Category: All News

  • Garmin Updates Older Flagship Smartwatches with Essential Bug Fixes

    Garmin Updates Older Flagship Smartwatches with Essential Bug Fixes

    Key Takeaways

    1. Garmin has completed the beta phase for Fenix 7, Fenix 7 Pro, and Tactix 7 smartwatches.
    2. System Software 20.16 introduced over 20 updates but also some new bugs.
    3. A major issue was the failure of external heart rate sensors to connect automatically during activities.
    4. System Software 20.22 has been released to fix these bugs and is rolling out globally.
    5. Around 30% of eligible smartwatches are expected to receive the update notification by now.


    Garmin has wrapped up the latest beta phase for its Fenix 7 and Fenix 7 Pro, along with other smartwatches like the Tactix 7, which currently costs $1,149 on Amazon. Just to remind you, the company rolled out System Software 20.16 less than a month ago, which included over 20 updates to its software.

    New Bugs Found

    Unfortunately, this recent update also brought along some new bugs that weren’t in the previous stable versions. In light of this, Garmin re-entered its public Beta Program, promising to address these issues swiftly. One of the main problems was that external heart rate sensors were not connecting automatically when activities were started.

    Fixes in the Latest Update

    Now, System Software 20.22 is said to resolve this bug and more, and it started rolling out globally just yesterday. As is typical, not all Enduro 2, Epix 2, Fenix 7, or Tactix 7 smartwatches will receive the update at the same time. Garmin has indicated that around 30% of eligible smartwatches should have gotten a notification to download System Software 20.22 by this point. You can find the complete changelog for this new stable update below.

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  • Stardew Valley Switch Update Fixes Crashes and Bugs

    Stardew Valley Switch Update Fixes Crashes and Bugs

    Key Takeaways

    1. The November 1.6 update for Stardew Valley introduced new gameplay features but also increased bugs, particularly on the Nintendo Switch.
    2. Players reported issues such as text errors and crashes linked to artifact troves, prompting an apology from the game’s creator, Eric “ConcernedApe” Barone.
    3. Barone is the sole developer and is committed to addressing player complaints and fixing bugs quickly.
    4. Stardew Valley has a large player community, with a peak of 236,000 players on Steam in March 2024, despite limitations for Switch players.
    5. Barone’s ongoing updates for Stardew Valley may have delayed the release of his next project, Haunted Chocolatier, but fans are content with the current game’s new content.


    The pixel art style of Stardew Valley might give the impression that the game is simple. Yet, the RPG has a surprising amount of depth, especially since the November 1.6 update introduced new gameplay features. Sadly, this added complexity has led to increased bugs. The recent update for the Switch has caused some crashes, leading the creator to extend an apology. A new fix has been released to tackle issues that came with the 1.16.15.1 patch.

    New Features and Bugs

    The last update for Stardew Valley brought new features, including the ability to recover lost items. Although it faced delays due to complaints from other platforms, certain bugs managed to affect the Nintendo Switch. Players reported issues like occasional text errors and more significant crashes linked to artifact troves. However, aside from these hiccups, players could still enjoy farming and building relationships without much trouble.

    Developer Response

    Gamers often aren’t very forgiving when they come across serious bugs in games. In Stardew Valley’s case, Eric “ConcernedApe” Barone is the sole developer behind the project. Since its launch in 2016, Barone has continuously added new content. When issues pop up, he is quick to address player complaints and deploy fixes.

    Player Community and Future Projects

    Thanks to its less intensive graphics, Stardew Valley has gained a large player community on both PCs and consoles. The game reached a record peak of 236,000 players on Steam in March 2024. However, Switch players face some limitations, including a straightforward method for installing mods. Nonetheless, Barone ensures all versions remain up-to-date, with new features rolling out across platforms.

    Barone’s dedication to maintaining Stardew Valley might have delayed the release of his next project, Haunted Chocolatier. Regardless, the steady influx of new content keeps most Stardew Valley fans content to wait for what’s next.

