Category: All News

  • $5.4 Billion Investment Drives Memory Chip Growth as China Boosts Semiconductor Self-Sufficiency

    $5.4 Billion Investment Drives Memory Chip Growth as China Boosts Semiconductor Self-Sufficiency

    China’s Changxin Xinqiao Memory Technologies Raises $5.4 Billion in Funding

    In a significant move highlighting China’s dedication to technological self-sufficiency, semiconductor start-up Changxin Xinqiao Memory Technologies, based in Hefei, successfully raised US$5.4 billion in its latest funding round. The funds were secured from government-backed investors, including the China Integrated Circuit Industry Investment Fund Phase II, underscoring Beijing’s commitment to achieving breakthroughs in the semiconductor industry and countering US sanctions.

    Changxin Xinqiao, established in 2021, shares key shareholders and its general manager with Changxin Memory Technologies, China’s leading DRAM chip maker. The investment demonstrates Beijing’s resolve to bolster the nation’s semiconductor sector, aiming to compete with global industry giants such as Micron Technology and Samsung Electronics. Changxin Memory Technologies is gearing up for a significant move, planning to file for an initial public offering in China that could potentially value the company at over US$14.5 billion.

    China’s Focus on the Semiconductor Industry

    This strategic investment aligns with China’s broader focus on the semiconductor industry, which has gained momentum amid US efforts to restrict China’s access to cutting-edge chip technologies. Earlier successes were observed with companies like Huawei Technologies, which released a 5G phone featuring silicon produced by top Chinese chip maker Semiconductor Manufacturing International in August.

    At the forefront of China’s semiconductor financing initiatives is the China Integrated Circuit Industry Investment Fund, commonly known as the Big Fund. Established in 2014, the Big Fund has attracted significant capital, totaling US$45 billion, and has supported numerous companies, including the US-blacklisted Yangtze Memory Technologies. Despite facing challenges due to a corruption probe, the Big Fund has ramped up its funding activities in 2023, making multiple investments, including the substantial backing provided to Changxin Xinqiao Memory Technologies.

    Pursuing Technological Independence

    This latest injection of funds underlines China’s steadfast commitment to achieving semiconductor excellence, fostering domestic innovation, and reducing reliance on foreign technologies in pursuit of technological independence.

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  • Newly Launched RCA Evolution Premium Monitor Features 27″ QHD IPS Panel, 240Hz Refresh Rate, and KVM Switch

    Newly Launched RCA Evolution Premium Monitor Features 27″ QHD IPS Panel, 240Hz Refresh Rate, and KVM Switch

    A new gaming monitor has been introduced by American electronics manufacturer RCA in the domestic market. Known as the RCA Evolution Premium (M27PG135F), this monitor boasts a range of premium features, such as a high refresh rate panel, a KVM switch, and a cable management slot.

    RCA Evolution Premium (M27PG135F) Monitor Specifications

    The RCA Evolution Premium gaming monitor offers a 27-inch display with a resolution of 2,560 x 1,440 (QHD) and a maximum refresh rate of 240 Hz. It utilizes a flat IPS panel with a brightness of 300 nits, providing 95% DCI-P3 color gamut coverage and HDR-10 compatibility. One standout feature is its remarkable 1ms response time, which is uncommon for an IPS panel.

    The stand of the monitor is designed with flexibility in mind, offering tilt, height, and rotation adjustments. Furthermore, it incorporates a cable management slot to ensure a clean and organized setup. In terms of connectivity, users can expect 1 DisplayPort 1.4, 1 USB type-C with DP Alt mode and 90W power delivery, along with 2 HDMI 2.0 ports and 2 USB data ports. Additionally, there is a headphone jack, and the monitor comes equipped with integrated stereo speakers. Notably, it also features a KVM switch, enabling seamless switching between multiple connected devices.

    Pricing & Availability

    Interested customers can purchase the RCA Evolution Premium (M27PG135F) monitor for $429 in the United States.

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  • Yuga Labs, Creator of Bored Ape Yacht Club NFTs, Holds Inaugural “ApeFest” in Hong Kong

    Yuga Labs, Creator of Bored Ape Yacht Club NFTs, Holds Inaugural “ApeFest” in Hong Kong

    Yuga Labs, the creator of Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC) NFTs, decided to host their first ApeFest outside of New York in Hong Kong. This event, which brought together more than 2,500 NFT enthusiasts, not only signifies a strong push into Asia’s thriving Web3 landscape but also highlights Hong Kong’s growing status as a virtual asset hub.

    Global Participation

    The three-day extravaganza attracted participants from over 60 countries, demonstrating the widespread appeal of the Bored Apes. Daniel Alegre, CEO of Yuga Labs, emphasized the significance of their Asian community, suggesting a strategic shift towards markets with active NFT engagement.

