Advertisement

Someone Paid $400,000 at an Auction for an Early Tesla Cybertruck

The Tesla Cybertruck, which could be the electric vehicle world’s most polarizing vehicle, has yet to hit the roads, but one early model has already been sold. The stage for this unusual sale was the Petersen Auto Museum’s 29th Gala in Los Angeles, where the truck fetched a staggering $400,000. Though a notable sum, it pales in comparison to the first 2024 GMC Hummer EV, which was auctioned for $500,000.

The 2024 GMC Hummer EV was recently auctioned for $500,000

The Petersen Auto Museum and Tesla share a unique bond, often showcasing the automaker’s prototypes. This relationship has led to the museum hosting the “most comprehensive gathering of Tesla products” to date. Yet, the question remains: what does the auction of this Cybertruck signify for the two million reservation holders still waiting for their electric pickups?

Tesla Cybertruck

The vehicle has seen multiple delays since its November 2019 reveal, frustrating Tesla fans eager to see the zero-emissions truck on the road. While this auctioned truck’s VIN has yet to be disclosed, it raises concerns among reservation holders who expected to be the first in line. Tesla CEO Elon Musk, known for having VIN 001 for his original Roadster, adds another layer of uncertainty to the mix.

The auction comes at a time when “manufacturing confirmation” Cybertrucks were recently spotted at Tesla’s Texas Gigafactory, hinting that mass production may finally be on the horizon. But for many reservation holders, the auction feels like a snub. Despite their longstanding patience, someone else—someone attending a swanky, high-dollar event—will be the first to own this highly anticipated electric pickup.

Tickets for the Petersen Gala weren’t pocket-friendly either—a single seat went for $1,750, while a “premier” table cost a whopping $30,000. This exclusivity leaves reservation holders pondering the fairness of it all. Will Elon Musk make amends, or is this just another bump in the road toward the Cybertruck’s full-scale production? Only time will tell.

RELATED:

(Via)

Samsung Galaxy M44 first looks revealed via a leaked image

Back in July, Samsung launched the Galaxy M34 5G smartphone in India. The device targeted the budget segment with a stacked spec sheet. Now, it looks like Samsung has already started working on its successor, the Galaxy M44, and the first image of the device has already leaked.

Samsung Galaxy M44

The leaked image comes from tipster Anthony(@TheGalox_), revealing that the M44 has the design language of the current Galaxy series smartphones. The back features three camera protrusions with an LED flash on the side. The back appears to be made out of plastic, and the sides could feature a flat design. Since the smartphone has only emerged on the NRRA certification, it looks like the device will launch in South Korea first, likely under the Samsung Galaxy Jump 3 name.

A previous benchmark listing has revealed that the smartphone will feature a Snapdragon 888 chip. Although it is an older chip compared to the Exynos 1280, it performs better than the Exynos in almost all aspects. It’ll be interesting to see if the global version of the smartphone will also be getting this chip.

The previous model, the Galaxy M34 5G, featured a smooth 120Hz AMOLED display and an impressive 50MP OIS-equipped main camera. In terms of performance, it packed an Exynos 1280 chip, paired with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, along with a hefty 6,000mAh battery with 25W fast charging. If Samsung opts to stick with this hardware for the upcoming model, it would still be a significant upgrade, especially with the inclusion of the SD888. However, in the event that the global versions do come with the SD888, we can anticipate a slight increase in price.

RELATED:

(Source)

Pixel 8 Pro beats iPhone 15 Pro Max in YouTuber’s drop and scratch test

The Pixel 8 Pro debuted earlier this month as Google‘s top-of-the-line flagship. It brings improvements in the camera department, as well as a new Tensor G3 chip underneath. The phone also comes with a promise of 7 years of software support. But what about its durability? Will it even last 7 years of usage? A new scratch and drop test of the Pixel 8 Pro might have answered these questions.

Google Pixel 8 Pro is a sturdy phone

PBKreviews decided to put the Pixel 8 Pro through some rigorous testing. The YouTuber started by dropping the phone from waist height with the screen facing the concrete. The Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the Pixel 8 Pro easily managed to handle the drop without any visible damage.

Later, the YouTuber dropped it from head height, and although it sounded painful, the handset had no major scratches on the front and back. The same tests were carried out with the phone’s back facing the concrete, and there were no notable scratches.

PBKreviews tested the Pixel 8 Pro’s scratch by putting it inside a bag of sand and gravel and rubbing it against it. Surprisingly, the Google flagship managed to remain almost scratchless.

The YouTuber observed that the Galaxy S23 Ultra and iPhone 15 Pro Max sustained more damage than the tested phone in the same drop and scratch tests. Overall, the tested phone handled drops and scratches very well.

