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.
Samsung is the world’s largest smartphone manufacturer, selling millions of new devices every quarter. The company stands out for its high-quality hardware components, with a particular emphasis on its displays. However, when it comes to devices, software is as important as hardware, and the Korean tech giant lags behind in this regard. For instance, in recent days, some Galaxy device users have been experiencing a Samsung Messages error that prevents them from using the app. Now, the company is addressing this issue by explaining how to fix the recent ‘harmful app’ error in Samsung Messages. Here are the details…
Samsung Provides a Solution to the Recent ‘Harmful App’ Error in Samsung Messages T
In recent days, many Galaxy users worldwide have been frustrated by a ‘harmful app’ error in Samsung Messages. It appears that this error was triggered by a temporary problem with Google’s systems. Although it has been fixed, some Galaxy device users might still be facing this issue. Samsung has offered a solution for them. But before we delve into the solution, let’s take a look at what caused this error.
The issue of the Samsung Messages app being marked as harmful due to a device security problem popup has been attributed to a temporary outage on Google’s servers, and it has since been resolved for normal use. If users previously chose to stop using harmful apps through Play Protect, they are advised to reset the app settings, ensuring that their existing app data remains intact.
This reset action affects various app settings, including stopped apps, blocked notifications, apps with restricted data usage when not in use, and permission restrictions. So, if your Messages app is still not functioning correctly, Samsung recommends resetting app preferences
To reset app preferences, go to the Settings app on your Galaxy device.
In the “Apps” section, tap the three-dot menu in the upper-right corner.
Select “Reset app preferences” and confirm by tapping “Reset.”
This action resets preferences for disabled apps, notification restrictions, background data restrictions, and permission restrictions.
Importantly, your existing app data will not be deleted.
Teclast has announced the T60 Android tablet powered by the Unisoc T616 chipset. The Teclast T60 has a 12-inch IPS display and is a budget tablet priced below $300. It will run on Android 13 and has a resolution of 2000 x 1200 pixels. The T60 integrates light, hail, and proximity sensors to deliver an immersive experience.
The Teclast T60 will be powered by the UNISOC Tiger T616 SoC
The Teclast T60 tablet has dimensions of 279 x 174 x 7.7 mm and weighs 570g. The tablet has a 92% screen-to-body ratio, a 13MP rear camera, and a 5MP front camera. The Teclast T60 also features an auxiliary lens whose specs are not yet known. The front-facing camera is found within one of the tablet’s horizontal bezels. The Teclast T60 can only stream DRM-protected videos from streaming platforms like Amazon Prime and Netflix at 720p. When paired with the T60 folio case, the tablet delivers smart device wake-up while its gyroscope is excellent in gaming applications.
The Teclast T60 is equipped with the Unisoc Tiger T616 processor with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. The RAM is expandable by 8GB while the storage is expandable by 1TB. The storage is expandable and the device also features a dual SIM slot. It has an 8,000mAh battery and supports 18W USB-PD rapid charging. The T60 can operate up to 10 hours on a single charge. The Teclast T60 Android tablet is available in a single grey colorway and is priced at $269.99. It is available from Amazon.
Vofo has unveiled its latest dash cam, the A229 Pro. The Vofo A229 Pro is a three-camera dash cam with 4K and dual Starvis 2 sensors. Its rear-facing camera records at 2K while the interior camera records 1080p content.
Features
The Vofo A229 Pro is a flagship dash cam with two Starvis 2 sensors and improved HDR recording in all three channels. The dash cam system consists of the main front-facing camera that records 4K video with HDR at 30fps, a wired 2K rear-facing camera, and a 1080p interior camera.
The main camera has a 140º lens while the rear-facing camera has a 160º lens and shoots at 30fps. The new Sony Starvis 2 imaging sensor is featured in both the front and rear cameras. The front sports the IMX678 while the rear camera has the IM675 sensor. The interior camera is an optional accessory to create the three-camera dash cam system.
The 5MP rear camera of the Vofo A229 Pro has a dynamic range that is 2.5 times wider than the earlier Starvis iteration. The 8MP front camera also comes with significant improvements over its predecessor. It delivers footage with less noise and minimal motion blur. The fact that the cameras are HDR-capable is a major talking point for them. The dashcam also supports voice controls and multiple languages including English, Chinese, Russian, and Japanese. It has a microSD card and automatically saves a 45-second pre and pro-impact recording of a crash.
