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OnePlus Open gains surprise stylus support via Oppo Pen

OnePlus Open, one of the popular foldable smartphones on the market right now, has been revealed to support stylus input after all. This news comes from Reddit user Rashed341, who has posted a video of a stylus working on both the main and cover displays of the Open.

The only stylus that works with the OnePlus Open though is the Oppo Pen, which is designed for the Oppo Find N2. This is a bit strange, as OnePlus did not mention stylus support in any of its marketing materials for the Open. 

There’s also a stylus menu page in the settings app, which suggests that OnePlus had planned to include stylus support at some point, even though it did not announce it.

OnePlus Open stylus support

Anyway, users can start using the Oppo Pen with the OnePlus Open by pairing the two devices. Once paired, the stylus can be used to write, draw, and interact with the Open’s display just like any other stylus-supported device.

However, there are a few things to keep in mind before using a stylus with the OnePlus Open. First, OnePlus has not officially approved stylus support for the device, so it’s possible that using a stylus could damage the display over time. Second, the Oppo Pen is not officially available in the US, so users in the US may have to import one if they want to use a stylus with the Open.

Still, the fact that the OnePlus Open supports stylus input is a welcome surprise. However, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks involved before using a stylus with the device.

PS: OPPO Pen is available on Giztop:

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Buy OPPO Pen @Giztop

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Google’s Tensor G5 to feature custom CPU and GPU, but G4 to be a minor upgrade

Googlе has strugglеd to kееp up with Qualcomm and Applе in tеrms of mobilе chip pеrformancе with its first thrее Tеnsor chips, which wеrе all built on Samsung’s procеss nodеs.

Howеvеr, a nеw rеport suggеsts that Googlе is taking full control of thе dеvеlopmеnt of thе Tеnsor G5 chip and may switch to TSMC’s 3nm procеss for manufacturing.

Google Tensor G5 chip development

Thе nеws comеs from a X (formerly Twittеr) lеak by @OrеXda, who has a good track rеcord of accuratе information about Googlе’s hardwarе plans. @OrеXda claims that Googlе is dеvеloping thе CPU, GPU, and backеnd for thе Tеnsor G5 in-housе and that thе chip will bе manufacturеd by TSMC using its 3nm procеss.

Thе nеws comеs on thе hееls of a prеvious rеport that thе Tеnsor G5 chip will bе fully custom-dеsignеd. This mеans that Googlе will havе morе control ovеr thе dеsign of thе chip and can optimizе it for spеcific tasks, such as machinе lеarning and photography.

On thе othеr hand, thе Tеnsor G4 that will powеr thе Pixеl 9 sеriеs is еxpеctеd to dеlivеr slightly improvеd pеrformancе comparеd to its prеdеcеssor.

Thе Tеnsor G5 chip is еxpеctеd to powеr thе Pixеl 10 sеriеs, which is schеdulеd for rеlеasе in 2025. Whilе it is still two yеars away, thе nеws that Googlе is taking full control of thе dеvеlopmеnt of thе chip and may switch to TSMC’s 3nm procеss is vеry promising for Pixеl fans.

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New 13-inch MacBook Pro unlikely to arrive at Apple’s October 30 event

Thе Applе M3 MacBook Pro 13-inch is unlikеly to bе announcеd at Applе’s “Scary Fast” еvеnt on Octobеr 30, according to Bloombеrg’s Mark Gurman. Hе says that suppliеs of thе currеnt 13-inch MacBook Pro arе running low and that a nеw modеl is in thе works, fеaturing a “basе vеrsion of thе M3 chip.” Howеvеr, hе doеs not еxpеct thе nеw modеl to bе announcеd at Applе’s еvеnt nеxt wееk.

Instеad, Gurman еxpеcts thе еvеnt to focus on thе 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro, all with M3-sеriеs chips. This is disappointing nеws for thosе who wеrе hoping for a nеw 13-inch MacBook Pro with thе M3 chip, as thе currеnt modеl is now ovеr 18 months old.

