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North Korea’s AI-Powered Cyberwarfare Program: A New Threat to the World

Artificial intelligence technologies continue to evolve and expand their areas of application. Today, we can see the presence of this technology in many sectors. However, it’s not only private companies that are using AI. Many governments around the world are also working to benefit from AI’s capabilities. The only concern here is that AI isn’t always used by well-intentioned individuals for the right purposes. According to recent information, North Korea has acquired AI and is testing its capability for cyberwarfare. Here are the details…

North Korea Tests AI for Cyberwarfare, Raising Fears of New Attacks

North Korea is arguably one of the most mysterious countries on Earth. Although its citizens are isolated from the outside world and often lack access to many modern technologies, it doesn’t mean the government lacks them too. In fact, the country, led by Kim Jong-Un, frequently harnesses modern technologies for its own purposes.

North Korea AI Cyberattacks

North Korea is well known for its cyber attacks, which have targeted a broad spectrum of organizations, including governments, businesses, and individuals. Now, North Korea has acquired AI and wants to use it for cyberwarfare. According to a report prepared by the US, North Korea has become the first nation to adopt AI technologies for cyberattacks.

AI could enable the country to carry out more sophisticated and effective cyberattacks. Additionally, it could make defending against these attacks more challenging. The Asian nation often uses the gains from these attacks to make money, harm their “enemies,” and create propaganda.

The main point of curiosity is how North Korea acquired this technology. As you may know, advanced hardware components like the Nvidia H100 chip are needed for AI, and it’s certain that the mentioned country cannot produce this on its own. The consensus among experts is that the necessary components were purchased through a front company. However, the software aspect remains a mystery for now.

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Anker SOLIX F3800 Power Station launched for the global market under crowdfunding

The Anker SOLIX F3800 power station has now been mounted on Kickstarter. This comes after a successful unveiling of the new Anker SOLIX lineup of Power Stations during IFA 2023 in Berlin. The lineup includes the Anker SOLIX C1000 Portable Power Station and the F3800 Portable Power Station. The Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign will end next month and has already exceeded its $100,000 target. More than 1,150 backers have already raised $4,138,827 in pledges for the SOLIX F3800 as of October 19, 2023.

Anker SOLIX F3800 Power Station

The models were projected as redefining a new standard of power energy independence. With the new lineup, consumers can access reliable power storage in any situation, according to Anker. Anker also says that it is not just about powering outdoor adventures but also ensuring they have a dependable home power backup solution with incredible savings.

The Anker SOLIX F3800 is designed to provide users with a backup and accessible home power solution. It is the first power station to feature AC coupling and support solar power cycling. It offers homeowners the opportunity to enjoy a complete home power system with easy professional installation. It offers an expandable power supply to the home at a significantly reduced cost compared to traditional power systems. It offers 6,000W AC power output and 120V/240V voltage options.

Anker SOLIX F3800 Power Station

The SOLIX F3800 can simultaneously power high-energy devices, as well as basic home appliances. It has a 3.844kWh internal battery which can be further expanded to 53.8kWh with additional batteries. The F3800 can thus deliver more than a week of backup power supply to the home.

Anker SOLIX F3800 Power Station

Pricing & Availability

You can easily manage your home energy cycle using the F3800 via your smartphone. It can directly charge electric vehicles and offers more fast charging options. Anker is offering a 5-year warranty for the SOLIX F3800 power station. The minimum pledge amount for the SOLIX F3800 is $2,599 and deliveries will start by January 2024. The deliveries are tied to selected countries in Europe, the US, Canada, and Australia.

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Sharge launches the Shargeek 170 Power Bank with a transparent design on Kickstarter

Chinese power products manufacturer Sharge (formerly Shargeek) has launched the Shargeek 170 power bank has been launched on the crowdfunding platform Kickstarter. The Shargeek 170 is designed to deliver unparalleled charging and comes in a transparent prism silhouette. It offers three-device fast charging and a maximum output of 170W. The crowdfunding campaign’s target of $5,000 has already been exceeded, with 2,033 backers pledging a cumulative sum of $365,322.

Shargeek 170 Power Bank

The Shargeek 170 is a power bank that comes in a sleek design. It has a smart display and is water resistant. It has a 24,000mAh capacity and 140W maximum input power. The Shargeek 170 is the 10th Sharge project mounted on Kickstarter. In July 2023, the brand raised $598,763 from 5,447 backers of the Sharge Disk. Overall, it has raised an excess of $2.5 million from 23,000+ backers so far.

