Category: All News

  • FiiO Launches BTR11 Receiver and BT11 Transmitter for Hi-Res Audio

    FiiO Launches BTR11 Receiver and BT11 Transmitter for Hi-Res Audio

    FiiO has introduced the BT11 Bluetooth transmitter and the BTR11 receiver to enhance Hi-Res audio experience on older gadgets and wired headphones that lack LDAC wireless audio support.

    Specifications of BT11 Transmitter

    The BT11 transmitter takes advantage of Bluetooth 5.4 technology to offer high-resolution audio codecs beyond the typical SBC codec, including aptX, aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX LL, aptX Lossless, and LDAC. It is powered by a QCC5181 SoC featuring a Qualcomm Kalimba DSP audio processor, enabling it to transmit audio at 96 kHz 24-bit with aptX Adaptive and aptX Lossless codecs and at 48 kHz 24-bit using the LDAC codec.

    Gaming and Connectivity

    Thanks to LE Audio, the transmitter minimizes latency to under 50 milliseconds, making it ideal for gaming when connected to consoles like the Nintendo Switch. The Bluetooth range extends up to 164 feet (50 meters). The BT11 dimensions are 1.1 x 0.8 x 0.4 inches (28 x 21 x 9 mm), and it weighs only 0.1 ounces (3 grams). It features a USB-C port that can connect to USB-A devices with the included USB-C to USB-A adapter. Customers can choose between black or silver, with a suggested retail price of 7,700 yen (approximately $49).

    Features of BTR11 Receiver

    On the other hand, the BTR11 receiver is equipped with a BES2700 BT 5.3 DAC linked to an independent left/right headphone amplifier to prevent channel crosstalk while decoding LDAC audio. It provides an output frequency range from 20 Hz to 45 kHz, boasting a signal-to-noise ratio of ≥ 101 dB and total harmonic distortion plus noise of < 0.008% (1kHz/-3dB@32Ω). A built-in noise-reduction microphone transforms wired headphones into wireless ones for phone calls.

    Battery Life and Charging

    The device delivers up to 45 mW of power at 16Ω for 3.5mm headphones, featuring a total harmonic distortion plus noise of < 1% for as long as 8.5 hours in LDAC mode or 15 hours in AAC mode. The battery recharges fully in 1.5 hours when using a USB-C power supply. The BTR11 measures 2.2 x 0.7 x 0.6 inches (55 × 19 × 14.6 mm) and has a weight of 0.5 ounces (13 grams). It is available in black or white, priced at 3,520 yen (about $22).

    Both FiiO products can be found in Japan. For those in the U.S. looking for a 2-in-1 Bluetooth receiver/transmitter with aptX codec support, the AirFly Pro is available for purchase on Amazon.

    Source: Link,Link,Link,Link


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  • Ayaneo 3 Launches with Unique Vibration Motor and Custom ABXY Layouts

    Ayaneo 3 Launches with Unique Vibration Motor and Custom ABXY Layouts

    One-Netbook has made history by being the first brand to unveil a gaming handheld powered by the Zen 5 chipset, known as the OneXFly F1 Pro. Not to be left behind, Ayaneo is quickly catching up with its upcoming device, the Ayaneo 3, which will feature the same AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 chipset that One-Netbook has used in its recent release.

    Availability and Specifications

    At this point, it’s unclear when the Ayaneo 3 will hit the market. Nevertheless, the company has shared more information about the gadget, which is expected to officially launch sometime before 2025. It’s important to note that the Ayaneo 3 will have performance levels similar to the OneXFly F1 Pro, including its less powerful Ryzen 7 8840U version.

    Unique Features

    Despite this, Ayaneo aims to set the Ayaneo 3 apart from its competitors in other ways. For instance, the device will come equipped with a new vibration motor known as the ‘Magnetic Suspension Motor’. This is reportedly the first ‘self-developed motor’ to appear in Windows handhelds, but it’s still uncertain how it will stack up against the motors found in devices like the Legion Go and ROG Ally (currently priced at $499.99 on Amazon), among others.

    Customization Options

    In addition, Ayaneo has revealed that the Ayaneo 3 will feature a function called ‘Free Button’. According to a video they shared, users will have the flexibility to change the ABXY buttons on the Ayaneo 3 whenever they want. As a point of comparison, the Ayaneo 3 is said to offer a choice between LCD and OLED displays, which sets it apart from other Windows handhelds on the market.

