How To Install Android Apps On Your Windows Computer

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Ever since Windows 11 first hit the scene, we saw a ton of effort put into bridging the gap between Android and Windows. For example, Microsoft allowed Windows 11 users to download and install apps from the Amazon App Store. Being able to access the apps you love on your computer could have several benefits, so here’s how to install Android apps on your Windows computer.

At the time of writing this article, at least one of the methods is in beta testing, so the availability will vary. If you don’t have access to all of the methods, then you will want to either get on the beta or wait for it to reach a public release. We will update the article when these methods hit the public. We will also update the article if a company discontinues a method, as is the case with one.

How to install Android apps on your Windows computer

The first method is a bit weird at the time of writing this, as it’s in the process of being discontinued. However, you’re still able to use it in a limited capacity, so we’re including it.

Through the Amazon App Store

If you were around for the Windows 11 announcement back in 2021, then you’ll know that Microsoft partnered with Amazon to bring its app store onto the Windows operating system. This was a little clunky when it started, as it went through a lengthy beta testing process. At first, you needed to be a member of the Windows Insider program.

Now, this functionality is available to all Windows 11 users. However, it’s a bit hindered, as, at the time of writing this article, Amazon is in the process of discontinuing it. Can you still access and install Amazon apps to your Windows 11 computer? Yes. However, there are a few caveats.

How to install Amazon apps on Windows 11

The first major caveat is that you needed to have installed the Windows Subsystem for Android from the Microsoft Store before March 6th, 2024. If you haven’t then you won’t be able to use this method. However, if you happen to have downloaded it, you’ll be able to access apps.

As it stands now, you’ll still be able to download apps onto your computer until March 5th, 2025. You’ll have access to the full library of games and other apps. Go to the search bar in your Windows taskbar and type “subsystem”, and one of the results that show up will be the Subsystem for Android. When you open it, you’ll see the Amazon App Store appear.

Click on the Get button under the app you want to use and click on the Download button in the popup that appears. After that, you’ll see the app start to download and install. After that process, you can open the app by clicking the Open button under the app on the App Store or by finding it in your apps.

Install Android Apps Windows 3

One thing to note is that you can’t download the subsystem from the Windows store anymore, so if you already have it on your computer, then don’t uninstall it if you want to continue using Amazon apps.

Through Google Play Games

While using the Amazon app store gives you access to a wide range of apps, it’s nothing compared to the Google Play Store. This is also true when it comes to the number of games. This is why some people were excited when they heard that Google was bringing Google Play for Windows.

Basically, you will download the Google Play launcher to your computer, and the launcher will download, manage, and run your games. This is very much like Steam.

This method is actually more robust than what you had with Amazon apps. You get access to a wide range of games including Genshin Impact, Fruit Ninja 2, Turnip Boy Commits Tax Evasion, Etc. Also, since this goes through the Google Play Store, any apps you previously purchased will be freely available to download on your computer.

How to use Google Play for Windows

It’s important to note that this is also available for Windows 10 computers. Right now, this is in beta testing, but it’s available in over 100 regions. You can check if your region is eligible for Google Play games on PC. If you’re eligible, go to the official download page. From there, you will download the .exe file and install the launcher.

After you do that, you will sign in to your Google account in the launcher. After you do that, you will be able to look through the library of games and start playing.

The Home tab on the left side of the screen will give you a feed of recommended and featured games. This will be just like the Google Play Store on your phone. So you will see different types of games that conform to different categories.

Install Android Apps Windows 7

Under the Home tab, you will see the Library tab. This is where you will see all the games that you’ve downloaded onto your computer. You will also see a feed of games you’ve downloaded in the past onto your mobile device. So, this will be a way of letting you know that some of your favorite classics on your phone can be available on your computer.

Install Android Apps Windows 6

Under the library tab, you have the Explore tab. This tab will show you a grid of all of the games that you can download. Up top, you will see a search bar to type in the title of the game you want to play. Under the search bar, you will see the different categories all laid out in a succession of chips. So, you will be able to search all of the games that are available to download and play.

