Xiaomi is gearing up to launch the new Watch S3 alongside its upcoming HyperOS custom skin later this month. But ahead of the announcement, the company has officially teased the smartwatch, confirming some of its specifications.
Xiaomi Watch S3 features 12-channel heart rate monitoring
In its latest set of teasers, the Chinese tech giant showcased some of the features of the new Watch S3. The official image poster confirms that the smart wearable will come with an upgraded 12-channel heart rate sensor tracker. Thanks to this sensor, the company claims that heart rate detection has been improved by 20 percent, with the average heart rate accuracy reaching 97.95 percent.
This is not all, the brand also shared another teaser that confirms that it features many professional sports modes. One of these includes the professional skiing mode, which can monitor and track the wearer’s ride data. Furthermore, it can also offer automatic broadcasts of performance while riding in the chairlift. Another teaser confirms that the Xiaomi Watch S3 will be arriving with an eSIM version that supports independent calling (4G connectivity), networking, and text messages.
In other words, Users can connect with their contacts or even listen to music, without requiring a partnered smartphone. The announcement alongside HyperOS makes sense considering the watch will be the first device to run with Xiaomi’s latest custom skin. This software is expected to offer a fresh design and UI that promises to upgrade the overall experience.
While the iPhone 15 lineup is the latest generation of smartphones from Apple, it appears that its latest iPads are set to launch soon. A new rumor has hinted that the company’s next gen tablets will launch early next year. So here’s everything you need to know.
New Apple iPads drops in Q1 2024
The news arrives from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman who shared the information in his latest Power On newsletter. According to the latest report, the Cupertino based giant will unveil its new iPad lineup in March 2023. The announcement will include the 11th Gen iPad, 7th Gen iPad Mini, and 6th Gen iPad Air. In a previous rumor, the new iPads were rumored to launch this month, but Gurman claimed a 2023 end release earlier this month.
Now, Mark adds that Apple is planning on releasing these three new models in March 2023. On the other hand, the higher end iPad Pro model is expected to be announced later in the year. The iPad Pro will likely be powered by Apple’s M3 chipset. An iPad Air model with a 12.9-inch display is apparently in the works as well. The iPhone maker will likely discontinue its first-gen Apple Pencil in favor of its new Pencil that features USB Type-C when the new iPads are released.
Recently, we even covered on another Gurman report that claimed that the new Apple Macs’ launch could be right around the corner. This includes a 24-inch iMac refresh, which features improved hardware that might bump the Apple PC to the M3 chipset. Keep in mind that the company hasn’t made any official announcement so far, so stick around for more updates.
Fire-Boltt has just launched a brand-new smartwatch in India. Its latest wearable offering is the premium grade model called the Fire-Boltt Diamond, which is a Luxury Elite Edition smartwatch. So here are all the details.
Fire-Boltt Diamond Specs
The company’s latest watch features an all-metal design, similar to the Apollo 3 that was released last month. The Diamond model sports a 1.43-inch AMOLED display that offers Always-on, 75Hz refresh rate, and 466 x 466 resolution. This device also features Bluetooth calling thanks to its in-built speaker and microphone. Another notable feature of the Diamond is the inclusion of 4GB storage, which helps house your favorite songs and over 120 watch faces.
Fire-Boltt’s latest smartwatch also comes with a number of health related sensors, which allow for heart rate tracking, SpO2 blood oxygen mapping, sleep monitoring, and menstrual cycle tracking. The new Diamond arrives with support for more than 300 sports modes, smart notifications, and IP67 water and dust resistance for extra protection. A 260mAh battery pack powers this watch, which offers 4 days of battery life.
Fire-Boltt Diamond Pricing and Availability
The Fire-Boltt Diamond smartwatch arrives in multiple color options. It comes in a Rose Gold Premium, Gold Premiunm, Black Premium, Black Basic, Silver Basic, and Silver Premium. The smart wearable product is available for purchase on the brand’s official website and Amazon India. The Fire-Boltt Diamond has an introductory price tag of 4,999 INR (roughly 60 US Dollars) and it will go on sale on 25th October 2023.
