Author: GizNews

  • Casio M-Edition: Stylish Watch Inspired by Leica M Cameras

    Casio M-Edition: Stylish Watch Inspired by Leica M Cameras

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Casio M-Edition is back in stock for orders through PPP Cameras, with shipping starting in May.
    2. The watch is available in silver and black, priced at 160 GBP each, with international shipping offered.
    3. Design elements include a red section on the dial and a red LED light, inspired by Leica M cameras.
    4. The watch features a leather strap that mimics the texture of Leica M camera leather.
    5. It is water-resistant up to 100 meters, has a 10-year battery life, and can be programmed with up to five alarms and display time in four time zones.

    The Casio M-Edition, created through a partnership between British retailer PPP Cameras and Casio, is back in stock after it was quickly sold out when it launched in January. Customers can now place orders for the watch through PPP Cameras, but they should note that shipping for these new orders won’t start until May.

    Pricing and Availability

    The watch is offered in two colors, silver and black, and is priced at 160 GBP each. PPP Cameras also provides international shipping services. It’s important to remember that the stated price does not cover import sales tax or customs fees. While the Casio M-Edition shares many features with the popular Casio AE-1200WHD (available for $49.99 on Amazon), PPP Cameras has implemented several design changes inspired by the Leica M rangefinder cameras.

    Design Features

    At the top left of the watch’s round dial, there’s a red section that nods to the red dot found on the Leica logo. Additionally, the LED light for the display in low light conditions is red rather than white, drawing a connection to the red LED present in traditional Leica M light meters. The watch is equipped with a leather strap that mimics the leather seen on Leica M cameras, although it has a much smoother texture compared to what is typically found on most cameras.

    Functionality

    Similar to the Casio AE-1200WHD, the Casio M-Edition is designed to be water-resistant up to 100 meters, making it suitable for swimming. With regular use, the battery is expected to last around 10 years. Besides showing the time and date, this digital watch can also be programmed with up to five alarms and can display time across four different time zones.

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  • ViewSonic XC27G66: 27-Inch QHD Gaming Monitor with 340Hz Refresh

    ViewSonic XC27G66: 27-Inch QHD Gaming Monitor with 340Hz Refresh

    Key Takeaways

    1. The ViewSonic XC27G66-2K is a 27-inch gaming monitor with a Fast IPS display and a refresh rate of up to 340 Hz.
    2. It has a resolution of 2560 x 1440, peak brightness of 500 nits, and a contrast ratio of 1300:1, but lacks mini LED backlighting.
    3. The monitor offers 100% sRGB and 99% DCI-P3 color coverage, making it suitable for color-sensitive tasks.
    4. Additional features include RGB lighting, FreeSync and G-Sync support, and limited tilt adjustments; VESA mounting is recommended for better ergonomics.
    5. Connectivity options include dual HDMI 2.1 ports and a single DisplayPort 1.4; pricing and availability are not yet confirmed.

    ViewSonic has introduced a new gaming monitor designed for serious gamers who value speed above all else. Known as the XC27G66-2K, this 27-inch monitor features a Fast IPS display and can achieve a refresh rate of up to 340 Hz.

    Key Features

    The monitor will have a resolution of 2560 x 1440, which is more than sufficient for competitive gaming. The brand states that it will reach a peak brightness of 500 nits and have a contrast ratio of 1300:1. However, it does not offer support for mini LED backlighting, which is why its contrast performance might be seen as somewhat average. In comparison, OLED panels are significantly better in this area.

    Performance and Color Accuracy

    Nevertheless, the standout feature of the XC27G66 is its refresh rate, which can be overclocked to an impressive 340 Hz from a native rate of 320 Hz. ViewSonic also claims that the monitor achieves 100% coverage of the sRGB color space and 99% of the DCI-P3 color gamut, making it potentially suitable for tasks that require accurate color representation, depending on the monitor’s actual performance.