Install Android Apps Windows 5

Playing the games

Don’t worry about playing mobile games on your computer. The developers formatted these games to use both mouse & keyboard and controllers. So, you’ll have a PC gaming experience.

To uninstall a game, go to your Library. When you find the game that you want to uninstall, click on the three-dot button on the right side of the game, and click on the Uninstall button.

Through BlueStacks

For over a decade, BlueStacks has been one of the primary ways of playing Android games on computers. It’s been around since 2011, and it’s only gotten better as time went on. BlueStacks is still a viable option with its latest version being BlueStacks 10.

It’s similar to the Google Play launcher in that you will open an interface and download the apps. However, BlueStacks is a bit different because it will run an Android virtual machine and play the apps through that.

This option may have the most choices for games, as you’re not playing from a curated list of Select games. You have access to the full Google Play Store library of games using BlueStacks.

Installing BlueStacks

To install BlueStacks, go to the official BlueStacks site. You will see a download link for the latest version of BlueStacks on the homepage. On that page, you will see BlueStacks 10 being advertised. Click on that button and download the installer. One thing about BlueStacks is the fact that it may trigger your system’s virus protection and flag it as a threat. However, BlueStacks is perfectly safe to use. The reason why it triggers red flags is that it uses a virtual machine. In any case, if you don’t trust it, then you’re free to disregard this method.

One thing to know is that there are different versions of BlueStacks available. So, if version 10 does not work with you, then you can check out the different BlueStacks versions. Since you are running a virtual machine, you’ll be able to download different machines targeting different versions of Android. So, if the latest version of BlueStacks 10 isn’t compatible with your system, you can try one of the other ones.

Currently, there are four versions of BlueStacks 5, which are the 32-bit version targeted at Android 7 (Nougat) along with the 64-bit version. There’s a 64-bit version targeting Android 9 (Pie) and a 64-bit version targeting Android 11 (R).

Along with that, there are three versions of BlueStacks 4 which are the 32-bit and 64-bit versions targeted at Android 7. Also, there is a 64-bit version targeted at Android 7 with Hyper-v.

Using BlueStacks

When you have BlueStacks installed, you will see a bare-bones interface with a folder of apps, an app called App Center, and a row of suggested apps to download. Up top, you will see a search bar. Click on the App Center to start exploring apps to download.

When you click on an app to download, you’ll be taken to the Google Play Store. Being sent to the Google Play Store is inevitable, as when you click on an app in the App Center, you’ll be taken to that app’s Google Play Store page. Just click the Install Button as usual, and the app will be installed into the Android virtual machine. From that point, you’ll be able to go back to the home screen and fire up the app.

Install Android Apps Windows 6

Installing Android apps directly to your system [currently unreleased]

At the time of writing this article, Google is currently working on a way to let users install apps directly to their systems rather than through a launcher. At this point, details about this are still scarce, so we’ll have to wait for more information to come out. The company is currently testing this method with a few titles.

This article will be updated with more details as they arise.


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Galaxy Z Flip 6 to have a titanium frame, two SoC variants

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According to new info that surfaced online, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 will have a titanium frame. This information has been shared by Revegnus, a tipster. That’s basically the only piece of info he shared via that particular tweet.

The Galaxy Z Flip 6 to offer a titanium frame, and arrive in two SoC variants

Not long after that, he had more to say. In a new tweet, he shared some information that he relayed from Yeux1122, who shared the info on Naver. Earlier this month, Revegnus reported that an Exynos model of the Galaxy Z Flip 6 is on the way. Well, Naver just reconfirmed that, it seems.

The Galaxy Z Flip 6 is said to arrive in both Exynos and Snapdragon variants. So it’s basically following the Galaxy S24 and Galaxy S24+’s path. If we had to guess, we’d say that Europe will get the Exynos model, the same as with the Galaxy S24 and Galaxy S24+.

To be more accurate, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and Exynos 2400 SoC variants are expected. Naver also said that the base model of the Galaxy Z Flip 6 will include 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. Samsung is bringing the device to the Galaxy S24 level.

It will also get AOD functionality from the Galaxy S24

On top of all that, Samsung will include the Galaxy S24’s AOD (Always On Display) functionality here. That’s basically everything new that leaked regarding the Galaxy Z Flip 6.

