The latest trend in the realm of flagship smartphones is to incorporate a periscope telephoto camera to provide users with enhanced optical zoom capabilities. A new leak suggests that the iQOO 12 Pro could be the first phone to feature a periscope telephoto camera.
iQOO 12 Pro camera specifications (rumored)
iQOO 11 Pro
According to a leak by popular tipster Digital Chat Station, iQOO has tested the OmniVision OV64B 64-megapixel periscope zoom camera. While the tipster did not specifically mention it, the said camera could be available on the iQOO 12 Pro.
The leak suggests that the iQOO 12 Pro’s camera setup will include the OV64B periscope zoom camera and an OV50H 50-megapixel primary camera. There is a possibility that the camera setup may also inherit the ultra-wide lens from the iQOO 11 Pro, which is a 50-megapixel snapper with autofocus and a 150-degree field of view (FOV). Vivo is expected to introduce its all-new Vivo V3 imaging chip on the Vivo X100 Pro and X100 Pro+ smartphones this year. It is likely that the sub-brand iQOO may also use the V3 chip on the iQOO 12 Pro.
As far as other specifications are concerned, the iQOO 12 Pro is most likely to feature the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, which will launch in October. It is very likely that the topmost configuration of the device will have 24 GB of LPDDR5x RAM and 1 TB of UFS 4.0 storage.
The device is said to feature a 6.78-inch curved-edge AMOLED panel that offers a Quad HD+ resolution and a 144Hz refresh rate. It may support 200W fast charging and 50W wireless charging. It is expected to run on Android 14 and OriginOS 4.0.
I know, you guys have been waiting for this K60 Ultra Full review for a bit long. In this video, you’ll not only see all about the K60 Ultra, but you’ll also see who’s better compared to the OnePlus Ace 2 Pro. So let’s get right to it without further ado.
https://youtu.be/9cnFDPRlmb0
Design
I would prefer the design of the K60 Ultra over the unchanged Ace 2 Pro. As I said in the Unboxing video, the K60 Ultra looks more premium than the Pro version. And this white back panel looks a bit like ceramic, which makes me not believe it’s a Redmi phone.
Everyone has a unique taste in design, but feature-wise, the K60 Ultra is not as good as the Ace 2 Pro. About the vibration motor and the placement of the fingerprint, the Ace 2 Pro wins effortlessly. But that’s what you deserve for paying $55 more.
Display
The K60 Ultra is cheap, but the screen doesn’t look like what a $360 phone should have, even the more expensive Xiaomi 13 and Ace 2 Pro can’t beat it. It’s top-notch in terms of refresh rate, peak brightness, and PWM dimming.
The high-frequency PWM dimming and DC can automatically switch based on brightness, this setting doesn’t need to be turned on manually. One tip about the screen brightness of the Xiaomi family: although they all have very high peak brightness if you manually adjust it to the highest, it is probably only about 500 nit, and you won’t feel that it’s as bright as it can be. It’s only when watching HDR video under the sunlight will force K60 Ultra reaches its peak at around 2400 nit, which is closer to its advertised 2600 nit.
Unlike the Ace 2 Pro, the K60 Ultra is not operatable when there’s water on the screen, but it is IP68 certified. There are no rainbow lines when you look at the phone at some angles. And most importantly, it’s a straight screen, I’ll have to admit, I prefer a straight screen a bit more.
So apart from the resolution not reaching 2K and the bezels not being narrow at all, the screen of the K60 Ultra is unbeatable.
Performance & Gaming
You guys must be wondering if the Dimensity 9200+ can actually beat the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, and I’m curious too. Looking at the Benchmark, it doesn’t look like there’s much of a gap between it and the 8 Gen 2 anymore.
Don’t get too happy so quickly, I mean MTK’s chips are famous for peak performance, but it’s always the heat that needs to be worried about. During the stress test sessions, we can see that the K60 Ultra is trying to do its best very hard. It would love to maintain full power output, but it can’t. It’s at the same level as Ace 2 Pro.
In the gaming session, the K60 Ultra performed almost the same as the stress test. After 10 minutes of playing Genshin, it tried very hard to keep the frame rate at 60fps, but it would immediately overheat and the frame rate would suddenly drop. Although the maximum resolution is a little bit higher than the Ace 2 Pro, the stability of the frame rate is more important, it seems that Redmi still doesn’t know the truth: sometimes knowing how to give up is a wise choice.
It seems like this is the first time in a whole long history that the Redmi phone comes with a frame insertion chip. Like the Ace 2 Pro, videos and some games on K60 Ultra can have the display frame rate increased, but there’s latency as well. But even if the phone has become very hot, it still enables frame interpolation for games, which is better than the Ace 2 Pro. Overall, if you’re a heavy gamer, the Ace 2 Pro will probably be better for you.