Pricing & Availability
The Vofo A229 Pro is wired to the car’s system and has a power supply whenever the car is operational. The model is available in the US and prices start at $329.99 originally but are now reduced to $299.99.
Zepp Health is releasing a new firmware update for the Amazfit Falcon smartwatch to improve user experience during workouts. This update is an extension of the previous major upgrade, ZeppOS 2.0, which revamped how the watch looks and improved its ability to track your health, like monitoring your sleep and heart rate.
The latest update brings several noteworthy enhancements:
Offline Map Access: A new Map app allows users to access offline maps directly from the app list, ideal for adventures in areas with poor signal.
Heart Rate Recovery Notifications: Post-workout, the watch provides insights into cardiovascular health by displaying heart rate recovery results in the notification center.
Optimized Distance Reminders: Users can track their training progress more effectively with improved distance reminders.
Enhanced Zepp Coach Records: Tracking workout progress is now more straightforward with polished Zepp Coach records.
Quick Access to Favorite Sports Modes: Frequently used activity types can be added to the default workout list for easier access.
Customizable Cycling Power Meter Data: Users can personalize their cycling power meter data settings.
Intuitive UI for Performance Reminders: Real-time performance reminders are now presented in a more user-friendly interface.
Smooth Display-Waking: Checking data during workouts is now a seamless experience with enhanced display-waking.
To check for the update, users can access it through the Zepp app by navigating to Profile > Amazfit Falcon > System Update. Whether these new features will extend to other wearables like the Amazfit T-Rex 2 remains to be seen, but it’s a promising sign for the future of Amazfit devices.
Colored display-packing e-readers seem to be the in thing these days. PocketBook, not wanting to be left behind, has joined the fray with the InkPad Color 3 e-Reader. The e-reader doesn’t just offer an improved color display, it is also waterproof, with an IPX8 rating. The PocketBook InkPad Color 3 will be available next month and PocketBook is already receiving pre-orders for the gadget.
The InkPad Color 3 comes with improvements from its predecessor. It offers water protection up to a meter of water for about 30 minutes. It however lacks dust protection given its IPX8 rating. It has a Kaleido 3 display that can display 4,096 colors and this is 50% better than its predecessor. The 7.8-inch display of the E-Reader has a resolution of 939 x 702 pixels and a pixel density of 150DPI in color mode. The grayscale resolution of the panel is 1404 x 1872 pixels and 300DPI pixel density.
The PocketBook InkPad Color 3 weighs 270g and has dimensions of 134 x 189 x 7.9mm. The InkPad Color 3 supports 25 book and graphic formats. It does not need a conversion for the different formats.
Pricing & Availability
The PocketBook InkPad Color 3 is priced at €319 (~$337) and is available in Europe. It is available in a single Stormy Sea colorway. The InkPad Color 3 will be available from November but the company is already receiving pre-orders. The IPX8 waterproof rating of the PocketBook InkPad Color 3 E-Reader seems to be one of its key selling points. PocketBook says a combination offer for the e-reader which includes a free matching protective cover is available. Deliveries of the E-Reader will begin in mid-November 2023.
Samsung recently launched the Galaxy Tab A9 and Tab A9+ in markets like India, South America, and the Middle East. Now, the tablet has also arrived in other markets around the globe including the US.
Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 & Tab A9+ specs
The Galaxy Tab A9 comes equipped with an 8.7-inch LCD display, offering a resolution of 800 x 1340 pixels and a refresh rate of 60Hz. It is powered by the Helio G99 chipset and boasts a 5,100mAh battery with 15W charging support. On the camera front, it features a 2-megapixel front-facing camera and an 8-megapixel rear camera.
On the other hand, the Galaxy Tab A9+ steps up its game with an 11-inch LCD screen that delivers a higher resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels and a faster 90Hz refresh rate. Under the hood, it houses the Snapdragon 695 chip and packs a 7,040mAh battery with 15W charging capabilities. The Tab A9+ features a 5-megapixel front camera and an 8-megapixel rear camera. The tablet has a quad-speaker setup AKG-tuned.
Both tablets offer a range of connectivity options, including SIM support, Wi-Fi 5, and Bluetooth 5.3. Furthermore, they come with a user-friendly One UI-based Android 13 interface. They both are quite slim with the Tab A9 measuring 8mm in thickness and weighing 366 grams. On the other hand, the Tab A9+ measures 6.9mm in thickness and weighs 510 grams.
Pricing & availability
Color options for both tablets include Graphite, Silver, and Navy. Pricing and availability may differ based on the carrier, retailer, and market, so it’s advisable to inquire with local Samsung retail partners or official stores.
Chinese authorities have launched investigations into several sites of Foxconn Technology Group, the world’s largest electronics contract manufacturer and a key supplier of Apple’s iPhones. The probe, focusing on tax and land use issues, encompasses Foxconn’s facilities in southern Guangdong province and Jiangsu in the east, as well as its land use in central Hunan and Hubei provinces. While the specifics of the investigation remain undisclosed, the timing, just months before Taiwan’s presidential elections, has sparked concerns about political motives.
Foxconn, also known as Hon Hai Precision Industry, responded to the allegations, stating, “Compliance with the law is a basic principle for our group worldwide.” The company pledged active cooperation with relevant authorities but refrained from divulging further details. This development comes at a crucial juncture for Taiwan as it prepares for its upcoming elections in January.
Critics have questioned the investigation’s timing, linking it to the political landscape in Taiwan. Foxconn’s founder, billionaire Terry Gou Tai-ming, who has distanced himself from the company to pursue an independent candidacy in the 2024 presidential elections, has faced scrutiny. Gou, who failed to secure the opposition Kuomintang party’s nomination in 2019, is perceived by some as having close ties with mainland China’s leadership. Despite these allegations, Gou has asserted his independence from Beijing’s influence.
The Taiwanese government swiftly came to Foxconn’s defense, emphasizing that Taiwanese businesses should be shielded from “political interference.” Deputy Premier Cheng Wen-tsan criticized Beijing’s actions, stating, “We do not want Chinese factors to influence the elections.” Premier Chen Chien-jen echoed these sentiments, reaffirming the government’s commitment to supporting Taiwanese businesses amidst the ongoing investigations.
Foxconn, renowned for its massive workforce and technological prowess, operates as China’s largest private-sector employer, employing over a million workers nationwide. Its importance in the global electronics supply chain adds weight to the concerns surrounding the investigation’s potential impact on the industry.
As the situation unfolds, the international community remains watchful, observing the developments in both the investigations and the upcoming Taiwanese elections.
Last year in October, Xiaomi launched the Outdoor Camera CW400 in its domestic market. Now, the brand has listed the camera on its global website, meaning that the security camera will soon be made available in other regions around the globe.
Xiaomi Outdoor Camera CW400 specs
This camera is equipped with a high-gain dual antenna for stable long-distance transmission. It features a 4MP F1.6 aperture sensor with a 2.5K image output for exceptional clarity.
The Xiaomi CW400 offers a resolution of 2560 x 1440p, ensuring a broader transmission range and improved penetration. It comes with a built-in high-gain dual antenna setup for hassle-free data transmission.
In low-light conditions, the camera’s two infrared and two white lights provide full-color night vision, even in weak light settings.
With a 360-degree horizontal and 160-degree vertical viewing angle, the camera covers a wide area. It’s rated IP66 for dust and waterproof protection, making it suitable for outdoor use.
Additionally, the camera offers intelligent noise reduction, a 15-meter sound recording radius, AI humanoid detection, sound and light warnings, time-lapse photography, and cloud storage for local storage backup.
Pricing & availability
The global launch date remains uncertain, but in China, it’s available for 299 yuan (~US$41).
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the global market, China has announced stringent export controls on specific graphite products, effective from December 1, 2023. The Chinese government, citing “national security concerns,” stated that exporters will now be required to obtain permits to ship high-purity, high-hardness, and high-intensity synthetic graphite material, along with natural flake graphite and its derivatives.
The announcement, made by China’s Ministry of Commerce, has raised concerns about disruptions in the supply chain. While Chinese officials maintain that these restrictions are not aimed at any particular nation and permits will be granted if regulations are met, analysts see this move as a potential retaliation against recent US restrictions. Last week, US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo unveiled further limitations on the export of AI chips and manufacturing equipment to China, emphasizing the goal of restricting China’s access to advanced semiconductors vital for artificial intelligence breakthroughs.
Graphite Tubes
Graphite, a critical mineral used in electric vehicle batteries, nuclear reactors, steel refractories, and advanced manufacturing processes like graphene production, is a commodity heavily relied upon globally. China’s dominance in graphite production is significant; it is expected to produce 61% of flake graphite and 92% of anode material in 2023.
The global impact of China’s decision has left key players, including South Korea and Japan, on high alert. Both countries’ trade ministers have expressed concerns, with Hirokazu Matsuno of Japan suggesting involving the World Trade Organization to address the issue. Experts suggest that there is a need for non-Chinese companies to accelerate efforts to develop supply chains independent of Chinese processed materials.
This latest development follows similar export restrictions imposed by Beijing in July on metals like gallium and germanium, also justified on grounds of “national security concerns.” As the world grapples with these trade tensions, experts suggest that diversification of supply chains and international cooperation might become pivotal strategies in navigating this increasingly complex global economic landscape.
Chinese audio products manufacturer Edifier has launched the NeoBuds Pro 2 earbuds for the global market. The NeoBuds Pro 2 is the brand’s first model to feature wide-band and multi-channel active noise cancellation (ANC). The TWS earbuds are capable of blocking a broader range of unwanted sounds than standard TWS earbuds.
Edifier NeoBuds Pro 2 – First in the series with wide-band multi-channel ANC
The Edifier NeoBuds Pro 2 which was earlier announced in India in April this year, comes with upgraded features from its predecessors. The patented ANC technology on the NeoBuds Pro 2 offers up to 50dB in noise reduction. It is augmented with a 5kHz bandwidth in combination with its Knowles RAN Balanced Armature drivers. The new ANC technology allows users of the earbuds to personalize it to suit their needs and the environment. In essence, the user can effectively select the background noise he wants to hear while using the earbuds. Some of the ANC modes are High, Low, and Transparency.
The NeoBuds Pro 2 features Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity for greater range and clarity. It also offers fast charging for the battery and app customization. There are 8 mics on the model for greater noise cancellation. The NeoBuds Pro 2 is available in a black colorway.
Pricing & Availability
The new Edifier NeoBuds Pro 2 TWS earbuds offer a low-latency gaming mode and spatial audio. They offer up to 20 hours of battery life and feature LDAC and SBC codecs. The NeoBuds Pro 2 is available for purchase directly from Amazon and comes with a $129.99 price tag. Unlike previous Edifier earbuds, the NeoBuds Pro 2 did not go through the crowdfunding route.
Qualcomm is expected to announce its next-generation Snapdragon chip at its annual Snapdragon Summit tomorrow. But a new leak has revealed the full specs of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor ahead of time.
According to leaked marketing materials obtained by MSPoweruser, the new SoC will offer a significant performance boost over the current Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, as well as a variety of new AI features.
First things first, it will feature a 1+5+2 core configuration, with one prime core, five performance cores, and two efficiency cores. The prime core will be clocked at up to 3.3 GHz, while the performance and efficiency cores will be clocked at up to 3.2 GHz and 2.3 GHz, respectively. It will be paired with a new Adreno 750 GPU which will be 50% more powerful than the current Adreno 740.
Likewise, the chip will have an upgraded Hexagon neural processor (NPU) that is said to be 98% faster and 40% more efficient. This upgraded NPU will enable a variety of AI features on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, including expanding photos, removing objects from videos, and generating AI backgrounds. Interestingly, the leaked material reveals the chip will also be able to run AI models such as Stable Diffusion and Meta’s Llama 2.
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 will also have some powerful gaming-related features, such as a next-generation light reflection system that allows for global illumination with ray tracing. Additionally, it will be able to handle 240 FPS gaming and upscale graphics to up to 8K resolution.
Xiaomi has already confirmed that it will be launching its Xiaomi 14 series on October 26, so we won’t have to wait long to see the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in action.
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