Lenovo launches the ThinkPad Z13 / Z16 Gen 2 laptops in China, starting at 10,999 Yuan ($1,538)

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Dec 27, 2023

Lenovo has recently launched its ThinkPad Z series laptops in China, which include the ThinkPad Z13 Gen 2 and ThinkPad Z16 Gen 2 models. These laptops were initially showcased at MWC 2023 and are currently available for purchase in the Chinese market.

Specifications and Pricing

Lenovo ThinkPad Z13 Gen 2 starts at 10,999 Yuan ($1,538) and features an AMD R7 Pro 7840U processor for high-performance computing. It’s impressively lightweight at 1.24kg and slim at 13.99mm, emphasizing portability without compromising performance.

In terms of display, the Z13 laptop is equipped with a 13-inch 2.8K OLED panel, offering a resolution of 2880 x 1800. This high-quality display supports a 100% DCI-P3 color gamut, a brightness level of 400 nits, and 10-point touch control.

As for the ThinkPad Z16 Gen 2, it is priced higher at 14,999 Yuan ($2,098). This model steps up with an AMD R7 Pro 7840HS processor, coupled with an RX 6550M dedicated graphics card. It is slightly heavier and bulkier than the Z13, weighing 1.84kg with a thickness of 15.8mm, but offers a more robust set of features for users who need more power and a larger screen.

The Z16’s display is a standout, featuring a larger 16-inch WQUXGA 4K OLED panel with a higher resolution of 3840 x 2400. Like the Z13, it also supports the 100% DCI-P3 color gamut and 400 nits brightness, along with 10-point touch control.

Both laptops come equipped with 32GB LPDDR5X-6400 memory and a 1TB SSD, ensuring fast and efficient storage and multitasking capabilities. The Z13 includes dual USB4 ports and an audio interface, while the Z16 adds to this with an additional USB-C port and an SD card slot.

Both laptops prioritize security with facial recognition and fingerprint scanning. Additionally, both laptops incorporate eco-friendly materials and manufacturing processes, making them environmentally responsible choices.

Both models also focus on enhancing the videoconferencing experience, with FHD infrared cameras and AI-based audio for crisp and clear online meetings. They also meet the US Department of Defense’s MIL-STD 810H standards, assuring their durability and reliability in tough conditions.

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Samsung Galaxy S24 series leak confirms Exynos 2400 for global market, excluding US & Canada

By

Sean

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Dec 27, 2023

The Samsung Galaxy S24 series is set to be unveiled next month. Now, a new leak has revealed the entire spec sheet of the flagship smartphone lineup via a leaked infographic. This shares some key details regarding the upcoming launch, so let’s have a look.

Samsung Galaxy S24 series to launch with Exynos 2400 worldwide

The South Korean tech giant’s Galaxy S24 lineup infographic was shared on X (formerly Twitter) via WigettaGaming. In the specs sheet, we can see that the Galaxy series will feature the Exynos 2400 for the global markets. Although, the Galaxy S24, Galaxy S24+, and Galaxy S24 Ultra are said to ship with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC for the US and Canada. In other words, it is going to back to its usual cycle again of launching its devices with Snapdragon processors in the US while the rest of the world gets the Exynos variants.

Apart from this, the infographic confirms that the entire lineup will launch with the AMOLED LTPO display that has a variable refresh rate ranging from 1-120Hz. The Galaxy S24 sports a 6.2-inch FHD+ panel, while the Galaxy S24+ and Galaxy S24 Ultra arrive with 6.7-inch and 6.8-inch QHD+ panels respectively. The Ultra variant has a 200-megapixel quad camera setup, while the base and Plus models feature a 50-megapixel triple camera.

The Exynos and Snapdragon processors are paired with 8GB of LPDDR5X RAM on the Galaxy S24 and Galaxy S24+ and 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM on the Galaxy S24 Ultra. Other notable features include Android 14 OS based One UI 6.1 custom skin out of the box, Dynamic Lock Screen, Smart Keyboard, and various AI features. Earlier today (27th December 2023), we also covered the color options of the Galaxy S24 and S24+, confirming Orange, Purple, and White variants.

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Get the OnePlus 12 For $699 at GeekWills

By

Joane

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Dec 27, 2023

OnePlus 12, is a cutting-edge smartphone designed to redefine your mobile experience. You can now get the smartphone for $699 only at GeekWills. The phone comes in multiple memory variants and you can choose from Black, Green, and white color options.

WHERE TO BUY

OnePlus 12 at $699 @GeekWills

Boasting a massive 6.82-inch 3D AMOLED QHD+ display with a resolution of 3168×1440 pixels, the phone offers stunning visuals and vibrant colors. The HDR10+ and 120Hz refresh rate ensure a smooth and immersive viewing experience, complemented by a peak brightness of 4500 nits.

