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Huawei Does Not Have Exclusive Rights to Satellite Communications, Says China Telecom

Smartphone technologies continue to advance, making our lives easier with new products. One clear example of this is the satellite connection feature. This technology, first introduced with the iPhone 14, is now used in models from various brands, including Samsung and Oppo. Another manufacturer aiming to stand out with the satellite connection feature is Huawei. Moreover, there were claims suggesting that the company not only wanted to benefit from this technology but also aimed to prevent others from doing so. However, China Telecom has clarified that this is not true. Here are the details…

China Telecom Launches Mobile Direct Satellite Service, Allows Users to Add Satellite Communications to Existing Cellular Plans

China Telecom has confirmed that Huawei does not have exclusive rights to satellite communications technology. The company is also planning to cooperate with more phone makers to promote the adoption of this technology. In September 2023, Huawei launched the Mate 60 Pro smartphone, which was the first to support satellite communications. The phone allows users to make calls and send text messages even in areas with no cellular coverage.

Huawei satellite communication

Some industry insiders had speculated that Huawei had exclusive rights to satellite communications technology, which would have delayed the launch of similar features from other phone makers. However, a China Telecom spokesperson told Sina Technology that Huawei does not have exclusive rights to the technology. The spokesperson said that implementing satellite communications in a smartphone requires significant technical expertise and investment, covering areas such as chips, protocols, and terminals.

“Currently, only the Huawei Mate 60 Pro supports satellite communications,” the spokesperson said. “We are planning to cooperate with more phone makers to make this technology available to everyone.” The Huawei Mate 60 Pro is a high-end phone with a relatively high price. China Telecom’s goal is to make it possible for people to use satellite communications with a more affordable phone.

In addition to working with phone makers, China Telecom has also launched its own satellite communications service, called “Mobile Direct Satellite.” This service allows users to add satellite communications to their existing cellular plans. The service is available to all China Telecom customers, and it does not require users to switch to a new SIM card or phone number.

China Telecom to Launch Own Satellite Communications Phone, Tianyi Bodun S9

China Telecom says that its mobile direct satellite service leverages the company’s exclusive operation of the Tiantong-1 satellite constellation. The service covers all of China’s territory and territorial waters. China Telecom also plans to launch its own satellite communications phone, the Tianyi Bodun S9. The phone will be available on November 10. It has a built-in satellite antenna and can be used to make and receive calls and send and receive text messages.

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PNY Ponie electric cargo motorcycle with a 62mph top speed and 120kg payload capacity unveiled

PNY is unveiling the Ponie electric cargo motorcycle and it comes packed with capability. The PNY Ponie has a payload capacity of 120kg in its 120 liters of storage space. The storage capacity of the Ponie is interestingly larger than that of a standard sedan.

PNY Ponie electric cargo motorcycle

Features

The PNY Ponie has a top speed of 62 mph (100km/h). The PNY Ponie is designed for situations where an e-bike or scooter is inadequate but a delivery van would be sub-optimal.

The PNY Ponie can carry up to three insulated food compartments and also has an optional hard case storage trunk. The new PNY electric motorcycle is designed for haulage and delivery applications. It also comes with a decent range of 150km on a single charge of its 6.7kWh CATL battery. The Ponie is equipped with a 4kW continuous-rated rear hub motor whose position further optimizes the cargo credentials of the bike.

PNY Ponie electric cargo motorcycle

The Ponie has a 7-inch color screen and a glovebox with USB connectivity for charging your devices while on the go. The motorbike is also equipped with ABS brakes and the bike was showcased during the 2023 EICMA motorcycle show.

The PNY Ponie will be able to navigate to locations where a cargo e-trike might not be able to reach especially in densely populated cities. The speed and range capabilities of the PNY Ponie mean that they can move into urban highways and navigate back to city roads while on delivery trips.

PNY Ponie electric cargo motorcycle

Pricing & Availability

The PNY Ponie is slated to go into production soon but the earliest deliveries will be in Q2 2024. There is no pricing and global availability information for the electric motorbike at this time.

