OnePlus is gearing up for a double launch on January 23, bringing the OnePlus 12R alongside the OnePlus 12 to the Indian and global markets. As we inch closer to the official unveiling, key details of the devices are surfacing through Geekbench listings.
OnePlus 12R launch date
As per the Geekbench listing, the OnePlus 12 global model (CPH2611) is set to be fueled by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, with a base clock speed of 2.02GHz and peak clock speed of up to 3.19GHz. The listing confirms that the device will have 16GB of RAM and Android 14 straight out of the box. As for the benchmark results, the OnePlus 12R scores 1554 and 4484 points in the single and multi-core tests, respectively, on Geekbench.
Expected to be a global version of the OnePlus Ace 3 (review), which has already been introduced in China, the OnePlus 12R is anticipated to feature a 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a resolution of 2480×1264 pixels.
The camera setup includes a 50MP triple-camera configuration and a 16MP selfie camera. The device is also set to house a robust 5,500mAh battery, consistent with the company’s earlier confirmation. Similar to the Ace 3, the OnePlus 12R is rumored to support up to 100W fast charging.
In related news, OnePlus has confirmed that the global OnePlus 12 model will debut with the Pixelworks X7 independent visual processor that will aid in improving the gaming performance of the device.
AI is spreading fast and simplifying our daily lives. Today, almost every product and service we use incorporates this technology in one way or another. A recent example of this is in the automotive industry, where the British car giant MG introduced the Astor 2024, India’s first car equipped with personal AI. The Astor 2024 boasts a range of exciting features, including a Wireless Charger, Wireless Android Auto & Apple Car Play, Ventilated Seats in the front row, Panoramic Skyroof, Auto-Dimming IRVM for added safety, and an updated I-Smart 2.0 with an Advanced User Interface. Here are the details…
India’s First Car with Personal AI: MG Astor 2024
The MG Astor 2024 boasts a starting price of INR 9,98,000, making it an attractive option for those seeking cutting-edge technology and advanced safety features. The lineup includes five variants – Sprint, Shine, Select, Sharp Pro, and Savvy Pro, each loaded with MG’s updated i-SMART 2.0 system, featuring an Advanced User Interface.
A standout feature of the Astor 2024 is the i-SMART 2.0 system, offering an impressive 80+ connected features. From a personalized AI assistant to JIO Voice Recognition for seamless interaction, the Astor ensures a connected and convenient driving experience. MG Astor becomes India’s first car with a Personal AI Assistant.
This, coupled with 14 Autonomous Level 2 features, transforms the driving landscape. Lane Keep Assist, Rear Drive Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Forward Collision Prevention are just a glimpse of the advanced safety measures integrated into this SUV. The Astor introduces several first-in-segment features, including Hill Descent Control, Heated ORVM, and Electronic Power Steering with Mode Adjust.
It also pioneers the use of Digital Key with Bluetooth Technology and offers the unique ability to discover and book parking slots, powered by MapMyIndia and Park+. The Astor 2024’s interior is a digital haven, featuring a plethora of i-SMART features such as Voice Commands to control various aspects, Panoramic Skyroof, and an Inbuilt Jio Saavn App with a Premium Account for Music and Podcasts. The car even allows customization of the Headunit Theme and Lockscreen Wallpaper.
Safety takes center stage with 49 top-end safety features, including Active Cornering Brake Control, Electronic Stability Program, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, and a 360° Around-View Camera. The Astor ensures not just a comfortable drive but a secure one too.
80+ i-SMART features
Personal AI Assistant
Customisable Lockscreen Wallpaper
All PowerWindows
Head Turner
Headunit Theme Store with Downloadable Themes
DriverWindow One Touch Auto Down
Ask Anything: Uses Wikipedia content
Vehicle Status Check on App (Tyre Pressure, Security Alarm, etc.)
DriverWindow One Touch Up/Down with Anti-Pinch
Local and Global News
Send POI to Vehicle From App
Power Adjust ORVM, Power Foldable ORVM
Interactive emojis, including greeting, festival wishes and jokes
Current & Forecast Weather Information: Powered by Accuweather
Rear Wiper &Washer
35+ Hinglish voice commands
Over the Air (OTA) Updates
Driver and Co-DriverVanity Mirror
Enhanced Chit-Chat Interaction
Comfort & Convenience
Luggage Lamp
Voice Commands Support to Control Skyroof, AC, Music, Navigation,FM, Calling & More!
