Category: All News

  • Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro Now Available for Pre-Purchase in Europe

    Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro Now Available for Pre-Purchase in Europe

    Xiaomi is set to launch its latest Xiaomi 14 series smartphone globally at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) later this month. In addition to the new phones, the company will also introduce the Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro, which was originally launched in China in August last year. But before its official debut, the fitness tracker is already available for purchase in Europe.

    Pricing and Availability

    The Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro can be purchased through a third-party e-commerce store in Slovakia called maldo. It is priced at EUR 89 and is available for immediate order. The estimated delivery time is 3-5 days, and the product listing mentions a warranty of 24 months.

    Global Variant for European Markets

    The product description clearly states that the Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro is a global variant intended for the European markets. Although the specifications are similar to the Chinese model, it is specifically tailored for European consumers.

    Sleek Design and Display

    Despite being a fitness tracker, the Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro features a sleek smartwatch-like design. It boasts a 1.74-inch square-ish AMOLED display with a 60Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 600 nits. Additionally, it is water-resistant up to 5 meters, making it suitable for various activities and environments.

    Fitness and Wellness Capabilities

    The Band 8 Pro offers a wide range of fitness and wellness capabilities. It includes basic tracking features such as heart-rate monitoring, SpO2 sensor for measuring blood oxygen levels, sleep tracking, menstrual cycle monitoring, and stress level tracking. With these features, users can monitor their health and well-being with ease.

    Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro Now Available for Pre-Purchase in Europe
    Tags: , ,
  • China’s SMIC Set to Commence Manufacturing 5nm Chips for Huawei, States New Report

    China’s SMIC Set to Commence Manufacturing 5nm Chips for Huawei, States New Report

    Huawei’s smartphone sales experienced a significant boost last year, thanks to the popularity of the Mate 60 series featuring their Kirin 9000S chip.

    Huawei’s Need for a More Powerful Chip

    While the Kirin 9000S, built on a 7nm process, may not be the top-performing smartphone SoC, its in-house development is a notable achievement for Huawei. However, the company now requires a more powerful and efficient chip for its upcoming smartphone models.

    Huawei Aims for 5nm Chip Production

    According to a report by the Financial Times, Huawei is now targeting 5nm chip production. Its partner, SMIC, China’s largest chipmaker, has established a new semiconductor line in Shanghai dedicated to producing chips designed by Huawei.

    Export Restrictions and National Security Concerns

    The move comes as the Biden administration has imposed stricter export restrictions on advanced chipmaking equipment due to national security concerns. Additionally, the US government is collaborating with the Netherlands and Japan to make it more difficult for China to access cutting-edge chip manufacturing equipment.

    Challenges for SMIC

    For now, SMIC is reportedly repurposing its existing DUV equipment for 5nm chip production. However, this approach may result in lower yields and higher costs of SoCs.

    China’s Semiconductor Industry Progress

    While Huawei’s 5nm chip may not be able to compete with flagship chipsets from Qualcomm or MediaTek, it is important to recognize that China’s semiconductor industry continues to make progress despite the US ban. Manufacturing a 5nm chip without relying on foreign support would be a significant achievement for both Huawei and SMIC.

    Huawei’s Future Plans

    An insider familiar with the plans stated, “With the new 5nm node, Huawei is well on track to upgrade its new flagship handset and data center chips.”

    Huawei is rumored to be using the upcoming Kirin SoC in the P70 series of smartphones. Additionally, the company is actively working on Harmony OS NEXT, a new generation operating system built on Huawei’s proprietary kernel. The OS will also completely abandon Android app support.

    • China's SMIC Set to Commence Manufacturing 5nm Chips for Huawei, States New Report
    Tags: , ,
  • Leaked Retail Box and Pricing for Samsung Galaxy Fit 3 Suggests Launch is Near

    Leaked Retail Box and Pricing for Samsung Galaxy Fit 3 Suggests Launch is Near

    Samsung’s next fitness tracker – the Galaxy Fit 3 has been a lot in the news lately. It was spotted on the company’s official website not long ago. Key details and specifications of the upcoming offering have already leaked. Only the official pricing and availability information of the Galaxy Fit 3 remains a mystery which the folks at Samsung Community have shared now. It’s worth noting that the South Korean brand has not confirmed any details of the Galaxy Fit 3 yet.

