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Global PC Shipments Decline In Q2, 2023 But Apple Registers Double Digit Growth

The second quarter of the year ended last month. Now, global markets intelligence firm International Data Corporation (IDC) has shared results of global PC shipments in the second quarter of this year i.e the period from April to June. The personal computing market experienced a significant decline over-on year in Q2, 2023. However, the contraction is lesser than Q1, 2023. Read on to know everything below. 

PC market experiences a decline in Q2, 2023

Global PC shipments Q2, 2023

In Q2, 2023, the global PC shipments dipped 13.4 percent YoY basis. This is far lesser than a 29 percent contraction in Q1 this year. The market saw a sixth consecutive quarterly decline. IDC attributes this to factors like macroeconomic headwinds, weak demand, and a shift in IT budgets. The weak demand also resulted in higher inventory. 

As for OEMs, Lenovo, Dell, and Acer registered double-digit declines in Q2, 2023 compared to the same period last year. Only Apple registered growth. Lenovo still led the market with 14.2 million shipments and a 23.1 percent share. HP came second with 13.1 million units sold and a 21.8 percent share. Dell was third on the list with 10.3 million shipped devices and a 16.8 percent market share. Apple bagged the fourth spot by selling 5.3 million units and having an 8.6 percent share of the market. The Cupertino-based tech giant also grew 10.3 percent year-on-year basis. Acer was the fifth on the list with a 3.2 percent market share. 

IDC reports that Apple had a favorable YoY comparison as the company faced supply issues during 2Q22 due to COVID-related supply constraints. On the other hand, HP dealt with an oversupply of inventory in the past year and has now approached normal levels. 

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Elevate Your Home Theater Experience with Prime Day Projector Deals (Amazing Discounts and Coupons)

Get ready for the highly anticipated Prime Day Deals, taking place on July 11th and 12th, 2023. This two-day event offers incredible discounts on a wide range of products, including electronics, home appliances, fashion, and more. With exclusive deals and limited-time offers, it’s the perfect opportunity to save big and get the products you’ve been eyeing. Don’t miss out on this exciting shopping event and mark your calendars for July 11th and 12th to snag amazing deals on Prime Day.

Today, we bring you an exciting lineup of discounted projectors as part of the Prime Day deals. Whether you’re seeking to elevate your home theater experience or enjoy captivating outdoor movie nights under the stars, these projectors are tailored to fulfill your desires and accommodate various budgets. With these incredible deals, you can upgrade your entertainment setup and immerse yourself in high-quality visuals and immersive sound. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to snag a projector at a discounted price and transform your movie nights into unforgettable experiences.

GROVIEW JQ818C Projector

Retail Price: $249.99           Discounted Price: $139.99 (Additional $40 coupon)

This portable projector boasts native 1080P resolution, high brightness (15000lux 490ANSI lm), and impressive contrast (12000:1) for clear and detailed images. With support for 4K ultra HD video, it delivers a cinematic viewing experience. Enjoy seamless smartphone syncing through the 5/2.4G dual-band WiFi, perfect for gaming and streaming. The built-in 5W dual stereo speakers and SRS sound system offer powerful and dynamic audio. Adjust the display size with the 25% zoom function, and choose a screen size between 50-300 inches. Compatible with various devices, the GROVIEW Projector ensures a high-resolution and high-quality home theater experience.


Groview T6

Retail Price: $129.99            Discounted Price: $67.99

Groview T6 Projector is a compact and feature-packed device for all your entertainment needs. With its Full HD native 1080P resolution, 9500 LUX brightness, and impressive 10000:1 contrast ratio, this mini projector delivers a cinematic viewing experience. It also comes with a 100″ portable projector screen for added convenience. Enjoy the flexibility of Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity and HiFi speaker system, allowing you to easily connect wireless speakers for immersive sound. The projector offers a giant display size ranging from 40 to 200 inches and features a 50% zoom function for customizable viewing. With versatile compatibility and a portable design, it’s perfect for home entertainment, gaming, or outdoor gatherings.


Happrun H1

Retail Price: $79.99            Discounted Price: $66.98 (Additional 10% coupon)

The HAPPRUN Projector is a native 1080P Bluetooth projector that brings your movies to life. With its 1920*1080 resolution, 9500L brightness, and 10000:1 contrast ratio, it delivers sharp and vibrant images. The package includes a 100” screen for an immersive viewing experience. Enjoy a giant screen size of up to 200” and easily adjust the screen position with ±15° keystone correction. The built-in Bluetooth 5.1 and powerful stereo speakers provide excellent sound quality. With multiple connectivity options such as HDMI, USB, AV, and compatibility with devices like smartphones, Fire Stick, PS5, and more, this portable projector is perfect for family entertainment, outdoor movie nights, and more.


NICPOW RD850

Retail Price: $99.99            Discounted Price: $59.46

The NICPOW Outdoor Projector is a versatile and portable device for your movie nights. With support for 1080P resolution and 240” projection size, this mini projector delivers high-definition images and videos. The 100″ screen included adds convenience and is perfect for outdoor use. Enjoy the superior viewing experience with 6000:1 color contrast, 7500 lux brightness, and the longest lamp life of 65,000 hours. The projector features 2 HiFi stereo speakers and an advanced cooling system for immersive sound and efficient heat dissipation. With wide compatibility and various connectivity options, including HDMI, USB, AV, and phone connections, it’s compatible with smartphones, TV sticks, game consoles, laptops, and more.

For more information on such exciting deals and offers, check out our deals hub.

Hisense unveils new series of 4K TVs in India, includes a massive 120″ 4K Laser TV

Hisense has just launched its latest range of 4K TVs in the Indian market. The new announcements range from a new Laser TV, QLED models, and even LED TVs. So here are all the details of the new 4K TV.

