Xiaomi Robot Vacuum T12 with mop function and a cheaper price tag unveiled in the EU

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Jan 19, 2024

The Robot Vacuum T12 is Xiaomi’s latest offering in the segment and it comes with some decent features. The Xiaomi Robot Vacuum T12 is in the lower price range in the lineup of robot vacuums from the tech giant. The Xiaomi Robot Vacuum T12 is now available in the EU.

The Robot Vacuum T12 has a suction power of 3,500Pa, uses LDS laser navigation, and has a scan range of 8 meters. The robot vacuum has a sampling frequency of 2K/s, allowing it to accurately map the home for optimized route planning. The new Xiaomi robot vacuum T12 is equipped with four cliff sensors and two collision sensors to ensure the device avoids falling downstairs or hitting obstacles. It has a smart onboard water tank that however needs to be refilled manually. There are three flow levels for optimal cleaning at any time.

The Xiaomi Robot Vacuum T12’s settings can be controlled via its companion app, as well as set up a cleaning schedule. The dimensions of the robot vacuum are 350 x 94.5 mm and its 3,200mAh battery delivers up to 130 minutes of runtime on a full charge for the gadget. The robot comes in a black shell housing the device. There are also OTA updates available for the Xiaomi Robot Vacuum T12 via its companion app.

Pricing & Availability

The Xiaomi Robot Vacuum T12 is currently available in a sprinkling of EU countries like France, Italy, and Spain. The price of the model is €169.99 ($185) in France and Italy, while in Spain it is priced at €179.99 ($196). There are no indications yet whether the Xiaomi Robot Vacuum T12 will be available in other EU markets and globally.

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Lenovo Legion C140 2024 GaN charger with 140W PD 3.1 fast charging unveiled

By

Jed John Ikoba

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Jan 19, 2024

Lenovo has launched the Legion C140 2024 GaN charger. This comes on the heels of the earlier release of two new Lenovo laptops in China this week. The Lenovo Legion C140 is a Gallium Nitride (GaN) charging adapter and offers up to 140W fast charging support. The Lenovo Legion C140 GaN charger supports PD 3.1 charging, as well as Qualcomm QC 3.0 and PPS 3.0. The new Lenovo Legion GaN 140W charger is the perfect charging accessory for the new Lenovo Legion laptops.

The Lenovo Legion C140 2024 is a versatile charger with support for multiple charging standards. Its impressive 140W charging power is also another talking point of the GaN charger. The charger is compatible with other devices but delivers a top-notch performance when charging a Lenovo Legion gaming laptop. It uses special performance settings that outperform the regular 100W chargers. Lenovo claims that the GaN charger offers a 78% gaming performance over a 300W charger for a laptop equipped with the Intel Core i5-13500HX processor and Nvidia RTX 4060 GPU.

The Lenovo Legion C140 2024 GaN charger with dimensions of 66.2 x 65 x 30.6mm and it is also lightweight, weighing just 270g. The small form factor of the new Lenovo Legion GaN charger makes it easy to carry.

Pricing & Availability

The Lenovo Legion C140 2024 GaN charger is currently available for pre-order in China and is priced at 209 yuan ($30). International buyers can get the gaming fast-charging brick via AliExpress for $39.81. Its price is pretty much another major plank of the charger as its competitors are more expensive. Lenovo expects a decent reception for the new GaN charger.

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Bose unveils Ultra Open Earbuds with stylish clip-on design for $300

By

Soumyakanti

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Jan 18, 2024

Bose has introduced a new limited-edition product called the Ultra Open Earbuds, in collaboration with the fashion and lifestyle brand Kith. The marketing material for these earbuds was leaked ahead of their official announcement at CES 2024. This suggested that Bose was working on a new pair of earbuds, but specific details about the product were not disclosed in the leak.

Key Specs of Ultra Open Earbuds

These earbuds stand out with their unique clip-on design, allowing users to easily attach them to their ears. This design is somewhat similar to Huawei’s FreeClip headphones and offers a fresh take on how we use headphones.

The Ultra Open Earbuds are designed to provide a balance between enjoying music and staying aware of the surroundings. They have an innovative cuff-shaped design with soft, rounded edges, making them more of a stylish accessory than traditional headphones. The idea is to provide comfort for all-day wear, and they can be easily worn with hats, glasses, or jewelry.

Despite their appealing design, Bose hasn’t yet disclosed key details like battery life or waterproof capabilities. However, Kith’s website mentions a “light-as-air grip,” a flexible joint for easy wear, and up to seven and a half hours of playtime. The earbuds also feature Bose’s Immersive Audio technology for spatial sound.