Do take this info with a grain of salt, of course, even though it’s probably accurate. Utilizing titanium could bring down the weight of the Galaxy Z Flip 6 down unless Samsung changes the size or something like that.

Not everyone will be happy with the two SoC options, as the Exynos 2400 is technically inferior to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. The Exynos 2400 is a lot better than its predecessors were, at least.

The Galaxy Z Flip 6 will likely launch in the first half of July. Its launch event is rumored for July 10, and the Galaxy Z Fold 6 will arrive alongside the Galaxy Z Flip 6. The Galaxy Ring is also expected.


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The Galaxy Tab S6 Lite 2024 is now official

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We’ve been following rumors that Samsung was planning on releasing the Galaxy Tab S6 Lite… for the third time. While it seems unlikely that Samsung would release this tablet after it re-released it a few years ago, it appears that our suspicions were true. According to a new report, the Galaxy Tab S6 Lite 2024 is official.

Back in 2022, Samsung re-released the Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (which originally launched in 2020), and it was a nice little tablet. It used the Snapdragon 720G (Exynos 9611). It was a nice contrast to the Galaxy Tab S8 that launched the same year.

The Galaxy Tab S6 Lite 2024 is official

News about this upcoming tablet started popping up a little while back, and leaks and rumors began flowing in. It was a bit tough to believe because Samsung already has a ton of tablets on the market as is. It launched the Galaxy Tab S9 series, Galaxy Tab S9 FE series, and Galaxy Tab A9 series. So, refreshing a tablet that’s already been refreshed when it has nine tablets and circulation seems like a bit overkill.

However, it appears that Samsung does not care about overkill. The revamped tablet was spotted on the Samsung store in Romania. In the store listing, we see some confirmed specs for this tablet. Many of the specs are unchanged from the 2022 revamp.

Rumored specs

The Galaxy Tab S6 Lite 2024 will come with a 10.4-inch LCD display. That might not sound too impressive, but Samsung’s LCD technology is some of the best on the market. It comes with 64 GB of storage and 4 GB of RAM, which puts it firmly in the budget tablet market.

This tablet will come with a 7,040mAh battery, which is a little bit small compared to the standard 8000mAh battery we see with tablets. Along with that, it’s also compatible with an S Pen.

The Galaxy Tab S6 Lite 2024 will use an SoC that’s clocked up 2.4GHz and 2GHz. The company didn’t outright state what chip the tablet is using, but the folks at SamMobile were able to guess that this is the Exynos 1280 SoC.

The 2022 version of this tablet came with an 8-megapixel camera on the rear and a 5-megapixel selfie camera. So, it’s likely that the company will copy and paste those same specs.

In the listing, we see the tablet in three colors. Two colors launched with the last version of the tablet, and they are Chiffon pink and Oxford gray. However, there’s a new mint option that looks rather nice.

Price

We don’t know how much this tablet is going to cost when it launches. However, previous reports say that this tablet will start at €429. That’s for the Wi-Fi-only 64GB variant. There could also be a more expensive cellular variant that comes with 128GB of storage, which could retail for €519.


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Vans warns customers of data breach

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Skater brand Vans emailed customers last week to tell them about a recent “data incident.”

On December 13, 2023, Vans said it detected unauthorized activities on its IT systems, attributed to “external threat actors.” An investigation revealed that the incident involved some personal information of Vans’ customers. The affected information could include:

  • Email address
  • Full name
  • Phone number
  • Billing address
  • Shipping address

In certain cases, the affected data may also include order history, total order value, and information about the payment method used for the purchases. Vans notes that the payment method does not specify details like account number, just the method described as “credit card”, “Paypal”, or “bank account payment”, with no additional details attached.

The data incident turned out to be a ransomware attack. In a filing with the Securities and Exchanges Commission (SEC), parent company V.F. Corporation stated the hackers disrupted business operations and stole the personal information of approximately 35.5 million individual consumers.

The attack was claimed by the ALPHV/BlackCat ransomware group. This happened during the period that ALPHV was in a spot of trouble themselves by events eventually leading to faking their own death.  It is unclear whether VF Corporation was able to use the decryptor made available after law enforcement seized control of ALPHV’s infrastructure, even though ALPHV reportedly claimed that the company tried to obtain a decryptor from law enforcement.