Hisense 120″ Laser TV 120L9HE

Talking about the top-end model first, it sports a massive 120-inch display that offers UHD resolution, RGB Triple Color Laser Light Source, TUV Eye Protection, and an ALR panel. This display can output an impressive 3000 lumens of brightness and offers 145 percent NTSC color gamut support as well. Under the hood, the model houses 3GB of RAM and 8GB of internal storage. For audio, it features 40W stereo speakers that support Dolby Audio and Atmos. This model run on the VIDAA U6 OS.

Hisense

Hisense Tornado QLED E7K Pro & A7K

Following the massive TV, we have something a bit more conventional in size with the new Tornado QLED lineup that includes 55-inch (E7K Pro) and 50-inch (A7K) models. The former offers a 4K resolution 240Hz refresh rate, HDR Game mode, and a Bezel-less Floating display design. Furthermore, this model offers AMD FreeSync Premium, ALLM VRR support (46-144Hz range), Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10, HDR10+m, and MEMC. The Tornado QLED E7K Pro houses 49W 2.1 channel speakers, 3GB RAM, and 8GB ROM. Notably, this model is even bundled with a free Fire TV Stick 4K.

Hisense

Meanwhile, the A7K also offers 4K resolution but with a 120Hz refresh rate. However, while this TV cuts some features over its larger sibling, it makes up for it with JBL Sound support from its 61W built-in Woofer. The display also offers Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support, and various screen optimization technologies for improved visuals and different modes. It runs on VIDAA smart OS and is also compatible with Google Home, Apple Home, and Alexa.

Hisense Tornado 4K LED 3.0 A6K

The HiSense Tornado lineup also includes a new A6K 4K Smart TV model that has a 43-inch LED display. This TV supports the standard 60Hz refresh rate, Floating Display Design, ALLM, Dolby Vision, HDR10, MEMC, and more. It houses 24W speakers that support Dolby Atmos and Dolby Digital as well. The smart TV comes with Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, and other major streaming platforms.

Hisense

Pricing & Availability

The Hisense 120-inch Laser TV will go on sale for a special introductory price tag of 499,999 INR in India with a 3 year warranty period. It will be exclusively sold via Amazon during its Prime Day Sale. Similarly, the Tornado 55-inch QLED E7K Pro model will start from 49,999 INR and will also be exclusively sold during Amazon Prime Day Sale. On the other hand, the 50-inch Tornado QLED A7K will be sold for 47,999 INR and will be available for purchase only on Flipkart starting from July 15. Lastly, the HiSense Tornaro 3.0 43-inch 4K LED A6K Smart TV will have a starting price tag of 28,999 INR and will be sold through major e-retailers and offline channels as well. All models will come with a 4-year warranty period when purchased within the first seven days.

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*Please Note: When you buy something using the links in our articles, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.

OnePlus 12 and OPPO Find X7 Pro display and fast-charging specs tipped

Chinese smartphone giants OnePlus and OPPO are gearing up to release their next-generation flagship devices, the OnePlus 12 and OPPO Find X7 Pro. Recent leaks have provided insights into the charging and display specifications of these highly anticipated smartphones.

OnePlus 11
OnePlus 11

OnePlus 12 and OPPO Find X7 Pro tipped specs

The OnePlus 12 is slated to launch in China towards the end of this year, followed by a global release in the first quarter of 2024. According to reliable tipster Digital Chat Station, the OnePlus 12 will support both wired and wireless fast charging capabilities. It is expected to offer a blazing fast 150W wired fast charge feature, complemented by a wireless fast charge feature of 50W. On the other hand, the OPPO Find X7 Pro is rumored to come with a 100W wired fast charge feature and the same 50W wireless fast charging capability.

OPPO Find X6 Pro
OPPO Find X6 Pro

In addition to charging capabilities, the display specifications of both smartphones have also surfaced. The leaks suggest that both the OnePlus 12 and OPPO Find X7 Pro will sport a high-quality 2K curved screen, providing users with immersive visuals. Moreover, the devices are rumored to feature slim bezels.

The details surrounding the OPPO Find X7 Pro are relatively scarce at the moment, but we can anticipate further updates in the near future. However, Digital Chat Station previously revealed some display specifications for the OnePlus 12. According to the tipster, the OnePlus 12 will boast an OLED display panel with a centrally aligned punch-hole camera.

While the launch of these devices is still a while away, tech enthusiasts can look forward to more updates on the specifications and features of the OnePlus 12 and OPPO Find X7 Pro. Stay tuned for the latest developments on these highly anticipated smartphones.

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Dangbei Mars Projector Review: Best Projected Image Quality Under $1,000

Dangbei Mars

Last year we reviewed the Dangbei Mars Pro, a premium 4K laser projector that performed very versatile for under $2,000. And today we have a more affordable version for you, the Dangbei Mars standard variant, which inherits many of its core features but for a much more affordable price.

We have used it for over a week as our primary projector in our studio, and we think it’s one of the best options in the market if you’re looking to replace your LED projector with a budget of under $1,000. Now let’s find out how it works.

Unboxing & Design

Although it’s over 40% cheaper compared to the Pro version, when I first saw the package and checked what we got inside, I could hardly find any difference. We still got a power adapter with a power cord, a remote control, the instruction manual, a PTZ cleaner, and a fine cloth for lens cleaning.

It looks almost identical to the Pro version. It’s clear that Dangbei put the design on a high pedestal and they don’t want the purchase to fall into the cracks, so we can still see this very cool black body. The frame is still made of aluminum, and on top of it covered with a huge 2.5D glass panel.

