Category: All News

  • India sees the launch of the ASUS ROG Strix Scar 16 and Scar 18

    India sees the launch of the ASUS ROG Strix Scar 16 and Scar 18

    ASUS has launched a range of new laptops in India, including the Zephyrus G16, ROG Gaming desktop, and more. The brand has also refreshed the ROG Strix Scar models in the country. These devices were unveiled at CES last month and are designed to deliver powerful performance and appeal to the gaming audience. In this article, we will take a closer look at the ASUS ROG Strix Scar.

    ASUS ROG Strix Scar 16 and 18 Specifications and Features

    The ASUS ROG Strix Scar 16 and Scar 18 come with 16 and 18-inch ROG Nebula HDR displays, respectively, with a WQXGA resolution. Both laptops offer a 240Hz refresh rate, 3ms response time, G-sync, Pantone Validation, and Dolby Vision HDR. On the audio front, the machines are equipped with a 4-speaker system along with Dolby Atmos, AI noise-canceling technology, Hi-Res certification, and more.

    Design and Keyboard

    The ASUS ROG Strix Scar 16 and 18 feature a sleek chassis design with an aura sync light bar, aura sync logo, and an aura sync rear glow. The laptops also come with a backlit chiclet keyboard, and the touchpad doubles as a number pad. Additionally, there is a 720p HD webcam for video calls and streaming.

    Performance and Cooling

    Under the hood, the ASUS ROG Strix Scar 16 and 18 are powered by a 14th-generation Intel Core i9 processor. Both machines offer Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 and 4090 GPU options with 175W TGP. They can be configured with up to 64GB RAM and 4TB SSD storage. The laptops feature a dedicated MUX switch with support for Nvidia Advanced Optimus, unlocking the true power of the GPU. They also utilize ROG TriFan technology for efficient heat dissipation during intensive gaming sessions.

    Battery and Connectivity

    The ASUS ROG Strix Scar 16 and 18 are equipped with a 4-cell 90WHrs battery unit. They offer a range of connectivity options, including WiFi-6E and Bluetooth 5.3. In terms of software, the laptops come with Windows 11 Pro pre-installed.

    Pricing and Availability

    The ASUS ROG Strix Scar 16 starts at Rs 2,89,990, while the ROG Strix Scar 18 starts at Rs 3,39,990. Both laptops can be purchased from leading online and offline channels across the country.

  • Announcement: Noise Buds N1 TWS launched in India, featuring ENC and up to 40 hours of playback

    Announcement: Noise Buds N1 TWS launched in India, featuring ENC and up to 40 hours of playback

    Noise has introduced a new addition to its hearables portfolio in the Indian market with the launch of the Noise Buds N1 truly wireless earbuds. The brand has revealed the pricing and specifications of the earbuds ahead of its first sale.

    Noise Buds N1 Specs

    The Noise Buds N1 comes with an in-ear design and a shiny finish. It is equipped with ENC (Environmental Noise Cancellation) technology, thanks to its quad microphone setup. The earbuds support Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity and offer a low latency mode of 40ms, which is particularly beneficial for mobile gamers. The touch control functionality is also integrated into the body of the earbuds.

    Battery Life and Other Features

    The Noise Buds N1 TWS can last for up to 40 hours on a single full charge when paired with its charging case. Additionally, just 10 minutes of charging can provide up to 2 hours of audio playback, thanks to the brand’s Instacharge technology. The earphones also come with a 1-year warranty. Other notable features include dual pairing functionality and a sweatproof design for physically active users.

    Noise Buds N1 Pricing and Availability

    The Noise Buds N1 is currently listed on Amazon India with a price tag of 999 INR (approximately 12 US Dollars). It is available in multiple color options including Forest Green, Ice Blue, and Carbon Black. Although the earbuds are not yet available for purchase, the first sale is set to begin on 20th February 2024. The launch of the Noise Buds N1 follows the recent release of the Buds Xero in India.

  • BYD Seagull rebranded as BYD Dolphin Mini for South American launch

    BYD Seagull rebranded as BYD Dolphin Mini for South American launch

    The BYD Seagull has made its way into the South American electric vehicle market under a new name, the Dolphin Mini. Despite the name change, the Dolphin Mini retains the same specifications as the Seagull. Priced at $20,000, the Dolphin Mini offers an affordable option for South American consumers. In comparison, the Seagull was launched in China in April 2023 with a price range of $10,200 to $12,500.

