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Former Meizu Executive Reveals Insights about Expected Huawei Vision AR Headset

With the launch of Apple Vision Pro, the headset market received much-needed attention from the masses. The already mature market includes players like Meta, Vive, and Valve, and the entry of Apple made it more competitive. Amid all this, a former Meizu executive, Li Nan, and the founder of Numiao Technology sarcastically shed some light on the expected Huawei Vision AR Headset via his official Weibo Handle.

As per the post shared, Li Nan claims that Huawei is working on a VR headset that will feature the company’s self-developed chipset, which would offer such exciting performance that there would be “no delay” in spatial renders. The VR headset will come with a Sony 4K micro-OLED display, which is expected to ship to the Huawei manufacturing unit within the next 6 months. The same display is part of Apple’s Vision Pro headset.

Further, Huawei’s VR headset will weigh around 350 grams, which is around half of the 600 grams measuring Apple’s Vision Pro.

If we believe the story, then it would result in a great alternative to the Apple Vision Pro on the market. However, the pricing would be around 15000 Yuan, which roughly translates to ~$2100. We also expect it to be available for a lower price than Apple’s counterpart.

Huawei’s venture into VR is not entirely new, as the company introduced Vision Glass with a head-mounted display in 2021. It was bundled with a 1080P micro-OLED screen. This latest development aligns with Huawei’s previous efforts and its registration of the Vision Pro trademark back in 2019. Even some rumors state that Huawei is bringing its Mixed Reality headset.

Additionally, Apple may need to change the Vision Pro name in China, as Huawei already has the same name trademark in China.

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Oppo and OnePlus Embrace AI with ColorOS New Year Edition! Which Models Will Get the Update?

Artificial intelligence technologies continue to grow in popularity. Today, it is possible to see AI inspirations in many products and services. Of course, smartphone manufacturers are no exception. After Samsung introduced Galaxy AI to our lives with the S24 series, now Oppo and OnePlus have rolled out their AI-powered ColorOS New Year Edition update for millions of users. The update brings over 100 new AI features designed to enhance productivity, creativity, and user experience. Here are the details…

Oppo and OnePlus Embrace AI with ColorOS New Year Edition Update

Artificial intelligence technologies used in smartphones aim to make our daily lives easier. For example, one of the AI features that came into our lives with the ColorOS New Year Edition Update is AI Call Summary. This feature intelligently analyzes your phone calls, transcribing them and highlighting important points. It can even create to-do lists and reminders based on the conversation, saving you the hassle of note-taking during long calls.

Another important feature that comes to Oppo and OnePlus phones with this update is AI Elimination. As you know, smartphones are our most important helpers in capturing unique moments. However, sometimes unwanted people or objects can enter the frame in our memories with our loved ones. With this feature, you can remove them and make quick and effortless image touch ups.

Of course, the new year is wonderful when you share it with your loved ones. With the AI Greeting Cards feature, you can design personalized New Year greeting cards with the help of AI-generated suggestions and templates. Additionally, with Photo Studio, you can apply festive New Year-themed filters and templates to your photos, giving them a fun and celebratory makeover.

Oppo’s virtual assistant is now smarter and more functional than ever thanks to AI. The company claims that it even has an answer suggestion for awkward questions asked by your family. It can also suggest recipes for festive dishes, help generate greetings, scripts, and other written content, and provide Spring Festival facts and trivia. The ColorOS AI New Year Edition update first covers the following models:

  • Find X7 series
  • Reno10 series
  • Find X6 series
  • Find N3 series
  • OnePlus 12
  • OnePlus 11
  • OnePlus Ace 3
  • Reno11
  • Reno11 Pro
  • OnePlus Ace 2
  • Ace 2 Pro

It is worth mentioning that at the beginning of this month, the Oppo Find N3 and X6 Pro mobile phones pushed the ColorOS 14.0.0.402/401 update, which has already added functions such as intelligent call summary and AI elimination. With the push of the ColorOS AI New Year Edition, more Oppo and OnePlus smartphone users will experience this function.

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Former Apple Engineer Sentenced for Stealing Self-Driving Car Secrets

A former engineer at Apple, Xiaolang Zhang, finds himself on the wrong side of the law, having been handed a six-month prison sentence for his role in pilfering secrets from the tech giant’s vaults. This unfolds as Zhang admits to swiping details on the development of Apple’s self-driving vehicle project, an endeavour that people have been talking about for years.

