Xiaomi is testing the MIUI 15 stable update for the Xiaomi 13, according to a new report by Xiaomiui. This comes a week after Xiaomi suspended MIUI 14 development for several smartphones, including the Xiaomi 13 series.
The company is currently testing the MIUI 15 build “MIUI-V15.0.0.1.UMCCNXM” for the device. This build is being used to optimize the user experience, fix potential problems, and more.
MIUI 15 is based on Google’s latest Android 14 OS and is expected to offer a new user experience to Xiaomi devices. It focuses on improving security, optimizing performance, and improving the user interface.
Xiaomiui reports that MIUI 15 will shorten application startup time, bring a smoother scrolling experience, and faster multi-tasking operations, improving user efficiency.
Additionally, Xiaomi is also testing the MIUI 15 stable update for the Xiaomi 13 Ultra and Redmi K60 Pro. The build numbers for these devices are MIUI-V15.0.0.1.UMACNXM and MIUI-V15.0.0.1.UMKCNXM, respectively.
This indicates that Xiaomi is making good progress on the development of MIUI 15, and it is likely that the stable update will be released to more Xiaomi devices in the coming months.
Black Shark, Xiaomi’s gaming-focused sub-brand, has launched a new smartwatch in the global market. The Black Shark S1 comes with a particularly affordable price tag and brings decent specifications. The wearable features an AMOLED display, up to 10 days of battery life, and 100+ sports modes. The smartwatch also supports Bluetooth calling with environmental noise cancellation (ENC). Here’s everything you need to know.
Black Shark S1 Specifications and Pricing
The Black Shark S1 smartwatch brings a round dial with a rotating crown. The watch gets metal bezels and is only offered in a black color option. The watch comes with an IP68 rating so you won’t worry about unintentional (or intentional) splashes. On the front, there’s a 1.43-inch AMOLED display with 466 x 466px resolution, 600 nit brightness, and 60Hz refresh rate. You also get Always on Display (AOD) support and over 100 watch faces.
The smartwatch also brings Bluetooth calling support. Xiaomi says it has implemented an ENC algorithm and a signal-processing microphone, which outputs a clear calling experience. Black Shark S1 can track over 100 sports modes and is claimed to offer a 10-day battery life with normal usage.
The wearable can be connected through the Shark Wear app for accurate GPS tracking and periodic exercise reports. It also comes with basic features like a calculator, camera control, stopwatch, message notifications, and more.
As previously mentioned, the Black Shark S1 is available in a single black color variant and carries an affordable price tag of $50. You can place your pre-order for this watch directly on the official Black Shark website, with shipping available to customers in the United States and across Europe.
In a significant stride toward their ambitious expansion plans, BYD’s premium brand, Yangwang, has unveiled its inaugural store in the heart of Shanghai’s bustling business district and tourist hotspot, the Bund. This strategic move follows the recent launch of their debut models, Yangwang U8 and Yangwang U9.
Situated in Room 102 of the historic Roosevelt Mansion Building, the Yangwang Experience Showroom will serve as the flagship destination for customers eager to explore Yangwang’s cutting-edge products, technologies, and services. Unlike BYD’s traditional dealer model, Yangwang is pioneering a direct sales approach, aligning with industry leaders.
This newly opened store will offer a range of services, including sales, product experiences, test drives, and technology-sharing events. It represents the first in a series of carefully selected urban business district locations, emphasizing Yangwang’s commitment to providing premium services in prime city locations.
Yangwang’s expansion strategy doesn’t stop here. The brand has grand plans to open more than 90 directly managed stores in over 40 cities across China by the end of this year. With over 70 stores under construction, the company is gearing up to provide a comprehensive brand experience to customers, covering first-tier and major second-tier cities.
Underlining their commitment to customer satisfaction, Yangwang is introducing two store formats: Yangwang Showroom Stores and Yangwang Center Stores. The Showroom Stores will focus on providing exceptional sales and product experiences while organizing regular user activities. In contrast, the Center Stores will offer a comprehensive suite of services, including brand experiences, sales, delivery, and after-sales support. Some Center Stores will even feature an extreme technology experience area, allowing customers to witness the extraordinary performance of the Yangwang U8.
The Yangwang U8 is available in Premium Edition and Off-road Master Edition. While the Premium Edition is well-equipped, the Off-road Master Edition offers room for customization, providing options for a variety of preferences.
With this rapid expansion, Yangwang is poised to make a significant mark in China’s automotive industry, providing consumers with unparalleled access to their innovative and technologically advanced vehicles.
The 2024 Smart #1 electric subcompact SUV has been announced in China. The latest version of the Smart #1 EV comes with a similar design to its previous iteration and a reduced price tag. The 2024 Smart #1 is available in Pro+ and Premium.
The new Smart #1 EV retains the design of its previous iteration. It has triangular headlights, a suspended roof design, hidden door handles, frameless doors, and through-type taillights. The dimensions of the model are 4270 x 1822 x 1636 mm with a wheelbase of 2750mm.
The 2024 Smart #1 is available in multiple color options including gold, black, gray, and white. The Pro+ version of the compact SUV has 18-inch wheels while the Premium version sports 19-inch wheels. The interior of the EV is signposted by a symmetrical T-shaped design. A 9.2-inch LCD instrument panel sits in front of a flat-bottom steering wheel. There is also a 12.8-inch central control screen equipped with a built-in Snapdragon 8155 chip. The Smart #1 features wireless charging for mobile phones. There are also two cup holders in the interior.
