Blizzard Entertainment has finally revealed the trailer for its much-awaited Overwatch 2 x Cowboy Bebop collab. For those unaware, Cowboy Bebop is a beloved Japanese neo-noir space Western anime that aired between 1998 and 1999.
The trailer reveals new Overwatch 2 character skins inspired by the main Cowboy Bebop crew. Cassidy will don a Spike Spiegel-inspired skin, featuring a trench coat and a retro-futuristic six-shooter, though the in-game design remains unseen.
Ashe will transform into Faye Valentine, with Bob also getting a unique look. Sombra’s skin nods to ED, the anime’s hacking genius. While Mauga’s skin pays homage to Bebop’s Captain Jet Black. Although Overwatch doesn’t have corgis, Hammond will dress up as EIN from the anime. Plus, players can expect to hear the iconic Cowboy Bebop theme song, Tank!, in the game.
These skins will be available on March 12. While Blizzard hasn’t disclosed prices, based on a previous event with KPOP group Le Sserafim, skins may cost about $25 (2500 premium coins) each, with a bundle option for all skins at $68 (6800 premium coins). Blizzard also reduced the pricing of the 7500 premium coins pack to US$50 when the Le Sserafim crossover dropped, so it won’t be surprising if the company goes with this strategy again to push players to buy the complete bundle.
In recent weeks, Infinix has launched the Infinix Smart 8 and Hot 40 series of smartphones in different markets. Now, the brand is gearing up to unveil the Infinix Note 40 lineup. As per reports, the Note 40 lineup has multiple models, such as the Note 40, Note 40 Pro, Note 40 Pro 5G, and Note 40 Pro+ 5G. As the name implies, the Note 40 Pro+ 5G is the flagship model within the Note 40 lineup. Here we bring you some initial details of the Pro+ variant via a leaked image.
Infinix Note 40 Pro+ 5G leaked image
Infinix Note 40 Pro+ 5G retail box image
To recall, the Infinix Note 30 series from last year introduced the All-Round Fast Charge technology that brought new charging technologies, such as up to 68W wired charging, 50W wireless charging, and bypass charging, which allowed the charger to send power directly to the phone’s motherboard bypassing the battery, ensuring a cooler and smoother experience for extended gaming sessions or other heavy usage.
In the upcoming Infinix Note 40 series, the company is set to elevate charging capabilities with the introduction of the All-Round Fast Charge 2.0 technology. The new technology will bring even faster charging speeds for both wired and wireless charging methods. Additionally, the series will debut the all-new wireless MagCharge technology. For those who don’t know, Mag charging is a wireless magnetic charging technology that utilizes magnets to snap on for perfect positioning, ensuring efficient power transfer and enhancing user convenience.
The above-shown leaked image of the Note 40 Pro+ 5G’s retail box suggests that it may support at least 100W wired charging. To recall, the Infinix Note 30 VIP smartphone from last year offered 50W wireless charging. The Note 40 Pro+ 5G will support the all-new MagCharge wireless charging technology, but its exact speed cannot be deduced from the above image.
The image also suggests that the Note 40 Pro+ 5G could be equipped with a curved-edge AMOLED display and NFC connectivity. Unfortunately, the other details of the device are not known yet. Its arrival seems imminent, as it has already been spotted with model number X6851B in the databases of certification platforms such as Indonesia’s SDPPI and Europe’s EEC.
SimplyNUC has introduced the Onyx Pro, a new addition to its lineup of Mini PCs that stands out for its optional discrete GPU (dGPU) support and powerful performance.
Powered by the 45W Intel “Raptor Lake” i9 13900H processor, the Onyx Pro offers a 14-core/20-thread configuration paired with an Intel Xe integrated GPU. The base model comes equipped with 8 GB of DDR5-5600 memory and 256 GB of PCIe 4.0-based flash storage. However, users can upgrade to up to 96 GB of RAM and 8 TB of storage thanks to its dual SO-DIMM slots and triple M.2 2280 slots.
A highlight of the Onyx Pro is its compatibility with various dGPUs, including the NVIDIA Quadro T1000, AMD Radeon Pro WX 3200, and Intel Arc Pro A40. This flexibility allows users to customize their system for workstation-class performance rather than gaming, suiting professionals in need of a compact yet powerful PC.
