Category: All News

  • 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

    Tags: , ,
  • MSI Raider 18 HX Hits Geekbench with Arrow Lake HX & Ada GPU

    MSI Raider 18 HX Hits Geekbench with Arrow Lake HX & Ada GPU

    Over the last few weeks, several next-gen laptops have been revealed. Among them, the HP Omen Max 16 features an Arrow Lake-HX processor along with a GeForce RTX 50 series GPU. Meanwhile, the new Razer Blade 18 also boasts the same processor, although the details about its GPU still remain unclear. Recently, a listing on Geekbench has provided us with information about the MSI Raider 18 HX.

    Specs and Performance

    The MSI Raider 18 HX, measuring 18 inches, is equipped with an Intel Core Ultra 9 285 HX Arrow Lake processor, which consists of 8 performance cores and 16 efficiency cores. It comes with a generous 64 GB of RAM. While the GPU specifics are not directly shown on the Geekbench AI listing, you can check the JSON output to find some intriguing details.

    Surprising Choices

    Interestingly, the MSI Raider 18 HX is using an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070, which is part of the previous generation. It raises questions as to why MSI has chosen to use older hardware in its flagship model. However, an earlier rumor suggested that manufacturers might mix components from various generations, which could explain this decision.

    Future Prospects

    Since this is the MSI Raider 18 HX, there will definitely be options for more powerful GPUs, likely including the GeForce RTX 50 series as well. This situation indicates that Nvidia still has plenty of Ada Lovelace chips left, which will continue to be available for some time after the Blackwell series is officially launched.

    Source: Link

    Image 1
    Image 1
    Tags: , ,
  • New Retrotink 4K CE Upscaler Launching Soon for $475

    New Retrotink 4K CE Upscaler Launching Soon for $475

    Retrotink 4K has been introduced in a more affordable CE version, as shared by Mike Chi on Bluesky. This new retro upscaler will retail for $475 (before tax), a significant drop from the previous price of $750. The Retrotink 4K CE is now the basic model in the upscaler lineup, with the original model continuing as the Pro version. It was so sought after that it would often sell out rapidly, although the demand has settled down for now.

    Key Differences Explained

    The primary distinction lies in the use of a smaller FPGA chip that has fewer logic elements. Chi noted that this is the key factor contributing to the reduced price. The Retrotink 4K CE utilizes an A5 Cyclone V chip, which comes with limited memory access. Nevertheless, Chi reassures users that this should not affect the essential functions of the device.

    Limitations of the CE Model

    The CE version does come with some limitations, such as the absence of rotation support and IIR Blur capabilities. Additionally, it does not provide expanded support for S-Video signals and is equipped with only the SDP decoder. There is still some optimism that Chi may optimize the setup to free up more logic elements and potentially add specific features in the future. However, he makes it clear that only the current set of functions can be guaranteed.

    Future Prospects

    This could imply that any new features might be exclusive to the Retrotink 4K Pro. Thanks to a shared platform, both systems will receive updates and fixes as needed. In terms of connectivity, the new model is well-equipped, similar to its predecessor, with minimal changes in this area. However, the white housing of the upscaler does not include an SD card slot. The remote control has been redesigned, and the heat sink for the FPGA chip is also smaller.

    At this moment, the Retrotink 4K CE has only been announced. The actual launch for sales is likely to be happening soon.

    Source: Link

    Tags: , ,
  • Inky Frame: Energy-Efficient E Ink Display with Raspberry Pi

    Inky Frame: Energy-Efficient E Ink Display with Raspberry Pi

    We have frequently shared information about e-readers and E-Ink displays that appeal to technology enthusiasts. One such device is the Inky Frame 7.3, which can be utilized to build a smart display for your home. Essentially, the Inky Frame 7.3 is quite fitting for this role due to its low energy usage, wireless capabilities, and the option to attach extra sensors and actuators.

    Display Features and Advantages

    As indicated by its name, the Inky Frame 7.3 features a 7.3-inch e-paper display with a resolution of 800 x 480 pixels, which supports color. A significant benefit of using an e-ink display is how little power it consumes, and it’s also readable in bright sunlight. However, according to Pimoroni, refreshing the display completely takes about 40 seconds, which limits its use to semi-static information that can be updated every minute.

