Xiaomi‘s MIJIA Electric Shaver S302 has been officially released in China. The launch is coming more than a year after the last model in the series – the MIJIA Electric Shaver S600 was launched. The new MIJIA electric shaver comes with full-body waterproof protection, thanks to its IPX7 rating. It also features a double-ring arc blade and a fully rotating floating blade head. It can automatically adapt to facial features or contours and supports rocker-type, circular, or up-and-down floating movement.
Features
The MIJIA electric shaver S302 has a knife mesh holder that is coated with a smooth coating which enhances the fluidity of operation of the shaver. The shaver is designed as a no-disassembly gadget and can be easily cleaned after usage. Its magnetic head can be quickly removed for deep cleaning. The quick-wash design of the MIJIA electric shaver S302 means that you can wash off up to 85% of shaving residue in 15 seconds.
Two gears are available in the MIJIA electric shaver S302 namely smart transmission and full acceleration gears. You can switch between gears by pressing the switch button for 1 second. An indicator light is present to indicate the gear is operational in the shaver. The MIJIA electric shaver S302 has an 800mAh battery that can last for 90 minutes on a single charge. It takes about 1 hour to fully recharge the shaver via USB-C.
Pricing & Availability
The MIJIA electric shaver S302 is priced at 219 yuan (~$30) and is available from retail platforms like JD.com. Xiaomi has not provided any global availability information for the new shaver at this time.
The GasGas MC-E 2 electric dirtbike is part of a collection of new electric mini-crossers that are focused on kids. The Pierer Mobility Group is made up of KTM, Husqvarna, and GasGas and the trio has released 50cc and 65cc two-wheelers that are kids-focused. The GasGas MC-E 2 is a small off-road electric two-wheeler for smaller kids.
Features
The MC-E 2 electric dirtbike can be used by kids that are between 90cm and 130cm in height. There are also multiple adjustment points on the bike’s frame to accommodate different heights. It is designed to be a go-between bike for kids yet to master balance while riding. The model is less powerful than the GasGas MC 50 and MC 65 models. It is also economical and affordable to run. The MC-E 2 has three power modes that can be modulated by the child’s minder. The top power mode delivers a maximum speed of 33km/h. The bike’s electric motor is housed within the rear hub which gives it a rear-focused center of gravity.
The GasGas MC-E 2 off-road bike for kids omits a chain which translates to reduced maintenance costs. Its lightweight aluminum frame, coupled with a reinforced fiberglass subframe provides precise handling for the bike. The circumference of the front and rear wheels of the bike are 90mm and 70mm respectively. The MC-E 2 has 140mm hydraulic disc brakes and the bike also features a wrist lanyard that automatically shuts the motor off when detached. Also included is a rollover sensor that switches off the motor when the bike tips over.
Pricing
GasGas has already listed the MC-E 2 dirtbike for kids on its official website. The product is also expected to be available in GasGas dealerships but the pricing optics are lacking at this time.
Last week Xiaomi announced the launch of a new version of the MIJIA Natural Wind 1.5hp air conditioner. The gadget has now officially gone on sale in China. The new Xiaomi air conditioner delivers quick cooling in 30 seconds and is equipped with a three-dimensional wide-angle air deflector.
The Xiaomi MIJIA Natural Wind 1.5hp air conditioner is adjustable to provide surround wind, canopy wind, and carpet wind, among other options. The adjustable lower and upper air supply can be angled between 0 and 180º. The gadget delivers rapid heating within 60 seconds and rapid cooling in half a minute. It is a high-efficiency, low-noise model thanks to its air duct system design. It is also matched with a self-developed electronic control solution. The air conditioner has a self-cleaning mechanism for keeping the gadget in optimal shape both internally and externally.
The Xiaomi MIJIA 1.5hp air conditioner can provide cooling or heating at different levels of ambient temperature. It has an intelligent defrosting mechanism and dual temperature and humidity control tech. The air conditioner can be integrated into the Xiaomi smart home ecosystem and it supports Xiao AI voice control, as well as MIJIA app compatibility. The MIJIA app also provides intelligent notifications and reminders about dirty filters and also supports a mosquito repellant module.