    Samsung Galaxy Fit 3 retail box and pricing leaked

    The report states that the Samsung Galaxy Fit 3 is likely to launch sooner than expected as the retail boxes have reached retailers. Citing a user as the source, the publication has shared an image of the retail box of the fitness tracker. It confirms the upcoming offering’s design with a rectangular dial and a physical button on the right side which was also seen in leaked renders. The device is seen in Black and White color strap options.

    The source claims that the Samsung Galaxy Fit 3 retail units have reached Dar e Salaam city of Tanzania. It carries a price tag of 2,50,000 Shillings which converts to $99 and Rs 8,200. The wearable device’s launch seems around the corner with almost everything leaked. It could be announced at the upcoming MWC later this month.

    Specifications and Features

    As per the recent accidental listing, the Samsung Galaxy Fit 3 will feature a 1.57-inch AMOLED display. It will have an aluminum unibody along with IP68 certification and 5 ATM water-resistance. Health-wise, the wearable device will reportedly be equipped with a heart rate sensor, sleep tracking, light sensor, fall detection, and support for 100 sports modes. The upcoming offering is said to offer 13 days of battery life on a single charge. It will pack convenient features like music and camera control, notifications, and more.

    Tags: , ,
  • Tipped: Discover Key Specifications & Attractive Color Options of Huawei Pocket S2

    Tipped: Discover Key Specifications & Attractive Color Options of Huawei Pocket S2

    Huawei is reportedly developing a new foldable smartphone, known as the Pocket S2, which will feature a clamshell folding design. The successor to the original Pocket S flip phone, the Pocket S2 has had some key specifications leaked online.

    Huawei Pocket S2 Specs & Color Leak

    The leak comes from Digital Chat Station, a reliable tipster on the Chinese microblogging website Weibo. According to the leak, the Pocket S2 will retain design elements from its predecessor, including a triple camera setup in two circular modules on the rear. One of these modules will also house an external panel. However, both rings will be larger than those on the original Pocket S model.

    Like its predecessor, the Pocket S2 is expected to be released in a special Art Edition. Digital Chat Station suggests that the flip phone will be available in a gray color option with a glass back, as well as a purple variant with a leather back panel. The device will be powered by a Kirin 9000S chipset, which supports 5G connectivity. It is rumored to feature a 4,520mAh battery pack with support for 66W wired fast charging.

    Tri-Foldable Smartphone

    In addition to the Pocket S2, Huawei is also said to be working on a tri-foldable smartphone. However, no further details about this model have been disclosed at this time. As more information becomes available, we will provide updates on this matter.

    Tipped: Discover Key Specifications & Attractive Color Options of Huawei Pocket S2
    Tags: , ,
  • Supply chain sources suggest Apple Vision Pro may launch in China in April

    Supply chain sources suggest Apple Vision Pro may launch in China in April

    Apple’s highly-anticipated augmented reality (AR) headset, known as the Vision Pro, is set to launch in the Chinese market in the coming months. According to reports from Wall Street News and supply chain insiders, the headset is expected to be available as early as April, with a deadline of May.

    Registration Process Nearing Completion

    Insiders also reveal that the registration process with China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) is almost complete. This suggests that the release of the innovative AR product in China is imminent.

    Tim Cook’s Statement

    Last week, Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook, visited an Apple store in New York. When asked about the release date of the Vision Pro in China, Cook simply responded with “soon.” This further indicates that the launch is just around the corner.

    Apple Vision Pro Key Specs

    The Apple Vision Pro is a cutting-edge headset that combines virtual and augmented reality for spatial computing. It boasts dual micro-OLED displays with high resolution and color accuracy. The device supports multiple refresh rates (90Hz, 96Hz, 100Hz) to deliver smooth visuals.

    When it comes to audio technology, the Vision Pro features Spatial Audio and a six-microphone array for immersive audio experiences. It also supports various audio and video formats. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3, while the custom operating system, visionOS, is specifically designed for spatial interactions and supports various input accessories.

