Category: All News

January 8, 2025
Xiaomi’s XRing SoC Leaked for Xiaomi 15S Pro Release This Year
Word about Xiaomi’s intention to create a new in-house chipset has been floating around the internet for a while. Recent leaks provide substantial evidence supporting these rumors, as references to this chipset have been found in Xiaomi’s own Mi code.
New Chipset Development
According to Xiaomitime, Mi code has confirmed the ongoing development of a new SoC by Xiaomi, which is codenamed "XRing." This chipset is anticipated to be marketed as the Pinecone Surge S2, serving as a successor to the Surge S1—Xiaomi’s first in-house chipset, which was introduced with the Mi 5c back in 2017.
Specifications and Features
While specifics about "XRing" are still somewhat limited, it is expected to incorporate a MediaTek modem—possibly the T90 5G modem, based on previous leaks. The Surge S2 "XRING" is likely to be a 3 nm SoC built on TSMC’s N3E node and will feature a Cortex-X3 prime core, three Cortex-A715 cores, four Cortex-A510 cores, along with Imagination’s CXT-48-1536 GPU.
Expected Launch and Model Compatibility
It’s doubtful that Xiaomi will utilize the Surge S2 in more than a handful of its devices this year, due to the inherent risks involved. Nonetheless, it seems almost certain that the Xiaomi 15S Pro, codenamed "dijun" with the model number "25042PN24C," will include this chipset.
Source: Link
Tags: Surge S2, Xiaomi, Xiaomi 15S Pro
January 8, 2025
Asus Zenbook Duo at CES 2025: Dual 120Hz OLED Touchscreens
The new Asus Zenbook Duo has made its way to the market, following the innovative model before it, which was priced around $1500 on Amazon. This latest version brings only slight improvements. The standout feature is the new Intel Core Ultra 9 285H processor, which includes six performance cores that can reach boost speeds of 5.4 GHz. It also has eight efficiency cores and an integrated Intel Arc 140T GPU with eight Xe cores that can clock up to 2.35 GHz.
Still a Strong Option in 2025
Even with limited updates, the Asus Zenbook Duo still proves to be a great option for 2025. It comes with two 14-inch touchscreens, both in a 16:10 aspect ratio. These screens utilize OLED technology and offer a resolution of 2880 x 1800 pixels with a 120 Hz refresh rate. With the ScreenXpert software, users can use multitouch gestures to easily switch between apps or bring up the software keyboard. Additionally, Asus provides a Bluetooth keyboard for convenience.
Flexible Display Setup
One of the neat features of the Zenbook Duo is its foldable stand, which allows users to set up the two displays either side by side or stacked on top of each other. This flexibility makes it easy to run multiple apps at once, even while on the move. The device only weighs 3.6 lbs (1.65 kg) and comes with options for up to 32 GB of LPDDR5X RAM, a 2-TB PCIe 4.0 SSD, and a 75-Wh battery that allows for USB-C charging at up to 65 watts. For connectivity, users can enjoy Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, two Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) ports, one USB-A (5 Gbit/s) port, and an HDMI 2.1 output.
Launch Details
The Asus Zenbook Duo (UX8406) is expected to hit the shelves in February, starting at a price of $1699.99.
Tags: ASUS ZenBook Duo, Dual Touchscreen Laptops, Intel Core Ultra 9
January 8, 2025
CES 2025: Technics EAH-AZ100 Wireless Earbuds with Dolby Atmos
Technics has introduced the EAH-AZ100 true wireless earbuds to mark its 60th anniversary. These earbuds feature drivers that excel at producing very low bass frequencies, utilizing technology from the premium EAH-TZ700 in-ear monitors.
Innovative Driver Design
The EAH-AZ100 is equipped with 10 mm drivers that combine an aluminum main driver in the center with a free-edge, low-bass driver around it. This free-edge driver must move further than the main driver to accurately reproduce bass sounds. To minimize distortion, Technics has filled the space between the two drivers with a fluid that contains suspended magnetic particles. This design allows the earbuds to produce bass as low as 3 Hz, while the overall frequency response is noted to be from 20 Hz to 40 kHz (LDAC 96 kHz/990 kbps).
