Lei Jun says high-end smartphones are key to Xiaomi’s survival

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Aug 14, 2023

Xiaomi’s flagship smartphones don’t have the same popularity as its budget and mid-range phones. The company has a reputation for making affordable phones, and it’s having trouble breaking into the high-end market. However, Xiaomi is committed to continuing to develop flagship devices. The company’s CEO says that this is the only way to compete with other major smartphone manufacturers.

Lei Jun, CEO of Xiaomi, said in his annual speech today that high-end smartphones are important for the company’s success. He stated, “It’s a do-or-die situation for Xiaomi,” highlighting that in the face of competitors like Huawei, Xiaomi can only secure technological advancements and future growth by focusing on high-end offerings. Lei Jun believes pursuing the high-end market is the sole viable path forward.

The executive isn’t wrong since the high-end market is where the most profit is made, and it is also where the most cutting-edge technology is developed. Xiaomi has been making a big push to capture this tier lately. For example, the recent Xiaomi 13 Ultra (review) has everything you need in a smartphone. It’s practically like a point-and-shoot camera with its impressive Leica-tuned sensors.

Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 is the latest example of Xiaomi’s dedication to flagship phones. It debuts as the thinnest foldable smartphone yet, leaving the Honor Magic V2 behind. The device brings a new hinge that is claimed to be more robust than before and a quad-camera setup.

It’s clear that the technology and quality of Xiaomi’s phones are not the reason why it’s lagging behind in the high-end market. It’s safe to say that it’s the brand’s reputation as an affordable smartphone maker that’s keeping consumers from buying its flagships. It might also have something to do with the company’s confusing portfolio in important markets like India.

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Redmi 12 5G with Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chip debuts in China for just $135

By

Sudarshan Ravichandran

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Aug 14, 2023

A few hours back, Xiaomi held a launch event in China. The company unveiled its third-gen foldable smartphone, a large-sized tablet, a performance-oriented upper mid-range phone, and a premium fitness tracker.

At the end of the conference, the firm also took wraps off its new robot. Before that, it announced the pricing and availability of Redmi 12 5G in its home country. Let’s go through the details.

The Redmi 12 5G makes its debut in China today after going official in India earlier this month. This handset is the same as the Redmi Note 12R that’s already on sale in China.

However, there are three minute differences between the two devices. The Redmi 12 5G has NFC and comes in different colors (gray and white). Lastly, it is not offered in a 4GB RAM variant.

The Redmi 12 5G carries the following price tags in China.

6GB + 128GB – ¥999 (~$135)
8GB + 128GB – ¥1,099 (~$150)
8GB + 256GB – ¥1,299 (~$180)

The phone is up for pre-orders in the country. It is scheduled to go on sale from August 16.

The smartphone arrives with a 6.79-inch centered punch-hole FHD+ 90Hz display (LCD), a Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chip, LPDDR4x RAM, UFS 2.2 storage, and MIUI 14 based on Android 13.

It offers a 50MP main camera, a 2MP macro snapper, an 8MP selfie shooter, dual-band WiFi, Bluetooth 5.3, GNSS, a MicroSD card slot, a 3.5mm headphone jack, a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, and an IR blaster.

Last but not least, the device is backed by a 5,000mAh battery with support for 18W charging.

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Huawei rolls out HarmonyOS 4.0 Closed Beta to eligible phones and tablets

By

Anurag

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Aug 14, 2023

Earlier this month, Huawei unveiled HarmonyOS 4.0— the latest iteration of its operating system. The company opened the new software for beta testing in China, allowing users of over 36 phones and tablets to try out the new features before the official release. Now, the company has started rolling out the beta build of HarmonyOS 4.0 to these devices. Here are the details.

As reported by Huawei Central, HarmonyOS 4.0 closed beta software has started to make its way to the first phase of eligible devices. These include the Huawei P40, Mate 40 series phones, and the MatePad 11 series tablets. The complete list of eligible devices can be found here. Huawei is seeding the software with version 4.0.0.109.

This is the closed beta release so only a limited number of users will receive the update. Also, the rollout is currently limited to China. Huawei users in the global market should also get a chance to check out the new software soon.

HarmonyOS 4.0 features and improvements

HarmonyOS 4.0 brings several notable changes, including rich theme templates and stylized layout design. You’ll be able to choose the colors of your app icons and set emoji wallpapers and home screens by selecting your favorite emoji.

It will feature help you to better manage your notifications, by clustering them together and sorting them by importance. The notifications of the same application are now aggregated into dynamic cards so that you can see more information about each notification without having to open it.

