Advertisement

Silicon Valley Bank Liquidated, Biggest Bank Failure Since 2008 Global Financial Crisis

US banking regulators on Friday issued an immediate notice on Friday, stating that Silicon Valley Bank, one of the country’s largest banks, has its operations shut down by Californian authorities, and the bank’s assets have been seized and taken over by the country’s Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)

Silicon Valley Bank Liquidated
Image Source: Reuters

Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) was a commercial bank headquartered in Santa Clara, California. The bank’s customers and depositors are mostly consisted of technology workers in the US, tech startups in Silicon Valley and venture capital-backed companies. The bank used to operate from 29 offices in the United States and from offices in India, the United Kingdom, Israel, Canada, China, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Denmark, and Sweden.

As reported by CNBC, the Silicon Valley Bank bank run is the largest US bank failure since the 2008 global financial crisis that happened more than a decade ago. The interference from regulators comes shortly after the shares of SVB were halted on Friday after tumbling as much as 66% in premarket trading. 

FDIC, the organisation tasked to handle the bank’s closure, has stated that it has created the Deposit Insurance National Bank of Santa Clara, which now holds the insured deposits from SVB. The press release also mentions SVB’s official cheques will continue to clear. The main office in Santa Clara and all branches of Silicon Valley Bank will reopen on March 13 Monday and all insured depositors will have full access to their insured deposits no later than Monday morning.

For context, the FDIC’s standard insurance covers up to $250,000 per depositor, per bank, for each account ownership category. It is unclear exactly how larger accounts or credit lines for companies will be impacted by the closure.

The FDIC said it would seek to liquidate SVB’s assets and that future dividend payments may be made to uninsured depositors. Uninsured depositors will be receiving an advanced dividend within the next week, with potential additional dividend payments as the regulator gradually sells SVB’s assets.

CNBC reports that the closure of SVB would impact not only the deposits but also credit facilities and other forms of financing. The FDIC said loan customers of SVB should continue to make their payments as normal.

United States of America Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said during testimony to the House Ways and Means Committee on Friday morning that she was “monitoring very carefully” developments at a few banks in the country. Yellen made her comments before the FDIC took over SVB.

 RELATED:

(Source, Via 1, Via 2)

Sony WF-C700N Budget Earbuds With ANC Certified by Bluetooth SIG

The Sony WF-C700N has been leaked and the budget earbuds will support active noise cancellation (ANC). The WF-C700N is the successor to the Sony WF-C500 but has been upgraded to support ANC. The leaked pair of earbuds will be a cheaper alternative to the Sony WF-1000XM4. The details of the leak were contained in a report by the Walkman Blog.

Sony WF-C700N

The WF-C500 was launched in 2021 and had an affordable price tag. It however did not come with ANC functionality and this was a major drawback. The WF-C700N however remedies that shortcoming. There has been a previous leak of the WF-C700N with model number YY2968. The new leaked details, therefore, point to the imminent release of the product.

The Bluetooth SIG certification of the WF-C700N indicates that the earbuds will support Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity. That is another improvement over its predecessor which had Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity. It is expected that the new pair of earbuds will support the LDAC codecs, omitted from the WF-C500.

There are a few similarities between the new WF-C700N and its predecessor. For one, the new earbuds closely resemble its predecessor. It will be available in the same black, green, white, and violet colors as the WF-C500. There are also no indications that the battery life of the new model will surpass that of its predecessor (10 hours).

Sony has not provided full availability and pricing details yet for the WF-C700N earbuds. There are hover speculations that it could be released anytime soon, possibly by spring this year. It is however expected that the WF-C700N will be more affordable than the higher WF-1000XM4 premium earbuds.

RELATED:

(via)

Custom BMW CE 04 Vagabund Moto Concept e-Scooter Unveiled

BMW Motorrad and Austrian customizing specialist Vagabund Moto GmbH have unveiled the BMW CE 04 electric scooter. The concept e-scooter is based on the BMW CE 04 and has an eye-catching, sporty, and functional outlook. The machine has a youth-centric design but the company says it will appeal to an even wider demography. The fashionable and functional BMW CE 04 e-scooter has a functional design and is equipped with a 42Hp motor with a battery that delivers up to 80 miles of range.