Pricing & Availability
The Xiaomi MIJIA Natural Wind 1.5hp air conditioner is available from retail platforms like JD.com. It is priced at 2,399 yuan (~$330) but Xiaomi has not released any global availability information for the model yet.
Chinese tech giant Xiaomi has launched the Xiaomi Projector Youth Edition 2S. The portable projector comes with a 1080P resolution which is compatible with 4K videos. It also has support for HDR 10+ decoding, AI image quality enhancement, omnidirectional automatic correction, MEMC motion compensation, Dolby sound effects, and low blue light eye protection.
At the same time, the Al algorithm is used to automatically enhance the image quality, intelligently optimize color saturation, sharpness, and graininess through massive learning, and restore more image details in depth.
In terms of performance, the projector is equipped with an Amlogic T982 chip paired with 2GB RAM and 16GB storage. It also uses DLP digital optical processing technology (0.23” DMD), has a transmittance ratio of 1.2:1, and is equipped with full-frequency high-fidelity dual speakers. Also, the device also supports 500 ANSI lumens.
In addition, Xiaomi Projector Youth Edition 2S runs on the MIUI TV operating system which provides the same content sources as Xiaomi TV. Users can equally push personalized content based on interests, hobbies, and viewing habits. It is also connected to the MIJIA ecosystem, has built-in Xiaoai classmates, supports AI far-field voice, and supports smart home interconnection.
In other aspects, it is equipped with an HDMI 2.1 interface, a USB 3.0 interface, a headphone interface, and a DC charging port. It supports 2.4GHz/5GHz dual-band Wi-Fi mode. It also supports Bluetooth 5.0 and wireless screen projection.
Pricing & Availability
The Xiaomi Projector Youth Edition 2S is priced at 2399 yuan ($330). It is presently available in China via Jingdong.
Artificial intelligence technologies are continuing to gain popularity and become more widespread. Nowadays, we can find AI in various products and services. While so far, this integration has mainly focused on simplifying our daily tasks, its potential goes far beyond that. Microsoft is well aware of this and has already started working on it. According to emerging information, the company is planning to allow Xbox game developers to utilize AI tools for designing storylines and non-playable characters (NPCs). Here are the details…
Microsoft Partners with Inworld AI to Develop AI Tools for Xbox Games
Microsoft has partnered with a generative AI startup called Inworld AI to develop new AI tools for Xbox game makers to use for story design and NPCs. The company says that the goal is to “assist and empower creators in dialogue, story and quest design.” The common goal of the two companiesto develop an AI that can turn prompts into detailed scripts, dialogue trees, quests and other game elements.
This would allow game developers to quickly and easily generate new content for their games, without having to spend as much time on writing and design. This way, missions and characters in games can become much more immersive. Especially in role-playing games, you can have direct conversations with characters and truly immerse yourself in the world you’re a part of.
Microsoft and Inworld AI, are also working on an “AI character runtime engine” that developers can plug into their actual existing games. This engine also would allow players to generate new stories, quests and dialogues as they go, making for a more dynamic and interactive gaming experience. Microsoft says that the new AI tools are still under development, but that they hope to make them available to Xbox game makers soon. The company believes that these tools could revolutionize the way games are made and played.
In the UAE, Honor introduced the Honor X9b smartphone last month, and it appears that the brand is gearing up to launch this device as its second smartphone in India following its return to the Indian market with the Honor 90.
The Honor X9b has been spotted on the Bureau of Indian Standards website by 91mobiles. Although the certification listing does not clearly show a model number or a moniker, 91mobile claims that it belongs to the Honor X9b smartphone, citing industry sources. Currently, there is no official word on the launch timeline, however, we can expect the device to launch in the coming months.
Honor X9b specs:
The Honor X9b is powered by Android 13-based MagicOS 7.2 and runs on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 SoC with Adreno 710 GPU. It features a 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a 1.5K resolution of 1200×2652 pixels, a 19:9 aspect ratio, 429 PPI pixel density, and a 92.8% screen-to-body ratio. The device is available in 8GB or 12GB RAM options and offers 256GB of storage capacity.
Its camera setup includes a 108MP primary camera, a 5MP ultra-wide lens, a depth camera, and a 2MP macro sensor on the rear, as well as a 16MP front-facing camera. The phone is equipped with a 5,800mAh battery that supports 35W fast charging. It also includes features like a dual-SIM card slot, 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, OTG support, GPS, NFC, and a USB Type-C port. For security, it has a fingerprint sensor and comes in a compact form with dimensions of 163.6×75.5×7.98mm and a weight of 185 grams.
