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iQOO 11S tipped to feature 1TB UFS 4.0 storage, new image released

The iQOO 11S is set to be launched in China by early July, and there have been numerous reports disclosing its specifications. A trusted source, Digital Chat Station, shared information about the storage options and reiterated some of the previously leaked specifications of the device in a recent Weibo post.

According to the tipster, the iQOO 11S is expected to feature 1 TB of UFS 4.0 storage. Although the amount of RAM for this variant was not disclosed, there are indications that it could come with 16 GB of LPDDR5x RAM. The tipster further said that the iQOO 11S, being a gaming-oriented phone, will come equipped with 200W charging and a Sony IMX866V 50-megapixel primary camera. It will not feature the Vivo V2 ISP. Instead, it will feature a dedicated display chip.

Last week, the company released an image to showcase the design of the phone. Today, iQOO Product Manager, Violet Song took to Weibo to reveal that the capitalized “S” in the moniker of the device stands for Super. She added that the device will come in a new green color, which is specially themed for the upcoming Asian Games.

iQOO 11S
iQOO 11S

The above-shown image released by one of the members of the Honor of Kings division of eStar eSports Club showcases the iQOO 11S in the new green color.

iQOO 11S specifications (rumored)

As per other reports, the iQOO 11S is rumored to be the first smartphone to debut with the upcoming Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 2 chipset. The device is expected to sport a 6.78-inch E6 AMOLED display with a Quad HD+ resolution and a high 144Hz refresh rate. It is likely to come with a 4,700mAh battery that supports 200W fast charging. On the back, it may feature a 13-megapixel telephoto camera and an 8-megapixel ultra-wide camera. For selfies, it may feature a 16-megapixel front camera. The device will run on an OriginOS 3.0-based Android 13.

The iQOO 11S is expected to debut in early July and go on sale on July 8.

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[Update] Vivo X90s launch date confirmed, camera samples released

Update: Vivo has confirmed that the Vivo X90s will be announced at 2:30 pm (local time) on June 26 in China.

Original story continues…

Vivo’s Vice-President and GM of Product Strategy, Jia Jingdong, shared a live shot of the upcoming Vivo X90S flagship phone. Like other X-series phone from the brand, the X90s is also expected to offer a stellar photography experience. Today, Jingdong took to Weibo to share the camera samples of the device.

According to Jingdong, the previous X-series phones offered two main color expressions: vivid colors by Vivo and natural colors by Zeiss. Vivo’s bright colors aimed to capture the beauty that goes beyond what the eyes see, while Zeiss focused on presenting the world in its true form with high-definition and sharpness.

Now, a new addition called “vivo texture color,” which is inspired by the classic film camera era, will provide users with the ability to create personalized masterpieces with rich colors, and capture daily scenes with human emotions. To showcase the results of the new color expression, Jingdong shared the below camera samples of the Vivo X90S. He also confirmed that the Vivo X90s will come in a new color called “Qingyang,” which is nothing but a derivative of cyan.

Vivo X90s specifications (rumored)

Reports have revealed that the X90s will come equipped with the Dimensity 9200 Plus chipset and offer Wi-Fi 7 connectivity. The rest of its specs are likely to remain identical to those of the Vivo X90, which was announced in November last year.

Hence, the Vivo X90s is expected to feature a 50-megapixel (main) + 12-megapixel (ultra-wide) + 12-megapixel (telephoto) triple camera unit and a 32-megapixel front-facing camera. It will run on the OriginOS 3.0-based Android 13 OS.

The X90S will feature up to 12 GB of LPDDR5x RAM and up to 512 GB of UFS 4.0 storage. It will house a 4,810mAh battery with 100W charging. It will have a 6.78-inch AMOLED display with curved edges. It will offer a Full HD+ resolution of 1260 x 2800 pixels, a 120Hz refresh rate, and an in-screen fingerprint scanner. As per reports, the X90s will be announced this month in China.

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Alienware AW2724DM gaming monitor launched with 27″ 2K 180Hz IPS panel

Back in March, Alienware launched the AW2524H gaming monitor with a jaw-dropping 500Hz refresh rate and an $830 price tag. The brand has now launched another monitor called the AW2724DM, which strikes a good balance between price and performance. Let’s check out its specs and features.

Alienware

Alienware AW2724DM gaming monitor specs

The Alienware 27 Gaming Monitor AW2724DM boasts a 27-inch IPS panel with a resolution of 2560 x 1440, a fast 180Hz refresh rate (DisplayPort(OC), and a swift 1ms response time. The monitor offers excellent color accuracy, covering 99% of the sRGB color space, 95% of the DCI-P3 color space, and 100% of the Rec. 709 color gamut. With a brightness of 350 cd/m2 and a contrast ratio of 1000:1, the visuals are vibrant and vivid.

Alienware

In terms of HDR capabilities, the AW2724DM supports DisplayHDR 400 True Black, enhancing the dynamic range for better contrast and depth. It also supports NVIDIA G-SYNC Compatible, AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, and VESA AdaptiveSync technologies, ensuring smooth and tear-free gameplay.

