The Swappable Batteries Motorcycle Consortium (SBMC) has been working on a big project since 2021, and they’ve just reached a new milestone. They’ve made a prototype, which is like a model, for batteries that you can swap out of electric motorcycles. This is a big deal because it could make using electric bikes a lot easier.
2024 will bring forth better, well-researched versions of e-bike batteries
The SBMC is made up of some well-known motorcycle makers like Honda and Yamaha, and some newer tech companies. They all came together to figure out how to make it possible to switch out a bike’s battery quickly instead of waiting around for it to charge. This could make electric bikes more appealing because you won’t have to wait hours to charge up.
In the past year, they’ve been busy making the first version of these swap-able batteries. They tested them out to make sure they work well. They’re planning to make even better versions in 2024 and then test these out in real-life situations.
The SBMC is also talking to groups in Europe and around the world to make sure these new batteries are safe and that nobody’s personal information gets stolen when they’re used.
Now, the SBMC has 32 different companies in it, showing that a lot of people in the business think this battery-swapping idea is good. They’re going to a big motorcycle show called EICMA in 2023 to talk about what they’ve done and what they plan to do next.
So, if the SBMC keeps going like this, pretty soon you could be riding an electric bike and just switch out the battery quickly when it runs out. This could make electric bikes a much better choice for more people.
BYD, the titan of EV manufacturing, is reportedly gearing up to establish its first European car factory in Hungary. This news, emerging from unofficial sources cited by a German newspaper, is yet to be confirmed by the company but aligns with BYD’s strategic expansion plans.
The company has its sights on even more international markets
The choice of Hungary is a logical step for BYD, given its existing presence in the country with an electric bus production line. Moreover, Hungary’s membership in the European Union offers BYD the significant advantage of seamless access to the broader EU market. This step could prove to be particularly savvy in light of the EU’s scrutiny of Chinese EV imports, which might lead to future tariffs aimed at protecting local industries.
The implications of such a development are far-reaching. BYD’s move aligns with a larger trend of Chinese investment in Hungary, highlighted by the construction of a significant battery plant by CATL, another Chinese heavyweight in the EV battery market.
BYD’s aggressive expansion isn’t just limited to Europe. With sales figures shadowing those of Tesla, and exports on a steady rise, the company has its eyes set on international markets, including the United States. Interestingly, BYD has already made a foray into the US with an electric bus factory in California, a strategic decision that may anticipate further expansion into North American EV production, potentially leveraging benefits from the Inflation Reduction Act.
As BYD’s global footprint grows, its international investments, such as the anticipated Hungarian factory, are not just business moves; they are strategic chess plays in the dynamic game of global EV dominance. With its rapid sales growth and aggressive market strategy, BYD is not just riding the electric wave — it’s aiming to steer it.
The Xiaomi 14 Pro Titanium Special Edition, a high-end addition to the Xiaomi 14 series, has been launched with a retail price of 6,499 yuan ($907). This new model has garnered significant consumer interest, leading to its scarcity in the market and subsequent price inflation by scalpers in secondary markets. Xiaomi’s CEO, Lei Jun, has acknowledged the high demand and has assured that efforts are underway to ramp up production.
Xiaomi Ramps Up Efforts to Meet Surging Demand for the Premium 14 Pro Titanium Special Edition
Lei Jun has highlighted the challenges of working with titanium due to its high cost and complexity in processing, which contributes to the slower production rates. The difficulty in manufacturing is compounded by the high standards set for the titanium used in the Xiaomi 14 Pro Titanium Special Edition, which boasts a 99% purity level. This meticulous attention to material quality is part of what makes the phone particularly resistant to fingerprint marks, a feature that positions it favorably against competitors like the iPhone 15 Pro series.
Xiaomi’s User Operations Manager has also noted the initial low yield rate and limited supply of this model, but he assures that production will scale up moving forward. Importantly, this phone is not a limited edition, suggesting that consumers should avoid overpaying in the secondary market as availability will improve.
Xiaomi’s overall sales have been strong, with the Xiaomi 14 series performing exceptionally well, recording a sixfold increase in sales within the first five minutes compared to the previous generation’s initial sales.
