Recent reports indicate that BYD, a prominent Chinese automaker, has raised the maintenance fees for several of its models, leading to a surge in dissatisfaction among car owners. The increase in maintenance costs, which reportedly amounts to around 50% for certain models, has been observed in various cities across China. This article delves into the specifics of the maintenance fee hike, highlighting the affected models, varying price adjustments, and the concerns raised by car owners.
Pure Electric Vehicles see smaller Price Hikes than Hybrid Models
According to feedback from car owners nationwide, the models subjected to the maintenance fee increase include BYD’s popular Song, Qin, and Han series hybrid models, as well as some pure electric models. The extent of the fee adjustment varies based on the city and model. Hybrid models witness a larger upward adjustment compared to pure electric ones. For instance, in major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, and new first-tier cities, maintenance prices have significantly risen. The minimum maintenance price for Song and Qin hybrid models has surged from 325 yuan to 485 yuan, indicating a notable 49.2% increase.
An influential blogger, @向北继续电子, who maintains a close relationship with BYD, shed light on the matter. They mentioned that BYD’s pricing system had remained unchanged for five years and has now undergone a readjustment. The core focus of the adjustment lies in the “working hour fee,” leading to higher price increases in first-tier cities, followed by second-tier and third-tier cities. Pure electric models witness relatively smaller price hikes, while plug-in hybrid models experience larger adjustments, along with the inclusion of additional vehicle inspection items. However, the blogger emphasized that their remarks were based on personal knowledge and not an official statement from BYD.
BYD offers the Sanden Lifetime Warranty for its models, but this warranty is contingent upon fulfilling certain conditions, including official vehicle maintenance and service. Consequently, most car owners choose to have their maintenance performed at BYD’s authorized service centers. BYD’s recent success in the EV sector is threatening many companies worldwide, including Tesla, which was thwarted by BYD in Indonesia. The recent increase in maintenance fees has raised concerns and dissatisfaction among car owners who rely on the official maintenance channels.
In the upcoming third quarter of this year, there will be fierce competition among brands like iQOO, OnePlus, Redmi, and Realme as they all plan to launch their new flagship phones. According to a recent post on Weibo by tipster Digital Chat Station, the next Realme flagship phone has been named the Realme GT Neo 5 Pro. Two new Realme phones have been approved by China’s MIIT authority. It is speculated that it could be the GT Neo 5 Pro.
The screenshots below show the upcoming Realme phones with model numbers RMX3820 and RMX3823 that have received certification from the MIIT authority. It remains unclear whether these model numbers represent distinct phones or variations of the same phone designed for different networks in China. Hence, it is likely that the RMX3820/3 could be the upcoming Realme GT Neo 5 Pro.
Except for Realme, all the mainstream Android smartphone brands have launched Snapdragon 8 Gen 2-powered flagship phones. Recent reports have revealed that Qualcomm may announce the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 2 chip in July as an overclocked version of the SD8G2. It is speculated that the Realme GT Neo 5 Pro will come equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 2 SoC.
Realme GT Neo 5 Pro specifications (rumored)
As per reports, the Realme GT Neo 5 Pro will have a flat 6.74-inch OLED panel that offers a 1.5K resolution, a 144Hz refresh rate, 2160Hz PWM dimming, and an under-display fingerprint scanner. It will run on the Android 13 OS with the Realme UI 4.0 skin on top.
The Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 2-powered phone is likely to feature 16 GB of LPDDR5x RAM and up to 512 GB of UFS 4.0 storage. It will have a large battery with 100W charging support. For photography, it may feature a 50-megapixel main camera with OIS support. It is also tipped to sport a new rear design, which could be similar to the Realme 11 Pro series.
The latest report from Counterpoint Research unveils insightful data on the smartphone application processor (AP) market, covering the period from Q4 2021 to Q1 2023. The data reveals interesting trends and shifts among the key players in the industry. In the first quarter of 2023, MediaTek emerged as the dominant force in the smartphone processor market, although it experienced a decline compared to the previous quarter. This article delves into the details of the report, shedding light on the performances of MediaTek, Qualcomm, Apple, UNISOC, Samsung, and Huawei Hisilicon, while also discussing the potential implications for the industry.
OPPO’s decision to abandon Chips will be beneficial to both Qualcomm & MediaTek
MediaTek secured a 31% market share in the smartphone AP market during Q1 2023. However, the company witnessed a decline in both quantities and market share compared to the previous quarter. The decline can be attributed to inventory adjustments and weak demand, resulting in a projected decline of over 5% in LTE SoC shipments and less than 5% growth in 5G SoC shipments for Q2 2023. Analysts anticipate a rebound for MediaTek in the second half of the year as inventory levels stabilize.
Qualcomm, a prominent player in the AP market, captured a 28% market share in Q1 2023. Its shipments are expected to remain flat in Q2 2023 due to inventory reductions, which are anticipated to normalize in the coming quarters.
Apple, renowned for its proprietary chipsets, held a 26% market share. However, chipsets are predicted to decline in Q2 2023 due to seasonality. Despite this, iOS outperformed the Android market and demonstrated resilience against weak demand.
