Propel Bikes and Vela Bikes have announced the creation of Bloom, a venture aimed at boosting U.S. e-bike manufacturing. Situated in Detroit, this initiative symbolizes a strategic move towards domestic production, assembly, delivery, and servicing of light electric vehicles, marking a shift in the industry’s reliance on international manufacturing.
Bloom aims to give partners greater control over supply chains
Bloom’s founding is spurred by the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly supply chain disruptions that affected overseas manufacturing. By offering domestic contract manufacturing, Bloom aims to give partner brands greater control over their supply chains and shorter production windows. This approach is expected to provide more resilience and agility in a market that has been heavily dependent on international sources.
The company’s mission extends beyond manufacturing to redefining the industry’s focus on product lifecycle. Bloom aims to shift from the current trend of prioritizing short-term sales of cheaper products to emphasizing long-term value and sustainability. This strategy includes building American products designed to last a lifetime, thereby reducing market churn and elevating industry standards.
In a recent legal development, Chinese flash memory manufacturer Yangtze Memory Technologies Co (YMTC) has taken legal action against U.S. chip giant Micron Technology, alleging the infringement of eight patents. The lawsuit, filed on November 9th at the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, accuses Micron and its subsidiary of utilizing YMTC’s patented technology to gain and protect market share without fair compensation.
Micron, a key player in the production of DRAM and NAND flash memory chips, competes globally with industry leaders such as Samsung, SK Hynix, and Kioxia (Toshiba’s unit). The lawsuit comes amid increasing restrictions on exporting chipmaking technology to China by the U.S. government, citing security concerns.
YMTC contends that Micron engaged in “freeriding” practices, hindering fair competition and impeding YMTC’s progress. The legal action comes in the wake of escalating U.S. sanctions on the export of advanced semiconductor tools and services to China, affecting YMTC’s ability to acquire certain American components.
Despite being blacklisted by the U.S. in December and facing a cybersecurity review by Beijing in April, YMTC has persevered. The company has adapted by forging closer ties with domestic suppliers like Naura, aiming to replace U.S. components in its manufacturing process. This resilience is notable, considering that companies like Lam Research and KLA Corp withdrew staff from YMTC after it was added to the U.S. Entity List.
YMTC’s technological prowess is emphasized in the lawsuit, where the company claims to have manufactured the “world’s most advanced” 3D NAND memory chip in a consumer device. Referring to itself as a “key player in the global 3D NAND market,” YMTC positions the lawsuit as a measure to protect its intellectual property against Micron’s alleged attempts to hinder its progress.
The market dynamics reveal YMTC’s role as China’s response to global NAND memory chip makers. The company unveiled its first 232-layer 3D NAND chip in August last year, showcasing its commitment to innovation. The U.S. trade restrictions have prompted Chinese businesses, including YMTC, to strengthen ties within the semiconductor supply chain, reducing reliance on American technologies.
Financially, YMTC received a significant boost in March with a $7 billion capital injection from state-backed investors, including the “Big Fund.” This injection aimed to enable YMTC to continue producing NAND memory chips without dependence on American suppliers, showcasing the strategic support from the Chinese government.
As for market share projections, YMTC’s global share in the NAND sector is anticipated to decline to 5.7% this year from 6% in 2022. Similarly, Micron’s share is forecasted to decrease to 10.9% from 11.3%, reflecting the challenges both companies face amid geopolitical tensions and evolving market dynamics.
Micron declined to comment on the pending litigation, but the legal battle between YMTC and Micron adds a new chapter to the ongoing semiconductor industry saga, marked by global competition, technological advancements, and geopolitical challenges.
The Bluetti AC200L power station with a modular design has been announced. The Bluetti AC200L has a 2,048 capacity and a peak power output of 3,600W. It has app support, as well as support UPS function and fast charging.
Features
The release of the AC200L comes on the heels of the earlier unveiling of the Bluetti AC24 and AC70 compact power stations. Bluetti has also recently unveiled its balcony power station system. The Bluetti AC200L is a solar generator that will be available in the US. It goes on sale on November 17 in the US. Although no official availability information has been provided, it is expected that the AC200L will also subsequently berth in Europe and other markets.
The Bluetti AC200L power station has a 2,048 Wh capacity based on a Lithium Iron Phosphate IV (LiFePO4) design. It will retain 80% of its capacity even after 3,000+ charging cycles. The AC200L can be further expanded up to 8,192Wh with the aid of external batteries. Charging of the gadget is achieved via AC at 2,400W which achieves 80% charge after just 45 minutes. With solar panels at up to 1,200W, the Bluetti AC200L can be fully recharged in 2 hours. Four outlets are available for power supply in the AC200L in addition to USB-A and USB-C ports at up to 100W.
Pricing & Availability
The Bluetti AC200L power station can function as an uninterrupted power supply (UPS) solution. There are no price details for the AC200L yet but its price will be known at the launch.
