Microsoft’s Cyber Secrets at Risk, The Strontium Cyber Threat Unmasked

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Jan 22, 2024

We live in a digital age where every piece of information we have is on the internet. This applies to a wide range of topics, from personal data to state secrets. To avoid losing such information, we store it in the cloud on servers provided by technology giants like Google, Microsoft, and Apple. However, how successful are the companies we trust to store and protect this information? For instance, in 2014, Apple failed to secure iCloud, leading to the leakage of celebrities’ nude photos. Now, Microsoft reports being targeted by Russian hackers seeking its secrets. Here are the details…

Microsoft’s Encounter with Russian Cyberattack Espionage on its Secrets

Microsoft recently revealed a cyberattack by Russian hackers trying to uncover the company’s secrets. Though not a recent event, tech companies usually keep such incidents under wraps until the vulnerabilities are fixed. This particular attack occurred in late 2023, focusing on Microsoft’s email, cloud storage, and various products. The group responsible for the attack is known as “Strontium.”

The group had previously attempted cyberattacks on Microsoft and other major tech companies. Microsoft reported that the attack was unsuccessful, with no significant information compromised. However, the company stressed the importance of bolstering security measures and preparing for future attacks. According to their statement, during the initial stage of the attack, the Strontium group managed to install malicious software on Microsoft’s email servers.

Malicious software attempted to get users’ passwords and sensitive information. In the second phase, the Strontium group tried to access Microsoft’s cloud storage services to reach critical data. Thankfully, Microsoft’s security measures stopped Strontium from succeeding. The company promptly responded, detecting and removing the malicious software to protect the data.

Microsoft has linked the cyberattack to a Russian hacker group and urged the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate. The DOJ has started the investigation, labeling the Strontium group as an “international criminal organization.” This attack prompted Microsoft to assess and bolster its security measures, with increased investments in improved protocols and cybersecurity training for employees. The company is dedicated to further boosting cybersecurity investments to stay ready for future threats.

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Here’s why Poco X6 is a better deal than Redmi Note 13 Pro

By

Sudarshan Ravichandran

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Jan 22, 2024

Earlier this month, Xiaomi started rolling out the Redmi Note 13 Pro across various global markets, starting with India. This device was later followed by the Poco X6.

Though they sound different, both smartphones are nearly identical. The only major differences between them are their primary cameras and rear finishes.

Differences between Redmi Note 13 Pro and Poco X6

To be precise, the Poco phone arrives with a downgraded 64MP main camera as opposed to a 200MP snapper on the Redmi. For just this one major hardware change, the device costs way cheaper as it is also sold exclusively online.

For instance, in India, the Poco X6 5G starts at ₹21,999 for the base 8GB + 256GB memory configuration. Whereas the higher 12GB + 512GB variant retails at ₹24,999.

On the other hand, the Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G not only starts at a higher ₹25,999 price tag but its base variant is limited to 128GB storage and 8GB RAM. In fact, there is no 512GB version.

The higher 8GB + 256GB and 12GB + 256GB memory variants cost ₹27,999 and ₹29,999, respectively.

The pricing clearly makes the Poco X6 a better deal than the Redmi Note 13 Pro if you don’t care about the higher-megapixel camera. However, it is worth noting that the Poco phone is limited to online, while the Redmi handset can be purchased both online as well as offline.

Redmi Note 13 Pro and Poco X6 Specifications

Talking about their specs, the smartphones are built around a 6.67-inch centered punch-hole OLED display. This panel offers a resolution of 2712 x 1220 pixels (1.5K), a 120Hz refresh rate, and a 240Hz touch sampling rate. The screen supports 1920Hz PWM dimming, 1800 nits peak brightness level, and Dolby Vision.

They are powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chip paired with LPDDR5 RAM and UFS 3.1 storage. On the software front, they boot Android 13-based MIUI 14.

Both of them sport a triple camera system comprising an 8MP ultrawide unit and a 2MP macro snapper. The primary camera is a 200MP sensor on the Redmi Note 13 Pro and a 64MP sensor on the Poco X6. They feature the same selfie camera.

The connectivity options on these handsets include dual SIM, 5G, WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, GNSS, and USB Type-C. They also come with a 3.5mm headphone jack, Dolby Atmos-supported dual stereo speakers, an IR blaster, and an in-screen fingerprint sensor.

Last but not least, the devices are backed by a 5,100mAh battery with support for 67W wired charging.

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TCL FFalcon Thunderbird Crane 7 TV 2024 models launched in China, starting at 4999 Yuan ($694)

By

Soumyakanti

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Jan 22, 2024

FFalcon is a relatively new TV brand established in 2017, with strong backing from TCL, the world’s second-largest TV manufacturer. Known for its emphasis on providing outstanding value and a comprehensive entertainment experience, FFalcon has swiftly become popular in various global markets.

