Roborock has announced the Zeo One washer dryer and it will be showcased at IFA 2023 Berlin. The new Roborock Zeo One supports low-temperature drying, automatic lint removal, and auto-dosing.
The Roborock Zeo One can accommodate up to 10kg of clothes and it has a 6kg drying capacity. The Zeo One washer dryer can achieve both washing and drying faster and its shortest combined cycle is 60 minutes. The washer features bacteria, stains, and pet dander removal. The dryer, on the other hand, offers AI temperature control and gentle removal of water from delicate fabrics. The machine is equipped with the innovative ZeoCycle drying technology and NTC smart sensors for temperature monitoring. The rapid monitoring helps to avoid high heat or damage to your fabrics.
The Roborock washer dryer is well suited for washing and drying woolen materials and mitigates the risk of shrinkage. It can automatically collect and remove lint after each use In addition, the smart dosing feature allows you to load the machine with detergent and softener that can last up to 30 days. The Zeo One washer-dryer has a companion mobile app that allows you to adjust the settings and set cleaning schedules. You can also view the progress of each task using the app.
The Roborock Zeo One supports voice commands to remotely control the device. It also features a child lock, power outage memory, an interior light, and software updates. The washing and drying machine will be available in black or white color options. Roborock has not provided any details yet on the release date and pricing of the Zeo One dryer washer.
Samsung‘s upcoming Galaxy A05 smartphone recently leaked with live images, revealing what it will look like. Now, the device has appeared on the Google Play Console listing revealing some key specifications.
Samsung Galaxy A05 Google Play Console Listing
The listing starts by showcasing a high-resolution image of the Galaxy A05. The device appears to feature a flat back adorned with a vertical line design pattern, along with a dual camera configuration. On the front side, there’s a notched display, and a noticeable chin at the bottom.
The listing further reveals that the Galaxy A05 will feature a MediaTek Helio G85 processor paired with 4GB RAM. Since it will be an entry-level smartphone, the chances of it having a 6GB RAM model are slim to none.
It will feature a 720 x 1600p HD+ display that will offer a pixel density of 300PPI. Lastly, the device will have an Android 13-based operating system which will be layered with Samsung’s OneUI. Looking at these specs, we are getting an improvement in the SoC department compared to the last generation. The pixel density is also slightly higher. It remains to be seen what other improvements the phone will launch with. In the meantime, check out the specs of the Samsung Galaxy A04.
Samsung Galaxy A04 specs
The Galaxy A04 boasts a 6.5-inch PLS LCD screen with an HD+ resolution of 720 x 1600 pixels and a 60Hz refresh rate. It is powered by an octa-core Helio P35 SoC, paired with 4GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage. The device features a dual-camera setup with a 50MP main camera and a 5MP front-facing camera. It supports 4G VoLTE connectivity and is equipped with a substantial 5,000mAh battery.
As the chill of winter approaches, Xiaomi’s MIJIA brand has unveiled its latest innovation, the MIJIA Graphene Baseboard Electric Heater 2. The device pushes the boundaries of home heating technology, this cutting-edge appliance promises a new level of comfort and efficiency.
Boasting a remarkable blend of power and precision, the Mijia Graphene Baseboard Electric Heater 2 stands as a testament to Xiaomi’s commitment to enhancing everyday living. With a potent 2200W high-power heating element at its core, this heater is engineered to deliver rapid and consistent warmth to your space. Thanks to its ingenious graphene-coated heating sheet, the appliance achieves unparalleled heat conduction, resulting in an astonishing 5-second startup to envelop you in cozy comfort.
One of the standout features of the Mijia Graphene Baseboard Electric Heater 2 is its unique approach to heating. Combining the principles of thermal convection with the advanced capabilities of graphene heat conduction, this appliance offers a gentle and uniform warmth without the bothersome gusts associated with traditional heaters. This innovative method not only creates a more pleasant environment but also reduces moisture loss in the air, maintaining optimal humidity levels for a healthier living space.
With its sleek curved design and elegant one-piece white body, the Mijia Graphene Baseboard Electric Heater 2 seamlessly integrates into any interior. The integrated LED screen provides intuitive control, allowing you to fine-tune temperatures between 16-28°C and set timers ranging from 1 to 12 hours. Furthermore, the heater is equipped with IPX4 waterproofing, ensuring protection from splashes and spills.
