HTC plans to launch 1-2 phones in 2024 using Snapdragon 7 series

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Dec 5, 2023

HTC is not shutting down its smartphone business in fact they are set to follow a new strategy of releasing 1-2 mobile phones each year. In recent statements, Huang Zhaoying, HTC’s Senior Vice President of global business and marketing, outlined the company’s plans and perspectives regarding its future in the highly competitive mobile phone sector.

HTC’s Strategic Focus on Communication and Consumer Needs

HTC’s strategy centers on maintaining its partnership with Qualcomm and using Snapdragon 7 series processors in upcoming models. This decision aligns with the company’s aim to cater to what it perceives as the ‘better-suited’ needs of its customers, rather than shifting to the more advanced Snapdragon 8 series.

The company prioritizes the core function of mobile phones: communication. While design and technology may evolve, HTC emphasizes the enduring importance of mobile communication, guiding its product development and release strategies. The specific specifications and release dates for these upcoming 2024 models are yet to be announced.

HTC’s recent market performance, particularly the sales of the HTC U23 series, has validated its strategic choices. As per Huang Zhaoying, the U23 series, comprising the U23 and U23 Pro models, has witnessed a significant sales increase of at least 30% when compared to the previous HTC Desire 22 Pro. This achievement is noteworthy given that the U23 series has been available for only six months, still within its product lifecycle. HTC’s focus on enhancing phone features, especially camera modules, has garnered a positive market response.

Beyond smartphones, HTC is also actively developing its metaverse ecosystem. The company has also collaborated with the Kaohsiung City Government to create a virtual metropolis.

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EarFun launches the Free Pro 3 as the world’s first Snapdragon Sound and Hi-Res ANC earbuds

By

Jed John Ikoba

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Dec 5, 2023

EarFun has unveiled a new pair of earbuds. It is the EarFun Free Pro 3 which is touted as the first-ever TWS earbuds featuring ANC and support for Hi Res Audio and Snapdragon Sound. The Free Pro 3 is certified as a dual TWS earbuds with a hybrid active noise cancellation architecture. The EarFun Free Pro 3 comes with an impressive battery life and can be charged wirelessly. Last month, EarFun released its first IEM and portable USB-C DAC. The Free Pro 3 is seen as an improved departure from EarFun’s current lineup.

Features

The EarFun Free Pro 3 earbuds come with a mix of features for optimal performance. The model comes with a refreshed QCC 3072 Qualcomm audio chip that energizes the aptX Adaptive Audio codec. It also features QuietSmart 2.0 hybrid active noise cancellation and it transmits Hi Res Audio. The earbuds support Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity for enhanced clarity of audio.

The Free Pro 3 can achieve noise cancellation up to 43dB which is quite impressive. The buds are designed to support removable in-ear hooks for improved stability. There are six mics in the earbuds and it supports Qualcomm cVc 8.0 Echo Cancelling and Noise Suppression. The charging case of the FreFun Pro 3 earbuds is longer and thinner than most. It supports both USB Type-C and wireless charging. The battery system of the earbuds (charging case inclusive) can deliver up to 33 hours of activity on a single charge. The Low-Energy Audio Bluetooth protocol, thanks to the Snapdragon Sound helps the device to deliver a low-energy operation.

Pricing & Availability

The EarFun Free Pro 3 TWS earbuds are available exclusively from EarFun and Amazon. It is available in black, white, or navy blue color options. The Free Pro 3 is priced at $79.99 and could be available on other platforms subsequently.

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2024 Fiat 500e with 149 miles of range unveiled for $32,500

By

Jed John Ikoba

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Dec 5, 2023

The latest Fiat electric vehicle is the 2024 Fiat 500e with a range of 149 miles. The new EV takes a cue from its iconic gasoline-powered city car with an affordable price tag. With the price of an average city EV hovering around $50,000, the Fiat 500e is quite affordable at $32,500.

An Affordable EV model for those who haven’t got a deep pocket

There is a growing demand for electric vehicles that are affordable in the US. The Fiat 500e will be ready early next year and was unveiled on December 5. The Fiat 500e originally went on sale in Europe in 2020. The Fiat 500e RED edition is the cheapest of the lineup.

Fiat is including an additional $1,595 destination charge for the 2024 Fiat 500e. The average price of an EV, according to the Kelley Blue Book, is $51,762 as of October 2023. Fiat says future variants of the 500e will be released in limited quantities. That being said, it is unclear how the market will receive the new Fiat 500e offering with its significantly lower price tag.

The 2024 Fiat 500e has two doors, four seats, and a tiny footprint that can snugly enter tight parking lots. The EV comes with a retro-inspired design with a compact and energy-efficient make-up. However, the new model is slightly longer and wider than its predecessor, thus providing more interior space. The cabin of the Fiat 500e RED is accentuated by red and has a rounded gauge cluster. The dashboard is red and made of shiny plastic. There is a 7-inch driver-facing display and a 10.25-inch center touchscreen. The touchscreen is equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless connectivity to your mobile device.

