In a dramatic turn of events, Chinese smartphone camera manufacturer Ofilm, once blacklisted by the US Department of Commerce in 2020, has managed to rise by securing a major contract with Huawei Technologies. The blacklisting led to Ofilm’s removal from Apple’s supplier list in 2021, causing a significant blow to its financial stability.
Despite the setbacks, Ofilm has found a lifeline in Huawei, becoming a pivotal contractor for the tech giant’s latest Mate 60 smartphone series. Huawei, grappling with US trade sanctions, has relied on Ofilm for camera modules for its flagship Mate 60 series. The soaring demand for the Mate 60 Pro 5G handset prompted Huawei to increase its smartphone shipment target for the second half of the year by 20 percent, thereby benefiting suppliers like Ofilm.
The financial impact on Ofilm had been severe, with the company’s market value plummeting by over two-thirds after losing Apple as its primary client. Reporting a widened loss of $708 million in the previous year, Ofilm faced a challenging financial landscape.
Ofilm’s story underscores the profound impact of geopolitical tensions between the US and China on businesses. Accusations of using forced Uygur Muslim labor at its factory led to Ofilm’s blacklisting and subsequent loss of major contracts, illustrating the intersection of human rights concerns and international business dynamics.
Despite these challenges, reports of Ofilm’s contract with Huawei triggered a remarkable resurgence. Within two weeks of the announcement, Ofilm’s Shenzhen-listed shares surged by nearly 70 percent, signaling renewed investor confidence and faith in the company’s prospects.
Ofilm’s journey also sheds light on its previous association with tech giant Apple. The company had been named an Apple supplier in 2017, experiencing rapid growth in China’s stock market. Apple CEO Tim Cook visited Ofilm’s factory in 2017, praising the company for its innovations. However, following the US government’s blacklisting in 2020, Apple removed Ofilm from its suppliers’ list in 2021, severing ties with the once-promising Chinese camera maker.
I was planning to upgrade to a new smartphone during this year’s festive sale in India. I was particularly interested in buying a flagship phone.
When the Galaxy S23 Plus went official, I had set my eyes on it. Having used the Galaxy A52 since its release, I was too accustomed to the Galaxy ecosystem as it works well with my Chrome OS tablet (Phone Hub) and Windows laptop (Phone Link). I even invested in Galaxy Buds Plus and Galaxy Watch 4 over the past two years.
Xiaomi 13 Pro
But out of nowhere, I got attracted to the Xiaomi 13 Pro due to its camera prowess, which I require for my reviews’ product shots. The Galaxy S23 Plus’ camera paled in comparison.
Also, neither Samsung nor retailers offered discounts on the bigger S23 which retails at ₹94,999. This made the Xiaomi 13 Pro a much better deal with its discounted price tag of ₹74,999.
I visited my local Xiaomi Studio store multiple times to try Xiaomi’s most premium smartphone in India. I loved every bit of it, except the front camera, which is its Achilles’ heel.
However, I decided not to buy the Xiaomi 13 Pro after doing some research. And to my surprise, I jumped over the fence to join the dark side by purchasing an iPhone 15.
Yes, you heard it right. I wanted an Android premium phone but I went with an iPhone instead.
I knew from the beginning that the Xiaomi 13 Pro is one of the best smartphones on the market, thanks to our review team from China. When the phone hit global markets, it became more apparent to me after going through media and user reviews from multiple regions.
Especially, in India, Xiaomi 13 Pro offers a lot more value for ₹79,999. Don’t listen to people who say otherwise. It is not overpriced at all as you don’t get hardware like this on any similarly priced products.
But then why I decided not to buy it? It has to do nothing with the phone but with the history of Xiaomi’s premium smartphones in India.
Apple iPhone 15
Xiaomi stopped launching its Mi series flagships in India after the Mi 5 in 2016. Anyways, the Mi Mix 2 did receive a limited release in 2017.
Then, three years later in 2020, the company brought the Mi 10 to India during the worst time possible (COVID-19 global pandemic). It was later followed by Mi 11 Ultra, which also suffered from bad timing (India’s deadly COVID-19 second wave).
Not only sales of these products tanked but they were plagued with hardware issues following software updates. Both of them were discontinued quickly.
Then, in 2021, Xiaomi didn’t give up and debuted the Xiaomi 12 Pro in the country. This device is still being sold at a cheaper price more than a year after its release.
