Apple has long resisted touchscreen features on their Mac computers. However, a recently updated patent application has sparked speculation about a potential shift in their stance.
The focus of the patent is the stand’s adjustability and portability
The patent, originally filed in November 2023, details a design for an adjustable stand for desktop computers. Apple highlights the challenges of handling and transporting increasingly large and slim displays. Their proposed solution focuses on a stand that improves portability and reduces wasted space compared to traditional designs.
While some tech blogs interpret this as a hint towards a touchscreen iMac similar to Microsoft’s Surface Studio, the patent itself doesn’t mention touchscreen functionality. The focus lies on the stand’s adjustability and portability benefits.
It’s interesting to see Apple focusing on improving the physical design of the iMac. While a touchscreen iMac is a possibility, it feels more likely that Apple is prioritizing practicality with this patent. A more adjustable stand could enhance the user experience for artists, designers, and anyone who benefits from multiple viewing angles. Ultimately, any improvements that enhance functionality and user comfort would be welcome additions to the iMac lineup.
Whether this patent signifies a future touchscreen iMac or simply an improved stand design remains to be seen. Only time will tell if Apple embraces the touchscreen trend for their desktop computers.
TikTok, the reigning champion of short-form videos, appears to be exploring a new avenue: photo sharing. A tech researcher decompiling the latest TikTok update discovered hidden code hinting at a new app called “TikTok Photos.”
The code hints towards a design similar to TikTok’s app color scheme
This potential new app could address some limitations of the current system where users post pictures as slideshow-like videos. “TikTok Photos” suggests a dedicated platform for sharing photos, offering a more natural experience for users.
The leaked code also mentions features that could help users expand their audience and streamline the process. One possibility is a system for “reaching like-minded people who enjoy photos,” potentially connecting users with broader photo-focused communities. Additionally, the code suggests an optional feature to sync existing TikTok photos to the new app, eliminating the need to re-upload pictures.
Visually, leaked icons indicate a design consistent with the original TikTok app’s color scheme, suggesting a familiar look and feel for existing users.
While the exact launch date and regional availability remain unknown, the leaked code suggests “TikTok Photos” is “coming soon” for Android and iOS devices. Whether a web version will follow remains to be seen.
This potential foray into photo sharing marks an interesting development for TikTok. It will be interesting to see how “TikTok Photos” fits into the social media landscape and if it can challenge Instagram‘s dominance in the photo-sharing world.
Optibike has released a new electric mountain bike with an unrivaled 180-mile (290km) range. The Optibike RIOT eMTB is available in US and EU versions with 750W and 250W motors respectively. The Optibike RIOT is an all-terrain e-bike and the company says it is the most powerful of its kind. The US version of the e-bike has a maximum torque of 190Nm. The extended range of the RIOT eMTB is due to its large 1,620Wh battery.
Features
The new powerful Optibike e-bike is a class 1 bike in the US. Its powerful torque rating of 190Nm allows the bike to easily navigate inclines with up to 46% gradient. The top speed of the bike is limited to about 32km/h. The EU version of the RIOT eMTB has a top speed of 25km/h and this restriction is based on EU regulations. Both versions of the RIOT eMTB come with a dual-sided pedelec torque sensor and a 1,620Wh lithium-ion battery.
The Optibike RIOT has an LCD mounted on its handlebar and an optional 2,700 headlight for enhanced night visibility. The front of the bike features a RockShox ZEB Ultimate Suspension Fork, while a Fox 230 x 65 Float X Air Shock is present at the rear. Both front and rear suspensions offer 170mm of travel. An optional 14-speed Rohloff geared hub or cassette and derailleur can be utilized to personalize the bike. The RIOT eMTB has a carbon fiber frame and swingarm which makes it to be significantly light at about 31kg.
Pricing
The Optibike RIOT electric mountain bike is now available for pre-order at a starting price of $14,400. Optibike has not provided any clear details on when customers will start receiving their purchases. However, the company says there are limited quantities of the RIOT eMTB although the actual numbers were not stated.
