Category: All News

July 13, 2025

Vivo Y19s GT 5G: Affordable Semi-Rugged Smartphone with 3 Slots

Key Takeaways

1. Vivo Y19s GT 5G is priced at approximately $123 and currently available in Indonesia, with no global release date announced.
2. It offers three configurations: 6 GB RAM/128 GB storage, 8 GB RAM/128 GB storage, and 8 GB RAM/256 GB storage, all powered by a Dimensity 6300 SoC for 5G connectivity.
3. The smartphone features a 6.74-inch LCD display with a resolution of 1,600 x 720, a 90 Hz refresh rate, and a brightness level of up to 570 cd/m².
4. It includes a 50 MP main camera, a 5 MP front camera, and has a 5,500 mAh battery with 15-watt charging capabilities.
5. The device has an IP64 rating for dust and water resistance and a reinforced structure for added durability against drops.

Vivo is broadening its lineup of affordable smartphones with the introduction of the Vivo Y19s GT 5G. This model is currently offered in Indonesia for approximately $123, but details about when it will be available globally are not yet known. It comes in two colors and has three different configurations: the base version with 6 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage, along with options for 8 GB/128 GB and 8 GB/256 GB.

Performance and Features

No matter which configuration you choose, the device is powered by a Dimensity 6300 SoC, enabling 5G connectivity, although this chip has limitations in terms of its processing abilities. Users can take advantage of dual SIM capabilities and expand storage using a microSD card, with three separate slots provided for this purpose.

Display and Design

Weighing in at 199 grams, this smartphone has a 6.74-inch display. Vivo has selected an LCD panel that boasts a resolution of 1,600 x 720, a refresh rate of 90 Hz, and a brightness level of up to 570 cd/m². It includes a main camera with 50 MP and a front-facing camera at 5 MP. The device is equipped with a 5,500 mAh battery that can be charged at a maximum of 15 watts. It also comes with an IP64 rating, offering some protection against dust and water. Additionally, the Vivo Y19s GT 5G is designed to endure drops to a certain degree, thanks to its reinforced internal structure.

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Tags: 5G connectivity, Budget smartphone, Vivo Y19s GT 5G
July 13, 2025

Baseus S2: Wireless 4K Camera with Radar & Solar – 35% Off

Key Takeaways

1. The Baseus S2 surveillance camera is priced at $200 but is available for $130 on Amazon with a 35% discount.
2. It is a wireless outdoor camera that connects via Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz) and supports local storage with a microSD card up to 512 GB.
3. The camera is IP67-rated for dust and water resistance and has a battery life of up to 150 days; it can be powered indefinitely with an included solar panel.
4. It offers 4K video resolution and features dual motion detection using radar technology and a PIR sensor for better accuracy.
5. The S2 includes AI capabilities for recognizing faces, people, vehicles, and animals, with a wide field of view and colored night vision, plus integration with voice assistants.

The Baseus S2 is a fresh surveillance camera that you can get straight from the maker for $200. However, if you check out Amazon, you’ll find this model with a significant 35% discount, bringing the price down to $130.

Wireless Convenience

This camera is specifically made for outdoor settings and doesn’t need any wired connections. It transmits data exclusively through Wi-Fi on the 2.4 GHz frequency. You can also use a microSD card for local storage, supporting up to 512 GB. The camera is IP67-rated, meaning it can handle dust and water. It has a battery that’s claimed to last up to 150 days, but if you use the included solar panel, the power supply could be theoretically endless since it adjusts itself to maximize sunlight capture.

High-Quality Video and Smart Detection

The S2 offers 4K resolution, which is great for capturing clear details like license plates and faces. It features a dual motion detection system, including radar technology and a PIR sensor that detects changes in temperature. This is handy because humans usually have a higher temperature than their environment, making detection easier.

Advanced Features

Additionally, it includes AI capabilities for recognizing faces, people, vehicles, and animals. You can whitelist up to 10 family members to reduce false alerts. The camera has a wide field of view at 145°, and it supports colored night vision thanks to a built-in LED. Plus, you can integrate it with voice assistants for two-way audio communication with anyone in front of the camera.

