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A Challenging 24-Hour Rescue Operation Later, the Apple iPhone’s ‘Emergency SOS via Satellite’ Feature Shines again

A family’s harrowing ordeal in Mt. Hood National Forest in the US this week once again reminded us of the life-saving potential of Apple‘s Emergency SOS via satellite feature. The stranded hikers were located and rescued after a 24-hour operation initiated by a critical message sent through their iPhone. According to a press release from the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, the family found themselves in a precarious situation on Tuesday, March 19th. Having hiked a significant distance and gained considerable elevation, they became lost and unable to continue. One member of the group, comprised of four adults and two juveniles, managed to send an SOS message via satellite using their iPhone.

Ground crews managed to reach the hikers overnight

This message, received by emergency dispatchers around 7:30 pm, kickstarted the rescue effort. However, challenging weather conditions and difficult terrain hampered rescue teams’ initial attempts to reach the stranded family. Search and rescue personnel deployed all-terrain vehicles but were forced back by the elements.

Apple iPhone Emergency Satellite SOS

Despite the setback, ground crews managed to reach the family early the next morning, finding them cold, wet, and dehydrated but thankfully unharmed. With their location confirmed, additional resources were called in, including a helicopter. Unfortunately, thick weather prevented a safe landing.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office’s snowcat came in clutch, and it reached the area shortly before 10:00 am. The snowcat, however, faced its own challenge – the treacherous terrain. It took several hours to navigate the route and reach the family, but by 7:30 pm that evening, the whole thing finally came to an end as the rescued group was transported back to safety.

iPhone’s Emergency SOS Feature also recently saved lost hikers in California. With the ability to send messages and share location data even without cellular or Wi-Fi coverage, the feature can be a lifesaver in critical situations. We should also keep in mind that the story of this family’s rescue is a reminder of the importance of being prepared when venturing outdoors. It also highlights the invaluable role technology can play in emergency situations.

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Baidu AI Cloud Launches 5 New ERNIE Models for Businesses of All Sizes

Baidu AI Cloud is trying its best to make its mark in the AI industry with a significant upgrade to its Qianfan platform. This update is designed to empower businesses of all sizes to leverage the power of advanced AI technology, making it easier and more affordable than ever before.

Five new ERNIE Models have been launched, with smaller footprints than LLMs

The centerpiece of the upgrade is the introduction of five new ERNIE models. Unlike traditional large language models (LLMs) that require massive amounts of computing power, these innovative models are designed with smaller footprints. This translates to a significant cost advantage for businesses, allowing them to incorporate AI into their operations without hefty infrastructure investments. Furthermore, the new ERNIE models boast impressive versatility, performing well across a wide range of applications, ensuring businesses can find the perfect fit for their specific needs.

Baidu
Image Credits: Reuters

The Qianfan ModelBuilder platform now offers a diverse lineup of ERNIE models:

ERNIE Speed: A master of context comprehension, ERNIE Speed can churn out highly accurate and coherent content. This model tackles complex scenarios with ease, analyzing context windows of up to 128,000 tokens. In specific domains, ERNIE Speed can even rival the performance of top-of-the-line ERNIE models.
ERNIE Lite: This upgraded version of ERNIE Bot Turbo brings a 20% boost in performance for tasks like sentiment analysis, multi-tasking learning, and natural reasoning. The real game-changer? A staggering 53% reduction in inference costs. This makes ERNIE Lite ideal for deployment on even low-powered AI accelerator cards.
ERNIE Tiny: Tiny but mighty, this is the most affordable and lightweight model of the bunch. ERNIE Tiny shines in applications where low latency and cost-effectiveness are paramount, excelling in areas like retrieval, recommendation, and intent recognition. In tests focused on conversational recommendations, ERNIE Tiny displayed exceptional ability to generate search engine keywords, boosting dialogue interactions by 3.5% compared to ERNIE 3.5, all while slashing costs by 32%.

But Baidu AI Cloud’s offerings extend beyond general-purpose models. They’ve also introduced two specialty models:

ERNIE Character: This model injects life into roleplaying scenarios, allowing businesses to create engaging non-playable characters (NPCs) for video games or develop intelligent chatbots for customer service.
ERNIE Functions: Designed for businesses that need to integrate external tools or internal functionalities, ERNIE Functions streamlines the process. Businesses can bypass the fine-tuning stage and directly leverage these pre-trained models to develop their own intelligent assistants.

Baidu AI Cloud has also improved the Qianfan AppBuilder toolkit. This includes 55 new tools designed to make developing AI-native applications a breeze. The toolkit now has a comprehensive suite of features, with everything from core AI capabilities and Baidu’s proprietary technologies to cutting-edge functionalities like Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) and Generative Business Intelligence (GBI).

