After successful beta testing, Google has finally introduced the Pixel Repair Mode feature for Pixel smartphones. This feature aims to enhance user data privacy during the repair process. Alongside this addition, the company has announced a few new updates to streamline the Pixel repair experience.
Google’s new Pixel Repair Mode is now available on Pixel devices running Android 14. And, to use this feature, your phone must have at least 2GB of available storage. You can activate the Repair Mode on your Pixel phone by going to Settings > System > Repair mode.
Activating repair mode creates a secure environment on your phone, locking away all your data like messages, photos, calls, and more. Repair technicians can still test all the phone’s features in a separate space without peeking at your private info.
Google has also released a new diagnostic app that users may access from their Phone dialer. Google claims that the new diagnostic feature will assist you in understanding the problems with your phone before you send it in for repair. To use the diagnostic on your Pixel phone, type #*#7287#*# on the Phone dialer’s keypad.
Furthermore, whether you’re under warranty or not, Google wants repairs to be simple. Google has previously worked with iFixit, which provides consumers with legitimate parts and repair guides so that they may fix their devices themselves through their self-service program.
They’ve now also teamed with uBreakiFix to provide speedy fixes at over 700 sites around the United States, with most repairs finished in 2-4 hours. With this, Google claims that over 80% of Pixel device owners are within 10-20 miles of an authorized repair center.
Motorola introduced the Moto Razr 40 Ultra in the US under the name Motorola Razr+. The foldable smartphone is well known for its refined aesthetics and a small 2.6-inch Quick View display. But for some users, the smartphone is having an issue with not receiving the new firmware updates. There are multiple threads on Motorola’s support forum filled with complaints related to the updates.
Motorola Razr 40
The issue seems to have been affecting the users since summer, and even for some users, the issue has persisted since the day they made the purchase. Such users have not received a single firmware update on their respective Motorola Razr+ smartphones. The Motorola Razr+ units are stuck on the May 2023 security patch due to the issue. A user named Grethy on Motorola Forums posted, “My Razr 40 Ultra has not had an update and is still running the May security update. Is it normal to be 3 months behind on security updates, or is there an issue with my phone? I have version T1TZS33.3-62-39-1Is this the current version? Thanks!”
Motorola’s tedious support seems to be repeating for the Motorola Razr+ after the Motorola Razr 2020 and 2022. Some users are even switching to Samsung Galaxy Foldables due to the poor support from Motorola. A fine example of this is a user named Garek who posted, “I’m still on May update no update here in Australia this is a repeat of my 2020,2022 razr’s lackluster support I actually sold my ultra bought a flip5 straight away got the August security patch I have no regrets selling it,I wish you all the best just think in China it’s had its 2nd software update for the rest like playing poker luck of the draw…peace mate..”
Possible Fix for Users Using Windows Machine
Some Motorola Razr+ users are able to rectify the issue with Motorola’s Rescue and Smart Assistant utility. They were able to pull the new update after a full factory reset using the RSA utility. However, the users on the Mac and Linux are left with no working solution.
From the replies of company employees, it seems Motorola is aware of the issue and has been working to fix the bug for months. However, some lucky users get it rectified automatically with every new firmware that the company sends.
It is a major issue, and if it persists, we may suggest the users head over to Motorola Support.
Samsung is gearing up to unveil a brand-new rugged smartphone soon. The device in question is the Galaxy XCover 7, which was recently spotted by a certification authority from Thailand. This hints at an imminent launch, so here are all the details.
Samsung Galaxy XCover 7 NBTC
The South Korean tech giant’s Galaxy XCover 7 was recently spotted on the NBTC database. Looking at the online listing, the smartphone carries the model number SM-G556B. Unfortunately, the NBTC certification did not reveal any other finer details regarding the smartphone. But it does hint that its launch is near. Furthermore, a couple of our previous reports have offered us better insight regarding this device. To recall, the Galaxy XCover 7 is expected to be a rugged version of the Galaxy A55 5G.
The Galaxy XCover 7 had previously surfaced on Bluetooth SIG, GCF, GeekBench, and BIS. This means that it will launch in the global market soon. These offered us a look at some of its specifications while a leak also revealed its official renders. Based on what we know so far, the Galaxy XCover 7 is equipped with the MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ SoC that is paired with 6GB of RAM. It will run on the Android 14 OS based One UI OS out of the box. The Bluetooth SIG certification confirms support for Bluetooth 5.3.
Samsung is expected to launch the Galaxy XCover 7 sometime in the first quarter of next year. Unfortunately, the finer details like its pricing and launch date have yet to be revealed. So stick around for more as we will be providing more updates when additional information is available regarding this device.
Infinix took the wraps off the Infinix Hot 40 Pro Free Fire Edition in partnership with Sinapore-based game developer Garena. The smartphone packs the same specifications and features as the Infinix Hot 40 Pro but packs a box of goodies and some Free Fire-themed UI elements. The pricing and availability have not yet been unveiled.
The limited-edition smartphone from Infinix bundles an additional Free Fire bundle, which houses a 33W charger, a black silicone cover, and an RGB Free Fire-branded cooler. The cooler gets connected to a USB-Type C to dissipate heat while gaming on it for a longer duration. Further, there’s also a USB-A to USB-C cable for extensive usage with old peripherals and devices.
