Dell’s AI-powered XPS 13 & Inspiron 14 Plus Arrive in India with Snapdragon Chips

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Jul 17, 2024

Dell has launched two new laptops in India, the XPS 13 and Inspiron 14 Plus, both featuring the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Series processors and boasting AI capabilities.

XPS 13: Thin, Light, and Long-Lasting

The XPS 13 is the company’s thinnest and lightest XPS model yet. It runs on the Snapdragon X1 Elite processor (12 cores, up to 3.4 GHz, Dual Core Boost up to 4.0 GHz) and comes with the Qualcomm Adreno GPU and Qualcomm Hexagon NPU for smooth graphics and power efficiency. Users can choose between:

13.4-inch FHD+ (1920 x 1200) InfinityEdge non-touch display: 500-nit brightness, 100% sRGB color gamut, 2000:1 contrast ratio, 30-120Hz refresh rate, Dolby Vision, Eyesafe technology, and anti-glare coating.
13.4-inch OLED 3K (2880 x 1800) InfinityEdge touch display: 400-nit brightness, 100% DCI-P3 color gamut, VESA Display HDR TrueBlack 500 certification, 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio, 48-60Hz refresh rate, Dolby Vision, Eyesafe technology, anti-reflective and anti-smudge coating.

Both options boast excellent color accuracy and Dolby Vision for immersive visuals. The XPS 13 comes with up to 32GB LPDDR5x RAM and up to 1TB PCIe 4 SSD storage. It houses a 55Whr battery with ExpressCharge 1.0 technology and supports Qualcomm FastConnect 7800 Wi-Fi 7 for blazing-fast wireless connectivity.

Inspiron 14 Plus: Powerful Performance and AI Integration

The Inspiron 14 Plus boasts a 10-core Snapdragon X Plus processor and offers up to 21 hours of local video playback. It features a spacious 14-inch QHD+ (2560 x 1600) IPS touch display and a variety of ports, including:

2 USB Type-C ports with DisplayPort and Power Delivery
1 USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 port
MicroSD card reader
Headphone jack

The Inspiron 14 Plus comes with 16GB of LPDDR5x RAM and offers storage options of 512GB or 1TB M.2 SSD. It has a 54Whr battery with a 65W USB-C adapter and supports Qualcomm FastConnect 7800 Wi-Fi 7. Security features include a fingerprint reader with Windows Hello support (optional), a webcam privacy shutter, and hardware TPM with Pluton.

AI Features

Both laptops come with unique AI features powered by the Snapdragon platform, designed to improve productivity and creativity:

Cocreator: This app allows users to generate images with AI based on their descriptions and brushstrokes.
Live Captions: This feature translates audio from 44 languages to English in real time, making video calls and online content more accessible.
New Windows Studio Effects: Enhance video calls with lighting adjustments and creative filters to create a more professional or personalized appearance.

Pricing & Availability

XPS 13: Available in three variants, priced between Rs. 1,39,990 and Rs. 1,69,990.
Inspiron 14 Plus: Available in two variants, priced at Rs. 1,15,590 (512GB) and Rs. 1,19,590 (1TB).

Both models are available for purchase today on Dell.com, Dell Exclusive Stores (DES), and major retailers across India, including Croma, Reliance Retail, Vijay Sales, multi-brand outlets, and Amazon.in.

Retail Offers

Dell is offering various retail offers on both laptops:

XPS 13

No-cost EMI options with major banks and NBFCs
Cashback up to Rs. 10,000 with leading banks
1-year extended warranty for Rs. 4,999
Da Milano bag worth Rs. 15,499 for Rs. 999

Inspiron 14 Plus

No-cost EMI options with major banks and NBFCs
Cashback up to Rs. 5,000 with leading banks
1-year extended warranty for Rs. 999
Sennheiser headset worth Rs. 8,990 for Rs. 1,999

ASUS Unveils ProArt 13 2024 Flip: A Powerful Convertible for Creators

By

Anubhav

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Jul 17, 2024

ASUS has introduced the ProArt 13 2024, a convertible laptop designed to empower creative professionals. This AI-powered machine boasts a powerful AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor with Zen 5 cores and RDNA 3.5 architecture graphics handled by the Radeon 880M (16 CUs). The integrated NPU delivers up to 50 TOPS of computing power, ideal for demanding creative workloads.

The 2.8K OLED touchscreen display has a 550 nits peak brightness

The centerpiece of the ProArt 13 2024 is its stunning 2.8K OLED touchscreen display. This high-resolution panel covers 100% of the P3 color gamut for vibrant colors, boasts a peak brightness of 550 nits for excellent clarity even in bright environments, and supports stylus input for a natural drawing experience.

Despite its impressive performance, the ProArt 13 2024 remains surprisingly thin and light. Measuring just 15.8mm thick and weighing only 1.38kg, it’s perfect for creators on the go. ASUS’s Glacier Pro cooling system, featuring dual fans, four heat pipes, and liquid metal thermal compound, ensures the laptop stays cool even when unleashing its full 115W of performance.

The ProArt 13 2024 comes equipped with a long-lasting 73Wh battery, a built-in 1080p IR camera for secure facial recognition, and a 240Hz refresh rate touchpad for smooth and responsive control. ASUS is also offering a generous six-month free membership to a clipping service (availability may vary by region).

The ASUS ProArt 13 2024 is now available for pre-order and will officially launch on July 28th at a price of 14,999 yuan (approximately $1,204 USD).

ASUS has introduced the ProArt 13 2024, a convertible laptop designed to empower creative professionals. This AI-powered machine boasts a powerful AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor with Zen 5 cores and RDNA 3.5 architecture graphics handled by the Radeon 880M (16 CUs). The integrated NPU delivers up to 50 TOPS of computing power, ideal for demanding creative workloads.

