Category: All News

October 13, 2023

Spotlight on Best-Selling Smartphones of 2023: A Closer Look at Performance and Affordability
The smartphone market in 2023 continues to be dominated by Apple and Samsung, reflecting a blend of premium and budget-friendly models. This article delves into the specifications and pricing of the top-selling smartphones from these tech giants, providing a comprehensive guide for potential buyers.

Apple’s Eminent Offerings

Apple‘s iPhone models continue to occupy a significant portion of the global market share. The iPhone 14 Pro Max, a premium model, boasts a 6.7-inch OLED display with a resolution of 2796-by-1290 pixels, powered by the Apple A16 Bionic chipset. It comes with a maximum storage capacity of 1024 GB and 6 GB RAM, encapsulated within a Ceramic Shield glass body. The Pro Max model also introduces a pro camera system with a 48MP primary sensor, catering to professional photography needs.

On the pricing frontier, the iPhone 14 Pro Max is a high-end model priced around $1,600, while its counterpart, the iPhone 14 Pro, is slightly cheaper at $1,500. These models represent Apple’s dedication to delivering top-notch performance and cutting-edge features to its user base.

Samsung’s Diverse Range

Samsung, on the other hand, offers a diverse range of models catering to both premium and budget segments. The Samsung Galaxy A14 is a budget-friendly choice with a 6.6-inch display, powered by an Octa-core processor (MT6769 Helio G80 chipset). It offers a 50MP main camera, 128 GB storage, and 6 GB RAM, making it a competent model for everyday use. The Galaxy A14 is priced under $200, and its 5G variant is around $300, providing an affordable gateway to 5G connectivity.

For those seeking high-end features, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is a compelling option. It flaunts a 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with a resolution of 3088 x 1440 pixels, powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset. With up to 1TB of storage, 12GB of RAM, and a quad-camera setup with a 200 MP main sensor, the S23 Ultra is a powerhouse of performance. Its pricing starts at $950, reflecting its premium status in Samsung’s lineup.

Concluding Thoughts

The smartphone market in 2023 exemplifies a widening gap between premium and budget-friendly models, predominantly from Apple and Samsung. Whether consumers are swayed by the allure of high-end features or the practicality of budget-friendly models, the choices are abundant and cater to a wide spectrum of preferences and needs.

Source Links:
- Counterpoint Research
- Gizchina
Tags: Apple, Best Selling Smartphones, Samsung

October 13, 2023

Evolving 3D Printing Landscape: October 2023 Update

The World of 3D Printing: An Evolving Market

The landscape of 3D printing remains in a constant state of flux as key players continuously vie for dominance. The current month ushers in another shift among major competitors, underscoring the dynamic and unpredictable essence of the industry.

The Weekly Assessment of Worth

Market capitalization, a critical metric obtained by multiplying a company’s stock price by its outstanding shares, serves as a key indicator of a company’s present value. This figure plays a pivotal role in asset acquisition and can also be utilized as collateral for financial transactions. Monitoring these valuations on a weekly basis provides valuable insights into the financial stability and growth trajectories of 3D printing firms.

The Reshuffling of the Top Players

In the latest evaluation, Xometry has reclaimed its leading position from Stratasys, boasting a valuation of $821 million. Stratasys now trails closely in second place with $787 million, followed by Nano Dimension at $676 million. This change reflects the cutthroat and adaptable nature of the sector. Noteworthy is 3D Systems, previously valued at close to $5 billion, now finding itself in fifth place with a valuation edging towards $500 million, a significant decline attributed to a drop in stock value.

Ranking of Key 3D Printing Companies

RANK	COMPANY	CAP	CHG
1	Xometry	821	-28
2	Stratasys	787	-66
3	Nano Dimension	676	-30
4	Protolabs	668	-11
5	3D Systems	517	-48
6	Desktop Metal	388	-26
7	Materialise	297	-26
8	Velo3D	273	-39
9	Markforged	243	-20
10	Massivit	31	-4
11	FATHOM	26	-5
12	Shapeways	19	+0
13	Steakholder Foods	17	-2
14	Freemelt	12	-5
15	AML3D	11	-2
16	voxeljet	10	+1
17	Titomic	7	+1
18	Sygnis	5	+0
19	Sigma Additive Solutions	4	-7
20	Aurora Labs	3	-0
	TOTAL	4,816	-344

Future Market Contenders

While Essentium had initially planned a SPAC merger to enter the public domain, those intentions have been put on hold. ICON, a 3D printer manufacturer in the construction domain based in Texas, has secured substantial funding, hinting at a potential shift in market dynamics. Vulcan Forms, boasting a private valuation exceeding $1 billion, may also create ripples in the ranking.

