Realme recently launched the Realme GT 5 in China. The top-of-the-line variant of the phone, which is priced at 3,799 yuan (~$519), offers 24 GB of RAM, 1 TB of storage, and 240W fast charging. Reports suggest that the brand is now working on the Pro version of the GT 5. It is currently unclear whether it will launch in late 2023 or in the first quarter of 2024. However, tipster Digital Chat Station has revealed some details about the Realme GT 5 Pro. In the latest leak, the tipster reiterated some of the previously mentioned specs as well as some new details.
Reports have revealed that the Realme GT 5 Pro and the OnePlus 12 are likely to have nearly identical specifications. It goes without saying that both phones will have different rear designs. Internally, there could be only a few differences.
Realme GT 5
Realme GT 5 Pro key specifications (rumored)
According to DCS, the Realme GT 5 Pro will be equipped with an OLED panel with curved edges. While the exact screen size is not known, it is expected to support a 2K resolution, ultra-high frequency dimming, and at least a 120Hz refresh rate. As far as build is concerned, the device is expected to feature a metal middle frame for better durability. It is also said to be a dust- and water-resistant device.
The Realme GT 5 Pro will arrive with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, 24 GB of RAM, 1 TB of storage, and a 5,400mAh battery. The device is expected to support 100W wired and 50W wireless charging.
The rear camera setup of the device will have an OmniVision OV64B 64-megapixel main camera with 3x optical zoom. It is said to be paired with a Sony IMX9-series primary camera and an ultra-wide lens. The new leak also states that the GT 5 Pro has an X-axis linear motor and a massive vapor chamber heat dissipation unit measuring 10,000mm2 in surface area. A recent leak claimed that the device will be priced in the 4K Yuan segment in China.
Back in August, at the Pova 5 series launch event, Tecno showcased its first-ever laptop (MegaBook T1) in India. This computer was originally unveiled at IFA 2022 and has been on sale in some countries for months.
Today, the brand has revealed that the notebook will be soon available for purchase in India. Unfortunately, it hasn’t disclosed the sale date yet. But hints at what consumers can expect.
The Tecno MegaBook T1 heading to India will be the same as the one sold in other regions. We already knew it, thanks to the presentation of the product at the World Of TECNOlogy event last month.
The MegaBook T1 sports an aluminum alloy body like most premium laptops on the market. It has a thickness of about 14.8mm and weighs around 1.56kg.
The device flaunts a 15.6-inch LCD screen with an FHD resolution, DC dimming, and 350 nits peak brightness level. On the connectivity front, it comes with WiFi 6, 2 x USB 3.0 ports, 1 x USB 3.1 port, 2 x USB Type-C ports, an HDMI port, and a 3.5mm jack.
Under the hood, it houses 11th Gen Intel Core processors and a 70Wh battery. It will be offered with Core i3, Core i5, and even Core i7 chipsets.
In fact, at the event, the company revealed the exact configurations that will be sold in India. The computer will be available in the following variants.
11th Gen Intel Core i3, 8GB + 512GB
11th Gen Intel Core i5, 16GB + 512GB
11th Gen Intel Core i7, 16GB + 1TB
Other features of the notebook include a backlit keyboard, a fingerprint sensor, a 2MP webcam, a TF card reader, a safety lock, dual speakers, and 65W charging.
Tecno says that its first laptop in India will be soon available via early bird sale with exciting launch offers.
With the massive success of Chromebooks in the market, it appears that Apple might be planning on rivaling this segment as well. A new report hints that the brand could be working on more affordable MacBook models that will rival the Chromebooks. So here are all the details.
Apple MacBooks might soon be more affordable
As of right now, the Cupertino based giant’s MacBook Air is its cheapest laptop offering. But it appears that another entry-level lineup of notebooks might be in the works. According to a DigiTimes report, industry sources close to the matter have claimed that Apple is planning on releasing low-cost MacBooks. These will arrive with an affordable price tag, which could help make them better compete against the Chromebooks.
For those unaware, Chromebooks have seen massive growth in recent years, especially due to their applications in the education segment. The lower pricing and functionalities make them the perfect fit for students and others who do not require beefy specs on their laptops. While the MacBook is a popular notebook series, it isn’t as accessible as the cheaper Chromebooks.
