In a significant development, the Biden administration has initiated measures to restrict the export of Nvidia’s cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) computer chips to select countries in the Middle East. The announcement came through a regulatory filing made by Nvidia, the prominent AI technology company headquartered in Santa Clara, California.
Nvidia has earned a reputation as an AI powerhouse, primarily due to its advanced graphics processing units (GPUs) and semiconductors, which play a crucial role in powering and training AI platforms. The US government has now imposed export controls on Nvidia’s products, mandating the company to obtain permits before selling certain products to specified overseas customers. This move is driven by concerns that the advanced technology could potentially benefit adversaries such as China.
In a quarterly regulatory filing released recently, Nvidia disclosed these new export controls, shedding light on the company’s obligations to comply with the regulations. However, the specific countries in the Middle East subject to these export controls have not been explicitly mentioned in the filing, leaving room for speculation.
In response to these developments, the US Department of Commerce issued a statement emphasizing that it has not completely blocked chip sales to the Middle East. This clarification followed the disclosure that Washington had expanded export license requirements not only for Nvidia but also for Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), another major player in the field of artificial intelligence chips.
While the Commerce Department did not comment on whether new requirements were imposed on specific US companies, it is clear that both Nvidia and AMD are affected by the changes. As of now, neither company has confirmed whether they have applied for the required licenses or the status of their applications.
Export controls are typically put in place by US officials for national security reasons. Although a similar move last year signaled an escalation of the US government’s efforts to curb China’s technological capabilities, the specific risks associated with exports to the Middle East remain undisclosed.
It is worth noting that many of the restrictions on technology exports to China amount to a blanket denial of all licenses, reflecting the heightened scrutiny on sensitive technologies in today’s geopolitical landscape.
Biden administration’s decision to restrict Nvidia’s AI chip sales to certain Middle Eastern countries underscores the growing concerns surrounding advanced technology exports and national security. As the situation continues to evolve, industry watchers will closely monitor the impact of these export controls on the AI industry and international relations in the Middle East.
Huawei – China’s leading electronics maker silently launched its flagship device – Mate 60 Pro in China a couple of days ago. Initially, it felt Huawei missed the Chipset details, but it seems the company deliberately omitted these details in the official spec sheet. Huawei even declined to comment on the details after users and the tech community asked on social media. However, the details on a launched smartphone can never remain under wraps for so long as there are multiple apps that enable users to get full hardware details of the smartphone.
A similar approach is used by the tech community to know the full specifications of the Huawei Mate 60 Pro, especially the SoC details. So, based on the benchmarking tests that users or members of the tech community performed, the Huawei Mate 60 is powered with Kirin 9000s SoC which is built by HiSilicon – Huawei’s own chip design company. The CPU bundles a 12-core design including 2x A34 cores, 6x customized A78AE cores, and 4x A510 cores.
Kirin 9000s Specs (By Consumers)
The highest clock speed reaches 2.62GHz, according to AnTuTu. Further, it houses a Maleoon-910 GPU. As per benchmarks, the CPU scored 279,677, 225,491, and 194,615 points in CPU, Memory, and UX tests, respectively. The same chip attained a 1225 single-core score and 3295 points with the multi-core test.
These details are pulled by consumers, while HiSilicon’s official website did not publish any details about the Kirin 9000s. However, Huawei’s Chip maker designed a couple of 5G chipsets earlier including the Kirin 9000 and Kirin 9000e which were built on 5nm.
In a statement, Huawei didn’t name the new chipset, instead, they covered it as the “most powerful Mate model ever”.
What’s Odd?
Such silence from Huawei on the new chipset seems a bit odd and secretive. The situation raises several questions about Why there’s no reference to the SoC, and What company is cooking behind the scenes? Is it getting really difficult for Huawei to revive its smartphone business amid sanctions by the US.
Huawei went into trouble in 2019, when the US pressed sanctions on China, and further tightened the restrictions in 2020 impacted the Chinese electronics maker a lot. The advanced ICs built by Samsung Electronics and TSMC are not in the scope of Huawei. The only company that Huawei can rely on is Semiconduction Manufacturing International Corp (SMIC) but they have the capability to produce 14nm chips, and it is quite difficult for them to import advanced chip-making equipment to China due to sanctions.
There is a possibility, that somehow SMIC made these chips, which led Huawei to embed Kirin 9000s on the Huawei Mate 60 Pro. Or is there something that we are missing? Is there any secret that Huawei is trying to hide from the users?
Huawei’s Gain
Well, whatever the reason is, the stocks of all the supplier companies that supplied parts for Huawei Mate 60 Pro are rallying. The SMIC shares improved by 1 percent and is currently selling at HK$19.22. Similarly, the IC testing and packaging firm Jiangsu Changjiang Electronics Tech gained from the Huawei Mate 60 Pro launch. Other suppliers like Japanese Murata US-based Global Foundries and several other companies are gaining momentum in the stock markets.
Such a positive development from Huawei has even boosted the market. However, it may face some supply issues for its (unclaimed) new SoC in the future as per industry specialists.
Huawei Mate 60 Pro’s early release will help the company better measure people’s reaction towards the smartphone. Additionally, the Huawei Mate 50 was launched on September 12, just after Apple’s iPhone launch, and the Mate 40 series in October. At that time, Hauwei managed to surpass Samsung’s smartphone shipments in the global market. But, due to sanctions, Huawei lost all its consumers to other 5G smartphone brands.
Huawei Mate 60 Specifications
Huawei Mate 60 Pro made its official debut a couple of days ago. It is the maiden Huawei smartphone with a satellite Calling facility. The smartphone houses a 6.82-inch AMOLED display featuring an adaptive refresh rate of 1Hz-120Hz and a 300 Hz sampling rate. The display offers a Full HD+ resolution of 1260x 2720 pixels and 1440Hz high-frequency PWM dimming. It is protected with Huawei’s 2nd-generation Kunlun Glass.
