Scottish man trapped by his runaway EV gets police to ram his car off the road

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Oct 7, 2023

A Glasgow, Scotland motorist has had to call the police to help him bring his runaway EV to a halt by ramming the car off the road. The incident happened to Brian Morrison, a 53-year-old man whose electric vehicle was unable to be brought to a stop. Morrison was then forced to dodge red lights and roundabouts to avoid a collision. He subsequently called on local police to ram the car off the road.

The new posh EV of Mr. Morrison started driving itself and the brakes couldn’t work. The car in question is allegedly an MG ZS EV, a subcompact crossover SUV produced by the Chinese automotive manufacturer SAIC Motor under the British MG marque. The victim was reportedly cruising at 30mph when the car suffered a catastrophic malfunction.

Thankfully, the police were able to bring the car to a halt by allowing it to crash into a police van. Even after the collision that brought the car to a halt, Morrison says the car tried to keep moving when the police van was being moved away. The incident which happened at about 10 pm on Sunday, October 1 was quite terrifying.

Morrison said he noticed the problem when he was approaching a roundabout at 30mph and was unable to slow down. He managed to get around the roundabout but the car continued on its cruising speed even without the driver accelerating. He said he later heard a loud, grinding noise that sounded like brake pads. Morrison who had mobility issues said he was trapped in the car. The driver initially called his partner to ask her to warn the cars ahead of him that he could not stop his car. He later called emergency services.

The unique incident was quite puzzling as the call handlers were asking whether the car was a self-driving vehicle. Morrison said that this was the first time they had experienced such an issue and they had no idea what to do. Three police vehicles were part of the rescue operation and having it ram into a police car was after several failed attempts at turning off the engine. Police had to sit with the car for several hours before the RAC arrived at the scene.

The incident is already under investigation by Morrison’s insurance company but the driver is apprehensive of driving an electric vehicle again. The EV maker MG Cars is yet to issue an official statement on the incident.

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DOOGEE T20 mini tablet Review: Small is the new big.

By

Sern Wen

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Oct 7, 2023

Although we’ve reviewed many DOOGEE rugged phones, this is the first time we’ve reviewed a tablet from DOOGEE. As we all know, DOOGEE always likes to do something different, so this T20 mini, as you can see, is smaller than my face. This means that if you want to buy a mini-size tablet, there is a new option for you.

Unboxing

Since this is an entry-level tablet, the accessories won’t come as much of a surprise. Inside the box, you’ll find the manual, card pin, charger, and cable. There was a pre-applied screen film here, but I accidentally tore it off and it affected the quality of the screen, lol, please don’t do it like me.

Small is the new big

The first impression of the T20 mini is that it’s small, really small. The screen size is only 8.4 inches, which is about the same as the iPad mini 6. The reason why the iPad mini 6 is so popular among some people is because it is easy to control the whole screen with both hands. Even with one hand, you won’t find it difficult to handle. If the phone didn’t need to be considered to fit in your pocket, then this is what it should look like in its Ultimate form.

For example, if I need a big screen device to take out with me often, a tablet around 8 inches is the perfect choice. Watching videos, reading e-books, or scrolling on TikTok, you only need one hand to hold it and you won’t get tired, it must be a better experience than a cell phone with a much smaller screen.

And it’s a SIM card installable as well as a Micro SD card. Your eBooks or videos can be viewed both offline and online, and do not require your phone to share a WIFI hotspot with it.

Gaming Experience

If you play games on an 11-inch tablet regularly, you will definitely feel that this screen is not suitable for gaming. If it’s an 8-inch screen, your thumbs will be able to cover most of the area where the game needs to be operated. So with a tablet like the T20 mini, I’m sure there are some gamers out there who would love to have one!

Some people feel that a foldable phone is the best portable device with a big screen. I can understand that because I have used a lot of foldable phones as well. It all has two drawbacks though, the first is that their screen ratio is closer to 1:1. so you’ll be wasting a huge amount of screen space watching 16:9 or 21:9 videos. Tablets like the T20 mini don’t have this problem. The most important thing is that foldable phones are really too expensive. One foldable phone costs as much as 10 T20 minis. This should be beyond most people’s budgets.

Indeed, it is also a first-class for playing some light load games. The T20 mini’s processor is a Spreadtrum T606, which is an entry-level processor. Its limit is probably PUBG Mobile at 30fps at smooth graphic mode, so I’ll generally be playing lighter games on the T20 mini.

Battery & Display

DOOGEE has put 5060mAh on this little tablet. I didn’t keep track of its battery life, but I have watched TikTok and online videos for two to three hours a day and sometimes I played games, and it lasted till the fourth day as well. Yeah, pretty long battery life.

As an entry-level tablet, the screen quality of the T20 mini is good enough for daily use. What shocked me is that it also supports Widevine L1, which is a little surprise for movie lovers from DOOGEE. The T20 mini does have dual speakers, but both speakers are on the same side. So the 3.5mm headphone jack really helps a lot.

