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Oppo Find N2 Flip triumphs over Galaxy Z Flip 4 in DxOMark camera test

Over the years, Oppo has put major effort into improving its camera system at the flagship level to compete against the top dogs in the industry. While it might not have made it to the top when it comes to traditional flagship smartphones, the brand has managed to edge out its competition in the flip smartphone category.

OPPO Find N2 Flip
OPPO Find N2 Flip

In a recent DxOMark camera test, the Oppo Find N2 Flip was found to outperform the Galaxy Z Flip 4. Although it was a close competition, with the Find N2 Flip scoring 114 points and the Galaxy Z Flip 4 scoring 112 points. The results show that the Galaxy Z Flip 4 takes slightly better pictures in normal mode, but the Oppo Find N2 Flip excels in zoom and video modes.

Oppo

According to the test, the Find N2 Flip camera offers excellent photo and video exposure with a wide dynamic range, produces a decent balance between texture and noise in photos, records videos with low levels of noise, provides a reasonably wide depth of field, accurately estimates depth, and produces a pleasant blur gradient in bokeh mode. Additionally, it boasts fast autofocus in video mode.

Despite the impressive test results, the camera system still has some limitations. Shutter lag was observed, as well as exposure instabilities in indoor and low-light settings for both photos and videos. In certain conditions, there were white balance casts and inaccurate colors in photos, as well as fusion artifacts and ghosting. Additionally, videos showed strong luminance noise on moving objects, and there was a lack of detail when using the tele zoom settings. Therefore, it can be concluded that the camera system is not completely flawless.

That being said, the Oppo Find N2 Flip has secured the 69th position in the global smartphone camera rankings and the 49th position in the ultra-premium smartphone camera rankings of DxOmark.

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Microsoft’s Xbox Elite Series 2 Core Wireless Controller now available in Red and Blue colors

Microsoft’s Xbox Elite Series 2 Core Wireless Controller is a pretty good gaming controller over the regular model, and now the company has introduced two more color options for it — Red and Blue.

With this, the controller now comes in four colors — Black, White, Red, and Blue. It is priced at $139.99, and pre-orders for the Red and Blue models are now open.

Microsoft Xbox Series 2 Core Controller Red and Blue

Notably, the models are the Core version of the gamepad that the company started selling last year. This means that it doesn’t come with most of the customization kits in the original model. It includes the controller, a braided USB-C to USB-A cable, and a tool to adjust the tension of the twin analog sticks.

Apart from the change of color, the Xbox Elite Series 2 Core is still the same controller that can be used with Xbox consoles, PC, and mobile devices. There are some customization features that can be set up in the Xbox Accessories app, including the ability to switch between three custom profiles on the fly.

Coming to the battery life, the company says that it can last up to 40 hours from a full charge. It’s worth noting that this controller is missing a few extras compared to the Elite Series 2 bundles. It doesn’t include the swappable sticks, D-pad, or back-button triggers.

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The First Moon-to-Earth Satellite Communications Network is Under Construction

Lockheed Martin is taking a giant leap in lunar infrastructure by launching a spinoff company called Crescent Space. Its aim is to provide reliable communication systems for the long-term presence of humans on the Moon. The company’s first project is a satellite network called Parsec, which will connect the Moon and Earth through a constellation of small lunar satellites. The network will provide a non-stop connection between astronauts, their equipment, and people back home. Furthermore, Parsec will also help with navigation, making it an essential tool for future lunar missions.

Moon

One of the most significant benefits of Parsec is its lunar equivalent to GPS, which will provide astronauts with their precise positions and directions back to base. This technology will help keep explorers in touch with Earth and assist with spacecraft course changes. Moreover, it will be crucial for those on lunar soil, helping a rover crew to return home without driving into dangerous craters.

Lockheed Martin plans to have Crescent’s first Parsec nodes operational by 2025, with the company providing the satellites. While the startup may seem premature, with NASA‘s Artemis program not conducting a lunar flyby until late 2024 and a landing at the end of 2025, the company is well-positioned to support NASA’s Artemis Moon landings and other exploratory missions. CEO Joe Landon, formerly a Lockheed Martin Space VP, is optimistic about the future of the startup, hoping to profit from the increasing interest in lunar missions.

