In a surprising turn of events, several Taiwanese technology companies have reportedly joined forces with China’s Huawei to bolster the construction of its chip manufacturing plants in southern China. This collaboration comes amidst a backdrop of tense geopolitics, with Taiwan aiming to limit Chinese influence while Beijing grapples with crippling U.S. government sanctions on its semiconductor industry.
At least four Taiwanese firms, including chip material reseller Topco Scientific Co., L&K Engineering Co.’s Chinese arm, Cica-Huntek Chemical Technology Taiwan Co., and a subsidiary of construction specialist United Integrated Services Co., are lending their expertise to Huawei’s ambitious plans. Some of these companies have played pivotal roles in establishing Taiwan as a leading global destination for chip manufacturing.
Huawei, supported by substantial funding from the Chinese government, has been fervently expanding its semiconductor initiatives, aiming to reduce its reliance on foreign technology in the face of U.S. sanctions. The exact nature of the assistance provided by these Taiwanese companies remains unclear. However, it has been suggested that they might be engaged in activities not directly related to U.S. sanctions, such as semiconductor wastewater management systems for Huawei’s facilities.
The collaboration raises questions about potential violations of American sanctions imposed on Huawei in 2019, which prohibit the import of U.S. goods and chipsets by the company. This restriction also extends to companies that utilize U.S.-based technology, barring them from supplying to Huawei. Despite this, the precise scope of the support offered by the Taiwanese companies remains uncertain, making it difficult to determine if any violations have occurred.
Huawei, undeterred by the sanctions, has been conducting extensive research in the semiconductor domain. Recently, the tech giant unveiled its Mate 60 series flagship phone in China, capturing widespread attention. Notably, the spotlight is on its chipset, which boasts 5G network capabilities, showcasing Huawei’s determination to innovate despite the challenges it faces in the global market.
The involvement of Taiwanese companies in Huawei’s chip manufacturing endeavors is indeed a peculiar development. Taiwan’s Minister of Economic Affairs, Wang Mei-hua, has announced that the government will investigate these companies, urging them to be mindful of U.S. export control measures if their equipment falls under restricted categories according to American rules. This situation adds a new layer of complexity to the intricate web of the US-China tech war.
Along with Acer, HP, and Asus, Lenovo has also launched a new range of Chromebooks today powered by up to 13th Gen Intel processors. The three machines part of the new IdeaPad Chromebook lineup are called the IdeaPad Gaming Chromebook Plus, IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook Plus, and IdeaPad Slim 3i Chromebook Plus. As the names suggest, there is something for everyone in this lineup.
Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming Chromebook Plus
Starting with some key features of these laptops, File Sync is one of the standouts, which allows users to access their Google Drive files even when they’re offline. Lenovo has integrated AI-powered Google Photos Magic Eraser to make photo editing a breeze. Check out the technical specifications of the laptops below.
IdeaPad Gaming Chromebook Plus specs
The IdeaPad Gaming Chromebook Plus, with a 16-inch display, boasts an impressive slim profile. It weighs under 1.95 kg, making it highly portable. The laptop features a 16-inch WQXGA display with a 120Hz refresh rate and 100% sRGB color coverage, delivering vibrant visuals. Powering the device is a 12th Gen Intel Core i5-1235U processor and Intel Iris Xe Graphics. It comes with 8GB of LPDDR4x RAM and storage options ranging from 128GB eMMC to 512GB SSD. It runs on ChromeOS and provides up to 12 hours of battery life. The laptop includes a 1080p FHD camera with a privacy shutter and various ports for connectivity.
IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook Plus specs
The IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook Plus, featuring a 14-inch FHD IPS display with touch support, offers the convenience of a 2-in-1 convertible. Weighing starting at 1.62 kg, it’s relatively lightweight and easy to carry. It features a 12th Gen Intel Core i3-1215U processor, paired with Intel UHD Graphics. It has 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM and storage options ranging from 128GB eMMC to 512GB SSD. Running on ChromeOS, it offers up to 10 hours of battery life and includes a 1080p FHD camera with privacy features. Various ports, including USB Type-C and USB Type-A, provide versatile connectivity options.
IdeaPad Slim 3i Chromebook Plus specs
The IdeaPad Slim 3i Chromebook Plus features a 14-inch FHD display with touch support. You can either go with the Intel Core i5-1334U or Core i3-1315U processor options. It provides 8GB of LPDDR5 RAM and storage options ranging from 128GB eMMC to 256GB SSD. It delivers up to 12 hours of battery life and includes a 1080p FHD camera with privacy protection. It features a variety of ports for connectivity.
