Global outage of Elon Musk’s X app creates waves across China

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Dec 23, 2023

Elon Musk’s X app experienced a widespread outage, impacting users globally and sparking a flurry of complaints and memes, particularly in the United States. What set this outage apart was its unexpected influence on users in China, a nation known for its stringent internet regulations and restrictions on accessing Western social media platforms.

The incident led to an intriguing turn of events on China’s microblogging site, Weibo, where “Twitter down” swiftly became the top trending hashtag. This unexpected focus on a platform not directly accessible in mainland China raised eyebrows and dominated discussions for over two hours. The hashtag amassed a staggering 190 million views, with Weibo users contributing 50 pages of posts and thousands of comments.

Despite the longstanding ban on Twitter in China, the platform, alongside X, remains popular among the Chinese public. The country’s dominant social media players, Weibo and WeChat, enforce strict registration requirements and censorship algorithms to control content, fostering an environment where freedom of expression is stifled.

The Chinese government’s tight grip on internet regulations is evident in its restriction of access to Western social media apps, viewing them as potential challenges to its narrative. WeChat, boasting 1.3 billion monthly active users, reigns supreme in China’s online landscape, while complaints on Weibo highlight the public’s desire to bypass the “Great Firewall” using official VPNs.

The outage of X, previously known as Twitter, in mainland China left many Chinese netizens surprised. Financial influencer Xiyangsimu, with 1.4 million Weibo followers, humorously questioned the focus on a platform inaccessible in China, pondering the need to investigate those bypassing the Great Firewall.

During the outage, X displayed a placeholder message, welcoming users and highlighting its features, earning praise from Weibo CEO Wang Gaofei. Gaofei commented on the message’s superiority over Weibo’s version in similar circumstances, showcasing a light-hearted acknowledgment of the competition.

In response to inquiries about the outage, X sent a brief email stating, “Busy now, please check back later.” The platform was eventually restored globally, affecting users in the United States, Canada, Britain, France, and other countries. Over 77,000 U.S. users faced issues during the peak of the outage, contributing to the global impact of the incident.

Elon Musk’s ownership of X, acquired in 2022, added a layer of intrigue to the outage. Musk recently boasted about the platform’s “strong growth,” citing a 22.3% increase in site traffic in November compared to the previous year. The outage of X, though temporary, has once again brought to the forefront the complexities of internet regulations, censorship, and the global impact of social media disruptions, leaving both users and industry experts pondering the resilience of digital platforms in an era of constant connectivity.

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MSI launches Trident Titanium 14th Gen desktops with up to Intel Core i9+RTX 4090, starting at 5,899 yuan ($831)

By

Soumyakanti

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Dec 23, 2023

MSI has launched the Trident Titanium 14th Gen desktop series, featuring the latest Intel 14th Gen Core processors and NVIDIA RTX 40 series graphics cards. These high-performance desktops are designed with a sleek white exterior and offer a variety of configurations to cater to different user needs, from high-end gaming to office design tasks.

MSI Trident Titanium 14th Gen Desktop Series

MSI Trident Titanium Desktop Series Specifications:

The series includes options ranging from the Intel Core i9-14900KF processor paired with an MSI Z790 motherboard and RTX 4090 graphics card to more mainstream setups like the Core i5-14600K with a B760M motherboard. All models come with 32GB of DDR5 memory and offer storage choices between 1TB and 2TB. The desktops are backed by a 3-year warranty and on-site service policy.

Performance-wise, the Intel Core i9 14900KF processor in these desktops boasts 24 cores, 32 threads, and a 6.0GHz single-core boost, promising around a 20% improvement over its predecessor, the 13th Gen Core i9 13900KF. The RTX 4090 24G graphics card enhances gaming and design experiences with its 24GB GDDR6X VRAM and 2K high-resolution support, offering about 30% better performance than the RTX 3090.

The MSI Z790 motherboard in these desktops includes features like superior power supply, armored cooling, smart power supply routing, and support for D5 memory and PCle 4.0.

Storage is handled by a 32GB DDR5 6000MHz memory and up to 2TB NVMe M.2 SSD, ensuring quick booting and efficient handling of heavy workloads. The desktops also come with Windows 11 pre-installed, featuring a new interface, multi-window layout, and a rich application ecosystem.

Physically, the Trident Titanium case measures 472.5mm in length, 210mm in width, and 498mm in height, supporting ATX, M-ATX, and ITX motherboards. The case design includes HDMI/DP ports, USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A front interfaces, multiple hard drive bays, and a comprehensive cooling system with several ARGB fans.

