Advertisement

Nio explores range diversity amidst challenging market conditions

Nio is gearing up for a significant update next month, considering the introduction of new variants with shorter ranges for its existing models. The move comes as the Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer faces headwinds in the competitive market. China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has included Nio’s eight on-sale models in a regulatory catalog, rendering them eligible for vehicle purchase tax reductions.

While the available battery packs for Nio’s models retain their capacities (ranging from 70-kWh to 150-kWh), the introduction of new options with significantly lower ranges is noteworthy. The 70-kWh and 75-kWh packs represent standard range options, utilizing Li-ion ternary battery technology. The 100-kWh pack caters to long-range capabilities, while the 150-kWh pack, a semi-solid-state battery, is not yet integrated into the battery swap system.

source: Nio.com

The adjustment in the minimum Chinese Long-Term Cruising (CLTC) range for various models suggests a strategic move by Nio to potentially lower both range and price. Reports hint at the possibility of Nio offering battery packs with a 50-kWh capacity, termed “city-class range,” derived from the standard range battery packs. This strategic decision may aim to reduce the barrier to purchase, expanding sales without causing significant dissatisfaction among existing customers.

Despite a challenging January that saw Nio’s stock decline by 38%, the company delivered over 10,000 vehicles, reflecting an 18.21% increase from the previous year. The recent downturn in stock prices is attributed to intense competition in the Chinese EV market, with larger players like Tesla and BYD initiating price wars, impacting smaller players’ pricing power.

Nio, along with XPeng and Li Auto, reported record deliveries of nearly 88,500 units in December 2023, marking a third consecutive monthly record. However, the positive delivery results did not prevent a decline in stock prices as investors chose to sell the news. The current market conditions, characterized by a slowdown in China’s economic recovery, have affected consumer spending on expensive electric cars.

Nio’s challenges and opportunities in the evolving Chinese EV market remain crucial for its long-term success. The company’s positive trend in weekly registrations, amidst competition and the upcoming Lunar New Year holiday, suggests efforts to sell inventories before the anticipated business hiatus in China. 

Related:

(via)

Apple Vision Pro gets OpenAI’s ChatGPT app

OpenAI has introduced its ChatGPT app for the new Apple Vision Pro headset, featuring the GPT-4 Turbo model. This allows users to engage with AI through the headset in a highly immersive augmented reality (AR) setting.

ChatGPT

ChatGPT App is Now Available on VisionOS

The ChatGPT app on Vision Pro enables users to communicate with the AI in various formats, including text, voice, and visual inputs. It’s one of the first applications to utilize visionOS, Apple’s operating system for the Vision Pro, designed for seamless integration of digital content with the real world.

The Apple Vision Pro includes advanced features such as Optic ID for biometric authentication through eye tracking and iris recognition, Spatial Audio for lifelike sound experiences, and VisionKit for app development. Although it’s not specified which features the ChatGPT app will use, there’s significant potential for enhanced AI interactions using text, speech, and visual inputs.

Integrating ChatGPT with Vision Pro marks a step towards more natural and intuitive interactions between humans and AI. Users can address complex issues or generate content by speaking instructions or showing problems to the AI via the headset’s camera. This integration could transform various tasks, from troubleshooting mechanical problems to meal planning and educational activities, through direct visual input.

Making ChatGPT available on Vision Pro is part of OpenAI’s strategy to extend its generative AI technologies across multiple platforms. ChatGPT was previously made available on iPhone and iPad, broadening user access.

The ChatGPT app is available for free on the visionOS App Store, with an optional subscription for advanced features and quicker responses. The store also offers over 600 other apps designed for a range of purposes, ensuring a rich ecosystem for Vision Pro users.

RELATED:

Turns Out Initial Leaks Were Wrong About The Nothing Phone (2a) As Per Latest Press Render

Nothing has already confirmed the presence of the Phone (2a). The London-based company is widely expected to announce it at the upcoming MWC later this month. The brand’s next smartphone has surfaced in numerous leaks and rumors. Now, reliable tipster Steve Hemmerstoffer (aka Onleaks) has shared a leaked press render of the Phone (2a). It turns out that the images of the device based on pre-production units were wrong or not reliable. 

