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Xiaomi CIVI 3 Tipped to Feature Dimensity 8200 Chip

Xiaomi unveiled the female-focused Xiaomi CIVI 2 in September 2022. The company may launch the CIVI 2s in Q2 this year and it may announce the CIVI 3 in the second half of 2023. Chinese tipster Wisdom Pikachu has leaked key details about the CIVI 3.

According to the tipster, the Xiaomi CIVI 3 will not feature a Snapdragon SoC. Instead, it will come equipped with the Dimensity 8200 chipset. He said that its display will not support 2K resolution, meaning it will continue to support Full HD+ resolution like the current generation. The tipster did not share any information on the other specs of the CIVI 3.

Xiaomi CIVI 2
Xiaomi CIVI 2

The CIVI series by Xiaomi is known for its attractive design. The CIVI 2 is equipped with a curved-edge AMOLED display with a pill-shaped cutout for dual front-facing cameras. It is unclear whether the CIVI 3 will sport the same design, but the tipster claims that it will offer symmetrical aesthetics.

In related news, Xiaomi is reportedly working on the Xiaomi 13 Lite for the global market. Its arrival of the 13 Lite seems to be close at hand as it has been spotted at the IMEI database and Google Play Console. It seems that the 13 Lite will be a tweaked version of the CIVI 2.

The Xiaomi 13 lite is likely to arrive with a 6.55-inch AMOLED panel that offers an FHD+ resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. Unlike the CIVI 2, the 13 Lite is expected to feature a single front-facing camera. Its back panel may feature a 50-megapixel triple camera unit. The Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 chip may power the device with 8 GB of RAM. It may offer up to 256 GB of internal storage and a 4,500mAh battery that supports 67W fast charging. The phone will run on Android 13 OS and MIUI 13.

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Upcoming Redmi Note Series to Feature OLED Display, In-Screen Fingerprint Sensor

The Redmi Note 12 series of smartphones are now available in China and India. The lineup is expected to arrive in other markets in the next few weeks. The company is also said to be working on new Redmi Note models that may debut a few months later in China. A tipster from China has tipped key details of the upcoming Redmi Note models.

In May 2022, Redmi unveiled the Redmi Note 11T Pro and Note 11T Pro+ smartphones in China. These powerful mid-range phones featured an LCD panel and a side-mounted fingerprint scanner. For the Note 11T series, the company offered a custom-made LCD panel and obtained DisplayMate A+ certification. At that time, the company claimed that the Note 11T series feature the best LCD screen so far.

Redmi note 12 series-
Redmi Note 12 series-

As per the new leak, the upcoming Redmi Note series phone will have an OLED panel, which will be integrated with a fingerprint sensor. In another Weibo post, the same tipster claimed that the device will be equipped with the Snapdragon 7-series chipset.

There is a possibility that the tipster could be talking about the rumored Redmi Note 12 Turbo. As per a recent report, it will arrive with a 6.67-inch OLED panel that offers a Full HD+ resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. It is expected to feature the Snapdragon 7 Gen 2 chipset, which is yet to go official.

The device will offer 12 GB of RAM and 512 GB of built-in storage. It will pack a 5,500mAh battery that offers 67W fast charging. The device will be equipped with a 50-megapixel + 8-megapixel + 2-megapixel triple camera unit. While the report did not mention anything about its fingerprint scanner, is likely that this device may come equipped with an under-screen fingerprint sensor.

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Xiaomi 13 Pro India Launch Imminent as it Appears in BIS Database

In December 2022, Xiaomi unveiled Xiaomi 13 and 13 Pro flagship phones in China. Both phones haven’t release in markets outs of China. Earlier this month, the company sent out the MWC 2023 media invite earlier this month. It appears that the company may use the platform to showcase the Xiaomi 13 series. Ahead of the expected global launch, the Xiaomi 13 and 13 Pro have received some important certifications.

The NBTC authority of Thailand has certified the Xiaomi 13 (model number 2211133G) and Xiaomi 13 Pro (2210132G), according to reliable tipster Mukul Sharma. At the same time, the Indian BIS regulatory body has also approved the Xiaomi 13 Pro.

To recall, Xiaomi did not release the vanilla Xiaomi 12 in India, but only the Pro model was made available. Hence, it appears that this time around too, the company may skip the Xiaomi 13 and only release its Pro version in the Indian market.