The smartphone launched with 12GB RAM and up to 1TB storage options.
In the camera department, there’s a triple rear camera module having a 50MP sensor with OIS support, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, and a 48MP telephoto with OIS having 2.5x zoom. Further, there’s a 13MP ultrawide angle lens on the front with a 3D ToF sensor.
The smartphone’s 5000 mAh battery supports 88W fast charging, 50W wireless charging, and 20W reverse wireless charging support.
The smartphone will not launch globally as per the official statement from Huawei.
Truke, a German brand, has launched its latest TWS earbuds in India, Truke Q1 Plus. This follows the launch of the Truke Clarity 5 a few weeks ago. Let’s take a look at the specifications, features, and pricing of the Truke Q1 Plus earbuds.
Truke Q1 Plus Specifications
The Truke Q1 Plus earbuds feature a design similar to the Apple AirPods Pro. The case even has a metal-styled lanyard holster on the side, so you can easily attach a lanyard. The earbuds have 12mm titanium drivers that promise crystal-clear audio.
They also come with three preset EQ modes: Dynamic, Bass Boost, and Movie. The earbuds have a battery life of 10 hours on a single charge, and the case provides an additional 70 hours of battery life, for a total of 80 hours.
Likewise, the earbuds are easy to use with touch controls that let you control the volume, answer calls, and more. The earbuds also have quad mic technology and advanced noise cancellation to keep your conversations clear even in noisy environments.
There’s something for gamers too, as the buds come with an ultra-low latency of up to 45ms. This should mean a very little lag between the sound and the action on the screen.
Pricing and Availability
The Truke Buds Q1 Plus earbuds are already available for purchase at a retail price of just Rs. 999. It is available for purchase from Flipkart and Truke.in.
Vivo has just introduced the Vivo V29e smartphone in India, which boasts a Snapdragon 695 processor and an impressive 50MP front camera. Interestingly, a recent leak from tipster Paras Guglani hints that the remaining devices in the V29 series might be on the horizon.
As per a recent tweet made on X, the Vivo V29 5G series is on its way to India and other global markets. This is in line with the brand’s earlier announcement stating that the Vivo V29 5G will be launching in more than 39 countries including India.
The Vivo V29 5G is already available in Czech Republic. So it’ll be interesting to see if the brand will be launching the rumored Vivo V29 Pro model alongside it. So far, the Pro model has cleared BIS certification, meaning that Indian authorities have greenlit its launch in the country.
Vivo V29 specs
The Vivo V29 5G features a 6.78-inch 1.5K AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, supporting 1.07 billion colors and DCI-P3 color gamut. It has a Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G SoC, 12GB RAM (expandable to 20GB with Extended RAM), and 256GB storage. The phone runs on a 4,600mAh battery with 80W fast charging and incorporates an ultra-large VC Bionic Cooling System for efficient heat management. It operates on Android 13-based FunTouch OS 13.
The camera setup includes a 50-megapixel primary rear sensor with OIS, an 8-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and a 2-megapixel depth sensor, along with a ring LED flash. For selfies and video calls, there’s a 50-megapixel front camera with autofocus.
Lenovo continues to expand its product lineup. The company recently unveiled the ThinkCentre M90s Gen4 desktop and made a splash today at IFA 2023, a leading technology event. For example, the long-awaited and highly anticipated handheld gaming console named Legion Go was introduced for the first time at the show. Not stopping there, Lenovo also launched the Legion Glasses, which allow you to take the big screen experience with you wherever you go. Here are the details…
Lenovo Legion Glasses Specifications
Wouldn’t it be amazing if you could carry your monitor or television with you wherever you go, without feeling any weight? Lenovo aims to do just that with the Legion Glasses they introduced today. At its core, these glasses use augmented reality technology to let you carry your huge screen wherever you go, all thanks to a pair of sunglasses.
The Lenovo Legion Glasses feature a micro-OLED display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 per eye, a refresh rate of 60Hz, and a 100-degree field of view. They are also equipped with a front-facing camera, two microphones, and two speakers. It’s worth noting that this device doesn’t have a lot of standalone functionality. To transfer the display, you’ll need a device with a USB-C connection.
The glasses are compatible with most Windows, Android, and macOS devices that have a USB-C port. The device be used to play games, watch videos, and access other applications. They also support head tracking and eye tracking, which can be used to control the cursor or navigate through menus.
Pricing & Availability
The Lenovo Legion Glasses are priced at $499. They are a good option for gamers who want to experience a more immersive gaming experience.
Earlier this month, the Jabra Elite 10 was spotted in leaked renders. Now, the company has finally launched its latest premium truly wireless earbuds. The Elite 10 is a pair of high-end earbuds that features top-notch specs and features. So let’s have a look.
Jabra Elite 10 Specs
The Elite 10 arrives as the most advanced TWS from the brand. Being a flagship grade model, the hearables feature Dolby Atmos and Dolby Head Tracking. The earbuds are equipped with 10mm drivers that cover a range between 20Hz to 20,000Hz. Oddly, Jabra decided to skip high-fidelity Bluetooth codes in favor of AAC and SBC support. However, the earbuds do offer Bluetooth 5.3 and Bluetooth Multipoint connection.
On a single full charge, the Elite 10 can last for up to 6 hours on a single full charge if ANC is turned on (Active Noise Cancellation). With the charging case included, the battery life rises to 27 hours. Furthermore, the earbuds take up to 3 hours to fully charge through wired or Qi wireless charging. It even offers IP57 water and dust resistance as well.