Infinix Hot 40 Pro Free Fire edition ships with the same Horizon Gold color phone, sans any Free Fire branding. There are some Free Fire stickers, a special gift card, and a lanyard in the package. The Special Gift Card can be used to purchase in-game Free Fire items. Some unique Wallpapers, icon widgets, AR self-portrait sticks, and sound effects are also available.
“We are excited to continue our collaboration with Free Fire and announce the HOT 40 SERIES, which features unique combinations of characters and pets in our co-branded lineup. The series offers outstanding performance and an exceptional gaming experience for mobile gamers worldwide, all at a highly competitive price point. Furthermore, Infinix’s collaboration with Free Fire extends beyond product innovation, as we strive to forge deeper connections with today’s younger generation,” said Summer Yao, HOT Series Product Director at Infinix.
Infinix Hot 40 Pro Free Fire Editions Specifications
Infinix Hot 40 Pro Free Fire ships with the same 6.78-inch FHD+ display while having a 120Hz refresh rate. The smartphone comes with a Metamaterial Antenna which enhances signal reliability and improves game latency.
The smartphone bundles a triple-rear camera featuring a 108 MP portrait sensor, a 2 MP macro sensor, and an AI camera. On the front, there’s a 32MP selfie camera. The smartphone houses a MediaTek G99 SoC with UFS 2.2 storage and LPDDR4X RAM. It is available in 8GB RAM + 128GB and 256GB + 8GB RAM storage variants. It also offers expandable storage of up to 1TB using a microSD card.
To keep the smartphone running, it features a large 5000 mAh battery with support for 33W fast charging. The smartphone measures 168.6×76.6×8.25mm in size and weighs 199 grams. It runs on the Android 13-based XOS 13.5 OS.
Pricing and Availability details are not yet live, but may vary depending on the region.
The Google Pixel is generally considered to be one of the best Android experiences on smartphones. The Pixel experience brings a bunch of exclusive features and more. But now, it appears that an exclusive AI assistant called Pixie could also be coming for next gen Pixel phones.
Google Pixie for Pixel 9 Series
As of right now, Google Assistant already exists as a capable and smart AI voice assistant. However, it is universally available across all Android smartphones and other devices. But with AI’s recent boom, it appears that the Search Engine giant is working on something that could be a little more advanced. Google Assistant with Bard for Android and iOS was recently announced, but a new AI assistant called Pixie is reportedly under development. As the name suggests, this assistant will be exclusive to Pixel devices.
According to The Information, multiple sources close to the matter have revealed Google’s plans regarding Pixie and its developments. This AI assistant is rumored to be a Pixel exclusive feature and could debut in 2024 alongside the Pixel 9 series. It will likely be capable of doing what Google Assistant could do but with new advancements. This means that the assistant could perform more complex tasks.
The report adds that Pixie could even respond to tasks that involve suggesting the closest store where one can buy a product they have photographed. While this sounds quite simple on paper, it is quite a complex process. Another major difference between Google Assistant and Pixie could be the offline functionality. The latter might be capable of performing user requests on-device, which means no internet connectivity is required. This upcoming assistant may be powered by Gemini Nano as well. It is worth noting that the Pixie moniker has yet to be confirmed. The name could just be an internal codename ahead of its official moniker.
Now Thailand’s NBTC confirms its existence as the device has passed the certification process. Additionally, the Note 13 Pro+ has also been spotted in NBTC.
The listing shows that the Redmi Note 13 is certified in the platform with model number 23129RAA4G while the top-of-the-line Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G bears 23090RA98G as its model number. Besides this, the NBTC doesn’t reveal any specs of the smartphones.
As per a previous report, the Note 13 4G will be powered by Snapdragon 685 chipset with 8/12GB of RAM and 256/512GB storage. It will have a 6.67-inch AMOLED FHD+ with a 120Hz refresh rate.
For cameras, we are expecting a triple-camera setup with a 108MP primary lens, an 8MP ultrawide lens, and a 2MP macro sensor. Likewise, rumors have it that it will boot on MIUI 14 based on Android 13 and will be available in purple and green shades.
The Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G (review), on the other hand, has already been launched in China. So we know what the device has to offer.
It comes with a 6.67-inch curved OLED display with a 10-bit color depth, 1.5K resolution, and 120Hz refresh rate. Under the hood, the device is powered by MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Ultra chip paired with LPDDR5 RAM and UFS 3.1 storage.
Redmi Note 13 Pro+
Around the back, the phone has a triple camera setup consisting of a 200MP primary sensor, an 8MP ultrawide unit, and a 2MP macro snapper. On the front, it has a 16MP shooter.
Keeping the lights on is a 5000mAh battery with support for 120W charging. Other features of the device include an in-screen fingerprint sensor, dual stereo speakers, an IR blaster, and an IP68 dust and water-resistant rating.
The POCO C65 boasts a distinctive boxy design featuring a side-mounted fingerprint scanner and dual rear camera rings, complemented by a sizable 6.74-inch waterdrop notch display. The display offers a high-definition (1,600 x 720 pixels) resolution with a 90Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth visuals, and reaching up to 600 nits peak brightness, all safeguarded by Gorilla Glass protection.