Panoramic Skyroof
Rear Parcel Shelf
Digital Key with Bluetooth Technology
Push Button Engine Start/Stopwith Smart Entry
Seat Back Pockets
Discover and Book Parking Slots: Powered by MapMyIndia and Park+
Cruise Control
Dual Horn
Inbuilt Jio Saavn App with Premium Account for Music and Podcasts
6 Way Power Adjustment Driver Seat
All Doors Maps Pocket & Bottle Holders
In-Car Remote Control via i-SMART App for Music and AC Controls
Manual 6 Way Adjustment Driver Seat
Autonomous Level-2
Live Location Sharing with friends and Family
Rear 60:40 Split Seat
Adaptive Cruise Control
Anti-Theft Immobilisation
Front & Rear Seats Height Adjustable Headrests
Lane Functions:
News App with English and Hindi Voice Readout Support
In a striking turn of events, Tencent‘s WeChat app seems to have made a lot of progress in e-commerce, leveraging its short video and live streaming features. In 2023, these features propelled the app to nearly triple its gross merchandise volume (GMV), a clear indication of the growing trend of integrating social media and online shopping.
This was possible thanks to WeChat’s video section, known as Channels
The heart of this growth lies in WeChat’s video function, known as Channels. In 2023 alone, Channels saw a staggering 244% increase in orders compared to the previous year. This success story was shared at the annual Open Class Pro developer conference in Guangzhou, though the exact GMV figures were kept under wraps. This surge in e-commerce activity underscores the strategic foresight of Tencent’s CEO, Pony Ma Huateng, who, back in 2022, had identified short video as the future of the company.
Despite the impressive growth, WeChat’s e-commerce turnover still trails behind giants like Kuaishou and Douyin. However, Tencent isn’t deterred. It’s betting big on capturing a significant share of the market, leveraging WeChat’s vast user base of 1.34 billion. This strategy seems to be paying off, as WeChat Channels has become a major force not just in e-commerce, but also in advertising for Tencent.
The company is not resting on its laurels. Plans are underway to expand the live-streaming e-commerce team, diversify product categories, and enhance the WeChat Pay infrastructure. These moves are poised to solidify Tencent’s position in the online retail space. Interestingly, as of mid-2022, Channels had more active users than Douyin and Kuaishou, a testament to its growing popularity.
Twitch, just like other tech companies in the world right now, is grappling with the harsh realities of the tech industry as it undergoes significant staff reductions. Dan Clancy, the CEO of Twitch, openly discussed the company’s current challenges and future direction in response to the recent announcement of cutting over 500 staff members. This move follows a substantial layoff of about 400 employees last year.
The company CEO stated that Twitch is still not profitable – even after layoffs
In 2023, despite aggressive cost-cutting measures, Twitch found itself significantly larger than necessary for its current business scale. This over-sizing, according to Clancy, was based on overly optimistic future projections rather than the present reality. Twitch’s payouts to streamers exceeded $1 billion last year, yet the company remains unprofitable, heavily reliant on the support of its parent company, Amazon.
The tech industry, particularly the live streaming segment, is fiercely competitive. Rival platforms like Kick have been aggressively courting top streamers with lucrative deals, intensifying the pressure on Twitch. Notably, popular streamer xQC, also known as Félix Lengyel, signed a deal with Kick reportedly worth around $100 million. Twitch has steered away from such high-cost contracts, with Clancy emphasizing the unsustainability of this approach in terms of revenue versus expenditure.
Despite the layoffs and the company’s unprofitability, Clancy reassured that Amazon remains committed to Twitch. He dispelled any notions of Amazon axing Twitch, citing heavy investment and bullishness from the parent company. However, Twitch’s struggle is not unique in the current tech landscape. Other major players like Discord and Unity have also announced significant layoffs, reflecting a broader industry trend of recalibration in response to economic pressures and changing market dynamics.
As Twitch seeks to downsize its expensive San Francisco headquarters, it’s clear that the platform, like many in the tech world, is navigating a period of significant transition. The challenge for Twitch will be to find a sustainable path forward, balancing cost efficiencies with its role as a major player in the live streaming arena.
Taiwan is set to witness a significant transformation in customer service as Bellsystem24, a prominent Japanese company, joins hands with the Taiwanese tech startup Intumit. A collaboration such as this will introduce a unique blend of human touch and artificial intelligence in call centers, marking a new era in customer service. It could be a whole different story from now on.
Intumit’s AI Chatbot will lead this new revolution
At the heart of this innovation is Intumit’s generative AI chatbot. This advanced technology is designed to interact with customers, providing instant, automated responses to their queries. What makes this model stand out is its hybrid nature. While the AI chatbot handles routine questions, more complex issues are seamlessly transferred to human agents. This ensures that customers get the best of both worlds: the efficiency of AI and the empathy of human interaction.