    Partnership with BMW

    In collaboration with BMW, the festival provided a unique experience where attendees could capture moments with a car featuring their own NFTs. This not only highlights the mainstreaming of NFTs but also showcases the innovative ways in which they can be utilized for real-world interactions.

    This event is particularly timely for Hong Kong, as the city has recently experienced a talent drain in the cryptocurrency industry due to more favorable regulations in other jurisdictions. However, Yuga Labs’ decision, alongside the support of local government initiatives and partnerships with companies like Animoca Brands, indicates a potential reversal of this trend.

    Despite the challenges faced by the NFT market, such as declining sales and increased regulatory scrutiny in the United States, Yuga Labs remains committed. Their confidence is echoed by the enthusiasm of Bored Ape enthusiasts, some of whom traveled internationally for the first time to be a part of this community gathering.

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  • Polestar Collaborates with SK On to Boost Driving Range of Upcoming Polestar 5 EV

    Polestar Collaborates with SK On to Boost Driving Range of Upcoming Polestar 5 EV

    Polestar has made a significant leap by partnering with SK On for its upcoming Polestar 5 model. The tie-up promises to bring a powerhouse of a battery that could redefine long-range travel in electric cars.

    Ultra-Long Lithium-Ion Cells

    The Polestar 5, a sleek 4-door GT born from the Precept concept, is gearing up to house a unique set of ultra-long lithium-ion cells. These aren’t just your average batteries; they’re designed to pack a punch with a high energy density, ensuring that drivers can go further on a single charge. While the exact figures are under wraps, there’s chatter about the potential for a range that rivals, if not surpasses, some of the best in the market—possibly reaching up to 373 miles.

    All-Wheel Drive Powertrain

    The anticipated dual-motor setup is equally impressive, with the all-wheel drive powertrain boasting up to 650 kilowatts of power and 900 Newton-meters of torque. Such specs hint at not just a drive that’s about endurance, but one that can deliver a thrilling experience.

    What’s interesting is the backstory of this collaboration. SK On, an arm of SK Innovation, isn’t new to the Polestar narrative. The wider SK Group has previously invested in Polestar and seems to be deepening its ties within the EV domain through this partnership.

    The production schedule points to a 2025 launch, slightly later than initially expected, but if the promises hold true, it could well be worth the wait. As we see Polestar rise as a contender in the EV space with almost 14,000 all-electric cars sold in the third quarter of 2023 alone, the future looks electrifying. This partnership could not only propel Polestar further but also send ripples across the industry as we cruise into an era where the synergy between car manufacturers and tech innovators drives us toward a more sustainable future.

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  • Korean Samsung Galaxy Buds FE Receives Toy Story Cases

    Korean Samsung Galaxy Buds FE Receives Toy Story Cases

    Samsung’s latest wireless earbuds, the Galaxy Buds FE, are offering a special treat for fans in South Korea. They have launched a limited-edition package that features iconic characters from Pixar’s Toy Story. This exclusive bundle, called ‘Galaxy Buds FE Toy Story’, is now available on G Market starting from the 6th.

    Toy Story-Themed Cases

    In this package, customers will find two charming case designs inspired by Lotso Bear and Hamm. The ‘Lotso Bear’ case is priced at 39,600 won ($30), while the ‘Hamm’ case costs 36,300 won ($28). If you purchase the Galaxy Buds FE with these special cases, the total price is 125,900 won ($97). However, there is a promotional price of 105,900 won ($82) available until November 29.

    Impressive Sound Quality

    The Galaxy Buds FE themselves offer impressive sound quality with active noise canceling and robust bass. These earbuds cater to all music preferences with their deep and rich bass. They also provide precise control over your audio environment through Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Ambient Sound features, allowing you to block out noise or stay aware of your surroundings.

    Toy Story-Themed Cases

    The real highlight of the Galaxy Buds FE Toy Story bundle is the Toy Story-themed cases. The ‘Lotso Bear’ case comes in dark pink with an adorable expression, while the ‘Hamm’ case sports a round face and apricot color. These cases are not limited to Galaxy Buds FE; they also fit ‘Galaxy Buds 2 Pro’ and ‘Galaxy Buds 2’. Customers can purchase these cases separately at Samsung Gangnam stores and online shopping platforms.

    Specifications of Samsung Galaxy Buds FE

    Here are the specifications of the Samsung Galaxy Buds FE:

    • High-quality sound with deep and rich bass
    • Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Ambient Sound features
    • Advanced three-microphone system and AI-powered Deep Neural Network (DNN) for clear communication during calls
    • Up to 8.5 hours of playback on the earbuds alone
    • Extends to 30 hours with the charging case

    The Samsung Galaxy Buds FE are ideal for extended use, providing long-lasting battery life and impressive sound quality. Whether you are a fan of Toy Story or simply looking for high-quality wireless earbuds, the Galaxy Buds FE Toy Story bundle is worth considering.

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  • Xiaomi 14 Claims Top Spot in October AnTuTu Performance Rankings Amidst Growing Competition

    Xiaomi 14 Claims Top Spot in October AnTuTu Performance Rankings Amidst Growing Competition

    Top Performing Android Flagship Smartphones in October 2023

    In the ever-evolving world of Android flagship smartphones, performance remains a key selling point. The latest AnTuTu benchmark results for October 2023 reveal intriguing insights into the top-performing devices. The average running scores during October shed light on which smartphones are leading the pack. Here’s a glimpse into the standings:

    1. Xiaomi 14 (Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 16GB+512GB) – 1,997,427 Points

    Xiaomi takes the top spot with its Xiaomi 14, featuring the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. This powerhouse leads the competition with an impressive performance score, which is no doubt thanks to the latest flagship chip from Qualcomm.

    2. Xiaomi 14 Pro (Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 16GB+512GB) – 1,985,014 Points

    Right on the heels of its sibling, the Xiaomi 14 Pro secures the second position with a remarkable score. That being said, normally we expect the Pro variant to be on top, however, the difference in the scores is quite negligible.

    3. OnePlus Ace 2 Pro (Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 24GB+1TB) – 1,663,507 Points

    Despite falling to the third position in October, the OnePlus Ace 2 Pro continues to be a strong contender. It’s equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, 24GB of RAM, and 1TB of storage.

    4. iQOO 11S (Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 16GB+1TB) – 1,650,842 Points

    The iQOO 11S showcases its might with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, 16GB of RAM, and 1TB of storage, securing the fourth position.

    5. iQOO 11 Pro (Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 16GB+512GB) – 1,633,169 Points

    iQOO’s 11 Pro follows closely behind with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage.

    6. Vivo X90 Pro+ (Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 12GB+512GB) – 1,624,675 Points

    Vivo’s X90 Pro+ ranks sixth in the performance charts, featuring a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, 12GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage.

    7. realme GT5 240W (Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 24GB+1TB) – 1,621,188 Points

    Realme’s GT5 240W makes its presence felt with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, 24GB of RAM, and 1TB of storage.

    8. OPPO Find X6 Pro (Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 16GB+512GB) – 1,591,832 Points

    OPPO’s Find X6 Pro secures the eighth spot with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage.

    9. iQOO 11X (Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 16GB+512GB) – 1,585,699 Points

    iQOO’s 11X follows closely behind with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage.

    10. iQOO Neo 8 Pro (Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 12GB+256GB) – 1,580,564 Points

    The iQOO Neo 8 Pro rounds out the top ten with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, 12GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage.

    Expectations for November and Beyond

    With that being said, we can expect a shake-up in the flagship rankings of November due to a bunch of new flagships like the OnePlus 12 and the iQOO 12 Pro launching with the new Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip. Then there is the dark horse Vivo X100 featuring the unannounced Dimensity 9300 chip, which is said to easily cross the 2 million point mark on AnTuTu.

    Although the devices mentioned have purportedly surpassed the 2 million point threshold on AnTuTu, sustaining this level of performance in actual retail models is the true measure of their capabilities.

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  • Poco X6 Pro Seen in India’s BIS Certification

    Poco X6 Pro Seen in India’s BIS Certification

    Speculation Surrounding the Arrival of the POCO X6 Series

    POCO X6 Pro BIS Certification

    Recently, a POCO gadget bearing the model number 23122PCD1I made an appearance on the BIS certification portal. While the specific name remains undisclosed, industry insiders have hinted at the likelihood of it being the POCO X6 Pro variant.

    Official Launch Confirmation for India

    The BIS certification entry serves as a firm indicator that the much-anticipated POCO X6 Pro will indeed see its debut in the Indian market.

    Anticipated Arrival of the POCO X6 5G

    Additionally, there are strong expectations surrounding the impending reveal of the POCO X6 5G model.

    Details on the Redmi Note 13 Pro and Redmi Note 13 5G

    • Redmi Note 13 Pro:
    • Featuring a 6.67-inch AMOLED screen with a refresh rate of 120Hz
    • Equipped with the powerful Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chipset
    • Boasts a cutting-edge 200MP triple-camera setup
    • Redmi Note 13 5G:
    • Showcasing a 6.6-inch AMOLED display operating at a 120Hz refresh rate
    • Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6080 processor
    • Offers a high-quality 108MP dual-camera configuration

    Although POCO has remained tight-lipped about the official launch schedule for its X6 series, the presence of the device on the BIS certification platform hints at an imminent unveiling.