The fine includes a hefty sum of $146,984 as well

Zhang’s journey from trusted employee to convicted felon began with his arrest at San Jose International Airport in 2018, moments before he could escape to China. Initially, he fought the charges, pleading not guilty. However, in a dramatic turn of events in 2022, Zhang confessed to the theft of trade secrets, leading to his current predicament. Beyond his prison term, Zhang faces a three-year leash of supervised release and a hefty restitution bill of $146,984.

Apple

His tenure at Apple was marked by his involvement in Project Titan, Apple’s mysterious and much-discussed foray into autonomous vehicles. According to allegations, Zhang’s acts of espionage included transferring a detailed 25-page document with engineering blueprints to personal devices and pilfering hardware, illustrating a breach of trust as profound as it was audacious.

Following a paternity leave and a trip to China, Zhang resigned, revealing plans to join XPeng Motors, a move that raised eyebrows given the company’s competing interests in autonomous driving. This revelation set off alarm bells, leading to an investigation that caught Zhang red-handed, engaging in activities that betrayed confidence.

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Velo de Ville Amps Up the E-Bike Game with Customizable 2024 Models

Electric bicycles are evolving, and Velo de Ville is at the forefront of this transformation. The German e-bike specialist is rolling into the 2024 riding season with four exciting new models, each designed to cater to a wide array of preferences and riding styles. What sets these bikes apart is their emphasis on customization, allowing riders to tailor their bicycles to fit their unique needs perfectly.

The diverse range of e-bikes can cater to a wide range of people

The lineup kicks off with the AEB Urban Commuter, a bike that’s as versatile as it is efficient. Available in several frame and wheel configurations, the AEB series is powered by Bosch motors, offering a range of performance options to suit different urban adventures. From the compact 40-Nm Active Line motor in the AEB 290 to the robust Performance Line CX motor in the AEB 990, there’s an AEB for every city dweller.

E-Bikes

For those who crave adventure beyond the city limits, the SEB model, dubbed the “SUV” of e-bikes, combines rugged design with off-road capability. Equipped with a suspension fork and durable Schwalbe Johnny Watts tires, the SEB is ready for anything from daily commutes to weekend explorations.

Urban comfort gets a new definition with the CEB model, designed for a smooth and relaxed riding experience. The Bosch Performance Line SX motor ensures a natural pedal feel, while the bike’s comfort-enhancing features, like a suspension seatpost and full-coverage mudguards, make for an effortlessly enjoyable ride.

Lastly, the KEB model brings compact convenience to the urban landscape. Its small frame and 20-inch wheels make it ideal for navigating city streets, while still packing the same punch as its larger counterparts with the Bosch Performance Line SX motor.

Velo de Ville’s commitment to customization doesn’t end with the bike’s specifications. Riders can choose from a variety of paint finishes and add custom touches for a truly personalized ride. This approach not only highlights the brand’s dedication to meeting individual rider needs but also showcases the potential for e-bikes to become a more integral part of our daily lives.

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RBI Enhances Digital Rupee in India with Programmability and Offline Transactions

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is taking a big step by adding new features to its digital currency, making it smarter and more useful. They’re introducing programmability and the ability to work offline. This is a big deal because it means the digital rupee can do more than just simple payments between people and shops. Now, it can be set up for specific uses, like making sure government help goes to the right place, or helping businesses manage their spending better.

People with bad internet access (and no internet) can still use digital money

The offline feature is especially important. It means people in areas with bad internet or no internet at all can still use digital money. This is a game-changer for parts of the country that are hard to reach or don’t have good mobile service.

India

The RBI isn’t stopping there. They’re also working on making digital transactions safer and looking for new ways to check that payments are secure. Plus, they’re thinking about how to make sure India gets its fair share from the sale of digital goods like apps and games. They want to change old rules so they can tax these products, which would help India compete better in the global market.

All these changes show that India is serious about making its digital currency work better for everyone. It’s not just about making payments easier; it’s about making sure the economy grows and everyone can be a part of it, no matter where they live or how good their internet is.

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Vivo Y200e 5G Launch Timeline, Key Features Tipped

Vivo is working on a new Y-series smartphone. The upcoming offering is the Vivo Y200e 5G and so far the device has bagged Bluetooth SIG, BIS, and Google Play Console certifications. It has also appeared on the Geekbench benchmarking platform. Some of the key specifications of the device are known because of the listings. Now, 91Mobiles has learnt more details including the launch timeline of the Vivo Y200e 5G from industry sources.

Vivo Y200e 5G launch timeline, features tipped  

Vivo Y200e 5G
Vivo Y200e 5G image via Play Console listing

As per the report, the Vivo Y200e 5G is tipped to launch in India by the end of this month. We can expect the brand to start sharing teasers of the device in the coming days. Previously, we reported that the upcoming offering could be a rebadged version of the Vivo Y100 5G that debuted in Indonesia recently. 