A single electric motor is present in the 2024 Smart #1 EV with a maximum output of 200kW and 343Nm torque. A 66kWh ternary battery pack delivers a range of 535km and 560km for Pro+ and Premium models respectively. Slow charging gets the battery fully charged in 7.5 hours but fast charging can deliver up to 50% in 30 minutes.
The 2024 Smart #1 EV features a level 2 Advanced Driving Assistance system, Bluetooth connectivity, electronically adjustable seats, a power trunk, and OTA updates are supported. The Premium model features, in addition, driver fatigue monitoring, lane change assist, heated front seats, Beats speakers for audio, and an automatic fragrance system. A heads-up display in the Smart #1 Premium allows more convenience while on the move. The EV has a standard trunk volume of 323 liters, but this extends to 986 liters when the rear seats are folded.
The 2024 Smart #1 subcompact electric SUV is priced at 199,900 yuan ($27,800) for the Pro+ and 225,900 yuan ($31,400) for the Premium model. The pricing indicates that the 2024 model is less expensive than the previous iteration by up to 19,100 yuan ($2,600).
FiiO has unveiled the FF3S earphones featuring an aluminum alloy shell and replaceable cable in China. The new FiiO FF3S dual-chamber flat-head headphones come with a matte surface design.
The overall visual design of the new headphones highlights a deep, delicate, and premium texture. The aluminum alloy material used for the earphone shell delivers lightweight earphones and a more comfortable wearing experience.
Each earphone weighs 3.9g and represents a 52% reduction compared with the FF3. It is noted that subtle weight changes can significantly affect the pressure in the ear canal. It is therefore easier to use a lighter earphone for longer periods.
The FiiO FF3S with a 14.2mm unit, delivers more energy release and makes the sound output cleaner and more natural. It also delivers a thicker drumbeat rhythm and dynamic retraction and release. It has a beryllium-plated dome plus PU suspension diaphragm. The diaphragm is lightweight and offers higher rigidity which reduces segmentation vibration and non-linear distortion. Furthermore, the high internal resistance characteristics make the FF3S perform excellently with low-frequency sounds and are more elastic. It delivers crystal clear audio and higher transparency in mid- and high-frequency scenarios.
The FiiO FF3S uses a 0.78mm 2-pin interchangeable cable design. A blind operating design is added to the left earphone connector to distinguish the ears. The new model is also equipped with dual shark fin silicone earphone rings. The FiiO FF3S flat-head dynamic headphones are priced at 499 yuan (~$68). It can be purchased from Geekwills.
Tecno launched its first clamshell foldable in India earlier this month. It aims to make folding phones more accessible to the public with its affordable price tag. In fact, it is one of the cheapest flip phones you can grab right now. Tecno Phantom V Flip brings an LTPO AMOLED display and a MediaTek Dimensity 8050 5G chipset. The company has confirmed the device will go on sale in India tomorrow. Here’s what you should know.
Tecno Phantom V Flip could be your next foldable
Tecno Phantom V Flip will go on sale in India on October 1 through Amazon. During the initial sale, it will be available in both color options, Iconic Black and Mystic Dawn, at a special price of Rs. 49,999 ($598).
As far as the specifications are concerned, Tecno Phantom V Flip brings a 1.32-inch cover display with a 466 x 466 resolution AMOLED panel. On the inside, the phone features a 6.9-inch FHD+ (1080 x 2460 pixels) flexible LTPO AMOLED panel with a 20.5:9 aspect ratio, 1000 nits peak brightness, and up to 120Hz refresh rate.
The Phantom V Flip 5G is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 8050 5G chipset, paired with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. And hey this is not a new chipset. MediaTek recently chose to make its portfolio confusing and rebranded most of its chips. The Dimensity 8050 is essentially a rebranded Dimensity 1300 SoC, which is made on a TSMC’s N6 (6nm) technology.
Further, the flip phone gets a 64MP primary shooter with a 13MP ultrawide sensor and a 32MP selfie camera. It is fueled by a 4,000mAh battery with 45W fast charging support which is claimed to fill up 33% of the battery in just 10 minutes.
Sony has unveiled three wireless microphones designed essentially for content creators. The Sony ECM-W3, ECM-W3S, and ECM-S1 wireless microphones offer a range of functionality for different hues of content makers. Sony continues to catch the attention of content creators with the release of the new wireless mics. The new products come on the heels of the recently released Sony ZV series of mirrorless and compact vlog cameras.
The Sony ECM-W3 and ECM-W3S are designed for vlogging applications and interviews. They come with clippable transmitters while the ECM-S1 is a wireless desktop microphone. The ECM-W3 has two compact mics and a two-channel receiver and is suitable for two-person streaming and interviews. The ECM-W3S has a single microphone and single-channel receiver. The ECM-W3 series of wireless mics have a battery life of 6 hours and come with charging cases.
The mics have a noise-out speech which is handy for the content creator. The mic also has a low-out filter for removing low-frequency sounds. The package includes a windscreen for shielding stronger winds from distorting the operation. An attenuation switch for suppressing the sound between 10dB and 20dB is also present.
The Sony Multi-Interface (MI) shoe provides the base for mounting the receiver module. Digital audio signals are sent directly through the receiver module to the camera. The mic features USB-C and 3.5mm connections while a safety button prevents signal clipping. The mic supports Bluetooth 5.3 LE and LC3Plus codec with a transmission range of up to 150m.
