Category: All News

  • ASUS debuts the ROG Carnyx gaming microphone, a professional-grade condenser, priced at $179.99

    ASUS debuts the ROG Carnyx gaming microphone, a professional-grade condenser, priced at $179.99

    ASUS has recently launched the ROG Carnyx, a condenser gaming microphone that promises professional-grade audio quality for content creators, gamers, and streamers.

    ASUS ROG Carnyx Microphone Specifications:

    Designed to deliver high-fidelity sound with minimal setup, the ROG Carnyx features a 25 mm condenser capsule and supports a high-resolution 192 kHz / 24-bit sampling rate. This ensures that every nuance of the user’s voice is captured clearly and precisely, making it ideal for both gaming sessions and streaming.

    The microphone has been engineered to enhance vocal clarity through a high-pass filter and includes a built-in pop filter to minimize vocal plosives. It boasts a sensitivity of -37dB±3dB and a signal-to-noise ratio of 100dB, with a frequency response ranging from 20Hz to 20kHz.

    Premium Audio Recording

    Additionally, it incorporates a premium metal shock mount with an elastic cord to reduce external vibrations, contributing to its ability to produce crystal-clear audio recordings.

    Easy to Use and Aesthetically Pleasing

    The microphone also focuses on ease of use, connecting to computers with a single USB cable and featuring compatibility with standard 3/8-inch threaded boom arms for flexible positioning. It includes a multifunctional control knob for volume adjustment and a one-touch mute button for quick muting, simplifying operation for users.

    Aesthetically, the ROG Carnyx stands out with its RGB lighting, compatible with ASUS Aura Sync, enabling users to synchronize its glow with other gaming setup components. The lighting offers various effects like Rainbow, Color Cycle, Breathing, Static, Strobe, and Music. Its design features triangular elements, adding to its bold, gaming-focused appearance.

    Compatibility and Package

    The microphone supports Windows 10 and 11, as well as MAC OS 10.12/10.13 platforms. The package includes the ROG Carnyx microphone, a 3-meter USB-A to USB-C cable, a warranty card, and a quick start guide.

    Pricing and Availability

    The ROG Carnyx comes in black and white color options, priced at $179.99 in the US. Earlier today, Asus also launched the ROG Falchion RX 65% keyboard globally with pre-lubed RX Red and Blue switches.

    • ASUS debuts the ROG Carnyx gaming microphone, a professional-grade condenser, priced at 9.99
    • ASUS debuts the ROG Carnyx gaming microphone, a professional-grade condenser, priced at 9.99
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  • Introducing the All-New Variant of Tecno Spark Go 2024 in India

    Introducing the All-New Variant of Tecno Spark Go 2024 in India

    Tecno launched the Spark Go 2024 in December last year. At that time, the brand had only announced the price of the base 3GB + 64GB and 4GB + 64GB RAM and storage configurations. Now, Tecno has launched a new variant of the Spark Go 2024 in the country. It doubles the base storage capacity.

    Tecno Spark Go 2024 gets a new variant

    The Tecno Spark Go 2024 now comes in 4GB RAM and 128GB internal storage. The former is the same as one of the previous variants. There is also 4GB virtual RAM technology. However, the storage capacity is now doubled. The new option carries a special launch price tag of Rs 6,799 which is the same as the base model.

    The Tecno Spark Go 2024 can be purchased from Amazon starting February 9. It is offered in Mystic White and Gravity Black colors.

    Core Specifications

    Apart from the increased storage, the rest of the core specifications of the Tecno Spark Go 2024 remain the same. It has a centre-aligned punch-hole cutout display that can show notifications. The screen size is 6.56-inch bearing an HD+ resolution and a 90Hz refresh rate. The smartphone has a side-mounted fingerprint scanner embedded in the power button.

    Camera and Battery

    The Tecno Spark Go 2024 features a squarish camera module housing a 13MP primary camera paired with an AI lens. There is an 8MP front-facing selfie snapper. Internally, the Tecno Spark Go 2024 is powered by a Unisoc T606 SoC. It is backed by a 5,000mAh battery unit with 10W charging. The device runs on Android 13 OS out of the box.

    Pricing and Availability:

    The Tecno Spark Go 2024 with 4GB RAM and 128GB internal storage is priced at Rs 6,799. It is available for purchase on Amazon starting February 9.