The Shargeek 170 is one of the coolest power banks with its iconic transparent design. The futuristic prism silhouette of the gadget gives it an exciting look atop its excellent charging capabilities. It can charge three devices simultaneously and features a low current mode. The Shargeek 170 is inspired by Pink Floyd’s timeless masterpiece called Dark Side of the Moon. The unique transparent prism silhouette houses exquisite engineering and delivers charging in style.

Shargeek 170 Power Bank

The new Shargeek 170 power bank’s smart display offers full visibility and an intuitive outlook. You can conveniently check the power status and charging performance, as well as be alerted about abnormal temperatures. The device is also capable of automatic adjustment of the charging power. The low current mode allows for seamless charging of low-energy devices like earbuds, smartwatches, and neckbands. The Shargeek 170 thus provides safe and optimized charging for such devices.

The Shargeek 170 has a PD 3.1 140W single-port input. It has two USB-C and one USB-A output ports. When the three USB ports are in use, the maximum output via USB-C is 65W. The device itself can be recharged via 140W input that delivers 50% charge in just 20 minutes. It offers pass-through charging to help recharge your gadgets while the power bank is being recharged.

Sharge

The Shargeek 170 houses 6 EV-grade batteries that deliver a total capacity of 24,000mAh. The power bank maintains over 80% capacity after 800+ charging cycles, thus it can operate optimally for several years.

Pricing & Availability

The super early-bird offer on Kickstarter for the Shargeek 170 is $119 with a 40% discount. There are other separate offers for the Phantom cable, 140W PD 3.1 charger, solar panel, and Travel case. The Kickstarter campaign for the Shargeek 170 will be concluded at the end of November 2023.

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Nokia to cut 14,000 jobs by 2026 due to a 20% sales drop and slowing 5G demand

Finnish telecommunications giant Nokia has announced plans to cut between 9,000 and 14,000 jobs globally by the end of 2026 in an effort to reduce costs. This decision came after the company reported a 20% decline in sales during the third quarter, attributing the slump to decreased demand for 5G equipment, particularly in North America. Nokia aims to save between €800m and €1.2bn by 2026, citing the challenges posed by high inflation, rising interest rates, and reduced spending by its customers.

Nokia
Credit: Reuters

Nokia’s Strategic Shift: Cost-Cutting Amid 5G Market Uncertainties

CEO Pekka Lundmark highlighted the need for investments in networks improved by cloud computing and AI. However, due to uncertainties in market recovery, Nokia is opting for decisive cost-cutting measures. Initial reductions will save the company €400m in 2024 and €300m in 2025.

CEO Pekka expressed that decisions affecting employees are the toughest. He acknowledged Nokia’s talented workforce and ensured support for those impacted by the upcoming changes. Despite challenges, he remains optimistic about future opportunities for Nokia.

Nokia was once the world’s leading mobile phone manufacturer but struggled with the rise of smartphones like the iPhone and Samsung’s Galaxy. Post selling its handset division to Microsoft, which was later sold to HMD Global, Nokia pivoted to focus on telecoms equipment. In 2020, after the UK restricted Huawei from its 5G networks, Nokia became BT’s primary equipment provider.

Despite this, 5G equipment manufacturers have been facing challenges as operators in the US and EU reduce spending. This has affected not only Nokia but also its Swedish competitor, Ericsson, which also reported sales declines.

Kester Mann, an analyst at CCS Insight, commented on the surprising struggles of telecoms, stating that while the demand for services remains high, questions about the long-term future and relevance of operators continue to emerge. Furthermore, many tech companies, including Meta and Amazon, have been making redundancies due to economic challenges, although 80% of affected big tech workers found employment within three months.

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Philips launches Evnia 27M2N5510J 27-inch 2K 180Hz FastIPS Monitor in China for 1299 yuan ($177)

Philips has announced a new 27-inch 2K monitor, the Evnia 27M2N5510J, featuring an impressive 180Hz refresh rate. It is being offered at a special introductory price of 1299 yuan ($177). Pre-orders for this monitor will begin on October 23rd. Let’s check out the key specs of this monitor.

Philips Evnia 27M2N5510J Monitor Key Features:

Philips Evnia 27M2N5510J is equipped with a FastIPS panel, delivering a 2K resolution of 2560×1440. It caters to both gamers and professionals, offering a 180Hz refresh rate via DP and 144Hz via HDMI. With a rapid 1ms GTG response time, it ensures clear motion. The monitor is VESA DisplayHDR 400 certified, providing vivid contrast. Additionally, it boasts excellent color accuracy, covering 99.1% of sRGB and 90% of DCI-P3 color spectrums.

