Haylou Watch R8 launched with 60Hz AMOLED display, NFC for payments, navigation support, and more

By

-

Dec 12, 2023

Haylour is a Chinese accessory brand. The company is primarily known for its affordable lineup of smartwatches. It was once part of the Xiaomi ecosystem.

Some of its products are sold under a different brand. For instance, the OnePlus Nord Watch (review) is a rebranded Haylou RS4 Plus.

The company has recently released a new wearable in China. The device officially goes by Haylou Watch R8. Let’s check out everything it has to offer.

Haylou Watch R8 Specifications

The Haylou Watch R8 features a classic design. It sports a 1.43-inch circular AMOLED display, which is surrounded by a metal bezel.

The screen offers a resolution of 466 x 466 pixels, 376 PPI, and a 60Hz refresh rate. It supports multiple watch faces and AOD (Always-on Display) functionality.

The wearable is IP68-rated for dust and water resistance. Thus, it can be worn in all kinds of weather. It uses a 22mm strap and weighs 85g.

The smartwatch comes with more than 100 sports modes. It can be used for heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, blood oxygen level tracking, stress monitoring, and more.

The watch connects with devices running Android 6.0 / iOS 9.0 or higher via Bluetooth 5.3 and a companion app. Interestingly, it comes with NFC for contactless payments and supports Baidu Maps navigation.

The smartwatch is backed by a 300mAh battery and charges wirelessly. The brand claims up to 7 days of battery life with mixed usage and up to 20 days in basic mode.

Haylou Watch R8 Price

The Haylou Watch R8 is priced at ¥269 (~$40) in China. It is up for sale in its home country via JD and other retailers.

The company is yet to announce the product for global markets. If and when that happens, the wearable should be available on the brand’s global website and third-party retailers.

RELATED:

Li Jie responds to OnePlus 12 manufacturing concerns: addresses gap between camera housing and back panel

By

Debasish

-

Dec 12, 2023

The launch of the OnePlus 12 in China has been marred by reports of manufacturing issues, with netizens on Weibo sharing images highlighting a visible gap between the camera module and the back panel. Additionally, some images showed an excess of glue in the same area. Notably, not all units have this issue.

Li Jie says the gap won’t affect ingress protection and also ensures a 7-day return policy to potential users

gap between the camera housing and back panel

Lu Weibing, partner and president of Xiaomi Group, as well as president of the international department and general manager of the Redmi brand suggested that the wider gap observed aligns with OnePlus’ internal quality control standards, implying that Xiaomi’s standards are more stringent.

In response, Li Jie, president of OnePlus China, issued an official statement, assuring consumers that the reported issues were not indicative of a quality or design problem. Li Jie explained that the OnePlus 12’s battery cover, lens module, and middle frame involve three different materials and adopt a curved surface design in certain areas. The camera deco serves both aesthetic and functional purposes, enhancing mobile signal reception.

Li Jie clarified that the design choices made do not compromise the phone’s waterproofing and dustproof features, as these are addressed by sealing processes and coatings below the camera module. He emphasized that variations in the thermal expansion and contraction coefficients of different materials necessitate a certain tolerance in manufacturing to prevent breakage.

Addressing user concerns, Li Jie promised that if customers are dissatisfied with the product upon receipt, the customer service team has been directed to open a green channel for swift exchanges or returns.

Furthermore, Li Jie expressed his disapproval of what he termed “malicious competition” from some brand executives who, in his view, were attempting to mislead the public. He described such behavior as rare and detrimental.

The OnePlus president assured potential buyers that if they opted for the OnePlus 12 and later found it unsatisfactory, the company will accept the return within 7-days of the purchase without asking any reason.

In conclusion, Li Jie’s detailed response aims to reassure consumers about the OnePlus 12’s build quality while challenging competitors to let the product speak for itself.

Related:

(Source)

Motorola Edge 40 Neo Peach Fuzz color option teased to launch in India

By

Sudhanshu

-

Dec 12, 2023

Motorola Global recently announced that two of its popular devices, the Razr 40 Ultra and the Edge 40 Neo will be getting a Peach Fuzz color variant, which is Pantone’s 2024 color of the year. The brand has now teased that the Edge 40 Neo will be getting the Peach Fuzz color option in India as well.

A visit to Motorola’s Indian website reveals the presence of the Razr 40 Ultra alongside the Edge 40 Neo, showcasing the new color option. This suggests that the Peach Fuzz variant might soon be an available option for the Razr 40 Ultra.

Motorola Edge 40 Neo specs

The Motorola Edge 40 Neo boasts a 6.55-inch curved pOLED display with FHD+ resolution, a high 144Hz refresh rate, and HDR10+ support. Under the hood, it is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 7030 processor, accompanied by LPDDR4x RAM and UFS 2.2 storage. Running on the Android 13 operating system, the device guarantees two OS upgrades and three years of security patches.