Jabra Elite 10 Pricing & Availability
Jabra has unveiled the new Elite 10 model in multiple color options, which include Cocoa, Cream, Gloss Black, Matte Black, and Titanium Black. The Danish company will sell the premium TWS earbuds for 249.99 US Dollars in the US, 229.99 Pounds in the UK, and 249.99 Euros in the Eurozone. It can be found listed on the company’s official website. The Elite 10 launch also arrives right after the brand announced the new Elite 8 Active earbuds.
In a surprising move, Huawei unveiled its Mate 60 Pro smartphone on August 30th, sending ripples through the semiconductor sector as the market reacted swiftly. The release, shrouded in mystery, has raised eyebrows and speculation in the tech world. With semiconductor companies like V-Test Technology and Maxic Technology surging by over 10%, it’s evident that the Mate 60 Pro has already made a significant impact.
The Mate 60 Pro’s starting price of $960 caught the attention of consumers, leading to the swift depletion of the initial batch of goods on the official website. What’s intriguing is that Huawei has been tight-lipped about the smartphone’s chip, leaving users and industry experts guessing about its capabilities, especially in terms of network support.
Rumors have begun to circulate, suggesting that the Mate 60 Pro might have achieved 5G speeds, an achievement typically reserved for 5G-enabled devices. User tests conducted on August 29th revealed download speeds exceeding 500Mbps, a feat that has historically been associated exclusively with 5G technology. In comparison, 4G technology maxes out at 100Mbps. Additionally, the Mate 60 Pro’s support for satellite calls and satellite information editing has added to its intrigue.
Prominent analyst Guo Mingji has shed light on the Mate 60 Pro’s impact on the industry, highlighting three key investment trends. Firstly, he notes the localization of semiconductors, particularly in RF and power-related areas, benefiting companies like Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation (SMIC) and Vanchip. Secondly, Guo emphasizes the growth of satellite communication providers among Android brands, with Hwa Creat emerging as a key player. Lastly, he underscores the improvement in the average specifications of high-end models’ optical systems, benefiting companies like Largan, Sunny Optical Technology, Will Semiconductor, SmartSens, and B.L Electronics.
However, it’s worth noting that Huawei’s self-developed chips still face numerous challenges, including yield rate and support for advanced semiconductor equipment. Some components, such as filters, SOI (Silicon on Insulator), and gallium arsenide, remain beyond the scope of localization.
The absence of critical details, including processor and network support, on the Mate 60 Pro’s spec sheet has ignited speculation. Some believe Huawei may be masking the absence of 5G connectivity due to sanctions and restrictions by sourcing chips domestically, potentially from China’s Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation (SMIC). However, these domestic chips may employ older architectures, which could impact overall performance and battery life.
As the tech world eagerly awaits further details and clarifications from Huawei, the Mate 60 Pro’s enigmatic launch could indeed be one of the most significant events of 2023, shaping the industry’s trajectory in unforeseen ways.
Earlier this year, Apple announced its first mixed-reality headset, the Vision Pro. The Vision Pro is not just an AR/VR headset, but a self-sufficient computer that offers a revolutionary way to interact with the world. Apple has also made sure that the Vision Pro is comfortable for people who wear prescription glasses. Users can use prescription lenses exclusively from Zeiss, which attach magnetically to the device. But looks like there’s also a software pairing process involved.
X (formerly Twitter) users @M1Astra shared a bunch of code snippets on a thread that shows the software pairing process of the optical inserts with the Vision Pro headset. The process listed is as follows (Via AppleInsider):
Restart Apple VisionPro with Optic Inserts installed, and have a code or order confirmation ready
Enter the passcode to enable Optic ID with the newly inserted Optical Inserts.
After a test to verify the user can look at a set of dots, the user will need to look at the pairing code.
A warning could appear stating that incorrectly installed or dirty Optical Inserts will affect input accuracy.
Setup may ask for what inserts are being used or to find the Optical Insert pairing code in the Health app.
Setup may ask the user to ensure no Optical Inserts are installed before setup.
Users can choose to continue setup even if issues are detected.
As Apple Insiders noted, the code snippets shared do not specify the order in which the prompts will appear. However, it seems that some of the prompts are related to the initial pairing process, while others may be related to switching or changing out the optical inserts.
Regardless of order, a pairing process may be required for Apple Vision Pro to know what optical inserts are being used in order to calibrate properly. Similar to how VR headsets need to be calibrated for each individual user. Thus, it won’t be as simple as taking the headset off one person and putting it on another.
User @M1Astra has also posted other threads about code referencing Apple Vision Pro. These threads include information about the headset’s intended age range (over 13 years old) and the fact that the Spatial Persona feature is still in beta, which means it may not be included in the initial release of visionOS.
Apple’s first mixed-reality headset, the Vision Pro, will be available for purchase in early 2024. It will cost $3,499 and will be available in the United States, Canada, and select European countries.
A couple of months ago, we reviewed the Rokid Max AR glasses acted as an excellent portable monitor. Since then I’ve been pretty much inseparable from it, whether it’s movie time before bed or a busy day on a business trip. It’s almost like the best companion I’ve ever had besides my phone.
Rokid Max AR Glasses need a station
However, it’s not perfect. Here I’m not trying to say it does anything wrong as a portable screen. Actually, if just take it as a portable screen in the pocket, I almost have no complaint: it has extremely easy connectivity and operation, a well-functional companion app with contents, a lightweight design, and more. About all these incredible features you can check out the review video I attach at the corner.
But as a part of a portable entertaining solution, it doesn’t come with a built-in battery but requires the phone to power it, and it doesn’t provide content on its own. So in that video, we mentioned that Rokid was bringing the Rokid station to global users, and we did super anticipate the powerful station. It should be able to work just as well as a compact TV box with a dedicated software system that is installed with multiple content platforms. And most importantly, it comes with a built-in battery for true portability!
