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Apple silently removes “Open Sky” feature of Vision Pro from introductory video and website

Eagle-eyed observers have noticed a change in Apple‘s promotional materials for the upcoming Vision Pro mixed reality headset. When Apple first showed a video about this headset at the WWDC 2023, it was a bit longer at 9 minutes and 22 seconds. 

They have now subtly shortened the video with a key 11-second segment removed, so the video is now 9 minutes and 11 seconds. Notably, this missing clip showcased a feature called Open Sky Environment, which promised to virtually replace users’ ceilings with open skies.

Interestingly, references to Open Sky have also vanished from the official Vision Pro website, as spotted by X/Twitter user @M1Astra. In their place, Apple has placed renewed emphasis on the existing “Cinema Environment” that transforms rooms into personal movie theaters.

Apple Vision Pro Open Sky feature
(Left) Old text on the web page  | (Right) Updated text on the web page

So it looks like the Open Sky, for all its exciting potential, may not have made the final cut. We’re not sure why, but maybe Apple decided to focus on features that were easier to make sure worked well, to avoid disappointing people if Open Sky couldn’t be ready when the headset launches.

While Open Sky’s fate remains uncertain, the Vision Pro’s February launch date is still on track. The pre-orders will kick off on January 19, a few days later, while its pre-order process is a bit interesting. 

Apple says you will need an iPhone or iPad with Face ID to scan your face to order Vision Pro. This is done to determine the right size Light Seal and headbands to give a precise fit for users. 

Also, if you’re planning to order a Vision Pro, make sure your Apple store app is updated since only the latest version released on January 11 supports the Vision Pro face scanning feature.

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OnePlus Buds 3 confirmed to launch on January 23 in India; Here are all the details

OnePlus is preparing to introduce the OnePlus 12 and OnePlus 12R in India, scheduled for January 23. Following the recent debut of the OnePlus Buds 3 in China alongside the OnePlus Ace 3, the brand has officially announced that the OnePlus Buds 3 will also make its way to India on January 23.

OnePlus Buds 3 specifications:

As the earbuds have already launched in China, we already know all about the specs and features. The Buds 3 come with an in-ear with stem design, weighing 4.8 grams each. It features a 10.4mm composite diaphragm bass unit for detailed highs and deep bass.

With 49dB active noise cancellation, facilitated by a three-microphone AI system, these earbuds achieve up to a 99.6% reduction in background noise. LHDC 5.0 Hi-Res support ensures high-quality audio transmission, boasting a 96kHz sampling rate and 1Mbps wireless transmission speed.

For gamers, the OnePlus Buds 3 offers custom game sound effects, a new sound field expansion, 3D spatial sound effects, and 94ms low latency, making in-game sounds clearer and more immersive.

The earbuds offer an impressive 44 hours of usage with noise cancellation turned off and provide fast charging – a mere 10 minutes of charging delivers 7 hours of music playback. Moreover, the earphones are IP55-rated for dust and water resistance and use Bluetooth 5.3 for connectivity.

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iQOO Neo 7 Pro receives Android 14 OS based FunTouch OS 14 update

iQOO is rolling out the Android 14 OS update for the iQOO Neo 7 Pro model. The device is receiving the FunTouch OS 14 update that is based on Android’s latest iteration. So here is everything you need to know regarding the software upgrade.

iQOO Neo 7 Pro FunTouch OS 14 Update

The Chinese smartphone maker has released the FunTouch OS 14 based Android 14 custom skin in the Indian market. The latest software update arrives with the firmware version PD2232BF_EX_A_14.1.6.6 and carries an update size of around 6.33GB. With Android 14 OS, the Neo 7 Pro adds various new features, which include a fresh clock layout style and font adjustment. It brings a Smart Color inversion, Smart Color picking, and other forms of customizability.

The update adds custom resolutions when editing and exporting original quality video in video editing. It even supports a maximum of 4K videos at 60fps. To recall, the iQOO Neo 7 Pro sports a tall 6.78-inch E5 AMOLED display that offers Full HD+ resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+, and 1500 nits of peak brightness. The rear packs a 50-megapixel triple camera setup, while the front houses a 16-megapixel selfie shooter.