Summarize

To summarize, the T20 mini is a tablet with distinctive features. The best feature is written in its name: Mini, and as I just said, a tablet in this size is the best big-screen device to be out with you. If you don’t need a lot of performance and you want to try out a small tablet like this, then the T20 mini can do the job. I’d like to end this video by quoting the slogan that Apple used to use on the iPad mini: Small is the new big. The biggest thing is now small. Black Friday is coming soon too. Why not check out this mini tablet?

Buy DOOGEE T20 mini here, $30coupon+5%code: CRF3GEHJ

Redmi Note 13 Pro Plus Full Review: A good looking phone is a good phone.

By

Sern Wen

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Oct 7, 2023

Honestly, when I was writing this script for the Redmi Note 13 Pro+, I often thought of a phone we’ve reviewed before: the realme 11 Pro+. There are so many similarities between them, such as they both have vegan leather back covers, 200 MP main cameras, and they both only sell for around $300. That realme 11 Pro+ is no longer in our hands, but the tested data is still there. So can the Note 13 Pro+ beat this phone released four months ago? let’s check it out.

Performance & Gaming

If a Redmi Note model doesn’t have a T in its name, then the performance is usually poor. But this time the Note 13 Pro+ performance is a bit better than expected. It’s not as strong as the Note 12 Turbo, but it’s better than last year’s 12 Pro+ and realme 11 Pro+. The long-term output of Note 13 Pro+ doesn’t seem to be a problem either, its gaming experience should theoretically be better, and it is. But the frame rate advantage doesn’t look as big as the score shows. In fact, I don’t feel that the frame rate advantage is significant, the gaming experience is on the same level.

So the Dimensity 7200-Ultra on the 13 Pro+ didn’t help at all? Not really. After all, if you’re going to record video in 4K resolution, then the support of EIS makes footage smoother. And the realme 11 Pro+ can’t do that.

Camera

Like the realme 11 Pro+, the Note 13 Pro+ replaces the telephoto camera with a super high-megapixel primary camera, which is a great way to go for a mid-range phone. The HP3 is a great sensor, even if it doesn’t take 200MP photos, it’s still one of the best.

But here are a couple of caveats you need to know: first, if you need to take a photo of an object from a certain distance, try to zoom in before you take the photo, rather than using a 200MP photo to crop it yourself. In these two images, you will see that manual zoom is much sharper.

Second, the lower the light, the weaker the zoom ability. If you feel that it is dark, then try to avoid zooming in more than 2 times to take pictures, otherwise the picture quality will crash very badly.

Third, the night mode will improve the dynamic range, but not the sharpness. To get sharper photos after zooming, use Auto mode instead of night mode.

Fourthly, the purple-fringing issue of the main camera is very noticeable, and it has a bug. I am pretty sure what I photographed is not a Christmas tree, but the way it flickered around really made me laugh. Every tree can be a Christmas tree if you take a picture of it like I did. This is probably the biggest problem with the current software version of the Note 13 Pro+.

Display

Since TCL’s display panels have gotten better and better, the display we use on the budget phone has gotten better too. Although you’ve probably heard it many times before, I’d still say it’s the best screen I’ve seen in its price range. It’s top-notch in terms of both peak brightness and color calibration. Various eye protection features are also present, and it’s even got various certifications from TÜV Rheinland.

But for me personally, it would be nice if it was a straight screen because curved screens can never skip the problem of greenish edges.

Design

We didn’t get to see the vegan leather version of the Note 13 Pro+ in the Unboxing and Hands-on videos. But now you have it. I don’t know what you guys think, but I think this Note 13 Pro+ is the most beautiful Redmi phone I’ve ever seen.

But it seems that the vegan leather is softer or has more cavities inside, and the back cover resonance can be noticeable when the volume is high. I don’t really think it’s a big issue, maybe Redmi just intentionally made the back cover part of the speaker as well. Speaking of speakers, this time the Note 13 Pro+ comes with AAC’s 2-in-1 speaker motor part – Combo. this speaker not only saves space for the vibration motor inside but also gets more bass and more volume. I have a feeling that more and more phones will use such speakers in the future.

Battery & Charging

Although the Note 13 Pro+ has 120W of charging power, it can also be fully charged in 23 minutes. Compared to realme 11 Pro+, only in the first fifteen minutes when Note 13 Pro+ have a slight advantage. The price we need to pay for better performance is worse battery life, or perhaps the system is not yet optimized, Anyway, so far the battery life of the 13 Pro+ is not considered excellent.

Conclusion

Unsurprisingly, the Note 13 Pro is a great phone to buy. There’s not much to complain about except that the performance and battery life is a bit worse than some certain phones. After all, budget phones always have trade-offs. It has better performance than realme 11 Pro+, better speakers and motors, and IP68. so out of the two phones, I would recommend the Note 13 Pro+.

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China’s Smartphone Market Shows Signs of Revival, Thanks to Huawei’s New Releases

By

Anubhav

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Oct 7, 2023

Despite facing a sluggish start in 2023, China‘s smartphone market could be gearing up for a turnaround. According to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, smartphone production in China decreased by 7.5% in the first eight months of 2023 compared to the same period last year. Sales also dipped by 4%, hitting their lowest second-quarter figures since 2014, as noted by market research firm Counterpoint.