The company has also been transparent about out-of-warranty repair costs for the Xiaomi 14 series, including the Pro and Titanium Editions. These costs vary by component, with the Titanium Edition commanding higher prices for parts like the screen and battery cover due to its premium materials such as the titanium frame and Dragon Crystal Glass.
Consumers are reminded that these repair costs are applicable only when the warranty does not cover the repairs, and under warranty, repairs may be free or at a reduced price.
In August, AnTuTu showcased the top flagship smartphones, with the OnePlus Ace 2 Pro taking the lead. Now, we dive into the realm of mid-range devices for October 2023. AnTuTu has revealed the top 10 best-performing mid-range smartphones, and the results are impressive.
1. realme GT Neo 5 SE: Topping the list is the realme GT Neo5 SE with an impressive score of 1,154,600 points on AnTuTu. This device is powered by the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 chipset, offering blazing-fast performance.
2. Redmi Note 12 Turbo: Following closely behind is the Redmi Note 12 Turbo, which achieved a score of 1,152,325 points. Like the realme GT Neo5 SE, it is equipped with the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 chipset, providing exceptional mid-range performance.
3. iQOO Z8: In the third position is the iQOO Z8, boasting a score of 962,629 points on AnTuTu. This smartphone features the Dimensity 8200 chipset, delivering excellent mid-range performance.
4. vivo S17 Pro: Securing the fourth place is the vivo S17 Pro, with a commendable score of 951,223 points. Equipped with the Dimensity 8200 chipset, this device provides strong mid-range performance.
5. iQOO Neo7 SE: Following closely in the fifth position is the iQOO Neo7 SE, with a score of 950,981 points. Like the vivo S17 Pro, it features the Dimensity 8200 chipset, ensuring robust mid-range performance.
6. Civi 3: The Civi 3 takes the sixth spot with a score of 892,704 points. Powered by the Dimensity 8200-Ultra chipset, this smartphone strikes a balance between performance and affordability.
7. Redmi K60E: In the seventh position is the Redmi K60E, scoring 891,175 points. Also equipped with the Dimensity 8200 chipset, it delivers competitive mid-range performance.
8. OnePlus Ace Racing Edition: The OnePlus Ace Racing Edition secures the eighth position with a score of 889,916 points. It is powered by the 8100-Max chipset, offering high-performance capabilities.
9. Redmi Note12T Pro: The Redmi Note12T Pro takes the ninth position with a score of 888,496 points. Like the Civi 3, it is powered by the Dimensity 8200-Ultra chipset, delivering robust mid-range performance.
10. OPPO Reno9 Pro 5G: Rounding out the list is the OPPO Reno9 Pro 5G with a score of 886,356 points. It features the 8100-Max chipset, ensuring excellent mid-range performance.
iQOO is gearing up to introduce its latest flagship smartphones in China on November 7, namely the iQOO 12 and iQOO 12 Pro, both powered by Qualcomm’s state-of-the-art Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor. Ahead of the launch, the brand has revealed a bunch of details about the devices. So here’s everything we know about these devices so far.
Design & display
iQOO is implementing significant design alterations for its upcoming flagship models. Teaser images of the devices indicate a shared rear design, characterized by a square-shaped camera module featuring rounded corners. Within this module, you’ll find three cameras along with VCS+ branding, while a vertically oriented pill-shaped LED flash is positioned on the right side. The iQOO 12 and iQOO 12 Pro will be offered in three color choices: black and white, each featuring a glass back, and a red variant with a leather back. The standard iQOO 12 model is rated with IP64, while the iQOO 12 Pro boasts a higher IP68 rating.
iQOO 12 live shot
Both of these smartphones feature a large 6.78-inch display with an impressive 144Hz refresh rate. The iQOO 12 is equipped with a flat-screen provided by BOE, offering a sharp 1.5K resolution. It will offer 3000nits peak brightness and 2160Hz PWM dimming. On the other hand, the iQOO 12 Pro comes with a curved-edge E7 AMOLED Samsung screen, delivering 2K resolution. It will offer a peak brightness of 2700 nits and 1440Hz PWM dimming. When it comes to fingerprint scanning technology, the iQOO 12 relies on an optical in-screen fingerprint scanner for secure access, while the iQOO 12 Pro comes with a faster and more accurate ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor.
