Samsung is rumored to be working on a thinner Galaxy Z Fold6 foldable phone, but it may not get a camera upgrade.
Industry insider Ice Universe claims that Samsung will reuse the same 50MP Samsung GN3 sensor for the main camera on the Z Fold6 as it did on the Z Fold5 and Z Fold4.
Don't expect much change in Galaxy Z Fold6. At least we can be sure of the camera. It is the same as Fold4 and Fold5, that's for sure.
This is disappointing news for some users who were hoping for a camera upgrade, but Samsung may be focusing on other areas of improvement, such as thickness.
According to a report by TheElec, Samsung is looking to thin out the Z Fold6 and close the gap in thickness between its and competitor’s foldable phones. Currently, the Galaxy Z Fold5 measures 6.1mm unfolded and 13.4mm folded, while most of its competitors have slimmer form factors.
For example, the Huawei Mate X5 is 5.3mm unfolded and 11.1mm folded, while the Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 is even thinner at 5.3mm unfolded and 10.9mm folded. Even the first-gen fold by OnePlus is 5.8mm unfolded and 11.7mm folded.
The report by TheElec claims that Samsung may be reverse-engineering Huawei’s Mate X5 foldable to see how Huawei achieved a thinner profile and a larger internal battery.
If Samsung is able to thin out the Z Fold6 without sacrificing durability or battery life, it would be a significant improvement. However, it is important to note that these are just rumors at this point, and we will have to wait for more official information from Samsung to know for sure what to expect.
Google is rolling out a new feature for its Play Protect security service that will scan apps at the code level in real-time to detect emerging threats, such as polymorphic malware.
Google Play Protect already scans apps for malware before and after they are installed, but the new code-level scanning will help to identify even more sophisticated threats. This is especially important because cybercriminals are increasingly using AI and other methods to develop malware that can evade traditional detection methods.
When a user tries to install an app that has never been scanned before, Google Play Protect will recommend a real-time scan. The scan will extract important signals from the app and send them to Google’s backend infrastructure for evaluation. Once the scan is complete, the user will be notified if the app is safe to install or if it is potentially harmful.
This new feature is a nice addition to Google Play Protect’s existing protections, which rely on existing scanning intelligence and data to identify suspicious apps. With the new code-level evaluation, it can now detect even more sophisticated malicious apps that use AI or other methods to evade detection.
Google says that the new Play Protect feature will be rolled out to India first, and then to select other countries in the coming months. It will eventually be available in all regions.
The Honor Magic 6 Pro has been spotted in the wild, giving us an early glimpse of its design. The images, which were originally posted on Weibo but have since been taken down, show the phone in a design-concealing case.
The most notable change in the Magic 6 Pro’s design is the pill-shaped notch, which has been moved from the left corner of the screen to the center. The notch is expected to house the same 12MP ultrawide selfie camera and time of flight 3D camera as the Magic 5 Pro.
FrontBack
The rear camera setup is difficult to see due to the case, but we can see one camera lens, an LED flash, and two sensors.
A render of the device created based on rumors shows that the Magic 6 Pro will retain the round camera module with three cameras, including a ToF 3D depth sensor and an LED flash.
The Honor Magic 5 Pro launched in March of this year, so it is interesting to see that the Honor Magic 6 Pro may be released earlier than expected. We expect Honor to release three models in the Magic 6 series: the Honor 6, Honor 6 Pro, and Honor 6 Ultimate. All three models are likely to be powered by the upcoming Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset.
The Honor Magic 6 series is rumored to launch before the 2024 Chinese Spring Festival, which suggests that it may launch by January end or by early February.
Lenovo is expanding its gaming hardware products across the globe with the launch of handheld gaming consoles, Gaming Monitors, and new Gaming Laptops. In addition, the company is set to unveil the recently launched Lenovo Y9000K 2023 Gaming Laptop in China after its global launch a month ago.