The company announced the Neo 7 Pro last year. Under the hood, it features a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 SoC that is paired with up to 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage. A large 5,000mAh battery pack powers this device, which also supports 120W wired fast charging. Notably, one variant of this device also offers a faux leather back panel while the other versions have an AG Glass coated panel.

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Xiaomi launches Mijia Smart Eye Massager in China for 449 Yuan ($63)

Xiaomi has launched its newest product, the Mijia Smart Eye Massager, in the Chinese market. This product is now available on Xiaomi Youpin, with crowdfunding set to commence at 10:00 on January 17th. The Mijia Smart Eye Massager is priced at 449 Yuan ($63).

Whether you’re a digital warrior battling screen fatigue, a stressed professional seeking downtime, or simply someone wanting to pamper your eyes, the Mijia Smart Eye Massager presents a compelling proposition. Let’s delve into the key specs of this massager.

Xiaomi Mijia Smart Eye Massager

Xiaomi Mijia Smart Eye Massager Specifications:

Mijia Smart Eye Massager is designed with a focus on the human eye structure, featuring a unique partitioned design with seven regions and four independent air valves. These valves effectively target eight significant acupressure points around the eyes, providing a comprehensive and tailored massage experience.

The massager includes five sets of large airbags and four smaller ones, offering three levels of adjustable massage intensity. This design emulates eye exercise techniques, enhancing the massage’s effectiveness. Additionally, the massager’s hollowed-out inner structure reduces pressure on the eyeballs and includes a transparent window for improved visibility of the surroundings.

The device uses skin-friendly protein leather, ensuring a soft and comfortable fit. The adjustable buckle design and elastic straps accommodate different head sizes. Moreover, the device boasts a high-quality, low-noise air valve system, ensuring a quiet operation at less than 50dB(A). Its foldable design makes it portable and convenient for on-the-go use.

Equipped with NTC temperature control technology, the Mijia Smart Eye Massager provides a three-level temperature adjustment. This feature, controllable via the Xiaomi Mi Home App, enables real-time monitoring and adjusting of the heat levels for a soothing experience.

Xiaomi Mijia Smart Eye Massager

The device’s smart connectivity with the Xiaomi Mi Home App allows users to control the massager’s working status and massage modes directly from their smartphones. It also features NFC quick connect for easy operation. With seven preset modes and the ability to store three custom modes via the app, the massager offers a variety of options to cater to different needs. These modes can also be used offline.

In terms of specifications, the massager has a battery capacity of 1200mAh, a charging time of approximately 2.5 hours, and dimensions of 234 × 115 × 76mm. It weighs around 370g and comes with a Type-C charging cable, a storage bag, and user manuals.

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Infinix Smart 8 goes on sale in India with a 50MP camera & 90Hz display

Last week, the Infinix Smart 8 was announced in the Indian market. The budget grade smartphone has officially gone on sale in the region. So here are all the details like its specs, pricing, color options, and availability.

Infinix Smart 8 Pricing and Availability

The smartphone brand will be available in multiple color options, namely Galaxy White, Rainbow Blue, Shiny Gold, and Timber Black. This model is a budget grade device that has a price tag of 7,499 INR (roughly 90 US Dollars). The Infinix Smart 8 went on sale in the country earlier today (15th January 2024) and is listed on Flipkart, a popular e-retailer in India.

Infinix Smart 8: Shiny Gold

Infinix Smart 8 Specs

The handset sports a 6.6-inch display that features an HD+ resolution, 500 nits of peak brightness, 90Hz refresh rate, 180Hz touch sampling rate, and 1500:1 contrast ratio. Under the hood, the Smart 8 is equipped with the MediaTek Helio G36 SoC that is paired with 4GB of LPDDR4X RAM and 64GB of eMMC 5.1 storage. Users can further expand storage by up to 2TB via a microSD card slot and also enhance the RAM by another 3GB via virtual memory expansion.

The smartphone runs on the Android 13 GO Edition based XOS 13 custom skin. The rear packs a 50-megapixel primary camera on the back with an AI lens and a quad LED ring flash, while the front houses an 8-megapixel camera for selfies and video calls. Other notable features include a large 5,000mAh battery pack, side mounted fingerprint scanner, 189 grams in weight, Bluetooth 5.0, Dual SIM, and GPS.

