Category: All News

October 9, 2023

FiiO Enhances FT3 Headphones in 32Ω Edition
To reach a broader audience and tackle limitations of its original FT3 headphones, FiiO has introduced a new variant, the FT3 32Ω Edition. This updated version brings several enhancements aimed at significantly improving the user experience, particularly for individuals using lower-powered audio devices.

Reduced Impedance for Enhanced Experience

The key feature of the FT3 32Ω Edition is its decreased impedance, addressing a common user concern with the original FT3 headphones. Initially sporting a 350-ohm impedance, the FT3 faced compatibility issues with lower-powered Digital Audio Players (DAPs) or smartphones, demanding more power to drive, potentially deterring some buyers.

FiiO responded to this feedback by crafting the FT3 32Ω Edition with a substantially lower impedance of 32 ohms. This impedance reduction is a remarkable achievement, especially considering the driver size remaining at an impressive 60mm. The shift in driver diaphragm material plays a crucial role in this adjustment, with the new model utilizing an LCP aluminium-plated and aluminium metal composite diaphragm instead of the original’s diamond-like carbon (DLC) diaphragm with a beryllium-coated gasket. This alteration ensures easier drivability, even with less potent equipment, while maintaining the renowned audio quality associated with FiiO.

Sensitivity Enhancement and Cable Upgrade

In addition to the lowered impedance, the FT3 32Ω Edition witnesses a slight sensitivity boost, now at 110dB (1Vrms) @1kHz. This heightened sensitivity furthers the ease of driving these headphones with lower-powered devices, guaranteeing crisp and clear audio output even at reduced power inputs.

The cable has also undergone a transformation. Initially equipped with a 3m Furukawa Monocrystalline Copper cable, the FT3 now adopts a 1.5m 392 wire high-purity silver-plated monocrystalline copper cable due to the discontinuation of the former cable. This change not only signifies a pragmatic adjustment but also a quality upgrade, promising superior audio transmission.

Unchanging Accessory Package

The accessory bundle remains consistent between the original FT3 and the FT3 32Ω Edition. Users will discover interchangeable connector plugs for 3.5mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced terminations, a 6.35mm single-ended adapter, and an XLR-4 balanced adapter in the package. Furthermore, two sets of ear pads (leather and suede) and the same hard-sided leather storage case are included. This uniformity in accessories underscores FiiO’s dedication to delivering a top-tier user experience throughout its headphone range.

Final Thoughts

The FiiO FT3 32Ω Edition exemplifies FiiO’s receptiveness to user input and its relentless pursuit of excellence. Priced at £289/ €299 RRP, this new offering is now available for purchase, expanding the headphones’ appeal and solidifying FiiO’s standing in the high-fidelity audio market.

Sources:
- StereoNET UK Article
- The Ear Article
Tags: FiiO, FiiO FT3
October 9, 2023

Unveiling the Polar Vantage V3: A Fusion of Cutting-edge Technology and Athlete-centric Design
Polar has raised the bar in the realm of sport smartwatches with the unveiling of the Polar Vantage V3. This advanced wearable is not merely a timepiece, but a companion tailored for athletes, aimed at optimizing performance and monitoring vital health metrics. Here’s a delve into the hallmark features and what makes the Vantage V3 a notable contender in the bustling market of sport smartwatches.

Advanced Health Monitoring

Central to the Vantage V3 is its advanced health monitoring feature spearheaded by the Polar Elixir biosensing technology. This technology facilitates accurate measurement of heart rate, blood oxygen saturation levels (SpO2), and body temperature during sleep. Moreover, it enables Electrocardiogram (ECG) measurements without the previously required chest strap, a leap from its predecessor, the V2. This feature aids athletes in striking a balance between training and recovery by assessing heart rate variability and heart rate measurements¹.

Enhanced Performance and Usability

The Vantage V3 has undergone a significant facelift from its predecessor, boasting a refined design coupled with a more robust processor. Its AMOLED display, measuring 1.39 inches with a resolution of 462ppi, ensures crisp visibility even under direct sunlight. Additionally, the re-engineered strap mechanism now accommodates any 22mm strap, enhancing its versatility. Under the hood, the V3 houses a new generation of sensors that seamlessly work together under the ‘Polar Elixir’ banner to provide precise health and activity monitoring. The implemented dual-frequency GPS supports over 150 workout profiles, catering to a wide range of physical activities. Offline maps, a new addition, are bound to resonate well with outdoor enthusiasts, providing topographic views for better navigation even in visually challenging areas².