Lenovo took to its official Weibo handle to share the announcement details, the Lenovo Y9000K 2023 Gaming notebook is set to launch on October 23 at 20:00 Beijing Time. The laptop is already available globally for the starting price of 4499 euros.
Lenovo Y9000K 2023 laptop comes with Intel i9-13980HX SoC and Nvidia RTX 4090 GPU. It pairs 32GB DDR5-6400 RAM, a 2TB SSD, and a keyboard with an RGB backlight. Equipped with a liquid cooling system, the gaming laptop is set to offer continuous extreme performance. The efficient cooling system uses a small pump to run water through a network of pipes which dissipates heat effectively.
The laptop bundles a 16-inch Mini LED display with a 3200 x 2000 pixels resolution and 165 Hz refresh rate. It houses a USB Type-C port, HDMI 2.1, SD Card Slot, and a Thunderbolt 4 port.
We expect a similar package for the users in China at quite a similar price tag. It could come in Black and White color options.
After a successful launch in China last month, the Redmi Note 13 series is all set to hit global markets. Comprising the Redmi Note 13, Redmi Note 13 Pro, and Redmi Note 13 Pro+, this series made quite a splash in its home market and is now ready to charm a worldwide audience.
Redmi Note 12 4G
Recent sightings of the Redmi Note 13 series on various certificationwebsites indicate a global and Indian launch is on the horizon. Adding an element of surprise, tipster @kacskrz revealed that the global version of the Redmi Note 13, particularly the 4G model, will run on a Snapdragon 685 SoC.
Interestingly, the global Redmi Note 12 series includes a Redmi Note 12 4G model which is also powered by the Snapdragon 685 SoC. So it’s most likely that we might get a slightly spiced-up version of that phone, or Xiaomi decides to cut down the Note 13 5G a bit in the camera department, slap on the Snapdragon 685 chip, and ship it.
Redmi Note 13 5G specs
For those curious about the Redmi Note 13 5G model, here’s what it offers. This phone boasts a 6.67″ AMOLED display with a resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels and a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth operation. It comes with a dual camera setup at the back, including a 100MP main camera and an additional 2MP camera. Selfie lovers can make use of the 16MP front camera. The device is equipped with a sturdy 5000 mAh battery and supports 33W fast charging.
Under the hood, the Redmi Note 13 5G is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 6080 SoC. It runs on MIUI 14, based on Android 13 OS, and offers up to 12GB of RAM and up to 256GB of storage.
The popularity of foldable phones is increasing day by day. Almost every month, we see one or two new additions to this generation. There are even rumors suggesting that Apple is working on a foldable iPhone. However, when we look at the current devices available in the market, two products stand out: the Oppo Find N3 and the Xiaomi Mix Fold 3. Each of these devices is nothing short of a technological marvel, making it a challenge for users interested in purchasing a foldable smartphone. We compared the features, design, prices, and capabilities of the Find N3 vs. Mix Fold 3 to answer the question, “which one is better?”
Oppo Find N3 vs Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 Specifications
Please don’t misunderstand us; both the Oppo Find N3 and the Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 are fantastic phones. As Gizmochina editors, we genuinely appreciate both brands and closely follow their products. Our content’s primary purpose is to guide those interested in purchasing a foldable smartphone and to clear up any confusion. Let’s begin our comparison by looking at the technical specifications of the Oppo Find N3 vs. Xiaomi Mix Fold 3.
As you can see, both phones actually have relatively similar technical specifications. This becomes the most confusing point for potential users when comparing the Oppo Find N3 and the Xiaomi Mix Fold 3. Both devices are equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor and the Adreno 740 GPU. Furthermore, they share similarities in aspects like camera, battery capacity, storage options, and operating system.
