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Audio Technica ATH-M20XBT, ATH-S220BT Bluetooth Headphones With 60-Hour Battery Life Launched In India

Audio Technica has launched two new Bluetooth headphones in India. The brand had announced the ATH-SQ1W TWS earphones in the country earlier this month. The latest offerings are ATH-M20XBT and ATH-S220BT. Both come with nearly identical specifications. Read on to know more below. 

Audio Technica ATH-M20XBT, S220BT specifications

The Audio Technica ATH-M20XBT has an over-ear design with large ear cushions for comfortable usage. On the other hand, the ATH-S220BT is an on-ear headphone with a sleek and lightweight design. Both audio devices have an adjustable neckband. Both headphones come with control buttons for controlling music playback. There is also an inbuilt microphone and support for voice assistant. 

On the audio front, the Audio Technica ATH-M20XBT and ATH-S220BT are equipped with a 40mm driver for an enhanced sound output. There is support for low latency mode that reduces lag during gaming or watching videos. The audio devices feature a multipoint pairing function for connecting to two Bluetooth-enabled devices at the same time. The ATH-S220BT also comes with support for Google Fast Pair for a quicker pairing process. 

Both the Audio Technica ATH-M20XBT and ATH-S220BT are claimed to offer a total playback time of 60 hours with support for rapid charging. A 10-minute charge is said to offer usage of 3.5 hours. Both headphones come with a 3.5mm jack along with a 1.2m bundled cable for users who prefer wired connection and when the battery runs out. 

The Audio Technica ATH-M20XBT is priced at Rs 13,500 whereas the ATH-S220BT costs Rs 7,720. The headphones can be brought from online and offline stores across the country. 

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Garmin Instinct 2X Solar, Solar Tactile Edition With Rugged Design Launched In India

Garmin has launched two new smartwatches in India. They are a part of the wearable brand’s Instinct 2X series. The two devices are called Garmin Instinct 2X Solar and Solar Tactile Edition. Both are quite similar to each other with the Tactile edition packing additional features. Read on to know more below.

Garmin Instinct 2X series specifications and features

The Garmin Instinct 2X Solar and Solar Tactile Edition are rugged smartwatches built for outdoors and extreme environments. Both the bezel and the case are made out of fiber-reinforced polymer. They are certified as per MIL-STD 810 standards. The smartwatches are water-resistant up to 10 meters. 

The Garmin Instinct 2X series feature a custom 1.1-inch circular two-window display that is shielded by a scratch-resistant Power Glass lens. There is a single-tone built-in flashlight with adjustable intensity. There is a red and adjustable white light to enhance visibility and environmental awareness. There is a dedicated strobe mode that switches between red and white to match the rhythm of the activity. 

The Garmin Instinct 2X series is equipped with 24×7 health and wellness tracking, advanced sleep monitor, respiration tracker, and pulse oximeter. There is support for multiple sports modes, HIIT workouts, obstacle course racing, and recovery time after each workout. 

The Garmin Instinct 2X duo comes with improved positional accuracy thanks to multi-band frequency support via GNSS and navigation via ABS sensors. The smartwatches are capable of charging via solar energy allowing them to provide unlimited battery life. 

The Garmin Instinct 2X Solar Tactile edition is designed for tactile operations. It has all the features of the regular variant but packs additional stuff like Night Vision, Stealth mode, a Jumpstart model, and more. 

The Garmin Instinct 2X Solar is priced at Rs 50,490 whereas the Tactile edition costs Rs 55,990. Both devices will be available for purchase starting today from leading online retailers and offline watch stores. 

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Xiaomi TV S series get 55-inch and 85-inch versions starting at 2399 yuan ($339)

Xiaomi has unveiled new versions of the TV S series in China ahead of the 618 shopping featival. 618 is a the second most-popular shopping festival in China after the singles’ day (11.11). The e-commerce festival started in 2010 driven by top e-commerce companies such as JD & Alibaba’s Taobao and Tmall and extended to offline. The new smart TV models include the Xiaomi TV S 55-inch and TV S 85-inch version.

Xiaomi TV S series

The Xiaomi TV S series was first announced in March this year and was available in 65-inch and 75-inch display sizes. The new 55-inch model is now the cheapest among the lot while the 85-inch version gives users an immersive viewing experience while retaining a decent price tag.

Xiaomi TV S series

The new Mi TV S series still maintains the basic parameters of the previous 65/75 inch mdoels with the display sizes being the only differences. The whole series comes standard with a native 4K resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels. The display also has a refresh rate of up to 144Hz, and 1.07 billion colors. It also supports 48- 144Hz variable refresh rate and MEMC motion compensation.

Xiaomi TV S series

The smart TV is powered by a MT9653 chipset which has four Cortex A73 large-core architecture. The processor can provide powerful AI computing power for the TV and is paired with 3GB RAM and 32GB of storage.

In addition, it also supports Wi-Fi 6, NFC remote control, far-field voice, and is equipped with two HDMI 2.1, which guarantees the experience of console games.

Xiaomi TV S series

Xiaomi TV S series 55-inch and 85-inch models prices

As for the pricing, the Xiaomi TV S 55-inch model is priced at 2399 yuan ($339) while the 85-inch model is priced at 5999 yuan ($848).

