Category: All News

  • Western Digital Launches Largest 2.5-Inch Mobile HDD, Expands Storage

    Western Digital Launches Largest 2.5-Inch Mobile HDD, Expands Storage

    Western Digital has expanded its storage solutions by enhancing the capacities of its WD, WD_BLACK, and SanDisk Professional product lines. The highlight is the introduction of the world’s first 6TB mobile hard drive in a compact 2.5-inch size.

    A USB-C variant of the 6TB WD My Passport is also available for purchase. “This remarkable technological milestone allows us to stretch the boundaries further,” commented Nitin Kachhwaha, Director of Product Management at Western Digital. “Providing 6TB in such a portable and cost-effective package enables everyone from students to professionals to store and produce more content while on the move.”

    New Offerings Breakdown

    WD My Passport Portable Hard Drive Series: This well-known series now includes a 6TB capacity option for both the WD My Passport Ultra and WD My Passport Ultra for Mac, priced at US$199.99 (approx. 1444 yuan). The standard WD My Passport and WD My Passport for Mac have also been upgraded to 6TB, priced at US$179.99 (approx. 1300 yuan). A USB-C version of the 6TB WD My Passport is available for US$184.99 (approx. 1336 yuan). These models are currently available at select retailers and Western Digital stores.

    WD_BLACK Series: The WD_BLACK P10 gaming hard drive now features a 6TB option, priced at US$184.99 (approx. 1336 yuan). It can be purchased now through the same channels as the WD My Passport series.

    SanDisk Professional G-DRIVE ArmorATD Series

    Professionals can look forward to the ultra-durable 6TB SanDisk Professional G-DRIVE ArmorATD, which will be available later this month. Priced at US$229.99 (approx. 1661 yuan), this hard drive is designed to endure even the harshest environments.

  • iPhone 16 Display Panel Production May Start in June: Report

    iPhone 16 Display Panel Production May Start in June: Report

    iPhone 16 production is expected to kick off in June, according to a new report from analyst Ross Young. This aligns with Apple’s usual production schedule for its flagship smartphones, suggesting a release in mid-September.

    Market Leadership Predictions

    Ross Young also predicted that iPhone 16 and 16 Pro will be market leaders. Young offers insights into potential sales figures for the iPhone 16 lineup. He predicts that the iPhone 16 and 16 Pro will be the initial sales leaders, while demand for the Plus models (16 Plus and 16 Pro Max) might be slower initially. However, Young suggests this could change next summer as users prioritize longer battery life, a feature typically associated with larger phones.

    Design and Display Rumors

    These predictions come alongside previously leaked photos of the iPhone 16 series models, which generated discussion around the return of a vertical camera design for the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus, reminiscent of the iPhone X era.

    The iPhone 16 Pro Max, positioned on the far left in leaked images, appears to be the largest yet with a rumored 6.9-inch display, surpassing the 6.7-inch display of the current iPhone 15 Pro Max.

  • Explosion at TSMC Phoenix: Facility Remains Undamaged

    Explosion at TSMC Phoenix: Facility Remains Undamaged

    A reported explosion at the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) facility in Phoenix on Wednesday raised concerns. However, the company clarified that there were no injuries or damage to the facility.

    The incident involved a waste disposal truck, and the driver was taken to the hospital. TSMC confirmed that no employees or construction workers were harmed. Firefighters responded swiftly, but additional details from fire officials have yet to be released.

    TSMC's Role in the Industry

    TSMC is a critical player in the global semiconductor market. Recently, the company received a substantial $6.6 billion grant under the CHIPS and Science Act from the Biden administration.

    In an effort to enhance chip manufacturing capabilities in the United States, TSMC has been expanding its operations beyond Taiwan. These expansions include new facilities in Japan, Germany, and notably, Arizona in the USA, where the Phoenix campus is situated.

    Arizona Expansion and Challenges

    The Arizona project is part of TSMC’s broader strategy to bring advanced chip manufacturing to the U.S., promising to create thousands of jobs in both the manufacturing and construction sectors. However, the project has encountered hurdles, such as initial construction delays due to safety concerns from local unions and objections to the inclusion of workers from Taiwan.

    Despite these issues, Arizona's importance in the semiconductor industry has been growing, with investments in the state surpassing $100 billion since the CHIPS Act was introduced.