Performance & specifications
As mentioned before, both of these smartphones will feature a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset. This recently launched chipset has significantly improved compared to its predecessor. A recent report has mentioned that the iQOO 12 Pro has scored 2,169,893 points on AnTuTu compared to 1,323,820 points of its predecessor. On Geekbench 6, the 12 Pro has scored 2222 points in the single-core test and 6878 points on the multi-core test.
To enhance the gaming experience, both the iQOO 12 and iQOO 12 Pro will incorporate the Q1 e-sports chip, a proprietary development from the company. This chip is designed to optimize gaming performance with features like super-resolution and super-frame concurrency. These devices will also provide ample memory and storage options, offering up to 16GB of LPDDR5x RAM and a spacious 1TB of UFS 4.0 storage.
In terms of battery capacity, the standard iQOO 12 model will be equipped with a substantial 5,000mAh battery, complemented by 120W fast charging support for rapid recharging. Meanwhile, the Pro model takes it a step further with a larger 5,100mAh battery and offers both 120W wired charging and 50W wireless charging options.
The brand has provided a glimpse into the iQOO 12 series’ thermal management system. It will feature a four-zone heat dissipation design along with an exceptionally large VC vapor chamber. This chamber is notably 40 percent larger compared to the previous series, emphasizing the brand’s commitment to efficient heat dispersion.
The iQOO 12 series will come with the biggest vibration motor ever in iQOO’s lineup. Alongside this, it will have symmetrical three-dimensional dual stereo speakers, making the overall experience better and offering great gaming sound. Additionally, these phones will support Hi-Res Audio and Hi-Res Audio Wireless.
Camera
Reports have revealed that the iQOO 12 will feature a 50-megapixel OmniVision OV50H primary sensor, which comes with optical image stabilization (OIS) for sharper photos. Alongside this, you’ll find a 50-megapixel Samsung JN1 ultrawide camera. Additionally, there’s a 64-megapixel OV64B telephoto lens equipped with 3x optical zoom and the ability to achieve up to 100x digital zoom.
iQOO 12 series red variant
Similarly, the iQOO 12 Pro has the same camera setup as the vanilla model featuring a 50-megapixel OIS primary sensor, paired with a 50-megapixel ultra-wide sensor and a 64-megapixel telephoto camera with 3x optical and 100x digital zoom. Both of these models will offer 16-megapixel front cameras for capturing selfies and video calls.
Global availability
iQOO has already announced that the device will be launching in India soon after its China launch. So far, the brand has confirmed the December 12, 2023 launch date for the iQOO 12 5G model. It is currently unknown when the brand plans to launch the device in other regions.
Lime has rolled out the Gen4 Seated e-scooter in its operations in San Francisco and Chicago. The Gen4 Seated was piloted earlier this year and targets older users with reduced physical mobility. The Gen4 Seated will further launch in other cities in the US, as well as in Australia and New Zealand.
Lime Gen4 Seated e-scooter is the brand’s first electric kickscooter with a seat
The release of the Gen4 Seated is coming on the heels of a strong financial performance by Lime. The company recently released its half-year performance statistics which indicated a revenue of $250 million on gross bookings of its vehicles. Its H1, 2023 results were 45% better than the H1, 2022 results. Lime is also planning for a public listing of the company.
According to Lime, its new mobility solution, the Gen4 Seated will make micromobility more approachable and allow for added comfort. When the e-scooter is paired with Lime’s new storage compartment, it offers greater versatility. Lime says that internal storage is a key issue in choosing a micromobility rental vehicle. The Gen4 Seated is accessed via the app, as with the brand’s existing fleet.
Lime Gen4 Seated e-scooter
Lime says its market research has shown that the Gen4 Seated is more appealing to the segment of older users left out with the existing Lime offerings. It has larger wheels and a lower baseboard that enhances the scooter’s center of gravity. This, in turn, makes the Gen4 Seated to be safer while being used. The scooter comes with a swappable battery setup although the full performance feature of the scooter was not specified.