Credit: Markus Winkler
This new model is not just about efficiency; it’s a strategic move to enhance customer satisfaction. In a world where quick and accurate responses are highly valued, this hybrid system promises to deliver just that. The AI component offers speed and availability, addressing basic inquiries instantaneously. When a conversation requires more nuanced understanding or detailed information, the human agents step in, adding a personal touch that machines can’t replicate.
Bellsystem24’s vision extends beyond Taiwan. With an eye on the global market, the company plans to introduce this hybrid call center model in Japan, Vietnam, and Thailand. The goal is ambitious yet achievable – to generate a revenue of 3 billion yen by fiscal 2027. This expansion reflects a growing trend in the industry where AI and human skills are seen as complementary, not competitive.
The collaboration between Bellsystem24 and Intumit is more than just a business partnership. It’s a glimpse into the future of customer service, where technology and human expertise combine to provide an unparalleled experience. As businesses in Taiwan and beyond adopt this model, we can expect a significant shift in how customer service operates – faster, more efficient, and still very human.
The Korean giant is already working on the Galaxy S24 Series, which is set to launch on January 17 at the Galaxy Unpacked Event. Alongside the flagship, Samsung is also working on mid-range and entry-level smartphones. The Samsung Galaxy M55 is among the upcoming smartphones on the list, and it has appeared on BIS India with model code SM-M556B/DS.
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) listing confirms the smartphone’s upcoming launch in India. However, it fails to shed some light on the smartphone’s specifications and other features. However, the same device was spotted on WiFi Alliance a few days ago with the same model code.
Samsung Galaxy M55 was also spotted on Geekbench a while ago. It appeared with 8GB of RAM, an expected Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 SoC, and an Adreno 644 GPU, as the listing shows a base frequency of 1.80GHz and a max of up to 2.40GHz. The listing also confirms the presence of Android 14-based One UI software.
The smartphone will succeed the Galaxy M54 5G, which was launched earlier last year in March. It bundles a 6.7-inch sAMLOED Plus panel offering Full HD+ resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. Samsung Galaxy M54 5G embeds a fingerprint reader and Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection. Further, it features an Exynos 1380 SoC with a Mali-G68 MP5 GPU, 8GB of RAM, and 128/256GB of internal storage. Also, there’s support for a microSD card and a 6000 mAh battery embedded with 25W fast charging.
Considering the Galaxy M54 specifications, the Galaxy M55 will feature some hardware improvements along with the One UI 6.0 onboard. It is expected to launch after the Galaxy S24 series announcement. Precisely, there’s still time for its launch if we consider the Galaxy M54, which was launched in March 2023 and made available in April.
In less than two weeks time OnePlus will unveil its next-generation number series flagship in the global markets. The brand is conducting a launch event on January 23. The OnePlus 12 (review) is already confirmed to be available on Amazon in India. It is already available in China and the global variant will come with the same specifications. The only details remaining of the smartphone are its configurations and pricing. Now, ahead of the launch, the pricing of one of its variants has leaked.
OnePlus 12 price in India leaked ahead of launch
OnePlus 12 price was live on Amazon India for a short while & I managed to grab this screenshot.
For the 12/256GB (base variant), the MRP could be ₹69,999!
Tipster Ishan Agarwal spotted the OnePlus 12’s listing on Amazon India. It has now been taken down. The screenshot he shared on X (formerly Twitter) reveals key information of the upcoming flagship. The OnePlus 12 is listed with 12GB RAM and 256GB storage. It carries a price tag of Rs 69,999. It’s worth noting that this is the MRP and the actual retail price could be lower.
As previously reported, there is no 8GB +128GB base configuration on the OnePlus 12. It will also be offered in a 16GB + 512GB option where the storage is doubled from 256GB on its predecessor.
To recall, the OnePlus 11 5G started at Rs 56,999 for the 8GB + 128GB whereas the 16GB + 256GB costed Rs 61,999 at launch. The accidentally leaked Amazon pricing of the OnePlus 12 points towards a significant price jump from its predecessor’s base variant. However, it also seems to be justified considering the upgrades the device will be bringing. We will have to wait to learn about this officially till the launch event.
The OnePlus 12, has the same design as its predecessor. Notable upgrades include a BOE-supplied curved OLED display with 4,500 nits peak brightness, Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, a periscope lens, and a 5,400mAh battery with 50W wireless charging.
Xiaomi continues to expand its product range and entering new markets. In line with this, the company recently entered the electric vehicle market with its first car, named SU7. Despite not being available for sale yet, the vehicle has already received positive from tech enthusiasts globally. Although the Chinese manufacturer hasn’t released the car for sale, it intends to capitalize on its reputation and has announced the limited edition colors of the Xiaomi Watch S3.
