Huawei unveiled HarmonyOS 4 in August. Since then, the company has been rolling out the update to eligible devices.
Now, as the company is almost done with the rollout of the software for phones, it is focussing on delivering the update to older wearables.
Recently, the firm announced the beta program for a bunch of smartwatches. Let’s go through the details.
Huawei Watch GT 3 Pro
Huawei has started recruiting HarmonyOS 4 beta testers for 9 of its older smartwatches. This program is limited to China.
The below-listed wearables for eligible for the initiative.
Huawei Watch Buds (SGA-B19)
Huawie Watch GT 3 46mm (JPT-B19, JPT-B29)
Huawei Watch GT 3 42mm (MIL-B19)
Huawei Watch GT 3 Pro 46mm (ODN-B19)
Huawei Watch GT 3 Porsche Design (ODN-B19)
Huawei Watch GT 3 Pro 43mm (FRG-B19)
Huawei Watch GT 3 Pro Collector’s Edition (FRG-B19)
Huawei Watch GT Runner (RUN-B19, RUN-B29)
Huawei Watch GT Cyber (AND-B19)
The beta program for the aforementioned devices is divided into two versions: log and nolog. The latter has more number of seats than the former.
Once enrolled in the initiative, users cannot revert to the regular stable channel. In the following weeks, they will receive multiple builds, such as closed beta, open beta, and stable. At last, they will receive the public stable release.
Thus, if you have the Chinese variant of any of these watches and want to try out HarmonyOS 4 beta, we recommend you not to. It’s better to wait for the official release of the update.
Unfortunately, we don’t have info on a similar program for global users. Anyways, all eligible devices should get the update in the coming days.
Honor continues to expand its product lineup. The latest addition in to that lineup was the X50 GT, equipped with the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor and an OLED display. Now, they have introduced three new models: Magic 6 Lite, Magic 6, and Magic 6 Pro. Among the new products, the Magic 6 stands out for its impressive performance at a relatively affordable price. So, what are the technical specifications and price of the Honor Magic 6? Here are the details…
Honor Magic 6 Technical Specifications
The Honor Magic 6, similar to other high-end smartphones, runs on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor. This chipset, manufactured using a 4nm process, consists of 1 Cortex-X2 super core, 3 Cortex-A720 big cores, 4 Cortex-A510 little cores, and is equipped with an Adreno 740 GPU. The phone comes with options for 12 and 16 GB of RAM, and it also offers storage choices of 256 and 512 GB.
The 6.78-inch 2800 x 1280 OLED LTPO OLED display on the Honor Magic 6 impresses with its 120 Hz refresh rate, ensuring a bright and smooth experience. The camera setup includes a 50 MP main camera, a 50 MP ultra-wide-angle camera, and a 32 MP telephoto camera. The main camera’s 1/1.28-inch sensor and f/1.9 aperture excel in capturing light with minimal noise.
The ultra-wide-angle camera boasts a 120-degree field of view, perfect for wide scenes or group photos. Additionally, the telephoto camera offers 2.5x optical zoom for clear shots of distant objects. The Honor Magic 6 comes with battery improvements, boasting a 5450 mAh capacity and 66W fast charging support. This means you can fully charge your phone in around 30 minutes. To give you an idea, the pro model has a slightly bigger battery at 5600 mAh.
Magic 6 Price & Availability
The Honor Magic 6 is available for purchase in China, with global availability expected soon. Official sale date is January 18, 2024, in China. The price is as follows:
Model
Chinese Price (¥)
US Dollar Price (USD)
Honor Magic6 12+256GB
4,399
710
Honor Magic6 16+256GB
4,699
750
Honor Magic6 16+512GB
4,999
790
Feature
Honor Magic 6
Design
Pillow design, five color options: black, snow, lake blue, purple, green
Honor has launched their latest flagship smartphone Magic 6 Pro alongside Magic 6 at an event in China. Let’s check out the specifications of this smartphone.
Honor Magic 6 Pro Specifications:
The Honor Magic 6 Pro features a 6.8-inch FHD+ curved OLED LTPO display with a resolution of 2800×1280 pixels and a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate (1-120Hz 8T LTPO). The display achieves an impressive peak brightness of 1600 nits and an exceptional local peak brightness of 5000 nits.
It’s the first domestic screen to include all-day low-power LTPO display technology, with a 360Hz overclocking synchronized display and support for Dolby Vision. Additionally, the display is protected by durable Giant Rhinoceros Glass, with a 10-fold anti-drop rating for enhanced durability.