The most impressive aspect was the phone’s ability to withstand drops on the screen side, both from waist and head height, without cracking. This is unusual in drop tests on concrete surfaces, as phones typically crack their screens when dropped from waist height, and those that survive that often crack from head height drops (except for phones like the Mate 60 Pro, which features Kunlun glass).

The YouTuber concluded that the tested phone has better durability than the iPhone 15 Pro Max, but not as good as the 14 Pro Max.

Related:

Huawei preps for market demand with 45 million Kirin 9000S chips

Huawei‘s recent launch of the HiSilicon Kirin 9000s chip (know more about the chip from here) in the Mate 60 Pro has allowed the company to revive its smartphone business despite US sanctions. This 5G-enabled chip eliminates the need for reliance on foreign companies like Qualcomm.

Huawei-Mate-60-Pro

It features an octa-core CPU with custom cores, CPU hyper-threading, and a Maliang 910 GPU. In benchmarks, it falls behind the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 but matches the Snapdragon 888, making it two generations behind. Notably, the Kirin 9000s supports 5G and is the world’s first commercial smartphone to offer satellite calling capability.

Huawei’s Strategic Move Towards In-House Dominance

Now according to a Weibo tipster Fixed Focus, Huawei has stockpiled a large number of Kirin 9000S chips, around 40-45 million units, to meet market demand. These chips will be used in the Mate60 series for several months, but they might also be used in some phones from the Nova 12 series with possible changes in specifications. Additionally, the Kirin 9000S will be important for Huawei’s upcoming P70 series.

Huawei Kirin 9000S chip stock leak

Huawei plans to cut ties with Qualcomm and exclusively use its in-house Kirin processors for new models starting in 2024, according to analyst Guo Mingcheng. This shift could lead to a significant drop of 50 to 60 million units in Qualcomm SoC shipments to Chinese smartphone brands in 2024 compared to 2023.

Huawei’s strategy change is expected to boost its position in the smartphone market, with the Mate60 series potentially reaching global sales of 50 million units, primarily targeting domestic consumers and not intending to expand into overseas markets. This move signals Huawei’s reliance on its own chip technology.

RELATED:

(Via)

Honor Magic Vs 2 Spotted On Geekbench Ahead Of Launch This Week

Earlier today, Honor announced that it will unveil the Magic Vs 2 foldable phone and Watch 4 Pro in China on October 12, Thursday. The company shared a teaser on its official Weibo account giving us a subtle look at the upcoming offerings. The Magic Vs 2 will arrive as the successor to the last year’s Magic Vs. Now, ahead of the official launch, the upcoming foldable phone has been spotted on the Geekbench benchmarking platform by an X user (ZionsAnvin). 

Honor Magic Vs 2 appears on Geekbench

The Honor Magic Vs 2 is listed on Geekbench with the model number VER-AN00. It has a motherboard codenamed ‘taro’ and it comprises four cores clocked at 1.80GHz, three cores ticking at 2.50GHz, and a primary core at 3GHz. This corresponds to the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor. As per the database, the upcoming foldable phone will pack 16GB RAM onboard. It will ship with Android 13 OS out of the box. 

The Honor Magic Vs 2 scores 1,648 and 4,201 points in Geekbench’s single-core and multi-core test results respectively. The benchmarking listing does not reveal any additional details of the device. 

The official teaser image reveals that the Honor Magic Vs 2 will arrive in a Light Blue color option. It has a rectangular camera module on the back panel housing three sensors and an LED flash. The foldable phone is seen with a slim profile and a power button on the right side that should likely double up as a fingerprint scanner. The device is already confirmed to be lighter than its predecessor. 

The Honor Magic Vs 2 will reportedly come with support for 66W fast charging. The camera setup on the Magic Vs 2 is expected to comprise a 50MP ultra-wide lens and an 8MP telephoto unit. 

Related:

Samsung reportedly working on two new 432MP camera sensors

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra currently has a 200-megapixel camera, which is over four times larger than the camera sensor on the iPhone 15 Pro Max. But it ain’t stopping there. It’s reportedly working on two new ISOCELL camera sensors with a whopping 432-megapixel resolution.

Samsung 432MP camera sensor

This news comes from tipster Revegnus, who has a good track record of leaking accurate information about Samsung products. As per them, Samsung is working on two ISOCELL sensors dubbed HW1 and HW2 both of which are said to be 1-inch in size and 432MP in resolution.

However, there are a few key differences between the two. The ISOCELL HW1 is said to be a 1/1.05-inch sensor with 0.56µm pixels, while the ISOCELL HW2 is a 1/1.07-inch sensor with 0.5µm pixels. 

