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Transsion ascends to fifth-largest phone brand for Q2 2023

The company behind Infinix and Tecno

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Infinix ZERO ULTRA

There aren’t a lot of players on top of the smartphone food chain. Deep into 2023, the usual suspects still dominate the scene, albeit switching places occasionally. Sometimes, though, a new name pops up, posing an interesting challenge to those on top. Today, a new smartphone maker, Transsion, has risen above the rest to take the spot as the fifth largest company last quarter.

You might not recognize Transsion as a name. However, you’ll likely recognize the company’s brands slowly eking their way to the market — Infinix and Tecno. In total, Transsion shipped around 22.7 million shipments and took 9 percent of the market from April to June this year, according to Canalys. The company also took the highest increase for the year with a 22 percent growth.

In contrast, the top brands experienced their yearly drop after the holiday season. Samsung, the leader, shipped 53.0 million units and controls 21 percent of the market. Apple, its nearest competitor, shipped only 43.0 million and has 17 percent of the market. Xiaomi and OPPO shipped 33.2 million (13 percent) and 25.2 million (10 percent) units, respectively.

Transsion is remarkably close behind OPPO. Though the latter still thrives on the Chinese and Southeast Asian market, both Infinix and Tecno are quickly growing in popularity in Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East. As the company grows, it’s likely we’ll hear more from both brands throughout the year.

SEE ALSO: Infinix NOTE 30 Series: Buyer’s Guide and Real-World Test

Gaming

Naruto X Boruto Ultimate Ninja Storm Connections release date

Pre-orders now available

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Naruto X Boruto Ultimate Ninja Storm Connections

It doesn’t get any more ‘ultimate’ than this. The grand Naruto X Boruto Ultimate Ninja Storm Connections game is officially coming out on November 16 and pre-orders are now available.

Naruto X Boruto Ultimate Ninja Storm Connections retells the entire story of the classic Ani-Manga franchise. It’ll tackle everything from Naruto, Naruto Shippuden, and Boruto. A special story focused on Boruto has been created specifically for the game.

The game features over 130 characters — the most in an Ultimate Ninja Storm game. Announced alongside the release date are three new playable characters: Boro, Delta and Koji Kashin from the Kara Organisation.

Pre-order details

The game is now available for pre-order on PlayStation and Xbox digitally, and on all platforms physically except PC. Players will be able to choose different editions. Pre-order now on Bandai Namco Entertainment Asia’s e-store or visit any participating retailers in your country.

Package Early Purchase Bonus & Digital Pre-Order Bonus

Naruto X Boruto

All pre-orders of Naruto X Boruto Ultimate Ninja Storm Connections will give players access to the following bonus content:

Three (3) Costumes

  • Naruto Uzumaki (The Final Battle)
  • Naruto Uzumaki (TV Anime 20th Anniversary Costume)
  • Sasuke Uchiha (TV Anime 20th Anniversary Costume)

Receive an extra pre-order bonus item set which you can use in NARUTO TO BORUTO: SHINOBI STRIKER if you own this full game on top of Naruto X Boruto Ultimate Ninja Storm Connections.

  • Nanashi T-shirt
  • Merz Costume — Costume: Merz Style and Hair: Merz

These bonuses will be available in NARUTO TO BORUTO: SHINOBI STRIKER after 16 November 2023.

Standard, Deluxe & Sound Ultimate Edition

The contents for the Standard, Deluxe and Sound Ultimate Edition of the game are as follows:

Standard Edition

The main game, NARUTO X BORUTO Ultimate Ninja STORM CONNECTIONS

Deluxe Edition

Naruto X Boruto

  • The main game
  • Season Pass containing 5 playable characters that will be announced at a later date
  • Season Pass Bonus — 1 costume
  • Deluxe Bonus — 1 costume

Sound Ultimate Edition

Naruto X Boruto

  • Contains the same content as the Deluxe Edition
  • Ultimate Bonus — 5 costumes and 2 accessories
  • Nostalgic Anime Song & Item Pack — 5 anime songs and 3 in-game items

