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Trek Marlin+ electric mountain bike with Bosch-powered mid-drives announced with an affordable price tag

By
Jed John Ikoba
-

The Trek Marlin+ electric mountain bike has just been announced. The new Trek offering is a hardtails electric mountain bike that comes with the Bosch-powered mid-drive system and an affordable price tag. The Trek Marlin+ e-bike comes with a 120mm front suspension, 27.5/ 29-inch wheels and 2.6-inch tires.

Trek marlin

Features

The Marlin+ retains some of the features of the non-electric Marlin but the Bosch-powered mid-drive setup in the new eMTB sets it apart, coupled with its affordable price. The Bosch e-bike drive system consists of the Bosch Active Line Plus mid-drive motor, a Bosch CompactTube 400 battery, and a Bosch Purion display. The e-bike has a maximum torque rating of 50Nm to help navigate uphill with some extra pedal effort. The battery has a capacity of 400Wh and is fully encased within the frame, providing for a more efficient performance. The battery is charged directly on the bike with a connector above the electric motor.

The Trek Marlin+ has a 250Wh auxiliary battery that extends the range of the eMTB by up to 60%. It is unclear what the original range of the Marlin+ will be and the range extension could be dependent on the ride mode implemented.

Trek Marlin

Pricing and Availability

The Trek Marlin+ eMTB is priced in the US at $2,699 and this places it as one of the most affordable Trek e-bikes in the market. It is also one of the most affordable Bosch-powered mid-drive eMTB. The fact that it is a Bosch-powered e-bike, coupled with it being a Trek offering, comes with a decent warranty and access to local bike stores to test drive the e-bike. The Marlin+ has an entry-level motor and the battery seems small as well. However, the price considerations may have warranted the chosen combination for the Trek Marlin+.

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Google Play Store 39.5.18 APK is now rolling out

By
Soumyakanti
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Google has recently released an updated version of the Google Play Store, marked as version 39.5.18, for Android users. This latest update is part of Google’s routine enhancements, although the company has not disclosed specific details regarding the changes or improvements made.

Google-Play-Store

Compatibility and How to Download

This update is designed for Android devices running Android 5.0 (Lollipop) or higher, ensuring broad compatibility. While the update typically installs automatically, users have the option to manually initiate the download and installation process. It’s worth noting that the download size may vary based on the device.

Play Store Search Feature Overhaul

Google is currently experimenting with a notable modification to the Play Store’s search functionality. This involves introducing a dedicated search page and relocating the search bar to the top of the Search tab, adding an additional step to initiate searches. Although this redesign aims to enhance monetization opportunities through advertising, it has received mixed feedback from users concerned about usability and the potential for more aggressive advertising tactics.

Expanding Real-Money Gambling App Support

In a strategic move, Google plans to broaden the availability of real-money gambling apps in select countries, including India, Mexico, and Brazil, starting June 2024. This decision comes with strict adherence to age and location restrictions to promote safety and legal compliance. This expansion is anticipated to increase competition among app developers while also spotlighting the significance of responsible gaming practices. This follows Google’s 2021 policy adjustments that allowed an increased presence of gambling apps in the US market, tailored to meet region-specific regulations.

Installing the Google Play Store APK

To manually install the Google Play Store APK on your Android device, follow these steps:

  • Open your device’s Settings.
  • Navigate to Applications or Security, depending on your device.
  • Enable the Unknown Sources option to allow app installations from sources other than the Google Play Store.
  • Download the Google Play Store APK.
  • Locate the downloaded APK file and tap it to start the installation.
  • Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation process.
  • Once installed, the Google Play Store icon should appear on your home screen or in the app drawer.

By following these instructions, you can ensure that your device runs the latest version of the Google Play Store, keeping you up to date with the newest features and improvements.

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Genshin Impact 4.5 update to bring quality of life features: leak reveals

By
Soumyakanti
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Genshin Impact fans have something thrilling to look forward to in the upcoming 4.5 update. The game, known for its expansive world and engaging PvE activities, is set to receive several quality-of-life improvements aimed at enriching the player experience further.

Genshin Impact

Genshin Impact 4.5 Expected Features (Leaked)

Among the anticipated updates is the introduction of a new graphic setting labeled “highest quality,” which promises to elevate the visual experience to new heights.

