Category: All News

  • Snapdragon 8 Gen 4: New GPU, Improved Cache & Memory Compression

    Snapdragon 8 Gen 4: New GPU, Improved Cache & Memory Compression

    Qualcomm’s upcoming flagship mobile processor, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4, is anticipated to debut later this year, with increasing rumors about its advanced features. A fresh leak by Weibo user Digital Chat Station has unveiled enhancements for the forthcoming SoC’s graphics processing unit (GPU).

    New GPU Architecture

    According to the tipster, the 8 Gen 4 will feature an improved GPU architecture with enhanced cache and memory compression technology. The architecture, referred to as “Slice GPU architecture” by a source on X (formerly Twitter) with the handle sun.dtsi, is noteworthy.

    The source elaborates that in Slice architecture, the GPU is segmented into multiple independent physical units known as “slices,” each with its own pipeline, cache, and memory.

    Enhanced GPU Utilization

    Digital Chat Station also disclosed that Qualcomm has created a “new technology” to boost “GPU utilization,” ultimately enhancing performance. The X source identifies this technology as “Dynamic Wave Pairing,” for which Qualcomm filed a patent in 2022.

    According to the patent’s abstract, Dynamic Wave Pairing enables the GPU to distribute tasks more efficiently by assigning workloads to different sections within itself and selecting the most appropriate one for each task. This ensures the GPU operates at optimal capacity, resulting in smoother performance.

    Performance Gains from Custom Oryon CPU Cores

    Qualcomm’s custom Oryon CPU cores are also projected to deliver substantial performance improvements. Earlier reports this month indicated that the 8 Gen 4’s high-performance core achieves a clock speed of 4.2GHz, with benchmark scores of 3,000 points in single-core and 10,000 points in multi-core on Geekbench.

    All the leaks thus far imply that the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 will be a formidable SoC, posing stiff competition to MediaTek’s Dimensity 9400 and Samsung’s Exynos 2500.

  • DuckDuckGo Unveils AI Chat Feature for Anonymous Interaction

    DuckDuckGo Unveils AI Chat Feature for Anonymous Interaction

    DuckDuckGo, the search engine known for its strong emphasis on user privacy, has introduced DuckDuckGo AI Chat. This innovative service enables users to interact with advanced generative AI chatbots completely anonymously and at no cost.

    Removing Personal Information

    This AI Chat functions as an intermediary between users and chatbots. When you ask questions or provide prompts, DuckDuckGo AI Chat forwards them to the appropriate chatbot (such as OpenAI GPT-3.5 Turbo or Anthropic’s Claude 3 Haiku) while stripping any personal information from your queries. The chatbots will only see DuckDuckGo’s IP address, not your own, ensuring your anonymity is preserved.

    Although some chatbots may temporarily store your conversations, DuckDuckGo assures users that this data is deleted within 30 days and won’t be used to train or enhance the AI models.

    Usage Limits and Future Plans

    The service is free to use, but there’s a daily cap on the number of interactions to prevent misuse. Regular users are unlikely to hit this limit during typical usage. DuckDuckGo aims to expand the range of available chatbots in the future, providing more options for users to explore the capabilities of sophisticated AI and engage in anonymous conversations.

  • Xiaomi Mix Fold 4 to Support eMBB Tech, MIIT Certification

    Xiaomi Mix Fold 4 to Support eMBB Tech, MIIT Certification

    Xiaomi is gearing up to release its next-generation book-style foldable phone, the Xiaomi Mix Fold 4, which might become the thinnest foldable phone available.

    Alleged Xiaomi Mix Fold 4 Bags MIIT Certification

    Recently, a device with the model number 24072PX77C received network access certification from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT). This phone supports various standards, including NR SA/NR NSA/TD-LTE/LTE FDD/WCDMA/CDMA 1X/GSM.

    Besides, it features Tiantong satellite connectivity and Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB) technology. eMBB, a 5G service category, offers higher bandwidth and lower latency compared to 4G services, enabling applications like 8K video streaming and immersive virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR).

