iQOO hosted a launch event in China yesterday to unveil the iQOO 12 series of smartphones. This new lineup, which has a starting price of 3,999 Yuan (~$549), is currently open for pre-orders through various platforms, including Vivo China’s online store, JD.com, Tmall, and Pinduoduo. Shortly after making the pre-orders available, iQOO confirmed the highly positive market reception it has received.
iQOO 12 starts with impressive pre-order response
According to iQOO, in just one hour of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3-powered iQOO 12 series pre-sale, the number of units sold exceeded the cumulative sales of the iQOO 11 series over a full day. The brand expressed its gratitude to its loyal customers for their enthusiasm and support.
The iQOO 12 series offers various configurations to meet different needs. The iQOO 12’s base model has 12 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage, priced at 3,999 Yuan (~$549). Customers looking for more storage options can choose the 16 GB RAM variant, available in two options: 512 GB storage for 4,299 Yuan (~$591) and 1 TB storage for 4,699 Yuan (~$646).
On the other hand, the 256 GB, 512 GB, and 1 TB storage variants of the iQOO 12 Pro are priced at 4,999 Yuan (~$687), 5,499 Yuan (~$756), and 5,999 Yuan (~$829), respectively. These variants are equipped with 16 GB of RAM.
Both phones come in three colors, such as black, white, and red. The shipments of the iQOO 12 series will begin on Nov. 14 in China.
iQOO has already confirmed that it will announce iQOO 12 on Dec. 12 in India. As far as the Pro model is concerned, it is likely to remain exclusive to the Chinese market.
One of the major strengths of the upcoming OnePlus 12 is its photography prowess. Today, OnePlus President Li Jie released a Weibo post to talk about the primary camera of the OP12.
OnePlus 12’s expected to feature LYT-T808 main camera
Oneplus 12 features a Lytia primary camera
According to Li Jie, the OnePlus 12 stands out as the world’s first flagship smartphone equipped with a new Lytia camera sensor in collaboration with Sony. This unique sensor, combined with advanced algorithms, can result in an unparalleled photography experience. Jie said that the OnePlus 12’s primary camera outperforms all others in its category.
The company is still silent about the primary camera of the OnePlus 12, but reports have claimed that it will be equipped with the LYT-T808 primary camera. It is said to be coupled with a 48-megapixel Sony IMX581 ultra-wide lens and a 64-megapixel OmniVision OV64B periscope telephoto camera, which may offer up to 5x optical zoom.
The OnePlus 12 will feature the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset and up to 16 GB of LPDDR5x RAM. The topmost variant of the device may offer 1 TB of UFS 4.0 storage. It will run on ColorOS 14-based Android 14.
The OnePlus 12’s 3C certification has revealed that it may support 100W wired charging. It is said to pack a 5,400mAh battery and carry support for 50W wireless charging. It will feature the latest BOE X1 Oriental Screen, which will have a centrally aligned punch-hole and curved edges. It will offer a 2K resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, and an in-screen fingerprint scanner.
The landscape of the global semiconductor industry is seeing a mix of competition and cooperation, as illustrated by the recent China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai. Amid a backdrop of heightened chip rivalry and trade tensions, particularly between the U.S. and China, this expo has become a hotspot for demonstrating commitment and technological prowess.
China’s government is pushing hard for chip self-sufficiency
At the CIIE, heavyweights like Micron, ASML, and Samsung have marked their territory, showcasing their latest advancements and securing their foothold in the Chinese market. These displays come at a time when the Chinese government is pushing hard for chip self-sufficiency, a move prompted by international trade challenges.
Interestingly, while some like Micron and Samsung are making bold appearances despite facing sales bans and restrictions, others like Nvidia have opted out, maintaining a conspicuous absence. This reflects a strategic dance where companies must balance their global market aspirations with the regulatory tightrope of international trade policies.
Micron’s presence, in particular, signals a possible thawing of tensions with Beijing, as the company deployed a significant team to the expo despite past security review setbacks. This points to the intricate relationship businesses have with politics, where economic interests often lead to softened stances and renewed dialogue.
ASML and Samsung also used the expo to assert their influence and technological edge. Samsung’s introduction of its advanced 3-nanometre chip technology contrasts with its China-based plants’ focus on more mature-node chips, highlighting the complex interplay between innovation and production strategies.
AMD‘s focus on AI solutions and its declaration of AI as a strategic priority showcases the industry’s pivot towards future technologies. However, the absence of companies like Nvidia underlines the reality that the tech industry’s future is not just about innovation but also about navigating the geopolitical chessboard.
The motorcycle segment, especially with the onset of electric vehicles is buzzing with innovation. Among the latest to charge up the scene is the Velocifero Race-X Scrambler. This bike is a fresh take on electric mobility, combining the thrill of riding with the practicality needed for everyday use. It’s a machine that doesn’t just get you from point A to B; it promises an experience that caters to both the heart and the mind.