Camera
The K60 Ultra’s camera isn’t as good as Xiaomi’s flagship’s, though there’s a bit of Leica style in the color tones. Most of the time the photos have very high contrast, with dark areas being very dark and not looking as bright as the Ace 2 Pro’s photos.
The color temperature is accurate in most scenes, like this photo of the lamp, it’s yellow and the Ace 2 Pro’s shot is white. When shooting food with Ace 2 Pro, photos look better, the ones taken by K60 Ultra look like the food is a bit burnt. Other than what I just showed you, they perform almost identically in other parts. It’s hard for me to say which one is better, it’s more of a color style difference.
The K60 Ultra supports up to 4K 60fps for the main camera and up to 1080p 30fps for the ultra-wide camera. The video quality of the main camera is about the same for both, they are quite good. The ultra wide-angle cameras on them are also similar, both are quite bad. The only difference is that the K60 Ultra’s ultra-wide camera’s purple-fringing issue is a bit more obvious.
The 120W wired charging doesn’t look as good as the 150W Ace 2 Pro, but a full charge takes both of them about 20 minutes. The K60 Ultra, however, does not support wireless charging, which is not as good as the K60 Pro or the standard version.
The battery capacity didn’t surprise us, but the battery life did. It’s about the same as an 8 Gen 2 phone in daily use, which is good enough for MTK.
Regarding the speakers, the Ace 2 Pro wins by having a larger soundstage. Instruments are better differentiated from each other, while the K60 Ultra is very average.
Conclusion
The K60 Ultra is cheaper, but it has a great display and isn’t that bad in other aspects. The Ace 2 Pro’s strong points are the performance and the vibration motor. Both phones are actually worth buying, it all depends on what you need. They don’t beat each other on this battlefield, they are both winners.
Realme introduced the Realme Buds Air 5 and Buds Air 5 Pro TWS earbuds to the Indian market last week. The standard Buds Air 5, equipped with 50dB ANC, is already on sale in India. Furthermore, starting from today, consumers can also buy the Realme Buds Air 5 Pro.
Realme Buds Air 5 Pro first sale
Priced at Rs. 4,999, the Buds Air 5 Pro will have a special introductory offer during its initial sale, where it will be available for just Rs. 4,499. Customers can choose between two color variants: Astral Black and Sunrise Beige. These earbuds can be purchased through various channels, including realme.com, Amazon.in, Flipkart, and physical retail stores.
Realme Buds Air 5 Pro specs
The Realme Buds Air 5 Pro features an 11mm bass driver and 6mm tweeter, delivering excellent audio quality. They include 50dB active noise cancellation and environmental noise cancellation with three microphones on each earpiece for clear calls. They also support Spatial audio and the LDAC codec for superior audio.
In terms of battery life, they offer a total of 40 hours with the case and earbuds combined. Each earbud can last up to 10 hours without ANC and up to 7 hours with ANC. They provide a quick 10-minute charge for 7 hours of playback and have a low latency of 40ms. They are IPX5 water-resistant, making them suitable for workouts and rain. The Dual-device Connection 2.0 adds versatility, making them suitable for various scenarios.
In a bid to reshape the landscape of electric vehicle (EV) charging, Mercedes-Benz is hitting the fast lane. This fall, the company is set to debut its own fast-charging stations, termed as Mercedes-Benz Charging Hubs. With the first trio coming up in Atlanta, Chengdu, and Mannheim, Mercedes-Benz is no longer just a player on the road but also a contender in the charging game.
Mercedes-Benz EV Chargers look like the Starbucks of the Charging world
While other car manufacturers are content partnering with existing networks, Mercedes-Benz aims to be the Starbucks of EV charging. Picture this: you drive into a charging hub, conveniently located near a major roadway or even a Mercedes-Benz dealership, plug in, and within minutes, your car is charged. Meanwhile, you grab a snack, maybe use the restroom, and head back on your journey. It’s convenience that goes beyond miles per charge.
Unlike most charging stations, these hubs aren’t just about juicing up your car. They’re designed as comprehensive pit-stops, offering not just chargers but amenities like refreshments and restrooms. You can even expect intelligent light poles at select locations, doubling up as LED indicators for charger availability and your vehicle’s charging status. Of course, the tech is no slouch either. The charging units will offer power outputs of up to 400 kilowatts, allowing rapid charging for all kinds of electric vehicles. Plus, they’re open to all brands, although Mercedes-Benz owners can get dibs on reservations to avoid the wait.
By the end of 2030, Mercedes-Benz plans to set up more than 10,000 such points, mainly focused on North America, Europe, and China. And here’s the cherry on top: all the electricity used will be 100% renewable. Mercedes-Benz isn’t ditching its other partnerships. It’s still aligned with Ionity in Europe and is part of a joint venture with six other manufacturers in North America. But with its solo venture, the company is offering something far more audacious: turning the mundane act of charging into a premium, highly convenient experience.