    Hardware and Power Options

    The device is powered by a Raspberry Pi Pico 2 W chip, which enhances its low power usage and provides wireless options, supporting WiFi 4 and Bluetooth 5.2. It has a microUSB port for power, though this is unfortunate as it does not align with current standards. Additionally, you can power the Inky Frame using rechargeable batteries or regular batteries; if you purchase the accessory kit, three AA batteries come included in the package.

    The system can be programmed using languages like C, C++, and MicroPython. There’s an option to insert a microSD card, and two Qwiic/Stemma connectors are provided for easy attachment of compatible expansion boards or sensors. Moreover, five tactile buttons are located on the front for user interaction.

    Pricing and Availability

    The Inky Frame 7.3 is offered directly from Pimoroni for the price of $93.75. They provide worldwide shipping options for customers.

    Source: Link

    Image 1
    Tags: , ,
  • Bigme HiBreak Pro: E Ink Display, 5G, and IR Blaster Launch

    Bigme HiBreak Pro: E Ink Display, 5G, and IR Blaster Launch

    Last May, Bigme revealed the HiBreak, a smartphone featuring an E Ink display, available in both grayscale and color options. Now, they have introduced the HiBreak Pro, which offers enhancements and a larger size. Similar to the original HiBreak, the HiBreak Pro is primarily an Android smartphone, unlike the BOOX Palma 2, which resembles an e-reader and is priced at $279.99 on Amazon.

    Display and Performance

    The HiBreak Pro sports a 6.13” HD Epaper display with a resolution of 300 ppi. While it lacks a color option for the E Ink display, it does feature adjustable color temperature. The device is powered by MediaTek’s Dimensity 1080 processor, paired with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage.

    Camera Capabilities

    With a 20MP rear camera, the HiBreak Pro offers an improvement over the standard model’s 13MP sensor, although it keeps the same 5MP front camera. Images taken with E Ink displays may not appear as clear on the phone itself, but transferring them to a traditional screen reveals all the details. Still, these cameras are excellent for scanning documents.

    Connectivity and Battery Life

    Equipped with 5G support due to its integrated 5G modem, the HiBreak Pro also comes with NFC, an IR blaster, and a fingerprint scanner located under the power button—features not found on the non-pro version. Bigme has included a 4,500mAh battery that supports 18W fast charging. The device runs on Android 14 and comes with several AI functionalities.

    Bigme is currently accepting pre-orders for the HiBreak Pro through its online store. A $5 deposit is required, which earns you a $30 discount on the total price, although the full price is not listed on the website. This promotion is valid until January 13, 2025. The device is expected to launch on or after that date.

    Source: Link

    Image 1
    Tags: , ,
  • Rollme U8 Ultra: Android Smartwatch with Camera, LTE & Apps

    Rollme U8 Ultra: Android Smartwatch with Camera, LTE & Apps

    Rollme has introduced a unique smartwatch known as the U8 Ultra. Unlike traditional smartwatches, this one lacks a specific operating system; instead, it runs on Android 9.0, which is a bit outdated. While this allows for a wide range of application compatibility, the low resolution of the display might lead to issues with some apps.

    Connectivity and Features

    The U8 Ultra comes equipped with an LTE module, allowing users to insert a SIM card for making calls and sending texts directly from their wrist. It also includes a built-in GNSS module, which helps with navigation and provides up-to-date traffic information. Additionally, it has standard smartwatch features like heart rate monitoring and blood oxygen level tracking. Although it offers some water resistance, don’t expect it to be ideal for swimming.

    Technical Specifications

    At the heart of the smartwatch is a Unisoc 8541E SoC, paired with 3 GB of RAM and 32 GB of internal storage. The device is powered by a 1,000 mAh battery, but generally, wearables running a full Android OS tend to have shorter battery lives compared to those with a dedicated operating system. The display measures 1.5 inches and uses AMOLED technology with a resolution of 480 x 480. It is accompanied by two buttons and a crown on the right side, which also hides a camera for taking photos.