The battery charges from zero to hundred in 2.5 hours
Presented at EICMA 2023, the Velocifero Race-X is a middle-ground marvel. It doesn’t just focus on raw performance or bare-minimum commuting capabilities; instead, it delivers a balanced package. With a modest 5 kilowatt (6.7 horsepower) electric motor, it might seem underpowered on paper, but in reality, it punches above its weight thanks to its torquey nature and instantaneous power delivery.
Its 6.48 kilowatt-hour battery can be fully charged in just 2.5 hours and offers an impressive range of over 100 miles on a single charge. This makes the Race-X a viable option for both daily commutes and spirited weekend rides. The inclusion of multiple riding modes such as P, Eco, Sport, and Sport+ ensures that riders can tailor their experience to the road conditions or their mood.
The design, while modern, is simple, featuring an inverted front fork and a single rear shock absorber. The wheels are a unique pairing of 17-inch at the front and 15-inch at the rear, shod with a 160/60 tire, contributing to its distinctive stance. This smaller scale and accessible power make it an ideal choice for riders as young as 16, promoting inclusivity in the electric bike community.
While the bike’s production in China may raise eyebrows for some, it speaks to a broader narrative of globalization and the pursuit of balancing cost with innovation. As the electric motorcycle industry evolves, it’s bikes like the Velocifero Race-X that are setting the pace for a future where fun and function can coexist on two wheels.
Where multitasking on browsers has become a norm, managing system resources effectively is crucial. Google Chrome, a web browser used by millions, has introduced a nifty feature that lets users keep tabs on the memory usage of individual tabs, quite literally. This new update, as reported by 9to5Google, is a step towards providing users with transparent information about how much system memory their open pages are consuming.
You will just have to hover above the tab to see the consumption of resources
Previously, Chrome had launched a Memory Saver mode, which conserves system memory by limiting the resources used by inactive tabs. But this latest feature goes a step further by providing real-time memory usage data with a simple hover over a tab. This means you can now see which of your open websites are hogging system resources without the need to navigate through multiple settings.
This convenience is particularly useful for users who work with numerous tabs open and need to keep their computers running smoothly. It’s a feature that speaks to the everyday user’s needs—no need for technical know-how to monitor your computer’s performance. Simple, on-the-fly, and informative, it can help you decide which tabs to close when your machine starts to lag.
To access the Memory and Energy Saver modes, users can go into the browser’s settings under the ‘Performance’ section. There’s also an option to keep certain important sites always active, ensuring that critical pages are not reloaded every time you click on them.
The update is already available on the stable Chrome 119 channel and is expected to be accessible to all users soon. For those who can’t wait, there’s a way to enable it manually via Chrome’s experimental settings.
Apple has released iOS 17.1.1 as a quick update to address some urgent glitches that were originally planned to be fixed in iOS 17.2. This update focuses on patching these issues and comes shortly after the release of iOS 17.1.
What’s fixed in this new update?
iOS 17.1.1 primarily addresses wireless charging issues related to specific car models, such as BMW and Toyota Supra. These problems were causing disruptions to NFC functions, particularly impacting Apple Pay for iPhone 15 series users. Apple has acknowledged and fixed this flaw in the update.
Additionally, the update addresses a visual glitch in the weather lock screen widget, which previously failed to accurately display snowy conditions. While iOS 17.1.1 tackles these specific issues, it’s unclear whether it also addresses other reported concerns, such as Wi-Fi connectivity stability and unexpected device shutdowns.
To access the fixes in iOS 17.1.1, users can follow the standard update procedure. Simply go to ‘Settings,’ then ‘General,’ and select ‘Software Update.’ From there, you can choose the ‘Install Now’ option to update your device.
iOS 17.2, expected to be released in December, will bring several significant features. These include the addition of a new Journal app, the ability to customize the Action button with options like Translate functionality, new widgets for the Weather and Clock apps, and enhancements to Apple Music.
Additionally, the update will enhance security with iMessage Contact Key Verification and offer convenient sticker reactions within iMessage. Users will also find expanded Memoji customization options, including the ability to customize body features.
AOC is a reputable brand in consumer electronics, known for affordable and dependable monitors catering to various user needs, including gamers, creatives, and everyday users. AOC’s products are recognized for their quality and affordability, making them accessible to a broad audience.
Earlier today, AOC launched its new gaming monitor, the U27G3XM, at a price of 3499 yuan ($480). Let’s delve into the key features of this monitor.
AOC U27G3XM Monitor Key Features:
AOC U27G3XM comes with a 27-inch display that offers a 4K (3840×2160) resolution and an impressive 160Hz refresh rate. The monitor sports a peak brightness of 1200 nits and utilizes a QD-MiniLED screen with 2304 precision LED light sources. It has received HDR1000 certification for exceptional high dynamic range performance.
In terms of color accuracy, the U27G3XM supports 1.07 billion colors and a 98% DCI-P3 color gamut, ensuring vivid and true-to-life visuals with ΔE＜2. It’s designed to reduce eye strain through four preset low blue light modes suitable for various activities such as multimedia consumption, web browsing, office work, and reading.