Nothing Phone (2a) won’t have a Glyph Interface

The most notable change between the initial and the latest leaked render is that the Phone (2a) will have two vertically stacked camera lenses at the top left side. The placement is the same as Nothing’s other two smartphones. 

Another main difference from the latest render is that the Nothing Phone (2a) has a big circular element besides the camera sensors. It is in contrast to the large circular lines in the center above the wireless charging hardware on the Phone (2), the report adds. The Phone (2a) is also lacking the unique Glyph interface. This is understandable since the device is expected to be a mid-range offering. 

The Nothing Phone (2a) will also retain the brand’s transparent back panel like the more premium phones. The absence of a Glyph interface and a somewhat different design could be the company’s effort at differentiating the flagship number series from the affordable smartphones. Additionally, a Reddit user also shared an image of the prototype unit of the Phone (2a) that matches the latest leaked render.

The core specifications of the Nothing Phone (2a) is expected to comprise of a 6.7-inch FHD+ AMOLED display, a Dimensity 7200 SoC paired with up to 12GB RAM and 256GB storage, a 50MP primary camera, and 45W charging support.

Related:

Source

More Layoffs as Snap Inc. Lets Go of 500 Employees

Snap Inc., the company behind Snapchat, is letting go of 10% of its workforce, about 500 people. This move is part of a plan to make the company work better together and more efficiently. Snap’s decision reflects a bigger trend in the tech world, where many companies are trimming down to stay agile and competitive. Some other recent layoffs include Discord’s layoff of 17% of its employees and Microsoft’s layoff of almost 1900 employees.

The tech sector has seen nearly 24,000 job cuts in the month of January alone

The layoffs are meant to help Snap reduce layers within the company and improve face-to-face work among teams. This is a strategic step to keep the company strong and focused, especially during a time when the tech industry is facing a lot of changes. Other tech firms, including big names like Okta and Zoom, have also been cutting jobs recently. In fact, the tech sector saw nearly 24,000 job cuts in January alone.

Snapchat

Snap has been through this before, with several rounds of job cuts starting in 2022. This is part of an ongoing effort to align the company’s structure with its goals for growth and innovation. These latest layoffs are expected to cost between $55 million to $75 million.

The company is also under the spotlight for the impact of social media on young people, with CEO Evan Spiegel recently speaking to the Senate Judiciary Committee about this issue. Despite these challenges, Snap has managed to increase its revenue from digital ads recently and has started buying back $500 million in shares.

Even with these efforts, Snap’s stock price is still below its initial public offering price and far from its peak in 2021. This shows the company is working through some tough times, trying to find the best path forward in a fast-changing tech landscape.

RELATED:

(VIA)

All Xbox Games May Go Multiplatform Soon, Rumor States

Rumors are swirling that Xbox is considering a bold move: making its games available on more than just its own consoles. This could include big names like Starfield and even extend to every Xbox game. It’s a surprising turn that could change how we think about gaming on different platforms.

Playing Xbox exclusives on a PlayStation is a wild thing to think of

The idea seems to be driven by a desire to reach more gamers and possibly improve profits. Xbox has been behind PlayStation in sales, but it’s not for lack of trying. The Xbox Game Pass has been popular, but exclusive games haven’t given Xbox the edge it hoped for. Now, there’s talk that Microsoft wants to spread its wings and let its games land on PlayStation and other consoles.

Xbox series X

This move could shake up the gaming world. For years, certain games have been tied to one console. If Xbox games start appearing on PlayStation, it would be a big change. It’s not just about playing on different devices; it’s about making games more accessible to everyone, no matter their preferred console.

There’s a list of games that might make the jump, including Halo Infinite and Microsoft Flight Simulator. This news has gamers talking and wondering what it could mean for the future of gaming. Will we see more games become available across platforms? How will this affect the console wars? Making Xbox games available on more platforms could be a win for gamers everywhere, giving them more choices and ways to play their favorite titles.

