Category: All News

May 12, 2024
TCL Leads April TV Shipments in China
While the Chinese TV market experiences a slight slump, TCL emerges as a surprising leader in April 2024 shipments, according to data from Runto Technology.
Overall branded TV shipments in China dipped 10.2% year-on-year in April, reaching 2.47 million units. This decline extends a year-to-date trend, with cumulative shipments down 3.2% compared to the same period in 2023.
Chinese TV market shrinks, but TCL bucks the trend with impressive growth
However, TCL defied the trend with an impressive 8% year-on-year growth in April shipments, reaching around 540,000 units. This surge makes TCL the brand with the highest growth for the month, solidifying its position at the top of the Chinese TV market.
TCL Surpasses Expectations
While established players like Hisense, Skyworth, and Haier saw shipment declines, TCL’s success can be attributed to several factors. The company may be benefiting from a focus on specific market segments or strategic pricing that resonates with consumers. Additionally, TCL’s efforts in brand recognition and marketing could be driving increased sales.
Xiaomi, another major player, also showed positive signs. Including its Redmi sub-brand, Xiaomi shipped approximately 450,000 units in April, capturing an 18.2% market share. This represents a 1.8% increase compared to March 2024. Xiaomi’s growth indicates continued consumer interest in its often-competitive TV offerings.
Xiaomi's Steady Growth
Meanwhile, Huawei’s strategic shift towards premium, large-screen TVs seems to be paying off. Despite lower shipment volume compared to TCL and Xiaomi, Huawei’s April numbers show a continued year-on-year increase and improved profitability. This suggests their focus on higher-end products is yielding positive results.
The Chinese TV market slowdown can be attributed to various factors, including economic uncertainties or a potential saturation in the replacement cycle for existing TVs. However, TCL’s success and Xiaomi’s steady growth demonstrate that opportunities still exist. It will be interesting to see how these brands, along with Huawei‘s strategic shift, continue to navigate the market in the coming months.
Tags: Huawei, TCL S55H
May 12, 2024
Xiaomi BW300 Outdoor Camera with Color Night Vision
The Xiaomi BW300 outdoor security camera is now accessible worldwide. This innovative device is specifically crafted for outdoor usage and features a rechargeable battery along with two-way audio capabilities.
Specifications and Features
The Xiaomi outdoor security camera is equipped with a robust housing that shields its internal components against water and dust, certified with an IP67 rating. With a battery capacity of 4,900mAh, the camera offers up to 180 days of continuous operation, granted it is triggered no more than 10 times daily. Additionally, users have the option to include a 5W solar panel, ensuring an unlimited lifespan for the gadget. The camera is cable-free and can be effortlessly placed in various locations.
The camera boasts a 3MP resolution and a wide 130-degree field of view. Its lens produces high-quality images even in challenging environmental conditions. Equipped with night vision capabilities, the camera can utilize either infrared LEDs or regular LEDs within the visible spectrum. This enables color recording when using IR or regular LEDs.
Audio Communication and Integration
The Xiaomi BW300 outdoor security camera facilitates two-way audio communication and seamless integration into smart home systems. While the exact launch date remains undisclosed, the product has been listed on Gshopper, hinting at an imminent release.
Pricing Details
The Xiaomi BW300 Outdoor Camera is currently priced at $65 on Gshopper. It is important to note that Gshopper is not an official Xiaomi store, and it remains uncertain if Xiaomi will officially distribute the BW300 on a global scale in the near future.
Tags: Outdoor Security Camera, Two-way Audio, Xiaomi BW300
May 12, 2024
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga 2024: Intel Meteor Lake-U Processor Revealed
Lenovo has recently introduced the 2024 iteration of the ThinkPad X1 Yoga laptop, showcasing the Intel Meteor Lake-U processor, specifically the Intel Core Ultra 7 155U, a processor positioned within the mid-range spectrum. This refreshed model succeeds the current Lenovo Gen 8 laptops, which are powered by the 13th Gen Raptor Lake processors.
Key Features
Despite its mid-range processor, the 2024 Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga maintains the hallmark features of Yoga laptops. Notably, it incorporates a 360-degree hinge, enabling seamless transformation into a tablet. The adaptable design of the new Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga permits users to prop it up on a stand or table for enhanced convenience. Boasting a slim chassis and a weight of just 1.35kg, the laptop utilizes an aircraft-grade aluminum body and measures 15.5mm in thickness.
