After launching the Galaxy Tab S9 series in the global market, Samsung is now working on the Galaxy Tab S9 Fan Edition tablets. The Tab S9 FE global model was spotted on FCC a few days back, and now, the WiFi-only model of the tablet has also cleared the certification.
Spotted by MySmartPrice, the Tab S9 FE WiFi variant has emerged on FCC with model number SM-X510. The certification reveals the single rear camera design of the tablet via schematics. Further, the EP-TA800 charger being tested with the tablet suggests that the Tab S9 FE could have 25W fast charging onboard. No other details have been revealed by the certification, so let’s look at what’s known so far.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE specs (rumored)
In our earlier coverage, we discussed the potential inclusion of a 10.9-inch LCD panel in the Galaxy Tab S9 FE. Additionally, the tablet is said to feature an Exynos 1380 SoC, as revealed by a recent Geekbench listing. A dual-speaker setup, a maximum of 8GB RAM, and storage options reaching up to 128 GB are also expected to be onboard. Speculation has also arisen, indicating that the tablet might be priced at approximately Rs 63,000 for the Indian market.
Ulefone has once again pushed the boundaries of rugged smartphone design with the highly anticipated launch of its latest mid-ranger, the Armor X12 Pro. Combining style, durability, and performance, this compact rugged phone promises a refreshing fashion experience while excelling in even the harshest conditions.
One of the standout features of the Armor X12 Pro is its eye-catching X racing flag design on the back shell, beautifully adorned with a checkered flag decoration, symbolizing the spirit of high performance and speed. Going beyond mere toughness, this rugged phone embraces flair and style, offering users a unique blend of ruggedness and elegance. For personalization, Ulefone provides the Armor X12 Pro in three stylish color combinations – black, green, and orange – allowing users to choose the one that best aligns with their personal style.
With a perfectly balanced 5.45-inch screen, the Armor X12 Pro delivers both usability and compactness, making it an ideal companion for those who prefer the convenience of a one-handed size phone. Despite its compact design, Ulefone has not compromised on durability. The device meets the stringent IP68/IP69K and MIL-STD-810H standards, guaranteeing its ability to handle challenging conditions without breaking a sweat. From dust and accidental drops to water immersion, extreme temperatures, and high humidity levels, the Armor X12 Pro is well-equipped to handle it all.
Under the hood, the Armor X12 Pro packs a powerful punch with its Helio G36 octa-core chipset. This robust processor ensures seamless performance, handling everyday tasks and most games with ease. Backed by 4GB of memory and 64GB of internal storage, users have ample space for their favorite apps, photos, and files. To accommodate even more digital needs, the device supports an additional 4GB of virtual memory and up to 256GB of storage expansion.
In addition to its eye-catching design, compact size, and powerful processor, the Ulefone Armor X12 Pro boasts an impressive 4860mAh battery that ensures long-lasting performance. With approximately 264 hours of standby time, 20 hours of talk time, and almost 8 hours of video playback, users can rely on this rugged phone to keep up with their busy lifestyles without constant charging.
Furthermore, the Armor X12 Pro’s photography capabilities are equally remarkable. Equipped with a 13MP Sony IMX214 sensor for its main camera, it delivers high-quality photos. The 8MP front camera offers a variety of camera modes, including portrait mode, UHD, and beauty mode, catering to diverse selfie preferences. The standout feature, however, is the underwater camera mode, allowing users to capture photos while swimming or rafting, making it the perfect companion for aquatic adventures.
The software experience of the Ulefone Armor X12 Pro sets a new standard, running on the latest Android 13. Users can expect a smoother and more user-friendly interface with improved features for notification permissions and media access. Adding to the phone’s convenience is the inclusion of NFC functionality, enabling seamless mobile payments and the use of public transportation payment systems.
For outdoor enthusiasts, the Armor X12 Pro is well-equipped with a range of useful tools tailored for rugged environments. The tool pack and glove mode ensure usability in tough conditions, catering to the needs of adventurous users. The phone’s navigation capabilities are equally impressive, with support for GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and Beidou, guaranteeing reliable navigation in any outdoor setting.
To enhance the Ulefone Armor X12 Pro experience, a variety of accessories are available to meet diverse user demands. The Armor case for the X12 series provides full protection, ensuring the phone’s durability in challenging conditions. For stable placement on flat surfaces like windshields, dashboards, mirrors, and tables, Ulefone offers a practical phone holder option. Furthermore, the versatile phone holder, Armor Mount Pro, is specifically designed for use on vehicles with handlebars, making it ideal for outdoor activities involving bikes, motorcycles, scooters, and e-motorcycles.
Customers have the flexibility to purchase the Ulefone Armor X12 Pro and its accessories separately, enabling them to customize their experience according to their specific needs. To know more about the discount offers and promotions, check out the Ulefone Store at AliExpress, where the latest deals will be released.
Whether you’re an adventurous outdoor enthusiast in need of a dependable rugged companion or someone who values a compact and stylish phone with robust capabilities for everyday use, the Ulefone Armor X12 Pro is designed to cater to your unique needs. With its remarkable features and a wide range of practical accessories, the Ulefone Armor X12 Pro undoubtedly stands out as a compelling choice for those seeking a rugged, reliable, and stylish smartphone capable of withstanding the toughest challenges.
Xiaomi has been working on its new generation of smartphones for the past few months, and a bunch of them are expected to be announced during company CEO Lei Jun’s annual speech, scheduled for August 14th.
During last year’s speech, Xiaomi revealed the Mix Fold 2 and Redmi K50. In this year’s annual speech, the brand has confirmed the launch of the Xiaomi Mix Fold 3. Alongside the foldable, we also expect the brand to launch the Xiaomi Pad 6 Max and the Redmi K60 Ultra.
Previous reports have revealed key specs of Mix Fold 3, Pad 6 Max, and Redmi K60 Ultra, which are provided below.
Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 Specs
Mix Fold 3 will be the new generation foldable from the Beijing based tech giant. The phone is rumored to feature a periscope telephoto lens, a 4,800mAh battery, and 67W fast charging. It is expected to be powered by Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor.
Pad 6 Max Specs
According to recent leaks, we can expect the tablet to have a 14-inch LCD display with 2.8K resolution and a refresh rate of 144hz. As for the camera, the device is rumored to have a 50MP main camera and a 20MP front camera.
Redmi K60 Ultra Specs
The Redmi K60 Ultra is expected to feature 12GB LPDDR5x RAM, a 6.7-inch OLED display with 1.5K resolution, and a refresh rate of 144Hz. A 5,000mAh to 5,500mAh battery that supports 120W fast charging should power the device.
More details will be confirmed as we get closer to the launch event, so stay tuned.
Realme is gearing up to launch the Realme 11 5G in India soon. But it appears that this model won’t be alone as the Buds Air 5 Pro will be making its debut in the region alongside this smartphone. A new leak has revealed the Indian retail box, so let’s have a look.
Realme Buds Air 5 Pro India Launch
The image of the official packaging box was shared by known tipster Mukul Sharma on Twitter. The tweet also shares an image of the retail box, which hints at the Buds Air 5 Pro’s imminent launch. Realme’s upcoming hearables are confirmed to launch in at least one color variant, which is dubbed Astral Black, and carries the model number RMA2120.
Realme Buds Air 5 Pro Specifications
The tipster stated that the Buds Air 5 Pro will likely be unveiled in India alongside the upcoming Realme 11 5G, which was recently teased. Talking about its specifications, the truly wireless earbuds from the Chinese smartphone maker features 11mm woofer and 6mm micro tweeter. It offers Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) as well as AI Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC) thanks to its three built-in microphones on each earbud.
The model supports Bluetooth 5.3 with SBC, AAC, and LDHC audio codecs. Realme Buds Air 5 Pro offers dual connection as well, allowing you to switch between two devices seamlessly. Other notable features include an IPX5 protection rating, a USB Type-C port for fast charging, and up to 40 hours of battery life. So stick around for more as we will be providing more updates regarding the TWS earbuds.
Dough, an up-and-coming display brand that previously unveiled the cord-free NANO 2K Monitor has now unveiled a new 4K monitor for the global market called the Spectrum Black 4K ES07E3D.
Spectrum Black 4K ES07E3D specs
The Spectrum Black 4K ES07E3D monitor features a 31.5-inch diagonal display with a 16:9 aspect ratio. The monitor utilizes an OLED panel that achieves a peak brightness of 1000 nits with HDR (400 nits for full-screen content). It provides complete coverage of the sRGB color gamut (100%) and an impressive 98.5% coverage of the DCI-P3 gamut. The monitor boasts a contrast ratio of 1,500,000:1 and maintains a typical Delta-E of less than 1 for accurate color representation.
