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Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite Detailed in a New Leak; Set to Take on PC Market

The much-awaited Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite is expectedly the company’s high-end chipset tailored for the PC market. Amid some previous leaks, a new report by Windows Report revealed the full specifications of Qualcomm’s upcoming chipset. Bundling the custom Oryon cores, the new chipset aims to offer 2x improved CPU and GPU performance than the present x86 processors.

Must See: Qualcomm’s custom Oryon Cores could delay Snapdragon 8cx Gen 4 launch

Snapdragon X Elite Features

With the focus on generative AI, the new Snapdragon X Elite will bundle Hexagon NPU which offers 45 trillion operations per second – TOPS. It is a 55% improved performance than the predecessor Snapdragon 8cx Gen3 SoC. Thanks to the Snapdragon Oryon CPU, that makes it is more power efficient, powerful, and productive with its generative AI models.

Qualcomm is expected to announce the new chipset at the Snapdragon Summit 2023. Based on 4nm architecture, the processor bundles 12 high-performance cores clocked at 3.8GHz and a dual-core boost of 4.3GHz. It bundles Qualcomm Adreno GPU with 4.6 TFLOPs and DX12 API support. Its LPDDR5x RAM offers 42MB of total cache and 136 GB/s memory bandwidth for its capacity to support 64 GB memory. Considering the competition, the chipset would offer 50% better performance.

Snapdragon X Elite Specifications

In connectivity, the new chip integrates support for WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4, which is a considerable development over its predecessor that lends support for up to WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1. Interestingly, the Video Processing Unit now supports AV11 encoding and decoding.

Below are the full Specifications for the Snapdragon X Elite:

CPUQualcomm® Oryon™ CPU
64-bit Architecture
12 cores, up to 3.8 GHz
Single and Dual-Core Boost, up to 4.3 GHz
GPUQualcomm® Adreno™ GPU
Up to 4.6 TFLOPs
API Support: DX12
MemoryMemory Type: LPDDR5x
Transfer rate: 8533 MT/s
Capacity: Up to 64 GB
Bandwidth: 136 GB/s
Bit Width: 16-bit
Number of Channels: 8
StorageSD: SD v3.0
SSD/NVMe Interface: NVMe SSD over PCIe Gen 4
UFS: UFS 4.0
DisplayDisplay Processing Unit (DPU) Name:
Qualcomm® Adreno™ DPU
Max. On-Device Display Resolution: eDP v1.4b, up to
UHD120 HDR10
Max. External Display Resolution: DP v1.4 – 3
displays, up to UHD60 HDR10, 2 displays 5K60
VPUVideo Processing Unit (VPU) Name:
Qualcomm® Adreno™ VPU
Encode: 4K60 10-bit encode – H.264,
HEVC (H.265), AV1
Decode: 4K120 10-bit decode – H.264,
HEVC (H.265), VP9, AV1
Concurrency: 4K60 decode – H.264,
HEVC (H.265), VP9, AV1 / 2x 4K30 encode –
H.264, HEVC (H.265), AV1
CameraImage Signal Processor Name:
Qualcomm Spectra™ ISP
Dual 18-bit ISPs
Always-sensing ISP
Dual Camera: 2x 36 MP
Single Camera: Up to 64 MP
Video Capture: 4K HDR
Wi-Fi/BluetoothWi-Fi/Bluetooth System: Qualcomm® FastConnect™
7800 System
Generations: Wi-Fi 7, Wi-Fi 6E, Wi-Fi 6
Standards: 802.11be, 802.11ax, 802.11ac, 802.11n,
802.11g, 802.11b, 802.11a
Spectral Bands: 6 GHz, 5 GHz, 2.4 GHz
Spatial Streams: Up to 4
Peak QAM: 4K QAM
Features: Passpoint, 8×8 Sounding, TDLS, Wi-Fi
QoS Management, Wi-Fi Optimized Connectivity,
Wi-Fi Location, OFDMA (UL/DL), Miracast, Target
Wake Time, Voice-Enterprise, MU-MIMO (UL/
DL), Multi-Link Operation (MLO), High-band
Simultaneous (HBS)
Bluetooth
Specification Version: Bluetooth 5.4
Bluetooth Connection Technology: Bluetooth LE
M.2. Interface: WiFi M.2. card over PCIe Gen 3
USBUSB Specification Version: USB 4.0
Interface Type: 3x USB-C
3x USB4, 2x USB3.2 Gen2, 1x eUSB2

Qualcomm’s new processor will offer better power efficiency with similar performance. Like its predecessor, Snapdragon 8cx Gen3, the Snapdragon X Elite will have DirectX 12 support and better computational features than the Xbox Series S, which houses AMD RDNA2 architecture. The Chispet’s AI capabilities also have enormous potential, which can be used to enhance the user experience.

It would be worth waiting for Qualcomm’s summit which is scheduled for October 24 before jumping to conclusions about the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite.

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Apple’s next Mac launch could be just days away

Apple may be planning to launch new Macs in October 2023, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. In his weekly newsletter, Gurman said that iMacs, 13-inch MacBook Pro, and 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro are in short supply, both online and in retail stores, which could be a sign that new models are coming soon.

Gurman also noted that Apple’s earnings call is scheduled for November 2, and the company has historically held a product launch event in October before its earnings call. So he suggests that Apple could announce new Macs on October 30 or 31.

It is unclear what specific new Macs Apple could release, but the iMac is due for an update. The current 24-inch iMac was launched in 2021 with the M1 chip, but it is possible that Apple will release a new iMac with the M2 chip.

