Android 14 is almost here, and Google is expected to release the official stable update soon. Samsung is also working on its OneUI 6 skin based on Android 14, which is known for offering additional features to the stock OS. One of the new feature in Samsung OneUI 6 is Screen Hide, which allows users to turn off the display while still using an app. This can be useful for saving battery life, especially when using audio-based apps such as music streaming apps or podcasts.
To use the Screen Hide feature, users must first download and install the Good Guardians app from the Galaxy Store.
Once installed, open the app and tap on “Battery Guardian.” Then, open the “Screen Hide” option. To add the Screen Hide feature to the Quick Settings panel, tap on the “Add to Quick Settings Panel” option and press “Add.”
Once the Screen Hide feature has been added to the Quick Settings panel, users can easily turn off the display while using an app by opening the Quick Settings panel and tapping on the Screen Hide icon. The display will then be turned off and the app will continue to run in the background.
When the Screen Hide feature is in use, the display will be kept in a low-power mode and information about the currently running app will be briefly presented. To turn on the display again, users can simply double-tap on the screen or press the power button.
The Screen Hide feature is currently in beta and may cause some issues while using it. However, it is a promising new feature that can help users save battery life on their Samsung devices.
After a host of leaks and rumors over the last few months, the arrival of Samsung’s Fan Edition devices finally seems imminent. The South Korean brand has already started teasing the S23 FE smartphone in India. The Galaxy Buds FE was also listed on the official website in Argentina. Now the Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ is the latest of the lot whose existence has been confirmed and is expected to launch soon. It remains to be seen if Samsung will unveil the upcoming Fan Edition devices at one event or if they will be announced separately.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ India launch confirmed, price teased
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ has been listed on Flipkart. It confirms the upcoming tablet’s availability on the e-commerce platform. The listing is under the Big Billion Days microsite on the shopping platform. BBD is Flipkart’s annual festive season sale event. The listing also gives us a look at the Tab S9 FE+ and it looks similar to the one that appeared in the leaked marketing renders. The device is seen in White color and we can expect more options at launch.
The Flipkart listing also teases the pricing of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+. It mentions ‘Just Rs 3X,XX9’. This indicates that the upcoming tablet may be priced between Rs 30,000 to Rs 39,999.
As per reports, the Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ will feature a 12.4-inch display bearing a resolution of 1,600 x 2,560 pixels. Internally, the upcoming tablet is expected to be backed by an Exynos 1,380 processor coupled with up to 12GB RAM and 256GB storage. The Korean Testing Laboratory Certification revealed that the device will be backed by a 9,800mAh battery unit with support for 45W fast charging.
Asus has introduced a new Moonlight White color variant of its popular ROG Azoth mechanical keyboard which is now available for pre-order in China, priced at 1799 yuan ($246).
Asus ROG Azoth mechanical keyboard key features:
This keyboard boasts a unique design with a metal body and an OLEDdisplay while maintaining a compact 75% layout to save desk space. The OLED display shows system info and keyboard settings, and there’s a convenient built-in three-way knob for easy settings adjustment. Its keycaps feature white and grey color tones, clearly distinguishing functional keys from lettering.
ROG Azoth features proprietary NX Snowblade White switches with smooth and light linear keypresses (45g actuation force and 3.6mm key travel) for responsive feedback. It also offers NX Ice Storm Grey switches with a tactile keypress design (40g initial force and 65g tactile force) for crisp tactile feedback.
The keyboard supports full-key hot-swappable technology, enabling customization and compatibility with both 3-pin and 5-pin switches. The keyboard also comes with features like the GASKET structure, ROG custom large key structure, and RGB lighting.
It supports both wired Type-C and wireless connections via Bluetooth and 2.4GHz, with an impressive battery life of up to 2,000 hours. The keyboard also supports easy toggle between Windows and MacOS modes.
Details about the Meizu 21 series have already started to emerge online. In line with this, a new phone with the model number M461Q has recently been registered with the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT). This phone is likely to be one of the models in the Meizu 21 series and is rumored to be powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor.
While there’s not much the certification reveals, tipster Digital Chat Station has shared some details about the smartphone. He says that the main upgrades will be in the core configurations, while the appearance changes will be minor.
One of the biggest upgrades in the lineup could possibly be the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor. It is Qualcomm’s next-generation flagship mobile processor and will be announced at the end of October 2023.
Besides the processor, the tipster suggests that the Meizu 21 series will feature a 50-megapixel main camera with a large outsole sensor. Likewise, the standard version of the phone will be equipped with a standard telephoto lens, while the Pro version will feature a periscope telephoto lens. The lineup is also expected to retain the flat-screen design of the Meizu 20 series.
Meizu made a return to the flagship smartphone market this year with the Meizu 20 series. The lineup includes three models: Meizu 20, Meizu 20 Pro, and Meizu 20 INFINITY Unbounded Edition, all equipped with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processors.
In Q2 2023, the AR/VR headset industry experienced its fourth consecutive quarter of decline, with global shipments dropping by a substantial 44.6% compared to the previous year, according to data from the International Data Corporation (IDC).
The Decline in AR/VR Headset Shipments
The report also predicts that total shipments for 2023 will only slightly surpass those of 2017, reaching 8.5 million units, indicating a prolonged period of stagnation in the market. This decline can be attributed primarily to the global economic downturn, which has dampened consumer demand, as well as the increased price of the Meta Quest 2 and a lack of new product launches.
Meta continues to dominate the market with a 50.2% share, followed by Sony and Pico (owned by ByteDance) with 27.1% and 9.6%, respectively, both of which have seen their market share increase since Q2 of the previous year. XReal and DPVR (DaPeng VR) lag behind with marginal market shares just above 2%.
While the industry is currently in a subdued state, the launch of Apple’s Vision Pro AR/VR headset at this year’s Apple WWDC has generated significant excitement and speculation about a potential revival of the Augmented Reality/Virtual Realityheadset market, although the sector still falls far short of its previous vibrancy.