GEEKOM has introduced the Mini Air12 mini PC and it comes in a sleek design. The GEEKOM Mini Air12 is powered by the Alder Lake Intel N100 processor and offers 16GB of RAM resources. The mini PC is suitable for handling media and productivity applications, offering great performance and an affordable price.
Features
The Mini Air12 has a 512GB Gen 3×4 SDD which is upgradable to 2TB. Its Intel N100 CPU has four cores and four threads. The mini PC is also equipped with the Intel UHD 24EU graphics @ 750MHz.There are a variety of ports for connectivity to the gadget including five USB, one RJ45, Mini DP 1.4, USB 3.2 Gen 2, and HDMI 2.0 ports. It also has a 3.5mm headphone jack and an SD card reader. The Mini Air12 is capable of hosting three displays with up to 8K video output resolution.
The GEEKOM Mini Air12 is being propped as a great offering with an excellent price-to-performance ratio. It offers Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity, as well as delivers a low-noise cooling system.
Pricing & Availability
The Mini Air12 is currently priced at $249 on the company’s website. The Taiwanese manufacturer hopes that the fairly decent pricing of the model, coupled with its impressive capabilities, could stimulate demand for the Mini Air12. Global availability and pricing information for the GEEKOM Mini Air12 portable mini PC is not available at this time.
PELADN has officially launched its HI-3 mini PC, a compact yet powerful computing device that packs a punch in its small 1-liter form factor. Let’s delve into the key specs of this mini PC.
PELADN HI-3 Mini PC Key Features:
The HI-3 mini PC is driven by an Intel Core i5-11300H processor, boasting 4 cores, 8 threads, and a turbo boost clock speed of up to 4.4GHz. For graphics, it utilizes an NVIDIA MX450 GPU with 2GB of GDDR6 memory, making it suitable for a range of tasks, from work to entertainment, including light gaming and living room use.
With 16GB of DDR4 RAM and a spacious 512GB M.2 2280 SSD, the HI-3 is a well-equipped mini PC that doesn’t compromise on performance. It also supports high-frequency DDR4 memory and features an upgrade-friendly design, making it easy for even inexperienced users to add more memory or SSD drives to enhance its capabilities.
The mini PC comes with an extensive selection of ports, including six USB 2.0 ports, two USB 3.0 ports, a versatile USB-C port that can be converted to a DisplayPort output, HDMI ports, an audio interface, and a Gigabit Ethernet port. Wireless connectivity is robust, featuring WiFi 6.0 and Bluetooth 5.2, ensuring a fast and stable connection.
PELADN’s HI-3 mini PC isn’t just about power; it also boasts a sleek white design that’s both well-equipped and stylish, making it a seamless fit in various environments. Its small size allows it to be mounted discreetly behind a monitor or TV, saving valuable desk space. The magnetic quick-release panel emphasizes its user-friendly design.
One of its standout features is its ability to handle mainstream games like League of Legends, PUBG, and Genshin Impact smoothly. Priced at 2599 yuan ($356), the PELADN HI-3 mini PC will be available for purchase starting November 8th, targeting users who want to transition from traditional bulky desktops without sacrificing computing power.
Xiaomi recently released the Xiaomi 14 series in China, and we are expecting a global launch soon. The devices have already set sales records, with first-sale sales increasing sixfold compared to the previous generation in just five minutes.
Xiaomi has now revealed the out-of-warranty repair prices for spare parts for the Xiaomi 14 series. Here are the details.
Xiaomi 14
Screen: 630 yuan
Motherboard: 2,310 yuan (2,710 yuan for 16GB+1TB)
Rear camera (telephoto): 115 yuan
Battery: 119 yuan
Battery cover: 120 yuan
Xiaomi 14 Pro
Screen: 1,000 yuan
Motherboard: 2,420 yuan
Rear camera (main camera): 420 yuan
Battery: 119 yuan
Battery cover: 170 yuan
Xiaomi 14 Pro Titanium Edition
Screen: 1,610 yuan
Motherboard: 2,710 yuan
Rear camera (main camera): 420 yuan
Battery: 119 yuan
Battery cover: 300 yuan
The Xiaomi 14 Pro Titanium Edition has a higher screen and battery cover price than the regular Pro model is likely because it has a titanium middle frame and is sandwiched with Xiaomi Dragon Crystal Glass.