GMKtec recently introduced their newest mini PC, the GMK NucBox M2, which boasts a Tiger Lake CPU and efficient cooling solutions. The GMK NucBox M2 mini PC is offered in two pricing tiers: the standard version can be purchased for $479.59 on the official website, while the premium configuration is priced at $619.99.
In terms of processing power, it is driven by a Tiger Lake Intel Core i7-11390H processor, which offers four cores, eight threads, 12 MB of cache, and clock speeds ranging from 3.4 GHz to 5 GHz. Although the processor is two generations old at this point, it still packs a mighty punch in terms of raw performance.
In terms of graphics, it utilizes the Intel Iris Xe integrated GPU with 96 Execution Units (EUs), delivering impressive performance for media tasks and less resource-intensive games.
For memory and storage, the NucBox M2 can be configured with up to 32 GB of DDR4 RAM and comes equipped with 2 TB of NVMe storage, ensuring it can handle heavy workloads efficiently.
To maintain optimal operating temperatures during intensive workloads, the NucBox M2 mini PC features a “copper twin turbo cooling” design, ensuring efficient heat dissipation.
Connectivity options are plentiful, with four USB Type-A ports, a USB Type-C port featuring DisplayPort capabilities, an RJ45 Ethernet port, and two HDMI ports.
In August, Sony introduced a new lineup of hardware, which includes the Pulse Explore earbuds and Pulse Elite headphones specifically designed for the PlayStation 5. During the initial announcement, Sony shared details about the design and essential features of these audio devices. However, it’s worth noting that pre-orders for the Pulse Explore earbuds were only recently opened. Interestingly, both of these products have now been detected in the Bluetooth SIG certification database, suggesting that they might become available in the market in the near future.
The Pulse Explore earbuds and Pulse Elite headset have appeared on the Bluetooth SIG certification platform, assigned model numbers “CFI-ZWE1” and “CFI-ZWH2” respectively. Notably, these devices are listed in the gaming category, and the certification data indicates that both will feature Bluetooth version 5.3 for connectivity support.
Sony Pulse Explore Earbuds and Pulse Elite Headset details:
Pulse Explore Earbuds are premium wireless earbuds designed for PlayStation, prioritizing lossless audio quality and low-latency performance. They come with dual microphones featuring AI-enhanced noise rejection for background noise cancellation and include a charging case. It is priced at $199, and available to pre-order in various regions including the US, UK, France, Germany, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Japan, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
The Pulse Elite Headset is an upgraded PlayStation headset priced at $149.99, offering lossless audio quality and AI-enhanced noise cancellation. It features a retractable boom microphone for clear communication and includes a charging mount for storage and recharging.
Back in August, Xiaomi brought over the Redmi Watch 3 Active to India. The smartwatch was launched in two color options, namely Platinum Grey and Charcoal Black. Now, the brand has unveiled the Magic Yellow color strap for users looking for a fresh look for their smartwatch.
The strap alone costs ₹499, however, if you buy it along with a new Watch 3 Active, it will only cost ₹199. The new strap color currently appears to be exclusively available on mi.com. As for the smartwatch, it is currently priced at ₹2,799.
Redmi Watch 3 Active specs
The Redmi Watch 3 Active offers various health-related features like sleep tracking and menstrual cycle tracking to help users monitor their well-being. Equipped with an optical heart rate sensor and a SpO2 sensor, it enables the monitoring of heart rate and blood oxygen levels.
The watch features a vivid 1.83-inch LCD display with a resolution of 240 x 280 pixels, offering a brightness level of 450 nits for clear visibility. Communication-wise, it comes with a built-in speaker and a microphone for Bluetooth calling. With a water resistance rating of up to 5 ATM, it’s suitable for swimming. Personalization is made easy with over 200 watch faces to choose from.
The Redmi Watch 3 Active offers impressive battery life, lasting up to 12 days on light usage and up to 8 days on heavy usage. Its design features a premium metal frame. Connectivity is seamless through Bluetooth 5.3, supporting both Android and iOS devices. For fitness enthusiasts, it provides over 100 fitness modes tailored for various activities.
