Segway Xyber electric scrambler and Xafari step-through trekking commuter e-bike launched

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Jan 12, 2024

The last day of CES 2024 in Las Vegas has seen a raft of product releases. One such release is the launch of the Segway Xyber electric scrambler termed the silent beast, alongside the Xafari step-through trekking commuter e-bike. Both models are coming from the rising electric two-wheeler brand Segway and are among the highlights of Segway’s performance at CES 2024.

The Segway Xyber is a Sur-Ron-style e-bike with chunky tires and can achieve up to 95 miles of range. It is a very capable off-road e-bike that comes with some solid parameters. The Xyber is a mix between the aggressive motorcycle styling of the Sur-Ron and the lightweight looks of the Super73. It also reflects some Cyberpunk aesthetics and comes as an off-road-ready machine. It has 120mm of suspension travel using front forks and a rear mono shock. It comes with wide tires and has pedals, despite its motorbike looks. The Segway Xyber has a partially exposed frame design with round tubes in the top part of the bike. The rear swingarm is made of square tubing, as well as the bottom half of the frame.

The front seat of the Xyber is covered by an angular metal/ plastic material while the battery is protected by a bash guard. The seat of the Xyber can accommodate one passenger but grab handles are omitted for the passenger. The Xyber is claimed to be capable of delivering a torque of 175Nm but its exact motor has not been specified.

The Segway Xafari is a dual-suspension, all-purpose step-through e-bike. It seems to be a more practical bike than the Xyber and comes with 26-inch tires for improved comfort, safety, and efficiency. It has a dual suspension setup with 80mm at the front and 70mm at the rear. It also has a sizeable luggage rack and a kickstand for enhanced versatility. The Segway Xafari comes with a thick frame and a 913Wh battery combined with its 750W, 80Nm hub motor. While specifics for the range are not provided, Segway claims the Xafari outperforms the average e-bike in the US.

The Segway Xyber and Xafari e-bikes have a dial to increase motor output, auto-activating headlights, and a smart cockpit to display ride and battery information. The bikes also feature GPS tracking and Apple Find My tracking as added safety and security features. Segway is expected to release the full pricing information and availability details for the new e-bikes shortly.

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EarFun Wave Pro wireless headphones with LDAC support, ANC, and 80-hour battery life launched for $80

By

Jed John Ikoba

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Jan 12, 2024

The EarFun Wave Pro wireless headphones have been unveiled at CES 2024. The new device is EarFun’s first-ever over-ear headphones and offers up to 45dB active noise cancellation. It also has support for LDAC and offers up to 80 hours of playback on a full charge. The new EarFun Wave Pro comes with an affordable price tag that further accentuates its appeal.

Features

Unlike the bulk of OEMs that showcased their products during CES 2024, EarFun is going a step further to officially launch the Wave Pro wireless headphones. The audio accessories manufacturer says the design of the Wave Pro is aimed at delivering a premium experience for users but with affordability also in the mix. These are Bluetooth headphones with LDAC support which allows the gadget to deliver Hi-Res audio. The 45dB hybrid noise cancellation is another highlight of the EarFun Wave Pro wireless headphones. The headphones also come with anti-Wind Noise technology which helps to eliminate external wind disturbance.

The EarFun Wave Pro wireless headphones offer Bluetooth multipoint connection and also have a low latency gaming mode. The headset can also be used with a wired connection and supports fast charging. It has a five-mic setup that combines with an AI algorithm to deliver a unique listening experience for the user.

Pricing

The Wave Pro, in terms of its features, will square up against the Bose QuietComfort ultra and the Sony WH-1000XM5 which are priced at $429 and $398 respectively. However, the Wave Pro wireless headphones come at a super-affordable price of $80. More details about the EarFun Wave Pro wireless headphones with an over-ear design can be viewed on the EarFun website.