Xiaomi has unveiled the MIJIA Air Conditioner Natural Wind 2HP in China. The new MIJIA air conditioner offers level 1 energy efficiency and a compact size. The air conditioner saves space and is suitable for domestic use. Despite the compact size, the Air Conditioner offers the same performance as a 2hp cabinet unit.
Features
The new MIJIA air conditioner with natural wind comes with a classic sun-patterned appearance. It is made of weather-resistant materials and can retain its original color for a much longer period. It is also a sturdy and durable standardized black screen while the diaphragm is upgraded to a color film. The temperature of the air conditioner can be adjusted to 0.5ºC. It is equipped with dual temperature and humidity control technology and can be paired with a humidifier for optimal performance.
The Xiaomi MIJIA Air Conditioner Natural Wind 2hp has an upgraded wind deflector structure, with the air outlet fully closed without gaps. It can stretch and rotate freely while several blowing options are available. The blowing methods include Surround Wind, Canopy Wind, and Carpet Wind. The fine pores are designed to break down strong wind and allow for a more benign and healthier blowing experience for kids, mothers, and the elderly.
The MIJIA Air Conditioner Natural Wind 2hp has an APF of up to 4.69 and it can save up to 70kWh of electricity in a year. The air conditioner is equipped with reliable variable frequency drive control technology and a wide temperature range function. It accommodates a wide range of cooling scenarios and Xiaomi says it allows the user to enjoy a warm winter and a cool summer. The defrost performance of the new Xiaomi MIJIA air conditioner is top-notch with a normal defrost and anti-quench defrost adaptive control algorithms.
Pricing
The Xiaomi MIJIA Air Conditioner Natural Wind 2hp is now available at a pre-sale price of 3,399 yuan ($473). A deposit of 100 yuan ($14) further reduces the price of the air conditioner to 2,899 yuan ($404).
Smart Ring is becoming a trending gadget in the tech sector. Recently, we have seen several products get launched. Even tech giants like Samsung and Apple have reportedly got their models in the works. Rollme has listed its new smart health ring, the Rollme R2 on its website and is now available to the global audience. The Rollme R2 smart health ring offers up to 10 days of battery life on typical usage and comes with an affordable price tag. The smart wearable features health tracking features like SpO2 level, heart rate, and sleep.
Features
The R2 smart health ring, according to the listing on the Rollme website will ship to countries globally. It has a close semblance with the Rollme R1 Health Smart Ring in terms of its features. You can view the health tracking data of the Rollme R2 using the companion mobile app.
One unclear aspect of the Rollme R2 is that the accuracy of the health monitoring measurements of the device has not been well ascertained. The R2 lacks temperature monitoring unlike its predecessor but it comes with remote camera control functionality. There are several sports modes on the R2 smart health ring and step counting is also featured. The battery life of the Rollme R2 can last up to 60 days in standby mode. You can wirelessly recharge the smart ring via its charging case.
Pricing & Availability
The Rollme R2 smart ring is available in six sizes (7 to 12) and weighs about 2.9g. Three color options are available – Champagne Gold, Pearl White, and Premium Black. You can order the Rollme R2 Health Smart Ring from the Rollme website for $89.99. The price tag of the R2 is significantly lower than most health smart rings currently in the market including the Ultrahuman Ring AIR which retails for $349 and the Rollme R1 launched last year and is currently offered for $229.
Sennheiser has launched the HD 490 PRO headphones in China. The new Sennheiser HD 490 PRO has a 38mm dynamic unit for a decent audio output. The China launch of the Sennheiser HD 490 PRO is coming on the heels of the launch of the product in India last month. The HD 490 PRO is viewed as a perfect mix of clarity, comfort, and reliability. The India launch also included the Sennheiser HD 490 PRO Plus.
The new Sennheiser headphones have an open architecture that delivers a wide, three-dimensional sound field and optimal sound output. The Sennheiser HD 499 PRO has an advanced neodymium magnetic core and innovative low-frequency cylinders. The model is equipped with a 38mm dynamic unit with a frequency response range of 5 to 36000Hz and an impedance of 1300. It has a maximum sound pressure level of 128dB and these features combine to deliver full, precise, and clear bass for mixing and mastering.
