Category: All News

  • Hisense CanvasTV: 4K QLED, 144Hz, Surround Sound

    Hisense CanvasTV: 4K QLED, 144Hz, Surround Sound

    Hisense has introduced the CanvasTV, a matte display that transforms into a digital art piece when not in use, marking its entry into the art-imitating-television market. This innovation bears a resemblance to Samsung's The Frame TV but comes at a notably lower price point.

    Competitive Pricing and Specifications

    The CanvasTV is available in 55-inch and 65-inch models, priced at $999 and $1,299, respectively. In contrast, The Frame starts at $1,499 for the same size. Despite its affordability, the CanvasTV features a 4K QLED display with anti-glare technology, similar to its more expensive counterpart. Additionally, it offers a 144Hz refresh rate for seamless visuals, an ambient light sensor for automatic adjustments, and multi-channel 2.0.2 surround sound.

    Artistic Features and Functionality

    Equipped with a variety of pre-loaded artworks in abstract, modern, and renaissance styles, the CanvasTV allows users to effortlessly switch between these and their own photos using the "Art Mode" button on the remote. The TV includes a motion sensor that powers off the display when the room is unoccupied, enhancing energy efficiency.

    Affordable Art-Integrated TV Option

    While LG and other smart TV manufacturers have explored gallery apps and features like LG's "Gallery Mode" for displaying artwork, Hisense's CanvasTV stands out as the most cost-effective choice in the US for those seeking a TV that seamlessly merges with art in the background.

    The CanvasTV is packaged with a wall mount and a teak frame. For those looking to match their decor, interchangeable white and walnut frames can be purchased separately. The CanvasTV is set to be available in stores this summer.

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  • TCL 50 XL 5G: Dimensity 6100+, FHD+ 120Hz Display

    TCL 50 XL 5G: Dimensity 6100+, FHD+ 120Hz Display

    Chinese electronics manufacturer TCL introduced the TCL 50 series smartphones at CES 2024 earlier this year. Among them was the TCL 50 XL 5G, priced at less than $169. This smartphone is now available in the North American market.

    TCL 50 XL 5G Arrives in North America

    Orders for the TCL 50 XL 5G are open through Metro by T-Mobile in North America, priced at $159.99 before any potential new customer deals. The phone boasts a 6.78-inch IPS display with a resolution of 2,460 x 1,080p, a 20:9 aspect ratio, a 2.5D glass finish, and a 120 Hz refresh rate.

    Impressive Specifications

    In terms of camera capabilities, the TCL 50 XL 5G features a 50 MP primary camera, along with a 2 MP ultra-wide-angle camera and a 2 MP depth sensor. Additionally, it includes an 8 MP front-facing selfie camera. Powering the device is a MediaTek Dimensity 6100 Plus processor, combined with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, with the option to expand storage via a MicroSD card.

    Notable Features and Design

    The phone is equipped with a 5,010 mAh battery that supports 18W fast charging. Measuring 167.6 x 75.5 x 8.22 mm and weighing 195 g, it offers a sleek and manageable form factor. Running on Android 14 out of the box, the TCL 50 XL 5G includes a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for enhanced security.

    TCL 50 XL 5G: Dimensity 6100+, FHD+ 120Hz Display
    TCL 50 XL 5G: Dimensity 6100+, FHD+ 120Hz Display
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  • Huawei Pura 70 Series Smartphones Launch in Europe at €999

    Huawei Pura 70 Series Smartphones Launch in Europe at €999

    Huawei recently introduced its latest Pura 70 series to the global market, commencing with its launch in Malaysia and subsequently expanding to the European market.

    Huawei Pura 70 Series Specifications

    The Pura 70 Ultra and Pro variants boast a 6.8-inch LTPO OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness reaching 2,500 nits. In contrast, the standard model features a slightly smaller 6.6-inch screen.

    Under the hood, the Pura 70 is powered by the Kirin 900S1 chip, while the Ultra and Pro models are furnished with Huawei’s newest Kirin 9010 chip. Notably, these international versions operate on EMUI 14.2 rather than HarmonyOS, which is found on the Chinese editions.

