Tag: Price Increase

  • Playdate Price Increase: Save on Refurbished Units Now

    Playdate Price Increase: Save on Refurbished Units Now

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Playdate’s price will increase from $199 to $229 starting March 25 due to higher production costs from a new manufacturing facility.
    2. Accessories for the Playdate will not see a price increase at this time.
    3. Refurbished Playdate units will be available on March 25 for $179, but stock will be limited.
    4. Refurbished units will be fully restored or have minor cosmetic flaws and come with a six-month limited warranty.
    5. There is a sale on games ending March 20, making it a good time to purchase before the price increase.

    Panic’s Playdate stands out in a crowded market of handheld gaming devices from brands like Nintendo, Anbernic, Retroid, Lenovo, and Asus. This yellow handheld, which features a quirky crank, was launched in 2022 at a price of $199, and it has maintained that price since. However, a price increase is coming soon.

    Price Increase Announcement

    Panic has confirmed that the Playdate’s price will rise from $199 to $229, effective March 25. The company stated that this price hike is due to a shift to a new manufacturing facility, which has informed them that it will be more expensive to produce the Playdate compared to the previous factory. This is the reason behind the adjustment in pricing.

    Accessories Pricing

    While the main device will see a price increase, there hasn’t been any news regarding a rise in the prices for accessories like cases, USB cables, or the official charger that was released late last year. There are still a few days left before the new price takes effect, making it an ideal time to purchase the device if you were thinking about it.

    Refurbished Units Available

    On March 25, Panic will also introduce refurbished Playdate units, which will be priced at $179 each. However, stock will be quite limited. According to Panic, these refurbished units will include those that have been fully restored at the factory and others with minor cosmetic flaws. They are fully functional and come with a six-month limited warranty.

    If you decide to buy a new unit now or wait for a refurbished one, don’t forget to grab some games that are on sale. The sale ends today, March 20, so you’ll need to act quickly.

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  • Galaxy Tab S10 FE Prices Leaked: Disappointing News Inside

    Galaxy Tab S10 FE Prices Leaked: Disappointing News Inside

    Key Takeaways

    1. Samsung is set to launch the Galaxy Tab S10 FE and Galaxy Tab S10 FE+ tablets, with higher prices than the previous Galaxy Tab S9 FE models.
    2. The leaked pricing indicates the Galaxy Tab S10 FE starts at $499, while the Tab S10 FE+ starts at $649.
    3. The new tablets feature upgrades like the Exynos 1580 processor and a 12MP front camera, enhancing performance and image quality.
    4. The Tab S10 FE+ will have a larger display of 13.1 inches, compared to the 12.4-inch screen on the Tab S9 FE+.
    5. An official release date for the Galaxy Tab S10 FE series has not been announced, but regulatory certifications suggest a launch is coming soon.

    Samsung is getting ready to introduce its latest Fan Edition tablets: the Galaxy Tab S10 FE and Galaxy Tab S10 FE+. These devices have been discussed for quite some time. A recent leak indicates that they will be priced higher than the previous models. According to YTechB, the Wi-Fi-only versions of these new tablets are expected to be $50 pricier than the Galaxy Tab S9 FE series.

    Pricing Details

    The leaked pricing for the Galaxy Tab S10 FE series is as follows:
    – Galaxy Tab S10 FE (8GB RAM + 128GB storage): $499
    – Galaxy Tab S10 FE (12GB RAM + 256GB storage): $569
    – Galaxy Tab S10 FE+ (8GB RAM + 128GB storage): $649
    – Galaxy Tab S10 FE+ (12GB RAM + 256GB storage): $749

    In contrast, the starting price for the Galaxy Tab S9 FE is $449, while the Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ begins at $599. Though the increase in price appears slight, it certainly raises the question of whether the enhancements justify the additional cost.

    Upgrades and Features

    With regard to improvements, the Galaxy Tab S10 FE series is set to feature a more powerful Exynos 1580 processor, which is an upgrade from the Exynos 1380 in the Tab S9 FE. In addition, it will include a 12MP front-facing camera, offering better resolution compared to the 8MP camera on the earlier model.