Huawei has already seen growth of 41% from the last year (so far)

However, experts are optimistic for the rest of the year. Why? Look no further than Huawei Technologies and their recent launch of the 5G-enabled Mate 60 Pro series. “These new releases have brought great confidence back to China’s smartphone market,” says Ivan Lam, senior research analyst at Counterpoint.

Huawei’s sales have already seen a whopping 41% uptick from last year during the first eight months of this year. The company seems to have bounced back from supply chain issues, and has returned to its regular product launch cycles, including a low-key presales campaign for the Mate 60 Pro 5G.

The Mate 60 Pro series could be Huawei’s trump card, as it taps into its vast domestic user base of HarmonyOS—an alternative to Android. These new 5G models are not just expected to woo new customers but could also lure back those who had switched to other brands. Counterpoint predicts sales for these handsets to reach between five to six million units by year-end.

Apple is also expected to fuel a comeback in sales with the iPhone 15, but it’s Huawei’s indigenous tech—especially the mysterious, made-in-China Kirin 9000s processor—that’s catching eyeballs.

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Japanese towns deploy robotic “Super Monster Wolves” to guard against bears

By

Jed John Ikoba

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Oct 6, 2023

The tech innovation is now being deployed by some Japanese cities to protect their populations against wild animal invasion. The robotic “Super Monster Wolves” or robo-wolf was first introduced to tackle invasive wild pigs but is now being used as well to deter wandering black and brown bears.

The solar-powered robotic wolves came into the limelight in 2017 when Japanese researchers started testing the prototype against wild boars ravaging farmlands. It has since progressed and a company, Wolf Kamuy has expanded its sales of these sentry gadgets.

The robo-wolf has menacing fangs, fur, and flashing LED eyes. Its head is capable of shaking side-to-side and the device can emit a 90dB howl. The robo-wolf is quite handy for rural Japanese communities with the fear of bears encroaching into living spaces. The robo-wolf is now being deployed as a deterrent for such bear encroachment.

The dual purpose of the super monster wolves is to protect both crops and farmers in rural communities. Recent reports have been seen on the dangers that bears pose to human activities due to possibly a shrinking of their habitat resulting from human activities.

There are indications that the bear population in some regions of Japan is increasing. It is estimated that there are about 22,000 bears located in the Hokkaido region. There have been up to 150 bear attacks in the last 60 years. However, in 2021 alone four fatalities were recorded. There are many cases reported of bears wandering into crowded towns and cities bordering wildlife areas.

It is believed that the robo-wolf’s howls effectively deterred bears from encroaching within up to 1 square kilometer radius. This is more expansive and better than any electric fence installation. When these robo-wolves are deployed expertly, they can provide protection for elderly communities and also protect the bears. The mix between the safety of the bears in their natural habitat and climate change, together with expanding development, calls for proper balancing between animal rights and human development.

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Tensions Escalate: US tightens Chip Tool Exports to China

By

Joane

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Oct 6, 2023

In a move that is set to exacerbate already tense relations between the United States and China, the U.S. government is finalizing updated regulations regarding the export of chip-making equipment to China. These rules, aimed at tightening restrictions and closing existing loopholes, specifically target shipments of semiconductor equipment and advanced artificial intelligence chips.

The initial restrictions on chip-making equipment exports to China were put into effect on October 7, 2022, causing strains in the bilateral relationship between the two economic powerhouses. The updated rule, titled “Export Controls to Semiconductor Manufacturing Items, Entity List Modifications,” has been posted on the Office of Management and Budget website, following a typical procedure involving agreement among various departments including State, Defense, Commerce, and Energy.

The specifics of the regulation were revealed by an anonymous source familiar with the matter, as government rules are usually kept confidential until a consensus is reached among the concerned departments. The Biden administration’s approach involves publishing both rules simultaneously. While a spokesperson for the Department of Commerce refrained from commenting on the matter, it is anticipated that these new restrictions will limit China’s access to crucial chip-making tools and advanced AI chips from the U.S.

The implementation of these enhanced export controls is expected to further strain U.S.-China relations. With tensions already high between the two nations, these restrictions could have far-reaching consequences for the global technology supply chain, impacting industries and economies worldwide. The move is indicative of the United States’ commitment to safeguarding sensitive technologies, even at the cost of diplomatic relations, in an era where advancements in semiconductor technology are at the forefront of global economic competition.

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Geely Galaxy E8 pure electric sedan official images surface ahead of launch

By

Jed John Ikoba

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Oct 6, 2023

Geely has released official images of the Galaxy E8 all-electric sedan coupe which is scheduled for launch shortly. The Geely Galaxy E8 joins the L7 and L6 in the Galaxy series. It bears similar performance and features to the BYD Han EV.