Android tablets are still the best option for people who wish to do activities like watching videos, playing games, reading ebooks, and getting work done. Even though Android smartphones let you do the exact same things, there is definitely an added advantage of features like larger screen real-estate, better battery life, etc. that makes tablets an attractive option.
If you’re looking to buy an Android tablet, then there are high chances that you’ll be confused with the range of options out there, available in various screen sizes and targeting different audiences.
The Lenovo Tab M9 is a recently released budget Android tablet, that we had a chance to play around with. Today, we’re here with a quick yet detailed review of the Lenovo Tab M9 to help you understand if this device is the right buy for you.
What’s in the Box?
Let’s begin by talking about the contents of the box. Below are all the items you receive in your Lenovo Tab M9 retail packaging.
Of course a Lenovo Tab M9 (I got the 4GB+64GB variant)
TPU Back Cover with Stand
SIM Tray Pin
USB Type-C Charging Cable
10W Charging Adapter
Documentation
Lenovo Tab M9 Review
Design and Build
The Lenovo Tab M9 has a typical rectangular design with its chassis being made out of aluminum, thus offering a premium in-hand feel and sturdy build quality.
The bezels are on the thicker side for our taste, but the overall bezel ratio is uniform throughout all the borders. The tablet is just 7.99 mm thick and weighs just 344 grams, making it very comfortable to hold and carry around.
The front side of the tablet houses a 9-inch display unit and a 2MP selfie camera. There is a single 8MP camera unit on the rear of the device with no flash.
The bottom of the tablet features a 3.5mm headphone jack, speaker holes, a microphone, and a USB Type-C charging port. You get the volume control button and the power ON/OFF button on the right side of the device, and if you opt for the LTE variant, then you get a SIM / microSD card slot on the left side.
The tablet also includes a TPU back cover that incorporates a built-in stand. The back cover and stand are of excellent quality, and they function exceptionally well, providing a comfortable and enjoyable experience for watching content in a horizontal orientation.
The Tab M9 is available in two color options: Silver and Frost Blue. You get a dual-tone finish on the rear for both color options for an appealing overall look.
Display
The 9-inch display up front is an IPS LCD unit with 720p HD (1340 x 800 pixels) resolution, 60Hz refresh rate, and a 5:3 display ratio.
What works in the favor of the Lenovo Tab M9 is the larger display, which makes content consumption and performing tasks on the tablet much easier and more relaxing.
However, the 720p HD resolution IPS LCD panel is just adequate at best, with poor viewing angles. Moreover, due to the lower resolution, the screen pixels are visible without you having to keenly look for it.
The color quality of the display is good. It offers the choice between natural, enhanced, or adaptive color profiles to match personal preferences.
The tablet also supports Widevine L1 certification, which allows for high-definition streaming on popular platforms like Netflix and YouTube.
Performance and Software
Powering the Tab M9 is the Helio G80 octa-core processor and up to 4GB of RAM. Despite having a 4-year-old chipset, it is very well capable of taking you through day-to-day tasks that you’d do on a budget Android tablet including multimedia consumption, notetaking, browsing the web, etc.
You can also play casual games easily and also play titles such as Asphalt 8, PUBG, etc., albeit in lower graphics settings.
Even though it can run apps just fine, if you’re more interested in multitasking between various apps, then you will feel the experience sluggish as there is a considerable delay in switching between apps and retrieving app data from the background.
I conducted benchmark tests on the device, resulting in an AnTuTu score of 267,777, and Geekbench 6 reported a single-core score of 411 and a multi-core score of 1,429. Additionally, during a 15-minute CPU throttling test with 50 threads, the device’s performance declined by 17% from its peak.
Talking about the software experience, you get Android 12 out of the box with an upgrade available to Android 13. Lenovo has also promised 3 years of security updates for the Tab M9.
The UI experience is also very similar to stock Android, with not much bloatware or unnecessary OEM apps pre-installed.
On the features front, it is important to talk about the face-unlock feature. The face-unlock feature on the Lenovo Tab M9 is something that the brand promotes much, however, in reality, it usually is a hit-or-miss experience.
Camera
To be honest, the cameras on the Lenovo Tab M9 are nothing worth discussing. Whether it be the 2MP front-facing camera or the 8MP rear-facing one, both are average at best.
