Stable Android Studio Hedgehog is Available With Better Tools for Developers

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Dec 9, 2023

Android’s official new Integrated Developer Environment (IDE), Android Studio Hedgehog, is now available. Android Studio version 2023.1.1 is out, and developers can enjoy its new features and performance improvements. There’s a whole new App Quality insight to debug issues easily and effectively. Similarly, several other changes are part of the parcel.

Android Studio Hedgehog Features

Aiming for more efficient apps, the new Android Studio added a Power Profiler feature that calculates the app’s drain on devices with a single action and even recommends other possible opportunities.

“Today, we are thrilled to announce the stable release of Android Studio Hedgehog, the official IDE for building Android apps,” Google product manager Sandhya Mohan writes in the announcement post.“In this Android Studio release, we have upgraded the IntelliJ platform to 2023.1, with features designed to improve app performance and battery life, make it easier to upgrade applications to the latest Android version, and make it faster to develop using Jetpack Compose.”

It also brings an SDK Upgrade Assistant to help developers easily elevate the SDK level, aka Android version compatibility. It pinpoints the changes required to make it compatible with the newer Android version. Further, there are new User Interface changes that offer three different modes: compact mode, vertical and horizontal window splitting, and project tabs.

There’s a new Device Mirroring tool that offers an additional window called Running Devices. It provides the ability to mirror a physical Android device in the integrated development environment (IDE) via USB or Wi-Fi, allowing you to interact with the device without having to exit Android Studio. A new Layout Inspector enhancement is that while running an application on virtual hardware or a mirrored device, you can now embed the Layout Inspector in the Running Devices window. This feature is optional, significantly improves the app’s performance, and frees up a great deal of on-screen real estate.

It is now available for download from Android developers. For further details, users can read release notes.

These enhancements collectively underscore Android Studio’s commitment to providing developers with powerful tools, making the app development journey more intuitive, efficient, and feature-rich. As developers delve into the updated version, they can expect an elevated experience that aligns with the evolving needs of modern app creation.

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Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro Genshin Impact Edition launched in China

By

Sudhanshu

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Dec 9, 2023

Xiaomi is gearing up to launch the Smart Band 8 Pro globally. The device has already appeared on SIRIM, TDRA, and IMDA certification databases. While global customers still await an official announcement, Xiaomi has launched the Smart Band 8 Pro Genshin Impact Edition in China.

Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro Genshin Impact Edition

The Xiaomi Band 8 Pro Genshin Impact Edition pays homage to Tartaglia, also known as Childe. Encased in a special gift box, the smart band includes themed stickers and a poster. In terms of design, the band features a high-quality TPU material strap decorated with Childe’s mask.

The UI is also themed around Genshin Impact and Childe, and you also get a themed wireless charger as well. Other than that, the specifications remain the same as the regular Xiaomi Band 8 Pro.

Xiaomi Band 8 Pro specs

The Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro boasts a sleek design with a rectangular dial and a button-free interface. It offers customization with interchangeable straps and features a vibrant 1.74-inch AMOLED display (336 x 480 pixels), 60Hz refresh rate, and 600 nits peak brightness. The display supports an always-on feature and presents 16.7 million colors.

For health and fitness, it includes a heart-rate monitor, SpO2 sensor, sleep tracker, and menstrual cycle monitor. It also has stress tracking, breath training, supports 150+ sports modes, and incorporates a somatosensory sensor for boxing activities. With 5-meter water resistance, it’s suitable for water-related activities.

Connectivity features include a GNSS chip for accurate location tracking, voice assistant for hands-free control, and integration with other Xiaomi smart devices. Additional features include customizable widgets, portrait watch faces, camera control, music control, weather updates, and notifications. The device is powered by a 297mAh battery, offering up to 14 days of battery life on a full charge.

Xiaomi Band 8 Pro Genshin Impact Edition pricing

The Xiaomi Band 8 Pro Genshin Impact Edition is now on sale in China, with a price tag of 549 Yuan ($77). Customers outside of China can also get their hands on this limited edition smart band via Giztop.

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Cuktech 10000mAh Pocket power bank with bidirectional 30W fast charging launched for 99 yuan ($14)

By

Soumyakanti

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Dec 9, 2023

Cuktech has launched its new power bank called the Power Block Pocket Edition Power Bank, a compact yet powerful product with a 10,000mAh battery. It will be available for sale tonight at an attractive initial price of 99 yuan ($14). Let’s check out the key specs of this powerbank.

Cuktech Pocket Power Bank Key Specs

The power bank is equipped with both USB-A and USB-C ports, supporting bidirectional 30W fast charging. This makes it compatible with the UFCS fusion fast charging protocol, allowing it to cater to a wide range of devices.

