Twitter’s Head of Trust and Safety Resigns Amidst Mounting Criticism

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Jun 2, 2023

In a surprising turn of events, Ella Irwin, the head of trust and safety at Twitter, has tendered her resignation. This development adds to the growing concerns surrounding the social media giant’s lax protection measures against harmful content since it was acquired by billionaire Elon Musk in October.

Twitter might face another setback with the departure of Ella Irwin

There could be several factors contributing to Irwin’s decision. It is possible that she may have received a better career opportunity elsewhere or decided to pursue a different professional path aligned with her goals and aspirations. It is also conceivable that there were internal dynamics or strategic disagreements within the company that influenced her decision to step down.

It is crucial to recognize that executive-level resignations can occur in any organization, and the circumstances behind them are often complex and multifaceted. Without further information, it is challenging to ascertain the precise motivations behind Irwin’s departure from Twitter. During her tenure, she played a crucial role in overseeing content moderation efforts. However, her departure signals a potential setback for Twitter’s ongoing battle against harmful and unsuitable content.

Notably, Musk recently announced the appointment of Linda Yaccarino, former NBCUniversal advertising chief, as Twitter’s new CEO. This move indicates Musk’s commitment to repositioning the company and addressing the mounting concerns regarding content moderation and brand safety.

Since Musk’s acquisition, Twitter has embarked on a cost-cutting spree, resulting in significant layoffs. Unfortunately, this has included dedicated employees who were actively engaged in efforts to combat harmful and illegal content, preserve election integrity, and promote accurate information on the platform – which it tried to achieve recently with Community Notes. We’ll see how Twitter’s current decisions shape the future of the company with a different Head of Trust and Safety.

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Xiaomi 13 Ultra global launch date officially confirmed, purchase benefits revealed

By

Anvinraj Valiyathara

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Jun 2, 2023

In April, Xiaomi unveiled the Xiaomi 13 Ultra in China. The ultimate flagship phone from Xiaomi was also confirmed to be released in the global market. A microsite for the Xiaomi 13 Ultra for a global audience is now live. The countdown timer available on it confirms the launch date.

Xiaomi 13 Ultra global launch date

The countdown timer on the official site reveals that the Xiaomi 13 Ultra global launch will be held on June 8. Those who purchase the 13 Ultra will be able to take advantage of benefits, such as a 3-month YouTube Premium subscription for free and a 6-month 100 GB Google One subscription for free.

Recent reports have revealed that the Xiaomi 13 Ultra will be available in a 12GB+512GB version only in the global market. In Europe, it could be priced at 1,299 euros or 1,499 euros. It will be available in black and green colors.

Update: you also can grab the Chinese version Xiaomi 13 Ultra phone for $999 on Giztop now, click HERE.

Xiaomi 13 Ultra specifications

The Xiaomi 13 Ultra has a 6.73-inch AMOLED LTPO display equipped with Quad HD+ resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, and an under-display fingerprint scanner. It runs on Android 13 and MIUI 14.

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset powers the 13 Ultra with LPDDR5x RAM and UFS 4.0 storage. It packs a 5,000mAh battery that supports 90W wired and 50W wireless charging.

The 13 Ultra has a 32-megapixel front-facing camera. On the back, it has a 1-inch Sony IMX989 50-megapixel primary camera, which is paired with a 50-megapixel ultra-wide lens, a 5-megapixel telephoto camera with OIS, and a 50-megapixel periscope lens with OIS and 5x optical zoom.

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Dell’s Revenue Dips 20% in Q1 2023, which is still better than Analysts’ Predictions

By

Anubhav

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Jun 2, 2023

Dell, a renowned name in the technology industry, recently announced its quarterly results, defying expectations and showcasing its enduring legacy. While the PC market faced challenges, Dell’s financial figures exceeded analyst estimates, highlighting the company’s ability to adapt and thrive in an ever-changing landscape.

Dell’s Enterprise PC Segment was the saving grace for the company

With a rich history spanning decades, Dell has established itself as a key player in the technology sector. Founded in 1984 by Michael Dell, the company initially gained recognition for its direct-to-consumer sales model, revolutionizing the way computers were distributed. By cutting out the middleman and offering customizable solutions, Dell rapidly gained a loyal customer base.

Over the years, Dell expanded its product portfolio, encompassing a wide range of offerings, including personal computers, laptops, servers, and storage devices. The company’s commitment to innovation and customer-centric solutions propelled its growth, allowing it to become a global leader in the industry.