Performance-wise, Honor Magic 6 Pro is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC and certified for long-term smoothness and all-scene smoothness by Swiss SGS. It runs on the new Honor MagicOS 8.0, which features AI-driven intent recognition for seamless human-machine interaction. The phone is available in different storage configurations, including 12GB+256GB, 16GB+512GB, and an impressive 16GB+1TB option.
In terms of imaging, Honor Magic 6 Pro boasts a triple camera setup, including a 50MP ultra-dynamic main camera with rapid and precise focusing, an intelligent variable aperture (f/1.4-f/2.0) for excellent low-light performance, and optical image stabilization (OIS).
It also features a 50MP ultra-wide-angle camera for capturing wide scenes effectively. The standout feature is its groundbreaking 180MP periscope ultra-telephoto lens with 2.5x optical zoom, an astonishing 100x digital zoom, and OIS, ensuring clear and stabilized shots even at high zoom levels.
The pill-shaped front camera setup includes a 50MP+TOF sensor for high-quality selfies and depth-sensing capabilities. The cameras offer three distinct image styles: vivid, natural, and textured.
The Honor Magic 6 series features the self-developed RF enhancement chip C1+, offering a significant 41% increase in maximum transmission gain and a 51% increase in maximum reception gain. The Honor Magic 6 Pro stands out with its support for Honor Hongyan Communication, enabling direct satellite service connection to TianTong satellites.
This allows for real-time voice communication and two-way SMS and boasts the industry’s fastest satellite connection speed, with a 40% improvement in speed and a 50% reduction in standby power consumption. Moreover, the Honor Magic 6 Pro is compatible with major global 5G frequency bands and supports Google Mobile Services (GMS).
Honor Magic 6 Pro also offers comprehensive eye protection with five advanced technologies, including ultra-high-frequency PWM dimming at 4320Hz, natural light eye protection, sleep aid display, hardware-level blue light reduction, and natural color display. It has received certifications for eye protection, including German Rhine TÜV global eye protection 3.0 and VICO A+ visual comfort testing. The device has also received the world’s first Swiss SGS five-star anti-drop certification for multiple scenarios, ensuring its durability.
The Honor Magic 6 Pro features a large 5600mAh second-generation Qinghai Lake battery. It supports rapid 80W fast charging, fully charging in 39 minutes (normal mode) or 36 minutes (extreme mode), and offers the convenience of 66W wireless charging. The device is further enhanced by the self-developed energy efficiency enhancement chip Honor E1 and Honor Dujiangyan power management system, optimizing power efficiency and overall performance.
Pricing, Colors and Availability
Honor Magic 6 Pro offers a variety of color choices inspired by natural landscapes. It comes in five color options: Lake Blue, Cloud Purple, Qilian Snow, Barley Green, and Velvet Black.
Honor Magic 6 Pro is available in three storage configurations: 12GB RAM with 256GB storage priced at 5699 Yuan ($803), 16GB RAM with 512GB storage priced at 6199 Yuan ($873), and a top-tier variant with 16GB RAM and 1TB storage priced at 6699 Yuan ($944).
The device is set to start its pre-sale on January 11, 2024, at 21:08, and will officially go on sale on January 18, 2024, at 10:08. It will be available for purchase through various platforms, including the Honor online store, authorized e-commerce platforms, Honor experience stores, and authorized retail outlets.
Realme is gearing up to launch the Realme 12 Pro series in India later this month. Now, the brand’s Head of Product Marketing Francis Wong has revealed another interesting news. Realme is bringing a GT smartphone to India later this year. The last device in the GT lineup was the GT Neo 3 announced way back in 2022. Read on to know more details.
Realme to launch GT smartphone in India this year
We know how GT series were expected and we will bring it back in 2024.
After a quiet last year for Realme’s GT series in India, Francis Wong revealed how the smartphones were expected in the country. Hence, the company is bringing it back into the market later this year. The Realme executive does not divulge into the exact name of the GT smartphone or the launch timeline. However, this information was revealed in a response to an X user’s question on why Realme is not bringing the recently announced GT 5 Pro in India that debuted in China last month.
It remains to be seen which Realme GT series phone the brand will announce first in India later this year. The Realme GT smartphones pack premium specifications and the GT 5 Pro is a flagship offering. The brand has focussed on its number series, the budget C-series, and Narzo phones in India since launching the GT Neo 3.