Final Thoughts

The world of 3D printing continues to mesmerize with technological advancements reflected in its market standings. As companies vie for higher positions, this industry remains an enticing space for investors and technology aficionados alike.

References

Fabbaloo

October 13, 2023

Bambu Lab X1E 3D Printer : A Leap Towards Professional-Grade 3D Printing

In the fast-evolving domain of 3D printing, staying updated with the latest technology is crucial for professionals aiming for the pinnacle of design and production efficiency. Bambu Lab’s latest offering, the X1E 3D Printer, is a testament to this relentless pursuit of innovation, catering precisely to the professional and engineering domains.

A Gaze at Speed and Precision

The X1E 3D Printer distinguishes itself with an impressive print speed, which is a vital factor for professionals who are always racing against time. With a maximum tool head speed of 500 mm/s, it’s pegged as a swift performer among desktop 3D printers. This speed is facilitated by a rigid CoreXY gantry constructed with carbon-fiber-reinforced rods, which significantly reduces vibration, ensuring high-quality prints.

Connectivity and Material Handling

In an era where seamless connectivity is a boon, the X1E doesn’t fall short. It introduces an optional Ethernet interface ensuring reliable network connectivity, even in complex setups, alongside supporting advanced WLAN security standards. This feature is a nod to the growing necessity for secure and robust networking solutions in professional settings.

Furthermore, the X1E is capable of operating entirely offline without a cloud connection, providing an added layer of operational flexibility.

Material handling is another forte of the X1E. It can reach temperatures of up to 320°C, thus capable of processing higher-grade materials like PPA-CF or PPS. The heated pressure chamber, with temperatures up to 60°C, minimizes warpage and enhances layer adhesion, making it a suitable choice for intricate and demanding projects.

Filament Management and Clean Operation

With an integrated filament management system, the X1E can connect up to 16 filament spools, enabling multi-material printing with automatic filament change. This feature underscores the printer’s capability to handle complex projects requiring varied materials.

Moreover, the clean operation of the X1E is ensured by a HEPA filter and activated carbon filter, making it apt for poorly ventilated rooms.

Build Volume	256256256 mm³
Physical Dimensions	389389457 mm³
Net Weight	16 kg
Max Speed of Toolhead	500 mm/s
Max Acceleration of Toolhead	20 m/s²
Max Hot End Flow	32 mm³/s @ABS(Model: 150*150mm single wall; Material: Bambu ABS; Temperature: 280°C)
Hot End material	All Metal
Extruder Gears	Hardened Steel
Nozzle material	Hardened Steel
Maximum Chamber Control Temperature	60℃
Maximum Hot End Temperature	320℃
Nozzle Diameter	Included: 0.4 mmOptional: 0.2 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.8 mm
Filament Diameter	1.75 mm
Supported Filament	Optimal: PLA, PETG, TPU, PVA, BVOHSuperior: ABS, ASA, PC, PA, PETSuperior: Carbon/Glass Fiber Reinforced PLA, PETG, PA, PET, PC, ABS, ASAIdeal: PPA-CF/GF, PPS, PPS-CF/GF
Max Build Plate Temperature	110℃@220V, 120℃@110V
Slicer	Bambu StudioSupport third party slicers which export standard G-code such as SuperSlicer, PrusaSlicer and Cura, but certain advanced features may not be supported.
Slicer Supported OS	MacOS, Windows
Ethernet Socket	RJ45
Ethernet Speed	100 Mbps / Full Duplex

Pricing and Availability

The professional-grade features of the X1E come with a price tag of $2499, making it a valuable addition for serious professionals. Bambu Lab has scheduled the shipping of the X1E to commence in November, available for purchase directly or via resellers.