Both sensors are expected to use pixel binning to combine multiple pixels into one, resulting in sharper and better-quality images in low-light conditions. Reportedly, these are also the first ISOCELL HW series sensors from Samsung.

In July 2022, Samsung filed a HexaPixel trademark, which suggested that the camera could be employing 36:1 pixel binning, equating to 432 megapixels. The new information definitely makes this news more credible.

It is unclear when Samsung will launch its first smartphone with a 432MP camera sensor, but they could happen as early as 2025. The Galaxy S25 series, which is expected to launch in early 2025, could be the first to feature the new sensor.

In addition to the new 432MP camera sensors, Samsung is also reportedly working on a new 200MP camera sensor for the Galaxy Z Fold 7. Called ISOCELL HP5, it will be a 1/1.3-inch sensor with 0.5µm pixels.

Related:

(Via)

Xiaomi Tech Se Smart Bundle Announced: Check Price, Bundled Devices

Xiaomi’s Diwali With Mi sale is currently live. The company is offering deals and discounts on its official website and exclusive offline stores across the country. Now, Xiaomi has announced a bundle that comprises four devices – a smartphone, TWS earphone, a smartwatch, and a power bank. Additionally, there is also a bank offer that can bring down the purchase price of the bundle. Read on to know if the bundle is worth purchasing. 

Xiaomi Tech Se Smart Bundle announced in India

The Xiaomi Tech Se Smart Bundle includes the Redmi Note 12 5G (review) smartphone with 6GB RAM and 128GB storage. There is a Redmi Watch 3 Active, Redmi Buds 4 Active, and a 10,000mAh Mi Pocket Power Bank. Notably, interested customers can select the color options of all devices. 

The Tech Se Smart Bundle is priced at Rs 21,999. HDFC and ICICI bank credit cardholders can avail up to Rs 2,250 instant discount on the purchase. Hence, with bank offers the bundle can be availed at Rs 19,999. 

As for the standalone prices, the Redmi Note 12 5G costs Rs 17,499. The Redmi Watch 3 Active and Redmi Buds 4 Active are priced at Rs 2,599 and Rs 999 respectively. On the other hand, the 10,000mAh Mi Pocket Power Bank costs Rs 1,599. Only the smartphone is eligible for up to Rs 2,250 discount on HDFC and ICICI credit card and EMI transactions. The individual prices of the devices amount to Rs 22,696. Considering the discount on the smartphone, it comes down to Rs 20,446. 

The price of the Tech Se Smart Bundle is slightly less than the individual prices of the devices in the bundle. It’s worth noting that all these devices are also available for purchase from Amazon. Since the e-commerce platform is also running its Great India Festival sale, interested customers should keep a tab on any discounts on the devices offered in the bundle. 

Related:

Nubia Z50S Pro now also comes with 24GB RAM

The Nubia Z50S Pro was announced in China in July. At launch, the highest configuration available on this smartphone was 16GB + 1TB

Now, nearly three months later, the brand has quietly released a new variant with 24GB RAM. This version also comes with 1TB storage.

The new 24GB + 1TB variant of Nubia Z50S Pro is priced at ¥4,699 (~$645). This makes it ¥300 more expensive than the 16GB + 1TB which retails at ¥4,399 (~$605).

The phone can be also availed in 12GB + 1TB and 12GB + 256GB  memory configurations, respectively. They are priced at ¥3,999 (~$550) and ¥3,699 (~$505), respectively./ 

The latest 24GB RAM model is currently up for pre-order on JD.com. It will be available for purchase starting October 11.

Almost all the high-performance smartphones released in 2023 have a 24GB RAM variant. This could be the reason why Nubia may have introduced this variant. But do we really need 24GB on phones? We tried to answer this question a few months back.

As far as specs are concerned, the Nubia Z50S Pro arrives with an overclocked Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, LPDDR5x RAM, UFS 4.0 storage, a 5,100mAh battery, and 80W wired charging support.

Other features include a 6.78-inch 120Hz 1.5K OLED display, a 50MP Sony IMX800 primary camera with OIS, a 50MP ultrawide camera with autofocus, an 8MP camera OIS-assisted camera with 80mm telephoto lens, a 16MP selfie camera, and USB 3.1.

RELATED:

Nintendo Switch 2 release date and pricing of two variants leaked

Nintendo is reportedly working on its upcoming gaming console Nintendo Switch 2. There have been so many leaks on Switch 2 recently. The latest leak provides insights into the potential release date and the different variants that may be introduced.