Please note that these prices are only for out-of-warranty repairs. If your device is still under warranty, you may be able to get it repaired for free or at a minimal cost.
Last year, Cooler Master introduced its ORB X gaming cockpit, a futuristic and luxurious gaming station now available for purchase in China on Tmall at a price of 139,999 yuan ($19,179).
Cooler Master ORB X Gaming Cockpit Key Features:
The ORB X represents a new era in gaming setups, designed to provide an unparalleled immersive experience for both gamers and professionals. Its sleek, semi-enclosed structure, crowned with a fully automatic movable cover, creates a private pod that shields gamers from distractions.
The ORB X supports three 27-inch monitors for immersive visuals, has built-in surround sound speakers, eliminating the need for headphones, and features a 2.1 channel 60W audio system with full-range speakers, tweeters, and a subwoofer for 3D audio. It offers customizable ARGB illumination with various lighting modes to enhance the overall ambiance of the setup.
The gaming cockpit prioritizes comfort with its durable ABS resin construction and ergonomic reclining chair made from genuine leather. It offers adjustable headrests, lumbar support, and seating positions for extended use. The pod provides efficient organization space for PCs and consoles while maintaining a clean and futuristic appearance, available in colors like Universe Black or Arctic White.
The power supply of the ORB X can handle up to 1200W for the computer host and monitors, with a maximum power consumption of 750W. It is robust, weighing 343.5 kg, and comes in varying dimensions based on the monitor setup to ensure stability and support for the hardware.
The cockpit also supports a USB hub that includes three USB-A 3.1 GEN1 ports with 5V/0.9A, one USB-A 3.1 GEN1 port with 5V/1.5A, one USB-C 3.1 GEN1 port with 5V/1.5A, and one USB-C 3.1 GEN1 port with 60W Power Delivery (PD).
POCO has launched a new budget smartphone in the global market. The latest offering is a C-series device dubbed the POCO C65. It arrives as the successor to the C55 that was announced earlier this year. The C65 comes with a few upgrades compared to its predecessor. Notably, the smartphone appears to be a rebranded version of the Redmi 13C that is officially teased to launch soon. Read on to know what the POCO C65 offers out of the box.
POCO C65 specifications and features
The POCO C65 has a boxy design with a side-mounted fingerprint scanner embedded in the power button. The back panel has two protruding camera rings beneath a rectangular finish that also has the POCO branding on the right side. On the front, the smartphone features a 6.74-inch display bearing a waterdrop notch and a resolution of 1,600 x 720 pixels. The device offers a 90Hz refresh rate and 600 nits peak brightness. It has gorilla glass protection against accidental damages and scratches.
On the imaging front, the POCO C65 has dual rear cameras comprising of a 50MP main sensor paired with a 2MP macro lens. There is an 8MP front-facing snapper for selfies. There are various camera modes for enhancing the images.
Under the hood, the POCO C65 is equipped with a MediaTek Helio G85 processor. The chipset is coupled with up to 8GB RAM and 256GB storage. There is also virtual RAM technology and storage expansion SD card slot. The smartphone draws its power from a 5,000mAh battery uni with support for 18W fast charging. Software-wise, it runs on MIUI 14 out of the box.
Connectivity options on the POCO C65 include a USB-C port, a 3.5mm headphone jack, WiFi, NFC, and Bluetooth.
The POCO C65 is offered in Black, Blue, and Purple colors. The smartphone comes in 6GB + 128GB and 8GB + 256GB RAM and storage configurations. Pricing and availability have not been revealed yet.
In the ever-evolving world of Android flagship smartphones, performance remains a key selling. The latest AnTuTu benchmark results for October 2023 reveal intriguing insights into the top-performing devices. The average running scores during October shed light on which smartphones are leading the pack. Here’s a glimpse into the standings:
Xiaomi takes the top spot with its Xiaomi 14, featuring the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. This powerhouse leads the competition with an impressive performance score, which is no doubt thanks to the latest flagship chip from Qualcomm.