It was a breath of fresh air but with a quirk. It houses the infamous Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip, which results in poor thermal and battery performance.
The Xiaomi 13 Pro, on the other hand, does not have any issues like its predecessors so far. But I still couldn’t trust the company’s after-sales support for premium handsets as they have been terrible so far.
Also, you never know which MIUI update will break your device’s hardware. Xiaomi really needs to work on it instead of stopping system updates altogether, like on the Redmi Note 10 Pro.
The Xiaomi 13 Pro is perfectly fine right now. However, I am skeptical about its future, given Xiaomi’s history so far.
I don’t believe in upgrading smartphones every year. And when I am investing a premium amount, I not only expect longevity but also good after-sales service, be it official or third-party. Thus far, these things do not resonate with Xiaomi’s premium handsets in India.
Apple iPhone 15
So then again why I went with the iPhone 15 instead of the Galaxy S23 Plus? As I mentioned earlier, lack of discount is the first reason.
Secondly, Apple hit it out of the park with the iPhone 15, which starts at ₹79,900. The new base iPhone arguably has better cameras than the S23. Yes, the lack of a zoom camera is painful for my usage but the level of detail you get from the new 24MP shots is really good.
I am yet to settle down with the whole iOS thing. But so far, I am enjoying the device. Interestingly, the 60Hz display doesn’t bother me though I use the iPhone 15 alongside the OnePlus Nord CE 3 (review) sporting a 120Hz screen.
I wouldn’t call the iPhone 15 a perfect smartphone for its asking price. But I find it better than the options I had in mind.
I could have waited for the Galaxy S24 series, which is expected to release in January. But the non-Ultra models are rumored to feature the new Exynos chip in India. We all know how terrible Samsung’s own chipsets have been lately in terms of thermals and battery life.
So this was the story of how I joined the dark side. Not by choice but by force.
After the successful launch of the Xiaomi 13T in global markets, the highly anticipated Xiaomi 14 series is expected to launch in its home market in China by this month. And with a surprise leak earlier today that fully showed off the specs, we also now know the launch date and even launch prices of the Xiaomi next-generation flagship, the Xiaomi 14 from a newer leak.
From the newly leaked poster, the Xiaomi 14 is launching on October 27, 2023 (Friday), and will go on sale in China from October 31, 2023 (Tuesday) onwards. The pricing of the Xiaomi 14 is as follows:
12 GB RAM + 256 GB storage – 3999 CNY (547 USD)
12 GB RAM + 512 GB storage – 4299 CNY (588 USD)
16 GB RAM + 512 GB storage – 4599 CNY (630 USD)
16 GB RAM + 1 TB storage – 4999 CNY (684 USD)
Xiaomi 14 Promotional Poster with Launch Date, Sale Date and Pricing Revealed (Source: Xiaohongshu user)
Gathered from Chinese Xiaohongshu user 5641400486, the leaked poster above reveals the Xiaomi 14 with a large square camera module housing three Leica-branded sensors. The setup is said to comprise a 50MP OV50H main lens paired with a 50MP ultra-wide and a 50MP telephoto unit.
The Xiaomi 14 is to launch with a 6.44-inch C8 OLED 12-bit display bearing a 1.5K resolution. It will offer a 120Hz refresh rate, 2,800 nits peak brightness, Dolby Vision, and HDR10+ support. The device is tipped to have dual-stereo speakers, an IP68-certified body, and an IR Blaster.
Under the hood, the leak reveals that the Xiaomi 14 will be equipped with the unannounced Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor coupled with LPDDR5X RAM and “UFS 4.0 Enhanced” storage. It will also feature a large VC liquid cooling system for heat dissipation. The upcoming smartphone will reportedly be backed by a 4,600mAh battery unit with support for 90W wired, 50W wireless, and 10W reverse wireless charging.
For more of the latest updates on the launch of the Xiaomi 14 series, stay tuned to our coverage of Xiaomi’s upcoming launch event on October 27 only on Gizmochina!
Back in August, MSI unveiled the MAG 323UPF gaming monitor in China. What made this monitor special is its 160Hz refresh rate panel, even with 4K resolution. The brand has now introduced this monitor on the global stage, meaning that we can expect market availability in the near future.