Xiaomi has claimed a record $3.11 billion in sales during this year’s Single Day event. The Chinese powerhouse sold more than 22.4 billion yuan worth of products across leading platforms like JD.com, Tmall, and Douyin. The Singles Day Shopping Festival was from October 23 to November 11.
The Singles Day Shopping Festival has seen a surge in sales over the years and this year was no different for Xiaomi. As a spin to the positive Singles Day showing, Xiaomi’s shares were up by 2% in Hong Kong early on Monday, October 13. Retail platforms have reported improvements in sales volume, order numbers, and participating merchants from last year. Alibaba reported an increase across the major growth metrics while JD.com reported a very strong performance by Apple. There are also little-known entrants in the market who recorded highly impressive results.
Xiaomi is riding on the crest of a highly innovative and fast-expanding product portfolio. The Xiaomi 14 smartphone was rated as the top-selling model in both Alibaba and Tmall from November 4 to 11. Xiaomi’s varied portfolio of tech products also meant it claimed top performance across several categories in multiple retail platforms. Xiaomi says it plans to revise upwards its smartphone shipment forecast in 2023 by 7% and 6% by 2024. This corresponds to a projected 160 million units in 2024.
The Singles Day Shopping festival has grown rapidly from a one-day event to a huge sales spree for several weeks. The impressive Xiaomi performance in this year’s Singles Day sales could also signpost similar performances by other Chinese brands.
In a groundbreaking moment for BYD’s foray into the new energy vehicle market, the highly anticipated YangWang U8 luxury edition has achieved a significant milestone. Launched on September 20th, the electric vehicle’s sleek design and cutting-edge technology are set to make waves in the automotive industry.
Boasting an impressive range of 180km for continuous driving and a comprehensive 1000km range, the YangWang U8 sets a new standard for electric vehicles. Priced at 1.098 million yuan, the luxury version promises environmental consciousness and a powerful performance. With a maximum power output of 1200 horsepower, the U8 accelerates from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour in a mere 3.6 seconds, showcasing its prowess on the road.
One of the U8’s standout features is integrating self-developed and domestically pioneering YiSiFang technology. This innovative technology, coupled with the world’s first intelligent hydraulic body control system exclusive to new energy off-road vehicles, known as Cloud P technology, propels the U8 into a league of its own. This system places BYD at the forefront of automotive innovation.
Adding to the significance of this milestone, BYD announced on November 10th that the first batch of U8 vehicles has officially rolled off the production line, signaling the imminent commencement of deliveries. The company’s commitment to innovation and sustainable transportation is evident in the U8’s production, reflecting the broader global shift towards electric vehicles.
Further, the Xi’an-based company has constructed the world’s largest new energy production base in Shaanxi. This colossal production facility, combined with a comprehensive industrial supply chain system, positions BYD as a key player in the electric vehicle market. According to officials from the Shaanxi Provincial Department of Industry and Information Technology, the U8 has already garnered significant attention, with product orders surpassing 30,000 vehicles.
The successful production and imminent delivery of the U8 mark a pivotal moment for BYD as it solidifies its position as an industry leader in the new energy vehicle sector. The company’s strategic investment in cutting-edge technology and environmentally friendly transportation solutions aligns with the global push towards sustainability. As the automotive landscape continues to evolve, the YangWang U8 stands as a testament to BYD’s commitment to shaping the future of transportation.
The 2023 Digital Technology Ecology Conference was recently hosted in Guangzhou, China, themed around “Digital Technology & Renewal.” At this event, China Telecom, in collaboration with Huawei unveiled Huawei Mate 60 Pro Quantum Secure Call Customized Terminal.
This new system provides a three-layer quantum security solution, making it virtually impossible for someone to eavesdrop on a secured call. Huawei Mate 4OE was introduced with Quantum SIM card support. Now, China Telecom and Huawei have upped it a notch with the new system in place on the Mate 60 Pro.
The Huawei Mate 60 Pro Quantum Secure Call Customized Terminal utilizes a comprehensive “triple protection” approach, incorporating a domestically produced chip, algorithms classified as state secrets, and a quantum security SIM card for enhanced security. Other than the ability to make quantum encrypted calls directly from the native dial-pad on the Mate 60 Pro, the device also offers secure functionalities like encrypted file transfer, secure instant messaging, and coordinated office activities via the Quantum MeSign App.
For those unaware of the technicalities, Quantum encryption is a method of encrypting data that uses quantum mechanics to ensure the security of the communication. It is based on the principles of quantum physics, which state that the act of observing a quantum system changes its state. This means that any attempt to intercept or eavesdrop on a quantum-encrypted call would be immediately detected, as the act of observing the call would change its state.