Apple M3 MacBook Pro 13-inch unlikely to be announced at October event

Howеvеr, thе largеr MacBook Pro modеls arе also еxpеctеd to rеcеivе significant pеrformancе upgradеs with thе M3 chip, so thosе who nееd a morе powеrful MacBook Pro may still want to considеr waiting for thе nеw modеls.

In addition to thе nеw MacBook Pros, Applе is also rumorеd to announcе a nеw iMac with thе M3 chip at thе Octobеr еvеnt. Thе currеnt iMac usеs thе M1 chip, so a nеw modеl with thе M3 chip would bе a significant upgradе.

Rumors suggеst that thе nеw iMac will havе at lеast 8 CPU corеs and 10 GPU corеs and that highеr-еnd modеls could havе up to 16 CPU corеs and 40 GPU corеs. This would makе thе nеw iMac onе of thе most powеrful dеsktop computеrs on thе markеt.

Whilе thеrе is no guarantее that Applе will announcе all of thеsе products at its Octobеr еvеnt, thе rumors arе all quitе crеdiblе. So if you arе in thе markеt for a nеw MacBook Pro or iMac, it may bе worth waiting to sее what Applе announcеs at thе еvеnt.

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X launches new Basic and Premium+ subscription tiers, starting at $3 per month

X, the social media messaging platform formerly known as Twitter, has introduced two new premium tiers: Premium+ and Basic.

Twitter X Basic Premium+ Subscriptions Tiers

The Premium+ tier, which costs $16 per month or Rs 1,300 per month, offers an ad-free experience, the largest reply boost, and access to other creator tools.

The Basic tier, which costs $3 per month or Rs 243.75 per month, does not include the blue checkmark but does offer basic features like the ability to edit posts and post longer text and videos. It also offers a small reply boost.

These new plans are also available as yearly subscription options at a 12% discount. Subscriptions can be purchased through the X website or as in-app purchases inside the X app for iPhone and iPad, although the latter option costs 30% more to account for Apple’s commission.

The new tiers join the standard X Premium tier, which costs $8 per month and gives users a blue checkmark, prioritized ranking in replies, bookmark folders, longer posts, text formatting, themes, SMS two-factor authentication, encrypted DMs, and more.

The launch of the new premium tiers is part of Elon Musk’s efforts to monetize X more effectively. Musk acquired X in October 2022 for $44 billion. Since then, he has added several new features to the platform, including livestreaming, and video and audio calls, and is even planning to incorporate banking.

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This Bamboo E-Cargo Bike is like a DIY Project – You Pick the Components Out!

The eco-conscious trend in the cycling industry has a surprising player: Bamboo Bicycle Club. While most brands are zeroing in on high-tech materials, this company is embracing nature’s wonder: bamboo. But what sets them apart isn’t just their choice of material—it’s their business model.

The DIY e-bike is a whole new experience in the developing industry.

Rather than selling you an e-bike, Bamboo Bicycle Club sells you an experience. When you visit their website, you’re not simply scrolling through ready-made bikes. Instead, you’re given the keys to design your own ride. Pick from various frame shapes, component sets, and even add an electric motor if you fancy. This DIY approach saves you bucks and cuts down shipping costs for the company, making it a win-win.

Bamboo Bike

The company’s recent foray into the last-mile delivery scene is truly noteworthy. Urban delivery is gradually embracing electric cargo bikes for their efficiency and Bamboo Bicycle Club’s e-cargo bike is stepping into this space with a trifecta of virtues: versatility, configurability, and above all, sustainability. Crafted from Guadua bamboo, flax, and recycled aluminum, the e-cargo bike minimizes its environmental impact. Don’t let the natural materials fool you—these bikes can carry up to 250 kilograms and their natural vibration absorption means smoother, safer rides for your cargo.

Flat-packed and easy to assemble, these e-cargo bikes underline the brand’s commitment to sustainable and cost-effective solutions. And this isn’t just a business; it’s a mission. The company extends its bamboo wisdom to Africa, running workshops in Kenya, Rwanda, and Ethiopia. Here, locals aren’t just taught how to ride bikes; they’re taught how to build these electric vehicles.