Display and Connectivity
The 2024 Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga sports a 2.8K OLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate and full 100% DCI-P3 color gamut coverage. With a peak brightness of 400 nits, the laptop offers an immersive viewing experience. In terms of connectivity, it features two Thunderbolt 4 ports, one HDMI 2.1 port, two USB-A ports, and a 3.5mm audio jack. Additionally, the laptop incorporates Dolby Vision for audio architecture and holds the MIL-STD-810H durability certification.
Pricing and Availability
The latest Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga is currently listed on the Chinese retail platform JD.com, showcasing specifications such as 32GB of RAM and 1TB of storage. Priced at 15,999 Chinese Yuan (equivalent to $2,214), the exact release date remains undisclosed. Lenovo is yet to provide further details regarding the global availability of the 2024 Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga.
Tags: Lenovo, ThinkPad X1 Yoga
May 12, 2024
Realme GT 6T: Indian Price Leaks Before Launch
Realme is set to introduce a new smartphone in the global market known as the Realme GT 6T, which is reportedly a rebranded version of the Realme GT Neo 6 SE. Prior to its official release, the pricing details for the Realme GT 6T have surfaced online in India.
Realme GT 6T Pricing Details
According to leaks from the Realme app, the Realme GT 6T is expected to be priced at ₹31,999. While the specific memory configuration is not disclosed in the leak, tipster Sanju Choudhary suggests that this price corresponds to the 8GB RAM and 256GB storage variant. Additionally, Choudhary mentions that the 8GB + 128GB (UFS 3.1) model might be priced at ₹29,999, with the 12GB + 256GB and 12GB + 512GB versions priced at ₹33,999 and ₹35,999, respectively. It is advisable to wait for official confirmation before taking these prices as final.
Realme GT 6T Specifications
If the Realme GT 6T indeed mirrors the Realme GT Neo 6 SE, it is anticipated to sport a 6.78-inch OLED display boasting a 120Hz refresh rate and 6,000 nits peak brightness. The phone is confirmed to be equipped with a Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 processor, likely paired with LPDDR5x RAM and UFS 4.0 storage.
In terms of cameras, the device may house a 50MP primary camera (Sony IMX882 with OIS) along with an 8MP ultra-wide sensor. On the front, a 32MP Sony IMX615 selfie camera is expected. Moreover, a substantial 5,500mAh battery with 100W fast charging support could be part of the package. More detailed information is anticipated to be unveiled in the upcoming days.
Tags: Realme, Realme GT 6T, smartphone specifications
May 12, 2024
Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 Leak Suggests Impressive Gaming Performance
According to a leak from a well-known industry tipster, Digital Chat Station, Qualcomm’s upcoming Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 processor seems to be progressing as planned for a punctual release, showcasing a high level of performance.
The leaked information implies that the 8 Gen 4 chip will be capable of smoothly running the graphically intensive mobile game, Genshin Impact, at its original 1080p resolution.
Anticipated Wave of New Devices
Digital Chat Station also suggests that there will be a surge of new smartphones incorporating the 8 Gen 4 chip following China’s National Day holiday on October 1st. This aligns with expectations as Qualcomm is set to unveil the new chipset in October.
Potential Devices and Benchmark Performance
Speculations point towards the Xiaomi 15 series smartphone being the first to feature the new chip, with subsequent releases from Redmi for the K80 series and OnePlus for the upcoming OnePlus 13 smartphone.
Benchmark results for the 8 Gen 4 have been consistently emerging. A recent instance involved a device equipped with the 8 Gen 4 processor achieving a score of 1,769,083 points on AnTuTu. Despite this, the score falls short of the current Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 due to the nature of the engineering sample used and significant CPU throttling during testing.
Final Thoughts and Awaited Reviews
To gain a comprehensive understanding of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4’s actual capabilities, it is essential to wait for Qualcomm’s official product launch and subsequent independent reviews.
Tags: Mobile Gaming, Qualcomm, Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 4
May 12, 2024
Lenovo & Motorola Face Sales Ban in Germany Over Patent Dispute
Lenovo and its subsidiary Motorola Mobility are currently encountering a substantial legal obstacle in Germany due to a recent court decision that has enforced a sales restriction on their products featuring WWAN modules, crucial for mobile internet connectivity. This development is a result of a patent dispute with the American company InterDigital, which led the Munich I District Court to rule in InterDigital’s favor in early May. Following this ruling, a ban was promptly implemented after InterDigital submitted a security deposit of four million euros.