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Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro discounted by up to $45 for Chinese New Year

The Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro were launched in China in August of 2022. They were announced alongside the Xiaomi Mix Fold 2.

The earbuds made their global debut half a year later at MWC 2023. Almost one and a half years after their launch, the wireless buds are available at a hefty discounted price in China right now.

Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro

Ahead of the Chinese New Year, Xiaomi has slashed the price of its flagship TWS in its home country. The accessory was originally priced at ¥1,099 (~$155). But now, it can be availed at just ¥779 (~$110).

It is worth noting that for the last few months, the product has been sold at ¥999 (~$140). So the new offer brings down its price by ¥320 ($45).

However, there’s a caveat. Anyone can get the ¥300 (~$40) discount coupon. But for the additional ¥20 (~$5) discount coupon, the cart value must be above ¥400 (~$55).

Even without the additional discount, the deal is still a good one for the features offered by the product. The offer is valid from January 12 to February 17.

The Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro house 11mm drivers. They connect via Bluetooth 5.3 and support quick pairing with Xiaomi smartphones and tablets.

The buds are Hi-Res Audio Wireless-certified. They also support Sony LDAC high-bitrate audio codec.

Just like any other premium wireless earbuds, the Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro also arrive with ANC (active noise cancellation) and transparency modes.  They are claimed to reduced external noise up to 48dB.

The buds offer touch gesture controls and can be connected to two devices at the same time. They are IP54-rated for splash resistance and their audio profiles can be customized through a companion app.

Last but not least, the earbuds with a head tracking-based 3D sound feature.

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WhatsApp is testing polls in channels

WhatsApp‘s feature set is expanding again, with polls arriving in Channels on Android as part of a recent beta update. This beta release (version 2.24.2.11) allows some testers to create polls within Channels, similar to existing functionality in individual and group chats.

The new “polls” option, accessible through the paperclip icon in Channel chats, lets users create questions with up to 12 options.

WhatsApp polls

Notably, the polls icon displays in green instead of the usual yellow, but the core functionality remains consistent: votes are anonymous, and even the poll creator won’t see individual responses.

While access to this feature isn’t guaranteed for all beta testers, its presence suggests a wider rollout could be approaching soon. Users on the Android beta program who want to gauge opinions within their Channels should keep an eye out for the green polls icon.

Right now, we don’t know exactly when this feature will be available to everyone. It’s still early days for this feature, so it will go through more testing and improvements in future beta versions. Although it’s exciting to think about using Polls in Channels, it could be a while before it’s available to all users.

Separately, another beta update (version 2.24.2.12) addresses a recent bug fix for Android users. A previous update had inadvertently broken the display of Status update thumbnails next to contact names. This new update restores that functionality, bringing back a familiar convenience.

These developments, along with the recent beta testing of advanced text formatting and themes on Android, indicate a flurry of activity from WhatsApp at the start of 2024.

With more features and improvements in the pipeline, the popular messaging app appears focused on keeping users engaged and anticipating future updates.

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OnePlus 12R global variant’s full design revealed in new leak

The OnePlus 12 series is set to be announced globally later this month. Now, a fresh leak has revealed the design of the OnePlus 12R that confirms that it is a rebranded Ace 3 model, which was recently unveiled in the brand’s home market of China.

OnePlus 12R Design Revealed

OnePlus 12R

The Chinese tech giant is gearing up to announce the OnePlus 12 and OnePlus 12R in the global market on 23rd January 2024. But ahead of the official release, tipster Roland Quandt shared images of the 12R. These high res images offer us a full look at the 12R model in Blue and Black color options. The rear houses a large circular camera module that features a triple camera setup and an LED flash module. Meanwhile, the front houses a curved display with a center aligned punch hole selfie cutout for the selfie camera.

OnePlus 12R

The volume rockers and power buttons are situated on the right, while the alert slider is found on the left. To recall, the OnePlus 12R sports a tall 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, 4500 nits of peak brightness, and 1.5K resolution. Under the hood, the smartphone is equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC that is paired with up to 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 1TB of UFS 4.0 storage.