The Mijia Graphene Baseboard Electric Heater 2 doesn’t stop at just superior heating performance. It introduces the convenience of voice control through XiaoAI, app-based management via the MIJIA app, and even remote control for ultimate flexibility. Safety is a paramount consideration, as reflected in features such as overheat protection, automatic power-off when tipped over, and a child lock mechanism.
The MIJIA Graphene Baseboard Heater 2 is presently available in Jingdong (JD.com) for 399 yuan (around $55).
After launching the GIGABYTE G5 series gaming laptops last year, the brand is back with an affordable and up-to-date refresh called the GIGABYTE G5 series. The brand has announced that these laptops will come with 13th Gen Intel CPUs paired with an Nvidia RTX 4050 or 4060 GPU. More details can be found below.
GIGABYTE G6 gaming laptop specs
The top-end GIGABYTE G6 gaming laptop is powered by up to an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 graphics card and a 13th Gen Intel Core i7-13620H processor. The video card has 8GB of GDDR6 memory and the CPU can boost up to 4.9 GHz. The laptop features a 16-inch FHD+ (WUXGA) display with a high 165Hz refresh rate and a 16:10 aspect ratio.
To keep temperatures in check during intense gaming sessions, the G6 incorporates the WINDFORCE Cooling System and dual large fans. It supports dual-channel DDR5-4800 RAM and PCIe Gen 4 SSD storage.
Weighing approximately 2.3 kilograms, it’s relatively lightweight for a gaming laptop of this caliber. The laptop also features DLSS 3 upscaling technology for enhanced graphics quality and a next-generation Wi-Fi 6E for fast and stable wireless connectivity. Additionally, it includes an RJ45 Ethernet port for reliable wired networking.
It has a 15-color backlight keyboard with 2.0mm key travel and a dedicated numeric keypad. You’ll find a variety of connectivity options, including a USB 2.0 port (Type A), a USB 3.2 Gen 1 port (Type A), and two USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (Type C) for versatile peripheral connectivity. Additionally, it features a Mini DP 1.4 and an HDMI port with HDCP support for external display options. The 2-in-1 Audio Jack accommodates both headphones and microphones, while a dedicated Microphone Jack is also available. For wired networking, there’s an RJ-45 LAN port, and a DC-in jack for power input.
The laptop is equipped with a MicroSD Card Reader for expandable storage options and features two 2W speakers with microphone support. Networking options include 1GB LAN, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.2. The laptop is powered by a Lithium-Ion 54Wh battery and comes with a 150W power adapter. Pricing and availability details are currently under wraps.
The JBL Soundgear Sense TWS earbuds have been unveiled. The new earbuds come with an open design and detachable neckband. The new earbuds, together with new headphones and speakers have just been announced at IFA 2023 Berlin.
The JBL Soundgear Sense earbuds are designed to allow the user to keep tabs on environmental sound. The user can hear the world around him while enjoying music playback. The new JBL audio products include the Live 770NC and 670NC headphones and the PartyBox Ultimate party speaker. JBL is also demonstrating the new Authentics-branded smart speakers during IFA 2023. The speakers support both Alexa and Google Assistant simultaneously – a first, according to JBL.
The Soundgear Sense is equipped with ear hooks and is rated IP54 for sweat resistance. It has a detachable neckband that allows the device to be used as TWS earbuds or wireless neckband earbuds. The neckband offers extra security for the device when engaged in exercises. The Soundgear Sense’s open design is being propped as notches above the transparency modes in other models. It says the naturally open design of the earbuds provides a true connection with the outside world. The Soundgear Sense is a competitor to the Sony LinkBuds.
The JBL Soundgear Sense does not feature noise cancellation but has four microphones for enhanced calls. The earbuds deliver up to 6 hours of battery life plus 18 hours from the case. The Soundgear Sense will be available in black or white color options and can be connected to multiple devices simultaneously.
The JBL Authentics-branded smart speakers and the PartyBox Ultimate speaker will be available in the US and Europe, while the earbuds and headphones will enter the US market in 2024. The Soundgear Sense is priced at €149.99 (~$162) in Europe. The PartyBox Ultimate is priced at $1,699 and will be available first in Europe, and then in the US by October.
