iQOO had launched the Neo 7 5G smartphone earlier this year in February. Several months after its release, the company is now slashing the price tag of the device in the Indian market. So here are all the details.
iQOO Neo 7 5G New Pricing
The Chinese smartphone maker had launched the Neo 7 model in multiple color options and storage configurations. It arrived in new Interstellar Black and Frost Blue options as well as an 8GB + 128GB and 12GB + 256GB variant. Thanks to the updated pricing, the Neo 7 is now around 2,000 INR cheaper than it used to be. So the 8GB variant is now priced at 31,999 INR, while the 12GB model costs 31,999 INR.
iQOO Neo 7 5G Specs
The iQOO Neo 7 5G sports a tall 6.78-inch AMOLED display that has an FHD+ resolution and 19:0 aspect ratio. It even supports 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+, and 360Hz touch sampling rate. Under the hood, the device is equipped with the MediaTek Dimensity 8200 SoC. It is powered by a large 5,000mAh battery pack that offers 120W fast charging support.
The Neo 7 model runs on Android 13 OS based Funtouch OS 13 custom skin out of the box. On the rear, it features a 64-megapixel triple camera setup, while the front houses a 16-megapixel selfie shooter. Other notable features include Bluetooth 5.3, WiFi 6, in-display fingerprint scanner, face unlock, and stereo speakers.
Amazon is introducing ‘Smart Home Days’ where you can get your hands on Amazon Echo smart speakers and some of the best Alexa-compatible smart home products at amazing discounts. So, if you’ve been waiting to upgrade your home with the latest smart technology, now would be the perfect time!
Imagine controlling your lights, appliances, and security systems with just your voice. With the Echo smart speakers and Alexa-compatible devices, you can transform your home into a futuristic smart haven. Whether it’s the Echo Dot, Echo Dot with clock, or Echo, you’ll find the perfect device to suit your needs.
You can also pair these smart speakers with Wipro smart bulbs for a complete smart home experience. With the Echo Dot (3rd Gen) + Wipro smart bulb combo available at a whopping 60% discount, you can get it for just ₹2,149! And that’s not all, there are plenty of other exciting combos to choose from.
Amazon is also offering discounts on a wide range of Alexa-compatible smart home products. From top lighting brands like Wipro, Philips, Qubo, Halonix, and Havells, to smart camera brands such as Qubo, TP Link, Philips, Xiaomi, and Zebronics, you can find everything you need to create a seamless smart home ecosystem. HomeMate is also offering up to 75% off on their selection of smart home products, including smart plugs, touch switches, and smart lighting. With these amazing deals, you can upgrade your home’s security, lighting, and convenience without breaking the bank.
To avail these discounts, you can check out the ‘Smart Home Days’ page on Amazon starting September 7th (today). The event will run until September 13th, so make sure to mark your calendars and take advantage of these deals.
Samsung is collaborating with Thom Browne once again. This time, it is offering new special edition variants of one of its latest smartwatches and foldable smartphones. So here are all the details regarding the Galaxy Watch 6 and Galaxy Z Fold 5 Thom Browne Edition.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 Thom Browne Edition
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 is the company’s latest flagship foldable smartphone. In this limited edition model, the South Korean tech giant’s Thom Browne Edition combines its foldable phone with Thom Browne’s designs. The new variant features a sleek black pebble leather exterior that includes red, white, and blue stripes along with fabric texture, a gold hinge, and golden rings around the cameras, which adds to its premium aesthetic.
Furthermore, the Galaxy Z Fold 5 Thom Browne Edition also arrives with two special leather pouch cases and a special S Pen version as well. The retail packaging box of this foldable smartphone is also pretty unique since it features the iconic Thom Browne briefcase design. In the past, the company has even released Thom Browne editions of older Galaxy Z Fold models like the Galaxy Z Fold 2.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Thom Browne Edition
The Samsung Galaxy Z Watch 6 is now also available in a Thom Browne Edition. Similar to the Galaxy Z Fold 5, the company’s smartwatch has also received an updated premium design. The body features a gold chassis along with a special watch face and Thom Browne logo. The limited edition smartwatch features two leather straps. The special model also includes a 25W travel adapter, a coin-style charger, and a USB-C port with fabric a cable.
