Xiaomi is the one of popular smartphone manufacturer in China, and now they also ready to ships the Xiaomi Mi3, RedMi 1S and RedMi Note to Philippines. The company is already release their RedMi smartphone to Singapore and Malaysia.
The VSUN HEXA hexa-core cell phone coming soon!
Although Vsun has been releasing a lot of new smart phones in China recently including the i1s, sales have been poor, so they decided to try out the foreign market.
In Vsun’s official foreign website, we discovered their newest product, the Vsun Hexa. Based on the name, we can see that they released another hexa-core smart phone.
The Vsun Hexa’s design is very similar to the Titanium Hexa’s. The only difference is that it looks more awe-inspiring and extravagant.
The Vsun Hexa’s features are not fully integrated yet. It uses the MTK MT6591 processor and runs on the Android 4.4 kitkat operating system. It also has an HD display screen that is approximately 5 in. It uses ON-Cell touch technology and supports dual-frequency WIFI. More details coming soon.
Based on Vsun’s recent actions, it seems the Vsun Hexa is aimed at the international market. There is currently no information on whether or not it will be released in China.
Nokia releases its first China Unicom/China Mobile 4G cellphones, the Lumia 636 (Nokia RM-1010) and Lumia 638 : Both cost 1299 RMB (208.51 USD)!
The Lumia 636 is basically the China Unicom 4G version of the Lumia 630 while the Lumia 638 is the China Mobile version of the 630. Both phones have a 4.5-inch 854 x 480 display screen and run on the quad-core Snapdragon 400 with a main frequency of 1.2GHz. It has 1GB of RAM and 8GB of memory space, at most, supports a 128 GB micro SD expandable card, and comes with a 5mP back camera. It runs on a 1830mAh battery and the WP8.1 operating system.
Both cost 1299 RMB and the China Mobile-supported 4G Lumia 638 will arrive in stores on June 21. Meanwhile, the Lumia 636 is expected to GOME’s exclusive stores on July 5. Based on reports by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the Lumia 638 will only a single SIM card. Previously, posters only showed that it was “dual.” This means that “dual” refers to the 638 using the SGLTE solution which supports 4G voice messaging, not a dual-SIM card. This is currently one of China Mobile’s most mainstream 4G voice messaging solutions.
HiSilicon’s Kirin 930 revealed: Could it crush Qualcomm?
In response analyst Kong Changxu’s argument that merely producing a good cellphone is not enough to cover up the company’s vulnerability in the industry, and that they can only enjoy using a manufacturing process that is inferior to those used by foreign manufacturers.
A Weibo user, @建华Wei业 disagreed saying that Huawei’s new processor, the Kirin 930 was made using a 16nm manufacturing process similar to that of Apple’s A9 processor with some differences in the workmanship.
The Kirin 930 used the 16nm HiFET manufacturing process while the Apple A9 used the 16nm FinFET. The former is the process used by Huawei and the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company. It looks like the process was thought of just for the Kirin 930.
Since Qualcomm’s flagship chips are only made using a 20nm process, then if Huawei skipped the 20nm stage and went straight for 16n, then it could be said that they surpassed Qualcomm. However, there’s no way of knowing whether @建华Wei业 is correct.
The review of OPPO N1 Mini smartphone.
OPPO has been release their new smartphone, OPPO R3 and the OPPO N1 Mini on June 10th 2014, and now we want to show you the nice aspecs from OPPO N1 Mini smartphone. This is the mini version from the previous OPPO N1, this new Mini version phone has 5 ich screen size but also has 206 degree of rotating camera and 4G network capability. The phone is offers with 2,699 yuan price tag or about $433 USD.
OPPO R3 preview: The Thinnest 4G Smartphone
OPPO has already release the new OPPO R3 smartphone recently, the phone is packs with 4G network connectivity. The new OPPO R3 is only has 6.33 mm body thickness, this becoming the thinnest 4G Android smartphone on the market. And now we want to show yu some aspect that available in this phone. (All picture in this article is taken from PConline website.)
Bluebo Mobile releases the octa-core bluboo X2 overseas
Bluebo Mobile recently released a new phone in stores overseas called the Bluboo X2.
The Bluboo X2 is available in black and pink. The slender phone has a width of only 8mm. The problem lies in the main camera which stands out. For those who are OCD over smoothness, this is “bad news.”