Your phone handles the encryption and decryption of VoLTE voice data right there. Also, every time you make a quantum secure call, a fresh key is created for that specific session, ensuring strong and adaptable communication security. When starting a quantum secure call, a randomly chosen card key checks if it’s really you. After that, the quantum network makes a real-time key to lock up the session data once it knows it’s you.
To use China Telecom Tianyi Quantum Secure Call feature, users need to switch their regular SIM card with a quantum secure SIM card and turn on Quantum Secure Call service.
For the last few generations, the Galaxy S Plus phones have been the weakest link in the lineup. These phones generally only offer a larger screen and a bigger battery compared to the baseline Galaxy S handset.
Thankfully, Samsung is expected to put an end to this trend with the upcoming Galaxy S24 Plus. We already learned that it will be getting a display upgrade. Now, more details about these changes have emerged.
It was Ice Universe who initially revealed the changes coming to the Galaxy S24 Plus. He is back again with a few more details.
As per him, the device will flaunt a 2K display, which he had already revealed. Today, he says that this QHD+ screen will use Samsung Display’s high-end M13 panel.
Further, he adds that the phone will be slim at 7.7mm. And most importantly, it will arrive with 12GB RAM.
For the unaware, the Galaxy S models have been limited to 8GB RAM since 2019 in most markets. Hence, the inclusion of 12GB RAM will be a welcome upgrade.
However, despite all the changes, the Galaxy S24 Plus will still pale against competitors in the same price segment. Because Chinese competitors offer ‘Ultra’ level features in the same range.
Either way, it will be better than its predecessors. But in terms of battery life and thermal performance, we will have to wait and see.
Because the Galaxy S24 Plus is expected to be powered by Exynos 2400 chip in most regions. For comparison, the Galaxy S23 Plus has a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy in all markets, which enables it to run cooler and offer great endurance.
Valve‘s unexpected global release of the Steam Deck OLED has left gamers and tech enthusiasts buzzing. The key upgrade here: a slightly larger 90Hz OLED screen, a step up from the previous 7″ LCD display. The display can reach a peak brightness of 1,000 nits, promising a more vibrant gaming experience.
YouTuber Dave2D, quick on the draw, got hands-on with the Steam Deck OLED and did a thorough rundown, spotlighting its improvements over the older model.
Steam Deck (top) and Steam Deck OLED (bottom) via Dave2D
Digging into the nitty-gritty, the new 6nm processor, along with a beefed-up battery and a revamped cooling system, translates to noticeable improvements. When put to the test, the Steam Deck OLED runs about 2 decibels quieter and 5 degrees cooler under load compared to its predecessor.
Under the hood, the Valve stuck with a single copper heatpipe for the chip’s 15-watt maximum TDP. Additionally, there is a slightly larger and quieter fan for air circulation. The 6nm “Sephiroth” SoC, although carrying a new moniker, shows minimal differences from the older 7nm version.
The bigger battery isn’t just for show. It extends battery life across all tested games, with significant gains in demanding titles. In games like Cyberpunk 2077 or Control, the OLED model lasts over 20 minutes longer under load, needing a recharge after just over two hours. Meanwhile, less demanding titles like Dead Cells get a runtime boost to eight hours, an hour and a half more than the previous model.
esla continues to expand its electric vehicle lineup, and the next addition to the family is the Cybertruck, which looks like it came straight out of a science fiction movie. Initially revealed in 2019, the vehicle is now in mass production, with deliveries starting from November 30. However, as expected, the initial number of delivered vehicles will be limited. While the company anticipates an increase in this number over time, Tesla is taking precautions to prevent opportunistic actions. Therefore, Tesla has decided not to allow the resale of Cybertruck in the second-hand car market.
Tesla Cracks Down on Cybertruck Resale Flipping with Year-Long Ban
Tesla recently reached out to some fortunate customers, informing them that they will be among the first to receive the Cybertruck. Shortly after this announcement, opportunistic behavior emerged. For instance, a person in Los Angeles auctioned off their reservation and earned a substantial $400,000. Such incidents raised concerns for the company. As a response, Tesla plans to have customers who receive the Cybertruck before delivery sign a special agreement.
According to this agreement, new Cybertruck owners will commit not to sell their vehicle for the first year. While this agreement is not binding, if an owner wishes to sell within the initial year, they must first contact Tesla and offer the vehicle to the company. If Tesla declines to purchase, only then can the owner sell to a third party. Failure to comply with this process and selling without Tesla’s knowledge may result in legal action, with the seller facing a penalty of at least $50,000. The contract terms that customers must accept are as follows:
You understand and agree that Cybertruck will be produced in limited quantities initially.
You agree not to sell or attempt to sell the vehicle within the first year following the delivery date. However, if you must sell the vehicle due to an unforeseen reason within the first year, and Tesla acknowledges that the reason qualifies for an exception to the no reseller policy, you must inform Tesla in writing and provide a reasonable period for Tesla to respond.