    According to Weibo tipster Digital Chat Station, the model number corresponds to the Mix Fold 4. The phone might also support 5.5G or 5G-Advanced, which is an evolution of 5G technology enhancing speed, latency, and efficiency.

    The phone will be equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, the same one found in many flagship devices like the Xiaomi 14 series. It will feature a 5000mAh battery (2390mAh + 2485mAh) and support both wired and wireless fast charging. Although the exact charging speed isn’t confirmed, a previous leak suggested it might offer upgraded 100W wired fast charging. For context, the Mix Fold 3 had 67W wired and 50W wireless fast charging.

    The Mix Fold 4 is expected to sport a 50MP quad camera setup, including a 5X periscope telephoto lens, similar to its predecessor. The main and ultrawide sensors could be the OV50E and OV13B respectively. The Mix Fold 3 had a 3.2x telephoto and a 5x periscope telephoto. According to ITHome, the 3.2x telephoto might be replaced by a 2x one, with the 2x and 5x telephoto modules featuring OV60A and S5K3K1 sensors respectively.

  • China Marks 5 Years of 5G, Huawei Eyes 5.5G (5G-A) Advancements

    China Marks 5 Years of 5G, Huawei Eyes 5.5G (5G-A) Advancements

    China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology recently organized a forum to celebrate five years of 5G commercial use in the country. The event highlighted China’s achievements in 5G development, showcasing the world’s largest 5G network, which includes over 3.7 million base stations and 889 million users.

    5G-A: The Next Step in Mobile Communication

    A key focus was on 5G-A, also referred to as 5.5G, marking the next evolution in mobile communication. Huawei’s Cao Jibin stressed 5G-A’s potential to significantly enhance network capabilities, including speed, latency, and positioning.

    This advancement is driven by the increasing need for faster and more stable connections to support technologies like AI assistants and extensive data processing. 5G-A aims to deliver a tenfold increase in both bandwidth and latency, as well as sub-meter perception and centimeter-level positioning.

    Future Demand and Industry Collaboration

    Looking forward, Cao Jibin anticipates a surge in computing power requirements, especially for AI applications. He suggests integrating computing, storage, and networking to convert data centers into AI supercomputers. Despite challenges in chip manufacturing, he sees potential in optimizing network infrastructure through sector-wide collaboration.

    The forum wrapped up with a call for industry-wide cooperation to fully harness the potential of 5G-A. This includes policy support, ongoing innovation, and fostering partnerships across the technology chain.

    Achieving Full Connectivity

    The goal is to achieve “full connectivity” across various scenarios, potentially creating a trillion-dollar industry through applications in smart factories, connected cars, and the low-altitude economy. With numerous opportunities and challenges ahead, China’s 5G program appears robust. The coming years will be crucial in determining the country’s progress.

  • Xiaomi MIJIA Smart Curtain 2 Launched with Multiple Control Options

    Xiaomi MIJIA Smart Curtain 2 Launched with Multiple Control Options

    Xiaomi, the renowned Chinese tech company, has introduced the MIJIA Smart Curtain 2 in China. This latest version boasts several enhancements over its predecessor and is now available for pre-order. It offers multiple ways to control the device for both opening and closing.

    Features

    The smart curtain can be operated via XiaoAI, the MIJIA app, a timer switch, and a wireless remote control, eliminating the need for manual adjustment. In situations where there is no power supply, the Smart Curtain 2 can still be manually opened or closed.

    The MIJIA Smart Curtain 2 is built for superior noise reduction and shock absorption. Its motor is capable of handling curtains weighing up to 60kg while maintaining a low noise level of under 26 decibels. This smart curtain allows for custom opening and closing ratios, stepless speed regulation, and adaptive speed regulation when pulled manually. It supports various installation configurations including one-way and two-way opening and closing, single-track and double-track installation, as well as top and side installation. However, it is not suitable for L-shaped or U-shaped tracks.

    Modes and Installation

    The Xiaomi MIJIA Smart Curtain 2 offers different modes such as wake-up mode, sleep mode, movie-viewing mode, and home mode. Its design ensures easy installation without the need for on-site measurements, avoiding any installation delays.

    This smart curtain is currently available for presale on platforms like Xiaomi Youpin, Xiaomi Mall, and other retail outlets. It is priced at 849 yuan ($117).


  • Eizo Reveals 34-Inch Curved Monitor with Dual 2K Resolution in July

    Eizo Reveals 34-Inch Curved Monitor with Dual 2K Resolution in July

    Eizo has recently introduced the EV3450XC, a new 34-inch curved monitor aimed at designers and creative professionals. The monitor features a high-resolution display dubbed “dual 2K” (3440 x 1440 pixels), which is perfect for detailed design work.

    High-Resolution Display

    Though “dual 2K” is not an official technical term, it essentially implies that the horizontal resolution is similar to having two 1080p displays side-by-side. This setup provides a clear and expansive viewing area, making it easier for designers to manage their workflows.

    Color Accuracy and Specifications

    The EV3450XC is engineered to prioritize color fidelity, covering the sRGB color gamut. It boasts a brightness of 300 nits, a static contrast ratio of 1000:1, and a response time of 5ms, which are all suitable for various design and productivity applications.

    Ergonomics and Connectivity

    For ergonomic convenience, the monitor stand supports tilting and is VESA 100x100mm wall-mountable. In terms of connectivity, the monitor is well-equipped with multiple ports: 1 USB-B, 2 USB-C, 2 USB-A, and 2 HDMI (specific versions not mentioned). Additionally, it features two 4W speakers.

    While the exact price and release date have not been disclosed, the monitor is expected to be available in July.

  • Get 4-Pack Samsung SmartTag 2 Trackers for Just $70

    Get 4-Pack Samsung SmartTag 2 Trackers for Just $70

    Smart trackers have become incredibly useful for keeping tabs on essential items. They provide an easy and accurate way to track belongings you don’t want to lose. Apple offers AirTag, while Samsung has its SmartTag. Recently, the Korean tech giant introduced SmartTag 2 with significant upgrades. There's currently a $30 discount available on a four-pack of Samsung SmartTag 2, which you can get for $70 on Amazon.

    If you're interested in purchasing a single unit rather than a four-pack, it’s available at a reduced price of $21.

    Grab SmartTag 2 Bundle

    This is one of the top smart trackers, especially if you own a Samsung phone, as the features and tracking capabilities are highly compatible. For iPhone users, it’s better to opt for an Apple AirTag. Additionally, Google’s Find My Device is not currently compatible with Samsung’s Find My Device network.

    Nevertheless, the market is challenging for new entrants; only established OEMs with a strong user base globally or at least within a country can thrive.

    Samsung SmartTag 2 Features

    Samsung SmartTag 2 introduces advanced Compass View functionality, providing directional arrows along with location and distance information. This works with UWB-supported Galaxy smartphones. The latest version boasts an enhanced battery life of 500 days, extendable up to 700 days in power-saving mode, marking a 50% improvement over its predecessor. It also has an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance. Other features remain unchanged, including Bluetooth Low Energy and UWB capabilities.

  • TSMC Faces No Immediate Competition from Huawei in Chipmaking

    TSMC Faces No Immediate Competition from Huawei in Chipmaking

    TSMC, the world’s leading chip manufacturer, minimized concerns about Huawei’s recent progress in chip development during its shareholder meeting. Highlighting a technological disparity and US export limitations, TSMC executives expressed confidence in retaining their market leadership.

    Chairman Mark Liu responded to a shareholder’s question about Huawei and other rivals, stating, “TSMC considers every competitor very carefully. We will always have competitors. But it has nothing to do with Huawei or not.” He downplayed the threat from Huawei, implying that both Huawei and China are significantly behind.

    TSMC's Confidence

    TSMC President Wei Zhejia also asserted that “it’s impossible” for Huawei to match their chip fabrication technology. This confidence stems from TSMC’s entrenched position at the cutting edge of the semiconductor industry.