It seems Mercedes-Benz is not just electrifying cars, but also the very experience of owning one.
This Tuesday, Google is setting a new standard for sustainability tech with its freshly minted suite of environmental APIs. Unveiled at the Google Cloud Next event, these APIs are about to be a game-changer for businesses and local governments, making it easier than ever to adapt to the increasing demands of climate change.
The interest in rooftop solar panels increased by 60% last year, which is impressive
Building upon its 2015 Project Sunroof, Google is introducing the Solar API that modernizes the solar evaluation process. The API covers a whopping 320 million buildings in 40 countries, making the task of evaluating a property’s solar energy potential practically a breeze. Google’s VP of Geo Sustainability, Yael Maguire, highlighted that interest in rooftop solar panels jumped by 60% last year alone, showcasing the growing market need for streamlined solar solutions.
But Google isn’t stopping at solar. Recognizing the immense public health value, Google is also launching an Air Quality API, which proved instrumental during California’s 2021 wildfires. This new API will analyze multiple data sources, from meteorological sensors to traffic conditions, offering precise air quality insights for over 100 countries.
And let’s not forget about the Pollen API, an upgraded version of its existing Maps layer. Given the increase in temperature and greenhouse gas emissions, more pollen-producing plants are popping up around the world. This API aims to make daily life easier for people suffering from seasonal allergies by providing detailed allergen information and heatmaps.
These APIs represent Google’s commitment to reduce a gigaton of carbon equivalent emissions by 2030. According to Maguire, the new tools are poised to give “individuals, cities, and partners” the information they need to make greener choices. Starting August 29, developers can integrate these APIs into their services, giving them the power to be part of a larger environmental change.
So, here’s the takeaway: Google is taking real-time environmental data mainstream, giving us the tools to tackle climate change one API at a time. And if you’re a developer, you’ve got a unique opportunity to be part of this transformative journey.
Hyundai Motor Group is shifting gears in its strategy for electric vehicle (EV) charging, planning to build its own high-speed DC chargers rather than relying solely on external vendors. Hyundai Kefico Corp., a subsidiary mainly focused on engine and transmission components, is on the cusp of rolling out its Blue Plug-branded chargers capable of delivering a staggering 350 kilowatts.
Hyundai is ending a year-long partnership with Daeyoung Chaevi, which operated Chargers
Initially, these in-house chargers will power the E-pit ultra-fast charging network in South Korea. Launched in April 2021, the E-pit network is still in its infancy, featuring 36 stations, a modest number when compared to Tesla’s 106 Supercharging sites in the country. One obstacle to E-pit’s expansion has been the substantial cost of procuring chargers from third-party suppliers.
Hyundai is aiming to eliminate this bottleneck by making its own chargers. Industry estimates suggest an average cost of $113,000 for an individual fast charger, a figure that Hyundai hopes to slash by controlling the entire manufacturing process. While the brand has not confirmed if these chargers will be exported, it’s clear that this move aligns Hyundai with Tesla’s successful strategy of in-house charger production.
While this pivot makes sense for Hyundai, it spells potential trouble for existing E-pit suppliers like SK Signet and EVSIS Co. It also hints at deeper shifts within the company’s electrification strategy, especially considering the recent end of a year-long partnership with Daeyoung Chaevi, which operated E-pit systems and chargers.
Ultimately, the decision to go in-house with charger production could be a game-changer for Hyundai, helping it to quickly ramp up its E-pit network and be more competitive in the EV space. With existing expertise in power electronics, Hyundai is well-equipped to venture into this territory and possibly shift the balance of power in the South Korean EV market.
The Vivo Y78m has silently gone official in China. It is a new addition to the Y78 series, which already includes devices such as the Vivo Y78 and Y78+. The newly announced Vivo Y78m is identical to the Y78, which was announced in May this year. Both phones seem to mainly differ in color options and configurations.
Vivo Y78m specifications and features
Vivo Y78m
The Vivo Y78m houses a 6.64-inch LCD panel that offers an FHD+ resolution of 1080 x 2388 pixels, a 19.9:9 aspect ratio, a 1500:1 contrast ratio, a DCI-P3 color gamut, a 120Hz refresh rate. The brand claims that the device offers a screen-to-body ratio of 91.06 percent.
On the front, the Vivo Y78m has an 8-megapixel selfie camera. Its rear shell has a 50-megapixel main camera and a 2-megapixel portrait lens. The device runs on Android 13 and FunTouch OS 13 and is equipped with a side-facing fingerprint sensor.
Under the hood, the Vivo Y78m features the Dimensity 7020 chipset (Dimensity 930’s rebranded version). The Y78 is available in three variants: 8 GB RAM + 128 GB storage, 8 GB RAM + 256 GB storage, and 12 GB RAM + 256 GB storage. On the other hand, the all-new Y78m comes in 12 GB RAM + 256 GB storage configuration only.