    Future Plans and Market Response

    The incident at the TSMC Arizona site occurs at a crucial time, as the company recently announced an additional $25 billion investment, bringing their total commitment to $65 billion. This includes plans to add a third factory by 2030, demonstrating TSMC's dedication to U.S.-based production.

    Technological advancements are also in the pipeline, with the second Arizona factory slated to produce the world's most advanced 2-nanometer technology, expected to commence production in 2028.

    Initially, the market response to the incident was mixed, with TSMC's shares rising before paring gains upon the news. Nevertheless, the company remains positive about its expansion plans and technological progress, despite this temporary setback.

  • US-China Tensions Cause Company to Shut Down China Office

    US-China Tensions Cause Company to Shut Down China Office

    US-based Kingland Systems, known for its expertise in data management and regulatory compliance within financial services, insurance, and agriculture, has decided to shut down its subsidiary office in China. This unexpected decision will impact all 151 employees, leading to their termination.

    Employee Notification and Compensation

    The workforce was notified of the closure on Wednesday. Kingland Systems has pledged to provide the legally mandated severance pay along with an extra month’s salary. Despite the sudden announcement, the company has not disclosed any reasons for the closure nor issued any immediate comments.

    Economic and Regulatory Challenges

    This development follows increasingly difficult economic conditions in China, exacerbated by rising geopolitical tensions. New regulations, including more stringent data-security laws and an anti-espionage law, have complicated operations for foreign businesses in China.

    China's economic outlook has been grim, with foreign direct investment (FDI) experiencing a sharp decline. In the first quarter of this year, FDI fell by 26% compared to the previous year, totaling 301 billion yuan (US$41.6 billion). These factors have prompted numerous foreign firms to either leave the Chinese market or consider scaling back their presence since the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Business Strategy Reevaluation

    Data from Qichacha, a corporate data provider, shows a growing trend of foreign companies reassessing their strategies in China due to these pressures.

    The closure of Kingland Systems underscores the broader concerns among foreign businesses about the practicality of maintaining operations in China under the current conditions.

  • LG Tone Free T90S Launch: Dolby Head Tracking, Adaptive ANC

    LG Tone Free T90S Launch: Dolby Head Tracking, Adaptive ANC

    LG has introduced a new addition to its Tone Free wireless earphones lineup. The latest model, the LG Tone Free T90S, boasts high-end specifications and features. These earphones offer noise cancellation, exceptional sound quality, and emphasize comfort and hygiene. Continue reading to find out more.

    LG Tone Free T90S Specifications and Features

    The LG Tone Free T90S are designed with in-ear ergonomics and come with medical-grade hypoallergenic soft ear gels for a snug fit. This design is endorsed by South Korea’s POSTECH Ergonomic Design Technology Lab. The earphones are stored in a case that includes a built-in UV light, claimed to eliminate 99.99 percent of bacteria. Additionally, the earbuds have an IPX4 water-resistance rating.

    On the audio side, the LG Tone Free T90S features a pure graphene driver. They are equipped with Dolby Head Tracking technology, which ensures consistent 3D immersive audio based on the user's head movements. The earphones also support Dolby Atmos for studio-quality audio. Furthermore, the TWS earphones have a Dolby Virtualizer that enhances spatial dimensionality, and the optimizer provides natural, loud, and distraction-free sound. The Tone Free T90S includes adaptive ANC that adjusts to real-time ambient noise levels. There are three built-in microphones with a Voice Pickup Unit for clear call quality. The audio device is co-developed with Meridian Audio.

    Features for Enhanced User Experience

    The LG Tone Free T90S also comes with Whisper mode for private conversations. The listening mode keeps the user aware of their surroundings, and the conversation mode amplifies the voice of the person speaking.

    The earphones can pair with up to five devices and connect to two devices simultaneously. They offer up to 9 hours of playback on a single charge, with the case extending the battery life to 36 hours. Additionally, the T90S can connect to non-Bluetooth devices via a 3.5mm jack in the case, which functions as a transmitter.

    Availability and Pricing

    The LG Tone Free T90S is available in Black and White colors. Priced at EUR 199 (~$216), the TWS earphones will be available for purchase later this month.