One of the best things about the Bluboo X2 is that it runs on the MT6592 octa-core chipset with a main frequency of 1.7GHz. It also has 1GB RAM and 16GB ROM, a 5-inch screen with 720p resolution, and uses OGS technology. It also has a 2mP/8mP dual-camera, and a battery which only has 1700mhA. Surprisingly, the X2 has an NFC feature and can communicate with other NFC phones among other things. It also supports WCDMA+GSM double-SIM.
The Bluboo X2 is being sold abroad for about 150 USD (about 900 RMB) and there are no plans to sell it in the Chinese market for now.
Targeting the middle-aged and the elderly, the Yepen V40W hits the market
It’s become hard to connect with our love ones, especially the elderly, in these fast-paced times. To meet the need to help us reconnect with the elderly, Yepen released a smartphone aimed at middle and old-aged users, the Yepen V40W which only costs 398 RMB (63.78 USD).
The Yepen V40W has a 4-inch WVGA resolution display screen and touch screen. It has a width of 10mm which makes it easier to carry around. It has a Home button on the bottom and two touch keys. It also has a loudspeaker to avoid making calls where the volume is too low.
The V40W also runs on the Android 4.1 OS with adjustments made to make the phone suitable for the elderly. For example, the SOS function can be used to ask for help at anytime. It also supports voice messaging.
The V40W uses an MTK double-core chipset with a main frequency of 1.2GHz and has 512M RAM and 4G ROM. It also has a dual-camera (the main camera has 5mP) and runs on a 1400mhA battery and supports TD-SCDMA+GSM dual-SIM.
Currently, the V40W is being sold at official flagship stores as well as online shops like JD.
Lenovo’s 6-inch octa-core S938T only costs 1099 RMB (176.12 USD)
Yixin become the first online electronics store to sell the Lenovo S938T to the lowered price of just 1099 RMB, the lowest price so far out of all the B2C websites. Taobao lowered its price to the early 1000s as well.
What stands out most about the S938T is its big screen, slender design (which is the same as the S939’s), and operating system. It has a width of 8.65mm. The back was designed following the Vibe X style. Its biggest selling points are its 6-inch screen, its use of OGS technology, and 1280*720 resolution. The S938T not only uses the Vibe ROM but it can be upgraded to the Android 4.42-based VIBE UI 1.5.
It uses the MT6592 octa-core chip which has a main frequency of 1.7GHz and has 1GB of RAM, 8GB of ROM, a 1.6mP/8mP dual-camera, and a 3000mhA battery. It also supports TD-SCDMA+GSM dual-SIM, and has sensory uses and noise reduction technology regularly used by cell phones.
Rising like the phoenix: The Kirin 920’s significance for Huawei
The other day, Huawei held a launch event for the Kirin 920. It was not a launch for a cell phone but for a computer chip, the first time that Huawei ever did so. It looks like Huawei has been very proud of the newest member of its family. Since its launch, many articles have been written about it, but none have gotten down to the truth about it. Here, we will analyze it.
I. The K3V2 Tragedy
There is a long history behind HiSilicon but it has always made computer chips for things such as telecommunication devices and DVRs. It is Huawei’s factory for its devices’ features. K3 smart phones were already made years ago but these were only fakes.
HiSilicon only received recognition at the Barcelona Computer Expo where Yu Chengdong brought out the Huawei D1Q, the first quad-core cell phone to be formally released in the entire world. Its chipset was HiSilicon’s K3V2, which at the time caused a sensation.
The K3V2 is a classic AP. At the time, the quad-core A9 was considered to be the best but GPUs were in a mess. Each company followed their own standards. Apple liked the PowerVR, Samsung switched to Mali, Qualcomm traded AMD for Adreno, and HiSilicon chose Vivante.
HiSilicon came later than the others. Before the Vivante, it only used marvel. The ZTE U880 which used marvel suffered compatibility problems with its games. The K3V2 was no exception. Game incompatibility became a problem.
A more serious problem, though, was craftsmanship. High power consumption and overheating caused by its 40nm craftsmanship caused the K3V2 to experience underclocking.
II. A turning point: The Kirin 910
The failure of the K3V2 did not mean that HiSilicon was going back to their old products. On the frequency band front, they created the Balong chip which supported 2G, 3G, and 4G, which was not easy.
Even powerful chips like those of Samsung and advanced ones like those of NVIDIA and Intel suffered setbacks when it came to 4G band. NVIDIA was one of the first to purchase it but its products could not use 4G. Intel’s acquisition of Infineon was not yet complete.
For the K910, HiSilicon integrated the Balong chip with its AP. It’s only competitor was MTK. The K910’s performance surpassed that of the MTK 6589 and was close to Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 600.