BMW CE 04 Vagabund Moto Concept e-Scooter

The BMW CE 04 e-scooter concept has a top case that showcases smiley faces and also serves as additional storage for the bike. It also has a surfboard with an integrated transport system for amphibious movement. The BMW CE 04 Vagabund Moto concept is a stylish, multifunctional, and versatile e-scooter for urban travel.

BMW CE 04 Vagabund Moto Concept e-Scooter

According to Vagabund’s Managing Director and Founder, the new concept e-scooter comes with a great touch of individuality and functionality. It was based on a strong synergy between functionality and aesthetics and is suitable for daily use.

BMW CE 04 Vagabund Moto Concept e-Scooter

The e-scooter concept has an attractive color scheme that combines black, white, green, and beige to deliver a unique look. Performance-wise, the e-scooter can go from 0-50km/h in 2.6 seconds while the battery can be recharged up to 80% in 65 minutes. There is an optional fast charging solution also available. There are no details at this time on the production trajectory of the BMW CE 04. BMW Motorrad however expects the model to provide work, leisure, and individual flair to suit the choices of customers.

RELATED:

(via)

Benro Launches Kickstarter Campaign for Theta: An Intelligent Modular Travel Tripod

Benro Theta is the latest intelligent travel tripod launched by Benro. The company has launched a Kickstarter campaign for the product. 

Theta is a highly innovative and intelligent tripod designed for the globe trotter and adventure lover who is always on the go. It works as steadily and efficiently as any other tripod available in the market but comes with some unique and interesting additional features that take your photography experience to the next level. Basically, Theta helps you to capture your image quickly and efficiently even in the most difficult terrain and ground. 

Key Features and Functions:

Smart Leveling:

Theta comes with a smart leveling function. Auto-leveling helps you save time as you don’t need to find a flat surface or manually keep on adjusting your tripod to get a straight shot. To level your theta you need to simply keep the get the camera level on the ball head. The Theta ball head was designed with a locking system that allows the ball head to be aligned with the tripod at all times and can be switched between free mode and roll lock mode.

Lightweight, compact, and stable:

Most tripods available in the market compromise on compactness and portability or stability or choose stability and sturdiness over portability. However, while designing theta the company was very sure that they didn’t want to compromise on stability or portability.

Theta used structural optimization of the central shaft in order to have zero wasted space while maintaining a round tube design. This increased the stability and capacity of the tripod which weighs just 1.25 kg and comes to 44cm in size when folded. 

Single-step camera mounting:

Theta comes with an automatic snap-lock mechanism that helps you to mount your camera quickly and safely, with a single click. You can also remove or unmount your camera with a single click. 

Other Interesting Features:

  • 10-second deployment and storage
  • Aluminum casting for durability and longevity
  • Carbon fiber legs increase sturdiness and can be used in water
  • Compatible with Arca swiss plates and L brackets
  • Anti-slip leg locking mechanism
  • Perfectly stable in different terrains and weather conditions like light rain and wind, sand, water, etc
  • Theta App – To remotely frame and control the camera
  • Auto-detect ambient light – allows the camera module to determine optimal exposure settings
  • Live stream in high quality using Theta’s GoLive module 

Benro has also created an advanced version of Theta called Theta Max: a heavy-duty travel tripod for professionals who carry heavy and bulky cameras. For more information on Theta and Theta Max check out the Kickstarter campaign page here

Benro Theta is priced at $599 per unit. However, under the early bird offer, the brand is offering a whopping 42% discount to its backers. Thus you can get this tripod for as low as $349 only.

About Benro:

Benro has been designing and manufacturing tripods for the last thirty years. The brand makes the most basic camera tripods, to advanced products like the Polaris Smart Tripod Head and Theta Smart Tripod. 

JMGO N1 Ultra Triple-laser Projector With Adjustable Stand Unveiled

JMGO has released a new triple-laser projector with an adjustable stand. The JMGO N1 Ultra projector has a 4K output and can display images up to 150 inches. It has a peak brightness of 4,000 ANSI lumens for illuminating the projections.

JMGO N1 Ultra

The N1 Ultra is being offered via Kickstarter with a starting price of $1,099. The crowdfunding campaign for the JMGO N1 Ultra comes three months after the product was launched in China. At the China launch, the JMGO N1 Pro and N1 Ultra were released. However, JMGO will not be selling the N1 Pro outside China. The projector has an original price of $2,299 and will revert to that price after the current campaign. The JMGO N1 Ultra will begin shipping to the international market by May 2023.

The JMGO N1 Ultra is equipped with a DMD chip that provides for the 4K output. The projector also offers 135-degree vertical and 360-degree horizontal adjustment. The projector has a 1:2:1 throw ratio, a 1600:1 contrast ratio, and a 110% BT.2020 color space coverage. The projector’s dimensions are 241 x 236 x 203 mm and it features dual HDMI ports, a USB-A port, and a 3.5mm audio jack. The projector runs on Android TV 11 and was co-created with Dynaudio.

The crowdfunding campaign for the N1 Ultra will last until the end of April 2023. The Kickstarter page of the product has currently garnered $961,642 in pledges far above the $20,000 target.

RELATED;

OnePlus Takes Lead in the Android with Extended Update Support

It’s no secret that Android users are often dissatisfied with the frequency of software updates. Although this issue has slightly improved in recent years, almost every brand has received complaints from users. Fortunately, OnePlus is taking a significant step to change this perception by offering extended software upgrades. The company strives to be a reliable, long-term friend to users. Here are the details…

OnePlus Aims to Be a Long-Term Friend to Users with Extended Software Upgrades

OnePlus has officially announced that its users can enjoy the longest software version maintenance update in the market. This news has created a buzz in the smartphone market, and it is expected to benefit users of OnePlus 11, OnePlus Ace 2, and OnePlus Ace 2V. Here are the details…

OnePlus poster

According to the company’s statement, the OnePlus 11 will receive 4 major Android version upgrades and push security patches every 5 years. On the other hand, Ace 2 and Ace 2V will receive 3 major Android version upgrades and push security patches every 4 years. This means that users of these devices will have access to the latest features and security updates for a much longer period than any other smartphone brand in the market.

Li Jie, President of OnePlus China, expressed his gratitude to the users for their support and recognition. He also stated that this decision of providing the longest software version maintenance update is not an easy one, as it involves a huge investment in research and development, amounting to more than 100 million yuan. However, OnePlus is committed to providing the latest software updates to its users, and this latest announcement takes its commitment to a whole new level.

The company is known for its commitment to providing regular updates to its devices. This latest announcement shows that OnePlus is willing to be a real “long-term friend” with its users. It is a testament to their dedication to providing the best user experience and building long-term relationships with their customers.

RELATED:

(source)

Nubia Z50 Ultra is now available for pre-order on Giztop

Nubia Z50 Ultra is now available for pre-order on Giztop. You can pre-order the latest smartphone from Nubia for a starting price of $699 only. Please note that this is a pre-order and the product will be shipped after March 18. 

WHERE TO BUY
Nubia Z50 Ultra at $699 @Giztop

Nubia Z50 Ultra features a 6.8-inch FHD+ AMOLED display and supports a 144Hz refresh rate. The phone is powered by the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Octa-core processor and comes in multiple memory variants viz. 8GB/ 12GB/ 16GB LPDDR5X RAM and 256GB/ 512GB/ 1TB UFS 4.0 internal storage. 

The smartphone comes with a triple rear camera set up with a 35mm 64-megapixel Sony IMX787 main camera with OIS support, an 85mm 64-megapixel periscope zoom camera with OIS support, and a 50-megapixel ultra-wide camera, which doubles up as a macro camera. For your selfies, you have a 16MP OmniVision OV16A1Q front-facing camera powered by the company’s NeoVision imaging algorithm. 

The phone is fueled with a 5000mAh battery and supports 80W fast charging and 15W wireless charging. It runs on the latest Android 13-based MyOS 13. Other interesting features include dual stereo speakers with support for DTS X: Ultra, complete access to Google play store, dual-SIM, 5G, WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, GPS, etc. 

Nubia Z50 Ultra is available in Black, and Grey color options. You can now pre-order the phone for $699 only at Giztop. Please note that this price is applicable to the base variant. 

For more information on such exciting deals and offers check out our deals hub.

Vivo T2x Global Launch Seems Near as It appears on Google Play Console

Vivo might be ready to launch a new mid-range smartphone in the global market. The product in question is called the Vivo T2x and it was unveiled last year in China with decent specifications and a rather familiar design. While there’s no official confirmation about the handset’s international launch, its Google Play console listing suggests we won’t have to wait for long.

Vivo T2x has been spotted on the Google Play console with a MediaTek MT6833 chip. This is likely the Dimensity 700 SoC, which powers many affordable smartphones out there. Further, the listing reveals the Vivo T2x 5G global variant will arrive with a Full HD+ resolution display and run Android 13 OS out of the box. The panel could have a 440 PPI pixel density and a water-drop-shaped notch. It may come with 8GB of RAM.

Vivo-T2x-5G-Google-Play-Console
Image Via MySmartPrice

Notably, the Chinese version of the handset featured a MediaTek Dimensity 1300 chipset coupled with 8GB of LPDDR4x RAM and 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage. It packs a 6.58-inch IPS LCD display with FHD+ resolution and a 144Hz refresh rate. The LCD panel boasts a 240Hz touch sampling rate, DC Dimming, DCI-P3 color space coverage, and a peak brightness of 650 nits.

The handset debuted in China with a dual 50MP main sensor + 2MP macro lens setup, and is equipped with a brand-new linear axis vibration motor. Vivo T2x packs a particularly large 6,000mAh battery with support for Vivo’s Wired 44W FlashCharge that can charge the phone from 0% to 50% in 35 minutes. Vivo is yet to confirm the global launch of the Vivo T2x. We can expect the brand to release an official announcement pretty soon. Stay tuned.

RELATED:

(Via)

Nextube Retro Nixie Clock: A Modern Display Inspired by the Past

Indiegogo is becoming a hub for fascinating and innovative projects with each passing day. Individuals and companies with bold and unconventional ideas turn to this platform to raise the necessary funds to grab the attention of potential users. As Gizmochina, we sift through these campaigns to bring you the most intriguing ones. This week’s most attention-grabbing project was the Nextube retro nixie clock-inspired modern display. Let’s dive into the specifics of this exciting product.

The Nextube Retro Nixie Clock, Bringing Vintage Charm to Modern Displays

The Nextube retro nixie clock is a unique and visually appealing timepiece that merges modern technology with vintage style. Inspired by nixie tubes from the 1950s, the clock features a set of glowing numerals that change every second, giving it an enchanting and mesmerizing effect. The Nextube clock is designed with sleek aluminum casing and comes with a variety of color options, making it an ideal addition to any interior design.

What sets the Nextube clock apart from other retro nixie clocks is its ability to connect to Wi-Fi and display real-time data. Users can customize the display to show weather forecasts, news headlines, or even social media updates. Additionally, the clock comes with a mobile app that allows users to set alarms, adjust the brightness, and choose from different animations.

The Nextube clock is currently seeking funding on Indiegogo, and it has already gained a lot of interest from the backers. With its unique combination of vintage and modern design, the Nextube clock is sure to be a conversation starter in any room. So, if you’re looking for a timeless timepiece that stands out from the crowd, be sure to check out the Nextube retro nixie clock on Indiegogo.

The Nextube retro nixie clock campaign on Indiegogo is available for pre-order with a price tag of 1.160 HKD, which is quite reasonable considering the unique design and features of the clock. The campaign offers various pledge options, including early bird specials and bundle deals, allowing backers to choose the package that best suits their needs.

RELATED:

HomePod With 7-inch Display Tipped To Arrive In 1H2024: Ming-Chi Kuo

Apple launched the second-generation HomePod in January this year.  Now reliable Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reveals the Cupertino-based tech giant’s plans on a new smart speaker and its launch timeline. 

As per Kuo, Apple will unveil a HomePod with a new design. It is tipped to feature a 7-inch display panel touted to enable tighter integration with the company’s other hardware products. It will pack more functionality and the device could offer FaceTime capabilities via a built-in camera. This will also mark a significant shift in Apple’s smart home strategy. Apple’s existing HomePods have small circular displays on the top with limited functionality and mostly used as a status indicator. 

Kuo adds that Tianma Microelectronics will be the exclusive supplier of display panels for the next-generation HomePod. If all goes well, the supplier may also receive display orders for the iPads in future. 

In the past, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman had hinted at Apple’s plans to launch a HomePod with a display and camera. It will reportedly run on tvOS offering various functionalities. Reports also surfaced that Apple was working on a iPad-style device to be used as a smart home controller and FaceTime device with magnetic fasteners. If the reports indeed turn out to be true, the next-generation HomePod with display will compete against the Google Nest Hub and Amazon Echo Show. 

Both Kuo and Gurman are reliable when it comes to unreleased Apple devices. Kuo adds that Apple could launch the HomePod with a display in the first half of 2024. The HomePod has been the most unpredictable device in Apple’s product portfolio. 

Related:

Motorola Razr 2023 Alleged Live Image Hints At A Dual-Tone Design

Recently, Lenovo confirmed that it is working on the 2023 edition of the Motorola Razr with significant improvements. It was also spotted in leaked renders last month. Now an alleged live image of the Motorola Razr 2023 has surfaced online giving us a look at the actual device. Read on to know more about it below. 

The alleged image reveals that the Motorola Razr 2023 will flaunt a dual-tone design. Leaked renders had revealed a large secondary display covering the top half portion of the back panel even engulfing the camera sensors. The alleged live image shows the same portion in a reflective black colour (because the screen is off) that almost looks like a display panel thus confirming the large screen area. There are two horizontal camera sensors and an LED flashat the top left corner. 

The remaining half portion of the back panel is in Maroon colour. There are also two glossy Maroon-coloured horizontal lines in the middle that will act as a hinge. There are Motorola and Razr brandings on the bottom of the back panel. The power and volume rocker buttons are in Red colour and located on the right side of the device. 

As per past reports, the Motorola Razr 2023 is tipped to feature a larger 3.7-inch display compared to 2.7-inch on its predecessor. It will reportedly be powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor. The foldable offering is expected to debut on June 1 this year as per a previous leak

Related:

Via

Huawei and AITO Rebrand Wenjie Cars to ‘Huawei Wenjie’

Huawei has been making waves in the electric vehicle market through its partnerships with various carmakers. The latest development in this area is the change in the branding of the AITO Wenjie car to Huawei Wenjie. Here are the details…

AITO changes car promotion to ‘Huawei Wenjie’

AITO changes car promotion to ‘Huawei Wenjie’. This news appeared quietly on Weibo, where Huawei and AITO announced a new chapter of their partnership for Wenjie electric vehicles and new technologies. A promotional image and a video teaser were shared, both featuring the Huawei Wenjie branding. This branding change has raised eyebrows, and people online have been speculating about its implications.

Huawei Wenjie

Huawei’s statement on the matter clarifies that Wenjie is Huawei’s ecosystem electric vehicle brand, which is a new business model created by the company. Huawei provides core software and hardware technologies such as electrification and smart components. The cooperation between Huawei and electric vehicle companies includes product definition, user experience, quality control, channel retailing, and brand marketing to help with sales.

Huawei has been working closely with AITO’s parent company, SERES, which was the first company to cooperate with Huawei deeply. The two companies signed a business-deepening cooperation agreement in February this year. They are also planning to launch a new flagship car platform by this year. This agreement aims to achieve 1 million vehicle sales by 2026, indicating the seriousness of the two partners in their efforts to make a significant impact in the smart car industry.

The change in branding from AITO Wenjie to Huawei Wenjie is a clear indication of Huawei’s growing influence in the smart car industry. The company’s expertise in technology and marketing is proving to be valuable to car companies that want to create good cars that are equipped with the latest technologies.

RELATED:

(via)

ASUS ROG Phone 7D Spotted On Geekbench With Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and 16GB RAM

ASUS is tipped to launch the ROG Phone 7 soon. The lineup will likely comprise the ROG Phone 7, 7D, and 7 Ultimate. Now the ROG Phone 7D has made its appearance on the Geekbench database. It reveals key specifications of the device. The upcoming offering is expected to arrive as the successor to the last year’s ROG Phone 6D. 

As per the benchmarking platform, the ASUS ROG Phone 7D is listed with model number AI_2205D. The listing reveals the motherboard codename ‘kalama’ which corresponds to the flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. The chipset comprises eight total cores with three cores clocked at 2.02GHz, four cores at 2.80GHz, and a primary core ticking at 3.19GHz. The smartphone will pack 16GB RAM onboard and we can expect more options at launch. As per the benchmark database, the ROG Phone 7D will ship with Android 13 OS out of the box. 

The ASUS ROG Phone 7D scores 2,012 and 5,697 points in the Geekbench’s single-core and multi-core tests results. 

As per past report, the ASUS ROG Phone 7 series is tipped to feature an AMOLED display with a 165Hz refresh rate. The regular and ultimate variants are also expected to be powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. The former will pack up to 256GB storage whereas the latter will reportedly max out at 512GB. The ROG Phone 7 series is slated to debut in the third quarter of 2022 i.e. between July to September.  

Related:

Here’s Why Smartphones Could Become More Expensive if Chips Are Made in the US

The Biden administration has been pushing chipmakers to have their foundries setup within the US. While the move to bring advanced chip production is to achieve various economic or industrial policy goals, it will also come at a cost that can affect the overall market for smartphones.

If the US succeeds in bringing chip production from major foundries like TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company), then the average cost of smartphones could rise across the globe. This is likely due to unavoidable factors like higher wage in American jobs compared to their Asian counterparts. The world’s largest contract chipmaker, TSMC, has told investors that US chip plants will cost much more than the same plants that are situated in its home country of Taiwan.

Smartphones

For those unaware, the US’ CHIPS Act was designed to incentivize chipmakers to setup facilities in the US. However, the 54 billion US Dollar effort can help bring in the foundries, but it can’t make the chips cheaper. Apart from this, it would also create a widening geopolitical-technological rivalry with China. This move can affect brands like Apple, Samsung, Google, and many other OEMs in the market.

Breaking down an iPhone 14 Plus, 54 percent of the estimated 527 US Dollars manufacturing cost of the device is just the semiconductor alone. Out of this, 81 US Dollars is the cost for just the core A15 processor. Despite the chipset being designed by the Cupertino based giant, TSMC is the partner that builds this SoC. Thus, we can also affect such changes to affect Qualcomm Snapdragon chips that are made by TSMC.

RELATED:

(Via)

Xiaomi Adjusts Brand Committee Members, Appoints Lu Weibing as Chairman

Xiaomi has just recently announced that it will be making some changes in its brand committee members. The company has reshuffled some of its executives, so here are all the details regarding this matter.

According to an internal letter shared earlier this month, the Chinese tech giant has adjusted the brand committee members that has moved some of its executives. So now, Lu Weibing will serve as the chairman of this committee. Meanwhile, Zeng Xuezhong is the new senior vice president while Xu Fei will serve as the general manager of the China Marketing Department. Similarly, the new list also talks about the position of the general manager of the industrial design department of the automobile department, and the general manager of the ecological chain department as well.

Xiaomi

Furthermore, Pan Jiutang is now the chief of staff of the group, Zhu Yin is the new chairman of the design committee, Li Tao has been appointed as the vice chairman of the quality committee of the group. Similarly, Wang Haihua is the vice president of the public affairs department of the group, Liu Zhen has been appointed as the new general manager of the legal department while Wagn Wang is the general manager of the internal control and internal audit of the department.

The duties of the committee members are to be responsible for making judgements on crucial matters. This includes matter related to brand selection and use of brand cooperation and more while maintaining business in accordance to the principles of the brand strategy. For those unaware, Xiaomi Group has adjusted its organizational structure multiple times in recent years, so the new restructuring arrives as no surprise.

RELATED:

(Source)

Qualcomm Chooses TSMC’s 4nm Process over Samsung for Snapdragon 7 Gen 2

Samsung is one of the largest companies in the world. While most of us are familiar with their popular consumer electronics products such as smartphones, the South Korean technology giant operates in many other areas. One of these areas is the production of processors. Samsung produces processors for various developers, including Qualcomm. Unfortunately, it appears that there are some issues in this area. Here are the details…

Samsung loses manufacturing contract for one more Qualcomm chip

Samsung has suffered another blow in its contract chip manufacturing business. Qualcomm has chosen to manufacture its latest processor, the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 1, using TSMC’s 4nm process instead of Samsung Foundry’s 4nm LPE process. This decision comes as no surprise as Samsung Foundry has been facing efficiency and yield issues in recent years.

Qualcomm and Samsung logo

TSMC’s 4nm process has proven to be more efficient, which means that the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 1 will be more power efficient than its predecessor. The processor is set to be unveiled at Qualcomm’s launch event on March 17, 2023, and is expected to bring faster performance and efficiency.

The chip features one Cortex-X2 CPU core clocked at 2.92GHz, three Cortex-A710 CPU cores clocked at 2.5GHz, and four Cortex-A510 CPU cores running at a maximum frequency of 1.8GHz. It also features the Adreno 725 GPU clocked at 580MHz. The chip is an underclocked version of the popular Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor and is the first time a Cortex-X series CPU is used in a Snapdragon 7 series chip.

Leaked benchmarks reveal that the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 1 scores 1,232 points in Geekbench’s single-core CPU test and 4,095 points in the multi-core CPU test. This is almost as good as the MediaTek Dimensity 9000, which was close to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1. The new chip is expected to make premium mid-range phones as fast as last year’s flagship phones.

While Samsung’s 4nm and 5nm nodes have faced issues, rumors suggest that its 3nm GAA is much better and could be superior to TSMC’s 3nm process. Some rumors also claim that the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 will use Samsung Foundry’s 3nm GAA, but this claim should be taken with a grain of salt.

The loss of the manufacturing contract for the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 1 is a significant setback for Samsung’s contract chip manufacturing business. However, the company still has its 3nm GAA process, which could potentially attract future clients. Samsung will need to work on improving its processes and addressing the efficiency and yield issues it has faced to remain competitive in the contract chip manufacturing market.

RELATED:

(via)

Get OnePlus 100W Dual Port Charger for $59.99 at Giztop

OnePlus 100W dual port charger is now available at Giztop for $59.99 only. 

WHERE TO BUY
OnePlus 100W dual port charger at $59.99 @Giztop

OnePlus 100W  SUPERVOOC charger is a small and portable wall charger that supports dual port charging. The charger comes with a Type-C port and USB A port which can be simultaneously used to charge two devices with both ports outputting 50W SuperVOOC charging or 50W SuperVOOC from the USB and 45W PD charging from the USB Type-C port simultaneously. ‘

The charger can be used for laptops, tablets, phones, earphones, etc, and charges your device efficiently and quickly. It supports  SUPERVOOC, VOOC, PD, QC, and PPS charging protocols. 

OnePlus 100W Dual Port charger comes with multiple safety features like protection from over-current, over-voltage, over-heating, short-circuit, etc that keep your charger as well as your devices safe. 

You can now buy the OnePlus 100W dual port charger for $59.99 only on giztop. The charger comes in White and Green color variants. 

For more information on such exciting deals and offers check out our deals hub.

iQOO Z7i With Dimensity 700 Spotted On Google Play Console

A new iQOO Z-series device is reportedly in the works. It is dubbed the iQOO Z7i. The device has been spotted on the Google Play Console certification. It is also expected to be a new model in the Z7 series that is confirmed to include the regular and possibly a pro variant. The certification listing reveals key specifications of the Z7i. 

The iQOO Z7i is listed with a model number vivo PD2230 on Google Play Console. The rendered image shows the phone with a waterdrop notch display and a thick bottom chin. We don’t get a look at the smartphone’s back panel. As per the certification listing, the iQOO Z7i will feature an HD+ resolution of 720 x 1,600 pixels and a 320 dpi screen density. 

The Google Play Console listing reveals that the iQOO Z7i will be equipped with a MediaTek MT6833 processor with two Cortex-A76 cores at 2.2GHz and six Cortex-A55 cores clocked at 2GHz. The chipset corresponds to the MediaTek Dimensity 700 SoC. The upcoming offering is listed with 8GB RAM and we can expect more options at launch. The smartphone will run on Android 13 OS out of the box. 

This is everything we know about the iQOO Z7i at the moment. Based on the listing, it seems that the device will be an entry-level offering and the base model in the iQOO Z7 series. 

iQOO is gearing up to launch the iQOO Z7 5G in India on March 21st. It is confirmed to feature an AMOLED display with a waterdrop notch and a 64MP OIS-enabled camera. The upcoming smartphone will be powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 920 processor. 

Related:

Via

Vivo X80 Pro Appears to Fake Moon Shots in Its Supermoon Mode

As photography on smartphones get better and better every year, we have been able to capture the moon in fine details thanks to powerful zoom lens. However, while there are some brands that offer a great experience on their telephoto/periscope cameras, it appears that Vivo might be manipulating some of the results.

Vivo
(From left to right) Auto Mode at 1x ; Supermoon Mode at 1x

According to a series of tweets by Alvin (@sondesix), he shared a number of pictures and his experience of taking shots of the moon on his Vivo X80 Pro. In the first tweet, he took two images of the moon, one with auto mode from the main camera (1x zoom) and one in the Supermoon mode (1x zoom). The picture taken on auto mode shows the moon as how it appears in the night sky naturally, but in the Supermoon mode the moon appears to be much more larger.

We can even see certain details on the moon. Keep in mind that both shots were taken in the same magnification so such a noticeable change in size shows some form of manipulation. Following this, Alvin continued to even test the device against pictures taken from phones from other brands. He compared a moon shot with the Galaxy S23 Ultra where he set the S23 Ultra’s zoom camera on 65.3x magnification to make a comparable image.

Here again, we see quite a bit of difference between the two phones in terms of the details that can be seen on the moon’s surface. Alvin compared the two images and concluded that Vivo is manipulating moon shots on the Vivo X80 Pro. He noticed certain details suddenly appearing or being removed in the pictures taken of the moon, but also added that the differences could be related to different lenses and focal lengths. However, he still feels like the difference is quite “sus”.

RELATED:

Best Reasons to buy BOB AND BRAD Q2 Mini Massage Gun

BOB AND BRAD Q2 Mini Massage Gun is now available at a discounted price on Amazon US. The mini massage gun uses rapid and repetitive pressure combined with vibration therapy. The massage head moves quickly and forcefully, applying pressure directly to your soft tissue, while the vibrations engage the outer layer of skin giving you quick and easy pain relief and relaxation. 

The device is designed and made by famous physical therapists Bob Schrupp and Brad Heineck who have millions of followers across the globe. Unlike other generic massage guns available in the market,  Bob and Brad’s ergonomic creations are intentionally built to improve patient and athlete recovery.

Reasons to choose BOB AND BRAD Q2 Mini Massage Gun:

Adjustable intensity and speed:

The massage gun comes with 5 adjustable speeds (1800, 2100, 2400, 2700, 3000) percussions per minute, with the intensity increasing at each level. This means you can set the strength of the massage as per your requirement. With a  maximum speed of up to 3000rpm and vibration amplitude of 7mm, this device easily breaks up knots and relaxes tight muscles, digging deep and relieving hard-to-reach muscle groups.

Proprietary Brushless Motor with Ultra Low Noise:

Q2 Mini features a new brushless motor with a max speed of 3000rpm and uses the latest noise reduction technology to reduce the noise of the massage gun to less than 55dB even at the max speed setting. This means you can use this massage gun anywhere and at any time without worrying about disturbing others. 

Deep Tissue Massage for Pain Relief:

Q2 Mini provides deep tissue massage that alleviates pain and relieves muscle restriction by breaking down the scar tissues. The massage gun is designed not only for sports injuries but also for post-surgery care. 

Muscle Spasm and Stiffness:

The massage gun is designed to relieve muscle spasms and stiffness that may arise from an intense workout or sudden stiff movements and jerks. Apart from instant pain relief, the massage gun also helps to release post-workout lactic acid and activate the nervous system. It helps to stimulate the receptors of the sympathetic nervous system which regulates muscle function and maintains the body’s homeostasis.

Design and Charging Interface:

Bob and Brad the makers of Q2 Mini are physical therapists and hence know the exact need of their customers. Thus they have come up with an ergonomic handle design that enables you to hold the massage gun from different angles with ease. The device also comes with an ergonomic silicone handle for easy grip and maximum comfort. The designers have also added an efficient heat-dissipation air chute that reduces the heat and keeps the device cool, when in use. 

Q2 Mini Massage Gun can be charged using a  USB-C charger like a regular phone adapter or 5V/2A adapter.

Pocket Size and Highly Portable:

This device is one of the best solutions to relieve muscle tension and stress on the go as it strikes the perfect balance between power and size. Q2 Mini massager is lightweight, compact, and highly portable. It weighs just 0.95lb and comes in the size of a water bottle which makes it easy to store in your carry-on, purse, or backpack. 

Whether you are going to the gym or on a weekend getaway in the outdoors or traveling abroad, you can always carry your massage gun to relieve stressed muscles and alleviate pain. 

BOB AND BRAD Q2 Mini Massage Gun is now available for $69.99 only on Amazon US. The device is not only a great investment for your health but also makes a great gift option for your loved ones.