Connectivity is a strong suit for the Onyx Pro, featuring dual 10G SFP+ fiber ports, dual 2.5G RJ-45 LAN ports, and an array of USB ports including 2x USB4 Type-C and 3x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports. The device also includes a MediaTek MT7922 wireless card supporting Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2.
Available for pre-order now, the Onyx Pro starts at a price of $1,199 for the base model. Despite its relatively large size for a Mini PC, measuring 196 x 189 x 48 mm, it provides ample expansion and mounting possibilities. These include a PCI-E 4.0 x16 half-height expansion slot and the option for VESA wall mounting.
South Korea‘s tech giant Samsung Electronics and its labor unions are on the precipice of a historic clash as wage negotiations have reached a deadlock. If a resolution cannot be reached, the company could face its first-ever worker strike.
The dispute is because of the two parties’ proposed salary increases
The core of the dispute lies in the vast discrepancies between the two parties’ proposed salary increases. While the union demands a substantial raise, Samsung’s proposed plan falls significantly short of these expectations.
According to reports, the National Samsung Electronics Union rejected Samsung’s initial 2.5% wage increase offer at the first mediation meeting in February. Although Samsung revised the offer to a 2.8% increase, including additional benefits like extended leave and healthcare options, it remains far below the union’s desired 8.1% raise.
This impasse has triggered the threat of a strike, potentially marking a defining moment in the union’s 55-year history. While the union secured the right to strike in 2022, it ultimately opted against taking action. However, the current situation poses a much greater risk of a walkout.
The potential strike has raised concerns about its impact on Samsung’s operations and the broader South Korean economy. The company is a crucial player in the global tech industry, and a prolonged disruption could have significant ramifications.
The upcoming second round of mediation on March 8th will be critical in determining the outcome of this labor dispute. Both parties face pressure to find a compromise that addresses the union’s concerns while safeguarding the company’s sustainability. The entire situation is being closely watched, as it could set a precedent for future labor relations in South Korea.
Leica enthusiasts have a whole new reason to rejoice. The highly anticipated Leica SL3 full-frame mirrorless camera has arrived, available for pre-order in China for 51,800 yuan (~$7,200). Let’s dive deeper into more details of this highly-anticipated camera.
The camera is priced at 51,800 yuan (~$7,200) in China, and is available for pre-order
This premium camera boasts a stunning all-metal body with elegant leather accents and a revolutionary full-frame back-illuminated sensor. The unique triple variable resolution technology allows users to capture high-quality images in 60MP, 36MP, or 18MP, utilizing all pixels for exceptional detail across lighting conditions. The impressive 15-stop dynamic range and 50-100,000 ISO range ensure excellent performance in any situation.
Leica equips the SL3 with a cutting-edge autofocus system combining three powerful technologies for sharp, clear photos even in low light. The camera also boasts smart object recognition, perfect for capturing fleeting moments.
Photographers will appreciate the SL3’s adherence to the Leica L-mount standard, ensuring compatibility with the entire Leica lens collection and various ultra-wide-angle to ultra-telephoto zooms from L-mount Alliance partners.
For traditionalists, the high-resolution EyeRes viewfinder offers a premium viewing experience. The 3-inch touchscreen folds for increased flexibility, while efficient codecs like H265 and Apple ProRes empower videographers with stunning 8K footage. A dedicated timecode interface facilitates professional-level image and sound synchronization.
Powering the SL3 is the new Maestro-IV processor, handling large amounts of data for exceptional color expression and noise control. Connectivity options include dual memory card slots, a high-speed USB-C interface, and a standard-size HDMI2.1 port. The camera also features Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and is “Made for iPhone and iPad,” allowing direct connection with Apple devices. With its impressive features and functionalities, the Leica SL3 caters to both seasoned professionals and aspiring enthusiasts, solidifying its position as a strong contender in the high-end mirrorless camera market.
DJI has expanded storage options for its popular Action 2 camera, offering a new 128GB package alongside the existing 32GB option. This triples the storage capacity, catering to users who require longer recording times or capture high-resolution footage.
The DJI Action 2 boasts an innovative magnetic design
The 128GB package comes in two variants: the Battery Life Package and the Dual-Screen Package, both priced at 1,799 yuan (approximately $270 USD). The former includes the main camera with 128GB storage, a battery life module, and various mounting accessories, while the latter adds a front screen expansion module for convenient monitoring and control.