RELATED:

(Via)

China’s Electric Car Market Zooms Ahead with 46% Surge in Plug-in Sales in 2023

China has once again proven itself as the global powerhouse in the electric vehicle (EV) sector, with a whopping 8 million new plug-in electric cars hitting the roads in 2023. This achievement not only sets a new benchmark for the country but also underscores the rapidly growing appetite for greener transportation options among Chinese consumers.

Electric cars now account for 37% of all car sales in China

The latest data reveals a significant 46% surge in plug-in car sales compared to the previous year, highlighting the unrelenting momentum of China’s EV market. This surge is fueled by a remarkable blend of all-electric cars (BEVs) and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), both registering record highs in sales. BEVs, leading the charge, witnessed about a 31% increase, while PHEVs, with their growing popularity due to larger battery capacities, saw an astounding 80% jump in registrations.

2024 BYD Seal
BYD is the leading Chinese EV maker

The electric revolution in China isn’t just about numbers; it’s a clear sign of the country’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and making electric mobility mainstream. With electric cars now accounting for 37% of all new car sales in China, the country is setting the pace for the global transition to sustainable transportation.

The dominance of domestic brands like BYD, which has captured a significant share of the market, alongside international players like Tesla, showcases a competitive and vibrant EV ecosystem. Models such as the BYD Song Plus and Tesla Model Y have become consumer favorites, topping the sales charts and driving the market forward.

As we look ahead, expectations are high for continued growth, albeit at a more measured pace. The industry is optimistic about reaching a new milestone of 10 million sales in 2024, reflecting confidence in the enduring appeal and potential of electric vehicles. With each passing year, China is driving closer to a greener, more sustainable future on the roads, demonstrating what’s possible with innovation, investment, and a shared vision for a cleaner planet.

RELATED:

(VIA)

Xiaomi Monitor A24i with FHD IPS panel & 100Hz refresh rate unveiled globally

Xiaomi has added a new product to its lineup with the launch of the Monitor A24i. This new monitor revealed on Xiaomi’s global website, combines a minimalist design with a set of impressive features, targeting both office use and entertainment.

Xiaomi Monitor A24i

The Xiaomi Monitor A24i features a 23.8-inch IPS LCD panel with a 1080p Full HD resolution. It stands out with its 100Hz refresh rate. The monitor is designed to deliver vivid and natural colors, supporting 16.7 million colors and covering 99% of the sRGB color gamut.

In terms of design, the A24i is sleek and modern, boasting a slim body of just 7.5 mm thick. The monitor’s design includes thin bezels on three sides, achieving a 90% screen-to-body ratio while also including an adjustable angle stand. Additionally, the monitor supports VESA mounting, offering the flexibility to be wall-mounted, although a bracket would need to be purchased separately.

Xiaomi Monitor A24i

The display also focuses on color accuracy with a ΔE<2 rating, a 1,000:1 contrast ratio, and a 6 ms response time. This makes it suitable for tasks that require precision in color representation.

For connectivity, the A24i is equipped with multiple ports, including DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI, and DC IN for power. This range of connectivity options makes the monitor versatile for various setups and user requirements.

While the launch date, price, and availability of the Xiaomi Monitor A24i in specific countries are yet to be announced, we can expect the announcement to arrive soon.

RELATED:

Appotronics expands its global presence in EV sector, with BYD, and Huawei

Shenzhen-based laser display technology innovator, Appotronics, is poised to become a pivotal electric vehicle (EV) player, leveraging a strategic partnership with BYD, BMW, and Huawei Technologies. Listed on China’s Nasdaq-style Star Market, Appotronics is strategically expanding its production capabilities to cater to the surging demand for intelligent EVs.

The company is set to inaugurate a cutting-edge facility dedicated to automotive optics by the end of 2024, a move expected to contribute to Appotronics’ revenue significantly. To make car-related business constitute half of its total revenue within the next two to three years, Appotronics is positioning itself at the forefront of the evolving EV landscape.

source:appotronics.com

A distinctive offering from Appotronics is its technology enabling smart EVs to display information on windows, providing users with real-time data such as interior temperature and proximity to a parked car. This innovative feature aligns with the company’s belief that its automotive-related business will surpass the overall growth of the Chinese EV market, fueled by the increasing interest in digital cockpits.