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Pebble Cosmos Vault With AMOLED Display, Premium Design Launched In India

Earlier this month Pebble launched the Cosmos Bold Pro smartwatch. Now the brand has announced a new offering in the Cosmos series. It is called the Pebble Cosmos Vault. The latest offering comes with a few upgrades compared to the Bold Pro. Read on to know more about it below. 

Pebble Cosmos Vault specifications and features

The Pebble Cosmos Vault sports a premium design with a circular dial and a metallic strap with a glide lock clasp mechanism. There is a premium rotating crown and a physical button on the right side. The smartwatch has a 1.43-inch AMOLED display with 600 nits peak brightness and always-on functionality. 

In terms of fitness, the Pebble Cosmos Vault is equipped with a heart-rate monitor, SpO2 sensor, female cycle tracker, and sleep monitor. It packs support for multiple sports modes. The wearable device is capable of offering sedentary reminders and breathing sessions. 

The Pebble Cosmos Vault comes with Bluetooth calling feature that also has access to call logs and a dial pad. It has support for voice assistants. The wearable device packs features like a notification display, weather updates, alarm, and more. It is powered by a 240mAh battery unit that is claimed to last up to seven days on a full charge. 

The Pebble Cosmos Vault is priced at Rs 2,999. It is offered in Obsidian Black, Classic Silver, and Rose Gold colors. The smartwatch can be purchased from the brand’s website, Flipkart, and Myntra. 

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Vivo S17 Pro Appears On Geekbench Ahead Of Next Week’s Launch

Vivo is set to launch the S17 series in China on May 31st. The lineup will comprise a regular and pro variant. The upcoming offerings will arrive as the successors to the S16 lineup. The S17 Pro appeared on the Google Play Console database earlier today. Now the phone has been spotted on Geekbench benchmarking platform. 

Vivo S17 Pro listed on Geekbench

The Vivo S17 Pro has appeared on Geekbench database with model number V2284A. The listing mentions processor model number k6895v1_64 and it comprises a prime core at 3.10GHz, three performance cores clocked at 3GHz and four efficiency cores ticking at 2GHz. This corresponds to the MediaTek Dimensity 8200 chipset. As per the benchmarking platform, the Vivo S17 Pro will pack 12GB RAM and it will run on Android 13 OS out of the box. We can expect more RAM and storage configurations at launch. 

In the Geekbench’s single-core and multi-core test results, the Vivo S17 Pro scored 1,043 and 4,076 points respectively. 

The Vivo S17 Pro is already confirmed to come with a curved OLED display with a center-aligned punch-hole cutout. It will feature a triple rear camera setup inside a rectangular model.

As per TENAA certification, the Vivo S17 Pro is expected to come with a 6.8-inch screen bearing a 1.5K resolution. It is tipped to feature a 50MP main camera. The device will reportedly support 80W fast charging. 

We will learn more details about the Vivo S17 Pro at the launch event next week. 

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Via

vivo to launch TWS Air Pro, the world’s first semi-in-ear ANC earphones, on May 31st

Vivo has officially announced the release of their upcoming Vivo TWS Air Pro earphones, set to launch on May 31st at 14:30 in China. These earphones will be the world’s first semi-in-ear active noise-canceling earphones from Vivo. Available in two color options, Gemstone Blue and Vitality White, the Vivo TWS Air Pro aims to provide an immersive audio experience coupled with effective noise cancellation. Vivo TWS Air Pro is now up for pre-order in China. The company will also launch the Vivo S17 series on the same day.

World’s first semi-in-ear active noise-canceling earphones

Semi-in-ear earphones generally struggle to balance both comfort and noise cancellation, but vivo TWS Air Pro solves the challenge of the “difficult coexistence of comfort and noise cancellation” by providing both noise cancellation and comfortable wearing.

vivo TWS Air Pro poster

The iQOO TWS Air Pro, a recent offering from Vivo’s sub-brand iQOO, is expected to share similarities with the Vivo TWS Air Pro. iQOO TWS Air Pro features a semi-in-ear design, equipped with 14.2mm driver units to deliver high-quality audio. The earphone incorporates 3D Panoramic Audio and DeepX 2.0 Stereo effect technologies to enhance the audio experience further.

Connectivity-wise, the iQOO TWS Air Pro supports Bluetooth v5.3 and offers AAC/SBC code support for seamless pairing with various devices. With three microphones and ANC adaptive active noise cancellation, users can expect clear, immersive sound, even in noisy environments. Additionally, the earphones boast a game mode with an impressive 88ms ultra-low latency, enabling a lag-free gaming experience.

iQOO TWS Air Pro

The Dual Microphone AI Call reduction feature ensures improved call quality, while dual connection support and Find My Earbuds functionality offer added convenience. The earphones come with a 29mAh battery in each earbud and a 420mAh charging case, providing a total battery life of up to 30 hours. Furthermore, the iQOO TWS Air Pro supports Type-C fast charging, allowing for quick and hassle-free recharging.

In terms of durability, the earphones are rated IP54 for water and dust resistance, offering reliable protection in daily use. The iQOO TWS Air Pro is available in two color options: Star Yellow and Star Diamond White, providing users with aesthetic choices to suit their preferences.

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Uber to roll out its Green all electric taxi service in India next month

Uber has committed to going all electric with its Uber Green announcement. The company will be offering its taxi service with electric vehicles in India, with the new service set to kick of in select cities next month.

Uber

Your next Uber ride could soon be all electric

The popular ride hailing app has announced that it will be launching the Uber Green service in Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru starting from early June 2023. This new service will offer you a way to rise in an all electric and zero emission vehicle. So far, the company has only tested the Uber Electric service last year. And now, Uber has officially announced the Green service with a new series of partnerships in India.

This marks the company’s efforts to shift its transportation business model to include more sustainable designs. Notably, this announcement from the brand also arrives as a part of its major goal to hit worldwide zero emissions by 2040. As of right now, the Uber Green is the one of the most sustainable option for mobility with locations that include more than 100 cities across 15 countries. Uber Green is clearly the company’s step to be more environmentally friendly with its new partnerships helping it electrify its ride hailing service.

Uber

This includes cooperation with Lithium Urban Technologies, Everest Fleet Private Limited, and Moove are some of the firms it has joined hands with to roll out 25,000 electric vehicles across the planned seven cities. The company is collaborating with Zypp Electric as well to roll out over 10,000 electric motorcycles as well. Furthermore, Uber is even offering loans of up to Rs 1,000 crore to encourage the use of electric of CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) powered vehicles.

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Huawei MateBook X Pro, MateBook 16s, MateBook 14s, and MateBook 14 up for sale in China

Huawei recently launched a range of new products, including tablets (MatePad Air), PCs, and smart wearables (Watch 4). One notable release is the updated MateBook laptop family, featuring four new models: MateBook X Pro, MateBook 16s, MateBook 14s, and MateBook 14. All these models are now up for sale in China from today.

The new MateBook lineup offers powerful performance and smooth operation, thanks to upgrades such as the latest generation Intel Core processors, 16/32GB RAM options, and storage capacities of up to 1TB or 2TB. These enhancements significantly enhance productivity and efficiency for work tasks, accompanied by Huawei’s comprehensive ecosystem of smart PC features.

Huawei MateBook Family Specifications:

The flagship MateBook X Pro 2023 is designed for high-end professionals, boasting an industry-first microfiber metal body that provides a unique aesthetic appeal. Weighing just 1.26 kilograms, it features the latest 13th-generation Intel Core processors with up to 12 cores and 16 threads. The 32GB+2TB configuration offers ample storage and smoother operation for data processing, image editing, and video editing. The laptop also offers intelligent features like multi-screen collaboration, AI meetings, and AI voice, enhancing productivity.

HUAWEI MateBook X Pro 2023

The MateBook 16s 2023 targets professionals in fields such as engineering and graphic design. It features the flagship i9-13900H processor, 32GB RAM, and a 1TB SSD. The 16-inch IPS display with a 90% screen-to-body ratio and professional-grade color calibration ensures accurate visuals. The MateBook 16s also supports long-range Wi-Fi connections and comes with smart features like Super Terminal and AI meetings for seamless connectivity and collaboration.

HUAWEI MateBook 16s 2023

For professionals who prioritize mobility, the MateBook 14s 2023 offers a 14-inch form factor, weighing 1.43kg. Its high-refresh-rate 14.2-inch touch screen, along with Intel i9-13900H processor, 16GB memory, and 1TB SSD, ensure efficient performance for office tasks on the go. The MateBook 14s also provides intelligent features for an enhanced user experience.

Huawei MateBook 14S

The most affordable option in the lineup, the MateBook 14 2023, starts at around 5,699 Yuan. It offers a 2K touch screen, a 13th generation Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB memory, and a 1TB hard drive. The Super Turbo acceleration engine optimizes performance based on different usage scenarios.

MateBook 14 2023

Huawei MateBook Family Pricing:

Huawei MateBook X Pro offers three configurations:

  • i7+16GB+1TB for 9,999 Yuan ($1,414)
  • i7+16GB+1TB Microfiber Edition for 11,999 Yuan ($1,697)
  • i7+32GB+2TB Microfiber Edition for 13,999 Yuan ($1,980)

Huawei MateBook 16s offers three configurations:

  • i5/16GB/1TB priced at 6,999 Yuan ($990)
  • i7/16GB/1TB priced at 8,199 Yuan ($1,159)
  • i9/32GB/1TB priced at 9,999 Yuan ($1,414)

Huawei MateBook 14s 2023 offers four configurations:

  • i5/16GB/512GB priced at 6,799 Yuan ($961)
  • i5/16GB/1TB priced at 6,899 Yuan ($976)
  • i7/16GB/1TB priced at 8,199 Yuan ($1,159)
  • i9/16GB/1TB priced at 8,899 Yuan ($1,258)

Huawei MateBook 14 2023 offers three configurations:

  • i5/16GB/512GB priced at 5,699 Yuan ($806)
  • i5/16GB/1TB priced at 5,999 Yuan ($848)
  • i7/16GB/1TB priced at 6,999 Yuan ($990)

All these models are available now for purchase on Huawei’s official website, authorized e-commerce platforms, Huawei Experience Stores, and authorized retailers.

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Xiaomi Civi 3 launched with a beautiful back design, Dimensity 8200-Ultra SoC, 6.55-inch OLED 120Hz display & more

Xiaomi has recently unveiled its highly anticipated Civi 3 smartphone in China, following a series of teasing and anticipation. The device offers a harmonious blend of stunning visuals and impressive performance, boasting the cutting-edge Dimensity 8200-Ultra processor. It is widely regarded as one of the most visually appealing smartphones to hit the market in recent times. Without any delay, let’s delve into the details of the Xiaomi Civi 3.