So, a portable monitor in one pocket, with a portable TV Box in another pocket, is definitely the perfect solution as I can imagine.
Rokid Station Design
And now we finally can introduce the global variant of the Rokid Station to you guys. As you can see, it’s a pretty small device. It allows you to truly have the Android TV in your pocket.
I’m pretty sure that the Rokid Station is the most compact multimedia box that I’ve ever seen before. What’s impressive at first glance is the smooth design, which makes it perfect for holding and operating in a single hand. And the smooth curves with the slim body are greatly suited to any kind of storage, either in a backpack, handbag, or just in a jean pocket.
Inside the package, apart from the Rokid Station unit, you shall find a USB-A to -C cable for charging, a micro HDMI to USB-C cable for glasses connection, and of course, a user manual. And there’s a remote control powered by Bluetooth. But since we already have the Rokid Station with all the main buttons, there’s no problem if we keep it in the box. But probably when we cast the station to a standalone TV or monitor, the remote control might be helpful if we want to keep the station connected for power.
The Rokid Station looks more like a remote control of a smart TV and is even smaller in size, supporting Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connection. There’re 4 direction buttons with an enter key in the center and 4 more functional keys below. The power button and charging indicator are on the right, and the volume control is on the left, which feels like what a smartphone provides. The perfect size control makes all of these buttons easily reachable. And there’s tactile feedback when pressed, so generally you wouldn’t have to take off the glasses to find certain buttons while streaming content on the glasses. It definitely solves one of the biggest discomforts that I had when using the Rokid Max glasses with my phone, where sometimes I have to view down to my phone and confirm the operation unless I get into the AR mode.
At the bottom, there’re a couple of ports. A USB-C port for charging the Station’s 5000mAh battery, while the micro-HDMI port allows users to cast content to the glasses.
Android TV 12 OS & Software
The Rokid Station is a handheld portable Android TV box running Android TV 12. It’s extremely easy to set up the station with Google accounts, and you can select any available apps that you used to install on other devices. Based on its great portability, I think Android TV is the best option out of all the TV software. You can freely move to most areas of the world and enjoy the widest range of good software experiences offered by Google. For example, I can install amazon prime video, apple TV+, Disney+, ESPN, HBO Max, or the powerful Plex TV to manage cross-platform media content. All of them are available on GooglePlay Store.
But it’s a bit strange that the Rokid Station doesn’t support Netflix due to certification issue. So please note that if you are coming for a Netflix-ready device, the Rokid Station might not meet your needs. But you can still go for the Rokid Max glasses. With a phone that’s certificated by Netflix, the Rokid App also offers a great visual experience over watching Netflix content with the AR glasses.
Rokid Station + Rokid AR Glasses
The visual experience is quite stunning with the Rokid Station. With the Station connected, you can still maximize the 120Hz refresh rate and 1080P resolution of the Max Glasses. Operation and animation in eyes are smooth and responsive. And the wide color coverage of 106% sRGB also presents vivid images at all times that we might be not able to enjoy with most of our displays in life. It’s right in front of your eyes, stretched out on a nearly 200-inch screen at about 5m away.
The connection between the Glasses and the station is also perfect with a single cable. And in order to keep you free from the cable, its USB-C end is particularly designed to be curved. So even when I lied down, the glasses side with the cable didn’t cause any discomfort. And the combination of the Max glasses and the station has replaced my TV as my best companion before falling asleep.
Hardware Support
Now let’s check out the station’s hardware supports. It’s powered by a 64-bit Quad-core ARM CPU with 2GB Ram and 32GB Rom. Apart from the space occupied by the system. It still has about 24GB of local storage for app data and local media content.
How to expand storage & Install third-party apps
Well, the 32GB of storage without expandable storage is not generous for a media console, but thanks to the powerful GooglePlay Store on Android, I highly recommend you set up a private could storage or a private NAS solution, and install the corresponding management app on the Rokid Station, then you will get a portable TV Box with online private storage. You can not only pre-download your favorite media locally on the station while connected to the network but also find any available APK file beyond GooglePlay to install into the Station.
Separated TV Box for any displays and monitors
In addition to connecting directly to the glasses, it can also be used as a separate TV box with other displays. Even though I think the station+glasses combo is the best way to use it, you can still get a decent viewing experience on other displays. Of course, if your monitor supports USB-C video signal input, it all comes in handy. And it can also be a wonderful medium device to help you cast your phone’s screen to Rokid AR Glasses or other connected displays via Chromecast. So when you need to check out something on the phone screen while watching films with the station, it can switch the source seamlessly with just one click on your phone.
5000mAh Built-in Battery & Reverse charge
The battery life is also a surprise. The 5000mAh battery could power both the station and Rokid Max glasses for almost 5-hour use without recharging, which is far more energy efficient than watching TV at home. Furthermore, the visual experience presented by the Rokid Max glasses is even better than that of a 100-inch TV. And what’s crazy is that it can even work as a power bank that reversely charges other devices.
Verdict
So that’s all the important detail that we found on the Rokid Station. With the Rokid combo, I could watch movies, web series, and reviewed our creations in the waiting room, on the airplane, on a road trip, on the bed, and anywhere else. It is just like a perfect personal entertainment hub with a decent display, perfect for protecting your privacy and not disturbing others as well. So personally I think the combo could be a great investment and might be something that could inspire your life.
Rokid Station + Rokid Max Combo is available for pre-order now, check it out here and grab $20 OFF using code: GCROKID20OFF
The Sony Xperia 5 V has finally been launched. The device is the company’s latest flagship-grade smartphone, which features top-notch specs and features whilst offering a compact form factor. So here are all the details regarding its specs, pricing, and more.