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Google warns inactive Gmail accounts will be taken down in three weeks’ time

Google has issued a three-week warning to inactive Gmail account holders to update their records or lose the account. The internet search giant plans to shed millions of Gmail accounts that have been inactive for up to two years. The move will see affected account holders losing emails, documents, photos, and videos permanently.

google

The removal of inactive Gmail accounts is part of a major update to the email service. All personal Gmail accounts that have been dormant for at least two years will be affected by the purge. The policy which was introduced this year is expected to kick into force by December 2023. Google says it is updating its inactivity policy for Google Accounts to two years across all Google products. The policy also limits the amount of time that Google can retain such unused personal information from dormant accounts.

The move by Google to delete inactive Google accounts has positive safety implications. It is expected to protect active Google users from security threats like Phishing, account hijacking, and scams. Dormant Google accounts are at higher risk of being compromised by hackers. Affected inactive or dormant Gmail account holders will be sent multiple notifications before any action is taken.

The attached recovery email address of affected accounts will also be sent the notifications. Google indeed has already started sending emails to the affected accounts. Account holders with a risk of deletion of their accounts can prevent it by opening or sending a mail, opening Google Drive, or downloading an app from the Google Play Store. They can also simply make a Google search while they are logged in to the account.

Gmail has grown to become a huge email platform and it continues to expand, having a ubiquitous appeal. Google says any account that has posted a YouTube video will not be impacted, irrespective of when it was last active.

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CATL is fast closing the gap in worldwide battery usage with impressive 2023 growth numbers

Chinese battery manufacturer CATL is expanding its global presence rapidly. This is according to a new report by Korean firm SNE Research. CATL’s worldwide battery usage outside its home market was about 64 gigawatt-hours from January to September 2023. This corresponds to a 104.9% improvement from the same period of 2022. CATL’s global market share has also risen by 7 percentage points within the period.

CATL

The impressive CATL results have put it virtually at par with South Korean manufacturer, LG Energy Solutions with its 28.1% market share. LG Energy Solutions reported a 49.2% growth within Q1-Q3, 2023 but its global market share slightly dipped. SK On and Samsung SDI increased their worldwide battery usage to 24.4GWh and 21.6GWh respectively. SK On and Samsung SDI are respectively the fourth and fifth largest battery manufacturers globally.

South Korea, despite the rising profile of CATL, still accounts for 48.3% global market share, down by 5.8 percentage points from last year. The SNE Research report also showed that global battery installation in electric vehicles was 228GWh from January to September 2023. This is an impressive 54.9% increase from last year. EV sales impliedly also recorded a remarkable increase from 2022. Chinese EV maker BYD was the world’s biggest EV manufacturer and recorded a 4.1GWh battery usage. Chinese company, Farasis Energy also recorded impressive growth numbers with 3GWh battery usage.

The outlook remains positive for CATL as it continues to supply its battery products to a wide array of EV makers. CATL’s customers include Tesla, Mercedes, BMW, and Volvo, among others. The company is also expanding its reach with Hyundai and Kia its most recent customers. Its influence has rapidly enveloped the local market, while also making inroads globally.

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OnePlus seeding OxygenOS 13 F.35 update for OnePlus Nord CE

Just before the holidays, OnePlus seems to bring plenty of new firmware updates for its smartphones in India. After OnePlus Nord CE 3, and OxygenOS 14 Open Beta 2 for OnePlus 10 Pro and OnePlus 10T, the company brings a new update for the OnePlus Nord CE. The OxygenOS 13 F.53 update brings the latest November 2023 Android Security Patch for system security enhancement.

OnePlus Nord CE 5G Blue Void Featured A

Must See: OnePlus 10 Pro and OnePlus 10T taste OxygenOS 14 Open Beta 2 Update in India

It is an incremental OTA and will reach each unit in some time. The users can manually check for the update by heading to Settings > Phone > Software Update > Download and Install. Below is the official changelog:

The update is live only for the OnePlus Nord CE India Variant.

The advanced users can also submit feedback or can file bugs via Google Dialer by typing *#800#.