In the imaging department, the Edge 40 Neo features a dual rear camera setup, comprising a 50MP main sensor with OIS and a 13MP ultrawide lens. On the front, there’s a 32MP camera housed within a centered punch hole. Notably, the phone holds an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, setting it apart in its segment. Additional features include dual stereo speakers, Motorola Ready For capability, 5G connectivity, WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, and a USB Type-C port. The hardware is powered by a 5,000mAh battery, with the convenience of 68W fast charging.

The smartphone is available in two configurations: 8GB + 128GB, with a price tag of ₹23,999 (~$290), and 12GB + 256GB, which costs ₹25,999 (~$315).

RELATED:

Google Messages may soon allow users to edit sent text messages

By

Rajesh Regmi

-

Dec 12, 2023

Google Messages might be getting a text editing feature soon. A recent teardown of the app’s code reveals hints of a text editing feature, potentially letting you fix typos or update messages after hitting send.

This news comes courtesy of TheSpAndroid, who unearthed evidence of the feature hidden within the November update. Specifically, they found four new flags within the code:

bugle.enable_edit_ui
bugle.load_edit_history
bugle.process_outgoing_edits
bugle.process_incoming_edits

The clues point to a chat app with message-editing features. The first flag hints at an interface for making changes, while another reveals the ability to see past edits. The third and fourth define how edits are sent and received.

Furthermore, the teardown indicates a new database for storing edit metadata, including timestamps and revision history. This suggests a well-rounded editing experience with detailed tracking of changes.

Now, it’s important to note that message editing isn’t officially part of the Rich Communication Services (RCS) standard. But that hasn’t stopped Google from adding new features.

The company implemented end-to-end encryption in Messages even though it wasn’t part of the original RCS standard.

The big question: when can Android users expect this text-editing feature? Unfortunately, the beta build currently offers no clues, and the feature might still be under development. However, there’s also the possibility that Google might ultimately decide to scrap it if it’s not feasible for the company.

Editing sent messages is common among messaging apps, from WhatsApp to Telegram. So, Google might simply be following suit and adding this feature to their Messages app.

Meanwhile, Google has delivered some cool new features for Messages to amp up its capabilities. These include PhotoMoji reactions, screen effects, and more. You can check out all the details here.

Related:

OnePlus Nord Buds 3 full design revealed via CAD renders

By

Sean

-

Dec 12, 2023

A new OnePlus truly wireless earbuds seem to be on the horizon. The company’s next hearables could be the Nord Buds 3, which is a part of the brand’s affordable product lineup. Now, the full design of this device has been revealed via 5K CAD renders.

OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Design

The renders were shared by known tipster OnLeaks, who shared fresh images of the Nord Buds 3 with MySmartPrice. For those unaware, the OnePlus Nord series offers products at an affordable price range. So the OnePlus Nord Buds 3 will also be more affordable than its mainline OnePlus Buds series. Looking at the renders, the upcoming earbuds feature a pebble charging case that has a glossy lid cover while the rest of the case has a matte finish and the company branding.

Meanwhile, the earbuds come with an in-ear and stem design. As the name suggests, the Nord Buds 3 is the direct successor to the Nord Buds 2, which earlier this year. Unfortunately, no other finer details like pricing or specifications regarding the Nord Buds 3 were shared by the tipster. However, this isn’t the only new Buds model that the brand is working on. The OnePlus Buds 3 was recently spotted on major certification platforms like BIS and FCC.

This flagship grade hearables surfaced on a Canadian certification as well. Similar to the Nord Buds 3, the OnePlus Buds 3’s design was also revealed via leaked renders. Based on what we know so far, the Buds 3 will feature a dual driver setup that consists of a 10.4mm woofer and a 6mm tweeter. It is rumored to offer 48dC ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) and feature an IP55 rating for water and dust resistance. So stick around for more updates as we will be providing updates when additional information is available regarding these earbuds.

RELATED:

(Via)

OnePlus Ace Racing Edition gets 54% discount, Dimensity 8100 SoC for just $160

By

Sudarshan Ravichandran

-

Dec 12, 2023

Last May, OnePlus launched a smartphone exclusively for its home market China. The device goes by OnePlus Ace Racing Edition.

As the name suggests, it is a variant of OnePlus Ace (aka OnePlus 10R). It offers the same chipset as the regular model but at a cheaper price by downgrading other specs.

The device was already affordable when it was initially released. Now, is being sold at more than half the original retail price.