    International Version of the Seagull

    The BYD Dolphin Mini is the international version of the Seagull and has already arrived in several South American markets. Deliveries of the Dolphin Mini have begun in Uruguay, and sales are set to start in Brazil by the end of February. The Seagull proved to be a popular model in China, with over 280,000 units sold last year. This all-electric 5-door hatchback offers a base model with a 30.08kWh battery and a CLTC range of 305km. The top model features a 38.88kWh LFP battery that provides a CLTC range of 405km.

    Impressive Features

    Both variants of the BYD Seagull come equipped with a 55kW motor and a peak torque of 135Nm. With a top speed of 135km/h, the Seagull can accelerate from 0 to 50km/h in just 4.9 seconds. The car has dimensions of 3780 x 1715 x 1540mm and a wheelbase of 2500mm. It comfortably accommodates four passengers and features 165/65 R15 wheels.

    Battery Options in Uruguay

    The BYD Dolphin Mini has arrived in Uruguay with two battery options: 30kWh and 38kWh. The Dolphin Mini EV300 offers a NEDC range of 300km, while the Dolphin Mini EV400 provides a NEDC range of 380km.

    Pricing and Availability

    In Uruguay, the Dolphin Mini EV300 is priced at $21,990, while the Dolphin Mini EV400 is available for $23,990. In Brazil, the Dolphin Mini has already arrived at dealerships for testing, and reviews are already available for interested buyers. The starting price for the Dolphin Mini in Brazil is approximately $20,100, with the larger battery model retailing for $23,200. Additionally, the Dolphin Mini is expected to enter other markets, including Europe, in the coming months.

  • Storage Upgrade Offer Now Available for Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Series

    Storage Upgrade Offer Now Available for Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Series

    Last week, Samsung started offering storage upgrade promotions for the Galaxy Tab A9 Plus in the US. Up until then, this offer was limited to the Galaxy S series smartphones.

    Samsung Extends Storage Upgrade Offer to Galaxy Tab S9 Series

    Just a few days later, the same offer is now available for the high-end Galaxy Tab S9 family as well. Buyers can avail of benefits on all three models.

    Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra

    Samsung has extended the storage upgrade offer to the WiFi variants of the Galaxy Tab S9 series in the US. Thus, consumers can now get the higher storage model for the price of the base model from Samsung.com

    This means the 12GB + 256B version of the Galaxy Tab S9 now costs the same as the 8GB + 128GB variant ($799.99) instead of $919.99. The base variant cannot be ordered, at least for the time being.

    It is clever of Samsung to upsell the higher variant by discounting it, rather than bringing down the starting price by offering a discount on the base model.

    Similarly, the 12GB + 512GB memory configurations of Galaxy Tab S9 Plus and Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra are available for $999.99 and $1199.99, respectively. They would normally cost $1199.99 and $1319.99, respectively.

    The only variant that’s not on discount is the top-end 16GB + 1TB version of Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra. This one is still listed at its launch price of $1619.99.

    On top of the storage upgrade offer, buyers can avail trade-in bonus to further lower the price of these tablets.

    That being said, we are not sure how long this offer will be valid. Also, we have no info on if and when this promotion will be made available in other regions.

  • In Two Years, China’s New Telescope JUST to Seek Exoplanets Across the Universe

    In Two Years, China’s New Telescope JUST to Seek Exoplanets Across the Universe

    Imagine peering into the depths of space, not just to see, but to truly understand. That’s the mission of the Jiaotong University Spectroscopic Telescope (JUST), a powerful new tool set to become China‘s leading eye on the cosmos, opening its gaze in 2026. Nestled atop Saishiteng Mountain, JUST isn’t your average stargazer. With a gaping maw of 4.4 meters, it can quickly switch between targets. This agility allows it to capture fleeting moments in the universe, like the birth of newborn stars.

    This telescope can provide more information about Exoplanets orbiting distant stars

    But JUST isn’t just about sight; it’s about understanding. Equipped with a super-sensitive spectrometer, it can break down light from distant objects, revealing their secrets. Think of it like reading celestial fingerprints, each line telling a story about the object’s composition and history.