To recall, the Realme GT 5 Pro boasts a 6.7-inch curved OLED display with a 1.5K resolution and a 144Hz refresh rate. It sports a 50MP Sony LYT-808 main camera paired with a 50MP OIS telephoto lens, and an 8MP ultra-wide-angle unit. Under the hood, the smartphone is powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC paired with up to 16GB RAM and 1TB storage. The device is backed by a 5,400mAh battery unit with support for 100W wired and 50W wireless charging.
Last month, ASUS unveiled its latest ZenBook 14 OLED laptop models right on the heels of the announcement of the Intel Core Ultra processors. Now, the brand has announced that these laptops will arrive in the Indian market soon.
Brace yourselves for a revolution in computing, as the #NewZenwithAI, fueled by the mighty Intel Core Ultra processor, takes center stage. 🌐✨
This revelation comes from the company’s official Indian Twitter account, where it was teased that the laptop will be equipped with the Intel Core Ultra processor and integrated with AI capabilities. Pre-booking for the device is slated to begin on January 13, 2024, for Indian customers.
ASUS ZenBook 14 OLED specs:
The laptop features a 14-inch OLED display with 3K/FHD resolution and supports refresh rates of 120Hz/60Hz. Notable display attributes include 400 nits brightness, 500 nits/600 nits HDR peak brightness, 100% DCI-P3 color gamut, and a 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio. Users can choose between touch-screen and non-touch-screen display variants.
The 2024 model of the Zenbook 14 OLED offers three processor variants: Intel Core Ultra 5 Processor 125H, Intel Core Ultra 9 Processor 185H, and Intel Core Ultra 7 Processor 155H. These processors are complemented by Intel Arc graphics and Intel AI Boost NPU, emphasizing the device’s computational capabilities.
Additional features include a backlit chiclet keyboard with a 1.4mm key travel distance, a precision touchpad/touchpad with a number pad, and a range of multimedia components. The FHD camera comes equipped with an IR function and a camera shutter for enhanced privacy. The built-in speaker and microphone array utilize Smart AMP Technology and Harman/Kardon audio technology.
Connectivity options comprise Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, with an optional stylus for users who prefer a hands-on approach. The device is powered by a 75Whrs battery and supports 65W type-C fast charging, ensuring a convenient and efficient power management system.
Alongside the launch of the POCO X6 series, the Xiaomi sub-brand also announced the POCO M6 Pro 4G. However, this has debuted in the global markets. The POCO M-series is a budget lineup but still packs some impressive specifications. The latest offering arrives as the successor to the POCO M4 Pro with significant upgrades. Let’s find out what the smartphone offers out of the box.
POCO M6 Pro 4G specifications
The POCO M6 Pro 4G features a 6.67-inch AMOLED display bearing an FHD+ resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. The screen is integrated with a fingerprint scanner and coated with Gorilla Glass 5. The device has a dual-toned back panel where the top portion has a darker shade and the rest has a lighter hue. It also has an IP54 rating.
In the imaging department, the POCO M6 Pro 4G’s triple rear camera setup includes a 64MP main sensor with OIS, an 8MP ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 2MP macro unit. There is an 8MP front-facing selfie camera.
Internally, the POCO M6 Pro 4G is equipped with a MediaTek Helio G99 chipset. The SoC is coupled with up to 12GB RAM and 512GB storage. The smartphone draws its power from a 5,000mAh battery unit with support for 67W fast charging. Software-wise, it ships with HyperOS out of the box.
The POCO M6 Pro 4G is offered in Black, Blue, and Purple colors. The smartphone’s base 8GB + 128GB is priced at $199 while the 12GB + 256GB costs $249. It will be available for purchase starting January 11.
POCO held an event today where it announced the POCO X6 series and the POCO M6 Pro smartphones. The X6 lineup includes the standard and pro models. The Xiaomi sub-brand has been teasing some key features of the latest devices leading up to today’s launch event. The X6 and X6 Pro seem to be a rebadged version of the Redmi Note 13 Pro and Redmi K70e respectively. Both phones are quite identical to each other apart from a few differences.
POCO X6 series specifications and features
The POCO X6 and X6 Pro feature a flat OLED screen measuring 6.67 inches. The displays bear a resolution of 1.5K pixels, a 120Hz refresh rate, and support Dolby Vision. There is an in-screen fingerprint scanner. Both phones offer a 1,800 nits peak brightness and the display is shielded by Gorilla Glass Victus. Design-wise, there is an elongated rectangular Black colored camera island on the rear giving the phones a dual-toned look.