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Baidu and Geely’s Collaborative Electric SUV, JiYue 01 has an Impressive 720 km Range

Tech heavyweight Baidu and auto juggernaut Geely have rolled into China’s booming electric vehicle (EV) market with JiYue 01, an SUV designed to give Tesla’s Model Y a run for its money. And guess what? They’re not holding back on the bells and whistles.

The car comes with level 4 autonomous tech

With a price point ranging from 249,000 to 339,900 yuan, JiYue 01 goes toe-to-toe with Tesla’s Model Y, priced between 263,900 and 363,900 yuan. But it’s not just about the price. This SUV comes packed with Level 4 (L4) autonomous driving tech, a first for passenger cars globally. Meaning? The car can mostly drive itself, although you can still take the wheel if you want to. It can also go an impressive 720 km on a single charge.

Electric

COO Luo Gang of Hangzhou Jiyue Automotive Technology, the joint venture behind this marvel, admits they’re new to the game. “We have high confidence in our product but we still lack brand awareness to gain a considerable market share,” he said. But hey, Rome wasn’t built in a day, right?

Beijing is still a bit skittish about self-driving tech, with no green light for even Level 3 autonomous driving. Plus, JiYue 01’s doesn’t include high-precision mapping, which usually offers 20cm location accuracy.

Formed back in January 2021, the Baidu-Geely alliance isn’t just eye candy. They’re seriously committed to intelligent EVs. Geely owns 65% of Jiyue Automotive, focused on car assembly, while Baidu holds the remaining 35%. They even have plans for a JiYue-exclusive charging network.

With one in three new cars in China being battery-powered, and an expected 8.8 million EVs to hit the road this year alone, the competition is stiff. JiYue 01 is entering an arena with over 200 players, including tech giants Huawei and Xiaomi.

JiYue 01 might be the new kid on the block, but it’s definitely not one to overlook. It’s like Baidu and Geely are saying, “Tesla, you’re cool, but we’ve got something pretty awesome up our sleeves too.”

And that, folks, could just be the beginning.

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Red Magic Cyberbuds Dao TWS earbuds are back in stock for global customers

Back in July, Red Magic launched the Cyberbuds Dao TWS earbuds which were popular among gamers due to their super low latency and transparent design. The earbuds completely sold out soon after its launch in the global market. Now, the brand has restocked the earbuds for global customers.

Red Magic

Red Magic Cyberbuds Dao TWS pricing

The Red Magic Cuberbuds Dao earbuds were launched globally for $309, however, the official website has it currently listed for $229. Keep reading to learn about its specs and features.

Red Magic Cyberbuds Dao TWS specs

The RedMagic Cyberbuds Dao TWS, created by the Chinese smartphone maker, sports transparent earbuds and a charging case design. It houses the Qualcomm S3 Gen 2 Sound chipset and boasts a low 28ms latency mode, powered by Qualcomm’s Bluetooth 5.3 processor. The earbuds feature AI Active Noise Reduction, reducing sound by 48 decibels, 11mm linear graphene drivers, and up to 7.5 hours of battery life. They support Hi-Res audio and various audio codecs like SBC, AAC, LE Audio, AptX, and LHDC 5, and include call noise reduction. These earbuds are compatible with PCs, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, and various Android smartphones with minimal delay.

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Nothing CEO reveals the Nothing Power (1) charger, a multi-device charger that never saw the light of day

Nothing CEO Carl Pei has released a video that highlights the shortcomings of the Nothing Power (1) model which did not transit into a production model. The Nothing Power (1) was a charger and power bank that was supposed to simultaneously charge multiple devices. The Nothing Power (1) bears a close semblance in transparent design to the Nothing Ear (2).

Nothing Power (1)

Nothing Power (1) suffers the same fate as the Apple AirPower

The Nothing CEO video shows a prototype of the Power (1) with Nothing’s signature transparent look. It has a large Qi charging coil on the top which supports wireless charging. The gadget also had a USB-C and USB-A port on its back. Therefore, the Power (1) was designed to simultaneously charge three devices. It has an integrated battery, meaning that the charger can also serve as a power bank.