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Tags: Baseus S2, outdoor Wi-Fi camera, surveillance camera
July 13, 2025

Texas Grid Boosts Renewable Energy with 6 GW Battery Discharge

Key Takeaways

1. Texas achieved a record discharge of over 6 GW from battery storage systems to meet peak evening electricity demand, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

2. The battery systems operated without any shutdowns, unlike disruptions witnessed in Southern Europe earlier this year.

3. Global solar power capacity is rapidly growing, reaching 600 GW last year and projected to reach nearly 1 TW, highlighting the urgent need for effective energy storage.

4. Texas ranks second in the U.S. for installed battery energy storage capacity, following China, emphasizing its leadership in renewable energy integration.

5. The ability of battery energy storage systems to generate electricity during peak hours is crucial for balancing the grid and enhancing the viability of renewable energy sources.

After the Texas energy grid broke records for electricity generation earlier this week, it has now achieved another milestone by rapidly discharging energy storage systems to meet peak evening demand on Friday.

Battery Performance

In a real-world test of the battery systems in Texas, over 6 GW of electricity was produced on Friday evening, which played a significant role in stabilizing the grid. This was accomplished with reduced reliance on fossil fuel plants, which are usually activated during high demand periods.

Successful Operations

The impressive output from the large-scale battery energy storage systems under the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) occurred without any shutdowns, unlike the disruptions seen in Southern Europe this past spring.

Growing Solar Capacity

With the global solar power capacity reaching 600 GW last year and projected to approach 1 TW annually in the coming years, the challenge of storing this energy for peak usage becomes increasingly urgent.

It remains unclear how many of the battery storage projects in Texas utilize Tesla Megapacks. In August, ERCOT incorporated 480 MW of new battery storage into the grid, which included Tesla’s battery energy storage system located at its Gigafactory in Austin.

Texas Megapacks continue to utilize Chinese LFP cells, the same type found in popular portable power stations like the Anker Solix C1000. Most other grid-scale battery systems in Texas also rely on these cells, and Tesla’s plans to manufacture LFP batteries in the U.S. are unlikely to significantly alter this situation anytime soon.

Leading the Charge

Texas is at the forefront of the rapid deployment of battery energy storage systems (BESS), with the installed capacity in the U.S. now ranking second only to China. The scale of deployment is critical, as renewable energy sources such as wind and solar are among the most cost-effective electricity generation methods. However, integrating this energy with storage solutions significantly shifts the advantages towards nuclear and other energy sources.

While nuclear energy takes about a decade to integrate into the energy mix, new fossil fuel peaking power plants are currently facing supply issues with turbines. Therefore, the ability of BESS to generate electricity during peak hours, including the recent record discharge of 6 GW in Texas, is vital in demonstrating the capability of renewables to maintain system balance.

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Tags: Battery Energy Storage Systems, Tesla Megapacks, Texas Energy Grid
July 13, 2025

New Free Games on Steam After Summer Sale 2025 Ends

Key Takeaways

1. The Steam Summer Sale 2025 ended on July 10, featuring various impressive discounts.
2. Despite the sale’s conclusion, there are still new free games available on the platform.
3. Recent free titles have received positive feedback from players.
4. Players should actively look for and explore new free games even after the sale.
5. Ongoing free game offerings provide opportunities to find enjoyable titles before the next big sale.

Steam wrapped up its Summer Sale 2025 on July 10. This short-lived event featured a variety of impressive discounts. Even though the exciting game offers have ended until the next sale comes around, there are still fresh free games available on the platform. Here are some of the recently discovered free titles that have received good feedback from players:

New Free Games

The excitement doesn’t have to stop just because the sale is over. Players can still enjoy a selection of new free games on Steam. These titles are getting decent reviews, showing that players are enjoying them. So, while you might have missed out on the sale, there are still opportunities to grab some games without spending a dime.

What to Look For

Make sure to keep an eye out for these free games. Even if the discounts from the Summer Sale are gone, the ongoing offerings are worth checking out. With new games being added, you might find something that really catches your interest. It’s a good time to explore and see what’s available before the next big sale comes around.