Alienware

Connectivity options are plentiful, with two DisplayPort 1.4 ports, two HDMI 2.0 ports, a USB-C port with DisplayPort Alt Mode, a USB-C upstream port, and four USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports. Additionally, the monitor is equipped with two 5W speakers for a decent audio experience.

Notable features of the AW2724DM include Alienware ComfortView Plus, which minimizes blue light emissions without compromising color accuracy, Alienware Game Shift, allowing quick performance adjustments with a dedicated button, and Alienware Sound Center, enabling customization of audio settings.

With VESA 100x100mm compatibility, the monitor can be easily mounted. It measures 24.3 x 19.7 x 2.5 inches (61.8 x 50.1 x 6.4 cm) and weighs 11.6 pounds (5.27 kg), making it a compact and lightweight option for gamers seeking high-quality visuals and immersive gaming experiences.

Price & availability

The Alienware AW2724DM 27″ gaming monitor is available to purchase in the US for $399, while it costs €489 in the Eurozone.

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Nokia G42 5G, Nokia G310 5G specifications leaked via Bluetooth SIG listing

Nokia is reportedly working on a mid-range phone called the Nokia G42. The device was recently spotted at the Geekbench benchmarking site, and now it has appeared in the database of the Bluetooth SIG authority.  As can be seen in the screenshot below, another Nokia phone with the Nokia G310 5G moniker has also received Bluetooth certification.

Nokia G42 5G, Nokia G310 5G Bluetooth SIG certified

The Bluetooth SIG certification confirms that Nokia phones with model numbers TA-1573 and TA-1591 / TA-1581 will debut in the market under the Nokia G310 5G and Nokia G42 5G names. Apart from revealing support for Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity, the Bluetooth listings of both phones have revealed their key specifications.

As per the Bluetooth listings, the Nokia G42 5G and the Nokia G310 5G will feature a 6.5-inch LCD panel with a V-shaped notch. The screen will support an HD+ resolution of 720 x 1612 pixels, a 20:9 aspect ratio, a 90Hz refresh rate, and up to 560 nits of brightness. The screen will be protected by a layer of Gorilla Glass 3.

The Snapdragon 480 Plus 5G chipset will be present under the hood of both smartphones. Both devices will come preloaded with the Android 13 OS.

On Geekbench, the Nokia G42 5G was spotted with 4 GB of RAM. Other reports have claimed that it will arrive in a 6 GB RAM variant as well and offer up to 128 GB of storage. At present, there is no information available on the camera configurations or battery size of the device.

As can be seen above, the Nokia G42 5G and Nokia G310 5G have the same display and chipset. It is currently not known whether the other specs of these phones will be the same or different.

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The Company behind Changba Karaoke Launches new VR Camera called “Calf”

Changba Karaoke is a popular mobile karaoke app from China that allows users to sing and record their performances on their smartphones. With a vast library of songs and adjustable features like key and tempo, users can customize their karaoke experience. The app offers real-time audio and video effects, and users can share their recordings with others on the platform, participate in competitions, and follow their favorite singers. Changba Karaoke has become a cultural phenomenon, contributing to the digital growth of karaoke culture. Now, Changba, the company behind this famous Karaoke app, has launched a new VR camera.

VR is a strong market right now, & Changba wants to harness its potential

Changba’s founder, Chen Hua, recently announced the company’s foray into the VR field. Their VR camera, named “Calf,” along with bundled VR software, aims to tap into the immersive experience offered by VR technology. With the rising popularity and investment in VR video, Changba hopes to leverage this market’s potential.

Changba VR Camera

The first VR camera developed by Changba’s team, called “Flying,” took a year and a half to build and supports various functions such as VR180 camera, video, live broadcasting, and 3D flat video. The camera will be crowdfunded in the US market on the 20th of the month. Additionally, Changba’s VR software is already available on the Meta Quest store, the largest overseas VR application store. The Kaifei camera comes with one-click upload and live broadcasting features, allowing users to easily share their VR content on the Kaifei Cloud and Kaifei App or integrate with third-party platforms for distance education, video conferencing, and more.

However, Changba’s transition to VR video poses a lot of challenges. Number one is competition where established manufacturers like Google, Facebook, and Insta360 have their own VR camera products and platforms. Addressing users’ demands for high-quality VR video content and experience is another hurdle, considering Kaifei’s current limited resolution of 1080p, which may not meet the expectations of VR devices with 4K screens. Furthermore, Changba must explore ways to integrate and enhance its original music community resources to promote and enrich VR video content. There are also plans to potentially introduce the Kaifei camera to the Chinese market in the future.

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Meta’s AI Vision is Crumbling, One-Third of AI Researchers left Last Year

Meta, the tech giant formerly known as Facebook, is facing significant challenges in the field of artificial intelligence (AI), as it struggles to retain top talent and keep up with competitors like OpenAI. Despite CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s heavy investment in AI, recent layoffs and the departure of key researchers have slowed down Meta’s progress in this area.