The top-end 12GB + 256GB memory configuration of the OnePlus Ace Racing Edition was introduced at ¥2,499 (~$350). More than a year after its debut, the handset is now up for grabs at just ¥1,139 (~$160) on JD.

This limited-time clearance deal brings down the price of the product by a whopping 54%. At this price, there’s not a single phone on the market that can rival its performance.

For the unaware, the OnePlus Ace Racing Edition is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 8100 Max SoC. This chip is paired with LPDDR5 RAM and UFS 3.1 storage. The device draws energy from a 5,000mAh battery and carries support for 67W SuperVOOC fast charging standard.

It flaunts a 6.59-inch display with a punch hole at the top left corner. This LCD panel offers a resolution of 2412 x 1080 pixels (FHD+) and up to a 120Hz refresh rate. It houses a VC liquid cooling system and a high-density graphite layer for thermal management.

The cameras on the smartphone include a 64MP primary sensor, an 8MP ultrawide unit, a 2MP macro snapper, and a 16MP front-facing shooter. Last but not least, it comes with a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, an x-axis linear vibration motor, and dual stereo speakers.

RELATED:

iFlytek AI Vacuum and Mop Robot X3 Pro with AI-powered navigation launched for 5299 Yuan ($738)

By

Soumyakanti

-

Dec 12, 2023

iFlytek has introduced the AI Vacuum and Mop Robot X3 Pro in China, available for 5299 Yuan ($738). This robot is packed with advanced cleaning features driven by AI technology. Additionally, the first 200 buyers will receive a bonus Nintendo Switch. Let’s dive into the specifications of this product.

iFlytek AI Vacuum and Mop Robot X3 Pro Key Features:

The vacuum robot boasts a high-power NPU neural network processor and a 3D RGBD Plus sensor, allowing for advanced “autonomous driving-level navigation.” It utilizes the Starfire AI large model for efficient cleaning and navigation.

In terms of cleaning performance, the X3 Pro offers 5200Pa suction power and combines a rubber brush with dual side brushes for synchronized cleaning, along with automatic rinsing. Its design has earned recognition, winning the German iF Design Award and the German Red Dot Design Award in 2023.

The robot uses AI-powered cleaning strategies, specifically designed to address liquid stains. It follows a process of mopping before sweeping and repeats this method for stubborn stains, effectively tackling common household spills, including dried stains like coffee, fruit juice, soy sauce, milk, and tea. This approach minimizes secondary pollution, ensuring a thorough and hygienic cleaning experience.

Furthermore, it offers voice and gesture control features, utilizing the iFLYOS voice control system and body joint detection technology. It can recognize voice commands from up to 8 meters in any direction, thanks to its 6+1 cone-shaped microphone array. Additionally, it can respond to gestural commands for precise cleaning in specific areas.

The vacuum is equipped with advanced obstacle detection and avoidance capabilities. It can recognize and navigate around 55 different types of obstacles, including objects as small as 2 cm. Additionally, it features automatic supplementary lighting for effective operation even in dark environments, further enhancing its obstacle-avoidance capabilities.

The base station of the X3 Pro is equipped with an LED screen and supports a range of functions including automatic cloth rinsing, silver ion sterilization, automatic hot air drying, and self-cleaning. Note that some modules for these functions need to be purchased separately and are expected to be available soon.

We have recently conducted a review of a comparable robot vacuum and mop, the Narwal Freo Robot Vacuum With Mop. Check it out.

RELATED:

PlayStation 2 PCSX2 emulator: 99% PS2 games now Playable!

By

Sudhanshu

-

Dec 12, 2023

The PlayStation 2, a console that defined an era of gaming, has seen its legacy preserved and celebrated thanks to the dedicated efforts of the PCSX2 team. This open-source emulator, born in 2002, has grown from strength to strength, reaching a remarkable milestone: the ability to run over 99% of the PS2’s vast game library.

But PCSX2’s ambition doesn’t stop there. The developers are now on the cusp of releasing a “completely stable” version of the emulator. This release promises to be a game-changer, offering a bug-free haven for every PlayStation 2 game. Imagine a world where every classic title you loved can be experienced without a hitch, free from the worries of glitches or compatibility issues.

While the “completely stable” version is still in development, the current state of PCSX2 is already impressive. Over 1.23% of games are now considered “Perfect,” meaning they run flawlessly and deliver an experience identical to the original console. Another 97.92% fall under the “Playable” category, allowing users to enjoy these titles with minimal or no issues.

This level of compatibility extends to even the most demanding PS2 games. Titles like Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, God of War 2, and Metal Gear Solid 3: Subsistence can all be enjoyed with high frame rates and stunning visuals.