The DJI Action 2 boasts an innovative magnetic design, allowing for quick switching between camera modes and accessories. It delivers flagship performance with 4K/120fps video recording, 155° ultra-wide-angle shooting, and HorizonSteady horizon stabilization. A variety of accessories, including a front screen expansion module, battery life module, magnetic pendant, and magnetic headband, allow for handheld, wearable, or fixed-position shooting. The camera is also compatible with DJI Mic, a wireless microphone system that enhances audio recording quality.
The DJI Action 2’s main camera offers a maximum battery life of 70 minutes when recording at 1080p/30fps in power saving mode. This can be extended to 160 minutes with the front screen module and 180 minutes with the battery life module. The main camera is water resistant up to 10 meters, but waterproof cases are available for deeper submersion. Additionally, the camera supports microSD cards up to 256GB, SDHC/SDXC UHS-I Speed Grade 1 or 3.
Choosing between the two 128GB packages depends on individual needs. The Dual-Screen Package prioritizes ease of use and control with the added front screen, while the Battery Life Package is a more affordable option for those needing extended recording times and the flexibility of various mounting options.
DJI offers a wide range of optional accessories to further enhance the Action 2’s capabilities, including a magnetic headband, Bluetooth remote control, macro lens, floating handle, and more. Users can choose and purchase these accessories based on their individual needs, making the Action 2 a versatile and customizable action camera for various shooting scenarios.
Azulle, a leader in mini PCs, offers small but powerful devices that open up many possibilities in today’s fast-moving tech world. From driving digital signage screens to orchestrating the intricacies of IoT in smart cities, Azulle’s mini PCs are powering these innovations.
What sets Azulle mini PCs apart isn’t just their diminutive size, but rather the immense potential they hold for streamlining operations and ushering in a new era of efficiency. Azulle mini PCs make it possible for self-service kiosks to serve customers smoothly and for interconnected systems to communicate seamlessly. It’s not merely about saving space; it’s about amplifying capabilities and redefining the digital landscape.
Digital Signage
Azulle’s compact mini PCs seamlessly integrate with existing signage displays, fitting discreetly behind screens or onto walls. Their fanless design ensures silent operation, ideal for uninterrupted viewing experiences. With varying RAM and integrated graphics options, these mini PCs deliver crisp, high-resolution content, perfect for captivating audiences in various settings. They are utilized by organizations like REACH Media Network to efficiently communicate news, schedules, and emergency updates across universities, hospitals, and offices worldwide, with over 30,000 displays powered by Azulle.
Business
Azulle’s mini PCs enhance productivity, streamline operations, and optimize office setups. They save space, reduce hardware clutter, and enhance data security while boosting mobility. For example, in a real estate agency, Azulle mini PCs replace bulky laptops, empowering agents with nimble tools for client meetings and property showings. Their energy-efficient design adds sophistication to any workspace and contributes to sustainability efforts. Designed for success, Azulle mini PCs combine efficiency, mobility, and style in one compact package.
Kiosks
Azulle’s mini PCs power interactive kiosks in various locations, including airports and theme parks. Their compact size and quick setup enable seamless integration into kiosk setups, providing tailored information and facilitating smooth transactions for users. Additionally, Azulle mini PCs offer remote desktop access, allowing operators to monitor multiple units from a distance. Whether it’s at a gas station or a theme park, Azulle mini PCs ensure a flawless user experience at every kiosk.
IoT
Azulle’s mini PCs play a crucial role in driving innovation in smart cities. Their small size belies their significant impact, as they seamlessly integrate into the city’s interconnected ecosystem. With low power consumption and various connectivity options, Azulle mini PCs efficiently communicate with IoT sensors. They enable intelligent traffic management systems, analyzing real-time data to adjust signals and routes, reducing congestion and enhancing urban mobility. Solutions like Video Analitika utilize Azulle mini PCs to improve safety and efficiency on roads and highways across the US.
