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.
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.
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
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.
The Xiaomi outdoor camera CW500 is now available for pre-order on Xiaomi Mall. Priced at 299 yuan (~Rs. 3,500), this surveillance device boasts an array of advanced features tailored to meet the demands of outdoor security. Scheduled for release on February 21st, the CW500 promises improved performance, combining state-of-the-art technology with robust construction for reliable outdoor monitoring.
Xiaomi outdoor camera CW500 offers 3K output from a 5 MP camera with f/1.6 large aperture
At the heart of the Xiaomi outdoor camera CW500 is its 3K ultra-clear image quality, powered by a 5-megapixel camera and an f/1.6 large aperture lens. This ensures crisp, detailed footage, even in challenging lighting conditions. With HDR high-dynamic video capabilities, the CW500 effectively balances exposure, preserving essential details in both bright and dark environments.
Equipped with an intelligent full-color night vision function, the CW500 ensures clear and vibrant imaging even in low-light conditions. Humanoid and vehicle detection, coupled with audible and visual alarms, provide timely alerts and deterrence against potential intruders. The IP66 professional dust-proof and waterproof rating guarantees the camera’s resilience against adverse weather conditions, ensuring uninterrupted operation year-round.
The CW500’s connectivity features are equally impressive, with dual-band Wi-Fi 6 technology enhancing signal strength and range for seamless HD video streaming. Network cable connection options further ensure stable data transmission. The built-in Mijia security chip offers robust encryption and protection of user data.
Users can adjust the viewing angle of the CW500 effortlessly via the Mijia App
Flexibility is key with the CW500’s horizontal and vertical dual pan-tilt design, enabling users to adjust viewing angles effortlessly via the Mijia App. Two-way voice communication, enhanced by AI noise reduction, facilitates clear audio transmission, even in noisy outdoor environments.
Beyond surveillance, the CW500 offers creative possibilities with its time-lapse photography function, capturing the beauty of outdoor scenery over time. Multi-terminal viewing support allows remote access via smartphones, tablets, touchscreen speakers, and Xiaomi TVs, ensuring convenience and accessibility. With versatile storage options including local, cloud, and NAS, the CW500 adapts to various installation scenarios, offering flexibility and convenience.
In conclusion, the Xiaomi outdoor camera CW500 combines advanced features, robust construction, and user-friendly design to deliver peace of mind.
Xiaomi is set to announce the Xiaomi 14 Ultra globally on Feb. 25. However, the brand will first hold a dedicated launch event in China on Feb. 22 to unveil its most premium flagship phone. Yesterday, Xiaomi released several images showcasing the device’s design. Today, the company confirmed details of the primary, telephoto, and periscope zoom camera units.
Xiaomi 14 Ultra camera specifications
Xiaomi has confirmed that the Xiaomi 14 Ultra will be equipped with a 50-megapixel LYT-900 primary camera. It is the second-generation one-inch Sony camera sensor, which succeeds the Sony IMX989 primary camera that was made available on the Xiaomi 13 Ultra last year. The main camera of the 14 Ultra supports a variable aperture of f/1.63 to f/4.0.
When it comes to telephoto shots, the 14 Ultra will offer users a 50-megapixel IMX858 camera sensor that offers an f/1.8 aperture, 75mm focal length, and a 3.2x optical zoom. The company further confirmed that the 14 Ultra will feature a 50-megapixel Sony IMX858 periscope telephoto camera that offers an f/2.5 aperture, a 120mm focal length, and a 5x optical zoom.
The company is yet to confirm the details of the ultra-wide lens of the 14 Ultra. The device will likely inherit the 50-megapixel ultra-wide lens with macro photography capabilities that were seen on the predecessor model.
As far as other specs are concerned, reports have revealed that the Xiaomi 14 Ultra will have a 6.73-inch AMOLED 2K 120Hz display, a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, and a 5,300mAh battery that supports 90W wired and 50W wireless charging. The device is expected to run on Android 14 with a layer of HyperOS on top. For selfies, the device is likely to feature a 32-megapixel front-facing camera. Lastly, it is expected to ship with up to 16 GB of LPDDR5x RAM and up to 1 TB of UFS 4.0 storage.