    Camera and Battery Features

    In the camera department, each model within the series offers distinct setups. For instance, the Pura 70 Ultra showcases a distinctive arrangement, including a 1-inch 50MP primary camera with a retractable lens, a 50MP telephoto lens with 3.5x optical zoom and OIS, and a 40MP ultra-wide lens with autofocus.

    On the other hand, the Pura 70 Pro features a 50MP main sensor with OIS, a 48MP telephoto lens with OIS and 3.5x optical zoom, and a 12.5MP ultra-wide lens. Meanwhile, the base model shares the Pro’s 50MP main sensor but diverges in its telephoto lens configuration, incorporating a 12MP periscope lens with OIS and 5x optical zoom, alongside a 13MP ultra-wide lens.

    Battery capacities vary across the models. The Pura 70 Ultra is equipped with a 5,200mAh battery and supports 100W wired charging, 80W wireless charging, and 20W reverse wireless charging. Comparatively, the Pura 70 Pro houses a slightly smaller 5,050mAh battery while offering the same charging capabilities. The standard Pura 70 is fitted with a 4,900mAh battery and supports 66W wired charging, 50W wireless charging, and 7.5W reverse wireless charging.

    Pricing and Availability

    Within the Eurozone, the Pura 70 is priced at €999, available in Black or White, and comes with 12 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage. The Pura 70 Pro, also offered in Black or White with identical memory and storage configurations, is priced at €1,199. At the top of the range, the Pura 70 Ultra is priced at €1,499, available in Black, Brown, or Green, providing 16 GB of RAM and 512 GB of storage.

    Huawei Pura 70 Series Smartphones Launch in Europe at €999
    Huawei Pura 70 Series Smartphones Launch in Europe at €999
    Huawei Pura 70 Series Smartphones Launch in Europe at €999
    Huawei Pura 70 Series Smartphones Launch in Europe at €999
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  • 90s Iconic Nokia 3210 Rebooted in 2024 with 4G Upgrade

    90s Iconic Nokia 3210 Rebooted in 2024 with 4G Upgrade

    HMD Global, the company responsible for Nokia devices, is embracing nostalgia with their upcoming releases. Following the revival of the Nokia 6310, the iconic Nokia 3210 from 1999 is set to make a comeback in 2024 with a blend of modern features.

    Revamped Nokia 3210 (2024) Specifications

    The 2024 version of the Nokia 3210 takes design cues from the 6310 rather than the original bulky silhouette. It boasts a more contemporary appearance while still retaining a touch of its classic design, such as the horizontally aligned Nokia logo on the back. Notable additions include a 2-megapixel rear camera, a significant upgrade from the camera-less setup of the original model.

    Features and Design

    Internally, the Nokia 3210 (2024) is tailored as a feature phone with modest specifications. It sports a 2.4-inch QVGA display for basic visuals and operates on the Unisoc T107 processor. Users can choose from storage options of 64GB or 128GB, expandable via a microSD card for additional space. The device is powered by a 1450 mAh battery ensuring prolonged usage and features the beloved Snake game for a nostalgic touch.

    Connectivity and Pricing

    Connectivity options include dual SIM support for Nano-SIM cards, Bluetooth 5.0, a USB-C port for charging – a notable upgrade, retention of the classic 3.5mm headphone jack, and compatibility with 4G networks. The Nokia 3210 (2024) is scheduled to launch on May 8th with a price tag of €89, available for purchase from May 15th onwards. This device is ideal for those in search of a dependable basic phone or a means to disconnect digitally.

    90s Iconic Nokia 3210 Rebooted in 2024 with 4G Upgrade
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  • iOS 18 AI Features Leak: What’s Revealed?

    iOS 18 AI Features Leak: What’s Revealed?

    The speculations have been ongoing for quite some time regarding Apple’s potential integration of AI into the upcoming iPhone 16 series and iOS 18. A recent leak from Apple Insider has shed some light on what Apple might have in the works.

