BYD set to acquire Jabil’s mobile electronics manufacturing business in Multi-Billion dollar deal

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Aug 28, 2023

Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD’s electronics unit has announced a significant move in the tech industry. In a strategic maneuver, the unit is set to acquire the mobile electronics manufacturing business of U.S.-based company Jabil Inc. The deal, valued at $2.2 billion, is expected to fortify BYD Electronic’s position by expanding its customer base, diversifying its product portfolio, and strengthening its foothold in the smartphone components sector.

The acquisition comes as BYD aims to tap into the burgeoning growth potential of the tech sector, particularly in the realm of mobile electronics. Jabil’s Singapore division, known for its manufacturing prowess, will relinquish its mobility business in China under the agreement.

The move is projected to yield mutual benefits. For BYD Electronic, the integration of Jabil’s mobile electronics manufacturing business aligns with its strategy to bolster its market share and overall competitiveness. By extending its product offerings, the Chinese company anticipates sustained growth and development. The details of the acquisition remain confidential, as stated in the official exchange filing.

Jabil Inc., on the other hand, sees the deal as an opportunity to reshape its investment focus. Upon the successful completion of the agreement, the U.S.-based manufacturer plans to channel the resulting capital gains into various high-potential sectors. CEO Kenny Wilson emphasized that if the deal is finalized, it will empower the company to reinforce its capital structure that places shareholders at the center. This includes the possibility of incremental share buybacks, reflecting Jabil’s commitment to its investors.

Furthermore, the agreement is poised to unlock avenues for Jabil’s diversified investment strategy. The infusion of capital from the deal is envisioned to facilitate expansions into several high-potential sectors. These encompass not only the electric vehicle realm but also extend to renewable energy, healthcare, AI cloud data centers, and various other end-markets, according to Wilson.

Jabil Circuit’s operations span across a spectrum of industries including healthcare, telecommunications, and computing, with a focus on driving supply chain intelligence. The company’s mission, as detailed on its website, underscores its role as a collaborator with a wide array of enterprises in various sectors, aiming to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of supply chain operations.

The transaction emphasizes BYD’s commitment to innovation and market expansion. As the global tech industry evolves at a rapid pace, strategic acquisitions like this one are instrumental in securing competitive advantages and adapting to changing consumer demands. The acquisition is anticipated to pave the way for a synergistic partnership that propels both companies toward sustained growth in their respective domains.

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Asus ROG Phone 8 series might have appeared on IMEI with Snapdragon 8 Gen 3

By

Anurag

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Aug 28, 2023

The ROG Phone 7 series made its global debut earlier this year in April. The Asus phones packed bleeding edge hardware, headlined by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, an E4 AMOLED display, and a large 6000mAh battery. While We are still many months away from the Asus ROG Phone 8 lineup, the gaming phones have made their first online appearance on the IMEI database. The new phones should be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor.

GSMChina has spotted the possible Asus ROG Phone 8 series on the IMEI database. The new lineup could have three phones— ROG Phone 8, ROG Phone 8 Pro, and ROG Phone 8 Ultimate. While the database did not reveal any specifications of the phones, we do get to learn their model numbers. This could help in spotting the phones in other databases.

The publication notes the vanilla Asus ROG Phone 8 and the ROG Phone 8 Ultimate have the model number AI2401_A for the global market. The model number AI2401_C is said to represent versions of ROG Phone 8 and Ultimate models that will be sold in China or India. Lastly, the ROG Phone 8 Pro is identified by the model number AI2401_E.

The new gaming phones are expected to launch sometime next year, likely in the first quarter. Similar to their predecessors, the ROG Phone 8 models are expected to feature the latest Qualcomm flagship processor, which will be the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. These phones may also come equipped with gaming-centric features, such as AirTrigger ultrasonic air shoulder controls that support gestures like dual actions, press and lift, and gyroscope aiming.

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Apple-1 Ad Written by Steve Jobs Becomes Most Expensive Piece of Paper Ever Sold

By

Oğuz Çakır

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Aug 28, 2023

Steve Jobs and Apple are undoubtedly one of the most iconic duos in the history of technology. Jobs founded the company in 1976 and was in charge for nine years until 1985. Although the final years of this period were marked by financial struggles, many important ideas for new products started back then. hat’s why items from this time are seen as very valuable and are often sold for a lot of money at auctions. For example, we previously mentioned that a rare, sealed first-generation iPhone with 4GB storage sold for a record-breaking price at an auction. Now, an Apple-1 advertisement written by Steve Jobs has sold for $175,759 at an auction.