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Xiaomi 360 Home Security Camera 2K Set to Launch in India

By

Oğuz Çakır

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Jan 12, 2024

Xiaomi continues to expand its product family in India. The company recently launched the affordable Redmi 13C in the country. Now, they are gearing up to release the new Xiaomi 360 Home Security Camera 2K for those looking to smarten up their homes and enhance security. Xiaomi India even revealed the release date of the budget-friendly camera on its official Twitter account. Here are the details…

Xiaomi Announces Launch Date for 360 Home Security Camera 2K in India

Xiaomi India recently shared a tweet announcing the release of the Xiaomi 360 Home Security Camera 2K tomorrow at noon (January 13). This camera, offering 2K resolution, is an affordable choice for security. It boasts 1296p resolution, an F1.4 wide aperture, a 6P lens, and night vision. The camera’s dual-axis pan-tilt-zoom motor allows a 360° horizontal and 108° vertical field of view.

This New Year, prioritize your safety!
Introducing the all-new #Xiaomi360HomeSecurityCamera2K – your safety in stunning 2K clarity.
The ultimate guardian for your home. 🏠

The sale goes live tomorrow at 12 Noon. Save the date!
Stay Tuned: https://t.co/KaacdFOc25 pic.twitter.com/XfitL58PWR
— Xiaomi India (@XiaomiIndia) January 12, 2024

Its AI-driven human detection minimizes false alarms, ensuring accurate alerts. Managed through the Mi Home app, it supports live streaming, motion detection alerts, and two-way audio communication. It’s also compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for voice control.

The Xiaomi Mi 360 Home Security Camera 2K is an excellent option for budget-conscious users seeking reliable home monitoring. If you’re looking for more features or higher resolution, other alternatives are available. The current price in China is 299 yuan (around 450 TL), with the Indian price rs 3,299.

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Oukitel WP33 Pro rugged 5G smartphone with 5W speaker & massive 22,000mAh battery launched

By

Sudhanshu

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Jan 12, 2024

Oukitel is gearing up to launch the WP33 Pro in January 2024, bringing a fresh perspective to rugged smartphones. What makes it stand out is its unique combination of three key features.

Oukitel WP33 Pro specs

Let’s start with the sound. The Oukitel WP33 Pro boasts 136dB multimedia speakers with a powerful 5W output. This delivers crisp and clear audio for gaming, movies, or outdoor gatherings, accompanied by an 8D surround sound experience.

Moving on to power, the WP33 Pro packs a substantial 22,000mAh battery, offering an impressive 80 hours of continuous music playback or a week of regular use on a single charge. Charging is a breeze with 33W fast charging and an 18W fast reverse charging feature, allowing you to charge your iPhone 15 about nine times with one WP33 Pro charge.

Under the hood, the smart rugged phone is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ 5G processor, paired with 8GB LPDDR4x RAM and 256GB UFS 2.2 storage. The phone offers a 6.6″ FHD+ IPS display with a 60Hz refresh rate, 450nits brightness, and 400 PPI pixel density. The WP33 Pro’s camera setup includes a 64MP Sony IMX686 main camera, a 20MP IMX350 night vision camera, and a 32MP IMX616 front shooter.

Concerned about durability? Fret not. The WP33 Pro is certified for IP68, IP69K, and MIL-STD-810H standards, making it resilient against water, dust, and shock. Additionally, it features a Corning Gorilla Glass screen for added protection.

Pricing & availability

The Oukitel WP33 Pro is set to release on January 13th, available at the Oukitel Official Store for $299.99 after a generous 25% discount.

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Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Roundup: Design, specs, pricing & more

By

Sudhanshu

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Jan 12, 2024

Samsung is set to unveil its latest flagship smartphones, the Samsung Galaxy S24 series, during the Galaxy Unpacked event scheduled for January 17. Consistent with past releases, the series will include three models: Galaxy S24, S24+, and the high-end Galaxy S24 Ultra. In our previous coverage, we discussed anticipated features for the standard and Plus models. In this article, we will delve into all the details currently available about the Galaxy S24 Ultra.

Design & display

The design of the Galaxy S24 Ultra will largely remain the same as the S23 Ultra. Leaked renders of the device have revealed that the design this year could be even more boxy than before with the device featuring flatter edges compared to last year. The frame will be made of titanium, and the back and front will be protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus Armor. It will have four camera cutouts on the back along with another cutout for sensors like the Laser Autofocus. Like its predecessor, the device will come with an S-pen stored in a silo located at the bottom of the device.

