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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Xiaomi Pad 6 was announced in India earlier this week and will be available for purchase on June 21. It punches above its weight with flagship-grade hardware and an affordable price. The company has also introduced new accessories alongside the tablet, including the 2nd generation Xiaomi Smart Pen. But you don’t necessarily need to buy the latest tablet to use these accessories. In fact, Xiaomi has made the new Smart Pen compatible with the older Xiaomi Pad 5.
Xiaomi Pad 5 support latest accessories
Xiaomi has announced an OTA update for our newly launched Xiaomi Smart Pen (2nd Gen). This update enables full compatibility of the stylus not only with Xiaomi Pad 6 but also with Xiaomi Pad 5. For your reference, the smart pen is priced at Rs. 5,999 in India and will be available for purchase via Mi.com, likely from June 21.
Xiaomi Pad 6
Xiaomi Pad 5 was launched in India back in 2021 and it offered good value. The tablet still remains relevant but the new Pad 6 is much better in comparison. To give you an idea, the Xiaomi Pad 6 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 processor, which is a clear step up from the Snapdragon 860 processor inside the Xiaomi Pad 5.
The new Xiaomi tablet features an 11-inch IPS LCD display with a higher resolution of 2880×1800, surpassing the 2560×1600 resolution of the Xiaomi Pad 5. Moreover, the Xiaomi Pad 6 boasts a faster refresh rate of 144Hz, much higher than the 120Hz refresh rate of its predecessor. In terms of charging speed, the Xiaomi Pad 6 outperforms the Xiaomi Pad 5 by supporting 67W fast charging, while the latter supports 33W fast charging.
Comparing the Xiaomi Pad 6 with the Pad 5 may seem unfair, so we decided to pit it against the OnePlus Pad (review), which comes at a higher price point, costing over Rs. 10,000 more. Surprisingly, the Xiaomi Pad 6 not only holds its ground but also outperforms the OnePlus device. You can read more here.
Apple’s new 15-inch MacBook Air was announced at WWDC 2023. Although the new model has the same features as the 13.3-inch version, it comes with a larger battery due to its size advantage. But is its size its only advantage? Has the larger case led to any improvements in repairability or upgradability? iFixit’s latest video answered all these questions. Here are the details…
iFixit Teardown Reveals What’s Inside Apple’s New 15-Inch MacBook Air
Have you ever wondered what’s inside your phone, computer, or tablet? If so, you’re not alone. Many people are curious about the inner workings of their devices, but don’t have the tools or know-how to open them up and take a look. That’s where iFixit comes in. iFixit is a website and online community that provides repair guides, parts, and tools for a wide range of devices. Most recently, the company published a teardown video for the 15-inch MacBook Air.
According yo the iFixit video, 15-inch MacBook Air has a similar internal design as the 13-inch model, with the only notable difference being two extra speakers. The teardown reveals that the laptop has a single 256GB NAND chip for the base model, which can result in slower SSD read and write speeds compared to 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB models. The RAM and storage are also not user-upgradeable, which is in line with other Apple laptops.
Unfortunately, even though the motherboard of Apple’s computers looks like a work of art when you open them up, there isn’t much to see. The company receives serious criticisms, particularly on the issues of upgradability and repairability, and users have to pay quite high fees when there’s a malfunction. Despite the lack of upgradability, the 15-inch MacBook Air is still a powerful laptop with a great design. Here are the some specs of the 15-inch MacBook Air:
Pebble has launched a new smartwatch in its Cosmos lineup. The latest offering is dubbed the Pebble Cosmos Vogue. It has a stylish and fashion-centric design. Read on to know more about it below.
Pebble Cosmos Vogue specifications and features
The Pebble Cosmos Vogue comes with a square dial with a functioning rotating crown on the right side. It features a large 1.96-inch AMOLED display with a 600 nits peak brightness. It has an always-on display mode and multiple customizable watch faces. The smartwatch is IP67-certified water-resistant. It flaunts a metallic strap.
In terms of fitness, the Pebble Cosmos Vogue is equipped with a heart-rate monitor, SpO2 sensor, and a sleep tracker. There is a Zen mode and the wearable device is capable of tracking a host of sports activities.
