Tokyo-based gadget company Gloture has unveiled its latest innovation, WearCool, designed to provide relief from scorching summer temperatures. As the sweltering heat persists, Gloture aims to offer a practical solution for individuals who need to venture outside for work, school, errands, or travel.
Gloture WearCool features:
WearCool takes the form of a belt and employs an ingenious design to combat the heat. While its appearance might resemble fitness products promising unreal results, this device focuses on delivering bursts of cool air to the upper body, rather than stimulating abdominal muscles through electrical pulses.
The portable air conditioner belt incorporates a heat-absorbing PCM (phase-change material) within its casing, alongside a series of fans. These fans expel air upwards through the vents, ensuring a continuous flow of refreshing breeze. Weighing just 488 grams, the WearCool device propels air at speeds of up to five meters per second, creating a pleasant cooling effect.
To enhance user convenience, Gloture provides a mobile app that features both Japanese and English interfaces. This app enables users to control fan speed and select specific fan configurations, choosing between utilizing all fans or only those located at the front or back of the device.
WearCool boasts an impressive maximum battery life of 17 hours, ensuring prolonged usage throughout the day. With an assumed seven hours of sleep, WearCool serves as a reliable option for staying cool from morning to night. Moreover, the high-stretch flexible waistband accommodates individuals with waist sizes ranging from 70 to 105 centimeters.
WearCool is now available through Gloture’s online shop, Modern G, for 32,500 yen ($235). With its focus on practicality and effective cooling, WearCool aims to provide a much-needed respite from the scorching summer heat, allowing individuals to continue their outdoor activities without discomfort.
The OnePlus Ace 2 Pro is expected to launch soon in the Chinese market. However, a new leak has revealed the key specifications of this device as well as hinting at its possible launch timeline. So here are all the details.
OnePlus Ace 2 Pro Specifications
The news arrives from a tipster on Weibo (a Chinese microblogging website). The tipster claims that the OnePlus Ace 2 Pro will sport a tall 6.74-inch curved OLED display that offers a 1.5K resolution and 120Hz refresh rate. Under the hood, the device is equipped with Qualcomm’s flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC that is paired with up to a whopping 24GB of RAM and 1TB of internal storage.
On the rear, the tipster claims that the upcoming smartphone will feature a triple camera setup, which consists of a 50-megapixel Sony IMX890 primary sensor along with an 8-megapixel and 2-megapixel shooter. Meanwhile, the front houses a 16-megapixel selfie camera. A large 5,000mAh battery pack will reportedly power this device, which supports up to 150W fast charging.
The Chinese smartphone maker is expected to launch the OnePlus Open (its first foldable phone) in the global market in August. However, the Ace 2 Pro model might also be arriving in the Chinese market during this month. Keep in mind that this is just a leak, so take this report with a pinch of salt for now and stick around for more updates.
In February, OnePlus introduced the Keyboard 81 Pro mechanical keyboard to the world. After approximately five months, the brand has now made the keyboards available for purchase in various regions.
OnePlus Keyboard 81 Pro price & availability
The OnePlus Keyboard 81 Pro is now available for sale on the official website. From July 18 to July 24, there will be an early access sale at Rs 17,999 in India. The open sale begins on August 7, 2023. For customers in the US and Canada, the keyboard will be available from July 26, starting at $219.
OnePlus Keyboard 81 Pro specs
The OnePlus Keyboard 81 Pro is the brand’s first mechanical keyboard, featuring a unique design with comfortable and springy thermoplastic elastomer marble-mallow keycaps.
With its lightweight aluminum body and gasket, typing feels enhanced, and the sound is satisfying. Notable features include a built-in holder, hot-swappable switches, and open-source firmware. It’s compatible with macOS, Windows, and Linux, thanks to collaboration with Keychron.
The keyboard offers both Bluetooth and wired connectivity options, easily switchable with a toggle key resembling an Alert Slider. Bluetooth 5.1 ensures a wireless range of up to 10 meters, and the 4,000mAh battery provides up to 100 hours of usage at the lowest brightness. Charging and wired connection are through a USB Type-C port, with a full recharge time of about 5 hours.
Realme has just announced the ‘early bird sale’ for the Realme C53 in the Indian market. The company’s latest smartphone is the first model in the budget category to feature a massive 108-megapixel camera. So here’s all you need to know about this sale.
Realme C53 early bird sale starts July 19
As per official notes, the Chinese smartphone maker will begin the early bird sale on July 19, between 6 PM and 8 PM in India. The device will go on sale on the company’s official website and Flipkart. For early buyers, Realme is also offering a discount of 1,000 INR for its 6GB + 64GB variant of the Realme C53. There are bank offers available on ICICI, HDFC, and SBI bank debit and credit cards, along with EMI options as well.
Talking more about the smartphone, it is set to launch with a 7.99mm Ultra Slim Shiny Champion Design with a 90Hz display on the front. The Realme C53 will offer 12GB of Dynamic RAM expansion and up to 128GB of internal storage. A large 5,000mAh battery pack powers this device, which supports 18W SuperVOOC fast charging.
