Honor X50 tipped to feature curved display, 100MP camera, and more

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Jun 29, 2023

Electric bicycles have established themselves as a prominent mode of transportation worldwide, and their popularity continues to surge as the electric vehicle revolution is slowly spreading over the world. Embracing the advantages of electric bikes not only benefits the economy but also promotes the general well-being of the population. Germany, in particular, has witnessed a remarkable upswing in the e-bike industry, displaying no signs of slowing down despite initial hesitations earlier this year. In May, favourable weather caused the popularity of e-bikes to go up again. By the end of May 2023, Germany had produced over one million electric bikes, marking a significant five-percent growth compared to the same period last year. This growth is particularly impressive considering the challenging economic climate the country has faced.

Good weather boosted the sales of e-bikes, benefitting the industry

Burkhard Stock, the Managing Director of the Zweirad-Industrie-Verband (ZIV), discussed this unexpected turn of events in a report published by German e-bike publication E-Bike News. He mentioned that they had anticipated a slowdown in the market during the first few months, given the ongoing European war, inflation concerns, general reluctance to make purchases, and adverse weather conditions. However, the arrival of good weather promoted more outdoor time, and that led to a positive shift in the industry.

ZIV, a prominent organization in the German and international bicycle industries, plays a crucial role as a governing body and major stakeholder in the European e-bike sector. About 90 percent of all electric bikes produced by German companies are manufactured by ZIV member companies. Their presence ensures the industry’s steady growth and development.

In addition to the domestic market, German-made electric bicycles have gained traction in other parts of the world. In the first quarter of 2023, a staggering 190,000 electric bikes were exported, signifying a significant 28-percent increase compared to the previous year. Notably, a majority of these exports were destined for European Union and European Free Trade Association member countries. With such a strong export performance, it is anticipated that the German e-bike market will produce a total of two million electric bicycles by the end of 2023.

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Renault Scenic E-Tech EV Spotted on the Roads during Testing Phase

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Jun 29, 2023

Renault, a renowned automobile brand, is making its mark in Europe once again with the introduction of the Renault Scenic E-Tech, an upcoming electric vehicle (EV) model. The development of this exciting new addition to Renault’s lineup has been captured in these recently leaked spy shots, providing us with our first glimpse into its design.

Few details peer through the camouflage wrapping the Renault vehicle

To keep the Scenic E-Tech’s appearance under wraps, Renault’s engineering team has covered the exterior with a camouflage wrap, employing blocky panels to further obscure the vehicle’s body. However, certain details manage to shine through. The front of the Scenic E-Tech boasts a sleek nose with a tiny inlet positioned in the lower portion of its face, accompanied by slender headlights that gracefully frame the hood.

When viewed from the side, the Scenic E-Tech proudly displays its short overhangs at both ends, giving it a compact yet stylish profile. The C-pillar, with its distinctive angle, adds a touch of elegance to the rear, ensuring that it doesn’t appear too boxy. A subtle spoiler gracefully extends over the back window, enhancing its aerodynamic appeal.

Although the heavy camouflage conceals many details at the rear, the taillights manage to peek through, providing a glimpse of their design. Unfortunately, the interior of the Scenic E-Tech remains a mystery as the spy shots do not provide us with a clear view of the cabin.

Drawing inspiration from the 2022 Renault Scenic Vision concept, the Scenic E-Tech exhibits design elements reminiscent of its counterpart. The Scenic Vision concept showcased sharper creases and a crossover-like appearance, setting it apart from previous Scenic models that traditionally belonged to the MPV segment.

The Scenic Vision concept featured a 215-horsepower electric motor borrowed from the Megane E-Tech, coupled with a 40-kilowatt-hour battery. Additionally, it incorporated a 16-kW hydrogen fuel cell beneath the floor for charging the drive battery.

Renault had previously announced plans for a production version of the Scenic Vision concept, scheduled for release in 2024. This production model would utilize the CMF-EV platform, most likely eliminating the hydrogen range extender seen in the concept. All indications point to the vehicle captured in these new spy shots being the much-anticipated realization of the Scenic Vision concept – a car finally come to life.