Where Oppo stands out is in its display; the Find N3 features higher resolution screens both internally and externally compared to the Fold 3, allowing for sharper images. However, it’s worth noting that this advantage might be more on paper, as you might not notice a significant difference between the two models with the naked eye. Is the technical specification the most crucial factor to consider when buying a smartphone? Our answer to this question is no, especially when purchasing a foldable phone.
Find N3 vs Mix Fold 3 Design Differences
There are many different things to pay attention to, and design is at the top of that list. In standard devices, design’s importance isn’t as pronounced as before. The front of these devices is entirely made up of the screen, while the back is made of glass. What remains for us to discuss is the number of rear cameras and their arrangement and color. However, with foldable technology, the situation is quite different.
Let’s first take a look at the Oppo Find N3. When you first hold the device, it surprisingly feels like holding a regular phone. Thanks to the advanced hinge mechanism designed by the company, there is no gap where it folds, making it ergonomic. Speaking of ergonomics, the device has rounded edges on one side and sharp lines on the other.
This means that while it’s not a problem for right-handed users, left-handed individuals might face slight difficulties. Additionally, there’s a slider on the side for quickly silencing your phone, along with volume buttons and a power button that also serves as a fingerprint reader. In the back, there is a triple camera arrangement within a large island that resembles a tilted triangle.
Looking at the Xiaomi Mix Fold 3, we find a phone just as elegant as its competitors. Xiaomi has done an impressive job with the hinge, and by keeping the bezels on both the inner and outer screens as slim as possible, they wanted the Fold 3 to feel as close to a regular phone as possible when folded, and they’ve succeeded.
Like the Find N3, it features side-positioned volume buttons and a power button with integrated fingerprint sensor. Honestly, the absence of an under-display fingerprint reader in both models is a bit disappointing. However, it’s worth noting that this technology would increase costs. The Mix Fold 3 has four rear cameras and is equipped with a matte glass that doesn’t retain fingerprints.
Certainly, the main attraction of both models is apparent when the phones are unfolded. As mentioned above, the Oppo Find N3 transforms into a 7.82-inch tablet, while the Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 becomes an 8.03-inch tablet. Both models have a camera hole in one corner of the screen, but Oppo stands out in one aspect.
As you may know, foldable phones are equipped with very thin and flexible OLED screens. However, even though the display is flexible, there’s a noticeable crease when it’s folded. This issue is prevalent in the Galaxy Fold models and other devices. The Find N3, however, is one of the phones where this problem is least noticeable. It would not be wrong to say that this is a serious factor when making a decision.
Of course, these prices can vary depending on factors such as storage options. However, it’s a fact that the Oppo is $300 more expensive. Ultimately, the decision of which product is better is up to you. Everyone has their unique needs and budgets. However, considering that both devices are quite similar and there are only minor differences between them, I would probably lean towards the cheaper option if it were me.
Ever since the launch of the Pixel 6 series, Google has set its sights on besting the comparator Apple iPhone models. This year is no different as the Pixel 8 series is currently sitting on the best smartphone display throne while matching the audio performance of the iPhone 15 Pro. Now, DxOMark has finally revealed the camera test results of the Pixel 8 Pro.
In the DxOMark camera leaderboards, the Google Pixel 8 Pro achieved a score of 153 points, positioning it closely behind the iPhone 15 Pro Max, which scored 154 points. At the moment, the Huawei P60 Pro holds the top position with a leading score of 156 points.
As per DxOMark, the Google Pixel 8 Pro‘s camera system has some strong points. It does well in showing nice colors in different lighting, from bright outdoors to very dark conditions, for both photos and videos. It’s good at making skin tones look accurate in all lighting too. The camera focuses quickly and accurately in photos and videos. It usually gets the exposure right for subjects in photos and videos. It captures a lot of details when you zoom in and in close-up pictures.
The videos look steady in most lighting. The front camera also shows good colors and improved texture in close-up shots. The screen is easy to read in all conditions, and it shows nice colors. The camera does well with HDR videos, making them look bright and with good contrast. The phone’s touch controls are smooth and responsive when you’re browsing the web. The built-in speakers sound good and are better than older Pixel phones. Audio recordings sound natural, and recordings of concerts are better.