Specifications:

Earlier today, the company released the 2024 model of its Thunderbird Crane 7 TV, available in three sizes: 65, 75, and 85 inches, with prices starting at 4,999 yuan. These TVs feature Mini-LED screens with direct backlighting, offering high brightness levels and excellent contrast ratios. The 85-inch model, for example, has 1,536 backlight zones and can reach a peak brightness of 2,400 nits.

All models come with a 4K resolution and a high refresh rate of 144Hz, which can be dynamically accelerated to 240Hz, making them suitable for both high-quality video playback and gaming.

They support a wide range of features like MEMC motion compensation, Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+, HDR 10, HLG, VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), and ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode), enhancing both the visual and gaming experience. Additionally, these TVs cover 95.0% of the DCI-P3 color gamut and come with a dynamic contrast ratio of 24,000,000:1 ensuring rich and accurate colors.

The TVs are powered by an A73 quad-core 1.4GHz processor and come equipped with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage. For connectivity, they offer multiple HDMI ports, including two HDMI 2.0 and two HDMI 2.1, along with one USB 3.0 and one USB 2.0 port. The audio experience is boosted by a 5-unit 60W sound system that supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, providing an immersive audio experience.

These smart TVs are also designed with eye comfort in mind, featuring a low blue light mode and flicker-free technology. They provide a fast two-second boot time with no ads and a customizable user interface, enhancing the user experience. Additionally, the TV includes Bluetooth 5.2 for wireless connections and dual-band Wi-Fi 6 for fast and reliable internet access. It operates on Android 11.0, providing access to numerous apps and smart features.

The TV offers a range of advanced features, including video calls and multi-screen interaction. It has a children’s mode and IMAX Enhanced certification for immersive viewing. It also supports voice control and wireless screen mirroring for ease of use and flexibility in content sharing.

Pricing

Coming to the pricing, the 65-inch model is priced at 4,999 yuan ($694), the 75-inch at 6,499 yuan ($903), and the 85-inch at 8,499 yuan ($1,181). The TVs are now up for sale in China from JD.com.

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Lenovo Legion 9i With Powerful Hardware, Liquid Cooling System Launched In India

By

Viraj Gawde

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Jan 22, 2024

Last year in September Lenovo launched the Legion 9i gaming laptop. It packs top-of-the-line specifications including a high refresh rate Mini LED display, powerful hardware, liquid cooling system, and more. Now, the brand has introduced the Legion 9i in the Indian market. Along with flagship specifications it also carries a mammoth price tag and is aimed at true hardcore gamers. Read on to know all the details.

Lenovo Legion 9i arrives in India

The Lenovo Legion 9i boasts a 16-inch Mini LED display surrounded by thin bezels. It bears a 3.2K resolution, 165Hz refresh rate for smooth visuals, a 3ms response time, and 1,200 nits peak brightness. The device is VESA DisplayHDR 1000 certified and supports Dolby Vision, and Nvidia G-Sync.

The Lenovo Legion 9i features a forged carbon chip-patterned A-cover. There is an RGB backlit keyboard with swappable 8 ceramic key caps. On the audio front, the laptop is equipped with two 2W Nahimic speakers. It also has a built-in 1080p webcam with an electronic e-shutter.

Under the hood, the Lenovo Legion 9i houses a 13th generation Intel Core i9 processor. It can be configured with either RTX 4090 16GB GDDR6 or RTX 4080 12GB GDDR6 graphics card with 150W TGP + 25W Boost onboard. There is also LA2 AI chip for an enhanced performance. The machine is also offered in 32GB and 64GB dual channel DDR5 RAM options. There is up to 2TB SSD storage.

To combat the powerful hardware, Lenovo has equipped the Legion 9i with a liquid cooling system called the Legion Coldfront developed in partnership with Cooler Master. Along with this, there is an AI-tuned triple fan air cooling and 6,333 vents for heat dissipation during intense gaming and other tasks.

The Lenovo Legion 9i is powered by a 99.99WHr battery with support for fast charging that is claimed to top up the device to 70 percent in 30 minutes. It comes with a 330W Slim Adapter or a 140W USB-C power delivery adapter. There are plenty of connectivity options onboard. The machine runs on Windows 11 OS.

The Lenovo Legion 9i carries a whopping starting price tag of Rs 4,49,990. It can be purchased from Lenovo’s official website, exclusive stores, leading online and offline stores across the country.