On the imaging front, the POCO X6 series has a triple rear camera system. The setup comprises an OIS-enabled 64MP primary camera, an 8MP ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 2MP macro unit. Up front, the devices are fitted with a 16MP selfie snapper in the centre-aligned punch-hole cutout.
Under the hood, the POCO X6 is powered by a Dimensity 8300 Ultra chipset whereas the X6 Pro is equipped with a Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 SoC. Both phones pack up to 12GB RAM and 512GB storage. The standard model is backed by a 5,100mAh battery unit with support for 67W charging while the pro variant is fueled by a 5,500mAh cell with 90W charging.
The POCO X6 Pro is the first Xiaomi phone to ship with the new HyperOS out of the box. The X6 runs on MIUI 14-based Android 14. Both phones are confirmed to get three years of OS updates and four years of security patches.
The POCO X6 starts at Rs 21,999 for the base 8GB + 256GB variant. The 12GB + 256GB and 12GB + 512GB option are priced at Rs 23,999 and Rs 24,999 respectively. Meanwhile, the X6 Pro carries a price tag of Rs 26,999 and Rs 28,999 for the 8GB + 256GB and 12GB + 512GB RAM and storage configurations as the standard variant.
The POCO X6 is offered in Mirror Black and Snowstorm White whereas the X6 Pro comes in Spectre Black, Racing Grey, and POCO Yellow colors. The X6 duo will go on sale from Flipkart starting January 16. ICICI Bank cardholders can avail Rs 2,000 discount.
At CES 2024, Asus debuted its latest lineup of laptops, including the new Zenbook S 13 OLED. This ultraportable model features an incredibly slim design and comes equipped with the newest Intel Core Ultra processors. Let’s talk about it here.
Asus Zenbook S 13 OLED (UX5304)
At just 10.9mm thick on average, the new Zenbook S 13 OLED (model UX5304) claims the title of “world’s slimmest 13.3-inch OLED laptop.” It’s a hair’s breadth thinner than the already svelte MacBook Air M2, which comes in at 11.3mm. Also, the laptop is incredibly lightweight at just 1kg.
It’s 16:10 display boasts a sharp 2880×1800 resolution (roughly 3K), a vibrant 600 nits peak brightness, and an impressive 85% screen-to-body ratio. And since it’s an OLED panel, you can expect deep, inky blacks and incredibly vivid colors.
Powering the Zenbook S 13 OLED are the new Intel Core Ultra 5 125U and Core Ultra 7 155U processors. These Meteor Lake chips, unveiled by Intel in December, promise better power efficiency and are optimized for on-device AI tasks. There is also a new Copilot key on the keyboard, a feature becoming increasingly common in 2024 laptops.
Asus has made some subtle design changes. The most interesting one involves the lid, which is now made from a unique “plasma ceramic aluminum” material. This Asus-exclusive material is said to resemble natural stone and give each lid a unique, one-of-a-kind look and feel.
Rounding out the package are a full HD webcam, a spacious Asus ErgoSense touchpad, up to 1TB of PCIe Gen 4 SSD storage, up to 32GB of RAM, a 63 Wh battery, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.2. For ports, you get two Thunderbolt 4 Type-C ports, one USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A connector, HDMI 2.1, and a combo audio jack.
Asus hasn’t revealed the launch date or pricing for the new Zenbook S 13 OLED yet. We will keep you updated on it when Asus makes it official.
Portronics introduces the Dash 6, a 15-watt wireless Bluetooth speaker that goes beyond conventional audio devices, offering a 4-in-1 functionality. Ideal for both indoor and outdoor settings, Dash 6 seamlessly combines music with ambient lighting effects.
Portronics Dash 6 specs & features:
Dash 6 serves not only as a Bluetooth speaker but also as an LED Light Night Lamp, Camping Light, and Hanging Flame Lamp. This multifunctional design aims to enhance the overall entertainment experience, making it suitable for various occasions.
Incorporating built-in white noise options such as rain, bonfire crackles, running water, birds chirping, and thunderstorms, Dash 6 creates a calming atmosphere while effectively reducing ambient noise. This feature caters to those seeking a more immersive and relaxing environment.
Featuring two LED modes – constant light and flickering flame – Dash 6 utilizes over 120 lamp beads to provide vivid lighting effects. The flickering flame mode mimics real dancing flames, while the constant light mode transforms the device into a practical table lamp.
