ZimaBlade Review: Modulerized Single Board Server for Cyber Native

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Sep 20, 2023

ZimaBlade

Previously we have used and reviewed ZimaBoard, the world’s First Hackable Single Board Server with amazing possibilities. ZimaBoard, as a modularized Single Board Server, was truly impressive with its unique design and customizability. In the niche market of geeks, the ZimaBoard has been widely welcomed. But they don’t seem to want to stop there. The brand is taking it a step further with a tool more focused on protecting digital freedom, which is the ZimaBlade, another x86 personal server. It’s particularly designed for local execution and control of everything from file sharing and media playback to key management and encrypted P2P transmission. For a simple example, build up a private network storage with the NAS kit it offers.

The ZimaBlade is even designed in a more compact size, however, with more powerful performance and a more special look!

Unboxing

The packaging of ZimaBlade is unexpectedly small, similar to the size of some mobile phone charger boxes, which was hard to convince me at first that there was an x86 server inside. But it truly is. The whole package is in black design, with the product picture on the front, where it’s worth paying attention to the packaging and the three symbols. It reminds me of the Netflix animated series– Love, Death & Robots.

That’s pretty cool. Inside the package, apart from the machine, there is a SATA cable, a type-c power cable, a user manual, and two stickers.

Design

ZimaBlade uses a solid card-like design. Two screws on the front to fix a transparent plate with a rugged, custom enclosure. You can clearly see the elegant PCB. The bottom and side of the enclosure use a whole piece of protecting metal, which has direct contact with the CPU for passive heat dissipation. This unique design balances the overall design aesthetics with practicality. I really like it as I can completely disassemble it in less than a minute and have very easy access to the ports and terminal on the motherboard.

In terms of connectivity and expandability, one side of the motherboard has a full-featured USB-C port, another USB 3.0 port, a 1GBE (Gigabit Ethernet) network port and a mini-DP port, while the other has two SATA 3.0 ports and a SATA Power port. The motherboard also provides two USB 2.0 terminals, and a 4-pin fan terminal. And of course, the most important is the pcie2.0 x4 Slot.

With the dual SATA 3 ports and PCIe slots, the ZimaBlade can provide wide expandability like creating a personal NAS with up to 154TB of storage and accessing data over either a Wi-Fi module or an Ethernet connection.

Also, in my eyes as a Desk-aesthetic fanatic, it’s probably the coolest device on my entire desktop – Well, ZimaBoard, you’re a close second.

Connectivity/Expandability specs

– 1 x mini DP 1.2 (4K/60Hz)

– 1 x Full Function C-port (Display, data, power support)

– 1 x Gigabit Ethernet port

– 1 x USB 3.0 Type-A

– 2 x USB 2.0 Type-A

– 2 x SATA 3.0

– 1 x PCI 2.0 x4 Slot

– 1 x SODIMM slot, compatible with 16 GB DDR3L RAM max.

– Build-in 32GB eMMC Storage

Performance

The ZimaBlade gives a wide range of options. The version I got is a basic variant – ZimaBlade 3760, powered by an Intel® Celeron N3350 dual-core processor. Apart from the dual-core model, there are also qual-core variants for options, powered by Celeron J3455 or E3950.

Focusing back to the standard N3350 processor. It has a good and stable performance in terms of network packet forwarding, personal storage, and working as a web server. It’s worth noting that the ZimaBlade is officially available in an off-system version, and with the sodimm slot on the motherboard, it can be fitted with up to 16GB of DDR3L RAM, which means that the ZimaBlade is more than capable of running multiple dockers.

I also tested the ZimaBlade’s cooling performance by configuring the ZimaBlade for use as a NAS and copying 80GB files over the LAN-connecting network. The surface temperature of the ZimaBlade was around 45°C, which is a very good result, but of course, if you are in a hot area, installing an external fan via the 4-pin connection or increasing the passive cooling area is a wiser solution.

CasaOS

ZimaBlade comes pre-installed with CasaOS (Based on Debian), which is a lightweight open-source home automation system. When used with ZimaBlade, you can deploy multiple Docker apps with a single click from the CasaOS app shop, which allows you to configure ZimaBlade as a home server with no complicated setups and no command line.

Of course, CasaOS also supports adding repositories and installing third-party applications. ZimaBlade with casaos is perfect as a first personal server for entry geek users. And the brand’s Discord server has over 12,000 members who are participating in discovering all the possibilities from the ZimaBlade series. If you’re learning how to build your own digital security and personal servers, that should be a good club for learning.

Or if you’re tired of secondary customization or modification, the over 20-pre-installed apps and 50+ verified apps also can boost your experience with the ZimaBlade. You can easily access downloaders, data management, entertainment, utilities and so on.

Pcie Slot

The ZimaBlade offers a Pcie 2.0 × 4 slot. If you want to set up NAS, the Pcie to 5-port SATA III Adapter can support connecting a 100TB+ (Max. 154TB) hard drive to store your data securely locally. If you use PCIe to 4-Port 2.5G Ethernet Adapter, you can use ZimaBlade as a hardware router or Video monitoring server.

Of course, if you need higher transfer speeds, ZimaBlade also supports 10G Ethernet Adapter and NVME Adapter.

Anyway, all these accessories and modules from ZimaBlade’s official website are pretty recommendable, as all of them should have been verified for compatibility.

By far all the modules we collected from the official store have worked pretty well without any problems. Here’re all the modules and adapters we tested and recommended for the ZimaBlade players:

m.2 NGFF TO PCIE
PCIe to 4-Channel USB Adapter
PCIe×4 to 10 Gigabit Ethernet
PCIe×4 to 4-Port 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet
PCIe to 5-Port SATA Adapter

Conclusion

The ZimaBlade’s great look and expandability are unmatched by any other mass-productive device in its class, and another important message we want to share with you is that the ZimaBlade has better performance than Raspberry Pi. At the same time, considering the prices as low as $64, we couldn’t find any reasonable alternatives for it. At least for the moment, the ZimaBlade is perfect as a first personal server for entry-level geeks.