The report adds that the Vivo Y200e 5G will feature an EcoFiber leather back panel along with a unique anti-stain coating which means that it will be resistant to stains. The smartphone will reportedly have a 120Hz AMOLED display. It is tipped to be backed by a 5,000mAh battery unit with support for 44W fast charging. The upcoming offering is also said to be the first Y-series phone with dual stereo speakers and an IP54 rating. The report does not reveal any additional information of the Y200e 5G. 

The Google Play Console listing of the Vivo Y200e 5G revealed a flat display with a centre-aligned punch-hole cutout. The back panel has a rectangular camera module housing three sensors accentuated by Gold color. The rear panel is also seen with a geometric pattern design. The certification revealed an SM4450 processor with two A78 cores and six A55 cores. This corresponds to the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset. The device will pack 8GB RAM and run on Android 14 OS out of the box. This has also been confirmed by the phone’s Geekbench database

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Samsung extends storage upgrade offer to Galaxy Tab A9 Plus

Samsung unveiled the Galaxy Tab A9 series in late October. The lineup consists of two tablets, namely Galaxy Tab A9 and Galaxy Tab A9 Plus.

The Plus model went on sale in the US starting in January. Soon after its release in the country, the company offered a free Book Cover accessory worth $50 on every purchase.

A month later, the firm has now replaced the free accessory offer with a free storage upgrade offer.

Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 Plus

Samsung introduced the storage upgrade offer with the launch of the Galaxy S23 series last year. The company retained this offer for the successor Galaxy S24 series as well.

Now, the company has extended this offer to its budget tablet Galaxy Tab A9 Plus. If consumers in the US buy the said tablet from Samsung.com, they will get double the storage and RAM. On top of that, customers can get up to $90 trade-in bonus.

In other words, for the price ($219) of the base 4GB + 64GB variant, buyers will get the higher 8GB + 128GB version instead. The higher memory configuration carries a price tag of $269, and therefore, they get the same $50 benefit as the free Book Cover offer.

Talking about features, the device sports a metal body. It comes with an 11-inch 16:10 display. The LCD panel offers a resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels and a 90Hz refresh rate.

The tablet is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 chip. On the software front, it boots One UI 5.1 based on Android 13.

It arrives with an 8MP rear camera and a 5MP front-facing camera. It houses quad stereo speakers and a 7,040mAh battery. Last but not least, it supports 15W charging.

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Redmi Buds 5 Amazon Availability Confirmed, Key Specs Revealed

Xiaomi sub-brand Redmi is gearing up to launch a new smartphone and TWS earphones in India. The former is set to launch on February 14 whereas the latter will be announced on February 12. Now, ahead of next week’s official launch, Redmi has confirmed the key specifications of the Redmi Buds 5. Xiaomi has put up a microsite of the upcoming offering. 

Redmi Buds 5 Amazon availability confirmed, key specs revealed

The Redmi Buds 5 debuted in China in September last year. It was also announced in the global markets last month. The Indian variant is set to come with the same specifications. The TWS earphones are also confirmed to be available for purchase from Amazon

As per the microsite on the Xiaomi’s official website and Amazon, the Redmi Buds 5 has an in-ear design with a stem and silicon ear tip. They will be offered in Black and Light Blue color options. The TWS earphones are confirmed to be equipped with 12.4mm titanium drivers for powerful bass and sound. The upcoming offering will feature a 46dB hybrid ANC mode for eliminating surrounding noise. They are teased to have a dual-mic AI voice enhancement technology for crystal clear sound on calls. 

The Redmi Buds 5 can be connected to two devices simultaneously. It is claimed to offer up to 38 hours of battery life with the squarish-shaped case. 

We will know the rest of the details including the pricing and availability of the Redmi Buds 5 on Monday. The TWS earphones are expected to compete against the OnePlus Buds 3 that debuted last month.

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Blaupunkt SBA50 Bluetooth soundbar launched in India with 45W output & 14hr battery

Blaupunkt has just unveiled a brand new audio product in the Indian market. The company’s latest offering is the Blaupunkt SBA50 Bluetooth soundbar speaker which offers some notable specs. So here are all the details like its features and pricing.

Blaupunkt SBA50 Bluetooth Soundbar Specs

The new Soundbar from the brand houses a quad 2.04 inch speaker setup that can offer 45W stereo sound output. Blaupunkt promises to offer a deep bass along with balanced audio with these speakers. It weighs 2.2 kilograms and measures 90.7 x 12.5 x 12.5 cm in dimensions. It has a rectangular bar design with a sleek finish. A 2,400mAh battery pack powers this device, which can offer up to 14 hours of battery life on a single full charge.