Powering the device is the MediaTek Helio G85 processor, ensuring a responsive user experience. The smartphone offers versatile storage options, with configurations offering up to 8GB of RAM along with virtual RAM technology and storage capacities reaching up to 256GB, expandable further through a dedicated SD card slot. A robust 5,000mAh battery fuels the POCO C65, supported by 18W fast charging capabilities.
In the camera department, the POCO C65 is equipped with a 50MP primary rear camera along with a 2MP macro lens, while the front-facing camera boasts an 8MP sensor for capturing clear and detailed selfies.
On the software side, the POCO C65 has an Android 13-based MIUI 14 operating system. In terms of connectivity, the device includes USB-C, a 3.5mm headphone jack, WiFi, NFC, and Bluetooth support.
Pricing & availability
Priced affordably, the POCO C65 comes in two chic colors – Pastel Blue and Matte Black. The 4GB + 128GB variant is available at Rs. 8,999, while the 6GB + 128GB model is priced at Rs. 9,499. For those seeking expanded storage options, the 8GB + 256GB configuration is offered at Rs. 10,999. The smartphone is set to be released on December 18th, exclusively on Flipkart, starting at 12 noon. Customers can enjoy an instant discount of Rs. 1000 when using ICICI credit and debit cards for both regular and EMI transactions.
In a strategic move reflecting broader industry trends, Foxconn Technology Group has secured approval for an additional $1 billion investment in its Apple product manufacturing plant in India. The total investments in the site now stand at an impressive $2.7 billion, positioning it as Foxconn’s key manufacturing facility in the country.
This substantial augmentation in investment is earmarked to fuel increased capacity for Apple devices, with a potential focus on iPhone production. The move underscores Foxconn’s commitment to diversifying production beyond China, aligning with the company’s goal of establishing a pivotal manufacturing hub outside its traditional stronghold.
The Karnataka state government, confirming Foxconn’s commitment to expansion, started a $1.67 billion investment, solidifying the company’s strategic foothold in southern India. The project, slated to commence iPhone production by April 2024, is expected to generate approximately 50,000 job opportunities, contributing to the region’s economic development.
While the details of the use of the freshly secured funds remain confidential, industry analysts speculate that the investment could be directed towards expanded capacities for various Apple devices, potentially including the iPhone. Foxconn, responsible for assembling a significant portion of iPhones globally, is making this move amid economic challenges and heightened tensions with the United States, diversifying its manufacturing footprint.
The trend of manufacturing giants, including Foxconn, redirecting capacities away from China has gained momentum, prompted by economic challenges and strained international relations. This move not only secures Foxconn’s commitment to its crucial partnership with Apple but also mirrors an industry-wide shift to establish robust supply chains in India.
Interestingly, the Tata conglomerate, another prominent Apple collaborator, is actively pursuing the establishment of one of India’s largest iPhone assembly plants in Tamil Nadu, further reinforcing India’s position as a key player in the global manufacturing landscape.
While regulatory scrutiny in India has discouraged some Chinese companies from establishing operations in the country, Apple’s partners, including Foxconn, are accelerating efforts to build a resilient supply chain, coinciding with a broader departure of Chinese firms amid tensions between Beijing and New Delhi.
Foxconn’s increased investment in India not only signifies a pivotal moment in the evolution of its manufacturing plans but also reflects the global economic downturn in China and the broader geopolitical tensions shaping the dynamics of the technology manufacturing industry.
An unknown Motorola smartphone was recently spotted on a popular benchmarking platform. The database revealed some of its key specs, although the official moniker of this device is still unclear. So here’s everything we know so far.
Motorola XT2363-4 GeekBench
The company’s upcoming device was spotted carrying the XT2363-4 model number. Looking at the online listing, the Android version, chipset, and RAM details of the handset were revealed. This mysterious Motorola XT2363-4 is equipped with an octa core Qualcomm processor which features six CPU cores at 1.8GHz and two cores that have a 2.21GHz clock speed. This chipset in question is the Snapdragon 695 SoC, which is paired with the Adreno 619 GPU.
This processor is typically found on mid range smartphones, so this model will likely target a similar price range as well. The GeekBench listing confirms that the Snapdragon 695 SoC is coupled with 8GB of RAM and runs on Android 14 OS out of the box. With these specs, the unknown Motorola XT2363-4 managed to score 911 points in the single core test and 2037 points in the multi core test. Interestingly, this Moto device is the same model, which was recently spotted on China’s 3C certification authority.
This previous sighting confirms that it will come with a power brick that is capable of outputting 20W fast charging. Unfortunately, no finer details about the device like its design, pricing, and name are known at the moment. But Motorola will likely reveal more information or officially announce the smartphone in China later this month. So stick around for more as we will be providing more information when additional details is known regarding this device.
Samsung has just released the Galaxy Book 4 series notebooks in Korea, officially confirming the specifications we knew through various leaks. The series consists of three models – the Galaxy Book 4 Pro, Galaxy Book 4 Pro 360, and the Galaxy Book 4 Ultra. Notably, the Galaxy Book 4 comes in two different sizes – 14″ and 16″, while the 360 and Ultra model only comes with the 16″ option. Here is the official information about the models below.
Galaxy Book 4 Series
Galaxy Book 4 Ultra
It comes with a 3K AMOLED WQXGA (2880×1800) 120Hz panel with 400 nits brightness and support for 120% DCI-P3 color volume.