Telemedicine
Azulle’s mini PCs lead the way in transforming healthcare through telemedicine. These compact yet powerful devices offer a simple and efficient solution for remote healthcare services. With Azulle mini PCs, doctors can communicate with patients in real-time, providing timely diagnoses and treatments from anywhere. The serial ports enable easy connection to various medical devices, such as monitors and diagnostic equipment, crucial for telemedicine consultations. Azulle’s customization options allow healthcare providers to tailor mini PCs to their specific needs, ensuring seamless upgrades to handle increased workloads and patient volumes.
Azulle’s mini PCs stand out as versatile and powerful tools, capable of handling various tasks effortlessly. With a diverse range of products, Azulle leads in the mini PC market, offering solutions from compact sticks to desktop PCs, all customizable to meet specific needs. What sets them apart is their modular design, allowing for adaptation and evolution alongside business requirements.
Whether you need a powerful workstation or a portable computing solution, Azulle has you covered. To learn more about Azulle, check out their website here
The device happens to be the most expensive phone from the company to date. However, it undercuts its direct competitors.
Xiaomi 14 Ultra Price in India
The Xiaomi 14 Ultra arrives in a single 16GB + 512GB memory configuration in India. It is priced under a lakh at ₹99,999 (~$1,210).
For comparison, its immediate competitors Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max start at ₹1,29,999 (~$1,570) and ₹1,59,900 (~$1,930), respectively. Even still, they only offer half the storage.
The handset can be availed in either black or white color options. Both of them feature vegan leather finishes.
Xiaomi 14 Ultra Sale Date in India
The Xiaomi 14 Ultra will go on sale starting at 12 PM on April 12. It will be sold via M.com and Xiaomi Home stores.
The company has also announced the Xiaomi 14 Ultra Reservé Edition. This special variant of the product can be pre-ordered early from 12 PM on March 11 by paying ₹9,999 (~$120) upfront.
This version of the phone comes with a special case that allows users to attach filters for the smartphone’s cameras. Its sale will begin at 12 PM on April 8.
Xiaomi 14 Ultra Launch Offers in India
Customers can avail of a ₹5,000 (~$60) instant discount on transactions via credit/debit cards issued by ICICI Bank. They can also get a ₹5,000 (~$60) exchange bonus on select devices.
Further, Xiaomi is also offering the following things for buyers.
One free screen replacement within the first 6 months of purchase
Free 1 year out of warranty repair (including labor cost)
A dedicated relationship manager
Three months of free YouTube Premium subscription for first-time users
Xiaomi 14 Features
You can learn everything about the Xiaomi 14 Ultra here. While you are at it, you may be interested in our review as well.
After recently teasing the upcoming launch of the most affordable 5G smartphone in India, POCO India’s head, Himanshu Tandon, has now announced a partnership with Airtel to offer an affordable 5G smartphone, the POCO M6 5G.
This special offer is available exclusively for Airtel Prepaid customers on Flipkart from 10th March at 12 PM. Originally priced at Rs 10,499 for the 4GB/128GB model, the deal now includes a discount of up to Rs 750 and an additional 50GB of free data for Airtel users. That being said, Poco is promoting the price of the smartphone as Rs. 8,799.
This one’s for the record books! Partnering with #Airtel, #POCO fans and anyone who wishes to own a #5G device in India can get the #POCOM65G at Rs 8,799 on #Flipkart from 10th March making it “The Most Affordable 5G Phone” you can get.
The POCO M6 5G, under this offer, will be locked to Airtel for 18 months. Users must recharge their Airtel SIM with a minimum Truly Unlimited plan of Rs 199 to keep the phone unlocked. This requirement also applies if you wish to use another carrier’s SIM in the phone.
POCO M6 5G specs:
The POCO M6 5G boasts a tall 6.74-inch display with a 90Hz refresh rate and HD+ resolution, offering 600 nits peak brightness and a 180Hz touch sampling rate. It is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ SoC and a sizable 5,000mAh battery supporting 18W fast charging. The front features a 5-megapixel selfie camera, while the rear houses a 50-megapixel dual camera setup.
Running on Android 13 with MIUI 14, the phone comes in Orion Blue and Galactic Black color options. Noteworthy features include a 3.5mm headphone jack, side-mounted fingerprint scanner, AI face unlock, up to 8GB of virtual RAM expansion, Splash and Dust resistance, and Bluetooth 5.3.
The Xiaomi 4 is finally official in India. It is accompanied by the Xiaomi 14 Ultra in the country.
