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Here’s Everything You Need to Know About the New Resident Evil 4 Gold Edition

Gamers, mark your calendars! February 9th is the day Capcom rolls out the Resident Evil 4 Gold Edition, a package that brings together the critically acclaimed base game along with all its downloadable goodies.

Capcom will release the new edition on February 9

What’s in the box? For starters, the Gold Edition packs the Separate Ways expansion, adding layers to the game’s narrative with extra gameplay. But that’s not all. Players will also get their hands on a slew of bonus content that was previously exclusive to the Deluxe Edition. This includes a variety of outfits for the game’s protagonists, Leon and Ashley, giving them a fresh look with Casual and Romantic styles. Weapon enthusiasts will appreciate the inclusion of the Sentinel Nine and Skull Shaker firearms, alongside an original soundtrack, exclusive charms, and more treasures to enhance the gaming experience.

Resident Evil 4

While Capcom has kept the price tag under wraps for now, anticipation is building, and details on preorders are expected to surface soon.

Since its launch in March 2023, the remake of the 2005 classic Resident Evil 4 has been a blockbuster success, quickly selling over three million copies in its opening days and reaching six million in the following months. Its blend of horror, action, and meticulously crafted gameplay has not only won the hearts of long-time fans but also attracted new ones, earning it a perfect score in reviews for revitalizing the franchise.

The Resident Evil series, developed by Capcom, made its debut in 1996, setting a new standard for the survival horror genre. Originally titled “Biohazard” in Japan, the franchise has expanded significantly over the years, evolving from its roots in fixed camera angles and pre-rendered backgrounds to embrace first-person and over-the-shoulder viewpoints. The saga is renowned for its blend of action, puzzle-solving, and horror elements, revolving around the sinister Umbrella Corporation and the outbreak of the T-virus, leading to widespread zombie and monster infestations. Over decades, Resident Evil has grown into a vast universe, including video games, movies, novels, and more, maintaining its status as a cultural icon in horror and video gaming.

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The New Miloo Xplorer Beast Electric Bike is Crafted from Recycled Coffee Pods

Gone are the days when going green meant sacrificing performance or style, especially in the world of electric bikes. The Miloo Xplorer Beast is a shining example of this new era, marrying high-end performance with sustainability. What sets this electric mountain bike apart is not just its capability to tackle both city streets and rugged trails, but the innovative use of recycled materials in its construction.

The bike is as eco-friendly as it is powerful

Swiss company Miloo has turned heads by partnering with Nespresso to introduce a version of their Xplorer Beast that’s as eco-friendly as it is powerful. Instead of relying solely on traditional carbon fiber, this special edition bike incorporates recycled Nespresso coffee capsules for its frame and rims. It’s a creative solution to a common environmental issue, as these aluminum capsules are known for being difficult to dispose of responsibly.

E-Bike

The collaboration between Miloo and Nespresso doesn’t stop at aluminum frames. The bikes also feature components made from recycled rubber and other materials, showing that every part of the bike has been considered from an environmental perspective. The use of recycled content extends to the bike’s paint and packaging, highlighting a comprehensive approach to sustainability.

Miloo’s initiative is more than just creating eco-friendly bikes; it’s about inspiring change within the soft mobility sector. The company envisions a future where vehicles like the Xplorer Beast can serve as viable alternatives to cars, contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable world. With advanced features like a 1,000-watt electric motor and options for dual-battery setups, the Xplorer Beast doesn’t compromise on power or range.

The bike’s pricing remains under wraps, but its launch in spring 2024 is eagerly anticipated. It’s an example of what’s possible when companies think outside the box and prioritize the planet.

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Xiaomi MIJIA Smart Dehumidifier 22L with a five-layer noise reduction design launched for 1,199 yuan ($167)

Xiaomi has unveiled the MIJIA Smart Dehumidifier 22L in China and it is already on sale in the country. The MIJIA Smart Dehumidifier 22L has a five-layer noise reduction design and features a 4.5L water tank. It also features a dehumidification capacity of 22L per day.

MIJIA Sm

Features

The MIJIA Smart Dehumidifier can operate continuously round the clock and its capacity implies that it can remove the equivalent of 44 mineral bottles of 50cl in a day. The device uses a Panasonic dual-rotor compressor that makes it operate smoothly with small vibration and strong noise control. It also offers a strong core force and higher energy efficiency. The gadget has a vertical air outlet at the top that allows for fast air circulation and continuous dehumidification. It also delivers rapid drying of clothes which is great for clothes durability, as dampness is eliminated.