Vans says there’s no evidence suggesting any actual impact on any individual consumer whose personal data were part of the affected data set, but it does warn about phishing and fraud attempts which could lead to identity theft.

Data breach tips

There are some actions you can take if you are, or suspect you may have been, the victim of a data breach.

  • Check the vendor’s advice. Every breach is different, so check with the vendor to find out what’s happened, and follow any specific advice they offer.
  • Change your password. You can make a stolen password useless to thieves by changing it. Choose a strong password that you don’t use for anything else. Better yet, let a password manager choose one for you.
  • Enable two-factor authentication (2FA). If you can, use a FIDO2-compliant hardware key, laptop or phone as your second factor. Some forms of two-factor authentication (2FA) can be phished just as easily as a password. 2FA that relies on a FIDO2 device can’t be phished.
  • Watch out for fake vendors. The thieves may contact you posing as the vendor. Check the vendor website to see if they are contacting victims, and verify any contacts using a different communication channel.
  • Take your time. Phishing attacks often impersonate people or brands you know, and use themes that require urgent attention, such as missed deliveries, account suspensions, and security alerts.
  • Set up identity monitoring. Identity monitoring alerts you if your personal information is found being traded illegally online, and helps you recover after.

Check if your data has been breached

Check if your personal data has been exposed online. Submit your email address (it’s best to give the one you most frequently use) to our free Digital Footprint scan and we’ll send you a report.


We don’t just report on threats – we help safeguard your entire digital identity

Cybersecurity risks should never spread beyond a headline. Protect your—and your family’s—personal information by using identity protection.


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WhatsApp will let you upload one-minute-long status videos

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If you’re an avid WhatsApp user, then you’ve most likely updated your status from time to time. People are able to post 30-second videos as status updates. However, WhatsApp wants to enhance the experience by letting you upload one-minute-long status videos.

It’s evident that WhatsApp took some inspiration from Instagram for its status videos. Just like Instagram Stories, you’re able to post short videos as status updates to let people know what’s going on in your life. People will be able to watch your status videos just by tapping on your profile picture.

WhatsApp could bring one-minute-long status videos

Right now, upload videos to pretty much every social media platform from Facebook to Instagram to X to Threads. These platforms have varying capabilities, and some of them are rather limited. WhatsApp isn’t quite the social butterfly app, as many people use it for business. However, you are still able to post videos as status updates. You can upload videos that are up to 30 seconds long.

However, in the latest beta version of WhatsApp, version 2.24.6.19, it appears that WhatsApp is looking to increase the 30-second limit to allow you to post one-minute-long status videos.

As you can tell, this will be a very popular feature for the app. Having only 30 seconds of real estate to post a status means that you will have to cut your video short or make other unfortunate edits.

Currently, this feature is being tested on the latest beta version of WhatsApp for Android. So, if you are on the Android beta, go to the Google Play Store, search for WhatsApp, and see if you have a new update. If you update the app, and you don’t see the new feature, then you will have to wait for it to hit the public. WhatsApp plans to launch this feature to the public over the next couple of weeks.


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Google Messages will allow you to send multiple images

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Google Messages is the standard messaging platform on Android, and it’s a very well-developed platform. However, when it comes to sharing pictures, there is one major issue. If you want to share multiple images, you have to share them one at a time. However, according to a new report, Google Messages will eventually allow you to send multiple pictures at the same time.

Speaking of pictures in Google Messages, the company is currently working on bringing a new in-app camera. Previously, Google Messages would just access your device’s native camera interface to take a picture. However, the app is soon to get its own dedicated camera viewfinder. This approach has its downsides, as the new interface is a bit bare-bones.

Google Messages will allow you to send multiple images at the same time

Right now, this feature is not readily available. You will be able to see it if you are using the latest beta version of Google Messages. Right now, if you want to send more than one image using Google Messages, you would have to bring up the file picker for each individual image. As you can imagine, that can get pretty tedious if you have a lot of pictures to share.