Jabra has just launched the Jabra Elite 8 Active earbuds catered to athletes, gym goers, and fitness enthusiasts. These earbuds are quite tough and also water and dustproof. Keep reading to learn about its features and pricing.
Jabra Elite 8 Active specs
The Jabra Elite 8 Active offers enhanced weather resistance, boasting an impressive IP68 certification. The included charging case is also IP54 certified. As per the brand, these earbuds are also MIL-STD-810h certified for toughness. With that out of the way, let’s talk about the features.
The distinguishing feature of the Elite 8 Active is its Adaptive Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology, along with its HearThrough functionality, giving you the ability to customize your music listening experience based on your surroundings.
The Elite 8 Active comes equipped with 6 mm drivers. It is compatible with Bluetooth 5.3 and provides support for AAC and SBC codecs. It incorporates Dolby spatial audio but misses out on LDAC support.
The Elite 8 Active has a great battery life. With noise cancellation on, it lasts for up to 8 hours. If you turn off noise cancellation, it can last even longer, up to 14 hours. Plus, with the charging case, you can listen for a total of up to 32 hours. Support for both wired and wireless charging is available.
Pricinig & availability
The Elite 8 Active is available in Black, Caramel, Grey, and Navy Blue color options, priced at $199.99, €199.99, and £199.99 in the US, Eurozone, and UK, respectively.
Giztop is giving a $100 discount on the OPPO Find N3 Premium Flip phone. The phone which generally retails for $1199 is now available at a discounted price of $1099 by using the exclusive coupon code: N3F100. This offer expires on September 10.
The OPPO Find N3 Flip offers a fusion of design and functionality that sets new standards. With its foldable 6.8-inch E6 AMOLED inner display, you’ll experience visuals in a new dimension. The 3.26-inch AMOLED outer display keeps you connected on the go.
Under the hood, the MTK Dimensity 9200 Octa-Core processor ensures seamless performance for all your tasks. The triple rear camera setup, featuring a 50MP, 32MP, and 48MP combination, delivers stunning photos, while the 32MP front camera captures striking selfies.
Ample power and space come together with 12GB LPDDR5X RAM and 256GB/512GB UFS 4.0 internal storage options. The 4300mAh battery keeps you powered throughout the day, and with 44W wired fast charging, you’re always close to a quick boost.
Running on ColorOS 13.2 based on Android 13, the Find N3 Flip supports Dual 5G Mode for enhanced connectivity. Upgrade your smartphone experience with the OPPO Find N3 Flip, available in Black, Purple, and Gold color options.
For more information on such exciting deals and offers, check out our deals hub.
The AYANEO Pocket Air is a Dimensity 1200 SoC-powered handheld gaming console that was unveiled back in July. The initial plans were to make it available for pre-order in July only and begin shipping in August. But with the month of August ending, the brand has revealed its refreshed timelines for the console.
According to their recent announcement, the brand will start selling the console on September 6th at 12:00 UTC. They plan to send the console to Indiegogo supporters by the end of September. Now, when it comes to the cost, AYANEO is offering an Early Bird price of $279 for the 6GB RAM + 128GB storage model. Once the early bird units run out, backers on Indiegogo will have to pay $299 for the gaming handheld.
Moreover, the Pocket Air with 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage will go for $329 (early bird), or you can get one with 12 GB of RAM and 512 GB of storage for $399 (early bird). However, it’s worth mentioning that these prices will go up by $50 once AYANEO runs out of Early Bird units.
AYANEO Pocket Air specs
The AYANEO Pocket Air features a 5.5-inch 1080P AMOLED display with wide viewing angles and an impressive color gamut range. It boasts a pixel density of 404 PPI, covering 185% sRGB color gamut volume, 109% NTSC color gamut volume, 100% DCI-P3 color gamut, and 96% Adobe RGB color gamut. Under the hood, it’s powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 1200 CPU and offers memory configurations of 6 or 8GB LPDDR5 RAM and storage options of 128 or 256GB UFS 3.1.
In terms of design, it sports an elegant Retro White color scheme and incorporates an X8-level air-cooled cooling system for efficient heat dissipation. The device is equipped with a large 7350mAh battery for extended gaming sessions. It features a Master controller for Android, a hall-sensing joystick, Hall triggers, and an X-axis linear motor for precise tactile feedback. Additionally, it comes with dual six-axis gyroscopes for accurate motion tracking.