MIJIA Smart Dehumidifie

The five-layer noise reduction design of the MIJIA Smart Dehumidifier means the machine operates at low noise of around 35.5dB. It is therefore non-disturbing to use the dehumidifier even at night. It has a large digital display and dual light reminders. The dehumidifier also supports touch button operation and a single click can be used to switch modes and set target humidity. The working modes in the dehumidifier include smart mode, drying mode, and sleep mode.

The Xiaomi MIJIA Smart Dehumidifier can be operated by the MIJIA app, as well as Xiaoai voice control and integration with the MIJIA smart home ecosystem. The dehumidifier can be connected to an external drainage pipe to discharge dehumidification water to waste channels. This allows the gadget to work continuously without needing to shut down to empty the tank.

MIJIA Smart Dehumidifie

Pricing

The MIJIA Smart Dehumidifier 22L is available from online retail channels like JD.com and it is priced at 1,199 yuan ($167). There are no indications yet when the gadget will be available in overseas markets. The older versions of the MIJIA Dehumidifier are available on retailers like Aliexpress.

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Unihertz Jelly Star getting a controller adaptor soon that’ll transform it into a gaming handheld

Sugar Cubes Jelly has converted a unit of the Unihertz Jelly Star smartphone into a handheld game console. The Unihertz Jelly Star features a 3-inch display with a resolution of 854 x 480 pixels. Its compact properties, together with its Android 13 OS architecture have aided Sugar Cubes Jelly in the transformation of the smartphone to a compact gaming handheld.

Sugar Cubes Jelly

The Unihertz Jelly Star is powered by a MediaTek Helio G99 processor with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of UFS 2.2 storage. It comes with a 2,000mAh battery and is priced at $210. The smartphone was promoted by its manufacturer as the world’s smallest Android 13 smartphone. The specs of the Jelly Star make it more powerful than several of the existing handheld game consoles. This fact may have motivated developers at Sugar Cubes Jelly to construct a set of controllers/ cases that essentially transforms the compact smartphone into a tiny game console. When the smartphone is slid into the upcoming Sugar Cubes Jelly case, the user is offered a new way to use the smartphone as a game console. The built-in controllers and buttons include a D-Pad, analog stick, shoulder triggers, and action buttons.

Unihertz Jelly Star
Unihertz Jelly Star

There will be two versions of the Sugar Cubes Jelly case for the Unihertz Jelly Star – a horizontal version that places the controllers below the display and a vertical model that puts the display at the center while the controllers are at the left and right sides. The installation of the Jelly Star into the Sugar Cubes Jelly case will be a simple process of just sliding it in with the horizontal version. However, a disassembly of the smartphone could be required in the installation of the vertical case model. The cases are reportedly made from metal and could come in several color options.

There are still some details lacking for the new Sugar Cubes Jelly cases for the Unihertz Jelly Star smartphone. The company has neither released any price nor the exact release date for the cases.

Get the Unihertz Jelly Star Smartphone on Amazon 

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MIJIA Thermos Cup Ti 2 with double-layer titanium vacuum tech launched under crowdfunding at 179 yuan ($25)

Xiaomi has opened a crowdfunding campaign for the MIJIA Thermos Cup Ti 2. The Xiaomi MIJIA Thermos Cup Ti 2 comes with a double-layer titanium vacuum technology that keeps heat and locks cold.

MIJIA Thermos Cup Ti 2

Features

The MIJIA Thermos Cup Ti2 comes with a simpler design than previous MIJIA Thermos cup products. While the entire body is made of titanium, the lid adopts an all-titanium rotating design. The titanium rotating lid design is an improvement from the traditional plastic pop-up lid in previous MIJIA thermos cups. The outer bladder of the new MIJIA thermos cup is coated with metallic paint offering a smooth, wear-resistant, and scratch-resistant veneer. The cup also has a silicone floor mat which is non-slip and silent.

MIJIA Thermos Cup Ti 2

The MIJIA Thermos Cup Ti 2 is not prone to chemical reactions with its high (99.99%) titanium content. It can be used to retain liquids like tea, coffee, milk, and juice without any unhealthy chemical reaction. It also has antibacterial properties. The built-in titanium tea filter in the thermos cup comes with double-layer titanium vacuum insulation technology. The capacity of the thermos cup is 480ml and it weighs 196g. It is thus larger than previous MIJIA thermos cup iterations but lighter. Xiaomi says that the thermos cup can keep content hot at 58ºC and cold at 10ºC for up to six hours.

MIJIA Thermos Cup Ti 2

Pricing & Availability

The crowdfunding campaign for the MIJIA Thermos Cup Ti 2 has been launched on the Xiaomi Youpin website. The offer price for the new Thermos cup is 179 yuan ($25). There are no details on the duration of the crowdfunding campaign and the global availability of the Thermos Cup Ti 2.