Enhanced Listening Experience
Sound is transmitted through a specially designed acoustic control chamber that enhances the mid-range sound for high-resolution music. Active noise cancellation (ANC) and Voice Focus AI are included to diminish background noise when listening to music or talking on calls. Users can activate One-touch Conversation mode by tapping the earbuds or can automatically pause music by simply taking them out.
Advanced Connectivity and Runtime
The Technics TWS earbuds deliver 360-degree spatial sound with Dolby Atmos and Dolby Head Tracking via Bluetooth 5.3. They allow multi-point pairing with up to three devices simultaneously for Hi-Res Music playback using the LDAC audio codec (up to 96 kHz/990 kbps) and standard playback through SBC and AAC codecs. The LC3 codec helps to minimize audio lag during gaming and watching movies.
The EAH-AZ100 earbuds offer a runtime of 7.0 hours (LDAC codec, ANC active), and can extend to a total of 18.0 hours with the charging case. Using SBC or AAC audio codecs can increase playback times even further.
Charging and Weight Details
Charging the earbuds takes between 2.0 to 4.0 hours, depending on the method: direct charging, using the case, or wireless charging. The case itself requires 2.5 to 3.5 hours to charge, based on whether it’s done directly or wirelessly. Each earbud weighs 5.9 g (0.21 oz.), while the case itself weighs 42 g (1.5 oz.).
The Technics EAH-AZ100 ANC TWS earbuds have a suggested retail price of $299.99. They can be found in black or silver on the Technics website and will soon be available on Amazon’s Technics Store.
Source: Link
Tags: EAH-AZ100, Technics, True Wireless Earbuds
January 7, 2025
Razer HyperBoost: Free Firmware Update for CES 2025 Thermal Performance
Razer, known primarily for its Razer Blade gaming laptops and various gaming accessories, has made a significant impact at CES 2025. This year, the company introduced a range of hardware and software offerings. Among the standout products are the refreshed Razer Blade 16 laptop, the Project Arielle gaming chair, and the Razer Handheld Dock Chroma, among others.
New Innovations in Gaming
In addition, Razer revealed its new HyperBoost technology, designed to enhance gaming performance when used with the Razer Laptop Cooling Pad for the Razer Blade 16. This cutting-edge solution enables gamers to push the limits of their systems beyond standard settings, leading to improved frame rates and a more fluid gaming experience.
Enhanced Performance Features
With HyperBoost, users benefit from better heat management that exceeds the capabilities of traditional vapour chambers. The accompanying software lowers system temperatures, which enhances overall performance. Moreover, users have the ability to customize the performance settings to fit their needs using Razer Synapse.
Compatibility and Access
The HyperBoost firmware is available at no cost for specific models of the Razer Blade 16. According to the latest information, Razer Blade 16 laptops from the years 2023 and 2024 equipped with Nvidia RTX 4060 to RTX 4090 graphic cards can utilize this software. Users can easily get the HyperBoost firmware for their respective models via Razer Synapse.
Tags: CES 2025, HyperBoost technology, Razer Blade 16
January 7, 2025
CES 2025: Jmgo N1S 4K Compact Triple Laser Projector Launch
Jmgo has introduced three new projectors within its N1S series at CES 2025: the N1S 4K, the N1S SE, and the N1S Nano. The N1S 4K is already for sale in China and will soon be available globally along with the other two models. Previous versions in the N1S lineup includes the N1S Pro triple laser 4K projector, which is currently priced at $1,499 on Amazon.