With the X1E, Bambu Lab has indeed pushed the boundaries, setting a new benchmark for what professional and engineering-grade 3D printers can achieve. The blend of speed, connectivity, material handling, and clean operation, all at a competitive price point, makes the X1E a noteworthy contender in the professional 3D printing market.

Sources: 3printr

Tags: Bambu Lab, Bambu Lab X1E

October 13, 2023

Apple Vision Pro’s Economical Variant: A Friendly Price with Compromised Features

In a bid to reach a wider consumer base, Apple is reportedly working on a cost-effective variant of its high-end mixed reality headset, the Apple Vision Pro. The original device, priced at a steep $3,500, is beyond the reach of many consumers, prompting Apple to explore a more budget-friendly version¹²³.

Lowering the Price Tag

The prime focus in developing this economical variant is to significantly lower the price to a range of $1,500 to $2,500. The strategy to achieve this price cut involves removing certain features and downgrading the chip used in the device⁴⁵.

Sacrificing the EyeSight Feature

One of the notable features to be axed in this cost-cutting endeavor is the EyeSight feature. The EyeSight technology in the original Vision Pro uses an external OLED display to project a three-dimensional rendering of the user’s facial expressions to others in the room. While this feature enhances the interactive experience, it doesn’t offer substantial benefits to the wearer of the device. By eliminating this feature, Apple can significantly reduce the bill of materials, thus lowering the price point of the device⁶.

Reduced Camera and Sensor Array

Additionally, the number of cameras and sensors will be trimmed down in the budget-friendly variant. This move is another step towards reducing the production costs while maintaining the core functionality of the mixed reality headset⁶.

Future Expectations

Although Apple is heading towards a more affordable Vision Pro, there are speculations that the low-cost version might have been shelved for now⁷. On the brighter side, along with the low-cost model, Apple is purportedly also working on a second-generation high-end Vision Pro, focusing on making it lighter, more comfortable, and equipped with a chip spec bump⁶.

The development of a low-cost Apple Vision Pro is a testament to Apple’s initiative to make mixed reality technology more accessible. While the reduction in price comes with a trade-off in features, it opens the door for a broader consumer base to experience Apple’s mixed reality technology.

Source Links: appleinsider.com | wccftech.com | 9to5mac.com

Tags: Apple, Apple Vision Pro
October 13, 2023

Unveiling the Budget-Friendly Powerhouse: The OPPO A2X
In a market saturated with high-end smartphones, the OPPO A2X emerges as a breath of fresh air for budget-conscious consumers. Officially announced on October 14, 2023, and making its debut in the Chinese market, the OPPO A2X is a showcase of how affordability and decent specifications can go hand in hand.

Aesthetics and Build

Offered in three distinct colors – Black, Yellow, and Purple, the OPPO A2X brings a subtle elegance to the budget smartphone segment. The Yellow and Purple variants feature a textured finish on the back, lending a unique look and a comfortable grip¹.

Core Specifications

At the heart of the OPPO A2X lies the MediaTek Dimensity 6020 chipset, a reliable performer that ensures smooth multitasking and decent gaming performance. The smartphone comes in two memory configurations; a 6GB RAM with 128GB storage and an 8GB RAM with 256GB storage variant. This provides ample space and memory for regular usage and some more²³.

The display is a 6.56-inch LCD panel with HD+ resolution, supporting a 90Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling and a better visual experience. The maximum brightness of 720 nits makes it usable even under bright sunlight. The device also offers a modest photography experience with a 13-megapixel rear camera and a 5-megapixel front camera for selfies and video calls³.

Battery and Software

Packing a 5000mAh battery, the OPPO A2X ensures that you get through a full day of moderate usage without reaching for the charger. On the software front, it comes with Android 13 overlaid with OPPO’s ColorOS 13.1, providing a smooth and intuitive user interface³.

Connectivity and Additional Features

The phone supports 5G connectivity, alongside other standard connectivity options like WiFi 5, Bluetooth 5.1 LE, GPS, Glonass, and Beidou. A side-mounted fingerprint sensor, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and IP54 certification for dust and water resistance are some of the additional features that come along with the phone, making it a well-rounded option for its price point³.