Amidst ongoing tech layoffs and growing competition, Meta is struggling to find footing

Over the past year, Meta has lost a substantial portion of its AI research team, which has had a direct impact on its ability to compete with industry leaders. Factors such as job burnout and a lack of confidence in Meta’s direction have contributed to this scenario. Even Yann LeCun, whom Zuckerberg hired in 2013 to lead Meta’s AI efforts, was not invited to the recent “Companies at the Frontier of Artificial Intelligence Innovation” summit hosted by the White House. Officials from other major companies such as Google and OpenAI were present at the same event, however.

Meta

Recognizing the need for a course correction, Meta employees are urging the company to adopt a new direction in AI. They want the company to rectify past mistakes that led to a shift away from generative AI, a field in which Meta had previously shown promise.

Under LeCun’s leadership, Meta’s AI researchers encountered difficulties in effectively promoting large language models and making breakthroughs with large-scale models like ChatGPT. Despite this, Zuckerberg praised the company’s recent advances in AI during a meeting with employees in June, citing many major breakthroughs in generative AI.

Last year, Meta experienced a significant loss of researchers, many of whom cited burnout or doubts about the company’s future plans in AI. The release of OpenAI’s ChatGPT in November further accelerated the talent drain from Meta, as employees sought opportunities elsewhere.

Another AI competitor, Midjourney, gained substantial traction within a mere year of its launch. The platform’s popular AI-generated images rapidly spread across the internet, strengthening its reputation and attracting attention.

Internally, confidence in Meta’s leadership has drastically decreased. An internal survey conducted between April and May revealed that only 26 percent of Meta employees expressed confidence in the company’s direction. Meta has yet to comment on these findings.

In his February earnings report, Zuckerberg declared 2023 as “the year of efficiency.” The company’s November layoffs, which affected over 11,000 workers, and subsequent project closures were part of this efficiency drive. However, it remains to be seen whether these measures will be sufficient to address Meta’s AI challenges and regain its competitive edge in the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence.

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Tesla Cybertruck Prototype Spotted in New Zealand, Nearing Production Phase

The highly anticipated Tesla Cybertruck, an all-electric pickup truck, has been making waves in the automotive industry with its futuristic design and impressive performance capabilities. Tesla first announced the Cybertruck on November 21, 2019. During a special event held in Los Angeles, California, Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, unveiled the Cybertruck to the public. The announcement generated significant attention and sparked discussions about the vehicle’s unique design and features. The company had opened their preorders shortly thereafter, and in a matter of days, the truck was completely prebooked. However, some three and a half years later, the Cybertruck still hasn’t launched amongst the public. Recent reports had stated that Tesla is gearing up to produce a staggering 375,000 Cybertrucks annually, with candidate models set to be launched by the end of August. Another recent statement from Tesla states that deliveries of this vehicle are scheduled to begin around the end of the third quarter of 2023, likely in late September.

While Tesla tests its vehicles in Alaska as well, New Zealand is quite cold this time of year

Excitement surrounding the Cybertruck has reached new heights as Tesla is ramping up its production. Previous reports by Electrek suggested that Tesla had instructed suppliers to gear up for the launch of a Cybertruck prototype in late August, followed by production commencement in early October. Recent developments have further bolstered these expectations, with leaked images from Tesla’s Texas Gigafactory revealing glimpses of production in progress.

Cybertruck

In an intriguing turn of events, a Cybertruck prototype has been sighted in New Zealand after being unloaded from a plane at an airport. Despite being concealed, the distinctive shape and appearance of the vehicle easily gave away its identity as the much-anticipated Cybertruck. This move by Tesla comes as no surprise, as the company has previously utilized the local proving ground in New Zealand for winter testing of their vehicles. While Tesla primarily conducts winter tests in Alaska, they take advantage of the southern hemisphere’s summer season to evaluate vehicle performance in New Zealand.

The sighting of the Cybertruck prototype suggests that Tesla may be conducting final testing in preparation for production. Given the Cybertruck’s impressive features, such as its four drive motors, all-wheel drive capabilities, and rear-wheel steering, it is expected to excel in challenging conditions like snow and ice. Only time will tell if Tesla’s meticulous testing and development process will meet the high standards set by the company.

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Apple’s Vision Pro Headset may be a Game-Changer in the field of Surgery & Medicine

Apple’s first big step into the world of mixed reality is set to make waves in the medical field, with its first-ever headset, Vision Pro, set to revolutionize surgical procedures. Apple enthusiasts can look forward to purchasing this one-of-a-kind device early next year through Apple’s official website and retail stores across the United States. While it will initially be available in the US, plans are underway to introduce it to more countries and regions worldwide. The price tag for this innovative headset launched just last week is set at a hefty $3,499.

Virtual Displays can assist doctors performing surgery in real-time

What sets Vision Pro apart is not just its potential to enhance productivity, but also it’s potential to save lives. Medical professionals are already hailing it as a game-changer, with some even stating that it can grant doctors “superpowers.” Among those excited about its prospects is Dr. Rafael Grossmann, a highly regarded general surgeon known for his expertise in robotic surgery. Dr. Grossmann made headlines in the past as the first surgeon to live-stream a surgery using Google Glass. Now, he believes Apple’s Vision Pro can take surgical procedures to new heights by providing real-time data and assisting doctors in making critical decisions during operations.