Vivo is all set to unveil the mid-range smartphone on Oct. 27 in China. Today, the brand released a few posters to reveal its design, color options, display size, and battery capacity. These confirmations reveal that the Chinese variant of the Y100 will be different from its Indian edition, which went official in February of this year.
Vivo Y100 5G key specifications
To recall, the Indian version of the Vivo Y100 5G has a flat AMOLED display with a small notch, a triple camera setup on the back, and a 4,500mAh battery. It measures 7.7mm in thickness and weighs 181 grams.
In contrast, the Vivo Y100 5G seems to be a more well-placed smartphone with a larger 6.78-inch OLED display that supports Full HD+ resolution. The company has confirmed that the screen is protected with Schott’s display protection layer for durability against scratches and wear.
It houses a bigger 5,000mAh battery and sports a thin profile of only 7.49mm. While the official images show that it will come in green and blue options, there is a possibility that it may also have a black variant. The other details of the phone are yet to be revealed, but it appears that it could be the Vivo V2313A phone that was approved by Chinese certification sites like TENAA and 3C recently. While the TENAA revealed only the images of the phone, the 3C listing suggests that it may support 44W fast charging.
In related news, Vivo may launch the Vivo X100 and X100 Pro flagship phones, featuring the Dimensity 9300 chipset, in the third week of November. The brand is also said to be working on the Vivo S18 series of smartphones, which may debut in December in China.
The Xiaomi 14 series is set to go official on October 26 (Thursday). The company announced the launch date only yesterday and has been teasing the products since then.
Today, the firm has revealed the design of the vanilla model. It has shared the renders of the device in white color.
At the same time, the firm’s CEO has disclosed a few tidbits about the design. He even revealed a camera feature.
Xiaomi 14: Flat frame design and telephoto camera from Xiaomi 13 Pro
As per the renders posted by Xiaomi on Weibo, the Xiaomi 14 retains the flat frame design. But the frame seems to have contoured edges, just like on the latest iPhone 15 models. Thus, the phone could be more comfortable to hold in hands.
The front of the handset is equipped with a 6.36-inch centered punch-hole display with thin bezels all around. Whereas, on the rear, there’s a new double-step square island for three cameras and an LED flashlight.
Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun says that the top of the device is hole-free (like the iPhones). The engineering team managed to accomplish this by hiding the infrared sensor in the camera island, changing the speaker opening to a micro-slit design, and hiding the secondary microphone inside the earpiece area.
Further, according to the executive, the Xiaomi 14 sports a 75mm floating telephoto camera from Xiaomi 13 Pro. This camera provides a 3.2x optical zoom perspective (ideal for portraits) and 10cm close focus support for macro.
Going by the leaks, the Xiaomi 14 will come with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, LPDDR5x RAM, UFS 4.0 storage, 12-bit 1.5K 120Hz OLED display, dual stereo speakers, IP68 rating, a 4,600mAh battery, 90W wired charging, 50W wireless charging, and 10W reverse wireless charging.
Haier has just launched its latest refrigerator offering in the Indian market. The new models are a part of the MetaLustre convertible refrigerators. The company’s MetaLustre lineup consists of three variants, so here are all the details.
Haier MetaLustre Series
All three models feature a steel finish and come in multiple color options. This adds a premium element to their design. Two of the models feature a two door configuration while the third is a side-by-side refrigerator. The company manufactured the MetaLustre refrigerator locally in India, which adds it to the Made in India list. Back in September, Haier had also announced the K800GT TV in India. The three MetaLustre models come with four storage capacities, which include a 237L, 240L, 325L, and 328L variant.
The 325L and 328L variants feature a Turbo Icing feature that helps make ice cubes faster. These feature dual fan technology, which helps in faster and more efficient cooling. On the other hand, the 237L and 240L offer the 1-hour icing feature but skip the dual fans. However, it brings a Twin Energy Saving mode, which makes them more energy efficient. Every model features toughened glass panels that are frost free. Some of the refrigerators can bring 5-in-1 technology while certain models come with 14-in-1 convertible features.