    On the other hand, the Tab S10 FE+ will also feature a larger 13.1-inch display, increased from the 12.4-inch screen found on the Tab S9 FE+. While these upgrades are significant, they may not make the price increase reasonable for those on a strict budget. You can view the previously leaked specs for the Tab S10 FE and Tab S10 FE+ here.

    Launch Information

    Samsung has not yet provided an official date for the release of the Galaxy Tab S10 FE series. However, certification listings and benchmark tests point to a launch being imminent. Both devices have passed Indian regulatory certifications, indicating that they will likely become available in India too.

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  • Xbox Game Pass Prices Increasing for Microsoft Rewards Users

    Xbox Game Pass Prices Increasing for Microsoft Rewards Users

    Key Takeaways

    1. Xbox Game Pass pricing will increase on April 20, impacting Microsoft Rewards members who use points for subscriptions.
    2. The points required for a monthly Game Pass subscription have risen, with some users now needing 20,000 points instead of the previous 14,000.
    3. The point requirement changes may vary based on the member’s level in the Microsoft Rewards system.
    4. Community backlash is evident on platforms like Reddit, with gamers expressing frustration over the increased difficulty in earning points.
    5. Despite the price hike, Microsoft continues to enhance Xbox Game Pass by adding popular titles and expanding Xbox Cloud Gaming access.

    Xbox Game Pass pricing saw a rise last July, and now it seems Microsoft Rewards members are feeling the impact. Players can earn reward points through various activities, like in-game tasks or buying items from the Microsoft Store. One way to use these points was to get Xbox Game Pass subscriptions. However, recent emails have informed some gamers that the auto-redemption for this service is about to become significantly pricier.

    Price Increase Notification

    For those who received the unfortunate email, a price hike will take effect on April 20. The message was directed at gamers who regularly use their points to automatically renew their Game Pass subscriptions. It’s still uncertain if these changes in the Microsoft Rewards program will affect players across all regions. Nonetheless, the new prices are already visible on the redemption sections within Xbox apps and on Microsoft’s official site.

    Changes to Point Requirements

    The number of points needed for a monthly Game Pass subscription varies based on whether a member is in Level 1 or Level 2 of the rewards system. For instance, two different point amounts are now being shown for the same subscription. Previously, the monthly auto-redemption for Game Pass Ultimate required 14,000 points, but there’s now an option that lists it at 20,000 points. It seems likely that by the time April 20 rolls around, gamers everywhere will need to use more points than before.

    Community Reaction

    Gamers on Reddit are not pleased with the new Xbox Game Pass pricing. Over time, collecting Microsoft Rewards points has become increasingly challenging. With this new points increase, keeping a Game Pass subscription may require using a credit card for most of the cost.

    In fair defense of Microsoft, the company continues to add big-name titles to the Xbox Game Pass lineup, including games like Avowed and F1 24. Furthermore, with Game Pass Ultimate, Xbox Cloud Gaming has broadened its range for PC, mobile devices, and smart televisions. However, the appeal of Microsoft Rewards is dwindling, even for the most loyal of players.

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    Xbox Game Pass Prices Increasing for Microsoft Rewards Users
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  • Galaxy S25 Ultra Price Increase: Reasons for $100 Hike Explained

    Galaxy S25 Ultra Price Increase: Reasons for $100 Hike Explained

    Samsung’s much-anticipated Galaxy S25 Ultra is generating a lot of buzz, thanks to whispers about fresh features and enhancements to its hardware. Yet, a recent leak has sparked worries about its potential price rise, particularly when compared to other big names such as Apple and Google.

    Rumored Cost Increase

    According to a leaker from Weibo named Setsuna Digital, the bill of materials (BoM) for the Galaxy S25 Ultra is said to be at least $110 more than that of the Galaxy S24 Ultra. Should Samsung decide to pass this increase directly onto customers, the S25 Ultra’s price could leap from $1,299.99 to over $1,400 in various markets. This possible new price tag could make the S25 Ultra one of the priciest flagship smartphones out there, outpacing rivals like the iPhone 16 Pro Max ($1,199) and the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL ($1,099). While the Ultra line has always been marketed as high-end, a consecutive year of price hikes might challenge its appeal, even among die-hard Samsung supporters.