Xiaomi Olive Green Watch S3 SU7 Now Available for Purchase
Xiaomi has been a significant player in the wearable technology market for a long time. The company holds a considerable market share, especially in smart wristbands and smartwatches. In line with this, Xiaomi introduced its new smartwatch, Watch S3, last October, featuring HyperOS and eSim connectivity, and it received positive reviews with its price of 999 Yuan. Now, the “Olive Green” SU7 color variant of this watch is available for purchase slightly more expensive for 1,099 yuan.
The “Olive Green” edition of the watch has a green ceramic bezel and a green silicone strap. The bezel is made of high-quality ceramic, which is durable and scratch-resistant. The silicone strap is comfortable to wear and provides a secure fit. The watch also features engine sound effects. When you are driving, the watch will play the sound of the engine corresponding to your speed. This can help you feel more connected to your car.
Display: 1.43-inch circular AMOLED
Bezel: Versatile, customizable to match style
Refresh Rate: 60Hz
Pixel Density: 326 PPI
Brightness: 600 nits peak
Health Monitoring: Sleep, heart rate, stress, and more
Satellite Positioning: Dual-band
Battery Life: Up to 15 days
Operating System: HyperOS
Connectivity: eSIM for independent calling and networking
Pricing: Standard version – 799 yuan (about $109), eSIM version – 999 yuan ($137) Olive Green – 1,099 yuan ($155)
Vivo launched the flagship X100 smartphones in China last November. However, the brand did not unveil the more premium X100 Pro+ in the lineup at the same event. The launch was postponed and it is now speculated to debut in the first half of 2024. Now, reliable Chinese tipster Digital Chat Station has shared some details about the upcoming Vivo 100 phones.
Vivo X100 Pro+, X100s key details tipped
DCS has not explicitly revealed the names of the upcoming Vivo flagship phones. As per the tipster, one device will feature a 1.5K display with 2160Hz PWM high-frequency dimming whereas the other will have a 2K Samsung E7 panel with 1440Hz PWM dimming. These two devices are expected to be the Vivo X100s and X100 Pro+. DCS also adds that the upcoming Vivo flagship will feature a 50MP Sony LYT 900 1-inch main sensor, a 50MP ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 200MP periscope unit.
A past report revealed that the Vivo X100 Pro+ may come with satellite communication technology. The device will have the same design as the X100 and X100 Pro. Internally, it will reportedly be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor coupled with 24GB LPDDR5T RAM and 1TB UFS 4 storage. The smartphone is tipped to be backed by a 5,400mAh battery unit with support for 120W wired and 50W wireless charging.
Meanwhile, the Vivo X100s is rumored to be equipped with a Dimensity 9300 SoC and a 5,000mAh battery with support for either 100W or 80W charging. It is tipped to come with two 50MP camera sensors and a 64MP telephoto lens.
Unlike other smartphone brands, Xiaomi is also quite popular for its range of power banks. The company sells a wide variety of models, especially in its home country China.
Earlier today, the firm launched a new power bank with a slim form factor. It does not have a larger battery capacity but rather focuses on design.
And like any other Xiaomi product, it does not cost a fortune.
Xiaomi’s new power bank is so thin and light that it cannot fully charge most phones
Xiaomi Ultra-Thin Power Bank 5,000mAh is the name of the company’s latest battery pack. It is priced at ¥129 (~$20) and is already up for sale.
The product is thin at just 10mm and weighs only 93g. Thus, it can be even carried in shirt pockets like a card
Its body is treated with NCVM (Non-Conductive Vacuum Metallization) coating. Therefore, it looks like a piece of metal and even shines like one.
As the name suggests, the accessory’s battery capacity is rated at 5,000mAh. Hence, it cannot charge most modern smartphones fully.
The power bank has a single USB Type-C port and ships with a USB Type-C to Type-C cable. It supports a maximum of 20W output and 18W input.
Lastly, the accessory arrives with 9 layers of protection. These include temperature, short circuit, reset, input overvoltage, input over-current, output over-current, output over-voltage, battery over-charge and over-discharge, and overcurrent short circuit.
In a major move, Samsung India made Health Monitor Blood Pressure and ECG Tracking features available in India on the Galaxy Watch 6. Surprisingly, the same features are also live for the Galaxy Watch 5 and Galaxy Watch 4 Series too. After bringing support for Samsung Pay early this year in the country, the BP monitoring feature was the last that was absent in the Indian market on the Galaxy Watches.
Samsung Galaxy Watch users can now conveniently monitor their blood pressure and track their ECG using the Samsung Health Monitor App. The app is available on the Galaxy Store, and users can follow on-screen instructions to monitor their blood pressure. The Samsung Health Monitor App received clearance and certification from India’s Central Drugs Standard Control Organization.