Pricing & availability
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i Chromebook Plus 14” and IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook Plus 14” can now be purchased in North America, with prices starting at $549.99 and $499.99, respectively. As for the Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming Chromebook Plus 16”, it’s not available in North America but is now accessible in EMEA, with prices starting at 599 euros.
Meta, the parent company of Instagram and Facebook, is reportedly considering offering ad-free versions of its social media platforms in Europe, according to a report from The Wall Street Journal. This move comes in response to new EU privacy regulations that require Meta to get users’ consent before showing them targeted ads.
Asking users for their consent could hurt the company’s bottom line since most users are unlikely to willingly share their data. This could reduce Meta’s advertising revenue, which is its primary source of income.
To tackle this, Meta is considering charging users a monthly fee to remove ads from their social media feeds. Under the proposed plan, users in Europe would need to pay a monthly fee to remove ads from their Instagram and Facebook. This would be the first time that Meta will be charging users for access to its core services.
The ad-free subscription plan is expected to cost around EUR 13 per month on mobile devices and EUR 10 per month on web browsers. Users would also need to pay an additional EUR 6 for each additional account.
It is unclear when the ad-free subscription plan would be launched in Europe, and if it would be offered in other regions in the future. However, Meta is said to be in discussions with privacy watchdogs in Belgium and Ireland about the plan. The company has reportedly named it “subscription no ads,” or SNA, and it might start rolling out in the coming months.
Meta’s current business model relies on targeted advertising, which is based on user data. However, the new privacy regulations in the EU will make it more difficult for companies to collect and use user data for advertising purposes.
The ad-free subscription plan is one way that Meta could continue to generate revenue from its social media platforms in Europe, while also complying with the new privacy regulations.
The Pixel 8 Pro and Pixel 8 are going official tomorrow, and Google will also unveil Android 14. There have been tons of leaks about both phones, including a few hands-on videos. While there’s not much left to be revealed about the upcoming phones, new hands-on images of the Pixel 8 Pro running the AIDA64 and Device Info HW apps have revealed some of its key hardware specs.
Pixel 8 Pro Specifications
The new images reveal major hardware details of the Pixel 8 Pro. The phone features 12GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. It’s powered by Google’s new nona-core Tensor G3 chip, with four Cortex-A510 cores clocked at 1.704GHz, four Cortex-A715 cores clocked at 2.367GHz, and a Cortex-X3 prime core clocked at 2.914GHz. The GPU is a Mali-G715.
— M. Brandon Lee | THIS IS TECH TODAY (@thisistechtoday) October 2, 2023
On the camera front, the Pixel 8 Pro is rumored to have three unique sensors: 12.5MP, 12MP, and 12.2MP. Since there will be 4-in-1 pixel binning, the Pixel 8 Pro could get a 50MP main camera, two 48MP shooters for the ultrawide and zoom lenses, and a 10.5MP selfie camera.
Pixel 8 Pro was recently spotted on Geekbench 6.2, posting a single-core score of 1,760, and a multi-core score of 4,442. These scores are mediocre at best, considering the Pixel 8 Pro is a top-notch flagship. For comparison, the OnePlus 11 with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 manages to get 1707 points in single-core and 4892 points in the multi-core test of Geekbench 6.
In other respects, the smartphone is reported to be built around a 6.7-inch LTPO OLED display that offers QHD+ resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. The device could come with up to 12 GB of RAM and up to 512 GB of storage. A recent leak revealed the Pixel 8 Pro will start at $999 in the US.
China’s Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation (SMIC) has reportedly placed substantial orders for raw materials, equivalent to around two years’ worth of supply, with Taiwanese partners. This move follows the recent shipment of Huawei’s HiSilicon Kirin 9000S system-on-chip for the Mate 60 smartphone, a move that could potentially violate U.S. sanctions.
The motive behind SMIC’s significant stockpiling efforts has sparked speculation within the tech world. While some experts suggest it is a proactive measure against anticipated stricter sanctions from the U.S., others argue that SMIC might be gearing up to meet the soaring demands of Huawei, its major client. Huawei hopes to ship up to 20 million units this year, with projections indicating sustained sales well into the next year.