MSI MAG 323UPF specs
The MSI MAG 323UPF gaming monitor comes equipped with a spacious 32-inch display, it offers a native 4K resolution of 3,840 x 2,160 for detailed visuals. For gaming, it offers a 160 Hz refresh rate and a swift 1 ms GtG response time for responsive gameplay.
In terms of color quality, the monitor features a 1,000:1 contrast ratio and covers a wide color space, including 93.6% AdobeRGB, 95% DCI-P3, and 125.7% sRGB. It holds VESA DisplayHDR 600 certification, providing a peak brightness of 600 nits and a 10-bit color depth (8-bit+FRC) for enhanced visuals. It’s worth noting that the typical brightness of the monitor is 440 nits.
For AMD graphics card users, the MSI MAG 323UPF supports AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, reducing screen tearing during gaming. The monitor offers various connectivity options, including DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.1, USB Type-A, and USB Type-C ports. Notably, it comes with two HDMI 2.1 ports, each boasting a 48 Gbps bandwidth, ensuring compatibility with the latest gaming consoles.
The USB Type-C port does two jobs: it connects devices and charges them at a strong 90W rate. This is handy for folks who want to use the monitor as a workstation because you can easily link a laptop to the monitor while keeping it charged.
Pricing and availability details of the monitor are expected to be unveiled in the coming weeks, so stay tuned.
Huawei has launched a new laptop in the Chinese market. The product in question is called the MateBook D 14 SE. It brings a sleek design and powerful specs under the hood. The laptop has a 14-inch IPS display as well as a 13th-generation Intel Core i5 processor. Here’s what you need to know.
Huawei MateBook D 14 SE Specifications
Huawei’s new laptop is equipped with a 14-inch IPS display with a resolution of 1920×1200, an aspect ratio of 16:10, a screen-to-body ratio of 90%, and a screen bezel width of 3.5mm. The Huawei MateBook D 14 SE also features an anti-glare matte screen to reduce screen reflections. It has obtained the German Rhine low blue light certification and is equipped with DC dimming technology to prevent screen flicker.
In terms of specifications, the Huawei MateBook D 14 SE is equipped with the 13th-generation Intel Core i5 processor (i5-13420H) and offers 16GB of LPDDR4x memory. It supports Wi-Fi 6 and comes with a 56Wh high-capacity battery along with a 65W multi-functional charger. The official claim is “one full charge, capable of intensive office use for 6 hours.” This laptop brings a full-featured USB-C port, USB 3.2 Gen 1 port, HDMI port, 3.5mm headphone jack, and USB 2.0 port.
There is support for multi-device collaboration, allowing seamless wireless connections with headphones, smartphones, tablets, monitors, and smart displays. The laptop brings a super hub, which allows for seamless mixing and easy sharing of various types of information, including text, images, and videos from the user’s computer, smartphone, and tablet. Users can effortlessly perform batch operations using long-press and drag-and-drop functions.
Price and Availability
Huawei MateBook D 14 SE notebook is now available for pre-order on JD.com for 3,999 yuan (approximately $559.86 USD). The pre-sale starts at 0:00 on October 17, and the laptops will start shipping on October 23. It is currently available with a storage capacity of only 512GB. Whether additional versions will be available during the pre-sale period is still unknown. Last year, the company also unveiled the 12th Gen Core Edition of the laptop.
The importance of China in the automobile industry is increasing with each passing day. On one hand, the number and market share of local brands in the country are growing, while on the other hand, it houses production centers for other major companies. One such manufacturer is BMW. In 2019, BMW announced that they would be producing a new electric Mini Cooper in China. Now, the first China-made electric Mini has rolled off the assembly line. Here are the details…
First China-made electric Mini rolls off assembly line
In 2019, BMW announced that it would be building a new electric Mini Cooper in China. The car would be built at a new joint venture plant between BMW and Great Wall Motor. The plant is located in Jiangsu and it has a production capacity of 160,000 cars per year. The China-made electric Mini Cooper is based on the third-generation Mini Cooper that was launched in 2014.
BMW’s first locally-made electric Mini vehicle rolled off the assembly line over the weekend at its joint plant with manufacturing partner Great Wall Motor in Zhangjiagang, China. This is a significant milestone for BMW, as it marks the beginning of a new era for the brand in China, its largest market.