The ES07E3D model incorporates a Gorilla Glass cover with a DXC anti-glare coating. As stated by Dough, this combination results in a glare reduction of up to 70% when compared to their glossy monitor counterparts. Additionally, the Spectrum Black 4K ES07E3F is an alternative matte option if you want a matte display.
Smooth visuals are ensured with a refresh rate of up to 240 Hz and a rapid 0.03 ms (gray-to-gray) response time. It supports Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync technologies for enhanced graphics performance. Connectivity options encompass 2 HDMI 2.1a ports, 1 DisplayPort, 2 USB-C inputs (one offering DisplayPort 1.4 and up to 100 Watts power output, the other for upstream connection), along with 2 USB-C outputs and 2 USB-A outputs (both supporting up to 5 Watts power). A 3.5 mm audio jack is also included.
Price & availability
Dough plans to make the Spectrum Black 4K ES07E3D and ES07E3F available for pre-order, and as more orders come in, the prices will gradually go up. When they kick off the pre-orders, the matte version will begin at US$699, while the glass version will start at $799. As more batches of orders are taken, the prices will slowly rise until they reach the regular prices of $1099 for the matte model and $1299 for the glass model.
Semiconductor manufacturer TSMC has announced plans to manufacture 28/22nm and 16/12nm chips in Europe. The chipmaker has entered a joint partnership with Robert Bosch, Infineon Technologies, and NXP Semiconductors. The entity formed – European Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (ESMC) GmbH will drive the development. The total investment in the ESMC project is more than €10 billion and up to 2,000 jobs will be created.
TSMC will have a majority stake in ESMC (70%), while the trio of Robert Bosch, Infineon Technologies, and NXP Semiconductors gets 10% each. ESMC will begin construction of a fab by H2, 2024. Mass production of the specified chips is scheduled to commence in 2027.
The company targets the production of 40,000 units of 300mm wafers per month using TSMC’s 28/22nm process and the 16/12nm FinFET process. The fab will not build smartphone chipsets or GPUs as the focus is on older nodes. The older nodes are needed for the production of microcontrollers needed in the automotive industry.
The other stakeholders in ESMC also bring automotive hardware expertise into the production mix. Bosch and Infineon are German-based companies while NXP is based in the Netherlands. Infineon produces memory for embedded systems used in modern cars. TSMC had previously built a 28nm fab for Sony image sensors used in cameras.
The evolution of ESMC is bound to bolster Europe’s automotive and industrial sectors. The target is outside the growing cutting-edge silicon field but key components are still relevant in modern cars and other technologies. It is also targeted at mitigating the impact of possible chip shortages in the automotive industry.
Edifier has just announced brand-new wireless Bluetooth earphones for fitness enthusiasts in China. It is the new X200BT Sports Neckband earphones, with features that are fit (no pun intended) for those that love working out. So let’s have a look.
The company’s latest wireless hearables feature Bluetooth 5.3 that supports quick switching between two connected devices. This is quite handy when your earphones are connected to two different products like your laptop and your phone. It houses 10mm drivers and supports AI noise reduction for calls as well. As per official notes, this model offers an IP55 protection rating against dust and water.
On a single full charge, the Edifier X200BT can last for up to 20 hours. Gamers can also use these earphones since it offers low latency. Notably, both earbuds can be connected magnetically and the ear tips feature wings for better grip on your ear and are made with antibacterial coating. The X200BT Sports Neckband earphones support customizability via the partner application.
As of right now, Edifier has started selling the X200BT Bluetooth earphones in China. The sale began earlier today (9th August 2023) and the model carries a price tag of just 99 yuan. This is roughly around 14 US Dollars and can be found in major Chinese e-commerce platforms like JD.com. So if you’re physically active, you can check out these earphones.
Back in June, OnePlus debuted the Nord N30 5G for the US market. The device is essentially a rebranded OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G. The brand has now started rolling out a new update for the device that comes with the latest security patch, along with system and camera improvements.
The OxygenOS 13.1.0.601 update with firmware version CPH2513_13.1.0.601(EX01) is now being seeded in North America. It features the July 2023 Android security patch along with general improvements to the camera, improved system stability, and expanded network compatibility. You can check the official changelog below.
OnePlus Nord N30 5G OxygenOS 13.1.0.601 update changelog
System
• Integrates the July 2023 Android security patch to enhance system security.
• Improves the stability and expands the compatibility of network connections.
Camera
• Improves camera performance for a better user experience.
A similar update for the Nord CE 3 Lite 5G was also released last month that featured network improvements along with the July Android security patch.
As per the usual process, the update will be released in stages. If you haven’t received the OTA notification yet, you can navigate to Settings>System>System Updates. The phone will automatically check for the availability of the update for your device.
Nothing recently released the Nothing OS 2.0.2 update for its newly launched Phone (2) smartphone. The update was supposed to bring a number of camera improvements, but some users are reporting that it has actually degraded the camera performance. The update has apparently made the HDR performance worse and the photos now fail to retain shadows.
In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), a YouTuber @Pmkphotoworks says the Nothing OS 2.0.2 update has degraded the camera quality of the Phone (2). They said the HDR performance has become “much worse” and that the photos look “very bland.” They also report that Phone (2) is failing to retain shadows and is showing uneven skin tone brightening. The YouTuber also shared a set of pictures (embedded below) to highlight these issues.
Nothing OS 2.0.2 has degraded the Phone (2)'s camera quality. Have a look 👇
– HDR performance has become much worse (1st Pic) – Photos look very bland (2nd Pic) – Fails to retain shadows properly (3rd Pic) – Uneven skin tone brightening (4th Pic)
YouTuber @r3dash echoed the sentiment, saying that the Nothing Phone (2) has been “very inconsistent and weird with processing HDR.” They also noted that it is ironic that the OTA update was meant to improve HDR, but it seems to have had the opposite effect.
To remind you, Nothing OS 2.0.2 began rolling out to the Phone (2) on August 4th. The changelog for the update included a lengthy list of camera-focused improvements, including:
Enhanced photo clarity in 50 MP Mode
Optimised stability and contrast when recording videos on the rear camera
Improved photo quality in low-light settings
Improved the contrast and Bokeh effect when shooting in Portrait Mode
Optimised the clarity of faces when shooting in Portrait Mode
Faster HDR processing speed
Nothing has so far been very responsive to user feedback and fixed any issues that emerged. We hope the Carl Pei-led startup will address these camera issues in the next update.
Back in May, Mobvoi launched the TicWatch Pro 5 smartwatch in the global market. At launch, the smartwatch was only available in a single black color option. However, Mobvoi has now teased a new color option called “Sandstone”
As you would have guessed, Sandstone is likely the fancy name for the beige color option. The company is also running a contest where you could win the upcoming Sandstone color option for the smartwatch. The contest involves using AI tools like Midjourney to create an image of a landscape or cityscape using sandstone hues. You can check out the details of the contest over at Mobvoi.
Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5 specs
The TicWatch 5 Pro comes with a 1.43-inch AMOLED display featuring a dual-layer design, which is protected by Corning Gorilla Anti-fingerprint Cover Glass. Driving its performance is the Qualcomm Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1 SoC. The smartwatch boasts a premium design, incorporating materials such as metal, aluminum, and nylon for added durability.
When it comes to battery life, the TicWatch 5 Pro excels. In Smart Mode, it can last for up to 80 hours, while in Essential Mode, it stretches to an impressive 45 days. Additionally, the smartwatch supports fast charging, capable of reaching 65% battery capacity in just 30 minutes.
Health-related features are also a strong suit, with the inclusion of a heart rate sensor, SpO2 blood oxygen monitoring, and a skin temperature sensor. The watch offers added convenience through a rotating crown for navigation. It also holds up well in various environments with 5ATM water resistance and a MIL-STD-810H military durability rating.
The smartwatch’s capabilities are further enhanced by the built-in speaker and microphone. Connectivity-wise, it offers Bluetooth 5.2, and it’s equipped with 2GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage.
Microsoft Edge is constantly being updated with new features, some of which are very useful, while others are more puzzling. The company is reportedly testing a new feature in its browser that will allow you to save screenshots of visited web pages to your browser’s history. This is a bit of a head-scratcher, as average users might get confused as to why Microsoft would want to do this.
Microsoft Edge’s ‘Save screenshots of websites for History’ feature
Microsoft Edge 117, which is currently available for testing in the Canary and Dev channels, has a new feature that allows you to take screenshots of every page you visit. This feature is called “Save screenshots of the site for History,” and Microsoft describes the feature as:
We’ll take screenshots of the sites you visit and save it so that you can quickly revisit the site you want from history.
Image source: Neowin
This new feature in Microsoft Edge seems quite useful at first glance. When turned on, you can revisit any page from your browsing history without an internet connection. As Neowin mentioned, you can also view a webpage’s thumbnail by placing your cursor over it in history. However, Microsoft has given this feature quite a confusing name and description.
It could mislead average users into thinking it takes screenshots of every webpage they visit. Additionally, Microsoft has not yet explained how it will protect user privacy and security since it will be saving webpages for later access.
Instead of taking screenshots of every site, Microsoft should at least offer the option to manually save selected web pages. Hopefully, developers will release this feature in a more polished and refined state in the stable channel.
The feature is currently in the testing phase and is turned off by default. If you’re on the Canary or Dev channel of Edge, you can enable the feature by going to Settings > Privacy and Services. Alternatively, you can directly visit the edge://settings/privacy link to check for the option.
Today I am so glad to introduce the TECNO‘s latest phone, the Pova 5 Pro 5G. The Pova series has always been known for its cool looks and focus on gaming performance. Actually, to some extent, it’s one of our most anticipated phones in 2023.
So how will such a popular phone series made for youth and gamers perform? Well probably you will find out here!
Unboxing
For packaging, it’s still the same impressive triangular box as what we had with the Pova 5. Blue and white as the main colors, with a coil shape pattern highlighting the texture on the front, packed with a very techy feel. I was attracted by the gold Hi-res Audio certification logo at first glance, which did make me look forward to the sound quality of the Pova 5 Pro.
Opening the package, the compact box contains the phone, a protective case, a Type-c cable, a charger that supports up to 68watt, the wired earphones, as well as the user manual and warranty card. It is worth noting that the earphones come with a mic, which is something we haven’t seen for years. But I have to say that it is really gamer friendly.
Design
As for the phone’s look, I got both the Silver Fantasy and the Dark Illusion color variants. I personally would go for the Dark illusion, and it’s worth noting that the color is actually closer to the dark blue shown on the box. The back design is pretty cool, which is also something that makes the phone different from other competitors at its price.
There are four LED strips on the back. Three of them are connected together and form a triangular pattern. This special design makes the phone look futuristic and full of some sort of geometric beauty. In addition, there is also a coil-style decoration that brings a mechanical texture.
With all these thoughtful details, including the LED straps, the coil, some metal-style patterns, it looks like a mecha from the future. The only regret is that the back of the Dark Illusion variant collects fingerprints easily. All in all, I’m really surprised by the exterior design of the Pova 5 Pro, and of course, I like it so much. At the same price, I couldn’t find any other brands so serious about the phone’s design. And even if you put it along with some premium gaming phones, the appearance of the Pova 5 Pro can still stand out.
The Pova 5 pro is not a particularly thin model, but I enjoy using it since the weight of 214g is still acceptable. It is very reasonable for a gaming machine with a 6.78-inch big screen. And the frame is very smooth without interfering with the edge swipe. The phone feels quite solid in my hand thanks to the comfortable grip.
The Pova 5 Pro supports dual sim cards and SD storage expansion, which means you can expand the local storage while loading 2 sim cards. The 3.5mm headphone jack is definitely a bonus to gamers, as wired headphones are always better options with lower latency than Bluetooth headsets in gaming. the Pova 5 pro adopts the dual speaker design, and if you want to know the performance of the speakers, there is a speaker test at the end of the video.
Battery & Charging
As for battery and charging, I’d say the Pova 5 Pro has one of the best solutions. The combination of a 5000mAh battery and 68-watt fast charging is quite an attractive feature on a budget phone. The charging speed of the Pova 5 pro is very impressive, it can reach 50% in just 20 minutes, and can be fully charged in 45 minutes. TECNO has also put Battery Lab 3.0 management on the Pova 5 Pro, which utilizes different strategies for gaming and daily entertainment separately. It is perfect for going out with the phone and staying online for over 8-hour entertainment. There is another feature in the battery system called Bypass Charge. So when activating the bypass charging mode, it can bypass the phone’s battery and supply power directly to the phone. This feature not only eliminates the heat generated during battery charging but is also good for keeping a good battery state. If you play games a lot, you will definitely love it.
Gaming Performance
In terms of performance and gaming, the Pova 5 pro offers Dimensity 6080 5G soc and 120Hz display, which is a very good hardware combo in a budget phone. In Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, the Pova 5 pro even supports the ultra mode at 120fps. In 20 minutes of super mode gameplay, it reached an average of 75 fps, the gaming experience was very smooth and the frame rate didn’t drop in the intense chaotic battles, which already excess my expectation about such a budget phone. In another game, Free Fire, it also performed very well, the game kept running at 60fps throughout the game. The 6080 chipset is made by TSMC at 6nm and has excellent thermal performance in the game. Even in this hot summer, after 20-minute gameplay, the hottest part of the phone was only 40°C. This is amazing.
Software
Pova 5 Pro also did a lot of work in the software, You can quickly access features in the game space while gaming, and easily switch between different performance modes. You can also click on the Bypass Charge here, which is very convenient. In Game Space it can also enable the Message Barrage notification, Showing any Whatsapp and Messenger messages in the form of barrages. Even in intense gaming, you will not miss any important messages. For the LED light on the back panel of the phone, they have also been designed for multiple uses, it can be used as a message reminder, as an ambient light while playing music and can even be linked with PUBG mobile so that when I am killing an enemy, blacklight starts working to celebrate, giving a lot of fun in such RGB gaming experience on a mobile phone.
Camera
Back to the camera system, the 50MP sensor is also a bonus to such a gaming phone. It produces quite decent photos with good colors in good lighting. I was more than happy with the Beauty cam.
It’s Tecno’s specialty now, and we are happy to see the algorithms were kept on the Pova 5 Pro, no over-the-top beauty effects, it is just the right amount. For video recording, the lack of 4K video recording is a bit disappointing. But overall, at this price the Pova 5 pro cameras are enough for daily recording and sharing.
Verdict
The Pova 5 Pro is a very distinctive mid-range phone. The design, gaming performance, and battery system are all impressive. If you like gaming and distinctive looks, this phone is worth checking out. And most importantly, to enjoy some of the gaming features, we don’t have to pay that high price for premium gaming models. Now we have another option called Pova 5 Pro.
So what are your thoughts about the Pova 5 Pro? I’d love to hear your ideas in the comments below.
It’s been a long time since Google started pushing RCS as a new standard for texting, replacing SMS and SMS. While the company works on getting more players onboard, the Mountain View-based tech giant keeps on adding new features.
In a new development, Google has announced that all users will now have RCS enabled by default unless it was previously disabled by the user. Also, RCS messages in the Messages app will now be fully end-to-end encrypted by default.
As for the enrollment in RCS, instead of manually enrolling for the service or registering with a phone number, the enrollment will now happen automatically and silently in the background, without the need for user input.
With end-to-end encryption, the messages will remain private from Google as well as network carriers, making it a big milestone for the service. The company has also announced that the group chats in Messages are also end-to-end encrypted.
Apart from encryption, RCS comes with several improvements over the standard SMS, such as typing indicators, read receipts, as well as the ability to share high-resolution photos and videos.
Google Messages is now looking like the true iMessage competitor for Android users. While Google is working on convincing more manufacturers to adopt RCS, Apple is a major holdout but if Apple adopts it, then texting between iPhone and Android phones would be much better.
Valve’s Steam Deck, the handheld gaming device that was launched with the intention of bridging the gap between PC and portable play, is now available at a more affordable price point. Today, Valve introduced “certified refurbished” units of the Steam Deck, presenting a tempting 20% off the original prices. Not only are these units easier on the wallet, but they also come with the same one-year warranty as their brand-new counterparts.
The one-year warranty should be quite reassuring for those who choose to purchase Refurbished Units
The current offerings include all three storage tiers: the 64GB at $319, 256GB at $419, and the top-tier 512GB model for $519. When compared to their fresh-out-of-the-box versions, which are priced at $399, $529, and $649 respectively, it’s evident that gamers are in for significant savings.
But what ensures the quality of these refurbished units? Valve’s rigorous testing process, the company claims, guarantees the best experience for its users. Each device undergoes a full factory reset, the latest software update, and an exhaustive inspection of over 100 different tests at Valve’s dedicated facilities. This ensures every aspect, from the controller inputs and audio system to screen and internal components, meets their stringent standards. Even the battery’s health undergoes scrutiny to ensure longevity and performance. While these units might have slight cosmetic imperfections, Valve assures a top-tier gaming experience.
Each refurbished Steam Deck package includes not only the device but also a refurbished power supply, a carrying case, and a quick-start guide. However, Valve advises potential buyers to keep a keen eye on their stock, given its nature, since refurbished steam decks are expected to sell faster.
As the world of technology keeps steamrolling forward, companies are constantly racing to produce the most advanced and efficient hardware. Apple, in its characteristic trend-setting fashion, is rumored to be launching the 3nm chip this year. Meanwhile, Qualcomm, another significant player in the industry, has decided to align with TSMC’s N4P process for its upcoming Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 release. But there’s talk that Qualcomm is facing some challenges.
If Qualcomm works exclusively with TSMC, they will have to pay more in the long run
Ming-Chi Kuo, an analyst at TF International Securities, shared on Medium that Qualcomm had to lay off 415 workers recently because of low smartphone sales. This setback might be a reason why they’re not going for the more expensive 3nm chip development right now, especially when Apple seems to be leading the way by taking most of the new wafer shipments.
But Qualcomm has other options. They might use TSMC’s cheaper N3E process, another version of the 3nm process. But if they only work with TSMC, they’ll probably have to pay more. That’s why Kuo thinks Qualcomm might start working with Samsung again, using its 3nm tech. Qualcomm has thought about using both TSMC and Samsung before to keep costs down.
Samsung has made some good progress with its 3nm tech, which might attract Qualcomm. In the past, Qualcomm used TSMC’s 4nm process because it was better and gave good results. It makes sense that Qualcomm might be unsure about teaming up with Samsung again, especially with fewer resources now. But they might not have much choice. If smartphone sales go up again, Qualcomm might change its plans.
Cloud gaming has been picking up ever since Internet speeds became higher worldwide. Sony, a key player in the cloud gaming market, is giving PS Plus Premium subscribers something big: a cloud streaming beta with 4K resolution. They talked about this in June, and now it’s here. Players can now use this feature for PS Plus games, some game trials, and a few digital PS5 games they have. This means no more waiting forever for downloads and saving some space on your console.
In contrast, Xbox Cloud Gaming is limited to 1080p
A leaked PlayStation email said, “We’re testing PS5 cloud streaming, and your feedback is important.” Right now, only some people got invited to try it out using special codes. The final version might be a bit different from what they’re testing.
A gamer, ArashiGames, tried out God of War: Ragnarok in 4K and said it worked well. He also mentioned a new section in the PS+ menu for streaming PS5 games. You just pick the game, and it starts in seconds. Some other games you can stream include Horizon Forbidden West, Fortnite, Destiny 2, and Death Stranding.
This 4K streaming could make Sony more popular than Xbox Cloud Gaming, which only goes up to 1080p. Sony’s also got another thing coming: the “Project Q” handheld device. It’s got a screen that’s 8 inches and streams in 1080p. It mostly streams games from your console, but might also support this new cloud streaming.
Only PS Plus Premium members, who pay $18 each month, can use this new streaming. They’ve had game streaming before for PS4, PS3, and some old-school games. You can play these games on a PS5, PS4, or computer. It looks like Sony’s making some smart moves in the gaming world.
Opel has shown off a new electric car concept called the Experimental. It’s a sneak peek of what cars from the company might look like in the future. The big company behind Opel, called Stellantis, is backing this new idea.
The car’s aerodynamic shape makes the vehicle way more efficient
The Experimental concept will be on display for everyone to see at the IAA Mobility show in Munich in September. It’s built on the Stellantis BEV platform, which sounds similar to the STLA platform. The car has all-wheel drive, and its steering wheel can hide away when you don’t need it. Size-wise, it’s a bit smaller than a Tesla Model Y but about the same as the upcoming electric Opel Grandland.
Opel’s CEO, Florian Huettl, said the Experimental shows where Opel is headed in terms of design and technology. A cool feature is that the car doesn’t use any chrome. Instead, it has lights and graphics that make it stand out. The front has an Opel logo that lights up and long headlights. At the back, there are thin tail lights.
The car has features that make it move smoothly through the air, which helps save battery power. It has special tires made from recycled rubber, and the wheels are designed to further help with air movement. Inside, the car feels big and spacious. This is because of light seats, the hideaway steering wheel, and a clean design. Instead of regular screens, information is shown using a kind of 3D display above the dashboard. Also, instead of side mirrors, the car uses cameras.
Opel hasn’t given details about how powerful the car is or how far it can go on a single charge. But, what’s clear is that the Experimental is a hint at what Opel’s future electric vehicles might be like.
It’s pretty unanimous that brakes are critical for bike safety. This is especially true for e-bikes, especially those designed to carry heavy loads or even kids. Magura, a top name in bike brakes, has come up with something new. At the Eurobike 2023 show, they introduced the Combined Braking System (CBS) made for e-bikes. The system links the brake handle to the disc brakes. This means when you pull the brake handle, it makes both the front and back brakes work together. The result? Better and safer stopping.
Magura wants to integrate their advanced braking system with all types of e-bikes
In fact, Magura’s tests show that with CBS, bikes can stop up to 40% shorter. This is great news, especially for cargo e-bikes that carry a lot. Plus, for people new to e-bikes, it takes away the worry of using the front brake. With CBS, pulling any brake lever means both brakes work, making it safer and more straightforward.
Magura plans to put this new brake system on cargo bikes by 2024. But they’re not stopping there. They want to put it on city bikes and other types too. They’ve been leaders in the bike world for a long time, like when they were among the first to use hydraulic brakes and add ABS to e-bikes. Now, with CBS, they’re making electric bikes safer for everyone.
Netflix really, really, wants to tap into the gaming sector. It’s quite apparent, because the company just unveiled a new app, the “Netflix Game Controller” for iOS. This app lets you turn your phone or tablet into a game controller for your TV. You pair your device with the TV and then play games from Netflix, all controlled from your phone.
Netflix will supposedly release more details of the games compatible with the platform
Even though the app is out, there’s still a lot we don’t know. Which games will it work with? How do you pair your phone with the TV? And when will there be an app for Android users? The app description just says more details about playing games with it on the platform are “coming soon.”
Netflix getting into games isn’t a big shock. Over the past two years, they’ve started to add games, with almost 70 now available. Some of these games are on the Netflix app itself, while others are on phones and game consoles. One big game they have is “Oxenfree II: Lost Signals.” The people who made that game, Night School, are now working directly with Netflix.
Upcoming games on Netflix include “Storytellers,” “Paper Trail,” the “Monument Valley” series, and even a game from the “Assassin’s Creed” series. There’s also a LEGO game coming soon. It seems likely you’ll be able to play some of these games with the new controller app.
When Engadget asked Netflix about which games will work with the app and if there’ll be an Android version, Netflix didn’t give any answers. Everyone’s now waiting to see what comes next.
Redmi is reportedly working on the Redmi Note 13 series of smartphones for the Chinese market. Some reports have claimed that the brand may announce it in October in China. The lineup is expected to include at least three models, such as the Redmi Note 13, Redmi Note 13 Pro, and Redmi Note 13 Pro+. In a new leak, tipster Digital Chat Station has seemingly mentioned some of the specs of the Note 13 Pro+.
Redmi Note 13 Pro+ key specifications (rumored)
Alleged Redmi Note 13 Pro leaked schematic
Among the Redmi Note 12 lineup, only the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ model featured a 200-megapixel camera. In the latest leak, the tipster can be seen talking about a mid-range phone featuring a 200-megapixel camera, which appears to be the successor to the Redmi Note 12 Pro+. Hence, it appears that the leaker could be talking about the Redmi Note 13 Pro+.
As per the leak, the 200-megapixel camera of the alleged Redmi Note 13 Pro+ will offer a 4x in-sensor zoom. In addition, the device will pack a 5,000mAh battery that supports 120W fast charging.
However, the major revelation in the latest leak is that it could be Redmi’s first curved-edge display phone. The screen is expected to support a 1.5K resolution. While the leaker did not mention anything else about the screen, it is mostly likely to support a 120Hz refresh rate.
Shown above is a schematic of the purported Redmi Note 13 Pro. The entire Note 13 lineup may sport an identical design. While the Note 13 and Note 13 Pro will feature a flat display, the Note 13 Pro+ could be equipped with a curved-edge screen. Readers are advised to digest with a pinch of salt and wait for more reports to confirm the key specs of the Note 13 Pro+.
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