Handwritten Apple-1 Ad Offers a Glimpse into Steve Jobs’ Vision for the Future of Personal Computing

Steve Jobs was a highly influential figure in Apple‘s early days. Moreover, many people he worked with said he liked to control “everything” and he played a significant role in various aspects of a product’s. Believe it or not, he was also involved in advertising. Even though he had never done it before, he often made big decisions about ads. He even wrote the ad for the first Apple computer in 1976. Now, that ad has been sold for over $175,000 at an auction.

The ad is dated March 1976, just a few months before the Apple-1 was first released. It is written on a piece of notebook paper and is filled with technical specifications for the computer, as well as Jobs’ thoughts on its potential.The ad begins by describing the Apple-1 as “a complete computer on a single circuit board.” It then goes on to list the computer’s features, including 8K of RAM, a built-in keyboard, and a video output that can be connected to a television.

The ad also emphasizes the Apple-1’s affordability. Jobs writes that the computer is “a real deal” and that it is “Board only + manual.” The sale of the ad for over $175,000 is a testament to its historical significance. It is a rare and valuable artifact that will be cherished by collectors and historians for years to come.

What do you think of the handwritten Apple-1 ad? Would you pay $175,000 for it? Don’t forget to share your views with us.

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Lenovo Xiaoxin Pad Pro 12.7’s Xizi Green variant up for pre-sale in China, pricing starts at 1699 yuan ($232)

By

Soumyakanti

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Aug 28, 2023

Lenovo released the Xiaoxin Pad Pro 12.7 tablet on July 29th, offering it in Pigeon Grey and Xizi Green color options. The Xizi Green variant is available for pre-sale starting tonight, with a starting price of 1699 yuan ($232).

Xiaoxin Pad Pro 12.7 specifications:

The Xiaoxin Pad Pro 12.7 boasts a metal-integrated design, giving it a sleek appearance. It features a substantial 12.7-inch screen with a sharp resolution of 2944×1840, complemented by a high 144Hz refresh rate. To enhance video playback and gaming, it offers HDR10 and Dolby Vision support. With a peak brightness of 400 nits, the display promises clarity.

Performance-wise, the tablet is powered by the robust Snapdragon 870 processor. It offers two storage configurations: 8GB RAM with 128GB storage and 8GB RAM with 256GB storage. Additionally, users can expand the storage up to 1TB using a MicroSD card.

The tablet’s camera capabilities include a front 13MP ultra-wide-angle lens and a rear 8MP lens. Lenovo has incorporated both face and fingerprint unlock mechanisms for added security.

On the battery front, the Xiaoxin Pad Pro 12.7 houses a sizable 10,200mAh battery that can be charged rapidly with its 20W wired fast charging support.

The device offers an enhanced multimedia experience with a Quad JBL-tuned speaker system and Dolby Atmos support. It includes dual-mic noise reduction for improved clarity in voice calls and recordings. Connectivity options are robust with the inclusion of a full-featured USB-C port, Wi-Fi 6 support, and 5G capabilities.

The tablet comes in two storage options: the 8GB+128GB variant is priced at 1699 yuan ($232), and the 8GB+256GB variant is priced at 1899 yuan ($260).

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Electric Vehicles Go High-Tech: Multi-screen Smart Cockpits to Become Standard in EV’s

By

Oğuz Çakır

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Aug 28, 2023

Technology continues to change our habits, including our cars. For example, the vehicles we own today come with features like electric engines, driving assistance, and even self-driving capabilities. A recent study by Canalys revealed the scale of this transformation, showing that multi-screen smart cockpits are becoming the standard in China’s electric vehicles, with an adoption rate of 82.7%. Here are the details…

Multi-screen smart cockpits to become standard in China’s electric vehicles

According to the Canalys report, multi-screen smart cockpits are becoming the standard in China’s electric vehicles. In the first quarter of 2023, the market penetration rate of smart cockpits in China reached 82.7%, higher than the global average of 74.3%. The report found that mainstream joint venture brands are relatively conservative in their transition to smart cockpits, with an overall penetration rate of 55.1%.

Luxury brands, on the other hand, are actively investing in smart cockpits and have achieved high penetration rates. According to the report, 90% of EVs sold in China in the first quarter of 2023 had a display screen of 10 inches or larger, with 12-15.9-inch screens accounting for 74.1% of the market.

Analysis by Canalys found that of the top 10 EV brands in China by sales (with a market share of 70.6%), only Wuling, which focuses on the entry-level market (less than 80,000 yuan), and some entry-level low-end models from BYD and Chery do not have a display. Multi-screen displays are more common in domestic EV brands, while only Mercedes-Benz and Porsche among luxury brands have adopted multi-screen displays.

Currently, only four brands, including SAIC Zhiji, BAIC Arcfox, Cadillac, and NIO, use displays of 18 inches or larger. Canalys said that the rapid adoption of multi-screen smart cockpits in China is driven by a number of factors, including the increasing popularity of EVs, the growing demand for intelligent driving and entertainment features, and the falling cost of display technology.

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Motorola Razr 40 receives second major software update with optimizations and more

By

Sudarshan Ravichandran

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Aug 28, 2023

In late July, the Motorola Razr 40 Ultra received a major software update with a lot of changes in China. A month later, the vanilla Motorola Razr 40 is getting a similar treatment in the region.

The fresh system update for the device arrives with tons of fixes and optimizations. It also bumps up the security patch level.

This update is officially called ‘OTA2’. In other words, it is the second big software update for the clamshell foldable since its release. Let’s go through the changes.

As per the official changelog, the new system update for the Motorola Razr 40 comes with August 2023 security patches. Further, it arrives with an updated version of almost all the system apps, including Calendar, Clock, Moto Display, launcher, and others.

The latest software update also brings optimizations for real-time subtitles, face authentication, power consumption, cover screen brightness, network, gaming, camera, and more. It even fixes compatibility issues with certain third-party applications

Unfortunately, the update does not introduce any new features, except for one. It adds a new clock style for the cover screen called ‘light shuttle.’

Last but not least, the OTA system update comes with firmware version T2TV33.45-69-2. Though the update has started rolling out, it may take some time to reach all the units.

As for the global variant of the device, Motorola hasn’t revealed anything about a similar software update. So we are not sure if and when it will receive the aforementioned update.

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iFFALCON Q73 Series TVs With 4K QLED Display Launched In India

By

Viraj Gawde

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Aug 28, 2023

iFFALCON has introduced four new televisions in India. They are a part of the brand’s Q73 range. All four TVs have almost identical specifications apart from a few differences. With the newest offerings, iFFALCON boldly aims to take on the likes of 4K TVs offered by brands like Xiaomi, OnePlus, LG, Samsung, and other brands in the television market.

iFFALCON Q73 Series TVs specifications and features

The iFFALCON Q73 series televisions come in 43, 50, 55, and 65-inch display sizes with thin bezels on all four sides. The TVs feature QLED technology and offer a 4K UHD resolution with 90 percent DCI-P3 and a 60Hz refresh rate. The 43 and 50-inch variants offer a peak brightness of 300 and 360 nits whereas it maxes out at 450 nits on the 55 and 65-inch models. All four televisions support HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and MEMC.

In terms of audio, the iFFALCON Q73 43 and 50-inch televisions are equipped with a bottom-firing 30W speaker whereas the 55 and 65-inch models have a 56W speaker unit. The TVs support Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual: X for an immersive sound experience.

The iFFALCON Q73 Series televisions also come with features for gaming purposes like a 120Hz game accelerator, game bar, game master, and support for ALLM mode for reducing lag. All four TVs run on Google TV with popular OTT streaming apps, Google Assistant, and a bundled remote control.

Connectivity options on the iFFALCON Q73 televisions include three HDMI 2.1 ports, WiFi, Bluetooth 5.0, and a LAN port.

The iFFALCON Q73 series televisions carry a starting price tag of Rs 26,999. They are available for purchase from Flipkart starting today.

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China’s state-owned automaker Changan to build production hub in Thailand, following BYD’s path

By

Joane

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Aug 28, 2023

In a move that underscores the growing trend of Chinese automakers seeking to broaden their global footprint, state-owned carmaker Changan has announced plans to construct a factory in Thailand. The Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) confirmed on August 16th that Changan has submitted an application to build an electric and hybrid vehicle manufacturing facility in the country. With an investment of approximately $24.6 million, the new plant is set to possess an initial annual production capacity of 100,000 vehicles.

Changan’s latest venture into Southeast Asia follows the path of other prominent Chinese car manufacturers like BYD and Great Wall Motors, who have also ventured into international markets. This expansion strategy is widely interpreted as a response to mounting competition within China’s domestic car industry.

The factory in Thailand is slated to produce an array of environmentally friendly vehicles, including Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), Range Extended Electric Vehicles (REEVs), and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs). These vehicles are intended for both the Thai domestic market and a range of export destinations, including but not limited to ASEAN countries, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and South Africa. Furthermore, Changan has revealed plans to establish a component research and development center within the facility, which will play a pivotal role in shaping the company’s future automotive endeavors.

With the aim of enticing investments, Thailand’s BOI is poised to introduce incentive measures that encompass various categories of electric vehicles and an expanded array of zero-emission autos. This extension encompasses the production of 17 essential components, including batteries, platforms, and entire vehicles, along with commitments to establish charging stations.

Changan’s substantial investment of 1.83 billion yuan (about US$251 million) will facilitate the establishment of a production facility with an annual output capacity of 100,000 units. Although the company has not disclosed a specific location for the factory, it has stated that the expansion will elevate Thailand to a focal point of its international growth strategy. The carmaker envisions this move will catapult the company toward greater prominence in the global market.