Samsung experienced a slight increase in shipments during Q1 2023, thanks to the launch of Exynos 1330 and 1380 chipsets. These offerings catered to both high-end and low-end market segments, leading to improved sales.
UNISOC, specializing in the low-end segment, witnessed a marginal increase in shipments during Q2 2023, fueled by the growing demand for its LTE portfolio in devices priced below $99.
Huawei Hisilicon, currently with less than 1% market share, may make a comeback with a new mobile phone chip expected to launch in the near future. Counterpoint analysts project shipment volumes of around 2-4 million units for Huawei HiSilicon in 2023, primarily targeting the mid-range segment.
Counterpoint analysts also highlighted the positive implications of OPPO‘s decision to abandon its chip development plans for both MediaTek and Qualcomm, since that means one less competitor to worry about. The anticipated rebound of MediaTek, the potential market entry of new players, and the collaborative possibilities underscore the evolving nature of the smartphone AP market, promising exciting advancements in the near future.
The tech industry is buzzing with excitement, with the WWDC 2023 right around the corner. There are strong chances that Apple will unveil its highly anticipated virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) headsets at the upcoming WWDC conference. The Mixed Reality headsets have been talk of the town for quite some time now. However, according to renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, investors are showing a far greater interest in Apple’s artificial intelligence (AI) technology, and how it goes up against ChatGPT and other AI-based language models.
Kuo stated that AI Business presents a more promising outlook in the near future
Ming-Chi Kuo took to Twitter on Sunday to share insights from his recent discussions with investors. He revealed that many investors were eagerly awaiting news about Apple’s potential launch of a service similar to ChatGPT. Recognizing the long-term importance of AI integration, Kuo believes that the success of Apple’s AR/MR headset hinges on its ability to seamlessly incorporate AI technology. Just as ChatGPT has revolutionized AI, the impact of Apple’s headset could reshape 3D interactive design and computer graphics.
Kuo also emphasized the potential benefits for Apple’s stock price and major suppliers if the headset exceeds market expectations. While the contribution of headsets to suppliers’ revenue and profits may be limited in the next two years, the AI business presents a more promising outlook. Kuo pointed to Nvidia‘s remarkable second-quarter performance, which surpassed market expectations, as evidence of investors’ increasing focus on AI.
Furthermore, Kuo highlighted the potential impact of an AI or AI graphics card (AIGC) service announcement at WWDC. Such an announcement would likely sustain the current enthusiasm surrounding AI investment. Additionally, if Apple introduces higher hardware specification requirements for AIGC, it could lead to a surge in demand for hardware replacement.
Excitement is building as Apple’s WWDC23 keynote speech approaches, scheduled for tomorrow. The tech giant’s foray into VR and AR, coupled with the growing anticipation around AI, demonstrates Apple’s commitment to innovation and its determination to shape the future of technology.
The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has captured a mesmerizing composite image that showcases the beauty of the barred spiral galaxy NGC 5068. Located approximately 20 million light-years away in the Virgo constellation, NGC 5068 is a stellar system filled with celestial wonders. NASA Administrator Bill Nelson unveiled a captivating image during an event with students at the Copernicus Science Centre in Warsaw, Poland.
The JWST benefits from being able to see through gas and space dust that blocks light
The image is part of JWST’s ambitious campaign to study star formation in nearby galaxies and create a valuable repository of observations. By focusing on NGC 5068’s central regions, where stars are born in abundance, astronomers hope to make significant scientific advancements with the help of JWST’s initial data.
JWST’s observations complement previous studies conducted by other telescopes, including the Hubble Space Telescope, the Very Large Telescope (VLT), and the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA). By combining JWST’s images of 19 nearby star-forming galaxies with data from these telescopes, astronomers gain a comprehensive understanding of the processes involved in star formation.
One of JWST’s key advantages is its ability to see through the gas and dust that obscures visible light. With its Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI) and Near-Infrared Camera (NIRCam), JWST can penetrate the dusty environment of NGC 5068, providing a unique perspective on the star formation process. The composite image presented combines the capabilities of these two instruments, offering a rare glimpse into the composition of NGC 5068.
The image reveals NGC 5068’s intricate spiral structure adorned with glowing bubbles of gas and newly formed star clusters. Additionally, three asteroid trails are visible as tiny dots, a result of their closer proximity to the telescope compared to the distant galaxy. The trails appear slightly different in each frame due to JWST’s multiple exposures, highlighting their transient nature.
In another image taken with JWST’s NIRCam instrument, NGC 5068 showcases a wealth of stars concentrated along its central bar. The image also captures the red glow of gas clouds illuminated by young stars. NIRCam’s near-infrared vision allows astronomers to penetrate the galaxy’s dusty environment and study its massive population. Notably, dense and luminous dust clouds known as H II regions are seen along the spiral arms, where new stars are born. The energetic young stars within these regions ionize the surrounding hydrogen, creating a striking red glow.
