Hybrid Vehicle Industry Gets a Boost: Geely and Renault Invest $7.7 Billion, Employ 19,000

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Jul 12, 2023

Electric vehicle technologiElectric vehicle technology is improving rapidly. This is helping to reduce the disadvantages of EVs compared to traditional cars. However, it is still too early to rely on electric vehicles for all transportation needs. Geely has recognized this and has partnered with Renault to develop gasoline engines and hybrid technology.Here are the details…

Hybrid Vehicles Get a Boost as Geely and Renault Partner

Geely and Renault have announced a joint venture to develop gasoline engines and hybrid technology. The joint venture, which will be equally owned by Geely and Renault, will invest up to 7 billion euros and employ 19,000 people. The joint venture is aimed at manufacturing more efficient internal combustion engines and hybrid systems.

As you know, the automotive industry is increasingly shifting towards electric vehicles. However, hybrid vehicles are still a major part of the market, and the joint venture will help Geely and Renault to stay competitive in this segment. The joint venture is expected to be launched in the second half of 2023. Moreover, there is more…

Aramco Considers Investment in Geely-Renault Hybrid Joint Venture

Saudi Aramco, the Saudi Arabian state-owned oil company, is also considering a strategic investment in the joint venture. This would make Aramco the first major oil producer to invest in the car business. The investment from Aramco would help to finance the joint venture’s research and development efforts.

It is too early to say what the long-term impact of this joint venture will be. However, it is clear that the automotive industry is undergoing a major transformation. Hybrid technology is likely to play a role in this transformation. But we’ll have to wait and see what the future brings.

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Xiaomi to Challenge Tesla with Self-Developed Chips and Vehicle System Architecture

By

Oğuz Çakır

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Jul 12, 2023

The automobile industry is undergoing a major transformation. or a long time, fossil fuel-powered cars have been the norm, but they are gradually being replaced by electric vehicles. This shift is creating new opportunities for newcomers to enter the market and challenge established automakers like Volkswagen. One such newcomer is Xiaomi. The company has been working on an EV for some time, and it is expected to launch soon. According to the latest information, Xiaomi’s first car will feature self-developed chips and a unique vehicle system architecture. Here are the details…

Xiaomi Motors to Adopt In-house Chips and Vehicle System Architecture: A High-Value Proposition

Xiaomi is known for its smartphones, but the company is also active in many other fields, including the automobile industry. Through its subsidiary Xiaomi Motors, the company has been working on electric vehicle technologies for some time. Now, there are reports that Xiaomi is planning to use its own proprietary chips and vehicle system architecture in its upcoming EVs.

Xiaomi has already made significant investments in the automotive sector. In June 2021, the company invested in Black Sesame Technologies, an autonomous driving computing chip company. Xiaomi has also invested in several other companies in the fields of power batteries and autonomous driving. The adoption of proprietary chips and vehicle system architecture could give Xiaomi Motors more control over the design and performance of its vehicles. This could lead to better performance, improved safety, and lower costs.

In addition, Xiaomi Motors is reportedly planning to open its own delivery centers. This would allow the company to better control the customer experience and provide a more seamless ownership experience. The combination of proprietary chips, vehicle system architecture, and dedicated delivery centers could give Xiaomi Motors a significant advantage in the electric vehicle market. The company is well-positioned to compete with established players like Tesla and BYD, as well as newer entrants like NIO and Li Auto.

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Eleglide M2 electric bicycle with a 125km range launched bundling with complementary Xiaomi Band 8

By

Jed John Ikoba

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Jul 12, 2023

The Eleglide M2 electric bicycle has been unveiled. The new e-bike is powered by a 250W motor which delivers a maximum torque of 55Nm and a maximum output of 570W. The speed of the Eleglide M2 is capped at 25km/h and it comes equipped with app control and an intelligent LCD interface.

The Eleglide M2 e-bike comes with a design that looks like a step-over bike and sports 27.5 x 2.4-inch Kenda tires. The battery of the e-bike is located where the standard non-electric model will have a mounted bag or case. The battery pack of the Eleglide M2 is key-secured and swappable. The M2 is designed to navigate seamlessly even in difficult terrain. It has hydraulic suspension and disc brakes to provide stability and control in tough terrain. The e-bike also features the 24-speed Shimano gear for speed modulation.

The discounted price of the Eleglide M2 is $933.95 and it will subsequently revert to its original price of $1,318. Eleglide is offering the first 50 buyers of its latest e-bike a free Xiaomi Band 8 smart wearable. It is possible that the threshold of 50 orders may already have been exceeded. The electric bike is still available to buy on Geekbuying and as per the listing, it ships from Poland.