Pricing

The pricing is one of the major attractions of the OPPO A2X. The 6/128 GB variant is priced at CNY1,099 ($150/€142) while the 8/256 GB variant comes at a slightly higher price, making it an attractive option for those looking for budget-friendly yet capable smartphones¹³.

In conclusion, the OPPO A2X is a noteworthy entrant in the budget smartphone category, offering a good balance of performance, features, and pricing.

Sources:
- GSM Arena
- TudoCelular.com
Tags: Oppo, OPPO A2X
October 12, 2023

iOS 17.1 Update: A Remedy for iPhone 12’s Radiation Concerns in France

In a swift response to the rising concerns over radiation emission, Apple is rolling out the iOS 17.1 update by October 24, specifically to address the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) issue associated with the iPhone 12 in France. This update is not only a testament to Apple’s commitment towards adhering to local regulatory standards but also a move to restore consumers’ faith in the tech giant’s products.

Addressing Radiation Worries

The Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) is a measure of the amount of radio frequency energy absorbed by the body when exposed to a mobile device. The French authorities had earlier flagged the iPhone 12 over exceeding the permissible SAR limits, sparking worries among users and stakeholders. The iOS 17.1 update comes as a breather, promising a reduction in radiation levels to meet the stringent standards set by the French regulators.

The Action Button Feature

Apart from the SAR fix, the iOS 17.1 update brings a noteworthy feature dubbed the ‘Action Button.’ This addition enhances user accessibility, allowing users to perform certain actions quicker and with fewer taps. While the primary focus remains on addressing the radiation issue, the Action Button is a pleasant surprise for the iPhone users, promising an improved user experience.

Ensuring Safety and Compliance

Apple’s proactive stance in addressing the radiation concern is indicative of its broader commitment to ensuring safety and regulatory compliance. The timely release of the iOS 17.1 update underscores the company’s willingness to act responsibly in different geographic markets, aligning its operations with local regulations to foster trust and satisfaction among its global user base.

The iOS 17.1 update is indeed a significant move, demonstrating how tech giants can swiftly address regulatory concerns while also enhancing user experience. As users in France eagerly await the update, the global audience too looks forward to the new features and improvements that come with it.

The rapid action from Apple not only serves as a resolution to the SAR concern but also as an exemplification of how tech companies should respond to regulatory challenges, ensuring both compliance and consumer satisfaction.

Sources: GSM Arena 91Mobiles GizChina

Tags: Apple, ios, iOS 17.1
October 12, 2023

Itel A70: A Sneak Peek into the leaked Specifications

With the smartphone market continually evolving, Itel is on the verge of introducing a new player in the arena, the Itel A70. The smartphone recently surfaced on Google Play Console, offering tech enthusiasts a glimpse into what to expect. The listing provides vital details regarding its specifications and design elements, shedding light on the smartphone’s potential performance and user experience. Let’s delve into the revealed specifications and what they indicate for the prospective user.

Core Performance and Operating System

Central to the Itel A70’s performance is the Spreadtrum T603 chipset that powers the device, ensuring a smooth operation even when multitasking. The chipset architecture reveals a dual set of 4 ARM Cortex-A55 cores clocked at 1800 MHz and 1200 MHz, respectively. This setup indicates a balanced performance, optimizing both processing speed and power efficiency. Accompanying the powerful processor is a PowerVR GE8322 GPU, running at 600 MHz, which is set to provide a satisfactory graphics performance, making the smartphone capable of handling casual gaming and multimedia consumption.

Further enhancing its performance is the Android 13 operating system, which comes pre-installed. This latest Android version brings along a myriad of features aimed at improving user experience, security, and privacy.

Memory and Display

The Itel A70 is set to come with 4GB of inbuilt RAM, which, while not groundbreaking, is decent enough for daily tasks and some level of multitasking. This amount of memory should provide a smooth operation for the standard user, ensuring that apps run efficiently without significant lag.

As for the display, the smartphone boasts a resolution of 720 x 1612 pixels and a screen density of 320 xhdpi (Extra High Dots per Inch), which should render clear and sharp images. The revealed front view image of the Itel A70 indicates a flat display, characterized by quite thick bezels on all three sides and a thicker chin. It also showcases a water drop notch housing the front-facing camera, keeping up with the contemporary design trend.