However, it has been extensively redesigned to accommodate its electric powertrain. The car has a new front fascia with a closed-off grille and new headlights. The rear end of the car has also been redesigned, with new taillights and a new bumper. The interior of the China-made electric Mini Cooper is similar to the interior of the regular Mini Cooper. However, there are a few key differences. For example, the electric Mini Cooper has a new digital instrument cluster and a new infotainment system that includes a navigation system and a rearview camera.
The China-made electric Mini Cooper is powered by a single electric motor that produces 184 horsepower and 199 lb-ft of torque. The car has a range of up to 249 miles on a single charge.
Volvo, a brand synonymous with SUVs, sedans, and wagons, has unveiled its first-ever minivan, the EM90, in a rather unconventional way. While we’re used to seeing Volvo‘s new models in grand launches, this one got its first glimpse through pictures on China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) website. The model was previously teased by the company as well.
The electric minivan has a 140 kWh battery, and will be targeted at China’s EV market
At first glance, it’s evident that the EM90 has borrowed its framework from the Zeekr 009, another electric minivan. Both share similar pillars, side mirrors, and door handle placements. However, Volvo’s EM90 does a neat job of distinguishing itself with a revamped front fascia and toned-down rear design. It casts off the flashy grille of the Zeekr, opting instead for a simpler body-colored panel.
While the Zeekr 009 offers a powerful dual-motor setup with 536 hp, the EM90 seems to have taken a more conservative route with a rear-mounted electric motor providing 268 horsepower. The focus here is clearly not on speed, but on offering a reliable family vehicle. After all, you probably aren’t looking to drag race in a minivan with your kids in the back.
The EM90 will be an all-electric offering, making it a clean alternative in the minivan market mostly populated by combustion engines. Though exact battery specs are yet to be revealed, it’s reasonable to assume Volvo will prioritize range and efficiency, considering the Zeekr 009 comes with a hefty 140-kWh battery capable of 511 miles. The EM90 is a sizable family hauler, with dimensions and weight that justify its utility-first approach. It will officially be unveiled on November 12, with preorders starting the same day in China, where it will also be manufactured.
The Google Pixel 8 and 8 Pro debuted earlier this month. And while we were just starting to make peace with their underwhelming GPU performance and heating issues, a new problem has begun to emerge. Users of the new Pixel phones are reporting that they are unable to launch the Android Auto app. Google has also stepped in to help by urging affected users to send a diagnosis report.
Older Pixel phones don’t have this issue
Pixel 8 and Pixel Pro users on Google’s forums are reporting that Android Auto isn’t working for them (Via autoevolution). Even though their phones connect to the head unit and start charging, the Android Auto app never launches. These users also say that they never had this problem with their older Pixel phones, including the Pixel 7 and even the Pixel 3.
Google has not yet rolled out a fix, but an official from the Android Auto team has stepped in to offer help, or we could say, is asking users to help Google. “It would be great if you could send us a bug report from your phone to diagnose the root cause of the issue. We’ll send an email with instructions on how to capture a bug report,” wrote an Android Auto team community specialist in response to a user’s complaint.
As Bogdan Popa writes for autoevolution, it’s perplexing for users when “a Google phone running Google software on a Google operating system” is affected by bugs. Currently, there’s no news as to when Google could fix the issue. We hope to learn more in the coming days.
OnePlus Ace is among the most popular mid-range smartphone series in the Chinese market. The OnePlus Ace 2 Pro in particular is incredibly popular in China. So much so that the brand was having a hard time keeping the device in stock. Now, there are rumors of another Ace series smartphone in the works that could replicate the success of its predecessor.
OnePlus Ace 2V
As per Weibo Tipster DCS, a new smartphone is heading to the Chinese market. Although the tipster did not reveal the name of this device, there’s a good chance that this is the OnePlus Ace 3V. The Ace 3V will remain exclusive to the Chinese market, and we can expect a rebrand of the device to come to global markets, likely called the One Nord 4 or Nord 5.
The tipster mentions that the presumed OnePlus Ace 3V will feature a crisp 1.5K resolution display. It’s safe to assume this phone will come equipped with an AMOLED screen, complete with an integrated fingerprint scanner.
While its predecessor, the Ace 2V, relied on a MediaTek Dimensity chip, OnePlus has opted for Qualcomm’s expertise for the Ace 3V. Rumors suggest the device will sport the SM7550 chip, produced using TSMC’s 4nm manufacturing process. This is an unreleased chip, expected to be the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3.