The device is powered by the Intel Core Ultra 9/Intel Core Ultra 7 processors, paired with two different NVIDIA GeForce RTX 40 series graphics – RTX 4070/4050 GPU. All of these are backed by 16/32/64GB LPDDR5X memory. This Ultra variant also offers support for up to 2TB SSD (PCIe).
This Galaxy Book 4 Ultra weighs around 1.86 kg and is only 16.5mm thick. The device comes with a 76Wh battery and supports 140W fast charging through a USB-C Adapter.
For ports, you get – Thunderbolt 4 (2), USB Type-A, HDMI 2.1 that supports 8K at 60fps and 5K at 120fps.
Galaxy Book 4 Pro 360
The Pro 360 model is even slimmer and lighter compared to the Ultra model. It weighs around 1.66kg and is 12.8mm thick. The display specifications here are identical to the Galaxy Book 4 Ultra.
Instead of the Core Ultra 9, the Galaxy Book 4 Pro 360 comes with a Core Ultra 5 variant and the Core Ultra 7. One difference from the Ultra model is in the Graphics. It brings Intel Arc Graphics (integrated) in contrast to the dedicated NVIDIA GeForce graphics of the Ultra model.
Here you get 16 or 32 GB LPDDR5X memory along with 512 GB or 1 TB storage options.
This model also comes with a 76Wh battery and a 65W USB Type-C Adapter. You also get the same ports as the Ultra model here.
Galaxy Book 4 Pro
In contrast to the previous two models only having a 16-inch option, this one also has a slightly smaller 14-inch variant. The 14-inch and the 16-inch variants weigh 1.23kg and 1.56kg respectively.
Just like the Galaxy Book 4 Pro 360, both the 14 and 16-inch variants of the Pro model also boast the Intel Core Ultra 7/ Intel Core Ultra 5 CPUs paired with Intel Arc Graphics (integrated).
Notably, the 14-inch option also comes with the same 2880×1800 resolution with all the other aspects being the same. The 14″ variant comes with a 63Wh battery and a 65W adapter with the 16″ one being the same as above.
Pricing
The Galaxy Book 4 Pro starts at 1.88 million won ($1,452), the Galaxy Book 4 Pro 360 at 2.59 million won ($2,002), and the Galaxy Book 4 Ultra at 3.36 million won (~$2,597).
Intel has officially launched its latest Intel Core 14th Generation desktop processor family, with the flagship Intel Core i9-14900K leading the pack. This new lineup features six unlocked desktop processors, delivering up to 24 cores, 32 threads, and an impressive frequency of up to 6 GHz straight out of the box.
The i9-14900K has laid claim to the title of the world’s fastest desktop processor, providing gamers with a substantial edge through its 6 GHz speeds from the start. For creators, the Intel Core i7-14700K offers 20 cores and 28 threads, a 25% increase over its predecessor, ensuring significant performance gains in multi-threaded workloads.
Intel introduces the new AI Assist feature in its Extreme Tuning Utility (XTU), offering one-click AI-guided overclocking for select unlocked Intel Core 14th Gen desktop processors. This feature brings simplicity to the overclocking experience, catering to both experts and beginners.
The Intel Core 14th Gen processors leverage Intel’s advanced performance hybrid architecture, prioritizing compute performance for day-to-day workflows. The lineup promises an immersive gaming experience, delivering up to a 23% performance uplift compared to “leading competitor processors”. Enhanced gaming-focused features, including Intel Application Optimization (APO) and Thread Director application thread scheduling, aim to improve application threading. Moreover, these processors support DDR5 XMP speeds well beyond 8,000 megatransfers/second (MT/S).
Intel’s latest desktop processor family comes equipped with integrated support for Wi-Fi 6/6E and Bluetooth 5.3, as well as discrete support for new Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 wireless technologies. The processors maintain compatibility with both Intel 600 and 700 series chipsets, allowing enthusiasts to easily upgrade existing systems and enjoy the latest-generation gaming and creator performance.
The Intel Core 14th Gen desktop processors are set to hit retail outlets and OEM partner systems starting October 17, 2023.
Honor has officially teamed up with the renowned design house Porsche Design. Now, leaked renders of the upcoming Honor smartphone hint at what the fruits of this collaboration might look like. The renders come from a Weibo tipster that shows stylish Porsche Design variants of the Honor Magic 6 series devices.
As you can see, the Magic 6 Porsche Design has a two-tone leather finish in red and black. Its circular camera ring houses the triple camera setup (horizontally) and on the back, we can also see the Honor and Porsche Design logos.
Honor Magic 6 Porsche Design render.
However, looks like the partnership won’t be limited to a single phone since the tipster also shared a render of the Porsche Design-inspired Magic 6 Pro. And, although the design is more or less similar to that of last year’s Magic 5 Pro, the phone has a sports car’s accelerometer-inspired design element in its circular camera module.
Honor Magic 6 Pro render.
Interestingly, the leak also suggests the entire Magic 6 series will have Porsche Design treatment, but these are just rumors, so take them with a grain of salt.
Speaking of the Magic 6 series, it’s expected to arrive early next year. Rumors suggest three models in the lineup. The exact names of these devices are still under wraps, but following past trends, they might be called the Honor Magic 6, Magic 6 Pro, and Magic 6 Ultimate.
Tipster Digital Chat Station has shed some light on the Pro model’s key features. The phone is expected to come with a 2K OLED display with a pill-shaped cutout for dual-front-facing cameras.
