Is the radiation emitted by your smartphone dangerous? This is undoubtedly one of the most frequently asked questions in France these days. As you may know, the French government’s radiation watchdog, ANFR, recently ruled that the radiation levels in Apple’s iPhone 12 models were at a ‘dangerous’ level and banned their sale. ANFR stated that the phones emit excessive levels of radio waves, which could pose a health risk to users.
After this incident, it was expected that Apple would engage in legal battles to lift the ban. However, things did not go as anticipated. Instead, the company took a step back and promised to fix the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro radiation levels with a software update. Here are the details…
Apple to Lift French iPhone 12 Sales Ban with Software Update
Apple has changed its mind! After a decision by France, the company surprised everyone by saying they will fix the radiation levels of the 2020 iPhone with a new software update. The company told Reuters, We will release a software update for users in France to comply with the testing methods used by French regulators. We are excited that the iPhone 12 will continue to be available in France. This is about meeting specific testing requirements set by France, not a safety issue.”
Don’t worry, Apple has also stated that the iPhone 12 does not pose a public health risk due to radiation. The issue is related to a specific testing protocol used by French regulators. The company has not specified when the software update will be available, but they have said it will be “in a few days.” Once the update is available, users can download it through the Settings app on their iPhone. However, to lift the sales ban, the French regulatory agency ANFR will need to conduct new tests.
It is important to note that the iPhone 12 is not the first Apple device to be banned in France due to concerns about radiation levels. In 2019, the ANFR banned the sale of the iPhone 8 and iPhone Xr after it found that the devices exceeded the permitted radiation levels. Apple subsequently released a software update that fixed the issue.
Asus’s “EVA-02” Evangelion-themed PC components have finally launched in the US, but they come at a hefty price tag. The components includes an ROG STRIX Evangelion GeForce RTX 4090 GPU, an ROG Maximus Z790 Evangelion motherboard, and an ROG Ryujin III 360 ARGB EVA-02 EDITION AIO cooler. Here are the details…
Asus EVA-02 PC Components Now Available in the US
For those unaware, Asus’s second-generation Evangelion PC components are a collection of hardware themed around the EVA-02 and Asuka Langley Soryu characters from the Neon Genesis Evangelion anime series. Like the original collection, which focused on EVA-01, the new assortment includes everything you need to build a complete Evangelion-themed PC, including a motherboard, graphics card, CPU cooler, keyboard, mouse, power supply, and chassis. This collection is now available in the United States.
The most expensive item in the lineup is the ROG STRIX Evangelion GeForce RTX 4090 GPU, which is priced at $2,299. This is a significant premium over the standard RTX 4090, which has an MSRP of $1,599. The extra cost is likely due to the unique design and branding of the Evangelion card.
The ROG Maximus Z790 Evangelion motherboard is also more expensive than the standard ROG Maximus Z790 motherboard, but not by as much. The Evangelion motherboard is priced at $699, while the standard ROG Maximus Z790 motherboard starts at $599. The motherboard features the same red design and Evangelion branding as the RTX 4090 and supports Intel 12th Gen and 13th Gen processors.
Likewise, we have the ROG Ryujin III 360 ARGB EVA-02 EDITION AIO cooler which costs $249.99. It has a 3.5-inch LCD screen that shows real-time hardware information. There are three 120mm fans in the cooler that have ROG and EVA-02 stickers and can be customized with ARGB lighting effects.
YouTube Music has brought another update to the music streaming space yet again, this time offering a unique twist: it’s turning on the waterworks with a new mood filter named “Cry.” This innovative feature is part of a rollout that includes four other mood filters—Party, Romance, Feel good, and Sleep—to join the existing Workout, Focus, Relax, Commute, and Energize categories on the platform.
It is important to note that genres and moods are two different categories
Initially discussed in the YouTube Music subreddit, the feature has many users questioning the difference between the new “Sleep” category and the existing “Relax” filter. YouTube’s curatorial prowess will undoubtedly be put to the test here. Tapping any of the mood filters will display a tailored carousel of music choices featuring titles like “Mixed for you,” “Listen again,” and “From your library.”
However, the real talking point is the “Cry” mood filter. It’s not just about tears of joy; it’s a refined playlist of music guaranteed to tug at your heartstrings. YouTube Music’s algorithm is powering this apparently. What may induce tears for some might leave others bored or even irritated. But what does this say about YouTube Music’s mission? It seems the platform is keen on taking listener engagement beyond just background music or workout tunes. By incorporating moods into its music algorithm, YouTube Music appears to be tapping into the emotional side of its user base. It feels weird saying that, but it is exactly what is happening.
Whether you’re in the mood to shed a few tears or throw an impromptu living room dance party, this feature can be helpful. However, it’s worth noting that the new filters are still in the testing phase on some mobile devices, and it’s unclear when the feature will be widely available.
Panasonic continues to expand its product lineup. The company, recently in the news for its G9 Mark II camera, has now introduced another interesting product for music enthusiasts. Panasonic has announced the SC-GNW10 neck speaker, an upgraded version of its 2021 model SPEC-GN01. The new neck speaker is set to hit the market on November 17. Here are the details…
Panasonic SC-GNW10 Gaming Neck Speaker: The Perfect Audio Companion for Work, Travel, and Play
If you’re unfamiliar with them, neck speakers are a type of wearable speaker that sit on your shoulders and use vibrations to send sound waves to your inner ears. This allows you to listen to music and other audio content without the need for headphones or earbuds. Although I personally don’t see much appeal in this product, it appears that they are gaining in popularity, and brands are increasingly focusing on them. For example, Sharp recently introduced a new neck speaker. Now, Panasonic has also announced the SC-GNW10 for gamers.
The SC-GNW10 neck speaker features four 38mm speaker units, offering stereo sound. This is a significant improvement over the previous model, increasing the speaker unit size by 1.25 times. The speaker is also compatible with the Windows PC application “SOUNDSLAYER Engine,” allowing users to customize their equalizer settings according to individual preferences.
One of the standout features of the Panasonic SC-GNW10 neck speaker is its dedicated low-latency wireless connection that operates on a 2.4GHz audio signal. This ensures a lag-free audio experience. Additionally, the new model has enhanced voice chat features, including microphones on both sides to increase the audio capture area and improve sound capture capabilities. Panasonic has also upped the ante on noise and echo-canceling features.
The Panasonic SC-GNW10 gaming neck speaker offers three different audio output modes, namely RPG Mode, FPS Mode, and Voice Enhancement Mode. These modes are aimed at providing a tailored audio experience suitable for players engaged in different types of games. The neck speaker features an ergonomic design that avoids contact with the collarbone and trapezius muscles, ensuring long-term comfort. Adding a touch of style, the ends of the speaker are fitted with LED lights, claimed to “display the heartbeat feeling before starting a game.”
The SC-GNW10 is also expected to make an appearance at the 2023 Tokyo Game Show.
Portronics has launched its Beem 420 multimedia projector, following the launch of the Beem 410 1080p Smart LED Portable Android Projector in August. So let’s talk about the specifications, features, and price of Portronics Beem 420.
Portronics Beem 420 Specifications
The Beem 420 is a full HD projector that can project onto any flat surface to create a screen for watching 1080p content. It has a maximum projection size of 250 inches and a brightness of 3200 lumens, making it suitable for use in both dark and well-lit rooms. The projector’s LED lamp has a lifespan of 30,000 hours.
The Beem 420 has a number of features that make it easy to use and set up. It has built-in sensors that can automatically adjust the vertical keystone and focus, so you can place it almost anywhere without needing a stand or tripod. The projector also comes with a remote control, so you can adjust the settings and control playback from the comfort of your couch.
In terms of connectivity, the Beem 420 has two HDMI ports, an AV input, a USB port, a micro SD card slot, and a headphone and Bluetooth output. This means that you can connect it to a wide range of devices, including laptops, media players, DVD players, set-top boxes, smartphones, tablets, and laptops.
The Beem 420 also has a wireless screen mirroring feature, which allows you to project content from your smartphone or tablet directly to the projector without the need for any cables. This is a great way to watch movies and TV shows and play games on a large screen.
Pricing and Availability
The Portronics Beem 420 Portable Projector is now available for purchase at a special launch price of Rs. 11,999 (originally Rs. 12,999). It comes with a 12-month warranty and can be purchased from Portronics.com, Amazon.in, Flipkart.com, and various offline stores throughout India.