OnePlus Nord CE Specifications

OnePlus Nord was introduced in June 2021 bundling a 6.43-inch Fluid AMOLED display having a 90Hz refresh rate, and a 1080 x 2400 pixels resolution. The smartphone is powered with Snapdragon 750 SoC, and Adreno 619 GPU. There’s a triple-rear camera featuring a 64MP primary camera, an 8MP ultrawide sensor, and a 2MP deth sensor. A 16MP primary sensor is present on the front for selfies.

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Sharp unveils new color E-Ink products utilizing IGZO technology

Japanese electronics giant Sharp will unveil a new lineup of color E-Ink products during the Sharp Technology Day event from November 10-12. The new E-Ink products will feature the IGZO technology and include cutting-edge color e-posters. Sharp says the new E-Ink offering is both cost-effective and eco-friendly.

Sharp

Features

The Sharp Technology Day Event is taking place in Tokyo. The color e-poster is A2-sized and features both E Ink Spectra technology and the IGZO backplane technology. It delivers vivid colors with top-notch contrast that is comparable with premium color printing paper. The model will be the first color e-paper billboard in the industry and comes in a sleek design and zero power consumption on standby.

Sharp unveils new color E-Ink products utilizing IGZO technology

Apart from the ePoster, an 8-inch color e-paper display is also on the lineup of products for release. The product is designed for e-note devices and e-book readers. The innovative Sharp Display Technology, IGZO is drawing attention from the industry, as E Ink and Sharp have already announced a collaboration. The collaboration will cover the development of a range of e-paper signage, e-note devices, and e-readers. Indium Gallium Zinc Oxide (IGZO) backpane technology is used in the manufacture of e-paper modules deployed in e-readers and e-note gadgets.

There are no indications at this time on the full release details and pricing information for the new Sharp E-Ink products. More optics are however expected during the showcase of the products during the Sharp Technology event at the Tokyo International Exhibition Center.

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Xiaomi’s Exclusive Meeting on Electric Cars and Pricing Plans

Xiaomi continues to expand its product lineup. The successful Chinese company, known for its achievements in various fields such as smartphones, smartwatches, headphones, tablets, and smart home devices, now sets its sights on the automotive industry. The tech giant from China has been working on its own electric car model for a while now, and it seems that these efforts are nearing completion. As a result, the highly anticipated electric vehicle is expected to be unveiled in the very near future.

Finally, the company took a significant step in this direction. Xiaomi held a confidential meeting with company executives, planning behind closed doors. Here ara the details…

Behind Closed Doors: Xiaomi’s Strategic Meeting on Electric Cars

William Lu, a senior executive at Xiaomi, made an announcement at the Qualcomm Snapdragon Summit in Hawaii, revealing that Xiaomi’s electric car models will officially be launched in 2024. This announcement has already generated significant anticipation among both users and the automotive industry. The company is genuinely excited about hitting the roads with their car in 2024.

Xiaomi-Car

To avoid making mistakes, Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun gathered executives together for a meeting. Individuals from various departments of the company attended the meeting with a special invitation. Unfortunately, the discussions that took place behind closed doors remain unclear. The topics likely revolved around the electric car market, the vehicle’s pricing, strategies to be implemented, and production planning.

Making production in China is not an easy task. You need to obtain permission from the government for many things. Fortunately, Xiaomi received the necessary permission to produce electric cars some time ago. Now, all that’s left is to prepare the factory. Although it’s not certain, there’s talk of a two-stage facility plan.

According to this plan, the company will establish an almost 720,000 square meter facility in the first stage. Construction of this began in April 2022 and was completed in June 2023. The second stage will commence in 2024 and is expected to be completed by 2025. Details about how sufficient the current section is, of course, remain uncertain.

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Edifier W820NB spatial audio Headphones launched for 499 yuan ($68)

Edifier seems to be on a release spree at the moment. The Chinese company recently announced the HECATE G1S Thunder Edition headphones. Earlier on, the Edifier TWS1 Air Bluetooth headset with ANC and the Zero X TWS earbuds were released in its home market. The company has now unveiled the W820NB headphones.

Edifier W820NB spatial audio Headphones

Features

The new Edifier audio product comes with the Hi-Res Audio and Hi-Res Audio Wireless gold label certification and supports 360-degree surround sound. The new Edifier headphones feature a zero-pressure patented earmuff technology for excellent performance.