As for the MacBook Pro, Apple released new 14-inch and 16-inch models in January 2023 with the M2 chip. It is unlikely that Apple will release new MacBook Pros so soon, but it is possible that the company may release updated models with minor improvements.

Gurman also revealed that next-generation MacBook Air models with M3 chips will not launch until early 2024 and that a larger “pro” version of the iMac with a 32-inch display and a new design is tabled for late 2024 or 2025.

Overall, it seems likely that Apple has at least one more product launch event planned for 2023. We will have to wait and see what specific Macs Apple announces, but it is sure to be exciting news for Mac fans.

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Top Tech News Stories of Last Week: OnePlus Open Launch, Xiaomi HyperOS, Find N3 & More

In the past week’s top tech news, Vivo’s iQOO sub-brand is considering larger batteries over faster charging, while Oppo’s Find N3 marks its first horizontal folding smartphone launched globally. Samsung reveals a competitively priced Galaxy S23 FE for China, and Huawei teases an entry-level foldable phone, possibly rivaling Samsung’s future offering.

Honor’s Play 8T debuts with impressive specs at an affordable price, and Xiaomi’s HyperOS hints at a clean break from MIUI. Huawei’s Mate 60 Pro+ showcases exceptional macro photography capabilities, and Apple’s iOS 17 FaceTime reactions stir discussions. Lastly, Minecraft cements its legacy, reaching a whopping 300 million copies sold, becoming the best-selling video game of all time.

Dive into these stories and more in our comprehensive roundup below.

OnePlus Open Finally Debuts With Dual LTPO Displays, Hasselblad Cameras

The OnePlus Open is finally here. The company took the wraps off of its first-ever foldable phone at a global event held in Mumbai, India last week. Leaks and rumors leading up to today’s launch event left nothing about the device to the imagination. Notably, the OnePlus Open is for the global markets what the OPPO’s Find N3 (that was also announced last week) is for the Chinese market. In short, both are the same devices. 

Future iQOO flagships may opt for larger 6,000mAh batteries over 200W fast charging

Vivo and its sub-brand iQOO may not offer 200W fast charging in their upcoming smartphones, instead focusing on enhancing battery capacity. The iQOO 12 Pro is expected to have a 120W/100W fast charging system and a 6,000mAh battery, with a 5,000mAh battery and 50W wireless charging only on the 12 Pro.

Oppo Find N3 launched with Hasselblad Camera, SD8Gen2, & tall 7.82″ main display

Following various rumors and teasers, the Oppo Find N3 has finally been unveiled in the Chinese and the global markets. This announcement also marks the first time the brand has launched a horizontally folding smartphone outside of its home market, so here are all the details in the article above.

Samsung Galaxy S23 FE price confirmed for China, more affordable than India

Samsung has officially announced the price of its Galaxy S23 FE in China, available in two configurations with 8 GB RAM and 128 GB storage. The device comes in four colors and runs on Android 13 with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip. It features a 10-megapixel front camera and dual speakers.

Huawei’s entry-level foldable phone in works, Samsung’s rumored Galaxy Z FE may rival it

Huawei is working on an entry-level foldable phone with expected pricing of $735 or lower, likely unveiled in the first half of 2024. The device is likely to come in multiple shades, similar to the affordable Huawei Pocket S. Samsung is also developing a similar device, the Galaxy Z FE.

Honor Play 8T launched with 6.8-inch LCD display, Dimensity 6080, 50MP dual cameras

The Honor Play 8T is a mid-range smartphone launched in China, featuring a 6.8-inch IPS LCD panel, a 6,000mAh battery, and a 50-megapixel primary camera. It has a 6,000mAh battery, 12GB LPDDR4x RAM, 8GB virtual RAM, and 256GB storage. The device is priced at 1,099 Yuan (~$150) and 1,299 Yuan (~$178) in China.

Oppo Find N3’s “Boundless View” Feature coming to Tablets and previous-gen Foldables

Oppo Find N3 is a premium horizontal foldable device with sophisticated features like Boundless View, Canvas Shift, and Smart Split Screen. The device is Oppo’s first horizontal foldable device to launch outside its home country, and will be available on Oppo tablets with slight changes. The device features a 6.31-inch AMOLED panel, Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, 16GB LPDDR5X RAM, and 512GB storage.

Google Pixel 8 Series bundles support for display output via USB Type-C, despite Google’s Denial

Google has disabled DisplayPort Connection on the Pixel 8 Series, despite its potential benefits. The feature works on the device, but the DP Alt Mode is disabled with a firmware update. The feature could be introduced via a QPR1 or QPR2 update next year.

Redmi Note 13 4G could be powered by the Snapdragon 685 chip like last year

The Redmi Note 13 series, including the Redmi Note 13 Pro, Pro+, and Redmi Note 13 Pro+, is set to launch globally, with the 4G model running on a Snapdragon 685 SoC. The phone features a 6.67″ AMOLED display, dual camera setup, 5000 mAh battery, and up to 12GB RAM and 256GB storage.

Xiaomi HyperOS leaked screenshots show a cleaner interface than MIUI 14

Xiaomi is ready to replace MIUI with a new operating system, HyperOS. MIUI currently powers all Xiaomi, Redmi, and Poco devices, and has seen 14 iterations so far. The custom software is known for its heavy customizations and an overall look inspired by Apple’s iOS. However, MIUI will soon be a thing of the past, as the company will introduce the new HyperOS with the Xiaomi 14 series. While we wait, some leaked screenshots of the upcoming OS reveal some nitty-gritty details.