While the tipster did not provide an explicit launch window, we can assume that the device will debut sometimearound March like its predecessor. However, it is also possible that OnePlus decided to launch the device sooner than that.
In related news, Qualcomm has recently launched the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 mid-range chipset, which has debuted on the Redmi Note 13 Pro. The chip is actually a secret rebrand of last year’s Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 SoC.
The iPhone 15’s debut in the Chinese market has raised concerns for Apple as initial sales have dipped by 4.5% compared to the previous year, causing a 1.5% drop in Apple’s pre-market stock, according to the latest data from Counterpoint.
Insiders in Shenzhen’s Huaqiangbei had been warning about the lack of demand for the iPhone 15 series, with substantial inventory remaining unsold and few rushing to make purchases. Third-party sources indicate that prices for the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus have fallen below their launch prices.
But is it fair to place all the blame on Apple’s shoulders? Perhaps not.
Challenges Mount as iPhone 15 Faces Tough Competition from Huawei
Additionally, the iPhone 15 series has encountered various issues since its launch, including overheating and burn-in problems, especially in the iPhone 15 Pro series. Users have reported excessive heat during demanding tasks and software-related problems with apps like Instagram and Uber. Apple has released software updates to address some of these issues, but concerns persist in the user and tech community.
In the US market, iPhone 15 sales also appear lackluster. A special annual survey suggests that many Apple customers are holding onto their older phones and not upgrading to the new iPhone 15, which could lead to stagnant sales next year.
Despite declining iPhone sales, Apple may still see an increase in revenue due to consumer preference for higher-priced models, such as the Pro Max, which starts at $1199.
In India though, the iPhone 15 is the most popular model in the new iPhone 15 series, followed by the iPhone 15 Pro Max. The iPhone 15 Plus has lower demand but still performs better than its predecessor, the iPhone 14 Plus, which faced delays. The base iPhone 15 has a shorter waiting time due to local assembly, about 1 week, while the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, manufactured exclusively in China, have longer waiting times of nearly 3 weeks or more. The higher demand for the Pro Max is driven by its premium features, despite being pricier in India compared to the US.
Since Elon Musk took over Twitter (now known as X) has seen a host of new changes. The social media platform introduced a paid subscription plan that gives you a verification badge and lets you enjoy a handful of features that are not available to unpaid users. And soon, X subscribers might get a new feature, called “Enhanced Discover” that will help find similar posts related to the subject matter of a post.
Voice and Video calls might also be coming soon
Android Authority has discovered new strings in the latest beta version of X for Android, which shed light on the upcoming Enhanced Discovery feature. The presence of strings labeled “blue_upsell,” suggests this feature will be exclusively available to X Premium subscribers. The outlet notes this unannounced feature aims to let users discover content that is closely aligned with the subject matter of their posts.
The latest beta version of X also includes evidence of audio and video calling features, which indicates that these features will be available soon. This is in line with Elon Musk’s confirmation back in August, when he revealed that voice and video calls would be available on both iOS and Android devices, without requiring a phone number to make a call.
Currently, there’s no timeline as to when these new features will be rolled out to the users. Separately, Elon Musk hinted last month that all X users may soon have to pay monthly fees to use the platform. In a conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Musk mentioned a “small monthly payment for use of the X system” can help in dealing with the “vast armies of bots” on the microblogging website.
Intel is at it again. Not long after the launch of the Core i9-13900KS that stunned with its 6GHz speed, the tech giant has unveiled its 14th-gen desktop CPUs, led by the i9-14900K. The new chip is also capable of hitting the 6GHz mark, thanks to its “Thermal Velocity Boost.” But is this raw power just for show or does it serve a real purpose?
The chip also consumes 253 watts of power, which is a lot
It’s easy to get lured by the flashy 6GHz number, but the i9-14900K’s high speed only lasts for short bursts. These chips may have the upper hand in the Intel vs. AMD performance race, but they’re not for everyone. Intel claims that its 14900K chip is up to 23% faster than AMD’s Ryzen 9 7950X3D when playing games like Starfield in 1080p. It’s worth noting that the comparisons could be skewed, as Intel’s benchmarks involved tasks that work better with its own UHD graphics. This chip guzzles power like it’s going out of style—253 watts, to be exact. That’s not exactly what you’d call efficient.