HarmonyOS 4.0 also allows you to identify text and images by double-clicking, then long-pressing to select them. You can then quickly drag them to the Super Transfer Station for temporary storage, preview, and batch sharing. This makes it more efficient and convenient to collect content and share it across devices.

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Electric Vehicle Catches Fire in Middle of The Road, Causing Traffic Jam

By

Oğuz Çakır

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Aug 14, 2023

Electric vehicle market share is increasing almost every day. Today, many people prefer these vehicles over traditional cars because they are seen as less harmful to the environment and are considered safer due to their advanced technologies. However, what many overlook is that electric vehicles also have their own safety risks. A recent reminder of this happened in China. In Chengdu, an electric car made by Geely and used as a taxi suddenly caught fire in traffic. Here are the details…

Electric Taxi Erupts in Flames in Chengdu, Causing Massive Traffic Jam

Electric vehicle technology is rapidly improving. Companies like Tesla, BYD, Xpeng, Geely, and many others are competing hard to make their cars safer and attract more users. This effort seems to be working. For example, thanks to the collision prevention feature in Tesla models, we often see lives being saved. However, there are still other risks.

For example, electric vehicle batteries are often discussed because they are delicate and dangerous. There were reports that even with improvements, electric cars can still sometimes catch fire, especially after crashes. Most recently, an electric vehicle used as a taxi caught fire. This caused a big traffic jam.

Videos showed very strong flames from the vehicle, with fire going up more than 2 meters. There were also sounds of small explosions. Car parts flew into the air and there was a lot of black smoke. Firefighters came quickly and put out the fire. Luckily, no one was hurt. People think the taxi was from Maple Auto, part of the Geely Auto Group. The company hasn’t said anything about the fire yet. Everyone is waiting for more information.

It’s crucial to remind the public of the intense nature of electric vehicle fires. They can be incredibly fierce, potentially resulting in explosions. Moreover, such fires can emit toxic and harmful gases. Therefore, it’s highly discouraged for onlookers to approach or gather near the site.

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Gigabyte to soon launch the M27QX rev. 2.0 gaming monitor with 27″ 240Hz QHD panel

By

Sudhanshu

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Aug 14, 2023

Back in 2021, Gigabyte launched the M27QX gaming monitor which was excellent for gaming as well as editing media. Unfortunately, the brand does not sell the M27QX monitors anymore. To the delight of many, Gigabyte has now decided to launch a new revision of the monitor called the Gigabyte M27QX rev. 2.0.

Gigabyte M27QX rev. 2.0 monitor specs

The Gigabyte M27QX rev. 2.0 comes with a 27-inch SuperSpeed In-Plane Switching (SS IPS) panel with 2560 x 1440 (QHD) resolution. It offers up to 240Hz refresh rate with a 1ms response time ensuring smooth gameplay. The monitor boasts a brightness of 350nits, a contrast ratio of 1000:1 and HDR400 support. In addition to that, the monitor is also capable of displaying 1.07 billion colors, with coverage of 94% DCI-P3 color gamut.

Unique features such as OSD Sidekick, Aim Stabilizer Sync, Black Equalizer, Dashboard, Crosshair, Timer, Counter, PiP/PbP, Auto-Update, KVM, 6-axis Color Control, and Smart OD are also available on the M27QX rev. 2.0.

Connectivity options include 2 HDMI 2.0 ports, 1 DisplayPort 1.4, and 1 USB Type-C port with alternate mode and power delivery up to 18W. Additional ports comprise 2 USB 3.0 downstream ports, 1 USB 3.0 upstream port, and an earphone jack. The monitor features built-in 2W speakers for audio support when you don’t have access to external speakers or headphones.

Users can adjust the tilt angle from -5° to +20°, and it provides height adjustment up to 130mm. VESA wall mounting compatibility is supported with a 100×100 mm configuration. The monitor’s net weight is approximately 5.16 kg with the stand and 3.45 kg without it.

Pricing & availability

Gigabyte is yet to reveal the pricing availability details of the Gigabyte M27QX rev. 2.0 monitor. For reference, the previous monitor comes with a $400 price tag.

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Apple M3 chip Macs may come with 12GB base RAM option instead of 8GB

By

Chetan

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Aug 14, 2023

Apple has been actively working on its upcoming M series chips. We have received multiple reports indicating the company will launch highly anticipated Macs equipped with an M3 chip somewhere near October 2023. In the recent Power On newsletter by Mark Gurman, the industry specialist revealed some key details about the M3 chip. However, one key detail about the RAM configuration was missed.