The Best Macro Camera on a Smartphone: Huawei Mate 60 Pro+ Macro Camera Captures Stunning Footage of Nature

Huawei continues to make waves in the smartphone world with its Mate 60 series, particularly with its camera capabilities. We recently told you about how the Huawei Mate 60 takes surprisingly good photos of the Moon and outperforms the iPhone 15 Pro Max. Now, the phone’s macro photography abilities have been revealed. Photos taken by a social media user with the Huawei Mate 60 Pro+‘s macro lens vividly capture the detailed feeding process of a mosquito. Details in the link above.

Apple’s New Facetime Reactions are Getting Triggered during FaceTime Calls

Apple’s recent update for iOS 17 and macOS Sonoma is full of fresh additions to make your device more fun and interactive. While these updates promise to make communication more lively, they’ve also been causing quite the stir, especially in settings where a more somber tone is required.

Minecraft is the best selling video game of all time, over 300 million copies shipped

Minecraft, the world’s best-selling video game, has sold over 300 million copies since its launch 15 years ago. Mojang Studios announced the milestone during a Minecraft Live event, revealing new features like a trial chamber and upcoming DLCs. The game’s success is a major milestone for the company.

Upcoming Smartphones: Xiaomi 14, Vivo Y200, and more

Based on leaks, three new phones could go official next week. Out of these three, two of them will be flagships from Xiaomi — Xiaomi 14 and Xiaomi 14 Pro. Whereas, the third one will be a budget model from Vivo. The Vivo device will succeed the Vivo Y100 from earlier this year. On the other hand, the Xiaomi handsets will replace the Xiaomi 13 models from late last year.

Redmi Note 10 Pro has not received MIUI update in India for 6 months

Xiaomi’s Redmi Note 10 Pro and Redmi Note 10 Pro Max have been experiencing issues in India, with both running the same software builds and not receiving system updates for months. The lack of updates could be due to hardware issues caused by new MIUI updates. Xiaomi has offered an additional year of warranty in May, but the hardware failures remain unresolved.

Xiaomi 14 series launch date confirmed for October 26

Xiaomi has finally confirmed the launch date of its upcoming Xiaomi 14 series phones. The launch event is scheduled for Thursday, October 26 at 7 PM Beijing time.

Official Teaser of Xiaomi 14 series launching on October 26

The Xiaomi 14 series is expected to be powered by the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, which will be announced at the Qualcomm Snapdragon Summit on October 24.

Xiaomi has already confirmed that the Xiaomi 14 series will use Leica Summilux lenses. This is the first time that Xiaomi will use Leica Summilux lenses on its smartphones. Prior to this, the brand used Leica Summicron lenses on its previous flagship smartphones, including the Xiaomi 12/13 series and the Xiaomi 12S Ultra concept phone.

Rumors suggest that Xiaomi will launch two smartphones in the Xiaomi 14 series: the Xiaomi 14 and the Xiaomi 14 Pro. The design of the Pro model has been recently revealed through renders, which show the phone with a flat display, a departure from the curved-edge design of its predecessor. It also has a quad-camera setup, compared to the triple-camera setup on the Xiaomi 13 Pro.

The Xiaomi 14 has also appeared on Geekbench with 16GB of RAM. The device scored 2244 points in the single-core test and 6820 points in the multi-core test of Geekbench 6.

We also got confirmation that Xiaomi’s new operating system, HyperOS will be announced at the event alongside the Xiaomi 14 and 14 Pro phones. HyperOS will replace MIUI as Xiaomi’s default operating system on its smartphones.

Official Teaser of HyperOS launching on October 26

We will have to wait until October 26 to learn more about the Xiaomi 14 series and HyperOS. Stay tuned for more updates!

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Lava Blaze 2 5G officially teased ahead of Indian launch

In a recent teaser shared via social media, Lava has provided a sneak peek of the Lava Blaze 2 5G. This new device could be the next big thing for the Indian-based smartphone brand after the popular Lava Agni 2 5G smartphone.

Lava Blaze 2 5G

Compared to the already-launched Lava Blaze 2 4G, the 5G variant is shown to feature some changes. The most noticeable change is in the rear design, which now features a central circular camera module along with an LED flash. This is a shift from the 4G variant, which sports two circular camera modules at the rear’s edge.

While Lava is keeping the exact specifications of the Lava Blaze 2 5G under wraps for now, we can likely expect some improvements over the 4G model.

For those unfamiliar with the 4G version, the Lava Blaze 2 offers a 6.5-inch IPS LCD display with a smooth 90 Hz refresh rate and a sharp 1600 x 720 resolution. It runs on Android 12, powered by a capable Unisonic Tiger T616 Octa-core processor with a Mali-G57 MP1 GPU. It also packs 6GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage.

The rear camera setup consists of a dual 13MP + 2MP configuration, while the selfie camera boasts 8MP for photography needs. When it comes to connectivity, the Lava Blaze 2 is equipped with Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi. Its reliable 5000mAh battery ensures that it can keep up with your daily demands, and charging is a breeze with an 18W charger and USB type-c cable.

In related news, Lava has launched two new color options for its Agni 2 5G smartphone which are now available to purchase in India.

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Xiaomi HyperOS Aims to be the Centre of Your Universe, this October 26

Besides launching its next generation Xiaomi 14 series on October 26 in China this Thursday, Xiaomi is also revealing its brand new operating system, HyperOS, in the country on the same day. And from an official teaser announcement today, the Chinese brand hopes that its new operating system will be the “centre of your universe”.