The Qianfan platform has already empowered 80,000 businesses. With daily usage surging by an impressive 97% quarter-over-quarter since December 2023, Qianfan is solidifying its position as a true powerhouse for AI model development.

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The New Black Hawk 2 Built-in Drone can Fly for 61 Minutes and Costs Only 3,199 Yuan (~$442)

Harbourson has just launched its latest drone, the Black Hawk 2 Built-in Version. This innovative piece of tech boasts a built-in 4G communication module, promising extended range and control over aerial flights.

The drone’s camera can snap images with a shutter speed of 1/30s to 1/8000s

So, what sets the Black Hawk 2 Built-in apart? Let’s dive into its features:

Equipped with a three-axis brushless mechanical stabilization gimbal, the Black Hawk 2 Built-in ensures smooth, professional-looking videos. The 1/2.6-inch 12MP CMOS sensor (focal length equivalent to about 24.5mm) captures stunning images and videos. And with support for recording 4K30FPS / 108P 30FPS video with a shutter speed of 1/30s – 1/8000s, you can freeze fleeting moments with clarity.

Drone

Harbourson’s SyncLeas 4+ technology allows for impressive 1080P 30FPS 16KM image transmission distance at 2.4Ghz. But that’s not all! The built-in 4G communication module unlocks the potential for even greater image transmission and control distances, pushing the boundaries of the drone. The Black Hawk 2 Built-in comes with a standard 5000 mAh battery, offering a flight time of up to 53 minutes. For those seeking even more time, an optional 6000 mAh battery extends flight time to a whopping 61 minutes.

With its impressive features and extended range capabilities, the Black Hawk 2 Built-in appears to be a compelling option for drone enthusiasts seeking a powerful and versatile flying machine. Stay tuned for the official price announcement and store availability to get your hands on this exciting new piece of tech. Early estimates from third-party stores suggest a price tag around 3,199 yuan. (~$442)

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Say Goodbye to Downtime! Samsung Galaxy A55 5G Delivers Seamless Android Updates

Software updates have long been a major weakness for Android devices. CGoogle has worked to improve this with more frequent updates and features like seamless updates for a better user experience. However, widespread adoption of seamless updates by major manufacturers has been slow. That’s finally changing with the Samsung Galaxy A55 5G, the company’s first phone to support this feature. Here are the details…

Samsung Galaxy A55 5G, 1st Samsung Phone to get Seamless Updates

If you don’t know, seamless update is a technology introduced by Google with Android 13. It enables major Android updates to be installed in the background on a separate system partition. Once ready, you essentially experience a quick reboot to switch to the updated partition, minimizing downtime.

Now this feature is spreading. In fact, the Samsung Galaxy A55 5G became the first Samsung phone to receive the “Seamless Updates” feature. Thanks to this feature, A55 5G users will be able to download and install updates in the background and the changes will take effect when the phone is restarted. Thus, the waiting time for downloads has been eliminated. Unfortunately, it is not yet clear when and in which regions this feature will be available for Galaxy A55 5G devices.

The Galaxy A55 5G is likely just the start for Samsung’s rollout of this feature. We expect to see it in many upcoming Samsung models, including the Galaxy S24 series. However, if your current phone is a few years old, you might not be able to access this feature. If you’re interested in using it, consider checking which Samsung devices are eligable with the latest Android version.

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Apple Can’t Stop Epic: Epic Games Store Lands on iOS and Android Soon

The App Store and Google Play Store are the undisputed kings of the app world. But even though practically every smartphone uses one or the other, not all apps are available on mobile devices. The main issue is of course hefty commission that goes up to 30%. Well, thanks to new EU regulations, that’s changing in Europe and the Epic Games Store is finally landing on iOS and Android, and we even have a release date. Here are the details…

Epic Games Brings its Store to iOS and Android

Following the European Union’s mandate requiring Apple to allow alternative stores in Europe, rumors about a mobile Epic Games Store started circulating. Now, these claims have finally been confirmed. According to a statement by the company’s General Manager, Steve Allison, the Epic Games Store application will be available for both iOS and Android by the end of 2024.

We currently have no information about what the application will look like, but it’s a significant change for iOS users who want to take advantage of discounts and free game offers from Epic Games while on the go. While Epic Games has been a vocal critic of Apple and Google’s app store commissions, the company will take a 12% commission from sales on its own mobile store.

