of these conditions have been linked to some form of gut dysbiosis,” Marlowe explains. 

There Is Much to Learn About the Gut

The precise mechanisms by which gut bacteria influence skin conditions remain largely unexplored. Emerging research aims to uncover the molecular pathways involved in the gut-skin connection. Scientists are investigating how diet, stress and medications interact with gut bacteria and affect your skin health. 

While certain foods and medications are known to disrupt the gut microbiome, leading to systemic inflammation that manifests in the skin, the full extent of these interactions is still under investigation.  

What Strategies Can I Use to Clear My Skin?

Here are some steps you can take to improve your gut health:

• Probiotics: As WebMD explains, “Probiotics are live yeasts and good bacteria that live in your body and are good for your digestive system.” Consume probiotics to restore and balance the gut microbiome. Probiotic-rich foods include yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut and kimchi. You can also take probiotic supplements, but it’s always a good idea to check with your doctor first before adding supplements to your diet.
• Prebiotics: According to WebMD, prebiotics are a source of food for your gut’s healthy bacteria. “They’re carbs your body can’t digest. So they go to your lower digestive tract, where they act like food to help the healthy bacteria grow.” These microbiota act as fuel for good bacteria, supporting their growth. Prebiotics can be found in high-fiber foods like onions, garlic, leeks, asparagus, oats and apples.
• Avoid Inflammatory Foods: Minimize consumption of processed foods, sugars and dairy. By cutting them out, you may find that they trigger gut or skin issues.
• Balanced Diet: Eat a balanced diet rich in fiber, lean proteins, healthy fats and fermented foods to promote microbial diversity.
• Hydration: Stay well-hydrated to support overall digestive health.
• Reduce Stress: Manage stress through activities like yoga, meditation and other forms of exercise.

By taking these steps, you can improve your gut health, which may reflect positively on your skin.

What About Topical Probiotics?

Topical probiotic skin care products are growing in popularity. The skin’s microbiome — composed of bacteria, fungi, viruses and mites — plays a vital role in health. Probiotics are oftentimes what people are referring to when they talk about  “good bacteria.”  They help balance the microbiome on the skin, which can defend against environmental stressors and harm. International Educator Brian Goodwin explains, “The skin’s surface is home to a delicate balance of microorganisms, like bacteria and other microbes. This mix of living organisms is known as the microbiome,” which is essential for maintaining skin health. Topical probiotics can help keep the bacteria associated with conditions such as acne and eczema in check.

Applying probiotics topically can help replenish and fortify this ecosystem, supporting your skin’s first line of defense.  In terms of product recommendations, our Kombucha Microbiome Collection is formulated with pre, pro* and postbiotics to maintain your skin’s natural microbiome. This collection is also formulated with kombucha, white tea, ginger and jasmine which comforts the skin, calms skin inflammation, and helps you achieve a luminous, healthy-looking glow. 

The Final Takeaway

The gut and skin are strongly connected, and many skin issues can be addressed by taking good care of the gut. Probiotics play a key role in maintaining a healthy gut, which in turn promotes glowing skin. Always consult with your doctor before starting any new probiotic regimen to ensure it’s right for you.

Do you swear by incorporating probiotics into your diet? We would love to hear from you. Let us know your thoughts in the comments or join the conversation on social media.

*Does not contain live probiotic cultures.

iPhone imports into India are to get cheaper, thanks to a reduction in import taxes announced by the government. The change is expected to save Apple around $35M to $50M a year.

While India has become Apple’s second-biggest manufacturing hub after China, the company still imports a significant number of iPhones into the country …

iPhone imports into India

Apple has been making ever-increasing efforts to reduce its dependence on China as a manufacturing hub, with India now its second-biggest production center.

What started as an operation limited to the iPhone SE has grown in sophistication as well as scale – but not all premium models are yet manufactured there. This means that Apple needs to import some iPhones into the country for local sale.

Import taxes cut

Reuters reports that India has announced that import duties on mobile phones and some key components will be reduced from 20% to 15%, with Apple expected to be one of the main companies to benefit.

Almost 10-12% of the Apple iPhones are imported each year into India and a 5% reduction in tax on the devices will result in a $35-50 million annual benefit to Apple, said Neil Shah, a co-founder at Hong Kong-based Counterpoint Research.

Samsung is said to benefit to a smaller degree, as almost all of the models sold in the country are manufactured locally.

Apple’s share of the smartphone market in India has grown from 1% in 2018 to 6% today, thanks to a growing middle class in the country.

Photo: Apple