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Tags: Free Games, Steam, Summer Sale
July 13, 2025

Honor Magic8, Magic8 Pro, and Mini Display Sizes Leaked

Key Takeaways

1. Honor’s latest flagship smartphones feature approximately 6.8-inch displays in the Magic7 series.
2. The upcoming Magic8 Pro will have a unique 6.7-inch display, while the standard version may be more compact at 6.58 inches.
3. A new Mini variant of the Magic8 series is expected, targeting the ~6.31-inch market to compete with other brands.
4. The Magic8 and Magic8 Pro are anticipated to maintain 1.5K LTPO technology and slim-bezel designs.
5. Pricing for the Honor Magic7 Pro is currently around €915 in Europe.

Honor has aligned itself with popular trends in display sizes for its latest flagship Android smartphones, featuring standard approximately 6.8-inch screens in the Magic7, Magic7 Pro, and the premium RSR Porsche Design version.

Upcoming Changes in Size

The next models may opt for a more daring approach with a unique roughly 6.7-inch display in the Magic8 Pro. Meanwhile, the standard version is expected to be even more compact at 6.58 inches, potentially aiming to compete with the Oppo Find X9 in the ‘medium-size’ segment.

Introduction of the Mini Variant

The Magic8 series is rumored to also introduce a more compact Mini variant, which aims to enter the ~6.31-inch market, joining devices like the Vivo X200 FE, OnePlus 13s, and possibly the next OnePlus 15T set to launch in 2025.

Both the Magic8 and Magic8 Pro are anticipated to maintain 1.5K LTPO technology, although the resolution and power efficiency details of the supposed “Mini” version remain undisclosed in early leaks.

Expectations for Features

Nonetheless, it is expected to feature the same slim-bezel technology found in its larger counterparts. It will be intriguing to see if the “Magic8 Mini” can also adopt the generous battery capacity and 80W wireless charging capabilities seen in the 7-series models.

As for pricing, the Honor Magic7 Pro is currently listed at €915 on Amazon in Europe.

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Tags: honor, Magic8 Pro, smartphone display sizes
July 13, 2025

New Pixel-Art Horror Game Launches on Steam for $3.99

Key Takeaways

1. Game Release and Pricing: Last Report was released on July 11 for $3.99 (discounted from $4.99) until July 25.

2. Gameplay Experience: Players act as a park ranger, monitoring surveillance cameras and uncovering eerie secrets, focusing on investigative gameplay and psychological suspense.

3. Visuals and Atmosphere: The game features intricate pixel art and atmospheric sounds, building tension through subtle unease rather than jump scares.

4. Positive Initial Reception: The game has received a “Very Positive” rating from over 170 reviewers on Steam, praised for its ambiance but criticized for its short playtime (1-2 hours) and vague instructions.

5. Technical Specifications: Built on the Unity Engine, Last Report has a small download size (200 MB) and runs on basic PC specs, supporting multiple languages with full subtitles.

Monopixel Games has just unveiled their latest horror-adventure game, Last Report, on Steam. This new title was released on July 11 and offers players a brief but intense experience as a park ranger at Among Green Trees National Park. The introductory price is set at $3.99, down from the usual $4.99, and this offer lasts until July 25.

Experience the Tension

In Last Report, you find yourself at a secluded ranger station during your night shifts. The gameplay consists mainly of keeping an eye on surveillance cameras, noting sightings, and recording strange occurrences. What starts as simple tasks quickly leads to frightening findings. As you communicate with other rangers via radio, you gradually uncover more profound and sinister secrets of the park.

Visuals and Atmosphere

The game showcases intricate pixel art, with animations and atmospheric sounds complementing the overall tension. Unlike many horror games that rely on sudden scares, Last Report adopts a more subtle approach, building a creeping sense of unease. The pacing of gameplay encourages thorough observation, making players feel both empowered and exposed.

A Nod to Indie Classics

When compared to classic indie games like Firewatch or Observation Duty, Last Report stands out. Similar to Firewatch, the story unfolds through dialogue and visual cues. Players seeking quick thrills may not find what they expect here; however, those who enjoy investigative gameplay and psychological suspense will likely appreciate this title.

Initial reviews from players have been positive, with the game receiving a “Very Positive” rating from over 170 reviewers on Steam. Gamers have praised its moody ambiance and minimalist gameplay mechanics. Nonetheless, some criticisms have arisen, particularly regarding the game’s short playtime—around one to two hours—and the vague instructions for the report logging system. In response to feedback, Monopixel Games promptly released Hotfix 1 to address these concerns.