The Sennheiser HD 490 PRO has two sets of ear pads designed for mixing and production tasks. The left and right jacks have detachable cables and can be inserted on both sides of the XLR cable. Both ear cups provide Braille guidance and earpad support for enhanced ear hygiene. The headset also features Dear Reality’s DearVR MIX-SE plug-in and can transform your device into an ideal virtual mixing environment. This ensures that the user achieves balanced and consistent mix transition effects via the system.
Pricing & Availability
The Sennheiser HD 490 PRO professional headset is available from retail platforms in China including JD.com at an introductory price of 3,499 yuan ($487). In comparison, the introductory price of the Sennheiser HD 490 PRO in India last month was Rs. 27,590 ($333). Surprisingly, the device will retail at a higher price in China. The reverse used to be the case as Chinese models are usually cheaper than the global variant. Let us know what you think in the comments section.
A recent leak revealed the memory options for Sony‘s upcoming line of Xperia devices, and now, a new EMVCO listing has surfaced online, which is believed to be the Xperia 1 VI.
Xperia 1 VI EMVCO via TheTechOutlook
The database listing for a Sony device with the model number “XQ-ES54” has emerged, which is believed to be the Xperia 1 VI. It shows that the device will run on the Android 14 operating system.
Aside from the latest Android OS, details about the device are scarce. However, if the rumors about it being the Xperia 1 VI are accurate, we can expect a powerful camera system. Leaked specifications suggest the device will boast three 48MP Exmor T sensors on the back, featuring a main camera with a large f/1.4 aperture, 2x optical zoom, and dual-phase detection autofocus. It is also likely to support 1080p video recording with electronic image stabilization (EIS), ensuring high-quality video capture.
The device’s ultra-wide camera is rumored to offer a focal length between 14-18mm, along with on-chip autofocus, broadening its photography capabilities. Additionally, the telephoto lens might provide a 6x zoom function, although this is expected to be achieved through sensor cropping, with the actual optical zoom capability being 3x. More details are expected to be revealed as we get closer to the launch, so stay tuned.
Xbox has teamed up with Boosteroid, a cloud gaming service, to make Xbox PC games available to more people. This partnership, announced last year, is now bringing a new set of PC games to Boosteroid, including titles like “Deathloop”, “Dishonored” series, “Gears 5”, “Ghostwire: Tokyo”, and “Pentiment”. This means gamers can play these games even on their smartphones and tablets.
To start playing these games on Boosteroid, players need to have the game through the Microsoft Store, which can be through a PC Game Pass, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, or a direct purchase. With a Boosteroid subscription, players log in, select the Xbox game they want to play from the Boosteroid library and start playing. This allows for playing on different devices, like PCs, smartphones, and tablets, and includes features like cross-play and cross-save with Xbox consoles and Windows PCs.
Boosteroid lets you play games on various devices without needing a powerful PC or lots of storage. It uses remote servers to run the games and streams them to your device. This makes it possible to play demanding games on simpler devices. To use Boosteroid, you need a good internet connection and a subscription.
The partnership with Boosteroid is part of Xbox’s larger effort to make gaming more accessible and to offer more choices on where and how to play games. Xbox is also working with other cloud gaming services (EE, NVIDIA GeForce NOW, Nware, and Ubitus) around the world to allow the streaming of games from Xbox Game Studios, Bethesda, and Activision Blizzard.
On March 14, 2024, Asus will officially unveil its Zenfone 11 Ultra smartphone in the global market. This device is a successor to the popular Zenfone 10 smartphone, however, it is quite different from its predecessor.
Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra
Design & display
In the age where smartphone sizes are getting bigger by the day, Zenfones were the only flagships catering to customers looking for an actual compact device. Well, it looks like this might be the end of small Zenfones, as the upcoming Zenfone 11 Ultra is said to feature a large 6.78-inch display.