The Y78 has a 5,000mAh battery with 44W fast charging support. It offers other features, such as dual SIM, 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, GPS, NFC, a USB-C port, and a 3.5mm audio jack.
Vivo Y78m price and availability
In China, the Vivo Y78m is priced at 1,999 Yuan (~$275) for the sole 12GB+256GB edition. It is not yet available for purchase on the Chinese market. When available, buyers will be able to choose from other color options like black and blue. In comparison, the Y78 is available in black, green, and gold.
Tesla finds itself in legal hot water with two upcoming trials that raise questions regarding the safety of its Autopilot system in fatal accidents. The cases could have ripple effects on public trust in self-driving technologies.
Tesla’s full driving and self driving technologies have a lot of gray areas that need to be addressed
The first lawsuit will unfurl this September in California. It centers around the tragic loss of Micah Lee, whose Tesla Model 3 veered off a highway, collided with a palm tree, and caught fire. The plaintiffs, which include injured passengers and Lee’s estate, argue that Tesla knew about Autopilot’s flaws but didn’t address them.
Tesla counters that Lee had been drinking and it’s uncertain if Autopilot was engaged during the accident in 2019.
A second case in Florida next October adds fuel to the fire. It involves another fatal accident where Stephen Banner’s Model 3 went under a truck’s trailer, tearing off the car’s roof. The claimants assert that Autopilot failed to take evasive action. Internal documents suggest that Elon Musk and his team were aware of Autopilot’s issues but did not rectify them. Tesla has continually defended its technology, asserting that when supervised by humans, Autopilot is safe.
The public, however, is skeptical. Critics argue that the terminology—“Autopilot” and “Full-Self Driving” (FSD)—is misleading. Though Musk has repeatedly promised fully autonomous driving, the reality has fallen short. Tesla’s Autopilot and FSD are only Level 2 driver assistance features, not fully autonomous systems.
The upcoming trials are more than a legal obstacle for Tesla; they’re a moment of reckoning for the self-driving tech industry. While Tesla pushes forward with its FSD Version 12 software, claiming it enables autonomous driving without human input, the question remains: How safe is “safe enough” when human lives are at stake?
Discover the Motorola Razr 40 series at unbeatable prices exclusively on Giztop. Experience the Motorola Razr 40, starting at just $599, and seize the extraordinary Razr 40 Ultra, beginning at only $799. Hurry, as this exceptional deal is available for a limited time only. Don’t miss out!
The Motorola Razr 40 Ultra emerges as a symbol of cutting-edge design and technological advancement. With its seamless blend of aesthetics and performance, this device offers a new dimension to mobile experiences.
At the heart of the Razr 40 Ultra lies a powerful Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor, paired with an Adreno 730 GPU. This dynamic duo ensures unparalleled performance and efficiency, empowering users to effortlessly navigate through tasks, apps, and entertainment. The choice between 8GB or 12GB LPDDR5 RAM, combined with 256GB or 512GB UFS 3.1 internal storage options, allows for customizable configurations to suit diverse needs.
Unfold the future with the 6.9-inch foldable P-OLED 165Hz FHD+ inner screen, redefining visual excellence with its seamless display and smooth refresh rate. Complementing the experience is the 3.6-inch P-OLED external display, providing quick access to notifications and functions without the need to unfold the device.
Capture moments with precision using the dual rear camera system, featuring a 12MP main sensor and a 13MP wide-angle lens. From sweeping landscapes to intricate details, the Razr 40 Ultra’s camera setup offers versatility in every shot. For stunning selfies, the 32MP front sensor delivers crisp and vivid self-portraits.
Underpinning the experience is a robust 3800mAh battery, providing the energy required for a full day of use. And when it’s time to recharge, the 33W fast charging support ensures you’re back in action swiftly.
Security and convenience come together with the side-mounted fingerprint scanner, offering easy access to your device while ensuring your data remains protected. Connectivity reaches new heights with Wi-Fi 6E, enabling faster and more stable connections to incompatible networks. The device is enhanced by MYUI 6.0, an intuitive interface that streamlines the user experience.
The Motorola Razr 40 Ultra transcends the ordinary, embodying the brand’s legacy of innovation and elegance. By seamlessly fusing technology and design, it paves the way for a new era of mobile possibilities. With its foldable display, robust performance, and versatile camera capabilities, the Razr 40 Ultra is a testament to Motorola’s commitment to redefining the future of smartphones.
The Motorola Razr 40 emerges as a true marvel of engineering, seamlessly blending cutting-edge technology with sleek design. This remarkable device is poised to redefine the way we interact with our digital world.