It’s worth mentioning that PCSX2 is not just about technical prowess. The emulator boasts a wide range of features that enhance the gaming experience. These include:

Custom resolutions and upscaling: Enjoy your favorite PS2 games with high-definition visuals and enhanced clarity.
Virtual and sharable memory cards: Save progress and share achievements with others.
Save states: Capture a snapshot of the game at any point for later resumption.
Patching system: Apply fixes and improvements to games, ensuring a smoother gameplay experience.
Internal recorder: Preserve gameplay moments with no loss in quality.

Whether you’re a seasoned gamer looking to relive your childhood memories or a newcomer curious about the PS2 era, PCSX2 is the perfect tool to explore this rich and diverse library of games.

If you have an interest in games from the NES, Super Nintendo, or the original PlayStation era, it’s worth considering getting a Retroid Pocket 2S or an Anbernic RG35XX Plus handheld console.

RELATED:

(via)

itel A05s lands in India: 6.6″ HD+ Display, Android 13 Go edition, and more

By

Rajesh Regmi

-

Dec 12, 2023

itel just unveiled a fresh new logo that pops with youthful energy and reflects its commitment to smart living. Hot off the heels of this rebrand, they’ve launched their first smartphone in India, the A05s. This is a budget-friendly option from the brand for the Indian market. So let’s dive into its specs, features, and price in India.

itel A05s Pricing and Availability

The itel A05s smartphone is priced at Rs. 6,099 for the 4/64GB variant in India. It can be purchased in major retail stores across the country. The device comes in a bunch of attractive color options, such as Nebula Black, Meadow Green, Crystal Blue, and Glorious Orange.

Specifications

Talking about its specification, the itel A05s packs a 6.6-inch HD+ display with a decent 270 ppi pixel density. It’s not the smoothest with a 60Hz refresh rate, but the 120Hz touch sampling rate should ensure responsive interactions. A teardrop notch at the top houses a simple 5MP camera for selfies and video calls.

Under the hood, the A05s is powered by an octa-core Unisoc SC9863A processor, running at 1.6GHz. This is backed by 4GB of RAM, allowing you to run multiple apps smoothly. The phone comes with 64GB of storage, which can be further expanded via a microSD card if needed.

The phone runs Android 13 Go edition, a lightweight version designed for budget devices. Keeping the lights on is a 4000mAh battery, which the brand claims can last for 7.5 hours of talk time and a whopping 32 days on standby. On the other hand, charging happens through a USB-C port, but the speed is unclear.

The back of the phone has a single 5-megapixel camera with an LED flash. It also includes a fingerprint scanner for unlocking. Other features include dual SIM card slots, support for 4G calling (VoLTE), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, and a headphone jack.

Related:

Nitecore EDC33 4000 Lumens Flashlight: Exploring the Cutting-Edge Features

By

Joane

-

Dec 12, 2023

The Nitecore EDC33 4000 Lumens EDC Flashlight is a professional-grade everyday carry tool that boasts cutting-edge technologies and superior performance. You can now get the powerful Flashlight for $69.99 only. Let’s delve into its features and practical uses.

UHi 20 MAX LED Technology:

The UHi 20 MAX LED is a multi-core integrated design, offering a small yet intense main core alongside 8 auxiliary cores. This unique design seamlessly switches between spotlight and floodlight, providing long-range coverage and extreme brightness. The Supreme White Color Consistency™ processing ensures a purer and softer white light.

LUMIN SHIELD:

The EDC33 introduces the LUMIN SHIELD™, a groundbreaking feature for night-time emergencies. When activated, 9 LED cores coordinate to swiftly generate a 4000-lumen “light wall” akin to a large shield for personal defense. This function enhances self-protection and can be activated in any mode except for Full Lockout Mode.

Rapid Lock:

The innovative Rapid Lock™ system facilitates swift and seamless operation. Users can instantly access Full Lockout Mode, and Half Lockout Mode, and unlock the flashlight with a single switch. The Full Lockout Mode prevents accidental activation during storage or everyday carry, enhancing safety. The Half Lockout Mode allows users to activate SEARCH and LUMIN SHIELD™ quickly, providing versatility in emergencies.

4000mAh 18650 Li-ion Battery:

Crafted with an industry partner, the built-in 4000mAh rechargeable Li-ion battery offers a high capacity of 14.4Wh. This capacity is equivalent to the energy provided by four CR123A Li-ion batteries, ensuring an extended battery life and doubling backup power.

Tactical SEARCH Mode:

The flashlight features a Tactical SEARCH Mode with a 450-meter long-range coverage. Emitting a powerful 1700 lumens beam, it surpasses many compact flagship flashlights. This mode enhances the ability to discern distant objects or potential threats, providing a valuable tool for various unexpected situations.

