Author: GizNews

  • Introducing Sony INZONE Buds: India Launch with 30ms Low Latency, 360° Spatial Audio, and ANC

    Introducing Sony INZONE Buds: India Launch with 30ms Low Latency, 360° Spatial Audio, and ANC

    Sony Launches INZONE Buds Gaming TWS Earbuds in India

    Sony has officially launched the INZONE buds gaming TWS earbuds in the Indian market. These earbuds are specifically designed for gamers who are looking for an immersive gaming experience. Packed with a range of features, the INZONE Buds are set to enhance the gaming experience for users.

    Sony INZONE Buds Specs

    The INZONE Buds feature an in-ear design with rubber tips, 8.4mm drivers, and ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) support, ensuring clear audio quality. One of the standout features of these earbuds is the low latency of under 30ms, which minimizes sound delay during gaming sessions.

    Equipped with the LC3 codec and Bluetooth Low Energy for audio transmission, the INZONE earbuds offer personalized spatial audio support, further enhancing the gaming experience. The built-in microphone utilizes AI technology for noise filtration, trained on 500 million voice samples, effectively minimizing background disturbances during voice communication with other players.

    Touch Controls and Customization Options

    The INZONE Buds come with touch controls, allowing users to easily adjust the volume and control music playback. Additionally, users can customize the earbuds’ settings through the INZONE Hub, tailoring the experience to their preferences.

    Impressive Battery Life and Charging Case

    Sony claims a remarkable 12-hour battery life for the INZONE gaming earbuds, ensuring long gaming sessions without interruption. Furthermore, the included charging case extends the battery life to a total of 24 hours. The charging case supports USB-C charging, making it compatible with modern charging standards.

    Pricing and Availability

    The Sony INZONE Buds are priced at Rs 17,990 and were released on January 16, 2024. These earbuds are available for purchase through various platforms, including Sony Retail Stores, the ShopatSC portal, Amazon, Flipkart, and other popular e-commerce platforms. Users can choose between the stylish White or timeless Black color options, depending on their gaming style and preferences.

    In conclusion, the Sony INZONE Buds gaming TWS earbuds offer an impressive set of features, including low latency, ANC support, personalized spatial audio, and AI-powered noise filtration. With a long battery life and convenient touch controls, these earbuds are a great choice for gamers looking to enhance their gaming experience.

  • New Design and Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC Featured in ASUS ROG Phone 8 Series Launch in China

    New Design and Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC Featured in ASUS ROG Phone 8 Series Launch in China

    ASUS has launched the ROG Phone 8 and 8 Pro in the Chinese market, following their global debut at CES in Las Vegas. These phones offer the same specifications as their Chinese counterparts and are the successors to the ROG Phone 7. Let’s dive into the details for the Chinese market.

    ASUS ROG Phone 8 series pricing and availability in China

    The ASUS ROG Phone 8 comes in two RAM options: 12GB and 16GB, both with 256GB native storage. The prices for these variants are CNY 4,799 ($673) and CNY 5,299 ($743) respectively. On the other hand, the ROG Phone 8 Pro is available in two configurations: 16GB RAM with 512GB storage, priced at CNY 5,999 ($841), and 24GB RAM with 1TB storage, priced at CNY 7,999 ($1,122). Pre-orders for both phones have already begun in China, and the sales will commence from January 18.

    Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro: Phantom Black

    ASUS ROG Phone 8 series specifications

    ASUS has moved away from the heavy gaming-inspired design of previous ROG Phones, giving the latest generation a more mainstream smartphone look. The phones have a slightly boxy design with a squarish rear camera module and a dual-tone back panel. The standard model features a customizable Aura RGB lightning logo, while the pro variant sports a mini-LED lightning with 341 LEDs. Both the ROG Phone 8 and 8 Pro are IP68-certified, making them dust and water-resistant. Additionally, they come with AirTrigger buttons for gaming and a 5-magnet speaker system.