Though lower than the industry standard, this decision has been met with some criticism. It’s important to note, however, that Epic Games offers developers additional value beyond the storefront, such as the widely used and free Unreal Engine.

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Galaxy S24 Ultra users don’t have to worry about the burnt smelly S Pen

Some Galaxy S24 Ultra users report that the S Pen smells like burnt plastic. Samsung officials later made a statement about this issue and stated that this is normal. Previous S23 Ultra and S22 Ultra models with S Pen are said to have the same issue. However, you can ignore this as long as it does not cause any problems in the operation of the device.

Burnt smelling S Pen

Many users on social media are reporting the existence of this problem and think that it could have a bad effect on the working of the device. As mentioned above, Samsung officials say that the burning smell will not cause any damage to the phone. Some say that the device heats up during operation and that’s why the odor occurs. Users of the previous Galaxy S23 Ultra and S22 Ultra models also tell the same problem.

Galaxy S22 Ultra and S23 Ultra models have not seen any problems yet. Therefore, we think that there will be no significant problem with the S24 Ultra. Samsung forum moderator has already said that the odor will not cause a problem. The Galaxy S24 series was officially announced in January and has been in the news a lot.

The Korean company has been carefully testing its products. After the Galaxy Note 7 disaster, paying attention to user safety, Samsung releases every product after conducting quality control tests under extremely harsh conditions. No need to worry.

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Xiaomi Pad 5 starts receiving HyperOS Global update

Xiaomi made a lot of news after announcing HyperOS. Compared to MIUI 14, the HyperOS interface offers revamped system apps, some performance improvements and the Android 14 operating system. While users eagerly await HyperOS, a number of devices have already received the new update. Now the Xiaomi Pad 5 is receiving the HyperOS Global update. This update, which was first released to China, is gradually coming to other regions.

Xiaomi Pad 5 HyperOS update

The HyperOS update of the Xiaomi Pad 5 series was already released in China. Now this excellent tablet has started to receive the new update in the Global market. The HyperOS update has the build number OS1.0.1.0.TKXMIXM and is 1.6GB in size. Firstly available to Mi Pilots, HyperOS is expected to be available to all users in the coming weeks.

If any bugs are found, Xiaomi may roll back the update, which means it could be a long time before you get to experience the new HyperOS. Whatever happens, HyperOS looks great, and the update for the Pad 5 is unlikely to have any major bugs. That’s because the tablet received HyperOS based on Android 13. This will be the last major interface update for the Xiaomi Pad 5. After a certain period of time, the device manufacturer is expected to discontinue update support for the tablet.

If you are wondering Xiaomi, Redmi, Poco device is getting the HyperOS update, we have a dedicated article for that too.

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Kospet Tank T3 Ultra rugged smartwatch with compass, altimeter & GPS launched

Kospet has unveiled the Tank T3 Ultra as the latest iteration of its Tank series of smartwatches. The Tank T3 Ultra comes with a rugged design and a sprinkling of functionality including a compass, altimeter, and GPS. The Kospet Tank T3 Ultra is designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions. The predecessors of the Tank T3 Ultra include the Tank T2 and Tank M2 models which are still in the market.

Kospet Tank T3 Ultra

The Tank T3 Ultra comes with an affordable price tag and also features its own GNSS module. It is therefore easier to record trips and evaluate your performance during sporting activities. It is equipped with a 1.43-inch AMOLED screen with Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection. The rugged capability of the smartwatch is underscored by its MIL-STD-810H certification, which protects it against damage from being dropped. The Kospet Tank T3 Ultra also comes with an IP69K rating and is water resistant to up to 5 ATM test pressure.

The Kospet Tank T3 Ultra can be used for swimming and the swimmer is benefited further with the deployment of the stroke count recognition feature. The smartwatch has a 470mAh battery with a runtime of up to 15 days on typical usage. The battery life reduces to 5 days when the AMOLED is always active. The Tank T3 supports Bluetooth calling and comes with heart rate, blood oxygen, and blood pressure tracking. However, the accuracy of measurements (especially blood pressure) has not been established for the device.

Kospet Tank T3 Ultra

Pricing

The Kospet Tank T3 Ultra is currently offered directly from Kospet at about $120. The device will subsequently make its way to retail platforms for greater accessibility. The cheaper price rating of the smartwatch, coupled with its raft of navigation and health monitoring features could spur demand for the product.

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Ampler’s new lightweight, all-terrain commuter e-bikes arrive

Ampler Bikes has announced a new lineup of electric bikes with all-terrain capabilities. The new Ampler electric bikes are an extension of the capabilities of the traditional Ampler models which are not designed for the trails.

