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Oppo A3 Pro 5G global launch imminent, spotted on multiple certification websites

After launching the Oppo A3 Pro 5G smartphone in China, the brand appears to be gearing up to release the A3 Pro 5G internationally. While the brand has not revealed any official plans for this launch yet, the device has been sighted on multiple international certification databases.

Oppo A3 Pro 5G SDPPI certification

The device, identified by its model number “CPH2639”, was listed in Indonesia’s SDPPI and certified by Eurofins, which revealed support for 10W, 20W, and up to 45W fast charging capabilities. The Eurofins certification also pointed to a 4970 mAh battery, which is expected to be advertised as a 5000 mAh battery, consistent with the specifications of its Chinese counterpart. We can expect to hear more about the device in the coming days. In the meantime, you can check out the specifications of the Oppo A3 Pro 5G China variant below.

Oppo A3 Pro 5G (China model) specs:

The A3 Pro 5G offers a 6.7-inch AMOLED screen with FHD+ resolution, a refresh rate of 120Hz, and a brightness peak of 950 nits. It includes an in-screen fingerprint sensor for security and runs on ColorOS 14 based on Android 14.

OPPO A3 Pro
OPPO A3 Pro

A Dimensity 7050 chipset powers the device. The phone is available with either 8 GB or 12 GB of LPDDR4x RAM, plus 12 GB of virtual RAM, and comes with either 256 GB or 512 GB of UFS 3.1 storage.

Oppo A3 Pro 5G

For photography, the A3 Pro 5G is equipped with a dual-camera setup on the back, including a 64-megapixel main camera and a 2-megapixel depth sensor, along with an 8-megapixel front camera.

Additional features include dual SIM support, 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, GPS, and a USB-C port.

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Phone Repair Guru Takes Apart New M4 iPad Pro, Reveals Internal Changes and a Unique Heat Dissipation Design

YouTuber Phone Repair Guru recently disassembled the new 13-inch M4 iPad Pro on their YouTube channel, offering a look into its internal design. This teardown comes after Apple‘s announcement of the new iPad Pro, boasting a nearly 20% improvement in heat dissipation compared to its predecessor. To achieve this feat, Apple incorporated a graphite thermal film within the chassis and cleverly replaced the rear logo with a copper material, both aiding in heat management as confirmed by the disassembly video.

There is nearly a 20% improvement in heat dissipation compared to the predecessor

Another noteworthy change is the relocation of the front camera and Face ID module. These components have been shifted to the right edge, aligning with the magnetic attachment point for the new Apple Pencil Pro. The disassembly also revealed adjustments made to the internal magnet array of the new iPad Pro.

While the overall internal design largely resembles the previous generation, the video provides a closer look at key components like the central logic board housing the M4 chip, a 10209mAh battery with user-friendly pull tabs, and the quad-speaker setup.

The new iPad Pro, officially launched last Wednesday, boasts not only the M4 chip but also an OLED display and a sleeker, lighter body design.

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Samsung Galaxy Book4 Edge renders and key-specs leaked: Premium laptops with Snapdragon X Elite

Samsung is set to soon unveil the Galaxy Book4 Edge series, likely alongside the introduction of Snapdragon X Elite chipset. Two different laptops will be introduced: Samsung Galaxy Book4 Edge and Galaxy Book4 Edge Pro. These devices will come with 14-inch and 16-inch display size options.

Samsung appears to be very brave to offer high performance in its future laptops. According to a recently shared news report by WinFuture, Samsung will introduce a model with Snapdragon X Elite chipset utilizing 12 performance cores. Typically, ARM chipsets prioritize energy efficiency especially in laptops, often coming with a hybrid core architecture. Galaxy Book4 Edge has actually visited the Geekbench earlier than this, getting a close score to Apple’s M series chips.

Samsung Galaxy Book4 Edge & Book4 Edge Pro

Galaxy Book4 Edge will come in three different variants. Two of these models will feature the Snapdragon X Elite X1P-80-100 variant, a 12-core processor. These models will offer at least 16 GB of RAM. Additionally, the Galaxy Book4 Edge Pro will be available only in a 16-inch size. It will come with the Snapdragon X Elite X1P-84-100 chipset and 16 GB of RAM, although it is unclear if there will be different RAM options. The 14-inch model will include HDMI and a 3.5mm headphone jack, along with two USB-C ports, while the 16-inch model will also feature an additional USB-A port and a microSD card slot.