The vanilla 14 is almost identical to the 14 Pro. Thus, the latter did not launch in other global markets as well.
The Xiaomi 14 is the only Android alternative to the Galaxy S24 outside mainland China. It not only comes with a better set of features but is also cheaper than Samsung’s offering in several regions, including India.
Xiaomi 14 Specifications
The Xiaomi 14 features a boxy design like the Xiaomi 13 before it. However, the camera module is now larger and does not have the lines separating the sensors.
The phone flaunts a 6.3-inch centered punch-hole flat OLED display. The 10-bit screen has a resolution of 2670 x 1200 pixels (1.5K), 460 PPI, and a 1-120Hz refresh rate (LTPO). It supports Dolby Vision, DC dimming, and 3000 nits local peak brightness level.
The device is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC. The chipset is paired with LPDDR5x RAM, UFS 4.0 storage, and a VC (vapor chamber) liquid cooling system. As for software, it boots HyperOS based on Android 14.
The handset sports Leica-tuned cameras. The rear triple camera system consists of a 50MP Light Fusion 900 customized primary sensor, a 50MP ultrawide unit, and a 50MP 3.2x floating telephoto shooter. On the front, it has a 32MP snapper.
The smartphone arrives with an in-screen fingerprint sensor, Dolby Atmos-supported dual stereo speakers, an x-axis linear vibration motor, an IR blaster, and an IP68 rating (dust and water resistance). Connectivity options on it include dual SIM, 5G, WiFi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, GNSS, NFC, and USB 3.2 Gen1.
Last but not least, the product is backed by a 4,610mAh battery and supports 90W wired, 50W wireless, and 10W reverse wireless charging standards.
Xiaomi 14 Price in India
The Xiaomi 14 is offered in a sole 12GB + 512GB memory variant in India. The device carries a price tag of ₹69,999 (~$845).
It can be availed in either Black, White, or Jade Green color options. It will be available for purchase starting at 12 PM on March 11.
The handset will be sold via Mi.com, Amazon, Flipkart, Xiaomi Home stores, and partner retail stores.
Google’s Pixel Watch 3 has been doing the rounds of the rumor mill lately. Now, the next-generation wearable device is said to pack another upgrade. Basically, it will improve the Watch Unlock functionality along with more potential use cases. This will be with the help of Ultra-WideBand connectivity. The original and second-generation Pixel Watches can already be unlocked via a Bluetooth-connected smartphone.
Pixel Watch 3 could gain UWB connectivity
The folks at 9to5Google dug into the recent version of the Play Services app and stumbled upon a new code to upgrade Watch Unlock. These reference to the ‘UWB ranging’. The publication reports that UWB is not available in some countries. Google automatically turned off this enhanced feature of WatchUnlock. It shows a notification where the connectivity protocol is unsupported.
The notification also reads “You can still use Watch Unlock but may experience a slight delay and less accuracy”. This suggests that Google is working on ultra-wideband-based faster and more accurate unlocking of the smartwatch via a connected phone. It’s worth noting that both devices need to have the necessary hardware. The Pixel 6 Pro and later come with UWB support but not the standard variants and the Pixel Watch.
Apart from faster and more accurate unlocking of the Pixel Watch 3 with the help of UWB, the connectivity protocol could also be used for digital car keys, smart home control, and smart door locks.
Recently, we learnt that the Pixel Watch 3 would come in a new 45mm size in addition to the existing 41mm variant.
Samsung is rolling out the Android 14 update for the Galaxy A52 in Asia and Europe. The latest system update for the smartphone also brings One UI 6.0.
It is the last major software update for this device. The product will only receive security patches going forward.
Samsung Galaxy A52
According to SamMobile, the Galaxy A52 Android 14 update is currently live in the following Asian, European, and Oceanic countries.
Afghanistan
Australia
Austria
Bangladesh
Croatia
France
Germany
India
Iraq
Italy
Kazakhstan
Kenya
Libya
Malaysia
Morocco
New Zealand
Pakistan
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Saudi Arabia
Serbia
Slovakia
Slovenia
South Africa
Spain
Sri Lanka
Thailand
Czech Republic
Philippines
UAE
Ukraine
Vietnam
Despite releasing in March, the update arrives with outdated January 2024 security patches. It weighs around 1.2GB in Europe, however, the size could vary in other regions. The update should be available in the remaining countries in the coming days.