Pricing & Availability
The Samsung Galaxy Z fold 5 Thom Browne Edition is available in the South Korean market and is priced at 4.29 million won (roughly 3,217 US Dollars). It is worth noting that the special edition will be available in limited quantities starting from 12th September 2023. The device will be sold in select markets outside of Korea and can be purchased from the brand’s official website.
iQOO launched the Z8 smartphone in China on August 31st. The smartphone was available for pre-order from launch day. It is now available for open sale in China starting today. Check the details below.
The iQOO Z8 pricing starts at CNY 1,699 (around $233) for the 8GB+256GB model. The 12GB+256GB and 12GB+512GB models are priced at CNY 1,799 (around $246) and CNY 1,999 (around $274), respectively. The phone comes in Moon Porcelain White, Hoshino Green, and Yaoye Black colors.
Specifications
The iQOO Z8 has a sleek design with a curved back and a side-mounted fingerprint sensor. The rear camera module is square and sits in a glossy black finish, giving the device a two-tone look. The phone has a 6.64-inch display with a punch-hole cutout and a 120Hz refresh rate.
Powering the device is a MediaTek Dimensity 8200 processor, with up to 12GB RAM and up to 512GB storage. It also features a VC cooling chamber for heat dissipation. The Z8 is backed by a 5,000mAh battery with support for 120W fast charging. As for the software, it runs on OriginOS 3 based on Android 13.
For photography, the iQOO Z8 has a dual-rear camera system consisting of a 64MP OIS-enabled main sensor and a 2MP depth sensor. On the front, there is a 16MP selfie camera. Likewise, the device connectivity options include 5G, WiFi, Bluetooth, and USB-C port.
Motorola Edge 40 Neo is supposed to be the new smartphone joining the existing Edge 40 and Edge 40 Pro. There has been a slew of leaks and rumors regarding the smartphone, with the latest ones revealing its battery and charging speed. Motorola is yet to make the launch date of the smartphone official but it may have started teasing it on social media.
Motorola recently posted a teaser on Twitter/X, hinting at the launch of a new Edge series phone and asking, “Are you ready to dive into colors?” with the hashtag #findyouredge. This is likely to be the Moto Edge 40 Neo. While not many details are revealed in the teaser, we get to see the phone’s dual rear cameras and a Pantone tag on the back.
The company did not reveal the official launch date yet nor any specifications. However, previous reports suggest Motorola Edge 40 Neo gets a 6.55-inch pOLED display with a Full HD+ resolution and 144Hz refresh rate. This smartphone could be powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 1050 SoC that is paired with up to 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage.
The Edge 40 Neo should run on Android 13-based MyUX custom skin out of the box. For photography, the device offers a 50MP dual camera setup on the rear, while the front houses a 32MP selfie shooter. Motorola’s new Edge 40 Neo might even offer IP68 water and dust resistance. This device is reported to be available in multiple color options, including Black Beauty, Caneel Bay, and Soothing Sea.
Huawei managed to get the world’s attention with its new Mate 60 series of smartphones. Announced without a formal event, the Mate 60 and Mate 60 Pro bring a 5G Kirin 9000s chipset that seems to be manufactured by SMIC on its 7nm process node. While this is excellent news for consumers, competitors like Qualcomm may not be as thrilled. An analyst predicts that Huawei’s new chipset poses a great threat to Qualcomm’s dominance in the market.
Renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, known for his Apple-related predictions, said “Qualcomm is the main loser from Huawei’s adoption of Kirin9000S and new Kirin chips”. This is because Huawei is a major customer of Qualcomm, and if Huawei starts using its own chips, it will no longer need to buy chips from Qualcomm. In 2022, Huawei bought 23-25 million mobile phone SoCs from the US tech giant, and in 2023, it bought 40-42 million, according to Kuo.
Huawei Mate 60 Pro
Kuo predicts that Qualcomm may not only experience a decline in shipments to Huawei but also face the risk of reduced shipments to non-Huawei Chinese brand clients due to the competition posed by Huawei. “Qualcomm’s SoC shipments to Chinese smartphone brands in 2024 are expected to be at least 50–60 million units lower than in 2023 due to Huawei’s adoption of the new Kirin processors and will continue to decline year by year,” Kuo wrote in his blog post on Medium.