Pricing and Availability
The new Haier MetaLustre convertible series starts from 35,490 INR for the Top Mount (HRF-2902BGI-P) 240L model. Meanwhile, the Bottom Mount (HRB-2872BSI-P) 237L costs 36,490 INR. The Big Top Mount (HRF-3782BGI-P) 328L and the Big Bottom Mount (HRF-3752BSI-P) 325L has a price tag of 49,990 INR and 53,990 INR respectively.
Exciting news for Xbox enthusiasts! Dealabs has spilled the beans on what Microsoft has in store for us in terms of deals on the coveted Xbox Series X console for Black Friday 2023.
After a recent price hike to €549, the Xbox Series X will be available for just €449 from November 20 to November 27, 2023. That’s a whopping €100 off the current price tag.
While this offer is currently confirmed for France, it’s highly likely that similar discounts will roll out across the Eurozone, the UK, and the US. And if you were hoping for an Xbox Series S deal, history suggests you might be in luck, as previous years have seen discounts on both consoles.
That being said, Microsoft currently has pre-orders open for an Xbox Series S bundle deal where you get the console, a controller, and a three-month subscription to the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. The bundle is orderable for $299.99 and will be available for direct purchase starting October 31. For context, the standalone Xbox Series S console without the Game Pass subscription typically costs around $330. So this is quite a sweet deal for anyone looking for a console on the cheaper end this holiday season.
Qualcomm is expected to announce the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset on Oct. 26. Starting with Xiaomi, several other brands are expected to launch flagship phones featuring the new chip this year in China. A new leak (via. TechGoing) claims that foldable smartphones featuring the SD8G3 will debut in the beginning months of 2024.
Three Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 foldable phones coming in Q1 2024
Vivo X Fold 2
A Chinese leaker has claimed that the first quarter of 2024 may see the unveiling of three foldable phones powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset. Regrettably, the leaker has not disclosed the specific names of these devices. Here, we can speculate on which foldable phones the source might be referring to.
Several reports have claimed that Vivo will be launching the Vivo X Fold 3 foldable phone in Q1 2024. The device will be joined by a more powerful variant dubbed the Vivo X Fold 3 Pro. However, it is unclear whether both devices will come equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.
A recent report revealed that Nubia is working on its first foldable phone called the Nubia Z60 Fold. It was spotted with model number NX801J in the IMEI database. It is speculated that the device could be equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.
Honor introduced the Honor Magic V foldable phone in the first part of 2022 and followed up with the Honor Magic Vs in the second half of the same year. In the current year, the brand has presented two more foldable phones, the Magic V2 and Magic Vs 2. This suggests that Honor might become the third company to release a foldable phone, potentially called the Honor Magic V3, in the first quarter of 2024.
MediaTek has announced the upcoming launch of its next flagship mobile chipset on Nov. 6. Although the chip’s official name has not been confirmed, it seems likely that it will be named the Dimensity 9300, succeeding last year’s Dimensity 9200. The D9300 has made appearances on benchmarking platforms like AnTuTu and Geekbench, indicating strong performance capabilities.
Dimensity 9300 specifications (rumored)
MediaTek Dimensity 9300 launch date
MediaTek is yet to reveal the technical details of the Dimensity 9300. Reports have revealed that the chip will not have efficiency as it will only feature performance cores. The AnTuTu listing of the chip revealed it has four Cortex X4 cores, four large Cortex A720 cores, and an Immortalis G720 MC12 GPU. Like the D9200, it will come with support for LPDDR5x RAM and UFS 4.0 storage.
The test device featuring the D9300 chip, 16 GB of RAM, 512 GB of storage, a 120Hz refresh rate display, and Android 14 that appeared on AnTuTu achieved the highest-ever score of 2,055,084 points on the benchmarking platform. It is a total of CPU, GPU, memory, and UX tests, in which the device scored 485,064, 899,463, 357,691, and 312,866 points, respectively.
As per reports, Vivo will unveil the Vivo X100 and X100 Pro smartphones in the third week of November. The X100 lineup also includes the X100 Pro+, which will feature the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset. This device is expected to launch in the first quarter of 2024.
