Massive Ransomware Attack Hits 18 Hospitals Across Romania

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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

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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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Microsoft confirms upcoming release — it’s Windows 11 24H2, not Windows 12

By

Rajesh Regmi

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Feb 12, 2024

Previous speculation about Microsoft moving away from a three-year update cycle for Windows turned out to be true. In an official blog post, Microsoft announced that “Windows 11 24H2” will be the major feature update for 2024, pushing the anticipated release of Windows 12 into 2025 or later.

Microsoft subtly revealed this strategy shift in the changelog for a recent Windows 11 Insider Preview Build. The changelog states:

“Starting with Build 26-xx today, Windows Insiders in the Canary and Dev Channels will see the versioning updated under Settings > System > About (and winver) to version 24H2. This denotes that Windows 11, version 24H2 will be this year’s annual feature update. As mentioned here, Windows 11 will have an annual feature update cadence that releases in the second half of the calendar year.”

The company is now clearly committed to one annual feature update for Windows 11, scheduled for release in the second half of each year. This marks a change from smaller, more frequent “Moments” updates seen in the past.

This decision may stem from Microsoft’s concern about exacerbating userbase fragmentation. Windows 10 continues to hold a dominant 66% market share, while Windows 11 trails behind at 28%. Introducing Windows 12 in 2024 could further divide the Windows ecosystem, a situation Microsoft likely wants to avoid.

Instead, users can expect substantial AI-powered features and other advancements with the Windows 11 24H2 update. The exact details of what these AI features will be are still up in the air, but we can expect more details to come out in the coming months.

However, previously rumored concepts, like a redesigned desktop interface with a “floating taskbar” as a characteristic of Windows 12 won’t materialize in the immediate future. So a significant visual overhaul for Windows is unlikely before 2025.

Regarding release timing, Windows 11 24H2 builds will reach manufacturers (RTM) in April 2024. General public availability is tentatively expected sometime between September and October 2024.

Let us know your thoughts. Are you disappointed about the Windows 12 delay?

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Xiaomi faces hurdles as smartphone suppliers hesitate to establish presence in India

By

Debasish

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Feb 12, 2024

Xiaomi has reportedly raised concerns over India’s strict scrutiny of Chinese companies, which is impacting the setting up of operations by smartphone parts suppliers in the country. According to a Reuters report, Xiaomi has informed New Delhi that due to the stringent oversight, component suppliers are exercising caution in establishing operations in India. Xiaomi, which holds the largest share of the Indian smartphone market, has requested manufacturing incentives and reduced import tariffs on certain smartphone components to alleviate the situation.

Regulatory scrutiny and visa concerns deter component suppliers

The letter from Xiaomi to India’s Ministry of Information Technology, dated February 6, was a response to an inquiry on how India can further develop its domestic parts manufacturing. Xiaomi’s president in India, Muralikrishnan B., emphasized the need for trust-building measures to encourage component suppliers to conduct business locally. Concerns raised in the letter include challenges faced by Indian subsidiaries of Chinese companies, particularly regarding compliance and visa issues.

The concerns highlighted in the letter underscore the broader challenges faced by Chinese companies operating in India. Indian authorities have previously accused Chinese smartphone company Vivo of violating visa regulations and embezzling significant sums from India. Additionally, Xiaomi faced asset freezes amid allegations of illegally transferring funds to foreign entities.

India’s regulatory scrutiny extends beyond smartphone manufacturers, with over 300 Chinese apps banned since 2020 and halted projects involving Chinese companies such as automaker BYD and Great Wall Motors. Executives from Chinese electronics firms have reportedly encountered difficulties in obtaining visas and facing delays in investment approvals due to the strict scrutiny.

In response to these challenges, Xiaomi has called for further reductions in India’s import duties, following recent moves by New Delhi to reduce import duties on certain components. Xiaomi believes that lowering import tariffs could enhance the competitiveness of Indian manufacturing in terms of cost. However, the company also acknowledges that greater incentives will be necessary to persuade component makers to establish factories in India.

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Xiaomi 14 Pro won’t see global release, European price leaks for vanilla Xiaomi 14

By

Rajesh Regmi

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Feb 12, 2024

Xiaomi‘s latest flagship smartphone, the Xiaomi 14, will debut globally on February 25th. According to a new leak from Techmaniacs, the smartphone will have a starting price of €1,099 in Greece for the 12GB RAM and 512GB storage model.

It’s an increase over the Xiaomi 13’s price, which launched last year at €999 with 8GB RAM and 256GB storage. And unfortunately, it seems Xiaomi isn’t being as generous with RAM outside of China.