But, there are some drawbacks to the Google Pixel 8 Pro’s camera system. Sometimes, it can’t capture very fine details or loses some textures in pictures. In some cases, the background blur effect doesn’t work perfectly and shows errors. In low light, videos might have some visible graininess, and there can be differences in sharpness between video frames. The camera’s ability to zoom in on audio is limited.
Hisense has recently debuted the C1 TriChroma Laser Mini Projector in the global market after it was launched in China earlier this year.
Hisense C1 TriChroma projector
Hisense C1 TriChroma Laser Mini Projector specs
The Hisense C1 TriChroma Laser Mini Projector stands out as the world’s first projector to offer 4K resolution with a multicolored screen. With a brightness of 1350 ANSI lumens, it delivers a clear and vivid picture.
The projector covers an extensive 202% of the BT.709 color gamut and maintains excellent color accuracy with a △ E≈0.9 rating. Its 10-bit color depth allows for a wide range of colors, and it supports a refresh rate of up to 240Hz, coupled with MEMC motion enhancement technology. HDR 10+ decoding enhances the overall visual experience.
Powered by the MediaTek MT9669 SoC and equipped with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage, this projector ensures smooth and efficient operation. Its CMOS and ToF sensors enable auto-calibration, simplifying setup by automatically adjusting focus, tilting alignment, screen size, and orientation. Amazon Alexa voice control makes it easy to operate. MEMC motion smoothing further refines motion playback, creating smoother transitions.
The projector runs on the VIDAA Smart TV OS, providing access to popular streaming services like Apple TV, Netflix, and Disney+. It also offers compatibility with Miracast and Apple AirPlay for easy content sharing and supports Apple HomeKit for seamless integration with your smart home. The recommended projection size ranges from 80 to 150 inches, catering to various viewing preferences. With a low 12ms rated latency, it ensures responsive interactions.
Furthermore, the Hisense C1 TriChroma Laser Mini Projector features two 10W speakers equipped with Dolby Atmos and dts Hi-Res audio support, delivering high-quality sound. Its portable design, measuring approximately 9.7 x 7.1 x 8.5 inches and weighing 10.1 lbs, enhances its convenience and versatility for use in different settings.
Pricing & availability
The Hisense C1 TriChroma Laser Mini Projector is available for purchase in the United States through popular retailers such as Amazon, Best Buy, and ProjectorScreen.com, priced at $2,299. For customers in the United Kingdom, the device is offered at a cost of £2,199, and in European Union countries like Germany, it is available for €1,999.
The iQOO 10 Pro, introduced in 2022 in China, was the first smartphone globally to feature 200W fast charging. Its successor, the iQOO 11 Pro, also boasted 200W fast charging support. Nevertheless, there are indications from reports about the upcoming iQOO 12 Pro that it will have reduced fast charging capabilities, with a 120W charging speed—still rapid but not as swift as 200W. A recent leak indicates that Vivo and its sub-brand iQOO might not offer 200W fast charging in their upcoming smartphones. Instead, they appear to be concentrating on augmenting the battery capacity.
Vivo has reportedly shelved 200W fast charging tech
iQOO 10 Pro
As per information from the tipster Digital Chat Station, Vivo has decided to put its 200W fast charging project on hold. Instead, the company is now preparing to introduce a 120W/100W fast charging system alongside a substantial battery of around 6,000mAh. He also mentioned that they will be incorporating specialized high-density batteries.
Recent reports have already disclosed details about the battery size and charging capabilities of the iQOO 12 and 12 Pro. From the available information, it appears that the above leak does not pertain to the iQOO 12 series but rather some other forthcoming Vivo or iQOO smartphones.