Financially, Appotronics demonstrated robust performance with a 63% year-on-year increase in first-half profit in 2023, reaching 74.9 million yuan. Despite a 15.5% dip in revenue to 1.07 billion yuan during the same period, the company remains optimistic about its prospects.

Founded in 2006, Appotronics introduced the advanced laser phosphor display (ALPD) technology in 2007, positioning itself as a leader in the automotive sector and cinemas, consumer electronics, and home projection systems. The company showcased its cutting-edge ALPD 5.0 super panchromatic laser technology at the 2024 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, garnering recognition and an “Innovation Award for Computer Peripherals and Accessories” for the Nexight Inc’s TriVision Ultra 4K Smart Projector.

With a keen focus on global expansion, the company aims to penetrate the European and global markets, leveraging its technological prowess. The strategic partnership with BYD underscores Appotronics’ commitment to shaping the future of electric vehicle technology.

Related:

(via)

Samsung Chairman Lee Jae-yong cleared of charges in merger case

Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong was cleared of all charges in a high-profile court case on Monday, marking a significant moment for both the tech giant and the South Korean legal system.

Lee Jae-yong

Legal Victory for Samsung’s Lee Jae-yong

The case centered around accusations of stock manipulation and accounting fraud linked to the 2015 merger of two Samsung affiliates, Cheil Industries Inc. and Samsung C&T Corp. This merger was critical as it was alleged to have been orchestrated to strengthen Lee Jae-yong’s control over Samsung Electronics, the crown jewel of the Samsung conglomerate.

The Seoul court’s verdict not only absolves Lee of any wrongdoing but also ends a lengthy legal saga that has captured public and international attention. Prosecutors had previously sought a five-year jail term for Lee, arguing that the merger was manipulated to inflate the stock price of Cheil Industries while undervaluing Samsung C&T, adversely affecting minority shareholders and consolidating Lee’s grip on the electronics giant.

However, the court found insufficient evidence to support these claims. It ruled that the merger could not be deemed unfair as it was decided upon after thorough review and consideration by the boards of the involved companies, with a reasonable purpose beyond merely facilitating Lee’s succession. This decision not only frees Lee from potential incarceration but also removes a cloud of legal uncertainty that has hovered over Samsung Electronics for years.

The ruling comes at a crucial time for Samsung, which has faced challenges including a sales slump and intensified competition in the global tech market. The company, once the world’s top smartphone maker, recently lost its leading position to Apple and has reported consecutive quarters of profit decline amid sluggish demand for consumer electronics and semiconductor chips.

Lee Jae-yong’s acquittal allows him to focus more intently on steering Samsung through these turbulent times. Under his leadership, the company aims to regain its competitive edge and innovation prowess, crucial for navigating the rapidly evolving technological landscape and geopolitical risks.

RELATED:

(Via)

Samsung Executive Confirms Galaxy Ring’s Launch Timeline

Samsung made a surprise announcement of its first smart ring at the Galaxy S24 series unveiling last month. Although it was rumored prior to the announcement, the Galaxy Ring has garnered plenty of excitement even though the official launch seems quite months away. Now, in a new development, a Samsung executive has confirmed the launch timeline of the wearable device. 

Samsung executive confirms Galaxy Ring’s launch timeline

Samsung Galaxy Ring
Samsung Galaxy Ring

Samsung’s Global Head of B2B Wearable/ IoT/ Accessory Daniel Seung Lee shared on LinkedIn that the new health and wellness wearable product is launching in the second half of the year. Here, the device the executive is referring to is indeed the Galaxy Ring. 

The revelation from the Samsung executive is in line with the previously rumored timeline by a consumer tech analyst. The South Korean brand conducts two Galaxy Unpacked events every year with the second one in August. However, last year marked the first time it was held early at the end of July hence, this year Samsung’s plans remain to be seen. The event usually focuses on the new generation Galaxy Z Foldables, Tablets, and Watches. Hence, the Galaxy Ring launching at the same event doesn’t come as a surprise. 