For the unaware, the Galaxy A52 was introduced with Android 11 in March 2021. It was updated to Android 12 later that year followed by Android 13 in 2022.
Thus, Android 14 is its third and last Android update as the phone is only eligible for three generations of OS upgrades. Anyways, it will get security updates for one more year.
The Galaxy A52 is the last 4G-enabled Galaxy A5x series handset. It comes with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G chip, a 6.5-inch FHD+ 90Hz Super AMOLED display, a 64MP primary camera, a 32MP selfie camera, an IP67 rating, a 4,500mAh battery, and 25W charging support.
Let’s say you’re a smartphone manufacturer aiming to develop a new model. You have two options: partner with an established chipmaker like Qualcomm or MediaTek, or follow the path of Apple by designing your own custom chipset. This allows for tighter integration between software and hardware, potentially leading to better performance, a strategy successfully employed by Apple for their iPhones.
Google has taken a similar approach, developing its in house Tensor processors. Recent information suggests the Pixel 9 will feature the Tensor G4 chipset, promising improved heat and power management for an enhanced user experience. Here are the details…
Google Tensor G4 could have better heat and power management
Google is set to release the Pixel 9 smartphones later this year, featuring the Tensor G4 chip. Recent leaks suggest the G4 will offer improved heat and power management, potentially leading to cooler operation and better battery life. Rumors also indicate the G4 will be manufactured by Samsung on a 4nm process.
Early reports also suggest the Tensor G4 will offer modest upgrades over the G3. The spotlight is really on the Tensor G5, which promises to enhance the Pixel 10 series significantly. This will be Google’s first “true” custom-designed Tensor chip, with greater in-house development. Increased control over hardware and software integration should deliver a highly optimized Android experience.
This move brings Google closer to Apple’s level of vertical integration. However, it is still too early to talk about Tensor G5 and Pixel 10. Nevertheless, knowing that the Pixel 9 series will deliver performance beyond expectations is quite sufficient for us technology enthusiasts.
OnePlus has started the rollout of the OxygenOS 14.0.0.500 update for its OnePlus 9, 9 Pro, and 9RT models exclusively in the Indian market. This update introduces the February 2024 Android security patch to improve device security and improve overall system stability and performance. The update aims to fix known bugs that have caused app crashes and to improve both mobile network and Wi-Fi connectivity for a smoother user experience.
OnePlus 9 Pro and OnePlus 9
Changelog:
System
Integrates the February 2024 Android security patch to enhance system security.
Improves system stability and performance.
Fixes an issue that might cause some apps to crash.
Communication
Improves the stability of mobile network connections.
Connections
Improves the stability of Wi-Fi connections.
The update, identified by firmware versions LE2111_14.0.0.500(EX01) for the OnePlus 9, LE2121_14.0.0.500(EX01) for the OnePlus 9 Pro, and MT2111_14.0.0.500(EX01) for the OnePlus 9RT, is being distributed in stages. Initially, a limited user base will receive the update, with plans to extend the rollout to more users in the near future.
OnePlus encourages users who encounter any issues after the update to report bugs through a specialized feedback tool accessible by dialing *#800# on the Google Dialer, currently available only in India.
Generative AI has evolved rapidly over the last few years. It is slowly making its way into consumer tech devices. Samsung, Google, and Microsoft have been at the forefront of this whereas Apple is lagging quite behind in this space. Now, noted analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has made a grim prediction of the Cupertino-based tech giant should their big plans of AI fail.
Apple may lose heavily if it fails in AI space
The previous market consensus for 2024 iPhone shipments was 220-225 million units, and it has now started to fall, moving closer to my earlier prediction of 200 million units. If Apple can't launch better-than-expected GenAI services this year, Nvidia's market cap will very… https://t.co/t5r8TXXWl9pic.twitter.com/lngF9oIkuB
Currently, Apple holds the title of the ‘most valuable company in the world’. However, things don’t seem to be well for the company. Apple registered double-digit decline in shipments in the first six weeks of 2024. A lot depends on the Cupertino-based tech giant’s plans in the AI space that has been under wraps. Past reports have already revealed that this year’s iPhone 16 series will not see any major upgrades in the hardware department. Instead, iOS 18 loaded with generative AI features and perhaps touted to be the biggest update in the history of iOS is said to be the key USP of the iPhone 16 series.
Should Apple’s plans of AI fail or if they do not meet expectations, the Cupertino-based tech giant could lose out on the valuable company status to NVIDIA. This is as per analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. He adds that Apple was expected to ship between 220-225 million units this year but the prediction has now started to fall. The company could ship close to 200 million at the end of this year.
As to who could pip Apple to the world’s most valuable company tag, it’s NVIDIA which is the undisputed leader in AI computing chips. A soaring demand for AI technology made it the third-largest company last month. NVIDIA’s stock has risen 260 percent in the last year with the market cap hitting $2.06 trillion whereas Apple gained only 13 percent with the market cap at $2.77 trillion.
Apple CEO Tim Cook at an earnings call last month revealed that the company has big opportunity in the GenAI space. Although details remain scarce, everything is expected to be unveiled at WWDC keynote later in June this year.
While many of us use our smartphones for capturing photos and video, professional photographers have different needs. They rely on brands like Sony, Canon, Nikon, and RED for superior image quality and specialized features. In a major development for these professionals, Nikon has just announced the acquisition of U.S. camera maker Here are the details…
Nikon to Acquire US Cinema Camera Manufacturer RED
For those unfamiliar, RED is a U.S. based manufacturer of professional cameras, especially sought-after in the film industry. You might also recognize the RED name from their Hydrogen One smartphone launched a while back, even if you’re not a camera enthusiast. Big news: Nikon is acquiring RED.
According to the agreement, Nikon will acquire all shares of RED. The official cost of the acquisition has not been disclosed, but it is estimated to be over $1 billion, according to some sources. The completion of the acquisition requires the completion of necessary legal procedures, which is stated to take several months.
The main reason for Nikon to make this acquisition is its desire to further strengthen its position in the rapidly growing professional digital cinema camera market. Meanwhile, RED aims to grow and develop further by leveraging Nikon’s resources and production capabilities.
Acer has introduced the Swift Go 16 Pro Black Edition, a new model in its laptop range, set for release in early Q2 2024. This laptop, featuring a matt black aluminum unibody and a 16-inch OLED display, targets professionals looking for a combination of style, performance, and durability.
The Swift Go 16 Pro is equipped with 13th-generation Intel Core processors, available in two configurations. The first option includes an Intel Core i5-13420H processor paired with 16 GB of LPDDR5 memory, and the second, more powerful variant, features an Intel Core i7-13620H processor with 32 GB of LPDDR5 memory. Both versions offer 1 TB of PCIe Gen 4 SSD storage, expandable to 2 TB, catering to demanding storage and speed requirements.
One of the key highlights of these laptops is their display. They offer a 16-inch OLED screen with a 3.2K resolution, 120 Hz refresh rate, and peak brightness of 500 nits, ensuring sharp, fluid visuals with vibrant colors. This makes it suitable for both professional and creative tasks.
Connectivity options on the Swift Go 16 Pro include HDMI 2.1, a microSD card reader, and two USB Type-C ports with Thunderbolt 4, offering fast charging capabilities. The laptop also features a 1,440p webcam with temporal noise reduction and Acer PurifiedVoice technology with AI noise reduction for clear audio in video conferences.
Pricing & availability
The Acer Swift Go 16 Pro Black Edition with Intel Core i5-13420H is set to launch in early Q2 2024, priced at 1,099 euros. The i7-13620H variant, SFG16-71-782M, will also be available at the same time for 1,299 euros.
Lenovo has launched a new Yoga series laptop in India. It is the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i that first debuted at CES earlier in January this year. The machine packs some of the latest and top-notch specifications. It is different from the Yoga Slim 7i Carbon (review) Read on to know what the newest offering has in store for us.
Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i specs and features
The Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i weighs just 1.39kg. It sports an aluminum chassis with MIL-STD 810H durability against damage. The laptop features a 14-inch OLED display bearing a WUXGA resolution, a 60Hz refresh rate, and 400 nits peak brightness. It is HDR500 VEGA certified.
The Yoga Slim 7i has a full HD IR webcam with a privacy shutter. There are quad 2W speakers with Dolby Atmos. The laptop comes with a backlit keyboard.