The feature is only compatible with the Galaxy smartphone; otherwise, you may not get these features. However, you also require a separate blood pressure measuring machine to calibrate the Samsung Galaxy Watch every month.
Galaxy Watch 4 Classic LTE Receiving BP support in India.
Steps to Measure Blood Pressure Using Galaxy Watch
Below are easy steps to check your blood pressure using the in-built photoplethysmogram (PPG) sensor, which can record systolic and diastolic pressure, as well as pulse rate, and record it in the Samsung Health Monitor app.
Prerequisites:
Download the Samsung Health Monitor App on your Galaxy Watch and Galaxy smartphone
Calibrate the Galaxy Watch using a blood pressure machine and on-screen instructions.
Steps:
After downloading the app and calibrating, wear the Galaxy Watch on the same wrist as calibrated using a strap.
Open the Samsung Health Monitor App on the Galaxy Watch.
Tap on blood pressure, and then follow on-screen instructions to start blood pressure measurements.
After 30 seconds, the user can see their blood pressure on the watch or smartphone itself.
A similar process is followed to measure the ECG on the Galaxy Watch. The user just needs to select ECG on the Samsung Health Monitor App. It detects the electrical signals produced by the heart with each beat and records them on a graph. The app lets you record, save, and share ECG data in a PDF format.
Beyond design, the Galaxy Watch 6, Watch 5 and Watch 4 series introduce personalized health guidance, providing users with valuable insights into their well-being. Purposeful design upgrades enhance the overall user experience, and the series promises an improved mobile experience for a more informed and healthier lifestyle.
Samsung will be hosting the upcoming Galaxy Unpacked event next week. The company is set to unveil its Galaxy S24 series of flagship smartphones. So now, here’s a detailed breakdown of everything we know regarding the Galaxy S24 and Galaxy S24+ models.
Samsung Galaxy S24, Galaxy S24+: Design & Display
Both the Galaxy S24 and Galaxy S24+ feature upgrades over the previous generation in terms of design. Similar to the previous generation, the two phones have a glass back and metallic frame. The rear has a Corning Gorilla Glass Victus Armor that is paired with an Armor Aluminum frame. The back also houses a triple camera setup, while the front houses a center aligned punch hole cutout for a selfie camera. The vanilla version is rumored to weigh just 167 grams and measure 7.6mm in thickness and the Galaxy S24+ may weigh around 196 grams and measure just 7.7mm.
On the other hand, the Galaxy S24 sports a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display that will offer a 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+, Full HD+ resolution, Always On, Eye Comfort Shield, and Vision Booster. Samsung’s Galaxy S24+ features a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display that supports QHD+ resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+ support, Always On, Vision Booster, and Eye Comfort Shield as well. The screen is surrounded by minimal bezels based on the renders that have surfaced recently.
Specifications
Based on recent reports (1,2), the Samsung Galaxy S24 and Galaxy S24+ will be equipped with Qualcomm’s latest and greatest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC. It is worth noting that the Snapdragon edition of the smartphone is only for the US and Canadian markets. Meanwhile, the rest of the world will get the Exynos 2400 chipset. These processors are paired with 12GB of RAM.
The Plus model is expected to come with 256GB or 512GB of UFS 4.0 storage, while the base variant may offer 128GB or 256GB storage options. A 4,000mAh battery pack could charge the Galaxy S24, which is expected to offer 25W wired fast charging and 15W wireless fast charging. Both the power cell and charging rate are expected to see enhancement in the Galaxy S24+ when compared to the vanilla version.
A larger 4,900mAh battery pack powers this model that supports 45W wired and 15W wireless fast charging. Other notable features include stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos support, USB (Ultra Wideband) support, Samsung Health, Wireless Samsung DeX, Wireless PowerShare, Bixby Assistant, Secure Folder, Samsung Knox, WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, and NFC. Another major inclusion in the Galaxy S24 lineup is the support for satellite communication technology. These will run on Android 14 OS based One UI 6.1 custom skin out of the box and offer various AI powered features.
Camera
The camera setup on the two premium phones is practically identical. They house a triple camera setup at the back, which consists of a 50-megapixel primary sensor, a 12-megapixel ultra wide angle lens, and a 10-megapixel telephoto shooter with 3x optical zoom. The front features a 12-megapixel camera for selfies and video calls that also offers dual pixel autofocus. Notable camera features include Nightography video, Super HDR, 8K recording, and multiple other shooting modes.
Pricing & Pre-Order Bonus
Samsung is expected to launch the Galaxy S24 and Galaxy S24+ in multiple color options, including Orange, Purple, and White. In an earlier report, we covered the pre-order details and benefits of the Galaxy S24 series. Apparently, the South Korean tech giant will offer a free upgrade offer that doubles the storage of the model you pre-order. So if you pre-order a 128GB model, you get a 256GB variant.
We can even expect the brand to offer discount on Galaxy Buds FE and Galaxy Watch models when purchasing a Galaxy S24 series smartphone. The Galaxy S24 is rumored to have a starting price tag of 899 Euros (roughly 984 US Dollars) and the Galaxy S24+ could cost 1,149 Euros (roughly 1,257 US Dollars).
Sony launched the PS5 Slim in October last year. It was only available in the White color option. Now, just a few months later, the Japanese brand has announced three new colors of the latest console at the CES 2024. They are essentially side plates that can be purchased separately.
Sony PS5 Slim gets new color options
Sony has introduced the PS5 Sllim in Volcanic Red, Cobalt Blue, and Sterling Silver color options. These are a part of the Deep Earth collection which is the same as the original PS5 console. The DualSense controllers also match the console’s colors. The new side plates have an all-matte finish instead of the glossy and matte on the standard White color option. The colors are quite vibrant and the Sterling Silver option evokes the original PlayStation’s nostalgia giving a throwback for all PlayStation fans.
The newly announced side plates are priced at $54.99 and can be purchased separately. Users who already own the console can change the side plates. Sony says that the new colors will go on sale soon. Additionally, an all-matte Black side plate will also be released soon. It’s worth noting that the Deep Earth collection is limited to the disc version of the PS5 Slim.
The Sony PS5 Slim is a slimmer and thinner version of the standard PS5 with a detachable disc drive. The storage is also bumped up to 1TB and there is a second USB-C port on the front. However, the latest console packs the same hardware power.
Whether a small company engaged in e-commerce on Amazon or a billion-dollar tech giant, you likely know that having a good product alone isn’t enough to succeed. You must reach the right target audience and follow the correct advertising strategy. Recently, Honor successfully did just that by introducing new products like Magic 6, Magic 6 Pro, and Magic V2 Porsche Design. The company’s CEO, Zhao Ming, officially announced Jackie Chan as the brand’s Dragon Year ambassador.
Jackie Chan Becomes Honor’s Brand Ambassador
Jackie Chan is undoubtedly one of the most famous actors of all time. While this name may not be very familiar to Generation Z today, there is no doubt that he is a legend for many people born before 2000. Moreover, Chan is a much more famous name in his homeland, China, than in the West. Therefore, many brands aim to collaborate with him and leverage his fame. The latest company to achieve this is Honor.
Actually, it had been known for a while that Honor would appoint a famous figure as an ambassador. In fact, rumors surfaced yesterday before the launch that a celebrity was present for the event. While everyone was curious about the identity, Honor CEO Zhao Ming officially revealed that Jackie Chan is the brand’s Dragon Year ambassador.
When announcing Jackie Chan as the brand’s Dragon Year ambassador, Zhao Ming said that in Honor’s philosophy, the dragon not only represents a high-ranking status, but also symbolizes a heart that constantly pursues excellence. Honor hopes to turn the name “Jackie Chan” into the best wishes, wishing everyone in the new year to soar like a dragon and achieve their own glory.In the future, Honor will work with Dragon Year Ambassador Jackie Chan to bring a series of new year themed activities, services and benefits, with the aim of bringing the warmth of technology to more consumers.
Following the rollout of the first Beta in December, Nothing has now released another update for the Phone (1) – Nothing OS 2.5.1 Open Beta 2. Weighing in at just 83.68MB, the update comes with the latest January 2024 security patch.
If you’re eager to try out the newest software for your Phone (1) then joining the Open Beta program is easy:
Download the APK from Nothing’s website and install it from your downloads.
Head to your phone’s Settings > System > Update to Beta version.
Tap “Check for new version” and follow the on-screen instructions.
Nothing OS 2.5.1 Open Beta 2 Update changelog
Improvements
Optimised brightness in Night Mode photography.
Improved overall smoothness when taking pictures.
Optimised sound effects for specific games.
Supported pull-down access to Quick Settings for network and connectivity options from the lock screen.
Improved compatibility with certain chargers.
Optimised background processes – improving the issue of background task termination.
Optimised performance when memory is running low.
Enhanced fingerprint recognition accuracy.
Optimised VoLTE icon display logic in the status bar.
Upgraded Google security patch to January 2024.
Bug Fixes
Improved display to correct abnormal notification background colours.
Resolved unresponsive Bluetooth icon in the Quick Settings.
Resolved noise issues with Bluetooth audio devices in specific scenarios.
Resolved issue where battery percentage was not displayed in the status bar.
Resolved abnormal display issues with the clock widget.
Improved stability of the System Ul.
Resolved unresponsive calculator widget on the lock screen.
Fixed overlapping issue between lightweight notifications and banner notifications in Game Mode.
Apple is set to launch its first mixed reality headset, the Vision Pro after a long wait. The device will be available for pre-order in the United States on January 19th, with the official sale starting on February 2nd. And people are already curious about whether the headset will be successful or not. Ay you know Apple is good at not making mistakes. The company don’t make too many new products, but when they do, they usually do well. Although our curiosity will be satisfied soon, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has given us a hint by sharing the sales forecast. Here are the details…
Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo Forecasting the Success of Apple Vision Pro Headset
Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo shared his predictions about Vision Pro on Twitter. According to him, the company won’t take excessive risks with the new mixed reality headset. Initially, there will be 60,000 to 80,000 Vision Pro units for launch, which might seem sufficient for a product valued at $3,499. However, considering the substantial number of YouTubers likely to purchase it just for reviewing, Kuo anticipates a rapid sell-out of the product by Apple.
Apple will produce 60,000 to 80,000 units of Vision Pro for the February 2 release. Since the shipment is not large, I believe that Vision Pro will sell out soon after the release.
Although Apple has not clearly defined the product positioning and key applications of Vision Pro… https://t.co/miktcS0aSK
While selling all the products at hand may be a success for Apple, the crucial factor is how long this momentum will last. Innovative technologies like users controlling the interface with their minds, as mentioned by Kuo, may seem sufficient initially, but the key is whether they are genuinely practical or not. Remember, once VR headsets that could be used with your phone were everywhere, with various manufacturers, including Samsung, releasing similar headsets. However, users soon realized that this early-stage technology had little to offer after spending 20 minutes, leading to a decline in interest.
Apple Vision Pro
Of course, I’m not comparing the Apple Vision Pro with a cheap VR headset for smartphones that Samsung released a decade ago. I’m simply highlighting that, despite the initial excitement for an expensive and new product, this interest might decrease over time. Therefore, it’s crucial for the company to provide support for applications, games, and diverse usage situations. Fortunately, Apple seems to have considered what a humble tech editor thinks, so we don’t need to worry beyond figuring out where to get $3,499.
Honor X9b was first announced back in October 2023. Now, it seems like the company is planning to release this device in the Indian market as well. This follows after the brand’s recent return to the region under the HTech branding.
Honor X9b India Launch Teased
The teasers arrive from the Indian head, Madhav Sheth, who shared a new video on X (formerly Twitter). Looking at the online post, we can see the senior official teasing a new smartphone launch by unboxing a new device. The smartphone in question features a large circular camera island at the back, which resembles the Honor X9b model that was previously released in the Chinese market.
Honor X9b
To recall, the Honor X9b is a mid range smartphone that sports a tall 6.78-inch AMOLED display that offers a 1.5K resolution. The brand even teased the durability of the device’s screen. Under the hood, it is equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 SoC that is paired with up to 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage. A massive 5,800mAh battery pack powers this smartphone, which also supports 35W fast charging.
The rear features a 108-megapixel triple camera setup, while the front houses a 16-megapixel selfie shooter. Honor X9b runs on the Android 13 OS based Magic UI 7.2 custom skin out of the box. Other notable features include 5G connectivity, WiFi 6, GPS, Bluetooth 5.1, and an under-display fingerprint scanner.
As it does every year, Apple released its proxy statement to investors on Thursday, detailing executives’ pay alongside other information. And, as expected, the statement also reveals CEO Tim Cook’s compensation for 2023.
Turns out, Tim Cook earned $63.2 million from Apple in 2023. This sum exceeds his initial target of $49 million earnings in 2023 by 28%. This comes after a year where he exceeded his initial $84 million target by a significant margin, ultimately receiving $99.4 million in 2022.
The breakdown of Cook’s 2023 compensation shows a $3 million salary, $46.9 million in stock awards, $10.7 million in performance incentives, and $2.5 million in other compensations. While the sum is a 36% decrease compared to his 2022 earnings, Cook has still surpassed the lowered target set for 2023.
Separately, as per the company’s 2017 policy requiring Cook’s use of a private jet for business and personal travel, Apple incurred $1,621,468 in personal air travel expenses for him in 2023. This is more than twofold increase compared to 2022. Additionally, Apple spent $820,309 on Cook’s personal security, calculated based on the incremental costs associated with dedicated security services.
The proxy statement also sheds light on the broader employee compensation picture at Apple. The median annual compensation for Apple employees in 2023 stood at $94,118. This translates to a staggering 672-to-1 pay ratio between Cook’s earnings and the median employee’s.
Beyond the CEO, the compensation details of other top executives were also revealed. Luca Maestri (Chief Financial Officer) earned $26.9 million, Kate Adams (General Counsel and Secretary) received $26.9 million, Deirdre O’Brien (Senior Vice President of Retail) received $26.9 million, and Jeff Williams (Chief Operating Officer) received $26.9 million.
We are only two weeks into 2024 and there have already been multiple smartphone releases. Thankfully, the next week will be slow. However, an important event is scheduled.
Samsung will take wraps off its latest flagship smartphones — the Galaxy S24 series. The lineup will include three models, namely Galaxy S24, Galaxy S24 Plus, and Galaxy S24 Ultra.
These devices will arrive with several upgrades along with slight design changes. They are said to be developed around ‘Galaxy AI.’
The trio will be unveiled at the first Galaxy Unpacked event of 2024 on January 17. The conference will begin at 6 PM GMT.
The most affordable phone will get an upgrade to a 6.2-inch LTPO (1-120Hz) AMOLED display. However, the panel’s resolution will remain at 2340 x 1080 pixels (FHD+).
It will be powered by an Exynos 2400 chipset in most regions. But in some, it will house a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC.
The rear camera system will include a 50MP primary sensor, a 12MP ultrawide unit, and a 10MP 3x telephoto shooter. On the front, it will have a 12MP selfie camera.
The battery will be slightly larger at 4,000mAh but it will be limited to 25W wired and 15W wireless charging standards.
It will also come with an armor aluminum frame, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus Armor, IP68 rating, Samsung DeX, and USB 3.2 Gen 1 port.
2. Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus
The Galaxy S24 Plus will also flaunt an LTPO (1-120Hz) AMOLED display measuring 6.7 inches. Additionally, the screen’s resolution will be sharper at QHD+ (3120 x 1440 pixels).
It will also house the same Exynos 2400 chip in most markets and Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset in some. A larger 4,900mAh will run the show supporting 45W wired as well as 15W wireless charging standards.
The camera system will be identical to the one found on the S24. Thus, it will sport a 50MP (wide) + 12MP (ultrawide) + 10MP triple camera setup on the rear and a 12MP front-facing shooter.
Other features will include USB 3.2 Gen 1 port, UWB, IP68 rating, Samsung DeX, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus Armor, and armor aluminum frame.
3. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Unlike the other two models, the Galaxy S24 Ultra will be powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip in all markets. It will no longer sport a curved display. However, its 6.8-inch screen will continue to be LTPO (1-120Hz) with a QHD+ (3120 x 1440 pixels) resolution.
The device’s quad-camera system will consist of a 200MP primary sensor, a 12MP ultrawide unit, a 10MP 3x telephoto snapper, and a 50MP 5x periscope telephoto shooter. On the front, it will be equipped with a 12MP selfie camera.
The handset will retain the S Pen from its predecessors. It will also arrive with IP68 rating, UWB, Samsung DeX, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus Armor, and titanium frame.
Finally, it will draw energy from a 5,000mAh battery and support 45W wired as well as 15W wireless charging standards.
Lenovo has just announced a new Xiaoxin PC. The company’s latest model is a portable Xiaoxin Mini PC, which features a compact design and Intel’s 13th generation series of processors. So here are all the details.
Lenovo Xiaoxin Mini PC Specs
The Chinese PC maker features a compact and sleek body that has 1L of space on the inside. Despite the limited space, it still packs a 150W power supply and a 13th Gen Intel Core processor. The CPU is also paired with dual memory slots and dual SSD slots. It houses a dual fan system as well, with one cooling the CPU and the other cooling the power supply. As per official claims, this mini PC operating sound is less than 30 decibels.
Connectivity options, a USB 3.2 ports, a USB C port, and an audio jack on the front along with the power button. Meanwhile, the rear features a LAN 2.5G port, 2x USB 3.2, HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4, and Thunderbolt 4 port. Other notable features include Windows 11 out of the box, WiFi 6, Microsoft Office, and DDR4 memory.
Lenovo Xiaoxin Mini PC Pricing and Availability
Lenovo launched the Xiaoxin Mini PC earlier today and it is currently available for pre-orders. It has a starting price tag of 3,299 Yuan (roughly 465 US Dollars) for the Intel i5-13420H variant with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. On the other hand, the 16GB + 1TB version of the Intel i5 costs 3,499 Yuan (roughly 493 US Dollars). The higher end Intel i7 models start from 3,999 Yuan (roughly 563 US Dollars) for the 16GB + 1TB configuration, and 4,499 Yuan (roughly 634 US Dollars) for the 32GB + 1TB option.
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