Unique features include the SoundTap+Magic Sound Vibration System. Connectivity options comprise a full-featured USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C port, a USB Type-C charging port, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and slots for Nano-SIM and Micro SD cards. A fingerprint reader is integrated into the power key. The device measures 224 x 89.5 x 17mm and weighs 380g. It connects via Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 and supports 4G/LTE across mainstream global bands. The AYANEO Pocket Air runs on Android 12 and features a customized desktop launcher called AYA Space.
Infinix’s latest gaming-focused smartphone, the GT 10 Pro, was launched in India earlier in August to much fanfare. The handset offered solid specifications for under ₹20,000, and many were impressed with its flashy design. However, the GT 10 Pro is no longer available at its launch price. Infinix has quietly increased the price by ₹1,000.
The Infinix GT 10 Pro was launched in India for ₹19,999. The price remained the same when it first went on sale on August 10. But as of writing this, the phone is listed on Flipkart for ₹20,999. Twitter/X user Yash (@i_hsay) tipped us off about this unannounced price increase, claiming Infinix has done this before with other smartphones.
Infinix has not given a reason for the price increase. It is unusual for companies to raise the prices of their products after they have been released, but it does happen sometimes. For example, Nothing last year increased the price of Ear (1) price from $99 to $150, citing rising inflation and a weaker British pound as reasons.
In the case of the Infinix GT 10 Pro, we haven’t received any justification from the brand. The company might be trying to offset the increasing costs of components, or perhaps it’s just an attempt to maximize profit margins on the smartphone.
It’s worth noting the Rs. 1000 increase in the price does not make the Infinix GT 10 Pro a bad phone. With a 6.67-inch AMOLED screen, a 120Hz refresh rate, and a 108MP primary camera, the handset is still a good option in its price range. Not to mention, the GT 10 Pro’s Dimensity 8050 chip and flashy design make it an affordable Nothing Phone (2) alternative.
Oppo is gearing up to introduce several new devices in the Indian market over the next few weeks. The company has already made it known that the Find N3 Flip is on its way, and we’ve previously informed you about their intentions to release a fresh tablet and the Oppo A38. Tipster Mukul Sharma has said that the brand will also be debuting the Oppo Enco M33 earbuds soon.
As per a tweet by Mukul, the Oppo Enco M33 will be launching alongside the Oppo A38. The tipster earlier said that the A38 smartphone will debut in India in September only. For those unaware, the Oppo Enco M33 neckband earbuds were launched in China earlier this month. Basically, they are a rebrand of the OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2 earbuds. You can also expect them to be priced similarly to the Bullets Wireless Z2. Keep reading for the specifications and features of the Oppo Enco M33 earbuds.
Oppo Enco M33 earbuds specs
The OPPO Enco M33’s active noise cancellation can reduce ambient noise by an impressive 45dB, while the audio quality is top-notch, thanks to its sizeable 12.4mm dynamic drivers delivering Hi-Fi sound. With a playback time of up to 28 hours with ANC off or 20 hours with ANC on, it ensures extended usage. Additionally, rapid charging is a highlight, granting 20 hours of playback after just 10 minutes of charging.
The device has AI Call Noise Cancellation for improved call clarity and connects seamlessly via Bluetooth 5.2. The inline remote makes managing music and power/pairing controls convenient, and its IP55 rating ensures resistance against water and dust.
While Google has yet to release the stable Android 14 build, OnePlus went ahead and announced that its custom software skin based on the latest version of Android will launch on September 25. This means that stable OxygenOS 14 builds could start rolling out as early as next month. The new version of OxygenOS will also bring what the company calls the Trinity Engine. Here are the details.
OxygenOS 14 is scheduled to be released globally on September 25. OnePlus has not yet announced whether there will be a global event to announce the release, but the company claims that OxygenOS 14 will be one of the first operating systems based on Android 14. This release is supposed to introduce a variety of new features that are designed to improve the overall user experience.
“OnePlus has been committed to delivering a fast, smooth and steady OxygenOS to our users”, said Kinder Liu, President and COO of OnePlus, “Powered by OnePlus’ latest innovations, OxygenOS 14 will be the most intelligent and intuitive software product in OnePlus’ history.”