    The headset is equipped with a range of hardware features, including cameras, tracking sensors, eye-tracking cameras, and LiDAR. These features ensure an interactive user experience. The Vision Pro also offers biometric authentication through Optic ID and supports AirPlay.

    During the launch, the Vision Pro will come with an exclusive lineup of 600 apps that are specifically designed for the headset. One notable addition is OpenAI’s ChatGPT app.

    Security Challenges and Connectivity

    However, the Vision Pro has faced some security challenges. There have been reports of a system crash caused by a kernel vulnerability. Additionally, the device still relies on the Lightning port for both charging and connectivity. Details about the battery pack specifications have also emerged.

    Pricing and Availability

    The pricing details for the Vision Pro in China have not been disclosed yet. However, with the registration process nearing completion, the headset is expected to be available to Chinese consumers very soon.

    Supply chain sources suggest Apple Vision Pro may launch in China in April
    Tags: , ,
  • India gets introduced to the Samsung Galaxy XCover7: a rugged smartphone with 5G capabilities and military-grade durability

    India gets introduced to the Samsung Galaxy XCover7: a rugged smartphone with 5G capabilities and military-grade durability

    A month after the official announcement, the Galaxy XCover 7 finally launched in India, bundling some good specific actions and enterprise-grade security. The rugged smartphone can flawlessly work under rough and tough conditions, proving more versatile for business and enterprise users. The 5G connectivity-powered smartphone offers improved performance and bigger memory for the starting price of Rs 27,208 (~$327). It is available in two different editions: Standard and Enterprise.

    Samsung Galaxy XCover 7 Pricing and Availability

    Samsung Galaxy XCover 7 Standard Edition is available at INR 27,208 (~$327) while the Enterprise Edition costs INR 27,530 (~$331) each offering a different warranty period (1-year standard, 2-year enterprise). The Enterprise edition brings a year of Knox Suite, allowing users to easily secure, deploy, and manage devices throughout the life cycle.

    Interested customers can get the Galaxy XCover 7 from Samsung.com or Samsung’s EPP portal. There could be exciting offers for bulk users, and they can inquire about the same here.

    Samsung Galaxy XCover 7 Specifications and Features

    The smartphone is military-grade MIL-STD-810H certified, and IP68 water and dust resistance ensure durability in harsh environments. It offers flawless performance and durability in any type of condition. It comes with a 6nm octa-core chip that could well be the Dimensity 6100+ SoC, 6 GB of RAM, and 128 GB of storage (expandable). The XCover7 offers smooth multitasking and ample storage space. Further, there’s a 6.6-inch FHD+ TFT screen with a 20:9 aspect ratio for immersive viewing. It runs on the Android 14-based One UI 6 out of the box.

    In the camera section, the Samsung Galaxy XCover 7 bundles 50MP rear and 5MP front cameras. These are optimized for barcode and QR code scanning, making them ideal for business applications. It is built to withstand drops up to 1.5 meters and featuring Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, the XCover7 ensures long-lasting durability. The smartphone houses a 4050mAh replaceable battery. It weighs 240g and has dimensions of 169 x 80.1 x 10.2 mm.

    “At Samsung our objective is to provide our users convenience and durability through our product offerings. We have introduced Galaxy XCover7 series in two variants, the Galaxy XCover7 Enterprise Edition and Standard Edition. Both devices are engineered with cutting-edge technologies making them extremely powerful and resistant to tough weather conditions. Powered by Knox, we are excited to bring these revolutionary made in India products to our corporate customers and are optimistic that it will enhance employee productivity and ensures data security”, said Mr. Akash Saxenaa, Vice President, Enterprise Business, Samsung India.

    There’s support for a 3.5mm audio jack, POGO pins, and a USB-C port. In connectivity, the smartphone bundles 5G, LTE, WiFi 5, Wi-Fi Direct, GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, QZSS, Bluetooth 5.3, and NFC. However, the POGO charging dock is available separately.

    Tags: , ,
  • Phantom Ultimate Rollable Concept Phone and Dynamic 1 Intelligent Dog among Tecno’s Unveilings at MWC 2024

    Phantom Ultimate Rollable Concept Phone and Dynamic 1 Intelligent Dog among Tecno’s Unveilings at MWC 2024

    Last year, Tecno unveiled a slew of new devices, such as its first foldable phone, the Tecno Phantom V Fold, and the Spark 10 series of smartphones at MWC 2023. The company has now officially confirmed what to expect from it for the upcoming MWC 2024, which will be held between Feb. 26 and Feb. 29 in Barcelona, Spain.

