Category: All News

  • New Zinc Battery Beats Lithium-Ion in Every Performance Category

    New Zinc Battery Beats Lithium-Ion in Every Performance Category

    Dowanol is a flexible solvent that works with almost all types of resins and oils. It has low toxicity, a small impact on the environment, and is very affordable, costing just $10 per liter. Recent research from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, has uncovered a potentially revolutionary application for this widely accessible compound.

    Addressing Battery Shortcomings

    Essentially, all the issues that are hindering the broad use of zinc-sulfur batteries in electric vehicles, large energy storage systems, and portable devices can be resolved by using 1-methoxy-2-propanol, which is the scientific name for Dowanol. This improvement was made possible by adding another component, zinc iodide.

    Improved Battery Performance

    Tests in the lab revealed that these battery cells demonstrate improved conductivity and solid stability. In addition, the formation of dendrites—crystalline structures that can lead to short circuits and, in extreme cases, dangerous fires—can be significantly reduced.

    Boosted Energy Density

    On top of that, the already remarkable energy density of zinc-sulfur batteries has been enhanced by an additional 20%. This leads to an energy density of nearly 470 Wh per kilogram, which is nearly equal to the best solid-state batteries currently available and much better than standard lithium-ion batteries.

    Cost-Effective Production

    Furthermore, making zinc batteries is already quite economical. Their cell design is relatively simple, and the raw materials—zinc and sulfur—are easy to find at low costs, typically just a few dollars per kilogram. The use of the widely accessible and inexpensive Dowanol further increases the economic viability of this new battery technology.

    Attractive Features for Applications

    The combination of improved safety, lightweight characteristics, and high capacity makes these batteries especially appealing for electric vehicles and other uses. The main hurdle now is to transform these encouraging research results into a commercially successful, mass-produced zinc battery for the general market.

    Case Western Reserve University, Angewandte Chemie International Edition.

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  • AMD RX 9070 XT GPU Design Preview Before CES 2025 Launch

    AMD RX 9070 XT GPU Design Preview Before CES 2025 Launch

    AMD is set to unveil its Radeon RX 9070 XT GPU at CES 2025, marking yet another change in naming conventions as it rolls out its RDNA 4 architecture along with the new GPUs. Just a few days before this anticipated announcement, PowerColor has given us a sneak peek of what its next-gen flagship AMD GPU design might look like, and it’s a significant departure from previous models.

    Teasers and Design Elements

    PowerColor has released a couple of teasers so far that showcase both the GPU cooler shroud and what seems to be a flow-through window on the backplate of what is believed to be their version of the RX 9070 XT GPU. In one teaser, the shroud design displays what appears to be a gem-like end cap with RGB lighting shining through a metal fan shroud that houses a triple-fan cooling system.

    Flow-Through Cooler Speculations

    The other image shared by PowerColor is less captivating visually, but it suggests a flow-through cooler design, resembling the approach Nvidia has taken with its Founders Edition coolers for some time now. Nevertheless, it could just be a decorative element on the backplate, as PowerColor typically does not incorporate flow-through coolers in its Red Devil graphics cards. This design seems to be an advancement of the current Red Devil RX 7900 XTX Limited Edition, which PowerColor already sells.

    Cooling Efficiency Considerations

    The arrangement of the heat sink fins implies that a flow-through cooler might be unlikely, as these designs generally use horizontally aligned fins instead of vertical ones for better airflow through the fins. No matter the case, we won’t have to wait long to discover what PowerColor and AMD are planning, with the launch expected to happen at CES 2025.

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  • BOOX Note Max: 13.3″ Ultra-Slim E Ink Tablet Now Available Globally

    BOOX Note Max: 13.3″ Ultra-Slim E Ink Tablet Now Available Globally

    A few weeks back, we shared news about the Onyx BOOX Note Max, a 13.3-inch ePaper tablet featuring an E Ink Carta 1300 monochrome glass display. This tablet is now available globally, priced at $649.99, with shipping options from the US or Hong Kong. Customers in the UK and the EU can buy it from the BOOX Euro Shop, where it is priced at €699.99. The shipping centers are conveniently located in both the UK and the EU.

    Device Overview

    The Onyx BOOX Note Max is a sleek tablet with an E Ink screen, which can also be viewed as an Android e-reader. It comes pre-installed with Android 13, allowing users to download additional apps from the Google Play Store, thus customizing their devices to suit personal preferences. The device supports numerous file formats, including PDF, CBR, CBZ, PPT, EPUB, MOBI, DOC, and HTML. It also accommodates audio formats like WAV and MP3, along with image types such as PNG, JPG, BMP, and TIFF.

    Features and Specs

    Primarily designed for extensive reading and note-taking, this tablet can also be utilized for sketching. The display is touchscreen and supports stylus input, capable of recognizing 4,096 pressure levels, which creates a writing experience similar to paper. The E Ink Carta 1300 display boasts a resolution of 3,200 x 2,400 and a pixel density of 300 PPI, but it does not offer color support and lacks a front light feature.

    Inside, it features a 2.8GHz octa-core processor, along with 6 GB of RAM and 128 GB of internal storage. However, it does not have a microSD slot for additional storage. In terms of size, the tablet measures 4.6 millimeters in thickness and weighs a lightweight 615 grams. It also includes a microphone and two speakers. For connectivity, it supports dual-band WiFi, Bluetooth 5.0, and OTG. The USB-C port is utilized for charging the 3,700 mAh battery and also serves as an audio output.

    Additional Accessories

    Included with the tablet is a stylus, but buyers should be aware that the keyboard case, which connects via pogo pins, must be purchased separately. A charger is not part of the package.

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  • Nubia RedMagic 10 Pro+ and OnePlus Ace 3V Top AnTuTu Rankings

    Nubia RedMagic 10 Pro+ and OnePlus Ace 3V Top AnTuTu Rankings

    Qualcomm’s leading position in performance appears to be ongoing. The well-known benchmark platform, AnTuTu, has published its monthly performance ranking for tests conducted in December, and once again, Qualcomm chipsets are at the forefront.

    Top Flagship Phones

    The Nubia RedMagic 10 Pro+ gaming smartphone takes the lead in the flagship rankings, thanks to its Snapdragon 8 Elite processor and superior cooling system, achieving an impressive AnTuTu score of 2,924,229. It surpasses the OnePlus Ace 5 Pro, another device also powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite. In the third position, we find the OPPO Find X8 Pro, which is the first device on the list to utilize the Dimensity 9400 chipset.

    Dimensity 9400 vs. Snapdragon 8 Elite

    Interestingly, the flagship list features six devices powered by the Dimensity 9400, while the Snapdragon 8 Elite only has four. This may suggest that the MediaTek chipset could be the more powerful option on average across different applications.

    Sub-Premium Segment

    In the sub-premium segment, the OnePlus Ace 3V with its Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 takes the lead. Following closely is the Realme GT Neo6 SE, another phone equipped with the same chipset. The Redmi K70E, utilizing the MediaTek Dimensity 8300-Ultra, secures the third spot, with other positions filled by older Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 and Dimensity 8200 devices. Notably, MediaTek’s new Dimensity 8400 has just launched with the Redmi Turbo 4, and there are high expectations for this duo to take the top position in the upcoming January chart.its Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 takes

    Source: Link

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  • RTX 5090 Laptop VRAM Leak: 50% Increase Over RTX 4090

    RTX 5090 Laptop VRAM Leak: 50% Increase Over RTX 4090

    We shared news in October regarding Nvidia’s GeForce RTX 5090 laptop GPU, which is the top mobile graphics card in the RTX 50 Blackwell series, boasting 24 GB of VRAM. At that time, we mentioned that achieving 24 GB of VRAM on a 256-bit bus would necessitate using 3 GB GDDR7 modules. Thanks to the leaker Golden Pig Upgrade from China, we now have confirmation that the RTX 5090 laptop will indeed come with 24 GB of VRAM.

    RTX 5090’s Unique Features

    According to Golden Pig Upgrade, the RTX 5090 laptop will be the first in the RTX 50 series to utilize these 3 GB GDDR7 modules. This setup allows the GPU to have 24 GB of VRAM on a 256-bit bus. Interestingly, it seems that the RTX 5090 laptop will be the sole RTX 50 mobile card to adopt these 3 GB modules, while less powerful variants such as the RTX 5080 laptop will continue with standard memory configurations. For instance, the RTX 5080 laptop is expected to have a memory buffer of 16 GB.

    Release Timeline

    In other news, Golden Pig Upgrade suggests that gaming laptops featuring the RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 will launch in February. Meanwhile, models equipped with the mid-range RTX 5070 and RTX 5060 are expected to arrive a month later, around the end of March 2025. This aligns with CES, where manufacturers typically showcase their upcoming gaming laptops.

    Performance Expectations

    When the RTX 5090 laptop GPU is released, it may utilize the GB203 Blackwell GPU, the same chip found in the desktop RTX 5080. This GPU is thought to have 10,752 CUDA cores, a 256-bit bus, and a total TGP of 175 W. For comparison, the RTX 4090 laptop has 9,728 CUDA cores, a 256-bit bus, and a max TGP of 150 W. While the difference in CUDA cores is only about 10.5%, the architectural upgrades and increased power consumption should enable the RTX 5090 laptop to deliver a significant boost in performance.