OnePlus’ new software skin, OxygenOS 14, will debut with Trinity Engine, a new performance platform that promotes integration between hardware and software. Trinity Engine is claimed to address “industry-wide challenges in terms of power consumption efficiency, multi-tasking capability, and sustained fast and smooth performance.”
OnePlus uses a number of terms to describe what is under the hood of Trinity Engine. These include CPU Vitalization, RAM Vitalization, ROM Vitalization, HyperBoost, HyperTouch, and HyperRendering. While we do not know exactly what these keywords represent, it is expected that Trinity Engine will boost gaming performance on phones.
UAE-based Elista has been launching decent electronic products in India recently. We previously covered their tower speakers and soundbars and the company has today launched a new HD LED Monitor in the country. The monitor brings a 21.5” IPS display that offers a Full HD 1080p resolution. It also has a sleek design with no bezels on the panel. Let’s have closer look at its specification.
The new Elista monitor, identified as ELS-V2210, has a Bezel-less front in “an ultra-slim and lightweight Splash-free design”. It offers a big 54.61 cm (21.5-inch) IPS screen with a 500000:1 Dynamic contrast ratio. The panel can produce 16.7 million colors with a Full HD 1080p (1920*1080 pixels) resolution.
Elista’s new HD LED monitor comes with VGA and HDMI inputs, making it compatible with a wide range of operating systems, including Windows, Mac, and Linux. The monitor also comes with a one-year warranty and is available through Elista’s extensive retail network of over 10,000 stores. The ELS-V2210 is claimed to feature a Flicker-Free technology that helps to reduce eye strain and fatigue, making it even more comfortable to game for extended periods of time.
The Elista ELS-V2210 FHD LED monitor is available for purchase in India with a special launch offer for just Rs. 6,999. This is a massive discount of 59% from its regular price of Rs. 15,999. You can buy it starting today from retail outlets near you.
Huawei unveiled HarmonyOS 4, the newest version of its operating system, earlier this month. The software brings notable improvements and a complete visual overhaul. The company had previously announced over 30 smartphones and tablets eligible for the HarmonyOS 4 public beta program. Now, it has added 37 more devices to the list.
The new phones and tablets added to the HarmonyOS 4 public beta program are mainly year older models. Before we list the names of the devices, note that this is not a stable update, so you may encounter bugs and issues. We recommend that you only install the HarmonyOS 4 beta on your device if you are familiar with beta releases and are willing to accept the risks.
Here’s the list of new devices eligible for the HarmonyOS 4 beta update:
Huawei Mate 40E
Huawei Mate 40E 4G
Huawei P40
Huawei P40 4G
Huawei P40 Pro
Huawei P40 Pro+
Huawei Mate Xs
Huawei Mate 30
Huawei Mate 30 5G
Huawei Mate 30 Pro
Huawei Mate 30 Pro 5G
Huawei Mate 30 RS Porsche Design
Huawei Mate 30E Pro 5G
Huawei Nova 10
Huawei Nova 10 Pro
Huawei Nova 10 SE
Huawei Nova 10 Youth Edition
Huawei Nova 9
Huawei Nova 9 Pro
Huawei Nova 9SE
Huawei Nova 8
Huawei Nova 8 Pro
Huawei nova 8 Pro 4G
Huawei Nova 7 5G
Huawei nova 7Pro 5G
Huawei Nova 6
Huawei Nova 6 5G
Huawei Enjoy 60X
Huawei Enjoy 60 Pro
Huawei Enjoy 50 Pro
Huawei MatePad Pro 11
Huawei MatePad Pro 10.8 2021
Huawei MatePad Air
Huawei MatePad 11 2023
Huawei MatePad 11
To sign up for the public beta program, open the Huawei app and go to “My Huawei > Home > Try out upgrades”. Learn more about the program and sign up with one click. After you have successfully signed up, follow the prompts on the page to go to “Software update” and download the latest version.
Oppo recently debuted the Find N3 Flip smartphone in China. Along with that, the brand also announced that the device will also be launched in regions outside of China. Now, the device has been spotted on the BIS and NBTC certification websites hinting at their imminent global launch.