Scientists believe that NGC 5068 holds the key to understanding the processes of cosmic creation. JWST’s remarkable capabilities continue to amaze us, providing invaluable insights into the birth of stars. Quite recently, the JWST helped us gaze through Fomalhaut, a whole star system full of new surprises. As the telescope continues its mission, we eagerly anticipate a lot more key discoveries in the near future.
Apple and Samsung are locked in a fierce battle for smartphone supremacy. The two companies compete in markets all over the world, each vying to sell more phones and attract more users. However, a recent study seems to put Apple in an embarrassing position. According to the latest reports, Americans prefer Samsung over Apple. Here are the details…
Apple No Longer the Most Popular Brand in America, New Survey Reveals Samsung is Top Choice
A new survey by Axios Harris Poll has found that Samsung has surpassed Apple as the most popular brand among Americans. The survey, which was conducted in May 2023, asked Americans to rate their favorite brands across a variety of factors, including quality, value, and customer service. Samsung received an overall score of 84.6, while Apple received an overall score of 83.0.
For the first time, Samsung has outranked Apple in polls. In 2022, Apple was the leading brand, with Samsung in second place. However, it’s important to note that this doesn’t necessarily mean that Americans prefer Samsung Galaxy phones to iPhones. Samsung offers a wider range of products than Apple.
The company makes everything from smartphones to TVs to smart home appliances, while Apple primarily focuses on smartphones and computers. This gives Samsung a broader appeal to consumers. For example, someone who is already happy with their Samsung TV may be more likely to choose a Samsung smartphone when they’re ready for an upgrade.
Of course, smartphones are still a major part of Samsung’s business. The company’s Galaxy line of phones is one of the most popular in the world. But it’s worth keeping in mind that Samsung’s overall popularity may be due to its wider range of products. In addition to Samsung and Apple, the top 10 brands in the Axios Harris Poll were:
Patagonia
Costco
Amazon
Disney
Netflix
Toyota
Samsung
Sony
Honda
Subaru
The survey also found that Americans are increasingly turning to foreign brands. For example, seven of the top 10 brands in the survey were foreign-owned. Click here to complete list of most popular brands in America.
Apple’s WWDC 2023 event is tomorrow, and there have been many leaks about what the company might announce. One of the most interesting rumors is that Apple may be discontinuing the “Hey Siri” trigger phrase. Currently, we can activate Siri by holding down the power button or saying “Hey Siri.” However, the new rumor suggests that Apple may be changing this. Here are the details…
Apple Improves Siri’s Accuracy and Responsiveness with New Trigger Phrase Instead of “Hey Siri”
When it comes to technology, leaks are inevitable. Someone always reveals something during the development or production stages, which is enough to keep technology enthusiasts busy until the products we are waiting for are announced. When it about Apple products, these leaks are usually the responsibility of Mark Gurman. As the Gizmochina team, we also closely follow this journalist, who is famous for frequently revealing the secrets of Apple. According to his most recent claim, the “Hey Siri” command may be phased out.
Apple is reportedly planning to drop the “Hey Siri” trigger phrase. The change would allow users to invoke Siri hands-free by simply saying “Siri,” without the need to say the wake word first. The change is reportedly part of a larger effort by Apple to improve Siri’s accuracy and responsiveness. The company has been working on ways to make Siri more natural and user-friendly, and this change would be a significant step in that direction.
Gurman said in his post that he revealed the situation:
“The company is working on an initiative to drop the “Hey in the trigger phrase so that a user only needs to say “Siri”—along with a command. While that might seem like a small change, making the switch is a technical challenge that requires a significant amount of AI training and underlying engineering work. The complexity involves Siri being able to understand the singular phrase “Siri” in multiple different accents and dialects. Having two words — “Hey Siri” — increases the likelihood of the system properly picking up the signal.”
Google is expanding its Pixel family, the company recently introduced the Pixel 7a at its I/O event. The company is now preparing to release the Pixel 8 series. The new phones are eagerly awaited by Android enthusiasts, and they are expected to have a number of unique features, including the Tensor G3 processor. Recently, some details about the Pixel 8’s processor have been leaked. Here are the details…
Google Tensor G3: Everything You Need to Know
The upcoming Tensor G3 has a major upgrade in its CPU block. It is completely redesigned and uses the latest 2022 ARMv9 cores. Google is moving away from the previous generation’s 4+2+2 core setup and adopting a unique nine-core configuration for the G3. This setup consists of four Cortex-A510s, four Cortex-A715s, and a single Cortex-X3. This is designed to provide a significant performance boost.
The chip also includes ARM’s advanced Memory Tagging Extensions, which are designed to help protect devices from memory-based attacks. Additionally, the Pixel 8 will only run 64-bit apps. Of course, Google’s surprises are not limited to these. The Tensor G3 in the Pixel 8 has a new graphics processor, the Arm Mali-G715. This is a 10-core processor, which is an improvement over previous models. The Pixel 8 could also be one of the first phones to offer ray-tracing capabilities. Google is clearly aiming for gaming and other graphics-intensive applications.