    MWC 2024: What to expect from Tecno

    TECNO will return to MWC Barcelona following a hugely successful debut appearance in 2023

    Tecno has confirmed that it will unveil the Tecno Pova 6 Pro 5G and Megabook T16 Pro 2024 Ultra notebook featuring the latest Intel Core Ultra processors at MWC 2024. Apart from the Pova phone, the brand will unveil futuristic and innovative products at the tech trade show.

    Tecno Dynamic 1: An Intelligent Dog

    The brand confirmed it will take off covers from the Dynamic 1, an intelligent dog, which sounds similar to Xiaomi’s Cyberdog. The German Shepherd-inspired intelligent dog by Tecno will be equipped with advanced algorithms and sensors that will allow it to perform real-life actions and understand commands.

    Tecno Pocket Go: The Industry’s First Windows AR Gaming Set

    The Tecno Pocket Go will also be showcased at MWC 2024. The company claims that it will be the industry’s first Windows AR gaming set that combines AR glasses and a Windows handheld. It will be a lightweight device that will deliver an immersive AR gaming experience.

    Advanced Technologies and Concept Products

    Furthermore, Tecno will unveil some advanced technologies, such as industry-leading imaging technology driven by floating-point computing to offer users a top-notch mobile video imaging experience, and the Universal Tone, which is said to be the most advanced AI-powered multi-skin tone imaging technology that relies on unbiased data and three AI-powered engines to accurately capture diverse skin tones.

    Tecno will also announce some concept products at the event, which include the Phantom Ultimate, a rollable concept smartphone with a double-sided screen that expands from 6.55 inches to 7.11 inches. Other concept technologies include a borderless foldable main screen, satellite communication technology, and environmentally friendly materials like the new organosilicon fabric leather, layered fiberglass, 3D stereo optical grating, colored textured glass, and more.


    Tags: , ,
  • Huawei achieves significant growth amidst an 11% global decline in tablet sales during Q4 2023.

    Huawei achieves significant growth amidst an 11% global decline in tablet sales during Q4 2023.

    Tablet sales ended 2023 on a downbeat note as the numbers dropped a significant 11% in the final quarter compared to the same period last year, according to market research firm Canalys.

    Tablet Sales Decline by 11% in Q4 2023

    This slump brings the total decline for the year to 10%, with just 135.3 million tablets shipped – the lowest since 2011.

    “Even with holiday promotions and bundle deals, the tablet market couldn’t escape its slide,” said Himani Mukka, an analyst at Canalys.

    Predicted Rebound in the Tablet Market

    However, she predicts a rebound in 2024, thanks to factors like better inventory management, government purchases, and new tablet models from players like TCL and Lenovo.

    Apple is also expected to refresh its iPad lineup this year which could further help boost the market.

    Apple Remains Top Tablet Seller

    Despite the overall decline, Apple remained the top seller, shipping 14.8 million iPads in the final quarter – though that’s still a 24% drop compared to 2022. Samsung followed in second with 6.8 million units, down 10.5% annually.

    Top Tablet Sellers in Q4 2023

    Huawei took third place with 2.8 million units which is a growth of 95.4% compared to Q4, 2022. Whereas, Lenovo also saw a healthy growth of 15% with 2.6 million units shipped to reach fourth place. Amazon rounded out the top five with 2 million units shipped but suffered a 43.9% annual decline.

    Innovation Key to Reviving Tablet Market

    Analysts believe innovation is key to reversing the tablet market’s fortunes. Kieran Jessop from Canalys points to the “gap between tablets and other personal computing devices” in terms of features like on-device AI integration.

    They say bridging this gap and creating a more unified user experience across devices will be crucial for vendors.

    PC Shipments Expected to Rise in 2024

    In contrast to the tablet market, PC shipments are expected to see an 8% rise in 2024, reaching 267 million units. This growth is attributed to the upcoming Windows refresh cycle and the emergence of AI-capable and Arm-based devices.