Zenfone 11 Ultra renderROG Phone 8
Design-wise, the device is quite similar to the ROG Phone 8, with slight changes to the rear camera module. Leaked renders suggest that the device will feature an overall similar camera layout, with one large camera cutout on the right side of the module and two smaller ones on the left. The flashy gamer aesthetics on the back have been replaced by some geometric patterns, and the sides of the device are flat with no shoulder triggers.
The display onboard the Zenfone 11 Ultra is said to be a 6.78-inch AMOLED panel with an FHD+ AMOLED LTPO panel that will support up to a 144Hz refresh rate. This is slightly different from the ROG Phone 8, which has a 165Hz AMOLED display of the same size and resolution.
As per a previous report, the Zenfone 11 Ultra will be available in five shades, such as Eternal Black, Skyline Blue, Misty Gray, Verdure Green, and Desert Sienna.
Performance
The similarities don’t end there a Geekbench listing has already revealed that the Zenfone 11 Ultra, with model number ASUS_AI2401_H, also comes with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor that has a peak clock speed of 3.30GHz. It has scored 2226 and 6949 points in single and multi-core tests, respectively, which means that there won’t be any issues running day-to-day or even heavy tasks on this device.
In addition to that, the device is said to offer configurations with up to 16 GB of LPDDR5x RAM, paired with up to 1 TB of UFS 4.0 storage. Currently, it is unclear what kind of cooling system will be onboard the Zenfone 11 Ultra. The ROG Phone 8 uses a conduction cooling system that has a heat pipe made of boron nitride alongside copper going through the phone’s motherboard. It is possible that we might see something similar on the Zenfone 11 Ultra, however, considering the conduction cooling system is a heavy-duty cooling solution developed for the gaming flagship, Asus might opt for something a bit tamer for the 11 Ultra.
The device is expected to pack a 5,500mAh battery with 65W wired and 15W wireless charging support. A leaked unboxing image of the device also suggests that the power brick might not be included in the box. Other than that, it is expected to have a 3.5mm audio jack, a stereo speaker system, Bluetooth 5.3, and WiFi 7 support. As for software, it will run on Android 14 out of the box. Like the ROG Phone 8, the 11 Ultra is also expected to come with some AI-driven features, such as enhanced results through the phone launcher, Gallery, and Settings apps.
Camera
The camera system is rumored to feature a 50 megapixel IMX890 main sensor, which is a significant upgrade over its predecessor’s IMX 766 sensor. That being said, the device will feature a gimbal OIS stabilization system for the main camera like its predecessor. It is also said to feature a 13 megapixel ultra-wide lens and an OIS-assisted 32 megapixel telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom. For the front, the 11 Ultra will have a 32 megapixel selfie snapper.
Pricing & availability
A leak from last week suggests that the base model of the device with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage will cost CZK 24,990 (approximately $1,078 USD / €986 EUR), while the 16GB RAM and 512GB storage configuration is said to cost around CZK 26,490 ($1,143 USD / €1,045 EUR). These prices are expected to be early bird prices, which could increase by CZK 1,000 ($43 or €39), and CZK 2,500 ($107 or €98) after the end of the promotion.
Technological advancements often reduce the need for multiple products. Remember when you needed a separate camera, music player, calculator, and game console? Now your smartphone does it all. The same thing is kinda happening with TVs. People might buy them less, but when they do, they want bigger screens and super high quality. Here are the details…
Global TV shipments in 2023 hit a ten-year low
In 2023, the global TV market continued its decline. Sales dropped by 1.6% compared to the year before. This is the lowest number of TVs sold in ten years. There are a few reasons why this happened. Certainly, the first reason for these trends is that people are watching less TV. In today’s world, many individuals prefer digital content platforms accessible from their phones, computers, and tablets.
TVs are now mainly the first choice for users focused on large screens and high image quality. This leads to a higher demand for resolutions such as 4K and 8K, with sizes of 49 inches and above. However, factors like global inflation are also reducing interest in these expensive models.