    Breakdown of New Expenses

    There are several reasons for this increase. The new Snapdragon 8 Elite chip is a leading cause, reportedly costing 25-30% more than the previous model. With an estimated unit price of around $200, this processor alone plays a big role in raising overall production costs. Moreover, the S25 Ultra is expected to feature an upgraded M14 display panel to tackle the ‘grainy display’ problem observed in previous versions, while also providing enhanced brightness. Nevertheless, there are indications that Samsung may opt to maintain the existing M13 panel to save money, making this upgrade seem uncertain.

    Camera and Other Enhancements

    Another factor that might drive up costs is the anticipated 50MP ultrawide camera, which would replace the 12MP sensor seen in earlier models. This upgrade would not only improve the phone’s photography features but also add to the overall BoM. On a brighter note, the S25 Ultra is set to include several exciting additions. Along with new software functionalities and animations, the phone might also introduce frame interpolation technology for smoother 120fps gaming experiences.

    Source: Link

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  • OnePlus 13 Sells Over 100,000 Units in Just 30 Minutes

    OnePlus 13 Sells Over 100,000 Units in Just 30 Minutes

    On October 31, OnePlus unveiled the OnePlus 13 in China. Celebrating the brand’s ten-year milestone, the latest device is striking in both its performance and its pricing. After the official launch, Li Jie, the President of OnePlus China, shared that the OP13 has already seen impressive initial sales figures.

    OnePlus 13 Sales Success

    Li Jie disclosed that the company sold over 100,000 units within just 30 minutes of the launch, marking a new record for OnePlus flagship devices. This suggests that the OP13 is being well-received in the Chinese market. The previous model, the OnePlus 12 with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, was priced at 4,299 CNY (around $600). In contrast, the OnePlus 13 with the same specifications has launched with a higher price of 4,499 Yuan (about $630).

    Price Justification

    When asked about the price increase for flagship Android smartphones this year, Li Jie mentioned that as the usage cycle of phones extend and users are replacing devices less often, a higher price can be interpreted as offering better value. “Our goal is to create exceptional products,” he stated. He emphasized that OnePlus uses a reasonable and standard pricing approach instead of relying on extreme pricing tactics to boost market growth.

    Factors Behind Rising Costs

    Li Jie also pointed out several important reasons for the increased costs associated with the OnePlus 13. Firstly, the expenses related to chip manufacturing have gone up. He highlighted that the Snapdragon 8 Elite provides outstanding performance, but this performance comes with a higher price. Secondly, the costs for memory and storage have also hit new highs. These elements combine to increase the overall cost of the product. “This challenge is faced by everyone,” he remarked. Interestingly, the iQOO 13, which uses the same chip, has not experienced a price hike!

    The OnePlus 13 series is also set to enter the global market shortly. There are rumors that the OnePlus 13 and OnePlus 13R could be launched globally in January 2025. Additionally, it is anticipated that the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3-equipped OnePlus Ace 3 will be introduced in December. It’s probable that the Ace 5 will be marketed as the OnePlus 13R outside of China.

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  • Realme GT 7 Pro Price Leak Suggests Higher Cost Than GT 6 Pro

    Realme GT 7 Pro Price Leak Suggests Higher Cost Than GT 6 Pro

    Realme GT 7 Pro is anticipated to be a premium smartphone set to debut on November 4 in China. The company has shared many important details about this device. However, the official pricing information has not been revealed yet. Thanks to a recent leak, we now have an idea about the potential starting price of the smartphone.

    Pricing Insights

    An online retailer (as reported by GSMArena) has indicated that the Realme GT 7 Pro may start at CNY 3,999, which is approximately $560 or €520. To put this into context, last year’s Realme GT 6 Pro began at CNY 3,399, which is around $476 or €441. This suggests that the Realme GT 7 Pro is likely to see a significant increase in price compared to its predecessor.

    Industry Trends

    In a similar vein, Xiaomi has already announced that their upcoming Xiaomi 15 series will also experience a price hike. The company has attributed this to rising research and development costs, as well as the higher expenses of phone components.

    Features and Expectations

    The price increase for the Realme GT 7 Pro might be due to comparable reasons. The cost of phone components, particularly the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, is expected to be higher. This new chipset offers enhanced performance compared to the previous version, but it also comes at a greater expense.