Apple Vision Pro

Dr. Grossmann explained, “In the operating room, you can use mixed reality to collect data that helps you perform surgery simultaneously, with relevant information right before your eyes.” This immersive technology, powered by spatial computing, allows virtual displays to appear anywhere within the surgical space, offering doctors easy access to critical information while they operate and some anomaly comes up, or the doctors simply need to access reference material.

As the official launch of Apple Vision Pro approaches, medical professionals eagerly await its verification and validation in surgical scenarios. If successful, this groundbreaking headset could bring in a new era of medical innovation, equipping surgeons with essential information at their fingertips and forever changing the landscape of modern medicine.

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Honor 90 Lite 5G European price tipped ahead of July 6 launch

The Honor 90 Lite smartphone was recently added to Honor’s French website without the accompanying price information. The official price of the device is set to be disclosed on July 6. However, a leaked price has surfaced ahead of the official announcement, courtesy of tipster Sudhanshu Ambhore.

Honor 90 Lite
Honor 90 Lite 5G

According to Ambhore’s tweet, the Honor 90 Lite 5G with 8GB RAM and 256GB storage will cost EUR 299 across the EU. The device will be up for grabs in color options like Midnight Black, Titanium Silver, and Cyan Lake. Let’s take a look at its specs and features.

Honor 90 Lite 5G specs

The Honor 90 Lite features a 6.7-inch LTPS LCD panel with a 19.9:9 aspect ratio, FHD+ resolution, and a smooth 90Hz refresh rate. Under the hood, it is equipped with the capable Dimensity 6020 chipset paired with 8 GB of RAM. The device offers ample storage with its 256 GB capacity and runs on MagicOS 7.1, which is based on Android 13.

Honor 90 Lite

For capturing selfies, the 90 Lite sports a 16-megapixel front-facing camera. On the rear, it features a powerful camera setup consisting of a 108-megapixel primary camera, a 5-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and a 2-megapixel macro camera.

A 4,500mAh battery powers the device, supporting 22.5W fast charging for convenient usage. Additional features include a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for enhanced security, dual SIM capability, 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, GPS, and a USB-C port.

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Realme Buds Air 5 Pro could launch globally on July 10, officially teased

At the Realme 11 Pro series Indian launch, the brand also teased the Realme Buds Air 5 Pro for the country. Although the brand has not confirmed the launch date, the device has cleared the Bureau of Indian Standards certification. Now, the global launch of the earbuds has also been teased.

According to the latest teaser, the brand will be launching the earbuds at an affordable price in the global market. Although the post mentions June 10 as the launch date, it is most likely a typo, and instead, the earbuds will likely debut on July 10. No further details have been shared in the post, so let’s check out the specs and features of these earbuds.

Realme Buds Air 5 Pro specs

Realme

The Buds Air 5 Pro features an 11mm dynamic driver along with secondary 6mm drivers. With active noise cancellation capabilities of up to 50 dB, it effectively blocks out external disturbances for an immersive listening experience. For crystal-clear phone calls, the earbuds are equipped with triple built-in microphones that utilize AI technology to cancel out background noise. Additionally, these earbuds support Spatial sound effects and the LDAC codec, further enhancing the audio quality and creating a captivating audio environment.

The Realme Buds Air 5 Pro ensures a long-lasting audio experience with its robust battery performance. Powered by a 460mAh battery in the case and with each earbud backed by a 60mAh cell, these earphones offer an impressive total battery life of 40 hours. Furthermore, the TWS earphones are IPX5-rated water-resistant, making them suitable for active lifestyles and protecting them from splashes and sweat. They also feature Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, ensuring stable and seamless connections with your devices.

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Biden’s Push for Affordable High-Speed Internet includes $930 Million in Grants

In a recent tweet, President Joe Biden emphasized the importance of high-speed internet as a necessity rather than a luxury. Acknowledging the digital divide that persists across the United States, his administration has committed to investing in expanding access to affordable high-speed internet. This ambitious endeavour aims to bridge the gap and ensure that all Americans can reap the benefits of a connected world.

Rural areas suffer from infrastructure issues and lower population density, both major setbacks

Affordable high-speed internet is a game-changer, levelling the playing field for individuals, communities, and businesses. The digital divide refers to the socio-economic gap between those who have access to reliable internet connectivity and those who do not. It limits opportunities for education, employment, healthcare, and social engagement, contributing to already existing inequalities. By addressing this disparity, the Biden administration strives to empower underserved communities and foster a more inclusive society.

Biden

Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo compared the initiative to the construction of the interstate highway system. Just as the highways connected communities and facilitated economic growth, affordable high-speed internet access will serve as the backbone for progress in the digital age. It will connect communities across the nation to regional and national networks, unlocking new opportunities for innovation, education, telemedicine, and entrepreneurship.

The task of expanding affordable high-speed internet access is not without its hurdles. Rural areas, in particular, face unique challenges due to geographic constraints, limited infrastructure, and lower population density. Implementing robust connectivity solutions in these regions requires careful planning, increased investment, and innovative approaches. The Biden administration’s commitment to overcoming these obstacles should ensure that no community is left behind in the digital revolution.