Last month, Realme unveiled the Realme 12 Pro and 12 Pro+ for the global market, including India. At that time, the Chinese division of the brand claimed that the Realme 12 Pro series would debut in February in China. Today, the brand officially confirmed that the series will break cover at 2pm (local time) Feb. 27 in China.
Realme 12 Pro, 12 Pro+ specifications
Realme 12 Pro China launch date
The Realme 12 Pro and 12 Pro+ for China are expected to pack the same specs as their global variants. Both devices have a 6.7-inch AMOLED curved-edge display that offers an FHD+ resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, and an under-display fingerprint scanner. Both phones have a 5,000mAh battery with 67W fast charging. The two devices are powered by the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 and 7s Gen 2 chipsets, respectively.
The Realme 12 Pro series ships with up to 12 GB of RAM and up to 256 GB of storage in the global market. The Pro model has a 16-megapixel camera on the front, and its back panel has a 50-megapixel Sony IMX882 main camera with OIS support, an 8-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and a 32-megapixel Sony IMX709 telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom.
On the other hand, the Realme 12 Pro+ has a 32-megapixel Sony IMX709 front-facing camera. The back panel of the device has a 50-megapixel Sony IMX890 primary camera with OIS support, an 8-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and a 64-megapixel Ov64 periscope telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom. The series ships with the Realme UI 5-based Android 14.
Realme has started teasing the Realme 12+ 5G smartphone in India. The said device is confirmed to launch on Feb. 29 in Malaysia. Since the device’s specifications have already appeared through TENAA certification in China, it appears that the device may break cover with the 12 Pro and 12 Pro+ on Feb. 27 in China. The 12+ is expected to arrive with a 6.7-inch AMOLED FHD+ 120Hz flat display, a Dimensity 7050 chipset, a 5,000mAh battery with 67W fast charging, a 16-megapixel front camera, and a 50-megapixel + 8-megapixel + 2-megapixel triple camera system on the back.
Several reports have been claiming that Xiaomi is gearing up to launch a new tablet in China. Today, the brand finally confirmed that it will announce a flagship tablet dubbed the Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro alongside the Xiaomi 14 Ultra on Feb. 22 in China. The brand released the following posters to confirm the design and key specifications of the new tablet.
Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro key specifications
The official images released by the brand only look at the front design of the Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro. However, the device may likely sport the same design language as the Pad 6, Pad 6 Pro, and Pad 6 Max tablets that were announced last year. As can be seen, Xiaomi will also offer accessories like a magnetic keyboard and a stylus for the buyers of the Pad 6S Pro.
The Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro is confirmed to feature a 12.4-inch LCD panel that will produce a 3K resolution, an aspect ratio of 3:2, a 144Hz refresh rate, and 900 nits of peak brightness. The tablet will draw power from the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, and its topmost configuration will have 16 GB of RAM and 1 TB of storage.
Xiaomi is yet to reveal the battery size of the Pad 6S Pro, but it has confirmed that it will support 120W fast charging. In addition, the tablet will offer seamless connectivity with other Xiaomi devices as it will come preloaded with the HyperOS-based Android. In addition, the tablet will support Wi-Fi 7 connectivity.
There is no information about the camera capabilities of the Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro. The tablet may likely inherit the 50-megapixel + 2-megapixel rear camera setup and a 20-megapixel front camera that was made available on the Pad 6 Pro / Max models. The Pad 6 6S Pro has also bagged a couple of certifications for the global market, which suggests that it will also be released in markets outside of China.
Samsung Galaxy F15 teaser images were revealed by Samsung a few days ago, and now some specs and the launch date of the upcoming affordable Galaxy F15 have emerged. Samsung Galaxy F15 will be unveiled on February 22nd in India.
Leaked Galaxy F15 posters reveal specs
Recenty shared details by Smartprix have revealed some specs of Samsung Galaxy F15. The phone will have a classic Samsung design that we all know and is expected to be come with MediaTek Dimensity 6100+, making it a faster phone than the Galaxy A15 with Dimensity 720 chipset.