It’s important to mention that the K910 was not just an AP and BB integration, but that it was also integrated into Altek’s ISP, which produced great results.
The K910 became an SOC that should not be taken lightly.
III. Rising like a Phoenix: The Kirin 920
Let’s take a look at the schematic of the Kirin 920 which has already become a very integrated SOC. Besides computer processors, frequency band chips, and GPUs, the Kirin 920 also integrated audio chips, video cores, ISPs, and a coprocessor (similar to the Apple’s M7). This chip can almost do anything.
As for its specifications, whether it’s its CPU, GPU, and others being one of the best in the world, there is plenty of reasons for HiSilicon to be proud.
Everyone knows that ARM’s A15 has experienced problems related to power consumption. The performance is good but consumes too much power. Many phones that use this chip may experience overheating, whether its NVIDIA or Samsung.
HiSilicon has made some improvements on the A16. Although it’s still not as good as Qualcomm and Apple’s cores, it’s no longer the simple free ARM version. They also improved the CPU’s and cache’s design. They also effectively integrated telecommunication technology into the chip. The powerpoint shows the results (the product still needs to be measured precisely).
The improvements have been enough to make Huawei confident enough to hold a launch event for the Kirin 920.
III. HiSilicon’s future
According to some reports, HiSilicon has already been given its ARM’s highest authorization, meaning that just like Apple and Qualcomm, HiSilicon’s future consists of being under ARM and that it may also design its own CPU.
After enduring two years of criticism and mockery, things are finally looking up for HiSilicon. From the K3V2 tragedy, to K910 surpassing MTK’s low-end chps, and the K920 becoming one of the best in the industry, how will things go for the K930 and 940?
Diversification vs. specialization: A commentary on ASUS “many-in-one” products
For many years, there has been an ongoing debate on whether devices should have more features or whether existing features should be specialized. Based on the current situation regarding mobile devices, most companies and consumers prefer to diversify their features. ASUS continues to follow the road of diversification. On June 2, ASUS held the 2014 Computex press conference in Taipei where they released a product that is five products in one—the Transformer Book V.
It’s called a “five-in-one product” because it can be used as a Windows laptop, Android laptop, Windows tablet, Android tablet, and Android smartphone with all kinds of features. This is actually not ASUS’ first attempt at such a device. It previously released the three-in-one Transformer Book Trio and four-in-one Transformer Book Duet TD300, so it should not be surprising that ASUS would continue making such devices. Maybe, soon, we’ll see a device that can be used as six devices.
ASUS must see such great potential in these kinds of devices considering their relentless support for it. Currently, most companies in the industry just add more features to a single device to let the consumer spend as little money as possible and to offer as many services as possible. Take smartphones that are made considering this. One several hundred RMB (100 RMB is 16.04 USD) smartphone can be used as a telephone, camera, MP3 and MP4p layer, video game device, etc.
The PC industry has just caught up with this trend. Lenovo’s Mixx 10, Sony’s Tap11, and Microsoft’s Surface were all made using this concept. However, the only company to go crazy over putting many devices in one is ASUS, and there are two particular characteristics in the way they follow this concept—-including a detachable screen, and a phone that could be put re-assembled.
It’s worth noting that ASUS was not the one to come up with these features. The concept of designing a detachable screen appeared as early as 2005 with Samsung’s 19-Zoll. As for a phone that could be assembled, MOTO’s Atrix 4G was the first to be made following this concept. Both products received a lot of attention but did poorly in the market.
The idea of creating a “many-in-one” device is really not idea but it does not mean that the consumer will be willing to take out their wallets for it. For a company, a product that cannot make a profit is a failure, so it’s easy to see that Huawei is basically combining two failed products. Based on sales alone, these devices have not been doing very well.
Why will a “many-in-one” device fail? There are many reasons for that. After all, it’s an old question. Being able to do something means that it’s hard to do it well. The 19-Zoll’s screen can be taken off and used by itself, but its 19-inch size can affect its portability. Therefore, it was not a good laptop. Without the screen, the phone’s resolution is very basic and is not very reliable. The Atrix 4G’s base can be turned into a laptop by inserting its base, but it limits its performance and operating system, making a terrible replacement for a standard laptop.
ASUS’ five-in-one product experiences this problem. The Transformer Book V is not an excellent Windows laptop, Android laptop, Windows tablet, Android tablet, and most definitely, not an excellent Android smartphone. It’s quite embarrassing actually.