The U.S. sanctions on Huawei disrupted its chip supplies, forcing the company to explore alternative solutions. Enter SMIC, which, until recently, lagged behind global competitors. However, the launch of the Huawei Mate 60 Pro, featuring the 7nm 5G-enabled Kirin 9000S chipset, marked a significant leap forward for both companies. This advance not only enabled 5G services in the U.S. but also showcased SMIC’s prowess in the highly efficient 7nm node process.
SMIC’s move to secure a robust raw material inventory can be seen as a dual-purpose strategy. On one front, it acts as a buffer against potential U.S. restrictions, ensuring that the company can continue its operations seamlessly. On the other hand, this stockpiling effort positions SMIC to meet Huawei’s escalating demands. Industry analysts suggest that this forward-thinking approach aligns with SMIC’s efforts to assist Huawei in becoming a dominant force in the smartphone market once again.
SMIC’s approach mirrors that of several Chinese chipmakers, who have been aggressively stockpiling chip-making equipment from various international sources, anticipating potential disruptions due to geopolitical tensions. This proactive stance highlights the industry’s resilience and adaptability in the face of challenging global scenarios.
After brands like Google, Nothing, and Apple have revealed their hand for the upcoming festive sales in India, OnePlus has also revealed the discount it plans to offer on its highly acclaimed flagship killer, the OnePlus 11R.
The Amazon Great Indian Festival will kick off on October 8th in India, knocking down the price of the OnePlus 11R to as low as Rs 34,999 ($421). Which is its lowest ever. The breakdown of the offer is quite clear-cut.
OnePlus 11R offer breakdown:
The OnePlus 11R (8GB + 128GB) will have a sale price of Rs 39,000 ($481), with a Rs 3,000 coupon discount on Amazon and a Rs 2,000 SBI bank discount. We can expect a similar offer from the 16GB RAM + 256GB storage variant as well.
In addition to that, OnePlus will also be launching a new Red color vegan leather option for the OnePlus 11R, with 18GB RAM and 512GB storage.
OnePlus 11R specs
The OnePlus 11R 5G features a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. It comes with a small punch-hole cutout for the selfie camera and supports HDR10+ for vivid visuals. For security, you’ll find an in-display fingerprint sensor, and the phone also features Dolby Atmos for improved audio quality.
Under the hood, this phone is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen1 SoC, combined with an Adreno GPU to handle your daily tasks efficiently. In terms of memory and storage, you can get up to 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM and 256GB of UFS 4.0 storage.
The OnePlus 11R 5G runs on Android 13 with the OxygenOS custom skin. When it comes to photography, it boasts a triple camera setup on the back, consisting of a 50MP primary camera, an 8MP ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 2MP macro lens. For selfies and video chats, there’s a 16MP front camera.
The device has a 5,000mAh battery, and it supports super-fast 100W charging. In terms of connectivity, it offers 5G support, along with Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, GPS, and a USB Type-C port.
TOZO presents an unbeatable deal on two of their top gadgets: the TOZO S3 Smartwatch and TOZO T20 Earbuds, both priced at just $39.99. But the savings don’t stop there – apply the $10 Amazon coupon available for each product. Whether you crave the convenience of a feature-packed smartwatch with TOZO S3 or the immersive audio experience of TOZO T20 Earbuds, this deal lets you dive into the world of advanced technology without straining your budget. Hurry and grab these fantastic gadgets at a steal, available both on Amazon and the official TOZO store.
TOZO S3 Smart Watch
In the fast-paced world we live in, having a reliable companion on your wrist that seamlessly blends technology with health and fitness tracking is essential. The TOZO S3 Smart Watch is not just a gadget; it’s your ultimate partner in the journey to a healthier lifestyle. Let’s delve into its features that make it a standout choice in the realm of smart wearables.
Professional Health Management: Your well-being takes center stage with TOZO S3’s comprehensive health monitoring features. Real-time heart rate monitoring, detailed sleep analysis, stress level tracking, and activity tracking provide insights into your overall health. The smartwatch automatically records your steps, distance, calories burned, and active minutes. Moreover, it measures your blood oxygen saturation, giving you a clear understanding of your physical state, and empowering you to make informed decisions about your health.
Versatile Fitness Support: Embrace a diverse range of physical activities with TOZO S3’s 100+ sports modes. Whether you’re into invigorating hikes, long-distance runs, or challenging mountain climbs, this smartwatch caters to your fitness aspirations. It’s not just a device; it’s your personal trainer, encouraging you to explore new activities and stay motivated on your fitness journey.