While the initial production capacity is set at 100,000 units annually, Changan has indicated its intent to double this figure to 200,000. However, specific details regarding the timeline for this expansion and the eventual operational commencement of the plant remain undisclosed.

Changan’s foray into Thailand marks a significant step in its quest for global expansion, mirroring the endeavors of fellow Chinese automotive giants. As the competition within China’s domestic car industry heats up, the pursuit of international markets offers a strategic avenue for growth and differentiation.

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Ambrane Marble Smartwatch with Bluetooth Calling and IP68 rating launched for Rs 1,999 (~$24)

By

Simranpal Singh

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Aug 28, 2023

Ambrane is here with a new smartwatch – Ambrane Marble that bundles a 1.43-inch AMOLED display, Bluetooth calling, and an IP68 rating that protects from dust and water. It is the second smartwatch of this year after Ambrane Crest Pro which was launched earlier this year.

Must See: Ambrane Powerlit Ultra, Powerlit Boost Power Banks With Massive Battery Capacities Launched in India

Ambrane Marble Smartwatch Specifications

The affordable smartwatch ships with a 1.43-inch AMOLED display sporting 466 x 466 pixels resolution, 1000 nits brightness, and Always-on-Display mode. There’s a Rotatory Crown to manage the smartwatch. It’s display is protected with a 2.5D Curved Glass.

The smartwatch offers over 100+ Sports Modes along with SpO2 and 24×7 Heart Rate Monitoring, and Blood Pressure Measurement. It also bundles several health-tracking features for the Menstrual Cycle, Sleep, and Breath Training. Other features include Sedentary Alert, Alarm, Timer and Find Phone.

Along with several health tracking and monitoring features, it also offers some smart controls for your smartphone. The Ambrane Marble offers a Remote Camera and Music Player, Voice Assistance, All Message Notifications, etc.

It bundles a unique UniPair Technology that ensures quick pairing in just a single tap. It will be quite useful while using its Bluetooth Calling feature with an inbuilt Mic, speaker, and dialer. The smartwatch offers a battery life of up to 7 days upon a single full charge of its 280 mAh battery. Another perk is its IP68 rating which will protect the smartwatch from 1.5 metres of water depth for up to 30 minutes.

Pricing and Availability

The new smartwatch brings highly competitive specifications at such an affordable price. The smartwatch is available in different color choices and straps including Alpine Green Magnetic, Black, Green, Metallic Black, and Brown. It is currently available at a reduced price of Rs 1,999 (~$24). However, its actual price is Rs 2,799 (~$33).

It will ship with a year warranty and is available from the Ambrane online store and Flipkart.com.

Huawei Mate 60 Series back cover leaked, shows metal chassis and circular camera island

By

Rajesh Regmi

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Aug 28, 2023

Huawei’s upcoming Mate 60 series has been leaked again. This time, a photo of the back cover of the phone was shared by tipster Digital Chat Station on Weibo. The photo shows the Mate 60 series smartphone’s back chassis, which is completely carved out of metal.

The lower half of this chassis extends to the middle frame, while the remaining half of the phone has a cavity that shows the bare bones of the circular camera island. This cavity is likely to be fitted with a glass panel.

The leak is consistent with an earlier leak that showed the phone in ivory-white. The new leak shows that the phone has an entirely gray bottom part, with an ivory hue on the upper half.

It is unclear if this design is purely aesthetic or if it has a functional purpose. Huawei is known for its innovative designs, and the upcoming Mate 60 series looks no exception.

Meanwhile, the Huawei Mate 60 series is expected to be released on September 12. It has already started mass production and is confirmed by multiple industry insiders.

The phone will have a hole-punch screen design and support 3D face recognition. The Mate 60 series will most likely be powered by Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor and it will run on the company’s new Harmony OS 4.0 system. Rumors have also surfaced about the phone supporting satellite communication.

Likewise, the Huawei Mate 60 series is expected to support voice calling via satellite, unlike the Mate X3 and P60 series, which only support two-way satellite communication via SMS.

This is thanks to the new power amplifier chips that the Mate 60 series will have. These chips are specifically designed for the Tiantong-1 satellite mobile communication system, which can be used for voice communication, image transmission, precise positioning, and data reporting.

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WhatsApp Users Can Now Share HD Quality Videos

By

Viraj Gawde

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Aug 28, 2023

Sharing media files on WhatsApp is quite frustrating as the instant messaging platform compresses the quality. Users would have to share them as documents to preserve the quality. However, this is no longer the case as the Meta-owned platform introduced the option to send HD-quality photos earlier this month. Now, WhatsApp is also adding support for sharing HD-quality videos. This feature has been long awaited as users can share media in high resolution.