OnePlus 12R

A large 5,000mAh battery pack powers this device, which supports 100W wired fast charging. Other notable features include 5G, WiFi 7, IR blaster, Bluetooth 5.3, GPS, NFC, and a USB Type C port. The OnePlus 12R live event is set to kick off on January 23 at 7:30 PM IST. So stay tuned for more as we will be covering the launch event.

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Apple could equip regular iPhone 16 and 16 Plus with 8GB RAM and Wi-Fi 6E

The upcoming iPhone 16 lineup might see a significant shift in Apple’s strategy for its standard models. Rumors suggest the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus could receive hardware upgrades previously reserved for their Pro counterparts, possibly narrowing the performance and feature gap.

Tech analyst Jeff Pu shared some insights about these changes in a recent investor note. Pu suggests that all iPhone 16 models will have 8GB of RAM.

This is an upgrade for the standard models since the current iPhone 15 and 15 Plus only have 6GB, which means the new phones could handle multiple tasks and demanding apps better.

iPhone 16 RAM Wi-Fi 6E

The analyst also expects the base iPhones to come with Wi-Fi 6E support which uses 6GHz frequency for faster download and upload speeds, though a compatible router would be necessary. Right now, only the iPhone 15 Pro models have this feature.

Another interesting change might be in the camera design. Pu says Apple is testing a new layout for the cameras, similar to the iPhone 12, moving away from the diagonal design seen in recent models.

We’ve already talked about these possible changes in a previous report, which included early renders of the new phones. Pu’s information seems to match what we knew before.

These changes would make the standard iPhone 16 models a lot more like the Pro versions. The Pro models will probably still have some unique features, but the difference between them might not be as big.

However, remember that all of this is still just speculation. Apple’s final plans for the iPhone 16 could change before they officially announce it later this year. So, while these updates sound great, it’s best to take them with a pinch of salt.

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Xiaomi Solar Outdoor Camera BW400 Pro Set with 132° viewing angle, 2.5K resolution & IP66 water proofing unveiled

After recently debuting the Xiaomi 360 Home Security Camera 2K in India, Xiaomi is set to launch the new Xiaomi Solar Outdoor Camera BW400 Pro Set, a smart surveillance camera with several advanced features on the world stage.

Xiaomi Solar Outdoor Camera BW 400 Pro Set

Xiaomi Solar Outdoor Camera BW400 Pro Set specs:

Xiaomi Solar Outdoor Camera BW 400 Pro Set

The Xiaomi Solar Outdoor Camera BW400 Pro Set features a solar-powered battery alongside a high-capacity 10000mAh battery, a wide 132° field of view, multi-level data encryption, and an IP66 rating for waterproof and dust-resistant properties. It also includes 2.5K ultra-clear night vision, AI detection, and precise recognition. Designed for easy installation and use, the camera ensures clear imaging in various environments, thanks to a larger f/1.6 aperture that enhances light sensitivity.

Xiaomi Solar Outdoor Camera BW 400 Pro Set specs

Tailored for outdoor usage, the camera has high-power infrared lights, full-color LED lights for effective night vision, and an impressive 180-day battery life under normal usage conditions. The Xiaomi Solar Outdoor Camera BW400 Pro Set is equipped with an AI chip for smart computing, facilitating two-way voice calling. Its professional outdoor design includes dust and waterproof features. The camera supports wireless connectivity, local SD card storage, and cloud storage as well. Additionally, it is compatible with popular voice assistants Google Assistant and Alexa.

Pricing & availability

Although the camera is already listed on Xiaomi’s global website, pricing and availability details are yet to be unveiled. Stay tuned for updates on the matter.

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Asus Rog RX Eva Edition Keyboard/Blade 3 EVA Edition Mouse Launched for 599/799 Yuan (~$84/112)

Asus took to CES 2024 with plenty of new devices and technology that promises major advancements over the present hardware. The company also introduced a new Asus Rog RX keyboard and an Asus Blade 3 mouse. Surprisingly, the EVA Edition of both the accessories, the Asus Rog RX Keyboard and the Asus Blade 3 Mouse, is now official in China for 599 Yuan (~$84) and 799 Yuan (~$112). Interested buyers can grab the package for 198 in China, which is presently exclusive to Rog members.

