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Li Auto unveils ambitious expansion plan for 10,000 charging stations and new vehicle offerings

Li Auto, a prominent player in China’s electric vehicle (EV) market, has revealed an ambitious roadmap for both its charging infrastructure and vehicle lineup, aiming to solidify its position as a leading provider of electric mobility solutions.

In a recent leaked document, it was seen that Li Auto’s charging station expansion plan has undergone a significant revision. Originally targeting 3,000 charging stations by 2025, the company now sets its sights on over 10,000 supercharging stations within the same timeframe. This revised strategy includes collaborative efforts with third-party partners to expedite construction, signaling a proactive approach to meet the growing demand for EV charging infrastructure.

The timeline for the supercharging station expansion is structured into distinct phases. The year 2023 marked the launch phase, initiating a ramp-up of construction efforts. By 2024, the maturation phase aims to exceed 4,000 stations, setting the stage for the “breakout” phase in 2025, which will see expansion into tier 4 and 5 cities. By 2026, Li Auto anticipates meeting the charging needs of approximately 2.16 million battery electric vehicle (BEV) owners, reflecting the company’s commitment to comprehensive infrastructure development.

Complementing its charging station expansion, Li Auto is also enhancing its vehicle offerings. Currently known for its Li L7, Li L8, and Li L9 extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs), the company is set to launch its first battery electric vehicle (BEV), the Li Mega MPV, on March 1. Additionally, plans are underway to introduce three BEV models based on a high-voltage platform in the second half of 2024, signaling a strategic shift towards all-electric mobility solutions.

In terms of sales targets, Li Auto is aiming for 800,000 annual BEV sales by 2024, with a specific focus on achieving at least 400,000 unit sales for existing models. The company has set ambitious sales goals for individual models, including a monthly target of 30,000 units for the Li L6 EREV and 8,000 units for the upcoming Li Mega BEV.

Regarding charging infrastructure coverage, Li Auto aims to cover 90% of China’s highway mileage and major cities by 2025, with further expansion planned to meet the needs of 920,000 BEV owners in tier 4 and 5 cities by the same year.

With these comprehensive expansion plans, Li Auto is poised to make significant strides in both the EV market and charging infrastructure, catering to the growing demand for sustainable transportation solutions across China.

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Check out these Xiaomi 14 Ultra’s camera samples

Xiaomi is ready to launch its Xiaomi 14 Ultra smartphone in China on February 22nd. Following in the footsteps of its predecessor, the device promises a premium photography experience. Earlier today, Xiaomi shared the camera details of the 14 Ultra. Now, the company has shared official camera samples to show the 14 Ultra’s imaging prowess.

The samples, shared on the Chinese social media platform Weibo, reveal the impressive detail and vibrant colors the Xiaomi 14 Ultra’s cameras can capture.  

Xiaomi highlighted shots from both a 50-megapixel IMX858 periscope telephoto camera (120mm focal length, 5x optical zoom) and a 50-megapixel Sony IMX858 telephoto camera (75mm focal length, 3.2x optical zoom).

The company also shared 12mm, 35mm, and 23mm shots, and again, they look equally impressive.

Though some image quality may be lost due to Weibo’s compression, the photos are promising. In addition to these powerful telephoto lenses, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra sports an improved 50-megapixel LYT-900 primary camera (a second-generation Sony one-inch sensor) with a flexible aperture ranging from f/1.63 to f/4.0. A 50-megapixel ultra-wide lens with macro photography will round out the camera system.

Beyond the cameras, leaked specifications suggest the Xiaomi 14 Ultra will have a 6.73-inch OLED 2K display with curved edges. The 120Hz refresh rate screen is expected to arrive with an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint scanner. It will run on HyperOS-based Android 14. 

Under the hood, the device gets its horsepower from a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC paired with up to 16GB LPDDR5X RAM and 1TB UFS 4.0 storage. In markets outside of China, the device is expected to be made available in up to 512GB storage models. 

The battery capacity is expected to be 5300 mAhs with 90W wired and 50-watt wireless charging onboard.

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Older CPUs or PCs may lose out on future Windows 11 updates

Microsoft may soon prevent the next major Windows 11 update (known as 24H2) from running on very old computers. This change is due to a newly discovered requirement for the POPCNT instruction, which many older CPUs do not support.