Official Teaser of HyperOS launching on October 26 (Source: Xiaomi China)

HyperOS is Xiaomi’s newest operating system, and the operating system is expected to be Xiaomi’s first cross-platform operating system that will be able to operate on not only the brand’s smartphones, but also its tablets, smartwatches and even the brand’s upcoming electric vehicle.

Teased by Xiaomi executive, Cici Wei on Weibo, Xiaomi’s upcoming HyperOS aims to be the centre of your universe (metaphorically).

To quote, “HyperOS is one of the most user-oriented operating systems that Xiaomi has ever created. We have been secretly developing the operating system over the past 7 years, with our brand’s 13 years of expertise condensed into the work. HyperOS will be a system that can connect the user, the car, and the home, serving its purpose as the centre of your technological universe.”

Xiaomi’s HyperOS will be launching this October 26 Thursday 7 pm (GMT +8) in China. The brand is expected to announce its latest Xiaomi 14 series of premium smartphones in collaboration with Leica and the brand’s newest operating system, HyperOS at the launch event. 

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Meta is Finally Updating Instagram and Facebook with Android’s Themed Icons

Mobile apps are ever-evolving, and with it, user preferences and desires. Android‘s themed icons, a feature that has been around since the 12th version of the operating system, have been a fan favorite. This feature personalizes the device by matching the interface with the dominant wallpaper colors, providing a sleek and unified appearance. As Android continued its journey, it expanded its color palette options, allowing users even more customization. But there was always a missing piece – Meta‘s icons.

The update is only available for the Alpha and Beta versions of the apps

For years, Android users have patiently waited for Meta to hop on the themed icons bandwagon. The wait seemed endless, especially when most popular apps had already embraced this feature. But as they say, good things come to those who wait. Recent updates reveal that the Alpha and Beta versions of Instagram and Facebook apps are now compatible with Android’s themed icons. This news has been welcomed with open arms, especially by those who have a keen eye for aesthetics.

Instagram

It’s not just about looking pretty, though. This shift indicates a broader change in Meta’s approach to Android features. Their recent experiments, like the new Instagram layout tailored for tablets, further cement this notion. Devices such as the Google Pixel Fold with Android 14 QPR1 Beta can now experience Instagram in a fresh layout, optimized for bigger screens.

For many, this may seem like a small tweak. But for the Android community, it’s a significant move. No longer will users have to tuck away the Facebook and Instagram icons in hidden folders or relegate them to secondary screens. With Meta’s new support for themed icons, Android users can look forward to a harmonized home screen.

The big question now is: how soon will this feature be available in the stable versions? There’s hope that it might coincide with upcoming Android updates, making the year-end even more special for Android aficionados. So, here’s to Meta, for finally catching up and giving users what they’ve been longing for. Are you excited to have this update on your Android devices? Let us know in the comments below.

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Samsung’s Upcoming Flagship, Galaxy S24 Ultra may Sport a Refreshed Speaker Design

Samsung is gearing up to introduce its next flagship, the Galaxy S24 series, possibly as early as January. The one catching most eyes is, unsurprisingly, the Galaxy S24 Ultra. But it’s not just the launch that’s creating a buzz; it’s the bunch of changes that the device is expected to launch with. As per a recent leak by renowned tipster Ice Universe, the device will come with a long, strip-like design for the bottom speaker.

The bottom speaker seems to be made up of pill-shaped holes

Let’s talk about that later. Another key update that’s got everyone talking is the camera. Rumors hint at an impressive 200MP sensor for the primary rear camera. While that’s an exciting prospect for photo enthusiasts, there’s a twist. Samsung might be dialing back on its optical zoom capabilities. The Galaxy S24 Ultra’s periscope lens is expected to offer a 5x optical zoom, a reduction from the previous 10x. This decision mirrors Apple‘s approach with its iPhone 15 Pro Max.

However, the camera isn’t the only area Samsung is tinkering with. A notable design refresh is on the cards. While the Galaxy S23 Ultra sported a speaker opening with six “pill-shaped” holes, the new Galaxy S24 Ultra might flaunt a “long strip design.” This intel comes from the well-known tipster, Ice Universe. But change isn’t always welcome. Some fans are skeptical. One user recalled older models like the Galaxy S9, commenting that the strip design seemed “less premium.” Either way, leaked information should always be considered with a grain of salt. Let’s wait to see what Samsung has to offer with its upcoming flagship.

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E-Bikes May be Effective to Manage Type 2 Diabetes, Study States

Electric bikes aren’t just a sustainable alternative for commuting; they might also be a practical tool in the fight against Type 2 diabetes, according to a study by the University of Bristol. Often stereotyped as ‘cheating’ by traditional cycling purists, e-bikes are emerging as a valid form of medium-intensity exercise that could benefit those struggling to manage their diabetes.

The pedal-assist feature is a huge reason for this study’s success

The study focused on a diverse group of 16 individuals, averaging around 60 years of age, and most of whom already had some cycling experience. Over the trial period, 56.25% completed three or more guided cycling sessions, showcasing not just the feasibility but the enjoyment of e-biking. Participants found riding e-bikes less cumbersome than other forms of exercise, which has the added benefit of encouraging longer and more frequent rides.

Electric

So why are e-bikes winning favor among this group? The pedal-assist feature, for starters. This feature eases the strain on muscles and joints, making e-biking an approachable form of exercise for people of various fitness levels. Participants could ride longer distances without tiring, which is essential for effective diabetes management. Researchers also noted that people are more likely to stick to a workout routine when it’s fun, and let’s be honest, cruising on an e-bike is just that.

The urgency to find accessible solutions for managing Type 2 diabetes cannot be overstated. With nearly 480 million adults affected globally, lifestyle changes are imperative. Traditional exercise and diet modification have been the go-to recommendations, but they come with barriers like complexity and the need for high motivation. E-bikes can break down some of these walls by offering a less strenuous and more enjoyable form of physical activity. The Bristol study adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting that e-biking isn’t merely a fad but could be a game-changer in promoting a healthier lifestyle.

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iQOO 12 series’ renders based on real-life image surfaces to give good look at design

Just last week, a real-life image claimed to be of the iQOO 12 surfaced on China’s micro-blogging platform, Weibo. Unfortunately, the picture wasn’t very clear, making it difficult to discern the smartphone’s design. However, the image showed that the device featured a squircle-shaped camera module, seemingly positioned on a white glass back. Subsequently, a Chinese tipster has now shared rendered images that were created based on the leaked real-life photo. It’s important to emphasize that the images showcased below are not official renders of the iQOO 12, but rather artistic representations derived from the original leak.

iQOO 12, 12 Pro design

According to a recent report, the iQOO 12 and 12 Pro will be available in three color choices: black and white, both featuring a glass back and a red variant with a leather back. In the mock renders, one of the devices is depicted with a flat display, while the other showcases a curved-edge screen. Reports suggest that the iQOO 12 and 12 Pro will feature these specific display designs, respectively.

Moving to the back, it appears that the rear panels of both smartphones will have an almost identical design. Towards the upper-left corner of the iQOO 12 series’ is a square-shaped camera module with rounded corners. It houses three cameras and VCS+ branding, and there is a pill-shaped vertical LED flash on the right side of the camera module.

A recent report claimed that iQOO is planning to unveil the iQOO 12 and 12 Pro smartphones on Nov. 7 in China. Both of these devices will be powered by the new Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset. Additionally, another report indicates that the iQOO 12 is expected to make its debut in India in November, marking it as the first Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 smartphone to be released in the country.

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Xiaomi MIX Fold 4 global launch tipped; model numbers revealed

Xiaomi is expected to unveil its fourth-generation foldable smartphone, tentatively called the Xiaomi Mix Fold 4, in 2024. The MIX Fold models that have launched in the past have remained exclusive to the Chinese market. However, a new development reveals that the Mix Fold 4 will be released globally.

Xiaomi Mix Fold 4 model numbers

According to information from GSMChina’s report, an upcoming Xiaomi device, identified by model number 2405CPX3DC, has surfaced in the GSMA IMEI database. The inclusion of the letter “C” in the model number signifies that it is a version tailored for the Chinese market.

Xiaomi Mix Fold 3
Xiaomi Mix Fold 3

Additionally, there exists a global edition of this device, denoted by the model number 2405CPX3DG, distinguished by the letter “G” at the end. The IMEI database entries for these models do not specify their final marketing labels. However, the report speculates that these variants likely correspond to the Chinese and global versions of the Xiaomi Mix Fold 4. Hence, it is advisable to treat the report with caution and wait for newer reports to confirm its actual name.

If the rumor turns out to be true, the Mix Fold 4 will be Xiaomi’s first foldable phone to be released in the global market. The “2405” numbers in the model number are a good hint that the device may be released by May 2024. To recall, the Mix Fold 3 was unveiled in August of this year.

The Mix Fold 4 is not the only foldable phone that the company has planned to launch in 2024. Recent reports have claimed that the company is also working on a flip-style foldable phone dubbed the Xiaomi Mix Flip. In a recent report, the model number for this device was disclosed as 2311BPN23C. An earlier leak from June also indicated that it would be powered by a Snapdragon 8-series processor. It is unclear whether it will have the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, 8 Gen 2, or 8+ Gen 1 chipset.

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Nubia Z60 Ultra’s Geekbench listing spotted, reveals Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, Android 14

Qualcomm is expected to unveil the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 flagship chipset this week. Nubia is one of the Chinese smartphone brands that is expected to launch a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3-powered smartphone this year. An upcoming Nubia with the said chip has emerged in the database of the Geekbench benchmarking site. It seems to be the Nubia Z60 Ultra smartphone.

Recent reports have revealed that Nubia is working on four flagship phones, such as the Nubia Z60, Z60 Ultra, Z60 Fold, and Red Magic 9. It is speculated that the Nubia phone with model number NX769J is the upcoming Red Magic 9, whereas the model numbers, such as NX715J, NX721J, and NX801J, are said to be associated with the Nubia Z60, Z60 Ultra, and Z60 Fold, respectively.

Nubia Z60 Ultra Geekbench listing

Nubia Z60 Ultra Geekbench
Nubia Z60 Ultra Geekbench listing

The Nubia Z60 Ultra has now made an appearance in the Geekbench database, featuring the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset. As usual, the benchmark entry doesn’t explicitly name the chip but rather provides its specifications, confirming the presence of the mentioned chipset.

The listing reveals that the device has 12 GB of RAM and Android 14, which will have a layer of the latest MyOS 14 UI on top. In the single-core and multi-core tests of Geekbench, it scored 1634 and 5947 points, respectively.

There is a possibility that the Nubia Z60 Ultra may come equipped with a 35mm camera, a 1-inch sensor, and an under-display selfie camera. The other details of the smartphone are yet to be revealed. The Geekbench listing of the device is a good hint that the company could be internally testing its performance before its official announcement. Hence, it is likely to debut by November or December of this year in China.