Of course, the regular customer won’t necessarily be willing to pay a high price for the best product. When buying a product, consumers don’t consider how many features a device has but how much money they would save in buying it. Looking back on the history of the industry, it’s easy to see that consumers buy smart phones when their prices are lowered. It’s the same with the laptop and PC. Portability and more features just help them.
Unfortunately, ASUS’ powerful features will lead to excessively high capital. ASUS’ “many-in-one” products are actually three devices (based on cell phones, tablets, and laptops) put together for five kinds of functions. That means that ASUS must solve its capital problem regarding its three devices. Obviously, ASUS can’t do it by itself but needs the entire industry to help.
High-end consumers may be the prime customers for expensive products but they care more about whether features can be more specialized. The only reason why high-end consumers want high-end SLR cameras, HiFi devices, handheld game consoles, and laptops is because they are more specialized for certain functions. However, ASUS “many-in-one” products are not specialized enough.
It’s hard to combine diversification with the specialization and capital of the device’s features. The two factors conflict with each other with the latter being more popular with consumers. The ordinary consumer cares more about costs while the high-end consumer cares more about specialization. Therefore, when companies make products, they should select one or the other.
Companies usually make two choices based on what kind of customer they’re targeting. One is toward the regular consumer, where they will try to use as little capital as possible, and then consider specialization and variation. The other is targeting the high-end consumer by first specializing their features, add more features, then, try to lower costs.
ASUS, however, has chosen another route with their “many-in-one” devices. Although they focus more on diversification, they do it differently. ASUS almost wants to make a new kind of consumer, who see diversification as more important than capital and specialization. But this is too idea. This kind of consumer may not even exist. ASUS does not know what to do.
ASUS’ confusion comes out in their products. They don’t know who they’re targeting and the consumer does not know why they should buy their products. Should they specialize their features more or control their capital more? Considering the concept of diversification, it is not clear whether they should specialize or just lower costs.
I believe that the ASUS has no choice but to change their strategy and think of a way to lower costs or to specialize their “many in one” products more. If they don’t want to do so, then they can only rely on time to solve their problems. They’re actually very good but they just came out at the wrong moment. Maybe in 3-5 years, the market will be ready for them. Nevertheless, it will be difficult for them to succeed right now.
OPPO N1 Mini and OPPO R3 smartphone detail picture is here
OPPO has already held the big event on June 10th, 2014 at Beijing Park Art Center. The company is officially release their new smartphone OPPO N1 Mini and OPPO R3 smartphone.
The world’s thinnest 4G new machine OPPO R3 is now official
OPPO has been held the big event on June 10th, 2014, In addition to launch the new OPPO N1 Mini smartphone, the company is also unveiled another 4G smartphone, OPPO R3.
OPPO has released the world’s thinnest 4G Mobile N1 Mini
OPPO has already held the big event on June 10th, 2014 at Beijing Park Art Center. The company is officially release their new smartphone OPPO N1 Mini and OPPO R3 smartphone.
ZTE high-end smartphone is ready to compete with Apple and Samsung
The one of Chinese smartphone manufacturer ZTE is ready to compete with the giant phone manufacturer such as Apple and Samsung. ZTE hopes, their high-end smartphone will becoming the Apple and Samsung rival when it comes to brand awarness.
Upcoming Nokia Lumia handset will has Kinect-like motion control
According to foreign media, the upcoming Nokia Lumia handset codename McLaren will has kinect-like motion control, so the user can operate the phone through gesture without touch the phone screen.
HTC One M8 Dual SIM version is revealed via FCC Russia
Russian version of the FCC site or also known as the Russian Federal Communications Agency (ROSCOM), has revealed HTC One M8 smartphone with Dual SIM feature.
iOS 7 lock screen security flaw allows user to bypass in seconds
The new bug is found on the iOS 7 lock screen, the phone has security flaws and the user of iDevice that running iOS 7.1.1 can bypass the device in just in seconds.
Vivo XShot smartphone is hit market today for only 3498 yuan
On 10:00 today, Vivo will starting their sales of ViVo Xshot smartphone. The Vivo XShot smartphone has the ultimate camera features and this phone is the camera centric smartphone that comes from domestic manufacturer.
Changhong brings Curved Ultra HD TV to Indonesian market
A television with a curved design screen gives a nice and incredible experience. No wonder that this kind of TV set has a fantastic price. Chinese electronics manufacturer, Changhong are now offering TV products that has curved screen to Indonesian market.