    Anticipated Performance

    So, what kind of performance can we expect from the RTX 5090 laptop GPU? If we look at the RTX 4090 laptop’s performance, we might anticipate that the RTX 5090 laptop will perform similarly to the mid-range RTX 5070 desktop GPU, as the RTX 4090 mobile is like the RTX 4070 Super. Of course, this is a rough estimate of performance, so it’s likely that the RTX 5090 laptop could be even faster.

    Source: Link

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  • New Xiaomi Sports Walkie Talkie Offers 5,000 km Range

    New Xiaomi Sports Walkie Talkie Offers 5,000 km Range

    The Xiaomi Sports Walkie Talkie has been officially launched in China. This device is crafted for various outdoor activities such as cycling, hiking, and skiing. It’s capable of connecting to the 4G networks from the three main operators in the country, offering a remarkable range of up to 5,000 km (3,107 miles).

    Communication Options

    You can utilize the Sports Walkie Talkie for private one-to-one chats or to communicate with multiple users at once. Xiaomi emphasizes that its advanced noise reduction feature functions effectively while skiing at speeds of 60 kph (~37 mph) or cycling at 40 kph (~25 mph). The associated app allows you to create groups, track your friends’ locations, or activate an alarm sound to locate your device if it gets misplaced. Additionally, there’s a convenient button next to the multi-functional knob that enables quick group setup, even while wearing gloves.

    Display and Battery Life

    Among its many features, the walkie-talkie includes a built-in screen that displays its current status and battery life. Thanks to Bluetooth connectivity, users can enjoy music and have conversations at the same time. The device is powered by a 1,030 mAh battery, which reportedly provides up to 24 hours of continuous usage or about 36 hours in standby mode. Moreover, it comes equipped with various magnetic straps and clips, making it easy to attach to helmets or jackets or to wear on a lanyard around your neck.

    Compact Design and Launch Date

    Compact in design, measuring 55 mm (~2.2 inches) wide, the Xiaomi Sports Walkie Talkie is said to work in temperatures as low as -30°C (~-22°F). It’s set to be released in China on January 6th, with a retail price of CNY 399 (~$55). However, it remains uncertain if or when this product will reach other markets, such as the US, where Xiaomi also offers items like the Portable Electric Air Compressor, which is currently priced at $44.99 on Amazon.

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  • Huawei’s Next-Gen Tri-Fold Smartphone Chipset Leaked

    Huawei’s Next-Gen Tri-Fold Smartphone Chipset Leaked

    Last year, Huawei launched its first tri-fold smartphone called the Mate XT. Recently, a new leak has emerged online concerning the next version of the Mate XT. This leak provides insights about the chipset that might power Huawei’s upcoming tri-foldable smartphone.

    Speculations on the Chipset

    According to tipster Fixed Focus Digital on the Chinese social media platform Weibo, the successor to the Mate XT could be equipped with the Kirin 9020 chipset. In contrast, the original Huawei Mate XT was powered by the Kirin 9010 processor. The Kirin 9020 is a more recent chip and is also found in Huawei’s premium Mate 70 series.

    Details on the Kirin 9020

    The Kirin 9020 is a 12-core processor fabricated using a 7nm technology. It comes with the Maleoon 920 GPU, which is clocked at 840MHz. Reportedly, the single-core performance of the Kirin 9020 is positioned between the Snapdragon 888+ and Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2. Meanwhile, its multi-core performance is said to rival the Dimensity 8300 and Dimensity 9200 chipsets. Although it may not match the latest top-tier Qualcomm and MediaTek processors, it will still represent an advancement over the Kirin 9010 in the Mate XT.

    Anticipated Release Date

    At this moment, there’s no solid information regarding the release. The Mate XT made its debut in September of the previous year, leading us to anticipate a similar launch schedule for its successor.

    Weibo (in Chinese) via Gizmochina

    Source: Link

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  • Godox Unveils Affordable Retro-Style Flashes with USB-C Options

    Godox Unveils Affordable Retro-Style Flashes with USB-C Options

    Lighting gear expert Godox has introduced three new compact and budget-friendly flash units. The most prominent among them is the Godox iA32, which features an adjustable built-in reflector. Users can twist a knob located on the side to tilt the flash upwards, allowing for indirect lighting effects.

    Compatibility and Features

    All these flash units connect to cameras through a single pin, making them suitable for almost any camera with a hot shoe. However, they do not support TTL or HSS functionalities. The iA32 provides the option to manually adjust flash power and enter ISO and aperture settings to receive a suggested brightness level. To operate, it uses two AA batteries, which can deliver around 490 full-power flashes before needing replacement.

    Smaller Options

    In contrast, the Godox iM20 and iM22 are significantly smaller and more affordable. They do not come with a rotatable reflector or automatic mode like the iA32, and they only have five levels of manual flash adjustment. These models are powered by a built-in 470 mAh battery that enables approximately 440 full-power flashes and requires about 70 minutes to charge completely via USB-C. The iM20 and iM22 are lightweight, weighing 31 g (1.1 oz) and 34 g (1.2 oz) respectively.

    Pricing and Market Release

    The Godox iA32 is priced at $49.90 in the United States, while both the iM20 and iM22 are available for $33.90 each. As of now, there is no information on their prices or availability in Europe, but typically, new Godox items appear on the official Godox Europe online store within a few weeks of their release.

    Source: Link

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  • Apple to Include New Budget iPhone in iPhone 16 Lineup

    Apple to Include New Budget iPhone in iPhone 16 Lineup

    After a recent reveal from Japan pointed to the expected price range for the anticipated iPhone SE 4, two leakers are now mentioning that the new budget iPhone might undergo a name change and repositioning. Initially, a Chinese leaker shared this information on the social media platform Weibo in mid-December. Now, another leaker, Majin Bu, has also stated that Apple plans to end the iPhone SE series and introduce the new affordable iPhone, which was previously referred to as the iPhone SE 4 or iPhone SE 2025, under the name iPhone 16e. Bu has a track record of accurate leaks, though he’s not infallible.

    Possible Redundancy of Older Models

    We have recently discussed the possibility that, after the release of the new iPhone Special Edition, both the iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 might become obsolete and likely will not be offered by Apple anymore. In Europe, the iPhone 14 is already unavailable in the Apple Store due to new regulations from the EU. If the various indicators about the specs of the entry-level iPhone, potentially called the iPhone 16e, are accurate, its inclusion in the iPhone 16 series would make sense. Apart from the camera, possibly limited storage, and some design elements like Dynamic Island, the iPhone 16 mainly shares features with the iPhone 14 for a lower price. It is important to point out, however, that these suggestions about renaming the iPhone SE series have yet to be confirmed and may ultimately be incorrect.

    Source: Link

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  • GTA 6 Revenue Projection Sets Stage for Rockstar’s Record-Breaker

    GTA 6 Revenue Projection Sets Stage for Rockstar’s Record-Breaker

    2025 is looking like a major year for AAA titles, with highly awaited games such as Death Stranding 2, Doom: The Dark Ages, Avowed, and Assassin’s Creed: Shadows all ready to hit gaming platforms worldwide. Yet, the most eagerly awaited game of all is undoubtedly Grand Theft Auto VI.

    Anticipation Builds

    After keeping fans waiting for nearly ten years, Rockstar unveiled GTA 6 with a trailer in December 2023. This trailer has received over 230 million views, highlighting the strong demand from gamers who have been longing for a new GTA since GTA V was released in September 2013. According to estimates from DFC Intelligence, this demand might push GTA 6 to surpass GTA V in earnings, with a predicted 2x revenue increase in its first year.

    Revenue Expectations

    As per DFC Intelligence’s report (shared through Financial Times), GTA VI is projected to generate an astonishing $3.2 billion in revenue within its first year. This figure includes an estimated $1 billion from pre-orders.

    To give you an idea of just how significant this revenue could be, consider that Avatar (2009), the highest-grossing film ever, has earned $2.9 billion throughout its entire run. If GTA VI surpasses Avatar’s total earnings in just a year, it would be an extraordinary accomplishment.

    Future Comparisons

    Should GTA 6 indeed surpass the $3 billion mark in its opening year, it would likely outpace GTA V’s total sales over time, especially since there are rumors that Rockstar may delay the PC release compared to consoles, effectively allowing them to sell the game twice.

    As of now, GTA V has sold over 200 million copies and has brought in over $8.6 billion in revenue. A significant portion of this amount comes from GTA Online, the multiplayer part of the game. For example, GTA Online reportedly generated $500 million in revenue just in 2022. Once Rockstar launches the multiplayer feature of GTA 6 after the single-player mode, we can expect a further increase in the game’s overall earnings.

    In short, GTA 6 is on track to be a much larger title than its predecessor, both in terms of scale and financial success. The only question that remains is whether Rockstar will launch the game in 2025 or delay it. Many fans are apprehensive about a potential delay, especially since there’s been little news following the first trailer’s release in 2023.

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