Durable Construction:

Constructed from 7000 military-grade aluminum (7075-T6), the EDC33 ensures exceptional durability with an 88% increase in hardness over the standard 6000 series. The 1-mm deep textured finish enhances grip during use, while stainless steel components, HA III military-grade hard-anodized finish, IP68 rating (2m submersible), and 2m impact resistance make it reliable in harsh conditions.

Compact and Lightweight:

Weighing only 127g (clip included), the EDC33 is perfect for everyday carry. The inclusion of a Deep Carry Pocket Clip and high-quality 550 paracords allows users to easily stow the flashlight deep within the pocket for a quick draw.

Additional Features:

The flashlight includes a sensor protection function, rotary protection cover, optical lenses with double-sided scratch-resistant coating, and an ATR (Advanced Temperature Regulation) module.

Nitecore EDC33 4000 Lumens EDC Flashlight is a versatile and robust tool designed for professionals and enthusiasts alike. Its array of features ensures practicality in various scenarios, from everyday tasks to emergencies.

WHERE TO BUY

Nitecore EDC33 4000 Lumens Flashlight at $69.99 @flashlightgo.com

Nubia Z60 Ultra design, color variants officially confirmed

By

Anvinraj Valiyathara

-

Dec 12, 2023

On Dec. 19, Nubia will unveil the Nubia Z60 Ultra in China. A recently seen image showcased the design of the white variant of the device. Today, the brand released a couple of posters to reveal the design as well as color variants of the Z60 Ultra.

Nubia Z60 Ultra design revealed

As can be seen, the Nubia Z60 Ultra will be available in three shades, such as black, silver, and blue. On the front, the device sports a full-screen display that is devoid of punch-hole or notch. The back panel of the phone has a unique design for the rear camera setup, which features two cameras on the left and an LED flash, with Nubia branding a periscope zoom camera unit on the right.

While the black and white variants of the device have a plain look on the rear, the blue variant’s rear panel has a galaxy-like pattern, which adds to its beauty. The edges of the phone are flat, and its right edge can be seen sporting a volume rocker, a red-colored powered button, and an alert slider-like switch.

Nubia Z60 Ultra specifications (rumored)

As per reports, the Nubia Z60 Ultra will arrive with a 6.8-inch OLED panel that offers a 1.5K resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. The device will ship with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, up to 16 GB of LPDDR5x RAM, up to 1 TB of UFS 4.0 storage, and a 6,000mAh battery that supports 80W charging. On the software front, the device is expected to offer a MyOS-based Android 14 experience.

On the front, the Z60 Ultra will have a 16-megapixel under-display fingerprint sensor. The rear camera setup will feature a 50-megapixel main camera with OIS support, a 50-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and a 64-megapixel periscope telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom. All three cameras are confirmed to have support for optical image stabilization.

RELATED:

Black Shark S1 Pro, and S1 Classic smartwatches make global debut

By

Rajesh Regmi

-

Dec 12, 2023

Black Shark, Xiaomi‘s gaming sub-brand, has launched two new smartwatches for global audiences: the Black Shark S1 Pro and the Black Shark S1 Classic. Both boast similar features at an attractive price point. So let’s get into detail here.

Black Shark S1 Pro, S1 Classic Specifications

Both watches boast a circular 1.43-inch AMOLED display with a crisp 466 x 466 resolution and a smooth 60Hz refresh rate. The S1 Pro flaunts a rugged, metallic build with two buttons and a rotating crown.

Whereas, the S1 Classic opts for a more minimalist design with just a single button and a crown. The Black Shark S1 Pro comes in black and blue, while the S1 Classic sticks to black.

Moreover, both offer up to 600 nits of peak brightness for clear viewing in sunlight and there are over 100 watch faces you can choose from.

Likewise, the smartwatches bring all the necessary health and fitness features onboard. It offers heart rate and blood oxygen monitoring and there are over 100 sports modes to choose from. Interestingly, the S1 Pro smartwatch also has ChatGPT integration that allows the watch to answer basic queries, likely relayed between the watch and your phone.

The smartwatches also offer make-and-receive-call functionality via Bluetooth. Battery life comes in at up to 15 days for the S1 Pro and up to 12 days for the S1 Classic.

Pricing and Availability

The Black Shark S1 Pro and S1 Classic are available now in the US and Europe. The Pro and Classic model costs USD 76.90 and USD 66.90 in the US while they cost €76.90 and €66.9 in Europe, respectively. Customers can purchase these smartwatches from the company’s official site or via Aliexpress.