The Edifier W820NB earmuffs can firmly fit the frame and disperse the pressure of the frame effectively to achieve a uniform sound effect. Its built-in spatial audio and head tracking technology helps to optimize audio rendering in real time. It also offers a realistic and three-dimensional surround sound.

Edifier W820NB spatial audio Headphones

The Edifier headset supports Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, as well as LHDC 5.0, LHDCX, and LDAC technologies. It offers active noise reduction by up to 43dB and supports 192kHz/ 24bit mastering-level codec. The headset’s Hi-Res Audio and Hi-Res Audio Wireless double gold label certification means the gadget delivers high-resolution and high-fidelity audio. The headset can be used for up to 5 hours on a single charge and supports fast charging. Dual device pairing and connection to custom apps are also supported on the Edifier W820NB.

Edifier W820NB spatial audio Headphones

Pricing & Avalability

The Edifier W820NB spatial audio headphones are available in at least two color options – black and cream. The headset can be purchased from JD.com at a price of 499 yuan (~$68). It is unclear whether the new Edifier headset will subsequently be available in overseas markets.

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Microsoft Announces Discontinuation of Three Windows Services for Enhanced Security

Microsoft recently announced the discontinuation of three older services in Windows as part of its long-term strategy to enhance the operating system. This decision aligns with the company’s commitment to removing outdated features and services that no longer align with their vision while consistently introducing new enhancements. Here are the details…

Microsoft Phasing Out Outdated Features for Improved Windows

The three services being removed are Computer Browser, Web Client (WebDAV), and Remote Mailslot, as outlined in an online document tracking deprecated Windows features. This information was shared by @XenoPanther on Twitter. Although each of these services once served specific functions, they have become outdated and present security risks.

The Computer Browser service, including its associated driver and device location protocol, is considered insecure. Initially disabled by default with the removal of Server Message Block version 1 (SMB1) in Windows 10, this move aimed to bolster security within the operating system.

The WebDAV API, an HTTP extension introduced with Windows Vista, is no longer started by default in current Windows versions, reflecting a shift away from its use due to the emergence of newer technologies.

Lastly, Remote Mailslots, an Inter-Process Communication (IPC) protocol introduced with MS-DOS, is considered severely outdated and insecure. A high-ranking Microsoft executive earlier this year described this protocol as “disgusting” and emphasized the urgent need for its removal. While these features are marked for discontinuation, it’s important to note that they haven’t been completely removed yet. They will persist in Windows for now, but Microsoft will not invest in these services or actively update them.

The gradual phasing out of these old services is anticipated in a future version of Windows, although Microsoft has not provided a specific timeline for this transition at the moment.

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PS5 Call of Duty Modern Warfare III bundle launched in India

Sony has introduced a PlayStation 5 console bundle featuring Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 in India. The bundle coincides with the game’s launch, which happened earlier today.

PS5 Call of Duty Modern Warfare III

This bundle, priced at Rs. 59,390, is a comprehensive package that includes the disk edition of the console. Notably, this edition boasts the older “fat” console, adding a touch of nostalgia for gaming enthusiasts.

However, Sony has an ace up its sleeve with an upcoming slim refresh of the PS5, set to launch with its own Modern Warfare III bundle. The release date for the slim edition in India is yet to be confirmed.

To sweeten the deal, Sony is offering the Modern Warfare III bundle at an introductory price of Rs. 49,390, a significant reduction from the original cost. This special offer is available for a limited time, spanning from November 10 to November 23, 2023, at select retailers including ShopatSC, Amazon.in, Flipkart, Croma, Reliance, Vijay Sales, and more.

Modern Warfare III overview

Diving into the gaming experience itself, Modern Warfare III promises an adrenaline-pumping adventure. The game features a full campaign, multiplayer mode, and a new open-world Modern Warfare Zombies experience with 15 missions. Gamers can expect an arsenal of new weapons, including iconic ones from Modern Warfare II and content spanning six seasons.

In multiplayer mode, the excitement is further amplified with 16 remastered maps from MW2 and an additional 12 new 6v6 maps post-launch. The introduction of new Ground War maps, evolving from the War Mode in CoD: WWII, adds another layer of excitement for players seeking diverse combat scenarios. Not to be forgotten, the classic Zombies mode returns with a brand-new story, promising hours of thrilling gameplay.