The centerpiece of the ProArt 13 2024 is its stunning 2.8K OLED touchscreen display. This high-resolution panel covers 100% of the P3 color gamut for vibrant colors, boasts a peak brightness of 550 nits for excellent clarity even in bright environments, and supports stylus input for a natural drawing experience.

Despite its impressive performance, the ProArt 13 2024 remains surprisingly thin and light. Measuring just 15.8mm thick and weighing only 1.38kg, it’s perfect for creators on the go. ASUS’s Glacier Pro cooling system, featuring dual fans, four heat pipes, and liquid metal thermal compound, ensures the laptop stays cool even when unleashing its full 115W of performance.

The ProArt 13 2024 comes equipped with a long-lasting 73Wh battery, a built-in 1080p IR camera for secure facial recognition, and a 240Hz refresh rate touchpad for smooth and responsive control. ASUS is also offering a generous six-month free membership to a clipping service (availability may vary by region).

The ASUS ProArt 13 2024 is now available for pre-order and will officially launch on July 28th at a price of 14,999 yuan (approximately $1,204 USD).

(Via)

Galaxy Z Fold 6 Ultra could remain exclusive to China and South Korea

By

Debasish

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Jul 17, 2024

Samsung launched the Galaxy Z Fold 6 in the Galaxy Unpacked event earlier this month. However, the company didn’t announce the speculated Galaxy Z Fold 6 Ultra in the event. The latest news is that this product has not been canceled, but it will be released exclusively in China and South Korea. While we don’t know the exact release date, it is speculated to be in October.

A report from GalaxyClub states that Samsung is developing firmware for a phone with model number SM-F958N, where the last letter represents the region. For reference, the Galaxy Z Fold6 has model number SM-F956. The “N” in the model mane reportedly stands for South Korea, while the Chinese model uses “0”.

It is also reported that the firmware of SM-F958N is suitable for the major Korean operator codes KOO, KTC, SKC, and LUC, which represent the unlocked version, KT roaming, SK Telecom, and LG U+ respectively. It indicates that the device will be launched on the three major operators in the home country. In addition to South Korea, the new phone will also be launched in the Chinese market. According to Allround-PC, the new book-style foldable phone from Samsung will be called Galaxy Z Fold 6 Ultra.

According to GalaxyClub, the device could still be in its development stage. The publication also speculates that the device could be “far from an official launch” as the company is still working with the firmware. That being said, the phone might not be ready for a launch until the fourth quarter of the year or early next year.

While we currently don’t know much about the upcoming foldable, the naming suggests similarities with the just-released Galaxy Z Fold 6. So here’s a recap. The phone comes with IP48 dust and water resistance, and equips a 7.6″ inner display with a resolution of 1856 x 2160 pixels and a peak brightness of 2600 nits. The outer display is measured at 6.3″, which offers a resolution of 968 x 2376 pixels. The phone is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, which is paired with UFS 4.0 fast storage.

Speaking of cameras, the phone boasts a 50MP main camera and a 10MP 3x telephoto, both of which support OIS. There is also a 12MP ultrawide on the back. The phone equips a 4MP sensor for the cover camera and another 10MP sensor selfie camera on the outer screen. The phone packs a 4400 mAh battery and supports 25W charging.

(Via)

Microsoft’s Xbox Controller just got a Huge Upgrade – towards its Back

By

Anubhav

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Jul 17, 2024

Xbox is hosting a sweepstakes event to win a limited-edition Deadpool wireless controller to celebrate the upcoming movie “Deadpool & Wolverine.” This unique controller won’t be sold in stores and features a design inspired by the superhero. Why is this design special? Because it sticks out – there’s literally a butt on the back of the remote.

This special edition Xbox controller is anything butt subtle

To enter the sweepstakes, simply follow Xbox on X (formerly known as Twitter) and repost their official announcement. You must also be 18 years or older. Entries will be accepted until August 11th, 2024.

The grand prize winner won’t just get the controller, but also a custom Deadpool-themed Xbox Series X console with a stand featuring foam replicas of Deadpool’s katanas. Collector’s items for sure — expect to see these items on eBay with huge price tags soon.

(Via)

TCL launches Q85H and Q75H powerful soundbars with Dolby Atmos, DTS & more

By

Soumyakanti

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Jul 17, 2024

TCL has unveiled two new high-end soundbars, the Q85H and Q75H at a recent press conference. These soundbars cater to home theater enthusiasts seeking immersive sound experiences.

TCL Q85H Specifications

The Q85H boasts a 7.1.4 physical surround sound setup, featuring 12 channels with 15 independent sound units. This translates to a powerful 860W output with deep bass reaching down to 45Hz. The system includes a wireless subwoofer with a 200W power rating and large ferrite magnets for rich bass reproduction.

TCL incorporates their proprietary RAY-DANZ technology in the Q85H, which widens the omnidirectional sound arc. Additionally, T-Chord synchronized sound emission technology ensures perfect compatibility with TCL TVs for a seamless audio experience. The soundbar supports Dolby Atmos, DTS:X for spatial sound enhancement, and has won the Red Dot Design Award for its aesthetics.

Design-wise, the Q85H features a glass string aesthetic with Al Sonic-Adaptation technology that adjusts the sound field based on the environment. It offers six audio modes for customization (standard, movie, music, sports, news, games) and is Golden Ear tuned for audiophile-grade sound. Connectivity options include Airplay 2, a custom CEC protocol, HDMI eARC with VRR and ALLM support, 4K HDR, and Dolby Vision passthrough, allowing control with a single remote.

TCL Q75H Specifications

The Q75H offers a 5.1.2 physical surround sound experience with its 8-channel configuration. It delivers a cumulative peak power of 620W and features a wireless subwoofer with a 200W rating for deep bass. Similar to the Q85H, it utilizes RAY-DANZ technology and Dolby Atmos & DTS:X support for an immersive listening experience.