In the face of a challenging PC market, Dell’s recent financial report offered a glimmer of hope. Despite an overall revenue decline of 20% compared to the previous year, the figures surpassed analysts’ predictions. Dell’s effective cost control measures contributed to improved earnings, underlining the company’s ability to navigate turbulent times successfully.

One particular highlight within the report was the performance of Dell’s enterprise PC segment. Sales exceeded expectations, generating substantial revenue and showcasing the company’s strong foothold in the corporate sector. However, the consumer PC business faced headwinds, experiencing a significant decline in sales. Even in China, Dell doesn’t seem to be doing too well.

While Dell’s competitors also struggled with lower-than-expected PC sales, the company remains optimistic about the future. Looking ahead, Dell’s Vice President, Yvonne McGill, revealed that revenue for the upcoming quarter is expected to range between $20.2 billion and $21.2 billion, signalling a potential turning point. As Dell continues to evolve and adapt to changing market dynamics, it will be interesting to see how the company’s future success plans look like.

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Gmail Scammers Exploit Verification Systems, Google gets a Wake-Up Call

By

Anubhav

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Jun 2, 2023

Google’s Gmail introduced a new feature that used Brand Indicators for Message Identification (BIMI) technology to verify the identity of email senders. When an email was received from a verified sender, a blue checkmark appears next to the company’s name in the inbox. Google initially introduced BIMI in Gmail in 2020, allowing enrolled brands to include authenticated logos in their emails. The blue checkmark is supposed to be a more noticeable indicator that the sender is legitimate, providing users with an extra layer of protection against email scams. It seems that it might’ve backfired on Google to some degree, as scammers seem to have already found a way around this.

Google ignored the first bug report made, but then social media did its thing

Chris Plummer, a diligent cybersecurity engineer, uncovered a concerning trend: scammers finding a way to deceive Gmail’s authentication systems, enabling them to appear as legitimate sources and bypass security checks. Despite Plummer’s sincere efforts to bring this to Google’s attention, his bug report was shockingly dismissed as “intended behavior.” Obviously surprised by the response, Plummer took to social media (specifically Twitter) to voice his frustrations, sparking a significant and m outcry from concerned users.

Plummer’s revelations on Twitter resonated with users and experts alike, highlighting the severity of the issue and the need for action. The collective opposition seems to have caught Google’s attention, prompting the company to reconsider its initial reaction to the same. Realizing the potential consequences of scammers exploiting the system, Google is now compelled to address the vulnerability and fix it swiftly. Social media can be a really useful tool at times, it seems.

While it is kind of annoying that Plummer had to resort to public pressure to elicit a response from Google, it is essential to acknowledge the company’s subsequent acknowledgement of the issue (even though it might be for the sake of the company’s image). Users must remain optimistic that Google will try to identify and resolve the problem.

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Nintendo Europe Division winds down Russian Operations amidst Economic Stress

By

Anubhav

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Jun 2, 2023

Nintendo‘s recent decision to suspend product shipments to Russia and place the Nintendo eShop under maintenance has had a profound impact on the Russian gaming market. In early 2022, Nintendo took this drastic step following the suspension of transactions in Russian rubles by payment providers. Now, Nintendo of Europe has made the difficult decision to wind down its operations in Russia, citing the challenging economic outlook as a determining factor.

Existing Russian Nintendo Account holders will continue receiving limited service

However, the company remains committed to its loyal customer base in Russia and is taking steps to honour its previous commitments. The Russian version of Nintendo eShop will continue to offer a limited service to existing customers. Effective May 31st, 2023, and for the foreseeable future, Russian customers who possess an active Nintendo Account will still be able to redownload digital content they have previously purchased. This move aims to ensure that players can continue to access and enjoy the games they have invested in.

Nevertheless, it is important to note that creating new Nintendo Accounts with a country setting of Russia will no longer be possible. As a precautionary measure, payment information associated with Nintendo Accounts, such as credit card or PayPal details, has been deleted for security reasons. While this may inconvenience some customers, Nintendo prioritizes the safety and protection of its users’ personal information.

Nintendo’s decision to wind down operations in Russia reflects the complexities of the global gaming market and the challenges faced by multinational companies in navigating economic uncertainties. The sales of the Nintendo Switch are already expected to take a hit this year. Despite this setback, the company remains committed to delivering exceptional gaming experiences to players worldwide, while taking appropriate measures to ensure the security and satisfaction of its loyal customer base.

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Vivo V29 Lite 5G launched with curved AMOLED display, Snapdragon 695, 64MP OIS triple cameras

By

Anvinraj Valiyathara

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Jun 2, 2023

Several reports have claimed that Vivo will launch the Vivo V29 series of smartphones in the global market. The first V29 series phone, the Vivo V29 Lite 5G, has now gone official in the Czech Republic without any fanfare. Here is a look at the specifications, features, and price of the device.