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Honor X9b India launch date, specs, and pricing leaked

By

Sean

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Jan 22, 2024

HTech had teased the launch of the Honor X9b for the Indian market earlier this month. But while the official release date and finer details were still at large, a fresh leak has revealed the launch date, specs, and pricing for the Honor X9b Indian variant.

Honor X9b Indian launch details tipped

HTech recently shared a drop test teaser on X (formerly Twitter), and now, known tipster Paras Guglani has shared more details regarding this device. The Indian variant of the X9b will launch with the Android 13 OS based MagicOS 7.2 custom skin out of the box. It will reportedly be equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 SoC that is paired with 12GB of RAM.

A picture shared in the tweet also shows the device’s ALI-NX1 model number and 8GB Honor RAM Turbo (virtual RAM expansion). These key specs are basically identical to the Chinese model of the Honor X9b, which launched back in October 2023. The tipster further added that the brand has yet to confirm the launch date of the device in India, which is set for either the 8th or 9th of February 2024.

#Honor X9B India details:

Indian variant Comes with magic OS 7.2 based A13, 6Gen1 and 12GB RAM and much more

Honor Choice buds + #HonorX9B discounted price will be under 35K

Means Phone will fall under 25-30K segment

With offers as low as 23,999

Launch: Feb 8th or 9th (TBD) pic.twitter.com/kagIgIPugn
— Paras Guglani (@passionategeekz) January 22, 2024

Guglani claims that the Honor X9b + Honor Choice Earbuds X5 TWS will be available for under 35,000 INR (roughly 421 US Dollars). This means that the handset will likely have a price tag between 25,000 to 30,000 INR. With special offers, the introductory price tag may be as low as 23,999 INR (roughly 289 US Dollars).

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Apple’s Future Unveiled with Upcoming Product and Software Launches

By

Oğuz Çakır

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Jan 22, 2024

Apple continues to expand its product family. In line with this the company just started taking pre-orders for Vision Pro. Of course, the tech giant has more plans beyond this. For instance, we know that the iPhone 16 series will be unveiled in September, but have you ever wondered what’s in future until then? Luckily, no need to overthink it, because Mark Gurman Mark Gurman has revealed on what to expect from the company soon. Here are the details…

Apple Roadmap: App Store Evolution, AI Integration, and Upcoming Devices

In 2023, Apple achieved remarkable success. For example, despite setbacks in markets like China, iPhone 14 series sold exceptionally well making Apple the world’s top smartphone maker beating Samsung. Now, Apple faces an even more challenging task, to become even more successful. Therefore, a range of new products and software that Apple has been working on will be unveiled in the coming months.

The first of these is something the company has to do, not what it wants to do. Apple must allow other app stores on iOS by March 7, following European Union decisions. A potential change may break the App Store monopoly, allowing installations like Android’s APK system. Furthermore, it entails allowing access to the payment chip on Apple devices for other mobile wallet providers and introducing third-party billing options. However, this change is anticipated to lead to notable decreases in app developers’ earnings.

In June, we will witness the traditional Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), where new versions of software like iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and the latest macOS will be unveiled. Additionally, there are expectations of integrating artificial intelligence features similar to Galaxy AI into Siri. Despite Apple being perceived as behind competitors like Samsung, Google, and Microsoft in generative artificial intelligence, the company’s resources suggest that this gap can certainly be closed.

Certainly, Apple has more than just software innovations lined up for 2024. They’re gearing up to reveal fresh iPad models, including a larger screen variant resembling the iPad Pro, with the possibility of more budget-friendly options. Given the importance of MacBook models, it’s inconceivable for 2024 to go by without new additions. We might see the introduction of M3-powered MacBook Airs from the company.

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Alienware AW2725DF gaming monitor with 27″ 360Hz QD-OLED panel goes on sale in China

By

Sudhanshu

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Jan 22, 2024

Alienware‘s latest gaming monitor, the AW2725DF, is now available for purchase in China. Priced at 7,999 yuan and sold on JD.com, this 27-inch monitor introduces some of the most advanced features in the gaming market.

As the world’s first 360Hz QD-OLED gaming monitor, the AW2725DF offers a resolution of 2560×1440, coupled with an exceptionally high 360Hz refresh rate. This combination aims to provide a smoother and clearer image, particularly beneficial for fast-paced gaming. The monitor’s ultra-fast 0.03ms GTG response time is designed to reduce motion blur and improve visual clarity.

Brightness and color are key highlights of the AW2725DF. It delivers unlimited contrast and can reach up to 1000 nits in peak brightness. With a 99.3% DCI-P3 color gamut coverage, the monitor promises accurate and vibrant color reproduction.

Compatibility with AMD FreeSync Premium Pro is included, aiming to reduce screen tearing and stuttering during gameplay. The monitor has been certified by VESA DisplayHDR True Black 400 for its black levels and AdaptiveSync 360Hz for performance stability.