Note that you can get MIJIA Thermos cup from retailers like Aliexpress.

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Nothing Phone 2a leaked wallpapers surface, indicating imminent launch

Nothing has recently confirmed that the Nothing Phone 2a is coming soon and it is a cheaper version of the Phone 2. However, the launch date is not known even though there has been a lot of leaks surrounding the model. Popular tipster Steve Hemmerstofer also has now posted wallpapers seemingly coming from the Nothing Phone 2a, an indication that the launch is close by.

The images and the full gallery of the wallpapers were also released by the tipster. The latest leak is yet another of the numerous leaks and speculations surrounding the Nothing Phone 2a. It is rumored to be powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 7200 chipset with 8GB/128GB or 12GB/256GB configurations. It could also come with a 120Hz OLED screen and a dual main camera setup including a 50MP sensor.

A community update post by Nothing on X confirmed that the Nothing 2a smartphone is coming. Nothing was also stated in the X video posting that the Aerodactyl name that had been mentioned previously on its social media platforms was the code name of the new smartphone. Nothing says that the motivation behind the development of the Phone 2a was that some community users desired the latest and greatest tech while others were interested in core features while still retaining Nothing’s trademark features. The Nothing 2a therefore satisfies the yearnings of a segment of the Nothing community.

Nothing co-founder Akis Evangelidis says that with the Phone 2a, the company has doubled down on the core user needs – performance, camera, and such. It also leverages the premium features of the Nothing Phone 2 while ensuring it is an upgrade of the Phone 1. There is no launch date yet for the Nothing Phone 2a. It is however speculated that the Phone 2a could be unveiled during this month’s Mobile World Congress (MWC).

There are also hints that Nothing is also planninng to unveil two new wearables – a pair of earbuds and a neckband.

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Oppo Find X7 with Dimensity 9300 chip tops AnTuTu list in January 2024

AnTutu releases its updated monthly top lists for January 2024. As per them, MediaTek chips lead both the flagship and flagship killer lists.

The Oppo Find X7 aces the flagship chart.  While the Redmi K70E retains its position as the top player on the flagship killer roll.

Oppo Find X7

The Oppo Find X7 is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 9300 SoC. The chipset is paired with LPDDR5x RAM and UFS 4.0 storage.

The 16GB + 1TB variant of the handset leads the AnTuTu January 2024 flagship list. It scores 2209832 points.

The Dimensity 9300 is the world’s first flagship smartphone mobile platform to solely use ARM big cores. It consists of 4 x Cortex-X4 and 4 x Cortex-A720 cores.

The chip is fabricated on TSMC’s 3rd gen 4nm process. It comes with a 12-core Immortalis-G720 GPU that supports hardware-level ray tracing,

On the other hand, the Redmi K70E houses a MediaTek Dimensity 8300-Ultra chipset. This SoC is also coupled with LPDDR5x RAM and UFS 4.0 storage. The 12GB + 512GB variant of the phone tops the AnTuTu January 2024 flagship killer list by scoring 1382150 points.

The Dimensity 8300 mobile platform uses the traditional ARM big.LITTLE architecture. Its CPU includes 4 x Cortex-A715 and 4 x Cortex-A510 cores. The graphics are taken care of by Mali-G615 MC6 GPU.

The chip uses TSMC’s 2nd gen 4nm manufacturing process. The Ultra in the name denotes customization by Xiaomi.

When we look at the top 10 lists, it is clear that MediaTek leads the flagship killer chart with 8 devices while Qualcomm competitively retains its crown with 6 devices on the flagship roll.

AnTuTu Benchmark Top Flagship Smartphones January 2024

  1. Oppo Find X7
  2. iQOO 12 Pro
  3. Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro
  4. Oppo Find X7 Ultra
  5. iQOO 12
  6. OnePlus 12
  7. Red Magic 9 Pro Plus
  8. iQOO Neo 9 Pro
  9. Vivo X100 Pro
  10. Vivo X100

AnTuTu Benchmark Top Flagship Killer Smartphones January 2024

  1. Redmi K70E
  2. Realme GT Neo 5 SE
  3. Redmi Note 12 Turbo
  4. Oppo Reno 11
  5. iQOO Z8
  6. iQOO Neo 7 SE
  7. Redmi Note 12T Pro
  8. OnePlus Ace Racing Edition
  9. Redmi K60E
  10. Realme GT Neo 3

Get the OPPO Find X7 Ultra at Giztop.