Recently, an Oppo device with model number PHZ110 was spotted in Geekbench’s database. The D9300-powered device was spotted with 16 GB RAM and Android 14. It scored 2139 and 7110 points, respectively, in the single-core and multi-core tests of Geekbench 6. It is speculated that the PHZ110 will debut in Q1 2024 with the Oppo Find X7 marketing name.
AMD and NVIDIA are reportedly designing Arm-based processors for Windows PCs, according to Reuters. This could significantly boost the current low sales of Arm-based Windows PCs while cutting Qualcomm’s market share.
Qualcomm has been the sole provider of Arm-based Windows PC processors for several years now, but its agreement with Microsoft is set to expire in 2024. AMD and NVIDIA’s chips could be available as soon as 2025, giving Microsoft more options for its devices.
Microsoft is reportedly encouraging AMD and NVIDIA to include “advanced AI features” in their chips, which suggests that they could be well-suited for creative professionals and other users who rely on AI-powered applications.
Microsoft also recently introduced Windows Copilot, its AI-enhanced software, which it envisions to become an important part of using Windows. Thus, the company is emphasizing AI features in the silicon. We can also expect to see some gaming-focused features, such as powerful graphics hardware and image-upscaling technology.
Arm-based PC processors typically offer much better battery life than x64-based chips from Intel and AMD. This allows for laptops with longer endurance or thinner, lighter designs.
For instance, Qualcomm’s PC chips have been praised for their long battery life and connectivity options, but they have also been criticized for their lack of performance. The reported entry of AMD and NVIDIA into the market could put pressure on Qualcomm to improve its performance.
It is unclear exactly when AMD and NVIDIA’s Arm-based Windows chips will be released, but Reuters reports that it could happen as early as 2025.
Huawei is working on a new Nova-branded smartphone. Recently, a Huawei device bearing a Nova logo and model number BON-AL00 was spotted in the database of China’s TENAA certification platform. The listing revealed the images and key specifications of the device. This device is believed to debut this month (October) or by early November with the Nova 11 SE moniker.
Huawei Nova 11 SE specifications (rumored)
Huawei Nova 11 SE
The Huawei Nova 11 SE’s leaked poster revealed that it will arrive in three color options, such as black, white, and green. It is now revealed that the device will be equipped with a 6.67-inch OLED display with a punch-hole design. The screen will offer a Full HD+ resolution, 10-bit colors, 100 percent DCI-P3 color gamut, and a 90Hz refresh rate.
On the front, the Nova 11 SE will have a 32-megapixel selfie camera. Its rear camera setup will have a 108-megapixel primary camera, an 8-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and a 2-megapixel macro camera.
The device will come preloaded with the HarmonyOS 4 and pack a 4,500mAh battery. It is expected to support 66W fast charging. The device measures 7.39mm in thickness and weighs 186 grams.
The leaked poster has no information about the Nova 11 SE’s chipset. In addition, it does not have any information about the RAM and storage configurations of the device. However, as per the TENAA certification of the device, it will have a 2.2GHz processor that supports 4G connectivity, 8 GB of RAM, and 256 GB / 512 GB of storage.
The Nova 11 SE will arrive as a successor to the Nova 10 SE, which was announced in October 2022. The company is also said to be working on the Nova 12 series, which may debut in November or December in China.
Google Play Games on PC is getting a few updates that will make it more appealing to gamers. The company announced the changes in a blog post on Monday, October 23.
The most notable change is support for 4K resolutions. Users can now bump their resolution up to 4K on supported monitors, allowing them to play their favorite mobile games on their PC in stunning detail. To enable 4K resolution, simply press Shift + Tab while in a game and select the desired resolution from the list.
Google has also added support for more controllers, including the PlayStation 5’s DualSense controller, PlayStation 4’s DualShock controller, and the Xbox Series X/S’s and Xbox One’s controllers. This is in addition to the existing support for the Xbox Adaptive Controller and other popular gamepads.
