New VAM2 SL e-MTB is as Light as a Non-Electric Mountain Bike, Thanks to Carbon Fiber

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Feb 13, 2024

When it comes to mountain biking, the addition of an electric motor often means a heavier bike, which can change how it rides. Focus, a German bike maker known for its high-quality bicycles, has introduced a solution: the VAM2 SL e-MTB. This bike aims to keep things light while providing enough electric boost to make rides enjoyable, without feeling like you’re steering a mini motorcycle.

The bike has multiple riding modes that can be switched on-the-fly

The VAM2 SL is pretty close in weight to regular mountain bikes without electric motors, thanks to its carbon frame and the smart design of its stem and handlebar. It’s a bit heavier than non-electric bikes but not by much. This design choice keeps the bike nimble and easy to handle on trails.

Powering the bike is the Fazua Ride 60 motor, known for being small yet effective. It helps riders with a natural-feeling boost, especially helpful on climbs, without making the bike feel too mechanical. The battery life is solid, offering plenty of distance on a single charge, and there’s an option to add more battery capacity for those who want to go even further.

The VAM2 SL doesn’t just stop at great battery life and motor power. It also offers different riding modes that riders can tweak to their liking, making sure the bike performs just right, whether they’re looking for a gentle assist or a significant push during tough climbs.

Even with its high-end features, the VAM2 SL comes in different models to suit various budgets. The top-end model boasts the best components for those who can afford it, but there are also more budget-friendly options that still offer a great ride.

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ASUS ROG Zephyrus G16, Strix Scar 16/18 & ROG G22CH workstation launching this month in India

By

Sudhanshu

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Feb 13, 2024

ASUS is all set to roll out its latest lineup of ROG-branded laptops and PC devices in India this February. Scheduled for release on February 14th at 12 PM, the lineup includes highly anticipated models such as the ROG Zephyrus G16, ROG Strix Scar 16, and ROG Strix Scar 18 laptops, along with workstations like the ROG G22CH, ROG Strix G13CH, and ASUS S501ME.

These devices promise powerful performance, boasting processors ranging from Intel Core Ultra to Intel Core i9 14900HX, paired with top-tier GPUs like the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090.

One notable addition is the compact yet powerful ROG G22CH workstation, featuring custom liquid cooling and the Intel Core i7 14700F processor.

For early adopters, ASUS is offering an exciting deal: Indian customers purchasing select laptop models during the launch period can snag the ASUS TUF Gaming H3 gaming headset for just Rs. 1. To avail of this offer, customers need to register their device on the My ASUS application and redeem the headphones on Asuspromo.in within three days of purchase. However, this offer is limited to the first 50 customers and valid from February 14th to February 20th, 2024.

ASUS is making these gaming devices available not only on Amazon but also through other leading platforms like ASUS eSHOP, Flipkart, Reliance Digital, and more, ensuring accessibility to all eager gamers.

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Huawei Pocket S2 leaks reveal stunning renders in different color options

By

Soumyakanti

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Feb 12, 2024

Huawei is preparing to expand its clamshell foldable smartphone lineup with the anticipated launch of the Pocket S2. Recent render leaks have given a glimpse into the new color options that will be available.

Huawei Pocket S2 Renders

The leaks, shared by tipster Fixed Focus on Weibo, reveal three distinct shades for the upcoming device: Dark Purple, Rococo White, and Black. Each color option offers a unique appeal, with Rococo White standing out due to its detailed, classic pattern that differs from the plain textures of the Dark Purple and Black variants.

The design of the Pocket S2 retains the familiar dual circular modules on the back, one housing a triple-lens camera setup with an LED flash, and the other serving as an external screen. This design element maintains continuity with its predecessor, the Pocket S while introducing subtle changes in aesthetics, particularly with the Rococo White variant. The aesthetics of the White variant look very similar to the P60 series.

We can anticipate additional color options as DCS previously disclosed, including Grey with a glass back and a Purple variant with a leather back.

Speaking of launch, leaks suggest February 27th as the potential date. While Huawei hasn’t officially confirmed this, the timing aligns with the company’s usual release cycle.