Premium Collector’s Edition

  • The main game
  • Two (2) Figurines
  • A Steelbook
  • Special Reversible Inlay
  • (Six) 6 Collectible Cards
  • (One) 1 Official Scroll
  • Season Pass containing 5 playable characters that will be announced at a later date
  • Season Pass Bonus — 1 costume
  • Deluxe Bonus — 1 costume
  • Ultimate Bonus — 5 costumes and 2 accessories

Additional DLC

Nostalgic Anime Song & Item Pack (available from launch)

With this pack, you’ll be able to change the in-game music during matches and enjoy the battle by listening to nostalgic Naruto songs. This pack comes with 5 iconic songs from the NARUTO anime and 3 in-game items.

NARUTO anime songs:

  • Haruka Kanata / ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION
  • GO!!! / FLOW
  • Blue Bird / Ikimonogakari
  • Silhouette / KANA-BOON
  • Kaze / Yamazaru

In-game items:

  • Substitution Item: Microphone
  • Substitution Item: Orange Headphones
  • Ninja Info Card Skin: Nostalgic Anime Song Skin
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Caviar is selling a Barbie collection of smartphones

Including the Galaxy Z Flip5, iPhone 15, and Apple Watch 9

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Exactly a month since the film premiered, Barbie fever is still high. If the love for all things pink hasn’t left you yet, Caviar has a new smartphone collection for you — if you have the cash, that is. As is typical with the brand, the smartphone customization company has released a new collection that it called #Barbiecore.

For years, Caviar has been known for creating luxurious versions of popular smartphones. Sometimes, the company does tie-ins with popular franchises of the time. The brand is also notorious for selling its products for way higher than the usual price of an unmodified smartphone.

The latest #Barbiecore collection is no different. However, it is iconic of what a Barbie fan might expect from such a model. The collection will include five difference devices: the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5, the Galaxy Z Flip5, the Apple iPhone 15 Pro, the iPhone 15 Pro Max, and the Apple Watch 9.

The Galaxy Z series will come with a golden rear panel outfitted with a small pink pom-pom made of faux fur. The rear panel, engraved with Barbie-themed graphics, will also come with 49 rubies.

Meanwhile, the iPhone 15 series will come with pink alligator skin for its rear panel. Outside of the stylized panel, the series is covered in 24K gold all over. Plus, the cameras are surrounded by 61 Swarovski crystals.

Finally, the Apple Watch 9 is covered in Rose Gold PVD coating. The pink rubber strap is less spectacular, but it does complement the theme and the attractiveness of the watch.

As always, all devices in the collection cost quite a lot. The Galaxy Z series will start at US$ 8,560. The iPhone 15 series starts at US$ 7,990. Finally, the Watch 9 costs US$ 1,900.

SEE ALSO: Galaxy Z Flip5: Samsung finally FIXED IT!

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Samsung is reportedly testing a Galaxy Z FE

Coming after the Flip6 and Fold6

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Galaxy Z Fold5

Foldable smartphones are still too expensive to replace traditional slab phones as everyone’s daily drivers. Next year might finally change the zeitgeist, though. According to a new rumor, Samsung is testing FE models for the Galaxy Z series.

After a brief break from the series, Samsung is reportedly resurrecting Fan Editions. The company already spoiled that the Galaxy S23 FE is likely launching later this year. Additionally, Samsung France made no qualms about revealing the existence of a Galaxy Tab S9 FE and FE+.

Now, the Galaxy Z Flip and Z Fold are the next devices to get an FE-themed rub. According to @Tech_Reve on X, a Galaxy Z Flip6 FE and a Galaxy Z Fold6 FE are coming as early as next year. As the Fan Editions are known for, the rumored devices will likely knock the price points of the foldable series down a notch. By how much is still a mystery, though.

Regardless, a Fan Edition for the foldable devices is still a big bump for the market. Despite the abundance of foldable devices in the market today, Samsung is still feasting atop the industry. Adding a competitively priced foldable will hopefully bring the segment down to manageable prices.

SEE ALSO: Samsung accidentally reveals that a Galaxy Tab S9 FE is coming

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