At the heart of the OnePlus 12 is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset paired with the Adreno 750 GPU, delivering maximum frame rates and low latency. Under the hood, the OnePlus 12 is equipped with up to 24GB of LPDDR5X RAM and up to 1TB of UFS 4.0 internal storage, ensuring seamless multitasking and providing ample space for your apps, photos, and videos.

The camera setup is a photography enthusiast’s dream, featuring a triple rear camera system. The 50MP primary sensor with OIS ensures crisp and clear images, while the 64MP telephoto lens supports 3x optical zoom, 6x optical quality zoom, and an impressive 120x digital zoom. The 48MP ultra-wide-angle lens with 114° FOV and 3.5cm macro shooting support adds versatility to your photography. On the front, the 32MP selfie camera with f/2.0 aperture captures stunning self-portraits and supports 1080p video recording at 30fps.

The device runs on ColorOS 14, based on Android, offering a fresh and fast platform. Dark Mode 2.0 enhances visibility and reduces eye strain, making it ideal for prolonged usage.

Powering the OnePlus 12 is a robust 5400mAh battery, supporting 100W SuperVOOC wired charging and 50W AirVOOC wireless charging. The Ultra Power Saving mode conserves battery life by turning the screen to black and white while shutting down unnecessary features.

Security is paramount with the in-display fingerprint reader, ensuring quick and secure access to your device. The OnePlus 12 caters to a global audience with support for 20+ languages, making it a versatile and user-friendly smartphone for individuals around the world.

OnePlus 12 combines cutting-edge technology, powerful performance, and advanced camera capabilities to deliver a comprehensive smartphone experience for users who demand the best in mobile technology.

Creality 3D Scanner: A Year of Innovation and Excitement in 2023, Paving the Way for a Thrilling 2024

By

Joane

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Dec 27, 2023

Creality 3D Scanner has embarked on an incredible journey in the year 2023. With groundbreaking product launches, international exhibitions, and continuous software improvements, Creality has set new standards in the world of 3D scanning. Let’s dive into the amazing moments that defined 2023 for Creality

April: CR-Scan Ferret Launch

April marked a pivotal moment for Creality with the introduction of the CR-Scan Ferret. This compact 3D scanner, equipped with dual-light mode, shattered barriers in the consumer-grade domain. The Ferret not only showcased Creality’s commitment to accessibility but also opened doors for 3D printing enthusiasts, designers, and engineers to experience the seamless integration of 3D scanning into their creative processes.

TCT Exhibition in the United States

Participation in the TCT exhibition in the United States was a significant stride for Creality. Engaging with industry professionals and enthusiasts, the team showcased the exceptional performance of the Ferret, earning well-deserved recognition and respect in the 3D technology space.

September: German Autumn Conference – Ferret Pro Launch

Building on the success of the Ferret, Creality unveiled the Ferret Pro at the German Autumn Conference in September. This upgraded version, boasting the latest WiFi6 high-speed wireless technology, reflected Creality’s dedication to listening to user feedback and consistently improving the 3D scanning experience.

October: ERRF and User Meetup in Maryland, USA

Creality took its innovative products on a global tour, connecting with users face-to-face at the ERRF and User Meetup in Maryland, USA. Engaging in discussions with American fans, Creality received high praise for its products and valuable insights from users, further fueling its commitment to excellence.

November: Formnext Exhibition in Germany

The Formnext Exhibition in Germany served as a platform for Creality to showcase its latest technology and products, including the Ferret Pro. The positive reception from users and media, coupled with insightful discussions with industry peers, reinforced Creality’s position as a leader in additive manufacturing.

November: Australian Fan Sharefest

Creality’s commitment to its users extended to Australia, where an enthusiastic fan meeting solidified the close relationship with users. The positive interactions and feedback from users in Australia highlighted the global impact of Creality’s 3D scanning technology.

December: Ferret SE Release

Closing the year, Creality launched the Ferret SE, a user-friendly addition to the Ferret series designed for beginners. With simplicity at its core, Ferret SE prioritizes the user experience, offering a cost-effective solution for those entering the world of 3D scanning. This move aligns with Creality’s vision to make 3D scanning accessible to a broader audience.

Continuous Software Upgrades

Throughout the year, CrealityScan, the software accompanying the 3D scanner, underwent continuous improvements. From beginner guides to language optimization, anti-shake tracking, and the introduction of editing functions, CrealityScan evolved to meet the diverse needs of users. The software’s compatibility with different devices, including the Mac M series, Mac Intel series, and mobile platforms, showcased Creality’s commitment to providing a seamless and user-friendly experience.

Looking Ahead to 2024

As Creality bids adieu to a remarkable year, the excitement for 2024 is palpable. The company plans to launch new scanner products and aims to continue pushing the boundaries of 3D scanning technology, providing users with even more diverse and comprehensive 3D printing solutions.