Other notable features include a side mounted fingerprint scanner, dual rear cameras, a water drop notch, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and an Octa-core processor under the hood. So for those interested, mark the date on your calendar and get ready for the two hour sale window.
Back in January, Samsung unveiled the ViewFinity S9 monitor at CES. Now, seven months later, the brand is finally ready to bring this monitor to market shelves.
The Samsung ViewFinity S9 monitor is set to have a global release on June 26, 2023, but launch dates may differ depending on the region. In the United States, it will be available from August onward, sold on Samsung.com and at select retailers for USD $1,599.99.
Samsung ViewFinity S9 monitor specs
Samsung’s ViewFinit S9 boasts a 27-inch display with a 5K resolution. This model is specifically designed for creative professionals like photographers and graphic designers. With its high 5,120 x 2,880 resolution and wide color gamut of 99 percent DCI P3, it delivers outstanding detail and precise color reproduction, achieving an average Delta E ≦21 color accuracy.
Additionally, the monitor features a built-in Color Calibration Engine, ensuring precise screen color and brightness. Users can further fine-tune settings such as white balance, Gamma, and RGB color balance through the Samsung Smart Calibration application on their smartphones, enhancing accuracy. The matte display minimizes distractions caused by reflections and glare, providing a comfortable working environment.
The ViewFinity S9 series is equipped with USB Type C and Thunderbolt 4 ports, allowing easy connection to cameras and other devices. This facilitates smooth file transfers and high-resolution video sharing between storage devices and PCs. The monitor also includes a 4K SlimFit camera that supports native video conferencing through apps like Google Meet, adding to its versatility.
Xiaomi, the Chinese smartphone giant, is changing its approach in India to prioritize offline sales through retail outlets. The Xiaomi India president revealed that this shift in strategy is to reinvigorate its smartphone sales and catch up with its competitor Samsung.
India has experienced a surge in e-commerce sales through platforms like Amazon and Flipkart, enabling Xiaomi and other smartphone brands to expand their market presence in one of the world’s fastest-growing smartphone markets, which boasts 600 million users. However, despite the online growth, offline retail remains the dominant channel, accounting for the majority of smartphone sales in the country.
Currently, Xiaomi already has a strong presence in 18,000 offline stores across India. Now, the company plans to further increase its offline footprint to capitalize on the untapped potential of retail. Muralikrishnan B., Xiaomi’s India head, acknowledged the company’s relatively lower market position in the offline segment, noting that competitors have been executing their strategies well and enjoying a larger market share.
Source. mi.com
To regain its market share, Xiaomi intends to collaborate with phone vendors and offer a wider range of products such as Xiaomi TVs and security cameras, leveraging the less intense competition in these areas. Expanding beyond its existing 18,000 outlets, Xiaomi aims to extend its store network in India. Muralikrishnan also acknowledged the issue of stores prominently displaying rival brands alongside Xiaomi products, which the company plans to address to strengthen its marketing efforts.
Recent data from Counterpoint Research reveals that Xiaomi has slipped behind Samsung in terms of market share in India, with Samsung currently holding a 20% share compared to Xiaomi’s 16%. To enhance its offline presence, Xiaomi plans to hire more store promoters who engage and pitch Xiaomi phones to buyers inside retail outlets. The company aims to triple the number of promoters to 12,000 by the end of the following year, compared to early 2023 levels.
By shifting its focus towards offline sales and expanding its retail network, Xiaomi aims to revive its smartphone sales in India and narrow the gap with Samsung. Recognizing the significance of physical stores in the Indian market, Xiaomi aims to capture the attention of consumers through brick-and-mortar channels and strengthen its competitive position.
Realme’s Narzo series has always tried to offer consumers a good value for their money. Some models in the lineup have been better than the others, but the two new phones released this year are both solid options. The higher-end Realme Narzo 60 Pro punches above its weight with a sleek design and a whopping 1TB storage. But the Realme Narzo 60 5G, which I’ve been using for a while now, is also a great value at its price point.
After using it for more than two weeks, I’ve been impressed with how smooth the Narzo 60 runs. It’s powerful enough for most users and also brings a sharp AMOLED display, a good battery, and a premium-looking design. All of this starts at just Rs. 17,999 in India. But hey, it’s not perfect (what is right?). There are several flaws that might be the deciding factor for some. In this review, I’ll try to answer the good, the bad, and the maybes of this newly launched Realme Narzo 60 5G to help you make an informed decision.
Disclaimer: Realme sent us the Narzo 60 5G smartphone for the purpose of this review and didn’t have input into its contents.
Design: It doesn’t look like a budget phone
This year’s Realme Narzo phones certainly don’t look cheap. The Realme Narzo 60’s design takes some inspiration from the Realme 11 series, with a round camera module that is becoming increasingly popular in the industry. While the Realme 11 Pro (review) and 11 Pro+ (review) have a more refined and premium design, the Narzo 60 5G still doesn’t look half bad.