The update will also introduce the “Training Guide” feature, which is designed to assist players in understanding their characters’ strengths and optimizing gameplay. This tool categorizes characters based on their abilities and provides detailed statistics on weapon usage and artifact setups. The Training Guide offers personalized recommendations to help players improve their performance in different game modes.

The update also plans to overhaul the quest navigation system, making it more intuitive by ensuring it follows the corresponding map layer. This refinement is expected to streamline the exploration process, allowing players to navigate the game’s vast world with greater ease and efficiency.

In a delightful twist for cat enthusiasts, the Serenitea Pot realm—Genshin Impact’s unique housing system—will introduce the ability to pet cats. This feature, while not directly influencing gameplay, adds a charming element of interaction, further enriching the personalization and enjoyment of the Serenitea Pot experience.

Genshin-Impact-Chiori

Furthermore, the update teases the release of a new Geo character, Chiori, who is rumored to bring a new combat style to the game as the first dual-wielding unit. While details on Chiori’s abilities remain speculative, the prospect of a new character always stirs excitement within the Genshin Impact community.

HoYoverse, the game’s developer, has scheduled the 4.5 update release for March. As the release date approaches, players eagerly await official announcements and developer discussions for more insights into these quality-of-life changes and new content.

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Huawei ecosystem brand Wiko to launch a smartphone with 40W charging support

By
Sudarshan Ravichandran
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Wiko is one of the many Huawei ecosystem brands. The company is known for selling 5G versions of 4G-only Huawei smartphones.

An upcoming handset from the firm has been certified by 3C. The certification reveals the device’s charging capabilities.

Huawei-Enjoy-70-Pro-Design
Huawei Enjoy 70 Pro

A new Wiko smartphone with model number BAL-AN20 arrives on 3C. As per the listing, the phone will carry support for 40W wired charging.

Unfortunately, that’s all the information we have on this forthcoming device. We are looking forward to learning more about it in the coming days.

This handset could be a rebranded version of Huawei Enjoy 70 Pro. The Huawei phone went official just last month.

The product arrives with a 6.7-inch centered punch-hole FHD+ (2388 x 1080 pixels) display (LCD). It is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 chip and boots HarmonyOS 4.

The smartphone sports a 108MP primary camera, a 2MP depth sensor, and an 8MP selfie camera. It offers support for dual SIM, 4G, dual-band WiFi, Bluetooth 5.0, GNSS, and USB Type-C.

The device uses a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for biometrics. Last but not least, it is backed by a 5,000mAh battery with support for 40W wired charging.

The Huawei Enjoy 70 Pro comes in 8GB + 128GB and 8GB + 256GB memory configurations priced at ¥1,499 and ¥1,699, respectively. It comes in Emerald Green, Snowy White, and Obsidian Black color options.

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Noise ColorFit Vivid Call 2 smartwatch with 1.85″ display, 7-day battery life & Bluetooth Calling unveiled

By
Sudhanshu
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Indian electronics manufacturer Noise is set to introduce another smartwatch in its ColorFit series with the launch of the ColorFit Vivid Call 2. This new addition is already listed on Amazon India, with availability expected soon. Here are all the available details.

Key Features and Design

The ColorFit Vivid Call 2 is equipped with a 1.85-inch TFT display, providing users with a wide range of over 150+ watch faces to suit different styles and moods. The smartwatch will be offered in five distinct color options: Jet Black, Forest Green, Space Blue, Sunset Orange, and Metal Black, each paired with a metallic strap.

Noise ColorFit Vivid Call 2
Noise ColorFit Vivid Call 2

Battery Life and Connectivity

The battery life was one of the key selling points of the smartwatch, which can last approximately 7 days, reducing the need for frequent charging. The ColorFit Vivid Call 2 includes Bluetooth calling capabilities, improved by Noise Buzz. This feature allows users to add favorite contacts, access recent call logs, and utilize a dial pad directly from the watch.

Health Monitoring and Additional Functions

The watch is equipped with various health monitoring tools as part of the Noise Health Suite, including a Heart Rate Monitor, SpO2 monitor, Sleep Tracking, and Stress Monitor. Additional functionalities include AI Voice Assistance, a calculator, and support for voice commands like ‘Hey Siri’ and ‘Okay Google.’

Durability

The ColorFit Vivid Call 2 is designed to be durable, boasting an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, making it a reliable companion for daily use.