At the heart of the Razr 40 lies its 6.9-inch foldable P-OLED screen, boasting a Full HD+ resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels. This innovative display supports a staggering 144Hz refresh rate, ensuring fluid visuals that bring content to life. With support for 10-bit colors, HDR10+, and DC dimming, the inner screen delivers an immersive viewing experience. Complementing this is a 15-inch P-OLED outer screen, offering a resolution of 1066 x 1056 pixels and the same impressive 144Hz refresh rate.
Powering the Razr 40 is the Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 processor, built on a 4nm architecture. Its octa-core prowess, clocked at 2.5GHz, ensures seamless multitasking and smooth performance. Paired with up to 12GB LPDDR5 RAM, the device is primed for effortless app navigation and multitasking.
Storage is a non-issue with the Razr 40, offering configurations of 128GB or 256GB UFS 2.2 storage, ready to accommodate your files, photos, apps, and more. The camera setup is equally impressive, with a dual rear system featuring a 64MP main camera and a 13MP super wide-angle macro lens. The 32MP selfie camera captures stunning self-portraits.
Battery life is optimized with a 4200mAh battery, supporting 33W wired fast charging and 5W wireless charging. Unlocking the device is intuitive with the side-mounted fingerprint scanner, while connectivity options including 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, and a USB-C port provide seamless integration into your digital ecosystem.
The Razr 40 introduces an array of user-centric features, including desktop mode, object recognition, and a split-screen feature, effortlessly activated by swiping the fingerprint scanner. Additionally, the device can serve as a mobile hotspot, enabling you to share your 4G/5G data connection with other wireless devices. The dual nano-SIM slot offers flexibility depending on device memory and network availability.
Motorola continues its legacy of innovation with the Razr 40, a device that’s not just a smartphone, but a window into a smarter and more connected world. Through a blend of exceptional design, advanced technology, and user-centric features, the Razr 40 invites you to experience a new era of mobile functionality.
For more information on such exciting deals and offers, check out our deals hub.
Polestar will debut the ADAS tech for hands-free, eyes-off driving in the Polestar 4 EV. The ADAS tech is a culmination of the partnership between Polestar and Mobileye. The new Polestar SUV coupe will launch soon and will have autonomous driving on offer. Mobileye is the proprietary owner of the Chauffeur platform ADAS.
Mobileye is an autonomous vehicle solutions company and has provided its ADAS tech to over 150 million vehicles globally. The company has a long trajectory of providing ADAS and autonomous vehicle technology since its inception in 1999. It has entered partnerships previously with Tesla, BMW, and some other heavy hitters in the industry. It recently inked an agreement with Porsche to integrate its SuperVision technology platform in Porsche cars. The Polestar-Mobileye collaboration will deliver a more advanced platform than SuperVision, called Chauffeur.
The collaboration will see Mobileye adding autonomous technology to the Polestar 4 EV. The goal will include scaling up the technology to accommodate other Polestar vehicles. The Mobileye Chauffeur will allow drivers to enjoy hands-off and eyes-off, point-to-point autonomous driving on highways. The eyes-on automated driving will be applicable in other designated environments. The platform will be manufactured and implemented by ECARX and features the EyeQ systems-on-chip, REM-powered Mobileye Roadbook maps, 360-degree camera system, and more.
Mobileye’s CEO Amnon Shashua says the Mobileye Chauffeur will offer consumers a safer and more accessible way to enjoy autonomous vehicles as the next revolution in personal transportation. Professor Shashua says the Chauffeur is the pinnacle of its two-decade experience applying AI to millions of vehicles worldwide. The Polestar 4 will roll out with the SuperVision-based ADAS with most of the stated functionality. The Mobileye Chauffeur, when it arrives, will offer the EyeQ6 system-on-chip with modern radar and LiDAR sensors. The Polestar 4 SUV coupe will enter the global market in 2024 but has already berthed in China.
Google is ready to step into the emergency services arena with its upcoming Android 14, taking a cue from Apple’s iPhone 14, which has already introduced a Satellite SOS feature. But there’s a twist: Google seems to be eyeing a global audience by potentially teaming up with Garmin, a well-known name in GPS and satellite communication.
Apple’s Satellite SOS service is only limited by its reach as of now
The information comes courtesy of a Twitter user, Neïl Rahmouni, who noticed some changes in Google Messages app’s user interface. These changes hint at the incorporation of satellite messaging features and suggest Garmin’s involvement. Rahmouni, however, advises caution, saying the collaboration isn’t confirmed until Google makes an official announcement.
Why Garmin, you ask? Unlike Apple’s Satellite SOS, available only in a few countries, Garmin’s satellite services span more than 150 nations, covering every continent. This could give Google an edge in offering emergency services that are as universal as they are critical, making technology truly accessible in times of dire need.
While Apple has made strides with its Emergency SOS feature, its reach is still limited. Google, by possibly joining forces with Garmin, could fill this gap and extend life-saving technology to far-flung areas of the globe. And with Android 14’s release just around the corner, all eyes are on Google to reveal its next move.