As per the new images released by Geely, the Galaxy E8 has dimensions of 501 x 192 x 146.5 cm and a wheelbase of 292.5cm. It is categorized as a medium-to-large pure electric sedan. It has a fastback design with hidden door handles and through-type taillights. The Galaxy E8 has pedal-style rims while the roof comes with optional Lidar and cameras for advanced driving assistance.

Earlier released images have shown that the Geely Galaxy E8 comes with a closed design of its front face. It has sharp headlights and a trapezoidal black grille in the lower part. A fang-like structure is created with the C-shape design on both sides. The interior of the Galaxy E8, as per earlier leaked images, is minimalist in design, similar to the Galaxy Light concept EV. A 45-inch 8K screen comes with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295 chipset. The anti-glare screen is also anti-fingerprint and waterproof.

The air conditioning outlet of the Geely Galaxy E8 is only visible through a thin slit and there are minimal features on the circular dashboard. The steering wheel of the EV is designed as a polygonal structure with just two spokes. The Galaxy E8 will launch with rear-wheel and four-wheel drive versions but the full performance measures are not known yet. It has however been speculated that the rear-wheel version will come with a single electric motor with 200kW capacity and a top speed of 190km/h.

The high-end AWD version of the Geely Galaxy E8 will expectedly come with greater performance metrics and premium features. There is no pricing information for the Geely Galaxy E8 at this time.

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Xiaomi is reportedly recruiting EREV engineers in China for EV range extender development

By

Jed John Ikoba

-

Oct 6, 2023

Xiaomi has started recruiting range extender system development engineers, as it plans an entry into the EV space. The inference was drawn based on an ad placed on the Xiaomi website. Range extenders are increasingly becoming important additions to an EV. Interested applicants are expected to have a basic engineering degree and more than three years of experience.

As per the ad on Xiaomi’s website, the engineer will be in charge of developing and testing range extender systems and assisting in building a supply chain. The job description of the engineer also includes research into future range extender technology trends. The ideal engineers for the task should be experienced in mass production and maintenance projects. Xiaomi is also looking for internal combustion, air-intake, and exhaust system engineers, as well as NVH developers.

While Xiaomi has not released an official message on its EREV plans, there is some evidence to support the development of EREV. The Xiaomi Sedan’s design points to possible EREV integration. The yet-to-be-released Xiaomi MS11 sedan is long enough to have an internal combustion compartment.

Xiaomi has been rumored to have received one of the two relevant permits that will propel it to begin production. The company had also started recruitment for its production facility in Beijing, China back in August. There had also been rumors that Xiaomi has started trial production of the MS11 which is also said to be launched later this year. Xiaomi currently has a stake in Roborock, somehow linked to the Xinchen China Power range extender system via Rox Motor.

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BenQ launches V5000i 4K HDR laser TV projector in India

By

Anurag

-

Oct 6, 2023

BenQ has launched a new laser TV projector in India. The BenQ V5000i comes with several over-the-top features. For one, the projector has 2500 ANSI Lumens of RGB laser brightness and powerful 40W speakers. The device runs Google’s Android TV OS on the software front to give you an experience similar to your regular TV. Let’s have closer look at the pricing and specifications of the new BenQ V5000i.

BenQ V5000i Specifications

In case you’re not aware, laser TV projectors are a more affordable alternative to big-screen TVs, especially on a per-inch basis. They come in a variety of image sizes, starting at around 100 inches. For example, the BenQ V5000i has an image size of 100 inches, while the Hisense L5K laser TV series we recently covered has a projection size of up to 120 inches. The largest laser TV projectors can have projection sizes of up to 150 inches.

Circling back to the BenQ projector in question. The BenQ projector has a 4K Ultra HD resolution and a built-in Hi-Fi audio system with 40W speakers, including tweeters and woofers. It can reproduce colors accurately, with 95% BT 2020 and 98% DCI-P3 color gamut. It has a throw ratio of 0.252 and options for auto screen fit, manual screen fit, and ceiling mounting through 2D keystone correction. It also supports HDMI eARC compatibility for external 5.1/7.1 speakers.

As mentioned, the V5000i runs Android TV OS with access to streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime. There’s also support for voice assistants, mirror casting, and connectivity via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

Pricing and availability

The BenQ V5000i is now available for purchase in India at a price of Rs. 5,49,000 ($7137). The projector will be sold through BenQ’s various retail Home AV System Integration Partners and its official online store starting today.

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Amazfit Active launched with 1.75” AMOLED, 14 days battery, lightweight build

By

Anurag

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Oct 6, 2023

Amazfit makes some amazing smartwatches that don’t cost you a fortune but offer a premium experience. The wearable maker has today announced a new smartwatch for the global market called the Amazfit Active. It brings a large 1.75-inch AMOLED display and lightweight design. The wearable has square dial and is claimed to last up to 14 days. You also get GPS services and 5 ATM water resistance. Here are the details.

Amazfit Active Specifications

Amazfit Active comes with a square dial, which might remind you of the Apple Watch series. The wearable is particularly light, weighing only 24g without the straps. The company might have used plastic housing for the watch to achieve this weight. Anyways, the wearable has a button on the right side for better controls.