    Huawei achieves significant growth amidst an 11% global decline in tablet sales during Q4 2023.
    Tags: , ,
  • ASUS Unveils Improved ROG Strix XG259QNS Gaming Monitor Boasting 380Hz Refresh Rate

    ASUS Unveils Improved ROG Strix XG259QNS Gaming Monitor Boasting 380Hz Refresh Rate

    Asus has unveiled the ROG Strix XG259QNS, a powerful gaming monitor designed specifically for competitive esports players. With its impressive 380Hz refresh rate and 0.3ms GtG response time, it promises to deliver smooth and blur-free visuals, making it an ideal choice for gamers looking for a high-performance display.

    Asus ROG Strix XG259QNS specifications

    The highlight of the XG259QNS is its 24.5-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS panel. Boasting a brightness of 400 nits, a 1000:1 contrast ratio, and 178-degree viewing angles, this panel ensures vibrant and immersive visuals. Moreover, it covers 110% of the sRGB color gamut and supports HDR10 for enhanced color accuracy and dynamic range.

    Enhanced gaming performance

    In terms of functionality, the monitor offers a range of features to enhance gaming performance. It supports AMD FreeSync Premium to eliminate screen tearing, ELMB technology to reduce motion blur, and variable refresh rate (VRR) for synchronized visuals between the monitor and graphics card. These features work together to provide a seamless and immersive gaming experience.

    Optimal comfort and flexibility

    The stand of the ROG Strix XG259QNS allows for a wide range of adjustments to ensure optimal comfort during long gaming sessions. It offers a swivel range of +45° to -45° and a pivot range of +90° to -90°. Additionally, the stand allows for increased height adjustment of up to 120mm and supports VESA wall mounting, providing added flexibility in positioning the monitor.

    Connectivity options

    The monitor offers a variety of connectivity options to accommodate different devices. It includes a DisplayPort 1.4, two HDMI 2.0 ports, two USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A ports, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. This ensures compatibility with a wide range of gaming consoles, PCs, and other devices.

    Pricing and availability

    As of now, Asus has not released official details regarding the pricing and availability of the ROG Strix XG259QNS. However, based on its similarities to the XG259QN model, which currently retails for around $449 in the US, it is reasonable to expect a similar price point for the new model as well.

    • ASUS Unveils Improved ROG Strix XG259QNS Gaming Monitor Boasting 380Hz Refresh Rate
    • ASUS Unveils Improved ROG Strix XG259QNS Gaming Monitor Boasting 380Hz Refresh Rate
    Tags: , ,
  • Leak Suggests No Delay for Vivo X100 Pro+ Launch Timeline

    Leak Suggests No Delay for Vivo X100 Pro+ Launch Timeline

    Vivo is preparing to launch a new smartphone in the Chinese market, powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset. The exact name of the device is still uncertain, with possibilities including Vivo X100 Pro+ or X100 Ultra, or it may have a different designation altogether. Leaks from last year’s Vivo X100 and X100 Pro suggested that the X100 Pro+ could be announced in April. However, subsequent leaks indicated a potential delay, pointing to a release in late Q2. Now, a leak from tipster Smart Pikachu has revealed the expected launch timeframe for the phone.

    Vivo X100 Pro+ Launch Date

    According to the leaker, the Vivo X100 Pro+ is scheduled to be officially unveiled in late April, with no expected delays. Unfortunately, no further details about the phone’s specifications were provided by the leaker.

    Expected Specifications

    Reports indicate that the X100 Pro+ / X100 Ultra will feature a Samsung E7 AMOLED curved-edge display with a 2K resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. The rear camera setup is rumored to include a 50-megapixel LYT-900 main camera, a 200-megapixel periscope telephoto camera, a telephoto lens, and an ultra-wide lens.

    The device is expected to come with 16 GB of LPDDR5x RAM and up to 1 TB of UFS 4.0 storage. While the exact battery size remains unknown, it is anticipated to support 100W fast charging and 50W wireless charging. Other features of the phone include a USB-C port with USB Gen 3.2 support, dual stereo speakers, and an IP68-rated chassis. The phone is expected to be available in black, blue, and yellow color options.

    Tags: , ,