The 2024 Fiat 500e EV has a range of 149 miles thanks to its 42kWh battery pack. The EV will come with a Level 2 charger that can be installed in the customer’s garage. The Level 2 charger can fully recharge the EV’s battery in 4.25 hours when connected to a Level 2 outlet. A DC fast charger can fully recharge the 2024 Fiat 500e within 45 minutes. The car has a 118hp motor with a torque of 162Nm. It can go from 0-60mph in 8.5 seconds and has three drive modes – Normal, Range, and Sherpa. The Sherpa drive mode delivers the EV’s top speed and maximum range.

When the 2024 Fiat 500e is cruising at normal speeds, the vehicle’s Acoustic Alert System (AVAS) sings a song to notify pedestrians of its presence. The system sings a song titled: The Sound of 500, composed by Flavio Ibba-Marco Gualdi. The soothing melody from the 2024 Fiat 500e is a major highlight of the model. As earlier mentioned, the car will be released early next year for $32,500.

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New PSP update brings autonomous EV battery swap for Nio electric cars

By

Jed John Ikoba

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Dec 5, 2023

Nio is racing to the top of the autonomous EV charging log with the latest PSP update for its lineup. With the update, Nio electric cars can drive themselves to automatic battery swap station queues. A new video showed one of Nio’s EVs driving itself to a battery swap station at night, waiting in the queue, and then entering the bay for a battery swap. The car then drives off after completing the battery swap.

Nio has continued to blaze the trail in the EV industry with several innovations. One of its latest innovations is automatic battery swap stations which completely swap a battery within 3 minutes. Nio remains one of the most dynamic and innovative EV charging companies and the new autonomous swapping demonstrates its bent. Recall that the company earlier this year unveiled its first smartphone.

Currently, Nio has more than 2,000 battery swap stations with some of such stations as part of its collaboration with energy giant Shell. More than 45% of Nio’s battery swap stations offer the 3.0 generation architecture. These innovative swap stations allow for a quick autonomous swap of batteries.

The new feature displayed in the released video is the Power Swap on Pilot (PSP) feature which was part of the latest software update on Nio EVs. The PSP update allows a car with a depleting battery to access a suitable swap station after exiting the high-speed highway. It then goes and changes the battery on its own and exits the swap station to continue its journey.

The new autonomous driving software takes into consideration the final destination and the swap station load. No cars on the NT 2.0 platform can enjoy this feature to provide optimal and seamless battery swaps while on the go. Several EV makers are developing driver assist software that increasingly makes the driver passive on the wheels. The Tesla Full Self-Driving (FSD) Beta software is rapidly undergoing improvements. Nio expects to be part of the autonomous revolution with its new battery swap autonomous functionality.

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Great News! WhatsApp now lets users send photos and videos in full quality without compression

By

Jed John Ikoba

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Dec 5, 2023

Social networking platform WhatsApp is updating its features to allow users to send photos and videos in full quality without compression. This is coming a few months after WhatsApp started allowing users to send photos in 4K resolution. The new functionality will allow WhatsApp users to send complete photos and videos without compressing them. The WhatsApp update berths first with iOS devices before extending to Android subsequently.

Meta (formerly Facebook) has engineered several changes on WhatsApp since August. The 4K resolution feature for sending photos and videos is compatible with WhatsApp version 23.11.0.76 on iOS and version 2.23.12.13 on Android. With the update to WhatsApp version 23.24.73 on Apple, users can now send videos and images completely without compression. The feature works when the user selects Document instead of Photo and Video Library. The upload is limited to a maximum size of 2GB. The Android version of the upgrade is expected to roll out soon. Apple iPhone owners will see the new update within days, while the Android version may come after several weeks.

The latest WhatsApp version also introduces new speech bubbles that indicate missed calls and new reactions to messages based on your WhatsApp avatar. There are no indications yet on the full rollout details for the new WhatsApp update in both iOS and Android. It however introduces the option for users to retain the quality of their photos and videos which they send using the WhatsApp platform.

Although WhatsApp has officially announced the new features, some users may receive them earlier than others. The official changelog says that WhatsApp is releasing a feature to start voice chats without ringing everyone in large groups. This is in addition to the bubbles and uncompressed media upload earlier mentioned.

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OnePlus 10T starts receiving OxygenOS 14 Stable Update in India

By

Simranpal Singh

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Dec 5, 2023

OnePlus is rolling out a new stable update for users in India for the Closed Beta and the Open Beta users first. The update will gradually roll out to other users in the coming time, once it is verified as a bug-free build. However, it is currently limited to users in India and will roll out to other regions in the coming time. The OnePlus 10T already received the OxygenOS 14 Open Beta 2 update a while ago.