Further, the smartwatch comes with a 1.75-inch AMOLED display that supports a 450 x 390 pixels resolution. The panel also has a 73% screen-to-body ratio and a curved finish. The Amazfit Active is claimed to be 5 ATM water resistant. Amazfit says the wearable can last up to 14 days.

It also brings a GNSS module for providing location services. But you’ll have to settle for 16 hours less battery if you use this feature continuously. The Amazfit Active also has a heart rate monitor that can track blood oxygen saturation levels, as well as other common health metrics.

Pricing and Availability

Amazfit Active will be available for purchase in Midnight Black and Petal Pink colors. You grab the watch for $151 from AliExpress. If you are in the market for more premium Amazfit smartwatches, you might check out their new Cheetah series.

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Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 With Helio G99 SoC Launched Silently

By

Viraj Gawde

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Oct 6, 2023

Recently Samsung announced its Fan Edition devices including the S23 FE smartphone, Galaxy Buds FE, and two tablets named the S9 FE and S9+ FE. While the latest additions to the Tab S9 series are premium offerings, the South Korean brand has now quietly launched a budget tablet dubbed the Galaxy Tab A9 in the UAE and Guatemala markets. It arrives as the successor to the Galaxy Tab A8 that debuted way back in 2021.

Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 specifications and features

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 has been listed on Amazon UAE and Samsung Guatemala. It features an 8.7-inch display bearing a resolution of 800 x 1,340 pixels and a 60Hz refresh rate. On the audio front, the Galaxy Tab A9 is equipped with dual speakers tuned by Dolby Atmos and 3D sound support.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 has a boxy form factor with metal unibody. The back panel has a single circular camera.

Under the hood, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 is equipped with a MediaTek Helio G99 chipset. It packs up to 8GB RAM and 128GB storage that is expandable via a microSD card. The battery details of the tablet have not been revealed. Software-wise, it runs on Android 13 out of the box with features like multitasking split screen, quick share, auto sync, and more.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 is offered in Silver, Graphite, and Navy colors. It starts at AED 699 ($190) on Amazon UAE and GTQ 1,499 ($191) on Samsung Guatemala.

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Boult Sterling smartwatch launched in India with HD display, Bluetooth calling

By

Anurag

-

Oct 6, 2023

Boult has launched a new smartwatch for the Indian users. The wearable in question is called the Boult Sterling and it brings notable specifications with an affordable price tag. The smartwatch supports Bluetooth calling, a 60Hz HD display, and a lightweight design. Here’s everything you need to know.

Boult Sterling Specifications

Boult Sterling brings a sporty look with a round dial. The smartwatch is claimed to have a lightweight build. The wearable sports a 1.52-inch HD screen with 360 x 360 pixels of resolution and 700 nits peak brightness. It should offer a lag-free experience with a 60Hz refresh rate.

The wearable comes with a built-in speaker and mic so you can make Bluetooth calls via Bluetooth v5.3. It also has IP67 certification for water resistance and over 100 sports modes. As usual, the smartwatch includes health monitoring options such as a SpO2 blood oxygen monitor, blood pressure monitor, and heart rate monitor. Female users can also track their menstrual cycles with this watch.

In addition, the Boult Sterling smartwatch boasts a variety of remarkable features, including sleep monitoring, hydration reminders, and prompts to combat prolonged inactivity. It caters to fitness enthusiasts with an impressive selection of over 100 sports modes. Additionally, the watch offers a collection of over 150 cloud-based watch faces.

Other notable features include an AI voice assistant that enables access to information, reminders, and smart device control, as well as real-time weather updates. The wearable is also equipped with a Find My Phone feature and four mini-games.

Pricing and Availability

The Boult Sterling is priced at Rs 1,599 (USD 20.05) in India. It is offered in several color options such as Midnight Marine, Carbon Copper, and Scarlet Ebony. You can purchase it via Flipkart and the Boult India website. The new wearable is a tad bit more expensive than the Boult Craft smartwatch, which was launched last month.

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Cannondale’s Mavaro Neo SL is A Practical E-Bike for City Dwellers

By

Anubhav

-

Oct 6, 2023

Cannondale, a well-known name in the cycling world, has released a new electric bike called the Mavaro Neo SL. What’s interesting is that this bike is aimed not just at the usual cycling enthusiasts but at everyday people who want an easier way to get around the city. The Mavaro Neo SL is designed for city life. It has a Bafang Motor in the rear wheel that helps you get up hills and navigate city streets without breaking a sweat. The bike comes in two models, offering some choice depending on what you’re looking for.

The bike provides a 67-mile range on a full charge

One of the standout features is the bike’s adaptability. You can choose from three different designs based on how you like to ride. Whether you want a traditional bike frame or something that’s easier to get on and off, there’s an option for you. As for the technical side, the bike’s motor provides enough power for most urban rides, and the front suspension helps smooth out bumps in the road. The battery is neatly tucked away, so the bike still looks sleek.

The bike comes with some practical features, too. It’s got mudguards to keep you clean, a stand so you don’t have to lean it against a wall, and a rack on the back for carrying bags or groceries. However, note that the rack isn’t designed to carry heavy loads like a child. Battery life is also a plus. On a full charge, you can travel up to 67 miles. If that’s not enough, you can buy an additional range extender. The price tag is £2,200 ($2,675 USD) for one model and £2,400 ($2,917 USD) for the other. Both come with strong brakes for safe stopping.

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UK Regulator Questions Safety of Snap’s My AI Chatbot for Minors

By

Anubhav

-

Oct 6, 2023

Snap‘s My AI chatbot is under the microscope in the UK, as concerns rise about its potential privacy risks for kids. The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), the UK’s authority on data privacy, has issued an initial warning to Snap. This move puts pressure on the tech company to prove that its chatbot doesn’t endanger the privacy of its younger users.

Snap has over 21 million monthly users in the UK alone, most of them youngsters

The ICO’s early findings reveal that Snap may have overlooked critical privacy risks for children when launching My AI. While this initial notice isn’t a final judgement, it does mean that Snap could face action, including a possible ban of My AI in the UK if it doesn’t make changes.

Snap defended itself, stating that My AI underwent thorough legal and privacy checks before its public launch. The stakes are high for Snap, which has 21 million monthly users in the UK alone, many of whom are teenagers aged between 13 and 17. My AI’s launch marked the first time a generative AI chatbot was added to a major messaging app in the country.

But it’s not just data privacy that has people worried. Parents are also concerned about the ethical implications of their kids interacting with AI. Some find it difficult to teach their children the difference between talking to a human and a machine, especially when the chatbot is designed to simulate human-like conversations.

This issue isn’t new for the ICO, which earlier fined TikTok £12.7 million for mishandling kids’ personal information. It’s a stark reminder that regulatory bodies are increasingly stepping in to safeguard children as technology advances.

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Toyota and Suzuki will Team Up to Develop a Mini Electric Vehicle

By

Anubhav

-

Oct 6, 2023

It looks like Toyota is eyeing the smaller slice of the electric vehicle (EV) pie. The company, known for its big ambitions in the electric market, may be shrinking things down for its next project. According to an unsourced report by Japan’s Best Car, Toyota is teaming up with Suzuki to develop a mini electric vehicle.

Suzuki sold a whopping 1.31 million non-electric units in 2022

Why Suzuki? Well, the small-car giant sold a whopping 1.31 million units in 2022, according to JATO Dynamics. That’s a huge customer base looking for a transition into electric. Notably, Suzuki previewed its first-ever EV, the eVX crossover concept, in January 2023, hinting at its electric ambitions.

Toyota, on its end, aims to produce 1.5 million battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) annually by 2026. But this time, instead of going big, it seems to be thinking small. The proposed mini EV is rumored to resemble the 145-inch long Toyota Aygo X, which is a hot seller in Europe.

Both companies have been cozying up for a while now. Last year, they declared an enhancement of their existing partnership in the development of compact electric vehicles. More recently, in May 2023, they announced a joint project focusing on a new EV platform for mini electric vans.

What’s the hint for the new vehicle’s concept name? A filing with the USPTO last week registered the name “FT-3e.” For those keeping score, “FT” stands for Future Toyota. Given Toyota’s history of using this prefix for concept vehicles, this mini electric might just be the future we’re looking at.

To add more fuel to the fire (or perhaps more electrons to the battery), Toyota has been privy about some of its 15 EV concepts it showed off last December. One of those was conspicuously labeled “small bZ electric crossover.” Is this a preview of the Toyota-Suzuki collaboration? Time will tell. Keep your eyes peeled for the Japan Mobility Show starting October 26, where we might get some juicy details about the mysterious FT-3e.

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Samsung Galaxy F23 5G gets One UI 5.1 August Security update

By

Sean

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Oct 6, 2023

Samsung is rolling out a brand new update for the Galaxy F23 5G model. The smartphone is now receiving an updated security patch along with One UI 5.1 custom skin. So here are all the details.

Samsung Galaxy F23 5G August Security Patch

The South Korean tech giant is bringing the new firmware version E236B\XXU4CWI1/E236BODM4CWI1 /E236BXXU4CWH1. This update has a download size of just over 700MB. It brings the security patch for the month of August 2023. In other words, the company has improved the overall security levels of the Galaxy F23 5G. The smartphone has now received the One UI 5.1 custom skin version.

If you own a Samsung Galaxy F23 5G and wish to check if you’ve received the update; head to Settings and then navigate to the Software Update section. Here, you can tap on check for new updates and download and install the new software built on your device. It is worth noting that downloading the update is recommended on a Wi-Fi connection. Notably, the company recently rolled out the October Security patch for the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5 as well.

Samsung Galaxy F23 5G Specs

The Samsung Galaxy F23 5G sports a tall 6.6-inch LCD panel that offers a Full HD+ resolution and 120Hz refresh rate. Meanwhile, the rear features a 50-megapixel triple camera setup. The front also houses an 8-megapixel selfie shooter. Under the hood, the smartphone is equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G SoC that is paired with up to 6GB of RAM and 120GB of internal storage. A large 5,000mAh battery pack that supports 25W wired fast charging.