POPCNT is a CPU instruction used to count the number of set bits in a value. It has applications in cryptography and has been present in CPUs for decades.

windows 11 old cpu
Microsoft releases Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22635.2915 with 6 exciting features to the Beta Channel

Intel introduced POPCNT with its Nehalem architecture in 2008 and AMD with its Barcelona architecture in 2007. If your computer uses a CPU manufactured before those dates, there’s a possibility that it may no longer be compatible with future Windows 11 updates.

Since Microsoft already restricts Windows 11 installation to relatively modern processors (8th generation Intel chips or newer), this potential change won’t impact most users.

However, those who have bypassed Windows 11 hardware restrictions on older systems could run into problems during the next major update.

It’s unclear if this change is intentional or an accidental result of including newer CPU instructions during the development process.

A similar incident occurred recently in Windows 10, leading to compatibility problems for some older processors.

Microsoft has not yet officially commented on this situation. This development underscores Microsoft’s increasing focus on stricter hardware requirements for its operating systems.

Users with significantly older computers may want to consider the upcoming limitations if they plan to continue using Windows 11 long-term.

However, as mentioned earlier, Microsoft has restricted Windows 11 installation to compatible devices since its launch. So, if you’ve checked the compatibility list, there’s no need to worry; your device will continue to work normally.

Currently, Microsoft is finalizing the 24H2 version, slated for release to manufacturers (RTM) by April. If you’re eager to try out the 2024 update ahead of time, you can install the Insider Preview build of Windows 11 version 24H2 (Build 26052) through the Dev or Canary channel.

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ZTE launched its first vertically foldable device, the Libero Flip, with Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 for 63,000 yen (~$420)

ZTE, in collaboration with SoftBank’s subsidiary Y!mobile, has unveiled the Libero Flip, the brand’s first vertical folding 5G phone. This phone is priced at 63,000 yen (approximately $420). With pre-orders already underway, the Libero Flip is set to hit the shelves on February 29, offering consumers a glimpse into the future of mobile communication.

ZTE Libero Flip is powered by Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 and offers 6GB+128GB configuration

At the heart of the Libero Flip lies the Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 mobile platform. This device comes with a single storage configuration of 6GB RAM and 128GB internal storage. The device sports a sizable 6.9-inch internal screen with a resolution of 2790×1188, complemented by a convenient 1.43-inch circular external screen. This external display supports a range of functionalities, including camera usage for selfies, step tracking, weather updates, and music playback control.

Camera

In terms of imaging, the Libero Flip comes with a 50-megapixel main sensor and a 2-megapixel depth-of-field lens. On the front, it offers a 16-megapixel shooter for selfies. Notably, this phone can rest between 60-110 degrees enabling you to use the camera placing it on a table for motionless crisp photos.

Design and build

Design-wise, ZTE offers the Libero Flip in three stylish color options: gold, white, and blue. This phone comes with a sleek body measuring 76mm in width and a slim profile of 7.3mm when unfolded (15.5mm when folded). It weighs 214g and features an IP42 dust and water resistance rating.

In terms of battery life, the Libero Flip packs a robust 4310mAh capacity and supports 33W QC4+/PD3.0 fast charging. The device can be fully charged in 73 minutes. For secure unlocking, this device features a side-mounted fingerprint scanner and face recognition. With support for Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, and FeliCa-compatible NFC functionality, the Libero Flip offers a comprehensive suite of connectivity options.

Significant in the context of the ZTE Libero Flip, another clamshell foldable from its once subsidiary brand Nubia appeared on the IMEI database as Nubia Flip 5G with model number NX724J in December last year. It received the 3C certification yesterday with 33W charging support. This Nubia Flip 5G could be a rebranded version of the ZTE Libero Flip. However, no official announcement has been made yet regarding the release date of the Nubia Flip 5G.

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OnePlus CPH2613 arrives on BIS ahead of India launch

Renders of a mysterious OnePlus smartphone were leaked earlier this month. This device bears model number CPH2613.

The aforementioned phone has now been certified by BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards). Hence, we can expect it to launch in India soon.