This may force Qualcomm to “start a price war as early as 4Q23 to maintain market share in the Chinese market, which will be detrimental to profits,” said Kuo.
That’s not it, Kuo believes Qualcomm faces two other potential risks. First, the market share of the Exynos 2400 in Samsung mobile phones could be higher than expected. This would reduce Qualcomm’s sales to Samsung. Second, Apple is expected to start using its own modem chip in 2025. This would be a major blow to Qualcomm, as Apple is a major customer.
Vivo V29e, advertised as the slimmest phone in its price segment, is now available for purchase in India. The phone offers key features, such as a curved-edge 120Hz AMOLED display, a Snapdragon 6-series chip, 64-megapixel dual rear cameras, a 50-megapixel front camera, 44W fast charging, and a color changing back. Here is a look at the price and specifications of the V29e.
Vivo V29e price in India
Vivo V29e
The Vivo V29e is available in two options in India. The 8 GB RAM + 128 GB storage option is priced at Rs 26,999 (~$325), and the higher 8 GB RAM + 256 GB storage edition costs Rs 28,999 (~$349). The phone can be bought in shades like Artistic Blue and Artistic Red. The red variant has a color-changing back that can go from black to red when exposed to UV light.
The Vivo V29e can be bought through Flipkart, Vivo India’s online store, and offline outlets. When buying the V29e from Flipkart, customers can take advantage of a cashback offer of up to 10 percent on SBI, HDB, and ICICI bank cards.
Vivo V29e specifications
The Vivo V29e features a 6.78-inch AMOLED panel that offers Full HD+ resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, and an in-display fingerprint scanner. It has a 50-megapixel camera with eye-autofocus support on the front. The back panel of the device has an OIS-enabled 64-megapixel primary camera and an 8-megapixel ultra-wide lens. The V29e improves portrait photography with a 2X mode, allowing users to capture DSLR-quality portraits.
The V29e runs on Android 13 and FunTouch OS 13 and is powered by the Snapdragon 695 chipset. The phone ships with 8GB of LPDDR4x RAM and 128GB / 256GB of UFS 2.2 storage. It comes with 44W fast charging support for its 5,000mAh battery. Lastly, the device measures 164.4 x 74.9 x 7.6mm and weighs 181 grams.
Honor has finally confirmed the launch date for the Honor 90 5G in India. The device marks the company’s comeback to the Indian market after a hiatus of a couple of years. The Honor 90 5G was first announced in China in May 2023. It later arrived in the UAE and Europe, and it is now finally making its way to India.
Honor 90 5G India launch date
Honor 90 5G launch date for India
Honor has confirmed that the Honor 90 5G will be announced at 12:30 pm (local time) on Sept. 14 in India. The microsite for the phone available on Amazon showcases the Emerald Green and some of its key features. Here is a look at the specifications and expected price of the device.
Honor 90 5G specifications
The Honor 90 5G has a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a quad-curved design and an in-screen fingerprint scanner. It offers a 1.5K resolution of 1200 x 2664 pixels and a 120Hz refresh rate. The device is powered by the Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 Accelerated Edition, and it runs on MagicOS 7.1-based Android 13. In the Chinese market, the device ships with up to 16 GB of LPDDR4x RAM and up to 512 GB of UFS 3.1 storage.
On the front, the Honor 90 5G has a 50-megapixel selfie camera, and its back panel has a triple camera unit, which features a 200-megapixel main camera, a 12-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and a 2-megapixel depth sensor. The device packs a 5,000mAh battery with 66W fast charging support.
Honor 90 5G price in India
Rumors surrounding the Honor 90 5G claim that it will be priced at around Rs 35,000 (~$420) in India. Once announced, the device will be sold through Amazon.
Rumors are rife that Redmi will unveil the Redmi Note 13 series in October of this year in China. A couple of model numbers, such as 2312DRAABC, 2312CRAD3C, 2312DRA50C, and 23090RA98C, that reportedly belong to the Note 13 lineup have already surfaced on Chinese certification platforms. A new report courtesy of XIaomiui has revealed that the lineup will include as many as five models. It has also shared key details about these devices.