Bluetooth Calling and Notifications: Say goodbye to missed calls and messages. The TOZO S3 comes with a built-in premium microphone and speaker, allowing you to answer and make calls directly from your wrist. Connected via Bluetooth to your mobile phone, it ensures you’re always reachable without the hassle of reaching for your phone. Receive notifications for text messages, ensuring you’re always in the loop, whether you’re engaged in sports, outdoor activities, or simply going about your daily life.
Intuitive 1.83-inch HD Color Touch Screen: Interacting with your smartwatch has never been more delightful. The 1.83-inch large color screen offers a vivid and responsive touch experience. Its 240*284 resolution ensures sharp visuals and excellent color reproduction. Personalize your TOZO S3 with multiple watch faces, reflecting your style and personality.
Long-lasting Battery Life and IP68 Waterproof Design: Worry less about charging and usage constraints. The TOZO S3 boasts a large 300mAh battery capacity, offering up to 10 days of endurance in auto-monitoring mode for heart rate and 7 days in instant detection mode. Additionally, it’s designed with an IP68 waterproof rating, making it your ideal companion for swimming and intense workouts, without the fear of water damage.
Seamless Bluetooth Connectivity and Compatibility: Experience the convenience of controlling your music player, checking the local weather, and mobile search function, all from your wrist. The TOZO S3 is compatible with most iOS, Android, and Bluetooth smartphones. Download and install the “TOZO Health” app from the App Store or Google Play, connect your smartwatch, and embark on your smart life journey.
TOZO S3 Smart Watch goes beyond being a wearable device; it becomes an integral part of your daily life, enhancing your communication, health monitoring, and fitness experiences. Embrace a smarter, healthier lifestyle with TOZO S3 by your side.
Discover a new realm of auditory bliss with the TOZO T20 Wireless Earbuds, engineered to redefine your music and call experiences. These earbuds encapsulate innovation, seamlessly blending advanced technology with comfort and style.
Crystal Clear Calls with Dual Mic Call Noise Reduction: Equipped with cutting-edge Dual Mic Call Noise Reduction technology and 10mm Dynamic Drivers, the TOZO T20 ensures your phone calls are incredibly clear and lifelike. The moving-coil Horn loudspeaker with a larger dynamic driver delivers Hi-Fi sound quality, resonating deep bass, and immersive stereo.
Unmatched Longevity: 42 Hours of Playtime: With an astounding 42 hours of playtime on a single charge, the TOZO T20 keeps you grooving throughout the day and night. The earbuds offer 10 hours of continuous usage, while the sleek charging case provides an additional 42 hours. The real-time LED power display keeps you informed about the power levels, ensuring you never run out of music unexpectedly.
IPX8 Waterproof and Ultimate Comfort: Designed for active lifestyles, these earbuds boast an IPX8 waterproof rating, safeguarding against water, sweat, and rain. Stay focused on your workout or outdoor adventures without worrying about damage. The ergonomic in-ear design guarantees a comfortable fit, allowing you to wear them for extended periods without discomfort.
Effortless Connectivity: One-Step Pairing: Experience hassle-free pairing with TOZO T20. Simply open the charging case, and the earbuds automatically pair after the initial connection. No complicated setups, just instant access to your favorite tunes and calls.
Personalized Listening with TOZO APP: Enhance your music experience with the TOZO APP, your gateway to a plethora of audio customization options. Enjoy 16 preset EQ modes and tailor the sound to match your unique preferences. Switch between different EQ settings effortlessly, allowing you to enjoy a diverse range of musical styles with impeccable sound quality.
TOZO T20 Wireless Earbuds elevate your audio encounters to unprecedented heights. Whether you’re a music enthusiast, a fitness fanatic, or a professional constantly on calls, these earbuds cater to all your needs.
The Patak Rodster, a retro-inspired electric Microcar has been unveiled. The car can seat two persons and is now available in Europe starting from $24,000. The Rodster is manufactured by Patak Motors, a Slovakian company.
Patak Motors aims to bring micro mobility to its European audience with the release of the Rodster. The car is designed as an L7e-A2 vehicle in Europe and can be driven by even 16-year-olds in some countries. The car has an open top reminiscent of the iconic skinny-poked rim and lightweight roadsters of the 1930s. The Patak Rodster has dimensions of 132.2 x 54.9 53.4 inches and weighs 450kg without its battery.
The Patak Rodster electric microcar comes in different variants including stage 1 and stage 2 models. The stage 1 model is powered by a single rear-mounted permanent-magnet synchronous motor with 20hp capacity. It can go from 0-50km/h in 7 seconds and has a top speed of 130km/h. The 10kWh battery of the Patak Rodster delivers a range of 100km on a single charge.
The stage 2 version of the Rodster has a 20kWh battery and achieves a range of 250km. Otherwise, the stage 1 and stage 2 versions of the Patak Rodster are unchanged. The battery of the Patak Rodster can be fully charged via a 220V mains outlet between 4 and 9 hours.
The car has disc brakes, a wood decor dashboard, faux leather upholstery, a multifunction touchscreen display, and central locking. The car also comes with a three-spoke steering wheel, a tire repair kit, a rain protection cover, and a 200L trunk. There are also several optional accessories for the EV. The price of the Patak Rodster base electric model starts at about $24,000 while the long-range model starts at $26,800. The Patak Rodster is scheduled to go into production by August 2024.
Nissan is making waves again, this time pulling back the curtains on its new Hyper Urban concept. But this isn’t just another electric vehicle (EV) designed to get you from point A to B. No, Nissan wants to redefine the relationship between your car and your home.
The car will probably never go into production, but it’s a cool concept
Debuted ahead of the Japan Mobility Show 2023, the Hyper Urban concept looks like something right out of a science fiction movie with its lime-yellow angular bodywork and futuristic scissor doors. But what really makes this concept stand out is its interior. Imagine a car that transforms into your living room. The front seats can literally fold back into a comfy two-person sofa where you can watch videos from a flip-up screen. Sounds like an ideal chill spot, right?
What’s more? Nissan doesn’t just see this as a car; it’s more like an extension of your home. The automaker even suggests that you can park this four-door crossover inside your loft or bungalow, turning it into an extra living space. This could revolutionize the way we think about cars and home design in the years to come.
And let’s not forget about its tech aspects. The Hyper Urban concept comes with built-in artificial intelligence to manage vehicle-to-home and vehicle-to-grid functionalities, which means it can not only charge itself but also power your home, potentially saving you a chunk on energy costs.
But here’s the kicker: Nissan has no plans to actually manufacture the Hyper Urban. It’s essentially a peek into what the automaker thinks could be the future of EVs. While it might be a bummer that you won’t be able to own this living room on wheels anytime soon, it does leave us excited to see what else Nissan will unveil, both in terms of design and technology, at the upcoming Japan Mobility Show.
The Huawei Mate 60 Pro, which was released in August, has been out of stock at many retailers and has been selling above its original price due to high demand and supply shortages. However, recent reports suggest that the phone is now available for purchase at the original price in Nanjing, China. There are a few catch, however.
The phones are only available for local on-site payment and need to be activated on the spot. This means that you cannot buy the phone online or have it shipped to you. You must travel to Nanjing and pay for the phone in person, and you must also activate it immediately after purchase.
Huawei Mate 60 Pro comes in three configurations—256GB, 512GB, and 1TB—with a starting price of 6,499 yuan. Additionally, customers who purchase the Huawei Mate60 Pro are required to purchase other Huawei products, such as the Huawei Watch GT 4, FreeBuds Pro 3, or FreeBuds 5 TWS.
Despite these restrictions, the fact that Huawei Mate60 Pro is now available for purchase at the original price is good news for consumers in China who have been waiting to get their hands on the phone.
The Mate60 series is Huawei’s flagship smartphone lineup for 2023. After a long hiatus, these phones bring back 5G connectivity to Huawei devices and also boast an advanced camera system with other premium specifications.
The Mate60 series is also one of the first smartphone lineups from Huawei to support satellite calls. This feature allows users to make and receive calls even in areas without cellular service.
Huawei is expected to ship around 60 million Mate 60 units in 2024, suggesting that the Mate60 series is poised to be a major success for the company.
Volvo Cars has decided to break nearly a century-old tradition. The Swedish automaker, renowned for its premium sedans and SUVs, has unveiled its very first minivan—the electric EM90. While this may seem like an unexpected leap for Volvo, it appears to be a carefully planned strategy aimed at China, the world’s largest minivan market.
The Minivan is expected to have an impressive 511 miles of range on a single charge
Last August, Volvo announced the EM90 and followed up recently with teaser images posted on its Facebook page. The design cues are certainly Volvo-esque: the model features a boxy exterior, illuminated front grille, and the unmistakable Thor’s hammer LED daytime running lights. Unlike conventional monospace designs often seen in minivans, the EM90 opts for a two-box design, akin to the Zeekr 009, an electric luxury minivan from another Geely-owned brand.