From a technical perspective, the Dash 6 supports Bluetooth 5.3, delivering a 15-watt sound output, along with two LED modes and up to 6 hours of music playback. The device is equipped with USB type-C charging support and boasts an IPX65 water and dust-resistant rating, ensuring resilience in various environments.
For those looking for an enhanced audio experience, the Dash 6 supports TWS pairing, enabling users to connect two speakers for a combined 30W output with stereo effects. Control is facilitated through conveniently placed physical buttons atop the speaker.
Pricing & availability
Priced at an introductory offer of Rs. 2,699, the Portronics Dash 6 is now available on popular online platforms such as Amazon.in and Flipkart, as well as through various offline retail channels.
Huawei made a comeback in the Chinese smartphone market with the launch of the Mate 60 series. The latest flagship phones from the company offer 5G connectivity, courtesy of locally produced 7nm HiSilicon Kirin 9000S chips.
The handsets are so popular that even once a competitor Meizu has announced cases for them.
Meizu Pandaer cases for Huawei Mate 60 Pro commemorate Chinese New Year
All three cases celebrate the ‘Year of the Dragon’. One of them is more premium than the remaining two as it arrives with a gift box.
The ‘Limited Art·Present in the Cloud’ case is priced at ¥199 (~$30). It is made of TPU, PET, and magnet. It is shipped in a gift box that contains 3D tablet cards and other accessories.
On the other hand, the other two cases are called ‘Xuanlin’ and ‘Yulong’. They are also made of same materials but cost only ¥119 (~$15) as they don’t come in a gift box with additional content.
These cases will be available for purchase starting tomorrow (January 12).
Huawei Mate 60 Pro Specifications
The Mate 60 Pro is built around a 6.82-inch 10-bit LTPO curved OLED display. The panel offers a resolution of 2720 x 1270 pixels, a 120Hz refresh rate, and Kunlun Glass 2 protection.
It is powered by a HiSilicon Kirin 9000S SoC. As for software, it boots HarmonyOS 4.
The device has a triple camera system on the rear comprising an OIS-assisted 50MP primary sensor, a 12MP ultrawide unit, and a 48MP 3.5x periscope telephoto shooter. On the front, it has a 13MP selfie camera and ToF 3D sensor for face authentication.
Other features include dual stereo speakers, an in-screen fingerprint sensor, USB 3.1, 5G, satellite messaging and calling, and a nano memory card slot.
Lastly, the smartphone is backed by a 5,000mAh battery with support for 88W wired, 50W wireless, and 20W reverse wireless charging standards.
Amazfit forayed in to the smart ring segment with the Helio Ring at CES 2024. At the ongoing tech exhibition, the Chinese brand also announced a new hearable device called the Zepp Clarity Pixie. It is aimed at revolutionizing the hearing experience. The device is a smart hearing aid for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss. It is touted to be virtually invisible.
Amazfit launches Zepp Clarity Pixie hearing aids
The Amazfit Zepp Clarity Pixie is ultra-compact and smaller than 1 inch in size. Each bud weighs just 1.1 grams. The hearing aids look like bullets that fit in the ear canal. They have medical-grade silicone domes and a titanium alloy casing. The buds are IPX7-rated water-resistant.
The Zepp Clarity Pixie is claimed to deliver superior sound. It is fully customizable with noise filter options, treble and bass settings, and switching between profiles without having to take it out of the ear. There are eight multi-scenario program modes including general, TV, phone, meeting, restaurant, music, theatre, and crowd. The Pixie also features a ‘clarity boost’ for clear voice comprehension and ambient noise cancellation.
The Zepp Clarity Pixie also comes with the convenient ‘Find Device’ feature if users misplace their hearing aids. It also has smartphone call notifications and is compatible with iPhone and Android devices.
The Zepp Clarity Pixie is rated to offer 17 hours of battery life and can be fully topped up in 2.5 hours via the USB-C case.
The Zepp Clarity Pixie carries a price tag of $1,999 and is available on Zepp’s website.
Itel has launched a new feature phone in the Indian market. The device is a 2G handset that arrives with some decent specs like a USB Type C port for a budget phone. So here are all the details.
Itel Power 450 Pricing and Availability
The Itel Power 450 has been released in India in multiple color options, namely Deep Blue, Dark Grey, and Light Green. It will be available for purchase via leading retail stores. The latest feature phones has a price tag of 1,449 INR (roughly 18 US Dollars), which is the exact same as its predecessor (the Power 440). The company recently launched the Itel A70 in the Indian market earlier this month, which you can check out by clicking here.