The camera interface though is easy-to-use and there is a switchable software HDR option as well. However, even with the HDR setting enabled, photos look too washed out and have an overdone whitish tone to them.
Here are some of the camera samples:
Speakers
Lenovo Tab M9 boasts Dual stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos, offering excellent audio quality that is loud and crisp. While it may lack punchy bass, considering its affordable price range, the overall speaker performance is more than satisfactory for consuming various types of content.
Battery Life
The Lenovo Tab M9 has a 5100mAh non-removable Li-Po battery, with a promised battery backup of around 13 hours. In the real world, you can expect battery life anywhere between 10-11 hours depending on your use.
The device supports up to 10W wired charging, and filling up the tablet from 0 – 100 percent would take around 2 hours. Also, there is no support for wireless charging, which shouldn’t come as a surprise considering the price tag of the tablet.
Verdict
The Lenovo Tab M9 is best suited for two kinds of buyers: One is students who are looking for an affordable Android tablet option that can help them with tasks such as browsing social media, notetaking, reading ebooks, etc.
The other kind is people who are looking for an affordable device to consume videos on, even though not in the best resolution possible.
Even though the Tab M9 can comfortably do things like play games, help you attend video calls, capture photos/videos, etc., if these are your primary requirements, then you definitely need to look elsewhere!
If you have some flexibility in your budget, I’d recommend exploring higher-end Android tablet options that can offer better overall performance and long-term value for your investment.
However, if your budget is limited to around 15,000 rupees, I highly recommend the Lenovo Tab M9, which starts at just 8,699 rupees for the 3GB variant. In this price range, it’s a solid choice, and you can’t really complain about the value it provides.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this Lenovo Tab M9 review are solely mine, reflecting my personal experiences. There has been no editorial input from Lenovo.
Nintendo debuted the Switch OLED way back in 2021. Now, on the occasion of the upcoming Black Friday (November 17 – 24), the Japanese gaming company has announced a new special bundle of the Switch OLED. This is after years of offering the same Switch Mario Kart bundle. The Switch OLED is now combined with one of the most popular games Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. It comes with a themed console as well as bundled goodies. Read on to know the details.
Nintendo announces Switch OLED Bundle for Black Friday
The Nintendo Switch OLED Super Smash Bros. Ultimate bundle gets a makeover as it comes with a Smash Bros paint job. The joy cons feature a grey hue along with the game’s logo. There is also a plain black dock.
Apart from the design changes on the console, the newly announced bundle also comes with a full digital version of the Super Smash Bros. Ultimate game. The company also ships a three-months of Nintendo Switch online membership. The special bundle console is priced at $349 which is the same as the original Nintendo Switch OLED sans the game. It will be available from November 19 through Nintendo’s official online store and select retailers including Amazon.
This isn’t the first time Nintendo is launching a themed Switch OLED this year. The company announced a Switch Mario Red edition and Legend of Zelda: Tears of Kingdom Edition.
As for the core specifications, the Nintendo Switch OLED has a 7-inch display with a touchscreen support. It packs a 64GB storage and is said to offer a battery life of 4.5 to 9 hours.
The UK is hitting the fast lane when it comes to adopting electric cars. In a striking uptick, October saw a 14% jump in new passenger car registrations compared to last year, totaling an impressive 153,529 vehicles. It’s clear that the Brits are charging ahead with 15 months of continuous growth, and a noteworthy 20% increase in new car registrations over the past ten months.
Last month alone, over 38,000 plug-in vehicles were registered
Electric cars, the spark plugs of the industry, are gaining ground even faster, capturing a growing piece of the pie. Last month alone, 38,228 plug-in vehicles were registered, up 33% from the previous year, and now represent nearly a quarter of all new cars hitting the roads.
Digging a bit deeper, all-electric (BEV) models have enjoyed a remarkable 42 months of uninterrupted growth, with 23,943 new registrations marking a 20% increase from last year. Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) aren’t lagging, racing ahead with a 61% surge to 14,285 vehicles. It seems the UK’s appetite for electric is insatiable, with a record-setting deployment of 4,753 new AC charging points in the last quarter to keep these cars running.