Chinese Xiaomi 14 models with 512GB storage (or more) boast an impressive 16GB RAM, but it appears to be downgraded for global consumers as the leak shows the 512GB variant is paired with 12GB of RAM.

On the other hand, the leak also supports previous rumors that the Pro version of the Xiaomi 14 will remain exclusive to China. This is likely because the company will also launch the Xiaomi 14 Ultra alongside the vanilla model.

So Xiaomi seems to be betting that consumers will opt either for the base Xiaomi 14 or go all-in on the feature-packed Ultra. This could make the Xiaomi 14 Pro a less desirable option among consumers.

Additionally, a recent report suggests that there’s a special titanium edition of Xiaomi 14 Ultra in development which is said to come in 16GB+1TB configuration only.

There will also be a standard model in 16GB+1TB configuration, which is expected to start at a 7299 yuan ( ~ USD 1,000) price tag, but the titanium edition will cost more, at least by 500 yuan (~ USD 70).

Regardless, both the vanilla and Ultra models will come with flagship features like Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, Leica co-engineered camera, and high-res AMOLED display. We will be sure to keep you informed about the Xiaomi 14 series as soon as any new details become available.

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HMD Legend, LegendPro arrive on Geekbench with Unisoc chip

By

Sudarshan Ravichandran

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Feb 12, 2024

At the end of last month, HMD confirmed that it will be soon releasing self-branded products. At least 9 smartphones are expected from the company shortly.

One of these was recently leaked revealing its design and main camera. Now, two more have been spotted on Geekbench.

Two upcoming HMD-branded smartphones codenamed Legend and LegendPro have appeared in the Geekbench database. Their listings disclose a common chipset and different RAM capacities.

These handsets will be powered by an entry-level Unisoc T606 chip. The Legend will house a 4GB RAM module, while the LegendPro will arrive with 8GB RAM.

As for software, both of them will boot Android 14. They will likely offer a near-stock Android experience as Nokia-branded phones.

Unfortunately, that’s all the information we have on these forthcoming products. We expect to learn more about them in the next few days.

Apart from these handsets, HMD is expected to release a smartphone featuring a 108MP camera with OIS. Prolific tipster Evan Blass also shared the codenames of 6 HMD phones recently.

Two of these products are the aforementioned Legend and LegendPro. The others are Pulse, Pulse+, PulsePro, and Legend.

HMD (Human Mobile Devices) has scheduled its MWC 2024 event for February 25. Some of these or perhaps all of these handsets could be announced at the conference.

Also, it is worth noting that HMD has confirmed that it will continue to release Nokia-branded smartphones. In fact, more than 17 models are expected in 2024.

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Here’s a Pen that turns Handwriting into Digital Notes and brings ChatGPT Access

By

Simranpal Singh

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Feb 12, 2024

One of our childhood dreams, having a magic pen that can search, edit, and enhance writing, seems to be materializing with the recently announced XNote, a cutting-edge smart pen revolutionizing note-taking worldwide. Coupled with a special dotted notebook and iPhone app, the XNote brings a whole new sphere of features for editing and searching and even adds the ability to integrate reminders. Moreover, it can integrate with ChatGPT to answer your questions, summarise the keynotes, and solve puzzles.

XNote Pen: Digitise and Enhance Notes Using ChatGPT

The XNote pen uses dotted regular paper, and the dots help the pen track the paper’s position. It, in turn, enables easy digitization, helps you summarize key points, and answers the questions that you write on the paper. It even highlights past occurrences of the content you’re writing and even helps to extract action points like meetings and other significant information.

It is more of a convenience while enjoying pen writing and efficient digitization of the text. It keeps track of your old writings and ensures the user never misses anything important or overlooks unimportant details. Imagine being able to ask your notebook questions and receive answers instantly. With XNote’s AI-powered chat and search functionality, it’s now possible. Simply conversationally interact with your notes and let XNote fetch the information you need, right when you need it.

The XNote pen is currently on Indiegogo for the price of $199, which roughly translates to Rs 16,520. There’s an additional AI subscription that users could avail of to harness the full potential of the pen. It costs a one-time fee of $59 (~Rs 4898). It enables users to enjoy the traditional writing experience while making digital notes automatically using the XNote pen.

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MechRevo adds i5-13450HX to the Aurora Pro 2024 gaming laptop lineup priced at 5799 yuan (~$806)

By

Debasish

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Feb 12, 2024

MechRevo has recently added an Intel i5-13450HX version to the Aurora Pro 2024 gaming laptop lineup. The Aurora Pro 2024 originally launched with i7-13650HX paired with RTX 4060 and RTX 4070 graphics for 6499 Yuan ($903) and 6999 Yuan ($973) respectively. This new version with i5 still includes the RTX 4060 graphics.