In a new tweet, Vadim Yuryev pointed out the missed details regarding the M3 leaks. He pointed out that the upcoming M3 family of Mac chips includes 36GB and 48GB RAM options, which leads us to believe that the base M3 will have 12GB of unified RAM. For those unaware, ever since the launch of M1, Apple has provided 8GB of unified RAM as the starting point, but that is about to change. This could also mean that in the future, Apple might also introduce its MacBooks with a minimum of 512GB storage instead of 256GB.

Additionally, the upcoming M3 Ultra will be equipped with a 32-core CPU containing 24 high-performance cores and 8-high-efficiency cores, which is a significant upgrade compared to M2. For those unaware, the Apple M2 offers a 24-core CPU and a 76-core GPU. The details and key points of the newsletter are covered on our website, so make sure to check it out. It is likely that Apple won’t acknowledge any of these leaked details before the launch. But if these rumors are true, this will be a new era for MacBooks. Stay tuned for more details.

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Snapdragon 7c+ Gen 3 powered Chromebooks have been cancelled

By

Chetan

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Aug 14, 2023

Qualcomm announced a few products in the first half of 2022, one of them being the Snapdragon 7c+ Gen 3 SoC made for entry-level laptops in the market. It is said to be a successor to the Snapdragon 7c Gen 2. According to recent news, which has surfaced online, the upcoming Chromebooks equipped with Snapdragon 7c+ Gen 3 might have been cancelled.

Chromeunboxed has spotted that the Snapdragon 7c+ Gen 3 development boards for Chromebooks have now been cancelled. The boards clearly mention that Herobrine, which was the primary baseboard for the Snapdragon 7c+ Gen 3 project is being deleted as the project was cancelled. This means Chromebooks having Snapdragon 7c+ Gen 3 would not be available in the market anytime soon. It is still being determined as to why the project was cancelled, and we are waiting to receive official word from Qualcomm. For those who were eagerly waiting to get their hands on the upcoming Chromebooks with the Gen 3 chip, this news might be a bit hard to digest.

Those wondering about the performance of Gen 3. The Samsung Galaxy Book 2 Go was launched in January 2023 and was equipped with the Snapdragon 7c+ Gen 3, which was built using a 6nm process and turned out to have a 40% faster CPU and a 35% more powerful GPU than its predecessor, the Snapdragon 7c Gen 2, which supports 5G connectivity with speeds up to 2.9 Gbps on Wi-Fi 6 and 6E. The chip is said to deliver an immense battery life and improved performance with Android app compatibility. We can merely speculate about the potential outcome of this performance on a system built on ChromeOS, recognized for its efficiency.

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Xiaomi’s XiaoAI Voice Assistant Gets a Generative AI Upgrade

By

Anurag

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Aug 14, 2023

Xiaomi’s mega launch event has concluded, leaving us with several new products. The spotlight is on the Xiaomi Mix Fold 3—the thinnest horizontal foldable smartphone. The new waterproof Redmi K60 Ultra also receives some fanfare. Among these exciting announcements, Xiaomi also slipped in the news of its voice assistant, XiaoAI, going all generative AI. Here’s what you should know.

The new XiaoAI could go against ChatGPT

Xiaomi’s CEO, Lei Jun, announced during his annual speech today that XiaoAi will be upgraded to a generative large language model. For the unaware, XiaoAI is Xiaomi’s equivalent of Google Assistant. If you didn’t hear of it before, it’s because the voice assistant is currently limited to the China ROM.

The company also showcased a video detailing what the generative AI-equipped XiaoAI can do. It will now intelligently answer your questions and will be able to hold a conversation similar to mainstream models like ChatGPT and Bard. The voice assistant will be able to do copywriting and even picture content according to the user’s text requirements.

The new XiaoAI can also help with summarizing and translating in real time. For Xiaomi products, the fresh XiaoAI can be a helpful in guiding users on how to use them.

The large language model is currently under testing and Xiaomi has started test recruitment. The new version of XiaoAI will first be supported on the Xiaomi Mix Fold 3, Xiaomi 13 series, Xiaomi 12 series, Redmi K60 series, and Redmi K50 series smartphones. Xiaomi Sound speakers will also be able to participate in the first round of testing.

Users whose devices meet the requirements can apply for the test in the Xiaomi Community App or say “Experience the Large Model” to XiaoAI to go directly to the registration page.

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OnePlus Ace 2 Pro will support three major Android updates, along with an IR Blaster & NFC

By

Chetan

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Aug 14, 2023

OnePlus Ace 2 Pro is scheduled to launch on August 16. Like its predecessor, the OnePlus Ace Pro, the Ace 2 Pro is also expected to be a flagship killer smartphone with an excellent price-to-performance ratio. The brand is teasing a few details about the phone before its launch, proving it will be worth our wait.

In the most recent teaser, the brand revealed details about its software support.