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Microsoft Edge Enhances Android Experience with Extensions to Beat Google Chrome

Microsoft is working hard to increase Edge’s popularity, but claiming success might not be entirely accurate. According to 2023 data, Google Chrome leads the browser market with 66.39%, while Microsoft Edge holds the third position at 11.09%, behind Safari. Despite being preinstalled on all Windows PCs, Edge faces challenges, especially on mobile, where it has less than 5%. However, there’s potential for a game-changer as Microsoft Edge for Android is gearing up to support extensions. Here are the details…

Microsoft Edge’s Game-Changing Move: Extensions Coming to Android

Microsoft Edge for Android is gaining support for extensions. This means you can install various extensions, just like you would on desktop browsers. Moreover, this feature is something almost none of its mainstream competitors offer. According to information revealed by Twitter user Leopeva64, this feature is currently in the testing phase and will soon be available for Android users to enjoy.

Microsoft is in a much worse position in the mobile browser market than it is on PC. However, this move could truly propel the company ahead, positioning it differently from its competitors. While beneficial for useful add-ons, it also comes with some challenges. For instance, many users employ ad blockers on their PCs. Yes, nobody likes seeing ads, but almost all digital content you encounter online relies on these ads for revenue.

If Microsoft Edge becomes more popular by adding extensions, it might prompt competitors like Google Chrome and Safari to follow suit. This could impact digital content creators who rely on ads, especially since mobile users often don’t use ad blockers. It’s important to note that just because a feature is available on mobile doesn’t mean it should be misused.

When Edge introduces extension support, you can explore various functional extensions, while ad blockers could be handy for websites with excessive ads. Keep in mind that the release timing for this feature is currently uncertain, so some patience might be needed.

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Sony Announces Disappointing PlayStation Plus Monthly Games for February with a Spider-Man 2 Surprise

Sony continues to gift free games to PlayStation Plus subscribers every month. These titles can be permanently added to players’ libraries and enjoyed without any additional cost as long as the subscription remains active. Now, the company recently revealed the monthly games for February 2024 for both PS4 and PS5 owners. Here are the details…

PlayStation Plus Monthly Games for February: Foamstars, Rollerdrome, Steelrising

Sony has revealed the free PlayStation Plus games for February, featuring Square Enix’s vibrant online party shooter, Foamstars. Alongside it, Rollerdrome and Steelrising have been included in this month’s lineup. All three games will be available to PlayStation Plus members from Tuesday, February 6, to Monday, March 4. Now, let’s explore each game in more detail.

Sony PlayStation Plus Games for February

In February, PlayStation Plus users can enjoy Foamstars, a 3D platform game available on both PS4 and PS5. The game lets players guide a group of cheerful aliens on an exciting interstellar adventure. Using foam balls, players can jump between platforms, take on enemies, and solve puzzles. Foamstars has garnered acclaim for its vibrant graphics, creating a lively atmosphere, and its engaging gamepla

Rollerdrome is an exhilarating 3D roller derby game where players can engage in fierce competition on challenging tracks. Using agility, speed, and skills, players aim to conquer opponents and achieve objectives. Praised for its fast paced gameplay and distinctive graphics design, Rollerdrome will be accessible on both PS4 and PS5, just like Foamstars.

Steelrising is a 3D action RPG that unfolds in 18th century Paris amid the French Revolution. Players guide Aegis, a steel-made robotic creation of French King Louis XIV, in a mission to suppress the revolution and free the French people. The game is acclaimed for its challenging gameplay and immersive setting, and it’s exclusively accessible to PlayStation Plus subscribers with a PS5.

Unfortunately, the entirety of PlayStation Plus’s February games is like this. To put it mildly, using the expression of disappointment is possible for the list, especially considering the games given to players in previous months. Still, if you have a PlayStation Plus Premium or Deluxe membership, there is a small consolation. If you don’t want to buy Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 without trying it, you’ll have access to a 2-hour time-limited trial starting February 6.

Get the PS5 Console from Amazon 

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SpaceX Will Launch Starlab Private Space Station into Space with Starship to Fill the Void of ISS

The International Space Station, the most expensive structure built by humanity, has long served as a space base for astronauts from Earth. However, as technology has transformed the space race into a competition beyond a few countries, the number of people with the potential to use this station is increased. For this and other reasons, the search for alternatives has already begun. For example, despite being one of the architects of the ISS, Russia is developing its own space station. Meanwhile, SpaceX plans to launch the Starlab private space station with Starship ahead of others. Here are the details…

Introducing Starlab, the Next Frontier in Private Space Stations

The ISS is expected to be replaced by private space stations around 2030. The first one, Starlab, is set to launch by 2028. Developed by Voyager Space and Airbus, Starlab is a private space station measuring 20 meters in length and 10 meters in width, consisting of two modules. The main module will house the crew’s living and working space, while the additional module will be utilized for scientific research and commercial activities.