The headphones and charging case carry the Kith brand logo, created in the iconic Bose font. This partnership marks Bose’s first venture with a fashion brand and shows a significant departure from their usual product launches. The Ultra Open Earbuds are priced at $300 and will be available in extremely limited quantities on Kith’s online store and select physical stores starting from January 22.

While Bose had previously introduced the Sport Open Earbuds in 2021 with a similar open-ear design, they received a lukewarm response from the market. Despite this, Bose remains committed to exploring the market potential for open-ear headphones and has taken a different design approach with the Ultra Open Earbuds.

Bose also recently acquired a strategic stake in the Indian audio brand Noise, aiming to foster innovation in audio technology through collaboration. Additionally, earlier this month, Bose introduced the QuietComfort Ultra headphones in India, featuring spatial audio, customizable sound profiles, and an impressive 24-hour battery life.

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Italy Cracks Down on Airbnb Tax Evasion, Seizes €779 Million

By

Oğuz Çakır

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Jan 18, 2024

Airbnb, a short-term home rental company, had 779 million euros seized in Italy on the grounds of tax evasion. The investigation, initiated by the Milan Prosecutor’s Office, alleges that the company failed to pay a 21% tax on the 3.7 billion euros of revenue from its European headquarters in Ireland between 2017 and 2021. Here ate the details…

Airbnb Tax Evasion Investigation in Italy Targets Company and Individuals

As part of the investigation, it was revealed that the financial police confiscated 779 million euros from the company. Additionally, an ongoing investigation targets three individuals who held managerial positions at Airbnb between 2017 and 2021. The company had previously contested the 2017 Italian law regarding rental taxes, arguing that it violated European Union regulations. According to this law, Airbnb and other short-term rental companies are required to pay 21% of their rental income to tax authorities.

Last December, Airbnb’s objection to this law was rejected by the European Court of Justice. Following the recent action by Italian authorities, Airbnb officials expressed their surprise and disappointment with the prosecutor’s decision. They also noted that they have been in discussions with the Italian tax authority since June 2023 in an effort to resolve the issue.

Airbnb emphasized its belief in operating in full compliance with the law and its intention to assert its rights. The Italian government had also announced last week that it would intensify its scrutiny of homeowners engaged in short-term home rentals. Furthermore, there are plans to increase the tax rate from 21% to 26% for those who rent multiple properties, with the government aiming to generate approximately 1 billion euros in additional revenue through this measure.

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ViewSonic VX2758-4K-PRO-2 display with 160Hz refresh rate launched

By

Sudhanshu

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Jan 18, 2024

ViewSonic has introduced the VX2758-4K-PRO-2, a new gaming monitor currently in the pre-sale phase in China, offering a range of features with gaming in mind.

The 27-inch monitor features a Fast IPS LCD panel with a 4K resolution of 3840×2160, providing a pixel density of 163 PPI for sharp visuals. Notably, it boasts a 160Hz refresh rate and 1ms GTG screen response technology for smooth gameplay.

Designed with gaming in mind, the monitor supports HDR technology and is compatible with both AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync, catering to users with different graphics card preferences.

Color accuracy is a highlight, with the monitor offering a 100% sRGB color display capability and claiming to cover a professional-grade film and television/web-wide color gamut space. Comfort features include DC dimming to reduce blue light output and flicker-free technology with FlickrFree support. Users can also adjust the black stabilization (dark picture compensation) function from 0-100 in the OSD menu.

In terms of design, the monitor features a triangular metal base and includes two HDMI 2.1 interfaces, two DP1.4 interfaces, and audio interfaces.

For those interested, the pre-sale price is set at 1,699 yuan, with a purchase price not exceeding 1,799 yuan. Currently, there is no news on the global release.

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OnePlus Buds 3 battery & charging specs revealed ahead of January 23 launch

By

Sudhanshu

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Jan 18, 2024

OnePlus is set to unveil its latest OnePlus 12 series in India and global markets on January 23rd. Alongside the flagship series, the company will also launch the OnePlus Buds 3 in the Indian market on the same day.

Leading up to the Indian launch of these earbuds, the brand has started revealing specifications. The OnePlus Buds 3 are confirmed to provide 44 hours of playback time and 7 hours of playback time on a 10-minute charge. The earbuds will be available in Splendid Blue and Metallic Grey color variants.

Worry less. Enjoy more.
⚡️ 7 hours of listening on a 10-minute charge
⚡️ 44 hours of listening on a full charge#OnePlusBuds3
— OnePlus (@oneplus) January 18, 2024

These earbuds were introduced in China last month alongside the OnePlus Ace 3 smartphone, and the specifications of the Chinese variant are already known.