Prolonged Battery Life and Robust Build

The Vantage V3 is designed to endure intensive use, offering up to 140 hours of training time with energy-saving mode or 50 hours with heart rate monitoring and dual GPS activated. In typical smartwatch mode, the battery life extends up to eight days before necessitating a recharge. Its aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass 3 protected display attest to its robust build, ready to withstand the rigors of outdoor adventures. The Vantage V3 is more than just a smartwatch; it’s a testament to Polar’s commitment to marrying robust design with cutting-edge technology, ensuring athletes have a reliable companion on their wrist³.

In a world where the line between smartwatches and fitness trackers is increasingly blurring, the Polar Vantage V3 sets itself apart with a clear focus on aiding athletes to achieve their best performance while keeping a close eye on their health metrics. Its blend of advanced features and athlete-friendly design makes it a compelling choice for those seeking to elevate their training regimen.

Sources:
Tags: polar, Polar Vantage V3
October 9, 2023

Xiaomi Poised for a Paradigm Shift: Transitioning from MIUI to MiOS
In a realm incessantly propelled by innovation, maintaining a competitive edge necessitates not merely keeping pace with evolution but oftentimes, spearheading it. Xiaomi, a distinguished luminary in the smartphone universe, is envisaged to be at the cusp of a monumental transition in its Android-based UI system. The pivot from the much-celebrated MIUI to a nascent operating system, MiOS, is speculated to be the company’s resolute stride towards encapsulating the new technological wave ushered in by Android 14.

The Curtain Call for MIUI

The discourse on Xiaomi’s software transition emerged from reliable industry conduits, hinting at a forthcoming farewell to MIUI with its 14th iteration. The MIUI, an acronym for Mi User Interface, has been the hallmark of Xiaomi’s Android interface since its inception, melding a user-centric design with a wide gamut of features. Its departure is seen as a bid adieu to an era embellished with iconic features and innovations¹.

The Dawn of MiOS

The inception of murmurs regarding the transition was further fueled by a revelation from a credible tipster, Digital Chat Station, who unveiled Xiaomi’s possible plan to eschew the anticipated MIUI 15 in favor of launching a brand-new operating system, MiOS. The postulation extends to MiOS being a completely fresh construct, engineered from the ground up, with compatibility across a spectrum of devices including smartphones, tablets, and wearable technology².

An Augury of Enhanced User Experience

MiOS is envisioned to be a highly-customized, self-developed operating system, signaling Xiaomi’s unwavering commitment to innovation and an enhanced user experience. This new ecosystem is anticipated to usher in a more streamlined and intuitive interface, optimized for superior performance, thereby promising a smoother user interaction. The development of MiOS also aligns with Xiaomi’s objective to diminish reliance on third-party software providers, thereby exuding greater control over the software ecosystem of their devices and offering a more cohesive user experience³.

The conjecture surrounding Xiaomi’s software evolution reflects a broader industry trend towards embracing the perpetual technological advancement. Although the official release date for MiOS remains under wraps, the tech community and Xiaomi aficionados are on tenterhooks, awaiting further elucidation from the company regarding the features and capabilities of MiOS.

The contrasting narratives around the release of MIUI 15 add a layer of complexity to the scenario, leaving the tech savants and Xiaomi’s clientele in anticipation of official communication from Xiaomi to dispel the clouds of uncertainty⁴.

Sources:
Tags: MiOS, MIUI, Xiaomi
October 9, 2023

Sony Elevates the Gaming Audio Landscape with Its Inzone Buds: A Game Changer in Wireless Earbuds

Sony, a household name in audio and gaming, has introduced a new gadget tailored for gamers and tech enthusiasts alike – the Sony Inzone Buds, priced at $200. This innovative piece of technology is designed to redefine your gaming and audio experiences by offering impressive battery life, low latency, immersive audio, and cross-platform compatibility¹.

Exceptional Battery Life and Latency

One of the standout features of the Sony Inzone Buds is their phenomenal battery life. Sony claims these earbuds can deliver a staggering 12 hours of continuous use on a single charge, making them an ideal choice for long gaming sessions or extended periods of audio playback. When connected via Bluetooth LE, the battery life extends to up to 24 hours, and the charging case holds enough power for a second full recharge, adding an hour of juice in just five minutes².

The Inzone Buds are engineered with a clear focus on minimizing latency, a crucial factor in gaming. When using the supplied USB-C adapter, the latency is reduced to under 30 milliseconds, ensuring a responsive and immersive gameplay experience¹.

Premium Audio Experience

Sony’s expertise in audio technology shines through in the Inzone Buds. These earbuds are equipped with active noise-canceling technology, allowing you to block out distractions and focus on your game or audio. The personalized spatial sound ensures you hear every detail, adding depth and immersion to your listening experience. They utilize the same wide frequency ‘Dynamic Driver X’ driver unit used in Sony’s WF-1000XM5 hi-fi earbuds, which minimizes distortion and enhances clarity³.

Cross-Platform Compatibility

The Inzone Buds are not restricted to a single platform; they support a wide range of devices. Whether you’re gaming on a PlayStation 5, a PC, or a mobile device, these headphones have got you covered. The compatibility extends further with low-power Bluetooth LE audio, making them a valuable addition if you own a high-end Android phone that supports this feature¹.

Conclusion

Sony’s new Inzone Buds are explicitly crafted for gamers, offering a compelling package of impressive battery life, low latency, immersive audio, and multi-platform compatibility at a competitive price point of $200. They are set to make a significant mark in the gaming and audio world, providing a premium, wireless audio experience.

All of Sony’s new INZONE headphones are available to order now, priced at $199/£180/€200 for the Buds, $150/£130/€150 for the H5s, and $299/£269/€300 for the black H9s.

For further information on the Sony Inzone Buds, you may refer to the articles on Forbes, Sparrows News, and Engadget.

Tags: sony, Sony Inzone
October 9, 2023

Samsung One UI 6.1 Update: A Milestone in AI Integration

Samsung‘s ambitious One UI 6.1 update is on the horizon, expected to further solidify its commitment to leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) across its device ecosystem, particularly with the introduction of the Galaxy S24 series. This update is speculated to be a game-changer, marking a significant milestone in Samsung’s journey towards a more AI-centric user experience.

Embarking on an AI Journey

With the buzz around AI reaching a crescendo in the tech world, Samsung is not one to be left behind. The One UI 6.1 update, expected to roll out alongside the Galaxy S24 series, is rumored to be a treasure trove of AI-powered features, setting a new benchmark for what users can expect from their devices¹².

The information stemming from leaks suggests a robust upgrade to the existing AI capabilities, with a strong emphasis on introducing a more potent AI assistant to replace or augment Bixby, Samsung’s current voice assistant³. This move is indicative of Samsung’s resolve to enhance user interaction and provide a more intuitive, personalized user experience.

Unveiling Cutting-Edge Hardware

Driving the AI revolution are the powerful chipsets expected to be housed within the Galaxy S24 series. The Exynos 2400 processor, boasting a 1.7x faster CPU and a remarkable 14.7x faster AI performance compared to its predecessor, is a testament to the leaps in performance and efficiency Samsung has achieved⁴.

Furthermore, the inclusion of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset is also hinted, which only cements the notion that Samsung is pulling all stops to ensure superior performance and a seamless AI experience for its users.

Beyond Bixby: The New AI Horizon

The quest for a more capable AI assistant underscores the broader aspiration to provide users with a smart, responsive, and intuitive interface. The leaks hint at a major overhaul for Bixby or possibly a new AI assistant that could rival the likes of Google Assistant, thereby elevating the level of AI integration within the Samsung ecosystem³.

The One UI 6.1 update is not just about a transient tech trend; it reflects a significant part of Samsung’s vision for a future where AI is intertwined with every facet of user interaction. As the beta testing for One UI 6.0 continues, the tech community is abuzz with anticipation for what One UI 6.1 holds in store, making the upcoming Galaxy S24 series a highly awaited release among tech aficionados and everyday users alike.