Tesla has the option, at its discretion, to purchase the vehicle from you at a price $0.25/km less than the purchase price listed in the applicable Final Price Sheet, plus reasonable wear and tear, and repair costs to meet Tesla’s Second-Hand Vehicle Cosmetic and Mechanical Standards.
If Tesla refuses to purchase the vehicle, you may only sell it to a third party after obtaining written permission from Tesla.
In case of a breach of these terms or if Tesla reasonably suspects a violation, Tesla may seek an injunction to prevent the transfer of ownership of the vehicle or demand compensation of $50,000 or the greater of the sale or transfer amount. Tesla also reserves the right to refuse to sell any future vehicles to you.
It’s worth noting that even the auctioned reservation reached a value of $400,000. YouTubers and many others will likely desire these vehicles, and some may even offer to cover the penalty themselves. Therefore, it wouldn’t be surprising if the company finds itself frequently dealing with legal matters involving customers in the future.
Alongside the launch of the flagship X100 series smartphones, Vivo also announced a new smartwatch in its home country. The latest offering is the Vivo Watch 3 and it arrives as the successor to the Watch 2 that debuted way back in 2021. The wearable device comes with significant upgrades over its predecessor. Read on to learn more about the device below.
Vivo Watch 3 specifications and features
Right off the bat, the Vivo Watch 3 has a slimmer form factor compared to its predecessor. There is a stainless steel rotating crown on the top and a physical button at the bottom on the right side of the device for navigating the interface and other functions. The smartwatch features a 3D curved glass on the top of the 1.43-inch circular screen. The display offers a 466 x 466-pixel resolution and AOD mode. The smartwatch is water-resistant up to 5 meters.
In terms of health and fitness, the Vivo Watch 3 is equipped with a heart-rate monitor, SpO2 sensor and it will warn the user when abnormal fluctuations are found. The device is also capable of tracking sleep, stress, and even menstrual cycle for women. The smartwatch can also detect high noise levels for hearing protection. The Vivo Watch 3 packs support for more than 100 workout modes along with customized exercise plans.
The Vivo Watch 3 runs on the company’s proprietary BlueOS operating system based on Rust programming language with features like NFC car keys, camera control, and more. The smartwatch can also store cards and users can swipe it by raising their wrist. It also displays QR code for receiving payment. The smartwatch comes with eSIM support for hands-free voice calling. The Vivo Watch 3 has 64MB RAM and 4GB native storage for storing music. It can also connect to TWS earbuds. The wearable device is backed by a 505mAh battery unit and is claimed to offer a battery life of 16 days on a single charge.
The Vivo Watch 3 is offered in Chen Yehei, Moonlight White, Starlight, and Bright Moon colors. The smartwatch starts at CNY 1,399 (~$191) for the eSIM version with a leather strap whereas the other with a soft rubber strap costs CNY 1,299 (~$178). The Bluetooth version with the same strap options are priced at CNY 1,199 (~$164) and CNY 1,099 (~$150)
Apple is one of the world’s largest companies, wielding economic power that surpasses many countries. However, even this doesn’t exempt the tech giant from adhering to regulations and oversight. For instance, following a European Union decision last year, Apple abandoned the Lightning port and started using the USB-C port in the iPhone 15 series. Now, due to another EU influence, the company is relenting on one of its major stances. Starting from next year, it will be possible to install APKs on the iPhone.
Apple’s App Store Monopoly Challenged as EU Ruling Forces New Rules
If you’re an Android user, you’ve likely ventured outside of the Google Play Store to install applications by downloading APK files. Bypassing Google and installing apps using APKs might not be challenging for you. However, for iPhone users, it’s not so simple, as they are always bound by Apple’s rules with no alternative to the App Store. But soon, installing APKs on the iPhone will become a reality.
To clarify, when we say “installing APK on the iPhone,” we are using familiar terminology. However, APK stands for Android Package Kit and is a file type specific to the Android platform. So, technically, installing APKs on the iPhone is not feasible. The iOS equivalent of APK is IPA, a file format used for distributing iOS applications. Similar to APKs, IPAs contain the application’s code, images, and other resources.
The term for installing applications outside the official app store is called sideloading. The Digital Markets Act, enacted by the European Union on November 1, 2022, enables Apple users to perform the action referred to as “installing APK on the iPhone.” So, when will this happen?
As mentioned earlier, the law is already in effect, meaning Apple is now obligated to implement it. However, the company has requested additional time, citing that its systems are not yet ready. The EU has accepted this request on the condition that the feature will be introduced no later than the iOS 17.2 update in 2024.
Of course, Apple has the option not to comply with the rules of the European Union. However, this could result in penalties amounting to 20% of its global revenue. Failing to pay these penalties could lead to sanctions such as a ban on sales in Europe. Therefore, Apple has no other choice. But why is Apple against sideloading?