Pricing Details

While the exact price on Amazon India is yet to be disclosed, the official Noise website lists the ColorFit Vivid Call 2 at a price of Rs 3,499.

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Xiaomi Watch S3 gets WeChat app via firmware update

By
Sudarshan Ravichandran
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The Xiaomi Watch S3 is the company’s latest flagship smartwatch. It was announced alongside the Xiaomi 14 series in late October.

A little over three months after its release, the wearable is receiving an important software update. The latest firmware for the accessory brings the most used app in China.

Xiaomi Watch S3

The eSIM variant of Xiaomi Watch S3 is receiving a new firmware update with version number 1.11.11. This update adds WeChat application.

The app supports almost all the commonly used functions. Users can perform voice replies, quick replies, and emoticon replies from their wrists. The app also supports picture messages and other functions.

However, all the aforementioned features only work when the wearable is paired with an Android phone. The WeChat app does not work if the watch is paired with an iPhone.

At launch, the accessory had support for WeChat Pay. This functionality is now built into the WeChat app. Thus, users need to log into their account again to make payments.

The official changelog for the software update also mentions optimizations for some system functions. 

The Xiaomi Watch S3 is the company’s first smartwatch with replaceable bezels. It is also the firm’s first wearable to shio with HyperOS software.

The accessory sports a 1.43-inch circular OLED display. The screen has a resolution of 466 x 466 pixels, 326 PPI, 60Hz refresh rate, and 600 nits peak brightness level.

The watch has an aluminum alloy middle frame and a stainless steel bezel. The straps come in rubber and leather variants.

The wearable arrives with all common features, such as fitness modes, health tracking functions, 5ATM water resistance, calling, and others. Last but not least, it can last up to 15 days on a full charge.

Note that you can get the Xiaomi Watch S3 globally via retailers like Aliexpress.

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Xiaomi Magnetic Power Bank 2 with Qi2 support now on open sale

By
Sudarshan Ravichandran
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Last month, Xiaomi launched a power bank with support for Qi2 wireless charging. The accessory officially goes by Xiaomi Magnetic Power Bank 2.

This product is now up for open sale in China. Earlier, it was only available through Xiaomi’s crowdfunding program.

Xiaomi Magnetic Power Bank 2

The accessory carries a price tag of ¥229 (~$30). In other words, its retail price is ¥10 more expensive than its crowdfunding price.

It can be purchased from almost all official online retailers across China. It can be availed in either Porcelain White or Clear Sky Blue color options.

The Xiaomi Magnetic Power Bank 2 has a 6,000mAh battery capacity. It measures 104.8 x 68 x 15.1mm in dimensions and features a leather finish.

The battery pack supports up to 15W wireless output for Qi2-compatible devices. Currently, only iPhone 13, iPhone 14, and iPhone 15 lineup of smartphones use this standard.

The product sports a single USB Type-C port. It supports 18W output and up to ~20W input.

Additionally, the power bank has a built-in stand and a lanyard. Therefore, it can be used as a wireless charging stand and can be carried easily. Lastly, it is compatible with official MagSafe cases.

At present, the Xiaomi Magnetic Power Bank 2 only makes sense for iPhone users. It is still not clear when Android OEMs will introduce Qi2. Also, it is not known whether this accessory will be made available in global markets.

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Huawei Watch GT 4 Gold Milanese version launched in Malaysia with offers & freebies

By
Sudhanshu
-

Huawei Malaysia has just released the new Watch GT 4 Gold Milanese version, and it’s now available for purchase nationwide.

Huawei Watch GT 4 Gold Milanese

Huawei Watch GT 4 Gold Milanese specs:

The Gold Milanese variant of the Huawei Watch GT 4 features a 41mm 1.32-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 466 x 466 pixels and 352 PPI. It has a battery life of up to two weeks and comes with a range of features.

What makes this variant special is its design. It has a bold, classy look, providing a comfortable fit. The watch supports over 25,000+ watch faces and includes features like Geometric Aesthetics, Pro-level health statistics, interconnectivity, and various workout modes.

Pricing, availability, and offers:

The Huawei Watch GT 4 Gold Milanese is priced at RM1299, and you can buy it directly from Huawei’s official website. To give more value to customers, Huawei is offering free gifts worth RM516 with the purchase of the Watch GT 4 Gold Milanese. This includes a 1-year extended warranty, a Huawei EasyFit Fluoroelastomer Strap 18mm in Glacier White, and a pair of FreeBuds SE in white.

