Author: GizNews

October 13, 2023
Apple Vision Pro’s Economical Variant: A Friendly Price with Compromised Features
In a bid to reach a wider consumer base, Apple is reportedly working on a cost-effective variant of its high-end mixed reality headset, the Apple Vision Pro. The original device, priced at a steep $3,500, is beyond the reach of many consumers, prompting Apple to explore a more budget-friendly version¹²³.
Lowering the Price Tag
The prime focus in developing this economical variant is to significantly lower the price to a range of $1,500 to $2,500. The strategy to achieve this price cut involves removing certain features and downgrading the chip used in the device⁴⁵.
Sacrificing the EyeSight Feature
One of the notable features to be axed in this cost-cutting endeavor is the EyeSight feature. The EyeSight technology in the original Vision Pro uses an external OLED display to project a three-dimensional rendering of the user’s facial expressions to others in the room. While this feature enhances the interactive experience, it doesn’t offer substantial benefits to the wearer of the device. By eliminating this feature, Apple can significantly reduce the bill of materials, thus lowering the price point of the device⁶.
Reduced Camera and Sensor Array
Additionally, the number of cameras and sensors will be trimmed down in the budget-friendly variant. This move is another step towards reducing the production costs while maintaining the core functionality of the mixed reality headset⁶.
Future Expectations
Although Apple is heading towards a more affordable Vision Pro, there are speculations that the low-cost version might have been shelved for now⁷. On the brighter side, along with the low-cost model, Apple is purportedly also working on a second-generation high-end Vision Pro, focusing on making it lighter, more comfortable, and equipped with a chip spec bump⁶.
The development of a low-cost Apple Vision Pro is a testament to Apple’s initiative to make mixed reality technology more accessible. While the reduction in price comes with a trade-off in features, it opens the door for a broader consumer base to experience Apple’s mixed reality technology.
Source Links: appleinsider.com | wccftech.com | 9to5mac.com
Tags: Apple, Apple Vision Pro
October 13, 2023
Unveiling the Budget-Friendly Powerhouse: The OPPO A2X
In a market saturated with high-end smartphones, the OPPO A2X emerges as a breath of fresh air for budget-conscious consumers. Officially announced on October 14, 2023, and making its debut in the Chinese market, the OPPO A2X is a showcase of how affordability and decent specifications can go hand in hand.
Aesthetics and Build
Offered in three distinct colors – Black, Yellow, and Purple, the OPPO A2X brings a subtle elegance to the budget smartphone segment. The Yellow and Purple variants feature a textured finish on the back, lending a unique look and a comfortable grip¹.
Core Specifications
At the heart of the OPPO A2X lies the MediaTek Dimensity 6020 chipset, a reliable performer that ensures smooth multitasking and decent gaming performance. The smartphone comes in two memory configurations; a 6GB RAM with 128GB storage and an 8GB RAM with 256GB storage variant. This provides ample space and memory for regular usage and some more²³.
The display is a 6.56-inch LCD panel with HD+ resolution, supporting a 90Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling and a better visual experience. The maximum brightness of 720 nits makes it usable even under bright sunlight. The device also offers a modest photography experience with a 13-megapixel rear camera and a 5-megapixel front camera for selfies and video calls³.
Battery and Software
Packing a 5000mAh battery, the OPPO A2X ensures that you get through a full day of moderate usage without reaching for the charger. On the software front, it comes with Android 13 overlaid with OPPO’s ColorOS 13.1, providing a smooth and intuitive user interface³.
Connectivity and Additional Features
The phone supports 5G connectivity, alongside other standard connectivity options like WiFi 5, Bluetooth 5.1 LE, GPS, Glonass, and Beidou. A side-mounted fingerprint sensor, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and IP54 certification for dust and water resistance are some of the additional features that come along with the phone, making it a well-rounded option for its price point³.
Pricing
The pricing is one of the major attractions of the OPPO A2X. The 6/128 GB variant is priced at CNY1,099 ($150/€142) while the 8/256 GB variant comes at a slightly higher price, making it an attractive option for those looking for budget-friendly yet capable smartphones¹³.
In conclusion, the OPPO A2X is a noteworthy entrant in the budget smartphone category, offering a good balance of performance, features, and pricing.
Sources:
- GSM Arena
- TudoCelular.com
Tags: Oppo

October 13, 2023

Intel Meteor Lake Core Ultra 5-135H: A Leap Towards Mainstream Laptop Performance

In the arena of laptop computing, the Intel Meteor Lake Core Ultra 5-135H CPU has emerged as a potential game-changer, promising to bring robust performance to mainstream laptops. The recently unveiled benchmarks further bolster this claim, showcasing a glimpse of what this new chip is capable of.