Affordable high-speed internet is a lifeline for students and educators. It enables remote learning, access to online resources, and virtual collaboration, bridging educational gaps and providing equal opportunities for all. Additionally, it opens up avenues for remote work, giving individuals the flexibility to pursue employment opportunities regardless of their geographic location. By breaking down barriers to education and employment, affordable Internet serves as a catalyst for economic growth and social mobility.

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Microsoft Strengthens Defenses Against Layer 7 DDoS Attacks

In response to a series of Layer 7 Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, Microsoft has taken swift action to enhance its security measures and protect its customers. The attacks, initiated by a threat actor known as Storm-1359, targeted Microsoft’s services, causing temporary disruptions in availability. However, there is no evidence to suggest that customer data has been compromised.

Microsoft is recommending Level 7 Azure Web Application Firewall Services for its users

Microsoft’s investigation revealed that Storm-1359 employs a combination of tactics, including accessing multiple virtual private servers (VPS), rented cloud infrastructure, open proxies, and DDoS tools. Unlike traditional DDoS attacks that focus on Layer 3 or 4, these recent attacks specifically targeted Layer 7, posing a greater challenge to mitigation efforts.

Microsoft

To address this new wave of attacks, Microsoft has hardened its Layer 7 protections by fine-tuning the Azure Web Application Firewall (WAF). This proactive measure aims to shield customers from the impact of similar DDoS attacks. While the existing tools and techniques have proven highly effective in mitigating disruptions, Microsoft remains committed to continuous improvement.

To assist customers in fortifying their own environments against similar attacks, Microsoft encourages them to review the technical details and recommended actions provided. By implementing the suggested measures, customers can enhance the resilience of their systems and minimize the potential impact of Layer 7 DDoS attacks.

Microsoft’s analysis of Storm-1359 revealed that the threat actor possesses a collection of botnets and tools capable of launching DDoS attacks from various cloud services and open proxy infrastructures. Storm-1359 appears primarily motivated by disruption and seeking publicity through its activities.

The attacks launched by Storm-1359 encompass several types of Layer 7 DDoS attacks. These include the HTTP(S) flood attack, which overwhelms system resources with an excessive load of SSL/TLS handshakes and HTTP(S) requests. Additionally, Storm-1359 employs cache bypass techniques to overload origin servers by sending queries against generated URLs, effectively bypassing the CDN layer. Another attack method utilized is Slowloris, where the attacker opens a connection to a web server, requests a resource, and then deliberately fails to acknowledge or accept the download. This forces the server to keep the connection and requested resource in memory, causing resource depletion.

To mitigate the impact of Layer 7 DDoS attacks, Microsoft recommends customers utilize layer 7 protection services such as Azure Web Application Firewall (WAF), which is available with Azure Front Door and Azure Application Gateway. Customers should also block IP addresses and ranges identified as malicious and consider implementing rate limiting or redirection of traffic from outside or within specific regions. By creating custom WAF rules to automatically block and rate limit HTTP or HTTPS attacks with known signatures, organizations can further fortify their defenses against Layer 7 DDoS attacks.

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Asus Zenbook 14 Flip OLED UP3404 Review: Unique Product With Some Flaws

Asus recently released its 2023 refresh of the Zenbook 14 Flip OLED (UP3404) convertible laptop in India. The new-gen model arrives with a number of differences compared to last year’s model (UP5401).

For starters, the latest version is powered by 13th Gen Intel P series chips instead of 12th Gen H series processors. It is backed by a slightly larger battery but supports slower charging.

Further, the newer notebook lacks a MicroSD card reader, a fingerprint sensor, and a privacy shutter for the webcam. But in return, it comes with an IR camera for Windows Hello face authentication and an FHD webcam.

Overall, the 2023 model seems like a variant, rather than a successor. But it still starts at ₹1,09,990, which makes it ₹10,000 costlier than its predecessor.

Asus India sent me a unit of this new computer to try out. After using it for a couple of weeks, I have expressed my thoughts on it in this review. Before I begin, I would like to inform you that Asus had no early look or editorial input.

The Asus Zenbook 14 Flip OLED sports a metal body. The device is sturdy and does not flex anywhere. It is even MIL-STD 810H-certified for durability. You also get a carrying sleeve in the box.

The laptop has distinctive lines on its lid, which make it stand out as they are not found on older models. It can be availed in either Foggy Silver or Ponder Blue color options. I received the former.

The 360° ErgoLift hinge is smooth and feels strong. The computer weighs about 1.5kg and its chassis measure 15.9mm in thickness.

You get all the required I/O ports, such as a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, 2 x Thunderbolt 4 with support for display out as well as power delivery, a full-size HDMI 2.1, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

The notebook is fitted with a full-size backlit keyboard featuring keys with 1.4mm key travel. I had no issues while typing on it. The trackpad is large and it has an integrated numpad that can be turned on when required.

Anyways, as with any product, its design is not perfect. The sharp edges of the notebook do look good but they hurt at the same time. The computer can cause injury if you accidentally drop it on your feet or hit someone.