Technical Details

Last Report is built on the Unity Engine, resulting in a relatively small download size of about 200 MB. It runs well on most PCs, requiring basic specs (Intel Core i3, 4 GB RAM). The game also supports several languages, including English, Polish, and Russian, with full subtitles available. For its current launch price of $3.99, fans of brief, atmospheric horror experiences might find it a good deal.

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Tags: Horror Adventure, Last Report, Monopixel Games
July 13, 2025

Xiaomi’s Next Flagship Tablet Won’t Feature OLED Display

Key Takeaways

1. The Pad 8 Pro is expected to be released by October 2025, following the recent launch of the Pad 7 Ultra and 7S Pro.
2. It will likely feature the Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC for improved performance and efficiency over the 7 Pro.
3. The new model may have a larger 12-inch screen but will continue using an LCD display instead of OLED.
4. The Pad 8 Pro is expected to retain a 144Hz refresh rate, enhancing the user experience.
5. It might include a high-capacity 12,000mAh battery for extended usage on the go.

The Pad 7 Ultra and 7S Pro have recently been launched, and rumors suggest that an 8 Pro model could hit the Android tablet scene by October 2025. This potential release is creating quite a buzz in the tech community.

Expected Upgrades

The next flagship in the Pad series is expected to be a noteworthy enhancement over the 7 Pro, likely featuring the Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC, which is a step up from the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 used in its predecessor. This upgrade could offer better performance and efficiency for users.

Display and Design

Rumors indicate that the “8 Pro” might have a larger screen, measuring up to 12 inches diagonally. However, it is anticipated to stick with an LCD display instead of an OLED one, which is used by its competitor, the RedMagic Astra, currently priced at $799.99 on Amazon.

Performance Specs

This decision might enable the Pad 8 Pro to keep the impressive 144Hz refresh rate found in the 7S Pro. Additionally, it could boost its attractiveness with a new battery that matches the high capacity of 12,000mAh seen in the Pad 7 Ultra, ensuring long-lasting performance for users on the go.

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Tags: Pad 7 Ultra, Pad 8 Pro, Snapdragon 8 Elite
July 13, 2025

Lenovo Unveils Lightweight Legion Smart Glasses with Wide View

Key Takeaways

1. Lenovo’s new Legion AR Smart Glasses feature a peak brightness of 6,000 nits, significantly upgraded from the previous model’s 800 nits.
2. The glasses likely use Micro-OLED technology, with a refresh rate of 120 Hz and 98% DCI-P3 color coverage, offering a high-end visual experience.
3. They include innovative 2D to 3D conversion technology compatible with AAA games and various devices, enhancing gaming experiences.
4. The glasses are lightweight at 63 grams, include a spacious eyebox, magnetic lens support, and adjustable nose pads for comfort.
5. Priced at CNY 2,499 (approximately $348), Lenovo may release these glasses globally as Legion Glasses Gen 3.

Lenovo has unveiled its latest smart glasses in China, branded under the Legion label. A major upgrade over the previous version is the enhanced screen brightness. To give you some context, the Gen 2 AR glasses, which were introduced at CES 2025, featured a peak brightness of 800 nits.

Significant Upgrades

The new model, however, boasts an impressive peak brightness of 6,000 nits. While Lenovo hasn’t disclosed the specific type of panel used, it is likely that the glasses utilize Micro-OLED technology. These displays run at 120 Hz and are reported to provide a DCI-P3 color coverage of 98%, with the company asserting that they can deliver an experience akin to that of high-end gaming monitors.

Innovative Features

Another standout feature of the new Legion AR Smart Glasses is its proprietary 2D to 3D conversion technology. Lenovo points out that this tech works with numerous AAA games and is compatible with various devices, including handheld gaming consoles. As for audio, the glasses are equipped with a “super linear dual-speaker” setup that is designed to channel sound directly to the user’s ears.

Lightweight and Comfortable

Other noteworthy aspects include a lightweight design at just 63 grams, a spacious eyebox for an expanded field of view, magnetic lens support, and adjustable nose pads for comfort. The glasses are priced at CNY 2,499, roughly $348, and Lenovo may release these new smart AR glasses globally as Legion Glasses Gen 3.