The Galaxy F15 will come with a 6000 mAh battery and 25W fast charging, featuring a USB-C charging port. It will have a triple camera setup, although Smartprix did not disclose the camera specs, this camera setup is very likely to include a wide-angle camera, an ultrawide-angle camera, and a macro camera.
Galaxy F15 specs
With the S24 lineup, Samsung has committed to providing 7 years of software support, and it seems this promise will even extend to budget-friendly devices. The Galaxy F15 is expected to receive updates until 2027, along with security patch updates for five years. It’s not good as the S24 series but 4 years of software updates for an entry level device is quite good news.
Live Focus
Another detail in the leaked promotional images of the Galaxy F15 is a feature called “Live Focus.” Thanks to artificial intelligence, users can activate the Live Focus feature during a call to eliminate background noise.
The display specifications of the upcoming phone are currently unknown, but it is expected to have a 6.5-inch display with a 90 Hz refresh rate. The pricing information is not yet confirmed as well, but we can easily say that Samsung’s new entry-level device will be budget-friendly.
WhatsApp‘s latest beta version 2.24.4.23 for Android introduces a redesigned Status tab, aimed at improving the user experience. This update, available through the Google Play Store, presents a new interface for viewing status updates, focusing on ease of access and enhanced navigation within the app.
WhatsApp is Experimenting With a New Status Tab
The updated interface brings a significant change in how status updates are displayed. Moving away from the previous horizontal layout and profile picture identification, the new design adopts a more intuitive approach. Now, users can preview status updates directly from the status updates tray at the top of the updates tab, through thumbnail previews of the first shared status. This allows for a quick glimpse at the content without having to open each status update individually.
This redesign comes in response to user feedback, which highlighted inefficiencies and a lack of intuitiveness in the previous layout. By featuring large thumbnails for previews, WhatsApp aims to streamline the browsing experience, enabling users to easily decide which updates to view fully.
Additionally, the redesign impacts the placement and visibility of Channel posts within the Updates tab, which includes both Status and Channel updates. The new card-style format for status updates makes them more prominent, potentially changing how Channel updates are displayed. Despite some concerns about the space these card-based previews take up, the primary goal remains to facilitate easier selection and viewing of status updates.
Currently, this redesigned interface is in the beta testing phase and is available to a select group of beta testers. Its incorporation into the stable version of WhatsApp will depend on the feedback received and further development.
Smartwatch technology is rapidly evolving. Once used only for notifications and calls, these devices are now improving our quality of life with their health tracking capabilities. These products can track sleep, heart rate, stress, blood pressure, blood oxygen, and even perform ECG and blood pressure measurements. All of this provides unique data that can inform you about your overall health. In some cases, this information can even save your life. Awoman named Judith Luebke experienced exactly this. Her life was saved thanks to the Apple Watch. Here are the details…
A woman from Oklahoma got her life saved by Apple Watch after an AFib alert
Health is something many of us neglect. We often don’t pay enough attention to minor issues and avoid seeing a doctor unless it’s an emergency. Judith Luebke from Oklahoma was no different until she was diagnosed with diabetes and her life was saved, all thanks to her Apple Watch.
Luebke, a longtime Apple Watch user, received a notification one Friday morning at home indicating a risk of AFib (atrial fibrillation – irregular heart rhythm, also known as arrhythmia). The young woman had recently lost a loved one and was in a state of grief.
Assuming that the notification was related to her emotional distress, she ignored it and continued with her daily life. Also, having a busy work schedule, she dismissed the idea of going to the doctor. Fortunately, during a conversation, she shared her situation with a friend who convinced her to see a doctor instead of ignoring the warning. It turned out to be the right decision.
After visiting the hospital, Luebke learned that she was diabetic, and her blood sugar levels were critically high. Reflecting on the situation, she said, “If I had waited until the weekend, I probably wouldn’t have survived. If I hadn’t received the notification on my watch, that would have been the end.”
Luebke’s story is an example of how even simple technology like the Apple Watch can play a crucial role in early detection of health issues and saving lives. Moreover, this is not an isolated case, as there are probably tens of thousands of similar stories worldwide. The only question left is how much further this technology will advance.