But the company might be working on changing this soon with its new affordable MacBooks. The report claims that the upcoming lineup will be distinct from the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro series. Although, the iPhone maker will continue to feature its iconic metal build design on the new MacBook series. At the moment, Apple is expected to launch its M3-powered Macbook Pro and MacBook Air in October.
Xiaomi announced the Xiaomi 13 and 13 Pro in December 2022. There have been reports that the Xiaomi 14 lineup will debut earlier than the Xiaomi 13 series. A new leak by reliable tipster Digital Chat Station suggests that the Xiaomi 14 and Xiaomi 14 Pro may break by early November in China.
Xiaomi 14 series tipped to launch in November
Xiaomi 13
According to the tipster, it appears that Xiaomi intends to launch the Xiaomi 14 series before the Double Eleven sales event. For those who don’t know, the Double Eleven shopping event in China, also known as Singles’ Day, is a massive annual online shopping festival that takes place on November 11 each year, featuring extensive discounts and promotions on various products. It has become one of the world’s largest online shopping events. Hence, it seems that the Xiaomi 14 series may go official in the first or second week of November.
This early launch timeline is primarily a response to the unexpectedly strong sales of the Xiaomi 13 series, according to the tipster. Typically, the sales cycle of Xiaomi’s numbered series of phones, such as the Xiaomi 12 series and the Xiaomi 11 series, is just over a year. In other words, there is usually a little over a year between the launch of one model in the series and the launch of its successor. However, this time around, the Xiaomi 13 series has managed to meet its sales targets within just nine months, with the Pro model even going out of stock across all platforms.
The Xiaomi 14 lineup also includes the more powerful Xiaomi 14 Pro. Predecessor Ultra models have launched in the second quarter of each year. However, reports surrounding the Xiaomi 14 Ultra have claimed that it may break cover in the first quarter of 2024.
Earlier this month, Mivi launched affordable DuoPods A250 TWS earbuds with 13mm drivers onboard. The brand has now unveiled another TWS earbuds in the market called the Mivi Commando Q9 Gaming Earbuds. As the name suggests, these earbuds feature a lot of features you would expect from gaming earbuds like a super low latency mode and of course, RGB.
Mivi Commando Q9 Gaming Earbuds specs
The Mivi Commando Q9 Gaming Earbuds come equipped with 13mm Electro-Dynamic drivers for powerful sound. These earbuds also feature a Quad Mic AI-ENC Chip with AI Environmental Noise Cancellation and HDCalls Technology, which means your calls will sound crystal clear even in noisy environments.
For gamers, these earbuds offer a low latency gaming mode with a super-fast 35ms response time. They use Bluetooth 5.3 for a stable wireless connection.
One standout feature is the Dual RGB lighting with 7 lighting effects, including static, breathing, waves, cycle, quick fade, and flicker, adding a touch of style to your gaming setup. In terms of battery life, these earbuds are impressive, offering a total of 72 hours of usage, with 8.5 hours of playtime on the earbuds themselves. Plus, they support Swift Charge Technology, where just a 10-minute charge gives you a whopping 500 minutes of playtime.
Pricing & availability
The Mivi Commando Q9 is priced at Rs. 1,999 and is available in White, Black, Grey, and Red colors for purchase on Amazon.in.
Xiaomi is planning on launching the new Redmi Note 13 series soon. But before the rumored October launch, the higher-end Redmi Note 13 Pro has just been spotted on a new certification website, which reveals some of its specifications.
Redmi Note 13 Pro surfaces on 3C
The Chinese tech giant’s upcoming Note 13 Pro model surfaced on 3C, a Chinese certification platform. This device carries the 2312DRA50C model number, which is the same model number as the one that had surfaced previously on TENAA. While this listing doesn’t reveal finer details regarding the smartphone, it does confirm that the Redmi Note 13 Pro will support 67W fast charging.