UFCS is a fast charging protocol jointly developed by the Institute of Telecommunications and major smartphone brands like Huawei, OPPO, Vivo, and Xiaomi. Its primary goal is to address compatibility problems associated with different fast charging protocols, offering a solution for seamless and universal fast charging across a variety of devices.

The power bank offers a convenient low-current mode, activated with a double-click of the power button, perfect for charging smaller devices such as watches and wristbands. Additionally, it is designed with V0-grade fire-resistant PC material and features a grid design for improved heat dissipation, enhancing safety and durability.

It’s compatible with multiple fast charging protocols, including PD, QC, PPS, SCP, FCP, and AFC, and has built-in NTC temperature monitoring for the safety of the battery cells. Cuktech offers an 18-month warranty for this product, promising replacements for any non-human-induced quality issues within 540 days of purchase.

The design of the power bank is both functional and stylish. It comes in three colors: Pink, Grey, and Orange, with a color-blocking design. It’s similar in size to a credit card and weighs only 195g, making it highly portable. The light strip design indicates the remaining battery capacity, adding to its aesthetic appeal.

The power bank can charge an iPhone 15 to 20% in just 30 minutes. It can also charge an iPhone 15 approximately 1.7 times, a Xiaomi 14 approximately 1.2 times, a Huawei Mate 60, and an iPad 10th Gen.

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ASUS ROG Phone 8, 8 Pro Spotted On Geekbench Database

By

Viraj Gawde

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Dec 9, 2023

Yesterday, ASUS officially teased the global arrival of the ROG Phone 8. The teaser poster revealed a redesigned camera module. The next-generation gaming smartphones from the Taiwanese brand are already confirmed to come with the flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor. The ROG Phone 8 lineup is expected to comprise of standard, pro, and ultimate variants. Now, the ROG Phone 8 and 8 Pro have appeared on the Geekbench benchmarking platform. The Ultimate variant had surfaced in September.

ASUS ROG Phone 8, 8 Pro Geekbench

The ASUS ROG Phone 8 and 8 Pro were previously spotted on the Bluetooth SIG certification website with model numbers AI2401_D / AI2401_A and AI2401_A, respectively, confirming their monikers. The ROG Phone 8 duo with model numbers AI2401_D and AI2401_A have now surfaced on the benchmarking database. However, this is not the first time both devices are appearing on Geekbench and previously they pointed out to the Ultimate variant of the ROG Phone 8.

The Geekbench listing of the ASUS ROG Phone 8 and 8 Pro mentions a motherboard codenamed pineapple and it comprises of two cores clocked at 2.27GHz, five cores at 2.96GHz, and a prime core ticking at 3.19GHz. The ROG Phone with model number AI2401_A is listed with 16GB RAM onboard whereas the device with model number AI2401_D has 24GB RAM. It’s likely that there could be multiple RAM and storage configurations of the ASUS ROG Phone 8 and 8 Pro. The gaming phones will ship with Android 14 OS out of the box.

The ASUS ROG Phone 8 with model number AI2401_A scores 2,213 and 7,048 points in Geekbench’s single-core and multi-core test results respectively. Meanwhile the device with model number AI2401_D scores 2,271 and 7,360 points respectively.

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Nubia Z60 Ultra design revealed through leaked image

By

Rajesh Regmi

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Dec 9, 2023

Nubia is gearing up for the launch of its upcoming flagship smartphone, the Nubia Z60 Ultra, on December 19th. Recent teasers gave us a glimpse of the phone’s circular camera design. Now a new leak has surfaced, offering a more complete picture of the device’s aesthetics.

Nubia Z60 Ultra design surfaced in new leak

Much like the Z50 Ultra, the Z60 will also feature a display with a no-notch design. This means you can expect an under-display selfie camera, and the bezels on all sides appear to be symmetrical. We can also see the flat display of the phone.

Around the back, there’s a large rectangular camera island that covers the entire width of the phone. The camera module has a two-tone finish, with the upper half in a white finish housing a camera sensor in a capsule-style design. To the right of the sensor is an LED light, the Nubia logo, and a red dot, which is possibly for aesthetic purposes.

The bottom half of the camera module is black and houses two camera sensors. One sensor is in a circular cutout with a red accent, while the other is in a rectangular cutout.

The leak also reveals the antenna lines on the frame, confirming that the phone will have a metal frame. Additionally, there’s a physical slider that can be used to mute notifications. The power key and the volume rocker are located on the same right-hand side.

Nubia has also confirmed through a recent Weibo teaser that the Z60 Ultra will boast a 50MP primary sensor with impressive specs: 1/1.56-inch size, f/1.8 aperture, OIS support, and an “eight-wire suspension stabilization motor.”