    This ability makes JUST a champion exoplanet hunter. These elusive worlds, orbiting distant stars, often hide in the glare of their suns. But JUST can sniff them out by analyzing their starlight, searching for tiny chemical clues that betray their presence.

    While telescopes like JUST come with a hefty price tag, the potential payoff could be astronomical. Research like this pushes the boundaries of human knowledge, unveiling the secrets of our universe and our place within it. Every discovery fuels further exploration, potentially leading to groundbreaking advancements in fields like medicine, materials science, and even space travel. Moreover, understanding our cosmic neighborhood helps us prepare for potential threats like asteroids and solar storms. Ultimately, research like this isn’t just about satisfying our curiosity; it’s an investment in the future, paving the way for a deeper understanding of ourselves and the universe we inhabit.

    In 2026, keep your eyes peeled (metaphorically, of course). With JUST and JWST (James Webb Space Telescope) scanning the heavens, we might just be on the cusp of unlocking some of the universe’s greatest mysteries.

  • Announcement: Samsung Galaxy S24 Series Software Update Targets Display and Camera Problems

    Announcement: Samsung Galaxy S24 Series Software Update Targets Display and Camera Problems

    Samsung unveiled the Galaxy S24 series last month. There have been plenty of complaints from S24 users over display and photo quality issues. Now, the South Korean brand has officially announced that an update is incoming to fix the issues. It will be rolled out to all models – the S24, S24 Plus, and S24 Ultra later this month.

    Samsung announces incoming update for the Galaxy S24 series

    Samsung says that it is committed to listening to its users and the upcoming update is based on their feedback. The company aims to provide an enhanced options and experience across the device display and camera. This will be enabled by hardware and software integration efforts.

    Improvements to display settings

    Samsung also revealed that it set the default screen setting to a more natural experience. There is a ‘Vividness’ option within the Advanced Settings of the display. However, the current software version lacks a specific slider attributed to this feature. The brand is introducing this in the forthcoming update. The slider seems to have a three step option. Thus users who want a vibrant visual experience can crank up the vividness slider to their liking on the Galaxy S24 devices.

    Enhancements to camera functions

    Alongside fixing the display issue, Samsung is also resolving camera issues reported by users. Without revealing explicitly, the company is enhancing and optimizing key camera functions. These include upgrades to the zoom functions, portrait mode, nightography, rear camera video shooting capabilities, and more.

    As per Samsung, the update will be rolling out later this month. Hence, if you own any of the Galaxy S24 series device, keep an eye out.

  • Instant Slow-mo Feature Now Available for Older Samsung Devices

    Instant Slow-mo Feature Now Available for Older Samsung Devices

    Though the Galaxy S24 series arrives with some notable hardware upgrades, the primary highlight of these smartphones is Galaxy AI. Samsung has introduced a range of useful software features utilizing artificial intelligence.

    Introducing Instant Slow-mo

    One of these features is ‘Instant Slow-mo’. It can convert any regular video into a slow-motion video.

    This feature has been now confirmed for a handful of older phones and tablets.

    Compatibility and Supported Formats

    In an official community post, Samsung has revealed that the Instant Slow-mo feature will be available for the following older devices:

    • Galaxy S23 Ultra
    • Galaxy S23 Plus
    • Galaxy S23
    • Galaxy Z Fold 5
    • Galaxy Z Flip 5
    • Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra
    • Galaxy Tab S9 Plus
    • Galaxy Tab S9

    Additionally, the company has disclosed that the feature will be compatible with more video types. Currently, it is limited to 8-bit videos ranging from 720p to 8K resolution. Also, only the .mp4 file format is supported for now.

    But shortly, it will be not only compatible with 10-bit videos but also with 480p resolution and .mov extension.

    Samsung says that the feature works only on devices featuring at least a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC or a newer flagship chip. Therefore, don’t expect it to arrive on even older smartphones and tablets.

    Rollout and Availability

    The Instant Slow-mo feature is expected to roll out for the aforementioned devices with the One UI 6.1 update. Previously, the company had revealed that the latest One UI will be pushed to eligible devices by the end of H1 2024.

  • Fresh Renders reveal Xiaomi 14 Ultra’s rear design featuring leather back & Leica branding

    Fresh Renders reveal Xiaomi 14 Ultra’s rear design featuring leather back & Leica branding

    The Xiaomi 14 Ultra is set to be the brand’s next flagship smartphone, boasting impressive specifications and features. Although the official release is yet to come, a recent report has provided us with a glimpse of the device’s complete design through high-resolution renders.