What about the internals? Leaks point towards a powerful Kirin 9000 5G chipset, an upgraded main camera, and a larger cover screen compared to the Pocket S. Additionally, exciting accessories like a large-letter phone case are rumored to be in the works.

It’s important to remember that these are just leaks, and official specifications might differ. However, they paint a picture of a foldable phone that’s both stylish and packed with performance.

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This Samsung Update Changes How You Use Wi-Fi Calls

By

Oğuz Çakır

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Feb 12, 2024

Samsung continues to expand its smartphone family, not neglecting to add new features to its existing products. Recently, the company introduced artificial intelligence features called Galaxy AI, alongside the S24 series. Now, Samsung has enhanced the call recording functionality on its Galaxy smartphones, allowing users to record calls in VoWiFi (Voice over WiFi) mode. Here are the details…

Samsung Galaxy Phones Get a Boost as VoWiFi Call Recording is Here

Samsung has introduced the VoWiFi call recording feature on the Galaxy S24 series and some other Galaxy phones running OneUI 6.1 or later software. This feature allows you to record voice calls made over Wi-Fi. In case you’re not familiar, VoWiFi stands for “Voice over WiFi,” enabling you to make and receive voice calls using your Wi-Fi network, which can be handy when your cellular signal is weak or when you have better access to a Wi-Fi network.

Certainly, this can be particularly useful for recording long and important conversations. However, it’s still important to be cautious. Recording someone’s voice, especially without their consent, isn’t a good practice. It can be a legal issue with consequences in many countries. Therefore, it’s advisable to think twice before using such a feature.

How to Use VoWiFi Call Recording:

Open the Settings app on your phone.
Navigate to the Calls option.
Touch the option for Other call settings.
Find and enable the VoWiFi call recording option.

Also, if you can’t find the VoWiFi call recording option, make sure your phone is running on OneUI 6.1 or later software.

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Xiaomi 14 Ultra arrives at a shocking price that no one expected

By

Erencan Yılmaz

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Feb 12, 2024

The long-awaited Xiaomi 14 Ultra is set to make its global debut. Xiaomi has already revealed that the phone will be introduced on February 25 at the MWC event in Barcelona. And now the discount coupons of Xiaomi 14 Ultra have been revealed by Xiaomi Netherlands, providing some details about the company’s upcoming flagship device, even the possible Xiaomi 14 Ultra launch date in Europe.

Xiaomi 14 Ultra pricing

There are two separate coupons on Xiaomi’s website, €100 and €200, these are most likely for Xiaomi 14 and Xiaomi 14 Ultra. According to the information on Xiaomi Netherlands’s website, you have to join the live stream of Xiaomi 14 series launch event on mi.com to get the €200 discount coupon.

Xiaomi’s website indicates that the coupons are valid until March 31, 2024 and this suggests that the official launch date of Xiaomi 14 Ultra in Europe could be in early March. Although Xiaomi 14 Ultra is set to be unveiled in Barcelona on February 25, it won’t be available for sale immediately, and the launch date may vary depending on regions. While the coupons do not reveal the exact launch date, it is reasonable to predict that March 2024 will mark the European introduction of Xiaomi 14 Ultra.

Xiaomi 13 Ultra was introduced in Europe with a price tag of €1499 a year ago, and rumors circulating on the internet suggest that Xiaomi 14 Ultra’s price could be €1699. However, if you manage to get the €200 discount coupon revealed on Xiaomi’s website, you can actually buy the 14 Ultra at the same price as the 13 Ultra’s launch price. Of course, the €1699 price for Xiaomi 14 Ultra has not been confirmed yet, but rumors on the web point in that direction.

Xiaomi 14 Ultra is an exceptionally powerful smartphone, as it comes with significant refreshments in the camera department. Xiaomi will offer a wide aperture in all the cameras, potentially making Xiaomi 14 Ultra the smartphone with the widest aperture main and telephoto camera to date. Additionally, Xiaomi 14 Ultra is expected to have satellite connection and an under-display camera, factors that contribute to its higher price.

Urban Vibe Open-ear wireless earphones launched in India with an attractive price tag

By

Sudhanshu

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Feb 12, 2024

Urban has unveiled its latest product in India, the Urban Vibe open-ear neckband earphones, designed specifically for those with an active lifestyle. These earphones combine comfort, durability, and top-notch performance to meet the needs of active users.

