Advertisement

TCL Q Class and S Class soundbar series new models unveiled in the US

TCL has unveiled a new range of its Q Class and S Class soundbars in the US. The theme of the new TCL soundbar series is Home theater made better. They come with several features and impressive output. Two soundbars were released from the Q series and three soundbars from the S series.

TCL Q6310 soundbar

The new soundbars feature DTS Virtual X-enhanced surround sound and wireless connectivity. The five new models are the premium 5.1 channel Q6510, Q6310, S4210, S4310, and S4510. The Q Class models support Bluetooth connectivity for wireless audio streaming and the wired connections include HDMI. The models come with dual rear speakers for a decent sound experience.

The Q6310 has a 340W output and a 3.1 channel setup while the Q6510 outputs 430W. The model has a wireless subwoofer in place of separate speakers in the premium model. It however retains support for Dolby Audio and DTS Virtual: X 3D effects. The S4210 is a 2.1-channel soundbar and outputs 200W audio power. On the other hand, the 3.1-channel S4310 outputs 240W while the flagship S4510 soundbar maxes at 300W. The S4310 has a central speaker while the S4510 features dual rear speakers.

Prices & Availability

The three new TCL S Class soundbars are available at a starting price ranging from $149.99 to $229.99. The two Q Class soundbars are priced at $229.99 and $279.99 respectively. vTCL has not provided the global availability details of the new lineup of soundbars. It is however that they may be released in selected markets subsequently.

RELATED:

(source)

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

Sanctions on Russia Fail to Stop Flow of Japanese Semiconductors

The war between Russia and Ukraine has been going on for over a year and a half, and unfortunately, it shows no signs of slowing down. Thousands of people have been killed and billions of dollars worth of damage has been done. Despite this, the two sides have yet to sit down for peace negotiations. Russia has continued to make advances in Ukraine, seemingly unaffected by the embargo that has been imposed on it. However, it appears that Russia may not be as troubled as we thought. Semiconductors made by Japanese manufacturers are still making their way into the country. Here are the details…

China a major transit point for Japanese semiconductors to Russia

Russia has been facing a global backlash for its invasion of Ukraine. Many countries have condemned the invasion and imposed sanctions on Russia, which have caused economic difficulties for the country. Some companies, such as Apple and Samsung, have also withdrawn from Russia. This was intended to put pressure on the Russian government to withdraw from Ukraine, but it has not yet had the desired effect.

Russia semiconductors

Japan has imposed sanctions on Russia, but Japanese-made semiconductors are still finding their way into the country. This is because the semiconductors are being sent through intermediary countries, such as China. Japan’s Foreign Exchange Law only applies to direct exports from Japan, so it is difficult for the Japanese government to stop the flow of semiconductors through third-party countries.

In 2022, Japan exported $11 million worth of semiconductors to Russia. China was the top destination for these exports, accounting for over 70% of the shipments, followed by South Korea and Turkey. The Japanese government has tightened its export controls on semiconductors, but it is still difficult to stop the flow of these products to Russia. Unfortunately, it is unknown whether this extra measures will work or not.

RELATED:

(via)

Redmi Offers 3-Month Free Spotify Subscription with Redmi Buds 4 Active

Redmi India, often surprising its users with special proRedmi India, often surprising its users with special promotions and surprises, has made another announcement that will surely delight you. If you enjoy listening to music and are considering buying a new pair of headphones, this campaign is just for you. The company is offering a 3-month free Spotify subscription to everyone who purchases the Redmi Buds 4 Active. Here are the details…

How to get 3-Month Free Spotify Subscription with Redmi Buds 4 Active?

The Redmi Buds 4 Active are an excellent choice for wireless earbuds, boasting numerous features that music enthusiasts will appreciate. They offer long-lasting battery life, active noise cancellation, and are designed for comfort. Moreover, these earbuds are water-resistant, providing worry-free usage even in wet weather. And now, thanks to these fantastic earbuds, you can also become the owner of a 3-month free Spotify subscription.

To get the free Spotify subscription, simply purchase the Redmi Buds 4 Active from Amazon India, the sale starts on June 20th. Once you have purchased the earbuds, you will receive a code that you can redeem for a 3-month free subscription to Spotify.