If you’ve been a bit excited about the ZimaBlade, we really recommend you check out the link here to learn more.

Redmi K70 Pro seemingly spotted with Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, Android 14

By

Anvinraj Valiyathara

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Sep 20, 2023

Qualcomm is set to introduce the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 at its 2023 Snapdragon Summit event in October this year. Following its debut, leading Chinese smartphone manufacturers are anticipated to release flagship devices powered by the SD8G3 chip in the subsequent weeks. The Redmi K70 Pro is also one of the devices that is expected to feature the said chipset. Earlier this month, tipster Digital Chat Station revealed that the K70 series has three devices with codenames Ingress, Vermeer, and Manet. These devices are likely to be called the Redmi K70e, Redmi K70, and Redmi K70 Pro when they launch in the Chinese market in December of this year. Well before the launch, the Manet device appeared with model number 23117RK66C in the database of Geekbench 6. Here is a look at the details that have emerged through the listing.

Redmi K70 Pro Geekbench listing

On Geekbench 6, the Redmi K70 Pro has emerged with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip. Although the name of the chip is not explicitly mentioned, the CPU and GPU (via source code) details that have emerged through the Geekbench listing confirm that it will feature the said chipset.

The SD8G3 chip will be accompanied by 16 GB of RAM, and the device will come preloaded with the forthcoming Android 14, which will possibly have a layer of MIUI 14 on top. In the single-core test, the device scored 1100 points, and it recorded a score of 5150 points in the multi-core test.

According to rumors, the Redmi K70 Pro will have a flat OLED screen that will offer a 2K resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, and an in-screen fingerprint scanner. The device may offer up to 1 TB of UFS 4.0 storage and draw power from a 5,500mAh battery that supports 120W rapid charging. The camera setup on its back may include a 50-megapixel (Sony IMX707, with OIS) main camera, an ultra-wide lens, and a telephoto camera with a 3.2x zoom. It may lack support for wireless charging.

In August, the Redmi K70 Pro was listed on Geekbench with a purported Dimensity 9200 Plus chipset. It is important to note that this listing was fraudulent and should be disregarded.

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Redmi Note 13 Pro+ confirmed to launch in Mirror White & Midnight Black color options

By

Sean

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Sep 20, 2023

Xiaomi is gearing up to launch the new Redmi Note 13 series in its home market of China soon. The Note 13 Pro+ is set to be the top-end model of the lineup and its color options have just been revealed ahead of the announcement.

Redmi Note 13 Pro+ Colors

The Chinese tech giant has officially confirmed that the Note 13 Pro+ will be available in two additional color options. Last week, the Light Dream Space color option was unveiled, which features a leather rear panel. But today (20th September 2023), the company has offered us a look at the new color variants of the Redmi Note 13 Pro+. The white model is dubbed Mirror White, while the black edition is called the Midnight Black. Both models feature a glossy rear panel, although it is unclear if it is a glass or plastic material used on the back. This showcased the full design of the smartphone.

Redmi Note 13 Pro+ Specs

The device sports a tall 6.67-inch OLED display that features 1.5K resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, and an in-display fingerprint sensor. Under the hood, the smartphone will be equipped with the MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Ultra SoC that is paired with up to 1TB storage and 16GB of RAM. A large 5,120mAh battery pack is expected to power this device, which supports 120W fast charging.

The front houses a 16-megapixel selfie shooter, while the rear features a 200-megapixel triple camera setup. Other notable features include IP68 water and dust resistance, 9mm thickness, 204 grams, and more. The Redmi Note 13 Pro+ is set to launch on 22nd September 2023 along with a bunch of other products. So stick around for more updates.

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Colorful Evol P15 gaming laptop launched with 165Hz Quad HD display, 12th gen Intel CPU, 180W chagrining

By

Anvinraj Valiyathara

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Sep 20, 2023

Colorful has launched the Evol P15 gaming laptop in India. It features a retro-futuristic design with a Steel Blue finish and RGB lighting on the lid, appealing to gamers. It comes with other key features, such as a 165Hz Quad HD display, 12^th generation Intel Core CPUs, GeForce RTX 40 series graphics, 180W charging, and more. Here is a look at the detailed specifications of the Colorful Evol P15 gaming laptop.

Evol P15 specifications and features

The Evol P15 gaming laptop has a 15.6-inch IPS display with options for either a Full HD (144Hz) or a QHD (165Hz) panel. These displays offer vibrant colors with 72 percent NTSC or 100 percent NTSC coverage and offer G-SYNC support for smooth gaming visuals.

The Evol P15 comes in two CPU options: the 12th generation Intel Core i5-12450H or the Core i7-12650H. For graphics, it is equipped with either an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 6GB or a higher-end NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 8GB. In terms of memory, the Evol P15 features 16 GB of DDR5 4800Hz RAM, and there are two DDR5 SO-DIMM slots available, allowing for a maximum capacity of 64GB.

Storage options include a 512GB PCIe 3.0X4 NVMe SSD in Slot 1, with an additional Slot 2 for expansion, supporting PCIe 4.0×4 for faster data transfer. The notebook comes preloaded with Windows 11.

In terms of connectivity, the Evol P15 features a 1Gbps LAN port, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.3. It offers I/O ports, such as a USB 2.0 port (Type A), a USB 3.2 Gen 1 port (Type A), a USB 3.2 Gen 2 port (Type A), and a USB 3.2 Gen 2 port (Type C), along with a Mini DisplayPort 1.4 and an HDMI 2.1 port with HDCP support. There is also a 3.5mm microphone / headphone combo audio jack Jack, an RJ-45 LAN port, and a DC-in jack for power.

The audio experience on the Evol P15 is enhanced with Sound Blaster Cinema 6+ technology. For video calls, it is equipped with a 1-megapixel HD webcam. It comes with a 54Wh battery and packs a 180W power brick. The device measures 361 x 264 x 24.9mm and weighs 2.35kg without the adaptor.