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  • Revenue Decline and Profit Drop in 2023 Await Chinese Chip Maker SMIC

    Revenue Decline and Profit Drop in 2023 Await Chinese Chip Maker SMIC

    SMIC, one of China’s leading semiconductor manufacturers, faces a mixed bag in its financial performance for the year 2023 and the beginning of 2024. Despite challenges, including weak global demand and intense competition, the company remains a key player in the semiconductor industry.

    Decline in Revenue and Net Income

    In 2023, SMIC experienced a decline in revenue, dropping from $7.27 billion in 2022 to $6.32 billion, marking a significant decrease. Net income followed suit, plummeting by 50.4% to $902.5 million compared to the previous year. Factors contributing to this slump include weak global market demand, high industry inventory levels, and fierce competition within the semiconductor sector.

    However, there were glimmers of hope in the fourth quarter of 2023. SMIC witnessed a 3.5% increase in revenue year-on-year, reaching $1.68 billion. This uptick was attributed to strong demand for Huawei Technologies’ Mate 60 series 5G smartphones, which utilized processors manufactured by SMIC. Despite this positive development, SMIC’s quarterly net profit declined by 55% compared to the previous quarter, falling to $174.68 million.

    Outlook for 2024

    Looking ahead to 2024, SMIC’s outlook remains cautious. The company expects its revenue growth to align with the industry average, with no significant rebound anticipated. Factors influencing this outlook include the gradual improvement in client inventory levels and the rising demand for smartphones and internet services. However, SMIC remains wary of potential challenges, including uncertainties in the global economic landscape.

    Regional Revenue Distribution and Breakdown by Applications

    Regionally, China continues to dominate SMIC’s revenue distribution, accounting for 80.8% of total revenue in the fourth quarter of 2023. Despite this, there was a slight decrease from the previous quarter, with revenue from the US increasing to 15.7% of the total.

    Revenue breakdown by applications reveals that smartphones, computers, and tablets remain the largest revenue sources for SMIC, comprising 60.8% of total revenue in the fourth quarter. However, the consumer electronics segment experienced a slight decline in revenue, reflecting slow demand in this sector.

    Partnerships and Technological Prowess

    Despite challenges, SMIC’s involvement with Huawei in developing advanced chips for the Mate 60 series highlights the company’s technological prowess and its ability to secure significant partnerships in the industry. However, SMIC’s cautious approach to recovery reflects the ongoing uncertainties in the semiconductor market.

    SMIC’s financial performance in 2023 reflects both challenges and opportunities in the semiconductor industry. While the company faces headwinds such as weak global demand and intense competition, it remains resilient and poised to capitalize on emerging opportunities in the market.

    Revenue Decline and Profit Drop in 2023 Await Chinese Chip Maker SMIC
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  • Update Enhances Huawei Mate 60 with AR Measurement Tool and Portrait Filters

    Update Enhances Huawei Mate 60 with AR Measurement Tool and Portrait Filters

    Huawei Reveals 5G-Powered Mate 60 Series with Awe

    In a surprising move during the latter part of 2023, Huawei unveiled its cutting-edge Mate 60 series, boasting robust 5G capabilities. This strategic maneuver played a pivotal role in the company’s resurgence, recapturing a significant chunk of the market share that had slipped away to rivals like Apple.

    Huawei Mate 60 Pro: Unveiling the Future

    Specifically, the Huawei Mate 60 and Huawei Mate 60 Pro have been treated to an over-the-air (OTA) update. This latest software iteration propels the firmware version up to HarmonyOS 4.0.0.158, ushering in a new era of performance and functionality.

    Fresh Elements: Unpacking the Innovations

    AR Measurement Tool: Measuring the Future

    The official update log brings to light the addition of an AR measurement tool, empowering users to seamlessly gauge height, length, volume, and various other metrics with ease.

    AI Cloud Enrichment for Portrait Photography: The Picture-Perfect Upgrade

    Moreover, the update introduces "AI Cloud Enhancement" for portrait photography, enabling users to embellish their portraits with beauty filters and enhancements.

    Camera Application Refinements: Focusing on Excellence

    The update doesn’t stop there, as it also includes refinements to the camera application, enriching the user experience and functionality across various aspects of the camera app.