The AW2725DF features four unique hardware enhancement modes: night vision, clear mode, thermal imaging, and crosshair mode. These modes are designed to adapt the display to different gaming situations with a single click. Alienware also offers a three-year advanced replacement service for this model, which includes coverage for screen burnout.

Connectivity options on the AW2725DF are comprehensive. It includes two DP 1.4 ports, one HDMI 2.1 port, one USB-B 3.2 Gen 1 port, three USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 ports, and one USB-C 3.2 Gen1 port.

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Apple Vision Pro Garners Strong Interest With Estimated 180,000 Units Sold During Pre-Order Weekend

By

Viraj Gawde

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Jan 22, 2024

Apple’s Vision Pro went up for pre-orders on January 19, Friday. It is set to be available starting February 2 across Apple’s official channels. Now, in a c, Ming-Chi Kuo states that the mixed reality headset from the Cupertino-based tech giant has been a huge success. The renowned analyst has revealed the estimated sales numbers.

Apple Vision Pro estimated pre-order sales

During the first pre-order weekend, the Apple Vision Pro garnered strong interest. Kuo estimates sales between 160,000 to 180,000 units. This is due to the company’s core fans and heavy users. However, there is also a downside due to the initial surge in interest. The delivery dates of the headset have shifted with some buyers potentially having to wait longer to experience their units.

After the pre-orders went live, shipping times of the Vision Pro extended to 5-7 weeks and remained unchanged even after 48 hours. The demand is said to taper off once early buyers get their orders in. Kuo notes that the same pattern is observed with iPhones. But in the case of the Vision Pro, it is a potential challenge to overcome the surged demand.

Kuo adds that Apple can achieve 500,000 shipment units of Vision Pro shipments this year without any challenges. The company has a massive active user base of 1.2 billion and if only 0.007 percent of them are willing to buy the Vision Pro after pre-ordering, it could still get sold out. The mixed-reality headset is a very niche product.

As per Kuo, media reports suggest that although supply chain partners like Luxshare working overtime to meet the demand, there is room for improvement in the Vision Pro’s production efficiency.

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Redmi G34WQ gaming monitor with 180Hz refresh rate goes on sale in China

By

Sudhanshu

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Jan 22, 2024

Xiaomi has introduced the Redmi G34WQ monitor, now available for purchase in China at a launch price of 1,499 yuan (approximately $210). This new addition to the monitor market boasts several notable features.

Redmi G34WQ monitor specs:

The Redmi G34WQ features a 34-inch curved display, designed with a 1500R curvature and a 21:9 aspect ratio. This design aims to provide an immersive viewing experience, suitable for both gaming and professional use.

The monitor is equipped with a WQHD (2560 x 1440 pixels) LCD panel. One of its key selling points is the 180Hz refresh rate, which ensures smoother visual transitions. This feature, combined with AMD FreeSync Premium support and a 1ms response time, is particularly beneficial for gaming, offering reduced screen tearing and lag.

In terms of color performance, the Redmi Monitor G34WQ covers 95% of the DCI-P3 color gamut and achieves a color accuracy of ΔE＜2. These specifications suggest strong performance in color reproduction, which is crucial for tasks requiring color precision.

The monitor is designed with user comfort in mind. It includes adjustable height, rotation, and tilt options, and can also be mounted on the wall. The addition of an RGB LED ring light on the back adds an aesthetic element.

For connectivity, it comes equipped with 2 x DP 1.4 and 2 x HDMI 2.0 ports, providing flexibility for various setups.

Redmi G34WQ monitor pricing & availability

Originally priced at 1,999 yuan (around $280), the Redmi Monitor G34WQ is currently offered at a reduced price of 1,499 yuan. Currently, there is no news of the monitor launching in the global market anytime soon.

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Oppo K12 tipped to feature Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 chipset

By

Sudarshan Ravichandran

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Jan 22, 2024

The Oppo K series is a lower mid-range smartphone lineup. The company sells phones under this name in both China as well as select global markets.

However, the models sold in China are different from the ones available in international markets. The Chinese variants offer better features at a competitive price.

The Oppo K11 is the current-gen K series phone in China. It was launched in late July 2023 and is due for a successor whose chipset name has now leaked.

Oppo K12 to house a Qualcomm silicon like its forerunner

According to Digital Chat Station, the upcoming Oppo K12 will be powered by a Qualcomm SM7500 chip. This model number belongs to the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 SoC.

Currently, there’s not a single handset on the market featuring this chipset. But since the chip is official, we know that it is a downgrade from its predecessor Snapdragon 7 Plus Gen 2.