Users can now share HD-quality videos on WhatsApp

WhatsApp confirmed to TechCrunch about the support for HD video quality on its messaging platform. The feature is now rolling out for Android and iOS users in a phased manner which means that it might take a few days to arrive on all devices. Users need to ensure that they are using the latest version of the app.

With the latest feature, WhatsApp users can now share high-quality videos in up to 720p. Although it is not as close to 1080p, it is still far better than 480p which was the default choice till now. The process of sharing HD videos on the messaging service is the same as sharing HD photos. After selecting the video a user wants to share, there will be a new HD icon at the top of the screen. Then users will be prompted if they want to share the video in SD or HD quality. It will also display the file size for both options which could potentially help save mobile internet data. Users can then press send to share the video.

Both the HD images and videos shared on WhatsApp are end-to-end encrypted. The recipient of the HD video will see a small HD badge on the video shared in the app that will let them know you have shared an HD video. This is helpful in making an informed decision if the have the storage space and internet bandwidth to download and view the file.

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30000 Realme GT 5 units sold in 2-hour limited debut sale

By

Soumyakanti

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Aug 28, 2023

Realme has launched its Realme GT 5 smartphone today in China, introducing the advanced Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor to its lineup for the first time.

In a notable 2-hour early bird window, the company managed to sell a whopping 30,000 units of the Realme GT 5. This limited sale for early adopters started in China at 4 pm local time, even before its scheduled pre-sale that began at 6:30 pm.

Realme GT 5 variants and pricing:

Diving deeper into the configurations, the Realme GT 5 offers varied options catering to a wide range of customers. The model with 150W fast charging comes in two configurations: 12GB RAM + 256GB storage retailing for 2,999 yuan ($411) and 16GB RAM + 512GB storage priced at 3,299 yuan ($452).

However, those looking for an even superior model can opt for the Realme GT 5 240W, boasting a massive 24GB RAM + 1 TB storage, available for 3,799 yuan ($520).

Realme GT 5 specifications overview:

The Realme GT 5 boasts a 6.74-inch OLED display with adjustable refresh rates (144Hz to 40Hz) and up to 1400 nits brightness. It runs on a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor with Adreno 740 GPU, coupled with up to 24GB LPDDR5X RAM and up to 1TB UFS 4.0 storage.

The phone’s cooling system includes a variable heat dissipation setup with a large cooling area, Ice core cooling system Max, high-performance graphite material, and a gaming control engine for optimal performance.

The device runs on Android 13 with Realme UI 4.0 and supports dual SIM cards. It features a powerful camera setup, including a 50MP main camera, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, and a 2MP macro camera on the rear, along with a 16MP front camera.

The phone offers an in-display fingerprint sensor, stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos, and multiple connectivity options, including 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, and USB Type-C.

The GT 5 is equipped with a substantial 5240mAh battery with 150W SuperVOOC fast charging, while the GT 5 240W model features a 4600mAh battery with 240W SuperVOOC fast charging capabilities, reaching 20% charge in 80 seconds, 50% in 4 minutes, and full charge in about 9 minutes. The device comes in White and Green colors.

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Geely’s New Electric Mini Car, the Panda Knight, Officially Unveiled with a Range of 200km and Affordable Price

By

Oğuz Çakır

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Aug 28, 2023

Competition in the electric vehicle market is increasing day by day. As a result, manufacturers are introducing a variety of products to meet different consumer needs and attract more users. For example, we recently talked about BYD’s luxury EV brand, Fang Cheng Bao. Now, Chinese automaker Geely, following a similar strategy, has officially unveiled the Panda Knighta a new electric mini vehicle that has a range of up to 200 kilometers.. Here are the details…

Geely Panda Knight: Specs, Price and Availability

Geely continues to expand its product lineup. The company’s first addition after the Geometry E Firefly is the Panda Knight, which stands out for its affordable price. The vehicle features several updates compared to old gasoline powered Panda, including a new front fascia that sports a more aggressive design, new LED headlights and taillights, and new wheels.

Additionally, the vehicle comes with a revamped interior featuring a more modern design and a larger touchscreen infotainment system. The Panda Knight is powered by a single electric motor that produces 70 horsepower and 135 Nm of torque. The motor is powered by a 38.7 kWh battery pack that gives the vehicle a range of up to 200 kilometers on a single charge.

The Panda Knight is available in two trim levels, “Standard” and “Luxury”. The Standard trim level is priced at 69.800 Yuan ($10.000), while the Luxury trim level is priced at 79.800 Yuan ($11.000). The Geely Panda Knight is a promising new electric vehicle that has the potential to be a success in China and other markets. The vehicle is stylish, affordable, and has a relatively good range, making it a compelling option for consumers.