Shipments increased year-over-year in North America (7.5%), Latin America (2.3%), and Eastern Europe (3.4%), with the U.S. experiencing a notable rebound. However, other regions faced annual declines: Asia-Pacific (-0.2%), China (-8.4%), Western Europe (-11.5%), and the Middle East and Africa (-3.0%). Notably, both new and replacement TV sales remained sluggish across all regions. This suggests a general weakening of consumer confidence in the TV market, despite regional variations.
The decline in the Chinese TV market intensified in the second half of 2023. During the latter half of 2023, the Chinese TV market experienced a significant downturn, surpassing a monthly year-on-year decline of over 10%. In the final month of the year, the decline rate exceeded 20%. The annual market size dropped below 37 million units to 36.56 million, marking the lowest level in the past decade.
Hongqi, a renowned brand under FAW, announced its much-anticipated electric sedan, the Hongqi EH7, marking a significant milestone in China’s electrification campaign. The sleek vehicle, part of Hongqi’s “All in New Energy” initiative, embodies cutting-edge technology and futuristic design elements.
Scheduled for launch on March 20, 2024, in China, the Hongqi EH7 boasts a fastback shape and a closed front face adorned with distinctive “L”-shaped headlights. The vehicle’s hidden door handles and five-spoke rims with red Brembo brake calipers add to its sporty appeal. Available in a range of vibrant colors including green, purple, and silver, the EH7 stands out on the road.
Inside, the cockpit features a striking black-and-white color scheme and is equipped with a 6-inch + 15.5-inch curved dual screen for the instrument panel and central control. Powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chip, the EH7 offers advanced features such as an augmented reality (AR) head-up display and autonomous driving capabilities.
Under the hood, the EH7 comes in both rear-wheel-drive (RWD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD) variants. The RWD model boasts an electric motor with a maximum power output of 253 kW, offering a top speed of 190 km/h and an impressive acceleration time of 3.9 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h. Meanwhile, the AWD variant features front and rear dual motors with a combined total power of 455 kW and peak torque of 756 N·m.
The EH7’s powertrain is complemented by ternary lithium battery packs supplied by CATL, with future variants set to include battery-swap and long-range fast-charge options, providing up to 800 km of cruising range. Additionally, the vehicle is equipped with the HAP precise automatic driving assistance system for enhanced safety and convenience.
With its innovative design, advanced technology, and eco-friendly powertrain, the Hongqi EH7 sets a new standard for electric vehicles in the medium to large sedan segment. As Hongqi’s first model under its “new energy sub-brand,” the EH7 is poised to make a significant impact on the electric vehicle market, catering to the growing demand for sustainable transportation solutions.
OnePlus has started releasing a new update for the OnePlus 12R, labeled as version 14.0.0.500, targeting users in the India/Global regions. The update comes with build numbers CPH2585_14.0.0.500(EX01) for India and CPH2609_14.0.0.500(EX01) for the global version.
Key highlights of this update include the integration of the February 2024 Android security patch to improve system security. The update also focuses on improving the overall system stability and performance. Users can expect a more reliable experience with fingerprint unlocking, as the update addresses and improves this feature.
OnePlus has also tackled an issue causing some applications to crash, aiming to provide a more stable app experience. Network connection stability is another area of improvement, alongside broader NFC function compatibility, which should benefit users requiring seamless connectivity and transaction capabilities. The camera is getting improvements too, with upgrades to camera performance and stability.
The rollout of this OTA update is incremental. Initially, a limited percentage of users will receive the update, followed by a wider release in the coming days. For users in India encountering any issues post-update, OnePlus offers a straightforward bug reporting mechanism through the Google Dialer by dialing *#800#. This option is currently available exclusively in India.
Xiaomi has unveiled the Electric Scooter 4 Pro (2nd Gen) and it comes with a longer range and a more powerful motor than its predecessor. The Xiaomi Electric Scooter 4 has been listed on the brand’s global website. The release comes over a year after the original model was launched. However, this is the third model the company is releasing in quick succession after the Electric Scooter 4 Lite (2nd Gen) and Electric Scooter 4 Pro Max.
The Xiaomi Electric Scooter 4 Pro (2nd Gen) features several improvements from its predecessor. It has a 400W motor that can output up to 1,000W power, compared to the original model whose peak output was 700W. The scooter has a top speed of 25km/h, obviously pegged to meet extant regulations in some countries. There are various speed modes in the Xiaomi Electric Scooter 4 Pro (2nd Gen). The scooter has an upgraded 468Wh battery pack that offers a range of 60km, higher than its predecessor.
The latest iteration of the Xiaomi Electric Scooter 4 Pro has a carbon steel frame and weighs 19kg. It features an integrated display that tells users the cruising speed, battery status, and when the turn signals are activated. The Xiaomi Home app is the companion app for the scooter and offers a view of the trip information and controls. The scooter also features an auto light mode as well as wide 60mm x 10-inch tires.
Pricing
Xiaomi is yet to pull the wraps on the price and release date for the Electric Scooter 4 Pro (2nd Gen). It is however expected to be released soon and the pricing will be slightly different from the original Xiaomi Electric Scooter 4 Pro. The Xiaomi Electric Scooter 4 Pro launched in the EU at a retail price of €799 ($873) but it is currently selling for €699 ($765).
Xiaomi is gearing up to launch the Mi Band 9/9 NFC, the successor to its widely popular Mi Band 8 series. Last year, the Mi Band 8/8 NFC hit the Chinese as well as global markets, offering a variety of sports modes, health tracking features, and more.
Mi Band 9/9 NFC radio certification
Details on the Mi Band 9/9 NFC are still limited, but two models, “M2345B1” and “M2346B1,” were certified for radio use, suggesting that their launch could be soon.
The Mi Band 8 has been a favorite for many because of its design and capabilities. It comes with a 1.6-inch AMOLED screen, making it easy to read and use. The screen also has an Always-On Display option, and the device is water-resistant up to 50 meters. One of the cool things about the Mi Band 8 is that you can change its straps, choose from different materials and styles, or even wear it as a pendant or on your shoes.
The Mi Band 8 can monitor your heart rate, blood oxygen levels, sleep patterns, and even your stress levels. It has a special focus on female health as well. For those who love to stay active, it offers over 150 sports modes and even games to play right on the band. The Mi Band 8 is also known for its long battery life, lasting up to 16 days on a single charge if you don’t use the Always-On Display.
Xiaomi announced the launch date of the Mi Band 8 last year in April. With that in mind, we can expect the Mi Band 9 series to debut sometime next month.
Realme recently launched the Realme 12 and 12 Plus smartphones in India. Now, the brand has announced a new RAM and storage configuration of the Realme 12 Pro (review). Initially, the phone was offered in 8GB + 128GB and 8GB + 256GB variants. This gives interested customers more options if they want a higher variant based on their usage needs.
Realme 12 Pro gets a new variant
Unlock limitless possibilities with #realme12Pro5G and its revolutionary 12+256GB variant – the largest ever RAM in a curved smartphone. The flash sale kicks off on 15th March, 12 Noon! #StayTuned
The Realme 12 Pro has been introduced in a higher 12GB RAM and 256GB storage variant. It carries a price tag of Rs 29,999. The brand says that this variant has the largest RAM in a curved smartphone. Realme is offering a Rs 4,000 bank discount and up to 12-month no-cost EMI as a part of the first sale on the Realme 12 Pro. It will be available for purchase starting March 15 at 12 noon. The newest variant comes in Submarine Blue and Navigator Beige colours.
Apart from the RAM and storage bump, the rest of the specifications of the Realme 12 Pro remain the same as the other two configurations. It has a 6.7-inch curved OLED display bearing an FHD+ resolution, 950 nits peak brightness, and a 120Hz refresh rate. There is an in-screen fingerprint scanner. The device features a faux leather back panel with a circular camera module housing 50MP main, 32MP telephoto, and 8MP ultra-wide-angle sensors.
The Realme 12 Pro is powered by a Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 SoC. It is backed by a 5,000mAh battery with support for 67W fast charging. The device runs on Android 14 OS out of the box.