Key specs of the OnePlus Buds 3:

In-ear with stem design, each earbud weighs 4.8 grams.
Features a 10.4mm composite diaphragm bass unit for detailed highs and deep bass.
49dB active noise cancellation through a three-microphone AI system, resulting in a 99.6% reduction in background noise.
LHDC 5.0 Hi-Res support for high-quality audio transmission with a 96kHz sampling rate and 1Mbps wireless transmission speed.
Tailored for gamers with custom game sound effects, a new sound field expansion, 3D spatial sound effects, and 94ms low latency for clearer and more immersive in-game sounds.
Impressive 44 hours of usage with noise cancellation turned off, fast charging with 10 minutes of charging delivering 7 hours of music playback.
IP55-rated for dust and water resistance.
Utilizes Bluetooth 5.3 for connectivity.

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China’s Semiconductor industry surpasses expectations despite sanctions

By

Joane

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Jan 18, 2024

In a remarkable turn of events, China’s semiconductor industry defied expectations in 2023, achieving impressive growth amidst global challenges. According to data from China’s National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the country’s integrated circuit (IC) output surged by an impressive 6.9%, reaching a record 351.4 billion ICs, up from 324.2 billion in 2022. This unexpected success, however, does not overshadow the complex landscape the industry navigated throughout the year.

One of the key contributors to this growth was China’s resilient response to post-pandemic economic recovery. Despite initial concerns, the semiconductor sector displayed remarkable strength, adapting to evolving market dynamics. The 6.9% increase in IC output underscored the industry’s ability to weather challenges and capitalize on emerging opportunities.

Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp (SMIC), China’s leading foundry, did face challenges in 2023, reporting a 24% decline in wafer shipments and a drop in capacity utilization to 74%. This decline was attributed to reduced demand from key sectors such as smartphones and automobiles. Hua Hong Semiconductor, the second-largest foundry in China, also experienced a temporary setback with a 0.79% year-on-year drop in revenue and a dip in capacity utilization in the third quarter.

Despite these specific challenges, China’s semiconductor industry demonstrated resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity. Analysts now predict a positive trajectory for the industry, with signs of recovery expected in the second quarter of 2024. The Semiconductor foundry capacity utilization rates, which experienced downward pressure, are anticipated to rebound, bringing the industry back to a healthier equilibrium.

Trade statistics for 2023 revealed mixed results, with China exporting 267.8 billion ICs worth US$135.9 billion, slightly lower in volume but demonstrating a robust performance. Import figures, while lower in volume and value, did not significantly hinder the overall growth momentum of the industry.

Global tensions, particularly between the US and China, did pose challenges, with export bans and trade controls on certain semiconductor types affecting China’s access to advanced technologies. However, the industry’s proactive measures, coupled with a strategic focus on self-sufficiency, helped mitigate potential disruptions.

China’s increased semiconductor equipment imports, including a 93% surge in chip-making equipment imports in Q3 2023, reflected the nation’s commitment to reducing dependence on external sources. Initiatives like “Made in China 2025,” tax exemptions and substantial investments underscored China’s dedication to achieving semiconductor self-sufficiency.

China’s semiconductor industry not only met but exceeded expectations in 2023, showcasing robust growth and resilience in the face of global challenges. As the industry anticipates further recovery in 2024, the narrative shifts towards a positive outlook, emphasizing the sector’s ability to thrive in a rapidly evolving landscape.

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The French Army is Exploring the Potential of E-Bikes for Tactical Operations

By

Anubhav

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Jan 18, 2024

You might have not expected to read this news today. The French Army is exploring the potential of electric bikes and motorcycles for tactical operations. The shift towards these electric two-wheelers, typically associated with urban commuting or leisure activities, marks a significant step in military innovation.

Silence and high speeds are the two most important factors for these e-bikes

E-bikes and e-motorcycles have evolved into more than just tools for personal mobility. Their features like high power, ease of use, silence, and impressive range align remarkably well with military requirements, especially for covert operations. This is not the first time electric bikes have been used in military contexts – Ukraine’s use of combat-ready electric bikes is a recent example.

The French Land Force’s technical section, Battle Lab Terre, has been testing the LMX range, including the LMX 56 electric bicycle and the LMX 161 electric motorcycle. LMX Bikes, a French-based company, is known for its high-performance electric two-wheelers. These tests aim to evaluate their practical application in military settings.

The LMX 56 is a robust off-road e-bike delivering 2,500 watts of power and 175 Nm of torque. Unlike typical e-mountain bikes, it features a unique dual drivetrain system and a large battery pack, ensuring a range of up to 62 miles on a single charge. On the other hand, the LMX 161 is a lightweight electric motocross bike, boasting 9,000 watts of power, which is equivalent to 12 horsepower. Its weight is just half of a traditional gas-powered motorbike, offering agility and efficiency on the battlefield.