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  • Oppo Pad 4 Pro Charging Speed May Be Slower Than Expected

    Oppo Pad 4 Pro Charging Speed May Be Slower Than Expected

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Oppo Pad 4 Pro will support 80W SUPERVOOC fast wired charging instead of the previously rumored 100W.
    2. The new charger model VCB8AOCH will replace the 67W charging from the Oppo Pad 3 Pro.
    3. Oppo is maintaining the 80W fast charging standard across multiple flagship devices, including the Find X8 and Find X8 Pro.
    4. The Oppo Pad 4 Pro is expected to feature a larger 13.4-inch display compared to the 12.1-inch display of its predecessor.
    5. The Oppo Pad 4 Pro may also be released as the OnePlus Pad 3 in certain markets, but this is not guaranteed.


    Contrary to what was earlier reported, the Oppo Pad 4 Pro is not going to support 100W fast wired charging as initially thought. New information has come to light indicating that this flagship tablet will not charge that quickly.

    Charger Specifications Revealed

    A device with the model number OPD2409, which is believed to be the Oppo Pad 4 Pro, appeared in the 3C database. According to the documents, it will come equipped with a VCB8AOCH charger, enabling 80W SUPERVOOC fast wired charging. While this is not as speedy as the rumored 100W charging, it does represent an improvement over the 67W SUPERVOOC charging found in the Oppo Pad 3 Pro.

    Consistency in Charging Speed

    Oppo appears to be maintaining the 80W fast wired charging standard for several of its flagship devices this year. Both the Find X8 and Find X8 Pro are set to support 80W SUPERVOOC fast charging, unlike the Find X7 Ultra, which supports 100W. There have been reports suggesting that the forthcoming Find X8 Ultra may offer charging speeds of up to 100W.

    Display Upgrade Expected

    In addition to the improved charging capabilities, the Oppo Pad 4 Pro is also said to feature a display upgrade, particularly in terms of size. The flagship tablet is expected to sport a 13.4-inch display, larger than the 12.1-inch screen seen in the previous model. However, it will still be smaller than Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra, which boasts a large 14.6-inch AMOLED display.

    Looking back at the previous generation, where the OnePlus Pad 2 (currently listed on Amazon for $549.99) shares similarities with the Oppo Pad 3, it is likely that the upcoming Oppo Pad 4 Pro will also be released as the OnePlus Pad 3 in certain markets. Nevertheless, since the Oppo Find N5 was not introduced as the OnePlus Open 2, it is prudent to not assume that the Oppo Pad 4 Pro will carry the OnePlus branding in some regions.

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  • Navimow i-Series Update: New Features and Improvements Released

    Navimow i-Series Update: New Features and Improvements Released

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Navimow app (version 3.0) now supports the X3 series designed for larger gardens, along with the i and H series.
    2. Users can manage multiple devices, rename them, and utilize voice control with Google Assistant.
    3. The app allows fine-tuning of the robot’s behavior based on weather conditions and includes a new traction control system for challenging terrains.
    4. A new edge mowing function enhances performance in specific areas, along with improved anti-theft measures and child safety locks.
    5. The Navimow i105E and i108E can create specific mowing patterns, similar to features in Mammotion products.


    The Navimow i105E and i108E by Segway were among the top robotic lawn mowers that didn’t require a boundary wire for smaller gardens last year. Recently, the company has rolled out a major update for its app, available on both iOS and Android, which brings a variety of new features and enhancements.

    New Features for iOS and Android Users

    To begin with, the latest version of the Navimow app (version 3.0) will also support the X3 series. This new series from Navimow, aimed at larger gardens, is set to launch soon and is already available at various specialist retailers. Users of the Navimow i and H series will also gain from the updates provided by the new app.

    Enhanced Functionality and Controls

    Aside from upgrades to the start screen and notifications, the update introduces several new capabilities. For instance, now users can manage multiple devices and rename them, plus voice control through Google Assistant is now supported.

