Category: All News

  • Rivian Sets March 7 as Official Reveal Date for New R2 Electric SUV

    Rivian Sets March 7 as Official Reveal Date for New R2 Electric SUV

    March 7 will mark a key day for Rivian, the electric vehicle innovator based out of California, as it pulls the curtain back on its latest endeavor, the R2 electric SUV. This reveal comes over two years after the debut of its initial offerings, the R1T pickup and the R1S SUV, setting the stage for Rivian’s ambition to solidify its reach in the electric vehicle sector.

    The R2 is rumoured to be priced lower than the R1T and R1S

    Rivian’s journey began with the R1T and R1S, vehicles that combined uniqueness with a fun driving experience but carried a price tag starting at over $73,000, making them a dream beyond the reach of many. In contrast, the R2 series aims to be a game-changer by targeting a more expansive audience with a more palatable price point envisioned between $45,000 and $50,000.

    The upcoming R2 takes aim at the electric SUV market

    The upcoming R2, a mid-size SUV or crossover, will look to challenge the likes of the Tesla Model Y, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and Kia EV6. Rivian’s strategy is clear: tap into America’s crossover craze to compete in a segment where the Model Y has seen significant success. The R2’s potential to disrupt this market will hinge on several factors, including its price, range, fast charging capabilities, and Rivian’s capacity to meet demand.

    Rivian’s commitment to accessibility and expansion

    Rivian’s commitment to making electric vehicles more accessible is evident in its plans to produce the R2 series at a new $5 billion facility in Georgia, supplementing its production capabilities beyond its original plant in Normal, Illinois. Moreover, embracing Tesla’s NACS charging connector for the R2 models underscores Rivian’s forward-thinking approach, ensuring compatibility with an extensive network of charging stations. Will the R2 carve out a niche in the competitive electric SUV market? Only time will tell, but the anticipation is undeniably high.

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  • Official Confirmation of iQOO Neo 9 Pro Display Specifications Prior to India Launch

    Official Confirmation of iQOO Neo 9 Pro Display Specifications Prior to India Launch

    iQOO is set to launch the iQOO Neo 9 Pro in India on Feb. 22, and they are generating excitement around its release. The Amazon landing page for the phone has already revealed some key specifications, and now an update provides additional details about the display design, resolution, refresh rate, and peak brightness.

    iQOO Neo 9 Pro Display Specifications

    As shown in the image above, the iQOO Neo 9 Pro features a flat AMOLED LTPO panel with a punch-hole design. The screen size is 6.7 inches, offering a 1.5K resolution and a 144Hz refresh rate, making it ideal for gaming. Additionally, the screen provides a peak brightness of 3000 nits.

    Camera and Chipset

    iQOO has not yet revealed the details of the front camera for the iQOO Neo 9 Pro, but it is speculated that it will have a 16-megapixel selfie camera. On the back, the device is equipped with a Sony IMX920 primary camera and an 8-megapixel ultra-wide lens.

    The iQOO Neo 9 Pro is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, coupled with the iQOO Q1 Supercomputing chip, which enhances gaming performance. The device will be available in two options: 8 GB RAM + 256 GB storage and 12 GB RAM + 256 GB storage. The expected price of the device in India is under Rs 40,000.

    Battery and Other Features

    The Neo 9 Pro is equipped with a 5,160mAh battery and supports 120W fast charging. It also features dual speakers, an IR blaster, and runs on FunTouch OS 14-based Android 14.

    Color Options and Pre-Booking

    The iQOO Neo 9 Pro will be available in two colors: Fiery Red and Conqueror Black. Starting Feb. 8, the device can be pre-booked through Amazon and iQOO India’s website.

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  • Huawei Slows Down Phone Production and Shifts Focus to AI Chips

    Huawei Slows Down Phone Production and Shifts Focus to AI Chips

    Huawei is making a big change in its production plans, showing a strong interest in the growing area of artificial intelligence (AI). The tech giant has chosen to boost the production of its AI chip, the Ascend 910B, even though it means slowing down the making of its Mate 60 smartphones in at least one of its factories. This move is surprising because the Mate 60 had recently done better than Apple in terms of phone sales in China, as mentioned by the South China Morning Post. Huawei’s decision to focus more on AI chips than on smartphones highlights the company’s belief in the significant impact AI will have on the tech world.