2023 has been a year of achievements and milestones for Creality 3D Scanner, and the journey is far from over. As Creality steps into 2024, the future promises even more innovation, accessibility, and joy in the world of 3D scanning.

Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24+ color options revealed via leaked SIM trays

By

Sean

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Dec 27, 2023

Samsung is gearing up to launch the Galaxy S24 series of flagship smartphones soon. But ahead of its official announcement, a new leak revealed the color options for the Galaxy S24 and Galaxy S24+. So here are all the details.

Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24+ to arrive in 3 colors

Earlier this month, we covered another report that shared renders of the base model. These seemingly confirmed four color options of the Galaxy S24, which includes the Purple, Gray, Yellow, and Black variants. Now, the latest leak from Roland Quandt shares images of the SIM tray of the Galaxy S24 and Galaxy S24+ on X (formerly Twitter). The images basically confirm at least three color options, namely Orange, Purple, and White.

It is unlikely that the South Korean tech giant wouldn’t simply refer to these colors with these names. Apparently, the tipster came across these as spare parts from a store that offers products like SIM trays. So based on what we know so far, the Galaxy S24 and Galaxy S24+ are also expected to come in black, orange, green, purple, blue, gold, and white variants.

Just recently, we also covered High-Res renders of the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. These showcased the top end model in Black, Yellow, Violet, and Gray. The brand is expected to unveil the Galaxy S24, Galaxy S24+, and Galaxy S24 Ultra on 17th January 2024. In a separate tweet, another popular tipster Ice Universe revealed the dimensions of the Galaxy S24. The device could sport a 6.16-inch AMOLED display, measures just 7.6mm in thickness, and weighs 168 grams in weight.

RELATED:

Honor 90 GT spare parts price revealed

By

Sudarshan Ravichandran

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Dec 27, 2023

Last week, Honor unveiled its latest performance-oriented smartphone — Honor 90 GT. The device succeeds the Honor 80 GT from last year and it was previously rumored as Honor 100 GT.

The main highlight of the handset is its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC. Considered one of the best Qualcomm mobile chips to date, it delivers superb performance with lower power consumption.

Yesterday, the product went on sale. Following that, the brand has now revealed the prices of its spare parts.

Just like every other phone, the most expensive part of the Honor 90 GT is its motherboard. It starts at ¥1,899 (~$265) for the base 12GB + 256GB variant and goes all the way up to ¥2,679 (~$375) for the 24GB + 1TB version.

On the other hand, the cheapest parts are the 16MP selfie camera and the 12MP ultrawide camera. They are priced at ¥149 (~$20) each.

Here’s the entire list of Honor 90 GT spare parts and their prices.

Display – ¥779 (~$110)
Battery – ¥229 (~$32)
Motherboard
- 12GB + 256GB – ¥1,899 (~$265)
- 16GB + 256GB – ¥2,099 (~$295)
- 16GB + 512GB – ¥2,299 (~$320)
- 24GB + 1TB – ¥2,679 (~$375)
Back Panel – ¥259 (~$35)
Cameras
- Front – ¥149 (~$20)
- Rear (Main) – ¥479 (~$65)
- Rear (Ultrawide) – ¥149 (~$20)

The labour charges vary from ¥50 (~$7) to ¥150 (~$20) depending on the type of the service.

The Honor 90 GT flaunts a 6.7-inch centered punch-hole flat OLED display with minimal bezels all around. The screeen offers a resolution of 2664 x 1200 pixels (1.5K), 120Hz refresh rate, and 3840Hz PWM dimming.

Under the hood, the smartphone houses a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip paired with LPDDR5x RAM and UFS 4.0 storage. To keep the thermals under control, it uses a 3D vapor chamber cooling system.

The phone has a dual camera system comprising an OIS-assisted Sony IMX906 primary sensor and a 12MP ultrawide unit. On the front, it sports a 16MP snapper.

The device boots MagicOS 7.2 based on Android 14. It is backed by a 5,200mAh battery with support for 100W wired charging.

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(Via)

Honor X50 GT moniker officially confirmed, launch imminent

By

Anvinraj Valiyathara

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Dec 27, 2023

Honor unveiled the Honor X40 GT in October 2022 in China. Several reports have claimed that the brand is working on its successor edition, the Honor X50 GT, for the Chinese market. A new development suggests that it may debut in January 2024.

In the latest Weibo post by Raul Wei Xiaolong, the Honor GT-series product manager confirms the Honor X50 GT moniker. He assures that the upcoming X50 GT will not disappoint, suggesting that it will build on the positive reputation of the Honor X50, which was announced in July this year.

He added that the device will be launching soon, suggesting that it may break cover in January 2024. It is unclear whether it will launch with the Magic 6 series of flagship phones, which are set to debut on Jan. 10 and Jan. 11. As per a Chinese leaker, the Honor X50 GT could be a rebranded version of the Honor X50 Pro, which is expected to launch soon in China. It appears that the X50 Pro and X50 GT will be aimed at offline and online markets, respectively.

Honor X50 Pro / X50 GT specifications (rumored)

According to a recent report, the Honor X50 Pro will have a curved-edge OLED panel that offers a 1.5K resolution and a 429 ppi pixel density. The device will feature the Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 chipset and a 5,800mAh battery with 35W charging.

The X50 Pro will run on Android 14 and Magic OS 7.2. It is expected to arrive with 16 GB of RAM and 1 TB of storage. It will be available in black and green shades. There is no information about the price of the device.

It appears that Honor will officially confirm more details about the Honor X50 GT in the next few days.

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U&i announces four Budget series wireless speakers with Rs 1,199 (~$30) price

By

Anvinraj Valiyathara

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Dec 27, 2023

U&I has unveiled a lineup of four wireless speakers, namely the Budget 16 series, Budget 14 series, Budget 12 series, and Budget 11 series, all priced affordably for the Indian market. These speakers cater to various preferences, offering options for karaoke enthusiasts and individuals seeking personal entertainment, small gatherings, or portable audio experiences. Here is some information on what each of these speakers offers:

Budget 16 Series

It is a 25W Bluetooth speaker with a tower design with buttons for playback and volume, a wired microphone, a pair of 4-inch speakers, and a 2,400mAh battery. The wireless speaker comes with features such as an FM radio tuner, a USB port, a microSD slot, and an AUX port. It is priced at Rs 2,799 (~$34).

Budget 14 Series

It is a 7-watt Bluetooth speaker resembling a compact microphone-shaped karaoke speaker. It is equipped with a built-in microphone, reverberation effect feature, 1,200mAh battery, USB and TF card slots, an AUX port, and an FM radio. It is priced at Rs 1,999 (~$24).

Budget 12 Series

It is a portable 52mm 5W Bluetooth speaker that promises up to 5 hours of playback time. It comes with buttons for playback and volume, a 1,200mAh battery, an LED lighting system, USB, TF/microSD, and an FM tuner. This speaker is priced at Rs 1,199 (~$14).

Budget 11 Series

Priced at Rs 2,499 (~$30), it is a 16W Bluetooth speaker with a soundbar design with up to 19 hours of playtime, a TWS function, a USB port, a TF memory card slot, and an AUX port.

Interested buyers can avail of these through U&I outlets and leading retail stores across India.

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Vivo X Fold 3 Pro specifications leaked, expected to launch with Vivo Pad 3

By

Anvinraj Valiyathara

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Dec 27, 2023

Vivo is reportedly working on the Vivo X Fold 3 series of foldable phones for the Chinese market. The lineup is expected to include the Vivo X Fold 3 and X Fold 3 Pro bearing model numbers V2303A and V2337A, respectively. A new leak, courtesy of reliable tipster Digital Chat Station, has revealed details about what appears to be the Vivo X Fold 3 Pro.

Vivo X Fold 3 Pro key specifications (rumored)

In the latest leak, the tipster claimed that an upcoming foldable phone’s LTPO internal screen will support a 2K resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. It appears that the company has reduced the thickness and weight of the device as compared to the X Fold 2. The device should weigh well under 250 grams, as the predecessor model weighed around 279 grams.

The outer and inner displays will both feature an ultrasonic in-screen fingerprint scanner. Only Vivo is known for offering ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensors on its foldable phones, which suggests that the tipster could be talking about the X Fold 3 series. While the leaker did not mention the device’s battery size, he revealed that the device will offer 100W wired charging and 50W wireless charging.

The camera setup of the device will feature three cameras, such as an OIS-enabled 50-megapixel main camera, a periscope telephoto camera, and a probably ultra-wide snapper. There is a possibility that it could be equipped with a Sony LYT-900 camera sensor as the primary lens.

In a previous leak, the tipster hinted that the Vivo X Fold 3 Pro will feature the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. Hence, it appears that the tipster could be talking about the Pro variant in this leak. The tipster also said that the foldable phone will debut with the Dimensity 9300-powered Vivo Pad 3. Reports suggest that these devices may debut in the first quarter of 2024.

It is unclear what sets the Vivo X Fold 3 apart from its Pro version. Therefore, it is recommended to await additional reports for a clearer understanding of the features that differentiate the two versions.

RELATED:

Huawei Nova 12 series sold out within a day

By

Sudarshan Ravichandran

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Dec 27, 2023

Yesterday, Huawei held a launch event in China. The star of the conference was the Huawei Nova 12 series, the company’s latest upper mid-range smartphone lineup.

All four devices in the series went up for pre-order post their announcement. Within a day, three of these phones are already sold out.

The only model that’s currently available is the most affordable one — Nova 12 Lite.