While BEVs are certainly in the driver’s seat, claiming a 15.6% market share, PHEVs are not far behind at 9.3%. Together, they’ve charged up the market, contributing to over 375,000 new eco-friendly vehicles on UK roads this year – that’s a solid 35% increase.
Despite this electric boom, none of the standalone all-electric models have cracked the top 10 monthly bestsellers – a testament to the stiff competition in the market. Tesla’s Model Y, however, remains a popular choice, sitting comfortably in the top 10 year-to-date rankings.
In the commercial sector, electric vans are trailing the passenger segment but have shown an 18% growth. This mirrors a global trend where commercial electric adoption is a bit slower off the mark.
Baidu, the country’s web search giant, has chosen to buy a batch of homegrown AI chips from Huawei Technologies. Amidst the political pressures and trade constraints from the US, this deal shows a pivot towards local tech solutions, a trend that could reshape the tech landscape.
An order of 1600 chips has been placed, estimated at around $61 million
With an order of 1,600 of Huawei’s Ascend 910B AI chips, Baidu is preparing for a future less reliant on foreign technology, specifically Nvidia’s AI chips, which have been the industry’s gold standard. The deal, estimated at around 450 million yuan ($61.83 million), is modest compared to the massive orders usually placed with Nvidia, but it’s the significance that counts here – it’s a step towards technological self-sufficiency for China.
Previously, Baidu wasn’t known to use Huawei’s AI chips, making this a noteworthy partnership. Although Huawei’s chips aren’t yet on par with Nvidia’s in performance, they represent the most advanced AI chips China has to offer. This shift isn’t just about Baidu’s preference; it’s a response to stringent US rules that have barred Nvidia from selling some of its top AI chips to Chinese companies.
The collaboration between Baidu and Huawei isn’t new. They have been working together since 2020, making Baidu’s AI platforms run smoothly on Huawei’s hardware. Even though Baidu has its own line of Kunlun AI chips, the reliance on Nvidia’s technology has been significant until the US restrictions prompted a change in strategy.
While analysts see US restrictions as a door opening for Huawei to claim more of the domestic market, the question remains: Can China accelerate its chipmaking prowess to not just compete but lead in the tech arena? This deal might just be a glimpse into a future where China’s tech independence is not just an aspiration but a reality.
In China, a gap is growing in the artificial intelligence (AI) industry that could shape its tech future. For every five AI positions opening up, only two people are ready to fill them. This talent crunch is getting serious attention as Chinese tech giants hustle to make their own versions of smart tech like ChatGPT.
Companies like ByteDance, Alibaba are hungrily on the look for AI Experts
Big names in tech like ByteDance, Alibaba, and Tencent are in a tight race. They want to be the first to bring new AI tools to the market. ByteDance is leading the pack, hiring the most AI pros in the past three years.
Jobs in AI are like gold in China’s tech world, with ByteDance, Meituan, and others all on the hunt for the best minds. But there’s a problem: there aren’t enough skilled people to go around. It’s a tough spot for job seekers looking to land a good role in a tough job market.
The buzz around AI has made these jobs well-paid, too. AI experts can make more than twice what the average white-collar worker in Beijing earns. It’s not just any AI job that’s in demand—companies want people who can make computers understand and process human language or help self-driving cars get smarter.
ChatGPT, the chatbot from OpenAI, has been a game-changer, and now there’s a premium on folks who can make something like it. They can earn a hefty paycheck, much more than other AI roles.
This hunt for AI talent is mostly happening in big cities like Beijing and Shanghai, where almost 80% of these jobs are. This shows how the AI industry is really focused in certain areas.
WhatsApp’s standalone app for Mac is now available through the app store. Hence Mac users will no longer have to download it from the instant messaging platform’s official website. The native WhatsApp app in beta version for macOS was released earlier this year. Now, in a post on X by the Meta-owned platform, the app is now available for all macOS users globally. Read on to know the details.
WhatsApp for Mac users now available on App Store
Users across the globe who want to use WhatsApp natively on their Mac devices can now download the app via the App Store on macOS. The new dedicated app version is based on Mac Catalyst. This is after the version of the app that was only available on WhatsApp’s official website for reasons unknown potentially confusing users.