What’s more frustrating is the lack of a side power key. Being a 2-in-1 convertible laptop, which is designed to be used at multiple angles, it does not make sense for Asus to skip this.

Also, one of the notebook’s coolest features is flawed. The integrated numpad that I discussed above is not visible clearly outdoors. Perhaps, the visibility is better on the blue color variant.

The main highlight of this laptop is its display, which is even included in its name. It arrives with a 14-inch OLED panel with a 16:10 aspect ratio and an 87% screen-to-body ratio. It supports touch as well as stylus inputs.

The screen offers a resolution of 2880 x 1800 pixels and a 90Hz refresh rate. The typical brightness level is rated at 400 nits, while the HDR peak brightness level is said to be 550 nits.

Though the on-paper specs sound amazing, I found the display to be lacking in some areas. First and foremost, the default color profile (Native) shows unnatural colors. 

For regular usage, I found the sRGB profile to be better than others, including DCI-P3 and Display P3. You can change it in the MyASUS application,  But if you enable HDR, you cannot modify the color profile.

Talking about HDR, you don’t get Dolby Vision, which is now common on consumer devices. Also, streaming apps cannot play HDR content. It is only supported for local files and YouTube on the browser.

Being an OLED panel, it gives you deep blacks, which results in an excellent contrast ratio. It is great to watch movies and TV series in low light. 

I don’t know the exact value of the screen’s PWM but I did not feel uncomfortable while using it for hours. Also, the 90Hz refresh rate keeps every animation on the display smooth.

The panel’s brightness is good for indoors but I cannot say the same for outdoors. Unfortunately, since the product uses glossy glass protection for its screen, it is also too reflective outside.

Further, the notebook ships with an Asus Pen 2.0 stylus. I am not a stylus person but I tried it nevertheless. The latency is not as great as what you find on iPads and Android tablets, however, it does the job with a surprisingly good hand rejection, which is essential for a large screen.

The display is paired with Harman Kardon-tuned downward-firing dual stereo speakers with support for Dolby Atmos. They sound rich but could have been louder. Also, It is crucial to place the notebook on a hard surface for the best possible sound output. 

As far as performance is concerned, the computer is powered by 13th Gen Intel P series processors. It comes with either i7-1360P or i5-1340P. The review unit has the latter chipset.

The chip is paired with dual-channel 16GB LPDDR5 RAM, and therefore, you get Intel Iris Xe graphics. For storage, it uses a 1TB M.2 NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSD. If required, the storage can be expanded via an empty slot but the RAM is non-expandable as it is soldered.

The laptop has enough power to perform everyday tasks like running browsers with multiple tabs and Microsoft Office suite. The Windows 11 operating system doesn’t stutter whatsoever.

However, the thermal management could have been better. As it only has a single fan and a metal body, the device gets hot under heavy workloads.

As for gaming, I played Death Stranding installed via the Xbox store. Since the title is resource hungry, the game is playable only in the lowest possible graphics and frame rate settings. But the computer should be able to play older popular AAA titles like GTA V in much better quality.

Coming to endurance, even with a large 75 Wh battery, the laptop only lasts around 5-6.5 hours on regular usage. On top of that, it takes more than 2 hours to charge when in use. When not in use, the battery can be filled in about 1.5 hours with the 65W supplied charger.

Finally, the FHD webcam is nothing extraordinary but better than standard 720p cameras. On the other hand, the IR camera does not support presence detection. So you have to press the power key to initiate Windows Hello face authentication. The notebook does not boot up automatically on opening the lid either.

The Asus Zenbook 14 Flip OLED (UP3404) is a unique product. There’s no other product in India with a similar set of features in this price segment.

In simpler words, there’s no proper alternative. This makes it special despite its shortcomings. So if you are looking for a laptop with this feature set, do check it out at a store before making a purchase decision.

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Philips Tableaux with a 25-inch E INK Advanced Color e-paper display Unveiled

Philips has released its latest E INK display that can be used as digital signage. The Philips Tableaux features a 25-inch E INK Advanced Color e-paper display. It is designed for menu boards and can be used as paper-free POS posters among other exciting options. The Philips Tableaux is the first digital signage to use E INK, with the D-Line LCD the common practice.

Philips Tableaux

The Philips Tableaux is the latest in a growing line of Philips products targeting E INK applications. It recently released the Philips business monitor with an LCD screen and a secondary 13.3-inch E INK screen. Philips also has another dedicated 13.3-inch monitor. Philips says the Tableaux opens a new era of display technology to deliver power-free digital signage to businesses. It uses zero power to show static images in 60,000 colors indefinitely, with a very low power requirement to swap to a new image.

Philips Tableaux

The 25-inch E INK display of the Tableaux has over 60,000 colors and can deliver vivid and eye-catching images and crisp messaging. It has a 16:9 aspect ratio which makes the image output to be good.

Philips Tableaux

The Tableaux has 16GB of internal storage and you can upload new content via USB, LAN, or Wi-Fi after connecting to a power source. Content updates on the Tableaux can be managed either manually or remotely by PPDS or other platforms. The Tableaux is being marketed to an array of outlets including retail stores and art galleries. An added advantage of the large display is that the Tableaux can be seen clearly from a distance.