Redmi Buds 4 Active:

FeatureSpecification
BluetoothBluetooth 5.3
Driver size12mm dynamic driver
Noise cancellationEnvironmental noise cancellation
Battery lifeUp to 5 hours per earbud, up to 30 hours with charging case
Charging timeApprox. 42 minutes (earbuds) / 1.5 hours (charging case)
WeightApprox. 3.6g per earbud, 41.2g with charging case
DimensionsEarbuds: 31.1 x 20.9 x 22.5mm, Charging case: 63.2 x 53.4 x 24mm
Other featuresGoogle Fast Pair, touch controls, IPX4 water resistance, 60ms low latency mode
PriceRs 1,399

RELATED:

Elon Musk Expects Neuralink’s First Human Trial to Kick Off This Year

Elon Musk, the co-founder of Neuralink, has revealed that the highly anticipated human trial will begin at some point this year. This development comes after Neuralink received approval from the US government. Musk revealed that the initial trial will involve the implantation of the company’s technology in a patient who is tetraplegic or paraplegic.

Despite ongoing investigations regarding its animal experiments, Neuralink has received clearance from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to proceed with its first-in-human clinical trial. This milestone approval marks a significant step for Neuralink, as it strives to revolutionize the field of brain-computer interfaces. The trial is aimed at evaluating the safety and efficacy of Neuralink’s technology in humans and holds potential promise for individuals suffering from paralysis-related conditions.

During his appearance at the VivaTech event in Paris, Elon Musk, who is also the CEO of Tesla, Twitter, and SpaceX, revealed the company’s plan to implant neural implants in a human recipient sometime this year. The announcement highlights Neuralink’s ambition to advance the field of brain-computer interfaces.

Musk shared this development with attendees at the event, stating that the procedure would be broadcasted via a webcast. The implantation, expected to be a significant milestone for Neuralink, signifies their progress towards achieving their goal of enhancing human capabilities through brain-chip technology. With Musk’s multi-faceted leadership across various groundbreaking ventures, the announcement has generated considerable anticipation regarding the potential implications of Neuralink’s advancements in neural implants.

Musk refrained from disclosing specific details about the forthcoming human trial and did not provide information regarding the number of patients involved or the trial’s duration.

Neuralink achieved a significant milestone in May when it received clearance from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its initial human clinical trial. The FDA’s approval marks an important step for the company, as it paves the way for Neuralink to explore the safety and efficacy of its groundbreaking technology in human subjects. The trial holds great potential for the future of brain-computer interfaces and has generated considerable interest among researchers, medical professionals, and the general public alike.

Nueralink’s Animal Trial Controversy:

Neuralink is currently facing an investigation in the United States concerning its handling of animal experiments. Former employees of Neuralink have come forward with allegations that the company conducted surgeries on monkeys, pigs, and sheep in a rushed and mishandled manner, leading to avoidable animal fatalities. 

These experiments were reportedly conducted as part of Neuralink’s efforts to gather data in support of their application for human trials and were done under immense pressure from Musk. 

The investigation into Neuralink’s practices sheds light on concerns regarding the company’s approach to animal experiments. Allegations of inadequate surgical procedures and unnecessary animal deaths have raised questions about the company’s adherence to proper protocols and ethical standards. As Neuralink strives to pioneer advancements in brain-computer interfaces, the investigation serves as a reminder of the importance of thorough and responsible research practices, particularly in the field of experimental medical technologies.

Experts say that Neuralink’s path to commercial use clearance may extend beyond a decade, despite demonstrating device safety in humans.  The company also faces competition from other neurotech firms that have already implemented their devices. 

Related:

(via)

Intel to Build New Chip Plant in Germany with €10 Billion Government Subsidy

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on the technology industry. Many companies have realized the risks of relying on a single region for production, and are now looking to diversify their supply chains. For example, Apple has started manufacturing some of its iPhones in India. In a similar move, Germany and Intel have agreed on a deal that will see the US chipmaker receive €10 billion in subsidies to build a semiconductor manufacturing facility in Germany. Here are the details…

Germany, Intel Agree Chip Plant Subsidies Worth €10 Billion

As we mentioned before, technology companies are investing in production in different countries. This is good news for the regions where these companies invest, as it means economic development and job creation. Governments are signing agreements with tech giants to provide them with incentives and infrastructure facilities. The latest of these agreements was signed between Germany and Intel.