    Additional Features

    Some other noteworthy aspects include RGB lighting, support for FreeSync and G-Sync, and gaming-specific features like adjustable crosshair colors. However, the monitor only allows tilt adjustments from -5° to 15°. For those looking for more ergonomic options, VESA mounting will be necessary. In terms of connectivity, it comes with dual HDMI 2.1 ports and a single DisplayPort 1.4.

    Pricing and availability are still uncertain at this moment, but further information should emerge soon. For context, the MSI Mag 27 274QRFW has similar specifications and is priced at $299 on Amazon as of now.

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  • Compact 8.8-inch Gaming Tablet with 144Hz Display Coming Soon

    Compact 8.8-inch Gaming Tablet with 144Hz Display Coming Soon

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Alldocube iPlay Mini 4 Ultra gaming tablet features the MediaTek Dimensity 8300 SoC, achieving an Antutu score over 1.7 million points.
    2. It has an 8.8-inch display with a resolution of 2560 x 1440, 500 nits peak brightness, and a 144 Hz refresh rate.
    3. The tablet includes a 7,200 mAh battery with 33 watts of fast charging and a bypass mode.
    4. A global launch is anticipated, with hints at the international version possibly being named the iPlay 80 Mini Ultra.
    5. There are ongoing security concerns from previous Alldocube models, but the company is working on updates to improve security for newer devices.

    As previously mentioned, the Alldocube iPlay Mini 4 Ultra gaming tablet is on the verge of launching, showcasing remarkable performance and an 8.8-inch screen. At that time, we lacked specific details about the exact processor that would be utilized in the tablet, but it looks like we now have that information.

    Processor Power

    The iPlay Mini 4 Ultra gaming tablet will be equipped with the efficient MediaTek Dimensity 8300 SoC, according to ITHome. This aligns with the earlier hinted Antutu score of the gaming tablet, which exceeds 1.7 million points. We’ve seen this mid-range SoC featured in several budget tablets, like the Lenovo Idea Tab Pro, which is currently priced at $308 on Amazon.

    Display Features

    This tablet will feature an 8.8-inch display offering a resolution of 2560 x 1440, along with a peak brightness of 500 nits. It will also support a refresh rate of 144 Hz, which is expected in gaming products. A substantial 7,200 mAh battery will be included, supporting up to 33 watts of fast charging with a bypass mode.

    Global Launch Anticipation

    A worldwide launch for the iPlay Mini 4 Ultra gaming tablet seems likely, especially since its predecessor, the iPlay Mini 3 Ultra, was released globally as the iPlay 70 Mini Ultra. A prior teaser had indicated that the international version might be called the iPlay 80 Mini Ultra, although precise information about the launch date or pricing is still unavailable at this moment.

    The specific dimensions remain uncertain for now, but it has been reported that the gaming tablet will have a weight of just 0.72 pounds, or approximately 330 grams. It will have a slim profile, measuring only 7.75 mm in thickness.

    Security Concerns

    We want to remind our audience about the serious security challenges faced by earlier Alldocube products. The company has issued statements claiming that most of its newer models are secure and has pledged to conduct further investigations along with OTA security updates.

    ITHome

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  • Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 to Get 5G Upgrade, Competes with Apple

    Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 to Get 5G Upgrade, Competes with Apple

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 may feature 5G connectivity, making it the first Galaxy Watch with this capability.
    2. Current Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025) supports only 4G/LTE and lacks a Bluetooth-only version.
    3. The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 is expected to use the Snapdragon Wear Elite chip, unlike the Galaxy Watch 9 series, which will likely use the Exynos W1000 chip.
    4. Samsung typically announces new devices in July, suggesting the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 will launch alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Flip 8.
    5. The new smartwatch aims to compete with Apple’s latest models in terms of connectivity features.

    As we get closer to the summer release period, rumors about new gadgets are intensifying. Among the devices that Samsung is likely to reveal in the next few months is the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2. New details about this smartwatch have emerged, suggesting that it could rival Apple’s newest models in terms of connectivity.