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Nothing Phone (1) starts receiving Nothing OS 2 Update

By

Simranpal Singh

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Aug 28, 2023

It’s been over a month, since Nothing Phone 2 featuring the Nothing OS 2 launched with some exciting hardware and software upgrades. Following last week’s confirmation, Nothing has started seeding the Nothing OS 2 update for the Nothing Phone (1). The new OS upgrade brings some pre-installed set of lock screen and home screen widgets and several other toggles as seen on this year’s flagship.

Must See: Is Nothing Phone 1 still worth buying?

Nothing’s CEO took to X.com (formerly Twitter) to announce the Nothing OS 2.0 update rollout on last year’s Nothing Phone 1. There are plenty of changes that are part of the latest update. Apart from the bigger changes, the update also packs some improvements that will elevate the user experience of the phone. Below is the official changelog:

We've now began rolling out Nothing OS 2 for Phone (1). Thanks for everyone's patience! As our capabilities strengthen, we'll be able to pull in the time gap over time.
— Carl Pei (@getpeid) August 28, 2023

Nothing OS 2.0 Features

Nothing OS 2.0

Phone (1), it’s your turn now. We are thrilled to introduce the Nothing OS 2.0, packed with exciting features, enhanced customization, and improved functionality. This changelog only contains the highlight features, but there are many areas in which we improved the Phone (1) software. A massive shoutout to the entire mobile development and test team working diligently to make Nothing OS 2.0 happen for Phone (1).

Homescreen customization

New visual identity that feels unmistakably Nothing.
Updated launcher grid layout, supporting the option to hide icon labels.
More options for customizable folders, try out different layouts and folder covers by expanding the folder.

Nothing widgets

Updated the design for the following widgets- Clock, Weather, Quick Look, Also introduced the new Quick Settings widget, allowing you to access settings even quicker.
Widgets are now also available on lock screen and AOD.

Glyph Interface 2.0

Essential notifications – allow your most important apps and contacts to leave a persistent Glyph, so you know at a glance if you have any important missed notifications.
Glyph torch – Long press the Torch Quick Settings tile to light up the entire Glyph interface.

New Apps features

Introduced Cloned app allowing you to operate multiple accounts in apps without having to log out.
Introduced App Locker – protect your apps by requiring another unlock when attempting to open.

Other improvements

Updated auto-brightness logic
Many (and I do mean many) improvements to optimize your Phone (1) experience.

The update is now rolling out and it weighs 0.97GB in size. Interested users can check for the update by heading over to the device’s Settings > About Menu > Check for Updates. Being a staggered update, it takes a couple of days to a few weeks for the update to reach each unit.

iQOO Z7 Pro Roundup: Launch Date, Specifications, And More

By

Viraj Gawde

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Aug 28, 2023

iQOO is set to launch a new Z-series smartphone in India this week. Ahead of the launch, the brand has been sharing teasers revealing key specifications of the upcoming offering. The iQOO Z7 Pro will arrive as the successor to the last year’s Z6 Pro. The device seems to be a rebadged version of the Vivo S17e that is available in China.

iQOO Z7 Pro launch date, sale date

#iQOOZ7Pro the slimmest phone* in its price segment, the ultimate fusion of technology and aesthetics. 🖤
Launching @amazonIN on August 31.

Know More – https://t.co/tfsaIl8Jeq

*T&C Apply#iQOO #AmazonSpecials pic.twitter.com/jwyChqoGM0
— iQOO India (@IqooInd) August 26, 2023

The iQOO Z7 Pro is set to launch in India on August 31 at 12 noon local time. The launch event will likely be on the brand’s YouTube channel as well as Twitter account. The smartphone is confirmed to be available for purchase from Amazon. However, the exact sale date remains unknown.

iQOO Z7 Pro expected price

The Amazon microsite of the iQOO Z7 Pro reveals that the AnTuTu benchmark result is based on the 8GB + 256GB configuration of the device under Rs 25,000 price segment of other devices on the e-commerce platform in 2023. This subtly suggests that the iQOO Z7 Pro will be priced under the Rs 25K bracket.

iQOO Z7 Pro specifications

The iQOO Z7 Pro is confirmed to come with a 3D curved display with a centre-aligned punch-hole cutout. It will feature a 120Hz refresh rate and a 1,300 nits peak brightness. Design-wise, the back panel has a gradient wave-like pattern housing a squarish camera module. It is said to be made of AG glass making the panel resistant to glares and fingerprint marks. The device will be offered in Blue Lagoon and Graphite Matte color options.

As per teasers, the iQOO Z7 Pro is confirmed to be equipped with a Dimensity 7200 processor based on 4nm architecture under the hood. It will pack 8GB RAM along with support for 8GB virtual RAM. The device is said to have registered the highest AnTuTu score with 7,28,764 points.