The monitor offers versatile connectivity with two HDMI 2.0 ports, a DP 1.4 interface, and a headphone jack. Its design combines functionality and style, featuring a stand that allows for height adjustment up to 130mm, tilting from -5 to 20 degrees, vertical rotation of ±90°, and horizontal rotation of ±30°.

The monitor comes with low input latency technology, catering to gamers with features like Motion Blur Reduction (MBR), an intelligent crosshair, and Dark Boost for improved visibility in low-light scenes. It also features an ambient light atmosphere lamp for immersion. For readers, there’s an EasyRead mode to reduce strain during extended use.

Philips has also expanded its product lineup with the introduction of smart cameras and sensors for home security under the Philips Hue brand. Additionally, they have launched the Philips Evnia 49M2C8900, a 49-inch 5K QD OLED gaming monitor in Europe.

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Xiaomi TV A Pro 85” with a 120Hz refresh rate launched in China for 5,999 yuan ($820)

The Xiaomi TV A Pro 85 inches has been unveiled in China. The new Xiaomi TV A Pro sports an 85-inch high-brush screen with 120Hz refresh rate. The model comes with a competitive price and excellent features comparable to TVs in the same range.

Xiaomi TV A Pro 85 inches

Features

The Xiaomi TV A Pro 85 delivers EMMC motion compensation, offering smoother video output for football and other games. The Xiaomi TV A Pro has an 85-inch 4K panel which is 10 inches larger than its predecessor. It has a resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels and delivers its maximum 120Hz refresh rate when the competitive mode is activated. Xiaomi says the TV A Pro’s screen has undergone a strict and fine color calibration test. It supports 1.07 billion colors and adopts a full-screen design with narrow bezels.

Xiaomi TV A Pro 85 inches

The TV A Pro 85 comes with two 10W high-powered stereo speakers with support for DTS sound encoding. There are two HDMI ports in the gadget, two USB interfaces, a network port, and one S/PDIF interface. The TV also has a single AV interface.

Xiaomi TV A Pro 85 inches

The new Xiaomi TV A Pro has a screen-to-body ratio of 96.5% with an improved lower frame texture. The TV is equipped with a quad-core Cortex-A55 CPU and a 3GB/ 32GB memory/ storage configuration. The TV supports dual-band WiFi and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity.

Pricing & Availability

The Xiaomi TV A Pro 85 is priced at 5,999 yuan (~$820) and is available from Xiaomi Mall. There is no global availability information for the TV at this time.

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Get Aqara E1 Smart Home Security Camera at GeekWills for $79

Aqara Smart Camera E1 is a cutting-edge device designed to elevate your home security and monitoring experience. With its sleek design and advanced features, this camera ensures you stay connected and protected, day and night. You can now buy Aqara Smart camera for $79 at GeekWills. 

WHERE TO BUY
Aqara Smart Camera E1 at $79 @GeekWills

At its core, the Aqara Smart Camera E1 delivers exceptional image quality, boasting 2K 3 million UHD resolution for crystal-clear visuals. Its 101° diagonal lens captures a wide perspective, while the dual motor gimbal enables a 360° viewing angle, allowing you to monitor every corner of your space effortlessly.

Equipped with AI humanoid tracking, this camera intelligently follows movements, ensuring you never miss a moment. Whether it’s for home security or keeping an eye on your loved ones, the Aqara Smart Camera E1 has you covered. Additionally, its time-lapse photography feature lets you capture the passage of time in stunning detail.

In low-light conditions, the camera’s 940nm infrared fill-in lights provide clear night vision, offering peace of mind around the clock. The two-way voice chat feature enables seamless communication, allowing you to interact remotely with family members or pets.

What sets the Aqara Smart Camera E1 apart is its connectivity options. It supports Wi-Fi IEEE 802.11b/g/n/ax 2.4GHz and Bluetooth 5.2, ensuring a stable and reliable connection. The camera also supports MagicPair and WiFi 6, enhancing its compatibility and ease of use. For Apple enthusiasts, it is fully compatible with Apple HomeKit, integrating seamlessly into your smart home ecosystem.

When it comes to data storage, the Aqara Smart Camera E1 offers flexibility. You can store your footage on a NAS system, Aqara cloud, or a MicroSD card, giving you control over your data and privacy.