These tests conducted by the French Army are not just about adopting new technology; they are about rethinking traditional military mobility. The integration of e-mobility into military operations could pave the way for more sustainable and efficient military practices. While the full extent of these tests’ outcomes remains to be seen, they certainly point towards a quieter, cleaner, and perhaps more effective approach to tactical military maneuvers.

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ByteDance is Looking to Expand its Tech Footprint to Canada, Australia & the US

By

Anubhav

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Jan 18, 2024

ByteDance, the powerhouse behind the viral sensation TikTok, is on a mission to broaden its horizons. With its sights set on the tech hubs of Silicon Valley in the U.S., along with Canada and Australia, ByteDance is gearing up for an impressive expansion. This strategic move is a clear indication of the company’s ambition to stay ahead in the fiercely competitive tech industry.

The company is also on the lookout for fresh talent in these regions

At the heart of this expansion is ByteDance’s plan to sublease a significant office space in San Jose, California, a move that echoes its commitment to deepen its roots in the tech world. But it’s not just about physical space; ByteDance is on the hunt for fresh talent, particularly computer engineers, to bolster its teams in Canada and Australia. These new recruits will be instrumental in driving innovation across ByteDance’s diverse range of apps, including TikTok, CapCut, and the lifestyle app Lemon8.

Interestingly, ByteDance isn’t just hiring locally. The company is also shifting 120 of its existing employees from China to Canada and Australia, spreading its global influence and expertise. This relocation strategy underscores ByteDance’s unique approach to fostering a diverse and experienced workforce.

While ByteDance has stepped back from video gaming, it’s making significant leaps in e-commerce. Leveraging TikTok’s massive popularity, the company has set ambitious goals for its U.S. shopping operations, eyeing a tenfold increase to a staggering $17.5 billion in gross merchandise volume. This bold target is part of ByteDance’s larger vision to not just compete but lead in the tech arena.

In 2023, ByteDance’s revenue soared by around 30%, surpassing the growth of tech giants like Meta Platforms and Tencent Holdings. With more than $110 billion in revenue, ByteDance is not just keeping up with the competition – it’s setting the pace.

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AI Chatbots are Now Being Used to Predict Lottery Numbers in China

By

Anubhav

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Jan 18, 2024

Amid the digital revolution, an intriguing trend has emerged in China‘s lottery scene. Surprisingly, AI chatbots, known for their smart, varied responses, are now being enlisted for a new task: predicting winning lottery numbers. While this novel approach has stirred excitement, it’s yet to mint any millionaires.

The process hasn’t really been successful so far, but one can hope

The journey into this unique intersection of technology and chance was highlighted by Gu Xiangnan from Anhui province. Her experiment involved using numbers from Google’s Gemini-Pro, an AI chatbot, fed with two years of Super Lotto data. Super Lotto requires players to pick numbers from two separate sets of balls. Despite Gemini’s efforts, Gu’s adventure didn’t yield monetary success.

This trend isn’t confined to Gu’s experiences. It’s gaining traction among China’s lottery enthusiasts, a group nearly 200 million strong, contributing to an annual lottery sale that hits around 600 billion yuan. The rise in AI-assisted lottery number picking is mirrored in other parts of the world too. From Thailand to Singapore, stories of modest wins using AI-generated numbers have surfaced, fueling curiosity and hope.

Despite these tales, it’s important to remember that lotteries are fundamentally random. AI, with all its sophistication, doesn’t possess an innate advantage in this game of luck. Experts and AI alike recommend treating lotteries as fun, not as investment strategies. After all, as Gemini-Pro advised Gu, the lottery should remain a recreational activity.

This trend, while fascinating, underscores a crucial point: Technology, for all its advancements, has its limits, especially in realms governed by chance. The real win in this scenario might not be monetary gains but the intriguing blend of AI and human hope, a combination that continues to captivate and entertain.

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Samsung Galaxy A15 5G & Galaxy A25 5G arrive in the US

By

Sudhanshu

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Jan 18, 2024

The Galaxy S24 series, Samsung’s latest flagship smartphones, has been introduced worldwide. Additionally, the Galaxy A15 and Galaxy A25, initially launched in India in late December 2023, are now available in the United States as part of the brand’s lower-mid range offerings.

Samsung Galaxy A15 5G & Galaxy A25 5G specs:

The Samsung Galaxy A15 5G boasts a powerful Dimensity 6100+ SoC, coupled with Android 14-based One UI 6. Its 6.5″ FullHD+ 90Hz Super AMOLED display offers a vibrant visual experience, complemented by a 5,000 mAh battery with 25W charging support. The device features a user-friendly side-mounted fingerprint scanner and a versatile camera setup, including a 50MP primary lens, 5MP ultrawide, 2MP macro, and a 13MP selfie camera.