The Asus Rog RX Keyboard and Blade 3 Envagelion models bring changes in design and acoustics and come with a 104-key layout. Further, the keyboard bundles RX Red and Blue switches, with a promising lifespan of 100 million times. It is built on an aluminum alloy panel and features ABS keycaps for smooth tap. It uses USB 2.0 connectivity and is IP57 waterproof and dustproof. The keyboard also supports light synchronization with other compatible hardware.

Talking about the Asus Blade 3 EVA Edtion Mouse, bundles a 36K high-quality sensor along with Speed Nova wireless connectivity. The mouse weighs around 79 grams and supports three different connectivity modes: WiFi 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, and wire. It also supports Shenguang sync with other hardware. There are certain design changes too; the mouse comes with ROG-textured anti-slip stickers. It offers up to 143 hours of battery life.

Additionally, the standard Asus Rog Blade 3 Wireless Mouse retails for 499 Yuan, and the Asus ROG RX keyboard is available for 549 Yuan from JD.com in China. The company recently introduced a new innovative Ergo Air Gaming Backpack, ROG Falchion RX Low Profile keyboard, a new ROG Keris II Ace ultralight gaming mouse, ROG Cetra True Wireless SpeedNova gaming headphones and earbuds, and a ROG Tessen Mobile Controller. The company also introduced the latest Asus Rog Phone 8 at CES 2024. A few new OLED gaming monitors and laptops were also introduced.

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Realme 12 Pro series India launch is set for January 29 alongside the global release

Realme officially announced the global launch date for the Realme 12 Pro series earlier today (15th January 2024). Now, the company has also revealed the date for the Indian release of the highly anticipated smartphones. So here are all the details.

Realme 12 Pro Series India Launch Date

The Chinese smartphone maker took to X (formerly Twitter) to share an official teaser. This official image poster confirms that the Realme 12 Pro series will debut in the region on 29th January 2024. The launch is set for 12 PM IST and coincides with the smartphones’ global release as well. As of right now, the microsite on Realme’s official Indian website has gone live. The devices will also be available for purchase via Flipkart.

Realme 12 Pro Series India

To recall, the Realme 12 Pro is expected to be equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 SoC and the Realme 12 Pro+ may offer Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chipset. The series is also confirmed to arrive in a Submarine blue color variant. The smartphones are expected to house a large 5,000mAh battery pack that could offer 67W fast charging. In a recent teaser, the company revealed that the smartphone will feature an OV64B periscope telephoto shooter along with a Sony IMX890 sensor that offers OIS support.

On the front, both models will sport a tall 6.7-inch curved AMOLED display that offers Full HD+ resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. The screen also houses an in-display fingerprint scanner for added security. The smartphones will run on the Android 14 OS based Realme UI 4 custom skin. So stick around for more as we will be providing more updates and covering the launch even later this month.

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Xiaomi Magnetic Power Bank 2 launched with Qi2 support and 6000mAh capacity

A few days back, Xiaomi launched a power bank with a slim form factor. Today, the company has released yet another battery pack.

The new power accessory from the firm is officially called Xiaomi Magnetic Power Bank 2. As the name suggests, it supports magnetic wireless charging.

To be more specific, it is one of the first Qi2-compatible accessories on the market.

Xiaomi Magnetic Power Bank 2

Following the popularity of the MagSafe charging standard on iPhones, Wireless Power Consortium introduced Qi2, a universal open standard that supports magnetic wireless charging.

At present, iPhone 13, iPhone 14, and iPhone 15 line of smartphones are the only ones on the market to support Qi2. It is not clear when phones from other brands will adopt the new standard.

However, accessories have started pouring in. Just recently, Belkin showcased a handful of products at CES 2024.

A week later, we now have Xiaomi Magnetic Power Bank 2. This accessory is currently up for crowdfunding in China for ¥219 (~$30). It should go on open sale in the coming days.

The power bank has a 6,000mAh battery capacity. It supports up to 15W output for Qi2 devices and 7.5W for MagSafe products (iPhone 12 lineup).

There’s a single USB Type-C port, which offers support for 18W output and 20W input.

