Threads, the social networking app from Meta, has just received its first major update, bringing new and improved features to the iOS platform. Launched earlier this month, Threads aims to enhance the way users connect and interact with each other, but it faced some initial challenges in building a user base. However, this recent update introduces functionalities that could address some of these concerns and potentially attract more users.
Meta is looking to make Threads popular again amongst its fresh user base
The key addition to the app is the Follows tab, now integrated into the activity feed. This feature allows users to easily see who has recently followed them, making it more convenient to follow them back. Moreover, the update introduces translations for post text, encouraging users to connect with individuals who speak different languages, promoting cross-cultural engagement. Another handy feature included in the update is the ability to subscribe to unfollowed users, enabling users to receive notifications without cluttering their timeline. The interface has also undergone some tweaks, such as reposter labels that can be tapped, resulting in a leaner and smoother user experience, particularly when loading or scrolling through the activity feed.
Although some features may not be available immediately due to server-side activation, Meta aims to have them fully functional by the end of the day. However, it remains uncertain when the equivalent update will be rolled out for Android users, as Meta has not provided any details yet.
Despite the promising enhancements, some users may still find the app lacking certain features, such as a chronological feed, direct messages, or hashtags. Additionally, the absence of a full web version restricts its usability on computers. Nevertheless, this initial update showcases Meta’s commitment to addressing user feedback and improving Threads over time.
Meta faces the challenge of maintaining user interest, as Threads experienced an expected decline in usage after its initial surge. To combat this, ensuring feature parity and expanding its reach, including a potential rollout in the European Union, are essential steps for Meta to secure a strong user base and remain competitive in the social media landscape.
Modular technology always has the edge over non-modular tech, because the possibilities expand, and so do the consumer options. To tap into the modular laptop market, Framework‘s highly anticipated Laptop 16 is now available for preorders in several countries, including the US, Canada, Germany, France, UK, Netherlands, Austria, Ireland, and Australia. This unique gaming notebook is not your typical run-of-the-mill laptop found at local electronics stores; instead, it stands out with its innovative modular design, giving users the power to customize and upgrade their machines over time without the need to invest in an entirely new system.
The Laptop has a 16-inch 165Hz display and offers 500 nits of brightness
At its core, the Framework Laptop 16 offers two enticing starting points for consumers. The DIY system, starting at $1,399, allows tech enthusiasts to build their dream machine, sans the operating system, featuring either the AMDRyzen 7 7840HS or the AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS processor. Those who prefer a more plug-and-play experience can opt for the pre-built variants, starting at $1,799, which come with the option of Radeon RX 7700S discrete graphics.
One of the laptop’s standout features is its user-reconfigurable top deck, including the keyboard and numpad, enabling users to tailor the laptop to their unique preferences and workflow. This emphasis on modularity is what sets the Framework Laptop 16 apart from the competition, building upon the success of the previously released Laptop 13 in 2021.
Gamers will delight in the laptop’s 16-inch 2560 x 1600 display with a 165Hz refresh rate, FreeSync technology, 500 nits brightness, and impressive 1500:1 contrast ratio, supporting 100 percent of the DCI-P3 color gamut. For avid gamers, Framework offers a limited supply of pre-orders that include an eligible AMD Radeon GPU with a free download code for the highly anticipated Starfield: Premium Edition, making the deal even more enticing.
Framework understands the importance of lasting performance, equipping the Laptop 16 with an 85Wh battery that retains 80 percent capacity even after 1,000 charging cycles. Furthermore, the laptop supports WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2, has a 1080p webcam with dual mics and hardware privacy switches, and includes a fingerprint reader compatible with both Windows and Linux systems. The company’s batch ordering system is set to start shipping the first round of Laptop 16s in Q4 2023, providing consumers with a chance to get their hands on this game-changing device.
Twitter Notes was a unique feature introduced by Twitter to provide its users with a more private and concise way to share their thoughts and updates. It allowed users to compose short, text-based notes, limited to a certain character count, which were then shared exclusively with their followers. Unlike regular tweets, Twitter Notes were not visible on the public timeline or accessible through search. Fast forward, and Twitter Blue subscribers now enjoy a generous cap of 25,000 characters per tweet. But there’s a twist! Recently, Twitter’s CEO, Elon Musk, made a revelation – the company is rebranding the Notes feature to Twitter Articles.
Musk stated that the new feature can be even used to publish a book on Twitter
Musk’s confirmation came in response to a tweet discussing the name change, wherein he shared that Articles would become the designated space for sharing “long, complex articles with mixed media.” He even hinted that one could publish a book using this platform. This news has ignited curiosity among Twitter users, who are eagerly waiting to access long-form expression.
Initially introduced as Notes and limited to select users in certain regions, the feature aimed to enable longer, more nuanced posts. However, it seemed to have faded into the background amid Elon Musk’s takeover of the company. Now, after a fair amount of time period later, Twitter Articles seems to be making a comeback.
So, what sets Twitter Articles apart? Imagine a dedicated blogging space within the Twitter ecosystem, unrestricted by the conventional tweet’s brevity. Articles offer the freedom to craft in-depth narratives, complemented by the inclusion of photos, videos, and other embedded tweets. A separate section, distinct from the main timeline, ensures a focused and immersive reading experience, while published Articles prominently grace users’ Twitter profiles. As thrilling as this prospect sounds, it’s essential to remember that Articles will start out in the experimental phase, accessible only to a select group of users.
The electric bicycle market has seen impressive advancements, with some claiming to replace cars for daily commuting. While many urban e-bikes fulfill (or at least claim to fulfill) this role, the Xtracycle Stoker takes things further by offering not just an alternative means of mobility but an entire adventure. Xtracycle’s definition of “off-road” aligns more with winding gravel paths than hardcore mountain biking. The Stoker’s robust chrome frame enables it to handle off-road terrains gracefully, making it an ideal choice for those seeking thrilling outdoor experiences with others.
The 630Wh battery on the Stoker offers a range of 30 to 60 miles on one charge
However, where the Stoker truly shines is in its cargo-hauling capabilities. Boasting a staggering capacity of up to two passengers and a rider on its rear rack, this e-bike can handle loads of up to 400 pounds. Despite this impressive hauling prowess, the bike maintains a relatively light weight of just 64.1 pounds.
Under the hood, the Xtracycle Stoker features top-notch components, including 24×2.4-inch tires and 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes, ensuring stability and excellent braking power on any terrain. The Shimano STEPS EP-8 motor provides reliable and efficient pedal assistance, paired with a 630Wh battery offering a range of approximately 30 to 60 miles.
With a top speed of 20 miles per hour on pedal assist, the Stoker encourages an active ride, emphasizing pedal-powered exploration over relying solely on a throttle. Versatility is also a key aspect of the Stoker’s design, offering compatibility with a wide range of accessories to suit various needs. Whether you’re planning a cross-country adventure or a daily commute, this e-bike has you covered. The Xtracycle Stoker is priced at $4,999 and can be shipped fully assembled or in a more compact form for home assembly
The tech industry is no alien to Meta and Qualcomm. Both these massive tech organizations have a strong hold over different aspects of the industry. As per the latest reports, Qualcomm and Meta have joined forces to optimize the execution of Meta’s Llama 2 large language models directly on-device, eliminating the need for heavy reliance on cloud services. By running generative AI models like Llama 2 on smartphones, PCs, VR/AR headsets, and vehicles, developers can offer users more private, reliable, and personalized experiences while saving on cloud costs.
On-device AI can function seamlessly even in airplane mode
The partnership aims to make on-device Llama 2-based AI implementations available, empowering developers to create innovative AI applications. Customers, partners, and developers will be able to harness the power of these AI experiences to build intelligent virtual assistants, productivity tools, content creation platforms, and entertainment applications. One significant advantage of on-device AI is its capability to function in areas with no internet connectivity or even in airplane mode.
Durga Malladi, senior vice president, and general manager of technology, planning, and edge solutions businesses at Qualcomm Technologies, expressed support for Meta’s approach to open and responsible AI. Malladi emphasized the company’s commitment to driving innovation and facilitating AI development for developers of all sizes, envisioning generative AI to run seamlessly on both the cloud and edge devices such as smartphones, laptops, vehicles, and IoT devices.
The collaboration between Meta and Qualcomm Technologies builds upon their longstanding history of driving technology innovation to deliver premium device experiences. This partnership includes joint research and product engineering efforts aimed at supporting the Llama ecosystem. Qualcomm Technologies’ leadership in on-device AI uniquely positions it to support Llama, given its extensive presence at the edge, powering billions of smartphones, vehicles, XR headsets, glasses, PCs, and IoT devices with industry-leading AI hardware and software solutions.
Scheduled to be available from 2024 onwards, Qualcomm Technologies plans to offer Llama 2-based AI implementations on devices powered by Snapdragon. Developers can get started today by optimizing their applications for on-device AI using the Qualcomm® AI Stack, a dedicated set of tools enabling more efficient AI processing on Snapdragon. This breakthrough technology makes on-device AI possible even in small, thin, and light devices. The future of technology seems promising, and full of surprises. We are here for it all!
In the ever-evolving landscape of the automotive industry, Germany‘s electric car market is taking center stage with impressive growth figures in 2023. The first half of the year saw a substantial 12.8 percent year-over-year increase in new passenger car registrations, with June alone recording a remarkable 25 percent surge to 280,139 new registrations.
Volkswagen has been the frontrunner in the Electric Car segment in Germany
One of the most significant contributors to this growth is the plug-in electric car segment, which is expanding rapidly. However, the market is witnessing a clear division between Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs).
c The BEVs, in particular, are leading the charge, experiencing an impressive 64 percent surge with 52,988 new registrations, capturing a solid 18.9 percent market share. Meanwhile, PHEVs faced a downturn, dropping 39 percent to 15,930 units, and securing a 5.7 percent market share.
Looking at the cumulative registrations for the year so far, BEVs recorded 220,244 units, representing a significant 32 percent year-over-year growth and 15.8 percent market share. However, PHEVs faced a sharp 43 percent decline, with 79,065 units registered, resulting in a similar 5.7 percent market share. A notable policy shift in 2023 affected the PHEV market as they are no longer eligible for incentives, impacting their sales and market appeal.
Volkswagen emerged as the frontrunner in the plug-in electric car segment and the BEV category, closely followed by Tesla. Meanwhile, Mercedes-Benz maintained its lead in the PHEV category.
The best-selling electric car model in June and year-to-date was the Tesla Model Y, with 6,098 new registrations in June and a total of 27,825 registrations so far. The Volkswagen ID.4/ID.5 duo performed well in June but lagged behind in the year-to-date rankings. As the industry embraces this shift, electric vehicles are all set to dominate the future of transportation in the country and beyond. It’s just a matter of how quickly this revolution takes over.
If you are a laptop user, especially a MacBook user, you must have an annoyance: there are too few ports on my laptop! When you plug your mouse and keyboard into the ports, then you realize that there are not many remaining ports for you to connect to other devices. So almost every laptop user has the same thing: a USB HUB.
But that’s not enough, my SD card and monitor also need their own interface. That’s when it’s time for this HUB: the Baseus 17 in 1 Pro 4 Monitors Docking Station.
Unboxing
It does not have a lot of accessories, but it has everything you need. Let’s put the manual and warranty card aside. Start with this huge adapter. Although I say it is ” huge “, but for a DC adapter that supports 130W, it is actually relatively small. After all, it has to power 16 ports, I think it’s acceptable.
Here’s another sticker and a piece of tape. The sticker will make your Docking Station more dynamic, while the tape will help you fix it on the desk. So you can plug the receiver into the Docking Station with one hand but not move it. It also comes with a data cable. It is a 100W full-featured C to C cable, which is all you need to expand your laptop with 15 ports.
Of course, the ability to use all the interfaces assumes that your laptop has a full-featured interface like Thunderbolt. After all, the ordinary Type-C interface does not have the function of display output.
Design
When you spend $199 on a Docking Station, you must expect it to be excellent in both design and build quality. And it does. I must say, it is the best Docking Station I have ever seen, at least the design and built quality are impeccable. The all-metal body looks more premium than plastic, and it feels that way too.
All the ports are on the front and rear panels, so you can put it up or put it down to use. This means you can place it underneath the Monitor Stand Riser. The removable design of the power cable is also more space-saving. I really like the design of its cooling holes, and the slits around the front and back panels do a good job of hiding the ugly cooling holes. These details are worthy of this $199 pricing.
Front panel
Since it is a Docking Station, the interface is its most important selling point. There are 17 interfaces here, let’s check them one by one in detail.
Start with the front panel. The power button at the top is not much to say, the ring light will light up when it is on. The interface is all under it. The two notches are the SD card and TF card readers. The maximum support for 104MB/s read and write speed should be able to meet the needs of most people.
Photographers or journalists should really like these two interfaces. USB SD card readers are very easy to lose, so it is very convenient to have these two card readers.
Below the card reader are two Type-C ports, both of which are USB 3.0 specifications. But only the one below supports PD 20w charging, and the one above charging speed is very slow. I don’t recommend you use it for charging. These two ports are in charge of completely different jobs, make sure not to use the wrong port when you need to charge quickly.
The three blue ports on the right are the most familiar USB 3.0 ports. The maximum speed of 5Gbps, supports expansion for flash drives, hard drives,s and more. The last port is a 3.5mm headphone jack that supports an extension to CTIA earphones and speakers.
Back panel
And then look at what interfaces are on the back. There are two USB 2.0 ports at the top. Do you know why they are not USB 3.0 and put on the rear panel? That’s because these two ports are dedicated to your keyboard and mouse. They need to occupy these two ports for a long time, so they don’t need to be put on the front. USB 2.0 also ensures better compatibility, so your wireless mouse and keyboard won’t be interfered with.
This Type-C port and the DC port are both input ports. The USB-C is responsible for inputting the signal from the laptop to the Docking Station and also supports 90w charging, so your laptop is always fully charged. And the DC port can supply power to Docking Station.
Here is a very interesting interface: the VGA display output port. This is a very old interface, nowadays monitors basically no longer use this port. Baseus is still very thoughtful to add this port for your old monitor, it is also one of its advantages.
The three display output ports on the left are the ones we use most often than VGA. Two HDMI 2.0 ports and one DP port. Just as written above, they support 4K 60Hz or 8K 30Hz display output. If you have enough monitors, outputting 3 monitors at the same time is also possible.
Finally, there is the RJ45 port. Commonly known as a gigabit network port, it will make your laptop link network more stable and faster.
Conclusion
This is the Baseus 17 in 1 Pro 4 Monitors Docking Station, which not only has a very large number of interfaces but is the best docking station I’ve ever seen in terms of design and build quality. I’m sure there will be some people who will pay for so many interfaces and excellent build quality. There are not many competitors that can beat it. There are fewer interfaces than it, and the build quality is not as good as it is.
In a new leak, tipster Snoopy Tech has leaked the specifications of the Galaxy Watch 6 and Galaxy Watch 6 Classic. As it is known, both smartwatches are set to launch with the Galaxy Z Fold 5, Z Flip 5, and Galaxy Tab S9 series on July 26. Here is a look at all the details that have emerged through the latest leak.
The Galaxy Watch 6 will be available in two size options: 40mm and 44mm. Both variants will feature AMOLED displays, with resolutions of 432 x 432 pixels for the 40mm model and 480 x 480 pixels for the 44mm model. It will come with a 300mAh battery for the 40mm model and a 425mAh battery for the 44mm model. It will come in three shades, such as Graphite Grey, Gold, and Silver.
The Galaxy Watch 6 Classic will feature two size options as well: 47mm and 43mm. Both models will sport AMOLED displays, with resolutions of 480 x 480 pixels for the 47mm variant and 432 x 432 pixels for the 43mm variant. Both the Classic models will have a physical rotating bezel made of stainless steel. The Watch 6 Classic will have a 300mAh battery for the 43mm variant and a 425mAh battery for the 47mm variant. It will be available in Black and Silver shades.
The Galaxy Watch 6 and the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic will be powered by the Exynos W930. The SoC will be coupled with 2GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage. Both watches will have sensors, such as an accelerometer, magnetometer, barometer, gyroscope, temperature, and compass.
The Watch 6 series will offer common features, such as Wear OS, Wi-Fi, 4G (optional), NFC, GPS, and Bluetooth 5.3. The watches will offer a range of health-related features, including a pedometer, a heart rate monitor, a calorie counter, an ECG, SpO2 tracking, and sleep tracking.
The displays of the Watch 6 series will be protected by a layer of sapphire glass. It will have an aluminium chassis with IP68 and MIL-STD-810H certifications for water and dust resistance. It will also have a 5ATM rating, which will make the watch suitable for swimming and water-based activities.
Rumors are rife that Vivo is working on the Vivo X100, X100 Pro, and X100 Pro+. Recent reports have claimed that the Vivo X100 Pro+, which will feature the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, will debut in Q1 2024 in China. As far as the X00 and X100 Pro are concerned, both models may debut with the Dimensity 9300 chip onboard in November of this year in China. In a Weibo post, popular tipster Digital Chat Station seemingly shared the key details of the Vivo X100 Pro.
Vivo X100 Pro specifications (rumored)
Vivo X90 Pro
As per the leak, the Vivo X100 Pro will have a curved-edge OLED panel with curved edges. It will support a 1.5K resolution and possibly a 120Hz refresh rate.
The back panel of the device will have a triple camera unit, comprising a 1-inch camera as the primary snapper and a periscope telephoto camera. The latter is said to be different from the one that will be available on the X100 Pro+. According to recent leaks, Vivo and Samsung will have jointly developed a 200-megapixel Samsung HPV periscope telephoto camera for the X100 Pro+.
Coming back to the X100 Pro, recent reports have revealed that it will have a 50-megapixel Sony IMX989, 1-inch camera sensor. It is likely to be paired with a 12-megapixel IMX663 ultra-wide camera and a 64-megapixel OmniVision OV64B periscope telephoto camera.
The leak further states that the Vivo X100 Pro will support 100W charging. it also states that the device will offer other features, such as an under-display fingerprint scanner, an X-axis linear motor, an IR blaster, and dual stereo speakers.
Earlier this year, Honor announced the Honor Magic Vs foldable phone. The company went on to announce the more powerful Honor Magic V2 with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 onboard in the previous week. However, leaks suggest that Honor is not finished yet and is gearing up to launch its third foldable phone in the coming months. Additionally, details have emerged regarding the launch timeframe of Honor’s first flip phone with a foldable screen.
Honor Magic V Slim
Huawei Mate Xs 2
According to trusted tipster Digital Chat Station, Honor’s upcoming foldable phone will feature an externally foldable design like the Huawei Mate Xs 2. The device is expected to have a sleek and slim profile, boasting a 2K resolution display with eye-protection support. Digital Chat Station claims that this foldable phone will directly compete with other smartphones sporting smaller foldable screens. It is likely that this device is the Honor Magic V Slim, as hinted by another tipster named Teme.
Honor Magic Flip, Honor 100 GT
Furthermore, Digital Chat Station revealed that following the release of the Honor Magic V Slim, Honor plans to launch their vertically foldable phone, referred to as the Magic Flip. After the flip phone, the company will introduce a GT series device, potentially named the Honor 100 GT, claims DCS. Interestingly, it appears that Honor may skip the Honor 90 GT moniker for this particular release.
According to Teme, the Magic V Slim is slated for an October 2023 launch. As for the Magic Flip, it is expected to make its debut in spring of 2024, possibly in February or March. Unfortunately, specific details regarding the specifications of these devices have not been disclosed at this time.
Honor X50 GT
In addition to these foldable phones, Honor is reportedly working on an LCD display phone targeting the Chinese market. This phone is likely to succeed the Snapdragon 888-powered Honor X40 GT, which was unveiled in October 2022. Therefore, the rumored device could potentially be named the Honor X50 GT.
Xiaomi fans have much to look forward to as the company gears up for the launch of its next-generation foldable phone, the Xiaomi MIX Fold 3 foldable phone, in August in China. The event is expected to be an exciting affair, as Xiaomi reportedly plans to unveil a range of other products alongside the MIX Fold 3, including the Xiaomi Pad 6 Max, Redmi Pad 2, and Redmi K60 Ultra.
Xiaomi MIX Fold 3 to feature Hover mode
According to a Chinese tipster, the Xiaomi MIX Fold 3 will make its debut with MIUI Fold 14.1, a customized user interface of MIUI 14 designed to adapt seamlessly to the unique capabilities of foldable devices. This latest version is expected to enhance the user experience by offering greater compatibility with various applications and introducing a new Hover mode.
New foldable #XIaomi device will feature Hover mode: – it allows to use gestures on the bottom half of the screen – double tap to pause/play, slide to zoom, adjust brightness, adjust volume pic.twitter.com/P7prmxS1IE
Earlier this month, tipster Kacper Skrzypek provided insight into the Hover mode that will be seen on an upcoming foldable phone, which appears to be the Xiaomi MIX Fold 3. These innovative features allow users to make use of gestures on the bottom half of the screen. Additionally, the tipster revealed that double-tapping will enable pause/play functionality, sliding gestures will allow for zooming, and users will be able to adjust brightness and volume with ease.
Hover mode, akin to Samsung’s “Flex Mode,” will be a convenient feature for movie lovers and media enthusiasts. It allows easy control over content with a 21:9 aspect ratio, providing seamless navigation for movies, songs, and videos.
The Xiaomi MIX Fold 3 is expected to arrive as a major upgrade over the MIX Fold 2. The reason behind it is that it is expected to feature the 3.36GHz Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (overclocked version), an under-display camera on the foldable screen, a periscope zoom camera with 5x optical zoom support, wireless charging, a waterdrop hinge, and an IP rating.
Panasonic has launched the AZ40M2 headphones under its Technics audio brand in China. The new Panasonic headphones feature LDAC decoding and active noise cancellation. The Technics AZ40M2 TWS headphones come in gold, black, and silver color options. The headphones are now available on e-commerce platforms in China.
The AZ40M2 TWS headphones also support LE Audio’s LC3 encoding and enhance call quality in a weak signal environment. You can connect multiple input devices to the AZ40 via Bluetooth. It also features a fast switching mechanism for a seamless transition from one source to another. The headset is ergonomically designed and does not easily fall off the ears. The Panasonic AZ40M2 headset supports active noise cancellation. It is also possible to set a custom mode on the companion mobile app, as well as enable locating the device when misplaced.
The Panasonic AZ40M2 comes with some improvements over its predecessor the AZ40. For one, the AZ40 lacked ANC which allows the user to be fully immersed in music or work without external noise distraction. A digital software filter and feedforward mic effectively suppress environmental noise. The earbuds also feature beamforming technology for clear conversation using its dual MEMS mics on each earphone.
The Technics AZ40M2 can be operated using a single bud and controlled by the Technics Audio Connect app. The earbuds are equipped with unique ambient sound modes that could be set to either Natural or Attention mode. The battery + charging case can deliver up to 24 hours of playback on a single charge for the AZ40M2 TWS headset.
The Technics AZ40M2 wireless headphones have now gone on sale in China on the retail platform JD.com for 999 yuan (~$139).
JBL Professional, a renowned name in the audio products market, has unveiled the JBL COL Series Slim Column Speakers. The slim column speakers are expertly designed to cater to diverse application scenarios, setting new standards in audio excellence.
The JBL COL Series Slim Column Speakers utilize a built-in 10° downward slant design. Thus, users won’t need to install them in a slanted manner. The intelligent positioning of the woofer at the lower part of the columnar box and the tweeter unit at the top of the array ensures greater sound coverage and truly immersive listening space.
The column speakers come in four versions, each finely tuned for specific applications. Whether it’s a corporate conference room, an educational lecture hall, a bustling retail store, a grand hall, or a busy transportation center, these speakers adapt effortlessly to any environment, delivering exceptional performance every time.
Furthermore, the JBL COL Series Slim Column Speakers are equipped with multi-tap transformers. This feature allows users to effortlessly switch between 70/100V distributed speaker lines or 8Ω straight-through operation, empowering you to meet the demands of various high-performance audio setups.
The COL Series Slim Column Speakers deliver remarkable performance with specifications that speak volumes. With a frequency range of 85Hz to 20kHz, these speakers provide an exceptional balance of lows and highs, ensuring every note is delivered with pristine clarity. The coverage range of 110°/60° vertically, 10° downward (+45°/-65° coverage), and 160° horizontally ensures a full audio experience in any listening space.
Finally, the speakers are crafted with durability in mind as they feature a rain protection layer on the grille and can withstand various weather conditions without compromising audio quality. Additionally, a protective cover for the input terminal ensures that the connectors remain safeguarded and reliable for the long term.
Availability and Pricing
The JBL COL Series Slim Column Speakers are now available for purchase through authorized JBL dealers and resellers. There is no word on the pricing at this time.
The ASUS ROG Ranger 2 wireless customized mechanical keyboard has been unveiled in China. The new mechanical keyboard comes with an Omni receiver and offers three connection options. The ROG Ranger 2 is currently on the e-commerce platform JD.com on pre-sale in China and comes with a decent price tag.
The new ASUS ROG Ranger 2 mechanical keyboard is customizable and adopts a 98-key layout (96%). It retains all the function keys and number keys, as well as supports 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, and wired connection options. The ROG Ranger 2 uses the ROG SpeedNova wireless connection technology which helps to reduce power consumption by half.
Furthermore, the keyboard is equipped with an Omni receiver to seamlessly connect wirelessly to multiple devices through a single receiver. However, only a few devices are currently compatible with the Omni receiver tech. The lighting effect of the keyboard can last up to 1,750 hours while the keyboard utilizes the ROG NX Xuewu white shaft body. This supports full-key hot swapping, while the upper right corner has a three-way knob for controlling multimedia, volume, and lighting effects.
The ASUS ROG Ranger 2 mechanical keyboard has a unique shock absorption design, a supplementary space bar, two-color injection keycaps, and RGB lighting effects. The keyboard also supports desktop driver settings and features 3-speed feet. The ROG Ranger 2 customized mechanical keyboard can be purchased via JD.com and is priced at 1,099 yuan (~$153). There is no global availability information currently for the ROG Ranger 2.
Xiaomi has launched a number of impressive smartwatches in China, some of which have even made it to the global market. But almost none of them are available in India. The only Xiaomi smartwatch that is available in India is the Redmi Watch 2 Active. This might change soon as Xiaomi India today teased the launch of a new product, possibly a smartwatch with Bluetooth calling and other smart features.
The new watch could support Bluetooth calling
Xiaomi’s India division has teased the launch of a new product without revealing the name or category. The company did give us a hint with a bunch of emojis, including a watch and a telephone. This suggests that the new product could be a Bluetooth calling smartwatch. We don’t know the name yet, but it could be one of the watches that are already available in China and the Global market. This upcoming product will be announced tommorow (July 19) in India.
Chances are it is the Xiaomi Watch S1 Pro, which was unveiled in the global market earlier this year. That watch brings a 1.47-inch AMOLED touchscreen with 480 x 480 pixels resolution and sapphire crystal glass protection. It has a battery life of up to 14 days and charges wirelessly in less than 85 minutes. The Xiaomi Watch S1 Pro is listed on Amazon UK with a price tag of £299.
Xiaomi also introduced the Redmi Watch 3 Active in Europe last week with a 1.83-inch AMOLED display and Bluetooth calling. It supports continuous blood oxygen monitoring, heart rate monitoring, sleep monitoring, and over 100 sports modes. The Watch 3 Active is equipped with 5ATM waterproofing and can last up to 12 days. It is currently available in Germany at a price of €39.99.
Blackview has announced its new tiny smartphone that packs some decent performance features. The Blackview N6000 rugged smartphone sports a 4.3-inch display and a resolution of 540 x 1200 pixels. It has a maximum brightness of 450 nits and is powered by the MediaTek Helio G99 chipset.
The Blackview N6000 smartphone has a memory/ storage configuration of 8GB/ 256GB and a 3,880mAh battery. The new Blackview handset runs on the DokeOS version 3.1, based on Android 13. It delivers improved notifications and enhanced privacy-related features. It also comes with a new control panel for easier navigation.
The new petite Blackview N6000 has a 48MP main camera and a 16MP front sensor. The compact dual-cell, solid-state battery of the smartphone delivers up to 18 days of activity on standby and 22 hours of normal usage. The N6000 battery life however reduces to about 7 hours when watching videos or gaming.
The main camera sensor of the N6000 is the Samsung ISOCELL GM2 and uses ArcSoft 5.0 software processing for enhanced image quality. The smartphone weighs about 208g and is 18.4mm thick. It meets the MIL-STD-810H standard and can withstand being submerged underwater for up to 30 minutes at a depth of 15 meters, thanks to its IP68 and IP69K ratings.
The N6000 supports dual-SIM 4G LTE connectivity and comes with a customizable side button. The handset will be offered at a discounted price of $159.99 from July 24-28 on Aliexpress. There is an extra $10 discount and a free wrist strap holder for the first 300 buyers.
The JLab Epic Wireless Keyboard has been launched. The new JLab accessory can connect to smartphones, tablets, and PCs. The Epic Wireless Keyboard offers a new experience why typing with any of the compatible devices. It has a metallic build and incorporates a physical media dial and soft touch keys. The new JLab keyboard can be connected to three devices simultaneously.
The JLab Epic Wireless Keyboard is a premium offering by the OEM which had focused on audio accessories before now. The brand is however entering the peripherals market with a bang with its new wireless keyboard. The peripheral has a full 108-key setup with enough space to accommodate a number pad and arrow keys. It has a metal base and a sleek finish with strong similarities to the Logitech MX series.
The deck of the Epic Wireless Keyboard consists of soft-touch, low-profile, and compact caps. The keys are also described as full-depth in an ergonomic design and they are backlit as well. The keyboard is equipped with the JLab media knob for quick access to a few features like volume adjustment. The metal layout of the Epic Wireless keyboard translates to its durability. Its design will also allow the user to stay mouse-free for a longer period.
In terms of connectivity, the new wireless keyboard comes with Bluetooth 5.2 compatibility. It also has a USB dongle for direct connection and switching between three devices. The keyboard can be used as a mobile accessory or operated as a conventional keyboard. The device comes with a 2,000mAh battery that can last for up to 6 months. The battery can be recharged via a Type-C to A USB cable included in the package. The gadget is currently listed on Amazon and the JLab website with a price tag of $69.
Motorola budget phones offer a good bounce for the ounce and it seems the upcoming Moto G14 will be no different. The smartphone has been making rounds on various certification sites recently, with FCC revealing a 20W charging speed. Now, a new report is hear to paint a more apparent picture of the Moto G14, revealing its design and major specifications.
Moto G14 to bring a familiar design, decent specs
The Tech Outlook has leaked the marketing images of the Moto G14. These images reveal the affordable phone will come with essentially the same design as its predecessor. We are talking about flat edges and a rectangular camera module on the back. This type of module is common among Motorola smartphones, featuring two camera sensors and an LED flash.
Being a budget model, the Moto G14 shows off a 3.5mm audio jack. There’s also a Dolby Atmos branding on the device on the top. You have the volume rockers and fingerprint-integrated power button on the right edge. Motorola will let you purchase the smartphone in blue, black, gold, and beige.
The leak also shares the specs of the Moto G14 in bits and pieces. You get a usual 5,000mAh battery unit that should support 20W charging. Powering the phone is an octa-core processor, probably one from MediaTek’s budget line. The chip is paired with 128GB storage. Connectivity options on the device may include 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, and a USB-C port. Moto G14 should run Android 13 out of the box with My UX skin on top.
Currently, there’s no official launch date for the smartphone. It should be priced $150 and arrive next month or maybe in late July. We’ll keep you posted.
Last week, the OnePlus 12 appeared in leaked renders. Now, the key specifications of the smartphone have leaked, this time again shared by reliable tipster Steve Hemmerstoffer (aka Onleaks). The OnePlus 12 is expected to arrive in December this year as the successor to the last year’s OnePlus 11. Read on to know the details that have surfaced in new development.
OnePlus 12 key specifications leaked
The OnePlus 12 is tipped to retain the same 6.7-inch curved AMOLED display bearing a 2K resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. It will have LTPO technology for an adaptive refresh rate. The leaked renders revealed a center-aligned punch-hole cutout and thin bezels surrounding the screen. The upcoming flagship is expected to come with minor design changes.
On the imaging front, the OnePlus 12 is said to feature a 50MP main sensor with OIS, a 50MP ultra-wide-angle lens, and an OIS-enabled 64MP telephoto unit with 3x optical zoom. Upfront, the device will have a 32MP selfie snapper. There will be a Hasselblad camera system onboard.
Under the hood, the OnePlus 12 will reportedly be powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor that is expected to be announced at Qualcomm Summit in October. The device is expected to pack up to 16GB LPDDR5x RAM and 512GB UFS 4.0 storage. The next-generation flagship is tipped to be backed by a 5,400mAh battery unit compared to 5,000mAh on the current OnePlus 11. It will retain the same 100W wired charging and also support 50W wireless charging. Software-wise, the device will ship with Android 14 OS.
Samsung is launching the Galaxy Z Flip 5 on July 26 along with the Galaxy Z Fold 5. The new Galaxy Watch 6 series will also share the stage with the two foldables during the Unpacked event. As we are nearing their official debut, a reputed tipster has revealed the pre-order deals of the Galaxy Z Flip 5, claiming those who book it in advance will get a free storage upgrade. The Watch 6 series will also ship with some pre-order goodies. Here are the details.
Galaxy Z Flip 5 & Watch 6 pre-order incentives
Evan Blass took to Threads to share the Pre-order perks of the upcoming Samsung products. According to images shared by Blass, Samsung will offer free storage upgrade to those who pre-book the Galaxy Z Flip 5. This means you can get 512GB of onboard storage by paying for just 256GB. We are not sure if this also applies to the Galaxy Z Fold 5.
Galaxy Watch 6 series pre-orders will also ship with free goodies. If you reserve the Galaxy Watch 6 or Watch 6 Classic in advance, you can get yourself a free fabric band. The images reveal Watch 6 will be available at a special pre-booking price of $4/month. Note there’s no official confirmation regarding these incentives.
Leaks have revealed the Galaxy Z Flip 5 will be a significant upgrade over the Flip 4 with a large 3.4-inch cover screen and gapless hinge design. The primary screen on the foldable could be a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED with a Full HD+ resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. It should be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, paired with 8GB of RAM and up to 512GB of internal storage.
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