On the other hand, the Samsung Galaxy A25 5G is equipped with the Exynos 1280 chip and runs on One UI 6 layered over Android 14. Its 6.5″ 120Hz FullHD+ Super AMOLED screen ensures smooth interactions, backed by a 5,000 mAh battery with 25W charging capability. The device also incorporates a side-mounted fingerprint scanner and a sophisticated camera configuration, featuring a 50MP primary lens with OIS, 8MP ultrawide, and 2MP macro lenses, along with a 13MP front camera for selfies and video calls.

Pricing & availability

The Galaxy A15 5G, which comes in an 8GB/128GB configuration and Blue Black or Light Blue color options, is priced at $200 on Samsung’s US website and $220 on Amazon, making it an affordable choice. On the other hand, the Galaxy A25 5G is available in a single Blue Black color with 6GB RAM and 128GB storage, competitively priced at $300 on both Samsung’s US website and Amazon.

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Ayaneo AM02 Retro mini PC with R7 7840HS, 4″ touch display launched, starting at $499

By

Soumyakanti

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Jan 18, 2024

Ayaneo has introduced the AM02 Retro mini PC, a compact and powerful device inspired by the classic NES gaming console. Let’s check out the key specs of this mini PC.

Ayaneo AM02 Retro Specifications:

AM02 Retro comes in a compact form, measuring only 0.9 liters in volume. It features a 4-inch touch panel LCD on the top with various functions such as displaying real-time hardware metrics, enabling on-the-go TDP adjustments, controlling volume, setting up animations, and more. The design also incorporates a special front-opening mechanism that hides interfaces.

Performance-wise, the AM02 is powered by AMD’s R7 7840HS processor, suitable for mini PCs and ultrabooks. It supports up to 64GB of dual-channel DDR5 5600MHz RAM and up to 8TB SSD storage with a read speed of over 7000MB/s.

The cooling system comprises a large-sized turbine fan and a 68105mm² aluminum fin, ensuring efficient heat dissipation. It also features a new four-copper pipe cooling system and supports high-speed M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 SSDs.

For software, the AM02 comes pre-installed with Windows 11 64-Bit Home Edition and AYASpace 2.0, a comprehensive software management system. It offers a range of interfaces, including two USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A ports, two USB 2.0 Type-A ports, one 3.5mm headphone jack, one HDMI 2.0 port, one DisplayPort 1.4, and dual RJ45 ports for 1000Mbps and 2.5Gbps Ethernet connections.

Additionally, the device is equipped with a USB Type-C power delivery port and a Kensington lock slot for security. For connectivity, the device supports WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2. It is capable of supporting up to 4K@144Hz displays.

The device measures 146 x 134 x 48mm and weighs approximately 538g, varying slightly based on the SSD and memory configuration. AM02 is versatile in terms of usage, supporting various operating systems, and capable of serving as a mini-game console, router, or NAS. It also comes with a range of accessories, including a 100W PD power adapter, HDMI cable, USB-C power cable, and more.

Pricing and Availability

The Ayaneo AM02 Retro Mini PC is available in various pricing tiers.

For the barebone model with an AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS processor, the early bird price is $439, the Indiegogo retail price is $479, and the official retail price is $499. The 16GB + 512GB version has an early bird price of $529, an Indiegogo retail price of $599, and an official retail price of $659.

The 16GB + 1TB variant is priced at $569 for early birds, $639 on Indiegogo, and $699 as the official retail price. Lastly, the 32GB + 1TB version is available for $629 for early birds, $699 on Indiegogo, and $769 as the official retail price. All these prices include free shipping.

It is now available for pre-order, with deliveries beginning in early February. In China, it will be available on both JD.com and Tmall Store.

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Corning Debuts Gorilla Armor On The Galaxy S24 Ultra, Touted To Minimize Reflections And Scratches Significantly

By

Viraj Gawde

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Jan 18, 2024

Samsung debuted its latest-generation flagship Galaxy S24 series last night. The smartphones come with several upgrades packed with AI features compared to their predecessors. Notably, the top-end Galaxy S24 Ultra is equipped with a titanium frame for durability. In addition to that, Corning also announced the Gorilla Glass Armor and the S24 Ultra is the first phone to adopt it.

Gorilla Glass Armor debuts on the Galaxy S24 Ultra

Samsung and Corning have been industry partners for over 50 years. Gorilla Glass has been adopted by a host of smartphone brands on their devices. With the latest Gorilla Armor, Corning is doing away from the ‘Glass’ in the moniker. It succeeds the previous Gorilla Glass Victus 2. The Gorilla Armor is layered on the latest Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.