Huawei-Watch-GT-4 Gold Milanese

Buyers will also earn double Huawei Member points for future shopping. There’s also an RM 100 voucher available, but you need to claim it before February 5, 2024.

Get Huawei Watch GT 4 on Amazon 

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Redmi A3 image & specs revealed via retail posters ahead of launch

By
Sudhanshu
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Xiaomi‘s Redmi A3 is gearing up for its official release, positioned as a successor to the Redmi A2, and is expected to bring notable upgrades in both design and performance. Ahead of the official launch, the smartphone has been listed on a bunch of African retail outlets, revealing some key information.

Redmi A3

Design and Display

As per the listings, the Redmi A3 showcases a significant design overhaul compared to its predecessor. It features a glass back and a new circular camera module, a style reminiscent of the Realme 11 Pro series. The smartphone is tipped to have a 6.71-inch LCD display with HD+ resolution, a 90Hz refresh rate, and a peak brightness of 400 nits. The phone will be launched in three color options: Black, Blue, and Forest Green.

Camera and Battery Specifications

Camera-wise, the Redmi A3 is expected to house a 13MP primary rear camera and an 8MP front camera. The device maintains a 5000mAh battery unit with 10W charging support.

Hardware and Software

Under the hood, the Redmi A3 is powered by a MediaTek processor, coupled with 4GB LPDDR4X RAM and an additional 4GB Virtual RAM. It offers 128GB eMMC 5.1 storage, expandable via a dedicated microSD card slot. The device runs on Android 13 (Go Edition), tailored for efficient performance in budget smartphones.

Connectivity and Additional Features

The device supports dual-SIM, 4G, WiFi 2.4GHz, Bluetooth 5.0, and various satellite navigation systems. It retains the 3.5mm audio jack and uses a USB Type-C port for charging.

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(via: PassionateGeeks)

Lenovo Xiaoxin 2024 Laptop Chip and Performance Revealed Before February Debut

By
Sudhanshu
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Lenovo is scheduled to release its Xiaoxin 2024 series notebooks, equipped with AMD Ryzen processors, after China’s Spring Festival, set for February 10. The lineup includes the Xiaoxin Pro14/16 2024 Ryzen Edition, Xiaoxin 14/16 2024 Ryzen Edition, and Xiaoxin 27 2024 All-in-One Ryzen version. A key feature across these models is the AMD Ryzen 7 8845H processor based on AMD’s Zen4 architecture. Ahead of the launch, Lenovo has revealed a bunch of key details of the Xiaoxin 2024 lineup, more specifically how it benefits from the new Ryzen 7 8845H processor.

Lenovo Xiaoxin Pro 2024

Power Consumption and Battery Life Improvements

The Ryzen 7 8845H processor is reported to reduce power consumption by approximately 30.7% compared to the Ryzen 7 7840HS. This reduction contributes to increased battery life, with the Xiaoxin Pro 16 2024 Ryzen Edition offering around 9.5 hours of runtime, a 40% improvement from previous models.

Computing and AI Performance

The Ryzen 8040 series shows improvements in AI computing power, with a reported 60% increase over the previous Ryzen 7040 series. Additional improvements include a 36% boost in video encoding, 16% in file compression, and 10% in 3D performance. The Ryzen 7 8845H processor features 8 cores, 16 threads, and utilizes TSMC’s 4nm FinFET process, with a Radeon 780M independent graphics card.

Gaming Performance

Lenovo Xiaoxin Pro 2024

Gaming capabilities of the Xiaoxin Pro 16 2024 AMD Edition are highlighted by its ability to run games like Cyberpunk 2077, Baldur’s Gate, Shadow of the Tomb Raider, and Elden’s Ring at medium settings with satisfactory frame rates, as demonstrated in Lenovo’s benchmarks. More details about the Xiaoxin 2024 lineup are expected to be revealed as we get closer to the launch window, so stay tuned.

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Apple’s iPhone revenue hits new record in US and India

By
Erencan Yılmaz
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Apple has surpassed Samsung in phone shipment rates for the first time in history, which is a curious change in the company’s iPhone sales. For many years, Samsung was the top phone shipper, mostly because of its long history in the smartphone market and ability to manufacture phones in various series for every budget. Apple on the other hand, continuously employs high-quality materials and doesn’t hold back when it comes to offering the newest processor tech they have even in the budget “iPhone SE” series and the smartphone owners are happy about it.