Design and Other Features

The design aesthetics extend to the right side panel, where a volume rocker and a power button are visible. Notably, the power button does not double as a side-mounted fingerprint scanner, a feature that many modern smartphones possess.

In conclusion, the Itel A70, as revealed on Google Play Console, showcases a blend of decent specifications and contemporary design. While it may not be a flagship killer, it certainly seems to pack enough punch for the average user, offering a blend of functionality and modern design aesthetics¹.

Sources: The Tech Outlook Gizmo China

Tags: Itel, Itel A70
October 12, 2023

MSI Z790 MAX BIOS Feature Unveils Higher Throttling Temperature for Intel CPUs

In a bid to amplify performance, MSI’s new BIOS feature on the Z790 MAX motherboard is set to raise Intel CPU’s throttling temperature to a notable 115°C. This innovative alteration seeks to push the boundaries, allowing for enhanced performance without hitting the thermal throttle limit prematurely.

Uncovering the Potential

The primary aim behind this advancement is to uncover the potential of Intel CPUs by allowing them to operate at higher temperatures before throttling kicks in. Throttling is a mechanism used to prevent CPUs from overheating by reducing their performance. By elevating the throttling temperature threshold, MSI is essentially providing a larger playground for the CPUs to exhibit their performance without being held back by thermal constraints.

New BIOS item for 14th Gen K-SKU+Z chipset for CPU throttling temp.: CPU Fast Throttle Threshold. More precise than existing CPU Over Temp. Protection. With CPU Over Temp. Protection at 115C, CPU throttles at around 107C. With both items at 115C, CPU doesn't throttle until 115C. pic.twitter.com/7Of2WN8U5S
— kuroberu (@kuroberumo) October 13, 2023

Balancing Performance and Longevity

However, it’s essential to tread with caution as operating CPUs at higher temperatures can potentially affect longevity and stability. The silicon chips inside CPUs have a certain threshold beyond which they start to degrade, impacting both performance and lifespan. While this BIOS feature unlocks a new horizon for performance enthusiasts, it also calls for a balanced approach to ensure that the longevity of the hardware isn’t compromised.

Future Implications

This development could set a precedent for other motherboard manufacturers to follow suit. It may lead to a new standard where higher thermal thresholds are the norm, thereby pushing the performance envelope further. However, it also raises concerns regarding the long-term implications on the hardware and whether regular users are ready to handle such high temperatures, especially without adequate cooling solutions.

Awaiting More Insights

The detailed specifics regarding the BIOS feature weren’t fully covered in the provided source, hence further research might unveil more about this development. It would be intriguing to see how the tech community reacts to this feature and how it influences the performance metrics of Intel CPUs.

In conclusion, the MSI Z790 MAX BIOS feature heralds a new era of performance by challenging the conventional thermal throttling limits. Stay tuned for more comprehensive insights into this feature as more details unfold, and the tech community delves deeper into its implications.

Sources: VideoCardz

Tags: Intel, MSI, MSI Z790
October 12, 2023

The Pinnacle of Luxury and Functionality: Garmin Unveils MARQ 2 Carbon Collection Smartwatches

Garmin astounds the market with its latest MARQ 2 Carbon Collection smartwatches, embodying a blend of luxury and advanced functionalities. This collection boasts a unique Fused Carbon Fiber build, a marvel decades in the making, and now brought to life in three distinguished models: the Athlete, Golfer, and Commander editions.

Exquisite Craftsmanship Meets Robust Performance

The MARQ 2 Carbon collection is a testament to Garmin’s relentless pursuit of perfection, as seen in the intricate craftsmanship and the robust performance of these smartwatches. Each watch is built with 130 layers of carbon fiber, meticulously arranged to maintain tensile strength, and finished with a diamond cutter to exhibit a captivating spiral pattern. The collection shares its hardware with the regular MARQ 2 series, featuring a 46mm case housing a 1.2-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 390 x 390 pixels, ensuring crisp visuals and an immersive user experience. With up to 6 days of battery life in smartwatch mode and 21 days in battery saver mode, these watches are crafted for the long haul.