Recently, the Samsung Galaxy Ring was spotted in the Good Lock app. It suggests that the smart ring’s development is underway. The wearable device is rumoured to come in sizes up to 13 and it is said to be ridiculously lightweight. It will also be offered in three finishes. Meanwhile, the teaser video confirmed the presence of the heart-rate monitor, support for Samsung Health, and pogo pins on the Galaxy Ring. 

Related:

Via

EVM EnBuds ANC earbuds with 30dB noise canceling, 13mm drivers & 45-hour playback launched

Mumbai-based electronics brand EVM has launched a new audio product in the Indian market called EnBuds ANC.

EVM EnBuds ANC

The EnBuds ANC earbuds feature a sleek design with a glossy finish. They are equipped with 13mm drivers that provide strong bass and clear stereo sound, enhanced by Advanced Audio Coding (AAC) technology.

A key feature of the EnBuds ANC is its Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) capability, which can reduce external noise by up to 30dB. Additionally, the earbuds offer a Transparency mode, allowing users to hear ambient sounds when needed. The earbuds include Quad Mic ENC technology for clear phone calls in noisy environments.

EVM EnBuds ANC

The EnBuds ANC also features touch-sensitive sensors to easily control music and calls. They support voice assistant integration with Siri and Google Assistant and are IPX4-rated for sweat resistance.

Bluetooth Version V5.3 facilitates connectivity, and the earbuds include Insta-connect Technology for quick device pairing. In terms of battery life, each earbud provides 11 hours of music playback, and the charging case extends this to over 45 hours in total. The earbuds offer a fast charging time of about 1 hour via a Type-C connection.

Pricing & availability

Priced at Rs. 3,999, the EVM EnBuds ANC are available in white and blue and come with a one-year warranty. As an introductory offer, they are available on Amazon.in at a discounted price of Rs. 1,899 for a limited time.

RELATED:

(via: Fonearena)

Capture the Spirit of the Dragon Year with Mi Gallery’s Festive Photo Watermarks

Seeing a watermark on the photos we take is often quite annoying for many of us. Users often disable it in settings. Nevertheless, this watermark can also serve special purposes. The Mi Gallery – Edit app has officially introduced the “Dragon Year Spring Festival Limited Watermark” function. Here are the details…

Xiaomi Dragon Year Spring Festival Limited-Edition Watermarks Land on Mi Gallery

As we prepare to welcome the Lunar New Year and celebrate the Year of the Dragon, Xiaomi and Redmi users have a delightful surprise in store. The popular Mi Gallery – Edit app is now offering limited-edition Dragon Year Spring Festival watermarks, letting you add a festive touch to your photos and share the joy with loved ones.

Available from February 5th to 25th, 2024, these special watermarks are accessible on all Xiaomi, Redmi, and Poco models. Simply update your Mi Gallery – Edit app to the following versions:

  • Xiaomi 14 series: v1.5.3.5
  • Redmi K70 series: 1.6.3.2
  • Others: 1.6.0.5

Remember, this is a limited-time offer! The watermarks will disappear from the app on February 25th, so don’t wait to capture the essence of the Dragon Year with these unique designs

RELATED:

iTel S9 Pro With AI ENC, 40 Hours Battery Launched At An Affordable Price Tag In India

Earlier today, iTel announced the launch date of the P55 series smartphones in India. Now, the brand has expanded its range of audio devices with a new offering. It is the iTel S9 Pro TWS earphone. The device has an affordable price tag and is aimed at budget buyers. It packs a long-lasting battery life, ENC, and more. Read to know more what it offers out of the box. 

iTel S9 Pro specifications and features 

The iTel S9 Pro has a dual-tone in-ear design with a stem and silicone ear tips in Blue (on Black option) and Green color (on the Blue variant). The stem on both color variants has a transparent panel or it could just be a design. The earbuds are IPX5 water-resistant and support touch functionality. 