Vivo V29 Lite 5G specifications and features

The Vivo V29 Lite 5G comes equipped with a 6.78-inch AMOLED display with curved edges. The screen offers an FHD+ resolution, a 20:9 aspect ratio, a 120Hz refresh rate, a 300Hz touch sampling rate, a 2160Hz Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) eye protection, up to 1,300 nits of brightness, and a DCI-P3 color gamut. In addition, it is also equipped with an in-screen fingerprint scanner.

Under the hood, the Vivo V29 Lite 5G features the Snapdragon 695 chipset and 8 GB of RAM. The device offers 8 GB of virtual RAM and 128 GB of storage. It ships with Android 13 OS and FunTouch OS 13 preinstalled. The company has guaranteed that the V29 Lite will receive two major Android OS upgrades and three years of security updates. It houses a 5,000mAh battery that supports 44W fast charging.

The Vivo V29 Lite 5G has a 16-megapixel camera on the front. Its rear-facing camera system has a 64-megapixel main camera with OIS support, a 2-megapixel bokeh lens, and a 2-megapixel macro camera.

Vivo V29 Lite 5G black — Vivo V29 Lite 5G in Dark Black

The V29 Lite 5G measures 7.89mm in thickness and weighs 177 grams. The back panel of the phone has nano-scale photo-etched patterns, which give it a sleek look. Lastly, the phone comes with IP54-rated dust and water protection.

Vivo V29 Lite 5G price and availability

The Vivo V29 Lite 5G is now available for pre-sale and is scheduled to go on sale on June 15. Those who pre-order the phone between June 1 and June 14 will receive the Vivo TWS 2e earbuds worth CZK 1,499 (~$68) for free. The device, which comes in an 8GB+128GB configuration only, is priced at CZK 8,499 (~$386), including VAT. Buyers can avail in Dark Black and Summer Gold colours. It comes with a two-year warranty.

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BOE unveils the first 110-inch 16K TV that dwarfs current projectors

By

Jed John Ikoba

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Jun 1, 2023

BOE has showcased a massive 110-inch 16K TV which is a great and refreshing alternative to projectors. The TV prototype was presented at the SID Display Week 2023 in Los Angeles. The BOE 16K TV offers greater display clarity over the lower 4K and 8K models. The prototype offers a four-fold increase in pixels above an 8K screen and 16 times the pixels count over a 4K TV.

The unveiling of the new BOE 110-inch 16K TV coincides with the Chinese company’s 30th Anniversary celebration. The SID Display Week 2023 brings together a rich collection of cutting-edge resolution screens. The prototype is about the same size as home theater projectors but with a more powerful 16K resolution. The leading home theater projectors cannot boast of anything near a 16K resolution.

The prototype has a pretty underwhelming maximum brightness of 400 nits compared to up to 1,400 nits from the best projectors and TVs. The frame rate on offer for the BOE prototype is 60Hz while some current TVs offer up to 120Hz. The prototype also comes with an LCD panel as opposed to an OLED, QLED, or Mini-LED. It has to be stated that this is still a prototype and could possibly not make its way to the market.

BOE 110-inch 16K TV showcased at the SID Display Week 2023 in Los Angeles

The BOE 110-inch 16K TV prototype has 16 DisplayPort cables which look quite clumsy. It would seem that the flipside of a 16K screen trumps the benefits. There is a little sprinkling of models/ prototypes with 16K screens.

The BOE 16K TV prototype may have a long trajectory if it is to transit into a production model. It is however interesting that the TV could be a stepping-stone to more developed models. Maybe in the nearest future, we will get a true 16K model with excellent features and few drawbacks.

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Redmi K50i drops to its best price yet in India, available for Rs. 18,999

By

Anurag

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Jun 1, 2023

The Redmi K series phones often remain exclusive to China but last year Xiaomi made an exception, and released the Redmi K50i in India. This was three years after the company launched the K20 series in the country. The device arrives as a solid mid-ranger with a powerful Dimensity 8100 chip and 144Hz refresh rate display. It was a decent deal at the launch price but the company has made it more tempting by offering a sweet discount. Here are the details.

Redmi K50i becomes a solid deal

Redmi K50i 5G base model with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage can now be purchased for Rs. 18,999 in India. Although the handset is listed on the company’s website for Rs. 20,999, there’s an exchange bonus of Rs. 2,000 for any old Redmi or Xiaomi phone, which brings down the price to Rs. 18,999. In addition, users can get up to Rs. 1,500 instant discount with ICICI Credit Cards & Credit EMI, as well as with ICICI Net Banking transactions.