It is speculated that the iQOO 12 will house a 5,000mAh battery, whereas the 12 Pro will be backed by a 5,100mAh battery. Both devices are expected to support 120W fast charging, but the 50W wireless charging will only be available on the 12 Pro. Both models are expected to feature a 144Hz AMOLED display, Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, and 50-megapixel triple rear cameras. The iQOO 12 series is likely to debut on Nov. 7 in China.
The Indian smartphone market witnessed a 3 percent year-on-year decline in shipments in the third quarter of 2023, according to a report by research firm Canalys. However, the report also noted that the market is gradually recovering, thanks to improved consumer confidence and the introduction of new products.
Samsung remained the leading smartphone brand in India in Q3 2023, with a market share of 18 percent. The South Korean company shipped a total of 7.9 million units. Xiaomi followed closely behind with 7.6 million shipments, followed by Vivo, Realme, and Oppo in the top five positions.
All of the top five smartphone brands in India witnessed a yearly decline in shipments in Q3 2023. Xiaomi saw the biggest decline, with shipments falling by 17 percent. Samsung’s shipments fell by 3 percent, while Vivo’s shipments remained relatively flat. Realme and Oppo’s shipments grew by 6 percent and 16 percent, respectively.
Brands outside the top five like OnePlus, Infinix, Tecno, and Motorola saw impressive growth mainly due to expanding channel presence across India.
The entry-level smartphone segment performed the best in terms of shipments in Q3 2023, with new offerings offering 5G connectivity. Premium phones from Samsung and Apple also saw robust growth with attractive offers during the festive sales events.
Lava launched the Agni 2 5G smartphone in India earlier in May this year. It was offered in a sole Glass Viridian color option. Now the homegrown brand has announced two new stunning hues of the Agni 2 5G. The new variants are already available for purchase from Amazon. The Lava Agni 2 5G is a solid value-for-money smartphone with premium specifications under Rs 25,000 segment. Read on to know more.
Lava Agni 2 5G new color options
The Lava Agni 2 5G is announced in Heather Glass and Iron Glass color options. The former has a Purople-colored look whereas the latter has a Black / Greyish hue. The latest color options are in addition to Glass Viridian which is a Green color. The rest of the design and the core specifications of the newly announced color options remain the same. They are also available for purchase from Amazon priced at Rs 19,999.
The Lava Agni 2 5G has a curved AMOLED display measuring 6.78 inches with an FHD+ resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. It is integrated with a fingerprint scanner. The back panel features a circular camera module housing a 50MP main sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide-angle lens, a 2MP macro unit, and a 2MP depth snapper. There is a 16MP front-facing selfie snapper.
Internally, the Lava Agni 2 5G is equipped with a MediaTek Dimensity 7050 processor coupled with 8GB RAM and 256GB storage. It has a cooling system for heat dissipation. The device draws its power from a 4,700mAh battery unit with support for 66W fast charging. It ships with pre-loaded Android 13 with guaranteed two years of OS updates.
Oppo Find N3 foldable is official with some highly sophisticated features to appeal to premium segment users. It is the company’s first horizontal foldable device to launch outside its home country. Apart from the premium hardware, the software stuns various industry enthusiasts with endless possibilities. Features like Boundless View, Canvas Shift, and Smart Split Screen instill new spheres of efficiency and user productivity.
Following the Global launch a couple of days ago, the Oppo China Software Product Manager, Zhu Haizhou revealed in a conversation on Weibo about the availability of “Boundless View” to old-generation smartphones and tablets. While pursuing the foldable users to try their Find N3, he unveiled that the Oppo tablets will receive the “Boundless View” feature but with slight changes. It will take time to optimize the feature for tablets.
Further, the feature will be expanded to the previous generation Oppo Find N series foldable smartphones.
The side-by-side editing feature which is part of the extensive “Boundless View” feature enhances the user productivity. The Smart Split Screen feature is supported by over 95% of popular apps.