Sony Xperia 5 V: Design & Display
The Japanese tech giant has just unveiled its second flagship smartphone for 2023. The Xperia 1 V dropped earlier this year, and now we have a slightly watered-down version of this device with the Xperia 5 V model. The compact smartphone measures 154 x 68 x 8.6 mm and weighs just under 180 grams.
In other words, it has gained 11 grams and is slightly thicker (2mm) than its predecessor. The rear retains a glass panel. The front sports a 6.1-inch OLED display that features an FHD+ resolution, a 21:9 aspect ratio, and a 120Hz refresh rate. This panel supports HDR as well. Unfortunately, it doesn’t feature an LTPO panel and only supports 120Hz or 60Hz refresh rates.
Sony Xperia 5 V: Specs & Camera
Under the hood, the device is equipped with the powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC that is paired with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, which can be further expanded via a microSD card slot. A large 5,000mAh battery pack powers this device, which supports 30W wired fast charging and 18W wireless fast charging speeds. Other notable features include IP68 water and dust resistance, Corning’s Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the front and back, LDAC and Hi-Res Audio support, full-stage stereo speakers, and Android 13 OS out of the box.
For optics, the Xperia 5 V features the same primary sensor as the Xperia 1 V. So buyers will find a 48-megapixel sensor that has a 1/1.35-inch optical format, a 24 mm equivalent focal length, OIS (Optical Image Stabilization), and autofocus support. Notably, the primary camera is the 52-megapixel Exmore T Main sensor, which has an effective 48-megapixel resolution. By default, the camera will capture 12-megapixel 24mm shots.
Sony also claims that the primary sensor can also offer 2x optical zoom. This camera is paired with a 12-megapixel ultra wide angle lens that has a 16mm focal length. It appears to be the same sensor used in last year’s Xperia 5 IV, which means it also offers dual-pixel autofocus. Meanwhile, the front also retains the Xperia 1 V’s 12-megapixel selfie shooter.
Sony Xperia 5 V: Pricing & Availability
Sony has announced the Xperia 5 V compact flagship phone in three color options. This includes Black, Blue, and Platinum Silver variants. The exact release date for this device is still unclear, but the device will likely be available from late September 2023. It will carry a price tag of 999 Euros.
Earlier this year, we reported that the Samsung W24 and W24 Flip were spotted on the 3C certification website. It was previously speculated that these smartphones would be launched in October. However, this year, Samsung has confirmed that it will hold the Samsung W series launch conference on September 15. Let’s check out the post.
According to a recent post on Weibo, Samsung Galaxy has officially confirmed that the Samsung W series will be announced on September 15. For those unaware, the Samsung W24 and W24 Flip are said to be rebranded versions of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5, respectively. This W series will likely have similar specifications as the Z Fold 5 and Z Flip 5. Aside from the powerful specifications, the series has been in the news for its premium designs. It is also worth adding that the company, in partnership with China Telecom, has used the profits from the series for charity.
For those wondering what the hype is about the new model, we can check out the Galaxy Z Fold 5 specifications.
Galaxy Z Fold 5 Specifications
The Galaxy Z Fold 5 has a 7.6-inch display with an 1812 x 2176 pixels resolution. Under the hood, the device is powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 octa-core processor with 12GB RAM. This smartphone has three available storage options: 256GB, 512GB, and 1 TB. It operates on an Android 13 operating system accompanied by a 4400mAh battery.
Lastly, the Fold 5 comes with a rear triple camera setup having 50MP (wide), 10MP (Telephoto), and 12MP(ultrawide), while on the front, it is equipped with a 4MP(wide) and the cover camera is 10MP (wide).
Motorola has just unveiled its new lower-midrange smartphone in the Indian market called the Moto G84 5G. The device has many things going for it like a sleek and attractive design, eye-catching Pantone curated colors, and the fact that it only has one variant with 12GB RAM and 256GB storage. Let’s delve into the details.
Moto G84 specs
The Moto G84 5G comes with a 6.55-inch FHD+ pOLED display that has a fast 120Hz refresh rate and can get very bright at up to 1300 nits. It’s powered by a Snapdragon 695 processor with 12GB of LPDDR4x RAM and 256GB UFS 2.2 of storage, which can be expanded up to 1TB with a microSD card. It has a hybrid SIM slot, meaning you can use two SIM cards at a time or a SIM card and a microSD card.
This phone runs on Android 13 with My UX, providing a smooth and customizable experience. It has a 50MP rear camera with optical image stabilization (OIS) and an 8MP ultra-wide camera. On the front, there’s a 16MP camera for selfies. For security, it offers an under-display fingerprint sensor.
This phone supports 5G connectivity with 14 different 5G bands, as well as dual 4G VoLTE. It has Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 5.1, GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, USB Type-C, and NFC. Powering all this is a 5000mAh battery, and it supports 30W turbocharging to quickly top up your battery.
For audio, it has a 3.5mm audio jack, stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos support, and dual microphones. The Moto G84 5G is water-resistant with an IP54 rating, meaning it can handle a bit of water and dust. It’s relatively slim and lightweight, measuring 160 x 74.4 x 7.6mm and weighing 168.3g (Vegan Leather) or 166.8g (PMMA).
Pricing & availability
The Moto G84 5G, with its 12GB RAM and 256GB storage configuration, carries a price tag of Rs. 19,999. The phone comes in three color options: Marshmallow Blue, Midnight Blue, and Viva Magenta. It will be up for purchase on Flipkart starting September 8th. Additionally, there’s an initial offer of an instant discount of Rs. 1000 when using an ICICI Bank Credit card for the purchase.
The latest gaming handheld in the market is from Lenovo and it will take on the likes of the Steam Deck and ASUS ROG Ally. The company’s first handheld gaming console is dubbed the Legion Go, so let’s have a look at its specs, design, and pricing.