Furthermore, Nubia claims the Z60 Ultra will feature the world’s first “main-level wide-angle lens,” suggesting the primary camera will offer capabilities similar to an ultra-wide-angle lens.

Besides this, the smartphone will be powered by the new Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, likely paired with LPDDR5x RAM and UFS 4,0 storage. The phone might also boast IP68 water and dust resistance for added peace of mind.

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Report: Google admits to editing Gemini AI demo video

By

Rajesh Regmi

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Dec 9, 2023

Google recently unveiled its new Gemini AI model and touted it as the challenger to OpenAI’s GPT-4. However, the new AI model has met with skepticism following a report by Bloomberg questioning the authenticity of its demo video.

According to Google, the Gemini model surpasses GPT-4 in performance, achieving a score of 90.04% on the MMLU benchmark compared to GPT-4’s 87.29%.

Google kind of faked Gemini AI’s demo video

They also shared a demo video showcasing Gemini’s impressive abilities in action where it was able to interact with humans in real-time, seamlessly understanding and responding to complex visuals and prompts.

However, Bloomberg’s investigation revealed that the video was edited and did not reflect real-time interactions. The “live” demonstration relied on still image frames and pre-written prompts, rather than real-time responses by Gemini to the drawing or changes in the object on the table.

In response to the controversy, Google co-lead Oriol Vinyals defended the video, claiming it aimed to “inspire developers” by showcasing the potential of Gemini-powered user experiences. However, we don’t think his statement managed to address the discrepancy between the video’s presentation and the actual capabilities of the technology.

Really happy to see the interest around our “Hands-on with Gemini” video. In our developer blog yesterday, we broke down how Gemini was used to create it. https://t.co/50gjMkaVc0

We gave Gemini sequences of different modalities — image and text in this case — and had it respond… pic.twitter.com/Beba5M5dHP
— Oriol Vinyals (@OriolVinyalsML) December 7, 2023

Even Google’s official disclaimer for the video on YouTube mentions “reduced latency” and “shortened outputs”. But it falls short of revealing the full extent of editing admitted to Bloomberg. This discrepancy kind of took away the charm of Gemini AI, at least for me!

This is not the first time the company has been criticized for such practices. Earlier in 2023, a rushed demo of its Bard AI resulted in several prominent mistakes, tarnishing its image.

Despite being a leader in machine learning research, Google seems to struggle with effectively communicating the capabilities of its AI tools. Only time will tell whether Gemini can live up to the initial hype.

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Nothing Phone (2) Available At A Discounted Price Across Partner Stores In India

By

Viraj Gawde

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Dec 9, 2023

Nothing recently announced a permanent price cut on the Phone (2) in India. The phone starts at Rs 39,999 for the base variant. Now, the London-based brand has announced an early Christmas offer with a discounted price on the Nothing Phone (2) across its partner stores in the country. If you have been waiting to buy the Phone (2), now is a very good time to grab it. Read on to know all the details below.

Nothing Phone (2) discounted in India

Christmas came early this year! Grab the best offers on Phone (2) @Flipkart @cromaretail @VijaySales. pic.twitter.com/ZkTc2C3l2A
— Nothing India (@nothingindia) December 8, 2023

The Nothing Phone (2) after the recent price cut is priced at Rs 39,999, Rs 44,999, and Rs 49,999 for the 8GB + 128GB, 12GB + 256GB, and 12GB + 512GB RAM and storage configurations. The base variant has not received any discounted price.

As a part of the Christmas offer, the 12GB + 256GB and 12GB + 512GB are now cheaper for purchase on Flipkart, Croma, and Vijay sales. The discounted price tags on both variants are different on Flipkart and partner retail stores. Additionally, It’s worth noting that the Nothing Phone (2) is offered in White and Dark Grey color options. The revised prices mentioned in the table are for the White color variant whereas the Dark Grey is available at a higher price.

Nothing Phone (2)	Sale Price	Regular Price
Flipkart
Nothing Phone (2) 12GB + 256GB	Rs 41,999	Rs 44,999
Nothing Phone (2) 12GB + 512GB	Rs 44,999	Rs 49,999

Croma and Vijay Sales
Nothing Phone (2) 12GB + 256GB	Rs 37,999	Rs 44,999
Nothing Phone (2) 12GB + 512GB	Rs 40,999	Rs 49,999

The Nothing Phone (2) 12GB + 256GB and 12GB + 512GB are discounted by Rs 3,000 and Rs 5,000 respectively on Flipkart. There are bank offers for PNB and Bank of Baroda cardholders, free Spotify Premium, and exchange offer on the e-commerce platform. Meanwhile, the prices of the same configurations on Vijay Sales and Croma are reduced by Rs 7,000 and Rs 9,999 respectively. Only Vijay sales is offering various bank offers that can make the purchase price cheaper.