Corning says that the Gorilla Armor is a different kind of smartphone cover material. The panel is made up of 25 percent pre-consumer recycled content. Samsung claims that the Gorilla Armor on the S24 Ultra offers a combination of durability and visual clarity. It is also a lot different to the normal standard glass found on smartphones. The Gorilla Armor is touted to reduce reflections by up to 75 percent. This should enhance readability and minimize screen reflections in almost any environment.

On the durability front in Corning lab tests, the Gorilla Armor displayed superior results compared to aluminosilicate cover glasses. The company also developed a new Scratch Bot lab test to monitor the micro scratches caused due to daily wear. The Gorilla Armor offers a better and up to four times resistance to scratches compared to the previous iterations.

Owing to the titanium frame and Gorilla Armor, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra has a robust durability. We can expect durability tests (especially JerryRigEverything’s intense torture test) of the device in the coming weeks that should let us verify Corning’s claims.

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ASUS launches Fanless Chromebox CF40 ChromeOS PC with Celeron N4500 Processor

By

Soumyakanti

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Jan 18, 2024

ASUS has recently launched the Chromebox CF40, a compact and fanless computer designed primarily for business applications. The Chromebox CF40 is notable for its aluminum chassis and fanless design, making it ideal for quiet and low-maintenance environments. This design is particularly suited for digital signage, information kiosks, and point-of-sale systems, with the capability to be mounted on the back of a monitor for convenience.

Chromebox CF40 Specifications

At the heart of the Chromebox CF40 is an Intel Celeron N4500 Jasper Lake processor, a 6W dual-core, dual-thread processor, known for its energy-efficient performance. This makes the device suitable for tasks that require both speed and energy efficiency. It supports up to three 4K displays, enhancing its versatility in various commercial setups.

In terms of connectivity, the Chromebox CF40 is well-equipped. It includes two HDMI ports, one USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C port (supporting DisplayPort Alt Mode and USB Power Delivery), five USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, a Gigabit Ethernet port, a 3.5mm audio jack, and a DC port. The system comes with a 65W power supply. It also comes equipped with Intel WiFi 6 for high-speed network connectivity.

The device runs on Google ChromeOS, allowing for the installation of Android apps from the Google Play Store. This feature, combined with management through the Google Admin Console, enables IT managers to configure features, enforce app installations, or block apps and functions, making it a flexible choice for different business needs.

Security is a key feature of the ASUS Chromebox CF40. It includes automatic software and security updates, protecting the system from viruses, malware, and other security issues. The device also has a built-in security chip that safeguards internal data structures against threats. For physical security, it includes a Kensington lock slot.

Earlier this week, ASUS also introduced the ROG Phone 8 Series in China, featuring a new design and powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor. Additionally, they unveiled the AeroActive Cooler X, which provides 20% better cooling efficiency while being 29% smaller in size.

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Apple Releases AirPods Pro Year Of The Dragon Edition In Select Markets Along With Lunar New Year Discounts In China

By

Viraj Gawde

-

Jan 18, 2024

Apple is offering a special edition Year of the Dragon AirPods Pro in various Asian countries. This is to commemorate the upcoming Lunar New Year on February 10. This isn’t the first time the Cupertino-based tech giant is releasing a limited edition AirPods Pro. Additionally, Apple is also running a Lunar New Year promotion offering discounts on some key products.

AirPods Pro Year of the Dragon Edition released along with Lunar Year discounts in China

As spotted by MacRumors, the special edition AirPods Pro are available on Apple’s online store in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Vietnam, and Macao. They are also released in South Korea where it is Year of the Blue Dragon. These TWS earphones have a dragon engraving on the USB-C charging and storage case. The special edition of course has a red dragon printed on the side of the retail box.

Apart from the minor changes, the AirPods Pro retains the same design and audio specifications as well as the pricing of the standard variant.

Meanwhile, Apple China is also running discounts on various products from January 18 to January 21. Customers can save up to CNY 500 ($70) and CNY 800 ($112) on the iPhone 15 series and MacBook Air 15-inch. There are also discounts on the iPad, Apple Watch, and more. The Cupertino-based tech giant usually conducts promotional sales in China through its official channels and instead leaves it to authorized resellers.

There is also the Year of Dragon wallpaper available for the iPhone, iPad, and Mac on Apple’s website in Hong Kong.

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Realme launches 150W UltraDart Flash Charging kit in China for 229 Yuan ($32)

By

Soumyakanti

-

Jan 18, 2024

Realme has launched a new 150W UltraDart flash charging kit available on JD.com for 229 Yuan ($32). The kit includes a gallium nitride (GaN) charger and a 1-meter charging cable. The charger supports PD and QC charging protocols, delivering a maximum power of 45W with the PD protocol.

Beyond functionality, the product features a minimalist and aesthetically pleasing design in White color. It is lightweight and portable, making it an ideal choice for travel or as a backup charging solution.

