Red Magic 9 Pro Roundup: Everything we know about the upcoming gaming powerhouse

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Nov 20, 2023

The launch of the Red Magic 9 Pro is almost upon us as we get closer and closer to November 23. The new flagship gaming phone from the Red Devil’s camp will be among the first to launch a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip. Xiaomi 14 series and iQOO 12 series are currently the only smartphones with this new chip on the market. These phones have shown great performance on AnTuTu, scoring almost 2 million points. But here’s the thing: the Red Magic 9 Pro is all about gaming, so we expect it to be much better at sustaining its performance than its counterparts. Let’s look at what’s coming with this new smartphone.

Design & display

The brand recently showed off the look and color choices for the upcoming Red Magic 9 Pro. This time around, they’ve made some changes to the design, moving the camera setup to the left side of the device. What’s interesting is that the camera has a flat design, so it doesn’t stick out. The brand has also teased that the smartphone will be quite slim, measuring only 8.9mm, which is chunky by flagship smartphone standards but quite slim for a gaming phone.

The phone has a generally flat look, featuring flat edges and buttons. It will come with a unique RGB light that boasts the industry’s first custom RGB fan lighting effect, along with new RGB gaming shoulder keys for various operations. You can choose from three colors: Deuterium Transparent Silver Wings, Deuterium Transparent Dark Night, and Dark Night Knight. The Transparent Silver Wings and Deuterium Transparent Dark Night options have a transparent back, providing a glimpse of the phone’s internal components.

On the front, the smartphone will feature a flat, full screen without any cutouts for a front camera. This is because the device will use an under-display camera. Talking about the display, it is anticipated to measure 6.8 inches and offer a resolution of 2480 x 1116 pixels. The display material will be OLED and the refresh rate is expected to be 120Hz.

Specs

As mentioned earlier, the phone will be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip paired with up to 24GB RAM and 2TB storage. It includes a 10,182mm² vapor chamber, claiming to reduce the heat generated by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip by up to 25°C. Thanks to this cooling system, the phone achieved an impressive score of 2,290,773 points on AnTuTu. In games like Genshin Impact, the device can maintain an average of 60 FPS at 720P resolution. What’s noteworthy from the benchmark results is that the device consumes less power compared to the iQOO 12 Pro and Xiaomi 14 Pro, while at the same time, outperforming them in terms of performance.

The device is also teased to come with Red Magic’s self-developed game chip called the Red Core R2 Pro. This chip will focus on aspects that enhance the gaming experience like haptic feedback, audio, and touch-sampling rate. The smartphone will also feature X Gravity 2.0 software, which will be used for seamless mapping of external devices like a controller or keyboard and mouse to on-screen controls. Along with these features, the device will be launching with REDMAGIC OS 9.0 based on Android 14. The brand has promised a smoother and more polished experience compared to REDMAGIC OS 8.

The haptic motors are larger this time, providing 30% stronger vibration compared to its predecessor. A dual stereo speaker system will also be onboard ensuring you don’t miss out on any sound queues. In addition to that, the phone will also be equipped with a 3.5mm audio jack for low-latency wired audio. The shoulder buttons will have a 90% larger area with 520Hz touch sampling and new lighting effects. The battery will also come with a few upgrades. The capacity will be increased to 6,500mAh compared to 6,000mAh on its predecessor. Along with that, the fast charging is jumping up to 165W, which is awesome news for gamers as the brand claims that the device can be fully charged in just 16 minutes.

Camera

While Red Magic phones aren’t typically recognized for their focus on cameras, so, it’s not surprising that details about the camera setup are scarce. Nonetheless, there are rumors suggesting that the Red Magic 9 Pro might incorporate a 50-megapixel Samsung GN5 primary sensor on the rear with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS). This is expected to be accompanied by a 50-megapixel Samsung JN1 ultra-wide-angle lens. These sensors have proven their capabilities in various flagship devices, raising expectations for the Red Magic 9 Pro to capture impressive and visually appealing photos.

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ByteDance surges ahead in Q2 2023, challenging tech titans like Tencent and Alibaba

By

Joane

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Nov 20, 2023

In a spectacular financial performance for Q2 2023, ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok and Douyin, reported a staggering $29 billion in revenue. This marked a remarkable 40% year-on-year growth, propelling ByteDance into the coveted top three among China’s Big Tech companies, alongside Tencent and Alibaba.

ByteDance’s meteoric rise outpaced industry giants, with its growth surpassing both Tencent’s 11% and Alibaba’s 14%. The company’s revenue even approached that of Meta Platforms, with ByteDance reporting $54 billion in first-half earnings compared to Meta’s $60.6 billion.