Aqara Smart Camera E1 delivers top-notch performance without unnecessary frills. Its impressive 2K 3 million UHD image quality, AI tracking, and seamless connectivity make it a reliable choice for anyone seeking a dependable home security solution.

iQOO Neo 8 launched in new 16GB RAM+ 1TB storage version

iQOO launched the Neo 8 in China earlier this year in May. The handset was initially launched with up to 16GB of RAM and 512GB of onboard storage. This is a decent amount of storage for most but power users may feel the need for more. Keeping that in mind iQOO has today launched the new 16GB RAM and 1TB storage version of the handset in China. Here are the details.

Price, availability, and Specifications

iQOO has launched the Neo 8 in China with 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage. The new version is priced at 3,699 Yuan ($505). For reference, the 12GB RAM + 256GB storage variant of the handset costs 2,499 Yuan ($354), while the 12GB RAM + 516GB storage version is priced at 2,599 Yuan ($396). There’s also a 16GB RAM + 516GB version, which costs 3,099 Yuan (~$439).

iQOO-Neo-8-series

The iQOO Neo 8 comes with a slim form factor, a rectangular rear camera module, and a center-aligned punch-hole cutout display. The handset has a 6.78-inch AMOLED screen bearing a 1.5K resolution and a 144Hz refresh rate. It also gets an in-screen fingerprint scanner, 1,300 nits peak brightness, HDR10 support, and Vivo’s V1+ image chip.

For photography, the iQOO Neo 8 comes with a 50MP OIS-enabled main lens coupled with a 2MP depth sensor. There’s a 16MP front-facing selfie shooter. Under the hood, the iQOO Neo 8 is powered by a Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor, paired with a VC liquid cooling heat dissipation system. The iQOO Neo 8 is fueled by a 5,000mAh battery unit with support for 120W fast charging. It runs Android 13 with OriginOS 3 on the software front.

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Lenovo Thinkplus TWS earbuds: on sale: $5.99 (original price: $32.99)

Xiaomi Pad 6 Pro Tablet: on sale: $339 (original price: $399)

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Samsung Launches New, Slimmer 25W Super Fast Charger with GaN

Samsung has announced a new 25W charger with a slimmer and more compact design. The charger uses GaN (Gallium Nitride) material, which is smaller and more efficient than traditional silicon-based chargers. This makes the new charger lighter and more portable, while still offering the same fast charging speeds.

Samsung 25W Super Fast Charger with GaN

The charger also supports USB PD 3.0 fast charging protocol, complete with PPS. This means that it can be used to fast charge a wide range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, and laptops.

In addition to its slimmer design and faster charging speeds, the charger is also more power-efficient than Samsung’s previous 25W charger. According to Samsung, the new charger consumes just 5mW in an idle state, compared to 20mW of the older model. This means that the new charger will waste less power when it is not in use.

The new charger is also made using recycled plastic, making it a more sustainable option than traditional chargers.

The new 25W Fast Charger is currently only available in South Korea, but Samsung is expected to launch it in other markets soon. It is priced at KRW 25,300 ($19) for the charger alone, or KRW 33,000 ($24) for the charger with a bundled USB Type-C to USB Type-C charging cable.

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Samsung Exynos 1480 chip runs Geekbench, might debut with Galaxy A55

Samsung is not giving up on Exynos chips; in fact, it is coming back stronger next year with new Exynos processors. Recently, the company made the Exynos 2400 SoC official, featuring an RDNA 3 GPU. This chip is intended to power the Galaxy S24 series and is expected to compete with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. Samsung might also be planning to refresh its mid-range lineup, as a new Exynos 1480 chip has appeared on Geekbench. Here are the details.

Exynos 1480 performs better than Exynos 1380, of course

Exynos 1480 has appeared on Geekbench with model number S5E8845. The listing reveals the chipset will get an octa-core architecture with four efficiency cores clocked at 2.05GHz and the rest four performance cores at 2.75GHz. Exynos 1480 will have a base frequency of 2.05GHz and will be paired with Samsung’s Xclipse 530 GPU, possibly designed on AMD’s RDNA 2 graphics architecture similar.

Exynos-1480-Geekbench

Geekbench reveals the Exynos 1480 has achieved 882 points in the single-core test and 2808 points in the multi-core test. These scores may not be very impressive, especially considering that the chipset will power the Galaxy A55, a premium mid-range smartphone. However, when compared to the Exynos 1380, the performance is not too bad. For reference, the Galaxy A54 with the Exynos 1380 scored 776 points in Geekbench 5’s single-core test and 2599 points in the multi-core test.