Redmi Note 13 4G
The Redmi Note 13 is said to arrive in two variants: the Note 13 4G and the Note 13 4G NFC. The former has the “Sapphire” codename and N7 model number, whereas the NFC variant has the “Sapphiren” codename and N7N model number. The device will come equipped with a Snapdragon chip. While it will not launch in India, it is expected to be released in regions like Turkey, Indonesia, and Europe.
Redmi Note 13 5G
The Redmi Note 13 5G has a “gold” codename and “N17” model number. It will feature a MediaTek processor, and its camera setup will include a main snapper, an ultra-wide lens, and a macro camera. The report states that the Note 13 5G has three different variants featuring different primary cameras, such as 50-megapixel, 64-megapixel, and 108-megapixel.
A Poco variant of the device is also in the works. It has the “goldp” codename and is said to have a 64-megapixel primary camera.
Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G / Note 13 Pro+ 5G
The Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G with “Zircon” codename and “N16U” codename is expected to feature a MediaTek chip. Its rear camera setup will have a Samsung ISOCELL HP3 200-megapixel main camera, an 8-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and a 2-megapixel macro camera. For selfies, it will feature a 16-megapixel camera. The Note 13 Pro+ 5G is likely to be similar to the Note 13 Pro, but specific details regarding its specs are not available.
The Note 13 5G and Note 13 Pro 5G models are expected to be released in multiple markets, including Europe and India.
Redmi Note 13 Turbo
Codenamed “Garnet,” the Redmi Note 13 Turbo is expected to sport a camera setup similar to the Note 13 Pro 5G. However, it will be equipped with a Snapdragon chip, and the device will be released in multiple markets. There is no information about the model number of the device. The entire lineup is expected to come preloaded with the MIUI 14-based Android 13.
Hidizs recently released a product at KICKSTARTER: the Hidizs MP145, a Next Gen Customized Ultra-large Planar HiFi IEMs. I’ve been using it for a while now, and I’ve found out that these earphones would be a part of my daily music equipment for quite a period. So I’d like to recommend it to you, and I hope this video will help you learn more details about the MP145.
Unboxing
MP145 comes with a black compact box. The font colors on the bottom describing the selling points are all rose gold. The back side is all about its specs. Besides Chinese and English, there is also Japanese. It means that this earphone is also available in Japan.
Inside the box is the MP145 and an accessory box, which contains a user manual, a warranty card, and a leather storage bag. There is a 3.5mm earphone cable in the storage bag, and you can pause to watch the specifics of the cable, which is supposed to be the same cable as most of the flagship IEMs. Of course, if you need a 4.4mm plug, they have that too.
Also in the bag are two different types of Hidizs Pneumatic Sound Tuning Filters, which actually change the tendency of the sound by using a cotton filter. The silver ones favor treble, the red ones are bass, and the one on the earphones is balanced. This sound tuning design is quite special.
At the very bottom of the box, Hidizs gives you 9 pairs of ear tips. When you buy the MP145, then Hidizs has everything ready for you to enjoy your music.
Design
Let’s talk about the design. Hidizs says they worked with WDC to design the pattern on the MP145, using the whale tail and rorqual pleats as inspiration. Well, it looks pretty good.
In addition to working together on the design, Hidizs and WDC have partnered to make them better able to carry out programs to protect whales and dolphins. In other words, every MP145 sold makes the oceans healthier. To each his own, that’s what we call a win-win partnership.
It uses an aluminum alloy integral molding shell, with vents on either side of the WHALE tail. These vents optimize the airflow within the earphone cavity, enhancing the transparency and balance of the sound. The weight of the single earphone plus the ear tip is 10g, but it is quite comfortable to wear. Because the cable shares some of the weight, and the excellent ergonomics, at least I don’t feel uncomfortable wearing the MP145 for long periods of time.
Ultra-large Planar Magnetic Driver
Let me guess, the reason you are interested in the MP145 must be because of its Ultra-large Planar Magnetic Driver, right? That 14.5mm driver is really impressive. This large diaphragm size offers inherent advantages in audio information and dynamic range compared to other driver types. As we all know, Planar Magnetic Driver has many advantages over Dynamic Driver.
For example, it is possible to make the diaphragm bigger in the same size. Much lower distortion at higher volumes. More powerful bass response and so on. The biggest drawback of Planar Magnetic earphones is that they are a bit pricey. But at KICKSTARTER, the Super Early Bird Price for the MP145 is only $109. For such a flagship IEM, I think it’s still a bargain.
FR Curve & Sound Quality
Taking the Balanced FR Graph of this MP145 as an example, we can see very objectively what the tuning style of this IEM is like. Overall it’s smooth, more ear-catching in the midrange, and average in the sub-bass and upper treble. To put it simply, the 1.6 to 3.6k Hz curve goes upwards, which means that this earphone is more suitable for listening to female voices, such as some pop songs and anime songs.
It actually does have a very prominent female voice as the FR Graph shows. In the time I’ve been listening to the MP145, I’ve been listening to anime songs the most. Don’t get me wrong, I am not a fan of this type of song, I just enjoy the feeling of having a female vocalist singing in my ear with these earphones. Its sub-bass isn’t really as average as it seems, it just doesn’t have that feeling of blowing your head off.
Also, it does a good job of separating the sounds of various instruments and has a good soundstage. Symphonic music is also a style of music it is good at. You can listen to pretty much any genre with the MP145, so what can I complain about?
About Amps & Music Player
Since those who are planning to buy the MP145 should be audiophiles, I would default that you listen to songs using a music player or Amps. Here’s a question: How does the MP145 perform if you are clueless about IEMs, or just want to get a good earphone to connect to your PC or cell phone? It’s actually kind of doing a great job.
I was expecting the MP145 to sound worse without the help of the Amp. In fact, there is no very noticeable difference except that the volume and soundstage get smaller and the sub-bass and upper treble get fuzzier. Of course, if you’re after its upper limit, then it’s still recommended to get a pro music player or at least a small Amp. Such as the Hidizs AP80 PRO-X and S9 Pro. You know, the same brand of devices working together always makes for the best sound.
Conclusion
The Hidizs MP145 left a pretty good impression on me. Both beginners and audiophiles should love it. As a Planar Magnetic headphone, the MP145 plays to a lot of its unique strengths that make me love it. It’s crowdfunded at KICKSTARTER lately. Check it out if you like the incredible Planar Hi-Fi IEMs.
On Sept. 4, Realme unveiled the Realme C51 as its most affordable Champion-series phone in India. The smartphone is scheduled to go on sale on Sept. 11. However, the brand will be conducting a special sale of the C51 today through a limited-time window.
Realme C51 price in India
Realme C51 sale
The Realme C51 comes in a single trim that offers 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of storage. Priced at Rs 8,999 (~$108), the device comes in Carbon Black and Mint Green shades.
The company carried out the early bird sale of the C51 on Sept. 4, a couple of hours after its launch. Today, the phone will be available for purchase between 6pm and 8pm (local time) in India through Flipkart and Realme India’s websites. During the limited-time window sale, users can avail the device for Rs 8,499 (~$104) through a flat Rs 500 (~$6) discount using ICICI and SBI cards.
Realme C51 specifications
The Realme C51 has a 6.7-inch IPS LCS panel that offers HD+ resolution and a 90Hz refresh rate. It features the Unisoc T612 chipset, 4 GB of RAM, and a 5,000mAh battery with 33W fast charging. The device offers 64 GB of storage and runs on Realme UI T-based Android 13.
The C51 has a 5-megapixel front camera, and its back panel has a 50-megapixel dual-camera setup. The device is equipped with a 3.5mm audio jack, a side-facing fingerprint sensor, and a microSD card slot.
In related news, Realme recently unveiled the Narzo 60x 5G and Buds T300 TWS earbuds in India. Priced at Rs 12,999 (~$156) and Rs 2,299 (~$27), respectively, both devices are set to go on sale on Sept. 12. The Narzo 60x will be sold via Amazon, whereas the Buds T300 will be available through Flipkart and Amazon. Both devices will be sold through Realme’s website.
Earlier, we reported that Samsung will release the OneUI 6.0 beta program for the Galaxy S22 series. Before the OneUI 6.0 update, the South Korean tech giant started rolling out the September security patch for the Galaxy S22 series in Europe.
According to a recent report by SAMmobile, it has been revealed that owners of the Galaxy S22, identified by the model number SM-S90XB, can now update their devices with the latest September 2023 software update. This update addresses 62 security vulnerabilities identified in the previous software version. Notably, four of these vulnerabilities are categorized as “Critical,” while nineteen are classified as “High,” as provided by Google.