Apple sells well in the US and India

Apple’s rise was uninterrupted even though global annual phone sales actually fell by 4% over the previous year. For the first time ever, Apple topped the ranking for smartphones sold in a year. Counterpoint’s research director Jeff Fieldhack noted:

“Apple displaced Samsung as the biggest player in shipments for the first time in a full year. While the US made the biggest volume contribution to Apple’s growth, it also received a major boost through double digit growth in emerging markets including India, Caribbean and Latin America (CALA) and Middle East and Africa (MEA). This growth offset any challenges Apple may have faced in China due to the resurgence of Huawei. With an accompanying ASP growth of 2%, it can be seen to be in a revenue super cycle, buoyed by its ecosystem stickiness coupled with the premiumization trend, crossing an annual revenue of $200 billion.”

Apple overtakes Samsung

Apple’s strong market share in phone sales comes mainly from the US and India but Apple’s position in China is still not in a good state. With Huawei’s great comeback in China, Apple seems like to be defeated by other Chinese OEMs.

The reason behind Apple’s surge could be the increasing desire of users to acquire a more premium device over time, actually statistics confirm this. There are declines in both the shipments and sales rates of Samsung’s low-end devices. Apple’s annual revenue reached $203 billion in 2023, setting a new record.

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Samsung is confirmed to re-release the Galaxy Tab S6 Lite in 2024

By
Erencan Yılmaz
-

Just a few days ago there were some rumors that Samsung might be re-releasing the Galaxy Tab S6 Lite. Now GSMChina has some information to confirm this and they reveal the existence of the Tab S6 Lite 2024 models with the IMEI database. Samsung will officially launch the new tablet again in 2024. We also learned that this tablet has received some upgrades.

Samsung is re-releasing Tab S6 Lite in 2024

The first Tab S6 Lite was introduced in 2020. This model had an Exynos 9611 chip and attracted everyone’s attention with high sales numbers. That’s why Samsung re-released the same tablet in 2022 with a different processor. This time it arrived with the Snapdragon 732G SOC. Now Samsung has decided to relaunch the Tab S6 Lite. The new Galaxy Tab S6 Lite will have an Exynos 1280. This will significantly improve performance compared to the previous generation S6 Lite.

SM-P625
SM-P627
  • SM-P625
  • SM-P627

The IMEI database reveals 2 different Tab S6 Lite 2024 models. The model number SM-P625 belongs to the Tab S6 Lite 2024 which will be sold globally. The second model number is SM-P627. This model number belongs to the model that will be sold in Turkey.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite
Galaxy Tab S6 Lite 2024 Geekbench 6 Result

There is also a Wifi version of Galaxy Tab S6 Lite 2024. The Wi-Fi version has the model number SM-P620. We already came across this model a few weeks ago. The Geekbench result confirms that the new Galaxy Tab S6 Lite 2024 will have an Exynos 1280 SOC.

Samsung surprised everyone and probably thought it’s a good idea to reintroduce their most selling tablet with the same name. We expect the Galaxy Tab S6 Lite 2024 to delight users and at the same time, hopefully, Samsung will be able to achieve the desired success again.

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Xbox Hosts Anime Month with Discounts and New Releases

By
Sudhanshu
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Xbox is hosting Anime Month in February, offering discounts and new releases for anime fans. The Xbox Store has two game collections with titles like Dragon Ball and Naruto. PC gamers can enjoy popular games like Yakuza: Like a Dragon and Persona 5 Tactica, supporting Xbox Play Anywhere for seamless play.

Xbox Anime month

Two new game releases, Persona 3 Reload, and Jujutsu Kaisen Cursed Clash, are featured. Persona 3 Reload is a modern version of the classic RPG, while Jujutsu Kaisen Cursed Clash brings 2 VS. 2 3D battles based on the manga and anime series.

Microsoft Movies & TV is offering up to 80% off on anime titles, including classics like “Bleach: The Complete Series” and “Sailor Moon.” Game Pass Ultimate members get access to anime-inspired games, special discounts on movies and TV shows, and exclusive perks like Season 1 of “Boruto: Naruto Next Generations.”

The celebration also includes Free Play Days, where Game Pass members can try games like One Piece Odyssey and Code Vein for free on specific dates in February.