In my opinion, the majority of AR/VR software is not yet suitable for everyday use by average consumers. But yes, businesses are increasingly realizing the value of AR/VR headsets for various purposes, including training, simulations, remote assistance, and augmented reality-based maintenance. These applications can boost efficiency, cut costs, and improve employee performance.
The introduction of innovative products like the Vision Pro from Apple offers a glimmer of hope for significant market transformation, possibly paving the way for a breakout in the coming year. However, the balance between new product releases and the right pricing will be crucial in shaping the trajectory of the AR/VR headset industry in the coming years.
DJI continues to expand its product line. The company’s upcoming product is the Mini 4 Pro, which incorporates many of the new features introduced in the larger DJI Air 3. There have been rumors about this eagerly anticipated drone for a while. For instance, we had recently informed you that the DJI Mini 4 Pro would come with the highest safety rating yet. Now, we have official marketing images of the drone ahead of its launch. Here are the details…
DJI Mini 4 Pro, Technology of the DJI Air 3 in a smaller package
The upcoming Mini 4 Pro will be released in the coming days and is expected to start at $849 in several variants, slightly lower than the price of the larger Air 3. In Europe, the battery with a 2590mAh capacity and up to 34 minutes of flight time is likely to be used in a small variant, while a larger 3850mAh battery is expected to be used in other regions, which will provide longer flight times.
According to the specifications for the new Mini drone from DJI, which have been circulated in advance based on various leaks, the Mini 4 Pro will feature a 48-megapixel camera sensor mounted on a gimbal. Unlike previous models, up to 20 kilometers of range is possible with Full HD video transmission. DJI is also expected to offer up to 100 frames per second for 4K video recording. New camera sensors on the drone’s body also enable omnidirectional obstacle avoidance, which was not possible on the previous model.
As with its other models, DJI plans to market the Mini 4 Pro in a range of different controller combinations. In addition to the basic version with a simple controller, packages with the RC-N1 controller, the DJI RC-2 controller, and Fly-More combos with DJI RC-2 are expected, with prices ranging up to $1199.
Interestingly, the larger battery is also expected to be offered as an option in Europe, according to dealer information. However, using the larger battery will result in the drone exceeding the maximum weight of 249 grams, which requires a special permit in many countries for operation of drones above this weight limit. The Mini 4 Pro is expected to be released in the coming days.
Xiaomi has announced that it is stopping the development of MIUI 14 Beta for several of its smartphones. In total, the company is stopping updates for 13 of its smartphones. Here are the details.
Xiaomi stops MIUI 14 Development version for 13 smartphones
First, Xiaomi is stopping development versions of MIUI 14 for six of its older devices:
These devices will no longer receive beta updates after September 22, 2023. However, Xiaomi will continue to support these devices with stable releases of MIUI 14 and Android 14.
Additionally, Xiaomi has also suspended the release of the MIUI development version based on Android 13 for some of its newer models as well. The list of devices includes:
None of these devices will receive MIUI 14 Beta update from September 23. However, unlike the models above, Xiaomi has confirmed that the development version for these models will be re-released after they are upgraded to Android 14.
The MIUI 15 based on Android 14 is currently in the testing phase for these smartphones. It will be released to the listed smartphones in the coming weeks. Also, Xiaomi has officially announced that the MIUI 15 development version will resume on October 13.
For those unaware, the MIUI development version is a test version of MIUI that is released to a small number of users before the official version is released. It is used to identify and fix bugs, and to test new features. The development version is less stable than the official version, so it is not recommended for everyday use.
On the other hand, The MIUI official version is a stable version of MIUI that has been tested and optimized for everyday use. It is the version that is released to the general public.
ASUS’s Republic of Gamers (ROG) branch has launched a new monitor in India. The ROG Swift is a premium offering with top-notch specifications and features. It is said to offer an immersive audio-visual experience for gaming enthusiasts. The monitor packs a large display with a high refresh rate and notably a heat dissipation system. Let’s delve in to the technical details of the device below.
ASUS ROG Swift specifications
The ASUS ROG Swift has a large 41.5-inch screen with thin bezels. The OLED display panel features a 4K resolution, 138Hz refresh rate, and a 0.1 ms response time for an immersive gaming experience. The monitor also has a 450 nits peak brightness, True 10-bit color, 98 percent DCI-P3 color gamut, Delta E<2 color accuracy, and HDR10 support. The anti-glare coating on the screen helps to minimize reflections.
In terms of design, the ASUS ROG Swift has a 1/4-inch tripod socket, VESA wall mounting, and a Kensington lock. On the audio front, the monitor is equipped with two 10W front-firing speakers and a 15W subwoofer.
The ASUS ROG Swift is also Nvidia G-Sync compatible for a tear-free gaming experience. It has a variable refresh rate technology for smooth and adaptive gameplay scenes. There are GamePlus, HDCP 2.3, and Game Visual features. The monitor is equipped with a custom heat sink for reducing the internal temperature by up to 8 percent and to prevent OLED burin-in.
Connectivity options on the ASUS ROG Swift include one DisplayPort 1.4, USB 3.0, HDMI 2.1, two HDMI ports, and an earphone jack. The monitor also has a five-way navigation joystick and a remote control for easily accessing various features.
The ASUS ROG Swift is priced at Rs 1,89,999. It is up for purchase from the brand’s authorized stores and e-commerce channels like Amazon starting today.
The popularity of handheld gaming consoles is increasing every day. This has captured the attention of manufacturers, and today we see more handheld consoles than ever before. Among these, the most surprising recent release is undoubtedly the Steam Deck. From the moment it was announced, it quickly caught the interest of gamers and has certainly become one of the most popular products of recent times.
Now, with advancing technology and increasing competition, a new question arise. When will a more powerful Steam Deck 2 be released? Recently, a Valve official provided a release date for the eagerly awaited handheld. Here are the details…
Steam Deck 2 on the Horizon?