The driving force behind ByteDance’s success lies in its strategic business segments. A surge in advertising, particularly in the Chinese market, significantly contributed to the revenue spike. ByteDance’s aggressive foray into e-commerce through Douyin paid off handsomely, boasting an impressive 80% growth in gross merchandise volume (GMV) last year.

In contrast, industry stalwarts Tencent and Alibaba reported more modest growth. Tencent, with an 11% increase in sales, saw its advertising segment as the fastest-growing, up 34%. Alibaba, with 14% year-on-year growth, continued to rely on its core e-commerce business, constituting approximately half of its total sales.

ByteDance’s push into diversified revenue sources, including ventures into food deliveries and hotel reservations, reflects a proactive approach to adapt to economic headwinds and regulatory challenges. Douyin, with its 600 million daily active users, emerged as a formidable competitor to Alibaba, leveraging e-commerce as a key revenue pillar.

However, ByteDance faced geopolitical challenges, notably the ban on TikTok in government devices across 30 states in the US, the EU, and Australia due to data security concerns. Despite this setback, ByteDance managed to generate approximately $5.8 billion, or 12% of its Q2 2023 sales, from international markets, primarily through TikTok.

ByteDance is a big player in its home market, but its success globally and unclear IPO plans make its story even more interesting. Despite facing challenges from regulators and economic ups and downs, ByteDance’s ability to adapt and find new ways to make money shows that it’s shaking things up in the world of Big Tech.

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Samsung Good Lock and its Add-Ons Garnered 100 Million Downloads on the Galaxy Store

By

Simranpal Singh

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Nov 20, 2023

Expanding support for Good Lock in different regions across different Galaxy smartphones has paved the way for new milestones. The popular Good Lock App which is used to extend customizability across Galaxy smartphones via its different modules has conclusively hit more than 100 million downloads on Galaxy Store.

Must See: Samsung trademarks the Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 7 monikers

Apart from the Good Lock’s 16,367,061 installs, it is joined by the Sound Assistant module with 11,440,106 downloads in second position. It is further joined by One Hand Operation + with 8,522,285 installs and Lockstart at fourth position with 6,606,160 installs. Several other popular modules follow the list as – Theme Park, Multi Star, Home Up, ClockFace, NavStar, NotiStar, etc.

In the last three months, the installs have significantly increased with the compatibility extending across different devices. Good Lock App alone pulled 2,121,404 installs, which is followed by Theme Park with 1,159,608.

Among countries, Korea contributes 26,868,771 installs, China with 20,443,371 downloads and the USA contributes 12,194,874 installs. India and Mexico remained in 4th and fifth position with 7,061,864 and 2,782,314 installs, respectively.

Good Lock Modules’ Popularity With Respect To Specific Country

In the past 3-4 months, most downloads have come from Southeast Asia including countries like Thailand, and Indonesia. Due to compatibility expansion, customers are widely using these add-ons in China, Korea, India, and the USA. Even European nations like the UK and Germany are contributing to the increasing demand for customizability with these modules.

Korea: The users prefer Sound Sound-Assistant//QuickStart kind modules which enhance the convenience.

China: The users don’t really prefer any specific kind of app, the data shows symmetric installs of all modules.

India: Indian users love to customize their smartphones using apps like ThemePark, LockStart HomeUp, etc.

In the coming few weeks, a lot of new features will be part of the Good Lock App. However, the users can leave positive feedback by using the hashtag #GoodLock100Million on Instagram to cheer the development team.

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Xiaomi releases 2023 Q3 financial report, revenue hits $9.92 billion in a strong 2023 comeback

By

Soumyakanti

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Nov 20, 2023

Xiaomi is a Chinese tech company known for its wide range of consumer electronics and smart devices. With a focus on offering innovative and affordable products, Xiaomi has gained popularity for its smartphones, smart home devices, wearables, and other tech gadgets. The company’s products are characterized by their competitive pricing and quality, making technology accessible to a broader audience. Xiaomi’s commitment to providing value-for-money options has contributed to its success in various markets around the world.

Xiaomi’s 2023 Q3 Financial Report

Earlier today, the company released its Q3 2023 financial report. According to the report, their total revenue has surged to 70.9 billion yuan ($9.92 billion), and they’ve posted an adjusted net profit of 6 billion yuan ($840 million), marking a substantial year-on-year growth of 182.9%. Notably, Xiaomi has achieved a historic high gross margin of 22.7% and amassed an unprecedented cash reserve of 127.6 billion yuan ($17.8 billion).

A significant part of Xiaomi’s success can be attributed to their continuous investment in innovation, especially in research and development (R&D), which has seen a 22% year-on-year increase, totaling 5 billion yuan ($700 million). This investment drives Xiaomi’s “People, Car, Home” ecosystem strategy, with the centerpiece being the Xiaomi HyperOS. This new operating system, developed over seven years by a team of over 5,000 engineers, is designed to seamlessly connect billions of devices, underscoring Xiaomi’s commitment to building a comprehensive ecosystem.