OnePlus CPH2613

Not much is known about this product, except for its design and cameras. Also, it is anticipated to be a Nord series smartphone.

The handset will arrive with a flat frame body. It will be fitted with a centered punch-hole display on the front. While the back panel will house a vertically aligned dual-camera system.

The power and volume keys will sit on the right side. Whereas, the left edge will not include an alert slider.

Finally, the USB Type-C port, speaker grille, and primary microphone hole will be located at the bottom. Whereas, the secondary microphone hole and an IR blaster will be placed at the top.

Going by the design characteristics, the device could be either the OnePlus Nord CE 5 or the OnePlus Nord CE 5 Lite. These two phones are tipped to launch in the coming weeks.

As per Camera FV-5, one of the two cameras on the handset’s rear will be a 50MP sensor. While on the front, it will sport a 16MP selfie camera.

According to previous reports, the Nord CE 5 and Nord CE 5 Lite will be powered by Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 and Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipsets, respectively. 

These phones were earlier said to be called the Nord CE 4 series as they will succeed the Nord CE 3 lineup. But now it appears just like most Chinese companies, OnePlus will skip the number ‘4’ as it is considered a bad omen in Chinese culture.

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Edifier launches Comfo Fit II open-ear earbuds in China for just 499 yuan (~$70)

Edifier, a company largely known for audio products, has released the Comfo Fit II in China. The new model serves as a successor to the Comfo Fit open-ear buds launched last year.

The Comfo Fit II keeps the distinctive design of its predecessor while also maintaining the same price point.  Let’s get into the detail here. 

Specifications

Unlike traditional earbuds that fit snugly inside the ear canal, the Comfo Fit II adopts a two-part design. The front portion houses the speaker unit, while the rear contains the necessary electronic components. Edifier highlights that this open-ear style ensures a comfortable fit, even during extended listening periods.

Edifier Comfo Fit II Earbuds Launch

The earbuds use Bluetooth 5.3 technology for connectivity and feature a large 18x11mm “track-shaped” speaker unit for audio.  Internally, Edifier has included a specialized structure to mitigate sound leakage and uses a PU and fiber paper composite diaphragm. These design choices aim to deliver clear and balanced audio.

The Comfo Fit II also offers a feature called “dynamic audio compensation,” specifically intended to enrich low-frequency sounds. Additionally, users can further personalize their listening experience by selecting different sound modes through the Edifier Connect app.

Edifier claims an impressive battery life for the Comfo Fit II. As per the brand, the buds can offer up to 40 hours of playback time when paired with the charging case. 

The earbuds support a quick-charging feature so you can get 3 hours of listening time with only a 15-minute charge.  Last but not least, the Comfo Fit II boasts an IP55 rating for protection against dust and water splashes.

Price and Availability

Edifier Comfo Fit II is launched in China for 499 yuan (~ USD 70). You can purchase it from the e-commerce platform Jingdong (JD.com). There are no details at this time on the pricing and availability information for the headset in the global market.

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Noise ColorFit Macro Pre-Orders are now live in India, starts from Rs 1,499

Noise recently announced the new ColorFit Macro, which is its latest smartwatch model in the Indian market. Now, the company has officially kicked off the pre-order for the new wearable in the region. So here are all the details.

Noise ColorFit Macro Pre-Order

The Noise ColorFit Macro has been announced for a starting price tag of 1,499 INR (roughly 18 US Dollars). Buyers that pre-order this device will also get an additional 100 INR off on their purchase. The pre-order is currently live on Amazon India and is available for every variant of this device. To recall, this includes the silicon strap variants (Mist Gray, Jet Black, and Space Blue), the leather strap options (Classic Black and Classic Brown), and the metallic strap version (Black Link and Silver Link).

Noise ColorFit Macro

The silicone strap have a 1,499 INR price tag, while the leather and metal options go for 1,599 INR and 1,699 INR respectively. To recall, the Noise ColorFit Macro features a 2-inch HD TFT LCD panel that features a 2.5D curved glass on top. It offers over 200 watch faces and more than 115 sports modes as well. The wearable offers Bluetooth Calling and has a built-in microphone and speaker.