The handsets that are sold out are Nova 12, Nova 12 Pro, and Nova 12 Ultra. The latter two support 5G connectivity, while the vanilla variant is limited to 4G just like the lite version.

Huawei’s share in the Chinese smartphone market has been increasing ever since it quietly released the Mate 60 series. The newly unveiled Nova 12 series seems to be receiving a similar response from consumers like the Mate 60 lineup.

As Huawei is not known for disclosing units sold like other Chinese brands, we will have to wait for data from research firms. Anyways, the company should restock the phones soon.

The primary highlight of the Huawei Nova 12 series is that it debuts two new HiSilicon chipsets, namely Kirin 9000SL and Kirin 8000. The former is present inside ‘Ultra’, whereas the latter runs the standard and ‘Pro’ models.

As of now, we don’t have details on these chips. Reports say the Kirin 9000SL is a downgraded Kiriin 9000S that powers the Mate 60 series and Mate X5. On the other hand, the Kirin 8000 is paired with a 5G modem inside the Nova 12 Pro but lacks the same for the vanilla Nova 12.

The odd one out is the Nova 12 Lite which houses a Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G SoC with a 4G modem.

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OnePlus 12R officially confirmed to launch with OnePlus 12 on January 23

By

Anvinraj Valiyathara

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Dec 27, 2023

OnePlus has finally announced the launch date for the OnePlus 12R. The official poster released by the brand confirms that it will debut alongside the OnePlus 12 on Jan. 23 for the global market. For those who don’t know, the 12R will be a rebranded version of the OnePlus Ace 3, which is set to launch on Jan. 4 in China.

OnePlus has confirmed that the OnePlus 12R will be available in two shades: Iron Gray and Cool Blue. The device is confirmed to feature an alert slider, which is available on its left edge. The repositioned alert slider allows the phone to feature a new antenna system for better performance during online gaming sessions.

The OnePlus 12R will be released in markets such as India, North America, and Europe. Previously, the “R”-branded OnePlus phones were exclusive to the Indian market. The Ace 3 heading to China also comes in the Sand Gold variant. However, this color variant will not be released in the global market. OnePlus is yet to confirm the specifications of the OnePlus 12R. However, recent reports have revealed almost everything about the device.

OnePlus 12R specifications (rumored)

The OnePlus 12R will feature the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset. It is expected to arrive with 8 GB / 16 GB LPDDR5x RAM and 128 GB (UFS 3.1) / 256 GB (UFS 4.0) storage options. It is likely to house a 5,500mAh battery with 100W charging support. The 12R will run on OxygenOS 14-based Android 14.

The smartphone will feature a curved-edge OLED panel that measures 6.78 inches. It will offer a 1.5K resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. When it comes to photography, it will be equipped with a 50-megapixel (Sony IMX890, OIS) + 8-megapixel (ultra-wide) + 2-megapixel (macro) triple camera system, and a 16-megapixel selfie camera.

RELATED:

OnePlus Ace 3 launch date, color options revealed, gets spotted on Geekbench

By

Anvinraj Valiyathara

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Dec 27, 2023

OnePlus Ace 3 launch date has been officially announced. The brand will hold a launch event for it in China at 2:30 pm (local time) on Jan. 4. The company also released a couple of posters to showcase the Ace 3’s color variants. In addition, the device also appeared on the Geekbench benchmarking platform ahead of the official announcement.

The OnePlus Ace 3 will arrive in three colors, such as Star Black, Moon Sea Blue, and Sand Gold. It is already known that the same device will be released in the global market on Jan. 23 with the OnePlus 12R moniker. While the global audience will be treated with black and blue editions of the 12R, they will not receive the gold variant.

The company seems to be testing the performance of the OnePlus Ace 3 on Geekbench (via. NashvilleChatterClass) before its official announcement. As can be seen, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2-powered device scored 1559 in the single-core test and 5044 in the multi-core test. The listing reveals that the device has 16 GB of RAM and runs on Android 14.

OnePlus Ace 3 specifications (rumored)

OnePlus Ace 3 Moon Sea Blue — OnePlus Ace 3 Star Black

As per reports, the OnePlus Ace 3 will arrive with a 6.78-inch curved-edge OLED panel that offers a 1.5K resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. It will have a 16-megapixel front camera and a 50-megapixel (Sony IMX890 with OIS) + 8-megapixel (ultra-wide) + 2-megapixel (macro) triple camera unit.

The Ace 3 will feature the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, LPDDR5x RAM, UFS 4.0 storage, and a 5,500mAh battery with 100W charging. It is expected to come in configurations such as 12 GB RAM + 256 GB storage, 16 GB RAM + 512 GB storage, and 16 GB RAM + 1 TB storage. It will come with other features, such as an IR blaster, an in-screen fingerprint sensor, and ColorOS 14-based Android 14.