Powering the device will be a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor. While there are also rumors of a dedicated graphics and security chip. The phone will run on Magic OS 8.0 based on Android 14 and will have a Smart Island notification feature.
Likewise, Magic 6 Pro also utilizes a substantial AI model with an impressive 7 billion parameters, enhancing its capabilities in artificial intelligence applications.
Realme has just launched the Realme GT 5 Pro flagship phone and the Realme V50 series of entry-level 5G smartphones in the Chinese market. In India, the brand recently unveiled the Realme C67, which is the company’s first-ever C-series phone with 5G support. It appears that the company may not have any plans to launch any new smartphones in the remaining 15 days of the year 2023. However, it is expected to start the year 2024 with a bang, as it is rumored to launch the Realme 12 series and the Realme GT Neo 6 in the Chinese market.
Realme 12 Pro series, GT Neo 6 tipped to launch soon
The Realme GT 5 Pro is the company’s first smartphone to feature a periscope telephoto camera. It features a Sony IMX890 periscope zoom unit that supports up to 3x optical zoom. Some of the other flagship phones, such as the OnePlus 12 and the iQOO 12 series, are equipped with the OmniVision OV64B 64-megapixel periscope telephoto camera that offers up to 3x optical zoom.
As per recent reports, Realme will incorporate the flagship-level OV64B periscope zoom unit into its upcoming Realme 12 Pro series of smartphones. Tipster Digital Chat Station has once again reiterated that the mid-range camera-focused phones will be launching soon. As per reports, the Realme 12 Pro and 12 Pro+ have RMX3842 and RMX3840 model numbers, respectively.
In addition, DCS also claimed that the brand is also working on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2-powered Realme GT Neo 6. He added that the GT Neo 6 will debut after the Chinese New Year, which indicates that it may debut by late February in China. However, he did not divulge any more information about the next-generation Neo-series flagship.
Before the release of Nothing’s first smartphone in February 2021, the company appointed Manu Sharma, the former senior director of Samsung India’s mobile business, as the vice president and general manager of Nothing India.
Nothing India head, Manu Sharma is departing the company in January 2024
Manu Sharma shared a statement on LinkedIn about his decision to leave the company. He also added that, following nearly three years, he will be departing Nothing India by the end of January 2024.In addition, he said that it was because of personal matters and that Nothing India has a strong product portfolio that would last until 2024 in addition to a competent staff.
The Nothing India head stated the following on his LinkedIn account:
As we ring in the year 2024 very soon, I am excited to share that I have decided to move on from Nothing. The last 3 years have been very eventful and memorable. This has been the most fortunate & incredible time of my life to build the foundation of the Nothing brand in India from ground zero.
The decision to move on came after intensive deliberation due to personal reasons. Nothing India is in an incredibly strong position, has a very robust pipeline of products in 2024 and with a very capable team. I am very excited about the adventure that awaits, but I am not leaving just yet and will be with Nothing India till the end of January 2024.
In addition, Nothing confirmed that it would have an event on February 27th at the MWC the following year.
Details on the next Nothing Phone (3), the company’s next flagship smartphone, are anticipated to be unveiled at this event.
Intel has introduced the latest Core Ultra mobile processors at the “AI Everywhere” event, signaling a transformative phase in personal computing. These processors, built on Intel’s 4 process technology, employ Foveros 3D advanced packaging, representing a significant architectural shift with dedicated AI acceleration across CPU, GPU, and the newly integrated neural processing unit (NPU).
Supporting over 100 independent software vendors (ISVs) and boasting more than 300 AI-accelerated features, Intel aims to position AI PCs as the dominant force in the PC market by 2028, reshaping the way users work, learn, and create.
Key features of the Core Ultra processors include the Performance-core (P-core) architecture, offering up to 11% better multi-threaded performance for ultrathin PCs. The Intel Arc GPU, featuring up to eight Xe-cores, promises double the graphics performance of its predecessor. The Intel AI Boost NPU enhances power efficiency by 2.5x for longer-running AI workloads.
In addition to these features, the processors support up to 16 cores, 22 threads, and the next-gen Intel Thread Director. With a maximum turbo frequency of 5.1 GHz, they provide a substantial performance boost. Memory capacity reaches up to 64 GB LP5/x and an impressive 96 GB DDR5. Supporting Wi-Fi 6E and discrete Intel Wi-Fi 7, the processors ensure seamless connectivity. Intel Bluetooth LE Audio enhances the audio experience, while Thunderbolt 4 connectivity offers speeds of 40 Gbps for lightning-fast data transfer. OpenVINO toolkits support further enhances AI performance, making these processors ideal for AI-driven applications.
The Intel Core Ultra mobile processors are now globally available, set to power over 230 AI PCs from leading partners like Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, Lenovo, and more. This marks a significant advancement in personal computing, where efficiency, computation, and AI converge to redefine the user experience.
Acer has already announced its Predator Triton Neo 16 laptop powered by the new Intel Core Ultra CPUs. The machine is tailored towards both gamers and content creators.
Vivo has introduced the X100 and X100 Pro in the global market, marking the debut of the first phones powered by the Dimensity 9300 chipset in markets outside of China. However, specific market availability and pricing for the X100 and X100 Pro remain unconfirmed by the brand.. Here is a look at the specifications and configurations of the X100 series for the global market.