With the discounts, the Redmi K50i becomes a really good phone for what you are getting. You get snappy performance with the Dimensity 8100 processor, a 5,000mAh battery with fast charging, and decent cameras. The display department of the device is also pretty solid with a 6.6-inch LCD panel, offering an FHD+ 2460 x 1080 pixels resolution, 144Hz variable refresh rate, DC dimming, 100% DCI-P3 color gamut, Dolby Vision, HDR10, and 650 nits peak brightness.

For clicking pictures, you get a 64MP camera with f/1.89 aperture, 8MP ultra-wide lens with 119° FOV, f/2.2 aperture, and a 2MP macro camera. Selfies are covered by a 16MP front-facing camera. The device supports 67W charging.

Apple Store Becomes India’s Leading Electronics Retailer, Generating Over 22-25 Crore Rupees in Monthly Sales

By

Oğuz Çakır

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Jun 1, 2023

In today’s digital world, we can do many things without ever leaving our homes. We can shop online, bank online, and even work online. This has led some people to believe that physical stores are becoming obsolete. However, Apple’s new stores in India are proving that there is still a demand for physical retail. According to the latest reports, Apple’s two stores in India have been generating more than 22-25 crore Rupees (approximately $3 million) in sales every month. Here are the details…

Apple India Stores Generate Monthly Sales of Rs 25 Crore Each

Apple recently opened its first physical store in India, following a lengthy period of anticipation. These stores, located in Delhi and Mumbai, were immediately met with strong interest from local users. Apple’s two stores in India have been generating sales of 22-25 crore Rupees (approximately $3 million) every month. This makes the Apple Store the country’s leading electronics retailer in terms of revenue. So what is the price of iPhones in India?

Unfortunately, geography plays a significant role and can affect your purchasing power in a particular region. Moreover, tax policies in some countries can contribute to a widening gap between technology enthusiasts and the products they aspire to acquire. In this context, India can be considered a country in the middle ground. While it may not experience alarming price increases like Brazil and Turkey, it is slightly more expensive compared to the United States and European countries. For instance, the prices of iPhone 14 in the country are as follows:

Model	Storage	Price (INR)	Dollar Equivalent (USD)
iPhone 14	128GB	₹79,900	$966.45
iPhone 14 Pro	128GB	₹99,900	$1175.29
iPhone 14 Max	128GB	₹89,900	$1064.89
iPhone 14 Pro Max	128GB	₹109,900	$1263.33

One of the main factors contributing to the relatively affordable prices of iPhones in India is the accessibility of sales in the country. However, we cannot ignore the success generated by Apple’s brand perception. The company manages to achieve significant sales figures even in countries with high taxes, as mentioned above.

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Surface Duo and Duo 2 Update Causes Device to Reboot Randomly, Microsoft Says It’s Investigating

By

Oğuz Çakır

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Jun 1, 2023

Microsoft has been in the smartphone market for nearly two years with its dual-screen Android phone, the Surface Duo. The device was not a huge sales success, but it did attract a loyal customer base. In September 2022, Microsoft released the Surface Duo 2. Both devices offer the openness of Android with unique features from Microsoft. However, the latest software update for the Surface Duo and Surface Duo 2 is causing some major problems. Here are the details…

Microsoft Surface Duo Users Report Random Reboots After Installing May 2023 Update

If you’re developing a smartphone with two screens and aiming to create some advantages that dual-screen offers, your task is quite challenging. Even Microsoft, a company valued at $141.6 billion and employing 221,000 people worldwide, is struggling to achieve this. We all remember the software issues that were present at the launch of the Surface Duo and Surface Duo 2. Although this situation was not well-received by some users, we all acknowledged the problems that Android phones had when they first launched. Especially after the bug festival that Google Pixel models presented to their users and us.

However, bugs coming with updates long after their release, are simply unacceptable. Unfortunately, this is precisely what Surface Duo and Duo 2 users are experiencing. A recent May 2023 security update has introduced new and serious issues. Users from all over the world have reported that their devices are randomly rebooting after installing the update. The subsequent reboot screen apparently also asks users whether they’d like to try booting up again or factory resetting their device. Even though these issues are driving users insane, they won’t last long.

Microsoft, aware of the problem users are facing, made a statement about the issue to a competitor as respectable as Gizmochina, saying: “Microsoft is aware and is looking into it. For additional information please refer to our Microsoft’s Q&A community page: Surface Duo 2 – permanent reboots after Update May 30 2023 – Microsoft Community.” Unfortunately, the statement did not provide information on when the problem would be resolved.