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Apple silicon GPUs get even better with Parallel Processing improvements in M3 and A17 Pro

Apple’s recently announced M3 and A17 Pro chips feature several significant improvements to parallel processing, which results in major performance gains for apps and games that utilize the Metal API.

Apple M3 and A17 Pro GPUs parallel processing performance

In a developer talk (video), Apple explained that these new GPUs utilize Dynamic Caching, hardware-accelerated ray tracing, and hardware-accelerated mesh mapping to achieve improved performance.

Dynamic Caching allows the GPU to allocate exactly the right amount of register memory for every action it is taking. This frees up previously unavailable register memory, allowing for many more shader tasks to occur in parallel.

Flexible on-chip memory allows the GPU to utilize all of its on-chip memory for any memory type, rather than having fixed memory allocations for register, thread group, and tile memory. This means that actions that heavily rely on one type of memory can utilize the entire span of the on-chip memory, and even overflow actions into main memory.

Hardware-accelerated ray tracing and hardware-accelerated mesh shading take portions of the calculations for these tasks out of the GPU function, passing them to dedicated units. This allows for more parallel operations to occur, speeding up these tasks significantly.

What does this mean for developers?

Developers don’t need to make any changes to their apps to see performance improvements with M3 and A17 Pro. However, there are a few things they can do to maximize the benefits of these new features:

  • Execute FP16 math in their programs, as the high-performance ALUs execute different combinations of integer, FP32, and FP16 in parallel.
  • Use flexible on-chip memory to allocate the right amount of memory to each action.
  • Design their apps to take advantage of hardware-accelerated ray tracing and mesh shading.

Apple went into more detail about their new silicon GPUs in their video presentation. You can watch it to learn more.

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OnePlus Nord CE 3 gets a new update with November security patch

Good news for OnePlus Nord CE 3 5G users in India – the November 2023 update is live. Tagged as OxygenOS 13.1.1.501, this update focuses on boosting system stability and integrating the November 2023 Android security patch.

The rollout has begun, hitting a limited user base today with a wider distribution expected in the coming days. OnePlus assures a gradual Over-The-Air (OTA) update, ensuring a smooth process for all users.

OnePlus Nord CE 3 5G specs

The OnePlus Nord CE 3 5G sports a 6.7-inch FHD+ AMOLED display, rocking a 1080 x 2412 pixels resolution, 120 Hz refresh rate, and HDR10+ support. Under the hood, it runs on OxygenOS 13.1, based on Android 13, powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 782G processor.

Photography-wise, the triple camera setup on the rear (50MP + 8MP + 2MP) and the 16MP wide camera lens for selfies are in play. With 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage, multitasking and storage needs are covered.

Keeping you unplugged is a hefty 5000mAh battery, complemented by an 80W SUPERVOOC charger for quick top-ups.

In related news, OnePlus is gearing up to launch the Watch 2 soon. Leaks have revealed the design and specs of the smartwatch. However, it also reveals that the Watch 2 will most likely have an RTOS-based operating system, which is quite disappointing.

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Apple Raises Trade-In Values for Android Devices, But Samsung’s Program Is Still More Generous

Today, smartphone prices are constantly rising due to factors like increasing costs and inflation. This pushes many of us to reduce costs by selling our old phones before buying new ones. But in our fast-paced world, where everyone is constantly busy, this can be a time-consuming task. There are a few different ways to sell your old phone. You can sell it to someone directly, take it to a phone store and get scammed, or trade it in to a company that offers this service. Moreover, Apple now gives higher trade-ins for your Android. Here are the details…

Samsung’s Trade-In Program Is Still the Best, Even With Apple’s Recent Improvements

Campaigns that encourage people to trade in their old items for new ones are very common in US. Even Apple offers discounts to customers who buy both iOS and Android devices, creating a form of recycling and saving money for both buyers and sellers. In the United States, Apple has also changed its fees, making second-hand Android smartphones more valuable. Of course, we cannot specify every phone, but this is the change in some of the Android phones that Apple will pay you for trade-in.