Like its bigger brother, the Q75H employs T-Chord technology for seamless integration with TCL TVs. It provides six sound modes, Bluetooth 5.1, and AirPlay2 for wireless connectivity. The design combines mirror glass with brushed aluminum for a premium look. It also comes with carved touch buttons that enhance user interaction. The soundbar includes HDMI eARC for high-resolution audio and low-latency connections, making it ideal for dynamic home entertainment setups.

Pricing and Availability

The TCL Q85H is priced at 3499 yuan (approximately $482) at launch, while the Q75H comes in at 2699 yuan (approximately $372). These soundbars are now up for pre-order on JD.com.

Volkswagen and Anhui Launch Debut Electric Vehicle, the ID.UNYX Coupe SUV, Starting at 209,000 Yuan ($28,790)

By

Anubhav

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Jul 17, 2024

Volkswagen (Anhui), a joint venture between Volkswagen and Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Group, has launched its debut electric vehicle, the ID.UNYX. This sporty coupe SUV starts at 209,000 yuan (around $28,790 USD) and comes in three variants.

The car comes standard with IQ.Drive, Volkswagen’s intelligent driving assistance system.

The ID.UNYX boasts a head-turning exterior design. The coupe SUV silhouette with a sloping roofline creates a dynamic stance. The sleek front fascia features a light strip and LED headlights, complemented by blacked-out A-pillars and trim accents for a unified look. Semi-hidden door handles and 21-inch wheels further enhance the sporty feel. The rear echoes the theme with an illuminated logo and taillights, while a lower diffuser adds a touch of aerodynamic aggression. A golden VW logo adds a hint of luxury.

Inside, the ID.UNYX features a familiar Volkswagen family design language. A floating central control screen and digital instrument cluster dominate the dashboard, while a flat-bottom steering wheel and shift knob offer a driver-centric feel. The latest ID.S 5.0 infotainment system keeps occupants entertained and connected. Depending on the trim level, the ID.UNYX can be equipped with a panoramic sunroof, rear air conditioning vents, and an electric tailgate for added comfort and convenience.

Technology is a major focus for the ID.UNYX. The car comes standard with IQ.Drive, Volkswagen’s intelligent driving assistance system. This suite includes Travel Assist 3.0 with features like lane change assist, making highway driving more relaxing. Standard IQ.Park takes the stress out of parking with features like memory parking and remote control. A 360-degree panoramic camera and 12 ultrasonic radars ensure the driver has a complete picture of their surroundings.

Starting at 209,000 yuan, two kinds of power, Volkswagen ID.UNYX and Zhongpure electric coupe SUV are on the market.

The ID.UNYX offers a choice of two powertrains. A rear-wheel-drive version utilizes a 170 kW electric motor, while an all-wheel-drive option pairs an 80 kW front motor with a 170 kW rear motor. The all-wheel-drive variant achieves 0-100 km/h acceleration in a brisk 5.6 seconds. Both configurations come equipped with an 82.4 kWh battery pack, offering a range of 621 km for the rear-wheel-drive model and 565 km for the all-wheel-drive variant. Drivers can choose from five driving modes: Sport, Eco, Comfort, Individual, and Dynamic Traction Control, to tailor the car’s performance to their needs.

Measuring 4663 mm long, 1860 mm wide, and 1610 mm tall, the ID.UNYX offers a spacious and comfortable interior with a wheelbase of 2766 mm. This new electric SUV marks a significant step for Volkswagen (Anhui), established in 2017 as the automaker’s third joint venture in China. The ID.UNYX represents the first electric car produced by the venture, and it’s sure to turn heads with its stylish design, advanced technology, and impressive range.

(Via)

boAt Nirvana Space TWS earbuds with 32dB ANC & spacial audio launched for Rs. 1,999

By

Sudhanshu

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Jul 17, 2024

boAt, a leading audio brand in India, has introduced the Nirvana Space TWS earbuds. A standout feature is the 360° Spatial Audio, developed in collaboration with AMI Technologies, offering an immersive listening experience.

The earbuds include diamond-like carbon drivers and boAt’s signature sound with EQ modes, providing clear and customizable audio. They also feature active noise cancellation (ANC) up to 32dB to reduce background noise, and call quality is enhanced with quad-mic ENx technology.

For gaming and watching videos, the earbuds offer a 60ms low-latency mode. Additional features include in-ear detection, touch controls, and multipoint connectivity, allowing pairing with two devices simultaneously.

The battery life is notable, offering a total of 100 hours of playtime. A fast-charging Type-C port provides 4 hours of playback with just a 15-minute charge.

Available in black and white, the boAt Nirvana Space earbuds will be sold exclusively on Amazon.in during Prime Days for Rs. 1,999.

In related news, boAt has also recently launched the Bassheads 122 ANC wired earphones, featuring Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) for under Rs. 1,000. Designed for workouts and travel, these earphones offer a secure fit, 13mm drivers for deep bass and clear sound, and ANC that reduces ambient noise by up to 25 dB. They also have an ambient mode, an inline microphone, USB Type-C connector, and in-line controls.

Apple reportedly used YouTube videos to train Apple Intelligence

By

Debasish

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Jul 17, 2024

We have previously come across numerous reports claiming that OpenAI used YouTube content to train its text-to-video model Sora. Now it’s reported that companies like Apple, Nvidia, Anthropic, and more are also using the ‘publicly available data’ generated by users to train their AI models. Apparently, Apple used tens of thousands of YouTube videos with subtitles to train Apple Intelligence, which is against the platform’s content policy.

The news comes from an investigation by Proof News that was co-published with Wired.

According to the investigation, Apple and the other companies were using a dataset called YouTube Subtitles that included transcripts of 173,536 YouTube videos from over 48,000 channels. Videos in the dataset span from educational channels such as Khan Academy and MIT to news sites including The Wall Street Journal, to some of the platform’s top creators like MrBeast and Marques Brownlee.