In other words, the brand won’t be bringing any upgrades to the fast charging over the previous generation, since the Redmi Note 12 Pro also offered 67W fast charging. Unfortunately, the 3C certification did not reveal any other notable features of the 13 Pro model, but it does hint at the imminent launch of the smartphone. For those unaware, the Redmi Note 13 series is rumored to launch in China in October with the global release expected to follow soon after.
Based on what we know so far, the device will sport a 6.67-inch OLED display that has a 2712×1220 resolution. It will arrive in multiple storage configurations, which include 6GB + 128GB, 8GB + 256GB, 12GB + 512GB, and 16GB + 1TB options. A large 5,020mAh battery pack is expected to power this smartphone. The Note 13 Pro will likely feature a 200-megapixel triple camera setup on the rear.
The budget TWS is priced at just ₹2,199 (~$25) for a limited time. It will be available from 12 PM IST on September 12.
The product will be sold via Amazon and Realme.com. There’s no official word on the actual price following the launch offer.
The Realme Buds T300 looks like the Apple AirPods Pro. It arrives in white color with gray accent and black color with gold accent.
The buds house 12.4mm drivers and connect via Bluetooth 5.3. They are IP55-rated (dust and water resistance) and offer touch gesture controls.
The buds support standard SBC and AAC audio codecs. They even support Active Noise Cancellation (up to 30dB), 360° spatial audio, and 50ms low latency mode.
The earbuds can be configured via the Realme Link app, which is available on both Google Play Store and Apple App Store. Users can fiddle with equalizer, noise control, gestures, and more.
As for battery life, the buds are rated to last for up to 8 hours without ANC and up to 40 hours with the charging case. When noise cancellation is enabled, these numbers drop to 6 hours and 30 hours, respectively.
Realme unveiled the Narzo 60x 5G in India today. As expected, the device is nothing but a rebranded Realme 11x 5G.
However, there are three differences other than the name. The Narzo model comes in different colors, has a 50MP rear camera instead of a 64MP snapper, and will be sold via Amazon rather than Flipkart.
The main highlight of the product is that it is the most affordable 5G smartphone from Realme. It has a large high refresh rate display, a MediaTek chip, and a huge battery.
Let’s check out everything this handset has to offer along with its pricing and availability.
Realme Narzo 60x 5G Specifications
The Realme Narzo 60x 5G is built around a 6.72-inch centered punch-hole display (LCD) with a resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels (FHD+) and a 120Hz refresh rate. The panel supports a 180Hz touch sampling rate and 680 nits peak brightness level.
Under the hood, the phone houses a MediaTek Dimensity 6100 Plus chipset and a 5,000mAh battery with support for 33W SuperVOOC charging. On the software front, it boos Realme UI 4.0 based on Android 13.
There’s a dual camera setup on the back comprising a 50MP primary sensor and a 2MP depth sensor. Whereas, the front side is equipped with an 8MP shooter.
The connectivity options on the device include dual SIM, 5G, dual-band WiFi, Bluetooth 5.2, GNSS, and USB Type-C. It also arrives with a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, a dedicated MicroSD card slot, and a 3,5mm headphone jack.
Realme Narzo 60x 5G Price
The Realme Narzo 60x 5G carries the following price tags in India.
4GB + 128GB – ₹12,999 (~$150)
6GB + 128GB – ₹14,499 (~$175)
The handset can be availed in either Stellar Green or Nebula Purple color options. It will be sold via Amazon and Realme.com.
The first sale is scheduled for at 12 PM IST on September 12.
Motorola recently launched the new Moto G54 in the Chinese market. Now, the smartphone model has also been announced in India, although, these are not identical devices. So let’s have a look at this Indian variant’s price, specs, and more.
Moto G54: Design & Display
The Moto G54 has a design that is similar to the Chinese variant but with one key difference. Unlike the faux leather panel on the Chinese model, the Indian version features a 3D Acrylic Glass design. Meanwhile, the front still sports a 6.5-inch IPS LCD panel that has an FHD+ resolution, a 20:9 aspect ratio, and a 120Hz refresh rate. This screen also houses a center-aligned punch-hole cutout for the selfie camera.