    AI Upgrades in Core iOS Apps

    According to the leak, essential iOS applications such as Safari, Spotlight Search, Siri, Mail, and Messages are all set to receive AI enhancements. A key element of this upgrade seems to be a new on-device Large Language Model (LLM) known as "Ajax."

    This advanced system is designed to swiftly generate complete sentences in response to user inputs. The leaked information suggests that Ajax will analyze text and provide users with multiple potential responses, categorizing them based on accuracy and relevance.

    Integration of LLM in Apple’s Ecosystem

    The LLM is also expected to recognize keywords and phrases to generate summaries within apps like Safari and Messages. Safari 18, for instance, will introduce an "Intelligent Search" feature enabling users to access concise web page summaries.

    AI Model Integration with Devices and Apps

    Apple is reportedly planning to integrate its AI model across various devices and applications. This integration aims to identify contacts in text messages and extract relevant details from the Calendar app to facilitate contextually appropriate responses.

    Furthermore, Siri is poised to benefit from these AI advancements as well. The voice assistant might start offering simplified summaries or responses based on the content of received messages.

    Balancing On-Device and Cloud Processing

    While most tasks will be performed on-device, more complex activities like creative text generation or in-depth analysis could still require cloud processing. Speculations suggest that Apple is exploring potential partnerships with OpenAI and Google for such tasks.

    Nevertheless, Apple is reportedly prioritizing user privacy and is actively seeking ways to minimize reliance on cloud-based processing. As the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) approaches, it is likely that Apple will officially unveil these AI-powered features during the event. Stay tuned for further updates on any new developments.

    iOS 18 AI Features Leak: What's Revealed?
    iOS 18 AI Features Leak: What's Revealed?
    iOS 18 AI Features Leak: What's Revealed?
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  • Funtouch OS 14 Update Excludes These Vivo & iQOO Devices in India

    Funtouch OS 14 Update Excludes These Vivo & iQOO Devices in India

    Software updates are thrilling because they introduce new features and enhancements. When a major Android update is announced, users anticipate a plethora of fresh features and modifications. Unfortunately, the newest Funtouch OS 14 skin, based on Android 14, will not be available for most Vivo and iQOO devices. If you own a Vivo or iQOO-branded device, make sure it is not listed as ineligible for the Funtouch OS 14 update.

    Devices Ineligible for Funtouch OS 14 Update

    Below is a list of Vivo and iQOO devices that will not receive the Funtouch OS 14 (Android 14) upgrade in India. Additionally, this post highlights the significant changes in the latest Funtouch OS skin.

    These Vivo and iQOO Devices Won’t Receive Funtouch OS 14 Update in India:

    • Vivo X Series: Vivo X50, Vivo X50 Pro, Older X-series phones
    • Vivo V Series: Vivo V20 Pro, Vivo V20, Vivo V20 SE, Older V-series phones
    • Vivo T Series: Vivo T1x 4G
    • Vivo Y Series: Vivo Y02, Vivo Y16, Vivo Y22, Vivo Y15c, Vivo Y01, Vivo Y21G, Vivo Y15s, Vivo Y21A, Vivo Y21e, Vivo Y21T, Y-series phones released before 2022
    • iQOO Number Series: All iQOO phones older than iQOO 7 series
    • iQOO Z Series: iQOO Z5 5G, iQOO Z3, Older Z-series phones

    These Vivo and iQOO phones are excluded from the Funtouch OS 14 upgrade based on official details. If your device is not on this list, anticipate the next significant update. Meanwhile, discover the key changes you'll encounter after updating to the latest Funtouch OS skin.

    What’s Fresh in Funtouch OS 14

    Smooth Envision

    "Smooth Envision" denotes the performance optimizations in Funtouch OS 14 geared towards a seamless user experience. This latest Vivo skin trims down persistent processes, optimizes RAM usage, boosts system performance, and responsiveness to facilitate running multiple apps concurrently.

    Smoother Visuals

    Certain Vivo and iQOO phones running Funtouch OS 14 benefit from Motion Blur, utilizing advanced algorithms for smoother visual transitions when opening and closing apps on the home screen. This can enhance visual smoothness by up to 18.7% on a 60 Hz refresh rate screen.