The WhatsApp app for macOS aims to improve the overall usage experience. It retains most features of the iOS version. The instant messaging platform’s app on Mac offers audio and video calling, incoming notifications even when the app is closed, starred messages, and more. It’s worth noting that the native app is compatible with macOS 11.0 or later.
To download and install the WhatsApp app for Mac, users need to visit the Mac App Store and search for WhatsApp Messenger. Alternatively, they can just head to this link on their device. Select Get and Install. Once the app is installed and opened, it will display a QR code that needs to be scanned using the WhatsApp app on the user’s smartphone. On mobile, to scan the QR code, head over to WhatsApp Settings > Linked Devices > Link a device.
iQOO has unveiled the iQOO 12 series in China today. Prior to the launch, the Vivo sub-brand had teased a host of key specifications and features of the latest smartphones. The iQOO 12 and iQOO 12 Pro arrive as the successors to last year’s iQOO 11 and 11 Pro respectively. Both phones are slightly different from each other. The Pro model is the more premium offering among the two devices. Let’s take a look at the technical specifications of the iQOO 12 duo.
iQOO 12, iQOO 12 Pro specifications and features
The iQOO 12 duo comes with an AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate, 3,000 nits peak brightness, integrated fingerprint scanner, and HDR10 support. The standard variant has a 6.74-inch flat screen bearing a 1.5K resolution whereas the pro model features a 6.7-inch 2K display with curved edges.
Design-wise, the iQOO 12 has a boxy form factor whereas the iQOO 12 Pro has a slim profile. Both phones sport a square camera module with curved edges on the rear panel which is a refreshing change from the rectangular island on previous iQOO flagships. The iQOO 12 has an IP64 rating whereas the iQOO 12 Pro is IP68 certified against dust and water resistance.
In the imaging department, the iQOO 12 duo features triple rear cameras. The setup on both devices comprises a main 50MP OIS-enabled 1/1.3 sensor, a 50MP ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 64MP telephoto periscope unit with 3x optical zoom, 100x digital zoom and OIS support. On the front, the smartphones have a 16MP selfie snapper.
Under the hood, the iQOO 12 and iQOO 12 Pro are equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor. There is also a dedicated e-sports Q1 chipset for an enhanced and immersive gaming experience. The smartphones pack up to 16GB LPDDR5x RAM and 1TB UFS 4.0 storage. There is a large VC vapor chamber and a four-zone cooling system onboard for heat dissipation. The iQOO 12 is backed by a 5,000mAh battery unit with support for 120W wired charging On the other hand, the Pro model draws its power from a 5,100mAh cell with 120W wired and 50W wireless charging. Software-wise, the devices run on OriginOS 4 based on Android 14 OS out of the box.
The iQOO 12 series also packs other features like an X-axis linear motor and dual stereo speakers. Connectivity options on the phones include USB-C port, Wi-Fi-7, NFC, IR Blaster, and Bluetooth 5.4.
The iQOO 12 starts at CNY 3,999 (~$550) for the base 12GB + 256GB options whereas the 16GB + 512GB and 16GB + 1TB variants are priced at CNY 4,299 (~$590) and CNY 4,699 (~$645) respectively. On the other hand, the Pro variant is only offered in 16GB RAM option coupled with 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB storage configurations. These are priced at CNY 4,999 (~$685), CNY 5,499 (~$755), and CNY 5,999(~$825) respectively. The iQOO 12 duo are offered in Black, White, and Red color options.
Samsung has introduced the S Pen Creator Edition in the US, a stylus with enhanced features and a new design. Priced at $99, it’s compatible with various Samsung devices, including smartphones, tablets, and PCs that support the S Pen.
The S Pen Creator Edition offers a sleek design with a 0.99mm larger diameter than the standard S Pen. This, combined with enhanced tilt sensitivity, makes it a precise tool for writing, sketching, and painting. Its ergonomic design ensures comfortable usage during extended periods.
Notably, it features a USB Type-C charging port, reminiscent of the Apple Pencil, adding a touch of modernity to the traditional stylus design. While it’s available in the US, there’s no word on its release in other markets as of now.
This stylus is compatible with a wide range of Samsung devices, including Galaxy S21 Ultra and higher models, Galaxy Note 10 and higher, Galaxy Tab S Series, and PCs supporting S Pen functionality. However, it’s not compatible with Samsung’s Galaxy Z series smartphones, such as the Galaxy Z Flip 5, Fold, Flip 4, Fold 4, Fold 5, and more.
In related news, Samsung has also unveiled Toy Story-themed cases for the Galaxy Buds FE in Korea. These cases can also be used on the Galaxy Buds 2 and Galaxy Buds 2 Pro.
According to tipster Anvin, the Redmi K70e model will be equipped with the MediaTek Dimensity 8300 SoC. Furthermore, this device will also sport an OLED display that has a 1.5K resolution. A massive 5,500mAh battery pack could power this device, which might also offer 90W fast charging support. Keep in mind that this isn’t official confirmed these are just rumored specifications. So take this report with a pinch of salt for now.
For those unaware, the Redmi K70 series is the company’s latest flagship grade devices. The lineup is expected to consist of the base K70, K70 Pro, and the K70e. These smartphones are rumored to launch in China sometime later this month. Just recently, an alleged Redmi K70 series phone was spotted at MediaTek’s Dimensity 9300 launch event. Earlier this year, the Redmi K70 series model numbers also surfaced on the IMEI database. So we know that the K70e carries the model number 23117RK66C.
Alleged Redmi K70 series phone
Talking about the other models, the Redmi K70 could be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC, while the higher end Pro variant could feature the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset. The K70 is expected to offer 1.5K resolution as well. Although, the more expensive K70 Pro may arrive with a 2K resolution. The 90W fast charging rate is rumored to be featured on the base model, but the K70 Pro is expected to support 120W fast charging. Redmi’s K70 lineup will reportedly feature flagship grade cameras as well.
Apple could be planning a major change for its future iPhones. The company might soon shift its smartphones to in-house developed battery, which could offer various improvements in battery performance compared to current iterations.
Apple iPhones may soon be powered by self-developed batteries
According to a South Korean report, the Cupertino based giant is working on developing proprietary battery tech. These cells could be employed on its future generation of iPhones. These handsets would likely be slated to launch in 2025. So the iPhone 16 lineup is unlikely to feature this technology. The report claims that the new Apple batteries for the iPhone will offer major improvements in battery performance.
This would likely be related to the overall battery life or the higher fast charging rate support. The ET News claims that the company is directly involved in the manufacturing of the materials that will be used in the new batteries. Apple will reportedly employ this in-house battery in the 2025 iPhones. Furthermore, the report adds that Apple is looking to improve the performance of cathode materials. The company is apparently also considering Carbon Nanotubes or CNTs as a conductive material for improved performance.
Apple might also plan to increase the silicon content in the cathode materials for its iPhone batteries. For those unaware, a battery houses a cathode and cathode materials. Newer smartphones feature graphite as secondary material, but the iPhone maker could be planning on increasing the silicon content in the cathode materials. This, in turn, could help reduce charging and discharging periods.
Vivo has launched a new Y-series phone in the Indonesian market. It is an addition to the existing Y27 series that includes the Y27 and Y27 5G which debuted earlier this year. The latest offering from the brand is called the Vivo Y27s. It packs several differences compared to the other two Y27 models. Read on to know what the smartphone offers out of the box.
Vivo Y27s specifications and features
The Vivo Y27s comes with a centre-aligned punch-hole display measuring 6.64 inches with an FHD+ resolution and a 90Hz refresh rate. The power button on the right edge doubles up as a fingerprint scanner. The back panel of the smartphone has a squarish camera module. It is also IP54-rated dust and water-resistant.
On the imaging front, the Vivo Y27s features a 50MP main camera paired with a 2MP depth lens. There is an 8MP front-facing snapper for selfies.
Internally, the Vivo Y27s is equipped with a Snapdragon 680 processor. It packs 8GB RAM and is offered in either 128GB or 256GB storage options. There is a microSD card slot for additional storage needs. The Vivo Y27s draws its power from a 5,000mAh battery unit with support for 44W fast charging. Software-wise, the device ships with Funtouch OS 13 based on Android 13 out of the box.
Coming to the pricing and availability, the Vivo Y27s can be availed in Burgundy Black and Garden Green colors. The smartphone costs IDR 2,399,000 ($153) for the 8 + 128GB variant and IDR 2,799,000 ($179) for the 8 + 256GB option.
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