    The Realme GT 7 Pro is confirmed to come with Samsung’s Eco² OLED Plus display. Furthermore, it is anticipated to be equipped with a large 6,500mAh battery and support for 120W fast charging. More specifics about this device will be unveiled once it launches in China on November 4.

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  • iQoo 13 Price Increase Confirmed for Snapdragon 8 Elite Model

    iQoo 13 Price Increase Confirmed for Snapdragon 8 Elite Model

    A number of Snapdragon 8 Elite flagship devices are expected to be launched this month, and one of those is the iQoo 13. The company has revealed several details about its upcoming flagship, but has yet to provide any specific information regarding pricing.

    Price Hikes Anticipated

    Before the announcement of the Snapdragon 8 Elite smartphones, there were rumors suggesting a price increase might occur. Recently, Lei Jun, the CEO of Xiaomi, confirmed that the newly announced Xiaomi 15 series will come at a higher cost compared to its predecessor. He explained that the rising prices of components and the funds spent on research and development are the main reasons behind this.

    iQoo 13 Pricing Insights

    Galant V, who is the product manager at iQoo, mentioned on Weibo that a price increase for the iQoo 13 is "inevitable." The official pointed out that production costs have surged by hundreds of yuans, making it hard to maintain the same pricing as the previous model. For context, the last flagship model debuted in China starting at CNY 3,999, which is roughly $561.

    While there hasn’t been any official statement regarding how much the price will rise, new flagship models are anticipated to begin at approximately CNY 4,500 (around $632) in China. However, it’s worth noting that not all Snapdragon 8 Elite flagships might see a price bump. According to a recent update from Digital Chat Station, a well-known tipster on Weibo, at least one next-generation flagship is expected to retain the previous generation’s pricing (for instance, the 12/256 GB RedMagic 9s Pro currently priced at $749 on Amazon).

    Clarification from Digital Chat Station

    When Digital Chat Station made this report, many users on Weibo speculated that the iQoo 13 would be the model maintaining the last-gen pricing. However, the tipster later clarified that he was referring to a different smartphone, causing some confusion among the users.

    IT Home (machine translated from Chinese)

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  • Xiaomi 15 Series Price Hike Confirmed: Starting at 4,299 Yuan

    Xiaomi 15 Series Price Hike Confirmed: Starting at 4,299 Yuan

    Xiaomi has announced that the price of its next flagship smartphone series, featuring the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, will be higher than previous versions.

    In a statement shared on Weibo, Xiaomi’s CEO Lei Jun explained, “This year, the cost of components has risen significantly and we’ve made major investments in research and development. Therefore, the Xiaomi 15 will require a price increase.”

    Anticipated Price Adjustments

    This increase in price was somewhat expected. Last year, Jun mentioned that the Xiaomi 14 would be the last model to start at 3,999 yuan (about $562).

    Lu Weibing, Xiaomi’s president, supported this claim, pointing out that the new flagship processor not only enhances performance but also comes with increased costs. He also noted that the rising memory prices are another reason for the price hike.

    Possible Starting Price of Xiaomi 15

    While he did not provide a specific price, Lu compared it to the Vivo X200, a competing flagship that features the Dimensity 9400 chip. He mentioned that the price of that device had risen by “more than 300 yuan,” and asked, “What do you think would be a fair price increase for the Xiaomi 15?”

    This implies that the Xiaomi 15 series could have a similar increase of around 300 yuan (approximately $43), which could set the starting price at 4,299 yuan ($604).

    Features and Design Insights

    As anticipated, this announcement follows several months of leaks that hinted at rising smartphone prices due to the increased costs of high-end processors and essential components. Xiaomi’s confirmation provides a clear example of this trend.

    Moreover, leaked information about the OnePlus 13, which also uses the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, suggests a price increase compared to its earlier version.

    When it comes to specifications, both the Xiaomi 15 and 15 Pro will be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 and will feature a triple-camera setup on the back, with each camera boasting 50 megapixels.

    In terms of design, they are expected to closely resemble their predecessors. Xiaomi is also planning to launch a Titanium version of the Xiaomi 15 Pro that includes satellite communication capability. However, both the 15 Pro and the Titanium variant are said to be exclusive to China, similar to earlier models.