In a move set to significantly bolster semiconductor production in the United States, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC) is on the brink of securing a substantial federal grant exceeding $5 billion from the U.S. government. Bloomberg News reports that this grant is intended to facilitate the establishment of a cutting-edge chipmaking facility in Arizona.
This landmark investment, part of TSMC’s $40 billion commitment to the Arizona plant, signifies one of the largest foreign investments in U.S. history. The support from the U.S. government comes as part of the broader initiative outlined in the U.S. CHIPS Act, which has allocated a substantial $52.7 billion towards enhancing domestic semiconductor production.
Under the same Act, the Biden administration recently granted $1.5 billion to GlobalFoundries, another prominent contract chip manufacturer. The aim is to bolster the nation’s chip-making capabilities to address the ongoing global shortage, which has particularly affected industries reliant on advanced artificial intelligence chips.
TSMC’s advanced manufacturing processes are integral to producing industry-leading chips, including those used by tech giant Nvidia. However, the company has been grappling with the challenge of meeting escalating demand, particularly for advanced packaging, which has hindered the scaling up of supply for complex AI chips.
While the U.S. move to support TSMC’s endeavors in Arizona is significant, it’s part of a broader global strategy for the semiconductor giant. In 2023, TSMC received substantial subsidies from China and Japan, totaling over $1.5 billion, to support its expansion efforts in those countries. In China, TSMC is expanding a wafer fab in Nanjing, while in Japan, through its joint venture, Japan Advanced Semiconductor Manufacturing (JASM), it’s undertaking ambitious projects in Kumamoto.
JASM’s investments in Japan, supported by significant grants from the Japanese government, underscore the global scale of TSMC’s operations and its strategic partnerships across different regions. Moreover, TSMC’s plans for a wafer fab in Germany, scheduled to open in 2027, further highlight its global expansion ambitions.
Overall, TSMC’s endeavors, spanning multiple continents, reflect the semiconductor industry’s pivotal role in powering various sectors, from automotive to high-performance computing. With substantial government support both in the U.S. and abroad, TSMC is poised to play a crucial role in shaping the future of semiconductor production worldwide.
There have been reports about Apple incorporating hearing health features on future AirPods. The Cupertino-based tech giant already offers accessibility features like Live Listen on the AirPods since 2018 and Conversation Boost capability on the AirPods Pro since 2021. Now, per a reliable Bloomberg analyst Mark Gurman in his latest newsletter says that the AirPods Pro could gain a new accessibility feature attributed to hearing health.
AirPods Pro may get a new hearing health feature
iOS 18 is touted to be the biggest update in years and it is widely expected to be unveiled at this year’s WWDC keynote in June. Gurman reports that Apple may announce a new accessibility feature on the AirPods Pro at the same event. This is said to be a new hearing aid mode.
Gurman says that the AirPods Pro won’t get any hardware updates this year. Instead, Apple will focus on the software side of things on the TWS earphone. As to how the hearing aid feature will work remains a mystery at the moment.
The Live Listen feature turns the iPhone into a directional microphone capturing audio and transmitting everything to AirPods in real time. Meanwhile, the Conversational Boost utilizes the microphone to pick up the audio and enhance it for better hearing.
Previously, Gurman reported that future AirPods might get a hearing test feature that will enable users to detect any hearing issues. It will play different sounds and tones to determine a user’s hearing capacity. Back in 2022, the FDA created a new category of hearing aids that could be purchased over the counter without any medical examination or prescription.
With the hearing health features on the AirPods, it seems that Apple is planning to revolutionize the TWS segment. The company could also position the future AirPods as a viable substitute for hearing aids.
Infinix is working on the Note 40 series smartphones. Yesterday, the Note 40 Pro 5G surfaced on the Play Supported Devices list. Now, the phone has appeared on the Google Play Console certification website revealing its front design. It has also been spotted on the Geekbench benchmarking platform. Both listings also mention the hardware details of the device.
Infinix Note 40 Pro 5G appears on Google Play Console and Geekbench
The Infinix Note 40 Pro 5G carries a model number X6851 on both the Google Play Console and Geekbench websites. The former includes a render of the device. It will feature a centre-aligned punch-hole cutout and a curved display. The listing mentions a resolution of 1080 x 2436 pixels and a 480 DPI screen density.