Ampler

Features

Ampler is an Estonian company with a growing presence in the European market with its collection of functional e-bikes. The new sleek, lightweight, and all-terrain electric bikes are a reflection of Ampler’s manufacturing capabilities. The models come with a minimalist design and are simplistic commuter bikes. They also come with enhanced connected technology and premium components. The lightweight design of Ampler’s bikes translates to less bulky batteries and maintenance-free components.

The Ampler e-bike combines modern technology with a traditional bicycle design for easier and faster pedaling activity. The new bike is Ampler’s first non-purely e-bike for urban movement. The models include the Ampler Curt, and the Ampler Curt Anyroad available in either a diamond frame or a low-step frame. The Curt Anyroad has thicker tires, an advanced 10-speed drivetrain, and fork mounts. It can be used for both on-road and off-road adventures and bike-packing activities.

The Ampler Curt Low-Step and Curt Anyroad Low-Step are available in frame sizes S and M while the other models in the lineup are available in frame sizes XS to L. Other options are the Ampler Axel and Ampler Juna.

The models feature either single-speed Gates carbon belt drives or 9-speed/ 10-speed Microshift transmission setup. In terms of their weight, the Ampler bikes weigh between 14.5kg and 17kg – making them among the lightest urban e-bikes in the market. The low-maintenance Ampler e-bikes are available in several color options including new colors from previous models.

Ampler Curt e-bikes

Pricing

The Ampler Curt e-bikes are priced starting at €2,790 ($3,690) and the higher models are priced up to €3,690 ($4,020). There are no availability details yet for the new Ampler commuter and all-terrain e-bikes in markets outside Europe.

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vivo TWS 4 Hi-Fi to feature Qualcomm’s S3 Gen 3 chip on March 26

vivo’s upcoming true wireless earphones will be unveiled on March 26th. vivo will release vivo TWS 4, vivo TWS 4 Hi-Fi and vivo Pad3 Pro. The vivo TWS 4 Hi-Fi boasts a unique feature, it offers a brand new audio chip manufactured by Qualcomm.

vivo TWS 4 Hi-Fi comes with Qualcomm’s latest S3 Gen 3 audio chip

Qualcomm has not officially unveiled its new audio chip, Qualcomm S3 Gen 3, it is now known that the vivo TWS 4 Hi-Fi will feature the S3 Gen 3 chip. Two different earphones will be introduced, namely vivo TWS 4 and vivo TWS 4 Hi-Fi. However, only the Hi-Fi edition will feature the S3 Gen 3 chip, while the standard vivo TWS 4 comes with the Qualcomm S3 Gen 2 chip.

vivo TWS 4 Hi-Fi with Qualcomm S3 Gen 3

When Qualcomm introduced the S3 Gen 2, it significantly improved audio latency compared to the predecessor. While the audio latency was 80 ms in the S3 Gen 1, it was reduced to as low as 20 ms with a dongle in S3 Gen 2. It is expected that S3 Gen 3 will have even better latency rates.

The vivo TWS 4 is expected to have a total battery life of 45 hours, providing continuous playing time for up to 11 hours on a single charge. The features of the vivo TWS 4 Hi-Fi are currently uncertain, but we can expect its battery performance to be similar to the standard TWS 4 model.

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Lionel Messi Teams Up with Apple for Free MLS Season Pass

Lionel Messi stands as one of the greatest and most successful athletes of all time. His career, overflowing with trophies and iconic moments, brings joy to football fans worldwide, even those in less prominent leagues like the MLS. If you’re a football enthusiast and admire Lionel Messi, you might be able to witness his brilliance without cost, perhaps through a free trial period. Here are the details…

Lionel Messi Offering One Free Month of Apple’s MLS Season Pass

As you know, Apple owns the broadcasting rights for MLS. To watch Lionel Messi’s and other MLS teams’ matches in the league, you would normally need to pay $14.99 per month or $99 for the whole season. However, if you access the campaign page through the link on Messi’s Instagram account and sign up for the first time, you can try out a one-month MLS season pass for free. The one-month free trial will be available at that link until April 5th.

If you’re interested, please note that MLS broadcasts are currently only available in English, Spanish, and French. This might be a challenge if you don’t speak any of those languages. For those who choose to continue with the service after the free subscription ends, Apple TV+ subscribers get a discounted rate of $12.99 per month or $79 per season.

While MLS is available worldwide, the pricing hasn’t been adjusted for local economies, so it might be expensive depending on your location and currency exchange rates. Still, it’s a chance to see legendary players with a history of wins in La Liga, Ligue 1, the Champions League, the World Cup, and even the Ballon D’Or.