On the front, the phone will feature reduced bezel size compared to its predecessor. It is said to come with a 6.8-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X Display featuring a 120 Hz refresh rate, an impressive resolution of 3120 x 1440 pixels, and 505 ppi pixel density. Its dimensions measure 79.0 x 162.3 x 8.6mm, with a weight of 232 grams. A leak has revealed that the device will launch in four color options: Titanium Black, Titanium Gray, Titanium Violet, and Titanium Yellow.

Camera system

The S24 Ultra’s primary camera setup is a quad-camera system featuring laser autofocus and an LED flash. It will boast a 200MP wide-angle lens with an F/1.7 aperture, Super Quad Pixel autofocus, OIS, and a Super Clear Lens. The two telephoto lenses offer 5x and 3x optical magnification, with 50MP and 10MP resolutions respectively, incorporating advanced autofocus technologies and OIS. Additionally, there’s a 12MP ultra-wide-angle lens with dual-pixel autofocus and a 120° field of view. The front camera is a 12MP shooter with dual-pixel autofocus.

Photography features include 100x Space Zoom, Portrait Mode with Bokeh Effect, Pro Mode, Panorama, Night Mode, Food, Selfie, Group Selfie, Single Take, automatic scene optimization, Bixby Vision, AR Zone, QR scanner, and the expertRAW photo app supporting 50 MP raw photos, Astrophoto, Multi Exposure, and a digital ND filter. Videography features encompass Nightography video, Super HDR, 12-bit HDR, 8K video recording, 8K video snap, portrait video with bokeh effect, Pro Video, Slow Motion, Super Slow Motion, Hyperlapse, Dual Recording, Audio Zoom, and Super Steady mode.

Notably, Samsung is rumored to introduce 60FPS support for 8K recording. Reports are suggesting a shift in the default camera resolution to 24MP for the Galaxy S24 Ultra, departing from the conventional 12MP, a move aimed at capturing more detail in non-RAW mode pictures. A similar adjustment was made by Apple in the iPhone 15, which now sports a 48MP primary camera sensor.

Specs

Under the hood, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is said to come with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy, a 4 nm Octa-Core processor with clock speeds of 3.39 GHz, 3.1 GHz, 2.9 GHz, and 2.2 GHz. The device will offer storage options of 256GB, 512GB, or a massive 1TB, coupled with 12GB of RAM. It is said to come with a 5000 mAh capacity battery that supports 45W wired and 15W wireless charging. The phone will also support Wireless PowerShare functionality to charge gadgets.

As for software, the Galaxy S24 Ultra will be launching with Android 14 onboard. That being said, the brand could launch the One UI 6.1 along with the flagship smartphone. The One UI 6.1 is said to be an improved version of the One UI 6, focusing heavily on AI features. It will introduce features like AI-generated wallpapers, object relocation and photo expansion for editing, subject transfer between photos, smarter Samsung Notes with improved text formatting, live translation for calls enabling real-time language translation during phone calls, and enhanced call quality with Voice Focus, eliminating background noise similar to Pixel’s Clear Calling functionality.

Connectivity options onboard the device are said to include include USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 1, Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi 7, WiFi Direct, Miracast, NFC, and UWB (Ultra-Wideband) technology. There are also reports of the brand including satellite communication on the device.

Pricing

The Galaxy S24 Ultra with a base storage option of 256GB will cost 1149 euros (~$1,259). Other than the above-mentioned color options, the devices will also be available in Jade Green, Sapphire Blue, and Sandstone Orange color options in the Samsung store.

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AYANEO Next Lite -the first non-Valve gaming handheld with SteamOS preinstalled launched starting at 1,699 yuan ($289)

By

Jed John Ikoba

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Jan 12, 2024

Ayaneo announced the Next Lite gaming handheld at CES 2024 a few days back. The product which is the first non-Valve handheld device that comes with SteamOS preinstalled has now been launched in China. The Ayaneo Next Lite is designed to be a budget device and hence could lack cutting-edge components.

Features

The Next Lite was officially announced via a seemingly muted press release by the company. The Next Lite has a standout feature that should catch the attention of industry watchers, running on SteamOS. The Next Lite will have a 7-inch 800p IPS display and a 47Wh battery. The parameters of the new mobile PC are the same as that of the Ayaneo Next Pro. The Ayaneo Next Pro is powered by the AMD Ryzen 7 5825U processor but the Next Lite could come with a newer processor either the AMD Ryzen 7 7840U or Ryzen 7 8840U. Price considerations for the model imply that the Next Lite could sport a less expensive processor.