Tailored for the Elite

The Athlete edition, priced at $2,950, is the epitome of a multi-purpose sports watch, laden with a plethora of activity tracking and performance coaching features. The Golfer edition, on the other hand, priced at $3,100, is a golfer’s companion, pre-loaded with over 43,000 golf courses worldwide and an onboard virtual caddie. Lastly, the Commander edition, tagged at $3,200, is military-inspired, offering core functionalities with a rugged design for the adventurous at heart.

MARQ 2, Garmin MARQ 2

MARQ 2, Garmin MARQ 2

MARQ 2, Garmin MARQ 2

MARQ 2, Garmin MARQ 2

MARQ 2, Garmin MARQ 2

MARQ 2, Garmin MARQ 2

MARQ 2, Garmin MARQ 2

A Lasting Impression

The MARQ 2 Carbon Collection is not merely a set of smartwatches; it’s a statement of luxury, precision, and unrivaled performance, setting a new standard in the wearable tech sphere.

A Closer Look at the Straps and Software Features

Delving deeper into the aesthetics and functionalities, each model comes with distinct strap materials and software features. The Garmin Golfer’s strap boasts a leather outer and rubber inner, while the Athlete edition comes with a silicone strap, and the Commander edition features a jacquard nylon weave strap. The software features are tailored to the theme each watch represents. The Commander edition is laden with tactical/military features, including a killswitch. The Golfer edition is a haven for golf enthusiasts with Garmin’s Virtual Caddy feature and pre-installed info for 43,000 golf courses. On the other hand, the Athlete edition is geared towards the sports aficionados, mirroring the feature set of the latest Fenix 7 and Epix watches.

In conclusion, the MARQ 2 Carbon Collection is a remarkable blend of luxury and functionality, showcasing meticulous craftsmanship, superior materials, and a range of features tailored for different lifestyles. It’s not just a smartwatch collection; it’s a statement for the elite, offering a unique blend of style, functionality, and exclusivity¹².

Sources: NotebookCheck Forbes

Tags: Garmin, Garmin MARQ 2 Carbon
October 12, 2023

DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Unveiling: A Glimpse into Enhanced Videography
The DJI Osmo Pocket 3, the latest iteration in DJI’s line of compact gimbal cameras, is set to redefine portable videography with its upgraded features and improved performance. As the excitement builds up towards its release on October 25th at 9:00 AM EDT, we delve into what makes this device a noteworthy addition to DJI’s remarkable lineup.

Features and Specifications:

Superior Imaging:

The Osmo Pocket 3 boasts a new 1-inch camera sensor, a notable upgrade from the 1/1.7-inch sensor in the Osmo Pocket 2. This enhancement is poised to deliver better image quality, especially in challenging lighting conditions, making it a formidable tool for both amateur and professional videographers¹.

Enhanced Video Recording:

The ability to record 4K video at a staggering 120 frames per second (fps) sets the Osmo Pocket 3 apart. This is a significant leap from the 60 fps recording of its predecessor, the Osmo Pocket 2, enabling creators to capture slow-motion footage with higher clarity and detail¹.

Intuitive Display and Control:

A new 2-inch rotating display feature allows for more flexible shooting angles, catering to both horizontal and vertical orientations. This, along with the device’s rotating touchscreen that facilitates swift shooting actions, enhances the user experience, offering more creative freedom²³.

Advanced Stabilization:

The 3-axis gimbal stabilization system, a hallmark of the Osmo Pocket series, continues to ensure smooth and steady footage even in motion-intensive scenarios³.

Tracking and Focusing:

With the introduction of ActiveTrack 6.0, tracking moving subjects becomes more precise and effortless. Additionally, the full-pixel fast focusing feature ensures that users won’t miss capturing those fleeting moments³.

Audio and Post-Production Flexibility:

The device houses three built-in microphones for stereo audio recording, along with a 10-bit D-Log M color mode for post-production color grading, catering to the needs of advanced videography enthusiasts²³.

Launch Anticipation:

The DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is set to be officially unveiled on October 25th, bringing along a suite of features that promise to elevate the standards of portable videography. As we inch closer to the release date, the anticipation among the content creator community continues to soar, hinting at the significant impact the Osmo Pocket 3 is likely to make in the realm of videography¹³.

Sources:
Tags: DJI, DJI Osmo Pocket 3