Just a couple of months ago, the Honor 90 Pro was announced in China. Now, it appears that the brand is already working on a successor to the series with a leak hinting at the launch timeline and key specs of the Honor 100 Pro model. So here are all the details.
Honor 100 Pro Specs
The news arrived from known tipster Digital Chat Station, who shared the information on Weibo (a Chinese microblogging website). The upcoming device will apparently sport an AMOLED display that supports 3,840Hz dimming and 1.5K resolution. It will likely offer at least 120Hz refresh rate, similar to its predecessor. Under the hood, the Honor 100 Pro will feature the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC, which is an upgrade over the Honor 90 Pro that came with the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 SoC.
The tipster further added that the high-end smartphone will house dual front facing cameras. Digital Chat Station believes that the device will enter internal testing next month. On the other hand, the launch of the Honor 100 Pro is expected to be sometime in early November 2023. Unfortunately, this is all the information that was revealed, although the 90 Pro hints at the Honor 100 Pro’s specifications.
The Honor 90 Pro is powered by a 5,000mAh battery pack, so the 100 Pro will likely offer a similar battery capacity. It also supports 100W fast charging. The 90 Pro houses up to 16GB of RAM and 512GB of internal storage, which the successor might retain as well. Keep in mind that this is still just speculation at the moment, so take this report with a pinch of salt for now.
Haier has launched a new Google TV in India, called the Hair K800GT. The TV boasts premium features like 4K UHD resolution, HDR10, and Motion compensation Technology (MEMC) technology. So let’s talk about it in detail here.
Haier K800GT Specifications
Starting with the design, the K800GT features a bezel-less all-screen display, which gives it a sleek and modern look. It is available in a range of screen sizes, including 65”, 55”, 50”, and 43”, all of which are UHD TVs with 4K (3840 x 2160 pixels) resolution. There are also Full HD options available in 43” and 32” sizes.
All the 4K TVs can render high dynamic range content thanks to the HDR10 certification. It also comes with MEMC technology which ingeniously inserts extra frames between the original frames, resulting in smooth content and vibrant transitions. This feature is especially useful for watching fast-paced content, like sports and racing.
For audio, the Haier K800GT comes with 24W stereo speakers with Dolby Audio. At the core, it is powered by a multi-core Cortex-A55 CPU and Mali-G52 GPU, paired with 2GB of RAM and 32GB of storage.
Moreover, it comes pre-installed with Google TV OS, which gives you access to a wide range of apps, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and YouTube. The TV also comes with Google Assistant, so you can control it with your voice.
The Haier K800GT Google TV also comes with a number of other features, including Chromecast, Bluetooth 5.1, and Wi-Fi connectivity. I/O options include USB 2.0 ports and HDMI 2.1. The latter allows you to connect the TV to gaming consoles and graphics cards and enjoy games at 4K resolution at 144 frames per second.
Price and Availability
The Haier K800GT Google TV is available in India at a starting price of INR 16990. It is available on Haier’s e-commerce store and other retail outlets.
The Apple iPhone 15 series finally went official last week, with pre-orders already being live. The first sale of the device will kick off later this week, and now, we finally have some information regarding the battery and charging specs of the 2023 iPhone lineup.
Apple iPhone 15 series battery & charging
The Cupertino based giant is known to be secretive regarding the battery and charging specs of its products. But thanks to a Chinese regulatory database, these details have been revealed. According to the regulatory listing, the base iPhone 15 model is powered by a 3,349mAh battery pack that feature 12.981Wh charging speeds. The iPhone 15 Plus houses a large 4,383mAh battery pack that supports a wattage of 16.950Wh.
On the other hand, the iPhone 15 Pro houses a 4,383mAh battery pack while the iPhone 15 Pro Max will be powered by a 4,422mAh battery. The former features a 12.70Wh speeds, while the latter comes with 17.109Wh wattage. This is in contrast to previous rumors, which hinted at Apple raising the charging speeds of the higher-end Pro models to 27W. But the Chinese regulatory listing reveals that the iPhone 15 Pro models retain the same charging speed as last year’s iPhone 14 Pro lineup.