Pricing and Availability

The desktops are now up for pre-sale on JD.com. Here are the prices for various desktop configurations available:

i5-14600K + 32GB+ 1TB is priced at 5,899 yuan ($831)
i5-14600KF + RTX 4060Ti + 32GB + 1TB is priced at 8,999 yuan ($1,268)
i7-14700KF + RTX4060Ti + 32GB + 1TB is priced at 9,999 yuan ($1,409)
i7-14700KF + RTX4070 + 32GB + 1TB is priced at 12,799 yuan ($1,804)
i7-14700KF + RTX4070Ti + 32GB + 2TB is priced at 15,799 yuan ($2,227)
i9-14900KF + RTX4080 + 32GB + 2TB is priced at 20,799 yuan ($2,932)
i9-14900KF + RTX 4090 + 32GB + 2TB is priced at 29,799 yuan ($4,201)

MSI is also set to unveil the MSI Titan 18 HX laptop, featuring a groundbreaking 18-inch 4K 120Hz Mini LED display, making it the world’s first laptop with these specifications. Leaked specs include an Intel Core i9 processor, Nvidia RTX 4090 GPU, 128GB DDR5 RAM, and 4TB SSD, with an expected price range of $5,237 to $5,399.

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AOHi Youth Edition GaN charger with PD3.1 140W fast charging launched in China for 169 Yuan ($24)

By

Soumyakanti

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Dec 23, 2023

AOHi has recently unveiled the AOC-C017 Youth Edition GaN charger in the Chinese market, featuring the PD 3.1 fast charging standard. This charger is currently available for pre-sale at an introductory price of 169 yuan ($24). Let’s delve into the key specifications of this charger.

PD 3.1, introduced in 2021, brings a significant upgrade by enabling the delivery of up to 240W of power through a USB-C cable. It introduces three new fixed voltage options (28V, 36V, and 48V) in addition to the existing ones, making it suitable for various high-power applications like monitors, servers, power tools, and security POE power supplies. PD 3.1 also introduces an adjustable voltage mode, offering a range from 15V to one of the new maximum voltages, providing more flexibility in power delivery.

AOHi Youth Edition GaN Specifications:

Coming to the GaN charger‘s specifications, the AOC-C017 offers a robust 140W power delivery capability and features a 2C1A port design. This includes a USB-C1 with PD 3.1 140W, USB-C2 with PD 3.0 100W, and USB-A with 22.5W multi-protocol fast charging. This versatility makes it compatible with a wide range of devices, including popular smartphone brands like Huawei, Xiaomi, OnePlus, and Vivo.

One standout feature of this charger is its dynamic charging speed adjustment for multiple devices, ensuring efficient power distribution. Despite its powerful capabilities, it’s impressively compact, being 24% smaller than typical 140W chargers and 5% smaller than some 100W models, all while delivering a full 140W charging performance.

Furthermore, the charger places a strong emphasis on safety with its three-stage current regulation feature, offering low power, fast charge, and trickle charge modes for a secure and transparent charging experience.

The charger boasts a distinctive yellow color and is lightweight at just 306g, with dimensions measuring 73×66.5×31.5 mm. It accepts a wide input voltage range of AC 100-240V at 50/60Hz with a maximum current of 2A. It provides multiple output options, including 5V 3A, 9V 3A, 12V 3A, 15V 3A, 20V 5A, 28V 5A, and PPS 3.3-21V 5A, catering to a broad spectrum of charging needs.

Earlier this year, AOHi also unveiled a transparent design 65W GaN+ charger, featuring a magnetic folding plug, and it’s priced at 198 Yuan (approximately $27).

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Leaked image of Galaxy S24 Ultra’s camera module pretty much confirms a 50mp 5x instead of 10mp 10x

By

Debasish

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Dec 23, 2023

After the emergence of High-Res renders and an entire specification leak of the Galaxy S24 Ultra, now a tipster @chunvn8888 has shared a real-life image of the camera module, confirming the fact that the Galaxy S24 Ultra will indeed switch from the 10mp 10x telephoto to a high resolution 50mp 5x one.

The shorter periscope of the S24 Ultra compared to the predecessor implies a reduction in focal length

Leaked camera module image of Galaxy S24 Ultra (periscope is shorter)

Previous rumors about the zoom capabilities have been a bit confusing, switching back and forth in terms of the resolution and zoom range of the telephoto. Now this image above shows that the telephoto lens size is significantly reduced, indicating a reduction in focal length (that confirms the switch from 10x to 5x).

As you can see in the image of the Galaxy S23 Ultra above the 10x telephoto at the bottom of the camera system was a lot bigger than the one on the shared images by @chunvn8888. If the images are authentic, we can pretty much confirm that the upcoming Galaxy S24 Ultra, scheduled to be launched in January, will bring a 5x telephoto instead of 10x. Building on previous rumors and industry trends, the resolution of the sensor seems to be 50mp, up from the one on the last three generations of the Ultra flagship.

Speaking of the specification, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is likely to come with the titanium branding for the middle frame and of course, the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip. Notably, the standard Galaxy S24 and the Galaxy S24 Plus are reported to house aluminum frames.

On the flip side, the Galaxy S24 series is being marketed as an “AI Phone”. However, the final name isn’t confirmed yet, as this branding fails to fully depict the AI capabilities of the upcoming series, according to a Samsung official.

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Huawei Nova 12 series price leaked, real-life image surfaces

By

Rajesh Regmi

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Dec 23, 2023

The Huawei Nova 12 series is launching in China on December 26 — this Tuesday. We are expecting a total of four devices — Nova 12 Lite, Nova 12, Nova 12 Pro, and Nova 12 Ultra. Only a few days ahead of the launch, an online listing has now revealed the prices for all the models except the base Nova 12 Lite.

Huawei Nova 12 / Nova 12 Pro / Nova 12 Ultra price leaked

The listing reveals that the standard Nova 12 will start at 3299 Yuan, while the Nova 12 Pro will begin at 4499 Yuan. And the top-of-the-line Nova 12 Ultra carries a price tag of 5499 Yuan. These prices are likely for the base storage options, with higher configurations potentially costing more.

Furthermore, real-life images of the Nova 12 Ultra and Pro models have also been circulating on the Chinese social media platform Weibo. The images show the Nova 12 Ultra sporting a luxurious leather or glass back design.

Huawei has officially confirmed three colors for the phone — Signature Blue, Black, and White, and it seems the latter will have both leather and glass finish options.

The leather version of the Nova 12 Ultra stands out with a unique design that features embossed “nova” branding on the back. And, if you look closely, you’ll notice that the leather design also extends to cover the entire camera module.

Meanwhile, the Nova 12 Pro can also be seen in its purple color with a camera design similar to the Ultra model.

Going by rumors so far, both the Nova 12 Pro and 12 Ultra are expected to feature a 5G-enabled Kirin 9000s chipset. It’s the same SoC that is present under the hood of the Mate 60 lineup. There’s also speculation that the Ultra variant may support two-way satellite communications.

Moreover, both devices are expected to come with a curved OLED display with a 1.5K resolution. Camera-wise, the Nova 12 Pro and Ultra will come with a triple camera setup consisting of a 50-megapixel main camera with OIS, an ultra-wide lens, and a telephoto camera with 2x optical zoom support. For selfies, we might expect a 60MP sensor on the front.

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China’s November spike: Over tenfold increase in Semiconductor imports from Netherlands

By

Joane

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Dec 23, 2023

China’s semiconductor industry has witnessed a staggering 1,050% increase in the value of chip-making lithography systems imported from the Netherlands in November, compared to last year. The total value of these imports reached an impressive US$762.7 million, marking a tenfold year-on-year surge. This surge is particularly noteworthy as it comes amidst tightened export rules imposed by the United States.

Of the 42 lithography systems imported by China in November, the Netherlands played a pivotal role, contributing 16 systems. ASML, the Netherlands-based company and the world’s leading exporter of lithography machines has significantly influenced China’s chip-making landscape. These advanced machines are crucial for producing integrated circuits, a technology area where China has faced challenges despite substantial government investment.

Notably, the surge in imports is a response to the United States’ expanded export control rules in October, specifically targeting the area of lithography systems. The removal of the “de minimis” rule impacted certain deep-ultraviolet tools, prompting a rush of shipments before the new restrictions took effect. ASML’s CEO, Peter Wennink, clarified that the latest restrictions primarily exclude the majority of its Chinese customers engaged in mature or legacy semiconductor manufacturing.

Chinese imports also surged from Japan, another key player in the semiconductor industry. Fifteen lithography systems, valued at US$816.8 million, were imported in November, with Canon and Nikon being notable contributors. However, Japan, like the Netherlands, had imposed export controls on chip-making equipment in response to a U.S. request in January.

Despite the challenges posed by these export controls, Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp (SMIC) has exhibited resilience. In the face of a 15% drop in revenue in the September quarter, SMIC increased its 2023 budget to a substantial US$7.5 billion, demonstrating a continued commitment to semiconductor manufacturing. SMIC, a major industry player, can still procure DUV systems from ASML, except its Shanghai fabs.

Chinese imports of semiconductor manufacturing equipment, as a whole, rose by over 90% year-on-year in the last quarter, amounting to 63.4 billion yuan ($8.7 billion), according to Chinese customs data. The concerns linger that the imported equipment, particularly advanced lithography tools, could potentially be utilized to manufacture high-end semiconductors, enhancing China’s manufacturing capabilities and closing the technological gap.

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Android 15 could introduce battery health percentage feature, just like iPhones

By

Rajesh Regmi

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Dec 23, 2023

For years, iPhone users have enjoyed a handy feature Android lacked — a battery health screen. This simple tool displays the battery’s maximum capacity compared to its new state, offering a clear picture of its degradation. But the tide may be turning, as evidence suggests Android 15 could bring this much-desired feature.

Android Authority and Google News Telegram editor Nail Sadykov stumbled upon a hidden “battery health” screen in the Android 14 QPR2 beta 2 update released recently.

While currently inactive, code analysis revealed that it will show the “estimated percentage of charge the battery can currently hold compared to when it was new.” In simple words, it’s the same battery health percentage feature as in iPhones.

While the availability of this feature remains a mystery, Android Authority suggests that it could arrive in Android 15, possibly as a Pixel exclusive initially. However, there’s always a chance of abandonment, though Google’s recent efforts suggest otherwise.

The latest Pixel Feature Drop already introduced a “battery information” screen, revealing the battery’s cycle count and manufacture date. Moreover, Android 14 empowered third-party developers with battery APIs, enabling apps to estimate battery health. These steps seem to pave the way for a native battery health screen.

The benefits of such a feature are undeniable, especially for those holding onto their phones for longer. Google also announced seven years of updates for the Pixel 8 lineup, so the battery health monitoring feature will come in handy for new Pixel owners.

You can expect more details about this feature to start surfacing soon. We will keep you posted on any new developments.

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OnePlus Sharge Pouch Is A 3-in-1 Portable Power Bank That You Unfortunately Cannot Purchase Yet

By

Viraj Gawde

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Dec 23, 2023

To jog your memory, OnePlus used to offer powerbanks a few years ago. A few days back, the brand silently revealed a new power bank developed in collaboration with SHARGE, known for its geeky hardcore-designed power banks. The Sharge Pouch power bank is a joint effort as a part of OnePlus’s Power of Community project. Read on to know all the details about the accessory below.

OnePlus Sharge Pouch power bank details

The OnePlus Sharge Pouch power bank is a compact and portable charging accessory with a 3-in-1 design. It features a sleek and premium design comprising of a power bank, charger, and cable. The distinctive charging solution has foldable plugs, magnetic connectors, snap-on cable storage, and cable head protection.

The Sharge Pouch power bank is equipped with a 10,000mAh battery capacity despite its portable form factor. It supports QC 3.0, QC 4.0, PD 2.0, PD 3.0, and SuperVOOC charging protocols. The charging accessory can be used in three ways – as a power bank + cable for on-the-go charging, a power bank + charger for effortless wireless refills, and lastly as a charger + cable for refueling laptops and tablets. The last option also frees up the power bank and lets users top up to three devices simultaneously with two USB-C ports.

The OnePlus Sharge Pouch power bank seems to be currently up for crowdfunding although the target of 3,000 supporters has been achieved. 9,107 supporters are indicating a strong interest in the accessory. The brand is giving away Share Pouch power bank to six lucky winners. It’s unclear if the device will ever make it to the market.

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Redmi A3 spotted in BIS certification, hinting at India launch

By

Rajesh Regmi

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Dec 23, 2023

Redmi‘s upcoming budget smartphone, the Redmi A3, has been recently spotted on various certification platforms, including NBTC, IMDA, and EEC, and now, it has made its way to the BIS certification platform, suggesting an imminent launch in India.

In the BIS listing, the smartphone can be seen carrying the model number “23129RN51H,” which differs slightly from previous appearances. This could mean that it could be another variant of the Redmi A3 specifically intended for the Indian market.

Interestingly, the listing also mentions “Poco” under the brand tag, hinting at a possible rebrand of the Redmi A3. This is in line with Poco’s strategy of rebranding existing Redmi models, so nothing surprising!

However, the BIS listing remains silent on the A3’s specifications. As an entry-level device, the A3 is expected to offer basic functionalities suitable for everyday usage.

To recap, the Redmi A2 was launched with a 6.52-inch IPS LCD panel that has an HD+ resolution and 60Hz refresh rate. Internally, the device is powered by an octa-core MediaTek Helio G36 SoC, coupled with up to 3GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage. The storage can further be expanded up to 1TB using a microSD card slot.

Fueling the device is a 5000mAh battery that supports standard 10W charging. As for the camera, the rear packs 8-megapixel dual camera setup, while the front houses a 5-megapixel selfie shooter.

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OnePlus Open Receiving An Update With December Security Patch And Plenty Of Fixes

By

Viraj Gawde

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Dec 23, 2023

The OnePlus Open received a software update including the November security patch not a long time ago. Now, the brand is rolling out a new update for its foldable phone. However, it’s still not the latest Android 14 version. OnePlus aims to consistently improve the software experience and the new update is no different as it brings improvements and appears to address various issues.

OnePlus Open is getting a software update

The OnePlus Open still runs on OxygenOS 13.2 based on the Android 13 OS. The newly rolling out update has been spotted by the OnePlus Open: The Chatroom channel on Telegram (via). It has a firmware version CPH2551_13.2.0.203(EX01) and it weighs just 190.66MB in size. The latest update is quite lighter compared to the previous one which weighed 508MB in size. It also brings the December 2023 security patch.

The new update brings a host of software and performance improvements to enhance the overall usage experience of the OnePlus Open. It improves the system stability, touch control algorithm, and reduces the device’s power consumption. The network stability and compatibility are also improved. The update also fixes a host of camera issues for photography enthusiasts. It reduces the shutter lag when the Nightscape toggle is disabled. Additionally, unresponsive taps on retouch, filters, resolution, and flash functions is also resolved. The update also solves the problem of the main screen freezing when using dual preview with the rear camera.

The latest update is rolling out in a phased manner and it should be available for all devices automatically. Users can also manually check by heading to Settings > About device > OxygenOS > Check for update.

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Geely Galaxy E8 global launch scheduled for January 5

By

Debasish

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Dec 23, 2023

Automotive manufacturer Geely has officially announced the global launch conference for its highly anticipated medium and large pure electric sedan, the Galaxy E8. The event is scheduled for January 5, 2024, following the launch of pre-orders on December 16.

A total of 5 models

The Galaxy E8 boasts five distinct configurations with tons of features: 550km PRO, 550km MAX, 665km Starship Voyage Edition, 665km Starship Intelligent Driving Edition, and 620km Starship Performance Edition. With a pre-order price starting from 188,000 yuan, the vehicle is set to make a significant impact in the electric car market.

As the flagship model of Geely Galaxy’s “Smart Pure Electric E Series,” the E8 is constructed on Geely Group’s SEA vast architecture. It offers an array of customization options, including six body colors and two interior color choices. The car’s dimensions measure 5010mm in length, 1920mm in width, and 1465mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2925mm and an impressive drag coefficient of 0.199Cd.

One of the standout features of the Galaxy E8 is its groundbreaking 45-inch smart screen, the largest of its kind globally. The screen, with an effective display area of 1130 * 138 mm, is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295 flagship cockpit chip and seamlessly integrates with Flyme Link. This allows for connectivity with Meizu 21, supporting functions such as three-finger task transfer and address transfer to the car.

To cater to different preferences and driving needs, the Galaxy E8 offers 62kWh and 76kWh battery options, providing cruising ranges of 550km, 665km, and 620km.

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Samsung Galaxy A23 5G receives Android 14 based One UI 6 update

By

Rajesh Regmi

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Dec 23, 2023

Samsung has been busy updating many of its mid-range devices to the latest One UI 6 based on Android 14. Recently, we shared that the Galaxy M53 5G, Galaxy F54 5G, and A52 5G had all begun receiving the latest One UI 6 OS update, based on Android 14. Now, joining the list of devices to receive One Ui 6 update is the Samsung Galaxy A23 5G.

The update is already rolling out in some European countries, including the UK, France, Italy, Poland, and Portugal. So, if you’re in one of these regions, keep an eye on your phone’s settings for the update notification. Don’t worry if you’re not there yet, the update should reach other regions soon.

The firmware version for the A23 5G’s latest update is A236BXXU4DWKA, which also includes the November security patch. Users can download and install it over the air by navigating to Settings > Software update and tapping “Download and install.”

It’s also important to note that this is the final major update for the Galaxy A23 5G. While it will continue to receive regular security patches, it will not be upgraded to Android 15. Besides A23 5G, Samsung is also expected to roll out the Android 14 update for the LTE variant of the phone shortly.

One UI 6 introduces several notable UI enhancements, such as a redesigned Quick Panel, improved album art presentation in the notification shade, time-based notification sorting, clearer home screen icon labels, a repositioned clock on the lock screen, a detailed weather widget, and easier access to battery settings.

Looking ahead, Samsung is already prepping One UI 6.1, which focuses on bringing AI advancements to apps and boosting productivity. While initially rolling out for the Galaxy S23, A23 5G users can likely expect this update in the future.

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Samsung Galaxy XCover 7 new leak reveals more specs and pricing

By

Rajesh Regmi

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Dec 23, 2023

Samsung‘s upcoming rugged smartphone, the Galaxy XCover 7, has been heating up the rumor mill with leaks for quite a while now. We’ve already had a glimpse of the phone’s design, and now a new leak spills the beans on its display size, memory options, and price.

According to the reliable tipster Roland Quandt, the Galaxy XCover 7 is expected to boast a 6.6-inch FHD+ display. Priced at approximately less than €400, it will come with 6GB of RAM and a generous 128GB of storage. If this leak holds true, the XCover 7 will maintain the same 6.6-inch screen size as its predecessor, the Galaxy XCover 6 Pro.

Samsung Galaxy Xcover 7 w/ 6.6in FHD+ screen, 6/128GB coming in at a sub 400 Euro price point, it seems. Def nice for a rugged device like this.
— Roland Quandt (@rquandt) December 22, 2023

Moreover, previous reports also hinted at a 4,000mAh battery, possibly user-removable, in line with Samsung’s previous rugged phone. It will also have 25W wired charging support.

Recently, the device also appeared in the Geekbench listing recently which shows the phone with a MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ processor. Naturally, being a rugged phone, an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance is expected. And the smartphone could also get the MIL-STD 810 Military standard. This standard guarantees a level of durability for a smartphone or any other device in harsh environmental conditions.

Samsung Galaxy XCover 7 Surfaces on Geekbench Revealing Key Details — Samsung Galaxy XCover 7 renders.

While Samsung remains tight-lipped about a launch date, the XCover 7’s appearance on certification websites in Thailand, India, and Malaysia suggests an imminent arrival in these regions.

Samsung’s rugged phone journey began in 2011, and the XCover 7 looks set to continue the legacy. And it’s not alone – the Galaxy Tab Active5, another rugged device from Samsung, recently received FCC approval, hinting at a possible joint launch. We’ll keep you posted on any new developments with these devices.

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Decathlon’s Newly Launched Van Rysel E-EDR AF Apex E-bike is Ultra Light at 14 Kg

By

Anubhav

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Dec 23, 2023

Electric bikes are swiftly becoming a go-to choice for cyclists seeking both performance and convenience. A standout in this rapidly evolving market is the newly launched Van Rysel E-EDR AF Apex by Decathlon. This bike not only packs a punch with its advanced features but also manages to stay light on the wallet.

The bike claims to cover an impressive 160 miles on a single charge

What sets the Van Rysel E-EDR AF Apex apart is its dedication to lightweight design without skimping on performance. Weighing a mere 14 kilograms (31 pounds), thanks to its aluminum frame, it’s a breath of fresh air in the electric road bike category. This is Decathlon’s initial venture into the ultra-lightweight e-bike segment, and they seem to have hit the mark.

Performance-wise, the bike is equipped with a Sram APEX 12-speed drivetrain and matching hydraulic disc brakes, ensuring a smooth and responsive ride. It also features the versatile Mahle X35 rear hub motor, offering three assistance settings to cater to different riding styles. Keeping riders informed is the BC900 GPS computer, a nifty addition for those who like to track their journey.

The bike’s range is another highlight. Decathlon claims it can cover an impressive 100 miles on a single charge, though heavy reliance on the electric assist might reduce this distance. Its 250-watt-hour battery, complemented by a range extender, makes it ideal for longer rides.

Decathlon has conducted extensive real-world testing for six months, ensuring the bike’s performance under various conditions. This testing is crucial in proving the bike’s agility and durability.

Appealing to both men and women, the Van Rysel E-EDR AF Apex is priced competitively at 2,800 euros (about $3,080 USD). With its launch, Decathlon aims to attract performance-oriented riders who are eager to explore the world of e-biking without breaking the bank. This new addition to the e-bike market is a testament to the growing trend of accessible, high-performance cycling options, making it easier than ever for riders to enjoy the thrill of cycling with a touch of modern technology.

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Uber Eats and Gogoro Collaborate in Taiwan to Deliver Food in a Eco-friendly way

By

Anubhav

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Dec 23, 2023

We live in a world where convenience is king, food delivery services like Uber Eats have become household names. They bring your favorite meals right to your doorstep, a luxury that’s become a part of our daily lives. But here’s something to chew on: how these deliveries are made is just as important as the food itself, especially when it comes to the environment.

A $30 million investment spells big things for this partnership

Enter the innovative partnership between Uber Eats and Gogoro in Taiwan. This isn’t just a business deal; it’s a game-changer for how food gets to us. With a hefty investment of around $30 million, this collaboration is shaking up the delivery scene by prioritizing sustainability.

Gogoro, known for its smart electric scooters and unique battery swapping system, is at the heart of this green revolution. This partnership gives Uber Eats couriers in Taiwan special deals on these eco-friendly scooters and easy access to battery stations. Why does this matter? Because it’s a big step toward cleaner city air and a healthier environment.

Think about it: every time a meal is delivered on one of these electric scooters, it’s one less gas-guzzling bike on the road. That means less pollution and a cleaner Taiwan. The aim is to double electric deliveries from 20% to 40% by 2025. It’s ambitious, but with over 600,000 Gogoro riders already in Taiwan and a million-plus batteries, it’s not just a dream.

This move is not only good for the planet but also makes sense for couriers. Electric scooters are easier to maintain, cheaper to run, and way friendlier to use. Plus, swapping a battery is quicker than filling up a tank. It’s a win-win.

So next time you order a meal from Uber Eats, think about the journey it’s made. Thanks to partnerships like this, your late-night snack could be helping to reduce emissions and pave the way for a greener future in food delivery. That’s food for thought!

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Apple Closing the Gap: How Samsung Plans to Hold onto the Smartphone Crown

By

Oğuz Çakır

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Dec 22, 2023

The release date for the Samsung Galaxy S24 models is just around the corner, with indications suggesting that the highly anticipated phones will be unveiled on January 17th. As is the case every year, this series is expected to incorporate the best possible features, creating excitement both for the South Korean tech giant and its users. However, it appears that Samsung is even more optimistic about the Galaxy S24 family than we may have initially thought. Here are the details…

Samsung believes the Galaxy S24 series will be a massive success: 10% increase in shipments

Samsung is the world’s leading smartphone manufacturer in terms of sales, but the company has faced a significant challenge for nearly a decade. Despite its best efforts, it hasn’t been able to match the profitability of Apple. The primary reason behind this is that a significant portion of Samsung’s sales come from budget and mid-range models, while flagship sales, which generate more profit, have fallen short of expectations.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Zoom Anyplace and E2E AI Remosaic

There are several reasons for this, with one of the most basic being fierce competition. As you may know, Android phones are assembled from a pool of similar components, resulting in devices that share many similarities. For instance, if you were to compare several flagship models released in the same year, you might find similarities in the processor, RAM capacity, and camera sensors.

Furthermore, some of these devices are priced much lower than others, leading many potential Samsung customers to turn to competitors like Xiaomi, OnePlus, and Honor, which offer similar experiences at more affordable prices. Smartphones manufacturers are aware of this situation and strive to provide unique features whenever possible.

In past models, we’ve seen cameras with 100x zoom capabilities, processors overclocked in collaboration with manufacturers like Qualcomm, and custom interfaces that enhance Android’s functionality. Samsung is no exception in this regard. The company has many plans for its Galaxy S24 series, and all of these plans come with high expectations.

According to reports, Samsung is anticipating that the Galaxy S24 family will sell approximately 35 million units in 2024, which is about 10% more than the previous S23 generation. The company’s logic behind this expectation is quite interesting. By integrating Bard and ChatGPT into the phone, South Korea’s manufacturer hopes to capture the users’ interest.

Samsung Could Lose Its Top Spot to Apple

We’ve previously seen a similar integration in the Google Pixel 8, where users could make Google Assistant more powerful and personalized. The system could also make certain changes to extend your phone’s battery life. These and similar features can be a plus for the phone you’re using, but it’s uncertain whether they alone are enough to motivate users to make a purchase.

To emphasize the significance of flagship sales, let’s compare Samsung with its biggest rival, Apple. For instance, Apple’s production and sales expectation for 2024 is 250 million units, while the South Korean manufacturer is aiming for around 253 million. However, nearly all of Apple’s sales are attributed to its latest iPhone 15 family, which means a significantly larger profit. You might also notice that the difference between the two manufacturers is minimal, indicating that Samsung could lose its top spot if the current trend continues.

Whether artificial intelligence is the key to rescuing the company from its challenging situation remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: if Samsung doesn’t take action, it won’t remain the world’s largest smartphone manufacturer for much longer.

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Tesla Expands in Shanghai with New Megapack Battery Factory

By

Anubhav

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Dec 22, 2023

Tesla, the renowned electric vehicle (EV) and clean energy company, is making a significant move by purchasing land in Shanghai for a new factory dedicated to producing its Megapack large-scale batteries. This development, initially reported by Xinhua, marks Tesla’s deepening commitment to China’s burgeoning new-energy market and its strategic expansion beyond electric cars.

Each Tesla Megapack battery can power 3,600 homes for one hour

The Shanghai factory, set to be located in the Lingang free-trade zone, will be Tesla’s first facility outside the US focused on energy-storage batteries. This move underscores the company’s ambition to not just lead in electric vehicle production but also in energy storage solutions. Tesla’s Megapack batteries, each capable of powering 3,600 homes for an hour, represent a crucial step in addressing energy storage needs, a key component of the renewable energy landscape.

Interestingly, this new venture comes at a time when the EV market in China is experiencing rapid growth and increased competition. Tesla has been a dominant player in China’s premium EV segment, thanks in part to its Gigafactory in Shanghai, which began operations in 2019. However, local Chinese companies like Li Auto and Xpeng are quickly catching up, breaking monthly sales records and offering stiff competition to Tesla.

The construction of the Megapack factory is a strategic response by Tesla, not only to cement its position in the EV market but also to tap into the larger new-energy sector in China. The country’s ambitious goals for peak carbon emissions by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060 present a vast opportunity for Tesla’s energy storage products. By localizing production, Tesla can better serve the Chinese market and also export these products to other countries. As the world shifts towards renewable energy and sustainable practices, Tesla’s latest move positions it as a key player not just in EVs but in the broader green energy revolution.

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OnePlus Ace 3 China Telecom listing reveals design, specs & pricing ahead of January launch

By

Sudhanshu

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Dec 22, 2023

Following the introduction of the OnePlus 12 (review), OnePlus has now shifted its attention to the Chinese market with the upcoming OnePlus Ace 3 series. Leaks indicate that the series will comprise two models: the standard Ace 3 and the OnePlus Ace 3V. The brand recently teased the OnePlus Ace 3, expected to be launched in the first week of 2024.

Interestingly, details about the device have surfaced on China Telecom, revealing its specifications, images, and pricing. This suggests that we may not have to wait for the official launch to gain insights into the OnePlus Ace 3.

OnePlus Ace 3 China Telecom listing details

According to a listing on China Telecom, the OnePlus Ace 3 follows a design similar to the OnePlus 12. It will come with a circular camera module, along with curved edges and an alert slider which is positioned on the left side. The device boasts a sizable 6.78-inch 1.5K 120Hz curved-edge OLED display, ensuring a high-quality visual experience. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, it comes in two RAM configurations – 12GB or 16GB of LPDDR5x – and offers ample storage options, ranging from 256GB to a whopping 1TB of USF 4.0 storage.

In terms of battery life, the OnePlus Ace 3 is equipped with a large 5500mAh battery and supports rapid 100W wired charging. The camera setup features a 50MP main sensor with OIS, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, and a 2MP macro lens. On the front, it will feature a 16MP selfie snapper.

The device maintains a sleek profile with a metal middle frame. It has an IR blaster, dual speakers, and NFC functionality as well. The dimensions of the OnePlus Ace 3 are 163.30 x 75.27 x 8.8mm, with a weight of 207 grams.

As for pricing, the OnePlus Ace 3 will come in three variants: 12GB+256GB priced at 3299 CNY (~$460), 16GB+512GB at 3699 CNY (~$520), and the top-tier 16GB+1TB version at 3999 CNY (~$560). The color options include Star Black, Moon Sea, and Sand Gold.

With all of these specifications revealed, we now just have to wait for them to be officially confirmed in January. The Ace 3 is expected to be rebranded as the OnePlus 12R for the global market, however, the brand may make some tweaks to the spec sheet before the global debut.

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China Tightens Gaming Rules to Protect Consumers and Curb Excesses

By

Anubhav

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Dec 22, 2023

China‘s latest move to impose stringent regulations on the video gaming industry marks a significant shift in the landscape of digital entertainment. As the world’s largest gaming market, China’s decision to set spending limits and eliminate certain reward mechanisms in online games is not only reshaping the industry but also stirring discussions about consumer protection and corporate responsibility.

China aims to do so by banning the incentives that lure gamers

The new regulations, announced by Chinese regulators, aim to curb excessive spending and discourage addictive gaming behaviors. By banning rewards for daily logins, first-time spending, and consecutive purchases, the authorities are tackling the very incentives that often lure players into spending more than they intend.

The immediate impact of these rules was evident in the market, with major gaming companies like Tencent Holdings and NetEase experiencing substantial drops in their share values. This reaction underscores the significant role such incentive mechanisms play in the gaming industry’s revenue model.

Interestingly, the rules don’t just focus on monetary aspects. They also address gaming addiction, an issue that has been a long-standing concern for regulators worldwide. In 2021, China set playtime limits for minors and suspended new game approvals to combat this issue. The latest regulations are a continuation of this effort, reflecting Beijing’s commitment to safeguarding its younger population from the potential pitfalls of digital gaming.

While some view these measures as overly restrictive, they also highlight the increasing need for the gaming industry to innovate and develop more sustainable and socially responsible business models. The regulations may compel game developers to rethink how they engage players, focusing more on the quality of content rather than on monetization strategies based on repetitive spending.

The decision to regulate in-game spending is a bold move by Beijing, one that may influence global gaming practices. It’s a reminder that as digital entertainment becomes increasingly prevalent, the responsibility to protect consumers, especially younger audiences, becomes more critical. This approach might initially impact the industry’s revenue, but it could lead to a healthier, more sustainable gaming environment in the long run.

China’s stance could serve as a model for other countries grappling with similar issues, balancing industry growth with consumer protection. The world will be watching closely to see how these new rules reshape the gaming landscape, not just in China but globally.

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India Embraces AI for Enhanced Weather Forecasting Amid Rising Extreme Events

By

Anubhav

-

Dec 22, 2023

India is stepping up its game in weather forecasting by integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into its methods. This move comes as the country faces an increase in extreme weather events like floods and droughts. A top official from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) highlighted that this integration aims to enhance the accuracy of weather predictions, which is vital for a nation with a vast population and a significant agricultural sector.

Over 3,000 people in India have lost their lives due to extreme weather in 2023

In recent years, India has witnessed a rise in severe weather conditions, partly attributed to global warming. These events have not only disrupted lives but also caused significant fatalities. The Centre for Science and Environment, an independent body, estimates that nearly 3,000 people in India have lost their lives to extreme weather this year alone. Given these challenges, the need for precise and timely weather forecasts has never been more crucial.

The IMD, which currently relies on supercomputers and mathematical models for weather predictions, is looking at AI as a cost-effective and efficient alternative. This approach aligns with global trends, as other countries are also turning towards AI for weather forecasting. For instance, Britain’s Met Office has acknowledged the potential of AI to revolutionize this field. A notable development in this area is a Google-funded AI model that has reportedly outperformed traditional forecasting methods.

AI in weather forecasting could be particularly transformative for India. The country, home to 1.4 billion people and a significant portion of the world’s rice, wheat, and sugar production, depends heavily on accurate weather forecasts for both human safety and agricultural planning. The IMD’s initiative to incorporate AI could lead to more precise forecasts at a lower cost, a boon for a country where many still live in poverty.

The IMD has already begun using AI for public alerts related to heatwaves and diseases like malaria. Plans are underway to expand weather observatories to provide more detailed data, which is essential for the success of AI models. The government’s support for this initiative, including setting up a center to explore AI in weather forecasting, signals a strong commitment to harnessing technology for better weather predictions.

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