None of the certification listings has revealed signification information about the 13 and 13 Pro. However, the global editions are likely to pack the same specs as their Chinese variants. The vanilla model has a 6.36-inch FHD+ 120Hz AMOLED panel, whereas the Pro model features a 6.73-inch QHD+ 120Hz AMOLED display with curved edges. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, LPDDR5 RAM, and UFS 4.0 storage power both phones.

The Xiaomi 13 has a 4,500mAh battery, while the Pro model has a 4,820mAh battery. Both phones support 67W and 120W wired charging, respectively. The Pro model also supports 50W wireless charging. Both devices run on Android 13 OS and MIUI 14.

The Xiaomi 13 series has a 32-megapixel front camera. On the back, the vanilla model features a 50-mgeapixel (main, with OIS) + 12-megapixel (ultra-wide) + 10-megapixel (telephoto) triple camera system, whereas the Xiaomi 13 Pro is fitted with a 50-megapixel (main, with OIS) + 50-mgeapixel (ultra-wide) + 50-megapixel (telephoto) triple camera unit.

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Xiaomi 12T Pro Sales Target Achieved Ahead of Schedule, Says Xiaomi CEO

Xiaomi 12T series went official in the global market in October 2022. The lineup has two models, the Xiaomi 12T and Xiaomi 12T Pro. In December, the company introduced Xiaomi 12T Pro Daniel Arsham Edition, a limited-edition phone in Europe. It appears that the 12T series has achieved impressive sales result, as Xiaomi founder and CEO Lei Jun took to Twitter to say, “We hit our annual Xiaomi 12T Pro sales target ahead of schedule!”

Since the Xiaomi 12T Pro sold faster than expected, Jun thanked the people for a giving a positive reception to the Xiaomi 12T Pro. The 12T and 12T Pro are affordable flagship phones that are priced at 599 euros and 749 euros, respectively, in Europe.

Like other smartphone brands, India is one of the major markets for Xiaomi. Last year, the company had released the Xiaomi 11T Pro in January in India. However, a recent report revealed that the company may not have plans to release the Xiaomi 12T and Xiaomi 12T Pro in the Indian market.

Xiaomi 12T, 12T Pro specifications

Xiaomi 12T Pro
Xiaomi 12T Pro

The Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 and Dimensity 8100-Ultra chipsets, respectively, power the Xiaomi 12T and 12T Pro. The former comes with 8 GB of LPDDR5 RAM and 128 GB / 256 GB of UFS 3.1 storage, whereas the Pro edition offers 8 GB / 12 GB of LPDDR5 RAM and 128 GB / 256 GB of UFS 3.1 storage.

The 12T has a 108-megapixel (main) + 8-megapixel (ultra-wide) + 2-megapixel (macro) triple camera unit. The 12T Pro has a 200-megapixel primary camera and the same auxiliary cameras. The other specs are same on both models.

The Xiaomi 12T series has a 6.67-inch AMOLED 120Hz display that offers a resolution of 1220 x 2712 pixels. Both devices have a 16-megapixel front and pack a 5,000mAh battery with 120W fast charging. The 12T series runs on MIUI 13-based Android 12 OS and comes with an under-display fingerprint scanner for security.

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Vivo Y55s 5G Launched with Dimensity 700, 50MP Dual Cameras, 5,000mAh Battery

The Vivo Y55s 5G has gone official in Taiwan. This device is slightly different from the handset with the same name that was released in December 2021. Some of its key highlights include an FHD+ display, a 5G-enabled chip, a big battery, and 50-megapixel dual rear cameras. Here is all the information on the specifications, features, and price of the device.

Vivo Y55s 5G specifications and features

The Vivo Y55s 5G has a 6.55-inch IPS LCD panel with a teardrop notch. It offers a Full HD+ resolution of 1080 x 2408 pixels, an aspect ratio of 20:9, a refresh rate of 60Hz, 96 percent NTSC color gamut, and a screen-to-body ratio of 90.6 percent. The power button located on the right side of the device is integrated with a fingerprint sensor.

Vivo Y55s 5G
Vivo Y55s 5G

Under the hood, the Vivo Y55s 5G has the Dimensity 700 chipset It comes with 4 GB and 6 GB RAM variants, both of which offer 128 GB of native storage. It houses a 5,000mAh battery with 18W charging support.