The integration of advanced AI features in One UI 6.1 and the Galaxy S24 series is a bold statement from Samsung, heralding a new era where smartphones are not just smart, but intelligently responsive to user needs, setting a precedent for future innovations in the smartphone industry.

Source: The Mobile Indian | Sammy Fans | Sam Lover

Tags: One UI 6.1, Samsung
October 9, 2023

Honor Watch 4 Pro leak

The world of smartwatches is evolving at a rapid pace, offering a blend of functionality and style. Among the horde of smartwatches making waves in the market, the Honor Watch 4 Pro is a notable mention. This exquisite timepiece is set to launch in China on October 12, 2023, alongside the Honor Vs2 foldable smartphone.

A Glimpse into the Premium Design

The Honor Watch 4 Pro is a personification of elegance with its meticulously crafted design. Measuring 46.4 x 46.4 x 11.4mm and weighing a mere 50g, it’s a blend of compactness and lightness that sits comfortably on your wrist. The slim bezels surrounding the circular dial add a touch of modernity, while the leather straps ensure a classic look. This smartwatch will be available in an array of colors including Brown, Dark Green, and Black, to cater to different tastes¹.

Under the Hood

This smartwatch isn’t just about looks; it’s packed with robust features to cater to modern-day needs. At the heart of the Honor Watch 4 Pro is a circular AMOLED display of 1.5 inches, boasting a resolution of 464 x 464 pixels. Powering this device is a low-power processor paired with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage, ensuring smooth performance. The watch runs on the intuitive MagicOS 7.2 and supports eSIM for cellular connectivity with VoLTE.

The Honor Watch 4 Pro is a hub of intelligent features including sleep tracking, calorie consumption monitoring, heart rate monitoring, a pedometer, and tap-to-pay functionality. With a 480mAh battery, it promises up to 10 days of battery life, making it a reliable companion for those on the go¹.

Pricing Details

The premium features and elegant design come with a price tag of CNY 2,999, which is approximately $410 or Rs 34,150. This price reflects the high-end appeal and the array of features the Honor Watch 4 Pro brings to the table¹².

The Honor Watch 4 Pro is indeed a blend of style and functionality. With its launch just around the corner, it’s poised to give a stiff competition to other smartwatches in the market.

Source: GizmoChina, MySmartPrice

Tags: Honor Watch, Honor Watch 4 Pro
October 9, 2023

Space OS: The Digital Harmony We’ve Been Craving?

Ah, computers. Can’t live with them, can’t live without them, right? Remember the times when our desktops were a clear canvas, just waiting for us to sprinkle our digital chaos all over them? A playground where you could download all sorts of softwares, without having to recall a zillion passwords for different cloud services. Mustafa Abdelhai, co-founder and CEO of a startup, nudges us back to those days, but with a modern twist.

The Infinite Canvas: More Than Just a Desktop

Picture this: instead of staring at a static screen peppered with icons, your desktop is an infinite canvas. A realm where you can jot down notes, binge-watch your favorite shows, or even run full-blown apps, all by casually drawing a rectangle on the screen. Sounds sci-fi-ish? Well, Mustafa Abdelhai is on a mission to turn this cinematic tech-fantasy into our everyday reality.

Mustafa envisions a digital world where instead of juggling between various cloud services (over which, let’s be honest, we have zero control), we could simply download software like we did two decades ago. The good ol’ days, where the stuff you downloaded was yours to control, modify, and manage, without the hovering digital overlords known as cloud services.

Mustafa’s Vision: A Seamless, User-Friendly Digital World

But wait, there’s more! Mustafa and his team aren’t just stopping at reimagining our digital workspace. They’re actively working on it with a new service called Space OS. Think of it as a wildly different approach to handling your digital life, without the constant digital mess we’re so used to dealing with.

Now, if you’ve used web apps like Google Docs, Trello, or Miro, you know the drill. They let you manage documents and notes from literally anywhere, which sounds great on paper. But when it comes down to actually getting them to play nice with each other? Well, that’s a whole different, and often frustrating, story.