    Increased Demand for AI Chips in China

    The Ascend 910B chip is important for developing AI models, and there’s a growing demand for it in China. This increase in interest comes as Chinese AI developers are finding it hard to get their hands on high-quality AI chips from abroad, like Nvidia’s H100, because of trade restrictions set by the United States. By concentrating on the Ascend 910B, Huawei is not only finding a way around these challenges but also setting itself up as an important player in the domestic AI market.

    Chinese Tech Companies Embrace AI

    Huawei’s new direction also shows how Chinese tech companies are eager to get involved in the AI field. Even though they’re a bit behind global leaders like OpenAI and Google, companies such as Baidu are moving forward with their own AI projects. China is also ahead in making rules for AI, requiring companies to get approval before they release AI products to the public.

    Preparing for the Future

    With this shift towards AI technology, Huawei is preparing for the future, focusing on an area that could change technology in big ways. This move shows Huawei is thinking ahead, ready to face current challenges while betting on the long-term importance of AI.

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  • Vivo X Fold inches closer to launch, secures crucial certification

    Vivo X Fold inches closer to launch, secures crucial certification

    Several reports indicate that Vivo will unveil the Vivo X Fold 3 and X Fold 3 Pro foldable phones in the first quarter of 2024 in China. The series seems to be nearing launch, as a new Vivo phone, believed to be the X Fold 3, has received radio certification in China. This certification suggests an imminent launch could be on the horizon.

    Vivo X Fold 3 bags radio certification

    An IMEI database listing that emerged in December revealed that the forthcoming Vivo X Fold 3 has the V2303A model number. This same device has now appeared in the database of China’s radio certification platform. While the listing remains silent on key specifications, it signifies an important hurdle cleared for the phone’s launch.

    Affordable foldable phone with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset

    Multiple leaks have claimed that the Vivo X Fold 3 will be an affordable foldable phone that will lack some of the premium features like an ultrasonic fingerprint scanner, wireless charging, and a periscope telephoto camera, which are said to be exclusively available on the X Fold 3 Pro.

    According to reports, the Vivo X Fold 3 will feature the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset. The device may pack a 5,600mAh battery, which may support 80W fast charging. At present, there is no clear information about the internal and external displays of the phone. However, it is expected to feature a 50-megapixel OV50H primary camera with OIS support. It is also being said that it will be a lightweight foldable phone that weighs around 220 grams.

    March launch event with three devices

    As far as the launch is concerned, Vivo may hold a massive launch event in March in China. It may see the arrival of three devices, such as the Vivo X100s smartphone, the Vivo Pad 3 tablet, and the Vivo X Fold 3 foldables.

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  • Gaming Laptops On Sale in Europe: Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 & G16

    Gaming Laptops On Sale in Europe: Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 & G16

    Asus has officially launched the ROG Zephyrus G14 and G16 2024 models, which were initially showcased at CES about a month ago. The German online store of Asus now lists these new gaming laptops, providing eager consumers with details about their configurations and pricing.

    ROG Zephyrus G14 2024

    The ROG Zephyrus G14 2024, the 14-inch model, is available in three different configurations:

    • Base Model: €1,899
      • Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 laptop GPU (90W)
      • 16 GB RAM
      • 512 GB SSD
    • Mid-Range Variant: €2,199
      • Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 (90W)
      • 16 GB RAM
      • 1 TB SSD
    • Top-Tier Model: €2,599
      • Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 (90W)
      • 32 GB RAM
      • 1 TB SSD

    Notably, only the mid-range model is currently available in white.

    ROG Zephyrus G14 Features

    All variants of the G14 feature:

    • AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS processor
    • New 14-inch ROG Nebula display in a 16:10 format
    • OLED panel with a resolution of 2,880 x 1,800 pixels
    • 120 Hz refresh rate
    • USB-C port with USB 4 and Power Delivery support
    • Infrared camera for Windows facial login
    • Quad speakers
    • Wi-Fi 6E

    ROG Zephyrus G16 2024

    The larger ROG Zephyrus G16 2024 comes in five configurations:

    • Mid-Range Model: €2,499 (available in white case)
      • Core Ultra 9 185H processor
      • GeForce RTX 4060 (100W)
      • 32 GB RAM
      • 1 TB SSD
    • Highest-End Model: €4,299
      • Core Ultra 9 185H processor
      • GeForce RTX 4090 (115W)
      • 32 GB RAM
      • 2 TB SSD

    ROG Zephyrus G16 Features

    Each G16 configuration includes:

    • 16-inch, 240 Hz OLED display with a resolution of 2,560 x 1,600 pixels
    • Thunderbolt 4 port (USB-C)
    • Quad speakers
    • Gaming Laptops On Sale in Europe: Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 & G16
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  • OnePlus Paves the Way for the Future of Compact Phones

    OnePlus Paves the Way for the Future of Compact Phones

    There are many phones in the smartphone world and they all have different features. While phones with screens larger than 5 inches were considered gigantic until 10 years ago, we can say that phones with 5.7-inch screens are now standard. While some people adore small phones, phone makers are starting to make fewer and fewer phones with small displays. For instance, Apple released the 5.4-inch iPhone 12 Mini and then shelved the Mini iPhone with the iPhone 14 series.