Elon Musk’s SpaceX will undertake the mission to send the station into space. Starlab will be launched into orbit when the Starship rocket is ready. Many see Starlab as a significant step for space tourism and private space research. As you know, SpaceX has the capability to send almost anyone who can afford it into space. However, there is currently no space beyond the ISS where these individuals can spend time. Starlab has the potential to change this by creating a new commercial space activity.

Voyager CEO Dylan Thomas explained that launching Starlab in a single mission was always the plan. Starship, currently the only heavy-lift rocket in development, can accommodate the station’s 8-meter diameter in one go. Taylor emphasized that launching in one mission reduces on-orbit risks, avoiding the high costs and execution risks associated with assembling hardware on orbit for stations requiring multiple launches

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BYD expands its Electric Vehicle dominance in Singapore and Philippines

Chinese EV giant BYD is set for an aggressive expansion in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region, with a particular focus on Singapore and the Philippines. The company, having recently entered the Indonesian market, plans to double its sales outlets in Singapore and the Philippines in 2024.

James Ng, BYD’s Managing Director for Singapore and the Philippines, highlighted the company’s strategy to establish a stronger presence in the ASEAN market. The cultural alignment between the ASEAN market and China has played a crucial role, with consumer behavior in the region reflecting recognition of BYD’s products.

BYD unveiled a new compact electric SUV, Yuan Up, poised for mass market appeal. BYD’s recent launch of three passenger models in Indonesia marked a significant milestone in its ASEAN journey. The company has formed local partnerships to facilitate the sale of its EVs, collaborating with Sime Darby Motors in Singapore and the Philippine conglomerate Ayala. In the Philippines, BYD aims to expand its network by adding more than 20 sales points, while in Singapore, plans include opening two or three additional outlets.

BYD has been leveraging its success in Singapore, where it registered over 1,400 cars in 2023, making it the top EV brand in the country, surpassing even Tesla. Singapore’s EV market has seen substantial growth, with over 18% of new cars registered in 2023 being electric, a significant increase from the 2021 levels.

To support the growing demand for skilled technicians in Singapore, BYD has collaborated with NTUC LearningHub to launch a facility for EV mechanic training. The goal is to train 500 people annually in EV maintenance, aligning with BYD’s commitment to the region.

BYD’s Managing Director, James Ng, emphasized the company’s dedication to learning from its successes in Singapore and applying best practices for localization when expanding in the Philippines. With plans to open more than a dozen passenger car sales outlets in Singapore and the Philippines in 2024, BYD aims to strengthen its market position and contribute to the booming EV landscape in ASEAN.

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Samsung will soon fix the display issue in Galaxy S24 series

The Galaxy S24 Ultra has become one of the most popular phones recently with its beefy specs. Samsung has been offering high-quality screens on their phones for quite a long time, and with the S24 Ultra model, they have made a significant improvement in brightness as well.

While the Galaxy S23 Ultra had a screen brightness of 1750 nits, the Galaxy S24 Ultra comes with a screen brightness of 2600 nits. Additionally, the S24 Ultra comes with an anti-reflective screen protector, enhancing the of colors. All of these are substantial improvements, but some users claim that the screen of the Galaxy S24 Ultra is faulty.

Galaxy S24 Series Display Issues

According to some users on Reddit, Galaxy S24 Ultra’s screen is not bright enough, and the colors do not appear as they should. Furthermore, this issue is not visible on the Galaxy S24 Ultra but also affects the Galaxy S24 and S24+.

Users report that the screen of Galaxy S24 Ultra lacks sufficient brightness and fails to accurately represent colors. For instance, you may experience distorted colors on the home screen or with any app open, but during video playback, the display of the Galaxy S24 Ultra works as expected. Apparently, this is not a hardware defect, and Samsung needs to release an update promptly. Note that this issue is happening only when you turn on the vivid mode on settings.

Forbes revealed that Samsung is working on this issue through an online chat screenshot of a user and a Samsung employee. The user also asked about when Samsung would resolve this problem, but Samsung cannot provide a specific timeframe for the display issue of Galaxy S24 Ultra.

They have replied with “I understand that you want a time and date for this coming software update, but please we need your patience on this matter. Rest assured that the developer team will work on this as soon as possible. For now please keep your device connected to your Wi-Fi, so that the automatic update can enter to your device software.”

Get the Galaxy S24 Ultra on Amazon 

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ByteDance Unveils Coze, A Leap into Custom AI Chatbots

ByteDance is taking a giant leap forward in the artificial intelligence (AI) space with the launch of Coze, a platform that mirrors OpenAI‘s GPT models but with a twist. This innovative platform is set to revolutionize how businesses and individuals create and deploy AI chatbots, making it a game-changer for those without coding skills.