What remains to be seen is whether this alliance materializes, and if so, how it will reshape the technology landscape in terms of emergency services. The satellite SOS feature could potentially be a game-changer, offering more people the safety net they deserve, no matter where they are.
So, it’s not just about staying connected anymore; it’s about staying safe, globally.
Spotify, the global streaming giant, recently updated its widget offerings for Android users. This development not only serves as a win for widget enthusiasts but also repositions widgets as indispensable tools in today’s fast-paced digital age.
Users can update the app to see the new Widgets on their home screen
After a two-year hiatus on widget updates, Spotify rolled out two new variants designed to make life easier for its millions of users. The first, a ‘basic’ widget, fulfills standard needs—it shows the currently playing track, and its album art, and offers basic media controls.
The second widget is where the magic happens. Not only does it show what’s currently playing, but it also offers personalized recommendations—ranging from songs and albums to podcasts and audiobooks—based on user preferences. The widget can expand up to a 5×2 size, displaying up to five personalized suggestions below the currently playing track.
These new widgets were launched with version 8.8.50, and if you haven’t updated your Spotify app yet, you might want to hit that update button soon.
This move by Spotify also opens up a dialogue on the relevance of widgets in our day-to-day digital interactions. If you own a tablet used as a centralized media and smart home control, Spotify’s new widgets could offer a streamlined, user-friendly experience, all available at a single touch on your home screen.
In a world quick to embrace the ‘new,’ Spotify’s widget update serves as a reminder that some traditional features, like widgets, still have a lot to offer. The update is not merely a feature rollout; it’s a counter-argument to the growing perception that widgets have lost their utility. So, are widgets here to stay? If Spotify’s bold move is anything to go by, the answer is a resounding yes.
Earlier this month, Nothing CEO Carl Pei announced CMF, a sub-brand that will focus on affordable products like wearables and hearables. Pei said that a CMF-branded smartwatch and earbuds will be announced this year and the company will soon share the details of these products. In a new development, the Telegram channel @Alchimist_1 has leaked the internal marketing materials of CMF’s first products, such CMF Watch Pro, CMF Buds Pro, and CMF 65W GaN charger. Here are all the details:
CMF Watch Pro specifications, price (rumored)
The CMF Watch Pro will offer key features, such as an AMOLED display, built-in GPS, and calling support with AI noise reduction. It will be equipped with a 1.96-inch AMOLED display that supports up to 600 nits of brightness, a 50 fps refresh rate, an Always-on Display, and 100+ watch faces. It will pack a 330mAh battery offering up to 13 days of battery life.
The CMF Watch Pro will come with 100 sports modes, Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, and multi-system GPS. It will be equipped with health tracking sensors, such as a heart rate tracker, a SpO2 monitor, a stress monitor, a sleep monitor, and a breath monitor. It will be an IP68-rated device with an aluminium alloy case, measuring 49.9 x 39.87 x 11.4mm without the strap. It will weigh only 31.1 grams. It will be available in black and orange strap options.
CMF Buds Pro specifications, price (rumored)
The CMF Buds Pro will offer best-in-class 45dB ANC, 11 hours of music playback, and ultra-bass technology. It will be equipped with 10mm dynamic audio drivers with intelligent dynamic bass features, 3 HD microphones on each earbud, a clear call algorithm, anti-wind noise reduction, and up to 45dB of ANC.
The Buds Pro’s case will house a 460mAh battery, whereas each earbud will pack a 55mAh battery. With ANC off, the Buds Pro will offer up to 11 hours of playback time, and with the case, the battery life will extend to 37 hours. The Buds Pro will also support fast charging, which will allow the earbuds to last for up to 3.5 hours with ANC off. Lastly, it will come with IP54-rated water resistance.
CMF Power 65W GaN charger specifications, price (rumored)
The Power 65W GaN charger will support 65W GaN fast charging technology, have three ports, and be widely compatible. It will feature a USB-A port and two USB-C ports. It will support charging protocols such as PD 3.0, QC 40+/ 3.0 / 2.0, SC, FCP, PPS, AFC, Apple 2.4A, Samsung 9V2A, and DCP. It will come with several protection features, such as short circuit protection, over-temperature protection, over-current protection, over-voltage protection, over-power protection, anti-interference protection, under-voltage protection, and shell flame retardant protection.
The CMF Watch Pro and Buds Pro will be priced at Rs 4,499 ($69) and Rs 3,499. It appears that the 65W fast charger will have a price tag of Rs 2,499 for a limited period, and it will be available for Rs 2,999 during its open sale. The leak also states that the Watch Pro and Buds Pro will debut on Sept. 26. It is unclear whether the charger will also debut at the same time.