    Apple’s Decision to Shelve the Mini iPhone

    Apple, known for its innovative and trend-setting smartphones, made a bold move when it released the iPhone 12 Mini. With its compact 5.4-inch display, the iPhone 12 Mini catered to those who prefer smaller phones. However, it seems that this experiment did not go as planned for Apple, as the Mini iPhone was not included in the iPhone 14 series.

    The Decline of Small Phones

    In recent years, there has been a decline in the availability of small phones in the market. Phone makers are focusing more on larger displays, as they offer a better multimedia experience and increased productivity. This shift in consumer preference has led to the discontinuation of smaller phones like the iPhone 12 Mini.

    The Standardization of 5.7-inch Screens

    While phones with screens larger than 5 inches were once considered gigantic, they have now become the standard. Phones with 5.7-inch screens are now commonplace, offering a balance between screen size and portability. This shift towards larger displays is driven by the demand for immersive content consumption and the need for larger on-screen keyboards for increased productivity.

    The Future of Phone Displays

    As phone makers continue to prioritize larger displays, it is likely that the availability of small phones will continue to decrease. This may disappoint those who prefer compact devices, but it reflects the evolving needs and preferences of the majority of smartphone users. However, there will still be niche markets for small phones, catering to those who prioritize portability and one-handed use.

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  • OPPO Reno 11F 5G Spotted on Geekbench, Available for Pre-Order in Indonesia

    OPPO Reno 11F 5G Spotted on Geekbench, Available for Pre-Order in Indonesia

    OPPO is set to launch its latest smartphone, the Reno 11F 5G, which is expected to be named the OPPO F25 in the Indian market. The device, with the model number CPH2603, was recently spotted on the Geekbench database, showcasing its performance.

    Oppo Reno 11F 5G Geekbench

    According to the Geekbench results, the Oppo Reno 11F 5G achieved a score of 897 in the single-core test and 2329 in the multi-core test, indicating a strong performance. This can be attributed to its MediaTek Dimensity 7050 chipset, Mali-G68 MC4 GPU, and 8GB of RAM. The smartphone will also run on the latest Android 14 operating system.

    Pre-order in Indonesia

    The Reno 11F 5G has already generated high anticipation in Indonesia, where it is available for pre-order. It comes in two attractive color options: pink and green. A recent teaser of the OPPO F25, which is a rebranded version of the Reno 11F 5G, revealed key features such as a 64MP primary camera and support for 67W SUPERVOOC fast charging.

    Promising Specifications

    While some specifications are still unknown, the Reno 11F is expected to feature a 6.7-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with a high 120Hz refresh rate. It will also include an in-display fingerprint scanner for security. The camera setup is expected to consist of a 64MP primary camera with an OV64B sensor, an 8MP Sony IMX355 ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 2MP macro sensor. A 32MP front-facing camera is speculated. The device will be powered by a robust 5,000mAh battery and may come with an IP65 rating for water and dust resistance.

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  • Newly Released in Europe: Xiaomi Monitor A27i Boasts 1080p Display and Sleek Design

    Newly Released in Europe: Xiaomi Monitor A27i Boasts 1080p Display and Sleek Design

    The Xiaomi Monitor A27i has been released as a cheaper alternative to its more expensive siblings in Germany. The Xiaomi Monitor A27i comes with a 1080p display and sports a thin body. The model will subsequently be available in other EU markets, as well as Southeast Asia and the Middle East. This is coming almost at the same time the company unveiled the Monitor A24i.

    Key Features of Xiaomi Monitor A27i

    The Xiaomi Monitor A27i has a 100Hz refresh rate and is quite similar to the earlier released Monitor A24i although with a larger display. The monitor comes with a 27-inch 16:9 display with a native resolution of 1080p and support for HDR10. It uses an IPS display panel with a peak brightness of 250 nits. The monitor has a 178-degree viewing angle and a 99% coverage of the sRGB color gamut. The monitor is capable of offering 16.7 million colors and has Delta E < 2 calibration. The new affordable Xiaomi monitor has a G-to-G response time of 6 ms.

    Connectivity and Design

    Connectivity options available in the Xiaomi Monitor A27i include HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.4. These ports are at the rear of the monitor next to the power button. The gadget comes with TUV Low Blue Light certification and sports slim bezels. Its 7.5mm body is also thin and the monitor comes with an adjustable angle stand that can tilt between -5º and 15º. This allows the monitor to be able to swivel to a comfortable viewing angle for the user.

    Pricing & Availability

    The Xiaomi Monitor A27i already has functional product pages in Thailand, UAE, and Czech Republic indicating a possible rollout soon in these markets. In Germany, the Xiaomi Monitor A27i is priced at €119.99 ($129) but it is unclear whether this price equivalent will be retained in other markets.

    • Newly Released in Europe: Xiaomi Monitor A27i Boasts 1080p Display and Sleek Design
  • China’s Plug-in Sales Soar by 46% in 2023, Driving Electric Car Market Growth

    China’s Plug-in Sales Soar by 46% in 2023, Driving Electric Car Market Growth

    China has once again proven itself as the global powerhouse in the electric vehicle (EV) sector, with a whopping 8 million new plug-in electric cars hitting the roads in 2023. This achievement not only sets a new benchmark for the country but also underscores the rapidly growing appetite for greener transportation options among Chinese consumers.

    Electric cars now account for 37% of all car sales in China

    The latest data reveals a significant 46% surge in plug-in car sales compared to the previous year, highlighting the unrelenting momentum of China’s EV market. This surge is fueled by a remarkable blend of all-electric cars (BEVs) and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), both registering record highs in sales. BEVs, leading the charge, witnessed about a 31% increase, while PHEVs, with their growing popularity due to larger battery capacities, saw an astounding 80% jump in registrations.

    BYD is the leading Chinese EV maker

    The electric revolution in China isn’t just about numbers; it’s a clear sign of the country’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and making electric mobility mainstream. With electric cars now accounting for 37% of all new car sales in China, the country is setting the pace for the global transition to sustainable transportation.

    The dominance of domestic brands like BYD, which has captured a significant share of the market, alongside international players like Tesla, showcases a competitive and vibrant EV ecosystem. Models such as the BYD Song Plus and Tesla Model Y have become consumer favorites, topping the sales charts and driving the market forward.

    Continued growth and a greener future

    As we look ahead, expectations are high for continued growth, albeit at a more measured pace. The industry is optimistic about reaching a new milestone of 10 million sales in 2024, reflecting confidence in the enduring appeal and potential of electric vehicles. With each passing year, China is driving closer to a greener, more sustainable future on the roads, demonstrating what’s possible with innovation, investment, and a shared vision for a cleaner planet.

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  • Latest Press Render Reveals Initial Leaks were Incorrect about The Nothing Phone

    Latest Press Render Reveals Initial Leaks were Incorrect about The Nothing Phone

    Nothing, the London-based company, is set to announce its upcoming smartphone, the Phone (2a), at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) later this month. While there have been numerous leaks and rumors surrounding the device, reliable tipster Steve Hemmerstoffer (aka Onleaks) has now shared a leaked press render of the Phone (2a), revealing some interesting details.

    Changes in Design

    One of the notable changes between the initial leaked renders and the latest one is the placement of the camera lenses. The Phone (2a) will have two vertically stacked camera lenses at the top left side, similar to Nothing’s other smartphones.

    Another significant difference is the addition of a big circular element beside the camera sensors. This is in contrast to the large circular lines seen in the center above the wireless charging hardware on the Phone (2). It is worth noting that the Phone (2a) will not feature the unique Glyph interface, which is expected considering its mid-range positioning.

    Transparent Back Panel

    The Nothing Phone (2a) will retain the brand’s signature transparent back panel, similar to its more premium counterparts. It seems that the absence of the Glyph interface and the slightly different design are the company’s way of differentiating the flagship number series from the more affordable smartphones.

    Additionally, a Reddit user has also shared an image of a prototype unit of the Phone (2a) that matches the latest leaked render, giving further credibility to the design.

    Expected Specifications

    The core specifications of the Nothing Phone (2a) are expected to include a 6.7-inch FHD+ AMOLED display, a Dimensity 7200 SoC paired with up to 12GB RAM and 256GB storage, a 50MP primary camera, and 45W charging support.

    With the MWC just around the corner, fans of Nothing are eagerly waiting for the official announcement of the Phone (2a) and more details about its features and pricing.

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