The new custom chatbots can be used across ByteDance’s entire ecosystem

Coze has made its debut in China, a market untouched by OpenAI’s services, presenting itself as an accessible AI development platform. This strategic move allows users to craft their AI bots swiftly, tailor-made for various tasks, without delving into the complexities of coding. This initiative is not just about simplification but also about integration, as these customized chatbots can be shared across ByteDance’s ecosystem, including the enterprise tool Feishu and even on WeChat, Tencent Holdings’ colossal app with a user base exceeding 1.3 billion.

Bytedance

This development is part of ByteDance’s broader strategy to pivot towards AI, also affected by its recent decision to shut down its gaming platform and a healthcare encyclopedia. These closures signal a sharpened focus on AI, spurred by the burgeoning popularity of generative AI tools like ChatGPT.

At the heart of ByteDance’s AI enthusiasm is CEO Liang Rubo’s call to action for his team to embrace and innovate with new technologies more proactively. This comes amidst the company’s ongoing success with its AI-driven content recommendation system, which personalizes user experiences in apps like TikTok and Jinri Toutiao.

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Hideo Kojima is Returning with “Physint,” A New Stealth-based Action Game

Renowned video game creator Hideo Kojima is at it again, this time taking the wraps off an exciting new venture in the action espionage genre, as announced at the State of Play 2024. The project, currently known by its working title “Physint,” aims to blur the lines between gaming and cinematic storytelling, showcasing Kojima’s vision for the future of interactive entertainment.

This might be the next big Metal Gear Solid game when it launches (or not)

This novel venture is set to bring together the best of both worlds, with Kojima Productions leading the charge in merging the narrative depth of cinema with the interactivity of video games. “Physint” represents a groundbreaking step towards creating experiences that are as immersive and engaging as they are visually stunning, thanks to the utilization of state-of-the-art technology.

Hideo Kojima

Kojima, the visionary behind the groundbreaking Metal Gear Solid series, is no stranger to the stealth genre. However, “Physint” is set to upgrade the action espionage category to new heights, offering a fresh take on stealth mechanics and storytelling. The game promises to deliver an unparalleled level of realism, with graphics that push the limits of current gaming hardware.

The collaboration with Sony and the utilization of next-gen technology underscore Kojima’s commitment to innovation. “Physint” is just one of several projects currently in development at Kojima Productions, alongside anticipated titles like “Death Stranding 2” and collaborations with other major studios. Kojima’s exploration into the film industry, including a film adaptation of “Death Stranding,” further exemplifies his interest in converging different forms of storytelling.

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Paytm’s Market Value Drops After RBI Orders Halt on New Customer Onboarding

Paytm, a leading Indian digital payments firm, recently encountered a significant regulatory challenge that led to a sharp decline in its market value. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has directed Paytm Payments Bank to stop onboarding new customers and halt accepting fresh deposits, sparking concerns over the company’s future profitability and its expansive app ecosystem.

Paytm’s stock price dipped by a whopping 20% after this news

This move by the RBI, which follows a history of non-compliance issues including customer due diligence and technology infrastructure, has cast a shadow over Paytm’s operations. The immediate effect was a 20% plummet in Paytm’s stock price, wiping out approximately $1.2 billion in market value and bringing the shares to a six-week low. This drastic drop indicates the general gravity of regulatory challenges and their impact on investor confidence. When it happens, there’s a big blow to the companies involved.

Paytm

Paytm’s response to the situation has been one of cautious optimism. CEO Vijay Shekhar Sharma described the RBI’s order as a temporary setback and outlined plans to forge new banking partnerships to ensure the continuity of its services. This strategic pivot aims to mitigate the repercussions on Paytm’s wallet accounts, essential to its payment and financial services ecosystem.

The broader implications of the RBI’s scrutiny are significant. Analysts speculate on the potential hesitancy of banking and financial partners to engage with Paytm, given the regulatory concerns. This situation places additional pressure on Paytm to address compliance issues swiftly and effectively to restore trust among its partners and customers.

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ZTE Axon 40 Pro with Snapdragon 870 SoC, 256GB storage on sale for just $220

The ZTE Axon 40 Pro went official in May 2022. It was one of the most affordable smartphones with a Snapdragon 870 chip and a curved display when it was released.

Almost two years later, the device is now being sold at almost half of its launch price. At its current selling price, the product offers more value than similarly priced new phones.

ZTE Axon 40 Pro

The 12GB + 256GB variant of the ZTE Axon 40 Pro was released at ¥3,298 (~$465). Currently, it is being sold on JD for just ¥1582 (~$220). That’s a discount of approximately 48%.

This is a clearance deal. Therefore, the offer should last until stock runs out.