    Xiaomi 14 Ultra Renders: Elegant Leather Back & Leica Branded Camera

    The renders of the Xiaomi 14 Ultra have been shared by MySmartPrice, showcasing the smartphone in two color options: Black and White. Both variants exhibit a faux leather panel on the rear, adding an elegant touch. The back of the device also houses a large circular camera island, which accommodates the quad camera setup, LED flash, and Leica branding for the lenses.

    It is worth noting that the camera module protrudes slightly and is encircled by a silver bezel on the Black variant, while the White version features a Gold bezel. On the right side of the device, you can find the volume rockers and power button, with the power button featuring a textured finish. The bottom of the device hosts the speaker grille, USB Type C port, and a primary microphone, while the top is home to the secondary microphone.

    Possible Variants and Launch Details

    Currently, it remains uncertain whether the Xiaomi 14 Ultra will include an IR blaster. However, based on available information, the device is expected to be released in glass, leather, and titanium options. This report is consistent with our previous coverage. Stay tuned for more updates as we will be covering the launch of the Xiaomi 14 Ultra, which is anticipated to take place during the upcoming MWC 2024 event.

    Fresh Renders reveal Xiaomi 14 Ultra's rear design featuring leather back & Leica branding
    Fresh Renders reveal Xiaomi 14 Ultra's rear design featuring leather back & Leica branding
  • Leaked Renders of Samsung Galaxy F15 5G Unveil Color Choices and Triple Rear Camera

    Leaked Renders of Samsung Galaxy F15 5G Unveil Color Choices and Triple Rear Camera

    Yesterday, the Samsung Galaxy F15 5G was spotted on the brand’s official India support page. Now, the device has surfaced in leaked renders revealing its design and color options. The upcoming offering is expected to arrive as the successor to the last year’s Galaxy F14 5G. Read on to know what the latest development reveals.

    Samsung Galaxy F15 5G Leaked Renders

    As per the leaked renders, the Samsung Galaxy F15 5G will retain the same design as its predecessor. It will have a slim profile and a volume rocker button on the right side. A notable change is the presence of an additional camera sensor on the back panel. The triple camera setup is vertically stacked along with an LED flash unit. To recall, the Galaxy F14 5G has dual rear cameras.

    Color Options

    The Samsung Galaxy F15 5G is seen in Black, Purple, and Mint Green color options. The upcoming offering is expected to feature a waterdrop notch display. The report also adds that the Galaxy F15 5G will pack segment-first features. It will be backed by a 6,000mAh battery unit. The smartphone will also have an upgraded display although the details remain unknown.

    Launch and Specifications

    The Samsung Galaxy F15 5G has already bagged BIS certification last month with model number SM-E156B/DS. Hence, it could launch in the near future. Last year, the Galaxy F14 5G debuted in March. It also packs the same 6,000mAh battery that is expected to be present on the F15 5G. To jog your memory, the F14 5G features a 90Hz FHD+ display, Exynos 1330, and a 50MP primary camera.

  • Leaked Details of Oppo Find X8 and Find X8 Ultra Chips

    Leaked Details of Oppo Find X8 and Find X8 Ultra Chips

    Just last month, Oppo unveiled the Find X7 series of flagship smartphones. The Find X7 and the Find X7 Ultra now sit as the top-end devices from the company, but news regarding their predecessors has already started surfacing. A tipster has revealed the chip details regarding the Find X8 series. So let’s have a look.

    Oppo Find X8 Series Specs

    The news arrives from tipster Smart Pikachu who shared the details on Weibo (a Chinese microblogging website). While the Find X8 series is still a long away from releasing, Smart Pikachu claimed that the next-gen flagship will feature top-end chips from Qualcomm and MediaTek.

    Chip Details

    The tipster stated that the Oppo flagship smartphone that will launch next year will be equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 SoC and the Dimensity 8400 chipset. The former is likely for the higher-end Find X8 Ultra and the latter is for the base Find X8 model.

    Fingerprint Sensors

    It was further claimed that the Find X8 Ultra would offer an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor, while the Find X8 may offer an optical in-display fingerprint scanner for security.

    Leaked Details of Oppo Find X8 and Find X8 Ultra Chips