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Tags: Legion AR Smart Glasses, Lenovo, Micro-OLED
July 13, 2025

Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 Headphones at Lowest Price on Amazon

Key Takeaways

1. Shokz is a leading brand in bone-conduction earphones, known for their innovative technology and high-quality products like the OpenRun Pro 2.
2. The OpenRun Pro 2 features a new hybrid driver system called DualPitch, enhancing sound quality by combining bone conduction and air conduction drivers.
3. Weighing only 30 grams, the headphones are lightweight and durable, with an IP55 rating for resistance to dust, sweat, and water.
4. The OpenRun Pro 2 has a 12-hour battery life and charges via USB-C, simplifying the charging process.
5. While Shokz models are highly rated, they face competition from brands like Sony and Bose, which do not offer a dual-driver configuration.

While earphones that allow you to hear your surroundings have become more popular, Shokz remains a top brand that not only started this trend with their unique bone-conduction technology, but also continues to provide some of the finest options available. Their flagship product for runners and fitness lovers, the OpenRun Pro 2, was introduced last year and is currently priced at $125 in orange, down from $180.

New Hybrid Driver Setup

The latest model brings an improved hybrid driver system, which includes both bone conduction and air-conduction drivers, a feature that Shokz refers to as DualPitch technology. This new setup handles the frequency range more efficiently compared to using only the bone-conduction driver, which often has trouble with lower frequencies. It also minimizes physical vibrations when the volume is higher.

Lightweight and Durable Design

These headphones are primarily designed for exercise, weighing only 30 grams. They also have an IP55 rating, meaning they are resistant to dust, sweat, and water. Shokz additionally claims that a new AI noise reduction feature enhances microphone quality in difficult conditions.

The battery lasts for 12 hours, and you can charge the headphones through USB-C, eliminating the need for a special magnetic charging cable.

Competing Models in the Market

Even though both the OpenRun and OpenRun Pro models have consistently ranked highly on many reviewers’ lists in this category, they do encounter competition from other brands. This includes the everyday-focused Sony LinkBuds Open earbuds and Bose Ultra Open earbuds, along with the sportier Soundcore AeroFit Pro and Suunto Wing. It’s important to mention that none of these alternatives feature a dual-driver configuration—while the first three utilize air-conduction drivers, the Suunto relies on bone conduction.

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Tags: bone conduction headphones, fitness earbuds, SHOKZ OpenRun Pro 2
July 13, 2025

Lenovo Launches Legion Gaming Tablet Magnetic Mobile Cooler

Key Takeaways

1. Lenovo introduced a new Legion-branded magnetic mobile cooler in China, designed for gaming tablets and smartphones.
2. The cooler features three adjustable settings, with one capable of reducing temperature to -3° Celsius (26.6° Fahrenheit).
3. It utilizes strong magnetic suction to securely attach to devices, with a removable back clip for non-magnetic devices.
4. The cooler has a gamer-centric design, including RGB lights, and is priced at CNY 199 (around $28).
5. There is no confirmed international availability yet, but it may launch alongside the global Legion Tab Y700 Gen 4.

Lenovo has introduced some fresh accessories in China, including a novel Legion-branded magnetic mobile cooler. This cooling gadget is claimed to be broadly compatible, and the company showcased it being used with the latest Legion gaming tablet.

Features of the Mobile Cooler

The new mobile cooler from Lenovo is said to have three adjustable settings. One of these settings can reportedly bring the temperature down to as low as -3° Celsius (26.6° Fahrenheit). If this is accurate, it might provide a more stable gaming experience on both smartphones and tablets.

Magnetic Suction and Design

Another impressive feature of this cooling accessory is its robust magnetic suction. Lenovo asserts that even if users shake their tablet or smartphone, the cooler will remain securely attached. For devices that lack magnetic support, there’s a removable back clip that includes a silicone anti-slip mat.

Pricing and Availability

In addition to its functionality, the new Lenovo mobile cooler comes with a gamer-centric design, which includes RGB lights and a stylish black finish. The price for this cooling accessory launched in China is CNY 199, approximately $28. While the company hasn’t provided any details about international availability, it’s possible that the cooler could be released outside China alongside the global Legion Tab Y700 Gen 4 (with the Gen 3 currently priced at $429.99 on Lenovo).

Lenovo shared this news on Weibo (translated from Chinese).

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Tags: Legion Mobile Cooler, Legion Tab Y700 Gen 4, Lenovo