According to Marques Brownlee, Apple technically avoids “fault” as they sourced their AI from companies that used the transcripts from YouTube videos instead of using the data directly. Nonetheless, the data/transcripts still contribute to the AI models, in which the creators invested their time and money. Brownlee concluded by saying that this is going to be an evolving problem for a long time.

Proof News also created a tool for creators to search for their content in the dataset. The YouTube Subtitles dataset does not include imagery from videos but does include some translated subtitles in languages. The dataset was reportedly created by a non-profit research lab called Eleuther AI, which focuses on promoting open science norms.

None of the companies mentioned above immediately commented on the matter. YouTube chief executive Neal Mohan has already made it clear in an interview that companies using YouTube videos to train their AI models is a “clear violation” of the platform’s policies.

(Source)

4.35mm Honor Magic V3 will launch in the UK “soon”

By

Debasish

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Jul 17, 2024

Honor has recently launched its latest book-style foldable, the Magic V3, in China. Now, Honor has released a preview on its official UK website, suggesting that this phone will soon be available in the UK market. However, the company has yet to announce a specific launch date for the phone. You can see one of the main selling points of the device below.

According to the preview information, users can become “Magic Insiders” by answering a few questions and have the opportunity to get a one-month trial of Honor Magic V3, win a shopping voucher worth £1,000, and a trip to Germany.

The phone is only 9.2mm thick while closed and 4.35mm while opened. For context, it breaks the thickness record of the Honor Magic V2, which is 9.9mm and 4.7mm while closed and opened respectively. The phone weighs only 226g, which is 5g lighter than its predecessor. This is also lighter than Samsung’s bar flagship Galaxy S24 Ultra and the book-style foldable Galaxy Z Fold 6 (239g).

Although the phone is measured only 4.35mm in thickness, it still packs a 5150mAh battery. This is made possible thanks to the Si/C battery technology.

Both the inner and outer screens of Honor Magic V3 use the new Honor Vision Soothing Oasis Eye Protection Screen. The inner screen is measured at 7.92 inches which comes with a 2344 x 2156 resolution. This is a 1-120Hz LTPO panel that reaches a peak brightness of 1800 nits. Speaking of the outer screen, it is measured at 6.43″. This is also an LTPO panel with a resolution of 1060 x 2376 (402ppi) that reaches a peak brightness of 2500 nits (higher than the inner screen).

The Honor Magic V3 is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip and runs on MagicOS 8.0.1, which is based on Android 14.

Despite the thin body, the phone packs a 50MP 1/1.56″ main sensor, a 50MP 1 telephoto with 3.5x optical zoom, and a 40MP ultrawide. The main and telephoto also supports OIS. There are also two 20MP sensors for selfies.

The phone comes with an IPX8 dust and water resistance rating, which means it’s still not officially protected against water.

(Source)

Unihertz Jelly Max, the super compact 5G phone launches with Dimensity 7300, 100MP camera & more

By

Soumyakanti

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Jul 17, 2024

The smartphone world has gotten progressively larger over the years, but some users crave a return to the days of compact devices. The wait is over now!

The Unihertz Jelly Max, touted as the world’s smallest 5G phone, has launched its crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter. Starting at an early bird price of just $199, the Jelly Max packs a powerful punch despite its pocket-friendly size.

Unihertz Jelly Max Specifications:

The Jelly Max features a 5.05-inch, 720 x 1520 resolution LCD display with a punch-hole cutout for the front-facing camera. Despite its diminutive size, the phone is surprisingly hefty at 180g and measures a mere 128.7 x 62.7 x 16.3mm. For comparison, the iPhone 13 mini comes in slightly larger at 131.5 x 64.2 x 7.65mm.

The device comes with the powerful MediaTek Dimensity 7300 processor, a significant upgrade from the Helio G99 found in its predecessors. This processor is paired with a whopping 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM and 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage, ensuring smooth performance for everyday tasks and even some light gaming.

For photos, the Jelly Max features a triple-camera system on the back. The main sensor is a whopping 100MP, accompanied by an 8MP telephoto lens and a 32MP front-facing camera for selfies and video calls.

The Jelly Max is equipped with a 4000mAh battery, which is impressive for a compact smartphone. Additionally, the phone supports 66W fast charging, which is claimed to juice the battery up to 90% in just 20 minutes.

The device runs the latest Android 14 operating system and boasts a variety of connectivity options, including 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC for contactless payments, and an infrared port for controlling appliances. It also includes a fingerprint sensor on the back for security.

Unihertz will start shipping Jelly Max from October of this year.

ASUS Announces Fearless Pro16 Gaming Laptop with AMD Ryzen 9 365 CPU, Starting at 7,999 Yuan ($1102)

By

Anubhav

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Jul 17, 2024

ASUS has announced the Fearless Pro16 2024, a gaming laptop boasting a powerful AMD Ryzen AI 9 365 processor (codenamed Strix Point) and a stunning 16-inch 3.2K 120Hz OLED display.

The 16-inch 3.2K OLED panel has a 120Hz refresh rate

The Ryzen AI 9 365 processor, with its Zen 5 cores and integrated XDNA 2 NPU, promises strong performance for gamers and creative professionals. The Radeon 880M graphics card, built on the RDNA 3.5 architecture, delivers a 15% improvement over the previous generation and rivals the performance of a 40W RTX 3050.

The centerpiece of the Fearless Pro16 2024 is its display. The 16-inch 3.2K OLED panel boasts a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth visuals, 100% P3 color gamut for vibrant colors, 10-bit color depth for richer details, and a peak brightness of 600 nits for excellent clarity even in bright environments.