Specifications:

The 150W SuperVOOC charger was first unveiled by OPPO at MWC 2023. Realme then used it in its Realme GT Neo 3 by rebranding it as 150W UltraDART charging.

According to Realme, with the powerful 150W charging capacity, it can charge the GT Neo 3’s 4500mAh battery to 50% in a mere 5 minutes and fully charge it in just 15 minutes. This high-speed charging is not limited to the GT Neo 3 and is also compatible with various other devices, including smartphones and computers.

The charger comes equipped with a built-in intelligent recognition chip that automatically identifies the connected device and allocates an appropriate charging mode. It supports various fast charging protocols, such as QC, PD, PPS, SUPERVOOC, VOOC, and DART.

Safety is also a key focus of the product, with multiple protections incorporated against overvoltage, overcurrent, over-temperature, and short circuits. This ensures that the charging process is both fast and safe.

The charging cable is designed to be durable and efficient. It’s 1 meter long and supports a USB 2.0 transfer rate. Realme claims that the cable can withstand 10,000 plug and unplug cycles and has an interface strength of 75N, indicating robust build quality.

The data cable is designed to be environmentally friendly and energy-efficient. It supports bidirectional USB Type-C charging and is compatible with several fast charging protocols. Its design prioritizes lower impedance and heat generation for faster charging and a longer lifespan.

The adapter is designed to accept input voltages ranging from 100-240V and provides an output range of 5-20V with a maximum output current of 8A. The kit is constructed using PC+ABS materials, with the charger weighing 172.6g and the cable weighing 41.7g.

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“Xi Jinping Thought Power Bank” has gained widespread attention on the internet in China, becoming a viral sensation

By

Joane

-

Jan 18, 2024

In a milestone moment for technology-driven ideological study, Guangming.com, China’s official media outlet, introduced the “Xi Jinping Thought Power Bank” in March 2023. Combining a Bluetooth speaker with a power bank, this device has emerged as a trailblazer in redefining the landscape of learning. It has recently become an internet sensation since capturing attention on January 16.

Distributed strategically to prominent representatives of the National People’s Congress and the National People’s Congress, the “Thought Power Bank” seamlessly integrates into the daily routines of influential government figures. Crafted as a distinctive application scenario, the product synchronizes mobile phone charging with intellectual empowerment, further solidifying its significance in the digital age.

Under the guidance of Gao Sai, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Guangming.com, the integrated media product transforms the learning experience. Converting 72 expert articles from Guangming Daily into audio content, it focuses on deepening the comprehension of Xi Jinping’s socialism with Chinese characteristics for a new era. This innovation allows users to download and engage with offline and online learning materials, showcasing adaptability in the digital age.

The “Xi Jinping Thought Power Bank” is a key component of a broader initiative to bolster the study of Xi Jinping Thought, following earlier advancements like the “Xuexi Qiangguo” app in 2019. It underscores a commitment to shaping ideological discourse through cutting-edge tools.

While the device has garnered positive feedback, the actual popularity of Xi Jinping remains to be determined. A recent study by the University of Southern California and Stanford University’s Hoover Institute revealed nuanced approval ratings, challenging prevailing narratives propagated by Party channels.

The “Xi Jinping Thought Power Bank” signifies a transformative merger of technology and ideology, a sophisticated perspective on seamlessly integrating political thought into everyday technology.

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Realme 12 Pro+ Spotted On Geekbench With Chipset And RAM Details

By

Viraj Gawde

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Jan 18, 2024

Realme is teasing key features of the Realme 12 Pro series smartphones ahead of their global debut on January 29. The pro and pro+ variants have also bagged multiple certifications. Both phones are set to arrive as the successor’s to last year’s Realme 11 Pro series. Now, the global variant of the Realme 12 Pro+ has surfaced on the Geekbench benchmarking platform revealing its hardware details.

Realme 12 Pro+ listed on Geekbench

On the Geekbench database, the Realme 12 Pro+ has the model number RMX3840. It is listed with a motherboard codenamed Parrot. The chipset setup comprises four cores clocked at 1.96GHz and four cores ticking at 2.40GHz. This hints at the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 processor powering the smartphone. The benchmarking database also reveals 12GB RAM onboard. There will be more RAM and storage configurations at launch. Software-wise, the upcoming offering will be loaded with Android 14 OS out of the box.

The Realme 12 Pro+ scores 1,025 and 2,915 points in Geekbench’s single-core and multi-core test results.

As per teasers, the Realme 12 Pro+ will have a 64MP OV64B periscope camera with 3x optical, 6x lossless, and 120x digital zoom. It will also feature super OIS. The upcoming offering along with the pro model is confirmed to feature a circular camera module with a Blue leather-textured back panel.