After you take a picture with the in-app camera you will see a preview of your image with the Send button right below the preview. Also, there is an Add more button to let you add more pictures to send at once. This is a lot better and more efficient than the previous method.

Right now, we don’t know when Google is going to release this change to the public. Since it’s only available for the beta version, we’re going to have to wait for it to be properly tested. However, we do know that when it does launch, it’s going to make media sharing on Google Messages much better.


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Spotify users in the UK can now enjoy video-based educational courses

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Spotify, known primarily for music streaming, is venturing into educational content with the launch of video-based courses in the U.K. Teaming up with educational tech companies such as BBC Maestro, PLAYvirtuoso, Skillshare, and Thinkific, Spotify aims to offer users a diverse range of learning opportunities covering topics divided into four different categories – make music, get creative, learn business, and healthy living.

Both premium subscribers and free users will need to purchase the courses

The new feature allows U.K. users to access video courses alongside their favorite music and podcasts directly within the Spotify app. Spotify aims to tap into its highly engaged user base and offer them quality educational content tailored to their interests.

Both premium subscribers and free users will need to purchase the courses. However, Spotify noted that users will be able to try at least two lessons per course for free before making the decision to purchase additional lessons. Engadget notes that the series will range in price from £20 ($25) to £80 ($101), regardless of a person’s subscription tier.

The inclusion of video-based courses on Spotify presents a significant opportunity for educational creators to reach a broader audience and expand their impact. Spotify notes that half of Spotify Premium subscribers engage with education or self-help-themed podcasts. So, there is a clear demand for educational content within the platform’s user base. A Spotify representative told The Verge that the reason behind this foray into educational content is the convenience for users to have more in a single app and also that they will be able to remind users about their courses.

However, the rollout of video-based courses on Spotify comes with some challenges, particularly regarding in-app purchases. Due to Apple and Google‘s transaction fees, users on iOS and Android cannot make purchases directly within the app.

How to make the purchase on Android and iOS?

Spotify has implemented workarounds such as sending purchase links via email on Android. On iOS, Spotify cannot do the same, thanks to Apple’s policies. iOS users can, however, users can visit Spotify’s web interface and get it done from there.

In terms of moderation, Spotify will enforce its platform policies to ensure that courses adhere to its guidelines. Additionally, users will have access to a reporting mechanism to flag any content that violates Spotify’s rules. While Spotify is taking a commission on courses sold through its platform, the exact percentage remains undisclosed.


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Apple A18 Pro chip will reportedly feature on-device AI

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As the hype begins building up for the next lineup of iPhones, reports are coming in about the Apple A18 and A18 Pro chipsets. What most are looking forward to in the next generation of devices is AI. There are already talks about Apple potentially partnering with Google to let Gemini AI power its upcoming phones. This is big news because Google owns Android, the main mobile OS competing with Apple’s iOS. Now, a report from 9To5Mac alleges that the Apple A18 Pro chip will feature on-device AI.

Apple A18 Pro chip larger to accommodate AI

Jeff Pu at Haitong International Tech Research provided an analysis report on Apple’s current chip production demands. Pu has been a reliable source of Apple chip rumors in the past, so this report holds some weight. Here’s what they had to say about the current trends they’ve witnessed.

“According to our supply chain checks, we are seeing growing demand for Apple’s A18, while its A17 Pro volume has stabilized since Feb. We note Apple’s A18 Pro, the 6-GPU version, will feature a larger die area (compared to A17 Pro), which could be a trend for edge AI computing.”

Edge AI computing is gaining traction recently across many devices. It means AI that is processed entirely on the device, without the need for an internet connection. This not only means more reliable service, but also quicker results. Apple transitioned its virtual assistant Siri to function on-device a couple of years ago to resounding success. The A18 Pro having a larger die means more capability, but at the possible loss of battery and cooling efficiency.

 

Base iPhone 16 might lack these AI capabilities

According to the report, the Apple A18 chip will not feature these edge AI computing abilities. The Apple A18 Pro is most likely going to be present in the iPhones 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max. This means the base iPhone 16 will miss out on all the cool AI features Apple might be cooking up. There are a couple of upsides to this. Firstly, this would mean the base iPhone 16 will be much more affordable. Secondly, the base iPhone 16 will appeal more to users who just desire a plain phone.

These upcoming AI-powered goodies are probably going to be revolutionary. Apple fans cannot wait for Siri to be upgraded past its current form. AI image editing will also completely change the smartphone wars going forward. It’ll no longer be about the best camera, but also about the best AI post-processing. The growing demand the report references possibly hints that Apple is aware of how popular an AI iPhone might be, and is taking steps to address potential supply issues.


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Spotify launches video course trial in the UK

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Spotify, the audio streaming giant, is diving into a whole new realm of content – educational video courses. In an announcement today, the company is revealing a launch that begins today for U.K. users, offering a variety of engaging courses to choose from.

This move signals a shift in Spotify’s approach to content. No longer just about music, podcasts, or audiobooks, the platform is now catering to those seeking personal and professional development. They’ve teamed up with renowned educational tech companies, including BBC Maestro, PLAYvirtuoso, Skillshare, and Thinkific, to offer a curated selection of high-quality video courses.

Spotify’s initial video course offerings span four key areas:
  1. Make Music: Dive into the world of music production and instrument mastery.
  2. Get Creative: Unleash your artistic potential with courses in photography, design, or writing.
  3. Learn Business: Gain valuable skills for entrepreneurship and career advancement.
  4. Healthy Living: Discover techniques for mindfulness, fitness, and wellness.

Source: Spotify

Babar Zafar, VP Product Development at Spotify, spoke of this U.K.-based test as an opportunity to explore how to better serve the Spotify community and give them what they are actively interested in by stating: “Many of our users engage with podcasts and audiobooks on a daily basis for their learning needs, and we believe this highly engaged community will be interested in accessing and purchasing quality content from video course creators.” This recognizes a growing trend: many users already enjoy podcasts and audiobooks for self-improvement, and educational video courses are a natural extension of this.

Spotify is encouraging its U.K. free and premium subscribers to take advantage of this new feature, as they will be able to try out for free for a couple of lessons before having to make a purchasing decision. These courses will be available on the Home and Browse tabs in the mobile app as well as on the web. However, once registered for a course, it will be available on both mobile and the desktop.

It is unclear if there are plans to bring this feature to users outside the U.K. if this test proves successful. However, the company does state that should this occur, it could pave the way for a more expansive video-based learning experience directly on the Spotify platform.


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Exclusive Leak: Motorola Edge 50 Fusion

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Just a couple of weeks after bringing you an exclusive look at the Motorola Edge 50 Pro (also known as the X50 Ultra and Edge Plus 2024), we’re back with another look at a new Motorola smartphone that is also launching on April 3.

This is the Motorola Edge 50 Fusion.

Motorola’s Edge 50 Fusion is a good-looking mid-range phone

On the front of the phone, it has the April 3 date, when the device will be announced. In fact, Motorola has already begun sending out invites for an event in India on April 3. We’d expect it to launch first in India and China, then make its way to Europe and North America shortly after that.

Motorola’s Edge 50 Fusion will sport a curved 6.7-inch pOLED display powered by the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1. The Edge 30 Fusion recently appeared on Geekbench with the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1, scoring a 913 in the single-core test and a 2,629 in the multi-core. Motorola also includes 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, which is pretty standard for Motorola with its mid-range phones, actually.

The company includes a 50-megapixel primary camera with OIS on the back and a 13-megapixel ultrawide camera. At the same time, the front has a 32-megapixel camera in the hole punch display.

The Edge 50 Fusion is also expected to sport a 5,000mAh battery with 68W wired charging. However, the 68W charger is not expected to be included in the box. Motorola has also ensured that the Edge 50 Fusion is waterproof with an IP68 rating and also has Gorilla Glass 5, so it should be pretty resistant to shattering.

In the gallery below, you can see all three colors in which the Motorola Edge 50 Fusion will be available. This includes Ballad Blue, Peacock Pink, and Tidal Teal. All three have a textured back; however, the Ballad Blue has a vegan leather back. We expect the Motorola Edge 50 Fusion to be priced around $300 USD or around Rs 25,000 in India.


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