The device comes with support for various sensors for heart rate tracking, blood oxygen mapping, stress levels tracking, sleep monitoring, and it can even track female menstrual cycles as well. ANother notable feature includes IP67 rating for water and dust resistance.

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Samsung celebrates twin panda cubs with special Galaxy Buds 2 Pro edition

Samsung has unveiled a unique “Twin Bao” edition of its Galaxy Buds 2 Pro in South Korea. This special release draws inspiration from the recent birth of twin panda cubs, Hui Bao and Rui Bao, at Samsung’s Everland theme park.

The limited-edition package includes the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro and adorable Twin Bao cases. Alternatively,  consumers can also purchase the cases separately, if they want. 

Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro Twin Bao edition

Samsung has paired the two color variants of the buds with two distinct cases. The graphite Galaxy Buds 2 Pro is accompanied by the Rui Bao case, while the white version comes with the Hui Bao case.

Born on July 7th, 2023, the cubs’ names mean “shining treasure” (Hui Bao) and “wise treasure” (Rui Bao). The Twin Bao cases meticulously reflect the pandas’ facial features and markings. 

This playful edition retails for KRW 195,000 ($146) on Samsung.com starting February 21st, 2024.  The cases alone cost KRW 42,900 ($32) and fit Galaxy Buds FE, Live, 2, and Pro models.

Want to see them in person?  The Galaxy Buds 2 Pro Twin Bao edition is on display at select Samsung retail stores in South Korea, including Samsung Gangnam, Bucheon Jung-dong, Starfield Hanam, The Hyundai Seoul, and more. 

Galaxy Buds 2 Pro Twin Panda edition

In terms of specifications, the new Twin Bao edition of the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro boasts the same features as the standard model. This includes active Noise Cancellation (ANC) of up to 33dB, transparency mode, and Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity.

They’re also designed to withstand water and splashes with IPX7 water resistance. For audio quality, each bud is equipped with 10mm drivers that deliver 24-bit Hi-Fi sound and 360-degree audio.

Additionally, they come with a Dolby Head Tracking feature and three microphones to ensure clear voice transmission during calls. With ANC turned off, the battery life lasts up to 8 hours on a single charge, and with the charging case, it extends to up to 29 hours.

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ASUS Zenfone 11 Ultra may launch soon, gets certified in Europe

ASUS is gearing up to unveil a new flagship grade smartphone dubbed the Zenfone 11 Ultra soon. But while an official release date is still unclear, a European certification hints that the launch might be right around the corner.

ASUS Zenfone 11 Ultra visits EEC

The Taiwanese brand’s upcoming Zenfone 11 Ultra model was certified on the EEC certification platform. It was spotted carrying the model number AI2401 and could be a rebranded version of the ROG Phone 8. Unfortunately, finer details regarding this device like its specifications were not revealed in this database. But based on what we know so far, a GeekBench listing revealed that it is equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.

ASUS Zenfone 11 Ultra

The benchmarking platform also confirmed that it runs on the Android 14 OS out of the box and offers at least one variant with 16GB of RAM. It managed to score 2226 and 6949 points in the single core and multi core tests respectively. The smartphone was even spotted on the Google Play Console, SDPPI, and Bluetooth SIG certifications recently.

In another report, we also covered the leaked high resolution renders of the upcoming Zenfone 11 Ultra. Its color variants can be seen as well, which includes Eternal Black, Skyline Blue, Misty Gray, Verdure Green, and Desert Sienna. Unfortunately, this is all the information we have at the moment so stick around for more, as we will be providing updates when additional information or leaks surface regarding this device.

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OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite gets a Rs 2000 price cut in India

OnePlus has just announced that it will be officially slashing the price tag of one of its popular Nord smartphone models. The device in question is the Nord CE 3 Lite, so here is everything you need to know.

OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite Price Cut in India

As per official notes, the Chinese smartphone maker is lowering the Nord CE 3 Lite’s pricing in the region by 2,000 INR. In other words, the device now starts from just 17,999 INR for its base variant that offers 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage. To recall, the Nord CE 3 Lite was first announced back in April 2023 as a mid range handset with a starting price tag of 19,999 INR.