Artificial intelligence is a very popular topic these days, and it has found its way into the G3 processor. The Tensor Processing Unit is one of the defining features of Google’s custom chips, and the G3 has an enhanced version of it. This new TPU, codenamed “Rio,” is expected to deliver a major performance boost. This is a clear sign that Google is committed to AI and machine learning capabilities in its phones.
One of the most significant changes is the addition of a new digital signal processor (DSP). The DSP is responsible for handling common operations such as image and audio processing, and the new version is said to be more efficient, making the Pixel 8 faster and more power-efficient. Another major change is the addition of a new UFS controller. UFS stands for Universal Flash Storage, and it is the type of storage used in most smartphones.
The new UFS controller supports UFS 4.0 storage, which is the latest and fastest version of UFS. This means that the Pixel 8 will be able to read and write data to storage much faster than previous Pixel models. In addition to the new DSP and UFS controller, the Tensor G3 also includes a number of other improvements. These include a rearchitected CPU, advanced security features, and groundbreaking graphics capabilities.
The OnePlus Pad has gone through the paces of JerryRigEverything’s durability test. The first-ever OnePlus tablet passed all the critical aspects of the rigorous grilling durability test.
The OnePlus Pad comes as one of the best Android tablets in the market. Durability is an integral part that must be factored into devices. The OnePus Pad and its accompanying Stylo accessory were put through the paces of JerryRigEverything’s test recently. The result of the durability test is refreshingly pleasant for this premium OnePlus Android tablet. The result also underscores a shifting focus by the OnePlus brand to build more durable devices across its lineup of offerings.
The OnePlus Pad has a similar design in some respect to the Apple iPad. As per the durability test, the OnePlus Pad’s screen had a score of six on the Mohs hardness scale for screen scratching. It also showed deeper groves at level seven, the same as the Apple iPad.
The OnePlus Pad’s display survived exposure to a naked flame for 10 seconds before the pixes began to decline. The damage on the 11.4-inch 144Hz display was not permanent, as the pixels were restored after some time. This is the expected behavior of an IPS LCD panel. The pad’s frame architecture is also sufficiently durable with metal finishing around the device. A small plastic section for wireless charging of the Stylo is present but this did not affect the device’s structural integrity.
During the bend test, the OnePlus Pad was sturdy enough and only deformed slightly. The frame was bent permanently when force was applied to the back. However, the display remained intact and did not pop out. The display popped out slightly when bent from the side but was still fully functional. This aspect of its durability performance is important to note, as many iPad versions have failed this test.
The OnePlus Stylo did not withstand the bend test as it snapped in the middle. The inside of the stylus revealed an 82mAh battery and an arrangement of copper pads for pressure sensing. There is also magnetic material on the Stylo that allows it to attach to the tablet’s body. The tips of the stylus pen can also be replaced by twisting and then pulling.
Overall, the OnePlus Pad had a decent JerryRigEverything’s test on several of the test parameters. The device squares up nicely against the Apple iPad but its stylus is lacking in durability.
OpenAI has made generative AI more popular than ever with its chatbot, ChatGPT. Although it’s fresh in the market, the company has continued to develop and enhance its capabilities, making it more reliable. As a result, ChatGPT has been integrated into various tools to improve the user experience. There are even rumors suggesting that it may soon be integrated into Infinix’s Note 30 series. The AI chatbot will apparently be integrated into Infinix’s voice assistant Folax.
ChatGPT will make Infinix’s voice assistant intuitive
According to Twitter tipster Ice Universe, Infinix will be the first smartphone brand to integrate ChatGPT into its devices. The tipster stated, “While the OpenAI’s ChatGPT app has already been launched, embedding ChatGPT into a phone is groundbreaking. When combined with the voice assistant Folax, ChatGPT will give Siri a run for its money.”
The integration is definitely interesting and could improve the voice assistant’s capabilities. However, we would not go so far as to call it “groundbreaking.” Instead, it appears to be a shortcut the company is taking, rather than going through the trouble of training its own AI model but that’s not a bad thing.
Infinix’s ChatGPT voice assistant was shown in a screen recording posted by Ice Universe. The voice assistant has its own avatar and can be activated by pressing and holding the microphone button. In the demo video, a user asked Folax for gift ideas for her daughter. Folax responded with a generative response, similar to the ChatGPT-powered Bing search.
The company is expected to introduce its ChatGPT-powered voice assistant with the upcoming Note 30 series, set to launch on June 14. Most of the details regarding the new lineup have already been revealed, and we have even posted hands-on images of the smartphones. You can check them out here.
Fiat has unveiled the Topolini EV, a compact electric vehicle that looks like a rebadged Citroen Ami which recently got a limited rugged version. The Topolini EV is a smaller model than the current Fiat 500 series. It has a retractable roof made of brown cloth, a redesigned front end, and cream leather seats.
The Topolini has the same drivetrain as the Citroen Ami. This is not far-fetched as both Fiat and Citroen are under the Stellantis brand. The Fiat Topolini has open sides and its 5.5kWh battery pushes the EV to a range of 47 miles (~76km). The Topolini has a top speed of 28mph (~45km/h). The interior of the Fiat Topolini has not been provided. It may likely be similar to the Ami’s interior in which a charging port and a phone holder are present. The Topolini is technically a Quadricycle and does not need any licensing restriction to drive it in the city.
The design goal of the Topolini, according to Fiat, is to make young people fall in love with cars again. The Topolini is also built to promote sustainability while sustaining joy, optimism, and fun. Fiat says the new EV fits into the brand’s democratic mission of providing urban sustainable mobility solutions accessible to a wide segment of the population. Fiat’s ambitions are part of the larger Stellantis brand. Stellantis targets 100% of passenger car sales of BEVs by2030.
Fiat is silent on the pricing of the Topolini but the Citroen Ami is available on lease in parts of Europe for €25 (~$27) monthly payment and a down payment of €3,850 (~$4,123). The price of the Fiat Topolini is expected to be as close as possible to that of the Citroen Ami.
Xiaomi has unveiled the Redmi Buds 4 Active earbuds to the global market. The release of the latest Xiaomi earbuds from the Redmi brand is not exclusive to China this time. The Redmi Buds 4 Active comes with several improvements from its predecessor, the Redmi Buds 4.
The Buds 4 Active is equipped with 12mm drivers which is an improvement from the 10mm drivers in the preceding model. While the 12mm drivers are a significant improvement over the vanilla mode, the Buds 4 Active comes short in active noise cancellation options. The standard Buds 4 Active features active noise cancellation, normal, and transparent modes for ambient sound but the Buds 4 Active only has active noise cancellation and normal modes. The Redmi Buds 4 Active has IPX4 water resistance certification unlike the Buds 4 with IPX5 dust and water resistance rating.
The Redmi Buds 4 Active comes with a different design from its predecessor. It has larger earbuds and a more rounded charging case than the vanilla model. It offers up to 28 hours of operation with its charging case. The earbuds themselves offer up to 5 hours of playback on a single charge.
The Redmi Buds 4 active can also be charged rapidly with 10 minutes of charging yielding up to 2 hours of listening time. The earbuds support Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity and Google Fast Pair. There are several touch controls for the earbuds including double tap, triple tap, and press and hold. These touch functions are for music playback, answering or rejecting a call, and enabling low latency mode, among others.
The Redmi Buds 4 Active weighs 42g together with its charging case and the case has a 440mAh battery capacity. The earbuds only support only the SBC codec and are only available in a black colorway on the Xiaomi website. The Redmi Buds 4 pricing and shipping information are yet to be provided by Xiaomi. Such details could be released anytime soon.
Motorola has expanded its TV lineup in India with the introduction of the Motorola Envision X smart televisions. Following the successful launch of the Motorola Envision series TVs last month, the brand has now revealed the specifications and features of the new TVs on a dedicated microsite hosted on Flipkart. Let’s delve into the details of these latest offerings.
Motorola Envision X smart TV specs & features
Available in two screen sizes of 55″ and 65″, the Envision X boasts a QLED display panel that delivers captivating visuals. It incorporates Quantum-Glow technology, enabling enhanced picture quality with support for Dolby Vision and a wide color gamut of 1.07 billion colors. The TV provides users with the flexibility to choose from six picture modes, allowing them to optimize the display settings according to their preferences.
In terms of audio capabilities, the Envision X supports 3D surround sound through Dolby Atmos technology, delivering an immersive and cinematic audio experience. Users can enjoy a rich bass output and select from four sound modes for customized audio settings.
The smart TV runs on Google TV, powered by the Android operating system, enabling users to access a wide range of content and applications. With AI-enabled personalized content recommendations, users can discover new entertainment options tailored to their interests. Google’s Voice Assistant feature allows for hands-free operation of the TV, and users can control the device using their smartphones. Additionally, a unified search feature simplifies content discovery across multiple streaming platforms.
Under the hood, the Envision X is equipped with a MediaTek quad-core processor, ensuring smooth performance and responsiveness. It includes an inbuilt GPU and 2GB of RAM to handle various tasks efficiently, providing a seamless gaming experience.
Motorola emphasizes customer satisfaction by offering extensive service coverage across more than 19,000 pin codes. A 7-day active call center is available to address customer queries and concerns promptly. Furthermore, users of the Envision X smart TV can benefit from free brand-authorized repair services, with the convenience of repairs conducted at their doorstep.
Pricing & availability
The brand is yet to reveal the launch date of these new TVs in India, however, it is quite likely that they are made available on June 7 at 8 PM in a flash sale on Flipkart. As for the pricing, a screenshot grabbed by TheTechOutlook reveals that the 55″ variant will be priced at Rs. 59,990.
Giztop is giving a huge discount on Redmi Note 12 Turbo smartphone. The phone which generally retails for $349 is now available at a discounted price of $299 only.
Redmi Note 12 Turbo features a 6.67-inch FHD+ OLED display that supports 2400 x 1080p resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, and 240Hz touch sampling rate. The phone is powered by the latest Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 Octa-core processor and comes with 8GB/12GB/16GB LPDDR5 X RAM and 256GB/512GB/1T UFS 3.1 storage.
The phone features a triple rear camera setup with a 64MP primary camera and an 8MP ultra-wide angle lens and a 2MP macro shooter. For your selfies, you have a 16MP sensor in the front.
Redmi Note 12 Turbo is fueled by a 5000mAh battery and supports a 67W fast flash charge. Other interesting features include the NFC function, Infrared sensors, 3.5mm jack, Bluetooth 5.2, under-display fingerprint sensor, JBL stereo dual speakers, etc.
You can now buy the Redmi Note 12 Turbo for a starting price of $299 only on Giztop. Please note that the phone is available in Black, Blue, and White color variants. This price is applicable to the base variant only.
For more information on such exciting deals and offers, check out our deals hub.
Fujitsu is one of the oldest technology companies in the world. Even though the company is not as prominent as it once was, but it’s still active in many different areas, including consumer electronics like laptops. Recently, the tech giant introduced two new laptop models, the UH-X and UH-X convertible. Now, Fujitsu has unveiled two new business laptops in its popular LifeBook U9 series. The new models, the U94/A and U9313X, are powered by 13th generation Intel processors and feature a range of versatile features. Here are the details…
FujitsuUpgrades LifeBook U9 Series Business Laptops with 13th Gen Intel Core, Lightweight Design, and Convertible Features
The LifeBook U94/A is a lightweight 14-inch laptop that weighs just 898 grams. It has a sleek narrow bezel design and a 16:10 aspect ratio display with a resolution of 1920×1200. The laptop is equipped with a full-size ethernet port, two USB A ports, a Thunderbolt 4 port, and HDMI 2.0, providing ample connectivity options. It also supports 5G 2 and Wi-Fi 6E for high-speed internet access. The laptop’s redesigned wide-angle front camera includes Windows Hello verification. Additionally, the laptop incorporates a physical switch for a privacy shutter.
The LifeBook U9313X is a convertible laptop featuring a 13.3-inch screen with a 16:9 aspect ratio and a resolution of 1920×1080. Its design supports 360-degree rotation, offering flexibility between “notebook mode” and “tablet mode.” Like the U94/A, it too offers PalmSecure and Windows Hello. The U9313X comes with two USB A ports, two Thunderbolt 4 ports, and a full-size ethernet port. Also includes a stylus.
Make it us dollar: Both models are available now through Fujitsu’s official website and authorized retailers. The LifeBook U94/A starts at 2.290$, while the starting price for the LifeBook U9313X is 2.300$.
Microsoft has officially announced the discontinuation of its virtual assistant, Cortana, on the Windows platform. In a recent support document, the company stated that the standalone Cortana app, which often goes unnoticed by users, will no longer receive support starting later this year.
This decision follows the introduction of Windows Copilot, which was unveiled at Microsoft’s Build 2023 conference just a week ago. Despite speculation that Copilot would replace Cortana, Microsoft’s Aaron Woodman clarified that the two services have distinct purposes and are not interchangeable.
Microsoft’s Focus Shift: Embracing AI with Copilot and Bing Chat
While Cortana will no longer be available, Microsoft assures users that AI experiences will still be accessible on Windows 11. Notable replacements mentioned in the support document include Windows Copilot, the new Bing, Microsoft 365 Copilot, and voice access in Windows, which enables voice control of PCs.
Cortana’s fate has been apparent for some time. Initially launched as a virtual assistant for Windows Phone 8.1 in 2014, it later made its way to desktops with Windows 10. Microsoft expanded Cortana’s presence by integrating it into various applications, resembling the current approach with Copilot. However, third-party Cortana devices such as the Harman Kardon Invoke smart speaker and the Johnson Controls Glas thermostat have also lost support.
Recognizing the limited potential for Cortana to compete with Amazon’s Alexa, Microsoft gradually scaled back its efforts. Cortana was separated from Windows, becoming a standalone app rather than a taskbar feature. Over the past couple of years, it has largely remained an app on Windows 11 without significant updates or new features.
Now, Microsoft is emphasizing Bing Chat and Copilot. The company’s focus on AI is evident, with plans to move forward with GPT-4, a more advanced voice assistant, instead of relying on Cortana’s basic functionality.
Microsoft clarified that Cortana will still be available in Outlook mobile, Teams mobile, Teams display, and Teams rooms. However, considering the discontinuation of Cortana on Windows and the lack of recent updates, it may not be the ideal time to build workflows around the virtual assistant.
Launched in August 2022, the HyperX DuoCast is HyperX’s USB microphone with RGB lighting. Priced at $99.99 for the global market, it is positioned between the SoloCast and QuadCast microphones from HyperX. Crafted to cater to the needs of streamers, gamers, and content creators alike, the HyperX DuoCast is a user-friendly, plug-and-play solution that delivers top-notch recording quality. Here is our review of the DuoCast.
HyperX DuoCast review: What’s in the box?
HyperX DuoCast
The retail package of the HyperX DuoCast includes the following items:
HyperX DuoCast microphone
Shock mount
USB-C to USB-A cable (length)
Boom arm adapter
Quick Start Guide
HyperX DuoCast: Design and Build
HyperX DuoCastHyperX DuoCastHyperX DuoCast
Featuring minimalist aesthetics, the HyperX DuoCast USB microphone boasts a compact design with built-in RGB lighting. Standing at a height of 8 inches (203mm), it is slightly taller than the SoloCast (7.1 inches) but shorter than the QuadCast (9.5 inches).
As can be seen in the images, the DuoCast has a capsule-like body with the upper part that has the microphone placed inside a honeycomb-like perforated housing, which is followed by an RGB LED ring and the HyperX logo. The top base of the device has the tap-to-mute feature. Its entire body is made from sturdy polycarbonate and does not feel cheap at all. The QuadCast, being a costlier product, has an aluminium build. On the back, there is a gain control knob, a USB-C port, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.
HyperX DuoCast: how to use it?
Buttons: The mute / unmute touch-sensitive button located on the top of the HyperX DuoCast is impressively responsive, allowing for seamless and effortless muting of the microphone with a simple touch or even with your palm on the whole area. Once the microphone is put on mute, the accompanying RGB LED strip also automatically turns off, providing a visual indicator that the microphone is in a muted state.
The gain control knob, available on the back, can be rotated as well as pressed. When it is rotated, users can control the gain, and when pressed, it lets users switch between cardioid and omnidirectional. The USB port can be used to power it up and by connecting to a device like a Windows PC. Once the connection is established, it is ready to use. The 3.5mm headphone jack can be used to monitor the microphone output.
RGB LED ring: The RGB LED ring light on the device functions as a visual indicator for adjusting feature settings. When users modify the microphone gain, the light briefly changes color to reflect the level of gain adjustment. Similarly, when the polar patterns are switched, the light momentarily displays a different color to signify the pattern change.
Shock mount: The shock mount, which is nothing but a plastic stand, comes with a hinge to adjust the angle of the microphone. The stand has a hole through which users can pass the USB cable, allowing you to achieve a neater and more organized appearance on your desk. Users can simply detach it from the stand and latch it onto a boom arm with the attachment provided in the retail package.
HyperX DuoCastHyperX DuoCastHyperX DuoCast
Live streamers who intend to use it while gaming will find it worthwhile to invest in a budget-friendly boom arm, which is highly recommended. It will play a crucial role in optimizing microphone placement for capturing vocals effectively, while also minimizing unwanted desk impact noises.
To access more features of the DuoCast, one can use the NGenuity app from HyperX. Regarding the software aspect, let’s explore it further below.
The HyperX DuoCast is an electret-based condenser microphone with two gain options, a built-in pop filter, a dynamic range of 24 bits and a sampling rate of 96 kHz. The DuoCast works best when the environment is silent and is good enough for conference calls at work or with friends.
When pressed, it allows users to switch between cardioid and omnidirectional polar patterns. For those who don’t know, Cardioid is suitable for podcasts, streaming, voiceover, and instruments. This is suitable for talking directly into the microphone, as it blocks out sound from other directions.
The omnidirectional feature, which is suitable for recording sound coming from multiple (360-degree) directions into the microphone, is suitable for multi-person podcasts and conference calls. Show above are the recorded samples using both polar patterns.
HyperX DuoCastHyperX DuoCastHyperX DuoCast
Here is a look at the polar patterns of SoloCast, DuoCast, and QuadCast:
SoloCast: Cardioid
DuoCast: Cardioid and Omnidirectional
QuadCast: Cardioid, Omnidirectional, Stereo, and Bidirectional
The recordings done using the DuoCast have a natural tone, and the built-in pop filter helps in axing out the unneeded noise and adding clarity. There is no echoing or buzzing in the recordings, and the bundled shock mount does a good job of eliminating desk impacts. Despite the presence of some inevitable background noise in the omnidirectional recordings, the overall results achieved by the DuoCast were outstanding.
When it comes to compatibility, the HyperX DuoCast is compatible with Windows PCs, Macs, PlayStation 5, and PlayStation 4. The company claims that it is a Discord and TeamSpeak-certified product.
Ngenuity appNgenuity app
HyperX’s NGenuity app, which is only for Windows at present, can be downloaded here. It has a simple interface with just two tabs, namely Microphone and Light Sync. The Audio tab allows users to adjust microphone gain, mute the microphone, adjust output volume, enable High Pass filter, and switch polar patterns. It also has a Microphone Test feature to do a test recording of sample audio.
The Light tabs can be used to control the RGB light. It provides six kinds of lighting effects, such as Solid, Breathing, Cycle, Confetti, Sun, and Twilight. In addition, users can choose from different colors and speed options (slow to fast).
HyperX DuoCast review: Conclusion
HyperX DuoCastHyperX DuoCastHyperX DuoCast
The DuoCast is an easy-to-setup, affordable, and versatile desktop microphone suitable for various scenarios such as voiceover, group discussions in conference calls, or podcast recordings. In addition, it is a lightweight microphone with some nice additions like a shock mount and decent software. Ideally, having a silent environment will help DuoCast produce the best results. However, it may not be the optimal choice for capturing the powerful and booming sounds typically associated with music recordings. It would also be a product to consider for gamers on a budget.
HyperX DuoCast: Where to buy?
The HyperX DuoCast is available for purchase through HyperX’s online store and Amazon. Our review unit was provided by Vlogsfan.com., which specializes in selling vlog, podcast, and livestream products. The DuoCast is now listed for $99.99 on Vlogsfan. It is also selling the HyperX SoloCast Mini for $65.
Vlogsfan offers buyer protection features, like full refund if the order does not reach the customer, tax and duty paid by the retailer for buyers in most countries and avail a percent discount with GETOFF5 coupon. Before making the purchase, we advise you to go through Vlogsfan’s policy pages on shipping, refunds, and warranty.
Disclaimer: All of the opinions in this HyperX DuoCast review are mine and based on my own experiences. There has been no editorial input from Vlogsfan or HyperX.
Google Chat, the successor to Google Hangouts, is receiving an update that aims to improve conversation organization. In a recent announcement on the Workspace blog, Google revealed that inactive chats and Spaces will be hidden from view on the left-hand side of the screen. This change will only apply to direct messages and Spaces that have been inactive for a week. However, users will still be able to access these threads by tapping the More button.
Improved Organization: Google Chat’s Update Hides Inactive Chats and Spaces
This update is triggered when there are more than 10 conversations or Spaces present. If a user has fewer than 10 chats or Spaces, they may not even notice the feature rollout. Pinned conversations will not be affected by this change, ensuring easy access to important chats. The goal is to provide users with a streamlined and uncluttered conversations view, allowing them to focus on the chats that matter most.
The improved conversations view will be gradually rolled out over the next few weeks for all Workspace and personal Google account holders. According to Google, there are no toggles to enable or disable this feature, implying that it will be available to all users once the rollout is complete, expected by mid-June.
Google Chat has been making strides to establish its own identity, moving away from its initial similarities to Slack. In October, Google introduced the ability to create custom emoji, a popular feature from Slack. Earlier this year, the Google Chat team also simplified the process of initiating new group chats.
Overall, this update to Google Chat focuses on enhancing conversation organization by hiding inactive chats and Spaces, providing users with a cleaner and more focused interface.
In a recent development, Li Xiaolong, the CTO of Huawei’s Consumer BG, shared a video that challenges the perceived benefits of PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) dimming at frequencies higher than 1440Hz for eye protection. The video highlights a testing process indicating that the actual harm caused by high-frequency PWM dimming on OLED screens may not be directly linked to the advertised “maximum dimming frequency.” Li Xiaolong suggests that the benefits of PWM dimming at a frequency of 1440Hz for eye protection are minimal.
Li Xiaolong Questions Benefits Beyond 1440Hz
Responding to these claims, Honor, a subsidiary of Huawei, has presented its viewpoint on the matter. Honor believes that the impact of PWM dimming frequency on eye protection is influenced not only by the frequency itself but also by factors such as fluctuation depth and duty cycle. They argue that even with high frequencies, if the fluctuation depth is significant, flickering can still affect the eyes.
Honor recently launched the Honor 90 series with a 3840Hz zero-risk dimming eye protection screen. They claim that when the PWM dimming frequency is high enough, it allows users to disregard the influence of fluctuation depth and eliminates the risk of screen flickering. Honor conducted extensive tests to support their position. They found discrepancies between their own test results and online test results, suggesting that testing equipment and accuracy significantly affect the outcome. Honor also mentioned that existing methods, such as the Stroboscopic Effect Visibility Measure (SVM), may not accurately quantify flickering on mobile phones.
The discussion surrounding the 3840Hz ultra-high-frequency PWM dimming technology of the Honor 90 series highlights the growing emphasis users place on the eye protection experience provided by electronic products. Honor reiterates its commitment to continuous exploration and breakthroughs in eye protection technology, emphasizing their investment in research and their dedication to achieving healthy displays.
While both Huawei and Honor present their perspectives on the impact of PWM dimming frequencies beyond 1440Hz on eye protection, it is challenging to determine who holds the more reasonable stance. Independent research and evaluations could provide further insights into this matter.
Samsung is gearing up for the highly anticipated release of its latest smartwatch series, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6. The upcoming lineup has successfully passed the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) certification. The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 series will consist of two models: the Samsung Watch 6 and the Samsung Watch 6 Classic. These watches are expected to launch alongside the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5, possibly in July or August.
Two Models: Samsung Watch 6 and Samsung Watch 6 Classic
The FCC listing confirms that the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 will be available in two sizes: 40mm and 44mm. The 40mm variant carries the model number SM-R930, while the 44mm version is identified as SM-R940.
Connectivity options on the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 include Bluetooth, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/a, NFC, and GNSS. Similar to its predecessor, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 series, the Watch 6 will also feature wireless charging capabilities. The wireless charger for the Watch 6, model number ER-OR900, is expected to be identical to the one used for the Watch 5 series.
While the FCC listing doesn’t provide detailed specifications, further information about the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 series is expected to emerge from other certification platforms in the coming weeks. Stay tuned for more updates as we approach the official launch of these highly anticipated smartwatches.
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