Xiaomi’s smartphone division, particularly the Xiaomi 14 series, has also experienced remarkable growth, boasting a record gross margin of 16.6% and selling over a million units at launch. Additionally, Xiaomi has excelled in the IoT and consumer products segment, achieving historic highs in revenue at 20.7 billion yuan ($2.8 billion) and a gross margin of 17.8%. Their AIoT platform is now connected to a staggering 699 million IoT devices, and the monthly active users of the Mi Home app have increased by 16% to reach 84 million.

In the global smartphone market, Xiaomi has maintained a top-three position for 13 consecutive quarters. Their internet business has thrived as well, with internet services revenue hitting 78.125 billion yuan ($10.9) and a remarkable gross margin of 74.4%.

Beyond technology and innovation, Xiaomi is also committed to environmentally friendly practices, aiming for carbon neutrality by 2040 and utilizing 100% renewable energy sources. On the social front, Xiaomi has earned recognition as one of Forbes’ global best employers for three consecutive years and continues to make significant contributions to public welfare and education through initiatives like the Xiaomi Public Welfare Foundation and the Xiaomi Scholarship program.

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FCC takes steps to curb SIM swapping and port-out fraud

By

Rajesh Regmi

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Nov 20, 2023

In an overdue move, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has announced new rules aimed at protecting consumers from SIM swapping and port-out fraud, scams that have become increasingly prevalent in recent years.

SIM swapping occurs when fraudsters trick mobile carrier employees into transferring a victim’s phone number to a new SIM card, effectively taking control of their account. Port-out fraud, on the other hand, involves transferring the victim’s number to a different carrier without their authorization.

FCC takes action against SIM swapping and port-out fraud

These scams have become so common that an entire industry has emerged to facilitate them. SIM swapping has also been used to target and breach the networks of major organizations.

The new FCC rules require that wireless providers implement secure authentication methods before transferring a customer’s phone number and immediately notify customers of any SIM changes or port-out requests. However, the rules lack specific details on what constitutes secure authentication or immediate notification.

While the FCC’s actions are a step in the right direction, the effectiveness of the new rules remains to be seen. The challenge lies in implementing effective security measures while dealing with a diverse range of carriers with varying levels of employee training and security cultures.

In the meantime, consumers should take steps to protect themselves, such as enabling PIN or verbal password protection for their accounts and following additional precautions recommended by the Federal Trade Commission.

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Google’s mysterious “Cubes” project hinted at in code breadcrumbs

By

Rajesh Regmi

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Nov 20, 2023

Google has a knack for leaving digital breadcrumbs in its code, and this time, the trail leads to a mysterious feature called “Cubes.” While its exact functionality is still shrouded in secrecy, recent discoveries suggest that Cubes might be a central hub for discovering new apps tailored to each user’s preferences.

Evidence of Cubes has been unearthed in recent Android updates, indicating that the project is nearing completion. The feature was first spotted in January as a basic framework, but subsequent discoveries suggest that development is steadily progressing.

Google Cubes Project — `Google Cubes | Image: Google News Telegram`

According to Google News Telegram, Cubes will likely facilitate app discovery across various categories, curating a personalized feed of app information, deals, and updates based on user-selected categories and individual app preferences.

X/Twitter user AssembleDebug has further uncovered the possibility of direct shopping within Cubes, though the extent of this feature remains unclear.

With much of its functionality still shrouded in mystery, Cubes is poised to revolutionize app discovery on Android. Its personalized approach could provide users with a more refined and tailored experience compared to the existing Play Store structure.

While the exact timing of Cubes’ release is unknown, it appears to be another step towards personalized feeds, potentially based on existing apps or those yet to be discovered. While the concept might seem familiar within the Play Store’s existing structure, Cubes could bring a more refined and tailored experience.

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iHoodwarm Heated Vest Review: Now You Can Give Yourself a Warm Hug

By

Will Chu

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Nov 20, 2023

Now the winter is upon us, soon the coldest time will arrive, and we should be prepared. Unlike normal jacket we wear every day to keep you in a decent warm situation, a heated vest or jacket can be a better choice when you want to go outside. This time we have the iHoodwarm Heated Vest for review, this vest has a built-in warming system inside, and can heat you up quickly. Let’s have a look at it.

How it works

Basically, it has a battery bank to act as the power source, and there is a pocket at the left corner to hold it. In the pocket, there is a dedicated connector to link the battery bank to the warming system spread out in the vest. Then we have heat plates in three areas, Chest and Belly, Back, Ears and Neck. These are the key body parts that need warmth and will pretty much preserve the energy well.