Sharing underpinnings with the Zeekr 009, the EM90 is expected to ride on the Sustainable Electric Architecture (SEA) platform. It’s likely to come equipped with the CATL 140-kWh Qilin battery, capable of delivering an impressive 511 miles of range. With a dual-motor setup, the EM90 will boast a combined horsepower of 536, putting it in the same league as its electric rivals like the Zeekr 009, Voyah Dreamer, and Denza D9, as well as ICE-powered models such as the Toyota Alphard and Lexus LM.
The EM90 will make its global debut on November 12, and China will be the first market to open for pre-orders. By targeting China—a market where MPVs (multi-purpose vehicles) are immensely popular—Volvo is making a strategic move to carve out a new niche for itself in the electric vehicle ecosystem. This could be the Swedish automaker’s golden ticket into diversifying its portfolio while tapping into the unique demands of the Chinese consumer.
Samsung has launched the S Pen Creator Edition stylus, now available to purchase from their official store. It is priced at 799 yuan in China and $159 internationally. Samsung offers other S Pens as well, such as the Galaxy Tab S9 Series S Pen and S Pen Pro, but this S Pen Creator Edition is specially designed for creators.
S Pen Creator Edition Key Features:
This new offering features enhanced tilt sensitivity, allowing for more accurate and detailed drawing experiences. Notably, users can swiftly switch between drawing and note-taking without needing to interchange pen tips.
Considering the ergonomic needs of users, the S Pen Creator Edition is designed for prolonged usage. It is engineered with dimensions to minimize hand fatigue. Its construction allows it to fit comfortably in users’ hands. For convenience, it can be attached magnetically to the back of tablets when not in active use.
One of its distinct features is its universal compatibility. This stylus can be used with all Samsung Galaxy smartphones, tablets, and PCs that are equipped to support S Pen input. However, to utilize this feature, users need to have additional devices and must be logged into their Samsung accounts.
The package contains the stylus itself, a tweezer for adjustments, and two additional pen tips, giving users options based on their preferences. As for its aesthetics, the S Pen Creator Edition currently comes in a White design, with Silver highlights. When compared to the S Pen for the Tab S9 series, this edition has a marginally larger diameter by 0.9mm. The product measures 9.1 x 153.35 x 8.7 mm and weighs a light 10.6 grams. Plus, it’s got IPX4 waterproofing.
As announced earlier in February, HMD Global has started manufacturing smartphones in parts of Europe and the Nokia XR21 Limited Edition is the inaugural device coming straight from the new production line. Only a small number of these devices have been manufactured and they all come with an exclusive Frosted Platinum color, unique serial numbers, and a certificate of origin. Here are the details.
Nokia XR21 Limited Edition Specifications
HMD has manufactured an initial batch of only 50 devices with only 30 going on sale. As mentioned, each phone will be engraved with its own unique number in the series and comes in the Frosted Platinum color with a limited-edition box.
The Nokia XR21 was launched with a 6.49-inch LCD screen with FHD+ resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, and a peak brightness of 550 nits. The display is protected by Gorilla Glass Victus. It meets MIL-STD 810H military-grade durability standards and is IP68-rated for waterproofing and holds IP69K certification, ensuring resistance against dust, water, and drops.
The handset features a 16MP selfie camera and a dual-camera setup comprising a 64MP primary sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide-angle lens, and an LED flash on the rear. Under the hood, the Nokia XR21 is powered by a Snapdragon 695 processor, paired with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of onboard storage. It packs a 4,800mAh battery that supports 33W fast charging. The device runs on the Android 12 operating system.
Pricing and Availability
The Nokia XR21 Limited Edition in its Frosted Platinum finish is now up for grabs, priced at 699 Euros or 599 GBP (around $733) across several European countries, including the UK, France, Germany, Austria, Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Italy, and Finland. HMD will also introduce a standard version of the Nokia XR21 in Black, available for 649 Euros or 549 GBP.
Honda, a brand synonymous with innovation, is putting out a variety of eco-friendly technologies that range from electric vehicles (EVs) to carbon capture, aiming for a carbon-neutral footprint by 2050. But the Japanese automaker is not just stopping at manufacturing electric cars; it’s envisioning a future that recycles and repurposes old Hondas.
The video also hints at a China-only EV in the future
In its latest 60-second promo video “Keep Dreaming,” Honda briefly showcases its history of environmental stewardship. The gas-powered Civic CVCC from the 1970s and the first-generation Insight hybrid make appearances, reminding viewers of Honda’s longstanding commitment to fuel efficiency.