In addition to the new features, Google has also made it easier to search for games on the service. There is now a search bar located at the top of the All Games section, so you can quickly find the game you’re looking for. Google has also added two new popular games to the library: Clash of Clans and Clash Royale.
Google Play Games on PC is still in beta, but it is available in over 100 countries. To use the service, your PC must meet the following minimum requirements:
Windows 10
SSD with 10GB of available storage
Intel UHD Graphics 630 GPU
8GB of RAM
Four CPU physical cores
Hardware virtualization
If you are interested in trying out Google Play Games on PC, you can download the beta client from the Google Play Games website.
The upcoming DJI Pocket 3 camera is shaping up to be a major upgrade over its predecessor, the Pocket 2. Leaker Igor Bogdanov has now shared the full specifications for the Osmo Pocket 3, revealing everything we need to know about the upcoming camera. So let’s talk about it here.
DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Full Specifications Leaked
The biggest change in the Pocket 3 is the new 1-inch sensor. This is significantly larger than the 1/1.7-inch sensor in the Pocket 2, and it should result in better image quality, especially in low light and when shooting slow-motion video.
The Pocket 3 will also be able to shoot 4K video at up to 120 frames per second. This is a significant improvement over the Pocket 2, which can only shoot 4K video at 60 frames per second. This makes the Pocket 3 ideal for capturing fast-paced action.
The leaked spec sheet also reveals the display details of the gimbal. According to it, the Pocket 3 will feature a larger rotating display than its predecessor, but it is still relatively small at 2 inches. The rotating design should make it easier to use the camera for selfies and other creative shots. Also, the display has a resolution of 556 x 314 pixels and a peak brightness of 700 nits.
Additionally, the gimbal will likely weigh slightly more than the Pocket 2, probably because the sensor is bigger. But it will still be one of the lightest and most portable 1-inch compact cameras on the market.
Along with the specifications, the tipster has also published a series of short unboxing videos, showing a retail version of the Osmo Pocket 3. DJI is expected to unveil its Pocket 2 follow-up on October 25, and the Osmo Pocket 3 is rumored to start at US$531 or US$676 for a Creator Combo.
Zepp is gearing up to release the Amazfit Active and Active Edge smartwatches in a few days. An official teaser image shared on the company’s official X (formerly Twitter) account hints that the two models will be released on October 25. The two upcoming Amazfit smartwatches have been the subject of speculation lately ahead of their official unveiling. Although there is no official statement yet, the teaser image seems to be definitive of the October 25 launch.
Expected Features
The Amazfit Active and Active Edge teaser image was shared by Zepp Health on social media. Two Amazfit models were listed in Tiendamia, a Brazillian e-commerce platform. The listings seemingly matched the Zepp Health teaser. The teaser image showed the outline of two models – one square and one round. The accompanying text on the teased image was “Get Ready” and “Get Active”. This has led to speculation on the names of the models expected to be released on October 25.
The Amazfit Active has a rectangular design while the Amazfit Active Edge is circular. Both models support the AI fitness Zepp Coach and also come with Training Templates for a personalized workout schedule. They support GPS tracking with five satellite positioning systems covered. The Amazfit Active has a 1.75-inch AMOLED display and supports Bluetooth calling, music playback, and voice commands via Alexa. The Amazfit Active Edge has up to 14 days of battery life. The Amazfit Active is shown in a single Midnight Black colorway.
The Amazfit Active Edge has a battery life of up to 16 days and is a sports wearable. It is rated 10 ATM and is capable of surviving immersion under 100m of water. It offers strength exercise recognition and can identify up to 25 exercise types.
Pricing
The Active Edge comes in Midnight Pulse and Mint Green. There is no official confirmation yet on the prices of the two upcoming Amazfit smartwatches. However, the Amazfit Active could be priced equivalently around $306. Amazfit’s official announcement is expected shortly for the two models.
Xiaomi will unveil the Xiaomi 14 series of smartphones on October 26 in China. Today, it released a couple of posters to tease the rear design of the Xiaomi 14 and Xiaomi 14 Pro. Like before, the standard model will be a smaller device, whereas the Pro variant will be a large device.