In related news, Xbox has also announced that it will launch around 13 new indie games between February 5 and 9 that will be playable on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows, and Game Pass. These indie games include titles like Sydney Hunter and the Curse of the Mayan, Alisa Developer’s Cut, The Inquisitor, and The Tales of Bayun covering many genres like Adventure, RGP, Horror, and more.

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IROCK launches NA 87 wired mechanical keyboard in China for 99 yuan ($14)

By
Soumyakanti
-

IROCK has launched the NA 87 wired mechanical keyboard in the Chinese market, and it is currently available for pre-order on JD.com at a discounted price of 99 yuan ($14).

IROCK NA 87

IROCK NA 87 Specifications:

The NA 87 keyboard comes with an 87-key layout. It comes equipped with newly developed V4 switches, known for their extended axis design, offering a smoother and more comfortable typing experience.

It also offers a dual tactile feedback system with adjustable keycaps for a firm or soft tactile feel. The keyboard includes anti-slip foot pads and a metal branding plate for stability and durability. The keys have an operating force of 42±10gf, an actuation force of 47±10gf, and key travel distances measuring 2.0±0.4mm to actuation and 3.5±0.4mm in total.

IROCK NA 87
IROCK NA 87

The keyboard also boasts comprehensive noise reduction features, including three layers of padding: an 8x foaming IXPE switch mat, a PET sound optimization pad, and noise-reducing bottom cotton, all contributing to a significant reduction in sound resonance.

This keyboard supports full-key rollover and hot-swappable switches, compatible with 99% of 3-pin and 5-pin mechanical switches, allowing users to personalize their tactile feedback by replacing the switches.

Adding to its appeal, the NA 87 features an RGB lighting system and an innovative Asat structure, which includes a chessboard-like closed single-key position structure for concentrated sound optimization, and a three-dimensional inner structure designed to reduce sound resonance by 50%. This structure, along with the keyboard’s open acoustic cavity design, is aimed at improving the sound quality of typing.

IROCK NA 87
IROCK NA 87

The mechanical keyboard features Legendspeed transmission technology for ultra-low latency (less than 5ms) and a USB-C connection. It is compatible with Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android.

The keyboard’s dimensions are approximately 361 x 133.2 x 43.5 mm, and it weighs around 700g, providing a compact and lightweight design.

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Apple Vision Pro hacked, kernel vulnerability triggers crash

By
Soumyakanti
-

A day after the release of Apple‘s latest product, the Apple Vision Pro, a security concern has emerged. Joseph Ravichandran, a PhD student from MIT with expertise in microarchitecture security, claims to have identified a critical kernel vulnerability in the device’s operating system, visionOS. This vulnerability could potentially enable jailbreaking and the development of harmful software designed to exploit this new hardware.

Kernel Vulnerability Found in Apple Vision Pro

Joseph Ravichandran shared his findings on Twitter, posting a series of tweets that included photos showing the Apple Vision Pro’s reaction to a kernel exploit. After the exploit, the device goes into a “perspective mode” and instructs the user to remove the headset in preparation for a restart, which is scheduled to occur within 30 seconds.

Apple Vision Pro hacked

Following this restart, Ravichandran highlighted an emergency log indicating a kernel crash. Further, he showcased a custom application named Vision Pro Crasher, featuring a skull adorned with a headset icon and a button labeled Crash My Vision Pro.

Apple Vision Pro hacked
Apple Vision Pro hacked

This news isn’t entirely surprising. New hardware releases often attract security researchers eager to test its defenses. Similar to attempts to jailbreak iPhones, Ravichandran’s exploit highlights potential security concerns for the Vision Pro ecosystem.

However, there’s reason to remain optimistic. Apple has a proven track record of swiftly addressing security issues, especially in high-profile products like the Vision Pro. Additionally, Ravichandran hasn’t confirmed submitting his findings to Apple, though the company’s security bounty program could incentivize such disclosure.

Even if the exploit remains public, its immediate impact might be limited. The Vision Pro’s gradual rollout targets tech-savvy early adopters, making widespread exploitation less likely. Moreover, Apple will likely prioritize fixing the vulnerability in a swift update, further mitigating any potential risks.

