Category: All News

  • iPhone 17 Air Pricing Leak: Details on Apple’s Slim New Phone

    iPhone 17 Air Pricing Leak: Details on Apple’s Slim New Phone

    Reports from various sources suggest that Apple is set to introduce a brand-new model this year. This device, which emphasizes design, is commonly called the iPhone 17 Air, and a recent leak has disclosed some details about its potential pricing.

    Pricing Details

    According to the Korean outlet Sisajournal, the iPhone 17 Air is expected to be priced in line with its previous “Plus” versions. Given that the iPhone 16 Plus debuted last year with a starting price of $899, it is reasonable to anticipate a similar price point for the iPhone 17 Air.

    Sales Strategy

    The information from the source states that the creation of the iPhone 17 Air is a response to dwindling sales of recent iPhone “Plus” models. The new device aims to replace the iPhone 17 Plus in Apple’s offerings for the year. For context, sales data from Omdia indicates that the iPhone 15 Plus sold only 3.7 million units, while the iPhone 15 Pro Max achieved 21.8 million units, the iPhone 15 Pro reached 16.9 million units, and the standard iPhone 15 sold 17.8 million units.

    Expectations Ahead

    Apple is likely hoping that the iPhone 17 Air will succeed in achieving sales figures comparable to the other three iPhone models. Reportedly, the target thickness for this device is 6.25mm, making it 1.5mm thinner than the current thinnest model, the standard iPhone 16. If this is accurate, it would make the iPhone 17 Air the slimmest iPhone ever, even thinner than the 6.9mm iPhone 6.

    Sisajournal’s insights into this upcoming device certainly make things more interesting for Apple fans.

    Source: Link

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  • ECS Unveils AMD Krackan APU Laptop Ahead of CES 2025

    ECS Unveils AMD Krackan APU Laptop Ahead of CES 2025

    AMD has confirmed that mid-range Zen 5 APUs are set to launch in early 2025, with reports indicating their debut will occur at the CES 2025 event. Although AMD hasn’t provided much information about these new APUs, ECS has revealed details about one of the two Krackan processors.

    New Processor Insights

    ECS made a somewhat early announcement regarding a new laptop, stating that it is powered by an APU featuring an 8-core CPU equipped with Zen 5c cores. This processor is likely one of the two speculated Ryzen AI models, either the AI 350 or AI 340. Unfortunately, the company did not disclose the number of Compute Units (CUs) present in the RDNA 3.5 integrated GPU (iGPU) of this APU.

    Positioning in the Market

    Previous reports suggest that the Krackan APUs will be positioned below the Strix Point options. To clarify, the entry-level Ryzen AI 9 365 from that series comes with a 10-core CPU and includes the RDNA 3.5 Radeon 880M iGPU featuring 12 CUs. While ECS hasn’t provided specifics on the iGPU of the Krackan APU in its new laptop, it did mention an XDNA 2 Neural Processing Unit (NPU) capable of delivering 40 TOPs of performance. This indicates that the NPU is also experiencing a reduction in capability.

    Laptop Features and Specifications

    Regarding the laptop, known as the UP42KP, ECS has revealed that it will come with a 14-inch display, USB4 ports, and support for fast WiFi 6 connectivity. The Thermal Design Power (TDP) range is set between 15W and 54W, aligning with typical specifications for mid-range laptops. Additionally, ECS states that the UP42KP boasts a slim profile, measuring a mere 16.9 mm in thickness. More details, including pricing, will be disclosed at the CES 2025 launch event.

    Source: Link

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  • Xiaomi Announces Global Launch of Redmi Note 14 Pro Plus Series

    Xiaomi Announces Global Launch of Redmi Note 14 Pro Plus Series

    The Redmi Note 14 series is about to make its third appearance, having first launched in China over three months ago. After that, Xiaomi introduced the series to India, where it’s known as the Redmi Note 14 5G, Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G, and Redmi Note 14 Pro Plus 5G. Now, Xiaomi has announced that the global launch date for the Redmi Note 14 series is set for January 10.