Xiaomi 14 series design
Xiaomi 14, 14 Pro teaserXiaomi 14, 14 Pro teaser
Shown on the left is the original released by the brand, while the image on the right is a modified, brighter version that showcases some of its design elements. As can be seen, the Xiaomi 14 series maintains the same right-angled mid-frame design as the previous generation.
Both models have a square-shaped camera module, which houses three cameras and an LED flash. It appears that the Leica logo is placed at the center of the camera setup. Another poster released by the brand focuses on the Xiaomi 14 series’ camera module. The company has already confirmed that it will feature premium Vario-Summilux lenses found on Leica’s high-end cameras. The primary camera of the Xiaomi 14 series will have a 23mm main lens with a variable aperture of f/1.6 and f/2.2, an ultra-wide lens with a 14mm focal length, and a telephoto camera with a 75mm focal length and a 3.2x optical zoom.
Reports have revealed that the Xiaomi 14 will be available in shades such as black, white, green, and pink, whereas the Xiaomi 14 will come in options such as black, white, and green. Both phones will come equipped with the upcoming Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset and come in three variants, such as 12 GB RAM + 256 GB storage, 16 GB RAM + 512 GB storage, and 16 GB RAM + 1 TB storage.
Xiaomi TV 85-inch mini LED TV
Apart from the Xiaomi 14 series, the company will also unveil two other products, such as the Xiaomi Watch S3 and the Xiaomi TV 85-inch mini LED TV, on Oct. 26.
Xiaomi 14 with the Leica Vario-Summilux lens (Source: Xiaomi)
As shown in Xiaomi’s official announcement on Chinese social media Weibo, the Xiaomi 14 will be sporting a Leica VARIO-SUMMILUX 1:1.6-2.2/14-75 ASPH camera setup on the back. Simplifying the abbreviation, it means that the Xiaomi 14 is equipped with an aspherical lens, and is capable of taking photos and videos from the wide aperture of f/1.6 to f/2.2, in distances from 14 mm to 75 mm with Leica DLSR-level quality.
Speaking in more mainstream terms, the Xiaomi 14’s camera setup has a standard main lens (23 mm), an ultra-wide angle lens with a 0.6x view (14 mm), and a telephoto camera capable of 3.2x optical zoom (75 mm). The device is now upgraded to a variable aperture of between f/1.6 and f/2.2, improved from last year’s f/1.8 to f/2.2.
For comparison, the table below showcases the main Leica-rated camera quality of the Xiaomi 14 vs the Xiaomi 13.
Xiaomi 14
Xiaomi 13
Lens Rating
VARIO-SUMMILUX 1:1.6-2.2/14-75 ASPH
VARIO-SUMMICRON 1:1.8-2.2/15-75 ASPH
Aperture
f/1.6 to f/2.2
f/1.8 to f/2.2
Zoom Lens Equivalent
14mm, 23mm, 75mm
15mm, 23mm, 75mm
Lens Type
Summilux Aspherical Lens
Summicron Aspherical Lens
Table 1: Xiaomi 14 vs Xiaomi 13 Leica Camera Setup (Leo Wong De Quan / Gizmochina)
The Xiaomi 14 will be Xiaomi’s first flagship smartphone to feature Leica’s premium Summilux lenses, which are normally found on Leica’s digital and DSLR cameras for above 2000 USD. Xiaomi says that the company’s upcoming Xiaomi 14 flagships are the next big step in mobile photography.
Stay tuned to our coverage of the launch of the Xiaomi 14 this October 26 Thursday night, only on Gizmochina.
Just a couple of years since its launch, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 is set for a facelift. While the company has done a good job hiding the car’s new look under heavy camouflage, there are still some key observations that offer intriguing hints.
The car’s dual-dash screen seems absent in the leaked images
The upcoming design modifications seem to be primarily targeted at the front and rear ends. The bumpers appear to have a simpler, cleaner look, possibly for a more mature market. Hyundai has moved the parking sensors around, which may point to improved parking assist technologies or even a full-fledged self-parking system.
Interestingly, the Ioniq 5’s pixelated lighting features don’t look like they’re going anywhere. These lights add a distinct flair to the vehicle, so their continuation is a nod to maintaining the car’s personality. While the outer shell is under heavy wraps, some might speculate that the sharp body lines could be softened in this redesign, making room for a sleeker side profile.
As for the interior, no sneak peeks yet. However, with the dash’s dual-screen setup mysteriously absent in the spy photos, could Hyundai be looking to integrate emerging tech to refresh the cabin experience? While a cabin redesign during a mid-cycle refresh isn’t customary, Hyundai might break the mold, given how critical technology has become for modern drivers.
But what about performance? Rumor has it that an N-Line trim could join the lineup. Sandwiched between the 320-hp dual-motor variant and the powerful Ioniq 5 N with up to 641 hp, this new trim could feature exclusive upgrades, offering a mid-range option for performance enthusiasts. However, there are no signs of drastic changes to the current powertrain options.
While many still look at artificial intelligence (AI) with skepticism, fearing job loss or dystopian nightmares, Rice Robotics is flipping the script. Founded in Hong Kong and deeply rooted in the Japanese market, the start-up aims to redefine how we interact with AI by focusing on one core feature: friendliness.
The robots are installed with ‘puppy eyes’ cameras to make them more personable
Victor Lee, the brains behind Rice Robotics, is deploying a new fleet of these user-friendly bots at the Citic Tower skyscraper in Hong Kong. These aren’t your run-of-the-mill robots, though. Designed with “puppy eyes,” they are integrated into the building’s management system, providing 24/7 service from disinfection to deliveries.
Lee says the success in Japan stems from pressing concerns like an aging population and labor shortages. It seems the Land of the Rising Sun has been quicker to embrace this new friendly face of automation. And according to data, they aren’t alone. A 2022 report shows that sales of service robots increased by 48% year-on-year globally, with the hospitality sector growing at a whopping 125%.
But what sets Rice Robotics apart? According to Lee, it’s the human factor. The design of these robots aims to make the user experience as natural as possible. Lee believes that this tailored approach will catch on in Hong Kong, despite its current focus on “human-enhanced” automation rather than outright labor replacement.
In a world where robots are becoming a common sight—from serving food in Korean restaurants to airport cleaning—Rice Robotics aims to change not just what these robots do but how we feel about them.
Victor Lee has lofty plans for expansion beyond current markets by next year. With the company’s success pivoted on friendly design and seamless user experience, Rice Robotics is not just leading in automation but also in dismantling the age-old fears surrounding it. And perhaps, that’s the real game-changer here, considering people are still skeptical of AI.
The U.S. Commerce Department has a bold new plan to decentralize America’s tech ingenuity. Out of 370 applicants, 31 regional technology hubs have been selected, opening the door for these areas to share in a $500 million federal funding pie. The goal? To spread innovation beyond known tech havens like Silicon Valley and Seattle.
These tech hubs will deal with projects dealing with AI and aircraft
Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo laid it plain: “People shouldn’t have to move to get a good job.” By spreading the wealth of tech opportunities across the U.S., the government aims to unlock the hidden potential residing in smaller cities and different states. This initiative is more than just a bid to create jobs; it’s a strategic move to diversify the American economy. These hubs won’t just be coding new apps; they’ll work on projects that range from clean energy to artificial intelligence and even next-gen aircraft materials.
The White House isn’t just throwing money at these hubs and hoping for the best. Rather, it’s encouraging public-private partnerships. President Joe Biden sees the government’s role as a catalyst for private investments in sectors like electric vehicle batteries and semiconductors. A broader geographic spread of tech hubs could also attract talent that’s less keen on relocating to the usual tech giants’ playgrounds.
Intriguingly, this initiative isn’t isolated. Earlier this month, the Biden administration announced that $7 billion would be allocated to “hydrogen hubs” across 16 states. These are intended to kickstart a burgeoning industry that could play a big part in a more sustainable future.
But let’s not celebrate just yet. Despite Congress earmarking $500 million for these regional hubs, the funding isn’t guaranteed. Only five to ten of these chosen hubs will eventually get up to $75 million each in the coming year. Only time will tell how that goes.