Why is Apple against sideloading?
The disruption of the App Store economy could be a significant factor. Apple may argue potential security vulnerabilities as its reason, claiming that iPhones are more secure than Android due to their closed-system design. If everyone starts installing apps from external sources, this could change. However, the reality is a bit different.
The tech giant currently takes a 15% to 30% commission from the earnings of all applications on the App Store. Whether you buy diamonds in a game or subscribe to a service, a portion goes to Apple. Now, app developers might be able to change this and avoid the so-called “Apple Tax.” However, opening the door to pirated installations could also complicate matters for app developers.
What the future holds for Apple and App Store developers is currently uncertain. Nevertheless, the ability to install APKs on the iPhone is a positive development for users amid these uncertainties.
Cheating is a rampant issue in multiplayer games that affects every video game company and their titles. But it seems like Activision is working on a rather funny solution to dealing with those pesky hackers for its Call of Duty: Warzone.
Call of Duty Warzone hackers will go “Splat”
In an official blog post, it was revealed that the developers of Call of Duty are planning on introducing a new feature, which is aptly called “Splat”. When a game of Warzone starts, all players airdrop into the large battle royale map. However, when a cheater is detected, a special routine kicks off in the game. Unlike in a regular situation where one can pop their parachutes and glide down to the map, the hacker will have their parachute’s cutoff.
In other words, the cheater will go plummeting down to the ground, so basically going “Splat!” on impact. The developers did not have to make it so apparent but they wanted to draw attention to the hackers. So if you see a player dropping like a rock, the developers want it to be “immediately obvious” that someone is trying to mess with the system. Game companies typically deal with such cheaters in a more private manner by either removing them entirely or keeping them in the game to collect data.
However, Activision has decided on a more fun approach by having this new tool also frustrate the hackers. This is not all, even if the game doesn’t immediately catch the hacker, it has another method to deal with them after they hit the ground. The next time they hit jump the Splat feature will be replicated as the hacker will go sky high and drop back from an extreme height.
Regular players won’t have to worry about false flagging as machine learning algorithms have to spot verified breaches for the feature to activate. This feature should be great for Call of Duty: Warzone players, especially after the recent Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III launch. A PS5 bundle for this game was also launched in the Indian market recently.
At an event held in China today, Vivo has unveiled its latest-generation flagship X100 series smartphones along with a new smartwatch. The X100 lineup comprises the standard and pro models. These arrive as the successors to the last year’s X90 series with notable upgrades. The X100 duo share the same design language. The standard and pro models are quite similar to each other apart from a few differences. Read on to know what the smartphones offer out of the box.
Vivo X100, X100 Pro specifications and features
Both the Vivo X100 and X100 Pro have a slim profile and a protruding circular camera module on the rear. Both phones feature a 6.78-inch AMOLED screen with curved edges bearing a 1.5K resolution, an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+ support, and a peak brightness of 3,000 nits. The devices are equipped with an in-screen fingerprint scanner. The Vivo X100 duo are also IP68-certified dust and water-resistant.
On the imaging front, the Vivo X100 and X100 Pro’s triple rear camera setup consists of a 50MP OIS-enabled main sensor, a 50MP ultra-wide-angle unit, and a 64MP (50MP on Pro) telephoto lens with 3x optical and 100x digtial zoom. The super telephoto camera uses the ZEISS-certified Vario -APO-Sonar lens. Up front, the smartphones have a 32MP selfie snapper. There is Vivo’s proprietary V3 imaging chip for enhanced photography capabilities and recording 4K videos.
Under the hood, the Vivo X100 and X100 Pro are equipped with MediaTek’s Dimensity 9300 SoC. They are the first phones to feature LPDDR5T RAM technology (only limited to the top-end variant) up to 16GB RAM and 1TB UFS 4 storage. The standard and pro models are backed by 5,000 and 5,400mAh battery units with support for 120W and 100W wired charging respectively. The X100 Pro also supports 50W wireless charging. Software-wise, the devices ship with OriginOS 4-based Android 14 out of the box.
Connectivity options on the Vivo X100 duo include USB-C Gen 3.2 port, WiFi-7, 5G, NFC, and Bluetooth 5.3.
Vivo X100, X100 Pro pricing and availability
The Vivo X100 and Vivo X100 Pro are offered in Star Trail Blue, Sunset Orange, White Moonlight, and Cheyne Black color options. The X100 starts at CNY 3,999 (~$550) for the 12GB + 256GB variant and CNY 4,299 ( ~$589) for the 16GB + 256GB option. The 16GB + 512GB and 16GB + 1TB options of the device are priced at CNY 4,599 (~$630) and CNY 4,999 (~$685) respectively. The 16GB + 1TB with LPDDR5T RAM technology carries a price tag of CNY 5,099 (~$699).