The use of SteamOS for non-Valve handhelds like the Ayaneo Next Lite is a leap for Valve. Previously, the company had stated that it was considering getting the SteamOS on other machines, especially for handhelds. The SteamOS operating system has been used in the Steam Deck gaming handheld. Therefore extending its availability to other handhelds is technically easier than extending it to a full Dexktop PC. The SteamOS is a great advantage for the Ayaneo Next Lite over Windows-based competitors in terms of its pricing.

The Ayaneo Next Lite gaming handheld starts at 1,699 yuan ($289) which is way cheaper than the Next Pro’s $1,215 price tag.

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Oppo Watch 4 Leak Unveils Impressive Features and Pricing

By

Oğuz Çakır

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Jan 12, 2024

When it comes to product strategies, many companies have different approaches. For instance, Oppo introduced its new smartwatch, the Watch 4 Pro, in August of last year. Despite unveiling the “Pro” version, the standard Oppo Watch was not seen. It seems we won’t have to wait long for it, as blogger Digital Chat Station confirmed the watch’s existence and leaked some technical specifications.

Digital Chat Station Reveals Oppo Watch 4’s OLED Display and Snapdragon Chip

Digital Chat Station reveals that the OPPO Watch 4 will sport an OLED display and a Snapdragon W5+BES2700 dual-chip. The release details for the OPPO Pad3 tablet and Enco X3 earphones are still pending. For comparison, the OPPO Watch 4 Pro’s starting price is 2,199 yuan. This smartwatch boasts a stainless steel middle frame, ceramic case, and metal brushed texture on the body’s side.

It comes in two colors: Midnight Black (fluororubber strap) and Dawn Brown (genuine leather strap). The OPPO Watch4 Pro features a 1.91-inch 378×496 LTPO full-curvature flexible screen with a C-shaped 3D glass cover, supporting 326ppi, peak brightness of 1000nit, Lingxi gesture control, negative one-screen function expansion, and global AOD watch face display.

Powered by Snapdragon W5 and Hengxuan 2700, it packs 2GB of RAM and 200+ deep scene optimizations. With a 570mAh battery, it lasts 5 days in full smart mode and 14 days in light smart mode. It includes high-precision sensors like an ECG sensor, wrist temperature sensor, 8-channel heart rate sensor, and 16-channel blood oxygen sensor.

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Xpeng Aeroht’s Modular Flying Car Pre-Orders Open Soon

By

Oğuz Çakır

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Jan 12, 2024

People have been dreaming about flying cars for almost 100 years whenever they think about the future. Now, lots of companies are working on making flying cars real because go this collective dream. In fact, in places like Dubai, some companies already made the first versions of these flying cars. However, a widely accessible flying car is not currently on the market. Fortunately, you won’t have to wait much longer because Xpeng has announced the launch of the first modular flying car designed for individual mass production. Here are the details…

Xpeng Aeroht Paves the Way for Everyday Flying Cars in 2025

One of China’s leading electric vehicle manufacturers, Xpeng, has long been known to be working on a flying car. As we mentioned recently, the company aims to begin mass production of these flying cars by the fourth quarter of 2025. The good news is that you won’t have to wait that long to get your hands on one. Because Xpeng Aeroht has revealed that you can pre-order its modular flying car in the fourth quarter of 2024, and deliveries are set to commence in the fourth quarter of 2025.

When we say Modular flying car, we understand that it might be a bit confusing. However, don’t worry because there’s no catch; this concept is indeed a flying car. Moreover, it addresses some of the most serious challenges related to this technology. We’re not in a science fiction movie, so we haven’t developed a magical motor technology to lift a several-ton car off the ground.

That’s why, in today’s flying cars, we use the working principle of propellers, similar to the ones used in drones. However, this design allows it to be more of a giant flying drone than a conventional car. Xpeng’s modular flying car combines both, as shown in the concept video above. You can deploy a drone from the car’s trunk whenever you want, allowing you to realize your dream of a “flying car” to some extent, technically.