Apple Vision Pro launched in the US earlier this week, representing a significant milestone as Apple’s first major new product category since the Apple Watch in 2015. Pre-orders became available on January 19. While there hasn’t been an official announcement about its launch in China, Tim Cook has indicated that it will happen very soon. In terms of pricing, the Apple Vision Pro starts at $3,499 in the United States.

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(Source, Via)

OnePlus 11 and 12 gain AI features with the latest software update

By
Rajesh Regmi
-

While the Samsung Galaxy S24 series made headlines with its AI-powered features, OnePlus has quietly introduced its own AI offerings through a recent ColorOS update in China. 

The update is rolled out to the OnePlus 12 and 11 models within the Chinese market. For the OnePlus 11, the firmware version is PHB110_14.0.0.403(CN01), and for the OnePlus 12, it is PJD110_14.0.0.405(CN01).

Though not as extensive as Samsung’s offering, the update adds three generative AI features.

First up, there’s an AI Summarizer that can generate summaries of phone calls with key information like time, location, and other relevant details.

Next up is the AIGC Remover, an image editor that lets you erase unwanted people or objects from your photos, similar to AI photo editing on Samsung and Google Pixel devices.

Finally, OnePlus is offering an Article Summarizer feature that provides quick summaries of articles with just a single tap. 

Beyond AI, the update also offers the ability to unlock the phone with the fingerprint scanner without waking the screen. Users can now control QQ Music on Always-On Display, and there is an option to display the screen recording indicator in the status bar or a floating window.

The OnePlus 12’s update not only enhances Bluetooth, NFC, and WLAN network stability and compatibility but also addresses the issue of network signals in places with subway-like conditions. You can check the complete changelog of the update via the screenshot below.

OnePlus 11 12 AI feature software update

As aforementioned, currently, these AI features are only available on the Chinese version of ColorOS. However, as ColorOS shares a similar base with OxygenOS used globally, there’s a possibility they might be rolled out to the global OnePlus 12 and 11 models in the future.

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(Via)

Honor Pad 9 receives BIS certification, India launch imminent

By
Rajesh Regmi
-

Honor launched the Pad 9 in China in December, and it seems like the global release is imminent since the tablet has already received certification in Singapore. Additionally, the Honor Pad 9 has now secured the BIS certification, indicating its likely launch in India.

The BIS certification, granted on Jan 19 under the model number HEY2-W09, matches the one previously given by IMDA in Singapore. 

Honor Pad 9 BIS certification.

Although the certification doesn’t reveal much about the tablet, we know most details about it, thanks to its launch in China. 

Specifications

For a quick recap, the Pad 9 comes with a 12.1–inch screen with symmetrical bezels on all sides. Honor says the tablet has a paper-like display with a matte finish and a resolution of 2,560 x 1,600 pixels. 

The LCD panel offers a peak brightness of 550 nits, an 88 percent screen-to-body ratio, and a 120Hz refresh rate. Moreover, the company claims the device can eliminate 98 percent of reflected light for a glare-free viewing experience. The tablet is also compatible with stylus and keyboard.

On the camera front, the tablet features a circular camera module on the back housing a 13MP sensor, along with an 8MP selfie camera. For audio, the device is equipped with eight speakers.

Under the hood, the Honor Pad 9 is powered by a Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 processor, coupled with up to 12GB RAM and 512GB storage. 

It is backed by an 8,300mAh battery with 35W fast charging support. Software-wise, it runs on MagicOS 7.2 based on Android 13 out of the box. The Honor Pad 9 is available in three color options, namely Azure, White, and Gray.

The company hasn’t confirmed any launch timeline for the tablet, but Honor has been teasing the launch of Honor X9b and Choice Earbuds X5 in India. So there’s a possibility the tablet might launch alongside them. 

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Samsung is saying goodbye to Google Assistant from all of its smart TVs

By
Rajesh Regmi
-

A significant change is coming to Samsung smart TVs. Starting March 1, 2024, Google Assistant will no longer be available on any Samsung TV model, including those that previously came with it.

This development follows the quiet elimination of Google Assistant from Samsung’s 2023 TV lineup. The Samsung support page now confirms the discontinuation of this feature across all Samsung smart TVs, including:

  • 2022 models
  • 2021 models
  • 2020 8K and 4K QLED TVs
  • 2020 Crystal UHD TVs
  • 2020 Lifestyle TVs (Frame, Serif, Terrace, and Sero)

Samsung started integrating Google Assistant into its TVs in 2020, but in a mere four years of time, the feature is now being removed from all supported models.