N1S 4K Features
The N1S 4K is a small but powerful triple laser projector that boasts a brightness of up to 1,200 CVIA lumens. However, a standard brightness measurement like ANSI or ISO lumens hasn’t been disclosed yet. Based on its listing in China, this model features a contrast ratio of 1,600:1 and covers 110% of the BT.2020 color space. Additionally, it comes with a gimbal stand for projecting images onto walls or ceilings, and has built-in speakers. Jmgo labels this projector as ‘mini’ since its dimensions are 187 x 165 x 191 mm (approximately 7.4 x 6.5 x 7.5 inches).
N1S SE and N1S Nano Details
Not much information has been revealed about the N1S SE; what we do know is that it is a triple laser projector that comes with Google TV. On the other hand, the N1S Nano is pitched as a budget-friendly option, featuring an LED light source and a gimbal stand. The Jmgo N1S 4K mini triple laser projector is set to launch worldwide on the brand’s online store this March, but the exact pricing is still not clear. The N1S SE and the N1S will only be available in physical retail locations, with an anticipated release sometime in Q1. Other new products showcased at Jmgo’s CES 2025 booth include the N3 Ultra Max 4K projector and the O2S Ultra 4K laser TV.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Jmgo is expanding its projector lineup with innovative models that cater to various needs and budgets. The N1S series is set to make waves in the home entertainment market this year, offering advanced features and technology for users looking for high-quality projection options.
Source: Link
Tags: Jmgo N1S 4K, N1S Nano, N1S SE
January 7, 2025
NXP koopt TTTech Auto in Oostenrijk voor meer dan $600 miljoen
Although its roots trace back to 1949, when Motorola’s semiconductor division was established in Phoenix, Arizona, NXP Semiconductors as we know it today has been around since 2006. In 2015, Freescale and NXP merged, creating the fourth-largest semiconductor company worldwide and the top supplier in the automotive sector, operating under the NXP name. Now, NXP is moving ahead with plans to acquire TTTech Auto, an Austrian firm that provides software solutions focused on the systems, safety, and security necessary for software-defined vehicles (SDVs).
Acquisition Details
According to NXP’s official announcement, both parties have come to a final agreement valued at $625 million in cash, pending regulatory approval. After this approval is secured, about 1,100 engineers from TTTech Auto will become part of NXP’s workforce. This team "will keep serving current clients and broaden its global reach under the NXP brand."
Executive Insights
Jens Hinrichsen, who is the executive vice president and general manager of analog & automotive embedded systems at NXP Semiconductors, has stated that
"Our acquisition of TTTech Auto is an important move in NXP’s quest to be the foremost provider of smart edge systems in the automotive and Industrial IoT sectors."
Company Overview
NXP Semiconductors operates in over 30 countries and reported revenues of $13.28 billion in 2023. Based in Eindhoven, Netherlands, the company had a workforce of more than 34,000 employees in 2023. These employees are spread across various sites, including at least four wafer fabs, numerous R&D and design centers, four testing and assembly sites, and multiple sales offices.
For developers interested in NXP hardware, the Teensy 4.1 ARM Cortex-M7 NXP iMXRT1062 Microcontroller Development Board + Ethernet Kit is available on Amazon for $38.50.
Source: Link
Tags: NXP Semiconductors, Teensy 4.1, TTTech Auto
January 7, 2025
Lenovo Tab 10.1-inch Budget Tablet with Helio G85 Unveiled at CES 2025
Lenovo has introduced its newest tablet: the Lenovo Tab. Alongside it, the company also launched the premium Idea Tab Pro, which features a Dimensity processor; however, the Lenovo Tab is aimed at budget-conscious consumers.
Design and Build
The Lenovo Tab boasts a sleek design. On the back, you’ll find a single camera cutout alongside a subtly placed Lenovo logo. There are two color choices available for this tablet: Luna Grey and Polar Blue. With a thickness of just 7.5 mm, it’s quite slim.
Accessory Options
This tablet is offered with several case options, including a Clear Case with a stand for convenience, a Folio Case for enhanced protection, and a Play Suite case made especially for children.