All laptops in the series will have 3K screen resolution and a brightness of 400 cd (candela). Furthermore, WinFuture has indicated that these laptops will not be priced affordably, with an estimated price of around 1800 EUR.

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Xiaomi 15 Pro codename appears on HyperOS source code

Xiaomi is set to introduce Xiaomi 15 and Xiaomi 15 Pro soon. Xiaomi’s upcoming flagship series had actually visited the IMEI database earlier. Previously, we shared some details about the Xiaomi 15 series. While Xiaomi 15 will be available globally, Xiaomi 15 Pro will be exclusive to China. Additionally, it is said that the Xiaomi 15 series might be more expensive compared to its predecessor.

Xiaomi 15 Pro codename: Haotian

Let’s shift our focus to the findings from the Xiaomitime team. Xiaomi 15 Pro has the model number 24101PNB7C. The latest Android 15-based HyperOS update reveals an important detail about the upcoming smartphone. Xiaomi 15 Pro has the codename “Haotian.”

Haotian is an expression used in Chinese mythology. In Chinese, Haotian refers to Hao Tian Shangdi, which translates to the Supreme Emperor of Sky (浩天). This deity is the principal god in Taoism and various other ancient Chinese mythologies, representing the supreme sky god who oversees all sky phenomena and the celestial order in the heavens.

The specifications for the Xiaomi 15 series are not yet available. However, we expect it to bring significant improvements over the previously released Xiaomi 14 series. The Xiaomitime team expects that Xiaomi 15 Pro to launch in China in October 2024. Note that Qualcomm will unveil Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 in October as well. Xiaomi has a history of featuring the recently released Qualcomm chip in its phones. Xiaomi 15 series will the first smartphone family to feature Snapdragon 8 Gen 4.

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Lenovo Xiaoxin Pad Studio tablet launched with JBL speakers & 11.5″ 90Hz display

Lenovo has released the Xiaoxin Pad Studio in China. This new tablet is designed to offer good display and sound capabilities for entertainment while remaining budget-friendly.

Lenovo Xiaoxin Pad Studio

It sports an 11.5-inch LCD screen with a 90 Hz refresh rate and 2000 x 1200 pixels resolution. The display also supports stylus input, making it a good fit for those who like to take notes or draw.

Lenovo Xiaoxin Pad Studio

For audio, Lenovo has partnered with JBL to equip the tablet with a high-quality speaker system. It includes eight speakers—four tweeters and four mid-bass crossover units. This setup is enhanced with Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res Audio certification, offering a strong 26 watts of audio power.

Lenovo Xiaoxin Pad Studio

The tablet runs on the MediaTek Helio G99 processor, supported by 8 GB of RAM, and can come with up to 256 GB of storage.

Pricing

The Xiaoxin Pad Studio is available in two configurations: the 8GB RAM with 128GB storage model starts at 1,299 yuan ($180), while the 8GB RAM with 256GB storage model starts at 1,499 yuan ($208). Currently, there is no official word from the brand about a global launch, however, rumors suggest that it could launch soon as the Lenovo Tab Plus.

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Upcoming Motorola Razr 50 series’ render images and specs leaked

Render images and key specifications of Motorola‘s upcoming foldable phones leaked online. Motorola is set to launch the Razr 50 series soon, which includes the Razr 50 5G and Razr 50 Ultra 5G, both featuring a flip-style foldable design.

Razr 50 5G & Razr 50 Ultra 5G

According to a recent report by 91mobiles, several details about the Razr 50 series have emerged. The upcoming Razr 50 5G will be available in gray and khaki color options. Razr 50 Ultra 5G will come in orange, green, and blue colors. The rumors suggest that Motorola will use unique marketing names for these colors.

The render images reveal that the design lines of the Razr 50 series closely resemble those of previous Razr phones. However, an interesting difference between the Razr 50 and the Razr 50 Ultra is that the regular model appears to have thinner screen bezels compared to the Ultra model. Additionally, the Razr 50 Ultra 5G’s cover screen is larger than that of the regular Razr 50 5G.

Razr 50 5G will feature a 6.9″ POLED display with a 1080 x 2640 resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. The cover display is a 3.63-inch POLED panel. The phone has a dual camera setup with 50MP and 13MP sensors. Additionally, it includes a 32MP selfie camera. The phone is expected to come with a MediaTek Dimensity 7300X chipset, paired with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. It weighs 188g and is 7.2mm thick. The phone packs a 4200mAh battery.

Razr 50 Ultra 5G, on the other hand, has much better specs. It will come with Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset. The phone also features a 6.9″ POLED display with a 1080 x 2640 resolution and a 165Hz refresh rate. The cover screen has a 4.0-inch POLED panel. Razr 50 Ultra 5G comes with a dual camera setup with two 50MP sensors and a 32MP selfie shooter on the front. The phone is available with 12GB of RAM and a 512GB variant. It has a 4000mAh battery capacity and supports 45W charging.

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ChatGPT can Now Analyze Excel Sheets with New Update, Users can Import Files from Google Drive & OneDrive

OpenAI has taken ChatGPT‘s data analysis capabilities to a whole new level, making data exploration and manipulation a breeze. This update streamlines workflows and unlocks real-time data insights.

ChatGPT now also offers interactive table and chart views

The biggest change is the integration with cloud storage services. Gone are the days of downloading and uploading files. Now, ChatGPT allows you to directly access your data from Google Drive and Microsoft OneDrive. This eliminates unnecessary steps and lets you work seamlessly with your cloud-stored documents.

FILE PHOTO: OpenAI and ChatGPT logos are seen in this illustration taken, February 3, 2023. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo

Data visualization gets a major upgrade as well. ChatGPT now offers interactive table and chart views, allowing you to delve deeper into your data in real-time. You can interact with the visualizations to gain a more intuitive understanding of what your data is telling you.

Forget generic charts. ChatGPT lets you customize charts to fit your specific needs. You can tailor the look and feel to match your presentation or report, and then download them for easy inclusion in your work.

Data handling has also been significantly enhanced. Whether you’re working with massive datasets, cleaning messy data, or creating insightful charts, ChatGPT can handle it with ease. This power comes from a new underlying model that empowers ChatGPT to tackle even the most complex data tasks.

Interestingly, online discussions about a new model called ADA V2 (rumored to be GPT-4) have emerged alongside the ChatGPT update. Users who participated in the grayscale testing of this model have been impressed by its powerful coding capabilities.

OpenAI’s relentless pace of innovation is evident. Just three days after the GPT-4o reveal, they’re making significant strides with both ChatGPT and ADA V2. These advancements are rapidly changing the data analysis landscape, and the possibility of an even more powerful “GPT-5” on the horizon is certainly exciting.

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Grab Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra with upto $870 discount

Samsung is offering discounts on its whole brochure of electronic appliances, and the deals become even sweeter in the consumer electronic section. Samsung is offering a $870 discount if you grab Galaxy S24 Ultra with a qualified Trade-In. There’s even a free upgrade to the 512GB storage variant along with other discounts.

Discount Details for Galaxy S24 Ultra Deals

If we evaluate the discount slice by slice, then there’s a maximum $750 discount on the instant trade-in for certain smartphones. Further, the free memory upgrade equates to $120 if we compare the 256GB variant price and the 512GB variant price.

Grab Deal Here

The discount is applicable only for a few days and will end within the next week. The user can opt for any color or storage variant to unlock the trade-in discount. Precisely, the $750 trade-in discount is applicable for the Galaxy S23 Ultra, and the old devices will fetch around $650 or $550.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra seems a full package of high-end specifications and futuristic features. The smartphone bundles a 6.8-inch dynamic LTPO AMOLED display, a 120Hz refresh rate, 2600 nits of brightness, and 1440 x 3120 pixels of resolution. It is well protected with Corning Gorilla Armor. It is coupled with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC and the Adreno 750.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Specifications

Further, it features 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB of UFS 4.0 storage and 12GB of RAM. There’s a triple rear camera with a 200 MP primary sensor, a 10 MP telephoto lens, a 50 MP periscope telephoto lens, and a 12 MP ultrawide sensor. In terms of connectivity, the smartphone features Bluetooth 5.3, WiFi 7, GPS, NFC, and USB Type-C 3.2. A 5000 mAh battery with support for 45W wired, 15W wireless, and 4.5W reverse wireless.

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Decathlon Van Rysel E-GRVL AF MD versatile e-bike unveiled in Europe

Decathlon has released the Van Rysel E-GRVL AF MD electric bicycle in Europe. The Decathlon Van Rysel E-GRVL AF MD is an e-gravel bike that was announced earlier this year. It comes with a powerful mid-mounted Brose Drive T Mag motor and a 500Wh battery. The model has now gone on sale in Europe.

Decathlon Van Rysel E-GRVL AF MD

Decathlon says that the Van Rysel E-GRVL AF MD is the brand’s most efficient electric gravel bike so far. Its mid-mounted 250W Brose Drive T Mag motor delivers a maximum torque of 70Nm. There are four modes to choose from while riding the e-bike and it also comes with handlebar controls.

The bike’s 500Wh battery delivers an assistance range of 150km and can be further extended with the optional range extender. The versatility of the new e-gravel bike is underpinned by its DT Swiss HG 1800 Spline wheels with Michelin Power Gravel 700 x 47 tires and an SRAM Apex 12-speed groupset.

Decathlon Van Rysel E-GRVL AF MD

The Decathlon Van Rysel E-GRVL AF MD has front and rear lights, a color TFT display, and Bluetooth connectivity. You can view ride data using the Decathlon Ride app on your smartphone while connected to the e-bike via Bluetooth. The bike will be available in seven frame sizes but only the smaller four sizes (XS to L) are currently available.

Decathlon Van Rysel E-GRVL AF MD

Pricing & Availability

The Decathlon Van Rysel E-GRVL AF MD e-bike is available in France, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and the UK. It is priced in the UK at 3,499.99 ($), 3,549 ($) in the Netherlands, and 3,499.99 in France, Italy and Spain. Apart from the UK (where it is currently out of stock), the Van Rysel E-GRVL AF MD electric gravel bike is available in other countries earlier specified.

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Avatr 07 SUV with BEV and EREV variants announced

Chinese electric vehicle brand Avatr has announced a new model from its stables. It is the Avatr 07 SUV and it will be available as either an extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) or a battery electric vehicle (BEV). The Avatr 07 is the third model from the company after the Avatr 11 SUV and Avatr 12 sedan.

Avatr 07 SUV

Features

Avatr Technology is backed by Changan Automobile, CATL, and Huawei. The new model highlights Avatr’s ambition to compete in the EREV market. Both BEV and EREV variants of the Avatar 07 will be available. It is the first Avatr model to support both EREV and BEV considerations. The extension to EREV underpins the challenges of BEVs and the practicality of incorporating fuel tanks to expand the demand space for the model. The BEV market especially in China was the target of most EV startups in the country. The EREV delivers the extended range that could be gotten from a fuel-efficient vehicle in addition to having the driving experience of a BEV.

Avatr debuted in the EV segment in 2022 with the launch of the Avatr11 in August of 2022 while deliveries began in December 2022. The Avatr 12 was launched in November 2023 while deliveries commenced in December 2023. Avatr manufactured over 5,200 vehicles in April 2024. The production numbers for March 2024 were not released but the April 2024 figure was more than double of the February 2024 production.

Avatr 07 SUV

The Avatr 07 will be released in rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive options. The new Avatr SUV has dimensions of 4,825 x 1,980 x 1,620 mm and a wheelbase of 2,940 mm. The Avatry 07 will be based on Huawei’s next-generation LiDAR and CATL’s latest supercharging batteries. Previously, the Avatr 07 was rumored to be released to the market in Q3, 2024. Avatr has not provided any price information for the new model but this is expected to be in the range of 250,000 yuan ($34,605) to 350,000 ($48,446).

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Tipster reveals pricing and specs of the ASUS Vivobook S 15 OLED

The ASUS Vivobook S 15 OLED laptop is scheduled for an official launch on May 20. The new Vivobook S 15 OLED has been revealed as the brand’s first Snapdragon X- powered laptop. The model will feature the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite and also debut the Snapdragon X Plus chipset, according to tipster Roland Quandt. Quandt has revealed a retailer listing that highlighted the Snapdragon X direction for the laptop.