The power bank has a built-in stand. Therefore, it can be used as a wireless charging stand.

The back of the accessory has a leather finish. It comes in two colors, namely Porcelain White and Clear Sky Blue.

Last but not least, the battery pack is also compatible with official MagSafe cases.

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Mexican retailer lists Galaxy S24 revealing the price

The upcoming Samsung Galaxy S24 made an unexpected early appearance online, courtesy of a Mexican retailer. First spotted by leaker Roland Quandt, a Mexican e-commerce platform Doto has listed the Galaxy S24 on its website, even displaying prices for the 128GB and 256GB models.

The 128GB Galaxy S24 is listed on the platform for 16,499 pesos (approximately USD 979) and the 256GB model is priced at 17,999 pesos (approximately USD 1067), which is similar to those of corresponding predecessors.

However, Doto is showing a limited stock of just 10 units for the 128GB model and 4 units for the 256GB, and it’s unclear whether they’re actually fulfilling any orders at this point. 

This leak comes just days before Samsung’s official unveiling of the Galaxy S24 lineup on January 17th. It’s likely to raise eyebrows at the company, especially considering their recent efforts to curb leaks.

Samsung Galaxy S24 specifications

So what can we expect from the Galaxy S24? It will have a glass back with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus Armor and an Armor Aluminum frame. 

The Galaxy S24 will be equipped with a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, offering a 120Hz refresh rate, Full HD+ resolution, and HDR10+ support.

Samsung Galaxy S24

Powering the device will be the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC for the US and Canadian markets, while other regions will likely receive the Exynos 2400 chipset. The battery capacity will be 4,000mAh, supporting 25W wired and 15W wireless fast charging.

Camera-wise, the Galaxy S24 will feature a triple setup at the back, including a 50-megapixel primary sensor, a 12-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and a 10-megapixel telephoto shooter with 3x optical zoom. The front camera will be a 12-megapixel sensor.

It will run on Android 14 OS likely with One UI 6.1 custom skin and will include new AI-powered features which Samsung is touting as “Galaxy AI.” For more details, you can check out our comprehensive leak round-up.

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EMEET AirFlow open-ear wireless earbuds with detachable mic & 40 hours battery life unveiled

Last week at CES 2024, many brands previewed their open-ear earbuds emphasizing both environmental awareness and audio quality. Among these, these is the EMEET AirFlow, which offers exceptional sound quality along with a professional call experience.

EMEET AirFlow Wireless Open-Ear Design Earbuds

EMEET AirFlow earbuds specs & features:

The EMEET AirFlow’s design prioritizes comfort with its ergonomic ear hook design and skin-friendly coating, accommodating various ear shapes. They are quite light, weighing only 8.5 grams per earbud. Stabilizer fins are also included for a more secure fit on ears of different shapes and sizes.

A notable feature of the EMEET AirFlow is its detachable microphone, making it convenient for users to attach or detach the mic according to their needs. The AirFlow earbuds also come with a VoiceCore noise-canceling algorithm that ensures clear sound by eliminating both close-end and far-end noise during calls.

EMEET AirFlow

The charging case of the EMEET AirFlow features a UV light that sterilizes bacteria on the earbuds, ensuring hygiene during use. The EMEET TUNE app integrates a hearing protection reminder, providing an additional aspect of hearing care.

EMEET AirFlow

Despite its focus on the calling experience, the EMEET AirFlow does not compromise on audio performance. It features a 16.2mm dynamic driver, paired with a HyperBass bass boost algorithm, promising to deliver high-quality sound for music enthusiasts.

The earbuds offer an 8-hour playtime per charge and a total of 40 hours with the charging case. It also has IPX5 water resistance.

Pricing & availability

The EMEET Airflow earbuds are currently available for crowdfunding on the brand’s website with a super-early bird price of US$129.99. The earbuds will officially go on sale from February 1, priced at US$179.99.

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OpenAI Revises Usage Policy, Sparks Debate Over AI in Military Applications

OpenAI, known for its groundbreaking advancements in AI technology, recently made headlines with a subtle yet significant change in its usage policies. Initially, the organization explicitly banned the use of its technology for “military and warfare” purposes. However, this specific prohibition has been removed, raising questions and concerns about the potential military applications of AI.