In terms of audio, the iTel S9 Pro is equipped with a 10mm bass boost driver for an immersive audio experience and powerful sound. There are two mics and AI ENC for crystal clear sound quality on calls. The earphones also have a 45ms low latency mode. The audio device features in-ear detection and voice activation. 

The iTel S9 Pro is powered by a 400mAh battery unit with each earbud backed by a 40mAh cell. It is claimed to offer up to 40 hours of total battery life. There is a USB-C port that is said to deliver 100 minutes of usage with 10 minutes of charging. The TWS earphones support Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity. 

The iTel S9 Pro is priced at Rs 799 and is offered in Nebula Black and Dark Blue color options. It is available for purchase from offline retailers across the country. 

Related:

Honor Choice Earbuds X5, Choice Watch Confirmed To Launch Alongside X9b On February 15

Honor is gearing up to launch its second smartphone – the Honor X9b in India on February 15 at 12:30 pm local time. Now, the brand has confirmed that it is launching two wearables at the same event. The devices are the Honor Choice Watch and Honor Choice Earbuds X5. The company says that these will help expand the brand’s portfolio in the country.

Honor Choice Earbuds X5 and Choice Watch India launch confirmed 

The Honor Choice Earbuds X5 is already available in China whereas the Choice Watch seems to be similar to the Honor Haylou Watch in the home market. The Indian variants are expected to be slightly different compared to their Chinese counterparts. 

Both the upcoming wearable devices from Honor are confirmed to be available from Amazon. The e-commerce platform has already put up a microsite of the Choice Earbuds X5. They will feature an in-ear design with a stem and silicone ear tips. The TWS earphones are confirmed to be IP54-certified dust and water-resistant. The Choice Earbuds X5 will also be able to connect to two devices simultaneously. 

As for the Honor Choice Watch, the brand has not teased any official details yet. An unboxing video shared by CEO Madhav Sheth revealed a squarish dial and a physical button on the right side. The smartwatch will come with a heart-rate monitor, sleep tracking, and support for various workout modes. The Choice Watch will pack a built-in calculator, weather app, alarm, calendar, and the ability to control music playback. The upcoming offering will support magnetic charging. 

Related:

Noise Grace smartwatch for women with an attractive design, 1.1″ AMOLED display & Bluetooth Calling launched

Noise, India’s leading smartwatch brand, has just launched a new smartwatch called the NoiseFit Grace. The smartwatch comes after the launch of the Noise Vortex Plus. The NoiseFit Grace is catered towards the female demographic. It features a unique cut dial design and comes in a sleek, metallic build with a link strap, available in Metal Silver, Rose Gold, and Jet Black.

NoiseFit Grace smartwatch

NoiseFit Grace specs:

The smartwatch boasts a 1.1-inch AMOLED Always on Display with 600 nits brightness and a 360 x 360 pixels resolution. In terms of functionality, the smartwatch includes an AI voice assistant and Bluetooth Calling, along with an in-built calendar. Additionally, it offers quick access to the dial pad and recent call logs, with storage for up to 10 contacts for convenient calling.

Equipped with the Noise Health Suite, it tracks essential health metrics like heart rate, SpO2, sleep patterns, and stress levels. The Productivity Suite also provides easy access to daily reminders and weather forecasts.

The smartwatch comes with IP67 water and dust resistance. It offers a battery life of up to 4 days and features four different smartwatch menu styles. Additionally, users can customize their experience with over 100 watch faces and sports modes, and it pairs seamlessly with the NoiseFit App.

Pricing & availability

The NoiseFit Grace is available at INR 2,999 on Flipkart and the brand’s website, gonoise.com.

RELATED:

ASUS Zenfone 11 Ultra Surfaces In Leaked Renders And Specifications, Could Be Rebadged ROG Phone 8

ASUS Zenfone has been a compact flagship in the market. The Taiwanese brand is reportedly working on the next-generation Zenfone devices. These are allegedly called the Zenfone 11 and Zenfone 11 Ultra. The later has been spotted on the Bluetooth SIG and SDPPI certification websites. Now, the Zenfone 11 Ultra has surfaced in leaked renders and specifications. 