The Evol P15’s cooling system includes a 6-heatpipe heatsink, dual fans, and four air vents for heat dissipation. Users can easily switch between three cooling modes with the one-key cooling mode (Fn+1). Colorful is yet to confirm the pricing and availability of the Evol P15.

For those who don’t know, the China-based Colorful brand, which was established in 1995, specializes in computer peripherals such as motherboards, graphics cards, SSDs, RAMs, and AIO PCs. Colorful is one of the largest players in the Chinese graphics card market and has strategic partners with Nvidia, Intel, and AMD in the home market.

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Garmin releases new beta update with various bug fixes and improvements for eligible watches

By

Chetan

-

Sep 20, 2023

According to a recent announcement, Garmin is rolling out a new Beta version on eligible watches. The new update arrives with a 14.66 build version.

For those unaware, Garmin recently started its Public Beta program to test out new features on the watches. However, the beta did arrive with a few bugs and issues, which the company tried to fix over time. The complete list of the watch models that have received the new update can be found below.

Eligible Watches to receive the update

Fenix 7
Fenix 7 Pro
Fenix 7x
Fenix 7x Pro
Fenix 7s
Fenix 7s Pro
Epix
Epix Pro 42mm/47mm/51mm
Enduro 2
Quatix 7
MARQ Gen 2

One thing to note is that only the above devices that have enrolled in the Public Beta program will receive this patch. Users with eligible devices can go to Menu > System > Software Update > Check for updates to download the latest beta version. For those wondering what the new patch has to offer, check the changelog provided below.

Beta 14.66 Change log

Fixed issue where Body Battery was incorrectly written to some activities.
Fixed potential shutdown in plan overview for a primary race.
Fixed some translation issues.
Fixes and improvements to the music player.

It is worth mentioning that the beta updates are not available on Tactix 7 and MARQ Aviator Gen2. If you have encountered an issue with the beta, you can report it on the company’s beta bug reports forum.

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Samsung Galaxy S23 FE surfaces on IMDA ahead of launch

By

Sean

-

Sep 20, 2023

The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is a highly anticipated smartphone from the company’s popular FE (Fan Edition) lineup. This model is expected to launch soon, but ahead of the official release, the device surfaced in a new certification platform.

Samsung Galaxy S23 FE IMDA

The South Korean tech giant’s Galaxy S23 FE recently surfaced on IMDA. The upcoming smartphone was expected to arrive in the fourth quarter of this year, although a recent sighting on Flipkart hints that the release could be right around the corner. Now, the device was spotted on Singapore’s IMDA certification platform, carrying the SM-S711B/DS model number. The certification confirms that it is a 5G enabled handset along with support for NFC, Bluetooth, and WiFi connectivity.

Unfortunately, the certification listing did not reveal any other finer details regarding the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE model. Just recently, the S23 FE’s design was revealed in a leaked 360 degree video, which showcased its boxy design. Based on what we know so far, the Galaxy S23 FE is expected to be offered in two chip variants, namely a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 and Exynos 2200 SoC. On the front, it is rumored to sport a 6.3-inch AMOLED display and a 10-megapixel selfie shooter on the front, while the rear features a 50-megapixel triple camera setup.

A 4,500mAh battery pack is expected to power this device which will support fast charging. Apart from IMDA, the device has also surfaced on other certification platforms like NBTC, TDRA, Bluetooth SIG, BIS, and others.

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Spoof Your Location in Pokémon GO on iOS 17 Without Verification with iToolPaw iGPSGo

By

Oğuz Çakır

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Sep 20, 2023

Pokémon Go is undoubtedly one of the most successful mobile games of all time. Introduced in 2016, the game boasts millions of users on both Android and iOS platforms, and has generated over $5 billion in revenue for its developers. Naturally, this large player base also brings intense competition. Trainers from around the world are vying to be the best Pokémon trainer.

This is where Pokémon GO GPS spoofers come into play. This technology is a software application that allows users to change their location in the game. This can be especially useful for players living in rural areas or in places with limited access to PokéStops and Gyms. It can also be used by those looking to catch Pokémon exclusive to certain regions.

However, finding a reliable Pokémon GO GPS spoofer or similar “hacks” can be frustrating for players, particularly due to issues like having to watch constant ads or facing high prices, especially for iOS users. Thankfully, iToolPaw’s specially developed Free Pokémon GO GPS Spoofer for iOS 17, called iGPSGo, aims to solve all these issues.

Free Pokémon GO GPS Spoofer iOS 17 No Verification – iToolPaw iGPSGo

iToolPaw iGPSGo Pokemon Go Spoofer iOS is for players looking for a seamless location spoofing experience. It can be downloaded directly from the iToolPaw official website, without the need to download any other apps or submit endless surveys for verification. This makes it a convenient and easy-to-use option for players on the go. iGPSGo also offers a variety of features that make it a powerful spoofing tool, including:

Simulated GPS movement on actual roads.
Ability to adjust Pokémon avatar’s ‘walking’ speed.
A function to save coordinates, ensuring trainers can swiftly revisit their favorite Pokémon hotspots.
Pokemon Go GPS joystick feature to control directions when walking.

Step 1: Download and install iGPSGo

Step 2: Connect iPhone to PC with usb cable

Step 3: Search location and play pokemon go with joystick mode without walking.

Step 4: Open Pokemon Go app, your location will change.

Free Pokémon GO Spoofer iOS Need Verification – iPogo

iPogo provides another robust option for the ardent Pokémon GO player. With this tool, trainers can:

Plan and simulate multi-spot routes, enhancing the gameplay experience.
Experience instantaneous location switching, giving trainers flexibility.
Engage with a clean, user-friendly interface that simplifies location spoofing.

However, when you search pokemon go spoofer on YouTube, you can see many videos that promote the iPogo app that need verification, you need to download many other apps first, and do a lot of surveys.

Download the iPoGo app from their official website without verification.