The same configurations of the Vivo X100 Pro, are priced at CNY 4,999 (~$700), CNY 5,299 (~$726), CNY 5,499 (~$800), and CNY 5,999 (~$822) respectively.
Recently, it was reported that Apple has temporarily stopped the development of iOS 18 to prioritize fixing bugs in the current software version. However, this is not said to affect the release schedule on the next-generation software version. Now, reliable analyst Mark Gurman in his latest Power On newsletter reveals Apple’s plans for next year’s iOS 18 and iPhone 16. The iOS 18 is said to be the biggest update in years to compensate the lack of any major hardware changes on the next-generation iPhones.
iOS 18 is reported to be the most ambitious update in years
Apple aims to compete against Google and OpenAI in the generative AI space. The Cupertino-based tech giant is planning to introduce generative AI integrated within software to catch up to its competitors. In simple terms, iOS 18 will bring technology associated with generative AI to iPhones. However, it remains to be seen what new features will be available. Gurman stated that iOS 18 will come after ‘a few years of modestly sized updates’. Apple’s senior management internally has also described the iOS 18 as “ambitious and compelling” packed with major new features and design along with security and performance improvements.
The report also adds that the next-generation iPhone 16 will not pack any significant hardware changes. Apple aims to make the iOS 18 loaded with major new features to be the unique selling proposition of the iPhone 16. Hence, the latest information also explains the recent report of Apple halting the development of iOS 18 to eliminate any bugs. The company was last forced to make such a move in 2019.
Apple’s development cycle comprises of four milestones before the Worldwide Developer’s Conference in June. Four of these are for adding new features and two are focussed on bug fixing with each milestone lasting six weeks. This time, the company hit the brakes right after the first milestone gaining an extra week to fix issues.
Gurman also added that the next version of the software for iPad could be groundbreaking.
Noise has just announced a new smartwatch in its ColorFit series called the Noise ColorFit Pro 5. The smartwatch comes with some standout features like an AMOLED display and an SOS feature. Let’s delve into all the details.
Noise ColorFit Pro specs:
The Noise ColorFit Pro 5 smartwatch offers easy connectivity through Bluetooth v5.3 and works well with both Android and iOS devices. It supports Bluetooth calling using Noise Tru Sync technology. The smartwatch has a square dial design featuring a functional crown and power button, with various strap options such as leather, silicone, and nylon.
Its 1.85-inch always-on AMOLED screen provides clear visuals with a resolution of 390 x 450 pixels. The device is designed to withstand water and dust with its IP68 resistance. It includes practical features like a notification display, weather updates, reminders, alarm, camera control, music control, and a calculator. The smartwatch supports DIY dynamic watch faces and boasts an impressive battery life of up to 7 days.
In terms of health and fitness, it offers 100+ sports modes, 24×7 heart rate monitoring, SpO2 measurement, sleep tracking, stress management, and a female cycle tracker. The Emergency SOS feature adds an extra layer of safety. For enhanced functionality, the smartwatch pairs with the NoiseFit App.
Pricing & availability
The Noise ColorFit Pro 5, available at an introductory price of Rs. 3,999, offers metal strap choices in Elite Rose Gold and Elite Black, leather options in Classic Blue and Classic Brown, and silicone selections in Sunset Orange, Olive Green, Midnight Black, Starlight Gold, Vintage Brown, and Rainbow Weave (nylon). It can be purchased on the Noise website and Amazon.in starting November 20th at 12 P.M., with the first 500 customers on the Noise site receiving a Rs. 500 discount.
Polaroid has launched four new Bluetooth speakers, namely the P1, P2, P3, and P4. Each of these speakers brings a unique blend of style, performance, and affordability to the table, offering a vibrant audio experience with sufficient choices to match your budget.
A Glimpse into Polaroid’s new Bluetooth speaker lineup
One of the first things that caught the eye about these speakers is their striking, multi-color design. Polaroid has brought a burst of eye-catching colors and appealing design into the Polaroid Music Player series speaker lineup, making them not only sound great but look good while doing so.
P1 Speaker: Your compact companion
The P1 speaker is powered by a 2000mAh battery, ensuring up to 10 hours of playback on a single charge.
You can choose from a variety of colors, including Red, Blue, Yellow, and Black. It supports back-to-back pairing for a stereo experience. For connectivity, the P1 speakers offer Bluetooth 5.0 alongside a 3.5mm audio port. Additionally, it’s rated for IPX5 meaning that it should have no problem with minor splashes of water.
The P1 pumps out 10W of output power and it’s priced at an affordable 489 yuan ($67).
P2 Speaker: extended endurance
The P2 speaker steps up the game with a 2500mAh battery, promising approximately 15 hours of music playback. It’s available in the same array of colors as the P1. This one also supports dual-machine pairing stereo mode and is equipped with Bluetooth 5.0 and a 3.5mm audio port.