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  • Sneak peek: iQOO 12 & 12 Pro camera samples revealed before November 7 release

    Sneak peek: iQOO 12 & 12 Pro camera samples revealed before November 7 release

    iQOO 12 Series Camera Samples

    In the latest teaser, iQOO has shared camera samples of both the iQOO 12 and 12 Pro smartphones.

    iQOO 12 Series Specs

    Reports suggest that the iQOO 12 series will feature a 6.78-inch display with a 144Hz refresh rate. The standard iQOO 12 will offer a 1.5K resolution with an optical in-screen fingerprint scanner, while the iQOO 12 Pro will boast a 2K curved-edge E7 AMOLED Samsung screen with an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor.

    Under the hood, both phones will be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset and will incorporate the self-developed Q1 e-sports chip for enhanced gaming performance. They will also offer impressive audio with symmetrical three-dimensional dual stereo speakers, Hi-Res Audio, and Hi-Res Audio Wireless support.

    To keep the devices cool during gaming, a four-zone heat dissipation system and a 40% larger VC vapor chamber will be included. The series will be IP68-rated for water and dust resistance and will run on Origin OS 4-based Android 14.

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  • Volkswagen and Vivo team up to enhance smart car connectivity

    Volkswagen and Vivo team up to enhance smart car connectivity

    Partnership between CARIAD and Vivo

    Volkswagen Group’s software subsidiary CARIAD has announced a partnership with Chinese smartphone maker Vivo to develop innovative smart car connectivity solutions. The goal of the collaboration is to create a seamless and smooth digital mobility experience for consumers.

    Establishment of M Lab

    The two companies have established a joint lab in China called the Mobile x Mobility Fusion Joint Innovative Lab (abbreviated as M Lab) to focus on research and development in areas such as bidirectional synchronization between smartphones and smart cars, integration of user data inside the vehicle, and seamless connection of intelligent applications.

    Development of Software and Hardware Solutions

    The joint lab will work on developing new software and hardware solutions that will enable smartphones and smart cars to communicate with each other more effectively. This will allow users to control their vehicles remotely, access vehicle data and services from their smartphones, and enjoy a more personalized and convenient driving experience.

    Enhancing R&D Capabilities and Access to User Base

    The partnership is aimed at helping CARIAD enhance its independent R&D capabilities in the field of smart connectivity and better integrate its innovations into the Chinese local digital ecosystem. Vivo’s in-car system has already covered 160 million smartphone users in China, giving CARIAD access to a large and growing user base.

    “We firmly believe in the concept that ‘going alone may be fast, but going together can go further.’ Vivo is committed to contributing to the progress and development of the entire industry with an open and collaborative ecological mindset,” said Zhou Wei, Vivo’s vice president.

    The partnership between CARIAD and Vivo is a positive development for the automotive industry. It is likely to lead to the development of new and innovative smart car connectivity solutions that will make it easier and more convenient for people to use their smartphones and smart cars together.

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  • Grok, the chatbot developed by Elon Musk’s AI startup xAI, is now available

    Grok, the chatbot developed by Elon Musk’s AI startup xAI, is now available

    Introducing Grok: xAI’s New AI Chatbot

    Elon Musk’s AI startup, xAI, has recently launched a new AI chatbot called Grok. This chatbot is designed to compete with the popular Generative AI and offers similar functionalities to OpenAI’s ChatGPT.

    Grok’s Superior Performance

    Grok has been developed to outperform ChatGPT-3.5 in various academic tests, particularly in math and coding. xAI conducted evaluations using standard machine learning benchmarks, and Grok surpassed other models in its compute class, including ChatGPT-3.5 and Inflection-1. It was only surpassed by models with significantly larger training data and compute resources, such as GPT-4.

    Additionally, xAI hand-graded Grok on the 2023 Hungarian national high school finals in mathematics. Grok achieved a C (59%), outperforming Claude-2 with the same grade (55%), and GPT-4 with a B (68%).

    Grok’s Unique Features

    Grok sets itself apart by not only answering user queries but also asking its own questions, inspired by the humorous tone of “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.” It is designed to provide witty responses and has a rebellious streak, adding a touch of humor to interactions.

    Grok’s Availability and Future Development

    While Grok is currently in its early beta stage, xAI is continuously improving its performance. The company is also working on implementing additional safety measures to prevent malicious use of the chatbot.

    Grok is available on X Premium Plus for $16 per month, but currently, access is limited to a select number of users in the United States.

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