RELATED:

Nintendo 3DS and Wii U Online Services Reach Their Finale

By

Anubhav

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Dec 27, 2023

Recent updates from Nintendo have signaled an end to online services for new owners of the 3DS and Wii U consoles, marking the end of a significant chapter in gaming history. As Nintendo gradually shifts its focus to the newer Switch console, this decision has both nostalgic and practical implications for gamers around the world.

This is a major transition for the company in the near-future

Initially, the 3DS and Wii U were revolutionary in their time, offering unique gaming experiences. The 3DS, with its dual screens and 3D capabilities without glasses, and the Wii U, as a bridge between traditional console and handheld gaming, both held special places in the hearts of gamers. However, as technology advanced, so did Nintendo’s vision, leading to the introduction of the Switch.

This transition isn’t just about hardware; it’s a reflection of the evolving gaming landscape. The Switch’s hybrid nature, combining the best of handheld and console gaming, has set a new standard. The success of games like “Mario Kart 8 Deluxe,” originally a Wii U title, on the Switch underscores this shift. Nintendo is not just moving consoles but also migrating popular titles to keep up with the changing preferences of its audience.

The closure of online services for the 3DS and Wii U may disappoint some fans, especially those who have recently acquired these consoles. Yet, it’s a reminder of the inevitable cycle in the tech world: innovation leads, and legacy systems gradually bow out. It’s a bittersweet moment – a farewell to platforms that have brought joy to many, but also an exciting nod to the future and what Nintendo has in store with the Switch.

As we bid goodbye to the online capabilities of the 3DS and Wii U, it’s a time to remember the joy these consoles brought. They were more than just gaming devices; they were portals to worlds of adventure, challenge, and community. Their legacy will continue in the games and experiences they introduced, which will live on, in some form, on newer platforms like the Switch. This isn’t just an end; it’s a transformation, a part of the ever-evolving journey of gaming technology.

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(Via)

Urtopia Fusion E-Bike Merges AI and Advanced Tech in Urban Mobility

By

Anubhav

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Dec 27, 2023

The electric bicycle market is witnessing a remarkable evolution, and the Urtopia Fusion e-bike is a shining example of this transformation. Gone are the days when e-bikes were simply seen as an alternative mode of transportation; today, they represent a fusion of advanced technology and personal mobility. The Urtopia Fusion stands out not just for its cutting-edge features but also for how it integrates artificial intelligence, particularly ChatGPT, into its design.

The bike features Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, GPS and a host of other features

Imagine being able to converse with your e-bike, asking it about your destination or even mundane topics. The Urtopia Fusion promises just that, incorporating ChatGPT into its framework. This feature is not just a novelty; it signifies a leap towards more interactive and user-friendly transportation options. Additionally, the bike is equipped with modern tech essentials like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, GPS enabled with 4G, and a unique fingerprint sensor for activation, further blurring the lines between a vehicle and a smart device.

The Urtopia Fusion also caters to the fitness and tech-savvy crowd. It integrates seamlessly with popular applications such as Google Maps, Apple Health, and Strava, making it a perfect companion for both urban commuters and fitness enthusiasts. The bike is powered by a Bafang M510 mid-drive motor, adhering to European e-bike regulations while providing ample power to tackle steep terrains effortlessly. Its battery life is impressive, offering a range of up to 180 kilometers on a single charge.

Design-wise, the Urtopia Fusion doesn’t fall short. Its minimalist and futuristic frame, designed by Hartmut Esslinger, who famously worked on Apple’s Snow White design, adds to its allure. Coupled with comfortable Schwalbe Big Apple tires and efficient Magura MT4 eSTOP hydraulic brakes, the Fusion is as much about performance as it is about aesthetics.

For those excited to see this e-bike in action, the Urtopia Fusion will make its debut at CES 2024 in Las Vegas. This event, scheduled for January 10-13, 2024, promises to be a showcase of the latest in e-mobility technology. The Urtopia Fusion is not just an e-bike; it’s a glimpse into the future of personal transportation, where technology and mobility converge to create smarter, more efficient, and enjoyable riding experiences.

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(Via)

VanMoof’s is Reinventing itself with Electric Scooters Amid the E-Bike Resurgence

By

Anubhav

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Dec 27, 2023

VanMoof, a name once synonymous with innovative electric bicycles, is now charting a new path. Following a challenging phase that saw the Dutch e-bike maker declare bankruptcy, a fresh chapter unfolds under the guidance of Lavoie, a McLaren Applied subsidiary. With leaders like Elliot Wertheimer and Nick Fry steering the ship, VanMoof isn’t just fixing its past issues – it’s reinventing itself in the e-mobility sector.

The company recently added 100 new employees

The journey of revitalization involves reconnecting with their original customer base. This means ensuring spare parts are readily available and strengthening the brand’s retail and online presence. With the addition of nearly 100 employees to its existing team, VanMoof is poised to enhance the reliability of its electric bikes, of which 200,000 were sold pre-bankruptcy.

But there’s more. The company, known for its minimalist and user-focused design, is venturing beyond bicycles. In 2024, VanMoof plans to introduce an electric scooter. This move isn’t just about diversifying; it’s a strategic step into a broader e-mobility landscape. Given the technical prowess of Lavoie, expectations are high for this upcoming product.

However, the road ahead for electric scooters is not without its challenges. In Europe, e-scooters haven’t been embraced as warmly as e-bikes. Governments, like in France, have shown a clear preference for e-bikes in urban mobility, even going as far as banning electric scooter rentals. This regulatory environment presents a unique hurdle for VanMoof’s new venture.

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(Via)

Comcast’s Xfinity Faces Data Breach: Citrix Bleed Vulnerability Exposes 36 Million Customers’ Information

By

Sudhanshu

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Dec 26, 2023

In a security setback Comcast, the parent company of Xfinity experienced a concerning incident where they fell victim to a vulnerability known as Citrix Bleed. This unfortunate event resulted in information belonging to 36 million Xfinity customers being exposed to hackers. The vulnerability, which was identified in Citrix networking devices commonly used by corporations had been exploited by cybercriminals since August.

It has been confirmed that the hackers took advantage of the Citrix Bleed flaw and managed to access systems between October 16 and October 19. However, it was not, until October 25 that the breach was discovered. The compromised customer data includes usernames hashed passwords, names, contact information, the four digits of social security numbers dates of birth well as secret questions and answers.

Despite Citrix releasing patches in October to address the vulnerability issue it is reported that Comcast took nine days to secure their network against this threat. In response to this incident, Xfinity is strongly urging customers to change their passwords especially if they have been using the same password across multiple platforms. Additionally, Xfinity advises customers to remain vigilant against phishing attempts and is implementing prompts for password changes upon customer login. They are also encouraging customers to utilize two-factor authentication for added security.

Xfinity has promptly reported this incident to law enforcement agencies. Is currently undergoing data analysis, for further investigation. Customers can find information in an official notice sent out by Xfinity which stresses the importance of taking proactive measures in order to mitigate potential risks.

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Apple Leans on iOS 18 to Save Uninspiring iPhone 16

By

Oğuz Çakır

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Dec 26, 2023

Apple introduced the iPhone 15 series and the new operating system iOS 17 at an event held in September. However, in the rapidly advancing world of technology, the company cannot afford to waste time. Therefore, the tech giant immediately started working on the iPhone 16 and iOS 18 right after the introduction event. It seems that Apple didn’t start so early without reason, as iOS 18 is expected to bring significant changes. Here are the details…

Major iOS 18 Upgrade Essential for Unimpressive iPhone 16

iOS 18 has been in the spotlight for the past few weeks. We recently mentioned that the operating system has some issues, leading Apple to suspend the development process. It appears that the company is justified in being meticulous because iOS 18 is set to revolutionize everything for the iPhone.

According to industry predictions and comments from Mark Gurman, who is known for his insights into the sector, the iPhone 16 series won’t bring a significant change. While screen sizes may increase, the lack of innovation in hardware will be compensated by software updates. According to information received, Apple has already completed the basic versions of the new iOS and macOS releases. The problems that caused the suspension of the process are now apparent.

The company is expected to resolve quality issues within the next few weeks and start working on new features. Unfortunately, no one has precise information about how these features will be. However, recent developments have sparked some concerns that Apple may go overboard with the new version.

As you know, iPhones are famous for receiving long-term update support. However, it’s a known fact that the combination of new hardware and features can be unsuccessful. Therefore, we might see a disappointing change in the iPhone models that will receive the iOS 18 update. Additionally, even if these older models receive updates, they may not satisfy users in terms of performance.

Expected iPhone Models to Receive iOS 18 Update

As you know, the iPhone 8 and iPhone X did not receive the iOS 17 update. Apple provided the update to the XS series and later models. This year, we are expected to bid farewell to three models from this series. Let’s remember that the list is not final and may change. Here are the iPhone models expected to receive the iOS 18 update:

iPhone 15 Pro Max (2023)
iPhone 15 Pro (2023)
iPhone 15 (2023)
iPhone 15 Plus (2023)
iPhone 14 Pro Max (2022)
iPhone 14 Pro (2022)
iPhone 14 (2022)
iPhone 14 Plus (2022)
iPhone SE (2022) (2022)
iPhone 13 Pro Max (2021)
iPhone 13 Pro (2021)
iPhone 13 (2021)
iPhone 13 mini (2021)
iPhone 12 Pro Max (2020)
iPhone 12 Pro (2020)
iPhone 12 (2020)
iPhone 12 mini (2020)
iPhone SE (2020) (2020)
iPhone 11 (2019)

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China reviews decision on video games market after it sparked an $80 billion slump

By

Jed John Ikoba

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Dec 26, 2023

China is reviewing new guidelines it announced last week that seemingly triggered a massive meltdown in gaming stocks. China’s video games regulator announced new draft rules for online games last week and it says it will study all feedback seriously to improve the draft rules.