    Unlike their predecessors, the latest ROG Phones have thin bezels and a centre-aligned punch-hole display. Both models boast a 6.78-inch Samsung AMOLED display with an FHD+ resolution, a 165Hz LTPO refresh rate, 2,500 nits peak brightness, integrated fingerprint scanner, and glove touch support.

    Under the hood, the ROG Phone 8 series is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor. The standard variant offers up to 16GB RAM and 256GB storage, while the pro model goes up to 24GB RAM and 1TB storage. The phones feature a conduction cooling system for efficient heat dissipation. The new AeroActive Cooler accessory is smaller and lighter compared to its predecessor. Both phones are equipped with a 5,500mAh battery that supports 65W wired and 15W wireless charging. Additionally, the devices come with various AI features.

    In terms of camera capabilities, the ASUS ROG Phone 8 and 8 Pro come with a 50MP OIS-enabled main camera, a 13MP ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 32MP telephoto unit with 3x optical zoom and OIS. For selfies, there is a 32MP RGBW front camera.

    With the launch of the ROG Phone 8 and 8 Pro in the Chinese market, ASUS continues to offer high-performance gaming smartphones with top-notch specifications. These devices bring a fresh design and powerful features to cater to the needs of mobile gamers.

  • “Apple Overtakes Samsung After 13 Years in Global Smartphone Market Recovery”

    “Apple Overtakes Samsung After 13 Years in Global Smartphone Market Recovery”

    Indications of Recovery in the Global Smartphone Market

    Recent data from the IDC’s worldwide quarterly mobile phone tracker and research firm Canalys reveal that the global smartphone market is displaying signs of revival. Compared to the corresponding period the previous year, the smartphone market has seen a year-on-year growth of 8.5 percent. This upsurge has led to Apple surpassing Samsung to claim the title of the top smartphone vendor worldwide, ending Samsung’s 13-year undefeated run.

    Decrease in Global Smartphone Shipments

    Despite a 3.2 percent year-on-year decrease in global smartphone shipments, there is a glimmer of hope. Sales reached 326 million units in Q4 2023, up from 300 million units in Q4 2022. This growth is particularly significant as it marks the conclusion of seven consecutive quarters of decline in smartphone shipments.

    Apple’s Market Dominance

    Apple exerted dominance over the entire smartphone market for the first time throughout the year. In Q4, the company shipped 80.5 million units, and over the complete year of 2023, Apple dispatched 234 million units. With a 20.1 percent market share in 2023, Apple has firmly secured the leading position. Samsung followed closely with 226 million shipments and a market share of 19.4 percent. In Q4 2023 alone, Samsung shipped 53 million units. Xiaomi secured the third spot in total shipments last year, boasting a market share of 12.5 percent. OPPO and Transsion claimed the fourth and fifth positions, with market shares of 8.8 and 8.1 percent, respectively.

    Encouraging Growth from Transsion and Vivo

    Transsion ascended to the fourth position in Q4 shipments, with 28.2 million sales and an 8.6 percent market share. Impressively, Transsion achieved a remarkable 68 percent year-on-year growth. Vivo entered the fifth spot with 24.1 million units sold and a 7.4 percent market share. Conversely, Samsung faced a decline in shipments in Q4, experiencing a 10 percent drop compared to the same period last year.

    Noteworthy Growth for Apple and Transsion

    When analyzing the year-on-year performance, only Apple and Transsion recorded positive growth rates. Apple saw a gain of 3.7 percent, while Transsion experienced an impressive growth rate of 30.8 percent.

    In essence, the global smartphone market is demonstrating signs of recovery with an 8.5 percent year-on-year growth. Apple has emerged as the leading global smartphone vendor, ousting Samsung from its long-standing supremacy. Notable growth is observed in companies like Transsion and Vivo, while Samsung faced a decline in shipments. The evolution of these trends in the upcoming months will be intriguing to watch.

  • How to Live Stream the Samsung Galaxy S24 Series Launch Event

    How to Live Stream the Samsung Galaxy S24 Series Launch Event

    Galaxy Unpacked 2024: Samsung to Unveil Galaxy S24 Series

    Samsung is gearing up for its first Galaxy Unpacked event of 2024, where it will unveil its highly anticipated flagship smartphone lineup, the Galaxy S24 series.