Shuffling data between apps can feel like trying to herd cats, and having a clear overview of everything in one place? Pfft, forget about it. This is where Space OS swoops in, promising a digital life that doesn’t feel like you’ve opened all your kitchen cabinets and thrown the contents all over the floor.

Space OS is Deta’s endeavor to offer us a breath of fresh digital air by taking a staggeringly different approach to managing our digital spaces. In Mustafa’s world, moving between different apps and services would be a breeze, offering a unified, seamless user experience that, let’s face it, we’re all secretly (or not so secretly) yearning for.

A Nod to the Past, with Eyes on the Future

Interestingly, while the digital world has been rapidly evolving, many of us find ourselves reminiscing about certain aspects of the “primitive” digital era. An era where software was something you owned, not something you perpetually rented from a faceless corporation. Mustafa Abdelhai taps into this nostalgia, while also acknowledging the conveniences of the modern cloud-based approach.

His vision intertwines the simplicity and user-control of the past with the accessibility and versatility of the present. Imagine having a digital space that’s as expansive and limitless as the internet, yet as personal and controllable as your private notebook. It’s a vision that certainly has us intrigued and, quite possibly, looking at a future where our digital lives are a tad less chaotic and a lot more harmonious.

And in this melange of the past and present digital world, Abdelhai is not just stopping at what was good in the past, but amalgamating it with what could be fantastic in the future. A balanced digital ecosystem where you, the user, are firmly in the driver’s seat, steering your digital destiny rather than being a passenger in a vehicle driven by giant tech corporations.

In a nutshell, Mustafa Abdelhai, through his endeavors with Space OS and his insightful takes on the digital world, invites us to dream of a digital future that’s user-friendly, seamless, and perhaps most importantly, puts control back into our hands. So, here’s to hoping that the future of our digital world is just around the corner and it’s as splendid as Mustafa imagines it to be!

Sources: Verge, Fastcompany

Tags: deta, Space OS
October 9, 2023

Huawei’s Innovative Leap: A Microscopic Camera System for Smartphones
In a bid to continually offer unique features and gain a competitive edge in the fierce smartphone market, Huawei has recently patented a groundbreaking microscope-camera technology. This cutting-edge system has the capability to magnify objects from 20 to 400 times at a minimum distance of approximately 5 millimeters, paving the way for a plethora of practical applications centered around hygiene and health awareness¹².

A Game-Changing Camera System

This novel microscope-camera technology isn’t just a tool for zooming in; it’s a potential game-changer in promoting hygiene and health awareness. The system comprises two cameras, one for capturing images and the other dedicated to analyzing hygiene. When activated, the micro mode can provide voice, text, or other prompts to describe the health status of the observed object and offer suggestions for maintaining hygiene¹².

Broad Spectrum of Applications

Huawei’s microscopic camera system is tailored for a wide range of applications. From food safety assurance and kitchen utensil maintenance to personal hygiene assessment, children’s toy inspections, and pet hygiene monitoring. For instance, users can effortlessly check for bacteria on the surface of vegetables or assess the cleanliness of kitchen appliances right from their smartphones¹².

The Competitive Landscape

The unveiling of this technology places Huawei at a vantage point in the ongoing competition among smartphone manufacturers to provide innovative features. In 2021, Oppo introduced the Find X3 Pro with a maximum magnification capability of 60 times, albeit limited to macro photography, lacking the microscopic imaging feature of Huawei’s technology¹².

Patent Amid a Pandemic

Interestingly, the patent application for this technology was submitted in 2021, during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic, hinting at its potential role in promoting hygiene and health awareness in critical times¹².

The microscope-camera system by Huawei is a testament to the company’s relentless pursuit of innovation, aiming to provide value-added features to consumers. As anticipation builds around the integration of this technology in Huawei’s upcoming flagship phones, the microscopic camera system is undoubtedly a significant stride towards blending technology with everyday health consciousness.

Sources:
Tags: Huawei, Microscopic Camera
October 9, 2023

Google Calendar on Wear OS: A Dive into New Features and User Experience
In a bid to enhance user accessibility and functionality on smartwatches, Google has seamlessly integrated its widely used Google Calendar into the Wear OS platform. This integration came in quick succession after the tech giant extended Gmail support to the platform, clearly showcasing Google’s commitment to boosting the utility of its primary services on Wear OS¹.