Technical details of the Aurora Pro 2024 i5 edition

The introduction of the i5-13450HX + RTX 4060 version provides an affordable entry point for gamers, with a starting price of 5,799 yuan. The Intel Core i5-13450HX processor boasts a 6 large core + 4 small core design, delivering impressive performance with a turbo frequency of 4.6GHz. On the other hand, the i7-13650HX offers even more power with its 6 large core + 8 small core design and a turbo frequency of 4.9GHz, catering to users seeking top-tier performance.

The Aurora Pro 2024 features a stunning 16-inch 2560×1600 resolution display with a blazing-fast 165Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth and immersive gaming experiences. The screen also supports 500nits brightness, 100% sRGB color gamut, DC dimming, and ΔE < 2, delivering vibrant visuals with remarkable accuracy. Equipped with a 140W full-power RTX 4060 graphics card and dual copper tube fans, the notebook offers exceptional graphics performance and efficient heat dissipation.

In terms of memory and storage, the Aurora Pro comes with 16GB DDR5 memory (dual slots) and a 1TB SSD with impressive reading speeds of 7000MB/s, thanks to its dual M.2 interfaces. The machine is powered by a 240W silicon carbide power adapter, ensuring reliable and efficient power delivery during intense gaming sessions.

Furthermore, the Aurora Pro offers a wide range of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 6 support, an SD card slot, USB-A, USB-C, HDMI 2.1, Mini DP, and a wired network port. This extensive array of ports ensures seamless connectivity with various peripherals and external devices, enhancing the overall gaming experience.

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Redragon launches M68 wired magnetic axis keyboard for just $47

By

Rajesh Regmi

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Feb 12, 2024

Redragon has expanded its mechanical keyboard lineup with the release of the wired M68. The keyboard features a unique magnetic axis design, a sleek 68-key layout, and a host of advanced features designed for competitive gamers and enthusiasts. So let’s get into its detail here.

Redragon M68 keyboard specifications

The standout feature of the M68 is its magnetic axis design. Utilizing Hall effect technology, the keyboard eliminates traditional mechanical contact points for fast, incredibly precise key actuation. This translates to a more responsive and satisfying typing or gaming experience.

On the other hand, the M68’s linear magnetic switches offer impressive customizability. The actuation distance (the point where a keystroke registers) can be precisely adjusted within a range of 0.2 to 4.0mm. This allows users to tailor the keyboard’s response to their exact preferences.

You also get an 8K response rate for ultra-fast responsiveness, ensuring minimal delay between your keypresses and actions on the screen.

It also features DKS dynamic key travel, allowing you to fine-tune how far you need to press a key before it registers, further optimizing your performance.

Furthermore, the keyboard includes RGB backlighting, full-key hot-swap functionality, and the ability to program macros for complex tasks or game commands.

Beyond its performance, Redragon has built the M68 with durability in mind. The keyboard boasts a metal top cover, noise-reducing materials, and dustproof switches. There are also high-quality PBT keycaps that provide extra resilience for long-term use.

Pricing and Availability

The Red Dragon M68 comes in white, black, and a stylish gradient gray option. Its pricing starts at 339 yuan (~ USD 48), with a slight cost increase to 349 yuan for certain colorways. There’s no word on global availability yet, but you can purchase it from JD.com in China.

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Xiaomi requests the Indian government to revise its policies about Chinese companies

By

Joane

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Feb 12, 2024

Amidst the backdrop of strained India-China relations and increased scrutiny of Chinese businesses in India, Xiaomi, a prominent player in the Indian smartphone market, has voiced its concerns and made requests to the Indian government in a bid to navigate the challenging landscape.

With an 18% share in India’s smartphone market, Xiaomi has raised alarm over the intense scrutiny faced by Chinese companies operating within the country. Muralikrishnan B., President of Xiaomi India, stressed the importance of establishing “confidence-building” measures to facilitate the local setup of component operations. Xiaomi has urged the Indian government to consider offering manufacturing incentives and reducing import tariffs for specific smartphone components, aiming to alleviate the burdens faced by Chinese companies.

Background on India- China relations and challenges faced by Chinese companies

The strained India-China relations stem from a 2020 border clash, which prompted India to heighten scrutiny of Chinese businesses, disrupting investment plans and drawing protests from Beijing. Accusations against Chinese companies like Vivo Communication Technology and Xiaomi have underscored Indian authorities’ concerns about alleged breaches and illegal remittances. This has resulted in actions such as freezing Xiaomi assets and banning over 300 Chinese apps, while also halting projects by Chinese automakers.