The camera details of the iQOO Z7 Pro have not been revealed yet but it has two sensors and a a ring-LED flash along with support for OIS.

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Lenovo YOGA Pro 14s with 13th Gen Intel i9 H-series processor launched in China

By

Sudhanshu

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Aug 28, 2023

Lenovo recently launched the YOGA Air 14s laptop in China powered by the AMD Ryzen 7 7840S processor. The brand has now unveiled the 2023 model of the YOGA Pro 14s laptop powered by a powerful 13th Gen Intel i9 chip.

Lenovo YOGA Pro 14s specs

The Lenovo YOGA Pro 14s boasts a robust Intel i9-13900H processor, ensuring that you will be able to perform heavy workloads with ease on this machine. The laptop also features 32GB of LPDDR5 5200 RAM, along with up to 1TB of PCIe 4.0 SSD storage. Its 14.5-inch 3K display offers a crisp 3072 x 1920 resolution and a fast 120Hz refresh rate. The integrated 1080p camera ensures high-quality video calls. Although this model has an integrated GPU, the YOGA Pro 14s Extreme Edition comes with a dedicated RTX 4060 to facilitate gaming as well as creative workflows.

The Lenovo YOGA Pro 14s offers versatile connectivity options: Thunderbolt 4, USB-C, USB-A 3.2 Gen 1, HDMI 2.1, and a 3.5mm audio jack. Notably, it boasts a 73Wh battery with 100W fast charging for quick recharges, making it ideal for on-the-go use. Despite its impressive specs, it’s lightweight at just 1.58kg, providing both power and portability in a sleek package.

Price & availability

The Lenovo YOGA Pro 14s notebook with 32GB RAM + 1TB storage has a starting price of 8799 yuan ($1206). On the other hand, the YOGA Pro 14s Extreme Edition which includes an RTX 4060 has a price tag of 11999 yuan ($1645).

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Baseus M3 semi-in-ear earbuds with active noise cancellation launched

By

Rajesh Regmi

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Aug 28, 2023

Earlier this month, Baseus launched the AeQur series G10, its first pair of earbuds with dual-mode connection technology. The company has now launched another pair of earbuds, the Baseus M3, which are a bit more expensive than the AeQur series G10. In this article, we will discuss the specifications, pricing and availability of the Baseus M3.

Baseus M3 Specifications and Pricing

The Baseus M3 is a pair of semi-in-ear earbuds that is available in two colors, white and blue, and fit snugly into a dual-tone charging case. The case also features an LED light that notifies you of the charging status with a red blink.

The earbuds are equipped with a 12mm driver for audio. Although a semi-in-ear bud, it supports active noise cancellation (ANC) up to 30dB, which can help you block out ambient noise so you can focus on your music. The ANC is adaptive, meaning it automatically adjusts to the level of noise in your surroundings.

The M3 earbuds connect to your devices via Bluetooth 5.3. They also have six microphones for call noise reduction, so you can make clear calls even in noisy environments.

In addition to ANC and call noise reduction, the M3 earbuds also have a few other features. They support dual-device connections, so you can connect them to two devices at the same time. Additionally, the playback pause feature automatically pauses your music when you remove the earbuds from your ears.

The battery life of the M3 is 6.5 hours per ear with noise cancellation turned off, and 30 hours in total. It charges via a Type-C port and can be fully charged in 1 hour. It also supports wireless charging in 2.5 hours.

The Baseus M3 earbuds can be purchased for 349 Yuan (about $47.85). They are available on JD.com.

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Jio AirFiber commercial launch in India on September 19

By

Simranpal Singh

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Aug 28, 2023

Multiple announcements related to Jio 5G rollout, Jio AirFiber, and Jio Smart Home have been made at the Reliance AGM 2023. Interestingly, the Jio AirFiber service will make a commercial launch on September 19. Jio is already testing AirFiber service at some locations, and the recent announcement has paved the way for a broader rollout in India.

Jio AirFiber Launch

Jio is set to take a lead in the Air Fiber market with the early launch as Airtel also formally announced its Xstream AirFiber services in India. The carrier can connect 150,000 connections in a day with AirFiber. However, Jio Fiber broadband is limited to 15,000 connections per day.

“We can currently connect around 15,000 premises daily, but with Jio AirFiber, we can supercharge this expansion with up to 150,000 connections per day. This is a 10-fold increase, expanding our addressable market over the next three years to over 200 million high-paying homes and premises,” said Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani at the company’s annual general meeting Monday.

Jio Home app will act as a management console for the Jio AirFiber service. It will allow the users to manage users, grant and restrict usage access, and other connection details via the app. On top, Jio also announced an AI-driven Proactive Quality Monitoring feature that will automatically analyze and optimize the WiFi network for the best performance.

