Oppo has officially confirmed that its latest innovation, the Find N5, will support 50W wireless charging and feature an IPX9 water resistance rating. The announcement comes as part of a series of teases highlighting the capabilities of this next-generation foldable smartphone, set to launch in February.

According to recent leaks, the Find N5 will be the first smartphone to incorporate the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC, signaling significant performance enhancements. Pete Lau, Oppo’s Chief Product Officer, has touted the device as the “thinnest foldable phone,” positioning it against leading competitors like the latest iPhone in terms of sleek design.

Zhou Yibao, head of the Oppo Find series, shared insights via Weibo about the Find N5’s advanced features. The device not only matches the wireless charging speeds of newly released models like the Oppo Find X8 Pro and OnePlus 13 but also integrates seamlessly with in-car systems from major electric vehicle brands such as BYD and NIO.

In a compelling demonstration of its durability, a recent video posted by Yibao showed the Find N5 being submerged underwater, showcasing its capability to withstand significant water exposure, evidenced by its IPX9 rating. This test included recording underwater videos, highlighting the phone’s versatile camera capabilities in extreme conditions.

The Find N5 also sports a refined design with slimmer borders and a larger overall form factor compared to its predecessors, which could attract users looking for a sleek yet robust foldable phone.

As anticipation builds, Oppo has begun sharing images of the Find N5, revealing a foldable design as thin as a USB-C port when opened. This device promises to merge aesthetic appeal with functional excellence, setting a new benchmark in the evolving foldable phone market.

Reliance Industries’ subsidiary Jio Platforms has entered into a strategic partnership with Polygon Labs, aiming to make a significant impact in the blockchain and Web3 spheres in India. This collaboration is set to offer Jio’s vast user base access to innovative Web3 technologies, enhancing privacy and control over their data.

The buzz around ‘Jio Coin’ has intensified following the announcement, with numerous users and industry experts like Kashif Raza, CEO of Bitinning, speculating about its potential uses, including mobile recharges and payments at Reliance gas stations. Despite the widespread excitement and discussion on social platforms like Twitter, there has yet to be an official confirmation or details from Jio about Jio Coin’s specific applications.

This partnership marks Jio Platforms’ first venture into the digital asset space, aligning with Polygon Labs, renowned for its development capabilities in blockchain solutions. Together, they plan to integrate Web3 functionalities into Jio’s existing services, potentially transforming the way Jio’s 450+ million customers interact with digital technologies.

Reliance Industries’ technology arm and Polygon Labs aim to capitalize on this technology to develop new services that could redefine user engagement in digital ecosystems. With blockchain technology, smart contracts, and digital assets increasingly supporting the Web3 framework, Jio Platforms is poised to introduce a range of next-generation services to its users.

Kiran Thomas, CEO of JPL, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, highlighting the opportunity to explore the vast possibilities of Web3 technology and deliver unprecedented digital experiences to their customers. As Jio Platforms steps into the blockchain realm with Polygon Labs, it underscores its commitment to maintaining a cutting-edge position in the technology sector.

DJI has unveiled its latest innovation, the DJI Flip, a foldable drone starting at $439. This compact marvel offers beginner-friendly features alongside advanced camera capabilities, making it a strong contender for new drone enthusiasts.

The Flip is designed to be launched from your hand with a single button, landed effortlessly on your palm, or piloted with joysticks. With a quoted 31 minutes of battery life, a 1/1.3-inch 4K60 camera sensor, and three-axis gimbal stabilization, it surpasses the performance of its closest competitors like the DJI Neo and Hover cameras.

Unique features and advanced design

The drone’s standout feature is its bicycle-spoke folding mechanism that resembles a Star Wars AT-AT walker. Made from carbon fiber, these foldable arms house full-coverage propeller guards, enhancing durability and safety during flight. The Flip also integrates a forward-facing 3D infrared sensor to protect its camera during operation.

When unfolded, the Flip automatically powers on, streamlining the setup process. Although it doesn’t support FPV (first-person view) headsets, its intuitive design and powerful stabilization make it ideal for casual users capturing dronies, follow-me shots, and orbits.

Camera quality and performance

The Flip’s 4K60 camera, with a fast f/1.7 aperture lens, produces impressive visuals, capturing 48 MP stills and 2.7K vertical video. Compared to the DJI Neo, the Flip delivers smoother shots and vibrant, high-quality images, even in breezy conditions. It also supports 10-bit D-Log M recording, catering to professionals seeking enhanced color grading capabilities.

Pricing and availability

Starting at $439, the base kit includes an RC-N3 joystick controller compatible with smartphones. For those seeking a more comprehensive package, the $779 kit comes with three batteries, a carrying case, and a high-performance DJI RC 2 controller featuring a 700-nit daylight-visible screen.

Available for purchase starting today, the DJI Flip bridges the gap between affordability and high-performance drone technology.

While not pocket-sized and slightly louder than other DJI models, the Flip’s unique features and competitive pricing make it an appealing choice for both newcomers and experienced pilots.

Analysis

The DJI Flip’s launch signals a new direction for the company, blending innovative designs with user-friendly functionality. By catering to entry-level users while providing robust features, DJI continues to cement its position as a leader in the drone market.