Moto G54 5G
Moto G54: Specs
Under the hood, the smartphone is equipped with the MediaTek Dimensity 720 SoC that is paired with up to 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage. This is notable since it’s the first 5G device to offer such storage configurations in this price segment. A massive 6,000mAh battery pack powers the G54, which also supports 30W fast charging. The rear features a 50-megapixel primary camera that is paired with an 8-megapixel ultra wide angle lens. Meanwhile, the front houses a 16-megapixel selfie shooter.
The device runs on Android 13 OS based MyUX custom skin out of the box. The company has also guaranteed the upgrade to Android 14 with three years of security updates. Other notable features include side mounted fingerprint scanner, dual speakers that support Dolby Atmos and Moto Spatial Sound, a 3.5mm headphone jack, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, a USB Type-C port, and dual SIM support.
Moto G54: Pricing & Availability
Motorola has just announced the Moto G54 model in multiple color options. This includes Mint Green, Pearl Blue, and Midnight Blue. It is also sold in two storage configurations, namely 8GB+128GB and 12GB+256GB option. The former has a price tag of 14,999 INR, while the latter will sell for 18,999 INR. Notably, the smartphone will go on sale via Flipkart, the company’s official website, and offline retailers on 13th September 2023.
Xiaomi has a vast portfolio of electronic products. Primarily known for its smartphones, the Chinese company manufactures nearly every imaginable consumer electronic device, from refrigerators, air conditioners, and TVs to vacuum cleaners, juicers, door locks, and tire inflators. Xiaomi has it all. The focus of this post is the brand’s newly launched 67W GaN charger set that supports UFSC-integrated fast charging.
The new Xiaomi 67W GaN charger has a white, rounded shell that measures 32.2 x 32.2 x 50.3 mm. The 67W label on the shell indicates the charger’s power output. It has a single USB-C output port and a fixed plug. The charger supports five fixed output voltage settings: 5V3A, 9V3A, 12V2.25A, 15V3A, and 20V3.25A.
It also supports a PPS voltage setting of 11V6.1A and Xiaomi’s proprietary 67W fast charging. Additionally, the new 67W GaN charger supports the UFCS 1.0 fusion fast charging protocol, which can provide fast charging for other non-Xiomi phones. The package also includes a 1.5-meter, 6A fast charging cable with a C-to-C connector
The new Xiaomi 67W GaN charger is available for purchase in China through Xiaomi Mall. The charger set is priced at 169 Yuan ($23). In addition, you can grab the charging cable alone from Xiaomi’s website for 69 yuan ($9.4).
In related news, Xiaomi recently launched the Mijia Electric Kettle N1 for just $9. It has a capacity of 1.5 liters. The kettle comes with an inner and outer double-layer body design, with the inner tank made of 304 food-contact grade stainless steel.
After recently unveiling a 24-inch FHD touchscreen monitor, ViewSonic has now unveiled a new 34-inch curved VA panel monitor called the ViewSonic VG3419C. Check out the details below.
ViewSonic VG3419C monitor specs
The ViewSonic VG3419C is a 34-inch monitor with a high-quality VA panel that offers a sharp and wide display at a resolution of 3440 x 1440. It has a static contrast ratio of 3,000:1 and a dynamic contrast ratio of 80 million to 1, providing excellent picture quality. This monitor uses LED technology for its backlighting and has a typical brightness of 300 cd/m². It can display 16.7 million colors with 8-bit true color support and covers 86% of the NTSC color space and 121% of the sRGB color space.
The VG3419C has a wide 21:9 aspect ratio, making it great for immersive gaming and multimedia experiences. It has a reasonable response time of 3.5ms, and it also offers a Motion Picture Response Time (MPRT) of 0.4ms for smoother motion in fast-paced content. With a 1500R curvature, the display wraps around your field of vision for added immersion.
This monitor features a 120Hz refresh rate and supports FreeSync Premium technology for smoother gameplay with compatible graphics cards. It includes features like a blue light filter and flicker-free technology to reduce eye strain during long hours of use. Additionally, it has a variety of connectivity options, including USB ports, HDMI, DisplayPort, and a USB Type-C port with DisplayPort Alt mode and 65W power charging capabilities. It also has a KVM switch for easy device switching. Unfortunately, pricing and availability details are still under wraps.
In the world of off-road exploration, where adrenaline and rugged terrain collide, the INMOTION Adventure Unicycle stands as an embodiment of innovation and relentless power. Designed to conquer the most challenging landscapes, it represents the pinnacle of engineering excellence. So let’s check out the remarkable features that make the Adventure Unicycle the ultimate choice for adventurers seeking uncompromised performance.
Harnessing Unprecedented Power
At the core of the Adventure Unicycle is the formidable C40 magnetic steel motor, a marvel of engineering boasting a peak power output of an astounding 9000W, with a max power limit of 12000W. This powerhouse effortlessly generates a remarkable 850N of wheel tractive force, enabling you to effortlessly ascend gradients as steep as 50 degrees. Whether you’re navigating rocky trails, ascending rugged hills, or conquering challenging inclines, the Adventure Unicycle ensures you remain in complete control of your off-road journey.
Advanced Electric Control System
The Adventure Unicycle is equipped with an INMOTION-developed Raptor controller, a cutting-edge masterpiece comprising 42 high-voltage tolerant MOSFETs operating at 200V. This design not only enhances the voltage margin by an impressive 40% but also incorporates a double-layered structured aluminum substrate for robust heat dissipation. The result is a system that maintains optimal performance even under the most demanding conditions, ensuring a smooth and reliable ride on every adventure.
Lightning-Fast Responsiveness
The Adventure Unicycle delivers an unparalleled power response with a remarkable response time of just 1ms. This rapid acceleration is achieved through a high-performance off-road motor and proprietary algorithms for vector control, posture detection, and motion control. Paired with high-traction off-road tires and wide anti-slip pedals, acceleration and deceleration become intuitive, allowing you to adapt swiftly to the ever-changing terrain.
Industry-Leading Progressive Suspension
Built for the most demanding off-road adventures, the Adventure Unicycle features an expertly engineered suspension system. It incorporates high-end, fatigue-resistant, and stress-relaxation-resistant alloy springs, which are typically found in premium off-road motorcycles and automobiles. The front section boasts a stiffness rating of 600 lbs/in, ensuring a smoother and more comfortable ride on mild uneven surfaces, while the rear section boasts an impressive 970 lbs/in rating, guaranteeing exceptional rebound performance on challenging off-road segments. With 17 levels of compression damping, 8 levels of rebound damping, and a spring pre-load adjustment knob, you can fine-tune your ride to perfection.
Rapid Charging, Extended Lifespan
The Adventure Unicycle is powered by upgraded Samsung 50GB battery cells, offering a fast-charging feature that supports a maximum charging current of 16A, enabling an 80% charge in just one hour. The Smart Battery Management System continuously monitors real-time data from each cell, ensuring your safety throughout your journey and mitigating potential risks arising from battery voltage discrepancies.
IPX6 Waterproof for All-Weather Riding
Designed to withstand the elements, the entire wheel of the Adventure Unicycle boasts an IPX6 waterproof rating, while the battery holds an IPX7 waterproof rating. Regardless of the weather conditions, you can ride worry-free, knowing that your equipment remains protected from the elements, even in the pouring rain.
Illuminating Your Path
Safety is paramount, especially during nighttime excursions. The Adventure Unicycle is equipped with an adjustable angle headlight that emits a brilliant 1500 lumens of light. This powerful headlight, combined with automotive-grade taillights, allows you to customize the light angle according to your needs, ensuring clear visibility during your night rides.
Two Riding Modes for Versatility
Choose between Sports Mode for an exhilarating 47% increase in acceleration response, ideal for conquering steep slopes, ramps, and challenging off-road scenarios, or opt for Comfort Mode, which provides a smoother and more stable power response for a relaxed and controlled ride.
Double Suspension System
Tailored explicitly for off-road exploration, the Adventure Unicycle features a dual suspension system, with suspension sliders on the sides and coil suspension on the rear. This design ensures a smooth and controlled ride, even over the roughest terrain.
With a top speed of 110km/h, an astonishing 50-degree climbing capacity, and a sleek and powerful headlight, the INMOTION Adventure Unicycle redefines the realm of off-road adventures. It’s not just a mode of transportation; it’s an invitation to explore the world like never before. Experience the Adventure Unicycle, where power, control, and rugged design converge to transform your off-road journeys into unforgettable adventures.