Nintendo Switch 2
Image Credit: Amir Y., Freelancer.com

Nintendo Switch 2 rumored to launch on September 24, 2024

According to a source known as SoldierDelta, there are indications that Nintendo plans to offer two variants of this upcoming console. One will feature the traditional setup, while the other will be digital-only. It’s rumored that the regular model will be priced at $449, while the digital version will be slightly more affordable at $399. The expected release date is September 24th next year, though there is a possibility of a delay until November 3rd if any issues arise.

Contrary to previous speculations of an OLED screen, the Nintendo Switch 2 is said to feature an LED screen. Additionally, there’s been talk about the inclusion of special augmented reality (AR) capabilities, with a development codename referred to as “NG” (although this is not an official Nintendo moniker).

Nintendo Switch 2 to Launch in 2024 with LCD Display Instead of OLED and  Backwards Compatibility - Gizmochina
Image Credit: Salvo Lo Cascio & Riccardo Cambò Breccia

SoldierDelta’s credibility stems from accurate leaks in the past, and there’s a connection to another reputable leaker, The Snitch. However, it’s essential to remember that Nintendo has yet to make any official announcements regarding this new console.

According to past leaks, Nintendo Switch 2 aims to compete with its formidable rivals, the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series S/X. Leaked details suggest that the Switch 2 will boast an impressive 12 GB of RAM, a significant upgrade from the current model’s 4 GB. This places it in a competitive position alongside the RAM capacity of the PS5 and Xbox Series consoles. Furthermore, there’s speculation that the Switch 2 may incorporate Nvidia’s cutting-edge DLSS 3.1 technology, enhancing both the visuals and gameplay of its games.

Tencent, the exclusive distributor of Nintendo Switch in China has recently released the Nintendo Switch Mario Red Edition, priced at 2,599 Yuan ($356). This special edition features a red design and offers improvements over the original model, including a larger OLED screen and increased storage capacity.

RELATED:

(Via)

Vivo Y78t Spotted On 3C Certification With 44W Fast Charging

Vivo is reportedly working on a Y-series smartphone in China. It is expected to be a part of the Y78 series that comprises the Y78, Y78+, and Y78m. The upcoming device has appeared on 3C certification website. It reveals the charging speed as well as the moniker of the smartphone. The upcoming offering is the Vivo Y78t. Previously, the same phone was spotted on TENAA certification site. 

Vivo Y78t spotted on 3C

The Vivo Y78t has been spotted on China’s 3C certification website with the model number V2312BA. The charger of the device has a model number V4440LoA0-CN. The listing confirms that the device will support 44W fast charging. 

A Weibo user added that the upcoming Vivo Y78t will likely be a rebadged version of the iQOO Z8x that launched in China in August this year. Additionally, the TENAA database of the smartphone has the same model number as the 3C certification. The image on the certification also reveals the device’s design from the front and the rear. 

As per TENAA, the Vivo Y78t has a Black-colored squarish camera module housing a 50MP sensor and a secondary lens. The volume rocker and power buttons are on the right side with the latter likely doubling up as a fingerprint scanner. On the front, there is a centre-aligned punch-hole cutout display. 

The core specifications of the Vivo Y78t remain unknown but if it is indeed a rebranded version of the iQOO Z8x, we can expect it to have a 6.64-inch FHD+ 120Hz display, a Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 SoC under the hood, and a 6,000mAh battery with support for 44W fast charging. 

Related:

Via

Cooler Master GM34-CWQ2 curved 180Hz gaming monitor specs & launch timeline tipped

Cooler Master recently unveiled a 27″ QHD Mini-LED monitor in the US and UK. A new report by TFT Central has now unveiled its plans to launch the successor of the GM34-CWQ gaming monitor. The new monitor will be called the GM34-CWQ2, and it will get a slight refresh rate boost.

Cooler Master GM34-CWQ2
Image via TFTCentral

Cooler Master GM34-CWQ2 specs (expected)

The Cooler Master GM34-CWQ2 is said to feature a 34-inch VA display with a 1500R curvature, similar to its predecessor. It will feature a QHD resolution of 3440 x 1440 pixels. The typical brightness of the monitor will be around 320 nits and it will have a static contrast ratio of 4000:1.

The monitor will also come with 8-bit+FRC color bit depth and coverage of 95% of the DCI-P3 color space. The main upgrade will be the refresh rate. Cooler Master is bumping up the refresh rate from 144Hz to 165Hz. In addition to that, it can be further overclocked to 180Hz. It has a 2 ms GTG and a snappy 0.5 ms MPRT response time. It also carries the AMD FreeSync Premium certification, ensuring smooth and tear-free gaming experiences.