And speaking of AMD, Intel’s got its rival in the crosshairs. The company claims its flagship chip is up to 23% faster than AMD’s Ryzen 9 7950X3D in gaming benchmarks. But let’s take that with a grain of salt. The tests favored Intel’s own graphics tech, so is it a fair fight? Jury’s still out.
But hey, if the i9-14900K is too rich for your blood at $589, there’s always the more budget-friendly i7-14700K. It’s got a cool 20 cores and tops out at 5.6GHz for a much more palatable $409. Now that’s a deal.
Here’s something intriguing, though. Intel’s throwing in some AI help for the overclocking crowd. Their new XTU AI Assist feature makes it simpler to push your CPU to the edge without frying it. Cool, right? But don’t look for an NPU (neural processing unit) for AI tasks in these new desktop chips; that’s reserved for Intel’s upcoming mobile line-up.
Is Intel’s 14th-gen desktop CPU line-up really the next big thing, or is it just a flashy way to outdo AMD? Bottom line: these chips are powerhouses, no doubt. But unless you’ve got specific, demanding needs (or just love to brag), the i7-14700K might be the more sensible pick. The new CPUs drop on October 17th, but maybe give it a good think before you grab your wallet.
As social media constantly evolves are presents new challenges, TikTok has stepped up its game to address misleading and violent content, particularly following the Israel-Hamas conflict. While other social media giants like Meta and X have been making similar moves, TikTok is uniquely focusing on agility and global expertise to handle such crises.
TikTok’s new command center has 40,000 safety experts to moderate media
The social media app has set up a command center comprised of a global team of 40,000 safety experts. The idea is to tackle the issues from multiple angles, taking into account regional variations and sentiments. The incorporation of a diverse team aims to make TikTok’s response not just quick, but culturally sensitive and globally effective.
TikTok is also investing in language-specific moderation by hiring more moderators fluent in Arabic or Hebrew. The goal here is twofold: better pinpoint harmful content and provide a more nuanced filtering system that considers the linguistic and cultural subtleties that generic algorithms might miss. This comes after a moderator sued the company in 2021, claiming that the job caused her mental trauma. TikTok has responded by broadening the well-being support for its moderators, an often-overlooked workforce handling the grim aspects of the internet.
Moreover, TikTok is taking technological measures to combat false information and graphic content. It’s not just about taking videos down; it’s also about ensuring what stays up is there for the right reasons. Users will now find opt-in screens for graphic content that serves public interest, and limitations have been set on who can go Live to cut down on the spread of misinformation.
Between October 7 and October 15 alone, TikTok removed approximately 500,000 videos and halted 8,000 livestreams related to the Israel-Gaza situation. As it looks ahead, the company will introduce misinformation warnings in multiple languages, starting with English, Hebrew, and Arabic. This new multilayered approach shows that TikTok is not just reacting to crises, but planning for a safer digital future for its global audience.
Xiaomi continues to expand its product lineup. Having been highly influential in the smartphone market for a long time, and reaching second place in the global market, the company’s next target is the electric vehicle market. The Chinese tech giant is eagerly counting down to start the production of its first EV model. In fact, we recently mentioned that the company was awaiting approval from Beijing to produce its own electric vehicles. Meanwhile, they are also exploring partnerships to expedite the process. According to recent updates, Xiaomi is in talks with Baic Bluepark and Brilliance Auto to outsource the production of its first SUV. Here are the details…
Why is Xiaomi collaborating with other car manufacturers?
According to a recent report by Pandaily, Xiaomi is continuing to search for potential partners to produce its first electric SUV. The latest potential partners are Baic Bluepark and Brilliance Auto. This update emerges as Xiaomi prepares to release its first car, a coupe model, in 2024. In fact, Xiaomi has already established its own car factory in Beijing Yizhuang, boasting an annual production capacity of 150,000 vehicles. However, the company is reportedly exploring collaborations with other car manufacturers to achieve its sales goal of 100,000 cars by 2024.
There are a few reasons why Xiaomi may be choosing to collaborate with other car manufacturers. First, it can help the company to quickly scale up its production capacity. Xiaomi’s own car factory in Beijing Yizhuang has an annual production capacity of 150,000 vehicles, but the company is planning to sell 100,000 cars by 2024. By outsourcing the production of its SUV models to other car manufacturers, Xiaomi can quickly increase its production capacity and meet its sales target.