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China’s Sky Eye FAST Telescope Detects & Sees Gravitational Waves

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Jun 29, 2023

China‘s Sky Eye FAST telescope, the world’s largest and most sensitive radio astronomy telescope, continues to make groundbreaking discoveries in the field of astronomy. Recently, the Chinese pulsar timing array research team, comprised of scientists from the National Astronomical Observatories of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and other institutions, utilized Sky Eye FAST to detect compelling evidence of nanohertz gravitational waves. This remarkable achievement demonstrates that China’s research in this area is on par with international standards and has even reached a leading position.

The data set containing the Research Data spanned over 3 years

The findings were published in China’s prestigious astronomical journal, “Astronomy and Astrophysics Research,” on June 29. The research team analyzed a data set spanning 3 years and 5 months, collected by Sky Eye FAST, and successfully identified key evidence supporting the existence of nanohertz gravitational waves at a confidence level of 4.6 sigma. Such a high level of confidence signifies a false positive rate of less than 1 in 500,000.

Nanohertz gravitational waves are a type of gravitational wave characterized by an extremely low frequency of 10 to the power of minus 9 Hz. Detecting these waves poses significant challenges due to their ultra-low frequency, long periods lasting several years, and wavelengths stretching across several light-years.

Gravitational waves, as predicted by Albert Einstein’s general theory of relativity, are ripples in spacetime caused by the acceleration of objects with mass. Analogous to throwing a stone into a pond and observing the resulting ripples on the surface, these waves propagate outward from the source of mass. Their weak interaction with matter during propagation makes them ideal carriers of valuable information from the depths of the universe. Gravitational wave astronomy, a field of observational astronomy, focuses on using gravitational waves to gather information about violent astronomical events such as binary star systems comprising white dwarfs, neutron stars, and black holes. Supernovae and the Big Bang also serve as sources of these cosmic disturbances.

The groundbreaking discovery of gravitational waves in 2015 by the LIGO scientific team and subsequent observations have opened up an exciting new chapter in our understanding of the universe. In recognition of their pioneering work, Rainer Weiss, Barry Barish, and Kip Thorne were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2017.

China’s significant contributions to gravitational wave research, as evidenced by the latest breakthrough utilizing Sky Eye FAST, reaffirm its position as a global leader in astronomy and showcase the nation’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of scientific knowledge. With each new discovery, our understanding of the universe deepens, unveiling its secrets and inspiring future generations of astronomers and scientists.

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PayPal Introduces Venmo Contactless Payments on Android Devices

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Jun 29, 2023

With the rise of contactless payments and the decline of cash usage, it has become crucial for businesses to adapt to this new consumer behaviour. Recognizing this need, PayPal has introduced Tap to Pay on Android for Venmo business profile users in the U.S., allowing them to accept contactless payments directly on their Android mobile devices without any additional hardware or upfront costs.

Tap to Pay is already available for all Android Users in the US

Traditionally, small businesses had to invest in and manage card readers to meet the expectations of their customers who increasingly prefer contactless payments. However, with Tap to Pay through Venmo, businesses can now start accepting contactless cards and digital wallets within minutes, using their existing mobile devices. This not only eliminates the need for additional hardware but also streamlines operations and cash flow management, as all funds settle into their Venmo accounts.

Ed Hallett, Head of Product, Microbusiness at PayPal, stated, “Tap to Pay is the last milestone in the democratization of in-person card payments, where users can start taking card payments with no setup cost in a matter of minutes.” This innovative technology opens up access to frictionless payment options for the millions of businesses using Venmo and PayPal Zettle, driving sales and enhancing customer convenience.

Several Venmo business profile users have already experienced the benefits of Tap to Pay. Heather Driscoll, founder of Magical Box Bakery, shared her positive experience, stating, “With Tap to Pay, I can accept credit and debit cards directly on my phone, manage all of my transactions in one place, and have my funds settle directly within the Venmo app.”