    The Navimow App 3.0 brings a wide array of new functionalities specifically tailored for the i-series. Notably, the robot’s behavior can now be fine-tuned based on different weather conditions. A new feature called “traction control system” can be turned on in the settings, aiming to enhance grip on challenging terrains.

    Improved Mowing and Safety Features

    Additionally, there’s a brand-new edge mowing function designed to enhance performance in that specific area. Alongside improved anti-theft measures and child safety locks, the Navimow i105E and i108E are now capable of creating specific patterns on the lawn, reminiscent of features seen in Mammotion products, for example.

  • GeForce RTX 5070 Benchmark vs RTX 4090: Surprising Results

    GeForce RTX 5070 Benchmark vs RTX 4090: Surprising Results

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 samples showed lower performance than expected, with an average G3D Mark of 27,105, placing it just below the RTX 4090 Laptop GPU in benchmarks.

    2. Nvidia’s claim that the RTX 5070 would perform like the RTX 4090 for $549 is considered exaggerated, as the card struggles to match the performance of previous models like the RTX 4070 and RTX 4070 Ti.

    3. The introduction of Multi Frame Generation (MFG) allows the RTX 5070 to reach near RTX 4090 performance in some scenarios, but overall comparisons show it lagging behind in most tests.

    4. The desktop RTX 4090 outperforms the RTX 5070 by an average of 41.4%, raising questions about the ethical implications of Nvidia’s marketing claims.

    5. The upcoming AMD Radeon RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT may challenge Nvidia’s position in the GPU market, offering competitive performance and pricing.


    Three Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 samples have shown up on the PassMark benchmark platform, and their performance is lower than what was anticipated. There have been reports that the benchmark faced problems with Blackwell cards due to the discontinuation of 32-bit framework support; however, a patch is now available. It remains uncertain if the RTX 5070 samples benefited from this update or if they are still unintentionally limited. The samples achieved an average G3D Mark of 27,105 during the testing, which included runs in DirectX 9-12 and a GPU Compute benchmark. This score places the GeForce RTX 5070 just beneath the GeForce RTX 4090 in the overall ranking, but it’s essential to note that this refers to the mobile version of the chip (RTX 4090 Laptop GPU) and not the stronger desktop variant.

    Nvidia’s Promises

    When Nvidia introduced the GeForce RTX 5070, they stated that the desktop graphics card would deliver RTX 4090 performance for only $549. Clearly, this was an exaggeration from Jensen Huang, as the RTX 5070 would need to match the RTX 4090 in a single synthetic or gaming benchmark to justify such a claim. Thanks to Multi Frame Generation (MFG) helping out and ignoring potential latency issues, the Blackwell card has shown it can reach RTX 4090 performance levels. In our detailed review of the RTX 5070, we found that with MFG x4, the newer card could achieve 87 FPS in Star Wars Outlaws (at 4K, with ultra settings and ray tracing). In comparison, the older Ada Lovelace card performed around 90 FPS in our tests with regular frame generation and ray reconstruction. Therefore, Nvidia’s statement holds some weight, albeit it’s quite flimsy.

    Performance Comparison

    The benchmark results for the GeForce RTX 5070 on PassMark highlight the card’s struggle to outperform earlier desktop models like the RTX 4070 and RTX 4070 Ti. However, during our tests, the Blackwell card generally performed slightly better than the GeForce RTX 4070 Ti. The desktop version of the RTX 4090 is significantly ahead, boasting an average performance advantage of +41.4% over the RTX 5070. While GPU enthusiasts might have sensed that Team Green’s assertion was highly subjective, one can question the ethical nature of claiming that the RTX 5070 provides RTX 4090 performance concerning the average consumer’s understanding. Ultimately, it may not matter much for the RTX 5070, as the launch of the AMD Radeon RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT, with their attractive prices, solid performances, and fewer availability concerns, could give Team Red a head start in the GPU market.