    Upcoming Launch Replacement

    This means that Xiaomi will be replacing the Redmi Note 13 5G (currently priced at $212 on Amazon) and its counterparts just a day after the global unveiling of the Poco X7 and Poco X7 Pro. Although Xiaomi has officially confirmed the attendance of the Redmi Note 14 Pro Plus 5G, there are plenty of reasons to believe that the Redmi Note 14 5G and Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G will also be present at the launch.

    Hardware Expectations

    It is expected that the Redmi Note 14 5G will feature the same specifications as its Indian version instead of the original Chinese variant. To provide some context, in India, Xiaomi presents the Redmi Note 14 with a different front-facing camera, along with an 8 MP ultra-wide-angle lens that is not available on its Chinese version.

    Potential for 4G Models

    The date of January 10 might also signify the official reveal of 4G models. As of now, Xiaomi has not commented on this possibility. Nonetheless, specifications, product images, and pricing for two 4G models were leaked online toward the end of last year. Therefore, we believe that the Redmi Note 14 series will likely be organized as follows for its global launch:

    Xiaomi via GSMArena.

    Source: Link

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  • RTX 5090 TDP 575W vs. RTX 5080 TDP 360W: Specs Revealed

    RTX 5090 TDP 575W vs. RTX 5080 TDP 360W: Specs Revealed

    With the upcoming launch of the next-gen RTX 50-series gaming GPUs just around the corner, there’s a palpable excitement in the gaming community. A lot of details have come to light over the last few months, giving us a clearer picture of what NVIDIA might be bringing to the table. A recent leak has shared the TDP values for both the RTX 5090 and RTX 5080, and thankfully, the figures are less intimidating than many had feared.

    TDP Insights

    As reported by well-known insiders kopite7kimi and hongxing2020, the RTX 5090 is set to feature a TDP of 575 watts. This is a slight decrease from the earlier speculated 600 watts, yet it still represents an increase of 125 watts compared to the previous model. In contrast, the RTX 5080 will have a more modest TDP of 360 watts, which is an increment of about 40 watts over its predecessor.

    CUDA Cores and Memory Specs

    The TDP for the RTX 5090 aligns with expectations since this powerful GPU is rumored to come with a staggering 21,760 CUDA cores, reflecting a 33% increase over the RTX 4090. Similarly, the RTX 5080 is anticipated to have roughly 10.5% more CUDA cores, accompanied by a manageable TDP increase of 40 watts. Moreover, both GPUs, along with the entire RTX 50 lineup, are likely to feature GDDR7 memory, with the RTX 5090 boasting a 512-bit memory bus and the RTX 5080 equipped with a 256-bit memory bus.

    Upcoming Announcement

    As previously stated, the RTX 50-series is slated for announcement next week. For a detailed overview of everything we’ve discovered about the new RTX GPUs so far, make sure to read our extensive roundup.

    Source: Link

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  • Hisense Launches Bright L9Q TriChroma Laser TV with 150-Inch Screen

    Hisense Launches Bright L9Q TriChroma Laser TV with 150-Inch Screen

    Hisense has revealed its L9Q TriChroma Laser TV, set to be showcased at CES 2025 starting January 7th. This new model is a successor to the previous L9H, which came in sizes of 100 inches and 120 inches. The L9Q offers an Ambient Light Rejection (ALR) screen and is available in five different sizes: 100, 110, 120, 136, and 150 inches.

    Upgraded Features

    Hisense claims that the L9Q has several upgrades compared to the L9H. Notably, the TriChroma triple laser light source can produce up to 5,000 ANSI lumens, which is 2,000 ANSI lumens brighter than its predecessor. The BT.2020 color space coverage has also improved from 107% to 110%. Additional specifications of the DLP projector include a 4K resolution (3,840 x 2,160), a contrast ratio of 5,000:1, and a throw ratio of 0.18:1. Users can adjust the image using features like auto screen alignment and manual keystone correction.

    Enhanced Audio and Smart Features

    The sound system in the L9Q has also been enhanced, featuring built-in 6.2.2 channel speakers for a more immersive surround sound experience. The device runs on Google TV, allowing streaming from various apps, and supports voice commands through Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, and Amazon Alexa. For connectivity, the TV includes Wi-Fi 6E and HDMI 2.1 ports. Hisense has positioned this model as a premium offering, complete with a Black Walnut Decor Panel, ambient lighting, and brushed metal accents.