Realme sent us the Cosmic Black finish of the phone, which has a shimmering appearance. The rear panel and mid-frame are flat, like an iPhone, and are made of polycarbonate. Before we discuss the design and display in detail, let’s see what’s in the box.
Realme gives you pretty much everything you need in the box. Here’s the list of items inside the retail package:
Screen protector (pre-applied)
TPU case
SIM ejector tool
33W charger
USB-C to USB-A cable
User manual
Warranty card
The Realme Narzo 60 has a slightly different design from its Pro sibling. The Narzo 60 Pro has a narrow frame with curved edges on the display and the back panel, while the Narzo 60 has a flat back and edges. The front panel on smartphone is also flat. The polycarbonate back of the device looks like metal, thanks to its glossy finish. I have the Cosmic Black variant of the device, but there’s also a Mars Orange version with a vegan leather finish.
You get a large circular camera module on the rear that houses two sensors and an LED flash. Fingerprints and smudges can be seen on the back at a certain angle but are far from prominent. They are quick to clean off so that won’t be an issue. The blocky design and sharp edges of the device make it look premium. However, this also makes it uncomfortable to hold for extended periods of time.
The right side holds the volume rocker along with the power button. The placement of the buttons is appropriate and I didn’t have to stretch my thumb to reach them. On the left, you have the SIM card and microSD card tray, and on the bottom, there are the USB-C connector, loudspeaker grille, and a nice-to-have 3.5mm audio jack.
The Realme Narzo 60 has a punch-hole cutout on the top-left corner of the display, protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5. There’s an in-display fingerprint reader, which works fine in most scenarios. The bezels around the panel are thin, but the chin is particularly thick. This detracts from the look of the smartphone, but it is still a good-looking device overall.
The Narzo 60 is also quite lightweight, weighing in at just 183g.
A decent display and multimedia experience
Unlike last year’s Narzo 50, which uses an IPS LCD display, the Realme Narzo 60 gets a sharp 6.43-inch AMOLED panel. The screen looks fine in most situations. The FHD+ resolution (1080 x 2400 pixels) makes the content look crisp indoors with vibrant colors and deep blacks. The phone is also sufficiently bright with 1000 nits peak brightness and you get a smooth experience with a 90Hz refresh rate.
The screen refreshes between 60Hz and 90Hz by default, but you can also set it to either. I didn’t notice any stuttering in the animations or when scrolling, but I would have been more impressed with a 120Hz panel like the Redmi Note 12 5G. Also, the phone doesn’t support HDR content, which is a bummer.
I found the loudpeakers on the Narzo 60 5G to be a little underwhelming. Although, Realme has packed the device with Dolby Atmos dual speakers, it is just not loud enough. But the company makes up for that with a 3.5mm headphone jack that support 24-bit/192kHz audio.
Narzo 60’s Cameras has its Flaws
The large circular camera module on the back of Realme Narzo 60 is a bit of misleading. Sure, there’s a 64MP main sensor inside, but that’s the only one that’s really usable. The 2MP depth sensor is just there to take up space. But considering the price point, the camera performance of the Narzo 60 is not bad. The primary shooter takes vibrant, detailed photos in daylight. And thanks to the 2x In-sensor zoom, you can get even closer to your subjects without losing any quality.
2X2X
I found the zoom feature to be especially useful for portraits. The camera was able to capture sharp details on my subject’s face, even when I was zoomed in. The edge detection in the portrait mode is also quite good. But Realme’s software tends to sharpen the images a bit.
2X
You ask about the low-light camera performance? Well, I don’t expect any mind-blowing photos from a budget phone in the dark. The main 64MP shooter on the Narzo 60 struggles to focus in low light, and even tapping on the viewfinder to try to focus the camera doesn’t always help. The dedicated Night mode can help to improve low light performance, but it’s not a perfect solution. I noticed the selfie camera manages to capture detailed shots without smoothening skin the too much.
Both the rear and front cameras can record 1080p video at 30fps. To sum up, the Realme Narzo 60 does a fair job in the camera department, as long as you can overlook the low-light performance. I would have liked an ultrawide camera, but that’s just me.
Performance and Software
I believe that if a smartphone performs well, shortcomings in the camera and display departments can be overlooked, especially on a budget-friendly phone. Many affordable phones struggle to keep up even with basic tasks. But the Realme Narzo 60 5G really surprised me with its smooth performance. The MediaTek Dimensity 6020 chip inside the smartphone handled most social media, YouTube, and other everyday tasks with ease. Apps load quickly and run smoothly.
The gaming experience on the device is also commendable. I played a lot of popular titles on the Narzo 60, including Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI), Call of Duty Mobile (COD), and Garena’s Free Fire. For what it’s worth, I also tried less-demanding games like Clash of Clans and Subway Surfers on the device. BGMI supported HD graphics with a high frame rate of 45 fps. While playing all of these games, I didn’t notice any lag, and the phone almost never got hot.