Huawei has introduced the AX6 Pro router in China, starting its pre-orders ahead of the official sale on February 24 at 10:08. The AX6 Pro is designed to deliver exceptional performance in home networking. This device supports Wi-Fi 6+, providing a network speed of up to 7200 megabits, and features eight data streams for simultaneous transmission, significantly enhancing internet speed and reliability.
The router utilizes the 4K-QAM data compression technology to increase transmission speed by 140%, ensuring a smooth and efficient online experience. It offers a high theoretical negotiation rate—1376Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and 5765Mbps on the 5GHz band, totaling 7141Mbps. The AX6 Pro introduces Lingxi Dual Wi-Fi technology, enabling data transmission over both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands at the same time.
The device also comes with eight-channel signal amplification and high-performance signal amplifiers, designed to penetrate through multiple walls without losing signal strength.
Huawei has incorporated AI anti-interference technology to intelligently reduce Wi-Fi co-channel interference from various sources, ensuring a stable connection. Additionally, the AX6 Pro offers a user-friendly one-touch NFC connection feature for HarmonyOS or Android phones, making Wi-Fi access effortless without needing a password.
The router is compatible with the Huawei Smart Life App, which allows users to monitor network coverage in real time and supports the diagnosis of 80 common network issues, further enhancing user experience and network management.
Pricing & availability
With a price of 699 yuan, the Huawei AX6 Pro router is currently available to pre-order in China. It will go on open sale for the first time on February 24 via Jingdong.
Honor recently made a splash in the Indian mid-range market with the launch of the Honor X9b. The phone garnered significant attention for its incredibly durable display, but there’s a lot more to unpack. Inside its sleek body lives a massive battery (one of the segment’s largest), the relatively new Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 processor, generous storage, and a capable 108-megapixel triple camera setup. Does the Honor X9b truly deliver on the hype? Here is a look at what this phone offers in this initial impressions overview.
Honor X9b design and durability features
Honor X9b
The Honor X9b retail package does not include a charger, but for initial buyers, the brand is offering a complementary 30W charger. The box includes the handset, a protective case, a USB-C to USB-A cable, a SIM ejector pin, wired earphones, a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter, and the necessary documents.
Coming to the build of the Honor X9b, Htech claims that it stands out as the first smartphone to get a five-start overall drop resistance certification from Switzerland’s SGS. Despite housing a massive battery, the device maintains a thin profile of 7.99mm (excluding the camera bulge) and weighs only 185 grams. The Midnight Black variant of the phone, which has a polycarbonate back with a glittery finish, feels slippery, whereas the Sunshine Orange edition of the phone has a vegan leather finish and offers a good grip.
Honor X9bHonor X9b
The Honor X9b is equipped with the so-called Ultra-Bounce Anti-Drop Display. It features double-strengthened glass, shock-absorbing materials, and 360° protection to withstand drops from up to 1.5 meters. With the added assurance of SGS’ five-star rating for drop resistance, the X9b promises the ability to handle accidental bumps and falls. In addition, the device offers IP53-rated splash resistance. Overall, the Honor X9b appears to be a very durable phone that should be able to withstand the rigours of everyday use.
Honor X9b specifications and features
Honor X9b
The Honor X9b boasts a 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a sharp 1.5K resolution (1220 x 2652 pixels), a feature rarely found in this price segment. It offers a smooth viewing experience with its 120Hz refresh rate and up to 12000 nits of brightness for better visibility under direct sunlight. Just like the Honor 90 5G, the Honor X9b prioritizes eye protection with its 1920Hz PWM dimming, which reduces flicker in low light to minimize eye strain. Additional features like dynamic light adjustment, blue light filtering, and automatic brightness fine-tuning ensure overall viewing comfort.
Honor X9bHonor X9b
It is the only other phone after the Realme 12 Pro to feature the 4nm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset, which is good enough for casual gaming. The phone ships in a single configuration that offers 8 GB of LPDDR4x RAM and 256 GB of UFS 3.1 storage. In addition, the device offers 8 GB of virtual RAM.