    Pricing and Availability Information

    Details on the release date and pricing for the Hisense L9Q TriChroma Laser TV are still pending. As a reference, the 100-inch version of the L9H was initially priced at $5,499.99 but is currently listed on Amazon for $4,207.78.

    Source: Link

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  • Aqara Hub M100 and New Smart Home Devices Leaked Before CES 2025

    Aqara Hub M100 and New Smart Home Devices Leaked Before CES 2025

    Several new products from Aqara have been listed on the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA) website, hinting at what we might see at CES 2025. In late December, Aqara teased an image on X featuring blurred devices, claiming it was a “sneak peek” at their newest offerings.

    Aqara Hub M100 Details

    The latest addition to the CSA database is the Aqara Hub M100, which is anticipated to replace the M3, currently priced at $129.99 on Amazon. The listing provides limited details about this smart home device, leaving us in the dark about its full features and improvements compared to the M3. However, it does indicate that it will operate on the same firmware version 4.0.4 and will support both Wi-Fi and Ethernet connections.

    Aqara Dimmer Switch H2 EU

    Also noted is the Aqara Dimmer Switch H2 EU, which comes with a product image (shown below). This device utilizes Thread technology and is compatible with Matter 1.3 and Bluetooth, working seamlessly with various types of light bulbs. Users can control their lighting remotely through an app, enabling them to set schedules and monitor energy usage.

    Other Upcoming Aqara Products

    In recent months, other products that have surfaced on the CSA include the Aqara Climate Sensor W100, the Aqara LED Bulb T2 E27 CCT, and the Aqara LED Bulb T2 E27 RGB CCT. At CES 2025, beginning on January 7th, Aqara is likely to announce the release dates and prices for some of its new smart home gadgets.

    Source: Link

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  • Xiaomi’s Affordable Compact Smart Display with Video Call Support

    Xiaomi’s Affordable Compact Smart Display with Video Call Support

    Xiaomi has introduced a new small smart display. This gadget has some things in common with the Echo Show, but it’s made for a different purpose. The Xiaomi Smart Camera Video Call Version focuses more on video calls than on playing media. It features a camera, a microphone, and a 3.5-inch screen with a resolution of 320 x 480, making it suitable for quick video chats. The target audience seems to be young people and families who need a device that is easy to use for connecting with others.

    Easy to Use for Quick Calls

    Making calls is as easy as touching the screen. However, Xiaomi has linked the device with WeChat, which is very popular in China but not as well-known in other countries. Because of this, the Xiaomi Smart Camera might not be very useful for video calls outside of China. Additionally, the device can act as a security camera. It has a wide-angle lens of 131° and a 4-megapixel resolution, along with infrared lighting for night recording. Users can upload pictures to the cloud, save them on an SD card, or store them on a network drive. The device also comes with AI features that can detect humans.

    Pricing and Availability

    Right now, the product is up for grabs in China for about $40. There are no updates about when it might be released globally.

    Source: Link

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  • iQoo Z9 Turbo Endurance Edition: Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 & Big Battery

    iQoo Z9 Turbo Endurance Edition: Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 & Big Battery

    iQoo has introduced the Z9 Turbo Endurance Edition, which is a slightly upgraded version of the Z9 Turbo that debuted in April of last year. This phone is designed for users who want a device with a big battery and good performance in the mid-range segment.

    Display and Performance

    The iQoo Z9 Turbo Endurance Edition features a 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 2,800 x 1,260 pixels. It also boasts a high refresh rate of 144Hz, making it suitable for smooth scrolling and gaming.

    Under the hood, the phone is powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 processor, a chip that has been used in many mid-range performance-focused phones, including the POCO F6. The camera system consists of a 50MP main camera and an 8MP ultra-wide lens, alongside a 16MP camera for selfies.

    Battery and Charging

    One of the standout features of this phone is its impressive 6,400mAh battery. In comparison, the standard Z9 Turbo has a slightly smaller 6,000mAh battery. Moreover, the phone supports fast charging with 80W wired charging capability.