However, while playing BGMI, I did notice a gyroscope delay. When I enabled the gyroscope setting and tried to aim with the scope on, there was a delay. This made it difficult to play the game, but if you don’t use the gyroscope, you shouldn’t have a problem. It seems like a software issue that Realme could fix in a future update.
Benchmark scores of the Realme Narzo 60 5G can be seen below:
Geekbench 6AntutuCPU Throttling Test
The software experience on the Realme Narzo 60 is not the best out there. Realme UI 4.0, which is based on Android 13, is cluttered with native apps and bloatware. You can disable or delete most of them, but it’s still intrusive. For example, Game Center, App Market, and Theme Store frequently spam the notification shade with recommendations. However, you can disable these notifications in the settings.
Realme Narzo 60 packs a large 5,000mAh battery and supports 33W charging. It takes less than 2 hours to juice up from 0 to 100. The battery easily lasted me around two days with 8-9 hours of screen on time.
Coming to the Big question – Should you get it?
Now that I’ve walked you through all the pros and cons of the device, the question arises: should you get it or not? The Realme Narzo 60 5G is not a very significant upgrade over the Narzo 50 on paper. However, the phone impresses with its premium-looking design and a powerful processor. If you like to play a lot of games but don’t want to break the bank, the Narzo 60 5G could be a good option.
The phone is a good daily driver, thanks to its long-lasting 5,000mAh battery and decent charging speed. It competes with the likes of the iQOO Z7 (review) and the Redmi Note 12 5G (review), and even outperforms them in some aspects. All in all, the Realme Narzo 60 5G is decent all-rounder of a smartphone that offers good value at its price.
Realme Narzo 60 5G is available for purchase in the following configurations:
Last week, the Nothing Phone (2) made its global debut featuring an improved chipset, new camera sensors, and the highly anticipated Nothing OS 2.0. The device has started retailing in some regions through the Nothing Drop physical stores. Now, the brand has finally announced the online availability date for the Phone (2) in India.
The Nothing Phone (2) will go on open sale starting July 21 via Flipkart. The base variant (8GB + 128GB) is priced at Rs 44,999. The 12GB RAM + 256GB storage model will cost Rs 49,999. The highest 12GB RAM + 512GB storage model is priced at Rs 54,999 in India. When using an Axis Bank Credit and Debit Card, customers can avail a Rs 3000 discount.
Nothing Phone (2) specs
The Nothing Phone (2) features a more tricked-out Glyph interface with more functionalities than its predecessor. The device has a 6.7-inch LTPO AMOLED display that offers a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, a 1080 x 2412 resolution, and 1600 nits peak brightness.
Under the hood, the device has a Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 SoC processor paired with LPDDR5 RAM and USF 3.1 storage. In the camera department, there’s a 50MP Sony IMX890 main sensor with OIS and in-sensor zoom, similar to the OnePlus 11’s primary sensor. Additionally, there’s a 50MP ultrawide camera with the Samsung JN1 sensor and a 32MP Sony IMX615 front-facing camera with EIS for selfies.
The device is equipped with a 4,700mAh battery, supporting 33W wired and 15W wireless charging. It runs on Nothing OS 2.0, based on Android 13, which introduces new widgets, theme colors, folder layouts, and illustrated covers.
Last week, Infinix announced the Infinix Hot 30 5G budget phone in the Indian market. Starting today, the device will be available for the first time in the country. Some of the key highlights of the device include, a 6.78-inch 120Hz LCD display, a 6,000mAh battery, a 50-megapixel main camera, and 5G connectivity. Here is a look at the Hot 30 5G’s price and offers.
Infinix Hot 30 5G price in India, offers
Infinix Hot 30 5G
The Infinix Hot 30 5G has landed in India in two options: 4 GB RAM + 128 GB storage for Rs 12,499 (~$152) and 8 GB RAM + 128 GB storage for Rs 13,499 (~$165). It comes in two shades, such as Knight Black and Aurora Blue. With the Axis Bank discount of Rs 1,000 (~$12), both variants can be bought for Rs 11,499 (~$140) and Rs 12,499 (~$152), respectively. Buyers can also avail no-cost EMI to purchase the Hot 30 5G.
Infinix Hot 30 5G specifications
The Infinix Hot 30 5G is fitted with a 6.78-inch Full HD+ LCD punch-hole display with a resolution of 2460 x1080 pixels and a 20.5:9 aspect ratio. In addition, the display offers a 120Hz refresh rate, a 240Hz touch sampling rate, and a peak brightness of up to 580 nits. For security, it has a side-facing fingerprint scanner.
Under the hood, the Hot 30 5G features the MediaTek Dimensity 6020 7nm processor. It comes with 4 GB / 8 GB RAM variants, up to 8 GB of virtual RAM, and 128 GB of built-in storage. It runs on XOS 13, which is based on Android 13. It packs a 6,000mAh battery that supports 18W charging.