Xiaomi has been trying to break into the premium smartphone segment with its flagship number series. The recent Xiaomi flagships, the Xiaomi 13 and 12 series, offer some of the best camera technology and other hardware on the market, and they’re priced competitively. But despite this, Xiaomi still sells more budget and mid-range phones.
It’s clear that Xiaomi could use some consumer trust when it comes to premium phones. The upcoming Xiaomi 14 series, launching on October 26, is the company’s latest attempt to impress flagship smartphone buyers. Keep reading this post to learn more about the new Xiaomi 14 and 14 Pro, and to tell us if you’d choose them over the iPhone 15 or Galaxy S23.
Xiaomi 14 design and display
Xiaomi took a more minimalist design approach with the Xiaomi 13 series, especially the Xiaomi 13 and Xiaomi 13 Pro. The company used flat iPhone-like edges and a flat display on the front of the vanilla model. The camera module was redesigned to be square, housing three camera sensors with chic Leica branding. The Pro model, however, featured a curved display and slightly curved sides.
Leaks and rumors suggest that the upcoming Xiaomi 14 and Xiaomi 14 Pro will keep the minimalist design of their predecessors, but the camera arrangement may be different. Gizmochina recently managed to get a hold of protective cases for the two phones, which revealed four large cutouts, likely for the camera sensors. However, one of the cutouts may be for the Leica logo and LED flash.
Xiaomi 14 might feature a 6.44-inch C8 OLED 12-bit display with 1.5K resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, 2,800 nits peak brightness, Dolby Vision, and HDR10+ support. Xiaomi 14 Pro may bring even better display specifications, boasting a 6.7-inch Micro Quad Curved display with a dynamic 1-120Hz LTPO refresh rate, a 2K resolution, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection, and remarkably slim 1mm ultra-narrow bezels.
With a peak brightness of 3,000 nits, this display is touted to be the brightest on any smartphone yet, surpassing the OnePlus Open with 2,800 nits brightness. The panel also offers HDR 10+, Dolby Vision, and Pro Colour Tuning. There is also a 2K+Hz PWM dimming to reduce eye strain.
Cameras, processor, battery, and more
The Xiaomi 14 duo is expected to come with top-notch hardware. Both phones will likely be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, LPDDR5x RAM, and UFS 4 storage. They may also feature a large VC liquid cooling system for heat dissipation.
The Xiaomi 14 is rumored to have a 4,600mAh battery with support for 90W wired charging, while the Xiaomi 14 Pro is expected to have a 4,860mAh battery with support for 120W charging. The two phones may support 50W wireless charging and 10W reverse wireless charging as well.
Xiaomi 13 Pro
Xiaomi has made significant progress in the camera department, especially after its partnership with Leica. The upcoming Xiaomi 14 series is expected to benefit from this progress, with the Xiaomi 14 Pro rumored to feature a triple-lens rear camera system with three 50-megapixel sensors. The main camera is rumored to feature a massive 1-inch Sony IMX9xx series sensor, and the handset may also get the variable aperture feature from the Xiaomi 13 Ultra.
The Xiaomi 14 may also get a similar 50MP triple camera setup on the rear. Specifically, the handset may bring a 50MP OV50H main lens paired with a 50MP ultra-wide and a 50MP telephoto unit.
Meet the new HyperOS
The Xiaomi 14 series will also introduce an entirely new operating system. The Xiaomi 14 and Xiaomi 14 Pro will be the first devices to feature the new HyperOS on the software front. The company claims to have been working on this software for the past 13 years, dating back to the introduction of MIUI. This new OS is expected to bring significant changes to the user interface, as evidenced by recently leaked screenshots, and may provide users with improved customization options for their lockscreen.
Expected Pricing
The pricing of the upcoming Xiaomi 14 and Xiaomi 14 Pro is yet to be known. However, you can expect them to be priced similarly to the Xiaomi 13 series. For reference, the Xiaomi 13 starts in India at $550, while the Xiaomi 13 Pro is priced at $895.
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