The Geekbench listing confirms a recent Galaxy Club report that the Galaxy A55 with Exynos 1480 is already being tested. The phone is expected to debut in the first quarter of next year, just like the Galaxy A54. Apart from the chipset, you may not see many upgrades to the phone.

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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 today. 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 earlier today) is for the China market. In short, both are same devices. 

OnePlus Open specifications and features

Right off the bat, the OnePlus Open is a compact foldable phone, almost the size of a wallet. It has a boxy form factor with a three-level alert slider on the left side. There is a large circular protruding camera module on the rear. OnePlus has equipped the hinge on its foldable phone with aerospace-grade materials. It is touted to last ten years with a 1,000,000-fold rating. Additionally, the crease on the device is fold rating barely noticeable. 

In terms of display, the OnePlus Open has a 6.3-inch external screen and a 7.82-inch internal screen. Both displays feature an LTPO AMOLED panel with 2K resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, and 2,800 nits peak brightness. The external screen is layered with Ceramic Guard protection that is said to offer 20 percent more impact resistance compared to the Gorilla Glass Victus. Meanwhile, the internal display has ultra-thin glass. The OnePlus Open is equipped with three speakers tuned by Dolby Atmos.

In the photography department, the OnePlus Open sports Hasselblad-branded triple rear cameras. The setup comprises a 1/1.43-inch 48MP main Sony LYTIA-T808 pixel stacked sensor, a 48MP ultra-wide-angle lens, and a third 64MP periscope telephoto unit with 6x optical zoom. The external and internal screens have a 20MP and 32MP camera sensor respectively housed in the punch-hole cutout for selfies and video calling.

Under the hood, the OnePlus Open is equipped with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor. It packs 16GB LPDDR5x RAM and up to 512TB UFS 4.0 storage. The foldable phone draws its power from a 4,800mAh battery unit with support for 67W fast charging. Software-wise, it runs on OxygenOS 14 based on Android 14 out of the box. It is guaranteed to receive four years of OS updates and five years of security patches.

The OnePlus Open comes with WiFi-7, dual 5G, X-Axis linear motor, Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C port, NFC, etc.

OnePlus Open pricing and availability

The OnePlus Open is offered in Voyager Black and Emerald Green colors. It starts at Rs 1,39,999 in India with pre-orders starting tomorrow and the first sale commencing from October 27. ICICI and OneCard customers can avail Rs 5,000 instant discount on the purchase and there are Jio benefits worth Rs 15,000. There is also Rs 8,000 trade-in bonus on selected devices. The OnePlus Open can be purchased from the brand’s online and offline stores, Amazon, Reliance Digital, and select partner stores across the country.

In the US, the OnePlus Open is priced at $1,699 whereas it costs EUR 1,799 in Europe. North American and European markets get free Buds 2 Pro Limited edition

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Dell launches UltraSharp U2424H/U2424HE monitors with 23.8-inch 120Hz IPS panel in China

Dell, a multinational technology company, offers a wide range of computing products and solutions. Their product lineup includes laptops, desktops, workstations, servers, storage solutions, networking equipment, and monitors.

Earlier today, the company introduced two new high-refresh-rate UltraSharp series monitors, the U2424H and U2424HE, priced at 2499 yuan ($341) and 2799 yuan ($382) respectively. These monitors will be available for purchase on Tmall starting from October 24th.

Dell U2424H-U2424HE Monitors

Dell U2424H/U2424HE Monitors Key Features:

Both monitors feature a 23.8-inch IPS display with a resolution of 1920×1080, a 120Hz refresh rate, 250 nits brightness, and excellent color performance, including 100% sRGB, 100% BT.709, and 85% DCI-P3 coverage. They also offer impressive color accuracy with a ΔE of less than 2, capable of displaying approximately 16.79 million colors.

Both the U2424H and U2424HE monitors feature a stylish design with ultra-narrow bezels and a platinum silver finish. They offer versatile adjustability options, including a 150mm height adjustment, a tilt range from -5° to 21°, swivel from -45° to 45°, and a full 90° rotation. The U2424HE is slightly heavier, weighing approximately 3.98 kg, while the U2424H weighs 3.52 kg.

These monitors stand out due to their ALS ambient light sensor, enabling automatic screen brightness adjustment based on surrounding light levels. They also feature advanced blue light reduction technology, claiming to reduce harmful blue light by 65%. Notably, these monitors have received certification from TÜV Rheinland in Germany for their performance in these aspects.

Dell U2424H-U2424HE Monitors

The U2424HE model offers a wide range of connectivity options, including a Kensington lock, HDMI and DP inputs, USB Type-C 90W power input, 10Gbps USB Type-C and Type-A ports (both second-generation USB 3.2), an audio port, and an RJ45 port with 2.5G capacity.

This model also supports KVM switch functionality, allowing users to control multiple devices with a single keyboard and mouse. In contrast, the U2424H lacks certain features such as 90W charging, RJ45 port, and KVM switch, which are present in the U2424HE.

Last month, Dell also launched a 24-inch USB-C Hub monitor in India, featuring 10-point multitouch support and an Ethernet port.

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AMD’s New Radeon RX 7900M Mobile GPU can Outshine NVIDIA’s RTX 4080, Company States

AMD recently pulled the curtain back on its latest offering for mobile gaming: the Radeon RX 7900M GPU. While it’s a powerhouse chip featuring 72 compute units and 16GB of GDDR6 RAM, what sets it apart is AMD’s focus on maximizing FPS in 1440p gaming, rather than chasing the 4K dream. This could be a game-changer for the average gamer who’s more interested in a smooth gaming experience than in pixel-perfect visuals.

The mobile GPU consumes up to 180 watts of power, which is quite high

Unlike its competitor, NVIDIA‘s RTX 4080 mobile chip, which has a power draw of 110 watts, the RX 7900M isn’t shy about its energy appetite, consuming up to 180 watts. However, it’s not without justification: AMD claims that its new chip can outperform the RTX 4080 by 7% in average frame rates. For instance, in games like Starfield, AMD says their chip could provide a 27% better performance.

AMD 7040U series

But the RX 7900M isn’t just about raw power; it’s also about smart tech. AMD’s FSR 3 (FidelityFX Super Resolution) upscaling technology promises to give a significant FPS boost in games, making it a practical choice for gamers who don’t want to compromise on performance. Although the chip falls a bit short in ray-traced games against NVIDIA’s offering, it excels in rasterized games.

Adding to its catalogue, AMD has teamed up with Alienware to integrate the RX 7900M and its Ryzen 9 7945HX processor into the upcoming m18 laptop. This machine is not just about the specs, but also about creating an ecosystem where each component complements the other. The m18 laptop, featuring an 18-inch QHD+ display and up to 64GB of RAM, is expected to hit the market in the last quarter of 2023.

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The Link Between Ford’s Mustang Mach-E Recall and EV Battery Tech

Ford‘s recent recall of 34,762 Mustang Mach-E electric crossovers has caught the attention of not just the EV industry, but also the general public. While the immediate concern is vehicle safety, this incident serves as a crucial reminder of the technological challenges that manufacturers face as they transition to electric vehicles.

The contactors that have to be replaced serve as the connection between the battery and motors

The recall focuses on the high-voltage battery main contactors in specific models manufactured between May 2020 and May 2022. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicates that fast charging and aggressive acceleration can cause these contactors to overheat. Overheating could lead to a sudden power loss, raising the risk of a crash.

FORD

Most articles emphasize the defect and the recall’s impact on Ford’s reputation, especially considering the automaker leads in recalls this year with 46, affecting nearly 5 million vehicles in the U.S. But let’s dig deeper. The contactors are essential components in an EV’s high-voltage system. They act as a bridge for electricity between the battery and the motors. They also serve as a safety switch, breaking the connection in emergencies. This recall underscores the need for technological innovation in even the most basic, yet critical, components of electric vehicles.

Ford has been proactive, offering to replace the problematic junction box for free and stating they are not aware of any accidents stemming from this defect. However, after reports of power loss even post-software updates, the NHTSA has initiated an investigation into Ford’s handling of the recall.

Don’t get us wrong – Ford’s recall is indeed a setback, but it can also be viewed as a pivotal moment for the industry to take a step back and focus on the fundamentals of EV technology. That’s probably the real moral of this story.

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Decathlon’s In-House Brand, B’Twin Unveils Speed 900E Carbon Fiber Electric Bike

Ever think about ditching your car for something more maneuverable and eco-friendly on city streets? You’re not alone. Electric bikes are making headlines as the new go-to for short city trips, and Decathlon, a household name in outdoor gear, is hopping on the trend in style.

The bike is merely 15 kilograms in a medium size

The French retail giant, known for its budget-friendly, high-quality outdoor equipment, is not new to the cycling game. But their latest offering, the B’Twin Speed 900E, is redefining what an e-bike can be. Unlike the clunky and obviously electronic two-wheelers, this bike’s all-black design and slim build makes it a wolf in sheep’s clothing. You wouldn’t even guess it’s an e-bike at first glance.