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Xiaomi 14 with Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 spotted on Geekbench before launch

As per the latest information, the soon-to-be-announced Xiaomi 14 and 14 Pro carry the model numbers 23127PN0CC and 23116PN5BC, respectively. These two smartphones are expected to make their debut in China this week, and they are expected to feature the brand-new Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset. Ahead of the impending launch, the standard Xiaomi 14 has made an appearance in the Geekbench benchmarking platform’s database (via. TheTechOutlook).

Xiaomi 14 Geekbench listing

Xiaomi 14 Geekbench
Xiaomi 14 Geekbench

The Geekbench listing for the Xiaomi 14 provides confirmation that it is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, which is scheduled to be officially unveiled during the 2023 Snapdragon Summit taking place in this week. While the chipset’s name isn’t explicitly stated in the listing, the disclosed CPU and GPU configuration unmistakably indicates that the Xiaomi 14 is indeed equipped with the SD8G3 chip.

The Xiaomi 14 variant that has emerged in the Geekbench listing has 16 GB of RAM and runs on Android 14 OS, which will have the all-new HyperOS UI on top. The device scored 2244 points in the single-core test and 6820 points in the multi-core test of Geekbench 6.

According to a recent report, the Xiaomi 14 will arrive in three variants: 12 GB RAM + 256 GB storage, 16 GB RAM + 512 GB storage, and 16 GB RAM + 1 TB storage. It will be available in four colors: black, white, green, and pink.

On the other hand, the Xiaomi 14 Pro is also expected to arrive in the same configurations as the standard model. It will be available in three colors: black, white, and green. Like the 14, the Xiaomi 14 Pro will feature the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset. There is no information available on the global launch of the Xiaomi 14 series. In all likelihood, it may debut in the first quarter of 2024.

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Honda MEV-Van electric delivery van concept with removable batteries

Japanese car maker Honda is about to unveil the MEV-Van electric delivery van concept which is expected to feature removable batteries for greater versatility. The MEV-Van concept will be tested with removable batteries in actual delivery operations in Japan. The new electric van concept is expected to be showcased at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show ahead of the tests.

Homda

The Honda MEV-Van is an experimental, fully electric version of the N-Van. It is retrofitted with removable batteries and will be tested in collaboration with Japan’s Yamato Transport. Yamato is Japan’s largest door-to-door delivery service company. The Honda N-Van transformed into a production vehicle and was unveiled last month.

Honda MEV VAN Concept

The MEV-Van concept has a fully electric powertrain and its Honda Power Pack e-modules can be removed for charging. The battery packs are mounted under the cabin floor of the electric van, and secured by a set of hatches. The MEV-Van lacks a charging port on the front grille and this may provide some challenges. The choice of a removable system of batteries eliminates the long standby time for charging. It also reduces the imbalance of peak power usage.

Honda MEV VAN Concept

The range of the Honda MEV-Van has not been announced but it is expected to be lower than the 210km range of the Honda N-Van standard model. Honda will use solar panels for charging the EV and the demonstration of the MEV-Van concept will take place next month. It will be tested in collection and delivery operations to establish its sufficiency for professional use.

Honda continues to pursue a carbon-neutral future by 2050. The N-Van has undergone trials ahead of its unveiling in Japan in spring 2024. Honda has not provided the production trajectory for the MEV-Van electric concept yet.

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Bzen Vienna e-bike with a stylish/lightweight design & up to 70km range unveiled

The Bzen Vienna electric bicycle has been unveiled as a stylish and lightweight city e-bike. It has an assistance range of up to 70km on a single charge and reflects both practicality and convenience.

Bzen Vienna e-bike

Features

The new Bzen e-bike is named after the Austrian capital and underscores the growing popularity and utility of electric bicycles. The Vienna e-bike is Bzen’s fifth electric bike offering and Bzen says it is inspired by the high quality of life in Vienna. Its design seeks to bridge the gap between traditional bicycles and e-bikes. It straddles between the power of a cargo e-bike and the compactness of a folding bike. It weighs about 17kg making it easy to move around.

The Bzen Vienna is a stylish city e-bike with a low, step-through frame design. This means that Vienna is accessible for shorter riders. It can accommodate riders between 4ft 11 in and 5ft 9 inches. The e-bike is powered by a Bafang rear-hub integrated motor with 250W of power and 45Nm torque. The bike will either come with a 9-speed Shimano drivetrain or a Gates Carbon drive belt. It has a soft and comfortable saddle that is handy when on longer trips.

Bzen Vienna e-bike

The Vienna e-bike uses hydraulic disc brakes and puncture-resistant Continental tires. The bike lacks a suspension and hence may be unsuited for any off-road commute. It has front and rear lights, a bell, mudflaps, and a kickstand. The seat post and stem of the Bzen Vienna are adjustable to accommodate riders within the range of sizes specified. The e-bike also has a rear luggage rack capable of carrying up to 27kg of cargo. It has a 252Wh battery that offers up to 70km of range.

Price & Availability

The Bzen Vienna comes with a €3,199 (~$3,380) price tag. It is offered in three color variants namely black, white, and copper. Availability of the Bzen Vienna e-bike is limited to Europe at this time.

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Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 gaming mouse launched in India featuring the Hero 2 sensor

After its official debut back in September, the Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 mouse has now made its way to the Indian market. For those unaware, the G Pro X Superlight 2 is a high-performance wireless gaming mouse designed for professional gamers. It is one of the lightest and fastest mice on the market, weighing in at just 60 grams. Keep reading to know more about its features.

Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 Gaming Mouse specs

HERO 2 Sensor: The highlight here is the all-new HERO 2 Sensor, boasting tracking speeds of over 500 inches per second and a generous 32,000 DPI.

Design and Weight: Sticking to the original PRO Superlight’s design, this mouse is lightweight, tipping the scales at just 60 grams. Its ergonomic design promises comfortable and precise gaming. In addition to that, it comes with PTFE feet that provide smooth and effortless gliding on any surface. The G Pro X Superlight 2 can be used by both left- and right-handed gamers.

Logitech G PRO X Superlight 2 Lightspeed Wireless Gaming Mouse

Battery Life: Gamers will appreciate the impressive battery life, with the Pro X Superlight 2 capable of lasting up to 95 hours on a single charge. Charging is a breeze with the USB Type-C port.

Customization: Logitech’s G Hub application allows you to effortlessly transfer settings from one mouse to another, ensuring consistent DPI settings. The application also introduces a new sensitivity UI, complete with presets and separate X/Y axis controls.

Pricing & availability

The official price for the Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 Gaming Mouse is Rs 16,995. However, you can grab it for just Rs 14,695 on Amazon, enjoying a significant discount of Rs 2,300. This gaming mouse comes in three attractive color options: Black, Magenta, and White.

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Lenovo Xiaoxin Pad 2024 unveiled in unboxing video ahead of launch

Lenovo has provided a sneak peek at its upcoming tablet through an official unboxing video. This tablet called the Xiaoxin Pad 2024, is part of Lenovo’s China-exclusive Xiaoxin line and may also find its way into the global market as a part of the Tab P series. Here’s everything revealed by the unboxing video.

Lenovo Xiaoxin Pad 2024

Lenovo Xiaoxin Pad 2024 features & specs

In terms of design, the Xiaoxin Pad 2024 offers two elegant color choices: dove gray and smoky purple. It features a sleek and lightweight all-metal body, weighing only 465g and measuring a slim 7.1mm in thickness.

Lenovo Xiaoxin Pad 2024

The star of the show is its 11-inch high refresh rate eye-protecting screen, which delivers vibrant and sharp visuals. It has support for dual-app viewing on the same screen, making multitasking a breeze. With quad speakers, the Xiaoxin Pad 2024 ensures an immersive audio experience.

Under the hood, this tablet packs a punch with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 685 processor, ensuring smooth and efficient performance. It comes in configurations going up to 8GB of LPDDR4x RAM and 128GB of UFS 2.2 storage. If you need even more space, the MicroSD card expansion option has you covered. The tablet runs on ZUI 15, Lenovo’s custom user interface. Notably, it includes a 3.5mm headphone jack and offers convenient 20W fast charging. That being said, information regarding the battery capacity is still under wraps.

While the tablet is named the Lenovo Xiaoxin Pad 2024, we may see it launch before the end of the year. So, stay tuned for when that happens.

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This is the First “Leica Summilux Lens” Equipped Smartphone

Ahead of the launch of the Xiaomi 14 series launch this week, Xiaomi had teased their upcoming Xiaomi 14 and Xiaomi 14 Pro will feature Leica’s Summilux camera lenses, which are more premium and better than the previous Leica Summicron lenses found on the Xiaomi 13 series and Xiaomi 12S series. For context, a Leica Summilux-M 35 f/1.4 lens costs 3895 USD on Leica’s website.

Although the Xiaomi 14 series may be Xiaomi’s first smartphones to feature the Leica Summilux lenses, the Leica Summilux lenses can already can be found on smartphones since April 2017. So what smartphone brand was the first to feature “Leica Summilux lenses”? That brand is none other than Huawei, and the first smartphone to feature the premium Leica Summilux lens is the Huawei P10 Plus.

Huawei P10 Plus

The Huawei P10 Plus is Huawei’s best smartphone released in early 2017. Powered by Huawei’s in-house Kirin 960, the smartphone has smooth and fast performance to last you the whole day with a 3750 mAh battery alongside support for Huawei’s SuperCharge. 

Huawei P10 Plus with the Leica Summilux lens (Source: Huawei)

But of course, the highlight here was the cameras. Both the phones featured a 20MP + 12MP Leica certified dual camera setup at the back. However, the larger Huawei P10 Plus comes with a wider f/1.8 aperture instead of f/2.2 on the standard P10, and the P10 Plus has a more premium Leica SUMMILUX-H F1.8 lens, while the P10 featured the SUMMARIT-H F2.2 lens, the same one found on the Huawei Mate 9, P9 and P9 Plus.

More affordable Huawei P10 with Leica Summarit lens

After 2017

After the launch of the Huawei P10 Plus, Huawei started using the Leica Summilux lenses in its premium smartphones ever since, starting with the Huawei Mate 10 and Mate 10 Pro launched in late 2017. The full list of Huawei’s Leica lenses used over the years is as shown below.

Huawei SmartphoneLeica Lens
P10, Mate 9, Mate 9 Pro, P9, P9 PlusSUMMARIT H 1:2.2/27 ASPH
P10 PlusSUMMILUX-H 1:1.8/27 ASPH
P20, Mate 10, Mate 10 ProSUMMILUX-H 1:1.6/27 ASPH
P20 ProVARIO-SUMMILUX-H 1:1.6-2.4/27-80 ASPH
Mate 20VARIO-SUMMILUX-H 1:1.8-2.4/17-52 ASPH
Mate 20 Pro, Mate 20 XVARIO-SUMMILUX-H 1:1.8-2.4/16-80 ASPH
P30VARIO-SUMMILUX-H 1:1.8-2.4/17-80 ASPH
P30 ProVARIO-SUMMILUX-H 1:1.6-3.4/16-125 ASPH
Mate 30, Mate 30 Pro, Mate 30 Pro 5GVARIO-SUMMILUX-H 1:1.6-2.4/18-80 ASPH
P40VARIO-SUMMILUX-H 1:1.9-2.4/17-80 ASPH
Mate 40 Pro, P40 ProVARIO-SUMMILUX-H 1:1.8-3.4/18-125 ASPH
P40 Pro+VARIO-SUMMILUX-H 1:1.8-4.0/18-240 ASPH
Mate 40VARIO-SUMMILUX-H 1:1.9-2.4/17-85 ASPH
Mate 40 Pro+VARIO-SUMMILUX-H 1:1.9-4.4/14-240 ASPH
P50VARIO-SUMMILUX-H 1:1.8-3.4/16-125 ASPH
P50 ProVARIO-SUMMILUX-H 1:1.6-3.5/13-90 ASPH
List of Leica lens used in Huawei premium smartphones over the years (Leo Wong De Quan / Gizmochina)

The Huawei P20 Pro was a particular breakthrough for Huawei, as it was the world’s first triple rear camera smartphone, and it earned first VARIO-SUMMILUX-H for Huawei. Then in late 2018, Huawei Mate 20 Pro was announced as Huawei’s first flagship to have an ultra-wide angle 16mm equivalent lens, earning the lens title of VARIO-SUMMILUX-H 1:1.8-2.4/16-80 ASPH.

Huawei P20 Pro and P20 with Leica Summilux and Vario-Summilux lens

The Huawei P30 Pro could reach up to a 125mm equivalent lens with its periscope zoom lens, and then the P40 Pro+ in 2020 broke the record with its 10 times periscope optical zoom lens, giving a 240mm equivalent lens quality on a smartphone. 

In 2021, Huawei ended its partnership with Leica with the P50 and P50 Pro, the last Huawei smartphones in collaboration with Leica. Huawei then utilised its own in-house XMAGE camera branding solution, from the Huawei Mate 50 series onwards in 2022. 

In turn, Xiaomi has carried on the torch of premium smartphones in collaboration with Leica, and the brand is expected to announced to launch its latest Xiaomi 14 series of premium smartphones with Leica certified cameras this week in China. Stay tuned to our coverage of the Xiaomi 14 series, only on Gizmochina.

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Foxconn Investigations in China Raise Questions Ahead of Taiwan Elections

Taiwan‘s Foxconn, the globe’s top electronics contract maker and a major Apple supplier, is in the spotlight as Chinese authorities launch tax and land use probes into several of its facilities. Interestingly, this scrutiny comes just months before Taiwan’s presidential elections, sparking concerns over what this could mean for the island nation’s political future.

Foxconn’s economic interests are in a tight spot between China and Taiwan

Foxconn, officially known as Hon Hai Precision Industry, employs over a million people in mainland China and is a significant player in the region’s economy. The investigations are concentrated in various provinces, including Guangdong and Jiangsu, according to China’s state-run Global Times. While specific details are scarce, Foxconn has pledged to “actively cooperate” with authorities.

Foxconn

Given Foxconn’s size and influence, as well as the timing of the investigation, many can’t help but wonder if there’s a political undertone to these actions. Terry Gou, Foxconn’s founder, had previously failed to secure a nomination from Taiwan’s opposition party, Kuomintang, in 2019. With elections on the horizon, Gou’s connections with mainland China have become a hot topic.

Foxconn has been walking a tightrope between its economic interests in mainland China and its origins in Taiwan, a self-ruled territory that Beijing claims as its own. The firm has remained diplomatically neutral so far, stating that compliance with the law is a “basic principle” for its global operations.

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Nubia Z50S silently launched with curved FHD+ 144Hz display & Snapdragon 8 Gen 2

Nubia has silently added another member to its Z50 series – the Nubia Z50S. This smartphone is set to hit the market on Monday, October 23, with some impressive features.

Nubia Z50S

Nubia Z50S specs

One of the highlights is its 6.67-inch flexible curved screen. It offers a resolution of 2,400 × 1,080 pixels and a fast 144 Hz refresh rate. The screen also boasts a maximum brightness of 1000 nits for clear visibility in all conditions.

Under the hood, the Nubia Z50S packs a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor. It comes with 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM and offers a choice between 256GB or 512GB of UFS 4.0 internal storage for your apps and files.

Nubia Z50S

The camera setup includes a 64 MP 35mm Sony IMX787 sensor on the back. Additionally, the back module features a 50-megapixel AF ultra-wide-angle macro two-in-one lens and a multi-channel spectral sensor. On the front, you get a 16-megapixel camera with facial recognition.

In terms of connectivity, the Nubia Z50S supports 5G, WiFi 6E, NFC, and Bluetooth 5.3. Battery life won’t be an issue with its 5000 mAh battery, and the 80-watt wired fast charging can top it up from 0 to 100% in around 30 minutes. For those who still prefer the 3.5 mm audio jack, it’s included, and there’s also a linear motor for haptic feedback.

Pricing & availability

In China, the Nubia Z50S begins at a price of 2,199 Yuan (~$306), for the model with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. It will be available in a sleek Black color option starting tomorrow on JD.com.

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