Category: All News

  • Huawei Unveils MatePad Pro 12.2 Tablet with Dual-Layer OLED Display

    Huawei Unveils MatePad Pro 12.2 Tablet with Dual-Layer OLED Display

    Huawei has just introduced the MatePad Pro 12.2, a state-of-the-art tablet tailored for professional creators. This new device boasts a striking dual-layer OLED display and integrates the latest version of Huawei’s Tianshenghuihua digital painting app. Here are the details.

    Huawei MatePad Pro 12.2 Specifications

    The MatePad Pro 12.2 focuses on portability, weighing a mere 508 grams, making it the lightest 12-inch tablet available according to Huawei. This lightweight is achieved through a 0.5mm ultra-thin aviation-grade glass fiber back, finished with a unique “gold silk.”

    The standout feature of the MatePad Pro 12.2 is its display. Huawei touts it as their most advanced, featuring a double-layer OLED panel with a peak brightness of 2,000 nits and a 2.8K resolution. This dual-layer or Tandem display reportedly triples the lifespan of an OLED panel and offers a 33% boost in power efficiency.

    The screen also incorporates “flash point elimination technology” to minimize flickering and improve visibility in bright conditions. Additional display features include a 144Hz refresh rate, a P3 wide color gamut, and a 3:2 aspect ratio.

    While Huawei has not disclosed details about the tablet’s chipset or battery, it is expected to run on Huawei’s new Kirin 9010W processor and feature a 10,000mAh battery supporting 100W fast charging.

    Camera and Audio

    The camera setup includes an 8MP front-facing camera and a rear dual-lens system with a 13MP main sensor. For audio, the tablet boasts eight speakers designed to handle both high and low frequencies.

    The MatePad Pro 12.2 is also compatible with the new Huawei Star Leap Keyboard, which includes a built-in charging slot for the M-Pencil stylus. This built-in charging eliminates the need for separate chargers and provides convenient storage. The magnetic smart axis design allows for effortless one-handed opening and closing, offering a laptop-like experience.

    Enhanced Digital Creation

    The Tianshenghuihua app has been updated to boost digital creation capabilities. New high-end brushes, inspired by traditional Chinese ink painting, aim to deliver a more authentic artistic experience. The app introduces innovative canvases such as “gold silk” and “rice paper,” and features AI-powered portrait practice for beginners.

    In August, Tianshenghuihua will be upgraded to the Fangtian Painting Engine 2.0, which includes professional rendering effects, faster synthesis speeds, and support for 8K canvases. Editing tools will also be improved, featuring magic wand selection and layer positioning.

    Pricing and Availability

    The Huawei MatePad Pro 12.2 will be available in three standard colors: Flowing Gold, Xuan White, and Inkstone Black, as well as a limited edition Flowing Gold Collector’s Edition.

    Prices begin at 4,299 yuan (USD 600) for the base 12GB+256GB model and go up to 8,299 yuan (about USD 1,161) for the top-tier 16GB+1TB Collector’s Edition with the Pen Keyboard Set. Pre-orders start on August 6th, with official sales commencing on August 13th.

    Huawei Unveils MatePad Pro 12.2 Tablet with Dual-Layer OLED Display
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  • Samsung Starts Mass Production of New DRAM – Enhanced AI Processing

    Samsung Starts Mass Production of New DRAM – Enhanced AI Processing

    Samsung has announced that it has started mass production of the industry's thinnest 12-nanometer (nm) class, 12-gigabyte (GB), and 16GB LPDDR5X DRAM packages. This move is anticipated to reinforce Samsung's position as a leader in the low-power DRAM market.

    Samsung Starts Mass Production of New DRAM - Enhanced AI Processing

    Expanding Business in Low-Power DRAM Market

    The company plans to grow its presence in the low-power DRAM sector by providing these 0.65mm LPDDR5X DRAM packages to manufacturers of mobile processors and devices. Samsung has achieved the delivery of ultra-slim LPDDR5X DRAM packages, which can accommodate more capacity within a smaller volume. This innovation reportedly offers improved thermal control, a crucial factor for high-performance applications, such as on-device AI processing.

    Advancements in On-Device AI Processing

    Rumors suggest that Samsung is working on expanding its Galaxy AI capabilities beyond the S series flagships, aiming to introduce them to select A series devices starting this year. YongCheol Bae, Executive Vice President of Memory Product Planning at Samsung Electronics, stated, "Samsung’s LPDDR5X DRAM sets a new standard for high-performance on-device AI solutions, offering not only superior LPDDR performance but also advanced thermal management in an ultra-compact package."

    Technical Specifications and Improvements

    The new LPDDR5X DRAM packages from Samsung will feature the industry's thinnest 12 nm-class LPDDR DRAM in a 4-stack structure. The company claims this will reduce the thickness by approximately 9% and enhance heat resistance by about 21.2% compared to previous generations. The new LPDDR5X DRAM package is reportedly "as thin as a fingernail" at 0.65 millimeters, making it the thinnest among existing 12GB or above LPDDR DRAM. Samsung uses an 'optimized' back-lapping process, which involves grinding the backside of a wafer, to achieve this reduced thickness.

    Samsung remains dedicated to ongoing innovation through close collaboration with its customers, aiming to provide solutions that meet the future demands of the low-power DRAM market.

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  • HMD Crest & Crest Max Launch in India: Prices, Specs, and Offers

    HMD Crest & Crest Max Launch in India: Prices, Specs, and Offers

    HMD recently unveiled its Crest series of smartphones in India. This marks the company’s first set of devices under its own branding, stepping away from Nokia. The lineup includes the HMD Crest and HMD Crest Max. Below are the specifications, pricing details, and offers available for these models.

    HMD Crest & Crest Max: Pricing and Availability

    The HMD Crest is available in various colors: Midnight Blue, Royal Pink, and Lush Lilac. The Crest Max comes in Deep Purple, Aqua Green, and Royal Pink. Both models are released in a single storage configuration. The Crest is priced at 14,499 INR for the 6GB + 128GB model, while the Crest Max is tagged at 16,499 INR for the 8GB + 256GB variant.

    Buyers can avail a 500 INR discount by applying the promo code CREST500 during checkout on Amazon India. Additionally, SBI credit card holders can get an extra 1,000 INR off, reducing the effective price to 12,999 INR for the Crest and 14,999 INR for the Crest Max. This special introductory offer is valid until 11th August 2024.

    Specifications

    The new Crest series from HMD features 6.67-inch OLED displays with a 90Hz refresh rate and FHD+ resolution. The base Crest model has a 50-megapixel dual-camera setup on the back, while the Crest Max boasts a 64-megapixel triple-camera configuration. Both models offer a 50-megapixel front camera for selfies and video calls. They are powered by the UNISOC T760 processor and come with a robust 5,000mAh battery that supports 33W wired fast charging. Other significant features include a 3.5mm audio jack, a side-mounted fingerprint scanner, and a microSD card slot for expandable storage.

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  • OnePlus Ace 5 Specs Leak: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, 6200mAh

    OnePlus Ace 5 Specs Leak: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, 6200mAh

    OnePlus is reportedly developing the next-generation Ace-branded models for the Chinese market. Over the weekend, tipster Digital Chat Station posted on Weibo to claim that the Ace 5 series of smartphones will be introduced by the end of this year in China. The leak also indicated that the brand might unveil two models, the OnePlus Ace 5 and the Ace 5 Pro. In a new leak, the tipster has seemingly disclosed the key specifications of the Ace 5.

    Key Specifications of OnePlus Ace 5 (Rumored)

    The Weibo post suggests that the OnePlus Ace 5 will feature a 6.78-inch 8T LTPO display. This screen will offer a 1.5K resolution and a micro-curvature design.

    The OnePlus Ace 3 was equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset and a 5,500mAh battery. It seems that the Ace 5 will come with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. As for the battery, it appears the Ace 5 will boast a large 6,200mAh dual-cell battery with support for 100W fast charging.

    Camera and Additional Features

    The leak further reveals that the Ace 5 will feature a 50-megapixel primary camera backed by a sizable camera sensor. Additionally, the device will include an alert slider. Details about the other phone remain under wraps. It is speculated that the same phone might be rebranded as the OnePlus 13R for the global market.

    OnePlus Ace 5 Pro

    The specifications for the OnePlus Ace 5 Pro have not been revealed yet. While it will probably feature the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4, the OnePlus 13, which is expected to be launched in early October or November, might also use the same chip. While the Ace 5 Pro will primarily focus on performance, the OnePlus 13 will aim to be a well-rounded device, including exceptional cameras.

    OnePlus Ace 5 Specs Leak: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, 6200mAh
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  • Casio WS-B1000 Watch: Step Counter, 2-Year Battery Life Launched

    Casio WS-B1000 Watch: Step Counter, 2-Year Battery Life Launched

    Casio has recently expanded the availability of its WS-B1000 digital watch to several global markets. Originally launched in June, the watch is now accessible in Malaysia, Europe (including the Netherlands, France, and Spain), and the United States. This model merges traditional timekeeping with contemporary features.

    Casio WS-B1000 Highlights:

    Sporting a sleek look, the WS-B1000 offers practical features such as a step tracker that syncs with the Casio app, allowing users to set daily step goals ranging from 1,000 to 999,999 steps. The watch also includes Bluetooth connectivity for time updates, alarms, and phone location tracking. Additional functionalities include a stopwatch, countdown timer, and a long-lasting battery. It features an LCD display with an LED backlight, and the battery life extends up to two years.

    Casio WS-B1000 Watch: Step Counter, 2-Year Battery Life Launched

    Durability and Pricing:

    Built to withstand tough conditions, the watch is water-resistant up to 100 meters and constructed from sturdy resin. Its lightweight design, at only 36 grams, ensures comfort for prolonged wear. While it’s not a smartwatch, the WS-B1000 strikes a balance between functionality and simplicity. It is priced at $55.95 in the US and €59.90 in Europe.

    New G-SHOCK GBD-300 Smartwatch:

    In related news, Casio has also introduced the G-SHOCK GBD-300 smartwatch. Targeted at athletes and fitness enthusiasts, it boasts a slimmer, more compact design, dual bezel protection, a high-contrast LCD display, and advanced fitness tracking features. This model monitors distance, pace, steps, and calories burned, and connects to smartphones via Bluetooth for notifications and enhanced functionality through the G-SHOCK MOVE app.

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  • Huawei AI Vision Smart Screen 4 SE 85″ TV Pre-Sale Starts Tomorrow

    Huawei AI Vision Smart Screen 4 SE 85″ TV Pre-Sale Starts Tomorrow

    Huawei announced today that the new 85-inch version of the Vision Smart Screen 4 SE will be available for pre-sale starting at 10:08 AM tomorrow in its home market. This television features an AI-powered camera and a 4K LCD panel with a refresh rate of 120Hz. Earlier this year, Huawei released smaller versions of this TV in 55″, 65″, and 75″ sizes, priced at 2,499 yuan ($351), 2,999 yuan ($422), and 3,999 yuan (~$563) respectively.

    Design and Display

    Similar to its smaller counterparts, the 85″ model also boasts 1.5mm ultra-narrow bezels, offering a screen-to-body ratio of 98%. The smart TV supports 4K Super Screen Mirroring and comes pre-installed with the HarmonyOS 4.2 operating system. The 4K Super Screen Mirroring feature allows for ‘ultra-clear, ultra-fast, ultra-stable’ multi-application screen projection, with up to 4K resolution. The screen mirroring functionality supports a maximum frame rate of 50fps and can operate continuously for 3 hours without lag. To activate this feature, users simply need to touch their phone to the remote, instantly mirroring the content on the big screen.

    HDR and Performance

    Huawei has equipped this TV with HDR enhancement technology, which improves the clarity of bright areas without overexposure and enhances the details in dark areas. According to the company, this technology can make bright areas appear transparent, and dark areas clear, showcasing the crystal clearness and mysterious depth of the deep sea.

    The system runs on a self-developed chipset that supports 4K 120FPS decoding. Additionally, the TV comes with an upgraded HDMI 2.1 interface that allows for automatic low latency, variable refresh rate (VRR), and 4K 120Hz video input.

    AI Camera Features

    The new AI camera included with the TV supports a range of intelligent functions such as smooth video calls, real-time portrait tracking, children’s sitting posture detection, distance reminders, and “AR Fun.” This 1080p camera features a large f/2.2 aperture. The portrait tracking feature is designed to keep you in the frame even while you move around during a video call.

    Huawei AI Vision Smart Screen 4 SE 85
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  • ASUS ROG Ally X Gaming Handheld Launches in India at Rs 89,990

    ASUS ROG Ally X Gaming Handheld Launches in India at Rs 89,990

    ASUS has launched its latest ROG Ally X handheld gaming console in India, following its debut in China. This new model maintains the portable design of its predecessor but includes a few upgrades, making it a mid-generation refresh. Let’s dive into its specifications, pricing, and availability.

    ASUS ROG Ally X Specifications

    The ROG Ally X features a 7-inch IPS LCD display with a 120Hz refresh rate, 1080p resolution, 100 percent sRGB color accuracy, and a 16:9 aspect ratio. The screen is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus. Inside, it is powered by the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor, coupled with 24GB of LPRRD5X RAM and 1TB of NVMe M.2 SSD storage. The device packs an 80Wh battery that supports 65W charging via a USB Type C port.

    ASUS ROG Ally X Features

    The handheld runs on the Windows 11 operating system out of the box. It includes a new dual-fan system designed to improve cooling by offering 10 percent higher airflow. For connectivity, it offers a Thunderbolt 4 port with DisplayPort support, a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port, a 3.5mm headphone jack, a UHS-II microSD card reader, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.2.

    Audio-wise, the ROG Ally X comes with Hi-Res certified audio and AI noise cancellation. Additional improvements include a redesigned ergonomic chassis with deeper handgrips, better joysticks and D-pad, repositioned controls, and a processor fingerprint sensor.

    Pricing and Availability

    The ASUS ROG Ally X is priced at 89,990 INR, approximately 1,073 US Dollars. It is available for purchase through the brand’s official ROG Store, ASUS e-shop, Amazon India, and Flipkart. This means you can get it from both major online and offline channels.

    Please Note: We may earn a small commission at no cost to you when you buy something using the links in our articles.

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  • Pre-order Lenovo ThinkBook Plus 2-in-1 Laptop, Launches August 10

    Pre-order Lenovo ThinkBook Plus 2-in-1 Laptop, Launches August 10

    Lenovo announced the ThinkBook Plus Hybrid 2-in-1 earlier this year, which is now available for pre-sale and will officially launch on August 10. This laptop takes the 2-in-1 concept to a new level by integrating an Android tablet. Let’s explore what this machine has to offer.

    The Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Hybrid 2-in-1 runs both Windows and Android, enabling it to function as a Windows laptop and an Android tablet. The detachable display operates as an Android tablet, containing all the essential internals needed for this function. Meanwhile, the base houses the internals for a Windows laptop, running Windows 11.

    Performance and Specifications

    In terms of performance, the base features an Intel Core Ultra 7 155H chipset, paired with 32GB LPDDR5x RAM and a 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD. It is powered by a 75Wh battery in the base, which supports 100W fast charging. The lid, on the other hand, includes a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor, 12GB LPDDR5x memory, and 256GB UFS3.1 storage.Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor

    supports 50W PD/PPS fast charging

    Connectivity and Build

    The base includes 2x Thunderbolt 4 ports and a 3.5mm audio jack. Both the Windows and Android systems in this hybrid device share 10GB of storage space for a hybrid folder that synchronizes files between the two systems.

    As for the build, the device uses CNC-integrated molding technology. It weighs 1.75 kg and is 15.9mm thick, while the tablet portion is only 6.6mm thick and weighs 785g.

    This product will be priced at 15,999 Yuan (~$2,240).

    Pre-order Lenovo ThinkBook Plus 2-in-1 Laptop, Launches August 10
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  • China’s Bluetooth Headset Market Grows 20.8% YoY in H1 2024

    China’s Bluetooth Headset Market Grows 20.8% YoY in H1 2024

    International Data Corporation (IDC) has unveiled its “China Wireless Headset Market Monthly Tracking Report,” stating that wireless earphone shipments have hit 55.4 million units in the first six months of this year. This marks a 20.8% increase compared to the same period last year.

    Growing Popularity of TWS and Open-Back Headphones

    Out of the 55.4 million units, 35.08 million were TWS (True Wireless Stereo) earphones, reflecting a 5.6% year-on-year growth. Meanwhile, the open-back headphone segment has seen a remarkable surge, with 11.84 million units shipped in the first half of 2024, a year-on-year rise of 303.6%.

    Although the growth of TWS earphones has decelerated in the first half of this year, the competition within this market remains intense. Leading brands are focusing on entry-level products, and the market is buzzing with new technologies offered at competitive prices, resulting in enhancements like extended battery life, better noise reduction, and superior audio quality.

    TWS earphones priced under 200 Yuan (~$28) now constitute 65% of the market, an 11% increase from the same timeframe last year.

    Bone Conduction and Neckband Earphones

    Despite facing technical challenges and catering to a niche market, bone conduction earphones have reached a relatively stable phase of development, showing a 34% year-on-year increase in shipments for the first half of this year.

    Conversely, neckband earphones have witnessed a 24.1% decline in shipments year-on-year in the first half of 2024. This downward trend is expected to persist as TWS headphones gain more traction. Moreover, leading manufacturers have reportedly scaled back their investments in this product category.

    Future Market Predictions

    IDC forecasts that the total market shipments of Bluetooth headsets will continue to experience slow growth in the coming years. TWS earphones are expected to sustain their popularity, and the growth rate of open-back headsets is likely to stabilize after 2024.

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  • Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 Outperforms A17 Pro in Geekbench Multi-Core Test

    Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 Outperforms A17 Pro in Geekbench Multi-Core Test

    Qualcomm has confirmed that its upcoming Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 processor will debut in October. Previously, its performance details were known only through leaks and reports, but this is changing now.

    The Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 has finally appeared on the Geekbench platform. Although the listing is likely not from the final production version of the chip—indicated as a “Manufacturer Model”—the scores point to impressive single-core and multi-core performance.

    Benchmark Scores

    In the Geekbench test, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 achieved a score of 2884 points in the single-core test, nearly matching Apple’s A17 Pro, which averages around 2915 points.

    However, its multi-core performance is where it truly excels. The SoC scored 8840 points in the multi-core test, significantly surpassing the A17 Pro’s average score of about 7,300 points. [Note: The average single and multi-core scores of A17 Pro are sourced from NoteBookCheck.]

    New Architecture

    Qualcomm is shifting to a new architecture for the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4. Instead of the standard Arm cores, the chip will feature a custom Oryon CPU design, similar to what Qualcomm employed in the Snapdragon X-series for PCs.

    This change in core design is anticipated to bring a substantial performance boost, and early Geekbench results are already reflecting this improvement.

    The benchmark also provides insights into the core architecture of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4. The SoC has an octa-core layout with six base cores and two high-performance cores. The base cores are clocked at 2.78GHz, while the performance cores run at an impressive 4.09GHz.

    Cost Implications

    While the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 is poised to be the leading Android SoC in 2025, these advancements will come at a higher cost. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggests that the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 will be 25-30% more expensive compared to the current flagship, the 8 Gen 3. This increased chip cost will likely result in higher prices for flagship smartphones in 2025.

    Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 Outperforms A17 Pro in Geekbench Multi-Core Test
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