The new draft rules sought to limit how much gamers can spend and restrict rewards that will encourage gamers to spend more time online. The sudden and unexpected announcement resulted in a seemingly instant tailspin for the market. Several gaming companies and platforms like Tencent, NetEase, and Bilibili all saw their stocks decline by at least 14%. Tencent had a 16% price slump while Bilibili saw 14% chalked off its market value. NetEase had a massive 28% decline in its stock within the period. The three mentioned stocks lost a cumulative $80 billion in market value after the announcement of the draft rules.

The market decline also affected online games-related shares listed in the US and Europe. The new crackdown seems reminiscent of a harsh crackdown on the tech sector in late 2020 that continued up to the middle of this year. This affected the Chinese economy which had continued to struggle on the back of a debilitating COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns.

China’s National Press and Publication Administration, the regulator, seemed not to have gauged the market sufficiently before introducing the new rules. It has now kickstarted damage control measures in the aftermath of the meltdown. The next day, it stated that it would seriously study the industry’s reaction and make the needed adjustments to the draft rules. The regulator then announced it had approved 105 new online games – seen as a move to ease tensions. The regulator says the new approvals demonstrate its active support for the development of online games. It remains to be seen how investors evaluate these latest moves by Chinese authorities.

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Huawei Smart Screen V5 85-inch with support for air touch released in China at 17,999 yuan ($2,520)

By

Jed John Ikoba

-

Dec 26, 2023

Huawei has officially released its latest smart TV dubbed the Smart Screen V5 85-inch. The new large-screen TV supports gesture control making it operate like a giant phone screen. The smart screen comes with several excellent features and runs on HarmonyOS 4.

Features

The Huawei Smart Screen V5 is equipped with the Honghu 900 chip with 4T NPU computing power and supports 1080p to 4K in seconds. The chip can conduct in-depth analysis of each frame and intelligently add a large number of picture details. It also offers noise reduction on the main body of the picture, deburring, and edge sharpening, as well as other optimization functions.

The Huawei Smart Screen V5 is well-suited for TB and sports events, as it supports a self-developed intelligent dynamic picture compensation algorithm. The algorithm is fast, and smooth, and supports compensation up to 4K 120fps. The screen also uses the Honghu Clear Light Control Pro technology to adjust the backlight. It combines scene analysis and subject recognition technology to accommodate every detail in the picture. The picture output is three-dimensional and transparent, combined with the SuperMiniLED intelligent dynamic light control for real-time pixel-level object recognition.

The new Huawei Smart Screen V5 85 inches offers low blue light automatic brightness adjustment and natural color display. This ensures that the screen delivers eye protection to its viewers. It also supports the Honghu Qiguang Brilliant Master Edition display technology. The giant screen is equipped with anti-glare technology, as the surface of the screen is coated with a special anti-glare material to effectively scatter incident light and reduce reflections.

The new screen supports Huawei Lingxi pointing remote control, claimed to be the world’s first absolute pointing interaction. It allows the screen to be operated as a giant screen phone and mobile applications can be utilized on the gadget.

Pricing & Availability

The Huawei Smart Screen V5 85 inches is priced in China at an introductory offer of 17,999 yuan ($2,520).

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Intel Secures $3.2 Billion Grant from Israel for $25 Billion Chip Plant Expansion

By

Sudhanshu

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Dec 26, 2023

Israel’s government has agreed to provide Intel with a grant of $3.2 The Israeli government has approved a grant of $3.2 billion, to Intel for the establishment of a chip plant in southern Israel with no connection to the ongoing tensions involving Hamas. This move by Intel is seen as a step towards strengthening the global supply chain and enhancing resilience in the face of challenges. In addition to this investment, Intel has also made plans for manufacturing expansions in Europe and the United States.

The grant, amounting to 12.8 percent of the total investment, is part of Israel’s effort to foster economic growth and innovation. Intel has additionally committed to procuring goods and services worth 60 billion shekels from Israeli suppliers over the next decade. The new facility is expected to create several thousand job opportunities.

Intel, which already operates four development and production sites in Israel, employing nearly 12,000 people, had its investment plans in Israel confirmed following Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s earlier announcement. Construction is underway for the expansion, with progress in the development of clean rooms and support buildings, including pile casting and initial floors.

The projected opening of the new plant is set for 2027, with operations expected to continue through 2035. Intel’s investment not only solidifies its presence in Israel but also marks a significant contribution to the nation’s economic landscape and employment sector. The tech giant’s forward-looking approach aligns with its global strategy and underscores its role in the evolving technology supply chain.

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