  • Meizu Lipro E2 Smart Downlight Launch: Compatible with Xiaomi, Apple

    Meizu Lipro E2 Smart Downlight Launch: Compatible with Xiaomi, Apple

    Meizu has unveiled the Meizu 21 Note smartphone today, along with the Lipro Downlight E2 series of smart lights. The series includes two models: the E2 Air and the E2 Pro. Both models feature a wide beam angle of 58° and a golden ratio of UGR ≤ 13, enhancing the lighting effect and expanding the coverage area.

    Features of Meizu Lipro Downlight E2 Series

    These smart lights are designed to cover 94.86% of the sunlight spectrum. They offer Ra97 color rendering and support RG0 low blue light, effectively eliminating flicker entirely.

    Despite their similarities, the two models have some differences. The Lipro Downlight E2 Pro features a 42mm deep light source and a customized anti-glare lens for precise light control and even distribution.

    Smart Home Integration

    The E2 Pro is compatible with the native Lipro smart home app and can also connect to other ecosystems such as Mijia, Matter, Xiaoai, and Apple, making it an attractive choice for a wider audience.

    Meizu claims that its proprietary dimming algorithms can adjust brightness within a range of 0.01% to 100%.

    Model Variants and Pricing

    The Lipro Downlight E2 series is available in three power ratings: 7W, 9W, and 11W. Additionally, users can choose from three color temperature options: 3500K, 4000K, and 5000K.

    Pricing

    The Lipro Downlight E2 Air starts at 119 Yuan, while the Downlight E2 Pro begins at 249 Yuan.

  • Lenovo Launches Moto Buds and Buds+ in China, Pre-Sale

    Lenovo Launches Moto Buds and Buds+ in China, Pre-Sale

    Previously, Motorola introduced the Moto Buds and Moto Buds+ internationally. Now, reports indicate that Lenovo is launching these same two wireless headphone models in China. For more details, you can check our earlier coverage of these wireless earphones.

    Enhanced Features in Moto Buds+

    The Moto Buds+ distinguish themselves from the standard Moto Buds by offering Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). Both models come equipped with 12.4mm dynamic coils and have a long-press button feature to activate the Lenovo Xiaotian AI Assistant. The color options also vary, with the Moto Buds available in starry night blue and coral orange, while the Moto Buds+ come in dark green and misty gray.

    Battery Life and Pricing

    The primary differences between the two models lie in their noise reduction capabilities and other features. The Moto Buds offer a base battery life of 9 hours and support fast charging. In contrast, the Moto Buds+ provide ANC up to 50db, are compatible with Dolby Atmos sound effects on Motorola phones, and include multiple audio modes along with Dolby head tracking. Due to these additional features, the Moto Buds+ have a slightly shorter battery life of 8 hours and are priced higher at 599 yuan, compared to the Moto Buds at 299 yuan.

    Both models began their pre-sale phase on May 16th and will be available for purchase starting May 24th.

  • Oppo Enco Air 4 Pro Specs Revealed, Pre-Order Now

    Oppo Enco Air 4 Pro Specs Revealed, Pre-Order Now

    Oppo is set to launch its Reno 12 Series smartphones and Enco Air 4 Pro earbuds on May 23, 2024, in China. Pre-orders for the earbuds are currently available on JD.com, TM Mall, and Oppo Mall.

    Features and Specifications

    In anticipation of the launch, details about the Enco Air 4 Pro earbuds have been disclosed. According to Oppo Mall, these earbuds are equipped with 12.4mm titanium-plated diaphragm drivers designed for robust bass and support the LHDC 5.0 audio codec for high-quality sound. They are capable of noise cancellation up to 49dB and cover a 4000Hz ultra-wideband, featuring intelligent dynamic noise cancellation. Additionally, they have three microphones to ensure clear call quality.

    Connectivity and Battery Life

    The earbuds utilize Bluetooth 5.4 for connectivity and include a 47ms latency mode, along with single-touch pairing and easy device switching. Although the battery capacities were not specified, Oppo assures that the earbuds can last up to 44 hours with the charging case and 12 hours on a single charge. Furthermore, a 10-minute quick charge can provide an extra 4 hours of use.

    Availability and Pricing

    Consumers can choose between White and Gray color options. Although pricing details will be announced on May 23 in China, the earbuds are also slated for a global release, as suggested by their certification listings in Malaysia and Singapore.

  • Baidu Apollo Unveils 6th Gen Robotaxi in Wuhan, Revolutionizing Driving

    Baidu Apollo Unveils 6th Gen Robotaxi in Wuhan, Revolutionizing Driving

    In a notable advancement for self-driving technology, Baidu Apollo has introduced its 6th Generation Robotaxi in Wuhan, representing a crucial milestone in the progression of smart mobility. This announcement was made by Yunpeng Wang, Baidu’s Corporate Vice President and President of the Intelligent Driving Group.

    Key Features and Cost Reduction

    The new launch highlights a significant reduction in unit cost, now priced at around RMB 200,000 (under $30,000), which is over 50% cheaper than the previous model. These savings facilitate large-scale deployment, with Apollo Go planning to introduce 1000 of the 6th Gen Robotaxis in Wuhan by 2024.

    Fully Autonomous Operations

    Running on Apollo Go, Baidu’s autonomous ride-hailing platform, these vehicles represent a shift towards fully autonomous transport. The system is supported by Apollo Go’s fully autonomous Robotaxi operation network in Wuhan, capable of handling all aspects of Robotaxi operations without human involvement. This innovation enhances efficiency while significantly cutting down operational costs.

    Advanced Technology and Safety

    The launch also introduces Apollo ADFM, the world’s first foundation model supporting Level 4 autonomous driving. Integrated into the 6th Gen Robotaxi, this model enables quick deployment of driverless operations in new cities within six months, promoting widespread use.

    Additionally, the upgraded Apollo Self-Driving (ASD) intelligent driving software, based on Apollo ADFM, will be available on all Ji Yue vehicle models. This will allow users across the nation to experience intelligent driving wherever Baidu Maps is accessible.

    Market Adoption and Safety

    In terms of safety and market reach, Apollo Go’s service area in Wuhan now covers over 3,000 square kilometers, serving 7.7 million people, and has provided over six million rides nationwide. Impressively, Apollo Go has achieved over 100 million kilometers of travel without any major accidents as of April 2024, with each Robotaxi covered by RMB 5 million insurance.

    With these innovations, Baidu Apollo is not just transforming the domain of autonomous transportation but also setting the stage for a safer, more efficient future in mobility.

  • Caviar’s Limited-Edition Deadpool iPad Pro 2024 Starts at $12,200

    Caviar’s Limited-Edition Deadpool iPad Pro 2024 Starts at $12,200

    Following Apple's recent product unveiling, Caviar, a brand renowned for its lavish custom electronics, has introduced the "Criss-Cross." This exclusive iPad Pro 2024 features a design influenced by Marvel’s Deadpool.

    Caviar Criss-Cross iPad Pro 2024 Specifications

    Caviar excels in turning ordinary tech into collectible masterpieces using high-end materials and meticulous craftsmanship. The Criss-Cross design incorporates several opulent elements.

    The highlight of the design is a 3D bas-relief of Deadpool’s iconic weapons, two Desert Eagle Mark XIX pistols, forming an “X” on the iPad's back. These ornamental guns are made from aviation-grade titanium and set within a titanium casing with a PVD coating, a technique commonly used in luxury Swiss watches.

    The design is further enhanced by blades crafted from black, hardened titanium, inspired by Wolverine, another famous Marvel character set to feature with Deadpool in an upcoming film. Red accents on the case, made from a composite material used for custom Desert Eagle grips, add a refined touch that complements the overall theme.

    Pricing and Availability

    Only 99 units of the Criss-Cross will be made, ensuring it remains a rare item for collectors and tech aficionados. The iPad will come in both 11-inch and 13-inch models, with choices for Wi-Fi only or Wi-Fi and cellular connectivity.

    Storage options vary from 256GB to 2TB, accommodating users with different storage needs. The price begins at $12,200 for the 11-inch Wi-Fi model and goes up to $12,630 for the 13-inch Wi-Fi and cellular version.

    Caviar’s custom iPad Pro is tailored for a niche audience. With its steep price and striking design inspired by a comic book character, the Criss-Cross is likely to attract tech enthusiasts and collectors who value exclusivity and unique aesthetics over raw performance or cost-efficiency.