    Authentication System Streamlining: Securing Seamlessly

    To cap it off, the new firmware brings about optimizations for the authentication system, ensuring that face and fingerprint unlocking processes operate more smoothly and efficiently.

    The OTA software update clocks in at a size of approximately 881MB. Its deployment is gradual, meaning that some devices may receive it sooner than others. However, all users can anticipate gaining access to the update within a few days.

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  • Leaked Information Suggests iPhone 16 Series Will Introduce Larger Batteries and Abandon L-Shaped Design

    Leaked Information Suggests iPhone 16 Series Will Introduce Larger Batteries and Abandon L-Shaped Design

    More iPhone 16 details continue to emerge. According to recent leaks, the series is expected to maintain its four-model structure but will introduce significant changes in battery design and capacity across its variants.

    iPhone 16 Series to Introduce New Battery Designs and Capacities

    According to the leaks, the iPhone 16 series might ditch the L-shaped battery design introduced in the iPhone 13 series for some models. While the specific reason for this shift remains unclear, it could point towards internal layout changes or perhaps pave the way for new features requiring more space.

    Boosted Battery Capacities

    But fear not, power users! Leaks suggest significant boosts in battery capacities across the board. The standard iPhone 16 is rumored to jump to a 3,561mAh battery, while the iPhone 16 Plus might sport a hefty 4,006mAh cell. The flagship model, the iPhone 16 Pro Max, could see a monster 4,676mAh battery, potentially offering multi-day usage for moderate users. Details on the iPhone 16 Pro, expected to be the most sought-after model, have yet to surface.

    Improved Battery Performance

    These reported numbers represent a welcome improvement over the current generation. The base iPhone 15 currently features a 3,279mAh battery, while the Pro Max tops out at 4,352mAh. If accurate, the increases could translate to noticeable gains in screen-on time and overall user experience.

    • Leaked Information Suggests iPhone 16 Series Will Introduce Larger Batteries and Abandon L-Shaped Design
    • Leaked Information Suggests iPhone 16 Series Will Introduce Larger Batteries and Abandon L-Shaped Design


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  • Malaysia’s SIRIM certification reveals sighting of Huawei Band 9

    Malaysia’s SIRIM certification reveals sighting of Huawei Band 9

    Huawei has a lot in the pipeline, with new devices popping up left and right. We’ve been hearing rumors about new additions to the P-series and Mate series, along with whispers about new foldables. Looks like the company is just not stopping there.

    Huawei Band 9: A New Fitness Tracker Coming Soon

    A new Huawei fitness tracker called the Band 9 has recently appeared on Malaysia’s SIRIM certification database, indicating that the device is gearing up for a global launch in the near future.

    SIRIM, the organization responsible for overseeing product standards and quality in Malaysia, gave the green light to the Band 9 under the model number KIM-B19 on February 6th, 2024.

    Successor to the Band 8

    While the certification doesn’t reveal any specific details about the Band 9’s specs or features, it is expected to succeed the Band 8, which was released last year.

    The Band 8 boasts a 1.47-inch AMOLED display, which is quite impressive for a budget tracker. It also incorporates Huawei’s TruSleep 3.0 sleep monitoring technology, offering improved accuracy and personalized sleep advice to users.

    In addition, the Band 8 features TruSeen 5.0 heart rate monitoring technology, which provides users with a 7-day resting heart rate graph for better insights into their heart health.

    Impressive Features and Battery Life

    Aside from sleep and heart health monitoring, the Band 8 offers over 100 sports modes, blood oxygen detection, women’s health tracking, and all-day stress monitoring. It is also equipped with a remarkable 14-day battery life and supports fast charging, allowing the device to be fully charged from 0 to 100% in just 45 minutes.

    Launch Coming Soon

    With the Band 9 appearing on certification databases, it is evident that its official launch is just around the corner. Although specific details are still unknown, it won’t be long before more information surfaces in the coming days.

    Malaysia’s SIRIM certification reveals sighting of Huawei Band 9
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  • Launch of TCL 505 smartphone featuring a 6.75″ 90Hz display, Helio G36 SoC, and a 5010mAh battery

    Launch of TCL 505 smartphone featuring a 6.75″ 90Hz display, Helio G36 SoC, and a 5010mAh battery

    TCL has recently launched a new smartphone called the TCL 505 in the global market. This affordable phone features a flat design and comes with two cameras on the back, along with a reflective finish. The device boasts a 6.75-inch HD+ display with a 90Hz refresh rate and 400 nits brightness. It is equipped with technology that reduces blue light exposure and minimizes reflections.