    5G Connectivity Expectations

    Recent leaks from GalaxyClub indicate that the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 might feature 5G connectivity. If this information is correct, it would be the very first Galaxy Watch to offer this capability, putting it on par with Apple’s devices. Apple introduced 5G support to its smartwatches with the Watch Ultra 3 (available on Amazon) and the Watch Series 11 (available on Amazon). However, it remains uncertain whether the Galaxy Watch 9 series will receive an upgrade to include a 5G modem.

    Current Specifications

    The existing Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025) only supports 4G/LTE and does not have a Bluetooth-only version. It’s likely that the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 will follow the same pattern. While not much information has been leaked so far regarding the new smartwatches, a recent report mentioned that Samsung plans to use the Snapdragon Wear Elite for the Ultra 2 model. In contrast, the Galaxy Watch 9 and Watch 9 Classic are expected to continue using the Exynos W1000 chip.

    Anticipated Launch Timing

    In terms of release dates, Samsung usually unveils its new foldable phones and wearables at the same time in July. Therefore, it’s reasonable to expect the Galaxy Watch 9 series and the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 to be announced alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Flip 8.

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  • Xiaomi Book Pro 14 Teased: Panther Lake & Long Battery Life

    Xiaomi Book Pro 14 Teased: Panther Lake & Long Battery Life

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Xiaomi Book Pro 14, featuring Panther Lake, claims superior battery life compared to the Apple MacBook Pro M5, with up to 19.8 hours of local 1080p video playback.
    2. It includes a 72Wh battery with an energy density of up to 800Wh/L and comes with a 100W GaN fast charger for quick charging.
    3. The laptop has a magnesium alloy chassis with a skin-friendly coating, enhancing durability and comfort.
    4. The bottom cover is made from carbon fiber, making it 40% lighter than standard aluminum alloy, while the keyboard support plate is made from titanium alloy, which is 44% lighter than stainless steel.
    5. The Xiaomi Book Pro 14 can be customized with up to an Intel Core Ultra X7 358H processor, with a launch in China expected soon.

    The newly updated Xiaomi Book Pro 14 has been recently presented as a sleek and lightweight Panther Lake laptop. A new teaser from the company highlights a direct comparison with the Apple MacBook Pro M5.

    Battery Performance Claims

    In the teaser, Xiaomi asserts that the Xiaomi Book Pro 14, equipped with Panther Lake, outperforms the Apple MacBook Pro M5 (16/512GB currently priced at $1,399.99 on Amazon) in terms of battery life during streaming and online meetings. They further claim that this Panther Lake laptop can provide as much as 19.8 hours of local 1080p video playback, which is impressive for a laptop weighing just 1.08kg.

    Design Features

    Additionally, Xiaomi reveals that the Panther Lake Book Pro 14 is outfitted with a 72Wh battery that boasts an energy density of up to 800Wh/L. The laptop will also include a 100W GaN fast charger, which is said to charge the battery quickly.

    On top of the battery specifications, Xiaomi has disclosed several significant design features. The laptop is designed with a magnesium alloy chassis that has a skin-friendly molecular coating, making it both smooth and resistant to wear. To maintain a lightweight build, the brand has chosen materials that are both light and durable.

    Material Choices

    For instance, the bottom cover is made from carbon fiber, which is reported to be 40% lighter than standard aluminum alloy. Another interesting detail is that the keyboard support plate is manufactured from titanium alloy, which is 44% lighter than the stainless steel plates typically used in most laptops.

    In case you missed it, the company has mentioned that the Xiaomi Book Pro 14 can be customized with up to the Intel Core Ultra X7 358H, a high-performance choice from the Panther Lake series. A configuration featuring the Core Ultra 5 325H has also been identified on Geekbench. While there is no official announcement regarding the release date, the company has hinted that the launch in China will be happening soon.

    Xiaomi shared these updates on Weibo.

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  • TCL Launches Affordable Mini LED Gaming Monitor with 2304 Zones

    TCL Launches Affordable Mini LED Gaming Monitor with 2304 Zones

    Key Takeaways

    1. 27-Inch Mini LED Display: The TCL 27C2A Pro features a 27-inch mini LED screen with 2,304 dimming zones for impressive contrast and reduced blooming.