Itel Power 450 Specs
In terms of appearance, the Itel Power 450 resembles the Power 440 in terms of design. It retains the large 2.4-inch display that has a QVGA resolution that is right above the T9 keyboard. There are even navigation and calling buttons along with a D-pad and a large flashlight button in the middle. The rear packs a lone camera sensor that is housed in a square module alongside a back facing speaker grille. Notably, the Itel Power 450 arrives with a USB Type C port for charging. This port is design to help reduce e-waste and not force customers older versions of USB cables.
A 2,500mAh battery pack powers the device that promises to offer 20 hours of talk time and up to 15 days of standby battery backup. A MediaTek MTK6261D processor runs this device, which is paired with 8GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage. Other notable features include 13.4mm in thickness, King Voice speech to text app (supports Hindi and English), 3.5mm headphone hack, proprietary OS out of the box, and wireless FM radio support.
HP has launched the new Omen 16 gaming laptop. The company recently unveiled the new Omen Transcend 14 & 16 laptops at CES 2024, and now, the Omen 16 has been released in the Indian market. So here are all the details.
HP Omen 16 Gaming Laptop Specs
The HP Omen 16 sports a tall 16.1-inch display that offers FHD resolution, 165Hz refresh rate, 16:10 aspect ratio, 100 percent sRGB color gamut, 7ms response time, anti-glare panel, and 300 nits of peak brightness. Under the hood, it is equipped with the Intel Core i7 14700HX processor that is paired with the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 GPU. For memory, the gaming laptop houses up to 32GB of DDR5 RAM and 1TB of PCIe Gen4 NVMe storage.
A 6 cell 83Wh battery pack powers this notebook that supports fast charging. The laptop runs on Windows 11 operating system out of the box. Other notable features include dual speakers tuned by Bang and Olufsen, Intel WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, an FHD webcam with dual array digital mics, full size keyboard with 4 zone RGB backlit, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.
HP Omen 16 Pricing and Availability
The HP Omen 16 will be available in a single Shadow Black color option. It weighs 2.32 kilograms and also comes with a 1 month subscription to the Xbox Game Pass, McAfee LiveSafe (12 months free trial), and Microsoft Home and Student 2021. The laptop will be sold in India for a starting price tag of 160,999 INR. Buyers also get a set of gaming peripherals like the HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Wireless Gaming Mouse, the Pulsefire Mat Gaming Mouse Pad, and the HyperX Cloud Stinger Core gaming headset. HP is offering an instant discount of up to 10,000 INR via multiple banks.
Google’s hardware ambitions are undergoing a significant shift, with two high-profile departures, team reshuffles, and job cuts marking the new direction.
In a move reported by 9to5Google, Fitbit co-founders James Park and Eric Friedman have stepped down, taking other Fitbit team members with them. Their exit comes just three years after Google acquired the wearable giant.
Beyond personnel changes, Google is also laying off streamlining its workforce with job cuts across its key units. The company confirmed to 9to5Google that “a few hundred roles” will be cut, primarily from its augmented reality (AR) team.
The job cut comes as Google is merging its Pixel, Nest, and Fitbit hardware teams into a single organizational structure. Instead of separate engineering teams for Pixel phones, Nest devices, and Fitbit wearables, the company is forming one unified hardware group under a single leader.
This new structure adopts a “functional” model, where teams are organized by expertise rather than product line. For instance, one team will handle hardware engineering across all Google devices.
This move could lead to a more unified product design across Pixel, Nest, and Fitbit. However, the Pixel phone team remains largely intact for now. Apple also uses a similar functional model, suggesting Google may be taking a page from its competitor’s playbook.
Despite the downsizing, Google remains a key player in broader AR hardware projects despite its internal changes. At CES 2024, Qualcomm unveiled a new AR/VR chip that’s expected to power Samsung’s upcoming AR headset, featuring Google-provided software. This headset is slated for release later this year.
For those affected by the layoffs, Google says they can apply for other open positions within the company.
This shakeup reflects Google’s evolving hardware strategy. While Fitbit founders depart, their technology lives on within the unified group. Meanwhile, the AR team’s downsizing suggests a shift towards software and partnerships for Google’s AR ambitions, rather than building its own hardware.
The coming months will reveal how these changes reshape Google’s hardware landscape, with Samsung’s Google-powered AR headset a potential early glimpse into the new direction.
Huawei has launched a new laptop in China with a 13th Gen Intel H series processor. The device goes by the Huawei MateBook D 14 2024.
It is almost the same as the recently released Huawei Matebook D 14 SE 2024. The newer model arrives with a slightly better display and an additional color.
Huawei MateBook D 14 2024 Specifications
The notebook features a metal unibody design. It measures 15.9mm in thickness and weighs 1.39kg. It comes in Bright Moon Silver and Deep Space Gray color options.
It sports a 14-inch IPS LCD screen with a 16:10 aspect ratio. The panel offers a resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels, a 161 PPI, and a 1200:1 contrast ratio.
The display supports 100% of the sRGB color gamut and 300 nits peak brightness level. For comparison, the SE version of the laptop can cover only 45% NTSC of the NTSC color gamut and arrives in a sole Bright Moon Silver color option.
The computer is powered by a 13th Gen Intel Core i5-13420H processor. The chipset is paired with LPDDR4x RAM and 512GB 512GB NVMe PCIe SSD. It ships with Microsoft Windows 11 Home Edition.
The notebook comes with multiple ports, such as a 1 x USB Type-C (USB 3.2 Gen 1), 2 x USB Type-A (USB 3.2 Gen 1 and USB 2.0), an HDMI, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. For wireless connectivity, it offers WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1.
Other features of the computer include a backlit keyboard with 1.5mm key travel, dual speakers, dual microphones, a fingerprint sensor, a 56Wh battery, and 65W charging support.
Huawei MateBook D 14 2024 Price
The Huawei Matebook D 14 2024 is priced at ¥4,299 (~$605) for the sole 16GB + 512GB memory configuration. It is currently up for sale in China.
On the other hand, the almost similar Huawei MateBook D 14 SE 2024 is cheaper at ¥3,999 (~$560).
Samsung has just slashed the pricing for a couple of Galaxy M and F series of smartphones in India. The company has discounted the Galaxy M14, Galaxy M04, Galaxy F14, and the Galaxy F04 models. So here are all the details.
Samsung Galaxy M14, M04, F14, & F04 New India Pricing
The South Korean tech giant has lowered the pricing for the Galaxy M14 4GB + 128GB model to 12,490 INR, down from 13,490 INR. Meanwhile, the 6GB + 128GB variant which used to cost 14,990 INR is now listed for 13,990 INR. The Galaxy F14 is also available in two storage configurations, namely 4GB + 128GB and 6GB + 128GB. The former now costs 11,990 INR (down from 14,490 INR) and the latter has a 13,490 INR price tag (previously 15,990 INR).
Lastly, the Galaxy M04 and Galaxy F04 received a price cut as well and both devices come in a single 4GB + 64GB configuration. The M04 has a discounted price of 7,999 INR now, getting a 500 INR price cut. On the other hand, Samsung lowered the price of the Galaxy F04 by 1,500 INR, which now costs 7,999 INR.
It is worth noting that these are official company discounts. All four devices are budget grade devices from the brand and the pricing update is already live in India. This means that customers can purchase any of these smartphones with the lowered pricing from offline and online platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, and even the company’s official Indian website.
At the CES 2024 tech exhibition, Infinix showcased the E-Color Shift, which is the company’s latest breakthrough technology. E-Color Shift allows the rear panels of smartphones to change and maintain vibrant colors without consuming power. In addition, Infinix also showcased its AirCharge and Extreme-Temp Battery concept devices at CES 2024.
E-Color Shift
Infinix CES 2024 – E-Color Shift Technology
E-Color Shift technology, featuring E-Ink Prism 3, transforms smartphone personalization by allowing extensive customization of the back panel. This technology uses microstructures where color particles carry positive and negative charges, enabling the phone’s shell to change ‘skins’ at will, maintaining the display without consuming power.
AirCharge
Infinix CES 2024 – AirCharge technology
The AirCharge technology showcased at CES 2024 makes use of multi-coil magnetic resonance and adaptive algorithms, enabling wireless charging at distances of up to 20 cm and at various angles, including a 60-degree orientation. Prioritizing user safety, the system operates at frequencies below 6.78 MHz and delivers 7.5W power, incorporating protective circuits to ensure a secure charging experience.
Extreme-Temp Battery
Infinix CES 2024 – Extreme-Temp Battery technology
Infinix’s Extreme-Temp Battery addresses the issue of mobile phone battery failure in extreme cold by operating seamlessly even in temperatures as low as -40°C. Moreover, Infinix has introduced the Infinix Carpool Show, a platform where tech and lifestyle influencers delve into emerging mobile charging technologies while en route to CES 2024. This series is set to be unveiled on Infinix’s official global social media platforms in alignment with CES week.