Comparing iGPSGo and iPogo

While both tools empower players with Both iGPSGo and iPogo are excellent Pokémon GO GPS spoofers. However, they have different strengths and weaknesses. iGPSGo is a better choice for players who want to plan and simulate multi-spot routes. It also offers a joystick feature, which can be useful for controlling your avatar’s movements. Also they cater to different user needs like:

User Experience: Both tools boast user-friendly interfaces, but iGPSGo emphasizes multi-spot movement planning.
Features: While iPoGo offers speed and saved coordinate adjustments, iGPSGo emphasizes route planning and swift location changes. iPogo also have many features that help you catch pokemons.

The Mystery of Human Verification in Pokémon GO Spoofer iOS

Many Pokémon GO GPS spoofers require users to complete a human verification process before they can download or use the spoofer. This process can involve filling out surveys, downloading other apps, or providing personal information. Human verification is a way for the spoofer developers to make money.

Each time a user completes a human verification task, the developers earn money. However, human verification can also be a way for scammers to collect personal information or install malware on users’ devices. It is important to be careful when downloading Pokémon GO GPS spoofers from third-party sources. Always check the reviews of the spoofer before downloading it.

One common experience many players have when seeking pokemon go spoofing tools or in-game resources is the dreaded “verification loop.” Here’s how it typically works:

Initial Attraction: The website promises a valuable service, like location spoofing or in-game coins, without verification. The website is not official website.
First Step: Users are asked to input some information or make a selection. This gives the illusion of authenticity.
The Loop Begins: Before accessing the promised tool or resources, users are asked to complete a quick verification— this could be a survey, an app download, or another action. Sometimes it may ask you to enter your Pokemon Go user name and password.
Endless Tasks: Even after completing the verification, the website redirects to another task, then another. It becomes an endless cycle.
The Reality: These loops rarely, if ever, end with the user getting what was promised. Instead, the website operators earn money each time a user completes an action, and the user gets nothing but wasted time.

Always download pogo spoofer apps from reputable sources like Google Play for Android or the App Store for iOS.

Third-party app stores and direct downloads from websites can be riskier.

Is There Any Free Pokémon GO Coin Generator Hack No Human Verification?

Real, trustworthy coin generators without human verification are elusive. Always be cautious; many are scams or can result in game bans. You need buy the Pokemon go coins from the game store.

Is There Any Pokémon GO Candy Generator No Verification?

Candy generators can impact gameplay and are frequently detected by Niantic. Use these tools wisely. You can earn Pokemon go candy by walking with your buddy.

Is There Any Pokémon GO Joystick iOS No Verification?

A joystick tool simulates “walks” in the game. Both iGPSGo and iPoGo offer joystick functionalities without verifications.

Is it safe to download Pokémon GO Spoofer iOS that Need Verification?

Since you cannot download a Pokémon GO spoofer directly from the Apple App Store (due to its violations), you’d need to use a third-party source. These sources often carry a higher risk of malware or unwanted software. Many websites that promote game cheats, hacks, or spoofers might ask users to complete “human verification” steps, which can include filling out surveys, downloading other apps, or providing personal information. These can lead to phishing attempts, unwanted software downloads, or other scams.

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Samsung pushes OneUI 6.0 Beta 3 hotfix for Galaxy S23 series

By

Chetan

-

Sep 20, 2023

Previously, we reported that Samsung started rolling out One UI 6 Beta 3 in the US, Germany, and India. The Galaxy S23 series was one of the eligible devices that received this beta 3. Now, according to a recent report, the company has started releasing hotfixes for beta 3.

The latest One UI 6 Beta 3 update for the Galaxy S23 series is a hotfix. As we all are aware, One UI 6 is currently in its testing phase, and it arrived with some known issues. However, after observing and receiving constant feedback from the beta-testing community, the company is trying to fix some of these issues.

This minor hotfix comes with the build version ending in ZWIB with a size of around 360MB, and it is currently available in Germany and South Korea. With time, we expect the company to release these hotfixes for a broader audience and other regions.

Furthermore, the patch brings a few bug fixes and UI improvements to make the device more stable and provide better performance. Those who live in Germany or South Korea and have opted for the One UI 6 Beta should be able to receive this new hotfix on eligible devices automatically. To check for the update, users can go to Settings > Software update > Download and install.

In related news, Samsung has recently released One UI 6.0 Beta for the Galaxy S22 series. This Beta is currently live in South Korea and may soon arrive in other regions anytime. Those who wish to know more about this can check out our OneUI 6 Beta update for the Samsung Galaxy S22 series story here.

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Logitech Unveils the Brio 100 Webcam Globally, Featuring RightLight Technology

By

Anubhav

-

Sep 20, 2023

Logitech recently introduced the Brio 100 webcam in international markets. Featuring 1080P resolution and RightLight technology for 50% brighter video calls, the new model has caught attention. But here’s the catch: China’s Brio 90 seems to be the same webcam, just with a different name.

It seems like Logitech is rebranding its old Brio 90 series

Logitech’s China website reveals that the Brio 90 shares the Brio 100’s key specs—Full HD 1080p resolution and RightLight brightness enhancement. The Brio 90 is also offered in three colors: pearl white, rose pink, and graphite black. However, the price is still unknown for both models.

In terms of size and weight, the two models are identical. They measure 31.91 mm in height, 72.91 mm in width, and 66.64 mm in depth, weighing a mere 75 grams. Each comes with a 1.5-meter cable for easy placement.

The striking similarities between the Brio 100 and Brio 90 raise questions about Logitech’s marketing strategy. Are they simply rebranding a product for different geographic markets, or are there subtle differences yet to be announced?

For consumers, the main takeaway is that these two webcams seem to offer the same features. As the tech community waits for more details, including pricing, one thing is clear: whether you’re shopping for a Brio 100 (Amazon US listing) or a Brio 90 (Amazon), you’ll likely end up with similar performance.

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

Better Late than Never, Neuralink is Now Accepting Applications for Human Trials

By

Anubhav

-

Sep 20, 2023

It is finally happening. Elon Musk‘s Neuralink has opened the doors to its first human trials, known as the PRIME study. Though it arrives almost a year after its initial reveal and a month after its competitor, Synchron, the announcement marks a significant milestone in the field of brain-computer interfaces (BCIs).