Furthermore, Samsung has resolved a total of 35 security vulnerabilities that were detected in various applications, including the Samsung Keyboard app, security settings, Samsung Knox AI, Dual Messenger, and Messages apps. This update, which is approximately 235MB in size, will be available for devices with the firmware version of S90xBXXS6CWH6. It’s worth mentioning that this new update will maintain the OneUI version at 5.1.
Those who did not receive the update automatically can go to Settings > Software Update > Download and install to download it manually. One thing to note is that the update is currently available in Europe, and is still being determined when it will be available in other regions.
In related news, the Galaxy Note 10 series has reached the end of its software support. This means the phones in this series will no longer receive new operating system updates or security patches. Those who wish to know about this can check our Samsung Galaxy Note 10 series story here.
Clubhouse is changing how it works to get more people talking on the app again. The social media platform, once super popular for its public audio chats, is now focusing on smaller, friend-based groups. They’re calling these groups “chats,” where you can leave voice messages for people you know and their friends. It’s kind of like Snapchat but for voice.
Including a text-based conversation channel will be a big hit-or-miss for the company
Clubhouse is also ending its text message feature. Now, if you want to send a private note, you’ll record a voice message, or what the app is calling a “voicemail.”
This shift comes after Clubhouse lost a lot of users. Millions of people joined the app during the pandemic, but numbers went down when life started returning to normal. Earlier this year, the company even had to let go of half its staff, also happening to a lot of other companies.
So, what’s the goal here? Clubhouse says it’s all about having real talks and making new friends. They believe people want a more personal way to connect online. But there’s some risk. Will people come back to Clubhouse for this new experience? The company is taking a “big bet” and hopes it will pay off.
The big question is whether these changes will make Clubhouse popular again. It’s a bold move, and the company knows it. Time will tell if it works.
Tesla‘s Giga Shanghai plant recently hit a milestone by producing its two millionth electric vehicle, setting the pace for electric vehicle (EV) production globally. Built at breakneck speed and operational since late 2019, this manufacturing hub represents more than a feat of engineering. It stands as a unique case of China‘s confidence in American technology and innovation.
The business is also affected by the ongoing stress and tension between the US and China
Tesla’s achievements in Shanghai are far from ordinary. It was the first foreign carmaker to be permitted a wholly-owned manufacturing site in China, bucking the trend of mandated 50/50 joint ventures between foreign and local firms. This in itself speaks to China’s unique trust in Tesla and, by extension, American know-how.
Giga Shanghai initially targeted China’s massive local market but has since become Tesla’s primary export center. At a time when China-U.S. relations are tested on many fronts, Tesla’s China operations underline a cooperative blueprint that mutually benefits both nations. Exports have already exceeded 215,000 units, supporting surrounding markets, Europe, and recently Canada, reinforcing Tesla’s global reach.
Not just a production factory, Giga Shanghai has also become a significant contributor to Tesla’s worldwide manufacturing efforts. It alone accounted for two-fifths of Tesla’s total production, a number that could rise to more than half this year. In August 2022, the plant reached its first million units in 33 months; impressively, the next million rolled out in just 13 months. This speed isn’t just about numbers; it’s about setting a new global standard for what’s achievable in auto manufacturing.
The factory now predominantly focuses on Model Y production, twice as much as the Model 3. This begs the question: Will this plant also be the birthplace for Tesla’s future, more affordable models? Regardless of that answer, Giga Shanghai continues to be a milestone not only for Tesla but also for China-U.S. collaborations in the fast-evolving world of technology.
YouTube is shaking up its advertising game on smart TVs, Apple TV, and gaming consoles, going for a viewing experience that mimics that of traditional television. Instead of peppering viewers with frequent but short ad breaks, YouTube is testing fewer, longer breaks on these platforms, often referred to as connected TV or CTV experiences.
The ad breaks are supposed to give ample time to the viewers to catch up in between content
The pivot stems from some intriguing viewer behaviors and preferences. YouTube found that the average U.S. CTV viewer is committed to their content for at least 21 minutes—about the duration of a typical sitcom. Research also suggests that a substantial 79% of viewers would rather endure a long, one-time ad break than have their video interrupted multiple times.