At the left chest area, there is a rounded control panel that can help you select the area to heat up, or control the light on or off. It feels very natural to use these buttons.

Build Quality

As a winter vest, it has solid materials used at every part, the surface is made of stretchy and anti-dirt nylon, and it feels much better than some random vest you pick up at Walmart. The filler is probably artificial fiber, it is well-stacked and won’t go anywhere since they are separated by the sewing threads. The inside is also nylon I think, it is slightly thinner than the outside but has a soft touch to it, so it feels comfortable to have your body surrounded by the vest. The hat is made of a different material, it is polyester I think, it has some give to it, so it can fit the different shapes of heads, also there are buckles built-in to make sure you can have the hat on very tightly.

The main zipper and the pocket zippers are made by YKK, and the ones on the hat and battery bank pocket are standard, they all work smoothly and seem to last long. Since there is no waterproof rating on this vest, based on my experience with the material used on this vest, it should be able to withstand light rain or snow.

The heating system is made by a 14400mAh/ 3.63V lithium battery bank, and the heating patches are spread in the three areas mentioned earlier. The battery bank looks standard, but it is UN38.3 & MSDS certified, so the reliability should be very good. There are four ports, 2 USB-A for output, 1 USB-C and 1 Micro-USB for in and out, by seeing these ports you know that you can also use them to charge your phone or other devices at the same time, but this will have to sacrifice the overall heating time of course. The connector used for linking the heating system is with a USB-A port, so you can only use one of the USB-A ports on the battery bank. The brand is also kind enough to include a charging brick for you to charge the battery bank.

So there are three heating areas on this vest, basically the main body except the limbs, they are the key parts that need to keep warm. The heating patches are really thin and flexible, but they are fixed in certain spaces by the threads, so they won’t be running around in the vest, certainly won’t break loose anyway. When you put your hands on them, you can feel there are lines inside the patch, but they are not that thick, so it won’t affect the wearing comfort.

Use Experience

Now they claim that there are three heating modes, High: 149-158°F/65-70°C, Medium: 131-149°F/55-65℃, Low: 122-131°F/50-55℃. This can definitely help you tackle different scenarios, like shoveling snow on really cold days outside, or simply wearing them for a run. And if you have an elder person in the family, this can help them keep warm very well.

In our place, it does not get that cold in winter, but we did use the thermoprobe to see if it can reach the advertised temperatures, and it does. As you can see, the max temperature comes from the wires around the heating patch, then conduct the heat to other areas as well. When the battery bank is linked with the patches, the heat comes up immediately, I can feel it right away, so whenever you want to go out, you can simply grab this vest and go.

*The temperatures may vary in different situations.

Now the control panel is made of rubber, and the buttons are clicky, so once you press it, it responds instantly. By pressing the buttons, you can select the different temperatures for each area, this is a very innovative design. I even found turning on the heat in the neck area can be somehow a massage, you can try it and let us know how you feel.

Is It Safe?

Somebody would be worried about its reliability, but iHood has addressed it very thoroughly on the website. Basically there are two things that makes it very reliable, which are the solid battery bank and our real-time user experience. The battery bank is made of UN38.3 & MSDS-certified lithium cells, and it’s not built for extreme output, so it does not heat up crazy. Also based on our experience, during several hours’ test, the battery bank remained just a bit warm, and certainly within the tolerance level of a lithium cell, the vest remained stable. And thirdly, the battery is well below 20000mAh so it is TSA approved, and also iHood said it’s hand washable or machine washable, if they have faith in it, so should we, isn’t it?

Verdict

So this is the iHoodwarm Heated Vest. As the winter has come, the Heated Vest could be your best companion for going outside, working, or playing, which also can be a Heartwarming Christmas gift for families and any human you care about. They have some other products in the lineup, if you need a heated jacket or gloves, searching through their website is the right way.

Kia EV5 officially launched in China at 10,000 yuan ($1,387) lower than earlier announced

By

Jed John Ikoba

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Nov 20, 2023

After some speculated higher prices, the Kia EV5 electric vehicle has been launched in China at a lower price (a 10,000 yuan reduction). The Kia EV5 was on display during the Guangzhou International Automobile Exhibition 2023.

Features

The Kia EV5 comes in three trim levels namely standard, long-range, and AWD in China. The standard trim option of the Kia EV5 has a 160kW motor and BYD LFP Blade battery with 64.2Wh capacity. It has a range of 530km but the long-range variant has a 88kWh LFP battery that delivers 720km using the same motor. The AWD version of the EV5 will come with dual 160kW front and 70kW rear motors with an 88kWh battery. The range of the AWD trim of the EV5 has not been specified.

The interior of the Kia EV5 features three screens – a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 5-inch climate control panel, and a 12.3-inch infotainment display. The EV5 also features Level 2 assisted driving with semi-automated lane changing and intelligent remote control parking.

Pricing & Availability

The new Kia EV5 was earlier announced as having a starting price of 159,800 yuan (~$22,160) but it will now start at 149,800 yuan (~$20,775). Kia is offering a 5-year warranty for the EV5 (or 100,000km of range). In addition, the battery, motor, and electronic control system of the EV5 are covered for 8 years (or 150,000km).

Kia already plans to release the EV5 in Canada, South Korea, Australia, and a few other markets in 2024. The schedule for the international release and the prices of the model in specific markets have not been specified yet.

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Lenovo ThinkPlus X16 TWS earbuds with IPX4 protection and affordable price released

By

Jed John Ikoba

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Nov 20, 2023

Chinese tech giant Lenovo has launched the ThinkPlus X16 wireless earbuds. The new Lenovo headphones come with IPX4 water resistance and are designed to withstand tough environmental conditions.

Features

The Lenovo ThinkPlus X16 TWS earbuds are among a growing number of wireless audio accessories delivered by the electronics company. It follows the release earlier this year of the Lenovo XT80 affordable headphones. The X16 comes with a classic design and is a completely wireless pair of headphones.

The X16 are completely wireless headphones and each weighs 4.5g. The model comes with 14.2mm drivers that deliver high playback quality and clarity when making calls. A microphone is installed in each of the headphones and this is capable of reducing ambient noise. The headphone’s touch surface allows for seamless control of music or calls. It has a battery life of 20 hours. Four LEDs help to display the charging status of the headphones’ case. The new Lenovo X16 wireless headphones support Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity and also offer low latency.

Pricing & Availability

The Lenovo X16 headphones are available from a set of retailers including German platforms. The headphones are priced at around €15 (~$16). The headphones are well-suited for use during sports activities and when operating in demanding environmental conditions. Various prices of the model are available from different retailers and shipping times are said to be quick and relatively free. The model is also probably free from import duties and there may be no warranty on the product.

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OnePlus Nord N10 5G gets a new update with the latest Android security patch

By

Sudhanshu

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Nov 20, 2023

Back in October 2020, OnePlus launched the Nord N10 5G smartphone in select markets. In July 2021, the device got its first and final major update bumping its OS to Android 11. Although the device is quite outdated operating system-wise, OnePlus is still keeping its promise to provide regular security updates.

The Nord N10 5G has recently received the November 2023 Android security patch to enhance system security. The OxygenOS 11.0.16 update comes with version number 11.0.16.BE89BA for global and EU users, while it is marked with version number 11.0.16.BE86AA for North American users.

Although the update only carries a security update and should be quite stable, if you still encounter any issues with the update, you can provide feedback via the link given on the update page.

OnePlus is set to celebrate its 10th anniversary with a special event on December 4, unveiling its highly anticipated flagship smartphone, the OnePlus 12. The occasion is expected to showcase not only the new flagship but also introduce additional products like the OnePlus Ace 3 and the OnePlus Watch 2. Although the global launch dates are yet to be revealed, it is anticipated that the OnePlus 12 will make its debut in India simultaneously with its launch in China.

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The Red Magic 9 Pro will be the first to pack 165W charging and Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 together

By

Debasish

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Nov 20, 2023

The upcoming gaming flagship from Nubia, the Red Magic 9 Pro, is set for an official release on November 23. This device is confirmed to bring 165W fast charging support and the legendary Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset together. With the new ‘Magic Flash Fast Charging’ this device will take only 16 minutes for a full charge.

Nubia packs a massive battery with a superfast 165W charging

To ensure the stability and safety of the device during fast charging, the Red Magic team employs charging separation technology. This approach avoids localized heating by distributing the charging load across the device through a three-charge pump connected in parallel. This technology is successfully implemented in the Red Magic 8 Pro. It is expected to continue in the Red Magic 9 Pro, promising users a consistently stable and safe output at 165W.

Beyond its remarkable charging capabilities, the Red Magic 9 Pro is said to pack the 6500mAh battery within an 8.9mm frame. The official claim of “comprehensive battery life exceeding 2 days and 2 nights” positions this device as a reliable companion for users with demanding smartphone needs.

In terms of design, this gaming device comes with a back cover made of “customized integrated glass”. Processed through 15 intricate steps, this integrated design is said to seamlessly combine the back shell glass and lens cover.

The front screen includes an under-display camera for selfies ensuring an immersive gaming experience. The Red Magic 9 Pro series is likely to set some new standards in the world of gaming smartphones.

