Category: All News

March 26, 2024
Xiaomi Civi 4 Pro Sales Exceed 200% of Previous Generation in 10 Minutes
After weeks of leaks, Xiaomi introduced the Civi 4 Pro smartphone in China recently. In contrast to its previous Civi models, the Civi 4 Pro guarantees exceptional performance by incorporating the latest Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset. Commencing sales at 10 a.m. local time today, the device was officially launched for the first time in China. Following its availability for purchase, the company confirmed via its Weibo account that the sales of the Civi 4 Pro surpassed 200 percent of the entire day’s sales of its predecessor, the Xiaomi Civi 3 from the previous year.
Xiaomi Civi 4 Pro’s Debut Sale Report
Remarkably, the Civi 4 Pro achieved this remarkable milestone within just 10 minutes of being released for sale. The pricing for the device is set at 2,999 Yuan ($415) for the 12 GB RAM + 256 GB storage variant, 3,299 Yuan ($460) for the 12 GB RAM + 512 GB storage model, and 3,599 Yuan (~$500) for the 16 GB RAM + 512 GB storage configuration.
Xiaomi Civi 4 Pro Features
The Xiaomi Civi 4 Pro sports a 6.55-inch AMOELD CSOT C8 display with curved edges, offering support for up to 1.5K resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, and a peak brightness of up to 3000 nits. Its dual selfie camera setup includes a 32-megapixel primary camera and a 32-megapixel ultra-wide lens.
The rear camera system of the Civi 4 Pro, optimized by Leica, consists of a 50-megapixel OmniVision OV50E primary camera with OIS, accompanied by a 12-megapixel ultra-wide lens and a 50-megapixel telephoto camera with 2x optical zoom.
Powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset, the device comes equipped with LPDDR5x RAM, UFS 4.0 storage, and a 4,700mAh battery supporting 67W fast charging. Additional features of the phone include an in-screen fingerprint sensor, a metal frame, a 4184mm2 heat dissipation unit, an IR blaster, and a linear motor. The phone operates on HyperOS-based Android 14.
Tags: Smartphone Variant Launch, Xiaomi, Xiaomi Civi 4 Pro
March 26, 2024
OPPO Watch X WeChat Edition Launches March 29 with Built-in WeChat App
Last week, Oppo, a prominent Chinese technology company, unveiled its latest smartwatch, the Watch X, in the Chinese market. Now, the company has officially disclosed the release date for its OPPO Watch X WeChat Edition. This smartwatch, which includes a built-in independent WeChat application, will be up for sale starting March 29th at 10:00 AM China time.
Integration of WeChat in OPPO Watch X WeChat Edition
WeChat, a versatile super app in China encompassing messaging, social media, mobile payments, and fitness tracking, is seamlessly integrated into the OPPO Watch X WeChat Edition. This integration eliminates the necessity for a smartphone, enabling users to respond to messages, view images, use voice-to-text features, access recent chats, make payments, and sync with WeChat Fitness—all directly from their wrist.
Significance of WeChat Integration and OS Landscape
Given the absence of Google’s Wear OS in China, most Chinese brands opt for RTOS for their wearables. OPPO, utilizing ColorOS Watch based on AOSP, shoulders the responsibility for the app ecosystem entirely. The inclusion of WeChat, a widely-used app, enhances the appeal of these wearables. OPPO has previously offered standalone WeChat functionality on its earlier watch models and plans to introduce it on the OPPO Watch 4 Pro by May 31st.
Impressive Features of OPPO Watch X
Apart from WeChat integration, the OPPO Watch X itself boasts remarkable features. It sports a circular design with a stainless steel case, a 1.43-inch AMOLED display safeguarded by Sapphire Crystal Glass, and operates on a Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 processor with 2GB RAM and 32GB storage. The watch supports eSIM for calls, holds MIL-STD 810H durability certification, IP68 water resistance, and offers extensive health tracking functionalities including heart rate monitoring, blood oxygen levels, stress tracking, and sleep analysis. With over 100 sports modes and dual-band GPS support, it caters to diverse fitness requirements. The watch provides a battery life of up to 100 hours and is available in colors like Thousands of Sails Blue, Desert Silver Moon, and Starry Night Flying.
Tags: OPPO Watch X, Smartwatch Integration, Wearable technology
March 26, 2024
Xiaomi 13 Receives Huge Price Drop in China: Now Just 3001 Yuan
Xiaomi 13, which was unveiled in December 2022, has recently received a significant price reduction on JD.com. Initially priced at 4599 Yuan ($638) for the 12GB+256GB variant, customers can now purchase this smartphone for only 3001.01 Yuan ($416) with complimentary shipping as part of their Renewal Promotion.