According to a recent Weibo post made by OnePlus, the brand has confirmed that the smartphone will be getting three major Android updates and four years of security patches. The OnePlus Ace 2 Pro will be launching with Android 13 onboard, meaning that the device will continue to receive major Android updates until Android 16. Other than that, the post has also confirmed that the smartphone will feature an in-display fingerprint sensor, an infrared blaster, and NFC support. Earlier, the brand also confirmed that the Ace 2 Pro will feature Wi-Fi 7 support. Here are some of the key specs of the Ace 2 Pro.

OnePlus Ace 2 Pro Key Specs

Earlier reports suggest that the device will come with a 5000mAh battery with 150W wired charging support and an appealing 6.74-inch 1.5k OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. The device will be powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip with 24 GB of LPDDR5x RAM and 1 TB of storage. Lastly, the device will come with the 50MP flagship Sony IMX890 sensor, previously used in smartphones like the OnePlus 11.

In related news, the brand will soon introduce its Genshin Impact themed OnePlus Ace 2 Pro limited edition pack based on the character “Paimon.”

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Vivo V29 5G goes global, coming to more than 39 countries

By

Sudhanshu

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Aug 14, 2023

After its initial launch in Czechia, Vivo has now announced the wider global launch of the Vivo V29 5G. The brand has revealed that global customers can expect the smartphone to arrive in more than 39 markets, including India, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Turkey, Mexico and the selected European markets.

Vivo V29 5G specs

The Vivo V29 5G comes with a curved 6.78-inch 120 Hz 1.5K AMOLED display. It is capable of producing 1.07 billion colors covering the entire DCI-P3 color gamut. It also comes with the three SGS professional-grade eye protection certifications.

Under the hood, the Vivo V92 features a Snapdragon 778G SoC accompanied by 12 GB of RAM and an additional 8 GB of Extended RAM. So far, it is expected to arrive in a single 256GB storage option. The phone is equipped with a 4,600mAh battery that supports 80W fast charging.

To keep things cool, the device features an ultra-large VC Bionic Cooling System. Software-wise, the smartphone comes with the latest Android 13-based FunTouch OS 13.

The Vivo V29 5G has a 50-megapixel primary sensor with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), an 8-megapixel ultra-wide lens, a 2-megapixel depth sensor, and a ring LED flash. On the front, it has a 50-megapixel sensor, supported by autofocus for capturing clear and detailed selfies.

Pricing & availabiliy

Vivo has said that the availability, pricing, and specifications of each model may vary depending on local market conditions and consumer preferences.

That being said, it is already available in the Czech Republic for CZK 11,999 (~$526).

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Wuling Baojun Yunduo compact EV unveiled in China starting at 95,800 yuan ($13,870)

By

Jed John Ikoba

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Aug 14, 2023

SAIC-GM-Wuling has unveiled the Baojun Yunduo compact electric vehicle in China. The Yunduo is the second model under the Baojun brand released this year. It is being propped as a BYD Dolphin and Volkswagen’s ID.3 competitor. SAIC-GM-Wuling is a joint venture between SAIC, General Motors, and Liuzhuo Wuling Motors.

The Baojun brand debuted with the Yep EV on May 25 this year. The starting price of the Baojun Yep was 89,800 yuan (~$11,280) and the Yunduo starts with a higher price. Baojun has reported that it had received up to 50,000 orders for the Yunduo.

The Baojun Yunduo is available in four versions with their starting prices between 95,800 yuan (~$13,270) and 123,800 yuan (~$17,103). Furthermore, the EV will be offered in a version equipped with the Lingxi smart driving system, jointly created by SAIC-GM-Wuling and DJI. The company has already opened reservations for this version and deliveries will begin in October. However, the price of this model has not been specified by SAIC-GM-Wuling.

The Yunduo (literally meaning cloud) has a wheelbase of 2,700mm and dimensions of 4,295 x 1,850 x 1,652mm (LxWxH). It is slightly bigger than the BYD Dolphin in length, width, and height. The Baojun Yunduo is powered by an electric motor with a peak power of 100kW and peak torque of 200Nm. It is equipped with a lithium iron phosphate battery pack with a capacity of 37.9kWh and up to 460km CLTC range.

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Xiaomi unveils CyberDog 2, a more unique-looking successor to the original CyberDog

By

Rajesh Regmi

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Aug 14, 2023

Xiaomi today unveiled CyberDog 2, the successor to the first-gen CyberDog that was launched in 2021. The CyberDog 2 is a quadruped robo-dog, but Xiaomi has made significant changes to its design, giving it a more unique look than its predecessor.