Related:

iQOO Neo 9 key specifications leaked, bags 3C certification before launch

By

Anvinraj Valiyathara

-

Dec 12, 2023

In May, iQOO unveiled the iQOO Neo 8 and Neo 8 Pro smartphones in the Chinese market. This month in China, the iQOO Neo 9 and Neo 9 Pro will succeed these phones. Ahead of the expected launch, the vanilla variant surfaced in the database of China’s 3C certification platform today. In addition, reliable tipster Digital Chat Station has also leaked the key specifications of the device.

iQOO Neo 9 3C certified

iQOO Neo 9 3C certificationiQOO Neo 9 3C certification — iQOO Neo 9 3C certification

The above screengrab shows that a new smartphone bearing the V2338A model number has been approved by the 3C regulatory body. An attachment available in the listing reveals that the charger that may ship with the device may offer up to 120W charging.

iQOO Neo 9 specifications (rumored)

According to the leaker, the Neo 9 will be equipped with a 6.78-inch OLED display that offers a 1.5K resolution and a 144Hz refresh rate. Like the recent iQOO flagships, the Neo 9 is said to have a 16-megapixel front camera. On the back, it will have a dual-camera setup comprising an OIS-enabled 50-megapixel Sony IMX920 main camera and an 8-megapixel ultra-wide lens.

Under the hood, the Neo 9 features the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset. The leak claims that the device will ship with 12 GB / 16 GB of LPDDR5x RAM. While the tipster has not talked about the storage configurations of the device, it may likely offer up to 1 TB of UFS 4.0 storage.

The Neo 9 is likely to pack a 5,160mAh battery with 120W fast charging support. In addition, it will have a plastic middle frame and an in-screen fingerprint scanner. Readers can visit this post to know the leaked specs of the Neo 9 Pro.

iQOO Neo 9 series launch date (rumored)

While the company has been gradually teasing the arrival of the Neo 9 series for nearly two weeks in China, it is yet to confirm the launch date. However, as per a recent report, the Neo 9 series will be announced on Dec. 27 in the country. While it appears that the company may unveil by the end of this month, it is advisable to wait for an official announcement.

RELATED:

Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro Genshin Impact Special Edition up for sale

By

Sudarshan Ravichandran

-

Dec 12, 2023

The Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro was launched in China in August. It was unveiled alongside Xiaomi Mix Fold 3, Redmi K60 Ultra, and Xiaomi Pad 6 Max.

As the name suggests, it is a high-end variant of the vanilla Xiaomi Smart Band 8, which was released earlier this year. This wearable sits between fitness trackers and smartwatches in terms of its size and features.

A few days back, the company announced a limited version of this product called ‘Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro Genshin Impact Special Edition.’ This variant of the wearable is now up for sale.

Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro Genshin Impact Edition

After teasing for a while, Xiaomi took wraps off a customized gift box of Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro in collaboration with Genshin Impact at the end of last week. This package is priced at ¥549 (~$75) in China and can be now purchased.

For comparison, the regular version of the wearable starts at just ¥399 (~$55). However, you don’t get the coolness of the Genshin model.

The Genshin variant is themed after Tartaglia (aka Childe), a playable character in the game. The box includes the said character-themed charging base, stickers, and a poster. Even the default theme on the wearable is customized, in addition to its strap.

However, feature-wise, the special edition is the same as the standard model. The differences between them are purely cosmetic and extra goodies.

Unfortunately, both the regular and special variants of the Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro are limited to China. However, interested readers can buy them from Giztop with international shipping.

RELATED:

Apple Music may Offer Incentives for Artists and Record Label to Use High-End Audio Format

By

Aditya Rasik

-

Dec 12, 2023

Apple added spatial audio for the first time to Apple Music in 2021. The format aims to replicate the sound of music more accurately, as it can emanate from different places around the listener’s head when played in person, with the help of Dolby Atmos technology.

Now, the most recent Bloomberg article reported that Apple Music intends to offer streams of songs that are available in Dolby Atmos format in addition to the standard stereo version’s additional weighting. As a result, Dolby Atmos music would become more widely available and artists would get larger royalties with this new approach.

This implies that listeners may expect to hear more spatial audio—music that seems three-dimensional and replicates a lifelike experience—on Apple Music. Higher royalties will be paid to musicians and record firms that use audio technology to produce versions with spatial sound.

Apple Music may Offer Incentives for Artists and Record Label to Use High-End Audio Format

Furthermore, the spatial version merely has to be made available; listeners do not need to engage with the Atmos version for the artists to be compensated.

The folks claim that Atmos makes mixing music generally inexpensive, therefore it makes sense for well-known musicians and record companies to take part in the hopes of increasing their royalties.