On the front, it offers an 8-megapixel camera with dual LED flash. Its back panel features a 50-megapixel primary camera, an AI lens, and a quad-LED flash unit. For audiophiles, it offers features like a 3.5mm audio jack and dual stereo speakers. It offers other features, such as an IP53 rated chassis, 5G (n1, n3, n5, n8, n28, n38, n40, n41, n77, and n78 bands), Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 5.1, GPS, and a USB-C port.
After a month of teasing, OnePlus has finally announced the open sale date of the OnePlus 11 x Genshin Impact Custom Gift Box. This is the same gift box that OnePlus launched in China with the OnePlus Ace 2 (OnePlus 11R), however, for the global market, the brand has included a standard OnePlus 11 unit in the box.
The device’s external appearance remains unchanged, but it boasts exclusive Genshin Impact-themed software. Alongside the product’s metal-handled packaging box, the Limited Edition version includes delightful extras like Xiangling stickers, and information display cards featuring characters from the beloved video game. The box itself is inspired by a Chinese Antique Stacking Lunch Box, which makes sense since Xiangling is a chef in Genshin Impact.
OnePlus US has listed the OnePlus 11 Genshin Impact Custom Gift Box set for $799.99 on its website. The package will include a Titan Black color OnePlus 11 5G smartphone with 16GB RAM and 256GB storage. In comparison, the regular OnePlus 11 5G costs $749.99 in the US.
Open sales for the special edition device will commence on July 21. Since the box set is the same one as the OnePlus Ace 2 Genshin Impact Xiangling Edition which launched in China, you can check out our unboxing and short review to get an idea of what to expect.
Tesla‘s commitment to sustainable energy solutions has taken a major leap forward with the recent announcement of their groundbreaking “Charge On Solar” function. The company, known for its innovative electric vehicles and refined solar technology, revealed that Tesla owners can now charge their vehicles exclusively using excess solar energy generated by the Tesla solar system. This development is expected to revolutionize the way electric vehicles are charged and further reduce their carbon footprint.
The vehicles will continuously monitor the levels of solar charging and relay it through the app
The “Charge On Solar” feature requires some upgrades to both the Tesla vehicle and the Powerwall, which acts as a home battery system. To access this eco-friendly charging method, Tesla owners need to ensure their car is running on version 2023.26 or later. Additionally, the Tesla Powerwall should be upgraded to version 23.12.10 or later. Finally, to coordinate both the car and Powerwall effectively, the Tesla mobile application should be updated to version 4.22.5.
Upon completing these upgrades, Tesla owners can enable the “Charge On Solar” function through the Tesla application. The feature allows users to customize their charging experience by setting charge limits and choosing their preferred charge location. This level of personalization ensures that users can align their electric vehicle’s charging with their unique energy needs.
To optimize the solar charging process, Tesla vehicles equipped with the “Charge On Solar” feature continuously monitor the charging status in real-time. Every ten seconds, the system automatically adjusts the charging level as required. Moreover, users can schedule when to utilize solar charging, providing even greater flexibility and control over their energy usage.
However, it’s essential to note that this feature is exclusive to Tesla Powerwalls. Those with third-party batteries that store solar energy will not be able to benefit from the “Charge On Solar” capability at this time.
The introduction of “Charge On Solar” marks a significant milestone in Tesla’s mission to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy. By harnessing excess solar energy to power electric vehicles, Tesla is pushing the boundaries of green technology and promoting a greener, more sustainable future. The new feature has garnered widespread praise from environmentally conscious Tesla owners who view this as a game-changer in the sector of renewable energy and electric mobility.
Threads, the potential Twitter replacement from Meta started off strong, but as a lot of experts predicted, it has faced challenges in maintaining its daily active users. According to a Similarweb report, Threads had an impressive peak of over 49 million daily active users on Android worldwide on July 7. However, by July 14, that number dropped significantly to 23.6 million, representing about 22% of Twitter’s audience.
Threads is also currently unavailable in Europe, which might be a contributing factor
In the race to compete with Twitter and other alternatives that might be dropping in the near future, Threads was the source of undivided attention when it launched, especially in the US, where users spent an average of 21 minutes engaging with the app on July 7. However, that engagement dwindled to just over 6 minutes by July 14. Interestingly, during its peak interest days, Twitter’s daily active users on Android remained relatively unchanged, but the time spent on the platform decreased by 4.3%, possibly due to some users exploring Threads.
One of Threads’ strengths lies in its ability to solve the “empty party problem” faced by new online communities. Instagram users can instantly create a Threads account and bring their existing contacts, contributing to Meta’s claim of achieving over 100 million total account signups in a short period. Despite this success, Threads still lacks essential features and must offer compelling reasons for users to switch from Twitter or adopt it as their primary social media platform.
Threads’ popularity in the US is attributed to its unavailability in the EU. However, it faces the challenge of retaining users, as daily usage minutes have declined over time. In contrast, Instagram’s user loyalty has remained steady at about 40%, highlighting the need to focus on user retention and satisfaction.