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Boat Stone 352 Deadpool Edition 10W Bluetooth speakers launched for ₹1,599

By

Sudhanshu

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Oct 6, 2023

Boat recently debuted the Stone 1800 90W portable speakers for the party-loving crowd in India. Though the speaker is portable, it still weighs nearly 3 kg. If you are looking at something lighter, the brand has also launched the Boat Stone 352 Deadpool Edition.

This is the same Stone 352 speaker that the brand launched a few months back, but as the same suggests, it comes with a special Deadpool theme. If you are more of an MCU fan, the Hulk or Thor-themed speakers might be more to your liking. Specs-wise, these special edition speakers are the same as the basic Stone 352.

Boat Stone 352 specs

The boAt Stone 352 is a portable Bluetooth speaker with a compact design measuring 109 × 92 × 92 mm. Operating on Bluetooth version V5.0, it offers a working range of 10 meters. The speaker features a 1.96-inch speaker size and delivers a powerful 10W RMS stereo sound for an immersive audio experience.

With a 2200 mAh battery capacity, it provides up to 12 hours of music playtime on a single charge when operated at 60% volume. This speaker is designed with an IPX7 water resistance rating, ensuring it can withstand water and splashes, allowing you to enjoy your music worry-free in various environments.

Charging the boAt Stone 352 takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours via a USB Type-C port. Notably, the speaker supports True Wireless Stereo (TWS) functionality, enabling you to connect two Stone 352 speakers simultaneously for a stereo effect, doubling the impact of your music.

For versatile connectivity, this speaker offers multiple modes, including Bluetooth, AUX, and TF Card. The controls on the speaker are easy to access, allowing you to manage playback and adjust volume levels with ease. Last but not least, the speaker is IPX7 splash-resistant.

Price & availability

The Boat Stone 352 Deadpool Edition Bluetooth speakers launched at ₹1,699 ($20), however, it is currently available to purchase from Amazon India for ₹1,599 ($19). The Hulk and Thor special editions are also going for the same price.

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*Please Note: When you buy something using the links in our articles, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.

Best budget 5G smartphone deals to consider during Flipkart Big Billion Days, Amazon Great Indian Festival

By

Sudarshan Ravichandran

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Oct 6, 2023

The festive season sales are about to begin this weekend in India. For the last few years, this has been the best time to buy smartphones in the country.

The region’s largest online retailers Flipkart and Amazon are known to run sales at the same time. The former was the one to popularize this trend with its Big Billion Days sale, while Amazon answered with its Great Indian Festival.

Additionally, brands themselves now run sales on their websites during this period. So consumers get a lot of options and need clarification on numerous deals.

Thus, to help our readers out, we have compiled a list of phones that one should look for. Here in this article, we have specifically listed the best budget 5G smartphones to buy.

A year after 5G networks went live in India, the entry-level 5G smartphones finally improved and are almost on par with the 4G handsets available at the same price. With the ongoing offers, this is probably the best time to invest in them if you are looking for one.

Our list only consists of 5 devices. Above all, we have clearly mentioned what type of consumers should opt for which phone.

With that out of the way, let’s take a look at these products.

Best Budget 5G Smartphone Offers in India

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1. Redmi 12 5G

Even at its regular price, we believe the Redmi 12 5G is the best budget 5G smartphone in India right now as it is recommendable for all types of users. You can learn more about why we think that way in our review.

In a nutshell, the device offers a premium design and a faster chip (Snapdragon 4 Gen 2), unlike its competitors. It boots a well-optimized software and the 5G performance is reliable.

The handset costs ₹11,999 for the base 4GB + 128GB model. But during the sale, it will be listed at ₹11,499 (₹500 off).

Buyers can use appropriate cards for an additional 10% discount. This brings down the effective price of Redmi 12 5G to ₹10,349.

The same offer will likely be available for 6GB + 128GB and 8GB + 256GB variants as well. The product can be purchased from either Amazon or Mi.com.

Redmi 12 5G
Variants	Retail Price	Discount	Card Offer	Final Price
4GB + 128GB	₹11,999	₹500	₹1,149	₹10,349
6GB + 128GB	₹13,499	₹500	₹1,299	₹11,699
8GB + 256GB	₹15,499	₹500	₹11,999	₹13,499

Buy Redmi 12 5G from Amazon

2. Poco M6 Pro 5G

The Poco M6 Pro 5G is the same as the Redmi 12 5G. The only major difference between the two is the looks.

The Poco model arrives in flashy colors since the brand is youth-oriented. Further, it starts at a lower price as it is also offered in a 64GB variant with 4GB RAM.

Finally, it is only available on Flipkart. You can check out its effective deal prices below.