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Sam Altman joins Microsoft’s AI team following OpenAI departure

By

Soumyakanti

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Nov 20, 2023

Microsoft has recently made a significant move by hiring Sam Altman, the former CEO of OpenAI, and Greg Brockman, a co-founder of OpenAI, to lead a new advanced AI research team. This development comes after a tumultuous weekend at OpenAI, which saw Altman abruptly dismissed from his role by the company’s board due to concerns over his commitment to OpenAI’s mission. The board cited issues with overseeing Altman and a lack of trust, leading to his and Brockman’s departure.

Altman’s Departure and New Beginning at Microsoft

Emmett Shear, co-founder of Twitch, was appointed as the interim CEO of OpenAI, succeeding Mira Murati, who had briefly held the position following Altman’s firing. The OpenAI board highlighted Shear’s unique skills and experience as pivotal for the company’s future. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella expressed excitement about Altman and Brockman joining Microsoft and emphasized the company’s commitment to providing them with the necessary resources.

Notably, Nadella took to social media to reiterate Microsoft’s dedication to its partnership with OpenAI, stating, “We remain committed to our partnership with OpenAI and have confidence in our product roadmap.” This statement reflects Microsoft’s strategic intent to maintain a strong collaboration with OpenAI while also enhancing its own AI research capabilities.

Altman’s departure from OpenAI was unexpected and caused a stir in the tech industry, revealing a divide in the AI community between rapid development and concerns about AI’s potential risks. Altman had been discussing a new AI start-up, and his firing led to some employees planning to leave OpenAI. Microsoft, a major investor in OpenAI, was taken aback by the sudden decision, learning about it shortly before it was publicly announced.

Microsoft’s new AI research team, led by Altman and Brockman, is part of the company’s ongoing investment in AI technology. Microsoft has also developed its own custom AI chip, the Azure Maia, to reduce reliance on Nvidia and power its Azure data centers.

Overall, Microsoft’s acquisition of Altman and Brockman positions the company favorably in the competitive AI research space, capitalizing on their expertise and following among AI professionals.

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Google has Removed “Long-Pressing on Icons for Notifications” from Android 14

By

Anubhav

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Nov 20, 2023

In the latest Android 14 update, Google has made a noticeable change in how users interact with app icons on their home screens. Unlike in Android 13, where long-pressing an app icon displayed recent notifications for that app, Android 14 has done away with this feature. Instead, long-pressing an app icon now presents options like app shortcuts, app info, the ability to pause the app, and widgets.

A lot of users are complaining about a feature very few people used

This change might not seem significant at first glance, but it subtly alters how users manage and view their notifications. In the past, if your notification tray was brimming with alerts, you could easily view notifications for a specific app directly from the home screen. This feature was particularly handy for those who receive a high volume of notifications and prefer to deal with them app-by-app.

However, with Android 14, this convenience has been stripped away. Google has not provided a clear rationale for this change, but it’s possible that internal usage statistics influenced this decision. During the Android 14 Beta Program, Google confirmed that the removal of this notification feature was intentional and not something they plan to “fix.”

The response from users has been mixed. While some, like myself, rarely used the long-press feature for checking notifications, preferring the notification tray, others found it incredibly useful and are now calling for its return. Over a hundred new comments have been posted since the stable launch of Android 14 on Pixel devices, with users requesting that this capability be reinstated.

Despite these user requests, it seems Google has no immediate plans to bring back the feature. The current long-press menu in Android 14, primarily focused on shortcuts and app information, doesn’t appear to be undergoing any significant changes. Restoring the notification feature might not cause much disruption, but for now, users will have to adapt to this new way of handling their notifications on Android devices.

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BYD Introduces “Online Accident Reporting” Service for Enhanced User Safety

By

Oğuz Çakır

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Nov 20, 2023

BYD, the world’s largest electric vehicle manufacturer, continues to expand its range of products and services. The company aims to keep its existing customers satisfied while attracting new ones. In line with this goal, its latest initiative is the “Online Accident Reporting Service.” Still in the trial phase, this service aims to provide quick assistance to users in case of need. Here are the details…

BYD Unveils User-Friendly Online Accident Reporting System

Accidents, unfortunately, are a part of our lives. Many of us have unintentionally caused harm to an object, or worse, to ourselves or someone else due to mistakes we’ve made. However, in situations like driving a car, accidents can be much more dangerous and even fatal. For instance, a short while ago in China, a driver crashed a test car of the AITO M5 into a BYD Dolphin because they accidentally pressed the accelerator pedal instead of the brake pedal.

Although accidents like these may sound simple, they occur quite frequently and can lead to serious damages. In an effort to prevent such incidents and ensure a smooth experience for users involved in accidents, BYD has launched a new online accident reporting service. The service is currently accessible through the BYD Dynasty and BYD Ocean mini programs, with the app function scheduled for a later release.

For example, with the Ocean mini program, users can open the relevant interface, then follow the instructions to upload the relevant information. The insurance company will respond immediately to provide services to the car owner, thus realizing “one-click reporting”, and users can also check the reporting progress online in real time.