Philips Tableaux

The Philips Tableaux runs on Android 11 and has a typical response time of 36 seconds to update a new image. The Tableaux is available on selected online platforms but pricing information is only available on request.

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Ex-Xiaomi Employee Launches World’s First Android Desktop Robot at 1799 Yuan ($252)

Li Ming, a former founding member of Xiaomi, has introduced the world’s first Android desktop robot through his new venture, JoyfulRobotics. Priced at 1799 yuan ($252), the JoyfulRobotics Desktop Robot boasts an array of innovative features and is set to make waves in the AI+ hardware field.

JoyfulRobotics Android Desktop Robot

JoyfulRobotics Desktop Robot: Features and Design

The robot’s design is characterized by a 2.1-inch circular screen, complemented by “ear-like” extensions on either side, giving it a unique and engaging appearance. Adding to its interactive capabilities, the robot also features movable legs that enable left and right movement.

Li Ming revealed that the robot operates on a proprietary system called GeeUI, which enables a range of human-machine interaction modes. At launch, users will have access to an electronic pet mode, function mode, and hybrid mode. Excitingly, future over-the-air (OTA) updates will unlock the robot’s complete native Android capabilities, allowing users to install Android apps and personalize their experience.

With Chinese voice capabilities, haptic feedback, air gesture control, smartphone mini-programs, and an undisclosed “fifth interaction mode,” the JoyfulRobotics Desktop Robot offers exceptional versatility. It also caters to advanced users by offering a developer edition ROM through OTA updates, granting full root access for extensive customization possibilities.

Standing at a height of 16.5cm, its 2.1-inch circular screen displays various information such as time, word memorization, message reminders, real-time hot topics, countdowns, stocks, and incoming calls. The robot is equipped with both wireless charging capabilities and support for USB-C wired charging. The robot’s interactive abilities are not limited to voice commands; it can also communicate through gestures, touch, and smartphone control, enabling seamless integration with users’ everyday lives.

The global launch of the JoyfulRobotics Desktop Robot is scheduled in collaboration with Tmall, with official sales starting on June 26 at 19:00.

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Oppo A78 4G visits IMDA, hinting at a nearby launch

The Oppo A78 5G is already available for purchase in the Indian market, offering a Dimensity 700 SoC with a 90Hz refresh rate and 33W fast charging. With a price of around $230, the device may not seem very impressive compared to other phones in the same price range. However, it seems that Oppo is preparing to release a new 4G version of the device. The Oppo A78 4G has been spotted on IMDA, hinting at an imminent launch.

Oppo A78 4G will be cheaper than the 5G one

The Oppo A78 4G variant with the model number CPH2565 has appeared on the IMDA certification website. The listing itself does not reveal anything particularly interesting. It confirms the obvious information, such as support for WCDMA, LTE, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, NFC, and GPS. Apart from these details, not much else has been revealed about this upcoming device.

Oppo A78 4g

The 4G in the name of the device suggests it will be priced lower than the Oppo A78 5G (review), which is listed on Amazon India for Rs. 18,999 ($230). It is likely to get a different processor and probably a stripped-down display.

To remind you, the Oppo A78 5G gets a 6.56-inch LCD HD+ display with a maximum refresh rate of 90Hz. It is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 700, paired with 8 GB of LPDDR4x RAM. The handset features an 8MP camera on the front. On the back, you get a dual camera setup that includes a 50MP primary sensor, a 2MP depth shooter, and an LED flash. The Oppo A78 5G packs a 5,000mAh battery with 33W fast charging. It runs on Android 13 OS out of the box, which is overlaid with ColorOS 13. The device weighs 188 grams and measures 7.99mm.

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Logitech G502 wireless mouse launched in China in peach pink/ grape purple options

Logitech has launched the G502 wireless mouse in China. The new Logitech G502 comes with a decent design and functionality. The Logitech G502 LIGHTSPEED is a wireless gaming mouse and is now available on Tmall.

Logitech G502 wireless mouse

The Logitech G502 LIGHTSPEED comes with a design and features that surpass its predecessors. It retains the underlying philosophy of the G502 series with a redesign that brings out the best in gamers. It features several innovative technologies and its internal construction is based on an advanced exoskeleton structure as the Pro model. The G502 LIGHTSPEED wireless mouse is 7g less heavy than its predecessor and features the HERO 25K sensor. The new Logitech wireless gaming mouse supports POWERPLAY and features the advanced LIGHTSPEED wireless technology.

Logitech G502 wireless mouse

A metal spring tension system is at the heart of the main mouse button of the G502 LIGHTSPEED. This triggers quickly and feels stable while operational. There are six adjustable counterweights for different weight and balance configurations. The scroll wheel helps to achieve fast and smooth scrolling and it can be locked to switch to the standard ratchet mode. The Logitech G Hub software enables the seamless customization of the keys for different games and applications like key binding and macros.

Logitech G502 wireless mouse price & availability

As mentioned earlier, the Logitech G502 LIGHTSPEED wireless gaming mouse is available on Tmall and retails for 499 yuan (~$70). It is also available in the resplendent peach pink and grape purple colors.