Nothing says that the transparent plastic housing of the Power (1) was not solid enough to withstand drops. The device was significantly heavier because of the presence of the integrated battery. Nothing also experienced temperature management issues during the development of the Power (1). This was more evident when charging with USB and wirelessly simultaneously.

Nothing Power (1)

The housing and temperature problems for Nothing Power (1) led to its failure to become a commercial product. Nothing has since released a high-speed GaN charger but obviously less ambitious than the Power (1). Apple’s AirPower charger underwent a similar trajectory as the Nothing Power (1). The gadget was eventually canceled by Apple after several years of delay.

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Dasung Not-eReader 133 can serve as an Android tablet & E ink monitor at the same time

The Dasung Not-eReader 133 is an Android tablet that can also function as an E ink monitor. It has a high-contrast 13.3-inch E Ink Carta 1250 display and 2200 x 1650 pixels resolution. The Dasung Not-eReader 133 is now available from selected retail platforms in China like JD.com.

Dasung Not-eReader 133

Features

The new Dasung Not-eReader 133 can be used as a tablet as well as a small external monitor for a computer. It has an HDMI port for seamless connectivity to an external input and its bright screen light is adjustable. The tablet is 7.9mm thick and comes with a 6,400mAh battery. This is a decent power offering since such models require minimal energy for their operation. The battery is rated to last several days of typical usage. The tablet is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 chipset with 4GB of RAM and 128GB of storage.

The Not-eReader 133 is recharged via its USB-C port at up to 18W speed while a 3.5mm AUX port is also present on the tablet. It is compatible with several apps and runs on Android 9 operating system. Android 9 OS is from 2019 and several upgrades have been made since. It therefore implies that the Dasung Not-eReader 133 will not support newer apps.

Pricing & Availability

The Turbo Ink Screen technology featured in the Not-eReader 133 enhances the response times of the E Ink display. Availability of the Dasung Not-eReader 133 is limited to China for now and it is priced at 5,399 yuan (~$740). There is no global availability and pricing information for the Dasung Not-eReader 133 yet.

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MSI unveils G244PF E2 gaming monitor with 24″ FHD IPS 180Hz panel

MSI has just unveiled the G244PF E2, a 23.8-inch Full HD LCD display meant for gamers. This monitor comes with a multi-functional stand and some seriously impressive specs.

MSI G244PF E2

MSI G244PF E2 specs

The MSI G244PF E2 monitor offers a rapid 1ms (GTG) response time and a high 180Hz refresh rate, ensuring a smooth gaming experience. The Adaptive-Sync technology eliminates screen tearing and stuttering.

MSI G244PF E2

For improved visibility in dark scenes and reduced eye strain during extended gaming sessions, the G244PF E2 is equipped with Night Vision, Anti-Flicker, and Less Blue Light technologies. With a brightness rating of 250 nits, support for 16.7 million display colors, and extensive color gamut coverage, it delivers impressive visuals. The monitor’s horizontal and vertical viewing angles of 178° ensure complete visibility from every angle.

Connectivity is straightforward, featuring DisplayPort 1.2a x 1, HDMI 2.0b x 2, and an earphone output. The stand allows for tilt, swivel, pivot, and height adjustment, offering flexibility in setup.

Currently, the pricing and availability details of the monitor are kept under wraps, however, we expect these details to be made available soon. In the meantime, you can also check out the MSI G244F E2, which is another gaming monitor with similar specs, but high color accuracy.

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DJI Osmo Pocket 3 launched with 1″ CMOS sensor & 4K/120FPS Video support

DJI has just introduced the Osmo Pocket 3, a compact gimbal camera packed with features that cater to both adventurers and content creators.

DJI Osmo Pocket 3

DJI Osmo Pocket 3 specs & features

The Osmo Pocket 3 comes with a one-inch CMOS sensor, a notable improvement over its predecessor. This enhanced sensor is designed to perform well in low-light conditions and supports 4K video recording at 120 frames per second, promising impressive image quality even in challenging lighting situations.

DJI Osmo Pocket 3

One significant upgrade in the Osmo Pocket 3 is the introduction of a rotating 2-inch touchscreen. This touchscreen can easily switch between horizontal and vertical orientations, making it adaptable for various content needs, especially for those focused on social media.

Intelligent features have also been integrated into the Osmo Pocket 3. ActiveTrack 6.0 includes face auto-detection and dynamic framing, ensuring subjects remain in the frame, even when in motion. For live streaming enthusiasts, the new Product Showcase feature comes in handy. Additionally, Glamor Effects 2.0 offers options for personalized beauty enhancements.

DJI Osmo Pocket 3

The Osmo Pocket 3 features a triple microphone array, aiming to improve audio recording quality. It provides users with up to 4x digital zoom, a panorama mode, and an extended battery life, allowing for up to 116 minutes of 4K video recording at 60 FPS.

Pricing & availability

The DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is currently available for $519, which includes the gimbal, charging cable, protective cover, wrist strap, and handle. The brand also provides an Osmo Pocket 3 Creator Combo for $669, which includes additional accessories like the Mic 2 Transmitter, mini tripod, carrying bag, and more.

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Samsung Galaxy A05 support page goes live on official Indian website, could launch soon

Samsung has recently launched the Galaxy A05s smartphone in India. The rumored Galaxy A05 also looks to be on its way to the Indian market as the support page of the smartphone has appeared on Samsung’s official Indian website.

Samsung-Galaxy-A05-support-page

The support page for the Samsung Galaxy A05 with model number SM-A055F/DS reveals that the smartphone will feature dual-SIM support. While not all details are revealed, leaks and rumors provide insights into what the Galaxy A05 may offer.

Samsung Galaxy A05

Samsung Galaxy A05 specs (expected)

The expected specifications for the Samsung Galaxy A05 include a 6.5-inch FHD+ display with a 60Hz refresh rate and a waterdrop notch for the selfie camera. It is likely to be powered by MediaTek’s Helio G85 chipset and come with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of native storage, expandable up to 1TB via a microSD card.

The camera setup may consist of a 50MP wide-angle primary camera, a 2MP depth camera, and an 8MP front camera. The device is anticipated to house a 5,000mAh battery with 25W fast charging support. Connectivity options will include 4G LTE, dual-SIM support, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, and a USB Type-C port for charging. Color choices for the phone are expected to be black, silver, and light green.

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Tencent Patents New Technology to Hide and Encrypt Chat Conversations

Tencent is undoubtedly one of the largest technology companies in China and even the world. This tech giant operates in various fields, including the gaming industry. In fact, we recently mentioned that Tencent generated $200 million in revenue in September alone, primarily from PUBG Mobile and Honor of Kings. Now, the company has been granted a patent for a new technology that enables users to conceal and encrypt their chat conversations. Here are the details…

Tencent Developing New Ways to Hide and Encrypt Chat Conversations

Tencent has been granted a patent for a new technology that allows users to hide and encrypt chat conversations. The patent, titled “Chat Conversation Display Method, Device, Terminal, and Storage Medium,” was granted on October 24. The patent describes a method for hiding chat conversations by moving them from the main chat interface to a hidden chat interface. To access the hidden chat interface, users must first enter a password. This two-step process helps to protect the privacy of sensitive conversations.

Tencent

The patent also describes a method for encrypting chat conversations. This means that the conversations would be scrambled in such a way that only the user who knows the password would be able to read them. This would further protect the privacy of the conversations, even if someone were to gain access to the device.

Tencent has not yet announced when or if it plans to implement this technology in its products. However, the patent suggests that the company is interested in developing new ways to protect the privacy of its users’ communications.

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Xiaomi ends software support for Mi 10T, Mi 10T Pro, and Poco X3

Yesterday, Xiaomi debuted the Xiaomi 14 series in China. These devices bring several upgrades. One of them is longer software support. Like the recently released Xiaomi 13T series, these handsets will receive 4 generations of Android and 5 years of security updates.

Unfortunately, the new software policy is not eligible for older handsets. Thus, Xiaomi has ended support for the Mi 10T series and Poco X3. Let’s go through the details.