The monitor offers various connectivity options, including an audio output, two HDMI 2.1 ports, one DisplayPort 1.4, one USB upstream, and two USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports. It’s designed for consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X, supporting 4K at 120Hz output. The monitor’s stand is versatile, allowing for height adjustment of 130mm, and 90° rotation into portrait mode, and features a distinctive fiery red accent for a gaming-inspired aesthetic.
For gaming enthusiasts, the monitor is equipped with Adaptive Sync technology to minimize frame drops, screen tearing, and stuttering, and boasts a 1ms GTG response time for rapid reactions. Moreover, it integrates low input delay technology and IC chip secondary development to ensure responsive performance.
The monitor also features an ergonomic design, PIP/PBP split-screen options, and AOC’s G-MENU adjustment software for customized control settings, enhancing user convenience and gaming immersion. It also includes practical features like a circular cable management hole and a stylish space gray triangular stand.
Apple introduced the AirTag in 2021 to help people easily locate their lost or stolen belongings. This product has exceeded both the company’s and users’ expectations in this regard. Numerous theft cases have been solved thanks to this technology. For example, we recently discussed how AirTags were used to thwart a restaurant thief. However, the recent attention on this tracking device is somewhat comical. Washington D.C. is providing its residents with free AirTags to assist in tracking stolen cars. Here are the details…
Washington D.C. Uses Technology to Combat Car Theft with Free AirTags
The city of Washington D.C. announced a new initiative to distribute free Apple AirTags to drivers in selected police service areas in an effort to combat the rise in car thefts. The program is currently available to residents who live in Police Service Areas 106, 501, 502, 603, 605, and 606.
Washington D.C. has seen a significant increase in car thefts in recent years. In 2022, there were over 8,000 car thefts reported in the city, up from 6,000 in 2021. The city’s police department has been struggling to keep up with the rise in car thefts, and the new AirTag program is seen as a way to help them recover stolen vehicles more quickly and efficiently.
Washington D.C. police are hoping that the AirTags will help them to recover stolen vehicles more quickly and efficiently. If a car is stolen and has an AirTag in it, the police can use the Find My app to track the car’s location. This information can then be used to dispatch officers to the car’s location and recover it.
The program is still in its early stages, but it has already been met with positive feedback from residents. Many people are grateful to the city for taking steps to address the problem of car theft.
Xiaomi officially launched the TKL mechanical keyboard last month. The keyboard is now available for purchase in China at a price of 199 yuan ($27). Let’s delve into the key specs of this keyboard.
Xiaomi TKL keyboard Key Features:
Xiaomi TKL mechanical keyboard offers triple connectivity options, including Bluetooth, wired, and 2.4G wireless. The keyboard has a sleek black design and features an 87-key layout without a numeric keypad for a compact form factor. It includes dedicated buttons for switching between connection modes and is compatible with both Windows and Mac systems. This keyboard aims to provide versatility and save desk space.
Xiaomi offers this keyboard with two types of mechanical switches: the linear VC-Pro and the tactile VB-Pro, both employing satellite axis technology to enable a reliable typing experience with full-key anti-ghosting capabilities. The keycaps are constructed using a dual-color injection molding process that ensures character transparency, which, combined with the built-in white backlighting, makes the keys visible even in low-light conditions. This backlighting can be set to one of six different lighting effects, adding a dynamic visual element to the user’s setup.
The keyboard offers a stable typing experience with features like a larger curvature and specially tuned switches. It is compatible with both Windows and macOS layouts, supporting three connectivity modes, including Bluetooth with the ability to remember up to three devices for quick switching. The keyboard also provides customizable switches with a lifespan of up to 50 million keypresses, allowing for a personalized typing experience.
The keyboard also offers ergonomic flexibility with three tilt angles to reduce wrist pressure for comfortable extended use. Its thoughtful design includes a scientific key layout and precision-tuned satellite axis for large keys, ensuring consistent and stable key presses. These details aim to deliver a satisfying and fatigue-free typing experience.
The Anker Solix F2600 portable power station has arrived in the US market. The new Anker portable power station has a 2,560Wh capacity and is a successor to the Anker Solix F2000. A discount of $300 is available for customers who purchase the power station.
The Anker Solix F2600 comes with more powerful AC outlets and an increased battery capacity. It has a LiFePO4 battery with a capacity of 2,560Wh. The model can power a variety of devices from a microwave oven to a smartphone. Anker says the Solix F2600 power station can fully charge a smartphone up to 162 times or power a microwave for 3.3 hours. The gadget can be recharged up to 80% via AC in 1.4 hours or 2 hours via solar panels.
The Solix F2600 has a car outlet, USB-A, and USB-C ports, and a 2400W AC outlet. Unlike the F2000, the Solix F2600 has a maximum power output of 3,600W. It has a built-in light and integrated handle and wheels for easy movement of the power station. The Anker Solix F2600 power station can be controlled via its companion app.
Pricing & Availability
Anker is offering the Solix F2600 with a variety of optional accessories like solar panels and extension cables via Amazon. The gadget weighs 67.24 lbs and is available for free shipping from 14 to 17 November. The power station is available for shipping to some global destinations. Anker is also offering a three-year protection plan for the Solix F2600 worth $169.99.
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.
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