The P2 delivers a powerful 20W of output and is priced at 989 yuan ($136).
P3 Speaker: when compatibility meets performance
With a 4000mAh battery, the P3 speaker also boasts a 15-hour battery life. The P3 has an additional Gray color option alongside the Red, Blue, Yellow, and Black options. For connectivity, it offers the same Bluetooth 5.0 and a 3.5mm audio port and supports dual-machine pairing stereo mode.
It delivers a robust 35W of output power and is priced at 1499 yuan ($206).
P4 Speaker: the premium performance
For those who crave top-tier audio performance, the P4 speaker offers 60w output. The P4 also houses a 4000 mAh battery and also promises 15 hours of playback. It also offers PD charging support.
And just like its little brothers, it provides Bluetooth 5.0 and a 3.5mm audio port for connectivity and supports dual-device pairing for enhanced audio experience. However, the color options here only consist of Black and Yellow. It comes with a price tag of 2299 yuan ($315).
Polaroid Music Player series speakers provide a diverse range of options to cater to various listening preferences, and their vibrant designs are sure to add a touch of style to your audio setup.
Honor and Oppo are gearing up to launch their latest flagship series of smartphones from the Magic 6 and Find X7 lineup respectively. But prior to their release, a new leak has revealed a couple of features that could be making their way to the new high end devices.
Honor Magic 6 & Oppo Find X7 Series Rumored Features
The news arrived from known tipster Digital Chat Station, who shared the information on Weibo (a Chinese microblogging website). The leaker claims that both premium grade smartphone series will feature a mini chipset for satellite communication technology, proprietary low power calling tech, and heat dissipation for improved performance.
The low power calling feature will likely compliment the satellite communication as an emergency contact method. Meanwhile, the heat dissipation technology will help lower thermal throttling to maintain high performance for longer with powerful chips like the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 on the Magic 6 series. Just recently, we covered a report on Honor’s self-developed satellite communication technology.
Interestingly enough, the tipster is also doubling down on his previous claim of the Oppo Find X7 series featuring satellite communication. The Honor Magic 6 and Oppo Find X7 series could also include high end image technology, as per the tipster. Based on what we know so far, the Find X7 will also come with MediaTek Dimensity 9300 while the Find X7 Pro will be equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC.
The upcoming Realme flagship, the Realme GT5 Pro, is set to launch within this month with ‘a combination that has never been seen in the industry so far,’ according to Xu Qi, the vice president of Realme.
A device aimed to break the boundaries
The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has already certified the Realme GT5 Pro, and has released a passport photo of the device that gives us a glimpse of the it’s design.
Source: tenaa
The device features a large circular camera module centered on the back, with the Realme logo discreetly placed at the bottom right of the module. On the front, the display is slightly curved, providing a sophisticated look.
The Realme GT5 Pro is great as usual, in terms of specifications. The front sports a 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a 2780×1264 resolution. What’s more, there will be a 1TB storage version for this device. The dimensions of the device are 161.6×75.1×9.2 mm and it weighs 220 grams. This device will introduce a slightly curved ultra-narrow screen with a panel from BOE. The screen’s peak brightness surpasses 3000 nits, and the display quality and eye protection are touted to be “TOP in the industry”.
In the realm of battery life, the Realme GT5 Pro doesn’t disappoint. It packs a decent 5400mAh battery that supports 100W wired fast charging and 50W wireless fast charging. However, the the Realme GT3 launcher earlier this year supported 240w wired charging and was advertised for 1-100% in just 10 minutes.
The Realme GT5 Pro comes with a triple camera configuration of 50 + 50 + 8-megapixel for the back, and a 32-megapixel camera for the front.
This device is confirmed to be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen3 processor ensuring great performance for gamers and smartphone enthusiasts. Overall the upcoming Realme GT5 Pro looks promising in terms of its hardware combination and design.
For context, the Realme GT3 launched earlier this year touted a slightly smaller 6.74-inch display, the 8+Gen1 chip, and UFS 3.1 storage. The jump from 8+ Gen 1 to 8 Gen 3 or from UFS 3.1 to UFS 4.0 all makes a significant upgrade for this device.
Alldocube iWork GT 12 emerges as a groundbreaking device, introducing a myriad of features tailored for the modern nomad. With a sleek design, powerful AMD technology, and an array of innovative components, the iWork GT 12 sets a new standard for 2-in-1 tablets.
Design and Build:
The iWork GT 12 boasts a sleek and elegant design in a space gray color, exuding sophistication for the contemporary professional. Crafted with a durable aluminum alloy body, the tablet ensures both style and sturdiness for users constantly on the move.