    Better Multitasking

    Funtouch OS 14 enhances multitasking with an upgraded small window feature enabling users to maintain up to 12 small windows active in the background. The OS also introduces side-swipe suspension for improved control and a new non-interactive small window mode for seamless switching between modes with just a single tap.

    Enhanced Video Editing Capabilities

    Funtouch OS 14 includes enhanced video editing tools, enabling users to craft unique content without relying on third-party apps. Users can adjust video quality settings up to 4K at 60 fps, export videos in original quality, and utilize 25 filters for creating engaging videos.

    More Personalization Options

    Funtouch OS 14 offers users expanded personalization options with three lock screen layouts, eight font styles, new always-on display (AOD) styles, and a minimalist theme. Users can access a Material You-based monochrome theme named My color palette, offering a variety of colors and optimizing display for grayscale visuals to save power.

    Smart Mirroring

    Funtouch OS 14 introduces Smart Mirroring, allowing users to share their screen without exposing personal or sensitive information in the notification bar. This feature is crucial for safeguarding important details from accidental display to others.

    If you own a Vivo or iQOO phone, which Funtouch OS 14 feature do you find most appealing? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

    Additionally, check out these articles:

    1. Vivo Phone With Satellite Connectivity in the Works
    2. How to Hide or Unhide Apps in Vivo Phones
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  • New Method for Verifying Government Apps on Google Play Store

    New Method for Verifying Government Apps on Google Play Store

    Ever concerned about the authenticity of government-related apps you install, wondering if they might be fraudulent or data-stealing schemes? Google has introduced a new "Government" badge system on the Play Store to address these worries.

    Google’s New “Government” Badge System

    This badge, represented by a small building icon, is prominently showcased on government app listings, search results, and the main Play Store feed. When users click on the badge, they are presented with a confirmation message indicating the app’s affiliation with a government entity. The message states, "Official government — Play verified this app is affiliated with a government entity," providing a straightforward means of ensuring legitimacy.

    Global Implementation and Verification Process

    Google’s initiative is not limited to the United States; the badge system will be launched worldwide. Presently active in various countries including Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Mexico, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United States, this system aims to enhance trust among users.

    According to a report by 9to5Google, the development of this feature has been ongoing for some time. However, acquiring the government badge entails adhering to specific regulations. Government agencies are required to use official email addresses for developer accounts, and apps dealing with sensitive areas such as voting must undergo additional scrutiny before being published on the Play Store. While over 3000 apps have already received the badge, this is just the initial phase.

    Exercising Caution in App Downloads

    Despite Google’s efforts, it remains prudent to exercise caution when downloading apps, even those lacking the government badge. Users are advised to review feedback and developer details to mitigate the risk of downloading potentially harmful or spam applications.

    New Method for Verifying Government Apps on Google Play Store
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  • Toshiba REGZA 2700NF Mini LED TV: 1,300 Nits Brightness!

    Toshiba REGZA 2700NF Mini LED TV: 1,300 Nits Brightness!

    Japanese tech giant Toshiba has unveiled its latest offering, the REGZA 2700NF miniLED TV, featuring a 1,300 nits Mini LED display across four sizes: 65”, 75”, 85”, and 100 inches. This release follows last year’s introduction of the Regza Z750 mini LED TV. The 2700NF TV leverages Mini LED technology, boasting 1,024 partition backlights in its largest model to ensure a stable peak brightness of 1,300 nits. This TV incorporates the REGZA Picture Engine Pro and proprietary color calibration technology for precise adjustment of image details, color, and contrast.

    Mini LED Technology and Performance

    The Toshiba 2700NF TV impresses with a factory color calibration (Delta E) of 0.99 and a 95% DCI-P3 color gamut coverage, providing a crystal-clear color screen with minimal light interference. Additionally, its screen reflectivity is under 5%, enhancing viewing clarity. The TV is equipped with a 7-unit rocket launcher audio system in higher-end models and a 5-unit system in the standard variant. It also supports quick access to the audio system and incorporates a BR auditory perception chip for sound quality adjustments.