Unfortunately, the tipster did not spill the beans on other aspects of the Oppo K12. However, he hints in a reply to a comment that the price-to-performance ratio will be fine but the display will not be impressive.

For comparison, its predecessor Oppo K11 arrives with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 782G chip. It sports a 6.7-inch flat AMOLED display with a resolution of 2412 x 1080 pixels (FHD+) and a 120Hz refresh rate.

It houses a triple camera system on the rear consisting of a 50MP primary sensor, an 8MP ultrawide unit, and a 2MP macro snapper. On the front, it has a 16MP selfie camera.

Other features include dual stereo speakers, a MicroSD card slot, a 5,00mAh battery, and 100W wired charging support.

The Oppo K11 goes by OnePlus Nord CE 3 in global markets. Therefore, the forthcoming Oppo K12 could be rebranded as OnePlus Nord CE 4.

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Caviar launches custom Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra with a mechanical watch and 24K gold dragon

By

Soumyakanti

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Jan 22, 2024

Caviar, a renowned luxury brand specializing in customized Apple and Samsung gadgets, has introduced a new collection called the “Era of Dragon” for the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. This collection unveiled on Caviar’s website, is a tribute to Samsung‘s stature in the technology sector, symbolically represented as a dragon.

Caviar Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Era of Dragon collection

Luxurious Blend of Tradition and Technology in Caviar’s Exclusive Era of Dragon Collection

The standout product in the “Era of Dragon” collection is the Samsung S24 Ultra Yong model, priced at $15,000. It seamlessly combines luxury and technology, featuring a titanium body with a black PVD coating, reminiscent of high-end Swiss watches.

The most striking aspect is its decorative elements: a 24-karat gold bas-relief of a Korean dragon, symbolizing Samsung’s power and prestige, and a CVR ELT3350A Tourbillon, a sophisticated manual-winding mechanism with 19 jewels. The tourbillon, completing one rotation per minute, adds an element of refined watchmaking to the phone.

In addition to the dragon, the phone showcases three stars made of diamonds, an homage to Samsung’s original logo. The zodiacal circle, depicted in enamel on titanium with PVD coating, represents a blend of Eastern and Western cultures, aligning with Samsung’s global strategy.

The collection also includes models adorned with zodiac constellations, starting at $9,000. These models share the flagship’s theme of amalgamating Eastern and Western elements, and the stars’ symbolism.

The collection is limited in availability. The flagship Yong model will have only 24 units, while the zodiac models, including Aries, Pisces, Aquarius, and Taurus, will have 99 units each. This exclusivity adds to the allure of these luxury phones, designed for those who appreciate the fusion of technology, art, and cultural symbolism.

Caviar is well-known for these extravagant smartphone designs, including the recent introduction of a $1,100 edible 23-karat gold and chocolate iPhone 15 Pro Max, as well as the latest release of eco-friendly FineWoven cases adorned with Hermes leather and 24-karat gold crowns for iPhone 15 models, available at prices between $2,060 and $2,200.

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Seagate announces Exos 30 TB hard drive with Mozaic 3+ technology

By

Rajesh Regmi

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Jan 22, 2024

Seagate, the American data storage company, has launched a new Exos 30 TB hard drive utilizing the company’s Mozaic 3+ technology.

The Exos 30 TB is an enterprise-grade device with Moziac 3+ as its main highlight. The latter allows it to pack 30 terabytes of information onto spinning magnetic platters into the hard disk.

The key to this high density lies in several technological advancements. First, Mozaic 3+ replaces traditional iron-alloy magnetic media with smaller, denser platinum-alloy nanoparticles. This allows for more data to be stored in the same physical space, akin to writing more words on a page without increasing its size.

Seagate Exos 30 TB hard drive technology

However, writing and reading data at this microscopic scale presents additional challenges. To address this, Mozaic 3+ employs a laser-assisted writing process, where a focused beam heats specific areas to facilitate magnetic bit formation. This method requires less energy than traditional writing methods.

Reading these densely packed bits demands exceptional precision. Mozaic 3+ utilizes a highly sensitive magnetic reader that can detect subtle changes in magnetism representing each bit. Furthermore, a powerful RISC-V controller ensures accurate head positioning and high-speed data processing.

Beyond its impressive capacity, the Exos 30 TB boasts lower power consumption, making it attractive for data centers focused on energy efficiency. While currently targeted at businesses, consumer versions are expected in the future, potentially offering unprecedented storage possibilities for home users.

The Exos 30 TB is also not merely a matter of bigger numbers. It represents a significant step towards even larger drives, with Seagate aiming for 50 TB+ capacities in the near future.