ASUS has equipped the Fearless Pro16 2024 with a capable cooling system featuring dual fans and dual heat pipes. This system allows the laptop to unleash up to 50W of performance when needed. The laptop itself is surprisingly thin and light for its capabilities, measuring just 13.9mm thick and weighing only 1.5kg. The all-metal body offers a sleek and durable design, and the 180-degree hinge provides maximum flexibility for various usage scenarios.

In terms of connectivity, the Fearless Pro16 2024 comes equipped with HDMI 2.1 TMDS, USB4 ports, a microSD card reader, and a USB-C port that supports power input across a wide voltage range (5V-20V). Additionally, the laptop features an RGB keyboard for personalized lighting, a 240Hz sampling rate trackpad for responsive control, a 1080p IR camera for secure facial recognition, and a 75Wh battery for extended use.

The ASUS Fearless Pro16 2024 is now available for pre-order and will officially launch on July 28th at a price of 7,999 yuan (approximately $1,102 USD).

(Via)

Mechanic has Launched the K500-M61 Magnetic-axis Gaming Keyboard with 4mm Linear Travel Switches

By

Anubhav

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Jul 17, 2024

Mechanic has introduced the K500-M61, an entry-level keyboard featuring a magnetic axis design. The keyboard utilizes Hall effect technology for actuation, registering key presses with a high 8K return rate.

The keyboard has a 61-key layout and features PBT keycaps

The K500-M61 is equipped with a 61-key layout and sports a magnetic gray axis with a linear travel of 4mm. The keycaps are made from PBT material, known for their durability and resistance to wear and tear. They are also light-transmitting, allowing the keyboard’s RGB backlighting to shine through.

In terms of customization, the K500-M61 offers a variety of options. Users can adjust individual key trigger points within a range of 0.1mm to 4mm to suit their preferences. The keyboard also supports DKS, MT, TGL key macros, and other functions.

The K500-M61 has an aluminum alloy top cover for a sleek and sturdy design. It features 16.77 million color RGB backlighting with 15 preset lighting effects. Additionally, the keyboard comes with dedicated software that allows for further customization of lighting effects, key mapping, macro programming, and music synchronization.

(Via)

Crucial Unveils P310 M.2 NVMe SSD for Compact Devices, Available in 1TB and 2TB Capacities

By

Anubhav

-

Jul 17, 2024

Crucial, a consumer brand under Micron Technology, has launched a new M.2 NVMe solid-state drive, the P310. Designed for portability and performance, the P310 comes in a compact 2230 form factor and offers capacities of 1TB and 2TB.

The P310 utilizes a PCIe Gen 4 x4 interface with a DRAM-less controller

According to Crucial, the P310 is ideal for handheld gaming consoles, mini consoles, and ultralight laptops. It boasts compatibility with popular devices like the Valve Steam Deck, ASUS ROG Ally, certain Microsoft Surface models, and the Gigabyte Aorus Mini.

The P310 joins the Western Digital WD_BLACK SN770M as one of the few recently released M.2 2230 consumer SSDs. It utilizes a PCIe Gen 4 x4 interface with a DRAM-less controller (PS5027-E27T) co-developed by Micron and Innodisk. This configuration allows for sequential read and write speeds of up to 7,100 MB/s and 6,000 MB/s respectively, along with random read and write IOPS of up to 100,000 and 1,200,000.

Independent tech publication AnandTech reports that the P310 employs Micron’s own 176-layer 3D QLC NAND flash memory.

(Via)

iQOO Z9 Lite 5G first impressions: Will this be your first 5G phone?

By

Anvinraj Valiyathara

-

Jul 17, 2024

iQOO has just launched the iQOO Z9 Lite 5G in India. The device is the company’s most affordable 5G phone, with a starting price of Rs 9,999 (~$120 – inclusive of offers). Here are my first impressions about iQOO’s latest mid-range powerhouse:

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1. Design and Display

I received the Mocha Brown variant of the Z9 Lite. As can be seen in the images, it has a matte shimmery finish on the back, and the flat edge of the phone feels good in hand. The IP64 rating for dust and water resistance provides peace of mind against accidental spills or exposure to dust.

The iQOO Z9 Lite 5G has a teardrop notch display with thick bezels on all four sides, which is a bit of a letdown. However, the 6.56-inch IPS LCD HD+ resolution panel offers good sun legibility as it supports up to 840 nits of brightness. The screen supports a 90Hz refresh rate, which enables a smooth experience during usage. While it lacks HDR support, it supports HD content on Netflix and Prime Video as it is a Widevine L1-certified device.

2. Performance and Software

The MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chipset is a slightly overclocked version of the existing Dimensity 810 chipset, which is coupled with LPDDR4x RAM and eMMC 5.1 storage. The phone comes in 4GB and 6GB RAM variants, both offering 128GB of storage. The device supports up to 6GB of virtual RAM and has a microSD card slot for additional storage. In terms of gaming, the device is good enough for casual gaming.

The 5000mAh battery easily lasts me through a full day with normal usage. The in-box 45W charger allows the phone to go from 0 to 100 percent in nearly 2 hours. Since it is an entry-level 5G phone, here’s how it performed in a 5G speed test on a Jio network.

The iQOO Z9 Lite runs on the latest FunTouch OS 14 based on Android 14. It comes with some handy features, such as the App Retainer, which is useful for quickly resuming apps where I left off, and the ability to hide sensitive photos, adding an extra layer of privacy. It is good to know that Z9 Lite owners will receive Android upgrades for two years and security updates for three years. Shown above is how the device performs on different benchmarking apps.

Another good thing about the device’s software is that while there are many preloaded apps, most of them are from Google and iQOO, with some additional apps like PhonePe, Netflix, and Truecaller. To sum up, there are no annoying investment apps, unnecessary party app store apps, or short video creation apps, which are usually considered bloatware.

3. Cameras and Other Features

For selfies, the iQOO Z9 Lite 5G has an 8-megapixel OmniVision OV8A010 front camera and a 50-megapixel Sony IMX852 + 2-megapixel macro dual-camera setup on the back. When the lighting is good, the Z9 Lite 5G managed to capture decent shots.