Xiaomi

Design & display

Moving to the rear of the device, the Xiaomi Civi 3 showcases an eye-catching dual-tone aesthetic, offering users a choice of four delightful color variations: Rose Purple, Mint Green, Adventure Gold, and Coconut Ash. Situated in the top left corner, you’ll find a prominent camera module that houses all three lenses within it. The camera island is elegantly encircled by a metal ring that perfectly matches the color of the rear panel, delivering a sleek and polished appearance. The flash module sits just below the camera ring.

Xiaomi

The edges of the Xiaomi Civi 3 feature a seamless blend of flat and curved contours, gracefully tapering from both ends to ensure a satisfying and ergonomic grip for users. The slimness is one of the key highlights of this device as it is only 7.56mm thick weighing just 173 grams.

The Xiaomi Civi 3 features a 6.55-inch OLED curved display with a resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels. It offers a display frame rate of up to 120Hz and a touch sampling rate of up to 240Hz, ensuring smooth and responsive interactions. With a DCI-P3 Color Gamut Peak, the display produces rich and accurate colors, while its peak brightness of 1500nit ensures excellent visibility even in bright conditions.

Xiaomi

The Civi 3 incorporates features like 1920Hz High-Frequency PWM Dimming for flicker-free viewing, a Primary Color Screen with precise color representation, and 12-bit panel support for smooth color gradients. It also features automatic brightness adjustment, a Sunshine screen for better readability under sunlight, and HDR10+ and Adaptive HDR10+ technologies for enhanced dynamic range. The display is protected by Gorilla Glass, providing durability against scratches and drops. The front panel also has a pill-shaped cutout in the top center for its dual front cameras.

Performance

Under the hood, the smartphone comes equipped with the recently launched MediaTek Dimensity 8200-Ultra chipset. For those unaware, this is an improved version of the Dimensity 8200 SoC, featuring faster CPU clock speeds, faster GPU clock speeds, and most importantly, support for both sub-6GHz and mmWave 5G bands.

To be precise, the Dimensity 8200-Ultra is based on TSMC’s N4 node and has an octa-core processor with one Cortex-X2 core clocked at up to 3.2 GHz, three Cortex-A78 cores clocked at up to 2.85 GHz, and four Cortex-A55 cores clocked at up to 2.0 GHz. It also features a Mali-G610 MC6 GPU, an IMG BXT 6E Gen 1 ISP, and a MediaTek APU 690 AI engine.

The Xiaomi Civi 3 offers users a choice between two RAM options. Opting for the 12GB RAM configuration provides LPDDR5 memory while selecting the 16GB RAM variant offers LPDDR5X memory. The device is available in three storage options, ranging from 256GB to 1TB of UFS 3.1 storage capacity. It operates on the Android 13-based MIUI 14.

The Xiaomi Civi 3 is equipped with a built-in 4500mAh lithium-ion polymer battery, which the brand claims can last for more than a day on a single charge. The device features a USB Type-C charging interface, supporting BC1.2, PD3.0, and PD2.0 charging protocols. With 67W fast-second charging, the Civi 3 can achieve a full 100% charge in just 38 minutes, ensuring quick and efficient charging capabilities. To keep the temperatures under control, Xiaomi has also incorporated a large 4000mm² stainless steel VC liquid cooling system.

For connectivity, the phone offers 5G, WIFI 6, and Bluetooth 5.3 with support for AAC / LDAC / LHDC. It also has NFC onboard along with Beidou GLONASS and AGNSS. The Xiaomi Civi 3 is equipped with a range of sensors, including an optical distance sensor, an ambient light sensor under the screen for color temperature detection, a rear light sensor, a flicker sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope, an electronic compass, a Z-axis linear motor, and an infrared remote control sensor, enabling various functionalities and enhanced user experience.

Camera

In terms of photography capabilities, the Xiaomi Civi 3 features a triple-camera setup on the rear. This setup comprises a 50MP Sony IMX800 sensor with an f/1.77 aperture, and optical image stabilization (OIS) support, ensuring sharp and stable captures. Alongside the 50MP lens, there is an 8MP ultra-wide camera with an f/2.2 aperture, expanding the field of view. Additionally, a 2MP macro lens is included for close-up shots. The primary camera is capable of recording videos in 4K 30fps, 1080p 30fps/60fps, and 720p 30fps.

On the front, the device sports a pill-shaped cutout housing a dual selfie camera setup. The primary lens is a 32MP shooter with an f/2.0 aperture and autofocus capability. The secondary front-facing camera is also 32MP, serving as an ultra-wide angle lens with electronic image stabilization (EIS) support and an f/2.4 aperture. This front camera configuration enables users to capture high-resolution and wide-angle selfies with enhanced stability. The front camera is capable of recording videos in 4K 30fps, 1080p 30fps/60fps, and 720p 30fps.

Pricing & availability

The Xiaomi Civi 3 offers different models with varying RAM and internal storage configurations. The base model, featuring 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage, is priced at CNY 2,499 ($353). The 12GB RAM variant with 512GB of internal storage is available for CNY 2,699 ($382). For those seeking maximum storage capacity, the top-end model offers 16GB of RAM and 1TB of internal storage, priced at CNY 2,999 ($424). Pre-orders for the Xiaomi Civi 3 have commenced in China as of today.

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Sony PlayStation eyes live service games with a brand new franchise

Sony PlayStation is apparently planning on establishing itself in the lucrative space of the live service games market. The company’s PlayStation exclusive games are best known for some of the best narrative driven titles is reportedly planning to enter live service games with a brand new franchise.