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  • VW Launches €20,000 ID. Every1: 70 kW and 250 km Range

    VW Launches €20,000 ID. Every1: 70 kW and 250 km Range

    Key Takeaways

    1. The VW ID. Every1 is set to launch in 2027 with a price of around €20,000, making it cheaper than the ID. 2all by €5,000.
    2. The ID. Every1 will be a smaller vehicle, measuring approximately 3.88 meters in length, compared to the ID. 2all’s 4.05 meters.
    3. Built on VW’s second generation MEB platform, the ID. Every1 features front-wheel drive, a power output of 70 kW (94 PS), and a range of “at least” 250 kilometers.
    4. The interior includes a modular center console for accessories, a large touchscreen for vehicle functions, and updated software for future adaptability and paid features.
    5. VW plans to release at least four new vehicles on the second-generation MEB platform by the time the ID. Every1 is released.


    Volkswagen has recently revealed the design of its new VW ID. Every1, which is set to be released as a series model in 2027. The expected price is around €20,000, making it about €5,000 less than the anticipated cost of the VW ID. 2all. For the lower price point, consumers will receive a smaller vehicle measuring approximately 3.88 meters in length, compared to the ID. 2all’s 4.05 meters.

    Specifications Overview

    The ID. Every1 is built on the second generation of VW’s modular MEB platform, featuring front-wheel drive. It boasts an output of 70 kW (94 PS) and is said to have a range of “at least” 250 kilometers. The model shown is a four-seater equipped with five doors and offers a trunk capacity of 305 liters.

    Interior and Design Features

    The design of the ID. Every1 is contemporary both outside and inside. VW has introduced a creative, modular center console that can fit a removable Bluetooth speaker, among other accessories. There is also a rail on the passenger side, allowing for the attachment of a tablet or a small table.

    A large touchscreen is used to manage many vehicle functions, and the software has been completely revamped to make it future-proof and adaptable for new features in the coming years. This approach provides VW with the opportunity to offer features for a fee, which could be activated through software updates. By the time the ID. Every1 hits the market in 2027, VW aims to release at least four new vehicles utilizing the second-generation MEB platform.

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  • Vivo Pad 4 Pro 3C Certified: 12.95-Inch Display & 66W Charging

    Vivo Pad 4 Pro 3C Certified: 12.95-Inch Display & 66W Charging

    Key Takeaways

    1. The upcoming Vivo Pad 4 Pro has received 3C certification with model number PD2573, indicating its imminent release.
    2. The tablet is expected to feature a 12.95-inch LCD display and support a 66W charger.
    3. It will be powered by the Dimensity 9400 processor, an upgrade from the previous Vivo Pad 3 Pro’s Dimensity 9300 chip.
    4. Anticipated specs include a 3.1K resolution display with a 144Hz refresh rate and a battery capacity close to 12,000mAh.
    5. There is speculation that the tablet series may be renamed to Vivo Pad 5 and Pad 5 Pro instead of Pad 4 and Pad 4 Pro.


    An upcoming Vivo tablet has recently received certification from China’s 3C. This device seems to be the Vivo Pad 4 Pro, which is set to be the successor to last year’s Vivo Pad 3 Pro. Here’s a summary of the information that has come out regarding the purported Pad 4 Pro’s 3C certification.

    Vivo Pad 4 Pro Certification Details

    The screenshot shared above indicates that a new Vivo tablet, identified by the model number PD2573, has achieved 3C certification. The listing provides two significant pieces of information about the tablet: it will come with a 12.95-inch display and is likely to include a 66W charger (model number V6660L0A2-CN).

    To refresh your memory, the Vivo Pad 3 Pro had a 13-inch LCD screen, utilized the Dimensity 9300 processor, and boasted an 11,500mAh battery with 66W charging support. According to a recent report, the upcoming Vivo Pad 4 Pro will be powered by the Dimensity 9400 chip. Given the display size, chipset, and rapid charging features of the PD2573 tablet, many speculate that this is indeed the forthcoming Vivo Pad 4 Pro.

    DCS Provides Insights on the Tablet

    In a recent post on Weibo by DCS, it’s anticipated that the Pad 4 Pro will have an LCD display capable of 3.1K resolution and a refresh rate of 144Hz. He also mentioned that the tablet might come equipped with a battery having a capacity close to 12,000mAh (with a rated value of 11,790mAh).