Lenovo Legion Go: Design & Display
The Lenovo Legion Go features detachable controllers that are housed on opposite ends of the display. Meanwhile, the rear features a built-in kickstand. There are various notable aspects regarding the controllers. They feature hall effect sticks to eliminate the infamous joystick drift issue and minimize dead zones while improving accuracy. Furthermore, the bottom of the right controller even features an optical sensor that enables it to act like a mouse for better precision in FPS titles.
The Legion Go features fully customizable controllers and you can even change the RGB lighting on the joysticks with the Legion Space software. Buyers can even customize settings and key mapping per game. On the front, the handheld sports a tall 8.8-inch PureSight display that has a 2,560 x 1,600 resolution, 16:10 aspect ratio, 500 nits of peak brightness, 97.3 percent DCI-P3 color gamut, and a 144Hz refresh rate. This is much higher than the 60Hz 7-inch LCD screen on the Steam Deck which only has a 1,600 x 800 resolution.
Lenovo Legion Go: Specifications
Under the hood, Lenovo’s first-ever gaming handheld features the AMD Ryzen Z1 and Ryzen Z1 Extreme, which are the same processors that power the ASUS ROG Ally. These chipsets are paired with 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB of PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 storage. Similar to the ROG Ally, it also runs on Windows 11, so the device is basically a portable handheld gaming PC.
The handheld is powered by a 49.2Wh battery pack, which is the average battery size of a gaming laptop and is 19 percent larger than both the Steam Deck and ASUS ROG Ally. Lenovo claims that the device can charge to 70 percent in just 30 minutes thanks to its 65W fast charging support. Notably, the individual controllers also house a 900mAh battery pack.
The Legion Go has a max TGP of 25W. You can enable this by heading using Custom Mode in the Legion Space software. On the other hand, Quiet Mode lowers the TGP significantly and even limits the fan noise of the device to just 25 decibels. Other notable features include a 3.5mm headphone jack, a microSD card slot for memory expansion, and two USB-Type C ports.
Lenovo Legion Go: Pricing & Availability
The Chinese tech giant’s gaming handheld has a starting price tag of 699 US Dollars. However, the brand hasn’t revealed the pricing for any of the other storage configurations. But we can expect the Ryzen Z1 Extreme to carry a higher price tag. It will be available for purchase in late October 2023, from the official Lenovo website and major retailers.
Like other Chinese smartphone brands, Meizu also seems to be working on its next flagship series, the Meizu 21. The lineup may include at least two models, such as the Meizu M21 and M21 Pro. A recent Weibo post by popular tipster Digital Chat Station revealed key details about the launch and design of the Meizu 21 series.
Meizu 21 series key details tipped
Meizu 20
Meizu has built a reputation for launching smartphones with impressive designs. A recent report claimed that the upcoming Meizu 21 series’ design will be a refined version of what was made available on the Meizu 20 lineup. As revealed by DCS, a notable addition to the phone’s rear design is an RGB ring LED flash. However, its specific function remains undisclosed. It is possible that this LED flash could illuminate in varying colors to signal different types of notifications.
The Meizu 20 and 20 Pro are powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip. The Meizu 21 series is expected to feature the more powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, which will debut in October this year. Other reports have claimed that the Meizu 21 and Meizu 21 Pro will be equipped with a flat display and an OIS-enabled 50-megapixel primary camera. The Pro model is also rumored to feature a pericope telephoto camera.
The new leak also claims that the Meizu 21 series will launch earlier than its predecessor. To recall, the Meizu 20 series was announced at the end of March this year and was available for purchase in April. There is a possibility that the Meizu 21 series may launch a bit earlier, in the first quarter of 2024.
In related news, Meizu is also said to be working on the Flyme Auto software for vehicles. The Flyme Auto, which is based on Flyme OS 10, is expected to power the Geely car’s infotainment systems in 2024.
The Infinix Zero 30 5G is all set to be officially launched today for the global market. In India, the device will be announced tomorrow. Ahead of the launch, the company has already revealed its specifications and design. It will only confirm the price and sale date of the Zero 30 5G for the Indian market tomorrow. However, an image that is now doing the rounds on social media platforms has revealed the price of the device before its official announcement.
It seems that a commercial for the Infinix Zero 30 5G that aired on Disney+ Hotstar during the recent Asia Cup event revealed its price. The commercial showed that the phone will be priced at Rs 21,999 (~$266). The recent social media posts from the brand suggest that the Zero 30 5G will be stacked against the iQOO Z7 Pro 5G, which debuted recently with a starting price of Rs 23,999 (~$290) in India.
Infinix Zero 30 5G specifications
The Infinix Zero 30 5G will arrive in a single configuration that offers 12 GB of RAM and 256 GB of UFS 3.1 storage. The device is equipped with the Dimensity 8020 chipset and a 5,000mAh battery that supports 68W fast charging.
The Zero 30 5G has a 50-megapixel selfie camera, which will be capable of shooting 60fps 4K videos. The back panel of the device has an OIS-assisted 108-megapixel primary camera, a 13-megapixel ultra-wide lens, an AI lens, and a quad-LED flash. The phone runs on Android 13 OS and XOS 13.
The Zero 30 5G has a 6.78-inch curved-edge AMOLED screen that offers an FHD+ resolution, a 144Hz refresh rate, up to 950 nits of brightness, an in-screen fingerprint scanner, and Gorilla Glass protection. The phone will arrive in Rome Green (vegan leather back) and Golden Hour (glass back).
The Indian smartphone market is no longer the same as it was before the pandemic. The market has been declining for the last few quarters after a short period of growth caused by pent-up demand following the lockdowns.