Under the hood, the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i is equipped with the latest Intel Core Ultra 7 processor coupled with Intel Arc integrated graphics. The machine packs 32GB RAM which is not upgradeable. There is 1TB SSD storage. The laptop runs on Windows 11 OS out of the box. The Yoga Slim 7i draws its power from a four-cell 65WHr battery cell.
Connectivity options on the device include WiFI-6E, Bluetooth 5.1, HDMI 2.1 port, two USB-C ports, USB-A port, and a headphone jack.
The Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i costs Rs 1,04,999. It can be purchased from Lenovo’s official website, Lenovo Exclusive Stores, leading e-commerce websites, and other offline retail stores
Huawei is reportedly working on introducing its advanced data storage device, the OceanStor Arctic, in 2025.
The core of this new product is an innovative technology called “magneto-electric disk” or MED. However, specifics about this mysterious new type of storage are still under wraps. So the details behind the tech remain undisclosed for now.
Reportedly, Huawei’s new MED technology will support rack capacities of over 10PB while consuming less than 2kW of power. Huawei also claims a 20% cost reduction over tape storage solutions and a remarkable 90% decrease in power consumption compared to traditional hard drives.
The numbers presented by Huawei are impressive. For instance, today, a typical 42U rack can house up to 288 HDDs, capable of storing up to 8.64PB of data. Such a setup would consume around 2.88kW of power.
There are also 4U storage servers available, like the ASRock Rack 4U100-C612, which can house 100 3.5-inch hard drives and store up to 3PB of data at 1kW. However, 10 such machines would consume a significant amount of power.
Therefore, the reduced power consumption of the Huawei OceanStor Arctic stands out as a key highlight. Yet, the exact methods by which Huawei achieves such drastic power reductions with what appears to be disk-based technology remain unclear.
Furthermore, there are no details available about Huawei’s new MED technology. A report by Tom’s Hardware suggests that the underlying principle of MED technology might be the magneto-electric effect, which creates a connection between the magnetic and electric properties of a material.
However, this is just an educated guess, and we have to wait until Huawei shares the details and how it can achieve such remarkable efficiency and performance results.
Alibaba’s research team has unveiled a high-fidelity framework for image-to-video generation, named AtomoVideo. The team has shared papers and Image-to-Video examples of AtomoVideo along with samples from Runway’s Gen-2 and also Pika 1.0.
A simpler but less artifact-ridden video output
Keeping in mind that AtomoVideo is a first-generation product, the provided samples do look promising, although they are still far from looking realistic. Surprisingly, comparing it with Runway’s second generation model (Gen-1 was released on February 2023) reveals that this just-unveiled model does a better job of mitigating some weird transitions between frames.
For example, in a comparison sample of an astronaut in space, the reflective glass covering or the visor just vanished from the sample of Gen-2 as he was moving around. While AtomoVideo kept the movement relatively simpler, it didn’t generate such a result. In another comparison sample, Gen-2 depicted people vanishing while skying on the snow while Pika 1.0 showed some weird movement on the slope that is hard to define with physics. AtomoVideo, again, kept it relatively simple but managed to avoid such mistakes. Nonetheless, these comparison samples are most likely some of the curated samples instead of being randomly generated ones.
Key features of Alibaba’s AtomoVideo
Specialties of AtomoVideo include its ability to maintain high fidelity to the input image, ensure smooth motion transitions, and support the prediction of subsequent video frames. Moreover, the framework boasts compatibility with various existing T2I (Text to Image) models and offers high semantic controllability. It allows users to customize video content according to their specific preferences.
AtomoVideo achieves its remarkable performance by leveraging pre-trained T2I models as a foundation and enhancing them with one-dimensional spatiotemporal convolution and attention modules. These additional layers enable the framework to capture intricate details and styles while ensuring temporal consistency throughout the generated videos. By incorporating advanced image semantics through Cross-Attention mechanisms, AtomoVideo further enhances its ability to produce videos with precise semantic control.
Despite the impressive capabilities demonstrated by AtomoVideo, the research team has yet to provide an online platform for users to experience the technology firsthand. Nonetheless, Alibaba’s AtomoVideo framework represents a significant addition to the field of image-to-video synthesis.
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