Display Features
The Lenovo Tab comes equipped with a 10.1-inch display that has a resolution of 1920×1200 pixels. It features a pixel density of 224 PPI and a screen-to-body ratio of about 83%. However, it doesn’t include a high refresh rate and sticks with a standard 60Hz refresh rate. The brightness of the display can reach up to 400 nits.
Performance Capabilities
At the heart of this budget-friendly tablet is the Helio G85 processor. This chipset is widely used in various tablets and smartphones within the same price range. The octa-core CPU works in tandem with a Mali-G52 GPU. Built on a 12-nanometer process, it achieves an average score of 265K on AnTuTu according to NanoReview. The device is equipped with 4GB of RAM and offers internal storage options of either 64GB or 128GB. Furthermore, you can expand the internal storage using a MicroSD card slot.
Camera Specifications
For photography, the tablet includes an 8MP rear camera with autofocus capabilities. The front has a 5MP camera for taking selfies and making video calls.
Battery and Connectivity
The Lenovo Tab is powered by a 5,100mAh battery that supports 15W Quick Charge via its USB-C port. In terms of connectivity, the device features Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.3. The dual speakers are enhanced by Dolby Atmos technology, and it also includes a 3.5mm headphone jack. The tablet runs on the Android 14 operating system.
Pricing Information
The expected starting price for the Lenovo Tab is $159. It is set to be available for purchase beginning in June 2025.
Tags: Android 14, Budget tablet, Lenovo Tab
January 7, 2025
NVIDIA Targets Tesla with Thor Chip and 4D Driving Simulator
NVIDIA revealed a brand new automotive chip called Thor during its CES 2025 keynote presentation. This chip is built on the Blackwell platform and boasts 20 times more processing power compared to the current generation of automotive chips. It is designed to aid in virtual simulations for autonomous vehicles.
New Approach to Autonomous Driving
Rather than relying on logging millions of miles like Tesla does with its Full Self-Driving (FSD) feature, NVIDIA is investing in a synthetic world simulator named Cosmos. This innovative tool will complement the three chips that are essential for AI in autonomous vehicles.
The Cosmos platform comprises cutting-edge generative world foundation models, tokenizers, guardrails, and a speedy video processing pipeline. These components aim to enhance the creation of physical AI systems, including autonomous vehicles and robots, according to NVIDIA.
Upgraded AI Processing Power
In addition to the new simulator, NVIDIA has upgraded its AI processing chips with the Thor automotive chip, which is the successor to the Orin line. The Thor chip features the Blackwell architecture, similar to the recently launched GeForce RTX 5070 gaming card, which NVIDIA claims can match the performance of an RTX 4090 at a price of $549.
Thor provides 1,000 TFLOPS of powerful AI computing and offers roughly 20 times the AI capability of its predecessor. Its efficiency is crucial as it helps reduce the overall costs of System on Chip (SoC) in vehicles that integrate both autonomous driving and infotainment systems.
Flexible Architecture for Car Manufacturers
Automakers and developers of autonomous vehicle solutions can allocate the 1,000 TFLOPS of computing power between self-driving tasks and infotainment systems, making the architecture highly adaptable. According to ARM, “When used in level 3 or higher autonomous driving scenarios, a single Nvidia DRIVE AGX Thor can replicate the functionality of multiple advanced devices currently found in vehicles, leading to considerable advantages in performance for car manufacturers.”
NVIDIA also highlighted multiple safety and security certifications for its new Thor-based Drive AGX platform, including recognition from the ANSI National Accreditation Board and TÜV Rheinland.
Partnerships and Innovative Simulation Features
NVIDIA has already partnered with various automakers and autonomous driving solution providers such as Mercedes and Nuro. They are utilizing NVIDIA’s self-driving chips and Cosmos simulation software, which includes features like OmniMap that combines mapping and satellite imagery to create 3D environments that are drivable. The Neural Reconstruction Engine generates high-fidelity 4D simulation environments from AV sensor data. Additionally, Edify 3DS can search for existing scenes or create 3D objects based on text or image prompts, transforming scenes in NVIDIA Omniverse that are grounded in 4D. Finally, Cosmos is capable of generating countless variations of driving scenarios using simple text prompts.