The Jio AirFiber pricing structure is not yet out. But, Jio will compete against Airtel’s Xtream AirFiber which starts with a $10 plan per month for a 100Mbps speed. In addition, there’s a $30 security deposit while availing the service.

Jio 5G Coverage

In addition, Jio aims to establish 5G connectivity across every town in India by December 2023. The carrier also has 450 million subscribers in India with an average of 25GB of data consumption per month. The company used a 100% in-house developed 5G stack for 5G rollout consisting of Carrier Aggregation, Network Slicing, Standalone 5G architecture, etc.

“And our focus on continuous innovation has positioned us to be among the first globally to develop 6G capabilities. In fact, we have become one of the largest filers of global patents from India for digital technologies, affirming our transformation from a telecom operator to a technology company,” he said.

Must See: Jio Cloud PC to be powered by Jio True 5G, launch seems imminent

It would be interesting to see the pricing and quality of service after its launch on September 19. Further, there are plenty of other announcements made at the Reliance AGM 2023.

Fire-Boltt Commando announced in India with a 1.95″ AMOLED display & Bluetooth Calling

By

Sean

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Aug 28, 2023

The Fire-Boltt Commando is the company’s latest smartwatch offering in India. This model features some notable specs and features, so let’s have a look at its pricing, design, and more. Notably, the launch also arrives mere days after the company unveiled a new rugged smartwatch called Asteroid.

Fire-Boltt Commando Pricing & Availability

The new Fire-Boltt Commando is available in multiple color variants, which include Orange, Black, Camo Green, Camo Grey, and Gold Black options. The smartwatch will be sold for an introductory price tag of 2,999 INR. It will be listed on the company’s official website as well as Flipkart, a popular e-retailer in India.

Fire-Boltt Commando Specs

This smartwatch sports a tall 1.91-inch AMOLED display (410 x 502 resolution) that supports an Always-On display and 500 nits of peak brightness. The screen can also be customized with multiple watch faces as well. It supports Bluetooth Calling thanks to its built-in microphone and speaker. Talking about its design, the model features a rugged body along with a zinc alloy middle frame. The rectangular display also features a Rotating crown.

It features more than 120 sports modes and even offers various health related features as well. This includes sleep monitoring, SpO2 blood oxygen mapping, heart rate tracking, and menstrual cycle tracking. The device can last for up to 8 days on a single full charge in Classic mode, which falls to just 5 days with Bluetooth calling enabled. Other notable features include music and camera control, IP68 water and dust resistance, and smart notifications.

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Realme Buds Air 5 and Realme Buds T300 with ANC launched in China

By

Soumyakanti

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Aug 28, 2023

Realme recently hosted an event in China where they unveiled their latest smartphone, the Realme GT 5. In addition to the phone, Realme also debuted the Realme Buds Air 5 and Realme Buds T300 earbuds.

These newly launched earbuds come with features like an impressive Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and dust and water resistance. Both earbuds along with Realme Buds Air 5 Pro also recently launched globally. Let’s check out the detailed specs of these earbuds.

Realme Buds Air 5 specs

The Realme Buds Air 5 earbuds offer 50dB active noise cancellation, 4000Hz ultra-wideband noise reduction, and a 12.4mm titanized driver for enhanced sound. They feature Bluetooth 5.3, support AAC and SBC codecs, and can be controlled via touch gestures. With six microphones, AI ENC noise reduction, and a 45ms low latency gaming mode, they ensure clear calls and a smooth gaming experience.

The Realme Link app allows customization and updates. They can connect to two devices simultaneously and boast an IPX5 water-resistance rating. Battery life stands at 7 hours without noise cancellation and 4.5 hours with it. The charging case extends this to 38 hours, and a 10-minute charge provides up to 7 hours of playback.

Realme Buds T300 specs

The Realme Buds T300 are equipped with 12.4mm drivers for clear sound and boast an IP55 rating for dust and water resistance. They feature 30dB active noise cancellation and quad-mic environmental noise cancellation for calls.

Unlike the Realme Buds Air 5, the T300 offers a premium 360-degree spatial audio feature. They utilize Bluetooth 5.3, provide a low latency mode, and promise a 40-hour battery life with a quick charge feature offering 7 hours of playtime in just 10 minutes.

Pricing and Availability

Realme Buds Air 5 earbuds are available in Deep Blue and Pure White color options, each with a matching charging case. The earbuds are priced at 299 yuan ($41) and will be up for pre-sale from today.

Realme Buds T300 earbuds come in Stylish Black and Youth White colors. The earbuds are priced at 199 yuan ($27) and they will be up for pre-sale from today. Starting from September 4th, the earbuds will be available for purchase on various e-commerce platforms in China.

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