    Pricing and Availability

    You can buy the Rollme U8 Ultra directly from the manufacturer for just $90. Customers can choose from three colors: black, white, and orange.

    Source: Link

    Image 1
    Tags: , ,
  • Xiaomi 15 Pro Review: Impressive Battery Life Improvements

    Xiaomi 15 Pro Review: Impressive Battery Life Improvements

    Following our analysis of the smaller Xiaomi 15, we’re now focusing on the Pro version of the Xiaomi 15 series, which is available as an import starting at about $828. Even though it is larger than its sibling, the Xiaomi 15 Pro comes with several benefits. Notably, its cooling system sets it apart from other flagship phones currently on the market. While the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite does show some slight performance drop in tests, the Xiaomi 15 Pro maintains its performance much better than the OnePlus 13, which can see performance cut almost in half.

    Efficient Heat Management

    The heat dissipation in the Xiaomi 15 Pro is quite effective, and our power consumption measurements reflect this. When it comes to idle mode and under heavy use, the power consumption remains relatively low, which is impressive considering it is powered by a Snapdragon 8 Elite. At times, the Xiaomi 15 Pro’s power draw is even half that of the Nubia Z70 Ultra. You can find the detailed data from our review here.

    Impressive Display and Battery

    In terms of display, the Xiaomi 15 Pro comes equipped with a particularly efficient AMOLED screen. The LTPO panel is reported to use considerably less power than the screens found on many other similar smartphones. This significant improvement in battery life compared to the 14 Pro is largely due to the 6,100 mAh battery that uses silicon-carbon technology.

    set display brightness of 150 cd/m

    Source: Link

    Image 1
    Image 1
    Tags: , ,
  • Xiaomi SU7 Unveils Limited Edition Color for 15th Anniversary

    Xiaomi SU7 Unveils Limited Edition Color for 15th Anniversary

    Xiaomi will be commemorating its 15th anniversary this year, and to celebrate this significant event, the company has unveiled a new limited edition color for its inaugural electric vehicle, the Xiaomi SU7. Additionally, a special theme related to the Xiaomi SU7 has been made available for smartphones, which users can download for free from the Xiaomi theme store.

    Xiaomi SU7 Color Options

    When the Xiaomi SU7 was first introduced in 2023, it came in three distinct colors: Aqua Blue, Verdant Green, and Mineral Gray. In 2024, the company expanded the palette with six more options—Meteor Blue, Radiant Purple, Basalt Gray, Lava Orange, and Pearl White. Customers also have the choice of interior colors including Galaxy Gray, Twilight Red, Mist Purple, and Obsidian Black.

    New Anniversary Edition

    The new color introduced for the 15th anniversary is called Brilliant Magenta. Starting today, customers can select this new shade through the Xiaomi Auto App when they wish to purchase the Xiaomi SU7. According to ITHome, the new color is set to hit stores in February.

    Custom Mobile Theme

    As for the Xiaomi SU7 mobile theme, users who opt to download it will receive personalized wallpapers for both the lockscreen and homescreen, as well as icons that reflect the vehicle’s design. To acquire the theme, just search for Xiaomi SU7 in the Xiaomi theme store and initiate the download.

    The SU7 has proven to be a significant success for Xiaomi, especially as it marks the company’s entry into the EV market. The firm had set a sales goal of 100,000 units for 2024, and by mid-November, it had already met that target. By the end of December, reports indicated that around 130,000 orders had been completed.

    Upcoming SUV Release

    In early December 2024, Xiaomi announced that its second electric vehicle would be an SUV named the Xiaomi YU7. The official announcement for this new model is expected to take place in June or July 2025, as stated by Xiaomi’s CEO, Lei Jun.

    Source: Link

    Image 1
    Image 1
    Tags: , ,
  • HMD Skyline Named Most Repairable Smartphone of 2024

    HMD Skyline Named Most Repairable Smartphone of 2024

    The HMD Skyline faced some challenges during its last appearance on the YouTube end-of-year smartphone award show, but its performance in the latest JerryRigEverything Smartphone Durability Awards video might just turn things around.