Global Military Agencies are expressing more interest in AI nowadays

The timing of this change is noteworthy, especially as global military agencies express growing interest in AI technologies. Sarah Myers West, from the AI Now Institute, pointed out that the revision coincides with increased AI use in conflict zones, like Gaza. This shift suggests a possible openness to military collaborations, which traditionally offer substantial financial incentives to tech companies.

OpenAI

While OpenAI maintains that its technology should not be used to cause harm or develop weapons, the omission of “military and warfare” from its policy might open doors to other military-related uses. Currently, OpenAI doesn’t offer a product capable of direct physical harm, but its tools, such as language models, could play supporting roles in military operations, like coding or processing orders for potentially harmful equipment.

OpenAI spokesperson Niko Felix explained that the policy update aims to establish universal, easily understood principles. The company emphasizes principles like “Don’t harm others,” which are broad yet applicable across various contexts. Although OpenAI clearly opposes the development of weapons or causing injury, there’s ambiguity around the broader scope of military use, especially in non-weapon-related applications.

Interestingly, OpenAI is already engaged with DARPA to develop cybersecurity tools, highlighting that not all military associations are necessarily harmful. The policy change seems to allow for such collaborations, which might have been previously excluded under the broader “military” category. This shift suggests a nuanced approach, balancing the ethical use of AI with the potential benefits it can offer in national security contexts. However, it leaves room for debate about where to draw the line in military applications, a topic that will likely continue to evolve as AI technology advances.

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Sony INZONE buds gaming TWS earbuds teased to launch soon in India

Sony has recently launched the Sony Float Run off Ear headphones in India, and now the company is teasing the release of a new product with the tagline “It will give you a competitive edge and help you #FindYourZone,” as mentioned in a recent X post.

A video shared on Sony’s X platform provides a glimpse of the upcoming product, leading to speculation that it might be the Sony INZONE Buds Truly Wireless Gaming Earbuds introduced globally in October.

Sony Inzone Buds

The INZONE Buds are designed specifically for gaming in mind and come with multiple gaming-oriented features like low latency and precise surround sound. Keep reading to learn more about the specs and features of these earbuds.

Sony INZONE buds specs:

The INZONE buds come with 360 spatial audio, providing accurate sound location, and the ability to personalize the sound with Sound Field Optimization and Sound Tone Personalization. The earbuds have Dynamic Driver X ensuring a lifelike sound reproduction for improved immersion.

Sony Inzone Buds

To maintain focus during gameplay, the earbuds feature noise-canceling and Ambient Sound Mode options. Additionally, AI Noise Reduction facilitates clear communication in multiplayer games. The INZONE Buds boast a practical 12 hours of runtime on a single charge, extendable to 24 hours with the charging case. The earbuds come with a USB-C modem that allows low-latency connectivity. The INZONE buds launched for $200 in the US, which converts to around Rs 16,500. However, we can expect it to cost slightly more since they will likely not be assembled locally in India.

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Realme Note 1 specs and launch date appear on a leaked presentation slide

Realme today officially announced the addition of a new Note series under its smartphone portfolio. Shortly after this announcement, detailed specifications for what is likely the first phone in this series, the Realme Note 1, have been leaked online.

The leak comes from a Twitter user, @ThisGood15, who shared what seems like an official presentation slide. This slide not only lists the phone’s key specifications but also reveals its launch date.

Realme Note 1 specs (leak).

So the Realme Note 1 appears to feature a 6.67-inch FullHD OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and will be powered by the Dimensity 7050 chipset. Keeping things running will be a sizeable 5000mAh battery with fast 67W charging support.

On the camera side, the leaked specs suggest a 108MP main sensor possibly paired with an 8MP ultrawide and a 2MP macro lens. For selfies, there will be a 16MP sensor on the front. 

Rounding out the key features are an in-display fingerprint sensor for biometrics and dual speakers for audio. These specifications position the Realme Note 1 squarely in the mid-range segment, with the leak even including comparisons to rivals like the Infinix Note 30 and Redmi Note 13.

The slide also reveals a launch date of “24.1,” which we believe refers to January 24th, not too far away.

The leak originates from an Indonesian X/Twitter user and Realme Indonesia itself retweeted a post by the company’s global president mentioning “noted from Indonesia” hinting at a possible Indonesian launch first. But official confirmation is still pending.

This sudden appearance of the Realme Note 1 comes amidst news of the budget-oriented Realme Note 50 which has secured a bunch of certifications including NBTC and TUV Rheinland

The device also made its appearance in the Geekbench benchmarking platform which shows that the Realme Note 50 will be powered by the Unisoc T612 chip.

So it seems like Realme might be aiming to cover both the entry-level and mid-range segments with its new Note series. As more information about the Realme Note series becomes available, we’ll make sure to keep you updated.

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Cyberpunk 2077’s Soundtrack Hits Vinyl Bringing Night City’s Tunes to Life

The world of video game soundtracks is now expanding with the announcement of Cyberpunk 2077’s Radio Vol. 1 and Vol. 2 soundtracks being released on vinyl. Scheduled for release on April 26, 2024, these albums aim to bring the eclectic and immersive music of Night City into the homes of fans in a classic format.

Each vinyl is priced at $29.98, and has a bright yellow appearance

Each vinyl, distinct with its bright yellow appearance, is priced at $29.98. The decision to release the soundtrack in this format speaks to a growing trend of video game music gaining recognition as a legitimate and cherished art form, beyond the digital realm.

Cyberpunk

The move to vinyl is not just about nostalgia; it’s a nod to the quality of the music produced for Cyberpunk 2077. The game itself has made significant strides since its original release, especially with the Ultimate Edition and the Phantom Liberty expansion. These updates have been well-received, particularly for improving the storytelling and gameplay experience.

However, it’s not just about the game’s content; the soundtrack has played a crucial role in defining the Cyberpunk 2077 experience. The music, integral to the game’s atmosphere, has been critically acclaimed for its depth and the way it complements the game’s futuristic, dystopian theme.

For those yet to experience Cyberpunk 2077, the release of these vinyls could serve as a gateway into the game’s richly detailed world. The soundtrack’s availability in a physical format offers a different way to connect with the game, appealing to both gamers and vinyl collectors.

This initiative also highlights the importance of video game soundtracks in the wider music industry. As gaming continues to evolve as a significant cultural force, the music that accompanies these digital adventures is gaining more attention and appreciation, transcending its role as mere background music to becoming a central element of the gaming experience.

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Audi’s Electric Surge – 2023 Marks Record Global EV Sales and Market Dominance

In the rapidly growing automotive industry, Audi‘s recent success in electric vehicle (EV) sales is worth noting. In 2023, the prestigious car manufacturer saw a significant 51% increase in EV sales, reaching 178,000 units worldwide. This surge reflects a growing consumer shift towards environmentally friendly transportation options and Audi’s commitment to electrification.

Audi sold 55,400 electric cars in the 4th quarter of 2023

Central to Audi’s success are its popular electric models: the Q4 e-tron and Q8 e-tron. These vehicles have captured the market’s attention, balancing luxury with eco-friendliness. The upcoming launch of the Q6 e-tron in 2024, based on Volkswagen Group’s new Premium Platform Electric (PPE), is eagerly anticipated and is set to further bolster Audi’s position in the EV market.

Audi

In the fourth quarter of 2023, Audi achieved an impressive feat, selling approximately 55,400 electric cars. This marked a 34% increase compared to the previous year, with electric vehicles making up nearly 11% of Audi’s total sales volume. These numbers are not just statistics; they are a testament to a significant shift in consumer preferences and Audi’s ability to adapt to these changes.

Interestingly, Audi’s electric car sales in the United States also saw a substantial rise, with a 74% increase in the last quarter of 2023. This growth is indicative of the wider acceptance of electric vehicles in the U.S. and Audi’s growing popularity in this market.

While Audi’s progress in electric cars is commendable, it’s crucial to note the absence of data on plug-in hybrid models. This gap suggests a possible area for future development and transparency.

Audi’s journey towards electrification has been steady over the past few years, aligning with its goal to introduce only all-electric cars by 2026. This commitment to sustainability and innovation positions Audi as a leader in the EV market, ready to meet the challenges and demands of a greener future.

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