ASUS Vivobook S 15 OLED

ASUS says the upcoming ASUS Vivobook S 15 OLED is a new version of the Vivobook S 15 OLED that was released with AMD processors earlier this month. The tipster, Quandt provided screenshots of the product listing by ASUS Vietnam and several retailers in Europe. However, it is stated that the listing which was ahead of schedule, has since been taken down. All the listings seemingly confirmed that the new Vivobook S 15 OLED has the model number: S5507QA and additional suffixes represented the chipset variant.

ASUS Vivobook S 15 OLED

The Snapdragon X Elite version of the laptop comes with 32GB of LPDDR5X RAM, 1TB of storage, and a 70Wh battery. The laptop has a 15.6-inch across OLED display with a resolution of 2,880 x 1,620 pixels (2.8K). It has a display refresh rate of 120Hz and is being offered as significantly more expensive than the AMD version of the laptop. The Snapdragon X1 Plus version of the ASUS Vivobook S 15 OLED is equipped with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. The ASUS Vietnam listing of the laptop says that the X1 Plus version relies on the unreleased Snapdragon X1P-21-100, rumored to be weaker than the X1P-64-100 earlier announced by Qualcomm.

The pricing details and full release information about the ASUS Vivobook S 15 OLED with Snapdragon X Elite/ X Plus processors are not yet out. As the May 20 release date draws closer, much of the optics about the new laptop will be provided by ASUS.

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Microsoft proposes relocation for China-based AI staff amid escalating US-China tensions

Microsoft has announced a significant relocation offer for its AI employees based in China. The tech giant is giving these workers the choice to move to overseas locations such as the United States, Australia, and Ireland. This decision impacts around 700 to 800 employees, mainly those working on machine learning within the Azure cloud computing team. A small number of these employees may also get opportunities for international rotations.

Employees have until June 7 to decide whether to relocate or stay with the China team in their current roles. This move comes as Microsoft halts new hiring in China, affecting its offices in Beijing, Shanghai, and Suzhou. Despite these changes, Microsoft assures it remains committed to its operations in China and other global markets.

This relocation offer reflects broader geopolitical issues, especially the escalating US-China tech war. AI technology has become a critical point of contention. The Biden administration is considering new restrictions on exporting proprietary AI models to China, adding to existing limits on Chinese firms’ access to advanced semiconductors and chip-making tools. Microsoft continues to navigate these tensions while pursuing business for its AI services in mainland China and Hong Kong.

Last year, Microsoft relocated some top AI researchers from China to a new lab in Vancouver, Canada. This lab is part of a global initiative to integrate talent from various countries, including China. The current relocation offer is seen as a strategic response to the ongoing trade and tech disputes between the US and China.

The US has recently increased tariffs on several Chinese imports, including electric vehicles and semiconductors, which has further strained relations. China has promised to take measures to protect its interests in response to these actions. Meanwhile, Microsoft’s long-term engagement in China, dating back to 1992, underscores its dedication to maintaining a presence in the region despite these challenges.

As the tech industry adapts to geopolitical shifts, companies like Microsoft are making strategic decisions to ensure their operations and talent pools remain robust. The relocation offer to China-based AI employees is a part of these efforts, reflecting the complex interplay of global business and international relations.

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Infinix GT Book to be priced below ₹65,000, will come with ₹8999 worth of peripherals

On May 21, Infinix will introduce the GT 20 Pro smartphone to the Indian market. Alongside the smartphone, the brand is also set to launch the Infinix GT Book, its first gaming laptop. The specifications and features of this upcoming laptop have already been disclosed, and Infinix has now confirmed its price point.

Infinix GT Book

As per an official press release by the brand, the Infinix GT Book will be priced under ₹65,000. That being said, the brand has not confirmed which configuration of the laptop will be priced below ₹65,000.

Previously, we have reported that the Infinix GT Book will come with three processor options: Intel Core i5-12450H, Core i5-13420H, and Core i9-13900H. These processors will be paired up with an RTX 3050, RTX 4050, and RTX 4060 GPU. Additionally, the laptop will come with 32 GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 1 TB PCIe 4.0 SSD storage.

Infinix GT BOOK

It will feature a 16-inch display with a Full HD IPS panel. It will have 120Hz refresh rate, full coverage of the sRGB color gamut, and a peak brightness of 300 nits. Despite the beefy specifications, the laptop will be relatively lightweight, weighing just under 2KGs.

Design-wise, the laptop will feature a metal body with a mecha design that’s clad with RGB lights. It also has multiple USB ports, HDMI, an SD card reader, and an audio jack. The laptop will offer a 1080p webcam, Wi-Fi 6E, and a 72Wh battery.

Infinix GT Book

Additionally, the brand has also revealed that early buyers will get an RGB mouse, RGB headphones, and an RGB mat for free. The brand estimates the value of these peripherals at ₹8999.

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The new classic Nokia 3210 (2024) 4G gets sold out in its first sale

The Nokia 3210 (2024) 4G was announced last week in China. The model went on sale for the first time a few days back and was completely sold out within a short period. The new feature phone was a replica of the original model released several years back and was to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the release of the Nokia 3210 feature phone. The appearance of the new model perfectly captures the original model. However, it comes with greater functionality than the original feature phone.

The Nokia 3210 4G supports Alipay mobile payment and was priced at 379 yuan ($53). All three color options of the phone were sold out due to its iconic status as one of the earliest mobile phones that was affordable and durable. It was released in black, blue, and gold colors but these are all out of stock presently. Nokia, via its official Weibo handle, stated that all major warehouses are currently out of stock and the factory is in full production, with sales resuming on May 31.

Nokia is recommending another feature phone just released to consumers – the Nokia 220 4G. It is a cheaper model than the 3210 4G and adopts a relatively tough and square design. The Nokia 220 4G is equipped with a 2.8-inch screen and large fonts for a clear display. The Nokia 220 4G has a 1,450mAh battery and an upgraded Type-C interface, for greater flexibility and utility. The feature phone is capable of achieving loud volume and supports QR code payment. It has a built-in Nano SIM card slot with support for some Chinese networks. It is also compatible with Radio and Television 4G. Dual SIM cards and dual 4G online are supported simultaneously.

The Nokia 3210 4G is priced at 379 yuan ($53) while the Nokia 220 4G retails at 299 yuan ($41). While the 3210 model is currently out of stock, customers can easily get the Nokia 220 4G from retail platforms including JD.com.


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U.S.-China tensions force firm to close down office in China

US-based Kingland Systems, specializing in data management and regulatory compliance for financial services, insurance, and agriculture, has announced the closure of its subsidiary office in China. The decision, which came as a shock to the local workforce, will result in the termination of all 151 employees.

Employees were informed of the closure on Wednesday. The company has committed to providing the legally required severance pay plus an additional month’s salary. Despite the abrupt announcement, Kingland Systems has not offered any explanation for the closure and has not provided any immediate comment.

This move comes in the wake of increasingly challenging economic conditions in China, coupled with rising geopolitical tensions. New regulations, such as stricter data-security laws and an anti-espionage law, have made operating in China more difficult for foreign businesses.

The economic outlook in China has been bleak, with foreign direct investment (FDI) seeing a significant decline. In the first quarter of this year, FDI dropped by 26% compared to the same period last year, amounting to 301 billion yuan (US$41.6 billion). These factors have led many foreign firms to either exit the Chinese market or consider reducing their presence since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Data from Qichacha, a corporate data provider, indicates a growing trend of foreign companies reevaluating their business strategies in China due to these pressures.

The closure of Kingland systems reflects broader concerns among foreign businesses about the viability of continuing operations in China under current conditions.

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1020g, HP Star Book Pro 13 2024 is ultra light, and powers R7-8840HS

HP has recently unveiled the 2024 version of Star Book Pro 13 and Star Book Pro 16 laptops. The laptops are now on sale in Chinese. Unlike the 16″ model which is based on Intel’s Core Ultra chips, the smaller 13.3″ model is based on AMD’s second-generation AI PC processor. To learn more about the 16″ model, click here.

HP Star Book Pro 13 2024 key specifications:

The laptop is powered by the AMD Ryzen R7-8840HS processor fabricated on TSMC’s 4nm process node and also utilizes the integrated Radeon 780M graphics. It adopts advanced 4nm process technology, “Zen 4” architecture, and RDNA3 graphics architecture.

This is paired with 16GB LPDDR5X dual-channel memory that goes up to 6400MHz. You get the option between 512GB or 1TB PCle 4.0 NVMe SSD (the pricing of different storage and memory configurations is listed below). According to the company, the system offers improved video encoding and file compression performance.

All of this is enriched with AMD’s Ryzen Al which can power different AI-based features in applications. The NPU of Ryzen 7-8840HS has a total computing power of 16TOPS, which is 60% higher than the previous generation.

The machine offers a magnesium-aluminum alloy body and weighs only 1020g. Upon opening up the lid, you will be looking at a 2.5K (2560 x 1600) display with a 16:10 aspect ratio and a 90% overall screen-to-body ratio.

The panel goes up to 400 units in peak brightness, which makes this usable in outdoor lighting conditions. Speaking of color accuracy, it supports 100% sRGB color gamut rating. The display comes with a AG anti-glare finish.

according to the company’s lab tests, this lightweight laptop offers 10.75h battery life. The machine comes with a 100W PD fast-charging power adapter.

Ports:

  • 2 x Type-C (full-featured)
  • 3.5mm headphone jack
  • 1 x USB-A 10Gbps
  • 1 x USB-A 5Gbps
  • HDMI2.1 (TMDS)

It also supports Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth for wireless connectivity.

Pricing:

  • R5 8640U + 16GB RAM + 512GB storage space : 5299 yuan (~$733)
  • R7 8840U + 16GB RAM + 512GB storage space : 5599 yuan (~$775)
  • R7 8840HS + 16GB RAM + 512GB storage space : 5799 yuan (~800)
  • R7 8840HS + 16GB RAM + 1TB storage space : 5999 yuan (~$830)

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Great Wall Motors announces breakthrough in solid-state battery and ultra-fast charging tech

Great Wall Motors (GWM) has announced a significant breakthrough in its development of solid-state battery and ultra-fast charging technologies. The Chinese automotive giant says it has successfully produced solid-state pouch cells, which is the final in the development of solid-state batteries. It will now focus on scaling up the model as a commercial product for large-scale manufacturing.

Solid-state batteries, unlike current lithium-ion batteries, use a solid material in place of the liquid electrolyte in lithium-ion batteries. This means that solid-state batteries have significantly higher energy densities and faster charging than lithium batteries.

Overheating is a serious safety concern for EVs and solid-state batteries offer better stability in this regard. They are less prone to overheating and possible fires which are recurrent issues with lithium-ion batteries. These batteries expectedly have greater reliability within a broader temperature range including in cold weather conditions. GMW says it is exploring diverse battery chemistries in addition to its solid-state efforts.

GMW is also making significant inroads in ramping up charging speeds through its development of ultra-fast charging technology. The GMW 4C supercharging battery cell is estimated to add up to 311 miles (500 km) in range with just 10 minutes of charging. This has great positive implications on long-distance EV travel, as it virtually eliminates the time penalty.

GMW is also developing a 6C cell that will further cut the charging time. It is expected that the GMW solid-state battery and ultra-fast charging products will soon be released. These technologies could debut on the Tank 800 SUV by the end of 2024. The GMW Lightning Cat sedan will also be refreshed later this year and it could incorporate the latest GMW battery tech.

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New Call of Duty to come to Xbox Game Pass? Microsoft Gears Up for Xbox Showcase, Hints at Big Changes

Microsoft has announced its upcoming Xbox Games Showcase event for June 10th, promising exciting reveals alongside a mysterious “Direct” presentation. Rumors suggest the event might be centered around the upcoming Call of Duty sequel.

Microsoft is completely overhauling its game sales strategy

This news comes on the heels of previous announcements from Microsoft. Xbox President Sarah Bond confirmed the launch of a mobile Xbox game app store in July, with all first-party games, including the next Call of Duty title, launching day-one on Game Pass. This aligns with reports from The Wall Street Journal, suggesting a major overhaul of Microsoft’s game sales strategy. The plan reportedly involves including the next Call of Duty in Game Pass, potentially marking the biggest shift in Microsoft’s gaming division since its Activision Blizzard acquisition. Industry insiders believe this move strengthens the Game Pass subscription service.

Xbox

The Verge previously reported discussions about adding the upcoming Call of Duty (rumored to be a new Black Ops title set during the Gulf War) to Game Pass. This potential change might be accompanied by a Game Pass price increase.

Microsoft’s strategy faces some skepticism. The concept of “content cannibalization” raises concerns, particularly regarding new first-party games readily available on Game Pass launch day. While Xbox executives believe Game Pass boosts sales by increasing accessibility, some publishers remain unconvinced. Unlike Microsoft, Sony, its console rival, doesn’t offer its exclusive titles directly through its subscription service.

The upcoming Xbox Showcase and the rumored changes to Game Pass suggest a significant focus on Microsoft’s subscription service. Whether this translates to a major industry shift or simply strengthens Microsoft’s existing strategy remains to be seen.

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TP-Link Unveils New BE7200 Router with Wi-Fi 7, Anti-Interference, Five 2.5G Network Ports, Game Accelerators

TP-Link has unveiled its latest router, the BE7200, boasting support for the cutting-edge Wi-Fi 7 standard. This translates to blazing-fast theoretical speeds, a significant upgrade over previous generations. The BE7200 packs a punch in wired connectivity as well. Equipped with five 2.5G network ports, it caters to devices demanding high bandwidth, such as NAS drives, AR/VR consoles, and 8K video streaming. These ports can even be combined for a combined speed of up to 5Gbps.

TP-Link integrates MLO Multi-Link technology and 4K QAM high-order modulation

For enhanced performance, TP-Link has integrated MLO multi-link technology and 4K QAM high-order modulation into the BE7200. This translates to a noticeable boost in data transmission density and peak rate.

Image source Jingdong product details page

Stability is another focus for the BE7200. TP-LINK claims the router benefits from MRU and Preamble puncture technology, enabling more flexible scheduling and up to 6 times better anti-interference performance.

Gamers will appreciate the built-in game accelerators. The BE7200 includes free trials for various services like Leishen, Youbangbang, Qiyou, and NetEase UU. These services aim to optimize your gaming experience by reducing lag and improving overall network performance.

Setting up a mesh network system for wider Wi-Fi coverage throughout your home is a breeze with the BE7200. The “Easy Extension” function allows you to seamlessly connect multiple BE7200 routers with a single click. The TP-LINK BE7200 router is available for purchase at a starting price of 599 yuan (approximately $90 USD).

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Xiaomi’s Mijia 8Kg Drum Washing Machine Goes on Sale Today for 699 Yuan ($96)

Previously, we covered the launch of the Xiaomi Mijia 8Kg Drum Washing Machine earlier this month. There was no global availability for the washing machine at the time, however, the company has confirmed that the washing machine will be on sale today for 699 Yuan ($96).

The machine boasts one-button quick start and a “long press” button

The Mijia boasts one-button quick start and a “long press for smart wash” function, eliminating the need for complex control panels. Additionally, intelligent fuzzy weighing automatically adjusts water levels based on the laundry load, saving water and electricity.

MIJIA 8kg drum washing machine

Xiaomi claims the Mijia breaks away from traditional washing methods by employing a two-in-one rinse and dewatering process. This means water inflow, rinsing, and drainage happen simultaneously, effectively removing foam and detergent residue for a cleaner wash.

For hygiene purposes, the Mijia boasts a mite removal rate exceeding 99.6%. It also features a powerful cylinder cleaning function that utilizes high-pressure water jets to spray both the inner and outer drum walls, reducing bacterial growth and keeping your washer fresh.

With an 8kg capacity, the Mijia can handle a sizeable load, accommodating 36 shirts, 3 floor-to-ceiling curtains, 10 pairs of jeans, or 3 four-piece bed sets in a single wash. Users can choose from 10 washing modes and 8 water level adjustments to match the specific needs of their laundry. An additional convenience feature is the 24-hour smart reservation function, allowing you to schedule wash cycles in advance for added convenience.

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