Mi 10T Series

Xiaomi has a dedicated page on its website for EOL (End of Life) devices. According to Kacper Skrzypek,  the company added the following devices to the list, denoting the end of their software support.

The above three smartphones were launched in the second half of 2020. Thus, their software support ends after 3 years, as per the company’s older policy.

They were released with MIUI 12 based on Android 10. Currently, they boot Android 12-based MIUI 14. In other words, in the last three years, they received two Android and MIUI updates.

We can forgive the company for Poco X3 as it is a budget model. But the Mi 10T and Mi 10T Pro are affordable flagships powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 chips. This duo can still last for years without compromising much on performance.

Anyways, it is worth noting that Xiaomi extended its software support to 4 years for select devices launched in 2021 onwards and up to 5 years for some phones from 2023. 

But the updated policy mostly covers only flagships, unlike Samsung, which provides the same support for its mid-rangers and budget smartphones.

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ViewSonic Unveils Foldable 135-Inch All-in-One LED Display at InfoComm India 2023

Competition in the global TV (display) market continues at full throttle. However, in some markets, the battle between brands is intensifying, creating fierce battlegrounds. Undoubtedly, India stands out as one of the most crucial among them. India is a vast and significant market for all industries, making it the focus of all manufacturers. ViewSonic, well aware of this situation, is placing special emphasis on the region. Recently, ViewSonic India unveiled a unique product, the Foldable 135-Inch All-in-One LED Display, at InfoComm India 2023. Here are the details…

ViewSonic Unveils Foldable 135-Inch All-in-One LED Display at InfoComm India 2023

ViewSonic is continuing to expand its product lineup in India. In the past, the company introduced products like the VX2405-P-MHD 144Hz monitor in the Asian country. Now, they have introduced a new, innovative product at InfoComm India 2023 a foldable 135-inch All-in-One LED display. For those who may not be familiar, InfoComm India is a trade show dedicated to audiovisual and integrated experience technologies. It’s a platform where you can discover the latest products and gain insights from industry experts. Of course, as Gizmochina we also closely followed this event.

ViewSonic Foldable 135-inch All-in-One LED display, is designed to offer greater convenience for transportation and installation, with a pre-assembled design, built-in motorized stand, and 360° silent wheels. It features a 1080p Full HD screen with 5mm frameless edges, adjustable brightness of up to 600 nits, and hot-swappable front LED modules. The display also comes with Wi-Fi connectivity for real-time content sharing and support for Picture-by-Picture and Picture-in-Picture scenarios. Of course, the things shown were not limited to this.

ViewBoard IFP105S Interactive Display

ViewSonic has also upgraded its ViewBoard IFP105S interactive display with a new 5K resolution and unique 21:9 aspect ratio. The display offers a wider and larger usable interactive area, with multi-touch capabilities and a highly responsive 40-point touch feature. It also supports Airplay, Chromecast, and Miracast for wireless content sharing, as well as ViewBoard Cast application for collaboration. The display is also designed for Microsoft Teams Rooms (MTR) and features built-in 2.1 speakers and an 8-element microphone.

Other Products and Solutions

In addition to the foldable 135-inch All-in-One LED display and ViewBoard IFP105S interactive display, ViewSonic is also showcasing its recently launched 3D Virtual Campus ‘UNIVERSE’, various other interactive displays and projectors which include CDE30 Series Presentation Display and LS700-4K laser projector at InfoComm India 2023. I can say that the products shown by the company have excited us technology enthusiasts about what they can show in the future.

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Honda e-MTB concept electric bicycle with an adorable frame showcased at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show

The 2023 Japan Mobility Show has seen the display of an array of mobility solutions. The Honda e-MTB concept electric bike is one of the models that were showcased at the event. Honda says the e-MTB concept is a vehicle with a new riding experience that combines the fun of a motorcycle and a mountain bike. This allows the e-MTB to easily navigate uphill with electric assist.

Honda e-MTB concept

Features

The Honda e-MTB concept e-bike frame and swingarm utilize thin-walled aluminum cast technology. The tech is similar to what is being used in high-performance motorcycles. The bike has a unique frame that combines functionality with impressive styling. The Honda e-MTB is equipped with Shimano brakes, DT Swiss XM 1700 wheels, and Maxxis Minion DHR II tires.