However, Apple has not formally disclosed the new guidelines or rewards. Apple began to support Dolby Atmos in 2021, and as of right now, devices like iPhones, iPads, MacBooks, iMacs, and even AirPods can play the format.

Users of Amazon Inc.’s Music app may also enjoy free Dolby Atmos-compatible spatial audio as part of their subscriptions with the Music app.

However, if it is put into practice, it might be a significant step because Spotify has not yet enabled spatial audio on its platform.

Related:

(Source)

New Nokia Google TV from StreamView comes in 4 sizes, 12V power supply, and more

By

Sudarshan Ravichandran

-

Dec 12, 2023

In October, five upcoming Nokia-branded smart TVs were spotted on Bluetooth SIG. Two months later, these televisions are now official.

For the unaware, there are multiple Nokia brand licensees for televisions. These new products are from StreamView GmbH, an Austrian company that operates in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA).

The new Nokia TVs arrive in multiple sizes and two different screen resolutions. Let’s check out their features.

StreamView’s first Nokia Google TV models are here

The latest televisions from StreamView are collectively called ‘Nokia Google TV.’ As their name suggests, they ship with the Google TV software based on Android 12 for TV. The company’s previous TVs lacked the fresh software from Google.

All the new models are powered by the same chipset. This unnamed silicon includes a quad-core CPU comprising ARM Cortex-A55 cores clocked at 1.45GHz and Mali-G31 MP2 GPU.

The aforementioned chip is further paired with 1.5GB RAM and 8GB storage. This hardware combo is entry-level, and therefore, the TVs may get slower down the line.

As mentioned earlier, the televisions come in multiple sizes. Customers can choose from either 24-inch, 32-inch, 40-inch, or 43-inch.

The 24-inch and 32-inch variants come with HD resolution (1366 x 768 pixels) and can be operated at 12V. Thus, they can be used in mobile homes, camps, and other places with lower power supply.

On the other hand, 40-inch and 43-inch versions offer FHD resolution (1920 x 1080 pixels). A second 32-inch variant is also offered in this flavor.

Unsurprisingly, the televisions support all the leading streaming services, Google Chromecast built-in, and Google Assistant via voice-enabled remote control. Wireless connectivity options include both WiFi and Bluetooth.

They come with various ports, such as 3 x HDMI 1.4, 2 x USB 2.0, 1 x S/PDIF, AV in, triple tuner, and Ethernet. Lastly, they are also SatCR compliant (SCD) and support CI+.

Streamview is yet to announce the pricing and availability of these TVs, which may vary across markets.

RELATED:

(Via)

Vivo X Fold 2 selling for just $923 in China

By

Sudhanshu

-

Dec 12, 2023

Major Chinese online retailer JD.com is offering a massive discount on the Vivo X Fold 2 smartphone today. The smartphone that usually sells for 8,999 yuan (~$1,254) is now down to an effective price of 6,624 yuan (~$923)after applying various discount coupons.

First, JD is offering a direct discount of 1,500 yuan (~$209) on the device. There is a 500 yuan (~$70) limited-time discount coupon, which can be claimed by heading to the live broadcast room, clicking on the upper right corner > clicking on the shopping bag in the lower right corner > and searching for Vivo to receive a 500 yuan coupon. Lastly, there is a 9.5% off Dongguan consumption coupon that can be claimed by clicking this link.

All of these offers combined should bring the price of the 12GB + 256GB variant of the Vivo X Fold 2 to 6624 yuan, which is the lowest it has ever sold for. Here’s what you get for the price.

Vivo X Fold 2 specs

The Vivo X Fold 2 features an expansive 8.03-inch 2K+ E6 LTPO AMOLED inner display, complemented by a 6.53-inch E6 AMOLED outer display. It is powered by last year’s flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor paired with 12GB LPDDR5 RAM and options for either 256GB or 512GB of internal storage.

For photography, it comes with a triple rear camera setup, consisting of a high-resolution 50MP main camera and two 12MP + 12MP secondary sensors. The Vivo V2 chip is also onboard to refine photography and videography. On the front, it features a 16MP selfie camera.

Powering the hardware is a 4,800mAh battery, paired with 120W fast wired charging and 50W wireless charging support. It comes pre-loaded with Android 13-based OriginOS 3, which offers Google Mobile Services and Google Play Store.

If you live outside of China and want to get your hands on the Vivo X Fold 2, Giztop is ready to ship the device to your doorstep with a $300 discount.

RELATED:

Xiaomi outdoor camera CW300 goes on sale for 239 yuan ($33) starting December 12

By

Debasish

-

Dec 12, 2023

The Xiaomi outdoor camera CW300, goes on sale starting today on Xiaomi Youpin. Priced at an attractive 239 yuan ($33), the first wave of buyers from December 12th to December 31st will receive a bonus of a 32GB memory card with their purchase, limited to the first 300 customers.