Shargeek has rebranded its identity to Sharge and also announced the new ICEMAG active cooling magnetic power bank. The new Sharge power bank still reflects the distinctive transparent and innovative design connected with the Shargeek brand. The MagSafe power bank is claimed to be the first of its kind to feature visible active cooling. The ICEMAG will debut in a matter of days, according to the company.
Sharge recently launched a crowdfunding campaign for the innovative Disk SSD enclosure. However, the company says the full rebranding campaign will kick off shortly. The rebranding campaign will cover the online and offline dimensions of the brand. It also noted that Shargeek will remain the series name for some current devices like the Storm2-series power banks. The ICEMAG comes with MagSafe functionality and will be well-suited for iPhones. It is claimed that the ICEMAG is the world’s first magnetic power bank with active cooling and it comes with an integrated fan.
The ICEMAG power bank has a transparent window within the casing housing the capacitors and chips of the device. It also comes with its own RGB similar to that of RedMagic 8 Pro. The new power bank has a fan speed of 8,000 revolutions per minute (RPM). This enables the MagSafe-compatible wireless charging case to output up to 20W power while retaining safety and stability.
The ICEMAG has a capacity of 10,000 mAh but Sharge is yet to provide any pricing or availability information for the device. The company is however offering interested buyers the opportunity to sign up to a mailing list with up to 15% early-bird discount.
OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, made a big announcement today by launching ChatGPT Enterprise. As the name indicates, it’s a business tier of the AI chatbox, which is now available.
ChatGPT Enterprise is built on OpenAI’s most advanced language model, GPT-4. The biggest benefit of the business tier is that it protects the companies’ proprietary information, and it promises not to use their data to train the product.
Brad Lightcap, COO of OpenAI, has said that the tool has been in development for under a year and has worked with more than 20 companies of varying sizes and industries.
Apart from the protection of data, the ChatGPT Enterprise edition also offers GPT-4 access without usage caps and twice the performance of the previous versions. As per the pricing, it is not being announced publicly as it will depend on the company’s size and use cases.
Shedding more light on OpenAI not using the company’s data to train its models, it adds that the clients’ conversation data would be encrypted both at transit and at rest. However, it will log aggregate data on how the tool is used, including performance metadata.
The development comes at a time when the AI market is heating up. A few weeks ago, OpenAI launched the Android app, and before that, in May, the iOS app was launched. The company primarily competes against Google, which is regularly releasing updates to Bard.
Microsoft is also releasing a lot of AI-based features to its products, based on the OpenAI technology. It’s noteworthy that Microsoft is one of the largest investors in OpenAI, having around 49% stake.
Apple is gearing up to launch the next generation of its smartphones in the form of the Apple iPhone 15 series in a few weeks, which will include the iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, and 15 Ultra or 15 Pro Max.
The upcoming smartphones are already in the mass production phase, but as per the new report, the Cupertino-based technology giant has slashed production because of supply-chain issues.
The report by Haitong International Securities analyst Jeff Pu claims that the forecast of the new iPhones has lowered from 83 million to 77 million units.
On the other hand, analysts from Mizuho Bank in Japan are now expecting 73 million units of the iPhone 15 series instead of 84 million. It also anticipates Apple to produce 217 million units of iPhones in 2023 instead of its earlier forecast of 227 million.
If the reports are to be believed, then Apple is expected to launch the iPhone 15 series smartphones in the month of September, with models being available for purchase from 22nd September, except for the iPhone 15 Pro Max (Ultra).
It is said that the launch of the 15 Pro Max could be delayed to October. This is being linked to Sony not being able to deliver enough camera sensors in time for this model. It’s noteworthy that the iPhone 15 Pro Max is expected to be the first iPhone to use a periscope lens.
Indian accessories manufacturer U&i has launched a new set of smart audio wearables in the Indian market. The products are the U&i KHAKHI-3 Wireless Neckband, KHAKHI-4 Wired Earphones, and KHAKHI-2 TWS Earbuds.
The U&i KHAKHI series unveiling comes on the heels of the earlier release of the U&i Couple series and Denim series TWS earbuds. The three products come with several impressive features aside from their competitive prices. The KHAKHI-2 TWS Earbuds are designed for comfort and durability. They come with sweat-resistant silicone ear tips and a lightweight ABS casing suited for all ear sizes.
The KHAKHI-2 TWS delivers up to four hours of playback from each earbud, while the charging case can deliver up to 16 hours of additional playback. The earbuds can be fully recharged in 90 minutes and the product is available in a white colorway. It is compatible with Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity in addition to EDR.
The U&i KHAKHI-3 Wireless Neckband has up to 40 hours of battery life and can be fully recharged in 3 hours via USB-C. It is made from lightweight ABS and silicone materials which offers comfort during extended use. The wireless neckband supports passive noise cancellation, which makes calls to be crisp and clear. The KHAKHI-3 Wireless Neckband comes in four color variants: black, blue, white, and green.