Lockheed Martin’s move to create Crescent Space and the launch of Parsec marks a significant advancement in lunar infrastructure. The company’s involvement in the space race is likely to benefit both private and national efforts to explore the Moon, with the technology providing reliable communication and navigation systems for lunar missions.

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iQOO Z7 5G Series Indonesia Launch Date Confirmed, Two Devices Expected

A recent report claimed that iQOO is planning to launch iQOO Z7x 5G by mid-April in India. It appears that the said device may land in Indonesia first before making it to the Indian market. The reason behind it is that the company has confirmed that it will launch the new iQOO Z7 series of smartphones at 4pm (local time) on April 3 in Indonesia.

The brand’s promotional poster features a blue and black iQOO Z7 series phone. The device can sport an OIS-enabled dual-camera system. The company is yet to confirm the exact names of the Z7 devices that will be unveiled on April 4 in Indonesia.

iQOO Z7 series Indonesia
iQOO Z7 series launching on April 3 in Indonesia

In February, Indonesia’s TKDN agency gave the I2213 and I2216 models of iQOO devices the green light. The I2213 model was recently seen at Geekbench with the Snapdragon 782G chip, 12 GB of RAM, and Android 13 OS. So, it looks like the I2213 will be the global version of the iQOO Z7 5G with Snapdragon 782G, which came out in China this month. There is a possibility that the device may arrive on the global market as the IQOO Z7 Pro 5G.

On the other hand, the appearance of the I2216 at Thailand’s NBTC, Malaysia’s SIRIM, Bluetooth SIG, and Google Play Supported Devices list has revealed that it will be the global version of China’s iQOO Z7x 5G. It is speculated that the global version may not support 80W charging, which is available on the Chinese version. Otherwise, there may not be any difference between the global and Chinese editions of the Z7x.

With only a few days remaining for the launch, iQOO Indonesia is expected to release some more teasers about the upcoming Z7 series to confirm some of its key features.

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OPPO PHF110 Appears on TENAA with Full Specifications

A new mid-range phone from Oppo has appeared in the database of the TENAA certification platform. The model number of the device is PHF110. The TENAA listing (via. TechGoing) of the device has revealed all the major specs of the device, but there are no images available.

OPPO PHF110 specifications

The Oppo PHF110 has a 6.72-inch IPS LCD panel with a Full HD+ resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels. The rated value of its battery 4,800mAh, which suggests that its typical value could be 5,000mAh. There is no word on the fast charging capabilities of the Oppo PHF110.

A 2.2GHz octa-core processor powers the PHF110. The exact name of the chip that powers the device is currently not known. The device is equipped with 8 GB / 12 GB of RAM.

The OPPO PHF110 will arrive with storage options like 128 GB, 256 GB, and 512 GB. There is a storage slot onboard for adding a microSD card. In all likelihood, it will come preloaded with ColorOS 13-based Android 13.

The device is equipped with a 16-megapixel front-facing camera. Its back panel has a 108-megapixel primary camera and a 2-megapixel auxiliary camera. It seems to feature a side-facing fingerprint scanner. Lastly, it measures 165.54 x 75.98 x 8.3mm and 195 grams.

The final marketing name of the Oppo PHF110 is yet to be confirmed. While the specs of the device are identical to the Realme 10 Pro, the dimensions and weight are not the same. There is a possibility that the PHF110 may break cover as an A-series phone. It is advisable to wait for further reports to know what it will be called when it releases in the Chinese market.

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Microsoft to Focus on AI & Security for a New, ‘Modern’ Version of Windows

Microsoft is reportedly in the process of developing a modern version of Windows that promises to provide better security and faster updates. Dubbed as CorePC, the initiative aims to enable Windows to scale efficiently for various devices, while still supporting legacy apps. The platform will employ “state separation” by breaking down Windows into multiple partitions, similar to iOS and Android, to ensure faster and more reliable system reset functionality, which is vital for competing devices in the education sector. This move could also make it difficult for malware to infect the system while speeding up updates.

Microsoft

Microsoft plans to offer different editions of Windows that support specific features and apps for different hardware types. For example, an education-focused version could have a light footprint like ChromeOS and only run the Edge browser, web apps, Office, and emulated Android apps. On the other hand, CorePC could also offer fully-fledged versions of Windows that support all the current features and capabilities of the modern Windows 11 desktop. Furthermore, Microsoft is reportedly working on a version of CorePC to rival Apple Silicon, enhancing the operating system’s performance and capabilities when tied to specific hardware.