Belated:

Palworld is A New Gaming Phenomenon that Sold over Five Million Copies in 3 Days

By

Anubhav

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Jan 22, 2024

Palworld, a game combining the charm of creature collection with the thrill of survival and crafting, has become an overnight sensation, rewriting the rules of success in the gaming world. Launched on January 19, this unique title quickly soared to the top of Steam‘s most-played games list, leaving heavyweights like Cyberpunk 2077 and PUBG in its wake.

The game peaked at 1.3 million concurrent Steam players

Unlike anything seen before, Palworld, developed by Tokyo-based PocketPair, merges the familiar elements of creature companions with an unexpected twist: survival in a rugged, weaponized world. It’s a blend that has attracted a staggering number of players, peaking at nearly 1.3 million concurrent users on Steam alone. This feat not only places Palworld as the most-played game on the platform but also marks it as the most-played Japanese-developed game ever on Steam, surpassing the likes of Elden Ring.

The game’s initial days saw sales reaching sky-high numbers, with over five million copies sold in just three days. This rapid sale rate outpaces some of the most successful titles in recent gaming history, including hits like Marvel’s Spider-Man and The Last of Us 2.

Despite its undeniable success, Palworld isn’t without its share of controversies. Critics and fans alike have raised eyebrows at the striking similarities between Palworld’s Pals and the iconic Pokémon. This has sparked a debate on social media about the fine line between inspiration and imitation in game development. Additionally, players on Xbox have noted a disparity in updates and features compared to the Steam version, and server struggles have been a challenge in managing the game’s unexpected popularity.

In a gaming landscape often dominated by sequels and familiar franchises, Palworld stands out as a daring and innovative title. But do you think that the player base of this game will hold strong against the test of time? Stay tuned to find out!

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Noise ColorFit Hexa AMOLED smartwatch with AOD, Bluetooth Calling & Health suit launched

By

Sudhanshu

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Jan 22, 2024

Noise, a well-known Indian smartwatch brand, has recently introduced a new product called the ColorFit Hexa. This launch comes soon after their previous release, the ColorFit Chrome.

Noise ColorFit Hexa specs & features:

The ColorFit Hexa stands out with its square-shaped front and smoothly curved body. It features a special ‘ArcView’ display. The standout feature is its 1.96-inch AMOLED screen, which offers a bright and clear viewing experience with a 360 x 360 pixels resolution and 600 nits of brightness. The screen’s always-on feature makes it easy to check time and notifications quickly.

This smartwatch allows users to change the look of the watch face with over 100 options, so everyone can find a style they like. It also has Noise’s own technology for easy and power-saving Bluetooth calling and connectivity.

For those who keep track of their health and fitness, the ColorFit Hexa is equipped with tools for checking heart rate, blood oxygen levels, sleep quality, and stress. It also has different modes for tracking various exercises and sports.

The smartwatch works well with both Android and iPhone devices through the NoiseFit App. This app adds more features like showing notifications, weather, reminders, controlling the camera and music, and even a calculator. The smartwatch is also tough against water and dust, which is great for outdoor use.

One of the best features is its battery life, lasting up to 7 days, which is quite long for a smartwatch.

Pricing & availability

Starting January 24th, the ColorFit Hexa will be available in four colors: Teal Blue, Classic Brown (leather), Classic Black (leather), and Jet Black. It will be sold for Rs. 2,499 as a special starting price on the Noise website and Flipkart. The first 300 buyers from the Noise website will get an extra discount of Rs. 300.

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Lenovo ThinkBook 14+ 2024 SE launches with Intel Core Ultra 5 CPU

By

Rajesh Regmi

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Jan 22, 2024

Lenovo has recently launched the ThinkBook 14+ 2024 SE edition in China. This laptop is aimed at professionals who need a powerful and portable machine for work and on-the-go productivity. Let’s delve into its details here.

Lenovo ThinkBook 14+ 2024 SE specifications

The ThinkBook 14+ 2024 SE is a stylish and premium laptop with a metal body, available in a chic “Luna Gray” color with a dual-tone finish. It’s also pretty thin and light, measuring only 15.9mm thick and weighing 1.5kg.

As for the display, it’s a 14.5-inch screen with a 2.5K display with a 16:10 aspect ratio and 90Hz refresh rate. There’s also 100% sRGB color coverage, DC-Dimming, and TUV Rheinland certification for low-blue light emission from the hardware level.

The ThinkBook 14+ 2024 SE comes in a single configuration with an Intel Core Ultra 5 125H processor, 16GB of LPPDR5X RAM, and 512GB of M.2 SSD. Since it has an H-series processor, the laptop should handle demanding tasks like video editing and 3D modeling with ease.