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TCL Launches C12H Series TVs: Powerful Features & Hi-Fi Audio at 14,999 Yuan

TCL continues to expand its product lineup. For example in addition to its TVs, the company recently introduced the TCL 50 lineup of smartphones, consisting of seven devices. And Now, TCL launched its new C12H series QD-Mini LED televisions, offering 4K resolution, 144Hz refresh rates, impressive 3500 nits peak brightness, and sizes ranging from 75 to 98 inches. These televisions start at a price of 14999 yuan. Here are the details…

TCL C12H Series: Features and Specifications

TCL’s new C12H series boasts three QLED Mini LED TVs in 75, 85, and a whopping 98 inches. If you were to ask what QD-Mini LED is, this technology combines Quantum Dot and Mini LED for a next-generation viewing experience, delivering stunning visuals with vibrant colors, deep blacks, and incredible brightness. TCL, a leader in display innovation, is at the forefront of this cutting-edge technology.

If we return to the TCL C12H series, each TV model offers 4K resolution, a 144Hz refresh rate, up to 2160 local dimming zones, a 3500 million:1 contrast ratio, and a peak brightness of 3500 nits. These TVs feature QD-Mini LED panels for superior visual performance. In addition, the TCL C12H series’ TVs are equipped with the “Lingyao Chip M2”.

They feature an Anqi 2.2.2 Hi-Fi 6 channel 120W sound system, support Wi-Fi 6, and come with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage space. Additionally, they offer connectivity options such as 4 HDMI 2.1 inputs, 1 USB-A 3.0 input, and 2 USB 2.0 inputs. Here are the prices:

  • 75-inch: Launch price of ¥14,999 (approximately $2200 USD)
  • 85-inch: Launch price of ¥21,999 (approximately $3230 USD)
  • 98-inch: Launch price of ¥33,999 (approximately $4990 USD)

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Samsung Galaxy M55 5G Leaked Render Reveals The Same Design As Its Predecessor

Samsung is expected to launch the Galaxy M55 5G smartphone soon. The device has bagged multiple certifications indicating its imminent arrival. It was recently spotted in a leaked live image revealing the phone from a side angle. Now, the Galaxy M55 5G has surfaced in a leaked render. 

Samsung Galaxy M55 5G leaked render reveals familiar design

As per the leaked render, the Samsung Galaxy M55 5G will retain the same design as last year’s Galaxy M54. There is a centre-aligned punch-hole cutout display and the bezels seem to be slightly lesser than the predecessor model. The back panel has three protruding vertically stacked camera sensors. The power and volume rocker buttons are on the right edge. The phone is seen in Light Blue and Black colours with the latter looking more like Dark Blue. Apart from this, the leaked render does not reveal any detail about the Galaxy M55 5G. 

As per the live images shared by tipster Mukul Sharma, the Galaxy M55 5G has a flat frame. It is said to be the slimmest M-series phone from the brand to date. Additionally, he reveals that the device will be powered by a Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 processor and pack up to 12GB RAM. The Geekbench and Google Play Console listings of the phone revealed 8GB RAM, so we can expect that option. 

The rest of the details of the Samsung Galaxy M55 5G are expected to comprise an FHD+ display, Android 14 OS, and a 6,000mAh battery unit with support for 45W fast charging.

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Xiaomi Civi 4 Pro: Flagship Power and Leica Triple Cam Photography at $549

Xiaomi continues to push boundaries with its latest offering, the Xiaomi Civi 4 Pro. This premium device seamlessly blends cutting-edge technology with elegant design, delivering a superior mobile experience across photography, performance, and connectivity.

The Xiaomi Civi 4 Pro, delivering a premium experience inherited from Xiaomi’s flagship series, is now available on Geekwills for $549.00. Experience cutting-edge technology and professional-grade features at an accessible price point.

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Xiaomi Civi 4 Pro at $549 @GeekWills

Innovative Body Design

Xiaomi Civi 4 Pro stands out with its innovative body design, featuring a lightweight pebble-feel touch and a sturdy metal frame. With a thickness of just 7.45mm and weighing only 179.3g, it strikes the perfect balance between style and comfort, ensuring effortless handling for extended use.

Professional Leica Triple-Cam Imaging

Equipped with a powerhouse camera system, the Xiaomi Civi 4 Pro takes mobile photography to new heights. At its core lies the Leica Triple-Cam setup, comprising a 50MP Leica Summilux Main Cam, a 50MP Leica Portrait Lens, and a 12MP Ultra-wide Lens. These triple lenses enable users to capture stunningly detailed images with rich colors and depth.