In addition, Microsoft intends to incorporate AI into CorePC to analyze on-screen content and provide appropriate contextual cues. This system-wide extension of AI capabilities could revolutionize the way people interact with the platform. Microsoft plans to use CorePC for the next major version of Windows, scheduled for 2024. Although the company’s alleged plans could change between now and then, the development of CorePC appears to be a promising initiative that could bring significant advancements to the Windows ecosystem.

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Vivo’s Clamshell-Design Flip Phone is on the Horizon, Leaks State

Foldable smartphones are the latest big thing in the arena of mobile devices that can fold in half like a book, offering users a larger screen while still maintaining a compact form factor. These devices typically have flexible OLED displays that can bend without breaking, and are made possible through the use of advanced hinge and screen technologies. Foldable smartphones offer users the ability to multitask more easily, with the ability to have multiple apps open side-by-side, and can also be used for more immersive video and gaming experiences.

Vivo

Vivo, a leading smartphone brand under the BBK Electronics conglomerate in China, entered the foldable phone market last April with the release of the Vivo X Fold. Its successor, the Vivo X Fold+, was launched in September with an upgraded chipset, larger battery, and faster charging capabilities. The company is reportedly working on the Vivo X Fold 2, which could be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC and support 120W wired charging. Now, there is buzz that Vivo is looking to expand its foldable line by introducing a flip phone. This follows in the footsteps of its sister company, Oppo, which released the Find N2 Flip in December 2022. According to a tweet by industry insider SnoopyTech, the Vivo X Flip has already received Google Play certification and could be unveiled soon with model number V2256A.

Given the shared ownership of BBK Electronics, there is a possibility that the Vivo X Flip could share some similarities with the Oppo Find N2 Flip. The latter features a 6.8-inch AMOLED display with a 1080 x 2520 resolution (FHD+) and a 120Hz refresh rate, powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 9000+ SoC and 8GB of RAM with 256GB of storage. The camera setup includes a 50MP primary camera, an 8MP ultra-wide camera, and a 32MP front-facing camera. The device is supported by a 4300mAh battery, which charges at 44W.

It remains to be seen whether Vivo will simply emulate Oppo’s offering or create something unique for its customers. However, given that both companies share the same parent company, it wouldn’t be surprising if there are some shared features. It’s worth noting that OnePlus, another BBK brand, has also borrowed features from Oppo in the past. With the popularity of clamshell foldables like Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 3 and Z Flip 4, it’s clear that consumers are drawn to the nostalgia of the classic flip phone form factor.

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Spotify Introduces Niche Mixes, a Cool Way to Generate Personalized Playlists for Anything

Spotify is a music streaming platform that allows users to access a vast library of songs, podcasts, and other audio content from around the world. The platform offers both free and paid subscription plans, allowing users to access ad-supported or ad-free content, as well as additional features such as offline listening and higher audio quality. Spotify’s personalized recommendation algorithms suggest content based on a user’s listening history and preferences, and the platform has become a popular destination for discovering new music and podcasts.

Spotify

Spotify’s playlist customization just got even better with their new Niche Mixes feature. Expanding upon the mood, decades, and genre playlists introduced last year, this new feature allows users to generate personalized algorithmic mixes for virtually any mood or genre. Simply type in the activity you want to accompany and add “mix” at the end to get started. Spotify’s selection is pretty impressive, as it successfully creates playlists that are not only fitting but also offer a balance of familiar and lesser-known tracks. However, there are times when the mix may not be a precise match, like when asking for a “dubstep work mix” but receiving a workout playlist instead. Regardless, the feature is available to both free and premium users who search in English, making it a fantastic addition to Spotify’s already vast library.

Spotify uses artificial intelligence (AI) to recommend playlists to its users. The platform’s algorithms analyze users’ listening history, search behavior, and playlist creations to generate personalized playlists that fit their unique taste in music. By incorporating machine learning, Spotify can learn from users’ listening habits and continuously improve the recommendations provided. Additionally, the platform offers a Discover Weekly playlist every Monday, which is generated based on users’ previous listening and includes new songs and artists that the user may enjoy. With these AI-powered features, Spotify provides an exceptional listening experience tailored to each user’s musical preferences.

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Microsoft Set to Disappoint Users with Windows 12 Hardware Requirements

Windows 11 has been on the scene for some time now, but the focus has been less on its features and more on its system requirements. Microsoft’s “high standards” have made it incompatible with many hardware configurations, affecting its popularity. Rumors suggest that Microsoft is developing a new version. Possible Windows 12 hardware requirements already leaked. Will users find these more satisfying? Here are the details…

User Backlash Expected for Windows 12 Hardware Requisites

As Windows 11’s system requirements have been controversial, people are eager to learn what Windows 12 might bring. While its official release is still a few years away, some early hardware requirement details have surfaced, hinting at what the next Windows generation could involve. German publication Deskmodder reports that Microsoft has been working on Windows 12, codenamed “Next Valley,” since February 2022.

Rumors indicate that Windows 12 could require at least 8GB RAM, doubling Windows 11’s requirement. There’s no word on storage requirements, but some speculate Microsoft might drop hard disk drives (HDD) in favor of solid-state drives (SSD) for software installation – a rumor that didn’t pan out for Windows 11 but could still happen for Windows 12.

The operating system is expected to be compatible with Intel’s 14th Gen Meteor Lake-S desktop processors. Devices with these CPUs may be among the first to run Windows 12. However, limited information is available on Meteor Lake-S, and no direct connection has been made between the component and Windows 12 yet.

In terms of security, Windows 12 will likely use the same TPM 2.0 Trusted Platform Module as its predecessor for its security crypto-processor. Microsoft has been testing SHA-3 (Secure Hash Algorithm 3) support in a recent Insider Build, which might make its way into the new OS. Windows 12 might also support the Pluton coprocessor, which debuted on Ryzen 6000 mobile CPUs in January 2022. This feature would further enhance the system’s capabilities and offer increased compatibility with next-gen hardware.

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The AI Crime Wave: Police Warn of ChatGPT’s Dark Side

Europol, the European Union’s law enforcement agency, issued a warning on Monday regarding the potential criminal misuse of artificial intelligence-powered chatbots (ChatGPT) in phishing attempts, disinformation campaigns, and cybercrime. This warning adds to the growing list of concerns surrounding the technology, ranging from legal to ethical issues.

Europol Warns of Criminal Misuse of ChatGPT, Foresees Dismal Future

ChatGPT has sparked a technology frenzy since its release last year, leading competitors to introduce similar products and prompting companies to incorporate it or comparable technologies into their apps and services. In its first tech report, which focused on ChatGPT, Europol cautioned that the continued improvement of large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT could lead to increased exploitation by criminals, resulting in a bleak future.

Europol highlighted three main areas of crime where the harmful use of ChatGPT is becoming a significant concern:

  • Phishing: Europol noted that ChatGPT’s capability to generate highly realistic text makes it an attractive tool for phishing purposes. The chatbot’s ability to mimic language patterns and impersonate the speech styles of specific individuals or groups could be employed by criminals to target unsuspecting victims.
  • Propaganda and Disinformation: ChatGPT’s capacity to produce authentic-sounding text rapidly and on a large scale makes it an ideal instrument for propaganda and disinformation campaigns. Europol explained that the technology enables users to generate and disseminate messages that reflect specific narratives with minimal effort.
  • Cybercrime: Europol also warned that criminals with limited technical knowledge could utilize ChatGPT to create malicious code. This means that even individuals with minimal programming skills could leverage the power of ChatGPT to engage in cybercriminal activities.

Europol’s warning serves as a reminder of the potential dangers that advanced AI technologies like ChatGPT pose to society. While these innovations offer numerous benefits and conveniences, it is crucial for law enforcement agencies, policymakers, and technology developers to collaborate and establish safeguards to prevent the misuse of these powerful tools by criminals.

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Realme Narzo N55 to Launch in India in April, Memory and Color options tipped

Realme has launched various interesting smartphones recently. This includes the Realme GT Neo 5 with blazing fast 240W charging and Realme C55 with the Dynamic island-like mini capsule. But hasn’t launched any budget smartphones lately, particularly in the affordable Narzo series. That may change soon as the Chinese OEM is rumored to be working on the Narzo N55 smartphone, which might launch in April. Its memory and color options have also been revealed by a new report.

Recently, Realme has teased the launch of a new N-series product in India. The N branding points towards an upcoming Narzo series handset and a recent 91Mobiles report corroborates the same. As per the publication, Realme is gearing up to unveil the Narzo N55 in the Indian market in the second half of April. There’s no official confirmation yet and the exact launch date is not known.

Realme Narzo N55

The report claims that the upcoming Realme Narzo N55 will be available for purchase in Prime Black and Prime Blue color options. It is reported that the device will be available in various memory configurations. The entry-level version will come with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage. Another variant with 4GB RAM will have 128GB of storage. The middle-tier version will include 6GB of RAM and either 64GB or 128GB of storage. The highest-end variant of the device will be launched with an 8GB RAM and 128GB storage option.

Other details about the Realme Narzo N55 are still anyone’s guess. we can expect it to be a mid-range smartphone with a decent processor and a large display. More details should emerge in near future. We’ll keep you posted.

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Tipster hints the Razer Blade 14 2023 will feature an AMD Ryzen 9 SoC and Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070

A new leak of the Razer Blade 14 2023 laptop has provided details of its processor and graphics card. The Razer Blade 14 2023 has a compact design and will be well-suited for gaming applications. It will be powered by the AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS processor and Nvidia’s GeForce RTX 4070 graphics card. The Phoenix-based CPU and Ada Lovelace GPU provide the needed power for the device. The leak was revealed by a user @_rogame on Twitter.

Razer Blade 14 2023

The Razer Blade 14 2023 is expected to be released in the coming days, as per rumors. It will be coming with improvements across several aspects including RAM, power efficiency, and heat management. The Razer Blade 14 2022 is the benchmark for measuring the improvements on the new laptop. The model was heavily affected by heat and it was very loud during operation. The Ryzen 9 CPU has performed well in leaked benchmarks. It is also using significantly less power than its predecessor and it features AI upscaling.

There are no exact release details yet for the Razer Blade 14 2023 but it could follow its predecessor’s trajectory. This means that it could be released in April but pricing is also not known at this time. It is however not expected that the Razer Blade 14 2023 will be priced lower than its 2022 iteration which retailed for $3,500.

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Mivi Commando X9 earbuds with Dual RGB design & up to 72h playback launched in India for Rs. 1,499 ($18)

The Mivi Commando X9 earbuds have been unveiled in India. The Commando X9 is a locally manufactured pair of earbuds that offer up to 72 hours of playback. The earbuds come with a dual RGB design and follow the successful launch of the DuoPods M30 and Collar Flash Pro in 2022.

Mivi Commando X9 earbuds

The Mivi Commando X9 comes with dual RGB with Aurora lights – the world’s first. They are designed with 13mm dynamic drivers with rich, powerful bass output. The Commando X9 can also be used seamlessly for gaming. It has a 35ms ultra-low latency gaming mode for seemingly lag-free and immersive gaming. The earbuds also have an ultra-gaming mode which is activated by an easy tapping gesture. Users can enjoy up to 8 hours of game time on a single quick charge of the earbuds.

Mivi Commando X9 earbuds

The Mivi Commando X9 also features Swift Charging which delivers up to 500 minutes of playtime on a charge of 10 minutes. The earbuds support environmental noise cancellation (ENC) and an ENC chip does the job in combination with the quad mic setup. The earbuds are rated IPX4, which protects the device from water and sweat. There are touch controls on the ergonomically-designed Commando X9 earbuds and voice assistant support.

Mivi Commando X9 earbuds

The Commando X9 is offered in India at a retail price of Rs. 1,499 (~$18). They are offered a 1-year warranty and will be available in five colors. The Mivi Commando X9 earbuds will be released on March 31 and will be available from Mivi and Flipkart.

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Lenovo Yoga Slim 7 with a 90Hz 16:10 PureSight OLED display & Ryzen 7000 launched

Lenovo has recently introduced a new variant of its Yoga Slim 7 laptop, boasting a sleek and elegant design with a focus on performance, featuring a Ryzen 7000-driven OLED display with a resolution of 2944×1840 and 400 nits of brightness, along with Dolby Vision. The display is a standout feature of this device, providing vibrant and accurate colors with excellent viewing angles. The 14.5-inch screen is also protected by a layer of Corning Gorilla Glass, which enhances its durability.

Lenovo Yoga Slim 7

However, the laptop lacks discrete graphics, and its graphics are limited to the AMD Radeon solution integrated into its Ryzen 7000-series platforms. While this may be a drawback for heavy gaming and demanding video editing tasks, it should be sufficient for light work and entertainment purposes.

The device also features six back-to-back speakers with Dolby Atmos and a Smart Amp feature, providing a superior audio experience for multimedia consumption. The ToF-augmented webcam with an electronic shutter is a significant addition that allows for secure and high-quality video-conferencing. The camera is also equipped with facial recognition technology, which makes it convenient to log in to the device without typing in passwords.

Lenovo Yoga Slim 7

In terms of battery life, the Yoga Slim 7 packs a 70 Whr battery, larger than that of its Slim 6 counterpart, ensuring long-lasting usage. The laptop also boasts LPDDR5X RAM and dual USB4 ports with DisplayPort 1.4 and Power Delivery 3.0 support on its left side. The device is available in Tidal Teal and Misty Gray color options, making it a stylish device for users who prioritize aesthetics.

Lenovo has not yet announced the pricing for the new OLED screen laptop, but it is expected to be released in August 2023. Overall, the Yoga Slim 7 is an excellent option for users who value portability, sleek design, and performance for light work and multimedia consumption.

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ADO Air Folding E-Bike Now Available on Official Website After Indiegogo Success

ADO Air is a lightweight folding e-bike that comes with an IPS screen and a maximum assist range of 100km. The company behind the bike aims to offer an elevated riding experience by incorporating advanced technology and innovative design while ensuring safety and quality. ADO Air is the first bike in the brand’s lightweight e-bike line and it recently concluded a successful crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo and is now available on the ADO website.

ADO e-Bike

ADO Air managed to raise $600,000 through the Indiegogo Campaign and it can now be purchased through the company’s official website for €1,369 ($1,484). The e-bike is claimed to offer a great user experience with a lightweight build and intuitive IPS screen.

“We are excited to launch our new line of e-bikes, starting with ADO Air,” said the spokesperson for ADO founder, Mr. Sen. “Our mission is to create e-bikes that not only look good but also perform well while contributing to a sustainable future. The ADO Air and the rest of the collection embody our commitment to innovation, safety, and quality.”

ADO Air weighs only 16 kg with a battery and it can be easily lifted with just one hand, allowing you to travel and commute easily.  It can be easily carried up the stairs, on the train, or Metro. Additionally, the e-Bike comes with a foldable design and can be folded in just 15 seconds with 3 simple steps.

Unlike traditional metal chains, the ADO Air’s carbon belt is immune to metal fatigue and requires no maintenance for up to 2 million cycles (equivalent to 20,000-30,000km). This “unchains” you from the burden of mechanical noise or greasy hands. The ADO Air is powered by a Samsung battery, which can assist you for up to 100km at maximum capacity.

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One in Three iPhones Sold in China in 2022 Was iPhone 13

The competition in the smartphone market is fierce, with companies like Apple, Samsung, and Xiaomi battling to attract more users and expand their market share. While this is a global trend, some countries hold greater significance than others. China, one of these key markets, offers tremendous potential due to its large population, making it a critical battleground for many companies. However, it seems that Apple’s iPhone is sweeping away its rivals, with one in three iPhones sold in China in 2022 being the iPhone 13. Here are the details…

iPhone 13 Reigns Supreme in China’s Smartphone Market in 2022

In 2022, Apple’s iPhone 13 dominated the Chinese smartphone market, according to Counterpoint Research’s Global Monthly Handset Model Sales Tracker. Apple secured the top three positions in China’s top 10 best-selling smartphones list, while Honor followed closely with four spots, marking a historical high for the brand. vivo and Oppo also made their mark, capturing two and one spot, respectively.

Chinese consumers purchased over 980 smartphone models in 2022, a decrease from the 1,100 models purchased in 2021. Apple accounted for over 10% of China’s smartphone sales volume in 2022, with the iPhone 13 being the best-selling smartphone in the country, boasting a 6.6% market share.

This marks a significant increase from its 2.3% share in 2021 when it held the third spot. iPhone 13’s sales more than doubled in 2022 compared to the previous year, with the iPhone 13 Pro Max and iPhone 13 Pro following closely behind. These three models represented 60% of Apple’s smartphone sales in China in 2022 – the first time Apple’s Pro variants made it to the top 10 list for the country.

Honor’s impressive performance in the top-10 list can be attributed to its diversification of offline presence and expansion across mid-tier and entry-level price bands. The Honor X30 emerged as the best-selling Android phone in China with a 1.8% market share, while the Honor Play 20 was the most affordable and only non-5G smartphone on the list. The Honor X30 and Honor 60 were the only smartphones on the list equipped with a Qualcomm chipset.

Vivo’s Y33s 5G and Y76s secured the seventh and ninth spots, respectively, contributing 16% to vivo’s sales in China in 2022. The Vivo Y33s was among the top three best-selling smartphones in July 2022, while Chinese New Year holiday sales propelled the vivo Y76s into the top-10 list. OPPO’s mid-tier smartphone, the A56 5G, claimed the fifth spot in 2022 with a 1.7% market share, similar to its predecessor, the A55 5G, in 2021.

Despite the continuous annual sales decline in China’s smartphone market, the share of the top 10 models has remained stable at around 22% for the past three years. In 2022, all smartphones on the list, except for the iPhones, were priced at less than $500. Furthermore, nine of the top 10 smartphones were 5G-enabled, compared to six in 2021. However, as competition intensifies, the share of the top 10 smartphones is expected to decrease by 2023.

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Powkiddy Y6 with a compact design and retro-gaming console emulation function unveiled

The Powkiddy Y6 tiny TV stick with retro console emulation functionality has been released. The TV stick comes with hardware powerful enough to emulate several 1st-generation gaming consoles. It is very compact and can easily be fitted at the back of a TV and operate unseen.

 Powkiddy Y6 tiny TV stick

The Y6 is as small as a Google Chromecast or Amazon’s Fire TV Stick. It has an HDMI port on one end and a USB-A on the other end. Its USB-C connection is for power and there is also a microSD slot at the side. The stick has dimensions of 3.9 x 1.5 x 0.6 inches and the device comes with two controllers.

The wireless controllers bear a close semblance with the PlayStation 2 DualShock controllers. They have two analog sticks, four shoulder buttons, a directional pad, and ABXY face buttons. The Y6 is powered by the Amlogic S905X2 chipset with a four-core architecture and a Mali-G32 MP2 GPU.

 Powkiddy Y6 tiny TV stick

Powkiddy Y6 TV stick has 1GB of RAM and 8GB of storage but offers an additional 64/ 128/ 256GB of microSD storage. The stick comes pre-installed with the EmuELEC 4.3 which is designed for retro gaming. It is improbable that the Y6 will be capable of streaming media from Netflix or YouTube, but it can load some third-party applications. It can also play simple games from the Nintendo Gamecube and Sega Dreamcast. It is also possible that the Powkiddy could also handle titles from PlayStation 1 or 2D PlayStation Portable (PSP) games. The Powkiddy Y6 is available globally via Aliexpress for $46.99.

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BenQ PD UA professional monitors with 4K displays and AQ color technology unveiled in India

BenQ has released its PD UA series of professional monitors in India. The BenQ PD UA comes in 27-inch and 32-inch 4K displays. They also feature AQ color technology for enhanced output.

BenQ PD UA professional monitor

BenQ claims that the new monitors are the ultimate tool for creative professionals with a desire for top-notch performance and functionality. The products are ideal for video editors and other professional designers.

The BenQ DesignVue UA series monitors were released following the earlier unveiling of the GV11 LED portable smart projector. The models are both designer monitors and the PD Ergo Arm has a high-quality IPS display with 4K resolution. They offer exceptional color accuracy, 99% sRGB, and 95% P3. With its Ergo Arm design, flexibility is assured and you can swivel, adjust the height, pivot, and tilt the gadget efficiently.

The monitors provide 90W PD via a Type C connection for enhanced productivity. Other innovative features in the lineup guarantee an excellent user experience. The monitors have Kalman and Pantone & Skintone validation for high color accuracy and seamless data transfer. They are capable of having two displays via the Dual View function while the Hotkey Puck enables quick access to frequently used settings.

The BenQ UA series monitors in India offer excellent eye protection and prevent eye strain. The BenQ PD3205UA delivers 350 nits of peak brightness and has a 31.5-inch IPS LED 4K display. It outputs HDR 10 and has the TUV certification for low blue light. It comes with several connectivity options including HDMI 2.0, DP 1.4, and USB-A/ USB-C ports.

BenQ PD UA professional monitor

On the other hand, the PD2705UA has a 27-inch IPS LED, 4K display with 350 nits of peak brightness. The 27-inch model is slightly lighter than the 32” monitor but comes with several similar features. The monitors are all available directly from BenQ and start at Rs. 65,000 (~$791).

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Redmi Buds 4 get enchanted with a Special Harry Potter Edition

Xiaomi has launched several fun special edition phones and accessories, including the Redmi Airdots 3 Pro earbuds in a Genshin Impact edition last year. Today, the brand has introduced another special edition, and this time it’s the Redmi Buds 4 earbuds that are getting a special Harry Potter makeover. They come with a customized case and pouch and each earbud features the popular Harry Potter scar. Let’s have a closer.

Redmi has really given the Buds 4 a spellbinding makeover, transforming them into a limited-edition collector’s item. The earbuds come with a pouch that has the golden snitch, the notorious ball used during the Quidditch match, on it. The pouch has been given a refined leather finish, adding a touch of style to the overall design.

Redmi Buds 4 Harry Potter Edition

We can see the same compact oval charging case but with a touch of the wizarding world. It features the popular Hogwarts logo. The earbuds themselves do not look as striking—there’s the popular Harry Potter lightning scar on each earbud but that’s about it.

To remind you, the Redmi Buds 4 wireless earphones offer 35dB active noise reduction, 3-level adjustable depth, and dual-mic AI call noise reduction. They have a 10mm large dynamic coil and custom-tuned Xiaomi acoustics, with 30 hours of durability and fast charging capabilities. A single charge provides 6 hours of listening time, with just 5 minutes of charging giving you 1 hour of music. They support low-latency dual transmission and Bluetooth 5.2, with an MIUI quick connection pop-up window.

redmi Buds 4 HP

The new Redmi Buds 4 Harry Potter Edition has been priced at 399 yuan ($58) and they’ll be available for purchase in China starting March 31. Currently, there’s no news about the global availability of the new earbuds. Redmi also introduced the Note 12 Turbo in a Harry Potter Edition. You can check the details here.

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Nvidia Harnesses AI Power to Optimize Chip Design and Performance

Nvidia has revealed new research demonstrating how AI can be utilized to optimize chip design. This groundbreaking research could potentially change the way chips are designed, ultimately leading to improved cost, speed, and power consumption for the semiconductor industry. Here are the details…

Nvidia Unveils AI-driven Breakthrough in Chip Design Optimization

The process of designing a chip entails deciding the precise placement of tens of billions of tiny transistors on a silicon substrate. This positioning of transistors significantly impacts the chip’s cost, speed, and power consumption. Chip design engineers typically use sophisticated design software from companies like Synopsys and Cadence Design Systems to optimize transistor placement.

On Monday, Nvidia released a paper detailing how they used a combination of AI techniques to improve the placement of large transistor groups. This research builds on a previous effort by the University of Texas, which employed reinforcement learning. Nvidia added a second layer of AI to enhance the results further. Nvidia’s research aimed to improve upon a controversial 2021 paper by Alphabet’s Google. Nvidia’s approach combined reinforcement learning with an additional layer of AI to achieve superior results in optimizing transistor placement, thereby improving chip performance.

Nvidia Chief Scientist Bill Dally underscored the importance of this work, as manufacturing improvements in the chip industry have begun to slow down. Contrary to Intel co-founder Gordon Moore’s famous prediction that chips would continually become cheaper and faster, per-transistor costs in new chip manufacturing technologies are now higher than in previous generations. Dally explained, “You’re no longer actually getting an economy from that scaling. To continue to move forward and to deliver more value to customers, we cannot get it from cheaper transistors. We have to get it by being more clever on the design.”

This AI-driven breakthrough in chip design optimization holds significant potential for the semiconductor industry. As manufacturing improvements slow, companies must explore innovative methods to deliver better performance and value to customers. Nvidia’s research on utilizing AI for improved chip design could pave the way for a new era of optimized, high-performance semiconductor solutions.

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