Commenting on the company’s latest announcement at CES 2024, Liang Zhang, Deputy General Manager at Infinix Mobility, said, “At Infinix, we are committed to providing user-centric solutions to Gen Z consumers worldwide. We are exploring further customization possibilities through a software application, enabling up to 60 customizable areas on the hardware with each area supporting various colors.”
Samsung’sCES 2024 lineup was packed with interesting new products, ranging from the practical to the futuristic. There was “The Music Frame” – a speaker that looks just like a picture frame (seriously, it’s worth a look), and even transparent TVs(also a must-see).
Plus, they also revealed a monitor called “The Link” which grabbed attention for its minimalist design and intriguing wireless connectivity. So let’s talk about it here.
You can link “The Link’s” wirelessly
The Link boasts a slim profile, claimed by Samsung to be the thinnest for a 4K 32-inch LED monitor. The sleekness extends to the back, featuring a flat panel with only three essential ports — HDMI, power, and USB-C. This clean aesthetic eliminates the usual cable clutter.
Instead of a traditional stand, The Link utilizes a unique base that mirrors the monitor’s width. This T-shaped metal design creates a stable yet unobtrusive foundation, further emphasizing the minimal look.
The Link’s true highlight is its potential for cable-free connections. Samsung claims it can daisy-chain with other Links wirelessly, creating a multi-monitor setup without a single cord. While details are scarce, reports hint at using pogo pins for this wireless connection. This opens up possibilities for expansive workspaces or immersive gaming environments, all free from wires.
Beyond its looks, The Link packs built-in speakers and discreet bezel controls. However, specific details like resolution, refresh rate, and additional features remain undisclosed, with Samsung promising more information soon.
This means we’re also waiting to find out when Samsung will release The Link and how much it’ll cost. We will keep you posted on any new developments.
Technology continues to make our lives easier and improve our quality of life. For instance, smart watches and wristbands nowadays keep track of our body health, providing us with valuable insights into our physical condition. What started as a simple heart rate monitoring has evolved over time to the point where it can even save lives today. A recent incident involving a Huawei smartwatch user in China highlights this life-saving potential. Here are the details…
HuaweiSmartwatch Discovery Leads to Life-Saving Treatment
The exact duration is unknown, but one day, the Huawei smartwatch alerted the man about an irregular heart rhythm. Being a conscientious user, he became concerned after receiving the notification and promptly went to the hospital for a check-up. The doctors confirmed that he had early-stage atrial fibrillation, which carries risks such as stroke and death. The hospital staff took immediate measures, and thanks to the early diagnosis, they saved his life.
According to a recent study conducted by the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, the incidence of heart diseases is increasing among young adults. The research revealed that 44.3% of individuals between the ages of 20 and 59 either have some form of heart disease or are at high risk of developing it.
However, it’s important to note that using smartwatches from brands like Apple or Huawei does not guarantee protection against these conditions. Nevertheless, if there is an early symptom, just like the user of Watch 4 Pro in China, it could be a lifesaver for you.
ASUS a bunch of new products during the CES 2024 event, but the AirVision M1 was a stand out announcement. It is a pair of glasses that houses a wearable screen that can display content to the user. The name and functionality are also quite similar to the Apple Vision Pro and this could even be a new competitor. So let’s have a look.
ASUS AirVision M1 Wearable
The new wearable houses a display that can show content that is shared via a partner computer or smartphone. It features a micro OLED panel that offers Full HD resolution (1080p) and a 57 degree vertical perspective field of view. In other words, users will see a big screen that is right in front of their eyes. The AirVision M1 wearable arrives with built-in speakers and uses a wired DisplayPort connection to transfer the content to the glasses’ display.
A touchpad is also integrated on the left temple, which allows you to make adjustments to the screen. Users can also pin select screens in a specific location on the display. While the name appears to resemble the Apple Vision Pro, the AirVision M1 isn’t a proper headset. Rather, it’s a chunky pair of glasses that might not double as regular glasses. Meaning, you’re likely not planning on wearing them outside of their functionality.
ASUS has yet to reveal the pricing details or availability for the AirVision M1 wearable. It is likely not as expensive as the Apple Vision Pro, but would still cost a couple of hundred dollars. This is all the information we have at the moment, so stick around for more updates. The company recently unveiled a new Zenbook Dual Screen laptop during CES 2024, and you can even click here to check out our recent coverage event.
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