New trade-in value
Old trade-in value
Samsung Galaxy S22 UltraUp to $340Up to $325
Samsung Galaxy S22 PlusUp to $230Up to $225
Samsung Galaxy S22Up to $190Up to $180
Samsung Galaxy S21 PlusUp to $160Up to $140
Samsung Galaxy S21Up to $135Up to $120
Samsung Galaxy Note 20 UltraUp to $165Up to $140
Samsung Galaxy Note 20Up to $120Up to $100
Google Pixel 6 ProUp to $140Up to $125
Google Pixel 6Up to $110Up to $90
Google Pixel 6aUp to $100Up to $80

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MINISFORUM UM780 XTX mini PC with Ryzen 7 7840HS to launch soon

After launching the UM790 & UM780 Pro mini PCs IN China, Minisforum will soon be launching the UM780 XTX model in the global market. What makes this model special is that it features a powerful and cutting-edge Ryzen 7 mobile CPU. Here are all the details:

MINISFORUM UM780 XTX

TechGoing has leaked some information about the upcoming mini-PC. An extension of the UM780 series introduced a few months ago, this mini-PC packs an AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS processor with 8 Zen 4 CPU cores and a Radeon 780M iGPU, delivering a solid 70W performance boost.

A standout feature of the UM780 XTX is its Oculink graphics dock interface, boasting higher bandwidth than Thunderbolt 3/4. This interface allows seamless connection to high-performance independent graphics, as demonstrated in official testing connecting to an RTX 3080 graphics card dock.

In terms of design, the UM780 XTX adopts a new stand design with a magnetic top cover, offering an optional backlight pattern. The mini-PC includes front and rear USB4, rear HDMI and DP, dual 2.5G network ports, and Oculink support for the graphics card dock.

While whispers circulate about a November 10 release, MINISFORUM is yet to give the nod.

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YouTube Music Users can Now Add Podcasts via RSS Feeds

YouTube Music (YTM) is rolling out a feature that could change the podcasting landscape. With the planned discontinuation of Google Podcasts in 2024, YTM is stepping up, offering a seamless transition for both podcast creators and their audience.

Until now, podcasters had to upload videos of their episodes on YTM

The heart of this shift lies in YTM’s new capability allowing users to add podcasts via RSS feeds, a feature that’s currently making its way to Android and web platforms. This move is significant because, until now, podcasters had to upload video versions of their episodes on YTM, a requirement that demanded additional effort and possibly deterred many creators.

YouTube Music

The implementation is user-friendly: a visit to the Library tab and a tap on the Podcasts filter unveils an “Add podcast” option. Users can either browse popular podcasts on YouTube or add shows using an RSS feed. Once added, these podcasts will appear alongside others in the user’s library, marked by an RSS icon for easy identification. This approach not only streamlines the process but also opens doors for a broader range of podcast content on YTM.

While this feature is still in its nascent stages, not yet widely available, it’s expected to gain more traction soon. The added benefit for podcasters is the shift from the necessity of video uploads to the simplicity of RSS, which is likely to enhance content discovery on the platform.

Additionally, YTM is working on a “simple migration tool” to facilitate the transfer of existing Google Podcasts subscriptions to YTM. This is a thoughtful gesture to ensure a smooth transition for dedicated podcast listeners. YTM’s expansion into podcasting doesn’t stop here. It’s testing various user-friendly features, including custom playlist art creation using generative AI, Apple HomePod support, and a redesigned overflow menu, making it a robust platform for music and podcast enthusiasts. Stay tuned for more updates!

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Companies are Investing in AI Tech for the Future of PCs

A new trend is slowly taking shape that could redefine the future of personal computers (PCs). As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to grow in popularity, PC manufacturers are now integrating AI technology into their devices, potentially changing the course of the PC market.

These PCs will ship with AI-capable chipsets, such as the Ryzen Pro 7040 series

The past few years have seen a decline in PC sales, attributed mainly to a drop following the pandemic-induced surge. However, industry experts believe that the rise of generative AI products like Microsoft’s ChatGPT and Baidu’s Ernie Bot could be a game-changer. These AI tools have already attracted a significant user base, with ChatGPT garnering over 100 million weekly active users globally and Baidu’s Ernie Bot amassing 70 million users in China.