Yet, the promo doesn’t solely dwell on the past. The video flashes glimpses of Honda’s future: the Prologue, its first-ever mass-produced EV, and even an all-electric EVTOL concept. Another interesting project is Dreamo, aimed at capturing CO2 from the air and converting it to carbon-neutral fuel using algae, bringing the fight against climate change to a cellular level.
Most intriguingly, the video hints at a future where your “old Honda” could become your “new Honda,” suggesting a transformative approach to vehicle ownership. With ongoing global concerns about electronic waste, Honda’s concept of refurbishing older vehicles into something new is a forward-thinking solution that extends beyond simply launching new electric models.
The video also hints at the brand’s plans for the Chinese market, showcasing an angular sedan, possibly a China-only EV. In fact, Honda has ambitious plans to introduce 10 new EVs in China within the next four years and a total of 30 new EVs globally by 2030.
Ahead of Diwali, OnePlus has announced its yearly OnePlus One Celebration sale. During this sale, the brand will offer its smartphones, earbuds, and TVs at heavy discounts.
The OnePlus Festive Season Sale is set to kick off on October 7th and will run until October 31st, offering a range of enticing deals. It is worth noting that the prices of the models also include discounts when using specific cards for payment.
OnePlus One Celebration sale breakdown:
OnePlus 11: Priced at Rs. 49,999, this model comes with a free pair of OnePlus Buds Z2.
OnePlus Nord 3: Available for Rs. 28,999, buyers receive free Nord Buds 2r and can save up to Rs. 1,500 with RedCoins.
OnePlus Nord CE 3: Priced at Rs. 22,999, customers can get the Nord Watch at 50% off and save up to Rs. 1,000 with RedCoins.
OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite: This model is priced at Rs. 17,499 and offers 2X RedCoins on purchase, with up to Rs. 500 in savings with RedCoins.
OnePlus Pad: Available for Rs. 36,999.
OnePlus Buds Pro 2: Priced at Rs. 7,999, customers can receive up to Rs. 500 in coupons when linking with RCC.
OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2: Priced at Rs. 1,349.
OnePlus Nord Buds 2: Priced at Rs. 2,299, with an extra Rs. 200 discount available on the app.
OnePlus Nord Wired Earphones: Priced at Rs. 599, with an extra Rs. 200 discount on the app.
OnePlus TV 65 Q2 Pro: Priced at Rs. 94,999, offering up to Rs. 500 in savings when linked with Red Cable Club.
In related news, major retailers like Amazon and Flipkart are also offering some impressive deals on devices like the Pixel 7, the Nothing Phone 2, and the iPhone 13, which you can learn more about by clicking the links.
The iPhone 15 series is scheduled to be released in Korea on October 13th, but some experts are predicting that there may be shortages of certain models.
This is because there is a shortage of the iPhone 15 series in countries where it has already been released, such as China and Japan. In fact, in China, the expected shipment date for the iPhone 15 Pro Max has already been postponed to November due to a supply shortage.
Industry experts are predicting that the shortages are likely to affect the top models of the iPhone 15 series in Korea. They point to the fact that there was a shortage of top models, such as the Pro model, at the time of the iPhone 14 launch. They also note that the iPhone is very popular among the MZ generation, so there is likely to be high demand for the iPhone 15 series, especially for the top models.
Korean distributors are also preparing for the possibility of shortages. A Korean Telecom employee told ETNews, “We are accepting provisional reservations for the iPhone 15 series in order to estimate and understand the quantity before pre-ordering the iPhone 15 series, and there are definitely more reservations than the iPhone 14 series.”
Likewise, an SK Telecom employee said, “I can feel that there are a lot of people looking for the iPhone 15 series because it is equipped with USB-C type.”
Last year, there was a shortage of the iPhone 14 Pro in Korea that lasted several weeks. Even for the units sold online via the Apple Korea website, consumers had to wait more than a month to receive the iPhone 14 Pro.
Google may unveil its new Android 14 operating system and the Pixel 8 smartphones together on October 4. This big reveal comes from a now-removed post on the Canadian telecom carrier, Telus’ website, hinting at the simultaneous release.
Google’s Big Reveal: Android 14 and Pixel 8 Series
Android 14, nicknamed ‘Android Upside Down Cake’, promises exciting features like ‘battery cycle count’ and ‘repair mode’. It even lets users shift apps from the inside to the outside screen.