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AYA NEO Air 1S gaming handheld with an AMD Ryzen 7 SoC, 5.5-in OLED screen launched on Indiegogo

By

Jed John Ikoba

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Jul 12, 2023

AYA NEO has unveiled the AIR 1S gaming handheld powered by the AMD Ryzen 7 7840U APU. The AIR 1S offers up to 32GB of RAM and 4TB of storage and is being offered through an Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign.

The AYA NEO AIR 1S opened the Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign after a short teaser released by the brand. The teaser campaign was at the beginning of the month and the starting price of the handheld is $799. The options of the AIR 1S are based on different configurations of the RAM/ storage combination. The options are 16GB RAM+ 512GB storage, 32GB + 1TB, 32GB + 2TB and 32GB + 4TB. The AMD Ryzen 7 series APU of the model provides a decent performance boost.

The various memory/ storage combinations start at $799 for the 16GB/ 512GB model. The top configuration option of the AIR 1S is priced at $1,099. The color options available for the new gaming handheld include Aurora White, and Polar Black, while the two top models are Retro Power Edition. The lineup also includes the Ultra Thin & Light Limited Edition (32GB + 2TB).

AYA NEO says the AIR 1S will begin shipping in August 2023 but the Ultra Thin & Light Limited Edition model will come a bit later at the end of August. The AYA NEO AIR 1S has reportedly oversubscribed its Indiegogo target but the campaign is expected to run its full course.

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BlitzWolf BW-TH15 17-in-1 USB-C triple display docking station unveiled

By

Jed John Ikoba

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Jul 12, 2023

The BlitzWolf BQ-TH15 17-in-1 USB-C Docking Station has been released to the global audience. The docking station can accommodate the connection of three displays simultaneously and offers 65W pass-through charging. It also comes with a generous collection of USB-C and USB-A ports.

BlitzWolf BW-TH15 17-in-1 USB-C triple display docking station

The BW-TH15 docking station is available globally for pre-order via Banggood and it features a DisplayPort and two HDMI ports. The displays each have a maximum resolution of 4K @ 60Hz and 1080p when all three displays are active simultaneously.

The new BlitzWolf docking station has a 100W Type C PD input and USB-C/ USB-A ports that deliver 10Gbps transfer speeds. The gadget also features SD and microSD card slots. At the rear of the docking station are three 5Gbps USB-A ports, two 5Gbps USB-C, and a single 10Gbps USB-C. It also features Gigabit Ethernet and an audio jack.

The BlitzWolf BW-TH15 docking station omits a PD charger although a power cable is included in the package. It is being offered at a discounted price of $92.99 but the original price of the gadget is $135.99. The BlitzWolf BW-TH15 Docking Station will ship starting from July 26. Shipping costs and delivery times will vary according to the region.

The triple display setup of the BW-TH15 Docking Station and its lineup of ports offers versatility for the gadget. It can be used for a slew of applications in addition to providing pass-through charging at 65W. BlitzWolf expects the new docking station to have a decent reception in the global market.

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Xiaomi launches the MIJIA Smart Clothes Dryer 1S Multi-function version with cold & hot air blowing modes

By

Jed John Ikoba

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Jul 12, 2023

Chinese tech giant Xiaomi has launched a new version of its popular smart clothes dryer. The new version is the MIJIA Smart Clothes Dryer 1S Multi-function version. The new version is an iteration of the MIJIA Smart Clothes Dryer 1S that was launched in April this year. This upgraded model introduces a plethora of new features and functions, making it the ultimate all-in-one solution for drying and disinfecting clothes.

Advanced Features for Unmatched Convenience:

The MIJIA Smart Clothes Dryer 1S Multi-function version boasts two distinct blowing modes, allowing users to choose between cold air for warmer seasons and hot air for colder months. This flexibility ensures optimal drying performance regardless of the weather conditions, making it ideal for regions with varying climates.

What sets this dryer apart is its ability to disinfect intimate clothing items such as underwear and socks. It is equipped with ultraviolet UVC germicidal lamps which can effectively eliminate bacteria during the drying process. This action provides added peace of mind for hygiene-conscious individuals.

The dryer’s sleek and ultra-thin design offers two installation options: embedded or hoisted, catering to different user preferences and space constraints. When folded, it measures just 9.9cm in height, allowing for easy storage in any household.

The MIJIA Smart Clothes Dryer 1S Multi-function version is designed with larger families in mind as it offers ample capacity. It features 38 independent windproof air outlets, 32 mother and baby clips, 4 retractable drying rods, and two multi-functional drying baskets. As a whole, the dryer can effortlessly accommodate up to 35kg of laundry.