2. Xiaomi 14 Pro (Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 16GB+512GB) – 1,985,014 Points
Right on the heels of its sibling, the Xiaomi 14 Pro secures the second position with a remarkable score. That being said, normally we expect the Pro variant to be on top, however, the difference in the scores is quite negligible.
3. OnePlus Ace 2 Pro (Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 24GB+1TB) – 1,663,507 Points
Despite falling to the third position in October, the OnePlus Ace 2 Pro continues to be a strong contender. It’s equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, 24GB of RAM, and 1TB of storage.
iQOO’s 11X follows closely behind with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage.
10. iQOO Neo 8 Pro (Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 12GB+256GB) – 1,580,564 Points
The iQOO Neo 8 Pro rounds out the top ten with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, 12GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage.
With that being said, we can expect a shake-up in the flagship rankings of November due to a bunch of new flagships like the OnePlus 12 and the iQOO 12 Pro launching with the new Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip. Then there is the dark horse Vivo X100 featuring the unannounced Dimensity 9300 chip, which is said to easily cross the 2 million point mark on AnTuTu.
Although the devices mentioned have purportedly surpassed the 2 million point threshold on AnTuTu, sustaining this level of performance in actual retail models is the true measure of their capabilities.
Xiaomi’s upcoming EV, the Modena, is expected to launch by the end of this year. Ahead of the launch, a new Xiaomi patent has been spotted that reveals a technology for automatic crash detection and emergency contact alerts.
The patent describes a system that uses three modules to assess the severity of an accident: a Get module, a Determine module, and a Communication module. The Get module collects status information about the vehicle, such as battery failure, circuit failure, airbag deployment, and wheel detachment. The Determine module then uses this information to classify the accident as Level 1 or Level 2.
Level 1 accidents include minor damage, such as a cracked windshield or damaged bumper. In the event of a Level 1 accident, the system will send a text message with the accident information to the vehicle’s preset emergency contact.
Level 2 accidents include more serious damage, such as vehicle rollover, oil tank leak, or wheel detachment. In the event of a Level 2 accident, the system will send a notification message to the preset emergency contact and make an emergency call to the emergency service center.
The system will reject all calls from emergency and non-emergency contacts while the emergency call is in progress. Once the emergency call is over, the system will wait for an emergency callback. All calls from non-emergency contacts during this period will be rejected. All calls from the emergency contact or emergency service center will be routed through the terminal device associated with the vehicle.
The system will also start a timer when the emergency rescue wait starts after coordinating with the emergency service center. If the rescue is not done within the stipulated waiting time, another call will be made to the preset emergency contact.
This advanced vehicle crash and emergency contact alert system is expected to feature in the Xiaomi Modena EV. The Modena is also expected to come with BYD LFP and CATL Qilin batteries, a Snapdragon 8295 processor, and more.
iQOO is gearing up to debut its flagship iQOO 12 series smartphones on November 7 in China. Ahead of the launch, the brand has started teasing details about these smartphones through social media.
In the latest teaser, the brand has shared camera samples of both the iQOO 12 and 12 Pro.
iQOO 12 Pro camera samplesiQOO 12 camera samples
iQOO 12 series specs
So far, reports state that the iQOO 12 series features a 6.78-inch display with a 144Hz refresh rate. The standard iQOO 12 offers a 1.5K resolution with an optical in-screen fingerprint scanner, while the iQOO 12 Pro boasts a 2K curved-edge E7 AMOLED Samsung screen with an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor.
Under the hood, these phones are powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset and incorporate the self-developed Q1 e-sports chip for enhanced gaming performance. They also offer impressive audio with symmetrical three-dimensional dual stereo speakers, Hi-Res Audio, and Hi-Res Audio Wireless support.
To keep the devices cool during gaming, a four-zone heat dissipation system and a 40% larger VC vapor chamber are included. The series is IP68-rated for water and dust resistance and runs on Origin OS 4-based Android 14.
Popular smartphone brand POCO is rumored to be launching its X6 series soon. This comes after several devices from the series have been spotted on certification websites.
The most recent sighting is of a POCO device with model number 23122PCD1I on the BIS certification website. The moniker name has not been revealed, but it is suspected to be the POCO X6 Pro. A similar device was also spotted on the IMEI database recently.