For many years, Valve has wanted to be a part of the hardware market. After several unsuccessful attempts, they finally found what they were looking for with the Steam Deck. According to the research firm Omdia, the Steam Deck sold 1.62 million units in 2022. Their report estimates that by sometime during 2023, sales of the Steam Deck will surpass 3 million units since its launch.
Moreover, these are just estimates, meaning the handheld could sell up to 5 or even 10 million units in 2023 alone. Pleased with this popularity and sales, Valve has confirmed that there will be a Steam Deck 2. Don’t get too excited just yet. Valve employee Pierre-Loup Griffais, who confirmed the Steam Deck 2, has hinted that we might not see a Deck 2 until 2025 or even 2026.
He cited the company’s ambition to achieve a major performance improvement without significantly compromising battery life. As you may know, battery life is one of the biggest challenges for handheld consoles, and the Steam Deck is no exception. In an interview, Griffais commented that he doesn’t expect a significant advancement in battery technologies to happen in the next few years.
Certainly, this doesn’t mean that the current Steam Deck’s performance is sufficient. Although the handheld is quite popular, some users have complained about performance issues in certain games. Moreover, the device’s large size can be uncomfortable to hold for extended periods. A potential Steam Deck 2 might address these concerns with better hardware and a more ergonomic design.
However, a new model might also come with a higher price tag. Nonetheless, all these are just my speculations, and Steam might have unexpected surprises in the near future.
IQUNIX has launched its latest ZONEX 75 keyboard and it is now available at an introductory price of 1899 yuan ($260). Let’s check out the key specs of this keyboard.
IQUNIX ZONEX 75 keyboard key features:
The ZONEX 75 has an aluminum body and a gasket structure for durability and stability. It incorporates four layers of noise reduction processors to minimize typing noise.
The keyboard uses POM key switches, known for their stability and smoothness, providing a linear typing experience that becomes even smoother over time. It also supports hot-swappable MX-style three-pin and five-pin switches. It has a 75% layout with 81 keys, including a customizable rotary knob.
The keyboard boasts a robust 6000mAh battery, providing an impressive 2000 hours of battery life as per official claims. It offers versatile connectivity options, including Bluetooth 5.1, 2.4G wireless, and wired connections (Type-C).
It supports full-key customization and anti-ghosting for diverse user requirements. The keyboard is compatible with various operating systems, such as Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, and allows users to switch between devices when in Bluetooth mode easily.
The package includes the keyboard body, data cable, 2.4GHz receiver, switch puller, warranty certificate, and a metal keycap. However, it’s important to note that keycaps are not included and must be bought separately. It weighs around 1600 grams and comes with a 12-month warranty.
The iPhone 15 hit store shelves worldwide on Friday, drawing large crowds at Apple stores. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has now shared his thoughts on the performance of the new iPhones and how Apple’s Q4 2023 is expected to go.
According to Kuo, the new iPhones are selling well, and Apple is likely to have a strong fourth quarter in 2023. That’s all thanks to higher-than-expected iPhone sales—especially for the pricier models—and increased shipping capacity compared to last year.
Kuo estimates that Apple will ship 35 million units of the iPhone 15 Pro Max in Q4, up from 28 million units of the iPhone 14 Pro Max in the same period last year. He expects this model to be the primary growth driver for Apple during the quarter.
The iPhone 15 Plus is also performing well, despite an initial order quantity that fell short of demand. Apple ordered fewer models than expected based on early sales results hunting stronger demand for this particular model as well. This mirrors a similar trend from the previous year, where the iPhone 14 Plus faced shipping delays but ultimately sold more than anticipated.
In contrast, Kuo states that the standard iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro have not met expectations, potentially leading to order cuts if Apple does not adjust their prices. Although it is unlikely that Apple will lower the prices of these models, there may be increased promotional incentives offered to boost sales.
Despite some challenges with certain models, Apple’s success with the more expensive variants is a positive trend for the company. It will be interesting to see how Apple’s actual performance aligns with the predictions of industry analysts in the coming months.
Two days ago, we collected some questions from our fans about their Redmi Note 13 series. After my hands-on experience in the Xiaomi Store yesterday, I think I can now answer those questions. This article is not just an Unboxing or Hands-on but also a Q&A about the Note 13 series. Before I answer those questions, let me unbox it first.
Unboxing
Most base card pins and manuals haven’t changed in any way, we’re all used to that. But the phone case has turned into a black silicone material this time. It feels much better than the previous transparent case and it doesn’t turn yellow due to oxidation. I hope all Redmi phones will come with this case in the future.
The charger and charging cable are also pretty ordinary. Without further ado, let’s get right to the questions.
Q&A
A: Let’s start with the Pro+ version, where the most basic upgrades are of course the primary camera and the processor. But apart from these two basic upgrades, there are some very pretty or useful upgrade points, such as a better-looking curved screen, with a small curved area.
The protective glass is also Corning Victus and it works even if your fingers are wet. Most importantly, it’s IP68 certified. This makes the Ace 2 Pro, which also has this feature but doesn’t have IP68 and is more expensive, a little bit embarrassing. The display resolution and maximum brightness have also been upgraded, and the screen fingerprint has been switched from the side to the under-screen. In short, it’s just as good as the one on the Redmi K60 Ultra.
Although it’s a curved screen, the bezel is partially flat though. This makes it look and feel very much like the Xiaomi 13 Ultra from the front. It’s really hard to believe that a $260 phone can be so premium.
As for the Redmi Note 13 Pro, it’s not as impressive. The processor has been upgraded to a 4nm Snapdragon 7s Gen 2, and the screen has been upgraded to the same panel and protective glass as the Pro+. The back cover has been switched from plastic to glass, also with under-screen fingerprint recognition. The specs are also excellent, though the design is significantly weaker than that of the Pro+.
A: Well, I’ll answer the first question later, let me answer the second and third first.
The most obvious difference between the two versions is the look. I didn’t get that color-blocked vegan leather version, but I’m sure you can get a sense of how good it looks by viewing the pictures. That white version is also very nice, and if you hate vegan leather, this colorway is a good choice.