The Sony ECM-S1 has a tilting stand and supports wireless transmission. It is designed for higher-quality audio applications. It has a knob for setting the mic gain, a headphone jack, and LEDs for feedback on levels. It has three 14mm capsules which enable unidirectional, omnidirectional, and stereo modes. It has the same noise-cut and low-cut filters as the ECM-W3, together with a mesh pop filter. It has the same wireless architecture as the ECM-W3 but it can be plugged into the PC via USB-C.
The Sony ECM-W3 is priced at $470 while the ECM-W3S costs $350. The ECM-S1 desktop microphone is priced at $420. All three new Sony wireless microphones will be available by October 2023.
Qualcomm, the California-based semiconductor company valued at 123.99 billion USD in 2023, is well-known for its series of 5G smartphone processors, called Snapdragon. However, the past few years saw the decline of Snapdragon’s reputation in the smartphone space due to its infamous Snapdragon 888 and 8 Gen 1 flagship processors which were constantly overheating and throttling performance. More recently, the company is also known to be streamlining their processor naming scheme and rebranding its chipsets like its main competitor, MediaTek.
These aforementioned actions have led many smartphone users and tech enthusiasts alike to ask the question – are Qualcomm Snapdragon processors more confusing in 2023? Yes, they are. And the reason could be that some Snapdragon processors are performing worse than its main competitor, the MediaTek Dimensity processors.
Qualcomm’s Naming Scheme Gone Confusing (Visualised) (Leo Wong De Quan/Gizmochina)
To clear up the confusion of Snapdragon processors in 2023, we have compiled all Snapdragon mobile processors with 5G network support to help our readers pick the best Snapdragon processor for their smartphones. We have neatly arranged them into 4 tiers based on their CPU structure, performance scores, and most importantly their day-to-day experience in a smartphone. The 4 tiers are respectively: Tier D (Poor), Tier C (Fair), Tier B (Good) and Tier A (Excellent).
Tier D: Poor Rating
Starting off with Tier D, there are a total of 6 Snapdragon processors that are rated as poor, as shown in Table 1. For simplicity’s sake, processors that feature the same CPU structure, GPU and semiconductor manufacturing as listed as one entity. For example, the Snapdragon 765, 765G, and 768G are listed as one entity in the table.
Snapdragon Chip
High Performance CPU Cores
Efficiency CPU Cores
GPU
Node Process
Antutu Score
Snapdragon 480, 480+
2x ARM Cortex A76
6x ARM Cortex A55
Adreno 619
Samsung 8nm
350,035
Snapdragon 765, 765G, 768G
2x ARM Cortex A76
6x ARM Cortex A55
Adreno 620
Samsung 7nm
385,681
Snapdragon 690
2x ARM Cortex A77
6x ARM Cortex A55
Adreno 619L
Samsung 8nm
361,536
Snapdragon 750G
2x ARM Cortex A77
6x ARM Cortex A55
Adreno 619
Samsung 8nm
438,295
Snapdragon 4 Gen 1, Snapdragon 695
2x ARM Cortex A78
6x ARM Cortex A55
Adreno 619
TSMC 6nm
435,422
Snapdragon 4 Gen 2
2x ARM Cortex A78
6x ARM Cortex A55
Adreno 613
Samsung 4nm
425,064
Table 1: Snapdragon Processors in Tier D (Source: Leo Wong De Quan / Gizmochina)
So one similarity across all the processors in Tier D, is that they utilise a 2+6 CPU structure, whereby there are 2 high-performance CPU cores, and 6 efficiency CPU cores that provide the performance for the smartphone. However, another fascinating similarity across these processors is that they all seem to be manufactured on Samsung’s manufacturing node, which has a reputation for being worse for a smartphone’s battery life than TSMC’s node because of the worse yields and power efficiency of the node. In turn, you get something like the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 in 2023, which somehow is worse than the MediaTek Dimensity 810, and Dimensity 800U found on the Realme 7 5G released more than 3 years ago.
The exception to the Samsung node is the Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 and Snapdragon 695 which are manufactured on TSMC’s 6nm node, which has proved to give great battery life and okay performance to devices like the Poco X4 Pro and Redmi Note 12 5G. Nonetheless, the limitation of a 2+6 CPU structure on these processors still means that high-performance tasks are limited to slower speeds compared to the processors in Tier C.
Redmi Note 12 5G with Snapdragon 4 Gen 1. (Source: Xiaomi)
Tier C: Fair Rating
Tier C includes a variety of Snapdragon processors ranging from the low-midrange Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 to the flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 found on 2022 Android premium smartphones like the OnePlus 10 Pro. The full list of the Tier C Snapdragon processors is shown in Table 2 below.
Snapdragon Chip
High Performance CPU Cores
Efficiency CPU Cores
GPU
Node Process
Antutu Score
Snapdragon 780G
4x ARM Cortex A78
4x ARM Cortex A55
Adreno 642
Samsung 5nm
584,449
Snapdragon 778G, 778G+, 782G
4x ARM Cortex A78
4x ARM Cortex A55
Adreno 642L
TSMC 6nm
610,891
Snapdragon 7s Gen 2, Snapdragon 6 Gen 1
4x ARM Cortex A78
4x ARM Cortex A55
Adreno 710
Samsung 4nm
612,735
Snapdragon 888, 888+
1x Cortex X1, 3x Cortex A78
4x ARM Cortex A55
Adreno 660
Samsung 5nm
868,121
Snapdragon 7 Gen 1
4x ARM Cortex A710
4x ARM Cortex A510
Adreno 644
Samsung 4nm
652,633
Snapdragon 8 Gen 1
1x Cortex X2, 1x ARM Cortex A710
4x ARM Cortex A510
Adreno 730
Samsung 4nm
1,105,598
Table 2: Snapdragon Processors in Tier C (Source: Leo Wong De Quan / Gizmochina)
Just like Tier D, Tier C has one glaring similarity across the lineup, the Snapdragon processors listed here are all manufactured on Samsung’s process node, with the exception of the Snapdragon 778G which is on TSMC’s 6nm process.
Most importantly, Tier C processors like the Snapdragon 888 and 8 Gen 1 led to many complaints of overheating, and thermal throttling by smartphone users, that they felt cheated to buy such an expensive Android device only to have the phone be very hot in the hand after long sessions of smartphone use, or even worse, the smartphone’s motherboard being so hot that it burnt the motherboard and you have to pay an expensive fee to repair the smartphone entirely.
As for the less controversial Tier C processors, they are equipped with a 4+4 CPU structure, whereby there are 4 performance CPU cores, and 4 efficiency CPU cores to back up the CPU. The most popular amongst the Tier C processors is the Snapdragon 778G series of processors, because it was the only processor in this tier manufactured on TSMC’s 6nm process, meaning that didn’t suffer from the higher temperatures and higher power draw of its siblings that were manufactured on Samsung’s node instead. However for mid-range chips, the difference in power draw is mostly negligible, and the only limitation for the processor to have better performance comes down to a better GPU.
Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G with Snapdragon 778G. (Source: Samsung)
The well-known power efficiency of the Snapdragon 778G, makes it attractive to smartphone manufacturers to put in their Android smartphone. In 2023, the processor can be found on devices as old as the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G (2021), Nothing Phone (1) to devices released this year such as the Poco X5 Pro (2023) and Oppo Reno 10 Pro (2023).
Table 3: Snapdragon Processors in Tier B (Source: Leo Wong De Quan / Gizmochina)
Utilising a 4+4 (4 Performance Core + 4 Efficiency Core) CPU structure and a stronger Adreno 650 GPU in the processor, the Snapdragon 865 series is well-equipped for smooth and fast operations on your smartphone daily. Alongside its powerful performance, is its much lower operating temperature than the Snapdragon 888 and 8 Gen 1, due to it being manufactured on TSMC’s 7nm node which brought better power efficiency and better battery life on smartphones using the chipset.
(Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G with Snapdragon 865. (Source: Samsung)
However, in 2023, the 2020 Snapdragon 865 is starting to show its age when compared to MediaTek’s newer solutions like the Dimensity 8000 and 9000 series of 5G smartphone processors. Yet, after 3 years, the fact this processor is still very competitive in the market with its high performance and long smartphone battery life, shows the value offered by this processor, and its performance is expected to still be smooth until the year 2025.
Tier A: Excellent Rating
Saving the best for last is Tier A, the excellent tier with the best Snapdragon processors you can buy in 2023. There are 3 of them and they are listed in table 4 below.
Snapdragon Chip
High Performance CPU Cores
Efficiency CPU Cores
GPU
Node Process
Antutu Score
Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2
1x ARM Cortex X2, 3x Cortex A710
4x ARM Cortex A510
Adreno 725
TSMC 4nm
1,109,000
Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1
1x ARM Cortex X2, 3x Cortex A710
4x ARM Cortex A510
Adreno 730
TSMC 4nm
1,266,919
Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy
1x ARM Cortex X3, 2x Cortex A715, 2x Cortex A710
3x ARM Cortex A510
Adreno 740
TSMC 4nm
1,493,565
Table 4: Snapdragon Processors in Tier A (Source: Leo Wong De Quan / Gizmochina)
Leveraging on TSMC’s industry-leading 4nm manufacturing process, these Tier A Snapdragon processors are some of the best processors you can get in an Android smartphone in 2023 for the best balance of power efficiency and high performance. And with their performance leagues in front of the Tier B, C, D processors. Smartphones utilising Tier A processors are expected to have fast and smooth performance until 2028 or even longer.
Oppo Find X6 Pro with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. (Source: Gizmochina)
Audi is back in the game with plans for an electric R8 supercar, signaling the company’s commitment to high-performance electric vehicles (EVs). Oliver Hoffmann, who leads Audi’s Technical Development, recently hinted at a third-generation R8, built on Volkswagen Group’s upcoming Scalable Systems Platform (SSP).
Audi is moving to a fully electric platform by the year 2026
Why does this matter? Audi aims to cease production of combustion-engine models by 2025 and go all-electric from 2026. The SSP platform will be crucial for this, expected to underpin 80% of the VW Group’s future EVs. While exact details are scarce, Hoffmann confirmed that work on the new R8 has already started.
But before the R8 hits the road, Audi has other priorities. The company will first release the Q6 E-Tron in 2024, developed on a shared architecture with Porsche called the Premium Platform Electric (PPE).
Porsche, Audi’s sibling under the VW umbrella, is also developing a high-performance EV—codenamed K1. This electric SUV is slated for later this decade and aims to redefine performance and interior luxury. Porsche’s Mission X concept also teases a future electric supercar.
The takeaway? Audi’s electric R8 isn’t just another car; it’s a sign of the times. As the brand prepares to go fully electric, the R8 could very well become the flagship model that sets the tone for Audi’s new, greener identity. Stay tuned as Audi shifts gears into the electric future.
Apple has implemented QR codes on iPhone screens to improve production quality and reduce material waste. These QR codes are engraved on each screen and enable Apple to closely monitor and evaluate the screen quality from suppliers Lens Technology and Biel Crystal. This innovation has reportedly reduced material waste from 30% to 10%, according to a report by The Information.
Implementing QR Codes to Scrutinize Production Quality
The tech giant has invested heavily in an innovative barcode initiative for its iPhone screens. They’ve placed two barcodes on each screen, one on the inner edge of the bezel and another tiny one measuring 0.2mm at a different location. This initiative has significantly reduced screen defects from 30% to 10%, leading to substantial cost savings for Apple. It has also given Apple better control over production quality, preventing suppliers from charging for supposed faulty screens.
Apple initially faced challenges when trying to attach QR codes to iPhone screens, as it weakened the displays and caused cracks during drop tests near the code location. However, they overcame these problems by developing new scanning methods and using microscopic lenses to avoid excessively deep etchings in the glass.
The QR codes on iPhone screens serve distinct purposes: the smaller one investigates screens reported as faulty, while the larger one identifies truly faulty displays, specifying the supplier and potentially narrowing down to specific production batches. This advancement has improved production quality and reduced waste, reflecting Apple’s strategic commitment to maintaining stringent quality control.
According to AppleInsider, both display firms have faced allegations of using forced labor, with Apple accused of not addressing these claims adequately. However, Apple continues to monitor the firms and their manufacturing issues.
Lenovo has introduced the IdeaPad IP Flex 5 Chrome 14IAU7 (Plus), the latest addition to their Chromebook lineup. It prioritizes a balance between performance and portability. Let’s check out the key features of this new lineup.
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 Chromebook Key Features:
The Flex 5 Chromebook features a 14-inch IPS touchscreen display with a resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels. The laptop offers versatile functionality with support for four modes: laptop, tent, stand, and tablet, thanks to its 360° hinge. The screen offers 300 nits brightness, an 800:1 contrast ratio, a 45% NTSC color gamut for vivid visuals, and a 60Hz refresh rate for smooth on-screen motion.
The model maintains a slim and portable design, measuring 19.8mm in thickness and weighing 1.58kg. It offers a variety of ports, including two USB-C ports, a USB-A port, a microSD card slot, and a headphone/microphone combo jack, enhancing connectivity and allowing for the attachment of various peripherals.
As for technical specs, the laptop features Intel’s 13th generation U-series processors, with options ranging from the dual-core i3-1315U to the more powerful quad-core i5-1334U, providing choices for users with different processing requirements.
The Chromebook includes 8GB of LPDDR4x-4266 RAM for efficient multitasking and responsiveness. It offers various storage options, including 128GB eMMC 5.1, as well as larger and faster choices like 256GB or 512GB PCIe 4.0 SSDs.
The Chromebook includes stereo speakers (2W x2) that are optimized with Waves MaxxAudio®, enhancing audio quality. Alongside it also sports a 1080p webcam with fixed focus. Under the hood, the laptop is equipped with an integrated Li-Polymer 51Wh battery.
Lenovo has also recently launched the IdeaPad Slim 3i Chromebook, featuring a 14-inch touchscreen display and powered by an Intel Core i3-N305 processor.
Whether you’re running a trillion-dollar tech company or a small restaurant, you likely know that keeping your employees happy is one of the keys to success. Simply put, content employees tend to stay longer and work more efficiently, boosting your profits in the process. Sadly, not every business around the world embraces this principle, but there are exceptions like Huawei. Recent reports suggest that the Chinese tech giant gifted its employees Huawei Mate 60 smartphones in celebration of the Mid-Autumn Festival. Here are the details…
Huawei Gives Employees Mate 60 Smartphones as Mid-Autumn Festival Gift
Huawei employees in China have been sharing photos of their Mid-Autumn Festival gifts on social media. The gifts include the company’s latest and most talked-about flagship smartphone, the Mate 60, as well as six mooncakes, a teapot, teacups, and tea leaves. The Mate 60 is currently one of the most popular phones on the market, and while it boasts features that justify its price, it’s quite expensive. The phone is known for its powerful performance, innovative features, and stunning design.
Huawei Mate 60 Pro
In a letter to employees, Huawei’s terminal business group in China thanked employees for their hard work and dedication. The letter also said that the Mate 60 gift was a way to show appreciation for employees’ contributions. Some employees have said that they will not be able to receive their Huawei Mate 60 until December. However, even those who have to wait are grateful for the gift.
The move has been met with widespread praise, with many people expressing envy at the generous gesture. It is a reminder of the importance of employee satisfaction, and it is a sign that Huawei is a company that values its employees.
Honda is gradually making a strong entry into the electric SUV market with the unveiling of the Honda Prologue electric SUV. The Honda Prologue comes with a rugged design and can deliver up to 300 miles of range on a single charge. It has dual-motor AWD and single-motor FWD options and three trims – EX, Touring, and Elite.
The Honda Prologue electric SUV is propped as a rugged EV with a sporty design in addition to decent on-road driving dynamics. The Elite model has a AWD dual-motor setup while the EX and Touring both offer dual-motor AWD and single-motor FWD options.
The FWD models of the Prologue EV will output up to 210hp while the AWD version can achieve about 288hp and 453Nm of torque. The Honda Prologue has an 85kWh battery which can be recharged at up to 155kWh speeds. Such charging speeds are rated to deliver 65 miles of range with 10 minutes of charge.
The Honda Prologue will come with lots of safety features and techs for maximum comfort. It comes with Google Built-in, wireless Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. The infotainment system features an 11.3-inch touchscreen and an 11-inch digital instrument cluster is also part of the interior. Wireless phone charging is supported, as well as USB-C 45W wired charging.