Artificial Intelligence

This growing interest in AI has led to a new type of PC – AI PCs. These are not just your standard computers; they come equipped with chips designed for AI capabilities. For instance, Advanced Micro Devices released the Ryzen Pro 7040 series, one of the first x86 processors with an integrated AI engine. By 2027, it is forecasted that 86% of the 34 million laptops shipped in China will be AI PCs.

PC makers like Lenovo are looking to transform “personal computers” into “personalised computers” using AI. Imagine a laptop that can draft work reports based on your preferences and past documents – that’s the future Lenovo envisions.

Moreover, the AI revolution isn’t just limited to PCs. Smartphone giants like Oppo are eagerly integrating AI into their phones. Oppo’s introduction of its large language model, AndesGPT, aims to enhance user interactions with their devices. Similarly, Vivo plans to incorporate its AI model into its new operating system, OriginOS 4.

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Veer’s Latest Launch involves a Shift Drive System for Belt-driven E-Bikes

Veer, a company in the e-bike sector has introduced a pretty cool innovation: the Shift Drive System for belt-driven e-bikes. This development marks a significant shift from the traditional chain-driven approach, offering a ‘ride’ into the future of e-bike technology.

Bike belts are quieter and more efficient in the longer run than bike chains

Historically, bicycles have relied on chains to transfer power to the rear wheel. However, the emerging trend favors drive belts, known for their quiet operation and low maintenance. While these belts offer advantages over chains, they’ve been limited in terms of compatible drivetrain systems. This is where Veer’s innovation steps in.

Veer’s Shift Drive System proposes a novel solution to enhance belt-driven e-bikes. While the technicalities are complex, involving multiple moving parts, the essence is simple: to provide efficient, seamless shifting on what are typically single-speed drives. This system features rotating modules that adjust the size of the drive gear, effectively offering two-speed capabilities. Such a mechanism could potentially enhance the e-bike’s efficiency and extend its range per charge.

Sean Hacking, the founder of Veer, emphasizes the system’s benefits, highlighting its potential to replace traditional chain systems and gearboxes. These conventional components not only incur higher costs but also demand regular upkeep. In contrast, Veer’s system aims for low maintenance and cost-effectiveness, while still delivering comparable benefits to internal gearing systems.

However, it’s essential to note that the Shift Drive System is still in its early stages, currently seeking funds through a crowdfunding campaign. While promising, this stage of development calls for cautious optimism among potential investors, as crowdfunding ventures inherently carry risks.

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OnePlus 10 Pro and OnePlus 10T taste OxygenOS 14 Open Beta 2 Update in India

OxygenOS 14 is gradually moving towards stability across multiple smartphones. Following the regular update, and the new OxygenOS 14 Open Beta updates for other smartphones, here arrives the OxygenOS 14 Open Beta 2 for the OnePlus 10 Pro and OnePlus 10T smartphones. There are several fixes and improvements for the OnePlus 10 Pro and OnePlus 10T in the latest firmware build.

Must See: OnePlus 10 Pro and OnePlus 11R taste Oxygen OS 14 Open Beta 1 Update

OnePlus 10 Pro Oxygen OS 14 Open Beta 1 Update

The new firmware update for the OnePlsu 10 Pro enhances system stability and performance. It also fixes the issue of the Settings page transition animation. Other changes are listed below:

System


 • Improves system stability and performance.

 • Fixes an issue that affects transition animation when a certain page is opened in Settings.

 • Fixes an issue where some screen elements are not fully displayed after the system navigation method is changed. 


Camera

 • Fixes an issue where the screen might go black when you switch to the front camera.

 • Fixes an issue where the Private album might not show up at the bottom of the Albums page.

The update will automatically roll out for the Open Beta 1 participants, and the new participants must be running CPH2413_13.1.0.587(EX01) firmware on their smartphones. There might be other unknown issues that will be fixed in the upcoming Open Beta update. The experience keeps refining with new Open Beta updates.

Then go to Settings > About device > Tap up to date > Tap icon on the top right > Beta program > Follow the steps to apply to check for the updates. More information is available in the official announcement thread.

OnePlus 10T OxygenOS 14 Open Beta 2 Update Details

OnePlus is also bringing the Open Beta 2 update for the OnePlus 10T featuring several fixes and improvements. Below is the official changelog:

System

 • Improves system stability and performance.

 • Extends the battery life in some scenarios.

 • Fixes an issue that affects transition animation when a certain page is opened in Settings.

 • Fixes an issue where some screen elements are not fully displayed after the system navigation method is changed. 


Camera

 • Fixes an issue where the screen might go black when you switch to the front camera.

 • Fixes an issue where the Private album might not show up at the bottom of the Albums page.

The users should be running Open Beta 1 to grab the update or they need to be on the firmware NE2211_13.1.0.597(EX01) to get Open Beta 2 update. The users must head over to Settings > About device > Tap up to date > Tap icon on the top right > Beta program > Follow the steps to apply. For more details, the user may head over to the OnePlus Community thread.

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Swedish car manufacturer Polestar to launch its first smartphone in December

Swedish electric car maker Polestar has announced its entry into the smartphone market with its first smartphone, the Polestar Phone, launching in December.

The design of the phone has been teased in a short video, which shows a device with flat frames and vertically stacked cameras at the back, reminiscent of the Meizu 20 series. Polestar announced its plans to launch a Meizu-made smartphone back in September, so this design is not a surprise.

Each camera ring has its focal length and aperture size labeled. It shows a 23mm equivalent main camera with an f/1.9 aperture, a 70mm telephoto lens with an f/2.0 aperture, and a 15mm ultrawide lens with an f/2.4 aperture.

Polestar Phone

On the front, the phone has a punch hole cutout for the selfie camera. The sides feature Polestar branding while the back has the company logo.

As a car manufacturer, Polestar is likely to focus on seamless connectivity between its cars and phones. However, the exact details of this integration are not yet known.

Meizu, which is owned by the same parent company as Polestar, has its own Flyme Auto car software. However, reports from China suggest that the Polestar Phone may offer a Polestar OS interface, which is likely developed in collaboration with Meizu.

Polestar has not yet revealed any specifications for the phone, but it is rumored to be powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip. We’ll have to wait for the official announcement for more details on the device.

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OnePlus Watch 2 renders & specs leak, and there is some disappointing news

OnePlus is preparing to launch a new premium smartwatch called the OnePlus Watch 2. The smartwatch is expected to make its debut alongside the OnePlus 12 flagship smartphone in the coming weeks. Ahead of the launch, MySmartPrice has leaked renders of the OnePlus Watch 2 in collaboration with popular tipster @OnLeaks.

OnePlus Watch 2 render

The renders reveal that OnePlus is staying true to its design philosophy. Like its predecessor, the OnePlus Watch 2 has a circular dial with a metal chassis and strategically placed buttons on the right side to help in navigating the UI. It has plain rubber straps, available in classic black and white. In addition to the renders, the report also confirms some of the key specifications of the device.

OnePlus Watch 2 specs (leaked)

As per the report, the OnePlus Watch 2 will feature a 1.43-inch AMOLED display. Powering this gadget is the Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 chipset, ensuring a smooth and responsive performance. Health features are not neglected, with essential sensors tucked under the display alongside a handy charging connector.

Despite the exciting features of the OnePlus Watch 2, there’s a bit of a downer – OnePlus is sticking with its custom RTOS-based operating system. For some, this might be a deal-breaker, potentially downgrading the Watch 2 to more of a glorified smart band or fitness tracker. In a market where many smartwatches are adopting Google’s WearOS-based systems, OnePlus faces stiff competition.

For those unaware, WearOS is a full-fledged operating system that offers a wide range of features such as Google Assistant, Google Maps, and Google Play Store. It is compatible with both Android and iOS devices and supports a wide range of third-party apps. On the other hand, RTOs is a lightweight operating system that is designed to provide an intuitive smartwatch experience while keeping the price in check. It is generally used in fitness-oriented smartwatches and has limited app support.

It’s worth noting that these specs are early leaks, so it’s wise for readers to take this information with a grain of salt and stay tuned for official confirmation.

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