The 5,800mAh battery that is packed inside the X9b is advertised to last for 3 days. With typical use, the device should last for 1.5 to 2 days. The charger is not included in the retail box of the device, as the X9b is an imported product and its chargers are not designed for Indian voltage standards. Initial buyers of the X9b will receive a complementary 30W charger.
The Honor X9b has the feature-rich Magic OS 7.2-based Android 13. The phone is entitled to receive the Android 14 and Android 15 OS upgrades and three years of security updates. It appears that the Android 14 upgrade will bring along Honor’s latest Magic OS 8.0 UI.
The X9b has a 16-megapixel camera on the front for selfies. The rear camera module features a 108-megapixel main camera with up to 3x in-sensor zoom, a 5-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and a 2-megapixel macro camera. Here are some of the camera samples shot using the X9b. To put it simply, the camera performance leaves room for improvement and is best suited for casual photography. For vlogging enthusiasts, it comes with an AI vlog assistant feature.
1xultra-wide1x3x zoom1x1x1x
The device misses out on stereo output as it features only a single bottom-firing speaker. Lastly, the device has an in-screen fingerprint sensor for security.
Honor X9b first impressions: Conclusion
The Honor X9b’s competitive price tag of Rs 25,999 (~$315) places it squarely against popular mid-range contenders like the Realme 12 Pro, Poco X6 Pro, and Redmi Note 13 Pro. If you prioritize durability and longevity, along with a decent photography experience, the X9b emerges as a strong contender in this segment. Another advantage that the X9b offers is the mobile protection plan that it offers for its users.
The base model (8GB+256GB) of the Honor 90 was available for Rs 28,999 for around a month. At the time of writing this post, this variant was unavailable for purchase. The Honor X9b’s regular price is near the Honor 90. Ideally, the X9b can be a good buy if it is purchased during the initial period when offers allow users to get it for up to Rs 22,999 (~$275).
Honor X9b buyers can benefit from up to Rs 3,000 in cashback using an ICICI Bank credit card. The device is also available for purchase through offline stores across the country.
In collaboration with Onsite Go, Htech offers X9b buyers the following benefits:
One-time screen replacement within six months of purchase
30 days of an assured buyback option with up to 90 percent of the X9b’s value
18 months of warranty (including an additional six months)
Door-to-door service assistance
The deductions comprise Rs. 1,500 for any missing accessories, a 20% reduction for significant scratches or dents, a 15% decrease for minor scratches or dents, and Rs. 1,000 for not having the original box.
Disclaimer: All of the opinions in this Honor X9b first impressions post are mine and based on my own experiences. There has been no editorial input from Honor.
After announcing the ROG Swift OLED PG34WCDM worldwide back in August 2023, ASUS has finally made it available in the Chinese market. Keep reading to know more about the monitor.
ROG Swift OLED PG34WCDM specs:
The monitor boasts a 3440 x 1440 resolution and an 800R curvature, designed to immerse players in their games fully. It stands out with a high refresh rate of 240Hz, ensuring smooth gameplay and minimal motion blur thanks to its 0.03ms response time. The OLED technology provides vibrant colors, deep blacks, and exceptional contrast, making every scene more realistic and engaging.
For gamers concerned about screen tearing and latency, the ROG Swift OLED PG34WCDM is equipped with G-Sync compatibility, offering a seamless and fluid gaming experience. It also has an impressive peak brightness of 1300 nits and supports HDR. To address common OLED concerns, ASUS has included a custom heatsink to mitigate overheating and reduce the risk of screen burn-in, ensuring the monitor’s longevity and performance. For connectivity, it comes with options like HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4, USB Type-C, USB 3.2 Type-A, and a 90W USB Power Delivery port, catering to various setup needs and preferences.
Pricing
The ROG Swift OLED PG34WCDM is now available on Tmall in China with a price tag of 11,494 yuan ($1,615), however, with discounts, it will be available for 9,999 yuan ($1,405).
In related news, pre-orders of the ROG Swift PG32UCDM gaming monitor are live in the US & UK. Compared to the curved PG34WCDM, the PG32UCDM features a 31.5-inch flat panel that offers a higher 4K resolution display with 240Hz refresh rate.