Tipster Mukul Sharma has spotted the Find N3 Flip on the Bureau of Indian Standards and Indonesia’s NBTC with model number CPH2519. Although the certifications do not reveal any details regarding the specifications, they essentially confirm the upcoming launch in both of these regions.
Mukul has also said that the Oppo Find N could launch alongside a new Oppo tablet in India. We currently don’t have an exact date, but it won’t be a surprise if the brand makes an announcement regarding this in September itself. For the time being, check out the specs and features of the Find N3 Flip below.
Oppo Find N3 Flip specs
The OPPO Find N3 Flip is a clamshell foldable smartphone that comes with a 6.8-inch foldable AMOLED FHD+ 120Hz display and a 3.26-inch AMOLED cover screen. The device is equipped with a 32-megapixel selfie camera and three rear cameras: a 50-megapixel main camera, a 48-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and a 32-megapixel telephoto camera with 2x optical zoom.
The phone runs on ColorOS 13.2-based Android 13 and is powered by the Dimensity 9200 chipset. It has 12 GB of LPDDR5x RAM and comes with either 256 GB or 512 GB of UFS 4.0 storage. The device is backed by a 4,300mAh battery that supports 44W fast charging. Additionally, it features a side-facing fingerprint scanner for biometric authentication.
Oppo has announced that users of the Reno 9 Pro Plus will also be able to participate in the ColorOS x Android 14 beta program, but only in China. The beta program was initially only available for the Find X6 Pro, OnePlus 11, and Reno 9 Pro. However, Oppo has now decided to include the Reno 9 Pro Plus on the roster.
The ColorOS x Android 14 beta program allows users to try out the latest version of Oppo’s custom Android skin ahead of its official release. The beta program is currently available in China, but Oppo may expand it to other regions in the future. If you are a user of the Reno 9 Pro Plus in China and would like to participate in the ColorOS x Android 14 beta program, you can sign up for it from your device’s settings. Please note that the beta program is only available for a limited time and that your device may experience some bugs.
Oppo reminds users to back up their important personal data before upgrading to Android 14. This helps to prevent any potential data loss that may occur due to compatibility issues or other problems that may arise after the upgrade. It is important to keep in mind that some popular third-party apps may not be compatible with Android 14. If you rely heavily on these apps, it is a good idea to be cautious when upgrading.
There is no news yet on when Oppo will announce its latest software skin, ColorOS 14. Android 14 is expected to launch in late September, so we can expect Oppo to start teasing its custom skin soon.
Sony recently announced the PlayStation Portal gaming device. It is basically a handheld device that allows you to play your favorite PlayStation 5 titles on the go. But the new product wasn’t well received and raised many questions.
So let’s have a look at what the PlayStation Portal is meant to be and why its existence doesn’t make much sense.
Sony PlayStation Portal: What the brand envisioned
PS Portal
The PlayStation Portal was built to be Sony’s first dedicated Remote Play device. The idea was that you could simply carry this handheld device and play exclusive AAA titles from anywhere in the world, as long as you have a stable WiFi connection on this device as well as your PS5. But for $200, even PlayStation fans are divided over the PS Portal. To put it simply, the handheld has an 8-inch display sandwiched between a DualSense controller. Unlike the Razer Kishi and Logitech G Cloud, which support game streaming services, the PS Portal is one of a kind as it only runs with your PS5.
This makes it quite different from existing handheld consoles in the market.
How is it different from handheld gaming consoles?
ROG Ally
The Nintendo Switch, ASUS ROG Ally, and Steam Deck are perfect examples of gaming handheld consoles. These are full-fledged, standalone portable consoles that do not require another dedicated machine to run games. Thanks to beefier specs, handheld gaming consoles can run AAA titles while retaining their portable form factor.
Although portability does come at the cost of performance, this is where the PS Portal stands out since it is more of an accessory to enhance your PS5 experience because it only runs with the console’s Remote Play feature.
The choice to limit the Portal’s functionality opens up a lot of questions. In fact, given that your smartphone can be a possible alternative to this, you could argue that the Portal is flawed.
Why the PlayStation Portal doesn’t make sense?
There are many reasons why this device is receiving backlash online, but let’s focus on three specific points:
First of all, the functionality the PS Portal offers is already pretty accessible. If you have an Android smartphone or tablet, a Windows PC, a Mac, an iPhone, or even an iPad. You can enable Remote Play on your PS5 and get a similar experience. To make matters worse, Sony also sells the $100 PS Backbone, which ditches the screen and replaces it with your smartphone, meaning you get a collapsible controller, which is more portable than a full-size DualSense controller.