We hope it may take a few months for Oppo to finalize the feature for its old foldable smartphones and tablets.
Oppo Find N3 Specifications
However, Oppo Find N3 is launched with a 6.31-inch 2484 x 1116px AMOLED panel on the outer side. The display offers a 10-120Hz refresh rate and 2800 nits peak brightness. The inner display measures 7.82-inch in Size and offers a 2440 x 2268 pixels resolution, 1-120Hz dynamic refresh rate, and same peak brightness. It comes with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, 16GB LPDDR5X RAM, and 512GB storage.
There’s a 4803 mAh battery with 67W SuperVOOC charging. It bundles an impressive camera on the rear and the front side. A dual-selfie camera module consisting of a 20MP sensor and a 32MP cover screen camera is present. A triple camera sensor sits on the rear featuring a 48MP Sony LYTIA-T808, a 48MP ultrawide sensor, and a 64MP periscope lens for 6x hybrid zoom.
Oppo Find N3 is retailing for SGD 2,399 which roughly translates to INR 145,000.
Xiaomi is gearing up to launch its next flagship series, the Xiaomi 14. The company has already confirmed that the device will come with HyperOS and a Leica Summilix lens. Now, the official protective case for the Xiaomi 14 series has appeared on Chinese e-commerce platform JD.com.
The product page does not show the specific design of the case, but it does reveal that the Xiaomi 14 / 14 Pro is likely to get three cases: transparent, liquid silicone, and diamond leather.
Regardless, we have previously exclusively revealed the case for Xiaomi 14 Pro. The case has a camera module in the top left corner with four camera rings. Last year’s model only had three cameras, so this is a new development.
It is possible that the fourth camera ring could be for a Leica logo, but it is also possible that Xiaomi is adding a fourth camera sensor to the Xiaomi 14 Pro. This would be a significant upgrade over the previous model.
Additionally, the device is expected to have a 6.44-inch C8 OLED 12-bit display with a 1.5K resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, and 2,800 nits peak brightness. It will also have dual-stereo speakers, an IP68-certified body, and an IR blaster.
Under the hood, the Xiaomi 14 is rumored to be powered by the unannounced Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor coupled with LPDDR5x RAM and UFS 4 storage. It will also feature a large VC liquid cooling system for heat dissipation.
The launch date of the device has not yet been announced. We will keep you informed as soon as we have more information.
Facilitating users with latest and the advanced features is one primary advantage of Google’s Apps and services. Following the removal of the top search bar in the Messages for Android app, Google now added a Camera Icon or shortcut to the app bar. The new feature is currently enabled for a few users, and may soon made available for a wider audience.
The Camera Shortcut seems to serve the purpose of increased media usage in the Messages. It allows the users to quickly snap a picture and attach it to the message. Even the feature workflow first allows you to take a picture, and then asks you to “Select Conversation” from the UI.
In the future, we expect more features in the bar area. The feature seems enabled by the server-side switch, but make sure to update the Messages by Google app by heading to the Play Store. Also don’t forget to update the Play System.
Google is actively bringing new features to the Google Messages app including the Google Account integration for the web, a full home screen overhaul, and animated emoji support for Web clients. Apart from the smartphone and the Web client updates, the Google Messages app also added support for voice memos on Wear OS.
Google is bringing Wear OS support for more of its Services and Apps. The company pushed official Gmail and Google Calendar Apps for the Wear OS smartwatches.
Google is reportedly rolling out a new feature to back up RAW Photos on Google Photos App. The new feature is already rolling out to both the Android and iOS apps. RAW Photos are unprocessed images that carry more details and are used by professional photographers to grade or better edit the photos.
These days RAW Photos on smartphones have become standard due to extensive support from the respective camera apps. Unlike in the past, the Google Photos app by default uploads the RAW Photos to the Google Cloud. A notice appeared in the app stating, “Google Photos brings Ability to backup Raw Images.”