Blaupunkt SBA50 Bluetooth soundbar

It offers multiple connectivity options like Bluetooth 5.0, USB, AUX, microSD card slot, Gutar, Min input, and even FM radio. Blaupunkt SBA50 Bluetooth soundbar can also be paired with another SBA50 model for seamless audio as both soundbars can connect to the same music. The company has packed a built-in equalizer along with six preset modes that allows a more personalized audio experience.

Pricing and Availability

The Blaupunkt SBA50 Bluetooth soundbar speaker is available in a single black color option. It is currently listed for purchase on Amazon’s official Indian website. It has a price tag of 3,999 INR, which roughly translates to about 48 US Dollars.

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Apple Sells The Most Smartphones In 2023 With Seven iPhone Models, Only Three Samsung Phones In The List

As per last month’s report, Apple toppled Samsung for the first time in 13 years as the top smartphone brand. Now, research firm Canalys is back with new data on the top 10 smartphones shipped last year across the world. Unsurprisingly, Apple once again dominated the list with the most devices. However, none of the other smartphone brands other than Apple and Samsung made it to the list. Read the entire details below.

Apple ships the most smartphones in 2023

As per Canalys report, the iPhone 14 Pro Max was the most-sold smartphone globally with 34 million units. The iPhone 15 Pro Max came close second with 33 million units after launching in September. The third spot was taken by the iPhone 14 with 29 million shipments. The iPhone 14 Pro and the two-year-old iPhone 13 bagged the fourth and fifth spots with 29 and 23 million units shipped respectively. 

The top five devices sold last year came from Apple. The iPhone 15 Pro was seventh in the list selling 21 million units. The standard iPhone 15 rounded the list of top 10 with 17 million units. The iPhone 14 Plus and iPhone 15 Plus are notable mentions missing from the list. 

Only three phones from Samsung were among the top 10 selling smartphones last year. Notably, they belonged to the South Korean brand’s Galaxy A-series. These include the Galaxy A14 4G at sixth place with 21 million sales. The other two were the Galaxy A54 5G and Galaxy A14 5G at the eighth and ninth spots respectively. 

No other brand including OnePlus, Xiaomi, Vivo etc made it to the list of most phones sold last year. 

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Honor Magic Flip launch timeline & design leaked

Honor is gearing up to unveil its first ever flip foldable smartphone soon. The upcoming clamshell folding device was previously spotted in a rumor, and now, a fresh leak has revealed the launch timeline and design for the Magic Flip. So here are all the details.

Honor Magic Flip Launch Timeline & Live Image

Honor Magic Flip

In an earlier report, we covered a leak that suggested that the Magic Flip will be released in China’s Spring Festival. This has now been backed by the same tipster on Weibo (a Chinese microblogging website) again. For those unaware, the Spring Festival in China will be hosted between the 10th and 17th of February 2024. Apart from this, the tipster also shared an image, which offers us a look at the new flip phone.

The leaked picture showcases the rear design of the Magic Flip with two circular ring modules. The top module likely houses the image sensors, while the lower one would sport the external cover display. So the design appears to be quite similar to clamshell folding phones from its former parent company, Huawei. Based on what we know so far, the Magic Flip is powered by a 4,500mAh battery pack, which consists of a 2,420mAh + 1,980mAh dual-cell battery.

Unfortunately, this is all the information we have at the moment. Keep in mind that this is still just an unconfirmed report, so take this news with a pinch of salt for now and stick around for more as we will be providing updates when additional details are available regarding this device.

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Geekbench scores suggest Tensor G4 performance lags behind Tensor G3

Leaks and rumors circulating about Google‘s upcoming Tensor G4 chip suggest it may not be a substantial upgrade from Tensor G3. 

Although there’s no solid evidence to confirm this speculation, a supposed Geekbench listing recently emerged for a new Google chipset, likely the Tensor G4, lending some credibility to these claims.

The listing surfaced on Geekbench under the device codenamed “Google Tokay.” It’s uncertain which smartphone exactly the “Tokay” is; possibilities include the Pixel 9, 9 Pro, or the recently leaked Pixel Fold 2.

But what’s important here is the thing powering it. The listing reveals that the chip powering the device has one Cortex-X4/X5 core clocked at 3.1 GHz, three Cortex-A7xx cores at 2.6 GHz, and four Cortex-A5xx cores at 1.95 GHz.