The slowdown in the market is primarily associated with the poor sales of budget handsets. Popular budget devices that once used to cost below ₹20,000 now fall under the sub-₹30,000 category. The most obvious one is the Redmi Note lineup, which is considered the king of budget smartphones.
The 2023 Redmi Note 12 Pro models are way more expensive than their predecessors, as they now start at ₹23,999. Their prime competitor, the Realme 11 Pro series, also costs the same.
Now, the Indian market has a new competitor in this segment, the OnePlus Nord CE 3. The brand sent me a unit of the handset to try it out.
Having already used the aforementioned Xiaomi and Realme devices, I can say that OnePlus’ approach to capitalizing its position in the market is laudable. Here’s what I feel about this product.
Positioning of the product
The OnePlus Nord CE 3 arrives in 8GB + 128GB and 12GB + 256GB memory configurations in India. These variants are priced at ₹26,999and ₹28,999, respectively.
It is positioned between the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite and the OnePlus Nord 3 in the brand’s own lineup. Similarly, the device sits comfortably between its competitors as well.
The mid-range segment in India is dominated by handsets from Xiaomi and Realme. The Redmi Note 12 Pro and Realme 11 Pro fall under ₹25,000, while the ‘Pro Plus’ versions of these phones are priced around ₹30,000.
While there are devices from other brands, these two lineups stand out for consumers because of the familiarity of Redmi Note and Realme number series brandings.
The Nord CE 3’s smart price tag puts it between the pro and pro plus models of the aforementioned Redmi and Realme handsets. So it acts as a middle-ground.
At the same time, it also undercuts the Samsung Galaxy A34, which is yet another rival, though it starts at ₹30,999.
The phone has no special tricks
The Realme 11 Pro series has one of the best designs in its price range. It sports a faux leather back and a curved display. These two features alone make these products stand out from other phones.
On the other hand, the Redmi Note 12 Pro series has the trustworthy ‘Redmi Note’ branding. The Redmi handsets also have the best display and speakers for content consumption in their price range.
While the OnePlus Nord CE 3 has nothing special or fancy going for it. The smartphone is simple, not only in terms of looks but also in terms of its features.
I wouldn’t call this a con since that’s what a mature brand does. Look at Samsung, which now offers the same design on its entire smartphone portfolio. But the overall experience with each one of these products is different from another.
OnePlus has a premium brand image in India, and therefore, this strategy works well for the brand. The OnePlus branding overshadows the flashy designs offered by the competitors.
But it nails the basics
What makes the OnePlus Nord CE 3 special is that it just works. The design is not extravagant, but it is still eye-catching, thanks to the choice of the hero color.
The device in Aqua Surge is stunning to look at. It even ships with a matching high-quality silicone case. There’s also a pre-applied screen protector.
And unlike Samsung, OnePlus includes the required charger in the box. Thus, most buyers need not shop for accessories.
The phone neither has a curved display nor a Dolby Vision-certified panel, but the 6.7-inch FHD+ 10-bit AMOLED display is good nonetheless. I did not face any stutter in refresh rate (up to 120Hz) or 4K video playback.
The best thing about the OnePlus Nord CE 3 is that it boots cleaner software without any bloatware, which is very rare these days. You only get Google apps and first-party OnePlus applications out of the box.
The tried and tested Qualcomm Snapdragon 782G chip performs well. You won’t find problems while using day-to-day applications. Games are better optimized for this SoC compared to the MediaTek chipsets found inside competitors.
The device charges fully within half an hour. A 15-20 minute charge is enough to get you through the day, as the battery backup is excellent even with a 5G connection and excessive mobile hotspot usage.
On a full battery, you can get more than a day’s worth of juice if you don’t game. I found the Nord CE 3 to have better endurance than the Realme 11 Pro and Redmi Note 12 Pro.
Camera could have been better
The OnePlus Nord CE 3 comes with an OIS-assisted 50MP Sony IMX890 sensor. For those unaware, this is a high-end camera sensor usually found on premium and affordable premium smartphones.
I just reviewed the Oppo Reno 10 Pro Plus, which has the exact same sensor. But the image processing on that handset is way better than what you get on the Nord CE 3.
The pictures from Nord CE 3 do not feel like they were captured by the IMX890 sensor. This is likely due to the mid-range ISP.
It’s not that the camera on the smartphone is bad, it is just limited by the chip powering it. The overall performance is comparable to what you get from the competitors. So the use of the IMX890 sensor is a wasted opportunity.
Apart from the camera, I wish it had a better vibration motor. The in-hand feel of the device is good, but the haptics kill the joy, similar to the Realme 11 Pro.
Closing Remarks
The OnePlus Nord CE 3 is a well-balanced smartphone in its price range. Additionally, it has a simple design and clean software. The only product that comes close in this regard is the Samsung Galaxy A34, but it is more expensive.
The Nord CE 3 is a unique and compelling option in its segment. It caters to a broader audience and has the brand power to pull in more consumers.
In my opinion, the OnePlus Nord CE 3 is the smartphone for the masses under ₹30,000. I can recommend it to almost anyone without any second thought.
It has the potential to become the best-selling phone in its price segment, like the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite and the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite.
The rumors can now be put to rest, folks. Gearbox Software and 2K Games are about to make Nintendo Switch players very happy. Four years after its initial release, Borderlands 3 is making its grand debut on the Nintendo Switch, launching on October 6th.
The game can be purchased for $59.99 for the core game and the extras
What makes this news significant? For starters, the Borderlands saga isn’t confined to one console anymore. Known for its high-energy shoot ’em up action and quirky storytelling, the franchise has primarily been a treat for PlayStation, Xbox, and PC gamers. But now, the Switch community is also getting a seat at the table, or more aptly, a controller in the game.