PS BackBone
Secondly, many fans were confused over why the new handheld doesn’t feature support for PlayStation Plus. The online games library service is available on the PS5, so it would make sense that you could run games from the subscription on the Portal as well. Unfortunately, gamers are locked into only playing titles that are locally installed on their PlayStation 5.
PS Elite Wireless Headphones
Lastly, the PlayStation Portal received significant criticism for bringing what many consider an anti-consumer design choice on the handheld. This device uses PlayStation Link, which is a proprietary wireless connection for Sony’s latest PlayStation audio accessories. In other words, the PlayStation Elite headphones and PlayStation Explore earbuds. So Sony is locking you into getting either one of these devices which cost over a hundred dollars, rather than allowing basic Bluetooth connectivity. Fortunately, a 3.5mm audio jack is available, so at least a wired connection is possible with regular earphones.
But is there anything that could make the Portal better value?
Sony should expand the Portal’s functionality
A simple price cut won’t raise the appeal of this handheld, as Sony already sells the DualSense Edge controller for around the same price. The handheld will still see demand from a small group of consumers, which includes gamers who don’t wish to use their smartphones for gaming. The Portal can be made more appealing by adding support for PlayStation Plus. This feature may be added later down the road. However, there’s also a chance that Sony’s upcoming Project Chronos (next-gen 4K game streaming service) will be supported after it’s announced. This can help boost demand for the product as well.
Apart from this, newer iterations of the PlayStation Portal featuring Bluetooth connectivity would help make the device more attractive to many. These two methods might have the most immediate impact, but Sony can likely make many more improvements to appeal to a broader audience that tends to prefer gaming with portability.
With the recent launch of various handheld consoles and the massive success of the Nintendo Switch, it is clear that the console market has great potential in this segment.
Earlier, we covered that Google is holding its next event on October 4 in New York. The company will likely announce the Google Pixel 8 series at this event. As the launch date draws near, the Google Pixel 8 and Google Pixel 8 Pro have appeared on the FCC’s list for approval.
According to a recent report by 9to5google, both devices have appeared for approval by the FCC with the model numbers GPJ41, G9BQD, GZPF0, G1MNW, and GKWS6. The G1MNW is said to be the Google Pixel 8 Pro model number, and the other four model numbers are likely the standard Pixel 8. The listing confirms that these phones will have support for Bluetooth, Wi-Fi 6E, Sub6, and mmWave 5G. For those wondering what the hype is all about, the specifications of the Pixel 8 are provided below:
Google Pixel 8 Specifications
The Google Pixel 8 is rumored to have a 6.7-inch OLED display with a 2992 x 1344 pixel resolution powered by Google’s self-developed Tensor G3 chip. The device will be equipped with a 50 MP rear camera and a 64 MP IMX787 (ultra-wide-angle lens). This smartphone is said to arrive with two available storage options, 128GB and 256 GB.
Lastly, earlier reports suggest that the Google Pixel 8 will introduce a new interesting feature called “Audio Magic Erase.” This feature allows users to remove background noise from videos.
In related news, the Google Pixel Watch 2 has also appeared in the FCC listing, with a few more features about the Pixel Watch 2. The full report can be found on our website by checking out this story.
Earlier today, Sony released the monthly PlayStation Plus games for September. Now, fans of the subscription service are in for bad news. The Japanese brand issued a statement that it has raised its prices for annual PS Plus subscription across all tiers that was introduced last year. For those unaware, Sony’s PS Plus subscription is similar to Microsoft Xbox’s Game Pass which offers free games to download every month during the membership duration. There are also other benefits like exclusive discounts, cloud saves, and online multiplayer access.
Sony PS Plus subscriptions gets price hike
Sony did not explicitly reveal the reason for increasing the prices of the PlayStation Plus subscriptions. The company added that it will be implemented globally and enable them to continue offering high-quality games and value-added benefits to the service. The newly revised prices of the PS Plus subscription will come into effect from September 6. Current PS Plus subscribers won’t be affected due to the price hike until their next renewal date which occurs on or after November 6. However, any modifications to the membership such as upgrades, downgrades, or buying additional time will be reflected in the new prices.
