Category: All News

  • Xiaomi Smart Band 9: 1.62″ AMOLED, 150+ Workouts, 21-Day Battery

    Xiaomi Smart Band 9: 1.62″ AMOLED, 150+ Workouts, 21-Day Battery

    Earlier today, Xiaomi hosted a launch event for its Redmi 70 series devices in China. During the event, the Xiaomi Smart Band 9 was also unveiled. This new smart band retains its familiar design but comes with premium upgrades, including a metal frame, a variety of colorful straps, and a special ceramic edition.

    Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Specs & Features

    The Xiaomi Smart Band 9 boasts a 1.62-inch AMOLED display that significantly enhances brightness (1200 nits) and offers over 200 watch faces for personalization. Compared to last year’s model, health monitoring has improved by 16% in heart rate accuracy, along with blood oxygen and stress tracking. Sleep tracking has also been enhanced to suggest optimal sleep cycles for better recovery.

    With over 150 workout modes, including guided running courses, the Band 9 connects via Bluetooth 5.4 and offers basic smart features like music control, message replies, and weather updates. NFC is available on select models, enabling contactless payments. It is water-resistant up to 50 meters, making it suitable for swimming, and its 233mAh battery promises 21 days of usage on a single charge.

    Pricing & Availability

    The Xiaomi Smart Band 9 is available in three versions: the standard model without NFC, priced at CNY 249 (approximately $34); the model with NFC, priced at CNY 299 (approximately $41); and the Ceramic Special Edition, priced at CNY 349 (approximately $48). While the band itself is available only in Black, Argent, Pink Gold, and Blue, Xiaomi offers a variety of different strap styles separately. The Xiaomi Smart Band 9 is already on sale in China, but details about its global launch remain unknown.

    In addition to the Smart Band 9, Xiaomi has introduced the Watch S4 Sport, a professional smartwatch unveiled at Lei Jun’s 2024 annual speech event. Key features include professional lactate threshold tests for monitoring and improving aerobic endurance, a sports algorithm by Suunto, and watch route navigation. The watch has a round dial, available in black and orange, with a rotating crown. Priced at 2,000 Yuan (~$275/€250), it features a titanium body, sapphire glass, and four strap options. The heart rate and blood-oxygen sensor boast 97.2% accuracy.


  • TCL A300 Series Art TVs Launched in China from 4,999 Yuan ($688)

    TCL A300 Series Art TVs Launched in China from 4,999 Yuan ($688)

    TCL has introduced a fresh collection of TVs at its product launch event held on July 17. The highlight of the event was the third-generation art TV A300 series, featuring the A300 Pro and A300W models. These models sport a flat back panel design and an integrated body, with a thickness of 27.9mm. TCL claims that the TV can be easily mounted on the wall, resembling a flat, thin picture frame.

    Specifications and Features

    The TCL A300 Pro series TV is outfitted with a Bang & Olufsen (B&O) sound system and is available in three sizes: 65 inches, 75 inches, and 85 inches. It houses a quad-core A73 processor and comes with a 4GB RAM and 64GB storage configuration. On the other hand, the TCL A300W series TV is offered in four sizes: 55 inches, 65 inches, 75 inches, and 85 inches. Both A300 series TVs incorporate nano-microcrystal technology and Quantum Dot Pro 2024 technology. Additionally, the TV features a 144Hz matte display, which minimizes the reflection of ambient light, rendering a more realistic painting texture.

    Enhanced Audio and Built-in AI

    The A300 Pro series is equipped with B&O 3.1.2 ultra-thin wireless speakers, delivering a panoramic surround sound experience. The TV also includes a built-in AI painting model, allowing users to set three keywords for the system to automatically generate exclusive art within 3 seconds. This quick generation of art is quite remarkable. Alongside the TVs, TCL also introduced some high-end soundbars during the event.

    Pricing and Availability

    The TCL A300 Pro is priced at 8,999 yuan ($1,239), 11,999 yuan ($1,652), and 15,999 yuan ($2,203) for the respective sizes. The A300W series is available at 4,999 yuan ($688), 6,999 yuan ($964), 9,999 yuan ($1,377), and 13,599 yuan ($1,873). These new TVs can be purchased from retail platforms like JD.com.


  • Xiaomi Watch S4 Sport: Premium Watch with Professional Lactate Testing

    Xiaomi Watch S4 Sport: Premium Watch with Professional Lactate Testing

    Xiaomi has introduced the Watch S4 Sport during Lei Jun’s 2024 annual speech event. This new smartwatch supports professional lactate threshold tests, allowing users to monitor their peak aerobic endurance strength. This, in turn, helps improve endurance based on measured heart rate and pace training, thanks to the sports algorithm provided by Suunto, a well-known watchmaker.

    Advanced Navigation and Design

    Additionally, the Watch S4 Sport includes watch route navigation features such as tracking returns, straight-line returns, and deviation reminders. Official images reveal that the watch has a round dial available in black and orange. The rotating crown on the right side of the case is prominent, emphasizing its professional smartwatch positioning.

    Premium Build and Features

    This high-end watch comes with a price tag of 2,000 Yuan (approximately $275 or €250). It boasts a titanium body and sapphire glass, with four strap options: fluoroelastomer, silicone, braided, and titanium Milanese. The heart rate and blood-oxygen sensor on the back is also protected by sapphire glass, offering a 97.2% accuracy rate, according to the company.

    The Watch S4 Sport is EN13319 diving certified, allowing users to dive up to 40m (130ft) deep. It also features offline map capabilities, courtesy of an eSIM, enabling users to leave their phones behind. NFC support is another highlight, allowing the watch to function as a car key.

    Display and Battery Life

    The smartwatch features a 1.43” OLED display with a peak brightness of 2,200 nits, ensuring excellent outdoor readability. It houses a substantial 586mAh battery, promising a battery life of 15 days. For reference, the previous model, the Watch S3, comes with a 486mAh battery.


  • Xiaomi Unveils New Mi Natural Wind Pro AC at 6,899 Yuan

    Xiaomi Unveils New Mi Natural Wind Pro AC at 6,899 Yuan

    Xiaomi has introduced the Mi Natural Wind Pro, a vertical air conditioner with a 3-horsepower cooling capacity. Sporting an elegant ice crystal white finish, it combines power with eco-friendliness.

    Wide-Angle Cooling

    This air conditioner features an innovative dual-outlet design and four-zone wind control, ensuring even cooling across a 160-degree angle. This configuration helps maintain a consistent temperature throughout the room, eliminating hot or cold spots. Remarkably, Xiaomi states that the Mi Natural Wind Pro is highly energy-efficient, potentially saving up to 786 degrees of electricity each year.

    Stylish and Functional Design

    The air conditioner’s teardrop-shaped body, complete with a glass panel and suspended water lighting effects, adds a stylish touch to any space. Inside, a dual-cylinder compressor and double-row condenser work together to provide efficient cooling and heating, ensuring comfort throughout the year.

    Intelligent Features

    The Mi Natural Wind Pro includes intelligent features such as the Mijia Lingyun engine for precise temperature control. Users can adjust settings remotely or set timers via the Xiaomi Pengpai Zhilian app and even control the device using voice commands through Xiaoai.

    The Mi Natural Wind Pro is positioned as a premium air conditioning option. It is officially priced at 7,999 yuan, but an initial pre-order discount reduces the price to 6,899 yuan.


    Xiaomi Unveils New Mi Natural Wind Pro AC at 6,899 Yuan
  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.