Tech wrap: Mi A3 Android update, iPhone 13, WhatsApp breaks records and more

This tech wrap has a mix of all kinds of news. From official announcements by companies to leaks and bug fixes, we witness all kinds of news today. Some companies that took the headlines were Samsung, Huawei, Apple and Xiaomi. So, check out the most popular news in the past 24 hours.

Android 11 update for Mi A3 bricking phones, users complain

Xiaomi started rolling out the Android 11 update for Mi A3 earlier this week. Shortly after, users started complaining of their phones bricking upon installing the new software update. Xiaomi has acknowledged the problem and halted the update rollout following these complaints by users. The firm has also replied via the Mi Support Twitter page.

Govt plans chatbot like Alexa, Google Assistant to deliver public services

The government on Friday invited bids to develop a chat bot or voice assistance application like Amazon's Alexa or Google Assistant to deliver e-governance services to the public. The artificial intelligence-based conversational platform is expected to interact with the public in multiple languages, analyse sentiments and intent, collect and analyse data to give personalised experience to users.

WhatsApp users made over 1.4 billion voice and video calls on New Year's Eve 2020

WhatsApp made a new record on New Year’s Eve with more than 1.4 billion voice and video calls on the messaging app. This is the highest number of calls ever made globally in a single day on WhatsApp.

Apple iPhone 13 Pro models may get the most-anticipated display feature, 120Hz refresh rate

Since last year, Apple fans have been debating over the fact that when the company will include 120Hz refresh rate feature in its iPhones. However, a tipster has now re-confirmed that this feature is coming for sure, but only in iPhone 13 Pro models.

Apple and pears: Apple may discontinue lawsuit against Prepear

Back in August last year, Apple had sued meal prep company Prepear for its logo that looked similar to Apple’s iconic one. Apple said that the Prepear logo that consisted of a minimalistic fruit design with a right-angled leaf. However, now the firm has reportedly dropped the case against Prepear but may be willing to negotiate and solve the dispute.

Samsung confirms Galaxy Buds Pro on its website

Samsung is expected to launch the Galaxy Buds Pro, its new TWS on January 14. The Galaxy Buds Pro have been spotted on multiple leaks confirming its launch even though Samsung hasn’t announced yet. Samsung Canada has now listed the Galaxy Buds Pro on its website confirming the name of the wireless earbuds.

Samsung Galaxy M02s to launch in India next week

Samsung’s first smartphone launch of 2021 could take place next week. Samsung is reportedly planning to launch the Galaxy M02s budget smartphone in India. This smartphone will be priced under  ₹10,000.

Huawei’s next flagship chip is going to be a 3nm one, to be called Kirin 9010

Huawei just launched the Kirin 9000 a few months ago and that chipset comes in two variants - the Kirin 9000 and the Kirin 9000E and is currently only found in the Huawei Mate 40 series smartphones. Now, according to a tipster, the next flagship Kirin processor is coming soon and will be called the Kirin 9010.

Samsung users enter 2021 with a minor yet interesting OneUI 3.0 bug

It looks like Samsung is off to a bit shaky start in 2021 when it comes to software updates. According to a new report by Galaxyclub.nl, Samsung users are encountering their OS first bug of the year with OneUI 3 that the firm rolled out recently.