Poco X6 Pro BIS certification
The BIS listing confirms that the POCO X6 Pro will be launching in India. Previous reports have suggested that the POCO X6 Pro will be a rebranded version of the Redmi Note 13 Pro, which was recently launched in China.
The POCO X6 5G is also expected to be launched soon, and it is rumored to be a modified version of the Redmi Note 13 5G.
The Redmi Note 13 Pro features a 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 processor, and a 200MP triple-camera system. The Redmi Note 13 5G, on the other hand, features a 6.6-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a MediaTek Dimensity 6080 processor, and a 108MP dual-camera system.
POCO has not yet announced a launch date for the X6 series, but the BIS certification listing suggests that the launch is imminent.
Volkswagen Group’s software subsidiary CARIAD has announced a partnership with Chinese smartphone maker Vivo to develop innovative smart car connectivity solutions.
The two companies have established a joint lab in China called the Mobile x Mobility Fusion Joint Innovative Lab (abbreviated as M Lab) to focus on research and development in areas such as bidirectional synchronization between smartphones and smart cars, integration of user data inside the vehicle, and seamless connection of intelligent applications.
The goal of the collaboration is to create a seamless and smooth digital mobility experience for consumers. The joint lab will work on developing new software and hardware solutions that will enable smartphones and smart cars to communicate with each other more effectively.
This will allow users to control their vehicles remotely, access vehicle data and services from their smartphones, and enjoy a more personalized and convenient driving experience.
The partnership is also aimed at helping CARIAD further enhance its independent R&D capabilities in the field of smart connectivity and better integrate its innovations into the Chinese local digital ecosystem. Vivo’s in-car system has already covered 160 million smartphone users in China, giving CARIAD access to a large and growing user base.
“We firmly believe in the concept that ‘going alone may be fast, but going together can go further.’ Vivo is committed to contributing to the progress and development of the entire industry with an open and collaborative ecological mindset,” said Zhou Wei, Vivo’s vice president.
The partnership between CARIAD and Vivo is a positive development for the automotive industry. It is likely to lead to the development of new and innovative smart car connectivity solutions that will make it easier and more convenient for people to use their smartphones and smart cars together.
Elon Musk‘s AI startup, xAI, has released a new AI chatbot called Grok, to rival the growing popularity of Generative AI. Grok functions similarly to ChatGPT, answering questions posed by users based on information generated by a large language model.
However, it supposedly outperforms ChatGPT-3.5 in several academic tests, including math and coding.
Grok’s release comes after the success of OpenAI‘s ChatGPT, a project that Musk himself helped to found. With xAI now taking the lead, Grok is poised to not only answer user queries but also to ask its questions, inspired by the whimsical spirit of “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.”
xAI unveils Grok
Grok is powered by a new engine called Grok-1, which has real-time access to information via the X platform. To assess its capabilities, xAI conducted a series of evaluations using standard machine learning benchmarks designed to measure math and reasoning abilities.
Grok outperformed all other models in its compute class, including ChatGPT-3.5 and Inflection-1. It was only surpassed by models that were trained with a significantly larger amount of training data and compute resources, such as GPT-4.
In addition to these benchmarks, xAI also hand-graded Grok on the 2023 Hungarian national high school finals in mathematics. Grok passed the exam with a C (59%), while Claude-2 achieved the same grade (55%), and GPT-4 got a B with 68%.
“It will also answer spicy questions that are rejected by most other AI systems,” xAI said in a tweet. “Grok is designed to answer questions with a bit of wit and has a rebellious streak, so please don’t use it if you hate humor!”
xAI said that Grok is still a very early beta product, but it is improving rapidly by the week. The company is also working on implementing more safety measures to ensure that Grok is not used maliciously.
Grok will be available on X Premium Plus for $16 per month, but it is currently only offered to a limited number of users in the United States.
HMD Global, the company that makes Nokia smartphones, plans to release new smartphones under its brand in 2024. This news was first announced by HMD Global CEO Jean-Francois Baril in September.
Recently, more details about the upcoming HMD smartphones have been revealed. According to a report by GSMChina, two new HMD Global smartphones are currently undergoing internal testing and have been spotted on the GSMA IMEI database. The model numbers of these smartphones are N159V and TA-1585.