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  • Price of 7-Year-Old Sony Game Doubles Unexpectedly

    Price of 7-Year-Old Sony Game Doubles Unexpectedly

    The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to launch with a starting price of $700. If you want the complete package, which includes the drive and stand, the cost can rise to $850. While Sony describes the console as a "complete package for dedicated gamers," many fans consider the price to be too high. This has led to a perception that the company is making another mistake.

    Horizon: Zero Dawn’s Price Increase

    Horizon: Zero Dawn is an open-world action role-playing game where players take on the role of Aloy, a hunter navigating a post-apocalyptic world filled with machine creatures. Originally released for the PlayStation 4 in 2017, it later joined the "PlayStation Hit" list, which features popular titles at a lower price of $20. However, the price has now been raised to $40 without any prior announcement. The increase seems to coincide with the upcoming release of the Horizon: Zero Dawn Remaster.

    Starting October 31, 2024, anyone who already owns the game can upgrade to the remastered version for just $10. By raising the price now, Sony appears to be trying to deter players from buying the less expensive version and then upgrading later. With the current game priced at $40 and the upgrade costing $10, the total comes to $50, which is the same as the price for the remastered version. This means that early buyers will not benefit from any cost savings.

    Mixed Reactions on Reddit

    On Reddit, opinions about this pricing strategy are mixed. Some users express understanding, suggesting that Sony’s approach is reasonable:

    […] Anyone could buy the game for $20, get the upgrade for $10, and end up with a PS5 version. They would essentially lose $20 to anyone with basic brain cells. EVERY company would do that, so why is anyone surprised?

    It’s important to note that Sony offered the game for free during the pandemic as part of the "Play at Home" initiative, which means many players may already have it on their consoles. However, critics argue that Sony is engaging in price gouging and unnecessary remastering, especially considering the game is only seven years old and still runs well on current systems.

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  • Xiaomi 15 Series Price Leaked, Expected from 4,599 Yuan ($650)

    Xiaomi 15 Series Price Leaked, Expected from 4,599 Yuan ($650)

    Xiaomi is rumored to be launching the Xiaomi 15 series, powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chip, in the last week of October. The predecessor, the Xiaomi 14 series, debuted with a starting price of 3,999 Yuan (around $565). It’s speculated that the new series will be at least 500 Yuan more expensive. A fresh leak from CNMO indicates the starting prices for the Xiaomi 15 and 15 Pro models.

    Expected Pricing for the Xiaomi 15 Series

    According to a tech blogger cited by the publication, the Xiaomi 15 is expected to be priced at 4,599 Yuan (approximately $650), and the 15 Pro at 5,499 Yuan (around $775). The increase in price is attributed to the rising costs of chipsets and storage, prompting smartphone makers to revise their pricing strategies. Remarks by Xiaomi’s founder and chairman, Lei Jun, during the Xiaomi 14 launch event, also suggested that the Xiaomi 15 series would surpass the previous starting price of 3,999 Yuan.

    Well-known analyst Ming-Chi Kuo noted that the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 will utilize TSMC‘s advanced N3E process, significantly inflating manufacturing costs. The cost of this chip is estimated to be 25 to 30 percent higher than the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, ranging from $190 to $200. This surge in chip cost is expected to influence the overall pricing of the Xiaomi 15 series.

    Technical Specifications and Features

    Leaks suggest that the Xiaomi 15 series will feature substantial upgrades, including large primary sensors, telephoto macro, ultrasonic in-display fingerprint scanners, glass bodies, silicon anode batteries, rapid wireless charging, and IP68-rated dust and water resistance. The standard Xiaomi 15 will sport a 1.5K resolution flat screen, focusing on a compact, portable design. In contrast, the Xiaomi 15 Pro will retain a 2K resolution new base material fully equal-depth micro-curved screen with slimmer bezels.

    Imaging System Enhancements

    The standard version of the Xiaomi 15 is expected to come with a 50-megapixel main camera, a 50-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and a 50-megapixel telephoto lens. The Xiaomi 15 Pro’s imaging system will be even more advanced, featuring a 50-megapixel main camera with a larger lens, a 50-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 50-megapixel periscope telephoto lens.

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