The Honda Prologue features driver assistance via the Honda Sensing system. The functionality includes Collision Mitigation Braking System, Forward Collision Warning, Road Departure Mitigation, Lane Departure Warning, and Lane Keeping Assist System, among others. The Honda Prologue electric SUV is priced within the $40,000 band and will be released in the US by early 2024.
The Electric One E1 Astro Pro and E1 Astro Pro 10 electric scooters have been unveiled in India. The two new e-scooters are Electric One’s first two-wheeler models in the Indian market. They come with an estimated range of 200km on a single charge.
The E1 Astro Pro models are designed to meet the unique requirements of the Indian commuter, according to the company. They are equipped with several important features that make them well-suited for the Indian market. The new Astro Pro e-scooters come with a 2,400W electric motor that packs power to the scooter. The models can accelerate from 0 to 40km/h in just 2.99 seconds. With a top speed of 65km/h coupled with the 200km+ range, the Astro series e-scooters offer greater width in trips.
The E1 Astro Pro and E1 Astro Pro 10 scooters are equipped with advanced Adventure S batteries and come in a carbon-coated, rust-proof, high-grade frame. The e-scooters also feature NFC and smart card technologies for a more seamless and enjoyable ride. NFT provides ride-sharing options to owners of the E1 Astro Pro series scooters. The company says it introduced the new e-scooters into the Indian market on the back of its successes in the global EV market. Electric One also says that with its Pan-India presence, it will offer world-class after-sales service to buyers of the E1 Astro Pro and E1 Astro Pro 10 electric scooters.
The E1 Astro Pro series in India is priced between Rs. 99,999 (~$1,204) and Rs. 124,999 (~$1,505) (Ex Showroom). Both models are exclusively available across all Electric One stores in India. Availability will be limited to a few cities but will subsequently spread across 20 states. Buyers can choose from five color options for the new electric scooters namely Red Berry, Blaze Orange, Elegant White, Racing Green, and Metallic Grey.
A great design and a good camera system can go a long way, and the Vivo V series is a prime example of this. While V series models may not be the absolute best Vivo phones (that title typically goes to the X series), they have gained significant popularity among global consumers. The current Vivo V27 is impressive with its sleek look, and the upcoming Vivo V29 is ready to build on that success.
The new lineup, which should include the Vivo V29 and Vivo V29 Pro, will launch on October 4. The new phones are supposed to bring some hardware improvements and essentially the same design as their predecessors. Ahead of the launch, we have gathered all the details about the two phones in this post right here. Let’s get to it.
Design and Display
Both the Vivo V29 and Vivo V29 Pro are expected to be stunning smartphones. The Pro model also features a neat hidden feature – a color-shifting back panel. This feature is not entirely new, as we have seen it in a few previous iterations as well. However, the vanilla model will be missing on it this time. Both devices will sport a dual-glass back with a plastic frame, similar to the V27 and V25 models. These smartphones are designed to be notably thin and lightweight.
They both have their sides curved towards the longer edges, which makes for a premium-looking curved shape. The Vivo V29 and Vivo V29 Pro will get a 6.78-inch AMOLED display, offering 1B colors and a 1260x2800px resolution. The device also brings a 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+, 20:9 aspect ratio, 453ppi. The 10-bit panel also has an 80,000,00:1 contrast ratio and offers 1300 nits local peak brightness level as well as 2160Hz PWM dimming.
Other Specifications
In the hardware department, Vivo is opting for a MediaTek Dimensity 8200 SoC on the Vivo V29 Pro paired with 8GB LPDDR5 RAM and 512GB UFS 3.1 storage. The vanilla model has a Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G SoC, 12GB RAM (expandable to 20GB with Extended RAM), and 256GB storage. On the software front, both phones will boot Funtouch OS based on Android 13.
Both smartphones house a triple camera system on the rear. The setup on the Vivo V29 Pro comprises an OIS-assisted 50MP Sony IMX766V primary sensor, an 8MP Sony IMX355 ultra-wide unit, and a 12MP Sony IMX663 2x telephoto shooter. While the primary camera and ultra-wide shooter remain the same on the vanilla V29, Vivo replaced the telephoto shooter with a 2MP useless depth sensor. These cameras are paired with a regular dual-tone LED flashlight and a soft light on both phones.
For selfies, The Vivo V29 duo brings a 50MP Samsung JN1 sensor on the front. This camera supports autofocus. The selfie shooter on the Pro model might also come paired with two LED flashlights on either side. The connectivity options on the two phones could include dual SIM, 5G, WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, GNSS, NFC, and USB 2.0 (Type-C). For biometrics, they both will use an in-screen fingerprint sensor. Both Vivo phones will likely be backed by a 4,600mAh battery with support for 80W fast charging.
Expected Pricing
The Vivo V29 and Vivo V29 Pro are set to debut as mid-range smartphones, but one should not expect them to be inexpensive. The Vivo V29 has already been officially released in the Czech Republic with a price of CZK 11,999 (~$526), although this price is likely to vary from region to region. People in India may see a lower price tag. As for the Vivo V29 Pro, it is expected to be rebranded as the Vivo S17 Pro, which starts at $435 in China. But again, this price is likely to differ in the global market.