The firmware CPH2413_14.0.0.202(EX01) is available for OnePlus 10T users, featuring all-new luxuries of Android 14 and some extra features on the top like icing over the cake. It brings Cross-device connectivity and enhances efficiency with features like File Dock, Smart Cutout, and Content Extraction.

Further, it offers improved security and privacy with a better permission management system for photos and video. Other changes include Aquamorphic design, Performance Optimization, and Pantanal Service. Below is the official changelog:

Pantanal Service

 • Adds Fluid Cloud, a way of interaction with morphing forms that allows you to view up-to-date information at a glance.


Smart efficiency

 • Adds File Dock, where you can drag and drop to transfer content between apps and devices.

 • Adds Content Extraction, a feature that can recognize and extract text and images from the screen with one tap.

 • Adds Smart Cutout, a feature that can separate multiple subjects in a photo from the background for copying or sharing. 


Cross-device connectivity

 • Improves Shelf by adding more widget recommendations. 


Security and privacy

 • Improves photo and video-related permission management for safer access by apps. 


Performance optimization

 • Improves system stability, the launch speed of apps, and the smoothness of animations. 


Aquamorphic Design

 • Upgrades Aquamorphic Design with a natural, gentle, and clearer color style for a more comfortable color experience.

 • Adds Aquamorphic-themed ringtones and revamps the system notification sounds.

 • Improves system animations by making them even smoother. 


User Care

 • Adds a carbon tracking AOD that visualizes the carbon emissions you avoid by walking instead of driving.

OnePlus instructs users to keep at least 5GB of storage free and at least 30% battery level before proceeding with the OxygenOS 14 installation. Those who have not received the update, may manually check the update by heading to Settings > About device > tap up to date.

Interested users can also opt for Open Beta or may head over to the OnePlus Community thread for more information.

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Infinix Hot 40 Series Launched With Exciting Feature Upgrades

By

Simranpal Singh

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Dec 5, 2023

As expected, the Infinix Hot 40 Series is finally launched, featuring three new smartphones – Infinix Hot 40i, Infinix Hot 40, and Infinix 40 Pro. Each smartphone offers competitive specifications at an affordable price. The Infinix Hot 40i ships with the Unisoc T606, the Infinix Hot 40 comes with the MediaTek Helio G88, and the Infinix 40 Pro houses the MediaTek Helio G99 SoC. These smartphones promise an immersive user experience at an affordable price point, all under $200 (~Rs 16,675). Let’s dive in for more details about each device:

Infinix Hot 40 Pro Specifications and Features

The Smartphone comprises a 6.78-inch LCD FHD+ 90Hz display boasting 500 nits brightness. It’s a feast for the eyes, all wrapped up in dimensions measuring 168.61 x 76.61 x 8.25mm and weighing 199 grams. It is powered by the dynamic MediaTek Helio G99, 4/8GB LPDDR4x RAM, and expandable up to 8GB virtual RAM. The storage options include 128GB or 256GB UFS 2.2, with the flexibility of expandable storage via a microSD card slot.

The Hot 40 Pro embeds a 32MP front camera with a front dual flash present inside the pill-shaped notch. On the rear, a Triple Camera Setup comprising 108MP + 2MP macro + AI triple cam ensures better photography.

There’s a 5,000mAh battery with 33W fast charging support. The user can unlock the device effortlessly with the Side-FS fingerprint sensor and enjoy the intuitive Android 13 aka. XOS 13.5 featuring Magic Ring notifications. Users can choose from different color options, including Starlit Black, Palm Blue, Horizon Gold, and Starfall Green.

Infinix Hot 40 Details

The Hot 40 features the same 6.78-inch LCD FHD+ 90Hz display offering 500 nits brightness and 1080*2460 pixel resolution. However, it offers only a 90Hz refresh rate and 270Hz touch sampling rate.

Unlike the Pro Variant, the Infinix Hot 40 runs on the MediaTek Helio G88 chipset as revealed earlier via Google Play Console, 4/8GB LPDDR4 RAM, expandable up to 8GB virtual RAM. It is available in two storage options of 128GB or 256GB (eMMC), with the added benefit of a microSD card slot.

There’s the same 32MP front camera dual-led flash and a Dual Camera Setup of 50MP + 2MP macro on the rear bundling quad flash. A 5,000mAh battery combined with 33W fast charging ensures the smartphone keeps up throughout the day. The Side-FS fingerprint sensor adds to the seamless experience. It runs Android 13 with XOS 13.5 and Magic Ring notifications designed for its pill-shaped display notch.

It measures 168.61 x 76.61 x 8.25mm and weighs 196 grams, it strikes the right balance. It is available in four color options Starlit Black, Palm Blue, Horizon Gold, or Starfall Green.

Infinix Hot 40i Features

A 90Hz 6.58-inch LCD HD+ display with 720×1612 pixels resolution and 480nit brightness is available. It houses Unisoc T606 SoC with 4/8GB LPDDR4 RAM and 128/256GB UFS storage. It offers expandable storage via a MicroSD card slot. There’s the same 32MP camera on the front with Dual LED flash and a 50MP single-rear camera with Quad LED flash.