Electric

And it’s not just about looks. The Speed 900E weighs just 15 kilograms in a medium size, thanks to its innovative use of carbon fiber and aluminum. Combine this with its Mahle X35+ hub motor that churns out 250 watts of power, and you’ve got yourself a electric bike that can get you places without breaking a sweat.

The bike offers three levels of pedal assistance to let you tailor your ride. Need to go faster? Crank up the assist. Just cruising? Lower it down. The built-in 36-volt battery claims to cover 50 miles on a moderate 50% assist setting. Push it to full throttle, though, and you’ll need a recharge after just 19 miles. It’s a trade-off, but one that gives you the freedom to choose how you ride.

What’s the dent in your wallet for this urban jewel? Priced at roughly $2,000 USD, it’s certainly not the cheapest bike out there. But with built-in features like hydraulic disc brakes, puncture-resistant tires, and even an integrated tracking system via Decathlon’s Mobility App, it could be the smartest investment for hassle-free city commuting you’ll make this year.

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75% Faster Than Humans: New Amazon Sequoia Robotics System Promises to Improve Warehouses and Replace Workers

Artificial intelligence and robotic technologies are advancing every day. As a result, we frequently write about robots developed by Boston Dynamics, Xiaomi, and Samsung. Even though we might not see these advancements in our daily lives beyond robotic vacuums, the business world is rapidly adopting them. For instance, Amazon has recently enhanced its warehouse robots, making them faster and even more intelligent. Here are the details…

Amazon’s New Sequoia Robotics System Promises to Improve Worker Efficiency and Health

The world’s largest digital shopping platform, Amazon, operates in many countries. What sets the company apart from its competitors is that in addition to its open marketplace, it has its own warehouses and distributes products from these warehouses in the locations it operates.

Amazon warehosue robots

This not only improves customer satisfaction but also reduces delivery waiting times. For instance, even if a product is more expensive on another platform, I prefer to purchase it from Amazon if it’s sold there. Of course, this presents another operational challenge for the company: managing warehouse operations. Fortunately, Amazon addresses this issue with robotic and artificial intelligence technologies.

Amazon has announced a new robotics system called Sequoia, which is designed to improve worker efficiency and health, as well as lead to higher customer satisfaction. Sequoia is a set of integrated robotics systems that includes mobile robots, gantry systems, robotic arms, and a new ergonomic employee workstation.

Sequoia works by having mobile robots transport containerized inventory directly to a gantry. The gantry can either restock totes or send them to an employee to pick out the inventory that customers have ordered. Sequoia allows Amazon to identify and store inventory up to 75% faster than it could before, and it reduces the time it takes to process an order through a fulfillment center by up to 25%.

Sequoia is also designed to improve worker safety and health. The system brings totes of products to workers at a comfortable height, between their thighs and chest. This reduces the amount of bending and overhead reaching that workers have to do, which can help to prevent injuries. Amazon says that recordable incident rates were down 15% and lost-time incident rates were down 18% at Amazon Robotics sites in 2022, compared with non-robotics sites.

Amazon has not yet announced any plans for a wider rollout of Sequoia, but the system is currently operating in a Houston, Texas fulfillment center.

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Emdoor showcases handheld gaming device with Intel Meteor Lake-H processor

Emdoor, a Chinese company known for its Mini-PCs and tablet business, is venturing into the handheld gaming device market with a device powered by Intel’s upcoming Meteor Lake-H processor. The company showcased the device at the Hong Kong Electronics Fair 2023 event.

The device doesn’t have a unique design, but it does have some custom features, such as a built-in stand. However, the most notable feature is the new Meteor Lake H-processor with an Intel Arc 5 integrated graphics card. 

It has a TDP of 20W to 25W, which is higher than the Steam Deck (9W) and the ASUS ROG Ally (15W). However, Emdoor says that the CPU package power fluctuates between 2W to 5W when the system is in an idle state or operating within its custom UI overlay. 

Emdoor has not released any performance numbers for the device yet, but the Xe-Cores in the Arc 5 integrated graphics card are expected to be powerful enough to run today’s latest AAA games. A video from Notebook Italia shows God of War running smoothly on the device.

Emdoor handheld gaming device Intel Meteor Lake H processor

Additionally, the device features an 8-inch screen with a 1920 x 1200 resolution, up to 32GB of LPDDR5X RAM, and up to a 2TB PCIe Gen 4×4 SSD.