The FunTouch OS 12-based Android 12 OS comes preinstalled on the Vivo Y55s 5G. On the front, it has an 8-megapixel selfie snapper. The back panel features a 50-megapixel primary camera, a 2-megapixel portrait lens, and an LED flash. The phone supports 1080p video recording at 30fps (front camera) / 60fps (rear camera). The Y55s 5G offers other features like dual SIM support, 5G, dual SIM, dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.1, GPS, NFC, a USB-C port, and a 3.5mm audio jack.

The specs of the Vivo Y55s 5G are almost identical to its Chinese counterpart. The Chinese Y55s is Vivo’s first phone with a 6,000mAh battery. The rest of the specs are the same on both models.

Vivo Y55s 5G price and availability

In Taiwan, the Vivo Y55s 5G variants, such as 4 GB RAM + 128 GB storage is priced at NTD 7,990 and 6 GB RAM + 128 GB storage costs NTD 8,490. It comes in Galaxy Blue and Star Black colors.

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Vivo X90 Series Retail Box Surfaces Online Ahead of Global Launch

The Vivo X90 series debuted in China recently and has been up for purchase in the country for quite some time now. Vivo’s premium lineup includes X90, X90 Pro, and X90 Pro Plus. The Plus model will remain in its home country but the rest two devices are expected to make it to the global market as well. Reports suggest the flagships will debut internationally on February 2. While we wait for an official confirmation, a tipster has leaked the retail box images of the upcoming lineup.

Tipster Paras Guglani recently shared the retail box images of the upcoming Vivo X90 and X90 Pro. The images reveal a similar packaging as the previous gen series. The box has a minimalist design with black color and “X90” branding on the center.

Guglani also corroborated previous rumors that claim the X90 series will be up for pre-orders between January 27 and February 2 and would be launched on February 3. However, there’s no official confirmation from the brand yet.

Vivo X90, X90 Pro specifications

The Vivo X90 and X90 Pro feature a 6.78-inch flat AMOLED panel with an FHD+ resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, and up to 1300 nits of brightness. The screen also houses a fingerprint scanner and a 32-megapixel front-facing camera. Both handsets run the FunTouch OS 13-based Android 13 out of the box.

Under the hood, both devices get a Dimensity 9200 processor that is paired with LPDDR5 RAM and UFS 4.0 storage. The vanilla model features a 50MP main camera, 12MP ultra-wide, and a 12-megapixel telephoto lens on the rear. The Pro phone takes things to a different level with its 50MP main cam, 13MP ultra-wide, and 50MP telephoto lens. The X90 Pro is backed by a 4,870mAh battery while the X90 packs a 4,810mAh unit. They both carry 120W fast charging support.

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ESR Halolock Mini Wireless Charger With Magsafe and iPhone 14 Series Compatibility Launched

ESR has launched the HaloLock Mini wireless charger with MagSafe capability and compatibility with the iPhone 14 series. The new MagSafe-ready ESR charger has a compact design and can snap to the back of an iPhone.

ESR Halolock Mini Wireless Charger

The HaloLock Mini has a reinforced braided cable that can take in more weight. ESR says the HaloLock Mini is up to 30 minutes faster in charging a variety of smartphones including the iPhone 14 series. It has an advanced cooling mechanism that puts it in a better position than other MagSafe chargers on the market. The new braided nylon cable has been tested to stay afresh even after 6,000 bends. The powerful magnets in the HaloLock Mini can hang on to 1.2kg of weight.

ESR is also offering the HaloLock Universal MagSafe Ring 360 adhesive adapter. This thin adhesive adapter can be attached to a phone’s case to give it wireless charging compatibility. There is no fear of misalignment, as it comes with plastic guides to ensure proper alignment. It is compatible with iPhone X up to iPhone 14 models. The system is also compatible with the Samsung Galaxy S10, S20, S21, and S22 series.

The HaloLock Mini comes in green, black, and blue color options. The device is also compatible with the AirPods Pro 2 new Cyber Armor Tough and Orbit Hybrid cases. It allows the charging case of the AirPods Pro 2 to charge wirelessly. It also protects the device from drops and shocks. There are no pricing details for the new EST offerings at this time. However, they have already been listed on Amazon. Pricing details may pop up anytime soon.

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AYA Neo Pocket Air Android-powered Handheld Game With an OLED Display Announced

The AYA Neo Pocket Air gaming handheld has been announced. The new device is an Android-powered handheld with an OLED display. The company has scheduled the release of the AYA Neo Pocket Air for later this year.