It’s quite an eventful day for fans of Samsung’s flagship Galaxy S-series. Earlier today, the Galaxy S24 and S24 Ultra appeared in leaked renders. Now, the third device in the S24 family i.e. the Galaxy S24 Plus has also surfaced in high-quality renders. All three CAD-based leaked renders come from reliable tipster Steve Hemmerstoffer (aka Onleaks). The images give us a good look at the South Korean brand’s next-generation flagship smartphones.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus surfaces in leaked renders
Just like the standard Galaxy S24, the Galaxy S24 Plus will come with a noticeable design change. The device will sport a boxy design with a likely aluminum frame and a compact form factor. The edges look more polished compared to the slightly rounder on the current-generation offering. The back panel continues to accommodate three vertically stacked camera sensors along with an LED flash unit.
The power and volume rocker buttons are located on the right side of the device. The side panel also has an Ultrawide-band antenna. The bottom of the phone has a USB-C port, a speaker grille, and a SIM tray slot. Dimension-wise, the Galaxy S24 Plus is said to measure 158.5 x 75.9 x 7.75mm.
Upfront, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus is seen with thinner bezels around the display with a centre-aligned punch-hole cutout. The device is tipped to feature a 6.7-inch flat screen. From the images, the smartphone seems to be in Grey color but it could also be a Green hue.
The report does not reveal the rest of the details of the Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus. The smartphone is rumoured to be powered by Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 or Exynos 2100 chipset depending on the market region.
Google is getting ready to release the Pixel 8 series of smartphones worldwide on October 4th. Just like in the past, a lot of information about these phones, such as how they look, what they can do, and how much they’ll cost, has already come out through leaks. In a different report, we talked a lot about the Google Pixel 8, and in this one, we’ve put together all the details we have to give you a clear idea of what the Pixel 8 Pro will be like.
Design and display
Kicking things off with the design, the Pixel 8 Pro will see modest changes over the Pixel 7 Pro, retaining the camera visor, and the overall look. The visor will feature a larger cutout for the tripel back cameras, and a thermometer will be tucked away at the right corner.
We don’t expect the build materials to change, meaning that it will likely be the same aluminum and glass build, with a matte finish and slightly more curvy edges.
Up-front, the device will likely feature a flat 6.7-inch LTPO OLED display offering a 3120×1440 pixel resolution, 1-120Hz adaptive refresh rate, and up to 2,400 nits maximum brightness. It is protected with the Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2. The phone will come with an IP68 waterproof rating, measuring 162.6 x 76.5 x 8.7mm and weighing 213 grams.
Specs
Under the hood, the Pixel 8 Pro will come with a new Tensor G3 SoC, which is rumored to be based on Samsung’s Exynos 2300 SoC. Manufactured on Samsung’s cutting-edge 3nm node, the chip is said to run a lot cooler than its predecessor, thanks to FO-WLP (Fan-out wafer-level packaging) packaging. That being said, the smartphone will not be breaking any benchmark records since the leaked Geekbench 5 score has revealed a single-core performance of 1186 points and a multicore performance of 3809 points.
The Pixel 8 Pro will have 12GB of RAM, and storage options of up to 1TB in the US and up to 512GB elsewhere. It will come with a 5,050mAh battery that supports fast charging at 30W and Qi-wireless charging at 23W. It will support WiFi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, and NFC for connectivity, and will have a Titan M2 chip onboard for security. The phone will launch with Android 14 and receive five major OS updates along with seven years of security updates.
Camera
Just like other specs, we have info on the Pixel 8 Pro’s cameras. It’s said to have a 50 MP Samsung GN2 wide camera with an f/1.68 aperture and 82° field of view. There’s also a 48 MP Sony IMX787 ultrawide camera with autofocus and a wide 125.5° field of view. Additionally, the phone will have a 48 MP Samsung GM5 telephoto camera with f/2.8 aperture and 5x optical zoom. It can zoom digitally up to 30x. Both the wide and telephoto cameras come with optical and electronic image stabilization.
For selfies, the Pixel 8 Pro features a 10.5 MP selfie camera with f/2.2 aperture. It offers auto-focus and a wide 95° ultrawide field of view. The phone will offer a boatload of camera features including Pro controls, high-resolution image capture, Ultra HDR, Magic Editor, Best Take, Macro Focus, Magic Eraser, Photo Unblur, Motion Mode, Real Tone, Face Unblur, Panorama, Manual white balancing, Locked Folder, Night Sight, Astrophotography, Top Shot, Portrait mode, Portrait Light, Super Res Zoom, Motion auto-focus, Frequent Faces, Dual exposure controls, and Live HDR.
Among these features, a noteworthy one is “Best Take.” This feature enables users to alter the facial expressions of subjects in a photo, choosing the most appealing expression from a burst of pictures.
On the video front, the rear camera will support 4K video recording at 24 FPS, 30 FPS, and 60 FPS, as well as 1080p video recording at the same frame rates. It features Dual exposure on the wide camera. The front camera also supports 4K video recording at 24 FPS, 30 FPS, and 60 FPS. Additional video features include Audio Magic Eraser, Video Boost, Night Sight Video, Macro Focus Video, 10-bit HDR video, Cinematic Blur, Cinematic Pan, Slow-motion video support up to 240 FPS, 4K timelapse with stabilization, Astrophotography timelapse, Optical image stabilization, Fused video stabilization, 4K Cinematic Pan video stabilization, 4K locked video stabilization, 1080p active video stabilization, and digital zoom up to 20x. Supported video formats include HEVC (H.265) and AVC (H.264).
The standout feature on the video front will likely be the Audio Magic Eraser which helps get rid of unwanted noises in recorded videos using AI. Stereo recording, speech enhancement, wind noise reduction, and audio zoom features are also highly anticipated.