A dedicated RAW image badge appears on the Photos. However, the feature is currently spotted on the Pixel 8 series and is absent on Pixel Fold and other devices. Despite any official announcements from Google, the details about the new features, availability, and compatibility are currently unknown.
There are no settings or tweaks to stop the Photos app from uploading the RAW files to Google Storage. Even heading to the Storage option in the Photos Preference > Backup > Backup Quality does not avail any solution. With the available 15GB of free storage, the RAW Photos will surely fill up the storage pretty quickly. It is highly recommended only for photographers who use it for professional use.
Google Photos is rolling out several new user-centric features to amplify the overall experience. Recently, a revamped share menu was introduced in the Google Photos app which lets users send images, create a new album, and add new images to the album. The Giant even introduced desktop editing tools that let users choose different filters, and offer basic tweaks like changing brightness, saturation, HDR levels, etc.
JMGO has unveiled its Nano PTZ projector in China. The new JMGO Nano PTZ projector delivers up to 500 CVIA lumens brightness and outputs 1080p content.
Features
The projector is designed to be projected up or down by up to 127º. The maximum brightness of the projector however indicates that it is adequate for indoor use only, as JMGO already has a collection of high-brightness projectors.
The Nano PTZ projector has a laser light source and offers real-time adjustment. It is equipped with a three-color LED and has an estimated lifespan of 30,000 hours. The projector is compatible with Dolby sound effects and features automatic keystone correction. Other enhancement features on the Nano PTZ projector are autofocus, intelligent eye protection, and anti-blue light operation.
The new JMGO Nano projector runs on Luna OS 6.0 operating system with 32GB of storage. It supports HDR 10 decoding and wireless screen casting. It comes in a cream colorway and can be mounted in a variety of scenarios. Its angular versatility also makes the projector to be handy for different purposes.
Pricing & Availability
The JMGO Nano PTZ projector is now available on retail platforms across China including JD.com. The original price of the projector is 2,199 yuan (~$301) but its launch price is 1,799 yuan (~$246). There are no indications at this time on the availability of the projector in other markets. The global availability and pricing optics are expected subsequently.
Toyota has unveiled its latest EV van concept, the Kayoibako. The new concept van is a box on wheels that maximizes space with its impressive design. The Toyota Kayoibako concept EV van is a multipurpose EV inspired by shipping containers. The new concept EV van is part of Toyota’s lineup at the Japan Mobility Show 2023.
The Toyota Kayoibako EV Van reflects what the future of EVs should look like
The Kayoibako looks like a space cargo hauler and comes with a simple design that could fast-track its transition into a production vehicle for the most part. The interior and exterior are as simplistic as they can be. The Kayoibako is being primed as a highly modular vehicle platform that is configurable to suit an array of options. It can operate as a cargo van, a shuttle bus, a mobile retail kiosk, as well a shuttle delivery van. The van is 13ft long, about 6ft wide, and 6ft tall.
The Toyota Kayoibako EV van concept has a massive curved display across the upper dash area of the car. The infotainment utility of the car is bound to be tech-laden. The car uses cameras in place of rear-view and side mirrors for a more expansive view of your surroundings. It uses digital side mirrors which allows the car to easily navigate even tight alleys. The mirrors are integrated into the van’s dash display. The car however seems to have a low load floor which will enhance the loading of cargo without the need for a ramp.
It will be interesting to see Toyota transform some of its impressive concept offerings into production vehicles. The company has not stated any plans for the subsequent release of the Kayoibako EV in the near future.
Sony has announced the HT-AX7 Sound System in China. The Sony HT-AX7 is a sound system with detachable speakers and it was first announced for the global market in July this year. The product is expected to go on sale in November 2023.
Features
The two detachable rear surround modules of the speaker create a three-dimensional surround sound field at any time. The integrated visual design of the new Sony Bluetooth speaker makes it fit perfectly into several interior designs. It is equipped with Sony’s proprietary 360SSM technology. This allows users to enjoy a dome-styled sound field that fits the space without any adjustments.