Google has recently added official 3D renders of the Pixel 8 Pro to its newly launched Pixel Simulator website. These renders confirm the design and several components of the phone, including the SIM card tray, body temperature sensor, and color options for the Pixel 8 Pro. As is known, the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro are scheduled to launch globally on Oct. 4.
Google Pixel 8 Pro’s official 3D renders
The Pixel Simulator page of the Pixel 8 Pro, which has been taken down, revealed that it will arrive in three colors: Licorice, Porcelain, and Sky. As previously seen in leaked renders, the Pixel 8 Pro has a flat display with a centred punch-hole and its rear panel has a raised camera bar, which houses a triple camera unit, an LED flash, a microphone, and a body temperature sensor.
The triple camera unit comprises a main snapper, an ultra-wide lens, and a telephoto camera that supports 5x zoom. The bottom side of the phone features a speaker, a microphone, and a USB-C port. On the top, it has a microphone and another speaker. The phone is equipped with NFC connectivity and a SIM card slot on the left edge.
Google Pixel 8 Pro specifications
Reports have revealed that the Pixel 8 Pro will be equipped with a 6.7-inch OLED LTPO panel that offers a Quad HD+ resolution of 1344 x 2992 pixels and a 120Hz refresh rate. It will come preloaded with Android 14 and pack a 4,950mAh battery with 27W wired and 23W wireless charging support. The Tensor G3-powered device will arrive with 12 GB of RAM and up to 512 GB of storage.
The Pixel 8 Pro will feature an 11-megapixel front-facing camera. Its rear camera setup will comprise a 50-megapixel Samsung GN2 primary camera with OIS support, a 64-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and a 48-megapixel telephoto camera. For security, it will have an under-display fingerprint scanner. As per a recent report, the base variant of the Pixel 8 Pro will cost €1,235.72 (inclusive of VAT) in Europe.
Nokia has been teasing the arrival of a new 5G phone for the Indian market for the past few days. Since then, the rumor mill has been speculating that the brand may unveil the Nokia G42 in the country. Today, the company officially confirmed that it announce the Nokia G42 on Sept. 11 in the country. The G42’s microsite is now live on Amazon.
While the Nokia G42 5G is a new smartphone for India, it has already launched in Europe. After the Nokia X30 5G, which debuted earlier this year, the G42 will be the company’s second 5G-enabled phone to debut in India. The microsite for the phone is now live on Amazon, which states that it will be launching soon.
Nokia G42 specifications
Nokia G42 5G
The microsite states that the Nokia G42 5G has a 6.56-inch waterdrop notch display that offers HD+ resolution and a 90Hz refresh rate. It is equipped with an OZO Playback-powered loudspeaker.
It has an 8-megapixel camera on the front and a 50-megapixel primary camera on the back. The main snapper is accompanied by a macro camera and a depth sensor. Under the hood, the device features the Snapdragon 480 Plus chipset and up to 11 GB of RAM (including virtual RAM).
The Nokia G42 5G is officially confirmed to receive two years of Android OS upgrades and three years of security updates. The device will be available in Purple and So Grey color variants.
While it is not mentioned on the Amazon page, it is already known that the Nokia G42 5G has 128 GB of internal storage and a 5,000mAh battery that supports 20W wired charging. It features a side-facing fingerprint scanner for security. At present, there is no word on the price of the device.
Microsoft is doubling down on creating a more respectful online gaming community. The tech giant announced that its September update for Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One will include a much-awaited abusive-voice reporting feature. Limited initially to select English-speaking markets like the US, UK, and Australia, this feature aims to make reporting abusive language easier while ensuring minimal interruption to the gaming experience.
The update will also have a toggle feature for the Console’s Variable Refresh Rate (VRR)
Imagine being in the middle of an intense multiplayer match and someone decides to hurl a few inappropriate remarks your way. Instead of letting it slide, you can now capture a 60-second audio clip right on your console. Importantly, these clips are for moderation purposes only and cannot be downloaded or shared. You’ve got 24 hours to officially report it, and Microsoft assures that no audio is saved unless you choose to report. As a nudge, Xbox will even remind you to submit the clip before the 24-hour window closes.