It’s unclear how long the Christmas offer will last. It’s worth noting that the discounted prices could change as well.

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Vivo confirms December 14 Global Launch for X100 Series

By

Rajesh Regmi

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Dec 9, 2023

Vivo was the first to launch their X100 series smartphone with the powerful MediaTek Dimensity 9300 chip. Back in November, they released two models — the Vivo X100 and X100 Pro — both of which are impressive in performance and camera. But the big question was: when would they launch globally?

Global Vivo X100 series launch date revealed

It seems we might have the answer, thanks to a slip-up on Vivo’s global website. A webpage is now live on their website featuring the Vivo X100 series with a “coming soon” message. Clicking it leads to a page mentioning a global launch date of December 14th. We expect both X100 models to be available then.

However, the website also mentions a pre-order date of November 24th. This seems inaccurate, as that date has already passed and Vivo hasn’t announced any pre-orders yet. Additionally, no details about the sale date have been revealed.

Specifications

To recap, both the Vivo X100 and Vivo X100 Pro sports a 6.78-inch AMOLED screen with 1.5K resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+ support, and an in-screen fingerprint scanner. They are also IP68-certified dust and water-resistant.

Both phones have a 50MP main sensor and a 50MP ultra-wide-angle unit. The regular version also has a 64MP telephoto lens, while the Pro version has a 50MP telephoto lens, both featuring 3x optical zoom and 100x digital zoom. Moreover, they come with a 32MP selfie snapper and Vivo’s proprietary V3 imaging chip.

As aforementioned, the Vivo X100 series is powered by MediaTek’s Dimensity 9300 SoC, paired with up to 16GB LPDDR5T RAM and 1TB UFS 4 storage. The standard and pro models have 5,000 and 5,400mAh batteries with 120W and 100W wired charging respectively. The X100 Pro also supports 50W wireless charging. Likewise, they ship with OriginOS 4-based Android 14.

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Samsung Galaxy Tab Active 5 picks up TDRA certification

By

Soumyakanti

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Dec 9, 2023

Samsung is preparing to launch a new rugged tablet, the Galaxy Tab Active 5. The tablet has already received certifications from various authorities, including the FCC and Safety Korea. Now the device has reached the TDRA database.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab Active series is primarily designed for rugged industrial use, boasting robust features like water and dust resistance (IP68), drop protection, and resilience against extreme conditions like altitude, temperature, vibration, and humidity. These tablets are tailored for reliability in challenging environments, making them a top choice for industries like construction, field service, and healthcare.

Galaxy Tab Active 5 TDRA Certification

Coming to the specific details of the Galaxy Tab Active 5, it is reported to come in two models: the Wi-Fi-only variant (SM-X300) and the 5G model (SM-X306B). The 5G model has been certified by the TDRA with the registration number ER26759/23.

Previously, there was some confusion regarding the naming of the new tablet, given the previous releases of the Galaxy Tab Active 3 and Galaxy Tab Active 4 Pro. However, the TDRA certification clarifies that the new device will be named the Galaxy Tab Active 5. The issue date of the certification is 6th December 2023 and it is valid until December 5, 2026. Earlier, the Safety Korea certification also provided a real-life image of the device (SM-X306N).

Samsung-Galaxy-Tab-Active-5-SM-X306N-SafetyKorea

Regarding the device’s specifications, some details have been disclosed through the certification process, while others remain based on rumors and speculations. The Galaxy Tab Active 5 is expected to feature the Exynos 1380 chipset, run on Android 14 OS, and offer 6GB RAM with 128GB internal storage, expandable up to 64GB. It will support an S-Pen and under the hood, it will boast a 4,900mAh battery with 15W charging capability. Additionally, it is speculated to have a user-replaceable battery.

Last year’s model, Galaxy Tab Active 4 Pro, included a 10.1-inch TFT LCD FHD panel, a Snapdragon 778G chipset, a 13-megapixel rear camera, an 8-megapixel front camera, and a 7,600mAh battery.

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Realme 12 Pro and Realme 12 Pro+ could launch soon, spotted on BIS certification platform

By

Rajesh Regmi

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Dec 9, 2023

Realme‘s flagship GT 5 Pro smartphone is now official, and the company might be turning its attention to the Realme 12 series next. While details about the series are still scarce, two new phones — Realme 12 Pro and 12 Pro+ — have recently been certified by the BIS in India. A vanilla Realme 12 is also expected to be in the works.

Realme 12 Pro, 12 Pro+ BIS certification

Both the Realme 12 Pro and Realme 12 Pro+ received the BIS certification on December 8th, 2023 with model numbers “RMX3842” and “RMX3840” respectively.