Lenovo has also equipped the laptop with a powerful cooling system called Smart Power 3.0. This system ensures that the laptop stays cool and quiet even under heavy load. It has an 85Wh battery that can charge from 0 to 50% in just 30 minutes.

In terms of connectivity, the ThinkBook 14+ 2024 SE has a wide range of ports, including Thunderbolt 4, HDMI 2.1, USB 3.2 Gen1, USB 3.2 Gen2, USB 2.0, RJ 45, a MicroSD card slot, and a TGX port.

The TGX port is especially noteworthy as it offers 64Gbps of data throughput, which means that you can connect the laptop to an external GPU for a smooth gaming experience.

Pricing and Availability

The Lenovo ThinkBook 14+ 2024 SE is currently available for pre-order in China for CNY5299 (around $722). There is no word on global availability yet.

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Samsung Galaxy A35 5G Passes FCC Certification

By

Viraj Gawde

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Jan 22, 2024

Samsung Galaxy A35 5G has bagged a new certification. It has been spotted on FCC website revealing some key details. The listing also hints at an imminent launch of the smartphone. The Galaxy A35 5G was recently spotted on the Geekbench database. It has appeared in leaked renders in the past. The smartphone is expected to arrive as the successor to the last year’s Galaxy A34 5G.

Samsung Galaxy A35 5G bags FCC

The Samsung Galaxy A35 5G has been spotted on the FCC certification website with the model number SM-A356U and SM-A356E. The listing reveals support for 5G connectivity, NFC, and an SD card slot. In the test equipment support list, the smartphone’s charger has a model number EP-TA800. This suggest that the device will support 25W charger.

The FCC certification does not reveal any additional details of the Samsung Galaxy A35 5G. We can expect the smartphone to bag more certifications in the coming weeks. As per the Geekbench database, the device will reportedly be powered by an Exynos 1380 processor. It will pack 6GB RAM onboard and ship with Android 14 OS out of the box.

Leaked renders of the Samsung Galaxy A35 5G reveal that it will feature flat frame with a key island on the right side. It will have three vertically stacked camera sensors. The smartphone is tipped to feature a 6.6-inch center-aligned punch-hole display with minimal bezels.

Going by a report earlier this month, the Samsung Galaxy A35 5G is tipped to arrive alongside the Galaxy A55 in the second quarter of this year.

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Sony Calls Off Ambitious $10 Billion Merger with Zee Entertainment in India

By

Rajesh Regmi

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Jan 22, 2024

Sony has officially called off its merger plans with Zee Entertainment. This decision puts an end to the ambitious $10 billion venture aimed at establishing a major entertainment entity in India, the world’s rapidly growing economy.

Following weekend negotiations, Sony issued a termination notice to Zee, citing unmet conditions by the January 21 deadline. Leadership concerns proved a major sticking point, with Sony unwilling to retain Punit Goenka as CEO amidst ongoing regulatory investigations into alleged financial misconduct.

Beyond leadership, Sony also expressed concerns over Zee’s financial health, particularly its declining operating revenue and a significant drop in earnings in fiscal 2023. These financial woes were attributed to increased streaming costs and a weak advertising market.

Expressing disappointment, Sony stated that the necessary conditions for the merger weren’t met by the set deadline of January 21. However, Sony reaffirmed its commitment to expanding its presence in India.

Meanwhile, Zee disclosed that Sony had demanded a $90 million termination fee, citing alleged breaches of the merger terms. In response, Zee strongly denied these allegations and stated its readiness to take legal actions to defend its stakeholders’ interests.

The deal had been troubled from the start, marred by regulatory investigations into allegations of financial misconduct involving Goenka and his father, Subhash Chandra, the founder of Zee. Both have denied these allegations.

Sony had remained committed to the merger until recent developments. Despite the termination, the possibility of renegotiating the deal hasn’t been entirely ruled out.

Tensions escalated last month when Zee could not meet a December 21 deadline to finalize the deal, leading to further delays and boardroom changes.

While talks continued past the deadline, no resolution was reached. Despite the fallout, Zee’s share prices had risen by 35% since last June, fueled by optimism over the merger. However, market analysts caution that this uptrend could reverse with the deal’s collapse.

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PlayStation 5 Genshin Impact bundle launch date, content and pricing revealed

By

Sudhanshu

-

Jan 22, 2024

Sony Interactive Entertainment Ltd. has revealed key details about the upcoming launch of the PlayStation 5 “Genshin Impact” bundle in the Chinese mainland market. The highly anticipated set is slated for release on January 26, with a retail price of 3,599 yuan, and pre-sales began on January 20.