The Emdoor handheld gaming device is expected to compete with the ASUS ROG Ally, the Nintendo Switch, and the Valve Steam Deck.

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Nothing Announces Partnership With Croma In A Bid To Expand Its Offline Presence In India

Recently, Nothing opened the doors to its first exclusive service center in India. Now, the Carl Pei-helmed company has announced a partnership with a leading electronics retail chain Croma in the country. Basically, this means that customers will be able to purchase Nothing products from select Croma stores. Nothing’s devices have been exclusive to Flipkart since the beginning. The Phone (2) was the first to be available from Vijay Sales in July this year. Read on to know what the Croma partnership means for customers.

Nothing partners with Croma

As mentioned earlier, Nothing as well as CMF by Nothing devices will be available from Tata-owned Croma retail outlets across the country. As a part of the partnership, Nothing is offering Rs 3,000 discount on the purchase of the Phone (2) from Croma to exclusive ICICI Bank cardholders. 

Speaking on the partnership, Nothing India GM and VP Manu Sharma said that India is a pivotal market for the company and the collaboration with Croma is a collective effort to offer their products to a whole new audience. 

This isn’t the first time, Nothing has focussed on the Indian market. The brand conducted a special event called Nothing Care Camp last month to deliver better customer service.  It is now held at the exclusive service center in Bengaluru every second Saturday and Sunday. The Nothing executive previously stated that the company aims to extend its exclusive service center to 20 in 2024 and 35 in 2025. 

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Apple is fast-tracking a foldable iPad for potential release by late 2024 or early 2025

In the world of foldable devices, Apple has long been missing from the scene, leaving Samsung, Google, Huawei, Honor, and Motorola to dominate the market. However, Apple is now gearing up to make its presence felt by taking a unique approach – entering the foldable arena through the door of tablets. Instead of chasing the trend of foldable smartphones, Apple is expediting the development of a foldable iPad, aiming to lead the way in an untapped foldable tablet market.

Apple Foldable iPad Concept

Apple is Accelerating the Development of the Foldable iPad

Despite the undeniable success of foldable smartphones, with a Canalys report projecting the introduction of 37 new models in 2023 alone, Apple has chosen to remain on the sidelines. This growing sector now commands a 5% share of the global premium smartphone market, a significant increase from a mere 0.3% in 2019. Nonetheless, Apple’s delay in entering the foldable market has been viewed as a missed opportunity.

Recent reports from DigiTimes indicate that Apple is now changing its strategy to seize a fresh opportunity in the foldable tablet segment. Apple is closely collaborating with its suppliers, with the goal of starting small-scale production of a foldable iPad by late 2024, potentially launching it by the end of 2024 or early 2025. Even analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicted the same a few months back and according to him, the foldable iPad will also feature a lightweight carbon fiber kickstand.

Insiders have revealed that Apple has been working on this project since 2023 and has secured key design and functionality patents. The patent sketches reveal a sleek foldable tablet with a flexible hinge mechanism, exuding a slim, stylish aesthetic with Apple’s signature finesse.

In a market dominated by foldable smartphones, Apple’s pivot towards foldable tablets could prove to be a game-changer. With competitors already making their mark in foldable technology, Apple’s entry could bring fresh innovation and competition to the foldable tablet sector.

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WhatsApp rolls out self-destructing audio messages in Beta

WhatsApp has introduced a new self-destructing audio message feature to its beta app on iOS and Android. This feature allows users to send audio messages that disappear after the recipient has played them once.

The feature was first spotted by WABetaInfo, which learned that some users running the latest version of WhatsApp Beta are able to send self-destruct audio messages. It is currently accessible to select testers on WhatsApp beta for Android 2.23.21.15 and 2.23.22.4 as well as WhatsApp beta for iOS 23.21.1.73.

The feature works in the same way as the existing “View Once” feature for photos and videos, which was introduced in 2021. This means that the recipient cannot save, or forward your sent audio message.

To send a self-destructing audio message, users simply need to tap the “1” button next to the send button. This will enable the “View Once” feature for the audio message. And once the recipient has played the message, it will disappear from their chat.

It is not yet known when WhatsApp will make the self-destructing audio message feature available to the public, but it is a welcome addition for users who want to share private information that they do not want to be saved or shared by others.

In related news, WhatsApp recently introduced a PassKey-based login for Android users. This new feature will provide users with a more secure and convenient way to log in to their WhatsApp accounts, without the need for traditional passwords or two-factor SMS authentication.

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