    Thanks to innovative silicon carbon technology, the increased battery capacity does not make the phone thicker. The iQoo Z9 Turbo Endurance Edition is just 7.98mm thick and weighs 196g.

    Software and Features

    Running on Vivo’s custom interface, OriginOS 5, based on Android 15, the Endurance Edition comes packed with several useful features. It includes dual-frequency GPS, an IP64 rating, stereo speakers, and an in-display fingerprint scanner. Buyers can choose from Midnight Black, Starlight White, and Voyage Blue colors.

    The iQoo Z9 Turbo Endurance Edition is currently available for purchase in China. Below is the pricing for each variant of the phone:

    Source: Link

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  • Cloudflare, PrivadoVPN, and Others Removed from Indian App Stores

    Cloudflare, PrivadoVPN, and Others Removed from Indian App Stores

    The Indian government has taken steps to remove various VPN applications from its app stores. Notable services impacted by these actions include Cloudflare, PrivadoVPN, and Hide.me.

    Document Review and Requests

    TechCrunch looked into the documents released by the ministry and found a notice from Google to Lumen, a database from Harvard that keeps track of government removal requests. A developer shared with the publication a message from Apple, which referenced a request from the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Center for the app’s removal based on a violation of local laws.

    New Regulations for VPN Providers

    In 2022, India introduced new regulations that mandated VPN companies to keep user data for a period of five years. This data includes IP addresses, names, email addresses, verified phone numbers, and physical addresses. Furthermore, these providers must supply information to the government when it is requested.

    Impact on VPN Companies

    As a result of these new rules, many VPN services like NordVPN, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN decided to close their local servers in India. Additionally, a group of cybersecurity experts urged for public discourse regarding the new regulations through an open letter to India’s Computer Emergency Response Team.

    Previous App Bans

    In 2020, India also prohibited 59 Chinese applications. Among those still banned are TikTok, UC Browser, WeChat, and ES File Explorer, which remain inaccessible in the country.

    Source: Link

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  • Sodium-Ion Battery Breakthrough Matches Lithium’s Energy Density

    Sodium-Ion Battery Breakthrough Matches Lithium’s Energy Density

    The scientific effort to create affordable sodium-ion batteries as a potential substitute for lithium-based battery packs used in electric vehicles and energy storage is reminiscent of the intense research and development that fueled LFP batteries over the last decade.

    Price and Performance of LFP Batteries

    The phosphate batteries, which avoid the costly nickel and cobalt, have gradually seen a decrease in price. This has led to the emergence of portable power stations, such as the Anker SOLIX, which are available for under a thousand dollars on Amazon. Additionally, these batteries have shown improvements in energy density and charging capabilities in cold conditions. As a result, LFP batteries are becoming the preferred choice for mass-produced electric vehicles and energy storage solutions.

    Advancements in Sodium-Ion Technology

    A similar trend is unfolding with sodium-ion batteries. Sodium is around 50 times cheaper than lithium and is so plentiful that it can be extracted from seawater. After more than ten years of research aimed at developing a practical sodium-ion battery, the first electric vehicles and large-scale energy storage systems are starting to appear. Major battery manufacturers, CATL and BYD, are focusing more on sodium-ion production, even with the significant decline in lithium prices recently.

    Improving Energy Density

    One of the main drawbacks of sodium-ion batteries has been their energy density, which is gradually improving as more research from labs transitions into production. A recent breakthrough involves a sodium vanadium phosphate compound (NaxV2(PO4)3) developed by scientists from the University of Houston and various French universities, moving from theory to practical use.

    This new vanadium phosphate material enhances the theoretical energy density from the current average of 396 Wh/kg to 458 Wh/kg, which brings it closer to lithium-ion batteries. Moreover, the incorporation of vanadium helps maintain stability during quick charging and discharging cycles while providing a higher voltage of 3.7V compared to the conventional cells currently in use.

    Implications for Future Developments

    Researchers highlight that “the continuous voltage change is a key feature” since it improves the battery’s energy efficiency without compromising the stability of the electrodes. The team even refers to this advancement as “a game-changer” for the future of sodium-ion battery technology and suggests that their specialized process could potentially apply to other electrode materials as well.

    Source: Link

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