Performance Prowess:
At the heart of the iWork GT 12 lies the powerful AMD Ryzen 5 7520U processor. With 4 cores and 8 threads, operating at a clock speed of 2.8~4.3GHz, this 7th Generation AMD R5 processor delivers efficient and responsive performance. The 6nm process enhances power efficiency, requiring only 15W for operation, resulting in prolonged usage time for the modern go-getter.
Efficient Cooling System:
To maintain optimal performance, the iWork GT 12 features an efficient cooling system. Equipped with a built-in ultra-thin high-speed large airflow fan, this system, combined with intelligent temperature control, ensures the device stays cool even during high-intensity usage, making it ideal for demanding tasks like gaming and resource-heavy applications.
Immersive Visuals:
The 12.6-inch 2.2K IPS Fully Laminated display offers a visually stunning experience with vibrant colors and clear details. The larger screen size, in a 3:2 aspect ratio, enhances usability and extends usage time, making it suitable for both work and entertainment.
AMD Radeon™ 610M Graphics:
For graphics-intensive tasks, the iWork GT 12 incorporates an AMD Radeon™ 610M graphics card. With 128 rendering cores, a frequency of 1900 MHz, and RDNA 2.0 architecture, this GPU is suitable for mobile productivity tasks and gaming, providing a seamless experience for applications like “Honor of Kings.”
Convertible Design with Detachable Keyboard:
The iWork GT 12’s versatility shines through its convertible design, accompanied by a detachable keyboard. This feature seamlessly transitions the device from tablet mode to laptop mode, offering a comfortable and efficient typing experience for users on the go.
Precision Handwriting and Creative Expression:
With the inclusion of the active pen, the iWork GT 12 enables users to effortlessly take notes, draw diagrams, and mark up documents. This accessory enhances the tablet’s creative features, elevating creativity to new heights with 4096 levels of pressure-sensitive handwriting. Artists, designers, and creators will find joy in the precision and natural feel when sketching, note-taking, or signing documents on the 12.6″ Fully Laminated display.
High-Speed Memory and Storage:
Featuring 16GB of high-speed LPDDR5x memory and a 512GB PCIe high-speed solid-state drive, the iWork GT 12 ensures quick software startup, efficient multitasking, and ample storage space for work files and entertainment resources.
Rapid PD Fast Charging:
The iWork GT 12 supports 45W PD protocol fast charging, allowing users to charge up to 80% in just 60 minutes. With a comprehensive battery life of nearly 7 hours, users can enjoy uninterrupted usage throughout the day, enhancing the device’s portability.
Enhanced Connectivity and Bluetooth 5.0:
Experience seamless connectivity with WiFi 802.11ax technology, ensuring efficient and secure connections even in crowded areas. The iWork GT 12 also supports Bluetooth 5.0.
Multimedia Features:
Equipped with front and rear cameras (2MP and 5MP, respectively), dual speakers, and 2 digital microphones, the iWork GT 12 is perfect for video conferencing and media consumption.
Versatile Peripheral Interfaces:
The iWork GT 12 offers multiple peripheral interfaces, including USB-A, two USB-C ports, a LAN port, an audio interface, a TF card slot, and a Pogo pin keyboard interface, ensuring adaptability to various user needs.
Windows 11 and Android App Integration:
Pre-installed with genuine Windows 11, the iWork GT 12 provides a clean interface, multi-window snapping, and optimized functionalities for 2-in-1 tablets. The Windows 11 subsystem also supports Android apps, allowing users to seamlessly run them alongside other Windows applications for enhanced versatility.
Alldocube iWork GT 12 stands as a testament to innovation, combining powerful AMD technology with a sleek design and a host of features designed to meet the demands of the modern, on-the-go professional. Whether for work, creativity, or entertainment, the iWork GT 12 offers a comprehensive solution for users seeking efficiency and flexibility in their daily endeavors.
A privacy consultant named Alexander Hanff has filed a criminal complaint against YouTube in Ireland for using scripts that detect and restrict ad blockers on the platform.
Hanff alleges that YouTube’s use of these scripts violates EU law, which requires consent for non-necessary interactions with users’ devices. He also argues that the scripts amount to spying on EU citizens.
“I consider YouTube’s script to be spyware — aka surveillance technology, as it is deployed without my knowledge or authorization to my device for the sole purpose of intercepting and monitoring my behavior (whether or not ads load in my browser or are blocked by an ad blocker),” he told The Register.
“I chose to go down the criminal complaint route because historically, EU regulators have been absolutely terrible at enforcing the ePrivacy Directive,” he added.
Hanff’s complaint comes on the heels of YouTube’s recent decision to block ad blockers on the platform. The company has said that the move is necessary to protect its revenue from advertising. However, many users have criticized the decision, arguing that it infringes on their privacy and right to control their online experience.
In addition to the criminal complaint, Hanff has also filed a civil complaint against YouTube with the Irish Data Protection Commission. The regulatory authority is currently investigating the matter.
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