The agreement, which was signed by Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger on Monday, will see Intel build a new chip plant in the city of Magdeburg. The plant is expected to create thousands of jobs and cost around €30 billion to build. A significant part of this will be paid by Germany.

The subsidies will come in the form of both financial aid and price caps on energy. The financial aid will be used to help Intel cover the cost of building the plant, while the price caps on energy will help to keep costs down for Intel once the plant is operational. The agreement is a major boost for Intel, which has been looking to expand its manufacturing capacity in Europe.

The agreement is also a major win for Germany, which is looking to become a leading producer of semiconductors. The country has a strong manufacturing base, and the new chip plant will help to create jobs and boost economic growth. The new chip plant in Magdeburg is expected to be operational by 2027.

RELATED:

(via)

Ford Acknowledges China’s Significant Lead in Electric Vehicles over the United States

In a recent interview with CNN, Ford Motor Executive Chairman Bill Ford expressed his belief that the United States is not yet adequately prepared to compete with China in the field of electric vehicle (EV) production. 

Ford highlighted China’s rapid development and large-scale production of EVs, noting that they have swiftly become major players in the global market and are even exporting their products. He emphasized the need for the United States to be prepared for the arrival of Chinese EV manufacturers in the country.

While Chinese EV companies have yet to establish a significant presence in the American market, Ford acknowledged that it is only a matter of time before they expand their operations to the US. In response to this anticipated competition, Ford underlined the importance of readiness and stated that steps are being taken by the American automotive industry to prepare for future challenges in the EV sector.

Ford’s remarks reflect the recognition within the automotive industry that China has made substantial strides in EV production and is currently ahead in terms of scale and market presence. The comments also underscore the urgency felt by American automakers to enhance their capabilities and stay competitive in the rapidly growing global EV market, where China has emerged as a dominant force.

The recent revelation of Ford Motor’s plan to invest $3.5 billion in building an electric vehicle (EV) battery facility in Michigan has sparked interest, primarily due to its partnership with Chinese battery company CATL. This collaboration has prompted U.S. Senator Marco Rubio to call on the Biden administration to carefully examine the details of the agreement.

Bill Ford clarified that the Michigan battery plant would be owned entirely by Ford and staffed by their employees. The collaboration with CATL would involve licensing their technology for use by Ford engineers. Ford emphasized that the purpose of the partnership was to enable their engineers to learn from the technology and subsequently utilize it independently.

Ford’s clarification aimed to assuage any apprehensions regarding the partnership and underline the company’s commitment to leveraging the opportunity to enhance its EV capabilities. By establishing the battery plant and collaborating with CATL, Ford aims to acquire valuable knowledge and insights that will contribute to their own EV technology advancements and help them stay competitive in the rapidly evolving electric vehicle market.

Related:

(via)

Tecno Pova 5 4G live image revealed along with key specs

Last week, we got the first glimpse of the Tecno Pova 5 4G smartphone via a leaked dummy model courtesy of tipster Paras Guglani. The tipster has now leaked the live images of the actual device in collaboration with Tecnobugg.

Tecno

The device pretty much looks exactly like the dummy shared earlier but with a few added details on the back. Instead of a boring frat back, the brand appears to be going for a metallic look with a titled oval as the centerpiece. The camera island is all glass with two large cutouts and a smaller one beside the LED flash. Other than the image, the tipster has also shared some key specifications of the device.

Tecno Pova 5 4G specs

According to the report, the upcoming Tecno Pova 5 4G smartphone will feature a 6.82-inch punch-hole IPS LCD display with an HD+ resolution, a 20.5:9 aspect ratio, and a smooth 90Hz refresh rate. The device will sport a 50MP primary camera, a 2MP secondary camera, and an 8MP front camera, offering versatile photography capabilities.

An earlier leak revealed that the device will feature a MediaTek Helio G99 chipset. It will run on the HiOS 12.0 overlay based on Android 13, providing an enhanced user experience and Widevine L1 support for HD content streaming on OTT platforms. With a 6,000mAh battery, the Pova 5 4G is expected to support 45W fast charging. The smartphone will be available in two color options, namely Amber Gold and Mecha Black, and offer up to 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage.

RELATED:

(Source)

Following USB-C standardization, EU now wants smartphones to feature replaceable batteries

The EU (European Union) is apparently planning on bring back an old staple feature that has almost completely disappeared from the smartphone industry. A new rule is being pushed for the return of batteries that can be replaced by users.

EU to wants to bring back replaceable batteries within the next five years

The European Parliament recently approved a new rule that is based around the production, design, and recycling of all rechargeable batteries that are being sold in the region. This new rule will not only electric vehicles but even portable batteries for mobile devices like smartphones, tablets, and more. It will require manufacturers to make design changes that will allow users to remove the batteries and replace them on their own. This is also in line with one of our previous reports regarding removable batteries returning.

EU

As of right now, the removable battery design has been nearly replaced for sealed battery packs that require special tools and knowledge to remove. Notably, this news also arrives after the EU also pushed for a USB Type C standardization, which is forcing Apple to comply for its future iPhones and other products. The move seeks to help in easier recovery and recycling of old batteries and reducing the overall waste.

This new rule will go into effect by early 2027, but the EU might postpone this based on the manufactures ability to make such a major redesign. Keep in mind that the sealed smartphones also help in bringing better protection against the elements and were also seen as a cost cutting measure for the companies. It remains to be seen how different OEMs respond to this decision so stick around for more updates.

RELATED:

(Via)

Google Designers Reveal The Design Details Behind The Pixel Fold

Last month,  Google unveiled its first-ever foldable phone called the Pixel Fold. The search giant previously revealed that it was indeed working on a second foldable phone that didn’t make it to the market. Now, in an interview with Engadget, two Google Product Managers have revealed more information on the Pixel Fold’s various aspects. Read on to know more below. 

More details on the Pixel Fold revealed

Google-Pixel-Fold (1)

The interview highlights how Google’s Pixel Fold differs from Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold. The former has a compact form factor with a wider aspect ratio that resembles a passport. One of the product managers on the Pixel Fold team, Hwang says that Google wanted to make the foldable phone’s exterior display usable so that users can use it like a regular phone for quick interactions without having to open the device. The search giant focussed on exterior display first unlike other brands that focus on interior screen. 

Hwang also reveals the Pixel Fold’s hinge, bezels, crease, and camera system. The Pixel Fold team designed a unique hinge mechanism that relocates the hinges to the very edge of the device. It reduced the thickness of the device, increased the difference between interior and exterior screen sizes, and Google was also able to make a phone that folds completely flat. The Pixel Fold’s bezels on the interior display were widely criticized, however, Hwang explained that Google opted for bezels to avoid using an under-display camera, improved durability and water resistance, and to provide a resting area for hands. The search giant also decided on a hybrid approach that produces a water drop-like fold instead of a full crease for minimizing the visibility of the crease. 

Hardware and software are important parameters to enhance the foldable phone’s capabilities. Andrea Zvinakis, Product Manager from the Android Platforms team highlighted the importance of continuity and posture for the Pixel Fold. The former refers to the position of the phone’s screen from open to closed and every angle in between. She added that posture detection can enable dual-screen interpreter mode that allows two people to see different languages translated in real-time on each side of the screen. Zvinakis also mentioned other features such as a taskbar, dual shade, and split-screen. 

Related:  

 via

Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra screen replaced for free after green line display problem

Samsung has taken a customer-centric approach by offering a free screen replacement for Galaxy Note 20 Ultra users who encountered a display issue after installing a recent software update. The problem manifested as green and pink lines appearing vertically across the screen following the installation of the June 2023 security update.

Samsung Resolves Green Line Issue for Free

While this issue has been reported in India, it is not isolated to this region, as other Samsung smartphone models and even devices from other brands utilizing Samsung Display’s OLED screens have also encountered similar problems. Recently a user reported a similar pink line issue on Samsung Galaxy S21 following May 2023 update.

Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra green line issue

Although Samsung has not officially acknowledged the issue at this time, the company promptly responded to one Galaxy Note 20 Ultra user (@CoconutShawarma) and replaced both the OLED screen and the battery free of charge. Despite the affected device being out of warranty, Samsung took responsibility for the issue, potentially indicating a fault with either the software or the OLED screen itself.

Samsung’s proactive approach in resolving this matter is commendable. However, if the issue is indeed caused by faulty software or display panels, it is crucial for the company to address the problem globally and extend the same free replacement offer to all Galaxy users worldwide who have encountered similar issues.

Overall, Samsung’s gesture of replacing the affected Galaxy Note 20 Ultra screens and batteries free of charge demonstrates their commitment to customer satisfaction, and it highlights the importance of promptly addressing potential hardware or software concerns for a seamless user experience.

RELATED:

(Source, Via)

Sony announces new 50MP LYTIA image sensors for mobile devices

Back in November 2022, Sony had officially unveiled the new LYTIA branding for its new range of image sensors that were built specifically for mobile devices. Now, the company has finally revealed a couple of new image sensors from this new lineup. So here are all the details.

Sony LYTIA series brings new 50MP image sensors

Previously, the company offered its IMX series for its latest and most advanced image sensors. And now, it appears to be expanding its image sensor lineup that will be offered to different mobile platforms. Although, it is still unclear if the LYTIA brand will eventually replace the IMX series or simply co-exist alongside it. Sony’s Semiconductor Solutions unit will launch new sensors that effectively have a 50 megapixel across the lineup.

Sony

The base model is the new LYT500, which has a small 1/2.93 inch sensor with 0.6 micron pixels. On the other hand, the higher end LYT700 is HDR enabled and features a 1/1.56 inch sensor size. The higher end LYT800 is for premium devices and is the first imaging CMOS to support a “2 layer transistor pixel structure, enabling excellent saturation signal level”. However, the lineup doesn’t end there with a flagship sensor dubbed the LYT900 built for top end devices.

This model offers a 1 inch (1/0.98 inches) sensor and will likely make its way to flagship grade smartphones. It is unclear which models will feature these new image sensors, but it will likely be found in models like the next gen Oppo Find X series phone or Xiaomi’s numbered series’ Ultra grade models. So stick around for more updates.

RELATED:

(Via)

Baseus D03 Wireless Headphone With 40mm Driver, 30 Hours Battery Life Launched

Baseus has expanded its range of audio devices. The brand has announced a new wireless headphone dubbed Baseus D03. Last month, the company had launched the Bowie M2s and Baseus H1i TWS ANC headphones. Read on to know more about the latest offering. 

Baseus D03 specifications and features

The Baseus D03 is an over-ear wireless headphone with an adjustable metal headband. The ear cushions are soft and large for a comfortable experience during long listening hours. The earcups can also be rotated to 95 degrees for different usage scenarios. The headphones feature multi-functional buttons on one side. 

In terms of audio, the Baseus D03 over-ear wireless headphone is equipped with a 40mm dynamic driver for a rich and balanced sound output. It supports low-latency mode and a binaural delay of 0.08 seconds. The audio device supports Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity and a range of 10 meters. The headset also comes with a 3.5mm jack for connecting to other devices via a wired cable when the battery runs out. The Baseus D03 is powered by a 300mAh battery unit that is claimed to last 30 hours on a single usage and can be topped up via a USB-C port. 

The Baseus D03 over-ear wireless headphone is priced at Yuan 109. It is offered in White, Grey, and Black color, and can be purchased from JD.com.

Related:  

Wiko Hi Enjoy 60 Pro 5G to launch soon with pill cutout, SD695 chip, triple cameras, and more

It has been more than 3 years since Huawei released a first-party 5G smartphone. However, in the last couple of years, the company managed to launch certain handsets with 5G support under different names with partnerships.

One of these partners is Wiko, a brand that releases select Huawei budget smartphones with 5G support. The last device from the brand was just launched in April and it is already gearing up to debut another.

A new Wiko 5G handset has been listed in the product library of China Telecom. Let’s go through the details.

Wiko Hi Enjoy 60 Pro 5G

The new Wiko product is surprisingly not a rebranded Huawei smartphone

Wiko’s upcoming device is officially called Wiko Hi Enjoy 60 Pro 5G. Though it sounds like a 5G version of Huawei Enjoy 60 Pro that was released in May, it is not.

The new 5G-enabled Wiko phone not only has different specs but also a non-identical design. It has a single circular camera island on the rear and curved sides.

The handset is built around a 6.67-inch display (LCD) with a pill-shaped cutout on the top left corner. The screen offers a resolution of 2367×1080 pixels and a 120Hz refresh rate.

The smartphone is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 chipset paired with 8GB RAM and 128GB/256GB storage. It draws energy from a 4,300mAh battery and boots Android 11.

It features a triple camera system comprising a 64MP primary sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide unit, and a 2 MP unspecified sensor. On the front, it has a 16MP snapper for selfies and video calls.

There’s no MicroSD card slot but the phone comes with a 3.5mm headphone jack, a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, and a USB Type-C port. Last but not least, it measures 161.85 × 74.7 × 8.48mm in dimensions and weighs 195g.

The Wiko Hi Enjoy 60 Pro 5G is listed at ¥1,699 (~$240) and ¥1,899 (~$265) for 8GB + 128GB and 8GB + 256GB memory configurations, respectively. The actual price could be lower and it should be known whenever the phone goes official.

RELATED:

The End of the App Store and Play Store Monopoly: Japan Plans to Open Up the Market to Competition

The Play Store and App Store are the only places most people go to get new apps for their phones. This is because these two stores come pre-installed on our phones, and also we don’t have any other choice. Both Google and Apple have been trying to prevent people from installing apps from other sources, which would allow them to keep their monopoly on the app market. However, Japan is preparing to change this by allowing other app stores to compete with the Play Store and App Store. Here are the details…

Japan to open up Apple and Google app stores to competition

The free market is a powerful force that drives innovation and competition. It gives consumers the freedom to choose the products and services that they want, and it gives businesses the incentive to create better products and services at lower prices. However, the app store market is not exactly free. Compaines like Google, Apple, and Huawei have all created closed ecosystems that limit the choices that developers and users have. However, this is changing soon.

Japan’s government has announced plans to open up the smartphone app stores of Apple and Google to competition. The move is aimed at spurring competition and leading to lower app prices. The new regulations would allow users to download apps from other app stores, as long as those stores meet certain security and privacy standards. The regulations would also allow users to pay for apps using third-party payment platforms.

In addition, the regulations would require Apple and Google to allow users to delete pre-installed apps and to stop giving preferential treatment to their own services in their search engines. The government says the new regulations will help to create a more level playing field for app developers and consumers. It is also expected to lead to lower app prices. The regulations are still in the draft stage, but the government plans to submit them to parliament for approval later this year.

RELATED:

(via)

Apple Arcade Gets Two New Games Along With Updates To Popular Games

Last month, Apple announced 20 new games for the Apple Arcade. Now the Cupertino-based tech giant has expanded its premium gaming subscription service by introducing two new games and rolling out new updates to several other popular games that have been available before. Read on to know more below. 

Apple Arcade gets two new games and adds updates to other games

The newly announced game on Apple Arcade is called Jet Dragon. It is said to be developed exclusively for Apple’s gaming subscription service by Grezzo. The Japanese developer has previously worked on The Legend of Zelda series. The new game combines racing and sports management as players have to build a team, train dragons, compete against rivals, and participate in dragon races. 

Another new game introduced to Apple Arcade is Bold Moves. It is a word puzzle game that integrates serene scenes, challenging levels, daily/weekly events, and inspirational quote puzzles.

Apart from the new games, Apple has also released updates for several other games like NBA 2K23 Arcade Edition, LEGO Brawls, GOAT Simulator+, Football Manager 2023 Touch, JellyCar Worlds, and Solitaire Stories. 

Apple Arcade gaming service offers games with no ads and in-app purchases. Every game is playable offline and most have support for controllers. The gaming subscription service is priced at $5 monthly or $60 annually with a one-month free trial. Additionally, customers who have purchased a new iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple TV receive three months of Apple Arcade for free.2

Related:  

Redmi 12C 4GB RAM + 128GB storage model coming soon to India

Redmi recently teased a new variant of the Redmi 12C smartphone in India. The device made its debut in the country back in March 2023 with 4GB RAM + 64GB storage and 6GB RAM + 128GB storage configurations.

Redmi

Now, Redmi has announced a new configuration for the device, which will have 4GB RAM and 128GB storage. This is the perfect balance for people looking for extra storage but doesn’t have use for the additional RAM. That being said, the device has the option to extend the RAM virtually up to 3GB. The launch date of this variant is still under wraps, but the brand has already launched this configuration in Kenya.

Redmi 12C specs

The Redmi 12C smartphone features a large 6.71-inch IPS LCD display with an HD+ resolution of 1650 x 720 pixels, offering an immersive visual experience with its 20.6:9 aspect ratio, 500 nits brightness, 1500:1 contrast ratio, and 70% NTSC color gamut. Running on Android 12 with the MIUI 13 overlay, it provides a customized user interface.

Redmi

Under the hood, the Redmi 12C is powered by the Helio G85 chipset, coupled with up to 6 GB of RAM and up to 128 GB of storage. The device also offers expandable storage through a dedicated microSD card slot. It offers convenient security options with face unlock and a rear-facing fingerprint scanner. For photography, it sports a 5-megapixel front camera and a 50-megapixel main camera on the back, along with a depth sensor and LED flash for capturing high-quality photos and depth information.

The device houses a substantial 5,000mAh battery with 10W charging support. Connectivity options include dual SIM capability, 4G VoLTE, Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 5.1, GPS, a microUSB port, and a 3.5mm headphone jack, ensuring seamless connectivity for users.

RELATED:

(Source)

OnePlus Nord 3 community review applications are now open

OnePlus has just updated its Community platform to include “The Lab” for its users from select regions across the globe. The Lab brings users the opportunity to apply for the community review program for the latest Nord series smartphone, which is the Nord 3.

OnePlus The Lab community review live for the next Nord

For those unaware, the Nord 3 is the latest entry in the main Nord series of mid range smartphones from the Chinese smartphone maker. This model is set to launch next month, but prior to its release, The Lab has opened applications for the brand’s Community members in India, Europe, and APAC regions. These applications are open till the 25th of June 2023. Notably, this isn’t a new practice as OnePlus has carried out its community review since the OnePlus 3 series.

OnePlus

To elaborate further, it basically let’s community members get a chance at reviewing the brand’s latest smartphones and offer their opinions on the new product. This application is open to everyone and is not strictly restricted to OnePlus users. However, The Lab is only live in the regions listed above. The company plans to let 6 people review their new device, out of which, 3 of the review models will be reserved to the OnePlus Community users that have also registered in the previous community review program.

The applications are currently live and you can click here to register for the chance to review the Nord 3. Meanwhile, users selection will be between the 20th and 26th of this month. Furthermore, the winners for the program will be revealed on 27th of this month.

RELATED:

Nothing Teases A Transparent USB Type-C Cable For The Phone (2)

Nothing is set to launch the Phone (2) on July 11. The brand has confirmed a few details about the upcoming offering. Now, the company’s CEO Carl Pei has revealed a transparent USB Type-C cable. The accessory will likely be limited to the Nothing Phone (2) at launch. Read on to know more below. 

A transparent Nothing USB type -C cable teased

Carl Pei took to Twitter to share the image of the transparent USB Type-C cable and said that it is nice. The accessory will be third offering from the brand to feature a transparent design after the smartphone and TWS earbuds. The image reveals that both the end ports of the Nothing USB Type-C cable will have transparent lids instead of a plastic coating that is found on regular cables. There is also a Nothing logo inside the ports. It’s worth noting that he rest of the cable i.e. the wire is made of different materials similar to regular cables. The accessory is seen in a White color option. 

It’s unclear if the Nothing USB Type-C cable will be available only for the upcoming Phone (2). It also remains to be seen if the accessory will be sold separately or bundled with the smartphone. 

As for the core specifications of the Nothing Phone (2), it is confirmed to be powered by a Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset and be backed by a 4,700mAh battery unit. It will feature a transparent design with a redesigned Glyph interface that has multiple small strips surrounding the charging coil. The device will come with RAW HDR format and 4K 60 fps video recording. The smartphone is confirmed to not receive a significant price hike despite the upgrades. It is also said to be manufactured in India.

 Related:  

Elon Musk surprised by support for AI pause, calls for strong regulation

In a recent appearance at the VivaTech technology conference in France, Tesla CEO Elon Musk expressed his surprise at the level of support he received after calling for a pause on advanced artificial intelligence (AI) development. Musk had joined hundreds of tech luminaries in signing an open letter that emphasized the potential dangers of advanced AI and advocated for a six-month pause on developing technologies more advanced than OpenAI’s GPT-4 chatbot.

elon-musk

Musk Calls for Strong Regulation in the Face of Advanced AI Development

While Musk didn’t expect anyone to actually agree to the pause, he reiterated his stance, stating, “I just want to say, ‘I think we should pause.'” The seriousness of the letter was recognized by both its signatories and its critics, with notable figures such as Bill Gates, Senator Mike Rounds, and Geoffrey Hinton expressing their opinions on the matter.

Hinton, often referred to as the “Godfather of AI,” argued against the pause, suggesting that if research were halted in certain regions, it would continue elsewhere, particularly in China. Google CEO Sundar Pichai also acknowledged the letter as a conversation starter, emphasizing the collective action problem it poses.

Aidan Gomez, CEO of Cohere, a $2 billion AI startup, expressed skepticism about the feasibility of implementing the pause, stating that debating the extinction of humanity due to superintelligent AI. was an inefficient use of time and resources.

In contrast, Musk warned of the potential catastrophic consequences if artificial general intelligence (AGI) were not handled with care, noting that AGI could surpass human intelligence by a significant margin. He reiterated the need for strong regulation and highlighted the risk that advanced AI poses to the public. Musk emphasized the importance of minimizing the probability of negative outcomes while acknowledging the positive potential of AI.

While Musk’s call for an AI pause continues to spark debates and varying perspectives, his primary concern remains the responsible development and governance of artificial intelligence technology.

RELATED:

(Via)

Xiaomi TV EA43 2023 launched with upgraded chip for the same price ($110)

Xiaomi has launched a new budget smart TV in China called Xiaomi TV EA43 2023. As the name suggests, it is the 2023 edition of the already existing 2022 model.

The latest television costs the same as its predecessor and shares almost all of its features. In fact, it only comes with a single notable upgrade.

Let’s go through everything offered by this TV along with its pricing and availability.

Xiaomi TV EA43 2023

Xiaomi TV EA43 2023 Specifications

The Xiaomi TV EA43 went official quietly earlier today. The product was not announced on social media. It got listed on a website of an online retailer directly.

Just like its predecessor, this television features a metal frame and a 1080p (FHD) screen. The panel measures 43 inches diagonally with a 96.7% screen-to-body ratio.

The LED-backlit LCD screen has a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels and a 60Hz refresh rate. There’s no support for HDR and the viewing angle is 178°.

Further, the TV is powered by an unnamed 64-bit chipset paired with 1GB RAM and 8GB storage. This quad-core chip is an upgrade over the dual-core Amlogic chip present inside the previous model.

Thanks to an advanced chipset, the television supports dual-band WiFi, which is missing from its predecessor. There’s also Bluetooth, 2 x HDMI, AV, 2 x USB, S/PDIF, Antenna, and Ethernet.

Finally, the television boots MIUI for TV 3.0 and houses 2 x 8W speakers (16W) with support for DTS-HD.

Xiaomi TV EA43 2023 Price

The Xiaomi TV EA43 2023 is priced at ¥799 (~$110) in China. It is currently up for sale on Xiaomi Youpin. It should be available from other retailers in the coming days.

Similar to other Xiaomi TV EA models, this one too may not release in global markets.

RELATED: