Category: All News

  • Xiaomi Buds 5 Launched: ANC, aptX Lossless, Spatial Audio in China

    Xiaomi Buds 5 Launched: ANC, aptX Lossless, Spatial Audio in China

    Xiaomi recently unveiled a range of new products, including foldable devices, a smartphone, a smartwatch, and the Buds 5 TWS earphones. These should not be mistaken for the Redmi Buds 5, which are available internationally. The Xiaomi Buds 5 replace the Buds 4, which launched back in 2022. Let's dive into what these new earphones bring to the table.

    Xiaomi Buds 5 Specifications

    The Xiaomi Buds 5 sport a dual-tone design featuring a glossy stem and matte-textured earbuds, providing a premium aesthetic. Weighing just 4.2 grams, these earphones are designed for a comfortable fit that follows the curve of the human ear. They are IP54-certified for dust and water resistance, offering durability in various conditions. Additionally, the Buds 5 come with smart controls for multiple functions, including one-click content summaries.

    In terms of audio capabilities, the Xiaomi Buds 5 are equipped with 11mm drivers and feature active noise cancellation to minimize ambient noise. Each earbud includes three built-in mics with AI noise cancellation to ensure clear call quality. The earphones also support Qualcomm aptX Lossless for uncompressed, original quality audio. Xiaomi has collaborated with Harman’s Golden Ear Team to offer customized sound effects and various audio enhancements. The device also provides a spatial sound experience and supports Dolby Atmos when connected to a compatible Xiaomi phone.

    Battery and Connectivity

    The Xiaomi Buds 5 are powered by a 480mAh battery, with each earbud containing a 35mAh cell. This setup delivers up to 6.5 hours of usage on a single charge, extending to 39 hours with the charging case. The earphones can quickly pair when the case is opened and are capable of connecting to two devices simultaneously.

    The Xiaomi Buds 5 are priced at CNY 699 (~$). They are available in Moon Shadow Black, Snow Mountain White, and Titanium Gold colors.

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  • ASUS Unveils ROG Magic 16 Air: Ryzen 9 HX 370 & RTX 4060

    ASUS Unveils ROG Magic 16 Air: Ryzen 9 HX 370 & RTX 4060

    Laptops featuring the Ryzen AI processor have finally made their debut! The Asus ROG Magic 16 Air has been introduced in China, equipped with the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 and RTX 4060 GPU. Despite being a part of Asus’s ROG gaming series, this laptop is impressively lightweight at just 1.85 kg.

    Specifications and Pricing

    The laptop is available in two models: one with the RTX 4060, priced at approximately $2,200, and another with the RTX 4070, priced around $2,475 in China. The Asus ROG Magic 16 Air Ryzen AI Edition is equipped with a robust 90Wh battery and supports 100W PD charging. It maintains a slim profile with a thickness of only 14.9mm (0.59 inches).

    Display and Performance

    The ROG Magic 16 Air comes with a 2.5K resolution display that boasts a 240Hz refresh rate and 500 nits brightness, which is consistent with other models in the ROG laptop series. The OLED panel of the display is a contributing factor to the higher price point.

    The Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor can achieve speeds up to 5.1GHz with turbo boost. The laptop is also equipped with 32GB of LPDDR5X RAM and a 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD. For connectivity, it includes USB 4, USB 3.2 Gen2, 2x USB-A, HDMI 2.1, and a 3.5mm headphone jack, although it does not feature an Ethernet port.

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  • New Mid-Tower PC Case: Gigabyte C500 Panoramic Stealth Unveiled

    New Mid-Tower PC Case: Gigabyte C500 Panoramic Stealth Unveiled

    Gigabyte has introduced a new mid-tower PC case designed for enthusiasts: the C500 PANORAMIC STEALTH. This case emphasizes both aesthetics and practicality, featuring a contemporary right-angled design with panoramic views of your internal components.

    Gigabyte can accommodate CPU coolers up to 176mm and PSUs up to 200mm in length

    The C500 PANORAMIC STEALTH comes in two color choices: classic black and a white version labeled with the “ICE” suffix. It boasts large, 4mm thick tempered glass panels on the front and side, allowing you to display your carefully selected PC components in full view. Gigabyte has enhanced the sleek design with perforated sections on the top, bottom, and right front panel to not only boost the case’s appearance but also to improve airflow and cooling performance within the chassis.

    Compatibility and Storage

    The C500 PANORAMIC STEALTH supports standard ATX motherboards with back panel connections. It can house CPU coolers up to 176mm tall and power supplies up to 200mm long. Traditional graphics card installations are supported for cards up to 410mm in length, and for those who prefer a vertical orientation, the case can fit graphics cards up to 5 slots thick.

    In terms of storage, the C500 PANORAMIC STEALTH offers flexible options. Users can install one 3.5-inch hard drive under the front panel and another 2.5-inch drive in front of the power supply compartment. Additionally, behind the motherboard, you have the option to install either two 2.5-inch drives or a single 3.5-inch drive, catering to various storage requirements.

    Cooling Options

    Cooling is a key feature of the C500 PANORAMIC STEALTH. The case includes seven fan mounting points, strategically placed to optimize airflow. The top section accommodates three 120mm or two 140mm fans and is compatible with 360mm radiators. The right front panel supports a similar configuration, also allowing for three 120mm fans and 360mm radiators. The rear panel can fit a single 120mm or 140mm fan, compatible with 140mm radiators. To kick-start your build, Gigabyte has pre-installed four 120mm ARGB fans – three in the front and one on the right front panel – providing both cooling and customizable lighting.

    Front I/O Panel

    For easy accessibility, the front I/O panel is conveniently positioned on the top-right side of the case. It features two USB 3.0 Type-A ports, a single USB 3.2 Gen 2 10Gbps Type-C port, and a combo 3.5mm headphone/microphone jack.

    The Gigabyte C500 PANORAMIC STEALTH is an attractive option for PC builders looking for a stylish and well-ventilated mid-tower case. With its panoramic views, pre-installed ARGB fans, and a plethora of storage and cooling options, it appeals to users who value both aesthetics and functionality in their computer case.

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  • Xiaomi MIX Flip Launches: 4.1-Inch 120Hz Screen, Snapdragon 8 Gen 3

    Xiaomi MIX Flip Launches: 4.1-Inch 120Hz Screen, Snapdragon 8 Gen 3

    Xiaomi hosted a significant event in China today, unveiling a range of new products including smartphones and wearables. Among the noteworthy announcements was the introduction of Xiaomi's first clamshell flip folding phone, the Xiaomi MIX Flip. This new device is set to compete with other popular models like the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6, Vivo X Flip, OPPO Find N3 Flip, and others in the domestic market.

    Xiaomi MIX Flip Specifications

    The standout feature of the Xiaomi MIX Flip is its large 4.01-inch display, which is the biggest in its category. The screen is encased by symmetrical bezels on all sides and boasts a 120Hz refresh rate, a 1.5K resolution, and a peak brightness of 3,000 nits. For added durability, Xiaomi has used Dragon Crystal Glass as a protective layer.

    The secondary cover screen includes a dedicated earpiece and microphone above the top bezel, enabling users to make calls without having to open the phone. It comes with a full-sized keyboard, smart partitions, full-screen photography capabilities, and other intelligent features that enhance both its functionality and aesthetics.

    Display and Design

    Internally, the Xiaomi MIX Flip has a main screen measuring 6.86 inches, offering the same resolution, refresh rate, and peak brightness as the secondary display. The device also features a side-mounted fingerprint scanner embedded within the power button. It is lightweight, weighing just 192 grams and has a thickness of 15.99mm when folded.

    Camera and Performance

    In terms of camera capabilities, the MIX Flip is equipped with a Leica-branded dual rear camera setup that includes a 50MP main OIS sensor and a 50MP floating telephoto lens with 2x zoom. The internal screen houses a 32MP selfie camera within a punch-hole cutout. The device is also capable of shooting in Master Portrait mode across four focal lengths.

    Under the hood, the Xiaomi MIX Flip runs on a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC, paired with up to 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM and 1TB of UFS 4.0 storage. For heat management, it includes a 3D vapor cooling chamber. The phone is powered by a 4,780mAh battery that supports 67W fast charging. It comes with HyperOS-based Android 14 pre-installed.

    Pricing and Availability

    The Xiaomi MIX Flip is available in White, Purple, and Black. Pricing starts at CNY 5,999 ($825) for the 12GB + 256GB model, while the 12GB + 512GB variant is priced at CNY 6,499 ($894). The highest-spec model, featuring 16GB RAM and 1TB storage, is available for CNY 7,299 (~$1,004). The phone will be available from July 23.

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  • Redmi K70 Ultra Launched in China: Dimensity 9300+, 50MP Cameras

    Redmi K70 Ultra Launched in China: Dimensity 9300+, 50MP Cameras

    Xiaomi has officially introduced the much-awaited Redmi K70 Ultra, the latest flagship phone from its budget sub-brand, showcasing top-tier specifications and features. Following the unveiling of the Redmi K70 Ultra Champion Edition, the base model has now been launched as well.

    Redmi K70 Ultra: Design & Display

    The Chinese tech giant presents the Redmi K70 Ultra with premium specifications and design. It features a flat glass back with curved edges and a large camera island that houses three image sensors and an LED flash. The sides of the device are framed in metal, adding to its premium feel. The K70 Ultra boasts an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance. In terms of size, the phone measures 160.38 x 75.14 x 8.39mm and weighs 211 grams.

    The front of the device sports a 6.67-inch OLED display, co-developed with TCL, offering 1.5K resolution, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, a 144Hz refresh rate, 480Hz touch sampling rate, and a peak brightness of 4000 nits. The screen is flat with a center-aligned punch hole for the selfie camera. Xiaomi ensures industry-leading eye protection in low light conditions thanks to 3840Hz PWM dimming.

    Specifications

    Beneath the surface, the Redmi K70 Ultra is powered by MediaTek's flagship Dimensity 9300+ chipset, built on the 4nm process. Xiaomi has integrated its proprietary Pengpai T1 signal enhancement chip, promising a 12% boost in WiFi performance, a 20% improvement in GPS performance, and a significant 58% increase in 5G WiFi signal strength.

    The device contains a Surge P2 chipset for fast charging, G1 for power management, and a D1 chip as an independent display processor. It is powered by a 5,500mAh battery supporting 120W wired fast charging. The Redmi K70 Ultra comes in various storage configurations: 12GB + 256GB, 16GB + 256GB, 16GB + 512GB, and 16GB + 1TB.

    For photography, the rear houses a 50-megapixel Sony IMX906 primary sensor, an 8-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and a 2-megapixel macro lens. The front camera is a 20-megapixel sensor for selfies and video calls. Other notable features include dual stereo speakers, an in-display fingerprint scanner, Dual SIM support, NFC, and a custom HyperOS based on Android.

    Pricing

    The Redmi K70 Ultra is available in multiple colors: Ink Feather Black, Clear Snow White, and Ice Blue. Here are the pricing details for the different storage configurations:

    • 12GB + 256GB – 2,599 Yuan (approx. 358 US Dollars)
    • 12GB + 512GB – 2,899 Yuan (approx. 399 US Dollars)
    • 16GB + 512GB – 3,199 Yuan (approx. 440 US Dollars)
    • 16GB + 1TB – 3,599 Yuan (approx. 495 US Dollars)

    Additionally, there is a 24GB + 1TB variant priced at 3,999 Yuan (approx. 550 US Dollars), but this is for the Redmi K70 Ultra Champion Edition, a special edition in collaboration with luxury car maker Lamborghini.

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  • Noise ColorFit Pulse 4 Max Launched in India with AI Features

    Noise ColorFit Pulse 4 Max Launched in India with AI Features

    Earlier this year, Noise introduced the ColorFit Pulse 4 smartwatch in India. Now, the brand has unveiled a new version of the device called the Noise ColorFit Pulse 4 Max. This latest iteration includes slightly improved features and is claimed to be the first smartwatch in India to incorporate AI capabilities. Let's delve into its offerings.

    Noise ColorFit Pulse 4 Max Specifications

    The Noise ColorFit Pulse 4 Max sports a design reminiscent of the Apple Watch. It features a square dial with a rotating crown located at the top right and a physical button just below. The smartwatch is equipped with a 1.96-inch AMOLED display that supports Always-On Display (AOD) mode. Users can personalize their watch faces, and with the AI Create feature, they can even generate AI-designed watch faces directly on the device.

    The smartwatch includes standard health monitoring features such as a heart-rate monitor, SpO2 sensor, and trackers for sleep and stress. It also offers menstrual cycle tracking for women and includes a breathing practice reminder. The device supports tracking for over 100 different sports modes.

    AI Search and Other Features

    One of the standout features of the Noise ColorFit Pulse 4 Max is its AI Search capability. Users can ask questions by simply bringing the device close to their wrist. Additionally, the smartwatch can store up to 5 QR codes for quick access. It comes with a built-in microphone and speaker to facilitate Bluetooth calling. Other convenient features include notification display, weather updates, a calculator, and more. The ColorFit Pulse 4 Max boasts a battery life of up to 7 days.

    The Noise ColorFit Pulse 4 Max is available in Jet Black, Deep Wine, Rose Gold, Space Blue, Black Link, and Calm Silver Link colors. It is priced at Rs 2,499 and will be available for purchase starting tomorrow on Amazon and Flipkart.

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  • Xiaomi MIX Fold 4 Launches in China: Periscope Camera

    Xiaomi MIX Fold 4 Launches in China: Periscope Camera

    Xiaomi introduced two innovative foldable phones today, marking the brand’s debut in the clamshell flip phone category. Additionally, they launched their fourth iteration of a horizontal book-style folding phone. The Xiaomi MIX Fold 4 follows last year’s Fold 3 and positions itself as a competitor to the newly released Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Honor Magic V3. This new model includes significant enhancements over its predecessor. Here’s a detailed look at its features.

    Xiaomi MIX Fold 4 Specifications

    The MIX Fold 4 features a redesigned rectangular rear camera module, slightly larger than before, with a curved bottom edge. The power button, integrated with a Godix-manufactured fingerprint scanner, serves dual purposes. The device includes the Dragon Bone Engine 2.0, enhancing reliability while maintaining a slim profile. It also incorporates T800H high-strength carbon fiber to reduce weight. The hinge is engineered to endure 500,000 folds. When folded, the device is 9.47mm thick, and 4.59mm when unfolded, closely mirroring the Honor Magic V3’s dimensions. Weighing 226 grams, it is also IPX8-certified for water resistance.

    The external main display of the MIX Fold 4 is 6.56 inches with quad-curved edges, while the internal display spans 7.98 inches with a resolution of 2,488 x 2,224 pixels. Both screens utilize OLED panels, support a 120Hz refresh rate, 3,000 nits peak brightness, HDR10+, HDR Vivid, and Dolby Vision, ensuring an immersive viewing experience. The inner screen features ultra-thin glass and an under-display camera.

    Camera and Performance

    In terms of photography, the Xiaomi MIX Fold 4 is equipped with Leica-branded quad rear cameras. This setup includes a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide-angle lens, a 50MP portrait telephoto unit with 2x zoom, and a 50MP periscope lens with 5x zoom. The phone offers various Leica features like filters and photography styles.

    Powering the MIX Fold 4 is the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, paired with up to 16GB RAM and 1TB storage. It houses a 5,100mAh battery, supporting 67W wired and 50W wireless charging. The device also features an ultra-thin VC system for heat dissipation and runs on HyperOS, incorporating multiple AI features. Additionally, it offers two-way satellite connectivity, enabling text communication when the cellular network is unavailable.

    Pricing and Availability

    The Xiaomi MIX Fold 4 is priced at CNY 8,999 ($1,237) for the base model with 12GB RAM and 256GB storage. The 16GB RAM and 512GB storage variant costs CNY 9,999 ($1,375), while the 16GB RAM and 1TB storage version is available for CNY 10,999 (~$1,513). Color options include Black, White, and Blue.

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  • Motorola Edge 50 Neo: Specs & Design Unveiled Before Release

    Motorola Edge 50 Neo: Specs & Design Unveiled Before Release

    Motorola is preparing to introduce the Edge 50 Neo shortly. Although the official announcement has yet to be made, a recent report has disclosed the design and specifications of the Edge 50 Neo, giving us a glimpse of its hardware and color choices.

    Motorola Edge 50 Neo Specs & Design

    Tipster Paras Guglani shared the details with 91Mobiles. According to the report, the Motorola Edge 50 Neo will feature a 6.4-inch pOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and likely a Full HD+ resolution. The smartphone will be powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 SoC. In terms of cameras, the Edge 50 Neo is expected to come with a 50-megapixel main camera, accompanied by 13-megapixel and 10-megapixel sensors.

    For selfies and video calls, there will be a 32-megapixel front camera. The device is fueled by a 4,310mAh battery, which should support fast charging. It will run on Android 14 OS and come with 256GB of internal storage. The Edge 50 Neo is also anticipated to have an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance. The smartphone is just 8.1mm thick and weighs 171 grams. The report also included images of the Edge 50 Neo, showcasing a familiar design in the Poinciana color option.

    Motorola Edge 50 Neo: Specs & Design Unveiled Before Release

    Potential Features

    The device might feature a vegan leather finish on the back, although this is not confirmed. A Pantone label is visible on the rear. With the Edge 40 Neo having been released in September 2023, it’s likely that the Edge 50 Neo will follow a similar launch schedule. However, details like pricing and availability remain unknown for now, so stay tuned for further updates.

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  • Huawei Sues MediaTek for Patent Infringement Over Chip Technology

    Huawei Sues MediaTek for Patent Infringement Over Chip Technology

    Huawei, the Chinese technology conglomerate, has initiated a patent infringement lawsuit against MediaTek, a prominent chip manufacturer, in a Chinese local court. The lawsuit alleges that MediaTek's technologies infringe upon Huawei's network communication patents, which encompass 5G, 4G, and possibly 3G.

    MediaTek acknowledged the lawsuit in a statement released this morning, recognizing Huawei's accusations of patent infringement. Nevertheless, MediaTek minimized the impact, mentioning that it is presently navigating the judicial process and chose not to provide additional comments.

    MediaTek's Role and Impact

    As a leading chipmaker, MediaTek supplies components to significant smartphone and tablet manufacturers, such as Samsung, Amazon, Oppo, Sony, Vivo, and Xiaomi. MediaTek was also a crucial supplier for Huawei's smartphone division until stricter US export controls were enforced in 2020.

    Sources close to the case indicate that Huawei's lawsuit against MediaTek is mainly driven by the desire to secure licensing fees to support its ongoing research and development (R&D) endeavors. Such lawsuits also enable Huawei to diversify its revenue streams, particularly after US sanctions heavily affected its previously dominant smartphone business.

    Huawei's Patent Portfolio and Licensing Efforts

    Huawei holds an extensive collection of standard-essential patents (SEPs) crucial for wireless communication technologies, including around 20% of the world's 5G-related patents.

    Since 2021, in response to intensified US restrictions, Huawei has increased its patent licensing activities. The company has obtained licensing and cross-licensing agreements with major European automakers, including Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, BMW, and Porsche.

    Additionally, in 2023, Huawei signed 5G technology agreements with Oppo and Samsung. The previous year, Huawei sought licensing fees from several Japanese companies, claiming that their technologies infringed its patents.

    Revenue from Patent Royalties

    In 2022, Huawei reported $560 million in revenue from patent royalties, with approximately 200 companies holding licensing agreements with the tech giant, as reported by Nikkei Asia. With the lawsuit against MediaTek, Huawei seems committed to enhancing its revenue streams through assertive patent enforcement and licensing strategies.

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  • Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 to Feature MediaTek Chips, No Qualcomm

    Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 to Feature MediaTek Chips, No Qualcomm

    Just a few days back, speculation suggested that some models of the Galaxy Tab S10 might be powered by MediaTek processors. However, it now seems Samsung is making a significant shift by equipping all of its upcoming high-end tablets in the Tab S10 series with MediaTek 9300+ chips.

    Reliable leakster Ice Universe has revealed that every variant of the Galaxy Tab S10 will move away from Qualcomm’s Snapdragon processors. Initially, the rumor was that only one model in the Tab S10 lineup might use the MediaTek Dimensity chip. This marks a complete strategy overhaul for Samsung, with the tablets expected to launch in October 2024.

    Strategic Decision for Cost Savings

    This decision is likely influenced by several factors. One key reason could be the increasing cost of Qualcomm’s high-end processors in recent years. By switching to MediaTek, Samsung could be aiming for a cost-saving measure that allows them to offer the Tab S10 series at more competitive prices.

    The US version of the Galaxy Tab S10+ was also found in Geekbench’s database, featuring the Dimensity 9300+ processor. This is MediaTek’s current flagship chip, built on a 4nm process, and includes eight high-performance CPU cores along with a robust GPU.

    Technical Specifications of the Dimensity 9300+

    • CPU: 1x Cortex-X4 core @ 3.4GHz, 3x Cortex-X4 cores @ 2.85GHz, 4x Cortex-A720 cores @ 2GHz
    • GPU: ARM Immortalis-G720 MC12
    • Display Support: 4K @ 120Hz with HDR gaming
    • Memory Support: LPDDR5X/LPDDR5T DRAM and UFS 4.0 storage
    • Connectivity: mmWave & sub-6GHz 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, USB Type-C
    • Positioning: tri-band GPS, quad-band BDS, tri-band Galileo, dual-band QZSS, GLONASS, NavIC
    • Camera ISP: Supports up to 320MP sensors, 8K 30fps, or 4K 60fps video recording

    Future Implications

    Whether this complete switch to MediaTek will be advantageous for Samsung and its customers is yet to be determined. With the official launch several months away, it will be intriguing to observe how the Tab S10 series fares and positions itself in the highly competitive tablet market.

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