    Source: Link,Link,Link,Link,Link


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  • RTX 5090 Price Shock: New GB202 Chip 22% Larger than AD102

    RTX 5090 Price Shock: New GB202 Chip 22% Larger than AD102

    As the release of the RTX 50 "Blackwell" GPUs approaches, more information about Nvidia’s upcoming graphics cards is likely to surface. We’ve already learned about Team Green’s intentions for the RTX 50 laptop GPUs and the anticipated launch date for the RTX 5070 among others.

    Die Size Revelation

    According to MEGAsizeGPU on X, we might now have the precise die size of the RTX 5090, and it’s quite significant. The RTX 5090 is set to feature the GB202 GPU, which, as per MEGAsizeGPU, has a colossal size of 744 mm2. This represents an incredible 22.2% increase compared to the 609 mm2 AD102 chip in the RTX 4090. Such a rise in die size carries some crucial implications for the RTX 5090.

    Core Count Implications

    A large die size typically indicates a potential rise in core count, suggesting that the RTX 5090 could have significantly more CUDA cores than the RTX 4090. Current leaks suggest that the CUDA core count for the RTX 5090 might reach an astonishing 21,760. If this is accurate, it would mark a 33% increase from the RTX 4090’s 16,384 CUDA cores.

    Heat and Pricing Concerns

    With a notably larger die and increased CUDA cores, alongside the expected 600 W TDP, there are heat management concerns too. The RTX 4090 models on the market already have a substantial footprint. Given the 600 W TDP, it wouldn’t be surprising if the coolers on the RTX 5090 models are even larger.

    In addition, a bigger die leads to increased silicon needs, which can drive up costs. The RTX 5090’s GB202 GPU is likely to use the TSMC 4NP process, which is not brand new and may be cheaper than the 3 nm N3, but reports indicate TSMC may raise prices of the 4 nm process by nearly 10% next year. This price increase, along with the larger die size, could result in a significant rise in the RTX 5090’s price compared to the RTX 4090.

    Anticipated Pricing and Market Demand

    While Nvidia has yet to officially disclose the MSRP for the RTX 5090, recent leaks suggest it might be priced between $1,800 and $1,900. The $1,900 figure represents only a $300 increase from the RTX 4090’s launch price of $1,600. However, considering the RTX 4090 has become increasingly scarce at that price point since its launch, concerns arise.

    Currently, in the US, the RTX 4090 is hard to find for less than $2,000. The high demand for a 4090-class card will likely direct buyers toward the new RTX 5090, particularly since AMD does not have a rival product. Thus, while we expect the RTX 5090 to be available at its base MSRP at launch, it would not be surprising to see many AIB models priced significantly higher.

    In conclusion, the RTX 5090 appears to be a formidable GPU that will excel in 4K gaming. However, those interested in purchasing the card should be ready to spend, as Nvidia is likely to pass along the increased costs to consumers.

    MEGAsizeGPU on X, Tom’s Hardware, TrendForce, Teaser image: Notebookcheck, Laura Ockel on Unsplash, edited

    Source: Link,Link,Link,Link

  • Tesla Tackles Supercharger Congestion with AI and Long Cables

    Tesla Tackles Supercharger Congestion with AI and Long Cables

    Tesla is set to enhance the Supercharger wait times for all electric vehicle (EV) owners. This will be done by boosting the number of V4 chargers with longer cables, refining their availability algorithms, and striving for a standardized charging port location for non-Tesla EVs.

    Future Plans for Supercharger Expansion

    In the next 18 months, Tesla aims to increase the number of Superchargers that feature longer cables, which will be mounted on the outside of the charger, a shift from the previous design that had shorter cables inside.

    As of now, Tesla has stated that they have “modified over 1,500 sites to ensure drivers never need to use more than 2 charging spots to charge, which increases stall availability for everyone.” In addition, they have rolled out software upgrades that offer more precise predictions about Supercharger availability than ever before.

    Enhanced Charging Experience

    The system can now identify when another EV with a differently located charge port is connected to a short-cable Supercharger stall. This improvement means no more overpromising on stall availability, allowing drivers to travel with peace of mind. Tesla plans to keep enhancing this algorithm to ensure it remains as accurate as possible, including detailed site mapping and quicker updates on stall availability.

    There are hardly any EV brands that haven’t adopted Tesla’s NACS charging standard. The growing number of Supercharger users with unique charging port positions has pushed Tesla to work on standardizing these locations.

    Standardization Efforts

    “Since we opened the Supercharger network in Europe in 2021, we have been encouraging car manufacturers to relocate charge ports to the rear left or front right,” states Tesla.