This isn’t the first time Google might pair a new Android launch with its Pixel phone release. They did the same two years ago, introducing Android 12 alongside the Pixel 6 series.
Though Google originally planned to release Android 14 in August, hints dropped after its beta program ended on September 20, suggesting an October debut. Thanks to Telus’ post, we’re pretty sure October 4 is the day.
On the hardware side, Google is launching the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro smartphones. These devices boast brighter OLED screens, with brightness of up to 2,400 nits on the Pro model. Powered by the new Tensor G3 processor, they also promise better cameras and an impressive seven years of software updates.
Sony is set to launch the Sony PlayStation 5 Spider-Man 2 Bundle this month in India, coinciding with the release of the highly anticipated Spider-Man 2 game from Insomniac. Last month, Sony also launched the PS5 Spider-Man 2 Limited Edition console in markets like the US and Europe.
Indian customers opting for the PlayStation 5 Spider-Man 2 bundle will receive a disc edition of the console, a controller, and a complimentary voucher for digitally downloading the complete Spider-Man 2 game. However, it’s worth noting that Sony doesn’t include the Spiderman-themed controller, faceplate, or a physical game copy in this package. Nevertheless, the limited edition console will also be launched separately in India. You can find out more about it here.
The price for this bundle hasn’t been confirmed yet, but it should be in stores from October 20. We think it might start at Rs 48,190 for a short time and then go up to Rs 59,390, based on how the PlayStation 5 Cricket 24 Bundle was priced in India.
If you’re getting PlayStation Plus with your PS5, you’ll be happy to know that you can play games like The Callisto Protocol, Weird West, and Farming Simulator 22 for free until November 6th. You can learn more about these games here.
Earlier in February this year, Apple announced the MLS Season Pass, a place to stream the Major League Soccer matches. It does not require an Apple TV+ subscription. The MLS Season Pass has been quite successful and the arrival of Lionel Messi gave Apple TV+ its biggest audience ever. Now, the Cupertino-based tech giant is reportedly eyeing television rights to Formula 1 as its next big sports investment. Read on to learn more details about this below.
Apple eyes TV rights to F1
As per the latest issue of Business F1 magazine (page 11), Apple is planning to bag exclusive rights for Formula 1 races. The deal is reported to cost the company around $2 billion a year. This would be double of what the Formula 1 Group is currently getting for the global TV rights.
Formula 1’s current rights are held by ESPN in the US until 2025. That’s when the Apple – F1G deal can materialize. Additionally, Formula 1 Group has existing contracts with various broadcasters across the world for five more years till 2029. Hence, the Cupertino-based tech giant won’t get the full rights to Formula 1. This also means that the company won’t pay the full $2 billion a year immediately. The magazine adds that F1G would be able to offer 25 percent exclusivity rising to 100 percent after all contracts run out. Additionally, Apple is reportedly looking to strike a 7-year deal at a fixed price.
Apple is said to have interests in Formula 1. It is currently producing an F1 movie starring Brad Pitt and a documentary on Lewis Hamilton. An Apple F1 pass will likely be a standalone subscription as the MLS Season Pass and Apple TV+ inside the Apple TV.
The magazine also reveals that Apple is also eyeing global sports deals including the English Premier League the next time the auction happens.
Sharp has just announced a new smartphone in Japan. The brand unveiled the AQUOS sense8 model which features some notable specs and features. It features a tough and durable body and some capable hardware. So here are all the details.
Sharp AQUOS sense8 Specs
The company’s new AQUOS sense9 sports a 6.1-inch OLED display that offers Full HD+ resolution, 90Hz refresh rate, and 180Hz touch sampling rate. Its body is also quite impressive considering that it features MIL-STD-810H standard for better durability. But despite this toughness, the Sharp AQUOS sense8 offers an ultralight weight of just 159 grams. This makes it one of the lightest devices in the smartphone market.
Under the hood, the smartphone is equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 SoC that is paired with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage. A massive 5,000mAh battery pack powers this device, which is surprising considering its 159 grams heft. For optics, the AQUOS sense8 packs a 50-megapixel camera on the rear, which has a 1/1.55-inch sensor size and a 2μm sensor that also supports OIS (Optical Image Stabilization).
Other notable features include a memory card slot, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and three color options (Pink, Green, and Black). It is a mid range smartphone model but the company has yet to officially reveal its pricing. Although, the device is expected to be a sub-400 US Dollar device and may launch in Japan for around 50,000 Yen (roughly 333 US Dollars).
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.