The Pebble Cosmos Vogue packs a built-in mic and speaker for Bluetooth voice calling function. It also supports voice assistants. The smartwatch comes with convenient features like music and camera control, weather updates, a calculator, Find my phone, smart notifications, and more. The wearable device is backed by a 240mAh battery unit that is claimed to last up to 7 days on a single charge.
The Pebble Cosmos Vogue carries a price tag of Rs 2,499. It is offered in Jet Black and Midnight Blue silicone straps as well as Obsidian Black and Classic Gold metallic straps. It can be purchased from the brand’s website and Flipkart.
At the APEC Business Leaders’ Forum held in Beijing, Huawei’s Rotating Chairman, Hu Houkun (Ken Hu), unveiled a bold vision for the future of artificial intelligence (AI), spearheaded by ChatGPT. Mr. Hu declared that this new form of AI has officially ushered in a new era, set to rewrite personal and industrial applications.
The Arrival of a New Era: Huawei Chairman Highlights the Power of Artificial Intelligence
Anticipating exponential growth in computing demands, Mr. Hu confidently projected that general computing power would experience a remarkable tenfold increase by 2030. Furthermore, he forecasted that artificial intelligence computing power would skyrocket by an astonishing 500-fold within the same timeframe.
As part of this technological revolution, Mr. Hu further outlined his predictions for global connectivity and latency reduction. By 2030, he expects the total number of connections worldwide to reach a staggering 20 billion. Moreover, low-latency applications, with a mere 1ms delay, are predicted to become widespread, effectively reducing waiting times by a hundredfold compared to today’s standards. Such advancements aim to meet the low-latency requirements of intelligent devices, transitioning from 100ms to 1ms.
Mr. Hu also highlighted the emergence of new business forms, including the metaverse and holographic imaging. As these cutting-edge technologies take shape, bandwidth demands are anticipated to surge a hundredfold, creating unprecedented opportunities for growth.
Insights shared at the forum underscored the pivotal role of digital technology in driving human social progress. The energy sector, in particular, stands to benefit immensely. By harnessing the power of digital technology, the decarbonization process can be accelerated, paving the way for a transformed energy structure.
Traditional power plants and grids are primed for digitization, facilitated by the widespread adoption of 5G, AI, and cloud computing technologies. This digital transformation promises enhanced quality and efficiency in power generation. Furthermore, the development of solar and wind energy, among other renewable sources, can be significantly augmented by leveraging digital technology, maximizing their value.
Huawei’s vision, presented by Chairman Hu Houkun, highlights the immense potential of AI-driven technologies like ChatGPT and paves the way for a future where computing power knows no bounds. With these advancements on the horizon, the tech industry braces itself for an era of unprecedented possibilities and accelerated progress.
Last year, LG launched the DualUp monitor with an ultra-tall display. Contradictory to most monitors on the market, it is taller than it is wide, featuring a 16:18 aspect ratio. This model was introduced with model number 28MQ780. Now, the company has recently unveiled a new DualUp monitor in China with the model number 28MQ750. It brings essentially the same specifications as last year’s model, with minor changes. Here are the details.
LG DualUp 28MQ780 Specifications
The LG DualUp monitor is not your typical 27-inch display. It features a unique tall aspect ratio that enhances efficiency. With a screen size of 27.6 inches, it utilizes an LG Nano IPS panel and boasts a narrow bezel design on three sides. The monitor offers a resolution of 2560×2880, a wide color gamut of 98% DCI-P3, a brightness of 300 nits, a contrast ratio of 1000:1, and HDR10 support. Essentially, it provides the experience of two seamlessly positioned 21.5-inch QHD resolution monitors stacked vertically, ideal for multitasking workflows.
Further, the DualUp monitor is equipped with an LG ergonomic stand, replacing the previous Ergo stand. This stand allows for easy lifting and rotating adjustments, providing optimal positioning flexibility. In terms of connectivity, the monitor features a full-featured USB-C interface that supports a 90W external power supply (compared to the previous model’s 96W). Additionally, it offers two HDMI and one DP interface. Notably, the monitor also includes built-in dual 7W high-power speakers.
Please note that this LG monitor has been launched specifically in China. However, it seems that the display is already available for purchase worldwide. While the pricing and availability details for China have not been disclosed yet, the monitor is listed on LG’s global website with a price tag of $599. In comparison, the previous year’s model was priced at $699.
Welcome to the Weekly Review, where we round up the top 12 tech stories that have grabbed headlines and kept the industry abuzz over the past week. This week’s lineup features a diverse array of stories that span from the realms of artificial intelligence to the smartphone industry and the online community.
One of the most sensational pieces this week was the announcement that legendary band The Beatles, led by Paul McCartney, will be releasing a new single created with the help of cutting-edge artificial intelligence technology. This single, which is being called the band’s “last song,” includes extracted vocals from the late John Lennon and represents a new frontier in music production through AI.
Speaking of AI, Meta is making waves with its AI-powered MusicGen library, which generates short instrumental tracks based on user-provided text descriptions. MusicGen, though currently limited to instrumentals, has showcased how AI can serve as a unique tool in creating background audio for various applications.
In smartphone-related news, Qualcomm and Huawei made the headlines. There were rumors circulating about Qualcomm supplying 5G chips to Huawei, which were quickly refuted by Huawei’s Executive Director. Meanwhile, Huawei is showing signs of recovery and continues to focus on the growth of its smartphone business.
Reddit experienced turbulence as the platform introduced new API costs, leading to a significant protest from subreddit moderators who decided to make their communities go private or restrict new posts. Among the protesting subreddits, the iPhone community stands out, going dark indefinitely.
Another notable development in the smartphone industry was the resignation of Madhav Sheth from Realme. His departure is particularly significant due to his integral role in establishing Realme’s presence in India and Europe. There are speculations that Sheth might be joining HONOR India, potentially heralding a revival for the brand in the Indian market.
We delve into each of these stories in greater detail below, uncovering the technological advancements, controversies, and market shifts that defined this week in tech.
These were the Top 12 Tech Stories From Last Week
Google’s $23 Million Settlement for US Citizens
Google has reached a proposed $23 million settlement to resolve consolidated class action lawsuits concerning the inclusion of search queries in referrer headers during the provision of its services between October 25, 2006, and September 30, 2013. This settlement, which does not entail an admission of wrongdoing, aims to compensate eligible individuals who used Google Search and clicked on search results within the specified timeframe. In addition to monetary compensation, Google will revamp its “FAQs” and “Key Terms” pages to offer more transparent information about search queries’ disclosure via referrer headers. Judge Edward J. Davila of the United States District Court for the Northern District of California authorized the notice for this settlement, which is part of the class action known as In re Google Referrer Header Privacy Litigation. The compensation amount for each Settlement Class Member is contingent on various factors, with an estimated $7.70 per Approved Claim for U.S. citizens.
Skyward Bound: Virgin Galactic’s Leap and Japan’s Wooden Satellites Usher in New Space Era
Virgin Galactic is set to make history by launching its first commercial spaceflight, Galactic 01, between June 27th and June 30th, carrying three Italian individuals for microgravity research. After years of challenges and financial setbacks, this is a significant step for the company, which plans to livestream the mission on its website. With tickets priced at nearly half a million dollars per passenger, Virgin Galactic aspires for steady profits following cumulative losses. Though trailing behind Blue Origin, Virgin Galactic is ahead of SpaceX in commercial space tourism. The launch brings space tourism closer to reality, catalyzing a new era in space exploration.
Simultaneously, Japan is revolutionizing space technology through a project developing wooden satellites. A research team from Kyoto University established that wood can endure harsh outer space conditions, paving the way for eco-friendly satellites. The first wooden satellite is expected to be launched in 2024 in collaboration with NASA and the Japanese Space Agency. This novel approach aims to offer sustainable alternatives to traditional metal satellites, with wood being more environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and easier to dispose of.
Together, Virgin Galactic’s leap and Japan’s innovative wooden satellites signify a monumental advancement in space technology and exploration.
Google’s Hybrid Dilemma: Balancing Office and Remote Work
Google’s new policy, which mandates employees to be present in the office at least three days a week, has stirred discontent among its workforce. Employees, who have grown accustomed to remote work due to the COVID-19 pandemic, view this requirement as a hindrance to work-life balance and collaborative culture. Many Google employees have relocated during the pandemic, and the policy would entail challenging commutes, especially considering high rental rates in Silicon Valley.
The employees emphasized their preference for autonomy and flexibility. In response, Google hinted at possible exceptions for individuals with medical conditions or residing far from the office, but remains steadfast in its aim for an office-centric culture.
This tug-of-war reflects the broader challenge that companies face in shaping the post-pandemic workplace; striking a balance between organizational presence and employee preferences for remote work. Google’s final approach and its consequences will be closely watched as a precedent for other brands in the market.
Xiaomi 13 Ultra Takes Europe by Storm: A Flagship with Cutting-Edge Specs
Xiaomi 13 Ultra, which made its debut in China in April, has been officially launched in Europe. With an initial price tag of EUR 1,500 (~$1,616), the phone comes with 12GB RAM and 512GB storage and is available in Black and Olive Green colors. The sale began in France, Germany, Spain, and Italy, with shipments starting from June 21. Additionally, customers can avail of a trade-in bonus of 200 Euros, six months of free 100GB Google Cloud storage, three months of YouTube premium, and access to Airport Exclusive Lounge.
The Xiaomi 13 Ultra boasts a 6.73-inch QHD+ AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and Gorilla Glass Victus protection. The phone stands out in photography, thanks to its quad-camera setup which includes a 1-inch 50MP sensor and Leica Summicron optics, capable of 8K video recording. Powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor and a 5,000mAh battery that supports 90W wired and 50W wireless charging, the Xiaomi 13 Ultra runs on MIUI 14 based on Android 13 OS. The connectivity options include 5G, Dual 4G VoLTE, WiFi-6E, USB-C Gen 3.2, and NFC.
Xiaomi’s Electric Car Ambition: MS11 Electric Vehicle Spotted in the Wild
Xiaomi, primarily known for its smartphones and electronics, is expected to launch its first electric car in the first half of 2024. The car, which recently entered the testing phase, has been spotted in spy shots, revealing a fastback-styled design and 19-inch wheel rims. The MS11 will offer two configurations: a 400V version equipped with BYD lithium iron phosphate blade batteries and an 800V version with CATL ternary Kirin batteries.
What makes the MS11 particularly intriguing is Xiaomi’s incorporation of its cutting-edge technology, including in-house AI and self-driving capabilities. The company’s entry into the electric vehicle sector demonstrates its ambition to diversify beyond consumer electronics. With significant investments already made in AI and autonomous driving, it will be exciting to see how these technologies are integrated into the MS11, potentially shaping the future of electric vehicles.
US and India Tighten Scrutiny on Chinese Entities: Tech Brands in the Crosshairs
In a significant move, the United States government added 43 entities to its “Entity List” last Monday. This list is an export control measure aimed at entities accused of endangering national security. Out of these 43 entities, 31 are from China, with the rest from the United Arab Emirates, South Africa, and the United Kingdom. The US asserts that this action is critical for safeguarding national security.
Among the Chinese entities now on the list, Shanghai Supercomputing Technology Co. is particularly under scrutiny. The company is backed by the Shanghai Supercomputer Centre (SSC) and Dawning Information Industry, a Chinese supercomputer manufacturer.
In related news, the Central Government of India has outlined new regulations for Chinese mobile companies, such as Xiaomi, OPPO, Realme, and VIVO, operating in the country. The strategic proposal seeks to ensure greater accountability and involvement of Indian stakeholders. As part of the regulations, the government is urging Chinese firms to establish partnerships with Indian entities, appoint Indian executives in key leadership roles, and ramp up local manufacturing through collaborations with Indian manufacturers. Furthermore, these companies are encouraged to increase exports from India and create local distribution networks. The move comes amidst investigations into tax evasion and fraudulent remittances by Chinese smartphone manufacturers and aims to create a more balanced, transparent business environment while boosting domestic manufacturing and employment.
Former Samsung Executive Indicted for Technology Theft to Establish Rival Chip Factory in China
A former executive from Samsung Electronics faces indictment for allegedly stealing technology to create a rival chip-making facility in China. This has reportedly caused losses of approximately $233 million for Samsung and poses a threat to South Korea’s economic security due to the intense competition in the chip industry. Alongside the former executive, six others have also been indicted. South Korean companies, Samsung and SK Hynix, are major players in the global chip market, and have invested heavily in chip factories in China. This incident comes amid South Korea’s ongoing efforts to prevent corporate espionage, which is critical in the backdrop of rapid advancements by Chinese firms in memory chip production.
Huawei CEO Denies Resumption of Qualcomm 5G Chip Supply; Company Focuses on Smartphone Business Growth
Yu Chengdong, the CEO of Huawei’s Consumer Business Group, denied recent rumors that Qualcomm has resumed supplying 5G chips to Huawei, labeling them as fake news. Meanwhile, Huawei is showing signs of recovery in its smartphone business, raising its 2023 shipment target to 40 million units, up from an initial 30 million. The upward revision is attributed to the promising prospects of Huawei’s P60 series and Mate X3 smartphones, as well as a recovery in its supply chain. The company’s Mate 60 series could be released soon, with enthusiasts keenly awaiting the new devices. Additionally, the United States is reportedly planning to extend the deadline for exemptions from export controls on semiconductors to China, which is seen as positive news for South Korean and Taiwanese chip companies.
Reddit’s New API Costs Spark Massive Subreddit Blackout in Protest
After Reddit announced new API costs for developers, requiring them to pay up to $20 million per year, the iPhone subreddit, a popular Apple-related community, decided to go dark indefinitely in protest. This move follows a similar backlash on Twitter due to paid API implementation after its acquisition by Elon Musk. Nearly 9,000 subreddits, representing hundreds of millions of users, have participated in a blackout to express discontent over Reddit’s policy change, which renders many third-party apps obsolete. Reddit’s CEO, Steve Huffman, hosted an AMA to address concerns but did not provide satisfactory solutions. Over 300 subreddits, including r/aww, r/music, r/videos, and r/futurology, have pledged to remain private until Reddit addresses their concerns adequately. The standoff continues as protesting subreddits seek a satisfactory compromise.
AI Revolutionizes Music: From Reviving The Beatles to Customized Compositions
Artificial intelligence (AI) is making waves in the music industry. Paul McCartney of The Beatles recently announced the release of a new single using AI to extract John Lennon’s voice from an unfinished 1970s track, potentially reviving the band’s legacy. On another front, Meta has launched MusicGen, an AI that creates music from textual prompts. By analyzing patterns and structures from a dataset of over 10,000 high-quality licensed tracks, MusicGen generates 12-second instrumental compositions aligned with user instructions. While the AI currently lacks vocal synthesis, its instrumental capabilities present a unique opportunity for generating background audio. However, with AI’s growing capabilities in music generation, concerns about copyright infringement are on the rise, and Meta may face legal challenges from artists and labels for unauthorized use of their works.
Realme’s Madhav Sheth Departs, Rumored to Lead HONOR’s Revival in India
Madhav Sheth, former Realme India CEO, Global Vice President, and President of Realme International Business Group, has officially announced his departure from Realme, a brand he helped establish since 2018. During his tenure, Sheth was pivotal in expanding Realme’s presence in India and Europe, making it one of the fastest-growing smartphone brands in India. While Sheth hasn’t revealed his future plans, reports suggest that he might join HONOR India to revive the brand in the country. Additionally, director-level executives from Realme are also expected to follow Sheth to HONOR India. Realme’s Founder and CEO, Sky Li, will now oversee the Indian market. Both Realme and Huawei, HONOR’s parent company, have not yet issued official statements regarding this development.
Several Chinese display manufacturers, including BOE, CSOT, Tianma, and Visionox, have joined forces to invalidate a patent owned by Samsung Display in the United States. The move comes as a response to Samsung Display’s previous attempts to halt imports of third-party displays that might infringe upon its patented technologies.
The Motive Behind the Challenge: Chinese Display Manufacturers’ Response to Samsung’s Patent Actions
The patent in question is U.S. Patent No. 7,414,599, which pertains to an “Organic Light Emitting Display (OLED) Device Pixel Circuit and Driving Method.” This particular patent was part of Samsung Display’s complaint filed with the US International Trade Commission late last year, seeking to prevent the importation of OLED panels that allegedly violated their patents and technologies.
Rather than confronting the Chinese manufacturers directly, Samsung Display opted to target importers. However, this approach seems to have provoked a retaliatory response from the Chinese display makers. By seeking to invalidate Samsung Display’s OLED patent, BOE, CSOT, Tianma, and Visionox may inadvertently imply their involvement in developing displays utilizing Samsung’s technologies without obtaining proper licenses.
This ongoing dispute began in early May when BOE initiated a series of patent infringement lawsuits against Samsung and its subsidiaries in China. Interestingly, these lawsuits targeted divisions unrelated to display technologies, such as Semiconductor, Investment, and Vision. Now, the Chinese display manufacturers are collectively aiming to invalidate one of Samsung Display’s OLED patents in the United States.
It’s worth noting that the trial for patent invalidation is yet to commence, as the Patent Trial and Appeal Board is currently evaluating whether to accept the claim. Further developments, in this case, will shed light on the potential ramifications for the involved parties and the wider display manufacturing industry.
Tipster Fixed Focus Digital has recently shared an imagined render of the upcoming Vivo X100 Pro+, providing a glimpse into its design based on leaked information. The render suggests that the vivo X100 Pro+ will feature a camera module positioned on the left side, enclosed within a rectangular matrix area. This design appears to be similar to the one seen in the vivo X80 series, indicating a continuation of aesthetics rather than a significant departure from the Vivo X90 series.
A Closer Look at the Aesthetics of Vivo X100 Pro+
According to another tipster Digital Chat Station, the Vivo X100 Pro+ is anticipated to make its debut early next year. It can be speculated that the lower-end variants, namely the Vivo X100 Pro and vivo X100 standard versions, may be unveiled by the end of this year.
Reports indicate that the Vivo X100 and X100 Pro will be powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9300 chipset, while the X100 Pro+ is expected to feature the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 mobile platform. This suggests that vivo considers the overall performance of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 to surpass that of the Dimensity 9300. However, it is worth noting that Vivo and MediaTek are reportedly collaborating to optimize the Dimensity 9300 chipset, aiming to maximize its performance.
In terms of imaging capabilities, leaks suggest that the vivo X100 will sport a rear camera setup consisting of a 50-megapixel Sony IMX989 main sensor, a 32-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 12-megapixel periscope telephoto lens, with dual optical image stabilization support.
Prior to the launch of the vivo X100 series, the final model of the vivo X90 series, the vivo X90s, is scheduled to be released and will serve as the official device for the Hangzhou Asian Games.
Update: In accordance with a formal request we received from Samsung India, the leaked image that were initially featured in this article has been withdrawn. Consequently, the render is no longer visible or linked within the current version of this article. We have replaced the leaked render with Samsung’s current-gen Watch5 series.
Samsung’s new wearables are launching next month with various welcome upgrades. The Galaxy Watch 6 series will likely share the stage with the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5 during the Galaxy Unpacked event in South Korea. While we wait, a new report is here with a batch of official Galaxy Watch 6 series images. Let’s have a look.
Galaxy Watch6 series color and size options
Winfuture has leaked some detailed renders of the upcoming Watch 6 series. The outlet also reveals that the Samsung Galaxy Watch6, which will be available in silver, black, and beige hues, offers consumers two size variants of 40mm and 44mm. Whereas the Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Classic will be presented in two sizes, namely 43mm and 47mm, with color choices limited to black and silver. The Classic version also brings the rotating bezel back again.
Galaxy Watch 5
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 series is expected to feature the Exynos W930 SoC, as revealed by recent findings on the Bluetooth SIG website. This powerful chipset offers a different clock speed and an optional integrated LTE modem. The LTE modem allows the smartwatches to maintain internet connectivity without relying on a connected smartphone.
Samsung is rumored to unveil the Galaxy Watch 6 on July 26. These smartwatches will run on OneUI 5 Watch, based on Wear OS 4. They are likely to offer activity and health tracking features including heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and GPS, similar to the Galaxy Watch 5.
The new smartwatches are reported to feature improved batteries. The Galaxy Watch 6 40mm variant will be equipped with a 300 mAh battery, while the 44mm variant will boast a larger 425 mAh battery. The Watch 6 Classic is expected to share the same 425 mAh battery as the 44mm variant of the Galaxy Watch 6.
Qualcomm is expected to announce the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 at the 2023 Snapdragon Tech Summit in October of this year. Rumors are rife that the first Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 phones will debut as early as November this year. The Xiaomi 14 series will be one of the first phones to feature it. A new leak courtesy of Chinese tipster Digital Chat Station has revealed that Xiaomi’s sub-brand Redmi will also launch an SD8G3 chip phone.
Redmi K70 Pro may feature the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
Redmi K60 Pro
To recall, Redmi unveiled the Redmi K60 series in December 2022. It announced the Redmi K60e, the Redmi K60, and the Redmi K60 Pro. The Dimensity 8200, Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1, and Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipsets are responsible for powering these smartphones, respectively.
It is likely that the Redmi K70 series will also include multiple smartphones. As per the tipster, the lineup will include a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 phone. Hence, it is likely that the Redmi K70, arriving as the successor to the K60 Pro, may come equipped with the said chipset.
The K60 Pro remained exclusive to the Chinese market. Hence, it is unclear whether the K70 Pro will be released in markets outside of China. At present, there is no information available on the specifications of the Redmi K70 series.
Reports have revealed that the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 will include 1 x Cortex X4 core clocking at 3.75GHz, 5 x Cortex-A720 cores working at 3.0GHz and 2 x Cortex-A520 cores operating at 2.0GHz. The unannounced chip was spotted at Geekbench and AnTuTu benchmarking platforms with impressive scores. In Geekbench’s single-core and multi-core tests, the SD8G3 scored 2563 and 7256 points, respectively. On the other hand, the chip scored 1,771,106 points on AnTuTu.
Based on the historical pattern of Google’s Pixel smartphone launches, it seems likely that the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro will be unveiled during the month of October this year. Earlier this month, Android Authority released a report to reveal the camera specifications of the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. In a new report, the same publication leaked the display specifications of the Pixel 8 duo.
Google Pixel 8 series display specifications (rumored)
Google Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro display specs leak by Android Authority
The leak reveals that the Pixel 8 will be smaller than the Pixel 8’s 6.3-inch screen. The Pixel 8 Pro, on the other hand, will have a 6.7-inch display like the Pixel 7 Pro. However, while the Pixel 7 Pro came with a curved-edge screen, its successor will have a flat screen. The report further states that the display design of the Pixel 8 series exhibits a slightly less square shape compared to its predecessors, with corners that are slightly more rounded.
To recall, the Pixel 7’s flat 6.3-inch OLED panel offered a Full HD+ resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels, a 90Hz refresh rate, and 417ppi pixel density. The Pixel 7 Pro featured a 6.71-inch OLED curved-edge display that offers a Quad HD+ resolution of 1440 x 3120 pixels, a 120Hz refresh rate, and 512 ppi pixel density. Both displays support up to 1,000 nits of brightness.
As per the new report, the Pixel 8 will come with a 6.17-inch screen that will offer a Full HD+ resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels, a higher refresh rate of 120 Hz, a 427 ppi pixel density, and up to 1,400 nits of brightness. For the Pixel 8, Google will be using displays supplied by Samsung and OLED, whereas the Pro model will have display panels from Samsung.
On the other hand, the Pixel 8 Pro has a 6.70-inch OLED that produces a Quad HD+ resolution of 1344 x 2992 pixels, a 120Hz refresh rate, a 490 ppi pixel density, and 1,600 nits of brightness. Read the following links to learn about other Pixel 8 series news.
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