This “fewer but longer” ad strategy appears to be inspired by UK television’s approach to advertising, which often leaves viewers with ample time to fetch a cup of tea. In contrast, American TV shows like “Grey’s Anatomy” are infamous for short, frequent interruptions that make you wish you had that pause button.
While YouTube has not fully detailed how it intends to implement this, questions abound. Will a four-minute break replace four one-minute breaks? And crucially, will the total ad time per hour increase?
It’s clear YouTube is rethinking how ads fit into our binge-watching sessions, aiming to minimize disruptions and elevate our CTV experiences. Whether this will prove to be a win-win situation for both advertisers and viewers remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: YouTube is open to aligning its digital platform with tried-and-true TV traditions in a bid to keep us hooked for longer periods.
The Volkswagen ID.3 GTX may seem like just another electric vehicle (EV) at first, but appearances can be deceiving. Recently captured on camera, the black prototype showcased more than a striking exterior.
There are speculations that Volkswagen might make an announcement regarding ID.4 and 5
Its design features are a mix of subtle and bold changes that help the car stand out from its regular ID.3 siblings. Noteworthy is the new rocker panel that adds a grounded, aggressive look to the car. It’s not just about aesthetics, though; the ID.3 GTX is expected to carry an all-wheel-drive and a dual-motor layout. If rumors hold true, this car could boast up to 300 horsepower, a significant jump from the standard ID.3’s 201 hp.
Volkswagen is teasing fans and critics alike by covering specific design elements with distracting stickers, leaving much to the imagination. These likely hide additional design cues tying the GTX to its other GTX family members, the ID.4 and ID.5.
This isn’t just a solitary move by Volkswagen. The ID.3 GTX is part of a broader strategy by the automaker to diversify its electric hatchback line. Just recently, the company showcased the ID. GTI concept, which is set for a 2026 release and focuses on a front-motor, front-wheel-drive layout. It seems Volkswagen is pushing hard to meet the varying tastes of EV buyers.
As we transition to greener modes of transport, the ID.3 GTX could be the sporty, high-performance alternative many consumers didn’t know they were waiting for. While VW remains tight-lipped about the full details, it’s evident that the ID.3 GTX is set to be much more than just another addition to the growing electric vehicle market. It aims to be a game-changer, offering both style and substance.
Google is making changes to the Android logo to make it more dynamic and playful. The new Bugroid logo is coming together with the Android watermark. It has a complete robot physique in a rounded and 3D avatar. The new changes to the Android are part of the dynamic evolution of the operating system.
The Android OS has been a hotbed of Google’s innovation and experimentation. Google’s confirmation of the Bugroid comes after several months of having a sneak peek of the refreshed Android logo. The Bugroid started off as a full-bodied logo, then got a slight color change, and then a significant redesign in 2019. The 2019 redesign of the Bugroid’s head omitted its body but the new logo returns to a full robot physique.
The Bugroid logo draws inspiration from Material design to complement the Google brand palette, according to Google. The robot’s full-body design is focused on transitioning between digital and real-life environments seamlessly. The Bugroid will appear in more places than the Android logo.. It will specifically appear where Android connects with people, cultural moments, and communities. It is dynamic and takes different skins like the platform.
The new Google wordmark was also confirmed by the tech giant. Google is tweaking the Android moniker with some capitalizations and enhancements. The previous “android” wordmark will transform to a capitalized A and rounding of the n and r. This delivers a new wordmark complementary to the Google logo. The representation will also be simpler, going forward. The dessert codenames will be omitted for easier understanding globally. The dessert nicknames are still retained internally.
YouTube is known for videos that span across various genres, but now the platform is adding a sprinkle of gaming to the mix. Don’t expect a robust cloud-gaming ecosystem; YouTube’s latest feature, tentatively named “Playables,” is more like having a little pocket arcade on your homepage.
The new Minigames will be available on both desktop and mobile platforms
Accessible to only a few lucky beta testers, “Playables” is still in its infancy. The feature appears as a tab next to the content on the home feed, for those who’ve been chosen. Whether you’re chilling on your desktop or scrolling through your mobile, these mini-games can be played on both platforms.
One example is a game called Stack Bounce, where you guide a ball through rings. If that sounds familiar, it’s because Google previously introduced this game on its now-defunct GameSnacks service. This move begs the question: Is YouTube’s gaming feature just a rehashed idea or the start of something big?
In a time where even Netflix and TikTok are boarding the gaming train, YouTube’s foray might seem late to the party. Unlike Google’s ambitious but ultimately failed Stadia service, YouTube seems to be treading carefully. The platform has even introduced a “History” tab to save game progress, hinting at the potential for more complex games in the future.
While YouTube’s gaming feature may not be revolutionary, its cautious approach could be its strength. Staying low-key and testing the waters with mini-games allows YouTube to learn and pivot without making waves, and that could just be the smartest move yet. Will “Playables” be a game-changer or just another feature lost in the vast ocean of YouTube content? Only time will tell. For now, it’s a playground with a single swing, but it holds the promise of becoming a full-fledged park.
Microsoft brings a major September update for Xbox. This update has numerous exciting features like Variable Refresh rate (VRR), Voice Reporting, and a highly requested feature, Discord streaming.
For those unaware, Discord is a popular voice chat platform with features like streaming your game within the voice channel. Before this update, streaming on Discord was only possible on the PC platform, but Xbox users can now also enjoy the streaming services on the console. An overview of new features in this update is provided below:
Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) update for Xbox Series X/S consoles
Image Via Xbox Wire
Variable Refresh Rate allows users to adjust the refresh rate of the TV or monitor according to the frame rate of the content. This new feature provides a smooth and precise gaming experience. Some users may not want this VRR enabled. They can turn this setting off by going to General > TV & display options > Video and selecting the dropdown menu to “Off.”
Streaming Games on Discord
As mentioned above, it is now possible to stream your gameplay on Xbox. To get started, users first need to link their Discord account. From there, users must join a voice channel on the Xbox console and select “Stream your game” to start streaming.
Redeem Rewards
Xbox users will now find it easier to redeem their rewards with the new Rewards tab. Users can select Profile & System by pressing the Xbox button and choose My Rewards. Alternatively, players can redeem rewards directly from this option.
Ask to join the game session
Ask to join is an option now available in Xbox where the users can ask their friends to join their game session. Your friends will receive the notification of your request to join, and they can respond to it by game invite, party invite, or a message.
Voice reporting
In July, Xbox announced a new voice reporting feature that allows players to record a 60-second video clip of an in-game voice incident that they believe violates the Xbox community Standards and submit it as evidence to the safety team for review. The full report of this feature was covered on our website. Those wanting to know about this new feature can check our Xbox’s new voice reporting story here.
The competition in the smartphone market is fierce. Manufacturers around the world are competing to offer the latest technologies at the most affordable prices, and as a result, they are also raising the bar. However, it is not possible to say the same for sales figures. It seems that the rise in the market, which was thought to continue forever, has come to an end. Global smartphone production fell to 272 million units in Q2 2023, the lowest quarterly level in 10 years. Here are the details…
Vivo Dethroned by Transsion in Global Smartphone Production
The global economic recession is gradually taking effect around the world. The frenzy of spending and buying everything possible that began during the Covid-19 lockdown period is being replaced by policies of saving and belt-tightening. Unfortunately, even entry-level smartphones, which offer more than enough performance today, are among the sectors most affected by this saving. According to TrendForce’s report, global smartphone production fell to 272 million units in Q2 2023, the lowest quarterly level in 10 years.
However, this did not slow down technology companies. While new players are emerging in the market, existing companies are also increasing their investments. For example, Chinese manufacturer Transsion, which makes smartphones under the TECNO, Infinix, and itel brands, surpassed Vivo to enter the global top 5 for the first time ever. Transsion’s high production output was driven by a combination of inventory replenishment, new product launches, and its entry into the mid-to-high-end market.
Another interesting development was the strong performance of Xiaomi and Oppo. Both companies saw their production increase in Q2, despite the overall decline in the market. Xiaomi benefited from a strategic depletion of channel inventory and the allure of new product launches, while Oppo rode the wave of rebounding demand in Southeast Asia and other regions.
The global smartphone market is facing a number of challenges, but there are still some bright spots. Transsion’s rise is a sign that there is still room for growth in the market, and the strong performance of Xiaomi and Oppo shows that there is still demand for smartphones, even in a tough economic environment. Although there is still hope, the future of the market is uncertain for now.
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