Xiaomi CyberDog 2 Overview

The original CyberDog was designed to look like a replica of Boston Dynamics’ Spot, but the CyberDog 2 has a more distinctive appearance. It has a completely redesigned body that resembles a Doberman, with two small ears on both sides of the head. This makes it look more like a real dog than the previous generation.

CyberDog 2 is also much smaller and lighter than the previous generation. It weighs just 8.9 kg and is 36.7 cm tall, which is much smaller than a golden retriever. Xiaomi has shown that the robot can even stand on one leg while resting on a block of tofu without destroying it.

Xiaomi has improved the mobility of its CyberDog robot with self-developed CyberGear micro-actuators. These actuators make the robot more agile and capable of performing more complicated maneuvers, such as continuous backflips and fall recovery.

CyberDog also has a decision-making system that uses 19 sensors dedicated to vision, touch, and hearing. In particular, it is stuffed with an RGB camera, an interactive AI-backed camera, four ToF sensors, a LiDAR sensor, a depth camera, an ultrasonic sensor, a fisheye lens sensor, a force sensor, and two Ultra Wide Band sensors. It also has four microphones and is compatible with the Xiaomi AI voice algorithm.

Moreover, Xiaomi has placed special emphasis on the intelligent capabilities of CyberDog, thanks to its NX processor and two co-processors, which can reach 21 TOPS of computing power.

Xiaomi CyberDog 2 Pricing and Availability

As for the pricing, it is priced at 12,999 yuan, which is about USD 1,790. It will be available for purchase in China soon.

Besides this, Xiaomi has also made CyberDog 2 open-source, with its code, structural drawings, and even graphical programming and modular processing of various sensing capabilities all available to the public. This makes it ideal for technology enthusiasts and developers who want to experiment with this type of product.

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Xiaomi Mix Fold3 is on pre-sale on Giztop

By

Staff

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Aug 14, 2023

The Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 has just hit the shelves on Giztop. This next-generation folding smartphone from Xiaomi is available on pre-sale at $1,599 on Giztop right now. It is important to highlight that the device available is the Chinese Edition, yet it supports full GMS, the Google Play Store, and OTA updates.

WHERE TO BUY

Xiaomi Mi Mix Fold 3 at $1,599 @Giztop

The Xiaomi Mi Mix Fold 3 has an enormous 8.03-inch 2K AMOLED E6 inner screen and a 6.56-inch AMOLED E6 outer display. There are two stereo speakers next to each of these two screens. The phone starts up with MIUI 14 Fold, which is based on Android 13.

The phone is powered by an overclocked version of the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, which is paired with LPDDR5x RAM and UFS 4.0 storage. It has a 4,800mAh battery and can be charged with 67W of power through a wire or 50W of power wirelessly.

Last but not least, the device has a quad-camera system specially tuned by Leica and two 20MP front-facing cameras for both the outside and inside displays. The main camera has a 50MP Sony IMX800 sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide unit, a 10MP 3.2x telephoto shooter, and a 10MP 5x periscope shooter. The ultra-wide camera doesn’t have OIS, but the other three do.

The Mi Mix Fold 3 embodies Xiaomi’s vision for the future of smartphones. Whether you’re streaming your favorite series, capturing picturesque moments, or multitasking, this device is designed to outperform. With cutting-edge features and a sleek design, it’s not just a phone; it’s an experience.

Check out the Giztop listing of the Mix Fold3 here.

Stay updated with the latest and most exciting offers by visiting our deals hub.

Hohem iSteady MT2 4-in-1 Gimbal Kit with AI tracking launched in India

By

Soumyakanti

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Aug 14, 2023

Hohem, a leader in camera stabilization technology, has unveiled the MT2 Kit Camera Gimbal in India. The Hohem iSteady MT2 4-in-1 Gimbal Kit offers an impressive array of functionalities aimed at enhancing filming experiences for photographers and videographers.

The gimbal is available for purchase in India from Originshop and Amazon. The product is priced at Rs. 35,990, but a special discount is available on Originshop.in, where it can be bought for Rs. 28,490.

The gimbal is compatible with a wide range of devices, including standard DSLRs, compact/mirrorless cameras, action cameras, and smartphones, making it a versatile choice for different users. Let’s check out the specs.

Hohem MT2 Kit Camera Gimbal specifications:

One of the standout features of the MT2 is the AI tracker, paired with an RGB fill light. These features enable improved tracking and lighting, delivering more professional results. The gimbal is built with the latest iSteady 7.0 anti-shake algorithm, providing a 30% increase in stability. The result is smoother and steadier footage, which is often a vital requirement in professional filming.

With its OLED flip screen, the MT2 allows for creative vertical shooting, opening new avenues for content creation. It also comes with a Multi 4.0 installation system, facilitating quick transitions between vertical and horizontal shots. This innovative system allows detachment and reattachment of the quick-release plate or L-bracket in only 3 seconds.

The MT2 Gimbal supports a total load capacity of up to 1.2kg, accommodating a variety of equipment sizes. Its battery life is also noteworthy, lasting up to 17 hours under ideal conditions, and 6-8 hours when using the AI tracking and fill light at its highest brightness.

Manufactured with aircraft-grade aluminum and high-performance composites, the Hohem MT2 4-in-1 Gimbal Kit is built for durability and performance. It offers 3-axis stabilization, a mechanical range of 360° infinite rotation in pan, 200° in roll, and 290° in tilt. With a weight of 653g, it remains portable and convenient for on-the-go filming.

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Trek Electra Pronto Go! throttle-controlled electric moped launched

By

Jed John Ikoba

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Aug 14, 2023

Trek has launched its first-ever throttle-controlled electric moped. The Trek Electra Pronto Go! comes with several impressive features and can also accommodate two riders. The new Trek utility bike is under the Electra sub-brand.

Trek has established its identity as a bicycle manufacturer but it is entering the electric bike turf with the new utility bike. The bike can support riders between 4ft and 6ft 2 inches (147-188cm) in height. The bike weighs 35kg and has a payload capacity of 163kg. The Electra Pronto Go! is a Class 3 e-bike that can reach a throttle-controlled top speed of 32km/h or 43km/h with pedal assist. The bike is equipped with a 750W hub motor at the rear which is the maximum allowable in the US for an e-bike.

The Trek Electra Pronto Go! comes with a 650Wh battery that delivers a maximum range of 96km on a single charge. The maximum range decreases when using the throttle and riding at higher speeds. The bike features the standard 20”x4” urban tires popular with utility bikes. It also comes with several accessories like fenders, LED lights with rear turn signals, an 8-speed shifter, and hydraulic disc brakes. The Electra Pronto Go! also features a handlebar Quad Lock mount for phones and a rear grab bar for the second rider.

The Trek Electra Pronto Go! utility bike is available in four color variants but only a single size. It is priced at $2,699 and is available in the US. There is no official information on the global availability and pricing of the new Trek e-bike at this time.

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Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro With 60Hz Display, Somatosensory Support Launched In China

By

Viraj Gawde

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Aug 14, 2023

Xiaomi has announced a new wearable device at a big event held in China today. The latest offering is the Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro. It has debuted alongside the Xiaomi MIX Fold 3 foldable phone, the Redmi K60 Ultra, and Xiaomi Pad 6 Max tablet. The wearable device arrives as the successor to the Xiaomi Band 7 Pro that was announced last year. It is also a larger version of the Xiaomi Smart Band 8 (review) that debuted earlier this year. The device offers the best of both worlds bridging the gap between a fitness band and a smartwatch.

Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro specifications and features

The Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro has a rectangular dial. It doesn’t have any physical buttons and the strap is changeable. The device features an AMOLED display measuring 1.74 inches and bearing a resolution of 336 x 480 pixels. It offers a 60Hz refresh rate, 600 nits peak brightness, an always-on display, and 16.7 million colors. The fitness band comes with customizable widgets for easier access on the home screen and portrait watch face functionality. The Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro is water-resistant up to 5 meters.

In terms of health and fitness, the Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro is equipped with a heart-rate monitor, SpO2 sensor, sleep tracker, and a menstrual cycle monitor for women. The wearable device is also capable of tracking stress levels and offering breath training. It packs support for more than 150 sports modes along with smart running mode and running lessons. The fitness band can also access the user’s current physical vitality. The Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro retains the somatosensory sensor from the Band 8 that enables users to track data related to somatic senses while in boxing action.

The Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro has a built-in GNSS chip supporting five satellite systems. The wearable device packs a voice assistant and users can control other Xiaomi smart devices via the Miaoxiang Center. There are also other convenient features like camera and music control, flashlight, weather updates, notifications, and more. The fitness band is backed by a 297mAh battery unit that is claimed to last up to 14 days on a full charge.

The Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro is compatible with a host of strap colors and material options. It costs CNY 399 (~$54) for the TPU wristband that is offered in Black and Coconut Ash colors whereas the leather option in Harbor Blue costs CNY 449 (~$61). The wearable device is up for purchase in China.

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Redmi K60 Ultra launched with IP68 rating, 24GB RAM, Sony IMX800 camera, and more

By

Sudarshan Ravichandran

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Aug 14, 2023

The Redmi K60 Ultra is finally here after months of leaks. The device got announced today at Lei Jun’s annual speech event in China. It was accompanied by Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 and several other products.

The Redmi K60 Ultra is the most premium Redmi-branded smartphone to date. It comes with some features that are first on a Redmi phone.

The device also has a different design than its siblings Redmi K60 Pro, Redmi K60, and Redmi K60E. Let’s go through everything it has to offer along with pricing and availability.

Redmi K60 Ultra Specifications

The Redmi K60 Ultra looks like a fusion of the Redmi K60 series and the Xiaomi 13 series in terms of design. It has a flat display as well as a flat frame. However, the rear panel is curved.

The giant camera island on the back has slopes on two sides giving it a unique look. The device is IP68-rated for dust and water resistance, making it the first Redmi smartphone to provide ingress protection.

The handset flaunts a 6.67-inch centered punch-hole OLED display with a 1.5K resolution and a 144Hz refresh rate. The screen offers a 2,880Hz PWM frequency and a 2,600 nits peak brightness level.

The Redmi K60 Ultra is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 9200 Plus chipset paired with up to 24GB LPDDR5x RAM and 1TB UFS 4.0 storage. It also comes with a PixelWorks X7 display chip. As for software, it boots MIUI 14 based on Android 13.

As for photography and videography, the phone uses a triple camera system on the rear comprising an OIS-assisted 50MP Sony IMX800 primary sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide unit, and a 2MP macro snapper. On the front, it has a 20MP shooter.

Other features of the handset include dual stereo speakers, an IR blaster, an x-axis vibration motor, and an in-display fingerprint sensor. Finally, it draws energy from a 5,000mAh battery with support for 120W fast wired charging.

Redmi K60 Ultra Price

The Redmi K60 Ultra carries the following price tags in China.

12GB + 256GB – ¥2,599 (~$360)
16GB + 256GB – ¥2,799 (~$385)
16GB + 512GB – ¥2,999 (~$400)
16GB + 1TB – ¥3,299 (~$455)
24GB + 1TB – ¥3,599 (~$495)

The phone comes in green, black, and white color options. It will go on sale from August 16. The top-end 24GB + 1TB variant will be available later on August 22 onwards.

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Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 launched with more durable hinge, periscope camera, overclocked SD8 Gen 2 chip, and more

By

Sudarshan Ravichandran

-

Aug 14, 2023

As scheduled, Xiaomi took wraps off its third-gen foldable smartphone in China today. Officially called the Xiaomi Mix Fold 3, the device is a fourth horizontal foldable phone that unfolds into a tablet.

Check out our fresh unboxing & hands-on video here!

It is currently the world’s thinnest foldable handset when folded beating the Honor Magic V2 which help the record up until now. It also arrives with a Leica-tuned camera system like the company’s regular flagship smartphones.

The new foldable also comes with a new hinge and a revamped design. Let’s check out everything it has to offer.

Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 Specifications

The Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 retains the boxy look of the Mix Fold 2 with some changes. The rectangular camera island is now larger as it houses four lenses instead of three.

The device is just 5.26mm thin when unfolded and 10.96m when folded. It features a new waterdrop hinge that is more durable than its predecessor and can withstand over 500,000 folds. The hinge also allows the display to stay still (Hover mode) between 45°-135° angles.

The main foldable screen measures 8.03-inch in size and offers a 2K resolution with UTG protection. Whereas the outer 21:9 FHD+ display protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus measures 6.56 inches in size.

Both panels use E6 material and support up to a 120Hz refresh rate and Dolby Vision. They can reach a maximum peak brightness of 2600 nits. Even their global brightness level is rated at 1300 nits.

These two screens are accompanied by dual stereo speakers. On the software front, the phone boots MIUI 14 Fold based on Android 13. Xiaomi claims that the top 200 apps in China are fully optimized for this handset.

The smartphone is powered by the overclocked version of the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset paired with LPDDR5x RAM and UFS 4.0 storage. It is backed by a 4,800mAh battery with support for 67W wired charging and 50W wireless charging.

Last but not least, the device flaunts a Leica-tuned quad-camera system and two 20MP front-facing cameras for the external and internal displays. The main camera setup includes a 50MP Sony IMX800 primary sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide unit, a 10MP 3.2x telephoto shooter, and a 10MP 5x periscope snapper. Except for the ultra-wide camera, the other three have OIS.

Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 Price

The Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 carries the following price tags in China.

12GB + 256GB – ¥8,999 (~$1,240)
16GB + 512GB – ¥9,999 (~$1,375)
16GB + 1TB – ¥10,999 (~$1,515)

It comes in glass and dragon scale fiber variants. The former can be availed in black and gold.

The latter uses a more durable aerospace fiber composite material, which is rated 36 times stronger than glass. However, both versions cost the same.

The foldable smartphone is up for pre-order in China. It will go on sale from August 16.

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Noise Buds VS106 launched with 3 EQ modes, 40ms low latency mode & 50hour battery life

By

Sudhanshu

-

Aug 14, 2023

Noise recently debuted the Buds VS102 Neo earbuds in India featuring 11mm drivers and Bluetooth 5.3. The brand has also launched another pair of earbuds in India called the Noise Buds VS106.

Noise Buds VS106 specs & features

The Noise Buds VS106 earbuds come packed with 10mm drivers that deliver impressive sound quality. With Bluetooth v5.3 connectivity, they ensure a strong and reliable connection to your devices. The touch controls add convenience, allowing you to manage playback and calls with ease. They also come with an ultra-low-latency mode of 40ms, ensuring minimal delay while watching videos or playing games.

For clear and uninterrupted calls, the earbuds are equipped with a quad microphone setup incorporating Environmental Noise Cancellation Technology. This technology effectively reduces background noise during calls. The impressive battery life is another highlight, providing up to 50 hours of total playback time.

Users have the flexibility to choose from three built-in EQ modes: Normal, Bass, and Gaming Modes, enabling personalized sound preferences. With Instacharge fast charging support, the earbuds offer a quick 120 minutes of playback after just 10 minutes of charging.

Hyper Sync Technology is onboard to streamline the pairing process. Additionally, the earbuds hold an IPX5 rating, signifying their resistance to splashes and sweat.

Price & availability

The Noise Buds VS106 TWS is set at Rs. 1,299 and is available in Cloud White, Sky Blue, and Jet Black color variations. Starting from August 17th at 12 p.m., interested customers can purchase the earbuds from both the Noise Website and Amazon.

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(via: Fonearena)

*Please Note: When you buy something using the links in our articles, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.

Xiaomi Pad 6 Max Announced With Upgraded Specifications Compared To Its Siblings

By

Viraj Gawde

-

Aug 14, 2023

Xiaomi held a mega event in China today. The brand announced a host of new products which include a foldable phone, a smartphone, a tablet, and a wearable device. The company has introduced a new addition to the Xiaomi Pad 6 series that was launched in China in June this year. The latest offering is called the Xiaomi Pad 6 Max. It seems to be the highest variant in the Pad 6 lineup that already has a standard (review) and pro models (review). Read on to know what it offers out of the box.

Xiaomi Pad 6 Max specifications and features

The Xiaomi Pad 6 Max retains the same design as its siblings with a metal unibody and a square camera module on the rear. The tablet looks quite premium. The display and audio department is where the Pad 6 Max gets upgraded. It is the largest in the lineup boasting a 14-inch LCD screen. This is said to be 62 percent larger than the Pad 6 Pro. The device still features a 120Hz refresh rate and 2.8K pixels resolution. On the audio front, it is equipped with eight speakers tuned by Dolby Atmos. The display and audio both offer an immersive entertainment experience.

In the photography department, the Xiaomi Pad 6 Max features a dual rear camera setup of a 50MP main sensor and a 2MP depth lens. On the front, the tablet has a 20MP primary camera paired with a 3D ToF sensor for advanced facial unlock. There is also a permission indicator light that will flash red when an app tries to access sensitive data like a camera and help the user in deciding whether to grant permission or not.

Under the hood, the Xiaomi Pad 6 Max houses the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor. It packs up to 16GB RAM and 1TB internal storage. The device also features a heat dissipation system with an area of 15839mm for extended periods of usage. The tablet draws its power from a 10,000mAh battery unit with support for 67W fast charging as well as 33W reverse charging. It features a Surge G1 protection chip for improved battery life, longevity, and safety.

The Xiaomi Pad 6 Max runs on MIUI Pad 14 based on Android 13 OS out of the box. It packs features like a split screen mode for using four apps simultaneously, pre-installed WPS Office, and more. The tablet is compatible with a detachable keyboard that also has a trackpad. It also comes with a Stylus that has a focus button feature turning it into a virtual laser pointer.

Xiaomi Pad 6 Max pricing and availability

The Xiaomi Pad 6 Max starts at CNY 3,799 (~$523) for the base 8GB + 256GB variant. The 12GB + 256GB and 12GB + 512GB configurations costs CNY 3,999 (~$550) and CNY 4,399 (~$605) respectively. The top-end 16GB + 1TB is priced at CNY 4,799 (~$660). The device is offered in Black and Silver colors. The Smart Touch Keyboard is priced at CNY 799 whereas the stylus cost CNY 499.

Update: Xiaomi Pad 6 Max is now available on Giztop.

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