Massive Discounts and Offers
This markdown amounts to a substantial 1598 Yuan ($222) discount, made possible through a combination of promotional offers. By clicking on a card, users can obtain a 400 Yuan ($55) coupon. Additionally, PLUS members are entitled to an extra 17.99 Yuan ($2.5) off. There's a special PLUS-exclusive coupon that grants a 160 Yuan ($22) deduction for every 2000 Yuan spent, along with a general coupon that provides a 20 Yuan subsidy for every 200 Yuan spent.
Xiaomi 13 Specifications:
The Xiaomi 13 smartphone comes equipped with a 6.36-inch Full HD+ E6 AMOLED display featuring a 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision support. It boasts a peak brightness of up to 1900 nits and a high screen-to-body ratio, thanks to its ultra-narrow 1.61mm bezels.
Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, the phone includes a large VC liquid cooling area for enhanced thermal performance. The device sports three rear cameras, comprising a 50MP Sony IMX800 sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide camera, and a new 10MP 3.2X telephoto camera, all equipped with Leica optics. For selfies, there's a 32MP front camera. It supports 67W wired and 50W wireless charging for its 4500mAh battery and offers IP68 dust and water resistance.
Operating on MIUI 14 based on Android 13, the Xiaomi 13 provides various connectivity options such as 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.2. It also features stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos, a USB Type-C port for audio, and an in-display fingerprint sensor for security.
Sleek Design and Colors
The Xiaomi 13 boasts an impressively slim profile at just 7.98mm and a weight of only 189g. It is available in four color options: Wilderness Green, Distant Mountain Blue, Black, and White.
With its premium specifications, elegant design, and the remarkable price slash, the Xiaomi 13 presents an irresistible offer for individuals seeking a flagship smartphone at an affordable price point. Make sure not to miss this exclusive limited-time deal on JD.com!
Tags: Flagship Specifications, smartphone deals, Xiaomi 13
March 26, 2024
China-Indonesia Deep Sea Submarine Dives 7km in Indian Ocean
A joint scientific mission conducted by China and Indonesia has made a significant accomplishment, establishing a new record for deep-sea diving in Indonesia. Their submersible descended to a depth of 7,178 meters in the Java Trench within the Indian Ocean, bravely braving the immense pressures found in the ocean's depths.
Collaboration and Achievement
The collaborative expedition, which occurred between the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency, spanned from February 23 to March 23. The primary contributor to their success was the "Fendouzhe" manned submersible, supplied by the CAS Institute of Deep-Sea Science and Engineering. Noteworthy is the fact that the "Fendouzhe" is currently the world's deepest-reaching manned submersible, capable of reaching depths of up to 10,000 meters underwater.
Commendations and Future Prospects
The successful mission garnered commendation from both parties involved. Lu Kang, China's ambassador to Indonesia, highlighted the deepening research cooperation between the two nations in marine sciences. He expressed optimism that this collaborative endeavor would lead to further high-quality research outcomes in the future, aiding in the development of a sustainable "blue economy."
Vision for Enhanced Cooperation
Indonesia’s coordinating minister for maritime affairs and investment, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, shared similar sentiments. He perceived the expedition as a significant moment, marking the beginning of strengthened maritime collaboration between China and Indonesia. He envisioned an expanded partnership in scientific research and the nurturing of more Indonesian scientists and engineers to drive the nation's marine science initiatives forward.
This groundbreaking dive is not just a scientific milestone; it also symbolizes a deepening alliance between China and Indonesia in the exploration of the vast mysteries lying beneath the ocean's surface. The potential for future joint research holds the promise of advancements in marine biology, geology, and resource exploration, ultimately enhancing our understanding of the oceans.
Tags: Deep-sea Submersible, Marine Exploration, Scientific Collaboration
March 26, 2024
Xiaomi Reveals Higher Price for SU7 EV as Car Appears in China Stores
Xiaomi, the Chinese technology company, is preparing to open orders for its inaugural electric vehicle, the SU7. The company's vision is for the SU7 to be the most stylish, user-friendly, and intelligent car available, all for a price below 500,000 yuan ($69,424). The SU7, introduced by Xiaomi in December, has generated considerable enthusiasm. Given Xiaomi's track record of providing value for money, there are concerns among consumers that a high price might impact sales.
Xiaomi Announces SU7 Orders
Xiaomi will officially reveal the pricing details and commence order-taking for the SU7 on Thursday. This marks the first time Xiaomi has disclosed the upper limit of the price range. The unveiling of the car began in Xiaomi stores across China on Monday.
SU7 Specifications and Variants
The SU7 will be offered in two variants, boasting driving ranges of up to 668km and 800km on a single charge. For comparison, Tesla's Model S offers a range of up to 650km.
Xiaomi's Expansion into Electric Vehicles
This move reflects Xiaomi's strategy to diversify beyond smartphones amidst a plateau in demand. Xiaomi is among the select new entrants authorized by Chinese regulators for electric vehicle production. The manufacturing of its vehicles is handled by a subsidiary of the state-owned BAIC Group. The recent public reveal of the factory producing SU7 EVs has reignited excitement among fans. Xiaomi faces high expectations, and the success of its inaugural car could have significant implications for the company.
Tags: Electric Car, electric vehicles (EVs), Xiaomi SU7 EV
March 26, 2024
Apple to Unveil New AI App Store at WWDC 2024
Apple may introduce an AI App Store at WWDC 2024, marking a significant shift in its AI strategy. Rather than solely focusing on developing its own apps with integrated AI features, Apple could be moving towards creating a platform for a variety of AI apps from different developers.
Potential Expansion of Apple's Ecosystem
Analyst Ben Reitzes suggests that Apple's history of successful app stores like iTunes and the iPhone App Store could pave the way for this new AI App Store. By inviting external developers to contribute to the platform while offering its own AI products, Apple aims to diversify its ecosystem.
Collaboration and Competition in the AI Space
It is rumored that Apple has been in talks with tech giants such as Google and Baidu regarding potential partnerships for the AI App Store. This collaborative approach could see a range of AI services from various companies being made available to users through Apple's platform.
The Road Ahead for AI App Stores
While the concept of an AI App Store is not entirely novel, industry analysts foresee Apple's possible unveiling of this innovative model at WWDC. Speculations abound about the inclusion of Google's Gemini AI and other services within this dedicated AI store. As WWDC approaches in early June, tech enthusiasts eagerly anticipate Apple's official announcement, possibly heralding a new era in AI app distribution.
Tags: AI App Store, Apple, WWDC 2024
March 26, 2024
Apple Testing New Apple Pencil for Vision Pro Headset
It has only been a short while since Apple introduced its latest mixed reality headset, the Vision Pro. Recent reports indicate that Apple is in the process of testing a new Apple Pencil designed to be compatible with the headset. This potential development could enable users to create drawings directly within Vision Pro applications such as Freeform and Pixelmator. Let's delve into more details.
Integration of Apple Pencil with Vision Pro
The specific details regarding how VisionOS, the operating system for Vision Pro, will incorporate Apple Pencil support are not fully disclosed yet. One intriguing possibility is the ability to use the Pencil for drawing on physical surfaces like desks, with those sketches seamlessly appearing in real-time within the Vision Pro virtual environment, complete with features like pressure sensitivity and tilt recognition. This innovation effectively turns your surroundings into an expansive canvas for artistic endeavors.
Potential Unveiling and Compatibility
Although there are murmurs suggesting that the new Apple Pencil might be revealed alongside the upcoming iPad Pro and iPad Air updates in April, there is no official confirmation regarding its compatibility with VisionOS. The compatibility aspect is contingent on a software update, and the specific version that will incorporate this feature remains uncertain. Developers may have access to the first beta of visionOS 1.2 this week, with the anticipation of visionOS 2 being announced at WWDC in June.
Future Possibilities and Considerations
It is essential to remember that, similar to many of Apple's ongoing initiatives, the introduction of an Apple Pencil with VisionOS support is not a guarantee even if it successfully completes internal testing. Nevertheless, the idea of drawing in the air using the Apple Pencil presents a unique and intriguing concept, making it a development worth monitoring closely for potential advancements.
Tags: Apple, Apple Pencil, Apple’s Vision Pro
March 26, 2024
PlayStation 5 Slim with Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 Bundle for $399 – Limited Time Offer
Spiderman enthusiasts eager to acquire a PlayStation 5 console in the United States should take note! BestBuy is presently offering the PlayStation 5 Slim Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 Bundle for just $399, marking a $50 reduction from its regular price of $449.99. For Canadian customers, BestBuy is also extending the same $50 discount.
PlayStation 5 Slim Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 Bundle Details
The bundle comprises a 1TB version of the PlayStation 5 Slim console along with a DualSense Wireless controller. Besides the sleeker and lighter design, this updated console boasts increased storage capacity. While the standard PS5 features an 825GB SSD with approximately 660GB of usable space, the PS5 Slim is equipped with a larger 1TB SSD, offering about 850GB of usable storage. This enhancement allows for storing two to three additional AAA games on the slim model.
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 and More
Upon purchase, buyers will receive a complimentary digital copy (redeemable code) of Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, valued at $70 on the PlayStation store, which can be linked to a single PSN account. The savings from this offer can be diverted towards acquiring other titles like EA Sports FC 24 or the popular cooperative third-person shooter Helldivers 2, currently priced at $13.99 and $39.99, respectively.
Tags: Gaming Discounts, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 Bundle, PlayStation 5 Slim
March 25, 2024
OpenAI GPT-5 Launch: Capabilities and Features Coming Soon
Are you prepared for the next leap beyond GPT-4? Brace yourself as the upcoming wave of large language models (LLMs) is on the horizon. Reports from Business Insider indicate that OpenAI is edging closer to the launch of GPT-5, with a potential arrival in just a few months. Early previews suggest a significant advancement, with enterprise clients who have experienced GPT-5 demos expressing positive feedback. One CEO has even described it as surpassing previous models in a substantial manner, while OpenAI presentations hint at the model's potential capabilities, such as independent AI agents.
Progress Towards Launch
Development of GPT-5 is progressing in tandem with demonstration activities. Stringent safety evaluations, including simulated attacks like "red teaming," are essential before the model is released. This meticulous process may cause a delay in the initial expectations of a summer launch. OpenAI has chosen to remain silent regarding a specific release date. These recent developments follow a year filled with speculation surrounding GPT-5. In April 2023, OpenAI had initially played down immediate training prospects, with CEO Sam Altman dismissing any rumors circulating at that time. Nonetheless, talks about a potential GPT-4.5 model persisted.
Training Completion and Launch
New reports indicate that training for GPT-5 was completed in 2023, setting the stage for a potential launch in 2024. Similar to its forerunner, GPT-5 is anticipated to cater primarily to OpenAI's corporate clientele. There is speculation that a future direction might involve a tiered system, akin to Google's Gemini LLMs.
Evolving Landscape
During the past year, users reported a decline in GPT-4's performance, marked by issues such as generating nonsensical responses. The causes were attributed to factors like training efficiency and resource constraints, leading to speculations about the strain on OpenAI's system due to the development of undisclosed LLMs.
A leak in December 2023 hinted at the existence of "GPT-4.5" models with advanced features, further fueling anticipations. OpenAI's CEO chose not to comment when questioned online about these developments. With GPT-5 looming on the horizon, the landscape of large language models is on the verge of transformation. The forthcoming months will unveil the true capabilities of this next-generation model.
Tags: Collaborative Language Models, GPT-5, OpenAI
March 25, 2024
Black Shark Blade 2 Power Bank: Sleek Design, Wireless Charging, iPhone-Compatible
Products tailored for gamers are gaining popularity, especially within the mobile market, which is emerging as a key arena for gaming innovation. This trend is growing alongside traditional gaming platforms such as consoles, handheld devices, and laptops. Recently, we discussed the Nubia Red Magic VC 5 Pro liquid smartphone cooler, highlighting the continuous advancements in gaming technology. Adding to this wave, Black Shark, a renowned brand focusing on mobile gaming enthusiasts, has just introduced the Blade 2 power bank at a recent event, offering versions with 5000mAh and 10000mAh capacities.
Black Shark Unveils Blade 2 Power Bank: Features and Pricing
The newly launched Black Shark Blade 2 power bank is now available, featuring models with 5000mAh and 10000mAh capacities. Noteworthy is the fact that a brand associated with gamers and known for producing Android devices has ventured into creating a power bank compatible with iPhones. This power bank incorporates a 12N magnet array, providing MagSafe-like functionality for convenient wireless charging specifically designed for iPhone 12 models and newer. Moreover, the power bank is versatile and can be used to charge any device that supports compatible cables.
Design and Specifications
The Black Shark Blade 2 magnetic power bank boasts a slim profile at 8.5mm thickness, promoting portability and convenience. This device is being touted as the thinnest power bank offered by Black Shark to date. Additionally, the power bank supports 15W wireless charging, enables dual-device charging (both wired and wireless), and comes equipped with nine safety protection mechanisms to ensure secure charging experiences.
Price & Availability
- Black Shark Blade 2 power bank 5000 mAh version: Standard price of 159 yuan, starting price at 119 yuan
- Black Shark Blade 2 power bank 10000 mAh version: Standard price of 179 yuan, starting price at 139 yuan
In conclusion, the introduction of the Blade 2 power bank by Black Shark showcases the brand's commitment to catering to the evolving needs of gamers, offering a blend of functionality, design, and affordability in their latest gaming accessory.
Tags: Black Shark Blade 2, Mobile Accessories, Power Bank, wireless charging