Featuring a lightweight design with an ultradurable memory wireframe, the Urban Vibe ensures a comfortable fit even during extended wear, ensuring uninterrupted workouts or gaming sessions.

What sets the Urban Vibe apart is its advanced technology. With air conduction technology and a Qualcomm chipset, these earphones deliver HD sound output and advanced noise cancellation, ensuring a premium audio experience every time.

But there’s more – the Urban Vibe comes loaded with features for added convenience and functionality. From touch controls and Bluetooth support to seamless integration with voice assistants, managing your music or accessing your virtual assistant is a breeze.

And when it comes to durability, the Urban Vibe doesn’t disappoint. With an IPX6 water and dust resistance rating, these earphones are built to withstand even the toughest conditions, making them the perfect companion for your active lifestyle.

Pricing & availability

Available in a sleek black color, the Urban Vibe is priced at Rs. 3,999. But act fast – for a limited time, you can grab these earphones at a special launch price of just Rs. 1,249.

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Boston Levin AirMax TWS earbuds with 13mm drivers, AAC/SBC codec & 30 hours battery life launched

By

Sudhanshu

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Feb 12, 2024

Boston Levin has just dropped its latest product in the Indian TWS earbuds arena: the AirMax. These earbuds come with an interesting design, along with large audio drivers that promise to deliver an immersive listening experience.

Boston Levin AirMax earbuds specs:

Designed for both style and function, the AirMax features a transparent case that not only adds flair to your look but also ensures comfort during extended wear.

Equipped with 13mm drivers and supporting AAC/SBC codec, the AirMax delivers a dynamic audio experience with deep bass, clear trebles, and sharp vocals. Whether you’re listening to music, watching movies, or gaming, you can expect immersive sound without compromise.

Thanks to its Bluetooth v5.3 chip, you’ll experience seamless connectivity with minimal latency, perfect for lag-free gaming. Plus, the earbuds come with touch controls, voice assistant integration, and dual-ear calling, making them even more attractive.

The AirMax boasts an impressive battery life of up to 30 hours and IPX5 water and sweat resistance, making them ideal for on-the-go use, and workout sessions.

Pricing & availability

Available in striking blue and black colors, these earbuds come with a special launch price of just Rs. 1,199 and a one-year warranty.

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Indian Government Issues Urgent Security Warning for Google Chrome Users

By

Oğuz Çakır

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Feb 12, 2024

Google Chrome, undoubtedly the world’s most popular web browser with a 66% market share. Many of us use this browser for various activities, from daily tasks to work. However, this popularity comes with its share of problems. A security vulnerability in a platform with millions or even billions of users jeopardizes not only individuals or companies but even the security of nations. For this reason, the Indian government has issued a high severity warning to Google Chrome users, advising them to promptly update their browsers due to multiple high-risk vulnerabilities. Here are the details…

Indian Government Alerts Chrome Users: Update Immediately to Close Vulnerabilities

CERT-In, the Indian government’s cybersecurity agency, has issued a “high severity” warning concerning various vulnerabilities found in Google Chrome. These security flaws, if exploited, may allow remote attackers to execute malicious code on a user’s computer. In other words, hackers could take control of systems or steal sensitive data.

The security advisory issued by CERT-In notes that remote attackers can exploit these vulnerabilities by persuading unsuspecting victims to visit specially crafted web pages. After visiting these pages, the security flaws will be triggered, allowing attackers to launch unnoticed attacks on unaware users.

This security vulnerability allows attackers to exploit memory errors in the Side Panel Search feature, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or bypassing security measures. Users should be cautious when browsing the internet, especially when visiting unfamiliar or suspicious websites. Avoid clicking on links from untrusted sources and refrain from interacting with unwanted emails or messages.

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Huawei P70 series to see different chipset frequencies, may feature satellite communication in all models

By

Soumyakanti

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Feb 12, 2024

Huawei is already gearing up for its next flagship launch – the P70 series. New information suggests that the upcoming smartphones might offer varied chipset frequencies across models, along with other exciting upgrades.