This brings the total CPU core count to eight, which is one less than the nine cores on the Tensor G3. So we’re not sure whether this chip is indeed the upcoming Tensor G4. For graphics, there’s an Arm Mali G715 GPU, and the device has 8GB of RAM.

Furthermore, its performance also falls short compared to the Tensor G3. The latter can easily manage Geekbench scores of 1268 and 3510 but the new chip can only reach 1082/1024 in single-core tests and 3121/2788 in multi-core tests. 

The Tensor G4 is expected to use the same 4LPP+ manufacturing process as Samsung’s Exynos 2400. While the Exynos 2400 can rival flagship chips from Qualcomm and MediaTek, it remains uncertain if the Tensor G4 will achieve the same level of performance.

As aforementioned, if we go by current rumors, the Tensor G4 would not be a huge upgrade. However, there are expectations for performance improvements with the Tensor G5.

The next iteration of Tensor SoC is rumored to be custom-designed by Google and will be manufactured by TSMC which should lead to better performance and efficiency. It’s just early speculations though, so it’s better to take this information with a pinch of salt.

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The Rising Toll of Cyber Attacks in 2024 and Beyond

Cyberattacks are increasing with the increasing penetration of the internet across different countries. The attacks not only affect individuals but sometimes pose substantial risks to governments and corporations. Forecasts indicate that the global economic toll from these attacks will increase to 10.5 trillion USD in 2025 from an astounding 8 trillion USD in 2023.

The attacks are significantly increasing and impact several industries. In recent years, we have even seen some countries accuse others of cyber security concerns. In a recent example, China accused the US of having Huawei servers. A new report Cost of Data Breach from IBM reveals average losses reaching $4.45 million per attack in recent years. The cyber attacks were estimated at $8 trillion in 2023, and they could reach 9.5 trillion in 2024. Apart from business disruptions, cyberattacks contribute the most to crippling businesses across the globe, as per a survey by Statista.

Well, the losses are going to escalate in the coming years. According to Statista and Cybersecurity Ventures predictions, the losses due to cybersecurity thefts are going to increase to $10.5 trillion in 2025. Further, it will increase to $11.3 trillion in 2026 and 12.4 trillion in 2027. However, these numbers are projected considering the current scenario; however, these may change as AI inclusion will further increase the losses.

Cyber Attack Details Across Different Industries

Precisely, the healthcare industry suffered a loss of around $10.93 million in 2023. Sensitive information in the healthcare sector, such as personal information, Social Security numbers, and other details, attracts the culprits. It leads to identity theft, insurance fraud, and even extortion in rare cases.

Meanwhile, the manufacturing industry accounted for 30% of attacks in the last year. The industry’s inability to cope with any downtime that halts production often leads to companies paying the ransom. A chipset manufacturer, TSMC, confirmed a cybersecurity incident and data breach where the culprit demanded a ransom of $70 Million.

The IT sector itself is a major target due to being the backbone of digital work across different sectors. It even has a major impact on other services, which is another reason that cybercriminals often target IT companies.

Apart from the industries, high-profile individuals are often the last of the cybercriminals. The list includes prominent politicians, industrialists, and other influential figures.

Understanding the impact of cyber attacks on various industries

The landscape of cyber threats is indeed evolving rapidly, with data breaches, ransomware, social engineering, supply chain attacks, and AI-generated threats posing significant risks to businesses and individuals alike.

In 2023, IBM research shows that the average cost of data breaches globally has surged, reaching 4.45 million USD, with the United States bearing the highest average cost in 2023. The severity of data breaches is evident from incidents like those affecting Real Estate Wealth Network, Comcast Cable Communications, Delta Dental of California, and Integris Health, which compromised billions of records containing personal information.

However, the Middle East is trailing the US with a loss of $8.07 million and then Canada with a $5.13 million data breach. The rest of the list includes Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Latin America, South Korea, and others.

Different Attacks That Cripple Industries

For a deeper dive into the evolving cyber threat landscape, including the types of attacks, their impacts, and strategies for protection, read on:

Phishing: Cybercriminals impersonate legitimate organizations to steal sensitive information via email, text, or other channels, targeting human error rather than system vulnerabilities.

Ransomware: Malicious software encrypts files until a ransom is paid, with global attacks surging by 55% in 2023, affecting 4,368 cases.

DDoS Attacks: Overwhelming online services with traffic from multiple sources, DDoS attacks disrupt operations and lead to revenue loss.

Malware: Harmful software infiltrates systems, allowing unauthorized access and espionage, with Trojans comprising 58% of all malware.

Data Extortion: Cybercriminals steal sensitive data and demand ransom, posing threats of public exposure or sale of stolen data.