In addition, the MIJIA smart dryer seamlessly integrates with Xiaomi’s smart ecosystem, enabling users to connect it with other compatible devices such as dehumidifiers, washing machines, and XiaoAI speakers. When integrated, it comes with support for voice, mobile app, and remote control, allowing users to conveniently manage their laundry routine from anywhere within their home.

The new smart dryer is currently crowdfunding on Xiaomi Mall with a crowdfunding price of 1199 yuan ($167).

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Honor Watch 4 launched with eSIM support, 10 days battery

By

Anurag

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Jul 12, 2023

Honor launched a bunch of new products today. These include the Magic V2, which debuts as the thinnest foldable yet, the MagicPad 13, and the Smart Screen 5 TV. Alongside these unique products, the company has introduced the Honor Watch 4 with eSIM support and a long-lasting 10 days of battery life. The watch brings a sleek design and comes in multiple colors. Let’s look closely at its specs and features.

Honor Watch 4 Price and Specifications

First things first, let’s talk about the eSIM support on the smartwatch. Honor Watch 4 is the company’s first smartwatch with support for eSIM. It also comes with a unique dual-standby feature. This lets you connect the watch to two different sim cards on your phone and simultaneously receive calls, text messages, and other notifications.

Honor Watch 4 has a square dial with a button on the right. The frame appears to be frosted and looks sleek. It packs a 1.75-inch AMOLED display with a 450x390px resolution and 60Hz refresh rate. The watch has a 6 series aluminum case.

The smartwatch has a long battery life. When connected to an Honor phone, it can last up to 10 days. When used independently in an all-weather 24-hour eSIM scenario, it can last for 3 days or more. The watch uses POGO PIN charging and comes with a charging base.

The Honor Watch 4 is a fitness tracker that can do it all. It supports 85 sports modes, 12 professional workouts, and can even screen for atrial fibrillation and sleep apnea. And of course, it can track your sleep overall. The Honor smartwatch is available for purchase in China for just 949 Yuan ($132), inclusive of a 50 Yuan discount off the regular price. And you can choose from three stylish colors— black, gold, or blue.

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Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 series Canadian pricing leaked ahead of launch

By

Sudhanshu

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Jul 12, 2023

Samsung is preparing to launch the Galaxy Tab S9 series tablets along with the fifth-generation foldable smartphones on July 26th. Ahead of the launch, the renders as well as the specifications of the upcoming tablets have leaked online. Now, a new leak has surfaced with details about the Canadian price points of the tablets.

According to a tweet by well-known tipster SnoopyTech, the 8GB/128GB version of the Galaxy Tab S9 will have a price of around CAD 1,099.99. Similarly, the Galaxy Tab S9+ with 12GB/256GB is speculated to be priced at approximately CAD 1,349.99. The highest-end model, the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra with 12GB/256GB, has been mentioned in rumors with a price tag of CAD 1,599.99.

To recall, the pricing details for the Galaxy Tab S9 lineup for Europe have emerged. The base variant of the Galaxy Tab S9, featuring 8GB RAM and 128GB storage, is expected to start at EUR 929. Meanwhile, the 12GB RAM and 256GB storage option is anticipated to be priced at EUR 1,049. The Galaxy Tab S9+ with 12GB RAM and 256GB storage is rumored to have a price tag of EUR 1,149. Lastly, the top-of-the-line Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra, equipped with 12GB RAM and 256GB storage, is speculated to be priced at EUR 1,369.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 series specs

Rumor has it that the entire Galaxy S9 tablet series will feature the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy SoC under the hood. This is the same chipset the brand is using in the Galaxy S23 smartphones and it has a higher maximum clock speed of 3.36GHz compared to the regular Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip.

The Galaxy Tab S9 is said to feature an 11-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a WQXGA resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels. It may come equipped with a 12 MP front camera and a 13 MP rear camera. Powering the device could be an 8,400 mAh battery, with 12 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage to handle multitasking and storage needs. Notable features of the Galaxy Tab S9 include four speakers, an optical in-display fingerprint sensor for convenient unlocking, and an S-Pen with bilateral charging for seamless creative input.

The Galaxy Tab S9 Plus is rumored to offer a larger 12.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a WQXGA+ resolution of 2800 x 1782 pixels. It is expected to feature a 12 MP front camera and a rear camera setup comprising of a 13 MP lens along with an 8 MP lens for versatile photography capabilities. The tablet might house a substantial 10,090 mAh battery for extended usage. With 12 GB of RAM and 512 GB of storage, the Galaxy Tab S9 Plus is likely to provide ample memory and storage capacity for users. Like its smaller counterpart, it is expected to include four speakers, an optical in-display fingerprint sensor, and support for the S-Pen with bilateral charging.

The highest-end model in the lineup, the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra, is rumored to feature an expansive 14.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a WQXGA+ resolution of 2960 x 1898 pixels. It is speculated to offer a dual front camera setup, combining two 12 MP lenses, while the rear camera setup is rumored to consist of a 13 MP lens and an 8 MP lens. To support its large display and power-intensive tasks, the tablet may be equipped with an 11,200 mAh battery. The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra is anticipated to offer a generous 16 GB of RAM and a massive 1 TB of storage capacity. Additionally, it is expected to include features like four speakers, an optical in-display fingerprint sensor, and support for the S-Pen with bilateral charging.

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Honor Smart Screen 5 4K TV launched with 144Hz variable refresh rate

By

Anurag

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Jul 12, 2023

Along with the latest Magic V2 foldable and the MagicPad 13 tablet, Honor also launched a new premium TV today. The Honor Smart Screen 5 brings high-end specifications as well as a premium design. The bezel-less TV supports 4K resolution and runs the company’s own MagicOS operating system. It comes with a 144Hz variable refresh rate and other notable e-sports grade features. Here are the details.

Honor Smart Screen 5

The Honor Smart Screen 5 boasts a 4K ultra-clear display, capable of showing 1.07 billion colors. The TV comes with a DCI-P3 cinema-level wide color gamut, a high color accuracy of △ E≈2, and a screen-to-body ratio of over 98%. It also supports 4K HDR10 decoding. Honor has packed the TV with the latest AI-PQ technology and AI-SR super-resolution technology which apparently improves the picture quality.

The large screen is claimed to have an e-sports grade quality with an exclusive game mode. The TV also features multiple interfaces, supports full VRR variable refresh rate from 48Hz to 144Hz, and supports 240Hz high refresh rate mode with millisecond low latency.

The TV is powered by the 4K flagship chip MT9653 and becomes the first smart TV to pass the highest level of four-star certification for Tencent START cloud games, meaning that it can run these games without any lag or stuttering. The Honor Smart Screen 5 also features MagicOS, a new operating system for smart TVs that is developed by Honor. Another impressive feature of the Honor TV is its 50-megapixel AI ultra-wide-angle camera.

Price and Availability

The Honor Smart Screen 5 65-inch will be available for pre-sale in China on July 12 at 9:30 PM. The official sale will start on July 20 at 10:08 AM. The suggested retail price is 3,999 yuan (~$554.85), but the first-sale exclusive price is 3,699 yuan (~$514.85) (Via ITHome). The retail price for the 75-inch version is 5,299 yuan (~$729.85).

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Honor MagicPad 13 launched with 13-inch IMAX enhanced display, Snapdragon 888 chip

By

Anurag

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Jul 12, 2023

Magic V2 was the highlight of today’s Honor event. It debuted as the thinnest foldable smartphone to date, leaving Huawei Mate X3 behind. The device is certainly very impressive but there have been other notable launches today, including the new high-end Honor MagicPad 13 tablet. The new slate arrives with a stylish design and packs the older Snapdragon 888 processor under the hood. Here’s a closer look at its specifications and pricing.

Honor MagicPad 13

Honor’s new premium tablet, the MagicPad 13, shares its design with the Honor 90 series. It has a similar camera module and thin bezels on the front. The device features a 13-inch 2.8K ultra-clear IMAX Enhanced display with a color accuracy of ∆E<1, which is the first time for an LCD panel. The panel also offers a resolution of 2880×1840, a 144Hz adaptive refresh rate, a peak brightness of 700nit, and a screen-to-body ratio of up to 90%. With HDR 10 support, you’re sure to get a great multimedia experience. The Honor tablet measures 6.4mm thick and weighs 660g.

The Snapdragon 888 chip inside the MagicPad 13 might bring back some memories for early 2019. This 5nm processor can handle most of the demanding tasks with ease but you might notice some unusual heating. Honor will be offering the tablet with 8GB, 12GB, or 16GB RAM and 256/512GB of onboard storage.

The MagicPad 13 also comes with the industry’s first bare-ear 3D spatial audio. The eight speaker-level subwoofers in the device will let you enjoy spatial audio without having to plug in the earphones. On the software front, the slate runs MagicOS 7.2 operating system with Android 13. Honor has also packed some productivity apps like Honor Docs, which work similarly to the Microsoft Office suite.

Price and Availability

The Honor MagicPad 13 will be available for pre-sale only in China on July 12 at 9:30 PM. The official sale will start on July 20 at 10:08 AM. The tablet will be available in three configurations:

8GB+256GB: $449
12GB+256GB: $494
16GB+512GB: $554

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No More Riots: Foxconn Factory Sees Major Improvements in Working Conditions Ahead of iPhone 15

By

Oğuz Çakır

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Jul 12, 2023

Apple is getting ready to launch the iPhone 15 series in September. Foxconn, its primary contract manufacturer, is preparing for mass production. However, it appears that the company’s standard yearly preparations may not be enough to meet the expected demand for the new iPhones. Foxconn is anticipating sales to be well above the norm, so they have decided to enhance employee benefits to ensure successful mass production of the iPhone 15 series. Here are the details…

Foxconn Steps Up Efforts to Meet Demand for Apple iPhone 15

Apple is Foxconn’s biggest customer, and their collaboration peaks in late summer when new iPhones are released. Typically, Foxconn upgrades and renovates its production lines four months before mass production begins. By August, they have 80% of their production capacity up and running, with the remaining 20% reserved for unexpected demand spikes. However, this year, that won’t be enough, so the company is taking steps to increase production.

The iPhone 15 series is expected to enter large-scale mass production soon, with a planned stockpile of up to 84 million units. This is a 12% increase compared to the iPhone 14 series last year, reflecting Apple’s confidence and underscoring the importance that Foxconn places on this production cycle. Foxconn’s primary production area remains the Zhengzhou Park, which has already begun mass recruitment. Over 1000 people are joining daily.

In addition to investing heavily in hiring, Foxconn is also working to improve the living conditions of its employees. This includes providing generous bonuses, as well as upgrading dormitories, cafeterias, and other facilities. For those returning to work at Zhengzhou Park after leaving, the base salary is set at 2200 yuan, with an additional incentive bonus of 7500 yuan during the peak season.

These efforts demonstrate that Foxconn is committed to both the success of the iPhone 15 series and the well-being of its employees. By providing competitive wages and improved living conditions. Actually, Foxconn is not making these improvements solely out of the goodness of their heart. Public relations is incredibly important for companies like Apple, so you often hear phrases about clean energy, sustainability, and human rights from executives like Tim Cook.

However, while tech companies present themselves as angels, the dirty part of the job is done by someone else. In Apple’s case, this role is filled by Foxconn. Foxconn has been in the headlines for a long time due to its poor working conditions and wages. In fact, there have even been riots at the Zhengzhou facility due to these issues. It appears that the improvements being made aim to both prevent possible production issues and refresh the company’s image.

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Samsung to share its royalty-free tech patents with smaller firms in South Korea

By

Jed John Ikoba

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Jul 12, 2023

Samsung Electronics plans to share its royalty-free technology patents with smaller companies for free in South Korea. The move was aimed at stimulating shared growth, according to South Korea’s Industry Ministry. Smaller firms will use Samsung’s royalty-free 123 patent technologies which are spread across various sectors.

The 123 patents relate to semiconductors, displays, mobile devices, and allied aspects. The move will allow smaller firms to leverage these technologies in the evolution of their products. According to a report by the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy, up to 86 smaller firms in South Korea will benefit from the Samsung initiative. It is part of a government-driven tech-sharing program in place since 2013.

Over 33 South Korean conglomerates and state-run companies have shared 2,979 patents with 1,416 smaller companies. Since Samsung joined the program in 2015, it has shared 1,082 patents with 588 smaller companies.

Samsung had recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with South Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and the Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology. The MOU seeks to promote a win-win scenario for the industry ecosystem through technology sharing.

Samsung says the program will give smaller companies the opportunity of upgrading their technology competitiveness. The quantum of support offered by Samsung to the smaller companies seeking the 123 Samsung patent technologies was however not specified.

The synergy and cooperation between tech powerhouses like Samsung and local companies offer a positive spin on the overall outlook of the industry. The policy thrust driven by the Korean Industry Ministry will help some of these local startups scale up their strategy and transit into the global arena.

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AMD Ryzen 7000 CPUs & Radeon RX 7000 GPUs now arrive in new Starfield Bundles

By

Sean

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Jul 12, 2023

Earlier today (7th July 2023), AMD announced that it is partnering with known video games publisher Bethesda to launch special bundles for its latest-gen CPUs and GPUs. The bundles include a copy of the highly anticipated game, Starfield.

AMD to offer Starfield Standard & Premium Edition Bundles

Team Red has already begun taking orders for the new special edition bundles, which will go on till September 30. With the purchase of both the Standard and Premium editions, you will be offered a copy of Starfield. For those unaware, Starfield is Bethesda’s first original IP in over 25 years and is an offline single-player title. It will feature RPG mechanics which the company is known for and will have an emphasis on sci-fi space exploration and discovery. The title is set to launch on September 6.

If you’re looking to buy the Premium edition bundle, you would need to buy a Ryzen 9 7900 CPU or higher, or a Radeon RX 6700 GPU or higher. On the other hand, the Standard Edition starts from the Ryzen 5 7600 all the way up to the Ryzen 7 7800X3D. Similarly, the Radeon RX 6600 is the lowest tier that is offered with the AMD Starfield bundle, up to the Radeon RX 7600 model.

Notably, the Starfield Premium Edition bundle will offer up to five days of early access along with other exclusive items like a Constellation skins pack, an exclusive Shattered Space expansion following launch, and a copy of the digital Starfield OST and Artbook. The Standard Edition only offers the new game. The announcement from AMD also follows Microsoft’s launch of its Starfield-themed Limited Edition Xbox Controller and Wireless Headset.

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Should you buy Samsung Galaxy S21 FE Snapdragon variant in India?

By

Sudarshan Ravichandran

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Jul 12, 2023

Samsung launched the Galaxy S21 FE in early 2022 ahead of the Galaxy S22 series launch. The device comes powered by either Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 or Exynos 2100 depending on the market it is sold in.

As usual, India got the Exynos version. But now, one and a half years later, Samsung launched the Snapdragon variant of the smartphone in the country recently. For the unaware, the same happened with the Galaxy S20 FE a couple of years ago.

Exynos chips are notorious for poor thermals, performance throttling, and less efficiency. So despite being a good handset overall, the Galaxy S21 FE featuring the Exynos 2100 is subjected to these issues.

However, Samsung began offering heavy discounts on the phone a few months after its release. This made it a comparatively good value than when it debuted for consumers who are not heavy users.

Right now, the company has stopped selling the Exynos model by replacing it with the Snapdragon variant. But the new version is priced at ₹49,999, which is about the same as the price of the original Exynos variant at launch.

So is the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE Snapdragon variant worth buying in India?

Samsung Galaxy S21 FE Snapdragon variant is worth buying only during discounts

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE continues to be a good smartphone in India in 2023. It is now even better with the Snapdragon 888 chip.

But the above statement is only applicable when the device is available at the right price Because the market has evolved a lot since the initial launch of the Galaxy S21 FE.

The Fan Edition Galaxy S phone is still the only product on the market with the feature set it offers. It is a true flagship killer and one of the well-balanced handsets.

However, its pricing is terrible when compared to competitors. Thankfully, Samsung has a habit of offering steep discounts on its products a few months after release.

Thus, despite being introduced at ₹54,999, the Galaxy S21 FE Exynos version was available between ₹30,000 and ₹40,000 most of the time. Perhaps the same could happen with the Snapdragon 888 version, which carries an official price tag of ₹49,999.

The Galaxy S21 FE is the only smartphone in its segment to offer these features together — an IP68 rating for dust/water resistance, a telephoto camera, a metal frame, wireless/reverse wireless charging support, and up to 5 years of software support.

The phone is eligible for four Android updates. This means it will receive up to Android 16 as it has already received Android 13. Therefore, even being an old handset, its software longevity matches the competition.

Finally, it is worth noting that just like the Exynos 2100 version of Galaxy S21 FE, the Snapdragon 888 variant is also not meant for gaming. So gamers should stay away from it.

Otherwise, the Galaxy S21 FE Snapdragon version is still a good buy in India in 2023 at the correct price. So you can consider it whenever it is discounted.

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Realme GT 5 key specs tipped ahead of launch

By

Soumyakanti

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Jul 12, 2023

Realme, the popular smartphone brand, is preparing for the release of its latest lineup, the Realme GT Neo 6 series. The series is expected to include two smartphones, namely the Realme GT Neo 6 and Realme GT Neo 6 Pro. Recent sightings of these upcoming devices on China’s 3C certification website and TENAA indicate that their launch is imminent. In addition to this series, rumors are circulating about the impending release of the Realme GT 5.

Realme GT 5 specifications (expected)

Although the exact launch date remains uncertain, some of the specifications of this rumored device have surfaced online. Renowned tipster Digital Chat Station has shared these expected specifications in a recent Weibo post.

According to the tipster, the Realme GT 5 will feature a 2K OLED curved screen with high-frequency dimming capabilities. The smartphone is rumored to be equipped with the powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor. Furthermore, it is anticipated to include a periscope zoom camera. Notably, the device may support fast charging capabilities, with options for either 150W or 240W wired charging, as well as 50W wireless charging.

Realme has not yet provided any official information regarding the launch of the Realme GT 5. It is speculated that the brand may unveil this device following the release of its highly anticipated Realme GT Neo 6 series in August.

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Assassin’s Creed Red set in Feudal Japan may launch next year

By

Sean

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Jul 12, 2023

Ubisoft announced the Assassin’s Creed Codename Red title months ago, generating quite a bit of hype over its highly requested setting of feudal Japan. But now a launch window might have been hinted at by a Ubisoft official.

Assassin’s Creed Red could be Ubisoft’s biggest blockbuster for 2024

The news arrives from Twitter user Access The Animus who shared a LinkedIn post from a Ubisoft executive, who is a part of the Business Development and Brand partnership team. The original LinkedIn post was shared in Japanese and the translation reveals that Ubisoft is seeking a new sponsorship partner for the upcoming Assassin’s Creed game for next year.

In other words, the Codename Red title might be released sometime in 2024. The Ubisoft official also added stated that “Assassin’s Creed is really expanding the multi-media front, with podcasts and Manga series. Do you want to partner with the biggest blockbuster for 2024?, “which is basically promoting their upcoming AC title. For those unaware, the studio behind the game is the Ubisoft Quebec team, which had previously developed Assassin’s Creed Odyssey.

Based on what we know so far, the latest entry in the Assassin’s Creed Franchise will likely retain the third-person gameplay with RPG mechanics in an open world map and a strong narrative. Notably, the news also arrives soon after the company announced that they are working on an Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag remake.

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Honor Magic V2 launched as the thinnest foldable yet with Overclocked Snapdragon 8 Gen 2

By

Anurag

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Jul 12, 2023

Foldable phones used to be big and bulky, but not anymore. Honor’s latest Magic V2 is the thinnest folding smartphone to date, measuring just 9.9mm thick. This makes it as slim as some traditional bar phones. Despite its lightweight design, the Magic V2 doesn’t compromise on features. It packs a large 5,000mAh battery and is powered by the flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor. Read on to find out more about this promising foldable.

A super thin and lightweight build

Since design and build quality are the main highlights of the Magic V2, let’s talk about them first. The smartphone brings a premium design with a large rectangular camera module, somewhat similar to the Magic Vs. When folded, the Honor smartphone measures only 9.9mm but when you open it, the thickness goes to an impressive 4.7mm. Honor says the Magic V2 leaves Huawei Mate 50RS behind in terms of thickness, which is a conventional bar phone.

The foldable is not just thin but also lightweight. The plain leather version of the device weighs 231g, and the glass version is only 237g. Both of these versions are lighter than Apple’s iPhone 14 Pro Max, which weighs 240g. Further, Honor has also made sure to make the device durable. It comes with a new hinge technology called the Honor Luban titanium hinge. The hinge has passed the Swiss SGS high-reliability folding quality gold standard certification, which means it can withstand 400,000 folds without any problems. It also supports multi-angle hovering, allowing you to use the phone in a variety of positions.

Talking about the display specifications, the Honor Magic V2 uses a 6.43-inch 2376×1060 BOE OLED outer screen with a screen ratio of 20:9, supports 120Hz LTPO refresh rate, and 3840Hz high-frequency PWM dimming. The panel has passed the TÜV Rheinland flicker-free certification and offers 2500nit peak brightness. The display on the inside of the Honor Magic V2 uses a 7.92-inch 2344×2156 BOE OLED panel with a screen ratio of 9.8:9, with the same refresh rate and dimming frequency.

What else?

Moving to the other hardware specs, the Honor Magic V2 comes equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor under the hood. But this is not your regular 3.18GHz processor, instead, it is the overclocked version with a maximum frequency of 3.36GHz. This chip was also used on the Samsung Galaxy S23 series and the recently launched Red Magic 8S Pro.

On the software front, the Honor Magic V2 runs MagicOS 7.2 based on Android 13. Notably, the foldable comes equipped with a self-developed RF enhancement chip and uses wrap-around antenna extension technology, which Honor says improves the antenna performance.

In the camera department, the Honor Magic V2 has a gets a 16MP camera on the outer screen and another 16MP shooter on the inside. The back of the device boasts a 50MP main camera, 50MP ultra-wide-angle, and 20MP telephoto that goes up to 40x. Honor has also packed a large 5,000mAh battery on the device with support for 66W charging.

Price and availability

The Honor Magic V2 phone is available for purchase in China at 8,999 yuan (~$1,300) for the 16GB RAM+256GB storage version. You can pay 9,999 yuan (~$1,450) and get the higher-end 16GB RAM+512GB trim. If that’s not enough, the Honor Magic V2 Ultimate edition with 16GB RAM+1TB ROM comes priced at 11,999 yuan (~$1,700). The pre-sale will start at 21:30 on July 12, and the official sale will start at 10:08 on July 20. Note this product is currently limited to China.

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WhatsApp enhances privacy with hidden phone number feature for communities

By

Soumyakanti

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Jul 12, 2023

WhatsApp, the popular messaging app, is taking another step towards improving user privacy within its communities. Following the recent announcement of an updated interface for the communities tab, WhatsApp is now introducing a new phone number privacy feature for community members.

Understanding the New Phone Number Privacy Feature

The phone number privacy feature has been quietly tested over the past few months and is now being rolled out to a wider user base. Its primary function is to ensure that community members’ phone numbers remain hidden from other participants. Although the participants list is already concealed within the community announcement group, users were unable to interact with the group through message reactions without revealing their phone numbers. This new feature resolves that issue, allowing users to add reactions to messages while keeping their phone numbers hidden.

Upon accessing the community announcement group info, users will notice a new option called “phone number privacy.” By enabling this feature, individuals are alerted that their phone numbers will only be visible to community administrators and people who have saved them as contacts. As a result, other participants in the community will not be able to view their complete phone numbers during conversations. It is important to note that this feature applies exclusively to community members, and the phone number of the community administrator remains visible.

The introduction of the phone number privacy feature offers a significant advantage in terms of user anonymity and privacy. Community members can now interact with the community announcement group without revealing their full phone numbers, such as when adding a reaction to a message. Although some users already had the ability to react to messages within the community, this new feature expands that functionality. Furthermore, WhatsApp plans to extend the phone number privacy feature to other groups in the future. If a user privately contacts a community member with a hidden phone number, they will have the option to send a request to share their phone number.

The phone number privacy feature is currently available to beta testers who have installed the latest WhatsApp update on Android and iOS devices. It will be gradually rolled out to more users in the coming days. Additionally, WhatsApp is actively working on other features, including sticker suggestion, a convenient chat list filter, and high-quality video sharing, as part of its ongoing commitment to enhancing the user experience.

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(Source)

Fairphone 5 emerges on Geekbench with 8GB RAM and a Qualcomm Snapdragon SoC

By

Sudhanshu

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Jul 12, 2023

Back in 2021, the Fariphone 4 was launched in Europe, which recently made its way to the US market. Now, it appears that the brand is gearing up to launch a successor, as the Fairphone 5 has emerged online.

The smartphone has emerged with the model name Fairphone FP5 on Geekbench. Based on the listing, the upcoming Fairphone 5 smartphone is expected to feature an octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon processor codenamed “lahaina.” The SoC configuration appears to consist of 1 prime core, 3 performance cores, and 4 efficiency cores, with a maximum frequency of 2.71GHz. Handling graphics-intensive tasks will be the Adreno 643 GPU.

While it is speculated that the processor could be the Qualcomm Snapdragon 782G, the base clock speed of 1.96 GHz is a bit higher than the standard SD 782G. So it is possible that this is a tuned version of the SoC or an entirely different chip. Other than that, the device has 8GB of RAM onboard and comes pre-loaded with Android 13. Moving on to performance, the device scores 1131 points in the single-core round and 2985 points in the multi-core round of Geekbench 6. These are good performance numbers for a mid-range device.

Other details about the Fariphone 5 are currently under wraps, however, we can expect it to be a repair-friendly mid-range smartphone with a focus on reliability and privacy.

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(via: MSP)

Xiaomi MIX Fold 3 3C certification reveals no upgrade in fast charging department

By

Anvinraj Valiyathara

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Jul 12, 2023

Xiaomi MIX Fold 3 is one of the Xiaomi devices that it expected to launch next month (August) in China. The foldable smartphone will arrive as a successor to the Xiaomi MIX Fold 2, which was announced in August last year. Ahead of the expected launch, the MIX Fold 3, which has the 2308CPXD0C model number, has received approval from China’s 3C authority. Here is a look at the details that have emerged through its 3C certification.

Xiaomi MIX Fold 3 receives 3C certification

The Xiaomi MIX Fold 3 has been spotted with a 67W fast charger (model number: MDY-12-EF) in the database of the 3C certification platform. This suggests that there will be no improvement in the fast-charging capabilities as compared to the predecessor model, which also supported 67W fast charging.

Reports have revealed that the MIX Fold 3 will come with a larger battery compared to its predecessor. Unlike the MIX Fold 2, which had a 4,500mAh battery, the new model is likely to feature a battery that is 300mAh larger. In addition, the MIX Fold 3 is also likely to support 50W wireless charging.

According to reports, the Xiaomi MIX Fold 3 will arrive with a 6.56-inch AMOLED FHD+ 120Hz display on the outside and an 8.02-inch foldable AMOLED QHD+ 120Hz screen on the inside. It is expected to run on MIUI 14-based Android 13. It is expected to feature a 3.36GHz Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, 16 GB of LPDDR5x RAM, and 1 TB of UFS 4.0 storage.

It is set to feature an in-screen camera on its inner display. On the rear side, the device will sport a camera setup consisting of a Sony IMX800 primary camera, a periscope zoom camera capable of 10x optical zoom, a telephoto camera with 3.2x optical zoom, and an ultra-wide lens. For better durability, it will be equipped with a waterdrop hinge and is also expected to come with an IP rating.

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