The Air module is an electric piloted aircraft with vertical takeoff capabilities and low-altitude flight. Its electric propulsion system follows safety standards to prevent single-point failures. The aircraft offers both manual and automatic driving modes, providing a versatile flying experience. Additionally, its 270° panoramic two-person cockpit ensures a wide field of view.

Certainly, there are things we don’t know about the vehicle, such as who can use it and where. Imagine thousands of people in your city commuting to work and school in flying cars – the potential for “traffic accidents” would likely break records throughout the day. However, usage without a special license is expected to be prohibited within city limits. Although the flight duration is currently uncertain, it’s anticipated to be more of an exploration and observation vehicle than a means of transportation. The video emphasizes this aspect. Nonetheless, who knows, maybe in the near future, we’ll truly travel everywhere with flying cars.

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OnePlus 12R appears on Geekbench with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC

By

Sudhanshu

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Jan 12, 2024

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.

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.

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MG Launches Astor 2024 with Cutting-Edge Personal AI and Safety Features

By

Oğuz Çakır

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Jan 12, 2024

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	Rear Seat Middle Headrest	Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
Remote AC On/Off & Temperature Setting	Leather# Driver Armrestwith Storage	Lane Departure Prevention (LDP)
Remote Door Lock/Unlock	Rear Seat Armrest with Cup Holder	Lane Keep Assist (LKA)
Find My Car & Route to it	Remote Keyless Entry with Foldable Key	Forward Collision Prevention: Forward Collision Warning (FCW)Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)Automatic Emergency Braking -Pedestrian (AEB-P)
Geofence	Auto Headlamps	Intelligent Headlamp Control (IHC)
i-SMART App for Apple & Android Watches	Follow Me Home Headlamps	Speed AssistSystem (SAS): Information Mode
Online Navigation with Live Traffic – Powered by MapMyIndia Maps	Auto AC, PM 2.5 Filter, Rear AC Vent	Intelligent Mode
Multi-Language Navigation Route Voice Guidance: English and Hindi	Rain Sensing Wipers	Manual Mode
Smart Drive Information	USB Ports	Rear DriveAssist (RDA)^:
Engine Start Alarm and Overspeed Alert	Front 12V Power Outlet	Blind Spot Detection (BSD)
e-call and i-call	Electronic Power Steering with Mode Adjust(Normal,Urban, Dynamic)	Lane Change Assist (LCA)
Preloaded Entertainment Content on Headunit	Tilt Steering	Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)

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In 2023, Tencent’s WeChat Tripled its Gross Merchandise Volume with Video and Live Streaming

By

Anubhav

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Jan 12, 2024

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.

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(Via)

Twitch Cuts Over 500 Jobs Amid Financial Struggles and Industry Competition

By

Anubhav

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Jan 12, 2024

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.

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AI Call Centers? Japanese Org Teams up with Taiwan’s AI Startup to Redefine Customer Service

By

Anubhav

-

Jan 12, 2024

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.

Artificial Intelligence — 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.

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Samsung Galaxy M55 5G appears on BIS India, Launch Expected in a Few Weeks

By

Simranpal Singh

-

Jan 12, 2024

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.

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OnePlus 12 India Pricing Accidentally Leaked Via Amazon

By

Viraj Gawde

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Jan 12, 2024

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!

Thoughts on the pricing?#OnePlus12 pic.twitter.com/pZelbf2aNi
— Ishan Agarwal (@ishanagarwal24) January 12, 2024

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.

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Xiaomi Launches Latest Watch S3 SU7 Variant with New Color Options and Engine Sound Effects

By

Oğuz Çakır

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Jan 12, 2024

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)
Color Options: Black, Silver, and Olive Green

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Vivo X100 Pro+, X100s Display And More Details Tipped

By

Viraj Gawde

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Jan 12, 2024

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.

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Xiaomi Ultra-Thin Power Bank launched with 10mm thickness and 5,000mAH capacity

By

Sudarshan Ravichandran

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Jan 12, 2024

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.

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Samsung Galaxy Watch 6, Galaxy Watch 5, and Galaxy Watch 4 receive Health Monitor BP and ECG Tracking Features in India

By

Simranpal Singh

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Jan 12, 2024

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.

Related:

Samsung Galaxy S24 & Galaxy S24+ Roundup: Design, Specs, Pricing, & more

By

Sean

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Jan 12, 2024

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).

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