Seamless Transition to Your Wrist

Google Calendar’s arrival on Wear OS smartwatches is more than just a mere extension. It is meticulously tailored to cater to the on-the-go needs of users, providing a Schedule-like view right on their wrists. This view simplifies the tracking of daily events, mirroring a similar user experience to that on phones. Notably, the app allows users to delve into event details, change RSVP statuses, and even manage notifications with a few taps on their smartwatch screens²³.

Enhanced Features for Better Management

Among the new facets introduced, the Google Calendar app on Wear OS brings forth specialized tiles labeled “Next Event” and “Next Tasks”. These tiles are designed to provide users with a quick glance at their upcoming events and tasks without the need to open the full app, thus saving time and making schedule management a breeze⁴.

Moreover, the app facilitates a closer interaction with one’s schedule by providing precise location details for events and offering options to mark events as complete, thanks to its integration with Google Tasks. For those who prefer a larger view, the app also enables users to open any date or event on their smartphone, making the transition between devices seamless and efficient⁵.

Towards a Holistic Smartwatch Experience

With this integration, Google nudges Wear OS a step closer to becoming a more holistic platform for managing day-to-day tasks. As Wear OS 3 and Wear OS 4 continue evolving with new features, the inclusion of Google Calendar is indeed a significant stride towards enriching the user experience on smartwatches.

The Google Calendar app for Wear OS is now available for download on the Play Store, making it easier for users to stay organized and manage their schedules efficiently, whether they are on their phone or smartwatch.

In conclusion, the addition of Google Calendar to Wear OS is not just a feature upgrade; it’s a substantial move towards intertwining smartwatch technology with everyday life, making schedule management more intuitive and less of a chore.

Sources:
- Gizmochina: Link
- Android Central: Link
- PhoneArena: Link
- NewsBytesApp: Link
- Engadget: Link
Tags: google, Smartwatch, Wear OS
October 9, 2023

Experience Seamless Gaming with Cooler Master GM34-CWQ2: The New Ultra-wide Gaming Monitor on the Block
Cooler Master has unveiled its new ultra-wide gaming monitor, the GM34-CWQ2, as a successor to the GM34-CWQ launched in May 2022. The latest model retains several features from its predecessor, but with some significant upgrades that will enthrall the gaming community.

Enhanced Performance and Visuals

The GM34-CWQ2 comes with a 34-inch VA panel boasting a 1500R curvature, providing an immersive gaming experience. The monitor has a native refresh rate of 165 Hz, which can be overclocked to 180 Hz for those craving faster visuals. This feature is a substantial upgrade from the previous model’s 144 Hz refresh rate. The resolution stands at 3440 x 1440 pixels, ensuring crisp and clear images. Furthermore, the monitor has 2 ms GtG and a rapid 0.5 ms MPRT response times, allowing for smooth transitions and minimal motion blur. The static contrast ratio is 4000:1, and the monitor covers 95% of the DCI-P3 color space. Cooler Master has also integrated adaptive-sync support to minimize image tearing on both AMD and NVIDIA-powered machines, with the added bonus of AMD FreeSync Premium certification for a tear-free gaming experience¹².

Built for Convenience

The GM34-CWQ2 is not just about performance; it’s also built for convenience. It features a variety of connectivity options, including one DisplayPort 1.4, two HDMI 2.0 ports, two USB Type-A ports, and one USB Type-C port with 65W power delivery. The ergonomic stand allows for height, swivel, and tilt adjustments to ensure comfortable viewing angles during long gaming sessions. Additionally, the monitor could come equipped with two 5W speakers for an enhanced audio experience without the need for external speakers²³.

Availability and Pricing

Cooler Master plans to launch the GM34-CWQ2 in the first quarter of 2024. Although the exact release date hasn’t been shared yet, the monitor is expected to retail for $419 in the US and £379 in the UK. The upcoming months should see a product listing published, providing more details on this promising gaming monitor¹².

The Cooler Master GM34-CWQ2 is shaping up to be a substantial addition to the gaming monitor market, offering a blend of high-end performance, stunning visuals, and user-friendly features.

Sources:
Tags: Cooler Master, Cooler Master GM34-CWQ2