In terms of connectivity, the monitor is said to offer an HDMI 2.0 input, a DisplayPort 1.4 input, a USB Type-C port with 65W power delivery, two USB Type-A ports, a USB Type-B port, and a headphone jack. It will offer an ergonomic stand that allows for height, swivel, and tilt adjustments. It could also come equipped with two 5W speakers for built-in audio.

Price & availability

According to the report, the anticipated retail price (RRP) for the GM34-CWQ2 is set at $419 or £379 GBP for customers in the UK. The monitor is expected to make its debut in the early months of 2024, specifically in the first quarter.

RELATED:

(Source)

Xiaomi Launches New Mijia Air Conditioner 1.5 HP 2023 in China

Xiaomi has announced the launch of the Mijia Air Conditioner 1.5 HP 2023 in China. It is the successor to the 2022 model and is now available for pre-sale on Xiaomi Mall, with a deposit of 100 yuan and a final price of 2,479 yuan.

The Mijia Air Conditioner 1.5 HP 2023 features a new generation of dual-hybrid fresh air system and self-developed centrifugal turbocharging technology to deeply purify the outdoor air and release it into the room through secondary pressurization. 

Xiaomi Mijia Air Conditioner 1.5 HP 2023

It can achieve a fresh air volume of 40m³/h without the need to expand or re-open any holes. It is also equipped with a customized high-grade HEPA filter element that is effective in antibacterial and antiviral properties.

The air conditioner also features an integrated circular LED display that allows users to view the set temperature humidity, and airspeed. It is also equipped with 14 sweeping blades with a total of 602 circular micropores to soften the airflow.

The Mijia Air Conditioner 1.5 HP 2023 adopts full DC frequency conversion technology, which is stronger and more stable, has a long life, and is more energy-saving than ordinary DC inverter air conditioners.

The air conditioner also has a built-in photosensitive sensor that intelligently adjusts brightness and supports customized sleep curves. It uses a high-quality compressor and supports 30s quick cooling and 60s quick heating. You can also link the air conditioner with the Mijia App to perform various functions.

Related:

(Via)

Redmi Note 13 Pro+ Bags BIS Certification

Xiaomi sub-brand Redmi launched the Note 13 Pro+ (review) smartphone in China last month. The device is expected to arrive in the global markets in the coming months. It bagged IMDA certification recently. Now the smartphone has been spotted on the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification website. The listing hints at the imminent launch of the Note 13 Pro+ outside the China market but the launch timeline remains a mystery for now. 

Redmi Note 13 Pro+ BIS certification

w

The Redmi Note 13 Pro+ has been spotted on the BIS certification website with the model number 23090RA98I. The ‘I’ in the model number hints at India market since the same model number but with ‘G’ at the end was spotted on the IMDA certification site. The Chinese variant of the device also has the same number with ‘C’. The BIS certification listing does not reveal any additional information of the Redmi Note 13 Pro+. 

The Redmi Note 13 Pro Plus’s predecessor i.e. the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ debuted in India earlier in January this year. Hence, we can expect the upcoming offering to launch around the same time. Alongside, the Pro Plus, the standard Note 13 5G also bagged BIS certification last month. 

The Redmi Note 13 Pro series saw massive success in China with 410,000 units sold in the first hour of the sale. The Pro+ variant packs significant upgrades over its predecessor. It has a curved AMOLED display with a 1.5K resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, 1,800 nits peak brightness, and an integrated fingerprint scanner. The device is also IP68-certified dust and water-resistant. The smartphone sports 200MP main sensor paired with an 8MP ultra-wide lens and a 2MP depth unit. The Redmi Note 13 Pro+ is powered by a Dimensity 7200 Ultra SoC coupled with up to 16GB RAM and 1TB storage. It is backed by a 5,000 mAh battery unit with support for 120W fast charging.

Related:

Via

Audible app launches on Wear OS, bringing audiobooks to your wrist

Audible, the popular audiobook service owned by Amazon, has finally launched its official app on Wear OS. The app was first announced in July 2023, alongside the launch of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 series and Wear OS 4.

Audible for Wear OS

The Audible app for Wear OS allows users to listen to their favorite audiobooks directly from their wrist, without the need for a smartphone. The app features a well-stocked library of audiobooks across all genres, and users can download audiobooks for offline listening.

The app also supports other features such as adjustable playback speed, bookmarking, and sleep timers. Additionally, users can control playback using their smartwatch’s touchscreen or buttons. Likewise, the Audible app for Wear OS features a clean and intuitive interface, making it easy to browse and select audiobooks from your library.

To use the Audible app on Wear OS, users will need to download the app from the Google Play Store and sign in with their Audible account. Once they have done this, they will be able to browse their Audible library and start listening to audiobooks directly from their watch.