    Three Devices in the Lineup

    Similar to its previous generations, the Galaxy S24 family will consist of three devices. These include a standard model, a plus version, and a premium ultra variant. Each device is expected to offer its own unique features and specifications.

    All You Need to Know

    In the past few months, numerous leaks and rumors have surfaced, providing us with almost all the information about these upcoming smartphones. However, if you are still eager to witness the official announcement and get all the details firsthand, we have got you covered.

    How to Watch Galaxy Unpacked 2024

    The Galaxy Unpacked 2024 event will be streamed live, allowing viewers from around the world to tune in and witness the unveiling of the Galaxy S24 series. Here are the details on when and where you can catch the event:

    • Time: The conference will begin at 10 AM PST (6 PM GMT).
    • Livestream: [Youtube]

    Make sure to mark your calendars and set a reminder so you don’t miss out on this exciting event!

    Pricing and Specifications

    While the exact pricing and specifications of the Galaxy S24 series have not been officially confirmed yet, rumors suggest that Samsung will continue to offer competitive pricing and cutting-edge features with its latest flagship lineup. Stay tuned for more updates on the pricing and specifications as we get closer to the official announcement.

    In conclusion, Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked event of 2024 is just around the corner, and tech enthusiasts are eagerly waiting to witness the unveiling of the highly anticipated Galaxy S24 series. Whether you want to stay up to date with the latest smartphone trends or are simply curious about the new features, make sure to tune in to the livestream and be a part of this exciting event.

  • China sees launch of Lenovo YOGA Pro 14s equipped with 120Hz 3K display and Ryzen 7 7840HS processor

    China sees launch of Lenovo YOGA Pro 14s equipped with 120Hz 3K display and Ryzen 7 7840HS processor

    Lenovo has recently introduced its latest lineup of laptops at CES 2024, which includes the Yoga Pro series featuring Intel’s Core Ultra CPUs. In addition to this, the brand has also launched the Lenovo YOGA Pro 14s 2024 laptop in the Chinese market, equipped with an AMD Ryzen processor and boasting a lightweight and slim design.

    Lenovo YOGA Pro 14s 2024 Specs

    The Lenovo YOGA Pro 14s 2024 is powered by the AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS processor, which offers 8 cores and 16 threads, with a peak clock speed of 5.1GHz. The laptop features a 14.5-inch 120Hz display with a 3K panel named “PureSight Pro.” This display provides hardware-level calibration for P3 and sRGB color gamut, along with a 16:10 aspect ratio.

    The laptop is available with either 16GB or 32GB LPDDRX5 RAM, paired with a 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD. In terms of features, the YOGA Pro 14s 2024 offers support for Dolby Vision, a Dolby Atmos speaker setup, a performance-oriented cooling system, and an impressive battery life of up to 12 hours. It also comes equipped with a 1080p FHD IR webcam, catering to the needs of remote work, and supports 100W PD fast charging.

    Connectivity and Design

    The YOGA Pro 14s 2024 provides diverse connectivity options, including HDMI 2.1, USB 3.2, and USB4 ports. The laptop weighs between 1.2KG to 1.5KG and measures 15mm to 17mm in thickness, making it a portable and convenient option for users on the go.

    Pricing and Availability

    The Lenovo YOGA Pro 14s 2024 with 16GB of RAM is priced at CNY 5,699 (approximately $801), while the 32GB RAM model carries a price tag of CNY 5,999 (approximately $843). As of now, there is no information available regarding the global pricing and availability of the laptop.

    Lenovo’s latest addition to its YOGA Pro series, the YOGA Pro 14s 2024, offers impressive specifications and features for users seeking a lightweight and powerful laptop. With its AMD Ryzen processor, high-quality display, and various connectivity options, this laptop seems to be a promising option in the market. However, potential buyers outside of China will have to wait for further updates regarding its availability and pricing in their regions.

  • Apple overtakes Samsung as leader in smartphone market by 2023 despite declining demand

    Apple overtakes Samsung as leader in smartphone market by 2023 despite declining demand

    Apple Surpasses Samsung as Leading Smartphone Vendor in 2023

    Apple has taken the top spot as the leading smartphone vendor in 2023, dethroning Samsung, according to the latest report from IDC. The tech giant shipped a record-breaking 80.5 million devices in the final quarter of the year, with a total of 234.6 million devices shipped throughout the year. On the other hand, Samsung shipped 53 million devices in the fourth quarter, bringing their annual total to 226.6 million.

    A Significant Turning Point

    This marks a significant turning point in the smartphone market, as it is the first time since 2010 that a company other than Samsung has claimed the top spot in this fiercely competitive industry.

    Xiaomi Takes Third Place

    Apart from Apple and Samsung, Xiaomi secured the third position with 145.9 million sales, followed by Oppo with 103.1 million and Transsion in fifth place with 94.9 million.

    Declining Smartphone Market

    However, despite the success of individual companies, the overall smartphone market experienced a decline. Global shipments dropped by 3.2% year-over-year, totaling 1.17 billion units in 2023. The market faced economic challenges and inventory issues earlier in the year, but the second half showed signs of recovery with a healthy 8.5% growth in the final quarter.

    Apple’s Success Factors

    According to IDC, Apple’s success can be attributed to the demand for high-end devices, which currently account for over 20% of the market. The company’s aggressive trade-in programs and financing options have also played a crucial role in capitalizing on this trend.

    Diversification of the Android Ecosystem

    While Apple’s rise may have contributed to Samsung’s decline, the Android ecosystem itself is undergoing diversification. Huawei is making a comeback in China, and brands like OnePlus, Honor, and Google are offering competitive devices in the lower end of the premium segment. The market is also witnessing advancements in AI and the introduction of foldable phones, further highlighting the dynamic nature of the industry.

    Microsoft Surpasses Apple in Market Cap

    In another significant tech development, Microsoft has surpassed Apple to become the world’s most valuable company by market cap. This achievement is partly driven by Microsoft’s focus on generative AI. Over the past year, the company’s market value has soared by over $1 trillion, signaling a significant shift in the tech landscape.

  • HarmonyOS 4 Update Takes Huawei WATCH GT 3/Pro Series to the Next Level

    HarmonyOS 4 Update Takes Huawei WATCH GT 3/Pro Series to the Next Level

    New Updates for Huawei WATCH GT 3/Pro Series

    Chinese tech giant Huawei has recently announced new updates for its WATCH GT 3/Pro series. The latest version, HarmonyOS 4, brings several improvements and exciting features that aim to enhance the user experience.

    Introducing the Chessboard Desktop

    One of the highlights of this update is the introduction of a new chessboard desktop that displays application names. With enhanced animations and sliding motions of the app icons, navigating your Huawei watch becomes more intuitive and visually appealing.

    Anti-Accidental Touch Function for Fitness Enthusiasts

    For fitness and sports enthusiasts, Huawei has added a handy anti-accidental touch function. During workouts, when the screen goes off, the watch automatically locks the crown click and rotation functions to prevent unintended inputs. This thoughtful addition demonstrates Huawei's attention to the practical needs of its users.

    Customizable Sports Data and Card Style Layouts

    The new update allows users to customize sports data and card style layouts, providing a richer interface during exercises. Additionally, a new feature has been added that turns on the screen when a notification is received, ensuring that important messages are never missed.

    Optimized User Experience and Enhanced Functionality

    Aside from introducing new features, Huawei has also optimized existing ones. The interface display now boasts clearer fonts and colors, making key information stand out. Settings have been reorganized, improving the overall user experience, and the alarm clock functionality has been enhanced. Moreover, for fitness enthusiasts, the update ensures more accurate and reliable exercise data.

    Conclusion

    With the release of HarmonyOS 4, Huawei continues to prioritize user satisfaction by offering a range of new features and optimizations for its WATCH GT 3/Pro series. These updates not only enhance the user experience but also cater to the practical needs of fitness enthusiasts. Whether it's the new chessboard desktop or the anti-accidental touch function, Huawei's commitment to providing innovative solutions shines through in this latest update.

  • Microsoft’s Accessible AI Assistant Benefits Regular Users

    Microsoft’s Accessible AI Assistant Benefits Regular Users

    Microsoft Releases Consumer Iteration of Copilot Utilizing OpenAI’s ChatGPT Technology

    In a groundbreaking move within the AI sector, Microsoft has unveiled a consumer-friendly version of Copilot, driven by OpenAI’s ChatGPT technology. Priced at $20 monthly, this fresh release offers a more cost-effective and user-friendly option compared to its predecessor, which was tailored to larger enterprises at $30 per user each month with a minimum subscription requirement of 300 users. The removal of the mandatory subscription threshold now allows small businesses and individuals unrestricted access to the AI assistant.

    Addressing the Escalating Demand for AI Tools

    The launch of a consumer edition of Copilot by Microsoft underscores the company’s recognition of the surging desire for AI tools across a broader spectrum of users. Seamlessly integrated with Microsoft Office, this version empowers users to harness AI for a multitude of tasks including data synthesis, content generation, and answering queries within applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. This incorporation is especially compelling as it blends the advanced capabilities of AI with everyday productivity tools, making AI a pragmatic component of both professional and personal endeavors.

    Promoting the Democratization of AI Technology

    By extending its AI assistant to individual consumers and smaller enterprises, Microsoft is not solely executing a strategic maneuver but also championing the democratization of AI technology. This initiative aims to render AI more accessible and valuable to a wider array of users. Moreover, Microsoft intends to introduce a tool for developing topic-specific Copilots, catering to the diverse requirements of its user base.

    Distinctive Advantage through Office Integration

    Despite the comparable pricing and features of Microsoft’s recent offerings with OpenAI’s ChatGPT Plus, the integration of Copilot with Office bestows upon it a unique edge. Users can seamlessly employ AI capabilities within their familiar productivity suite, heightening their efficiency and output.

    Deliberations on Data Privacy

    It is crucial to note that Microsoft’s stance on data privacy varies between its consumer and corporate iterations of Copilot. For the consumer version, Microsoft plans to retain a portion of data for model refinement and augmentation. Nevertheless, this practice raises apprehensions about user privacy and the utilization of personal data.

    Final Thoughts

    In summary, Microsoft’s rollout of a consumer-grade Copilot with OpenAI’s ChatGPT technology signifies a momentous stride towards democratizing AI tools. With its integration into Microsoft Office, AI becomes more attainable and functional for professional and personal usage. While the fresh offering competes with similar products in terms of price and functionality, the Office integration confers a unique advantage. Nonetheless, users should prudently ponder the data privacy implications linked to Microsoft’s retention and application of personal data.

  • New in India: POCO X6 & X6 Pro with 6.67″ FHD+ AMOLED, Dimensity 8300 Ultra/Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 SoC

    New in India: POCO X6 & X6 Pro with 6.67″ FHD+ AMOLED, Dimensity 8300 Ultra/Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 SoC

    POCO X6 Series: Economical Mid-Range Smartphones with Remarkable Attributes

    POCO, a well-known mobile phone brand, has recently introduced its POCO X6 series in the mid-range segment of the Indian market. The standout offering in this lineup is the POCO X6 Pro, which not only delivers robust performance but also holds the distinction of being the first smartphone in India to showcase the MediaTek Dimensity 8300 Ultra chipset along with Xiaomi’s HyperOS. Conversely, the standard POCO X6 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chipset, presenting users with a variety of choices based on their preferences.

    Exclusive Availability on Flipkart

    Commencing today, the POCO X6 series is now exclusively accessible for purchase on Flipkart. The pricing details are outlined as follows:

    • POCO X6:
    • 8GB RAM + 256GB storage variant: Rs 21,999
    • 12GB RAM + 512GB storage variant: Rs 24,999
    • POCO X6 Pro:
    • 8GB RAM + 256GB storage variant: Rs 26,999
    • 12GB RAM + 512GB storage variant: Rs 28,999

    The POCO X6 offers color choices in Snowstorm White and Mirror Black, while the X6 Pro presents Racing Grey, Spectre Black, and POCO Yellow options.

    Exciting Incentives for Purchasers

    Buyers of the POCO X6 series have the opportunity to enjoy several enticing incentives. ICICI Bank credit and debit cardholders, along with those opting for EMI transactions, are eligible for a discount of Rs 2,000. Moreover, customers can receive an exchange bonus of up to Rs 2,000 when selecting either the POCO X6 or X6 Pro.

    Impressive Specifications

    The POCO X6 and X6 Pro both showcase impressive specifications. They feature a 6.67-inch 1.5K AMOLED display with a high 120Hz refresh rate and Gorilla Glass protection. The phones are equipped with a triple camera system, including a 64MP primary camera.

    In terms of battery capacity, the POCO X6 Pro houses a 5,000mAh battery, whereas the POCO X6 sports a slightly larger 5,100mAh battery. Both models support 67W fast charging for rapid and convenient charging.

    On the software front, the POCO X6 Pro operates on Xiaomi’s novel HyperOS based on Android 14, while the POCO X6 is powered by MIUI 14 based on Android 13.

    Additional features of the POCO X6 series encompass an IP54 rating for water and dust resistance, an in-display fingerprint sensor for heightened security, dual speakers for an immersive audio experience, and an IR blaster for remote control functionalities.

    With its competitive pricing, powerful performance, and remarkable features, the POCO X6 series aims to offer users a compelling option in the mid-range smartphone category. The exclusive availability on Flipkart and the appealing incentives serve to enhance the overall value proposition.

  • Pre-order Perks for Galaxy S24 Series Possibly Revealed in Last-Minute Leak

    Pre-order Perks for Galaxy S24 Series Possibly Revealed in Last-Minute Leak

    Potential Pre-Order Deals Surface Ahead of Samsung Galaxy S24 Launch Event

    Ahead of Samsung’s highly anticipated Galaxy S24 launch event, scheduled for tomorrow, January 17th, some potential pre-order deals have surfaced online. Leaks reportedly from Samsung Austria have provided insights into storage upgrades, trade-in bonuses, and exclusive online colors for the upcoming Galaxy S24 series.

    Storage Upgrades and Limited Editions

    According to the leaked information, buyers in Austria, and potentially other European regions, will enjoy a free storage upgrade when purchasing a Galaxy S24. For instance, those who opt for the 128GB model may receive the 256GB version instead, and so forth. However, it is worth noting that the 1TB upgrade for the Galaxy S24 Ultra might be limited to just 2,000 units across select participating retailers.

    Trade-In Bonus

    In addition to the storage upgrade, Samsung is offering a trade-in bonus during the pre-order period, which runs from January 17th to 30th. Customers who trade in their old devices can expect to receive a guaranteed €100 bonus on top of the standard trade-in value.

    Exclusive Online Colors

    Samsung is also introducing exclusive online color options for the Galaxy S24 series. Previous reports indicated that the Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus would be available in Onyx Black, Marble Gray, Cobalt Violet, and Amber Yellow, while the S24 Ultra would come in Titanium Black, Titanium Violet, Titanium Yellow, and Titanium Gray.

    However, the latest leak reveals that the S24 and S24 Plus will have additional online-exclusive colors, namely Jade Green, Sapphire Blue, and Sandstone Orange. The S24 Ultra will also feature exclusive online colors, including Titanium Green, Titanium Blue, and Titanium Orange.

    Specifications and Features

    As for the specifications, all three smartphones in the Galaxy S24 series will boast a Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen with a 120Hz refresh rate. The devices will also feature a glass-sandwich build protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus.

    While the Galaxy S24 Plus and Galaxy S24 will predominantly use the Exynos 2400 processor, the US and Canada variants will be equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC. On the other hand, the Ultra model will come with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor in all markets worldwide.