Infinix Hot 40i packs a 5,000mAh battery with 18W charging capability. Bundling a side fingerprint sensor, the smartphone confirms quick authentication. It measures 163.5 x 75.59 x 8.30 mm and weighs only 190 grams. It is also available in Starlit Black, Palm Blue, Horizon Gold, or Starfall Green.

All the smartphones will be made available under $200 (~Rs 16,675). The information about the availability is yet to be unwrapped.

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Tecno Climbs to the Top with 39% Revenue Growth, 190% Net Profit Surge, 62% Shipment Increase

By

Oğuz Çakır

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Dec 5, 2023

Tecno continues to expand its product lineup. For example, the company recently introduced the Spark Go 2024. With this and similar models, Tecno aims to increase its market share in the smartphone industry, and it’s making significant strides in that direction. According to the latest reports, Tecno’s parent company, Transsion Holdings, had its most successful quarter in Q3 2023, demonstrating impressive financial performance. Here are the details…

How TECNO’s Premiumization & Regional Expansion Catapulted Transsion to Its Best Quarter Ever

According to Counterpoint’s report, in the third quarter of 2023, Tecno’s revenues saw a significant increase of 39% compared to the same period last year, reaching RMB 17.99 billion. The net profit also experienced an impressive growth of 190% YoY, totaling RMB 1.34 billion. This notable success was fueled by an enhanced gross profit margin of 25.2%, attributed to the shift towards higher-priced smartphones and the expansion into more lucrative markets. Tecno, Transsion’s leading brand, played a pivotal role in this outstanding performance, achieving a remarkable 62% YoY increase in smartphone shipments across all regions.

The significant growth in smartphone shipments played a crucial role in Transsion’s overall performance, experiencing a noteworthy 36% increase. Tecno saw a remarkable boost in its global market share, reaching 4% and securing the 9th position among smartphone brands. This achievement becomes even more impressive when considering that Tecno’s market share tripled in just three years.

Tecno’s success can be attributed to a strategic focus on two key areas: premiumization and regional expansion. The company has shifted towards offering higher-value smartphones, with nearly all Tecno devices now featuring 4G or 5G connectivity. The volume of 5G smartphones has witnessed a staggering growth of over 600% year-over-year. Furthermore, sales of Tecno’s premium Camon and Phantom series have increased by 53%, highlighting the brand’s appeal in the high-end segment.

Tecno’s venture into the foldable smartphone market has been a contributing factor to its success. The launch of two foldable smartphones, one at MWC and another in Singapore, has not only enhanced its global image but also demonstrated its ambitious outlook. Notably, the Phantom V Fold, Tecno’s most affordable foldable smartphone, has garnered attention for its impressive display, lack of creases on the inner screen, commendable battery life, and overall performance. These features align with Tecno’s strengths in the lower-priced segments, indicating its potential to compete effectively in the premium market.

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Honor Days Sale: Honor 90 5G discounted on Amazon India

By

Sudhanshu

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Dec 5, 2023

HTech is currently running the HONOR Days promotion, providing consumers with an opportunity to avail enticing deals on the Honor 90 5G until December 8th.

Honor 90 5G offer

As part of this promotion, the Honor 90 5G is being offered with a flat INR 3000 instant discount. ICICI Bank members can enjoy an additional INR 3000 discount when using any ICICI Bank card for the purchase.

With both of these offers combined, the Honor 90 5G is available at INR 31999 for the 8+256GB variant and INR 33999 for the 12+512 GB variant. Interested buyers can explore these offers on Amazon.in until the conclusion of the HONOR Days promotion on December 8th.

For those interested in flexible payment options, HTech is facilitating a no-cost EMI plan for up to 12 months, exclusively available for buyers with select credit cards. As an added incentive, buyers will receive a complimentary 30W Type-C charger fully compatible with the Honor 90 as part of the bundle deal.

Honor 90 5G specs

The Honor 90 5G boasts an expansive 6.7-inch Quad curve floating AMOLED display that delivers an impressive 1.5k resolution, offering vibrant visuals with its 10-bit color support. The device ensures a smooth user experience with its 120Hz refresh rate, and security is enhanced through a fingerprint sensor. For seamless connectivity, it incorporates Bluetooth 5.2. The device offers generous internal storage, with options going up to 512GB. Powered by the Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 Accelerated Edition chipset crafted with a 4nm process, it supports up to 12GB of RAM for efficient multitasking.

In the camera department, the Honor 90 5G features a triple rear camera setup, including a 12MP wide-angle camera, a 2MP depth camera, and an impressive 200MP main sensor for exceptional clarity. The front camera stands at 50MP, equipped with AI Vlog 2.0 for stunning selfies. Connectivity features include a single speaker and USB Type-C for charging and data transfer. It comes with MagicOS 7.1 based on Android 13.

With a 5,000mAh battery, the Honor 90 5G offers a long battery life, supported by up to 66W fast charging for minimal downtime. Check out our Honor 90 5G review to learn more about the smartphone.

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OnePlus 12 Draws Mixed Criticism Over Price Hike in China

By

Leo Wong De Quan

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Dec 5, 2023

The OnePlus 12 was launched in China this week, but the hype and sentiment for the device within the tech circles of Chinese social media has been rather weak, despite the device sporting upgraded internals over last year’s OnePlus 11.

As one Chinese influencer pointed out, the hype for the OnePlus 12 was rather high in China right before the launch event, with many Chinese OnePlus fans hoping that the OnePlus 12 would start at 3298 CNY (competing with the Redmi K70 Pro). But when it was officially revealed that the OnePlus 12 would start at 4299 CNY (602 USD) for the base model, fans were sceptical about whether the OnePlus 12 was still worth the purchase despite the price hike.

To contextualise the matter, 4299 is a nearly 10% price hike from the OnePlus 11 at 3999 CNY, and since the OnePlus 11 256GB is 799 USD in the global market, the OnePlus 12 is expected to launch at 859 USD onwards when it comes to global markets in January 2024.

To add salt to the wound, the starting price of the OnePlus 12 is also the most expensive out of all the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 flagships launched so far. Here is a table to show OnePlus’ pricing against its competitors such as Xiaomi, iQOO and Meizu.

Base Model	Price (CNY)	Price (CNY-converted USD)
Redmi K70 Pro 12GB+256GB	3299	462
Meizu 21 8GB+256GB	3399	476
iQOO 12 12GB+256GB	3999	560
Xiaomi 14 8GB+256GB	3999	560
OnePlus 12 12GB+256GB	4299	602

The OnePlus 12 is launched with Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, alongside an upgraded 3x telephoto camera, and the first non-Pro OnePlus flagship to feature wireless charging.

Does the new pricing of OnePlus’ latest flagships kill your hype for future OnePlus flagships as well? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

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Xiaomi announces affordable Redmi Desktop Speaker with RGB lighting in China for 199 yuan ($27)

By

Soumyakanti

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Dec 5, 2023

Xiaomi‘s Redmi brand has announced the launch of a new computer soundbar, its first desktop audio accessory. The speaker features a sophisticated audio configuration with four acoustic units, aiming to provide exceptional sound quality. This marks Redmi’s significant entry into the desktop audio accessory market.

Redmi Desktop Speaker will be up for pre-order on December 7th

As per the teaser, the Redmi desktop soundbar has a sleek cylindrical design with a matte grey finish, making it visually appealing and suitable for various desktop configurations.

The desktop speaker boasts RGB ambient lighting. This lighting synchronizes with sound, creating a real-time color rhythm. This feature is designed to cater to users seeking a dynamic and immersive environment for their desktop activities.

The speaker also features professional Digital Signal Processing (DSP) technology. This DSP is optimized for audio performance in different scenarios, such as music, gaming, and movies.

The Redmi computer speaker, with its advanced features, maintains a competitive price of 199 yuan ($27), aligning with Redmi’s strategy of providing value-driven products at affordable prices. Pre-orders for the speaker will begin on December 7th.

Currently, there is no further information available about the product as official sources have not provided any additional details. The product is not listed on the Xiaomi online store, and its complete specifications and capabilities remain undisclosed.

Redmi‘s previous launch in the audio segment was the Redmi TV Soundbar, also priced at 199 yuan. It featured two 30W speakers and offered versatile connectivity options, including S/PDIF, AUX, and Bluetooth 5.0. The soundbar’s design was notably minimalist, with a matte black finish and minimal branding.

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NVIDIA’s RTX Technology Hits 500-Game Milestone

By

Anubhav

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Dec 5, 2023

Nvidia‘s RTX technology, a revolutionary suite in the realm of PC gaming, has crossed a significant milestone, now supporting over 500 games and applications. Since its inception in 2018, RTX has transformed from a specialized feature to a fundamental aspect of gaming experiences. This includes cutting-edge features like ray tracing, AI, and upscaling, which have reshaped expectations and possibilities in gaming visuals.

RTX has been key for new games that incorporate high-tier graphics

Ray tracing and Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS) are the cornerstones of RTX technology. Presently, 380 games utilize ray tracing or DLSS in some capacity. However, only two games, namely Alan Wake 2 and Cyberpunk 2077, currently exploit the full capabilities of path ray tracing and DLSS 3.5 with ray reconstruction. These games showcase stunning visual enhancements, especially when played on powerful graphics cards like the RTX 4090.

Nvidia’s shift from the GTX to the RTX series in 2018 marked its commitment to ray tracing as the future of graphic technology. However, the initial adoption of ray tracing was slow, partly due to its demanding nature on GPUs. To counter this, Nvidia introduced DLSS, an AI-driven upscaling technology, enhancing performance, particularly when ray tracing is enabled.

Initially, the inclusion of RTX features in games required significant resources from developers, casting doubts about the widespread adoption of these technologies. Nevertheless, RTX has firmly established itself in the gaming world. The advancement from DLSS 1 to DLSS 2, and now DLSS 3, which includes Frame Generation, is a testament to Nvidia’s continuous innovation. With competitors like AMD introducing similar technologies, frame generation is poised to become a staple in PC gaming.

The impact of RTX technology extends not only to high-end gaming setups. Graphics cards like the RTX 4060 and RTX 4060 Ti benefit significantly from DLSS, which can dramatically improve frame rates, ensuring these cards remain relevant for years. This boost in performance is crucial, especially for demanding future titles like GTA 6 (which just got a trailer by the way), which will likely be played on a wide range of Nvidia’s RTX series, from older to newer models.

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The $32,000 Fiat 500e Electric could be a Great Starting Point for EV Buyers

By

Anubhav

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Dec 5, 2023

The 2024 Fiat 500e emerges as a refreshing alternative. Priced at $32,500, the 500e offers a more accessible option for those eager to join the EV revolution without breaking the bank. With most EVs averaging around $50,000, the 500e’s price point is a significant draw for budget-conscious consumers.

The car features a Sherpa Mode that balances range and performance

The 500e marks the return of the iconic Italian city car to the U.S. after a short break. Its design is a blend of retro charm and modern functionality, a compact vehicle perfect for urban environments. Unlike the trend of building bigger electric SUVs and pickups, the Fiat 500e focuses on being small, efficient, and easy to park – a boon in crowded city settings. The updated model is also slightly larger than its predecessor, offering more room inside for passengers.

One of the most distinctive features of the 500e is its design, especially the (500e)RED edition’s interior, which boasts red accents and a modern touchscreen interface compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The car’s range, estimated at 149 miles, is appropriate for its size and urban-centric design. Additionally, Fiat includes a Level 2 charger with the car, allowing for a convenient charging experience at home.

The 500e’s performance, with 118 horsepower, is adequate for city driving. It features unique drive modes, including the ‘Sherpa’ mode, which maximizes range by adjusting the car’s power output and speed. A novel feature is its Acoustic Vehicle Alert System, which ‘sings’ to pedestrians at low speeds, adding a touch of Italian flair to its presence.

Compared to its competitors like the Mini Electric, Nissan Leaf, and Chevrolet Bolt, the 500e stands out for its unique combination of style, price, and city-friendly size. Time will tell if people will adopt this EV the same way as they did others.

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China Greenlights 87 New Games, Including Ubisoft’s ‘The Division Resurgence’

By

Anubhav

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Dec 5, 2023

In a very recent development, China has given the green light to 87 new video games, marking a big step in the recovery of its local gaming market. This move includes the approval of a popular title, “The Division Resurgence,” a mobile spin-off from Ubisoft‘s acclaimed Tom Clancy’s The Division series. The game, which enjoys backing from Tencent Holdings, is a third-person shooter and represents a key addition to Ubisoft’s gaming portfolio.

This decision may create a more favourable environment for future developers

The approval of these games by China is noteworthy, as the country is recognized as the largest market for video gaming. This year, the total number of game titles approved has reached 873, a substantial increase from the 512 titles approved in 2022 and 755 in 2021. This trend indicates a relaxation in Beijing’s regulatory stance, which had previously imposed stricter controls on the gaming industry.

The inclusion of “The Division Resurgence” in the approved list is particularly significant. This game represents a fusion of Western game design and storytelling, courtesy of Ubisoft, with the Chinese gaming market’s vast potential. The approval suggests an openness to diverse gaming experiences and could pave the way for more international collaborations in China’s gaming sector.

Furthermore, this development could signal a more favorable environment for game developers and publishers, both domestic and international. The increased number of approvals suggests that the Chinese market is becoming more accessible, offering new opportunities for growth and innovation in the gaming industry. To be fair, China’s approval of these new games, especially high-profile titles like “The Division Resurgence,” is one heck of an important milestone in the recovery. It reflects a delicate balance between regulations and market growth, and opens up exciting prospects for the future of gaming in China.

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LG launches 38WR85QC-W 144Hz curved monitor with Nano IPS panel in China for 8999 yuan ($1,269)

By

Soumyakanti

-

Dec 5, 2023

LG has launched the 38WR85QC-W monitor in China, catering to professional and gaming needs, priced at 8,999 yuan ($1,269) and available on e-commerce platforms, with the release date undisclosed. Let’s check out the key specs of this monitor.

LG 38WR85QC-W Monitor Key Features:

The monitor features a 38-inch 21:9 WQHD+ curved display with a 2300R curvature and three-sided narrow bezel and a resolution of 3840×1600, providing an immersive and aesthetically pleasing viewing experience.