It was revealed that the iPhone 14 Pro models could be charged up to 27W thanks to Apple’s 30W USB-C power adapter. So we can assume that the new iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max will also feature these charging speeds.
After debuting the 540Hz Acer Nitro XV242F gaming monitor last week, the brand has now unveiled another monitor in its Nitro series called the Acer Nitro XV282K V3. This is a new 4K monitor from the brand aimed at gamers. Keep reading to learn more about its specs and features.
Acer Nitro XV282K V3 specs
The Acer Nitro XV282K is a 28-inch 4K UHD gaming monitor with In-plane Switching (IPS) technology for wide 178-degree viewing angles. It boasts a swift 1 ms GTG response time, minimizing motion blur for fast-paced gaming. The LED backlight enhances brightness and efficiency, and it’s VESA DisplayHDR 400 certified for improved contrast.
The monitor supports 1.07 billion colors and offers an 8-bit+FRC (10-bit with Dithering) color depth and a dynamic contrast ratio of 100,000,000:1. AMD FreeSync Premium technology prevents tearing during gameplay, and it covers 90% of the DCI-P3 color gamut. The native contrast ratio is 1,000:1. This monitor offers versatile placement options, including wall mounting, a height adjustment of up to 5.12 inches, and swivel and tilt angles.
Audio-wise, it has 2W built-in speakers. The active display area measures 621×341 mm, featuring an anti-glare screen surface. Connectivity options include HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4, supporting high refresh rates, with an overclocked max of 150 Hz.
Physically, it’s 14.6 inches in height, 25 inches in width, and 2.9 inches in depth without the stand. With the stand, it measures 22.68 inches in height, 25.04 inches in width, and 10.59 inches in depth, weighing approximately 11.64 lb without the stand and 16.80 lb with it. Availability and pricing details are currently under wraps.
The Redmi K70 series is expected to launch in China later this year. The series is rumored to include three models, namely Redmi K70, K70 Pro, and K70e. However, it appears that all of these models will be missing one charging-related feature. So let’s have a look.
Redmi K70 series won’t feature wireless charging
The latest leak arrived from known tipster Digital Chat Station, who shared the information on Weibo (a Chinese microblogging website). Apparently, the upcoming Redmi K70 lineup will be missing a feature that was available on its predecessor, the K60 Pro. The tipster believes that the Redmi K70 series does not feature wireless charging support. Previously, the brand launched the Redmi K60 Pro with support for 30W wireless fast charging while the K60 skipped this feature.
It is unclear why the company would decide to remove this functionality that its successor offered. But keep in mind that this is still just an unconfirmed report, so take this news with a pinch of salt for now. The prototype units of the Redmi K70 and K70 Pro were recently leaked, which revealed that the devices will sport a flat display with narrow bezels and 2K resolution. Notably, both models will also arrive with a metallic frame and other improvements in the texture of the rear glass panel.
In our recent reports, some camera specs of the Redmi K70 Pro were revealed. The device reportedly houses a 50-megapixel primary camera that is paired with a telephoto lens that offers 3.2x optical zoom. The series will launch with Android 14 OS based MIUI 14 custom skin that will likely be upgraded to MIUI 15.
ASUS has just launched a refreshed version of its flagship ROG Zephyrus M16 gaming laptop in the Indian market. This model now arrives in two variants, so let’s have a look at its specifications and pricing.
ASUS ROG Zephyrus M16 Specs
The ROG Zephyrus M16 (GU604) is a top of the line gaming notebook, which features some beefy hardware. Under the hood, the Taiwanese tech giant is equipped with the 13th Gen Intel Core i9-13900H processor that is paired with either an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 or the RTX 4080 graphics card. This gaming laptop will run on Windows 11 OS and features 16GB of RAM alongside 1TB/2TB of M.2 NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSD storage.
Notably, buyers can even be expanded by up to 4TB. On the front, the 2023 ROG Zephyrus M16 sports a 16-inch ROG Nebula HDR mini LED display that features anti-glare coating with an aspect ratio of 16:10. The screen features QHD+ resolution (2560 x 1600), 100 percent DCI-P3 color gamut, 240Hz refresh rate, and 3ms response time. This makes it perfect for competitive video games.
The gaming laptop features a backlit chiclet keyboard with 1-zone RGB lighting and a 1080p FHD IR camera. For audio, ASUS comes with two 2W tweeters and two 2W dual force woofers. It is also certified with Hi-Res and supports Smart Amp, Dolby Atmos, and AI noise canceling. Other notable features include WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, a 3.5mm headphone jack, a 90WHr battery pack, a 280W AC power adapter, two USB 3.2 Gen 2 type-A ports, a USB 3.2 Gen 2 type-C ports, a Thunderbolt 4 port and a microSD card slot.
ASUS ROG Zephyrus M16 Pricing
The brand has launched the ROG Zephyrus M16 gaming laptop in two variants, which include the GU604VZ-NM050WS and GU604VY-NM058WS. The former has a price tag of 299,990 INR (roughly 3,600 US Dollars), while the latter is available for 364,990 INR (roughly 3,600 US Dollars), while the latter is available for 364,990 INR (roughly 4,387 US Dollars). Both the variants are available on retailers like Amazon.
Last week, we saw some really interesting stories about Apple, Huawei, and other brands in the tech world. Topping the list was Apple’s anticipated announcement of the iPhone 15, promising a newer blend of innovation, including the presence of USB-C. News about OnePlus’ budget tablet, ‘OnePlus Go’, made things even more exciting.
Apple iPhone 15 Pro, iPhoen 15 Pro Max
Meanwhile, Honor (HTech) made headlines with the unveiling of their Honor 90 phone, pointing towards their continuing ambition in the global market, specifically India. Not to be overshadowed, Huawei took the wraps off its GT 4 smartwatch, further solidifying its foothold in the wearable segment.
In a more industry-focused development, Foxconn, a key manufacturer, is now reportedly offering heftier paychecks to workers at Huawei’s production facilities, a notable shift from its wage scales for Apple’s assembly lines.
Check out details about these stories and more below!
OnePlus is set to launch the OnePlus Pad Go in India, featuring a two-tone rear design with a 2K panel and a 7:5 aspect ratio. The affordable tablet will offer better display quality, eye-care capabilities, and Dolby Atmos support. It will run OxygenOS 13-based Android 13 and will be available with an update to Android 14.
Last year, Apple was widely criticized, with many people outraged when the company released the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus, which were essentially the same as the iPhone 13, with a few minor improvements here and there. However, this time, the non-pro variants become more intriguing, which is great news for previous iPhone owners.
So we check out whether it makes sense to upgrade to the new iPhone models.
The iPhone 15 series features a USB Type-C port and a 3nm Apple A17 Bionic. The software will allow users to limit battery charge for better battery health. This feature is already available on Android and some laptops, and is expected to be included in the iPhone 15.
The iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max are the first iPhone models to feature NavIC for GPS, an indigenous GPS technology developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). This marks Apple’s commitment to expanding production in the region and shifting its reliance away from China.
Also, Apple has apparently extended its agreement with Qualcomm for modems. The renewed deal will have the latter continue to supply the former for another three years. This news is in contrast to our previous report that the brand will be shifting to its own 5G modems soon.
PSAV Global Tech has launched the Honor 90 in India, marking the company’s re-entry into the country after three years. The design-focused smartphone features a 6.7-inch quad curved AMOLED display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 Accelerated Edition chipset, and a triple camera setup. It comes with dual SIM, 5G, WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, GNSS, and USB Type-C connectivity options.
Huawei has launched the Watch GT 4 series smartwatches in the EU and UK, featuring a 1.43-inch or 1.32-inch AMOLED screen, customizable straps, dual-band GNSS for accurate location tracking, Stay Fit for calorie intake tracking, TruSeen 5.5+ with TruSleep 3.0, and Menstrual Cycle Management 3.0. The series offers a 14-day maximum battery life for the 46mm variants and 7-day battery life for the 41mm variants.
France’s Agency of National Frequencies (ANFR) has temporarily suspended Apple’s iPhone 12 series due to concerns over radiation emissions. The suspension raises questions about the iPhone’s safety and varies global standards for electromagnetic radiation. Apple has responded by stating its iPhone 12 has passed all radiation tests and shared test reports with ANFR.
OnePlus has opened beta testing for the OnePlus 11 in India and North America, following the official launch of OxygenOS 14. To apply, ensure your device is running the detectable version and access the application form. OnePlus will review applications within 5 workdays and approve them within 3 workdays.
Apple is set to release the Made in India iPhone 15 on the same date as the first sale in other regions, marking a strategic move to reduce its dependency on China and showcase its growth in India, the second largest smartphone market globally.
The Hisense Art TV R7, a 55-inch TV with a 4K resolution and 95% DCI-P3 color gamut, is a unique addition to any living room. Its large stand and contemporary canvas-like design resemble a piece of art, resembling the Italian linen brand SOLBIATI. The TV is available in China for 7,349 Yuan ($1014).
Infinix has unveiled the industry’s first “highly translucent 3D lighting leather” technology, featuring colorful LED lights on the back of smartphones. The translucent leather is crafted using LED Light Guide Film, lightproof paint, fiberglass, and translucent TPU leather layers. The tech could be used for dynamic notifications and custom app visuals.
The US Army has awarded Microsoft a $125 million order for advanced mixed reality goggles for combat situations. The contract will be used to develop the Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS), a mixed reality headset based on Microsoft’s HoloLens technology. The IVAS headset will improve situational awareness, safety, and effectiveness for soldiers, with the Army expected to field it in 2025.
Foxconn Technology Group, a key supplier for Apple, is offering higher wages to workers at its Shenzhen production unit for Huawei Technologies’ handsets compared to those working on Apple’s iPhones. The move comes amid fierce competition between Apple and Huawei, both of whom have recently launched 5G smartphones in China. The wage differentials highlight the evolving dynamics of supply chains in response to market demands and geopolitical considerations.
Samsung is expected to launch the new Galaxy Tab A9 series of tablets soon. The lineup is rumored to include the Galaxy Tab A9 and Galaxy Tab A9+. But prior to any official announcement, the base model of the series was spotted on a popular benchmarking platform.
Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 GeekBench Listing
The South Korean tech giant’s upcoming mid range tablet was spotted on GeekBench. The listing revealed that the Galaxy Tab A9 is equipped with a CPU that features six cores that clock in at 2.00GHz along with two cores that have a 2.20GHz clock speed. This processor is also paired with the Mali-G57 MC2 GPU. With this description, the device will likely be powered by the MediaTek Helio G99 SoC.
Furthermore, the GeekBench sighting also confirmed that the new tablet will run on Android 13 OS out of the box and feature 4GB of RAM. Looking at the benchmark results, the device scored 735 points in the single core test. On the other hand, the multi core results had a score of 1,766 points. Notably, this is in line with our previous report, which also claimed that the tablet will feature the Helio G99 chipset.
Based on the sighting on BIS, we also know that the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 will be powered by a large 5,100mAh battery pack that supports 15W fast charging. The device also recently surfaced on the TDRA certification platform with the SM-X110 (Wi-Fi only) model number. Unfortunately, the brand has yet to officially announce this product, but the certifications do hint that its launch is just around the corner.
Fire-Boltt has introduced the Ninja Pro Max Ultra, a square-dial smartwatch with a metal casing and an expansive 2.01-inch display. Notably, this smartwatch stands out with its Bluetooth calling support, featuring an integrated microphone and speaker. It also seamlessly integrates with voice assistants and offers a range of practical features.
For health-conscious individuals, the Fire-Boltt Health Suite offers essential health monitoring features like heart rate, SpO2, and sleep tracking. Fitness enthusiasts will appreciate the extensive selection of 123 sports modes.
Key specifications include a 240 x 296-pixel LCD screen with customizable watch faces. Bluetooth calling supports quick dialing and contact synchronization. It also integrates an AI Voice Assistant for added convenience. Health tracking covers heart rate, SpO2, sleep, and daily activity, complemented by features such as sedentary reminders, Find My Phone, music and camera control, timers, stopwatches, and alarms.
With a robust battery life of up to 20 days in standby mode, the Fire-Boltt Ninja Pro Max Ultra aims to make a mark in the smartwatch market, catering to those in search of style, functionality, and comprehensive health tracking. Stay tuned for its availability to elevate your smartwatch experience. Stay connected with smart notifications and rest assured, as this smartwatch holds an IP68 water-resistant rating.
Pricing & availability
Priced at just Rs. 1,599, the Fire-Boltt Ninja Pro Max Ultra smartwatch is available in a variety of attractive colors, including Black, Blue, Pink, Green, and Brown. Starting today, you can purchase it on both Flipkart and the official Fire-Boltt website.
Panasonic Holdings has revealed that it is working on all-solid-state batteries with a focus initially on drones. Scheduled for mass production in the latter half of the 2020s, these batteries could be the answer to faster, more efficient energy storage.
These new batteries can charge up to 80% in about 3 minutes
What sets this new technology apart? The company claims that these all-solid-state batteries can charge up to 80% in just about 3 minutes. That’s a far cry from existing lithium-ion batteries, which can take up to an hour to charge fully. Imagine drone operators, not having to ground their machines for extended periods—leading to unprecedented efficiency in industries like agriculture, surveillance, and delivery services.
For the first time, Panasonic has showcased this emerging technology to the media and prospective customer firms, albeit keeping the technical specifics under wraps. Insiders do, however, suggest that these batteries can endure tens of thousands of charge-discharge cycles, dwarfing the typical 3,000 cycles that lithium-ion batteries offer.
While drones are the immediate target, the bigger picture is even more exciting. All-solid-state batteries have the potential to revolutionize the electric vehicle (EV) market. With companies like Toyota already planning to introduce these batteries into their EVs by 2027-2028, it’s clear that the automotive industry is eyeing this technology keenly. Toshio Ogawa, Chief Technology Officer at Panasonic Holdings, stressed the need for collaborative efforts with automakers for successful integration into vehicles, saying, “It cannot be done independently by one company.”
Samsung has started rolling out its latest security patch for the Galaxy A71 smartphone.
For those unaware, the Samsung Galaxy A71 was released in December 2019. After almost 4 years, the device is still receiving security updates. The smartphone was launched with Android 10 onboard and later on was upgraded to Android 13-based OS One UI 5 in 2022.
The September security patch has reached far and wide internationally, addressing over 60 security vulnerabilities found in the previous update. The patch will be visible with the build version of A715FXXU8CVI3, and the size will be around 485MB. These security fixes will provide the Galaxy A71 with improved stability and bug fixes. It is worth mentioning that the device has been running Android 13 for quite some time and may not receive the Android 14 update.
The Galaxy A71 owners can check for the new update by navigating to Settings > Software update > Download and install. Alternatively, users can go to Samsung’s original firmware database to download it manually.
In related news, Samsung has recently released a special series of foldable smartphones in China to support charitable causes. The Samsung W24 Flip and W24 Fold, which are said to be the luxurious versions of the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Flip 5, are now available for reservation in China. Those who wish to know about this can check out our Samsung W24 & W24 Flip smartphone launched story here.
Samsung has released many smart refrigerators in the past. These smart refrigerators are equipped with Wi-Fi connectivity and SmartThings functionality. Making it easier for users to control the home appliance using the app across the major OS options (Android, iOS, and Windows).
Now, according to a recent report by SAMmobile, Samsung has started updating the UI design on high-end refrigerators. For those unaware, the South Korean tech giant’s home appliances and TVs run on the Tizen operating system. Samsung and Intel developed this Linux-based open-source operating system (now called Tizen OS).
Image via SAMmobileImage via SAMmobile
As per the report, the icons in the refrigerator seem to be updated, which looks quite similar to the recent versions of One UI in smartphones. The patch should be visible with the build version of TIZEN 6.0.
The new UI design has made apps more visible. For instance, the Gallery app, Settings, and Calendar look more noticeable. This update might be the company’s attempt to improve the user experience by taking constant feedback. High-end refrigerator owners should be able to receive the patch automatically. However, it is quite unclear if this Tizen OS 6.0 update is a global rollout or limited to certain regions. We expect to see more patches like these in the future.
In related news, Samsung Bespoke refrigerators in India have come a long way with constant inputs from customers. In January, the company released a new collection of Bespoke refrigerators in India. Those who wish to know about this can check out our Samsung launches connected bespoke refrigerators in India story here.
In a groundbreaking report by IDC Consulting, China‘s wearable device market saw robust growth, registering a whopping 33.5 million unit shipments in Q2 of 2023—up 17.3% from last year. While that’s impressive, what’s more intriguing is the surge in shipments of children’s smartwatches.
True wireless earphones alone contributed to a 15.11 million unit shipment
While adult smartwatches witnessed an 11.5% year-on-year increase in Q2, touching 4.65 million units, the children’s segment wasn’t far behind. It recorded a 12.5% increase, accounting for almost an equal 4.77 million units. This suggests that the youngest demographic is quickly catching up to their grown-up counterparts, signaling a shift in the market’s focus. Could kids be the future of wearables?
The report also points out the reinvigoration of wristbands, which had a 20.9% year-on-year surge. Unlike smartwatches, wristbands are making a notable comeback, possibly driven by their lower price and focused functionality. Hearable devices, like true wireless earphones, aren’t lagging either. With 19.33 million units shipped—a 19.5% year-on-year increase—they’re certainly in the game. In this category, true wireless earphones alone contributed to a 15.11 million unit shipment, up 18.6% year-on-year.
Who’s leading the race? Unsurprisingly, Huawei, Xiaomi, and Apple continue to dominate the market, leveraging both high brand recognition and pricing strategies. Their growth showcases the market’s increasing centralization. But it’s the rise of the pint-sized customer that’s stealing the show. If companies want to stay ahead in the game, they may need to start thinking smaller—quite literally.
Stay tuned for more updates as we keep an eye on this shifting landscape.
According to a recent report, ASUS has revealed its new TUF gaming monitor called VG249QL3A. This new monitor has a 1080p display and a 180Hz refresh rate with IPS technology. The VG249QL3A has obtained TÜV Flicker-free and low blue light certifications from Germany to ensure less strain on the eyes. Those wondering what this monitor has to offer can check the specifications of VG249QL3A below.
Image via ASUS
ASUS TUF VG249QL3A specifications
The ASUS TUF Gaming VG249QL3A offers a 23.8-inch Full HD display with 1920 x 1080 pixel resolution, fast IPS technology, and a 180Hz refresh rate, making it ideal for gaming. The 1ms response time enables players to have a smooth gameplay. ASUS extreme low motion blur (ELMB) technology helps reduce ghosting and motion blur while gaming. The monitor comes with a built-in speaker for immersive audio. The Shadow Boost feature helps enhance image details in dark areas without overexposing bright areas.
In terms of connectivity, the monitor has 1 x 1.2 Display port, 2 x HDMI (v2.0) ports, and an earphone jack. Lastly, the VG249QL3A is AMD FreeSync and NVIDIA G-Sync compatible to ensure a smooth and tear-free display with low latency.
Price and Availability
The monitor is said to arrive with a display port cable, HDMI cable, L-shaped screwdriver, power cord, quick starter guide, and a warranty card (the items may vary by region). ASUS has yet to reveal when the item will be available for purchase and what the expected price will be. However, we expect to receive more information in the future. So stay tuned.
Earlier, we reported that Samsung released a September security update for the Galaxy S22 series. Now, according to recent reports that have surfaced online, Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 5 smartphones have also started receiving the September 2023 security patch in Europe.
As per a recent report by SAMmobile, Galaxy Z Flip 5 smartphones have received the September security update. This patch arrives with the build version ending in AWI3, and the size is around 400MB. Like in previous smartphones, this update fixes over 60 security vulnerabilities found in the previous version. The main focus of these fixes is to make the devices more stable and improve the user experience. Those wondering what the Galaxy Z Flip 5 has to offer can check out the key specifications of the device below.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 Specs
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 is a vertical folding smartphone with a 6.7-inch AMOLED display and a 120Hz refresh rate. Under the hood, the device is powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor clocked at 3.36 GHz, accompanied by 8GB RAM. It is equipped with a 3,700mAh battery with 25W fast charging support as well as wireless charging support. The Galaxy Z Flip 5 operates on an Android 13-based operating system and has an IPX8 certification.
The Galaxy Flip 5 owners who live in Europe can check for the update by going to Settings > Software update > Download and install. You can also head over to Samsung’s official firmware database to download the update manually.
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