    Currently, around 10% of Tesla’s Superchargers worldwide are the latest V4 models, with a higher concentration in Europe compared to the US. Thus, exceeding the number of chargers with shorter cables indicates that Tesla intends to expand V4 Supercharger availability fivefold within the next 18 months. All of these initiatives should collectively boost availability and reduce Supercharger wait times.

    Source: Link

  • Vivo X200 Series Launch Teased for India Market

    Vivo X200 Series Launch Teased for India Market

    Vivo has made it official that its top-tier X200 series is about to launch in India. Although they haven’t shared the specific date for the release, the company has confirmed its arrival via the X platform. This news follows closely after the launch of the Vivo X200 series smartphones in Malaysia.

    What to Look Forward To

    The X200 series, which has already been introduced to the global audience, is set to include the Vivo X200 and Vivo X200 Pro in India. Both phones are expected to have stunning displays featuring a 1.5K OLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate. The standard X200 comes with a 6.67-inch display, while the Pro version has a slightly bigger 6.78-inch screen. Additionally, both models support rapid charging at 90W.

    Camera Features

    When it comes to camera capabilities, the X200 series is truly impressive. The standard X200 is equipped with a 50MP Sony IMX921 main camera that has OIS, along with a 50MP ultra-wide lens and a 50MP Sony IMX882 telephoto lens. The Pro version enhances the photography experience with a 50MP Sony LYT-818 main sensor with OIS, a 50MP ultra-wide lens, and a remarkable 200MP Zeiss APO telephoto lens featuring a V3+ imaging chip.

    Performance and Battery Life

    Both smartphones are powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9400 SoC, accompanied by 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. They operate on Funtouch OS 15, which is based on Android 15, and have an IP68/IP69 rating for water and dust resistance. The X200 is supported by a 5,800mAh battery, while the Pro model is equipped with a larger 6,000mAh battery.

    With the launch date approaching, excitement for the Vivo X200 series continues to rise. While the pricing details have not been disclosed yet, it was revealed that these devices are priced at MYR 4,699 (~$1,050) for the Pro version and MYR 3,599 (~$800) for the standard variant.

    These new devices will go head-to-head with Oppo’s flagship smartphones, the Find X8 and Find X8 Pro, which are also powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9400 chipset and were launched in India on November 21.

    Source: Link


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  • Qualcomm Unveils Affordable Snapdragon X Chip for Budget Windows PCs

    Qualcomm Unveils Affordable Snapdragon X Chip for Budget Windows PCs

    Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X processors are changing how we see Windows laptops by providing battery life that lasts for days. This is a big plus compared to the usual power-hungry laptop chips. But the high costs have kept many from getting them. Good news might be on the horizon, as there are rumors of a more budget-friendly Snapdragon X chip coming soon.

    Snapdragon X Lineup Evolution

    The Snapdragon X series kicked off with the “Elite” model, which was made to rival Apple’s M-series chips that are used in premium laptops. These laptops usually cost more than $1,200, making them less attractive to everyday users. Qualcomm followed this up with the “Plus” version, which brought prices down to around $1,000. In September, they also released a more affordable variant of the Snapdragon X Plus, which can be found in devices like the Lenovo IdeaPad 5x 2-in-1, that started at a nice $849.

    New Entry-Level Snapdragon X Chip

    Now, it looks like Qualcomm is set to introduce even cheaper chips for Windows laptops. At a recent Investor Day event, they hinted at an “entry-level” Snapdragon X chip that’s targeted for laptops under $700. This move could help more people access Snapdragon X technology.

    While performance details are still limited, Qualcomm has shared that this chip will include the same Neural Processing Unit (NPU) as the higher-end models. This NPU is crucial for the long battery life and AI capabilities that these processors are known for. Consequently, laptops that use these chips will carry the Copilot+ PC branding, which has minimum requirements like 16GB of DDR5 RAM and 256GB of SSD storage. It’s likely these specs will be found even in more budget-friendly models.

    Potential Trade-Offs

    Nonetheless, it’s still uncertain what compromises might be made to achieve the lower price point. Possible reductions could involve fewer CPU cores or slight drops in graphical performance. Qualcomm has yet to reveal a specific release date, but with CES 2025 coming up in January, it seems that this event could be an ideal place for the new chip’s introduction.

    Source: Link


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  • Redmi Watch 5 and Buds 6 Pro Launching on November 27

    Redmi Watch 5 and Buds 6 Pro Launching on November 27

    Xiaomi is gearing up to introduce new products in a launch event set for November 27, 2024, in China. This exciting occasion will showcase the eagerly awaited Redmi K80 series, in addition to the Redmi Watch 5 smartwatch and the Redmi Buds 6 Pro earbuds.

