Category: All News

  • RTX 5080 Release Date Leaked: Launch Expected in January

    RTX 5080 Release Date Leaked: Launch Expected in January

    After a long wait of over two years with the RTX 40 series, which showcased remarkable ray tracing capabilities but had some unsatisfactory price trends, we are approaching the reveal of the next-gen RTX 50 “Blackwell” GPUs. Nvidia is expected to introduce the first models, which include the RTX 5090, RTX 5080, and possibly the RTX 5070/Ti, during CES 2025 in just a few days. The lower-tier variants are likely to be released sometime after that.

    Upcoming Release Dates

    Similar to the RTX 40 series, it’s anticipated that the RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 will be available in stores shortly after their official announcement. However, Nvidia might switch things up this time around by launching the RTX 5080 ahead of the RTX 5090. Last month, we reported that the RTX 5080 might hit the shelves around mid-January 2025. Thanks to HKEPC on X, we now have a specific release date for the RTX 5080, set for January 21.

    Timelines and Expectations

    Moreover, according to HKEPC’s insights and earlier leaks, the launch date for the RTX 5090 is expected to be after January 21. If we look back at the release pattern of the RTX 40 series, there might be about a month gap between the launches of the RTX 5080 and RTX 5090. The RTX 4090 debuted on October 12, 2022, and the RTX 4080 followed a month later on November 16, 2022.

    Nvidia must ensure that the RTX 5080’s pricing remains reasonable.

    Pricing Speculations

    There are rumors suggesting that the RTX 5080 will come at a higher price than the RTX 4080. If Nvidia sets the RTX 5080’s price above the RTX 4080’s launch MSRP of $1,200, it might significantly diminish the card’s attractiveness, especially considering the negative effect on its price/performance ratio.

    Even if we expect the RTX 5080 to offer a significant performance boost and achieve rasterization performance comparable to the RTX 4090, a price tag exceeding $1,200, or even worse, nearing the RTX 4090’s level, would be quite disheartening.

    However, just like with any GPU launch, the final price of the RTX 5080 won’t be confirmed until Jensen Huang makes the announcement during the event. Until then, it’s wise to approach any pricing rumors and discussions with a healthy skepticism.

    Source: Link

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  • Telegram Introduces Third-Party Verification in Latest Update

    Telegram Introduces Third-Party Verification in Latest Update

    Telegram has rolled out its first update of the year, introducing a verification system that enables users to quickly identify sources. This new feature allows official third-party services to attach additional verification icons to both their accounts and chats, making it easier for users to discern authenticity.

    Enhancing Security and Trust

    The company recently shared that it has achieved profitability for the first time, and it is optimistic that this new system "will help prevent scams and reduce misinformation." When users tap on the verification icon in profiles, they can access more details regarding the account’s verification status.

    Telegram clarified that this verification is separate from the checkmark system used for public figures and organizations. Additionally, an account must first be verified by Telegram before it can offer third-party verifications. At this moment, individual user accounts are not eligible for verification on the platform.

    New Collectibles Feature

    In other news, users can now transform gifts into collectibles that can be traded on NFT marketplaces. Gifts consist of unique messages and emojis that users can send to each other using Telegram’s in-app currency. Recipients of these gifts can upgrade them into collectibles, which reveal a new look and a random secondary trait, such as background color, icon, or number.

    Furthermore, users have the ability to react to service messages shown by the platform while receiving gifts, initiating video chats, or adding new members to a group. The update also brings enhanced search bar filters that allow users to narrow down their results into private chats, group chats, or channels. Lastly, custom emojis can now be utilized for naming folders.

    Source: Link

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  • Honor Magic7 Lite Launches in Europe with 6600mAh Battery

    Honor Magic7 Lite Launches in Europe with 6600mAh Battery

    Honor has just added a new smartphone to its Magic7 series, called the Magic7 Lite, which is now available in Europe. This mid-range device follows the Magic6 Lite that was launched in December 2023. When we compare it to its predecessor, the Magic7 Lite does not introduce any significant upgrades aside from its battery. It retains the same design, processor, and camera components as the earlier model.

    Battery Improvements

    Let’s dive into the battery details. As per Honor’s announcement, the Magic7 Lite is equipped with an innovative 6,600 mAh silicon-carbon battery, which supports 66 W wired charging. This is a notable increase from the 5,300 mAh battery found in the Magic6 Lite. Additionally, the battery is protected by a robust armor-level coating, and the company claims it can withstand extreme temperatures ranging from -30 °C (-22 °F) to 55 °C (131 °F).

    Processor and Storage

    This 5G-capable smartphone is powered by the same processor as its predecessor. It features a Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset, coupled with 8 or 12 GB of RAM and storage options of 256 or 512 GB, with no option to expand the storage. The device runs on Android 14 with MagicOS 8.0 right out of the box, but there hasn’t been any announcement regarding future software updates from Honor.

    Camera and Display Features

    In terms of camera functionality, the Magic7 Lite boasts a dual rear camera system, which includes a 108 MP primary camera with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) and a 5 MP ultrawide camera. For those who love selfies, there’s a 16 MP front-facing camera for both selfies and video calls. The smartphone showcases a 6.78-inch curved AMOLED screen with a resolution of 2700 x 1224 pixels, offering a peak brightness of 4000 nits, along with a refresh rate of 120 Hz.

    Dimensions and Availability

    In terms of size, the device measures 162.8 x 75.5 x 7.98 mm (LWD) or 6.40 x 2.97 x 0.31 inches and weighs in at 189 grams (0.41 lbs). It also has an IP64 rating for water and dust resistance and comes in two color options: Titanium Purple and Titanium Black.

    The Honor Magic7 Lite is priced starting at £399 (~$495/€479) for the 8 GB + 512 GB variant. Consumers can expect to get their hands on it starting January 15, 2025, in the UK through retailers like EE, Virgin Media 02, Three, Vodafone, Argos, Very, and Currys. For more information, you can visit the official product page.

    Source: Link

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  • Explosives-Laden Cybertruck’s Stainless Steel Body Holds Up Well

    Explosives-Laden Cybertruck’s Stainless Steel Body Holds Up Well

    In a series of incidents that might be linked, a Tesla Cybertruck was rented via Turo, filled with fireworks, gas canisters, and camping fuel, then exploded outside the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas.

    Aftermath of the Explosion

    After the explosion, Elon Musk remarked that the Tesla electric truck, known for its stainless steel structure, was probably the worst choice for the individuals behind the blast. The body panels are almost twice as thick compared to standard sheet metal used in other trucks, which helped to restrict the explosion’s impact.

    Law Enforcement Response

    Authorities have shared images of the Cybertruck, showing that its stainless steel shell indeed played a role in minimizing the damage. The truck bed, packed with explosives, remained intact, and the body suffered little damage. Remarkably, the tires also appeared to be undamaged, avoiding any blowouts or deflation.

    According to a law enforcement source, the construction of the Cybertruck may have been beneficial in containing the destruction from the blast:

    "The fact that this was a Cybertruck really limited the damage that occurred. Most of the explosion went upward through the truck. Not even the front glass doors of the Trump hotel were broken, despite being right in line with the blast."

    Communication with Authorities

    Elon Musk and the Tesla team were in touch with local law enforcement who were looking into the explosion, providing insights about how the Cybertruck "locked after it exploded due to the nature of the force from the explosion."

    Ultimately, the only person who died was the individual inside the Cybertruck who allegedly caused the detonation, while seven others nearby suffered only minor injuries, thanks to the stainless steel pickup that kept the explosion mostly contained.

    Source: Link

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  • AI Phishing Scams Target Corporate Executives

    AI Phishing Scams Target Corporate Executives

    According to the Financial Times, as reported by Gadgets360, there’s been a notable rise in phishing attacks that utilize AI technology to make them seem more human-like and slip past security measures.

    Targeting Corporate Executives

    These attacks primarily target high-level executives at companies such as eBay and the insurance provider Beazley. The fake emails are crafted with personal details about the employees, making them more appealing to open and click on.

    Understanding Phishing

    Phishing refers to deceptive emails or messages that aim to fool individuals into clicking on harmful links or downloading malware. A well-known instance of phishing is the Nigerian Prince scam, which claimed to offer a large financial reward in exchange for help.

    The Complexity of AI Attacks

    In contrast, these AI-driven phishing attempts appear more sophisticated. They seem to be built on extensive data regarding employees, which is gathered from social media and various other platforms, making them persuasive enough to bypass standard security systems.

    According to Check Point, Microsoft has been the most frequently impersonated brand in phishing activities, constituting 38% of all brand phishing attempts in the first quarter of 2024. Following Microsoft, Google and LinkedIn each accounted for 11% of the phishing attempts.

    Source: Link

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  • New York Electric Grid at Risk as Demand Surges Rapidly

    New York Electric Grid at Risk as Demand Surges Rapidly

    The New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) has put out its 2024 Reliability Needs Assessment (RNA), and it’s raising big concerns about the future safety of the state’s electric grid. The report points out that there are reliability gaps that might show up as early as 2033, particularly regarding New York City’s capacity to handle peak electricity use.

    Projected Shortfalls

    The RNA predicts a shortfall of 17 megawatts (MW) in the summer of 2033, which could grow to 97 MW by the next year. These results underline the urgent need for strategic measures to tackle the increasing risks faced by the state’s electrical system as it encounters unique challenges.

    Factors Behind the Risks

    There are several reasons for the rising risks noted in the assessment, such as the growing electrification of transportation and buildings, which is likely to increase the demand for electricity. Large commercial developments, like data centers and chip-making plants, make the situation worse by adding significant energy loads to the grid.

    Moreover, the new legislation in 2023 that requires the closure of small natural gas plants owned by the New York Power Authority (NYPA) in New York City and Long Island will see a reduction of 517 MW of capacity, putting even more pressure on the system’s reliability.

    The Changing Grid Landscape

    The RNA also points out that the grid is changing, shifting from a summer-peaking to a winter-peaking system due to more electrification. As more buildings and vehicles depend on electricity for heating and transport, winter demand is expected to rise sharply.

    This change brings new difficulties for grid operators, especially regarding fuel supplies for gas-fired power plants. On the chilliest days, natural gas companies focus on providing residential heating over electricity needs, which limits the fuel available for power plants, raising concerns, especially since these cold days align with peak winter demand.

    Potential Solutions

    To tackle these reliability issues, the NYISO suggests various solutions, including adding new capacity resources, expanding transmission infrastructure, and increasing involvement in demand response programs. Completing vital transmission projects on time, particularly the Champlain Hudson Power Express (CHPE), is critical for maintaining system reliability. If the CHPE isn’t operational by May 2026, along with other compensatory actions, the report warns that reliability levels in New York City may fall short, jeopardizing the grid’s ability to meet future needs.

    Source: Link

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  • Xiaomi Launches Two Smart Ceiling Lights with Adjustable Brightness

    Xiaomi Launches Two Smart Ceiling Lights with Adjustable Brightness

    Xiaomi has introduced two new lighting options: the Xiaomi Smart Ceiling Light D40 and the Ceiling Light D30. While both models share a similar basic design, they vary in size, brightness, and power ratings. The D40 has a diameter of 450 mm (17.7 in), while the D30 is smaller at 350 mm (13.8 in). Each model has a thickness of 60 mm (2.4 in). The D40 produces 3,000 lumens and uses 45 watts when it’s at its brightest, whereas the D30 reaches up to 1,700 lumens and uses 30 watts. The D40 is suited for illuminating spaces ranging from 15 to 25 sqm (161 to 269 sqft), in contrast to the D30, which works best for areas between 8 to 15 sqm (86 to 161 sqft).

    Color Accuracy and Uniformity

    According to Xiaomi, both lights have a color rendering index (CRI) of Ra 97, with natural sunlight being the benchmark at Ra 100. The CRI indicates how accurately colors are represented under a light source. If the color deviation is high, it may lead to objects, like fruits, looking unnatural to our eyes. Both the D40 and D30 feature a lighting uniformity of over 0.8, which means they evenly light up an area, offering better visibility.

    Protection and Smart Features

    These models come with IP50 ratings, meaning they are protected against dust but not against water. Thus, if one plans to use them outside, additional protection from the weather would be necessary. With built-in Wi-Fi, the Xiaomi Ceiling Light D40 and D30 can be managed via the Xiaomi Home app, along with compatibility with Alexa and Google Home. The company hasn’t shared details about their pricing or when they will be available. Nevertheless, since these products are on Xiaomi’s global website, they might be released internationally and won’t be limited to the Chinese market.

    Source: Link

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  • Redmi Turbo 4 Launches with MediaTek Dimensity 8400 Ultra, Affordable Price

    Redmi Turbo 4 Launches with MediaTek Dimensity 8400 Ultra, Affordable Price

    Xiaomi has officially launched its new mid-range smartphone in China, the Redmi Turbo 4. This device is a direct upgrade from the Turbo 3, which was introduced in April of the previous year, and is likely to be rebranded as the Poco X7 Pro for international markets soon.

    Display and Performance

    The Redmi Turbo 4 features a 6.67-inch OLED display with a refresh rate of 120 Hz and a brightness that peaks at an impressive 3200 nits. It is powered by MediaTek’s Dimensity 8400, marketed as the Dimensity 8400-Ultra, which is a common practice for this brand. This new chipset, making its first appearance on the Redmi Turbo 4, is paired with up to 16 GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 512 GB of UFS 4.0 storage.

    Camera Capabilities

    While the emphasis on performance is clear, the Redmi Turbo 4 also offers decent camera features. It includes a 50 MP LYT600 primary camera complemented by a 20 MP ultra-wide camera. The design of this camera setup seems to draw inspiration from the standard iPhone 16. Additionally, there’s a 20 MP camera for selfies located on the front.

    Additional Features and Pricing

    Among other features, the Redmi Turbo 4 supports 90 W fast charging and is equipped with a 6550 mAh battery. It has received IP66, IP68, and IP69 ratings for water and dust resistance, runs on Android 15-based HyperOS 2, and includes an in-display fingerprint scanner. The pricing details are as follows:

    Source: Link

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  • Xiaomi RedmiBook 2025: 14″ & 16″ Models with Core i5, 19h Battery

    Xiaomi RedmiBook 2025: 14″ & 16″ Models with Core i5, 19h Battery

    Xiaomi has recently introduced its new notebook, the Redmi Book (2025), which was first presented last week. This laptop is the successor to last year’s version, but it doesn’t bring any major changes in terms of design.

    Available Models

    Similar to the previous year, the new RedmiBook comes in two sizes: a compact 14-inch version and a larger 16-inch variant. Both models have a thickness of 15.9mm, but they differ in weight, with the 14-inch model weighing 1.36 KG, while the 16-inch is heavier at 1.65 KG. Each laptop features a 120 Hz display, likely LCDs, that can reach a brightness of 400 nits. Interestingly, the 14-inch version boasts a higher resolution of 2.8K, compared to the 2.5K display on the 16-inch model.

    Performance and Battery Life

    All versions of the RedmiBook (2025) are equipped with Intel’s latest Core 5 220H processor. Xiaomi claims that these Windows 11 laptops can last up to 19.05 hours on a single charge, thanks to their 72Wh battery capacity. They also support 100W GaN fast charging technology.

    Source: Link

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  • Nintendo’s New Patent Reveals AI Image Upscaling for Switch 2

    Nintendo’s New Patent Reveals AI Image Upscaling for Switch 2

    Yesterday, we had a closer view at the motherboard of the Nintendo Switch 2. It revealed some important parts, including an Nvidia SoC and 12 GB of LPDDR5X RAM. The markings on the SoC suggested it might be an Nvidia Ampere-based chip. Prior to this, another source claimed that the Switch 2 could run games at 4K 30 FPS when it is docked. Additionally, a recently discovered patent (big shoutout to Laura Kate Dale for finding it) indicates that Nintendo is planning to integrate a DLSS-like feature in its upcoming handheld console.

    Upscaling Technology

    The patent, which you can check out in full, discusses how images can be upscaled using a trained neural network. It uses an example of a 540p image being enhanced to 1080p. Interestingly, 540p is also the resolution used in DLSS 2.0’s ‘Performance’ mode. The document also mentions converting 720p to 4K, which again hints at DLSS 2.0’s ‘Ultra Performance’ mode. These transformations will utilize specialized hardware, such as Nvidia’s Tensor cores, to improve graphics.

    User Control and Battery Life

    Typically, the upscaling features will be turned off when the console is using battery power and will activate when plugged into a dock or other power source. However, users can choose to turn it on manually. This, of course, could impact battery life due to the extra computational power needed. There is also a chance that this feature could be activated via a special button on the Nintendo Switch 2.

    Future Considerations

    It’s worth mentioning that companies frequently file patents for products that may not be released for many years. Yet, this may not be the situation here since the Nintendo Switch 2 will require every bit of performance enhancement possible from the aging Nvidia SoC. Moreover, technologies like DLSS, FSR, PSSR, XeSS, and others were specifically created for this purpose.

    Source: Link

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