The Pro version, on the other hand, is obviously a much-blanded design, and only that new color looks better. And no vegan leather version.
The second difference is the processor, the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ is the Dimensity 7200-Ultra and the Pro version is the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2. Both are first-time available on the phone. We will go in-depth about it later. The third difference is in the charging power. Like the Note 12 series, the Pro+ is still 120W and the Pro version is still only 67W, but the battery of the Pro version is slightly bigger.
The third question is really hard to answer. As I just said, the Pro+ has IP68 and Corning Victus glass, which should make it more durable than other phones. The Pro version doesn’t have IP68 certification though. So if you want to use it for 3 years or more, the Pro+ version would be a better choice I think.
A: I installed Antutu on the Redmi Note 13 Pro Plus. the scores as you can see are just average for a mid-range phone. But the Dimensity 7200-Ultra on the Pro+ is about 46% better compared to the Note 12 Pro+, which is arguably a huge improvement.
The Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 in the Pro doesn’t look so good though. This processor doesn’t have much to do with the 7+ Gen 2, it’s more of an upgrade from the 778G. Since it is manufactured in 4 nm at Samsung, don’t expect too much performance from it.
A: Thanks to the better processor used in the Pro+, it does support 4K EIS. We didn’t get our hands on the Redmi Note 13 Pro, but based on the performance of the processor, the odds are that the Pro version doesn’t support EIS for 4K recording.
A: We’ve just talked about performance, so let’s talk about the camera. 200MP photos are actually pretty good overall, except for a little bit of a reduction in dynamic range. I don’t think it’s the quality of the photos that stops people from taking photos in 200MP mode though, it’s the size of the photos. 200MP photos are 15 times the size of a 12MP photo, and that’s pretty terrifying. So for the most part, the 200 MP mode photos remain a gimmick. This high-megapixel sensor only shows its strengths when zooming.
The main camera is good enough, in fact, what really disappoints me is this perpetual 8 MP Ultra-wide camera and 2 MP Macro camera.
A: I don’t know. I really don’t know. Even if I know the answer, it’s a trade secret. Some media leaked Xiaomi’s new phone before and compensated Xiaomi a million RMB, I don’t want to be that person. Moreover, I really don’t know.
A: There are no bad phones, only bad prices. No doubt the price makes them very, very good phones. I’d recommend you guys get the Redmi Note 13 Pro Plus more. Aside from the fact that the Pro+ version is even better in every way, there’s another reason that the processor upgrade on the Pro version is so small.
This year’s Redmi Note 13 Pro+ has gotten more beautiful, more powerful, and more durable. As long as you’re not a heavy gamer, you can’t go wrong buying it. At least you can’t get a better phone for the same price.
Xiaomi and its sub-brand Redmi have been launching smart TVs running on built-in Chromecast and PatchWall UI for a couple of years in India. In March of this year, Xiaomi launched the Redmi Smart Fire TV 32-inch, its first TV running on Fire OS. It was launched with an exciting price tag of Rs 13,999 (~$162). The brand is now back with a larger version of the TV, the 43-inch Redmi Smart Fire TV 4K 43, which supports 4K HDR resolution, unlike the 32-inch model, which only supports HD resolution. Moving forward, let us delve into a comprehensive review of this TV.
Redmi Smart Fire TV 4K 43: Box contents and installation
The Redmi Smart Fire TV 4K 43’s retail package includes the following items:
TV unit
Remote control
2 x AAA batteries
2 x TV stands
4 x screws
User manual
Setting up the TV is quite easy if you are planning to place it on a tabletop. All you need to do is attach the two stands to the bottom using the provided screws. Alternatively, the TV can be installed on a wall, but the wall mounts are not included in the package. Buyers can visit a page on Xiaomi’s website to schedule an installation.
Box contentsPorts (left)Ports (underside)Power connector (right)Bottom viewTop viewRight side viewEnergy ratingSpecsRedmi logoFire TV logo
The connectivity ports on the Redmi Smart Fire TV 4K 43 are positioned along the left and underside. If you plan to mount it on a wall, it is recommended to opt for a wall mount that provides ample clearance for your hand to comfortably access these ports. Personally, I find a swivel wall mount to be a preferable choice in such situations. Alternatively, you can use the TV by placing it on a tabletop without the need for wall mounting. It is not very heavy, as it weighs 6.95kg.
The Redmi Smart Fire TV 4K 43 has a simple design characterized by ultra-slim bezels on the top, left, and right sides. In contrast, the bottom bezel is noticeably thicker, serving as a prominent canvas for the Redmi branding at its centre and the Fire TV logo in the right corner. As for the rear panel, it is not particularly slim but is crafted from polycarbonate material.
Redmi Smart Fire TV 4K 43: Video and Audio
The Redmi Smart Fire TV 4K 43 features a 43-inch display panel that produces 3840 x 2160 4K HDR resolution and delivers stunningly sharp and detailed visuals. The wide 178° viewing angle ensures that everyone in the room can enjoy a clear view of the screen. The 60Hz refresh rate and a response time of 6.5ms contribute to a smooth and responsive viewing experience.
One standout feature is the Vivid Picture Engine, which enhances picture quality and ensures vibrant colors. The black levels are truly inky black, and in brighter scenes, the color reproduction is quite impressive. However, it is worth noting that the screen can be somewhat reflective. When darker scenes are displayed, you might notice reflections, which can be a minor distraction. Fortunately, this is easily fixable by moving the TV or changing the lighting in the space. Dynamic Backlighting is a handy option in this regard.
Display MirroringDisplay Mirroring + Gaming
On the positive side, color reproduction is commendable, offering rich and accurate hues. The inclusion of MEMC (Motion Estimation, Motion Compensation) technology enhances the overall viewing experience by making fast-paced scenes appear smoother and more natural. What truly elevates this TV is its compatibility with 4K HDR content on popular streaming platforms like Prime Video, Netflix, and YouTube. The TV offers picture modes such as Standard, Movie, Dynamic, Sport, Game, PC, and Eco. In addition, it offers lots of other settings for enhancing the viewing experience.