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Porsche unveils the eBike Cross Performance & e-bike Cross Performance EXC electric bicycles

By

Jed John Ikoba

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Jun 1, 2023

Luxury automaker Porsche has unveiled two new electric bicycles on the higher end of the price spectrum. The two new Porsche e-bikes are the Porsche eBike Cross Performance and eBike Cross Performance EXC. The release comes after the company’s first electric bicycle, the Porsche Rodeo. The latest Porsche electric bikes are yet another set of e-mobility products from an automotive company. Porsche has been within the e-bike market with a few models previously delivered.

Porsche recently completed the acquisition of Greyp Bikes, a high-performance electric mountain bike company. This will further enhance its in-house capacity which has seen it build e-bikes for several years. The two e-bikes were created in collaboration with Rotwild, the e-bike designer. The two models are hyped as capable of getting hearts racing both on asphalt and on the trail.

The Porsche eBike Cross Performance is equipped with the Shimano EP-801 mid-drive motor and Fox Factory suspension. It is also equipped with a 630Wh battery that ensures maximum performance on the trail. The eBike Cross Performance will also possibly come with the 12-speed Shimano rear derailleur to achieve the optimal gear ratio and pedaling cadence both uphill and downhill.

There are two riding profiles in the eBike Cross Performance and several modes including Eco, Trail, Boost, and Fine Tune. Riders can set up to 15 support parameters in the Fine Tune Mode of Profile 2. This allows the rider to customize the profile to suit the terrain for an optimal riding experience. There are several other exquisite features of the Cross Performance including Auto-Shift, Free Shift, and the MT7 Magura brake system.

The Porsche eBike Cross Performance EXC is designed to meet individualized requirements with a fine touch of exquisite craftsmanship. It retains the features of the eBike Cross Performance in several respects. It also comes with exclusive colors from the Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur and is available in Star Ruby Neo, Mamba Green Metallic, Carmine Red, and Ice Gray Metallic, amongst others.

The Porsche eBike Cross Performance is priced at $14,250 while the more powerful Porsche eBike Cross Performance EXC is priced at $15,350.

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Hyundai launches the Rayvolt Exxcite electric bicycle with a sleek and stylish design

By

Jed John Ikoba

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Jun 1, 2023

Hyundai is throwing its hat into the fast-expanding e-mobility market with the launch of the Hyundai Rayvolt Exxcite e-bike exclusively for the French market. Hyundai is the latest automaker that has expanded to the e-mobility scene. While not taking the place of cars, electric bikes are fast providing sustainable and compact options for last-mile movements within the urban jungle.

Hyundai Rayvolt Exxcite electric bicycle

The e-mobility market is fast expanding with several car and motorbike manufacturers dabbling into it. These include Porsche, Yamaha, Ducati, and Mercedes-AMG. Hyundai is partnering with Rayvolt for a special edition, limited version of the popular Rayvolt Exxite Next e-bike. The Hyundai Exxcite Next e-bike will be limited to the French market. It will be entering a rapidly-expanding market and is bound to compete with established brands in the market.

The Hyundai Exxcite Next is equipped with a 250W EPAC hub motor with a maximum torque of 50Nm. It has a top assisted speed of 16mph and its in-built torque sensor ensures a seamless and smooth power delivery. The e-bike has a removable 14Ah battery pack that seats neatly within the seat post. The battery offers a range of up to 50 miles on a single charge. The limited-edition Hyundai Exxcite Next e-bike has the Intelligent Regenerative Brake Sensor (IRBS) and a back pedal braking system. There is an intuitive control panel at the front for setting the drive parameters. The control panel also enables the user to monitor ride information like speed, battery usage, and assist mode.

The Hyundai Exxcite Next electric bike can be used at home as a fitness trainer, using the RegenFit accessory and the Eiva app. The Exxcite Next e-bike is priced at €3,490 (~$3,755) in France. It is unclear whether Hyundai may extend the new electric bicycle to other markets.

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Xiaomi India to source 50% of smartphone components locally, partners with Optiemus for Bluetooth device

By

Jed John Ikoba

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Jun 1, 2023

Xiaomi India has announced its plans to use local content in the production of its smartphones in India. The company has also signed up Optiemus Electronics to manufacture Bluetooth audio devices, thus extending the Xiaomi brand to the hearables segment in India. Xiaomi currently produces smartphones and smart TVs in the subcontinent.

Optiemus Electronics manufactures smart hearables for a number of brands including Noise and Ambrane. The company will manufacture the upcoming Bluetooth neckband from the partnership at its Noida manufacturing facility. The single-assembly line facility can produce 40,000 units per day and employs about 70 persons. It is however unclear the value of the new Xiaomi-Optiemus partnership.

Xiaomi hopes to leverage the Optiemus deal to accelerate its localization policy for both its products and components. It says it hopes to expand such collaborations to a wider range of categories across its product lineup. The move snugly fits into the Made in India policy that encourages local manufacturing. Xiaomi says that Optiemus will be making the printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs) for the devices and also do the final assembly and testing of the product.

Optiemus expressed satisfaction with the partnership with Xiaomi India. It stressed that the collaboration is a significant testimony to its expertise and growing capabilities. Xiaomi and Optiemus both expect the new partnership to grow beyond the initial level and expand the use of local components in their products. Xiaomi also seeks to shore up its outlook in India on the back of a negative bounce in 2022.

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Dell Suffers Major Setback in China PC Market as Huawei Takes Second Spot with Premium Products

By

Oğuz Çakır

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Jun 1, 2023

Huawei is one of the most unfortunate tech companies in recent years. It was once a global leader in the smartphone market, but it has been struggling since the US-China trade war began. In an effort to recover, Huawei has been expanding into new sectors, including computers. The company’s efforts seem to be paying off. In the first quarter of 2023, Huawei’s PC shipments surged by 34.1% year-on-year. This helped the company re-enter the top three of China PC market. However, the tech giant says that it’s only a matter of time before Huawei claims the top spot. Here are the details…

Dell’s shipments plummeted by 50%, Huawei’s share rose to second in China’s PC market

Huawei has re-entered the top three of China’s PC market, with shipments surging by 34.1% year on year in the first quarter of 2023. The company’s Vice President of Consumer Business Group’s Strategic Marketing, Li Changzhu, says that it’s only a matter of time before Huawei claims the top spot.

According to the latest reports, Lenovo and HP remained steady in the Chinese PC market, with market shares of 24.2% and 22.1%, respectively. However, Dell, which declared a plan to “decouple from China” in its supply chain, experienced a “halved” drop in shipments, falling out of the top three. The market share that Dell lost was seemingly “swept up” by Huawei.

Huawei’s approach to the PC and tablet market is somewhat distinctive from traditional PC manufacturers. The company is primarily concentrating on the integration of intelligent ecosystems as a novel area for innovation. Their products are designed with specific audiences in mind, such as office environments, student demographics, and existing customers of Huawei’s phones and tablets. I can vouch for this as a former user of a MateBook X Pro; the company’s premium products exceed their competition.

Since the beginning of 2022, the PC market has been shrinking for over a year. Despite Huawei’s continual growth against the trend, it is still inevitably affected by the industry’s overall downturn. Over the last three quarters starting from the third quarter of last year, Huawei’s growth rates in the Chinese PC market were 110%, 73%, and 34%, respectively, indicating that its growth is gradually slowing. However, according to current trends, it’s expected that there will be some demand for device replacement starting in 2024, which could stimulate growth in the entire market.

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Garmin Fenix 7 Pro Series launches with solar cells and flashlights

By

Anurag

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Jun 1, 2023

Garmin recently unveiled the Epix 2 Pro series smartwatch, which boasts remarkable features and a solid build. Now, the company has introduced the new Fenix 7 Pro series to the market, equipped with several advanced features. For one, the series gets more efficient Memory-In-Pixel (MIP) displays along with solar cells and even flashlights. These watches will be perfect for those who love to go on outdoor adventures. Here are the details.

Garmin Fenix 7 Pro Series Specifications

The Fenix 7 Pro Series is built with a focus on durability. The multisport GPS smartwatch is designed to stand harsh circumstances while offering reliable performance. It is offered in three sizes— 42mm, 47mm, and 51mm— and in a number of materials. Most of its capabilities are similar to the recently launched Epix 2 Pro but it gets a more power-efficient MIP display that can be easily viewed in bright sunlight.

One notable addition to the watch is the built-in LED flashlight, which comes with different intensities. There’s also a red safety light and a strobe mode. It gets sensors for tracking of activities like hiking, running, swimming, and others. Further, the Fenix 7 Pro Series provides powerful multi-band GPS tracking, mapping, and navigation features. It includes various sensors, including an altimeter, barometer, and compass.

The new series features numerous health and fitness tracking capabilities, such as heart rate monitoring, VO2 Max, sleep analysis, and advanced training metrics. The Fenix 7 Pro comes with 22 days of battery life, which boils down to 73 hours with GPS tracking and 48 hours with multi-band enabled.

The Fenix 7 Pro is available in three sizes: 42mm, 47mm, and 51mm. The 42mm and 47mm models start at $800, while the 51mm model starts at $900. The Sapphire upgrade, which adds a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal to the display, is available for all three sizes for an additional $100.

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Xiaomi 14 Ultra could continue using a 1-inch primary sensor

By

Anurag

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Jun 1, 2023

The latest Xiaomi flagships, the Xiaomi 13, 13 Pro, and 13 Ultra, all come with impressive cameras that are at par with some of the most high-end phones. The Xiaomi 13 Ultra, in particular, boasts a quad Leica-tuned camera setup on the rear, with a 1-inch 50MP Summicron lens. One might say that this is as good as smartphone cameras get, but there is always room for improvement. And the next-generation Xiaomi 14 Ultra may just up the ante further but it will likely have to make do with a 1-inch main sensor, the same as its predecessor.

But Xiaomi 15 Ultra may bring a larger sensor

Xiaomi 14 Ultra is going to be the next mega flagship from the Chinese company and just like this year’s model, the new phone is also expected to get serious camera hardware. However, tipster Digital Chat Station riddled in a recent Weibo post that the smartphone will have to continue using a 1-inch camera sensor. DCS notes that the M43 sensor, which has a size of 1.33 inches, is still too big for the phones and will likely not be seen in one anytime soon.

The tipster, however, suggests that the Xiaomi 15 Ultra will come with major improvements in the sensor size. Given that these are early leaks, we can’t be too sure about the details but DCS has a neat track record so these claims do hold some water.

To remind you of Xiaomi 13 Ultra’s (review) camera prowess, the device gets a Leica Vario-Summicron lens on the back with a 1-inch 50MP Sony IMX989 primary camera sensor, carrying support for variable aperture between f/1.9 and f/4.0. The smartphone also boasts a 50MP Sony IMX858 f/1.8 ultrawide sensor with a 122-degree FOV, along with a pair of 50MP Sony IMX858 telephoto lenses.

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Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra rumored to feature 5x optical zoom camera

By

Soumyakanti

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Jun 1, 2023

In the latest round of rumors surrounding Samsung’s upcoming flagship smartphones, it has been reported that the Galaxy S24 Ultra will receive a significant camera upgrade. According to a recent article by GalaxyClub, Samsung is planning to enhance the zoom capabilities of the Galaxy S24 Ultra by introducing a 5x optical zoom.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Leaks Suggest 5x Optical Zoom Lens

To achieve this improvement, Samsung is reportedly considering eliminating the current 3x telephoto sensor, which is currently paired with a 10x periscope lens. This move would mark a departure from the dual zoom sensor setup introduced with the Galaxy S21 Ultra and potentially pave the way for a more advanced zoom system.

The evolution of Samsung’s camera technology in its S-series smartphones has been noteworthy. The Galaxy S20 Ultra, for instance, introduced a groundbreaking 100x digital zoom camera, courtesy of its 48MP telephoto lens with 4x optical zoom. Subsequently, the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra featured a 12MP telephoto lens capable of 5x optical zoom and an impressive 50x space zoom.

In recent iterations, such as the Galaxy S21 Ultra, Galaxy S22 Ultra, and Galaxy S23 Ultra, Samsung equipped its devices with two telephoto sensors, each capable of 10MP resolution. This setup allowed for 3x and 10x optical zoom using each lens, while the maximum Space Zoom was capped at 100x until the release of the S23 Ultra.

Initial rumors had suggested that the Galaxy S24 Ultra would introduce a new telephoto sensor with variable zoom, potentially comprising a three-camera system. However, subsequent reports indicate that Samsung has altered its plans and decided to maintain the current camera configuration for the Galaxy S24 Ultra.

The potential inclusion of a 5x optical zoom camera in the Galaxy S24 Ultra represents an exciting development for photography enthusiasts and smartphone users. As Samsung continues to push the boundaries of smartphone camera technology, the upcoming flagship device is expected to deliver impressive zoom capabilities, allowing users to capture intricate details from afar.

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Asus ROG Ally Handheld Console Achieves 20% Performance Boost with Latest Driver Update

By

Sudhanshu

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Jun 1, 2023

Last month, Asus launched the ROG Ally handheld gaming console globally. The console is a direct competitor to the popular Steam Deck, and should have been significantly more powerful than the Valve console solely based on the fact that it uses the newer Ryzen Z1 Extreme chip. However, that wasn’t the case in the early testing of the console.

In a recent video, Youtuber Dave2D discussed this issue revealing that the low performance was due to Asus sending out undercooked drivers. Fortunately, this issue has now been resolved before the console started shipping to customers across the globe.

The latest drivers sent out by Asus bump up the performance of the ROG Ally Console by 15 to 20% AT 15W and 25W profiles. The 9W silent profile has also improved in performance, now offering ballpark framerates compared to the Steam Deck. However, the Steam Deck still outperforms it at 9W, and the ROG Ally is not expected to catch up in this scenario. This is mostly due to the Ryzen Z1 Extreme being close to a laptop chip, derived from the Ryzen 7 7840U which is designed to run between 15W to 30W.

That being said, the battery life of the ROG Ally is still the same, making the Steam Deck still a more balanced choice if you want to play older titles or indie games without battery anxiety.

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Mysterious Xiaomi “N7” device is in development, leak suggests

By

Soumyakanti

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Jun 1, 2023

Rumors have emerged regarding a new Xiaomi device, known only as the “N7,” which is said to be part of the company’s upcoming lineup. A recent report revealed the model numbers for Xiaomi 14 and Xiaomi 14 Pro smartphones, expected to launch later this year in China. In addition, a Weibo post by tipster Digital Chat Station hinted at the existence of an entirely new model.

Xiaomi Flip concept — Credit: TS Designer

Could the “N7” be Xiaomi’s entry into the clamshell foldable market?

The Xiaomi 14 and 14 Pro are said to feature model numbers 23127PN0CC and 23116PN5BC for the Chinese market, respectively. For the global market, these devices are identified by model numbers 23127PN0CG and 23116PN5BG. Interestingly, these smartphones are given shortened model names, with “N3” and “N2” representing the Xiaomi 14 and 14 Pro, respectively. The upcoming Xiaomi 14 Ultra, on the other hand, is rumored to have the model name “N1.” All of these devices are expected to be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, slated for a potential November debut.

However, a screenshot shared by the tipster reveals another mystery device with the shortened model name “N7.” This device seems to be entirely new, as there are no previous generations associated with it. Speculation suggests that Xiaomi might be entering the clamshell foldable smartphone market with the N7, potentially introducing the Xiaomi MIX Flip. However, it is advised to await further reports to confirm the identity of this enigmatic N7 device.

In related news, renowned tipster Ice Universe claims that the Xiaomi 14 Ultra could see an early launch compared to its predecessor, the Xiaomi 13 Ultra, which debuted in April this year. This hints at the possibility of the Xiaomi 14 Ultra making its appearance in the first quarter of 2024.

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US plans to curb investment in Chinese Semiconductor and AI industries

By

Joane

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Jun 1, 2023

On Wednesday, a US treasury officer announced that there are discussions to implement new regulations to limit the transfer of U.S. investments and expertise to Chinese companies involved in cutting-edge sectors such as advanced semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing. These new rules aim to exert greater control over the flow of critical technologies and knowledge to China.

During a Senate Banking Committee hearing, Paul Rosen, the Treasury official responsible for investment security, addressed the issue of restricting U.S. investments that involve valuable know-how and expertise in specific sectors. These sectors include advanced semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing.

Rosen emphasized that officials are actively working on implementing measures to curb investment from the United States in order to safeguard sensitive knowledge and expertise. The focus is primarily on sectors and subsectors such as advanced semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing. The concern lies in China’s military and the potential implications of allowing unrestricted access to these advanced technologies.

However, even amidst the growing sanctions and uncertainties, the CEO of American Tech giant Nvidia is planning a trip to China to meet top-level executives. According to undisclosed sources, Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia s reportedly intends to visit China in June for the first time in several years.

Nvidia has emerged as a key player in the field of AI globally. However, the geopolitical landscape has presented complexities for the company’s operations in China. The US sanctions have restricted Nvidia from selling its advanced AI chipsets to Chinese customers, which includes major companies like Tencent and ByteDance.

In the upcoming visit, Huang is planning to visit executives from prominent companies such as Tencent Holdings, one of the world’s top gaming companies, and ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok.

The ongoing US-China trade war has global repercussions as countries like Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan have also joined the US in adding sanctions. Recently Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao, called upon Japan to cease its export restrictions on chip manufacturing in China, emphasizing the need for a change in policy.

Shu Jueting, a spokesperson at China’s commerce ministry said that China firmly expresses its objection and determination to respond if the United States imposes restrictions on Chinese firms’ investments in the semiconductor industry.

During a news briefing, Shu stated that the actions taken by the United States to curb tech exports to China, would not only disrupt the normal operations of companies but also undermine the integrity of the international economic and trade order.