The monitor is equipped with a Nano IPS panel, offering excellent color accuracy and wider viewing angles. It achieves a color gamut of DCI-P3 98%, resulting in vivid and lifelike color reproduction. Additionally, it holds VESA DisplayHDR 600 certification, enhancing HDR effects for dynamic and immersive visuals.

The monitor offers productivity-enhancing features for professionals, including the LG Switch app, which allows screen division into up to six partitions for efficient multitasking. It also features a built-in KVM (Keyboard, Video, Mouse) function through Dual Controller, enabling control of two devices with a single keyboard and mouse, streamlining workflow.

For gamers, the LG 38WR85QC-W monitor offers a 144Hz refresh rate and 1ms (GtG) response time for smooth and responsive gameplay. It is compatible with NVIDIA G-SYNC and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro to reduce screen tearing and stuttering. The monitor also features built-in 7W x 2ch MaxxAudio speakers for immersive audio quality.

The monitor offers robust connectivity with USB Type-C supporting data transfer and 90W reverse charging, USB 3.0, HDMI, LAN port, and more. Additionally, the monitor comes with an adjustable stand that offers tilt adjustment ranging from -5° to 25°, a height adjustment of 110mm, and swivel functionality from -15° to 15°.

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Redmi 13C 5G spec sheet & price point leaks ahead of tomorrow’s launch in India

By

Sudhanshu

-

Dec 5, 2023

Xiaomi will be launching the Redmi 13C 5G tomorrow in India. The brand has recently teased the design and color options of the device. Now, tipster Mukul Sharma has spilled the beans on the spec sheet and price point.

Redmi 13C 5G specs & pricing

In a recent post on X (Twitter), Mukul revealed the complete spec sheet of the Realme 13C 5G. Starting with the already-known color options, the device will debut in Startrail Black, Startrail Silver, and Startrail Green. Under the hood, it will be powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ and will be offered in two configurations: 4GB RAM with 128GB internal storage and 8GB RAM with 256GB UFS2.2 internal storage. The phone will have a MicroSD card slot for memory expansion and up to 8GB virtual RAM support.

Designed for durability, the Redmi 13C 5G will boast a Splash and Dust Resistant design. For optics, the camera setup apparently includes a high-resolution 50MP AI dual camera for capturing detailed and vibrant images. As for the display, the device sports a 6.74-inch 90Hz IPS panel with Corning Gorilla Glass protection.

The phone will come with Dual 5G standby, meaning that you will be able to use two 5G SIMs at once. And to keep you powered throughout the day, it will have a 5,000mAh battery with 18W fast charging. Lastly, there will be a side-mounted fingerprint scanner for convenient unlocking.

As for pricing, the tipster suggests the smartphone will have an effective price of around Rs. 10,000. While the actual retail price might be slightly higher, potential bank discounts could bring it down to approximately Rs. 10,000. These details are expected to be officially confirmed by 12 PM IST tomorrow (December 6), and we’ll be covering the launch event, so stay tuned for updates.

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PlayStation Users Worldwide Report Suspension Of Their Accounts Out Of The Blue

By

Viraj Gawde

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Dec 5, 2023

It’s been a harrowing time for Sony PlayStation owners. Several users reported earlier today that their PlayStation Networks (PSN) accounts have been suspended. What’s more troublesome is that the accounts have been banned without any proper reasoning. Additionally, Sony hasn’t officially acknowledged the matter. It’s unclear how widespread the problem is but it has resulted in confusion and frustration among the affected users. As of writing this post, some users are reporting that their accounts are working again.

Sony suspends PSN accounts of users out of the blue

Without any notice, @PlayStation / @AskPlayStation permanently banned me from the #PlayStation Network. No one knows why! I don't have a chargeback, I can't appeal & no response to suspension status. CS says to create a new account & disconnected me.#sony #psn #gaming #ps5 pic.twitter.com/YdoeHM76Iv
— Michael Dhaliwal (@michaeldhaliwal) December 4, 2023

Multiple users on Reddit, X, ResetEra forum, and even The Verge reported that PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 owners received suspension alerts for their PSN account. The messages popped up without any advanced notice or clarification resulting in to potential security concerns or glitches in Sony’s network. “This account is permanently suspended from PlayStation Network due to violations of the PlayStation Network Terms of Service and User Agreement,” one message read.

The suspension of accounts is a grave issue for PS5 Digital Edition owners as the console relies solely on PSN network. Additionally, creating a new account does not transfer the purchased content from old account which means users lose access to it.

Affected users who contacted PlayStation customer service revealed that Sony didn’t clarify the reason for suspending their account. The company asked users to create a new PSN account. The Japanese brand has not issued an official statement on the matter. There are no posts on the PlayStation support page under ‘important notices’.

We hope that innocent affected users get their account suspension reversed which seems very likely.