While Tap to Pay on Android will be available for all Venmo business profile users in the coming months, businesses can request early access. Additionally, Tap to Pay on Android is already available for all PayPal Zettle users in the U.S. Furthermore, Tap to Pay on iPhone is currently accessible to select Venmo business profile and PayPal Zettle users, with plans to expand availability to all users in the near future.

By introducing Tap to Pay, PayPal is empowering small businesses to thrive in an increasingly cashless society, providing them with a convenient, cost-effective, and streamlined payment solution. With this technology, businesses can effortlessly adapt to evolving consumer preferences, boost sales, and stay ahead in a rapidly changing market.

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NASA’s Ambitious Moon Mining Plans for the Next Decade

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Jun 29, 2023

In an exciting announcement, a scientist from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) revealed that the agency is actively pursuing the development of lunar resources. The initial focus lies on extracting oxygen and water, with future plans to expand to valuable elements such as iron and rare earths. NASA’s goal is to commence excavation of lunar soil by 2032, marking a significant step towards the establishment of sustainable space exploration.

Lunar soil excavation is expected to scale up by the year 2032

Central to NASA’s ambitious moonshot program is the advancement of commercial opportunities in space. Gerald Sanders, a seasoned rocket scientist at NASA’s Johnston Space Center, emphasized the importance of quantifying potential resources, including energy, water, and lunar soil, to attract commercial investment. Sanders believes that developing access to lunar resources will be pivotal in reducing spaceflight costs and fostering a circular economy, ultimately facilitating the growth of the space industry.

To comprehensively understand the resource profile of the moon, NASA is planning to send a test drilling rig to the lunar surface later this month. The agency aims to scale up lunar soil excavation by 2032 and establish a pilot processing plant. Initial customers are expected to be commercial rocket companies seeking to harness lunar resources for fuel and oxygen, paving the way for a new era of space exploration and commerce.

Australia’s Space Agency is also actively contributing to this lunar endeavor. They are collaborating on the development of a semi-autonomous rover capable of collecting samples of lunar regolith during NASA’s upcoming lunar missions. By as early as 2026, this rover will gather samples containing oxide lunar soil, which will then be used by NASA to extract oxygen using a dedicated device.

NASA’s plans extend beyond the moon, as they intend to leverage the knowledge and experience gained from lunar missions to facilitate future manned missions to Mars. With their sights set on returning American astronauts to the moon by 2025, including the historic first woman and person of color, NASA is demonstrating its commitment to diversity and inclusion in space exploration.

The journey to the moon holds vast potential, not only for scientific advancements but also for the growth of a thriving commercial space industry. The future is bright, and the moon looks like it will become humanity’s stepping stone to the stars.

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Microsoft is Now Offering Free Generative AI Skills & Training Courses

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Jun 29, 2023

In a move that reflects the growing impact of generative AI technology, Microsoft has unveiled a comprehensive training program aimed at equipping workers with the necessary skills to harness the power of artificial intelligence. Announced as part of Microsoft‘s “Skills for the Jobs” initiative, the program offers free online courses and certificates to help individuals master the fundamental concepts and applications of AI.

The Program is currently only available in English, but will soon expand to more languages

LinkedIn, a subsidiary of Microsoft, has developed a series of online courses that cover introductory knowledge of AI and provide a “framework for responsible AI.” These courses when completed will grant a professional certificate, which is the first of its kind in generative AI available on the online learning scenario. Although currently only offered in English, Microsoft has plans to expand the program to include additional languages such as Spanish, Portuguese, French, German, Simplified Chinese, and Japanese in the near future.

Recognizing the importance of educators in shaping the next generation of AI professionals, Microsoft has also introduced an educator toolkit. This resource offers teachers and trainers downloadable content designed to facilitate AI education in classrooms and training environments. Furthermore, a specialized AI course has been developed specifically for teachers and trainers to enhance their understanding and instructional abilities in the field of AI.

In a bid to promote inclusivity and diversity in the AI sector, Microsoft has launched the AI Open Funding Program for Historically Marginalized Groups. This collaborative effort between data.org, Microsoft’s AI for Good Lab, and GitHub aims to empower nonprofit organizations, social enterprises, research institutions, and academic organizations to train and enable workers to utilize generative AI. The grant program provides financial support, collective learning opportunities, data training and mentoring, as well as access to Microsoft events and cloud computing resources. Interested parties can submit their applications until August 15th.

Microsoft’s new AI training program and initiatives are clearly setting a precedent of the company’s commitment to fostering a skilled workforce that can navigate the evolving landscape of AI technology.

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Apple Posts Entire First Episode of Silo on Twitter, and Elon Musk Appreciates It

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Jun 29, 2023

The competition between digital content platforms is heating up. Netflix and Disney+ are the current leaders, but Apple TV+ and others are trying to catch up. Two key factors in this competition are the quality of the content and effective marketing. Netflix is a master of marketing, while Disney+ has great content. Apple is hoping to combine the two by posting the entire first episode of its new show, Silo, on Twitter. Here are the details…

Apple Takes a Page Out of Netflix Marketing’ Book

Twitter, now managed by Elon Musk, has been offering a variety of benefits to its Blue subscribers for some time. This includes the ability to post longer videos than usual. However, the company recently surprised everyone by posting the entire first episode of Apple’s science fiction series Silo on Twitter. This means that people who were curious about the series but were hesitant to watch it because they were unfamiliar with the platform now have a chance to give it a try.

Watch the entire first episode on this platform. Great move by Apple!

Note, you can Airplay from your iPhone to TV to watch on a big screen. https://t.co/fV7DEJv96Q
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 27, 2023

Of course, Elon Musk didn’t ignore this post. He acknowledged Apple’s move in another Twitter post. In his tweet, he made the following remarks: “Watch the entire first episode on this platform. Great move by Apple! Note, you can Airplay from your iPhone to TV to watch on a big screen.”

In addition to posting the first episode on Twitter, Apple is also running a promotion where viewers can get a free one-month subscription to Apple TV+. This is a great opportunity to try out the service and see if it is right for you.

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Fans Can Now Experience Life as a Hogwarts Student in New Harry Potter Game

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Jun 29, 2023

Harry Potter fans have had a lot to be excited about this year. The long-awaited release of Hogwarts Legacy, the announcement of a Netflix series, and the launch of fan-targeted products have all been met with enthusiasm. Now, Warner Bros has announced the worldwide launch of the role-playing video game “Harry Potter: Magic Awakened.” Here are the details…

Free-to-Play Harry Potter Game Launches Worldwide

Harry Potter fans, your wait is over! The long-awaited mobile role-playing game “Harry Potter: Magic Awakened” is now available worldwide. The free-to-play title is available on iOS and Android. In Magic Awakened, you can experience life as a student at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Learn magic spells, brew potions, and battle other wizards in a variety of exciting challenges. You’ll also meet familiar characters from the Harry Potter universe, including Hermione Granger, Rubeus Hagrid, and Albus Dumbledore.

The game has already been a hit in China, where it was released in 2021. It has been downloaded over 100 million times and has generated over $1 billion in revenue. The worldwide launch is expected to only further boost the game’s popularity.

If you’re a fan of “Harry Potter” and you’re looking for a new and exciting way to experience the wizarding world, then “Harry Potter: Magic Awakened” is definitely worth checking out.

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Apple Hikes iCloud+ Subscription Prices in Many Countries Around the World

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Jun 28, 2023

Our photos and videos are some of our most valuable possessions. They capture the memories of our lives, and it’s important to store them securely. That’s why cloud storage services are so popular. Companies like Apple and Google offer these services, and they have many features. However, Apple has recently increased the prices of iCloud+ subscriptions in many countries. This may upset some users. Here are the details…

Apple Hikes iCloud+ Subscription Prices in Many Countries Around the World

iCloud+ is a premium subscription that offers a variety of features to help you protect your privacy and keep your data safe. These features include iCloud Private Relay, Hide My Email, and HomeKit Secure Video. iCloud+ also offers more storage space than the basic iCloud plan. Now, Apple has recently increased the prices of iCloud+ subscriptions in many countries.

Apple has increased the price of iCloud+ storage in some countries, including the UK, Scandinavia, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and South America. The price hike is about 25%. The new prices for iCloud+ storage in the UK are:

50GB: £0.79/month → £0.99/month
200GB: £2.49/month → £2.99/month
2TB: £6.99/month → £8.99/month

The price hike has also happened in Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Poland, Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Tanzania, South Africa, Colombia, Peru, and Brazil. The price in the US, Canada, and the EU is still the same. Apple has not said why it is raising the prices. It might be because of rising costs for data storage and bandwidth.

Some people are upset about the price hike. Some people have also pointed out that Apple’s competitors, like Google and Microsoft, offer similar storage plans at lower prices.

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Lenovo Morningstar G2 AR glasses with binocular 1080p stereoscopic display light engine unveiled

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Jun 28, 2023

Lenovo has unveiled its latest lightweight AR glasses, the Morningstar G2. The glass features a binocular 1080p stereoscopic display light engine with a maximum brightness of 2,000 nits. The new Lenovo AR glasses are a lightweight product and also come with an affordable price tag.

The Lenovo G2 light comes with a built-in 9-axis sensor fusion algorithm and a 50% transmittance of the light machine. This guarantees that the user can see the display while also viewing the environment. The G2 light uses device-side IMU data to ensure picture stability and comfortable usage of the glasses. The device also combines with cloud AI anti-shake algorithm which translates to low power consumption, low latency, and large-angle rotation first-view video.

The Lenovo G2 light accommodates multiple interaction methods including gaze, touch screen, gestures, buttons, and more. The G2 light supports connectivity to Android phones, iPhones, and Screencast. The Morningstar G2 light can be used for industrial applications including visual management, digital or manual maintenance guide, remote collaboration, and inspection/ workflow activities. The portability and AI recognition capability of the AR glasses also lend the gadget for use for museum tours, security, education, and other areas. It supports scene-based AI detection and recognition algorithms.

The Lenovo Morningstar G2 light AR glasses feature a raft of applications for optimal performance. This includes Xingbao for virtual information utilization, a holographic player, and an instant recording tool. The 3D web browser provides the platform for greater versatility of the gadget. Pricing and availability details of the Lenovo Morningstar G2 light AR glasses are yet to be released by Lenovo.

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Epson Pro EX11000 1080p Wireless Laser Projector with up to 4,600 lumens brightness unveiled

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Jun 28, 2023

The Epson Pro EX11000 3LCD Full HD 1080p Wireless Laser Projector has been announced in the US. The new premium projector comes with lots of exciting and innovative features and packs a maximum brightness of 4,600 lumens. The projector’s 3LCD technology offers clarity of images up to 300 inches wide. The projector is designed for the workspace and has a compact dimension of 12.8 x 11.7 x 4.1 inches.

Epson Pro EX11000 1080p Wireless Laser Projector

The Epson Pro EX11000 can output 1080p FHD images and allows for wireless screencasting via Miracast. It has dual HDMI ports and offers a decent audio output with its built-in 16W speaker. The projector has a dynamic contrast ratio of 100,000:1 and a native 16:9 aspect ratio. The aspect ratio is adjustable to 16:10 or 4:3 while the effective throw ratio is from 1.32 to 2.12. The projector also features 1-1.6x optical zoom and auto vertical correction.

The projector supports multiple inputs being projected simultaneously. Apart from the dual HDMI ports, the Epson Pro EX11000 has two USB-A ports and it can be connected to a TV streaming stick for access to Fire TV, Roku, Apple TV, and Google Chromecast. The gadget can be controlled via its accompanying remote and is compact enough to stand on a desktop or be mounted on the ceiling.

The price of the Epson Pro EX11000 1080p Wireless Laser Projector in the US is $1,299. There is no global availability information for the product at this time.

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TCL Unveils TAB 10 Gen 2 with 10.36-Inch 2K Display at Affordable Price

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Jun 28, 2023

TCL continues to expand its product family. The company has been making waves in the tablet market with its NXTPAPER 11 and Tab 11 tablets, which offer a unique blend of paper-like display technology and powerful performance. TCL is also working on the Tab 10 Gen 2, a budget Android tablet that is expected to be released in the coming weeks. Here are the details…

TCL Tab 10 Gen 2: Is It the Best Budget Android Tablet of 2023?

TCL has announced a new budget Android tablet, the Tab 10 Gen 2. It has a 10.36-inch display, an 8-core processor, 4GB of RAM, and up to 128GB of storage. It also has a microSD card slot, 4G LTE support, and an active stylus. The Tab 10 Gen 2 runs Android 13 and is expected to receive security updates through July 2025. It has a 6,000 mAh battery that should last for a long time on a single charge.

The tablet has an 8MP rear camera and a 5MP front camera. It also has stereo speakers and a USB-C port. The TCL Tab 10 Gen 2 is a good option for people who are looking for a budget Android tablet with a lot to offer. It has a large display, a powerful processor, and a long-lasting battery. It also comes with a number of optional accessories, such as an active stylus and a keyboard.

The Tab 10 Gen 2 is expected to be released in the coming weeks. Pricing has not yet been announced, but it is expected to be a budget-friendly tablet. Here are some of the key features of the TCL Tab 10 Gen 2:

Feature	Specification
Display	10.36-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 2000 x 1200 pixels
Processor	8-core ARM Cortex-A53
RAM	4GB
Storage	Up to 128GB
microSD card reader	Yes
4G LTE support	Optional
Active stylus	Optional
Operating system	Android 13
Security updates	Promised through July 2025
Battery	6,000 mAh
Charging	USB-C port, 5V/2A charging, reverse charging support
Cameras	8MP rear camera with autofocus, 5MP front camera
Speakers	Stereo speakers

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1More S30/S50 open-ear Bluetooth headsets with 14.2mm dynamic coil Launched starting at 379 yuan (~$52)

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Jun 28, 2023

The 1More S30 and S50 open-ear Bluetooth headsets have been launched in China. The new headsets come with a 14.2mm dynamic coil for high-fidelity audio output and also support call noise reduction. The gadgets are currently open for pre-sale with a starting price of 379 yuan (~$52).

The 1More S30 is equipped with a 14.2mm diamond-like diaphragm dynamic coil and supports ambient sound effects. The headset weighs 10g per ear and does not block the ears when worn. The wireless headset is rated IPX5 water resistant and features four noise-canceling microphones. The 1More S30 Bluetooth headset delivers up to 30 hours of playback on a single charge with its charging case included. A single earpiece of the device can last for 10 hours. The headset is compatible with Bluetooth 5.3 and features a touch area that enables switching of functions by clicking.

The 1More S50 Bluetooth headset comes with an open-back design. It has a magic acoustic engine that adopts a strong magnetic design with internal and external dual magnetic circuits. The headset supports call noise reduction and is ergonomically designed for extended use. Each earpiece of the headset weighs 10g and the earphones are rated IPX7 water resistant.

The S50 delivers up to 11 hours of playback per ear. Overall, the gadget offers 38 hours of playback with the charging case. The 1More S50 supports fast charging with 5 minutes of charge yielding up to 2 hours of usage. The headset also supports Qi wireless charging protocol. As with the S30, the S50 supports Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity and features a touch area for quick-click operations.

Pricing & Availability

The 1More S30 earbuds and S50 earbuds are available for pre-order on Chinese retail platform JD.com. The S30 is priced at 379 yuan (~$52) while the S50 will retail for 979 yuan (~$135). The new wireless headsets will likely be available in some overseas markets subsequently.

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GPD WIN4 2023 gaming handheld with optional R7 7840U+64GB storage announced

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