The Sony Brick Audio HT-AX7 speaker offers an immersive sound output in enclosed spaces like your sitting and living rooms. It is equipped with two X-balanced speaker units on the front and uses an off-center design for improved sound clarity. The left and right sides of the speaker have a large-area diaphragm with dimensions of 49mm x 71mm. The diaphragm setup helps to improve the speaker’s low-frequency performance.
Pricing & Availability
The Sony HT-AX7 Sound System adopts a pancake-shaped rear design. The rear of the speaker has the sound unit placed upward to enhance the sound performance due to position changes. The new Sony speakers support Bluetooth connectivity and will be released in November. The price of the HT-AX7 Sound System is 3,990 yuan (~$545).
Toyota has finally revealed the Land Cruiser Se, a hushed debut that makes it the first all-electric vehicle in the Land Cruiser family. But there’s something very different about this electric SUV: it’s designed with the city in mind, rather than rugged terrains- a complete 180 from the OG Land Cruiser.
The vehicle’s low clearance indicates a city-centric design
It’s interesting to note that the company decided to reveal the Land Cruiser Se on a Friday night in the United States—a time generally reserved for news you’d rather sweep under the rug. What does Toyota want to say, or better yet, not say with this release timing?
One thing’s clear: this Land Cruiser aims to redefine what it means to be an electric SUV. Unlike its gas-guzzling predecessors, the Land Cruiser Se is putting a premium on smooth, battery-electric torque and noise-free city cruising. The monocoque design, touted for improved responsiveness, appears to be a departure from the hardy, off-road focus that the Land Cruiser name is known for.
Interestingly, this city-centric focus is further confirmed by the SUV’s specs. Measuring 202.0 inches in length, 78.0 inches in width, and 67.0 inches in height, its dimensions mirror those of the Grand Highlander. And if you look at the vehicle’s low-clearance and low-profile tires, you’d sooner imagine it tackling speed bumps in a mall parking lot than navigating through rocky terrain.
While Toyota has been really quiet regarding the details—no word on motor numbers, power, or battery size—it’s evident that the Land Cruiser Se is setting itself as an urban alternative in the electric SUV space. It’s a sleek, potentially premium-priced vehicle that aims to serve the city dwellers more than the weekend adventurers. What do you guys think about this EV? Share with us in the comments below!
Twitch’s latest announcement at TwitchCon in Las Vegas has the industry buzzing, or rather, twitching. The live-streaming giant will now allowing its users to stream their content on other platforms concurrently. While the company previously loosened its guidelines on cross-streaming to social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, this is a significant change that opens doors for streaming across “any service,” unless the streamer is bound by an exclusivity contract with Twitch.
This seems like a move to retain its massive streamer base
On the surface, this move appears counterintuitive for Twitch. One would think that by allowing users to stream elsewhere, Twitch is essentially eroding its own viewer base. So why make such a drastic change? It’s likely a calculated risk to retain top talent in the live-streaming space.
In recent times, some big names such as Ludwig have ditched Twitch for competitor platforms like YouTube. By allowing creators more freedom to simulcast without strings, Twitch could be offering an olive branch, especially to mid-level creators who might be contemplating making a switch due to revenue concerns.
But there’s another angle to consider: by allowing more flexible streaming options, Twitch is actually broadening its outreach. Streamers can capture audiences on different platforms and potentially lure them back to Twitch. Plus, it reflects well on the company’s willingness to adapt. In the past few months alone, Twitch has updated its policies on off-platform harassment and even experimented with machine learning for chat moderation.
However, the new policy comes with its set of regulations. The guideline that the “Twitch user experience should not be compromised” on other platforms is ambiguous and leaves room for interpretation. It remains to be seen how Twitch will enforce this and what consequences await those who cross the line.
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