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Xiaomi’s Redmi Buds 5 Pro Gaming Edition goes on sale in China for 499 Yuan ($70)

By

Soumyakanti

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Dec 5, 2023

Last week, Xiaomi unveiled the Redmi Buds 5 Pro Gaming Edition alongside the Redmi K70 series. These earphones are currently on sale for 499 yuan ($70) and stand out with their distinctive orange-black color combination.

Xiaomi Redmi Buds 5 Pro Key Specs:

The Redmi Buds 5 Pro features a semi-in-ear stem and silicone ear tips for comfortable wear. The earphones boast a 10mm tweeter for crisp treble and an 11mm dynamic subwoofer for robust bass. It incorporates 20ms latency full-link technology to ensure low latency while gaming. The earbuds are equipped with Type-C connectivity and come with LHDC 5.0 codec, and Hi-Res wireless audio support, ensuring lossless audio quality.

These earbuds offer an impressive 52dB noise reduction and AI adaptive adjustment, aided by a 4kHz ultra-wide noise reduction frequency band that adapts to the surrounding environment for optimal listening. Moreover, they provide spatial audio for a 360-degree sound experience and come with a three-level transparency mode for situational awareness.

Coming to the battery life, the earbuds offer 2 hours of playback with just 5 minutes of quick charging. The total battery life extends to 38 hours, with 10 hours of usage for a single earphone without active noise cancellation (ANC) and 6.5 hours with ANC enabled. Additionally, these earbuds boast an IP54 rating for dust and water resistance.

Furthermore, the earbuds hold three prestigious professional audio certifications: a dual certification from QQ Music for “Premium Master Tape” and “Premium Spatial Audio,” certification from NetEase Cloud Music as “NetEase Cloud Audio,” and certification from Kugou Music as “Viper Panoramic Sound.”

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Realme UI 5.0 stable version announced in China, rollout to begin soon

By

Sudhanshu

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Dec 5, 2023

Realme is gearing up to unveil its inaugural smartphone equipped with the Android 14-based Realme UI 5.0, and the highly-anticipated release is the Realme GT5 Pro. Complementing this, Realme has initiated beta testing for Realme UI 5.0 on various devices, such as the Realme GT5, Realme 11 Pro 5G, and the Realme GT Neo 3, among others. The brand has now officially declared the launch of the stable version of the operating system in China.

Realme UI 5.0: Here’s what’s new

Prepare for a substantial upgrade with realme UI 5.0! This year, the focus centers on speed, simplicity, and user convenience, presenting a range of interesting features.

To kick things off, the overhauled Fluid Cloud notification system ensures you stay seamlessly connected. The notification bar now prioritizes information, ensuring you capture the most critical updates at a glance.

Efficiency takes center stage with the introduction of a transfer station. Tired of navigating through various apps for travel guides and information? The transfer station serves as your one-click solution, organizing all essential materials for instant access.

Now, for the true game-changer – smart cutouts for emoticons and hassle-free file openings. Bid farewell to frustrations with downloaded files; realme UI 5.0 transforms your device into a portable workbench, effortlessly managing incomplete files.

Personalization receives a boost with fresh content like wallpapers, aquatic ringtones, and redesigned icons, infusing style into your device.

For customization enthusiasts, realme UI 5.0 builds upon the 4.0 integration, refining features such as multi-application volume adjustment, custom refresh rates, WeChat call recording, and GPU geek panels.

The smartphones that currently have open Realme UI 5.0 beta testing programs over in China will soon be receiving stable updates. Currently, there is no word on the global rollout schedule.

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Samsung Starts Seeding OneUI 6.0-Based Android 14 Update To The Galaxy S21 FE

By

Viraj Gawde

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Dec 5, 2023

Samsung’s rollout of the OneUI 6.0-based Android 14 has been impressive so far. A host of eligible devices not only limited to premium flagships but also mid-range and budget offerings have received the latest software update in quick succession. Now, the Galaxy S21 FE is receiving the Android 14 OS update. However, this is only for the US region and carrier-locked models of the phone.

Samsung Galaxy S21 FE now receiving Android 14 update

As per SamMobile, the OneUI 6.0-based Android 14 is rolling out on the Galaxy S21 FE only on Verizon’s network in the US. Customers who own an unlocked model or another carrier-locked version of the device are not eligible for the Android 14 upgrade. However, users shouldn’t be worried as a wider rollout is expected in the coming days.

For the Galaxy S21 FE Verizon owners, the Android 14 update has the firmware version G990USQU9FWK5 or G990U2SQU7FWK5. The latest update also brings the November 2023 security patch. Users of the smartphone can check for the Android 14 OS update by heading to Settings > Software Update > Check for updates > Download and Install if it’s available.

With the Galaxy S21 FE now receiving the Android 14 update, the rollout now seems to be complete for the Galaxy S21 series, well, at least in the US region. The S21 FE was announced with Android 12 OS onboard and now it has been updated to the latest version. The smartphone is still eligible for two more Android OS updates.

For detailed changes and new features in the OneUI 6.1-based Android 14, head over to this post.

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