It is worth noting that this is a permanent price cut and not a limited time deal. So, the higher end 8GB + 256GB variant is also available for a new 19,999 INR price tag, down from the original 21,999 INR pricing. The smartphone with the updated cost is currently listed on Amazon India as well as the brand’s official Indian website.

The Nord CE 3 Lite is sold in a Pastel Lime and Chromatic Gray color option. It sports a tall 6.73-inch IPS LCD panel that offers a 120Hz refresh rate and Full HD+ resolution. The device is equipped with the Snapdragon 695 SoC and runs on the Android 13 OS out of the box. A large 5,000mAh battery pack powers this model, which also supports 67W wired fast charging. The rear packs a 108-megapixel triple camera setup, while the front offers a 16-megapixel selfie shooter.

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Amazfit Active Edge smartwatch with Zepp Coach AI workout assistant launching soon in India

After its global debut back in October 2023, the Amazfit Active Edge smartwatch is now about to launch in India. It features a rugged design and an AI workout assistant. Earlier this month, the brand debuted the Amazfit Active smartwatch in India as well.

Amazfit Active Edge

Amazfit Active Edge specs & features

The smartwatch features a rugged design that comes with 10 ATM water resistance, meaning that you don’t need to take it off while swimming or diving up to 100 meters. It has a 1.32″ (360 x 360 pixels) LCD display, offering 100+ watch faces. It will be available in three color options: Lava Black, Midnight Pulse, and Mint Green.

Amazfit Active Edge

The smartwatch comes with built-in navigation solutions with 5 satellite positioning systems and route navigations. It operates on Zepp OS 2.1 offering Zepp Coact AI workout assistant. 130+ sports modes are included on the watch with auto-detection for 7 sports modes – Outdoor running, treadmill, walking, indoor walking, outdoor cycling, running machine, and elliptical. The watch also has auto-detection for 25-strength exercises.

The watch also promises up to 16 days of battery life with typical use. Health features include heart rate and blood oxygen monitoring as well as stress detection.

Pricing & availability

While the pricing of the smartwatch has not been revealed yet, it is confirmed to be available on Amazon India. The Active Edge smartwatch is expected to be slightly cheaper than the Amazfit Active smartwatch which launched for Rs 12,999 earlier this month.

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Tecno Pova 6 gets Malaysia’s SIRIM certification ahead of launch

Tecno is gearing up to launch the Pova 6 series smartphone during MWC 2024. Ahead of the launch, this smartphone has been popping up on certification sites, with the latest appearance being on Malaysia’s SIRIM certification.

The Tecno Pova 6, identified with the certification code L17, is part of a lineup that also includes the Tecno Pova 6 Neo and Pova 6 Pro 5G, which are expected to carry the model numbers L16 and L19 respectively.

Tecno Pova 6 SIRIM certification
Tecno Pova 6 SIRIM certification.

Both the standard and Pro variants recently received the Declaration of Conformity from Europe. This certification listing revealed some key features, such as a hefty 6,000mAh battery and potential support for 70W fast charging. However, detailed specifications for the Tecno Pova 6 are still under wraps.

Previously, the Tecno Pova 6 Pro was spotted on the NBTC certification platform, suggesting the device will also launch in Thailand. 

The Pova 6 Pro 5G, expected to be the highlight of the series, appeared on the Google Play Console listing recently. The listing reveals that the smartphone will feature a Full HD+ display, run on the latest Android 14 operating system, boast 12GB of RAM, and be powered by a Dimensity 6080 chipset.

Beyond smartphones, Tecno’s presence at MWC 2024 will showcase a diverse array of products. 

This includes the unveiling of the Megabook T16 Pro 2024 Ultra notebook, the innovative Dynamic 1 intelligent dog, a Windows-based Pocket Go handheld gaming console, and a concept model of the Tecno Phantom Ultimate, which will feature a unique rollable display.

We’ll make sure to keep you informed about any more updates on Tecno’s upcoming devices.

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Vivo Y200e is the first in India to feature durable Eco-Fiber leather design

Vivo has officially teased its upcoming Vivo Y200e smartphone model. The device is set to launch in India soon. But prior to its official release, the company has confirmed one of its highlighting aspects, which is its new Eco-Fiber leather design.

Vivo Y200e Eco-Fiber Leather Back

The Chinese tech giant shared a teaser image on X (formerly Twitter). In the tweet, the brand announced that the Vivo Y200e is the first smartphone in India to feature the durable Eco-Fiber leather panel on the back. This basically means that the device will feature a faux leather design on the rear, which adds to its premium feel. The teaser also showcases the smartphone with the Eco-Fiber leather in an orange color variant.

Vivo Y200e

For those unaware, it is expected to arrive in a Blue color option as well, but this design could be exclusive to the orange version. Vivo is set to announce the new handset on 22nd February 2024. However, a recent leak revealed most of its key specifications last week. It is expected to sport a tall 6.7-inch AMOLED display that offers Ful HD+ resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate.

Under the hood, the Y200e is equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 SoC that is paired with up to 8GB of RAM. A large 5,000mAh battery pack is rumored to power this device, which may also offer 44W wired fast charging. The rear packs a 50-megapixel triple camera setup, while the front house a 16-megapixel selfie shooter. This is all the information we have at the moment so stay tuned for more as we will be covering the launch event later this week.

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Chinese Giant BYD is Planning to Launch Even More Luxury EV Models This Year

BYD, short for Build Your Dreams, is constantly making headlines with its remarkable rise in the electric vehicle (EV) and battery technology sector. Originating from China, the company has transformed from a modest battery manufacturer into a global powerhouse in electric transportation. The company’s success is attributed to its innovative approach to EVs, including passenger cars, buses, and trucks, as well as its advancements in rechargeable batteries. With an expanding global footprint, BYD is not only leading China’s electric dream but also challenging established automotive giants worldwide.

BYD made this statement in a recent Hong Kong Stock Exchange Filing.

The company has recently announced plans to roll out luxury car models starting this year. The news comes from a recent statement BYD made in a Hong Kong Stock Exchange filing, pointing towards its strategy to focus on quality and make more money from its cars. This might be BYD’s biggest year to date.

BYD’s Yangwang U7

The move is a big step for the Chinese giant, showcasing its ambition to mix it up with high-end car brands. By venturing into the luxury car space, BYD is not just broadening its range but also aiming to offer something special in terms of quality and innovation.

This decision to enter the luxury market could shake things up, offering car buyers more choices. Last year the company launched some pretty high-end models, such as the YangWang U8 Luxury EV. Given BYD’s expertise in electric technology, it’s likely their luxury cars will bring something new to the table, especially for those looking for eco-friendly options without compromising on luxury.

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China Mobile Makes History, Launches First-Ever 6G Test Satellite

On February 3, China Mobile made headlines by launching the first-ever satellite aimed at testing 6G technology, placing the telecom giant at the forefront of exploring new sectors in communication. The satellite, which orbits the Earth at a relatively close distance, is meant to test the waters for what could be the next big thing in global telecom.

The satellite will orbit our planet from only 500 kilometers up

The satellite is unique because it’s designed to orbit the Earth much closer than most, at about 500 kilometers up. This low-earth orbit means it can send and receive data much faster and more reliably than satellites that are farther away. The technology on board, developed alongside the Chinese Academy of Sciences, is groundbreaking. It’s built with homegrown tech that can update itself from space and manage its operations automatically, making it both smart and efficient.

China
Image Credits: Chinadaily.com.cn

The idea behind this satellite isn’t just about testing new tech; it’s about solving real-world problems. Today, many places around the world still struggle with poor internet because the signal from far-away satellites isn’t strong enough. A new satellite could change that, making fast internet available everywhere.

China Mobile is not stopping here. They plan to keep testing this technology to see how it can best connect space to the ground, making our global communication network faster and more accessible to everyone. This launch is actually a huge win for the future of communication, potentially making the dream of high-speed internet available to every corner of the globe a reality.

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Apple to be Fined over $500 Million by the European Union, Report States

Apple is on the brink of receiving another significant penalty from the European Union, with reports suggesting a fine nearing 500 million euros ($539 million). It seems like the trillion-dollar company cannot catch a break, as this move joins a long list in the EU’s ongoing commitment to enforcing its laws vigorously.

The commission stated that Apple’s App Store policies are unfair to developers

At the heart of the issue is Apple’s App Store, which, according to last year’s allegations by the European Commission, has been playing an unfair game in the music streaming arena. The commission pointed out that Apple’s App Store policies unfairly restrict developers. These rules stop developers from letting users know about alternative purchasing options, which could potentially offer better deals or features.

Apple-logo

This case is not just about the fine, substantial as it may be; it’s a reminder of the thin line tech giants must walk when it comes to regulatory compliance. For Apple, known for its strict control over its ecosystem, this could signal a need for a strategic change to ensure its policies align more closely with the EU’s standards – and especially to avoid any future fines.

The fine, expected to be officially announced in the coming month, has yet to elicit a response from either the European Commission or Apple. The company’s journey from here will be closely watched, as it struggles with the challenges of adapting to regulatory demands while maintaining its position as a leader in the industry. This massive $500 million fine may just be one costly reminder in a line of many. Who knows? All we can do is wait and see how Apple deals with this.

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BYD launches Qin Plus Champion Edition models starting from 79,800 Yuan ($11,000)

BYD, a pioneering force in the electric vehicle (EV) market, has once again captured the spotlight with the official launch of the BYD Qin PLUS Champion Edition. This latest offering from BYD comes with an array of cutting-edge features and innovations. A new BYD Qin Plus model was revealed through spy photos back in September last year.

It comes in two variants: the DM-i version and the EV version

The DM-i version presents five models, priced between 79,800 yuan to 125,800 yuan, while the EV version offers five models ranging from 109,800 yuan to 139,800 yuan. With these models, BYD aims to herald a new era where electricity triumphs over conventional fuels.

The DM-i version of the Qin PLUS Champion Edition showcases BYD’s super hybrid technology, which delivers an “unparalleled” driving experience characterized by speed, economy, silence, smoothness, and environmental friendliness. It takes only 7.3 seconds for the car to reach zero to 100 kilometers per hour and bring it back to zero. The fuel consumption is also as low as 3.8 liters per 100 kilometers. This hybrid marvel offers a comprehensive range of 1,245 kilometers.

On the other hand, the EV version of the Qin PLUS Honor Edition is powered by the advanced e-platform 3.0 core technology, coupled with an eight-in-one electric powertrain and a high-efficiency heat pump system. This EV variant ensures optimal performance and safety with its “high-safety” blade battery.

Externally, the Qin PLUS Honor Edition maintains the sleek design of its predecessors while introducing a refreshing white-glazed green exterior color. Inside the cabin, passengers will find themselves immersed in luxury and convenience, with features such as a suspended central control screen, full LCD instrument panel, and the DiLink intelligent network connection system. Notable additions to the Qin PLUS Honor Edition include upgraded intelligent power on and off across the entire series.

Moreover, the Qin PLUS Honor Edition offers an impressive array of standard and optional features, including leather seats/steering wheel, automatic air conditioning, LED headlights, keyless entry/start, exterior rearview mirror adjustment/heating, reversing camera, automatic parking, and more. High-end models elevate the driving experience further with amenities such as 360° panoramic images, wireless phone charging, electric driver adjustment, electric sunroof, L2 intelligent driving assistance system, and external discharge function.

In terms of powertrain options, the DM-i version provides a plug-in hybrid system with a 1.5L engine and a motor, offering two pure electric range variants of 55km and 120km. Meanwhile, the EV variant is equipped with two power motors ranging from 100kW to 150kW and a lithium iron phosphate blade battery pack, delivering impressive cruising ranges of up to 610 kilometers.

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Nubia Flip 5G receives 3C certification with 33W charging

Amidst reports of smartphone brands halting their foldable projects, Nubia is bucking the trend by pushing forward with its own foldable devices. Nubia is said to be diligently working on not just one, but two foldable designs: a clamshell type and a book style.

The Nubia Flip 5G, rumored to be the company’s first clamshell folding phone, has recently surfaced in China’s 3C certification records. The certification hints at an impending launch for the device, adding to the anticipation surrounding it. 

According to the certification, the Nubia Flip 5G with model number NX724J will support 33W fast charging, although it’s uncertain whether wireless charging will be part of its features. 

The listing also reveals that the device may ship with a power adapter bearing the STC-A5111530AC model number. Based on this development, it’s reasonable to expect a China release first. 

Further details regarding the Nubia Flip 5G’s specifications are currently scarce. More information about its processor, camera system, and other features will likely surface in the near future though leaks and further certifications.

The Nubia Flip 5G smartphone could debut alongside the Nubia Z60 Fold, the company’s book-style foldable. It is rumored to be equipped with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and AMOLED displays on both its front and back.

Likewise, the device is likely to be powered by a large 5000mAh battery with support for fast 100W charging. 

Additionally, both of Nubia’s upcoming foldable devices have previously appeared in the IMEI database listings. The Nubia Z60 Fold is listed with the model number NX801J, while the Nubia Flip 5G goes by the moniker NX724J. This indicates that Nubia is well on its way to launching these devices. However, there’s no official announcement yet regarding their release dates.

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Xiaomi 14 Ultra global color options officially revealed ahead of launch

Xiaomi has big launch events lined up for its upcoming flagship called the Xiaomi 14 Ultra. In China, the device will launch on February 22, while it will be made official on February 25 for the rest of the global market. Ahead of the launch, Xiaomi’s founder and CEO Lei Jun has revealed what color options of the 14 Ultra will be headed to the global market.

In a recent tweet on X, Lei Jun revealed images of two color options for the Xiaomi 14 Ultra: Black and White. For now, these are believed to be the only two options headed to the global market. The domestic Chinese market is reported to get a special Titanium color variant.

The brand has recently teased details about the 14 Ultra’s primary, telephoto, and periscope cameras as well. More details are expected to be teased as we get closer to the Feb 22 launch date. That being said, German publication Winfuture has already leaked all the key specifications of the device a couple of days back.

Xiaomi 14 Ultra specs (rumored):

As per the leak, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra will feature a 6.74″ AMOLED panel with featuring 3200 x 1440p resolution and 120Hz refresh rate. The display is said to offer HDR10+, with a maximum brightness of around 3,000 nits.

Under the hood, the device will have a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC paired with up to 16GB LPDDR5X RAM and 1TB UFS 4.0 storage. In markets outside of China, the device is expected to be made available in up to 512GB storage models. The battery capacity is expected to be 5,300 nits with 90W wired and 50-watt wireless charging onboard.

All that said, the main attraction will be the camera system said to feature 50-megapixel sensors for the primary, ultra-wide, and two telephoto cameras with 3.2x and 5x zoom. The main camera will feature a 1-inch sensor that allows for more light to be captured for better picture and video quality.

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Huawei Pocket 2 launch date revealed, here’s what to expect

Huawei unveiled the P50 Pocket, its first-ever clamshell phone with a foldable screen, in December 2021 in China. The Huawei Pocket S, a sub-flagship offering, followed in 2022. Today, the brand confirmed on its Weibo handle that its next clamshell phone, the Huawei Pocket 2, will debut at 2 pm (local time) on February 22nd in China. The company has not released any official specifications for the device. However, recent reports have leaked a lot of key information. Here is a look at what to expect from the Pocket 2.

Huawei Pocket 2: What’s known so far+

Huawei Pocket 2 launch date
Huawei Pocket 2 launch date

As per reports, the Huawei Pocket 2 will have a similar design language as the P50 Pocket and Pocket S, meaning it will have two circular modules on the back, one for the triple camera unit and the other one for the secondary display.

The Pocket 2 is expected to arrive in three shades, such as white, black, and purple. It is speculated that the purple variant may have a leather finish, while the other two shades may feature a glass back. Rumors also claim that there could be a customized version of the device with “Art” branding.

In terms of specifications, the Pocket 2 is reported to feature a 4,520mAh battery with 66W fast charging capability. If these rumors are accurate, it would make it the clamshell phone with the largest battery capacity to date.

The predecessor Pocket models lacked support for 5G connectivity. However, the inclusion of the Kirin 9000S chip is expected to enable 5G connectivity on the Pocket 2. The device is expected to ship with up to 12 GB of RAM and 512 GB of storage. In addition, it is expected to offer other features, such as support for messaging via satellite connectivity and a waterproof build.

Huawei is set to unveil the Freelace Pro 2 Bluetooth neckband alongside the Pocket 2. However, specific details about the device are currently limited.

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