The model number “RMX3840” is purportedly the Realme 12 Pro+, and it has also appeared on Indonesia’s SDPPI certification platform. While the model number “RMX3842” is expected to be the Realme 12 Pro. Unfortunately, the certifications don’t reveal much else about the devices.

Previous reports suggest that the Realme 12 Pro Plus will be powered by the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 processor and sport a 64MP OmniVision OV64B 3x periscope telephoto camera as its primary shooter. Meanwhile, the Realme 12 Pro is expected to be equipped with a 32MP Sony IMX709 2x telephoto lens.

The Realme number series has a history of directly competing with the Redmi Note lineup. This time, the Realme 12 series will likely go head-to-head with the Redmi Note 13 series, which has already launched in China and is expected to make its global debut soon.

More information about the Realme 12 series is expected to come out in the coming days. With the launch of the Realme GT 5 Pro out of the way, we can also expect the Realme 12 series to be launched by the end of this month. We’ll keep you updated as more information becomes available.

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Honor Magic 6 Pro spotted on 3C certification with 100W charging, satellite connectivity

By

Rajesh Regmi

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Dec 9, 2023

Looks like Honor has been a busy bee lately! We’re seeing leaks and rumors about two new GT-series phones, the X50 GT and the 90 GT. But that’s not all – Honor is also gearing up to launch its flagship Magic 6 series, and the Pro model just popped up on a 3C certification listing.

Honor Magic 6 Pro 3C certification

The 3C listing confirms that the Honor Magic 6 Pro (model number BVL-AN16) will support 5G networks. However, the most interesting detail is its label as a “Satellite mobile terminal 5G.”

This confirms the presence of advanced satellite connectivity, aligning with earlier statements from Honor’s general manager, Li Kun, about the company’s development of satellite-based communication solutions.

While the standard Honor Magic 6 (model number BVL-AN00) also appeared on the 3C last month, it only boasts support for 66W charging. No mention of satellite connectivity was found, suggesting this feature will be exclusive to the Pro model.

Honor Magic 6 Pro Specifications

The upcoming Honor Magic 6 Pro is expected to feature a high-resolution OLED display with a pill-shaped cutout for dual front-facing cameras and advanced sensors. It will run on the all-new Magic OS 8.0, which is based on Android 14. The device will be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset and will boast a dedicated graphics chip, a built-in security chip, and a substantial AI model.

It is also expected to feature a second-generation Qinghai Lake battery and a rear shell made of nano-ceramic glass. Likewise, reports hint that the smartphone will be equipped with a one-inch, 50-megapixel OmniVision OV50k primary camera with variable aperture support.

Honor hasn’t announced the launch date for the Magic 6 series yet, but we’ll keep you updated.

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OnePlus 12 global launch confirmed for January 23, including the OnePlus 12R

By

Rajesh Regmi

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Dec 9, 2023

The OnePlus 12 has finally been confirmed for a global launch on January 23rd, 2024. This news was officially announced at the Never Settle Summit held in Antwerp, Belgium.

The summit was held to celebrate ten years since the launch of the OnePlus brand and brought together the company’s community. Alexander Vanderhaeghe, Country Manager for OnePlus Benelux, confirmed the launch date for the OnePlus 12 as January 23 and announced that it will be joined by the OnePlus 12R in Europe.

Previously, leaks suggested that the OnePlus 12R would be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, rather than the newer Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 found in the OnePlus 12. The 12R is expected to be launched as the OnePlus Ace 3 in China.

In addition to the smartphone announcements, OnePlus also confirmed its plans to expand into the Internet of Things (IoT) market. The company did not provide any specific details about the products it plans to launch.

But we can expect the launch of the OnePlus Buds 3 since the wearable has appeared on multiple certification sites. OnePlus also announced the arrival of the black OnePlus Open in early 2024.

To recap, OnePlus 12 specifications, it boast a familiar design with glass and metal construction and IP65-rated protection. It’s powered by the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, paired with fast LPDDR5x RAM and UFS 4.0 storage, kept cool by a large VC cooling system.

On the front, it sports a 6.82-inch curved OLED display with QHD+ resolution and 120Hz refresh rate. The camera setup is identical to the OnePlus Open, featuring a triple rear camera system with a 50MP primary sensor and Hasselblad image processing.

Connectivity options include 5G, WiFi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, and more. The phone runs ColorOS 14 based on Android 14 and packs a 5,400mAh battery with 100W wired and 50W wireless charging.

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Honor 90 GT: First leaked images show sleek design with flat sides

By

Rajesh Regmi

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Dec 9, 2023

Following the launch of the Honor 100 series last month, the company is reportedly turning its attention to the Honor 90 GT. Rumors also suggest another GT-series phone, the Honor X50 GT, is in the works. Both devices are expected to be performance-centric phones, competing against the likes of Redmi’s K70 and K70e. A recent leak on Weibo has now revealed the possible design of the Honor 90 GT.

