Today in Tech: Asus ROG Phone 8 launch imminent, iPhone 16 changes leaked & more

Even though the iPhone 15 has been around for less than a month, leaks and rumours surrounding its successor, the iPhone 16 have begun cropping up. The latest info-drop has some exciting new changes for the iPhone. In fact, there are quite a few mobile phone leaks and confirmations this time around- about the Samsung Galaxy S24, OnePlus 12, Asus ROG Phone 8 and a few others. So, read this and other tech news in this edition of today in tech.

Rumors surrounding the iPhone 16 suggest several intriguing changes. A tipster has hinted at the addition of a new "capture button" below the power button, though its exact function remains a mystery. The mmWave antenna might also find a new home on the left side of the iPhone 16 lineup. In another development, Largan, the lens manufacturer, is reportedly set to exclusively produce telephoto lenses for the iPhone 16 Pro models, which will feature thinner and lighter molded glass lenses.

Notably, the standard iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus may feature a modified A17 Pro chip, while the Pro models are expected to sport an advanced A18 Pro Bionic chip built on a cutting-edge 3nm process. Additionally, all iPhone 16 models are rumored to incorporate stacked battery technology inspired by electric vehicles.

Google is introducing new Shopping features to aid small businesses. Merchants can now use generative AI to update product images, making it easier to attract customers. Small businesses can identify themselves on Search and Google Maps with a "small business" attribute. Products from these businesses will be labeled as "small business" in search results, making it simpler for shoppers to support them. Google is also rolling out Product Studio, featuring AI tools for managing product imagery, with a text-to-image generative AI model for creative scene placement. The knowledge panel for retailer searches will now display useful shopping details, such as deals, shipping policies, and ratings, starting in select countries.

OnePlus has disclosed camera details for the OnePlus 12, featuring a LYTIA dual-layer stacked CMOS sensor developed in collaboration with Sony, promising enhanced light capture for mobile imaging. OnePlus President Li Jie Louis shared non-professional photography samples taken with the OnePlus 12 on Weibo, capturing a coffee shop from different angles, highlighting image details. The OnePlus 12 is confirmed to be powered by a Snapdragon 8 gen 3 SoC, sport an X1 "Oriental Screen" with a 2K resolution and peak brightness of 2,600 nits, and run Android 14-based OxygenOS 14. It's expected to house a 5,400mAh battery with 100W wired and 50W wireless charging.

WhatsApp is introducing version 2.23.24.4 through the Google Play Beta Program. This update includes an upcoming alternate profile privacy feature. The alternate profile feature allows users to set a different photo and name visible to contacts who can't view their primary profile info. For instance, if only contacts can see the primary profile photo, those outside the contact list can still see the alternate profile picture. This feature will be accessible in the privacy screen and profile section in a future app update.

The Asus ROG Phone 8 series is on the horizon, following the ROG Phone 7 lineup released earlier this year. Although the official launch date is still pending, Asus has confirmed that these gaming smartphones will be powered by Qualcomm's latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC, increasing anticipation for their imminent release.

The ROG Phone 8 models are expected to arrive either later this year or in early 2024, and more details about these devices should surface in the coming weeks. Notably, the ROG Phone 8 Ultimate model has been spotted on Geekbench, bearing the model number ASUS_AI2401_A, and is likely to feature the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC and run Android 14.

Vivo's much-anticipated X100 series, set to succeed the X90 lineup, comprises three models: Vivo X100, Vivo X100 Pro, and Vivo X100 Pro+. These phones have had their specifications and design leaks over recent weeks. An e-commerce listing hinted at the base model's price range. Vivo has now confirmed the series' launch date, November 13, at 7:00 pm Beijing time, along with the introduction of the Vivo Watch 3 with BlueOS on the same day.

The official teaser of the Vivo X100 Pro showcases its blue ripple glass finish design, inspired by the sky. The phones are expected to feature notable camera sensors, LPDDR5T RAM, and chipsets such as MediaTek Dimensity 9300, Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, and Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for the Pro+.

The Samsung Galaxy S24 series, set to debut in 2024, is expected to include the Galaxy S24, S24+, and S24 Ultra, mirroring their predecessors' design with few alterations. A leak suggests that the S24 Ultra will have a quad-lens camera setup, similar to the S23 Ultra, with six cutouts for sensors, LED flash, and laser autofocus. The camera layout and button placement in the S24 Ultra closely resemble the S23 Ultra. The S24 and S24+ may also feature round edges and a triple rear camera setup, aligning with the S23 series. The series may launch in January 2024, but Samsung has not confirmed the details.