AYA Neo Pocket Air

The Neo Pocket Air is AYA’s first-ever Android-powered gaming handheld. It has a 5.5-inch OLED screen, built-in game controllers, and a re-enactment of the classic gaming console of the past. The Pocket Air will come with left and right analog sticks and a D-Pad action button. There are dedicated function keys and trigger buttons and the gadget has a retro-inspired color scheme. The trigger buttons and joysticks will be equipped with hall sensors.

The AYA Neo Pocket Air’s full specs have not been released yet. As per its operating system, it will run an Android-based OS and will also have the AYA space launcher. The space launcher is designed to help the user to adjust the settings and navigate the games collection.

AYA Neo Pocket Air

AYA is yet to provide any pricing details for the upcoming Neo Pocket Air. The platform is also positioned to accommodate games outside the AYA ecosystem. A mid-range processor could be a credible choice in this regard. The Neo Pocket Air should come with a decent spec sheet to make it compete with some of the leading lights in the gaming handheld segment. The Logitech G Cloud and Razer Edge are among the leading products in this category of cloud gaming products.

AYA continues to deliver top-notch gaming handheld products, with a few others lined up for 2023. The lineup of gaming handhelds for 2023 includes models with x86 chips and Windows software. AYA will expect the Neo Pocket Air to get a decent reception when it makes its debut later this year hopefully.

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Jio 5G Won’t Work on These Two Xiaomi Smartphones, Says Report

5G connectivity was made available only recently in India, and most eligible Xiaomi smartphones now support it. The Chinese OEM partnered with Reliance Jio to bring 5G support to a majority of its eligible devices. And while most devices can now enjoy high-speed connectivity, there are some who aren’t so lucky.

According to a report by Telecom Talk, two Xiaomi phones will not support Jio 5G. These handsets are Xiaomi Mi 10 and Mi 10i. Apparently, this is because both of these devices do not offer support for 5G Standalone or 5G SA.

5G SA allows communication service providers like Jio to deliver services such as low-latency connectivity, massive machine-to-machine communication, 5G voice, edge computing, and network slicing. 5G SA has zero dependency on the 4G network and uses a brand-new 5G network core.

Xiaomi MI 10

Notably, Airtel 5G will work on both of these phones because the telco is deploying a non-standalone version of 5G. However, the standalone version of 5G, in comparison to the non-standalone version, is said to deliver faster and more reliable telecommunications.

To recall, Xiaomi launched Mi 10 and MI 10i a few years back as flagship smartphones. The Mi 10 comes powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 processor and is currently available with a price tag of ₹31,999. Mi 10i is powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 750 chipset and is available at ₹21,999 in the country.

As mentioned, a number of Xiaomi smartphones already support Jio True 5G, including Mi 11 Ultra 5G, Xiaomi 12 Pro 5G, Xiaomi 11T Pro 5G, Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G, Xiaomi 11 Lite NE 5G, Redmi Note 11T 5G, Redmi 11 Prime 5G, Mi 11X 5G, Mi 11X Pro 5G, Redmi K50i 5G, Xiaomi 11i 5G, Xiaomi 11i HyperCharge 5G, and Redmi Note 10T 5G.


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Icoma’s Tatamel Briefcase Bike is a Honda Motocompo Lookalike e-Bike Shipping Later This Year

Japanese manufacturer Icoma’s Tatamel e-scooter will go into production later this year. The petite foldable bike is a 21st-century version of the iconic Honda Motocompo of the 1980s. It has a top speed of 40km/h and a range of 36km on a full charge.

Icoma’s Tatamel Briefcase Bike

The Tatamel was showcased during the just-concluded CES 2023 and it stole the show at that event. It feeds from the original Honda idea of the 1980s called the Motocompo. It has a compact and light design with a focus on short, last-mile trips and inner-city use. It is, as expected, low on speed and mileage but its compactness is a huge advantage.

The Icoma Tatamel has a 512V 12Ah Lithium iron phosphate battery that can be fully charged via a wall socket in three hours. The e-scooter has a 600W electric motor with a maximum output of 2kW. The bike has a length of 48.4 inches and a height of 39.4 inches. The wheels and other components are foldable into a briefcase shape that is 27.2 inches long and 10.2 inches wide.