Vivo X100, X100 Pro specifications
The Vivo X100 and X100 Pro share common features, including a 6.78-inch curved-OLED LTPO display with 1.5K resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, 2160Hz PWM dimming, and up to 3000 nits of brightness. Equipped with the Dimensity 9300 chipset, the X100 series offers LPDDR5x RAM, and UFS 4.0, they run on Android 14 with OriginOS 4 and feature optical in-display fingerprint sensors. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, USB-C (USB 3.2), NFC, an IR blaster, and an X-axis linear motor. For selfies, the X100 series has a 32-megapixel front-facing camera. The phones boast dual stereo speakers and carry an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance.
Distinguishing the models, the Vivo X100 is equipped with a rear camera setup comprising a 50-megapixel Sony IMX920 VCS main camera with OIS, a 50-megapixel Samsung JN1 ultra-wide lens with a 150-degree FOV, and a 50-megapixel periscope telephoto with OIS. It features a 5,000mAh battery with 120W charging, measuring 164.05 x 75.19 x 8.49mm and weighing 206 grams.
On the other hand, the Vivo X100 Pro features a rear camera configuration with a 50-megapixel 1-inch Sony IMX989 VCS main camera, a 50-megapixel Samsung JN1 ultra-wide with a 150-degree FOV, and a 64-megapixel customized OmniVision OV64B 100mm periscope telephoto with OIS. It is powered by the Vivo V3 chip, has a 5,400mAh battery with 100W wired and 50W wireless charging, and measures 164.05 x 75.28 x 8.91mm, weighing 225 grams.
In China, the Vivo X100 starts at 3,999 Yuan (~$562) and the X100 Pro at 4,999 Yuan (~$703). While global pricing hasn’t been revealed, Vivo confirmed both phones will be available in a 16GB RAM + 512GB storage option, alongside color choices like Startrail Blue and Asteroid Black. The X100 will also come in a 12GB RAM + 256GB storage variant.
Honor has officially announced the release date for its upcoming smartphone, the Honor 90 GT. The device is scheduled to launch on December 21, and it is expected to be accompanied by the Honor Pad 9. A leaked poster on Weibo now confirms that the Honor Pad 9 will indeed launch on the same day as the Honor 90 GT.
The poster shows the tablet with a centered, single-lens camera module on the back. The leak also hints at a Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 processor, suggesting mid-range performance similar to the Honor Pad 8. The poster also reveals that the tablet will run on the MagicOS operating system based on Android. Additionally, its price is expected to be comparable to the Honor Pad 8.
In another leak by the tipster Digital Chat Station, we can see the three color options for the tablet— Grey, Green, and White, with the latter featuring a gradient finish. The tablet is also coupled with a keyboard case and a stylus. The leak also suggests a 512GB storage option. At the launch, the Pad 8 has a starting price of 1,499 yuan (~$222) in China.
Although the leak has already confirmed the tablet’s launch date, we anticipate Honor to make an official announcement soon regarding the launch details.
The tablet has already received 3C certification, confirming 35W charging support. Furthermore, UAE’s TRDA certification reveals the model number (HEY2-W09) and confirms a Wi-Fi-only version, similar to the Honor Pad 8.
Based on the leaks so far, the Honor Pad 9 appears to be a mid-range device, likely inheriting the basic functionalities of the Pad 8. The Pad 8 features a 12-inch 2K LCD screen, Snapdragon 680 processor, and debuted in July 2022.
Today I got a Retro Mini-PC from AYANEO – this AM01. To be honest, I was curious to see what kind of Mini-PC would be like from a manufacturer who specializes in Windows handheld gaming devices. First of all, the version I got is powered by Ryzen7 5700U 32G memory and 1TB SSD.
Unbox
The colors on the packaging is quite retro, and the text and graphics have been designed in a pixel style. When I opened the package, I must say that the unique retro design really caught my eye.
Other than the PC itself, there is also a set of pixel art style stickers, that can be attached to any place you want to decorate. In addition to that, there is a power adapter with wide input and AC power adapters of various sizes.
Surprisingly, it also comes with a disassembly tool and accessories for installing the hard disk. The box is so full of accessories, it’s like AYANEO would even love to have an engineer in the box!
Design
The AYANEO AM01 is a real eye-catcher. The appearance is a clear homage to the Macintosh, the legendary PC launched by Apple in 1984. Although the size is completely different from the real Macintosh, many details are still very much the same, such as the location of the Macintosh floppy drive. However, the floppy drive portal is cleverly designed as an on/off switch. AYANEO’s logo has been magnetized and can work with the magneitc decorative pieces included in the package, to create your own look with the stickers also. All I can say is that AYANEO has done a great job in design.
The outer case is made of plastic, and the color is a kind of oxidized plastic beige, which can also be called “APPLE beige”. Personally, I like this color very much, it’s classic and good looking. I have to say, it’s definitely the most eye-catching device on the desk. Meanwhile, there is an extensive amount of hollowing on the case, in cooling tests, the AM01 did perform very well.
My only complaint about the appearance is the layout, when I place the unit horizontally on my desk, I can’t see the delicate front. If I put it up vertically, the cables brake the harmony, I am torn, but let me know in the comment section if you have the perfect solution.