Google has been working hard to improve the user experience on Wear OS, and the launch of the Audible app is a welcome addition to the growing ecosystem of apps available for smartwatches.

Related:

(Via)

One UI 6 Beta 6 Update on Galaxy S23 breaks Samsung Expert RAW app

Samsung is working on the latest One UI 6.0 which is based on the latest Android 14. The latest iteration of Samsung’s own One UI skin adds several new changes and features. The Beta testing is already going on several Samsung Galaxy Smartphones including the latest Galaxy S23 series. Following the One UI 6.0 Beta 6 update a couple of days ago, some users are now reporting issues with the Samsung RAW app.

Must See: Samsung Galaxy S23 series receives One UI 6 beta 4 update with October security patch

Several reports have come across the Samsung Community in Korea reporting the same issue. As per screenshots, it is asking for an update when the user tries to open the app. In response to one such thread, Samsung’s Camera Incharge confirmed that the issue is on the Galaxy S23 Series running One UI 6.0 Beta 6.

The unmatched app version in Beta 6 binary seems culprit behind the issue. The team is now working to bring a new update for the Expert RAW app which will resolve the issues. However, there’s no exact time given for the update, but we expect it to arrive as soon as possible. Here’s the translated text from the response, “We will take action to ensure that there are no inconveniences in using the update as soon as possible and will notify you of its distribution.”

Samsung Galaxy S23 One UI 6.0 Beta Program

One UI 6.0 is now official and it bundles several new changes including a whole new Quick Panel, quick Brightness Control, Dynamic Lock Screen, and much more.

Samsung is diligently working on the OneUI 6.0 Beta for the Galaxy S23. Within a span of 1.5 months, the company is quite near to the stable One UI 6.0 build for the device. The program is live for some other devices including the Galaxy S22, Galaxy S21, Galaxy A54 5G, and Galaxy A34 5G.

Related:

Samsung One UI 6.1 to bring new AI features, more capable voice assistant

Samsung recently announced OneUI 6 based on Android 14 at the Samsung Developer Conference. OneUI 6 is still in beta, but we are getting closer to its stable release on the flagship Galaxy S23 series. However, leaks about OneUI 6.1 have already started appearing. 

Samsung One UI 6.1 AI features

According to reliable tipster Ice Universe, Samsung’s next major software update, One UI 6.1, is expected to focus on artificial intelligence (AI). The tipster also claims that Samsung could unveil a powerful new AI digital voice assistant more capable than Bixby, and market the Galaxy S24 series as AI phones.

This comes after Samsung announced its new Exynos 2400 chipset at its launch event, claiming it delivers 1470% faster AI performance than older chipsets. This suggests that we could see a number of new AI features in the Galaxy S24 series.

Google recently unveiled the Pixel 8 series, which is also packed with a bunch of exciting AI capabilities. Google recently unveiled the Pixel 8 series, which is packed with many exciting AI features. Samsung may not want to lag behind in this race, so One UI 6.1 is expected to be a major update with new AI features.

Related:

(Via)

iQOO 12 camera specs detailed by a reliable source

Leading Android OEMs will be soon releasing next-gen flagship smartphones powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC. This chip is expected to go official at the end of this month at the annual Snapdragon Summit.

The iQOO 12 will be one of these handsets. We have been hearing about its specs for months. A new leak has now emerged detailing the device’s camera hardware.

iQOO 11
iQOO 11

The latest information on the iQOO 12 comes from the reliable source Digital Chat Station. He has shared the rear camera specs of the phone on Weibo.

 According to him, the smartphone will house a triple camera setup on the rear. This system will be headed by a 50MP OmniVision OV50H primary sensor paired with OIS.

The tipster says that as per the official spec sheet, this particular OmniVision sensor measures 1/1.28” in size. However, he suggests that iQOO may promote it as 1/1.3” instead.

This new imaging sensor will compete with the popular Sony IMX966 which is slightly smaller at 1/1.4”. We will have to wait for the handset to go official to know the actual performance of the latest 50MP sensor from OmniVision.

As for the secondary cameras, the leaker says that the iQOO 12 will be equipped with a 50MP Samsung ISOCELL JN1 ultrawide unit and a 64MP OmniVision OV64B 3x telephoto shooter with OIS.

According to previous leaks, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3-powered phone will be backed by a 5000mAh or more battery and will support 100W wired charging. It will sport a high-frequency dimming flat display with a 2K resolution and a frameless camera deco design.

Last but not least, the device will be offered with 16GB RAM and 512GB/1TB storage. 