Honor 90 GT Design

The leaked image showcases a design that’s a significant departure from the Honor 80 GT. The phone appears in a striking purple-ish and gold color scheme with a matte finish.

The back panel features a rectangular camera module housing three cameras and an LED flash. The module itself is slightly raised, and the camera rim has a stylish golden accent. The phone also has flat sides, and the right side is adorned with stylish golden stripes, adding a touch of aesthetics.

While the leak offers a good look at the phone’s back, it doesn’t reveal the front.

Specifications (Rumored)

Previous reports suggest that the Honor 90 GT is expected to pack a punch with the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor. A recent leak even hints at a possible “Honor 90 GT+” variant with a whopping 24GB of RAM, a first for Honor phones.

Furthermore, the Honor 90 GT, rumored to have the model number MAG-AN00, has also surfaced in the database of the 3C certification platform. This listing reveals that the smartphone may support 100W charging.

While other specifications of the Honor 90 GT remain under wraps, we can expect competitive pricing, considering its expected positioning as a rival to the Redmi K70. The K70 starts at 2,499 Yuan in China.

As far as launch is concerned, it is rumored that the Honor X50 GT and the Honor 90 GT will be announced together. Reports suggest that it will debut in the last week of this year.

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A Digital Milestone is Achieved as EU Achieves a Deal for an AI Regulatory Framework

By

Anubhav

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Dec 9, 2023

Europe is making headlines with a groundbreaking deal on artificial intelligence (AI) regulations. This isn’t just any agreement; it’s a first-of-its-kind effort to bring legal oversight to AI technologies, including popular generative AI services like ChatGPT. These technologies are more than just buzzwords; they’re changing our lives, but not without raising some serious concerns.

Europe will be the first continent to draft and pass legislations around AI

After some intense negotiations, the European Union has achieved a tentative political agreement for the Artificial Intelligence Act. This act is a big deal because it’s going to set clear rules for using AI, making the EU the first continent to do so. The agreement was hard-won, with discussions lasting hours and tackling hot-button issues like generative AI and the use of facial recognition by the police.

What’s interesting is that the details of the law are still a bit hazy. It won’t take effect until 2025 at the earliest, and there’s still some fine-tuning to be done. It looks like Europe is trying to set a global standard with this act, having already taken an early lead in 2021. But with the rapid growth of generative AI, they’ve had to update their plans.

This act isn’t just about making rules; it’s about addressing the risks AI poses, like job loss, privacy invasion, and even threats to human life. The EU is setting a precedent for the world, and other major players like the US, UK, and China are also getting in on the action with their own AI regulation proposals.

One key aspect of the EU’s AI Act is its focus on foundation models, which are the sophisticated systems behind services like ChatGPT. These models, which are based on vast amounts of internet data, can create new content, unlike traditional AI. The act aims to place extra scrutiny on the most advanced models, especially those that pose significant risks.

The debate over AI-powered facial recognition was particularly tricky. European lawmakers wanted a full ban on public use due to privacy concerns, while member countries sought exceptions for serious crimes. A compromise was eventually found, balancing privacy with security needs.

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Volkswagen is Planning to Cut 20% of its Administrative Staff Costs

By

Anubhav

-

Dec 9, 2023

This might be a pretty bold move to navigate through challenging times, but Volkswagen has announced a significant shift in its strategy. The German automotive giant is now on a mission to streamline its operations and reduce costs as part of a comprehensive $10.8 billion savings plan.

Instead of layoffs, the company will provide partial and early retirements

Central to this strategy is a 20% reduction in administrative staff costs, a decision that reflects the company’s commitment to efficiency and financial prudence. Notably, Volkswagen has chosen a humane approach to achieving this goal. Instead of layoffs, the reduction will primarily occur through partial and early retirements. This depicts the company’s respect for its workforce and its desire to minimize the impact on employees’ lives.

Volkswagen’s strategy also includes a revamp of its product cycles. The company plans to shorten the cycle from 50 months to just 36 months. This change means consumers can expect to see new and facelifted models more frequently, keeping the brand fresh and competitive in a rapidly evolving market.

Another significant development is the cancellation of a planned $862 million research and development site in Wolfsburg, Germany. This decision reflects a shift in priorities, with Volkswagen focusing more on immediate operational efficiencies rather than long-term capital projects.

These changes come at a time when Volkswagen’s production numbers are reflecting a noticeable dip. The company’s Wolfsburg plant, which once churned out an average of 780,000 cars annually, is now aiming for 500,000 units this year, a stark contrast to its past performance.