    Huawei faces significant hurdles due to US government restrictions that limit its access to advanced chipmaking equipment, impeding its ability to compete at the highest level. Consequently, while TSMC plans to initiate 2nm chip production by next year, Huawei is still dealing with 7nm processors, with speculations that their 5nm SoC might launch soon.

    Huawei's Struggles

    Blacklisted by the US in 2019, Huawei has attempted a resurgence with the Mate 60 Pro and its new Kirin 5G processors. However, their 7nm technology places them at a disadvantage in terms of performance and efficiency compared to the latest chips from other manufacturers.

    While Huawei’s strides towards self-reliance are commendable, the technological gap and the constraints imposed by US sanctions remain significant obstacles. The question is whether any competitor, including Huawei, can bridge the gap and challenge TSMC’s dominance and strict export controls. Only time will reveal if a new contender can unseat the current leader in the chipmaking arena.

  • Apple Could Reveal Dedicated Passwords App at WWDC

    Apple Could Reveal Dedicated Passwords App at WWDC

    We are just a few days away from Apple’s annual WWDC (Worldwide Developer Conference) that kicks off on Monday, June 10. The tech giant is anticipated to reveal the next-generation operating system for its iPhones, iPads, Macs, and more. A recent report from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman suggests that Apple may introduce a new Passwords app on iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS 15. This means Apple could potentially compete with well-known services like LastPass, 1Password, and Dashlane.

    Apple may introduce a dedicated Passwords app at WWDC

    Currently, Apple’s iPhones, iPads, and Macs have a passwords feature, but it is hidden deep within the Settings app. Users need to go through a three-step process to access it. A standalone Passwords app would address this issue, making it more accessible, especially for those new to the Apple ecosystem.

    The existing passwords feature in Settings can store logins, passwords, support one-time passcodes, share passwords, and more. These capabilities will be included in the dedicated Passwords app as well. It will be powered by Apple’s iCloud Keychain service, which syncs credentials across all devices.

    New Features and Compatibility

    Gurman reports that the Passwords app will organize user logins into categories such as accounts, Wi-Fi networks, and passkeys. It will also be compatible with Windows devices and the Vision Pro headset. The app is expected to support verification codes and function similarly to Google Authenticator. Additionally, it will allow importing passwords from other services like LastPass and 1Password.

    WWDC Announcements

    Apple is anticipated to announce the new Passwords app on June 10 at WWDC. It will be part of a series of announcements, with iOS 18 expected to take the spotlight, focusing significantly on AI features. Official details are expected to be revealed on Monday.

  • Motorola Edge 50 Ultra India Launch Teased: Wooden Back Design

    Motorola Edge 50 Ultra India Launch Teased: Wooden Back Design

    In April, Motorola introduced the Edge 50 Pro smartphone to the Indian market. Now, the brand has hinted at the release of the Edge 50 Ultra smartphone in India. This model was initially unveiled globally back in April.

    Teaser Details

    In a recent teaser, Motorola disclosed that the Indian variant of the Edge 50 Ultra will come with a wooden back finish. For those unaware, Motorola has brought back its well-liked wooden backs with the Edge 50 series. These backs are made from genuine wood and come with a faint wood scent. The specifications of the Indian version of the Motorola Edge 50 Ultra are anticipated to match the global version.

    Motorola Edge 50 Ultra Specifications

    Motorola has rolled out the Edge 50 Ultra in Europe, which boasts a 6.67-inch curved pOLED display with a resolution of 2,712 x 1,220 pixels, a 144 Hz refresh rate, and a peak brightness of 2,500 nits. The display supports HDR10+ and is safeguarded by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus. Additionally, it features an in-built fingerprint sensor.

    The Edge 50 Ultra is powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 processor, coupled with 16GB LPDDR5X RAM and up to 1TB of UFS 4.0 storage. It operates on the Android 14-based Hello UI.

    Camera and Battery

    The smartphone’s camera setup includes a 50MP primary sensor with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), a 50MP ultra-wide sensor, and a 64MP telephoto camera with 3x zoom. It houses a 4500mAh battery, supporting 125W wired charging and 50W wireless charging.


    Motorola Edge 50 Ultra India Launch Teased: Wooden Back Design