The main camera supports 2x in-sensor zoom, while the same sensor captures portrait shots in 1x. The other photography modes available on the device include Night, Video, 50MP, Panorama, Documents, Slow Motion, Timelapse, Pro, and Live Photo. In addition, the device allows beautification features, filters, and aperture settings (portrait mode). When it comes to video recording, the front and rear cameras offer up to 30fps 1080p video recording, but there is no stabilization support as it is a budget device.

For security, the device is equipped with a side-mounted fingerprint sensor. When it comes to audio, it features a top-mounted speaker and a 3.5mm audio jack available on the bottom edge. Even the earpiece of the device emits sound while playing audio or video.

For additional storage, the device features a hybrid SIM slot, which supports two SIM cards or one SIM card and a microSD card at a time.

4. Final thoughts

In conclusion, the iQOO Z9 Lite 5G is a decent device if you are looking for the latest and budget-friendly 5G phone. It is good to see iQOO offer longer software support for this device when many of the competing devices in the price segment get only at least one major Android upgrade. The offer price of Rs 9,999 makes it a good 5G budget phone contender. However, if you can shell out a few more thousand Rupees, you will find several good options, one of them being the Redmi 13 5G, which recently debuted for Rs 13,999.

iQOO Z9 Lite 5G price in India

The iQOO Z9 Lite 5G has arrived in India with two options: 4GB+128GB for Rs 10,499 (~$125) and 6GB+128GB for Rs 11,499. The phone is scheduled to go on sale on July 20 through Amazon India and iQOO India’s e-store. Those who are interested can take advantage of a Rs 500 discount via ICICI and HDFC credit/debit card and credit card EMI transactions until July 31.

Samsung could offer the Android version of Apple’s Vision Pro soon

By

Debasish

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Jul 17, 2024

Apple launched the Vision Pro high-end VR headset back in February of this year. As you probably know, it can be integrated with a Mac for an immersive experience with a large virtual display. Now the news is that Samsung is about to launch the “Android version of Vision Pro”, which is also expected to compete with Apple’s $3,500 offering.

The Apple Vision Pro alternative from Samsung

Soon after the launch of the Vision Pro, it was revealed that Samsung and a number of Chinese manufacturers are also working on the form factor to grab the market share.

According to the latest leak, Samsung’s upcoming headset is codenamed Moohan. The developer version of it will be available in October and the consumer version will be available in March 2025. Reportedly, Samsung will deliver the headset to developers in October this year, and will officially announce the product at the Galaxy S25 series launch conference in 2025. The headset is expected to go on sale in March.

Samsung’s alternative to Apple Vision Pro will reportedly come with two 1.03-inch OLED screens with a resolution of 2500×2500. It means a pixel density of 3500PPI. The displays will offer a refresh rate of 90Hz.

For context, the Apple Vision Pro offers 1.41-inch displays that have 3,660 × 3,200 resolution and a pixel density of 3,386 PPI. So the Apple Vision Pro could still beat Samsung’s offering in immersion. Nonetheless, the overall user experience will also depend on the OS.

According to a previous report, the headset will be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2+ Gen2 processor, and will also boast 12 built-in cameras. The device is expected to be priced around 10,000 Yuan, which is equivalent to $1,377.

(Via)

Is the OnePlus Nord 4 better than the POCO F6?

By

Sean

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Jul 17, 2024

OnePlus just launched the Nord 4 in the global market as its latest premium mid-range phone. For its price, it offers some capable specs and features. However, it faces many competitors in this range. One of its biggest rivals is the POCO F6. So let’s see if the Nord 4 is better than the POCO flagship killer.

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1. OnePlus Nord 4 with a premium design

OnePlus Nord 4

Both the OnePlus and POCO phones are priced under the 400 US Dollar mark. These devices sit right below the entry-level flagships and often cut corners in areas to save on cost. This can be seen in the POCO F6, which features a plastic back and plastic frame.

This doesn’t necessarily make it a bad cheap phone, but it lacks that premium feel. The Nord 4 stands out from the pack thanks to its metallic design that uses aluminum for the rear and frame. It also has a higher IP65 rating for water and dust resistance, compared to the POCO F6’s IP64 rating.

2. POCO F6 packs a punch

POCO F6

POCO skips the premium design but promises performance that can rival more expensive smartphones. The POCO F6 is equipped with the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 SoC, which is paired with up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of internal storage. This is one of the latest chips from Qualcomm and is often featured on flagship killer or affordable flagship phones.

On the other hand, the OnePlus Nord 4 packs the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3. While being a mid range chip, it still offers capable performance in everyday use and intensive tasks. But the processor in the POCO phone still offers better raw performance, making it better suited for stuff like mobile gaming. Its storage option also maxes out at 16GB + 512GB.

3. Similar on the front & back

The OnePlus and POCO phones feature an AMOLED display on the front. Although, the former has a taller 6.74-inch panel with a 120Hz refresh rate, FHD+ resolution, HDR10+, and 2150 nits of peak brightness. Meanwhile, the POCO F6 has a 6.67-inch screen and also offers HDR10+, a 120Hz refresh rate, FHD+ resolution, and a higher 2,400 nits of peak brightness.

For selfies and video calls, the Nord 4 houses a 16-megapixel camera, while the POCO F6 has a 20-megapixel shooter. On the rear, the duo features a 50-megapixel primary and an 8-megapixel ultra wide angle lens. The main camera on both devices is the Sony LYT600 sensor, so we can expect somewhat similar performance.

4. Bigger Battery & Faster charging

Despite having an 8mm body, OnePlus powers the Nord 4 with a massive 5,500mAh battery pack. It supports up to 100W wired fast charging, which promises a full charge in just 28 minutes. In comparison, the POCO F6 has a slightly smaller but still respectable 5,000mAh cell with 90W wired fast charging support. Xiaomi claims that a full charge from 2 percent takes around 35 minutes.