The Honda e-MTB concept e-bike is equipped with the new SRAM Eagle drivetrain, a Fox Float X suspension system, and Maxxis tires for balance. The thin aluminum frame means that the electric mountain bike concept is lightweight. Honda however did not specify the weight of the concept. The model is likely powered by the SRAM Eagle drivetrain. The e-MTB’s battery is likely to be stored in the downtube. The rear Fox Float X shock absorber is combined with a front suspension fork.

Honda e-MTB concept

The 2023 Japan Mobility Show has seen the announcement of several concept electric mobility solutions from Honda. There are no official indications yet whether the Honda e-MTB will transit into a production model. If indeed it becomes a production model, the pricing and global availability details are also lacking at this time.

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Blackview Shark 8 with a Helio G99 chip, 120 Hz display, Android 13 & more unveiled

Smartphones may not have originated from China but it is unarguable that Chinese companies currently dominate the market in terms of sheer numbers. Whatever type of smartphone you’re shopping for, there is always a Chinese brand readily available for you at pocket-friendly prices. Blackview is known for its affordable rugged smartphones. In recent times, though, the company seems to rotate between rugged and non-rugged, sleek models. The Shark 8 has just been unveiled as one of its sleek, yet powerful models.

Blackview Shark 8

Features

The Blackview Shark 8 packs a 6.78-inch display with an FHD+ resolution of 2408 x 1720 pixels. The display supports a peak refresh rate of 120Hz making it good for hardcore gaming in real time.

The device is powered by a MediaTek Helio G99 chipset paired with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage. The storage can be expanded up to 1TB via microSD card.

Blackview Shark 8

In terms of photography, the Blackview Shark 8 features a 64MB ISOCELL GW3 main camera at the rear supported by a 13MP selfie shooter at the front. The front camera is an ISOCELL 3L6 sensor. The phone runs on Android 13 along with Blackview’s DokeOS 4.0 layer on top. It also features the ArcSoft 7.0 image processing which further enhances the photo quality of the 64MP ISOCELL shooter.

Under the hood, the Shark 8 crams a decent 5,000mAh battery that supports 33 W fast charging. The company claims the battery can support up to 7 hours of video streaming and 6 hours of gameplay time. It also comes with a cooling solution that is said to keep the temperature under 39 Celsius (102.2 Fahrenheit) during intense gaming sessions.

Pricing & Availability

The Blackview Shark 8 is presently offered at a ridiculously cheap price that would likely be long out of stock as soon as the sales commence on November 11 on the e-commerce platform – Aliexpress. The company will be selling the first 50 units for $93.99. The phone will be available in Galaxy Blue, Scorching Gold, and Moonlight Grey colorways.

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Anker Soundcore Motion X500 portable spatial audio speaker unveiled

There is a new Anker portable spatial audio speaker in town. The new speaker is dubbed Anker Soundcore Motion X500 and it comes with an intelligent spatial audio engine. The Motion X500 delivers wireless hi-resolution sound and has a battery that can last for 12 hours.

Anker Soundcore Motion X500 portable speaker

Features

The new Anker Soundcore Motion X500 is claimed as the world’s most portable spatial audio speaker. It is the successor of the Anker Soundore Motion X600 which was released earlier in 2023. It however delivers a 40W power sound output compared to the 50W of the X600. It is a three-channel speaker with an ultra-wide 40kHz frequency response range. It also has a companion mobile app that can be used to control the speaker.

The Anker Soundcore Motion X500 is a certified Wireless Hi-Res gadget and uses the latest LDAC code for greater performance. The LDAC allows up to three times more data to be streamed via Bluetooth. It has an upward-firing driver, and a built-in handle, and also features ambient lighting. The Motion X500 speaker is rated IPX7 waterproof and is available in blue, black, and pink color options.

Anker Soundcore Motion X500 portable speaker

Pricing & Availability

The Anker Soundcore Motion X500 portable speaker is available for pre-order directly from the Soundcore website. A $1 deposit is required to enjoy a $40 early-bird discounted price of $129.99 for the speaker until November 8. Customers are given 14 days to complete their purchase after making the initial deposit. The original price of the Motion X500 is $169.99 and there are no indications yet on its availability and pricing outside the US.

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Affordable MacBook Once Again Tipped To Arrive Next Year But With A Convincing Reason

Apple is gearing up for its next week’s online-only product launch event which is called Scary Fast. It will likely see the arrival of new Macs including an update to the long-due 24-inch iMac as well as the 13, 14, and 16-inch MacBook Pro models. Now a new development claims that Apple may be reportedly working on low-cost affordable MacBooks. The information comes from noted Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. The plans for a cheaper MacBook isn’t new as it was also reported last month. 

Low-cost MacBooks may launch next year to boost shipments

Kuo says that Apple has been experiencing a decline in MacBook shipments this year mainly due to the limited availability of the M2 processor. This is why the analyst also believes that Apple could proceed with the launch of the M3-powered MacBook Pros in spite of lower production volumes than the M2-powered models. The M3 chipset is expected to offer a significant computing performance upgrade. Apple hopes to leverage this to boost MacBook sales. And if the sales number still doesn’t lift up, there is a possibility that the Cupertino-based tech giant may introduce the MacBook Pro with an all-new design. 

Kuo says that Apple’s plans for an affordable low-cost MacBook may happen in between the efforts to lift up declining sales numbers. It could be a way to boost shipments. The company might target 8 to 10 million units per year. Apple hasn’t considered and may ditch the plans for an affordable MacBook. 

The previous report revealed that Apple’s affordable MacBook may compete against Chromebooks which have witnessed growth in recent years. The low-cost models will also be different from the current Air and Pro lineup. The Cupertino-based tech giant may target the education and budget segment.

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China’s YMTC breaks boundaries with the World’s most advanced 3D NAND Memory Chip

In a groundbreaking achievement, Yangtze Memory Technologies Co (YMTC), China’s leading memory chip producer, has successfully developed the world’s most advanced 3D NAND memory chip for consumer devices. This remarkable feat comes despite facing sanctions and being included in the US Commerce Department’s Entity List. The memory chip, discreetly integrated into a solid-state drive launched in July, highlights China’s relentless pursuit of technological advancement.

YMTC’s breakthrough is a testament to China’s determination to overcome trade restrictions and bolster its semiconductor supply chain. The chip, analyzed by TechInsights, is featured in Huawei’s Mate 60 Pro smartphone, demonstrating the nation’s progress in the face of challenges. 3D NAND memory is pivotal for high-performance computing applications such as artificial intelligence and machine learning. YMTC’s achievement signifies a significant leap in memory chip design, showcasing their expertise in pushing technological boundaries.

However, the path to this success has not been without hurdles. YMTC and 21 other Chinese chip companies faced obstacles after being added to the US Entity List in 2022. This move limited their ability to compete with established memory chip leaders like Samsung Electronics, SK Hynix, and Micron Technology. US equipment suppliers KLA and Lam Research halted sales and services to YMTC, impacting the production of their flagship 232-layer X3-9070 3D NAND flash chip.

YMTC’s progress was facilitated by close collaboration with domestic suppliers, focusing on their innovative “Xtacking 3.0” architecture in a top-secret project code-named ‘Wudangshan’. However, challenges persist in China’s chip manufacturing supply chain. Notably, the lack of viable domestic alternatives for advanced chip-making tools, such as lithography systems, poses a significant hurdle. Dutch company ASML Holding, holding a near monopoly position in lithography systems, has been prohibited from selling its advanced EUV lithography machines to China since 2019.

Recent reports suggest that China’s Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp (SMIC) has retooled ASML’s deep ultraviolet (DUV) lithography systems to manufacture advanced processors, mitigating some challenges. Nevertheless, experts caution that China still lags in producing the necessary lithography systems required for significant advancements.

Despite these obstacles, YMTC’s achievement stands as a beacon of China’s technological prowess, showcasing its determination to innovate and make significant strides in the global semiconductor industry.

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