The TUV certification of the Realme 12 Pro+ revealed that it will be backed by a 5,000mAh battery unit with support for 67W fast charging. As per a hands-on leak, the device will come with a curved display.

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DJI Mic 2 official with 32-bit float internal recording, Bluetooth connectivity, and more

By

Rajesh Regmi

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Jan 18, 2024

DJI has officially launched the DJI Mic 2, a successor to its original wireless audio microphone. This new model brings several noteworthy improvements that audio enthusiasts and creators may find appealing. Here are all the details.

DJI Mic 2 specifications

One of the highlights of the DJI Mic is the addition of 32-bit float recording in the transmitter (TX) units, a feature that ensures high-quality audio capture.

Additionally, the receiver (RX) unit has been upgraded with a scrolling adjustment dial, enhancing user control over volume, gain, and other settings.

Central to the DJI Mic 2’s design is its omnidirectional recording capability, supported by intelligent noise-canceling technology. This technology effectively minimizes environmental noise, ensuring the clarity of vocal recordings. To aid in outdoor recording scenarios, DJI has thoughtfully included windjammers in the package.

The RX unit of the DJI Mic 2 features a 1.1-inch OLED touchscreen, paired with a convenient dial for easy access to necessary information. Users can also monitor audio through the headphone out jack. The TX unit is equipped with a built-in clip for attaching to a camera’s cold shoe, enhancing its versatility.

Not to forget, DJI has retained the rectangular design for its TX and RX units. The Mic 2’s TX units weigh 28g and measure 46.06 x 30.96 × 21.83 mm, while the RX unit has similar dimensions and weight.

Likewise, a notable feature of the DJI Mic 2 is the Safety Track, allowing a second track recording at -6dB alongside the primary track, offering a safeguard against audio spikes. The system also supports dual-channel recording, enabling simultaneous audio capture from two sources.

The DJI Mic 2 comes with 8GB of internal storage per transmitter, capable of up to 14 hours of uncompressed 48kHz 24-bit audio recording. Each transmitter and receiver has a 6-hour operating time, with the included charging case offering up to 18 hours of operation and recharging.

The system comes with an operating range of 250 meters and you can also connect it via Bluetooth.

DJI has designed the Mic 2 for ease of use, featuring an automatic turn-on when the charging case is opened and a magnetic attachment for discreet placement. Additionally, practical accessories like the DJI Lavalier Mic and DJI Mic 2 Charging Case are available.

Pricing and Availability

In terms of pricing, the DJI Mic 2 is available in different configurations, starting at $349 for a set including two transmitters and a receiver. This is a $100 price increase from its predecessor, but there are improvements to justify the price. You can purchase it from the company’s official site.

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Samsung Drops the Bomb: Galaxy AI Features Free Only Until 2025!

By

Oğuz Çakır

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Jan 18, 2024

Samsung introduced the Galaxy S24 series at the recent Unpacked event, featuring three models: Galaxy S24, S24 Plus, and S24 Ultra. But it seems Samsung has shifted its focus to AI technology to overcome challenges in flagship sales caused by market competition. AI features took center stage at the event, overshadowing even the smartphones. But, after 2025, Samsung’s Galaxy AI features will come with extra costs for users. Here are the details…

Samsung Galaxy AI Features Free Only Until 2025!

Subscription services have become crucial in our daily lives. Subscriptions let us access various products and services without buying them outright, making things like gaming, listening music, and more affordable with regular payments. Moreover, these services cover more than just small items, they also include assets like cars and phones. The reason behind everyone wanting to establish their own subscription service is simple: a regular and uninterrupted revenue stream. Samsung aims to achieve this with Galaxy AI.

According to Samsung’s statement, the Galaxy AI features in the S24 series will be free on supported devices until the end of 2025. However, users who wish to continue using these features afterward will be required to pay a fee. Unfortunately, there is no information about the specific amount of this fee yet. Users who have already paid $799 for their phone might be disappointed if they lose critical functions a year later, but that is currently a concern for 2025.

Circle to Search:
- AI-powered quick search by enclosing objects or text on the screen. Identify products, read text in visuals, and get info swiftly.
Live Translation:
- AI-driven real-time translation for spoken and written content in different languages. Instant translation for conversations, easy communication in multilingual settings, and swift translation of written content.
Chat Assistant:
- Instant translation of messages with language-neutral responses. Direct messaging in various languages without copy-pasting.
Note Assistant:
- Edit and summarize notes, organize by sections or headings. Provides note summaries and organizes notes based on structure.
Voice Recording Assistant:
- Converts recorded audio to text, identifying individual speakers. Transforms voice recordings into written transcripts, with instant translation and summarization.

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