Navigating Patent Challenges: Lenovo’s Sales Ban in Germany
The core of the conflict revolves around the licensing terms for WWAN technology integrated into Lenovo’s offerings, including newly released smartphone models like the Edge 50 Ultra. These devices incorporate technology covered by InterDigital’s patents, sparking disagreements over the appropriate fees Lenovo should pay for their usage. InterDigital asserts that Lenovo has not met their demands for equitable licensing fees, prompting them to pursue legal action. Conversely, Lenovo contends that InterDigital’s conditions are unjust and intends to contest the ruling.
The court’s verdict has brought immediate repercussions for Lenovo’s business operations in Germany. Following the decision, Lenovo is barred from vending, promoting, or importing any devices enabled with WWAN technology, encompassing smartphones, tablets, and laptops utilizing mobile networks such as GSM, UMTS, LTE, and 5G. This injunction affects not just Motorola’s smartphones but also a broader array of mobile-enabled devices under the Lenovo umbrella.
For German consumers, the ramifications are gradually materializing. Despite Lenovo and Motorola Mobility discontinuing the affected products on their German websites, some retailers persist in selling existing inventory. Nonetheless, potential shortages and delivery complications may arise once these supplies diminish.
This legal clash is part of a larger trend of conflicts revolving around so-called standard-essential patents crucial for fundamental technological functionalities in mobile communication. The disagreements often hinge on defining fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory (FRAND) licensing terms, an aspect still ambiguous in European legislation.
This scenario highlights ongoing tensions within the global tech sphere regarding patent licensing, with Germany emerging as a central point due to its favorable legal environment for patent disputes. This situation carries significant implications for the technology industry, potentially reshaping how companies negotiate licensing pacts and oversee their intellectual property in vital markets worldwide. While the ban remains enforced presently, past instances suggest that companies could eventually strike a settlement to alleviate the terms of the initial court ruling.
Tags: InterDigital, Lenovo, Patent Dispute
May 12, 2024
Honor 200 Pro Display & Camera Details Revealed
Honor is reportedly developing two new smartphones, the Honor 200 and Honor 200 Pro. Recent reports have debunked the circulating renders of the Honor 200 Pro as being false.
Insights into Honor 200 Pro's Features
Digital Chat Station, a reliable tipster, has shared key details about the upcoming Honor 200 Pro, focusing on its display and camera specifications.
According to the leak, the Honor 200 Pro will sport a screen with a unique "1.5K" resolution and a single punch-hole cutout. The leak also hints at a display design that is "slightly curved," similar to the subtle edge curvature seen in the Honor 100 Pro model.
Camera Capabilities and Processor
The leaked information suggests that the Honor 200 Pro will boast a 50-megapixel primary sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), a standard feature in premium smartphones. Additionally, the phone is expected to include a 32-megapixel telephoto lens with 2.5x optical zoom and an impressive 50x digital zoom capability.
Previously rumored to be equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, the Honor 200 Pro is anticipated to offer top-notch performance with Qualcomm's flagship SoC.
Honor 200 and Honor 200 Pro Comparison
Alongside the Honor 200 Pro, Honor is also set to release the standard Honor 200 model, rumored to feature the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset. While the Honor 200 model shares a similar core architecture with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, it may have slightly reduced clock speeds. This indicates that users can expect comparable performance levels from both the Honor 200 and Honor 200 Pro models.
Launch Details
Leaked information hints that Honor might unveil the Honor 200 series smartphones by the conclusion of May.
Tags: honor, Honor 200 Pro, smartphone specifications
May 12, 2024
ChatGPT on iPhone: Apple’s AI Push Demystified
Apple is on the verge of incorporating ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence tool developed by OpenAI, into iOS 18. Discussions between Apple and OpenAI have been progressing, although the specific details of this collaboration remain ambiguous. There are also indications that Apple might be in talks with Google (Gemini) regarding similar technological advancements. These speculations align with Apple's purported strategy of establishing an AI App Store, which would feature compact AI models on their devices while outsourcing larger ones. However, it is essential to note that these are merely speculations.
Apple's Emphasis on On-Device AI Processing
Apple has dedicated efforts towards advancing artificial intelligence, with the anticipation of making significant announcements at WWDC 2023. The forthcoming enhancements may include AI-driven browsing capabilities in Safari, an enhanced Siri experience, and the introduction of an on-device infrastructure for AI-powered conversations.