    2. Dual-Mode Capabilities: It offers 4K resolution at 160 Hz for visuals and FHD at 320 Hz for competitive gaming, with a 1 ms response time.

    3. High Brightness and Color Accuracy: Peak brightness reaches 2,000 nits in HDR mode, with 99% DCI-P3 color gamut coverage and a ΔE of less than 2.

    4. Ergonomic Adjustments: The monitor includes height, tilt, swivel, and a 90° pivot feature, along with AI enhancements for gamers.

    5. Affordable Pricing: Priced at 3,367 Yuan (approximately $488), it offers great value and is currently available in China, with potential for global release.

    TCL has introduced a new gaming monitor called the 27C2A Pro. This monitor features a 27-inch mini LED display, which comes loaded with premium specifications but is still priced reasonably.

    Stunning Display Features

    With 2,304 independent dimming zones, the TCL 27C2A Pro aims to deliver impressive contrast ratios along with reduced blooming around bright elements. Gamers can take advantage of its dual-mode capabilities, switching between 4K resolution at 160 Hz for stunning visuals, and FHD at a remarkable 320 Hz for competitive play. It claims a response time of just 1 ms.

    Brightness and Color Accuracy

    According to TCL, the 27C2A Pro can reach a peak brightness of 2,000 nits in HDR mode, though they haven’t provided details on sustained brightness levels. Given that it’s certified HDR1400, we can expect at least 900 nits for full-screen sustained brightness.

    Moreover, the monitor boasts 99% coverage of the DCI-P3 color gamut, with a ΔE of less than 2, making it a great option for content creators as well. It comes with a variety of ports too, including:

    Ergonomic and Gaming Features

    Users will find ergonomic adjustments such as height, tilt, and swivel. There’s also a 90° pivot feature, which is beneficial for those who use multiple monitors. Additionally, gamers can enjoy AI features like crosshair color inversion and automatic brightness adjustments in low-light situations.

    The TCL 27C2A Pro mini LED gaming monitor is priced at 3,367 Yuan, which is about $488, offering great value for the price. It’s already up for sale in China, and it’s likely to have a global release in the future since TCL often expands its market beyond its home country. Meanwhile, gamers might also want to consider the Asus ROG Strix 240 Hz OLED monitor, listed for $588 on Amazon.

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  • Galaxy Z Flip 8 May Not Get Battery Upgrade, Streak Ends

    Galaxy Z Flip 8 May Not Get Battery Upgrade, Streak Ends

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Galaxy Z Flip 8 is expected to have the same battery capacity as the Galaxy Z Flip 7, with no enhancements in size.
    2. Samsung will not introduce silicon carbon batteries for the Galaxy Z Flip 8, sticking to older battery technology.
    3. The camera setup for the Galaxy Z Flip 8 is likely to remain the same as the Z Flip 7, with potential minor enhancements.
    4. The pricing for the Galaxy Z Flip 8 is anticipated to be similar to the previous model, though RAM and storage prices may affect this.
    5. Samsung’s foldable devices have shown continuous improvements in design and features, but certain updates may be limited in the Galaxy Z Flip 8.

    Samsung has been improving its foldable devices, with each new version bringing important updates compared to the previous ones. The Galaxy Z Fold series has become thinner over time, and the Galaxy Z Flip series has introduced larger cover screens and enhanced battery life. Nonetheless, if the newest rumor is correct, the battery enhancement trend for the Galaxy Z Flip 8 may come to a halt.

    Battery Details

    According to early insights from GalaxyClub, the battery size for the Galaxy Z Flip 8 is likely to stay the same as that of the Galaxy Z Flip 7 (available on Amazon). The report mentions that the two batteries for the Z Flip 8 – EB-BF776 and EB-BF777 – are rated at 1,150 mAh and 3,024 mAh, adding up to 4,174 mAh, which matches the capacity of the Z Flip 7. Samsung markets this capacity as 4,300 mAh.

    Technology Updates

    This also suggests that there won’t be any silicon carbon batteries this year. There were rumors about Samsung experimenting with silicon carbon batteries, with the possibility that the first phone to feature this tech could be the Galaxy S26 Edge. However, it appears that the foldable devices will stick to older technology for now. The Galaxy Z Flip 5 had a battery of 3,700 mAh, which is the same as its predecessor. But Samsung had previously increased the battery size in the last two models; the Z Flip 6 had 4,000 mAh, and the Z Flip 7 has 4,300 mAh.

    Camera and Pricing Expectations

    These updates add to other not-so-great leaks regarding the camera features of the Galaxy Z Flip 8. It seems it will have the same camera configuration as the Z Flip 7, at least in megapixels. There is a chance that Samsung may enhance it with larger aperture or quicker lenses. When it comes to pricing, the Galaxy Z Flip 8 is anticipated to be priced similarly to the previous model. However, the volatile market for RAM and storage might bring changes.

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  • Hydrogen Turbine Shatters NASA Record, Generates Power Without Compressor

    Hydrogen Turbine Shatters NASA Record, Generates Power Without Compressor

    Key Takeaways

    1. Researchers at KIT developed a hydrogen gas turbine that sets a new operational benchmark by running for 303 seconds without a compressor, surpassing NASA’s record.

    2. The new system avoids energy loss from mechanical air compression by using pressure-gain combustion, creating high pressure through natural air patterns and shockwaves.

    3. The engineering team successfully used rapid combustion to rotate a turbine and generate electricity, overcoming a significant technical challenge.

    4. Hydrogen is identified as the ideal fuel for this technology due to its quick reaction and stable pressure increases.

    5. The compressorless design has the potential to create lighter, cheaper, and more efficient power plants, with future applications in aviation.

    Researchers at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) have reached a significant achievement in renewable energy by establishing a new operational benchmark with a hydrogen gas turbine that does not use a compressor. This groundbreaking system operated continuously for 303 seconds, surpassing NASA’s previous record of 250 seconds. By achieving a runtime of over five minutes, the team has proven that this technology is practical for actual power generation.

    Energy Efficiency Breakthrough

    Conventional gas turbines, commonly found in power plants or jet engines, waste nearly half of their produced energy just to mechanically compress the air for ignition. The new system avoids this energy loss by using a method known as pressure-gain combustion. Instead of depending on moving parts to compress air, this technique creates the required high pressure through natural swirling air patterns and internal shockwaves within the combustion chamber.

    Innovative Energy Transfer

    Along with setting the new runtime record, the engineering group is the first to successfully utilize this rapid combustion process to rotate a turbine and produce electricity. Previously, transferring energy from such a dynamic environment was regarded as a significant technical challenge.

    Although the technology can work with different fuels, the researchers pointed out that hydrogen is particularly ideal for this engine because it reacts very quickly and generates stable pressure increases. This compressorless design could pave the way for lighter, cheaper, and significantly more efficient power plants, with potential future uses in the aviation sector. The prototype is set to be presented to the public at the Hannover Messe industrial exhibition in April 2026.

    Karlsruhe Institute of Technology.

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  • Minisforum Launches New Intel Panther Lake Mini-PC with 70W TDP

    Minisforum Launches New Intel Panther Lake Mini-PC with 70W TDP

    Key Takeaways

    1. Minisforum is developing a new mini-PC, the MS-03, powered by Intel’s Panther Lake architecture.
    2. The MS-03 will replace the MS-01, skipping the MS-02 model to avoid competition with the MS-02 Ultra.
    3. The dimensions of the MS-03 are 195 x 195 x 43.5 mm, maintaining a similar sleek black design as its predecessor.
    4. It will feature a Core Ultra 7 356H processor with a TDP of 70 W, promising improved efficiency and performance.
    5. Pricing and availability for the MS-03 have not yet been announced by Minisforum.

    Minisforum has announced that it is working on a new mini-PC powered by Intel’s Panther Lake architecture. To summarize, they are close to launching the M2 Pro featuring Intel’s Core Ultra X9 388H chip. Now, the MS-03 joins the growing lineup of upcoming mini-PCs from Minisforum.

    A New Replacement

    The MS-03 will take the place of the MS-01, as Minisforum has chosen not to introduce an MS-02 to compete with the MS-02 Ultra (currently priced at $1,159.99 on Amazon). The MS-01 was first released in December 2023 and saw an update about six months later. It appears that the MS-03 will keep the same general style as its predecessor, showcasing a sleek black exterior highlighted by a large fan grille.

    Dimensions and Specs

    The dimensions of the MS-03 are 195 x 195 x 43.5 mm. Additionally, Minisforum has disclosed that the new mini-PC will come equipped with a Core Ultra 7 356H processor, which has a thermal design power (TDP) of 70 W. Although our tests on this processor were only conducted at 25 W, its 16 cores and 1.8 nm fabrication process should allow the MS-03 to operate more efficiently and with greater performance compared to the Core i5-12600H, Core i9-12900H, or Core i9-13900H that were options for the MS-01. Pricing and availability details are still unconfirmed by Minisforum.

    Minisforum via Lonely City Hardware

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  • New Xiaomi Robot Vacuum with Roller Mop Now Available

    New Xiaomi Robot Vacuum with Roller Mop Now Available

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Mi Home Robot Vacuum 6 Max has powerful suction up to 35,000 Pa and includes a central roller brush and two side brushes for efficient cleaning.
    2. It features advanced mopping capabilities with a roller mop and 16 fresh water outlets, preventing dirt from spreading.
    3. The robot’s design includes dual mechanical legs for climbing obstacles up to 6 cm and a low profile for cleaning under furniture.
    4. AI technology allows it to recognize 280 types of obstacles and 47 types of dirt, adapting its cleaning methods accordingly.
    5. Priced at CNY 6,999 (about $1,020) in China, its international availability is uncertain, with potential competition against older models priced lower in Europe.

    Xiaomi has launched the Mi Home Robot Vacuum 6 Max in China. This new model is noted for its impressive cleaning capabilities, offering features that are more sophisticated than earlier robot vacuums from the company.

    Powerful Suction and Advanced Features

    The Mi Home Robot Vacuum 6 Max boasts a suction power of up to 35,000 Pa, comparable to the Roborock Saros 20. It comes equipped with three brushes: a central roller brush and two side brushes that work together to collect dirt and debris efficiently. For mopping tasks, this model includes a roller mop and an extendable mop head, which significantly enhances its mopping abilities. The roller mop is supplied with fresh water through 16 outlets, while dirty water is stored inside the robot, ensuring that it does not spread mess around your floors.

    Smart Design and AI Technology

    Another notable aspect of the Xiaomi Mi Home Robot Vacuum 6 Max is its climbing chassis. It features dual mechanical legs that enable it to scale obstacles that are as tall as 6 cm (about 2.4 inches). With a low profile of just 9.3 cm (around 3.7 inches) high, it can easily clean beneath various pieces of furniture. Its AI technology is capable of recognizing 280 different types of obstacles and can identify 47 types of dirt, allowing it to modify its cleaning approach when necessary. The docking station not only empties the onboard dustbin but also cleans the mops using hot water at 85°C (approximately 185°F). Moreover, it is compatible with Xiaomi HyperOS Connect, allowing for remote control through the brand’s app or voice assistant.

    Pricing and Availability

    In China, the Xiaomi Mi Home Robot Vacuum 6 Max is priced starting at CNY 6,999 (about $1,020) for the basic version with a simpler water tank. It’s still uncertain if or when this robot vacuum and mop will be available in Europe. If it does enter this market, it will compete with older models like the Robot Vacuum X20 Max, which is currently priced at €399.99 on Amazon DE.

    Xiaomi Youpin

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