    Vivo is expected to announce the Vivo X200 Ultra in April in China. Alongside this, other products like the Vivo X200S and Vivo Watch 5 are also rumored to be launched. It’s possible that the Pad 4 Pro will be introduced at the same event.

    Possible Name Change for the Tablet Series

    Given the recent developments, it seems likely that the new flagship tablet series might be branded as the Vivo Pad 5 and Pad 5 Pro, rather than the Pad 4 and Pad 4 Pro.


  • Apple MacBook Air M4: Improved AI, Battery Life, and Lower Price

    Apple MacBook Air M4: Improved AI, Battery Life, and Lower Price

    Key Takeaways

    1. The new MacBook Air M4 features the M4 chip with a 10-core CPU and up to a 10-core GPU, offering enhanced performance and AI integration.
    2. It includes a 12MP webcam with Center Stage and Desk View for improved video calls and presentations.
    3. The base model now comes with 16GB of RAM and supports up to 32GB of unified memory for better multitasking.
    4. The MacBook Air M4 retains a sleek design with a new Sky Blue color option and offers improved external display support, managing two 6K displays simultaneously.
    5. Pricing starts at $999 for the 13-inch model and $1,199 for the 15-inch model, with pre-orders available and shipping beginning March 12.


    Hot on the heels of Apple’s latest iPads launch, the company has now announced the new MacBook Air, powered by the M4 chip. This refresh brings Apple Intelligence, improved battery life, a new 12MP webcam with Center Stage, and 16GB of base RAM—all for a lower price than the previous model.

    MacBook Air M4: Specs and Features

    When it comes to appearance, the MacBook Air M4 looks almost exactly like the previous model. It continues the sleek, fanless design, but now offers a fresh Sky Blue color option alongside Silver, Starlight, and Midnight shades.

    Available in both 13.6-inch and 15.3-inch display sizes, the Air boasts a brightness of 500 nits, a color depth of 10-bit, P3 wide color gamut, and True Tone technology. The highlight of this update is the new M4 chip, which comes with a 10-core CPU and up to a 10-core GPU. It also supports a maximum of 32GB of unified memory.

    Enhanced Features and AI Integration

    The entry-level model now begins with 16GB of RAM, a change that Apple made across the M2 and M3 Air models last October. A segment of this memory will also power Apple Intelligence, which is the company’s collection of AI-enhanced features. Apple Intelligence includes tools like Smart Replies in Messages, Mail Summaries, Cleanup in Apple Photos, Writing Tools, Genmoji, and Image Playground. Similar to the iPhone, these AI functions mainly operate on-device, ensuring that most tasks remain private. For more complicated cloud requests, Apple’s Private Cloud Compute securely handles the processing without sharing user data.

    Additionally, the new Air features an upgraded 12MP front-facing camera nestled in the notch, bringing it in line with the MacBook Pro series. It includes Center Stage, which keeps you centered during video calls, and Desk View, which allows you to show both your face and a bird’s-eye view of your desk at the same time—great for demos and presentations.

    Price and Availability

    The MacBook Air M4 keeps two Thunderbolt 4 ports and offers MagSafe charging. A major improvement over the M3 model is its capability for external displays—while the earlier Air could only support one 6K display, the new version can manage two displays at once.

    The starting price for the 13-inch MacBook Air M4 is $999 in the United States and ₹99,000 in India, whereas the 15-inch model is available for $1,199 and ₹124,000, respectively. Pre-orders are currently open, with shipping set to commence on March 12.


  • Minimalist Aluminum Turntable PP-1 by Waiting for Ideas

    Minimalist Aluminum Turntable PP-1 by Waiting for Ideas

    Key Takeaways

    – The PP-1 turntable features a unique design with a case carved from a single block of aluminum and uses Miniot Wheel 2 technology.
    – It has a tangential tonearm that requires records to be placed “upside down” for playback.
    – The turntable supports both 33 and 45 rpm records and allows speed adjustment via a rotary control.
    – Accompanying cube-shaped speakers are designed for space-saving, measuring 35 cm on each edge, with a frequency range of 44 Hz to 20 kHz.
    – The turntable is priced at €5,800, the speakers at €3,200, and a complete bundle is available for €9,000, with custom-made delivery times.