Samsung says the removal is due to “a change in Google’s policy,” although the specific details remain unclear. 

The support page notes, “Important: Due to a change in Google’s policy, Google Assistant will no longer be available on Samsung TVs beginning March 1st, 2024. Check out other options for voice assistants on Samsung TVs.”

Google recently made changes to Assistant by removing 17 features, though any connection to this development is unknown.

With the departure of Google Assistant, Samsung TV owners will now have to switch to other pre-installed voice assistants that is, Samsung’s Bixby and Amazon’s Alexa. 

But for those who are accustomed to Google Assistant, we guess you now have no option other than switching to a different TV brand altogether. This could be a viable option if you’re considering purchasing a new TV, but surely isn’t the most practical.

Currently, almost all smart TV brands, excluding Samsung, such as LG, Sony, TCL, and Hisense, continue to offer Google Assistant support in their TVs.

Related:

Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro global price leaks ahead of launch

By
Rajesh Regmi
-

Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro, which was initially launched in China last August, is now gearing up for a global release, likely at the upcoming Mobile World Congress (MWC) later this month. 

The fitness tracker offers a smartwatch-like design with features familiar to fitness tracker users. Ahead of its official global launch, Sudhanshu Ambhore, a reliable tipster through Appuals, has shared details about the pricing of the Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro in Europe.

Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro Price

According to the leak, the official price for the Band 8 Pro in Europe will be EUR 89. However, depending on promotions and local taxes, retailers might offer it for as low as EUR 69.

This is good news for consumers, considering that Xiaomi launched the Band 7 Pro for EUR 99. The fact that the iterative upgrade is priced lower will likely be well-received by buyers.

When it comes to color options, the company will be offering the Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro in Black and Silver.

Specifications

The Band 8 Pro has a 1.74-inch AMOLED display with a 60Hz refresh rate and 600 nits peak brightness. It is water-resistant up to 5 meters.

Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro

Its fitness and wellness features include heart-rate monitoring, SpO2 sensor, sleep tracker, menstrual cycle monitor, and stress level tracking. It also supports over 150 sports modes and has a somatosensory sensor for tracking data related to somatic senses while boxing.

The Band 8 Pro has a built-in GNSS chip with support for over five satellite systems that should help to accurately track the route. There’s also a built-in voice assistant, and it can be used to control other Xiaomi smart devices. 

It also features a camera and music control, a flashlight, and can show you weather updates, and notifications. The Band 8 Pro has a 297mAh battery that lasts up to 14 days on a full charge.

Related:

Apple Vision Pro teardown reveals complex design, difficult repairs

By
Rajesh Regmi
-

Mere two days after Apple‘s mixed-reality headset, the Vision Pro, hit the market, repair experts iFixit has already performed a teardown, offering a glimpse into its intricate workings.

The video reveals an array of components, including numerous cameras and sensors, cooling fans, and lens motors. And as expected, the teardown confirms earlier concerns about the difficulty of opening and repairing the headset.

Apple Vision Pro teardown shows its intricate details

The Vision Pro is unsurprisingly Apple’s most complex piece of hardware yet. iFixit says the device is so complicated that it requires more than one video to tackle it. So we can expect more teardown content for the Vision Pro in the coming days. 

Anyway, the first part of the video focused primarily on the disassembly of the headset. The most challenging part of the teardown was removing the front curved sheet of glass. It was, however, carefully removed using heat and without damaging the display. 

Beneath the glass, there were two more layers – a black layer and an unlaminated layer over the top of the exterior screen. The black layer was likely a spacer, and the unlaminated layer was a lenticular lens array. This lens array is said to create a 3D effect when you watch content in the Vision Pro. 

In the next step, we saw the removal of the display and lens assembly. This involved removing torque screws, as well as several layers of tape, screws, brackets, and cables. 

Once the display and lens assembly were removed, the iFixit team was able to see the cameras and the stepper motor that parks the lenses.

Taking apart the Apple Vision Pro certainly seems like a challenging task that demands a considerable amount of patience. Nevertheless, the iFixit team managed to successfully dismantle the Vision Pro, unveiling its internal mechanisms.

Although they refrained from giving a formal “repairability” score, the team did recognize that while repairs might pose a challenge, certain connections turned out to be surprisingly user-friendly.

Related:

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