Xiaomi CW300 automatically records videos upon detecting human shapes and sends real-time notifications to your phone

The Xiaomi outdoor camera CW300 was reported earlier to boast a 4-megapixel camera, featuring an impressive F1.6 large aperture lens that delivers 2560×1440 output. Designed for outdoor surveillance, this camera can automatically illuminate with white light upon detecting a human shape during nighttime. It can present a color image even in dark conditions, enhancing visibility and security.

One of the standout features of this outdoor camera is its utilization of a new-generation local AI humanoid detection and measurement method. This allows the device to intelligently track human movement without relying on cloud processing. The camera automatically records alarm videos and sends real-time notifications to connected mobile phones upon detecting human shapes. The dual deterrence mechanism includes an alarm sound and high-frequency flashing lights.

Users can conveniently review recorded footage through the Mi Home App. However, to unlock cloud storage or utilize the microSD card slot for storage, users need to activate the respective services. The device incorporates a high-sensitivity microphone, featuring an AI intelligent noise reduction algorithm to enhance audio quality and pick up human voices effectively.

Ensuring seamless connectivity, the Xiaomi outdoor camera supports wired connections and 2.4GHz Wi-Fi wireless networking. This flexibility enables users to access surveillance feeds remotely using devices such as smartphones, Xiaomi tablets, Xiaoai touchscreen speakers, and Xiaomi TVs.

In summary, the Xiaomi outdoor camera CW300 is a comprehensive and intelligent surveillance solution that combines advanced imaging technology with smart AI features, providing users with enhanced security and peace of mind.

Related:

ASUS ROG Phone 8 Series set to launch on January 16 in China

By

Sudhanshu

-

Dec 12, 2023

ASUS recently teased the ROG Ally 8 series smartphones for the global market. The device will feature a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, likely paired with ASUS’s cutting-edge heat dissipation solution to give the best performance possible in gaming. The brand has now confirmed that the device will debut in China on January 16.

The announcement does not reveal any new details about the smartphone, but it does confirm that the launch event will kick off at 7:30 PM (GMT+8). Here’s everything known so far about the ROG Phone 8 series.

ASUS ROG Phone 8 series: What we know so far

White Asus has not confirmed any details other than a partial back design as seen in the teaser image above, netizens have blown out the shadows from the teaser revealing a redesigned camera island.

The new model will feature a square-shaped camera module, which cuts off from the right edge, technically making it a pentagon. On it, we can see three camera modules, along with an LED flash. Since there are no flashy RGB LEDs on the back, it’s safe to assume that this might be the vanilla ROG Phone 8.

All three models of the series, namely ROG Phone 8, ROG Phone 8 Pro, and ROG Phone 8 Ultimate have appeared on Geekbench revealing some interesting details. Geekbench listings show that the vanilla model features 16GB RAM, while the Pro and Ultimate models have 24GB RAM onboard. Other than that, the vanilla ROG Phone 8 appears to come with a standard Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC, while the Pro and Ultimate models feature an overclocked variant of the chip, with slightly boosted peak clock speed.

While the global launch date has not been confirmed yet, ASUS ROG will be holding an event on January 8, a day before CES 2024, to unveil “ROG’s exciting new lineup for 2024”. It is speculated that the brand might take the curtains off the ROG Phone 8 at this event.

RELATED:

Huawei’s first open-back earphones, FreeClip, leaks before launch

By

Rajesh Regmi

-

Dec 12, 2023

Huawei’s much-anticipated Dubai product launch is just hours away. The company is expected to launch at least two products at the event, a sleek tablet and, most intriguingly, an open-back style earphone, called Hawei FreeClip. Ahead of the launch, a leaked promo material has now given us a glimpse of these innovative open-back earphones.

The FreeClip is the company’s debut foray into open-back earphones. As can be seen in the promo, each earpiece consists of two parts connected by a unique curved center-piece. Huawei is calling it a C-bridge design, and it looks reminiscent of a modern clip earring.

The open-back design should make these earbuds more comfortable to wear for long periods, possibly preventing ear fatigue. Rumors also suggest the buds will have built-in vents for better airflow and sound quality.

The leaked image also reveals a familiar-looking charging case that cradles the FreeClips in an inverted position. While technical specifications remain shrouded in secrecy, one thing is certain: the FreeClip’s independent design sets it apart from other wearables.

Battery life is expected to reach up to 8 hours on a single charge, and previous reports suggest the Huawei FreeClip will come in two color options: Black and Purple.

It’s all still under the Huawei veil, but with the official launch just around the corner, the wait for more details won’t be long.

Related: