China’s H1 2023 Online Headphone Sales: Apple Dominates, Huawei Drops to Fourth

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Aug 6, 2023

According to a recent report by RUNTO Technology, in the first half of 2023, the audio market in China experienced remarkable growth, with sales of headphones and earphones surging to 48.11 million units, a 6.6% increase compared to the previous year. The market segments, including wired in-ear headphones, true wireless (TWS) earphones, over-ear headphones, and neckband-style earphones, all contributed to this expansion.

The Surge of Domestic Brands: Huawei, Xiaomi, and New Challengers

A notable trend in the market was the balanced mix of both domestic and international brands among the top 10 online sellers. This indicates a shift in consumer preferences, with a combination of loyalty towards local brands and continued trust in foreign tech giants.

While Apple, with its global reputation, retained its position as the leading brand in sales, it experienced a slight decline in market presence. The launch of new AirPods models contributed to increased sales, but it couldn’t fully offset the decrease in older model sales. As a result, Apple’s market share decreased by 2.6%, settling at 23% in the first half of 2023.

Despite this decline, Apple remains a dominant player in the market. However, competition has intensified as established international brands like Sony, Bose, and Beats now face competition from domestic mobile brands. Fortunately, the introduction of new Bluetooth and TWS headphones has helped these international brands maintain positive growth.

On the domestic front, giants like Huawei and Xiaomi, as well as specialized audio firms like Edifier and 1MORE, faced competition from newer entrants. Brands like OPPO and Vivo, known for their mobile devices, made a strong impact in the audio segment, eroding the market share of established players.

The market dynamics are ever-changing, with both established and new brands constantly innovating to capture consumer interest. The second half of 2023 will be critical in determining whether these trends persist or if there will be further disruptions in the market.

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BenQ DesignVue PD2706UA is a color-accurate 4K monitor with a KVM switch

By

Sudhanshu

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Aug 6, 2023

After launching the PhotoVue professional monitors back in July, BenQ is back with another monitor focused on professionals called the BenQ DesignVue PD2706U(A). It is a 4K monitor that comes with high color accuracy and a KVM switch.

BenQ DesignVue PD2706U(A) specs

The BenQ DesignVue PD2706U(A) is a 27-inch monitor with an IPS screen and LED backlight technology. It offers a maximum resolution of 3840×2160 and a typical brightness of 350 nits, with a peak brightness of 400 nits in HDR mode, supporting both HDR10 and VESA DisplayHDR 400 standards. The monitor boasts a native contrast ratio of 1200:1 and provides a wide viewing angle of 178 degrees both horizontally and vertically.

With a response time of 5ms and a refresh rate of 60Hz, the monitor ensures smooth visuals. It covers an impressive color range, including 95% DCI-P3, 99% Rec.709, and 100% sRGB, making it suitable for various professional tasks. The BenQ PD2706U(A) offers a range of color modes, such as Animation, CAD/CAM, Darkroom, DCI-P3, DICOM, Display P3, ePaper, HDR, Low Blue Light, M-Book, Rec.709, sRGB, and User, providing flexibility for different creative workflows.

It features a glare protection coating and allows users to adjust the color temperature between 5000K, 6500K, 9300K, and custom settings. For audio, the monitor includes integrated 2.5W speakers and a headphone input. The power supply is integrated, with a nominal voltage range of 100 – 240V. The typical power consumption is 45W, while the maximum power consumption is 230W. The USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 port offers Power Delivery of up to 90W. It also has a KVM switch, which allows you to control two computers with a single mouse and keyboard. There is no need to unplug and plug in cables each time you want to switch between computers.

The monitor’s stand allows for adjustments in tilt (-5˚ to 20˚), pan (left/right 15˚), and pivot (90˚). It is also height adjustable up to 110mm. The net weight is 8.3 kg (18.30 lb) with the base and 5.3 kg (11.68 lb) without the base. It has VESA wall mount support of 100x100mm.

Connectivity options include one HDMI (v2.0) port, one DisplayPort (v1.4) port, one USB-C port with Power Delivery (90W), DisplayPort Alt Mode, and Data support. It also offers one USB Type B port (upstream), one USB-C port (downstream), and three USB 3.2 ports (downstream). The monitor includes several accessories, such as a Factory Calibration Report, Hotkey Puck G2, I/O Cover, Quick Start Guide (QSG), Safety Instructions, and Warranty Card.

Pricing & availability

The BenQ PD2706U (A) is selling in the US for $629.99. The EU currently has the classic stand version of the monitor (PD2706U) priced at €529.

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Xiaomi Sells 300,000 Units Of Redmi 12 Series On The First Day Of Sale, Next Sale Date To Be Announced On August 8

By

Viraj Gawde

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Aug 6, 2023

Xiaomi launched the Redmi 12 5G and Redmi 12 4G smartphones in India last week. Both devices carry a budget price tag and are identical apart from a different processor. The phones also pack impressive specifications. The brand seems to aim to disrupt the budget segment in the country with the latest offerings. Now, Xiaomi has announced a remarkable milestone of the Redmi 12 duo.

Redmi 12 series sales achievement

Thank you India for the overwhelming response!
Your unwavering support has been indispensable in making this achievement a reality.

We are thrilled to announce the #Redmi12 Series witnessed an astounding sale of 300,000 units.

This remarkable success underscores the… pic.twitter.com/L6TFRDxiIH
— Xiaomi India (@XiaomiIndia) August 4, 2023

The Redmi 12 5G and Redmi 12 4G went on sale starting August 4 on Amazon India, Flipkart, Mi.com, and retail stores. The company announced that it received an overwhelming response for oth smartphones. 300,000 units of the Redmi 12 series were sold on the very first day of the sale. This means that it was well-received by customers. The brand likely made INR 3 billion (or 300 cores) from the sale of the Redmi 12 duo.

Xiaomi did not announce the exact sales numbers of the 5G and 4G variants of the Redmi 12. Both phones seem to be out of stock on Amazon and Flipkart as they are listed with a ‘Coming Soon’ tag. A banner on Xiaomi’s website reveals that the company will be back on August 8. It could be possibly related to the next sale date for the smartphones.

The Redmi 12 4G and 5G have a glass back panel with a 50MP primary and 2MP macro camera sensors (the 4G variant has an additional 8MP lens), and a side-mounted fingerprint scanner. Both devices feature a 6.78-inch display with an FHD+ resolution and a 90Hz refresh rate. Internally, the Redmi 12 4G is powered by an Helio G88 SoC whereas the 5G version is equipped with a Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chip. Both devices are backed by a 5,000mAh battery unit with support for 18W fast charging.

The Redmi 12 4G is priced at Rs 9,999 and Rs 11,499 for the 4GB + 128GB and 6GB + 128GB options. The same configurations of the 5G variant cost Rs 11,999 and Rs 13,499. The Redmi 12 5G is also offered in 8GB + 256GB variant priced at Rs 15,499.

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iQOO 12, Redmi K70 to feature a flat display, same chipset

By

Anvinraj Valiyathara

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Aug 6, 2023

In the fourth quarter of 2023, a couple of smartphone brands are anticipated to introduce their new flagship phones. Among these, iQOO and Redmi are poised to reveal their latest smartphones. A recent leak, courtesy of the dependable tipster Digital Chat Station, has disclosed the display and chipset specifications of both the iQOO 12 and Redmi K70 Pro.

iQOO 12, Redmi K70 Pro key details leaked

According to the leaker, the iQOO 12 and Redmi K70 Pro will have a flat display that will support a 2K resolution. In all likelihood, both phones will feature an AMOLED display. Other leaks have claimed that the iQOO 12’s screen will support a 144Hz refresh rate, whereas the K70 Pro may offer a 120Hz refresh rate.

The iQOO 12 and Redmi K70 Pro will feature the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, which is expected to launch through the 2023 Snapdragon Tech Summit, which will take place in October this year. The inclusion of the new chip suggests that both phones will have LPDDR5x RAM and UFS 4.0 storage.

Other reports have claimed that the iQOO 12 will come in variants, such as 16 GB RAM + 512 GB storage and 16 GB RAM + 1 TB storage. For photography, it will feature a 50-megapixel primary camera. The handset is expected to support 100W charging.

The Redmi K70 Pro, on the other hand, is said to house a 5,120mAh battery with 120W fast charging. Its rear-facing triple camera unit may include a telephoto camera. Other reports have revealed that the K70 will feature the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip. The K70 and K70 Pro are likely to get rebranded as the POCO F6 and POCO F6 Pro in the global market, including India, in Q1 2024.

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iQOO Z8x Geekbench listing spotted, key specifications emerge

By

Anvinraj Valiyathara

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Aug 6, 2023

iQOO is reportedly planning to launch the iQOO Z8 and the iQOO Z8x smartphones in China. If rumors are to be believed, both devices may go official by the end of this month in the home market. A new Vivo smartphone bearing the V2312A model number emerged in Geekbench’s database but went unnoticed. According to several Chinese tipsters, the V2312A device will be called the iQOO Z8x when it debuts in the Chinese market.

iQOO Z8x Geekbench listing

The V2312A smartphone’s Geekbench listing reveals that it has a Qualcomm chip, 8 GB of RAM, and Android 13. In the single-core test, the device scored 968 points and 2845 points in the multi-core test. There are several entries for the V2312A on Geekbench, all of them bearing the same specifications as mentioned above.

Coming to the chip, the V2312A, which is believed to be the iQOO Z8x, has 4 x CPU cores running at 1.80GHz and 4 x CPU cores clocking at 2.21GHz. The source code of the Geekbench listing reveals that the chip is equipped with the Adreno 710 GPU. Hence, the iQOO Z8x will be powered by the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset.

As per other reports, the iQOO Z8x will feature an LCD panel and pack a 6,000mAh battery with 80W charging support. The other details of the phone are yet to be revealed.

Reports have revealed that the iQOO Z8 will have an LCD panel that offers a 120Hz refresh rate. It will be powered by the Dimensity 8200 chipset, LPDDR5 RAM, and UFS 3.1 storage. It may house a 5,000mAh battery with 120W fast charging support. The detailed specifications of the phone are not known yet.

In related news, iQOO is also gearing up to announce the iQOO Z7 Pro in India. Reports have claimed that the device could be a rebranded or tweaked version of the Dimensity 7200-powered Vivo S17e available in China.

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Oppo A58 India launch imminent as price, training materials leak

By

Anvinraj Valiyathara

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Aug 6, 2023

Last month, Oppo unveiled the Oppo A58 4G phone in the Indonesian market. The brand is reportedly gearing up to launch it in India. Ahead of the rumored launch, a new leak, courtesy of TheTechOutlook, has published the leaked training materials for the phone. In addition, it has also revealed the price of the device.

Oppo A58 4G price (rumored)

As per the report, the Oppo A58 4G will launch on Aug. 8 in India and go on sale on Aug. 10. The device will come in a single configuration of 6 GB RAM + 128 GB storage. The leak reveals that the A58 will have a MOP price of Rs 14,999 (~$181). It will be available in Dazzling Green and Glowing Black shades.

Oppo A58 4G specifications (rumored)

OPPO A58 4G product training materials leaked 1 — OPPO A58 4G product training materials leaked

The leaked training materials for the Oppo A58 4G reveal that it will have a 2.8D curved body with a glowing silk design, which will be resistant to fingerprint marks. It will house a 5,000mAh battery with 33W fast charging support. The device will have dual stereo speakers with support for ultra-volume mode and Dirac sound effects.

The back panel of the Oppo A58 will feature a 50-megapixel primary camera and a 2-megapixel portrait lens. Readers can visit the source link below to see the other product training materials of the A58.

OPPO A58 4G product training materials leaked

The other specifications of the phone are not mentioned in the leaked documents. However, it seems that the Indian variant will be identical to the A58’s Indonesian version.

The Oppo A58 available in Indonesia has a 6.72-inch LCD panel with an FHD+ display and an 8-megapixel front camera. The device has a Helio G85 chip, LPDDR4x RAM, eMMC 5.1 storage, and ColorOS 13.1-based Android 13. For security, it will have a side-facing fingerprint scanner.

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Nubia Red Magic Gaming Mouse & Mechanical Keyboard Super Edition up for sale in China

By

Soumyakanti

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Aug 5, 2023

Nubia has unveiled its Red Magic Gaming Mouse Super Edition and the Red Magic Gaming Mechanical Keyboard Super Edition, both going on sale today. The gaming mouse is priced at 399 yuan ($55), and the mechanical keyboard comes in at 899 yuan ($125).

Red Magic Gaming Mouse Super Edition specifications:

The Red Magic Gaming Mouse Super Edition boasts cutting-edge features catered to gamers. It is built around the PixArt 3395 sensor, which provides a massive 26,000 DPI, a 1000Hz polling rate, 50G acceleration, and 650 inches per second (IPS). Additionally, the mouse employs Kaihua GM8.0 Black Mamba microswitches for the left and right buttons, guaranteeing a long lifespan with 80 million clicks.

The gaming mouse not only supports wired connection but also offers two wireless modes: 2.4GHz and Bluetooth. For further customization, the mouse supports driver settings. It comes with a lightweight, transparent RGB design weighing just 75 grams. The device is outfitted with a USB-C interface and powered by a built-in 450mAh battery. As per the official announcement, the battery life is touted to last up to 100 hours on a single charge.

Red Magic Gaming Mechanical Keyboard specifications:

On the other hand, the Red Magic Gaming Mechanical Keyboard Super Edition presents a striking black and yellow color scheme. It is equipped with durable PBT keycaps, a compact 100-key layout, TTC Quick Silver V2 switches, and a GASKET structure to dampen keystroke resonance.

Like the gaming mouse, the keyboard also supports wired, 2.4GHz, and Bluetooth connection modes. One of the highlights of this keyboard is its built-in 1.47-inch display screen that can show real-time parameters and wallpapers. There’s also a rotary knob for adjusting system settings. The keyboard is backed by a 4000mAh battery, offering approximately 28 hours of use with backlighting on and about 200 hours when it’s off.

The keyboard also comes with RGB lighting effects and full-key hot-swapping. It incorporates a 5-pin switch design, driver settings support, and is compatible with both MacOS and Windows operating systems. This combination of advanced features and connection versatility makes Nubia’s Red Magic Super Editions ideal for gamers seeking top-of-the-line performance.

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Leaked Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE pricing for India raises eyebrows

By

Sudhanshu

-

Aug 5, 2023

After launching the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 series tablets last week, the brand is now working on the Galaxy Tab S9 Fan Edition tablets. So far, there is news of the brand working on two models: the Galaxy Tab S9 FE and the Galaxy Tab S9 FE+.

According to tipster Roland Quandt, the Galaxy Tab S9 FE’s WiFi-only variant with 6GB RAM and 128GB storage might be priced at ₹63,000 ($762) in India. While the brand has not confirmed this yet, if the pricing is indeed accurate, it could pose a challenge for the brand as the previous-generation premium Galaxy Tab S8 is currently available for about ₹51,000 ($617) in India.

Leaks suggest that the tablet will be powered by an Exynos 1380 chipset, paired with 6GB RAM/8GB and 128GB storage. It is also said to feature a single-camera sensor and an LCD display measuring 10.9-inches.

Compared to that, the Galaxy Tab S8 features an 11-inch LPTS display with 2560 x 1600 resolution and 120Hz refresh rate. It also has a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 flagship chipset under the hood, paired with a 5,800mAh battery, a 13MP primary sensor, and a 6MP front camera.

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OpenAI rolling out new ChatGPT features to enhance user experience

By

Soumyakanti

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Aug 5, 2023

OpenAI has announced significant updates to its AI chatbot, ChatGPT, aimed at enhancing user interaction and experience. The improvements will be rolled out over the next week and include features such as prompt examples, suggested replies, and the use of GPT-4 as the default model.

What’s new in this update?

The new prompt examples will help users better formulate their inquiries by providing helpful suggestions, replacing the previously blank initial page. Suggested replies will allow ChatGPT to propose relevant continuations in conversations, enabling users to delve deeper into discussions.

A notable change is the adoption of GPT-4 as the default model, replacing GPT-3.5. Plus users will now have GPT-4 as their default selection, and the AI will remember the user’s last chosen model, eliminating the need for manual switching.

The update will also allow users to upload multiple files, enabling ChatGPT to analyze and derive insights from several files simultaneously. This capability will be available with the Code Interpreter beta for all Plus users.

Users will also experience improved login duration, as the AI will now keep them logged in for more extended periods, eliminating the need to log in every two weeks. Additionally, OpenAI has introduced a friendlier login page to enhance the user experience.

To facilitate faster access to ChatGPT functions, OpenAI has introduced keyboard shortcuts. For example, ‘Ctrl + Shift + C’ will copy code blocks, and ‘Ctrl + /’ will display the full list of shortcuts.

OpenAI is also working on GPT-5, an advanced language model, as suggested by trademark filings. Speculated features include reduced hallucinations, multi-modal capabilities, improved memory, and more parameters. Although there is no official confirmation of the launch yet.

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iQOO Z7 Pro 5G teased on Amazon, could launch next week in India

By

Sudhanshu

-

Aug 5, 2023

iQOO is making preparations for the upcoming launch of the iQOO Z7 Pro 5G in India, and key specifications, launch timeline, and pricing details have been leaked, including the AnTuTu score of the smartphone. Additionally, a dedicated microsite for the Z7 Pro 5G has been spotted on Amazon, suggesting that the launch is just around the corner.

The iQOO Z7 Pro 5G is likely to be launched in the second week of August, and the Amazon teaser indicates the same. Here’s what we know about the phone so far.

iQOO Z7 Pro 5G specs (rumored)

The iQOO Z7 Pro 5G boasts a 6.78-inch AMOLED display with curved edges and a 120Hz refresh rate, offering a Full HD+ resolution and a 20:9 aspect ratio. Under the hood, it is expected to pack the MediaTek Dimensity 7200 SoC, combined with 8GB or 12GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB of internal storage.

It will be powered by a 4,600mAh battery supporting 66W fast charging. The smartphone is likely to run on Android 13 OS with the Funtouch OS 13 custom skin. On the back, you can expect a dual-camera setup with a 64-megapixel primary sensor and a 2-megapixel secondary shooter. For selfies, there will be a 16-megapixel front-facing camera. The smartphone is said to land between Rs.25,000 and Rs.30000 price range in India.

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WhatsApp wants to tighten security using email address

By

Soumyakanti

-

Aug 5, 2023

WhatsApp, owned by Meta has been introducing many new features recently. The company has done some rework on the UI and UX following Material Design 3 guidelines. The new UI has been rolled out recently through beta updates. Alongside the company is working on a new security feature. According to WABetaInfo, the version 2.23.16.15 update aims to enhance user account security using email addresses, though specific details have not been disclosed yet.

Using Email for Enhanced WhatsApp Security

Earlier this year, WhatsApp introduced various security features, such as protection against unauthorized transfers of accounts to different devices, defense against WhatsApp-exploiting malware, and simplified security code verification through automated codes, showing their commitment to user security.

The new beta update suggests WhatsApp’s intention to introduce a security feature tied to users’ email addresses, adding an extra layer of protection. The feature will be optional and separate from the existing two-step verification process, which also uses email addresses.

While details on how this new feature differs from the existing process remain undisclosed, it appears to be a promising tool for user account protection and verification in specific scenarios. The email-based security feature is still under development and will be launched in a future WhatsApp beta update.

In addition to this, WhatsApp’s recent beta version brings animated avatars and a new group creation feature that saves time. The company has also launched a video messaging feature similar to its voice messaging service, and a version of WhatsApp for Wear OS smartwatches has begun rolling out.

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Xiaomi 90W GaN charger set has launched in China for 199 yuan ($28)

By

Soumyakanti

-

Aug 5, 2023

Xiaomi has introduced its latest 90W charger set, priced at just 199 yuan ($28) now available for purchase on the official Xiaomi online store. The charger set is exactly the same model that comes bundled as a complimentary accessory with Xiaomi 13 Ultra.

Xiaomi 90W GaN charger set specifications

The Xiaomi 90W charger set boasts a 100cm Type-C original data cable and is equipped with a built-in intelligent recognition chip. This chip allows the charger to automatically adjust the output power, catering to the specific power requirements of various devices. This charger has a dimension of 55.9 x 49.3 x 28mm and supports a maximum output of 90W at 20V 4.5A.

Tests conducted by “Charging Head Network” reveal that this versatile charger supports multiple charging protocols, including QC3.0, PD 3.0, DCP, and Xiaomi’s proprietary 90W fast charging protocol. With PD 3.0 fast charging support, the charger offers four fixed voltage levels and three private PPS voltage levels, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of devices.

The charger’s design incorporates third-generation GaN (Gallium Nitride) semiconductor material, which contributes to its compact size, lightweight nature, and impressive heat conduction efficiency. Xiaomi has taken safety seriously, equipping the 90W charger with multiple protection mechanisms, including over-voltage, over-temperature, over-current, short-circuit, and electrostatic protection.

Furthermore, the charger features a fire-resistant and high-temperature resistant outer casing, along with intelligent temperature control for added safety during usage.

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Xiaomi kicks off 2023 MIUI theme competition

By

Chandan

-

Aug 5, 2023

MIUI, which is developed by Xiaomi, offers one of the most extensive customization features available on Android skins. Using the built-in MIUI themes app, users can personalize everything from the basic fonts to the icon packs and animations. The app offers a wide range of options for users to choose from. The company recently kicked off its 2023 Xiaomi International Theme Competition. Let’s go through the details.

Xiaomi hosts an annual theme competition that invites individuals from around the world to submit their locally inspired themes to the brand. The competition is organized by Xiaomi’s International Internet Business Department (IIB) and the 2023 edition follows the slogan “Global Expressions, Local Inspirations”. This event aims to expand the selection of locally inspired themes for MIUI by adding new and diverse options to the collection.

Alongside the announcement, the brand also recognized some of its top theme designers for MIUI. The list includes Manolo, a freelancer from Italy who created a black-and-white theme that was downloaded over 20 million times.

Colombian artist Matiba painted vibrant smartphone wallpapers for Barranquilla’s Carnival, showcasing her cultural roots in collaboration with Xiaomi. Piyush, a Xiaomi fan, started designing themes in his free time and eventually turned his passion into a career at Xiaomi’s India office.

The Xiaomi 2023 International Theme Competition started on July 28th and will continue until November 1st, 2023. Designers can enter their themes through this link. Following this, expert reviews and voting will take place from November 1st to December 28th. The winning designs will then be announced and awarded.

The brand will shortlist the top designers and reward them with a special gift as a token of appreciation. The names of the winners will be displayed shortly after the event concludes. The first-place winner of the theme design competition will receive a prize of $13,000 from Xiaomi.

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Xiaomi Wireless Mouse 3 launched in China for 99 yuan ($14)

By

Soumyakanti

-

Aug 5, 2023

Xiaomi has added a new product to its tech portfolio with the launch of the Xiaomi Wireless Mouse 3. The sleek device is now listed on the Chinese online retail giant JD.com, providing users with a choice of four appealing color variants: Grey, White, Pink, and Blue.

Xiaomi Wireless Mouse 3 specifications

This latest edition in Xiaomi’s wireless mouse series boasts a frosted material finish, contributing to its elegant look and comfortable grip. It’s compact and lightweight, tipping the scale at just 57 grams, with dimensions of 119mm x 64mm x 41mm. The mouse is powered by regular dry batteries, maintaining the convenience of being cord-free.

The mouse utilizes the widely used optical tracking method, ensuring smooth and precise cursor movements. It also extends compatibility with various operating systems, including Windows, MacOS, ChromeOS, and iOS, making it versatile and user-friendly.

Notably, the mouse supports dual-mode connection, featuring both WiFi (2.4GHz) and Bluetooth, which gives users flexibility and stability in different usage scenarios. However, unlike some advanced mouses in the market, the Wireless Mouse 3 does not offer programmable buttons, keeping it simple and straightforward for casual users.

Xiaomi’s track record with wireless mice has been commendable, with the first-generation wireless mouse introduced in 2017, followed by the Xiaomi Wireless Mouse 2 in 2019. These earlier versions have been well-received for their reliable 2.4G transmission, precise dpi positioning, and thoughtful design elements.

Now, the newly-released Wireless Mouse 3 is expected to uphold Xiaomi’s tradition of quality products at competitive prices while offering enhanced functionality and aesthetic appeal to cater to the demands of today’s tech-savvy users.

Xiaomi Wireless Mouse 3 is priced at 99 yuan ($14) and the preorders will begin on August 5th, and the official sale will start at 10:00 on August 8th. The device will be available to buy from JD.com.

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Oppo ditches its iconic green logo for a black one, but why?

By

Anurag

-

Aug 5, 2023

For many years, Oppo’s logo featured the color green. The design of the logo changed over time, but the green color always remained. In fact, Oppo was so closely associated with the color green that it earned the nickname “The Green Factory” in China. However, the company recently decided to make some changes to its brand image, and it ditched its iconic green logo for a monochrome one. Here’s why.

The new Oppo logo is black and white, with the letters “Oppo”. Redesigns can be a breath of fresh air for a brand, and that seems to be what inspired Oppo to change its logo. In an official statement on TikTok, OPPO said the shift is aimed at creating a more sophisticated and modern brand image (Via Sparrows news).

It seems Oppo simply wanted to change its logo for a fresh start. The company has been growing rapidly in recent years, and it may have felt that a new logo would help to reflect its new status as a global player.

Oppo has been phasing out its green logo for some time now. GSMArena points out the company has been gradually removing the green from its marketing materials and replacing it with white letters. In some cases, the company has even tweaked the white letters to suit different visual elements.

The new logo redesign shouldn’t matter much to you as a general consumer, unless you have a special fondness for the color green. This writer believes the new monochrome logo looks much better than the old one. It gives the brand a more minimalist look and appeals to a younger audience.

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POCO M6 Pro 5G With Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 SoC Launched In India

By

Viraj Gawde

-

Aug 5, 2023

POCO has launched a new M-series smartphone in India. It is the POCO M6 Pro 5G. It arrives as the successor to the last year’s M4 Pro 5G. The brand did not launch a Pro variant of the M5. The latest offering is a rebranded version of the Redmi Note 12R that is available in China.

POCO M6 Pro 5G specifications and features

The POCO M6 Pro 5G offers a 6.79-inch center-aligned punch-hole display bearing an FHD+ resolution, 550 nits peak brightness, and a 90Hz refresh rate. In terms of design, the smartphone has a dual-tone back panel with an elongated Black colored camera module. The power button doubles up as a fingerprint scanner.

On the imaging front, the POCO M6 Pro 5G features a 50MP primary camera paired with a 2MP secondary sensor. There is an 8MP front-facing selfie snapper.

Internally, the POCO M6 Pro 5G is equipped with a Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 processor based on a 4nm process. It packs up to 6GB RAM and 128GB onboard storage. There is virtual RAM technology of up to 6GB for smooth performance. The smartphone is backed by a 5,000mAh battery unit with support for 18W fast charging. Software-wise, it runs on Android 13 OS out of the box.

Connectivity options on the POCO M6 Pro 5G include WiFi 5, 3.5mm headphone jack, IR Blaster, Bluetooth, and 5G.

The POCO M6 Pro 5G is offered in Forest Green and Power Black colors. The base 4GB + 64GB variant is priced at Rs 10,999 whereas the 6GB + 128GB option costs Rs 12,999. ICICI Bank cardholders can avail flat Rs 1,000 off on the purchase of the smartphone. It will go on sale starting August 9 on Flipkart.

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BYD is Looking towards Exceeding 3 million Unit Sales for Plug-in Hybrid EVs in 2023

By

Anubhav

-

Aug 5, 2023

Chinese auto giant, BYD, just shattered its previous record, clocking in a staggering 261,105 passenger plug-in car sales in July. This includes 11,146 from its luxury electric vehicle line, Denza. Even though this marks a commendable 61% increase from the previous year, there’s a catch: it’s BYD’s slowest growth since late 2020. This slowdown has stirred discussions about whether the company’s meteoric rise in the EV market might be plateauing.

Reports state that the company’s PHEV sales will exceed 3 million units this year

With most of BYD’s sales predominantly in China, international markets only contribute to a fractional percentage of the total figures. However, their consecutive record-breaking sales, 251,685 units in June followed by this July’s figure, firmly establishes them as a dominant player in China’s EV industry.

Of particular note is the growing preference for battery electric vehicles (BEVs) over plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs). BEVs registered sales of 134,783 units, a significant 66% rise from the previous year. PHEVs trailed behind with a 56% increase, amounting to 126,322 units. The overall 2023 projection suggests a potential sale exceeding 3 million units, buoyed by strong performances from the Song and Qin model families.

Furthermore, the BYD Dolphin model is quickly swimming its way to the top, with sales of 31,950 units, and the Yuan all-electric family following closely. Additionally, BYD’s all-electric microcar, Seagull, soared to new heights, posting a personal record of 28,001 units.

As BYD propels closer to selling 300,000 units monthly, industry watchers are keenly observing if its next phase is consolidation or if there’s another acceleration on the horizon. With over 4.8 million plug-in units already under its belt, the journey ahead is set to be game-changing for the company.

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Royal Enfield Provides A Glimpse into Electric Motorcycles that may Debut in 2025

By

Anubhav

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Aug 5, 2023

Royal Enfield, a subsidiary of Eicher Motors, is on a roll. As of August 3, 2023, the esteemed Indian motorcycle manufacturer reported its highest quarterly revenue to date. With a notable increase of 21.1 percent in bike sales year-on-year, the company’s robust performance is in large part attributed to the popularity of their motorcycles, having sold 225,368 bikes from April to June 2023.

Royal Enfield’s competitors are well ahead in their Electric Vehicle timelines

But the financials aren’t the only electrifying news. Amidst this success, Siddhartha Lal, Royal Enfield’s managing director, delivered a significant announcement about Enfield’s journey into the electric vehicle (EV) arena. While many motorcycle titans like Bajaj, TVS, and Harley-Davidson grapple with the decision of separating EVs from their combustion counterparts, Royal Enfield has a clear vision. As Lal conveyed to the press, “EV is at the core of Eicher Motors and Royal Enfield.” With an unwavering commitment, he asserted that the electric evolution would stay within the Royal Enfield and Eicher Motors umbrella.

Lal’s conviction doesn’t just stem from market trends. It’s rooted in innovation and ambition. As he highlighted, Enfield’s aim isn’t just to compete. They’re set on revolutionizing the electric motorbike landscape. As anticipation builds, we can expect their debut electric motorcycle in 2025. And with Eicher Motors’ recent equity acquisition in the Spanish startup, Stark Future, it’s quite an attractive proposition to see Stark’s expertise blending into Enfield’s EV blueprint.

While the specifics remain hidden, one thing is evident: Royal Enfield isn’t just preparing for the future; they’re gearing up to redefine it. As the story unfolds, we’ll keenly watch and relay the news of Royal Enfield’s electric timeline.

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Google’s New In-Campus Hotel: A Benefit or a Gimmick?

By

Anubhav

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Aug 5, 2023

Google recently unveiled its latest approach to encouraging employees to work from their offices. Since 2022, Google has had an on-site office plan mandating employees to clock in at company premises at least three days a week. To make the proposition even more attractive, Google has now integrated a hotel inside its Mountain View campus in California, charging $99 per night.

The cost of $99 per night is still more expensive than a one-bedroom apartment in the area

Nestled within a sprawling 42-acre development known as the Bay View campus, this hotel, which commenced operations last year, is a modern-day marvel. Designed to house up to 4,000 individuals, the hotel boasts comprehensive amenities such as a fitness center, complimentary breakfast, and more. In an introductory offer lasting until September 30, Google employees can avail rooms at a discounted $90 per night and experience a myriad of special services.

While the corporate giant portrays this as a huge perk, not all Googlers are thrilled. Some employees feel that the entire proposition is a smart way of making them spend part of their earned wages back into the company. An internal forum was brimming with critiques and concerns; one observation mentioned that even the discounted rate is still more expensive than the rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Ryan Ramon, a spokesperson for Google, defended the initiative by stating it’s a way for the company to “take advantage of our space and facilities.” The tech behemoth further clarified that such discounts on services, entertainment, and accommodations are a regular part of their employee perk system.

However, the important question remains. Is Google’s in-campus hotel genuinely a benefit for its employees or just another clever corporate strategy? Only time will tell.

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Threads by Instagram will get a Search Functionality and Website Platform soon

By

Anubhav

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Aug 5, 2023

In the social media sector, innovation is the name of the game. When Twitter faced challenges, Meta seized the opportunity, launching Threads, its new contender in the social media sphere. Currently, accessing Threads via Threads.net only showcases a digital placeholder, a spinning galaxy. However, change is on the horizon as hinted by CEO Mark Zuckerberg‘s recent tweet. “Search and web coming in the next few weeks,” he declared, praising his team’s quick execution pace.

Threads was the first social media platform to cross 100 million signups in such a short time

Threads’ inception was a bold move by Meta, a swift response to capitalize on Twitter’s dwindling popularity. And their gamble seems to have yielded results. Alex Heath, a notable journalist, recently highlighted Threads’ extraordinary feat of amassing 100 million signups in record time, surpassing any previous consumer software product.

However, success isn’t without its pitfalls. Reuters reports that more than half of these signups didn’t remain active users. Such user retention rates might be expected, especially for a nascent social media app that’s still ironing out its features. Despite this, Zuckerberg remains optimistic about user retention. To boost engagement, Meta released Threads’ Following feed last week, allowing users a break from stringent algorithm-driven content and letting them prioritize posts from their chosen circles.

One glaring absence from Threads is its lack of a desktop web version. This feature is evidently in high demand. Adam Mosseri, who oversees both Threads and Instagram, is frequently peppered with assurances to prominent users about its forthcoming availability. Many, including this writer, eagerly anticipate a version fit for desktop usage.

As Threads aims to further establish its foothold, introducing a comprehensive search function will be game-changing. For professionals, especially journalists, the ability to search within posts is invaluable. Twitter’s search has often been instrumental in sourcing or validating news. With these impending features, Threads might indeed become the next big thing in the world of social media.

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