Chinese electronics companies, including Xiaomi, have encountered various challenges, ranging from difficulties in obtaining visas for executives to facing slow investment clearances due to heightened scrutiny by the Indian government. To address these issues, Xiaomi has proposed policy changes, advocating for further reductions in India’s import tariffs, particularly on sub-components such as batteries, USB cables, and phone covers. The company believes that such reductions could enhance India’s manufacturing competitiveness in terms of costs but stresses the necessity for bigger incentives to attract component manufacturers.

Government response and potential policy shift

In response to Xiaomi’s concerns and requests, Rajesh Kumar Singh, India’s top industrial policy bureaucrat, hinted at the potential easing of scrutiny of Chinese investments if the border situation between India and China remains peaceful. This suggests a potential policy shift that could provide some relief to Chinese companies operating in India, albeit contingent upon geopolitical developments.

As Xiaomi continues to navigate the complex landscape of India-China relations and grapple with the challenges faced by Chinese businesses in India, the company’s proactive engagement with the Indian government reflects its commitment to finding viable solutions amidst ongoing tensions. However, the path forward remains uncertain, with the outcome hinging on a delicate balance of geopolitical dynamics and policy decisions.

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Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra HQ renders leaked, showcase design, color variants

By

Anvinraj Valiyathara

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Feb 12, 2024

Recent reports indicate that Asus is preparing to unveil the Zenfone 11 and Zenfone 11 Ultra in various markets. A recent leak has divulged almost everything about the Zenfone 11 Ultra, suggesting similarities with the ROG Phone 8. In a recent leak, prominent leaker Evan Blass shared high-quality renders of the device, showcasing its four color options.

Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra HQ renders

The previous leak revealed that the Zenfone 11 Ultra will be available in five shades, such as Eternal Black, Skyline Blue, Misty Gray, Verdure Green, and Desert Sienna. However, the HQ renders shared by Blass do not show the green variant of the device.

The general design of the Zenfone 11 Ultra is not different from the ROG Phone 8 series. Apart from a slight change in the rear camera design, all the other design elements are quite similar between the Zenfone 11 Ultra and the ROG Phone 8 series. Here is a look at the previously leaked specifications of the 11 Ultra.

Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra specifications

The Zenfone 11 Ultra is expected to feature a 6.78-inch FHD+ AMOLED LTPO panel that will support up to a 144Hz refresh rate. The device is expected to ship with the Android 14 OS and feature an in-screen fingerprint scanner for security.

The 11 Ultra will have a 32-megapixel front-facing camera. The back panel of the device will feature a gimbal OIS-enabled 50-megapixel IMX890 main camera, a 13-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and an OIS-assisted 32-megapixel telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom.

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip will power the Zenfone 11 Ultra. It will arrive with up to 16 GB of LPDDR5x RAM and up to 1 TB of UFS 4.0 storage. The device will pack a 5,500mAh battery with 65W wired and 15W wireless charging support.

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Vivo V30 series to launch in India next month with ZEISS co-engineered cameras

By

Rajesh Regmi

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Feb 12, 2024

Vivo is prepping to launch its V30 smartphone series in the Indian market soon. The lineup will include a standard Vivo V30 and a Vivo V30 Pro model.

Although Vivo has already released the Vivo V30 in some global markets, it hasn’t shared any details about the V30 Pro yet. However, earlier today, the smartphone appeared in a GeekBench listing, revealing that it will feature a Dimensity 8200 chipset, 12GB of RAM, and will run on the latest Android 14 operating system.

Vivo V30 series will have ZEISS co-engineered cameras in India

In exclusive news, MySmartPrice reports that the Vivo V30 series will hit the Indian market next month, that is in March. The report also reveals that the V30 series will come with a “ZEISS co-engineered camera system designed specifically for the Indian market.”

Vivo has been collaborating with Zeiss for its flagship X-series, starting from the X60 series smartphones. However, with the V30 series, Vivo will extend Zeiss’s premium camera technology to its mid-range smartphones for the first time. Zeiss’s optimization should bring better image sharpness, less distortion, and distinctive bokeh effects.

The report doesn’t indicate any change in hardware specifications though. Vivo launched the V30 with a 50-megapixel main camera with OIS support and a 50-megapixel ultra-wide lens on the rear.

There’s also an Aura LED flash, equipped with smart color temperature adjustment support. For selfies, you get a 50MP lens on the front punch-hole cutout. Powering the device is a Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 chipset coupled with up to 12GB of RAM and 512GB of storage.

The phone is built around a 6.78-inch curved-edge AMOLED panel offering 1.5K resolution and 120Hz refresh rate. Other features of the smartphone include an IP54 rating, and a lightweight body weighing 186 grams.

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