The online reporting service can help to ensure that electric vehicle owners receive timely and accurate assistance in the event of an accident.

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BYD’s Latest Launch, the Sea Lion 07 Electric SUV will Rival Tesla’s Model Y

By

Anubhav

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Nov 20, 2023

BYD, the world’s leading EV manufacturer, is poised to challenge Tesla‘s dominance with its newly launched Sea Lion brand. This bold move signals a significant shift in BYD’s strategy, traditionally known for targeting lower-income segments in China.

The car is priced competitively, starting from 200,000 yuan (~$28,000)

The introduction of the Sea Lion 07, a mid-sized, full-electric SUV, at the Guangzhou Auto Show, marks BYD’s entry into the high-end market. Priced competitively between 200,000 to 260,000 yuan, this model is set to rival Tesla’s Model Y, which has been a popular choice in China since 2021. The Sea Lion 07’s unique features, like the DiSus body control system that enhances safety and stability, showcase BYD’s technological advancements and commitment to quality.

This strategic shift by BYD, supported by Berkshire Hathaway, reflects the growing competitiveness in China’s EV sector. With Tesla facing challenges in maintaining its market share due to month-on-month declines in deliveries, BYD’s entry into the luxury segment could further intensify this competition.

Moreover, BYD’s cost advantage, as noted by industry analysts, presents a formidable challenge to Tesla. The ability to produce high-quality EVs at a lower cost could redefine the market dynamics, especially as Chinese consumers become more discerning and environmentally conscious.

BYD’s success in the EV market has been remarkable, overtaking Tesla as the world’s largest EV maker. However, its journey into the luxury segment is not just about market share but also a demonstration of Chinese EV manufacturers’ growing prowess in innovation and design. The Yangwang U8, BYD’s super luxury model, is a testament to this, rivaling international luxury brands in performance and features.

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Apple Plans To Transition To OLED iPad Mini, Air, And MacBooks By 2027

By

Viraj Gawde

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Nov 20, 2023

As per multiple reports, Apple is expected to refresh its entire iPad lineup next year. The 11th Gen iPad, 7th Gen iPad Mini, and 6th Gen iPad Air are tipped to arrive by the end of the first quarter in 2024. Meanwhile, the higher-end Pro models may arrive at a later date. Rumors have been hinting at Apple adopting OLED displays on its next-generation iPads. Now, a new report has revealed some fresh details about the seventh-generation iPad Mini along with more details.

Launch timelines of OLED iPad Mini, Air, and MacBooks surface

Apple seems to be working on transitioning to OLED displays on its MacBooks and iPads in the coming years. We have already seen the company’s transition to USB-C port on its entire product portfolio with the iPhone 15 series this year. The Cupertino-based tech giant has also adopted its proprietary silicone chipsets on Macs and iPad models.

Apple’s iPads use LCD display panels. There have been rumors that next year’s iPad Pros may ditch the mini-LED screen in favor of OLED panels. While, the iPad Pro 2024 will kick-start the transition, as per the new development, Apple may expand the usage of OLED display to the iPad Mini and iPad Air in 2026. Additionally, the former is also said to get an increased screen size from the current 8.3-inches to 8.7-inches.

The report adds that there would be differences in display performance on the OLED iPad Pro, iPad Air, and iPad Mini models. The flagship pro variants will adopt LTPO technology along with ProMotion whereas the Air and Mini models will use a single-stack LTPS OLED panel. Additionally, the iPad Air with a 12.9-inch display will also get an OLED panel but it will debut in 2027. The same model with an LCD screen is expected to launch next year.

Alongside the iPads, the report also reveals that Apple will also transition to OLED panels on MacBook starting in 2025 with the 16-inch Pro model. This will eventually expand to the 13, 14, and 15-inch MacBook models by 2026.

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NVIDIA’s Decision to Remove RTX 4090 Cards from its Chinese Website Sparks Unrest

By

Anubhav

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Nov 20, 2023

Nvidia, a leader in graphic processing technology, recently stirred the tech world by removing the RTX 4090 gaming card from its Chinese website. This move has sparked discussions and concerns among gamers and tech enthusiasts in China. The 4090, known for its exceptional performance, has been a favorite among video game players, and its sudden absence raises questions about supply and future availability.

Now, only RTX 4060, 4070 and 4080 are available on the Chinese website

The 4090’s removal came without explanation from Nvidia, leaving consumers speculating. This graphics card, part of Nvidia’s GeForce RTX 40 series, has been particularly popular in China due to its advanced capabilities in graphics processing. However, only its siblings—the 4080, 4070, and 4060—remain available for Chinese buyers.