I/O
In terms of IO ports, there’s a Type-C 5Gbps connector on the front and a 3.5mm headphone jack, and the rear gets a full complement of ports, which are more than enough for everyday use.
Performance
Ryzen7 5700U is a chip that many people are familiar with, Zen3 architecture, 8 Cores and 16 Threads, 8MB L3 cache. It can provide strong performance. I first ran the CPUZ test and the scores were very close to the i7-10700 which also has 8 cores,good performance.
in the more stressful Cinebench 2024, the Ryzen7 5700U still performed well.
In the 10 minute stress test, this chip stayed at 35W all along, running at 3.3Ghz, temperatures at around 80°C, The CPU still managed to run at around 3Ghz during the combined CPU and GPU stress test, nice performance.
The 5700U is equipped with a Vega8 core graphics card, and in time spy tests this Vega8 performance is roughly comparable to the MX350, and if you run games with low graphics requirements, the Vega8 still performs well.
Overall, the Ryzen7 5700U is great for everyday use, providing great CPU performance, and decent GPU performance.
In terms of noise, the fan barely spins during daily use, and during stress tests there is noise that can be noticed, but it is very minimal.
I must say that the rest of the configuration is also very good, the 32GB dual channel memory provides a very good read/write performance, while the 32GB memory is also enough to deal with all kinds of complex tasks.
In terms of storage, it uses a Lexar NM620 1T SSD, I also did some tests on this hard drive. Although this is a PCIE3.0 hard disk, surprisingly it almost reached the upper limit of PCIE3.0 in terms of read-and-write performance, very good. At the same time, I tested the large files read and write performance, it is also very good.
Game
I first tested this PC in Genshin Impact and it achieved 45fps at 1080p medium graphics preset, it’s worth noting that I did the test in the much more stressful Fontaine area.
In Counterstrike 2, with the graphics set at 1080p minimum, the average fps was around 100 in death match.In a casual game like Civilization, there’s no doubt that it runs at 60fps all along, a very good gaming experience.
So if you’re not a heavy user, this GPU performance is more than enough to be your gaming PC, and as for the CPU, you can trust the 8 ZEN3 cores.
Software
Like all AYANEO handheld gaming devices, the AM01 comes with AYAspace, which makes it very easy to set up the TDP, fan speed and manage my games, etc. It also allows you to monitor performance and personalize your game. Performance monitoring and personalized settings are also possible. For a mini-PC device, AYAspace is clearly a plus.
Conclusion
Overall, the AYANEO Retro AM01 mini-PC has an impressive look, and very nice little design on other things that allows for easy DIY. If you are attracted by the great look, you will also be pleasantly surprised by the good CPU performance.
RedMagic is definitely the most special phone brand in these couple of years.
Now in the niche market of gaming phones, it’s not easy for any brand to survive. Some brands shifted their strategies to the mass market, such as iQOO, while unfortunately, some even have been close to backing down from the market. You know what I’m talking about. Yeah, it’s Black Shark, it used to be my favorite gaming phone brand.
However, only RedMagic is still running wild on the gaming-phone path and is starting to try designs that will always remain only in the minds of other phone makers.
What? ROG phone? Well, an old castle owner, let’s cut him a slack.
RedMagic
The latest RedMagic 9 Pro in my hand is the most specially designed phone in 2023, probably taking the title until 2024, unless RedMagic releases a new model to defeat their own 9 Pro.
Technically, its innovative design wasn’t just developed based on the need for gaming, such as the punchless screen and the perfect rectangular shape. As well as a completely flat back design. the RedMagic 9 Pro is designed to look like a betrayal of the mainstream phone market.
Unbox
The packaging for the RedMagic 9 Pro is with a rarely seen silver color as well as glossy accents. The hard case comes with it fits the phone perfectly.There is also a charger and a charging cable inside the package.
First I would like to talk about the charger which supports up to 80W and has decent charging protocol support.
Unfortunately it is a glossy black finish and it’s definitely the most fingerprint-prone charger on the planet. A hacker could easily take everything I have just by stealing the charger.
Design
The RedMagic 9 Pro looks like a phone from the future. The experience of viewing this phone from the front is outstanding, with extremely narrow bezels, coupled with an under-screen camera and square screen proportions delivering an unrivaled visual.
No matter what angle you look at the screen, it is just outstanding. Most of the time it is very difficult to spot the under-screen camera, even on close inspection. It is only vaguely visible against a white background with low brightness.
This phone has a very cool back design that is completely flat with a carbon fiber texture. As well as RGB lights, there is no doubt that no one can resist such a look. One thing worth noting is that like RedMagic’s previous phones, the 9 Pro also packs a cooling fan, but this time the design is much more understated, subtly blending in with the camera’s camera. In 2023, if you want a flagship phone without a raised camera, the RedMagic 9 Pro is the only choice.
The flash portion has a very small bump that’s about as thick as a piece of paper. In the frame, there is quite a lot of stuff, a 3.5MMW headphone jack, IR remote, touch trigger, 3 microphones, dual speakers, and more.
Some may complain about the thickness and grip, but compared to the iPhone 14, the thickness is acceptable. And thanks to the slightly curved connection between the frame and the screen, the grip feels unexpectedly good.