    Redmi Watch 5 Details

    The Redmi Watch 5 will come with a 2.07-inch high-brightness screen, providing improved visibility in different lighting situations. It will operate on Xiaomi’s HyperOS 2.0 and boasts an impressive battery life of up to 24 days, minimizing the frequency of charging needed.

    About the Redmi Buds 6 Pro

    The Redmi Buds 6 Pro will utilize a ceramic coaxial three-unit layout, which aims to produce exceptional sound quality. They will feature 55dB deep noise reduction along with step-less dynamic noise reduction technology, designed to effectively cancel noise and enhance the overall listening experience.

    Comparing with Previous Models

    Looking back at previous models, the Redmi Watch 4 has a 1.97-inch AMOLED display and a 4-channel PPG sensor for tracking heart rate and blood oxygen levels. It also comes with GPS for location tracking and supports more than 150 sports modes. Additional features include sleep tracking, stress monitoring, weather updates, and Bluetooth calling.

    The Redmi Buds 5 Pro has an IP54 rating which makes them resistant to water and dust. They are equipped with a 10mm tweeter and an 11mm dynamic subwoofer to provide a balanced audio experience. Some of their features include active noise cancellation of up to 52dB, AI adaptive noise adjustment, LHDC 5.0 codec for high-quality audio streaming, and spatial audio. They also come with a transparency mode and wind noise reduction capabilities for calls.


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  • Redmi K80 Series: Key Features and Expectations Explained

    Redmi K80 Series: Key Features and Expectations Explained

    Xiaomi’s sub-brand Redmi is preparing to unveil the K80 series smartphones in China on November 27. The K-series has always been a hit in the mainland, as it brings flagship-level features at a lower cost. The demand was shown clearly last year when the Redmi K70 series sold over 2 million units in just a few days.

    Exciting Changes Ahead

    The K80 series is expected to be another triumph in China, and there are several reasons for this optimism. Firstly, Redmi is altering its product strategy this year. The K-series will now serve as the brand’s premium offering, filling the space between Xiaomi’s high-end number series phones, like the Xiaomi 15. The company has also unveiled a new logo displaying bold red letters in uppercase: “REDMI.” Moreover, Redmi is simplifying its K lineup by releasing only two models in the K80 series: the K80 and K80 Pro. Unlike earlier generations, there won’t be a K80e model.

    What to Anticipate from the K80 Series

    With these updates, what can we look forward to from the Redmi K80 series? Let’s examine what information we have so far.

    1. Top-notch Display
      Even though the company has not disclosed all the specifics of the new devices, we already have substantial knowledge regarding their displays. Both the K80 and K80 Pro will come with a 2K resolution AMOLED display made by TCL Huaxing. The screen utilizes customized M9 Luminescent material, which decreases power usage by 20.3% compared to the K70 series display. It also provides 1800 nits of peak brightness and includes features for eye health, such as DC Dimming, circular polarization technology, and AON Intelligent Eye Protection.

    Enhanced Eye Protection Features

    Furthermore, the display will offer hardware-level eye protection, full brightness DC dimming, and has received TÜV Rheinland’s flicker-free eye protection certification. It also includes ADV-MEMC image quality eye protection and AON Smart Eye Care, which enables real-time monitoring of visual health.


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  • All You Need to Know About Samsung One UI 7.0 Update

    All You Need to Know About Samsung One UI 7.0 Update

    Over time, One UI has developed into one of the most refined and robust Android interfaces. Each new version seems to enhance the user experience further. In recent years, Samsung has excelled with its software updates, often delivering them ahead of schedule. Yet, this year has not met expectations.

    Samsung vs. Competitors

    While Samsung has often been a leader in launching new Android versions, this year Vivo has surged ahead by launching Android 15 even before Google. It marks the first time since One UI 3.0 that Samsung won’t introduce a new One UI version publicly. Although Samsung hasn’t provided specific reasons for the delay in One UI 7.0, reports suggest that it may be the most significant update from the company in a long time, necessitating more development time.

    What’s on the Horizon?

    Samsung has kept most information about One UI 7.0 under wraps, but some leaks have revealed crucial details, including its rollout schedule and new features. At its Developer Conference on October 3, Samsung hinted that the new interface will emphasize a simple, impactful, and emotional Galaxy experience, introducing a new blur engine designed to enhance user interaction with the software.

    Recently, OnePlus and Oppo have teased One UI’s slower app performance while showcasing their Android 15-based skins. However, One UI 7 could change that narrative, promising to be the largest enhancement in Samsung’s software history. Users can expect a smoother experience with improved animations and transitions.

    Exciting New Features

    One UI 7.0 is rumored to come with a revamped Quick Settings panel, offering more customization options than ever. Users may be able to rearrange various quick settings toggles and sliders. The update might also introduce a two-page Quick Panel layout—one for notifications and the other for quick settings toggles—depending on which side of the status bar you swipe down from. Still, there will be an option to combine them as it was done previously.

    Most Samsung apps are expected to receive new icons, with some undergoing a UI redesign. The Camera app is one of those slated for updates, potentially grouping various settings for a more streamlined appearance. The AR Emoji feature is now called Galaxy Avatar and will be integrated within the Settings app. It’s also anticipated that the AI Portrait Studio will have a fresh design, providing improved previews at the bottom of the display. Additionally, One UI 7.0 is likely to enhance Parental Controls and may incorporate more Good Lock features.

    Samsung is reportedly developing a new “Cloud” app that might be part of One UI 7.0, with unclear functionalities—but it could serve as a new backup solution. The Auto Blocker feature could introduce a new Maximum Restriction mode for heightened security. Users might even have the option to fully disable thermal throttling, a feature spotted in an early software version, but its presence in the final iteration remains uncertain. Furthermore, Galaxy AI may take a lesser role in One UI 7.0, likely offering fewer features than its predecessors.

    Release Timeline for One UI 7.0

    Samsung has not been vocal about the release date for One UI 7.0. However, it has confirmed that the beta testing phase will begin this year, with the stable version launching alongside the Galaxy S25 series, expected in early 2025.

    A recent leak suggests that the Galaxy S25 series will receive the beta in the first week of December, with the Galaxy S24 series following in 2-3 weeks. It remains uncertain whether the Galaxy S22 series will access the One UI 7.0 beta this year, and the Galaxy S21 series may be excluded from the beta program altogether.

    The beta program will extend to more Galaxy devices (check for the full list here). If you are interested in the eligible devices for One UI 7.0, please visit this page.

  • Samsung Considers Halting Exynos 2600 Production Due to Issues

    Samsung Considers Halting Exynos 2600 Production Due to Issues

    Samsung’s Exynos 2600 chip, once thought to be a groundbreaking advancement in mobile technology, might not be released at all. A recent report indicates that Samsung is thinking about stopping its production due to difficulties with the 2nm manufacturing process. This news brings up concerns about the future of Samsung’s own chip production and how it will compete in the semiconductor industry.

    Low Production Yields

    The Exynos 2600 was set to use Samsung Foundry’s cutting-edge 2nm process. Nevertheless, the production yield rate—a crucial factor that measures how many usable chips come from a single wafer—has apparently been quite low. Recent data shows yields ranging from only 10 to 20%, which is far from enough for mass production.

    Historical Challenges

    This isn’t the first time Samsung Foundry has faced these types of issues. Its 3nm process, utilized for the Exynos 2500, had similar problems, with yields dropping below 20%. This has sparked rumors that Samsung may consider outsourcing the production of its top Exynos chips to TSMC, which is well-regarded in advanced chip manufacturing.

    Shift in Production Strategy

    Complicating matters further, Samsung has reportedly closed down several manufacturing plants that were using older 4nm, 5nm, and 7nm technologies. The semiconductor division is also said to be dealing with a reduced workforce, restricted by South Korea’s regulation on a 52-hour workweek. A reorganization of Samsung’s application processor (AP) development team is in the works, but it may take years to fully implement.

    Potential Outsourcing Consequences

    While sending production to TSMC might help with yield problems, it could also raise production costs. Traditionally, Samsung has depended on in-house manufacturing to keep expenses low and maintain competitive prices for its products. Outsourcing might lead to even higher prices for consumers.

    Uncertain Future for Exynos

    Despite these challenges, Samsung Foundry is reportedly striving to enhance its 2nm process to stay competitive with TSMC. However, there isn’t much information available about the current state of progress, which leaves the future of Exynos in doubt.

    For consumers, Samsung’s possible switch to Snapdragon 8 Elite or MediaTek Dimensity 9400 for the Galaxy S25 series could offer improved performance and efficiency. Nonetheless, the potential cancellation of the Exynos 2600 underscores the difficulties Samsung faces in balancing innovation with cost efficiency.


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