The front of the machine is also almost unchanged, except for the huge laser module, next to which we can find a set of laser focus sensors and a camera. The only button you’ll find on the Dangbei Mars is the power button on top and it’s not a physical button, so you don’t have to worry about dust getting inside after long use.

The sides and back of the projector are wrapped by a grille with many dense holes. From the outside, we can faintly see the speakers inside, and these holes are used to have more effective cooling.

Connectivity & Expandability

Excellent connectivity is also intact on the Mars projector. With dual-HDMI video sources, audio sources, 2 USB ports for external storage, and a LAN-wired network connection, you can connect almost any multimedia device to it at the same time. In addition, it also supports wireless projection via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, which certainly gives users more options for projection.

Image quality

Well it’s time to talk about image quality, so what compromises have resulted from the $500 price gap? The most obvious change is the reduction in resolution from 4K to 1080p, which you might think is a step back, but the truth is that its brightness and color are far more decisive than resolution for projector performance. We don’t have many complaints about the sharpness of the images, rather the lightweight design makes it less of a burden in terms of heating and running. Meanwhile, it allows the cost to be spent more efficiently on the presentation of colors and brightness.

So we are happy that the standard version has the same high brightness as the Mars Pro. Even in indoor environments during the daytime, the 2100 ISO lumens still give you a good visual experience. Thanks to the advanced ALPD technology, it allows us to get a brighter image than LED projectors in such a compact body. And compared with most of the full-HD projectors we’ve reviewed, it also performs significantly better in terms of actual clarity viewed by eyes.

Dangbei claims that it can be played on a maximum screen size of 180 inches. It’s a shame that we couldn’t find such a large screen to achieve the most stunning personal cinema effect. But that’s really exciting to think about. But probably later we will upgrade the curtain for it, that’s really exciting to think about.

Another surprise is that the Dangbei Mars even inherits the support of HDR10 and HLG. So it still can handle well with HDR content, which is definitely one of the bonuses that we only used to experience on most flagship projectors. 

Easy Interaction & Auto setup

Excellent image quality is only part of the user experience, for most homes, the ease of use of the projector is just as important as the image quality, and it is in this part that we recognized the effort that Dangbei put into software interaction last year.

Mars also supports fast boost and almost senseless fast autofocus, so you don’t need to manually adjust the projector’s focus after each start-up or position change, and if you have a curtain for your projector as we do, the auto keystone correction and intelligent screen fit with obstacle avoidance can help you get the most accurate image quickly.

Sound with dual 10W speakers

In terms of the sound system, Dangbei Mars has two built-in 10W speakers, and these days, I feel that it is already loud enough when I turn the volume to 50%. And the projector also supports Dolby Audio with multiple sound modes, so you can get stereo and surging audio when watching movies.

Software & NetFlix ready

The Dangbei Mars is still powered by the MT9669 chipset, but its storage has been downgraded to 1GB of RAM and 8GB of ROM, which is in fact my least favorite thing here. the limited RAM brought a slight operating delay while typing. Well thank God it doesn’t run on Android but Linux OS, the user interface is still smooth and very simple, and you can quickly get to the most useful features such as officially certified preloaded Netflix, YouTube, and Amazon Prime videos. So yes, the most important thing is that Netflix has been officially licensed and pre-installed.

Scenarios

I don’t suggest you do too many tricks on it, because I think the brand also realized the fact that users take projectors as a mere display machine most of the time, and if they want to do something special they can plug some other devices into the projector, such as turning it into a giant screen for multiple gaming consoles, or something else like TV boxes.

On the other hand, this projector also supports wireless screencasting, so you can very easily transfer content from your phone, pad, or PC to it, the latency is almost senseless. And we actually tried playing games with it via wireless casting. The latency is already good enough to handle it.

There’re some other reasons for us to take the projector as our studio screen. For example, it consumes less power than a TV and it’s definitely more flexible and portable if we want to move it around and fit it in different sizes and viewing distances. And it’s impressively quiet when running. The maximum noise level we tested is only about 24 dB.  

Verdict

To conclude, the Dangbei Mars is truly an inexpensive projector that offers a great audio and video experience with excellent connectivity and a user-friendly system. Dangbei has smartly made some reasonable trade-offs, allowing them to bring the major advantages of laser projectors to a more affordable model, such as brighter images and decent image quality. It has a significant brightness and color advantage over LED projectors in its price range, so I think it’s a great option to consider if you’re looking to build a private theater system for your family.

If you guys are interested in the Mars projector, you can check out the links below about their deals recently:

Note: Prime Day deals end on July 16.
US: Buy it here (PD discount: $150 off)
CA: Buy it here (PD discount: $200 off)
UK: Buy it here (PD discount: £200 off)
DE: Buy it here (PD discount: €250 off)

Xiaomi 13T and 13T Pro inch closer to launch as they appear on IMEI

Xiaomi 13T and Xiaomi 13T Pro have been making headlines for quite some time now but we don’t have an official confirmation yet. The smartphones are said to launch in September with MediaTek processors under the hood. Ahead of the launch, the Xiaomi 13T series has been spotted on the IMEI database, which hints at a nearby launch. Here are the details.

Xiaomi 13T series to bring Leica-tuned cameras, MediaTek processors, & more

Xiaomi 13T has appeared on the IMEI database with model number “2306EPN60G” and Xiaomi 13T Pro with “23078PND5G”. As usual, the listing did not reveal any other information regarding the upcoming phones. Both smartphones should run Android 13-based MIUI 14 out of the box.

Xiaomi-13-Pro-featured
Xiaomi 13 Pro

A recent report revealed the Xiaomi 13T and the 13T Pro will have a CrystalRes AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate. The Pro model, which is said to be Redmi K60 Ultra, will get the MediaTek Dimensity 9200+ processor under the hood, according to a recent Geekbench listing. The vanilla version should feature a 4nm processor, although we don’t know the name yet.