Let’s talk value. The Ultimate Edition of the game doesn’t skimp out on content. For $59.99, you get the core game and a boatload of extras: six jam-packed DLCs and over 30 additional cosmetics. And if you’re worried about playing solo, don’t. The game will support both online and local co-op play, so you and your pals can loot to your heart’s content. But there’s a catch: we’re still in the dark about how the game will perform on the Switch.
Pre-orders are already open, and if you’re a fan of physical editions, places like GameStop are your go-to. Notably absent, however, is the Borderlands Collection: Pandora’s Box, which bundles together a host of Borderlands titles but won’t be coming to the Nintendo Switch.
So, is Borderlands 3 a game-changer for the Nintendo Switch? Only time will tell. What’s certain is that the game already has a strong following, and this new platform could give it an even longer lifespan. The big questions now are performance and support. Can the Nintendo Switch handle the chaos that is Borderlands 3, and will Gearbox and 2K provide the after-launch care the game deserves?
Eager fans can only wait and speculate, but one thing’s for sure: the Vault just got a little bigger, and this October, Nintendo Switch users can finally see what all the fuss is about.
Jaguar is pulling the plug on nostalgia as it gears up for an electrified future. According to an insider scoop from Autocar, a trio of futuristic electric vehicles (EVs) will roll out post-2025, with the next-generation XJ sedan at the forefront. These models are a far cry from Jaguar’s current fleet, including the outgoing I-Pace.
The range of the car will vary between 385 and 475 miles
Designed exclusively on Jaguar’s new JEA platform, the models will have nothing in common with the MLA architecture earmarked for Range Rover’s electric sibling. Gerry McGovern, the brand’s chief creative officer, emphasized, “We don’t want older-looking cars and newer-looking cars.”
Jaguar is not just focused on aesthetics. These EVs will pack a serious punch under the hood, boasting an output of at least 450 horsepower and a range between 385 and 475 miles. They also come equipped with all-wheel drive, four-wheel steering, and fast-charging capabilities, allowing a 10 to 80 percent battery top-up in just 13 minutes.
If you’re expecting to see Jaguar’s iconic leaping cat emblem on these new models, think again. The brand is opting for its name spelled out in a fresh font, in line with what Land Rover has been doing. It’s clear that Jaguar is looking forward, not backward, even removing rear windows in favor of digital mirrors.
While the four-door GT is expected to be unveiled next year, details on the release of the XJ and the Bentley Bentayga-rivaling SUV remain under wraps. However, one thing is certain: by 2025, Jaguar’s current lineup will be a thing of the past, making room for a radically modern fleet that’s focused on innovation rather than tradition.
It’s an ambitious plan, with risks and rewards. But if Jaguar pulls it off, they could set a new standard for what a luxury electric vehicle should be, both inside and out. And for Jaguar, it seems there’s no better time than the future.
Automaker Legend Alfa Romeo is bringing back an icon. While fans had their eyes set on the return of the 8C, Alfa Romeo surprised everyone by reviving the 33 Stradale. And this time, it’s not just a car; it’s an exclusive piece of art.
The car can go from 0 to 60 mph in under 3 seconds
The 33 Stradale, originally a rarity from the late 1960s, is getting a new lease on life. Unlike its predecessor, which saw only 18 models, Alfa Romeo plans to produce 33 of these gems. The catch? Each car will be individually crafted, making each one a “unique and unrepeatable work of art.”
What sets this car apart is the collaborative craftsmanship by Alfa and Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera. These aren’t assembly line machines but handcrafted masterpieces, following the bespoke body trend set by last year’s Giulia SWB Zagato.
Owners will get to add their personal touch too. How about a custom VIN number hand-picked by you? It’s all about making the car as unique as its owner, and the personalization options are practically endless.
Performance-wise, the 33 Stradale is no slouch either. It’s powered by a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 engine, putting out an impressive 620 horsepower. If electric cars are more your speed, there’s a 750 hp fully electric variant too. Whichever you choose, this car screams speed, going from 0 to 62 mph in under three seconds.
The focus isn’t just on what’s under the hood. Alfa Romeo emphasizes driving as an experience. The interior comes in two flavors: a nostalgic ‘Tributo’ and a sporty ‘Alfa Corse,’ designed to cater to the driving purists among us. The cockpit sheds unnecessary controls, encouraging drivers to, well, just drive.
The 33 Stradale proves that cars can be more than just a mode of transportation; they can be a form of expression, a work of art that brings performance and exclusivity into one exciting package. Whether you’re an art lover or a speed junkie, the new 33 Stradale offers something for everyone. But act fast; given the buzz, these 33 masterpieces are likely to be snapped up sooner rather than later.
Vivo is working on a new smartphone dubbed Vivo X100, and based on the information that’s coming out, it appears that the phone will come with an impressive set of camera sensors.
According to the latest leak from Digital Chat Station, the upcoming Vivo X100 smartphone will come with a 64-megapixel camera sensor with a periscope module.
Vivo X100 Pro+ mock render
It is said that there will be a 100mm periscope lens with a f/2.5 aperture tuned for shooting during low-light conditions. It will also have an OmniVision OV64B 64-megapixel 1/2” sensor with 0.7µm native pixels and support for 4-in-1 binning.
The company is reportedly collaborating with Zeiss and will be using Vario-Appo-Sonnar lenses on the smartphone. The primary camera sensor on the device is expected to be a customized sensor for Sony, likely to be a 53-megapixel 1/1.43” sensor.
The Vivo X100 lineup is said to have three phones in the series —X100, X100 Pro, and X100 Pro+. While the X100 and X100 Pro are expected to be available sometime around November this year, the X100 Pro+, the top-end model in the lineup, could be released early next year.
There’s also a possibility that the smartphone lineup could also come with the company’s own Vivo V3 6nm image chip along with a new Zeiss T* coating technology.
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