Sony PlayStation is seeking to step into the live service games market

The PlayStation console brings access to several single player campaign titles that have received been widely accredited. This includes games like God of War, Horizon series, The Last of Us, and more. But, it appears that the brand is planning to expand into the highly successful strategy that many other companies employ with the live service model. For those unaware, a live service game is basically a game that works with internet connectivity and typically offers some degree of multiplayer element.

Sony

These titles are also usually free to play and make money directly through sales on in game cosmetic items or other forms of paid DLCs. One of the reasons for their success is the fact a studio needs to make a game and simply update the content offered to retain their playerbase. A great example of this is the massively successful Fortnite from Epic and the Destiny franchise by Bungie. Now, it appears that Sony is seeking to make some changes with its own formula as well. Notably, the news also arrives as the company even looks to launch a new handheld game streaming device that works off of the PS5.

Previously, 88 percent of the company’s games followed the traditional model, while only 12 percent were live service. But it recently revealed that its latest investment strategy will have this ratio flip to 40 percent and 60 percent respectively. In other words, it is going to lean heavily towards the live service model. Furthermore, it is even planning on launching a brand new franchise for this move. It promised to offer a “a glimpse at several new creations from PlayStation Studios” soon.

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Realme brings in Shah Rukh Khan as its new Brand Ambassador

Earlier today (25th May 2023), Realme officially announced that it has appointed Indian superstar Shah Rukh Khan as its new brand ambassador. The company is bringing aboard the popular actor just ahead of the Realme 11 Pro series launch in India.

Realme 11 Pro series India launch

The Chinese smartphone maker had just recently launched the Realme 11 series in its home market of China, and is gearing up to release the Pro models in the Indian market next month. With the new brand ambassador, we can now expect to see the face of the Indian celebrity in marketing and other promotional material for the upcoming Realme 11 Pro and 11 Pro+ models in the Indian market.

Realme

The brand had previously brought aboard another Indian actor Salman Khan as its brand ambassador for the Realme 6 series back in 2020. Similarly, it had even appointed Indian cricketer KL Rahul as its brand ambassador back in 2021. The appointment of Shah Rukh Khan also arrives mere days after we had covered a leak, which had hinted of the celebrity becoming the new brand ambassador.

As per the official announcement, “Get ready to witness #TheNextLeap as the king of Bollywood, the one and only SRK, transforms from reel to real! Brace yourselves for an electrifying journey with our very own Dare To Leap Pioneer! Get ready to experience the power of #realmeXsrk and witness how #SRKDaresToLeap to new heights!”

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uleFone Armor 21 Review: A full-featured outdoor helper

When I browsed the official website of uleFone one day, I didn’t realize that they had so many kinds of rugged phones. Looking at the video title you can see that even the Armor series has been announced up to 21. This time we also got their latest rugged phone: uleFone Armor 21. Each of their rugged phones has a different main selling point, so follow us to see what this one is good at.

Unboxing

From the packaging alone, the Armor 21 is no different from other uleFone phones. It comes with an extra phone strap and a card pin, which you might take for granted. But its SIM card slot can be pulled out without the card pin, so this card pin is really what uleFone lets you use for other phones. By the way, the SIM card tray can hold two SIM cards and a TF card at the same time.

The charger is a USB-C port, does that mean it will give us some surprises? Yes, it has a lot of charging protocols. Although the power is only 33w, but almost all phones can be charged quickly with it. It’s considered very good in free chargers. This is all the accessories in the phone box.

In addition to the Armor 21, we also received several accessories for it. Let’s start with the phone case. This case is made of a hard PC and has a groove on the back. With the other two accessories you can hang the phone on your clothes or backpack, quick-release design is also available to let you quickly take the phone off.

The rest of the accessories are also our old friends. There is a 10w desk charging dock that can be charged through the contact, and a phone mount that can be fixed through the phone case.

And two special-purpose lenses, a microscope camera, and an endoscope camera, which are connected to the phone through the interface on the side of the phone. There’s always a need to fix your own equipment or cars in the outdoors. That’s the first major selling point of Armor 21: A phone, but one that can be used as a repair tool in many different ways.

Design

Looking at the Armor 21 from a design perspective, it is easy to see that it is actually an upgraded version of the Power Armor 16 Pro. The most obvious feature is the large speaker. The RGB light ring around the speaker is also very eye-catching. They call this the Infinite Halo, which lights up when music is playing. It looks cool. The huge speaker size predestines it to sound very loud, as a portable Bluetooth speaker sound quality is also good. I will put the speaker test at the end of the review video, interested viewers can listen to it.

The Armor 21’s entire body is wrapped in rubber and reinforced by two metal sides. Side fingerprint recognition, custom buttons, and a 3.5mm headphone jack such rugged phone basic specifications of course will not be absent, there are even NFC and IR blasters. I have to admit that Armor 21 is really a rugged phone that is impeccable in terms of functionality.

How solid is it

Although one thing you don’t need to worry about with the rugged phone is its protection, I still want to briefly describe how sturdy it is. Normal drop is completely fine, want to break it maybe need to go to the cliff edge. IP69K, and IP68 waterproof and dustproof can also let your phone survive in extreme environments. This is also the main reason why you buy a rugged phone, right?

Performance & Others

The Armor 21 is powered by Helio G99, which is much stronger than the 16 Pro’s G25. The Antutu Bench scores 360,000 points, which is average for a mainstream rugged phone. You can play some casual games, even Genshin Impact with the lowest Graphics is barely playable. The FHD+ screen refresh rate is up to 120Hz, and there is also a 90Hz gear that is both power-saving and not too laggy to choose from. The battery is still 9600mAh, which is a relatively large battery even for a rugged phone.

Camera

Armor 21 has two rear cameras, a 64MP main camera, and a 24MP Night vision camera. I think the image quality of the main camera is similar to a $200 or $300 ordinary phone. I mean it’s great, most of the time it does its job well, and even the front lens I think exceeds my expectations. Although I didn’t know its price at the time of recording this video, I bet the quality of photos like this is worth its price.

Now let’s answer the question at the beginning of the video, what exactly is Armor 21 good at? Pretty much everything. It can take good pictures, has a smooth screen for browsing websites, has a super loud speaker for portable speakers, and can connect to a variety of cameras to help you do a better job of fixing things. It’s few weaknesses may be that the performance is not that strong, but I believe uleFone will make a great value price that you can’t refuse it.

Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5 unveiled with Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1, WearOS, & AMOLED display

Mobvoi has just launched the TicWatch 5 Pro model. Following leaks and teasers from earlier this month, the company has finally unveiled its latest high end smartwatch, which features some notable specs and features.

TicWatch

Mobvoi TicWatch 5 Pro arrives with a 1.43 inch AMOLED display

The company’s latest wearable sports a 1.43 inch AMOLED display along with a unique new dual layer design. This even includes protection from Corning Gorilla Anti-fingerprint Cover Glass as well. The new smartwatch is equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1 SoC that brings various performance upgrades over its predecessors. The new TicWatch 5 Pro features a premium design with a Watch Case metal, 7000 series aluminum, and high strength nylon with fiberglass for added toughness.

It also offers a battery life of up to 80 hours in its Smart Mode and can even last for an impressive 45 days in Essential Mode. Furthermore, the TicWatch 5 Pro also offers fast charging that promises to reach 65 percent battery capacity with just 30 minutes of charging. It also offers a range of health related features that includes heart rate sensor, SpO2 blood oxygen mapping, skin temperature sensor, and more. The Mobvoi TicWatch 5 Pro also brings a rotating crown for more options for navigation.

TicWatch

Other notable features include, 5ATM water resistance, MIL-STD-810H military durability rating, built in speaker and mic, 628mAh battery, Bluetooth 5.2, 2GB RAM and 32GB ROM. The new device is available in just a single Obsidian color option. It is available for purchase for a price tag of 349.99 US Dollars. It is available for purchase on the brand’s official website, and can even be purchased in India for 34,999 INR.

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Motorola Razr 40 Ultra complete spec sheet & expected price leaked ahead of launch

Motorola is getting ready to launch its highly anticipated Razr 40 Ultra flip phone on June 1. The device will launch as the Razr+ for the US market. The device was recently spotted on a Saudi Arabia retailer’s website a few days back. Now, Winfuture has leaked the entire spec sheet of the Razr 40 Ultra along with its price range.

Motorola

Motorola Razr 40 Ultra leaked specs & pricing

According to the report, the Motorola Razr 40 Ultra is set to make its debut in Viva Magenta, Infinity Black, and Glacier Blue color options. While the official pricing is yet to be announced, the report suggests that it will range between EUR 1169 and 1199.

Motorola

Its display is expected to be a large 6.9-inch pOLED panel, offering a resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels and an incredibly smooth 165Hz refresh rate. Additionally, the device will feature a smaller rear-facing display measuring around 3.6 inches, with a resolution of 1066 x 1056 pixels and the same 165Hz refresh rate.

Under the sleek exterior, the Motorola Razr 40 Ultra will be powered by an octa-core Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 SoC. It will offer a generous 8GB of LPDDR5 RAM and ample storage with its 256GB internal capacity.

On the software front, the device is expected to run on Android 13 OS, offering a stock Android UI experience. The camera setup will consist of a dual-camera configuration on the rear, complete with an LED flash. The primary camera will house a 12MP sensor with an f/1.5 aperture and support for 4K video recording. Accompanying it will be a 13MP ultra-wide lens with an f/2.2 aperture. For stunning selfies, the front side of the device will feature a 32MP camera with an f/2.4 aperture.

To keep the device powered throughout the day, the Motorola Razr 40 Ultra will be equipped with a 3,800mAh battery, supporting 33W fast charging. Other notable features include Wi-Fi 6, NFC, Bluetooth v5.3, USB Type-C port, and 5G connectivity. The device will also offer dual-SIM card support, an IP52 rating for water and dust resistance, wireless charging capabilities, and a stereo speaker setup. With dimensions of 170.8x74x7mm and weighing 189 grams, it will provide a sleek and lightweight design.

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(Source: Winfuture)

NASA Discovers Crash Site of Japan’s Failed Lunar Lander

In a recent development, NASA‘s lunar orbiter has successfully located the crash site of Japan‘s ill-fated lunar lander. The groundbreaking discovery sheds light on the failed mission and raises questions about the challenges of commercial moon landings.

Contact with the lander was lost during the early stages of the Mission

Japan’s ispace company had embarked on an ambitious endeavour to achieve the nation’s first-ever commercial lunar landing. However, the attempt took a devastating turn when contact with the lunar lander was abruptly lost during the early hours of the mission.

ispace

The HAKUTO-R Mission 1, as it was known, aimed to touch down on the moon’s surface in the Atlas Crater, situated at the southeastern edge of Mare Frigoris. The mission had garnered significant attention due to its payload, which included the UAE’s pioneering lunar rover, the Rashid rover. Unfortunately, both Japan’s lunar lander and the UAE’s rover suffered from mission failures.

The crash site of the Japanese lunar lander was recently discovered through images captured by NASA’s lunar orbiter and transmitted back to Earth. The exact cause of the crash remains unknown, but the finding serves as a reminder of the immense challenges and risks involved in space exploration.

The failure of the HAKUTO-R mission is a setback for Japan’s aspirations in the commercial space sector. However, it is crucial to view such failures as learning opportunities. The data and insights gathered from this mission will undoubtedly prove invaluable for future lunar exploration endeavours.

As the global space community continues to push the boundaries of human knowledge and technology, setbacks are an inherent part of the journey. Japan’s commitment to space exploration remains resolute, and the lessons learned from the HAKUTO-R mission will guide future endeavours, inspiring innovative approaches and encouraging the pursuit of breakthroughs in lunar exploration and beyond.

The discovery of the crash site by NASA’s lunar orbiter serves as a poignant reminder of the risks and challenges that lie ahead. It underscores the importance of collaboration, continuous improvement, and determination as we strive to unlock the mysteries of the moon and the vast expanse of space.

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(Via)

Xiaomi 14 Pro leak reveals Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, 5000mAh battery, & up to 120W fast charging

A new leak has just surfaced which has hinted at some of the key specifications of the upcoming Xiaomi 14 Pro model. The company’s 14 series will be its next generation of flagship of smartphones that will likely launch around the end of this year.

Xiaomi

Xiaomi 14 Pro may launch around November 2023

While the Chinese tech giant has yet to officially reveal any finer details regarding this device or make any announcement, the latest leak from Digital Chat Station hints at some of its key specs. The tipster shared the information on Weibo (a Chinese microblogging website) that reveals some of the notable details of the upcoming flagship phone. Reportedly, the Xiaomi 14 Pro will feature the SM8650 chip.

In other words, it is basically Qualcomm’s next gen Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC. Furthermore, the tipster adds that the device will be powered by a large 5,000mAh battery pack and will apparently bring support for 50W wireless fast charging. Although, the leak also hints that the device will bring two different wired fast charging rates, including a 90W and 120W.

Xiaomi

Based on what we know so far, the Xiaomi 14 Pro will arrive with a notable upgrade on its camera module, with the inclusion of the WLG High-Lens cameras. In terms of design, the Xiaomi 14 Pro will arrive in two versions, with a flat display and a curved display variant. So, it is possible that the two versions could support the two different fast charging speeds.

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Sony Expands Chip Business with Second Manufacturing Plant in Kumamoto, Japan

In a strategic move to bolster its chip business, Sony Corporation has announced its plan to acquire approximately 27 hectares (270,000 square meters) of land in Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan. According to reports from Bloomberg News and local media sources, the company intends to construct its second manufacturing plant in Kumamoto, with a potential investment reaching hundreds of billions of yen.

The Production is expected to begin in 2025

The primary objective behind this expansion is to accelerate Sony’s development in the competitive chip business sector and cater to the growing demand for Sony semiconductors in the global market. This move aligns with Sony Group’s previous considerations, as reported by IT Home in December last year, of building a new factory in Kumamoto Prefecture specifically for producing smartphone image sensors. The initial timeline proposed breaking ground in 2024, with production commencing as early as 2025.

Sony

Sony Semiconductor Solutions, a subsidiary of Sony Semiconductor, currently holds the top position in terms of revenue share, commanding 44% of the market. Following closely are Samsung System LSI and OMNIVISION. Together, Sony, Samsung, and OMNIVISION control almost 83% of the global smartphone image sensor market, according to IT Home.

Shimizu Terushi, president of Sony Semiconductor Solutions, acknowledged the prevailing semiconductor shortage and emphasized the significance of TSMC’s decision to establish a factory in Kumamoto. Terushi stated that this development has “increased confidence” in expanding procurement channels. Consequently, Sony’s acquisition of land in Kumamoto can be seen as a strategic measure to enhance its own production capacity and secure reserve space.

By investing in a second manufacturing plant in Kumamoto, Sony aims to fortify its position in the chip business, effectively meeting the rising demand for its high-quality semiconductors. With its continued commitment to innovation and expansion, Sony is poised to make substantial strides in the global market, further solidifying its presence as a key player in the industry.

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(Via)

Xiaomi 13 Ultra European price, configuration & color options tipped ahead of launch

Xiaomi fans across the world are eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Xiaomi 13 Ultra in their regions. The device was launched in China back in April and is yet to make it out of its domestic market. A new report reveals that this could happen soon as the European pricing of the device has leaked.

According to a report by Dealabs, the Xiaomi 13 Ultra will be offered with 12GB RAM and 512GB storage in the French market. This model will cost 1,499 euros, which is expected to be uniform across all regions of Europe. The brand will be debuting the device in Black and Green color options, meaning that the fancy limited edition colors will not be launching in Europe. However, interested customers can still get their hands on these colorful models via Giztop.

Xiaomi 13 Ultra limited edition colors

While the brand has yet to confirm an official launch date, we anticipate that the announcement regarding the Xiaomi 13 Ultra will be made in the near future. In the meantime, let’s delve into the specifications of this highly anticipated device.

Xiaomi 13 Ultra specs

The Xiaomi 13 Ultra stands as an impressive flagship smartphone, boasting a stunning 6.73-inch QHD+ AMOLED display with a refresh rate of 120Hz. With a resolution of 1440p and a peak brightness of 2,600 nits, the display offers exceptional visual quality and is one of the brightest available.

Driving the device’s performance is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, which is accompanied by a generous 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM and a spacious 1TB of UFS 4.0 internal storage. The Xiaomi 13 Ultra features a unique camera setup (check out our Xiaomi 13 Ultra camera review), highlighted by a Leica Vario-Summicron lens that incorporates a 1-inch 50MP Sony IMX989 primary camera sensor, supporting variable aperture ranging from f/1.9 to f/4.0. Additionally, the device includes a 50MP Sony IMX858 f/1.8 ultrawide sensor with a 122-degree field of view, alongside a pair of 50MP Sony IMX858 telephoto lenses. For selfies and video calls, the phone is equipped with a 32MP front-facing camera.

Running on the Android 13 operating system with Xiaomi’s custom MIUI 14 skin, the Xiaomi 13 Ultra houses a robust 5,000mAh battery. Notably, it supports both 90W fast charging and 50W wireless charging, providing convenient and efficient charging options.

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Redmi 12 Europe launch date, pricing & specifications leak

Redmi‘s numbered series devices are known to cater to the budget segment of the market. The brand recently launched the Redmi 12C smartphone in India. Now, it is preparing to add one more device to the series, namely the Redmi 12. It has already made appearances on IMEI, FCC & TKDN databases. Now, a new report has leaked its specifications along with its pricing in Europe. Let’s take a look at the details.

Realme
Redmi 12C

Redmi 12 pricing & specs in Europe

According to a leak by the French publication Dealabs, the Redmi 12 will sport a plastic body and frame, measuring approximately 168.60mm × 76.28mm × 8.17mm and weighing around 199 grams. Powering the phone will be a hefty 5000mAh battery with support for 18W fast charging out of the box. It will come equipped with a USB Type-C port and a dual-SIM card slot.

On the front, the Redmi 12 is said to flaunt a tall 6.79-inch IPS TFT screen offering a Full HD+ resolution of 2460×1080 pixels. The display boasts a pixel density of 396 PPI and features a layer of Corning Gorilla Glass 3 for added protection against accidental drops and scratches. Notably, the screen is capable of supporting refresh rates of up to 90Hz, thanks to Xiaomi’s AdaptiveSync refresh rate technology, allowing for automatic switching between 30, 48, 60, or 90Hz based on the displayed content.

Under the hood, the Redmi 12 is expected to house a MediaTek Helio G88 SoC. It is anticipated to come with a 4GB RAM variant paired with 128GB of storage. Furthermore, users will have the option to expand the storage capacity up to 1TB using a microSD card slot.

In terms of cameras, the device is rumored to feature a triple-camera setup on the back. The primary sensor is reported to be a 50MP lens with an f/1.8 aperture, accompanied by an 8MP ultra-wide camera and a 2MP macro sensor. The Redmi 12 is said to offer a versatile camera setup, particularly noteworthy as many smartphones in a similar price range often exclude an ultra-wide lens. For selfies, an 8MP front camera with an f/2.5 aperture is expected.

Other notable features of the Redmi 12 include dual speakers, a 3.5mm headphone jack, a fingerprint scanner, and support for AI face recognition. The device is likely to come pre-installed with Android 12-based MIUI 13.

Coming to the price and availability, the Redmi 12 is said to debut in Europe on June 2, with an expected launch price of EUR 199. The device will be available in three colors: Blue, Silver, and Black.

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(Source: Dealabs)

Vivo S17 Pro emerges on Google Play Console database ahead of May 31 launch

Following the release of the Vivo S17e in China, it has been announced that the remaining two models in the series, the Vivo S17 and S17 Pro, are set to launch on May 31. Ahead of their official unveiling, the key specifications of both devices have been revealed through the TENAA certification database. Furthermore, the Pro model has recently made an appearance on the Google Play Console platform.

Vivo

The Vivo S17 Pro, identified by its model number V2284A, has been spotted on the Google Play Console platform. Although the listing does not provide specific details about the device’s specifications, it does confirm the name of the device as the Vivo S17 Pro. While additional information about the Vivo S17 Pro is yet to be disclosed, let’s explore what is currently known about this upcoming smartphone.

Vivo S17 Pro specs (expected)

The Vivo S17 Pro is said to feature a 6.78-inch AMOLED display with curved edges, providing a Full HD+ resolution and a high refresh rate of up to 120Hz. It will also have an in-display fingerprint scanner.

Vivo S17 Pro

Under the hood, the device will be powered by a Dimensity 8200 chipset paired with up to 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. It is rumored to feature a powerful camera setup, with a 50 MP Sony IMX766V primary camera that supports optical image stabilization (OIS). Alongside the primary camera, it is said to have an 8 MP ultra-wide camera and a 12 MP Sony IMX663 portrait camera with a center focus feature.

The S17 Pro might feature a 4,600mAh battery and offer faster 80W fast charging capabilities. These details will likely be confirmed on May 31, so stay tuned for our coverage of the Vivo S17 series launch event.

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(via: TheTechOutlook)