Man-in-the-Middle Attacks (MitM): Intercepting and possibly altering communication between two parties, MitM attacks lead to theft of personal and financial information.

The projected increase in the cost of cyber attacks underscores the urgency of addressing cybersecurity vulnerabilities and implementing robust defense mechanisms. Both businesses and individuals must prioritize cybersecurity efforts to mitigate risks and minimize the impact of cyber threats.

There’s a dire need to invest in cybersecurity infrastructure and legislation to combat cyber threats. In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, proactive measures are critical to safeguarding against cyber attacks and mitigating their potentially devastating impacts.

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OpenAI CEO Sam Altman seeks Trillions in funding to boost Chip technology

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has unveiled a funding initiative aimed at significantly advancing chip technology. Altman’s plans, described as “wildly ambitious,” could potentially require up to a staggering $7 trillion in funding, with discussions underway to secure investment from entities including the United Arab Emirates government.

The core strategy of Altman’s initiative revolves around the establishment of numerous chip foundries, to be operated by established chip manufacturers such as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC). By addressing critical challenges hindering OpenAI’s growth, notably the scarcity of AI-capable chips, Altman aims to propel the field of AI forward and unlock new realms of possibility.

Key stakeholders involved in these groundbreaking discussions include senior officials from the United Arab Emirates, executives from TSMC, US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, and SoftBank’s CEO Masayoshi Son. These high-level meetings underscore the significant interest and potential backing for Altman’s ambitious vision.

The backdrop for Altman’s initiative is the backdrop of a semiconductor industry marked by domination from a few major players, including TSMC and NVIDIA. Despite efforts by various countries to bolster domestic semiconductor production, the global supply chain remains heavily reliant on these key firms.

In response to inquiries about the initiative, an OpenAI spokesperson acknowledged “productive discussions” surrounding global infrastructure and supply chains but refrained from divulging further details at this time. Additionally, OpenAI, backed by tech giant Microsoft, has yet to provide comment on the matter.

Altman’s background as a prominent figure in the AI field lends credibility to the initiative, although it hasn’t been without its challenges. Notably, Altman faced controversy in November, initially being ousted from the startup he co-founded before being reinstated following protests by employees and investors.

The scale of Altman’s fundraising ambitions is unprecedented, with the proposed $5 trillion to $7 trillion far surpassing typical corporate fundraising standards. Investors have already valued OpenAI at over $80 billion, indicating significant interest and potential for substantial returns.

The proposed partnership and funding structure for Altman’s initiative involve collaboration between OpenAI, investors, chip makers, and power providers. These entities would contribute funds for the construction and operation of chip foundries, with a significant portion of financing potentially sourced from debt. While discussions are reportedly in the early stages, the implications of such a partnership could be transformative for the AI landscape.

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Google ditches ‘Assistant with Bard’ branding for Gemini

Google made a major announcement yesterday, streamlining all of its AI efforts under a single name — Gemini. This means that Google’s AI chatbot, formerly known as Bard, is now referred to as Gemini, and the tech giant has also introduced its standalone Android app.

But do you recall Google’s announcement last year regarding its plan to imbue Android’s default Assistant with AI capabilities under the service named “Assistant with Bard”? With Bard now rebranded, there might be uncertainty about the fate of the Assistant’s AI services.

Google Assistant with Bard renamed with Gemini

In response to this change, Google clarified to Android Authority that Gemini on Android is the experience that Assistant with Bard was meant to provide.

“The vision we shared in October remains the same — to build a true AI assistant that is conversational, multimodal, and helpful,” said a Google spokesperson.

“Now, with the incredible capabilities of Gemini, we can deliver on that vision in an even more profound and meaningful way. The technology allows us to push past the limits of what we could do before (timers, alarms, weather) to help you supercharge your ideas and collaborate directly with Google AI on your phone,” the spokesperson added.

In essence, the functionalities envisioned for “Assistant with Bard” are now fully integrated into Gemini for Android.

Google has already taken the initial steps towards this approach, as Gemini becomes the default Assistant on your Android after downloading the app from the Play Store. You can still switch back to the old Assistant in the settings if you prefer.

But Google is confident in Gemini powering the AI capabilities of Assistant going forward. This means that the “Assistant with Bard” name is now retired for good.

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Dyson Supersonic r Hair Dryer Launched with Futuristic Design and Features

After excelling at vacuum cleaners for a couple of decades, the company stepped into the beauty market with the launch of hair dryers a few years ago. Later, it delved into air purifiers and expanded across the globe, with a current presence in 85 markets. The company is further broadening its wings with new innovative and futuristic products like Dyson Zone Air Purifying ANC headphones. The company introduced the Dyson Supersonic r Hair Dryer, bundling new designs and technologies while assuring it is a perfect tool for professional hair stylists and customers.

Crafted by the company on the recommendations of leading stylists across the globe, the Dyson Supersonic r is set to solve certain challenges that are prominent in traditional hair dryers. Weighing around 325 grams, the dryer’s r curve enables the professionals to easily serve the areas that are difficult to reach with old dryers due to their form factor. The new ergonomically designed r curve reduces the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome and other injuries.

Dyson Supersonic r Hair Dryer

It brings the new streamlined heater technology that enables consistent heating across all corners. Instead of the traditional coil, it uses the new streamlined flow heater technology coupled with symmetrical foils. Along with the heat, the coil enables efficient airflow, reaching evenly in every nook and corner with no hotspots. It enables an evenly distributed spread of hot air, enabling a significant amount of heat, perfect for styling, which, as a result, prevents heat damage and maintains hair health.

Further, the Dyson Hyperdymium motor and Radio Frequency Identification sensors add enhanced features. The RFID technology helps the hair dryer communicate itself, enabling automatic motor airflow and temperature control. The smallest hair dryer is efficient and effective, featuring new heater technology, motor performance, and a new design. Precisely, it is 30% smaller and 20% lighter, offering fast drying, frizz-free, and smooth results.

“The Dyson Supersonic r Professional Hair Dryer builds on our commitment to innovation and excellence in beauty technology. Our new streamlined heater technology and high-speed motors enable precise airflow and temperature control, resulting in fast drying and superior styling benefits for all hair types,” said Gavin Galligan, Senior Design and Development Manager at Dyson Beauty.

With three precise airflow settings, four heat modes, and ergonomic controls within easy reach, the Dyson Supersonic r offers a customizable styling experience without interrupting the session. Additionally, the depth-loaded filter captures professional pollutants, ensuring machine performance and longevity.

Dyson Supersonic r Hair Dryer will start retailing in March in some markets and will be followed by a launch in India. However, the actual launch date is not confirmed but will come “soon” after the global launch.

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Xiaomi 14 Ultra leaks in real-life photo

Xiaomi is gearing up to launch its latest smartphone series, the Xiaomi 14, for the global audience on February 25. Among the anticipated releases is the Xiaomi 14 Ultra. 

While details about this device remain scarce, a leaked image has surfaced on Weibo, a popular Chinese social media platform, possibly showing the Xiaomi 14 Ultra.

The image is shared by reliable tipster Digital Chat Station which likely shows the Xiaomi 14 Ultra alongside other flagship phones. Though the picture is somewhat blurry, it reveals the phone in an off-white color and a circular camera module, reminiscent of previous Xiaomi Ultra flagship designs.

Xiaomi 14 Ultra photo leaks

Despite the image’s quality, it’s possible to discern four camera rings, consistent with earlier leaks. The Xiaomi 14 Ultra is rumored to feature a quad-camera setup, headlined by a 50-megapixel main camera equipped with optical image stabilization (OIS) and variable aperture technology.

Reports suggest that the primary lens will incorporate Sony’s latest LYT-900 1-inch sensor, a feature thus far seen only in a select few phones like the Oppo Find X7 Ultra. Additionally, the phone is expected to include lenses for ultra-wide, telephoto, and periscope-telephoto photography.

While specific details remain scarce, you can expect typical flagship features to arrive with 14 Ultra. It’s reasonable to expect an AMOLED panel with 2K resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate, along with the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor. The device will likely run on HyperOS, based on Android 14.

Rumors also suggest a big-enough battery capacity of 5300mAh, accompanied by 90W wired and 50W wireless charging support. However, further details regarding the Xiaomi 14 Ultra are yet to be revealed. We will keep you posted about any new developments of the device.

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Acer unveils new Chromebox Mini: handles three video outputs simultaneously a fanless design

Acer announced its new fanless Chromebox Mini in the Audiovisual Technology and System Integration Exhibition (ISE 2024), specifically designed for the digital signage market. This compact yet powerful device offers scalability and high cost-effectiveness, catering to the needs of small and medium-sized enterprises seeking innovative digital solutions.

The new Chromebox Mini offers dual HDMI and a total of 5 USB Type-A ports

Acer’s Chromebox Mini stands out for its versatility and efficiency, providing businesses with an effective means of communication with customers. Equipped with dual HDMI 1.4b and USB Type-C ports, the device supports up to three video outputs simultaneously, enabling flexibility in display configurations.

The Chromebox Mini’s compact, fanless design ensures quiet operation. It becomes a worthy feature for certain use cases. Additionally, the device boasts support for Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, and Gigabit Ethernet ports, offering seamless connectivity options. Its compatibility with Chrome USB keyboards and mice, as well as VESA mounting kits, ensures maximum adaptability to any display and signage system.

Ports

  • 5 USB Type-A ports ( 3 at the front, 2 at the back)
  • 1 headphone port
  • 1 USB Type-C port
  • 2 HDMI ports
  • 1 Ethernet port

While Acer has yet to announce the pricing and release date for the Chromebox Mini, the highlight of the device lies in its capability to stream content to three screens simultaneously. This feature positions the Chromebox Mini as a versatile and efficient solution for businesses looking to enhance their digital signage capabilities.

With its compact design, robust features, and focus on scalability and cost-effectiveness, Acer’s Chromebox Mini holds promise for small and medium-sized enterprises seeking to elevate their digital signage experiences.

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Apple wins lawsuit over executive compensation for Tim Cook and others.

A federal judge in Manhattan has dismissed a lawsuit brought against Apple, alleging improper compensation to CEO Tim Cook and other top executives. The lawsuit, filed by a pension fund affiliated with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, accused Apple of overpayment due to miscalculations in the value of performance-based stock awards.

The crux of the allegations revolved around claims that Apple had overpaid Tim Cook and four other executives by tens of millions of dollars, with payments exceeding the intended amounts as specified by the compensation committee. Specifically, the plaintiff argued that the fair value of performance-based restricted stock units (RSUs) had been incorrectly calculated, potentially misleading shareholders.

However, U.S. District Judge Jennifer Rochon found in favor of Apple, highlighting that the company had adequately disclosed its compensation methods in its 2023 proxy statement, thereby complying with securities laws and regulations set forth by the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Judge Rochon also emphasized the absence of evidence indicating improper actions by Apple’s board of directors in determining executive pay.

One of the focal points of the case was the timeframe within which the plaintiff pursued legal action. Allegations surfaced that the pension fund did not afford Apple’s board sufficient opportunity to address its objections before filing the lawsuit, a contention that likely influenced the judge’s decision.

According to details revealed in Apple’s proxy filings, Tim Cook received substantial compensation, totaling approximately $99 million annually for both 2021 and 2022, with a significant portion attributed to stock awards. However, his total pay saw a decline in 2023, amounting to $63.2 million.

The lawsuit’s dismissal represents a legal victory for Apple, underscoring the company’s adherence to regulatory requirements and corporate governance standards in its executive compensation practices. It also serves as a reaffirmation of the transparency and compliance measures implemented by Apple in disclosing its compensation methodologies to shareholders.

While this ruling provides clarity on the matter, it also highlights the importance of thorough due diligence and adherence to procedural requirements in corporate governance disputes. As companies continue to navigate complex regulatory landscapes, cases such as these underscore the significance of transparency and accountability in executive compensation practices.

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Vivo Y03 gets certified by Singapore’s IMDA and China’s CQC

Vivo‘s upcoming entry in the budget-friendly smartphone category, the Vivo Y03, is gearing up for release. The device has recently secured Bluetooth SIG certification. And now, the smartphone has received certification from Singapore’s IMDA (Infocomm Media Development Authority) and CQC (China Quality Certification Center). These developments strongly suggest that the Y03’s launch is approaching in multiple markets.

Vivo Y03 IMDA / CQC certification

The IMDA listing confirms the model number V2332 and reveals the phone will have standard Bluetooth and WiFi capabilities. 

IMDA certification.

The CQC certification, on the other hand, reveals support for 15W charging support. These certifications point to the Vivo Y03’s imminent launch in both the Chinese market and globally.

CQC certification.

Although other specifications haven’t been officially announced, the Bluetooth SIG certification suggests that the phone will use Bluetooth 5.0 for connectivity. Apart from this, details about the device remain scarce.

The Vivo Y03 will succeed the Y02 launched back in 2022. It’s an entry-level phone with standard specs for everyday use. It comes with a 6.51-inch IPS LCD panel with HD+ resolution. 

Powering the device is a MediaTek Helio P22 processor, and a PowerVR GE8320 GPU and is paired with up to 3GB of RAM and 32GB of storage. Its camera setup includes an 8MP lens on the rear and a 5MP sensor on the front for selfies and video calls. 

Vivo Y02
Vivo Y02

Keeping it powered up is a 5000mAh battery with support for 10W charging. But it has a micro USB port for charging. We hope Vivo will improve in this area with the upcoming Y03 smartphone. 

As more information comes to light, we’ll be sure to keep an eye on the details of Vivo’s latest affordable smartphone offering.

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