The Tatamel can easily be tucked under your table at the workplace or fit on the trunk of your car. It has wheels when folded which makes it easy to move without lifting it. The bike can be fully recharged in three hours which means it can serve your daily commute problems fairly. In the future, the company will release bigger battery packs that will double the bike’s range.

The bike has a 10-inch front wheel and a 6.5-inch rear wheel. The front wheel is suspended on a fork while a mono-shock is at the rear. The bike has an aluminum main structure with swappable 3D-printed panels. The bike weighs 110 pounds and has a maximum load capacity of 220 pounds.

Icoma’s Tatamel Briefcase Bike

The Tatamel can also function as a mobile power pack for USB charging+ and an optional AC charging slot. The Icoma Tatamel will arrive in the US market expectedly by April 2023. The current price of the bike is $3,999. There are no global availability details yet for the Tatamel.

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Topton & Kingdel Fanless mini PCs With Alder Lake-U Processors and Six 2.5GbE Slots Announced

Chinese brand Topton & Kingdel has announced its improved fanless mini PCs powered by Alder Lake-U CPUs. The new Topton & Kingdel fanless mini-PCs have up to six 2.5GbE ports and can operate as a multiple network router, as well as a multimedia device. The mini PCs come with improved performance in several domains.

Topton & Kingdel Fanless mini PCs

The new mini PCs can be configured to act as a firewall or router and also provide power for multimedia tasks. It offers a sprinkling of ports and options for video output for an immersive experience. The Alder Lake-U CPUs come in three variants – i3, i5, and i7. They offer significant improvements above the Celeron processors. The RAM/ storage configuration of the mini PCs could be as high as 64GB/ 2 TB, which is impressive.

Topton & Kingdel Fanless mini PCs

The Topton & Kingdel mini PCs have aluminum alloy fins on top of the chassis, while the CPU is connected to a copper heat sink with two copper heat pipes. An additional fan can be connected to the lower side to cool the RAM. The main board of the gadget has 6 Intel i-225V 2.5Gb cards and jacks. The M.2232 slot allows for the use of a WiFi card there are up to five USB ports. It also has one HDMI 2.1, a DP 1.4 video out, and a TF card slot.

Topton & Kingdel Fanless mini PCs

The Topton & Kingdel fanless mini PC can be mounted on a VESA socket and is priced from $370 for the barebones i3 model. The top model in the series is the i7-powered device which is priced at $1,196. The Topton & Kingdel wireless is available from Amazon.

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Blackview W10 & W10E “Apple Watch-Lookalike” Smartwatches Launched Starting at $25.99

The Blackview W10 smartwatch is a new addition to the Blackview family of smart devices. This watch boasts a sleek and stylish design, with a 1.69-inch IPS LCD touchscreen display that offers clear and vivid visuals. It also has a durable IP 68-level waterproof build, making it suitable for use in various activities such as swimming and sports.

 Blackview W10 smartwatch

One of the standout features of the Blackview W10 is its impressive battery life. The watch is equipped with a 290mAh battery that can last for up to 7 days on a single charge and p to 22 days on standby, making it a great option for users who are always on the go.

The watch also comes with a variety of fitness-tracking features, including a heart rate monitor, pedometer, and sleep tracker. These features allow users to track their activity levels and monitor their health and fitness progress.

In addition to fitness tracking, the Blackview W10 also offers a range of smartwatch features such as notifications, music control, and camera control.

Blackview W10 smartwatch

The Blackview W10 smartwatch is available in two different colors: black, and pink. It is compatible with both iOS and Android devices and can be connected via Bluetooth.

On the other hand, the Blackview W10E smartwatch launch article is designed for consumers looking for an affordable smartwatch with basic features and functionality.

The W10E features a 1.52-inch color display with a resolution of 240 x 280 pixels. It supports Bluetooth 5.0 and is compatible with both iOS and Android devices.

 Blackview W10 smartwatch

The watch offers various fitness-tracking features, including heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and step counting. It also has a sedentary reminder, which reminds you to move if you’ve been sitting for too long. Additionally, it has a 10ATM rating water resistance.

 Blackview W10 smartwatch

The W10E smartwatch is powered by a 205 mAh battery that can last up to 7 days on a single charge. It also offers basic smartwatch features, such as notifications for incoming calls and messages.

The Blackview W10E smartwatch is available for purchase at a price point of around $25.99.It is aso available in Black and Pink color options.

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OnePlus, Oppo, & Realme Phones Get a New Dialer App, Supports Call Recording Without Announcement

Android manufacturers used to ship their smartphones with their own default dialer apps. But now, for some reason, most major brands have started shipping their phones with Google Phone app as the default dialer. Oppo is no exception to this, but it looks like things are about to change as the brand has released a new ColorOS dialer for its phones. The app is currently listed on the Play Store and can be downloaded by OnePlus and Realme smartphone users as well. Here are the details.

Odialer oppo

There’s a new dialer app listed on Google Play Store called ODialer. The app’s developer is ColorOS, which suggests Oppo is behind it. The app is only compatible with Oppo, OnePlus, and Realme smartphones and cannot be downloaded on any other brand’s phone. Also, it can be installed only on Android 12 or above devices.

The about section of the app says it comes with a call management feature which organizes recent calls in groups for your convenience. It also supports call recording without announcement, meaning the other person on the call will not know that the call is being recorded.

The user interface of the app looks clean and easy to use. It allows users to easily access their contacts and recent calls. Also, there’s a speed dial feature to quickly make a phone call. Oppo’s ODialer supports dark mode as well.

Judging from the reviews and the number of downloads, the app looks like a new release, and it seems there are plenty of bugs as well. One user writes that the incoming calls don’t show up on the screen unless the power button is pressed. Another says that the hold feature doesn’t work.

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Apple Launches a Nylon Loopback Sports Strap to Mark Black History Month

Apple has released a new Black Unity strap for the Apple Watch, which is offered in 41mm and 45mm sizes and made of fine-woven nylon. The strap features a red, green, and black color scheme, with the abstract word “Unity” woven into the strap in tribute to the pan-African flag. The unique design is meant to pay homage to the black community, highlighting the vitality and unity of the community.

Apple Black Unity strap

The new Black Unity strap was jointly developed by members of Apple’s black creative community and allies. The design of the strap was inspired by the production process of mosaics and it is meant to be a new expression of the traditional style. The process of weaving the strap is a nod to the traditional style of mosaics, which is a type of art that is often associated with the black community.

In addition to the new strap, Apple has also released a matching Unity mosaic dial for the Apple Watch. The dial is composed of green, black, red, and yellow geometric figures. As time changes, each number will borrow the graphics of other numbers and become a new form. The matching Unity 2023 dial will be launched next week and will be compatible with Apple Watch Series 4 and later models running watchOS 9.3, and iPhone SE (second generation) or subsequent models running iOS 16.3.

Apple has a tradition of releasing a Black Unity strap at the beginning of each year in honor of Black History Month, and this year is no exception. This is not the first time that Apple has paid tribute to the black community through its products. In the past, the company has released a range of products, such as the Black Unity Collection, which was a collection of black and white photographs and videos that celebrated the beauty and diversity of the black community.

Apple Black Unity strap

The release of the Black Unity strap and matching Unity mosaic dial is part of Apple’s ongoing efforts to support and celebrate the black community. The company has a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion and it has a range of initiatives and programs aimed at promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace and in the wider community.

The new Apple Watch Black Unity strap will be available for purchase on January 24th at some Apple Store retail stores, and it is priced at 379 yuan ($56).

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China added more than 2.5 million EV Charging Points in 2022

The latest data from the State Council of the People’s Republic of China shows that the country is on an expansion spree as it adds a large number of charging ports for Electric Vehicles (EVs). 

When it comes to Electric Vehicles, China is the global leader, with experts believing it to become even more dominant in the coming years. China has shown a staggering 113% increase in its EV sale in just the first half of 2022. Compared to this, North America has reported a 49% increase and the EU showed a paltry 9% increase in EV sales.

China’s BYD leads the Global EV sales followed by Tesla and Volkswagen. This unprecedented increase in the sales of EVs has led to the rapid expansion of EV charging points across the country. Also, since economic stability is a top priority for the nation, massive investments are being made in infrastructure, which has also led to accelerated growth in the number of charging stations.  

In 2022 alone, China added 2.59 million new points which take the total number of charging points in the country to a whopping 5.21 million. It also built 1973 battery swapping stations and has more than 10000 power battery recycling service outlets. As compared to China, Europe, the second largest EV market, has only 400,000 public charging stations. 

China is aiming to create a rapidly advancing New Energy Vehicle (NEV) Sector, and the increasing number of charging ports is in line with this goal. In 2022, NEVs hold a 25.6% share of the Chinese automobile market and by 2025 we can expect an astronomical increase in this number.  

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China’s Hyperloop Technology Advances with Successful Test Runs of Full-Sized Passenger Capsule

China’s hyperloop project, which aims to develop ultra-fast land transport technology, has successfully completed its first test runs using a full-sized passenger capsule. The test runs took place at a superconducting maglev test line in Datong, Shanxi province, and the capsule reached speeds of up to 50km/h, travelling a distance of 210 metres each time.

The project aims to eventually carry passengers and cargo at a speed of 1,000km/h or faster in a near-vacuum tube, which would make it the fastest ground-based transport technology in the world. The test runs were conducted by defence contractor China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC), which built and operates the facility.

China hyperloop

CASIC reported that critical components, including superconducting magnets, high-power electric systems, AI safety controls, wireless communication devices, and sensors all worked as planned during the tests, paving the way for future experiments at higher speeds. The idea of a “hyperloop” tube train was first proposed by SpaceX founder Elon Musk in 2012, and he established The Boring Company to bring the idea to life.

Virgin Galactic founder Richard Branson also joined the race with a similar venture, Hyperloop One, in Los Angeles. However, both projects have faced financial and technical challenges, with Hyperloop One reportedly laying off more than 100 employees and abandoning the idea of transporting humans, and The Boring Company dismantling its test tunnel last year. China was late to the hyperloop game, as CASIC did not break ground on the Datong facility until April of last year.

China hyperloop

However, it took less than a year for the project team to complete its first test run after the start of construction, which China Space News attributed to innovation and strong government support. The test facility’s tube currently measures 2km in length and is expected to be extended to 60km over the next few years to achieve a top speed of 1,000km/h.

CASIC has been involved in the development of advanced weapons systems, including rail guns and the DF-17, China’s first hypersonic missile to enter service. Some military experts believe that new technologies developed at the Datong hyperloop facility, such as electromagnetic propulsion and power management systems, could be used for defence.

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Apple Online Store Offer In Partnership With HDFC Bank: Up to Rs 12,000 Discount on iPhone 14 series, MacBooks, and More

Apple has announced discounts on its products in partnership with HDFC Bank in India. The discounts are only valid on the Cupertino-based tech giant’s online store in the country. Apart from the flat instant bank discounts, Apple is also providing additional trade-in benefits on the purchase of the iPhone 14 series and 3 or 6 months of no-cost EMI on all devices. It’s unclear how long Apple is running the bank offer on its official website. 

The list of devices that are eligible for HDFC Bank discounts include the iPhone 14 series, iPad Air, iPad 10th generation, iPad Pro, MacBook Air M2 chip, MacBook Pro, Apple Watch Ultra, Apple Watch Series 8, and AirPods Pro (2nd Generation). It’s worth noting that customers need to have HDFC Bank credit cards in order to avail the discounts.

The entire iPhone 14 series comprising the regular, Plus, Pro, and Pro Max variants are eligible for a flat Rs 7,000 instant discount. Apple is also offering an additional Rs 5,000 exchange bonus when buyers trade in their old phone for the new iPhone. However, the exchange value is indicative and depends on the condition of the phone. The total discount after the bank offer and exchange bonus amounts to Rs 12,000. 

The MacBook Air with M2 chip and MacBook Pro 13, 14, and 16-inch get a flat discount of Rs 10,000. The iMac 24-inch receives Rs 5,000 instant discount. Coming to the tablets, customers purchasing the iPad Pro 12.9-inch, iPad Air, and iPad (10th gen) can avail discounts of Rs 5,000, Rs 4,000, and Rs 3,000 respectively. 

Apple Watch Ultra and Watch Series 8 are eligible for Rs 5,000 and Rs 4,000 instant discounts. Meanwhile, those interested in the AirPods Pro (2nd generation) will be eligible for Rs 2,000 in instant savings. 

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PLAYFIT Flaunt Smartwatch Launched With 1.78″ Amoled Display, Bluetooth Calling

Following the release of the PLAYFIT Dial 3, the brand has now introduced the PLAYFIT Flaunt in India. The watch features a sizable AMOLED display and has good dust and water resistance.

PLAYFIT

The PLAYFIT Flaunt, an Indian-made smartwatch, features a 1.78-inch Super-AMOLED, Always-on Display (AOD) with 550 nits of brightness and an IPS display. Additionally, the watch has a 2.5D Glass design.

It is designed to interact with the PLAYFIT companion app for easy connection and fitness monitoring and is powered by the latest recent Realtek chipset. The battery life of the device is 5 days, and it may run in standby mode for more than 20 days on a single charge.

The PLAYFIT Flaunt is the ideal exercise companion because it can track a variety of user fitness activities thanks to its 100+ pre-integrated sports functions. It also has a heart rate monitor, SpO2 tracker, sleep cycle tracker, sedentary alert, and even a female health tracker.

The watch is also dust- and water-resistant thanks to its IP67 grade. In order to meet the demands of tech-savvy people, the wristwatch also includes voice assistance that is pre-integrated with both Apple Siri and Google Assistant.

Pricing and availability

Priced at Rs. 3,999, the PLAYFIT Flaunt is available through a number of e-commerce sites, including Amazon, Flipkart, and the official PLAYFIT website.

The smartwatch comes with a one-year warranty and is offered in two striking colour combinations: Champagne with Black and Black.

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POCO X5 Pro Spotted in the Hands of Indian Cricketer Hardik Pandya

POCO has began teasing its upcoming X5 series of smartphones in India. But ahead of its official announcement, the company’s POCO X5 lineup model was spotted in the hands of a known Indian athlete.

POCO

The Chinese smartphone maker’s next gen X series of devices are set to launch sometime soon and prior to any official announcement, it was spotted being used by Indian Cricketer Hardik Pandya. This model appears to be the POCO X5 Pro in the yellow variant. The Indian T20 Cricket team captain can be seen using the phone and also making a call from the X5 Pro. Furthermore, the brand has also announced a fan meetup for the launch of its new X series of handsets in Delhi.

This fan meetup will take place on 22nd January 2023. So we can expect the official unveiling of the device to follow soon after in the coming weeks. Looking at the images, we can see the rear panel of the POCO X5 Pro, with its rear camera module being in clear view. As of right now, the new smartphone is already being teased on major e-retailer platform like Flipkart and even AliExpress that has started teasing the phone for the global markets.

POCO

From what we know so far, the X5 Pro 5G model is expected to be a rebranded version of the Redmi Note 12 Speed Edition, which is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G SoC. On the rear, the smartphone is also expected to feature a 108 megapixel primary camera. So stick around for more, as we will be covering additional teasers or any announcements that surface ahead of the launch.

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Elon Musk Begins Auction of Iconic Assets from San Francisco Twitter Headquarters

Twitter has put hundreds of items from its San Francisco headquarters up for sale via an online auction. The move follows CEO Elon Musk’s efforts to cut back on company expenses and after firing nearly two-thirds of the company’s 7,500-person workforce in 2022. The sale includes various artwork of the Twitter bird logo, designer office furniture, and a full range of expensive kitchen equipment. Here are the details…

Twitter starts auctioning off assets from its San Francisco headquarters

The items are being sold through auction liquidation and advisory firm Heritage Global Partners. A total of 631 lots will first be listed in early December 2022, then go on sale January 17 at 7 a.m. PT, with bidding closing at 10 a.m. PT later today. Some notable items include “Neon Twitter Bird Light” with the highest bid currently set at $22,500, a three-foot-tall bird statue (currently $21,000,) and a floral “@” sculpture for $8,000. Office equipment is also available to buy, including standing desks, conferencing equipment like Google Jamboards, and designer furniture from the likes of Andreu World and Knoll.

Neon Twitter Bird Light
Neon Twitter Bird Light

The sale has drawn mixed reactions, with some seeing it as a sign of Twitter’s financial troubles and others see it as a way for the company to offload surplus assets. However, when the Twitter auction was first announced last month, Nick Dove, a representative of Heritage Global Partners, stated that the sale had nothing to do with Twitter’s current financial situation. “They’ve sold for $44 billion, and we’re selling a couple of chairs and desks and computers,” he said. “So if anyone genuinely thinks that the revenue from selling a couple computers and chairs will pay for the mountain there, then they’re a moron.”

Whatever the reasoning behind the sale, it’s an opportunity for those looking to form a start-up to snag some deals, as well as some bird-themed memorabilia. A full listing of all items can be found in the Heritage Global Partners online auction.

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