Volkswagen’s brand boss, Thomas Schaefer, put it succinctly: “We will need to operate with fewer people in many areas at Volkswagen in the future.” This statement encapsulates the essence of Volkswagen’s new direction – a leaner, more efficient operation that is ready to face the challenges of the modern automotive industry, especially electric vehicles.

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iPhone Maker Foxconn Commits $1.5 Billion Investment, Creating Thousands of New Jobs in India

By

Oğuz Çakır

-

Dec 8, 2023

India is making steady progress in becoming a global hub for technology production. Particularly after the pandemic, companies are investing heavily, and this is crucial for Apple. The company aims to move some of its production from China to avoid potential future issues. In this regard, Foxconn, the Taiwanese company producing iPhones for Apple, is gearing up to invest $1.5 billion in India for diversifying its production locations. Here are the details…

Foxconn Pours $1.5 Billion into India for Apple’s Expansion Strategy

Foxconn is continuing its investment efforts in India. We previously mentioned the company’s commitment to invest $600 million in the region, creating job opportunities for 13,000 individuals. Now, Foxconn, through its subsidiary “Hon Hai Technology,” has announced a plan to invest over $1.5 billion in India for an undisclosed building project to meet its operational needs. However, no further details were provided in the securities filings, and a spokesperson from Foxconn did not respond to inquiries.

Unfortunately, as of now, these are the only details we have on the subject. However, we can make some educated guesses and engage in a bit of speculation. As you may be aware, $1.5 billion is a significant amount, even for Foxconn. Using this as a starting point, it seems likely that the mentioned building could be intended for use as a factory.

Moreover, part of Apple’s plans involves ramping up production in the region. Therefore, the Taiwanese company must meet these demands to avoid losing a crucial customer. Of course, there’s also a political aspect to consider. As you probably know, China and Taiwan aren’t exactly the best of friends. Despite shared business interests preventing major conflicts, it’s unclear how long this cooperation will last.

Consequently, for Foxconn, keeping a substantial part of production in China may not be the most prudent decision. These are purely personal thoughts and may not align with the goals of the companies involved. For now, all we can do is wait and see the intended purpose of the facility. Leakages will, undoubtedly, provide us with more information on this matter.

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Final Audio ZE8000 MK2 earbuds with Bluetooth Multipoint and Qualcomm aptX Adaptive connectivity launched

By

Jed John Ikoba

-

Dec 8, 2023

Final Audio has released a refreshed and premium version of the ZE8000 earbuds. The new ZE8000 MK2 earbuds feature Bluetooth Multipoint and Qualcomm aptX connectivity. The new earbuds are coming just a few months after the release of the ZE800 earbuds.

Final Audio announced the original model back in February 2023 but the new version comes with significant improvements. Final Audio says the ZE8000 MK2 is an evolution of 8K sound but retains the same drivers as its predecessor. It has a slightly higher sound threshold than the original model by up to 5 dB. The maximum volume rating of the new pair of Final Audio earbuds has not been specified, however. The model comes with an improved sound quality using signal processing and an optimized design.

In terms of noise cancellation, the ZE8000 is about 32% more efficient than its predecessor. In addition, Bluetooth Multipoint connectivity is featured in the new earbuds, while the aptX Adaptive audio is retained as with the ZE8000. The new pair of Final Audio earbuds come with a battery life of five hours on typical usage. The earbuds are fully charged in about 80 minutes. The Qualcomm aptX Adaptive offers 24-bit audio at 96kHz compressed to 420 kbit/s which is similar to its predecessor.

Pricing & Availability

The Final Audio ZE8000 MK2 earbuds are priced from €329 (~$354) in the EU. It is priced at $399.99 in the US and £289 (~$363) in the UK. To put the price in perspective, the original ZE8000 currently selling on Amazon for $236. There are no exact release dates yet for the earbuds but it is expected to be soon. Final Audio has also not specified whether the ZE8000 MK2 will also berth in other markets.

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AOC AGON AG275QZW and AG275QZE 27-inch gaming monitors with 260Hz refresh rate and 1440p resolution announced

By

Jed John Ikoba

-

Dec 8, 2023

AOC has announced two new gaming monitors with premium features. They are the AOC AGON AG275QZW and AG275QZE 27-inch monitors. They come with a high display refresh rate of 260Hz and 1440p resolution.

The two new AOC gaming monitors are the successors of the AOC AG275QZ and AG275QZN AGON 5 series monitors. Both models were launched in November 2022 and their successors have now been showcased in China. Although the full details of the new AOC gaming monitors are not available, it seems both come with many similar features. The AG275QZW and AG275QZE have white and black cases respectively.