Pricing, colors & offers
In the UK & EU, the Pixel 8 Pro will retail for £999/€1099. As for the US pricing, reports suggest that the smartphone willstart at $899, which is the same as last year. However, to make this deal sweeter, Google will be throwing in a Pixel Watch 2 if you pre-order the smartphone. Google will be launching three color options for its Pixel 8 Pro: Obsidian (Black), Porcelain (White), and Bay (Blue).
Germany is deliberating a significant policy shift that could lead to a ban on Chinese telecommunications giants Huawei and ZTE from its 5G networks. The country’s Interior Ministry has proposed stringent measures requiring local telecom operators to remove critical components supplied by Chinese manufacturers, including Huawei and ZTE Corporation, by 2026. This move follows similar decisions by several European nations, including the UK, Denmark, Sweden, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, to exclude Huawei from their 5G infrastructures due to mounting security apprehensions.
The proposal marks a noteworthy departure for Germany, which resisted pressure from the United States four years ago to ban Huawei. The Interior Ministry’s proposition is a response to the growing international consensus on limiting Chinese involvement in critical telecommunications infrastructure. Germany’s reconsideration stems from concerns about the potential security risks posed by these Chinese technology companies.
The development comes in the wake of a broader European trend toward scrutinizing and restricting the use of Chinese equipment in telecommunications networks. France had already taken steps in 2020, informing telecom operators that licenses for Huawei 5G equipment would not be renewed upon expiration, thereby effectively phasing out Huawei from mobile networks. In 2021, Denmark implemented legislation allowing the screening of foreign investments, aiming to safeguard national security, particularly in response to Huawei’s bid to build the country’s 5G network.
Additionally, countries like Estonia and Lithuania have outright banned Chinese vendors for telecom equipment. In Romania, a U.S.-backed bill was approved in 2021, preventing China and Huawei from participating in the development of the nation’s 5G network. Portugal’s telecom watchdog also recently resolved to bar Huawei’s equipment from the country’s 5G mobile networks, signaling a united European stance on 5G security.
Huawei expressed its opposition to the complete politicization of cybersecurity evaluations. The company cautioned that implementing a ban would lead to increased expenses for telecom operators in Germany, ultimately burdening consumers with higher costs.
Carsten Senz, Vice-President of Corporate Communications at Huawei Germany, defended the company’s technology in a recent radio interview. He highlighted the long-standing use of Huawei’s technology by German consumers without encountering security issues. However, with Germany contemplating stringent measures, the situation for Huawei and ZTE in Europe’s largest economy appears increasingly precarious.
As Germany weighs its decision, the global conversation surrounding the role of Chinese tech companies in critical infrastructure continues, shaping the future landscape of 5G technology in Europe.
MSI is offering a free copy of Assassin’s Creed Mirage to customers who purchase select MSI gaming laptops, monitors, or routers. The promotion is available in select regions and runs from September 27 to November 10, 2023.
The promotion comes just weeks before the game’s launch on October 5. It’s a perfect opportunity to experience the latest game in the series, especially if you were already planning on picking up a new high-powered gaming laptop, gaming monitor, or other MSI hardware.
To be eligible for the promotion, customers must purchase an eligible MSI product from a participating MSI partner and register their product on MSI’s website. Eligible products include gaming laptops with NVIDIA RTX 4070, 4080, or 4090 GPUs, select 27-inch QHD or above monitors, and RadiX AXE6600 and RadiX AX6600 routers.
You can find a complete list of eligible products below:
Once customers have registered their product, they must submit a clear image of their MSI hardware with its serial number, along with a receipt or purchase invoice that contains the model name. Customers can then redeem their game key via Ubisoft Connect from October 5, 2023, to April 6, 2024.
MSI has a limited supply of Assassin’s Creed Mirage codes, so customers are encouraged to act quickly. This promotion is a great opportunity for gamers who are planning to upgrade their gaming hardware. With the purchase of an eligible MSI product, customers can get a free copy of one of the most anticipated games of the year.
If you think e-bikes are just a fad, you’re missing the forest for the trees. Take Möve’s Voyager V10, a premium commuter e-bike designed for daily riders, as a case in point. German-based Möve, which has been crafting bikes since 1897, is taking a slice of the growing e-bike market, focusing on everyday usability with this latest model.
The bike puts out 40 Newton-Meters of Torque and 600 watts of power
So what’s so special about this ride?
Firstly, the Voyager V10 is rigged with a rear hub motor from Neodrives, boasting an impressive 40 Newton-meters of torque and a peak power of 600 watts. In layman’s terms, it’s built to tackle city commutes with ease. Notably, the motor promises to be a quiet operator, so you won’t be that annoying buzzing nuisance on the road.
Möve promises up to 90 miles of range on a full charge, which can be juiced up in just two hours. But what really stands out are the bike’s two regenerative modes. These modes actually recoup battery life while you ride downhill, making the most of gravity’s pull. So those long, scenic descents can actually add miles to your ride.
Another jaw-dropper is its internal Pinion C1.122 gearing system. This smart tech adapts the gear ratio as you pedal, maintaining an optimal balance with the electric motor. It’s like having a co-pilot that adjusts gears while you focus on the road.
Safety isn’t sidelined. The bike comes with Shimano hydraulic disc brakes and a RockShox Paragon Gold fork that softens the bumps on rough roads. Oh, and it doesn’t skimp on lighting either, boasting front and rear Supernova lights. With a price tag of around $6,706, it’s not cheap, but given its features, it’s a solid investment in the future of commuting.
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