Poco M6 Pro 5G
Variants	Retail Price	Discount	Card Offer	Final Price
4GB + 64GB	₹10,999	₹1,000	₹1,000	₹8,999
4GB + 128GB	₹11,999	₹1,000	₹1,000	₹9,999
6GB + 128GB	₹12,999	₹1,000	₹1,000	₹10,999

3. Realme Narzo 60x 5G

Realme Narzo 60x 5G

The best alternative to the Redmi 12 5G and the Poco M6 Pro is Realme Narrzo 60x 5G. It is a bit expensive but comes with meaningful upgrades for the extra price.

The Realme phone charges much faster as it supports 33W SuperVOOC standard. It also sports a faster 120Hz display.

Lastly, the design is flashier and is offered in an eye-popping green color option, in addition to black. This product is more recommendable for the youth, especially students who are always in a hurry to charge their phones.

It can be purchased from either Amazon or Realme.com.

Realme Narzo 60x 5G
Variants	Retail Price	Discount	Card Offer	Final Price
4GB + 128GB	₹12,999	₹1,000	₹1,000	₹10,999
6GB + 128GB	₹14,499	₹1,750	₹1,250	₹11,499

Buy Realme Narzo 60x 5G from Amazon

4. Samsung Galaxy M34 5G and Galaxy F34 5G

The Galaxy M34 5G and Galaxy F34 5G are one and the same. The former is sold on Amazon, whereas the latter is sold via Flipkart. Both of them are also available on Samsung.com.

Just like Redmi 12 5G and Poco M6 Pro 5G, these two primary differ in terms of colors. They have the same specs and are even priced equally.

The main highlights of these handsets are longer software support (4 Android updates and 5 years of security updates), Samsung Wallet with NFC, and 120Hz AMOLED display. This device is recommended for consumers who just need a smartphone for regular day-to-day usage with no gaming and heavy multi-tasking.

Samsung Galaxy M34 5G and Galaxy F34 5G
Variants	Retail Price	Discount	Card Offer	Final Price
6GB + 128GB	₹18,999	₹2,500	₹1,500	₹14,999
8GB + 128GB	₹20,999	₹2,500	₹1,500	₹16,999

Buy Samsung Galaxy M34 5G from Amazon

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Samsung’s hardware-based security solution, Knox Vault is coming to Galaxy A-series smartphones in 2024

By

Rajesh Regmi

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Oct 6, 2023

Samsung’s Knox Vault security solution, which was previously only available on flagship devices, is expanding to mid-range Galaxy A-series phones in 2024. This was announced at the Samsung Developers Conference (SDC) 2023 in San Francisco yesterday (Oct 5).

Knox Vault is a hardware-based security solution that is isolated from the main SoC of the smartphone. This means that it can continue to protect sensitive data even if the primary chipset is compromised.

Samsung Knox Vault to come in Galaxy A series phones in 2024

It stores highly sensitive data of your smartphone such as hardware-backed Android Keystore keys, the Samsung Attestation Key, and biometric data such as fingerprints. This data is protected by Knox Vault’s own processor, memory, and non-volatile secure storage.

Until now, the feature has only been available on Samsung’s flagship devices, such as the Galaxy S, Galaxy Z Flip, and Galaxy Z Fold series. But now the company is expanding its presence on the Galaxy A series devices starting in 2024. This is the first time Knox Vault will be available on mid-range phones since its debut in the Galaxy S21 series in 2021.

It’s still unclear whether Knox Vault will be available on all 2024 Galaxy A devices, but its expansion to mid-range phones is a positive step for Samsung. Additionally, the company also announced that its Neo QLED 8K TVs will receive Knox Vault later this year.

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Samsung Galaxy A15 4G surfaces on GeekBench with Helio G99, 4GB RAM

By

Sean

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Oct 6, 2023

The Samsung Galaxy A15 4G model has surfaced online once again. This time, it was found listed on a popular benchmarking platform, which revealed some of its key specifications. So here are all the details.

Samsung Galaxy A15 4G GeekBench Listing

South Korean tech giant’s upcoming mid-range handset was spotted on GeekBench. Looking at the benchmark listing, the device appears to be an affordable 4G handset. It is equipped with the MediaTek Helio G99 SoC, which is paired with 4GB of RAM. With this chip, it managed to score 743 points in single core tests and 2,005 points in the multi core test.

Furthermore, the smartphone runs on Android 14 OS based One UI custom skin out of the box. Unfortunately, the company has yet to reveal any official details regarding the new Galaxy A15 4G model. Although, we previously covered leaked renders of this device, which revealed its design. This confirms that it will offer a triple camera setup on the rear, while the front houses a center aligned punch hole cutout. Last year, the company announced the Galaxy A14 in a 4G and 5G enabled model.

In other words, Samsung Electronics will likely introduce this model in two variants as well. The 5G model will likely come with a higher price tag. Back in 2022, the Galaxy A14 5G model launched with Dimensity 700 SoC, up to 6GB of RAM, and 128GB of internal storage. The rear packed a 50-megapixel triple camera setup and the device is powered by a large 5,000mAh battery pack. So we can expect similar specs on the Galaxy A14, except the 5G chip.

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