Second, collaborating with other car manufacturers can help Xiaomi to save money. Building a new car factory is a very expensive undertaking. By outsourcing the production of its SUV models to other car manufacturers, Xiaomi can avoid the cost of building a new factory.
Collaborating with other car manufacturers can also give Xiaomi access to their expertise. Baic Bluepark and Brilliance Auto are both experienced car manufacturers with a good track record of producing SUVs. By partnering with these companies, Xiaomi can take advantage of their expertise and produce high-quality SUV models.
The specific form of cooperation between Xiaomi and Baic Bluepark is still unknown. However, the report suggests that Xiaomi may outsource the production of its SUV models to Baic Bluepark while using its own factory to produce its coupe models. This would make sense, as Baic Bluepark is an experienced SUV manufacturer.
Apple could be planning on announcing its next generation of MacBooks next year. These upcoming notebook models will feature the company’s latest M3 chipset, which should offer improved performance and energy efficiency. So here’s everything we know.
Apple MacBooks with M3 may launch in 2024
The news arrives from Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman. The Cupertino based giant is recently rumored to release new iPad models later this week, but next gen MacBooks would reportedly launch next year. Gurman’s report also added that the M3 powered MacBook will be released sometime between spring and summer at the earliest. The latest Power On newsletter from Gurman adds that the 13-inch and 15-inch M3 MacBook Air is currently at the engineering verification test (EVT) stage.
On the other hand, the M3 MacBook Pro models are in the later stage of development and are near mass production. Mark states that the “14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros with M3 Pro and M3 Max chips have reached the DVT stage (Design Validation Test). If this is true, then the new MacBooks could launch around early or Spring 2024.
This is in line with Apple’s previous launch cycle since the M2 Pro and M2 Max powered MacBook Pros back in January 2023. Interestingly enough, the report also contradicts the rumor of new iPads launching later this week. These new tablets will feature modest upgrades like the A16 Bionic and M2 chipset. But no major changes are planned for the upcoming iPads.
Apple is reportedly working on a more affordable alternative to its upcoming Vision Pro mixed reality headset, according toBloomberg’s Mark Gurman. The new headset is rumored to cost somewhere between $1,500 and $2,500, which is significantly less than the Vision Pro’s expected price tag of $3,500.
To achieve this lower price point, Apple is reportedly considering making some hardware reductions. One of the most notable changes is the removal of EyeSight, a feature that allows users to see the wearer’s eyes through an external display. This is a good way to cut costs, as EyeSight doesn’t do anything beneficial for the wearer of the device.
An earlier report by Gurman also suggests that Apple may replace the Mac-grade Apple silicon chip in the Vision Pro with a cheaper iPhone chip, lower the resolution of the primary screen, and include fewer sensors.
The Apple Vision Pro is set to go on sale in the US in 2024 with a retail price tag of $3,500, making it one of the most expensive consumer VR products on the market. As a result, it is not surprising that Apple is considering a cheaper alternative to appeal to a wider range of consumers.
Regardless of whether or not Apple releases a cheaper Vision Pro alternative, the company is facing competition from Meta, which dominates the consumer VR market with its Oculus lineup of headsets. Even Meta’s most expensive product, the Meta Quest Pro, is significantly cheaper than Apple’s upcoming VR headset at $999.
It remains to be seen how Apple’s Vision Pro will fare in the market, but the company is hoping that its high-end specs and integration with other Apple products will make it a compelling choice for consumers.
Last month, Apple unveiled the Watch Series 9. At the end of the same month, the Cupertino-based tech giant made the original Apple Watch obsolete. Now, the second-generation smartwatch from the company i.e. the Watch Series 1 has entered the vintage production list. It’s worth noting that vintage and obsolete labels are both different. To jog your memory, the original Watch and the Watch Series 1 debuted way back in 2015 and 2016 respectively.
Apple Watch Series 1 gets vintage tag
Apple classifies vintage products as those that have been off the market for five years but less than seven. The vintage label on the Watch Series 1 signals that it is not quite obsolete but may no longer be eligible for official support. This is because the repairs are subject to the availability of the spare parts. Once, Apple slaps the obsolete label, the Watch Series 1 won’t get any official repair at the company’s stores or authorized outlets.
The Apple Watch Series 1 debuted in 2016 alongside the Watch Series 2. It was a more affordable offering among the two smartwatches. Notably, the Watch Series 1 had the same hardware as the original model except for the faster chipset. It was priced at $369 making it a hit among the consumers.
The Apple Watch Series 1 and 2 received software updates till 2020. Both currently run on watchOS6. The Watch Series 1 bagged the title of the world’s best-selling smartwatch in 2018 accounting for 90 percent of global Apple Watch sales.
The Oppo Find N3 launch is just around the corner. But prior to its official Chinese release, a fresh leak has revealed the renders of the upcoming foldable smartphone, offering us a look at its design. So let’s have a look.
Oppo Find N3 Renders
For those unaware, the Find N3 Flip has already been announced in the Chinese and Indian markets. Now, the Oppo Find N3 model is set to be released in China and globally on 19th October 2023. But prior to its official release, a render leaked has surfaced online. Looking at the leaked image, we can see the upcoming foldable smartphone in a Gold color variant.
Just a couple of days ago, the Chinese tech giant’s Find N3 in the Gold color option surfaced in leaked live images. The image was shared by known tipster Evan Blass. The leak showcases the circular camera module on the rear with Hasselblad branding. We also get a look at the 6.31-inch cover display. The primary display is expected to be a tall 7.82-inch AMOLED panel that has a 2268 x 2440 pixel resolution.
Based on what we know so far, the device will feature a triple camera setup. This consists of a 53-megapixel LYT800 OIS primary camera, a 48-megapixel ultrawide camera, and a 32-megapixel telephoto camera. For selfies, it will house a 32-megapixel punch-hole camera. Under the hood, it will be equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC. A large 4,800mAh battery pack will power this device, which will likely support 67W fast charging.
The Nubia Red Magic 150W Gallium Nitride (GaN) desktop charging kit is available for pre-sale, priced at 999 yuan in China and $199 for international buyers. The official sale will start on October 20th at 10:00 AM on various platforms. Let’s check out the key features of this charger.
Nubia Red Magic 150W GaN Desktop Charger Key Features:
If you’re not familiar with GaN chargers, they’re changing the game in device charging. These chargers are smaller, faster, and more efficient than traditional ones. GaN chargers pack a high wattage into a compact design, enabling faster charging. They also produce less heat and offer improved energy efficiency, making them an advanced choice for powering your devices.
The Nubia Red Magic 150W Gallium Nitride desktop charging kit serves as a charger but can also function as a desktop charger when its power cord is extended. The package includes a standard DC power cord suitable for some direct-charge DC devices. In case of incompatibility, Nubia offers a free DC adapter with a choice of four popular brands: Lenovo, Dell, ASUS, and HP.
The charger is designed for efficiency and versatility, supporting the PD 3.1 fast charging protocol. It features a 150W DC port, a 30W USB-A port, and two 140W Type-C ports. It’s important to note that the mentioned capacities represent the maximum power output of each port when used separately.
The charging kit features RGB lighting effects and a full-color touchscreen. This touchscreen allows users to monitor real-time charging data like input and output power. It also has touch-sensitive buttons and supports Bluetooth-controlled dynamic desktop standby animations accessible through a mobile app, enhancing both aesthetics and functionality.
Apple is rumored to launch Apple Pencil 3 tomorrow, October 17, 2023, according to a report from the Japanese blog Mac Otakara. The report states that the third-generation Apple Pencil will come with a “replaceable magnet tip.”
This rumor corroborates with leaker “Majin Bu,” who said last month that the new Apple Pencil would feature interchangeable magnetic tips for drawing, technical drawing, and digital painting. It would also make it easier to replace the tip if it becomes worn or damaged.
Bu also tipped that Apple Pencil 3 will have more precision and greater battery life.
Apple currently sells two generations of the Apple Pencil on the market, the second-gen of which was released in 2018. The second-generation Apple Pencil has a non-magnetic tip, with replacement tips available. It attaches magnetically to 2018 and newer iPad Pro models, 2020 and newer iPad Air models, and the latest iPad mini. In the U.S., it is priced at $129.
The first-generation Apple Pencil with a Lightning connector is still available for the tenth-generation entry-level iPad and some older iPad models. It has been rumored that this Apple Pencil model might be updated with a USB-C connector soon. The original Apple Pencil was released in November 2015 for $99.
This news comes after Sami Fathi from Supercharged revealed that Apple is planning to launch new iPads tomorrow. But reliable Apple analyst Mark Gurman later suggested that new iPads will not be released this month.
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.