The 50MP Leica Summilux Main Cam, powered by the brand-new Xiaomi AISP (AI Image Signal Processor), delivers unparalleled image quality with its OV50K Light Hunter 800 sensor and large ƒ/1.63 aperture. Meanwhile, the 50MP Leica Portrait Lens offers classic portrait focal lengths and precise autofocus for professional-grade portraits. Additionally, the 12MP Leica Ultra-wide Lens expands the horizons with its 120° wide-angle coverage, perfect for capturing sweeping landscapes.

On the front, users are treated to a dual setup of 32MP Bionic Selfie Cams, each offering unique capabilities. The Beauty Cam boasts a wide aperture and large pixel size for stunning self-portraits, while the ultra-wide-angle Cam enables immersive group selfies and vlogs.

Brand-New Xiaomi AISP

Driving the Xiaomi Civi 4 Pro’s imaging prowess is the brand-new Xiaomi AISP. This AI computing photographic architecture harnesses the combined power of the CPU, GPU, NPU, and ISP to deliver unparalleled image processing capabilities. Through a deep fusion of software and hardware, it optimizes every aspect of image capture, from exposure and color accuracy to noise reduction and detail preservation.

Professional Vlogging Experience

The Xiaomi Civi 4 Pro caters to content creators with its professional vlogging features. Users can shoot in stunning 4K Ultra HD resolution, aided by a suite of tools such as the vlog teleprompter, GAN Skin Texture enhancement, and real-time audio subtitles. Intelligent composition switching and focus options ensure that every shot is picture-perfect, while master HDR filming delivers cinematic quality footage with rich colors and dynamic range.

World’s First Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 Model

Under the hood, the Xiaomi Civi 4 Pro houses the world’s first Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset. Built on a 4nm TSMC process and featuring a 1+4+3 architecture, this powerhouse processor offers unparalleled performance and efficiency. Paired with up to 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and up to 512GB of UFS 4.0 ROM, it effortlessly handles multitasking, gaming, and demanding applications.

Premium Equal-Edge-Curved AMOLED Display

Complementing the device’s imaging capabilities is its stunning 6.55″ AMOLED display. With a resolution of 2750×1236P, a pixel density of 460PPI, and a peak brightness of 3000nits, every image and video comes to life with vibrant colors and sharp detail. The equal-edge-curved design enhances immersion, while reference to the CIE2015 color standard ensures accurate color reproduction for professional-grade content creation.

Mainstream AIGC Features

Powered by AI, the Xiaomi Civi 4 Pro delivers a smooth and efficient user experience. AI-driven performance optimization enhances system responsiveness and energy efficiency, ensuring seamless operation even during intensive tasks.

Self-Developed Xiaomi Hyper T1 Signal Booster Chip

Connectivity is a priority with the Xiaomi Civi 4 Pro, thanks to its self-developed Xiaomi Hyper T1 Signal Booster Chip. This innovative technology enhances network performance and signal stability for gaming, streaming, and communication, ensuring a seamless experience wherever you go.

Stereo Dual Speakers

Audio quality is not overlooked, as the Xiaomi Civi 4 Pro features flagship stereo dual speakers certified by Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res Audio. Whether you’re watching movies, gaming, or listening to music, you’ll enjoy immersive sound with exceptional clarity and depth.

Xiaomi Civi 4 Pro redefines the smartphone experience with its innovative design, professional-grade photography capabilities, flagship performance, and immersive display. Whether you’re a photography enthusiast, content creator, or power user, this device will exceed your expectations.

Samsung is Offering a Free TV upon the Purchase of its Newest QLED & OLED TVs, Here’s How

Samsung has finally lifted the veil on the pricing of its highly anticipated 2024 TV lineup that was previously announced at CES 2024, featuring cutting-edge OLED and QLED technologies. While some models might test your wallet’s limits – the top-of-the-line QN900D 8K QLED starts at a hefty $4,999 – Samsung is offering a great incentive to ease the potential price shock.

The free TV Samsung is providing, the TU690T, is priced at $500 on its own

Pre-order any of their new TVs from The Frame, Samsung OLED, Neo QLED 4K, or Neo QLED 8K series before April 11th, and you’ll walk away with an additional free TV! That’s right, Samsung is throwing in a complimentary 65-inch TU690T model, valued at around $500, with every pre-order. This 2023 release offers a fantastic opportunity to expand your home entertainment system without breaking the bank. It’s a win-win situation, especially considering the higher price points of the newer models.