5. Pricing and Verdict

We pitted the OnePlus Nord 4 against the POCO F6 due to their similar pricing. The two phones have a starting price tag of 29,999 INR for the base variant. But it is worth noting that the F6 starts from 8GB + 256GB which is double the storage on Nord 4’s base option.

So it’s a matter of what the buyer prioritizes here. If you prefer having the best performance and a good gaming experience, the POCO F6 is undoubtedly better. But if you’re looking for a more rounded experience with a premium design and feel, then the Nord 4 might be the better choice.

Preview	Product
	OnePlus Nord 4 5G (Mercurial Silver, 8GB RAM, 256GB Storage)	Check Price on Amazon
	POCO X6 8/256 (White)	Check Price on Amazon

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Is OnePlus Nord 4 really better than Motorola Edge 50 Pro?

By

Soumyakanti

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Jul 17, 2024

The smartphone market in India is witnessing intense competition in the mid-range segment, with OnePlus and Motorola emerging as key players. The recent launch of the OnePlus Nord 4 and the Motorola Edge 50 Pro earlier this year has further intensified this rivalry.

Both phones offer impressive specifications and features at competitive prices, making it a tough choice for consumers. In this detailed comparison, we will delve into the various aspects of both phones, including design, display, performance, camera, software, battery life, and pricing, to help you make an informed decision.

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1. Display

The Nord 4 boasts a 6.74-inch 1.5K 2.8D curved AMOLED ProXDR display with a 120Hz refresh rate. The Edge 50 Pro counters with a slightly smaller 6.7-inch 1.5K 144Hz pOLED display.

Both panels offer vibrant colors and smooth visuals, but the Edge 50 Pro takes the lead with its higher refresh rate for a potentially smoother user experience, especially in fast-paced games.

Additionally, the Edge 50 Pro uses a pOLED display technology compared to the AMOLED display on the Nord 4. While both offer excellent viewing experiences, pOLED panels can be slightly more power-efficient.

However, the Nord 4 holds an advantage with its peak brightness of 2150 nits, surpassing the 2000 nits of the Edge 50 Pro.

2. Design and Build Quality

The OnePlus Nord 4 boasts a sleek and modern design with an aluminum back created using cutting-edge techniques like nano-etching and a revolutionary antenna design. The phone comes in three attractive colors: Mercurial Silver, Obsidian Midnight, and Oasis Green. It has an IP65 rating, which means it can withstand accidental water splashes and moderate rain.

On the other hand, the Motorola Edge 50 Pro features a metal frame and a vegan leather finish, available in Luxe Lavender and Black Beauty colors. There’s also a limited-edition Moon Light pearl finish option with a smooth finish. The phone has an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, making it more durable than the Nord 4.

3. Performance

The Nord 4 packs a punch with the latest Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 SoC, potentially offering a slight edge over the Edge 50 Pro’s Snapdragon 7 Gen 3. This advantage might be noticeable in benchmark scores and demanding applications.

Both phones come with up to 12GB of RAM, ensuring smooth multitasking, but the Nord 4 offers the faster LPDDR5X RAM type compared to the Edge 50 Pro’s LPDDR4X. Storage options range from 128GB to 256GB on both phones, with the Nord 4 boasting the newer UFS 4.0 storage standard in its higher configuration.

4. Software

Both phones run Android 14 out of the box. OnePlus promises a commendable 4 years of Android OS updates and a whopping 6 years of security updates for the Nord 4, exceeding what Motorola offers with the Edge 50 Pro’s 3 years of OS updates. OnePlus’ OxygenOS 14 is known for its clean and near-stock Android experience, while Motorola’s version offers a more customized interface with Moto gestures and features.

5. Camera

The Nord 4 features a 50MP Sony LYT-600 main sensor with OIS and an 8MP ultra-wide sensor. The Edge 50 Pro boasts a more versatile triple-camera system with a 50MP main sensor, a 13MP ultra-wide sensor with macro capabilities, and a 10MP telephoto sensor with 50x hybrid zoom.

The Edge 50 Pro also boasts a higher resolution 50MP front-facing camera compared to the Nord 4’s 16MP sensor. Both phones offer AI features to enhance photos, but the Edge 50 Pro’s additional telephoto lens and higher resolution front camera might make it more appealing to photography enthusiasts.

6. Battery Life and Charging

The OnePlus Nord 4 boasts a larger 5500mAh battery compared to the Edge 50 Pro’s 4500mAh battery. Both phones support fast charging, with the Nord 4 offering 100W SuperVOOC charging that can fully charge the phone in 28 minutes, while the Edge 50 Pro supports 125W TurboPower charging, 50W wireless charging, and 10W reverse wireless charging.

7. Pricing and Availability

The OnePlus Nord 4 is available in three variants: 8GB + 128GB, 8GB + 256GB, and 12GB + 256GB. The prices for these variants are Rs. 29,999, Rs. 32,999, and Rs. 35,999, respectively.

The Motorola Edge 50 Pro is available in two variants: 8GB + 256GB and 12GB + 256GB. The 8GB variant comes with a 68W charger and is priced at Rs. 31,999. The 12GB variant with a 125W charger is priced at Rs. 35,999.

Both phones offer competitive pricing, with the OnePlus Nord 4 being slightly more affordable in the base variant.

8. Conclusion

Choosing between the OnePlus Nord 4 and the Motorola Edge 50 Pro is a tough decision as both phones offer compelling features and specifications. If you prioritize performance, brighter display, faster storage, a larger battery, and longer software support, the OnePlus Nord 4 might be a better choice. However, if you prefer a more durable phone with a slightly higher refresh rate, a telephoto camera lens, and a vegan leather finish, the Motorola Edge 50 Pro could be the right fit for you.

Ultimately, the best phone for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. Consider your priorities in terms of performance, camera capabilities, design, and software updates, and then weigh the pros and cons of each phone before making a decision. Both the OnePlus Nord 4 and the Motorola Edge 50 Pro are excellent mid-range smartphones that offer great value for money.

Here are the camera upgrades of the Pixel 9 series devices

By

Debasish

-

Jul 17, 2024

The Google Pixel 9 series will reportedly launch next month. However, the camera specifications of all four models of the Pixel 9 series have been revealed in advance thanks to a source inside Google (via Android Authority). According to the report, the Pixel 9 series comes with major enhancements in the camera hardware.

Google Pixel 9

The regular Pixel 9 is reportedly replacing the Sony IMX386 ultrawide with the new Sony IMX 858 sensor. The new sensor is slightly larger at 1/2.51” as compared to the 1/2.8” size of the previous one. The new sensor for the ultrawide also has a much higher 50MP resolution than the previous 12MP one, which is also expected to offer better details.

The selfie camera will use autofocus like the Pixel 8 Pro. However it will use the same ISOCELL 3J1 sensor. The main camera will also use the same ISOCELL GNK sensor as the predecessor. The Pixel 8 has a fixed focus selfie camera that can offer less sharp photos when taken from a closer distance. Thankfully, this is going to change starting with Pixel 9.

Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL

As you can see from the image, both phones will be equipped with the same camera hardware. According to the source, both the periscope telephoto and the ultrawide of the two models will use the Sone IMX 858 sensor, which is also used in the ultrawide of the standard Pixel 9. This new 50MP Sony sensor replaces the 48MP telephoto and ultrawide sensors of the Pixel 8 Pro.

The main camera of the two models continues to use the same ISOCELL GNK sensor. The front camera of the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL will also use the same Sone IMX 858 sensor. This is a major upgrade (at least in terms of resolution) as it replaces the 10.5MP 1/3.1″ sensor of the Pixel 8 Pro.

(Source)

Lenovo Tab Plus With JBL Speakers, 2K Display Launched In India

By

Viraj Gawde

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Jul 17, 2024

Last month Lenovo announced the Tab Plus in the global markets. Now, the brand has brought the same device to the Indian shores. It is an affordable offering and one that is catered towards multimedia usage as it provides an immersive audio-visual experience. The Indian variant packs the same specifications as its global counterpart. Let’s find out what the device offers out of the box.

Lenovo Tab Plus specifications

The Lenovo Tab Plus comes with an 11.5-inch display bearing a 2K resolution, a 90Hz refresh rate, and a 400 nits peak brightness. On the audio front, it is equipped with eight speakers comprising four tweeters and four sub-woofers powered by JBL producing an output of 26W. They are also tuned by Dolby Atmos. This offers an immersive entertainment experience with smooth bright visuals and a powerful sound. Additionally, the tablet also features a built-in kickstand on the back panel.

The Lenovo Tab Plus has an 8MP camera sensor on the rear as well as the front. It is compatible with a stylus pen and a keyboard.

Under the hood, the Lenovo Tab Plus is powered by a MediaTek Helio G99 processor. It packs 8GB RAM and can be availed in either 128GB or 256GB storage options. There is also a microSD card slot for additional expansion. The tablet is backed by an 8,600mAh battery cell with support for 45W charging. It is claimed to top up the device fully in 90 minutes. Software-wise, it runs on Android 14 OS and is eligible for two OS updates and four years of security patches. Connectivity options on the device include a USB-C port, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and Bluetooth 5.3.

The Lenovo Tab Plus starts at Rs 22,999. It can be purchased from leading e-commerce and retail stores across the country.

Samsung Galaxy M35 5G With Four Years Of OS Updates, 6,000mAh Battery Launched In India

By

Viraj Gawde

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Jul 17, 2024

As expected Samsung has announced the Galaxy M35 5G in India today. The latest M-series device arrives as the successor to the Galaxy M34 5G. The smartphone is already available in some global markets. It packs incremental upgrades compared to its predecessor. The device competes with smartphones in the Rs 20,000 to Rs 25,000 price bracket. Read on to learn what the Galaxy M35 5G offers out of the box.

Samsung Galaxy M35 5G specs

The Samsung Galaxy M35 5G features a large 6.6-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with a centre-aligned punch-hole cutout and surrounded by thin bezels. It has a 120Hz refresh rate and a 1,000 nits peak brightness. The screen is also shielded by Gorilla Glass Victus. Design-wise, the smartphone features three vertically stacked camera sensors and a side-mounted fingerprint scanner embedded in the power button.

On the imaging front, the Galaxy M35 5G’s triple rear camera setup comprises a 50MP main sensor with f/1.8, an 8MP ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 2MP macro unit. There is a 13MP front-facing selfie snapper onboard.

Internally, the Samsung Galaxy M35 5G is equipped with an Exynos 1380 processor. It packs up to 8GB RAM and 256GB onboard storage. The device features a vapor cooling chamber for heat dissipation. It draws its power from a mammoth 6,000mAh battery unit with support for 25W fast charging. The smartphone ships with Android 14 OS with OneUI 6.1 on the top. The South Korean brand is promising 4 years of OS updates and 5 years of security patches. The device also comes with a Samsung Wallet and a convenient tap-and-pay feature.

The Samsung Galaxy M35 5G starts at Rs 19,999 for the 6GB + 128GB variant. The 8GB + 128GB and 8GB + 256GB configurations are priced at Rs 21,999 and Rs 24,999 respectively. It comes in Moonlight Blue, Daybreak Blue and Thunder Grey colors. The smartphone can be purchased from Amazon, Samsung’s official website and retail stores across the country. As a part of the launch offer, Samsung is giving a Rs 1,000 limited-period discount and there is also Rs 2,000 discount on bank cards.