It is believed that the TA-1585 model is a rebranded Nokia smartphone that could be relaunched under the HMD brand. However, the technical specifications of both models are still unknown.
HMD Global has not yet announced any official details about its new smartphones. However, the company’s vice president for India and APAC, Ravi Kunwar, stated to the Economic Times that the new brand will debut in the first half of 2024, with India as the primary target market.
It is unclear whether the two smartphones currently undergoing internal testing will be the first HMD-branded smartphones to be released. However, we can expect to learn more about the new HMD smartphones in the coming months.
Reliance Jio has launched a new affordable car accessory called JioMotive (2023) in India. It is a Plug-n-Play OBD device that provides a range of smart features to keep your vehicle and you safe and connected.
For those unaware, An OBD (on-board diagnostics) is a device that taps into your car’s self-diagnostic capabilities to provide real-time data on its performance and potential issues. This data can be used to avoid costly repairs, improve maintenance, and ensure that your car runs smoothly.
JioMotive (2023) Features
Here is a detailed look at the features of the JioMotive (2023) device:
Real-time vehicle tracking: The JioThings app allows users to track the whereabouts of their car 24×7.
Geo and time fencing: Users can create geo-fences of any shape and size and receive instant alerts when their car enters or exits a geo-fence. They can also set time fences to receive alerts when their car is used outside of pre-defined hours.
Vehicle health monitoring: The JioMotive device monitors the car’s health and provides alerts for over 100 different diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs). This helps users to identify and address potential problems early on.
Driving behavior analysis: The JioMotive device analyzes the driver’s driving behavior and provides insights on aspects such as fuel efficiency, harsh braking, and acceleration. This can help users to improve their driving habits.
Other features: The JioMotive device also offers a number of other features, such as:
In-car Wi-Fi
Towing, tampering, and accident alerts
Speed tracking
10-second latency
JioMotive (2023) Price and Availability
The JioMotive is priced at Rs 4,999 in India and is available for purchase on Amazon, Reliance Digital, and Jio.com.
Corsair is a reputable company in the PC gaming and hardware industry, known for producing a wide range of products including memory modules, power supplies, cooling solutions, computer cases, and peripherals like keyboards and mice. They are recognized for offering a blend of performance and aesthetics with customizable RGB lighting.
The company has recently unveiled the M75 Air Wireless mouse, targeting FPS gamers seeking a blend of lightweight design and top-tier performance. Priced at $150 upon its U.S. debut, this mouse has now made its way into the Chinese market with a price tag of 1099 Yuan, featuring an enticing addition of RGB ambient lighting.
Corsair M75 Air Wireless Mouse Key Features:
The M75 Air stands out in Corsair’s mouse lineup as their lightest gaming mouse, weighing just 60 grams. It boasts mouse feet crafted entirely from PTFE material, ensuring a frictionless glide across gaming surfaces. Powering this mouse is the high-precision Corsair MARKSMAN 26000 DPI optical sensor, capable of capturing even the slightest movements with pinpoint accuracy.
Engineered for lightning-fast response times, the M75 Air features Corsair QUICKSTRIKE buttons and optical switches for both left and right clicks, delivering instant feedback. It offers seamless connectivity options through SLIPSTREAM WIRELESS or Bluetooth, with an impressive battery life of up to 100 hours, ensuring uninterrupted gaming sessions. Additionally, it supports USB wired mode for charging while in use.
The M75 Air’s design is sleek and functional, with just five buttons for a streamlined gaming experience. Its symmetrical shape is designed for both comfort and performance, with separate buttons for precision. Two glide pads made from the same 100% PTFE material further enhance the mouse’s maneuverability.
Internally, the mouse packs a high-capacity battery. When connected via SLIPSTREAM, it can last for 34 hours with minimal latency, and in Bluetooth mode, it extends to an impressive 100 hours. The sensor can handle up to 50G of acceleration and a speed of 650 inches per second (IPS).
According to the company, the design of the M75 Air mouse is the result of a meticulous process aimed at achieving the ideal shape for competitive gaming.
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