The core specifications of both models are the same although AOC has only updated the AG275QZW on its website. The model has a 27-inch IPS panel and offers 0.5ms MPRT and 1ms GtG response times.

The AG275QZW has a slightly higher native refresh rate than the AG275QZ and AG275QZN but may not achieve overclocking to 270Hz as with the AG275QZ. The model offers 99% sRGB and 92% DCI-P3 color gamut coverage. The new AOC gaming monitors have a peak brightness of 450 nits and up to 178º viewing angle.

The monitors are rated VESA DisplayHDR 400 and are equipped with DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.0, and USB 3.2 Gen 1 connections. There is also a VESA mount as part of the accessories to enable the use of third-party stands. The four video outputs consist of two HDMI and DP 1.4 ports on the monitors.

Pricing & Availability

There are no pricing and release details yet for the upcoming AOC AG275QZW and AG275QZE gaming monitors. AOC has also not specified whether the new monitors will be available in overseas markets and how much they could be priced. However, these optics are expected to be released shortly by AOC.

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Canon unveils a sleek lamp with Bluetooth speaker in China for 2,680 yuan ($374)

By

Jed John Ikoba

-

Dec 8, 2023

Camera manufacturer Canon has launched a new product that provides both audio and lighting functionality in China. The Canon new light speaker is a two-in-one gadget that can meet both audio and lighting needs. The top of the speaker features an LED light that is DC-controlled. The LED light can swivel in different directions to provide lighting.

The Canon light speaker is designed to look like a traditional lamp with the speaker compartment sitting below while the light segment is at the top. It can be used primarily for lighting and its different light modes and levels provide sufficient options for use in different scenarios.

The lighting system of the new Canon light speaker supports two options – white or warm. It also supports three-level dimming options namely weak, medium, and strong. The full-range speaker can deliver sound across the entire frequency range of low, medium, and high. There is a passive radiator at the bottom of the light speaker and this delivers a deeper brass output. The cylindrical aluminum body is capable of suppressing noise and also offers 360-degree sound diffusion.

The new Canon light speaker can be paired to an input device via Bluetooth. It has a battery life of about 5 hours and can be recharged via USB-C. The lamp, arm, and body of the light speaker can be moved independently and the lighting angle can be easily adjusted with one hand. It uses a free stop structure and can be stopped easily within the movable range.

The new Canon light speaker is now available in China for 2,680 yuan (~$374). There are no indications yet whether Canon will ship the new light speaker to other markets. The new Canon light speaker is available from e-commerce platforms in China.

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Nothing Phone (1) gets Android 14 x Nothing OS 2.5 Closed Beta Update

By

Sudhanshu

-

Dec 8, 2023

Nothing‘s latest smartphone, the Nothing Phone (2) is currently on the second Open Beta test for its Android 14-based Nothing OS 2.5. The brand has now turned its attention to its predecessor.

The brand has started the Nothing OS 2.5 Closed Beta program for the Nothing Phone (1). The sad news is that participants have already been selected and the program is currently full. If you are one of the users who was selected for the program, you will soon receive the update which measures 1.22GB. As for the features coming with the update, you can check the changelog below.

Nothing OS 2.5 Closed Beta 1 Update changelog

Customization:

Redesigned joint Home Screen and Lock Screen customization page.
Improved edit wallpaper flow for a comprehensive view of options.
Introduced new “Atmosphere” wallpaper effect for dynamic, color-motion backgrounds.
Added new “Glass” wallpaper effect with a unique and special appearance.
Solid color wallpapers introduced for a cleaner Home Screen look.
Added a monochrome color theme in the basic color section.

Glyph Interface:

Integrated Glyph Progress for Google Calendar with a 5-minute countdown.
Glyph Timer now supports time presets for quick duration settings.
Direct access to Glyph Timer from the lock screen without unlocking the device.
Option to open Glyph Timer popup with a tap instead of holding.
New Glyph animation when NFC is used.
Improved logic of Flip to Glyph.

Gesture:

Customizable double-press power button for quick access to chosen features.
Additional Lock Screen shortcut options, including Do Not Disturb, Mute, QR code scanner, and video camera.
Three-finger swipe gesture for quick screenshot capture.
New screenshot editor and menu for advanced editing features and quick deletions.

More Improvements:

Optimized Weather app experience with improved weather alert notifications.
Predictive back animation and refreshed back gesture arrow visual in line with Nothing’s style.
Separate settings for ringtone and notification sound volumes with an updated control interface.
Updated Quick Settings layout with support for more device icons.
Improved stability of the Camera.
Enhanced overall system stability for a reliable and smooth experience.

If you were not selected for the beta program this time around, worry not, the Closed Beta 2 is expected to take place in late December or early January, so keep a lookout for that.

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