    Enhanced Features and Functionality

    Maintaining original frame rate, aspect ratio, and other parameters in filmmaker mode, the 2700NF TV supports features like Frame Picture MAX, NFS, and direct viewing. The TV ensures an optimal viewing experience with its advanced functionalities and technologies.

    Pricing and Availability

    The Toshiba 2700NF TV is priced at 8,499 yuan ($1,174) for the 65-inch model, 10,969 yuan ($1,515) for the 75-inch variant, 14,999 yuan ($2,071) for the 85-inch model, and 34,999 yuan ($4,833) for the 100-inch model. Customers can avail a 30 yuan discount coupon for the new Toshiba 2700NF TV, making this advanced technology more accessible to consumers.

    Toshiba REGZA 2700NF Mini LED TV: 1,300 Nits Brightness!
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  • Amazfit Bip 5 Unity Smartwatch: 1.91″ Display, Stainless Steel

    Amazfit Bip 5 Unity Smartwatch: 1.91″ Display, Stainless Steel

    Amazfit has recently unveiled a new smartwatch named the Amazfit Bip 5 Unity in the global market as an alternative to the existing Amazfit Bip 5, maintaining several essential features.

    Amazfit Bip 5 Unity Specifications:

    The latest device boasts a 1.91-inch LCD display with a resolution of 320 x 280 pixels. It sports a stainless steel frame, enhancing its durability, and holds an IP68 rating, indicating its ability to withstand immersion in up to 1.5 meters of fresh water for half an hour.

    Features and Functions:

    The Amazfit Bip 5 Unity is furnished with Amazfit’s BioTracker PPG biometric sensor, monitoring heart rate and blood oxygen levels. This sensor issues alerts for irregular heart rates, high stress levels, or low oxygen saturation. The watch is preloaded with over 120 sports modes, incorporates Amazon Alexa for voice controls, and supports approximately 70 applications through its companion smartphone app.

    Battery Life and Performance:

    Equipped with a 300 mAh battery, the smartwatch offers up to 5 days of heavy usage, 11 days of typical usage, or 26 days in battery-saving mode.

    Pricing and Availability:

    The Amazfit Bip 5 Unity is currently available in the UK and the US, priced at $59.99 and £69.99, respectively. While Amazfit aims to launch the Bip 5 Unity globally, details regarding pricing and availability in other regions are yet to be disclosed.

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  • SK Hynix Unveils 300TB SSD Prototype to Address Future Data Growth

    SK Hynix Unveils 300TB SSD Prototype to Address Future Data Growth

    SK Hynix has made waves with the introduction of an innovative solid-state drive (SSD) boasting an impressive 300TB storage capacity. Unveiled during a press event in Seoul, South Korea, this prototype signals a significant advancement in data storage technology.

    Ramping Up Data Storage Solutions

    The announcement of the 300TB SSD aligns with SK Hynix's broader strategy to drive the progression of artificial intelligence (AI) across data centers and personal devices. Analysts predict a substantial surge in global data creation, with projections soaring from 15ZB (Zettabytes) in 2014 to a staggering 660ZB by 2030. This rapid growth underscores the crucial demand for high-capacity storage solutions such as 100TB hard disk drives (HDDs) and the groundbreaking 300TB SSDs.

    Although specific details about the 300TB SSD are currently undisclosed, the announcement itself hints at the future of data storage technologies. The upcoming years are likely to witness a notable increase in the requirement for both high-capacity drives and high-performance all-flash arrays, catering to diverse applications.

    Diversified Product Portfolio

    SK Hynix's innovation doesn't stop at the 300TB SSD. The company is also working on a comprehensive range of products tailored to support various aspects of AI, encompassing training and inference in data centers (HBM4, HBM4E, CXL pooled memory solutions, memory processing solutions), edge AI devices (LPDDR6, GDDR7, PIM), and on-device AI inference (LPDDR6, GDDR7, high-capacity DDR5).

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