The KHAKHI-4 Wired Earphones are designed for comfortable use. It has large 10mm drivers and is compatible with laptops, tablets, smartphones, and music players. The wired earphones It has soft and skin-friendly silicone ear tips and deliver all-round comfort even when used for long periods. It has a 1.2m cord length and a gold-plated 3.5mm audio jack. The U&i KHAKHI-4 Wired Earphones will be available in seven color variants including white, peach, and pink.
The new U&i KHAKHI lineup of audio accessories is available across retail platforms in India. The KHAKHI lineup of audio wearables is priced between Rs.699 (~$8) and Rs. 2,499 (~$30).
If anything, Huawei products stand out from the crowd with their interesting designs. Earlier this year, the company launched the FreeBuds 5 earbuds featuring a unique waterdrop design. Huawei offers them in Frost Silver, Ceramic White, and Coral Orange. Now, they are available for purchase in China in a new Galaxy Blue color. Here’s what you need to know.
The Huawei FreeBuds 5 (review) in the new striking Galaxy Blue color carries a price tag of 999 yuan (approximately $137 USD) in China. As for its global availability, specific details are yet to be confirmed.
The FreeBuds 5 offer all the features you would expect from premium wireless earbuds, but their unique waterdrop design is what really stands out. Unlike most earbuds, which have either a stem or no stem, the FreeBuds 5 have a waterdrop-shaped design that sits flush with the ear. This design creates more surface area for the skin, which helps to improve comfort and stability.
The FreeBuds 5 support the L2HC and LDAC codecs, which allow for high-resolution audio streaming. They also offer spatial audio on HarmonyOS 3 devices, active noise cancellation (ANC), and dynamic EQ tuning. Huawei claims to use an ear canal adaptive algorithm that provides better noise reduction by adapting to the shape of the user’s ear.
The earbuds feature an 11mm driver unit and connect using Bluetooth 5.2. They also support multi-point pairing. The earbuds are said to offer up to 5 hours of playtime, which can be extended to 30 hours with the charging case. The case charges via USB-C and supports wireless charging.
Technology continues to make our lives easier, and robot vacuums are one of the most significant examples of this. These devices can clean on your behalf and keep your home consistently clean, improving with each passing day. For instance, we recently talked about the Roborock P10 Pro and its features. Now, another successful brand, iRobot, has launched two new robot vacuum. The Roomba Combo j5 Plus is priced at $799, while the Roomba Combo i5 Plus is priced at $549. Here are the details…
iRobot’s New Roomba Combo Mops and Vacuums Your Hard Floors and Carpets
The Roomba Combo j5 Plus is the more advanced model and is priced at $799. It features iRobot’s latest navigation technology, vSLAM, which allows it to create a map of your home and navigate more efficiently. It also has a dirt detect feature that allows it to focus on cleaning dirtier areas.
The Roomba Combo i5 Plus is priced at $549 and does not have the vSLAM navigation or dirt detect features. However, it still offers powerful cleaning performance and a variety of smart features, such as scheduling, room-specific cleaning, and voice control. Both models come with a Clean Base automatic dirt disposal system. This system automatically empties the robot’s dustbin after each cleaning, so you don’t have to worry about it.
Feature
Roomba Combo j5 Plus
Roomba Combo i5 Plus
Price
$799
$549
Navigation
vSLAM
iAdapt 3.0
Dirt detect
Yes
No
Smart features
Scheduling, room-specific cleaning, voice control
Scheduling, room-specific cleaning, voice control
Clean Base automatic dirt disposal
Yes
Yes
You can control the both Roomba using the iRobot app, which is available for iOS and Android devices. The app allows you to start and stop cleaning, schedule cleanings, and view cleaning reports.
OnePlus is rolling out new firmware updates for the OnePlus 8/8 Pro and OnePlus 9R in India. The OnePlus 9R is receiving the firmware LE2101_13.1.0.582(EX01) update, firmware IN2011_13.1.0.582(EX01) is out for OnePlus 8 and IN2021_13.1.0.582(EX01) for OnePlus 8 Pro. The new update brings the August 2023 Android security patch to enhance the system security.
OnePlus took to community forums to detail updates for both the OnePlus 9R (Thread) and OnePlus 8/8 Pro (Thread). This month’s security patch brings fixes for 2 critical security issues and 50 security flaws which are marked with high and moderate severity. It is a huge update in contrast with the system security.
Both the OnePlus 9R and OnePlus 8/8 Pro bundle the same changelog:
System
• Integrates the August 2023 Android security patch to enhance system security.
It is an incremental update and may take some time to reach each unit. So, the user should wait for some hours or days before the update rolls out fully.
In case you have not received the update, you may check for it manually by heading to Settings > About > Check for Updates. However, the user may find slight changes in the firmware version due to OnePlus’s transition to the new format of the OTA version number.
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