RELATED:

MSI G244F E2 IPS Gaming monitor with 24″ FHD display & 180Hz refresh rate unveiled

MSI unveiled the 32″ G32CQ5P monitor last month which is bound to debut soon on the global stage. The brand has also unveiled another 24″ IPS gaming monitor called the MSI G244F E2. What makes this monitor special is that it offers a wide color gamut making it ideal for creative work.

MSI G244F E2 monitor specs

The MSI G244F E2 monitor offers a 23.8-inch display with a Rapid IPS panel, delivering a crisp resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels (FHD). It boasts a speedy 180 Hz refresh rate and an impressive 1ms response time (GTG), making it excellent for fast-paced gaming. The monitor has a brightness of 250 nits and a contrast ratio of 1000:1, ensuring vibrant visuals. Being an IPS panel, the monitor offers a wide viewing angle of 178 degrees both horizontally and vertically.

What sets this monitor apart are its exceptional color capabilities, covering 94.4% Adobe RGB, 92.05% DCI-P3, and 122.88% sRGB color gamuts, making it ideal for content creation and graphics work. It also features Adaptive-Sync technology to prevent screen tearing and stuttering during gameplay. For added comfort, it incorporates Night Vision to enhance visibility in darker areas, along with Anti-Flicker and Less Blue Light technologies to reduce eye strain during long sessions.

In terms of connectivity, it provides 1x Display Port (1.2a), 2x HDMI (2.0b) ports, and 1x Earphone out. Additionally, it’s VESA mount compatible and includes a Kensington lock for security. The monitor weighs 4.2 kg without the stand. The availability and pricing of the monitor are currently under wraps.

RELATED:

(Source, via)

2023 Global Sources Hong Kong show set to open in October

Global Sources has announced that the upcoming Global Sources Hong Kong shows will take place from October 11 to 30, 2023 at Asia World-Expo in Hong Kong. The events have been upgraded and enhanced to align with current global sourcing trends and market dynamics.

The show will specifically highlight industries such as e-sports, smart energy, security products and sports, and incorporate various trending features, including technology, eco-friendliness, sustainability, AIoT, and on-trend colors. The shows bring together approximately 5,000 high-quality suppliers from Asia, featuring 9,000 booths showcasing over 300,000 innovative products and peripherals, demonstrating a comprehensive range of application and implementation of cutting-edge technology and design concepts. It is projected to attract over 100,000 professional buyers from across the globe.

Phase 1 (October 11–14)

Global Sources Consumer Electronics

This show will bring high-quality OEM and ODM suppliers from China and the rest of Asia to meet the sourcing needs of global buyers looking for consumer electronics, computer peripherals, e-sports, car electronics, outdoor electronics, audio-visual equipment, and electronic components.

Global Sources Electronic Components

This show will also display a wide range of electronic components, semi-finished batteries and power equipment, connectors, and product application solutions, such as electronic equipment, communication equipment, computers, consumer electronics, smart homes, industrial control, and auto electronics.

Phase 2 (October 18–21)

Global Sources Mobile Electronics 

The show will focus on branding, smart technology, and innovative designs for mobile devices, smart wearables, AR/VR, charging products, mobile accessories, energy storage equipment, solar products, and electronic vehicle chargers. Global Sources Mobile Electronics will act as an effective platform that connects manufacturers, brands, and design firms with quality buyers from all over the world.

Global Sources Smart Home, Security & Appliances

Focusing on smart technology and innovative designs in smart home, security, and appliances, this show will display a wide range of smart home products, security devices and home appliances from quality manufacturers, solution providers, and design firms, offering whole-house smart solutions for system integrators, building materials dealers, distributors, housing design companies, and online sellers.

Global Sources Home and Kitchen

The phase two of the show will also showcase design-driven and eco-friendly home and kitchen products, including décor, household cleaning and storage products, kitchenware and tableware, all designed for high-quality lifestyles.

Global Sources Lifestyle

This show will focus on high-quality custom-made products adopting sustainable manufacturing and technologies, including a large collection of cutting-edge designs and gadgets in the categories of sports and leisure, tech gifts, pet products, and health and personal care products.

Phase 3 (October 27–30)

Global Sources Fashion

Moving from phase 2 to phase 3, this show will display a wide selection of fashion products from China and the rest of Asia, including clothing, fashion bags and accessories. It will highlight the latest designs in sportswear, leisure and health, reflecting the vibrant lifestyle of young consumers.