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Li Auto Unveils New Li MEGA EV with 800 Kilometer Range and 15-Minute Charging Time

The electric vehicle market is growing and evolving rapidly. Tesla is often credited with pioneering this growth, but Chinese manufacturers are quickly catching up. In fact, BYD recently became the world’s leading EV manufacturer. Li Auto is the latest Chinese EV maker to enter the market. The company has announced its new EV, the Li MEGA, which is targeting the high-end market. The Li MEGA is expected to start at $70,160. Here are the details…

Li Auto Family Tech Day: 1st BEV named Li MEGA, aims to be top seller above $70,000 in China

Li Auto has announced its new EV, the Li MEGA, which is targeting the high-end market. The Li MEGA is expected to start at $70,160. The Li MEGA will feature a number of advanced technologies, including a battery that can be fully charged in 15 minutes. Li Auto is also developing a charging solution that will allow for charging power of more than 500 kW.

In addition to the Li MEGA, Li Auto also announced that it will be opening internal testing of its City NOA (Navigation on ADAS) feature in Beijing and Shanghai this month. City NOA is a self-driving feature that allows vehicles to navigate city streets without human input. Li Auto is also developing a new in-car voice assistant called Lixiang Tongxue, which will be powered by Mind GPT.

Lixiang Tongxue will be able to provide a variety of services, including teaching users how to draw or program. Lixiang Tongxue is still under development, but it has the potential to be a powerful and versatile tool for Li Auto owners. With its ability to understand natural language and its wide range of capabilities. However, we have to wait for a while for all these developments.

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Lenovo ThinkStation PX workstation with dual-socket Xeon 4410T and RTX 6000 GPU launched

Lenovo has unveiled the ThinkStation PX flagship workstations in China. The Lenovo ThinkStation PX comes with two-way Xeon scalable processors and up to RTX 6000 flagship graphic card. There are there models in the Lenovo ThinkStation PX lineup. The new generation ThinkStation PX is coming three months after the release of the ThinkStation P5 and P7 workstations.

Lenovo ThinkStation PX workstation

The Lenovo ThinkStation PX drew some design principles from the Aston Martin luxury car. Aston Martin is a high-performance sports car manufacturer and the workstation is reportedly inspired by the DBS luxury sports car. The workstation has adopted some of the aerodynamics that are found in the DBS. The ThinkStation PX adopts a 3D air intake grille on the front. This combines with Lenovo’s three-channel cooling system for maximal airflow. The workstation also has an innovative modular design while the front-mounted storage can be upgraded anytime.

The Lenovo ThinkStation PX has a dual-socket Xeon processor with up to 120 CPU cores. It also comes with improved performance by up to 53% from previous iterations of the model. It supports up to four dual-slot NVIDIA RTX 6000 Ada architecture graphics. The workstation enables users to seamlessly handle complex workflows including creative post-production and CAE simulation activities.

Lenovo ThinkStation PX workstation

The new ThinkStation PX has a capacity of up to 4TB of DDR5 memory. It also provides ultra-high bandwidth through the PCIe Gen 5 high-speed connection.

Lenovo ThinkStation PX workstation price and availability

The Lenovo ThinkStation PX series has the top model priced at 348,799 yuan (~$48,944). It can be purchased directly from JD.com.

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AMD’s FreeSync Panel Replay Could Double Battery Life on Ryzen Laptops

The competition between AMD and Nvidia is fierce. Both companies are known for their hardware, but they are also competing in the software. Now, AMD is preparing to add a new feature to its Linux driver for Ryzen laptops with Display Core Next (DCN) v3.1.4 or newer hardware. This new feature, called FreeSync Panel Replay, will help to reduce power consumption when the screen contents are not changing. Here are the details…

AMD Prepares Linux Driver For New Feature: FreeSync Panel Replay

Sure, here is the text with some minor changes to make it more readable: If you’re a laptop user who isn’t a fan of Apple products, battery life is probably a big concern for you. This is especially true if your job or school requires you to be mobile. Fortunately, AMD is working on a new feature that will help to improve battery life on Ryzen laptops. The new feature, called FreeSync Panel Replay, will help to reduce power consumption when the screen contents are not changing.

AMD Ryzen laptop

FreeSync Panel Replay works by storing a copy of the last frame that was displayed on the screen. When the screen contents do not change, the GPU can simply replay the stored frame instead of rendering a new one. This can help to reduce power usage by reducing the amount of work that the GPU needs to do.

FreeSync Panel Replay is similar to Panel Self Refresh (PSR), another power-saving feature that is available on some laptops. However, FreeSync Panel Replay has several advantages over PSR. First, FreeSync Panel Replay allows the source and sink to remain synchronized, which can help to reduce latency. Second, FreeSync Panel Replay can be used in more use cases than PSR. Third, FreeSync Panel Replay is easier to control than PSR.

It is still too early to say how much power FreeSync Panel Replay can save. However, AMD believes that the feature could be a significant improvement over PSR. The company is currently testing FreeSync Panel Replay and plans to release it in a future version of its Linux driver.

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