Samsung TVs

While some high-end options may require a significant investment, Samsung has included more budget-friendly choices in the 2024 lineup. The Frame’s 43-inch version starts at a more manageable $999, and the 55-inch QN85D comes in at $1,399. The Frame in itself isn’t a TV – it’s more like decor, but when you factor in the free 65-inch bonus TV, these options become even more attractive. The page also showcases the Music Frame as one of the purchasable options, but mind you, pre-ordering that will only get you $50 credit towards your next Samsung purchase, not the free TV.

If you’re ready to snag yourself a new TV and a bonus screen, head over to Samsung’s website and add your desired model – The Frame, Samsung OLED, Neo QLED 4K, or Neo QLED 8K – to your cart before April 11th to take advantage of this limited-time pre-order offer. Don’t miss out on this chance to upgrade your home setup and score a free TV in the process!

Disclaimer: This article has affiliate links.

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TCL V8H Pro Series With 4K 120Hz Display, 3GB RAM Launched In China

TCL has launched new televisions in China. These include the V8H Pro series and C12H QD Mini LED TV. The V8H Pro lineup is offered in three variants. All models pack premium specifications including a higher refresh rate, powerful audio, and more for immersive viewing and listening experience. The televisions also do not compromise on hardware. 

TCL V8H Pro series specifications

The TCL V8H Pro series televisions come in 55, 65, and 75-inch screen sizes. All three models offer a 4K resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate for an immersive and smoother viewing experience. There is a high colour gamut and eye protection technology. The televisions also feature MEMC technology that offers blur-free viewing, especially in fast-paced scenes. The V8H Pro series sport very thin bezels and a metal design. 

In terms of audio, the TCL V8H Pro series offers DTS Virtual X: surround sound. It has far-field mics for controlling the TV with voice commands instead of requiring a remote. 

Under the hood, the TCL V8H Pro series is equipped with a T2 super chip based on a 12nm process. There is a G57 dual-core GPU onboard. The TVs pack 3GB RAM and 64GB native storage which is said to be the largest in the industry. 

The TCL V8H Pro series has two HDMI 2.1 ports along with a variable refresh rate (VRR) for gaming purposes. There is a USB 3.0 and US-2.0 ports as well. The televisions come with dual-band WiFi and support for Apple AirPlay. 

The TCL V8H Pro series starts at CNY 2,099 for the base 55-inch variant. The 65 and 75-inch models are priced at CNY 2,799 and CNY 3,799 respectively. 

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Fujifilm Instax Mini 99 With Creative Effects Launched In India

Last month, Fujifilm announced a palm-sized digital camera called the Instax Pal for the younger audience. Now, the company has expanded its range of instant cameras with the launch of the Instax Mini 99. It is said to be Fujifilm’s most advanced instant camera packed with various features. The latest offering retains the same design as other instant cameras from the brand albeit a few differences. 

Fujifilm Instax Mini 99 specifications and features 

The Fujifilm Instax Mini 99 features the same signature design found on the Instax series. However, this one has a leather-textured body and coloured text on it. The camera is equipped with four LED lights which can be used for six unique effects that can be controlled using the Colour Effect Dial on the side. The six effects include Faded Green, Warm Tone, Light Blue, Soft Magenta, Sepia, and Light Leak. These can be applied directly on the Instax prints for those who want creative pictures. It’s worth noting that the final output depends on the subject colour, surrounding light, and other conditions. 

The newly announced Fujifilm instant camera has a 60mm Instax Lens. The lens dial offers macro, standard, and landscape focus modes. The device also comes with other shooting modes like indoor, sports, double exposure, and more. There is a Vignette button on the front of the lens that offers a creative option of making the edge and corner of the pictures slightly darker and softer. The instant camera also has a brightness dial which is capable of letting users adjust brightness up to five levels depending on the scene. 

The Fujifilm Instax Mini 99 carries a price tag of Rs 20,999. It can be purchased from Amazon, Flipkart, and official Instax stores and website in the country. 

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Upcoming Smartphones: Vivo X Fold 3, Poco C61, and more

After a slowdown for a while, the frequency of new smartphone launches is increasing again. Three brands have officially confirmed to debut new handsets in the next few days.

These companies are Vivo, Tecno, and Poco. The former will take wraps off its latest foldable smartphone in its home market China. Whereas the latter two will announce budget models.

The products from Vivo and Poco will be new. While Tecno’s phone is already official and will be making its way to an important market.

Let’s check out these handsets one by one.

Upcoming Smartphones Next Week

1. Poco C61

Poco C61

The Poco C61 is set to launch in India on March 26 (Tuesday). It will be made official at 12 PM IST.

As per leaks, the device will be a rebranded Redmi A3. Hence, it will be an entry-level smartphone with Xiaomi Ultra-like premium-looking design.

The phone will come with a 6.71-inch HD+ 90Hz display (LCD), a MediaTek Helio G36 chip, an 8MP rear camera, a 5MP selfie camera, a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, a 5,000mAh battery, and 10W charging support over USB Type-C port.

2. Vivo X Fold 3 Series

Vivo X Fold 3 Series

The Vivo X Fold 3 series is scheduled to launch in China on March 26 (Tuesday). The event will begin at 7 PM GMT+8.

The lineup will include two devices, namely Vivo X Fold 3 and Vivo X Fold 3 Pro. The former will be powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC, while the latter will house a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip.

The vanilla model will go official as the lightest book-style foldable to date weighing at just 219g. It will be even lighter than iPhone 15 Pro Max (221g) and Galaxy S24 Ultra (232g).

Just like previous foldables from Vivo, these two will also flaunt leather back and Zeiss optics.

3. Tecno Pova 6 Pro

Tecno Pova 6 Pro

The Tecno Pova 6 Pro will be made official in India on March 29 (Friday). The product was first unveiled at MWC 2024 and is already on sale in some markets.

The device has a Nothing Phone-like design. It features a transparent back panel and LED strip lights.

The handset arrives with a 6.79-inch FHD+ 120Hz AMOLED display, a MediaTek Dimensity 6080 chip, a 108MP rear camera, a 32MP front-facing camera, a 6,000mAh battery, and 70W weird charging support.

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Motorola could be ruining its reputation with the nice-looking Moto G Power 5G (2024)

The 2024 Moto G Power 5G is launched with a mix of great design and looks, and decent hardware. But what about software experience? Well, that’s not the case for this model. The Verge notes, “Software is another story.” This phone from Motorola takes a shift and packs a number of pre-installed apps, that seems to be thirsty for your data.

Some might end up continuing to pay for the hardware throughout the lifespan of the device

Moto G Power 5G (2024)
Moto G Power 5G (2024)

In the app drawer, you will see some automatically downloaded apps disguised as folders. Three noteworthy contenders are the Shopping, Entertainment, and GamesHub. Each of these acts like an application center corresponding to shopping, entertainment, and games respectively.

If you dismiss the suggested section it is replaced by a ‘Discover’ section. Inside the shopping app, it offers you links to buy random stuff. Notably, you can’t opt out of downloading these apps during the setup process.

Another noteworthy addition to the software experience of the Moto G Power 5G is its pre-installed weather app, which shows ads and “even more suggested apps.” You have the option to remove all these from here, but then you’ll have to pay for 1Weather Pro. Of course, you can leave this app altogether and get another that you like from the Play Store, and you probably should.

Fortunately, you can uninstall most of these apps within a few minutes after you complete the setup and enjoy the looks and hardware. But this might not be the case for non techie people, who will probably accept all of it and continue to live with it.

This phone is released today on the global market and equips the Mediatek Dimensity 7020 (6 nm) chip, a 1080p IPS screen, and will be available for around $300.

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POCO C61 With 90Hz Display Set To Launch In India On March 26

POCO has confirmed the arrival of its C-series smartphone. The device in question is the POCO C61. It is set to debut in India next week. The upcoming offering will arrive as the successor to the last year’s POCO C51. Additionally, Flipkart has put up a microsite of the phone confirming its availability on the e-commerce platform. 

POCO C61 India launch date confirmed

The POCO C61 is confirmed to launch in India on March 26, Tuesday at 12 pm IST. The Flipkart microsite also reveals the key details of the upcoming offering. Design-wise, the smartphone will feature a circular camera module housing a primary camera and a secondary lens. As for the core specifications, it will have a 90Hz refresh rate display. This is an upgrade compared to 60Hz on the C51. 

As per the microsite, the POCO C61 is confirmed to be backed by a 5,000mAh battery unit. It will pack up to 6GB RAM and 6GB additional virtual RAM technology. The rest of the details of the smartphone have not been revealed yet. 

A recent leak revealed that the POCO C61 will be powered by a Helio G36 processor. The dual camera setup will consist of 8MP and 0.8MP sensors and there will be a 5MP selfie snapper. The upcoming smartphone is rumoured to come in 4GB + 64GB and 6GB + 128GB configurations. These will reportedly cost Rs 7,499 and Rs 8,499. It is tipped to be offered in Black, Blue, and Green colours. 

We should learn more details about the POCO C61 next week. 

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