E-sports highlighting emerging trends

As e-sports continues to gain traction in the global entertainment industry, it has sparked rapid growth in related industries and hardware technologies. Global Sources recognizes this trend and has strategically introduced a dedicated gaming and e-sports hall during the Consumer Electronics show. Located in Hall 2, it will showcase a comprehensive range of gaming consoles and accessories, e-sports equipment, VR gaming equipment, home entertainment products, and more. Well-known e-sports peripheral brand such as DashFlash, RedGragon, MARVO, and DAREU will showcase their latest product portfolios. 

Alongside the extensive display of e-sports and gaming products, the show will feature specialized zones and onsite activities such as e-sports product launches, immersive experience zones, battle zones, mobile gaming zones, and e-sports rooms. These scenario-based specialized zones are designed to create an energetic e-sports atmosphere and elevate the immersive sourcing experience for buyers.

Smart Energy is the Future

The smart energy market holds great promise for the future, as traditional fossil energy sources face sustainability challenges and global energy demand continues to rise. According to the latest buyer data from Global Sources, the number of active buyers who have registered and sourced smart energy-related products exceeded 453,007.

Global Sources will be introducing the smart energy hall in the Mobile Electronics show to bring together electronic products in related fields, including portable and home energy storage products, solar products, inverters, electronic vehicle chargers, and other clean energy products with a focus on the latest application scenarios and solutions. Well-known brands such as HAME, ORICO, AUKEY, and Newsmy, will showcase their latest designs. The show will utilize new digital methods to fully demonstrate the products, creating an efficient platform for suppliers and high-quality buyers worldwide to communicate and build business relationships.

John Kao, Vice President of Hong Kong Shows and Overseas Shows from Global Sources, has full expectations for the upcoming October shows. He highlights the huge success of the April Hong Kong shows, which featured two consecutive phases in 10 exhibition halls covering a total area of 70,000 square meters. The Consumer Electronics Show witnessed a record-breaking number of booths, marking a significant achievement that is both gratifying and inspiring.

John said in response to the current global sourcing trends and market landscape, the October Hong Kong shows have been planned with a series of upgrades. These include the introduction of specialized zones reflecting mainstream trends and the moving of the Fashion show to the third phase. The goal is to enhance buyers’ sourcing experience through more professional and specialized services while facilitating business cooperation and partnerships.

“Gathering high-quality resources is crucial for trade development,” John added. “With its global perspective, professional services, and spirit for continuous innovation, Global Sources is introducing new sourcing experiences for the shows, which include e-sports activities, smart energy ecosystem displays, security product experience zone, and sportswear parade. These additions are designed to provide more convenient, efficient, and professional services for global buyers. 

“We are looking forward to the upcoming golden sourcing season in October, and Global Sources is committed to working with our partners to drive trade prosperity,” he said.

This year, Global Sources will maintain its collaboration with the Hong Kong Tourism Board and other industry associations to carry out promotional campaigns for the shows. Additionally, a range of digital services, including GlobalSources.com, the Global Sources app, and online/virtual shows, are all set to offer great trade experiences for global buyers and suppliers both during and after the shows.

For more details about the Global Sources Hong Kong Show, interested readers can reach them at [email protected]

About Global Sources

Global Sources is an internationally recognized B2B sourcing platform that has been driving global trade for over 50 years. The company connects authentic buyers and verified suppliers worldwide with tailored solutions and trusted market intelligence through trade shows, digital platforms, and magazines. Global Sources pioneered the world’s first cross-border B2B e-commerce website GlobalSources.com in 1995. The company has over 10 million registered international buyers and users.

HTech to begin manufacturing Honor smartphones in India in early 2024: Madhav Sheth

Honor recently made a comeback in the Indian market. It returned to the region and unveiled the new Honor 90 smartphone model (check out our review here). But apart from just launching new handsets, it appears that the company is also looking to expand its production in the country as well.

Htech brings smartphone production in Q1 2024

In an interview with the Economic Times, Madhav Sheth, the CEO of HTech, talked about the company’s business strategy for the local market. He also revealed that the company is currently discussing the possibility of bringing in local contract manufacturers to begin production of its smartphones in India. Apparently, it is in talks with three such manufacturers at the moment.

Honor 90
Honor 90

The senior executive further added that the brand is planning on starting production of these Honor phones in the country by the first quarter of next year. Madhav Sheth has also confirmed that Honor has already invested 400 crore INR towards setting up operations and distributions in India. As of right now, the Honor 90 leads the wave for a fresh lineup of Honor branded smartphones. So there are more models that are planned to launch in the region.

During the festive season, the company is targeting to hit sales figures of over 50,000 units for the Honor 90 from both offline and online channels. Additionally, it is planning 60 crore INR worth of offers for the festive sales season. The local smartphone production confirms that the brand is also joining the Make in India initiative.

RELATED: