MIUI 14 Indian Launch Confirmed for Feb 27, Check All Eligible Devices

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Feb 23, 2023

Xiaomi will be launching the Xiaomi 13 series smartphones globally on February 27. The brand has confirmed the launch of the Xiaomi 13 Pro in India on the same date. Now, the company has announced that it will also unveil MIUI 14 during the same event.

While MIUI 14 has already been rolled out for eligible smartphones, the Xiaomi 13 Pro will be the first device to come pre-installed with MIUI 14 on top of Android 13. Xiaomi plans to showcase the features of MIUI 14, which have not been available on smartphones updated with the software yet. Muralikrishnan B, President of Xiaomi India, made the announcement regarding the launch of MIUI 14.

Currently, Xiaomi has not yet enabled all the features of MIUI 14 on smartphones running in India. One of the main changes coming with MIUI 14 is the revamped user interface design, along with new features such as icon resizing and various widgets. Animations will be faster and more crips and the in-built apps like recorder, compass, and app vault will be revamped. To find out which phones qualify for the Android 13-based MIUI 14 update, you can check the list below.

Xiaomi

Xiaomi 12 Pro
Mi 11 Ultra
Xiaomi 11T Pro
Xiaomi 11i Hypercharge
Xiaomi 11i
Xiaomi 11 Lite NE 5G
Mi 11 Lite
Mi 11X Pro
Mi 11X
Xiaomi Pad 5

Redmi

Redmi Note 12 Pro+
Redmi Note 12 Pro
Redmi Note 12
Redmi K50i
Redmi Note 11 Pro+
Redmi Note 11 Pro
Redmi Note 11S
Redmi Note 11
Redmi Note 11T
Redmi Note 10 Pro Max
Redmi 10
Redmi Note 10 Pro
Redmi Note 10T
Redmi Note 10S
Redmi Note 10 Lite
Redmi 10A
Redmi 10 Power
Redmi 10 Prime (2022)
Redmi 10 Prime
Redmi 9T

POCO

Poco F4
Poco F3 GT
Poco X4 Pro 5G
Poco M4 Pro 5G
Poco M4 Pro
Poco M4
Poco M3 Pro 5G

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Artifact, Instagram Co-Founder’s App Provides AI-Powered News & is Open To The Public

By

Anubhav

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Feb 23, 2023

Artifact, a personalized news reader developed by Instagram co-founders, Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger, has now launched and is open to the public without any sign-up required. The app originally required a phone number and an invitation to try it out, which attracted initial demand but kept it out of reach for many potential users. The company received approximately 160,000 sign-ups while on the waitlist, and users outside the U.S. were unable to try Artifact, as a U.S. phone number was necessary for sign-up. With the removal of the waitlist and phone number requirement, users will now have instant access to Artifact upon its first launch. The app’s first social feature has been introduced, and feedback controls have been added to improve the news reading experience.

Artifact’s goal is to provide tools to allow readers to personalize and expand their feed. Users can manage their interests by blocking or pausing publishers, or selecting and unselecting general interest categories. In addition, a new feature allows users to upload their contacts to see a signal that a particular article is popular within their network. This feature is different from Twitter‘s Top Articles feature, which shows articles popular with the people you follow, as Artifact’s feature is more privacy-focused. It does not tell you who read it or how many of them read it, so it keeps privacy.

Systrom stated that the underlying technology requires a certain amount of data and a number of people using it to offer the best experience. The company believes the app is now ready for a larger audience. The newly added stats feature shows users the categories they have read, recent articles they have read within those categories, and the publishers they have been reading the most. Very few news publishing apps follow this approach. The reading is grouped more narrowly by specific topics rather than general categories. The broader goal is to expand the social experience to include a way to discuss news articles within Artifact itself.

Artifact is a U.S.-based version of China‘s Toutiao or Japan‘s SmartNews. Apps like these utilize algorithms and machine learning to form a curated set of news articles for each user based on how they engage with the app’s content. Systrom claims that while Artifact is similar to these other personalized news readers, the “devil is in the details”. The machine learning used in Artifact is based on the transformer, which was invented in 2017 at Google. It’s interesting to note that the ‘T’ in ChatGPT stands for Transformer as well.

Systrom compares the emergence of Artifact with the founding of Instagram when there were already other image-sharing apps available. There has to be something that distinguishes new technology from existing technology in order to create a niche in the market. In this case, that would be machine learning and other similar algorithms.

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Xiaomi Civi 3 Key Specifications Leak Reveals Chipset, Cameras

By

Anvinraj Valiyathara

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Feb 23, 2023

Last year in September, Xiaomi launched the Xiaomi Civi 2 smartphone. Like the original Civi and Civi 1S phones that have launched in the past, the Civi 2 was made available as a female-focused phone. Now, a new leak has revealed the key specifications of the upcoming Civi 3.

Xiaomi Civi 3 specifications (rumoured)

According to tipster Digital Chat Station, the Xiaomi Civi 3 will have a Full HD+ display that offers a 120Hz refresh rate. In all likelihood, it could be equipped with an AMOLED screen with curved edges and a pill-shaped cutout for the two front-facing cameras.

The leak further states that the Civi 3 has two 32-megapixel cameras on the front. The Civi 2 has dual front-firing LED flash units for brighter selfies in low-light conditions. It is likely that the Civi 3 may also have dual LEDs on the front.

The rear camera setup of the device will have a Sony IMX800 primary camera. He also stated that there will be no overhaul improvements to auxiliary cameras. To recall, the Civi 2 features a 50-megapixel Sony IMX766 main camera, a 20-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and a 2-megapixel macro camera.

The Snapdragon 7-series chipset was used in all previous Civi models. However, it appears that Xiaomi may offer a MediaTek SoC on the Civi 3. Last month, DCS claimed that the Civi 3 will use the Dimensity 8200 SoC. He has once more stated in the new leak that the D8200 will power the device.

The rest of the specifications of the Xiaomi Civi 3 are under wraps. The Civi 2 was priced at 2,399 Yuan (~$348) at launch. Hence, it is likely that the successor may arrive with a similar price tag.

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Mercedes-Benz to Integrate TikTok for the First Time Ever

By

Anubhav

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Feb 23, 2023

After recent speculation that Tesla will integrate ChatGPT into its EV fleet, this shouldn’t come as a surprise that TikTok, the viral social media app, is set to make its way into cars. As per the latest reports, the upcoming release of the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class in the fall of 2023 will feature TikTok. The updated version of the MBUX infotainment system in the vehicle will boast a “superscreen” that spans the entire dashboard and will allow drivers and passengers to access a variety of apps, including TikTok, Zoom video conferencing, Angry Birds, Vivaldi web browser, and Webex by Cisco.

Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius stated that the company selected these apps based on what is most popular in each market or region. With the inclusion of TikTok, it highlights Mercedes’ interest in the Chinese market, where the app is particularly popular.

Passengers will have access to a portion of the screen located directly in front of them, allowing them to enjoy the content on TikTok. The driver monitoring system will track where the driver is looking, ensuring that they do not become distracted while driving.

Mercedes-Benz has created a new software architecture that allows for easier integration of third-party apps into the infotainment system. The automaker has also developed a new app store that is accessible through the Mercedes me app. Over-the-air software updates will enable more apps to be added to the vehicle in the future.

In addition to the inclusion of TikTok and other apps, Mercedes-Benz announced a long-term partnership with Google that will provide drivers with navigation, maps, and YouTube. The automaker also revealed details about its own operating system, MB.OS, which is expected to debut in its next generation of vehicles around 2025, and an expanded partnership with lidar company Luminar.

All of these new features and partnerships were announced and debuted at the automaker’s research and development center in Sunnyvale, California.

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Xiaomi Pad 6 Series Launch Timeline & Key Specs Tipped

By

Sudhanshu

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Feb 23, 2023

Following the resounding success of the Xiaomi Pad 5 range of tablets, both in the local and international markets, the company seems to be getting ready for the imminent release of the Xiaomi Pad 6 series. Several leaks concerning the specifications and design of the tablet have surfaced in recent weeks. Now, a new report has emerged, providing us with information about the display and chipset specifications, as well as the expected launch window.

The report comes from popular Weibo tipster DCS who informs that the Xiaomi Pad 6 series tablets could launch in March or April. Some previous reports have claimed an April launch window for the tablets, alongside the Xiaomi 13 Ultra and Xiaomi Band 8.

According to Digital Chat Station, the forthcoming flagship tablets from Xiaomi will be powered by either MediaTek’s Dimensity 9000 or Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset. However, the base model of the Xiaomi Pad 6 is expected to feature a Snapdragon 870, in contrast to the Snapdragon 860 used in the vanilla Xiaomi Pad 5. Based on past models, the Xiaomi Pad 6 Pro could potentially come with the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1. Additionally, the Xiaomi Pad 6 series may receive upgraded displays with resolutions of up to 2.8K or 3K, surpassing the 2.5K screens of the Pad 5 series.

Previous design leaks have revealed that the Xiaomi Pad 6’s camera module will look a lot like the one present on the Xiaomi 12 smartphone. The display could have a 120Hz/144Hz refresh rate and offer support for Dolby Vision and HDR10+. The battery is expected to be a dual-cell unit with a 10,000mAh capacity, and offer 67W fast charging.

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Xiaomi 13 Ultra Case Images Reveal Huge Camera Island with Multiple Sensors

By

Anvinraj Valiyathara

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Feb 23, 2023

Xiaomi is gearing up to launch the Xiaomi 13, 13 Pro, and 13 Lite on Feb. 26 for the global market. Once the global launch is done, the Chinese wing of the brand is likely to gradually shift its focus to the Xiaomi 13 Ultra, which will be the company’s most powerful flagship phone. Rumors are rife that it may break cover in April this year. Well before the launch, the publication TechGoing shared case images of the Xiaomi 13 Ultra, revealing its rear design.

As can be seen, the alleged case for the Xiaomi 13 Ultra reveals that its design will not be too different from the China-exclusive Xiaomi 12S Ultra, which debuted last year. The leaked images show that the 13 Ultra has a humongous round-shaped camera module like its predecessor. A side view of the case reveals how much the camera island will protrude from the rest of the back.

xiaomi-13-ultra-case-image2 — Xiaomi 13 Ultra case image

The case images show four round-shaped cutouts at the centre. Rumors have claimed that the Xiaomi 13 Ultra will have a quad-camera setup, which will be headlined by a 1-inch, 50-megapixel Sony IMX989 primary camera. The main snapper is said to be equipped with gimbal optimization.

There is a pill-shaped cutout at the top inside the camera module. The remaining cutouts available inside the camera island could be for the LED flash and microphone. Coming to the edges of the phone, its right side has cutouts for volume up/down buttons and a power button. At the top, there are some cutouts, which could be for the speaker, a microphone, and an IR blaster.

Xiaomi-13-Ultra-leaked-image — Xiaomi 13 Ultra leaked image

Shown above is a leaked image of the Xiaomi 13 Ultra that emerged last week. As can be seen, the case images are almost in line with the leaked image of the device.

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HarmonyOS Performed Surprisingly Well when Installed on a PC

By

Anubhav

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Feb 23, 2023

HarmonyOS is taking the tech world by storm, as it’s been shown to be compatible with a vast range of devices, from smartphones and tablets to smartwatches and even smart cars. But what’s really caught our attention is the recent revelation that a Chinese developer has successfully installed the open-source HarmonyOS operating system onto a PC platform, specifically an HP notebook running the HarmonyOS 3.2 Beta 3 version.

In a video demonstration, the PC was shown to be functioning smoothly, responding accurately to all mouse inputs without any lag. However, it’s important to note that while this installation does show that HarmonyOS can be adapted to a PC environment, it’s not yet in an advanced stage where it can handle performance-heavy tasks. The software will require extensive optimization and task execution capabilities to progress further.

Currently, the developer has managed to adapt the drivers for the USB, network port, SATA port, PCIE, and other hardware interfaces of the HP notebook used in the demo. However, work on adapting the drivers for the notebook’s built-in keyboard and touchpad is still ongoing. The developer has also hinted that they’ve been working on adapting HarmonyOS for X86 architecture CPU, which suggests that this adaptation is based on the Linux kernel.

The plan moving forward is to prioritize software adaptations before tackling the hardware side of things. This means that the necessary drivers will be adapted first, followed by desktop applications. However, the developer has admitted that optimizing the sound driver, graphics card driver, and external display will still need more work. In particular, GPU graphics acceleration is currently a weak point for OpenHarmony, but the OpenHarmony project team has set up a related SIG (Special Interest Group) to address this issue in future versions.

While Huawei has yet to make any specific announcements regarding adapting HarmonyOS for its notebooks, this latest development could open the doors for collaboration with PC manufacturers and software developers to bring HarmonyOS to the industry for both consumer and business devices. It’s exciting to see how HarmonyOS will continue to evolve and expand its reach.

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Microsoft Introduces Bing’s ChatGPT to iOS, Android, and Skype, Alongside New Voice Functionality

By

Leo Wong De Quan

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Feb 23, 2023

After much fanfare about Bing’s new Chat functionality on Desktop, Microsoft officially announced today that Bing’s ChatGPT functionality is now available on iOS, Android, and Skype. Currently, the new Bing is only available for preview for those signed up for preview testing via the Microsoft Bing waitlist, and if you are interested in trying out the new Bing, you can join the waitlist here.

Yusuf Mehdi, Corporate Vice President & Consumer Chief Marketing Officer of Microsoft announced that Bing’s ChatGPT service is available on the company’s Bing and Microsoft Edge mobile apps from today onwards. Both the Bing and Edge mobile apps are available on Android’s Google Play Store and Apple’s iOS App Store.

In addition to the new Chat service, Microsoft has also redesigned Bing with a fresh look and experience. As noted from the official announcement:

“Tapping the Bing icon at the bottom will invoke a chat session, where you can engage in all the same ways you can from the desktop. Ask simple or complex questions and receive answers and citations. Choose how you want your answers displayed – bullet points, text or simplified responses. Explore the Bing chat experience to refine your query or compose an email, poem or list.”

Besides expanding availability to more devices besides desktops, Microsoft has also added a new much requested functionality to Bing – voice search. Available on mobile and on desktop, voice search provides more versatility in how users can deliver prompts and receive answers from Bing.

Our news writer, Leo also had the opportunity to try out the chat voice functionality himself, and besides being able to translate from speech to text, the search engine was able to do text-to-speech as well on the Android Microsoft Edge app.

Bing with Voice Functionality in action (Yes, humans need sleep)

Aside from mobile use, Microsoft has added Bing, the new chat and search engine based on GPT-4, to the company’s messaging service Skype as well. Bing on Skype can be described as similar to Discord command bots, but instead of complex commands, you can now easily chat and prompt it like how you use ChatGPT.

To use Bing on Skype, Microsoft explains that Skype users can simply add Bing to the group, as you would any Skype contact, and now you can ask Bing to answer questions and provide information for the entire group.

To illustrate, Microsoft has given an example below:

“If your family is chatting about the next family reunion, you can simply ask Bing for suggestions on travel destinations, expected weather forecasts and interesting events around your time of travel, and everyone in the chat will get access to the results. When you are catching up with friends, you can ask Bing to simply fetch information from the web, for example, the latest news or last night’s award shows to add to your conversation.”

Microsoft Bing on Skype, Source: Microsoft

For more news on the latest in tech, stay tuned to our coverage here at Gizmochina.

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Audio-Technica AT-LP2022 60th Anniversary Edition Vinyl Record Player With a Transparent Design Unveiled

By

Jed John Ikoba

-

Feb 22, 2023

Japanese audio products manufacturer Audio-Technica is celebrating its 60th anniversary and to mark the historic milestone, the company has launched the Audio-Technica AT-LP2022 60th Anniversary Edition vinyl record player for the global market including China where its products are super-popular. The limited edition turntable will retail at 12,350 yuan ($1792) in China.

The Audio-Technica AT-LP2022 60th Anniversary Edition vinyl record player has a body made of transparent acrylic. The disc body comes with a thickness of 30mm while the vinyl support place is 16mm thick. The device also comes with soft anti-vibration pads at the bottom which not only suppress vibration but also can be used to adjust the height and set the level of the turntable.

The original factory default configuration of the turntable is the AT-VM95E BK cartridge, the needle tip is oval, but Audio-Technica also provides a limited color (transparent acrylic) Shibata needle with model number AT-VMN95SH, so that users can freely replace it and experience different needle tips. The device also features a carbon fibre tonearm specially design for it. The tonearm can adjust the needle pressure, prevents slip, among other features .

In terms of power, the AT-LP2022 turntable uses a high-precision DC motor, which is driven by a belt, and the rotation speed is extremely stable. The original specification claims that the jitter rate is lower than 0.15% RPM, which can maintain the stability of the turntable. It is also equipped with an external power adapter.

In addition, as a limited commemorative product for the 60th anniversary, the Audio-Technica AT-LP2022 turntable comes with a unique packaging box. The box uses Echizen washi paper produced by hand using traditional Japanese techniques and has a mix of blue and white colors. Audio-Technica is manufacturing only 3,000 units of the turntable globally and each piece has its own serial number. Thus, this is indeed a collector’s item. There is no word on the pricing and availability.

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Apple Watch Faces Potential Ban as Biden Okays ITC Ruling on AliveCor’s Electrocardiogram Patent Infringement

By

Jed John Ikoba

-

Feb 22, 2023

Apple was at the wrong end of a patent ruling by the US International Trade Commission in December 2021 where it determined that Apple Watch’s electrocardiogram function infringed on AliveCor’s patent. The ITC had imposed a Limited Exclusion Order (LEO) and a cease and desist order on Apple Watches infringing on AliveCor patents. However, the ruling had to be reviewed by the US president. A press release by AliveCor indicates that the ruling has now cleared the Presidential review.

As a reminder, the ITC ruling found that Apple’s Watch Series 4 and later models infringed on AliveCor’s electrocardiogram technology patents. Apple’s electrocardiogram feature allows users to take an ECG reading with their Apple Watch by placing their finger on the watch’s digital crown for 30 seconds. This feature is available on the Watch Series 4 and later models.

According to reports, the ban on the importation of infringing Apple Watches could have a significant impact on Apple’s bottom line, as the company sells millions of watches in the United States each year. If the ban goes into effect, Apple would likely have to redesign its Apple Watch or find a way to license the technology from AliveCor.

It is not yet clear whether Apple plans to appeal the ITC’s ruling or if the company has any plans to license the technology from AliveCor. However, the potential ban on the importation of infringing Apple Watches highlights the importance of intellectual property protection in the technology industry.

Patent infringement lawsuits are not uncommon in the technology industry, and companies often go to great lengths to protect their intellectual property. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for other companies in the industry that use similar technology in their products.

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TCL Ultra-thin Four-door Refrigerator T9 Series Unveiled in China for 3,399 Yuan ($493)

By

Jed John Ikoba

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Feb 22, 2023

TCL has launched its new ultra-thin four-door refrigerator T9 series in China. The product lineup was unveiled during the 2023 TCL Refrigerator Spring New Product Launch Conference on February 21. The refrigerators all have a zero-embedded, ultra-thin design.

The TCL ultra-thin zero-embedded refrigerator T9 has a 580mm ultra-thin body, intelligent constant temperature, and fresh-keeping technology. The refrigerator uses a bottom heat dissipation design, unlike traditional refrigerators. This means that the T9 has more space on both sides for storage that would have been reserved for heat dissipation. This also yields a zero-distance seamless embedding architecture. The ultra-thin body of the T9 makes it arguably the thinnest in the industry at 580mm. It can easily fit in with a standard home cabinet.

The T9 uses a stable embedded hinge that can be opened or closed at 90 degrees angle. This design helps to avoid the problem of opening/ closing the refrigerator’s door due to its close contact with the wall. The TCL T9 is equipped with advanced multi-point temperature sensing radar. The T9 can achieve rapid and directional cooling, with temperature and humidity maintained at a constant level always. This, therefore, helps to maintain the fresh food inside the refrigerator.

CL ultra-thin zero-embedded refrigerator T9

The TCL T9 is equipped with efficient full-space cleaning technology. The refrigerators’ multi-point ion generator triggers a process that is 99.99% effective in eliminating bacteria. The freezing area adopts the T-fresh cold antibacterial technology to inhibit bacterial activity.

The TCL ultra-thin zero-embedded T9 refrigerator is available for purchase from retail platforms like JD.com. It has a launch price of 3,399 yuan (~$493).

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Redmi Buds 4 Lite Could Launch Soon Globally, Get TDRA Certified

By

Anurag

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Feb 22, 2023

Redmi unveiled the Buds 4 Lite TWS earbuds in China back in December 2022 alongside the Watch 3, Band 2, and K60 smartphone series. The new hearables debuted with a lightweight design, impressive sound, and an affordable price tag. The brand is yet to bring the Buds 4 Lite to the global market. While we wait, the earbuds have bagged the TDRA certification, hinting at a nearby international launch.

The Redmi Buds 4 Lite have received Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) UAE certification with model number M2236E1. While the authority did not reveal any specifications of the new earbuds, it hints at an imminent launch. The Buds 4 Lite are already official in China, so we know all about them.

These TWS earphones come with a stemmed design and feature a 12mm dynamic driver that is claimed to offer low distortion, richer bass, and clearer high tones. There’s support for Google Fast Pair that allows you to connect the earbuds to the smartphone by simply opening the case. In addition, you can pair it with your Android phone with just one tap. The earbuds have Bluetooth 5.3 for faster and more stable connectivity.

Redmi claims that the earbuds offer up to 5 hours of playtime per charge. The charging case is said to provide a total of up to 20 hours of backup. The Redmi Buds 4 lite feature low latency and AI noise cancellation for calls.

The Redmi earbuds have an IP54 water and dust-resistant build and they are also lightweight. There are touch controls for playing and pausing music, picking up calls, and more. The earbuds could cost around $30 in the global market.

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Fitshot Saturn Debuts as an Affordable BT Calling Smartwatch With a Stylish Design

By

Anurag

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Feb 22, 2023

Indian consumer electronics brand Fitshot launched a new affordable smartwatch, dubbed Saturn, in the country. The wearable not only costs less but also offers some impressive features like Bluetooth Calling, a curved HD display, and a long-lasting battery. It is certified to be dust- and water-resistant with an IP68 rating. Let’s have a closer look at the wearable’s price and specifications.

The FitShot Saturn smartwatch comes with a circular dial and features a 1.32-inch display with 500 nits of peak brightness and 360 x 360 pixels resolution. The wearable has a premium metallic design with straps made up of silicone. It is offered with more than 100 watch faces.

The modern timepiece can be paired with a smartphone for receiving alerts for incoming calls, SMS, and notifications from apps. The FitShot Saturn can also be used to operate the camera of a paired smartphone. The smartwatch comes with the usual health monitoring features, including SpO2 monitoring, and heart rate monitoring, alongside calories, stress, and steps tracking.

As mentioned, the wearable supports Bluetooth calling. Notably, it comes with new SoloSync Technology which apparently makes BT calling consume less battery. Speaking of battery, the Fitshot Saturn is claimed to last up to 7 days on a single recharge.

It comes with up to 100 sports modes including stationary bike, rowing machine, cycling, running, and skipping among others. The new wearable has Bluetooth v5 connectivity and is IP68-certified for dust and water resistance.

The new FitShot Sphere smartwatch arrives in India with a price tag of Rs. 2,999, but it will be available at an introductory price of Rs. 1,999 on the company website and Flipkart. The new smartwatch is offered in Black, Green, Sky Blue, and Brown colors.

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How to Watch the Honor Magic 5 Series Launch Event at MWC 2023 Live

By

Oğuz Çakır

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Feb 22, 2023

If you’re a tech enthusiast, you probably know what Mobile World Congress is. The event, which will begin in Spain just a few days, will be a place where the latest mobile technologies are showcased and many companies display their strength, one of which is Honor. The company will showcase the Honor Magic Vs and the brand-new flagship HONOR Magic 5 series. So, how can you watch the HONOR’s event at MWC 2023 live? Here are the details…

How to watch the Honor Magic 5 Series event at MWC 2023 live

Are you excited to witness the new Honor Magic 5 series and Magic Vs at the MWC 2023? With just a few days left for the event, it’s time to prepare for the live streaming. Honor has provided fans with multiple options to watch the event and catch up with the latest releases. The event is scheduled for February 27, 2023, at 1:30 pm (CET) from Barcelona, Spain.

Honor will be streaming the launch event live on their website, which will be updated with an embedded YouTube live-stream video on February 22 (CET) around 13:00. The video will only be accessible when the event kicks off, so make sure to set a reminder for 1:30 pm (CET) to follow all of Honor’s news for the global audiences. You can access the landing page through this link, and do all the necessary preparations for the launch event.

During the event, Honor will unveil the highly anticipated Honor Magic5 series, which includes a new flagship smartphone with top-of-the-line hardware and advanced cameras. Honor has teased fans with a slogan, “Witness the Magic beyond the Galaxy,” which hints at the flagship phone’s competitiveness with the Samsung Galaxy S23 series. The Magic5 phones are expected to be a strong contender for the Galaxy S23, and Honor’s innovative features may surpass Samsung’s new models.

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Indian Smartwatch Brands Break into Top 5 as Global Shipments Surge 12% YoY in 2022

By

Anurag

-

Feb 22, 2023

Global smartphone shipments may not have been very impressive lately but the same cannot be said for smartwatches. The wearable market has been on the rise for a couple of years now and 2022 was no exception. According to Counterpoint Research, worldwide smartwatch shipments grew 12% YoY last year thanks to the solid YoY growth in the first three quarters of the year. The news is not all good as the shipments fell 2% YoY in Q4 due to inflationary pressures and slow growth in India.

According to the report, this was the first time the market witnessed negative growth since the pandemic hit the world in 2020. The most notable trend of the year was the polarization of demand based on price. Specifically, the shipments of smartwatches in the mid-price range declined, while there was a significant increase in the shipments of smartwatches in the price segments of over $400 and up to $100.

Indian smartwatch brands, particularly Noise and Fire Boltt grew significantly in the global market, surpassing 5% of the total market share to rank fourth and fifth, respectively. However, they were nowhere close to US behemoth Apple, which witnessed a 17% YoY increase in shipments as the Apple Watch Series 8, Ultra, and SE 2022 showed strong sales. In addition, the brand’s shipments increased by 50 million for the first time.

The report says Huawei‘s market share fell 1%p YoY because the Chinese smartwatch market lost momentum to India in 2022. But the brand’s revenue increased by 20% due to its relative focus on HLOS smartwatches. Counterpoint defines HLOS smartwatches as “electronic watches running a high-level OS, such as Watch OS (Apple) or Wear OS (Samsung), with the ability to install third-party apps”.

Analyst Woojin Son said, “Apple strongly drove the average selling price (ASP) rise in the global smartwatch market in 2022, especially in the >$400 price band. There are two main reasons for this ASP rise – a diversified Apple smartwatch line-up and a rise in the exchange rate”.

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Garmin Forerunner 965 Smartwatch Surfaces in Multiple Colors Ahead of its Launch

By

Jed John Ikoba

-

Feb 22, 2023

The yet-to-be-released Garmin Forerunner 965 smartwatch could be one of the best premium offerings by the brand. It sports a big AMOLED screen but it is also speculated that its name is yet to be official. The smartwatch was listed by a Vietnamese retailer briefly, possibly inadvertently. Garmin continues to gross sales in its array of smartwatches and is rivaling industry leaders Apple and Samsung.