Xiaomi has added a new product to its Youpin crowdfunding platform – the Mijia Handheld Garment Steamer 2. The device is designed to streamline the process of removing wrinkles from your clothes.
The crowdfunding campaign will launch on February 21st with a special price of 109 yuan, with the regular retail price set at 149 yuan. Let’s get into its details here.
Specifications
Designed for portability and ease of use, the Mijia Handheld Garment Steamer 2 weighs only 730 grams and features a foldable design for convenient storage.
It boasts an aluminum panel with a ceramic glaze coating that heats rapidly and maintains a consistent temperature. And there’s a 30kPa pressurization technology that delivers powerful steam to penetrate fabrics and remove stubborn wrinkles without getting clothes wet.
This allows users to quickly smooth out wrinkles with a few gentle strokes, according to Xiaomi. Plus, the design prevents watermarks, ensuring your garments look their best. Xiaomi says that the steamer works effectively on various fabrics, including delicate silk and heavy linens.
Users will also appreciate the fast 26-second preheating time for near-instant steam and a button-activated steam release for precision.
The Mijia Handheld Garment Steamer 2 offers both vertical (hanging) and horizontal (flat) ironing modes, enhancing its usefulness across different types of clothing.
It has a 160mL water tank which allows you to up to six shirts in one ironing session. An added bonus – Xiaomi states that the steamer eliminates 99.99% of bacteria and mites, boosting garment hygiene.
As aforementioned, it’s only available on crowdfunding which will go live on Feb 21. You can participate in it via this link.
Meizu, a prominent Chinese technology company, has recently made a significant strategic shift. The company on Sunday announced its decision to halt the development of new smartphones.
Instead, Meizu has chosen to focus its efforts on the development and creation of “tomorrow’s devices” driven by artificial intelligence (AI). By capitalizing on the potential of AI, the company is now embracing an “All in AI” approach.
This change appears to have been in the works for some time. Shen Ziyu, Chairman and CEO of Xingji Meizu Group, noted that in 2023, Meizu successfully transitioned from being solely a “mobile phone company” to becoming an “ecological group.”
Notably, Meizu has developed immersive multi-terminal experiences, shared core competencies with partners via its Unbounded Zhixing open platform, and saw its MYVU brand become a leader in AR glasses.
Shen also acknowledged changes in the smartphone market. He said consumers are now taking a longer time to upgrade (an average of 51 months), as phones across brands offer comparable performance in areas like smoothness, photography, and features.
In his view, smartphone innovation these days increasingly resembles a “stacked parameters” arms race – more memory, larger sensors, faster charging – alongside industry tactics such as trolling, revealing each other shortcomings to gain publicity.
As a result, Meizu has decided to step away from its smartphone business which also includes canceling the development of upcoming models like Meizu 21 Pro, Meizu 22, and Meizu 23.
Shen says the decision to move away from the smartphone business resonates with Meizu’s history.
In the past, the company famously abandoned its successful MP3 line amidst strong sales to embrace the growing smartphone market. Similarly, its development of MYVU smart glasses shows Meizu’s willingness to invest in future technology.
After two years of preparation, including team building, resource allocation, and product planning, Shein says Meizu is ready to fully embrace the AI field.
Plans include launching a new mobile operating system tailored for the AI era in 2024 and unveiling the first AI hardware product later this year.
Meizu reassures users that despite this strategic shift, support for existing Meizu products and services, including convenient access to offline stores throughout China, will remain unaffected.
Former Meizu executive Li Nan praised the company’s new strategy, emphasizing the necessity of change for future success. He dismissed AI features in other brands’ smartphones as mere “gimmicks” and endorsed Meizu’s bold move towards AI. Additionally, Meizu is working on “Open All Hardware For AI LLM,” promising further developments in this realm.
LineageOS, a popular alternative to standard Android operating systems, has just released its latest version, LineageOS 21, based on Android 14. Coming into the game five months after Android 14’s debut, this update might seem late, but it stands out for its focus on quality and stability. LineageOS has built a reputation for delivering a bloatware-free, extensively tested OS, making it a go-to for Android enthusiasts seeking stability.
With LineageOS 21, users get all the core features of Android 14, plus some exclusive additions that improve the user experience. A highlight is the introduction of Glimpse, a new gallery app replacing the default Gallery2, offering improved features for managing photos and videos. Additionally, the update revamps the Aperture camera app with Material You design principles, ensuring a more intuitive and aesthetically pleasing user interface.
The update doesn’t stop there; the Jelly browser has been redesigned with improved privacy controls, and staple apps like LatinIME, Calculator, and Messaging have also received Material You updates, aligning with the modern design language of Android.
LineageOS 21 is currently available for a limited selection of devices. Users interested in upgrading can check device compatibility on the official LineageOS downloads page.
Beond Airlines, a newly established luxury airline, has made headlines by becoming the first airline to offer Apple Vision Pro headsets to select passengers, enhancing the inflight entertainment experience with cutting-edge technology.
Elevating Luxury Journeys
This move is announced by Tero Taskila, the Chairman and CEO of Beond Airlines, highlighting the airline’s commitment to providing a premium travel experience from start to finish.
The Apple Vision Pro, priced starting at $3499, is equipped with advanced technology including two chips – the M2 for computing and the R1 for processing information from an array of lenses, sensors, and microphones, ensuring a seamless and immersive mixed reality content viewing experience.
Apple has tailored the Vision Pro with a travel mode specifically for air travel, enabling passengers to enjoy movies on a large virtual screen, making long-haul flights more enjoyable and private. This feature has been recognized for its potential to significantly enhance passenger comfort and entertainment onboard.
Beond Airlines plans to utilize Vision Pro to showcase regular content as well as stunning visuals of resort destinations and activities in the Maldives, building anticipation and excitement among passengers before they arrive.
This service will begin in July 2024, aligning with the airline’s expansion of flight services from major cities around the world to Malé, Maldives, all featuring fully flat seating configurations for an unparalleled travel experience.
However, Beond hasn’t clarified which passengers will be “select” for the Vision Pro experience, leaving room for speculation. Additionally, there will be hygiene concerns with shared headsets, particularly in a post-pandemic era.
The response from users, critics, and the public to the Apple Vision Pro has been mixed until now. Some buyers are returning their Apple Vision Pro headsets due to comfort issues and doubts about its usefulness in everyday life. Complaints include discomfort from wearing the headset, causing headaches and motion sickness, as well as concerns about its practicality.
Despite these uncertainties, the introduction of Apple Vision Pro on Beond flights represents a significant step forward in the evolution of inflight entertainment, offering passengers an unprecedented level of immersion and personalization in their travel experience.
While the first Android 15 developer preview focused less on visual overhauls, it introduces a practical feature called “Notification Cooldown.” This feature addresses the annoyance of constantly buzzing or beeping phones due to a stream of repetitive notifications.
The concept is straightforward — if your phone receives multiple notifications from the same app within a short timeframe, Notification Cooldown progressively lowers the volume and vibration intensity of these subsequent notifications.
This offers relief from the distraction of endless buzzing caused by chatty contacts or active group threads. If you have apps where every notification is crucial, Google allows the option to apply Notification Cooldown exclusively to conversations.
Also to note, this ‘cooldown’ isn’t permanent. After a brief pause in the conversation, notifications will go back to full volume. If you need all alerts at maximum volume (for work, or on-call situations), the feature can be easily disabled.
Enabling/Disabling “Notification Cooldown”
Google’s enabled this feature automatically in the developer preview, but if you’re using it, here’s how to customize it:
Open your device’s “Settings” app.
Tap on “Notifications”.
Scroll down and choose “Notification Cooldown”.
Your options:
“Apply cooldown to all notifications” for comprehensive quiet.
“Apply cooldown to conversations” to target chattiness.
“Don’t use notification cooldown” to turn the feature off entirely.
The Future of Notification Cooldown
As Android 15 progresses, Google could further improve Notification Cooldown. An ideal addition would be customization on a per-app basis, allowing users to fine-tune which apps have this calming feature applied.
Even in its initial form, “Notification Cooldown” has the potential to simplify how we manage notifications on our devices.
Xiaomi‘s founder Lei Jun unveiled a significant milestone for the company today: the official opening of its smart factory in Changping, Beijing. This isn’t just any factory; it boasts a self-developed production line capable of churning out over 10 million flagship smartphones per year, marking Xiaomi’s first large-scale, self-owned manufacturing facility and a giant leap in its smart manufacturing ambitions.
This news comes just days before the highly anticipated launch of the Xiaomi 14 Ultra, scheduled for February 22nd. Interestingly, Lei Jun confirmed that both the Xiaomi 14 Bay Blue and the 14 Ultra’s innovative technologies were validated in this very factory.
But what exactly makes this factory so smart? It boasts a staggering 96.8% self-developed rate for component testing and packaging equipment and a perfect 100% for its factory software. This degree of in-house development translates to a highly automated and digitized production process, capable of self-analysis and decision-making based on real-time data. In essence, this factory can learn and evolve on its own, ensuring consistent quality and efficiency.
This isn’t Xiaomi’s first foray into smart manufacturing. The company’s first intelligent factory, located in Beijing Yizhuang, started operations in late 2019. However, the Changping factory dwarfs its predecessor in scale, boasting a footprint ten times larger and encompassing a second-generation intelligent production line for smartphones. This line covers everything from circuit board mounting and testing to final assembly, packaging, and shipping, with an estimated output value of a whopping 60 billion yuan annually.
The 14 Ultra, set to be unveiled on February 22nd, is expected to feature a powerful Sony LYT900 main camera with OIS and a variable aperture of up to f1.6. Additionally, it will boast three secondary cameras, including a 50MP ultrawide, a 50MP telephoto, and a 50MP periscope telephoto lens.
Moreover, it is expected to sport a flat back and display, a 6.73-inch AMOLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate and HDR10+ support, and a titanium frame option. It will weigh under 220 grams and include a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, 16GB RAM, 512GB storage, and a 5300mAh battery with fast charging.
Acer has expanded its Predator gaming monitor lineup with the introduction of the Predator XB273K V3 in Europe, boasting an impressive set of features tailored for gamers and tech enthusiasts. This new model is priced at €500. Let’s delve into its key specs.
Acer Predator XB273K V3 Specifications:
The Predator XB273K V3 features a 27-inch 4K (3840 x 2160 pixels) IPS display with a pixel density of 163 PPI, ensuring sharp, vibrant visuals with a wide color gamut. The monitor supports a refresh rate of up to 160Hz, providing smooth gameplay and reducing motion blur. With a typical brightness of 400 nits and achieving VESA DisplayHDR 600 certification, it promises excellent contrast and brightness levels, enhancing the gaming visuals with more depth and realism.
The monitor boasts a standout 0.5ms VRB (Visual Response Boost) response time, minimizing ghosting and blur in fast-paced scenes, ideal for competitive gaming. It is compatible with both AMD FreeSync and NVIDIA G-Sync technologies, ensuring a tear-free gaming experience by synchronizing the display’s refresh rate with the GPU output.
For connectivity, it is equipped with two HDMI 2.1 ports, a DisplayPort 1.4 input, and a headphone jack. Additionally, the monitor includes two 2W speakers for basic audio needs.
The design of the Predator XB273K V3 emphasizes both aesthetics and functionality, with a sleek, modern look that includes a slim bezel for a more immersive visual experience. Its anti-glare matte finish helps reduce reflections, ensuring clear visibility in various lighting conditions.
The monitor comes with flicker-free technology and a low blue light filter helps minimize eye strain during long gaming sessions, making it a comprehensive solution for gamers seeking comfort.
Predator XB273K V3 also offers extensive ergonomic features, including a removable stand, height adjustment with a range of 150mm, and the ability to swivel left and right up to 25 degrees. It supports VESA mounting with a 100 x 100 mm interface, allowing for wall installation. Additionally, it allows for forward tilt up to 5 degrees and backward tilt up to 25 degrees.
Earlier this month, Acer also launched the SA272U E monitor with a 100Hz refresh rate in India.
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