PlayStation Plus is a membership service that is necessary for online play on the PS4 and PS5 consoles. It is offered in three tiers namely Essential, Extra, and Deluxe. All three categories have received a price hike. The price of the 12-month Essential subscription that gives three games monthly has increased from $60 to $80. The PS Plus Extra offers similar benefits as the Essential tier, however, along with access to a large range of PS4 and PS5 titles. Its price has been hiked from $100 to $135. Lastly, the PS Plus Deluxe which is the most premium tier is becoming expensive from $120 to $160. It incorporates all the benefits of essential and extra tiers while also offering access to catalog of PS1, PS2, PS3, and PSP. It’s worth noting that the revised prices vary from region to region.
Despite the price hike of the annual PlayStation Plus subscriptions, all tiers are still cheaper than purchasing one-month or three-month memberships over a 12-month period. Regardless, the increased prices of the PS Plus have not been well received by the fans. Hopefully, Sony will provide access to better monthly games for subscribers.
Earlier this month, a tipster revealed that Google will make it mandatory for all brands to comply with hardware quality standards for foldable phones. This is to ensure that the devices which are commonly expensive last a long period for the user. Brands often rate the number of folds on their devices. OnePlus whose first-ever foldable phone has been confirmed without any exact launch date has been doing the rounds on the rumor mill for the last few months. Now a tipster has revealed new details about the device.
OnePlus Open hinge lifespan tipped
#OnePlusOpen has apparently been put through a lot of testing. You can open and close it for at least 400.000 times which is equivalent to like 100 folds a day for up to 10 years
A hinge mechanism is the core of any foldable phone as it allows the device to be open and folded. As per a previous report, search giant Google will require all foldable phones to last at least 200,000 folds and unfolds which is in line with what Samsung claims for their Galaxy Z devices. Meanwhile, OPPO touts that their devices have a lifespan of 400,000 folds.
In a new development, tipster Max Jambor reveals that the OnePlus Open has undergone a lot of testing. He added that the device will have a fold lifecycle of 400,000 times. This is equivalent to 100 folds a day for a period of 10 years. It ensures that the device will last for a long time which is great news for those who buy it. Unfortunately, the rated number does not guarantee the durability of the foldable phone, neither there is any official revelation from OnePlus.
The OnePlus Open is confirmed to debut in the third quarter of this year, hence we can expect it to launch in September. As per leaked renders, it will have a compact form factor, a wider aspect ratio, and a bigger protruding circular camera module on the rear. The foldable phone is rumored to come with a periscope camera lens, quad speakers, and an alert slider. As for the core specifications, the OnePlus Open will reportedly have a 7.8-inch 2K internal display with 120Hz refresh rate. It is tipped to be powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC paired with 16GB RAM and 256GB storage. The device is expected to be backed by a 4,800mAh battery unit with support for 67W fast charging.
Philips Hue continues to expand its product range. If you’re not familiar, Hue is a line of smart light bulbs and accessories that can be controlled wirelessly using a smartphone, tablet, or voice commands. The bulbs come in various colors and styles, allowing you to create different moods and atmospheres in your home. However, the company has surprised everyone with its latest addition: Philips Hue now includes smart cameras and sensors with Hue Secure line. Here are the details…
Philips Hue Line Gains Smart Cameras and Sensors
Today, Philips introduced the newest addition to their Hue family, known as Secure Cameras and Sensors. The Philips Hue Secure line features a variety of devices, including a wired camera, a battery-powered camera, a floodlight camera, and contact sensors. All of these cameras are capable of recording in 1080p resolution and come with night vision and motion detection functionalities.
The cameras also support two-way communication, allowing you to talk to someone who is at your door. In addition to the cameras, the Philips Hue Secure line also includes contact sensors. These sensors can be placed on doors and windows to detect when they are opened or closed. The sensors can be used to trigger alarms, or to automate other smart home devices, such as lights or locks.
Price & Availability
The Philips Hue Secure line is scheduled to be released in the fall of 2023. The wired camera will be priced at $200, or $230 with a desktop stand. The battery-powered camera will cost $250, while the Floodlight Camera will cost $350. Contact sensors are priced at $40 for one or $70 for a two-pack.
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