Recent changes in U.S. export controls have raised the bar for China-bound exports of advanced graphics processing chips (GPUs). This has intensified concerns about the 4090’s future in the Chinese market. Additionally, major Chinese hardware partners of Nvidia, including AsusTek, Micro-Star International, and Shenzhen-based Colorful Technology, have also removed the RTX 4090 from their online stores, further fueling consumer anxiety.

Despite these developments, the RTX 4090 remains accessible through e-commerce retailers and unofficial channels, albeit at a premium price. The card’s scarcity and high demand have driven its price significantly higher, with listings showing substantial markups.

Interestingly, the U.S.’s October export updates intended to minimize consumer market impact by allowing exceptions for certain AI-capable, consumer-grade chips. The RTX 4090, not designed for data centers but boasting high processing performance, should have qualified for this exception. Yet, it now finds itself in a grey area, alongside banned data center GPUs.

In China, the implications of this removal extend beyond gaming. The 4090 is instrumental in applications like autonomous driving, as it powers complex perceptual functions in self-driving vehicles. Its absence could impact sectors reliant on high-end graphic processing capabilities.

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Portronics Pico 12 Portable Projector With 4K Support Launched In India

By

Viraj Gawde

-

Nov 20, 2023

Portronics has expanded its range of projectors in India. The homegrown brand’s latest offering is the Pico 12. The main USP of the device is that it is a compact and portable offering that can be carried for on-the-go entertainment as well. Thanks to its premium features, the portable projector can turn any space into a movie theater, a gaming zone, and more. Let’s take a look at what the device offers out of the box.

Portronics Pico 12 specifications and features

As mentioned earlier, the Portronics Pico 12 is an incredibly compact projector that is the size of a beverage can. Dimension-wise, it measures 6.5 x 6.5 x 11 cm and weighs just 715 grams. This allows people to carry the projector anywhere and consume entertainment on the go. The upper surface of the device supports touch functionality for various controls.

The Portronics Pico 12 is capable of outputting up to 4K display resolution at a customizable projection size up to 120-inches. It features auto keystone correction that does seamless alignment for on-screen clarity. There is also a focus wheel to adjust the sharpness for a clear image. The projector is also equipped with a built-in 5W speaker and can be connected to a Bluetooth speaker as well.

The Portronics Pico 12 is powered by a 3200 lumens LED lamp that is ensured to offer a lifespan of up to 30,000 hours. It runs on Android 11-based Aptoide OS with pre-installed OTT apps like Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+ Hotstar, and YouTube. Connectivity options on the projector include WiFi, HDMI, Bluetooth 5.3, IR Blaster, and Screen Cast.

The Portronics Pico 12 is priced at Rs 29,999. It can be purchased from the brand’s official website and Amazon.

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Realme to host conference on November 22 to discuss GT 5 Pro’s telephoto imaging

By

Rajesh Regmi

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Nov 20, 2023

Realme has announced that it will be holding a conference on November 22, 2023. The conference, titled “Super Core Imaging Technology Communication Meeting” (translated), will be held in collaboration with Qualcomm and ArcSoft.

While details remain scarce, Realme has teased the conference with a cryptic message suggesting a “new turning point for telephoto imaging.”

The announcement of the conference comes on the heels of Realme’s confirmation that its GT 5 Pro smartphone will be released this month.

The GT 5 Pro will feature a Sony LYTIA camera sensor, which is likely to be the 50MP LYT-808 sensor confirmed for the OnePlus 12.

The smartphone is expected to be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset and will feature a 10,000mm² heat dissipation unit. It will also be the world’s first smartphone with a BOE-customized curved-edge 6.78″ 1.5K display supporting a 3,000 nits brightness rate.

Finally, the smartphone is also confirmed to support a 240W wired fast charging feature.

Realme’s conference is expected to provide more details about the GT 5 Pro and its new telephoto imaging technology. Stay tuned for more information.

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Five Xiaomi devices to receive stable HyperOS update including Redmi K60 Pro

By

Rajesh Regmi

-

Nov 20, 2023

Xiaomi’s new self-developed operating system, HyperOS stable update is coming soon to five of its flagship smartphones, according to a report by GSMChina. As expected, the update will be based on Android 14.

According to the outlet, the devices to receive the stable update are the Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Xiaomi 13T, Xiaomi 12T, Xiaomi Pad 6 Max, and Redmi K60 Pro. All these smartphones have appeared with HyperOS build in Xiaomi’s official server.

The update is expected to roll out very soon, starting with the Xiaomi 13 Ultra in China. The Xiaomi 12T and Xiaomi 13T will then receive the update in the European market, with other regions following suit in the future.

Xiaomi has also shared a roadmap for the HyperOS update, detailing the release schedule for both Chinese and international devices. The update will be rolled out in phases, with the first batch of international devices receiving HyperOS in Q1 2024.

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