This exclusive package includes a PS5 Slim console along with a PS5 “Genshin Impact” starter set redemption card. The redemption card offers enticing in-game items, such as 4 star skins for many characters and a Namecard. Additionally, players will receive 800 Primogems, Hero’s Wit x 10, and a hefty sum of 100,000 Mora.

Players can now acquire any one of the 4-star skins introduced throughout the game, absolutely free. Some notable skins include Twilight Blossom for Ganyu, Frostflower Dew for Shenhe, Bamboo Rain for Xinqiu, Blossoming Starlight for Klee, Sailwind Shadow for Kaeya, A Sobriquet Under Shade for Lisa, Spring Bloom Missive for Ayaka, Ein Immernachtstraum for Fischl, Orchid’s Evening Gown for Ningguang, Opulent Splendor for Keqing, Summertime Sparkle for Barbara, and Sea Breeze Dandelion for Jean.

Sony PS5 Slim specs & features

The PS5 Slim boasts a 30% reduction in size and weight, featuring a glossy top and matte bottom. Despite its more compact design, the performance remains consistent with the standard PS5 model. Sony has introduced a removable bump on the side to accommodate the disc drive, allowing for customization. Notably, the new design incorporates two slots on each side, replacing the singular USB-C and USB-A ports in the front with two USB-C ports. The package includes a horizontal stand, and Sony offers an optional vertical stand compatible with all PS5 models.

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Nubia Z60 Ultra Year of the Dragon Limited Edition Announced

By

Sudarshan Ravichandran

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Jan 22, 2024

In December, Nubia launched its latest flagship smartphone called Nubia Z60 Ultra. A month later, the company has now unveiled a special edition of this handset.

The newly announced Nubia Z60 Ultra Year of the Dragon Limited Edition celebrates the Chinese New Year. Nubia’s sister brand Red Magic also unveiled a similarly themed Red Magic 9 Pro today.

The retail box of the Chinese New Year Edition of Nubia Z60 Ultra includes the following items themed after dragon.

Nubia Z60 Ultra 24GB + 1TB
Magnetic Case
Charging Cable
Power Adapter
SIM Ejector Pin
Magnetic Stand

The phone comes in black with golden accents. It is just a rehash of the standard black variant which has red accents.

Further, the USB cable and the case are in red. Whereas the stand, SIM ejector pin, and power adapter arrive in black.

Nubia hasn’t revealed the price of this limited edition. But has disclosed that it will go on sale starting January 24.

The regular Nubia Z60 Ultra with 24GB RAM and 1TB storage retails at ¥5,999. The Year of the Dragon Limited Edition will likely cost the same or slightly more.

The smartphone flaunts a 6.8-inch 10-bit flat OLED display with a resolution of 2480 x 1116 pixels and a 120Hz refresh rate. It is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip paired with LPDDR5x RAM and UFS 4.0 storage.

There’s a triple camera system on the rear comprising a 50MP primary sensor, a 50MP ultrawide unit, and a 3.3x 64MP periscope shooter. On the front, a 16MP selfie camera resides under the display.

Other features of the handset include an IP68 rating (dust and water resistance), dual stereo speakers, an in-screen fingerprint sensor, USB 3.1, a 6,000mAh battery, and 80W wired charging support.

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Google is testing a voice typing toolbar on Pixel Tablet

By

Rajesh Regmi

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Jan 22, 2024

Google‘s keyboard app, Gboard, is working on a cool new feature for voice typing on the Pixel Tablet. They’ve made some changes in the latest beta version (13.7) of the app. Instead of the usual full keyboard, they’re trying something simpler and more streamlined.

The main update is a sleek, pill-shaped toolbar option that will appear when you trigger the Google Assistant voice typing. Google says this UI is a way to “See more of your screen when voice typing.”

This toolbar is designed to help you see more of your screen while typing with your voice. It’s small and efficient, showing only the essential options without taking up too much space.

It lets you quickly change settings, use voice commands, switch to emojis, and access your clipboard. Plus, you can move it around the screen to wherever you like, even vertically, which is great for different tasks or just your comfort.

Moreover, you will still get text suggestions near where you’re typing, so it’s easy to type and edit. And if you need the full keyboard, it’s just a tap away.

Right now, this new toolbar is only available on one Pixel Tablet with Android 14 QPR1. It’s not on other devices yet, like the Pixel Fold.

We’re not sure if Google will bring this feature to more devices, like Pixel phones, but this looks like a really handy feature. Google hinted at something similar for phones last year, so this new way of voice typing might not just be for tablets.

In related news, Google is planning to remove 17 features from Google Assistant in the coming weeks. This decision aims to enhance the “quality and reliability” of the service. However, it’s worth noting that among these features being phased out, there are some that you might be using regularly. You can learn all about it here.

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