The alleged naming of the smartwatch follows the Garmin Forerunner 955 released in 2022. The new smartwatch sports a bigger AMOLED screen than its predecessor. It has a higher display resolution of 416 x 416 pixels than the Forerunner 955. As per the leaked specs, the Forerunner 965 will also have a 1.4-inch display like its predecessor. The new Garmin smartwatch will have a lower battery capacity than the Forerunner 955.

While the earlier model had a 15-day battery life on smartwatch mode, the new model extends that to 23 days. However, with GPS activated, the Forerunner 965 has a shorter battery life of 31 hours compared to the Forerunner 955’s 42 hours.

The optics of the Garmin Forerunner 965 includes an array of sensors for health and fitness monitoring. Its pricing information is lacking at this time but it could square off nicely with the Galaxy Watch and Apple Watch.

The Forerunner 965 smartwatch is being propped as one of the best smartwatches of 2023. It sports a durable titanium frame for enhanced ruggedness and could also include a flashy yellow color variant.

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Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 and Galaxy A73 Picking up the One UI 5.1 Update

By

Anurag

-

Feb 22, 2023

Samsung introduced the latest version of its custom Android skin— One UI 5.1— with the Galaxy S23 Series earlier this month. The brand has announced the software will also be made available for older Galaxy phones. Recently, the Galaxy S22 series and a couple of mid-range smartphones have received the update. Now, the Korean company is releasing the One UI 5.1 update for the Galaxy Z Fold3 and the Galaxy A73. Here are the details.

As reported by folks at GSMArena, the Galaxy Z Fold3 units in Europe have started to get the latest One UI 5.1 based on the Android 13 update with firmware version F926BXXU3EWB1 / F926BOXM3EWB1 / F926BXXU3EWB1. The 1406.51 MB update package brings several new features, including access to Expert RAW from the Camera app and improved multitasking. The software also brings the February 2023 security patch with itself. While the update is currently rolling out in the old continent, it should soon extend to other regions.

In addition, the Galaxy A73 is also getting the latest One UI 5.1 update. Currently, it is being seeded in Malaysia with version number A736BXXU3CWB7. Alongside the usual features, the update also brings the February 2023 security patch for the device. You can check for the update’s availability by heading to Settings > Software update and tapping Download and install.

The One UI 5.1 update does bring a lot of improvements but it is also reported to be causing certain issues. Some users have reported issues with their devices after installing the latest software update. Specifically, they have noticed that their devices are running more slowly than before, and their batteries are draining more quickly. Others claim that certain features are no longer functioning properly after installing the update.

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China Bans Tech Companies from Offering ChatGPT Services

By

Joane

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Feb 22, 2023

The Chinese government has banned all tech companies in the country from offering ChatGPT or related services through their platforms. The state media has explicitly said that the US-based ChatGPT is spreading misinformation that could be detrimental to Chinese sovereignty.

On February 20, the state-owned media China Daily posted on Weibo that the chatbot could provide a helping hand to the U.S. government in its spread of disinformation and its manipulation of global narratives for its own geopolitical interests.

The government has specifically instructed tech giants like Tencent and Alibaba group to stop offering ChatGPT services on their platforms either directly or via a third party. Also, the government has announced that any company that wishes to launch a chatbot or related Artificial Intelligence service should first report to regulators and get their permission. Without permission, nobody will be allowed to launch ChatGPT-style services in China.

ChatGPT the fastest-growing app in human history has become a sensation in China. Though the app is not officially available in the country, many users have accessed ChatGPT using the VPN (Virtual Private Network). Some third-party developers have also released mini-programs that claim to offer partial services from ChatGPT. These programs have been extensively floated on WeChat (China’s equivalent to WhatsApp owned by Tencent).

After the announcement of the new regulations, Tencent banned all the parties who provide ChatGPT and related services in China. The company which has already seen the wrath of the Chinese regulators in its gaming sector does not want to take any more chances against the government. Hence, it has blanket banned all ChatGPT programs and other services that have even a slight resemblance to the ChatBot or its AI system.

Why China will never accept ChatGPT?

It is not a surprise that the Chinese government is coming hard on tech companies. The government which is famous for its internet censorship and control will never allow an Artificial Intelligence program like ChatGPT gain access in the country. ChatGPT made by the US company Open-AI is a continuously learning and evolving AI and cannot be easily controlled by an entity.

ChatGPT recently created a list of controversial people which included famous personalities like Elon Musk, Vladimir Putin, and Chinese President Xi Jinping. It also gave a negative rating to the communist party.

ChatGPT lists Trump, Elon Musk as controversial and worthy of special treatment, Biden and Bezos as not. I've got more examples. @elonmusk pic.twitter.com/92bNDQo4qY
— Isaac Latterell (@IsaacLatterell) February 19, 2023

If allowed in China, it is inevitable that people would ask politically sensitive questions to ChatGPT. The responses to such questions may not be acceptable to the government. However, the service provider or platform will be held responsible for the issue. Hence many tech companies are already staying away from ChatGPT and related services.

ChatGPT Rivals in China

Though ChatGPT will be never allowed in China, the government is keenly watching tech giants like Alibaba and Baidu, who have promised to launch their own versions of Chatbots similar to ChatGPT. The Chinese internet technology company NetEase Inc and the e-commerce platform JD.com have also announced their plans to create ChatGPT rivals.

Last week, Fudan University in Shanghai launched the ChatGPT rival app called MOSS for public testing. Baidu is all set to complete the internal testing of its version of the ChatGPT app called ‘Ernie Bot’ by March. JD.com (Jindong) is also working on its own version of the chatbot called ChatJD. Chinese tech companies have assured the government, that their apps will have nothing to do with ChatGPT and their services may not necessarily be a Chatbot but rather some embedded features of the AI that can be controlled as per regulations.

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UNISOC T820 5G Chip Receives Vodafone Operator Certification

By

Jed John Ikoba

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Feb 22, 2023

In what could be seen as a major boost, Chinese chipmaker UNISOC has announced that its T820 5G chip has officially passed the Vodafone Operator Certification. According to a statement released by UNISOC, the chip has been certified to run smoothly and stably on Vodafone’s 5G, 4G, and 3G networks. The T820 passed the operator’s network compatibility, network security, function, and other acceptance tests.

Vodafone currently runs 5G services in 294 cities in 11 countries. The UNISOC T820 chip has also passed the conformance test due to the global terminal certification association, GCF/ PTCRB. This verifies that the T820 chip has global interoperability and versatility. The Vodafone network certification is the latest in a slew of operators in South Asia, Latin America, and other regions for 5G chips. This approach, according to Unisoc, is to help brand manufacturers shorten the time to market their products in oversea markets.

The T820 chip adopts an octa-core design from a 6nm EUV process. It has built-in financial-level security solutions and supports 5G dual card dual standby. It also supports a 108 million pixel high-definition camera, FHD+ resolution, HDR10+ standard, and 4K 60-frame high-definition video recording. The chip supports a 120Hz refresh rate and 8 TOPS AI computing power. The octa-core CPU of the UNISOC T820 consists of one ARM Cortex-A76 large core and three ARM Cortex-A76 at 2.76GHz and 2.3GHz respectively, in addition to four Cortexx-A55 at 2.1GHz.

With the raft of certifications already achieved by the chipset, we are close to seeing the hardware in an actual product. There are no indications yet, however, which product will debut the T820 and when it will enter the market.

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Colorful EVOL X16 Pro Gaming Laptop Launched – 2.5K 240Hz display, 13th Gen Core i9 & RTX 4070

By

Sudhanshu

-

Feb 22, 2023

Colorful Technology, an OEM best known for its NVIDIA and AMD GPUs has launched the EVOL X16 PRO gaming laptop in the global markets. With a 13th Gen Intel processor and an RTX40 series GPU inside, these machines are perfect for competitive and modern AAA game titles. Check out the detailed specs & features below.

Colorful EVOL X16 Pro specs & features

The COLORFUL EVOL X19 PRO is a slim and lightweight gaming laptop with a 19.9mm thick aluminum alloy chassis. It is equipped with a 13th Gen Intel Core i7-13700H processor with 14 cores, an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 with Ray Tracing and DLSS 3 support, and a 16-inch QHD 240Hz IPS display with G-SYNC support. The laptop also has an RGB backlit keyboard and Sound Blaster Cinema 6+ audio.

It comes with 16GB DDR5-4800MHz memory that can be expanded up to 64GB and has 512GB of NVMe SSD storage with an M.2 slot for expansion. The laptop also features a USB-C Thunderbolt 4 port, a 2.5 GbE LAN port, and the latest Wi-Fi 6E + Bluetooth solution for networking.

The laptop has a multi-zone cooling system with dual cooling fans and vapor chamber cooling, as well as a One-Key Cooling Mode with four cooling modes that can be adjusted manually. The higher spec models come with a 13th Gen Intel Core i9-13900H processor and up to an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 laptop GPU, while the lower spec model comes with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 laptop GPU.

Pricing & availability

The i7 and RTX 4060 GPU model of the COLORFUL EVOL X16 Pro is currently available for purchase on Aliexpress, with a price tag of $2499. Other models are expected to arrive soon.

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