Core Configuration and Performance

The Intel Core Ultra 5-135H is a part of the new Meteor Lake series and exhibits a 14-core configuration, incorporating 4 Performance-cores (P-cores), 8 Efficiency-cores (E-cores), and 2 additional cores. This configuration has been revealed through the Geekbench 5 database, indicating a promising blend of performance and efficiency tailored for mainstream laptop users¹.

Comparative Performance Insights

Although specific benchmark scores for the Core Ultra 5-135H are yet to be disclosed, a look at other models in the Meteor Lake “Core Ultra” lineup provides a performance panorama. For instance, the Core Ultra 7 155H scored 2346 points in single-core and an impressive 12,853 points in multi-core tests, suggesting a high-performance bar set by the series². Furthermore, the Core Ultra 5 125H CPU’s benchmarks indicate a base clock of 3.60 GHz and a boost clock around the 4.5 GHz range, hinting at the performance metrics we might expect from the 5-135H model³.

CPU NAME	PROCESS NODE	CORE CONFIGURATION	THREADS (TOTAL)	BASE / BOOST CLOCK	L3 CACHE	TDP
Intel Core Ultra 9 185H	Intel 4	6+8+2 (16)	22	3.8 GHz / 5.1 GHz	24 MB	15-28W
Intel Core Ultra 7 165H	Intel 4	6+8+2 (16)	22	3.8 GHz / 5.0 GHz	24 MB	15-28W
Intel Core Ultra 7 155H	Intel 4	6+8+2 (16)	22	3.8 GHz / 4.8 GHz	24 MB	15-28W
Intel Core Ultra 5 135H	Intel 4	4+8+2 (14)	18	3.6 GHz / TBD	20 MB	15-28W
Intel Core Ultra 5 125H	Intel 4	4+8+2 (14)	18	3.6 GHz / 4.5 GHz	20 MB	15-28W

Anticipated Impact on Laptop Market

With the unveiling of the Meteor Lake Core Ultra CPUs, Intel is poised to refresh the mainstream laptop market. Initial releases are expected to feature both Core Ultra 7 and Core Ultra 5 CPUs, bringing a new level of computing power to a broader range of laptops. The performance prospects of these chips, as reflected in the leaked benchmarks, could potentially reshape the market dynamics, offering more power to users without a hefty price tag⁴.

Conclusion

The Intel Meteor Lake Core Ultra 5-135H CPU, with its 14-core configuration, heralds a significant leap towards equipping mainstream laptops with higher computing power. While the full extent of its performance is yet to be unveiled, the leaked benchmarks of its siblings in the Meteor Lake series offer a promising glimpse into what’s on the horizon.