As per Google Play Console, internally, the Infinix Note 40 Pro is listed with MediaTek MT6855V processor comprising of two A78 cores at 2.2GHz and six A55 cores at 2GHz. This likely suggests that the device will be powered by a Dimensity 7020 processor. It will pack 8GB RAM onboard and ship with Android 14 OS out of the box.
The Geekbench listing also mentions the same processor and RAM details as the Google Play Console certification. In the benchmarking platform’s single-core and multi-core test results, the Note 40 Pro 5G scores 928 and 2,253 points respectively.
The Infinix Note 40 Pro 5G has also bagged BIS certification with the model number X6851. We can expect the device to launch in the coming weeks.
UNIHERTZ has officially unveiled the 8849 Tank 3 Pro rugged smartphone. The smartphone comes with a rugged design and features a projector, a large battery capacity, and 5G network support. The smartphone is being marketed as a mid-range model with an affordable price.
The UNIHERTZ 8849 Tank 3 Pro is capable of being used as a camping device with its expansive camping light. The Tank 3 Pro is based on the MediaTek Dimensity 8200-Ultra chipset and supports 5G network connectivity as well as Wi-Fi 6. It comes with a 23,800mAh battery that can be charged with up to 120W power. The RAM of the smartphone is rated 16GB or 18GB while the internal storage is 512GB, expandable to 2TB via a memory card.
The UNIHERTZ 8849 Tank 3 Pro features a DLP projector with a maximum brightness of 100 lumens. This means that the user may need to darken the enclosure as appropriate in order to use the projector. The projector is suitable for smaller projection surfaces. The smartphone’s camping light is built-in and will be a great tool for campers. The UNIHERTZ 8849 Tank 3 Pro weighs 969g with dimensions of 176 x 86 x 29.8 mm. Its 6.79-inch display has a resolution of 1080 x 2460 pixels and a display refresh rate of 120Hz.
The rugged UNIHERTZ Tank 3 Pro smartphone has an IP68 certification and is equipped with a night vision camera. The main camera of the smartphone has a resolution of 200MP.
Pricing & AVailability
The UNIHERTZ 8849 Tank 3 Pro has a launch price of $640 but UNIHERTZ is offering coupons worth $50 for the smartphone. Pre-orders were kick-started on March 8 but shipping costs could increase the price of the model in some markets.
Samsung has finally unveiled the Galaxy A35 today. The device was announced alongside its bigger sibling Galaxy A55.
The duo shares some of its core specs. But there are still a lot of differences between them, and thus, one of them is cheaper while the other one is costlier.
Just like its predecessor Galaxy A34, the latest Galaxy A35 comes with a plastic frame. However, the back is now glass instead of plastic. It also sports the new key island design wherein the power and volume keys are a bit raised from the frame.
The phone flaunts a 6.6-inch centered punch-hole Super AMOLED display protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus Plus. The panel arrives with an FHD+ resolution (2340 x 1080 pixels) and a 120Hz refresh rate.
Under the hood, the smartphone houses an Exynos 1380 SoC, which powered last year’s Galaxy A54. The chipset is paired with up to 8GB RAM and 256GB storage.
The handset has a 13MP front-facing camera. On the rear, it features a triple camera setup consisting of an OIS-assisted 50MP primary sensor, an 8MP ultrawide unit, and a 5MP macro snapper.
The device comes with an under-display fingerprint sensor and dual stereo speakers. It is also IP67-rated for dust and water resistance.
As for software, it ships with Android 14-based One UI 6.1. Samsung promises up to 4 generations of OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates.
Finally, the phone draws energy from a 5,000mAh battery and supports 25W wired charging.
Samsung Galaxy A35 Price
The Samsung Galaxy A35 arrives in four colors, such as Lilac, Lemon, Ice Blue, and Navy.
The base 6GB + 128GB variant is priced at €380 in Europe. It is also offered in 8GB + 128GB and 8GB + 256GB memory configurations.
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