I didn’t encounter any challenges when it came to screen mirroring from both my Android phone and iPad. However, it’s important to note that the 6.5ms response rate may not be ideal for gaming enthusiasts. During my screen mirroring sessions, I played games like Shadow Fight 4: Arena and Call of Duty Mobile Season 8, and the experience left something to be desired in terms of gaming responsiveness. It is worth mentioning that the gaming experience on the Redmi Smart Fire TV 4K 43 is still playable.
Picture modesSound modes
The audio performance of the Redmi Smart Fire TV 4K 43, delivered through its 24W dual speakers, is undeniably impressive, offering a combination of loudness and clarity. It provides a variety of sound modes, including Standard, Music, Film, Clear Voice, and Enhanced Bass. Additionally, it supports audio technologies like Dolby Audio, DTS Virtual: X, and DTS-HD, further enhancing the audio experience.
For a cinematic, surround-sound-like experience while watching movies, it’s recommended to select the Movie or Film modes. I discovered that even at 50 percent volume, the sound output is quite robust, making it more than sufficient for a room size of 170 sq. ft.
The Redmi Smart Fire TV 4K 43 offers broad video format support, including AV1, H.265, H.264, H.263, and VP9/8. It also excels in audio quality with Dolby, DTS Virtual: X, DTS-HD, MP3, and FLAC compatibility, ensuring a versatile and immersive entertainment experience.
Redmi Smart Fire TV 4K 43:User Interface and Performance
Fire OS settings
The Redmi Smart Fire TV 4K 43 operates on Fire OS 7, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable user experience. Unlike some other Xiaomi/Redmi TVs, this model doesn’t feature the PatchWall UI interface. Software performance is a clear strength of this smart TV. For someone like me who uses a Fire Stick on their own TV, Fire OS is the preferred choice. The initial setup is quick, taking only 5 to 10 minutes, and thereafter, it’s a seamless experience. Instead of the Google Play Store, the TV features the Amazon App Store, which gives access to 12,000+ apps.
Users have the flexibility to create up to six profiles for different family members, and the TV features the Alexa Assistant, accessible through a dedicated remote-control button. Alexa can be used for launching apps, conducting content searches, and managing smart home devices via the Smart Home Dashboard. Additionally, users can access Live TV channels and seamlessly switch between DTH TV channels and OTT apps using Alexa voice commands. Furthermore, parental controls are available to PIN-protect purchases, restrict app access, and enable content viewing restrictions for content rated as teen and above. There is a Free to Me option that curates and shows all the free content from different OTT platforms in one place. In addition, it also gives access to the Mini TV app, which is an ad-supported platform from Amazon that allows users to watch free content.
The TV’s performance is generally smooth on the Fire OS platform, with only a minor delay when returning to the home screen after closing apps or powering on the TV. It comes with a quad-core CPU, a Mali-G52 MC1 GPU, 2 GB of RAM, and 8 GB of internal storage, which is sufficient for most users, although more storage would have been ideal. I’ve been using a first-generation Fire Stick with the same specs on my personal TV for a couple of years and have had no issues installing all the major apps I use, leaving room for more. Furthermore, all the major OTT apps like Netflix, Disney+ Hotstar, and Jio Cinema are optimized to work seamlessly on the Fire OS platform.
Redmi Smart Fire TV 4K 43:Remote and Connectivity Features
Redmi Smart Fire TV 4K 43 remote controlRedmi Smart Fire TV 4K 43 remote control
The Redmi Smart Fire TV 4K 43 includes a Bluetooth-enabled remote control with a few buttons. To use the remote, it must first be paired with the TV, a step easily accomplished during the initial setup. The remote features dedicated buttons for activating the Alexa assistant, launching Prime Video, Netflix, and Amazon Music, and accessing the app store. It boasts a sleek design, and in terms of length, it’s almost equivalent to the Redmi 10 Prime smartphone, which measures approximately 6.4 inches.
The Redmi Smart Fire TV 4K 43 supports connectivity features such as Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0, Miracast, and AirPlay 2. When it comes to ports, the TV offers options such as 3 x HDMI (one of them supports ARC), 2 x USB ports, an Ethernet port, an AV port, an antenna port, and an optical port. It consumes a maximum power of 140W during operation, which is important to consider when setting up and connecting it to your power source.
Verdict
Redmi Smart Fire TV 4K 43 + Airtel Xstrem set-top box
The Redmi Smart Fire TV 4K 43 offers an impressive package with impressive video quality, immersive audio performance, and a user-friendly Fire OS experience. Whether you’re a cinephile or a casual viewer, this TV provides a top-notch home entertainment experience. If you haven’t experienced Fire TV OS, consider purchasing the Redmi Smart Fire TV 4K 43—you won’t be disappointed.
Price and Availability
The Redmi Smart Fire TV 4K 43 has been launched with an introductory price of Rs 24,999 (~$300). As a part of the launch offer, it comes with a free 1-year extended warranty. It can be purchased through Mi.com and Amazon. It is set to go on sale at 12 pm (local time) on Sept. 29 in India.
Disclaimer: All of the opinions in this Redmi Smart Fire TV 4K 43 review are mine and based on my own experiences. There has been no editorial input from Redmi.
In response to recent widespread social media reports claiming that several countries, including Russia, Saudi Arabia, and Venezuela, had placed orders for new 5G smartphones from Huawei, the Chinese tech giant has categorically denied these allegations. Huawei’s official Weibo account, released a statement late, refuting the claims as baseless rumors.
The statement emphasized that these rumors lacked any factual basis and were merely causing confusion and misinformation across various platforms and accounts. Huawei urged the public not to believe or spread such unverified information and encouraged individuals to promptly report any instances they encounter.
While combating false reports, Huawei continues to make significant strides in the smartphone market. Recent releases, such as the Mate 60/Pro/Pro+ series and the Mate X5 foldable screen smartphone, have ignited a buying frenzy within China. At one point, these devices were even sold at premium prices due to high demand.
Market research data from the supply chain indicates that Huawei has secured the second position in the Chinese smartphone market during W36 (September 4th to September 10th) with a sales market share of 17%. This achievement places Huawei just behind Honor, with a marginal 0.2% difference, at 17.2% market share.
Furthermore, Huawei’s upcoming product launch event, scheduled for September 25th, has sparked curiosity among tech enthusiasts. Coincidentally, the event aligns with a significant moment for the company. On September 25th, 2021, Sabrina Meng, Huawei’s CFO, returned to her homeland after being detained for 1028 days. This event triggered widespread celebrations and coined the phrase “the light boat has passed through a thousand mountains” among netizens and media outlets.
As Huawei’s Mate 60 launch event draws near, industry observers are keen to see what the tech giant has in store for its consumers and how the company’s market presence will evolve in the coming months.
In a move aimed at safeguarding national security interests, the U.S. Commerce Department has unveiled its final regulations to prevent semiconductor manufacturing subsidies from benefiting countries considered potential threats, such as China and Russia. These rules mark the last step before the Biden administration can distribute $39 billion in subsidies allocated for semiconductor production, research, and workforce development under the “Chips and Science” law, which provides a total of $52.7 billion.
The newly introduced regulations, initially proposed in March, establish strict rules around the utilization of U.S. funding. They restrict recipients from expanding semiconductor manufacturing operations in countries like China and Russia, which are viewed as national security concerns. Additionally, the rules discourage recipients from engaging in joint research projects or technology licensing with entities from these countries.
Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo emphasized the need for vigilance, stating, “We have to be absolutely vigilant that not a penny of this helps China to get ahead of us.” Under the regulations, the Commerce Department has the authority to reclaim federal awards if recipients violate the imposed restrictions.
The policy imposes a ten-year ban on grant recipients significantly increasing semiconductor manufacturing capacity in nations flagged as concerns. It also prohibits beneficiaries from collaborating on joint research initiatives or licensing technologies from unreliable foreign parties. However, the regulations permit the use of global standards, patent licensing, and foundry and packaging services.
Furthermore, the rules define “material expansions” as any increase in production capacity exceeding 5% and link such expansions to the addition of cleanrooms or other physical space. Beneficiaries are barred from constructing additional cleanrooms or manufacturing lines that would augment a facility’s production capacity by more than 10%.
Additionally, the regulations identify specific semiconductors crucial to national security, subjecting them to more stringent controls. This category encompasses current-generation and mature-node processors for quantum computing and those used in radiation-intensive conditions and specialized military applications.
These final regulations signal the U.S. government’s commitment to maintaining a competitive edge in semiconductor technology while safeguarding against potential threats to national security.
We all know that in light of the U.S. sanctions, Huawei Technologies isn’t backing down. The Shenzhen-based tech behemoth plans to ramp up its investment in its home-grown operating systems, HarmonyOS and EulerOS, aiming for self-reliance and ecosystem expansion.
Huawei has been continuously putting money into HarmonyOS since the US ban
Ren Zhengfei, Huawei’s founder and CEO, conveyed a tone of defiant optimism in a recent conversation with Liu Yadong, the former editor-in-chief of Science and Technology Daily. The transcript was widely circulated in Chinese media outlets, highlighting Ren’s conviction that “Huawei will be more prosperous” despite tougher times ahead.
Since finding itself on a U.S. blacklist in 2019, Huawei has been steadily cutting its dependency on U.S.-origin technology. It has poured resources into HarmonyOS, a versatile operating system designed for mobile and Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices, as well as EulerOS, crafted for enterprise servers. The company is so committed to these platforms that it plans to “invest tens of thousands of manpower and billions of capital each year,” according to Ren.
But what sets Huawei apart is its strategy of opening up these operating systems to its partners. In China alone, HarmonyOS powers over 30 other operating systems and boasts a user base of 600 million. The tactic is already paying off as various industry partners have started migrating to Huawei’s cloud service, effectively broadening its ecosystem.
While some may see U.S. sanctions as a hurdle, Ren views them as an impetus for innovation. He even advocates for learning from the U.S. in areas like basic research and talent development.
Huawei’s growing investment in its operating systems showcases not only its will to survive under economic pressure but also its vision for becoming a dominant player by enriching its own ecosystem. Whether this proves to be the long-term solution to its problems remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Huawei is betting big on home-grown technology.
Introduced in 2017, the Nintendo Switch continues to grow in popularity worldwide. Nowadays, many game companies aim to capitalize on the console’s popularity and establish closer ties with Nintendo to reach a broader audience. Notably, Tencent, one of the gaming world’s giants, is no exception to this trend. In fact, the Chinese gaming company has a unique longstanding relationship with Nintendo.
For instance, Tencent is the exclusive distributor of the Nintendo Switch in China. The company announced today that the Nintendo Switch Mario Red Edition will be released soon. Here are the details…
Celebrate Mario’s Legacy with the Nintendo Switch Mario Red Edition
Tencent announced today that the Nintendo Switch Mario Red Edition will be released in China on October 6th, 2023. The console will be priced at 2,599 Yuan. The upcoming Nintendo Switch Mario Red Edition features a red main body, Joy-Con controllers, and Joy-Con wrist straps. The dock also features a red design with Mario’s silhouette and hidden coins.
Compared to the original Nintendo Switch, the OLED Model has a larger 7-inch OLED screen with narrower bezels. The dock also has a kickstand for more flexible viewing angles. The upcoming model also has a wider adjustable stand than the original Nintendo Switch, making it easier to find the perfect viewing angle when playing in tabletop mode.
The console also has 64GB of internal storage, twice as much as the original Nintendo Switch. This gives gamers more space to store their favorite games and saves. If you are a fan of Mario or simply looking for a great Nintendo Switch console, the Nintendo Switch Mario Red Edition is a great option.
Despite competitive pressures from Huawei’s new Mate 60 series and a partial governmental ban on Apple smartphones, the iPhone 15 series has made a smashing debut in China. The long queues at Apple’s flagship store in Beijing’s bustling Sanlitun shopping district were just the tip of the iceberg.
Apple still has control over the Chinese smartphone market despite the US Huawei Ban
According to JD Daojia, a delivery platform affiliated with JD.com, sales for the new iPhone models during the first two hours shot up by a staggering 253% compared to last year’s iPhone 14 series. What’s even more intriguing is the uptick in orders from lower-tier cities, which multiplied by six times. This shows that Apple’s appeal isn’t confined to the cosmopolitan elites but is spreading across various demographics in China.
While Huawei has been drumming up nationalist sentiments with its Mate 60 series, consumers like a 21-year-old Beijing student surnamed Li are still loyal to Apple. For Li, the iPhone 15 Pro Max wasn’t just another smartphone but a marriage of aesthetic finesse and cutting-edge technology.
Another consumer, a 34-year-old film industry worker also named Li, was particularly drawn to the iPhone 15 Pro Max’s new titanium body. Being a user of a variety of Apple products, Li found no reason to switch allegiance to Huawei. This reveals that brand loyalty and integrated ecosystems continue to be Apple’s strong suit in keeping its user base intact.
The new iPhones, priced between 7,999 and 13,999 yuan ($1,095 and $1,916), also bring the game-changing A17 Pro chip and a shift to type-C charging cords. Despite the regulatory and competitive challenges, Apple has managed to not only maintain but also significantly boost its momentum in the Chinese market. It’s a surprise, but let’s see how Huawei shapes its future strategy for China.
The Android smartphone processor market has been largely dominated by two brands throughout its entire history, namely Qualcomm and MediaTek. Qualcomm has its Snapdragon chipsets to power Android smartphones, whereas MediaTek provides Android smartphones with its 5G-powered Dimensity chipsets. The Dimensity lineup has proven to be reasonably reliable over the past 3 years because all MediaTek Dimensity processors were manufactured by TSMC’s power-efficient and industry-leading technology.
However, in 2023, MediaTek decided to silently rebrand its Dimensity SoC lineup, which has led to much confusion as to which MediaTek chipset is better, and which processors are a big mistake.
Well in this article today, we will be dissecting and diving into MediaTek’s new naming scheme to inform our readers about which MediaTek processors are worth your attention and give the most bang for buck money can buy. To simplify matters, we’ve separated all Dimensity processors into 3 tiers (Tier A, Tier B, and Tier C), with Tier C being the worst ranked processors, and Tier A being the best ranked processors.
Tier C: Low-Performance Processors Starting off with Tier C, there are 11 MediaTek Dimensity processors and they are ranked from worst to best in Table 1 below.
MediaTek Chip
High Performance CPU Cores
Efficiency CPU Cores
GPU
Node Process
Antutu Score
Dimensity 6020 (formerly Dimensity 700)
2x ARM Cortex A76
6x ARM Cortex A55
Mali-G57 MC2
TSMC 7nm
388,693
Dimensity 720
2x ARM Cortex A76
6x ARM Cortex A55
Mali-G57 MC2
TSMC 7nm
386,819
Dimensity 800U
2x ARM Cortex A76
6x ARM Cortex A55
Mali-G57 MC3
TSMC 7nm
431,418
Dimensity 6080 (formerly Dimensity 810)
2x ARM Cortex A76
6x ARM Cortex A55
Mali-G57 MC2
TSMC 6nm
426,195
Dimensity 6100+ (underclocked Dimensity 810)
2x ARM Cortex A76
6x ARM Cortex A55
Mali-G57 MC2
TSMC 6nm
406,644
Dimensity 900
2x ARM Cortex A78
6x ARM Cortex A55
Mali-G68 MC4
TSMC 6nm
513,004
Dimensity 920
2x ARM Cortex A78
6x ARM Cortex A55
Mali-G68 MC4
TSMC 6nm
530,694
Dimensity 7020 (formerly Dimensity 930)
2x ARM Cortex A78
6x ARM Cortex A55
IMG BXM-8-256
TSMC 6nm
473,554
Dimensity 7030 (formerly Dimensity 1050)
2x ARM Cortex A78
6x ARM Cortex A55
Mali-G610 MC3
TSMC 6nm
561,569
Dimensity 7050 (formerly Dimensity 1080)
2x ARM Cortex A78
6x ARM Cortex A55
Mali-G68 MC4
TSMC 6nm
527,053
Dimensity 7200 (includes 7200 Ultra variant)
2x ARM Cortex A715
6x ARM Cortex A510
Mali-G610 MC4
TSMC 4nm
739,097
Table 1: List of Tier C MediaTek Processors (by Leo Wong De Quan/Gizmochina)
As you can see, all the newly rebranded Dimensity 6000 and 7000 series are ranked within Tier C. This is because Tier C chipsets have a very important characteristic that defines them, an octa-core CPU structure with only 2 Performance Cores and 6 Efficiency Cores. With fewer performance cores, the processors cannot run games at higher graphical settings, or tasks on the device may run at slower speeds.
Generally, Tier C processors have benchmark scores from around 380k to 550k in Antutu, with one exception being the Dimensity 7200 which has achieved an Antutu score of nearly 740k. The reason could be that the processor is manufactured on TSMC’s newer 4nm process whilst also featuring the newer ARM Cortex A715 performance cores to provide more performance at the same power level as the A78 and A76.
Another interesting thing to note is the Dimensity 6080 (formerly known as the Dimensity 810). The Dimensity 6080 processor can be found in the recently-announced Redmi Note 13 this week, however, the same processor could also be found in the Redmi Note 11 (known globally as the Poco M4 Pro 5G) launched almost two years ago in 2021 back in China market. This means that your brand new 2023 budget Android smartphone could be using a budget processor that is almost 2 years old today, and yet the device is selling at a price which is brand new.
Redmi Note 13 Pro Plus with Dimensity 7200 and IP68 rating (Source: Xiaomi)
To wrap up, most Tier C processors have generally the same slower performance and do not have a high price-to-performance ratio (with a possible exception to the Dimensity 7200). If possible, look for Android smartphones with Tier B or Tier A processors instead.
Tier B: Upper Mid-Range Processors
Tier B is where the processors are fast and smooth enough for everyday tasks whilst still being able to game comfortably on medium graphical settings in your favourite games. There are 4 MediaTek Dimensity processors in this tier and they are listed from worst to best in Table 2 below.
MediaTek Chip
High Performance CPU Cores
Efficiency CPU Cores
GPU
Node Process
Antutu Score
Dimensity 1000 (includes 1000+ variant)
4x ARM Cortex A77
4x ARM Cortex A55
Mali-G77 MC9
TSMC 7nm
518,034
Dimensity 8020 (formerly Dimensity 1100)
4x ARM Cortex A78
4x ARM Cortex A55
Mali-G77 MC9
TSMC 6nm
777,674
Dimensity 1200 (includes 1200 Ultra variant)
4x ARM Cortex A78
4x ARM Cortex A55
Mali-G77 MC9
TSMC 6nm
720,370
Dimensity 8050 (formerly Dimensity 1300)
4x ARM Cortex A78
4x ARM Cortex A55
Mali-G77 MC9
TSMC 6nm
716,896
Table 2: List of Tier B MediaTek Processors (by Leo Wong De Quan/Gizmochina)
One defining characteristic of Tier B processors is that they use an octa-core SoC structure, with 4 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores. With a balanced (4+4) setup, the SoC is able to handle high-performance tasks more smoothly, whereas for low-demand tasks, the efficiency cores can step up for lower power draw.
Tier B processors have garnered much praise for balancing their performance with their affordability, as these processors are found in budget flagship smartphones like the OnePlus Nord 2T and Xiaomi 11T.
OnePlus Nord 2T with Dimensity 1300 Chipset (now Dimensity 8050)
Tier A: Flagship Processors
Tier A includes MediaTek’s best processors in the Dimensity lineup, as they not only provide great performance, but great power efficiency as well for the smartphones they’re in!
Tier A includes 5 Dimensity processors, and they are listed below in Table 3.
MediaTek Chip
High Performance CPU Cores
Efficiency CPU Cores
GPU
Node Process
Antutu Score
Dimensity 8000
4x ARM Cortex A78
4x ARM Cortex A55
Mali-G610 MC6
TSMC 5nm
835,209
Dimensity 8100 (includes 8100 Ultra variant)
4x ARM Cortex A78
4x ARM Cortex A55
Mali-G610 MC6
TSMC 5nm
852,252
Dimensity 8200 (includes 8200 Ultra variant)
4x ARM Cortex A78
4x ARM Cortex A55
Mali-G610 MC6
TSMC 4nm
888,266
Dimensity 9000 (includes 9000+ variant)
1x ARM Cortex X2, 3x Cortex A710
4x ARM Cortex A510
Mali-G710 MC10
TSMC 4nm
1,076,825
Dimensity 9200 (includes 9200+ variant)
1x ARM Cortex X3, 3x Cortex A715
4x ARM Cortex A510
Mali-G715-Immortalis MC11
TSMC 4nm
1,203,056
Table 3: List of Tier A MediaTek Processors (by Leo Wong De Quan/Gizmochina)
Despite sporting the same processor structure (4+4) as Tier B processors, Tier A processors have one major advantage, which is that Tier A processors are manufactured on TSMC’s more advanced 5nm and 4nm process nodes. This improvement alone managed to boost performance by up to almost 20% whilst keeping power draw low to ensure that the device doesn’t overheat. The GPUs used by Tier A processors are also much more performant, allowing users to game at high or ultra-high graphical settings, which is unachievable on Tier B and C processors.
Xiaomi 13T series launching soon with MediaTek Dimensity 8200 and 9200 processors
In conclusion, purchasing a smartphone with a Tier A MediaTek Dimensity processor is the best decision one can make to make their smartphone performance last long-term without much slowdown.
If you would like more content like this on Gizmochina.com about simplifying how to pick the best processor for your smartphone, feel free to let us know in the comments below!
Bose has now unveiled its Quiet Comfort lineup of noise-canceling headphones in the Chinese market. This comes on the heels of the earlier release of the headphones for the global market. The new Bose headphones support immersive spatial audio for excellent spatial processing. The Bose Quiet Comfort series of headphones include the Bose QC noise-canceling earbuds Ultra, QC head-mounted noise-canceling headphones, and QC head-mounted noise-canceling headphones Ultra.
The Bose Quiet Comfort Ultra features an onboard IMU and digital signal processing software developed by Bose. This helps to deliver an optimal sound effect. The noise-canceling headphones support the latest smart in-ear sound field synchronization technology. It also has an audio-visual synchronization technology. The headphones have a battery life of up to 24 hours and support Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity. The QC noise-canceling Ultra headphones weigh 252g and are compatible with Snapdragon Listen technology.
The Quiet Comfort headphones support noise cancellation and offer a transparency mode. They weigh 240g and have a battery life of about 24 hours like the QC Ultra. Unlike the QC Ultra which supports Bluetooth 5.3, the QC noise-canceling headphones support Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity. The QC noise-canceling earbuds Ultra has a responsive touch function, intelligent in-ear sound field adjustment, and an IPX4 waterproof rating. It offers up to 4 hours of playback with immersive audio active and 6 hours when immersive audio is off.
The Bose QC noise-canceling earbuds are the cheapest of the trio and are priced at 2,299 yuan (~$315). The QC noise-canceling headphones Ultra is the most expensive at 3,599 yuan (~$493). The new Bose Quiet Comfort noise-canceling products are available from retail platforms in China including JD.com.
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