But that’s not all for the September update. You can now also quickly stream your gameplay to Discord. Just link your Discord account, and you’ll be able to hop into voice channels straight from your console. And for those who are particular about their display settings, the update brings a toggle feature for the console’s variable refresh rate (VRR), offering more customization for your viewing pleasure.
All these updates are more than just software tweaks. They signal Microsoft’s commitment to fostering a more inclusive and adaptable gaming ecosystem. The abusive-voice reporting feature, in particular, adds a much-needed layer of accountability in the virtual world, making it clear that toxic behavior is a game nobody wins.
August 2023 was a standout month for Volvo Cars, reporting a significant uptick in global sales by 18% compared to the same period last year. Yet, what’s even more remarkable is Volvo’s sharp pivot towards greener mobility.
China is declining a little on electric car sales, while the US seems to be ramping up
While overall car sales for Volvo rose to 51,636 units in August, their plug-in electric cars claimed the spotlight. Accounting for nearly 33% of the total volume, plug-in electric car sales surged by 78% to 17,005 units. This year, the brand is on track to hit the milestone of selling over 250,000 electric cars, hinting at the public’s growing affinity for cleaner alternatives.
What’s interesting is the internal composition of these electric sales. Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) have recorded a massive 167% year-over-year increase, while Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) have also seen a solid bump of 46%. So far, this year’s sales data reveals that BEVs and PHEVs form 16% and 22.5% of the total sales, respectively.
Regionally, Europe continues to be the hub for Volvo’s electric car sales, making up 60% of total plug-in sales. America is catching up fast, with a 94% increase in plug-in sales, but it’s China that needs to put its foot on the accelerator, showing a 16% decrease in plug-in electric car sales.
Aiming for a 100% Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) share by 2030, Volvo’s electric line-up will soon expand with new additions like the Volvo EX90, Volvo EX30, and the recently announced Volvo EM90. With these changes, Volvo is not just selling cars; they’re investing in the future—a cleaner, greener one.
According to recent reports that have emerged online, Xiaomi’s Black Shark smartphones will start receiving an update. This new update upgrades the Shark Chan assistant to version 5.0.
For those unaware, Shark Chan is an innovative digital assistant introduced in Black Shark gaming smartphones. This digital assistant is a companion for users based on Xiao AI. This AI addresses you as “Commander” with interactive features like setting your alarm. The update includes several new features and improvements, which can be found below.
Shark Chan Version 5.0 new features
The Shark Chan application will bring the new “Back to School” skin, expected to be launched in mid-September. The new update introduces the intimacy system where you can interact with Shark Chan and increase your intimacy level. After reaching a certain level, you can unlock rare props and functions. Shark Chan version 5.0 features a new “User Home Page” where users can view personal information like outfits and phone models. Lastly, the new patch arrives with “Prime Stone,” a rechargeable item that can be used to trade rare costumes in the application.
As per the report by ITHome, the company released the update on September 3, and will be available to users in small batches. Black Shark owners can open the Shark Chan application and check for updates to see if they were able to receive this patch.
In related news, Xiaomi’s upcoming smartwatch, the Watch S3, is rumored to come with 4G connectivity and an upgraded battery. Those who wish to know about this can check our Xiaomi Watch S3 leaked features story here.
The European Union is closing in on tech giants with its latest regulatory moves, and Apple is squarely in the crosshairs. With the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), Apple’s iMessage could be required to support Rich Communication Service (RCS), the messaging platform used by Android devices. This comes after the EU’s mandate for Apple to replace its iPhone’s proprietary Lightning port with a USB-C port. The decision on whether iMessage is a “gatekeeper” service will be announced tomorrow, September 6th.
Apple’s Ecosystem could be revamped following a change as big as this, if it goes through
What’s curious is how these regulatory changes could affect consumer choice. iMessage has long been a distinguishing feature for iPhone users, offering end-to-end encryption, high-quality media sharing, and other perks. However, RCS isn’t far behind; it provides Android users with similar functionalities, including suggested replies and location sharing. If iMessage is forced to adopt RCS, the line between iPhone and Android devices could blur, potentially impacting Apple’s customer retention.