ASUS Zenfone 11 Ultra leaked renders and specifications

A Reddit user spotted images of the Zenfone 11 Ultra in the latest firmware on the ROG Phone 8. The leaked renders and specifications suggest that the device could be a rebranded version of the ROG Phone 8 but with a few changes. If this indeed turns out to be true, the Taiwanese brand would be moving away from the compact flagship tag unless there’s a standard Zenfone 11 variant. 

The leaked images reveal the Zenfone 11 Ultra with the same design as the ROG Phone 8. It has a flat frame and a protruding camera module in Black color. The back panel also features some diagonal lines and the device is seen in Skyline Blue, Verdue Green, Dessert Sienna, Eternal Black, and Misty Grey color options. Of course, there is no ROG branding on the phone. The leaked image of the retail box does confirm the ASUS Zenfone 11 Ultra moniker. 

The Reddit user has also shared spec sheet of the Zenfone 11 Ultra. It will feature a 6.78-inch Samsung AMOLED display with a resolution of 2,400 x 1,080 pixels along with a 144Hz LTPO refresh rate. The refresh rate is lower than 165Hz found on the ROG Phone 8 series. On the optics front, the smartphone is tipped to sport a 50MP Gimbal OIS sensor coupled with a 13MP ultra-wide and 32MP telephoto lens. 

Under the hood, the spec sheet mentions that the Zenfone 11 Ultra will be equipped with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC paired with up to 16GB RAM and 512GB storage. It will be backed by a 5,500mAh battery unit with support for 65W wired and 15W wireless charging.

Related:

Oneplus may unveil new Oneplus 13 with a unique design

Many brands have already started testing smartphones with Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 and we will start seeing models with the new processor in Q4 2024. But brands are not only limited to testing high-performance chips, they are also making design changes to their products. Oneplus pays attention to design this time on the new Oneplus 13.

Oneplus is testing the new Oneplus 13

Digital Chat Station reports that Oneplus is internally testing Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 Prototype products and that the brand will switch to a different design language.

That’s because the prototype Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 device being tested is rumored to be missing the stainless steel hinge and circular Deco design in the top left corner. We don’t know how true this is. Of course, Oneplus could make some changes to the new Oneplus 13. We will see in the future whether the information is true or not.

Referring to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4, the new chip is said to perform close to Apple’s M3 chip. It is curious what the 8 Gen 4 can do, which is promised to offer a better experience compared to the A16 SOC in the iPhone 16 series.

Although the Geekbench 6 results leaked a few weeks ago indicate a perfect year for the Android side, it will take time before we know everything. Other manufacturers like Xiaomi are also testing Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 smartphones. If the information is correct, users should look forward to new Android phones. Like all users, we are looking forward to Q4 2024.

Related:

Samsung to improve Galaxy S24 cameras with future update

Samsung‘s latest flagship, the Galaxy S24 series, brings a range of improvements in both hardware and software. However, users have encountered a few minor issues with the camera and are expecting an update to address this issue. 

Fortunately, Samsung has officially acknowledged the concern and these issues will likely be solved via the upcoming software updates.

Concerns regarding the camera quality were initially raised by a user in Samsung’s official forum. In response, a moderator revealed that Samsung is actively working on optimizing the camera of Galaxy S24 based on valuable user feedback collected from various sources.

They revealed they are working on improving color accuracy and refining the “3D effect” when compared to previous Galaxy S models. 

While user feedback indicates an overall improvement in the S24 cameras compared to the S23, there are still some reported issues. 

This includes noise and banding in low-light skies, slight overexposure in daylight, and limited dynamic range around specific light sources in low-light conditions (via SamMobile). Some users have also noted detail loss in certain textures. So these issues should also be addressed in the upcoming camera update.

Samsung-Galaxy-S24-Series

However, Samsung did not provide a specific timeframe for these camera-fixing updates, they’ll likely be included in the first few software releases.

In related Samsung news, the company has confirmed that the upcoming software update will also solve another Galaxy S24 series issue where users are complaining that their screen is not bright enough and the colors don’t appear as they should. Again, there is no specified timeframe for the update rollout, but we expect it will happen soon as part of an upcoming software update.

Get the Galaxy S24 Ultra on Amazon 

Related:

HMD Confirms MWC Event On February 25

Mobile World Congress (MWC) is set to commence from February 26 this year in Spain, Barcelona. A host of brands are set to showcase their devices with innovative technologies. Now, HMD Global has confirmed its presence at the upcoming tech exhibition. Over the last few weeks, we have been learning details via rumors about HMD’s first smartphone. The NokiaMobile account was also renamed to HMD. 

HMD confirms MWC event

HMD sent out an official media invite (via) for the upcoming event. It is set to take place on February 25, Sunday at 12:30 pm CET at MWC Barcelona. The invite poster says that ‘Something new is coming’. HMD is also promising to shed light on the company’s fascinating new future. Previously, HMD had also confirmed that they will reveal details about several new license agreements and significant brand collaborations. The company is widely expected to launch new smartphones under its brand. 

HMD aims to make phones that are durable, fun, fast, secure, and affordable. Leaked promotional images of the company’s first phone reveal it in colorful options. Additionally, it also confirmed a 108MP primary camera with OIS support. The design gives us Nokia Lumia vibes. As per Evan Blass, six phones are tipped to be in the pipeline codenamed Pulse, Legend, Pulse+, Legend Plus, Pulse Pro, and Legend Pro.

As per a recent report, nine HMD phones also surfaced on the IMEI database confirming their existence but not revealing any key details. We should learn more information about HMD phones in the coming weeks leading up to the MWC event.

Related:

Dell launches four new AI headsets with ANC, offering up to 78 hrs battery, starting at $49.99

Dell has launched a new lineup of four AI-driven headsets, catering to both professional and everyday users. The offerings include the Dell Pro Wireless ANC Headset (WL5024) priced at $229.99, the Dell Pro Wired ANC Headset (WH5024) at $109.99, the Dell Wireless Headset (WL3024) at $159.99, and the Dell Wired Headset (WH3024) at $49.99.

Dell four AI-driven headsets

These headsets are designed to provide excellent noise cancellation and comfort for extended use, making them suitable for all-day conferencing and improving the user experience.

Specifications:

The Pro models, WL5024 and WH5024, feature AI-driven noise cancellation microphones that effectively filter out background noise, ensuring clear communication. They are equipped with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology that blocks unwanted environmental sounds. Particularly, the WL5024 offers Hybrid ANC, combining feed-forward and feed-back ANC for improved noise reduction across various frequencies.

Dell Pro Wireless ANC Headset - WL5024

The Dell WL5024 wireless headset stands out with its technical specifications including a dynamic 40mm driver, a frequency response range of 20Hz-20kHz, and an impedance of 32 ohms. It weighs 291g and offers a wireless range of up to 30 meters, facilitated by BT 5.3 connectivity. Its battery capacity is 750 mAh, supporting a talk time of up to 34 hours (with ANC off) and up to 78 hours of listening time.

The headset also features fast charging capabilities, where a mere 15 minutes of charging can provide approximately 10 hours of listening time. For connectivity, it includes a USB-C charging port and is compatible with Windows 11/10 64-bit and macOS systems.

On the other hand, the Dell WH5024 wired headset shares similar audio and connectivity specifications but differs in design and connectivity options, focusing on providing a reliable wired connection with a simple plug-and-play setup.

Dell Pro Wireless ANC Headset - WL5024

Both Pro models support easy pairing through Dell Pair software and customization of audio settings. The WL5024 wireless model introduces smart sensors that automatically mute and resume conversations upon removing or wearing the headset, whereas the WH5024 wired model includes convenient in-line controls.

Additionally, both headsets are designed with premium materials for durability and comfort, featuring adjustable leatherette headbands and memory foam ear cushions. These headphones are certified for Microsoft Teams and Zoom, ensuring compatibility with leading UC platforms.

Check out Dell Headsets on Amazon

RELATED:

 If you buy something via one of our affiliate links, Gizmochina may earn a commission.