    Impressive Performance

    The TCL 505 is powered by a Helio G36 chipset and offers 4GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage. Users also have the option to expand the storage via a microSD card. Additionally, the phone allows users to virtually increase the RAM by an additional 4GB, which improves its performance, especially during demanding tasks.

    Enhanced Photography and Audio Experience

    The TCL 505 features a 50MP main camera with a 1/2.55-inch sensor and 0.7μm pixels, ensuring high-quality photos. It also includes a 2MP depth sensor and a 5MP front camera for capturing selfies. Moreover, the phone comes with dual speakers, providing users with a more immersive audio experience while enjoying media playback.

    Long-Lasting Battery and Design Options

    Battery life is a key focus for TCL, and the TCL 505 doesn’t disappoint. It is equipped with a 5,010mAh battery that supports 10W charging, ensuring that the device can last throughout the day on a single charge. The phone is available in two color options: Ocean Blue and Space Grey, which continue the design language of the TCL 50 series.

    Pricing and Availability

    While TCL has not yet announced the pricing details for the TCL 505, the device is expected to be competitively priced within the market. This affordable smartphone offers impressive specifications and features, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers.

    • Launch of TCL 505 smartphone featuring a 6.75″ 90Hz display, Helio G36 SoC, and a 5010mAh battery
    • Launch of TCL 505 smartphone featuring a 6.75″ 90Hz display, Helio G36 SoC, and a 5010mAh battery
    • Launch of TCL 505 smartphone featuring a 6.75″ 90Hz display, Helio G36 SoC, and a 5010mAh battery
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  • Report: Apple developing two prototypes of foldable iPhones

    Report: Apple developing two prototypes of foldable iPhones

    Apple is reportedly in the early stages of developing foldable smartphone prototypes, according to recent reports from The Information. While a foldable iPad is expected to be released before a foldable iPhone, Apple is said to be exploring the idea of foldable iPhones that are only half as thick as current models.

    Foldable iPhone Prototypes

    The foldable iPhone prototypes are said to resemble the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip models in design. Apple is aiming to create a foldable iPhone that doesn’t look too thick when closed, and is considering adding an outward screen. However, engineers are facing challenges with components such as batteries and displays, making it difficult to meet these goals.

    Despite the challenges, Apple has reportedly discussed ordering components with Asian manufacturers for two different sizes of foldable iPhones. However, the project may be scrapped if it doesn’t meet Apple’s standards.

    Foldable iPad

    On the other hand, Apple is said to be focusing on developing a foldable iPad with an 8-inch screen, similar to the size of an iPad mini. The larger form factor allows for a thicker design and fewer durability concerns. However, the primary challenge for Apple is to eliminate the crease that forms with repeated folding, in order to create a completely flat screen for seamless interaction and Apple Pencil use.

    It’s unclear whether Apple has found a solution to this issue yet. As a result, it seems that Apple’s foldable devices are still a few years away from becoming a reality.

    • Report: Apple developing two prototypes of foldable iPhones
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  • Pre-Orders Now Available for Ayaneo Pocket S Handheld Android Console Featuring Snapdragon G3x Gen 2

    Pre-Orders Now Available for Ayaneo Pocket S Handheld Android Console Featuring Snapdragon G3x Gen 2

    Ayaneo, the renowned brand in gaming handheld consoles, has officially opened pre-orders for its latest device, the Ayaneo Pocket S Android Console. Ayaneo revealed the full specifications and features of the forthcoming Ayaneo Pocket S retro gaming handheld console a few days ago. The handheld gaming console is now available for pre-order for a down payment of 1599 Yuan (~$225). The amount will be adjusted in the final product pricing, and if any outstanding amount remains, it will be repaid to the customer. The high-end Android handheld console offers some exciting hardware specifications and features.

    Ayaneo Pocket S HandHeld Gaming Console Features

    Ayaneo Pocket S Android Console comes with a Qualcomm Snapdragon G3x Gen 2 SoC and Adreno A32 GPU, which clocks up to 1GHz. It is a significant improvement over the Adreno 740 GPU, which clocks at 680 MHz and is present in the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. In comparison with the first-gen Snapdragon G3x, the new chipset offers a 30% improvement in CPU and a 100% GPU enhancement. The chipset can pull TDP up to 15W. To offer continuous performance and dissipate heat, the console features a large-area VC thermal plater.