Tags: Intel, Meteor Lake

October 13, 2023
Unveiling the Impressive Specifications of Xiaomi 14
The anticipation surrounding the release of Xiaomi 14 is burgeoning, especially with the recent leaks shedding light on its full specifications. The smartphone, expected to debut on October 27, is brimming with features that hold the promise of an enhanced user experience.
Display and Design
One of the significant highlights of Xiaomi 14 is its 6.44-inch C8 OLED display with a resolution of 1.5K, providing a crisp and vibrant visual experience. The display is further enhanced with a 120Hz refresh rate, making the user interface exceptionally smooth. With a peak brightness of 2,800 nits, Dolby Vision, and HDR10+ support, the Xiaomi 14’s display is engineered for stunning visual clarity under varied lighting conditions¹²³⁴.
Performance and Storage
Under the hood, Xiaomi 14 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, coupled with LPDDR5x RAM, ensuring a fluid performance even during intensive multitasking. The smartphone offers substantial storage options with UFS 4.0, available in variants of up to 1TB. This ample storage alongside a high-speed processor ensures that the Xiaomi 14 stands tall in terms of performance and storage capacity¹².
Camera Capabilities
The Xiaomi 14 houses a remarkable camera setup comprising three Leica-branded sensors. Each sensor carries a 50MP capacity, with one serving as the main lens, another as an ultra-wide lens, and the third as a telephoto lens. This robust camera setup ensures that users can capture high-resolution images and videos in a variety of settings, making Xiaomi 14 a compelling choice for photography enthusiasts¹².
Battery and Connectivity
The smartphone is backed by a 4,600mAh battery, supporting 90W wired, 50W wireless, and 10W reverse wireless charging. This robust battery and diverse charging options ensure that the Xiaomi 14 keeps running through the day, catering to the users’ connectivity and usage needs seamlessly. Moreover, with 5G network support, Xiaomi 14 is ready to provide fast internet connectivity, ensuring that users remain connected in this fast-paced digital world¹⁵.
Software
On the software front, there is speculation that Xiaomi 14 might feature MiOS as its operating system, although it might still retain Android 14 running under MIUI 15. This showcases Xiaomi’s continuous efforts in providing a smooth and intuitive user interface, which is a critical aspect of user satisfaction¹.
The Xiaomi 14, with its high-end specifications, is set to make a significant impact on the smartphone market. It’s a blend of superior display, powerful performance, exceptional camera setup, and robust battery life, all of which are encased in a sleek and modern design.
Sources:
Tags: Xiaomi, xiaomi 14
October 13, 2023
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 Brightens Up with a New Yellow Variant in India
Samsung has introduced a vivid yellow color variant for its Galaxy Z Flip 5 in India, expanding the color palette for its customers. The fresh hue not only makes a vibrant statement but comes just in time for the festive season, alongside some enticing offers.
Availability and Pricing
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 Yellow color variant is now available for purchase through Samsung’s official online store, and selected retail outlets. The smartphone comes in two storage configurations: an 8GB + 256GB variant priced at Rs 99,999, and an 8GB + 512GB variant, although the price for the latter was incorrectly listed as Rs 99,999 in one source¹. The top-end variant with 8GB RAM + 512GB storage is priced at Rs. 1,09,999². Additionally, customers can avail bank cashback and an upgrade bonus amounting up to Rs 14,000 in benefits, further sweetening the deal¹.
Specifications
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 runs on Android 13 with OneUI 5.1.1 on top. The heart of the phone is powered by a custom Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform for Galaxy, which boasts overclocked CPU and GPU cores. It flaunts a 6.7-inch full-HD+ (1,080×2,640 pixels) Dynamic AMOLED 2X Infinity Flex inner display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, alongside a 3.4-inch Super AMOLED folder-shaped cover display with a resolution of 720×748 pixels and a 60Hz refresh rate. The display and rear panel are well-protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2. The device is also backed by a 3,700mAh battery, ensuring it keeps up with the demands of daily usage².
Color Options and Offers
The new Yellow color variant joins the existing color options of Cream, Graphite, Mint, and Lavender, providing a more extensive choice for customers looking for a unique look. This addition is part of Samsung’s efforts to provide a diverse range of color options to suit different preferences. The Yellow color variant, along with other color options, is a part of the special deals announced for the upcoming festive season, making it a great time to consider grabbing a Galaxy Z Flip 5¹.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 in Yellow is not only a fresh look but a smart choice for those looking to upgrade, especially with the exciting offers at hand.
Sources:
- 91Mobiles
- Gadgets360
Tags: Samsung, Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5
October 13, 2023
Garmin Unveils Exciting Features with Update 14.68 for Select Smartwatches
Garmin has recently rolled out a significant update, version 14.68, enhancing the functionality of various smartwatches including Fenix 7, Fenix 7 Pro, Epix 2, and Epix 2 Pro. This update, once exclusive to Beta Program members, is now accessible to all users, marking a noteworthy upgrade from the previous version 13.22.
New Additions and Enhancements
The highlight of this update is the introduction of a Gaming App, improvements to Golf features, and the ability to view weather forecasts for multiple locations directly on your smartwatch. Additionally, an array of sports activities like American Football, Ice Hockey, Soccer, and more have been added to non-pro models, enriching the user experience significantly.
Garmin also introduced a Device Settings Backup and Restore feature, allowing a seamless transition between old and new devices. A revamped Virtual Caddie interface is among the optimizations made to Golf features, ensuring a more intuitive and enjoyable experience for golf enthusiasts.
User Feedback and Future Updates
Some users have reported crashes post-update, an issue Garmin is yet to address. However, the company encourages users to share any issues on their forum for a better resolution. With update 14.68, the 14.xx Beta cycle concludes, hinting at the initiation of the 15.xx period in the near future.
Garmin continues to evolve its software capabilities, ensuring an enhanced user experience with each update. The latest update is a testimony to Garmin’s commitment to delivering robust and feature-rich smartwatches to cater to a variety of user needs.
Compatible smartwatches
- Fenix 7
- Fenix 7 Pro
- Fenix 7x
- Fenix 7x Pro
- Fenix 7s
- Fenix 7s Pro
- Epix
- Epix Pro
- Enduro 2
- Quatix 7
- MARQ Gen 2
Source: NotebookCheck
Tags: Garmin
October 12, 2023
Honor X9b: Design and Performance Insights
The upcoming Honor X9b, succeeding the Honor X9a, has piqued the interest of smartphone aficionados as teaser images reveal a blend of aesthetic tweaks and potential powerful performance. Honor, a Huawei subsidiary, has teased the design of this new entrant on its Malaysian website, giving us a taste of what’s to come.
Design Evolution
At the outset, the Honor X9b echoes the design ethos of its predecessor with its circular camera island. However, a closer look unveils a shift in the material narrative. One of the variants is expected to flaunt a vegan leather back panel, a departure from conventional smartphone materials. This not only caters to the eco-conscious consumer but also to those who yearn for the tactile feel of leather¹.
The front panel, as revealed in a teaser image on Honor’s official X account, carries forward the curved design legacy of the X9a, housing a centered punch-hole for the selfie camera. This design nuance augments the screen-to-body ratio, promising a more immersive viewing experience¹.
A Sneak Peek into Performance
The performance landscape of the Honor X9b got a spotlight on Geekbench, where it was spotted with a Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 SoC, hinting at a formidable processing powerhouse. The SoC harbors an octa-core processor with four cores clocked at 2.21GHz and the other four at 1.80GHz. Accompanying this is a generous up to 12GB of RAM. The device is set to embrace Android 13 right from the get-go, as evidenced by the Geekbench listing where it scored 936 points in single-core and 2774 points in multi-core tests².
Awaiting Official Unveiling
As the tech community holds its breath for the official unveiling, the Honor X9b is already generating a buzz with its glimpsed design and performance specs. While the complete specifications and features remain under wraps, the tidbits available are fueling the anticipation.
The dual narrative of eco-conscious material choice and robust performance posits the Honor X9b as a noteworthy entrant in the smartphone arena. With the “coming soon” tag dangling, the countdown to its official unveiling is nothing short of exciting.
Sources:
- Gsmarena
- gizmochina.com
Tags: honor, Honor X9b
October 12, 2023
Apple Faces Growing Legal Storm: 36 More Plaintiffs Join AirTag Stalking Lawsuit
The legal quagmire for tech giant Apple is deepening as 36 additional plaintiffs from 20 US states have joined a class-action lawsuit concerning the misuse of Apple’s AirTags for stalking purposes. The lawsuit, initially filed in December, accuses Apple of negligence for failing to incorporate adequate anti-stalking safeguards before launching AirTags. The total count of individuals, not including unnamed class members, now stands at 38 as the amended complaint brings new accusations to light, painting a grim picture of the real-world dangers posed by the misuse of AirTags¹.
A Trail of Terror
Apple’s AirTags, despite their primary function to help users locate misplaced items, have become tools of terror in the hands of stalkers. The size of a large coin, AirTags employ Bluetooth broadcasting technology to link with nearby Apple devices, registering their location on Apple’s FindMy network. This feature, while innovative, has become a double-edged sword. The lawsuit highlights how the ubiquity of Apple devices in the US amplifies the risk, making it nearly impossible for individuals being stalked to escape the 30-foot reach of AirTags, even if they do not own an Apple device themselves¹.
Disturbingly, since the original filing, there has been an “explosion of reporting” concerning AirTag stalking cases. In Tulsa, Oklahoma alone, police have investigated 19 cases involving AirTags, many of which ended in violence. The amended complaint also links multiple instances of AirTag tracking directly to tragic outcomes, including murders. For instance, one woman was murdered by her boyfriend after discovering and removing an AirTag he had hidden in her car. In another horrifying event, a 61-year-old theft victim was murdered after tracking stolen vehicles equipped with AirTags to the thieves’ locations¹.
A Call for Accountability
The outcry for accountability grows louder as the victims and their families seek justice. The nearly 100-page-long amended complaint adds a myriad of victim accounts, illustrating the far-reaching implications of this technology gone awry. In one case, an AirTag was found sewn into a stuffed teddy bear among objects recovered from an ex-partner’s home. In another, a woman was unable to sell her car due to multiple undiscovered AirTags, which mechanics failed to locate¹.
As Apple finds itself under the legal microscope, the allegations underscore a pressing need for tech companies to prioritize user safety and privacy over innovation. The lawsuit, now bolstered by a growing roster of plaintiffs, sends a strong message about the dire consequences when technology is misused and inadequately safeguarded against potential threats.
Sources:
- The Register
Tags: Apple, Apple AirTag
October 12, 2023
iPhone 16 Pro: A Pinnacle of Connectivity with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X75 Modem
The anticipation surrounding Apple’s latest marvel, the iPhone 16 Pro, has reached a crescendo as new leaks hint at groundbreaking features. The tech aficionados are particularly thrilled about the integration of 5G Advanced technology, courtesy of the Snapdragon X75 modem. This not only catapults the iPhone 16 Pro to the pinnacle of connectivity but also earmarks a significant transition for Apple, which traditionally relied on its in-house chips for cellular connectivity.
Groundbreaking Connectivity
The integration of the Snapdragon X75 modem is a game-changer, ensuring ultra-fast and reliable connectivity. This move signifies Apple’s intent to provide its users with a seamless internet experience, especially crucial in a world increasingly reliant on digital communication. The 5G Advanced technology promises to revolutionize how users interact with the digital realm, making activities such as streaming, downloading, and online gaming smoother than ever before.
Aesthetic and Functional Design
While the connectivity aspect is creating waves, the design and functionality of the iPhone 16 Pro are equally compelling. Though the exact specifications are still under wraps, the market experts believe that Apple will continue its tradition of delivering a sleek, modern design coupled with a robust and user-friendly interface. The blend of aesthetic appeal and top-notch functionality is something that has always set Apple’s devices apart from the competition.
Pricing and Availability
As the launch date approaches, the pricing details remain speculative. However, going by the historical pricing trends, it’s safe to assume that the iPhone 16 Pro will carry a premium price tag, synonymous with Apple’s brand of high-quality and innovative gadgets. The exact pricing and availability will undoubtedly be among the hot topics as the launch event draws near.
The leaks and rumors surrounding the iPhone 16 Pro have undoubtedly stirred the excitement among the tech community. The integration of the Snapdragon X75 modem for enhanced 5G connectivity is a significant highlight, promising a new era of internet speed and reliability. As the world keenly awaits the official unveiling, the iPhone 16 Pro is already being touted as a masterpiece of modern technology.
Sources: MacRumors, GizmoChina, Wccftech
Tags: Apple, iPhone 16 Pro
October 12, 2023
Azul 3D Secures $15M Funding to Propel Large-Scale 3D Printing Technology
In a significant leap towards advancing large-scale 3D printing technology, Illinois-based Azul 3D has successfully garnered $15 million in a Series A funding round. This financial boost, backed by both existing and new investors including global electronics titan DuPont, is set to accelerate the development of Azul 3D’s proprietary High-Area Rapid Printing (HARP) technology. The funds are earmarked for advancing technology for high-value applications and expanding production in targeted markets, notably the manufacturing of specialized electronic components and custom devices.
Advancements in HARP Technology
At the heart of Azul 3D’s innovative strides is the High-Area Rapid Printing (HARP) technology. This unique vat polymerization technique employs UV light to craft precise, thermally controlled objects from liquid plastic, boasting superior material properties. The HARP technology underpins the LAKE 3D printer, a resin-based machine known for its significant build volume and rapid printing capabilities. Notably, the LAKE 3D printer has showcased unmatched throughput, reported to be up to 2000 times that of similar resin printers, making it a promising tool for various manufacturing sectors including consumer goods, automotive, and industrial tooling.

Strategic Partnerships and New Leadership
The Series A funding saw participation from investors across the globe, including those from the EMEA and Asia regions, with significant backing from DuPont, a leading contributor. DuPont’s Vice President of Technology, Randal King, expressed enthusiasm about the potential of HARP technology to create new business avenues. Additionally, Azul 3D’s collaboration with DuPont, initiated in 2020, aimed at integrating advanced 3D printing technologies into the electronic materials industry, underscoring the mutually beneficial partnerships Azul 3D has fostered.
In a noteworthy development, the funding round welcomed John Hartner as the CEO of Azul 3D. With a solid 30-year track record in leading global technology companies across diverse sectors, Hartner’s leadership is poised to steer Azul 3D towards greater heights. Furthermore, the addition of G. Walter “Wally” Loewenbaum to Azul 3D’s board, a seasoned figure in the 3D printing industry, reaffirms the company’s commitment to driving innovation in large-scale 3D printing.
Mapping the Future of Large-Scale 3D Printing
With a fresh influx of capital, enhanced leadership, and robust technology, Azul 3D is well-positioned to navigate the uncharted waters of large-scale 3D printing. The company’s journey reflects a blend of financial acumen, technological innovation, and strategic partnerships, paving the way for capturing high-value markets and enabling innovative new products. As Azul 3D steps into this new phase, the large-scale 3D printing landscape is set to witness transformative changes, heralding a new era of manufacturing possibilities.
Sources: 3D Printing Industry, 3DPrint.com