The phone I got has a small stain where the fan is located, and not just me, some of the users who have purchased the 9 Pro have also responded with similar issues, SO, please also consider it before buying. It doesn’t affect the use, but, it just looks a little embarrassing.
Performance
The performance is the strongest among the 8Gen3 phones I have tested. Whether it was Geekbench or 3DMark, the 9 Pro got scores that other phones struggled to match.
The only complaint I have is that RedMagic doesn’t offer a 16GB-RAM option on the 9 Pro, so if you want 16GB, you’ll have to buy the 9 Pro+. However, it’s not very wise to pay the extra money for the Plus variant. You can check out the differences between them here:
Game Test
First of all in Genshin Impact, without a doubt, it was easily kept at 60fps all the time, with power consumption at around 5w like most Snapdragon 8Gen3 phones, in PUBG mobile, perfect 90fps with a very smooth gaming experience. In Honor of Kings, the game runs at 120fps the whole time and has very excellent power control.
Of course, if you want even more performance, you can manually turn on Diablo mode, and this 8Gen3’s CPU and GPU will run at ultra-high frequencies. I tested it for 20 minutes in Harajuku with Diablo mode on, the average power consumption was rising to 9.2W and there was no downclocking at all during the 20 minutes of gaming, which is insane.
Meanwhile, the RedMagic 9 Pro got close to a maximum temperature of 50°C, even coming with a hardworking fan running. That’s probably an extreme performance that we could run on the Snapdragon 8Gen 3 platform.
8gen3 is strong enough to easily crash almost any game even without Diablo mode on, I think Diablo mode is designed for geeks and emulator players.
If you are an FPS game player, then the 9 Pro’s shoulder triggers can be effective in improving your game, I usually set the left one as aiming acts and the right set as shooting. That’s still very useful, compared to regular phone players, you can always have quicker responses. If there’s anything that feels better than the touchable triggers, it must be Black Shark’s mechanical triggers, which, however, are probably going to be history with the brand. I do miss the physical feedback on the Black Shark 4 series.
Fully Covered Display
The RedMagic 9 Pro comes with a 6.8-inch AMOLED screen and uses a 20:9 ratio and smaller curvature, so it’s not just for gaming, the screen also provides an excellent experience when watching videos.
This screen also has a manual maximum brightness of 600nit and an excitation brightness of 1600nit, as well as low brightness PWM dimming and high brightness DC dimming. Simply put, this is a good gaming screen.
Battery & Charging
The 9 Pro has a large 6500mAh battery, and it doesn’t consume more power than any other 8gen3 phone if Diablo mode isn’t on, all in all, the RedMagic 9 Pro can please any picky person when it comes to battery life.
It has a maximum charging power of 80W, and it takes about 38 minutes to fully charge the battery, which is even better than some phones with 100W charging power.
The other good news is that the RedMagic 9 Pro supports bypass charging, and it allows you to manually turn it on whenever you need it. RedMagic really knows what gamers want.
Camera
To be honest, just looking at the specs alone, the camera on the 9 Pro is not bad. The main Camera not only has a large 1/1.57-inch sensor but also supports OIS.
I also briefly took some sample shots, but I think people who really want to buy this phone might not care too much about that. Anyway, you can check out the video here, where we show the samples.
As for the front-facing camera, it just brought me back to 2012.
Verdict
In short, the RedMagic 9 Pro has everything a gamer could want! great performance, cool looks, big battery, bypass charging, and more. This is definitely the ultimate gaming device that gamers will hard to resist.
Anyway, if you are still interested in the upgraded gaming phone, buy it at Giztop or Geekwills.
Nubia has unveiled its latest flagship, the Nubia Z60 Ultra, boasting a 6000mAh silicon carbon anode battery, proudly dubbed as “the battery life ceiling of the imaging flagship”. The Nubia Z60 Ultra is set to be unveiled on December 19th.
Silicon carbon anode batteries offer higher energy density than conventional ones
Traditionally, smartphones have employed graphite anode batteries. The use of silicon with graphite in the anode increases the energy density, making it possible to hold more energy while the battery weighs the same. While pure silicon anode materials offer impressive energy density, they face challenges related to expansion during charging and discharging cycles. This challenge is overcome by employing a mixture of silicon and graphite (carbon) materials for the anode, and this is precisely what Nubia’s upcoming flagship utilizes.
The Z60 Ultra’s exterior design has been officially confirmed, featuring captivating options such as the Starry Sky Collector’s Edition, Galaxy, and Shine colors. The Starry Sky Collector’s Edition boasts an exclusive glasses-free 3D star diamond relief technology on its back panel, coupled with a high-resolution starry sky micro-etching process and a unique “lens nano texture.” Meanwhile, the Galaxy and Star Shine color variants employ an AG matte process, creating an aesthetically pleasing combination of matte and bright light elements.
On the rear side, the device showcases a fifth-generation under-display camera (UDC) full-screen display with narrow bezels. The camera setup includes an 18mm 50MP ultra-wide-angle lens, a 35mm 50MP primary camera, and an 85mm 64MP periscope telephoto lens, all equipped with optical image stabilization (OIS). The Z60 Ultra is anticipated to run on the powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, support 80W wired fast charging, and come with IP68-rated dust and water resistance.
In conclusion, Nubia’s Z60 Ultra continues to focus on performance alongside its imaging capabilities, addresses a crucial aspect of smartphone usage – the battery life.
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