Further, the Xiaomi 13T is rumored to be offered in an 8 GB RAM + 256 GB storage trim, whereas the Pro edition could arrive in a 12 GB RAM + 512 GB configuration. Xiaomi will use Leica-tuned cameras on the phones so you expect good pictures. Fueled by a 5,000mAh batter, the 13T and 13T Pro should support 67W and 120W fast charging, respectively.

Xiaomi 13T is reported to cost £599 (likely for the base model) and come in black. The 13T Pro may be offered in Meadow Green and cost £799. Both smartphones are claimed to launch in the global market on September 1.

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(Source)

Vivo V29 Pro surfaces on GeekBench with Dimensity 8200 & 12GB RAM

Vivo is gearing up to launch the new V29 series of smartphones in the market soon. These new models will be the successor to the V27 lineup, which means that these will also be premium upper mid-range phones. But prior to any official announcements, the top-end V29 Pro model has been spotted on GeekBench, revealing some of its key specs.

Vivo V29 Pro Specifications

The device was spotted on the popular benchmarking platform by MySmartPrice. Looking at the online listing, we can see that the V29 Pro carries the model number V2251. This also hints at the imminent launch of the smartphone in various markets, which likely include India. On GeekBench 4, the V29 Pro was spotted running on the MediaTek Dimensity 8200 SoC which is paired with up to 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage.

Vivo

Furthermore, the device will run on Android 13 OS based FuntouchOS 13 out of the box. In the benchmark, the Vivo V29 Pro scored 4394 points in the single-core test and 14677 points in the multi-core tests. This was all the key details shared in the database. However, previous reports have hinted at the device sporting a tall 6.7-inch AMOLED display that will offer Full HD+ resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, and an in-display fingerprint scanner.

The front is also expected to house a 50 megapixel selfie camera. On the other hand, the rear could feature a 64 megapixel triple camera setup. A large 5,000mAh battery will reportedly power this device, which may even include 66W fast charging support. This is all the information we have at the moment, so stick around for more updates regarding this matter.

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Red Magic 8S Pro global launch set for July 18, Key specs revealed

Last week, the Red Magic 8S Pro series devices were launched in China featuring an advanced version of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset. Now, the brand has revealed that the global launch of the Red Magic 8S Pro is just around the corner.

Red Magic

According to the Red Magic global website, the 8S Pro will be launching on July 18 for global customers. The brand is yet to reveal its pricing, however, some details about the specs have already been revealed. According to the brand, the smartphone will feature the same sleek, metallic design as the Chinese counterpart, powered by the “Leading Version of Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC. LPDDR5X RAM and UFS4.0 storage will also be onboard along with the ICE 12.0 cooling system for controlling thermals.

Red Magic 8S Pro specs

The smartphone showcases a sizable 6.8-inch 120Hz AMOLED FHD+ display with a 960Hz touch sampling rate. It boasts a peak brightness of 1300 nits, 10-bit color depth, 100% DCI-P3 color gamut, and a 93.7% screen-to-body ratio. Notably, it incorporates a seventh-generation ultra-thin fingerprint sensor and an under-display camera.

Red Magic 8S Pro

Under the hood, the device is equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Advanced Edition, paired with up to 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 512GB of UFS 4.0 internal storage. It also features the RedCore R2 gaming chip developed by the company and the ICE 12 Magic Cooling system to optimize gaming performance.

In terms of photography, the smartphone sports a triple-camera setup on the rear, consisting of a 50-megapixel primary camera, an 8-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 2-megapixel macro lens. For selfies and video calls, it houses a 16-megapixel front-facing camera.

Running on the Android 13 operating system out-of-the-box, the device incorporates RedMagic OS 8.0 for a customized user experience. The smartphone operates on a 6,000mAh battery and supports 80W fast charging technology.

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MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ SoC launched with 5G support

After launching the Dimensity 6020 and 6080 earlier this year, MediaTek has now launched a new SoC in the 6000 series called the MediaTek Dimensity 6100+. Since the 6080 is essentially a rebrand of the lower-midrange-level Dimensity 810 5G chipset, we can expect the Dimensity 6100+ to also fall in the same category.

MediaTek

In contrast to its predecessors, the Dimensity 6100+ SoC stands out with its remarkable power efficiency achieved through its 4nm-based manufacturing process. It offers support for vibrant displays, high frame rates, AI-powered camera technologies, low power consumption, and reliable Sub-6 5G connectivity. Let’s delve into the specifics of this chipset.

MediaTek Dimsnsity 6100+ specs

The MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ SoC boasts impressive specifications and features. It includes an octa-core CPU with a maximum clock speed of 2.95 GHz Cortex-A78 and the Arm Mali-G77 MC9 GPU for smooth graphics rendering. The SoC supports up to 200MP single camera or 3x 64MP cameras with its 2x 14-bit ISP.

The Dimensity 6100+ SoC offers up to 144Hz Full HD+ or 90Hz Quad HD+ refresh rates for immersive displays. It provides comprehensive connectivity options such as 5G Sub-6, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, GPS, and NFC for reliable connections. Storage options include up to 1TB UFS 3.1 storage, and the SoC supports up to 16GB LPDDR5 RAM.

The Dimensity 6100+ SoC is equipped with MediaTek HyperEngine 5.0 gaming technology, optimizing gaming performance and providing a smooth gaming experience. Additionally, MediaTek’s AI-powered camera technologies enhance photography capabilities, allowing for advanced features and image enhancements.

Anticipated to debut in smartphones during the third quarter of 2023, the Dimensity 6100+ SoC is set to bring advanced power efficiency, enhanced image processing, and improved AI performance to affordable and lower-mid-range devices.

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Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 2023 with Snapdragon 888 launched officially, now listed online for purchase

Last week, Samsung started the offline sales of the Galaxy S21 5G’s new variant with the Snapdragon 888 onboard. Now, the smartphone is officially listed on Samsung India’s website for purchase. For those who don’t know, the South Korean tech giant announced the Galaxy S21 FE with the Exynos 2100 chip in January 2022. The new variant of the phone features a Qualcomm chip, namely the Snapdragon 888 chip.

Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 2023 Snapdragon 888 edition price in India

Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 2023 official listing
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 2023 official listing

The Galaxy S21 FE 2023 comes in a single configuration, which offers 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of built-in storage. As can be seen in the above screengrab, the device is listed with a price tag of Rs 49,999 (~$607) on Samsung India’s website.

It comes in multiple shades, such as Olive, Graphite, Lavender, White, and Navy Blue. Those who purchase the S21 FE via an HDFC Bank card will be able to benefit from a cashback of Rs 5,000. At present, it is unclear whether the device will be available for purchase via Amazon.

Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 2023 specifications

The Galaxy S21 FE’s Exynos 2100 and the new Snapdragon 888 variants pack the same specifications. It has a 6.4-inch AMOLED display that offers an FHD+ resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. It has a 32-megapixel front camera, and a 12-megapixel (main, with OIS) + 12-megapixel (ultra-wide) + 8-megapixel (telephoto) triple camera unit.

The S21 FE has a 4,500mAh battery with 25W wired and 15W wireless charging support. One should note that there is no charger included in the retail package. The device comes with 8 GB of LPDDR5 RAM and 256 GB of UFS 3.1 storage. The official listing of the phone does not clearly mention the versions of Android and One UI available on the S21 FE 2023.

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Oppo A78 4G launched with 6.43″ AMOLED display, 50MP dual camera & Snapdragon 680 SoC

Oppo has officially revealed the Oppo A78 4G smartphone in Indonesia following several leaks. The company plans to introduce this phone to other international markets, including India, in the near future. Now, let’s explore the specifics of this device.

Oppo A78 4G specs

The Oppo A78 4G boasts a 6.43-inch AMOLED display with a Full HD+ resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels. Users can expect a smooth visual experience with a refresh rate of up to 90Hz. The front of the phone features a hole-punch cutout in the top left corner to house the front camera.

Under the hood, the Oppo A78 4G has a Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 SoC. It has been launched in a single 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage configuration, with the option to expand storage up to 1TB using a microSD card. Additionally, the device supports 8GB of virtual RAM. Powering the device is a robust 5000mAh battery with 67W SuperVOOC fast charging capabilities. According to the company, the phone can reach an impressive 76% battery capacity within 30 minutes of charging.

Oppo

In terms of photography, the rear camera setup consists of a 50MP primary camera sensor and a 2MP bokeh lens. Noteworthy camera features include Oppo’s 108MP ultra-clear image mode, dual-view video mode, and Bokeh Flare portrait mode. Selfie enthusiasts will appreciate the 8MP front camera sensor.

The Oppo A78 4G comes with Android 13 pre-installed, customized with Oppo’s ColorOS 13.1. Other notable features include an in-display fingerprint scanner, dual speakers, and ultra-volume mode, and NFC support.

Pricing & availability

The Oppo A78 4G is offered in two color options: Sea Green and Black Mist. It is available in a single configuration with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. The pricing for the device is set at IDR 3,599,000 (~$236). Customers in Indonesia who purchase the phone from Oppo’s official online store will also receive a complimentary pair of White Enco Buds2 earbuds.

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Honor X6a price, specifications, renders leaked, Europe launch imminent

Honor is reportedly gearing up to launch a new entry-level smartphone dubbed the Honor X6a in the European market. A new report by Appuals has revealed its key specifications and renders. Hence, it appears that it will not take too long for it go official.

Honor X6a design

Honor X6a
Honor X6a

The Honor X6a can be seen sporting a design similar to the Honor Play 40, which debuted earlier this month in China. On the front, it has a punch-hole display, and its back panel has a dual-camera system. For security, it has a side-facing fingerprint scanner. The device is expected to arrive in two shades, green and black.

Honor X6a specifications, price (rumored)

Honor X6a
Honor X6a

From the outside, the Honor X6a looks different from the Honor Play 40. Internally, both devices have identical specifications. It houses a 6.56-inch IPS LCD display that offers an HD+ resolution of 720 x 1612 pixels and a 90Hz refresh rate.

Under the hood, the Honor X6a will feature the Snapdragon 480 Plus chipset, 6 GB of RAM, and a big 5,200mAh battery that supports 10W charging. It is expected to run on Magic UI-based Android 13.

On the front, the Honor X6a will have a 5-megapixel front camera. The back panel of the device will have a 13-megapixel primary camera, a 2-megapixel depth sensor, and an LED flash. The report further reveals that the device, which will come in a 6GB+128GB configuration only, will be priced at 169 euros in Europe.

In related news, Honor’s next launch event for the Chinese market will be held on July 12. The brand is expected to announce multiple products, such as the Honor Magic V2 foldable phone, the Honor MagicPad 13 tablet, the Honor Watch 4, and the Honor Smart Screen 5 TV.

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Infinix Zerobook 13 goes on sale today for Rs 51,999, comes in 13th gen Core i5, i7, i9 variants

On July 7, Infinix unveiled the Infinix Zerobook 13 in India. Starting today at 12pm (local time), the most powerful Infinix notebook will be available for purchase via Flipkart. Here is a look at its price, variants, and specifications.

Infinix Zerobook 13 variants

Infinix Zerobook 13
Infinix Zerobook 13

The Infinix Zerobook 13 has arrived in four options in India. The base model, which is priced at Rs 51,990 (~$630), features a Core i5 processor, 16 GB of RAM, and 512 GB of storage. It comes in two Core i7 variants, such as 16 GB RAM + 512 GB storage and 32 GB RAM + 1 TB of storage. Both models are priced at Rs 64,990 (~$789) and Rs 69,990 (~$849).

The highest model comes equipped with a Core i9 processor, 32 GB of RAM, and 1 TB of storage. It is priced at Rs 81,990 (~$995).

Infinix Zerobook 13 specifications

The Infinix Zerobook 13 features a 13-generation Intel processor, such as the Core i5-13500H, Core i7-13700H, and Core i9-13900H. It comes with up to 512 GB of RAM and up to 1 TB of PCIe NVMe SSD storage. It houses a 70Wh battery, that supports 100W charging.

The Zerobook 13 features a 15.6-inch IPS LCD panel with Full HD resolution, a 60Hz refresh rate, and up to 400 nits of brightness. The device is equipped with connectivity features, such as Wi-Fi 6E R2, Bluetooth 5.2, a pair of USB-C ports, a pair of USB-A 3.0 ports, an HDMI 1.4 port, and a microSD card slot.

In related news, Infinix is gearing up to launch a new QLED TV in 32-inch and 43-inch variants. It will arrive as India’s most affordable QLED TV. In addition, the company is set to announce the Dimensity 6020-powered Infinix Hot 30 5G as its most affordable 5G phone.

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AOOSTAR Mini PC Review: Mini PC + NAS + Soft Router 3-in-1

There are many reasons why people buy a Mini PC, such as not wanting to take up too much space, needing to move the PC around a lot, or not having that much budget for a performance desktop PC at the moment.

Here’s a question that haunts them: if they need a better computer in the future, what should they do with this Mini PC? The AOOSTAR Mini PC offers a great solution to this problem. You can transform it into a router, or a NAS for your own use.

Unboxing & Design

The accessories of the AOOSTAR Mini PC are relatively basic. Instruction manual, power supply, HDMI cable, one bag, and some screws.

Unlike other Mini PCs, AOOSTAR’s design is rounded. There is no fancy design, only one power button on the front, and the ports are all at the back. This white cylinder can be matched with different room styles. However, as you may have noticed, it is a Mini PC, the size does not look “mini”. OK, I can explain why it’s a little bigger than other Mini PCs.

Lift up the magnetic cover on top of it and you can see two drive bays. As I said, it is possible to be modified into a 2-Bay NAS. As a Mini PC, it is quite big, but as a NAS, it is small. It also looks good on the desktop. Up to two 16T 3.5-inch Hard Disk Drives can be installed.

There are also some thoughtful designs that I like, such as the drive bays that can be pulled out directly from the top, and do not require removing the shell. It’s very convenient when replacing hard drives.

Interfaces

A bigger size is not always a bad thing. The variety of interfaces just becomes more because of the increased size. The two USB 2.0 and two 3.0 ports are much more reasonable than most Mini PCs, and basically, meet our needs even without the USB Hub. USB 2.0 is used to connect a keyboard and mouse, and 3.0 can connect a hard drive for higher transfer speeds.

Two video output ports, 1 DP port, and 1 HDMI 2.0, plus a Type-C port means you can connect up to 3 screens simultaneously. This Type-C port also supports fast charging and 10Gbps data transfer. There are two 2.5G Ethernet ports, can also turn it into a soft router if you want.

There is even a 2-in-1 Audio & Mic Jack and a TF card reader. The number and variety of its interfaces are already not far from the desktop computer, and even more than many notebooks.

Performance

The AOOSTAR Mini PC has an AMD Ryzen 5 5500U CPU. Equipped with 16G Ram and 512G M.2 SSD, it comes with Windows 11 pre-installed and is ready to use when you buy it back. 5500U is a low-power processor that is not very good at handling large games.

However, CSGO, which requires less performance, is stable at 60fps or more at 820P with low effects. Genshin Impact can run at 40fps at 0.6 rendering resolution on our 2160P ultrawide monitor. It also can stay above 50fps in Domain. If the resolution is reduced to 1080P, it can run at full 60fps.

We won’t test professional software that requires more performance than they do. Because if you need a gaming PC or use it to do heavy work like 3D rendering, a mini PC should not be in your consideration. Its target users should be people who do light office work and play casual games once in a while.

Disassembly

Let’s take the shell apart and see what’s inside. By the way, the motherboard is going to pull out from above instead of below. It has two pieces of DDR4 3200 memory from ASint on one side, while the M.2 SSD has metal fins to aid in cooling. There’s another M.2 slot meaning you can add an extra SSD yourself.

The wireless card is from Intel AX200NGW and supports Bluetooth 5.0 and WiFi 6. On the other side of the motherboard is a fan with large metal fins, which together with the fan on the bottom form the main cooling system of AOOSTAR. It keeps the whole PC cool 24/7.

Converted to NAS

If one day you no longer need it as your only PC, then you can modify it into other devices. If you know how to change the system and reinstall an OpenWRT, you can convert it into a soft router. But AOOSTAR doesn’t have its own router OS, so if you don’t know how to do that, I recommend using it as a NAS.

It’s true that NAS also has a dedicated system, but Windows also has a solution. Just share folders to the LAN and you can access it from another PC. There is no need for complicated operations like reinstalling the system to achieve the functionality of a professional NAS.

Or install a streaming platform and connect AOOSTAR to your TV or projector. It is your home media center, so you can watch the videos or movies you want at home on any device. The large-capacity HHD allows you to store thousands of movies, meaning you can keep any of your favorite movies forever.

Conclusion

Other computers may not be able to stay with you forever, but AOOSTAR Mini PC can. When you upgrade a new computer, it can become a NAS. when you buy a new NAS, it can become a soft router. I am sure that as long as it doesn’t break, you will always have a way to take advantage of it. These two drive bays are the reason why you choose AOOSTAR but not another Mini PC.

Foxconn pulls out from joint venture with Vedanta in India for a semiconductor factory

Foxconn, the company known for manufacturing Apple iPhones, had last year announced a joint venture with Vedanta, an oil and metal corporation, to build a semiconductor plant in India.

Now, just weeks after the announcement, Foxconn has pulled out of the deal that is reportedly worth $19.5 billion. The company says that the deal was ended mutually, and it appears that Vedanta will move ahead with other partners.

Foxconn

In a statement, Foxconn said: “In order to explore more diverse development opportunities, according to a mutual agreement, Foxconn has determined it will not move forward on the joint venture with Vedanta.” It is now working towards removing its name from what is now a wholly-owned entity of Vedanta.

This is a blow to the Indian government, which has been trying to put efforts toward economic growth and government programs that are trying to promote manufacturing in the country.

Although several companies, including Apple, are working towards diversifying manufacturing outside of China because of political and economic uncertainties, India stands to benefit the most but hasn’t been able to make the most of this opportunity yet.

For those who are unaware, Foxconn and Vedanta last year signed a pact to set up semiconductor and display production plants in the state of Gujarat in India. As per the reports, chipmaker STMicroelectronics was being roped in as a technology partner for the venture, but talks were deadlocked.

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Microsoft is Planning to Lay off Even More Employees after Early 2023 Layoffs

In a surprising turn of events, Microsoft has announced a fresh wave of layoffs, affecting primarily its sales, marketing, and customer support departments. This comes just months after CEO Satya Nadella had previously declared a reduction of 10,000 employees, which was anticipated to be completed by the end of March. The news of these additional job cuts was revealed as several employees updated their LinkedIn profiles to reflect their status as part of the new round of layoffs.

A lot of tech companies seem to be benefitting from AI going mainstream

A spokesperson from Microsoft confirmed the recent workforce adjustments, stating, “Organizational and workforce adjustments are a necessary and routine part of managing our business. We will continue to prioritize investments in strategic growth areas to support the future of our customers and partners.” While the statement may provide some insight into the motivation behind the layoffs, it remains unclear why these specific departments have been targeted.

Microsoft

Despite these layoffs, Microsoft’s financial position remains robust in 2023. Over the past six months, the company’s shares have surged by an impressive 40.74%. This upward trajectory can be attributed, at least in part, to Microsoft’s investment in the generative AI business. The company has recognized the potential of artificial intelligence, and its strategic decisions in this area have paid off handsomely.

Microsoft is not the only company benefiting from the AI revolution. Stock prices of other technology companies have experienced significant increases due to the impact of artificial intelligence. For example, Nvidia has seen its stock price soar by an astounding 194.61% in 2023, reaching record highs.

As Microsoft’s fiscal year approaches its end on March 31, 2023, the company’s net profit has risen to an impressive $18.3 billion, representing a 9% year-on-year increase. Investors eagerly await the announcement of Microsoft’s fourth-quarter earnings, which is scheduled for the end of this month.

While the news of the latest round of layoffs may unsettle some, Microsoft claims that it’s all to increase strategic focus on growth areas. Coupled with its strong financial performance, the company is clearly stating its commitment to staying ahead in the game.

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Apple is Rolling Out Urgent Security Patches for iOS & iPadOS

Apple is one of the few trillion-dollar tech companies, so users can expect unparalleled customer service from them. The company has recently taken swift action to address a critical security vulnerability in its latest iOS and iPadOS releases. The tech giant released Rapid Security Response updates, specifically iOS 16.5.1 and iPadOS 16.5.1, to patch a WebKit vulnerability that is currently being actively exploited. Since WebKit is the browser engine used by Safari, it is crucial for users to install the updates immediately to ensure their devices are protected.

The new version aims to resolve the issues created by the 21 June update release

To install the updates, users simply need to follow the same process as a typical update. They can navigate to Settings > General > Software Update and follow the instructions provided. The entire installation process should only take a few minutes, after which the device will restart.

Apple iPhone 14

These updates are listed as iOS 16.5.1 (a) and iPadOS 16.5.1 (a) to signify that they are distinct releases aimed at resolving issues with the previous versions that were launched on June 21st. Apple has acknowledged that the WebKit flaw could potentially allow attackers to execute arbitrary code by processing web content on targeted devices. While the company is aware of a report suggesting that the vulnerability might have been actively exploited, it is currently unclear whether any personal data has been compromised as a result.

In addition to iOS and iPadOS, Mac users running macOS Ventura 13.4.1 are also receiving a Rapid Security Response update to address the same Safari browser vulnerability. To install the update on a Mac, users should navigate to the Apple menu, select System Settings, click on General, and then proceed to Software Update.

This proactive approach by Apple ensures that critical security vulnerabilities are addressed promptly, safeguarding user data and maintaining the overall security of their devices. Users are strongly advised to prioritize installing these updates to mitigate any potential risks associated with the WebKit vulnerability.

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Cyrusher’s New Trax E-Bike is a Fusion of Performance and Adaptability

Cyrusher, the Chinese bike maker, has been capitalizing on the surging popularity of e-bikes, solidifying its position in the global market. The company’s latest offering, the Trax, has now made its way to the U.S. market, standing out with its distinctive design as one of the few full-suspension e-bikes featuring a step-through frame. This innovative design not only provides a comfortable ride but also equips riders with off-road capabilities, allowing them to venture beyond conventional paths. With a downhill-style triple-tree fork at the front and 26×4-inch fat tires, the Trax conquers all terrains with ease.

The E-Bike can run for 56 miles on a single charge

Under the hood, the Cyrusher Trax boasts a robust Bafang 750-watt rear hub motor, delivering exceptional performance. With a top speed of 28 miles per hour and a twist throttle for added convenience, the Trax offers an exhilarating riding experience. The inclusion of a torque sensor ensures smooth and natural pedal assistance, enhancing the overall pleasure of the ride.

Cyrusher Trax

For European markets, the Trax comes with a different motor configuration to comply with local e-bike regulations. Powered by a 250-watt motor and lacking a throttle, the European variant aligns with tighter power limitations and restrictions on throttle usage.

With a 20-Amp-hour battery, the Trax provides assistance for up to 56 miles, and its smart color 3.7-inch LCD screen offers easy trip monitoring. Riders can customize the assistance level and view crucial information like speed and battery level. Safety features include a 250-lumen LED headlight for enhanced visibility in low-light conditions and Logan hydraulic disc brakes, ensuring reliable and swift stopping power.

Available at $2,799 USD, the Cyrusher Trax is offered in white, blue, and orange color options, with a gray variant available for pre-order. Cyrusher’s official website provides further details on the Trax and their extensive e-bike lineup, offering an exciting array of choices for adventurous riders.

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Red Magic 8S Pro gaming smartphone goes on sale in China; price starts at 3,999 yuan ($553)

Red Magic, the gaming brand from ZTE’s Nubia, was announced a few days back, and now the latest gaming smartphone from the brand is officially available for purchase in the Chinese market.

The smartphone, touted to be the first mobile phone with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Advanced Edition and 24GB of RAM, has a starting price of 3,999 yuan, which roughly converts to $553.

Red Magic

The Red Magic 8S Pro base model with 8GB RAM and 128GB of internal storage costs 3,999 yuan, while the top-end model with 12GB RAM and 512GB of internal storage is priced at 5,699 yuan.

On the other hand, the Red Magic 8S Pro+ starts at 5,499 yuan for 16GB RAM and 256GB storage, and it goes up to 7,499 yuan for the top-end model with 24GB of RAM and 1TB of storage.

The smartphone features a 6.8-inch 120Hz AMOLED FHD+ display, offering a 960Hz touch sampling rate, peak brightness of 1300nits, 10-bit color depth, 100% DCI-P3 color gamut, and 93.7% screen-to-body ratio. It also comes with a seventh-generation ultra-thin fingerprint sensor and an under-display camera.

Red Magic 8S Pro

Under the hood, the device is powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Advanced Edition, coupled with up to 24GB of LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.0 internal storage. There’s also the company’s self-developed RedCore R2 gaming chip along with ICE 12 Magic Cooling system.

In the camera department, the phone has a triple-camera setup on the back that consists of a 50-megapixel primary camera, an 8-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 2-megapixel macro lens. On the front side, it features a 16-megapixel snapper for taking selfies and video calling.

As for the software, the smartphone runs the Android 13 operating system out-of-the-box with the company’s own RedMagic OS 8.0 on top. There are tons of customizations for gaming and some gaming-centric features to enhance gameplay. It is powered by a 6,000mAh battery and comes with support for 80W fast charging.

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Toyota and Lexus’ Sales Surge in Q2 2023, Thanks to All-Electric Models

As global car manufacturers strive to stay afloat in the hurricane of Electric Transportation, Toyota Motor North America (Toyota and Lexus brands) reported a 7.1 percent increase in vehicle sales during the second quarter of 2023 in the United States, with a total of 568,962 units sold compared to the previous year. While Toyota experienced a 5 per cent growth, selling 487,802 vehicles in Q2, Lexus outperformed with a remarkable 22 percent increase, selling 81,160 vehicles. However, year-to-date figures indicate a slight decline in overall sales for both brands.

Companies are adding newer, more diverse models to their portfolios

In terms of electrified vehicles (xEVs), Toyota and Lexus displayed positive growth. The number of xEV models expanded to 24, and sales rose by 14 percent year-over-year to 151,825 units in Q2. xEVs accounted for 26 percent of the total volume so far this year, with sales reaching 270,476 units.

Toyota

The surge in xEV sales can be attributed to all-electric vehicles (BEVs), which saw significant growth, while plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) experienced a slight decline of 3 percent. Toyota’s xEV sales reached 128,034 units, while Lexus achieved a noteworthy 103 percent increase with 23,791 units sold. The total xEV market share stood at 26.7 percent.

In Q2 2023, plug-in electric car sales showed a promising 27 percent year-over-year improvement, totalling 11,458 units, equivalent to 2.0 percent of the total volume. The growth in plug-in sales was primarily driven by a remarkable 745 percent surge in BEV sales, while PHEVs declined by 6 percent.

Leading the rechargeable models, the Toyota RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid remained the top-seller with 5,554 units, marking a 13 percent increase. The all-electric Toyota bZ4X secured the second position with 1,961 units, while the all-electric Lexus RZ 450e recorded 932 units. The hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) Toyota Mirai witnessed a positive growth of 64 percent, with 1,054 units sold.

Toyota’s plug-in car sales in 2023 show promise, particularly driven by the success of the Toyota RAV4 Prime and the introduction of all-electric models like the bZ4X and Lexus RZ 450e, indicating a growing interest in electrified vehicles among Toyota and Lexus customers in the United States.

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