    Memory and Storage

    It would come in up to 16GB RAM variants, and we expect another 8GB RAM and 12GB RAM versions too. There will be 1 TB of storage. Details about the storage variants are not yet confirmed; however, the company only confirmed the 16GB RAM + 1TB storage variant while announcing the features. There could be an external storage expansion slot too.

    Display and Controls

    It features a 6-inch IPS mirror display with 490 PPI pixel density, 120% sRGB color gamut volume, and 400 nits of brightness. In controls, it bundles an RGB Hall Sensor, Linear Hall Triggers, a D-Pad, and other gaming buttons. For haptics, it supports triple-mode vibration and SoundTAPMagic, dual-X acis linear motors, and a 6-axis gyroscope.

    Design and Software

    Ayaneo Pocket S measures 14mm in thickness and 300–400 g in weight. It is built with high-end design materials, including a matte all-metal CNC middle frame. There’s also a biomimetic design for heat dissipation. Further, the software enhancements improve the overall experience. It will be available in black and white color options.

    Other Ayaneo Devices

    Ayaneo is known for its gaming handheld consoles and mini PCs. It recently launched the Ayaneo FLIP handheld, which comes with an AMD Ryxen 8840U CPU, 64GB of RAM, and 2TB of storage. The company also introduced the Ayaneo AM02 Retro Mini PC, which ships with a 4-inch touch display for $499. Its predecessor, the Ayaneo Retro Mini PC AM01, was made available on Indiegogo in November 2023.

    • Pre-Orders Now Available for Ayaneo Pocket S Handheld Android Console Featuring Snapdragon G3x Gen 2
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  • India welcomes the launch of itel P55 and P55+: Featuring a 50MP camera and expandable virtual RAM of up to 16GB.

    India welcomes the launch of itel P55 and P55+: Featuring a 50MP camera and expandable virtual RAM of up to 16GB.

    itel P55 and P55+: Affordable Budget Smartphones with Impressive Specs

    itel has recently unveiled its latest budget offerings in the Indian market, the itel P55 and P55+ smartphones. Despite their affordable pricing, these devices come with notable specifications. Let’s take a closer look at what these smartphones have to offer.

    itel P55 Series Specifications

    The itel P55 and P55+ share similar specifications but differ slightly in terms of design. The higher-end P55+ model features a vegan leather back panel, while the base variant has a glossy finish. Both models are powered by the UNISOC T606 processor. Notably, the P55 offers support for up to 16GB of virtual RAM expansion, while the P55+ goes a step further with an additional 8GB of RAM expansion. This means that the itel P55 model is the first phone in India to technically offer 24GB RAM in this segment. In terms of storage, the P55 comes with 128GB of internal storage, while the P55+ offers a generous 256GB capacity.

    Both smartphones are equipped with a large 5,000mAh battery that supports fast charging. The itel P55+ supports 45W wired fast charging, while the vanilla P55 supports 18W fast charging. The front of both models features a 6.6-inch HD+ display with a DOT-in screen, Dynamic bar, and a 90Hz refresh rate. For photography, the P55 series boasts a 50-megapixel dual camera setup on the rear and an 8-megapixel selfie shooter on the front. Other notable features include a side-mounted fingerprint scanner, face unlock, and the latest Android 13 operating system out of the box.

    itel P55 Series Pricing & Availability

    The itel P55 is available in three color options: Moonlit Black, Aurora Blue, and Brilliant Gold. On the other hand, the P55+ comes in Royal Green and Meteor Black variants. The itel P55 starts at 7,499 INR for the 3GB model, while the 8GB variant is priced at 8,999 INR. The P55+ is priced at 9,999 INR for its lone 8GB + 256GB variant. itel is also offering a 500 INR bank discount on both models. The first sale is scheduled for 13th February 2024 at 12 PM IST.

    In conclusion, the itel P55 and P55+ smartphones offer impressive specifications at an affordable price point. With features like expandable RAM, large storage capacities, fast charging, and a high-refresh-rate display, these devices are certainly worth considering for budget-conscious consumers.

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