At this price, the handset offers an impressive set of features. It sports a 6.67-inch 10-bit curved display with a resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels (FHD+), a 144Hz refresh rate, and 1000 nits peak brightness level.

The device is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 chipset paired with LPDDR5 RAM and UFS 3.1 storage. It has a quad camera system on the rear comprising a 108MP primary sensor, an 8MP ultrawide unit, a 2MP macro snapper, and a 2MP depth sensor. For selifes and video calls, it uses a 16MP shooter.

Further, the phone arrives with dual stereo speakers, WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.1, an x-axis linear vibration motor, and an in-screen fingerprint sensor. Lastly, it draws energy from a 5,000mAh battery and supports 66W wired charging.

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SmartSens unveils SC5000CS, a 50MP sensor with 0.7μm pixels, 4K video capabilities

SmartSens, founded in 2017 and headquartered in Shanghai, is a leading developer of high-performance CMOS image sensors. They design and produce chips for a wide range of applications, including surveillance, machine vision, automotive, and smartphone cameras. SmartSens offers a diverse portfolio of sensors, including high-speed options for industrial use and 5MP sensors for analog security cameras. They have consistently held the top market share in the security and surveillance sensor industry for five consecutive years. While SmartSens excels across various sensor applications, their smartphone sensors are gaining significant traction in the mobile industry.

Earlier today, the company announced the release of its latest mobile image sensor, the SC5000CS. This new back-illuminated sensor boasts a 50-megapixel resolution, a size of 1/2.5 inches, and a pixel size of 0.702μm, making it ideal for use in high-end smartphones.

SmartSens SC5000CS Sensor

High Dynamic Range and Low Noise in Photos

The SC5000CS is equipped with SmartSens’ proprietary SFCPixel-SL technology, which is designed to improve low-light performance and dynamic range. This technology uses a pixel-level dual conversion gain design to reduce read noise (RN) and fixed pattern noise (FPN). According to SmartSens, the SC5000CS has RN and FPN as low as 1.0e- and 0.2e-, respectively, significantly improving over previous-generation sensors.

In addition to its low-light performance, the SC5000CS also supports dual exposure non-overlapping HDR, and line-interleaved HDR modes. This allows the sensor to capture images with a wider dynamic range, which is essential for capturing high-quality photos in challenging lighting conditions.

SmartSens SC5000CS Sensor

Another key feature of the SC5000CS is its ability to capture 4K video at 60fps. This is made possible by the sensor’s Summing mode, which combines the output of four pixels into one. This effectively increases the pixel size to 1.404μm, which is large enough to capture high-quality video footage.

The SC5000CS incorporates SmartSens’ Sparse PDAF technology, enabling precise and fast focusing on select pixels. This ensures quick and clear image capture, especially in dynamic scenes, while reducing the power consumption of the mobile CIS.

SmartSens SC5000CS Sensor

SmartSens’ advanced design and process in reading circuit technology enable the SC5000CS to achieve lower power consumption compared to competitors. This translates to extended battery life for smartphones, a major concern for many users.

The SC5000CS is currently accepting samples and is expected to enter mass production in Q2 2024. This means that we can expect to see smartphones equipped with this sensor later this year. Earlier this month, SmartSens also introduced SC580XS, a 50-megapixel smartphone image sensor with a 1/1.28-inch optical format, offering improved low-light performance and 4K video capabilities at 120fps.

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Samsung Galaxy A35 5G and Galaxy A55 5G Could Launch Soon, Appears on Indonesia’s TKDN and Korea’s NRRA

The upcoming mid-range smartphones from the Korean giant are making their presence felt every day by appearing on respective public certifications. Following the recent Bluetooth SIG and BIS India listings, both smartphones have made it to Indonesia’s TKDN. Meanwhile, the Galaxy A35 5G also appeared on Korea’s NRRA certification. However, these new certifications fail to impress, as specifications or feature details about the smartphones are missing.

Both Indonesia’s TKDN and South Korea’s NRRA confirm the upcoming launch in their respective countries. Following the past listing on public websites, it seems the Galaxy A35 5G and Galaxy A55 5G are surely going to amplify the competition in the mid-range market, as these are launching globally very soon.

Samsung Galaxy A35 5G and Galaxy A55 5G Leaks and Rumors

Some previous reports and rumors confirm that the Galaxy A35 5G would feature 25W wired fast charging with an EP-TA800 adapter. Further, as per the GeekBench listing, the device scored 697 points in the single-core test and 2,332 points in the multi-core test. It is equipped with the Exynos 1380 SoC and comes with 6GB of RAM. It is expected to run on the Android 14 OS with the One UI custom skin. The front of the device is rumored to feature a 6.6-inch AMOLED display with Full HD+ resolution, a 32-megapixel selfie camera, and a 120Hz refresh rate. The back may house a 50-megapixel triple-camera setup.

If we consider the previous year’s launch, then this year also, we expect the launch to be around the end of this quarter.

Meanwhile, the Galaxy A55 5G will have 25W wired fast charging, according to TUV Rheinland and 3C certification. Further, it could debut with a 6.5-inch Full HD+ OLED display featuring a 120Hz refresh rate.  The phone could have an AMD GPU and an Exynos 1480 SoC. It might come with a 5,000mAh battery alongside a 50-megapixel primary sensor, a 12-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 5-megapixel macro camera on the rear. The front camera ought to have a 32MP sensor. The smartphone is expected to launch between April and June 2024.

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Mark Zuckerberg Wants Apple and Google to Handle Social Media Age Verification for Children’s Safety.

Social media addiction is increasing day by day. Almost everyone from ages 7 to 70 is actively using platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and Twitter. However, this situation brings along some risks. For example, who will protect individuals under 18 from harmful content and people on social media? While one might assume the responsibility lies with the social media platforms, Mark Zuckerberg suggests that app age verification should be the duty of Apple and Google. Here are the details…

Zuckerberg Urges Apple and Google for Social Media Age Verification

Social media companies, along with platform providers like Apple and Google, and authorities like the European Union, are working to safeguard children from the risks of social media. For example Meta recently taken steps to people under 18 from getting messages from strangers on the platform. Even with these efforts, the things done so far to be safe are not enough. That’s why CEOs of TikTok, Snap, Discord, and X are called to Congress over concerns about not doing enough to safeguard children.

Following the question posed to Meta’s CEO Mark Zuckerberg about the situation, his response was quite surprising. According to Zuckerberg, the responsibility for app age verification should lie with Apple and Google, not social media companies. Meta’s global head of safety, Antigone Davis, explained, “With this solution, when a teen wants to download an app, app stores would be required to notify their parents, much like when parents are notified if their teen attempts to make a purchase. Parents can decide if they want to approve the download.”

While age verification responsibility is under discussion, it’s probable that important actions will be taken soon. Still, it’s crucial to highlight that parents bear the main responsibility. Even though Meta and the EU aim to protect their audiences, it doesn’t automatically ensure your child’s safety. Being a responsible parent is key at this moment.

MSI Stealth 14 Air gaming laptop with up to i7-13620H, RTX 4060 launched in China

MSI has launched the Stealth 14 Air in the Chinese market, a sleek gaming laptop designed for gamers and professionals looking for high performance in a compact and stylish design. It comes in three different versions, starting at 5999 Yuan ($844), with the top-tier model featuring an Intel Core i7-13620H processor and NVIDIA RTX 4060 graphics card, priced at 6699 Yuan ($942).

MSI Stealth 14 Air

MSI Stealth 14 Air Specifications:

The laptop‘s design is inspired by a cyber-mechanical aesthetic, incorporating semi-transparent materials that give a glimpse into the hardware within, aligning with the cyberpunk future theme. It maintains a slim 18.6mm profile and weighs 1.6 kg.

Stealth 14 Air features a 14-inch FHD+ display with a 144Hz refresh rate and a 16:10 aspect ratio, ensuring crisp, smooth visuals for gaming and multimedia. The display also boasts 100% sRGB color coverage, catering to creative professionals who need accurate color representation for their work. With 16GB of DDR5 memory and a 512GB PCIe Gen4x4 NVMe SSD, the laptop is designed for quick boot times, rapid application loads, and ample storage for games and software.

For connectivity and expansion, the laptop includes Wi-Fi 6E, an RJ45 Ethernet port, HDMI 2.1, and USB-Type C interfaces, catering to various gaming and multimedia needs.

It also features MSI’s Frosty Cooling System for efficient heat management under load, and the Mystic RGB Gaming Keyboard with semi-transparent keycaps enhances the gaming experience with tactile feedback and visual aesthetics.

In addition to its core specifications, the MSI Stealth 14 Air enhances the user experience with its MSI AI Intelligent Engine and AI Artist feature, designed to optimize performance and creativity based on usage scenarios. The laptop’s audio experience is elevated with DTS High-Quality Multi-Track Surround Sound technology, ensuring an immersive auditory experience for gaming and entertainment.

Pricing and Availability:

MSI’s Stealth 14 Air is now up for pre-order in China and it is available in three variants: one with an i5-13420H processor and RTX 4050 graphics priced at 5999 Yuan ($844), another featuring an i7-13620H processor and RTX 4050 graphics for 6299 Yuan ($886), and the top-tier model equipped with an i7-13620H processor and RTX 4060 graphics, available for 6699 Yuan ($942).

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