    Pixel 9 Series Recognition

    In this video, host Zach Nelson suggested that the Pixel 9 series could be a great alternative for those who can’t get the “Most Repairable Smartphone of 2024.” Today, January 1, 2025, the Pixel 9 is available on Amazon with a discount of 19%, bringing its price down from the usual $499.99. This is because Google has teamed up with iFixit to ensure that spare parts for these new flagship devices are easily accessible.

    Repairing Devices Compared

    However, getting inside a Pixel 9 series phone requires much more time, effort, and even a heat gun. On the other hand, someone who owns a Skyline can simply use a single screwdriver to access their device, all while keeping their warranty safe.

    Durability Awards Highlights

    The ROG Phone 8, which fell apart like a cookie during its JerryRigEverything test, earned the unfortunate distinction of being the Least Durable Smartphone for 2024. Meanwhile, the RedMagic 10 Pro was awarded the title of Most Innovative Smartphone of 2024, thanks to its advanced design featuring RGB cooling and a display without punch holes.

    Cutting-Edge Yet Fragile

    The Huawei Mate XT might be the most advanced device of 2024 with its unique tri-folding design, but it too was labeled the Least Durable Smartphone of the year for similar reasons.

    Most Durable Smartphone of the Year

    The top honor for 2024’s Most Durable Smartphone went to the Ulefone Armor 24, a robust device thanks to its massive 22,000mAh battery and tough design.

    Source: Link

    Tags: , ,
  • RTX 5060 vs RTX 4060: 20% Faster but VRAM Limit Concerns

    RTX 5060 vs RTX 4060: 20% Faster but VRAM Limit Concerns

    CES 2025 is nearly here, and it’s bringing news of the new RTX 50 and RDNA 4 GPUs. Currently, we are anticipating Nvidia to showcase the RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 desktop graphics cards during the event. Additionally, it’s likely that Team Green will introduce some RTX 50 variants for laptops, as CES tends to be when laptop manufacturers like MSI reveal new gaming devices equipped with the latest technology from Intel, AMD, and Nvidia.

    Performance Expectations

    Once the next-gen gaming laptops hit the market, players can expect the new RTX 50 laptop graphics cards to provide significant performance improvements. In fact, a benchmark result from 3DMark Time Spy for the RTX 5060 laptop GPU has been shared on Bilibili, and it looks quite impressive.

    The RTX 5060 laptop is said to achieve a score of 13,821 points in the 3DMark Time Spy Graphics test. According to our records, the RTX 4060 and RTX 4070 laptop GPUs have maximum scores of 11,451 and 13,391, respectively. This suggests that the RTX 5060 laptop GPU is approximately 21% and 3% faster than the highest-performing RTX 4060 and RTX 4070 laptop models we’ve evaluated.

    Uncertainty in Performance

    However, since we lack information about the TGP of the RTX 5060 laptop, we can’t make definitive claims about its ultimate performance. The RTX 5060 laptop could potentially perform even better if the tested version wasn’t allowed to fully utilize the reported 115 W TGP.

    As things stand, the RTX 5060 laptop seems to provide a noticeable improvement over the RTX 4060 laptop variant without increasing power consumption. Still, this performance boost may not meet the demands of all games, as Nvidia is again equipping the card with just 8 GB of VRAM.

    Concerns About VRAM

    Having only 8 GB of VRAM is already becoming a significant limitation in the latest AAA games. The fact that the RTX 5060 laptop includes only 8 GB of VRAM raises concerns for the long-term viability of gaming systems that rely on this card.

    Additionally, the presence of 8 GB of memory in the mobile RTX 5060 laptop suggests that the desktop RTX 5060 will likely have the same memory specification. If Nvidia launches a next-gen desktop GPU in 2025 priced over $300 with just 8 GB of VRAM, it could be quite disappointing. This is especially relevant now, as we’ve seen with the Arc B580 that Nvidia is capable of producing a sub-$300 card with 12 GB of VRAM if they choose to.

    Luckily, we won’t have to wait long to learn about Nvidia’s strategy for the RTX 50 series since CES is almost here.

    Source: Link,,,,

    Image 1
    Tags: , ,