    The PP-1 turntable created by the Parisian studio Waiting for Ideas makes use of the Miniot Wheel 2 technology, but it’s crafted into a case that is carved from a single block of aluminum. An elliptical diamond-cut stylus is hidden beneath a motorized cover that opens automatically when the turntable is powered on.

    Unique Design Features

    This turntable features a tangential tonearm positioned on the underside of the vinyl, which means users must adjust to putting records in an “upside down” manner, where the side meant for playback faces downward. The dimensions of the housing are 35 x 35 x 7 centimeters. It supports both 33 and 45 rpm records, and users can change the speed using a rotary control located on the top. The power is connected through USB-C.

    Space-Saving Speakers

    The accompanying speakers are cube-shaped with each edge measuring 35 centimeters, allowing for the option of placing the turntable on top of one of the speakers to save space if needed. The frequency range is listed as 44 Hz to 20 kHz, with a maximum volume of 105 dB (SPL) and an output power of 80 watts.

    The PP-1 Turntable from Waiting for Ideas is currently for sale on the manufacturer’s website. The cost for the turntable is €5,800, while the speakers are priced at €3,200. A complete bundle is available for €9,000. Since both the turntable and speakers are custom-made, delivery may take a bit longer than normal.

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  • Redmi K80 Series Sales Exceed 3.6 Million Units in 100 Days

    Redmi K80 Series Sales Exceed 3.6 Million Units in 100 Days

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Redmi K80 series sold over 3.6 million units in the first 100 days, making it the top-selling smartphone in that period.
    2. The K80 series includes two models: the K80 and K80 Pro, both of which surpassed sales of six competing models combined.
    3. The K80 series achieved over 660,000 units sold on its first day and reached one million sales within ten days.
    4. The Redmi K80 features a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, 16GB RAM, 1TB storage, and a 6,550mAh battery with 90W fast charging.
    5. The K80 Pro includes a Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, 120W wired charging, and a starting price of 2,499 Yuan (~$345) in China.


    Xiaomi’s sub-brand Redmi has reached a significant sales record with its new flagship series, the Redmi K80 lineup. As per the company’s official statement, the series has exceeded 3.6 million units sold in just the first 100 days since its launch. This accomplishment makes the K80 series the top-selling smartphone among all devices released during that timeframe.

    K80 Series Breaks Sales Records

    The Redmi K80 series, which debuted in November 2024, consists of two models: the K80 and K80 Pro. The company has shared that the sales figures for this lineup are notably greater than those of rival products, indicating a strong appetite in the market. Impressively, the two K80 models have reportedly outperformed six different models from competing brands combined, reinforcing the brand’s stronghold in the market.

    Right from its introduction, the K80 series showcased remarkable sales, achieving over 660,000 units sold on its very first day. Within just ten days, the sales had already gone past the one million mark, setting a new record for the fastest-selling K-series smartphone.

    Specifications of Redmi K80 and K80 Pro

    The Redmi K80 series delivers flagship-level hardware at appealing prices. The standard Redmi K80 is equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, offers up to 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM, and has a maximum storage capacity of 1TB UFS 4.0. It features a 6.67-inch 2K OLED flat display with a refresh rate of 120Hz and is powered by a 6,550mAh battery that supports 90W fast charging. The device also includes a 50-megapixel primary camera with OIS and a 20-megapixel front camera.

    In contrast, the Redmi K80 Pro elevates the hardware with the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, a dedicated gaming display chip, and a 6,000mAh battery that allows for 120W wired charging and 50W wireless charging. Both models come with a sophisticated 2K LTPS display, DC dimming, as well as an ultrasonic in-screen fingerprint sensor. The starting price for the K80 series is 2,499 Yuan (~$345) in China.