Apple's recent emphasis on on-device AI processing was evident during a recent event. The company is also in the process of developing Ajax, an AI framework designed to manage tasks currently performed by Siri, such as text summarization and enhancing Spotlight searches. Additionally, there are rumors circulating about Apple introducing on-device technology to summarize voice notes.
Apple's Distinct Approach to On-Device AI Processing
Apple's strategic focus on on-device AI processing and responsible data handling practices, such as acquiring data access rather than resorting to data scraping, sets them apart from some of their competitors. This approach underscores Apple's commitment to user privacy and data security, aligning with their broader philosophy of ensuring a seamless and secure user experience.
Tags: Apple, ChatGPT, on-device AI
May 12, 2024
Jmgo N1S Projector: 4K Resolution, 127° Design, Dolby HiFi Sound
Jmgo recently unveiled the N1S Standard Edition projector in China, expanding its product line that includes the Air, Pro, and Ultra variants introduced last year. The N1S is now on sale for 4989 yuan ($690) on JD.com.
Jmgo N1S Projector Features:
The N1S showcases the MALC MOKAI 2.0 tri-color laser engine and boasts 4K resolution. With a brightness of 1200 CVIA lumens and a static contrast ratio of 1600:1, it supports 10-bit color and covers 110% of the BT.2020 color gamut.
Design and Specifications:
Featuring an integrated cloud platform, the N1S allows for a 127° adjustable projection angle. Its user-friendly design permits easy one-handed adjustment in any direction and supports body dynamic tracking for swift calibration and focusing.
Equipped with a 0.47″ DMD optical chip and powered by the MT9667 SoC, the N1S packs 3GB of RAM and 32GB of storage. It sports an HDMI 2.1 interface for enhanced connectivity.
Technical Enhancements:
The projector’s tri-color laser technology not only improves color accuracy and contrast but also elevates the viewing experience compared to traditional LED sources. It promises a high-quality picture with superior color fidelity and detailed rendering in bright and dark areas, offering customizable color settings.
Audio and Usability:
Featuring dual Master Sound speakers with large chambers extending bass down to 55Hz, the N1S supports Dolby HiFi sound quality for immersive audio. The device offers real-time smooth adjustment via its cloud platform and includes built-in calibration algorithms for quick setup. Compact and portable, it runs on Bonfire OS 7.0, optimized for low-latency gaming, and incorporates eye protection features with zero harmful blue light emission.
Tags: Immersive Audio Experience, Jmgo N1S Projector, Tri-color Laser Technology
May 12, 2024
TCL unveils budget-friendly 43″ Thunderbird Sparrow 5 SE smart TV
TCL has introduced a new cost-effective FFALCON series smart TV, the 2024 Thunderbird Sparrow 5 SE, in the Chinese market. This TV is currently up for sale on JD.com for 889 yuan ($125). Let’s explore its primary specifications.
TCL Thunderbird Sparrow 5 SE Specifications:
The Thunderbird Sparrow 5 SE features a 43-inch display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 and is built with a VA panel offering a 60Hz refresh rate. It supports HDR10, enriching the visual experience by improving contrast and color accuracy.
Performance and Storage:
Internally, the smart TV runs on a quad-core A53 processor paired with 1GB of RAM and 8GB of internal storage, ensuring seamless performance across different applications. It is equipped with a quick boot-up function, promising a start-up time of only 2 seconds, and supports simultaneous booting with a set-top box for added user convenience.
User Interface and Controls:
The TV comes with a remote control that features three customizable buttons and two dedicated hotkeys for popular video streaming apps, simplifying access to preferred applications.
Audio and Design:
In terms of audio, the TV includes full-range, high-power speakers that produce clear sound quality. Its design incorporates a metal-integrated curved full screen, offering a higher screen-to-body ratio for an enhanced viewing experience compared to regular TVs.
For connectivity, the Thunderbird Sparrow 5 SE includes two HDMI 2.0 ports, one Ethernet port, one USB-A 2.0 port, and an AV input port, catering to a variety of media and internet connectivity requirements.
The TV operates on Android 13, supporting features like wireless screen mirroring via 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, multi-screen interaction, access to numerous apps and online content. It is certified by TÜV Rheinland for low blue light and flicker-free performance, ensuring suitability for extended viewing without causing undue eye strain.
Tags: budget-friendly, Smart TV Technology, TCL Thunderbird Sparrow 5 SE