It seems like science fiction is finally one step closer to coming to life

While flashy promises of learning Kung Fu from an SD card and mind-controlling your gadgets have been floating around, the company is, for now, focusing on the basic yet life-altering objective. Neuralink aims to test the safety and initial utility of its N1 system for people suffering from paralysis caused by spinal cord injuries or ALS. The goal is simple but groundbreaking: allow users to control a computer cursor or keyboard with mere thought.

However, the journey to this point wasn’t smooth. Neuralink found itself in hot water last year when allegations of animal cruelty surfaced, slowing down its research and prompting federal investigations. But having recently obtained FDA approval under the investigational device exemption, Neuralink is ready to forge ahead.

The technology involves a Utah Array, a complex grid of ultra-thin probes inserted into the patient’s brain by Neuralink’s specialized robot, R1. Unlike Synchron’s Stentrode, which can be implemented without surgery, Neuralink’s device requires a robotic keyhole surgical procedure. The system will convert the brain’s electrical signals into digital commands, essentially serving as a high-tech mediator between mind and machine.

The question now is, does the late entry and cautious approach put Neuralink at a disadvantage, or does it indicate a more meticulous and potentially successful route to integrating BCIs into daily life? With the trials finally underway, the tech world waits with bated breath for the outcomes, which could either catapult Neuralink to the forefront or set it back even further.

At this rate, Neuralink’s caution could be its greatest asset, making sure that every ‘i’ is dotted and every ‘t’ crossed. A full-scale application of Neuralink would be far easier if the company keeps treading the safer path.

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Lava Blaze Pro 5G front design revealed, likely to launch by September end

By

Anvinraj Valiyathara

-

Sep 20, 2023

In the first half of this year, Lava unveiled the Lava Blaze 5G, one of the most affordable 5G phones in the Indian market. The brand has recently confirmed that it will soon announce the Lava Blaze Pro 5G in the country and has released a poster of the device to showcase its front design.

Lava Blaze Pro 5G front design revealed

As can be seen in the image above, the Lava Blaze Pro 5G will be equipped with a punch-hole display, unlike the non-Pro version of the device, which features a waterdrop notch display.

As far as the rear design is concerned, its leaked image that surfaced last week showcased the gradient white edition of the device. The image also revealed that it is equipped with a 50-megapixel dual-camera setup. It appears that like the Blaze 5G, the Pro model will also feature a side-facing fingerprint sensor.

The Blaze Pro 5G is likely to come equipped with the Dimensity 6020 chipset. It is speculated to be priced above the Blaze 5G. The company is likely to make it available with a sub-Rs 15,000 price tag. The other details of the device are yet to be confirmed. It appears that it will be sold via Amazon just like other Lava phones.

In related news, Lava has been teasing a new pair of TWS earbuds dubbed the Lava Probuds 22. The teasers show that they will be available in black and white color options. Among its features, Lava mainly highlights voice clarity thanks to the inclusion of environmental noise cancellation (ENC). The Lava Probuds 21 was priced at Rs 1,499 at launch. Hence, it appears that the Probuds 22 will also have a similar price.

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Lava Blaze 2 Pro launched with 90Hz display, Unisoc T616, 50MP dual cameras

Itel S23+ India launch tipped, could be the most affordable curved-edge AMOLED display phone

By

Anvinraj Valiyathara

-

Sep 20, 2023

In June, itel unveiled the itel S23 smartphone with a starting price of Rs 8,799. The company recently unveiled the itel S23+ in the African market, and it now appears that it will be released in India soon. As per a recent tweet by tipster Ishan Agarwal, the itel S23+ will be the first 3D curved AMOLED display phone priced at under Rs 15,000. Here is a look at the specifications of the device.

Itel S23+ specifications

The itel S23 Plus has a 6.78-inch AMOLED display with curved edges. It comes with support for an FHD+ resolution, a 99 percent DCI-P3 colour gamut, up to 500 nits of brightness, and Gorilla Glass 5. It is also itel’s first smartphone to feature an under-display fingerprint scanner.

On the front, the itel S23 Plus has a 32-megapixel selfie camera. On the back, it has a 50-megapixel main camera, an auxiliary camera, and an LED flash. The phone comes preloaded with an itel OS 13-based Android 13, and it ships with an Aivana GPT AI-based voice assistant. There is a Dynamic Bar feature onboard, which works similarly to the Dynamic Island notifications feature available on iPhones. Apart from notifications, it also shows reminders and battery status.

Under the hood, the itel S23 Plus features the Unisoc T616 chipset. It offers 8 GB of LPDDR4x RAM and 256 GB of UFS 2.0 storage. It is backed by a 5,000mAh battery that supports 18W charging.

Itel S23+ price

In Africa, the itel S23+ is priced at around 112 euros (~$119; ~Rs 9,965). It comes in two color options: Lake Cyan and Elemental Blue. Itel is offering the itel S23+ with a 3-year warranty and a 6-month-free screen replacement in Africa.

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AI-Thletic: The Gym of the Future or the Future of Gyms?

By

Anubhav

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Sep 20, 2023

You may use Siri for scheduling and Alexa for your playlist, but have you considered using an AI-powered personal trainer for your daily workout? A recent study dives into an exciting possibility: artificial intelligence might be reshaping the fitness industry. Ongoing advancements in AI are transforming various sectors—from healthcare to arts—and now it’s happening to fitness.

More and more people are transitioning to AI-based fitness

According to a study using AI tools from Midjourney and ChatGPT, fitness enthusiasts are increasingly open to incorporating AI into their workout routines. The study engaged 1,000 fitness enthusiasts and introduced them to the concept of AI-Assisted Training. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive: 83% found AI-Assisted Training of high quality. They particularly appreciated the originality and the diversity of fitness classes and plans offered.

Interestingly, when it comes to class preferences, 45% were most inclined to attend AIronclad, a strength training program. IntelliYoga attracted 36%, and 35% preferred AI Velocity, a cycling workout. On average, fitness enthusiasts were willing to pay around $50 per month for a membership.

The survey reveals that 78% of fitness enthusiasts value personalization as the best feature of an AI-powered fitness program. Efficiency and cost-effectiveness were also significant factors. But it’s not all smooth sailing—concerns were raised about potential technical glitches (77%) and lack of human connection (65%).

Trust seems to hinge on brand recognition. More than 60% said they would trust the technology more if it was developed by a well-established fitness brand. Apple‘s upcoming health coach feature, Quartz, was the most trusted, followed closely by Google and Nike. Remarkably, 12% of those surveyed have already used ChatGPT to generate workout programs. Even more noteworthy—12% of these reported achieving new personal records from the AI-guided workouts. Nearly 4 in 10 respondents are willing to cancel their existing gym membership in favor of an AI fitness subscription.

We can already tell the future impact of AI on the fitness industry will be fascinating to observe. With nearly 4 in 10 people ready to abandon traditional gyms for AI-powered fitness, this transformation is not a matter of if but when.

For reference, the study surveyed 1,000 American fitness enthusiasts with an average age of 40, including 46% male, 52% female, and 2% non-binary participants.

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Xiaomi MIJIA Smart Sterilizing Foot Bath with three-speed electric massage function Unveiled

By

Jed John Ikoba

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Sep 20, 2023

Chinese tech giant Xiaomi has launched the MIJIA Smart Sterilizing Foot Bath for its home market. As usual, this may be a China-exclusive product but the features are quite intriguing for the price. For reference, the smart foot bath carries an initial price tag of 449 yuan (~$61).

What makes this product stand out is that it adopts an innovative pipeline UV sterilization technology, which produces 254nm ultraviolet rays. This can effectively kill bacteria, fungi, and other germs in the water, strictly guard the health defense line, and protect the health of the feet at all times. With the water circulation sterilization method, the bacteria in the bucket and on the feet follow the circulation of water and undergo ultraviolet sterilization through the heater pipeline, truly achieving efficient sterilization.

Another amazing feature is that while getting rid of germs from your feet, the device also serves as a foot massager. The double turntable massage head design at the bottom of the foot bath provides forward massage and reverse kneading, imitating the massage touch of human hands. The device features eight large contact points with a wide contact area covering the soles and arches of the feet. The three-speed electric massage provides alternate deep and shallow relaxation like undulating waves.

In addition, the device supports DPS water and electricity separation for safe heating. It also features precise temperature control and leakage protection, and it can be controlled via the MIJIA app.

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Geely Galaxy L6 PHEV sedan with 1,370 km range launched in China starting at $15,900

By

Jed John Ikoba

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Sep 19, 2023

The Geely Galaxy L6 PHEV sedan has been unveiled in China. The new sleek Geely plug-in hybrid electric vehicle has a range of 1,370km and comes in five variants. The price range of the models is between $15,900 and $20,600.

The Geely Galaxy L6 is the second model under the Galaxy lineup after the Galaxy L7 SUV. There are five exterior color options that consumers can choose from. The appearance of the model is based on the Galaxy Light design and includes split headlights, a closed front face design, and through-type taillights. The Galaxy L6 is based on the e-CMA architecture with a high-strength steel chassis. The car can either use 16-inch or 17-inch wheels. The car has a wheelbase of 2752mm and can accommodate five persons.

The seat material of the hybrid sedan is a combination of fabric and imitation leather. The seat is specified by Geely as a marshmallow seat and it has a 15mm cushion. The backrest of the car is 20mm thick while the interior features a 10.25-inch LCD instrument cluster. The interior also features a 13.2-inch vertical central control screen and a two-spoke flat-bottom steering wheel.

The Geely Galaxy L6 is equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 SoC and runs on Galaxy N OS with support for AI voice recognition and interaction. The top models in the lineup support level 2 advanced driving assistance. The models are also equipped with the Geely NordThor Hybrid 8848 system. The car has a 1.5T engine and a front electric motor connected to a 3-speed system. The engine can deliver a maximum power of 120kW and a maximum torque of 255Nm. The electric motor has a 107kW output combined with a 338Nm torque. The car can go from 0-100km/h in 6.5 seconds.

Two battery options are available for the Geely Galaxy L6 corresponding to cruising ranges of 60km and 125km respectively. The corresponding comprehensive cruising ranges are 1,320km and `1,370km respectively. You can charge the battery via DC fast charging from 30% to 80% in 30 minutes. Geely has already received 20,000 pre-orders for the Galaxy L6 since the car was showcased last month at the Chengdu Auto Show.

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Logitech Yeti GX USB mic with RGB lighting launched

By

Jed John Ikoba

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Sep 19, 2023

The Logitech Yeti GX USB mic has been launched. The new USB mic comes with RGB lighting and is among a set of Logitech products just released. The Yeti GX is designed for gamers, streamers, and similar creators.

The Logitech Yeti GX is a USB microphone that has a solid stand and features RGB lighting. It is a dynamic super cardioid mic with unidirectional support. It can focus on sound in front of it and not behind it. This mic is appropriate in scenarios where the user does not want background noise to distort the output. The mic has to be used within its unidirectional range and your voice quickly falls away when moving away. It is an excellent microphone when you are contending with poor recording scenarios. The Yeti GX has been compared with the Shure SM7 microphone.

The Yeti GX has two configurable RGB LED lights. The lights are in a circle on the back of the mic and another is behind the Logitech logo on the side. The Yeti GX has a USB-C port for connecting it to your PC. You can set various animated effects or choose specific colors for the RGB lights. The mic has an LED stripe in the digital volume wheel that is either red or blue when the mic is muted or unmuted. Smart Audio Lock is activated when you press the volume wheel. Logitech says the Smart Audio Lock is a safety net that prevents the mic from clipping and distorting the audio delivery. It has an analog limiter that compresses excited voices when it gets too loud.

A built-in downward expander is featured in the Logitech Yeti GX mic helps to lower the volume of background noise or echo. The Logitech Yeti GX USB-C microphone comes with a USB-C to USB-A cable desktop mount. It can also be attached to a standard boom mic stand. The Logitec Yeti GX microphone is priced at $149.

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Fire-Boltt Avalanche with Bluetooth calling, metal body, HD display launched for Rs. 2,399

By

Soumyakanti

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Sep 19, 2023

Fire-Boltt has launched its new smartwatch called the Fire-Boltt Avalanche. It boasts a 1.28-inch high-definition display and a stylish stainless steel body.

The smartwatch offers several impressive features and is available in various colors like Black, Black Gold, Black Silicone, Blue, Blue Red, and Gold Black. The introductory price for the Avalanche is Rs. 2,399.

Let’s check out the specifications of this smartwatch.

Fire-Boltt Avalanche smartwatch specifications:

The Fire-Boltt Avalanche features a circular dial with a rotating crown and two push buttons for improved user interaction. Its 1.28-inch screen has a 240 x 240-pixel resolution, offering a spacious display.

The smartwatch includes a built-in microphone and speaker for Bluetooth calls, and it also supports voice commands through a voice assistant feature.

The smartwatch prioritizes wellness and health with its integrated Health Suite, offering features such as heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and SpO2 monitoring. Additionally, it provides a variety of sports modes designed for various physical activities, making it a comprehensive fitness companion.

The smartwatch offers durability with a zinc-alloy frame and stainless steel strap, along with an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance. The device is equipped with a 220mAh battery, delivering an impressive one-week battery life

The Fire-Boltt Avalanche offers extensive customization with over 100 cloud-based watch faces. It includes various functionalities like smart reminders, weather updates, a calculator, music and camera control, as well as alarm, timer, and stopwatch features. Additionally, it provides specific health tracking for women, along with reminders for staying hydrated and avoiding prolonged sitting.

The smartwatch is currently available on Fireboltt.com and Amazon.in.

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Apple A17 Pro vs A16 Bionic: What’s The Difference?

By

Soumyakanti

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Sep 19, 2023

When Apple announces a new chipset, it’s often met with excitement around the world. This year, the spotlight was on the A17 Pro. But how does it fare against its predecessor, the A16 Bionic?

Let’s break it down.

A17 Pro vs A16 Bionic Chipset Comparison

Manufacturing Process

A17 Pro: The standout feature of the A17 Pro is the industry’s first 3-nanometer chip built on TSMC’s latest 3nm fabrication process. This nanometric reduction from its predecessor means the chip can fit more transistors in the same space, resulting in improved performance and energy efficiency. To be precise, the A17 Pro houses approximately 19 billion transistors.

A16 Bionic: The A16 Bionic, which works on a 4nm process and has around 16 billion transistors, was quite impressive in its time. However, with its 3nm process, the A17 Pro represents a major step ahead.

Raw Performance

CPU Cores: Both chips feature a 6-core CPU. However, architectural enhancements in the A17 Pro deliver what Apple describes as “the fastest single-threaded performance in any smartphone.”

Geekbench Insights: Benchmarks indicate a substantial performance boost for the A17 Pro. The single-core performance on Geekbench shows an improvement of around 16%, and the multi-core performance jumps by approximately 13% compared to the A16.

AnTuTu Insights: The iPhone 15 Pro Max scored 1,641,883 points on AnTuTu. In the CPU test, it achieved 392,643 points, and in the GPU test, it scored 597,734 points. It excelled in the memory department with a score of 306,164, surpassing the iPhone 14 Pro Max’s score of 233,925.

Graphical Prowess

GPU: While the A16 Bionic houses a 5-core GPU, the A17 Pro ramps it up with a 6-core GPU. According to Apple, this enhancement results in up to a 20% performance boost.

Real-World Impacts: This isn’t just a numbers game. The added core means better handling of high-res graphics, from gaming to professional graphic tasks.

Moreover, the A17 Pro’s GPU includes hardware-based ray tracing, a significant improvement in rendering realistic lighting and shadow effects. To be precise, the A17 Pro chip offers four times faster ray tracing performance compared to the A16 Bionic.

Apple-A17-Pro-vs-A16-Bionic-Ray-tracing-1

GFXBench Insights: In GPU benchmark results on GFXBench, it outperformed the A16 Bionic by significant margins. For example, in the Aztec Ruins High Tier Offscreen test, the iPhone 15 Pro Max with A17 Pro performed about 19% better than the iPhone 15 Plus with A16 Bionic. In the Manhattan 3.1 Offscreen test, the A17 Pro showed improvements of up to 31.5%, with 199.8 fps compared to the A16’s 151.9 fps. While not all comparisons reached the advertised 20% boost, the A17 Pro appears to deliver greater GPU performance improvements.

AI and Neural Capabilities

Neural Engine: Artificial Intelligence (AI) tasks play a crucial role in modern smartphones. While both chips incorporate a 16-core Neural Engine, the A17 Pro’s version is said to be twice as fast, performing up to 35 trillion operations per second. This leads to improved performance for AI tasks and better photo and video optimizations.

Apple-A17-Pro-vs-A16-Bionic-Neural-Engine

Memory and Efficiency

RAM: The A17 Pro boasts 8GB LPDDR5 RAM, outshining the A16’s 6GB. This additional memory will assist in multitasking, allowing smoother app transitions and better performance in memory-intensive tasks.

Efficiency: The A17 Pro’s 3nm process improves energy efficiency, enabling tasks to be performed with less power consumption. This leads to longer battery life and reduced heat generation, ensuring the device remains cool during demanding operations.

Improved ISP (Image Signal Processor)

Photonic Engine: The A17 Pro features improvements in its Image Signal Processor, including the new Photonic Engine and Smart HDR 5, resulting in improved photo and video quality compared to the A16 Bionic.

Mesh Shading: It also introduces Mesh shading and offers video capabilities such as 2.8K @ 60 fps in Cinematic and Action Modes, surpassing the A16’s 30 fps limit. Additionally, the A17 Pro captures 48MP HEIF images in addition to 48MP Pro RAW images.

Connectivity and Additional Features

USB 3 Performance: The A17 Pro brings USB 3 capabilities to iPhones, allowing for faster data transfer rates of up to 10 Gbps, a significant step up from the 480 Mbps seen in the A16 Bionic.

Apple-A17-Pro-vs-A16-Bionic-Dedicated-Engines

Media Engines: The A17 Pro also stands out with the addition of an AV1 decoder, expected to improve video streaming on newer iPhones.

The A17 Pro builds upon the A16 Bionic’s foundation with a range of refinements and enhancements, solidifying its position as a formidable contender in the mobile chipset industry.

The importance of these enhancements may vary from user to user, but for those seeking top-tier performance, the A17 Pro establishes a new standard in the continually evolving realm of smartphone technology.

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Tecno Phantom V Flip Roundup: Specs, design, price & more

By

Sudhanshu

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Sep 19, 2023

In the past, flip phones were seen as fancy and expensive, only for people willing to spend a lot. But now, Tecno is changing things. They’re coming out with the Tecno Phantom V Flip, a flip phone that’s not super pricey. This means more people can afford it. On September 22, 2023, Tecno will show off this new phone. It’s for folks who like the flip style but want it at a more reasonable price. Here’s everything we know so far about the smartphone.

Design & display

Design-wise, Tecno is sticking to the established book fold design, however, it is taking a unique approach to the camera and the cover display. Unlike other flip phones, the Phantom V Flip will feature a round cover display with a large ring going around it that will feature the camera setup. Tecno has essentially fused the cover display and the camera island into one.

Leaks have revealed that the cover display of the smartphone measures 1.32 inches and will utilize a 466 x 466 resolution AMOLED panel. On the inside, the phone will feature a tall 6.9-inch flexible AMOLED display that has a 1080 x 2460 pixels resolution, a 20.5:9 aspect ratio, and a 144Hz refresh rate. The right side of the upper panel will feature the volume rocker and the power button. A fingerprint sensor is said to be built into the power button for convenient unlocking. Leaked pictures of the device hint towards a metal outer frame.

Performance

To make the smartphone more budget-friendly, Tecno is making some compromises in terms of its performance. Instead of using a high-end processor, the Phantom V Flip is rumored to feature a mid-range Dimensity 8050 SoC. For those who might not be familiar, the Dimensity 8050 is essentially a rebranded version of the Dimensity 1300 SoC, built on TSMC’s N6 (6nm) technology. This octa-core processor consists of four powerful Cortex-A78 cores and four energy-efficient Cortex-A55 cores. The Cortex-A78 cores are divided into one Super Core running at speeds of up to 3GHz and three Performance Cores clocked at up to 2.6GHz. The chipset can handle up to 16GB of LPDDR4x RAM and UFS 3.1 storage.

As for graphics, it relies on the Arm Mali-G77 with nine cores. The Dimensity 8050 also supports 4K video recording and a maximum display resolution of 2520×1080 pixels. Devices like the Realme 12 Pro series feature this chip, so you can expect a similar level of performance from the upcoming foldable.

We can expect the Phantom V Flip to come with 8 GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. Due to the cost-cutting factor, we can expect it to be LPDDR4x RAM paired with UFS 3.1 or below storage. Additionally, the phone is said to debut with HIOS based on Android 13. Under the hood, the device will have a 4,000mAh battery with 66W fast charging support via a USB-C port. The Phantom V Flip will provide various connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 802.11ax, Bluetooth 5.3, and 5G connectivity with support for 14 different 5G bands.

Camera

The camera options will be fairly simple with a 64-megapixel primary camera featuring autofocus support, along with a 13-megapixel ultrawide camera and a ring LED light. Upfront, it will feature a 32MP selfie snapper located in the centered punch hole at the top. Currently, it is unclear if the smartphone will have features like OIS, and the ability to use the primary camera as the selfie camera when the device is folded.

Pricing & availability

The global launch of the Phantom V Flip is scheduled for September 22 at 3 PM SGT. Although the brand has kept the pricing under wraps, known tipster Paras Guglani claims that the smartphone will debut in between Rs. 50,000 to 55,000 ($600-$660). It is expected to come in three color options: Minimal Black, Film White, and Periwinkle Purple.

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Evoke AmpX electric motorcycle with 1,000Nm of torque unveiled

By

Jed John Ikoba

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Sep 19, 2023

Evoke Motorcycles has launched the AmpX electric motorcycle. The Evoke AmpX comes with a groundbreaking torque of 1,000Nm. The new off-road AmpX electric motorcycle is a powerhouse for a motocross bike.

Evoke Motorcycles are based in Hong Kong and Beijing but have a global distribution network. The brand is well known for its naked electric motorcycles for commuters. The AmpX is, on the other hand, a bike suited for dirt tracks and trails. Described as a groundbreaking new electric dirt bike, the bike is primed to electrify off-road adventures. You can deploy the AmpX to motocross tracks and off-road riding. It has a ground clearance of 320mm, a front fork of 300mm, and a rear fork of 120mm.

The Evoke AmpX is powered by a 20kW electric motor connected to a five-speed manual gearbox. The AmpX delivers a torque of 1,000Nm at its 19-inch rear wheel. The manual gearbox featured in the AmpX is not that common but exists. The bike is capable of riding for up to 5 hours on a single-track trail. It offers enough power for wide-open throttle rides around race circuits.

The AmpX has a high-discharge 5.8kWh lithium-ion battery and can output up to 20kW of power. Evoke Motorcycles says the new bike’s battery is the culmination of years of development. The main design thrust of the AmpX is to provide riders with ultimate freedom through the wilderness while limiting CO2 emissions in the process.

There is no release and pricing information yet for the Evoke AmpX electric bike. Evoke will start receiving pre-orders for the bike from October 1. Reservations can be made via Evoke’s website and its dealers in different markets. The Evoke AmpX will be available in multiple markets including Canada, the US, Australia, and New Zealand.

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