The competition between Threads and Twitter is evident, as web traffic to twitter.com dropped by 5% during Threads’ initial availability days. While Threads has definitely made a notable crater on Twitter’s market share, it still has a long way to go before becoming a true Twitter replacement. And at this point, it’s safe to assume that most users already know that.
Facebook has been one of the longest-running social media platforms, and even though its audience has seen a decline over the past few years, the app still has a high user base. Videos have played a vital role in this journey since as early as 2007. Over the years, Facebook has evolved its video capabilities, and today, it stands as a powerful hub for Reels, long-form, and Live content, attracting users with a diverse range of video options. Now, the social media giant is taking it to the next level with the latest updates designed to empower creators and engage audiences like never before.
The Video tab will soon be accessible from the shortcut bar
One of the most significant updates focuses on video editing tools. Facebook is rolling out new features to enhance Reels, making video creation even more dynamic and expressive. The updates include seamless editing, bringing audio, music, and text into a single interface, making it easier for creators to layer and time their creative elements flawlessly. Additionally, more clip editing tools are now available, allowing users to experiment with speeding up, reversing, or replacing clips, unleashing their creativity further. And to top it off, enhanced audio options enable users to mix the perfect sound into their videos, adding music and audio clips, recording voiceovers, and reducing unwanted noise.
Moreover, Facebook is bringing true HDR video support to its family of apps, starting with the ability to upload HDR videos from mobile devices to Reels. This feature ensures that users can experience videos in full HDR, a treat for anyone who appreciates superior visual quality.
To simplify video exploration and engagement, Facebook is introducing the Video tab, which consolidates all video content on the platform, including Reels, long-form videos, and Live content. This tab offers a personalized feed, making it easy to scroll through and discover an array of video content. The new horizontal-scroll reels sections allow users to jump quickly into short-form videos, adding an element of discovery and excitement to the experience. The Video tab will soon be accessible from the shortcut bar, making it readily available to users on both iOS and Android devices.
Facebook has also redesigned the video Explore feature, providing users with more opportunities to dive into popular video topics. The Explore section offers a mix of reels, long-form, and live videos related to relevant topics and hashtags, thanks to a combination of human curation and machine learning. This curated content will ensure that users find videos that resonate with their interests and preferences.
Additionally, Facebook is bridging the gap between its platforms by allowing users to engage with Instagram Reels on Facebook seamlessly. Users can now watch and write comments on Instagram Reels directly from the Facebook app, eliminating the need to switch between the two platforms. By adding their Facebook and Instagram accounts to the Meta Accounts Center, users can effortlessly interact with their favorite content and creators, regardless of the app they are using.
Shenzhen-based electric vehicle giant BYD announced on Friday its projected net profit for the first half of 2023, indicating a nearly triple growth compared to the previous year. The company expects its net profit to reach RMB 10.5 billion ($1.46 billion) or more, showcasing its robust sales performance and resilience in the face of intense competition within the Chinese market.
BYD’s strong sales figures throughout the second quarter have fueled expectations of profits surpassing market estimates, which stood at a minimum of RMB 6.3 billion. The automaker’s continuous success can be attributed to various factors, including an enhanced brand image, effective cost-control capabilities, and a decline in battery raw material prices.
During the first three months of this year, BYD already reported earnings of over RMB 4.1 billion. This strong performance set a solid foundation for the company’s optimistic projections for the first half of 2023. As of June, BYD’s year-to-date sales had witnessed an impressive growth rate of 94% compared to the previous year, reaching nearly 1.3 million units.
The significant growth in sales indicates BYD’s ability to capture market share despite fierce competition in the Chinese automotive industry. The company’s electric vehicles have gained popularity among consumers due to their reliability, advanced features, and competitive pricing.
BYD’s success is attributed to its efforts in improving its brand image, which has resonated well with customers. The company’s commitment to cost control has allowed it to maintain healthy profit margins while offering attractive pricing to customers. Additionally, the decline in battery raw material prices has positively impacted BYD’s production costs, further boosting its financial performance.
With such remarkable sales growth in the first half of 2023, BYD is now aiming to achieve its ambitious annual target of producing 3 million cars this year. The automaker’s consistent delivery of innovative and eco-friendly vehicles has positioned it as a key player in the global electric vehicle market.
As BYD continues to focus on expanding its product portfolio and strengthening its market presence, its strong performance in the first half of 2023 reflects the company’s ability to adapt to changing market dynamics and meet customer demands.
BYD’s projection of nearly tripling its net profit for the first half of 2023 demonstrates the company’s robust sales performance and market resilience. With impressive year-to-date sales growth of 94% and its commitment to innovation, cost control, and customer satisfaction, BYD is well-positioned to maintain its upward trajectory in the highly competitive Chinese automotive industry.
Porsche, a prestigious German car manufacturer, is synonymous with precision engineering and high-performance vehicles. With a rich history dating back to 1931, Porsche has consistently pushed the boundaries of automotive innovation. Renowned for its iconic 911 sports car, the brand has diversified its lineup to include SUVs and electric vehicles, cementing its status as a leading force in the luxury automotive industry. Last month, the company unveiled the jaw-dropping Mission X concept, a tiny glimpse into the company’s future. While there are no immediate plans for commercial production, Porsche enthusiasts are in for a treat as the Mission X debuts at this year’s Rennsport Reunion 7, starting on Thursday, September 28 in California.
The Mission X can charge twice as fast as the Taycan Turbo S
The Rennsport Reunion is renowned for bringing together Porsche race cars and drivers, making it the perfect setting to introduce the world to the Mission X. Serving as grand marshals for the event will be Porsche Motorsport North America CEO Alwin Springer and three-time IMSA GT2 champion Patrick Long.
With a design that pays homage to iconic models like the 959, Carrera GT, and 918 Spyder, the Mission X is a stunning all-electric hypercar. Although Porsche hasn’t revealed much about the powertrain, it boasts an impressive output of at least one horsepower per 2.2 pounds of weight. Porsche seems to have a clear goal in mind when designing the Mission X – to create the fastest road-legal vehicle on the Nurburgring Nordschleife, should it ever enter production. To achieve this, the hypercar must generate more than 900 pounds of downforce at 124 miles per hour and a staggering 1,895 lbs at 177 mph, surpassing the current 911 GT3.
With an innovative 900-volt architecture, the Mission X is expected to charge roughly twice as quickly as the Taycan Turbo S. Its cutting-edge features include staggered 20- and 21-inch ultra-lightweight magnesium wheels, side-view cameras in place of mirrors, and the same wheelbase as the 918 Spyder, making it 177 inches long and 2 inches wider at 78.7.
As of now, Porsche CEO Oliver Blume has hinted at the possibility of producing the Mission X, especially with the brand’s increasing focus on electric vehicles. However, an official decision is yet to be announced. Until Porsche gives the green light, the Mission X will remain as a concept. For now, one can only keep their fingers crossed for the car’s appearance at the Rennsport Reunion 7.
The HiPhi Y, an electric crossover, has been launched in China with a starting price of ¥339,000 ($47,265). European consumers can expect to see it in their markets next year, which is great news. Buyers will be able to choose from two battery pack options, offering a range of approximately 347 to 503 miles, though real-world figures are likely to be around 250-370 miles, as CLTC estimates tend to be almost always a little too optimistic.
This will be one of the cheaper cars in the company’s lineup when it officially launches
With a dual-motor setup, the HiPhi Y delivers 497 horsepower, providing a 0-60 mph acceleration in around 4.5 seconds. For the rear-wheel-drive version, acceleration figures have not been disclosed yet, but it is expected to be less powerful at 331 hp. Inside, the HiPhi Y boasts a 17-inch OLED center display, a 15-inch HD touch screen for passengers, and a 12.3-inch full LCD instrument cluster for the driver. Standard features include a Meridian sound system, camera rear-view mirror, and heads-up display.
The HiPhi Y’s rear doors are unique, with the lower half opening traditionally and the upper section adopting a gullwing-style opening. Seemingly, one might even be able to fit something a little taller through the door slot.
HiPhi already offers two other models, the X SUV and Z sedan, launching in Europe later this year with prices starting at over €100,000 ($112,330). As the cheapest option, the Y is expected to become available for European orders later this year, with deliveries commencing in 2024.
The HiPhi Y’s introduction in China marks a significant milestone, and its upcoming launch in Europe is expected to further establish it as a competitive player in the electric crossover market. As the automotive industry continues its shift towards sustainability, the HiPhi Y is a clear example of electric vehicles and the ongoing innovation shaping the future of transportation.
Tech enthusiasts, and especially Google fans will be able to get some news regarding the highly-anticipated Google Pixel 8 Pro, as it is set to be released in the not-so-distant future. Information from a reliable source, Twitter blogger @Abhishek Yadav, has revealed some key details about this upcoming smartphone, and it appears to be an impressive device that aims to make a mark in the mobile industry and build upon the success of the Pixel 7 lineup.
The Pixel 8 Pro will feature a 120 Hz Display with 490PPI and 1600 nits of brightness
Going as per leaks, a notable feature of the Google Pixel 8 Pro will be its front display. Boasting a 6.7-inch Samsung OLED screen with a resolution of 2992×1344, the display will offer a smooth visual experience with a 120Hz refresh rate. It also provides bright visuals, with a peak brightness of 1600 nits, making it suitable for various multimedia activities. The screen’s pixel density of 490PPI will ensure sharp and clear visuals.
For photography enthusiasts, the Pixel 8 Pro comes equipped with a rear camera setup featuring a 50-megapixel GN2 main camera, a 64-megapixel IMX787 ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 48-megapixel GM5 telephoto lens. These combined lenses promise to deliver high-quality photos and versatile shooting options. On the front, the phone sports a 10.8-megapixel 3J1 lens, ensuring satisfactory selfies.
Under the hood, the Pixel 8 Pro is powered by Google’s self-developed Tensor G3 processor, a significant upgrade from its predecessors. The Tensor G3 processor is known for its efficient 9-core CPU, which supports ray tracing, enabling improved graphics performance. The CPU configuration includes a 3.0GHz Cortex-X3 core, four 2.45GHz Cortex-A715 cores, and four 2.15GHz Cortex-A510 cores. To enhance user experience, the phone comes with the Android 14 operating system pre-installed.
The Google Pixel 8 Pro has already piqued the interest of tech enthusiasts, thanks to leaked renders from the past. The aesthetics combined with its advanced features make it a device worth waiting for.
OPPO has today officially announced that the company will be launching its new K-series smartphone, dubbed OPPO K11, in its home market China on 25th July.
The launch event for the OPPO K11 for the Chinese market will take place on 25th July at 02:30 PM local time. The phone has already passed 3C certification at reportedly carries model number PJC3.
Based on the leaks so far, the OPPO K11 features a 6.7-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with a centered hole-punch design and an under-display fingerprint sensor. The display is expected to have a smooth 120Hz refresh rate.
Under the hood, the device will come powered by an octa-core processor clocked at 2.7GHz, which is most likely to be the Qualcomm Snapdragon 782G.
In the camera department, the phone has a triple-camera setup on the back that includes a 50MP primary Sony IMX890 sensor, an 8MP secondary sensor, and a 2MP tertiary sensor. On the front side, there will be a 16MP snapper for taking selfies and video calling.
The smartphone will run the Android operating system with the company’s own ColorOS custom user interface. The device is expected to be powered by a 4,870mAh battery and has support for 100W fast charging.
In May, Huawei unveiled the Huawei MatePad Air (2023) with the Snapdragon 888 chip onboard in China. On July 20, the company will announce a new tablet dubbed the Huawei MatePad 11.5 (2023). The specifications and features of the tablet are already known since it debuted in Malaysia earlier this month. Here’s everything that’s known about the new tablet.
Huawei MatePad 11.5 (2023) specifications and features
Huawei MatePad 11.5 (2023)
The Huawei MatePad 11.5 (2023) has an 11.5-inch LCD screen, featuring a resolution of 2200 x 1440 pixels, a 120Hz refresh rate, and a 3:2 aspect ratio. Additionally, the display has received TÜV Rheinland hardware-level low blue light certification, safeguarding users’ eyes during prolonged usage.
At the heart of the MatePad 11.5 lies the Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 mobile processing platform, ensuring seamless performance and efficient multitasking capabilities. In Malaysia, the tablet comes with 6 GB / 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage.
The MatePad 11.5 (2023) is equipped with an 8-megapixel front camera and a 13-megapixel rear camera. It has a 7,700mAh battery with up to 22.5W fast charging support. It runs on the latest HarmonyOS 3.1 operating system and supports the M-Pencil (2nd generation) for productivity. It offers other features, such as dual microphones and four speakers, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.2. The tablet measures only 6.85mm in thickness and weighs around 499 grams.
Huawei MatePad 11.5 (2023) price
In Malaysia, the Huawei MatePad 11.5 (2023) has a starting price of MYR 1,499 (~$330). The price of the Chinese variant, which is set to be unveiled at 7 pm (local time) on July 20, is not known yet. It will be available in grey, beige, and blue shades.
The Galaxy Watch 6 series is one of the devices that is set to launch on July 26 through Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked event. The Galaxy Watch 6 lineup is expected to include two variants, such as the Watch 6 and the Watch 6 Classic. A new leak that has surfaced on Twitter has revealed the key specifications of the Watch 6, which is expected to arrive in two sizes.
As per the leak, the Galaxy Watch 6 will arrive in 40mm and 44mm sizes. The 40mm model will have a 1.31-inch Super AMOLED sapphire display, whereas the 44mm variant will have a larger version of the same display measuring 1.47 inches.
The 40mm and 44mm Galaxy Watch 6 models will offer 2 GB of RAM and 16 GB of internal storage. Both models will come with support for other features, such as Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, and LE connectivity via e-SIM. The 40mm edition will pack a 300mAh battery, whereas the 44mm model will house a 425mAh battery.
The 40mm Galaxy Watch 6 will come in Wi-Fi-only and Wi-Fi + LTE versions. The same applies for the 44mm variant. While it is not mentioned in the leak, reports have revealed that the Galaxy Watch 6 will come equipped with the Exynos W930 chip.
One of the major differences between the Galaxy Watch 6 and the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic is that the latter will feature a rotating bezel. So, Samsung is bringing back the physical rotating bezel feature, which was skipped on the Galaxy Watch 5 series. It was last seen on the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic. Reports have revealed that the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic will come in 43mm and 44mm and each of them will come in Wi-Fi only and Wi-Fi + cellular versions.
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