Huawei P70 Series Will Also Feature Curved Displays

According to Weibo tipster Smart Pikachu, the standard and high-end P70 models could utilize a robust Kirin chipset, potentially the Kirin 9000s seen in the Mate 60 series. However, there’s a twist: the high-end models like the P70 Pro, P70 Art, and the rumored P70 Pro+ might sport an overclocked version of this chipset, aiming for a 20% performance boost. While the core architecture remains under wraps, different clock speeds could be the key to achieving this improvement. According to reports, China’s largest chipmaker SMIC, is gearing up for the production of these 5nm chips.

The tipster also sheds light on the display, suggesting all four P70 models might flaunt a curved 1.5K resolution screen for enhanced visuals. Interestingly, Huawei is reportedly testing various screen sizes and experimenting with a blend of four China-made display panels, hinting at significant display upgrades compared to previous generations.

But the excitement doesn’t stop there. The P70 series could mark a major shift in Huawei’s approach to satellite communication technology. Tipsters claim all models might integrate satellite features, potentially offering an improved and more widespread experience. Previously, satellite connectivity was mostly limited to high-end models, with the base variants missing out.

Huawei pioneered smartphone satellite connectivity with the Mate 50 Pro in 2022, enabling one-way satellite SMS functionality. The P60 Pro and P60 Art took it a step further with two-way satellite SMS, while the Mate 60 series introduced two-way satellite calling for the Pro and Pro+ models. The P70 series could see satellite features democratized across all models, or follow the Mate 60 strategy with higher-end variants offering calling capabilities and the base model retaining two-way SMS.

The Huawei P70 series is expected to launch in the Chinese market by the end of March or early April. Additionally, the company is also actively developing HarmonyOS NEXT, a next-generation operating system built on its proprietary kernel. This operating system will entirely eliminate support for Android apps.

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Apple Introduces Virtual Card Numbers for Apple Pay Users

By

Anubhav

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Feb 12, 2024

Apple‘s latest iOS 17.4 beta introduces a pretty substantial upgrade for Apple Cash users, enabling the generation of a virtual card number. First highlighted by 9to5Mac and discussed by users on Reddit, the new feature addresses a significant constraint by facilitating payments in locations where Apple Pay is not accepted.

Users can generate Virtual Card Numbers to pay where Apple Pay isn’t accepted

This feature appears in the beta version, though it might not be available to all testers yet. To find out if you’re among the eligible users, you can simply visit the Wallet app, select your Apple Cash card, and look for an option to create a virtual card number. The process is straightforward, involving just a couple of steps.

Once set up, users can access their virtual card details, including the card number, expiration date, and security code, by navigating through the app’s menus. It’s worth noting that Apple Cash will maintain a distinct card number for Apple Pay transactions, which is accessible through an additional step in the app.

An update such as this greatly enhances the utility of Apple Cash. Think about it – despite the widespread adoption of Apple Pay, there are a lot of outlets where it’s not an option. Now, with the ability to use a virtual card number, Apple Cash has become more versatile, allowing users to bypass the inconvenience and fees associated with transferring funds to a bank account for non-Apple Pay purchases.

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Massive Ransomware Attack Hits 18 Hospitals Across Romania

By

Anubhav

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Feb 12, 2024

A recent ransomware attack has caused significant disruption to 18 hospitals across Romania, putting a halt to their operations. The attack targeted the Hipocrate Information System (HIS), which is essential for managing patient care and medical records. As a result, the system is currently down, leaving hospitals struggling to maintain their usual level of care.

The patient care and medical records are currently unavailable

The attack occurred overnight between February 11 and 12, 2024, leading to encrypted databases and files. The Romanian Ministry of Health has acknowledged the severity of the situation and is actively working on a solution. Efforts to recover the affected systems are in progress, with IT and cybersecurity experts from the National Cyber Security Directorate (DNSC) leading the charge.

The impact of the ransomware attack is widespread, affecting a variety of medical facilities including regional hospitals and cancer treatment centers. To prevent further damage, the Ministry of Health has enhanced security measures for other hospitals that were not affected by the attack.

Currently, the details about the ransomware group behind the attack or the specifics of the data compromised are not clear. The provider of the HIS system, RSC, has not yet made a public statement regarding the incident.

Incidents such as these expose the vulnerability of healthcare systems to cyberattacks and further boost the importance of robust cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive patient data and ensure the continuous operation of critical healthcare services. This is one sector that can’t afford serious downtime like these, and for obvious reasons too!

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Google’s New Features Aim to Make Android Seamless Across Devices

By

Anubhav

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Feb 12, 2024

Google is on a mission to enhance how Android devices connect and work with each other, very evidently, taking a leaf out of Apple‘s book. The tech company is known for its innovation, and now it’s focusing on making Android devices more user-friendly and interconnected. Recent updates to Google Play services reveal exciting developments that promise to improve the way Android and ChromeOS devices communicate.

The updated ‘cross-device service’ is now called ‘Devices and Sharing’.

The latest version, 24.06.12, introduces an updated “cross-device service,” now called “Devices and Sharing.” Exactly as the name suggests, it brings with it three practical features that could change how we use our devices: call transfer, hotspot sharing, and Wi-Fi sharing.

The call transfer feature lets you move a call from one device to another without dropping it, as long as both devices are linked to the same Google account. Hotspot sharing is all about ease, allowing one device to control another’s Wi-Fi hotspot connection. Then there’s Wi-Fi sharing, which makes it easier to share Wi-Fi passwords between devices (apart from QR code sharing), so staying connected is simpler than ever.

But Google isn’t stopping there. They’re also working on something called “Device Groups.” This upcoming feature will let users group multiple devices under one Google account, enabling new levels of interaction between them. With these updates, the California-based organization is clearly working hard to create a more seamless and integrated experience for Android users, challenging Apple’s dominance in the ‘ecosystem’ arena. These improvements are expected to make life with Android devices more cohesive, user-friendly, and connected.

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U.S. government invests $11 Billion in semiconductor research and development

By

Joane

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Feb 12, 2024

The U.S. government has revealed a significant investment plan of $11 billion in semiconductor-related research and development (R&D). This initiative, a part of the Chips and Science Act passed by Congress in August 2022, is an important step towards securing the semiconductor innovation and manufacturing lead for the country.

The Chips and Science Act is a comprehensive legislation with a total allocation of $52.7 billion for semiconductor initiatives. This huge investment in the semiconductor industry highlights the importance of domestic semiconductor production for national security and economic stability. Out of this amount, $11 billion has been earmarked specifically for R&D endeavors to drive advancements in semiconductor technology.

The government is all set to launch the National Semiconductor Technology Center:

Central to the R&D program is establishing the National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC), a groundbreaking $5 billion initiative. The NSTC, operating as a public-private partnership, will head the research and prototyping activities in advanced semiconductor technologies. This collaborative effort will bring together stakeholders from government, industry, academia, and investors, fostering innovation and knowledge exchange.

Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm emphasized the strategic significance of R&D in enhancing national competitiveness and resilience. The NSTC’s multifaceted approach includes the creation of an investment fund to support emerging semiconductor companies, nurturing their growth and facilitating technology commercialization.

US government has a solid strategy for developing domestic semiconductor production:

The government strategy surrounding semiconductor development in the US aims to safeguard American jobs, prevent offshoring, and fortify the nation’s manufacturing capabilities. The semiconductor manufacturing program aims to provide subsidies for chip production and investments in the supply chain. These awards will assist in constructing factories and boosting production capacity.

Key goals of the program include accelerating the production of cutting-edge semiconductor technology within the U.S., streamlining the pathway from design to commercialization, and cultivating a skilled workforce spanning from technicians to engineers. Stakeholder collaboration lies at the heart of this initiative, with diverse participants ranging from chip designers to labor unions working towards a common goal.

After the supply chain disruptions during the pandemic and concerns over foreign dependency, particularly on Taiwan, the government responded with the Chips and Science Act, to fortify America’s semiconductor industry. With these bold investments and collaborative efforts, the U.S. is poised to reclaim its position at the forefront of semiconductor innovation.

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Apple Vision Pro could take four generations to become an iPad Killer

By

Soumyakanti

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Feb 12, 2024

Apple‘s recently launched mixed-reality headset, Vision Pro, has generated buzz for its potential to revolutionize interaction and entertainment. However, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, its journey to becoming a true game-changer might be longer than some anticipate.

Apple Vision Pro is not a polished product yet

Gurman’s sources within Apple’s Vision Products Group reportedly believe the device is far from its “ideal form” and could require four generations of refinement before truly exceeding customer expectations for everyday use. While the exact definition of this “ideal form” remains unclear, concerns from early adopters offer some clues.

Headset weight, battery life, app scarcity, and software bugs plague the current iteration. Users find extended wear uncomfortable, and the limited app ecosystem hinders its versatility. Gurman draws parallels to Apple’s historical approach, suggesting four generations of improvement similar to the iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch could propel Vision Pro to eventually replace the iPad.

The views also align with Elon Musk’s perspective, which he shared last week on X (Formerly Twitter) regarding Vision Pro. According to him, Vision Pro is not great yet, much like the first iPhone. However, in his opinion, the iPhone 3 solved all the issues and became a great device. He believes the case will be very similar to Vision Pro as well.

Apple’s efforts to make the iPad a Mac replacement haven’t yielded the desired results, Gurman argues. Features haven’t fully bridged the productivity gap, leaving the iPad in a somewhat ambiguous position within the Apple portfolio. He views Vision Pro, at its current $3,500 price tag, as more of a “prototype” funded by early adopters than a polished consumer product.

Despite its limitations, Vision Pro exhibits potential. Its capabilities in video streaming, light work, and entertainment are promising, offering an alternative for traditional iPad users seeking a more immersive experience. However, the weight, battery life, and app availability limitations hold it back.

Gurman urges potential buyers to exercise caution, highlighting the potential pitfalls of investing in an unfinished product. He stresses the importance of waiting for substantial software improvements and hardware refinements before considering Vision Pro a viable consumer option.

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MWC 2024: Xiaomi Teases Arrival Of Car, Tablet, Smartwatch, And More

By

Viraj Gawde

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Feb 12, 2024

Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2024 is taking place in Barcelona, Spain later this month. The tech exhibition will commence on February 26 and conclude on 29. Previously, Xiaomi had confirmed its presence at the upcoming exhibition. Now, CEO Lei Jun has shared a teaser (that is somewhat cryptic) of the company’s plans to announce products at MWC.

Xiaomi MWC 2024 event: what to expect

Can't wait to bring what we've been working on to the global audience at #MWC24.

📍Hall 3 | 3M10, Fira Gran Via pic.twitter.com/tJpajf4a9R
— Lei Jun (@leijun) February 12, 2024

As per the teaser shared by the Xiaomi executive, the company is gearing up to launch its products in the global markets. This is after multiple events in China in recent months where a host of devices got announced. The teaser does not explicitly reveal the names of the devices at the upcoming MWC. However, it does mention ‘Human x Car x Home’ smart ecosystem hinting that the brand may announce devices in these product categories.

The teaser image reveals five products seemingly made up of Lego bricks. These include a smartphone, car, tablet, smartwatch, and a vacuum cleaner. The Xiaomi 14 series is already confirmed to debut on February 25. The car is none other than the Xiaomi SUV 7 which was announced in last December. As for the smartwatch, it is expected to be the Xiaomi Watch 2 which leaked out earlier today.

The details about the tablet and vacuum cleaner remain a mystery. The former could be one of the Xiaomi Pad 6 variants i.e. Pro or Max. The standard model is already available in Europe and other global markets.

Jun’s tweet says “Can’t wait to bring what we’ve been working on to the global audience at #MWC24”. Hence, we assume that the devices teased in the image will not just be showcased at the event but will also available for purchase in the future.

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Xiaomi Watch 2 Renders, Specifications Surface In A New Leak

By

Viraj Gawde

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Feb 12, 2024

Xiaomi launched the Watch 2 Pro in September last year. The company is reportedly working a new smartwatch. It is tipped to ditch the ‘Pro’ suffix and will be called the Xiaomi Watch 2. Now, Winfuture has shared key information of the brand’s upcoming wearable device. The publication also gives us a look at the Xiaomi Watch 2.

Xiaomi Watch 2 key details leak

As per the report, the Xiaomi Watch 2 will likely have the same design as the Watch 2 Pro except for one difference – it will lack a functioning crown on the right side. It will feature the same 1.43-inch circular AMOLED display bearing a resolution of 466 x 466 pixels and always-on mode. The screen is surrounded by a large bezel that isn’t visible at first glance due to the glass cover. The smartwatch will be 5ATM water-resistant.

Internally, the Xiaomi Watch 2 is said to be powered by the Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1 quad-core chipset which is the same as the Pro model. It is touted to deliver a battery life of up to 65 hours. The wearable device will run on Google’s wearOS and could come with pre-installed apps like Google Wallet, Google Maps, Play Store, and more. The Xiaomi Watch 2 will feature Bluetooth 5.2, WiFi, NFC, GPS, and GNSS. There won’t be an LTE-compatible variant of the device.

On the health-centric front, the Xiaomi Watch 2 will come with support for 150 sports modes. It will also be equipped with the usual sensors like a sleep monitor, SpO2 sensor, heart-rate monitor, and step counter.

The report adds that the Xiaomi Watch 2 is already listed at a number of retailers with prices ranging from EUR 199 to EUR 219 depending on the market.

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Bull GaN charger with support for China’s UFCS charging standard launched

By

Sudarshan Ravichandran

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Feb 12, 2024

Accessory maker Bull has launched a new charger in China. This power adapter is one of its kind as it supports UFCS charging standard.

It also uses gallium nitride (GaN) and offers two output ports. Let’s check out its features in detail.

The new Bull charger bears model number GNV-A1652U. It is an upgraded version of the existing GNV-A1652U.

The latest model arrives with one key upgrade. It supports China’s homegrown UFCS charging standard.

For the unaware, UFCS stands for Universal Fast Charging Standard. It was announced in September 2022 and the first smartphone to support this protocol was Oppo Reno 9 All Things Red.

A year has passed, however, only a few chargers support this standard. The same can be said for phones.

Anyway, coming back to the Bull power adapter, it can output up to 65W. It sports USB Type-C and USB Type-A ports.

The Type-A port is limited to 18W output. Also, when both ports are used, the Type-C’s output drops to 45W.

Apart from UFCS, the charger supports other leading protocols as well. It supports USB PD (Power Delivery), Qualcomm QC (Quick Charge), Samsung AFC (Adaptive Fast Charging), Huawei FCP (HiSilicon Fast Charging Protocol), and Apple2.4.

The adapter arrives in a single gray color option. It carries an introductory price tag of ¥118 (~$16).

We don’t think this Bull charger will be released in global markets. Thus, interested consumers will have to import it.

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Nintendo Switch 2 Will Reportedly Have Backwards Compatibility

By

Viraj Gawde

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Feb 12, 2024

Leaks and rumors so far have revealed key information about Nintendo’s next-gen console, the Switch 2. The Japanese game maker is reportedly targeting 10 million units this year. Now, a Portugese outlet Universo Nintendo has received new information from Nintendo content creator and journalist PH Brazil who shared on his latest Spotify podcast episode. The report adds that there is a high chance of credibility with the latest development.

Nintendo Switch 2 will be backwards compatible

As per the latest development, the Nintendo Switch 2 will feature backwards compatibility. This means that the next-gen Nintendo console will be able to play older games made for the previous generation. A translated version of the information reveals that the Switch 2 will allow developers to study improvements for the current titles in the Nintendo Switch library. This means that games on the original Switch could feature enhancements and run on the upcoming next-gen console. However, it remains unknown to what extent games would be enhanced on the Switch 2.

The Nintendo Switch 2 will be compatible with the current-generation Switch cartridges as well as digital library. This could be similar to the Sony PlayStation 5’s backward compatibility. Notably, PS5 also upscales and enhances many PS4 titles to make games look better.

As previously rumored, the Nintendo Switch 2 will feature an 8-inch LCD screen. It will come with Nvidia Tegra 239 chipset along with support for 1080p gameplay and Ray Tracing. The console is expected to be priced around the $400 mark and arrive later this year.

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iPhone 15 Pro Max Handles Drop Tests Better Than The Galaxy S24 Ultra

By

Viraj Gawde

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Feb 12, 2024

Samsung’s Galaxy S24 Ultra and Apple’s iPhone 15 Pro Max are the only two phones equipped with titanium in the market. An intense durability test conducted by JerryRigEverything on both phones revealed a robust durability of the S24 Ultra but the iPhone 15 Pro Max did not come out unscathed. Now another YouTuber, PhoneBuff has pitted the two flagships from the South Korean and Cupertino-based tech giants in a comprehensive drop test.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra vs iPhone 15 Pro Max drop test

Last year in October, PhoneBuff also did a drop test throwing the iPhone 15 Pro Max and the Galaxy S23 Ultra in the ring. The rigorous test has four rounds. Before we begin, the latest-generation Galaxy S24 Ultra has a titanium frame and Gorilla Armor for a significant improvement in durability compared to its predecessor.

The first round of the drop test starts with the Galaxy S24 Ultra and iPhone 15 Pro Max dropped flat on their backs. It shattered the glass back panel on both phones with the damage more visible on the S24 Ultra. The camera lenses also suffered due to the test. Even the Gorilla Armor made no difference to the device. The YouTuber awarded this round to the iPhone 15 Pro Max. In round two, both phones are dropped from the corner to test the titanium frames. The devices got minor dents but the iPhone also started losing few bits of glass. This round ended in a draw.

Samsung adopted a flat display shielded by Gorilla Armor for the Galaxy S24 Ultra this year. However, this did not make any difference when it was dropped on a concrete floor flat on their front. Compared to the iPhone 15 Pro Max, the S24 Ultra suffered more damage to the screen with cracks. The functionality of the selfie camera and fingerprint scanner were compromised on the Samsung flagship. On the iPhone, things worked as normal. Hence, the Apple device secured a win here.

Now, coming to the fourth and the bonus round, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and iPhone 15 Pro Max were dropped repeatedly face-down on a metal surface and that too from a higher height than the previous rounds. The iPhone started to suffer damage as it picked a vertical line on the second drop and by the seventh drop, the screen on the device just went fully White. The Galaxy S24 Ultra also starts to witness its own problems just with an additional drop. However, it is still fully functional and the YouTuber awards this gruelling round to the S24 Ultra.

PhoneBuff gives an overall score of 37 points to the Galaxy S24 Ultra. The iPhone 15 Pro Max comes close second at 36 points. The iPhone 15 Pro Max scored 10 out of 10 in the first three rounds. It only succumbed in the fourth and final round. Hence, in our opinion, we feel that Apple’s flagship did significantly better than the S24 Ultra. This is because in the real world, you won’t be dropping your phone on a metal surface 10 times in a row.

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Samsung Galaxy Fit 3 leaks in early hands-on video

By

Rajesh Regmi

-

Feb 12, 2024

Samsung’s upcoming fitness tracker, the Galaxy Fit 3 has been prematurely revealed in multiple ways. Samsung itself accidentally included the Galaxy Fit 3 on its website, and the official user manual is now even available online. Adding to this, a hands-on video showing the Galaxy Fit 3 has now surfaced online.

In the video, we can see the fitness tracker in two color options — black/dark gray and silver with a white wrist strap. Additionally, we can also see a couple of watch faces for the Galaxy Fit 3.

pic.twitter.com/QVr4gLBJoL
— Wigetta (@WigettaGaming) February 6, 2024

The new generation of Samsung’s fitness tracker differs notably from its predecessor, the Fit 2. While the Fit 2 had a capsule-style display, the Fit 3 boasts a wider rectangular display which should improve readability for texts and overall user experience.

Reports suggest it features a 1.1-inch always-on AMOLED display with a 5ATM rating for water resistance. Similarly, previous reports indicate that the tracker is equipped with an optical heart rate sensor for precise health monitoring.

Samsung Galaxy Fit 3 hands-on — Galaxy FIt 3 render.

It will track vital metrics such as heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and stress levels, while also offering features like step counting, exercise tracking, and sleep pattern analysis for comprehensive well-being insights.

Likewise, the Galaxy Fit 3 may sport a 200 mAh battery capacity, which is a notable increase of 41 mAh compared to its predecessor. It is expected to support 5W charging.

However, being a fitness tracker, it will lack support for third-party apps. While Samsung hasn’t officially announced a release date for the Galaxy Fit 3, the retail sightings suggest an imminent launch is highly likely.

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(Via)