Yet, the battle isn’t entirely about features; it’s also about numbers. To be classified as a gatekeeper, a company must have a turnover of at least €7.5 billion in the last three years or a fair market value of €75 billion in the last financial year, among other requirements. Apple argues that iMessage doesn’t meet the EU’s gatekeeper criteria, citing its lower user base in the EU.
So, will these regulatory changes alter the smartphone landscape significantly? It’s debatable. Features like Animojis, Memojis, and handwritten notes, exclusive to iMessage, may still lure users to iPhones. Similarly, Android devices have their own unique offerings. Apple’s push against the gatekeeper label suggests they’re concerned, but it’s unclear if feature parity in messaging apps would be enough to swing consumer loyalty from one brand to another.
Whether you’re Team iPhone or Team Android, keep an eye out for tomorrow’s announcement. For Apple CEO Tim Cook, it might just be another sleepless night wondering how much the EU can influence his company’s stronghold on its ecosystem.
Earlier this week, we reported that Samsung is rolling out the Wear OS 4 update on the Galaxy Watch 5 and 5 Pro. This update includes various new features and improvements. But what’s caught our attention is that the Galaxy Watch 4 and Watch 4 classic have also started receiving the Wear OS 4 update in the US.
According to the release notes, the update will arrive with the build number ending in HWH3. It’s worth noting that some apps will need to be updated separately after the upgrade. The complete changelog is provided below:
Watch faces and tiles
• Add watch faces and tiles more easily
• Check the battery level of all your devices
• Improved Buds controller tile
• Quick access to timers
Samsung Health
• Enhanced sleep coaching
• Automatically record cycling workouts
• More accurate results for track runs
• Create your exercise
Backup and restore
• Keep your watch data safe
• Transfer your watch to a new phone
Control your phone
• More call controls
• Take pictures from your watch
Additional changes
• Dictate text with the Home button
• Let Bixby read your notifications
• Use multiple timers at once
• Share your medical info in an emergency
• Device care
• Control your watch without touching it
• Organize apps in folders
• Keep your watch safe: If you set a PIN or pattern on your watch, you’ll need to enter the PIN or pattern before you can set your watch after a factory reset. This prevents your watch from being used by someone else if it’s lost or stolen.
Additionally, to upgrade your Galaxy Watch 4 to the latest firmware, users can open the Galaxy Wearable app on their connected smartphone, access the smartwatch section, and go to Watch settings > Watch software update > Download and install.
In a move that could reshape the landscape of green vehicles, Toyota has rolled out its first-ever Hilux Hydrogen Fuel Cell Prototype, assembled at the Burnaston plant in Derby, England. This initiative, backed by the UK government and in partnership with a consortium, aims to create 10 such vehicles by year-end.
Toyota is planning to conduct rigorous tests on the fuel cells for future applications
Borrowing technology from its sibling, the Toyota Mirai, this Hilux version boasts an impressive range of 365 miles between hydrogen refills. To put it in context, the traditional diesel engine version available in Australia can travel 715 miles between stops. However, this new model’s significance lies not just in mileage but in demonstrating that hydrogen fuel can be a rugged and reliable alternative.
What sets this model apart is the strategic placement of its hydrogen tanks, neatly fitted between the frame rails where the cabin usually resides. The battery sits at the back, and the rest of the fuel cell gizmos take the space generally reserved for combustion engines under the hood.
The project kicked off as a feasibility study in early 2022, and by June 2023, the first prototype was born. In a nod to Hilux’s legacy of toughness, Toyota plans rigorous tests focusing on safety, functionality, and durability for these 10 prototypes.
This venture comes on the heels of Toyota’s other explorations into fuel-cell tech. Last December, the electric Hilux Revo BEV Concept was unveiled without much detail, but with a clear message that Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) aren’t the sole path to carbon neutrality. Additionally, the company hinted at a light-duty pickup fuel cell project with Isuzu and Hino and left the door open for a possible hydrogen-powered Land Cruiser. This move aligns with Toyota’s belief that the journey to a greener future is not a one-way street.
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