However, it is yet to be determined if the Cosmos simulator will enable traditional automakers and electric vehicle startups to bridge the gap with Tesla’s FSD solution, which relies on extensive real-world driving data to enhance its AI algorithms.
Source: Link
Tags: Blackwell Architecture, Cosmos simulator, NVIDIA Thor
January 7, 2025
Lenovo AI Display at CES 2025: Alerts for Posture and Fatigue
Whether we want to admit it or not, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has woven itself into the fabric of our daily lives, impacting nearly every facet of our technology-driven existence. This pervasive presence can frustrate many who prioritize privacy. However, while some AI innovations are genuinely helpful, others can be quite problematic. Lenovo’s recent venture into AI within consumer gadgets, especially displays, walks a fine line by presenting both exciting opportunities and potential privacy issues reminiscent of Microsoft’s past controversies.
The Concept of the "AI Display"
Lenovo’s "AI Display" is still primarily in its experimental phase. The initiative intends to embed AI capabilities into monitors, allowing them to observe and assess user posture, movements, and additional insights. This information would be used to alert users about improper posture, and the monitor could autonomously tilt, swivel, or adjust its height to promote better ergonomics. Additionally, the monitor would be capable of recognizing signs of fatigue, like when a user yawns or shuts their eyes, and even blur the display when the user steps away. Sounds cool, doesn’t it? But wait a minute.
Privacy Concerns and Challenges
While this technology seems impressively advanced at first glance, winning users over to the idea of an AI-powered front camera that monitors their every action might prove to be a tough sell. It remains uncertain whether the data processing will occur on the device itself or in the cloud. If it’s the latter, it could lead to significant privacy concerns. Regardless, the specifics of how this product will work are still unclear. Only time will tell if the project will move beyond its current experimental stage.
Tags: AI Display, Lenovo, Privacy Concerns
January 7, 2025
Lenovo’s Solar-Powered Self-Charging Keyboard at CES 2025
While there will be much attention on Lenovo’s latest computers and Legion gaming gear, the company is also introducing a variety of fascinating accessories, including a unique self-charging Bluetooth keyboard. This device, which was first revealed a few weeks ago, boasts an exterior made from 95% recycled plastic sourced from consumers. The standout feature of this keyboard is that it doesn’t require conventional charging.
Innovative Charging Technology
The Lenovo Self-Charging Bluetooth Keyboard incorporates photovoltaic cells, enabling it to harness energy from surrounding light. Instead of a standard battery, it employs a fast-charging supercapacitor, similar to HP’s rechargeable keyboard and mouse set. Unlike traditional batteries, supercapacitors can store large amounts of energy and recharge at an astonishing speed.
Impressive Power Life
According to Lenovo, this keyboard can function for as long as 45 days in complete darkness without needing a recharge. Once the energy runs out, it only takes 2 minutes of charging under a light source with an intensity of 300 Lux to restore it for use.
User-Friendly Features
In addition to its innovative charging, the keyboard is designed to be spill-resistant and comes with adjustable tilt legs, dedicated media controls, and a three-zone layout complete with on-screen brightness indicators. Users can also monitor the device’s power in real-time through the Lenovo Accessories and Display Manager.
This keyboard features Bluetooth 5.1, supports Microsoft Swift Pair, and can connect with up to three devices simultaneously. It is compatible with various operating systems including ChromeOS, Windows 10 and later, macOS, iPadOS, iOS, and Android.
The Lenovo Self-Charging Bluetooth Keyboard is set to launch in May 2025, priced at $69.99, and will be offered in two different colors.
Tags: Bluetooth 5.1, Lenovo Self Charging Bluetooth Keyboard, spill-resistant keyboard